China maintains tough stance on narcotics, targeting psychoactive drugs Xinhua) 13:12, June 27, 2025 BEIJING, June 26 (Xinhua) -- China's National Immigration Administration (NIA) on Thursday said that immigration authorities at the country's borders and ports seized 2.42 tonnes of narcotics in the first half of this year, releasing the data in a statement to mark this year's World Drug Day. As of June 25, immigration authorities have handled 205 drug seizure cases -- including 38 major cases that involved drug quantities exceeding 10 kilograms -- leading to 262 arrests, according to NIA figures. According to the 2024 China Drug Situation Report released by the Office of China National Narcotics Control Commission on June 19, the Golden Triangle remains China's primary source of illicit drugs, accounting for 76 percent of all drugs seized from overseas sources last year. The total amount of drugs seized from the region declined by 18.4 percent from the previous year to 12.4 tonnes. According to the NIA, immigration authorities have intensified surveillance and interdiction on the country's borders, and conducted comprehensive crackdowns targeting entire trafficking chains through the enhanced application of big data analytics. In China's southwestern border province of Yunnan, local authorities have been cooperating with their counterparts in Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam to conduct joint operations, leading to the dismantling of 18 overseas drug production sites since 2021, according to a press conference held by the provincial government on Thursday. Yunnan has long been a key battleground in China's fight against drug trafficking and once faced severe narcotics challenges. The province has seen the number of newly identified drug users declining for five consecutive years, Zhang Chunze, a senior public security official of Yunnan, said at the press conference. He also noted that Yunnan has introduced a set of regulations on the management of precursor chemicals in the province. China maintains a tough stance on illegal drugs, with its drug situation continuously improving over the years. As of the end of 2024, China had 747,000 registered drug users, a year-on-year decrease of 16.7 percent, accounting for 5.4 per ten thousand of the total population. In 2024, China uncovered 37,000 drug-related criminal cases, arresting 62,000 suspects, representing a year-on-year decrease of 12.9 percent and 5.6 percent, respectively. Specifically, in recent years, Chinese anti-drug authorities have intensified the crackdown on narcotic and psychotropic drugs, as well as new psychoactive substances (NPS), which generally refer to substances with effects similar to regulated drugs but not yet controlled under international conventions or national laws. According to the 2024 China Drug Situation Report, China has seen a continued decline in the abuse of major traditional drugs such as opioids and methamphetamine. Meanwhile, there were 88,000 reported cases of narcotic and psychotropic drug abuse in 2024, accounting for 45.6 percent of all drug abuse cases handled nationwide, with etomidate being the most commonly abused substance. The abuse of unregulated addictive substances has also become an emerging problem. In some provinces, the number of individuals abusing unregulated addictive substances has already surpassed those abusing traditional drugs, the report said. Deng Yuan, an associate chief physician at the Yunnan Institute for Drug Abuse, noted a worrying trend that some people who once used traditional narcotics are now turning to addictive prescription or over-the-counter medications as substitutes due to limited access to traditional substances, while some teenagers get access to such substances via online channels. In 2024, China added 46 new types of psychoactive substances and 4 new narcotic and psychotropic drugs to the national list of controlled substances. The Office of China National Narcotics Control Commission also announced on June 19 that China had included all nitazenes and 12 other kinds of NPS on its list of controlled drugs, following the country's previous moves to list all fentanyl-related and all synthetic-cannabis-related substances under control. According to data released at a press conference held by the Office earlier in June, Chinese anti-drug authorities in 2024 solved more than 9,800 etomidate-related criminal cases, arresting 18,000 suspects and seizing 1.1 tonnes of etomidate-type drugs. The authorities have also targeted nitrous oxide abuse, cracking down on the illegal production, sale, transport, and use of the substance. Last year, authorities uncovered 566 criminal cases involving nitrous oxide, arrested 2,293 suspects, and seized 358,000 liters of the substance. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) China launches first large AI model for campus use People's Daily Online) 10:33, July 02, 2025 The "Tianli Qiming AI Learning Companion" large model was launched in Beijing on June 30, 2025. Representatives from the education, science and technology, and business sectors gathered to witness the debut of this latest achievement in the digital transformation of education. The "Tianli Qiming AI Learning Companion" large model is launched in Beijing on June 30, 2025. (People's Daily Online/Guo Ying) "Tianli Qiming AI Learning Companion" is the first large AI model in China to be officially registered and widely applied in classrooms. It facilitates intelligent integration of school data and, through tools such as the Smart Companion, AI Study Room, and the Qiming Cloud School app, supports personalized learning for students. According to Luo Shi, chairman and president of Tianli International Holdings Ltd., the organization behind the model, the key to transforming education lies in combining large-scale resources with personalized growth. "Large models enable students to redefine their learning paths and make high-quality educational resources more accessible, turning personalized education into a reality," Luo said. Luo Shi, chairman and president of Tianli International Holdings Ltd., delivers a speech at the launch event for the "Tianli Qiming AI Learning Companion" large model in Beijing on June 30, 2025. (People's Daily Online/Guo Ying) At the event, experts and scholars shared insights on how AI can accelerate the digital transformation of education. Zhang Shaogang, director of the China Association for Educational Technology, noted that the large model, developed through the practical experiences of 250,000 students and teachers in over 100 schools, addresses long-standing challenges. Zhang Shaogang, chief supervisor of the China Association for Educational Technology, speaks at the launch event for the "Tianli Qiming AI Learning Companion" in Beijing on June 30, 2025. (People's Daily Online/Guo Ying) Liu Gang, secretary-general of the China Youth Entrepreneurs Association, said the large model enables precision teaching while preserving emotional interaction between teachers and students. Liu Gang, secretary-general of the China Youth Entrepreneurs Association, speaks at the launch event for the "Tianli Qiming AI Learning Companion" large model in Beijing on June 30, 2025. (People's Daily Online/Guo Ying) Shi Zhongying, dean of the Institute of Education at Tsinghua University and vice chairman of the Chinese Society of Education, said AI plays an increasingly important role in driving systemic innovation in education. The large-scale rollout of the "Tianli Qiming AI Learning Companion" large model will generate vast amounts of valuable teaching and learning data, he pointed out. Shi Zhongying, dean of the Institute of Education at Tsinghua University and vice chairman of the Chinese Society of Education, speaks at the launch event for the "Tianli Qiming AI Learning Companion" large model in Beijing on June 30, 2025. (People's Daily Online/Guo Ying) Luo Yongqiang, general manager of Sichuan Qiming Daren Technology Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Tianli International Group, noted that the model has already been implemented in 107 schools across China. Luo Yongqiang, general manager of Sichuan Qiming Daren Technology Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Tianli International Holdings Ltd., launches the "Tianli Qiming AI Learning Companion" large model in Beijing on June 30, 2025. (People's Daily Online/Guo Ying) During the event, schools such as the BDA School of the High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China, Beijing Yuyuantan Middle School, and Beijing Zhongshan International School signed strategic cooperation agreements with Sichuan Qiming Daren Technology Co., Ltd. (Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun) This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Outline of the survey procedure. Credit: Nature Human Behaviour (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41562-025-02221-6 Throughout the course of their lives, humans are known to build social ties with various other individuals in their community. Past neuroscience and psychology studies suggest that as humans form bonds with others, they also mentally represent them in their minds, creating internal maps that outline the relationships between different members of their community. Researchers at the Human Nature Lab and Yale University recently carried out a study aimed at better understanding how people mentally represent social networks, using data collected from residents of 82 villages in Honduras. Their findings, published in Nature Human Behaviour, uncovered some biases in people's mental representation of connections between others, especially between people who belong to the same family. "People not only form social networks, they construct mental maps of them," wrote Eric Feltham, Laura Forastiere and Nicholas A. Christakis in their paper. "We develop a sampling strategy to evaluate network cognition in 10,072 adults across 82 Honduras villages and systematically map the underlying village networks. In 17 villages, we also discern the genetic relatedness of all 1,333 residents." As part of their study, the researchers surveyed 10,072 adults living across 82 villages in Honduras, collecting data related to their social connections, demographics and their beliefs about the social connections between others in their community. They also collected genetic data that confirmed the familial ties between 1,333 of the survey respondents, who lived in 17 of the 82 villages considered in their study. Instead of only asking survey participants about their own social connections, as many behavioral scientists did in the past, they also asked them about the relationships between other people. This allowed them to gain new insight into how people perceive and internally map the social ties between others in their community. Village-level perspectives. Credit: Feltham, Forastiere, and Christakis. (Nature Human Behaviour, 2025). "Observers overestimate the social interactions among kin and are 33.38 percentage points (J) more accurate in judgements of ties between non-kin (95% confidence interval: 31.2735.49)," wrote Feltham, Forastiere and Christakis. "Counterintuitively, observers had more accurate beliefs about non-kin pairs, especially when the observers were popular, middle-aged, or educated. Observers were less able to accurately judge ties across different religions or wealth. Individuals in villages that cultivate coffee, requiring coordinated effort, demonstrated greater bias to view networks as connected." The results of the analyses carried suggest that people's mental representations of the connections between people around them are flawed. Specifically, they found that people often overestimate the closeness of other people's connections, especially family ties. Many individuals believed that family members spent more time with each other than they did, while friendships and non-family ties appeared to be more accurately represented in their internal "maps." Moreover, people's judgements about others' social ties appeared to be more accurate when these others shared their same religion or had similar levels of wealth. Interestingly, the researchers also found that middle-aged, well-educated and well-connected people internally represented the connections between others more accurately. "Overall, people inflate the number of connections in their networks and exhibit varying accuracy and bias, with implications for how people affect and are affected by the social world," explained Feltham, Forastiere and Christakis. The findings gathered by this team of researchers shed new light on how people internally map ties within their community and on the biases that can reduce the accuracy of their mental representations. Future studies could build on these findings and investigate the extent to which these biases are widespread in other social contexts, such as urban environments or online communities. Written for you by our author Ingrid Fadelli, edited by Gaby Clark, 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: Eric Feltham et al, Cognitive representations of social networks in isolated villages, Nature Human Behaviour (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41562-025-02221-6. Journal information: Nature Human Behaviour 2025 Science X Network This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Artists illustration of CRISTAL-13. Dust-rich regions obscure newborn stars, whose energy is re-emitted at ALMAs millimeter wavelengths. Right: young star clusters clear the dust and shine visibly in JWST and HST images. Credit: NSF/AUI/NRAO/B. Saxton Astronomers have used the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) to peer into the early universe and uncover the building blocks of galaxies during their formative years. The CRISTAL surveyshort for [CII] Resolved ISM in STar-forming galaxies with ALMAreveals cold gas, dust, and clumpy star formation in galaxies observed as they appeared just 1 billion years after the Big Bang. "Thanks to ALMA's unique sensitivity and resolution, we can resolve the internal structure of these early galaxies in ways never possible before," said Rodrigo Herrera-Camus, principal investigator of the CRISTAL survey, professor at Universidad de Concepcion, and Director of the Millennium Nucleus for Galaxy Formation (MINGAL) in Chile. "CRISTAL is showing us how the first galactic disks formed, how stars emerged in giant clumps, and how gas shaped the galaxies we see today." CRISTAL, an ALMA Large Program, observed 39 typical star-forming galaxies selected to represent the main population of galaxies in the early universe. Using [CII] line emission, a specific type of light emitted by ionized carbon atoms in cold interstellar gas, as a tracer of cold gas and dust, and combining it with near-infrared images from the James Webb and Hubble Space Telescopes, researchers created a detailed map of the interstellar medium in each system. Among the key findings of the study published in Astronomy & Astrophysics, is that most galaxies exhibited stellar birth in large clumps, each spanning several thousand light-years, revealing how star-forming regions assemble and evolve. A subset of galaxies showed signs of rotation, indicating the early formation of disk-like structures, which are precursors to modern spiral galaxies. The [CII] emission often extended far beyond the visible stars, indicating the presence of cold gas that may fuel future star formation or be expelled by stellar winds. A family portrait of galaxies from the CRISTAL survey. Red shows cold gas traced by ALMA's [CII] observations. Blue and green represent starlight captured by the Hubble and James Webb Space Telescopes. Credit: ALMA (ESO/NAOJ/NRAO) / HST / JWST / R. Herrera-Camus "What's exciting about CRISTAL is that we are seeing early galaxies not just as points of light, but as complex ecosystems," said Loreto Barcos-Munoz, co-author of the study, astronomer at the U.S. National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO), and ALMA point of contact for the survey. "This project shows how ALMA can resolve the internal structure of galaxies even in the distant universerevealing how they evolve, interact, and form stars." Two galaxies in the survey stood out. CRISTAL-13 features massive clouds of cosmic dust that block visible light from newborn stars. This light is reprocessed into millimeter wavelengths detectable by ALMA, revealing structures that are entirely hidden from telescopes observing in optical or infrared wavelengths. CRISTAL-10 presents a puzzling case: its ionized carbon emission is unusually faint relative to its infrared brightness, a trait only seen in rare, heavily obscured galaxies like Arp 220 in the nearby universe. This suggests extreme physical conditions or an unusual power source in its interstellar medium. Zoom into the emission from an early galaxy observed in the CRISTAL survey. From left to right, the image shows stellar light captured by the James Webb and Hubble space telescopes, as well as the cold gas and rotation of the galaxy traced by ALMA through ionized carbon emission. Credit: ALMA / HST / JWST / R. Herrera-Camus "These observations highlight ALMA's potential as a time machine, allowing us to peer into the early ages of the universe," said Sergio Martin, Head of the Department of Science Operations at ALMA. "Programs like CRISTAL demonstrate the power of ALMA's Large Programs to drive high-impact science. They allow us to tackle the big questions of cosmic evolution with the unprecedented depth and resolution that only a world-class observatory like ALMA can provide." By conducting the first systematic survey of the cold gas in early galaxies and comparing it with their stars and dust, CRISTAL offers a new window into cosmic history. The survey sets the stage for future observations that may uncover how galaxies transition from turbulent early phases to the well-structured systems we see in the local universe. "CRISTAL provides the kind of multi-wavelength data that allows us to test and refine our theories of galaxy evolution," said Herrera-Camus. "This is a major step toward understanding how galaxies like our Milky Way came to be." More information: R. Herrera-Camus et al, The ALMA-CRISTAL survey: Gas, dust, and stars in star-forming galaxies when the Universe was 1 Gyr old, Astronomy & Astrophysics (2025). DOI: 10.1051/0004-6361/202553896 Journal information: Astronomy & Astrophysics This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: The locations of Late Archaic/Terminal and Early Formative sites. Credit: Antiquity (2025). DOI: 10.15184/aqy.2025.40 Archaeologists have long thought that monumental architecturelarge, human-built structures that emphasize visibilitywere products of societies with power structures, including social hierarchy, inequality and controlled labor forces. But this notion is being questioned as researchers uncover evidence that hunter-gatherer groups also built such structures. In new research published June 24 in the journal Antiquity, University of California researchers report evidence of monumental structures built by hunter-gatherer groups at Kaillachuro, a collection of burial mounds located in the Titicaca Basin of the Peruvian Andes. The discovery places monumental architecture in the region 1,500 years earlier than previously thought, researchers said. "Most researchers in the Andes argue that monumental architecture is a product of elites, intentionally constructed as a space of centralized power," said the study's corresponding author Luis Flores-Blanco, who conducted the research while a doctoral student in anthropology at UC Davis. "We propose that monumentality can emerge from hunter-gatherer groups without institutionalized inequality." The studyco-authored by Mark Aldenderfer, a professor emeritus of anthropology and heritage studies at UC Mercedsuggests that ritual memory of the dead played a key role in the rise of monumental architecture in the region. Burial activity began modestly, researchers said, with simple pits in the ground. Over time, these practices evolved into the construction of stone masonry burial boxes that were eventually covered by mounds of debris resulting from ongoing rituals and remembrances of the community's ancestors. 2,000 years of communal memorialization The sites at Kaillachuro were built over a period of 2,000 years. Using radiocarbon dating, researchers suggest that these mounds are the earliest evidence of monumental architecture in the Titicaca Basin, with construction beginning about 5,300 calendar years before the present day. This is 1,500 years earlier than monumental architecture was thought to exist in the region. "Kaillachuro is an extraordinary find because it shows that mounds were used in ritual contexts for over 2,000 yearsthough not necessarily continuously," said Flores-Blanco, who is now a postdoctoral researcher at Arizona State University. "Our study shows that rituals surrounding the dead can, through repeated action, generate visible monumental formations in the landscape." Discovered in 1995 by Aldenderfer, Kaillachuro consists of nine low-lying mounds. Subsequent surveys and excavations of the mounds in the succeeding years uncovered human burials and stone tools, including projectile points, among other items. The researchers theorize that Kaillachuro's construction started when egalitarian hunter-gatherer groups began living in one place, allowing for population aggregation, low-level food production, expanded exchange networks and the development of bow-and-arrow technology. "In this way, Kaillachuro was not initially planned as a mound site, but rather developed gradually through ongoing acts of burial ritual and remembrance tied to the community's ancestors," Flores-Blanco said. An emphasis on remembrance of the dead The study suggests an alternative pathway to mounded architecture that emphasizes community and ritual memory of the dead over societal power structures. In this instance, memory of the dead didn't merely remain symbolic, but manifested as a materially visible architectural form. "In many societies, the burial of ancestors compels us to return, reminisce and mark a space as special," Flores-Blanco said. "At Kaillachuro, this happened in a similar waythough here, these repetitive practices formed mounds that not only shaped the landscape, but likely also influenced the practices of the living. This form of construction, rooted in communal memory, is what makes it monumental." More information: Luis Flores-Blanco et al, Kaillachuro: early monumental architecture of the Titicaca Basin, 53003000 BP, Antiquity (2025). DOI: 10.15184/aqy.2025.40 Journal information: Antiquity This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: TESS PDCSAP phase-folded light curves of TOI-1846. The blue and green points are unbinned and binned (2-minutes) data. The solid line shows the best-fitting transit model. Credit: arXiv (2025). DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2506.18550 Using NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS), an international team of astronomers has discovered a new super-Earth exoplanet that orbits a nearby M dwarf star. The newfound alien world, designated TOI-1846 b, is about two times larger and four times more massive than Earth. The finding was detailed in a paper published June 23 on the arXiv preprint server. Launched in April 2018, TESS has identified more than 7,600 candidate exoplanets (TESS Objects of Interest, or TOI), of which 636 have been confirmed so far. The satellite is conducting a survey of about 200,000 brightest stars near the sun, looking for transiting extrasolar worlds. Now, a group of astronomers led by Abderahmane Soubkiou of the Oukaimeden Observatory in Morocco, reports that a transit signal has been identified in the star TOI-1846 monitored by TESS, which is located some 154 light years away. By conducting ground-based follow-up photometric and spectroscopic observations, they confirmed the planetary nature of this signal. "We have validated TOI-1846 b using TESS and multicolor ground-based photometric data, high-resolution imaging, and spectroscopic observations," the researchers wrote in the paper. According to the study, TOI-1846 b has a radius of about 1.792 Earth radii and is 4.4 times more massive than Earth, which yields a density at a level of 4.2 g/cm3. The planet orbits its host every 3.93 days, at a distance of some 0.036 AU from it. The equilibrium temperature of TOI-1846 b is estimated to be 568.1 K. Based on the derived parameters, the astronomers concluded that TOI-1846 b is likely a water-rich super-Earth and belongs to the so-called "radius valley," a dip in occurrence in the radius distribution separating rocky super-Earths and gaseous sub-Neptunes. This dearth of planets is observed at around 1.8 Earth radii. The researchers noted that radial velocity (RV) observations of TOI-1846 b should be conducted in order to unveil its composition. "These findings make TOI-1846 b well-suited for mass determination via RV observations. This could be possible with the MAROON-X instrument. (...) We find a TSM [transmission spectroscopy metric] of 47 for TOI-1846 b, which is below the 90 benchmark for small sub-Neptunes," the authors of the paper wrote. When it comes to the parent star TOI-1846 (also known as TIC 198385543), it is about 0.4 times the size of the sun and its mass is approximately 0.42 solar masses. The star has an effective temperature of 3,568 K and is estimated to be 7.2 billion years old. Written for you by our author Tomasz Nowakowski, edited by Stephanie Baum, 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: Abderahmane Soubkiou et al, TOI-1846b: A super-Earth in the radius valley orbiting a nearby M dwarf, arXiv (2025). DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2506.18550 Journal information: arXiv 2025 Science X Network This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: This image courtesy of David Rankin, Saguaro Observatory, shows interstellar object A11pI3Z captured on June 2, 2025 by David Rankin, engineer at the Catalina Sky Survey at the University of Arizona. Astronomers on Wednesday confirmed the discovery of an interstellar object racing through our solar systemonly the third ever spotted, though scientists suspect many more may slip past unnoticed. The visitor from the stars, designated 3I/Atlas, is likely the largest yet detected, and has been classified as a comet, or cosmic snowball. "It looks kind of fuzzy," Peter Veres, an astronomer with the International Astronomical Union's Minor Planet Center, which was responsible for the official confirmation, told AFP. "It seems that there is some gas around it, and I think one or two telescopes reported a very short tail." Originally known as A11pl3Z before it was confirmed to be of interstellar origin, the object poses no threat to Earth, said Richard Moissl, head of planetary defense at the European Space Agency. "It will fly deep through the solar system, passing just inside the orbit of Mars," but will not hit our neighboring planet, he told AFP. Excited astronomers are still refining their calculations, but the object appears to be zooming more than 60 kilometers (37 miles) a second. This would mean it is not bound by the sun's orbit, unlike objects that remain within the solar system. Its trajectory also "means it's not orbiting our star, but coming from interstellar space and flying off to there again," Moissl said. An artist's impression of 'Oumuamua, the first known visitor from the stars to our Solar System. "We think that probably these little ice balls get formed associated with star systems," added Jonathan McDowell, an astronomer at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics. "And then as another star passes by, tugs on the ice ball, frees it out. It goes rogue, wanders through the galaxy, and now this one is just passing us." A Chile based observatory that is part of the NASA-funded ATLAS survey first discovered the object on Tuesday. Professional and amateur astronomers across the world then searched through past telescope data, tracing its trajectory back to at least June 14. The object is currently estimated to be roughly 10-20 kilometers wide, Moissl said, which would make it the largest interstellar interloper ever detected. But the object could be smaller if it is made out of ice, which reflects more light. Veres said the object will continue to brighten as it nears the sun, bending slightly under the pull of gravity, and is expected to reach its closest pointperihelionon 29 October. It will then recede and exit the solar system over the next few years. Our third visitor This marks only the third time humanity has detected an object entering the solar system from the stars. The first, 'Oumuamua, was discovered in 2017. It was so strange that at least one prominent scientist became convinced it was an alien vesselthough this has since been contradicted by further research. An image of the second interstellar object, 2I/Borisov, taken in 2019. Astronomers have now spotted a third. Our second interstellar visitor, 2I/Borisov, was spotted in 2019. There is no reason to suspect an artificial origin for 3I/Atlas, but teams around the world are now racing to answer key questions about things like its shape, composition, and rotation. Mark Norris, an astronomer at the UK's University of Central Lancashire, told AFP that the new object appears to be "moving considerably faster than the other two extrasolar objects that we previously discovered." The object is currently roughly around the distance from Jupiter away from Earth, Norris said. Norris pointed to modeling estimating that there could be as many as 10,000 interstellar objects drifting through the solar system at any given time, though most would be smaller than the newly discovered object. If true, this suggests that the newly online Vera C. Rubin Observatory in Chile could soon be finding these dim interstellar visitors every month, Norris said. Moissl said it is not feasible to send a mission into space to intercept the new object. Still, these visitors offer scientists a rare chance to study something outside of our solar system. For example, if we detected precursors of life such as amino acids on such an object, it would give us "a lot more confidence that the conditions for life exist in other star systems," Norris said. 2025 AFP This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Being bombarded with so much high-energy radiation does not bode well for HIP 67522 b. The planet is similar in size to Jupiter but has the density of candy floss, making it one of the wispiest exoplanets ever found. Over time, the radiation carried by the flares is eroding away the planet's wispy atmosphere, meaning it is losing mass much faster than we thought. In the next 100 million years, HIP 67522 b could go from an almost Jupiter-sized planet to a much smaller Neptune-sized planet. Credit: Janine Fohlmeister (Leibniz Institute for Astrophysics Potsdam) Astronomers using the European Space Agency's Cheops mission have caught an exoplanet that seems to be triggering flares of radiation from the star it orbits. These tremendous explosions are blasting away the planet's wispy atmosphere, causing it to shrink every year. This is the first-ever evidence of a "planet with a death wish." Though it was theorized to be possible since the nineties, the flares seen in this research are around 100 times more energetic than expected. The work is published in the journal Nature. This planet's star makes our sun look sleepy Thanks to telescopes like the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope and NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS), we already had some clues about this planet and the star it orbits. The star, named HIP 67522, was known to be just slightly larger and cooler than our own host star, the sun. But while the sun is a middle-aged 4.5-billion-year-old, HIP 67522 is a fresh-faced 17-million-year-old. It bears two planets. The closer of the twogiven the catchy name HIP 67522 btakes just seven days to whip around its host star. Because of its youth and size, scientists suspected that star HIP 67522 would churn and spin with lots of energy. This churning and spinning would turn the star into a powerful magnet. Our much-older sun has its own smaller and more peaceful magnetic field. From studying the sun, we already knew that flares of energy can burst from magnetic stars when 'twisted' magnetic field lines are suddenly released. This energy can take the form of anything from gentle radio waves to visible light to aggressive gamma rays. A la carte research with Cheops Ever since the first exoplanet was discovered in the 1990s, astronomers have pondered whether some of them might be orbiting close enough to disturb their host stars' magnetic fields. If so, they could be triggering flares. A team led by Ekaterina Ilin at the Netherlands Institute for Radio Astronomy (ASTRON) figured that with our current space telescopes, it was time to investigate this question further. "We hadn't seen any systems like HIP 67522 before; when the planet was found it was the youngest planet known to be orbiting its host star in less than 10 days," says Ekaterina. Astronomers using the European Space Agency's Cheops mission have caught a clingy exoplanet that seems to be triggering flares of radiation from the star it orbits. These tremendous explosions are blasting away the planet's thick atmosphere, causing it to shrink every year. This infographic explains the process. Credit: ESA The team was using TESS to do a broad sweep of stars that might be flaring because of an interaction with their planets. When TESS turned its eyes to HIP 67522, the team thought they could be on to something. To be sure, they called upon ESA's sensitive characterizing exoplanet satellite, Cheops. "We quickly requested observing time with Cheops, which can target individual stars on demand, ultra precisely," says Ekaterina. "With Cheops we saw more flares, taking the total count to 15, almost all coming in our direction as the planet transited in front of the star as seen from Earth." Because we are seeing the flares as the planet passes in front of the star, it is very likely that they are being triggered by the planet. A flaring star is nothing new. The sun regularly releases bursts of energy which are experienced on Earth as "space weather" that causes the auroras and can damage technology. But this energy exchange has only been seen as a one-way street from star to planet. Knowing that HIP 67522 b orbits extremely close to its host star, and assuming that the star's magnetic field is strong, Ekaterina's team deduced that the clingy HIP 67522 b sits close enough to exert its own magnetic influence on its host star. They think that the planet gathers energy as it orbits, then redirects that energy as waves along the star's magnetic field lines, as if whipping a rope. When the wave meets the end of the magnetic field line at the star's surface, it triggers a massive flare. It's the first time we see a planet influencing its host star, overturning our previous assumption that stars behave independently. And not only is HIP 67522 b triggering flares, but it is also triggering them in its own direction. As a result, the planet experiences six times more radiation than it otherwise would. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. A self-imposed downfall Unsurprisingly, being bombarded with so much high-energy radiation does not bode well for HIP 67522 b. The planet is similar in size to Jupiter but has the density of candy floss, making it one of the wispiest exoplanets ever found. Over time, the radiation is eroding away the planet's feathery atmosphere, meaning it is losing mass much faster than expected. In the next 100 million years, it could go from an almost Jupiter-sized planet to a much smaller Neptune-sized planet. "The planet seems to be triggering particularly energetic flares," points out Ekaterina. "The waves it sends along the star's magnetic field lines kick off flares at specific moments. But the energy of the flares is much higher than the energy of the waves. We think that the waves are setting off explosions that are waiting to happen." In this artist's impression we see the planet HIP 67522 b sending a wave of energy down the magnetic field lines towards the surface of its host star. Where the wave meets the end of the magnetic field line at the star's surface, it triggers a massive flare. Credit: Danielle Futselaar (www.artsource.nl/) More questions than answers When HIP 67522 was found, it was the youngest known planet orbiting so close to its host star. Since then, astronomers have spotted a couple of similar systems and there are probably dozens more in the nearby universe. Ekaterina and her team are keen to take a closer look at these unique systems with TESS, Cheops and other exoplanet missions. "I have a million questions because this is a completely new phenomenon, so the details are still not clear," she says. "There are two things that I think are most important to do now. The first is to follow up in different wavelengths (Cheops covers visible to near-infrared wavelengths) to find out what kind of energy is being released in these flaresfor example, ultraviolet and X-rays are especially bad news for the exoplanet. "The second is to find and study other similar star-planet systems; by moving from a single case to a group of 10100 systems, theoretical astronomers will have something to work with." Maximillian Gunther, Cheops project scientist at ESA, is excited to see the mission contributing to research in a way that he never thought possible. "Cheops was designed to characterize the sizes and atmospheres of exoplanets, not to look for flares. It's really beautiful to see the mission contributing to this and other results that go so far beyond what it was envisioned to do." Looking further ahead, ESA's future exoplanet hunter Plato will also study sun-like stars like HIP 67522. Plato will be able to capture much smaller flares to really give us the detail that we need to better understand what is going on. The research was carried out through Cheops's 'Guest Observers' Program. Researchers from outside the Cheops science team are granted time based on an open application process, showcasing the mission's utility for the scientific community across Europe and worldwide. In an accompanying paper, published in Astronomy & Astrophysics, the authors confirm that HIP 67522 is a magnetically active star with strong radio wave emission powered by its magnetic field. The team observed the star at low radio frequencies for about 135 hours with the Australian Telescope Compact Array (ATCA), revealing it as a bright and bursty source of radio waves. At the same time, the authors found no signs of radio wave flares that could be attributed to the interaction of the star with the planet. The non-detection is compatible with expectations that the planet-induced flares are too faint to be detected by ATCA, in line with the Nature paper's conclusion of magnetic star-planet interaction driving flaring activity. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: The new TGlu molecule is a small but powerful single benzene fluorophore. Credit: Jinsang Kim Laboratory. A new blue fluorescent molecule set new top emission efficiencies in both solid and liquid states, according to a University of Michigan-led study that could pave the way for applications in technology and medicine. Able to absorb light and emit it at lower energy levels, fluorescent molecules called fluorophores glow in OLED displays and help doctors and scientists figure out what's happening in cells and tissues. They need to be solid in displays and many sensing applications, but liquids are typically preferred for biological uses. Most fluorophores don't work well in both forms, but this one does. The study, "Elucidating the molecular structural origin of efficient emission across solid and solution phases of single benzene fluorophores," is published in the journal Nature Communications. "The fluorescent material reached record-breaking brightness and efficiency with 98% quantum efficiency in the solid state and 94% in solution," said Jinsang Kim, the Raoul Kopelman Collegiate Professor of Science and Engineering in the U-M Department of Materials Science and Engineering who led the study. Often, engineers designing fluorophores start in solution, exploring the optical properties of individual molecules, but run into problems in their solid-state applications when fluorophore molecules contact each other. "Fluorophores behave very differently in the solid state, which then requires more rational molecular engineering effort for structural modification," Kim said. "By investigating and establishing a molecular design principle to make fluorophores that are bright both in solution and solid states, we have reduced development time and cost for various future applications." The initial discovery of the versatile fluorophorecalled TGlu for shortwas unexpected for lead author Jung-Moo Heo, U-M postdoctoral research fellow of materials science and engineering. "TGlu was an intermediate step for another chemical design, but during purification I found it was surprisingly highly emissive, not only in solution but also in solid state," Heo said. The discovery led to the systematic study to establish the optimal design. The result was a simple design: a single benzene ring coresix carbon atoms joined in a hexagon. The researchers positioned two groups that give away electrons, called donor groups, across the ring from one another. Next to the donors, they placed two acceptor groups, which withdraw electrons, across the ring from one another. "This so-called quadrupolar structure symmetrically distributes charge across the molecule, providing stable emission in various environments," Heo said. Because the ring has only six points, donor and acceptor groups are positioned next to each other. This spatial arrangement reduces the energy gap compared to other similar molecules within a compact framework, which means the fluorophore needs a relatively small amount of energy to move an electron from the ground state to an excited statesimilar to jumping up a rung on a ladder. However, the molecule's small size means overall conjugation length remains limitedmeaning electrons cannot spread out too far across the molecule. This keeps the absolute energy gapthe distance between ladder rungswide enough to emit blue light instead of shifting towards narrower energy gap colors like red. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. Typically, small band gaps come with an efficiency drawback. When in the excited state on the higher rung of the ladder, an electron can either emit light as it comes back down to the ground state or lose energy as heat through vibration. Often, small band gaps mean more heat loss, reducing the quantum yieldan efficiency metric expressed as the percentage of absorbed UV light that gets reemitted as visible light relative to the amount lost as heat. After trying a series of acceptor groups, the researchers found one that stabilizes the excited state. Even with the small band gap, this acceptor group prevents heat loss by restricting access to what are known as conical intersections, which function as "exit doors" for energy leakage. This unexpected behavior, called an Inverted Energy Gap Law, was confirmed both by experiments and quantum chemical simulations. In the solid state, the acceptor groups, which were intentionally designed to be bulky, prevent the molecules from getting too close to one another, which causes fluorophores to lose brightness as energy escapes as heat instead of light, a phenomenon known as quenching. The small, highly-efficient fluorophore is simple to produceonly requiring three stepswhich increases its scalability while reducing production costs. The current TGlu design fluoresces blue light. As a next step, the researchers will adjust the band gap, and thus the color. Further, while a high quantum yield from light excitation is promising, device performance under electrical excitation requires separate testing due to additional loss mechanisms. Heo also plans to work towards a phosphorescent version of the molecule, as phosphors are overall more energy-efficient than fluorophores, for use in display technology. The Autonomous University of Madrid, University of Valencia, Eberhard Karls University Tubingen and Seoul National University also contributed to this research. More information: Jung-Moo Heo et al, Elucidating the molecular structural origin of efficient emission across solid and solution phases of single benzene fluorophores, Nature Communications (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-60316-0 Journal information: Nature Communications This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Experts come once a year to search a new part of the reserve, with the location always kept secret to deter pillagers. At the foot of Sainte Victoire, the mountain in Provence immortalized by Impressionist painter Paul Cezanne, a paleontologist brushes meticulously through a mound of red clay looking for fossils. These are not any old fossils, but 75-million-year-old dinosaur eggs. Little luck or skill is needed to find them: scientists believe that there are more dinosaur eggs here than at any other place on Earth. The area, closed to the public, is nicknamed "Eggs en Provence," due to its proximity to the southeastern city of Aix en Provence. "There's no other place like it," explained Thierry Tortosa, a paleontologist and conservationist at the Sainte Victoire Nature Reserve. "You only need to look down to find fragments. We're literally walking on eggshells here." Around 1,000 eggs, some of them as big as 30 centimeters (12 inches) in diameter, have been found here in recent years in an area measuring less than a hectarea mere dot on a reserve that will span 280 hectares once it is doubled in size by 2026 to prevent pillaging. "We reckon we've got about one egg per square meter (11 square feet). So there are thousands, possibly millions, here," Tortosa told AFP. "Eggs" is not in the business of competing with other archaeological siteseven though Tortosa finds the "world record" of 17,000 dinosaur eggs discovered in Heyuan, China, in 1996 vaguely amusing. "We're not looking to dig them up because we're in a nature reserve and we can't just alter the landscape. We wait until they're uncovered by erosion," he said. "Besides, we don't have enough space to store them all. We just take those that are of interest from a paleontology point of view." Around 1,000 eggs, some of them as big as 30 centimeters in diameter, have been found in recent years in an area measuring less than a hectare. Holy Grail Despite the plethora of eggs on site, the scientists still have mysteries to solve. Those fossils found so far have all been empty, either because they were not fertilized or because the chick hatched and waddled off. "Until we find embryos insidethat's the Holy Grailwe won't know what kind of dinosaur laid them. All we know is that they were herbivores because they're round," said Tortosa. Fossilized dinosaur embryos are rarer than hen's teeth. Paleontologists discovered a tiny fossilized Oviraptorosaur that was at least 66 million years old in Ganzhou, China, around the year 2000. But Tortosa remains optimistic that "Eggs" holds its own Baby Yingliang. "Never say never. In the nine years that I've been here, we've discovered a load of stuff we never thought we'd find." Which is why experts come once a year to search a new part of the reserve. The location is always kept secret to deter pillagers. When AFP visited, six scientists were crouched under camouflage netting in a valley lost in the Provencal scrub, scraping over a few square meters of clay-limestone earth, first with chisels, then with pointy-tipped scribers. "There's always something magicallike being a child againwhen you find an egg or a fossilized bone," specialist Severine Berton told AFP. In the Cretaceous period, the Provencal countryside's flooded plains and silty-clayey soils offered ideal conditions for dinosaurs. Unique Their "best" findsamong the thousands they have dug upinclude a small femur and a 30-centimeter-long tibia-fibula. They are thought to come from a Rhabdodon or a Titanosaurhuge herbivores who roamed the region. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. In the Cretaceous period (89-66 million years BCE), the Provencal countryside's then-flooded plains and silty-clayey soils offered ideal conditions for dinosaurs to graze and nest, and perfect conditions to conserve the eggs for millennia. The region, which stretched from what is now Spain to the Massif Central mountains of central France formed an island that was home to several dinosaur species found nowhere else in the world. Alongside the endemic herbivores were carnivores such as the Arcovenator and the Variraptor, a relative of the Velociraptor of Jurassic Park fame. In 1846, French paleontologist Philippe Matheron found the world's first fossilized dinosaur egg in Rognac, around 30 kilometers from Eggs. Since then, museums from across the world have dispatched people to Provence on egg hunts. Everyone, it seems, wants a bit of the omelet. Despite efforts to stop pillaging, problems persist, such as when a wildfire uncovered a lot of fossils in 1989 and "everyone came egg collecting," Tortosa said. Five years later the site was designated a national geological nature reserve, closed to the publicthe highest level of protection available. The regional authorities are now mulling over ways to develop "paleontology tourism," a move Tortosa applauds. "France is the only country in the world that doesn't know how to promote its dinosaurs," Tortosa said. "Any other place would set up an entire museum just to show off a single tooth." 2025 AFP This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: University of Montreal Between 1632 and 1760, records show that 734 Indigenous children were enslaved in France's North American colony, historian Dominique Deslandres reveals in two recent studies. Torn from their families at a young age, transported over long distances and treated as property to be bought and soldthis was the harsh reality of Indigenous child slaves in New France, according to two new studies by Quebec historian Dominique Deslandres. Slavery in Montreal (also then known as Ville-Marie), one of the main settlements in the French colony, has long been neglected by researchers. Deslandres, a professor in the Department of History at Universite de Montreal, is working to correct this blind spot in scholarship of the era. In studies published this month and last summer in the Revue d'histoire de la Nouvelle-France and the Les Cahiers des Dix, Deslandres reveals the extent of Indigenous child slavery in Montreal and tells the story of Francois, an Indigenous child slave. While slavery was not unknown to Indigenous societies before the arrival of Europeans, the French and subsequent British colonists introduced a new form of slavery based on the Roman legal principle partus sequitur ventrem: a child born to an enslaved woman was also a slave. "But among Indigenous peoples, slave status was not passed on to the next generation; it applied only to the individual and not offspring," said Deslandres. "And an Indigenous slave's status could change: he or she might be allowed to take the place of a member of the tribe who'd been killed, for instance." Up to 10,000 overall In the 1960s, historian Marcel Trudel estimated there were about 4,000 slaves in New France, most of them Indigenous. "But more recent research suggests there could have been up to 10,000 people enslaved between 1632 and the British conquest in 1760," said Deslandres. And a large proportion of the enslaved population, particularly the Indigenous slaves, were very young. Between 1632 and 1760, 734 of the 1,574 slaves whose age is known were under 12 when their name last appears in the records. In Montreal alone, of the 947 slaves whose age is known, 430 were Indigenous children under 12 and 49 were Afro-descendant children under 12. These children, often referred to as panis (male) or panisse (female), sometimes had only a first name. If they had a surname, it was that of their master. According to Deslandres, this erasure of identity contributed to the "social death caused by slavery." "Cathie-Anne Dupuis' work in historical demography reveals that during the French Regime, between 1632 and 1759, half of enslaved Indigenous men died before the age of 17," said Deslandres. "The 'median age at death' then dropped to 11 for the period between the British conquest and the abolition of slavery in 1834. For Indigenous enslaved women, the median fell from 21 during the French Regime to 13 under British rule." Deslandres found that high numbers of deaths did not always coincide with major epidemics, suggesting they were caused by mistreatment. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. Easier to mold Several factors explain the large number of Indigenous child slaves in New France. First, there was high demand for labor in the colony to perform demanding tasks, such as rowing, working in the fields and, because the colonists typically had large families, assisting with domestic chores. As few African slaves were being imported, the colonists turned to their Indigenous allies, who captured prisoners, often children, in raids on their enemies. Indigenous nations not allied with the French therefore became the primary source of slaves. Cost was also a factor: an Indigenous slave cost considerably less than an Afro-descendant slave. But cost aside, the colonists also believed that, to suit their needs, it took less effort to mold a child than an adult. "It's easier to cultivate loyalty in someone who has been taken from their family at a very young age and had all significant ties severed," explained Deslandres. In other words, the colonists believed that breaking a child's cultural and familial bonds made them more docile and less likely to resist or flee. The preference for child slaves was also shaped by the patriarchal family structure and tensions surrounding inheritance in New France. By owning and raising a child slave, colonists could secure the services of a loyal worker who would remain with them into old age. "It was a way to shield them from the greed of heirs and make their senior years more peaceful," said Deslandres. No 'gentle slavery' Trudel's antiquated notions of "gentle slavery" and the slave as a member of the family have since been widely criticized. Deslandres is unequivocal: "I don't consider it to be gentle slavery when a person is deprived of their freedom." In fact, enslaved children lived in "strict patriarchal servitude," she said. Occupying the lowest position in the domestic hierarchy, they were the property of their masters or mistresses and owed them complete obedience. They started working at a young age, performing domestic, agricultural and animal husbandry tasks similar to those assigned to children employed as domestic servants. But there was at least one crucial difference: slaves were bound to servitude for life, whereas indentured servants regained their freedom once their contracts ended. It was often the mistress of the house who managed all these working children, commonly referred to as the cheptel enfantin (literally, 'child livestock'). If a sick slave was sent to Montreal's Hotel-Dieu Hospital for medical care, it was primarily to preserve a valuable asset. "In today's world, it would be like taking your car to the garage for servicing," Deslandres said. Virtually every family had access to slave labor, either by owning a slave or renting one for a few hours, "in the same way that you can rent a car today." Punishment for disobedience could be harsh, especially toward the end of the French regime, when there was widespread fear of slave revolts similar to those in the West Indies and Louisiana. "Punishments were especially severe for causing personal harm," noted Deslandres, citing the tragic case of a slave who was hanged for unintentionally injuring her mistress. Searching the records with AI For their analyses, Deslandres and her research team relied on Transkribus, a software that uses artificial intelligence to decipher handwriting and search through thousands of historical documents. "Simply by doing a search with the words 'panis' and 'panisse,' I found hundreds of records I didn't know about," said Deslandres. This enabled her to reconstruct the life stories of individuals who had previously been mentioned only in passing in scattered records. One story in particular grabbed her attention: that of an Indigenous slave named Francois. Arriving in the colony at the age of six or seven, he was emancipated at 17 and granted a plot of land. But his freedom proved short-lived: burdened by debt, he eventually relinquished all his belongings to his former master and became his slave again. Francois' story resonates deeply with Deslandres, who discovered that one of her ancestors married an Indigenous slave who had come to the colony as a child. Now, she thinks of Francois as she walks the streets of Montreal. "We're separated by centuries, but his world intersects with mine," she said. "I walk in his footsteps: he lived on Rue Saint-Paul, which I take on my way to the National Archives. I live near the lands that once belonged to Pierre Prudhomme, where Francois worked, and I paint close to what was once his concession, which he acquired after his emancipation but then lost." More information: Dominique Deslandres, A la recherche de Francois, panis de Pierre Prudhomme, Searching for Francois, Pierre Prudhomme's panis, Les Cahiers des Dix (2025). DOI: 10.7202/1117951ar "Enfant et esclave a Montreal : un angle mort de la recherche / Montreal's child slaves: a blind spot in research," (2024). www.erudit.org/fr/revues/rhnf/ -rhnf09391/105183ac/ This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain The deadly, record-breaking heat wave that hit the Pacific Northwest in June 2021 continues to be the subject of intense interest among scientists, policymakers and the public. A new study by some of the region's top climate scientists synthesized more than 70 publications addressing the causes and consequences of the extreme heat wave and the potential for similar high-heat events to happen in the future. The study was published in the Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society. "It's still the event of interest for anyone who studies heat waves or the atmospheric patterns that cause them," says Paul Loikith, associate professor of geography in Portland State's School of Earth, Environment and Society and a co-author of the study. Researchers in the Pacific Northwest and around the world agreed that the heat wave was caused by a rare and complex combination of meteorological factors. The primary driver was a persistent, extraordinarily strong ridge of high pressureoften called a "heat dome"that trapped hot air over the region. Other contributing factors included moisture from the tropical Pacific Ocean, high solar radiation, low pressure offshore, sinking air over land and unusually dry soils. Loikith says there's no consensus that ridges of high pressure similar to the one that drove this event will become significantly more common, but as the climate continues to warm, the temperatures experienced during the 2021 heat wave, such as 108, 112 and 116 degrees Fahrenheit over three consecutive days in Portland, will become more frequent. "Essentially, you don't need a high pressure ridge of that magnitude to create a heat wave of that magnitude," Loikith said. "As you get into a warmer climate, you could have a weaker feature in the atmosphere leading to the same temperatures because the overall background climate is getting hotter." He says the likelihood of reaching 116 degrees Fahrenheit in Portland again is increasing over time, but the probability is still fairly low. "By the end of the 21st century, a heat wave of this magnitude potentially could be experienced once a decade or maybe even more frequently under a higher emissions scenario," Loikith said. Whether the region experiences another heat wave of equal magnitude this summer or next summer can't be predicted more than one or two weeks in advance. "Portland summers have warmed by a lot over the last 80 yearsfour, even five degrees Fahrenheitbut the 2021 event was almost 40 degrees Fahrenheit above average," Loikith said. "Putting that into context, we're seeing this steady, gradual warming. We will still have some cooler summers and warmer summers. The cooler summers are warmer than cooler summers were in the past, and the warmer summers are warmer than the warm summers in the past." The researchers say that there is still much to learn about the atmospheric drivers and long-term impacts of these extreme weather events. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. The 2021 heat wave had compound effects on human health and ecosystems. Mortality, heat-induced illness and the number of visits to emergency departments were anomalously high, with the greatest impact among older adults, individuals living alone, those with lower incomes, and those without working air conditioning. Browning or scorching of tree leaves and needles following the heat wave was extensive, although the extent of long-term tree mortality is not yet clear. Following the heat wave, Oregon, Washington and British Columbia established new initiatives to reduce the risk of heat-related illness, including workplace regulations and new programs to provide cooling devices to populations at greatest risk, but the researchers anticipate it will be several years before the effectiveness of these new interventions is known. "This is an example of why we need to study these things so that we can better understand them and better predict what their likelihood is going to be in the future," Loikith said. "The studies that we reviewed in this paper help us understand things as basic as atmospheric theory, like things that we still don't fully understand about the atmosphere, all the way to impacts on ecosystems and on people and everything in between. We are still learning, and that's making us more prepared." Loikith was joined in the study by Oregon State University's Erica Fleishman, director of the Oregon Climate Change Research Institute and lead author; David Rupp, an associate professor and researcher with OCCRI; Larry O'Neill, Oregon's state climatologist; and Karen Bumbaco, Washington's deputy state climatologist. More information: Erica Fleishman et al, Synthesis of Publications on the Anomalous June 2021 Heat Wave in the Pacific Northwest of the United States and Canada, Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society (2025). DOI: 10.1175/BAMS-D-24-0188.1 Journal information: Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay from Pexels Cities around the world pursue urban renewal under the banner of resilience and diversity. The idea is simple: if neighborhoods include socially and economically diverse residents, it will lead to stronger social cohesion, greater trust, and mutual support among the community. One common approach is to mix residents from different income groups within the same neighborhood. In Rotterdam, this idea has been formalized through a policy that targets the mix of housing values in what the city calls "balanced neighborhoods." By adjusting the proportion of low-, middle-, and high-value housing in each area, the goal is to create socially cohesive and resilient communities. But a new study by the Complexity Science Hub (CSH) and Delft University of Technology, published in npj Urban Sustainability, raises serious doubts about whether this approachalso applied in a similar way in cities like Berlin and New Yorkdelivers on its promise. No boost to trust The researchers used detailed housing value data and survey responses from residents across Rotterdam to evaluate how the city's policy affects social cohesionthat is, how connected, trusting, and supportive people feel toward each other in a community. They tested over 3,000 possible combinations of housing values that qualify as "balanced" under Rotterdam's official guidelines. "There was little evidence that most housing value mixes led to stronger community ties, and in the few cases where a link existed, the effect was negative," says CSH researcher Guillermo Prieto-Viertel. In fact, only 2.1% of balance configurations were associated with changes in neighborly supportand even then, they showed less support. "In other words: most of what the city calls 'balance' has little to no link to how much neighbors trust or help one another," explains Prieto-Viertel. Focus on people, not property values "Our study shows how policies intended to promote inclusion can enable gentrification and displacement, and how ambiguous measures can be used to justify displacing low-income communities while claiming to promote inclusion. In an era of rising housing inequality, this matters more than ever," says Prieto-Viertel. Rotterdam reflects a broader international trend where cities adopt social mix strategies around the world. Cities like Auckland, Singapore, London, and Toronto also promote "social mix" through housing or real estate strategies. These maps show three ways to measure balance in Rotterdam. One model sees wealthy northern areas as highly balancedeven though they lack middle-income housing. Others don't. The takeaway? A vague definition can paint very different pictures of the same city. Credit: CSH and TU Delft What should be done? "Vague or overly technical indicators should not guide decisions that affect people's lives. Rotterdam's example shows that the definition of 'balance' is so vague it can be used to label both wealthy and poor areas as balanced," explains Prieto-Viertel. "This can misguide renewal efforts and lead to the displacement of communities that don't actually lack cohesion." Instead, urban strategies should be grounded in direct measurements of social outcomessuch as levels of trust, mutual aid, and community engagementand developed with input from the residents they aim to serve. For example, regularly surveying communities about how connected and supported they feel can provide far more actionable insights than property values alone. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. How cities survive in crises Resilience is increasingly used to describe a city's ability to cope with shockswhether pandemics, heat waves, or social unrest. "But this resilience isn't just about infrastructure or emergency plans, it's about whether people help each other in times of crisis," says Prieto-Viertel. "That depends on social cohesion and trust, which are often damaged when redevelopment displaces long-standing communities. When policies prioritize housing values over human relationships, they can inadvertently weaken the community bonds that make cities truly resilient." He cites one example: In the U.S., the HOPE VI program displaced thousands of public housing residents in the name of "mixing" but broke apart long-standing social networks. "If we shift toward real estate metrics to define inclusion, we risk weakening the very cohesion we want to promote," warns Prieto-Viertel. "Instead, we should measure what actually mattershow people relate to and support one another." More information: Guillermo Prieto-Viertel et al, The ambiguity of 'balanced neighbourhoods': how Rotterdam's housing policy undermines urban social resilience, npj Urban Sustainability (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s42949-025-00211-1 This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain In the 1997 action film "Dante's Peak," Pierce Brosnan plays the role of a volcanologist sent to investigate seismic activity beneath a long-dormant volcano. Years after its release, the story inspired South African Tebogo Makhubela to become a geologist, the 35-year-old told AFP. Winner of one of the prestigious National Geographic 2025 Wayfinder awards, Makhubela leads a research team working to uncover ancient clues to human evolution. His turf lies below the surface of Earth in the limestone caves of South Africa's Cradle of Humankind, a UNESCO World Heritage site about 50 kilometers (30 miles) northwest of Johannesburg. Speaking from inside The Rising Star cave, one of the numerous caves in the area, Makhubela said he and his colleagues have only "scratched the surface" of the site, which dates back five million years. In an unassuming savanna field, hidden under a rocky patch of grass, the cave is where scientists in 2013 discovered Homo naledi, an ancient human relative that lived about 300,000 years ago. "With this cave we've only studied 30%... To do the remaining 70% we need 20 years minimum," said Makhubela, wearing a dark green overall and a helmet fixed with a flashlight. And with many other caves to study, Makhubela's research isn't close to an end. "I will actually retire before we finish. Hence, I need to train a lot of students to take over from me." Chasing dreams Makhubela, who lectures at the University of Johannesburg and supervises four Ph.D. students, hopes more young scientists will join him on his missionone he believes is crucial to understanding the history of humankind and its environment. "Geology helps us understand Earth, our planet, how it works, how it was formed, its composition and its processes," he said, sitting on a rock next to his yellow backpack filled with notebooks, pens, measuring instruments and water. His own specialty is geochemistry and geochronology, or more simply, determining the age of fossils and environmental changes over time. One hurdle, he said, is that geology is not well known and some young people would rather "chase what is popular." "Right now we're living in the age of artificial intelligence. (But) you don't have to run and go study computer science or IT because you want to be relevant to the times," said the geologist. "If you're more passionate about natural science, go for it. Because if you do it well, there will be a place for you." First at university Born and raised in Soweto, the sprawling township once home to Nelson Mandela, Makhubela was the first in his family to go to university. His mother never went to school and worked as a street vendor while his father moved away when he was 10, he said. As a bright young student, he was pressured to study engineering and work in South Africa's lucrative gold mining industry. But he decided on another path. "Curiosity inspires me, honestly. I have a lot of questions," he joked, describing what motivates him. And a decade after making that bold decision to forgo a future in mining and pursue his passion in geology, Makhubela is proud of his accomplishments. "I've got a very thriving, fulfilling career, one which is winning me international awards," he said. He's even become a superhero, featuring as a character in a South African comic book and animation series to inspire children about the wonders of science. 2025 AFP This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: A woman puts her deck chair in the water at a beach at the Bavarian lake Chiemsee, where temperatures reaches some 32 degrees celsius on July 2, 2025. A punishing early summer heat wave that has already scorched western and southern Europe spread east Wednesday, bringing extreme weather warnings to Germany and reportedly causing motorways to buckle. But some relief is due to arrive from the Atlantic and spread across the continent. Germany's national weather service (DWD) warned of "exceptionally high" temperatures reaching close to 40C degrees (104F) in places Wednesday. In Berlin, 18-year-old Nora said her strawberry stand on the side of the road felt "like a sauna" before temperatures had even reached their peak. Her boss had told her to close the stall if she felt unwell, as the German capital sweated under a hot sun, Nora told AFP. The heat was causing disruptions to transport, with Germany's national rail operator Deutsche Bahn warning of impaired services in the west of the country, where temperatures were highest. In the northwest close to the city of Bremen, the heat had caused the surface of the motorway to buckle in places, creating a danger for drivers, local media reported. The acute high temperatures added to an extended period of unusually hot and dry weather through the first half of the year. As well as an increased risk of forest fires, Germany's rivers are also running low, causing problems for navigating the country's waterways. 'Strange' In the eastern city of Dresden, the level of the Elbe river has sunk to just 64 centimeters (25 inches), compared with an average of around two meters. Holger Boehme, the owner of a floating theater said it was "strange" to see the usually wide river shrink to a fraction of its usual size. "There has always been high water and low water, but this type of extreme high water and extreme low is truly new in recent years," Boehme told AFP. The current levels of Germany's rivers were typically more likely to be seen at the end of the summer, Matthias Roeser from the Federal Association of German Inland Navigation said. In France, temperatures had cooled slightly overnight into Wednesday but remained high. Paris was expected to experience highs of around 35C after hitting 40C on Tuesday, according to weather service Meteo-France. French Health Minister Catherine Vautrin confirmed it was "too early to take stock" of the consequences of the heat wave. But for the Paris metro area there had been a "serious" increase in emergency services' activity of around 15% as the mercury rose. An official estimate of the excess mortality linked to the heat wave would take two weeks for French authorities to compile, the ministry indicated. 'Feel the heat' Residents in Spain and Italy may have to wait until the weekend before they experience a drop in temperatures. In Madrid, care worker Grace Guerrero, 65, told AFP she could really "feel the heat" but the air was cooler at her home outside the Spanish capital. A 75-year-old man died in the southern city of Cordoba, bringing the total number of heat related deaths over the last 10 days in Spain to at least four. Barcelona adopted plans to extend protections for sanitation workers in heat waves, including more water breaks, after a woman died Saturday following her shift. In Italy, at Rome's ancient forum, archeological excavation work stopped early at around 12:30 pm (1030 GMT) as temperatures soared to 35C. Elena Civitelli, an archeologist with two decades of experience, told AFP she could not remember "suffering so much in the early hours of the morning" as she had in recent days. In Belgium, the Atomium attraction in Brussels, where highs of 34C were expected, was also set to maintain reduced opening hours for the second day in a row on Wednesday to spare visitors from the afternoon heat. But coastal areas in Belgium were already experiencing lower temperatures Wednesday, and cool winds blowing in from the Atlantic were expected to see highs in France drop to near 28C on Thursday. The colder front would however bring with it the possibility of heavy thunderstorms, according to Meteo-France. The German weather service also warned of storms in eastern Germany and had already issued the weather warnings for severe winds and rain in isolated areas in the western part of the country as of Wednesday afternoon, with temperatures expected to drop to around 30C or below over the next two days. 2025 AFP This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Precipitation anomalies in the Dry Corridor in Central America. Regions in red show significant drying during El Nino summers. Credit: University of Pennsylvania Irina Marinov, associate professor at the Department of Earth and Environmental Science, leads a research community focused on understanding global climate impacts, risks, and vulnerabilities to enable local action. "The Global Climate Security Atlas is a place to start searching for answers," says Marinov, associate professor at the Department of Earth and Environmental Science and leader of the Environmental Innovations Initiative (EII) research community Global Climate Impacts, Risks, and Vulnerabilities. Addressing climate impacts requires informed actions at local, national, and global levels. As a result, there is a growing demand for data visualization tools that can help navigate information related to climate science, its impacts, and potential solutions. In response to this need, in 2021 Marinov, research associate and oceanographer Anna Cabre, and Michael Weisberg, professor at the Department of Philosophy, with support from Penn Global, Perry World House and Penn students, started to develop the Global Climate Security Atlas (the Atlas), an interactive digital tool showcasing climate impacts and vulnerability factors on a global scale. To build on the Atlas's functionalities, starting in 2024, Marinov used EII research community support to gather experts from around campus to collaborate on long-term climate action and identify regions highly susceptible to climate-related risks. Mapping climate related risk Climate change affects the environment in various ways, including through sea level rise, drought, wildfires, flooding, ocean acidification, and more. These environmental changes affect critical systems, such as water, energy, transportation, food, ecosystems, and human health. Knowing that clear, accessible presentation of data about this broad range of impacts can enable action, Marinov and colleagues dug into the results from the Sixth Assessment Report (AR6) of the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)the world's most authoritative source of scientific information related to climate change. Each of the IPCC reports is written by hundreds of experts around the world, who volunteer in working groups to summarize key scientific findings that can aid policymakers in making informed decisions. Marinov and her colleagues compiled the impacts identified by IPCC Working Group 1 (WG 1), which focuses on the physical science that underpins climate change, with the risk assessment of the IPCC Working Group 2 (WG 2), which focuses on the impacts of climate change on ecosystems and society, to collaboratively create a multidisciplinary digital data visualization platform showcasing global climate hazards, impacts, adaptation, and vulnerability. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. Geared toward enhancing climate action, the Atlas catalogs critical risk elements. "Risk is defined as the climate hazard times the socioeconomic issue," explains Marinov. Marinov built upon the Atlas in collaboration with colleagues as well as undergraduate students. Serving as a base for discussion for the research community, the Atlas is organized in nine topics, similar to how the IPCC results are presented. The topics include temperature and precipitation projections, as well as projected impacts, such as extreme heat events, floods, droughts, and ice melting. The Atlas also provides an overview of risk assessments for climate-related harms, such as food and water insecurity, biodiversity loss, and social and political vulnerabilities, along with the scientific sources behind these calculations. Many, many variables go into projecting the potential consequences of a changing climate. As a result, the scientific literature on climate risk is extensive. "Several papers calculate risks for different sectors like water, food, energy, etc. Therefore, there is more than one answer to the climate risk question," explains Marinov. For instance, smallholder farmers may face a risk of water scarcity due to various compounding factors, such as drought, crop type, and access to efficient irrigation. This combination of risk factors is just one of many possible scenarios that could contribute to water insecurity for small farmers. Other variables, such as water resources management strategies or water use rights, may also play significant roles. Identifying highly susceptible regions Mapping climate risks is the first step in working toward a healthy climate and enhancing global security. Understanding the connections between different types of climate risk is also crucial to enable action. For example, water scarcity affecting small farmers in a given region can lead to food insecurity. To map these linkages, Marinov and Cabre have structured it to combine data sources and visualize potential climate threats to global security. Users of the Atlas can view global data on irrigation, drought, rainfall, and temperature, as well as predefined climate and social vulnerability indices from the academic literature. This comprehensive approach will ultimately help users identify regions or countries with similar vulnerability or hotspotswhere intervention efforts should be prioritized. Their goal for future work is to look for additional funding to be able to expand the Atlas to more environmental variables (e.g. crop and vegetation types) at higher spatial resolution as well as combine environmental variables with socio-economic variables (e.g. trade flows, farming type, GDP/capita) in user-defined vulnerability indices. After visualizing different types of climate risk, Marinov and Cabre found that global patterns of vulnerability are highly heterogeneous. "What makes one region susceptible to adverse climate change impacts might not be the critical trigger elsewhere," notes Cabre. So, focusing on regional climate risks that cross national boundaries is a starting point for identifying potential hotspots that could destabilize global security. Consequently, Cabre and nine students from Marinov's Climate and Big Data class analyzed climate risk case studies across the Middle East and the Mediterranean region, as well as the area known as the Dry Corridor, which includes Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Nicaragua. Understanding climate risk in these transboundary regions helps to refine the methodology for identifying other potential hotspots. As Cabre emphasizes, "the very process of preparing and structuring the class and exercises, identifying key datasets, and framing the questions has itself become a piece of research, shaping how we define and detect climate-related risk." Using data to inform climate action Beyond bridging the gap between climate science and action through the Atlas, the Global Climate Security experts have engaged in dynamic education and information sessions. In Marinov's class, students are running Python-based analyses on a cluster of the National Science Foundation National Center for Atmospheric Research (NSF-NCAR) supercomputer. "We are running the class on NCAR because the latest results from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP6) are already uploaded there and they are too resource heavy to copy locally, order Peta bytes," emphasizes Marinov. CMIP6 is the sixth phase of CMIP, a project of the World Climate Research Programme (WCRP), providing climate projections to understand past, present, and future climate changes by bringing together expertise from a variety of disciplines and from around the globe. The "coupled" part of the name refers to models that are coupled atmosphere-ocean General Circulation Models (GCMs), or digital versions of Earth, coded to predict the flows of air and water in the atmosphere and the oceans, as well as the transfer of heat. "Intercomparison" refers to the need to unify climate modeling experiments run at different research centers under one framework. Given that CMIP uses models to understand how future changes in humans' activities will impact Earth's future climate, its results have become essential to the IPCC and other international and national climate assessments. As part of Marinov's course, students map climate variables like global temperature anomalies or extreme heat events by analyzing CMIP6 forecasts and satellite images from NASA. Using Python notebooks, they analyze complex datasets for both disciplinary and interdisciplinary projects. For instance, Emile Honaminto Djohi and Iman Dahr, predoctoral fellows at PDRI-DevLab, are applying data analysis techniques to determine climate impacts on agriculture and migration from Central America; this project has earned additional support from the Goldsmith Sustainable Agriculture Fund at the Kleinman Center for Energy Policy. To enable local action, Marinov presented about climate impacts on Philadelphia and the intersections with science at an Office of Government and Community Affairs (OGCA) First Thursday Community Meeting, led by Glenn D. Bryan, OGCA's assistant vice president. These information sessions provide a valuable platform to discuss climate impacts and propose local solutions in West Philadelphia. In a world where access to accurate information is crucial for driving change, empowering communities is essential for enabling collective action to mitigate climate risk. The group is continuing this public outreach. On June 4, Marinov and Penn students Winston Chen, Lillian Miller, Roy Wang, and Kenzie Weaver visited U.S. Congress to talk to senators and representatives about the importance of continued federal funding for environmental science in the upcoming budget cycle. Their trip was part of an American Geophysical Union Day of Action, with 110 scientists visiting the Capitol to engage their legislators. "The only way to move forward is to be empowered and initiate local action in support of science," says Marinov. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Dr. Ali Mollaebrahimi inspects the MR-TOF-MS setup at TRIUMF in Canada. Credit: Coulter Walls An international team of researchers, led by scientists from GSI/FAIR in Darmstadt, Germany, has studied r-process nucleosynthesis in measurements conducted at the Canadian research center TRIUMF in Vancouver. At the center of this work are the first mass measurements of three extremely neutron-rich tin isotopes: tin-136, tin-137 and tin-138. The results are published in the journal Physical Review Letters. The high-precision measurements, combined with nucleosynthesis network calculations, help to better understand how heavy elements are formed in the universe, especially through the rapid neutron capture process (the r-process) occurring in neutron star mergers. The data reveal the neutron separation energy, which defines the path of the r-process on the nuclear chart. The study found unexpected changes in the behavior of tin nuclei beyond the magic neutron number N=82, specifically, a reduction in the pairing effect of the last two neutrons. "These changes could affect the r-process path on the nuclear chart at large and even alter where the limit of stability in this region of the chart of nuclides lies. Combining these mass measurements with new isotope production capabilities and cutting-edge theoretical calculations, this work improves our understanding of nuclear forces far away from the valley of stability," explains Dr. Ali Mollaebrahimi, first author of the publication and spokesperson of the experiment. Mollaebrahimi has recently been appointed as a FAIR Fellow in the GSI/FAIR department "FRS/Super-FRS Experiments" and works closely with the departments "Nuclear Structure and Astrophysics," as well as the IONAS group at Justus Liebig University (JLU) Giessen. A multiple-reflection time-of-flight mass spectrometer (MR-TOF-MS) developed by researchers from the IONAS group and GSI/FAIR and tailored to the specific opportunities of the TITAN facility at TRIUMFplays a key role in the successful measurements, as well as the secondary beams that are available at TRIUMF, which provide the highest yields of exotic isotopes. A new type of reaction target was also employed. "This achievement marks a significant milestone made possible through long-term collaboration among scientists from several research groups in Germany and Canada," says Dr. Timo Dickel, head of the GSI/FAIR research group "Thermalized exotic nuclei" that Mollaebrahi also belongs to. "The MR-TOF-MS was installed and commissioned in Canada for the first experiments in 2017. In this year alone, the successful collaboration resulted in two more high-level publications on element synthesis and nuclear structure. In the past, the mass spectrometer allowed for the discovery of the isotope ytterbium-150, marking the first isotope discovery with an MR-TOF-MS," says Dickel. The results reported in the publication mark an important contribution to the FAIR Phase 0 activities, where young researchers are trained with the future tools for experiments of the MATS and Super-FRS Experiment collaborations at the FAIR facility. More information: A. Mollaebrahimi et al, Precision Mass Measurements Reveal Low Neutron Pairing in Tin beyond N=82 and Its Impact on Stellar Nucleosynthesis, Physical Review Letters (2025). DOI: 10.1103/ctyj-ls15 Journal information: Physical Review Letters This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Crystal structure of 4a provides new insight into its interaction with Mac1. (A and B) Chemical synthesis plan to produce 4a-b (A), and the chemical structure of 4a (B). (C and D) Crystal structure of 4a in two different poses (PDB id. 9GUB). These poses include images where the pyrrolo-pyrimidine is oriented in the front left (C) or in the lower middle (D). Note that the carboxylate makes hydrogen bonds with three different water molecules, and the tryptophanate makes a hydrogen bond with the backbone of L126. The sigma-A weighted 2Fo-Fc electron density map is contoured at 1.0 . Waters are shown as red spheres, and hydrogen bonds are illustrated as black dashed lines. Credit: mBio (2025). DOI: 10.1128/mbio.03865-24 A study published in mBio details the vulnerability of coronaviruses to inhibitors of a small protein domain called Mac1, or the "macrodomain," found in all coronaviruses such as SARS-CoV-2 and MERS-CoV. The findings point toward potential antiviral therapies to combat future coronavirus pandemics and confirm the importance of Mac1 to the viability of the virus. "The macrodomain is critical for the virus's ability to cause disease," said Anthony Fehr, associate professor of molecular biosciences at the University of Kansas, who led the research. "We've known for a long time, based on our work and that of others, this gene is really important for the virus. Several groups, including ours, have started efforts to develop antivirals against it. But until recently, there hadn't been any proven compounds that could target this gene and affect the virus, at least in cell culture." In the new paper, Fehr's KU lab reports developing molecules that bind to the Mac1 protein and inhibit coronavirus replication in cell cultures derived from mice and human lung tissue. This work builds on recent experiments in the Fehr lab that produced the first molecules effective against Mac1. "This paper is similar to our earlier work, though with a completely different set of inhibitors," Fehr said. "But this study had some cool twists and turns. One key development was the discovery of our top compoundwe called it '4B.' It looked very promising in how it fit into the Mac1 binding pocket, and its IC50the amount of drug needed to reduce viral activity by halfwas significantly lower than all of our other compounds, meaning it should be a better inhibitor." Yet when the group first tested 4B in antiviral assays, it didn't actually work. "It showed no effect," Fehr said. "Based on its biochemical properties, we believe it wasn't able to cross the cellular membrane. Cell membranes are greasy, hydrophobic barriers that keep things inside cells but also prevent certain molecules from enteringespecially charged molecules, like those with acid or base groups attached. Compound 4B had a notable acid group, which likely prevented it from getting into cells." To address this, the group modified the compound to improve its ability to enter coronavirus-infected cells. "We converted the acid into an ester, using a couple of different types of modifications," Fehr said. "Once we did that, we started to see robust antiviral activity. This was the 'aha!' moment. We were finally able to make the compound cell-permeable and functional in cell culture. That was a big steptaking a molecule that had strong activity in vitro, modifying it and showing it could now work in cells against the actual virus." Fehr credited many of his collaborators for the breakthrough on Mac1 targets. "I have to give credit to co-authors Dana Ferraris, chemistry professor at McDaniel College in Westminster, Maryland; Lari Lehtio, a biochemistry professor at Oulu University in Finland; and KU core facility directors Anuradha Roy and David Johnson. Each of these individuals and their labs put a lot of work into this paper," Fehr said. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. "And of course the majority of the credit goes to the first author, Jessica J. Pfannenstiel, a graduate student in the KU Department of Molecular Biosciences, as she produced almost all the antiviral data and identified the drug-resistant mutations." While coronaviruses can develop resistance to the experimental KU inhibitors, it does so at a "fitness cost"meaning future generations with more resistance are otherwise weakened and don't fare well in mice. This mechanism suggests these inhibitors, if further developed into an antiviral, could render coronavirus harmless. For this to happen, Fehr said more work is needed to refine the promising molecules. "Mouse models are important, and before we can test our inhibitors in mice we need to improve their potency and stability so that they will survive the harsh environment of a living organism," he said. His group is continuing to work towards these goals. "This program has been crucial in supporting multiple groups working on inhibitors for viruses, parasites and bacteria," Fehr said. "It provides core facilities and resources, like the high-throughput screening lab led by Anuradha Roy, that enable robust assay development and compound testing. These tools position us well to rapidly respond to potential future coronavirus outbreaks by identifying promising inhibitors. While drug development is a long process, KU is equipped to quickly and effectively begin the process of identifying novel antimicrobial compounds." Fehr said that beyond drug discovery, involvement in COBRE helps faculty gain expertise that improves their ability to evaluate national antimicrobial research, strengthening the broader scientific community. "As a university, our primary role is to provide knowledge and develop leadersfaculty, students and postdocswith expertise to advance infectious disease research nationwide," Fehr said. More information: Jessica J. Pfannenstiel et al, Identification of a series of pyrrolo-pyrimidine-based SARS-CoV-2 Mac1 inhibitors that repress coronavirus replication, mBio (2025). DOI: 10.1128/mbio.03865-24 Journal information: mBio This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain Immigrants are more likely to be seen as unique individuals with their own thoughts and intentions, rather than assuming they all share the same group beliefs, when the media describes them with language about their mental states, according to new research from the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN) at King's College London. When people encounter others, they automatically form an idea in their mind about that person's personality, and use this to work out their thoughts and beliefsknown as their mental states. This idea, or representation, tends to be less accurate and less humanizing when the person is from an out-group (e.g., different political, religious, geographic or gender groups), often attributing them with simpler emotions and less complex mental states. New research, published in the British Journal of Psychology, investigated how language used in U.K. news sources influenced participants' mental representations about immigrants. The researchers compared articles from a right-leaning U.K. news source (The Daily Mail) versus a left-leaning U.K. news source (The Guardian). To avoid existing stereotypes about specific immigrant groups or people's pre-existing attitudes towards immigration, five randomly selected articles from each of the two sources were altered to be about a fabricated species: "Cloods" described in The Daily Mail and "Zyns" described in The Guardian. These were both an out-group to the readers. In their first experiment, the researchers measured 128 U.K. participants' empathy towards members of the two out-groups and perceptions of their personalities after reading about them in articles from The Daily Mail or The Guardian. The study found that participants felt more empathy towards the out-group described in The Guardian articles, compared to The Daily Mail articles. They also viewed those in The Guardian articles as being more warm, competent, rational, trusting, and less pessimistic. When the out-group members were introduced in an article from The Guardian, the participants were more likely to use these representations about each individual's mind to guide their assumptions about their thoughts and beliefs, rather than assuming all the out-group members shared the same stereotypical belief. In a further experiment, the researchers assessed how the inclusion of mental and emotional state language influenced participants' mental representations of the out-groups. A total of 200 participants viewed six articles from The Guardian only, as The Daily Mail included too few examples of mental state language. The researchers compared participants' responses to articles with mental states removed, with an average number of mental states, or with extra mental state language added. They found that participants perceived the out-group members to be more trusting when they were introduced in articles that included lots of mental state language. Participants were, again, more likely to use their representations of each individual out-group member's mind to work out their thoughts and beliefs when they were introduced using lots of mental state language. Dr. Catmur added, "We used a made-up species to make sure that participants didn't have previous biases towards or against the people in the articles, but the findings mean that when we think about people's mental states we are more likely to treat them as individuals." There was no strong evidence to suggest that the presence of mental states influenced empathy, so the differences in empathy observed between The Daily Mail and The Guardian articles was not explained by this. More information: Bryony Payne et al, Antisocial learning: The impact of language on mentalizing, British Journal of Psychology (2025). DOI: 10.1111/bjop.70001 Journal information: British Journal of Psychology This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: An in-field wildflower strip planted as part of the trials. Credit: UKCEH Farming methods that support nature improve both biodiversity and crop yields, but more extensive measures may require increased government subsidies to become as profitable as conventional intensive agriculture. That is the finding of the first comprehensive onfarm trials of their kind in the UK, which were led by the UK Center for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH) and Rothamsted Research. The study is published in the Journal of Applied Ecology. This fouryear study across 17 conventional, commercial farms in southern England not only trialed various agroecological methods but alsofor the first timethe financial viability for businesses. It showed that incorporating naturefriendly practices within farmingagroecologyincreases biodiversity, pollination by bees, natural pest control and numbers of earthworms. This boosted crop yield, but the cost of creating the habitats and the loss of some productive land on which to create these habitats affected the profitability of these systems. New subsidies may therefore be required to support farms' transition to sustainable agriculture. Trialing agroecological methods Scientists at UKCEH and Rothamsted worked with farmers to codevelop the trials using simple management practices within three different agricultural systems on each of the farms: Businessasusualtypical intensive agriculture and no naturefriendly farming. An "enhanced" ecological farming system which involved planting wildflower field margins to provide habitat for bees, beetles and spiders, and sowing overwinter cover crops to capture carbon and retain nutrients in the soil. A "maximized ecological system" which added to the enhanced system by also planting infield strips of wildflowers"stripey fields"to provide 'runways' for beneficial insects to get further into crops, and the addition of organic matter in the form of farmyard manure to improve soil health. Benefits for nature and farmers The study found that in the enhanced and maximized ecological systems, there were increased populations of earthworms, pollinators such as bees and hoverflies, as well as natural predators of crop pests such as ladybirds, lacewings and spiders. This reduced populations of pest aphids and snails, and increased the seed numbers and thereby yield of flowering crops like oilseed rape. There was also higher soil carbon and overall increased crop yields on the farmed area due to healthier soils, greater pollination and natural pest control. The study also found the enhanced ecological system was as profitable as intensive farming, but only due to agrienvironmental subsidies. While the various benefits for biodiversity, soil carbon and yield were greater in the maximized ecological systemwhich included planting infield wildflower strips and buying in farmyard manurethe study found that the average farm would require increased subsidies to make it as profitable as intensive farming. Though the additional cost can be offset in certain situations because, for example, mixed farms already have free and easy access to manure. Futureproofing farms UKCEH ecologist Dr. Ben Woodcock, who led the study, explained, "Without the introduction of new financial incentives, many farmers will be deterred from adopting agroecological farming practices and systems. This could leave them locked into high input, intensive farming systems and more exposed to the impacts of pesticide resistance, declining soil health and climate change. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. "While farmers run businesses that need to be profitable, there is an increasing awareness that more sustainable systems can help 'futureproof' their farms in terms of soil health, less reliance on pesticides and climate change. "Agroecological methods are good for biodiversity, food security and, in the longterm, provide more secure farm incomes, but habitats can take several years to establish, so agrienvironment subsidies are essential to helping farmers transition to these more sustainable systems." The study authors say demonstrating the effectiveness of agroecological practices to farmers could be a critical step in breaking farmers free from "intensification traps." Professor Jonathan Storkey, an ecologist at Rothamsted Research, said, "This study confirmed that managing land on farms for wildlife is not in direct conflict with food security but can support sustainable production by increasing yields and reducing pest pressure. These 'ecosystem services' could potentially substitute for chemical fertilizers and pesticides which negatively impact the environment. "However, our analysis has shown that realizing these benefits will require additional support for farm businesses that currently operate on very narrow profit margins. As input costs increase, however, these agroecological approaches may become more attractive." Training improves habitat quality Furthermore, training and increasing experience will enable farmers to get the most out of measures that support nature, like wildflower field margins, for the types of habitats needed to support beneficial insects have very different requirements to crops. Previous UKCEH research has shown that training farmers in the establishment and management of wildlife habitats improves their quality and effectiveness in supporting beneficial insects like bees. The agroecological trials (20182021) were part of a long-term collaboration involving UKCEH and Rothamsted, partners in research, government and industry, and farmers to develop sustainable, resilient agricultural systems that boost biodiversity and crop production. More information: B. A. Woodcock et al, Agroecological farming promotes yield and biodiversity but may require subsidy to be profitable, Journal of Applied Ecology (2025). DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.70079 Journal information: Journal of Applied Ecology This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: The eruption of the underwater Hunga volcano emitted the highest plume of ash ever recordedan event that was visible from Earth-observing satellites. Credit: NOAA Deep below the surface of the ocean, bacteria and critters that feed off nutrients spouting from hydrothermal vents met with a sudden wave of volcanic sediment, leaving them suffocated. Four months later, Marcus Chaknova, then a marine biology and geology major in the University of Oregon College of Arts and Sciences, stumbled across the massive deposits of ash sediment while on a research cruise with the UO's Oregon Institute of Marine Biology, the University of Rhode Island and Western Washington University. Deposited in 2022 when the underwater Hunga volcano spewed a 37-mile plume into the atmospherethe biggest eruption seen in the modern satellite erathe seafloor ash provided a unique opportunity to study the impact of sediment movement on deep-sea life. "This was an extremely rare opportunity," says Chaknova, now a graduate student in the Department of Earth Sciences. "Observing the mass movement of underwater sediment is something that hasn't been studied much." With help from Earth sciences Professor Thomas Giachetti and 16 other researchers from around the world, Chaknova analyzed the samples he collected and is now the lead author on a paper examining the geologic and biologic impacts of the transport of volcanic sedimenta substantial accomplishment for an early graduate student, Giachetti says. Published in April in Geochemistry, Geophysics, Geosystems, Chaknova's research shines a light on the implications of activities such as deep-sea mining, which can stir up sediment on the ocean floor. Many researchers have contacted Chaknova trying to get their hands on his samples, Giachetti says. "We had scientists from every single time zone you could think of," Chaknova says, adding that his research required expertise from people in geochemistry, micropaleontology, marine biology and other disciplines. "I was really impressed with Marcus in terms of managing this huge crowd of scientists," Giachetti adds. Tracing the movement of sediment After collecting samples from the ocean floor, Chaknova's first task was to verify that the ash did indeed come from the Hunga volcano. Located 40 miles from the main island of Tonga, a Polynesian archipelago in the South Pacific Ocean, the underwater volcano left a considerable amount of sediment washing up on the shores of islands over 100 kilometers away. When a volcano spews its plume high into the atmosphere, it takes time for all the ash to fall back to Earth and settle at the bottom of the ocean. As the ash drifts to the seafloor, wind and ocean currents push it farther and farther away from the initial eruption site. "One grain of sediment will take weeks or months to reach the bottom of the ocean. It's like a leaf falling from a tree. Because of the wind, it might end up somewhere completely different," says Giachetti. Back on campus, Chaknova took his samples into the lab to analyze the composition of the fine grain dust and match it with sediment found next to the eruption site. The sediment varied in size and shape; some particles were razor-sharp, while others were smooth and spherical. "In some places the deposit was very thick, like a meter to a meter and a half in thickness," Giachetti says. "Most of it is made of very fine grains, less than 100 microns. That's about the size of one of your hairs." Chaknova found that most of the sediment came from the volcanic caldera's walls and flanks and was carried away by density currents, similar to an avalanche of snow in the Cascades during the winter. The volcanic explosion released massive deposits of sediment and heat directly into the surface layer of the ocean. The sliding sediment was so powerful it broke several underwater cables, leaving tiny canyons on the seafloor, Giachetti says. Researchers have used this information to determine the velocity of the surge, comparing the time of the eruption to the moment when power from the broken cables was wiped out. Using computer programs to simulate the movement and dynamics of the ocean, Chaknova plans to map out the path of the fallen ash through the ocean. His future research could have major implications for how scientists look at the movement of volcanic ash in the ocean, Giachetti says. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. Impact on seafloor organisms In the deep sea, where sunlight can't penetrate, organisms on the seafloor lack enough energy for photosynthesis. Instead, deep-sea microbes use the methane or ammonia that seeps out of hydrothermal vents as a replacement for solar energy. This process is called chemosynthesisand recent research has shown that it's much more important for ocean biodiversity than previously thought. About 90% of marine organisms live on the seafloor, according to the World Wide Fund for Nature. After the eruption, these organisms were buried under layers of sediment, depriving them of the oxygen needed for respiration. Although mobile species like worms and anemones have shown an ability to emerge from deep burials, the rapid influx of ash proved too much for an escape. Additionally, many of the species found on the seafloor are "suspension feeders," meaning they eat by grabbing organic debris suspended in the water and filtering it through their gills. "With all the displaced sediment, these organisms are only grabbing sediment," Chaknova says. "That's going to clog their gills, it's going to clog their intestines, and that's going to have a dramatic effect on their ability to create energy." Chaknova predicts that disruptions to natural patterns of life did not only occur on the deep seafloor. Volcanic ash from the eruption produced a bloom of life in the form of plankton at the sea surface. However, this ash eventually sank and was deposited on Tonga's coral reefs, as shown by the early results of Chaknova's attempt to trace volcanic ash through the ocean. The ocean is a complex web of biodiversity, with energy being transferred throughout trophic levels. When primary producers or early-on consumer populations such as coral are affected, larger species are indirectly impacted. A disruption to Tonga's coral reefs from volcanic sedimentation could have a chain effect on the larger shallow-water trophic levels. The eruption's impact extends beyond the ocean's biodiversity. According to the World Bank Group, subsistence fishing is a vital part of Tongan life; an estimated 82% of Tongan families are involved in reef fishing. Additionally, marine tourism makes up over 7% of the nation's gross domestic product. "Although this eruption occurred on the seafloor, there is a chain of both positive and negative effects," Chaknova says. "The negative effects go farther than just losing power or Wi-Fi from submarine cables. This is some people's livelihood. They need fish for food. Fishing is incredibly important for the economic and food security of Tonga." While restrictions due to COVID prevented Chaknova from visiting the Kingdom of Tonga for his research, he was able to connect with Tongan scientists, including Taaniela Kula, who heads the Tongan Geological Services. "Kula received all our data and samples," says Chaknova, who plans to continue using the volcanic samples to study underwater currents. He stresses the importance of going a step farther than he has and avoiding what is known as "parachute science." "That's when colonialist nations go to other nations with less scientific funding and do research without developing a mutualistic long-term relationship with scientists there," he says. "Developing an international scientific relationship is easy. Maintaining that relationship following the completion of said research is far more difficult." Implications for the future As the world shifts toward a greener future, so does the demand for the minerals used to produce things like renewable energy and electric vehicles. Massive deposits of metals like copper and cobalt can be found in potato-sized globes buried underneath the seafloor. Many smaller Pacific Island nations like Tonga have been approached by private companies who present this as a huge opportunity for an economic boom. "The area where we collected the sediment is within the kingdom of Tonga, and we found that they are very rich in minerals," Chaknova says. "A lot of companies are interested in collecting these minerals, and so this area that belongs to the Kingdom of Tonga will be up for bid in coming years for deep-sea mining." Although deep-sea mining still hasn't been approved for commercial use, scientists and professionals from the Civil Society Forum of Tonga, the Tupou Tertiary Institute in Tonga and institutions around the world have voiced concerns that not enough research has been conducted to anticipate its potential impact on ocean biodiversity. When extracting underwater minerals, the movement of material can create plumes of sediment that take a long time to settle. Much like a volcanic eruption, these plumes can clog gills and bury organisms. Scientific papers like Chaknova's are crucial for understanding the potential effects of deep-sea mining on the movement of sedimentand the resulting impact on marine life, Giachetti says. More information: Marcus Chaknova et al, How Did Westward Volcaniclastic Deposits Accumulate in the Deep Sea Following the January 2022 Eruption of Hunga Volcano?, Geochemistry, Geophysics, Geosystems (2025). DOI: 10.1029/2024GC011629 Journal information: Geochemistry, Geophysics, Geosystems This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain Attention would-be warbler watchers and pigeon peepers: Ornithologists at UCLA and the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County are recruiting volunteers for Project Phoenix, a multi-year citizen science initiative investigating birds' response to wildfire. The team is seeking volunteers in California, Oregon and Washington to collect data from July through November, the duration of the official West Coast fire season. Volunteers need to choose a comfortable, familiar spota backyard, a balcony, a favorite local parkand spend 10 minutes there each week noting any bird activity they hear or see. They then enter their observations on the online platform eBird. No bird knowledge or expertise is required, said program director Olivia Sanderfoot, a UCLA ornithologist. Beginners are especially welcome, in fact, as they're more apt to notice common species and behaviors that longtime bird watchers might overlook. "Whether you are an expert birder who has been birding your whole life or you have never thought about birds, you are welcome to join Project Phoenix," Sanderfoot said. "We want this program to be accessible." This is the third consecutive year of the study, which began in 2023 with about 300 volunteers tracking bird behavior over a three-month period. The study aims to understand the effects of wildfire smoke on birds, an understudied component of the ever-expanding Western fire season. The more data volunteer observers gather, the better ornithologists can understand how fires affect these animals and what steps can be taken to help them. Participants can commit to the whole season or just a few weeks. Researchers will cross-check volunteers' notes against fire and smoke distribution data to look for patterns in animal behavior. For those who struggle to tell a bushtit from a barn owl, the team has assembled resources to help distinguish between common local species and can answer individual questions via email. Volunteers' notes are also reviewed by a team of expert birders before being passed on to researchers, who will follow up with further questions about any highly unusual birds or behavior noted. What may feel like casual observations to a backyard birder are actually valuable data points, Sanderfoot said. From the first two years of project data, scientists have already noticed that the presence of soot particlesa major component of wildfire smokechanges the probability that certain bird species will be observed in a given area, Sanderfoot said. The reason why isn't yet clear. Are scrub jays showing up in parks where they typically aren't spotted? They may be relocating to avoid sooty skies. Is the action at a backyard feeder getting surprisingly heated? It's possible that birds aggravated by smoke are becoming more territorial. Scientists want to know if birds are actually flying to new locations when air quality declines, or if they are changing their behaviors in ways that make them harder or easier for human bird-watchers to spot. "These are the hypotheses we are hoping to test with the data we collect in 2025," Sanderfoot said. "The more people we have engaged, the more likely that we will have people in place to capture these impacts where they occur. It requires people power." The bird-watching is also fun, volunteers said. "I've enjoyed being able to slow down and just stop to observe for 10 minutes," said Carrie Brown-Kornarens, a Los Feliz ceramicist and wildlife enthusiast who has volunteered for Project Phoenix since the study's launch. "Staying in one spot brings the birds to you, and it's a peaceful experience." More information: Signups are at www.projectphoenix.study 2025 Los Angeles Times. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: When the periderm is wounded ethylene escapes and oxygen enters through the injury site. These changes act as warning signals that trigger the plant to begin regenerating the periderm. Credit: Alexey Shapiguzov Scientists at the University of Helsinki discovered how plants heal their protective outer layer, the periderm. The diffusion of ethylene and oxygen through a wound triggers repaira finding with potential implications for crop resilience and food preservation. All living organisms rely on protective barrier tissues to shield them from the environment. In plants, the periderm which forms the tough outer cork layer plays this role, helping to prevent water loss and block harmful microbes, for example in potato skin and tree bark. But what happens when this protective layer is damaged? A new study from the University of Helsinki, published in the journal Nature, used the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana and revealed that plants rely on gas diffusion as a signal to detect injuries and kick-start regeneration. The research team led by Professor Ari Pekka Mahonen from the Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences found that an intact periderm is nearly impermeable to gases, causing ethylene gas, a plant hormone, to build up inside plant tissues while oxygen is depleted because of normal growth. When the periderm is wounded, however, the dynamics shift: ethylene escapes and oxygen enters through the injury site. These changes act as warning signals that trigger the plant to begin regenerating the periderm. Once the new barrier is completed, gas diffusion is again restricted. This results in ethylene accumulation and oxygen depletion, signaling that regeneration can stop and normal growth can resume. "We initially discovered the role of ethylene in regeneration. Then, in collaboration with University of Oxford Professor Francesco Licausi, a leading expert in oxygen sensing in plants, we also identified oxygen. This discovery reveals a beautifully simple, yet effective strategy plants use to monitor damage," Dr. Hiroyuki Iida, the lead scientist of this project in the Mahonen group, explains. "Gas diffusion through a wound isn't just a consequence of injuryit's the signal that initiates healing," Iida continues. Better resilience for important crops and longer shelf life for vegetables The findings have far-reaching implications. Understanding how periderm regeneration is triggered can help improve the resilience of crops like potatoes, carrots, and fruits. Damaged barriers can lead to moisture loss, vulnerability to disease, and ultimately spoilage of vegetables or fruits. By enhancing the plant's natural repair system, scientists could improve crop survival, reduce post-harvest food waste, and help plants better withstand environmental stresses such as drought. As global food systems face growing pressure from climate change and population growth, this research offers promising new avenues for boosting agricultural sustainability. "Improving the healing capacity of barrier tissues could be a game-changer for food storage and plant resilience," Mahonen concludes. More information: Hiroyuki Iida et al, Plants monitor the integrity of their barrier by sensing gas diffusion, Nature (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41586-025-09223-4 Journal information: Nature This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Workers armed with brooms, goggles, hats and scarves sweep an access road that carries 6,000 tonnes of ore destined for China each day. A nickel stockpile towers over farmer Moharen Tambiling's rice paddy in the Philippines' Palawan, evidence of a mining boom that locals hope a new moratorium will tame. "They told us before the start of their operations that it wouldn't affect us, but the effects are undeniable now," Tambiling told AFP. "Pangolins, warthogs, birds are disappearing. Flowers as well." A biodiversity hotspot, Palawan also holds vast deposits of nickel, needed for everything from stainless steel to electric vehicles. Once the world's largest exporter of the commodity, the Philippines is now racing to catch up with Indonesia. In 2021, Manila lifted a nine-year ban on mining licenses. Despite promised jobs and tax revenue, there is growing pushback against the sector in Palawan. In March, the island's governing council unanimously passed a 50-year moratorium on any new mining permits. "Flash floods, the siltation of the sea, fisheries, mangrove areas... We are witnesses to the effects of long-term mining," Nieves Rosento, a former local councilor who led the push, told AFP. Environmental rights lawyer Grizelda Mayo-Anda said the moratorium could stop nearly 70 proposed projects spanning 240,000 hectares. Mining company Ipilan says increased production will result in greater royalties for Indigenous people and higher tax revenues. "You have to protect the old-growth forest, and it's not being done," she said. From 2001 to 2024, Palawan dubbed the country's "last ecological frontier"lost 219,000 hectares of tree cover, more than any other province, in part due to mining, according to Global Forest Watch. 'Fearsome' flooding In southern Palawan's Brooke's Point, a Chinese ship at a purpose-built pier waits for ore from the stockpile overlooking Tambiling's farm. Mining company Ipilan says increased production will result in greater royalties for Indigenous people and higher tax revenues, but that means little to Tambiling's sister Alayma. The single mother-of-six once made 1,000-5,000 pesos ($18-90) a day selling lobster caught where the pier now sits. "We were surprised when we saw backhoes digging up the shore," she told AFP, calling a one-time compensation offer of 120,000 pesos ($2,150) insulting. Locals in the Philippines' Palawan hope a moratorium will stop a nickel mining boom. "The livelihood of all the Indigenous peoples depended on that area." On the farm, Tambiling stirred rice paddy mud to reveal reddish laterite he says is leaking from the ore heap and poisoning his crops. Above him, swathes of the Mantalingahan mountains have been deforested, producing floods he describes as "fearsome, deep and fast-moving." Ipilan has faced protests and legal challenges over its logging, but its operations continue. Calls to parent company Global Ferronickel Holdings were not returned. For some in Palawan, the demand for nickel to power EVs has a certain irony. "You may be able to... eliminate pollution using electric vehicles," said Jeminda Bartolome, an anti-mining advocate. "But you should also study what happens to the area you are mining." Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. 'First-class municipality' In Bataraza, the country's oldest nickel mine is expanding, having secured permission before the moratorium. A fifth of the Philippines' Indigenous land is covered by mining and exploration permits. Rio Tuba employees armed with brooms, goggles, hats and scarves are barely visible through reddish dust as they sweep an access road that carries 6,000 tonnes of ore destined for China each day. Company senior vice president Jose Bayani Baylon said mining turned a barely accessible malarial swamp into a "first-class municipality". "You have an airport, you have a port, you have a community here. You have a hospital, you have infrastructure which many other communities don't have," he told AFP. He dismisses environmental concerns as overblown. With part of its concession tapped out, the company is extending into an area once off-limits to logging but since rezoned. Thousands of trees have been cleared since January, according to locals, but Baylon said "under the law, for every tree you cut, you have to plant 100". Swathes of the Mantalingahan mountains have been deforested, producing floods. The company showed AFP a nine-hectare plot it spent 15 years restoring with native plants. But it is unclear to what degree that will be replicated. Baylon concedes some areas could become solar farms instead. 'Four kilos of rice' Nearby, Indigenous resident Kennedy Coria says mining has upset Mount Bulanjao's ecosystem. "Honeybees disappeared where we used to find them. Fruit trees in the forest stopped bearing fruit," the father-of-seven said. A fifth of the Philippines' Indigenous land is covered by mining and exploration permits, according to rights group Global Witness. Legally, they have the right to refuse projects and share profits, but critics say the process is rarely clear. "There are Indigenous peoples who have not received any royalties for the past 10 years," said Rosento. Coria, who can neither read nor write, said he must sign a document each year when accepting what he is told is his share of Rio Tuba profits. Moharen Tambiling (C), his sister Alayma (R) and their mother stand on their farm next to stockpiled nickel ore in Palawan province. "We get about four kilos of rice from the community leader, who tells us it came from the company," he said. Rio Tuba said funds are distributed in coordination with the National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP), which is meant to represent the communities. But some say it acts in the interests of miners, attempting to persuade locals to accept concessions and the terms offered by companies. The NCIP referred questions to multiple regional offices, none of which replied. The government's industry regulator declined interview requests. While Palawan's moratorium will not stop Rio Tuba's expansion or Ipilan's operations, supporters believe it will slow further mining. Ryan Maminta, a councilor who backed the moratorium said it already halted one expansion. There are looming legal challenges, however. Legally, Indigenous residents have the right to refuse projects and share profits, but critics say the process is rarely clear. Thousands of trees have been cleared since January, according to locals. While Palawan's moratorium will not stop Rio Tuba's expansion or Ipilan's operations, supporters believe it will slow further mining. A recent Supreme Court decision struck down a mining ban in Occidental Mindoro province. Backers remain confident though, and Rosento said the council would stand firm. "Responsible mining is just a catchphrase," she said. 2025 AFP This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Temperature records were set Tuesday in Portugal. After days of record-breaking heat waves across Europe, relief will start to arrive from the Atlantic on Wednesday, bringing thunderstorms and cooler temperatures to parts of western Europe. Paris hit 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) on Tuesday, but the high will drop to 35C on Wednesday and to 28C on Thursday, Meteo-France forecast. "Our latest forecasts confirm the arrival of cooling from the west on Wednesday, which will quickly affect the northwest of the country," Meteo-France said, adding that there could be heavy thunderstorms late Wednesday and Thursday in the east along the German border. Germany's national weather service is forecasting a peak of 40C on Wednesday in the economic capital Frankfurt, but that will plummet to 27C by Thursday. Spain and Italy, meanwhile, may have to wait for the weekend to see some limited relief. On Tuesday, around 2,200 schools were shut in France because of the heat, but only about 135 are expected to be kept closed Wednesday, the education ministry said. Meteo-France said June 30 was the hottest June day since measurements began in 1947, beating out a record set in 2019. Similar records were set Tuesday in Portugal and the Netherlands. "For the continent as a whole, the month is likely to be ranked among the top 5 warmest Junes on record," said the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts. On Sunday, in a case of two extremes, the Mediterranean Sea hit a record-high temperature for June while Mont Blanc, the highest peak in Europe, went above freezing, a rarity for this time of year. In Turkey, forest fires that broke out over the weekend around Izmir in the west and Hatay in the south were largely brought under control, authorities said Tuesday evening, though they warned about continued risks from dry, hot winds. 'Silent killer' Tens of thousands of people have died in Europe during past heat waves, prompting authorities to issue warnings for old and young, the sick, and others vulnerable to what experts call a "silent killer." On Tuesday, police in Spain said a two-year-old died in the country's northeast after being left in a car in the sun for several hours. "Due to climate change caused by humans, extreme heat is becoming more frequent and intense. This is something we must learn to live with," said Clare Nullis, spokesperson for the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), a UN agency based in Geneva. Extreme heat can cause dehydration, muscle cramps, headaches and nausea. The most serious risk is heatstroke, which can lead to death, especially in vulnerable people. Free guided tours of air-conditioned museums in Venice and free access to swimming pools in Rome were offered to protect seniors. According to a report by Allianz Trade on Tuesday, the European economy could lose 0.5 percentage points of growth this year due to recent heat waves. The health impact will take longer to assess. According to France's Ministry of Health, an initial estimate of excess mortality during the period will be available approximately two weeks after the end of the heat wave, but detailed data based on medical data will not be available until the fall. 2025 AFP This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: The fossil Sphenodraco scandentis: counterplate with most of the bones under UV light, Natural History Museum in London. Credit: Victor Beccari, SNSB/LMU Paleontologists have identified a new ancient reptile from the Solnhofen limestone slabs, thanks to a chance discovery. A Ph.D. student recently found the counterpart of the original fossil at the Natural History Museum in London. The research team published their findings in the Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society. The lizard-like fossil has actually been known since the 1930s: a Solnhofen limestone slab from the Senckenberg Natural History Museum in Frankfurt shows the body impression of a small, long-limbed reptile, 145 million years old. The animal resembles modern lizards, but is closely related to the tuatara of New Zealand and was previously thought to be a representative of the species Homoeosaurus maximiliani. A chance discovery has now provided new insights: Victor Beccari, a doctoral student at the Bavarian State Collection of Paleontology and Geology and LMU Munich, came across a skeleton at the Natural History Museum in London that was very similar to the Frankfurt specimen described above. In fact, it was the counterslab of the Senckenberg fossil, containing most of the bones of this ancient reptile. The new specimen provides key information for understanding the biology of ancient reptiles and represents a new species, Sphenodraco scandentis. Beccari has now published the results of the study together with an international team of experts, including SNSB paleontologist Prof. Oliver Rauhut, an expert on the Solnhofen reptiles. The limestone slabs from the valley of the Altmuhl between Solnhofen and Kelheim in central Bavaria are world-famous for their many excellently preserved fossils, including the famous "urvogel" Archaeopteryx. This is also due to the very special way in which they are preserved: the fossils from this site are embedded flat in layers of limestone. When fossil collectors split the limestone slab, they usually find part of the skeleton in one slab and the body impression in the counterslab. These are usually kept together. "Apparently, the two parts of this fossil were sold separately almost a century ago to the museums in Frankfurt and London, where they can still be visited today. However, the connection between the two plates was lost. Until now, scientists were only aware of the Frankfurt half," says Beccari, lead author of the study. Living reconstruction of Sphenodraco scandentis in the Solnhofen Archipelago in Germany during the late Jurassic period. Credit: Paleoartist Gabriel Ugueto Today, only one living species of the lizard-like Rhynchocephalia is known: the tuatara from New Zealand. During the Triassic and Jurassic periods, rhynchocephalians were widespread and lived alongside dinosaurs on almost all continents. "The Solnhofen Archipelago is known for its species-rich Rhynchocephalia fauna. We know of hundreds of well-preserved, almost complete skeletons of these lizard-like reptiles from there. Every new fossil provides us with more insights into their evolution and way of life, including Sphenodraco scandentis," says Beccari. The now complete fossil from Frankfurt and London shows characteristics that differ from previously found Rhynchocephalia: For example, Sphenodraco has very long limb bones in relation to its small body size. A comparison with modern lizards with a similar body structure suggests that the animal was probably a good climber and lived in trees, perhaps being the first truly arboreal species from the rhynchocephalian group, according to the researchers. More information: Victor Beccari et al, An arboreal rhynchocephalian from the Late Jurassic of Germany, and the importance of the appendicular skeleton for ecomorphology in lepidosaurs, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society (2025). DOI: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zlaf073 Journal information: Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: The stone tools discovered in Marathousa 1 demonstrate the targeted use of various techniquesdepending on material and function. Credit: PLOS One (2025). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0324958 An international research team has published a new study on one of the oldest known sites for the processing of animal meat by humans in the southern Balkans. At Marathousa 1, an archaeological site in the Greek Megalopolis Basin, researchers not only found numerous stone tools that provide clues to human behavior but also remains of the extinct straight-tusked elephant Palaeoloxodon antiquus. The study, published in the journal PLOS One and led by the Senckenberg Center for Human Evolution and Paleoenvironment at the University of Tubingen, shows that various tool-making techniques were already being used about 430,000 years agodepending on the material and purpose. The Marathousa 1 hominins produced the sharp-edged flakes required for cutting meat both by freehand striking and by using "bipolar striking techniques." The currently oldest known archaeological site in Greece is located in the Megalopolis region in the central Peloponnese (Arcadia, Greece). "The Marathousa 1 site, located in the open air, was discovered just over 10 years ago and has been dated to an age of around 430,000 years," explains Dalila De Caro, the study's first author and a doctoral candidate in the Department of Paleoanthropology at the University of Tubingen. "The site offers a rare opportunity to study human behavior in southern Europe during the Middle Pleistocene." Together with other researchers from the University of Tubingen, the Senckenberg Center for Human Evolution and Paleoenvironment (SHEP), the Greek University of Ioannina, and the Department of Paleoanthropology and Speleology of the Greek Ministry of Culture and Sport, De Caro examined stone tools from the site, which were found together with animal bonesespecially the remains of prehistoric elephants. "We wanted to find out how Middle Pleistocene hominins made their tools and organized the production. We were also interested in how the resource-rich environment of the Megalopolis Basinwith abundant water, raw materials, and animalsinfluenced their behavior," explains De Caro. "The bones of the large animal fauna show signs of cutting and impact marksclear evidence of the dismembering and processing of the animals by humans. The site therefore provides important testimony to the hominin way of life in the Middle Pleistocene," adds SHEP researcher Professor Katerina Harvati. The research team reconstructed the manufacturing processes of the stone tools at the site through a combination of technological analyses, experimental replicas of stone processing, and the examination of the raw materials used. The tools were predominantly made from local radiolarite, a very hard rock suitable for creating lithic flakes. They included both simple flakes and reworked tools. "Our results show that 430,000 years ago, people combined different tool-making techniques. So-called freehand striking was mainly used to create small, sharp-edged flakes, while the 'bipolar technique'in which the stone is placed on a kind of anvil and struck from abovewas applied to make the most efficient use of the raw material," explains De Caro. Particularly noticeable is the direct strike for the systematic production of small toolsnot only from the dominant radiolarite, but also from limestone, flint, and quartz, according to the study. The small flakes were apparently versatile and confirm earlier studies on the effectiveness of these "microliths." Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. Experiments show that these radiolarite chips are very efficient for dismembering animals. In some cases, the Marathousa 1 flakes were also further processed to produce tools such as scrapers, toothed implements, or drills. "Our findings clearly show that small tools are not a sign of simplistic technologyon the contrary, they reflect a well-thought-out adaptation to the requirements of the respective environment," adds last author Dr. Vangelis Tourloukis from the Universities of Tubingen and Ioannina. "A key finding of our study is that Marathousa 1 reveals a direct link between small tools and the remains of the prehistoric elephant Palaeoloxodon antiquus. This clearly demonstrates that the dismemberment of animal carcasses was one of the most important activities of the people living on the shores of the prehistoric lake of Megalopolis. "The flexibility in the production of the tools required for this purpose shows how well these hominins adapted to their environment and efficiently used the available raw materials," summarizes De Caro. "In the future, we would like to clarify how such behavioral patterns developed in other parts of Eurasia and what role environmental factors played in this." More information: Dalila De Caro et al, Small flakes for sharp needs: Technological behaviour in the Lower Palaeolithic site of Marathousa 1, Greece, PLOS One (2025). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0324958 Journal information: PLoS ONE This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain SpaceX was facing a poor forecast for its launch attempt of a European satellite on the Space Coast, but the skies cleared and the rocket lifted off right on time. A Falcon 9 on the MTGS1 mission carrying the second of EUMETSAT's third generation of weather satellites took off from Kennedy Space Center Launch Pad 39-A at 5:04 p.m. Eastern time. The forecast had only predicted a 20% chance for good conditions, but the predicted coastal rain threat didn't materialize and the countdown proceeded, hitting the opening of what had been a 150-minute launch window. This marked the ninth flight of the first-stage booster, which also flew two human spaceflightsCrew-9 and Fram2as well as the Firefly Blue Ghost Mission 1 that sent a successful lander to the moon. It made a recovery landing downrange on the droneship Just Read the Instructions stationed in the Atlantic. The European satellite aims to sample the atmosphere at hyperspectral resolution with an infrared sounder that will look at temperature and humidity profiles. Also on board is the European Union's Copernicus Sentinel-4 mission, which aims to monitor key air quality trace gases and aerosols over Europe. This was the 57th launch from the Space Coast for 2025, with all but three coming from SpaceX. 2025 Orlando Sentinel. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: A near-infrared image from NASAs James Webb Space Telescope shows a region known as the JADES Deep Field. Tens of thousands of galaxies are visible in this tiny patch of sky, including Little Red Dots and hundreds of galaxies that existed more than 13.2 billion years ago, when the universe was less than 600 million years old. Webb also spotted roughly 80 ancient supernovae, many of which exploded when the universe was less than 2 billion years old. This is ten times more supernovae than had ever been discovered before in the early universe. Comparing these supernovae from the distant past with those in the more recent, nearby universe helps us understand how stars in these early times formed, lived, and died, seeding space with the elements for new generations of stars and their planets. Credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI, JADES Collaboration Since July 2022, NASA's James Webb Space Telescope has been unwaveringly focused on our universe. With its unprecedented power to detect and analyze otherwise invisible infrared light, Webb is making observations that were once impossible, changing our view of the cosmos from the most distant galaxies to our own solar system. Webb was built with the promise of revolutionizing astronomy, of rewriting the textbooks. And by any measure, it has more than lived up to the hypeexceeding expectations to a degree that scientists had not dared imagine. Since science operations began, Webb has completed more than 860 scientific programs, with one-quarter of its time dedicated to imaging and three-quarters to spectroscopy. In just three years, it has collected nearly 550 terabytes of data, yielding more than 1,600 research papers, with intriguing results too numerous to list and a host of new questions to answer. Here are just a few noteworthy examples. 1. The universe evolved significantly faster than we previously thought. Webb was specifically designed to observe "cosmic dawn," a time during the first billion years of the universe when the first stars and galaxies were forming. What we expected to see were a few faint galaxies, hints of what would become the galaxies we see nearby. Instead, Webb has revealed surprisingly bright galaxies that developed within 300 million years of the big bang; galaxies with black holes that seem far too massive for their age; and an infant Milky Way-type galaxy that existed when the universe was just 600 million years old. Webb has observed galaxies that already "turned off" and stopped forming stars within a billion years of the big bang, as well as those that developed quickly into modern-looking "grand design" spirals within 1.5 billion years. Hundreds of millions of years might not seem quick for a growth spurt, but keep in mind that the universe formed in the big bang roughly 13.8 billion years ago. If you were to cram all of cosmic time into one year, the most distant of these galaxies would have matured within the first couple of weeks, rapidly forming multiple generations of stars and enriching the universe with the elements we see today. 2. Deep space is scattered with enigmatic 'Little Red Dots.' Webb has revealed a new type of galaxy: a distant population of mysteriously compact, bright, red galaxies dubbed Little Red Dots. What makes Little Red Dots so bright and so red? Are they lit up by dense groupings of unusually bright stars or by gas spiraling into a supermassive black hole, or both? And whatever happened to them? Little Red Dots seem to have appeared in the universe around 600 million years after the big bang (13.2 billion years ago), and rapidly declined in number less than a billion years later. Did they evolve into something else? If so, how? Webb is probing Little Red Dots in more detail to answer these questions. 3. Pulsating stars and a triply lensed supernova are further evidence that the 'Hubble Tension' is real. How fast is the universe expanding? It's hard to say because different ways of calculating the current expansion rate yield different resultsa dilemma known as the Hubble Tension. Are these differences just a result of measurement errors, or is there something weird going on in the universe? So far, Webb data indicates that the Hubble Tension is not caused by measurement errors. Webb was able to distinguish pulsating stars from nearby stars in a crowded field, ensuring that the measurements weren't contaminated by extra light. Webb also discovered a distant, gravitationally lensed supernova whose image appears in three different locations and at three different times during its explosion. Calculating the expansion rate based on the brightness of the supernova at these three different times provides an independent check on measurements made using other techniques. Until the matter of the Hubble Tension is settled, Webb will continue measuring different objects and exploring new methods. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. 4. Webb has found surprisingly rich and varied atmospheres on gas giants orbiting distant stars. While NASA's Hubble Space Telescope made the first detection of gases in the atmosphere of a gas giant exoplanet (a planet outside our solar system), Webb has taken studies to an entirely new level. Webb has revealed a rich cocktail of chemicals, including hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, carbon dioxide, methane, and sulfur dioxidenone of which had been clearly detected in an atmosphere outside our solar system before. Webb has also been able to examine exotic climates of gas giants as never before, detecting flakes of silica "snow" in the skies of the puffy, searing-hot gas giant WASP-17 b, for example, and measuring differences in temperature and cloud cover between the permanent morning and evening skies of WASP-39 b. A transmission spectrum of the "warm Neptune" exoplanet WASP-107 b captured by NASA's Hubble and Webb space telescopes, shows clear evidence for water, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, methane, sulfur dioxide, and ammonia in the planet's atmosphere. These measurements allowed researchers to estimate the interior temperature and mass of the core of the planet, as well as understand the chemistry and dynamics of the atmosphere. Credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, Ralf Crawford (STScI) 5. A rocky planet 40 light-years from Earth may have an atmosphere fed by gas bubbling up from its lava-covered surface. Detecting, let alone analyzing, a thin layer of gas surrounding a small rocky planet is no easy feat, but Webb's extraordinary ability to measure extremely subtle changes in the brightness of infrared light makes it possible. So far, Webb has been able to rule out significant atmosphere on a number of rocky planets, and has found tantalizing signs of carbon monoxide or carbon dioxide on 55 Cancri e, a lava world that orbits a sun-like star. With findings like these, Webb is laying the groundwork for NASA's future Habitable Worlds Observatory, which will be the first mission purpose-built to directly image and search for life on Earth-like planets around sun-like stars. 6. Webb exposes the skeletal structure of nearby spiral galaxies in mesmerizing detail. We already knew that galaxies are collections of stars, planets, dust, gas, dark matter, and black holes: cosmic cities where stars form, live, die, and are recycled into the next generation. But we had never been able to see the structure of a galaxy and the interactions between stars and their environment in such detail. Webb's infrared vision reveals filaments of dust that trace the spiral arms, old star clusters that make up galactic cores, newly forming stars still encased in dense cocoons of glowing dust and gas, and clusters of hot young stars carving enormous cavities in the dust. It also elucidates how stellar winds and explosions actively reshape their galactic homes. A near- to mid-infrared image from NASA's James Webb Space Telescope highlights details in the complex structure of a nearby galaxy that are invisible to other telescopes. The image of NGC 628, also known as the Phantom Galaxy, shows spiral arms with lanes of warm dust (represented in red), knots of glowing gas (orange-yellow), and giant bubbles (black) carved by hot, young stars. The dust-free core of the galaxy is filled with older, cooler stars (blue). Credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI, Janice Lee (STScI), Thomas Williams (Oxford), PHANGS team 7. It can be hard to tell the difference between a brown dwarf and a rogue planet. Brown dwarfs form like stars, but are not dense or hot enough to fuse hydrogen in their cores like stars do. Rogue planets form like other planets, but have been ejected from their system and no longer orbit a star. Webb has spotted hundreds of brown-dwarf-like objects in the Milky Way, and has even detected some candidates in a neighboring galaxy. But some of these objects are so smalljust a few times the mass of Jupiterthat it is hard to figure out how they formed. Are they free-floating gas giant planets instead? What is the least amount of material needed to form a brown dwarf or a star? We're not sure yet, but thanks to three years of Webb observations, we now know there is a continuum of objects from planets to brown dwarfs to stars. 8. Some planets might be able to survive the death of their star. When a star like our sun dies, it swells up to form a red giant large enough to engulf nearby planets. It then sheds its outer layers, leaving behind a super-hot core known as a white dwarf. Is there a safe distance that planets can survive this process? Webb might have found some planets orbiting white dwarfs. If these candidates are confirmed, it would mean that it is possible for planets to survive the death of their star, remaining in orbit around the slowly cooling stellar ember. 9. Saturn's water supply is fed by a giant fountain of vapor spewing from Enceladus. Among the icy "ocean worlds" of our solar system, Saturn's moon Enceladus might be the most intriguing. NASA's Cassini mission first detected water plumes coming out of its southern pole. But only Webb could reveal the plume's true scale as a vast cloud spanning more than 6,000 miles, about 20 times wider than Enceladus itself. This water spreads out into a donut-shaped torus encircling Saturn beyond the rings that are visible in backyard telescopes. While a fraction of the water stays in that ring, the majority of it spreads throughout the Saturnian system, even raining down onto the planet itself. Webb's unique observations of rings, auroras, clouds, winds, ices, gases, and other materials and phenomena in the solar system are helping us better understand what our cosmic neighborhood is made of and how it has changed over time. A combination of images and spectra captured by NASAs James Webb Space Telescope show a giant plume of water jetting out from the south pole of Saturns moon Enceladus, creating a donut-shaped ring of water around the planet. Credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, G. Villanueva (NASAs Goddard Space Flight Center), A. Pagan (STScI), L. Hustak (STScI) 10. Webb can size up asteroids that may be headed for Earth. In 2024 astronomers discovered an asteroid that, based on preliminary calculations, had a chance of hitting Earth. Such potentially hazardous asteroids become an immediate focus of attention, and Webb was uniquely able to measure the object, which turned out to be the size of a 15-story building. While this particular asteroid is no longer considered a threat to Earth, the study demonstrated Webb's ability to assess the hazard. Webb also provided support for NASA's Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) mission, which deliberately smashed into the Didymos binary asteroid system, showing that a planned impact could deflect an asteroid on a collision course with Earth. Both Webb and Hubble observed the impact, serving as witnesses to the resulting spray of material that was ejected. Webb's spectroscopic observations of the system confirmed that the composition of the asteroids is probably typical of those that could threaten Earth. In just three years of operations, Webb has brought the distant universe into focus, revealing unexpectedly bright and numerous galaxies. It has unveiled new stars in their dusty cocoons, remains of exploded stars, and skeletons of entire galaxies. It has studied weather on gas giants, and hunted for atmospheres on rocky planets. And it has provided new insights into the residents of our own solar system. But this is only the beginning. Engineers estimate that Webb has enough fuel to continue observing for at least 20 more years, giving us the opportunity to answer additional questions, pursue new mysteries, and put together more pieces of the cosmic puzzle. For example: What were the very first stars like? Did stars form differently in the early universe? Do we even know how galaxies form? How do stars, dust, and supermassive black holes affect each other? What can merging galaxy clusters tell us about the nature of dark matter? How do collisions, bursts of stellar radiation, and migration of icy pebbles affect planet-forming disks? Can atmospheres survive on rocky worlds orbiting active red dwarf stars? Is Uranus's moon Ariel an ocean world? As with any scientific endeavor, every answer raises more questions, and Webb has shown that its investigative power is unmatched. Demand for observing time on Webb is at an all-time high, greater than any other telescope in history, on the ground or in space. What new findings await? Provided by NASA QUEENSBURY The Glen Lake Protective Association, along with tens of neighbors, have come out in strong opposition to a proposed Coles Collision at 1300 U.S. Route 9 over fears of potential environmental damage. The public spoke out against Coles Collision during a Queensbury Planning Board meeting on Tuesday where residents wore blue ribbons in support of Glen Lake and the surrounding environment, citing a myriad of potential concerns, like water pollution through contaminated runoff and land disturbance, as reasons why they feel the auto body repair shop does not belong near the lake. Paul Derby, president of the Glen Lake Protective Association, alleged that the developments close proximity to a critical environmental area, like the Glen Lake fen and land conservancy, could pose some serious risks to water quality. Derby also requested that the planning board conduct a more extensive and thorough environmental quality review for the project. At this point, we strongly oppose [Coles Collision] because we feel that it has potential negative environmental effects on the fen, which is our main in-source water ultimately to Glen Lake, Derby said. A fen is a wetland that receives nutrients from ground and surface water. When I purchased my home, I knew that it was going to be next to a commercial property. I knew there would always be a business such as a restaurant, gift shop, or even a convenience store, but never in a million years did I think an auto body shop would go in there, said neighbor Michele Niedermeyer, who is the closest resident on an adjacent property. A building and project of this scale that would come up to my property line and remove so much of the natural surroundings is beyond scope, Niedermeyer continued. I have some major concerns, such as noise, property value, quality of life, site views and lighting, flooding from the runoff, traffic, air and water quality, Niedermeyer said. Project engineer Luigi Palleschi claimed that Coles Collision will have limited, if any, environmental impacts. This is their eighth facility that theyre looking to build. If youve gone to any of their other facilities, the building materials, the way they insulate and the way they operate its all state of the art stuff, Palleschi said. There will be paint booths in there, but that paint booth that they have is an Italian brand, very top notch, so all the emissions that come out of there, theres no smell, no noise, Palleschi continued. John Cole, owner of Coles Collision, purchased the property on 1300 U.S. Route 9 last November for around $690,000, according to property records. With several locations spread throughout the Capital Region, Coles Collision has yet to come as far north as Queensbury. The location on the corner of Glen Lake Road and Route 9 has changed hands multiple times over the years, including the former site of Blue Moose Restaurant. Many Queensbury residents said that they would welcome Coles Collision to the town; however, the proposed corner location is not the right fit. What youre seeing right here [public turnout] is a testimony to our community that is saying this is a square peg in a round hole, said resident George Normandin. We dont want to deter an actual transaction from happening somewhere in our community thats the right fit. Were just saying this isnt the right location. Normandin added that controversies such as this one can be avoided if small businesses are able to have a more frequent dialogue with town officials to find locations that best suit them while not harming the environment or neighbors. Queensbury resident Robin Larkin added that the towns comprehensive plan should be used as a guide for projects such as this, explaining, I think the residents have spoken on what they would like Queensbury to look like, and that really needs to be part of this discussion. What do we want Queensbury to look like? If this can go there, our zoning has got a problem. The corner lot is currently zoned commercial-intensive for businesses like Coles Collision. If approved, the proposed 16,000-square-foot auto body repair shop is expected to have an Adirondack-themed appearance, according to Palleschi. Coles Collision will next work with the town engineer to address various site plan issues, including significant grading concerns with the sites downward slope that could contribute to runoff. The project is currently scheduled to go back before the planning board on August 19. The public hearing will remain open. 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Part-funded by the Welsh Government and delivered in collaboration with the Senedd Education Team, the event offered students a unique opportunity to visit both County Hall and the Senedd. The programme is part of Cardiff Council's ongoing commitment to promoting civic engagement among young people. During the visit, pupils received political awareness training, learned about the functions of the Senedd, and participated in a mock election where they voted overwhelmingly in favour of expanding the Democracy Ambassadors Programme to all schools. They also explored how Cardiff Council operates, including how decisions are made and how the Council ensures accountability, transparency, and active engagement. Pupils prepared and delivered speeches on issues important to them in a mock council meeting chaired by the Lord Mayor of Cardiff. Cllr Sarah Merry, Cabinet Member for Education, engaged directly with the students, answering their questions and encouraging their interest in civic life. "It's inspiring to see young people so engaged in the democratic process," said Cllr Merry. "These experiences help build the next generation of informed, active citizens. They will better understand how decisions are made that shape their lives, and how to influence them. One day they may be sat in the Council or Senedd chamber making those decisions too." The Lord Mayor of Cardiff added, "I was delighted to welcome the schools to County Hall. It is important to support initiatives like the Democracy Ambassadors Programme. It's vital that our young people understand how their voices can shape the future of our city." The Council is keen to extend the invitation to other schools across the city to learn more about local democracy. 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Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi held a meet and greet at The Atlas Collective in Moline on Tuesday to kick off a statewide tour as he campaigns to succeed retiring U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin. With Moline Mayor Sangeetha Rayapati and former U.S. Rep. Phil Hare standing with him, Krishnamoorthi said his purpose in life is to make sure access to "the American Dream is there for everybody." Born in India, Krishnamoorthi said, he moved to the U.S. with his family when he was 3 months old. The family moved to Buffalo, New York, where his father was studying engineering. When the recession of 1973 hit, Krishnamoorthi said, his father lost his income, and during the early part of his childhood, the family lived in public housing and subsisted on food stamps, which he referred to as "two vital, life-sustaining programs." After his father finished his education, the family moved to Peoria "where we entered the middle class." "My father instructed me and my brother that whatever we do, just make sure this country is there for the families that need it," he said. "That's my North Star. "I've got to do everything I can to pass forward those blessings conferred on my family," Krishnamoorthi said. Krishnamoorthi, a Schaumburg Democrat who represents Illinois' 8th Congressional District, announced his campaign in early May, two weeks after Durbin announced he would not seek reelection. Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton and U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly, D-Matteson, are also running in the Democratic primary. Krishnamoorthi had a flight back to Washington D.C. that was canceled due to storms on the east coast, so after the event in Moline, he began a 14-hour drive back to the nation's capital to vote on the reconciliation bill Wednesday morning. Known by Republicans as the "Big Beautiful Bill," Krishnamoorthi said he calls it the "Large Lousy Law" because it is cutting into the programs, public housing and food stamps, that allowed him to thrive and become successful. The bill, he said, threatens to dismantle "that social safety net that made my life possible," he added. "I announced my candidacy to preserve the American Dream for everybody," he added. "I don't care if you're working poor, middle class, I don't care if you're Kara (Taghon, owner of The Atlas Collective,) growing your own business. We've got to make sure that that American Dream is there for everybody." Krishnamoorthi said he met with leaders of the Rock Island Arsenal and local trade unions on Tuesday. A champion of technical and skills trades education, he said the unions told him they had more work than people to do the jobs available. With 60% of the nation's population not having college degrees, he said people need to have access to technical and skills education so that "they can have access to the greatest social welfare program devised by human beings and that is a J-O-B." "If they don't even have that they can't get into the middle class," he said, adding that everything must be done to make sure "everybody can get on the up escalator of the economy." Krishnamoorthi chose Moline to start off his summer listening tour because Moline "is at the epicenter of the kinds of changes happening in our economy." Products made by Deere & Co. have become more expensive to sell because of what he called a "stupid trade war with random countries." After visiting the skills-based education center at United Township High School, he said the area takes trades and technical education seriously and described it as "a model for how we should handle workforce development going forward." Living next to Iowa, he said, the Illinois Quad-Cities area knows what it means to be competitive. "And we have to be competitive and not just with tax policy but with workforce development and everything else that goes with it," he said. Rayapati said she is supporting Krishnamoorthi because he would be a voice for western and downstate Illinois. "We don't have enough voices for western Illinois, for downstate Illinois and we need more attention," she said. Hare, who represented the Illinois Quad-Cities in Congress from 2007 to 2011, said he is backing Krishnamoorthi after hearing him speak at the Democratic National Convention last year in Chicago. "He talked about himself, where the party ought to be and the things that we stand for, and that's what we have to have, in my opinion," Hare said. After residents and community leaders described efforts to improve conditions in a low-income neighborhood in Rapid City, the company that owns and manages the property has provided its perspective. A representative of Tzadik, which runs Star Village, said the company recognizes the seriousness of residents concerns and remains committed to working with the city, residents, and community partners to address them. Star Village was established in the early 1950s as Signal Heights, a housing development for Air Force personnel and civilian defense workers that slowly transitioned to include non-military-affiliated tenants. Star Village is now a low-income housing area that suffers from high violent crime rates and police call volumes. Matt Rak, regional maintenance manager with Tzadik, wrote the Journal a letter after it published an article on June 6 titled Saving Star Village: Community works to pull Rapid City neighborhood out of third-world living conditions, which detailed residents complaints about issues with maintenance, and the citys and residents attempts to improve the neighborhood. We understand that the challenges at Star Village are real, and that there is more work ahead. But we are not disengaged. Our local staff and management team are working daily to address service requests, support residents, and build a safer, more stable neighborhood, Rak said. We also believe its important to acknowledge the progress that has been made progress that reflects a sustained and substantial commitment to this community, Rak continued. Rak said Tzadik has invested over $2.4 million in capital improvements and upgrades to the property since the company purchased it at the end of 2019. He said the company has spent more than $360,000 on repairs and maintenance and paid over $716,000 in property taxes "to support the communitys public services. "Those funds have gone toward restoring down units and making them livable again, upgrading the property management office, which now also serves as a shared space for the city, completing substantial exterior work, including landscaping and security enhancements, roof replacement and repair and making structural improvements across the site," he said. He added the efforts have improved both occupancy and resident satisfaction. Rak said the property consists of approximately 180 units, and typically, 170 to 175 are occupied. A small number of units are undergoing repairs or upgrades and will be made available as soon as they are ready for occupancy, Rak wrote. In the June 6 article, a representative of the Rapid City Police Department said communication with the property management company was a hurdle to progress in the neighborhood. Rak rebuffed that in an email to the Journal. We are in regular contact with the Rapid City Police Department and continue to work collaboratively with their Community Engagement Team. In fact, we meet weekly with various city departments including code enforcement and law enforcement and have supported the departments goals by donating a unit to serve as a community policing hub at Star Village, he said. As to maintenance issues, Rak said there are currently two maintenance staff who are assigned to Star Village. Their efforts are dedicated to the property, but we also utilize regional support as needed from additional staff to ensure repairs and maintenance are addressed in a timely and efficient manner. Rak said the company has implemented Property Meld, a Rapid City-based software platform that streamlines maintenance scheduling, communication and follow-up. This tool enables real-time transparency on service requests and supports scheduled preventive maintenance, helping us apply best practices to property operations. This level of maintenance coordination simply didnt exist under the prior ownership and has proven essential to our ongoing improvement efforts, he said. As for Star Villages future and whether foreclosure filings Tzadik faces for other companies will impact it, Rak said the companys long-term goal for Star Village is, to continue providing safe, affordable housing that meets a critical need in the Rapid City community. We are committed to maintaining and improving the property to ensure residents have access to stable housing in a supportive environment. As housing demand continues to grow in the area, we recognize the importance of Star Village in contributing to that broader community need. Dakota News Now reported in March that Tzadik faces foreclosure for over $14.93 million in debts to Merchant States Bank in Indiana, insurance companies, back taxes and other creditors. Rak told the Journal there are no such filings against Star Village itself. Tzadik is actively working with its lender toward a loan modification agreement. As part of that process, we are in the final stages of selling several properties in Sioux Falls. Upon completion of those sales, Star Village will be owned free and clear, ensuring long-term financial stability for the site. Rak said Star Village is part of Rapid Citys history and we believe it can be part of its future. Real progress requires not only honest conversations, but also long-term collaboration and shared accountability. We invite community leaders, city officials, and residents to continue working with us through dialogue, transparency, and partnershipto turn that vision into reality, he continued. Our door is open, and were committed to moving forward together. Various Independence Day events are planned across the Bitterroot Valley on Friday, from annual celebrations to ambitious first time festivals. Darby This year the Town of Darby will be celebrating their first annual Fourth of July celebration at the Darby Rodeo Grounds, 100 Rodeo Rd. Starting at 2 p.m., the event will feature live music, a car show, spoon races, fireworks and much much more. The event is being put on by the Darby Events Committee, who said in an announcement that the event would be bringing back the classics with a variety of games for both the young and the young at heart! Tickets are $1 each and a set of six tickets is $5. Fourth of July is also Darby's birthday, Timothy Gibson with the Darby Events Committee told the Ravalli Republic. It was the day Darby was named Darby. Darby was named after local postmaster James Darby on July 4, 1888. Gibson said that the Darby Events Committee was putting on this year's event because Darby had "never had a Fourth of July celebration before" and that he wanted to give families a local event to participate in. He said he originally envisioned a Fourth of July parade, but that the ongoing road construction on U.S. Highway 93 tampered with his plans. A smorgasbord of pre-firework festivities like apple bobbing, a three legged race, a pie eating contest, a greased pig race, a sawdust pile, tug-of-war, a dunk tank, a car show and so many more surprises will be happening from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the rodeo grounds. Additionally, there will be a Fourth of July corn-hole tournament taking place, with a $5 admission fee and cash prizes for the top three teams. After that, Cow Shit Kate will be playing country music from 6 to 8 p.m. Fireworks will start at approximately 10 p.m. at Frost Ranch, around the third mile marker on West Fork Road. "We're planning on doing it as long as we can keep everything going," Gibson said, explaining that next year he wanted to revisit his Fourth of July parade idea. "We want to do this for a long time." Stevensville The Stevensville Civic Club, in association with the American Legion Auxiliary and the Stevi Fire Department, will be hosting their annual PIGnic at Lewis and Clark Park at 4 p.m. The family-oriented potluck event will feature pulled pork sandwiches, drinks, family games. The American Legion Post 94 will kick the event off with a presentation of colors at 7 p.m. The PIGnic is free and the Civic Club is encouraging attendees to bring a side dish/desert and a chair. Hamilton Hamilton will be celebrating Fourth of July with their annual firework display at the Ravalli County Fairgrounds at 10 p.m., or dark, according to an announcement made on June 30. Last years display was amazing, and we are counting on our pyrotechnician, Bubba Riley, to dazzle us again, reads the announcement. The display can be watched free of charge from the grounds of the Fairgrounds and is also visible throughout the area. This years display is made possible by the City of Hamilton with generous donations from our neighbors, friends and businesses. Ravalli County Fairgrounds Manager Melissa Saville said that the grounds will be open all day and guests can arrive at the venue whenever they want, noting that last year's event reached full capacity. Parking will be available by the Fairgrounds Event Center and on the northside of the property. Saville asked that attendees not park their cars on the lawn. Food vendors will be there around 5 or 6 p.m. according to Saville and picnic tables will be set out for attendees. Hamilton Mayor Dominic Farrenkopf told the Ravalli Republic that this year's firework show cost $20,000 was entirely funding by community grants and donations. "We're really appreciative of the community coming together and paying for the show," Farrenkopf said. "People who are appreciative of the show helped pay for it." Additional donations for the firework show will go towards next year's display and are still being accepted at the various Fireworks Fund Collection Buckets scattered around Downtown Hamilton. Buckets are located at Back Door Deli, Bitterroot Drug, Bitterroot Chamber of Commerce, Bob Wards, Mine Shaft Pasty Company and Elaines Engraving. Donations can also be dropped off at Hamilton City Hall, 223 S. 2nd St. Farrenkopf asked that attendees be mindful of trash and try to pick up as much as they can. Farrenkopf said he would be returning to the fairgrounds on Saturday morning to help clean up after the event. Regulations for firework discharge in Hamilton is permitted on July 4 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m., (midnight) and from 12:01 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. on July 5. Fireworks are not permitted on Bitterroot National Forest Lands. Richmond City Council told the Henrico Board of Supervisors that it was on board with the idea of an advisory group to oversee the regions drinking water infrastructure. While council pledged words of support for the idea, its members were less clear about how they wanted it to take shape. Richmond Mayor Danny Avula called for the meeting last week by inviting both the council and board to a joint meeting. Avula said the meeting would be an opportunity for the city and county to have open dialogue around the needs and priorities of their respective jurisdictions. Avula recommended a regional group with experts from across the city, Henrico, Chesterfield and Hanover. A proposal for such a group could include a breakdown of costs for different pieces of the water systems upgrades, or decision-making breakdowns. If Henrico is going to continue to invest in their system as their population grows, as they build that system, does it make more sense to co-invest in a water treatment plant, and does that serve the region better? Avula asked. He added that outside resources could be used in addition to anything the localities are able to put up themselves. We have an opportunity to go to the state for money and see if the state will help support investment in this water treatment plant and ultimately, that protects the ratepayers and accelerates our path to modernization. Council and board members were given a concept paper, or a rough outline for creating a new regional body to manage the water system. It said an advisory group should form this month to start hammering out the details of a water authority, with that authority taking effect July 1, 2026. Officials from Richmond, Chesterfield, Henrico and Hanover, all intertwined with the citys water treatment plant, would have to approve the agreement individually. While council largely expressed approval of the idea, they said they needed to discuss the idea more amongst themselves. Kenya Gibson, who represents the citys 3rd District, said she was worried about the demand that Henricos data center industry could put on Richmonds water system in the future. Data centers are said to use significant amounts of water. Nearly all of Henricos large-scale data centers are in the eastern section of the county, which is supplied by Richmond water. The impact of these data centers on our water usage is mind blowing, Gibson said. And, as public bodies, I think we have a responsibility to ensure that our residents are not shouldering the burden of the cost, both financial and environmental. Gibson said she wants the projections for water demand to clearly show what is driving the increase. We arent building data centers in Richmond, like were seeing in surrounding counties, including Henrico, she continued. Bentley Chan, Henricos director of public utilities, has said that Henrico will be in search of another water source by 2055 given rising projections. Those future projections dont necessarily include data centers or campuses that are approved in the future. The demand is currently calculated by land use. Land whether its zoned residential, commercial or industrial uses a standard amount of water per acre. If that land is rezoned for a new data center campus, rather than a warehouse, it would not be included in projections. Henrico recently passed new rules to limit data center growth, though it is still possible for the board to approve new projects by a majority vote. Henrico officials said that the White Oak Technology Park where most of the data centers are was originally approved for 20-30 million gallons of water per day (MGD) in the 1990s when it was the site of a semiconductor plant. Chan said that area now uses around one-third of that. Henrico has estimated that a data center uses around 500,000 gallons of water per day. Henricos current contract allows it to purchase up to 35 MGD from Richmond. On average, it uses about 12.5 MGD. That contract was negotiated in 1994 and runs through 2040. Gibson was also critical of Henricos response to Richmonds boil water advisory in May. Henrico officials actually increased their outtake from Richmonds water system, rather than decreasing it as requested, when Richmond had issued a boil water advisory across much of the city. There was an increase of water pulled into Henrico and as best we can tell, it looks to be a miscommunication between our respective staffs on what exactly needed to be done in both systems, Chan said in response to Gibsons question about the incident. Other Richmond council members wanted to assure Henrico that Richmonds water treatment plant with a slate of upgrades going out 10 years was perfectly stable and that it isnt close to collapse on a daily basis. Varina Supervisor Tyrone Nelson said Henrico was offering help in the form of manpower or public works staff, but it felt like that help was being refused. All we know is we pay $14 million per year (for water). Were customers. And if this was our water treatment plant, and you were getting water from us, you would have questions, Nelson said. Three Chopt Supervisor Misty Roundtree said that the board has been inundated with residents questioning them about how they will ensure the water doesnt go out again. I dont think our residents really care whether its this collaborative effort (or not), she said. All people care about is when I turn on my spigot, is water going to come out. Alongside its agreement with Henrico, Richmond has an agreement to sell an average of 9.14 MGD (33.6 MGD maximum amount) to Chesterfield and an average of 6 MGD (20 MGD maximum amount) to Hanover. The counties also have their own infrastructure to supply water on their own, but Richmond has historically provided water to many of their communities. City Council said they would talk about how to shape the regional group at its next meeting on Monday. City auditors on Tuesday morning released a damning assessment of City Halls purchasing card program that, among other things, identified $5 million in questionable expenditures made by cardholders between July 2022 and May 2024. Thats nearly one quarter of the credit card spending during that timeframe. Those transactions were referred to Richmonds inspector general, who investigates claims of fraud, waste and abuse, auditors said. In their report, auditors wrote that city credit cardholders routinely failed to provide sufficient documentation for purchases and exceeded spending limits. Some officials responsible for approving purchases reported to the cardholders, according to auditors, making it difficult for them to question their bosses for fear of retaliation. Others monitored cards outside of their departments, affecting their ability to assess whether spending aligned with operational needs. And a single official was responsible for approving more than 40,000 transactions, compromising the employees ability to identify potentially inappropriate expenditures and allowing for contract overpayments. Meanwhile, officials in City Halls procurement department, which administers the cards, approved more than $2 million in purchases that had not been authorized by appropriate parties due to high volume, auditors found. The citys p-card program and usage lacked effective internal controls to ensure the proper use of public funds, they wrote. The citys transaction approval structure did not consistently function as an effective safeguard to ensure taxpayers dollars were spent appropriately. The report explicitly contradicts statements made by former Mayor Levar Stoney, who launched the cards in 2017. Last year, amid scrutiny of the program, Stoney insisted that it was well-managed, but declined to answer specific questions regarding potential policy violations identified by the Richmond Times-Dispatch. High spending limits, transaction splitting both at issue The $5 million in questionable spending included potential conflicts of interest, procurement violations impacting competition (and) altered invoices, auditors wrote. A primary issue is the citys comparatively high single-quote limit, they found. Richmond officials are not required to solicit competitive bids for some categories of purchases such as goods (and) non-professional services worth less than $50,000. Other localities in Virginia typically require competitive bidding for any procurement worth more than $5,000 to $10,000. Richmonds comparatively high limit increased the citys potential exposure to fraud and favoritism, according to auditors. And transaction splitting separately dividing a purchase into multiple charges to skirt spending limits wasnt reported to applicable departments by procurement officials. The Times-Dispatch previously identified dozens of apparent examples of transaction splitting by officials, including former city spokesperson Petula Burks. Burks resigned from her position in July 2024 following questions regarding her use of her credit card to spend nearly $100,000 at firms connected to a former business partner. In July 2023, she spent over $10,000 at Mexican restaurant Ay Caramba, but divided the purchases between three transactions, records show. Procurement officials also failed to deactivate cards in a timely manner, in one case deactivating a card 177 days after the employee to whom it was assigned separated from the city. Three cards were used after the separation dates of their employees, but due to missing documentation, auditors were not able to determine whether all of that spending was for legitimate business purposes. Missing documentation a theme More broadly, missing documentation prevented auditors from comprehensively assessing transactions within the scope of their review. They identified more than $100,000 worth of purchases that lacked the required itemized receipts, invoices, and travel or meal forms. Without proper documentation, approvers could not verify the legitimacy of purchases, which calls into question the effectiveness of the approval process as a meaningful control, auditors wrote. Last summer, The Times-Dispatch requested meal forms related to dozens of food purchases. Officials under Stoney never provided the meal forms but would not say whether they were being withheld or simply didnt exist. DPU employees had ribs, salmon, chef-prepared meals The auditors report is general for the most part, but does note a few specific instances of questionable spending. For example, one employee used a credit card to book $2,163.78 flights to a conference. Conference organizers later reimbursed the employee for the flights, but the employee did not reimburse the city. That employee told auditors the failure to refund the flight costs was an oversight. Meanwhile, officials in the citys wastewater treatment plant treated themselves to $19,648 in ribs, turkey wings, ham, shrimp, salmon and other raw and prepared food, auditors found. In one instance, the cardholder bought food for 40 people, despite the fact that only 14 were present at the event in question. The cost of the meal which included a chef and servers was $102 per person. The per day meal allowance for federal government employees is $64 for three meals. Many of those purchases were approved by senior Department of Public Utilities management, emails show but lack required meal forms. In the Department of Parks and Recreation, officials bought over $8,000 worth of cupcakes, ice cream, juices and other snacks without any documented approval at all, auditors wrote. In another department, officials approved the purchase of a $480 suit for an employee to wear to court hearings. Full program reset underway In anticipation of the auditors report, Mayor Danny Avula suspended a majority of the credit cards and announced a program overhaul was underway. Auditors acknowledged that move as a step in the right direction but said more needs to be done before the program fully resumes functioning. Their recommendations included lowering transaction thresholds, strengthening the transaction approval chain, more aggressive enforcement of documentation requirements and spending limits, comprehensive training for cardholders and the introduction of conflict-of-interests tracking systems. A city spokesperson could not be reached for comment. Officials have on multiple occasions declined to make procurement department Director Rene Alamraz available for questions. Richmond hired the commonwealths first professional Black firefighters 75 years ago. On Tuesdays anniversary, the community commemorated them. They studied the craft, they excelled at the craft and they shared the knowledge that they gained with anyone that was willing to accept it in the department, said Richard Lewis, a battalion chief of the Richmond Fire Department. Even at that time, as time progressed, they werent allowed to be officers. They werent allowed in most spaces before 1963, but that didnt stop them from serving. On July 1, 1950, the city established Engine Company No. 9 and stationed Virginias first unit of Black firefighters on North Fifth Street. Harvey S. Hicks became the citys first Black fire captain in September 1961; he and fellow firefighter Douglas P. Evans lost their lives on June 14, 1963, during a rescue attempt. Less than a month later, on July 6, Richmond integrated its fire department. Though Richmond demolished the Engine Company No. 9 fire station in 1968, a historical marker plaque rests where the building once stood, honoring Lt. Charles L. Belle, William E. Brown, Douglas P. Evans, Captain Harvey S. Hicks II, Warren W. Kersey, Bernard C. Lewis, Farrar Lucas, Deputy Battalion Chief Arthur L. Page, Arthur C. St. John, Lt. Linwood M. Wooldridge, Frederick J. Robinson and Lt. Oscar L. Blake. The event on the top floor of Richmonds Main Street Station included remarks from Mayor Danny Avula; Carol Adams, the Petersburg police captain; and Jeffery Segal, Richmonds interim fire chief. A documentary crew previewed its upcoming work on Engine Company No. 9, Courage in Fire, which is scheduled to be released later this year. The work features interviews with four living members of Engine Company No. 9, one of whom attended the event. To see black and white photos of historical events kind of dehumanizes the experience, said Lewis, the Richmond battalion chief. Once you actually meet these people and you realize that every historical event was shaped by someone just like us, its humbling and its inspiring all at the same time. During the first decade of Engine Company No. 9s existence, the Virginia General Assembly voted to build a highway what is now Interstate 95 through Jackson Ward, separating a predominantly Black community. Similar racial injustices occurred in the fire department: Black firefighters were not allowed to sleep in the same bedrooms or eat in the same kitchens as their white counterparts. All of those things that happened historically were also happening in the firehouse, and they were able to build those bridges and navigate through those times, Lewis said. They got people to change their attitudes and change perceptions and change behaviors. When Hicks and Evans died, Adams said the entire company could have lost their lives, since all of Engine Company No. 9 responded to the fatal fire. That led to the fire departments integration. Seventy-five years later, firefighters of all races filled the train station for dinner and a reception. The more things change, sometimes the more things stay the same, Lewis said. You dont want to break it down into numbers of Black and white, but diversity in general, you have a rich diversity in the fire department now not just in physical characteristics and traits, but philosophies and ideologies, levels of education. The one thing that remains the same is the dedication for service. Adams helped coordinate the event and reflected on her predecessors. This is my responsibility now, to continue to make sure that people dont forget them, acknowledge them and recognize them for their efforts, Adams said. We have a duty to continue that and stand up when times are not good, and to occupy spaces when they are not welcoming to us, so that we can continue on and that we can have diverse public safety because it takes all of us. To Adams, that makes celebrating Engine Company No. 9 all the more important. When we go out to communities, everybody is looking for somebody they can relate to, Adams said. Thats what its all about, to be able to mentor and be that role model for younger kids. I love wearing my uniform, and the babies come up to me and theyll say, Are you a real police lady? Its like, Yeah, Im a real police lady, and you can be one, too. When you see it, you can be it. Virginia will have a new budget on Tuesday, but it wont include money to pay for wider access to weight loss drugs, hire nursing home staff under Medicaid or prevent the state from issuing contracts that allow vendors to pocket a portion of any savings they find. Those three provisions were among 37 line-items that Gov. Glenn Youngkin vetoed in the revised budget that the General Assembly adopted in late February. Youngkin set aside $900 million in spending as a financial buffer against potential economic effects of policies pushed by President Donald Trump that the governor publicly supports. The difference is that House Clerk Paul Nardo, as keeper of the rolls, found those three vetoes unconstitutional and refused to enroll them as law. Youngkin responded publicly that his administration would not carry out the budget provisions, although he never formally responded to Nardos letter. They said, Were ignoring it, Richmond political analyst Bob Holsworth said on Monday. Theyve made their statement. Youngkin publicly disagreed with Nardos determinations in May, vowing that his vetoes will stand. And thats how were going to run the executive branch going forward, with these vetoes standing, he told the media after a public event. Its not the first time that a Virginia governor, Republican or Democrat, has clashed with the General Assembly over budget vetoes, but it might at least be the first modern instance of the executive branch simply ignoring a determination by the clerk of the House of Delegates. I certainly dont recall something like that in modern times, said Larry Sabato, founder and director of the Center for Politics at the University of Virginia. Nardo has exercised his power as keeper of the rolls before. He determined in 2016 and 2017 that vetoes by then-Gov. Terry McAuliffe, a Democrat who lost to Youngkin in 2021, of budget amendments blocking Medicaid expansion and requiring project labor agreements for certain transportation projects violated the state constitution because they did not eliminate the entire item. Then-House Speaker Bill Howell, R-Stafford, a Republican whom Nardo previously had served as chief of staff, had made the same determination on the Medicaid veto on the House floor in 2014. The clerk functions almost as a parliamentarian, determining what is legitimate and what is not, said Holsworth, who added that he could not recall a governor ever ignoring a clerks determination. With just over six months left in his term, Youngkin is likely to prevail. The budget is a House bill, but Speaker Don Scott, D-Portsmouth, said Democrats would not go to court to challenge the governors refusal to acknowledge the clerks determination, preferring to focus on electing former Rep. Abigail Spanberger, D-7th, as governor in November to help enforce legislative prerogatives. He wants a fight, Scott said after the governors statement in May. At the end of the day, hell be gone in eight months. The speaker had no further comment on Youngkins position on Monday. Scott instead praised a budget that the Democratic-controlled assembly had reshaped as its own, from tax relief to public education and health care. We covered all the bases, he said. We should be pleased by this budget. Senate Democrats, who already have challenged Youngkin over appointments to the boards of public colleges and universities, are less willing to abide by Youngkins refusal to acknowledge their actions in the budget. The three (vetoes) that the House clerk did not enroll will not become law, Senate Finance Chair Louise Lucas, D-Portsmouth, said Monday. I dont know why the governor thinks they will. I want to do whatever I can to make sure that the legislature prevails, Lucas said. But its not clear what, if anything, the Senate can do about it. Sen. Creigh Deeds, D-Charlottesville, a senior member of Senate Finance, agrees that the law is what is enrolled. However, Deeds said, The Senate would not have standing to sue. With the House demurring and the Senate powerless, a legal challenge would be up to the private parties who would be affected if the Youngkin administration does not carry out the underlying budget items. In a written statement on Monday, the Virginia Health Care Association said it is extremely disappointed if the state Medicaid office would not carry out the budget provision of $10 million in state funding this year in reimbursements to nursing homes that it says needs the money to hire staff. The veto also would sacrifice more than $11 million in federal funding in the new budget year and, because the Medicaid reimbursement rates will remain in place for two years, about $43 million total over two years. The funding approved by the General Assembly and held back by the governors action would go directly to resident care Virginias seniors are depending on it, said Amy Hewett, spokesperson for the association. Without this Medicaid funding, Virginia is moving in the wrong direction. Providing high quality care comes at a cost and takes caring and compassionate nurses to provide it. The association is evaluating the situation as our member nursing homes officially see the new rates in effect on July 1, Hewett said. Del. Rodney Willett, D-Henrico, whose district includes a high concentration of nursing homes and who sponsored the budget amendment for broadening access to weight-loss drugs, said he is counting on the Department of Medical Assistance Services, as the state Medicaid office is known. Ive never seen them not follow the law, he said. Virginias state law that bans medical professionals from practicing conversion therapy seeking to change a persons sexual orientation or gender identity on minors is no longer fully in effect. A Henrico County judge entered an order that permanently prohibits the state from enforcing parts of the 2020 law that apply to talk therapy. Other means of conversion therapy, such as electric shock and nausea-inducing drugs, are still banned. The Family Foundation, a conservative advocacy group, and its legal arm, the Richmond-based Founding Freedoms Law Center, announced the court order at a news conference on Tuesday. Victoria Cobb, president of the Family Foundation, said the 2020 law silenced licensed counselors from speaking the truth about gender and sexuality and effectively prevented teens from getting the help they and their parents were seeking to resolve unwanted feelings of same-sex attraction or gender confusion. Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell, D-Fairfax, who sponsored the Senate version of the 2020 bill, said it was enacted to save lives. There are numerous examples of conversion therapy leading to people killing themselves as opposed to curing them. The statute was (enacted) to protect public health, Surovell said in a call with reporters on Tuesday. It had nothing to do with religion or religious viewpoints. It was enacted because it was good clinical practice and there were licensed professionals that were continuing to hold themselves out as actual licensed therapists, engaging in practices that have been condemned by the professional organizations, and we needed to take legislative action to deal with that. A Henrico County judge and the Attorney Generals Office signed the order on June 4. Shaun Kenney, a spokesman for the Attorney Generals Office, said in a statement: This court action fixes a constitutional problem with the existing law by allowing talk therapy between willing counselors and willing patients, including those struggling with gender dysphoria. Talk therapy with voluntary participants was punishable before this judgment was entered. This result which merely permits talk therapy within the standards of care while preserving the remainder of the law respects the religious liberty and free speech rights of both counselors and patients. We are satisfied with the outcome and look forward to continuing to protect religious freedom and free speech. The law, which the state legislature passed in 2020 and then-Gov. Ralph Northam signed, outlawed efforts by medical professionals to engage in the practice of conversion therapy but does not apply to pastoral counseling. Virginia became the first state in the South to ban the practice on minors. The bill passed both chambers of the General Assembly with some bipartisan support. Miyares, a delegate from Virginia Beach at the time, was one of three members who did not vote on the Senate bill that ultimately passed the House on a 62-35 vote. He voted against the House version of the bill, which passed on a 66-27 vote. The Founding Freedoms Law Center sued the state of Virginia last year to challenge the constitutionality of the law, arguing that it violates religious freedom under the state constitution. The group said Tuesday the court order is a major victory for free speech, religious freedom and parental rights. Plaintiffs in the lawsuit, John and Janet Raymond, own and operate a counseling center in Northern Virginia that embraces a Christian worldview. They said they lost significant business after the law went into effect. According to the lawsuit, the Raymonds believe that homosexuality and transgender identities are contrary to Gods will and can be overcome by the grace of God through the Gospel. Equality Virginia, an organization that advocates for the LGBTQ+ community, condemned the decision. Conversion therapy is not actually therapy. It has no scientific basis, (and) its been discredited by many major medical associations (that have warned) its dangerous and ineffective, said Narissa Rahaman, executive director of Equality Virginia. Conversion therapists do prey on parents good intentions and will mislead them into placing their child into a dangerous environment where the therapist is pushing a harmful agenda on LGBTQ kids who are already at greater risk for anxiety (and) depression. Theyre going to place them at an increased risk to experience these harms. The American Psychiatric Association removed homosexuality from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual list of psychopathologies in 1973 and the American Psychological Association followed suit in 1975. Evidence does not support the efficacy of conversion therapy, and studies show the practice may cause significant psychological distress, according to the American Medical Association. Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, the Republican nominee for governor, said in a statement: I believe every child deserves protection, compassion, and care. As Governor, I will always work to ensure that Virginia law reflects both the importance of protecting kids and the need to respect the rights of parents to guide their childrens upbringing and care. Her Democrat opponent, former Rep. Abigail Spanberger, D-7th, did not respond to requests for comment. Armed men target two inside Cancun barbershop in evening shooting Cancun, Q.R. Two men remain in hospital after being shot while inside a Cancun barbershop. Witnesses reported armed men entering the shop Tuesday evening and opening fire against two men inside. One of the men is reported to be an employee and the other a customer. It is unknown who the target of the attack was. One male was shot in the abdomen and the other was shot in a leg. The shootings took place around 8:00 p.m. inside a barbershop along Mar Baltico Street in SM 217. Witnesses called for emergency assistance. They also hailed a taxi driver to transport the two shot men to hospital while they waited for police. The armed men fled on a motorcycle before authorities arrived. Municipal officers were at the scene collecting spent shell casings. There is media speculation that the barbershop operated as a front for a Colombian money lending business. Cancun authorities have not commented on the shooting. Secretary of Agriculture says Mexican cattle exports to U.S. reopening Riviera Maya, Q.R. The gradual reopening of cattle exports to the United States will begin on July 7. Exports were halted after cases of screwworm was found in Mexican cows. Jorge Aguilar Osorio, the Secretary of Agricultural, Rural and Fisheries, says the containment of cases of the screwworm in Mexico has achieved favorable results with the gradual opening of export to the U.S. This containment is the result of a joint effort between the USDAs Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service and Mexican authorities to strengthen surveillance, detection and eradication of the cattle screwworm. The state has worked with ranchers to contain cases, issuing timely reports for proper follow-up. Aguilar Osorio noted that while 51 positive cases have been officially registered in Quintana Roo, only five remain active. He added that all affected cattle have received treatment. The work has been joint, hand-in-hand with the ranchers who have been our main allies along with the Animal Health Committee and the Mexico-United States Commission for the Prevention of Foot-and-Mouth Disease, he said. To achieve the results, he explained authorities made notifications in a timely manner to be able to treat their livestock without registering any losses. We will continue in this way without letting our guard down since the problem is still latent, said Aguilar Osorio. He recapitulated that the first port for cattle exports will open on July 7 in Douglas, Arizona. The Columbus port will open on July 14, Santa Teresa in New Mexico will open on July 21 and Del Rio will open on August 18. Ports in Laredo will open on September 15, according to information provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Aguilar Osorio reported that the gradual reopening of livestock imports is the result of the commitment of livestock farmers, as well as the coordinated work between different levels of government and institutions, which haav demonstrated technical capacity, health responsibility and a willingness to collaborate internationally. SIOUX CITY While walking on Sioux City's north side recently, you may have seen white circles, Xs and lines spray painted on sidewalk panels to mark defects. Under Sioux City code, the city has the ability to require property owners to repair public sidewalks that adjoin their properties to keep neighborhoods safe and pedestrian-friendly. The city considers sidewalks defective if they have extensive horizontal or vertical separation, large holes, extensive cracking or other signs of blight. "It's for the safety of the public. The public wants good sidewalks to walk on and, also, for ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) access," City Engineer Gordon Phair said of why the city's sidewalk program is important. "We have to make sure our sidewalks are so all people can enjoy them and use them, because we want to be a pedestrian-friendly city." Property owners can hire their own contractor, repair the defects themselves or have the city's contractor make the repairs. The Engineering Division broke the city up into 10 zones for sidewalk repair. Each zone's number corresponds with the year that sidewalks in that area will be inspected. This year, Zone 5 on the city's north side is the focus. The Journal asked Phair five questions about the sidewalk program, which is in its seventh year. Are people surprised when a city employee comes and marks up the sidewalk in front of their home, even though you've had this program for seven years? "Yes. I don't know why, but they are. These past seven years we've been doing it. It is a surprise to them, but it shouldn't be, because you still have to maintain your home and the sidewalks around it." How long do property owners have to repair their sidewalks? "When we do zones like this, we give them the year. Our contractor's not coming in there until maybe April of next year." What is the average cost to replace a 4x4 sidewalk panel? "Our cost this year is about $15.24 or $15.34 a square foot. If you repair yourself, like you grind down some of those elevation problems, or if you fill the holes with epoxy, fill the joints, that's no cost. You fill out a permit, but there's no cost." If you fix a sidewalk yourself, does the city have to inspect it? "Yep. You, sometimes, send a picture. We'll take a look at it and go, 'Yep. That's good enough,' or we'll send a guy out. A lot of times, the guys are out there anyway inspecting the other sidewalks. Now, if you replace it, there is a small fee for inspection. That is dependent on the size of your replacement. The best bet, though, if you're actually going to replace concrete -- our prices are probably going to beat most contractors out there. In the last seven years we've been doing this, our prices have been cheaper per square foot, even with the city administration cost on top of it." What kind of compliance do you see? "Every year, we get around 1,500 properties we mark up. Of those 1,500, about 1,000 take care of it themselves, if not more. Most people are very good about it. It's probably about a 75% repair rate." For more information about the sidewalk program, visit sioux-city.org. If you have questions about the program call 712-279-6324. How to Do It is Slates sex advice column. Have a question? Send it to Jessica and Rich here. Its anonymous! Dear How to Do It, Im a 45-year-old pansexual woman. Im in the early stages of perimenopause and have noticed some changes to my body. Mostly, theyre not too concerning to me because perimenopause is normal, and most symptoms are easy to deal with. My vagina is a little dryer, so I use more lube and my armpits are more sweaty, so I use more antiperspirant. But theres one symptom thats really creating some issues for me. My sense of smell is off the charts. If Im in the car with someone who is talking, their breath is unbearable. I can smell stinky cheese in the fridge when the fridge is closed. Worst of all, the smell of bodies has become extremely off-putting. Im not talking about bad body odorjust regular human smells. I recently started to get serious with a lovely genderqueer person, and we have great physical chemistry. But the smell of their skin, breath, and hair turns my stomach. If I focus on the sensations in my body, I can sometimes put the smells out of my mind. But other times, I just cant, and I avoid any physical contact or even sitting too close to them. Ive tried showering with them before sex to see if that helps (it doesnt) and using scented products on my own skin to see if I can drown out their smell (I cant). I know its me, and they smell perfectly normal. I dont know how to bring this up without making them feel bad or self-conscious. And Im especially loath to mention something that the other person cannot help or change. Any ideas? Holding My Nose Dear Holding My Nose, What youre going through has been reported by other people experiencing menopause (and perimenopause). Though hormonal changes can often result in an impaired sense of smell, anecdotal evidence shows that some people report a menopause-related heightened sense of smell. Advertisement But like many things that affect women, these changes are poorly understood, and thus, there are not a lot of great solutions. You might start by seeing your doctor about any perimenopause-induced changesthere are treatments for the vaginal dryness you mention, for example, that they might recommend. As for the odors, I did see that someone in a Reddit thread recommended this aromatherapy diffuser, which is a scented silicone ring that you wear like a septum piercing to mask whatever odors are making your life hell. There are other options, too. The hurdle here might be finding an essential oil that doesnt also turn your stomach. That may be a challenge in its own right. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I do think that you can bring this up with your new partner in a way that wont necessarily make them feel bad. You can explain that this is something that many menopausal women have reported. Rarely has Its not you, its me been so apt and benign. It is literally the case. This is not about you being particularly sensitive about their smell; it is about being sensitive to many smells. (Citing the cheese-in-fridge example will be useful to show that. Think about whether there are other disturbing non-human smells that you can also point to.) Perhaps your partner can try to work with fragrance on themself to help mask their musk. Another possible solution? A nose clip that could effectively cut off all smells. Swimmers often use these (though youd have to be pretty confident breathing through your mouth). Of course, wearing one without explanation would be extremely curious, so a conversation would be useful there. Advertisement Your heightened sense of smell is not your fault and it should not be taken personally by an inadvertent offender. Hopefully your partner is mature enough to understand this and attempt to work with you (or at least not hold it against you for working through it yourself). You dont have to get super specific about being distracted during sexjust keep it general, say its something that is affecting all facets of your life, and frame it as an issue to overcome so that you can continue to spend time with this person that you are so fond of. Get sex advicesubmit a question! Please keep questions short (<150 words), and dont submit the same question to multiple columns. We are unable to edit or remove questions after publication. Use pseudonyms to maintain anonymity. Your submission may be used in other Slate advice columns and may be edited for publication. Thanks! Your question has been submitted. Dear How to Do It, * Your letter signoff Your pronouns Your email (optional and confidentialplease include if you're open to How to Do It following up) Submit Dear How to Do It, My boyfriend ejaculates A LOT. We tried condoms early on in our relationship, but Ive had to switch to the pill after he literally overflowed a condom on more than one occasion. He says this has been going on since he was 20 (hes 25 now). One time, he jerked off into a disposable measuring cup, and the amount totaled just over a quarter cup. When we have sex, I have to make sure I get to the bathroom fast after we finish to avoid a mess when things begin to leak. Is it normal for him to produce so much? Jillions of Jizz Dear Jillions of Jizz, Advertisement Advertisement Well, its his normal! It sounds like he has hyperspermia, a medical condition that is generally considered benign. Typically, hyperspermia refers to semen volume that is above 6 milliliters or about 1.20 teaspoons (typical volume is 1.5 to 5 milliliters per ejaculation). It may lead to fertility issues, perhaps because of the lower sperm concentration within the high fluid content, and the cause (at least for some) may have to do with an inflamed prostate, but other than that, its not really a thing doctors fret over. Advertisement Advertisement Many people enjoy itbig loads are prized by some. My X feed for a few months has regularly been showing me posts from people who have added zinc to their supplement stack and now are supposedly shooting mega loads (this is anecdotal at best and not going to work for everyoneIm not convinced its even working for those engagement farmers). There are a number of supplements marketed to boost semen volume (for science, Ive tried some and seen no change in my production). Theres a whole subreddit devoted to people capturing their giant loads on film (r/hyperspermiaNSFW obviously). And porn has done a lot to argue the inherent value in copious cum delivery. Advertisement Your boyfriend has what many wish they had. One study of semen volume found only 7.88 percent of 1,521 participants had what qualified as hyperspermia. So while your boyfriends condition may be rare, its far from unheard of. Try to find the joy in his gushes of love. Send Us Your Questions About the Workplace! The columnists behind our new advice column, Good Job, want to help you navigate your social dynamics at work. Does your colleague constantly bug you after hours? Has an ill-advised work romance gone awry? Ask us your question here! Advertisement Dear How to Do It, My husband and I had our first child six months ago. I have been trying to get him back to sex, but 98 percent of the time, he turns me down, and Im beginning to think he no longer finds me attractive. Whenever I bring this up, he assures me he finds me as sexy as ever; hes just tired from adjusting to helping care for the baby while dealing with a lot of things at work. Given how little interest hes shown, Im starting to wonder if that means hes been having an affair. Should I try going through his phone, or confront him directly? Actions Speak Louder Than Words Dear Actions Speak Louder Than Words, Advertisement How about C, none of the above? While its certainly possible that your husband is not being truthful or even deceiving you, there are other potential explanations worth considering. For starters, he could just be telling the truth. Parenthood can be tough for some to navigate, and it can take months or years before elements of both of your lives return to looking like they did previous to the child. The stress of new parenting will affect different people in different ways. Its completely understandable that some men will experience a swift kick to the libido (stress is, after all, a notorious sex drive killer). It doesnt mean your husband isnt attracted to you or that hes putting his sexual energy elsewherehe just might not be able to muster it at all. Advertisement Advertisement For some men, it also takes a while to bounce back after the baby is born. If your husband watched you give birth, he may be experiencing what Dr. Keith Ablow described in a New York Times essay some 20 years ago as a post-traumatic stress disorder, with its roots in the witnessing of an event that involves a threat to the physical integrity of self or others and responding with intense fear, helplessness or horror. In the piece Ablow describes having seen dozens of male patients presenting this kind of response after seeing their significant others give birth. Recognizing this is the first stepsensate focus (mindful touching) and general mindfulness may help ease affected men back toward having sex with their partners. (For more on this topic, check out this past HTDI column.) Advertisement Advertisement Its still early. I think you should give him a bit more time. If youre feeling insecure, tell him that. Ask for reassurance that hes still attracted to you and isnt having an affair. Inquire about what he is willing to offer intimacy-wise. It could be holding, massaging, kissing, or cuddling. There is some compromise to strike between where you are right now and where he is. If you dont see progress (or at least an acknowledgement on his part that your sex life has changed considerably and that hes willing to explore getting back on track) within a few more months, though, consider counseling. Rich Advertisement More Advice From Slate Im a healthy 43-year-old male with a robust sex drive. I take blood pressure medicine that causes my erections to be slightly less than idealnot all the way ED, but noticeably less than great. My primary care doctor prescribed me Viagra for this, which has been working great for a few years now. About a year ago, mid-pandemic, my wife left me. In the last few months Ive begun a new relationship with a woman I feel very comfortable with, and our sex life is fantastic. However, she has no idea I use Viagra The federal trial of the United States vs. Sean Diddy Combs ended with a mixed verdict this morning, with the jury finding the hip-hop mogul not guilty on the larger racketeering charge or either of the two counts of sex trafficking (the more serious charges) and guilty of both counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. With this verdict, Combs faces up to 20 years in prison, as each transportation count carries a maximum of 10 years. (How long he is sentenced for each of these counts is now up to the judge overseeing the case.) The verdict is not particularly surprising: Throughout the trial, the government has struggled to definitively prove some of the more complex criminal chargesnamely the RICO charge, which seemed to require more evidence than the prosecution had in this particular case. The transportation charges on which Combs was found guilty were the most definitively proven in court, while the trafficking charges lay somewhere in between. In the end, the jurycomposed of eight men and only four womenneeded to decide which witnesses they found to be more credible, essentially making the case one less of evidence and more he said, she said. Related From Slate Will the Jury Find Diddy Guilty? An Expert Explains Why the Case Is So Tricky. Read More Combs defense tried to navigate a narrow road throughout. In some ways, its arguments seemed particularly of our post-#MeToo era, mostly steering around victim blaming or shaming. And yet, in other ways, the case put us into a post-post-#MeToo era, one of #MeToo backlash: In the defenses opening statements, the team urged the jury to view the witnesses who were testifying to Combs alleged abuse as capable, strong women while also insinuating that the women were speaking out against Combs merely for a payday. In closing statements, Combs lawyers urged the jury to believe many of the women that took the standbut only with regard to their positive sentiments about Combs, not their accusations against him. The pointed wording, tiptoeing around victim blaming while still encouraging a disbelief of the women on the stand, seemed significant to me. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To wit, the foundation of the entire defense was to frame the case as a witch hunt against a successful Black entrepreneur who has supported many people with his legal, and even awe-inspiring, businesses. The witch hunt defense against abuse allegations isnt new: Take, for example, Johnny Depps recent mention of his own legal battle, against ex Amber Heard, in an interview with the Sunday Times, in which he referred to himself as a crash test dummy for MeToo. But Combs representation seemed to take this even further than Depp had, particularly as the attorneys were dealing with more complexand harder-to-provelegal claims. Now this verdict in the Combs trial is solidifying a notable shift in culture. The allegations against Combs stretch from before #MeToo to the aftermath of the movement, whose launch changed how we think and talk about abuse and harassment. Outside courtrooms, the movement persuaded victims of abuse (especially that perpetrated by powerful men) to speak up against the horrors they had endured. Guilty verdicts for Bill Cosby and Harvey Weinstein helped spur more open conversations about what isand is notappropriate conduct with women and subordinates writ large. But even these small bits of action convinced men that they were at risk of being the real victims here. That suspicion has now morphed into a compelling legal defense, giving way to not-liable verdicts for Depp and Combs. Advertisement Advertisement The law requires proof beyond a reasonable doubt, but there will always be doubt about victimhood and where blame ought to be placed in abusive relationships. Not all crimes are strongly evidential. Some understandings rely on making inferences. This one relied on believing women testifying to a complex, exploitative relationship that was always going to be hard to prove on paper. After the verdict was read, Combs reportedly thanked the jury and prompted the gallery to clap and cheer. What was the gallery cheering for? The sentencing could still be significant for Combshe is 55 years old and facing up to two decades in prison. And while there is still very little agreement on whether justice was actually served, I feel worried. The jurys decision today is just another example of the ways in which the law has once again failed to deliver on the promise of #MeToo. Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily. As President Donald Trumps Big, Beautiful Bill moves into the House for a vote, another budgetary outragelittle noted but quite substantialis quietly playing out. It turns out that the Pentagon had removed some excess money from its account for the Sentinel, the new intercontinental ballistic missile, which had been experiencing enormous cost overruns. The money is left over from the budget passed last year, and the excess stems from a restructuring in the program, brought on by a formal audit that the cost overruns triggered. This could have been good news, if Trump had followed a different path. The surprise savings could have been refunded to the Treasury, or rerouted to some other military programsay, to fund more munitions for Ukraine, which the Defense Department has halted, supposedly because of shortages in our own stockpiles, or (heres a novel idea) to fill some of the gaps caused by the Trump budgets drastic cuts in domestic programs. But no, the moneyat least $400 million over the next few years, a Pentagon spokesperson confirmed to mewill be spent on converting the luxury 747 passenger plane, which the Qatari emir gave him as a gift this past May, into the next variant of Air Force One. Installing all the communications and other high-tech gear will actually wind up costing closer to $1 billion, according to expert estimates, and probably wont be finished until Trump is out of officeat which point he has suggested that the plane might be retired, in any case, and go on display at the Trump presidential library. Still, Trump is eager to get the conversion goingand to hell with air-defense missiles for Ukraine or health care for poor and middle-class Americans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even in the realm of high-cost, high-profile weapons systems, the Sentinel ICBM has racked up extraordinarily outsize overruns. The price tag for building 634 of the missiles450 of which will go into silos, replacing the current Minuteman ICBMs, with the rest used for spares and testinghas doubled since the program started in 2015. That brings the estimated cost to $141 billion. That does not include the $60 billion needed to maintain the missiles over the next couple of decadesor the $16 billion for their new nuclear-tipped warheads. Way back in 1983, when Congress still cared about oversight, Democratic Georgia Sen. Sam Nunn and Democratic Oklahoma Rep. Dave McCurdy co-sponsored a bill requiring that the Pentagon notify Congress when a weapon exceeded its baseline cost by more than 15 percent. If it overran its initial cost estimate by 50 percent, it would be deemed in critical breach of the Nunn-McCurdy law and would be canceled, unless the secretary of defense certified that it was necessary for national security. Advertisement Related From Slate Trumps Qatari Plane Might Just Be a Trojan Horse Read More This past January, the Sentinel was declared in critical breach. This led to the formal review, which spurred the programs restructuring, which resulted in the excess of funds in the current years account. (Its unclear whether the excess is real or simply a short-term bookkeeping trick. Ive asked the Air Force public affairs office for a detailed explanation of the savings, but have not heard back.) Advertisement The whole business has raised questions about whether a new ICBM is even necessary. True, the 450 Minuteman missiles have been in the ground for half a century, but theyalong with the warheads, the guidance system, the launch-control center, and all of the other componentshave been modified several times, to the point where its barely the same weapon system. Besides, the U.S. has 970 nuclear warheads onboard submarines and more than 500 bombs and cruise missiles on bomber aircraft. Advertisement Advertisement Some have questioned whether we should continue to have land-based ICBMs at all. They are more vulnerable to attack than submarines (which can roam, undetected, beneath the oceans surface) or bombers (which can take off on short notice). And while the Minuteman missiles were unique in having the power and accuracy to destroy the enemys blast-hardened missile silos, the submarines Trident II missiles, which were first deployed in 1990, have the same capability. Its worth noting, in any case, that the Pentagon is also building a new bomber (the B-21, at $692 million per plane), new nuclear-missile submarines (the Columbia-class, at $15 billion per boat), and new warheads and missiles to go with them. In all, the Congressional Budget Offices estimated price tag for the entire nuclear modernization program, over the next 10 years, comes to $946 billion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Do we need all of this? How much is enough? And enough to do what? To deter an attack by an adversary? To limit damage if a war breaks out? To fight and win a nuclear war, if things escalate? These used to be the subjects of much debate not only among academic strategists but within the Pentagon, the White House, and Congress. No longer. Almost nobody in power is asking these questions. Absolutely nobody is discussing them at any length or in any depth. Meanwhile, in the brief peek of sunshine, when an accountants review has produced some savingsa morsel by Pentagon standards (not quite 0.05 percent of this years total defense budget) but big money for most other government agenciesTrump has decided to blow it on an emir-gifted, gold-plated ego trip. Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily. On my last night as a student at Harvard Law School, I got an email from a classmate announcing that a group of students and faculty were suing the Harvard Law Review journal for discrimination against white men. The email claimed that the law schools prestigious student-run journalwhose alumni include Barack and Michelle Obama, as well as several Supreme Court justiceswas violating federal law by awarding discriminatory preferences to women, non-Asian racial minorities, and homosexual or transgender students. The email, which had been forwarded to almost the entire student body by a classmate with a brief note (this went to my spam folder, but it seems important, so Im forwarding it), was signed by FASORP: Faculty, Alumni, and Students Opposed to Racial Preferences. It was not clear if the student was himself a member of FASORP. At the time the email was senta little after 10:30 p.m. on the night of Friday, April 25most of the Harvard Law School Class of 2025 was on the rooftop of a local burrito joint and bar, celebrating the end of classes. Minutes later, the student forwarded a second message from FASORP so startlingly vicious that the rooftop party stilled, and students clustered over phone screens. The email provided advice to first-year law students hoping to be selected as members of the Law Review, a process which requires a weeklong writing competition and a personal statement. To buff up the personal statement, FASORP counseled, a Harvard Law Review hopeful could claim African-American heritage based on the origination of all homo sapiens in Africa; take a DNA test and claim racial-minority status like Elizabeth Warren; transition genderjust shave your legs or cut your hair short; or invent experiences as a closeted homosexual while complain[ing] about homophobia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The somewhat intoxicated crowd debated whether the email was genuine or a practical joke parodying white male entitlementalthough in the context of President Donald Trumps sustained attacks on Harvard, including funding cuts inspired by allegations of race discrimination and aggressive efforts to expel international students, it didnt seem particularly funny. The responses trickled in. Several people remarked on the senders choice to forward the class mocking emails rather than attending the end-of-year celebration. Others invited him to come to the rooftop and hash it out. One incisive answer from third-year law student Jason Chukwumadelivered several hours later, at around 3:30 a.m.called the email an act of cruelty: against your own peers, against the histories that brought us here, against the very truth we are called to serve as future lawyers and leaders. Advertisement You treated the profound reality of being Black, of being queer, of being trans, as mere technicalities to be gamed, as if they were costumes someone could slip on for advantage rather than realities that have cost people their lives, their safety, their dignity, and their futures, Chukwuma, who opines regularly on race and politics, wrote. Harvard Law Reviews beloved dean of students, Stephen Ball, who was present at the rooftop, assured students in an email that the litigation is not legitimate and apologized for the disturbance. He apologized that you, our students, were not permitted to celebrate the last day of classes free from further difficulties. Advertisement But FASORP has already shown that the threat is far from idle. Harvard Law Review is poised to become the next victim of FASORPs campaign to putatively root out anti-white-man discrimination, but its not the first. Indeed, the group sued the Harvard Law Review journal in 2018, alleging, in a complaint far milder and more succinct than its recent suits, that the Harvard Law Reviews affirmative action program injures both rejected white applicants and applicants selected based on affirmative action, whose success is tainted. Advertisement Advertisement Seven years later, the group has returned with sharper tools and a crueler edge, armed with a transformed legal and cultural landscape. In March, FASORP sent a similar email to law students at the University of Michigan; on June 18, the group sued the schools law review. Back in February, the group also filed suit against Northwestern University and Northwestern University Law Review. Through these lawsuits, FASORP established a dangerous legal strategy: using equality doctrine and civil rights law as a vessel in which to present the alleged shortcomings of specific students and scholars of color while contrasting them with the accomplishments of rejected white men. In the claim against Northwestern, FASORP claimed that the anonymous plaintiffs in the suit faced academic rejectionfrom both Northwesterns faculty and Northwesterns Law Reviewin favor of mediocre candidates with preferred racial and gender identities. The 80-page complaint offers a barrage of accusations and personal attacks against existing Black faculty members, including the unsubstantiated claim that a Black female professor was groomed by colleagues (without distinguishing the alleged misconduct from the mentorship integral to academia) and rigged Northwesterns blind grading system while she was a student. For around 20 pages, it reproduces and derides scholarship produced by Black female faculty at the school. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FASORPs argument is simple but fraught: that the boosts given to marginalized groups and especially to Black women violate Title VI and Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act and section 1981 of the 1866 Civil Rights Actthe seminal legislation of the Reconstruction and the Civil Rights Movement of the late 20th century. It claims that the unambiguous textual mandates of these laws is colorblind and sex-neutral selection of faculty, law review editors, and law review articles. That interpretation of civil rights law has recently gained favor with the conservative majority of the Supreme Court, but it is far from a natural interpretation of either the texts or the histories of these statutes. Advertisement Title VI and Title VII were both part of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, signed by Lyndon Johnson to dismantle Jim Crow laws throughout the United States. Title VI mandated that federal funds were withheld from hospitals, schools, and other critical institutions that still excluded Black Americans or other racial minorities; Title VII prohibited discrimination in employment decisions and created the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission to enforce its anti-discrimination protections. Section 1981 of the 1866 Civil Rights Act was passed with the explicit purpose of eliminating the legal impediments that had systematically barred newly freed Black men during Reconstruction from exercising fundamental rightssuch as entering into contracts, acquiring property, and receiving equal protection of the laws. The statutes text in and of itself resists the fiction of racial neutrality: the section guarantees all persons the same right to make and enforce contracts as is enjoyed by white citizens. (Italics mine.) The work of the law is clear: Its not neutralizing race, its undoing white supremacy. Despite the statutes explicit aim at racial subjugation, FASORP characterizes section 1981 in its lawsuit as guarantee[ing] individuals the same right to make and enforce contracts without regard to race. Advertisement Related From Slate The Supreme Court Just Blew a Hole Through Another Major Civil Rights Law Read More FASORP isnt blazing a trail by stripping equality doctrine of its anti-racism roots. Its building on an ahistorical equality doctrine recently sanctioned by the Supreme Court itself. In Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard, the Supreme Court held in June 2023 that the affirmative action admissions programs at Harvard violated the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The court stated that diversity no longer provided a compelling interest to justify considering race in admission. The work of undoing slavery and centuries of racial exclusion and systemic inequality had to end at some point, the Supreme Court explained, and the time had come to call it. As Justice Clarence Thomas announced in his concurrence, the Constitutionwhich only half a century earlier was a tool for scrutinizing and eradicating segregationcould no longer see race. The Constitution would now be colorblind. Advertisement Advertisement In declaring a Constitution blind to race, the court erased the historical origins of the 14th Amendment, which was never intended as a neutral or colorblind mandate. The amendment, passed only a year after the 13th Amendment abolished slavery, was part of a broader color-conscious effort by Reconstruction-era lawmakers to dismantle the steep racial hierarchy and racial violence entrenched by slavery. The Supreme Courts denial of the history and the original meaning of the 14th Amendment was made all the more ironic by the courts loud embrace of history in other contextsmost infamously, perhaps, in its new conceptualization of substantive due process rights, and the constitutional protections for deeply personal decisions about family and bodily autonomy. The right to abortion was struck down in Dobbs, for example, because it was not part of the history and tradition of the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This uneven invocation of history gives the court license to carry out exactly what originalism purports to eradicate: the constitutionalization of ideology. The conservative majoritys cherry-picking of history and tradition allows it to invoke tradition to undermine progress it dislikeslike reproductive justice, gun control, or voting rightswhile discarding the histories that dont align with its ideology, like our nations fraught and noble tradition of fighting against the legacy of slavery and racial exclusion. Two years ago, in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard, a different group of aggrieved students and conservative legal strategists successfully ended affirmative action in Harvards admissions program using an ahistorical approach to equality doctrine. Now, FASORP is trying to expand that victory by using this new colorblind reading of the Constitution to attack the diversity efforts of Harvards flagship journal. Its lawsuits show a new and dangerous endpoint to the project of tearing equality doctrine away from the histories that formed it. FASORPs supposed legal complaints provide a forum with which to baselessly assert the superiority of white male candidates while launching sweeping, often personal attacks on Black female scholarsjuxtaposing their alleged deficiencies with reverent depictions of white men. In this way, FASORP transforms the foundational anti-racism legislation of the Civil Rights Movement and the Reconstruction eras into tools with which to harass minority faculty and students. It seems inevitable that FASORP will bring its dangerous form of racial harassment to the battered doors of Harvard Law School. Putting aside the tangled normative arguments around affirmative action programs, courts cannot permit civil rights law as a vehicle of racial harassment under the guise of injuries to white men. Even a colorblind reading of the Constitution, which shows no particular solicitude to the victims of racism, should not be used to empower its perpetrators. Opinionpalooza Is HereFollow Along With Slates Legal Experts Get clear, smart takes on every major ruling. Subscribe to support Slates legal coverage. Join Slate Plus On Friday, President Donald Trump said his administration would proceed with his executive order denying citizenship to children of immigrants who are not permanent residents or citizens after the Supreme Court ruled that nationwide injunctions blocking that order had been overreach by district court judges. What has been somewhat lost in the conversation around universal injunctions and the Supreme Court majoritys refusal to address the merits of the case is that the order itself is based on an inaccurate history of the 14th Amendment and of immigration in the United States. Challenges to the order are now making their way through the courts. Those justices who claim to believe in a jurisprudence of original intent should emphatically vote to strike down Trumps order. The language of the amendment is clear: All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. Supporters of the presidents orders make incorrect linguistic and historical arguments. They argue that the clause subject to the jurisdiction thereof excludes immigrants who dont have permanent legal status. If that were true, then we could not arrest, try, or punish immigrants for crimes committed in the United States, because they would not be subject to our court system. If an immigrant committed a crime, the only thing we could do is deport that person. Clearly that is nonsense. No one in the country believes this to be true. Moreover, the constitutional question is whether the person born in the United States is subject to the jurisdiction of the nation, not the parent. The language of the amendment is crystal clear: If you are born here, you are a citizen at birth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So, who is not subject to the jurisdiction of the United States? Diplomats and their families and visiting heads of state have diplomatic immunity, so they are not subject to our jurisdiction. They cannot be prosecuted for any crime unless their home country waives the immunity. For example, parking tickets issued to cars with diplomatic plates usually go unpaid and there is nothing we can do about it. In the rare case when a diplomat commits a serious crime, or is arrested for spying, the U.S. can expel the diplomat and send them home. Members of invading armies would also not be subject to our jurisdiction, but since no foreign army has invaded the nation itself since the War of 1812, this is not really a category that matters. In Elk v. Wilkins the Supreme Court concluded that Native Americans living on reservations or on tribal lands in the West were not fully subject to our jurisdiction because of their tribal membership and loyalties. In 1924, Congress passed legislation giving birthright citizenship to all Native Americans born in the United States. Thus, today, under the 14th Amendment and the 1924 statute, all people born in the U.S., except children of diplomats, are citizens at birth. Advertisement Related From Slate The United States Is About to Embark on a Terrifying Experiment in Mass Statelessness Read More The president and his supporters, and a few academics, also argue that in 1866 there was no such category as an undocumented immigrant because we had open borders. Thus, they claim, when Congress wrote the amendment and the state legislators ratified it, no one could have contemplated the existence of illegal aliens living in the U.S. But this is simply not true. In 1798 Congress passed a series of Alien Acts that provided for the deportation of aliens living here in time of war. Someone scheduled to be deported who evaded that order would have been an illegal alien living in the U.S. The 1866 Congress knew of this law and could have said the American-born children of such aliens were not citizens. Congress chose not to do this. Ironically, the Trump administration is fully aware of this because the administration has invoked the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to try to deport undocumented alienseven though we are not at war with any other country. Thus, the administration knows that since 1798 there has been a category of people who are not allowed to be in the country but could have had American children here. Advertisement Advertisement In 1803 Congress passed a law to prevent the importation of certain persons into the United States. These included any negro, mulatto, or other person of colour, not being a native, citizen, or registered seaman of the United States. Anyone bringing such Black people into the country could be fined $1,000a huge amount of money at the timeand have their ship seized. This was a ban on free Black people being brought into the country, not slaves. Under this 1803 law, such free Black people were illegally here, and subject to deportationsimilar to immigrants who dont have legal status today. Those that illegally remained were not made citizens under the 14th Amendment, but their American-born children were birthright citizens under the amendment. Advertisement Advertisement An 1819 law to prevent the illegal smuggling of slaves into the United States inflicted severe penalties for illegal traders and authorized the president to establish a process for returning illegally smuggled slaves to Africa. The law also authorized U.S. attorneys to secure illegally smuggled slaves within their jurisdiction until the president could return them to Africa. This law remained on the books until the end of slavery, and under it many Africans were repatriated to the continent of their birth. But hundreds, perhaps thousands, of others were successfully smuggled into the country or disappeared from federal custody and ended up as slaves in the South. These were undocumented immigrants, illegally in the United States. Congress was fully aware of the presence of these people in our nation. Many of these Africans arrived in the 1840s and 1850s and were alive when the 14th Amendment was ratified. They did not become citizens of the nation, but their American-born children did. Advertisement Finally, before 1866 there were some categories of immigrantssuch as convicted murdererswho could be deported. Those who evaded discovery were illegal aliens, but their American-born children became citizens under the 14th Amendment. Advertisement In addition to arguing, incorrectly, that there were no categories of illegal aliens in the United States, supporters of the presidents order argue that in 1866 Congress could never have contemplated bans on immigration. That is also absurdly wrong. Advertisement Since the 1790s there had been calls for immigration restrictions. In the 1830s and 1840s politicians known as nativists demanded bans on the immigration of Irish people and Catholics. In the 1850s the anti-immigrant Know-Nothing Party elected governors and state legislators. In the 34th Congress (185657), Nathaniel Banks, a Know-Nothing, served as speaker of the House of Representatives. In 1856, former President Millard Fillmore, then the Know-Nothing candidate for president, won 21.6 percent of the popular vote and eight electoral votes. All Americans of the time understood that anti-immigrant sentiment was strong and sooner or later there would likely be immigration restrictions. Advertisement California and Oregon called for restricting or banning immigration of Chinese people while also passing state laws limiting their legal and social rights. Since 1790 federal law had limited naturalization to any free white person, thus excluding Black, Indian (from Canada, Mexico, or Latin America), Chinese, South Asian, or Pacific Islander immigrants from naturalizing. The 1803 law restricting Black immigration was still on the books. This movement received important support from Chief Justice Roger B. Taneys assertion in Dred Scott v. Sandford that only white people could be citizens of the United States. Given the recent and ongoing hostility to immigration, it was obvious to everyone in Congress that in 1866 there were people in the U.S. who had no legal right to be here, and that in the future there might be more of them. Their children, nonetheless, became citizens. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The issue of Chinese citizenship, which would eventually lead to a ban on Chinese immigration, came up when Congress debated the amendment. Rep. William Higby of California declared that he viewed Chinese people as a pagan race incapable of being citizens. Nevertheless, he voted for the amendment, as did every other California and Oregon Republican, even if they did not like the birthright citizenship provision. Sen. John Conness of California had long opposed immigration by Chinese people. But, during the debates over the amendment, he declared that the children of all parentage whatever, born in California, should be regarded and treated as citizens of the United States, entitled to equal civil rights with other citizens of the United States. He asserted that California would be able to take care of the Chinese and to provide against any evils that may flow from their presence among us. He also said that Californians were entirely ready to accept the provision proposed in this constitutional amendment, that the children born here of Mongolian parents shall be declared by the Constitution of the United States to be entitled to civil rights and to equal protection before the law with others. Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Edgar Cowan, a conservative Republican from Pennsylvania who opposed any nonwhite citizenship, directly asked if the 14th Amendment would have the effect of naturalizing the children of Chinese and Gypsies born in this country. Sen. Lyman Trumbull, who had drafted the 13th Amendment two years earlier, answered tartly: Undoubtedly. No senator contradicted him. Advertisement Sen. Trumbulls position, and the language of the 14th Amendment, was consistent with the English tradition of birthright citizenship recognized in Calvins Case, in 1608, that anyone born in Britain, other than the children of a diplomat, was a subject of the Crown and a natural-born citizen. As decided at the beginning of British settlement of North America, every colony and new state followed this rule, as did the national government, for the children of all immigrants and the children of foreign visitors, no matter where they came from, how their parents arrived, or why their parents were here. That is what the Congress in 1866 wrote into the Constitution and what the United States has followed for more than a century and a half. Opinionpalooza Is HereFollow Along With Slates Legal Experts Get clear, smart takes on every major ruling. Subscribe to support Slates legal coverage. Join Slate Plus Amicus End-of-Term Breakfast Table is a storied tradition. This year, Dahlia Lithwick and Mark Joseph Stern invited some of the countrys smartest court analysts to chew over what the Supreme Court has left in the wake of its October 2024 term, which concluded on Friday with five decisions and one case that will be reargued in the term that begins in October. As both Dahlia and Mark have been warning since the Trump inauguration, you have to listen to the beats between the notes to fully appreciate whats been going on at One First Street these past few monthsthat means watching whats happening on the emergency docket and reading between the lines of the written opinions of the merits docket. This years extraordinary Breakfast Table brain trust includes New York Times opinion columnist Jamelle Bouie, civil rights lawyer and founding director of the 14th Amendment Center for Law and Democracy at the Howard University School of Law Sherrilyn Ifill, and Stephen Vladeck, professor of law at the Georgetown University Law Center and author of the One First newsletter on Substack. Their conversation has been edited and condensed for clarity. Dahlia Lithwick: Steve, youre one of a handful of court watchers who treats what happens on the emergency docket as though its equally if not more important than what happens on the merits docket, the one we all get to play along with at home. Yet, as rock em, sock em as the emergency or shadow docket has been this year, I dont think anyone could say that the term that ended last Friday was sanitized or burnished or buffed up for public consumption. It seems to me that what we saw at the end of the term was the 63 supermajority approach to the shadow docket merged with the 63 merits docket. You started Trumps presidency saying we should watch the contrast between the two dockets. Do you share my sense that theyve converged, and if so, do you have thoughts about why? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Steve Vladeck: Whats really striking about not just the last couple of weeks of the term, but really the last three months, is this convergence. Thats exactly the word Id use. Weve seen some pretty bad behavior by the court procedurally on emergency applications for some time, and that has now spilled over into pretty bad behavior substantively. The birthright citizenship decision is in some respects the apotheosis of this. Its the zenith, because you have the Supreme Court purporting to just grant these three modest emergency applications, but in so doing, theyre completely restructuring the relationship between the Supreme Court and federal district courts. And this came at the end of a week where the court had granted emergency relief to the Trump administration in a case in which the administration had defied the district court not once, but twice. Advertisement So I take these rulings together as this remarkable assertion of power for powers sake. The Supreme Court is saying, We will be the ones who decide whether what President Trump is doing is legal or not, not anybody else, including district courts. And part of why thats so striking is because in the birthright citizenship case, they didnt decide the case on the merits. They didnt decide whether what President Trump is doing is legal. Justice Brett Kavanaugh writes a concurrence where he says this is all about the need for a uniform national interim rule. A rule that the court didnt actually provide. Its this remarkable and bankrupt vision of judicial supremacywhere the Supreme Court is claiming all this power, and then not actually exercising it. Advertisement Advertisement Mark Joseph Stern: Sherrilyn, we always think of you when the Supreme Court curbs the power of district courts to do district court work. Trump v. CASA feels like the very embodiment of a Supreme Court thats making it almost impossible for district court judges to continue reining in Trumps lawlessnesssomething theyve been doing for months, often at great personal and professional peril. This decision didnt actually get to birthright citizenship on the merits, but what the court did decide seems to confirm, in pretty contemptuous language, that the six Republican-appointed justices on the court just fundamentally reject the proposition that the work of federal district courts matters. Advertisement Advertisement Sherrilyn Ifill: Trump v. CASA really reveals the courts lack of discipline when they are grabbing power around these things that they have been about for some time. By my own checklist, Trump v. CASA allows them to achieve several of those things: One is freeing up the executive to do almost whatever they want to do. A kind of unitary executive on steroids has been a long-standing project for them. They are all about their own supremacynot judicial supremacy, but Supreme Court supremacy; arrogating to themselves the power to make these decisions about checks and balances, about executive power, about what Congress can do and cant do. Advertisement Weakening the 14th Amendment has also been a project. Even though the court didnt decide the merits issue in this case, they didnt need to. It was actually kind of neat, because they gave the administration the ability to apply this unconstitutional executive order to people that fall under it (that is children who are born in the United States and neither parent is either a permanent resident or a citizen) and to ensure they never have to talk about the merits. So we cant say that the court struck down this important provision of the 14th Amendment, but nonetheless they were able to achieve the weakening of the 14th Amendment, which the conservative majority always loves to do, but with this case they dont have to do it directly. Advertisement Advertisement But the part that really kills me is what youre referring to, Mark, which is this thing about the district courts. Weve been seeing in these cases an administration that is pretty flagrantly playing in the face of district court judges, defying orders, subverting the district court, and lying to district courts. The Supreme Court is aware of all this and they seem not to be bothered by it at all. According to the Supreme Court, only they get to decide when the president has gone too far. Theyre essentially saying, Do whatever you want with those silly guys. Do whatever you want with those district court judges. It doesnt much matter to us. Did we know that the Supreme Court was this hostile to district courts five or 10 years ago? Advertisement Dahlia Lithwick: Im reminded of one year ago having this conversation about federal prosecutors, and hearing Justice Alito in the Trump immunity argument express this contempt about prosecutors, as though they were all wildebeests who live in an underground lair. Jamelle, I think you wanted to answer in a more substantive way than my wildebeest comment. Jamelle Bouie: I have a very cynical answer, which is that five years ago, 10 years ago, district court national injunctions were primarily hobbling a Democratic president, and now theyre hobbling a Republican president and the Supreme Court doesnt like it. And thats in the same way that in the immunity case, federal prosecutors were going after a Republican former president. They dont like it. Maybe I am missing some jurisprudential claims theyve made in the past, but just from where I sit, it really seems to be as straightforward as: Well, previously it was a Democratic president and now its a Republican president, and we have a belief that Republican presidents ought to be able to act in a completely unfettered way, or at least a presumptively unfettered way. And that furthermore, Maybe theyll do something that requires us to step in, but no one should be able to tell them no other than us. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related From Slate The Supreme Courts Birthright Citizenship Ruling Could Not Be More Disastrous Read More Sherrilyn Ifill: But that would then require them to drill down into the particular excesses that they think these district courts engaged in, because presumably at some point in the future theyll want to actually support something that district courts have done. As you point out, the Supreme Court did not feel the need to tackle the issue of nationwide injunctions during the Biden administration, with the nationwide injunction on student loan relief and the nationwide injunction regarding the moratorium on oil and gas leases. They let those things go. But now, they seem to be throwing out the baby with the bathwater. They seem to be throwing out the actual power of district court judges to engage in a certain kind of decisionmakingthats going sweep along with it Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk and other district court judges who they seem to like. Theres something about the tone that seems very targeted at the position of judge and not just at the individuals. Advertisement Jamelle Bouie: In Justice Kavanaughs concurrence in CASA, I believe theres a note about how none of this speaks to whether or not nationwide injunctions are permissible under the Administrative Procedures Act. Conveniently, when Democrats are trying to do things with the federal government, its often through administrative procedure. So, hey, you can still block an EPA rule, you can still block an HHS rule, but if a Republican president wants to issue an executive order, we have to let that play out through a process that takes more time to resolve. Advertisement Steve Vladeck: I think if theres a theme that cuts across the two very different halves of the courts docket from this term, its this precise theme. I would phrase it slightly cynically, in that I think you can see, in both the almost always unexplained rulings on emergency applications and in a bunch of the big merits cases, the court is basically creating an infrastructure in which they can sign off on the things they want to sign off on, block the things they want to block, and not really have to work that hard to rationalize which ones are which. Advertisement Advertisement This is the space the justices buy for themselves when they dont explain grants of emergency relief; we never know if it was because they think the governments going to win, or because they have some very perverted view of the equities. I see all of this as circling around the same theme, which is a majority that is very invested in preserving its own power, especially in context in which it can rein in the powers of other institutions that it currently views as at odds with itself. This is especially dangerous because its one thing when the victims of that power restructuring are executive branch agencies; its something else entirely when its the lower courts, because I dont know how many people on the street are going to differentiate between diminishing public faith in district court judges and diminishing public faith in the federal judiciary as an institution. The justices apparent belief that they can somehow separate themselves from district judges in this story is demonstrably wanting for evidence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sherrilyn Ifill: I think Steve is absolutely right, and this is why I argue that these justices are no longer judging. This is not what judicial decisionmaking is. What they are doing is creating precisely what Steve said, which is an infrastructure that allows them to basically freestyle to do whatever they want, depending on the case, depending on the judge, and depending on the president. Thats not judging. Thats not an infrastructure of rules. As a litigator, thats not a litigation structure into which I could make any rational decision about which cases to bring, about what theories to advance, and so on and so forth. So its an attack really on the legal system itself, in favor of a system that the judges can manipulate to their will. But beyond that, we have to marry this to the kinds of threats we have been seeing against district court judges. District court judges have been subject to violent threats. There has been this wave of sending unsolicited pizzas to the homes of district court judges using the name of the Judge Esther Salas son, who was murdered in New Jersey several years ago. Advertisement Advertisement There is a stark contrast between the response of Chief Justice Roberts, who said something about how its not appropriate to default to impeachment if you dont like a judicial decision, and what Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson said at the 1st Circuit Circuit judicial conference, where she gave a speech about district court judges, and invoked district court judges from the Civil Rights era and the courageousness and bravery of those judges. Threats against district court judges is about as serious as it gets. There is something very cavalier, careless, and I think dangerous about the way in which this court is approaching their desire to break down an infrastructure that doesnt give them maximum room to make whatever decisions they want. We are talking about the actual safety of federal district court judges. Were talking about judges being lied to; were talking about judges orders being defied. These are fundamental structural protections for our legal system. And I wont let them off the hook by saying they want to do whatever they want. I think its important to point out that they are doing it in a reckless and careless manner. Advertisement That has become the feature of this six-member supermajority, a kind of carelessness and a recklessness about the process by which they arrogate this power to themselves, that threatens the entire system. Mark Joseph Stern: I would echo Sherrilyns praise of the speech Justice Jackson gave, and Ill note that she brought this back up in her dissent in Trump v. CASA, where she slams the majoritys complicity in the creation of a culture of disdain for lower courts. Their rulings and the law as they interpret it, which will surely hasten the downfall of our governing institutions, enabling our collective demise. I dont think she could have put it in much starker terms than that. That is as blunt a warning as they come. Contracts For June 2, 2025 Raytheon Co., Tucson, Arizona, is awarded a $1,100,806,209 modification (P00004) to a previously awarded fixed-price incentive (firm-target) contract (N0001924C0032). This modification exercises options for the production and delivery of AIM-9X production Lot 25 requirements as follows: 1,756 AIM-9X-4 Block II All Up Round Tactical Missiles (492 for the Navy, 456 for the Air Force, and 808 for Foreign Military Sales (FMS) customers); 242 AIM-9X-5 Block II+ All Up Round Tactical Missiles for FMS customers; 187 Captive Air Training Missiles (CATM)-9X-4 (40 for the Navy, 62 for the Air Force, and 85 for FMS customers); 13 Special Air Training Missiles (NATM) (five for the Air Force and eight for FMS customers); six Data Air Test Missiles for FMS customers; 30 Multi-Purpose Training Missile for FMS customers; eight Block I Tactical Sectionalization Kits for the Air Force; seven Block I CATM Sectionalization Kits for the Air Force; 33 Block II Tactical Sectionalization Kit (21 for the Navy, eight for the Air Force, and four for FMS customers); 34 Block II CATM Sectionalization Kits (24 for the Navy, six for the Air Force, and four for FMS customers); 31 Block II Tactical Maintenance Kits (30 for the Navy and one for FMS customers); 28 Block II CATM Maintenance Kits (27 for the Air Force and one for FMS customers), as well as various associated spares, containers, and support equipment. Work will be performed in Tucson, Arizona (36.14%); North Logan, Utah (9.96%); Niles, Illinois (7.83%); Keyser, West Virginia (7.65%); Hillsboro, Oregon (4.71%); Midland, Ontario, Canada (3.17%); Heilbronn, Germany (2.58%); Goleta, California (2.5%); Simsbury, Connecticut (2.49%); Anaheim, California (2.39%); Minneapolis, Minnesota (2.10%); Murrieta, California (2.10%); Valencia, California (1.68%); San Diego, California (1.57%); Kalispell, Montana (1.56%); St. Albans, Vermont (1.21%); Anniston, Alabama (1.15%); San Jose, California (1.12%); Cincinnati, Ohio (1.03%); and various other locations within the continental U.S. (7.06%), and is expected to be complete by October 2028. Fiscal 2025 weapons procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $490,708,962; fiscal 2025 missile procurement funds in the amount of $183,651,109; fiscal 2025 operations and maintenance funds in the amount of $2,082,840; fiscal 2025 research, development, test and evaluation (Air Force) funds in the amount of $952,404; fiscal 2025 research, development, test and evaluation funds in the amount of $664,351; fiscal 2024 missile procurement (Air Force) funds in the amount of $55,470,485; fiscal 2024 weapons procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $2,961,405; fiscal 2024 research, development, test and evaluation (Air Force) funds in the amount of $952,404; fiscal 2023 missile procurement (Air Force) funds in the amount of $8,768,269; fiscal 2023 weapons procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $4,448; and FMS customer funds in the amount of $597,227,867, will be obligated at the time of award, of which $19,623,826 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The contract action was not competed. Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. Contracts For June 3, 2025 Rockwell Collins, Inc., Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is awarded a $16,587,477 cost-plus-fixed-fee order (N0001925F0087) against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N0001924G0017). This order provides software sustainment support and cyber security lifecycle support for the E-6B aircraft for the Navy. Work will be performed in Richardson, Texas (95%); Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma (3%); and Patuxent River, Maryland (2%), and is expected to be completed in June 2026. Fiscal 2025 operations and maintenance (Navy) funds in the amount of $5,288,092 will be obligated at the time of award, all of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This order was not competed. Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. The Survice Engineering Co. LLC,* Belcamp, Maryland, is awarded a $9,833,548 modification (P00043) to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N0001923C0033). This modification exercises options to provide for the production and delivery of 31 TRV-150C Tactical Resupply Unmanned Air Systems, and to procure one inspection and evaluation of a system in support of the Navy and Marine Corps Small Tactical Unmanned Aircraft Systems. Work will be performed in Harford County, Maryland (100%), and is expected to be completed in April 2026. Fiscal 2025 procurement (Marine Corps) funds in the amount of $9,830,462; and fiscal 2025 operation and maintenance (Marine Corps) funds in the amount of $3,087 will be obligated at the time of award, $3,087 of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This modification was not competed. Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. Lockheed Martin Rotary and Mission Systems, Owego, New York, is awarded a $9,500,001 firm-fixed-price modification (P00004) to an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N0001924D0106). This modification adds scope to procure the efforts necessary to support all H-60 Naval Hawk repairs in support of the Navy and the governments of Australia, Denmark, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Greece, India, and Spain. Work will be performed in Owego, New York (100%), and is expected to be completed in March 2029. No funds will be obligated at the time of award; funds will be obligated on individual orders as they are issued. This modification was not competed. Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. Contracts For June 4, 2025 No applicable data. Contracts For June 5, 2025 RTX BBN Technologies Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, is awarded a $12,880,875 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for the design, research, development and evaluation, installation, integration, developmental, and operational test of the new Ground Replay System (GRS) engineering tool in support of new Air Anti-Submarine Warfare capabilities, as well as provides post-mission data analysis, user training, and development of GRS fleet training programs, documentation, and analysis for the Navy. Work will be performed in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and is expected to be completed in June 2030. Fiscal 2025 research, development, test and evaluation (Navy) funds in the amount of $94,046; and fiscal 2024 research, development, test and evaluation funds in the amount of $281,204, will be obligated at the time of award, $281,204 of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competed. Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity (N0001925C0108). Contracts For June 6, 2025 Aviation Systems Engineering Co., Lexington Park, Maryland, is awarded a $294,019,257 cost-plus-fixed-fee and cost indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract to provide engineering services and supplies associated with the research, development, system prototyping and limited production, modification, and sustainment support of naval airborne anti-submarine warfare systems. The requirements span all Navy and Marine Corps type, model, series, other government agency and Foreign Military Platforms, and across all phases of the systems life cycle. Work will be performed in California, Maryland (20%); Lexington Park, Maryland (20%); Patuxent River, Maryland (10%); Jacksonville, Florida (10%); Warminster, Pennsylvania (10%); Horsham, Pennsylvania (10%); Huntington Beach, California (10%); and Whidbey Island, Washington (10%), and is expected to be completed in June 2030. No funds will be obligated at the time of award; funds will be obligated on individual orders as they are issued. This contract was competitively procured with one offer received. Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity (N0042125D0082). The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Missouri, is awarded a $53,058,280 modification (P00003) to a cost-plus-fixed-fee order (N0001924F0259) against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N0001921G0006). This modification exercises an option for the production and delivery of 30 Next Generation Electronic Attack Unit (NGEAU) B-Kits and 22 NGEAU B-Kit Spares in support of the Growler Block II phase 1 upgrade for the Navy. Work will be performed in Minneapolis, Minnesota (75%); Linthicum, Maryland (23%); and St. Louis, Missouri (2%), and is expected to be completed in December 2028. Fiscal 2025 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $53,058,280 will be obligated at the time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This modification was not competed. Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. Contracts For June 9, 2025 No applicable data. Contracts For June 10, 2025 No applicable data. Contracts For June 11, 2025 No applicable data. Contracts For June 12, 2025 North Star Scientific Corp.,* Kapolei, Hawaii, is awarded a $13,746,890 firm-fixed-price, cost-plus-fixed-fee order (N0001925F0217) against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N0001924G0014). This order provides modeling, hardware design and construction, testing and data analysis in preparation for and execution of full-scale testing in support of Small Business Innovation Research Phase III, Topic N06-125 "L-Band Solid-State High-Power Amplifier for Airborne Platforms." Work will be performed in Honolulu, Hawaii (44.39%); Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (44.99%); San Leandro, California (7.70%); Newark, Delaware (1.13%); and Warminster, Pennsylvania (1.79%), and is expected to be completed in June 2027. Fiscal 2024 research, development, test and evaluation (Navy) funds in the amount of $13,746,890 will be obligated at time of award, all of which will expire at the end of the fiscal year. Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. Contracts For June 13, 2025 General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc., Poway, California, is awarded a $27,873,450 modification (P00002) to a firm-fixed-price, cost-plus-fixed-fee order (N0001924F5565) against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N0001922G0006). This modification adds scope to provide for the development and integration of a Smart Sensor System capability, to include procurement of associated hardware and software in support of the successful operational capability for the MQ-9A Reaper Marine Air Ground Task Force Expeditionary Medium Altitude Long Endurance Unmanned Aerial System. Additionally, this modification procures spares for the Detect and Avoid System and Smart Sensor System. Work will be performed in Poway, California (60%); Patuxent River, Maryland (30%); and various locations outside the continental U.S. (10%), and is expected to be completed in July 2028. Fiscal 2025 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $20,214,480; and fiscal 2025 research, development, test and evaluation (Defense Wide) funds in the amount of $3,242,667, will be obligated at the time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This modification was not competed. Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. BAE Systems, Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc., Nashua, New Hampshire, is awarded a $15,888,980 modification (P00007) to a firm-fixed-price contract (N0001923C0052). This modification exercises an option for the production and delivery of seven OE-120/UPX Antenna Group Systems (three for the Navy and two each for the governments of Australia and Japan); four OE-120 retrofit kits (two each for the governments of Australia and Japan); two installation and checkout (INCO) kits (one each for the governments of Australia and Japan); and one delta INCO kit for the Navy in support of a wide range of systems, including identification of friend or foe, secondary surveillance radar, and air traffic control radar. Work will be performed in Nashua, New Hampshire, and is expected to be completed in January 2028. Fiscal 2025 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funds in the amount of $3,917,176; fiscal 2025 other procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $192,830; fiscal 2024 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funds in the amount of $1,958,588; and Foreign Military Sales customer funds in the amount of $9,820,386, will be obligated at the time of award; none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. Contracts For June 16, 2025 American Electronic Warfare Associates Inc., California, Maryland, is awarded a $466,653,786 cost-plus-fixed-fee, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract to provide advanced aircraft research, development, test and evaluation (AARDT&E) support, to include research, development, management, design, documentation, fabrication, installation, integration, test, evaluation, operation and maintenance in support of integrated battlespace simulation and test and associated AARDT&E capabilities, laboratories, and facilities supporting for the Navy and non-U.S Department of Defense partnering nation programs. Work will be performed in Patuxent River, Maryland (90%); and Hollywood, Maryland (10%), and is expected to be completed in June 2030. No funds will be obligated at the time of award; funds will be obligated on individual orders as they are issued. This contract was competitively procured with one offer received. Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity (N0042125D0303). Contracts For June 17, 2025 No applicable data. Contracts For June 18, 2025 Reliance Test and Technology LLC, Lexington Park, Maryland, is awarded a $90,202,440 cost-plus-fixed-fee modification (P00059) to a previously awarded contract (N0042120C0033). This modification exercises an option to provide research, development, test, evaluation, engineering, fleet and management support services required to perform aircraft engineering and developmental flight tests, as well as fleet training events for the Navy and Marine Corps air vehicle systems and trainers in support of the Atlantic Ranges and Targets Department. Work will be performed in Patuxent River, Maryland (78%); Norfolk, Virginia (13%); Dam Neck, Virginia (5%); and various locations within the continental U.S. (4%), and is expected to be completed in June 2031. Fiscal 2025 research, development, test, and evaluation (Navy) funds in the amount of $11,230,525; fiscal 2025 operations and maintenance (Navy) funds in the amount of $4,019,000; fiscal 2025 working capital (Navy) funds in the amount of $3,198,907; fiscal 2025 research, development, test and evaluation (Defense Wide) funds in the amount of $649,000, will be obligated at time of award, $7,217,907 of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. Contracts For June 20, 2025 No applicable data. Contracts For June 23, 2025 No applicable data. Contracts For June 24, 2025 No applicable data. Contracts For June 25, 2025 Lockheed Martin Corp., Fort Worth, Texas, is awarded a $250,000,000 modification (P00006) to a previously awarded fixed-price incentive (firm-target), cost-plus-fixed-fee indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N0001922D0004). This modification increases the contract ceiling to provide for the ongoing production of the F-35 logistics information system, which encompasses both the Autonomic Logistics Information System and Operational Data Integrated Network (ODIN) and Mission Planning Environment (MPE) hardware, as well as associated support necessary to field the F-35 ODIN, MPE, and components of any future ODIN and MPE retrofits for the F-35A, F-35B and F-35C aircraft in support of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program for the Air Force, Marine Corps, Navy, Foreign Military Sales customers, and F-35 Cooperative Program Partners. Work will be performed in Orlando, Florida (95%); and Fort Worth, Texas (5%), and is expected to be completed in August 2027. No funds will be obligated at the time of award; funds will be obligated on individual orders as they are issued. This contract action was not competed. Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. Contracts For June 26, 2025 No applicable data. Contracts For June 27, 2025 BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc., Nashua, New Hampshire, is awarded a $40,860,000 cost-plus-incentive-fee with firm-fixed-price production line contract modification (P00009) to previously awarded contract. This modification is for the procurement of 200 Dual Band Decoy countermeasures and associated assemblies for the Navy. Work will be performed in Nashua, New Hampshire (70.8%); Wenatchee, Washington (4.5%); Fremont, California (3.7%); Hopkinton, Massachusetts (2.8%); Newark, Delaware (2.2%); Keene, New Hampshire (2.1%); Wilmington, Massachusetts (1.7%); and various locations within the continental U.S. (12.2%), and is expected to be completed in November 2027. Fiscal 2025 Procurement of Ammunition, Navy and Marine Corps funds in the amount of $40,860,000 will be obligated at the time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured; two offers were received. Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity (N0001923C0029). Contracts For June 30, 2025 General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc., Poway, California, is awarded a $37,018,172, firm-fixed-price and cost-plus-fixed-fee contract (N0001924F5559) against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N0001922G0006). This order procures logistics and training support, four alternating current pod kits, electronic warfare pod conversion, 10 electronic warfare aircraft kits, installation of electronic warfare aircraft kits, installation of ground control station kits, and installation of optix kits in support of the Marine Air Ground Task Force Unmanned Expeditionary Medium Altitude Long Endurance program for the Navy. Work will be performed in Greenville, Texas (45%); Poway, California (45%); and various other international locations (10%), and is expected to be completed by May 2027. Fiscal 2025 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $15,322,101; and fiscal 2024 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $21,696,071, will be obligated at the time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. Thales USA Inc., Overland Park, Kansas, is awarded an $11,648,152 firm-fixed-price contract modification (P00003) which is to exercise the option year for the production and delivery of four AN/URN-33 Beacon Kits, 17 OE-4691 tactical air navigation antenna systems, 68 high power assemblies, 17 low power assemblies, and 17 remote monitor and maintenance controllers, in support of the Navy. Work will be performed in Salt Lake City, Utah, and is expected to be completed in November 2026. Fiscal 2025 other procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $6,373,137; fiscal 2025 other customer (U.S Coast Guard) funds in the amount of $1,279,476; fiscal 2024 other procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $3,043,822; and fiscal 2023 other procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $951,717, will be obligated at the time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured pursuant to 10 U.S. Code 3204(a)(1). Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity (N0001924C0021). Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Weapons System Division, Northridge, California, is awarded an $8,271,501 firm-fixed-price order (P00011) against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N0001920G0005). This order provides for the production and delivery of AN/AAR-47 Missile Warning Set weapons replaceable assemblies (154 sensors, 42 computer processors, and 11 Countermeasures Signals Simulator test gun sets) for foreign military customers. Work will be performed in Northridge, California, and is expected to be completed in November 2027. Fiscal 2025 Foreign Military Sales funds in the amount of $8,271,501 will be obligated at time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity (N0001921F0013). *Small Business Swedish Starlet N took her favourite position on the point and scored a gate to-wire victory in the $34,109 Distaff Open Handicap Pace at Plainridge Park on Tuesday, July 1. Matthew Athearn bolted quickly to the front with Swedish Starlet N and reached the quarter in :26.3 with Uptown Hanover (Bruce Ranger) and Arizona (Brett Beckwith) following closely behind. Positions remained unchanged to the half in :54.4 until Uptown Hanover pulled to challenge heading to three-quarters. Swedish Starlet N responded to that challenge with a :27.3 third panel which kept Uptown Hanover at bay heading into turn three. Swedish Starlet N took her lead into the stretch and paced home with authority while holding off the fast-closing Always Bstunning N (Kevin Switzer Jr.) to win by one-half length in a season's best 1:51. The win was the third of the year for Swedish Starlet N ($8.73) who is owned by Tim Bojarski and Tony Gruppo and trained by Jimmy Nickerson, bringing her to 26 career victories and $418,457 of earnings in 99 starts. In the $24,005 upper-level conditioned pace for fillies and mares, Seaside Tina (Kevin Switzer Jr.) sat second behind Fade Out (Brett Beckwith) through quarters of :26.1, :55.2 and 1:23.1. Fade Out continued to lead while fighting off an outer flow around the last turn but when the girls entered the stretch, Seaside Tina found room along the pegs, bolted to the lead in deep stretch and won by a length in 1:53.2. Seaside Tina ($5.18) is trained and owned by Mark Eaton, in partnership with Robert Griffin. She has now earned $334,371 with 15 career wins in 70 starts. Live racing will resume at Plainridge Park on Thursday, July 3 at 4 p.m. (with files from Plainridge) This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Martin Cooper, who led the team that built the first mobile cellphone, sits behind a prototype of that phone at his home, April 4, 2025, in San Diego. Credit: AP Photo/Gregory Bull Dick Tracy got an atom-powered two-way wrist radio in 1946. Marty Cooper never forgot it. The Chicago boy became a star engineer who ran Motorola's research and development arm when the hometown telecommunications titan was locked in a 1970s corporate battle to invent the portable phone. Cooper rejected AT&T's wager on the car phone, betting that America wanted to feel like Dick Tracy, armed with "a device that was an extension of you, that made you reachable everywhere." Fifty-two years ago, Cooper declared victory in a call from a Manhattan sidewalk to the head of AT&T's rival program. His four-pound DynaTAC 8000X has evolved into a global population of billions of smartphones weighing mere ounces apiece. Some 4.6 billion peoplenearly 60% of the worldhave mobile internet, according to a global association of mobile network operators. The tiny computers that we carry by the billions are becoming massive, interlinked networks of processors that perform trillions of calculations per secondthe computing power that artificial intelligence needs. The simple landlines once used to call friends or family have evolved into omnipresent glossy screens that never leave our sight and flood our brain with hours of data daily, deluging us with endless messages, emails, videos and a soundtrack that many play constantly to block the outside world. From his home in Del Mar, California, the inventor of the mobile phone, now 96, watches all of this. Of one thing Cooper is certain: The revolution has really just begun. The phone is about to become a thinking computer Now, the winner of the 2024 National Medal of Technology and Innovationthe United States' highest honor for technological achievementis focused on the cellphone's imminent transition to a thinking mobile computer fueled by human calories to avoid dependence on batteries. Our new parts will run constant tests on our bodies and feed our doctors real-time results, Cooper predicts. "That will let people anticipate diseases before they happen," Cooper envisions. "People are going to die from old age and accidents but they're not going to die from disease. That's a revolution in medicine." Human behavior is already adapting to smartphones, some observers say, using them as tools that allow overwhelmed minds to focus on quality communication. The phone conversation has become the way to communicate the most intimate of social ties, says Claude Fischer, a sociology professor at the University of California, Berkeley and author of "America Calling: A Social History of the Telephone to 1940." For almost everyone, the straight-up phone call has become an intrusion. Now everything needs to be preceded by a message. "There seems to be a sense that the phone call is for heart-to-heart and not just for information exchange," Fischer says. And this from a 20-year-old corroborates that: "The only person I call on a day-to-day basis is my cousin," says Ayesha Iqbal, a psychology student at Suffolk County Community College. "I primarily text everyone else." Child education student Katheryn Ruiz, 19, concurs, saying "texting is used for just like nothing substantial, like nothing personal." Sometimes the roles are reversed, though. Sixty-eight-year-old Diana Cunningham of Overbrook, Kansas, pop. 1005, uses a group text to stay in touch with her kids and grandkids. Her 18-year-old granddaughter Bryndal Hoover, a senior at nearby Lawrence High School, says she prefers voice calls over texting because then I can understand, 'Oh, how should I go about a conversation?'" When she was a girl, Karen Wilson's family shared a party line with other phone customers outside Buffalo, New York. Wilson, 79, shocked her granddaughter by telling her about the party line when the girl got a cellphone as a teenager. "What did you do if you didn't wait?'" the girl asked. Responded her grandmother: "'You went down to their house and you yelled, 'Hey, Mary, can you come out?'" The brave new world has a price Many worry about the changes exerted by our newly interconnected, highly stimulated world. We increasingly buy online and get products delivered without the possibility of serendipity. There are fewer opportunities to greet a neighbor or store employee and find out something unexpected, to make a friend, to fall in love. People are working more efficiently as they drown. "There's no barrier to the number of people who can be reaching out to you at the same time and it's just overwhelming," says Kristen Burks, an associate circuit judge in Macon, Missouri. Most importantly, sociologists, psychologists and teachers say, near-constant phone-driven screen time is cutting into kids' ability to learn and socialize. A growing movement is pushing back against cellphones' intrusion into children's daily lives. "At the turn of the millennium, technology companies based on the West Coast of the United States created a set of world-changing products," New York University social psychologist Jonathan Haidt writes in "The Anxious Generation," which has been on The New York Times bestseller list for a year. "By creating a firehose of addictive content that entered through kids' eyes and ears, and by displacing physical play and in-person socializing, these companies have rewired childhood and changed human development on an almost unimaginable scale," he writes. Seven states have signedand twenty states have introducedstatewide bell-to-bell phone bans in schools. Additional states have moved to prohibit them during teaching time. That doesn't sit well with the smartphone's inventor, who says there are better solutions than regulation. "Accommodating disruptive technologies requires disruptive solutions," Cooper wrote from Del Mar. "Wouldn't it be better for teachers to integrate the cellphone that provides access to all the information in the world?" Global inequality is an issue That advantage is coming to rich countries faster than poor ones. The first time that Nnaemeka Agbo had to leave his family in Nigeria for a prolonged period, life shuttled him to Russia for studies, like many other young Nigerians increasingly desperate to relocate to seek better opportunities. Adjusting to life in Russia when he moved there in 2023 was tough, he says, but one thing kept him going; WhatsApp calls with family. "One thing that kept me sane was calling home every time, and it made me feel closer to my people," the 31-year-old says. In a country that has one of the world's highest poverty and hunger levels despite being Africa's top oil producer, Agbo's experience mirrors many young people in Nigeria increasingly forced to choose between remaining at home with family or aiming at a better life elsewhere. At least 37% of African adults expressed their desire to live somewhere else in 2023, the highest rate in the world, according to a Gallup survey published in October last year. For many, phone calls blur the distance and offer comfort. "No matter how busy my schedule is, I must call my people every weekend, even if that's the only call I have to make," Agbo says. In Africa, where only 37% of the population had internet access in 2023, according to the International Telecommunication Union, regular mobile calls are the only option many have. In northern Nigeria's Zamfara state, Abdulmalik Saidu says the mobile connectivity rate is so low that "sometimes we stay for weeks without network." When 19-year-old Shamsu Deen-Cole flew from Sierra Leone to the United States to study international relations in 1971, making a call to his parents in Sierra Leone would take days, starting with telling his parents when to expect the call. Calls would cost around $150 for under 10 minutes. "There was no time for extra talks or complimentary because it would all add up in cost," recalls Deen-Cole, 73. Tabane Cisse, who moved from Senegal to Spain in 2023, makes phone calls about investing Spanish earnings at home. Otherwise, it's all texts, or voice notes, with one exception. His mother doesn't read or write, but when he calls "it's as if I was standing next to her," Cisse says. "It brings back memoriessuch pleasure." He couldn't do it without the cell phone. And half a world away, that suits Marty Cooper just fine. "There are more cell phones in the world today than there are people," Cooper says. "Your life can be made infinitely more efficient just by virtue of being connected with everybody else in the world. But I have to tell you that this is only the beginning." 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: CC0 Public Domain A partnership between JPMorgan Chase and Miami-based firm Consulting IQ is set to reshape the landscape for small and midsize businesses (SMBs), providing them with access to high-level strategic consulting tools powered by artificial intelligence. The platform offers SMBs a wide range of capabilitiesfrom developing strategies in sales, marketing, and finance, to predictive analytics, industry-specific key performance indicators, and real-time economic scenario comparisons. "Most of these businesses can't afford traditional consultants. Our solution delivers the same quality of advice, blending AI with real human experts who validate every response," said Diego Medone, founder and CEO of Consulting IQ. Through a strategic alliance, JPMorgan Chase has become an operational partner for Consulting IQthough the relationship extends far beyond logistics. Leveraging their global reach, the companies are developing initiatives to support the bank's entire ecosystem, including its own businesses and clients. With many SMBs in its portfolio, JPMorgan Chase sees this as a way to offer added value. Consulting IQ acts as a 24/7 strategic business consultant for those clients, Medone told the Miami Herald. The platform helps businesses protect core operations, expand intelligently, and operate more efficiently. Medone emphasized that of the world's 400 million businesses, 99% are small or midsizeand 65% are at risk of failing within their first five years. Consulting IQ aims to solve this problem by offering affordable consulting services. Traditional consulting can cost between $500 and $2,000 an hourout of reach for many SMBs. The platform combines AI, data-driven tools, and predictive analytics, with oversight from human consultants to ensure advice is relevant and impactful, Medone said. Unlike generic AI systems, Consulting IQ was built specifically to address business challenges identified in thousands of interviews with entrepreneurs around the globe. AI across all business functions Consulting IQ provides advice in all key business areas: strategy, sales, marketing, process improvement, taxes, regulatory compliance, and hiring. It is multilingual, supporting English, Spanish, French, Italian, Japanese, German, and more. It also features multi-conversational memory, allowing users to build upon previous sessions. For aspiring entrepreneurs, the platform provides a roadmapfrom evaluating whether an idea is viable and profitable, to determining the necessary steps and legal requirements to operate in specific markets, and how to successfully execute the business plan. The platform has already been used by businesses around the world, including South Florida entrepreneurs. One reported a 60% increase in sales within four months, while another saved 30 hours per week on decision-making processes, according to Medone. Consulting IQ serves businesses in every sector, from tourism and construction to manufacturing, e-commerce, financial services, and hospitality. Businesses can register and try a free version at: consultingiq.ai/, with paid plans available afterward. A business born from crisis Medone got the idea during the COVID-19 pandemic, after noticing a wave of small business closures. He envisioned offering SMBs access to the same level of strategic guidance as large corporationsat a fraction of the cost. "With more than 15 years of experience working with artificial intelligence, we first wanted to verify the scale of the issue. As I mentioned, 65% of these companies are at risk of disappearing," he said. After conducting interviews and confirming the lack of support for SMBs, the company committed to developing a scalable, intuitive, and cost-effective strategic consulting platform tailored for small business needs. "What drove us," Medone said, "was the desire to help these companies survive and thrivegiving them access to insights that were once reserved for just a few." 2025 Miami Herald. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: ACS ES&T Air (2025). DOI: 10.1021/acsestair.5c00059 Harmful air pollutants on U.K. pavements generated by diesel cars could be slashed by a third if car exhausts were positioned on the right, according to a new study published in ACS ES&T Air. The research, led by the University of York, reveals passenger cars with exhaust pipes on the left side contribute to pollution concentrations at the curbside that are 40% higher than those with right-sided exhausts. The researchers used advanced "plume regression techniques" to understand the factors which influence near-road traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) in urban environments. These methods allowed them to model concentrations of pollutants, especially nitrogen oxides (NO x ), under different conditions, leading to their discovery of the startling difference based on tailpipe position. Curbside contribution The researchers calculate that if all diesel cars in the U.K. were equipped with right-positioned exhausts, it would cut curbside contribution to NO x pollution levels from these vehicles by one-third. The findings are particularly relevant in the U.K., where the research highlighted that only 20.1% of diesel passenger carsthe primary contributors to NO x emissionshave their exhausts positioned on the right, the side typically furthest from the curb in a country that drives on the left. In an unexpected discovery, the study also uncovered a previously unrealized benefit of electric vehicles (EVs). Beyond their zero tailpipe emissions, EVs were found to actively dilute the exhaust plumes of nearby fossil-fueled vehicles. This phenomenon is attributed to vehicle-induced turbulence, effectively helping to reduce near-road TRAP exposure for pedestrians and cyclists. Substantial impact Lead author of the study, Professor David Carslaw from the Department of Chemistry at the University of York said, "These findings demonstrate that even seemingly small details in vehicle design can have a substantial impact on air pollution close to roads. "The data on tailpipe placement offers a tangible and relatively simple modification that manufacturers could implement to reduce roadside pollution. Furthermore, the 'accidental' benefit of EVs in diluting existing pollution adds another compelling reason to accelerate their adoption." To gain a detailed understanding of the air quality near roads, the researchers used a recently developed method of taking rapid measurements at the roadside. This allowed them to analyze in detail how factors like the amount of exhaust from vehicles, what's in that exhaust, and how it moves through the air all play a role in what pavement users are exposed to. "This study highlights the complex connections between all the different elements that impact air quality in our cities," Professor Carslaw added. "And that's important, because it gives us new ways of thinking for both our politicians and the car industry to tackle the health challenges we face from traffic pollution." More information: Samuel Wilson et al, Influence of Vehicle Design on Near-Road Concentrations of Traffic-Related Air Pollutants, ACS ES&T Air (2025). DOI: 10.1021/acsestair.5c00059 This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: CC0 Public Domain The 38-year-old Durham, North Carolina, semiconductor supplier Wolfspeed filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, officially starting a reorganization the company says will allow it to shed billions in debt. The filing in the Southern District of Texas comes eight days after Wolfspeed publicized a restructuring agreement that will give its creditors ownership once the company emerges from bankruptcy. "We are continuing to move forward with our accelerated restructuring process to strengthen our capital structure and fuel our next phase of growth," said Robert Feurle, Wolfspeed's CEO, in a statement. The company is implementing a prepackaged bankruptcy, meaning its plan has sufficient support from creditors to proceed. On Monday, Wolfspeed said its bankruptcy is backed by the holders of 97% of its senior secured debt and 67% of its convertible debt, plus the Japanese semiconductor firm Renesas. Wolfspeed anticipates exiting bankruptcy by the end of September after it has slashed 70% of its debt, or approximately $4.6 billion. At that time, its new shareholders will appoint a new board of directors. The publicly traded chipmaker is one of the Triangle's largest employers and entered last summer with 5,000 employees worldwidemost of whom were based in North Carolina. But the company has since shrunk its headcount by more than 25% as its sought aggressive cost-savings. Wolfspeed, originally named Cree, took on more than $6 billion in debt to fund its shift away from legacy LED and lighting divisions and toward exclusively producing a unique type of semiconductor called silicon carbide, which industry experts say performs more efficiently than standard silicon chips. In 2022, Wolfspeed opened a major fabrication plant in New York State and announced it would build a $5 billion materials plant in western Chatham County, near Siler City, which the company promised would eventually employ 1,800 workers. Yet manufacturing delays, flagging electric vehicle demand and growing competition hamstrung Wolfspeed's chip projections. Last year, the company announced plans to shut a device factory in Durham and shelved a multibillion-dollar facilities project in Germany. In November, Wolfspeed fired CEO Greg Lowe after seven years. Last October, Wolfspeed received a federal CHIPS Act award that was contingent on the company first restructuring its 2026 debt. The Biden administration did not disburse this $750 million award, and the Trump administration has not advanced the federal program designed to bolster domestic semiconductor manufacturing. What happens now for a bankrupt Wolfspeed? With its first convertible debt payment due in May 2026, the potential of bankruptcy grew. This despite Wolfspeed ending March with $1.3 billion in cash, a significant amount for a company weighing Chapter 11. This spring, Wolfspeed rejected offers to restructure its 2026 debt obligation and avoid bankruptcy, opting instead for what it called a more "comprehensive" solution. "(Bankruptcy is) an enormously powerful tool for businesses, but it's also very flexible," UNC law professor Kara Bruce said in an interview earlier this month. "So, it allows the company to come up with a plan to figure out how to resolve their financial distress and adjust their operations for the future." The Southern District of Texas, where Wolfspeed filed, was the third-most used bankruptcy court in the nation last year, according to the Congressional Research Service. Wolfspeed has introduced a new website to address its bankruptcy, including a question and answer section for customers, vendors and investors. The company states it will deliver materials as normal and that Monday's announcement will not impact employee pay or benefits. As for what will happen to shares currently owned by investors, Wolfspeed said it "cannot comment on this at this time, but we are committed to providing updates as there is news to share." Last week, Wolfspeed said it hoped to remain listed on the New York Stock Exchange while in bankruptcy, though the company acknowledged it could be delisted from the prominent exchange. Its stock closed Monday at 40 cents a share. On Tuesday morning, shares rose above 80 cents a share. 2025 The News & Observer. Distributed at Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Two China's aircraft carrier task forces return after far-sea training China Military Online) 10:35, July 02, 2025 The Chinese aircraft carrier Liaoning (Hull 17) conducts alongside replenishment-at-sea with a Type 905 comprehensive supply ship during a far-sea training exercise. Two Chinese PLA Navy's aircraft carrier task forces, Liaoning (Hull 16) and Shandong (Hull 17), recently completed their combat-oriented far-sea training and safely returned to their home ports. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/Wang Jian) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) After four months of waiting, Glenn Hegar finally strolled into Texas A&M University System headquarters as chancellor for the first time Tuesday morning. It wasnt his first time in the Moore/Connally Building on Tarrow Street as he has been a regular at the office learning the ropes from former Chancellor John Sharp. On one of those previous trips, he must have learned how to get into the building other than the main entrance. Hegar first entered through a back way to go up to the chancellors suite and drop off his bag before coming back down and doing a grand entrance through the front doors where members of the local media and A&M System communications department staff were waiting to welcome him. I feel like a kid. Im back in class all over again, Hegar told local media after his entrance through the front doors. Its like the first day of class. Obviously there has been a lot of work over the last three months working with Chancellor Sharp and the administration on the transition. Today is really nice to be officially in the role. Im extremely excited about whats on the horizon for the Texas A&M University System. Though his office wasnt quite ready it still didnt take away Hegars excitement when he stopped to speak with the media in front of a display of flags representing the United States, Texas and all the universities in the system. Students at those universities are the most important thing to Hegar, he said, as he begins his tenure. They are also the reason he has looked forward to finally starting the job since being appointed in March. First and foremost, its always about the students, Hegar said. Its about the 170,000 students that we educate across all 12 campuses. Thats the most important thing and we never need to lose sight of that. A&M Board of Regents Chairman Bob Albritton shared his excitement for Hegars term in a statement released Tuesday. Glenn Hegar is a proven leader with deep experience in state government, a passion for public service and a firm grasp of the challenges and opportunities facing Texas, Albritton said. We are confident he will lead the A&M System with integrity, accountability, and a vision focused on the future. Hegars first order of business Tuesday was to go through what every new employee of the A&M System goes through: new hire orientation. He later went to the headquarters top floor and worked in a temporary office while the chancellors office is repainted and prepared for him to move in. Even if the office had been ready on day one, Hegar might not have spent a lot of time in it because he was already looking at a full schedule of calls and meetings. We will slowly move in over the course of the next several weeks but thats OK. There is a lot of work to do, Hegar said. Hegars are really low-maintenance people. You find me a corner somewhere and a plug to make sure the computer stays charged and the phone is working, and Ill be OK. Now that hes officially the chancellor complete with his picture on the wall next to the regents at the buildings entrance Hegar is looking forward to continuing to lead the A&M System forward on the path that Sharp began in his nearly 14-year tenure. John has really kind of moved this system in the direction to where the system has grown immensely. We are engaged in a lot of new areas and fields, Hegar said. Obviously we have to focus on those that are kind of the core functions ... but also looking for that new opportunity. What is next we in higher education need to be at the forefront of? As hes done since he was named chancellor, Hegar will continue to travel to system schools speaking with the administration of each university and state agency before campuses begin filling up with students. We do a lot of great things in the university system and there is a tremendous amount of things on the horizon, Hegar said. Our state has grown immensely in population and economic power and its going to continue to grow. The future is really bright for the state of Texas and for the Texas A&M University System. Being able to be part of that and steer in a direction with a great team here across all of our campuses and agencies is really exciting. Eventually the office on the seventh floor will be ready for Hegar to use. There are many responsibilities and theyre all important, but just being able to be engaged with the next generation and being able to give some direction on where we are going as a university system as it impacts so many lives, Hegar said of his next task. Thats the most exciting part more than anything else is helping [students], giving them that edge that they can make a better life for themselves and for future generations. Its so exciting. The Texas Legislature is changing the times for early voting. Early voting will start on a Wednesday and run nonstop through Election Day. As a result of this and other changes made by the 89th Legislature, the only early results that will be available immediately when the polls close at 7 p.m. will be the tally of mail-in ballots. These and other election-related items were presented Tuesday to the Brazos County Commissioners Court by Elections Administrator Trudy Hancock. She said it could take until 2027 before the changes go into effect. So what that means for Brazos County voters is that we will open our five early voting locations and begin voting on that Wednesday. Well vote two weeks, including two Saturday and Sundays, two full weekends, with Sunday hours increasing from six to nine, and then we will open the additional 23 locations for Election Day, she said. Hancock said Senate Bill 2753 changes the voting timeline in Texas for the first time since 1987. She also said it comes with additional expenses and potential pitfalls. So this bill has several negative impacts for counties, including an increase in funding, she said. Our funding costs for payroll will increase. By voting through the weekends, it will increase overtime for election workers and comp time for my staff. Most of our early voting workers or Election Day judges, and because of chain of custody, those clerks will no longer be able to move from an early voting location to an Election Day location. Theyll be tied to that original location that theyre at. Hancock is also worried about the impact the schedule change will have on election workers. Im concerned about fatigue for these workers, she said. The median age for our election workers is 79, so most of our election workers are retired and able to work the hours. In the past theyve had Saturday, Sunday and Monday to rest and prepare for Election Day, so there will be no break for them. Im concerned that we could lose Election Day workers because of this, because if theyve worked a week of 12-hour days, which really for them puts them at about 14 hours by the time they open early, and then by the time they get everything closed, and then go right into an Election Day. Hancock also said she will have to find a new location for the early voting ballot board to meet. She said it normally meets in the Ruth McLeod training room in the elections office, but it will be continuously used as an early voting location. The Texas Election Code requires that we record and livestream anytime that the early voting ballot board is handling our qualifying ballots. So that means the location that we will have well have to install cameras to be able to attach to our livestream that we use to be in compliance with that section. Finding a suitable location will be difficult, she said. She also noted that because voting equipment will be in continuous use, it will not be available to tabulate early voting so everyone will have to wait until after the polls close on Election Day to get results. Trudy, this sounds like an unfunded state mandate. Am I correct? Commissioner Fred Brown asked. Hancock said it was. Brown then asked for her estimate of the additional cost to the county. We have a meeting set up with IT to talk about locations and putting in the cameras. That will be a cost for the county, and how expensive thats going to be for IT and for that department. Payroll, Ive done some light calculations, its going to increase us probably upwards of $3,000 to $5,000 [per election], she said. So when the Legislature was working on this, did they not have any consultants like you, people who understand the operation of elections to help them talk about some of the problems, Commissioner Wanda Watson asked. Yes, maam. And there were quite a few testimonies given at the hearings for the bills, Hancock said. This bill came out of the Senate. When it went to the House, it passed with amendments, then went to committee, and then the committee was the one that put forth the final version of the bill. So at the committee hearings, our association did give some testimonies. Other election concerns Hancock also addressed several concerns raised by the public. The first concerned President Donald Trumps Executive order 14248 regarding national elections. An executive order is directed to federal offices such as Homeland Security, Social Security Administration, the U.S. Secretary of State and the Elections Assistance Commission, or the EAC. Executive orders are not directed to state or local governments, she said. Actionable items in the EO are for the agencies included, including amending the national voter registration form and FPCA [Federal Post Card Application], provide free access to federal database to help verify eligibility, enforce ballot-by-mail deadlines for federal elections, and it directs the EAC to issue guidance and modify voting system standards to address voting systems and the use of ballots where votes are contained within a barcode. The decisions and the policies that are put forth by these agencies can and will have an impact on the elections of Texas. But until the federal agencies enact their changes, we as Texas, cannot make the necessary changes. Barcodes allowed: Hancock added that critics have said that the countys ballots are not valid because they contain barcodes. It does not say that a ballot cannot contain a barcode or a QR code. It states a voting system should not use a ballot in which the vote is contained within that barcode or QR code, except for ADA compliance, Hancock said. The Hart Verity system does not tabulate votes using a barcode or a QR code. Verity uses OCR, or optical character recognition, to tabulate the votes and, other words, it reads the ballot. Countywide voting: It was stated here, I think, in the last commissioners court, that [SB 2753] did away with countywide polling places. SB 2753, in its original language, did include eliminating the countywide program, but in its final and signed version, that was removed so the countywide polling place policy is still in place, Hancock said. Subject matter expert: Tired of hearing people question her expertise in elections, Hancock listed a litany of state and federal committees and associations she has belonged to in her 20 years as an elections administrator and established her credentials before the court. I think I have earned the title of subject matter expert, she said. I dont ask this court to follow me blindly, but I do ask that you consider one thing. My agenda is only that the voters of Brazos County are able to cast their ballot in a safe, fair and transparent election. Others who come before this court bring half-truths and spin things to fit their own agenda. Im here only to serve the voters of Brazos County. Makara Capital Partners wants to mobilize $5-7 bln for investments in Vietnam: exec By Kim Ngan Thu, July 3, 2025 | 12:52 am GMT+7 Singapore's Makara Capital Partners is eyeing investment opportunities in Vietnam, including those in the biological and pharmaceutical industries and the International Financial Center project. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh received Ali Ijaz Ahmad, chairman and CEO of Makara Capital in Hanoi on Wednesday. Makara Capital is a global financial services company that specializes in fund management as well as structuring and financing. It manages an innovation investment fund worth about $700 million, operating in cooperation with the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh receives Ali Ijaz Ahmad, chairman and CEO of Makara Capital in Hanoi on July 2, 2025. Photo courtesy of the government's news portal. Ali Ijaz Ahmad said that the company has thoroughly studied the Vietnamese market and believes in the countrys strategic development direction, vision, and growth aspirations. Makara Capital is actively promoting investment in a biological-pharmaceutical industrial park project in Thai Binh province which covers nearly 300 hectares. It is also actively working with relevant agencies and localities in Vietnam to cooperate in investment and provide capital for projects in the fields of energy and infrastructure. The company wishes to participate in restructuring Vietnamese banks and developing the International Financial Center in Vietnam. Makara Capital can mobilize about $5-7 billion for such projects, the Vietnamese government's news portal quoted Ali Ijaz Ahmad as saying. Vietnam will build one international financial center located in both Ho Chi Minh City and Danang, according to a parliament resolution passed on June 27. The resolution will come into force on September 1. In response, Prime Minister Chinh said he appreciates Makara Capitals successful business activities and welcomes the groups interest in exploring new cooperation opportunities. He noted that the fields that Makara Capital is interested in, including the biological and pharmaceutical industries and the International Financial Center, are Vietnams priorities for sustainable, green and rapid development. Chinh said Vietnam is pursuing three strategic breakthroughs: institutional reform, infrastructure development, and human resource training. The country is also undergoing a "revolution" to streamline the administrative system, organizing a two-tier local administration model (comprising provincial and communal levels as the district level in between was removed) . Vietnam is targeting a GDP growth of at least 8% this year and double-digit expansion in subsequent years, striving to become a high-income developed nation by 2045, he said. Chinh reiterated the Governments commitment to accompanying and facilitating effective and successful investments by Makara Capital. The Prime Minister affirmed that Vietnam guarantees the legitimate rights and interests of investors based on three principles: codifying regulations into law, aligning with market mechanisms, and harmonizing regulations with international standards. Vietnam's ACV expects 17% profit drop, plans $1.52 bln investment in Long Thanh airport this year By Hai Yen Wed, July 2, 2025 | 4:08 pm GMT+7 State-owned Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV), which operates 22 airports nationwide, expects its 2025 pre-tax profit to decline 17% year-on-year to VND10.53 trillion ($402.56 million) due to foreign exchange losses. This year, ACV aims for nearly VND22.24 trillion ($850.15 million) in revenue this year, up 2% from last year, according to disclosures at its 2025 AGM held on Monday. Nguyen Van Nhung, ACVs chief accountant, explained that the Japanese yen (JPY)/Vietnamese dong (VND) exchange rate has risen 13% year-to-date and is projected to increase another 5.7% by year-end. ACV currently holds a JPY-denominated loan equivalent to VND11 trillion ($420.5 million) and anticipates total FX losses of VND1.7 trillion ($65 million), with over VND1 trillion already incurred in the first half of the year. Airports Corporation of Vietnam manages all 22 commercial airports in Vietnam. Photo courtesy of ACV. ACV chairman Vu The Phiet noted that the H1 pre-tax profit was estimated at VND5.85 trillion ($223.65 million), down 23% year-on-year, largely due to exchange rate volatility. Despite financial headwinds, ACV reported strong recovery in international air travel, particularly from mainland China, alongside steady growth in key markets such as Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Southeast Asia, Australia, and India. This year, ACV aims to serve 119 million passenger arrivals, an 8% increase from 2024. Of these, international travelers are expected to reach 45 million, up 9%, while domestic passengers are forecast at 74 million, up 7%. Cargo throughput is projected at 1.58 million tons with 722,000 aircraft movements. Besides, the firm plans to invest nearly VND39.83 trillion ($1.52 billion) in Long Thanh International Airport project in the southern province of Dong Nai this year. Phase one is scheduled for completion by the end of 2025, with operations beginning in 2026. Upon launch, Long Thanh is expected to absorb 80-85% of international and 10-15% of domestic traffic from Tan Son Nhat International Airport in neighboring Ho Chi Minh City. The airport is projected to handle 15-16 million passengers in its first year, with phase ones designed capacity at 25 million passengers annually. Phase-two investment planning is also underway, with ACV expecting the project to break even within 14 years. To finance the project, ACV has sought a $1.8 billion loan from domestic banks though disbursement has not yet begun. The corporation is utilizing VND36 trillion ($1.4 billion) of its internal capital to fund development. In the spring of 2024, S.C. state Rep. Robert RJ May III was diving into internet chat groups dedicated to trading child sex images and using the name joebidennnn69 to hide his secret life, federal prosecutors say. What May, 39, apparently didnt know or discounted was that across the internet, organizations dedicated to detecting child sex predators were on the prowl. Child sex predators are always being hunted, said Derek Shoemake, a former South Carolina federal prosecutor who investigated white collar crimes and crimes against children. South Carolina Lawmaker Arrested FILE - Republican South Carolina Rep. R.J. May of Lexington sits at his new desk during the organizational session for the House on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Jeffrey Collins, File) Predator hunters include social media platforms who are required to report illegal child sex images if they detect them, organizations like the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and even undercover government agents who infiltrate predator sex chat rooms, Shoemake said. In Mays case, a government undercover agent penetrated an internet group of child sex predators that included May, according to a federal court filing. It is not unusual, as is the case for this Defendant (May), for an offender to only be discovered because he had the misfortune of law enforcement infiltrating a secret group of like-minded offenders who use the Internet to sexually abuse and exploit children, a government memo in Mays case said. Federal prosecutors in the U.S. Attorneys Office in South Carolina, which is prosecuting Mays case, have not revealed more details about exactly how Mays alleged misdeeds were discovered. The charges against him 10 felony counts of distributing child sexual abuse material are sharply at odds with the public image of May, a married father of two young children and an ultra conservative supporter of President Donald Trump. May is now being held without bond pending trial. He has pleaded not guilty to distributing child porn. He still holds office but has been suspended. A 22-page filing by federal prosecutors reveals how actions by groups that hunt child predators led to Mays arrest in early June. Kik tells NCMEC South Carolina Lawmaker Arrested FILE -South Carolina Rep. RJ May, R-West Columbia, speaks in favor of an education voucher bill on Wednesday, April 26, 2023, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Jeffrey Collins, File) The filing said that more than a year ago, on May 27, 2024, Kik a social media company headquartered in California sent a Cyber Tipline report to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, or NCMEC. Users of Kiks Messenger app can share photos and videos in groups and in person. Under an act of Congress, NCMEC is a private, non-profit that is a national resource center and clearinghouse for missing and exploited children. The Cyber Tipline serves as the centralized reporting mechanism within the United States, both for members of the public, as well as what we call electronic service providers, to report any suspected online child sexual exploitation, said Fallon McNulty, executive director of the NCMECs Exploited Children Division. People who report to the Tipline are members of the public, family members of victims or victims themselves, McNulty said in an interview. Last year, NCMEC received more than 20 million tips, McNulty said. The May 27, 2024, Cyber Tipline Report received by NCMEC from Kik contained crucial information that led to May. But it did not contain his name, according to the prosecution memo. The report noted that a Kik user named joebidennnn69 had transmitted child sex abuse material while on Kik. The report also included files with pornographic videos. NCMEC analyzed the files and determined they contained 28 different videos with child sex abuse material. The report from Kik also contained an AT&T Internet Protocol address that belonged to joebidennnn69. IP addresses are unique locators for each device that links to the internet. Crucially, the IP address revealed the suspected users approximate geographic location, which was in West Columbia, in Lexington County, the prosecutors memo said. National center tells SC authorities NCMEC has connections with law enforcement agencies across the country. It forwarded Kiks Tipline report and its analysis with the IP address to South Carolinas Internet Crimes Against Children task force, which is located in Attorney General Alan Wilsons office. Wilsons internet crimes against children task force, which includes four investigators, four attorneys, seven forensic examiners, a cybertip analyst and others, coordinates with local task forces around South Carolina. Since the geolocation data pinpointed joebidennnn69 in Lexington County, the attorney generals task force assigned the case to the Lexington County sheriffs internet crimes against children task force. Authorities at that point still did not know who was connected to the IP address. Lexington investigators uncover Mays name The Lexington County internet crimes against children has two investigators trained in online investigations. They are also trained in computer and cell phone forensics and undercover chat and dark web investigations. On June 27, 2024, seeking a name to go with the IP address, the Lexington County investigators sent out two search warrants. One went to AT&T asking for the identity of the subscriber for the AT&T account associated with the IP address that had been sent to the AGs office and forwarded to the Lexington task force. The other search warrant went to Kik and requested the contents of the Kik account related to the username joebidennnn69. On July 12, 2024, Kik complied and provided subscriber information, including that joebidennnn69 was using a Samsung SM-G781U1 Android smart phone to access an account that contained 265 files with child sex abuse material. Kik also reported that From March 30, 2024, until April 4, 2024, the account with the user name joebidennnn69 sent or received approximately 1,147 messages with other Kik users. The messages discussed trading CSAM (child sex abuse material) with other users. It was AT&T that delivered the key information. It told the Lexington County Sheriffs Department that the billing party was RJ May and the service address was Mays residence in West Columbia, the prosecution memo said. At Kik, May had used the name joebidennnn69 and participated in multiple chat groups dedicated to the trading of child pornography, the memo said. On learning RJ May was the suspect, the Lexington County Sheriffs Department realized it had a conflict of interest. Once we saw the name of the subscriber was that of a member of the General Assembly, we referred the case to our federal counterparts. Due to our working relationships with lawmakers and council members, this is standard procedure, said Lexington sheriffs spokesman Adam Myrick. Feds get involved The case was transferred to federal Homeland Security Investigations, a federal agency that investigates child exploitation, online crime and other unlawful activities. Homeland security agents did a further analysis of the Kik material and learned the vast majority of messages at the IP addresses used by joebidennnn69 were connected to Mays house or his Verizon cellphone account, the memo said. Most were connected to his house. At that point, agents began to conduct surveillance at Mays house and determined that the Wi-Fi at his house was password-protected. Thus, for the child sex material activity to have been conducted by someone other than May, that person would have had to know the Wi-Fi password, the prosecutors memo said. Similarly, someone would have had to possess Mays cell phone to have initiated the child sexual activity material on Kik that utilized Verizon IP addresses, the memo said. The raid on Mays house By Aug. 5, 2024, homeland security investigators believed they had enough evidence to seize Mays digital devices. Working with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, they executed a search warrant on Mays house. Swooping down on Mays house, agents seized numerous digital devices including a cellphone belonging to May that was a Samsung SM-G781U1, the same make and model that was used to register the Kik account bearing the name joebidennnn69. Besides the cellphone, agents seized a Lenovo laptop, an Amazon tablet, three other cellphones, four hard drives, four SD cards, two DVD-Rs and 19 thumb drives. Examining the contents of a phone linked to May, agents found a user dictionary containing the same email address used to register the Kik account. They also found evidence showing the Kik app had been deleted from his cellphone. May had also deleted apps from Telegram, Mega and Loki Messenger, the memo said. May had discussed the use of Telegram and Mega with his fellow like-minded pedophiles, the prosecutors memo said. Both Telegram and Mega are frequently used by individuals engaged in child sex abuse material activity due to their encryption and foreign ownership, the memo said. An investigative surprise Agents made an unexpected find on Mays Mega app. The app had been registered in the name of Eric Rentling, a fictitious alias May had used to set up a Facebook account. Agents began exploring the Eric Rentling Facebook account and found a link to South America. HSI located a series of conversations with female sex workers in the area around Medellin, Colombia, a place well known for sex work, the prosecutors memo said.. Between April 12, 2023 and July 31, 2024, there were no Iess than 40 conversations with females using Facebook Instant Messenger via the alias Facebook Account Eric Rentling, the memo said. These messages were in Spanish and consisted largely of arranging meet up dates, time, price negotiations, and rules regarding the videoing of sexual encounters, all of which are indicative of sex work, the memo said. After the August 2024 raid on Mays house, prosecutors and agents worked for the next 10 months to put together a case against May. Although news media had reported on the raid and published information that implied the material seized might involve suspected crimes against children, May won re-election to his Lexington County legislative seat and continued to sit in public sessions at the S.C. General Assembly, where he was a prominent Republican and Trump supporter.. On June 11, HSI agents returned to Mays house. They arrested him on the distributing child pornography charges. This defendant has distributed child pornography on numerous occasions to like-minded pedophiles who he gathered with in online communities where such behavior was normalized, said a memo arguing for Mays detention without bond. Documents in the case contained graphic descriptions of the kinds of material May was allegedly distributing, including numerous videos of adults performing sex acts on children as young as toddlers. The documents also contained text messages of joebidennnn69 talking about the images. May is obsessed with viewing images of adults committing lurid sex acts on children, the prosecution memo said, describing him as a tech-savvy man with the pressing desire to consume child pornography. An analysis of Mays various electronic devices reveals that he was engaged in illegal CSAM activity on Kik at the same time he was engaged in everyday life activities, including texting his wife, emailing clients and calling others, federal documents said. Questions remain What took federal law officers 10 months from August 2024, when they seized Mays digital devices, to June 11, when they arrested him? It could have been any number of things, said Shoemake, whose work as a former federal prosecutor helped put predators in prison, including Hart Grove, a Myrtle Beach man who got 27 years in federal prison in 2022 for child sex trafficking. Hart specialized in grooming and sexually abusing minors. Matters such as agents workloads, the availability of a digital forensics technician to do a digital dump on Mays cellphone, getting subpoenas and possible follow-up subpoenas as well as a possible search warrant for Facebook can delay an investigation, Shoemake said. Those things, including going before a grand jury, take time, said Shoemake, now a Camden defense attorney and member of the Kershaw County Council. Shoemake also said that One thing the federal government does very well is put cases together without a lot of holes and cracks. Crimes this serious, the last thing you want to do is have a case thrown out and have someone whos done horrible things against children walk free. And so you are going to make sure you check every box and make sure every single thing is in order. Other questions: Why was May active on Kik for six days between March 30 2024, and April 4, 2024, when he suddenly stopped, deleted the Kik and other apps? Had May distributed porn on the internet before? It could be a couple of things. This is a sickness. Ive had cases where the guy would delete everything, walk away and then return. It could be he realized its a sickness and he deleted everything, hoping not to return, said Shoemake. Another possibility he deleted things because he had some idea that somebody was on to him. A third option maybe he found a better way to do it. Jenny Smith, Mays court-appointed public defender attorney, declined comment. May faces up to 200 years in prison if convicted on all 10 counts of distributing child pornography. Each count carries a maximum 20-year penalty. However, if he pleads guilty, he would likely be sentenced to much less time. Federal Prosecutor Scott Matthews told Magistrate Judge Shiva Hodges in a June hearing he wants a prison sentence close to 20 years upon any conviction. Shoemake, who has prosecuted more than a dozen child sex exploitation cases, said few people nabbed by law enforcement in these cases are newcomers to the act of distributing child pornography. It is extremely rare in a case where someone commits crimes against children that they are caught the first time they do it, Shoemake said. More often than not, theyre caught after theyve been doing it for a while. NOTE: The National Center for Missing and Exploited Childrens 24-hour tipline is 1-800-843-5678. A historic moment in Trinidad and Tobagos diplomatic history. That is how Energy Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal described the official visit by Indias Prime Minister Narendra Modi last week. Modi concluded an official visit to T&T on Friday, marked by a series of bilateral agreements and symbolic ceremonies. During a packed itinerary that Moonilal described as a whirlwind, hectic but extremely productive visit, both nations signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) encompassing six key agreements. THE RELATIVES of kidnap victim Kerry Von Adams, who was found dead in the Heights of Guanapo 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. Cousins Tanisha Tucker Lohse and Maria Francisco set off from their desert camp around dawn on most early summer days, in search of ripe fruit from the towering saguaro cactus, an icon of the Southwest that is crucial to the Tohono Oodham Nations spirituality. One plucks the small, thorn-covered fruits called bahidaj with a 10-foot-long stick made with a saguaro rib, as the other catches them in a bucket. The harvest ritual is sacred to the Oodham, who have lived for thousands of years in what are now U.S.-Mexico borderlands, and its enjoying a renaissance as many seek to protect their traditional way of life. The fruit collected in late June is central to annual summer rain ceremonies, which mark the New Year. The laborious, weekslong harvest process also reinforces crucial connections to the Creator, the natural environment and fellow Oodham across generations. I feel like Im surrounded by all the people that were here before us, all the ancestors, Francisco said in a desert wash lined with saguaros, flowering creosote bushes and spiny cholla cacti. We talk about them constantly when were out here. Foremost for the cousins extended family is Grandma Juana. In the 1960s, elder Juanita Ahil campaigned to preserve their access to the harvesting camp in the foothills west of Tucson after the land became part of Saguaro National Park. Tucker Lohses late mother, Stella Tucker, carried on the harvesting tradition thats now organized by the two cousins. Im taking on a big responsibility, a big legacy, said Tucker Lohse, who brought her 4-year-old daughter along this year. My mom knows were still here. The saguaro and its spiritual story Saguaros are the iconic plant of the Sonoran Desert, a land straddling the border between Arizona and Sonora, Mexico, thats surprisingly lush even though it receives less than 12 inches of rain yearly and summer temperatures routinely soar above 100 degrees. The treelike cacti start to produce fruit at 30 years old, then sprout their trademark arms around 75 and live up to 200 years. Most of the fruit is near the top, which can be more than four times the average persons height, so the fruit of the tallest can be beyond their reach. Theyre an essential shelter and food source for desert creatures from mice to wrens, which is why harvesters traces of whose camps date back to the 1500s never pick them clean, Tucker Lohse said. We dont look at land and animals as a resource we create a relationship, she said, echoing perspectives shared by Indigenous people across North and South America. For the Oodham, the saguaros, or ha:san in their language, provide far more than food, tools and shelter material theyre family. Ha:san to us are like people, and we respect them that way, said Silas Garcia, Franciscos partner. He started harvesting as a child with his aunt on the Oodham reservation, which is one of the largest in the United States. Garcia said there is a specific creation story about the saguaros though like many stories sacred to Native Americans, it cannot be told in summer and their spiritual presence makes the harvest central to the Oodham. Its being reconnected to the desert, to who I am, to where our stories talk about where we come from as a people, Garcia said as he built a mesquite wood fire to boil the sugary fruit pulp into syrup. From saguaro fruit to New Years wine Starting in May, Oodham families check the saguaro buds. The fruit is usually ripe by mid-June, opening a one-to-four week harvesting window until the fruit is spoiled by the first summer monsoons. After picking the first fruit, harvesters praise the Creator, believed to reside in a nearby mountain peak, the Baboquivari, that has been the site of many rescues of migrants who tried to evade U.S. border authorities. Then they bless themselves with some of the pulp, often making a cross-like sign over their foreheads and hearts for some, a reference to Christian beliefs many Oodham also embrace. They taste it and thank the saguaro for providing for them. When its cut open using the saguaros dried-up flower as a knife and leaving the pods by the saguaro for animals the fruit is the color of a ripe watermelon. It changes shades from fuchsia to blood red as its processed at camp. After the pulp is boiled for about an hour, its strained to remove any debris, fiber and seeds. The latter two are collected into patties that, after being dried in the relentless sun, make natural pectin for saguaro jam. Then the juice is cooked again, reducing it to a syrup, and its flowery, caramel-like smell pervades the camp. Since the syrup is one-tenth the quantity of the harvested fruit pulp, it takes a pair of harvesters about 10 hours in the desert to get enough to make 64 ounces (1.9 liters) of syrup. Finally, a bit of syrup is mixed with water and left to ferment to make wine for Nawait Ii. Thats the dayslong ceremony in which Oodham pray together to their Creator to keep sending the monsoon rains that make it possible to plant traditional crops like beans, squash and corn. The resurgence of traditional ways of life For many Native Americans, losing access to land, natural cycles of agriculture and the local foods that sustained them for centuries has meant spiking rates of diabetes, alcoholism and other diseases that disproportionately plague their communities. Too many elders lost their lives this way, putting at risk their language and traditions and more of their land. I watched them slowly pass away and no one took over, Tucker Lohse said. Thats why she, Francisco and others push to teach youth about saguaro harvesting and other practices. Im really proud Maria has picked it up, said Franciscos mother, Josephine Ramon, adding that shes relearning some traditions she was taught as a child from her daughter. Ramon said she regrets not teaching the language to younger family members who lived off the reservation, as about one-third of the nations 30,000 members do. City living also distances many from heirloom crops, which the Indigenous-run San Xavier Co-op Farm just south of Tucson is trying to regenerate, said one of its managers, Amy Juan, who harvests near the cousins camp. With everything we do, theres a teaching of some sort, added Garcia, who said hes encouraged by programs on the reservation and beyond that help youth connect to their ancestral culture. Francine Larson Segundo, who also harvests nearby, said her grandparents taught her about planting and caring for the saguaro. Theyre people, and they are our people, and when were gone, one will take our place, she said after picking the fruit for nearly two hours. Anybody thats younger than me, I have a responsibility to teach as much as I can. Franciscos aunt Helen Ramon, widely known as Grandma Helen, stopped by. Shes especially adamant about instilling in youth the need to treat the natural environment with the same respect as fellow beings. They need to carry on our traditions, she said. We cant lose our ways of being Native. A University of Arizona Native American faculty group is asking top administrators to reinstate the director of Native American Student Affairs and remove the assistant vice provost of Native American Initiatives. Six Native American faculty members signed a letter June 5 to university President Suresh Garimella, Provost Patricia Prelock, Chief of Staff Francisco Garcia and Faculty Chair Leila Hudson. It states the faculty members have no confidence in Tessa Dysart, the assistant vice provost of Native American Initiatives who was appointed in July 2024 after Karen Francis-Begay left in 2023. The letter alleges Dysart is sowing harm, distrust, and division within the UA Native community. Signed by faculty members Karletta Chief, Andrew Curley, Stephanie Russo Carroll, Jameson D. Lopez, Sheilah E Nicholas and Valerie Shirley, the letter alleges Dysart has taken actions that are unprofessional, misaligned with the interests of students, and, at times, clear attempts at intimidation. They said they couldnt in good faith recommend that Native American students attend the University of Arizona under Dysarts leadership, and that they would prefer to refer them to Arizona State University or Northern Arizona University. Dysart did not respond to an Arizona Daily Star request for comment, and UA spokesperson Mitch Zak said she is not available for an interview with the Star. Specifically, the faculty letter said: That Dysart and another senior administrator with Native American Advancement and Tribal Engagement physically silenced a Native American female student when she tried to speak during a UA Tribal Summit in February on the UAs changing of its land acknowledgement statement after the Trump administration ordered a ban on diversity, equity and inclusion. Dysart has shown lack of support for academic and community panels on the Land Back movement, a nationwide effort advocating for the return of Indigenous lands and resources historically taken from Native American communities. Dysart hasnt worked with Native American student admissions, retention and service programs in higher education. That Dysart responded I can go anywhere I please when she was asked to leave the physical space of Native American Student Affairs (known as NASA) by its then-director Julian Juan in April because students werent comfortable with Dysart being in their safe space. The faculty members also wrote in the letter that they could not list additional specific points because they want to protect the identities of the students and staff. They ask that Juan be brought back as Native American Student Affairs director, after he was let go on May 27 when the UA announced the centralization of its cultural and resource centers. The Star submitted questions for Garimella, Prelock and Garcia through spokesperson Zak, including whether they have responded or will to the faculty letter and its requests, including the faculty members request that they reinstate Juan and move Native American Student Affairs back under Jenna Hatcher, a vice provost and special advisor to the provost. Garimella, Prelock and Garcia did not respond to the Stars questions. Zak said UA serves approximately 2,000 Native American students from 200 Native nations across the country. Native students are valued members of the U of A community, and we have taken steps to support them by strengthening Native American Student Affairs, Zak said in a written statement. NASA continues as an independent program now led by Associate Vice Provost and Professor Tessa Dysart, a member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. Vice Provost Dysart is already bringing a more coordinated, student-centered approach to this important work, in close collaboration with Provost Prelock and Senior Vice President for Native American Advancement and Tribal Engagement Levi Esquerra, Zak wrote. While we welcome input from members of our campus community, we are confident in NASAs new leadership and the positive direction it is taking. Faculty members in the letter said they dont think Dysart is qualified for her position, for which Zak said she is paid $195,435 annually. They claimed she gave misleading information during the interview process when she said she had a long-standing relationship with Native American students in UAs law school. They also said Dysart wasnt recommended by the hiring committee, but was instead unilaterally appointed by former Provost Joseph Glover, who held his position at the UA for only two months last year before leaving. The high-profile conflicts between Dysart and UA students and staff many of which weve known and worked with for a long time have sparked public backlash against the UA, particularly from Native alumni and community members, the faculty members wrote. Juan told the Arizona Mirror, which first reported about the faculty letter, that one Indigenous student told him Dysart made derogatory comments about tribal colleges and universities, saying they dont adequately prepare students for the rigors of a Western university. UA Chair of the Faculty Leila Hudson She said she hasnt seen a response from administration, but she has responded to the faculty group and intends to work with them more closely. The six faculty members who signed the letter declined to answer questions from the Star including whether they received any response from administrators to their requests. Juan took to Instagram after being informed of his termination to say he believed it was a result of retaliation after he stood up for Native American students safety. He also mentioned the incident in which he asked Dysart to leave NASAs physical space as one that might have led to retaliation. Asked by the Star to respond to Juans Instagram comments, Zak said, The effort to strengthen NASA reflects the universitys unwavering commitment to improve outcomes for its Native students. Provost Prelock, Professor Dysart, and Senior Vice President Esquerra are working tirelessly with our Tribal partners to ensure this work is grounded in shared values and shaped by ongoing meaningful engagement, Zak said. We are excited about NASA and confident in our ability to serve Native students and the sovereign Tribal Nations we honor and respect. In his Instagram video message, Juan, a member of the Tohono Oodham Nation, said Native American Student Affairs is for students. No student should feel unsafe in there. I think the most heartbreaking thing is just in advocating for Native students, I began to see a path forward for me to be pushed out, he wrote. And what that signals to me is that advocating for students, advocating for Native students is a no-no. Advocating for the safety of these students is a no-no. Calling out harm, calling out a misuse of your position is a no-no. I can physically silence a student apparently, but I cannot advocate for them. Thats a no-no. The University of Arizona has raised more than $1.3 billion for faculty and research positions, research funding and student support through its Fuel Wonder Campaign since 2017. But the money raised cannot be used to offset any federal reductions in university funding, UA spokesperson Mitch Zak says. To try to protect federal funding, university officials are lobbying on Capitol Hill, a UA senior vice president told the Arizona Board of Regents. Meanwhile, private fundraising through Fuel Wonder is picking back up, after becoming more difficult when the universitys budget deficit was revealed in 2023, UA Foundations CEO told the regents. That fundraising included more than $472 million for endowed faculty and research positions, more than $585 million in endowed and non-endowed research funding, and $332 million in student support including over $109 million in scholarships. Our university alumni and donors understand the value of research, said John-Paul Roczniak, the president and chief executive officer of the University of Arizona Foundation, a nonprofit organization that works to support the UA through philanthropy. They know how important it is for this institution and what it does for our faculty, a lot of our students theyre in the labs, theyre working and our donors and alumni have stepped up and have given over $585 million in research funding across this campus, Roczniak told the regents Thursday at a board meeting. So, theyre investing, and I think its good for the future as we start to think about closing out this campaign and basing it on the strategic imperatives and the important areas that (UA) President (Suresh) Garimella has outlined as areas of priority for this institution, he said, referring to the presidents outlining of the universitys Strategic Imperatives this spring. Roczniak said the UA had seen an uptick in the number of donors since December and that the total number was 122,884 in the campaign right now. He said there was a dip in donations after the UA announced it had faced a huge deficit in the fall of 2023, saying a lot of conversations with donors changed dramatically after that. He said donors were asking about the whys and hows of the financial difficulties, as well as if they should continue to support the university. The UA saw a significant drop in donations in the last six months of fiscal year 2024, Roczniak said. And in the first six months of fiscal year 2025 as well, it took a while to come back. The budget deficit, initially estimated at $240 million, will be gone by July 1, UA officials have said. Roczniak also addressed the UAs small endowment of $1.4 billion, saying it is one of the universitys challenges. Right now, the foundation has $567 million in planned, documented gifts that will come to the university between now and 2040, out of which $428 million is ear-marked for the endowment, he said. The foundations contributions, however, cannot be used to offset funding losses that have occurred under the Trump administration. UA Senior Vice President for Research Tomas Diaz de la Rubia told the regents Thursday that 68 federally funded UA projects have either been stopped or terminated. In May, Secretary of the Faculty Katie Zeiders told faculty and researchers in an email that the number was 73 research awards, and since then some have been restored. Diaz de la Rubia told the regents he is most worried about graduate students, because losing them would lead to losing a generation of researchers, creative artists, scientists and engineers who contribute to the nation. To tackle this, Diaz de la Rubia spoke about the UAs bridge funding program, which Zeiders said in May had about $1 million in funds to bridge the gaps in federal grants. Diaz de la Rubia said Thursday the UA has been able to support every graduate student and faculty member who has asked for resources through the fund. We stopped doing some things that we were doing. We said, This is not as relevant right now as this issue, and we put money to create a bridge funding program for graduate students, said Diaz de la Rubia. We looked at the projects that were being terminated and we asked the faculty to work with the deans and come up with a plan where we could, through my office, fund graduate students for at least six months to bridge the gap between the termination of the grant and the potential for new funding from other sources. Diaz de la Rubia also discussed the UAs research area focuses, including AI-driven health-care innovation, fusion energy commercialization, sustainable mining and critical minerals, and space and national security. He mentioned editorials written by Garimella and himself that were published in The Hill and The Arizona Republic, saying it is important to advocate for the research done at universities that drives the economy and national security. We also have to be out there on Capitol Hill. Our strategy is to be very vocal in Capitol Hill, he said. I just came back from Washington, D.C. yesterday. I was there because our national budgets are under threat. I was there with Senator (Mark) Kelly, Congressman (Juan) Ciscomani, Senator (Rueben) Gallego, with the chairman of the House Appropriations Committee (Tom Cole) talking about these issues, he continued. I was there letting them know what the impacts to Southern Arizona are and what could happen to us, to the state and to the nation if we really go down the path of ending seven to eight decades of history of the federal governments support in research at universities to drive economic well-being, to drive national security. ABOR Chair Cecilia Mata asked Diaz de la Rubia to expand on the possibility of finding industry partners in Arizona to be financial partners with the UA. She noted that a lot of companies are headquartered outside of Arizona. Diaz de la Rubia said that while that is true, there is a thriving innovation and corporate ecosystem in the state including microelectronics in the Phoenix area and space, optics and photonics companies across the state. While corporate partnerships are important, he also said the UA is focused on partnerships with national laboratories, saying theyre engines of discovery and innovation. Regent Fred DuVal asked Diaz de la Rubia, and Arizona State University and Northern Arizona University officials, about the average indirect cost rates they used to receive before the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation under the Trump administration announced they would cap them at 15%. Those are the costs to run laboratories and facilities and pay for administrative activities. Garimella responded that the UA previously recovered about 38% in indirect costs and he hopes the negotiation process between universities and the federal government winds up somewhere higher than 15%. The University of Arizona has had a total of 67 research grants stopped or terminated by federal agencies under the Trump administration, an administrator told faculty senators. Of those, 26 research proposals received support from the universitys bridge funding program, which was created this year to cover gaps for unfinished projects that lose federal funds. The bridge funding provided so far by UA totals over $1 million, UA Secretary of the Faculty Katie Zeiders wrote in an email Thursday to senators on behalf of the Office of Research and Partnerships or ORP. Approximately 81% of all submitted proposals have received funding, said Zeiders, who is part of ORPs advisory committee on shared governance leaders behalf. Those not funded either did not meet eligibility criteria or need to be resubmitted by faculty through their colleges rather than directly to the office, she wrote. Zeiders said the 67 terminated research awards totaled roughly $60 million in lost unspent federal funds. The number is a drop from previous figures, she said, as 31 grants totaling about $5 million were reinstated or restored due to legal actions in the last few months. Zeiders also addressed the indirect cost rates research grants receive to cover facilities and administrative costs, which has been threatened to be capped at 15% by the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation in the last six months. She said that while the proposed caps have not been implemented due to legal challenges, the long-term outlook remains uncertain. In response, she said, a group convened by the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU) has been developing new models for a more transparent and efficient approach to indirect cost recovery on federal grants, said Zeiders. The two proposed frameworks are: One that allocates a fixed percentage of total costs to research operations and facilities based on the type of institution and research; and another that redefines traditional indirect costs and reallocates them into direct cost categories. Neither model has been adopted by the federal government or the UA and the APLU group is currently testing them at different institutions to provide a recommendation to the U.S. Office of Management and Budget in July, said Zeiders. It has not addressed potential cost savings, she said. The UA will also create a working group focused on this topic and Zeiders invited volunteers to join. The group will consist of research-active faculty and will provide input and recommendations to administrators and shared governance bodies. UA declines to reveal details While Zeiders email to faculty senators came out this week, UA spokesperson Mitch Zak and Tomas Diaz de la Rubia, senior vice president for research and innovation, declined to provide the most recent list of terminated grants and their federal funding agencies. However, the Star obtained a list in May compiled by a UA administrator that said of the 67 grants terminated or put under stop-work orders, the highest number were funded by the National Science Foundation (11), the National Endowment for the Humanities (10), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (7). Zak and Diaz de la Rubia also would not answer the Arizona Daily Stars questions on how many people and positions at the UA have been affected due to the terminations. At the June 12 Arizona Board of Regents meeting, Diaz de la Rubia praised the UAs bridge funding program and the national attention it has gotten. He also said the UA has been able to support every graduate student and faculty member who has asked for funds. However, his presentation lacked details on the amount of bridge funds, the number of research projects its been able to save, and future plans on how to keep the program going. He and Zak also declined to provide that information when the Star asked follow-up questions. Impacts of research cuts One of the programs that received a stop work order was the Arizona Perinatal and Pediatric Psychiatry Access Lines, known as APAL, a program in the UAs College of MedicineTucsons psychiatry department. Saira Kalia, director of APAL and a perinatal psychiatrist, told the Star in May it was stunning to get the email with the stop work order. The order was dated March 26, but the first paragraph of the email said, Stop work immediately as of March 24. She said she wondered how she was to retroactively stop work. The program was funded by Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System or AHCCCS under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. APALs consultation services reached 75% of the states counties and were totally grant-funded and free to clients. The perinatal program was started in June 2023 and was in its second year with $800,000 in funds. The pediatric portion was started in May 2024 and was in its pilot funding of $1.9 million that was to last over a year and a half. Its really hard to come up with that kind of money with no notice to keep the programs going, Kalia said. Were talking about 16,000 moms in Arizona that are affected with perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, said Kalia. Without the program, mothers now will have to pay $700 per appointment elsewhere, she said. Its just too many moms that get untreated, and its too many moms that die because of this. These are moms that are going to die. Were going to see an increase in death toll because of maternal health issues in Arizona if things like APAL and AHCCCS get cut, Kalia said. Kalia said an average inpatient psychiatric hospitalization costs $12,000 and that a lot of the calls they get for consultation are from the rural parts of Arizona. People call and talk about a mother they know who is psychotic, severely depressed or suicidal, she said. In such cases, the program provided expert guidance right away for no cost and while it doesnt make money, it saves money, Kalia said. During the May 8 interview with the Star, Kalia said the program had applied for the UAs bridge funding a month before but had not heard back. Megan Stolz, a clinical navigator with the program, did not respond to the Stars follow-up questions in June about an update on the bridge funds. Kristin Gunckel, a professor of science education in UAs College of Education, said one of her two NSF grants received a termination notice April 25. It focused on pushing back on racial inequity in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education in New Orleans, Louisiana. Awarded in September 2024, the grants total funding over four years would have been approximately $2.5 million across the UA and three other institutions, Gunckel said. The UA portion was over $527,000 for four years. Our project would have focused on addressing some of the disproportionate negative impacts of stormwater flooding on marginalized communities in New Orleans. The goal was to create a community-informed, justice-centered science curriculum for grades 3-8 that responded to childrens experiences and concerns with stormwater flooding in New Orleans, wrote Gunckel to the Star. It is important to note that 2025 is the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, which had devastating and long-lasting impacts on the Black community in New Orleans, she continued. Research conducted by the project would have contributed to knowledge about how to engage in justice-centered science education and (re)build relationships across schools and communities. Gunckels project was peer-reviewed three times and found to meet NSFs goals when it was awarded. However, NSF changed its priorities to exclude diversity and inclusion on April 18, 2025, enabling it to claim the project no longer met agency priorities, she said. A major impact of these terminations is the emotional gut punch of losing a project we worked for over three years to win, said Gunckel. The project went through three rounds of peer review over three years to meet the equity, diversity, and justice requirements set by NSF, and then to have NSF tell us that the project no longer met their priorities was crushing. She said her grant was not eligible for UAs bridge funds, since there was no other funding opportunity to bridge to. Bridge funding is intended as temporary financing provided until regular long-term financing is secured. The grant termination did not lead to any layoffs per se, since the grant funded Gunckel, a tenured UA faculty member, and one graduate research assistant who hadnt been hired yet. However, the loss of this funding impacts the 16 teachers and approximately 640 students who would have participated in the project, said Gunckel. It also represents a setback in developing equitable science learning opportunities for all students. Karletta Chief, director of the UA Indigenous Resilience Center and a professor in environmental science, talked about three terminated grants in the resilience center worth more than $1.17 million. They were funded by NSF and the Environmental Protection Agency, and the center is now seeking donations and philanthropic support. One of the grants, in partnership with the University of Berkeley, California, worked to build pathways for Indigenous students in STEM fields. A second focused on providing tribal communities with free technical assistance to secure environmental justice funding. The third, in partnership with Arizona State University, aimed to integrate Indigenous knowledge into geoscience education and interpretation at Grand Canyon National Park. Cutting the grant related to STEM led to 8 layoffs at the UA, including three staff members, three students and two postdoctoral scholars. Loss of the grant related to environmental justice funding led to one layoff. Indigenous communities are on the frontlines of climate change, facing environmental, social, and economic challenges that threaten their ways of life, said the centers document calling for philanthropic supporters to step in. All three grants were considered for UA bridge funds. Chief said the grant related to STEM education received $80,000 for 6 months to support students and finish out the remaining activities that were suddenly halted. Save the San Rafael Valley In January 1994, I participated in my first Audubon Christmas Bird Count in the San Rafael Valley grasslands. With an old, heavy pair of binoculars, I hiked along with an expert birder into a new and exciting experience, including learning about birds but also seeing, for the first time, the stunning place that is the San Rafael Valley. Many Christmas bird counts later, I still cherish my memories of that blustery day. Opening this mornings paper to the photos of the still-beautiful valley, along with the report of the plans to build a 30 border wall, stunned me. The desecration of this valley is wrong on so many levels. Im 80 now and still participate in less active birding outings. But I hope the San Rafael Valley will still be wild and beautiful for future birding and nature enthusiasts and the wildlife it shelters. Diana Fuller Holmes Oro Valley Who is Ciscomani working for? The budget bill in Congress will devastate the lives of many Americans, and will have harsh effects on the Tucson economy. If Juan Ciscomani is your representative in Congress, you must tell him not to rubber-stamp this bill. The biggest winners are the wealthiest 1% of Americans (including Trump himself), who get more than $2 trillion in tax breaks. For the rest of us, Trumps plan raises the national debt $5 trillion, cuts Medicaid by more than $1T, eliminates health coverage for millions of people, slashes education and environmental protection. The Tucson economy will be devastated by cuts to science and education funding to the University of Arizona. As a scientist, I can see the US already losing ground to other countries as Trump devastates research programs. Rep. Ciscomani, we need to remind you that you work for us, not Donald Trump. Very few people in your district will benefit from this disastrous bill. Throw away your Trump rubber stamp and show some spine. Don Falk Midtown District 7 candidates In his recent endorsement of Adelita Grijalva, Dr. Heinz lauds her work on the School Board and the County Board of Supervisors. He follows the typical progressive script of detailing her support for the poor and disadvantaged. I listened to the two debates. The three Republicans all praised Donald Trump, which pretty much disqualifies them from representing District 7 since the district voted overwhelmingly for Kamala Harris. Ms. Grijalva went on and on about what she wants to do for the poor and disadvantaged. Nothing about what shed do for the rest of us. Daniel Hernandez was the only Democrat who seemed to understand that hed be working in a Republican-controlled body. In all her vast experience, Ms. Grijalva has always been in the majority. Mr. Hernandez has experience being in the minority. Ill be voting for Mr. Hernandez. Steven Brown Midtown Bill decimates clean-energy economy Flying under the radar in Trumps Big Beautiful Bill is the decimation of our clean energy economy and progress on climate change. To pay off big oil for donating to the Presidents election, this bill decimates our clean energy economy, environmental regulations, and will take America back to the fossil fuel energy policies of the 1950s, policies that destroyed our natural resources and vital ecosystems. Clean energy is starting to generate more electricity than fossil fuels. More Americans now work in our clean energy economy than in the fossil fuel economy. Under Biden, the U.S created 400,000 clean energy jobs. Consumer and environmental protections suffer significantly in Trumps bill. The already eliminated Energy Star program generated $40 billion in consumer energy savings. This Big Bad Bill will destroy our booming clean energy economy and the jobs it produces. And China will continue to lead the world in clean energy development, while Trump will take the USA back to the stone age of fossil fuel energy production. Kathy Krucker Midtown Critical thinking As a critical thinker with common sense, I attempt to confirm information before speaking. Regarding illegal immigration in the last four years, one should query the internet thoroughly regarding that issue. The Biden Administration consciously allowed this flood to happen, and now it is imperative to clean up the mess. The Obama Administration deported 3.1 million illegals. Consider the following. ICE principally removes aliens from the United States after they have received a final order of removal. The Trump administration has arrested over 150,000 illegal aliens in 2025. CE has focused on arresting criminal illegal aliens, with 75% of their arrests being individuals with convictions or pending charges. Forgive me if I am biased, but removing these criminal illegals is a good thing, particularly for the communities they live in. I am unable to find information regarding the cost of this invasion to we, the taxpayers, but assume it is massive. Amazingly, the invasion has been halted. Interesting when dont actually means something. Loyal M. Johnson Jr. Oro Valley Medicare fraud bust This past year, I was one of the 1 million Americans whose personal information was compromised and used to fraudulently bill Medicare for medical products I did not need, use or receive. I reported the fraud to Medicare and was quickly and efficiently assisted by a Medicare phone representative. This week, you probably read about Operation Gold Rush, the $10 billion Medicare fraud bust that is the largest in U.S. history. I think its worth noting that the criminal arrests of the fraudsters is the result of a 2-year investigation by teams at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the HHS inspector generals office. These teams are staffed by federal civil servants with experience, knowledge and expertise the same people Trump and MAGA think of as deep state and that DOGE is firing and laying off. Thea Chalow Oro Valley Venting? Here we are with more demented sophistry from the Roberts Court, and Trumps little john describes dissent as venting. The Roberts gang of six decrees that Federal Courts cant issue nationwide injunctions because they only have authority over a single jurisdiction. Really? When Iowans view the Constitution under bulletproof glass in Washington, do they see a different document from the one I see? Consider: a federal court rules Trumps ban on birthright citizenship is unconstitutional for Jane Doe in Arizona, so ICE agents haul her into a Texas court and try their luck again. I know analogies dont replace logic in an argument, but robertss reasoning is EXACTLY like telling a man he has cancer in California, but if that man doesnt like the result he should convince a doctor in Minnesota to rule differently the tumor goes poof. Another nonsensical decision from this batch of robed rogues. Jim Christ East side Combating antisemitism I believe Antisemitism is a serious issue, and Americans have a crucial role to play in combating it. We need to educate ourselves about the history and culture of Jewish people. Understanding their experiences, particularly the Holocaust, is vital. Look into the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance. Financial contributions and volunteering are powerful ways to show support to organizations like the Jewish Funders Network. If monetary contributions arent feasible, consider volunteering with the local Jewish community center here in Tucson. If you encounter any form of antisemitism, its crucial to report it. You can contact the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), a leading organization in fighting antisemitism. Do not support public figures who exhibit antisemitic behavior or patterns. Understand where your political candidates stand on issues related to antisemitism. Using your vote is a critical way to advocate for leaders who will actively combat hate. The upcoming midterm elections are a pivotal moment, and antisemitism is an important issue. But most of all, let your Jewish friends and neighbors know how you feel. Tom McGorray Northwest side Thomas Paine in A.I.? Perhaps the sentiments contained in these sentences are not yet sufficiently fashionable to procure them general favor. A long habit of not thinking a thing (or a favorite person) wrong gives it (or him) a superficial appearance of being right, and raises at first a formidable outcry in defense of the custom or action. But that tumult soon subsides. Time makes more converts than reason. The thought of a kingly president may not be fixed in the minds of many citizens. People often defend changes that affect others more than themselves simply because of that reasoning. But change for some inevitably leads to change for all. When power is abused, it prompts people to question its legitimacy. As the President, Congress, and Supreme Court have set us all on courses that effectively reduce our choices and curtail our rights, and the people are oppressed by these executive orders, votes, and decisions, they have the right (and responsibility) to examine and reject these usurpations of human and constitutional rights. Wes Ward Oro Valley The innovative economy The U.S. economy has left the rest of the world in the dust. No matter what Trump and his minions say, we are not now or in the future an industrial economy. We are an Innovative Economy. The rest of the world assembles what we invent. Case in point, Apples iPhone is designed and its software developed out of California, while Chinese labor, according to MIT, adds less than 10% to the total value. How did we become the economy the rest of the world envies? Simply put, our universities, capital markets, but most of all our openness to global talent. Over 50% of U.S. startups valued at over 1 billion were founded or co-founded by immigrants. Americans have won over 400 Nobel Prizes, 35% of them are immigrants, and their percentage is even higher in physics and chemistry. It is painful to see this dominance in innovation being systematically reduced for the most baseless and abhorrent reasons. We can do better! Lawrence Mazin Airdate: Hurricane Katrina: Race Against Time 5 part Nat Geo documentary series offers an unprecedented, look at one of the deadliest natural disasters in US history. On Aug. 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina, one of the deadliest and most devastating natural disasters in U.S. history, roared into southeastern Louisiana. It tore through the Gulf Coast with catastrophic power, driving a massive storm surge toward the city and the people of New Orleans. With no rescue in sight, the residents who were left to face the rising floodwaters alone became heroes, fighting to survive against unimaginable odds. To mark the 20th anniversary of the tragedy, National Geographic screens Hurricane Katrina: Race Against Time, a groundbreaking five-part documentary series that offers an unprecedented, heart-pounding look at the disaster directly from those who lived through it. This is far more than a story about a storm, said executive producers Jonathan Chinn and Simon Chinn (Lightbox). Its a compelling, essential reexamination of systemic failure and the enduring consequences of decisions made before, during and after the levees broke. This series goes beyond the headlines. It reveals stories of survival, heroism and resilience, added executive producers Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler and Sev Ohanian (Proximity Media). Its a vital historical record and a call to witness, remember and reckon with the truth of Hurricane Katrinas legacy. Oscar-winning producer Simon Chinn and Emmy-winning producer Jonathan Chinns production company Lightbox (The Diamond Heist, Tina, Whitney, LA 92) and Oscar, Golden Globe and Grammy-nominated filmmaker Ryan Cooglers production company Proximity Media (Sinners, Judas and the Black Messiah, Space Jam: A New Legacy) joined forces in a powerful collaboration that combines cinematic storytelling with the clear-eyed perspective of two decades of hindsight. Hurricane Katrina: Race Against Time offers the most intimate and profound exploration into the wide-ranging impacts of the disaster to date. Weaving together critical moments of the crisis and the past events that precipitated it, the series delivers an unparalleled, emotionally raw examination of the storms personal, political and societal fallout. Through unprecedented access to archival footage and gut-wrenching eyewitness testimony, Hurricane Katrina: Race Against Time is a gripping historical record of the storm and its aftermath. With unflinching urgency, the series exposes how a natural disaster became a national tragedy. The riveting, moment-by-moment portrayal offers new details of how the storm and ensuing flood unfolded in real time and transports viewers into the chaos that engulfed the city in the days leading up to and following the hurricanes landfall. At the helm of the series is Oscar-nominated director Traci A. Curry (Attica). Through Currys commitment to bold, empowering narratives, the series unfolds directly from the residents, first responders, and officials who were in New Orleans during the disaster. Each episode is immersed in their lived experiences and their voices present a captivating and powerful retelling and a necessary correction to persistent false narratives. The partnership between Curry and the teams at Proximity Media and Lightbox signals a shift in how this story is told, centered on survivors voices, grounded in accountability, and focused on the enduring lessons of a tragedy. Episodes of the new documentary series include the following: Episode 1: The Coming Storm Its a typically vibrant New Orleans summer when Hurricane Katrina looms. Sitting in the bullseye of a Category 5, the city faces a reality check. With a delayed evacuation order, many are trapped and forced to brace for the storms fury. Residents recount for the first time how they navigated the impending disaster, capturing the harrowing experience of preparing for The Big One. Episode 2: Worst Case Scenario After Hurricane Katrina passed, citizens soon discovered the levees breached, quickly flooding New Orleans like a bathtub. First responders and everyday citizens jumped in heroically to save locals; many residents were forced to flee their houses for dry land. As residents braved dangerous conditions to survive, ineptitude at all levels of government was exposed as the water rose. Episode 3: A Desperate Place Three days into the flood, rescue operations continue around the clock. Thousands remain trapped, as the government struggles to coordinate a rescue effort. Inside the Superdome, stories of resilience and survival emerge above the sometimes-horrific conditions. Meanwhile, media coverage shifts to emphasize disorder, focusing on looting rather than the thousands still stranded. Episode 4: Shoot To Kill In post-Katrina New Orleans, Gen. Honore leads rescue efforts amid pressure to use force, while local heroes tirelessly save lives. Thousands remain stranded in their homes, the Superdome, the convention center, and along the interstate as evacuation efforts continue to fail. Tensions rise while violence erupts and militias target residents. Episode 5: Wake Up Call New Orleans resilient residents exit the city, forming part of the Katrina diaspora. As they navigate the uncertainty of how and when they might restore their lives, a plan for a new New Orleans takes shape. The future of the devastated city hangs in the balance as its residents struggle to return, rebuild and restart their lives even 20 years later. Hurricane Katrina: Race Against Time is a Lightbox production, in association with Proximity Media for National Geographic and is directed by Oscar-nominated Traci A. Curry. Oscar-winning Simon Chinn, Emmy-winning Jonathan Chinn, Myles Estey and Ted Skillman are executive producers for Lightbox. Oscar, Golden Globe and Grammy-nominated Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler, Sev Ohanian, Peter Nicks and Kalia King are executive producers and Kelli Buchanan is co-executive producer for Proximity Media. For National Geographic, Sean David Johnson and Carolyn Payne executive produce, and Tom McDonald is executive vice president of Global Factual and Unscripted Content. All episodes July 28 on Disney+. Australian Story: July 7 An amputation to free a trapped rafter was compounded by the most horrific of disasters -when a saw snapped midway through the procedure. On Monday Australian Story will conclude its two-part account of the extraordinary 24-hour rescue effort to save Lithuanian rafter Valdas Bieliauskas from rapids on Tasmanias Franklin River. When emergency services were first alerted that a man had slipped and was trapped up to his chest in fast-running water, they thought it would be a relatively easy job to remove him. But it turned into one of the most complex rescue missions in Tasmanias history. Australian Story provides a heart-stopping account of the rescue mission, drawing on never-before-seen footage taken by rescuers and Valdass fellow rafters. The only feasible way to get Valdas out was going to require an amputation and this was probably going to have to happen in a rapid, under water, retrieval specialist Dr Jorian Kippax tells Australian Story. There was a moment before I started of, I really, really dont want to do this. Not so much that it doesnt need to be done. Its more that it felt wrong. As if the amputation wasnt difficult enough given the location, the saw Dr Kippax was using to perform the operation snapped midway through. It was just such a heart-sink moment, he tells Australian Story. The doctor struggled on and Valdas was freed but moments later the rafter went into cardiac arrest. Rescuers and Valdass friends held little hope that he would survive the chopper ride to hospital in Hobart. Miraculously, however, he did survive and after many weeks in hospital he was able to return home to Lithuania. The main thing is being alive, and life is a beautiful thing, says Valdas Bieliauskas. Australian people helped me survive and it brings tears to my eyes when I remember their care. If it had happened in a place other than Australia, heaven knows what would have happened to me. Australian Story interviewed rescuers, medical personnel, Valdas and his fellow rafters in Tasmania and Lithuania to provide a nail-biting anatomy of an astonishing mission. 8pm Monday on ABC. Moni When he returns home for a wedding, Moni is confronted by the ghost of his mother, and a family who can't accept his sexuality. The third and final new drama from SBS / NITV Digital Originals, Moni, is set in Western Sydney and centres around a Samoan Australian community. Moni is the name of the lead character played by Chris Alosio, a hunky young gay man returning home from London for his sister Hanas (Ilaisaane Green) wedding. But he arrives with considerable metaphorical baggage. Not only does his deeply-religious family not know of his sexuality, but he is also arriving six months after the death of his mother Tina (Tina Leaitua). All of the family are unimpressed with his in absentia at a time of sorrow, togetherness and mourning. The prodigal son is shamed in failing to uphold Samoan family values. But Moni gets a bigger shock when Tina appears to him, first as an apparation before physical form which only he can see. And mum is not happy, before even she is shocked into learning that she has actually passed over. This leads to numerous scenes of Moni talking to a ghost in the presence of family members, a comedy of errors perhaps. As the family continues to prepare for the wedding he is humiliated by head of the family, Uncle Pika (Maua Fuifui) over his inability to live up to male traditions. Samoans are horrible people when you forget your place -Tina. It even takes Aussie-born groom Brandon (Julian Maroun) to show him how to properly wrap a Polynesian lavalava around his waist. The drama also flashes back to his teenage years where 16 year old Moni (Maiko Taukafa) and younger sister Hana (Maila Latukefu) are shown growing up with single mum, now the very present, Tina. Even in these scenes young Moni is frequently hounded by his demanding mum, although it is clear there is also love given she is raising her children as a single mother. Where the story turns next is most unexpected, but it speaks to why Moni fled home when he was old enough. These scenes by director Alana Hicks are the dramas most powerful. Other characters of note include (older) Monis trans friend Sila (Ella Ganza) offering some much-needed advice. Id like to think God sent Samoan kids like us to see if our parents could love, unconditionally. To test them. -Sila. Chris Alosio handles the script by Taofia Pelesasa with sensitivity. While NRL has shown Pasifiika communities expressing homophobia in recent times, Moni raises questions about acceptance, religion and family traditions. Yet I cant help but feel the flashback scenes are more successful steeped in their real world narrative then the device of a ghost to represent Monis unresolved issues. It also raises a few questions that didnt quite tie up for me, but to expand on those would be something of a spoiler. SBS NITV continue to visit communities largely unrepresented in local drama and Moni has its heart in the right place, for those ready to hear new viewpoints and stories embedded in personal experience. Moni screens 8:30pm Thursday on NITV and SBS on Demand. Sami Ahmad, TwoCircles.net On June 5, the Bihar government issued two official notifications announcing the appointment of 28 public prosecutors (PPs) and 27 government pleaders (GPs). What stood out starkly and sparked immediate backlash was that not even one of the 55 law officers belonged to the Muslim community. This glaring absence has unsettled many, especially considering Chief Minister Nitish Kumars repeated claims of championing the interests of the minority community. Support TwoCircles Unfortunately, this is not an isolated instance. Just weeks earlier, in May, two separate lists of newly appointed sub-divisional magistrates (SDMs) were released. Again, no Muslim names appeared on either list. These patterns have stirred concern and raised uncomfortable questions. Is Bihars administration being reshaped, much like Uttar Pradeshs, into a space devoid of Muslim representation in crucial field postings? There is more than enough evidence to feed this fear. According to state records as of May 23, 2025, Bihar has 101 SDMs. Of these, only one is a Muslim. The state comprises 38 districts, and district magistrates (DMs) serve as the administrative heads of these regions. Out of the 38 DMs, just one is a Muslim, according to the General Administration Departments updated list as on May 31, 2025. This lone officer is posted in the relatively small district of Sheikhpura. The numbers dont improve in law enforcement. Bihar has 40 police districts, each led by a superintendent of police (SP) or senior superintendent of police (SSP). Only two of these are Muslims, with one posted in the minor district of Arwal. Similarly, among the 38 deputy development commissioners (DDCs), officials who also serve as CEOs of district boards and play an important role in rural development, just one is a Muslim. Out of nine divisional commissioners overseeing larger administrative zones, only one belongs to the Muslim community. And across the nine police ranges in the state, not a single deputy inspector general (DIG) is a Muslim. This consistent lack of representation has drawn criticism from various quarters. Kunal, state secretary of the CPI (ML)-Liberation, told TwoCircles.net, Nitish has never been serious about increasing the representation of the Muslim community in key posts of the administration. It has always been lip service. A senior JD(U) member who worked closely with former Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi, pointed out on strict condition of anonymity, deeper systemic issues. Nitish Kumar relies heavily on ex-bureaucrats, many of whom hold communal biases. Moreover, several top leaders in the ruling Janata Dal (United) or JD(U), aside from the influence of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), are not enthusiastic about placing Muslim officers in prominent positions, he said. He added that the trust gap between the Muslim community and the JD(U) leadership widened significantly after the partys support for the contentious Waqf (Amendment) Bill despite strong opposition from the Muslim community and even JD(U)s own Muslim leaders. Coupled with Nitish Kumars shifting stance on critical issues like the triple talaq law and the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) has only deepened the alienation. Additional Advocate General Khurshid Alam called the recent PP and GP appointments deeply troubling. In my 35 years of practice, I have never seen appointment lists that excluded Muslims entirely, he said. He further pointed out that the issue of underrepresentation extends beyond the judiciary. Muslim advocates are scarcely present in universities, boards and public corporations. Their presence is often less than one percent, he said. Senior journalist Abdul Qadir offered another perspective. He suggested that Nitish Kumars deteriorating health has led to a loss of direct control over governance. Key decisions are now taken by a small coterie of opportunist politicians, bureaucrats and time-servers. It is they who are really running the show, he said. He recalled how Nitish once withstood intense pressure while appointing Amir Subhani, the states first Muslim chief secretary. But that was a different time. Things have changed drastically. This is the new Bihar, he added. Kunal believes that the BJPs growing influence in the state is the root of the problem. The BJP is no longer content being a partner; it is trying to run the state from behind the scenes. This exclusion of Muslims from administration is not accidental, it is part of a larger plan to isolate, intimidate and marginalise the community. It is a blatant attempt to relegate Muslims to second-class citizenship. It is especially painful given the communitys historic role in the freedom struggle, he concluded. Even as some argue that Muslim officers have not always effectively uplifted their own communities, Abdul Qadir stresses that their absence in governance sends a dangerous message. The representation might be symbolic, but symbols matter, especially in a diverse society. This exclusion undermines the very social fabric of our bureaucracy, he said. When approached for comment, JD(U) spokesperson Niraj Kumar did not respond. Another party spokesperson Anjum Ara said she would need to verify the numbers but reiterated that the JD(U) believes in social justice and the proportional inclusion of all communities. Akhtarul Iman, the sole MLA from the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), referred to the findings of Bihars recent caste survey, which recorded Muslims as comprising 17.7% of the states population. Based on that percentage, the community should hold at least six-seven positions among the DMs, SPs and DDCs. It is tragic that, out of 101 SDMs, only one is Muslim, he said. The numbers tell a troubling story, and the silence from those in power only amplifies it. Kulsoom Faiz, TwoCircles.net Bhawar Lal, an artisan from Bikaner in Rajasthan, has long carried forward the tradition of block-printing and patchwork passed down through generations. Like many in his community, he grew up watching the women of his family stitch intricate patterns into bedspreads using fine and short threads. He witnessed, over time, how machine-made goods began to overshadow handmade crafts gradually pushing artisans like him to the margins. Despite the increasing dominance of fast fashion and mass production, Lal believes in the irreplaceable value of hand-crafted art. He was one of the few fortunate artisans who received a government-supported stall at the G20 summit. Describing the journey of his art, he said, They brought us from Bikaner to the streets of the cities. Art composed by hand is not replaceable in ones eye. We make patchwork-embroidered bedsheets. The women of our community stitch them with short threads throughout the sheet. All this work is, however, not repaid with the advent of the machine-made era. But today, in the time of use and throw, authenticity is getting replaced because of fast fashion. The onset of globalisation in the 1990s and its widening impact on capitalism have transformed almost every sector, most profoundly affecting Indias marginalised artisan communities. Long celebrated for its rich artistic heritage, India now finds its traditional crafts at risk of being lost. Initiatives like the PM Vishwakarma Kaushal Samman (PM VIKAS) have registered over 21.37 lakh artisans and craftspeople, aiming to preserve and promote this heritage as a part of Indias global identity. With the arrival of mechanisation and the increasing pace of global trade, traditional artisanal occupations have faced a steep decline. Mass production can lead to homogenising traditional designs and motifs, as market demand often favours standardised products. This can erode the diversity and uniqueness of regional crafts, says Anushka Das, founder of Kalpavriksh Design and a veteran of 15 years in the textile and fashion industry. As a key part of Indias secondary sector, government-supported textile industries provide employment to nearly 45 million people. These industries not only sustain livelihoods but also serve as a crucial support system for women and communities living in poverty. The G20 summit in New Delhi presented a platform for India to display its deep cultural roots through traditional art. While globalisation continues to present challenges, such events offer a counterbalance encouraging renewed appreciation for authenticity. Handmade products today face severe competition from mass-produced alternatives. Still, artisans are now being recognised and honoured under schemes such as PM VIKAS, which identifies them as Vishwakarma a nod to their role as creators. This years Union Budget has earmarked Rs 1.48 lakh crore for education, employment and skill development, including significant support for handicrafts. Anushka Das highlights concerns about the decline in craftsmanship. While machines can produce items efficiently, they may not always meet the same quality standards as handmade products. Craftsmen often pay meticulous attention to detail, which can be compromised in mass production. Lal, too, speaks about the evolving consumer landscape shaped by fast fashion. He emphasises the enduring value of quality over cost a principle deeply embedded in traditional craftsmanship. Government schemes like Skill India and Make in India have helped open new doors for textile artisans. These initiatives aim to generate employment, attract investment, improve standards and replace imports with Indian-made exports. Notably, the Amended Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme (ATUFS) now receives Rs 900 crore, up from Rs 650 crore in 202223, to further enhance the textile industry. Suhail Ansari, a rug maker from Mirzapur in Uttar Pradesh, has been practising his craft for over 15 years. Each year, he travels to Delhi to sell his daris at Dilli Haat, albeit for a brief 15-day window. Unlike Lal, Ansari was not invited to present his work at G20. Handmade is natural for us, and the value shall remain constant. People who use handmade rugs will always prefer the same, be they Indian or foreign. You will find machines made anywhere, but one will find an authentic rug in craft markets. Thats why, handmade rugs are constant, he says. His perspective reflects a broader truth, which is many Indian craftsmen now find international markets for their products. According to the Ministry of Textiles, 30.01% of artefact exports go to the United States, followed by 8.31% to the United Kingdom. It indicates a promising global demand. However, Das warns that globalisation can be a double-edged sword. While it provides access to international markets, it can also lead to a homogenisation of designs and the dilution of cultural authenticity. Ansari adds that despite the evolution of technology, machines cannot replicate the craftsmanship of traditional rugs. The only hindrance that we, as the rug-making community, face is the financial adversity. Machine-made rugs are cheaper but deteriorate quickly. Authentic ones require time, skill and dedication, something no device can reproduce, he says. Mohammad Salim, who runs a chikan embroidery unit in Lucknow, too shares the same sentiment. Traveling to Delhi occasionally to sell his products, he insists that hand-embroidered fabric cannot be replaced. Mass-produced chikan embroidery cannot match the perfection of handmade work, he claims. Indias handicraft legacy is vast and varied, shaped by its social, cultural and spiritual diversity. Sustaining this artisanal tradition in an era of modernisation is essential, not just to preserve the past but to invest in a culturally rich and economically inclusive future. Migration, often driven by financial strain, has helped blend regional styles into new hybrid forms enriching Indias craft traditions further. Preserving these traditions is not just a cultural responsibility, it is a blueprint for a more sustainable and inclusive India. Syed Abubakr & Sumit Singh, TwoCircles.net Ahmedabad (Gujarat): The city was forever scarred on June 12 by one of the deadliest aviation disasters of the 21st century. Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner bound for Londons Gatwick, crashed 30 seconds after take-off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, slamming into the hostel complex of BJ Medical College in the Meghaninagar neighbourhood. Support TwoCircles The catastrophe claimed 279 lives 241 of the 242 passengers and crew aboard, and 38 people on the ground, including medical students, a doctors pregnant wife and residents. Amid the flames, smoke and heartbreak, the citys ordinary citizens rose as extraordinary heroes becoming first responders, offering shelters and providing solace to grieving families. The London-bound Dreamliner, carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members, issued a desperate Mayday call less than a minute after take-off, reaching a maximum altitude of just 650 feet before plummeting into the medical college hostel. The impact unleashed a fireball, intensified by the planes heavy fuel load, reducing the hostels dining area to rubble and sending thick black smoke coiling over Meghaninagar. CCTV footage captured the chilling 30-second flight, showing the aircraft skimming low over the city before its fiery end. The crash site, just beyond the airports perimeter, became a scene of carnage with charred bodies, mangled wreckage and shattered lives. Emergency services, including six National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, fire brigades and the police, mobilised swiftly, but it was the locals who reached the site first, driven by raw courage. Prince Pattani, a young resident living 100 metres from the crash site, was among them. The explosion shook my house. I and my friends ran to the hostel, he recalled. With a team of boys, Prince entered the canteen, where the plane had struck during lunchtime. Mostly students were there, some families and a small girl child trapped under debris, he said. His team removed gas cylinders to prevent explosions and cleared walls and mirrors to free survivors. Sanjay Patni, another local, braved the haze to rescue three medical students. Everything was burnt; smoke was everywhere. I heard their cries and pulled them out, guiding them to ambulances, he said. These acts of bravery bridged the critical gap before professional responders could fully deploy, with residents using bedsheets to douse flames and ferrying the injured to hospitals in private vehicles. Within 20 minutes of the crash, Sahal Qureshi, a senior journalist based in Ahmedabad who reported the tragedy for The Washington Post, arrived at the site. Dead bodies were charred beyond recognition. Locals came with clothes to cover them, not to gawk but to help, he said. He witnessed a rare unity Muslim and Hindu social organisations worked side by side, offering a message of love amid tragedy. He saw residents from nearby buildings rush to the scene not to crowd, but to lend a hand. They felt it was their tragedy. One man, Baloo Rajput, found a bag of gold jewellery in the debris and handed it to the police, a small but an act of integrity amid chaos, he added. The Ahmedabad Haj House, an eight-story facility, opened its top five floors to provide shelter and relief. Md Talha Saiyed, a section officer, supervised the effort, coordinating with the Haj Committee and NGOs to supply food, water and blankets. We saw families broken by grief. Our job was to give them a place to rest and hope, Talha said. Volunteers delivered meals to those camped outside Civil Hospital, where victims were taken, and sat with relatives awaiting DNA test results, offering quiet support. The crashs toll on the medical community was profound, with at least five MBBS students and a doctors pregnant wife among the ground casualties. As the injured flooded the Civil Hospital, blood became a critical need. Within an hour, 200 volunteers from the NGO Sahaay, alongside the Ahmedabad Red Cross, launched a blood drive collecting 900 units in eight hours. Parthil Ghoghari, a 19-year-old Sahaay member active since the COVID-19 pandemic, described the scene, People lined up at the Red Cross office, waiting patiently to donate. The effort not only met medical demands but also symbolised Ahmedabads solidarity, with residents of all backgrounds contributing. Inamul Iraqi, a 62-year-old businessman and social worker, emerged as a guiding force. I am saddened that Gujarats image is stained. We want to wipe the tears of victims, he said. Iraqi organised food and relief for families awaiting DNA results, mobilising volunteers to ensure no one went without support. His decades of service running the Daryakhan Gumbad relief camp during the 2002 Gujarat riots, carrying 198 bodies to their final rest and aiding Bhuj earthquake victims for six months lent gravitas to his efforts. I fund this from my business, no donations. It is my duty as an Indian, he said. His friend, Maulvi Habib Ahmed Pathan, 59, joined the relief efforts. Running four madrasas, three schools and a hospital, he supplied essentials to victims families. We are all human first. This tragedy does not discriminate, so neither do we, he said. Together, Inamul and Habib exemplified the citys ethos of compassion, ensuring families had food, clothing and a shoulder to lean on. The trauma of the crash extended beyond physical injuries, leaving deep psychological scars on survivours, witnesses and the wider community. Dr. Deepti Bhatt, a psychiatrist at the Hospital for Mental Health in Ahmedabad, has been at the forefront of addressing this silent crisis through the Tele Manas mental health helpline. We are working round-the-clock to counsel those affected, she said. The 24/7 call center has been inundated with requests for support. One doctor from the super-speciality quarter called us because he witnessed the tragedy unfold before his eyes, she shared. Another man, a frequent traveller working for an MNC, reached out, asking, Can this happen to me too? His fear was palpable, she added. Staffed by trained counsellors, the helpline has become a lifeline for those grappling with shock, anxiety and survivours guilt offering a safe space to process the horror of June 12. A Familys Unbearable Loss Among the grieving was Muzaffar Saiyed, who has been offering voluntary IT support to the Haj House since 2014. He lost four members of his family 46-year-old sister Nafisabanu Saiyed, 24-year-old niece Dr. Taskin Saiyed, 22-year-old Waqueeali Saiyed and 48-year-old Inayatali Saiyed a British citizen and software engineer. All but Inayatali held Indefinite Leave to Remain status in the United Kingdom. I have not received their bodies yet. They were more important than money, and we have had no help from authorities, he said, his voice breaking. The Saiyed familys loss highlights the personal toll felt across Ahmedabad, with many families still awaiting closure. Qureshi said that nearly 10 bodies remain unidentified as their families yet to provide DNA samples. It is a challenge for authorities to trace them, he said. The slow identification process, reliant on DNA matching due to the bodies condition, has prolonged the agony for relatives camped at the Civil Hospital. DNA matching has identified 119 victims, with 76 bodies handed over to families as of June 17. The process, slowed by the bodies condition, continues to test relatives patience. Air India has established assistance centres in Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Delhi and Gatwick, assigning caregivers to over 400 family members and offering a one-time waiver on rescheduling for affected passengers. The Tata Group, Air Indias parent company, pledged Rs. 1 crore per deceased passengers family, prioritising support over speculation about the crashs cause. Air India Former Executive Director Jitender Bhargava lashed out at the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), questioning if it has reengineered itself to meet the changed environment. I sincerely believe the DGCA has been a weak link. For many years now, almost two decades, it has been headed by a bureaucrat. By the time they learn the job, they are moved on to another position in the bureaucracy. So what we need first is to have somebody who is a professional and who knows everything about what is required to be done and what the requirements of the airlines are. And if airlines are trying to say something or manipulate some kind of thing, he knows the reality, he said. The DGCA is currently a part of the Ministry of Civil Aviation. So, if the minister is to direct something, I do not think the head of the DGCA would have the confidence, ability and competence to say no, this is not in the interest of Indian aviation, Bhargava added. As investigators sift through scorched cables and black box data, the citys story is already clear in Meghaninagar, where flames once consumed lives, the spirit of humanity burns brighter. The probe may uncover technical truths, but Ahmedabads first responders have already revealed a deeper truth about courage, unity and the power of a community to heal. Adnan Ali, TwoCircles.net Hyderabad: After a wait of 13 months, Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy finally expanded his cabinet by inducting three new ministers. However, the long-awaited reshuffle has done little to address a glaring gap the complete absence of Muslim representation. Despite Muslims constituting over 12.5% of the states population, there is not a single Muslim minister in the incumbent Congress-led government. Support TwoCircles According to the caste survey released by the Telangana government in February 2024, the state is home to 44,57,012 Muslims making them an important demographic group. Still, this substantial population continues to find no voice in the states cabinet. On June 8, 2025, three MLAs were sworn in as ministers. The reshuffle included Gaddam Vivek (Mala), Adluri Laxman Kumar (Madiga) and Vakiti Srihari (Mudiraj BC). While the move strengthens Dalit and Backward Class (BC) representation, the Muslim community remains entirely excluded. This marks a historical first. Since the formation of Telangana in 2014, this is the only time the state has had no Muslim minister at all. Under previous Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao of the BRS (formerly TRS), at least one Muslim leader, Mohammed Mahmood Ali, held significant portfolios, including deputy chief minister and later home minister. His consistent inclusion, even as the lone Muslim face in the cabinet, served as symbolic recognition of the communitys presence and contribution to the state. The incumbent Congress government, despite its majority in the 119-member Assembly with 75 seats, has not fielded or elected a single Muslim MLA. All seven Muslim legislators in the Assembly belong to the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM). In the 40-member Legislative Council, only four Muslims are present two from the AIMIM, one from the BRS and one nominated by the Governor. None of them are affiliated with the Congress. This lack of representation raises questions about the Congress partys commitment to inclusive governance, especially since it often positions itself as a secular alternative to right-wing politics. While some may argue that the partys hands are tied due to the absence of Muslim legislators within its fold, critics suggest that the Congress could have nominated a Muslim member to the Legislative Council or ensured electoral representation in 2023. For Telanganas Muslims, the issue goes beyond symbolic politics. It is about meaningful participation in decision-making. As the second-largest religious group in the state, their continued exclusion from the cabinet sends a troubling signal about their place in the states political priorities. In a state once known for its syncretic culture and inclusive governance, the absence of Muslim voices in the highest corridors of power raises concerns about the erosion of previous governments legacy. Aditya Sharma, TwoCircles.net New Delhi: Rekha Yadav, a 29-year-old fruit vendor in Karol Bagh near Ghaffar Market, stands under an umbrella. Her forehead is damp with sweat. By noon, I feel like I am burning inside. I get headaches, and my hands shake, but I cannot leave my cart. My family depends on me, she says, visibly exhausted. Support TwoCircles Rekhas daily ordeal reflects the struggle women in Delhi face as the city endures one of its most extreme heatwaves. Temperatures have soared to 46C, with humidity pushing the heat index beyond 52C. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert, warning of severe conditions. As Delhi battles the rising heat, women, especially from marginalised communities, are disproportionately affected. From health complications and income losses to entrenched social norms, the burden is both physical and structural. Rekhas symptoms mirror classic signs of heat stress, a condition that often affects women more severely due to physiological differences. A 2025 report by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) confirms that women are more susceptible to heat-related illnesses like dehydration and heatstroke due to higher body fat percentages and lower sweat rates. In another part of the city, a 31-year-old pregnant woman from the Pakistani Hindu refugee community, residing in south Majnu ka Tila, shares her struggles. Requesting anonymity, she describes the challenges of managing pregnancy in the stifling heat. Her family cannot afford air conditioners or coolers. A ceiling fan serves the entire household. Doing chores while pregnant in this heat is unbearable. I get irritable and frustrated, and that has led to arguments with my husband. But what can we do? she says. Pregnant women face heightened risks during heatwaves. Dr. Tanudeep Kaur, gynecologist at HealthyHuman Clinic, says that high temperatures can trigger severe dehydration, migraines and exhaustion. Heatwaves can cause gastroenteritis and fever, increasing the risk of preterm births and complications, she explains. A 2025 study by the Sustainable Futures Collaborative (SFC) highlights how Delhis urban heat island effect, where densely built areas trap heat, has pushed temperatures in crowded neighbourhoods like Jahangirpuri and Seelampur to critical levels. Women, particularly those working outdoors or managing households without access to cooling, face prolonged exposure. The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that heatwaves in South Asia could become a major public health crisis by 2030, with women and children most at risk due to limited healthcare access and insufficient cooling infrastructure. Social Roles Amplify the Burden For Radha Kumari, a 42-year-old domestic worker in South Delhis Greater Kailash, the heat only intensifies the demands of daily survival. She wakes at 5 a.m. to collect water from a community pump, then works in multiple air-conditioned homes where she is not allowed to rest. I cook and clean in three houses, but I cannot sit under their fans. By the time I get home, I feel like my body is on fire, she says. Her experience echoes findings in a 2025 International Labour Organization (ILO) report, which states that women in informal sectors, who make up 85% of Delhis female workforce, are often unable to take breaks during extreme heat due to economic pressures and social expectations. Cultural norms also limit womens ability to adapt. If I wear something sleeveless, people judge me. So I stick to my salwar kameez, even if it makes the heat worse, she says. The SFC report refers to this as the double burden faced by low-income women, who juggle unpaid household work with labour-intensive jobs while lacking the means to shield themselves from environmental hazards. In slums like Govindpuri, where electricity is inconsistent, women use hand fans or damp cloths, while men are more likely to rest in parks or tea stalls. Livelihoods Under Threat Shanti Devi, a 35-year-old construction worker in Budh Vihar, says the heatwave is also a financial blow. The sun is so harsh, I can only work until 1 p.m. now. My daily wage is cut in half. We are already behind on rent, but I have no choice but to work, she says, her hands rough from brickwork. According to the ILO, heat stress could reduce Indias GDP by 2.8% by 2030. For women in informal sectors, vending, construction and domestic labour, the income loss could be up to 30% higher than for men, due to overrepresentation in low-wage and high-exposure jobs. Cooling remains a luxury. In low-income areas like Budh Vihar, nights are suffocating without fans or coolers. We cannot afford a cooler, and power cuts last for hours, she says. The SFC report criticises Delhis 2025 Heat Action Plan (HAP) for emphasising short-term measures like water kiosks, which fail to address deeper inequities in infrastructure and access. Women, often prioritising their families needs over their own, are least likely to benefit from such policies. Stakeholders Demand Action Suruchi Bhadwal, director of Climate Change and Air Quality at The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), highlights how women in marginalided and remote areas face unique challenges. Many cannot access distant health clinics and rely on irregular public transport. As primary caregivers, women face compounded risks shopping in open markets, cooking in hot kitchens and enduring mental and physical exhaustion. We need more cooling shelters designed specifically for women, with safety, accessibility and clean restrooms, she says. Bharti Chaturvedi, founder of the Chintan Foundation, which works with waste-picking women, adds, We need cool spaces across the city accessible to women, children and the elderly. We advise them to finish work by 11 a.m., but many cannot afford to rest, she says. International bodies echo the urgency. A 2025 United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) report emphasises how climate change deepens gender disparities. It urges governments to integrate gender equity into heatwave policies by subsidising cooling devices, improving healthcare access and supporting women-led initiatives. In Delhi, grassroots groups are stepping up. Anuj Bhati, founder of the Beti Foundation, works with girls from low-income families. We hold classes outdoors under trees and ensure hydration. These children are resilient, but they should not have to endure so much just to learn, he says. Humanising the Crisis Behind the data are lives shaped by relentless heat. Rekha dreams of buying a fan for her fruit stall, but her income barely covers food. She worries about her teenage daughter, who helps with chores in the blazing afternoon. Shanti, a single mother, fears her kids will go hungry if she does not work a full shift. These are not isolated stories, they are the everyday realities of millions of women across the national capital. The IMD forecasts temperatures will remain above 43C for the coming week, with humidity between 3055%, amplifying the heats impact. Without targeted interventions, the SFC warns, parts of Delhi could become unlivable by 2050 with women and children facing the gravest risks. While the Heat Action Plan is a step forward, it lacks the gender lens necessary to protect the citys most vulnerable. Mohsina Malik, TwoCircles.net New Delhi: On the night of June 13, a deafening explosion jolted Irans capital of Tehran, awake. Among those startled from sleep was 23-year-old Zulkarnain Shah, a fourth-year medical student from Srinagar, Kashmir. The whole building felt like it was trembling. I ran to my roommate, grabbed whatever we could and rushed to the basement. The lights, the noise it was terrifying. Since that night, even after returning home, sleep has become a distant memory. I keep having flashbacks; they haunt me, he recalled over a crackling WhatsApp call. Support TwoCircles Shah is one of around 1,500 Kashmiri students studying medicine and allied health sciences in Iran, scattered across cities like Tehran, Qom, Tabriz and Isfahan. As hostilities escalated between Iran and Israel, these students suddenly found themselves caught in the crossfire. Following Irans missile and drone attacks on Israel, and Israels retaliatory airstrikes across Iranian territory, more than 2,000 Indian students, many from Jammu and Kashmir, were stranded in an increasingly dangerous conflict zone. One day they were in classrooms; the next, they were ducking for cover. Missiles streaked through the sky. Air raid sirens echoed across Tehran and Tabriz. We saw missiles and we heard the bombings. Our building shook. It felt unreal like we were in the middle of a war movie, said Mahnoor Siddiqui, a final-year MBBS student. The airstrikes came in response to Irans retaliatory attacks on Israel after the latter challenged Tehrans sovereignty and killed its top military commanders and nuclear scientists. In the days that followed, blasts echoed across cities Tehran, Mashhad and even near the sensitive Natanz nuclear facility. Third-year MBBS student Afshan Fayaz spoke of long, anxious nights spent fully dressed, her bag packed, ready to flee at a moments notice. We slept in shifts. Some of us even kept our shoes on, just in case. Every sound made us jump. We only had one thought in mind to get out, to go home. The trauma is something I will carry for a long time, she said. Their ordeal extended beyond bombings. Students faced frequent power cuts, dwindling food supplies and medicine shortages. Water at the dorms was rationed. Grocery stores were half-empty. Pharmacies had little stock, said Jamsheed Ali, a medical student in Kerman. Making things worse, the internet was heavily restricted. Connecting with families or even the Indian embassy became difficult. We had to use unreliable VPNs just to send a quick message. We could not share videos or call properly. Back home, our families were panicking, said an engineering student. In Srinagar, Mohammad Afzal, whose son is studying in Tehran, said, We did not sleep for days. Every blast there echoed in our hearts here. At Tehrans Hujjatdost Ali Hostel, a blast shattered windows and left two Kashmiri students injured. They were hurt by glass shards, but the mental scars run deeper. Every single day, we lived with the fear that the next bomb could land right on us. During our journey to Armenia, we saw a missile fall from the sky. Everyone on the bus screamed. We truly thought we were going to die. As fears grew, families in Kashmir demanded immediate evacuation. Many questioned the delay, especially when comparing it to Operation Ganga during the Ukraine conflict. Why was not there a quick plan to rescue our children? Afzal asked. Under mounting pressure, Indias Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) set up a 24/7 control room. On June 16, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar announced that more than 110 Indian students had safely reached the Armenia border. Iran had opened land crossings, and Norduz-Armenia was marked as the safest route. Still, many students felt trapped in a state of confusion. We were moved from Tehran to Qom, then Isfahan without any clear plan or updates. Nobody told us what was happening. It only made things worse. Even the Indian embassy said, We are trying our best; we are also stuck,' said one student, requesting anonymity. On June 19, first group of 110 students, most from Urmia University, crossed into Armenia and were flown to Delhi under Indias Operation Sindhu. Many Kashmiri students reunited with their families at the airport, breaking down in relief. We were hungry, sleepless and terrified. Hugging our families made all of it bearable. We were among the first to leave. The situation in Iran is critical missiles overhead and destroyed buildings. I hope no student ever experiences what we did, said Nazish Mir. By June 20, more than 600 Indian students, nearly 500 of them from Jammu and Kashmir, had reached Mashhad, near the IranTurkmenistan border, after a grueling 15-hour bus journey from Qom. They arrived in India on June 21, some late at night, others into the early morning hours. Most chose to fly home, while a few continued their journey by bus. We did not sleep during the journey not from fatigue, but disbelief. We could not believe we were finally out. The past week felt like living inside a nightmare, said Uzma Syed, a second-year MBBS student. She added, Initially, we thought the tensions would pass. But then came the drones, the thick smoke and the bombings. It only escalated. Rumors started swirling about Iran closing its borders. That is when we truly felt trapped. Her university has since announced a one-month closure, but Uzma remains uncertain. Everything is unclear. Do we transfer? Do we wait? What happens to our degree? she asked. For many, the psychological toll is far from over. Even back home, the sound of fireworks makes us flinch. Some of us have not told our families everything, it is just too much to relive, said Mahnoor. The trauma extends to the parents too. Uzmas mother, Hajra, remembers vividly the night her daughter called after a nearby explosion. She said, Dont worry, I am okay. But how could I not worry? I had no way of knowing if she was truly safe. All we could do was pray, she narrated the trauma. Now back in Kashmir, students are facing difficult decisions. While some hope to return if classes resume, others are looking into transfers, either within India or to universities abroad. We have been told our degrees will still be valid and classes may restart after a month. But nobody is giving clear answers. Will we study online? Will Iran reopen for students? Everything hangs in the air, said Mahnoor. This crisis has exposed the urgent need for India to have better mechanisms in place for students caught in global conflict zones be it quicker evacuations, access to mental health care or academic alternatives in emergencies. The financial strain is another harsh reality. Many families had invested everything some even sold land or took loans to send their children to Iran for an affordable medical education. It is not just the trauma, it is also the fear of losing an academic year. That kind of loss is devastating in every sense, said Nasir Hayat, a first-year MBBS student. For these students, the war has delivered a harsh lesson that even the most promising plans can be turned upside down overnight. We went to study medicine, not to survive missile attacks. Now that I am home, I realise how lucky I am. So many others are still waiting, said Nazish. We did not choose this war. All we wanted was to study. Now, all we want is to feel safe again, she added. Until every last student returns, hundreds of families remain locked in that same dreadful wait, hoping, watching and praying. Sami Ahmad, TwoCircles.net Patna: The much-publicised Pasmanda outreach programme of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is heading toward a crucial political test in Bihar, which now only months away from its next Assembly elections. While the BJP exudes confidence in gaining the support of the Pasmanda Muslim community, political analysts suggest the group remains largely out of the partys reach. Support TwoCircles Bihar continues to be the final hurdle for the BJP in the Hindi heartland. It remains the only major state where the party has never had its own chief minister despite being part of the ruling coalition led by Nitish Kumar since 2005, barring a few short interruptions. Analysts believe that the BJP is attempting to create confusion within the Pasmanda section to divide the Muslim vote an effort seen primarily as a strategy to weaken the Lalu Prasad Yadav-led Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD). The RJD and its allies (the Congress and the Left) currently receive the bulk of Muslim support in Bihar, a community that constitutes approximately 17.7% of the states population. About 72% of Muslims fall under the unofficial Pasmanda category those belonging to the Other Backward Classes (OBC) or Extremely Backward Classes (EBC). The Muslim vote is considered decisive in at least 30 out of the 243 Assembly constituencies, particularly in districts like Kishanganj, Araria, Purnea, Katihar, Madhubani, Siwan, Bhagalpur, Begusarai, Darbhanga and others. Pasmanda Muslims include communities such as Kunjra, Ansari, Mansoori, Rain, Darzi, Nai, Bakho, Lohar, Thathera and Faqir. As part of its outreach efforts, the BJPs minority cell launched the Saugat-e-Modi programme during this years Eid, distributing kits (containing food items and clothes) among poor Muslims. Bihar was one of the key states where this initiative was rolled out, though it faced criticism for the poor quality and inappropriateness of the goods provided. Earlier, on November 26, 2022, the BJP held an event in Patna on Constitution Day, aimed specifically at Pasmanda Muslims. It was Prime Minister Narendra Modi who first publicly called on the BJP to reach out to Pasmanda Muslims described as the deprived and downtrodden during the partys national executive conclave in Hyderabad in 2022. Notably, the party appointed Kamruzzama Ansari, a Pasmanda Muslim from Bhagalpur, as the president of its minority wing in September 2023. This was the first time a leader from the backward class of the Muslim community was given charge of the unit. The BJPs Pasmanda outreach is largely built around welfare schemes, with the party arguing that this section was denied benefits under previous governments led by Ashraf (elite) Muslim leadership. Danish Iqbal, media in-charge of the Bihar BJP, while speaking to TwoCircles.net, underlined Modis vision of mainstreaming Pasmanda through welfare initiatives like direct benefit transfers (DBT). The BJP does not believe in appeasement. We believe in empowering the Pasmanda through social justice. Programmes like the PM Vishwakarma scheme are designed to benefit communities like them, he said. It is important to note that in Bihar, it was Nitish who first actively promoted Pasmanda politics, even nominating a few leaders from socio-economic downtrodden section to the Rajya Sabha. However, his political influence may be waning due to reported health concerns. Danish, however, said that the NDA government under Nitishs leadership has done significant work for the Pasmanda community. He cited the construction of boundary walls for more than 800 qabristans (graveyards) as an example of the NDAs work for Muslims. Bihar has also emerged as a stronghold of opposition against the controversial Waqf (Amendment) Act. Yet, Danish presents a contrasting view, arguing that the new waqf law benefits the Pasmanda community. The BJP has been promoting the narrative that waqf properties were historically controlled and misused by Ashraf elites. Shakil Ahmad, a three-time mukhiya (village head) from Pakri Barawan North, a Pasmanda-majority region in Nawadah district, disagrees with the BJPs claims. The Pasmanda community still remains out of BJPs reach. If the party is serious about inclusion, it must first take a strong stand against mob lynching and ensure strict implementation, as most victims of such violence are Pasmandas, he said. It is widely believed that many perpetrators of mob lynching incidents enjoy political protection or sympathy, particularly from BJP quarters. Responding to such concerns, Danish shifted the blame onto the RJD, claiming that most accused in lynching cases belonged to a specific caste and that the entire narrative around mob lynching was politically motivated. Shakil also dismissed the claim that welfare schemes like DBT are part of a special outreach. These schemes have existed for years. There is nothing new or specifically aimed at the Pasmanda. Even the Saugat-e-Modi initiative falls short during Eid, it is the community itself that helps the poor through fitrah and zakat (obligatory alms). Every needy family gets delicacies, he added. While the BJP criticises the RJD for sidelining Pasmanda leaders, it is notable that the party does not have any Muslim MLA in the Bihar Assembly. The NDA government in the state has just one Muslim minister Zaman Khan (Minority Welfare Department) who originally won his seat on a BSP ticket and later joined the JD(U). If the BJP is truly committed to its Pasmanda outreach, let it bring a law reserving Assembly and Lok Sabha seats for the Pasmanda community, said Shakil. Ali Anwar Ansari, a senior Pasmanda voice and founder of the All India Pasmanda Muslim Mahaz (AIPMM), also views the BJPs outreach as driven more by political convenience than genuine concern. Many believe that the prime ministers speeches during the 2024 general elections, often laced with communal undertones, alienated even sections of the Pasmanda community. There is a real sense of fear and insecurity among us due to the BJPs Hindutva agenda, Shakil said. There are concerns that the BJPs Pasmanda push, combined with Nitishs legacy on the same issue, could fracture the Muslim vote, especially if even a small fraction of Pasmanda voters swing towards the NDA. However, Danish claims that the party has already received Pasmanda support in Delhi and Uttar Pradesh and hopes to replicate the same in Bihar. Ajay Kumar, the state editor of the Hindi daily Prabhat Khabar, feels that the BJP leadership lacks a coherent and long-term plan for the Pasmanda communities. They try to gain support by announcing temporary schemes. There is no solid roadmap that can actually draw the Pasmanda community to them. The prevailing atmosphere of hate against Muslims also casts a shadow over their outreach, he said. He believes that the BJPs Pasmanda outreach is unlikely to make a significant impact in the upcoming Assembly elections. Shakil echoed the sentiment and stated, Perhaps only the BJP minority cell office-bearers will end up voting for them. Farmers in Spain, Italy and southern France are relying heavily on irrigation to prevent crop failure. Farmers across Europe are facing crop losses and rising costs after a fierce heatwave dried out fields and pushed irrigation to its limits. In France, fieldwork has been banned during the hottest hours to protect workers and cut fire risks. Farm operations were halted as temperatures soared past 39C in parts of the country. Spain and Portugal recorded some of their highest June temperatures ever, with El Granado hitting 46C and Mora reaching 46.6C. Italy placed 21 cities, including Rome and Milan, on red alert as heat topped 38C. Wildfire warnings remain in place in southern France, Spain and Greece. ADVERTISEMENT From ruin to revival as Malawis banana growers plant a new future Potato sector under strain The European potato sector is bracing for lower yields if the heat continues. Extreme heat can damage tuber growth, reduce yields and disrupt harvest schedules. Farmers in Spain, Italy and southern France are relying heavily on irrigation to prevent crop failure. The heat comes on top of what is already a costly challenge for Europes farmers. That is about 6 percent of total agricultural production. The commission expects this to rise to 10 percent by 2050 if extreme weather events become more frequent. Read more on RFI English Read also: French health experts oppose bill that could reintroduce banned pesticides The female-led Senegalese company producing organic shea butter Cote dIvoire launches West Africas first agricultural commodities exchange This morning, the Central Steering Committee on the Development of Science, Technology, Innovation, and Digital Transformation launched three digital platforms designed to monitor the implementation of Resolution 57. General Secretary To Lam, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, and other delegates press the button to launch three digital platforms supporting Resolution 57. Photo: PV General Secretary To Lam, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, and other senior officials pressed the launch button for the three platforms aimed at overseeing the execution of Resolution 57, which outlines a national breakthrough in the development of science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation. The Communist Party of Vietnams new digital portal serves as the Partys official voice in the digital space. It plays a crucial role in Party building, shaping public opinion, and connecting officials and Party members with the broader population. The portal is designed to become a comprehensive information hub linking the Central Party with local Party committees, organizations, officials, members, and the public across the nation. It directly connects to 62 component portals at ministries, sectors, localities, and agencies within the political system. The monitoring and evaluation system for Resolution 57 enables real-time operational control from the central to local levels. For the first time, a system has been developed for comprehensive, online, nationwide monitoring and evaluation of the resolutions implementation. The system is scalable and adaptable to other national directive programs. It operates on the principle of being accurate, sufficient, clean, and live, ensuring data is precise, complete, sanitized, and updated in real-time. The system is capable of integrating and interconnecting with the governments reporting systems, national databases, and the information systems of the Party, National Assembly, ministries, and localities. This ensures automatic and continuous data collection, minimizing the need for manual data entry. Another platform receives and processes feedback, recommendations, and innovative solutions related to the development of science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation. This is an official, modern, and user-friendly channel that enables domestic and international organizations and individuals to submit concerns and obstacles; propose policy and regulatory adjustments; and contribute initiatives and solutions. Citizens and businesses can submit feedback online through various methods. Notably, the system is tightly integrated with the VNeID digital identity and VNConnect accounts for identity verification, ensuring transparency, safety, and the protection of personal data. Users can track the processing of their submissions and receive automatic updates on the progress and outcomes. The platform also facilitates an interactive online forum where central agencies, experts, scientists, and businesses can engage in deep dialogue, debate, and solution proposals. Also this morning, General Secretary To Lam chaired a mid-year review conference for the Central Steering Committee on the Development of Science, Technology, Innovation, and Digital Transformation, outlining tasks for the remainder of 2025. In his opening remarks, the General Secretary highlighted the strategic significance of Resolution 57 in defining Vietnams path toward rapid and sustainable development in a new era. This is particularly critical as the country strives to meet its term objectives and as the two-tier local government model officially takes effect from July 1. He praised the standing body and the Steering Committee for their proactive efforts in advising and issuing implementation plans for the resolution. According to the General Secretary, the aforementioned platforms and plans vividly demonstrate the Partys resolutions in action. They represent a modern, scientific, transparent, and effective approach, transitioning from traditional practices to data-driven, real-time digital governance. This facilitates substantive evaluations of effectiveness and clearly delineates collective and individual responsibilities. He emphasized that in 2025, Vietnam must not only lay the foundations for science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation in the new context but also immediately apply these foundations to achieve socio-economic development targets, including an 8% growth goal, and operate the newly established two-tier local government system. Thus, among the many strategic and urgent tasks outlined, several require immediate action. The General Secretary urged all delegates to uphold a strong sense of responsibility, engage in open and direct discussions, identify bottlenecks, thoroughly analyze root causes, and most importantly, propose groundbreaking solutions to drive progress in science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation. Tran Thuong HA NOI Vietnam Airlines has officially launched its first direct flight connecting Ha Noi to Milan, Italy, marking a significant expansion of the national flag carriers presence in Europe. The new service brings the airlines total number of direct routes to the continent to 10. Flight VN73 departed Ha Nois Noi Bai International Airport carrying 155 passengers at 12.45am on July 1, and landed safely at Milan Malpensa International Airport at 7.40am local time. A formal inauguration ceremony was held upon arrival to celebrate the launch of the new route. The return flight, VN72, took off from Milan at 12.45pm the same day and is scheduled to arrive in Ha Noi at 4.35am on July 2. The Ha NoiMilan route will operate three round-trip flights per week on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays using modern Boeing 787 wide-body aircraft. Each leg of the journey takes approximately 12 hours. As Italys second largest economic hub and a major gateway to southwestern Europe, Milan is expected to become a strategic node in Vietnam Airlines' European network. The new connection is set to enhance travel convenience for passengers and support increased economic and tourism exchanges between the two countries. According to the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, Italy ranks among Viet Nams top 10 fastest-growing international markets in 2024, with the number of Italian visitors reaching 155 per cent of 2023 figures. Vietnam Airlines said the new route not only facilitates two-way passenger traffic but also reinforces its competitive edge in the VietnamEurope air travel market. VNS HCM CITY The merger of provinces and cities will not only facilitate localities in developing infrastructure and public services but also boost investment activities in the near future. Significant administrative reforms currently underway are expected to help unlock resources, remove bottlenecks for the private sector and strengthen investor confidence. From July 1, the two-tier local government apparatus in 34 provinces and cities will officially begin operating in unison. Party General Secretary To Lam emphasised that the reorganisation of administrative boundaries and the operation of a new local government model were an objective and inevitable requirement for the country's development in the context of globalisation, digital transformation and the fourth industrial revolution. The restructuring of administrative units will not only give the local government system an overhaul but will also open up vast and promising development spaces for each region and locality as well as the entire country. Experts from the Vietnam Securities Company Limited Bank for Foreign Trade (VCBS) said that the merger of provinces and cities would result in larger geographic areas, populations and economies, creating favourable conditions for infrastructure and public service development. For example, after merging with Binh Duong and Ba Ria-Vung Tau, HCM City will become a 'super city' on a regional scale in ASEAN with the largest economy in the country, covering an area of over 6,700 square kilometres, a population of nearly 14 million people and a GRDP of over VN2.7 trillion. Not only will the merger expand the scale, but the new provinces will also integrate various types of terrain and development advantages. The newly-expanded HCM City will have a comprehensive economic advantage, including an urban economy from the former city, industry and FDI from Binh Duong and seaport, logistics and tourism services from Ba Ria-Vung Tau. Moreover, the combination of geographic features like the sea, the plains and the mountains will enhance the economic and social links for the provinces. According to VCBS, with abundant area, population and resources, local governments now have the flexibility to plan economic development zones and transport systems across large areas, minimising the risks of disconnection that previously occurred in certain regions. This is especially significant for large industrial projects, which often require a synchronised logistics system and convenient connections to raw materials, labour and major port and airport infrastructure. Additionally, the merger of provinces and cities can significantly enhance the effectiveness of capital allocation and budget management by concentrating resources. This could overcome previous issues, in which some localities faced limitations in population, economy and financial resources, making it difficult to realise their development vision due to dependence on central budget supplementation. Experts from the Vietnam Investors Service and Credit Rating Agency Joint Stock Company (VIS Rating) said that the streamlining of administrative structures and government support policies would accelerate infrastructure projects and ensure more sustainable economic growth. VIS Rating analysts said that with the Government's increased infrastructure spending plans in the second half of the year, the domestic business environment will likely receive significant positive support, and the reform process will proceed more smoothly, thus strengthening investor confidence. They also expect Viet Nam's credit conditions to remain stable in the second half of this year, thanks to proactive fiscal policies and positive institutional reforms, mitigating the impact of global uncertainties. VNS HA NOI In celebration of the bustling summer travel season, Vietjet has expanded its international flight network with the launch of a new direct route connecting Ha Noi to Chengdu, China. This new route marks a robust expansion of Vietjet's flight network in China, with flights operating on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. The flight from Ha Noi departs at 9.10pm and arrives in Chengdu at 12.15am the following day (local time). The return flight departs from Chengdu at 1.15am (local time) and lands in Ha Noi at 2.25am on the same day. Following Vietjets routes connecting HCM City with Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, and Xian, as well as Ha Noi with Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou, the Ha Noi-Chengdu route provides more opportunities to explore cultural values, visit heritage sites, and facilitate business trips between Viet Nam and China. Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province, is famous not only for its breathtaking natural beauty but also as the homeland of the panda, Chinas national treasure, and the world heritage site Jiuzhaigou Valley. It is also an attractive destination for tourists to enjoy unique cuisine and explore the ancient cultural heritage of the worlds most populous country. Meanwhile, Ha Noi, with its rich cultural heritage and ancient architecture, remains an ideal destination for history lovers and those who wish to savour its distinctive cuisine. VNS HCM CITY The annual International Precision Engineering and Manufacturing Exhibition (MTA Vietnam 2025) opened in HCM City on Wednesday, showcasing cutting-edge manufacturing technologies from around the world. It has attracted 429 exhibitors from 21 countries and territoriess, including 12 pavilions representing mainland China, Germany, Japan, Korea, Taiwan (China), and Thailand. It expects to receive over 16,000 visitors. Running from July 2 to 5 at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Centre, the expo features automation, cutting tools, machinery, testing tech, welding, software and industrial services. Speaking at the opening ceremony, Ben Wong, country general manager of Informa Markets Vietnam, the organiser, said: Viet Nams manufacturing sector is undergoing a historic transformation driven by digitalisation, green growth, localisation and global supply chain shifts. He noted that from the very beginning, MTA Vietnam has carried the mission of being more than just an exhibition. Our goal is to serve as a strategic platform that empowers businesses through technology, knowledge, and collaboration. This years event features a series of content programmes in partnership with the Vietnam Automation Association, VINATEST, the Vietnam Federation of Mechanical Engineering Associations, and Italian Manufacturing Technologies Vietnam. The programme includes seminars on critical topics such as AI in manufacturing, digital transformation, precision metrology, and clean energy adoption. Wong added: For the first time we are also hosting the International Conference on the Semiconductor Industry, bringing together global experts and policymakers to discuss Viet Namms role in the evolving semiconductor landscape. We believe this will spark valuable dialogue and opportunities for the future of Vietnams tech development. Nguyen Thi Kim Ngoc, deputy director of the HCM City Department of Industry and Trade, highlighted the importance of industry-specific events like MTA Vietnam. Amid a transformative wave across the industrial sector from digital transformation and automation to supply chain development and sustainable production, MTA Vietnam plays a vital role in connecting technologies, experts, and businesses. As part of the exhibition, the department and relevant partners will organise the Sourcing Fair for Supporting Industries with Buyers 2025 on July 4, a programme that directly connects foreign-invested manufacturers with Vietnamese suppliers. Ngoc said: The programme brings together 20 FDI enterprises seeking domestic sourcing partners. Through this initiative, we aim to expand supply chain connections, promote localisation, and create meaningful collaboration opportunities, especially for small- and medium-sized Vietnamese enterprises. Mitsutoshi Okabe, chief representative of the Japan External Trade Organization in HCM City, noted that JETRO is proud to host the Japan Pavilion at MTA Vietnam 2025 for the first time in six years. The pavilion features 16 Japanese SMEs with advanced technologies in metal processing, cutting tools, software, and others. Okabe said: Japan has been actively promoting digital transformation to optimise production management and increase productivity. Similarly, the Vietnamese government has been advancing its National Digital Transformation Programme, launched in 2020, with implementation planned through 2025 and a vision to 2030. He hoped the exhibition would foster new business opportunities and contribute to the continued development of both Japan and Viet Nam. Nguyen Quan, chairman of the Vietnam Automation Association and a former Minister of Science and Technology, cited data from the General Statistics Office showing Viet Nams Industrial Production Index rose by 7.8 per cent in the first quarter of 2025 year-on-year, the highest in five years. Manufacturing and processing, the main engine of industrial growth, posted an impressive 10.1 per cent increase, he said. To maintain this growth momentum in an increasingly competitive global landscape, Vietnamese businesses must accelerate technology investment, embrace digital transformation, and strengthen integration into global production networks. VNS HA NOI To achieve its 2025 rubber export target of US$3.3 billion down 4.6 per cent from 2024, Viet Nam needs to strive to earn $2.1 billion in the second half of this year, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MAE). The export revenue in the first six months is estimated at $1.2 billion, statistics show. The MAE said the rubber sector needs to focus on various measures tailored to each key market such as the European Union (EU), with an emphasis on high-quality products that comply with the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), starting in 2026. The EU remains a strategic market, accounting for 7.4 per cent of Viet Nams total rubber export value. Notably, 95 per cent of the rubber exports to the EU are high-value-added products. However, maintaining and expanding the market share in the EU will require strict compliance with the EUDR, which mandates full traceability and assurance that production does not contribute to deforestation. Viet Nam's rubber supply chain is still complex, with 63 per cent of raw materials sourced from smallholders and 37 per cent from large-scale plantations. Imported rubber, mainly from Cambodia and to a lesser extent from Laos, also contributes to the domestic processing supply. According to Forest Trends expert Nguyen Vinh Quang, ensuring EUDR compliance will require strict monitoring of imported raw materials, down to each cultivation plot. Efforts are underway to develop EUDR-compliant production models. Large-scaled plantations under the Vietnam Rubber Group are leading in standardisation, while several private companies such as Mai Vinh, Viet Sing, and Thuan Loi are working closely with smallholders and purchasing agents to establish traceable and legal supply chains. These compliant rubber products are already being exported to the EU at premiums of $150300 per tonne compared to conventional rubber. "Demand is increasing. Were planning to expand production to satisfy the market, said ang Thi Hoa Mai, Director of the Mai Vinh Company. Phan Tran Hong Van of the Vietnam Rubber Association (VRA) affirmed the associations commitment to supporting stakeholders in meeting the EUDR and other global market requirements, adding international cooperation and shared experience will be key to building a sustainable and transparent rubber supply chain. Experts also emphasised the need for technical and financial support for private companies and smallholders, as well as the development of a unified national traceability platform. Public-private partnerships should be expanded to strengthen connections between domestic producers and major markets such as China, the US, and the EU. The MAE said it is also encouraging innovation in processing and quality improvement to help Vietnamese rubber products penetrate mid- and high-end segments in markets like Spain and Italy, especially in fashion and home goods. It will also support businesses in building brands and achieving international certificates such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) one for sustainable management, contributing to expanding market share and enhancing the position of the Vietnamese rubber industry in the international market. VNS HA NOI Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien held a working session with newly appointed Australian Ambassador to Viet Nam Gillian Bird on Wednesday, during which the host called for stronger cooperation in trade, energy and industry. Dien said he expected that with her extensive diplomatic experience, Bird will have a successful tenure and make significant contributions to further strengthening the Vietnam Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership across all areas. The minister stressed that the ministerial-level cooperation mechanisms between the two countries, including the ministerial-level dialogue on trade and the one on energy and minerals, play an important role in promoting multifaceted collaboration. He suggested the two sides coordinate to soon agree on a date for the first session of the energy and mineral dialogue this year. He took the occasion to call for the Australian Embassy's coordination in identifying effective measures to realise the bilateral trade target of US$20 billion and double two-way investment in the coming time. Agreeing with Dien, Bird proposed the two sides work together on the organisation of the dialogue mechanisms in Viet Nam in 2025. She also shared the Australian Governments current and future priorities for Viet Nam, expressing her hope that the minister will support the agreements under Australias Aus4Growth programme, particularly the energy transition projects with a total budget of about 18 million AUD (nearly $11.8 million). Regarding multilateral and regional cooperation, the diplomat expressed her appreciation for Viet Nams close coordination and support in 2025 as Australia serves as Secretary of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). She also affirmed her countrys support for Viet Nam when the latter takes on this responsibility in 2026. Australia will continue to assist Viet Nam and other member countries in implementing the ASEAN Australia New Zealand Free Trade Area (AANZFTA) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) through funding for the Regional Trade for Development Facility (RT4D) programme, she went on. Bird took the occasion to invite the minister to deliver a speech at the annual Financial Review Asia Summit 2025, scheduled to take place in Sydney this September. During the meeting, Dien thanked the Australian Government for its support through cooperation programmes and aid packages, which have grown in both form and value and focused on essential areas, particularly energy transition. He called for the ambassador's continued support and close coordination to fruitfully carry out the cooperation mechanisms between his ministry and Australia, towards advancing the two countries' relations in trade, energy, and industry. On this occasion, the two sides witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation to develop a competitive electricity market between the ministry's Electricity Authority of Vietnam and the Australian Embassy in Viet Nam. Statistics show that trade between the two countries reached $6.8 billion in the first half of 2025, comprising $3.1 billion in Viet Nam's exports to and $3.7 billion in its imports from Australia, respectively down 0.5 per cent and up 0.4 per cent from a year earlier. VNS HA NOI Japanese artists will come to Ha Noi to perform bunraku, a traditional form of puppetry, at Cong Nhan Theatre on July 5 and 6. As one of Japans three major traditional performing arts, alongside noh and kabuki, bunraku is renowned for its exquisite fusion of sophisticated puppetry, emotionally resonant narration and traditional music. Originating in the early 17th century and flourishing during the Edo period, bunraku has become a cornerstone of Japans cultural heritage, and was recognised by UNESCO in 2003 as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The show will be performed in Japanese with Vietnamese subtitles, and will present excerpts from the iconic bunraku play Yoshitsune and One Thousand Cherry Trees. The play tells the story of brave soldiers from the defeated Heike clan, who were thought to have died in battle but actually survived and are seeking revenge. Edo playwrights crafted a powerful human drama from the world of the 12th-century Genpei wars. The Genji leader Yoshitsune is attacked in turns by the Heike warrior Tomomori, disguised as the owner of a boathouse, and Noritsune, disguised as a mountain priest. The play also depicts Yoshitsunes lover Shizuka Gozen and a fox who misses his parents in an imaginative, dramatic interpretation poised brilliantly between fiction and non-fiction. The excerpt The Journey to Mount Yoshino features general Yoshitsune and his companions as they set sail for Kyushu. However, en route, a fierce storm forces them to seek refuge at Mount Yoshino. Yoshitsune's lover Shizuka embarks alone on a journey to the Yamato region (now Nara) to find him. Along the way, she plays the Hatsune drum a cherished gift from Yoshitsune to soothe her melancholy throughout the journey. As the clear sound of the drum resonates through the air, another character, Sato Tadanobu, who was lost, appears in travel attire. Wearing armour given to him by Yoshitsune, he shares the story of his elder brother, who was honoured for his unwavering loyalty towards Lord Yoshitsune. Encouraging each other along the way, Shizuka and Tadanobu continue their journey together while still longing for Yoshitsune, until the mountains of Yoshino finally came into view. In this performance, each puppet is animated by a trio of master puppeteers, including Yoshida Minoshirou and Yoshida Minotarou, working in perfect harmony to express the characters gestures and emotions. Meanwhile, narrator Toyotake Watarudayu gives voice to all characters with remarkable range and intensity, accompanied by the evocative tones of the shamisen musicians Tsurusawa Seiin, Tsurusawa Seikou and Tsurusawa Seishirou, weaving music and storytelling into a seamless and immersive theatrical experience. "Through this event, we hope to share the emotional depth and artistic brilliance of bunraku with Vietnamese audiences, while sparking deeper interest in intangible cultural heritage the distilled essence of centuries-old artistic expression," said Norihiko Yoshioka, director of the Japan Foundation Centre for Cultural Exchange in Viet Nam. "In todays expanding cultural exchange between Viet Nam and Japan, bunraku stands as a living testament to the enduring power of traditional arts and an invitation to preserve and celebrate the unique legacies that define our cultures." There will be Q&A session after the show. Free admission with prior registration required at 024-3944-7419 (ext: 115). VNS A NANG Love in Vietnam, the first co-produced film between India and Viet Nam, has premiered at the third a Nang Asian Film Festival (DANAFF III), marking a significant milestone in cultural collaboration between the two countries. The film tells a heartfelt love story between an Indian man named Manav and a Vietnamese woman named Linh. Passionate about music, Manav is sent to Viet Nam by his father to study agriculture. During a visit to an art exhibition, he becomes captivated by a self-portrait of a young woman and sets out to find her in real life. He eventually meets Linh, a painter and dancer. Though initially hesitant, Linh is gradually moved by Manavs sincerity. As their love deepens, it is tested by misunderstandings, ultimately leading Linh to walk away from the relationship. The film is produced by Captain Rahul Bali and directed by Indian filmmaker Rahhat Shah Kazmi, with a total production budget of US$4 million. Before entering production, Love in Vietnam was first introduced as a project at the Cannes Film Festival 2024 and had its world premiere at the DANAFF III. Executive Director of DANAFF Ngo Phuong Lan said: "Love in Vietnam is the 11th film to premiere at DANAFF, a testament to DANAFF 2025's growing prestige and reputation." It features a star-studded cast from both India and Viet Nam, including Vietnamese actress Kha Ngan in the lead female role alongside Indian actors Avneet Kaur and Shantanu Maheshwari. Actress Kha Ngan, who plays the female lead, revealed that she received the casting invitation directly from the Consulate General of India in Viet Nam. For her, the role represents both an opportunity and a new challenge, as it is her first time performing entirely in English under the direction of an Indian crew. In preparation, she travelled to India to meet the team, shoot promotional materials and intensively improve her language skills. The film was shot across several famous destinations in Viet Nam, such as a Lat, a Nang, Hoi An, Phu Yen, Nha Trang and Ha Long, with a Lat serving as the main setting. The film also received strong support from various Vietnamese government and local authorities, who assisted with infrastructure, procedures and workers during filming. This collaboration stems from the implementation of the Production Attraction Index (PAI), developed by the Viet Nam Association for the Promotion and Development of Cinema in 2023. Cao Tri Dung, Chairman of the Da Nang Tourism Association, said: "In todays tourism landscape, differentiation and emotional connection are key to attracting visitors. Cinema has emerged as a powerful tool for destination promotion. "By choosing a Nang as one of its filming locations, Love in Vietnam, a joint Viet NamIndia production, has taken a meaningful step in showcasing the city to global audiences, especially as the Indian tourist market is rapidly expanding here." VNS HA NOI As Viet Nam and Portugal are celebrating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations, both governments have agreed to open embassies in each others capitals, which is considered a foundational step to propel the bilateral relationship to a new level, according to Nguyen Manh Thang, Charge dAffaires at the Vietnamese Embassy in Portugal. Thang noted that while official Viet Nam-Portugal diplomatic relations were established on July 1, 1975, shortly after Viet Nams reunification, historical links between the two nations date back over 500 years ago. Portuguese navigators first arrived in Hoi An in 1516 to engage in trade and cultural exchanges. Significantly, Portuguese missionary Francisco de Pina was among the early pioneers of Viet Nams Latin-based writing system (Quoc ngu scripts) in the 17th century. Over the past five decades, Viet Nam and Portugal have steadily strengthened their relationship across multiple sectors, most notably in politics, diplomacy, trade, culture and education. On the political front, both nations have maintained regular exchanges at all levels, fostering mutual trust and laying a strong foundation for expanded cooperation. A milestone was recorded in June 2015, when then-Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung paid an official visit to Portugal, marking the first high-level visit in the history of bilateral ties. Viet Nam and Portugal have supported each other in multilateral fora such as the United Nations, the ASEANEU framework, and ASEM, and worked together to promote peace, stability and development at both regional and global levels, noted Thang. In terms of trade and investment, since the EUVietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) came into effect, bilateral trade has maintained an upward trajectory, growing at an average annual rate of 12 per cent from 2020 to 2024. In 2024, trade value reached an all-time high of US$705 million. Portugals expertise in renewable energy and green transition has led to successful collaboration, most notably with EDP Renewables investment of $500 million in wind and solar energy projects in southern Viet Nam an exemplary model of mutual trust and sustainable development. Government agencies of both nations have identified further opportunities for cooperation in high-potential sectors such as tourism, high-tech agriculture, digital transformation, renewable energy, and the blue economy. Beyond political and economic ties, cultural and people-to-people exchanges have flourished. Artistic performances and cultural events have helped bridge gaps and promote mutual understanding between the people of both countries. Notable examples include the joint issuance of a Viet NamPortugal commemorative stamp on July 1, 2016, and the Viet Bac Folk Song and Dance Ensembles performances at Lisbon City Hall and the citys museum later that same month. In November 2016, the Camoes Portuguese Language and Cultural Centre was launched at the Faculty of Portuguese at Ha Noi University, becoming the sixth such centre globally. More recently, in May 2025, the PortugalViet Nam Friendship Association was established to foster links among local administrations, universities and businesses. Twinned relations between their localities have also expanded, including those between HCM City and Porto (July 2023) and between ong Nai province and Vila Nova de Gaia (May 2025), contributing to local socio-economic development. According to Thang, while bilateral ties have made significant strides over the past 50 years, much remains to be explored. The ongoing efforts by both countries to open embassies in Ha Noi and Lisbon are expected to accelerate diplomatic, economic and cultural exchanges. The diplomat emphasised the need to expand cooperation not only between the two governments but also through Party-to-Party, parliamentary and people-to-people channels, thus strengthening political trust and mutual understanding and paving the way for a comprehensive and upgraded partnership. Viet Nam considers Portugal as a bridge for deepening ties with the European Union and the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP). Conversely, Portugal may benefit from Viet Nams position as a strategic gateway to ASEAN and the broader Asia-Pacific region. Both Viet Nam and Portugal are dynamic economies with strategic regional positions. While bilateral trade has grown, it remains modest compared to the full potential of both markets. With both countries being signatories to the EVFTA, businesses can capitalise on tariff preferences to boost the export of Vietnamese agricultural products, seafood, textiles and footwear to Portugal, while accessing Portuguese high-tech, industrial and renewable energy products. The two sides are working towards a shared goal of reaching $1 billion in annual trade in the near future. In terms of investment, Viet Nam welcomes the continued presence of EDP Renewables and looks forward to attracting additional Portuguese investment in shipbuilding, maritime transport, energy, agriculture, digital transformation, sustainable urban planning and tourism. Viet Nams young, skilled and industrious workforce is well-positioned to meet labour demands in Portugal. The two countries also share rich cultural heritages and open, hospitable populations, providing fertile ground for further cultural and educational cooperation. Teaching the Portuguese language in Viet Nam, as well as sport and cultural exchanges, have helped narrow the geographical distance between the two nations. The Vietnamese and Portuguese communities in each country, though small in number, have played a vital role in fostering friendship. Viet Nam welcomes the establishment of the PortugalViet Nam Friendship Association and looks forward to substantive initiatives to enhance people-to-people ties and deepen mutual goodwill, stated Thang. To ensure bilateral relationship continues to flourish and matches the excellent political ties and shared potential, the diplomat underscored the importance of maintaining high-level exchanges at all levels, including Party, Government, State and parliamentary channels and expanding cooperation between localities and among their people. He advocated for regular political consultations between the two foreign ministries and for the two upcoming embassies to act as key facilitators of political, business and civic engagement. In parallel, both countries should intensify efforts to promote trade and investment, assist businesses in leveraging the EVFTA's benefits and jointly encourage the remaining EU member states to ratify the EUViet Nam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA), creating a robust legal framework for business and investment activities. The establishment of specialised cooperation mechanisms in key sectors such as blue economy, renewable energy, science and technology, and the circular economy will provide the structural foundation to address challenges and unlock shared opportunities, he said. In other areas, the two sides should prioritise the signing of further bilateral agreements on defence and security, labour, education and training, culture, sports, and science and technology, ensuring long-term, sustainable cooperation. Thang highlighted that 2025 is a landmark year for Viet Nam - Portugal relations. It not only celebrates 50 years of diplomatic ties but also represents an opportunity to reaffirm a shared commitment to a modern, practical and forward-looking partnership. He went on to reveal that a range of commemorative events will take place throughout 2025 in both countries, alongside official congratulatory messages between their leaders, and, notably, the establishment of embassies in each others country. The diplomat concluded that, thanks to the solid foundation and achievements of the past 50 years, and the strong political will of the two governments and the people, Viet NamPortugal relations are set to expand and deepen, rising to a new height that reflects the true potential, shared values and mutual aspirations of the two nations. VNS HCM CITY In the first half of the year, the Coast Guard Region No 3 Command actively monitored developments in its maritime jurisdiction and local areas, offering timely advice and effective solutions to emerging situations, thereby maintaining security, order, and maritime sovereignty. The unit, under the Viet Nam Coast Guard (VCG), held a conference on June 30 in Ba Ria - Vung Tau Province (which has been merged into new Ho Chi Minh City since July 1) to review its Party and political work in the first half of 2025. In the first six months of 2025, the Party Committee and Command of the unit provided comprehensive and synchronised leadership over Party and political affairs, aligning closely with key political tasks and directives from higher authorities. Key political and ideological tasks, including communications, organisation, personnel management, Party building, and inspection and supervision, were carried out in a well-rounded and in-depth manner, yielding significant results. The unit also intensified public outreach and legal education through various flexible and effective formats. In close coordination with local agencies and authorities, it successfully held 10 Coast Guard Accompanies Fishermen programmes across coastal provinces and cities. Activities included the Island Tet - Strengthening Military - Civilian Bonds, Zero Vietnamese ong Market, and Zero Vietnamese ong Stall, along with free medical check-ups and medicine distribution. Nearly 3,000 national flags, more than 400 gift packages, and essential supplies and medicines were presented to disadvantaged fishermen, reinforcing the image of President Ho Chi Minhs Soldiers and the Coast Guard in the hearts of the people. Legal communications and education were also strengthened, with over 3,000 Party members, residents, and fishermen reached directly. The unit distributed 6,550 leaflets, 3,800 communication handbooks, and 1,050 legal documents. It also organised the signing of commitments by 183 vessel owners, captains, and offshore workers pledging to refrain from illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, contributing to Viet Nams international commitments to sustainable fisheries. In his concluding remarks, Colonel Le Van Tu, secretary of the Party Committee and Political Commissar of the unit, commended the notable achievements made by units across the region in Party and political work during the first half of the year. He urged Party committees, commanders, and political officers at all levels to continue strengthening political and ideological education, build strong political resolve among officers and soldiers, and enhance the effectiveness of political work in tandem with fulfilling key political tasks. He also called for further efforts in legal education, strict adherence to Party principles and organisational discipline, strengthened inspection and supervision, and closer coordination with local Party committees and governments in implementing public outreach and building a robust grassroots political system. These efforts will help consolidate the all-people national defence and public security posture at sea, he added. VNS VIENTIANE The special task forces of the Vietnamese and Lao governments held a ceremony to inaugurate and officially hand over the Vietnam-Laos combat alliance monument in the southern Lao province of Champasak on July 1. The project to renovate, upgrade, and expand the monument site was a gift from the Vietnamese task force to its Lao counterpart, with a total value of VN54 billion (US$2.06 million). The Lao side served as project investor, while the construction was undertaken by Company 206 of Military Zone 5 under the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defence. Speaking at the handover ceremony, Senior Lieutenant General Vo Minh Luong, Vietnamese Deputy Minister of National Defence and head of the Vietnamese task force, underscored the monuments profound significance. He described it as a powerful symbol of the enduring, faithful bond between Viet Nam and Laos. He noted that the site serves not only as a historical and cultural landmark but also as a vital educational resource for present and future generations, deepening their understanding of the historic alliance between the armies and peoples of the two nations as well as of the special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation shared between the two Parties, States, and peoples. Senior Lieutenant General Thongloi Silivong, Lao Deputy Minister of National Defence and head of the Lao task force, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Vietnamese Party, State, military, and people for their significant, timely, and invaluable support to Laos across all levels. HCM CITY The HCM City Union of Friendship Organisations (HUFO) held a get-together on Wednesday to celebrate Canada Day (July 1, 1867-2025), showing friendship between the people of the city and Canada. Nguyen The Thanh, Vice President of the Viet NamCanada Friendship Association in HCM City, stated that since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1973, the bilateral relationship has continuously developed in a solid, substantive, and effective manner across various fields, including politics, diplomacy, trade, investment, development cooperation, education and training, and people-to-people exchange. In terms of economic and trade ties, Canada is currently Viet Nam's second-largest trading partner in North America. Conversely, Viet Nam is Canadas largest trading partner in ASEAN and ranks among Canadas top 40 trading partners in the Indo-Pacific region. These outcomes reflect the significant potential for cooperation between the two economies, as well as the strong and effective partnership between their respective business communities, Thanh said. Canada is currently a popular destination for Vietnamese students, with approximately 20,000 students studying at Canadian educational institutions. The Vietnamese community in Canada, numbering around 275,000 people, has deeply integrated into local society and made contributions to the countrys economic, cultural, and social life, and serves as a firm human bridge between the two nations. In the context of the flourishing Viet NamCanada relationship, Thanh expressed her hope that the HUFO will continue to receive strong cooperation from Canadian partners, including the Consulate General, friendship organisations, business associations, and non-governmental organisations, to promote multifaceted cooperation and people-to-people exchanges further, thereby strengthening the solidarity between the people of HCM City and Canada. Canadian Consul General in HCM City Annie Dube affirmed that the activities of Canadas diplomatic mission in Viet Nam are part of Canadas broader effort to strengthen ties with trusted allies, trade partners, development partners, and global collaborators, from governments to civil society, to promote shared prosperity and international collaboration. This includes advancing the Indo-Pacific Strategy and engaging in trade negotiations with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), of which Viet Nam is a member. Sharing her pride in a multicultural, united, and connected Canada on the occasion of Canada Day, Dube highlighted the need to work together to chart a new path forward, which will lead towards a more stable and prosperous future for the two countries. VNA/VNS HA NOI General Secretary To Lam held a telephone conversation with United States President Donald Trump on Wednesday to discuss Viet NamUS relations and negotiations on reciprocal tariffs between the two countries. Vietnamese and US top leaders expressed their delight at the strong and positive development of bilateral relations. General Secretary To Lam and President Donald Trump welcomed the agreement reached by the two countries' negotiating teams on the Joint Viet NamUnited States Statement on a Fair, Balanced, and Reciprocal Trade Agreement Framework. President Trump highly appreciated Viet Nams commitment to granting preferential market access to US goods, including large-engine vehicles. He affirmed that the US would significantly reduce reciprocal tariffs on many of Viet Nams export items and would continue to work with Viet Nam to address obstacles affecting bilateral trade relations, particularly in areas prioritised by both sides. Party leader Lam proposed that the US soon recognise Viet Nam as a market economy and lift export restrictions on certain high-tech products. General Secretary Lam and President Trump also discussed key orientations and major measures to promote the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in the years to come. The two leaders agreed to enhance delegation exchanges, high-level and all-level contacts, and to strengthen cooperation in the areas of economy, trade and investment, especially in key and breakthrough sectors such as science and high technology. On this occasion, General Secretary Lam reiterated his invitation for President Trump and the First Lady to visit Viet Nam, and expressed his hope to meet President Trump again in the near future. President Trump warmly thanked the General Secretary for the invitation and expressed his desire to meet again soon. Viet Nam and the US in the grace period have conducted three rounds of negotiations on a trade deal. VNS HA NOI Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh expressed his belief that Australian Ambassador Gillian Bird will make positive contributions to the development of the Viet NamAustralia relationship during his reception for the newly appointed diplomat in Ha Noi on Wednesday. He praised the robust and comprehensive growth of bilateral ties since the two countries set up diplomatic relations more than five decades ago, highlighting the elevation to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2024 the highest level of cooperation Viet Nam maintains with any partner. The PM called on the ambassador to closely coordinate with ministries and agencies of both countries to effectively implement agreements between the two sides. He stressed the importance of enhancing political relations through high-level visits and exchanges, maintaining bilateral cooperation mechanisms, and strengthening mutual political trust and sincere cooperation. He also urged the promotion of economic, trade, and investment ties, with the goal of raising two-way trade to US$20 billion. PM Chinh underlined that Viet Nam and Australia have highly complementary economies in terms of markets, labour, and natural resources, offering great cooperation potential that should be further tapped. The PM expressed appreciation for Australias continued support for Viet Nam, especially in English language training and capacity building for Vietnamese officials. He proposed that Australia assist Viet Namin implementing its national project to make English a second language in schools. He also asked Australia to continue granting scholarships and creating opportunities for Vietnamese students to study in Australia, while further enhancing educational cooperation, including elevating RMIT University into a flagship project symbolising bilateral collaboration in higher education. PM Chinh suggested that Australia create favourable conditions for the Vietnamese community in Australia to live and work comfortably, preserve their cultural identity, and serve as a bridge of friendship between the two nations. For her part, Ambassador Bird expressed her honour to assume the post at a time when bilateral relations are flourishing and Viet Nam is entering a historic phase of national development. She commended the Vietnamese Governments strong determination to advance institutional and legal reforms, affirming that both the Australian Government and she personally support and are eager to accompany Viet Nam in this journey. Bird expressed her wish to contribute to strengthening the friendship and political trust between the two countries, and committed to working closely with Vietnamese ministries and agencies to promote cooperation in various fields, especially in economy, trade, investment, education and training, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges. She also voiced interest in expanding ties in emerging areas such as innovation, critical minerals, and climate change response. She noted that the Vietnamese community in Australia, with over 350,000 members, is a strong and vibrant group making important contributions to the host countrys socio-economic development. The ambassador expressed her hope that both countries will continue to boost people-to-people exchanges, laying a solid foundation for advancing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Viet Nam and Australia. VNS HA NOI Hoang Tat Thanh, 58, Director of the Northern Mountainous Region Forensic Psychiatric Centre, along with two subordinates, has been prosecuted for accepting bribes, accused of receiving money to falsify psychiatric assessment results. The other two individuals consist of Luc Thi Thanh Binh, 52, Deputy Director of the centre, and Lai Thanh Trung, 46, Deputy Head of the centres Paraclinical Department. The two suspects also face charges of accepting bribes. According to Ha Nois Police Department, the arrests are part of an expanded investigation into bribery, abuse of power, and misconduct at the Central Institute of Forensic Psychiatry. The Peoples Procuracy of Ha Noi has approved the decisions to prosecute and temporarily detain the three suspects in accordance with legal procedures. Initial investigations revealed that this year, Nguyen Thi Mai Anh, 46, and her husband Le Van ong, 47, both undergoing compulsory psychiatric treatment at the institute, used their connections with doctors at the institute to approach the officials at the Northern Forensic Psychiatric Centre. Through the links, Anh allegedly bribed the trio Thanh, Binh and Trung on two separate occasions, with a total amount of around VN400 million ($15,300), in exchange for manipulated psychiatric assessments on behalf of acquaintances. After receiving the money, the trio reportedly falsified medical records to support a pre-existing, incorrect diagnosis issued by the Central Institute of Forensic Psychiatry, even after investigators requested a reassessment. The police said that despite knowing the individuals in question had not yet lost the ability to perceive and control their behaviour, Thanh and his subordinates deliberately included fabricated psychiatric symptoms in the medical files to legitimise the fraudulent conclusion. The case is part of a wider investigation in which the police have so far prosecuted 40 individuals under three criminal categories. Among them are 36 officials and staff from the Central Institute of Forensic Psychiatry, as well as Anh and ong. The police are now continuing to expand the inquiry and will handle the case in accordance with the law. VNS HA NOI Technology companies on Tuesday mobilised personnel to assist local authorities in streamlining administrative procedures under Viet Nams new two-tier governance model. FTP Corporation deployed nearly 80 FPT technical staff across five representative wards and communes in Quang Ninh Province, selected from a total of 54 local-level administrative units, to provide on-the-ground support. Their efforts are aimed at assisting both citizens and local authorities during the initial rollout phase of the new models implementation. In ong Trieu Ward, a key locality in the administrative restructuring roadmap, preparations were carried out methodically across four key areas of organisational structure, human resources, infrastructure and digital platforms. The simultaneous deployment of the two-tier local government structure and the single-tier Public Administrative Service Centre model from Tuesday posed significant implementation challenges in the province. To support the effort, FPT worked closely with the provincial Public Administrative Service Centre to design and deploy the new model based on guidance from the Government Office, while drawing lessons from Singapores advanced governance framework. FPTs assistance included developing three key systems for Quang Ninh. The first system is a digitisation station integrated with an e-ID wallet, enabling citizens and businesses to easily digitise records and submit multi-channel service applications. The second system is a centralised reception and queue management system, allowing the provinces Public Administrative Service Centre to monitor real-time service delivery and staff productivity across its entire network. The third system is a next-generation administrative processing platform that fully meets Government requirements. It allows cross-jurisdictional processing and result delivery via the e-ID wallet, ensuring end-to-end digital file handling and seamless horizontal and vertical connectivity. The platform also supports other digital economic and social transactions. For the public and businesses, the model introduces a modern, convenient and transparent public service ecosystem that saves time, cost and effort. For civil servants, it reduces manual workloads, enhances productivity and improves coordination and oversight through real-time data. At the provincial level, the model provides a modern governance tool, enabling authorities to monitor and evaluate the performance of administrative machinery from the provincial level down to the grassroots. This facilitates faster, more accurate, and practical policymaking, laying the groundwork for modern governance innovations that align with local sustainable development and comprehensive digital transformation goals. Meanwhile, as of Tuesday, MobiFone in collaboration with local Public Administrative Service Centres in some provinces and cities, officially launched its information system for handling administrative procedures under the two-tier local government model. MobiFone has so far contributed to deploying the system in Ha Noi and Thai Nguyen Province. The platform is designed to meet the administrative processing needs of provinces, cities and ministries under the new model. In the context of Viet Nams drive to enhance online public services, reducing physical interaction, streamlining procedures, cutting personnel, and eliminating unnecessary layers MobiFones involvement is helping local two-tier government operate more efficiently. This aligns with the spirit of the Politburo's Resolution No 57-NQ/TW dated December 22, 2024 on advancing science, technology, innovation and national digital transformation. VNS HA NOI The Traffic Police Force under the Ha Noi City Police conducted inspections along the railway corridor running through Phung Hung, Tran Phu, and Le Duan streets in Cua Nam Ward, reminding residents and tourists to leave the area. The police urged residents not to operate businesses within the railway safety zone and advised the public against gathering, taking photos, or drinking coffee near the tracks to ensure safety. In cases of deliberate violations, authorities will issue official reports and require written commitments to prevent repeat offences, aiming to avoid serious accidents. VNS JAKARTA The Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) has hosted the 12th ASEAN Chiefs of Military Medicine Conference (ACMMC-12), bringing together military medical leaders and delegates from ASEAN member states to enhance cooperation and share expertise in military medicine. In his opening remarks on June 30, TNI Chief of General Affairs Lieutenant General Richard Tampubolon underlined the importance of ACMMC-12 amid growing global threats, stressing the need for closer coordination among regional military medical forces. The conference served as a strategic platform for discussing responses to health challenges in the military, particularly in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations. A key agenda item was the proposed finalisation of the ACMMC Terms of Reference (ToR) on integrated humanitarian assistance and disaster response among ASEAN countries. This reflects the blocs commitment to developing more effective coordination mechanisms to ensure swift and efficient responses to emergencies across the region. The conference also provided an opportunity for member states to exchange advances in military medicine, share training and capacity-building experiences among military medical personnel. Discussions were expected to enhance the readiness and operational effectiveness of ASEAN military medical services, contributing to peace, stability, and security in the region. ACMMC-12 took place against a backdrop of growing regional security and political challenges, highlighting the need for multilateral cooperation across all fields, including military healthcare. Its successful organisation reaffirmed ASEAN countries commitment to jointly addressing common concerns and building a strong, united ASEAN Community. VNA/VNS According to the Ericsson Mobility Report, 5G momentum is growing and is forecast to reach nearly one third of all mobile users, or about 2.9 billion people, by the end of 2025. In Southeast Asia and Oceania, 5G subscriptions are forecast to reach around 630 million in 2030, accounting for around 49 per cent of total mobile subscriptions in the region. Photo: Shutterstock Data traffic per smartphone is expected to grow from 19 GB/month in 2024 to 38 GB/month by 2030. 5G networks handled 35 per cent of global mobile traffic by the end of 2024, with forecasters expecting the figure to top 80 per cent by the end of 2030. Vietnam is steadily advancing, having launched services in October 2024, with three service providers now offering 5G. Head of Ericsson Vietnam Rita Mokbel said, From 5G to the digital economy, technology is driving the next wave of growth in Vietnam. Communication service providers are rallying to provide nationwide 4G/5G coverage in Vietnam. Head of Ericsson Vietnam Rita Mokbel There are numerous existing and futuristic 5G use-cases that can potentially bring a paradigm shift across enterprises, helping them become more efficient, future-ready, and sustainable. The possibilities that 5G can create for enterprises will put them on a fast track to meet the demands of the new world, and more importantly, contribute to the socioeconomic development of Vietnam, she added. Recent advancements in 5G standalone (SA) networks, coupled with the progress in 5G enabled devices, have led to an ecosystem poised to unlock transformative opportunities for connected creativity. To fully realise the potential of 5G, it is essential to continue deploying 5G SA and to further build out mid-band sites. 5G SA capabilities serve as a catalyst for driving new business growth opportunities, said Mokbel. Enhanced deployment of 5G SA will provide an even stronger foundation for adoption and drive new use-cases for both enterprises and consumers. As generative AI devices proliferate and AI apps become increasingly complex, both application service providers and communication service providers will need to focus more on uplink capabilities and latency. The Ericsson Mobility Report talks about ongoing 5G device innovation with GenAI in smartphones expanding beyond high-end models, AI-powered smart glasses gaining utility through audio interaction, and increased adoption of differentiated connectivity for new consumer and enterprise applications. Differentiated connectivity will be key in enabling a high-quality user experience for personalised AI agents and other conversational applications. PM Pham Minh Chinh meets Ericsson CEO Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh gave a reception in Hanoi on November 25 for Borje Ekholm, President and CEO of Ericsson who is paying a working visit to Vietnam. Vietnams exciting journey towards a connected future The past year was a landmark one for Vietnam as the country launched 5G in keeping with its digital transformation agenda. The recent launch serves to fulfil the governments vision of leveraging science, technology, and innovation to drive the digital transformation of the country, and it will create the next wave of inclusive and sustainable socioeconomic development for the country. BESS solutions build up steam in Vietnam, Photo: Freepik.com Desay Battery of China last week signed an MoU with several prominent Vietnamese enterprises and institutions including Viettel Manufacturing, IPC Construction, Ntech Technology Group, the Institute of Energy Technology at Hanoi University of Science and Technology, and Mai Chau Hydropower, marking a new chapter for the energy storage tech industry in Vietnam. The agreement aims to foster joint research, localisation of BESS production, and pilot deployment of advanced battery technologies in Vietnams renewable energy and smart grid projects. It is expected to pave the way for future investment in manufacturing facilities, workforce training, and technical standard development tailored to local conditions. The signing ceremony took place alongside the 2025 International Exhibition on Batteries and Energy Storage, which attracted more than 200 foreign enterprises. We are very confident about the Vietnam market as it is witnessing a significant surge in renewable energy projects, particularly solar and wind power, said Felix Hu, deputy director of Global Markets at Desay Battery. Meanwhile, Ha Minh Hiep, chairman of the National Directorate for Standards, Metrology and Quality (STAMEQ), told a workshop held last week in Hanoi on the topic about the importance of developing domestic BESS production capabilities to reduce import costs and strengthen supply chains. Vietnam is implementing its commitment to a just energy transition and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, Hiep said. In this process, energy storage systems are not only a technological solution but also an essential component to ensure power system stability, optimise renewable energy sources, and enhance backup capacity in increasingly unpredictable climate conditions. To deploy BESS safely, effectively, and at scale, a suitable system of standards, technical regulations, and management mechanisms is required. This sentiment was echoed by Anna Gibson, climate counsellor at the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. She emphasised that clear regulatory standards can unlock financing, ensure safety, and boost investor confidence in BESS projects. Developing standards for energy storage systems is crucial to ensure safety and reliability, promote technical consistency and quality assurance, align with international practices, support financial mobilisation, and build investor confidence, while also enabling effective integration into the power grid, said Gibson. Meanwhile, Luu Manh Tien, who is CEO of Solar Electric Vietnam, remarked that although Vietnams renewable energy increased sharply recently, it still faces persistent challenges such as output curtailment and uneven installation quality. The market is clearly moving towards self-consumption and energy storage models due to their distinct advantages in easing grid pressure and ensuring stable, reliable power especially for industrial users, he added. As Vietnam charts its path towards net-zero emissions by 2050, BESS is emerging as a vital investment priority. While the pace of renewable energy deployment in Vietnam has been remarkable, integrating such variable power sources into the national grid has presented technical and regulatory challenges, particularly in the absence of supportive policies for energy storage, said Vo Le Duy Duc, key accounts director at VinEnergo, established through Vingroup. The domestic development of BESS could help reduce import costs, enhance technological self-sufficiency, and promote the local supply chain, he added. Patrick Haverman, Deputy Resident representative of the United Nations Development Programme in Vietnam in Vietnam, said the programme is honoured to partner with the Ministry of Science and Technology, STAMEQ, and other partners under the Just Energy Transition Partnership framework to develop national standards as an essential foundation to drive investment and build market confidence. Removing technical barriers and creating an enabling environment will be key to enhancing energy storage capacity in line with the objectives of Vietnams power development plans, he said. Dr. Du Van Toan, renewable energy expert Ministry of Agriculture and Environment BESS enable the storage of surplus electricity during off-peak hours for release during peak demand, helping to stabilise the grid and optimise the utilisation of renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power. China and the United States lead the market, accounting for roughly 75 per cent of new installations. At the same time, battery storage costs have plummeted by nearly 90 per cent over the past decade. Lithium-ion batteries now dominate over 90 per cent of the market share, with costs falling from more than $800/kWh to under $140/kWh, an essential factor driving the integration of BESS into energy systems worldwide. In some countries, such as India, integrating BESS into renewable energy projects has even become mandatory. New developers are required to install storage systems equivalent to 10 per cent of the projects capacity. This policy supports Indias goal of reaching 500GW of renewable energy by 2030 while enhancing energy reliability and reducing stress on the grid. Vietnam currently has over 16.5GW of solar power including rooftop systems accounting for approximately 20.5 per cent of the countrys total installed capacity, alongside more than 5.1GW of wind power, or 6.4 per cent. While the rapid expansion of renewable power between 2017 and 2021 brought notable achievements, it also posed significant operational challenges due to the intermittent nature of green energy, its weather dependence, and low system inertia. Against this backdrop, BESS is expected to play a key role in balancing loads, easing transmission congestion, and optimising renewable energy use. Vietnams Power Development Plan VIII sets a target of developing 300MW of battery storage capacity by 2030. However, the current legal framework for BESS remains largely undefined. To support the development of BESS in Vietnam, it should have a comprehensive and detailed planning approach covering grid infrastructure, land use, telecommunications, and financial mechanisms. Incentives such as tax relief and green credit schemes will be essential to mobilise private investment. Only then can BESS fulfil its potential in storing electricity and helping Vietnams power sector adapt effectively to the net-zero target by 2050. Gold monopoly policy retooling in the works, Photo: Le Toan The prime minister has instructed a streamlined amendment of Decree No.24/2012/ND-CP on gold trading, alongside research and investment in systems enabling the issuance of electronic invoices directly for gold transactions, with the entire process required to be completed within June. In mid-June, the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) released a draft decree amending and supplementing several provisions of Decree 24, which governs the management of gold trading activities. Under the draft, the scope of regulation is expanded to include gold bullion production, effectively ending the states monopoly over gold bullion manufacturing. The revised scope covers the production, processing, and trading of gold jewellery and fine arts; the production and trading of gold bullion; gold import and export activities; and other forms of gold trading such as account-based and derivative gold transactions. A key provision in the draft mandates that all gold transactions valued at $800 or more must be conducted via bank accounts to enhance transparency and trace cash flows. In addition, transactions involving raw gold between credit institutions and enterprises must be invoiced electronically, with transaction data stored and connected to the relevant authorities. The draft is currently undergoing public consultation and further refinement, with the overarching objective of establishing a comprehensive legal framework, modernising gold market governance, safeguarding the financial system, curbing speculation, and improving transaction transparency. Dao Xuan Tuan, director general of the SBVs Foreign Exchange Management Department, said, The draft decree proposes ending the state monopoly on gold bullion production and gold material import-export. The new mechanism empowers the SBV to issue licences to eligible enterprises and banks, allowing them to produce gold bullion, import gold material for bullion production, and supply gold for jewellery and handicrafts. Responding to questions on whether the issues of monopoly over bullion branding and gold importation would be addressed in the revised decree, Tuan said that based on macroeconomic and monetary developments, as well as policy objectives and market conditions, the SBV would allocate appropriate import quotas to qualified enterprises and banks. This approach not only dismantles the state monopoly but also ensures strict oversight of the gold bullion market in terms of both production and raw gold importation, he added. The states regulatory role is further underscored by requirements for enterprises and banks to disclose gold standards, establish internal gold trading rules, maintain detailed records, and report to the authorities, Tuan added. As a result, more businesses and banks will be licensed to launch their own gold bullion brands. The draft also mandates bank payments and e-invoicing to foster greater transparency in gold trading, he said. National Assembly deputy Trinh Xuan An remarked that Vietnams gold market has never truly operated under market principles, and Decree 24 has long become outdated. A controlled removal of the gold bullion monopoly means the state still manages bullion production but can license multiple qualified enterprises to participate, he explained. The goal is not to allow any one enterprise or institution to monopolise the market, but to enable a limited number of qualified players to engage in import, refining, and trading. Market operations should follow the principles of supply and demand, with only macro-level policy interventions, there should be no specific interference dictating who may buy or sell gold. Assigning gold sales exclusively to credit institutions is inconsistent with a market-based approach, he added. An also emphasised that gold should not become a haven for idle money, a vehicle for illicit transactions, or a speculative asset class. The establishment of a national gold exchange should be seriously studied and implemented soon, he said. However, this platform must not be another unofficial or speculative trading floor like those in the past. It must meet requirements of transparency, traceability, and regulatory oversight. If it is to function as a true market, it must adhere to fundamental market rules with products must have verifiable origins to prevent money laundering and unlawful activity. However, in its recent commentary on the draft, the Vietnam Gold Traders Association (VGTA) proposed removing the requirement for enterprises to obtain a gold bullion trading licence and the condition of having a minimum charter capital of $40 million to be eligible for bullion production. Currently, 38 enterprises and banks are licensed to buy and sell gold bullion. But under the existing charter capital requirement, only PNJ, DOJI, and SJC qualify. Among banks, only a few such as Vietcombank, VPBank, Techcombank, and BIDV have charter capital exceeding $2 billion, which raises concerns of a renewed supply monopoly. The VGTA urged reconsideration of the drafts provision that allows the central bank to organise gold bullion production periodically. The SBV is the regulatory authority overseeing gold trading, not a commercial producer. If it engages in bullion production, questions arise as to which body would oversee its dual role in both regulation and business, the VGTA said. If the SBV becomes a gold bullion supplier, it could create public and investor bias towards SBV-branded bullion, echoing past issues, the VGTA continued. This would undermine efforts to diversify supply through multiple brands and reduce market prices. Instead, demand may concentrate on SBV-branded bullion, putting pressure on the SBV to meet this demand, pushing prices higher, and distorting the bullion market. The 12th edition of Hanoi's premier exhibition for the international printing and packaging industry is taking place July 2-5, and will feature over 150 booths from 11 countries and regions, spanning more than 3,500 square metres of exhibition space. The exhibition is jointly organised by Vinexad and Yorkers Exhibition Service Vietnam, with official support from the Ministry of Industry and Trade, Vietnam Printing Association (VPA), and others. Spencer Lin, director of Yorker Exhibiton Service said, "Hanoi continues to grow as a hub for the industry, thanks to its location, improving infrastructure, and strong international interest. All of this makes Vietnam's printing and packaging market even more exciting and full of potential." The event will feature leading printing machinery companies such as Fujifilm, Qianrun, Konica Minolta, and Phu Loc Phat, showcasing the latest smart printing technologies with a focus on sustainability and energy efficiency. In packaging machinery, leading companies such as Anhui Innovo Bochen Machinery, Li Shenq, and Jeremiah will showcase advanced technologies designed to meet todays packaging production needs. Anhui Innovo Bochen Machinery also features prominently in the laminating machinery segment, alongside Sansin, with a broad line up of advanced solutions for both packaging and printing applications. In materials and solutions, suppliers including Han Hong Thinh Hai Phong, Seiwa, Jorn Corporation, Zhong Guan, and Neptune will offer a wide array of innovative products tailored to the needs of the printing and packaging industry. Seminars will also be a large part of the agenda at HanoiPrintPack 2025, attracting industry professionals, experts, and business leaders to share in-depth analysis and forward-looking perspectives on market trends, technological developments, and sustainable strategies. Vietnam has emerged as a dynamic and sustainable hub for printing and packaging in recent years with exports exceeding $2 billion in 2024, making Vietnam an increasingly important player in the region. According to the VPA, the printing industry is growing steadily by embracing digital transformation, sustainable practices, and new technologies, while facing various challenges and opportunities. Driven by Vietnams expanding economy and rising demand for printed materials, the sectors growth rate is expected to exceed 14 per cent in 2028, rising from 12.45 per cent in previous years, before settling at just over 13 per cent in 2029. Vietnams packaging industry is now focused on green growth, with progress in sustainable production, circular economy efforts, and eco-friendly packaging. SIBUR innovates new polymer solutions for health and packaging sectors Russian petrochemical leader SIBUR introduces next-gen polymer grades tailored to meet the rising demands of medical and packaging industries. ASEAN has made significant progress in tariff reduction, but why do non-tariff barriers (NTBs) continue to pose major challenges for businesses? Doan Vu Hoai Nam, senior associate at ASL Law ASEAN has made significant progress in tariff reduction through frameworks like the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement. However, NTBs rooted in technical standards, regulatory approvals, and local compliance practices continue to present substantial hurdles. One major challenge is the fragmentation of technical standards across jurisdictions. While Vietnam has aligned many of its national standards with international systems such as ISO and IEC, the enforcement of these standards remains uneven across provinces, leading to additional compliance costs for businesses, particularly in sectors like electronics, agri-food, and pharmaceuticals. Licensing and market access requirements constitute another complex layer of NTBs. Conditional sectors such as logistics, education, telecommunications, and renewable energy often involve foreign ownership caps, joint venture mandates, or prolonged approval processes. These regulatory structures vary by country and often lack transparency, complicating expansion strategies. Moreover, admin procedures add further unpredictability. Businesses frequently encounter delays ranging 15-90 days, especially in emerging sectors such as digital services, education, and renewable energy. Local enforcement practices also reflect a high degree of administrative discretion, leading to risks of inconsistent implementation and opaque decision-making. For businesses operating across multiple ASEAN markets, this necessitates robust legal compliance mechanisms and proactive engagement with regulators. How can companies tailor contractual frameworks to better navigate ASEANs diverse legal systems and mitigate regulatory delays? In an uncertain geopolitical landscape, legal preparedness becomes a tactical necessity. Vietnamese and foreign companies must move beyond reactive risk management towards integrated legal foresight. Full regulatory mapping for each jurisdiction should form the basis of market entry planning, including employment rules, environmental standards, and data regulations. Contractual frameworks must also be adapted to ASEANs diverse legal landscape. This includes incorporating multi-tier dispute resolution mechanisms, jurisdiction-specific indemnity clauses, and contingency planning for regulatory delays. Intellectual property (IP) protection is another critical pillar. Companies should proactively secure trademarks, patents, and copyrights in each target market to mitigate risks related to certification exclusivity or brand misuse. For digital and research-intensive firms, IP strategy is central to sustaining long-term value. Legal collaboration with local advisors provides indispensable regulatory insight, enabling businesses to anticipate legal changes and respond promptly to compliance issues. What are the most urgent legal or procedural reforms Vietnam needs to implement to unlock its full foreign investment potential? Vietnam has made notable strides in refining its legal and institutional frameworks to foster a more investor-friendly environment and advance regional integration. The recent amendments to investment and PPP laws, alongside regulatory simplification in various resolutions, have focused on reducing compliance burdens, streamlining investment procedures, and increasing transparency. Nonetheless, several areas remain critical for improvement to unlock Vietnams investment potential and strengthen ties with strategic partners like New Zealand, particularly in high-tech agriculture, renewable energy, education, and digital services. One pressing need is the modernisation of licensing procedures in conditional sectors, where multi-agency reviews, paper-based applications, and inconsistent criteria can significantly delay project implementation. Streamlining these procedures would help enhance transparency and confidence. Similarly, while Vietnam has aligned around 60 per cent of its national standards with international norms, fragmented enforcement across provinces and agencies creates operational inefficiencies. Addressing this requires stronger inter-ministerial coordination and consistent technical implementation. Another area of concern is border and customs management, where overlapping documentation requirements, non-unified port practices, and unpredictable application of inspections continue to hinder trade facilitation. Expanding the National Single Window and digitising customs clearance procedures across all major ports and checkpoints would significantly improve trade predictability. Additionally, visa and work permit delays for foreign experts, especially in sectors critical to Vietnams agenda, limit the ability of firms to deploy international talent. Developing fast-track pathways for professionals in strategic fields would enhance human capital mobility and project readiness. Could you shed some light on the investment flows in Vietnam so far this year? Seck Yee Chung, partner at Baker McKenzie Investment inflows continue to grow despite global volatility, illustrating strong confidence in the countrys compelling investment environment and business opportunities. This continued growth underscores the trust global firms place in Vietnam, driven by its solid production base, skilled and cost-competitive workforce, and dedication to global economic integration. Additionally, global companies are still relocating supply chains to Vietnam even as US negotiations and dialogue over tariffs and non-tariff barriers with China and Vietnam continues. Vietnams extensive maritime links, proximity to major shipping routes, and expanding highway and railway networks provide it with a significant competitive advantage in logistics efficiency. Despite worldwide uncertainties, the demand for consumer electronics, semiconductors, and various other goods remains strong, thereby bolstering foreign direct investment (FDI) in manufacturing. What is the outlook of FDI flowing into Vietnam in the rest of 2025? Looking ahead, despite the persistent global uncertainties in 2025, FDI inflows into Vietnam are anticipated to remain stable if policies and infrastructure continue to progress. Investment in high-value sectors such as semiconductor manufacturing, AI, digital transformation, logistics, etc., is projected to experience sustained growth. Several critical factors are influencing international investor sentiment, including geopolitical conflicts, the policies of the US government, and the strategic responses of various economies, all of which remain unpredictable. Even though the US tariffs may cause short-term disruptions to FDI flows as investors reassess the risks, in the medium and long term, capital inflows are expected to stabilise and grow sustainably. As Vietnam is in tariff negotiations with the US, which sectors will be less affected? Ongoing US-Vietnam tariff negotiations indicate that certain sectors will experience minimal impact from new duties. High-tech and strategic products have been exempted from Washingtons 46 per cent countervailing tariffs. Vietnams steel and aluminium, already subject to regular US tariffs (increased to 50 per cent as of June 4), face no additional duty. Copper, gold, and other metals are also exempted. Furthermore, pharmaceuticals, vaccines, semiconductors, and certain electronic components are spared in the current US tariff list. Energy, minerals, and essential raw materials such as oil, liquefied natural gas, ethane, and critical minerals are exempt to aid in stabilising US domestic production. Furthermore, pharmaceuticals, vaccines, semiconductors, and certain electronic components are spared in the current US tariff list. Energy, minerals, and raw materials such as oil, liquefied natural gas, ethane, and critical minerals are exempt to aid in stabilising US domestic production. Humanitarian and civil-use goods such as personal communication devices, aid goods, published materials, gifts, and tourism-related products are also exempted. Overall, Vietnams electronics, medical/pharmaceutical, and energy sectors should experience much less tariff impact, while exporters of ordinary consumer goods, which are closely tied to the US market, remain the most at risk. Policy progress vital for FDI inflow gains, photo Le Toan How do you see foreign investors will navigate tariff impact in these sectors? To navigate these challenges, foreign investors in ordinary consumer goods sectors should consider the following strategies. First is to diversify export markets. A substantial portion of Vietnams exports in these sectors (for example, textiles, footwear, and furniture) is destined for the US market, making them highly susceptible to tariff changes and trade tensions. By spreading investments in different regions and sectors, investors can shield their portfolios from volatility. Potential markets for exports includes Southeast Asian countries such as Thailand, Malaysia, and the Philippines, South America, and Islamic markets, especially those with growing economies and a need for Halal-certified products. What are your recommendations for Vietnam to adjust the FDI attraction strategy? Vietnam is actively reshaping its FDI strategy to attract high-quality, technology-driven, and sustainable projects. To further refine this strategy, firstly, Vietnam should continue enhancing its legal and regulatory framework to offer greater transparency and protection for investors to boost confidence. Secondly, investing in human capital through education and training programmes can ensure a skilled workforce ready to meet the demands of high-tech industries. Furthermore, developing infrastructure, particularly in technology parks and special economic zones, can create a conducive environment for innovation and productivity. Additionally, Vietnam should also leverage international cooperation to refine its FDI strategy by building strong diplomatic relations with key investment partners and participating in international trade agreements that promote investment. Lastly, fostering an ecosystem for research and development by providing incentives and facilitating collaborations between academia and industry can propel Vietnam to the forefront of tech advancements. Vietnam targets strategic FDI for innovation and long-term value Vietnam is reshaping its foreign direct investment strategy to prioritise high-quality, technology-driven, and sustainable projects, aiming to boost innovation, productivity, and national competitiveness in a changing global landscape. As an initiator of the Au Lac AI Alliance, Truong Gia Binh, chairman of FPT Corporation, now has stronger belief than ever in developing AI platforms and models for Vietnamese, contributing to powering Vietnam on the global digital map. The world is entering the AI era, and Vietnam is also enjoying a great opportunity to rise. If Vietnam wants to be on par with advanced countries, AI must be applied in all areas of social life. We learn from successful models around the world to master AI technology and develop AI models for Vietnam itself. Vietnam has issued four strategic resolutions on science and technology, international integration, legal reform, and private economic development to propel the country forward in the new era. AI is also at the number one position in the countrys 11 strategic technology groups, he added. He recalled the time in 1998 when the software export wave was launched. What was lacking then, he said, was trust in the community. Although FPT faced challenges in the first two years spending $1 million without achieving anything in the third year, it found the way forward and succeeded. But at this point, we have the trust of the community. We have more than 20 state-owned enterprises, private enterprises, startups, and universities as the first members of the alliance, he noted. These include MobiFone, FPT, MoMo, VNPAY, Zalo, and more. The alliance, launched by the companies on June 20, will develop Vietnamese large language models, build an open AI community, and promote responsible AI applications. It will focus on three main areas: research and development, developing AI standards and policies, and training. Nguyen Dinh Tuan, deputy general director of MobiFone, said he has seen AI develop rapidly, with increasingly powerful and widespread applications. AI, he noted, is the most important driving force to elevate the country to a new level and enter an era of self-improvement. Vietnam must have its own AI. I believe that in the coming time, AI will play a key role and become a prerequisite for effectively deploying all products and services in the digital age, he said. Nguyen Minh Tu, technology director at Zalo, committed to building a Vietnamese big data model to support AI development. Zalo has successfully developed a pure Vietnamese AI model. Therefore, the company believes it can contribute in terms of architecture and approach. Zalo has also built an AI competency assessment set with more than 10,000 questions. To go a long way in this field, we need to continue enriching this set and constantly improving it. Today, I believe that with the cooperation of many businesses, schools, and research institutes, we can definitely achieve this, he added. In June, business optimism grew as the National Assembly adopted new laws to improve the legal framework for future industry growth. These include the Law on Digital Technology Industry, the amended Law on Technical Standards and Regulations, and the amended Law on Product and Goods Quality. The Law on Digital Technology Industry has promptly institutionalised key aspects of Vietnams development vision. These include incentives and support for digital technology enterprises, the development of high-quality human resources and digital talents, the development of digital technology infrastructure, support for innovative startups, a mechanism for state-commissioned orders, and a legal framework for controlled pilots. Projects involving large investment capital will enjoy corporate income tax reductions for multiple years, along with financial support from the Development Investment Fund. The state also prioritises investment in critical infrastructure, such as data centres and 5G networks, while encouraging private sector participation in developing modern infrastructure. The state has committed to allocating significant funding to science and technology development. The research and development budget is set at 2 per cent of GDP, of which more than 60 per cent will come from social funding sources. At least 3 per cent of the total annual state budget will be allocated to sci-tech development, innovation, and national digital transformation, with that figure set to increase based on development needs. On June 12, the prime minister outlined a list of strategic technologies and strategic technology products. AI was ranked top, followed by cloud computing, blockchain, and 5G/6G technology. Despite these advantages, FPT chairman Binh shared that Vietnam faces three major challenges in its AI journey. They are the need to protect technological sovereignty, an inseparable aspect of national sovereignty; how to achieve the goal of becoming a developed nation by the 100th anniversary of independence; and the lack of investment resources, Binh said. While major powers invest hundreds of billions of US dollars annually in AI, Vietnam does not have comparable resources. Therefore, partnerships are a vital solution. According to Le Hong Viet, general director of FPT Smart Cloud, for AI to become a core national strength, Vietnam must engage with the global open-source community while also building its own. This will allow the country to master both the technology and the language. Not only Vietnam, but also around 70 other countries from major economies like the United States, China, the UAE, and South Korea, to smaller nations are focusing on national AI strategies. The shared goal is to pool intelligence, resources, and technology to ensure safe, responsible AI development that benefits communities and protects national sovereignty, he said. Technology expert Tien Hoang said, Now is the time for Vietnamese tech companies to leapfrog. The country will soon see a wave of AI-driven business models and platforms, increased investment in science and technology, and a larger sci-tech contribution to GDP. To make this a reality, the business community is awaiting effective enforcement tools. Lu Thanh Long, chairman, MISA MISA established its AI team seven years ago. However, in the last 2-3 years, everything has completely changed. AI today is not just a technology, but has become the foundation of the economy, and of a nations survival. At present, most businesses, including MISA, are doing AI at the upper level which are developing applications. But we still have not mastered the base models. And MISA sets itself a mission of mastering the model, and the core infrastructure of AI. However, making models is not simple. It requires a huge cost, and both basic and advanced knowledge of AI. In fact, we are just starting out, still in the process of finding our way. Therefore, the AI cooperation with partners will help us do many things. Firstly, there are financial resources, human resources, and community strength to build an AI economic platform for Vietnam, thereby ensuring national AI economic security. The alliance will create a space for exchanging professional knowledge, helping all members progress faster. We can then share technology platforms for mutual use, effective operation, and to avoid wasting resources. It is an opportunity to bring AI to every business, every citizen, and every family in Vietnam. Nguyen Tu Quang, chairman, BKAV This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Vietnam to rise up and enter the group of leading technology countries in the world. After only a few years of working with AI, we have clearly seen how powerful it is. And Vietnam must do everything possible to prove that it can absolutely be among the world leaders in AI. If we count the most important algorithms and models that underpin ChatGPT, the technology that has changed the world, Vietnamese have contributed to it. There are two models with Vietnamese co-authors. This is something we need to know clearly to be more confident about ourselves. The first is that a Vietnamese person is the one who proposed the Sequence to Sequence algorithm, one of the most important algorithms for ChatGPT. The other algorithm is Attention. For GPT or ChatGPT to become a reality, Attention is the important foundation. There have been many scientific articles talking about the importance of Attention, and among them there are two core models. One of the two models is called Luong Attention, which is by Luong Manh Thang. Thang has proposed an algorithm that helps to encode and decode more effectively, opening up the ability to process natural language with outstanding accuracy and speed. These are extremely special contributions that changed the world, likened to the time when humans invented fire. Looking at international maths competitions, we see that Vietnam has never left the top 10 countries strong in mathematics. With AI, I believe we can absolutely do the same, even more. Currently, the whole world is pouring hundreds of billions of US dollars into achieving general AI. If we work together, we will also achieve it. A participatory meeting held in Hanoi on June 30 attracted numerous experts, representatives from state management agencies, research organisations, and local and international businesses. Flooded rice cultivation emits high levels of methane due to prolonged anaerobic conditions in submerged fields. The alternate wetting and drying (AWD) irrigation technique has been proven effective in disrupting these oxygen-poor conditions, thereby reducing methane generation. Green Carbon, a carbon credit developer that works with farmers worldwide to create decarbonisation projects, has implemented AWD in Nghe An and An Giang with impressive results. In Nghe An, emissions were reduced by over 60 per cent under direct seeding conditions and over 50 per cent with transplanted rice. The scheme in An Giang spans 116,000 hectares and has the potential to reduce hundreds of thousands of tons of CO-equivalent emissions annually. Green Carbon has developed an internationally recognised measurement, reporting, and verification system, utilising digital technology, satellites, and sensors. This ensures reliable verification of emissions reductions. The resulting carbon credits can be certified under Verra or the Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM), enabling participation in international carbon markets. These markets provide a new source of finance for farmers, contributing to rural livelihoods. Dragon Capital acts as a strategic investor, offering funding, training, and technical consulting for low-carbon agricultural projects. The firm collaborates with research institutes to assess ecological value and develop new financial tools. Dragon Capital is actively exploring biodiversity credits and promoting the integration of environmental, social, and governance standards into investment activities. This approach enhances scalability and sustainability of climate initiatives in agriculture. The JCM is a bilateral cooperation framework initiated by Japan, allowing both countries to jointly recognise emission reductions from a specific venture. From 2013 to 2020, Vietnam and Japan implemented 14 projects, generating more than 35,000 carbon credits. In the new phase, emphasis will be placed on deploying low-carbon technologies in agriculture. The AWD collaboration in Vietnam is part of this strategy. Vietnams commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 43.5 per cent by 2030 with international support necessitates scalable sustainable farming models. Green Carbon and Dragon Capital are serving as bridges between farmers, businesses, and the government. By combining technical expertise, private capital, and public policy, they are enabling the formation and growth of an agricultural carbon credit ecosystem. A representative of Vietnams Ministry of Agriculture and Environment noted, "Scaling up low-emission rice cultivation through the JCM is a strategic step that helps farmers increase income, adapt to climate change, and affirms Vietnam's pioneering role in building a green, responsible agricultural sector. It is a concrete action aligned with our commitment to reduce emissions by 43.5 per cent with international support." The AWD technology collaboration under JCM exemplifies how developed and developing countries can take joint action towards shared climate goals. Japan will continue supporting Vietnam through financial assistance and advanced technology transfer. A representative from Japans Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries said, "The government of Japan is committed to supporting Vietnam on its path to a low-carbon future. The new phase of JCM, particularly in agriculture, will yield mutual benefits and deepen our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership." The partnership between Vietnam and Japan is being strengthened through the AWD scheme. The Japanese government has reaffirmed its commitment to provide financial support and technology transfer to Vietnam. Consensus among regulatory agencies, the private sector, and local communities will be essential to achieving the net-zero emissions target by 2050. Developing a low-carbon agriculture sector goes beyond environmental goals. Carbon credits are becoming financial tools that drive production innovation and create new livelihoods for farmers. Green Carbon is steadily building a nationwide agricultural carbon credit platform, while Dragon Capital continues to expand its climate investment commitments. These two forces are working closely together to transform agriculture into a sustainable, equitable, and climate-resilient sector. FIATA is a non-governmental organisation representing over 40,000 logistics and freight forwarding companies worldwide. Source: Shutterstock Themed Green and Resilient Logistics, this years congress is expected to bring together over 1,200 delegates from more than 150 countries, including over 1,000 leading companies across logistics, transport, and trade. The event, organised by the Vietnam Logistics Business Association in collaboration with the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA), marks a significant milestone for Vietnams logistics industry as it continues to integrate deeper into the global supply chain. Tran Thanh Hai, deputy director general of the Ministry of Industry and Trades Agency of Foreign Trade, emphasised the importance of the congress. This is an opportunity for foreign businesses to come to Vietnam, but more importantly, it will allow Vietnamese logistics firms to promote their image, capabilities, and potential to the world, he said. The congress will also open up vital networking opportunities. Vietnamese businesses will be able to connect directly with global leaders in logistics, engage in trade promotions, and explore collaboration with key players across the value chain, Hai added. According to Hai, the congresss focus on sustainability reflects a strong national commitment. Through this event, Vietnam wants to convey a clear message that green and sustainable development is not just a future direction, but also a core element to enhance the competitiveness of Vietnamese enterprises, he noted. FIATA president Turgut Erkeskin praised Hanois role as an emerging logistics hub. Hanoi is increasingly recognised as a key player in the global logistics landscape. With its strategic location and rapid infrastructure development, the city is well-positioned to host this important event, he said. The theme reflects our shared urgency to address climate change, strengthen supply chains, and foster innovation. We are proud to bring the worlds logistics leaders to Hanoi to shape the future of sustainable trade, Erkeskin added. The FIATA World Congress will include high-level discussions, exhibitions, and side events focused on sustainability, digital transformation, infrastructure connectivity, and global partnerships. Delegates will gain access to cutting-edge trends, pioneering solutions, and collaborative opportunities across the global logistics ecosystem. Founded in 1926, FIATA is a non-governmental organisation representing over 40,000 logistics and freight forwarding companies worldwide. With 113 national associations and more than 6,000 individual members across 150 territories, the annual FIATA Congress is widely regarded as the most prestigious gathering in the industry. Sanitary and phytosanitary measures (SPS) are among the most frequently cited barriers, including stringent regulations on inspection, certification, and compliance with food safety standards. Many ASEAN countries apply strict inspection and certification to ensure that seafood is free from contamination or meets quality standards, leading to shipment delays, increased costs, and uncertainty for exporters. Le Hang, deputy general secretary, Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers Compliance with SPS often requires additional documentation, testing, and specific handling procedures, which pose significant challenges, particularly for small businesses. Technical barriers to trade (TBT) are related to standards and regulations surrounding labelling, packaging, and technical specifications. For seafood, TBT may require specific labelling formats, traceability systems, or adherence to environmental and sustainability standards. TBT creates considerable barriers by forcing businesses to adapt processes to meet varying standards that are sometimes inconsistent across ASEAN countries. The ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement includes TBT regulations, reflecting their importance as a technical barrier. Moreover, several ASEAN countries require import permits or certifications for seafood, which may be subject to quotas, lengthy approval processes, or arbitrary decisions. These requirements limit market access and cause delays. For instance, import permits in Malaysia and Indonesia have been reported as burdensome for Thai exporters, presenting similar challenges for other exporters in the region. Some improvements are necessary to strengthen Vietnams position in the regional supply chain, particularly in seafood exports to ASEAN. It needs to improve domestic policies to reduce risks from NTBs, starting with the standardisation of compliance processes. NTBs such as SPS, TBT, and Halal certification require complex documentation, testing, and infrastructure, raising costs and prolonging export times. Currently, Vietnam lacks unified standards that align with ASEAN requirements, resulting in high compliance costs. There is a need to develop national standards that align with ASEAN regarding SPS, labelling, and traceability following guidelines, such as those for preventing the entry of products from illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing. For example, standardising health certification processes could reduce testing costs, which currently range from $100-500 per shrimp sample. Strengthening the capacity of regulatory authorities to issue SPS and Halal certification more quickly could shorten approval times from one to six months to one or two months. Halal certification is mandatory in major markets like Indonesia and Malaysia but can be costly and time-consuming. Vietnam currently lacks ASEAN-recognised Halal certification bodies, placing exporters at a disadvantage. To more effectively leverage free trade agreements (FTAs) and reduce NTBs, it is essential to provide training programmes and subsidies for seafood enterprises to meet Halal standards, particularly for small- and medium-sized enterprises, thereby reducing upgrade costs, which currently range from $10,000 to $100,000. Secondly, Vietnam must enhance its negotiating capacity in regional and bilateral agreements. Some trade deals offer tariff and non-tariff benefits to member states, but Vietnam has yet to fully exploit these advantages to reduce NTBs. Engaging in bilateral FTA negotiations with ASEAN countries such as Indonesia and Malaysia to reduce import permit requirements, which may take five to 30 days for approval, is also crucial. As a member of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, Vietnam can leverage its position to advocate for transparency provisions and reductions in NTBs, ensuring that ASEAN cosmetic directive regulations do not become unreasonable barriers. In the face of numerous market challenges, costs, and technical barriers, the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) has implemented a series of solutions. Firstly, VASEP serves as a bridge between businesses and regulatory authorities, promptly recommending policies to support production and exports. Many of our proposals have been recognised and addressed by the government and various ministries, such as resolving issues pertaining to raw material verification, borrowing costs, and minimum size regulations for seafood. In terms of trade promotion, VASEP organises the Vietfish trade fair, holds seminars in key markets, and collaborates on international communications to promote Vietnamese seafood. Moreover, VASEP has intensified training and consulting efforts to help businesses meet international standards on environmental, social, and governance, traceability, sustainable sourcing, and green transformation. On June 27, Vietnam Investment Review, under the Ministry of Finance, and in collaboration with Viet Research, hosted a ceremony to announce several key rankings: Vietnam ESG Green 2025 (including the ESG100 and ESG10), the Top 10 ESG Industrial Parks, and the Top 50 Most Innovative Enterprises 2025 (VIE50), along with the Top 10 by sector (VIE10). This marks the third consecutive year of the VIE50 and VIE10 rankings and the first time the ESG100, ESG10, and ESG Industrial Parks have been included. All rankings are based on independent research conducted by Viet Research. According to Viet Research, nearly 96 per cent of ESG100 and ESG10 firms have set Net Zero or sustainability targets, with 93 per cent committing to carbon reduction across production and operations. Meanwhile, 90 per cent of VIE50 and VIE10 enterprises have increased investment in research and development and accelerated digital transformation. For 86 per cent, innovation is cited as a key growth driver over the next three to five years, and nearly one-third have formalised innovation strategies in writing. At the event, leading economists underscored the role of innovation and sustainability in shaping Vietnams next-generation business ecosystem. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Quang Tuan, vice president of the Vietnam Economic Science Association, highlighted ESG capabilities and long-term green growth strategies, while Dr. Vo Tri Thanh, director of the Institute for Brand and Competitiveness Strategy, shared insights on green transition opportunities. Innovation and ESG are increasingly seen as strategic pillars enabling businesses to build resilience, manage risks, and generate long-term value amid fast-evolving technologies and intensifying competition. Firms that can differentiate through innovation and demonstrate strong ESG commitment are well-positioned to not just survive, but to lead in the sustainable economy of the future. The event attracted nearly 200 representatives from standout businesses as well as economic experts, media organisations, and policy stakeholders. Le Trong Minh, deputy editor-in-chief of Vietnam Investment Review, highlighted the growing momentum of ESG adoption in Vietnam, particularly following the countrys Net Zero commitments, with a target of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. "The Vietnamese government has demonstrated strong determination through policies that encourage emissions reduction, the circular economy, sustainable growth, and improved corporate governance with a focus on transparency and accountability," said Minh. At the same time, innovation remains a key driver of national competitiveness. In 2024, Vietnam ranked 44th out of 133 economies in the Global Innovation Index, up two places from 2023. It is also among the top eight middle-income countries showing the greatest improvement since 2013, and one of only three countries to outperform its development level for 14 consecutive years. "The announcement today honours exemplary businesses and serves as a platform to connect the business community," Minh said. "It also provides a space for entrepreneurs, managers, and experts to share practical insights, explore strategic partnerships, and discuss emerging trends and business models in a time of rapid transformation." DES MOINES Reaction from Iowa to President Donald Trumps bill with tax cuts, Medicaid changes and other legislative priorities passing the U.S. Senate on Tuesday: U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa: President Trumps One Big Beautiful Bill delivers on what Iowans voted for in November, keeping more money in hardworking folks pockets, real border security, and a safer America. In addition to the largest tax cut in history for our families, farmers, and small businesses, the bill strengthens the integrity of Medicaid and prioritizes those who truly need help by eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse. I am proud to have fought to save $100 million for taxpayers over the next decade and eliminated unfair practices in the FAFSA process that held back farm families from investing in their childs education. I will always fight to improve Iowans lives and continue to lead the charge in Washington to reduce reckless spending and put taxpayers first. U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa: In November, Americans gave President Trump a mandate to fix the economy and secure the border. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act delivers a resounding victory for the American people, enacting the America First policies that President Trump and congressional Republicans promised. Together, were preventing the largest tax increase in the history of our country and giving relief to the small businesses that are the backbone of our economy. As a lifelong family farmer, Im proud our bill will also deliver a modernized farm safety net that gives Iowa farmers the certainty they need. Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds (via social media): Thank you to the Senate for passing the One Big Beautiful Bill that will lower taxes for Iowans, secure our border, and strengthen our military. Were one step closer to achieving President (Donald Trumps) promise to Make America Great Again! Chris Mitchell, president and CEO of the Iowa Hospital Association: We are deeply concerned about the U.S. Senates vote to advance the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, and the effect the steep Medicaid cuts will have on Iowas hospitals and the patients they serve. Rural hospitals already operate on thin margins, and these Medicaid cuts will exacerbate their already strained financial situations. Cuts of this magnitude will force hospitals to make tough decisions about reducing services or closing altogether. Medicaid cuts to Iowas hospitals affect not only Iowans who rely on Medicaid for their health coverage, but also all Iowans who require hospital care. We urge our representatives in the House to stand up for Iowas hospitals and rural communities, ensuring that all Iowans have access to the health care services they need and deserve. Iowa Soybean Association District 6 Director Dave Walton: This bill corrects serious flaws in the clean fuel credit and ensures Iowa-grown soybeans are judged by their actual environmental performance, not by arbitrary land use penalties. Sen. Grassleys work to fix 45Z is a legacy achievement for Iowa farmers and biofuel producers. Zach Wahls, Iowa Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate: Joni Ernst just voted to gut Medicaid for hundreds of thousands of Iowa children and families in exchange for tax cuts for billionaires, underscoring what shes been telling us she doesnt care if we live or die. We need a new senator, one who will fight to make Iowans lives better and stand up to leaders in both parties when theyre wrong for Iowa. We need a senator for us. Ill be that senator. Rita Hart, Iowa Democratic Party chairwoman: Why do Republicans need to be so cruel? Iowans are already dealing with the 49th-worst economy in the nation and now thanks to Joni Ernst they will also have a harder time finding jobs, paying for their health care, and keeping up with rising energy costs just so billionaires and the ultra-wealthy can get some cushy tax breaks. Joni Ernst just voted to sell out hardworking Iowans to make the lives of the top 1 percent a little more luxurious. Amy Adams, Iowa state director of Protect Our Care: Sen. Ernst had the power to stop this devastating bill from becoming law. Instead, she put billionaires over Iowans and voted to kick seniors out of nursing homes, rip health care away from disabled children, close rural hospitals, and strip over a hundred thousand Iowans of their health care all to give tax breaks to billionaires and big corporations. Just one Republican vote could have protected thousands of Iowans from losing their health care and prevented costs from skyrocketing on everyday families. But Sen. Ernst chose tax cuts for the rich over care for the rest of us. Unless Republicans in the House finally stand up for their constituents and vote this bill down, Iowans will be left to pay the price. Baraboo has moved a step closer to approving a proposed resort near Devils Lake State Park that has received much residential blowback in Baraboo. The Common Council on Tuesday agreed unanimously to allow some commercial use on one of the resorts two plots. Another plot slated for the resorts planned 30 cabins, located south of the plot approved for new designation Tuesday, was already marked as a mixed commercial use area. Based on the progress made Tuesday night, we can realistically see breaking ground in April of 2026 with completion in spring of 2027 if the zoning change is approved soon, project developer Marty Cowie said. The change represents an amendment to the citys Comprehensive Plan, which it adopted late last year as an official planning document for the next 20 years. The resolution was approved by the citys Plan Commission on June 17 in a 6-1 vote, with commission member Barry Hartup casting the lone vote against. Not approving the project could serve as infringement on Baraboo Bluff Hospitality officials rights to do what they desire on their land, according to District 5 Ald. Andrea Lombard. Amending the Comprehensive Plan to reflect the change is required prior to making a zoning change to the land plot to officially approve it for development, according to Public Works Director Tom Pinion. This is not the approval of any development so far, District 4 Ald. Jason Kent said at the meeting. Nevertheless, Cowie called the vote a very big step forward for us. He and Baraboo Bluff Hospitality LLC, which is owned by Baraboo businessman Gregg McArthur and will own the resort, dont have to wait for the property to be rezoned as a commercial district to start establishing agreements needed to build it, Cowie said. The developers also can begin working with contractors to establish a firm price for the project, he said. Prior to the resolutions approval, five residents spoke against the project and urged the city to reject the designation change and plan amendment. One of the residents, Dal Drummer, showed the Council and meeting audience a map indicating land plots on which the owners oppose the future resort. Baraboo Bluff Hospitalitys planned resort will be on a nearly 18-acre land plot on the citys south side just north of the state park and east of Highway DL. Drummers wife, Jacquelyn Drummer, held up signs showing numbers of people opposed to the project, and other figures related to project opposition. Much of the meeting audience consisted of members of Devils Lake Community Preservation Alliance, a citizens group opposed to the planned resort and other proposed developments near Devils Lake State Park. The Drummers, along with the three other speakers, indicated their desire to maintain the natural habitat and prevent possible pollution or other disturbances to wildlife and biodiversity in the area, as well as not wanting a large resort that would attract numerous tourists and traffic to the area near their homes. Another opponent, Linda Meadowcroft, said that the project will only bring roughly 30 jobs to the area and that, if the resort is not consistently occupied, it would have a negative impact on area taxpayers. The associated costs of development and infrastructure may not be paid for by the project developers, and that would increase costs to already over-burdened city residents, she said. The development group truly appreciates the input received from not only the plan commission and council members but also from concerned citizens, environmental experts, and neighbors, McArthur said. We pledge to maintain open communication with all to create something truly special that the city, (Sauk) County and State of Wisconsin can all be proud of. Tom Kriegl, who represented District 2 on the Sauk County Board from 2002 to 2020, is concerned that McArthur and others affiliated with the project would request tax increment financing to help fund the resort, which Kriegl refers to as a form of corporate welfare. The project also would exacerbate overcrowding and traffic issues in the area that come from visitors to the state park, according to Meadowcroft. Protecting the natural area around Devils Lake was one of District 1 Ald. David Olsons main reasons for joining city government, he said. However, the future Devils Lake resort site, because of previous developments over the past century, is not a very high-quality piece of land. This has been used for many years, he said. The proposed resort land plots have been used as farmland in past years, while neighboring land plots have had hotels, go-kart tracks and campgrounds, according to Sauk County Historical Society Director Paul Wolter. Devils Lake, along with much of the land surrounding it, is high-quality land that has been protected by the states Department of Natural Resources, according to Olson. However, he acknowledged the high impact the project could have and said he is sympathetic toward nearby landowners. Olson supports the project but is not in favor of possible tax increment financing for it. Kriegl has previously expressed environmental concerns as well, calling Devils Lake the crown jewel of the Wisconsin State Park system. China's EVE Energy launches Shenyang battery base targeting cold climates Xinhua) 11:02, July 02, 2025 SHENYANG, July 1 (Xinhua) -- Chinese lithium battery manufacturer EVE Energy on Monday put into operation its production base in Shenyang, capital of northeast China's Liaoning Province, aiming to develop batteries capable of withstanding extreme cold, and marking a milestone for the region's new energy sector. The Shenyang facility, backed by a 10-billion-yuan (about 1.4 billion U.S. dollars) investment from the Huizhou-based company in south China's Guangdong Province, will mainly produce low-temperature resistant, high-density and highly reliable energy storage and power batteries, aiming at addressing the critical industry challenge of poor battery performance in frigid regions. EVE Energy's research center on the application of lithium batteries in cold climates was concurrently unveiled. According to its director Li Wei, the center will leverage the company's technology and regional partnerships to develop new materials and technologies, significantly boosting battery performance in low temperatures including charge-discharge efficiency. The center is also committed to becoming a national-level energy innovation platform, providing strong support for the green energy transformation of northeast China's old industrial base, Li noted. Tiexi District, where the base is located, is home to Shenyang's new energy vehicle industrial cluster and is pursuing high-end, smart, and green manufacturing. The district has amassed 450 key projects worth 181.6 billion yuan this year, including 185 new and 265 ongoing constructions. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) A $7,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or people responsible for the shooting death of a wild foal from the Montgomery Pass wild horse herd. On Friday, June 6, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) received a report of a dead foal located on BLM-managed land in the northern part of the Bishop Field Office, east of Mono Lake. A necropsy confirmed the foal died from a gunshot wound. The Bureau of Land Management has offered a $2,000 reward, and the American Wild Horse Conservation (AWHC) has added $5,000, bringing the total reward to $7,000. The foal was part of the Montgomery Pass wild horse population, which is primarily managed by the Inyo National Forest. This act of cruelty is both heartbreaking and unacceptable, said Suzanne Roy, Executive Director of AWHC. These wild horses are federally protected and deserve to live free from violence. We hope this reward encourages anyone with information to come forward so justice can be served. It's with great sadness to hear of our wild horses being murdered, we pray that wild horses get justice, said the Utu Utu Gwaitu Paiute Tribe. The shooting comes ahead of a planned roundup of wild horses in the Montgomery Pass area. The current BLM plan authorizes the capture and removal of approximately 300 to 500 horses. AWHC and several tribal nations are calling for a two-year delay to allow time for increased tribal coordination in managing the herd. The BLM is leading the investigation into the shooting, with assistance from the Mono County and Inyo County Sheriffs Offices, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the Bishop Veterinary Hospital. Anyone with information is asked to contact the 24-hour WeTip anonymous crime reporting hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (1-800-782-7463) or visit www.WeTip.com. Microsoft is firing thousands of workers, its second mass layoff in months. The tech giant began sending out layoff notices Wednesday. The company declined to say how many people would be laid off but said that it will comprise less than 4% of the workforce it had a year ago. In a statement, Microsoft Reno told 2 News Nevada, "We continue to implement organizational changes necessary to best position the company for success in a dynamic marketplace. Microsoft said the cuts will affect multiple teams around the world, including its sales division and its Xbox video game business. We continue to implement organizational changes necessary to best position the company and teams for success in a dynamic marketplace, it said in a statement. Microsoft employed 228,000 full-time workers as of last June, the last time it reported its annual headcount. The company said Wednesday that its latest layoffs would cut close to 4% of that workforce, which would be about 9,000 people. But it has already had at least three layoffs this year. Until now, at least, the biggest was in May, when Microsoft began laying off about 6,000 workers, nearly 3% of its global workforce and its largest job cuts in more than two years as the company spent heavily on artificial intelligence. Microsoft also cut another 300 workers based out of its Redmond, Washington headquarters in June, on top of nearly 2,000 who lost their jobs in the Puget Sound region in May, according to notices it sent to Washington state employment officials. The May layoffs were heavily focused on people in software engineering and product management roles. (The Associated Press contributed to this report.) Nevada State Police issued a reminder on its Facebook this week cautioning residents about the risks and penalties associated with illegal fireworks. In the post titled Illegal Fireworks, NSP emphasized that fireworks not approved for legal use can result in significant fines and other repercussions. As a friendly reminder, possessing and using illegal fireworks in Nevada can result in significant fines and other repercussions, the post reads. Be mindful of others, illegal fireworks can ignite wildfires and cause property damage. Also, loud noises can cause distress to neighbors, veterans and pets. Nevada State Police encouraged the public to celebrate responsibly by sticking to approved-legal fireworks in designated areas and during permitted time frames. They also suggested public firework displays as a safer alternative. The message comes as fire danger and community concerns rise during the holiday weekend, with law enforcement urging awareness and compliance to help prevent avoidable incidents. (Nevada State Police contributed to this story.) Bryan Kohberger has pleaded guilty to murder in the fatal stabbing of four University of Idaho students in 2022. He agreed to the plea deal just weeks before his trial was to begin to avoid the death penalty, which prosecutors had said they intended to pursue. Kohberger, 30, has been charged with killing Kaylee Goncalves, Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle and Madison Mogen at a rental home near campus in Moscow, Idaho, on Nov. 13, 2022. The northern Idaho farming community of about 25,000 people was rocked by the killings and hadnt seen a homicide in about five years. Bryan Kohberger facing a life in prison means he would still get to speak, form relationships, and engage with the world, Aubrie Goncalves, the 18-year-old sister of victim Kaylee Goncalves, wrote in a Facebook post. Meanwhile, our loved ones have been silenced forever. That reality stings more deeply when it feels like the system is protecting his future more than honoring the victims pasts. The small farming community of Moscow, in the northern Idaho panhandle, had not had a homicide in about five years when the four were found dead at a rental home near campus on Nov. 13, 2022. Autopsies showed the four victims were all likely asleep when they were attacked. Some had defensive wounds and each was stabbed multiple times. The killings grabbed headlines around the world and set off a nationwide hunt, including an elaborate effort to track down a white sedan spotted on surveillance cameras repeatedly driving by the rental home. Police said they used genetic genealogy to identify Kohberger as a possible suspect and accessed cellphone data to pinpoint his movements the night of the killings. At the time, Kohberger was a criminal justice graduate student at nearby Washington State University who had just completed his first semester and was a teaching assistant in the criminology program. Kohberger was arrested in Pennsylvania, where his parents lived, weeks later. Investigators said they matched his DNA to genetic material recovered from a knife sheath found at the crime scene. Online shopping records showed that Kohberger had purchased a military-style knife months earlier as well as a sheath like the one found at the scene. No motive has emerged for the killings, nor is it clear why the attacker spared two roommates who were in the home. There also was no indication he had a relationship with any of the victims, who all were friends and members of the universitys Greek system. Authorities have said cellphone data and surveillance video show that Kohberger visited the victims neighborhood at least a dozen times before the killings, and that he traveled in the same area that night. Kohbergers lawyers said he was simply on a long drive by himself around the time the four were killed. (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.) CAIRO (AP) Hamas and Israel staked out their positions Wednesday ahead of expected talks on a Washington-backed ceasefire proposal, with the militant group suggesting it was open to an agreement while the Israeli prime minister vowed that there will be no Hamas in postwar Gaza. Both sides stopped short of accepting the proposal announced Tuesday by U.S. President Donald Trump. Hamas insisted on its longstanding position that any deal bring an end to the war in Gaza. Trump said Israel had agreed on terms for a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza and urged Hamas to accept the deal before conditions worsen. The U.S. leader has been increasing pressure on the Israeli government and Hamas to broker a ceasefire and hostage agreement. Trump said the 60-day period would be used to work toward ending the war something Israel says it won't accept until Hamas is defeated. He said a deal might come together as soon as next week. But Hamas' response, which emphasized its demand that the war end, raised questions about whether the latest offer could materialize into an actual pause in fighting. Hamas official Taher al-Nunu said the militant group was ready and serious regarding reaching an agreement. He said Hamas was ready to accept any initiative that clearly leads to the complete end to the war. A Hamas delegation was expected to meet Wednesday with Egyptian and Qatari mediators in Cairo to discuss the proposal, according to an Egyptian official. The official spoke on condition of anonymity, because he wasn't authorized to discuss the talks with the media. Disagreement on how the war should end Throughout the nearly 21-month-long war, ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas have repeatedly faltered over whether the war should end as part of any deal. Hamas said in a brief statement Wednesday that it had received a proposal from the mediators and was holding talks with them to bridge gaps to return to the negotiating table. Hamas has said it's willing to free the remaining 50 hostages, less than half of whom are said to be alive, in exchange for a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and an end to the war. Israel says it will only agree to end the war if Hamas surrenders, disarms and exiles itself, something the group refuses to do. I am announcing to you there will be no Hamas, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said during a speech Wednesday. An Israeli official said the latest proposal calls for a 60-day deal that would include a partial Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and a surge in humanitarian aid to the territory. The mediators and the U.S. would provide assurances about talks to end the war, but Israel isn't committing to that as part of the latest proposal, the official said. The official wasn't authorized to discuss the details of the proposed deal with the media and spoke on condition of anonymity. It wasn't clear how many hostages would be freed as part of the agreement, but previous proposals have called for the release of about 10. Im holding my hands and praying that this will come about," said Idit Ohel, mother of Israeli hostage Alon Ohel. I hope the world will help this happen, will put pressure on whoever they need to, so the war will stop and the hostages will return. On Monday, Trump is set to host Netanyahu at the White House, days after Ron Dermer, a senior Netanyahu adviser, held discussions with top U.S. officials about Gaza, Iran and other matters. Trump issues another warning On Tuesday, Trump wrote on social media that Israel had agreed to the necessary conditions to finalize the 60-day ceasefire, "during which time we will work with all parties to end the War. I hope, for the good of the Middle East, that Hamas takes this Deal, because it will not get better IT WILL ONLY GET WORSE, he said. Trumps warning may find a skeptical audience with Hamas. Even before the expiration of the wars longest ceasefire in March, Trump had repeatedly issued dramatic ultimatums to pressure Hamas to agree to longer pauses in the fighting that would see the release of more hostages and a return of more aid for Gazas civilians. Still, Trump views the current moment as a potential turning point in the brutal conflict that has left more than 57,000 dead in the Palestinian territory. Gaza's Health Ministry said the death toll passed the 57,000 mark Tuesday into Wednesday, after hospitals received 142 bodies overnight. The ministry does not differentiate between civilians and combatants in its death count, but says that more than half of the dead are women and children. Since dawn Wednesday, Israeli strikes killed a total of 40 people across the Gaza Strip, the ministry said. Hospital officials said four children and seven women were among the dead. The Israeli military, which blames Hamas for the civilian casualties because it operates from populated areas, was looking into the reports. The war began on Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking roughly 250 hostages. The fighting has left the coastal Palestinian territory in ruins, with much of the urban landscape flattened in the fighting. More than 90% of Gaza's 2.3 million population has been displaced, often multiple times. And the war has sparked a humanitarian crisis in Gaza, pushing hundreds of thousands of people toward hunger. Hospital director killed The director of the Indonesian Hospital, Dr. Marwan al-Sultan, was killed in an apartment in an Israeli strike west of Gaza City, a hospital statement said. The hospital is the Palestinian enclaves largest medical facility north of Gaza City and has been a critical lifeline since the start of the war. The hospital was surrounded by Israeli troops last month and evacuated alongside the other two primary hospitals in northern Gaza. The bodies of the doctor, his wife, daughter and son-in-law, arrived at Shifa Hospital torn into pieces, according to Issam Nabhan, head of the nursing department at the Indonesian Hospital. Gaza lost a great man and doctor," Nabhan said. "He never left the hospital one moment since the war began and urged us to stay and provide humanitarian assistance. We dont know what he did to deserve getting killed. In central Gaza, the Al Awda Hospital said an Israeli strike near the entrance of a school housing displaced Palestinians killed eight people, including three children, and wounded 30 others. The hospital also said Israel struck a group of Palestinians who gathered near the entrance of the hospitals administration building in Nuseirat refugee camp. In other developments, Israel said an airstrike last week killed two Hamas members who allegedly took part in a June 24 attack in which seven Israeli soldiers were killed when a Palestinian attacker attached a bomb to their armored vehicle. Bassem Mroue reported from Beirut. Moshe Edri in Tel Aviv, Israel, Kareem Chehayeb in Beirut, and Josef Federman in Jerusalem, contributed to this report. Follow the APs war coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war Fourth of July fireworks pose safety risks for pets; tips to keep your pet safe Operations and Activities Update Brisbane, July 2, 2025 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Central Petroleum Limited ( ASX:CTP ) ( C9J:FRA ) ( CNPTF:OTCMKTS ) provides the following update on its operations and corporate activities. Operating Performance Central's operations have remained solid since the March quarter, with total normalised (net of one-off cost recoveries and transport costs) sales revenue of $7.9 million over April and May. This is slightly higher than the $7.7 million in total normalised sales revenue recorded for the first 2 months of the March quarter. Sales revenues continued to be driven by: - Strong Portfolio Pricing: The comparable average portfolio price over April and May was $9.88/GJe. This is consistent with the March quarter average portfolio price of $9.78/GJe and continues to reflect the significant portfolio price increase that followed the January commencement of gas supply under the Northern Territory Government Gas Supply Agreement (NTG GSA) for a portion of Central's portfolio. - Total Sales Volume: Total sales volume in April and May was 0.79 PJe, consistent with the 0.78 PJe recorded in January and February of the March quarter. The two recent wells drilled at Mereenie (WM29 and WM30) continue to perform above pre-drill expectations, with current sales capacity production (less system use gas) of circa 7 TJ/d, accounting for almost 25% of Mereenie's current total sale volume capacity. Gas Market Update The Northern Gas Pipeline (NGP) reopened following the commissioning of the new Blacktip well earlier this year. Nevertheless, the pipeline has experienced periodic periods of closure following temporary Northern Territory (NT) supply issues. Consequently, Central has alternated gas sales between its existing east coast customers (when the NGP is operational) and NT customers including the Northern Territory Government (when the NGP is closed). Central's NTG GSA has a mechanism that allows east coast sales to be redirected into the NT when the NGP is closed, minimising the impact of NGP outages on Central's revenues, noting short-term sales fluctuations may occur while the NT market rebalances. Central continues to monitor the NT's longer-term gas market dynamics, including Blacktip production and progress from two active Beetaloo appraisal projects that are targeting commencement of new gas supply next year. We also continue to engage with potential gas customers to bring new gas supply into the NT, including two new potential production wells at Palm Valley. Temporary Mereenie Oil Production Constraints Oil sales from Mereenie have been partially constrained under our existing oil offtake arrangements. To manage this constraint, Central has temporarily shut in 4 lower gas to oil ratio wells and reduced total oil sales volume by approximately 37 bopd (Central share). When these wells are offline, Central's share of Mereenie's sales gas capacity is reduced by approximately 5%, or 0.4 TJ/d (1.4 TJ/d gross Mereenie JV). The temporary turndown is not impacting Central's capacity to meet firm supply contracts. The constraint on Mereenie's production is expected to be resolved over the coming months and is not anticipated to have an ongoing long-term impact. The Mereenie JV is pursuing other options to accelerate the return to full production which, for gas, is currently between 29 and 30 TJ/d (gross Mereenie JV). Asset Rationalisation In April, Central completed the sale of the non-core Brewer Estate terminal property for $1 million (Central share). This transaction removes associated rehabilitation liabilities and is expected to have a positive impact on the June quarter profit of circa $1.2 million (Central share). Strategic Growth Initiatives Central remains focused on advancing growth opportunities to complement its strong operational performance. This includes pursuing potential farm-ins to advance new exploration and appraisal activity, as well as options to progress exploration and appraisal drilling within its sub-salt permits targeting hydrocarbons, helium and hydrogen. Upcoming Shareholder Engagement Central's next investor webinar is scheduled to take place shortly after the release of the June quarter results at the end of July. Further details, including registration information, will be provided in due course. About Central Petroleum Limited Central Petroleum Limited ( ASX:CTP) is an established ASX-listed Australian oil and gas producer (ASX:CTP) with exploration and appraisal permits in the Northern Territory (NT). Central has grown to become the largest onshore gas operator in the NT, supplying residential and industrial customers in the NT and wider Australian east coast market. Central is seeking to become a major domestic energy supplier, in addition to helium and naturally occurring hydrogen, with exploration, appraisal and development plans across 169,112 km2 of tenements the NT, including some of Australia's largest known onshore conventional gas prospects in the Amadeus Basin. Related Companies Resouro Announces Filing its Year End Reports and Publishing its Inaugural Sustainability Report Resouro Files its First Sustainability Report Toronto, July 2, 2025 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Resouro Strategic Metals Inc. ( ASX:RAU ) ( CVE:RSM ) ( 8TX:FRA ) ( RSGOF:OTCMKTS ) is pleased to announce that it has released the Financial Statements and Management's Discussion and Analysis for the year ended March 31, 2025. The reports are available under the Company's profile on SEDARplus (www.sedarplus.com) and the Company's website (https://resouro.com). Resouro is pleased to announce that it has published its first Sustainability report, which can be found on the Company's website (https://resouro.com/about-us). We have begun our journey to formalize our strategy to support the wellbeing of people and the environment as we develop our mining projects. We are convinced that effectively integrating our Sustainability Governance strategy into the fabric of our corporate culture will not only drive long-term value for stakeholders but will also strengthen our resilience to position us as a sustainable leader in the titanium and rare earth mining sector. Fiscal Year Summary FY25 marked a pivotal year for Resouro, as we transitioned from a single-market explorer to a dual- listed strategic metals developer with growing global recognition. The year began with a successful ASX listing, which enabled us to aggressively advance exploration at our flagship Tiros Titanium and Rare Earths (REE) project in Brazil (Tiros or Project), a project the Board believes has the potential to emerge as one of the world's most significant sources of titanium and critical minerals. The capital raised through our ASX IPO allowed us to accelerate drilling and development activities, with early success validating the geological potential of Tiros and positioning Resouro as a serious emerging player in the global critical minerals landscape. Achievements Resouro achieved several key milestones throughout the Financial Year, with a selection of the most notable in order of occurrence across FY25 being: Date Announcement/Achievement 14 Jun '24 Resouro to Commence Trading on ASX 18 Jul '24 Significant Maiden JORC Resource for Tiros Project, Brazil 13 Aug '24 Proof of Concept Positive Metallurgical Test Results - Tiros Project 10 Sep '24 Binding Agreement Signed for Acquisition of 3 new Mineral Rights 17 Oct '24 Experienced REE Specialist Alistair Stephens Appointed as CEO 22 Nov '24 Resouro to Commence Trading on the OTCQB Venture Market 27 Nov '24 MOU Signed with Government of Minas Gerais and Invest Minas 16 Jan '25 Appointment of Progesys as Tiros Project Managers & EIA Consultants 06 Feb '25 Spectacular Assay Results from Tiros Central Block 17 Feb '25 Resouro Partners with the MagBras Initiative 17 Mar '25 Continuous High-Grade Titanium & REE Mineralisation - Tiros Subsequent to the end of FY25, the run of achievements continued with the following key milestones: Date Announcement/Achievement 09 Apr '25 Significant Upgrade in Measured and Indicated Resource -Tiros 22 Apr '25 High Grade Assay Results up to 26% TiO2 Tiros North Block 28 Apr '25 Strategic Partnership to Unlock Potential of Tiros Project 16 Jun '25 Resouro's Tiros Project Selected for BNDES and FINEP Funding Maiden JORC MRE and Updated JORC MRE Our Maiden JORC Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE), for the Tiros REE project announced on 18 July, 2024 delineated a 1.7 billion (bn) tonne resource. This placed the Tiros Project as one of the largest undeveloped titanium and rare earth resources not only in Brazil, but globally. The MRE was surpassed in April 2025 with an updated MRE. The updated MRE (Measured and Indicated), applying a 1,000 pm Total Rare Earth Oxide (TREO) cut-off, presents 1.4 billion tonnes at 12% TiO2 and 4,000 ppm TREO containing 1,100 ppm Magnet Rare Earths Oxide (MREO) with a highg-rade zone identified as summarised in the table below. Drilling data to support the high-grade (HG) and medium grade (MG) is detailed in the JORC Table 1 in Appendix 2 of the Company's announcement to ASX on 9 April, 2025 along with all relevant data to support the Updated MRE. Measured and Indicated Resources increased by almost 37% to 1.4 billion tonnes: o Measured Resources 367 Mt at 12% TiO2 and 4,100 ppm TREO, o Indicated Resources 1,000 Mt at 12% TiO2 and 4,000 ppm TREO, o Total Resources 1,400 Mt at 12% TiO2 and 4,000 ppm TREO High-grade mineralisation within the MRE: o Measured Resources 30 Mt at 24% TiO2 and 9,300 ppm TREO, o Indicated Resources 74 Mt at 23% TiO2 and 8,900 ppm TREO, o Total Resources 104 Mt at 23% TiO2 and 9,100 ppm TREO This positions Resouro among the most advanced and early-stage titanium and REE developers globally, with a unique combination of scale, grade, and access to infrastructure. CEO appointment On the management front, we were pleased to announce the appointment of Alistair Stephens as CEO in November 2024. Alistair brings over 35 years of global mining expertise to the Company. In the initial 15 years of his career, he worked in mining operations in Western Australia for Newmont, KCGM, WMC Resources Ltd and Orica. He has successfully defined a significant global inventory of major rare earths resource deposits and been a leader in successful metallurgical test work programs, metallurgical flowsheet development and engineering designs that will be crucial in the development of Resouro's globally significant Tiros Titanium-Rare Earths Project in Brazil. Alistair brings a wealth of leadership experience across team building, strategic planning, corporate governance, stakeholder engagement, corporate finance, talent management, commodity marketing, and end-to-end mining and processing operations. This positions Resouro among the most advanced and early-stage titanium and REE developers globally, with a unique combination of scale, grade, and access to infrastructure. Novo Mundo In addition to Tiros, Resouro has a 100% ownership and title in the Novo Mundo Gold Project (Novo Mundo) located in the Alta Floresta Gold Province, in the Mato Grass state, also in Brazil. Resouro is continuing to assess its strategic options to crystallise value from this project. Once again, I would like to take this opportunity to thank our loyal shareholders and key stakeholders for their ongoing support, which is instrumental to Resouro on its path to success. I would also like to thank my fellow directors, CEO, Alistair Stephens, CFO and Corporate Secretary, Sandra Evans and the technical and operations teams on the ground for their continued efforts across the year. To view the Annual Report, please visit: https://www.abnnewswire.net/lnk/LC187H7F About Resouro Strategic Metals Inc. Resouro Strategic Metals Inc. (ASX:RAU) (CVE:RSM) (OTCMKTS:RSGOF) (FRA:8TX) is a Canadian-based mineral exploration and development company focused on the discovery and advancement of economic mineral projects in Brazil, including the rare earth elements and titanium Tiros Project and the Novo Mundo and Santa Angela gold projects. The Tiros Project, located in northern Minas Gerais, Brazil, is an exploration project focused on rare earth elements and titanium covering an area of approximately 450 km2. The Tiros Project comprises 17 exploration permits, and one exploration permit application held by the Company's Brazilian subsidiary; and 6 exploration permits and one exploration permit application that have been validly assigned to the Company's Brazilian subsidiary and are awaiting ANM approval. The Company holds, via its wholly owned Brazilian subsidiary, a 90% interest in the Tiros Project and the remaining 10% interest in the Tiros Project is held by RBM Consultoria Mineral Eireli (RBM), an unrelated third-party vendor. The Novo Mundo Project is located in the Alta Floresta Gold Province close to the northern border of the state of Mato Grosso, central Brazil. Within the licensed area is the small town of Novo Mundo, which is 30km west from the larger town of Guaranta do Norte. It comprises three exploration permits. The Company also has another interest in an exploration permit, being the Santa Angela Project, which is not considered material to the Company's operations. Interests in the Novo Mundo Project and Santa Angela Project are held via the Company's wholly owned subsidiary. Related Companies loading......... Benton Resources CEO Steven Stares on High-Grade Copper-Gold Exploration in Newfoundland Malibu, CA, July 2, 2025 AEST (ABN Newswire) - In this edition of The Ellis Martin Report and Money Talk Radio, host Ellis Martin speaks with Steven Stares, President and CEO of Benton Resources Inc. ( CVE:BEX ) ( BNTRF:OTCMKTS ). Benton Resources follows a project generation model, maintaining a diverse portfolio of multi-mineral properties. The company holds significant equity stakes in other mining ventures and often retains net smelter return (NSR) royalties, offering long-term cash flow potential. Flagship Focus: Great Burnt Copper-Gold Project, Central Newfoundland Mineral Resource Estimate: 442,000 tons @ 2.5% Cu (Indicated) 829,000 tons @ 2.11% Cu (Inferred) The project spans 25+ km of strike, encompassing six known Cu-Au-Ag zones open to expansion. Unexplored geophysical targets and soil anomalies offer exceptional discovery upside. About Steven Stares With 30+ years in mineral exploration, Stares began his career at Hemlo Gold Mines and the Eagle River deposit before founding Benton in 2004. He's played a major role in launching public companies like Clean Air Metals, and previously ran a successful exploration services business in Ontario. Copper, AI, and the Global Energy Shift Ellis and Steven explore the rising interest in copper, driven not only by electrification and infrastructure but also by the energy-intensive AI revolution. "Copper is critical to the future-and frankly, we're running out of it," says Stares. Drilling & Expansion Highlights Grades of up to 5% Cu, 3.5% Cu-equivalent Recent hole near a 1969 intercept hit 12 meters of ~2.5% Cu Ongoing 3,000-sample soil grid program targets new zones Strategic Philosophy "We find them, they mine them." Benton excels at discovery and resource building-then brings in engineering teams to take projects forward. New Project: The Dominion VMS Belt Benton recently acquired the Dominion Project in the Bings-Als Valley VMS Belt-home to some of the world's richest historic base metal deposits. In the first 30 days: Multiple new gold and VMS zones discovered Land package doubled News flow expected as surface work continues Positioned alongside major players like Calibre Mining and Firefly Minerals, Benton expands its gold potential and adds another high-impact project. Financing & Shareholder Structure Eric Sprott: ~17% shareholder Conway (Europe): 9.9% shareholder Access to Canadian flow-through funds "We've paid dividends to shareholders-unheard of for a junior explorer." Signs of generalist investor return to junior mining are emerging, says Stares. Volume is creeping up across the space. A Copper-Gold Story with Scale & Credibility With over 25 km of strike, high-grade results, and a track record of monetizing discoveries, Benton stands apart from its peers. Size. Grade. Jurisdiction. Execution. To Listen to the Interview, please visit: https://www.abnnewswire.net/lnk/ZDF12N5M About Benton Resources Inc Benton Resources Inc. (CVE:BEX) (OTCMKTS:BNTRF) has a highly prospective multi-mineral property portfolio. In addition, it holds large equity positions in other mining companies that are advancing high-quality assets, and whenever possible, BEX retains net smelter return (NSR) royalties with potential long-term cash flow. The company is currently focused on advancing its high-grade Copper-Gold Great Burnt Project in central Newfoundland, which has a Mineral Resource estimate of 442,000 tonnes @ 2.50% Cu Indicated and 829,000 @ 2.11% Cu Inferred. The Project has an excellent geological setting covering 25 km of strike and boasts six known Cu-Au-Ag zones over 15 km that are all open for expansion. Further potential for discovery is excellent given the extensive number of untested geophysical targets and Cu-Au soil anomalies. About The Ellis Martin Report The Ellis Martin Report (TEMR) is an internet based radio program showcasing potentially undervalued companies to an audience of potential retail investors and fund managers that comprise our listening audience. TEMR is broadcasted on the VoiceAmerica Business Channel and The Opportunity Radio Network. CEO and company interviews are paid for by those represented on the program. loading......... Related Companies BJP MPs Storm Out, Brand Medha Patkar 'Anti-National' at Parliamentary Panel Meet 2 A heated confrontation erupted during a parliamentary committee meeting on Tuesday after BJP MPs staged a dramatic walkout over the decision to invite activist Medha Patkar, whom they labelled anti-national. The protest forced an early adjournment of the Standing Committee on Rural Development and Panchayati Raj due to lack of quorum. Former Union minister and BJP MP Parshottam Rupala led the exodus, with several BJP lawmakers expressing outrage that Patkar known for her leadership of the Narmada Bachao Andolan against the Sardar Sarovar Dam project was invited to share her views on the 2013 land acquisition law. One furious BJP MP even questioned if the panel might as well invite Pakistans leaders next. Committee chairman and Congress MP Saptagiri Sankar Ulaka defended the move to invite Patkar, calling it standard practice to consult civil society stakeholders on important legislation. We wanted to hear diverse opinions, but they [BJP MPs] didnt allow it, Ulaka told PTI. The controversy stems from Patkars longstanding opposition to projects like the Sardar Sarovar Dam a scheme championed by then-Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi which BJP leaders claim undermined national development. Modi has repeatedly criticized attempts to stall the dam, citing delays since its foundation in the 1960s. After BJP MPs exited the meeting, Ulaka declared it adjourned due to the absence of the required quorum of 10 members. Sources said the panel had also called officials from the Environment Ministry and other activists, including actor Prakash Raj, but BJP MPs objected specifically to Patkars presence. Reacting to the abrupt end, Patkar confirmed she had been formally invited and had previously appeared before parliamentary committees without issue. I have never seen anything like this. It is important to discuss the land acquisition law, she said, expressing disappointment at the disruption. Fadnavis Vows MCOCA Overhaul to Crush Drug Smuggling in Maharashtra 2 Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced on Wednesday that the Maharashtra government will amend the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) during the ongoing monsoon session to intensify action against narcotics smuggling. The move aims to plug gaps in the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, which often allows accused smugglers to secure bail. Responding to BJP legislator Parinay Fuke in the state council, Fadnavis said dedicated NDPS units have been established in every police station, with district-level coordination committees also operational. He noted that large-scale action has been taken in recent years and emphasised that enhanced cooperation with the central government has boosted interstate intelligence sharing, enabling coordinated crackdowns on drug syndicates. The Chief Minister stressed the importance of addiction recovery centers and promised new policies to expand and improve their quality. He clarified that cannabis cultivation is illegal and warned of stringent action against anyone involved in smuggling cannabis, gutkha, or similar substances. In response to a question from Shiv Sena UBT legislator Sunil Shinde, Fadnavis assured that cases of compassionate recruitment of police officers will be resolved swiftly under the states 150-day plan, with clear instructions issued to all departments. Highlighting police welfare, Fadnavis said the 8-hour duty system, first implemented in Mumbai, is now stable statewide, with weekly holidays becoming standard practice. Encashment for missed leave has been significantly increased. He also cited unprecedented progress in housing projects for police personnel across Maharashtra, with rapid construction underway even at the taluka level. Addressing health concerns, Fadnavis said mandatory annual health check-ups for officers above 40 and biannual check-ups for those above 50 have been introduced, along with counselling initiatives to support mental well-being. Home Minister Yogesh Kadam added that free treatment for 40 diseases is now available to police personnel through partnerships with 270 hospitals. Cancer screening camps, yoga, meditation, and gym facilities have also been launched to improve police health and morale. A DeKalb County, Ala. school employee has been arrested in Georgia on charges he made pornographic videos of children using a hidden recording device. Michael Brown has been charged with six counts of sexual exploitation of a child, six counts of computer pornography, 11 counts of unlawful eavesdropping or surveillance, two counts of possession/sale/distribution of eavesdropping devices, 11 counts of surreptitious recording of intimate parts, and five counts of prohibition on nude or sexual explicit electronic transmissions, according to the Chattooga County (Ga.) Sheriffs Office website. WHNT, citing the sheriffs office, said Brown, 36, of Cloudland, Ga., was arrested Tuesday. The investigation revealed that Brown was manufacturing, uploading and sending child pornography online. Brown was utilizing a hidden video recorder to obtain images, according to authorities. Brown is listed on the DeKalb County Schools website as a computer technician. In a statement posted to social media, the school system said it was aware of the arrest and that he had been removed from all duties pending the outcome of the investigation. At this time, we can confirm that the charges are not connected to our students, and did not occur on our campuses, however, due to the serious nature of the allegations, DeKalb County Schools in conjunction with the DeKalb County Sheriffs Office has launched an investigation to ensure that the privacy, safety, and well-being of our students have not been compromised in any way, the system said in the statement. We ask for the publics patience as this investigation continues and assure our community that we are committed to transparency, accountability, and the highest standards of student protection. Truancy by Mobile County Public School students fell by 50% over the last year, according to the Mobile County District Attorneys Office. Local officials said the reinstatement of a longtime support program originally created in Mobile, the Helping Families Initiative, helped address chronic absenteeism and truancy. As educators, we recognize that attendance is one of the most important factors in a students success, Superintendent Chreshal Threadgill said in a rare public appearance. We do all that we can to encourage students to be present, however, we must also rely upon our parents and the community to make sure children are in class every day. Along with truancy falling by 50%, the amount of chronically absent students also saw a 58% decline, according to the announcement. Those numbers equated to a total 9,284 truant students and 7,433 chronically absent students. Prior to the Helping Family Initiative being implemented there were 18,722 truant students and 17,767 chronically absent students during the 2022-23 school year. In the 2023-24 school year, the most recent year of data publicly available, Mobile schools reported a chronic absenteeism rate of 18%. The Helping Families Initiative partners with school systems and community organizations to intervene and assist families before students are sent to the juvenile justice system. Attendance isnt just a school issue, its a community responsibility, Mobile County District Attorney Keith Blackwood said. These numbers prove that when schools, parents, and students lock arms, we can rewrite the story for thousands of kids across Mobile County. Fewer absences mean fewer suspensions, fewer dropouts, and fewer court cases down the line. Thats the kind of win that changes everything. Examples of support vary, but in the past, Helping Families has provided students and parents with washing machines and stoves, clean clothes, mental health appointments and grocery coupons. The statewide program, which operates in 21 school districts, got increased funding from the legislature last year. Truancy and absenteeism remain problems at schools around the country, AL.com and other news organizations found last year. Six Mobile schools were identified as having the highest truancy decline in the 2024-25 school year. Those schools included: Vigor High School, 30% decrease. Theodore High School, 17% decrease. Washington Middle School, 27% decrease. Semmes Middle school, 11% decrease. Forest Hill Elementary School, 31% decrease. Collins-Rhodes Elementary School, 21% decrease. Blackwood said his office is working on a summer initiative to help students and families in preparation for the return to school in August. Alabama school districts are missing $68 million in federal funds, putting programming and some jobs in jeopardy as state officials try to get answers. The money, which was meant for local after-school, English learner and professional development programs, is typically sent to schools on July 1 every year. But in an email to state officials Monday, the Education Department said it was pausing disbursements for several grants until it completes a review of those programs. These are programs already approved and funded by Congress, State Superintendent Eric Mackey said in a statement Wednesday morning. They include programs integral to successful and supportive schools across Alabama, and districts have planned for the 2025-26 school year with an expectation that these formula-based funds would be flowing as normal. Since Congress had appropriated the money in the recent continuing resolution, we had no reason to believe otherwise. The freeze comes as schools prepare to make hires and finalize budgets for the new school year. Mackey said much of the amount is directly tied to salaries for teachers, teacher aides and other employees. Some of the funds also are tied to affordable afterschool programs. For our continued success, Alabamas schools need consistency, reliability and transparency in our funding streams, he said. Lawmakers, policymakers and our department work together to ensure this kind of consistency, reliability and transparency with state funds. Jodi Grant, who heads the national Afterschool Alliance, said the holdup could impact more than 10,000 after-school programs, especially in high-poverty districts like Alabamas Gadsden City Schools, which has built up its programming in recent years. Grant said the district, which relies heavily on federal funds, could stand to lose all of its after-school programs by August if funding isnt restored. Those programs serve more than 1,200 students and employ about 75 staff, she said. The programs also serve many English learners and provide hours of specialized support to those students. Gadsden Superintendent Keith Blackwell did not respond to a request for comment by the time of publication. Its just catastrophic for our families, Grant said in a news conference Tuesday. Youre going to have kids with nowhere to go at the end of the day. Richard Franklin, who heads Birminghams chapter of the American Federation of Teachers, said the pause could undermine academic success for the entire state. In Birmingham, funds supported academic recovery efforts and programs that help students with lots of different learning needs, he said. This isnt just a budget issueits a matter of justice and equity, he said. Our students in Birmingham deserve every opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. Stripping away federal funding that supports special education, mental health, reading programs and school safety would be devastating. We cannot allow our kids to become political casualties. The department is reviewing the following grant programs: Title I-C for migrant education Title II-A for professional development Title III-A for English learner services Title IV-A for student support and academic enrichment Title IV-B for 21st Century Community Learning Centers Alabama received about $90 million for those five programs in 2024, according to the Learning Policy Institute. The group estimates nearly $6.2 billion in disbursements are currently stalled around the country. Earlier this year, the department froze nearly $9 million in pandemic relief funds meant for a school construction project in Selma and a statewide program for struggling readers. U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon recently reversed course on that decision, allowing Alabama and other states to file for reimbursements. We are hopeful that the review period will be expedited, and funds will be released quickly, Mackey said. However, we look forward to working expeditiously with our colleagues in Washington as we are only weeks away from the beginning of a new school year and wish to avoid any disruption in services for our students and their families. Lorna Gail Woods, a leader of the community descended from survivors of the slave ship Clotilda's final voyage, carries a wreath during a ceremony on July 9, 2022, marking the anniversary of the ship's arrival. Lawrence Specker | LSpecker@AL.com For the Africatown community and its supporters, the July 4 weekend promises to be a blockbuster: The Clotilda Descendants Association has combined its two biggest events into one multi-day celebration. In recent years the CDA has presented a Spirit of Our Ancestors Festival early in the year, followed by a Landing event in July. The festival has served as a festive community gathering, while the Landing has been a more somber, spiritual affair commemorating events of July 1860, when the slave ship Clotilda unloaded what is believed to be the last shipment of captive Africans brought into slavery in the United States. This year the festival has been shifted to the same July weekend as the Landing, which happens to coincide with July 4. The combined festivities are being presented under a new umbrella, LEAF, meaning Landing Event and Ancestor Festival. LEAF Committee Chair Chanelle Blackwell said that the decades-long effort to preserve the legacy of the Clotildas survivors and to sustain the Africatown community still inhabited by their descendants has been elevated by some significant events in recent years. These include the scientific confirmation that the wreckage of the Clotilda had been found in the Mobile River, and the release of the award-winning documentary Descendant, backed by Barack and Michelle Obamas Higher Ground production company. But the effort to battle challenges such as industrial encroachment and pollution remain a hard fight, she said, requiring continuous effort to maintain attention and focus. The LEAF umbrella was created in part to maximize the participation in, and the impact of, the Landing event and the annual festival. I do think the trend is positive, she said, though theres still a lot of work to be done to mitigate decades of blight and neglect. We were really excited to have [author] Michael Harriot last year, she said, and were really excited to have [New York Times journalist] Jamelle Bouie speaking this year. Its important for us to have those voices. The weekend includes some gatherings and events intended for descendants of Clotilda survivors. However, it also features many events that are open to the public. They are: Thursday, July 3, 1 p.m.-4 p.m. A Clotilda Descendants Association Meet & Greet will be held at the Africatown Heritage House at 2465 Winbush St. in Mobile. (For full information on the Heritage House, including hours, exhibits and ticketing details, visit clotilda.com. Admission is free for Mobile County residents, but timed entry tickets are required due to limited capacity.) Thursday, July 3, 6 p.m.-9 p.m. A Descendant Celebration Reception will take place at Kazoola, 558 Dauphin St. Friday, July 4 The Ancestor Festival and CDA Environmental Justice Summit take place on the grounds of the Hope Center, 850 Edwards St., and the adjacent Mobile County Training School. Admission is free. The festival runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Ramsey Sprague of the Mobile Environmental Justice Action Coalition and Clotilda descendant Assata de la Cruz will lead the Environmental Justice Summit starting shortly after noon. Friday, July 4, 6 p.m. The Protect Truth Summit featuring New York Times journalist Jamelle Bouie will be held at The Admiral hotel, 251 Government St. Bouie will speak on the topic of History and Journalism in American Democracy. Attendance is limited; tickets are $50 for the general public, $10 for Africatown residents, free for Clotilda survivor descendants. For ticketing information, visit the Clotilda Descendants Association website. The event is co-sponsored by Kinfolkology, an organization using contemporary research techniques to integrate data related to slavery, the lives of the enslaved, their communities and their descendants. A crowd gathers under the Africatown Bridge as the Clotilda Descendants Association holds its "Landing" ceremony on July 8, 2023. Lawrence Specker | LSpecker@AL.com Saturday, July 5, 8 a.m.-9:30 p.m. The Landing ceremony will be held under the Africatown Bridge, 101 Bay Bridge Road. Organizers say the public is welcome to join us for a powerful morning ceremony as we gather at the historic site beneath the Africatown Bridge to honor the legacy of our ancestors and celebrate the ongoing journey of remembrance, resilience, and renewal. There is no ticketing or attendance limit, but visitors are asked to RSVP to help with planning. Sunday, July 6, 10:45 a.m. A church service with descendants will be held at Union Missionary Baptist Church, 506 Bay Bridge Road. Organizers advise that All are welcome to attend. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis up to the churchs capacity, so we encourage you to arrive early. For more information, visit theclotildastory.com/event-directory. A historic hotel in downtown Eufaula is set to get new life in 2026. Getty Images A historic, 140-year-old hotel in east Alabama is on track to receive guests once again as part of a $25 million renovation project gets underway. The Bluff City Inn, located along Highway 431 in downtown Eufaula, is set to become a state-of-the-art Marriott boutique hotel. RAM Hotels Management, based out of Columbus, Ga., is leading the project, according to WVTM. The hotel, which will be named The Former House, will include 85 rooms, a restaurant, bar, pool and meeting spaces. Related: Historic, nearly 200-year-old Alabama hotel opens its doors to guests once again While The Former House is expected to open in fall 2026, the project was originally announced in 2020 but was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Renovations, however, are now back on track. Its a blessing for the town for sure, Eufaula Mayor Jack Tibbs told WVTM. Itll be a major anchor for the downtown. Itll be known in Alabama and across the South. Bluff City Inn was built in 1885 and, as one of the few remaining 19th-century hotels remaining in the state, has become an icon of the area, according to the Abbeville Institute. The three-story hotel, with its picturesque verandah, was once home to historian Anne Kendrick Walker as well as the late Chief Justice of the Alabama Supreme Court, Gorman Houston. Old-fashioned dairy bars, with their little screened windows where you can order cool treats, bring back fond childhood memories. Modern chain brands such as Handels and Brusters have tried to revive the old-timey feel of the walk-up dairy bar, but a few of the original ones still exist in Alabama. Following is a list of existing dairy bars we tracked down. Remember, for this list, we only considered places that offer walk-up service and serve ice cream. Do you know of others? If so, email kkazek@al.com. Kreme Delite opened in downtown Athens in 1951. It still has its original sign. Huntsville Times File Photo Kreme Delite 401 W. Washington Street, Athens Kreme Delite opened in downtown Athens in 1951. Each spring and summer, residents line up outside the screened windows for specialties such as peanut butter milkshakes. Kreme Delite still has its original neon sign. READ MORE: 12 best places to get ice cream in Alabama Mrs. Storys Dairy Bar opened in 1952 in Opelika. Birmingham News Mrs. Storys Dairy Bar 1900 Pepperell Parkway, Opelika Located in Opelika, Mrs. Storys is a favorite of Auburn students and visitors alike. The Auburn-Opelika Tourism website says: A tradition since 1952, the secret recipe for Mrs. Storys famous homemade chili dogs reminds us that, thankfully, some things never change. Still in its original location on Pepperell Parkway, the owners of this 50s style walk-up are the third generation of the Story family to serve the freshest fast food in the area. Eds Dairy Bar opened in 2025 in Grove Hill in an old dairy bar building built in 1958. Birmingham News Eds Drive In and Eds Dairy Bar 3018 North College Ave., Jackson; 116 Main Street, Grove Hill Eds Drive-In has been a favorite of the people of Jackson, Ala., for nearly seven decades. The iconic hamburger joint has a vintage neon sign out front and a walk-up window. And, yes, it serves ice cream. This year, owners Justin and Julia Brooks opened a second business in Grove Hill Eds Dairy Bar. They refurbished an old dairy bar building that first opened in 1958, Bob Carlton wrote in an AL.com article. A Grove Hill institution that goes back to 1958, the tiny, old-school burger stand has had various names and owners over the years, but almost everybody in this town of about 1,700 people knows it as the Dairy Bar, Carlton wrote. The Frosty Inn Drive-In in Russellville still features the iconic barrel on the roof and its old-fashioned sign. Birmingham News Frosty Inn 12805 US Highway 43, Russellville Its difficult to miss the Frosty Inn Drive-In when traveling along U.S. Highway 43 it still features the iconic barrel on the roof and its old-fashioned sign. According to Bob Carlton of AL.com, The Frosty Inn has been an institution in Russellville since brothers Homer and Raymond Grissom and their respective wives Polly and Betty opened it in 1960. Dots Dairy Den in New Hope is more than 70 years old and has served generations of families. Huntsville Times File Photo Dots Dairy Den 5371 Main Drive, New Hope Dots Dairy Den is more than 70 years old and has served generations of families. The business has been closed to resolve mechanical issues but a Facebook post vows the closure is temporary and the Dairy Den will re-open soon. The Frosty Mug, which opened in the mid-1950s in Jasper, was in the news in 2023 when film star Matthew McConoughey filmed scenes for his recently released movie The Rivals of Amziah King. Erin Brown The Frosty Mug 8340 Alabama Highway 78, Jasper The Frosty Mug, which opened in the mid-1950s in Jasper, was in the news in 2023 when film star Matthew McConoughey filmed scenes for his recently released movie The Rivals of Amziah King. Locals spotted McConoughey causing Matthew Mania, according to AL.coms Mary Colurso. Norman Reedus, who played Daryl Dixon on The Walking Dead, also visited the Frosty Mug when he was filming an episode of his reality show Ride with Norman Reedus. The episode featured Reedus taking a motorcycle trip with actor Michael Rooker, who was born in Jasper. Since 2011, it has been owned by J.J. Lovingood and Paulette Murray. The Diary Queen in Andalusia is housed in side-by-side buildings -- one with a walk-up window and one with tables for indoor dining. Kelly Kazek Dairy Queen 220 East Three Notch, Andalusia This Dairy Queen location still has a walk-up window in addition to an adjacent building that offers indoor dining. The original business opened in 1957. Mel's Dairy Dream in Monroeville, Ala., serves lunch items as well ice cream sundaes, Coke floats and more. Kelly Kazek Mels Dairy Dream 216 S. Alabama Avenue, Monroeville Folks in Monroeville flock to Mels Dairy Dream at lunchtime to have a steak sandwich and an old-fashioned Coke float. Everyone knows this is hallowed ground the home where famed novelist Harper Lee was born was once located on this spot. After the Lee family moved in the 1950s, the home was demolished and the restaurant was built in 1954. Next door, people can walk around the remnants of a stone wall and the foundation of the home where author Truman Capote lived as a child. He and Harper Lee were childhood friends. Challen Stephens, who led the AL.com newsroom to three Pulitzer Prizes in the last five years, has been named vice president of content and editor in chief of Alabama Media Group, the company announced Wednesday. Natalie Pruitt, the president of Alabama Media Group, informed AL.com staffers of Stephens promotion on Wednesday morning. Challens leadership has helped define a new era of journalism in Alabama. His commitment to fearless reporting and his ability to guide teams through complex, high-impact investigations have earned national recognition and deep trust from our readers, Pruitt said. Just as important, he brings a sharp strategic mind and a deep understanding of our business, making him the right person to lead us forward. Im proud to see him step into this role. A native of Pennsylvania, Stephens has worked for Advance Local in Alabama for 30 years, starting at The Huntsville Times in 1995. He spent decades covering education, criminal justice and politics in Alabama. A graduate of Dartmouth College, he spent a year as a Knight-Wallace Fellow at the University of Michigan and earned a masters degree in journalism from the University of Missouri. Stephens reporting on police and schools won numerous honors over the years, including awards from Investigative Reporters and Editors, Education Writers Association, and the White House Correspondents Association. In 2021, Stephens was a lead reporter on the team that won the Pulitzer Prize for national reporting for examining the severity of widespread injuries from police K9s. He was the editor on two year-long projects for AL.com that each earned a Pulitzer Prize in 2023, one for local reporting and another for commentary. One exposed a corrupt police department and another examined how Alabamas legacy on race affects the state today. Stephens has served as acting editor in chief since March. Stephens replaces Hollis Towns, who left earlier this year to pursue other opportunities. His first official day in the new role will be today. Its a privilege to lead the largest newsroom in this state, Stephens said. Alabama is a unique place, where deep reporting can really make a difference. And this is a talented group, a group that knows how to report on Alabama in a way that makes sense to Alabamians. Well keep doing that. Well also find the fun stories that people cant help but talk about, and as always well be fast, and well go wherever the news take us in our state. Most recently Stephens was senior news director and investigative editor for AL.com leading one of the largest teams of investigative journalists in the southeast. He also has had a national role as director of investigations for news outlets across Advance Local. Alabama Media Group, which publishes AL.com, has more than 100 Alabama-based journalists located throughout the state. Besides AL.com the states largest digital news site AMG also produces This is Alabama, Its a Southern Thing, the Alabama Ed Lab and the digital editions of the Birmingham News, Huntsville Times and Mobile Press-Register. In this courtroom sketch, Sean "Diddy" Combs reacts after he was convicted of prostitution-related offenses but acquitted of sex trafficking and racketeering charges that could have put him behind bars for life, Wednesday, July 2, 2025, in Manhattan federal court in New York. (Elizabeth Williams via AP) AP The jury in the Sean Diddy Combs sex trafficking trial convicted him of prostitution-related crime but cleared him of sex trafficking and racketeering charges. Heres what we know about the potential sentence: Will Combs spend years in prison? The three-time Grammy award winner was convicted of flying people around the country, including his girlfriends and paid male sex workers, to engage in sexual encounters, a violation of a 115-year-old federal law called the Mann Act, named for James Mann, an Illinois congressman. The law originally prohibited the interstate transport of a woman or girl for prostitution or debauchery, or for any other immoral purpose. It was later updated to be gender-neutral and for any sexual activity for which any person can be charged with a criminal offense. In a court filing, Assistant U.S. Attorney Maurene Comey estimated that Combs sentencing guidelines, which take into account many technical factors, will likely qualify him for a prison term of more than four years. Hell get credit for his time in custody since his arrest in September. Combs defense team believes the guidelines will be much lower, around two years. The maximum possible sentence is 10 years in prison, though U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian will have much discretion. He proposed an Oct. 3 sentencing date. The government said Combs coerced women into abusive sex parties involving hired male sex workers, ensured their compliance with drugs like cocaine and threats to their careers, and silenced victims through blackmail and violence that included kidnapping, arson and beatings. The jury, however, acquitted Combs of the most serious charges racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking which could have carried a sentence of up to life in prison. What is racketeering conspiracy? Combs defeated the racketeering charge. Authorities had accused him of running a criminal enterprise that relied on bodyguards, household staff, personal assistants and others in his orbit to facilitate and cover up crimes. Its commonly used to tackle organized crime, with prosecutors using the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations act, or RICO, to take on the Mafia in the 1970s. To prove the charge, prosecutors had to show that an enterprise existed and was involved in a pattern of racketeering activity. In this case, the alleged activity included kidnapping, arson, bribery and sex trafficking. Combs lawyer, Marc Agnifilo, portrayed the Bad Boys Records founder as the victim of overzealous prosecutors who exaggerated elements of his lifestyle and recreational drug use to bring charges that resulted in what he called a fake trial. He said the women were willing participants. How long did the jury work? Deliberations began Monday in late morning. The panel of eight men and four women sent a note that it had reached a verdict at 9:52 a.m. Wednesday, a day after telling the judge that it was stuck on one of the five charges, racketeering. The judge said Tuesday it was too soon to give up and ordered the jury to return Wednesday to try to reach a unanimous verdict. Combs pumped his right fist after hearing that he was acquitted of the most serious charges. Whats next? The judge denied Combs request to be released on bond while he awaits his sentence, noting that evidence at trial pointed to Combs exhibiting a yearslong pattern of violence. Subramanian set a July 8 hearing to discuss the sentencing process. This is an opinion cartoon poop cruise horror story. Ship happens. And then Netflix produces a documentary about it. Trainwreck: Poop Cruise is the new Netflix doc which revisits the 2013 chaotic voyage of the cursed Carnival Triumph through the eyes of some of those poor souls who were on board. At 55 minutes, its a quick trainwreck that you cant look away from ... but its not without humor. I got a kick out of the Carnival staffer who was excited about all the sex capades going on until ... the unpleasantness. Not to give anything away, but if youre trying to cut down on your intake of lasagna, this flick will do the trick. John Sharp wrote about this in his AL.com story: Carnival Triumph: How Mobile became safe harbor for infamous poop cruise in 2013 Excerpt: Two days after Mardi Gras in 2013, national media descended on the Alabama Cruise Terminal, awaiting the nighttime arrival of a crippled cruise liner carrying 4,229 weary passengers. Hundreds of miles away in the Gulf of Mexico, what began as a dream voyage to a Mexican paradise had turned into a nightmare. The Carnival Triumph, stranded after an engine fire on February 10, was adrift without power, air conditioning, or functioning toilets. Red biohazard bags were handed out for defecationa grim image that earned the vessel its infamous nickname: the poop cruise. Read all of Sharps story here. Today, I present a play-by-play of the events as they emerged from my drawing board over a two-month period in 2013. Sadly, after the passengers were showered, fed and happily skipping home from their grisly nightmare, the Carnival Triumphs horror story would continue for another 82 memorable days in Mobile. The last three of these cartoons pick up where the Netflix documentary ends. This first cartoon was simply titled: Ship happens. The italicized text is from the brief snarky essay I wrote for each toon at the time. Ship happens JD Crowe Love stinks. No - thats just the Carnival Triumph poop cruise ship docked at Mobiles Alabama Cruise Terminal. To 4,000 vomiting feces jockeys and urine surfers, Mobile will forever be the most beautiful city in the world. Thanks, Carnival. Septic Team 6 to the rescue JD Crowe Thanks, Carnival. Compared to your stinky Triumph misadventure and PR debacle, the city of Mobile smells like a rose. The world knows us to be gracious, friendly and downright pretty. Right, Erin Burnett? About that stink. Carnival now has about as much panache as an outhouse floating in a swimming pool. Triumph is dry-docked in Mobile and has to be - yuck - de-pooped. Whos up for the job? Is there an elite arm of the military for deep-cleaning? SEPTIC Team 6, we need you. Just do it JD Crowe A colon cleansing, paint job and name change is not enough to save the Carnival Triumph, a.k.a. the Turdtanic, The Poop Ship, etc.. This ship is cursed. In February, the ship made national headlines when it was towed oozing and stinking into Mobile Bay, carrying a cargo of folks festering in its foulness. Since then its been sitting in punishment at BAE Systems in the Mobile River for all to see, like a sinful beast in shackles. Last week, the beast made headlines again when it broke loose and wreaked havoc in Mobile Bay, banging into structures, other vessels, injuring at least one man and leaving another man dead. Its now sitting in shame at the Alabama Cruise Terminal near downtown Mobile. Its time to go Old Yeller on Triumph. Put the rabid dog down. "Carrie" JD Crowe Ive said it before and Ill say it again: That Carnival ship is cursed. As fire exploded all around last night, the Mobile River looked like a famous scene from a classic Stephen King horror movie. One theory says the explosions were caused by a static charge. Hooey. Dont know exactly why or how, but those explosions were caused by the ship formerly known as the Carnival Triumph. It may as well be covered in pigs blood, as far as Im concerned. That ship is Carrie. There will be no peace in Mobile Bay until that horror flick of a ship is gone. JD Crowe is the cartoonist for Alabama Media Group andAL.com. He won the RFK Human Rights Award for Editorial Cartoons in 2020. In 2018, he was awarded the Rex Babin Memorial Award for local and state cartoons by the Association of American Editorial Cartoonists. Follow JD on Facebook, Twitter@Crowejam andInstagram @JDCrowepix. Give him a holler @jdcrowe@al.com. Laws in effect We mentioned yesterday that the ban on smokeable hemp was going into effect. Thats not the only legislative action to kick in as of July 1, reports AL.coms Mike Cason. Also going live was a bill that established paid parental leave for education and state employees of eight weeks for mothers and two weeks for fathers. That applies after a birth, stillbirth or miscarriage. It also provides paid leave for parents adopting a child age 3 or younger. Another bill thats taken effect adds half a billion dollars to the amount the state can borrow for prison construction. Back in 2021 lawmakers approved $1.3 billion to build prisons in Elmore and Escambia counties. Since then, the price of the first prison (in Elmore County) has risen to more than a billion dollars. And the overtime state-income-tax exemption has expired. That was a popular bipartisan measure at the time, but lawmakers let it expire because of the lack of revenues impact on the education budget. A bill to extend the exemption failed during this past legislative session. Come Sept. 1, two other tax cuts will take effect: One that further lowers the state sales tax on food from 3% to 2% and another to exempt diapers, baby formula, feminine hygiene products and a few other items from the state sales tax, which is 4%. Looming parole-board decision State Attorney General Steve Marshall sounded his support for the former assistant AG who brought the states parole rate down into the single digits as parole-board chair, reports AL.coms Ivana Hrynkiw. Leigh Gwathneys seat on the board has expired, but shell stay on until Gov. Kay Ivey appoints a replacement. Marshall hopes its a reappointment for Gwathney. The formal request he sent to Ivey was signed by 76 people in law enforcement, including sheriffs and district attorneys. The AG also wrote about unprecedented and unwarranted criticism by the liberal media. The parole rate fell from around 50% to as low as 8% under Gwalthney, with her vote a nearly automatic no when the three-person board decides whether to parole an eligible inmate. Two former Alabama Supreme Court chief justices -- Republican Roy Moore and Democrat Sue Bell Cobb -- are among those whove expressed concern over the lack of paroles granted, with Moore calling the system broken. That 8% rate was from 2023. The parole rate increased to 20% last year, with Gwathney still being a reliable no vote. Catholic leadership Pope Leo XIV has named a new archbishop for the Archdiocese of Mobile, reports AL.coms Greg Garrison. Bishop Mark S. Rivituso will take over for Archbishop Thomas J. Rodi, who aged out of the job. Rivituso has been the auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of St. Louis since 2017. A risky childbirth A woman has reached a confidential settlement after she said she was left to give birth alone in the Etowah County Jail, reports AL.coms Savannah Tryens-Fernandes. The woman was arrested for using drugs while pregnant just two months into her pregnancy. Seven months later, her water broke. Her lawyers said she wasnt taken to the hospital and ended up giving birth in the shower and going through a placental abruption. The lawsuit claims that jail staff then looked at her and took pictures before calling for medical care. The lawsuit was filed against Etowah County and officials at the Etowah County Jail, jail medical contractors Doctors Care Physicians and some of its employees, and CED Mental Health Services. Settlements with the defendants were kept confidential. One big, beautiful update The U.S. Senate on Tuesday passed the budget reconciliation bill known as One Big Beautiful Bill, but itll still have to make a run through the House of Representatives today as lawmakers there mull the Senates changes. Well have more on that in the days and weeks ahead as it becomes more clear how the final product might affect Alabama. The bill makes permanent the 2017 tax cuts and adds some, such as eliminating taxes on tips. Cuts and changes to the food-stamps and Medicare programs are frustrating Democrats and some Republicans. Advocacy groups such as Alabama Arise are warning of large numbers of people in Alabama losing access to those programs as well as how that will affect rural hospitals and grocery stores. Efforts were made in the bill to counter one of those that by putting more money into a rural hospital fund. Another amendment scrapped a provision that wouldve stopped states from regulating artificial intelligence. Meanwhile, some traditional conservatives are crying foul over the bills effect on the high-flying federal budget deficit. Sens. Tommy Tuberville and Katie Britt of Alabama supported the bill. By the Numbers 21,000 Thats how many words a day children 5 and under should hear in order to optimize development, some say. A literacy program in Birmingham is making that a goal. More Alabama News Born on This Date In 1937, actress Polly Holliday, who was born in Jasper and grew up in the Sylacauga/Childersburg area. In 1939, Temptations baritone Paul Williams of Birmingham. The podcast President Donald Trump listens as Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem speaks during a tour of "Alligator Alcatraz," a new migrant detention facility at Dade-Collier Training and Transition facility, Tuesday, July 1, 2025, in Ochopee, Fla. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) AP President Donald Trump lauded Alabama and other Republican-led states for creating their own versions of Floridas Alligator Alcatraz on Tuesday. Trump made the comments standing alongside Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem Tuesday during a tour of the facility in South Florida. We have Louisiana doing it, big Alabama is doing it, Trump said. We have a lot of states...they seem to be red states, theyre not too many blue states, for whatever reason. The red states, Republican-run states are doing it. The blue states dont do very well at security and policing, unfortunately. JUST IN: MULTIPLE other states are already working on their own versions of Alligator Alcatraz, per President Trump Alabama and Louisiana now have facilities under construction. ALL STATES should be building these! pic.twitter.com/MfB01Ciol9 Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) July 1, 2025 Alligator Alcatraz is the name given to the Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport in the Everglades. Designed to be completely self-contained, the temporary facility will house undocumented migrants relocated from local jails to repurposed FEMA trailers and soft-sided temporary facilities usually used to house storm victims, a Department of Homeland Security official told CNN. The installation is designed to hold about 3,000 but could hold as many as 5,000, betting that the surroundings will deter escape. Utilities, such as water, sewage and power will be provided by mobile equipment, according to the governors office. It is expected to cost $450 million to operate. Last week, two companies in south Alabama received federal contracts related to expanding detention beds across the country for the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). After returning to the White House in January, Trump signed an executive order declaring a national emergency at the southern border which has been used as a justification to expedite contracts for detention beds,according to the Associated Press. DeSantis said very red states should be creating their own facilities. And then what happens is, youll have a lot of people that will deport on their own, because they dont want to end up in an Alligator Alcatraz, he said. I think this is a model, but we need other states to step up. Shelley Stewart discusses his decades of work in media and radio and his new podcasting venture. Alaina Bookman/AL.com Shelley Stewart A long-time Alabama personality and businessman is joining an elite group whose ranks include the likes of Bob Hope, James Brown, Larry King and Ryan Seacrest. Shelley Stewart, whose decades long career includes broadcasting, public relations and philanthropy, is among the latest class of inductees into the Radio Hall of Fame. The honor comes from the Chicago-based Museum of Broadcast Communications. Stewart told AL.com that he was shocked to receive the accolade. It means that Ive done something right somewhere along the way, he said. Im really honored. Hopefully the people of Birmingham will understand that nothing is impossible. Stewart, who turns 91 this year, began his media career in 1949 at WEDR radio. He was 16. He also worked for Birminghams Parker High School newspaper. His name rose to prominence in the 1960s at WENN-AM radio where he was widely known as an on-air voice of the civil rights movement in Birmingham. In his trademark style, Stewart demurred when talking about his own successes but instead highlighted his humble and tragic beginnings. That included losing his mother to violence at the hands of his father, while Stewart witnessed it, and then an early life of homelessness. He said that winning the award wasnt a bad outcome for a homeless kid from Birmingham. After a stint in the military, Stewart returned to Birmingham where he became a popular radio personality known as Shelley the Playboy for WENN AM. In 1967, he co-founded Steiner Advertising, now known as O2ideas. He also became co-owner of WATV AM. Going from tragedy and poverty to success, Stewart later in life founded the Mattie C. Stewart Foundation. Named for his mother, the foundation was created to improve literacy and increase the graduation rate of high school students. The 2025 Radio Hall of Fame includes 11 honorees. Among them are rock star Alice Cooper and veteran NPR host Scott Simon of Weekend Edition Saturday. Radio Hall of Fame inductees will be honored at a ceremony on Oct.30, 2025, in Chicago. Stewart plans to attend. Our 2025 induction ceremony and celebration will be a special, standing-room-only event honoring the talents, history and contributions of 11 incredible people, co-chairman Kraig Kitchin said in a statement. I cannot wait to celebrate the careers and impact of these men and women whove made a forever positive impact on the radio industry. News of Stewarts latest honor immediately generated congratulations around Birmingham. Huge congratulations to Birminghams own Playboy! Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin posted on social media. Woodfins post generated hundreds of congratulatory messages for Stewart, many from people posting their own memories of him reflecting his work in the community and on the air. Erskine Chuck Faush Jr. said Stewart is like family to him. Faush, himself a broadcaster and administrator at Miles College, grew up watching Stewart work alongside his father, the Rev. Erskine Faush, himself an early Black radio executive and personality. Dr. Shelley Stewart to some and Shelley the Playboy to others was simply Unk to me, Faush told AL.com. I grew up between him and my dad at WENN, WATV and backstage at concert halls, listening and learning how to tell a story so well that audiences were informed, entertained and inspired. His questions shaped not only public opinion but championed causes and settled crises. A more than 121-acre site annexed by Huntsville at the City Council meeting on June 26, 2025. City of Huntsville The Huntsville City Council annexed about 128 acres of land at its June 26 meeting and is poised to annex more than 1,000 acres at its first meeting this month. But Huntsville City Councilwoman Michelle Watkins continues to voice concerns about whether Huntsville City Schools can handle the increase of students the new land acquisitions could potentially bring. Watkins abstained from voting on the largest annexation at the meeting, a 121-acre site north and south of Little Cove Road and west of U.S. 72 East. Im asking these questions because the schools are busting at the seams, said Watkins, who was a school board member before her election to the council last year. Mayor Tommy Battle said city officials meet with City Schools Superintendent Clarence Sutton monthly and talk about annexations and where Huntsville is growing as a city. The mayor said they talk about a lot of different issues that affect the city and school board. Manager of Planning and Zoning Services Thomas Nunez said a more than 100-single family home development is proposed for the site off Little Cove Road, although 90 acres - of the 121 acres - of property would be kept in its natural state. The council also voted to annex two other properties totaling about seven acres. Deposit Road, LLC, management committee managers James R. Hays and John W. Hays, the estate of William Stevens and the estate of Kelly Virginia Stevens were the petitioners for the Little Cove Road property. So far this year, the city has taken in more than 600 acres in surpassing Chicago as the nations 27th largest city geographically at 227 square miles. Included in the previously annexed land is an almost 400-acre site off the Interstate 65-565 interchange where about 3,000 homes are proposed as part of a mixed-use development. And the council will vote on annexing 1,013 more acres south of River Loop Road and west of Vaughn Road at its July 10 meeting. Huntsville only annexed a little more than 85 acres last year. Following the Senates passage of President Donald Trumps big tax breaks and spending cuts bill, Fox News host Todd Piro had a piece of advice for Republicans. Its very difficult to message on Medicaid, Piro said, referencing the bills $1.2 trillion in cuts, largely to Medicaid and food stamps, that would impose work requirements on able-bodied people, including some parents and older Americans, making sign-up eligibility more stringent and changing federal reimbursements to states. And thats why I do have some advice for the Republican party, Piro continued. .@ToddPiro: I do have some advice for the Republican Party, send out Katie Britt, the Senator from Alabama. pic.twitter.com/IjeTcKIvaU Sam Somogye (@samsomogye) July 2, 2025 Send out Katie Britt, the senator from Alabama. Piro pointed to Britts weekend interview with Jake Tapper on CNNs State of the Union" as an example of how Republicans should disseminate information about the bills spending cuts. I heard her over the weekend explaining, in a better way than I think many of the-Im not trying to make this a gender thing- but many of the older male representatives did, Piro said. In Sundays appearance, Tapper asked Britt to talk about how the bill could impact her constituents in Alabama, while noting that nearly 760,000 people in the state rely on Medicaid and more than 700,000 people (including 330,000 children) rely on food stamps. So when you look at Medicaid. Children, obviously, we have the Childrens Health Insurance Program, replied Britt, noting the program that provides insurance for children up to age 18. So, children are absolutely not touched by this. The same thing when it comes to SNAP benefits, she added. What were talking about is able-bodied, working-aged Americans without dependents in home. Having them work, train, volunteer, in some capacity 20 hours a week in order to receive those government benefits. Piro applauded Britts motherly response. She explained, in a really kind, motherly way, as she is a mother, that look, were removing the Medicaid, temporarily, for people who have determined that they do not want to get a job or even engage in the simplest act of trying to get a job, he said. But opponents of the bill in Alabama have said these cuts will cause a devastating ripple effect throughout the state that expands even beyond those receiving Medicaid or SNAP benefits. Rhonda Mann, executive director of VOICES for Alabamas Children said cuts to Medicaid could close rural hospitals already struggling and cuts to SNAP could drastically impact retailers whose customers buy products with those benefits. And Rev. Valtoria Jackson of the Alabama Poor Peoples Campaign, said at a recent conference that the ramifications of this bill go deeper than the 1s and 0s. It is a moral document, she said. And in its current form, it will deepen poverty, strip vital support from our most vulnerable neighbors, and cost Alabama lives right here in Alabama. The bill is currently being debated in the U.S. House of Representatives. As Immigration and Customs enforcement agents ramp up deportation efforts under the order of President Donald Trump, one man has created an app that allows people to warn their communities ahead of time. The app, ICEBlock, allows users to report sightings of ICE activity. When I read Project 2025, listened to Trump on the campaign trail and then saw his administration putting policies into place to achieve those goals, I knew something had to be done to help the people, creator Joshua Aaron recently told Newsweek. Several members of the administration have come out against the app, with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has calling it an "obstruction of justice" in a post to X this week. This sure looks like obstruction of justice. Our brave ICE law enforcement face a 500% increase in assaults against them. If you obstruct or assault our law enforcement, we will hunt you down and you will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. pic.twitter.com/4ZcfrpyRV1 Secretary Kristi Noem (@Sec_Noem) June 30, 2025 If you obstruct or assault our law enforcement, we will hunt you down and you will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, Noem wrote. But Aaron maintains that the app is not intended to target ICE agents. I have continually made it clear, both via wording in the app and through media, that this is an early warning system, he told Newsweek. In no way are we encouraging ICEBlock users to interfere with law enforcement. As ICE detention centers continue to fill rapidly as the Trump administration stresses daily arrest totals, advocates in Alabama and across the nation remain concerned about overcrowding and inhumane conditions. When we see ICE agents outside of elementary schools, disappearing college students for their political beliefs or ripping babies from their mothers arms as they scream for their children, we all know their rhetoric of getting rid of the worst of the worst is a lie, Aaron told Newsweek. As I often say, if you ever wondered what you wouldve done if you lived in Germany during Hitlers rise to power, wonder no more because youre doing it right now. Developing ICEBlock was my way of joining the fight and giving people a chance to help protect themselves and their communities, he continued. Last week, Mobile and Baldwin Sheriffs joined the 287G program that empowers local law enforcement to carry out the duties of federal immigration agents. Deputies in the program will now be able to ask and identify whether people are here legally or not, according to Mobile County Sheriff Paul Burch. Colbert, Cherokee, Crenshaw, Elmore, Etowah, Franklin, Henry, Houston, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Limestone, Marion and Pike counties and the Level Plains Police Department have also joined the program this year. As of Friday, 737 such agreements existed across 40 states. Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) dribbles against Las Vegas Aces guard Jackie Young (0) during the second half of a WNBA basketball game Tuesday, July 2, 2024, in Las Vegas. (Ellen Schmidt/Las Vegas Review-Journal via AP) AP The 2025 WNBA season continues this week with another slate of solid games. The Indiana Fever will host the Las Vegas Aces on Thursday night, a quick rematch from their meeting last week. The Fever will be fresh off of their dominating win in the 2025 Commissioners Cup, as they took down the red-hot Minnesota Lynx 74-59 on Tuesday. Superstar Caitlin Clark didnt play due to a groin injury, but the Fever had five players in double figures to capture the title. The Aces are still looking to get above .500 with a win against the Fever. Reigning MVP Aja Wilson, whos averaging nearly a double-double, will now get some more help as Las Vegas traded for former Fever and Wings forward NaLyssa Smith. Indiana and Las Vegas both come into this game 8-8, as the winner will jump to over .500. Fans looking to tune into the Fever vs Aces game can do so on Prime Video, whos offering a 30-day free trial to new subscribers. Heres everything you need to know before the Fever and Lynx tipoff: When: Thursday, July 3, 2025 Where: Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN Time: 7 p.m. E.T. Fans looking to tune into the Fever vs Aces game can do so on Prime Video, whos offering a 30-day free trial to new subscribers. Sometimes I wonder if anyone with an IQ above room temperature has been guiding the leadership of the Democrat party. Case in point: Last nights vote on Trumps Big Beautiful Bill (BBB), a massive tax and spend bill that includes a number of important tax cuts that will benefit blue collar workers including those who depend on tips as well as seniors living on limited and fixed means. While the bill passed thanks to the almost monolithic support by the thin Republican majority, the Democrats unanimously opposed it in essence, turning their backs on their most important core constituents: Blacks, blue collar workers and seniors. They did this in the House back in the Spring, and they did it again last night. Fortunately for their former key constituencies, the Democrats opposition to this bill failed to stop it from passing in its current form. However, the fight isnt over. The Senate bill is far different from the House bill, and finding common ground could see the coalition in support of this legislation fail. Should that happen, Trump and his allies would be wise to offer the tax cuts for seniors and tip-dependent blue collar workers as a stand-alone bill. It needs to be passed. Why is this a betrayal? Its simple. The BBB contains provisions exempting tips from being taxed by the IRS great for millions of blue collar workers who depend on tips, along with their families as well as for exempting seniors from income tax on their Social Security and other income. For those struggling on a fixed income, this is like manna from heaven a gift beyond price. Bottom line: If their opposition to this bill isnt a betrayal of the Democrats traditionally most important constituencies, Im not sure what would be. Those voting blocs are the core constituencies that the Democrats have relied upon since FDR created Social Security and a variety of programs to help out-of-work blue collar workers to get jobs during the depths of the Great Depression. That represents more than ninety years of loyalty and strong support for the increasingly left-leaning Democrat party. Their vote against the BBB is indeed a clear betrayal. The Dems are known for delivering the pork to core constituents which has allowed them to ignore the actual interests of those same core constituencies. However, in 2024, this lack of support turned on them, big time. For example, look at how little they have done for Black citizens since the landmark civil rights laws in 1964 and 1965. President Reagan was the first Republican to capitalize on that a little -- almost 50 years ago. But Donald Trump did far more than Reagan, just in his first term. Trump won sixteen percent of black votes in 2024, up from eight percent in 2020 and this number was within the margin of victory for Trump. Looking for proof of the decline in blue-collar support for Democrats from those without college degrees and making less than $100,000 statistics tell the story. These once-loyal blue collar voters moved away from Kamala Harris and the Democrats in droves. Trump carried a plurality of all blue-collar workers, including union members who fit the criteria of no college degree and incomes under $100,000. Voters in another survey targeting those who make $50,000 or less who were sixty percent or more in support of Obama during his two elections instead sided with Trump. The margin wasnt big, but the drop was significant. Harris got 48.5 percent while Trump got 49 percent of those voters. Between 2008 and 2024, the Democrats lost almost thirty percent of working-class voters. And thats enough to explain the outcomes of the election Thats among voters making $50,000 or less. If you expand the blue-collar group to include those with no college degree and income under $100,000, the margin of victory for Trump, and the shift away from Democrats, is even higher. Another metric of the shift away from Democrats by blue-collar voters, Trumps capture of a majority of voters who are members of labor unions was another shocker for the Dems. In my home base of Las Vegas, the tens of thousands of tip-dependent workers in restaurants and casinos are members of the Culinary Union, a huge organization in Vegas and in other casino cities around the country. The tip issue should be decisive in the next two elections, if pardon the pun the Republicans play their cards right. There was one other mass defection among traditional Democrat voters. Thats seniors, defined by AARP as those age fifty and above, but dominated by those sixty-five and older. Harris garnered 47 percent of those voters, but Trump had a outside-the-margins majority of 52 percent, according to AP VoteCast. More traditional exit polls projected that number as 55 percent for Trump. The AP election analysis service also noted that Americans age fifty and older also constituted fifty-two percent of the electorate. The latter is useful for all seniors, but especially for those on a fixed income. What does all of this mean? In terms of upcoming elections in 26 and 28, every single Republican candidate for any office should create at least one powerful television ad showing how vehemently the Dems in office from Schumer on down in the Senate, and Jeffries and his crew in the House rallied their troops to vote against Trumps Big Beautiful Bill. As card-carrying members of the Trump Derangement Syndrome (TDS) support group, they sought to deny Trump a win, despite provisions in the bill specifically targeted toward lowering taxes for blue collar workers and for retirees. The Congressional Democrats opposition failed to stop the bill from being passed, but it should send a clear signal to every blue-collar and senior voter. Theyd sell you out for a cheap victory over Trump. Loyalty works, or should work, both ways up from the rank-and-file and down from the leadership. In this critical vote, the Democrats showed their true colors. Theyd rather damage their opponent than support their millions of loyal until now friends. This Congressional vote against tax relief for blue-collar workers and seniors could mark the victory for Republicans in 2026, and again in 2028, when voters by the millions will come out to reward those who supported them with the most significant tax reduction in decades. Seriously, what this means in 2026 and 2028 assuming the Republicans realize the gift that Schumer and Jeffries have given them, and also assuming the Republicans use that gift to create on-target campaign ads is even bigger margins in the Senate and House in 2026, and a repeat presidency in 2028. How this is managed is up to the Republicans (I hope youre listening), but the gift is theirs for the taking. A Note from the author: This article, and each days edition of American Thinker, is brought to you through the generosity of donors and contributors, as well as through advertisers who sponsor our content. However, the greatest source of revenue comes from readers just like you and like me, as Im not only an author, but a reader, and a paying member. If you like what American Thinker has to offer, please consider donating to AT, either as a one-time donation or as an ongoing subscription. We need your help, and we thank you for considering this. -Ned Barnett About Ned Barnett: For his entire career, Ned has been active in conservative politics on a strategic and policy-making level including two times testifying before Congress on national healthcare policy. He has been a leader in grassroots advocacy for conservative causes, and continues to keep a sharp eye on Washington. The author of forty published books himself, for the past decade, Ned has helped authors to write, edit, publish and market their books, and in 18 instances, he ghost-wrote those books for the named authors. Subjects include healthcare, conservative politics and fiction, as well as religious books taking alternative, but scripturally-sound perspectives on issues faced by believers. Ned can be reached at 702-561-1167 or at nedbarnett51@gmail.com. Image: Grok ai-generated picture, via X Harvards reputation rests on prestige, but its foundation has long harboredand indeed, has long embracedexclusion. For generations, Americans may have accepted that Harvard was elite, even aloof, but assumed its exclusivity was academic in nature. No more. The truth is far more insidious. Exclusion isnt incidental at Harvardits institutional. It is woven into the DNA of the Crimson, the natural consequence of deliberate choices made by the Harvard Corporation, the oldest continuous corporate body in the Western Hemisphere, and university administrators. From race-based admissions policies to the uncritical embrace of DEI orthodoxy, recent years have peeled away the facade. Whats been revealed is not merely a campus of cloistered minds but a closed caste systeminsular, intolerant, and impervious to dissent. And standing at the center of this revelation is Harvard itself: not a victim of cultural decay, but an architect of it. Nowhere is that decay more malignant than in the elite-sanctioned discrimination directed at Jewish students, scholars, and voices. At Harvard, antisemitism has long been more than toleratedits been rationalized, embedded, and enforced by the very structures that claim to champion equity and inclusion. In Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard, the U.S. Supreme Court, in a 62 majority, struck down the race-conscious admissions programs at both Harvard and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. (In full disclosure, I earned my undergraduate and law degrees at UNC.) Chief Justice John Roberts wrote for the majority that neither institution offered a compelling, narrowly tailored justification for considering race. This practice penalized Asian-American applicants while favoring others, relying on amorphous racial categories and subjective criteria. Built atop decades of precedent from Bakke to Grutter, the decision marked a decisive break: it restoredand in some cases, inaugurateda truly colorblind framework for academic admissions, rooted in the Fourteenth Amendment and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. For Harvard, the implications are immediate and profound. No longer may it rely on legal camouflage for race-based balancing in admissions. The Courts ruling exposed the same structural flaws that fueled the lawsuit itselfparticularly the use of vague personality metrics and legacy preferences that disproportionately disadvantaged Asian-American applicants. It also curtailed Harvards ability to hide discriminatory practices behind the banner of diversity. The ruling should have sparked a new dayand a sober reckoning across the academy. Instead, many elite institutions shifted strategies: expanding and entrenching DEI bureaucracies under different branding but with the same ideological intent. And as that ruling reverberated, another storm broke: the October 7, 2023, Hamas terrorist attack on Israel, targeting civiliansincluding American citizenswith barbarity unseen in decades. What followed was not a unified condemnation of terror but an eruption of support for Hamas from students and faculty across elite campuses. At Harvard, the moment became a mirrorexposing the extent to which antisemitism had become normalized, tolerated, and even institutionally protected. Together, Students for Fair Admissions and the October 7 atrocities pulled back the curtain. For many Americans, it was a shocking revelation: that at the nations oldest university, the environment was not merely biasedbut openly hostile toward anyone out of step with the dominant ideological orthodoxy or of the wrong faith. Then, in late October 2023, following Hamass mass terror attack on Israel and a surge of antisemitic demonstrations at elite universities, then-Harvard President Claudine Gay announced the creation of an eight-member Antisemitism Advisory Group, composed of faculty, alumni, and a student representative. The groups charge was to assess and respond to growing allegations that Harvard had become a safe harbor for harassment of Jewish studentsparticularly amid pro-Palestinian encampments and hostile rhetoric masquerading as academic discourse. But the groups early work quickly unraveled. Member Dara Horn testified before Congress that university officials downplayed antisemitism as mere ignorance, and the group had been granted no meaningful authority to act. A second group was subsequently formed, the Harvard Presidential Task Force on Combating Antisemitism and Anti-Israeli Bias. The backlash against Harvard intensified dramatically in December 2023, after President Claudine Gaytestifying before Congressrepeatedly insisted that calls for the genocide of Jews might not violate Harvards Code of Conduct, depending on the context. Her equivocations, captured in a fiery exchange with Rep. Elise Stefanik, ignited national outrage. The resulting controversy intensified scrutiny of Harvards leadership and contributed to the pressures that led to President Gays resignation last year. The Harvard Task Forces final reportdelayed for months and published only in April 2025did not exonerate the universityfar from it. To the contrary, it confirmed what many had long suspected: antisemitism at Harvard was not isolated, incidental, or fringeit was systemic. Structural. Embedded in policy, culture, and silence. Since the release of the report, scrutiny of Harvard has only intensified. The Trump administration initially extended an opportunity for the university to correct course voluntarilyurging compliance with federal civil rights laws and a good-faith effort to root out antisemitic discrimination. In a letter dated April 11, 2025, the U.S. Department of Education laid out its terms clearly: dismantle discriminatory DEI structures, restore merit-based hiring and admissions, hold bad actors accountable, and reform programs with documented records of antisemitism. Harvard declined. Now, the core question is whether Harvard can continue to accept federal dollars while allegedly violating Title VI of the Civil Rights Act by allowing an environment of harassment and exclusion against Jewish students. The stakesfor civil rights law, higher education, and constitutional accountabilitycould not be higher. This week, the Trump administration has issued a formal Notice of Violationanother significant step in the effort to hold the Harvard Corporation, a multibillion-dollar academic empire, accountable. The findings are blunt. According to the report, Harvard didnt merely overlook antisemitismit allowed it to fester. In some cases, it went furtherenabling it. A joint task force led by the Departments of Education and Justice found the universitys conduct so egregious that it amounted to a violent violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. One senior administration official put it starkly: Harvard has earned the regrettable distinction of being among the most prominent and visible breeding grounds for race discrimination in American higher education. The warning was clear: complyor lose access to billions in federal funding. The crimson mask is off. The nationdespite the efforts to mischaracterize the administrations effortssees the rot. And if Harvard refuses to change, then it is time to change how Harvard is treated as a beneficiary of substantial federal monies. Harvards day of reckoning may be here, but accountability has only begun. 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. His commentary has been featured in American Thinker and linked across multiple RealClear platforms, including RealClearPolitics, RealClearWorld, RealClearDefense, RealClearHistory, and RealClearPolicy. X: @CharltonAllenNC Image created by Andrea Widburg. FBI director Kash Patel recently sent an intelligence report to Senate Judiciary chairman Chuck Grassley. According to an article by John Solomon of Just the News, the report states that a confidential human source told the FBI that Chinas Communist government was shipping fake drivers licenses to the United States to manufacture tens of thousands of fraudulent mail-in votes for Joe Biden[.] Mail-in ballots are dangerously vulnerable to interference. Their very presence in large numbers is a threat to election integrity. Apparently, even officials in China know this. To understand why mail-in ballots are vulnerable, it helps to understand the steps each mail-in ballot goes through. The processes for voting by mail vary by state. In most states, the voter applies for a mail-in ballot and may or may not need to provide a reason such as disability, illness, or being overseas in the military. In others, the government automatically sends mail-in ballots to everyone. (Bad idea. Really, really bad idea.) There are different deadlines for receipt of the mail-in ballot application and the completed ballot, as well as different procedures for processing the completed ballot once it arrives. Knowing that there are variations, here is the basic process: The voter requests the mail-in ballot. This is, with the exceptions of CA, CO, HI, NV, OR, UT, VT, and WA, where mail-in ballots are sent to everyone. Deadlines may be based on the date of the postmark or of receipt and whether the request is made by mail, online, or in-person. Upon receipt of the application, election officials check identifying information such as name, address, and signature against the voters file in the registered voter database. Officials mail a ballot to the voter once the identifying information is validated. The voter completes the ballot with desired candidates or issues. The voter must include identifying information. In most states, the mail-in ballot must include the voters name, address, date of birth and/or a signature. In some states, the voter must include the signature of a witness. The voter must properly return the completed packet. For privacy reasons, the process for returning mail-in ballots can include multiple steps. For example, in Minnesota in 2020, there were three envelopes involved: The completed ballot goes into the smallest envelope. To ensure a confidential vote, there is no identifying information on this envelope. So the smallest envelope goes into the middle envelope, known as the signature envelope, which has a place for identifying information. Then the middle envelope goes into the largest envelope, the mailing envelope. There is no personal information on this envelope. The voter returns the ballot via mail, via drop-box, or in person. Again, deadlines can vary. The election office processes the ballot. There are multiple steps to verify the identifying information, store the ballot and count it. Again, using Minnesota as an example, The return envelope is stamped with the date of receipt. The envelopes are kept in a locked room until delivery to the ballot board. Members of the ballot board examine the signature envelope to ensure that the information matches the voters mail-in ballot application or their record in the registered voter database. If the identifying information is accurate, the signature envelope is marked accepted. On a specified date, the ballots are removed from the signature envelope and placed in a ballot box. The ballots are sealed and secured. The ballot is counted. After the polls have closed, members of the ballot board count the ballots. Locked rooms, verifications, date stamps doesnt this all sound good? Isnt this proof of excellent safeguards? No, it is not. The large number of steps involved in mail-in voting is an inherent part of the problem. This list, including the sub-items, totals 18 steps between the voter requesting a mail-in ballot and that ballot being cast. Thats 18 steps that can go wrong, 18 steps that are vulnerable to interference, and 18 steps that that can invalidate a vote. Furthermore, this list doesnt even include the processes that occur if a ballot is rejected, wont go through a scanner or has another type of error. If you want to make yourself go cross-eyed, try reading the mail-in voting statutes of almost any state. Voting by mail-in ballot also increases the number of people who handle a voters application and completed ballot after they have left the voters hands. This includes people who validate the information on the application, mail and deliver the blank absentee ballot, deliver the completed ballot, receive and date-stamp the ballot, open the outer envelope and remove the signature envelope, validate the identifying information on the signature envelope, sort and put each envelope in the right bin, secure the signature envelopes in a locked room, maintain proper chain-of-custody practices and documentation, retrieve the envelopes from the locked room, open the signature envelope to take out the smallest envelope, open the smallest envelope to take out the actual ballot, and process the ballots through any scanners or machines. In contrast to all of that, an in-person voter has the following steps: Go to the polling location with identification. Show identification to the volunteers. Volunteers will match the identification with the voter registration list. Go to the voting booth. Vote. The number of people who handle an in-person voters completed ballot before it is cast is zero. None. Absolutely no person at all. This is absolutely, positively the best way to secure the integrity of any Americans vote. It is also one of the best ways to secure the integrity of our elections. People who are truly unable to go to the polls and need to vote absentee represent a very small percentage of voters and therefore a very small absolute number of absentee ballots. This small number of absentee ballots makes it difficult for any ballot-tampering to swing the results of an election, because there simply arent enough of them. The opposite was true in 2020. According to a study by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Election Data Science Lab, in 2018, mail-in ballots constituted about 22% of votes in America. In 2020, with COVID, it doubled to above 45%. There were 154.6 million votes cast in 2020, which means 69.6 million of them were mail-in ballots. That is a tremendous number of ballots to be processed outside the voters hands, go through those 18 steps, and be handled by multiple volunteers and officials before they are cast. The vast majority of election officials, judges, staff, and volunteers are honest people who want the finest election process, but it takes only a few dishonest actors in a battleground state, county, city, or town to alter the results of an election. America must go back to requiring a legitimate reason to vote absentee. The inherent structure of the mail-in ballot process makes it a veritable playground for those dishonest actors who want to commit election interference. Susan lives in a small town in Idaho. She writes, volunteers in her community, walks precincts, attends town hall meetings, and gardens. She is the author of How to Understand Your MAGA Friends and Family. Get this book for much more information on the 2020 election! Image: Ben Schumin via Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0. Once upon a time, it was good for people to work when collecting government services. Senator Thume told the story: I dont think thats a novel concept. It certainly isnt a concept that I think most Americans would disagree with. In fact, it was a Democrat president back in the 1990sthere was something called welfare reform. Bill Clinton, a Democrat president, proposed work requirements for welfare recipients. And you want to know something? The work requirements in the Welfare Reform Act passed back in 1996 and signed into law by Democrat President Bill Clinton had stronger work requirements than are included in this bill. Stronger work requirementsin a bill passed and signed into law by a Democrat presidentthan whats in this bill, and proposed, I might add, by a Democrat president. So thats one of the reforms that were making. Yes, it sounded familiar to all of those who remember the 1990s and welfare reform. I suspect that two things are going on. First, the Democrats forgot about President Clinton cutting deals with Speaker Gingrich and moving to the center. Secondly, the New Democrats are more bent on socialism than we think. No matter what, Senator Thune is right that honest work never hurt anyone, plus it certainly respects the taxpayer working to provide the benefit. P.S. Check out my blog for posts, podcasts, and videos. Image: Free image, Pixabay license. Zohran Mamdani defeated Cuomo 56% to 44% in the ranked choice mayoral Democrat party primary for New York City. He did particularly well among college-educated white voters, the wildly woke core vote in NYC. Radical leftists are deliriously ecstatic, according to leftist media on my Apple News feeds. Apparently, he is the very model of a modern Muslim candidate. Mamdani is charismatic, brilliant, verbally adept, and seething with ambition. Small wonder he plucks all the liberal Obama infatuation strings. Mamdanis Wikipedia page portrays a woke liberals alternate universe American dream: Born in Kampala, Uganda, 1991, to parents who are Indian. Has Uganda & U.S. citizenship. His father is a professor at Columbia University (wink, wink, nudge, nudge) one can just imagine the family conversations. He became a naturalized American citizen in 2018. Registered in the Democratic Socialist and Democrat parties. Elected to the New York House of Representatives in 2020. He is Shia Muslim and identifies as Twelver branch, which accounts for 85% of Shias. Iran is the only country where Twelver Shiism is the state religion. He promised to have Benjamin Netanyahu arrested on International Criminal Court warrants if he comes to New York. He threatens zero cooperation and open resistance to ICE doing its duty to deport illegal immigrants. Hes endorsed by Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Leftist websites are wondrously agog. Its as if Barack Obama had died and now arises in a Second Coming. No wonder that the alarm bells of loyal Americans are clanging louder than Bok Tower in Florida. Im sure real conservatives will have noted other scary Obama parallels. Mamdani is very young to have risen so rapidly in leftist politics. Like Obama, were wondering whos behind him exactly? Shia Muslim, and threatening to arrest Netanyahu! Hes openly supported Hamas, which means he supports terrorist activity against Israelis. Wonder what his views are on the Iranian Grand Ayatollahs recent Fatwa urging the assassination of Trump and Netanyahu? Obama had deep Marxist immersion; Mamdani clearly has deep socialist immersion, which is virtually the same thing. Married this year to a gal he met on a dating app three months earlier. One can only recall Obamas iffy masculinity and Michelles casting-call political wife role. The only good news for conservatives is that you must be a natural born citizen to run for the office of president of the United States. However, Im sure that, if needed, there are leftist federal judges ready to declare that clause of the Constitution to be unconstitutional. So, expect to see lots of Mamdani praise in the media; hes the wondrous new charismatic public image of the Democrat party that distracts voters from the ugly loser Democrat candidates. See Mamdani, think Mamdani, ignore their records, and vote Democrat. What better way to open the wallets of the rich capitalists who are reluctant to fund woke candidates after the Biden disaster, and what better way for commie wokists to fend off Democrat centrists in the struggle for control of the Democrat party. Obama dazzled his way to power. No reason to think that Mamdani cant do the same. Image: YouTube video screen grab. The lefts rhetoric on social and political issues is a study in hypocrisy and unprincipled inconsistencies. - If America is systemically racist, why should we open our border to Hispanics, Asians, and Africans? - Why should we downsize our military but not Irans? - If capitalism leaves many behind, and communism leaves everyone behind, why is communism better? - If permissive parenting is preferable to authoritarian, why are todays youth anxious, depressed, gender-confused, isolated, drug-dependent, and suicidal? - EVs are essential to going green, unless they are marketed by a Trump staffer? - If Trump is Hitler, was Biden Nero? - If we dont want to make America great again, what do we want to do with it? - If we must have DEI, is it to make America mediocre? - If the Jews are illegal aliens in Palestine, should the left not be convincing the Palestinians to accept them as we must accept illegals here? - Whats the difference between ranked choice voting and gerrymandering? - If we can forgive college (i.e., indoctrination) debt, why cant we forgive mortgage, credit card, and the national debt? - If the Democrats choose to debase the Constitution as an obsolete document framed by slave owners, how can they hold it up and cry Constitutional crises! in response to Trumps policies? - Will AI improve outcomes, or be utilized by Silicon Valley ideologues to replace critical thinking with partisan mandate? - Why are the Democrats adamantly opposed to proposed Medicaid cuts in the big beautiful bill when such would affect primarily rural, red state MAGA voters, whom they define as deplorable garbage? Finding logic and reason in liberal/leftist/Democrat rantings and talking points would challenge Socrates. Lurking behind the lefts unprincipled inconsistencies, hypocrisy, and hollow virtue-signaling, however, one finds the lefts true raison detre: a relentless, vengeful attack on oppressive, patriarchal, capitalistic white supremacy and its willful oppression of minorities, deviants, and people of color. The Palestinians cannot welcome Jews as immigrants because Jews are white oppressors, and Palestinians are oppressed people of color. Conversely, Americans must accept immigrant oppressed people of color because Americans are white oppressors. (And we need more Democrat voters and menials). The left has no stance on immigration. The focus is on racism, the oppressors, and the oppressed. TDS exacerbates the lefts inanity. Trump is a capitalist who wants to shrink government and promote meritocracy. They are socialists who want to expand government and promote equity. Never the twain shall meet. If Trump were to conquer cancer and attain world peace, the left would find his process unconstitutional and grounds for impeachment. Image from Grok. Theres a dangerous illusion making its way through New York City: Zohran Mamdani. This self-proclaimed socialist, fresh off his win in the Democratic mayoral primary last week, brands himself as a working-class champion. But scratch beneath the surface and it becomes clear hes anything but. Mamdanis rise began after Bernie Sanders 2016 campaign inspired him to embrace democratic socialism and join the Democratic Socialists of America. From the start, he pushed for massive tax hikes on the wealthy to bankroll sprawling social programs ideas that might sound good on a college quad but threaten to crush small businesses and the very blue-collar workers he claims to protect. When he won his State Assembly seat in 2020, Mamdani doubled down, campaigning on rent freezes and heavier corporate taxes. Its a familiar playbook: punish job creators and hope government can save the day. For New Yorkers in trades, hospitality, and retail people who live paycheck to paycheck these policies dont represent hope. They spell pink slips and rising costs. Especially as capital flight to places like Florida, Texas, the Carolinas, and Tennessee continues. In 2021, Mamdani launched a free bus pilot program funded by taxpayers. Rather than fix crumbling roads or invest in real transit improvements for delivery drivers and truckers, he chose headline-grabbing giveaways that evaporated after a year, leaving infrastructure and working people worse off. Mamdanis global ambitions overshadow local needs. He went as far as accusing Israel of genocide. He refused to affirm its right to exist as a Jewish state, claiming he couldnt support any nation with hierarchies of citizenship. He even declined to condemn the terrorist slogan globalize the intifada, sidestepping it. Such vile stances divert attention from New Yorks urgent economic crises. Mamdanis economic blueprint reads like a dystopian fantasy: fare-free buses, city-owned grocery stores, and a $30 minimum wage by 2030. Who pays? High earners a broad category, given New Yorks ludicrous cost of living, where six-figure salaries have the purchasing power of an Alabama security guards income and businesses. The result? Higher consumer prices, business closures, and fewer opportunities for everyday New Yorkers trying to make ends meet. Adding insult to injury, Mamdani wants to shift tax burdens explicitly onto richer and whiter neighborhoods, using anti-white bigotry as a wedge. This malicious approach doesnt unite the city it fuels resentment and undermines trust among neighbors. Despite styling himself as a blue-collar hero, Mamdanis record tells a different story. In the Democratic mayoral primary, he lost voters earning under $50,000 to Andrew Cuomo by 19-point landslide. Working-class New Yorkers werent fooled by Mamdanis rhetorical flourishes. They saw through the charade and chose someone they believed could deliver practical results, not Utopian lectures. The irony doesnt stop there. Mamdani hails from privilege, as the son of a Columbia University professor and renowned filmmaker Mira Nair. Even in legacy media circles, hes known as a nepo baby, underscoring the hollow nature of his man of the people persona. His support base isnt working folks from Queens or the Bronx; its young, affluent progressives in gentrified pockets of the city. These New Yorkers, flocking from elsewhere with fantastical dreams of urban life, proudly embrace socialism. Now comes the twist and turn. Capitalism facilitated and continues to facilitate their gentrification. The arrival of these New Yorkers displaced the blue collar minorities who voted for the relatively free enterprise candidate: Andrew Cuomo. Some things just cant be made up. Mamdanis hostility toward wealth creation is profoundly troubling. Last month, this gilded socialist declared he didnt believe billionaires should exist, calling their fortunes immoral in an era of inequality. But driving out successful entrepreneurs and investors isnt a solution it hurts, first and foremost, those at the bottom, trickling up to the middle class. Without a robust private sector, wheres the opportunity for normal Americans? Of course, there are government jobs, but they wouldnt exist without tax revenue from big businesses. The stakes arent confined to New York. Mamdanis brand of radicalism reflects a broader Democrat party in disarray after last November. With no clear identity, Democrats have drifted toward extremism. Theyre grasping for a popular agenda; clawing through the rump of Barack Obamas once-venerable coalition. For Republicans and any leader serious about serving blue-collar America this moment is an open door. While Mamdani offers emotional slogans and socialist fantasies, working people want fiscal sanity: affordable living, secure jobs, and safe streets. They dont want ideological purity tests or wrecking-ball tax schemes. In truth, Mamdanis vision is a danger to every New Yorker who relies on a paycheck rather than a protest sign. His policies promise higher costs, fewer jobs, creeping anxiety, and nastier race relations. The choice could not be clearer, and Republicans must trumpet it: a future built on real economic growth and pragmatic governance, or Mamdanis performative revolution that sacrifices working families at the altar of champagne socialism. Image: Screen shot from X video Dr. Joseph Ford Cotto hosts and produces News Sight, speaking the data-driven truth about economic and political issues that impact you. During the 2024 presidential election, he created the Five-Point Forecast, which correctly predicted Trump's national victory and the outcome in all swing states. The author of numerous nonfiction books, Cotto holds a doctorate in business administration and is a Lean Six Sigma Certified Black Belt. During 2014, HLM King Kigeli V of Rwanda bestowed a hereditary knighthood upon him. It was followed by a barony the next year. While western leaders and climate activists obsess over the smokestacks of India and China, they ignore the quiet giant of Southeast Asia: Indonesia, the worlds fourth most populous nation and an economic powerhouse, is making grand moves in securing sources for fossil fuels. With an economy expected to expand annually by more than 5% and a population swelling to 300 million by 2030, energy demand is surging and Indonesia is relying largely on hydrocarbons to meet it. Suppliers of the energy will range from state-owned oil and gas giant Pertamina to major western companies to new alliances with Russia and Malaysia. A fragmented archipelago with limited renewable sources, Indonesia looks at fossil fuels not as a bridge in a contrived transition to a green future but as the road to economic success. Coal accounts for more than 60% of electricity generation, while oil fuels transportation and supply chains. Indonesias road map is practical: build what works, scale whats reliable, and invest where returns are guaranteed. That means oil, gas, coal, and the infrastructure to move them -- pipelines, refineries, tankers and export terminals. When it comes to imports, the country is not shy about tapping geopolitically alienated sources. Following high-level visits, including one by president-elect Prabowo Subianto, Indonesia is exploring increased imports of Russian oil and gas. The Indonesian government is also in advanced talks with Russian oil giant Rosneft for a massive investment for the Tuban oil refinery project in East Java, which is estimated to be valued at $24 billion. In April, Indonesia awarded five new oil and gas blocks in the Gaea offshore exploration area to a consortium of global players: Britain's Enquest, BP and Chinas CNOOC. The Gaea and Gaea II blocks in West Papua have a combined potential of 18 billion barrels of oil and as much as 107 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. Chevrons potential return to Indonesia marks another seismic shift. The American oil giant is scouting large gas reserves in East Kalimantan and has confirmed talks to reenter Indonesias upstream sector, citing enormous untapped reserves in the Kutai Basin. In June, TotalEnergies secured a share of almost 25% in the Bobara Block, off West Papua. This deal with Malaysian-owned Petronas marks the French companys reentry into Indonesias upstream gas portfolio. Bobara represents a high-stakes, high-output deep-sea gas play. Not solely reliant on foreign capital, Indonesia is empowering its own assets. Pertamina International Shipping, the maritime logistics arm of the state-owned giant, is undertaking a colossal $8 billion fleet expansion. Pertaminas upstream arm, meanwhile, secured the Binaiya Block in Maluku, with estimated reserves of 6.7 billion barrels of oil and 15 trillion cubic feet of gas. Pertaminas refinery plans a capacity increase of 150% to reduce dependency on imports and foster energy sovereignty. Indonesias energy influence extends beyond Asia. A new partnership was forged between Italys Eni and Malaysias Petronas, which will together manage combined assets in Indonesia and Malaysia and extract hydrocarbons for decades to come. Recently, Ghanas Petroleum Commission engaged with Indonesias Honorary Consul to explore joint oil and gas ventures. The countrys influence also can be felt in the international climate policies. Indonesias annual energy-related CO2 emissions, which totaled about 717 million metric tons in 2023, will rise by as much as 400 million metric tons within the next decade. This projected increase from Indonesia alone could neutralize up to 80% of the EU's total planned reduction of emissions by 2030. This is not a criticism of Indonesia. A country of 280 million people has every right to pursue a better life for its citizens. However, it is an illustration of the futility of policies seeking to reduce carbon dioxide emissions at the expense of economic growth and the well-being of people. The belief that the West can dictate global emission standards by deindustrializing its own economies is a dangerous delusion. From London to Beijing, from Kuala Lumpur to Seoul, the energy market recognizes that Indonesia is open for business. The sheer scale of the countrys initiatives promises a torrent of new oil and gas that will flow for a generation, contrary to Net Zero rhetoric and timelines. The archipelagos embrace of hydrocarbons has it on the move, and those dawdling on the climate policy fence should take notice. Vijay Jayaraj is a Science and Research Associate at the CO 2 Coalition, Fairfax, Virginia. He holds an M.S. in environmental sciences from the University of East Anglia and a postgraduate degree in energy management from Robert Gordon University, both in the U.K., and a bachelors in engineering from Anna University, India. Image: Mr.TimMD Educators, media personalities, students, and others frequently claim that blacks are subject to systemic racism. Its a broad claim and sounds scary, but what does it actually mean? One might infer from the term systemic that it refers to racism within organizations, whether in government agencies, private industry, or society in general. Racism, in this context, refers to obstacles to education, employment, and career advancement. I asked Xs AI (Grok) to dig into some employment data to test this broad claim. In this research, Grok cited a number of public sources including the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) data, the Center for American Progress, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Housing and Urban Development (HUD), private companies diversity reports, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) filings, and data aggregated by third parties such as DiversIQ, Statista, and McKinsey. The employment data is presented below along with a brief discussion on the impact of education. First lets look at black employment within the Federal Government. The most recent OPM data suggest that black employees account for approximately 18.2% of the workforce across the federal government as a whole. The percentage in some specific agencies is even higher. For example, the Department of Education reports 38%, HUD reports 38%, the Transportation Security Agency reports 26%, and the EEOC reports 40%. In state and local government, the data suggests that black employees make up 13% to 20% of the workforce. Now lets look at some of the larger employers in the private sector. The Walt Disney company, in 2021, reported that black employees represented about 8.6% of their workforce. Walmart reported 21%, Amazon 26%, JP Morgan Chase 13%, Bank of America 12%, Wells Fargo 13%, Apple 9%, and Microsoft 6%. Overall, blacks make up about 13% of the entire private sector workforce. Do these numbers reflect a systemic bias? Considering that estimates of the number of blacks as a percent of the U.S. population are in the 13% to 14.5% range, I think not. Across both private and public employers, most employ blacks at a rate near or above their percent of the population. That does not support an argument that blacks are discriminated against in employment opportunities. Some point out that many of these jobs are lower wage positions. Thats true, but its only a reflection of the qualifications and education of the employee. Its estimated that only around 2 to 3% of the black population aged 25+ holds a bachelors or higher in a science-related field. Thats not enough to do well in our increasingly tech-dominated economy. The lack of degrees in the sciences and engineering fields accounts for the lower black employment in tech companies like Microsoft, Apple, and many others, not discrimination. In fact, well-qualified blacks are actively recruited by many companies, not discriminated against. There are no external barriers to blacks seeking a college education. Anyone with a desire for higher education will find many avenues open to them. Unfortunately, in high school many individuals give in to peer pressure that discourages good performance. As a result, in many black communities, students are graduated from high school lacking the basic reading and math skills that would enable them to pursue a higher education. They will have little to offer potential employers, and will only qualify for unskilled, low-level jobs. In 2023 only 26.2% of blacks aged 25 or older had earned a bachelors degree or higher in any discipline, according to the U.S. Census Bureaus American Community Survey. Many degrees that are awarded are of questionable value (i.e., Star Wars Studies, University of Southern California). As a result, not all of those degrees actually enhance employment opportunities. This has resulted in many graduates complaining that theyre not able to find work in their chosen fields. Choosing a major not focused on the needs of potential employers can lead to poor employment opportunities. When you dont get hired because your degree is of no value to the employer, thats not discrimination. When you dont get hired or promoted because you lack the qualifications or experience required, thats also not discrimination. There are undoubtedly racist individuals within many organizations. Discrimination is real and will always be with us; its not possible to legislate morality. It is, however, possible to legislate many behaviors, and there are laws that protect individuals of all races from discrimination. Individual discriminatory actions are the outliers and do not support a charge of being systemic. In fact, that individual will likely find themselves in trouble as a result of their actions. So, when someone throws out the systemic racism canard, ask them for details. Ask them where they see this racism. How is that racism manifested? Its worth having that discussion, because the employment numbers clearly dont support that belief. Image generated by AI. Donald Trump has changed, learned, developed. He says less, does more. Trump 1.0 moved beyond the serious offenses of Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, and even the national security frauds James Comey and John Brennan. Trump 1.0 also left CNN alone, along with other fake media, after he won. Trump 1.0 hit China but left them standing. Trump 2.0 is different. We are beginning to see it. DJT stands for Dont Just Tweet. He has a bit more Teddy Rooseveltless speak softly, more big stick. DJT tweets and teases less, tariffs and trounces more. DJTs personal and national foes know it. Just ask Iran, China, CBS and ABC. As the French say vive la difference! Yes, Trump 2025 hits adversaries with tariffs, with investigations and even jail, depending on each case. Maybe even bombs. Trump is suing CNN, and he has just settled a suit with CBS for at least $16 million, after settling another suit with ABC for $15 million. Trump sued CBS for $20 billion, saying they rigged election coverage. Hell get $16 million as a first installment, and hell settle for an additional 50 to 70 million in total. Details are not clear. The mediator wanted it to be $20 million. Canada played stupid, imposing a tech tax on U.S. firms. NATO allies played dumb on defense budgets. Iran played stupid, stalling nuclear talks. They all pay in the end. Now NATO allies call him Daddy, and will more than double their financial commitments. We saw what happened to Iran. Trump gave them 60 days to talk. They stalled. He bombed. We will see the financial/diplomatic equivalent in response to Canadas Prime Minister Mark Carneys anti-U.S. tech-tax. Carney thought a black Euro-suit was a cloak of invisibility. Trump saw through him. Trumps foes call him TACOTrump Always Chickens Outbut TACO actually means Trump Always Carries On or Trump Always Carries Out promises. When Trump says FAFOhe means it. Oh boy does he mean it. FAFO translates well into Farsi. Just ask the Iranian ayatollahs. Its as simple as A, B-2, C. Just ask ABC host George Stephanopoulos who essentially called Trump a rapist, misstating the facts when he said Trump had been found liable for rape. For ABC, FAFO means $15 million in a legal settlement. ABC translates into Anything But Correct. The 2020 election, with all its secrecy and mathematical impossibilities, is now under the microscope. Trump 2.0s FBI has discovered that China pumped phony drivers licenses into the U.S. for voter fraud in the 2020 elections. Documents also reveal the FBI blocked an investigation into the scheme, because it would contradict Christopher Wrays own testimony. Other elements of election fraud likely will be discovered. A reckoning will come. The biggest discovery is just how far-reaching Bidens auto-pen was used or to be exact, misused. Probes and possible prosecutions are moving forward. Meanwhile, the court of public opinion has already decided the media covered up the news rather than covering the news. They are already facing a reckoning, losing ratings, salaries and even their jobs. A change and a reckoning is coming even in left-leaning strongholds like New York and California, and in universities like Columbia and Harvard. NYC stands for New York City, but it also means something specialNot Yet Creepfor immigrant Zohran Mamdani, the Democrat mayoral candidate who rapped about his love for notorious funders of Hamas. Trump has not ruled out a revocation of his citizenship and his subsequent deportation over the possibility he lied on immigration forms. A similar fate may await Congresswoman Ilhan Omar who listed her brother as her husbandand other lieson her immigration forms. I cannot wait to see what the Justice Department does in response to the alleged fraud of Letitia James, who went after Trump for supposedly falsifying documents while she allegedly falsified her own Virginia mortgage documents. As comedian Jackie Gleason used to say How sweet it is! Orange is sometimes said to be Donald Trumps motif, but the color will look good on a lot of Trumps enemies. Dr. Michael Widlanski is the author of Battle for Our Minds: Western Elites and the Terror Threat, published by Threshold/ Simon and Schuster. For two decades he taught at Hebrew University and Bar-Ilan University, was strategic affairs advisor in Israels Ministry of Public Security, and was the Schusterman visiting professor at University of California, Irvine for 201314, and at Washington University in St. Louis, 20078. Dr. Widlanski has also served as a special advisor to Israeli delegations to peace talks in 19911992 and as Strategic Affairs Advisor to the Ministry of Public Security, editing secret PLO Archives captured in Jerusalem. He is a former reporter, correspondent and editor at The New York Times, Cox Newspapers, Israel Television, Israeli Army Radio and The Jerusalem Post. Image generated by AI. Google has to pay over $300 million to Android users in California, a jury in San Jose said. To be more accurate, the company has to pay $314.6 million fine for misusing customers cellphone data. Google has been slapped with a $314.6 million fine over data grabs The jury concluded that Google was liable for sending and receiving information from devices without users permission, while the devices were idle. The lawsuit referred to this as mandatory and unavoidable burdens shouldered by Android device users for Googles benefit. Following the verdict, Google announced an appeal. The companys representative, Jose Castaneda, said that the verdict misunderstands services that are critical to the security, performance, and reliability of Android devices. The plaintiffs attorney, Glen Summers, said that the verdict forcefully vindicates the merits of this case and reflects the seriousness of Googles misconduct. This case was originally brought up way back in 2019 This case was originally filed way back in 2019. It was the class action lawsuit filed in state court. It was filed on behalf of 14 million Californians. It argued that Google collected information from idle phones running Android to benefit the company. IT was collected for uses like targeted advertising, consuming Android users cellular data at their expense, and so on. During the trial, Google did argue that users agreed to this. The company said that no Android users were harmed by these data transfers, and that users agreed to them in the companys terms of service and privacy policies. Unless Google ends up having a successful appeal, it will have to pay $314.6 million, which will be spread over 14 million Android users in California. This is not the only such lawsuit, unfortunately for Google. Another group filed a similar lawsuit in federal court in San Jose. The same claims were brought up on behalf of Android users in the other 49 states. That case will go to trial in April next year. Sony has released a new software update for the WH-1000XM6 wireless headphones and the WF-1000XM5 TWS earbuds. The companys new firmware for these audio devices brings a lot of features and enhancements. Both are getting some excellent quality-of-life improvements, not just vague promises of stability improvements. Sony has released a new software update for the WH-1000XM6 and WF-1000XM5 wireless audio products with a handful of improvements. The company has upgraded the firmware of the WF-1000XM5 and WH-1000XM6 to version 5.0.2 and version 2.0.2, respectively. The updates for these devices improve Quick Access and Scene-based Listening modes with Apple Music and YouTube Music services. Furthermore, user can now enable a Low Latency mode. This is in addition to the previous Bluetooth connection methods: Prioritize Sound Quality and Prioritize Stable Connection. Sonys WF-1000XM5 Version 5.0.2 software update also enhances system software security features, apart from delivering general performance improvements. Sonys WH-1000XM6 also getting moisture detection, support for more languages Sony has also enabled the Capture Voice During a Phone Call setting for all Ambient Sound Control modes for the WH-1000XM6 wireless headphones in the new update. Furthermore, the update adds French, German, and Spanish to the voice-controlled-supported languages. Additionally, it brings a moisture detection feature for the headphones USB-C port. To update your Sony headphones and earbuds, youll need to open the Sony Sound Connect app on your phone. Charge your audio devices fully before upgrading the firmware, as the process could take nearly an hour to complete. That said, in case youre planning to buy the Sony WH-1000XM6, it is one of the best wireless headphones from the company thats available for $449.99 on the brands website. As for the WF-1000XM5, it is a popular Sony noise-canceling pair of earbuds thatll set you back by $249.99. Huawei was placed on the US Entity List a few years ago, effectively banning the company from doing business with US companies. If you thought that was the end of it, think again. According to a ruling by US District Judge Ann Donnelly in Brooklyn, Huawei needs to face criminal charges in the US. Huawei faces criminal charges in the US So, how did Huawei land itself in this predicament? Huawei had previously attempted to dismiss a federal indictment that accused the company of trying to steal technology secrets from its US rivals. It also accused Huawei of misleading banks about its work in Iran. This stemmed from Huaweis alleged control of a Hong Kong-based company called Skycom. US prosecutors had argued that Skycom acted as Huaweis Iranian subsidiary and transferred more than $100 million through the US financial system. Huawei attempted to plead not guilty to 13 of the 16 counts. However, Donnelly found sufficient allegations that Huawei engaged in racketeering in its bid to grow its brand. She also found enough allegations that Huawei might have been involved in stealing trade secrets and committing bank fraud. This means that Huawei needs to face these criminal charges in the US courts. A trial is currently scheduled for May 4, 2026. Huawei has yet to respond to the ruling. Huaweis fight against the US government Huawei used to be viewed as the underdog in the world of consumer tech. The company had long been the supplier of communications equipment to telcos around the world. However, Huawei later dipped its toes in the smartphone space where it quickly rose to fame. In fact, before being placed on the US Entity List, Huawei was poised to overtake both Apple and Samsung. The companys dreams soon came crashing down, and almost overnight, nearly vanished from the market. However, Huawei has a strong base in China and some parts of Asia, where the companys phones are popular due to being good value for money. The company has since managed to claw its way back. Despite the sanctions against it, Huawei has proved its detractors wrong. Together with SMIC, Huawei has managed to produce relatively modern chipsets and developed its own mobile platform, HarmonyOS, which will be used to power its phones, tablets, and other electronics. Alexander Dennis has extended the consultation period with its Scottish workers at risk of redundancy by two weeks. The bus manufacturer has put about 400 jobs at its Falkirk and Larbert factories at risk as it looks to move all operations to Scarborough, North Yorkshire. The consultation process was meant to end at the start of August but has now been pushed back two weeks to August 15. The Finance Secretary welcomed the move, which she said would provide more time for the bus manufacturer to explore all options to save the jobs. Shona Robison told MSPs that the extended consultation will give the company more time to explore all options to save the jobs (Jane Barlow/PA) In a letter to Holyroods Economy and Fair Work Committee, Shona Robison said: In a positive development, as you may be aware, ADL (Alexander Dennis Limited) have written to inform the Scottish Government that they have extended the consultation period to provide more time to explore all viable options to retain their hardworking staff and facilities at Falkirk and Larbert. This welcome decision is a good sign of collaborative working. Appearing before the committee last week, the company said the closure of the Scotland sites was not a done deal. But managing director Paul Davies said orders for up to 100 buses and changes to regulation are needed before the end of the year. Mr Davies said the firm would need to see consistent orders made to help stabilise the future of the business in Scotland. Alexander Dennis is proposing to shut its two Scottish sites (Andrew Milligan/PA) Asked how many orders the firm would need this year, he said it would be about 70-100 buses by the end of the year and 300-400 for next year. But even if the orders come, there will be a lag before work can begin on manufacturing to allow for design and the acquisition of materials. In her letter to the committee, Ms Robison said the Scottish Government is working tirelessly to find a solution for the companys 400 workers in Scotland, and is maintaining close contact with the company, the unions and the UK Government to understand all options to support the workforce. She told MSPs the English double-decker bus market was very critical for Alexander Dennis, due to the countrys larger population than Scotland. She said: Local transport authorities and mayoral combined authorities in England must consider the impact of their purchasing decisions on domestic manufacturers, and it is important that the UK Government publishes a future pipeline of orders as soon as possible. She added: The Scottish Government is urgently examining options to provide greater confidence regarding short-term demand for bus manufacturing in Scotland. This exploration includes consideration of what can lawfully be done to provide support to the bus manufacturing industry in line with procurement and subsidy control rules. She said officials had met with the company to discuss a potential future furlough scheme, which the firm would offer to avoid compulsory redundancies. Alexander Dennis has said it does not have the required level of orders to sustain its Scottish sites (Andrew Milligan/PA) We are in discussions with ADL on the potential for the Government to support the companys scheme for a defined period, she said. Officials from both Governments continue to meet regularly on the above matters, through a joint Scottish Government/UK Government working group, which met for the fourth time on June 30. Meetings are also taking place between myself and ADL, as well as with Unite and GMB. I hope that this update makes clear the importance we have placed on a co-ordinated response. We will continue the engagement with UK Government and press them to provide clarity on a number of issues. We will provide a further update in due course. Last week, staff at Greenfold Systems, a Fife manufacturing plant that supplies parts to Alexander Dennis, were told 90 jobs were at risk of redundancy. The company said it was the result of plans announced by the bus manufacturer one of Greenfolds major customers to close its Scottish sites. Charles III features on one side of banknotes, but the design on the reverse is up for discussion - Yorkshire Pics/Alamy Stock Photo Why change it if it aint broke? we often complain. Our banknotes are beginning to fall into an even more undesirable category. Why change it if it is on the way to extinction? I dont applaud the steep decline in the use of cash, but I realise that I have never seen a current Charles III banknote and the sole kingly coin I have received in change came into my hands three weeks ago in Gibraltar: a 5p piece gloriously inscribed Charles III King of Gibraltar, interestingly once one of the dozens of royal titles of the kings of Spain. Now, we are told, it is time to replace the tired old images of Sir Winston Churchill, Jane Austen, JMW Turner and Alan Turing with others that connect with the life of the country. But which country? These are Bank of England notes, and banks in Scotland and Northern Ireland will continue to issue their own notes, sometimes commemorating their own national figures such as Robert the Bruce. The decision to include Adam Smith, a Scot, on Bank of England notes raised some eyebrows on both sides of the border. Then there was the question of placing women on the notes. Jane Austen was a good choice by any standards, but in those days there was a woman on every banknote anyway the late Queen. And even Jane Austen has been targeted for consuming sugar produced on slave plantations in her tea. We are invited to write in with our suggestions about people, places and topics. We can only nominate dead people. This will not make it easy to identify suitable people from earlier times who reflect todays equality, diversity and inclusion agenda. But we can still be sure that the final shortlist will be expected to reflect the diversity of modern Britain. Presumably positive discrimination is not illegal when the people under discussion are dead. So we can expect very minor figures such as the black trumpeter of the Tudor monarchs to be nominated, but somehow not Benjamin Disraeli, even though he broke through a particular glass ceiling. Many more historical figures will be ruled out for their alleged links to slavery, however tenuous. There will be no Francis Drake, William Gladstone, or John Locke. Or, it is suggested, battle scenes might be appropriate. Trafalgar and Waterloo come to mind and are just as quickly dismissed as embarrassing for our French friends. Colonial wars are beyond consideration. Edward I hammering the Scots and Edward II being defeated by them are just as bad as scenes from the mainly English conflicts of the Wars of the Roses or the English Civil War. Truly this is a dead end. Great buildings perhaps? But a display of English cathedrals would nowadays have to provide space for the growing Catholic community, and then maybe a synagogue and a mosque and a Hindu temple. Hadrians Wall might offend descendants of the Picts and the Scots. Or one could revert to nature, like the Kings British coins, but all that will be out of date once animals and plants from warmer climes colonise our islands. Go modern, you might say, with daring colours and abstract patterns. That reminds me of my wifes attempt to change a new and very abstract Dutch 50 guilder note at the Cairo Hilton some years ago. When he saw it the cashier burst out laughing and said it wasnt real money. None of that is either credible or necessary. The Bank of England carefully limits the printing of new notes to keep down costs and reduce the environmental impact of plastic money. Bank notes do not as yet have special commemorative issues, but stamps have long done so and coins increasingly do so. The increase in production of these collectors items is in inverse proportion to the scale of the use of both stamps and coins. Banknotes, for good reason, cannot be changed at a flick of the hand. They are symbols of the safety, stability and security of the monetary system and not propaganda statements about a particular view of British society. David Abulafia is emeritus professor of Mediterranean history at the University of Cambridge Bryan Kohberger has waived his right to appeal - Kyle Green/Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved Bryan Kohberger has admitted murdering four University of Idaho students in a plea deal which rules out the possibility of him receiving the death penalty. The stabbing of the four students in their rental home near the college campus in 2022 shocked the US and triggered a weeks-long nationwide hunt, which ended with the arrest of the 30-year-old criminal justice graduate in Pennsylvania. His guilty plea and decision to waive his right to appeal means he faces four consecutive life sentences for first-degree murder and a further 10 years for burglary, without the possibility of parole. At the hearing in Ada County, Idaho, Judge Steven Hippler said he would not take into account public opinion on considering whether to accept the plea deal. This court cannot require the prosecutor to seek the death penalty, nor would it be appropriate for this court to do that, he said. This court cannot force the state to seek the death penalty. Victims likely to have been attacked while asleep The killing of Kaylee Goncalves, Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle and Madison Mogen in Moscow, Idaho, devastated the small college town, which had not seen a murder for five years. According to the autopsies, all four victims were likely to have been asleep when they were attacked. They were all stabbed several times, with some having defensive wounds sustained as they tried to fight off the killer. It is believed they were killed at around 4am on Nov 13 2022, with their bodies being found later that morning by two other students living in the house. The killings initially baffled investigators, with the only clue being a white saloon car, which was caught on surveillance cameras repeatedly driving around the house. Mr Kohberger was identified as a potential suspect with the use of genetic genealogy. Mobile phone records also put him at the scene. His DNA was also found on a knife sheath found at the scene. If Judge Hippler accepts the plea deal, sentencing is likely to take place within weeks. The agreement dismayed the family of Kaylee Goncalves, who said it had been failed by Idaho prosecutors. Steve Goncalves, the father of Kaylee, speaks outside the courthouse on Wednesday - Matt Mills McKnight/REUTERS Shanon Gray, the familys lawyer, said they wanted a trial to get definitive answers about the killings including Kohbergers motive. They would get to walk through the case, learn if anyone was targeted, if this was random. Ben Mogen, Madisons father, however, welcomed the agreement. We can actually put this behind us and not have these future dates and future things that we dont want to have to be at, that we shouldnt have to be at, that have to do with this terrible person, he told CBS News. We get to just think about the rest of lives and have to try and figure out how to do it without Maddie and the rest of the kids. Bird flu is now considered entrenched within poultry populations in Cambodia - JITTRAPON KAICOME Cambodia has reported three new bird flu cases in as many days, amid a spike in infections among humans in June. On Tuesday, the Ministry of Health said a 36-year-old woman in Siem Reap province a region in the countrys northeast, which is home to the Unesco World Heritage site Angkor Wat is in intensive care after contracting H5N1. The case is the latest in a string of new infections in the last 10 days. On Saturday, the government said that a woman and her 16-year-old son were being treated with the antiviral tamiflu after testing positive for H5N1 in a contact tracing exercise. A week prior, their 41-year-old neighbour was in a critical condition after contracting the disease. The latest case, the 36-year-old, lived in a village less than two miles away from this cluster of three patients. But all four had clear links to sick or dead birds, according to those investigating the incidents. A fifth case, a 52-year-old man, was announced dead at the start of last week in Svay Rieng province a region some 250 miles away, close to Vietnam. Up until now, we do not have signs of human-to-human transmission, Dr Ly Sovann, the Ministry of Healths director of communicable disease control, told the Telegraph. All of the cases are linked with contact with sick or dead poultry, in backyard poultry or in the community. He added that the close proximity of the four most recent cases instead suggests the virus has spread into the poultry in these villages. In Cambodia, it is common for households to keep small flocks of chickens and ducks which roam around their homes, and live bird markets are still an important cornerstone of the food system. While culturally and economically critical, this means people live and work in the vicinity of poultry creating a constant spillover risk. But although bird flu is now considered entrenched in poultry in the southeast Asian country, virologists and epidemiologists are racing to understand why there has been a recent spike in spillovers to humans. After an eight year lull, bird flu cases jumped in people in 2023 and 2024. So far this year there have been 11 infections and six deaths including seven cases detected in June alone. As for why were seeing this uptick now the honest answer is: we dont fully know yet, said Dr Erik Karlsson, head of the virology unit and director of the World Health Organizations H5 Reference Laboratory at Institut Pasteur du Cambodge. It could be due to increased virus circulation in birds, but it could also reflect deeper socio-economic pressures, climate factors affecting bird movement or immunity, improved surveillance and diagnostics, or some complex combination of all of the above. Possibly even [theres] a butterfly effect a series of small shifts aligning to create a larger impact. Were investigating a range of possible drivers across the animal, human, and environmental interface, he told the Telegraph. Like Dr Sovann, he stressed that although every case is a concern, there are currently no signs that the H5N1 virus circulating in the countrys birds has evolved to spread between people. Our genetic sequencing shows consistency with poultry-derived viruses, with no markers suggesting adaptation for onward human spread, he said. He added that while four of the cases in June were found in Siem Reap, the other three were dotted across the small nation, which is home to roughly 17 million people. [This] again points toward multiple, independent spillover events rather than any linked chain of transmission. Dr Sovann said the Ministry of Health is concerned and will remain vigilant, because the positive rate is high in the wild birds, and that theyre spreading the virus to backyard poultry. But he added that the country has boosted its surveillance system, procured extra lab supplies and bird flu medicines, and strengthened capacity in private and public hospitals. We also encourage clinicians to send more samples, and we work together with our local researchers and hospitals to ensure we can collect all the information, Dr Sovann said. He also noted that there is significant cross border trade of poultry with neighbouring countries. While the virus has been detected in birds across southeast Asia, only Cambodia and Vietnam have recently reported cases in people. I will say that we have a good surveillance system, said Dr Sovann. Thats why we can detect more and more cases. Protect yourself and your family by learning more about Global Health Security Cameron Norrie battled back from a set down to triumph in his second-round Wimbledon clash against the American 12th seed Frances Tiafoe. The British number three hit top form to beat Tiafoe 4-6 6-4 6-3 7-5 and reach the third round for the fourth time in five years. Norrie was broken in the fifth game of the first set to put him on the back foot. No hesitation from Norrie Cameron Norrie comes from a set down to defeat No.12 seed Frances Tiafoe 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 7-5 #Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/x6WYY4eb4l Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 2, 2025 But the 29-year-old seemed energised by a vocal Court One crowd in the second, which saw his rival fail to follow through on three break points at 4-4 a shortcoming that allowed the 2022 semi-finalist to rally and get a break of his own to level the match. Norries forehand began to cause the American plenty of problems in the third set, but after breaking Tiafoes serve he was swiftly broken back as the big-serving American relied on his ability to gain points via aces. The tables were then turned once again when Norrie broke serve, again courtesy of his huge forehand, and proceeded to successfully serve for the third set. Cameron Norrie pulled off an impressive victory over Frances Tiafoe (Jordan Pettitt/PA) Tiafoe then disappeared off court for a lengthy comfort break, coming back in a fresh outfit to face a fourth set with an opponent who was clearly warming to the task. Though trailing, the American did not fold easily and break points were passed between the pair, with the momentum looking at times to be favouring Tiafoe as he threatened to regain control of the match. Norrie held his nerve, however, and blips from his adversary meant he was able to pull off a mighty victory and book a likely clash with Queens finalist Jiri Lehecka in the third round. Cameron Norrie left it all on the court (Adam Davy/PA) Speaking in his on-court interview, Norrie said: I was really happy when I saw the schedule. I saw I was on Court One and thats my favourite court. Its an amazing atmosphere and we both played a really high level. I just stayed calm and played point by point. It was so nice to play Frances at such a big match. I served really well in that last game and (the crowd) were amazing in that last game, so thank you. You just feel goosebumps. Its such a special court and such a special tournament. I just walked out and smiled as much as I could. And then you have to go out to battle. Im really happy with my level today. British wild card Billy Harris was unable to build on his maiden grand slam win as he was beaten in straight sets by world number 37 Nuno Borges. Harris had knocked out veteran Dusan Lajovic in round one but found Portugals Borges too strong. The 30-year-old from Nottingham had two set points in a third set tie-break but was unable to convert either in a 6-3 6-4 7-6 (7) defeat on Court Two. Trans rights demonstration in London in April after the supreme courts ruling on gender. Photograph: Wiktor Szymanowicz/Future Publishing/Getty Images At the heart of the controversy about how to meet the needs of young people questioning their gender has been the huge rise in referrals to the Tavistock previously the only dedicated clinic in England and Wales treating children with gender dysphoria. The clinic was closed one month before the Cass review into youth gender identity services, commissioned by NHS England and led by the British paediatrician Hilary Cass, which found that children had been let down by the NHS amid a toxic public discourse. Her report recommended a significant shift in treatment away from medical intervention towards a more holistic approach to care, including therapy and treatment for coexisting mental ill health, neurodivergence or family issues, and to be provided by a network of regional hubs rather than concentrated in one location. The Cass effect Fourteen months later and the exponential rise in referrals for NHS care has halted, with figures showing a sharp reduction from up to 280 referrals a month at the Tavistock to between 20 and 30 a month this year, a 10th of the earlier rate. James Palmer, the medical director for specialised services at NHS England, who is responsible for implementing the recommendations of Cass, suggests a number of factors are behind the decrease. Young people can now only be referred for the youth gender service through mental health or paediatric specialists, rather than by a GP. Palmer also believes the reduction is partly because of the change in philosophy brought in by Cass about hormone treatments. Her review concluded there was remarkably weak evidence that puberty blockers (prescribed to give young people experiencing distress and dysphoria about their bodies time to consider their next move) and cross-sex hormones (which masculinise or feminise peoples appearances) improve young peoples wellbeing and there was concern they may harm health. Cass prompted a temporary ban on the use of puberty-blocking drugs, which was extended indefinitely by the health secretary, Wes Streeting, last December. Cross-sex hormones may be prescribed to 16- to 18-year-olds in rare cases but in practice none have been since the review. Theres also an impact completely immeasurable of the change in stance in this country and around the world, Palmer adds. The Cass review was clear, he argues, that even social transition is not a neutral act and better information is needed about the outcomes for children who do so, as well as support for parents and schools. But there is also an impact from the global political environment which has become less accepting of trans people and gender-questioning young people. Palmer, a neurosurgeon by background, says waiting times for the new hubs are still really significant and that it will take up to three years to work through the substantial backlog inherited from the Tavistock, and services are continuing to face heavy criticism from young people and their parents. According to NHS England the waiting list for the new hubs peaked in December 2024 at more than 6,400, and has been reduced to just over 6,000. There are now three regional centres open in London, Bristol and north-west England, with the capacity to see about 25 patients a month, and a fourth is expected to open in the east of England this year. Once all seven regional hubs have opened, Palmer says we will get to where we want, which is that individuals, as soon as that [gender] incongruence starts to be truly persistent, even at a young age, will be able to get access to an NHS service. While opinion still differs on how best to meet the needs of this vulnerable group of young people, critics of what Palmer describes as a change in philosophy argue that the fall in referrals to NHS services masks the true numbers seeking intervention, with many families turning to private providers and the hidden economy to access drugs to help them live as a different gender. Palmer accepts the long waits for help affect how individuals approach their care and, of course, some take desperate steps to go to unregulated providers and seek hormones. A clinical trial of puberty blockers, which was recommended by Cass, is being set up by an independent research team at Kings College London, which is taking it through ethical and regulatory approvals. An expert panel will report to Streeting in July after considering a similar ban on cross-sex hormones for 16- to 18-year-olds, with initial signals that further restriction is likely. Long waits and legal challenges The Guardian spoke to a range of parents about their concerns over their childrens treatment since the Cass report was published. Some said they felt more hopeful since Casss emphasis on evidence-based care, and were pleased to see underlying issues highlighted in her report such as bullying, neurodiversity, emerging same-sex attraction and trauma being addressed first in regular sessions with a psychologist. Others said this culture change had not reached adult services, where older teenagers were being treated, adding they were the same cohort subjected to the same societal factors that were reviewed by Cass. Some parents were particularly frustrated that other European countries had conducted similar reviews of the evidence base for hormone treatments but came to different conclusions that supported their use for young people. They also worried that staff at the new hubs did not appear to be very experienced in gender care, with what they felt was limited understanding of how time-critical decisions about hormone treatment can be. Pathways to gender-affirming hormones, for example, although technically still available were simply not discussed. One family reported that they were warned at a hub that accessing hormone treatment privately could trigger a safeguarding referral by their GP and even a police report. Another said it was unfair that NHS England had moved 200 young people already receiving puberty blocking or gender-affirming treatment at the Tavistock to a Nottingham clinic where their hormone treatment was continuing, while other youngsters were not offered that option. For 18-year-old Ben, who lives in the Midlands with his family and is about to start a degree at a Russell Group university, there is definitely value in holistic support, as prioritised by Cass. But he says talking therapies lose their value if young people feel they are having to prove themselves deserving of access to hormones. Ben joined the youth services waiting list at the age of 14, but was transferred to the adult NHS waiting list earlier this year after he turned 18, never having had an appointment. Instead his family accessed puberty blockers and then testosterone from an online clinic. I can understand that for someone who has not been in my position this is obviously a massive decision for a young person to make, and it is necessary to have safeguards in place, but to completely remove access to hormones is going to have a negative impact on many young people for the rest of their lives. Whilst using unregulated private providers has more risks than accessing healthcare through the NHS, risk is much greater where young trans people are left without any access to healthcare at all, as is the case for many who are unable to pay for private healthcare. Some young people formerly treated at the new hubs have found their way to the private Gender Plus, a clinic that treats young people as well as adults, and is the only service in the UK able to prescribe cross-sex hormones to 16- to 18-year-olds, in line with NHS England guidance through its Care Quality Commission-registered hormone clinic. Its director, Dr Aidan Kelly, said: Im hearing theres a huge drop-out rate [from the new hubs], which doesnt surprise me because the evidence base for group therapy helping young people with gender dysphoria is weaker than that for hormone interventions. They feel that the NHS has given up on them and so they are just waiting to age up into the adult service. The adult service is under review by NHS England, in response to detailed concerns raised by Cass following her youth review, including out of control waiting lists, inadequate consent processes, and limited explanation of the risks involved in treatment. In 2024, Gender Pluss first full year, it took 874 referrals, 343 of whom were under 18, and it has expanded to sites in London, Birmingham, Leeds and Dublin, with 20 staff, many of whom formerly worked at NHS gender services. Of those aged 16 to 18, 61% were prescribed gender-affirming hormones after completing an average six months of assessment. Gender Plus is facing a judicial review at the end of June, brought by the former NHS gender specialist Sue Evans, who also instigated proceedings against the Tavistock in 2019, challenging the CQCs decision to grant registration to the Gender Plus hormone clinic in January 2024, and the subsequent decision to award the clinic an outstanding rating in December 2024 after its first inspection. Kelly suggests NHS England is assuming by denying young people access to medical pathways, they will simply give up. Theres no evidence of that happening and in fact there is evidence that it does harm. Last year, the Guardian reported on experts warning that growing numbers of under-18s were turning to the medicines hidden economy. Some of those young people are becoming politically active. In March, the activist group Trans Kids Deserve Better disrupted a Guardian event with Streeting, highlighting that he had not consulted with trans youth before making decisions about their treatment but had spoken to other groups that oppose gender-affirming care. NHS England says that the more cautious approach approved by Cass includes regular appointments with a clinician, and a suite of therapy options, one to one, in groups and with family, as well as treatment for coexisting mental health issues, including medication if necessary. In building the new services, efforts have been made to let clinicians get on with their day job away from the media spotlight. But Palmer says he worries that the polarised debate in the newspapers does not recognise there are many young people who are really impacted by the dysphoria and distress that can follow gender incongruence and need access to the care of an NHS service. There was a certain inevitability that Grangemouth would close by the time Labour came to power last year, the UKs energy minister has said. Michael Shanks said the UK Government did not take any option off the table when asked about whether Scotlands last oil refinery could have been nationalised. But he said the plant was far too far down the line for the outcome to have been averted. The plant ceased crude oil processing in April, with its closure causing the loss of 430 jobs. Grangemouth stopped producing oil earlier this year (Andrew Milligan/PA) The SNP had previously called for the UK Government to nationalise the site, which its owners said was losing 385,000 a day. Appearing before the Scottish Affairs Committee in the Commons on Wednesday, Mr Shanks, who is the MP for Rutherglen and Hamilton West, said the Government is not in the business of nationalising failing businesses. However, he also described Grangemouth currently as a hugely investable opportunity for businesses. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer previously announced 200 million in funding for the future of the site, cash which he hopes to triple in private investment. That came after the Scottish Government had announced 25 million in funding, while both governments funded Project Willow a 1.5 million report into future options to keep the plant open. We're questioning Energy Minister @MGShanks on the future of North Sea energy as part of our inquiry into GB Energy and the net zero transition. Watch live Scottish Affairs Committee (@CommonsScotAffs) July 2, 2025 Asked about whether the UK Government considered bringing Grangemouth into public ownership, Mr Shanks told MPs: I think it is fair to say we didnt take any option off the table and we did look at a whole series of options. But firstly, the Governments not in the business of nationalising failing businesses. That is difficult to say, but it is the reality that a business thats losing tens of millions of pounds, it cant be nationalised with the public facing the cost of that. Thats the same position were in with the Prax Lindsey refinery (North Lincolnshire), and its the same position with Grangemouth. Mr Shanks said Labour moved every possible option forward to do what it could to save the refinery, but added: The truth is, we were far too far down the line with the Grangemouth process to really change the outcome and as regrettable as that is, and it genuinely is, and Ive met the workers on a number of occasions, I know how significant the impact is on them and their families, there was a certain inevitability about the outcome by the point in which we came into Government. You know exactly who he is a gambler in Las Vegas. Photograph: Michael Rababy As a kid, I would see a new casino every time I visited Vegas with my family. They were huge, multimillion dollar investments and even then, I knew that money had come from people losing it in machines. Thats probably why I dont gamble. My dad only actually took us into a casino a couple of times, but I remember him believing he would win and my mother being more rational about it. Thinking about it now, its absurd to take your kids to Vegas. My friend Rich remembers his parents checking him and his brother in at the Circus Circus hotel and casino I think there was maybe a trampoline for children to jump on while the parents gambled. Afterwards, theyd hand in their ticket and pick the kids up again, like you do with your coat at the theatre. In my 20s, Id go to Vegas with friends and, while they were gambling, Id be documenting, running around and taking photos wherever I could. I began to realise that the gap between the absurd commercials we have in the US for casinos that promise the world, and the reality that I was seeing, was huge, almost to a comical degree. The photographs Id been accumulating started to form a cohesive body of work, showing the contrast between the glamour in the marketing, and the actuality which is more like going to the airport than a big night out in Monte Carlo. It epitomises Vegas not just because of Elvis, but also because of the lights and the colour I took trips to places well known for their casinos, such as Reno, Nevada and Atlantic City, and whenever I was somewhere in the US that had one, I would seek it out. I tend to use a hit and run approach when photographing inside them. If I see security looking at me, or if other people are becoming aware of me, Ill just move on theres always an embarrassment of riches to photograph, you could just go to the next table, or even the next casino. I also dont want to be perceived as someone who might be helping someone cheat, so I try to avoid any card games. I feel like Im setting the stage for a story, and then you let your mind fill in the blanks. This photograph of an Elvis impersonator is an example of that one image that says 1,000 words. Its pretty much the iconic image of my Casinoland book. Elvis was the king but there was a darker side to him too, which reflects the difference between the marketing of casinos and their reality. The photograph was taken in 2012 and it epitomises Vegas not just because of Elvis, but also the lights and the colour. For some reason I feel more emotion when theres more saturation in an image. Theres so much distraction going on here, but it all frames the king in the centre. Hes kind of slumped back at the slot machine: you see him from the back but you know exactly who he is. Often players go into a particular mental state at the slot machines, where they seem to be aware of nothing else. They get locked into a zone where its just them and the machine. I could often get pretty close, and was able to capture what was happening without them seeing me. You have to be careful though people have come at me a couple of times. On one occasion, when I was still shooting on film, the sound of my Olympus woke a guy Id just photographed slumped across a machine, and he really wanted to fight me. There was no reasoning with him. I managed to dodge into a club and amazingly the velvet rope kept him at bay he wouldnt cross it. Nowadays I carry a small Fuji, but phone cameras have got good enough for me to use for stealth work. If I pick up my Nikon with its longer lens, its like Im about to point a gun at someone. In the age of social media, people are much more suspicious of a photographers motives than they used to be, but I am a positive person and want the best for everybody. Someone described my work as documenting the fall of an empire in the deserts of Nevada, but Im doing it with a sense of humour and a light touch. Michael Rababys CV Born: Ohio, 1969 Trained: Studied art history at the University of San Diego, spent many hours at the Museum of Photographic Arts bookstore in Balboa Park, and regularly snuck into film classes. I fell in love with photography while studying in Florence, Italy, in my second year of college and have been pretty much self-taught since then by looking at paintings in museums and watching great films. Influences: Henri Cartier-Bresson, Brassai, Helen Levitt, Bill Owens, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Hunter S Thompson. High point: As a Pollyanna optimist, I have to believe my high point has yet to happen but having Edward Snowden share an image I created with The Yes Men stands out. Low point: To survive as an artist you have to accept a barrage of rejection and move on. Top tip: Chuck Close noted that photography is one of the easiest art forms to learn but the hardest to find your voice. I recommend learning as much craft as you can, but at some point you have to look deep inside yourself to carve your path. Michael Rababy will be signing copies of Casinoland Tired of Winning on 11 July at Arles photography festival The French destroyer Normandie shadows the Russian attack submarine off the coast of Brittany A French fishing trawler came face to face with a Russian attack submarine when it surfaced in the English Channel off the coast of Brittany. The crew of the 25 metre Belenos trawler were shocked to see the Kilo-class vessel break the surface of the water just metres away from their boat as they were fishing near the Channel Islands of Jersey and Guernsey. One image, taken by a crew member, appears to show a figure emerging from the front of the conning tower, the raised structure that acts as the command centre. Reports of the Russian crafts presence came as a French admiral on Wednesday revealed that a shadow fleet of around 900 ghost ships run by Russia, North Korea and Iran, ply the waves, with a dozen passing through the Channel every day. The Russian submarine surfaced right next to the Breton trawler According to data from MarineTraffic, a ship tracking tool, the Belenos left Roscoff in Brittany at about 9am on Saturday. It then fished north of Roscoff, approaching the west coast of the Channel Islands of Jersey and Guernsey when the encounter took place. Ouest-France, the regional paper that broke the story, cited the Atlantic Maritime Prefecture, based in Brest, as playing down the incident. It said: Its a submarine that had been tracked for some time; it was simply in transit. However, the paper said it was very unusual for such a vessel to surface so close to a fishing boat. The prefecture said: A French frigate accompanied it as it headed south to enter the Mediterranean or sail along the African coast, as Russian units from the Northern Fleet [based in Severomorsk] or the Baltic Fleet [in Kaliningrad] regularly do. In general, Russian submarines do not hide because they know [we] are aware of their presence. Only France dispatched a ship, but the information was passed on to allies, as required by protocol. The name of the submarine has not been disclosed but it appears to be a conventional diesel-electric attack submarine, such as those of the Kilo-class, which are produced in large numbers by Russia. Kilo Class Russian Submarine Breton fishermen are wary of clashing with submarines since the sinking of the Bugaled Breizh trawler on Jan 15 2004, which caused the death of all five crew members. For years, the cause of the sinking was thought to be a collision with a Western submarine, but an inquest in 2021 found that the vessel was likely to have sunk because of a snagging of its equipment on the seabed, which forced it to stop and take on water. The trawler sank in the waters off Lizard Point, not far from the area where the Belenos was operating on June 28. The incident came as a French admiral told MPs that a ghost fleet of boats used to transport petrol in circumvention of sanctions may number around 900 ships. Admiral Benoit de Guibert, the maritime prefect for the Channel and the North Sea, said: The states action is primarily to keep a particularly close watch on this fleet, which is estimated to consist of around 900 ships, including a dozen that are tracked daily in the English Channel. The clandestine fleet does not only concern Russian interests, but also those of other countries such as Iran and North Korea, he told MPs. His assessment came after it emerged that a Russian warship disguised itself using a fake ID signal while travelling through the English Channel with two sanctioned oil tankers. The Boikiy a corvette armed with guided missiles broadcast the fake ID code as it passed through the Channel earlier this month, according to the BBC. It travelled alongside two vessels known to be part of Russias shadow fleet a network of tankers whose ownership can be obscured and are used to transport sanctioned oil products. It is thought that recent Western moves against the shadow fleet may have prompted Moscow to use its military to protect the tankers. Last month, a Russian Su-35 fighter jet flew past a shadow fleet vessel and entered Estonian airspace after the country attempted to intercept the ship, which was suspected of carrying sanctioned oil. Dmitry Gorenburg, a senior research scientist at the Centre for Naval Analyses, told the BBC: The action seems designed to deter the UK and other Nato states from attempting to board and, or, seize these vessels, since the presence of a military escort heightens the risk of confrontation and further escalation. Sami Tamimis aubergine and fava beans with eggs. Photograph: Ola O Smit/The Guardian. Food and props styling: Kitty Coles. Food assistant: Grace Jenkins. What better way to welcome the weekend than with the smell and sound of herb-loaded ijeh frying? This is a thick, delicious frittata-like mixture of courgettes, leeks, peas, herbs and eggs, and in Palestine its often made with finely chopped onions, too. I always keep a couple of tins of ful (fava beans) in my pantry for those times when I crave a quick and satisfying late breakfast or weekend lunch. When simple toast and butter wont do the trick and Im in need of something more substantial and savoury, thats when fava beans come to the rescue. Aubergine and fava beans with eggs (bitinjan w ful ma beyd; pictured top) You can substitute the eggs with feta for an extra-creamy and salty touch. Alternatively, the dish works beautifully as a vegan dish without the eggs. If fava beans arent available, you can easily substitute them with other tinned beans. Make sure to season the beans generously and serve them with fresh crusty bread or flatbread. This is a truly filling and satisfying meal that never fails to impress. Prep 15 min Steep Overnight Cook 50 min Serves 4 For the sumac onions 1 large red onion, peeled, halved and thinly sliced 1 tbsp sumac 100ml apple cider vinegar 3 tbsp lemon juice Salt For the aubergines, beans and eggs 2 medium aubergines (about 630g) 80ml olive oil, plus extra to serve Salt and black pepper 1 onion, peeled and finely chopped (175g) 6 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed 1 small piece of ginger, peeled and finely grated (20g) 1 green chilli, finely chopped, seeds and all (20g) 1 tsp chilli flakes 1 tsp ground cumin tsp ground cinnamon 1 tsp tomato paste 2 plum tomatoes, chopped into 2cm chunks (300g) 400g tin chopped tomatoes 400g tin fava beans, drained 15g fresh coriander, roughly chopped, plus extra to serve 4 large eggs 30g sumac onions (see above and method) For the sumac onions: pack the sliced onion into a 400ml jar for which you have a lid. Add the sumac and set aside. Put the vinegar, 100ml water, lemon juice and a tablespoon of salt in a medium bowl and whisk until the salt dissolves. Pour the vinegar mixture over the onions, cover and give them a gentle shake. The onions are ready to eat the next day, though theyll keep in the fridge for up to three weeks. Heat the oven to 240C (220C fan)/475F/gas 9. Cut the aubergines into 4cm chunks and put in a large bowl. Mix well with 40ml oil, half a teaspoon of salt and a good grind of black pepper, then spread out on a large oven tray lined with baking paper. Roast for 25 minutes, or until very soft and lightly browned, then remove from the oven and set aside. Meanwhile, make the sauce. Put the remaining oil in a large saute pan on a medium-high heat. Add the onion and saute for about seven minutes, until soft and lightly browned. Add the garlic, ginger, green chilli, chilli flakes, spices and tomato paste, and cook for another minute, or until fragrant. Add the chopped tomatoes, tinned tomatoes, fava beans, 300ml water, a teaspoon and a quarter of salt and a good grind of pepper, turn down the heat to medium and cook for 15 minutes, or until thickened. Add the aubergine chunks and cook for a further three minutes. Stir in the coriander, then turn down the heat to medium-low. Make four wells in the sauce and crack an egg into each well. Gently swirl the egg whites with a fork a little bit, taking care not to break the yolks. Simmer gently for seven or eight minutes, until the egg whites are set and the yolks are still runny. Cover the pan with a lid for the last few minutes, to speed things up. Leave to settle and cool for a couple of minutes, then garnish with the sumac onions, coriander, a drizzle of olive oil and a little salt on the eggs. Courgette and leek ijeh (Arabic frittata) Good with chopped salad, shatta and warm bread. Prep 10 min Cook 1 hr Serves 46 250g frozen peas, defrosted 2 courgettes (300g) 1 small onion (150g) 1 large leek, trimmed, finely chopped, washed and dried (175g) 50g plain flour 15g fresh parsley, finely chopped 10g fresh mint leaves, thinly shredded 1 tsp dried mint 1 tsp aleppo chilli flakes, or regular chilli flakes tsp ground turmeric 1 tsp dill or fennel seeds, slightly crushed 3 large eggs, lightly beaten Salt and black pepper 3 tbsp olive oil Lemon wedges, to serve Soured cream, to serve Put the peas in a food processor and blitz for a few seconds until slightly crushed but not mushy. Transfer to a large bowl. Trim the courgettes and peel the onion, then, using the coarse side of a box grater, grate both on to a clean tea towel or muslin. Gather up the ends of the towel and twist hard over a bowl to squeeze out as much liquid as possible. Add the grated courgettes and onion to the peas, then add the leek, flour, herbs, spices, eggs, a teaspoon and three-quarters of salt and a good grind of black pepper. Mix well to form a uniform batter. Put a large (28cm) shallow nonstick pan for which you have a lid on a medium heat and add the oil. When the oil is hot, add the ijeh mixture, smoothing it down to make an even patty. Partly cover the pan, then leave to cook on a low heat for about 17 minutes, shaking the pan a few times to make sure it doesnt stick to the bottom and running a rubber spatula around the sides. When the edges start to go golden brown, get a large flat plate and place it over the pan. Carefully invert the pan, plate and all, so the ijeh ends up on the plate, then slide it back into the pan uncooked side down and cook uncovered for 15 minutes more, until it is firm and cooked through. To serve, slide the ijeh on to a platter, squeeze over a little lemon juice and serve with lemon wedges and soured cream on the side. Palestinian egg and chips (Batata w beyd) This is the Palestinian equivalent of egg and chips, and is commonly enjoyed as a hearty and comforting meal. Its a simple yet fulfilling dish, made with basic ingredients. Batata w beyd is often served as a main course, accompanied by sides of chopped vegetables, pickles, shatta and bread. Perfect for breakfast, lunch or dinner, its simplicity makes it a popular choice for home cooks. Prep 5 min Cook 45 min Serves 4 4 large potatoes (1.15kg) 4 tbsp sunflower oil, plus 1 tsp extra for the onions 30g butter Salt and black pepper 2 medium onions, peeled and finely chopped (300g) 8 medium eggs 1 tsp sumac 2 tbsp fresh parsley, roughly chopped 2 tbsp fresh oregano leaves Olive oil Peel the potatoes and cut them into 1cm cubes. Heat the sunflower oil and butter in a very large frying pan, add the potato cubes, a teaspoon of salt and three-quarters of a teaspoon of ground black pepper, then cook, stirring a few times, on a medium-high heat, for 17 minutes, or until the potatoes are crisp, golden brown on the outside and soft within. Transfer the potatoes to a bowl. Using the same pan, lower the heat to medium, then add the remaining teaspoon of sunflower oil and the onion, and cook, stirring, for about five minutes, until the onion is soft and light golden. Return the potatoes to the pan and stir a couple of times. Crack in the eggs and cook for eight to 10 minutes, until they are cooked through, but the yolks are still slightly runny. If you like, cover the pan with a lid for the last few minutes to speed up the process. Sprinkle with a bit more salt, the sumac and the herbs, finish with a final drizzle of olive oil and serve. A Google research facility in Mountain View, California, in May. Photograph: Carlos Barria/Reuters In 2021, Google set a lofty goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2030. Yet in the years since then, the company has moved in the opposite direction as it invests in energy-intensive artificial intelligence. In its latest sustainability report, Google said its carbon emissions had increased 51% between 2019 and 2024. New research aims to debunk even that enormous figure and provide context to Googles sustainability reports, painting a bleaker picture. A report authored by non-profit advocacy group Kairos Fellowship found that, between 2019 and 2024, Googles carbon emissions actually went up by 65%. Whats more, between 2010, the first year there is publicly available data on Googles emissions, and 2024, Googles total greenhouse gas emissions increased 1,515%, Kairos found. The largest year-over-year jump in that window was also the most recent, 2023 to 2024, when Google saw a 26% increase in emissions just between 2023 and 2024, according to the report. Googles own data makes it clear: the corporation is contributing to the acceleration of climate catastrophe, and the metrics that matter how many emissions they emit, how much water they use, and how fast these trends are accelerating are headed in the wrong direction for us and the planet, said Nicole Sugerman, a campaign manager at Kairos Fellowship. The authors say that they found the vast majority of the numbers they used to determine how much energy Google is using and how much its carbon emissions are increasing in the appendices of Googles own sustainability reports. Many of those numbers were not highlighted in the main body of Googles reports, they say. Related: Revealed: Big techs new datacentres will take water from the worlds driest areas After the report published, Google called its findings into question in a statement. The analysis by the Kairos Fellowship distorts the facts. Our carbon emissions are calculated according to the widely used Greenhouse Gas Protocol and assured by a third party. Our carbon reduction ambition has been validated by the leading industry body, the Science Based Targets initiative, said a spokesperson, Maggie Shiels. The authors behind the report, titled Googles Eco-Failures, attribute the discrepancy between the numbers they calculated and the numbers Google highlights in its sustainability reports to various factors, including that the firm uses a different metric for calculating how much its emissions have increased. While Google uses market-based emissions, the researchers used location-based emissions. Location-based emissions are the average emissions the company produces from its use of local power grids, while market-based emissions include energy the company has purchased to offset its total emissions. [Location-based emissions] represents a companys real grid emissions, said Franz Ressel, the lead researcher and report co-author. Market-based emissions are a corporate-friendly metric that obscures a polluters actual impact on the environment. It allows companies to pollute in one place, and try to offset those emissions by purchasing energy contracts in another place. The energy the tech giant has needed to purchase to power its data centers alone increased 820% since 2010, according to Kaiross research, a figure that is expected to expand in the future as Google rolls out more AI products. Between 2019 and 2024, emissions that came primarily from the purchase of electricity to power data centers jumped 121%, the reports authors said. In absolute terms, the increase was 6.8 TWh, or the equivalent of Google adding the entire state of Alaskas energy use in one year to their previous use, said Sugerman. Based on Googles current trajectory, the Kairos reports authors say the company is unlikely to meet its own 2030 deadline without a significant push from the public. There are three categories of greenhouse gas emissions called Scopes 1, 2 and 3 and Google has only meaningfully decreased its Scope 1 emissions since 2019, according to the Kairos report. Scope 1 emissions, which include emissions just from Googles own facilities and vehicles, account for only 0.31% of the companys total emissions, according to the report. Scope 2 emissions are indirect emissions that come primarily from the electricity Google purchases to power its facilities, and scope 3 accounts for indirect emissions from all other sources such as suppliers, use of Googles consumer devices or employee business travel. Its not sustainable to keep building at the rate [Google is] building because they need to scale their compute within planetary limits, said Sugerman. We do not have enough green energy to serve the needs of Google and certainly not the needs of Google and the rest of us. Thirsty, power-hungry data centers As the company builds out resource-intensive data centers across the country, experts are also paying close attention to Googles water usage. According to the companys own sustainability report, Googles water withdrawal how much water is taken from various sources increased 27% between 2023 and 2024 to 11bn gallons of water. The amount is enough to supply the potable water needs for the 2.5 million people and 5,500 industrial users in Boston and its suburbs for 55 days, according to the Kairos report. Tech companies have faced both internal and public pressure to power their growing number of data centers with clean energy. Amazon employees recently put forth a package of shareholder proposals that asked the company to disclose its overall carbon emissions and targeted the climate impact of its data centers. The proposals were ultimately voted down. On Sunday, several organizations including Amazon Employees for Climate Justice, League of Conservation Voters, Public Citizen and the Sierra Club, published an open letter in the San Francisco Chronicle and the Seattle Times calling on the CEOs of Google, Amazon and Microsoft to commit to no new gas and zero delayed coal plant retirements to power your data centers. In just the last two years alone, your companies have built data centers throughout the United States capable of consuming more electricity than four million American homes, the letter reads. Within five years, your data centers alone will use more electricity than 22 million households, rivaling the consumption of multiple mid-size states. Related: Googles emissions up 51% as AI electricity demand derails efforts to go green In its own sustainability report, Google warns that the firms future trajectories may be affected by the evolving landscape of the tech industry. Were at an extraordinary inflection point, not just for our company specifically, but for the technology industry as a whole driven by the rapid growth of AI, the report reads. The combination of AIs potential for non-linear growth driven by its unprecedented pace of development and the uncertain scale of clean energy and infrastructure needed to meet this growth makes it harder to predict our future emissions and could impact our ability to reduce them. The Kairos report accuses Google of relying heavily on speculative technologies, particularly nuclear power, to achieve its goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2030. Googles emphasis on nuclear energy as a clean energy solution is particularly concerning, given the growing consensus among both scientists and business experts that their successful deployment on scale, if it is to ever occur, cannot be achieved in the near or mid-term future, the report reads. The Kairos report alleges the way that Google presents some of its data is misleading. In the case of data center emissions, for example, Google says it has improved the energy efficiency of its data centers by 50% over 13 years. Citing energy efficiency numbers rather than sharing absolute ones obscures Googles total emissions, the authors argue. In fact, since 2010, the companys total energy consumption has increased 1,282%, the report concluded. Matt Hancock arriving to give evidence at the inquiry. Photograph: Jeff Moore/PA Media Bereaved families have said Matt Hancocks evidence to the Covid inquiry was full of excuses and completely devoid of accountability as he described discharging untested patients into care homes as the least worst option. In his testimony to the UK Covid-19 inquiry on Wednesday, the former health secretary defended the decision to move hospital patients into care homes during the early weeks of the pandemic to free up bed space. Nobody has yet provided me with an alternative that was available at the time that would have saved more lives, he said. I still cant see a decision that would have been less bad. None of the options were good. It was the least worst decision that could have been taken at the time. While I wish there had been a better option, I still cant find one. The likelihood of things being worse if people had stayed in hospital was very high. A spokesperson for Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice UK, a group of nearly 7,000 people, said Hancocks evidence was full of excuses and completely devoid of accountability. Weve waited years for this moment, hoping for truth. What we got was finger-pointing and evasion, they said. Our loved ones were left to die without PPE, without testing or protection. Other countries protected their care homes. Ours were abandoned. Hancock lied to us then and hes still dodging responsibility now. They said his testimony suggested he was powerless to change life-saving guidance for care homes, a claim that doesnt stand up to scrutiny. Hancock said the discharge policy, which was later ruled illegal in a high court judgment, was formally a government decision but that it was driven by the then NHS chief executive, Simon Stevens. He also said that while he had not taken the decision himself, he took responsibility for it. Stevens is not listed to testify at the inquiry, despite calls from campaign groups for him to do so. Related: Wrexham nursing home owner tells Covid inquiry lack of testing terrified staff Hancock was giving evidence as part of the sixth module of the inquiry, focusing specifically on the care sector. Earlier this week, a senior civil servant said there had been a generational slaughter within care homes in written evidence to the inquiry. Almost 46,000 care home residents died with Covid in England and Wales between March 2020 and January 2022, many of them in the early weeks of the pandemic. The decision to rapidly discharge hospital patients to care homes in order to free up beds, when testing and isolation facilities were not yet widely available, has been strongly criticised for causing rapid spread of the disease in care homes. In 2022, the high court said the policy not to isolate discharged hospital patients in the first weeks of the pandemic without testing was irrational. Hancock said the ruling had been very frustrating because he was not asked to be involved, and claimed the outcome would have been different if he had given evidence. On Tuesday, a care home owner and manager giving evidence to the inquiry said she had refused to allow untested hospital patients into her nursing home, and was told she would be reported to the care inspectorate for bed blocking. Hancock said that isolation of discharged patients had not been clinically recommended at the time, but in hindsight it should have been. He heavily criticised Public Health England (PHE) for not responding effectively to the seriousness of the crisis. I got so frustrated with PHE I abolished them, he said. When questioned about whether there had been enough staff to care for the discharged patients, amid evidence of a widespread shortage of carers, Hancock said: We knew that people would do what they needed to do. He has also been heavily criticised for his claims that a protective ring had been placed around care homes, previously admitting to the inquiry that it was not an unbroken circle. The care sector module of the inquiry is expected to run until the end of July. The F-35B Lightning jet has been stuck in India because of an engineering problem The Royal Navy was mocked by an Indian tourist board over an F-35B Lightning jet that has been stranded in the country for more than two weeks. The warplane, one of the worlds most advanced stealth aircraft, was forced to make an emergency landing at Thiruvananthapuram airport, in Kerala, after being caught in bad weather over the Indian Ocean on June 14. It has been stuck there since because of an engineering problem. On Wednesday, Keralas tourist board shared a tongue-in-cheek cartoon image of the jet on a runway surrounded by palm trees. The picture featured a fake review of the southern Indian state, written by UK F-35B, that read: Kerala is such an amazing place, I dont want to leave. Definitely recommend. Kerala Tourism captioned the image: Kerala, the destination youll never want to leave. Questions over jets security Social media users responded positively to the post, with one joking that the jet deserved Indian citizenship and another urging the board to put the advertisement on a London bus. The 88 million multi-role aircraft was part of the HMS Prince of Wales carrier strike group and was carrying out drills with the Indian navy when it was forced into the emergency landing. The Telegraph understands that the aircraft was unable to return to the carrier because of poor weather conditions. Images taken at the airport showed the jet parked in an isolated bay, with some armed guards stationed around it. Questions were raised as to how secure the prized military asset is after an image emerged of just one Indian soldier in a high-visibility jacket standing in front of the jet, holding a gun. An Indian soldier in a high-visibility jacket protects the jet - X (Formerly Twitter) The Royal Navy reportedly rejected Air Indias offer to allocate hangar space to the aircraft because of concerns that other people could access and assess the advanced technologies on the jet. On Friday, a spokesman for the British High Commission said the aircraft would be moved to the airport hangar once engineering teams from Britain arrived with specialist equipment. The Indian Air Force has been assisting with logistical support for the rectification and subsequent return of the jet. All details about the repair, maintenance timeline, and communications between Indian and British authorities are being kept confidential. Flight tracking data related to the emergency landing has since been removed from public platforms. It is not yet known how long it will take until the aircraft is operational again, defence sources said. An Iranian cleric has said a campaign has been launched with the title of fundraising for murdering Trump and for murdering Netanyahu - Ronen Zvulun/Reuters A hardline Iranian cleric has announced a fundraiser to kill Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu. Abdolmajid Kharaghaani, who has a large following on social media, said the funds would be used to hire an assassin to murder the US president and the Israeli prime minister. In a recent interview, he said that a campaign has been launched with the title of fundraising for murdering Trump and for murdering Netanyahu, adding: They do this for $10 million to $20 million in European countries. Such operations should be calculated and conducted in consultation with Iranian security agencies, Mr Kharaghaani said. The cleric also argued that civilians should get involved in efforts to assassinate enemy leaders, saying: Its not only the military commanders responsibility to kill the heads of the enemy. The public should get involved and make the scene dangerous, so that people like Trump and Netanyahu wont dare to make statements that are big for their mouth. Kharaghaani does not hold a prominent position within Irans religious hierarchy and has little official power. However, his views reflect those of some hardline Iranian groups. It came as Masoud Pezeshkian, Irans president, signed a law on Wednesday suspending the countrys cooperation with the UNs nuclear watchdog. The move will leave the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) unable to monitor any renewed nuclear activity in Iran or track the countrys large stockpile of enriched uranium. Last week, Naser Makarem Shirazi, the grand ayatollah, issued a fatwa saying that any person or regime that threatens the leadership and religious authority of Iran is a mohareb one who wages war against God and should be put to death. He added that Muslims or Islamic regimes co-operating with a mohareb should also be killed, saying it was forbidden under Islamic law. The fatwa was issued after Mr Trump said on June 17 that he knew the location of Ali Khamenei, Irans supreme leader, but would not target him at least for now. Irans Centre for Elite Affairs and Superior Talents of Seminaries, an office for training clerics, said it was ready to implement Shirazis fatwa and described threats against Khamenei as cowardly foolishness. Alireza Panahian, another cleric close to Khamenei, said that every Muslim anywhere in the world must sacrifice their life and kill the enemies of the supreme leader. Iranian state media has also called for the death of Rafael Grossi, the director general of the IAEA. Keyhan, a hardline newspaper, described Mr Grossi as a bold Mossad spy and demanded that he be tried and executed upon arrival in Iran for spying for the Mossad and participating in the murder of the oppressed people of our country. Letby, 35, is serving 15 whole-life prison terms after being convicted of murdering seven babies and attempting to murder seven others. Photograph: Cheshire Constabulary/AP Detectives investigating the former nurse Lucy Letby have passed evidence to prosecutors alleging she murdered and harmed more babies. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) confirmed on Wednesday that it was considering further charges against Letby over alleged crimes at the Countess of Chester hospital and Liverpool Womens hospital. It is understood that Cheshire constabulary has passed evidence relating to more than six cases to prosecutors. It follows the arrest this week of three former Countess of Chester hospital bosses on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter. Letby, 35, is serving 15 whole-life prison terms after being convicted of murdering seven babies and attempting to murder seven others in the year to June 2016. The former neonatal nurse is seeking to overturn her convictions at the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC), having lost two legal challenges at the court of appeal. Police have faced mounting questions about Letbys convictions after an international panel of experts announced in February that they had found no evidence of criminality against her after reviewing medical records and other documents. However, Cheshire constabulary is continuing three criminal investigations into the nurse, hospital bosses and into alleged corporate manslaughter by the Countess of Chester hospital NHS foundation trust. The three former hospital managers arrested on Monday on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter have not been named and have declined to comment. They have all been released on police bail. The CPS said on Wednesday it had received a full file of evidence from Cheshire constabulary asking us to consider further allegations in relation to deaths and non-fatal collapses of babies at the Countess of Chester hospital and Liverpool Womens hospital. A spokesperson said it would carefully consider the evidence to determine whether any further criminal charges should be brought, adding: As always, we will make that decision independently, based on the evidence and in line with our legal test. Any further charges against Letby are likely to be highly controversial given the concerns about her convictions. A further prosecution of the former nurse would have to be approved by Stephen Parkinson, the director of public prosecutions. As the criminal investigations continue, the CCRC is at the early stages of reviewing two large dossiers of expert medical evidence casting doubt on her convictions, which followed two trials at Manchester crown court. Mark McDonald, Letbys new barrister, has described the new material as overwhelming evidence that she should be released from prison, where she has been held since November 2020. McDonald, a barrister at Furnival Chambers, said: We will cross every bridge when we get to it but if Lucy is charged I know we have a whole army of internationally renowned medical experts who will totally undermine the prosecutions unfounded allegations. The senior Conservative MP Sir David Davis said earlier this year the nurse was the victim of one of the major injustices of modern times. However, lawyers for the babies who died and were harmed in Letbys care have dismissed the expert evidence as old and full of analytical flaws. Peter Skelton KC, for the families of seven of the babies, told the Thirlwall inquiry in March that the doubts were based on fragile towers of speculation. Richard Baker KC, representing the families of 12 of the babies, said there was nothing remarkable or new about the material passed to the CCRC, adding that the bereaved parents had become a sideshow within a ghoulish media circus. There will be financial consequences to Sir Keir Starmers last-minute climbdown on welfare reform, a Cabinet minister has said, as he declined to rule out tax rises. Pat McFadden said ministers will keep to the tax promises in their election manifesto. Rachel Reeves has seen the 4.8 billion predicted savings from welfare reforms whittled away through the Governments changes to plans designed to keep backbenchers onside. In a late concession on Tuesday evening, ministers shelved plans to restrict eligibility for the personal independence payment (Pip), with any changes now only coming after a review of the benefit. The Prime Minister had a revolt of almost 50 MPs regardless of the changes. The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster told Times Radio on Wednesday there will be financial consequences to the decision, and he indicated that would be set out at the budget expected in the autumn. Economists at the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) and Resolution Foundation think tanks warned Tuesdays concessions mean Ms Reeves can now expect no net savings by 2029/30 a key year for meeting her fiscal targets. Mr McFadden told BBC Breakfast he is not going to speculate on what could be in the budget, but said ministers will keep to the tax promises in their manifesto. Asked explicitly whether he could rule out tax rises, the Cabinet Office minister told the programme: Im not going to speculate on the budget. We will keep to the tax promises that we made in our manifesto when we fought the election last year. But it doesnt make sense for me to speculate on something where, as I say, there are so many moving parts of which this is only one element. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer climbed down at the last minute over the legislation (Carl Court/PA) Ministers have repeatedly insisted Labour will not raise taxes on working people, specifically income tax, national insurance or VAT. But Ms Reeves also remains committed to her iron clad fiscal rules, which require day-to-day spending to be covered by revenues not borrowing in 2029/30. The Institute for Fiscal Studies incoming director Helen Miller said: Since departmental spending plans are now effectively locked in, and the Government has already had to row back on planned cuts to pensioner benefits and working-age benefits, tax rises would look increasingly likely. This will doubtless intensify the speculation over the summer about which taxes may rise and by how much. Shadow chancellor Sir Mel Stride said: Tax rises are on the way to pay for Labours mismanagement of the economy. Hard-working families will have an agonising summer waiting to hear how Rachel Reeves will claw back the cash to make up for the failings of this weak Prime Minister. Despite the last-minute concessions, a total of 49 Labour MPs rebelled and voted against the legislation, the largest revolt of Sir Keirs premiership. Overall, the legislation cleared its first parliamentary hurdle by 335 votes to 260, a majority of 75. Amendments to the Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payments Bill to put the Governments climbdown into effect were tabled on Wednesday. In a sign of how much the legislation has been gutted, the title will be changed to remove the reference to Pip. The changes were announced by minister Sir Stephen Timms to MPs in the Commons, and came after a first round of concessions offered last week did not seem enough to quell the rebellion. Mr McFadden described the wrangling as a difficult process but told Times Radio the Government got to a position where the second reading of the Bill was passed. York Central MP Rachael Maskell had tabled an amendment designed to halt the legislation, which was backed by 44 Labour MPs. The UK is in a welfare crisis. About 23% of the working-age population are on welfare and more than half of all households receive more in benefits than they pay in taxes. Keir Starmer is too weak to make even minor cuts to Britains ballooning welfare bill. And, as the Prime Kemi Badenoch (@KemiBadenoch) July 2, 2025 Ms Maskell said on Wednesday the concessions signalled a change in power between the Prime Minister and disabled people. She told BBC Radio 4s Today programme that Tuesday saw the Bill disintegrating before our eyes. Ms Maskell said: Throughout the day, what we saw was a change in power between the Prime Minister and his Government and disabled people across our country, they having their voice at the heart of Parliament, and thats why I put the reasoned amendment down. She said she is glad the debate was had in public and now disabled people should feel empowered to have their voice at long last in an ableist Parliament. On Wednesday, Angela Rayner sought to reassure people who had been scared about the proposed benefits changes. Speaking to ITVs Lorraine, the Deputy Prime Minister said: Anyone listening to your show today, they know that there will be no changes to their welfare. I want to make sure that people are reassured by that, because a lot of people have been scared about whats going to happen. Hamas says it is considering the US presidents proposal and has called for Israeli troops to leave the Gaza Strip - AP/Ariel Schalit Benjamin Netanyahu vowed there would be no Hamastan, following pressure from Donald Trump to end the war. The Israeli prime minister struck a defiant note in a speech on Wednesday, stating there will be no Hamas in post-war Gaza. Hamas also staked out its position, saying it was considering Mr Trumps proposal for a 60-day ceasefire. But, at the same time, it repeated its demand that Israel withdraw from the Gaza Strip and commit to ending the war in return for the release of any hostages. On Tuesday, Mr Trump announced that Israel had accepted his ceasefire proposal. While the precise terms are unclear, it appears similar to a previous formulation that Hamas has repeatedly rejected since February. The US president said the 60-day period would be used to work towards ending the war something Israel says it wont accept until Hamas is defeated. Mr Trump said that a deal might come together as soon as next week, when Mr Netanyahu will be visiting Washington. Mr Netanyahu has put out mixed messages over recent days. On Sunday, for the first time, he appeared to decouple the two objectives of returning the hostages and finishing off Hamas, which critics have long argued are contradictory. In comments during a visit to an intelligence facility, he appeared to suggest that hostage returns should be prioritised. However, in both leaked remarks at a subsequent security cabinet meeting, and in a speech on Wednesday, the Israeli prime minister returned to bellicose rhetoric calling for the annihilation of Hamas. There will not be a Hamas, Mr Netanyahu said. There will not be a Hamastan. Were not going back to that. Its over. We will free all our hostages. His comments followed reports that his two ultra-nationalist coalition partners, Bezalel Smotrich, the finance minister, and Itamar Ben-Gvir, the national security minister, were plotting to block the deal. The pair denied it, but the mere suggestion prompted Yair Lapid, the opposition leader, to offer his political support for a ceasefire deal. Meanwhile, families of the hostages described the ultra-nationalist pairs alleged behaviour as a disgrace. Hamass response to Mr Trumps proposal emphasised its demand that the war end and raised questions about whether the latest offer, which is thought to include a partial IDF withdrawal and a surge in humanitarian aid, would translate to a pause in fighting. Taher al-Nunu, a Hamas official, said the militant group was ready and serious regarding reaching an agreement. He said it was ready to accept any initiative that clearly leads to the complete end to the war. It is thought that Mr Trumps ceasefire proposal would include some sort of commitment to commence discussions about ending the war during a ceasefire period, during which a number of hostages would be released. Twenty are thought to be alive, while the status of a further two is in question. Hamas also holds the remains of around 28 dead hostages. Benjamin Netanyahu is set to visit Washington next week - AFP/Jack Guez Im holding my hands and praying that this will come about, said Idit Ohel, mother of hostage Alon Ohel. I hope the world will help this happen, will put pressure on whomever they need to, so the war will stop and the hostages will return. The terror group has previously appeared to welcome ceasefire proposals initially, before making demands that Israel found unacceptable at a later stage in negotiations. The IDF is reaching the end of its enhanced offensive in Gaza, named operation Gideons Chariot, and Gen Eyal Zamir, its chief of staff, has reportedly argued against deepening the fighting for fear of harming the hostages. According to polls, Israeli public opinion favours a conclusion of the war. The majority of the Israeli population wants an end to the war in Gaza, according to polls - AFP/Sharon Aronowiz On Wednesday, the IDF announced that it was demilitarising a large part of the zone around Gaza, allowing communities displaced since Oct 7 to return. Gazas health ministry said the death toll passed the 57,000 mark on Tuesday into Wednesday, after hospitals received 142 bodies overnight. The ministry does not differentiate between civilians and combatants in its death count, but says that more than half of the dead are women and children. Since dawn on Wednesday, Israeli strikes killed a total of 40 people across the Gaza Strip, the ministry said. Hospital officials, who in common with the ministry are under Hamas control, said four children and seven women were among the dead. The death of a further IDF soldier and the serious wounding of three others was also announced. Andrew Malkinson (left), Victor Nealon (top right) and Peter Sullivan were all wrongfully imprisoned for crimes they did not commit - CHP In Peter Sullivans police mugshot, from the time of his arrest for the murder of Diane Sindall in 1986, he is 30 years old, wide-eyed and somewhat boyish, with an unruly mess of dark hair. Appearing via video link from Wakefield Prison in May this year for the Court of Appeal hearing that would decide his fate, now 68, he was looking older than his years with a greying beard and deep lines etched on his brow. As his conviction was overturned, he held his hand to his mouth and wept. In total, Sullivan served 38 years in prison for the murder of the 21-year-old a shocking crime that he did not commit. Like Victor Nealon and Andrew Malkinson, both wrongly imprisoned for rape, Sullivan was released after new DNA evidence exonerated him. It was the result he had been praying for. But the fact remains that Sullivan, Nealon and Malkinson, who together spent more than 70 years wrongly imprisoned, were failed by the system and, in terms of their appeals, failed by the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) the publicly funded legal panel that investigates miscarriages of justice. Less than two months later, its no surprise that Karen Kneller, the chief executive of the organisation since 2013, has been forced from her job, paying the price for mishandling a series of prominent cases. The CCRC is supposed to act as an essential safety net for the British justice system, sending cases back to court when it suspects there has been a wrongful conviction. In recent years, however, it has become better known for upholding grave miscarriages of justice than for correcting them. Lord Falconer, a former secretary of state for justice, went so far as to say it is unled and generally regarded as useless. And Dame Vera Baird, who was appointed as interim chairman of the CCRC in May and asked to carry out a review of the organisation, was scathing about its leadership in an interview in June. Speaking to Sky News she said: They dont communicate with applicants, they look for reasons not to refer rather than refer, and are quite often incompetent. Karen Kneller, who has stood down as chief executive of the Criminal Cases Review Commission - CHP Take the case of Malkinson, imprisoned in 2004 for a rape committed in Salford, Greater Manchester. The CCRC twice rejected his appeals, in 2008 and 2018, despite evidence that it was aware of fresh DNA evidence unearthed in 2007 that could have freed him. In total, he spent 17 years behind bars for a rape that he did not commit. When Malkinson was finally acquitted, there was little doubt as to whom he blamed for this appalling injustice. I applied to the Criminal Cases Review Commission, which is supposed to investigate miscarriages of justice, and told them I was innocent, he said outside court. They didnt investigate and they didnt believe me. The catastrophic mishandling of the case eventually led to an apology from the CCRC and the resignation of its chair, Helen Pitcher, after an independent panel ruled she was no longer fit to chair the organisation. It later transpired that Pitcher had been in Montenegro promoting her property business while the organisation she chaired was in crisis. Chris Henley KC, who led an independent review into the organisation in the aftermath of Malkinsons case, warned that more miscarriages of justice were inevitable. Andrew Malkinson wrongly spent 17 years in prison, despite having appealed to the CCRC twice - Jordan Pettitt/PA Then there is the case of Nealon, a former postman, who was wrongfully imprisoned for 17 years for an attempted rape in 1996. His conviction was quashed in 2013 after a CCRC referral to the Court of Appeal on the basis of new DNA evidence that exonerated him. But it was his legal team that ordered the DNA testing that eventually cleared his name, not the CCRC, which had twice rejected his case and dismissed Nealons plea to commission DNA testing as speculative. Nealon later said: I spent an additional 10 years in prison because [the CCRC] accepted at face value evidence given by the police. Sullivan, too, had appealed to the CCRC for help in 2008, 21 years into his sentence. The DNA testing that would eventually clear his name was not yet advanced enough. On advice that said DNA testing was unlikely to unveil anything new, the CCRC rejected his appeal. As the public body tasked with keeping the justice system in check, the CCRC has, on several occasions, failed to do so. That wasnt always the case. The Criminal Cases Review Commission was established in 1995 in response to the Birmingham Six a notorious miscarriage of justice in which six men from Northern Ireland were wrongly convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment for the 1974 Birmingham pub bombings. Before that, if someone who protested their innocence had their case rejected by the Court of Appeal, their only recourse was to go to C3, a small and wholly inadequate department buried within the Home Office. The CCRC, then, was set up with noble intentions, decent public funding, and the expertise of experienced senior lawyers and investigative journalists who joined as salaried commissioners. They would ultimately make the decision on whether to send a case back to the courts. The staff would reflect the broad mix of legal, investigative and administrative skills and experience needed, the home secretary said at the time. It was to be independent from the government and became a critical safeguard which was replicated internationally similar organisations were subsequently set up in Scotland, Norway, North Carolina and New Zealand. The question, then, is what happened in the intervening years. Problems began to arise when the organisation moved away from salaried commissioners roughly a decade ago, and instead appointed part-time commissioners paid a comparatively meagre day rate. Lord Garnier KC, who served as solicitor general from May 2010 to September 2012, says the CCRC has been treated as a poor relative and lacks a sense of coherence and day-to-day grip as a result. I have said that, metaphorically, its at the end of a very long corridor in the Ministry of Justice (MoJ), at the bottom of the pile for funding and so forth, he says. If you have commissioners who supervise the casework just coming in on a day rate, they dont have the ability to dive deeply into the cases theyre looking after. You lack a collegiate sense of responsibility. As a result, the organisation became slower and more stilted. The Commons Justice Committee recommended in 2015 that the CCRC should be less cautious in referring cases on. Still, the percentage of cases referred back to the Court of Appeal dropped further between its creation in 1995 and 2015-16, it was 3.43 per cent, but by 2019-20, it had dropped to 1.95 per cent. Questions have also been raised over its independence from the MoJ. In 2020, the High Court ruled that the CCRC had a dysfunctional relationship with the ministry that allowed for political interference from the government. That came after allegations ministers and civil servants had threatened commissioners with removal to force through changes to their pay and tenure, as well as the structure of the body itself. Lord Falconer, a former secretary of state for justice, labelled the CCRC unled and generally regarded as useless - Hannah McKay/PA Archive/PA Images Then came the Covid pandemic and, with it, a remote-working policy that remains in place to this day. The CCRC made the decision to allow staff to work almost completely remotely, despite the importance and complexity of their work. Although Im sure sometimes you can run a business entirely remotely, this is not one of them, Lord Garnier says. Karen Kneller herself faced heavy criticism when she told a committee of MPs that she comes into the office in Birmingham only one or two days every couple of months a staggering admission for a senior executive who is reportedly called Karen Invisible by staff. Kneller has also reportedly been a regular visitor to Insead business school in Fontainebleau, France, where she attended a 10-day course whose fees are advertised at more than 21,000. A month before Malkinsons conviction was quashed, Kneller was given a 7.5 per cent pay rise and a 10,000 bonus. Her pay in 2024 was roughly 130,000. MPs on the justice committee found Knellers evidence unpersuasive and in a report last month said her position was no longer tenable. Similarly, Dame Vera did not find her performance impressive. Its critics argue that the CCRC has fallen victim to a cost-cutting mentality, with more focus on throughput and hitting targets than the often time-consuming and costly work of thorough investigation. It is true that the watchdog suffered significant budget cuts in the austerity years. The MoJs budget was cut by 25 per cent between 2010 and 2018, which resulted in knock-on cuts to the CCRC. At the same time as its budget was being squeezed, it found the number of cases referred to it had increased exponentially. Nearly a decade on, however, Lord Garnier argues that this cannot be used as an excuse. Allowing, through negligence, people to lie in prison for decades is unacceptable, and it requires moral leadership from the Government to revitalise the CCRCs purpose, he says. What was a critical part of Britains criminal justice system has been mismanaged into a mere quango. In the meantime, three innocent men Sullivan, Malkinson and Nealon served 70 years between them for crimes they did not commit. After Sullivan was released, a CCRC spokesman said: As the Court of Appeal heard today, the new DNA evidence that has led to Mr Sullivans conviction being quashed could not have been available when we first considered his case, and that the decision made then not to send this case back to the courts in 2008 was the correct one. However, we do regret that we were not able to identify Mr Sullivans conviction as a potential miscarriage of justice in our first review. Our purpose is to find, investigate and refer potential miscarriages of justice, and it is imperative that we continue to take opportunities offered by developments in scientific techniques to do that. As an organisation we are committed to taking forward learning from previous reviews and we continue to develop our understanding around forensic opportunities. In a statement yesterday, Dame Vera said: The CCRC has a vital role to play in the criminal justice system, but confidence in the organisation has been badly damaged. Confidence in our work must be restored. I thank Karen for her work at the CCRC over many years. Additional reporting by Danny Shaw Tim Davie has written to the BBCs Jewish staff network to address concerns over anti-Semitism - PA/Andrew Milligan The BBC director general has told Jewish staff he was appalled by Bob Vylans Glastonbury chant. Tim Davie sent a note to the broadcasters Jewish staff network on Tuesday in an attempt to assuage their concerns over anti-Semitism. He made the comments despite failing to ask for the livestream during which Bobby Vylan, the rap duos front man, chanted death, death to the IDF and from the river to the sea to be taken down on Saturday. I want you to know I appreciate how deeply upset and concerned you must feel about the actions of Bob Vylan on Saturday, Mr Davie said. I was, and remain, appalled by Bob Vylans deeply offensive and totally unacceptable behaviour during his Glastonbury set. It has no place at the BBC. I understand the strength of feeling in relation to the events of this weekend and other concerns from colleagues. Let me be clear there is absolutely no place for anti-Semitism at the BBC. We are all utterly committed to creating an environment where everyone is supported and can do their very best work. Mr Davie was attending Glastonbury on Saturday and ordered that the performance should not be available to watch on demand. However, the livestream remained up for at least five hours. Following an uproar and interventions by the Government and Ofcom, the BBC expressed regret two days later and said that with hindsight we should have pulled the stream. The corporations editorial guidelines require the BBC to do due diligence and identify in advance artists at music festivals who may use harmful or offensive language. However, a new video shared by Jewish News shows Vylan yelling: Death to every single IDF soldier out there, as an agent of terror for Israel while appearing as a support act for Iggy Pop at Alexandra Palace a month before Glastonbury. Meanwhile, an open letter expressing support for Gaza and describing the broadcaster as performing PR for the Israeli government and military has been signed by more than 100 BBC journalists. The letter, also signed by more than 300 media and arts figures including Charles Dance, Mike Leigh, Juliet Stevenson and Miriam Margolyes, also called for Sir Robbie Gibb to be removed from the BBC board because of his links to a Jewish newspaper. Sir Robbie, the former No 10 communications director under Theresa May, also sits on the BBCs editorial standards committee. The letter was triggered by the BBCs decision to drop a documentary focusing on the work of doctors in Gaza. The broadcaster said it was concerned about appearing biased, with a review still under way into a previous Gaza film that failed to mention that the child narrator was the son of a Hamas official. The letter said: We believe the role of Robbie Gibb, both on the Board, and as part of the Editorial Standards Committee, is untenable - Peter Summers/Getty Singling out Sir Robbie, the letter said: We are concerned that an individual with close ties to the Jewish Chronicle, an outlet that has repeatedly published anti-Palestinian and often racist content, has a say in the BBCs editorial decisions in any capacity, including the decision not to broadcast Gaza: Medics Under Fire. We believe the role of Robbie Gibb, both on the Board, and as part of the Editorial Standards Committee, is untenable. Sir Robbie and the Jewish Chronicle have been contacted for comment. The letter, sent to Mr Davie and the BBC board, said: All too often it has felt that the BBC has been performing PR for the Israeli government and military. This should be a cause of great shame and concern for everyone at the BBC. Much of the BBCs coverage in this area is defined by anti-Palestinian racism. Named signatories on the list include William Dalrymple, the historian, Owen Jones, the Guardian columnist, Misan Harriman, a photographer favoured by the Duchess of Sussex, and Roger McKenzie, the international editor of the Morning Star. Responding to the letter, a BBC spokesman said: Robust discussions amongst our editorial teams about our journalism are an essential part of the editorial process. We have ongoing discussions about coverage and listen to feedback from staff and we think these conversations are best had internally. Regarding our coverage of Gaza, the BBC is fully committed to covering the conflict impartially and has produced powerful coverage from the region. Victoria Culf with her husband A Christian artist was reported to the police and banned from her own exhibition because of her gender-critical beliefs. Victoria Culf also claims a council worker wrongly accused her of being under police investigation when she was not. Mrs Culf launched legal action against Watford borough council last year on nine grounds, including breach of contract, discrimination and harassment. The 44-year-old, who has been an artist for 20 years, had been setting up her independently funded exhibition at Watford Museum when she became engaged in a conversation with a council worker about transgender issues. While making a cup of tea, the council official revealed that her child was socially transitioning and that they had tried to get puberty blockers from the Tavistock gender identity clinic. Mrs Culf claims to have politely said that owing to her Christian beliefs and her experience working with children and young people, she believed transitioning to be harmful. The artist claims to have also said the Tavistock clinic should be shut down, reasoning that children are too young to properly assess risk. I wouldnt be being true to myself if I agreed with you, she claims to have said. Harassment allegations While Mrs Culf believed the conversation to have ended calmly and amicably, she later received a call from the council informing her of harassment allegations and decreeing that she must give 24 hours notice before entering her exhibition. According to court documents, Mrs Culfs accuser wrote to Paul Stacey, the councils associate director of environment and communities, in the aftermath of the conversation, claiming the police had recorded it as an incident. The police logbook, however, revealed that the police told her accuser they were not recording it as an incident or investigating it and described what she had said as free speech. The council worker is said to have nevertheless emailed her boss at the council to say: The Hate Crime Officer called me. It has been logged as an incident. The employee is also accused of inventing a crime number. The Christian Legal Centre, which is advising Mrs Culf, will argue that pressure from the council official and the council led to Mrs Culf being excluded from a community art project run by BEEE Creative, her artwork being damaged during the exhibition and ultimately the termination of her contract. Commenting on the latest disclosure of evidence, Mrs Culf said: I genuinely feared a knock at the door or a call asking me to explain myself, or worse. I now know this was a pack of lies, designed to intimidate me. Its deeply troubling that my accuser misled the council, and yet they were all too willing to go along with it without impartially investigating it for themselves. Last summers riots in Rotherham saw 60 police officers hurt - Reuters/Hollie Adams A two-tier justice row has erupted after an engineer was jailed for half as long as Lucy Connolly over a near-identical tweet. Joseph Haythorne, 26, posted Go on Rotherham burn any hotels with those scruffy b------s in it on Aug 4 last year as violence erupted in the South Yorkshire town. At Sheffield Crown Court on Wednesday, the engineer from Surrey, who admitted inciting racial hatred, was jailed for 15 months. His jail term is less than half the 31 months handed to Connolly, a mother of one who is married to a Conservative councillor. Critics claimed the sentence was a clear example of two-tier justice. She was jailed in October last year after posting an online message on the day of the Southport murders, that read: Mass deportation now, set fire to all the f---ing hotels full of the b------s for all I care, while youre at it take the treacherous government politicians with them. The 42-year-old, who lost a child of her own in tragic circumstances, deleted the post fewer than four hours later, but not before it had been viewed 310,000 times. Her husband, Ray Connolly told The Telegraph: He can thank his lucky stars his partner isnt a Tory councillor. Chris Philp, the shadow home secretary said: There are a lot of inconsistencies in sentencing. A rapist recently received only 28 months and the Attorney General, Lord Hermer, refused to allow that sentence to be reviewed. It cannot be right that Lucy Connolly got a longer sentence for a tweet than someone convicted of rape. Speaking about the sentence handed to Haythorne, Richard Tice, the Reform UK deputy leader, said: Another ludicrous jail sentence. Fifteen months for a nasty offensive tweet lasting 17 minutes. On this basis, if justice is consistent [and] not two-tier, then Bob Vylan could face being jailed for over five years for his vile singing at Glastonbury. Lord Young, the general secretary of the Free Speech Union, said: No one should be sent to prison for a tweet. This is not a good use of valuable prison spaces that should be kept for thieves, muggers, stabbers and drug dealers. How can it be right that a Labour MP who repeatedly punched a constituent, knocking him to the ground, received a suspended sentence, but a 26-year-old should be jailed for 15 months for one ill-advised tweet? Its a clear example of two-tier justice and risks undermining public confidence in our criminal justice system. Lucy Connolly was given a 31-month sentence for her tweet that read: Mass deportation now, set fire to all the f---ing hotels full of the b------s for all I care Haythornes tweet was posted just an hour and a half before violence erupted outside a hotel housing asylum seekers in Rotherham. More than 60 police officers were hurt and rioters also set fire to a bin and pushed it towards the hotel, which had more than 250 people inside. Sheffield Crown Court heard that his post, from an anonymous account, was viewed by 1,100 people in 17 minutes before he deleted it. He subsequently handed himself into police. Prosecutors said the case did have some similarities with that of Connolly, with the judge, Jeremy Richardson KC describing the comment as vile. But the judge chose to significantly reduce Haythornes sentence after hearing that he suffered from clinical depression. He also gave him credit for his guilty plea and other personal mitigation. He said: It gives me no pleasure whatsoever in sending someone like you to prison because you have many positive attributes in life. But unfortunately, in that whole episode in August of last year, whilst there were some very bad people conducting themselves very badly, there were also a number of otherwise perfectly good people who did something very bad, and you are in that category. In May, Connolly asked the Court of Appeal to reduce her sentence but her application was refused, with three judges saying they did not believe 31 months was excessive. Her husband, who has been looking after their 12-year-old daughter, described the decision as shocking and unfair and said it was an example of two-tier justice. She is not expected to be released before she has completed two-fifths of her full sentence, which will be in August. Matt Hancock made his seventh appearance at the inquiry on Wednesday - UK Covid-19 Inquiry/PA Wire Matt Hancock has said that discharging patients from hospitals to care homes in the early stages of the Covid pandemic was the least-worst decision at the time. The former health secretary admitted that forming a protective ring around care homes was impossible as he doubled down on the policy, which was among the most controversial decisions of the pandemic. The Covid inquiry previously heard that there were more than 43,000 deaths involving the virus in care homes across the UK between March 2020 and July 2022. Alasdair Donaldson, a senior civil servant, was quoted earlier this week describing the toll as a generational slaughter within care homes. On Wednesday, Mr Hancock acknowledged that the discharge policy was an incredibly contentious issue but told the inquiry that nobody has yet provided me with an alternative that was available at the time that would have saved more lives. When the pandemic hit in early 2020, hospital patients were rapidly discharged into care homes in a bid to free up beds and prevent the NHS from becoming overwhelmed. However, there was no policy in place requiring patients to be tested beforehand, or for asymptomatic patients to isolate, until mid-April. This was despite growing awareness of the risks of people without Covid symptoms being able to spread the virus. Mr Hancock, who resigned from the government in 2021 after admitting to breaking social distancing guidance while having an affair with a colleague, has now appeared at the inquiry seven times. Returning for a full-day session to face questions specifically about the care sector, Mr Hancock said the hospital discharge policy had been driven by Sir Simon Stevens, now Lord Stevens, the then NHS chief executive. Mr Hancock said: It was formally a government decision. It was signed off by the prime minister. It was really driven by Simon Stevens, the chief executive of the NHS, but it was widely discussed. The inquiry heard that Mr Hancock had said in his witness statement that NHS England had insisted on the policy, and that while he did not take the decision himself, he took responsibility for it as the then health secretary. He added: Its the least-worst decision that could have been taken at the time. Pressed further, he said he had both agreed with and defended the decision at the time. In 2022, the High Court ruled that government policies on discharging hospital patients into care homes at the start of the pandemic were unlawful. While the judges said it was necessary to discharge patients to preserve the capacity of the NHS, they found it was irrational for ministers not to have advised that asymptomatic patients should isolate from existing residents for 14 days after admission. It wasnt perfect. It was impossible In 2023, appearing for a separate module of the inquiry, Mr Hancock admitted the protective ring he said had been put around care homes early in the pandemic was not an unbroken one, and that he understood the strength of feeling people had on the issue. At a Downing Street press conference on May 15 2020, he said: Right from the start, weve tried to throw a protective ring around our care homes. Bereaved families have previously called the phrase a sickening lie and a joke. When asked about this, Mr Hancock claimed he had only said that the government had tried to form a protective ring around care homes but conceded that it was never perfect. I ruffled feathers in getting stuff done and people have a go at me over it, but Ive been through everything that we did as a department, a big team effort, and we were all pulling as hard as we possibly could to save lives, he said. Thats what I meant by saying that we tried to throw a protective ring around. It wasnt perfect. It was impossible. There was an unprecedented pandemic, and the context was exceptionally difficult. Mr Hancock said the emphasis was on tried, telling the hearing: I would stress, in that piece of rhetoric, that what I said is that we tried. It was not possible to protect as much as I would have wanted. He added that he and others were trying to do everything that we possibly could in bleak circumstances at a time when I also had Dominic Cummings and a load of people causing all sorts of problems for me, and I had Covid. Asked about March 17 2020 when NHS bosses were instructed to begin the discharge process, Mr Hancock said officials were pushing very hard to get more PPE into care homes. He said not advising care homes to isolate returning residents without symptoms was a mistake, but it was in line with clinical guidance at the time. Matt Hancock resigned as health secretary after he breached social distancing guidance by kissing a colleague in 2021 - PA Mr Hancock also said he found the 2022 High Court ruling very frustrating, as nobody asked me to be involved, claiming the outcome would have been different had he given evidence. The judges in that case said those who drafted the hospital discharge policy simply failed to take into account the highly relevant consideration of the risk to elderly and vulnerable residents from asymptomatic transmission, but Mr Hancock insisted of course he had considered virus spread in people without symptoms. In 2023, appearing for a separate module of the inquiry, Mr Hancock admitted the so-called protective ring he said had been put around care homes early in the pandemic was not an unbroken one, and said he understood the strength of feeling people have on the issue. Mr Hancocks statement, referred to during Wednesdays hearing, said while there had been widespread concern that patients being discharged from hospital were the main source of infection in care homes, we learned in the summer of 2020 that staff movement between care homes was the main source of transmission. He told the inquiry he had wanted to bring in a ban on staff movement between care homes but that being unable to secure funding from the Treasury to compensate affected workers was a killer blocker so it did not happen. Cinderella service to NHS When asked about when visits to care homes were banned, which led to some people unable to be with their loved ones when they died, Mr Hancock said: Some of the things people went through are truly ghastly. He said while visiting restrictions are a reasonable measure, there should be more nuance in future. Outlining the state of the adult social care sector at the outbreak of the pandemic, Mr Hancock said it was badly in need of, and remains badly in need of, reform, but rejected the suggestion of it being a Cinderella service to the NHS. He said pandemic contingency plans, prepared by local authorities for adult social care, had been as good as useless at the time, and described a hodge podge of accountability between local councils and government departments. He claimed the situation has got worse not better for care homes in the event of another pandemic hitting, and suggested a series of recommendations, including having isolation facilities in care homes and ensuring a stockpile of personal protective equipment. Matt Hancock said the pandemic contingency plans were a hodge podge of accountability between local councils and government departments - Andrew Parsons /Shutterstock Following the hearing, a Covid Bereaved Families for Justice spokesperson said Mr Hancock had shown utter contempt for bereaved families today, with an appearance full of excuses and completely devoid of accountability. Matt Hancock showed utter contempt for bereaved families today, they said. His appearance was full of excuses and completely devoid of accountability. He admitted he knew the care sector wouldnt be able to cope with a major public health crisis, then did nothing to protect it. And when disaster struck, he blamed everyone but himself. His claim that only campaign groups, such as ours, care about his lie about a protective ring around care homes is beyond insulting. Thousands died because that ring never existed, while he went on national television to reassure their loved ones that they were safe. He also claimed that, as Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, he was powerless to change life-saving guidance for care homes. That claim doesnt stand up to scrutiny. Weve waited years for this moment, hoping for truth. What we got was finger-pointing and evasion. Our loved ones were left to die without PPE, without testing or protection. Other countries protected their care homes. Ours were abandoned. Hancock lied to us then and hes still dodging responsibility now. Module six of the inquiry is focused on the effect the pandemic had on both publicly and privately funded adult social care across the UK. Public hearings for the module are expected to run until the end of July. A small boat full of migrants in Gravelines, France - Dan Kitwood/Getty Images Migrants should be required to pay back the cost of their housing if granted asylum, the ex-head of Border Force has said. Tony Smith, the former director general of the force, said up to half the 5.4 billion a year spent processing, accommodating and supporting asylum seekers could be recouped. When migrants are granted the right to paid work, the state could deduct a portion over their lifetimes in the way student loans are recovered from graduates, he suggested. The money would cover the costs of the support they received on arrival. Mr Smith said such a change could act as a deterrent to migrants as well as an incentive to work. He said: If they got the message that its not a free ride and any money that they cost the state would have to be repaid, it would act as a deterrent. We could also serve them notice on arrival of the costs they would incur if placed in hotels and asylum accommodation and give them the option to stay with friends or relatives as well. He suggested successful asylum claimants should not be granted indefinite leave to remain or citizenship until they had paid off their debts. Tony Smith believes the change could act as an incentive to work Chris Philp, the shadow home secretary, backed the idea, saying: Illegal immigrants who needlessly come from a safe country like France and claim asylum should not have a free ride. Where they are housed at taxpayers expense, it is only reasonable that they should have to pay these costs back. British taxpayers have been fleeced for too long by illegal immigrants abusing our system. This nonsense has to end. International refugee law and human rights conventions require any country to support asylum seekers who present themselves as destitute. As well as accommodation, this includes a weekly allowance of 49.18 a week. They can apply to work after a year. The proposal comes as Sir Keir Starmers attempts to save more than 5 billion from the welfare bill were blown apart by the biggest backbench rebellion of his premiership. Keir Starmer recently attended a summit aimed at stopping the criminal gangs which smuggle people over the Channel in small boats - Benjamin Cremel/PA Angela Rayner, the deputy prime minister, was revealed by The Telegraph before the Budget to have proposed curbing benefits for migrants. She suggested limiting their access to the state pension and to welfare benefits, and increasing the NHS surcharge foreigners must pay for health treatment. The Home Office confirmed on Wednesday that the number of Channel crossings by migrants so far this year had passed 20,000, setting a new record high for the first six months of a year. Mr Smith said: We have still got a system where there is no end in sight to the boats even with the Governments one-in, one-out scheme. The vast majority will claim to be destitute and will not be returned from the UK. When they arrive, we fingerprint, photograph and get a record of them. The thousands of pounds racked up could be calculated by the Home Office a bit like a student loan scheme when they go to university. Its not right that the taxpayer should have to pick up that bill any more. We should say: You want to come here, stay here and work here but the moment you set foot here you are racking up costs to the state which we are not prepared to cover any more. Once you are given permission to work in this country, those costs will be deducted from your income and that will be carried through. You will not get indefinite leave to remain until your debts are paid off. It would encourage them to work to pay off their debts. I do not understand why we are not doing anything on cost recovery. Students are accruing debts and they are going to have to pay them back over their lifetimes. Anyone who goes to university is in that state. With the technology there is with biometric systems, with identification, its a workable solution because it would pay for itself. You would be able to say how much you are saving. The asylum bill has nearly doubled in just two years from 3 billion to 5.4 billion, with more than 30,000 asylum seekers accommodated in hotels at a cost of more than 5 million a day. There are currently more than 100,000 asylum seekers awaiting an initial decision on their claim. Migrants wade into the water to be collected by a small boat in Gravelines, France - Dan Kitwood/Getty A senior Cabinet minister has indicated that the Government may not bring down the number of Channel migrant crossings from their record high by next year. Asked if the numbers would be down by this time next year, Pat McFadden, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, told LBC: Im not going to make a prediction. Asked again for an assurance that the numbers will reduce, he added: I can give you an assurance that the numbers at the moment are too high. We are working together to tackle this. His comments came as the number of crossings so far this year passed 20,000, setting a new record high for the first six months of a year. Some 19,982 migrants had arrived in the UK after making the dangerous crossing by the end of June, the latest Home Office figures show. Some 440 more arrived on Tuesday, taking the total past 20,422. The total is 48 per cent higher than the figure for the first six months of 2024, which was 13,489, and 75 per cent above the equivalent figure for 2023, which was 11,433. Some 879 migrants made the journey in 13 boats on Monday, the third highest number of arrivals on a single day so far this year. Mr McFadden acknowledged that the Government was going to have to work harder to bring the numbers down. He added: Everyone in Government knows its a big challenge, and as a team we are determined to meet it. The Tories seized on his comments. Chris Philp, the shadow home secretary, said: Pat McFadden has finally admitted whats been clear to the public for months Keir Starmer has lost control of our borders. Over 20,000 illegal crossings so far this year and tens of thousands more on the way. Now even the Prime Ministers right-hand man cant say whether the numbers will go down next year. This is a national security crisis and Labour are asleep at the wheel completely distracted by the crisis made in Downing Street. The row comes ahead of a Anglo-French summit on July 8 to 10 to agree a number of measures designed to slow the rate of Channel crossings. France has also agreed to start intercepting migrant taxi boats at sea for the first time after previously refusing to do so for fear of breaching maritime safety laws. The policy change will see elite French police officers authorised to stop boats within 300 metres of shore and is expected to be confirmed at the summit. Sir Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron, the French president, are also closing in on a deal to start trialling a one-in, one-out migrant returns deal that is aimed at disrupting the business model of the people smugglers. Under the deal, France would take back migrants who have illegally crossed the Channel in small boats while the UK would accept a similar number of asylum seekers from France. Data collection on the Channel crossings began in 2018 and since then more than 170,000 people have arrived. Only about 4 per cent have been removed from the UK. Since Labour entered power nearly a year ago more than 42,000 migrants have arrived. The Prime Ministers spokesman said the numbers were clearly unacceptable, adding: Lets be clear, the rising numbers in recent years are because these gangs have been allowed to embed industrial-scale smuggling enterprises across Europe. Enver Solomon, the chief executive of the Refugee Council, said: The Government is right to tackle the awful gangs that profiteer from desperate people who are simply trying to find safety. But the fact remains that these measures alone are so far not achieving the intended outcome, with deadly crossings rising. Most men, women and children taking these journeys are being forced to flee oppressive regimes like the Taliban and brutal civil wars in countries like Sudan. No one risks their life on a flimsy boat in the Channel unless they are running from horrors more acute than what they find on the sea. These rising numbers mean the Government must immediately move from enforcement-only to a multi-pronged approach, which includes international co-operation, and ensure refugees can access safe and legal pathways, in the same way Ukrainians have been able to travel to the UK without having to take a dangerous journey. The study found that 84% of farmers had suffered a fall in crop yields. Photograph: MediaWorldImages/Alamy More than 80% of UK farmers are worried that the devastating effect of the climate crisis could damage their ability to make a living, a study has found. Farmers have warned that global heating risks Britains supplies of home-grown food amid wild swings in weather conditions, in new research carried out by the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU). The study found that 87% of farmers have experienced reduced productivity in the face of recent extreme weather, 84% had suffered a fall in crop yields, and more than three-quarters had taken a hit to their income. Related: Climate crisis could hit yields of key crops even if farmers adapt, study finds The survey of 300 UK farmers found that, in the past five years, 78% of farmers had been hit by drought and more than half had suffered the consequences of heatwaves. In stark contrast, just 2% of farmers had not experienced extreme weather in some form. It comes as Britains largest retailers warned that food prices have been pushed up by hot weather hitting harvest yields. The British Retail Consortium trade body, representing more than 200 large UK retailers, has drawn a direct link between the climate crisis and prices for consumers. Tom Lancaster, an analyst at the ECIU, said: Farmers are on the frontline of climate change and this research reveals what impact that is having on them and their businesses. A recent study found that income from UK arable crops fell by more than 1bn last year, which was one of the worst in decades. Fears are now growing for the 2025 harvest after the warmest and one of the driest springs on record. Anthony Curwen, an arable farmer from Kent, said: Its getting increasingly difficult to farm given the impacts were now seeing with climate change. Weve gone from extreme drought to biblical floods and back to drought in the space of just a few years. Its devastating and many of us in farming now fear for a sustainable future. The government is facing pressure to offer greater support for farmers to adapt to the climate crisis. Nearly 60% of farmers have cited the need for greater long-term certainty in the design of green farming schemes across the UK. Curwen added: What we need most now from government is a bit of stability and some better support to help us become resilient to these impacts. In an era when the climate is giving us a kicking, we need government to have our back, not add to the uncertainty. Sarah de Lagarde has brought a High Court case against TfL, seeking damages of more than 25m - Jamie Lorriman A mother of two who was run over by two Tube trains caused her own injuries, Transport for London (TfL) has claimed. Sarah de Lagarde, 46, had her right arm and leg partially amputated after she fell onto the tracks at High Barnet station, in north London, in September 2022. She has brought a High Court case against TfL in which she will seek damages of more than 25 million. In court documents, TfL has claimed the incident was caused or contributed to by the claimants negligence. Sir Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, has previously told TfL to avoid victim-blaming when passengers are injured or killed on public transport in the capital. Ms de Lagarde, who now has two prosthetic limbs, was travelling home on the Northern Line on Sept 30 2022 when she fell asleep. She awoke at High Barnet, at the end of the line, at 9.53pm and alighted from the train onto a wet platform. The claimant took a few steps forward onto the platform and then took a few steps backwards, before the rear of her body struck the rear side of the door of the train she had exited from, according to TfLs court documents. The claimant continued to move backwards and, approximately seven seconds after exiting the train, she fell into the gap between carriages five and six of the train. Ms de Lagarde is the global head of corporate affairs at Janus Henderson, an investment firm Ms de Lagarde, the global head of corporate affairs at Janus Henderson, an investment firm, was not noticed by other passengers or station staff and her shouts for help went unheeded. Shortly before 10pm, the driver of the train noticed a brown leather bag wedged between the train and the platform. He picked it up and later handed it in to the lost property office at Morden, south London, but did not investigate further. TfLs submissions say he did not see or hear the claimant at that point and did not look into the gap, having no reason to do so. Ms de Lagardes right arm was run over when the train set off at 10pm. Five minutes later, her right leg was crushed when a second Northern Line train arrived at the station. Despite the trains headlights being on, she was not found until a driver of a train on a different platform heard her shouts and called the emergency services. Air Ambulance paramedics crawled under the train to reach her and later received a national bravery award. She was taken to the Royal London Hospital for surgery and later transferred to the Amputee Rehabilitation Unit in Lambeth. She was not discharged from hospital until Dec 1 2022. Ms de Lagardes claim states: The breaches of duty caused the claimant to suffer life-changing injuries. Ms de Lagarde now has two prosthetic limbs Representing Ms de Lagarde, Thomas Jervis, a Leigh Day partner, said: Like millions of other Londoners, Sarah de Lagarde was just trying to get home from work when she was hit by two tube trains at High Barnet station. Transport for London is refusing to accept liability and positively blames Sarah for what happened. A spokesman for TfL said: We are responding to a legal claim brought by Sarah de Lagarde. It is not appropriate to discuss details of our defence while this case is ongoing. Our thoughts continue to be with Sarah and her family following this terrible incident, and we will continue to make every possible effort to learn from any incident on the Tube network. Safety is our top priority, and we will always place it at the forefront of our thinking. The trial is due to open in January 2027. Tanweer Ahmed says more needs to be done to tackle racism and discrimination in the NHS - BBC The NHS has been ordered to pay more than 250,000 in compensation to a sacked doctor who sued for discrimination after a colleague complained he was playing the race card. Prof Tanweer Ahmed took the health service to an employment tribunal after he was sacked over laughable bullying allegations. The senior clinical director, who is of a Pakistani background, was put through a disciplinary investigation and sacked after Martin Rayson, the trusts HR director, said he was playing the race card. Prof Ahmed, who is in his late 50s, has been awarded more than a quarter of a million pounds in compensation after suing United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust for race discrimination, victimisation and unfair dismissal. There were so many flaws in the way the NHS Trust investigated and sacked Prof Ahmed, employment judge Victoria Butler ruled. Prof Ahmed joined the Trust in 2003 as the director of Lincoln Clinical Research Facility - Martyn Williams / Alamy The professor joined the Trust in 2003 as the director of Lincoln Clinical Research Facility, director of research innovation, and was also the chair of the BAME staff network. The tribunal heard that in June 2018, Helen Ayre, a researcher who worked under Prof Ahmed, made allegations claiming he bullied her and others, made inappropriate comments and didnt follow the Trust procedures. Ms Ayres allegations relied heavily on hearsay from other colleagues who no longer worked at the Trust and her allegations dated back years, it was heard. In one instance, Ms Ayre claimed Prof Ahmed had said during a meeting that she was not allowed to get pregnant. The tribunal, held in Nottingham, was told an investigation only began in early 2019 nearly a year later. The panel heard: Most of the allegations were historical, none of the management witnesses remained in [Prof Ahmeds] department and some of the witnesses interviewed as part of the investigation had left [his] department five to ten years before the complaint was made. The white person being harsh When he was interviewed in February 2019, Prof Ahmed claimed Ms Ayres complaint was retaliatory because of performance issues and said he felt they were being pursued because of his race. A tribunal judgement said: He also said that he did not understand why he was being investigated and suggested it was because he was BAME and the white person being harsh. In her investigation report, Jennie Negus did not recommend disciplinary action and Dr Neil Hepburn, Prof Ahmeds line manager, agreed that a development plan was an appropriate response. However, Mr Rayson, who was director of HR and organisational development and a board member within the trust, insisted the matter proceed to a disciplinary hearing. Prof Ahmed had pointed out a survey carried out at the hospital which found 80 per cent of BAME staff felt discriminated against. No bearing on this investigation In an email to Dr Hepburn, Mr Rayson said: Tanweer will play the race card I suspect. His reference to the staff survey results... are irrelevant in this case. It is a matter of concern but has no bearing on this investigation into complaints about the way a manager has dealt with his staff. We should point him in the direction of the broader staff survey results which (unfortunately) show that the perception of bullying and harassment extends beyond the [BAME] group. In May 2019, Prof Ahmed went off sick with stress and then raised a whistleblowing complaint alleging discrimination. The following month, Dr Hepburn ruled Prof Ahmed had displayed a pattern of bullying, victimisation and inappropriate behaviour. He was sacked during a disciplinary hearing, despite one witness who worked closely with him describing the allegations as laughable. A far from even playing field The employment tribunal ruled there were glaring flaws in the Trust reaching the conclusion to fire him and found it had failed to adequately explain how it reached this decision. Employment Judge Butler concluded: The format of the disciplinary hearing was set up in such a way that indicates [the Trust] had already formed the view that the management witnesses were telling the truth. The playing field was far from even and we draw an adverse inference from this. We would have expected Mr Rayson to explain why the decision to direct a disciplinary hearing was not related to race. However, there is no explanation for the leap between the findings of the investigation report to the calling of a disciplinary hearing. Given this, we cannot conclude that race was not a factor in the decision to call [Prof Ahmed] to a disciplinary hearing in the first place. Furthermore, we would have expected Mr Rayson to explain why [Prof Ahmeds] accusation of racism escalated into a row and why he used the phrase play the race card. A judge has now ordered the NHS trust to pay Prof Ahmed a total of 256,031 in compensation This includes more than 160,000 for loss of earnings and more than 80,000 for loss of pension. Tim Towers was a younger contemporary of David Bowie (then Jones) at school in Bromley Photograph: none As a teacher of English and a union representative, my friend and colleague Tim Towers, who has died aged 75, had a lasting impact on the lives of many students and colleagues. He was politically active on the left, egalitarian and a passionate advocate of social justice, particular in regard to the Middle East. Born in Bromley, Kent (now in the London borough of Bromley), to Audrey (nee George) and Glen Towers, he had no memory of his father, who died when he was two. His mother, widowed at the age of 23, was left to raise three children under five, and Tims memory of their early poverty shaped his politics. Glen had worked briefly in his grandfathers factory and Audrey went on to make a living as a journalist and a social worker. Tims paternal aunt was Dorothy Thompson, perhaps the most influential historian of Chartism, who was married to her fellow historian and radical writer EP Thompson. The two families became and remained close. Tim remembered as a small boy being taken on Aldermaston marches, carried literally one day on the shoulders of the sociologist Stuart Hall. Tim was educated for a while at Bromley technical high school, where he was a younger contemporary of David Bowie (then Jones). He liked to tell the tale of the fight between Bowie and a friend that led to the severe injury that resulted in Bowies distinctively coloured left eye. He took a BEd degree in English and history at Borough Road College in Southwark, central London. There he met his future wife, Jane Phillips, who went on to become a special needs teacher. They married in 1976. From 1974 Tim taught at Havant college in Hampshire, and from 1985 at Queen Marys college, Basingstoke, where he was head of English for more than 20 years. A masters degree in the mid-1980s at the University of Sussex allowed him to explore his interest in literary theory. He is remembered fondly by numerous ex-students and colleagues as an inspiring teacher of literature. He was a devotee of the visual arts, of music in many genres (the American rock band the Grateful Dead was a lasting passion), and a lover of travel, particularly in France and Italy. For a couple of years from 2015, he also combined his impressions of contemporary life with reminiscences of growing up in the 50s in a blog. Above all, Tim was a devoted family man. He is survived by Jane, their children, Jessica, Amy and Joshua, and their six grandchildren. Alice Sullivans report recommends that universities help students to see robust disagreement as an opportunity for growth Photograph: Colin Underhill/Alamy UK universities have failed to protect gender-critical academics from bullying and career-threatening restrictions on their research, according to a report. The report, by Prof Alice Sullivan of University College London, recommends that students and staff taking part in freedom-restricting harassment should face consequences commensurate with the seriousness of the offence. Sullivan said her report raises stark concerns about barriers to academic freedom in UK universities. Researchers investigating vital issues have been subjected to sustained campaigns of intimidation simply for acknowledging the biological and social importance of sex. The report said the updated Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act, which comes into force in August, will uphold researchers rights in England, and calls for similar mechanisms in other parts of the UK. The reports evidence pre-dates the UK supreme courts April ruling on biological sex. Related: University of Sussex fine sparks fears of bigger penalties for other institutions A government spokesperson said: We are taking strong action to protect academic freedom and free speech, which are fundamental to our world-leading universities. This includes introducing new duties on universities to ensure they are robust in promoting and protecting free speech on campus. It also comes alongside the firm steps the Office for Students is already taking, through fines and new guidance, to ensure universities remain beacons of academic freedom. Sullivans other work includes a review commissioned by the previous Conservative government and published in March 2025 of barriers to research on sex and gender. The latest reports call for evidence received 140 responses, the majority from people agreeing with gender-critical views defined as a belief that biological sex is unchanging and should not be conflated with gender. Sullivan blamed increasing layers of management and an insecure career structure for reducing academic autonomy, making researchers more vulnerable to internal and external pressures. Excessive and cumbersome bureaucratic processes have exacerbated the problem by providing levers for activists to exert influence. Academic institutions need to examine their policies and processes carefully to avoid these unintended outcomes, she said. When fundamental issues cannot be investigated or debated openly, this undermines our academic institutions, it hurts individuals and it compromises the integrity of research. The suppression of research often harms the very groups that activists claim to support. The report said: The decline of democratic academic governance means that, in most universities, the majority of academics engaged in teaching and research have little say or voice in how their universities are run. It recommends that universities help students to see robust disagreement as an opportunity for intellectual growth rather than a threat. They should also avoid directing staff or students to mental health support resources in response to the presence of views with which they disagree. Related: Goldsmiths apologises to Jewish students and staff over culture of antisemitism Many of the submissions detailed how research involving sex and gender was opposed or downgraded by other staff or administrators. It also included examples where Sullivan was targeted, including a planned talk that led to a one-day conference being cancelled in 2020. Kathleen Stock, the professor of philosophy who resigned from the University of Sussex after protests and hostility from other academics, submitted detailed evidence on the three-year campaign of opposition she experienced for her gender-critical views. Stock revealed a catalogue of abuse on campus and social media dating back to 2018, escalating to protests in autumn 2021 that she described as a sustained campaign of intimidation that led to her resignation. A spokesperson for Universities UK, representing vice-chancellors, said: In practice universities are bound by law to protect the free speech of individuals who have very different views on contentious topics. They are required both to allow and facilitate protest, and to prevent that protest creating an intimidatory or chilling environment on campus or from preventing staff and students from pursuing their work and studies. We will carefully consider this report as part of our work in supporting universities as they navigate these difficult issues. Diane Abbott For years, Diane Abbott has been the unlucky teddy-bear strapped to the grille of the Corbynite lorry. After coming to prominence in the Eighties as the first black woman in Parliament, her slow slump into ineptitude meant she came to be seen as little more than a mascot as magic grandpa drove Labour to its worst electoral defeat since 1935. Even under Starmerite rule, however, shes still clinging to that red bonnet, keffiyeh fluttering. Thank God for that. From wearing two left shoes on the campaign trail to brain-freezing spectacularly in interviews, Abbott has long provided the nation with a great deal of mirth (tempered, it should be added, with much compassion for her medical complaints). But her value is greater than that. When the veteran socialist took to X this week to lambast the hated Israel Defence Forces based on highly dubious reports that it had apparently opened fire on civilians for the fun of it how else do Jews spend their time, amirite? she did the nation a service by showing us Labours true colours. Beyond horrific that the Jewish Defence Force is gunning down Palestinians as they queue for food #Gaza Genocide, she wrote. The Jewish Defence Force? Oops! When it comes to slips of the mask, the Hackney MP does it more ham-fistedly and more frequently than anybody else. If she was half as slick as her colleagues, shed be selling us snake-oil with the best of them. Instead, she cant help but show us whats in the bottle. (Though she has since deleted her tweet). Think, for example, of when she wrote to the Observer a few months before October 7 to assert that Jews were unable to suffer racism, only prejudice, like redheads. (She later apologised for and retracted her comments). Now, I dont know if any kibbutzim of gingers exist anywhere in the world, but if they did, Id be fairly certain theyd be safe from the marauding butchery of Hamas. After being suspended from the party, she vehemently denied a report that she refused to go on an anti-Semitism awareness course to have the ban lifted. In any event, it would have been fatuous to sit through a lecture on the topic and be awarded a clean bill of health when your passions run that deep. Yes, the best kind of bigot is one who lacks self-awareness. When the whip was finally restored to the member for Hackney North, there was no mistaking the hollowness of her leaders pledges of zero tolerance on the subject of anti-Semitism. And now we have her tweet this week. The fundamental truth is that like Leftist movements all over the world, Labour has a problem with Jews. The moderates do their best, equivocating, browbeating, overthinking and smarming, but when the chips are down they cant restrain their instinctive repulsion for Israel. Did anybody believe that Keir Starmer, who campaigned hard to put Corbyn in Number Ten, would have any scruples whatsoever when it came to selling Britains Jews down the river? Sadly, many people did. Great numbers of Jewish voters of the Left who had abandoned their natural home during the Corbyn years were only too willing to give Sir Keir the benefit of the doubt. I know. I couldnt work it out, either, at the time. One year on and where do we find ourselves? With a Government that singles out Israel for repeated condemnation while downplaying the depravity of Hamas and failing even to stand firm against the Islamic Republic of Iran, whether overseas or on our own shores. Which brings me back to Abbott. Here she is on Iran: Trump knows that Iran is not close to building a bomb. But he is directing the attacks on Iran anyway Netanyahu is aiming for regime destruction. She also argued a military campaign would be catastrophic. Here she is on banning Palestine Action: It really is wrong What Israel is doing is terrorism. What Palestine Action is doing is protesting it. In fact, she would rather proscribe Israeli politicians than the thugs who sabotaged an RAF aircraft. The entire Israeli government should be sanctioned, she ranted. It doesnt end there. Here, for good measure, are Abbotts thoughts on the child rape gangs: There is a lot of nonsense and deliberate misinformation about child sexual grooming. Some media only care about certain predators, some politicians talk as if they are the only perpetrators. Abbott is the gift that keeps giving. She is the true, unfiltered voice of the Left who insists on saying the quiet part out loud. From Starmers point of view, he should have dumped her ages ago. For the country, however, the longer she remains pinned to the lorry the better. Isfahan nuclear technology in Iran after US. Photograph: AP The Pentagon has collected intelligence material that suggests Irans nuclear program was set back roughly one to two years as a result of the US strikes on three key facilities last month, the chief spokesperson at the defense department said at a news conference on Wednesday. The spokesperson, Sean Parnell, repeated Donald Trumps claim that Irans key nuclear sites had been completely destroyed, although he did not offer further details on the origin of the assessments beyond saying it came from inside the defense department. We have degraded their program by one to two years, Parnell said at a news conference held at the Pentagon. At least, intel assessments inside the department assess that. Related: How effective was the US attack on Irans nuclear sites? A visual guide Parnells description of the strikes marked a more measured estimate than Trumps assertions about the level of destruction. A low-confidence Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) report based on early assessments said Irans program was set back several months. The evolving picture of the severity of the damage to Irans nuclear program comes as US intelligence agencies have continued to push out new assessments, using materials that suggested the centrifuges at the key Fordow enrichment site were destroyed even if it was unclear whether the facility itself had caved in. Trump advisers have used that material, which include the use of video taken from B-2 bombers to confirm simulation models of shock waves destroying centrifuges and other Israeli intel from outside Fordow, to defend Trumps assertions, two people familiar with the matter said. The extent of the damage to Irans nuclear program and the fate of the countrys stockpile of enriched uranium which could quickly be turned into a crude nuclear weapon is important because it could dictate how long the program has been set back. The head of the UN nuclear watchdog said on Sunday that Iran could be producing enriched uranium in a few months. They can have in a matter of months, I would say, a few cascades of centrifuges spinning and producing enriched uranium, Rafael Grossi the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said, adding Iran is a very sophisticated country in terms of nuclear technology You cannot undo the knowledge that you have or the capacities that you have. The Pentagons preliminary DIA assessment, which was based on information from little more than 24 hours after the strikes, the Guardian previously reported, found the damage could range from Iran being able to restart the facility with new centrifuges to having to abandon it for future use. The DIA report assessed the program had been pushed back by several months, although that finding was made at the so-called low-confidence level, reflecting the early nature of the assessment and the uncertainty intelligence agencies have with initial conclusions. Trump advisers have pushed back on the DIA report and said privately the destruction of the centrifuges alone meant they had taken out a key component of Irans ability to develop nuclear weapons and meant it delayed the nuclear program by years. Battles over the conclusions of intelligence agencies have been at the center of American foreign policy determinations for decades, from warnings about Iraqs weapons programs that the Bush administration used to justify the 2003 invasion that were later found to be false, to claims that a Chinese lab leak was responsible for Covid. Still, much of the controversy about the US strikes has been generated by Trumps claiming that they obliterated Irans nuclear sites, which no intelligence agency has directly repeated because it is not a characterization used in intelligence assessments. Verifying the extent of the damage was made more difficult on Wednesday, after Iran put into effect a new law to suspend cooperation with the IAEA. Iran has accused the nuclear watchdog of siding with western countries and providing a justification for Israels airstrikes. A state department spokesperson called the move unacceptable and said Iran must fully comply with its nuclear non-proliferation treaty obligations, including by providing the IAEA with information on undeclared nuclear material and providing unrestricted access to any newly announced enrichment facility. MI5 could still face contempt of court proceedings over incorrect evidence provided in a bid for an injunction against the BBC pending the outcome of an investigation, judges at the High Court have said. In 2022, then-attorney general Suella Braverman went to the High Court to stop the broadcaster airing a programme that would name a man who has allegedly abused two women and is a covert human intelligence source. An injunction was made in April 2022 to prevent the corporation disclosing information likely to identify the man, referred to only as X, though Mr Justice Chamberlain said the BBC could still air the programme and the key issues, without identifying him. But at a hearing earlier this year, the London court was told that part of the written evidence provided by MI5 was false. Lawyers for the BBC told the court the low threshold for launching contempt proceedings against MI5 and a number of individuals, for not being fully transparent with the court, had been met. In a decision on Wednesday, the Lady Chief Justice Baroness Carr said that a further investigation should be carried out and that it would be premature to reach any conclusions on whether to initiate contempt proceedings against any individual. The senior judge said that the new investigation should be carried out on behalf of the Investigatory Powers Commissioner. Baroness Carr, sitting with Dame Victoria Sharp and Mr Justice Chamberlain, also said: The investigations carried out by MI5 to date suffer from serious procedural deficiencies. Their conclusions cannot presently be relied on. The written witness evidence, now accepted to have been false, said the Security Service had maintained its policy of neither confirming nor denying (NCND) the identities of intelligence sources. However, MI5 disclosed Xs status to a BBC reporter, but then said it had kept to the NCND policy. Lawyers on behalf of MI5 apologised earlier this year and carried out two investigations, which concluded the false evidence was given due to a series of mistakes with no deliberate attempt by any staff member to mislead. In Wednesdays 26-page ruling, the three judges said they were not satisfied with the investigations or their conclusions. They added: It is regrettable that MI5s explanations to this court were given in a piecemeal and unsatisfactory way and only following the repeated intervention of the court. In the programme about X, the BBC alleged the intelligence source was a misogynistic neo-Nazi who attacked his girlfriend, referred to by the pseudonym Beth, with a machete. Beth is bringing related legal action in the Investigatory Powers Tribunal (IPT), with the judges finding on Wednesday that the specialist tribunal which investigates allegations against the UK intelligence services was also misled. Baroness Carr later said: Whilst we accept the genuineness of the apologies proffered on behalf of MI5, the fact remains that this case has raised serious issues. MI5 gave false evidence to three courts. This was compounded by inadequate attempts to explain the circumstances. Following the ruling, MI5 director-general Sir Ken McCallum said: I wish to repeat my full and unreserved apology for the errors made in these proceedings. We take our duty to provide truthful, accurate and complete information with the utmost seriousness. Resolving this matter to the courts satisfaction is of the highest priority for MI5 and we are committed to co-operating fully with the Investigatory Powers Commissioners Office and the court. MI5 is now embarked on a programme of work to learn all lessons and implement changes to ensure this does not happen again. This programme will build in external challenge and expertise with independent assurance to the Home Secretary on our progress. MI5s job is to keep the country safe. Maintaining the trust of the courts is essential to that mission. A BBC spokesperson said: We are pleased this decision has been reached and that the key role of our journalist Daniel De Simone in bringing this to light has been acknowledged by the judges. We believe our journalism on this story has always been in the highest public interest. Rachel Reeves has been battling for weeks to keep the Governments welfare plans together Rachel Reevess week from hell ended with her crying on the Government front bench on Wednesday afternoon but the cracks had been evident for some time. Three U-turns on welfare policy, a rising public spending bill that she will have to pay in the autumn, and an unknown crisis in her private life have come together to create a personal and political disaster for the Chancellor. As a born-again fiscal hawk, Ms Reeves has been battling for weeks to keep the Governments welfare plans together, while Labour rebels and Downing Street have torn them apart. Last Thursday, she was at a visit to a JCB factory when she learned that Sir Keir Starmer had performed his first policy reversal, junking up to 2.5 billion of the savings she had hoped to make from the benefits bill. But within hours of the concession, with the Government facing down a rebellion of more than 100 MPs, it became clear that it would not be enough. Ms Reeves who, as a moderate, does not command support among rebellious Left-wingers was dispatched as part of a ministerial team to convince MPs to vote for the softer plans. Those involved in the intense lobbying effort said the talks took an emotional toll on everyone involved. On Saturday, reports emerged that Ms Reeves had spent much of the day in tears after negotiations with colleagues and fights with intransigent backbenchers. The reports were denied by the Treasury. The following day, another newspaper published a story claiming that Ms Reeves had made Marie Tidball, a disability campaigner MP, sob by threatening her on a phone call. That report was also denied. But by Monday, Labour MPs were openly on the warpath about the welfare changes and were blaming the Prime Minister and his Chancellor for refusing to engage with their concerns. The policy needs tweaking, but this could have been handled a hell of a lot better, admitted one minister. Ms Reeves and her concerns about the Budget were blamed for the dispute, with a large chunk of the rebel caucus calling for her to break her fiscal rules or introduce a radical wealth tax. Sir Keir was being pulled in opposite directions by his Chancellor and MPs, with both threatening dire consequences if he went the wrong way. Ms Reeves had made the case that any reversal on welfare would make the Governments financial position even more precarious. In the end, it was the rebels who won the battle. On Tuesday morning, as the Government was preparing for a humiliating second policy reversal, Ms Reeves appeared before MPs for a routine session of Treasury questions. She was in a bad place, recalled one MP who was in the chamber at the time. Shes not very good in the Commons and is not a confident performer anyway, but she was just not on her game. She wasnt taking criticism very well, and got quite rattled a number of times. The tense exchange with Labour backbenchers and opposition MPs bubbled into a row with Sir Lindsay Hoyle, the Speaker, who complained that the Chancellor was taking too long to answer questions. Sir Lindsay began coughing during her answers a warning to her to stop rambling before interrupting: Order! Ms Reeves snapped back: Oh, all right! Fine. As the cameras panned away, one MP in the chamber recalled: She sat down in a massive huff and rolled her eyes at him, which he did not appreciate whatsoever. The exchange barely registered in Westminster on a day of high drama, but did prompt a raised eyebrow from Quentin Letts, the political sketch writer, who tweeted: Rare for any MP, let alone a Cabinet minister, to behave thus to a Speaker. Feeling under pressure? Behind the scenes, Ms Reeves was indeed under significant strain. Walking around the Palace of Westminster on Tuesday evening, as the Government performed yet another expensive about-turn, the Chancellor was left to contemplate how to raise another 5 billion in the Budget and keep her job. She returned to her office briefly at one stage in the debate, looking glum, and waited for the final vote at 7.20pm before travelling back to her Downing Street flat. With policy debate and political backbiting happening around her, it has since emerged that Ms Reeves was also dealing with personal matters that made her week even more difficult. Downing Street and Treasury sources were tight-lipped about what problems the Chancellor was facing, but she arrived in Parliament again on Wednesday for Prime Ministers Questions without having spoken to Sir Keir. Arriving at the entrance to the chamber, behind the Speakers chair, she bumped into Sir Lindsay, who was still furious about their tiff the previous day. In a heated conversation lasting no more than a couple of minutes, he admonished her about her conduct and pointed out that the post about it had received 60,000 views. It was at that point, bystanders attest, that the dam broke. Ms Reeves burst into tears moments before she would appear on camera at PMQs. As 12 oclock neared, she looked visibly upset to colleagues filtering into the Commons. Walking quickly to her place behind Sir Keir, she accidentally sat on Bridget Phillipsons lap, causing a bit of a kerfuffle, according to one observer. She was very, very emotional, said one MP, who watched the Chancellor enter the room. It was hard to watch. From the beginning, she was wiping away tears. Chris Ward, the Labour MP who acts as Sir Keirs parliamentary aide, was quickly brushed off when he reached across from the bench behind to check on her welfare. That moment, captured on the Commons TV cameras and shared quickly online, has since become one of the defining political images of Ms Reeves. The markets immediately clocked that something was wrong, spiking gilt yields and tanking the value of the pound. All attention was diverted from Sir Keir and Kemi Badenoch and towards the Cabinet minister quietly sobbing on the front bench. Those close to Ms Reeves insist her tears were not caused by the weeks politics. Wild rumours of an early-morning bust-up in Downing Street between the Prime Minister and Chancellor were swiftly denied by all involved, even those alleged to have spread them. There has been no attempt to explain further why Ms Reeves was so visibly upset, despite attempts by the Conservatives to force a more detailed response. There is something very strange going on, and personal matter doesnt really clear it, said Mrs Badenochs spokesman. Instead, the rest of the Chancellors afternoon was spent hidden from public view, first in her Commons office and then in Downing Street, where she worked for the remainder of the day. The last sighting of her was at 12.30pm, when PMQs ended and she reached for support from her sister Ellie the Labour Partys chairman. She grabbed Ellie and dashed off to the office, an MP recalled. She was rushing. She clearly just wanted to get the hell out. Angela Rayner was in listening mode ahead of the vote in the Commons, a well-placed source said - Shutterstock Editorial Angela Rayner was instrumental in pushing Sir Keir Starmer to water down his flagship welfare Bill, The Telegraph understands. The Deputy Prime Minister held hours of crunch talks with Labour MPs who were poised to vote against the legislation before a last-minute climbdown by Sir Keir. A crackdown on the personal independence payment (Pip) has now been scrapped. It will only be considered after a wider welfare review by Sir Stephen Timms, the disability minister. Two well-placed sources told The Telegraph that Ms Rayner masterminded the about-turn, as first reported by Bloomberg. One source had conversations with the Deputy Prime Minister and Sir Alan Campbell, the Chief Whip, in the hours before the vote. They said: They were both definitely in listening mode and instrumental in getting a solution that was palatable to me and others. The Bill cleared its first big hurdle in the House of Commons yesterday evening as MPs supported it by 335 votes to 260. It will face more scrutiny next week. But 49 Labour MPs still opposed the legislation despite Sir Keir giving ground, raising major questions about his authority. Ms Rayner declared on Wednesday that the welfare Bill was now in a better place after the Prime Minister significantly watered down his proposals. Asked about the chaos of the past week, she told ITVs Lorraine: I would say that to be fair to my colleagues, many of them have been raising concerns privately. Some have not raised them privately, some have. Its fair that the process of Parliament can look argy-bargy, like everybodys falling out, but thats the way you get to a consensus, and when the crunch comes to a vote, thats like a pinch point, a flash point in the Commons, and what happens. So people might see that overall its chaos, but actually weve got to a better place now, and weve got the bill through Parliament at its second reading. And now well get into the detail. She also insisted that the reforms had to happen in the right order and admitted changes to the benefits system were always going to be difficult. Ms Rayner continued: So some of the concessions that people have said, all the work that we did with MPs, was to make sure that, first of all, anyone listening to your show today, they know that there will be no changes to their welfare. And I want to make sure people are reassured by that because a lot of people have been scared by whats going to happen. And then the future will be co-designed with disability groups The Timms review, that had to happen before the changes came in and thats what everybody was really concerned about, making sure we did things in the right order, supportively. The Governments original welfare reforms were designed to save approximately 5 billion by 2030. The Institute for Fiscal Studies said the result of Sir Keirs concessions will be that the Government now saves nothing. That means there is a 5 billion hole in Sir Keirs spending plans which will have to be filled either through cuts elsewhere, more borrowing or tax increases. Ministers are resistant to increasing borrowing because of Labours fiscal rules, while the welfare debacle has shown how difficult it is for the Government to reduce public spending potentially leaving tax rises as Sir Keirs only option. Pat McFadden, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, hinted at tax rises on Wednesday morning when he said the welfare concessions would have financial consequences. It came as Rachael Maskell, a leading Labour welfare rebel, said the debacle on the Bill saw a change in power away from Sir Keir as the legislation disintegrated before our eyes. Ms Maskell tabled an amendment on Tuesday aimed at killing off the Bill altogether. It was defeated in the Commons but won support from 149 MPs including dozens of Labour backers. Donald Trump speaks on the south lawn of the White House on Tuesday. Photograph: Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images So confident is Donald Trump in the sweeping tax and spending legislation that Republicans are trying to push through Congress by the slimmest of margins that he refers to it as his big, beautiful bill. The measure, which the House of Representatives could pass on Wednesday, is centered on making permanent tax cuts created during his first term, creating new exemptions for tips, overtime and car loan interest, and funding mass deportations of undocumented immigrants. To lower its price tag, Republicans have proposed the largest cuts ever to Medicaid, which provides healthcare to poor and disabled Americans, and to the food assistance program known as Snap. They have also included provisions to phase out tax incentives meant to encourage the expansion of clean energy technologies that were created under Joe Biden. Does that sound beautiful to the presidents supporters? The Guardian asked, and heres what they told us. Related: Trumps big, beautiful spending bill, from tax cuts to mass deportations Kyle Hansen, a 41-year-old IT professional in Wisconsin, said the measure would bring absolutely beautiful, critical, important, and responsible fiscal changes that our overly bloated bureaucracy of a government is way overdue for, and in desperate need of. The disgusting career politicians have been extremely fiscally irresponsible for many decades, and all the US citizens will pay the price for it. This needed to be addressed a long time ago, and finally there is a politician willing to be ridiculed for doing what is needed. It may not be what everyone thinks will be nice, fuzzy, and warm feeling, but it is the responsible thing to do, he continued. According to the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office, the bill would increase the deficit by $3.3tn through 2034. In New York, 60-year-old grandmother Dee said: I believe this will greatly help heavily taxed middle class and lower class and lift us out of the debt we have been inundated with by the Biden administration! This bill is a no-brainer! Americans first! she added. A Montana Republican, William King, described the bill as great, particularly the tens of billions of dollars it dedicates to stepping up deportations. Others who backed Trump last November said the bill was not what they voted for. Its very bad, said Teddy Johnson, 40, of Phoenix. He objected to the cuts to Medicaid and hard workers, saying: they need to tax the wealthy. A 39-year-old in Pennsylvania who asked to remain anonymous said: I think [it] is a scam to the American people. We cut all the programs for poverty-stricken kids and raise the national debt anyway. Where is all the money going? Their recipe for making the bill better. Remove cuts to Snap and Medicaid, cut the defense budget, and cut all these handouts to the rich. There was more skepticism to be found among voters who usually back the GOP, but did not support Trumps re-election. An Oklahoman who voted for the Libertarian partys candidate called the bill a nightmare for now and future generations, and said it should be rewritten to raise taxes on the rich and corporations, and lower them for poor and middle-class tax payers, without increasing the national debt. Texas resident Steven K said: I think the bill is a slap in the face to all of us that have been paying into these systems all our lives. Trumps lies that he campaigned on to lower the deficit and [make America great again] was all a smokescreen to get the countrys vote so he wouldnt go to prison, he continued. M, a 65-year-old Detroit Republican who declined to share their full name and voted for the Democratic candidate Kamala Harris, said the bill was a fiscally irresponsible, mean, mess. It increases our deficit, undermines the health and safety of this nation, reduces states rights, and harms those who most need help so they can continue to contribute to this great nation. This is a filthy giveaway to ultra-rich people who are not paying their fare share. North Carolina resident James Walker, 63, said the measure should be renamed the big bankruptcy bill. The worlds biggest Ponzi scheme, otherwise known as the economy of the United States of America, comes closer to the point of no return. No politician is going to make the necessary cuts required to pay down the debt. The bill would be better, he said, if it focused on paying down the countrys debt, improving the Department of Veterans Affairs and allocating money meant for research and development of military technology towards improving housing for soldiers and their families. How many times over DO we need to destroy the world? Walker asked. Clive Standish pictured outside the court. Photograph: Champion News An ex-banker who gave his wife 78m will not have to split it equally with her after their divorce, according to a supreme court ruling that experts say sets a precedent for dividing up assets after a marriage ends. In 2017, before their divorce, Clive Standish, 72, transferred investments worth 77.8m to his wife, Anna, as part of a tax planning scheme. These assets had originally been Clives non-matrimonial property, the court was told. The couple married in 2005 this was the second marriage for both and have two children together. However, the marriage broke down in 2020. In 2022, a high court judge split the familys total wealth of 132m by awarding Clive 87m and Anna 45m. The former challenged this decision at the court of appeal, arguing that the majority of the money, including the transferred assets, was earned before they began living together. Last year, court of appeal judges assessed that 75% of the near-80m had been earned prior to the marriage and cut Annas share to 25m. The supreme court has now upheld the 25m figure after five justices unanimously agreed that because most of the sum of money had been earned prior to the marriage, Clive was entitled to keep the largest share. The landmark judgment might involve the super-wealthy but is relevant to everyone, said family lawyer Caroline Holley, partner at law firm Farrer & Co. The law firm Stewarts, which represented retired banker Clive in the case, said: Divorcing couples across England and Wales now have clearer guidance on how their assets will be categorised upon divorce. Legal experts suggested the judgment could increase demand among couples for prenuptial and postnuptial agreements as a way of protecting peoples interests if it all goes wrong later. Clive Standish, being domiciled in the UK, was worried about paying millions in inheritance tax if he died with the assets in his name, Lords Burrows and Stephens explained in their ruling on Wednesday. They said: In short, there was no matrimonialisation of the 2017 assets because, first, the transfer was to save tax, and, secondly, it was for the benefit of the children, not the wife. The 2017 assets were not, therefore, being treated by the husband and wife for any period of time as an asset that was shared between them. Clive Standish expected his wife to use the money to set up two offshore trusts, but she did not do that and remained the sole owner of the assets when legal action began, the court heard. Chris Lloyd-Smith, a partner in the matrimonial team at law firm Anthony Collins, said: With the judgment being in favour of Mr Standish, the court has set a precedent of firmer boundaries between personal and shared wealth. He said the most important takeaway was that transparent financial planning in relationships was crucial. When it comes to managing expectations and reducing legal uncertainty, pre- and postnuptial agreements that are reviewed regularly are important tools to divide and protect assets with clarity. This way, you protect yourself and set your own terms, instead of relying on a court decision. Sandesh Giri walking through the Beldangi refugee camp in eastern Nepal. Photograph: Gaurav Pokharel/The Guardian Ashish Subedi never imagined he would be deported once, let alone twice. Subedi, 36, had grown up in the Beldangi refugee camp in eastern Nepal where his family, along with over 100,000 other ethnic Lhotshampas, ended up after being expelled from Bhutan in the early 1990s. His family eventually resettled in the US under a UN third-country program, and Subedi built a life there. But a domestic dispute with his wife in Pennsylvania led to his arrest, brief detention, and eventually deportation by US immigration officials. I thought Id be released soon, he recalls. The Ice officers even said so. I never thought Id be deported, let alone twice. Subedi was put on a flight to Bhutan via the Indian capital of Delhi. But Bhutan, the country that had once stripped his family of citizenship, refused to take him back. Bhutanese officials immediately pushed him toward the Indian border. Related: Ice arrests of US military veterans and their relatives are on the rise: a country that I fought for Stuck at the border, Subedi paid a middleman to be smuggled into Nepal and traveled to the Beldangi refugee camp, where his father still lived. But he was arrested by Nepalese authorities shortly after arriving on 28 March, and charged with illegal entry. The country that once gave us shelter detained me, he says, still stunned. Being handcuffed again felt like a second exile. His father, Narayan Kumar Subedi, protested on the spot, forcing police to remove the cuffs. The treatment was a bitter sequel to what Subedi endured in the US. In Franklin county jail, inmates beat me up. But worse was being stateless again, Subedi said. Now, Nepal has initiated formal procedures to deport Subedi and others like him, sparking outrage among refugee rights groups. According to Govinda Rijal, director general of Nepals department of immigration, Nepalese law requires that anyone entering without a visa be fined and removed. After presenting a passport or travel document they will be deported to Bhutan, he said. But this requirement has been widely condemned as unrealistic. If Bhutan were willing to accept them, they wouldnt be in Nepal now, says Subedis father. How can Nepal deport them back to the country that once expelled them? Another deportee, Ashok Gurung, tells a similarly grim story. In 2011, he had also resettled in the US as part of the third-country program. But two years later, a fight between Bhutanese and Burmese refugees in Georgia led to him being charged with assault. Gurung maintains he was not directly involved, but that a witness named him in a statement. He served four and a half years in prison. After his release, Gurung says, he worked legally for years in Pennsylvania before being abruptly detained by Ice officers on 9 March. He, too, was deported to Bhutan, where authorities refused to accept him. Like Subedi, he was pushed into India and then crossed back into Nepal. But the refugee camp that once sheltered him now refuses to register him. There are still thousands of refugees in the camp, but now they say we are not one of them, Gurung says. Narayan says so far at least 25 Bhutanese deportees from the US have returned to Nepal under similar circumstances. And yet, Nepal is preparing to deport them again. This is an alarming reversal, says Gopal Krishna Siwakoti, former chair of the Asia Pacific Refugee Rights Network. These people were made stateless once by Bhutan. Now theyre being rejected again by Nepal. Whats left for them? Nepals decision to fine and expel them, he says, is legally and morally flawed. Theyre being punished for being stateless. Worse, Nepal is demanding travel documents from Bhutan, the very country that created this crisis. Its not only impractical, its inhumane. Some deportees, like 24-year-old Sandesh Giri, are in even more precarious situations. Giri was deported from the US on charges of reckless driving. His mother and family remain in Pennsylvania. Alone in Nepal, he spent 10 days in a hotel before being evicted for not being able to pay. I had no Nepali ID, so I couldnt work or stay anywhere, he says. I was stranded. Eventually, his mother told him about other deportees being accepted into the Beldangi camp. It was the only place I could go. New deportees continue to arrive at the camp, but the system has no mechanism to re-absorb them. In a visit to the camp last Friday, representatives from the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, including its Nepal chief, met with camp residents and deportees to assess the situation. Advocates like Siwakoti are now preparing to challenge Nepals deportation orders in the supreme court. Its time the international community pays attention, he adds. Subedi, meanwhile, longs only for a reunion with his daughter, now three years old. He hasnt seen her since being taken into custody in the US. I tattooed her name, Akshata, on my arm in jail, he recalls, sitting in the bamboo hut of his father. Every time I think of her, it tears me apart. Kevin McCloud will return to TV screens for a new series of Grand Designs: House of the Year, to offer audiences a glimpse inside the countrys most cutting-edge architecture. The four-part series will be broadcast on Channel 4 this autumn, following a new series of Grand Designs, and will see McCloud present the programme alongside architects Damion Burrows and Natasha Huq. In each episode, viewers will visit the homes on the prestigious Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) shortlist, with the final episode unveiling the winner of the RIBA House of the Year 2025. McCloud said: This series celebrates, as ever, a sparkling range of whats possible in domestic architecture today. So, its a great privilege to be able to help uncover these gems of creative imagination and of course its a complete joy to be back presenting House of the Year alongside Natasha and Damion. Huq said: These arent just impressive homes, they challenge how we think about space, materials and the care of our resources. There is something deeply inspiring about the way architecture can quietly transform how we think about the world and our place within it, and I am excited to share that with viewers again this year. McCloud has presented the original Grand Designs show since its inception in 1999, with the programme marking its 25th anniversary last September. An Israeli airstrike has killed one of Gazas most senior doctors in a catastrophic loss to the already decimated healthcare system. A number of family members were reported to have been killed alongside him. Dr Marwan al-Sultan, a renowned and highly experienced cardiologist and director of the Indonesian hospital in the Gaza Strip, is the 70th healthcare worker to be killed by Israeli attacks in the last 50 days, according to Healthcare Workers Watch (HWW), a Palestinian medical organisation. The killing of Dr Marwan al-Sultan by the Israeli military is a catastrophic loss to Gaza and the entire medical community, and will have a devastating impact on Gazas healthcare system, said Muath Alser, director of HWW. This is part of a much longer and systematic atrocious targeting of healthcare workers sanctioned by impunity. This is a tragic loss of life, but also an obliteration of their decades of lifesaving medical expertise and care at a time when the situation facing Palestinian civilians is unfathomably catastrophic, Alser added. We are in great shock and grief. He cannot be replaced, said Dr Mohammed Abu Selmia, director of al-Shifa hospital in Gaza. He was a prominent scholar and one of the two remaining cardiologists left in Gaza. Thousands of heart patients will suffer as a result of his killing. His only fault was that he was a doctor. We have no option but to be steadfast, but the sense of loss is devastating. Earlier this month, al-Sultan spoke to the Guardian about the critical situation he and other staff at the Indonesian hospital were facing as they struggled to cope with the number of civilian casualties after the escalation of Israeli attacks in May. Among the healthcare workers killed in the past 50 days were three other doctors, the chief nurses of the Indonesian hospital and al-Nasser childrens hospital, one of Gazas most senior midwives, a senior radiology technician and dozens of young medical graduates and trainee nurses. On 6 June, the first day of Eid, nine healthcare workers were killed in one day in airstrikes in the north of Gaza, where they were sheltering with their families, according to HWW. Fares Afana, who leads ambulance services in northern Gaza, lost his son in June. Baraa, who was also working as a paramedic, was at an apartment block in Gaza Citys al-Tuffah neighbourhood on 9 June treating people injured in an Israeli airstrike when the building was hit for a second time by Israeli artillery, killing everyone inside. They were directly targeted, said Afana, who says that Baraa died alongside two other paramedics. When I went to the place, it was a horrible sight and cruel to see their bodies torn to pieces. If there had been some reaction from the world when healthcare workers were first targeted by the Israeli forces, they would have not dared to commit more of these attacks. He said his son had dedicated his life to the medical profession and had dreams of being a doctor. He was kind and loved by everyone who knew him. The total number of healthcare workers who have lost their lives in military attacks since the war began in October 2023 now exceeds 1,400 according to UN figures. Related: More than 160 Gazan medics held in Israeli prisons amid reports of torture Insecurity Insight, a conflict data NGO, says it has verified the deaths of hundreds of healthcare workers who have been killed inside health facilities, while attempting to reach wounded civilians, by Israeli sniper fire, when travelling in ambulances, while evacuating patients, at checkpoints and inside schools and refugee camps used as temporary shelters since October 2023. It is believed that hundreds more healthcare workers from Gaza remain in Israeli detention, where they have reported being tortured, beaten and held without charge. Medglobal, a medical NGO based in the US that provides medical services and care in Gaza, says it believes more than 300 medical staff are in Israeli prisons, among them senior physicians including Dr Hussam Abu Safiya, the director of the Kamal Adwan hospital who has been held in detention since December 2024. Citizens participate in early voting at a Dekalb county advance polling location in Atlanta, Georgia, on 30 October 2024. Photograph: Erik S Lesser/EPA An Atlanta-area county has appointed a staunch election denier, with a history of challenging voter registrations, to the countys board of registration and elections, a pivotal position to cast doubt on the results of future elections. DeKalb countys Republican committee nominated Gail Lee and a second Republican activist, but the nomination of William Henderson was rejected last week by the chief judge of the DeKalb county superior court, Shondeana Morris, after a letter campaign against the two promoted by the countys Democratic committee and voting rights activists. Lee has challenged the registration of hundreds of voters in DeKalb county since the 2020 election, beginning her efforts after Donald Trumps narrow loss to Joe Biden in 2020. Lee told CBS News in December 2023 that she still believed Trump won, and attended a 2022 conference in Georgia hosted by the Election Integrity Network a 2020 election denialist group linked to the Trump campaign. Putting a known election denier who has repeatedly tried to remove voters from the rolls on the DeKalb county elections board is a slap in the face to DeKalb voters, Kristin Nabers, Georgia state director for the voting rights advocacy organization All Voting Is Local, said in a statement. Related: How US cities have long planned for a Trump-led escalation against protests Lee is the architect of mass voter challenges against her neighbors in DeKalb county, she added. Time and time again, she has attempted to strip Georgians of their right to vote and perpetuated a stream of lies about our elections and the hardworking officials who administer them. Those who repeatedly push lies about voting and support dangerous attempts to overturn the results should have no say over our elections. Lee did not return a call and text seeking comment. About 370,000 of DeKalb countys 500,000 registered voters cast a ballot in the 2024 presidential election, and Kamala Harris won 82% of them, representing about one in eight votes she won in the state. The countys Republican and Democratic parties each nominate two people to serve on the countys elections board in two-year terms. The fifth member is named by the countys chief superior court judge. In a letter explaining her rejection of Henderson, Morris cited over 200 pieces of correspondence from the public as well as his public statements and an ongoing lawsuit filed by Mr Henderson against the board. Henderson is also a prolific challenger of voter registrations in DeKalb county. In 2024, he filed a lawsuit in superior court alleging the DeKalb county board of registration and elections violated the law by refusing to consider challenges to voters eligibility within 90 days of the election. Morris cited the suit as a conflict creating an impediment to his appointment. I do not believe that appointing Mr Henderson to the board would further the goals of ensuring that elections are credible and trustworthy in the eyes of the public, Morris wrote. Rather, I am concerned that his appointment would do the opposite, as he has already sought to do through his public statements in the past. Henderson disagreed with Morriss decision, describing his legal action as a writ of mandamus and not a lawsuit. Asked if he believed the 2020 election had been fairly conducted, Henderson said: The 2020 election happened five years ago and its not anything that we should be concerned with right now. He added that asking the question at all was indicative of bias. My whole reason for being involved in this is to try and make sure that our voter roll is accurate, concise, legal and clean, Henderson said. He characterized the opposition to his nomination as manufactured by Democrats and the League of Women Voters through a social media campaign. I dont think those 200 letters were relevant. Friends need to know if they have bad body odour, but finding a polite way to word it can be difficult - Zuma Press, Inc/Alamy Live News As a July baby, I am on the side of sunshine and the causes of sunshine. Warmth is my medium. When the local TV news carried a yellow heat health alert the condition formerly known as summer yesterday, I rolled my eyes. Dont talk to me about heat. Some of us are old enough to remember the summer of 1976, when it was so hot for so long that the Tarmac on the pavements melted and the lampposts dipped like wading birds. Lawns were crispy brown and people queued at standpipes for water. No one had heard of air con and sunscreen was in its infancy. We didnt really bother with it. I remember the agony of badly burnt shoulders on Bri-Nylon sheets in a seaside boarding house. Somehow the artificial fibres, slithery to the touch, made it worse. Can that be right? A heatwave is not three or four days as a television weatherman tried to claim. Wimps! When I tweeted my memories of the summer of 76, several people raised me the sizzling summer of 59, before my time. Now that really was a summer from May 5 to mid-October, Michael recalled. Weeks and weeks of hot weather. Anyway, yesterday I finally cracked and broke my vow never ever to complain when we have great weather in this country. The dog was miserable and could only be walked at first light or after 8pm. I put ice cubes in Bingos water. I had the fan on all night Monday into Tuesday, but I still woke up feeling like I hadnt had any joined-up sleep, so I was tetchy. And then there was the unmentionable problem: body odour. Two showers a day to try to keep the sweat at bay. But what about other stinky people do you say something or not? I met a friend for a coffee at my club in London; Sarah had just got off the Tube, where the heat had gathered in the tunnels like a furnace and the air was unbearable: soupy and stagnant. When she dipped in for a hug, the pong made my eyes water. KOd by BO! She said she had her office summer party in a couple of hours and I wondered if I should tell her. Tell her what exactly? You smell, darling? How about some more deodorant? What if she was mortified? There is no sweat etiquette that Im aware of. But I couldnt let my friend enter a room with all of her staff and have them thinking the new boss had terrible personal hygiene. On the other hand, a polite form of words eluded me. I pulled out some perfume from my bag and sprayed her generously with it. Do I pong? she laughed. Er, a bit sweaty, yes. Ah, thank you for telling me. Sarah reminded me that she totally lost her sense of smell after Covid. Its good because I cant smell anyone else. Trouble is, I cant smell if I smell either. We went to the powder room and Sarah had what my grandmother used to call a strip wash while I held her blouse. Her body was now clean, but the blouse was impregnated with sweat. I applied lashings of perfume under its arms and over her hair. I just got a text from Sarah: After you washed me and sprayed me with perfume, I went to that office party. There was no air movement at all and I was talking to the most wonderful, suave, handsome Frenchman. Im sure all he could smell was the strange combination of leftover BO and your scent. He thought I was a party girl on the pull it was great! Im glad I told Sarah about the BO because, I guess, Id hope someone would be honest with me and that I wouldnt take offence. Meanwhile, I made a mental note to travel everywhere with a can of 72-hour odour protection and a change of top. Even a July baby was prepared to concede that, just for once, it was too darn hot. And then, this morning, the loveliest sound in the world: rain! Serge Hascoet, Ubisofts second-in-command, was found guilty of psychological harassment and complicity in sexual harassment. Photograph: Xavier Galiana/AFP/Getty Three former executives at the video game company Ubisoft have been given suspended prison sentences for enabling a culture of sexual and psychological harassment in the workplace at the end of the first big trial to stem from the #MeToo movement in the gaming industry. The court in Bobigny, north of Paris, had heard how the former executives used their position to bully or sexually harass staff, leaving women terrified and feeling like pieces of meat. Former staff had said that between 2012 and 2020, the companys offices in Montreuil, east of Paris, were run with a toxic culture of bullying and sexism that one worker likened to a boys club above the law. Related: Former bosses at video games firm Ubisoft on trial in France accused of sexual harassment Ubisoft is a French family business that rose to become one of the biggest video game creators in the world. The company has been behind several blockbusters including Assassins Creed, Far Cry and the childrens favourite Just Dance. The state prosecutor, Antoine Haushalter, had told the court the world of video games and its subculture had an element of systemic sexism and potential abuse and called the trial a turning point for the gaming world. Thomas Francois, 52, a former Ubisoft editorial vice-president, was found guilty of sexual harassment, psychological harassment and an attempted sexual assault. He was given a three-year suspended prison sentence and fined 30,000 (26,000). The court heard how he once tied a female member of staff to a chair with tape, pushed the chair into a lift and pressed a button at random. He was also accused of forcing one woman wearing a skirt to do handstands. She told the court: He was my superior and I was afraid of him. He made me do handstands. I did it to get it over with and get rid of him. At a 2015 office Christmas party with a Back to the Future theme, Francois allegedly told a member of staff that he liked her 1950s dress. He then allegedly stepped towards her to kiss her on the mouth as his colleagues restrained her by the arms and back. She shouted and broke free. Francois had told the court there was a culture of joking around. He said: I never tried to harm anyone. Serge Hascoet, 59, Ubisofts former chief creative officer and second-in-command, was found guilty of psychological harassment and complicity in sexual harassment. He was acquitted of sexual harassment and complicity in psychological harassment. He was given an 18-month suspended sentence and a fine of 45,000. The court heard he once handed a young female member of staff a tissue in which he had blown his nose, saying: You can resell it, its worth gold at Ubisoft. The court heard that Hascoet bullied assistants by making them carry out personal tasks for him such as going to his home to wait for parcel deliveries. Hascoet had told the court he was unaware of any harassment, saying: I have never wanted to harass anyone and I dont think I have. Hascoets lawyer, Jean-Guillaume Le Mintier, said his client was considering an appeal. The former Ubisoft game director, Guillaume Patrux, 41, was found guilty of psychological harassment and given a 12-month suspended sentence and a fine of 10,000. The court heard he had punched walls, mimed hitting staff, cracked a whip near colleagues faces, threatened to carry out an office shooting and played with a cigarette lighter near workers faces, setting alight a mans beard. He had denied the charges. Donald Trump listens as Kristi Noem speaks during a tour of Alligator Alcatraz in Ochopee, Florida, on Tuesday. Photograph: Evan Vucci/AP Donald Trumps tour of the bloodcurdlingly monikered and hastily constructed Alligator Alcatraz migrants detention center in Floridas Everglades had the hallmarks of a calculatedly provocative celebration of the dystopian. Accompanied by Kristi Noem, the homeland security secretary, the Florida governor, Ron DeSantis and a phalanx of journalists, the US president saw only virtue in the vista of mesh fencing, barbed wire and forbidding steel bunk beds. Between Kristi and Ron, its really government working together, he said. They have done an amazing job. Im proud of them. Not that Trump was blind to the intimidating nature of the facility his long crusade against undocumented people had willed into existence in this hot, steamy part of southern Florida, prized by environmentalists as a crucial nature preserve but now redesigned to be a location of dread to those lacking documentary proof of their right to be in the US. Biden wanted me in here, he said, snidely referring to his predecessor in the White House, who he accuses without evidence of orchestrating criminal prosecutions against him. It didnt work out that way, but he wanted me in here, the son of a bitch. Tuesdays visit seemed to represent a new landmark in the administrations embrace of unabashedly authoritarian solutions to meet what has been Trumps defining issue since even before his first term: migration. Recent weeks have seen several escalations as the White House and law enforcement agencies have sought to project an ever more draconian approach. Deaths have been recorded of several detainees who had been taken into custody by Immigration, Customs and Enforcement (Ice) officials. Footage of masked officers without insignia arresting people in the streets has sent shock waves through immigrant communities nationwide. National guards troops and marines have been deployed against demonstrators protesting against migrant roundups on the streets of Los Angeles, even as local authorities and Californias Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, insisted they were not needed. In what has seemed like performative acts of political intimidation, several Democrats have been arrested and handcuffed by Ice and FBI agents near detention facilities or immigration courts. Senator Alex Padilla of California was pinned to the ground and handcuffed after trying to ask a question of Noem at a press conference, even after identifying himself. The administrations shtick was clear when Nayib Bukele, the president of El Salvador and self-proclaimed worlds coolest dictator, was feted in the White House in April days after more than 200 Venezuelan alleged gang members were summarily deported from the US to the sprawling Cecot facility in El Salvador. Shortly afterwards, Noem compounded the message by traveling to the center said to have capacity for 40,000 prisoners where she posed outside a cell into which large numbers of shaven-headed detainees were herded. All of this has drawn howls of condemnation from critics as signaling red flags for the state of US democracy and constitutional guarantees. Tuesdays event indicated the strength of the administrations contempt for such concerns. It was case of all-in on the Bukele approach, at least in imagery if not in scale. Enough beds have been installed in two separate areas of the facility to house 5,000 prisoners. Seized from its owners, Miami Dade county, by DeSantis using emergency powers as governor, the setting has drawn accusations of cruelty from immigrants rights organizations who point to the areas extreme heat and humidity and surrounding marshlands, which contains alligators, Burmese pythons and swarms of mosquitoes. Trump seemed to revel in the potential for detainees misery at what was termed a roundtable discussion but which devolved into fawning praise of his leadership from administration and state officials and obsequious questions from journalists representing friendly rightwing news outlets. It might be as good as the real Alcatraz site, he said. Thats a spooky one too, isnt it? Thats a tough site. As if in confirmation that this was an event designed to showcase ruthlessness, Trump handed the floor to Stephen Miller, the powerful White House deputy chief of staff and widely acknowledged mastermind of the anti-immigrant offensive, calling him our superstar. Miller responded with a pithy summation of the policys raison detre. What youve done over the last five months [is] to deliver on a 50-year hope and dream of the American people to secure the border, he said. Theres a 2,000-mile border with one of the poorest countries in the world, and you have open travel from 150 countries into Central America and South America. There are 2 billion people in the world that would economically benefit from illegally coming to the United States. Through the deployment of the military, through novel legal and diplomatic tools, through the building of physical infrastructure, through the empowering of Ice and border patrol and the entire federal law enforcement apparatus, President Trump achieved absolute border security. And there would be more to come courtesy of funds secured for deportations in Trumps sweeping spending bill, which secured narrow Senate passage during Trumps visit to the facility. Related: Trump celebrates harsh conditions for detainees on visit to Alligator Alcatraz Once this legislation is passed, he will be able to make that, with those resources, permanent, Miller said. PBS reported that the bill envisions roughly $150bn being spent on the administrations deportation agenda over the next four years. Taking the soft cop line, Noem on Tuesday told undocumented people that it didnt have to be this way; they could still, to use the administrations terminology, take the self-deport option by returning voluntarily to their home countries where she said the governments were waiting with open arms. Anybody who sees these news clips should know you could still go home on your own, you can self-deport, she said, adding that they could apply to return to the United States the right way. A more telling attitude to accountability was displayed by Trump himself at the end of the media question-and-answer session when a Fox News reporter asked how long detainees could expect to spend at the Florida facility days, weeks or months. After clarifying the question, Trump seemed or perhaps decided to misunderstand it. This is my home state, he said. I love it Ill spend a lot of time here. Ill be here as much as I can. Very nice question. Israeli military vehicles manoeuvre inside the Gaza Strip. Donald Trump has claimed Israel has agreed to Gaza ceasefire terms and urged Hamas to accept. Photograph: Amir Cohen/Reuters Donald Trump has claimed that Israel is ready to agree to a peace deal with Hamas as he seeks to broker a ceasefire in the Gaza war that has claimed almost 60,000 lives, but it is unclear what conditions specifically Israel has agreed to. In a post on Truth Social on Tuesday night, the US president wrote: Israel has agreed to the necessary conditions to finalize the 60 Day CEASEFIRE, during which time we will work with all parties to end the War. Related: Twelve days in Gaza: what happened while the world looked away? Trumps previous claims that Israel was ready to end the war, including a ceasefire negotiated before his inauguration in January, have quickly broken down as both sides accused the other of violating agreements on prisoner exchanges. Hamas said on Wednesday that it was reviewing Trumps proposal for a 60-day ceasefire, while Israels prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, said any peace agreement would banish Hamas from the Gaza Strip permanently. There will not be a Hamas, Netanyahu said in his first public comments since Trump proposed the ceasefire talks on Tuesday. There will not be a Hamastan. Were not going back to that. Its over. Hamas negotiators were expected to meet Egyptian and Qatari mediators in Cairo on Wednesday. Israel is not believed to have sent a delegation. US officials have supported Israels demand that Hamas no longer exist in Gaza as a non-negotiable in any ceasefire negotiations. For many months, negotiators have been discussing intermittently a version of a ceasefire plan put forward by the US envoy Steve Witkoff that is close to previous Israeli proposals. Trumps claim came after he brokered a ceasefire between Israel and Iran, and on the same day as Israels strategic affairs minister, Ron Dermer, reportedly met Witkoff and the US secretary of state, Marco Rubio. Trump wrote: The Qataris and Egyptians, who have worked very hard to help bring Peace, will deliver this final proposal. I hope, for the good of the Middle East, that Hamas takes this Deal, because it will not get better IT WILL ONLY GET WORSE. Trump is expected to meet Netanyahu at the White House on Monday. There was a muted reaction in Israel to Trumps statement, with officials stressing many unresolved issues. Israel has not sent negotiating teams either to Cairo or Qatar, where the indirect talks have been taking place. But Yedioth Ahronoth, a mass-market Israeli newspaper, reported that sources involved in the hostage deal talks said that both Israel and Hamas were more motivated, even without clear guarantees that the war would end. It reported: The gaps between the sides have not been closed, but they have decreased, and the sense is that a window of opportunity now exists that Israel would like to seize, particularly ahead of Netanyahus trip and the optimism that Trump has projected. Israel Hayom, another major newspaper, quoted an Israeli official confirming that Hamas had made concessions. This progress was the reason that Netanyahus trip to Washington was brought forward, the official told the newspaper. Hamas played down the prospect of a deal. Taher al-Nunu, a senior official, told AFP: So far, there has been no breakthrough. Trump and his aides appear to be seeking to use any momentum from US and Israeli strikes on Iran nuclear sites, as well as a ceasefire that took hold last week in that war, to secure a lasting truce in the war in Gaza. Trump told reporters during a visit to Florida that he would be very firm with Netanyahu on the need for a speedy Gaza ceasefire. We hope its going to happen. And were looking forward to it happening some time next week, he told reporters. We want to get the hostages out. Hamas has said it is willing to free remaining hostages in Gaza in return for a permanent end to the conflict and a full Israeli withdrawal from the devastated territory. Israel says the war can end only if Hamas is disarmed and its leadership agrees to go into exile. But after a poll boost in the wake of Israels war with Iran and with parliament close to a summer recess, Netanyahu may now feel he can risk a deal that might alienate rightwing coalition allies. The Israeli military has told him it has reached many of the objectives set in May, and successive opinion surveys show Israeli public support for a ceasefire that would return the 50 hostages still in Gaza. The new push for a ceasefire comes after a horrific Israeli attack at al-Baqa cafe on the Gaza seafront on Monday that medical and other officials said killed between 24 and 36 Palestinians, including children. On Wednesday, Israeli strikes killed 40 people across the Gaza Strip, the health ministry said. Hospital officials said four children and seven women were among the dead. The Israel-Gaza war began when Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel on 7 October 2023, killing 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking 251 hostages to Gaza. Israels subsequent military assault has killed more than 56,500 Palestinians, mostly civilians though experts say this is likely to be an undercount displaced almost the entire 2.3 million population and reduced much of the territory to rubble. Belgium, China vow to deepen ties, boost mutual trust Xinhua) 11:13, July 02, 2025 Belgium's Prime Minister Bart De Wever meets with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, in Brussels, Belgium, July 1, 2025. (Chinese Embassy in Belgium/Handout via Xinhua) BRUSSELS, July 1 (Xinhua) -- Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi here on Tuesday, pledging to deepen exchanges and enhance mutual trust with China. De Wever noted that Belgium and China have enjoyed a long history of exchanges, with vibrant local-level friendly communications, and that Belgium plays a gateway role in Europe-China cooperation. Recalling his multiple visits to China, De Wever said he was deeply impressed by China's development achievements. Despite differing perspectives, he stressed the importance of enhancing exchanges and increasing mutual trust in the face of the current complex geopolitical landscape. Moreover, he reaffirmed Belgium's commitment to multilateralism and support for a greater autonomous Europe while expressing the hope that the upcoming European Union (EU)-China leaders' meeting will yield positive results. De Wever also stressed that Belgium firmly adheres to the one-China policy, and this stance will not change. Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, highlighted Belgium's unique role in the European integration process and China-EU relations as a founding member of the EU and host of the EU headquarters. Wang said that China appreciates the rational and pragmatic China policy pursued by the new Belgian government and is willing to work with Belgium to carry forward the traditional friendship and advance the all-round partnership of friendly cooperation between the two countries in a steady and sustained manner. Belgium's Prime Minister Bart De Wever meets with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, in Brussels, Belgium, July 1, 2025. (Xinhua/Peng Ziyang) Meanwhile, Wang said China remains committed to high-quality development and high-level opening-up, welcoming more Belgian enterprises to China to develop their businesses and hoping that Belgium will likewise provide Chinese companies investing in Belgium with a fair, secure, and predictable business environment. Wang also said this year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the EU, which carries significant meaning as a bridge between the past and the future. The half-century-long journey of China-EU engagement has fully demonstrated that the two sides can achieve mutual respect and win-win cooperation, he added. Amid a complex and volatile international landscape, Wang said, China and the EU, as two major forces, markets, and civilizations in the world, should uphold the positioning as partners and the main theme of win-win cooperation, strengthening communication, enhancing understanding and consolidating mutual trust to jointly safeguard multilateralism and the free trade system. Together, they should serve as an "anchor of stability" of the world and act as reliable and strong partners who support and empower each other. The two sides also exchanged views on issues, including Ukraine. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Amelia Earhart pictured in the cockpit of a plane in 1931. Photograph: Bettmann Archive A new mission to locate Amelia Earharts long-missing plane is being launched, researchers announced on Wednesday, following fresh clues that suggest she may have crash-landed on a remote island in the South Pacific. A satellite image may show part of Earharts Lockheed Electra 10E protruding from the sand on Nikumaroro, an isolated island in Kiribati about 1,000 miles from Fiji, according to Richard Pettigrew, head of the Archaeological Legacy Institute, a non-profit based in Oregon. What we have here is maybe the greatest opportunity ever to finally close the case, Pettigrew said in a news release. With such a great amount of very strong evidence, we feel we have no choice but to move forward and hopefully return with proof. Earhart and her navigator Fred Noonan vanished on 2 July 1937, exactly 88 years ago, during their attempt to circumnavigate the globe, leaving behind one of historys most puzzling aviation mysteries. Now, Purdue University, where Earhart once taught and which contributed funding for her flight, is organizing a team to travel to Nikumaroro this November. The group hopes to uncover and recover remains of the aircraft. We believe we owe it to Amelia and her legacy at Purdue to fulfill her wishes, if possible, to bring the Electra back to Purdue, Steve Schultz, the universitys general counsel, told NBC News. Pettigrew believes the object spotted in the satellite photo aligns in size and material with Earharts aircraft. He also noted its position is near her intended route and close to where four of her emergency radio transmissions are thought to have originated. The image was taken in 2015, a year after a powerful cyclone may have exposed the site by shifting sand, Pettigrew said. He later presented the findings to Purdue. Additional signs suggesting Earharts presence on the island include American-made tools and a small medicine bottle, Pettigrew added. Back in 2017, four specially trained dogs and archaeologists from the International Group for Historic Aircraft Recovery (Tighar) also explored Nikumaroro. Still, not everyone is convinced. Ric Gillespie, Tighars executive director, has led 12 previous expeditions to the island and believes Earhart probably landed and died there. However, he doubts the satellite image shows a plane. Instead, he told NBC he thinks the object could be a coconut palm tree and root ball pushed ashore during a storm. Schultz said Earhart had intended to return the plane to Purdue after the journey so it could be studied by future aviation students. The Purdue Research Foundation has approved $500,000 in funding for the first phase of the trip. The team will take six days to reach Nikumaroro by boat and will have five days on the island to search for the object and attempt to identify it as the missing plane. Donald Trumps bill is likely to be his entire legislative agenda for 2025-26 New presidential administrations often spur talk of revolution in Washington, and that goes double for Donald Trump. Supporters promise an end to the old politics; opponents warn of the end of America as weve known it. But the minute anything needs to be done through Congress, the forces of politics as usual reassert themselves. So it is with the One Big Beautiful Bill. The gigantic tax and budget bill isnt just the centrepiece of Trumps legislative agenda. Given the narrow Republican majorities in both houses of Congress, the power of the Senate filibuster to block party-line bills outside of the tax and budget context, and the disinterest of all sides in forging bipartisan compromise, the bill is likely to be Trumps entire legislative agenda for 2025-26. There was a lot of talk about how the bill would do big, dramatic things and break with Republican policies of the past in favour of a new, populist agenda. Perhaps, Trump suggested, Republicans would raise taxes on the wealthy. There was fierce lobbying to undo some provisions of the 2017 Trump tax bill. But the forces of political gravity are not so easily defied. From the beginning, Republicans understood that this was a must-pass bill. Without it, not only would many of the 2017 tax cuts expire, but the GOP would likely miss the opportunity to satisfy priorities such as funding more immigration enforcement. In the end, the bill passed the House by just one vote, 215-214 (with two Republicans voting no and three others absent or abstaining), and did the same in the Senate, with vice-president JD Vance casting the 51-50 tiebreaker (with three Republicans voting no). The bills passage followed a vote-a-thon of record length in the Senate, as Senators voted down one amendment after another. JD Vance cast the deciding vote - Nathan Howard/REUTERS When a must-pass bill needs every single yes vote to pass, thats a lot of people who have to be appeased or outright paid off. If the House baulks at the Senates changes, the same dynamic is apt to repeat itself. So, the broad outlines of the bill look a lot more like traditional conservative policymaking with some Trump flavouring. Tax cuts for businesses and the wealthy are preserved, and coupled with working-class tax relief such as eliminating taxes on tips, overtime, and car loans. Theres more money for warships and other weapons, and also for the tools of border enforcement (a wall, more agents, and more detention facilities). Poverty programmes such as Medicaid are subjected to work requirements, tightened eligibility rules, and restrictions on benefits for immigrants. The bill cuts back on subsidies for student-loan repayments and green energy. Republican moderates got their own concessions. The deduction for state and local taxes, which effectively subsidises high-tax blue states, was raised from $10,000 to $40,000 (at significant cost to the budget deficit) to secure a few votes from blue-state Republicans, mainly in the northeast. The child tax credit was expanded, which amounts to a payout to many lower-income taxpayers. Alaska was given more generous treatment in some benefits programmes once Senator Lisa Murkowskis vote became a must-have. Hospital and nursing-home lobbies made out like bandits. Fiscal hawks who wanted deeper spending cuts are instead presented with a bill that does nothing to alter the debt-ridden nations grim fiscal trajectory. Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski voted in favour of the bill - Elizabeth Frantz/REUTERS Other conservative ambitions were scaled back or ended on the cutting room floor. Abortion giant Planned Parenthood was defunded from the Medicaid programme a long-time goal of pro-lifers but the Senate cut the duration of that defunding to one year. The Senate version also cut out plans to ban Medicaid funding for gender transitions, sell public lands in the West, tax third-party funding of lawsuits, or prevent states from regulating artificial intelligence or giving state-funded healthcare to illegal immigrants. A Senate effort to reduce the federal subsidy for Obamacare health insurance plans was scrapped. The end result is a bill nobody likes which is how lawmaking in Washington usually works. Among Republicans, only the handful of purist fiscal conservatives casting no votes are truly at peace with their votes. Trump and Vance can doubtless sell the deal to Maga diehards as a necessity, and the donor class will be pleased. Democrats are back in their happy place, complaining that Republicans are cutting taxes on the rich and paying for it with welfare cuts for the poor a hymn theyve been singing since the 1930s. Voters instinctively dislike the bill because its huge and messy, but thats precisely why theyre unlikely to remember much about it a year and a half from now at midterm election time other than the Medicaid cuts, which Democrats aim to make the centrepiece of their campaigns. The more things change, the more they stay the same. Dan McLaughlin is a senior writer at National Review The boss of Marks &Spencer has said he hopes to have the majority of the impact from its damaging cyber attack behind us by August. Stuart Machin, chief executive of the high street giant, said he hopes its online operations will be running fully within four weeks as it continues to recover. In April, M&S was forced to halt online orders after it was targeted by hackers. Customer personal data which could have included names, email addresses, postal addresses and dates of birth was taken during the attack. The M&S 2025 AGM has just kicked off. Our Chairman @therealarchie, Chief Executive @MachinStuart1 and CFO Alison Dolan are joined by broadcaster and author Anita Anand @tweeter_anita who is acting as shareholder advocate in the meeting and raising shareholder questions with the pic.twitter.com/WA8xtXRkaO M&S News (@MandSnews) July 1, 2025 M&S revealed that the hack was caused by human error and would cost it around 300 million. Last month, it restarted online sales through its website to allow shoppers to buy a selection of its best-selling fashion ranges and new products for home delivery to England, Scotland and Wales. Bosses told the firms annual general meeting in London on Tuesday that click and collect and next-day delivery operations have not yet returned, but should be back within weeks. Mr Machin said: Currently, half of online is open but not areas like click and collect. Within the next four weeks we are hoping for the whole of online to be fully on. Then our focus will be getting the Donington site back and running. Were hoping that by August we will have the vast majority of this behind us and people can see the full M&S. Chairman Archie Norman highlighted that the company has been progressing through its recovery programme to return operations to normal. Every week new systems are coming back, he said. Hopefully in a few weeks well be humming were hopeful well be back to full operations very shortly. Mr Norman also highlighted that executive pay deals could be impacted by any drop in financial performance caused by the cyber attack this financial year. He added: The financial effect of this will be taken into account with regards to incentive pay, but its too early to say. We are planning to come back stronger and want to go gangbusters for the rest of the year, but whatever the impact on shareholders, that comes through in remuneration as well. At the meeting, shareholders voted in favour of the groups pay deal for the year to March, which saw Mr Machins overall pay packet jump by 39% to 7.1 million, driven by performance-linked bonuses. Meanwhile, a majority voted against a resolution put forward by Share Action which called on M&S to disclose information on the number of employees earning below the real living wage. I want Aboriginal kids to feel proud The Royal Den by Vincent Namatjira Photograph: Courtesy of the artist, Ames Yavuz and Iwantja Arts Seemingly out of nowhere, Indigenous art is everywhere. Weve gone decades centuries, really in this country with barely any exhibitions dedicated to the work of Indigenous artists, but recently, everythings changed. Galleries, museums and institutions across the UK are hosting shows by artists from communities in South America, Australia, the US and Europe at an unprecedented rate. Tate Modern in London is putting on its first-ever major solo show by a First Nation Australian artist in July, with a Sami artist from Norway taking over the Turbine Hall in October. There are shows by Native American artists at Camden Art Centre in London and Edinburghs Fruitmarket Gallery, while painters and weavers from the Amazon and Argentina are coming to Manchesters Whitworth and Bexhill-on-Seas De La Warr Pavilion. This explosion in attention is at least partly thanks to the 2024 Venice Biennale. The most recent edition of the art worlds ultimate taste-making event was a big, bold celebration of Indigenous art on a scale most western audiences had never encountered before. It was, quite appropriately and relatively humorously, called Foreigners Everywhere. The usual Jeff Koons-ian glitz, hazy figuration, hyper-academic conceptualism and postmodern abstraction of the contemporary art world was swapped for tapestries from South America, mythological drawings from northern Canada and swirling, mesmerising paintings from rural Australia. One Golden Lion, the Biennales top prize, was awarded to Kamilaroi/Bigambul Australian artist Archie Moore, who created a dizzyingly celestial family tree, detailing 65,000 years of ancestry in chalk on black walls a near endless journey through familial time and space. The other Golden Lion went to Mataaho Collective, a group of Maori women from New Zealand, for an installation of crisscrossing strands of fabric straps that cast interlocking shadows as you entered the main exhibition. Arguably the greatest accolades in art, both awarded to Indigenous artists. Which isnt to say that all of this attention and praise is a totally new phenomenon. Australian First Nations art has been receiving international attention for decades and is no longer considered just a niche market or as specialised art, says Kelli Cole, a Warumungu and Luritja curator whos organising Tate Moderns big summer celebration of the art of the late Emily Kam Kngwarray. Aboriginal art and its distinctive dot painting-style first started making waves in the wider art world in the 1970s, and has steadily grown in popularity and acceptance ever since. Kngwarrays huge, seemingly abstract paintings and textiles (also currently on display in a smaller exhibition at Pace Gallery in London) have all the hallmarks of what audiences associate with Aboriginal art: dots and lines in bright whites, earthy ochres and sun-drenched yellows, intersecting and weaving together to create dreamy, hallucinatory visions of wide open terrain and ancestral lands, or what Aboriginal people call Country. For a lot of viewers, part of the appeal of Aboriginal art is the superficial similarities to western abstraction, but the work has deeper meaning. The dot painting style is a sophisticated visual language derived from Country. Its a practice informed by generations of deep knowledge, designed to communicate vital information, says Cole. For First Nations people, Country is not just land; its a living entity, encompassing spiritual, social and geographical origins, inextricably linked to identity and responsibility. Artists like Kngwarray visually articulate this profound connection, inviting global audiences to understand art not as detached objects, but as expressions of custodianship, belonging and a continuous reciprocal relationship with ancestral lands. Younger Indigenous Australian artists, however, have moved away from the more traditional approach of painters such as Kngwarray. I have a lot of respect for the old people their strong culture, their knowledge and their art but a young fella like me doesnt want to make traditional paintings, says Vincent Namatjira, a Western Aranda artist whose satirical, political approach to portraiture has seen him receive both praise (he was the first Indigenous winner of the Archibald prize for Australian portraiture) and a hefty amount of controversy. Namatjira, whose show at Ames Yavuz in London opens in September, comes from a long line of artists his great-grandfather was the hugely influential watercolourist Albert Namatjira and uses his joyful, colourful portraits to lampoon the wealthy and powerful, taking aim at British royalty, Captain Cook and Australian billionaires (one of whom, mining magnate Gina Rinehart, tried to have his unflattering portrait of her removed from an exhibition at the National Gallery of Australia last year and permanently disposed of). Namatjira also uses his work to celebrate important figures in his community. For me, portraying these Indigenous heroes is about equal recognition. I want to make sure that Indigenous leaders are properly recognised and acknowledged. My three daughters are all growing up now and I want them, and other Aboriginal kids, to be able to see these strong examples of Indigenous leadership, to feel proud and empowered. His political approach is one that resonates with a lot of Indigenous North American artists. Jaune Quick-to-See-Smith a citizen of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes in Montana who died earlier this year currently has a show at Stephen Friedman Gallery in London, and an exhibition due to open at Fruitmarket in Edinburgh in November. Her work combined pop appropriation, mixed-media modernism and Indigenous culture to remind viewers that Native Americans are still alive. Duane Linklater, an Omaskeko Ininiwak artist from Ontario, Canada, with a show opening at Camden Art Centre this month, makes minimal installations intended to create space for Indigenous presence in every moment. Art, for many Indigenous people, is a tool of resistance, and a way of affirming their existence. Claudia Alarcon is an Indigenous artist from the La Puntana community of Wichi people in northern Argentina, where she leads a collective called Silat, bringing together 100 female weavers to create colourful tapestries filled with references to animals and nature. There are footprints, eyes, trees, all arranged into stunning, abstract geometric compositions. Their work is on show at Cecilia Brunson Projects in London and the De La Warr Pavilion in Bexhill. We chose the name Silat because it is a word in our language which can be translated as message or announcement, she says. For us, it is a message of presence. It is a manifestation, like a whisper, of the strength of our knowledge. Our weavings are a proclamation that we continue to defend our memory, our territory, united. Indigenous existence is constantly under threat. We are walking a new path, telling new stories, but all of this is part of the long-standing defence of our culture, which is always present. Always. Defence is important, because Indigenous lands are under critical threat from exploitative commercial parties, and also more widely from climate change. Santiago Yahuarcani a leader of the Aimeni clan of the Uitoto in Peru whose exhibition at the Whitworth Art Gallery in Manchester opens this month addresses that threat head-on in his work, with gorgeous, chaotic canvases that paint nature in a constant, violent battle with man, lamenting the brutal destruction of the Amazon, and calling desperately for change. Related: They came for our land, our wood, our gold: Santiago Yahuarcani, Peruvian painter of dancing dolphins and genocide Its an approach shared by Norwegian Sami artist Maret Anne Sara, whose previous work has seen her place a pile of bloodstained, bullet-pierced reindeer skulls outside the Norwegian parliament. She will be taking on the Turbine Hall commission at Tate Modern in October. I fear the path were currently walking globally, as a human species, is failing, she says. The understanding that nature sustains life is fading from human consciousness. Im trying to puncture the reality that weve been sold. I believe that Indigenous philosophy can offer collective strategies to protect life for the future; to rethink and re-understand our place within a larger system. Lumping such an incredibly diverse array of artists into one big, sweeping Indigenous art bracket is obviously problematic. But there are themes that connect these communities, and to an extent their art, around the world. I see myself as part of something larger. I know there are other groups, with other languages, who are my brothers and sisters, with whom we share a history of struggle, and also of pain, says Alarcon. What matters most is to keep fighting for our rights and our memories, which are also the rights of our territory. Whether in Norway, Peru, Canada or Australia, Indigenous artists are united not just by a shared connection to the land and its custodianship, but by having survived centuries of colonial subjugation, capitalist exploitation and ongoing climate annihilation. Proof of their endurance will be written across the walls of galleries across the UK this year, in powerful, political and often incredibly beautiful art. A bankruptcy judge approved the sale of genetics company 23andMe to a non-profit led by co-founder and former CEO Anne Wojcicki, according to a June 27 filing in the bankruptcy docket. TTAM Research Institute is set to buy the company's Personal Genome Service, Research Service and Lemonaid Health business for $305 million after winning the final round of bidding to buy the genetics company out of bankruptcy, the company first announced in a June 13 press release. "As 23andMes founder, Ms. Wojcicki is well positioned to advance the Companys founding vision of helping people access, understand and gain health benefits through greater understanding of the human genome," Mark Jensen, Chair of the Board of 23andMe, said in the release. Wojcicki said in a June 30 release that the nonprofit will continue the company's mission of understanding the human genome for "the public good." "Core to my beliefs is that individuals should be empowered to have choice and transparency with respect to their genetic data and have the opportunity to continue to learn about their ancestry and health risks as they wish," Wojcicki said. Attendees visit the 23andMe booth at the RootsTech annual genealogical event in Salt Lake City, Utah, U.S., February 28, 2019. Sale trumps Regeneron bid The sale to TTAM replaces a $256 million bid for 23andMe by drug maker Regeneron made in May. "We are pleased that the competitive bidding process has resulted in significantly more value to our stakeholders while enhancing critical protections around customer privacy, choice and consent with respect to their genetic data," Jensen said. Twenty-seven states and the District of Columbia sued in federal court to block the sale in June, even though the pharmaceutical company promised to adhere to 23andMe's existing privacy policy, saying it would "prioritize the privacy, security and ethical use of 23andMes customer data." The lawsuit alleged that a sale to Regeneron would violate privacy laws in the individual states. What happens to user's data in the sale? 23andMe said in the June 13 press release that TTAM would continue the policy of allowing users to delete their account and genetic data as well as opt-out of research in perpetuity. At the same time, TTAM will continue to allow de-identified data to be used for scientific and biomedical research to research scholars at academic universities and other nonprofits, according to the release. TTAM will establish a consumer privacy advisory board within 90 days of the sale closing and customers will be emailed at least two business days before the close of the sale with instructions on how to delete data or opt out of research. In 2023, hackers exposed the personal data of nearly 7 million 23andMe customers over a five-month period, dealing a major blow to the company's reputation and compounding its growth problems. Contributing: Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA TODAY; Rueters This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 23andMe sale to ex-CEO's non-profit approved by court Credit - Photo-Illustration by TIME (Source Image: Cunaplus_M.Faba/Getty Images) Primary care doctors have heard it allyet there are four words they hope their patients dont say. Heres what happens: During the last moments of an appointment, as the doctor is walking out the door, a patient interjects: Just one more thing. It sounds like an afterthought, but it sometimes turns out to be something serious, like a symptom that requires immediate attention or a side effect that changes the treatment plan. Ive heard it many times, says Dr. Lisa Ravindra, a primary care physician at Rush University Medical Center. I find its often things that patients are hesitant to bring up at first, and they're working themselves up to be brave enough to discuss it. But its often the most important thing they came in for. The problem with "just one more thing" Ravindra recalls patients who revealedas she had one foot out the doorthat theyd been experiencing chest pain. Or they were struggling with their mental health and wanted to get her opinion on going on an antidepressant. Its better to blurt these things out than hide them from your doctor altogether. But the problem is that we want to be able to pay as much attention as possible to the things that are most important to patients, and that are most important to their health, she says. When a patient mentions something worthy of deeper discussion as an appointment is wrapping up, Ravindra has to make a split-second decision: Should she dive into a conversation with them, and be late to see the next patient (and the one after that)? Or should she ask them to schedule another appointment to discuss whatever they brought up? Then you risk patients feeling dismissed, she says. They made the decision to finally talk about it, and I'm asking them to talk about it another time. Neither option is ideal, she says. Read More: 8 Symptoms Doctors Often Dismiss As Anxiety Dr. Melinda Steele, a primary care physician in California, can relate. The just one more thing scenario happens all the time, she says. It can throw off her entire day. Doctors are like ducks: Were calm and collected on the surface, but were moving it under the water, she says. Were getting blasted from all different directions, having to triage things, go through messages and labs, and see patients in clinic. Its better to not be surprised by a doozy when you're trying to get out the door. How to make sure you feel heard To avoid falling into the just one more thing trap, make sure youre prepared for doctors appointments. Steele suggests making a list of concerns to bring along. Cap it at about three discussion points, and star the top couple things youd like to discuss, so they get priority over less important issues. A lot of people come to the doctor's office and they're nervous and forget what they want to bring up, so writing it down can offload some of that and make sure the issues are actually addressed, she says. If you have symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or dizziness, move them to the top of the list and mention them up front. Read More: What Experts Use to Repel Ticks and Mosquitoes Its also important to work on getting out of the habit of what Steele calls problem hoarding. Theres no need to stockpile issues until you have enough to justify a visit. It's pretty common for people to come in with a big list of issues, because they feel like there needs to be enough to justify taking time off work, she says. Reaching out to your doctor earlier and tackling issues earlier can definitely prevent complicationsand ensure appointments are as seamless and satisfying as possible. Another idea, Ravindra says, is to add notes when you schedule your appointment via your online portal. Many systems allow you to enter text describing what you'd like to talk about, and she always reviews them in advance. Then I have a good sense of, is this going to be a quick, straightforward visit? Or do I need to make sure I allow adequate time? she says. Plus, people who are nervous about bringing up sensitive topics in-person often feel more at ease putting them on their doctors radar virtually. What doctors can do At the start of every appointment, Ravindra asks patients: Whats on your mind today? Is there anything you want to specifically make sure we cover? That helps reduce the possibility of being blindsided by just one more thing" at the end of the allotted time, shes found. Steele advises doctors ask patients if they brought a list of concerns, and if so, whether they can look at it together while setting an appointment agenda. Skim it with the patient, because then you can highlight, Oh, I see you have chest pain as No. 15. Why don't we move that up to the top? Read More: 10 Questions You Should Always Ask at Doctors Appointments She also urges clinicians to avoid falling into a rabbit hole and going deep on the first issue a patient brings up. Doctors are fix-it people, she says. Were listening, but our minds are thinking and strategizing, What could be causing these symptoms, and what am I going to do about it? Yet its best to hold off on problem-solving until youve talked through and ranked a patients issues by urgency and priority, she tells doctors, so that an entire appointment isn't accidentally focused on one problem. Oh, and just one more thingkeep in mind that both doctors and patients have the same achievable goal. At the end of the day, patients want to be heard and cared for, and doctors want the exact same thing for their patients, Steele says. Communicating effectively is going to be the best approach for everyone. Wondering what to say in a tricky social situation? Email timetotalk@time.com Contact us at letters@time.com. Hotel availability can vary significantly between booking sites, so check all of them not just one. Oscar Wong via Getty Images I found myself refreshing TripAdvisors Yellowstone forum for the third time that day. It was late April, and I was scrambling to book accommodation inside Yellowstone National Park for the July Fourth weekend, peak season. Lodging typically sells out 10 to 12 months in advance. I was nine months too late. Having visited 109 countries, I turned to one of my go-to strategies: checking forums. Then I saw it. Someone posted they had to cancel their reservation for our exact dates. I immediately opened the hotels booking page in a new tab. The room was there, released back into inventory just minutes earlier. By the time I finished booking, we had locked in what most travelers consider impossible to get. This forum-monitoring approach is just one way to find accommodation that exists if you are willing to think outside the box. Inventory constantly shifts as people change plans. The key is knowing where to look when mainstream booking sites come up empty. Whether youre finalizing August travel or planning for next summer, these tricks can uncover options that others miss. 1. Watch Travel Forums For Real-Time Cancellations Travel forums, destination-specific Facebook groups and Reddit communities become networks where travelers announce cancellations in real time. Tapping into these traveler communities takes patience and timing, but it often uncovers availability you wont find on standard booking sites. I joined Yellowstone-specific groups and patiently monitored cancellations. When someone announces a cancellation, you typically have minutes, not hours, to act. Most travelers overlook these community spaces, making this strategy especially effective for securing coveted accommodations. 2. Check Every Booking Site, Not Just One Hotel availability can vary significantly between booking sites. Different online travel agents (OTAs) have access to different room inventories, which means a hotel listed as fully booked on one site might still have rooms available elsewhere. Ive seen this repeatedly when booking sold-out accommodations. The same property might be unavailable on Booking.com but have rooms on Expedia or Hotels.com. Beyond checking multiple sites manually, you can also automate this process. Tools like Open Hotel Alert or the Hotel Room Alerts app check inventory more than 100 times per day and notify you as soon as a room becomes available at sold-out hotels. By systematically checking multiple platforms and setting up automated alerts, you increase your chances of spotting hidden availability. Its a simple but often overlooked approach that can reveal options missed by many travelers. 3. Add A Night To Unlock Availability Sometimes the problem isnt availability. Hotels often require minimum stays during peak periods, and your two-night weekend might not meet their requirements. Stephen Lee, senior European travel specialist at Unforgettable Travel Company, points out, Hotels often have minimum night stay requirements, anywhere from two days up to seven days depending on the time of travel and the hotel. Allow a day or two of flexibility. If you planned for two nights, consider three. An extra night might transform an impossible booking into a confirmed reservation, he added. This works because hotels prefer longer stays during busy periods, and a small adjustment in your plans can open up availability. 4. Try A Less-Crowded Alternative In The Same Region When your first-choice destination is completely booked, Brandon Dale, COO of GoForth Luxury Vacation Homes, suggests pivoting rather than giving up. When Mallorca and Marbella are booked solid, we turn to rising luxury Spanish destinations that offer similar charm, culture and coastline; places like Menorca, Costa Brava or the Costa de la Luz, he explained. These spots often have more availability, fewer crowds and an equally elevated experience. If your dates are fixed, flexibility on the destination can open surprising doors. We often see families discover their new favorite place when their first choice is full. The beaches of Menorca, Spain, are just as beautiful as the more crowded beaches of Mallorca. thethomsn via Getty Images I experienced this firsthand during my honeymoon planning. The most popular Costa Rica destinations were either very expensive or booked, so we shifted to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca on the Caribbean side of the country. We found nicer accommodation right on the beach, fewer crowds, cheaper prices, and a far better experience. The key is finding destinations that offer experiences similar to your original choice, but without the heavy tourist crowds. 5. Tap Into Student Facebook Groups For Off-The-Radar Rentals When Georgia Fowkes, travel advisor at Altezza Travel, couldnt find accommodation near Venice, Florence or Pisa in mid-July, she tried something most travelers wouldnt think to do. I joined all the local student Facebook groups about a week before my arrival, and asked if any students were gone for the summer, Fowkes explained. I crafted a personalized post on each group and added a photo of myself, asking for accommodation. Within a few hours, several students reached out offering their rooms, studios, or apartments. Not only did this unlock central accommodation, but the financial benefit was significant. Because this happens on a person-to-person basis, the price is often much cheaper. Its a win-win where I get a room in the city center and the student gets help covering their rent. For safety, she conducted quick video calls with top candidates and secured backup options. 6. Call Direct To Access Hidden Inventory If booking sites show no availability, call the property directly. Hotels often hold back some rooms for corporate events or have last-minute cancellations that dont immediately update online. Christi Davis, senior vice president of sales and marketing at Loews Hotels & Co., stresses the value of this approach. My top recommendation is to call the hotel directly and ask about their suite inventory. Many travelers dont realize that hotels and resorts often keep select suites offline, and speaking with someone directly can give you access to options that arent visible when browsing the website. When calling, ask about waitlists, cancellation policies, and potential upcoming availability. Many properties maintain informal waitlists and will contact you directly when rooms become available. These strategies take more effort than standard booking methods but consistently uncover options that seem impossible to secure. The key is treating sold out not as a dead end, but as the start of a more creative search. It took some time and effort, but now Ill be enjoying the July Fourth weekend in that impossible-to-book lodge inside Yellowstone National Park. Related... The Atlantic hurricane seasons first storms of the year have been short-lived rainmakers, dissipating after reaching tropical storm status. But while current conditions suggest July will remain sluggish, its not a trend that will stick around in whats expected to be an above-average year. Andrea kicked off the season on June 24, with Barry following on June 29, both lasting less than a day. The National Hurricane Center has flagged an area for possible development over Florida, but regardless of whether this system is named, it will be a prolific rainmaker for the peninsula. The Eastern Pacific, on the other hand, has been bubbling. Hurricane Flossie the basins sixth named storm this season is expected to sideswipe southwest Mexico this week with flood and mudslide potential. Theres a balancing act at play when tropical systems develop. While ocean temperatures in the Atlantic are warm enough to fuel hurricanes, disruptive winds are quickly tearing apart the seedling storms. Saharan dust plumes are also inhibiting hurricane formation by wrapping dry air into storms. Weather models, which take into account several factors, give no solid indications that well-organized, long-lasting storms could develop through mid-July. Is this normal? In short: yes. July tends to be more of a waiting month during hurricane season. On average, only one named storm forms in July, and this year may feel especially slow because the storms that have been named were very short-lived. Both the Atlantic and Eastern Pacific basins should be relatively quiet well into July, according to the Climate Prediction Center. But storms could still spin to life this month, and if any do, they have potential to be particularly dangerous. July storms in the Atlantic tend to develop in the shallow Caribbean or Gulf waters, which are warmer this time of year than other, deeper parts of the ocean. This can fuel rapid intensification and quick landfall, amping up the threat due to short warning lead times. Human-caused climate change is causing hurricanes to produce heavier rainfall and intensify more rapidly than in previous decades. Regions where tropical cyclones usually form in July. - NOAA As we move into August, attention shifts to what forecasters call the main development region a vast swath of ocean from the west coast of Africa across the central tropical Atlantic. That area usually spawns late-season storms, and its where some of the strongest hurricanes originate. Atlantic hurricane season peaks in mid-September. This season, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is predicting 13 to 19 named storms, six to 10 of which will become hurricanes, and 3 to 5 of these could reach major hurricane intensity of Category 3 or stronger. The agency said they are 70% confident in this particular outlook. A season with even more unpredictability Forecasters are used to dealing with uncertainty, but a new type of unpredictability is brewing this season. A crucial source of satellite data that hurricane forecasters use to monitor changes in storm intensity is expected to be shut down at the end of July, reportedly due to cybersecurity concerns. NOAA was blindsided by this announcement, CNN reported, though the agency has publicly maintained there are many other data sources that will allow for accurate forecasts this season. The timing raises concerns, as the most active part of hurricane season takes place after July. As hurricane expert Michael Lowry noted on social media, The whole thing raises more questions than it answers. The satellites work. Why not keep the data flowing to scientists who use it to forecast the deadliest storms on earth? This blow is dealt just as forecasters have also lost access to the fleet of drone boats that provided continuous, direct observations from below storms, and in the wake of staffing cuts throughout the agency. In 2025, when meteorologists know more about hurricane forecasting than ever before, forecasters may be heading into the most dangerous hurricane months with a critical blind spot. NOAA For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Dotdash Meredith/Janet Maples Key Points Ben & Jerry's is kicking off National Ice Cream Month by introducing three brand-new ice cream flavors. The new additions include a marshmallow-packed flavor with cookie pieces and fudge shavings, and two indulgent non-dairy options. When it comes to imaginative and never-before-seen flavor pairings, the world of frozen treats offers a surprising wealth of options. Whether it's cheese-flavored ice cream or a root beer float-inspired scoop, ice cream is the perfect vehicle for experimentation. And, arguably, no brand does swirls and creative mix-ins better than Ben & Jerry's. The Vermont-based ice cream brand behind so many cult-favorite flavors, such as Cherry Garcia and Chunky Monkey, is constantly churning out bigger and bolder flavors that keep us coming back for more. And now, to kick off National Ice Cream Month, Ben & Jerry's is releasing three new flavorsbut you'll only find them in its Scoop Shops. Ben & Jerry's Introduces 3 In-Store Exclusive Flavors A few weeks ago, Ben & Jerry's dropped an all-new flavor, UltraViolet, featuring purple-hued vanilla ice cream, gooey marshmallow swirls, chocolate cookies, and fudge flakes. Now, it's adding two more flavors to the shop-exclusive lineup: Non-Dairy Mochaccino Chip and Non-Dairy Strawberry Swirl. The Mochaccino Chip has a non-dairy chocolate-coffee base swirled with caramel and studded with fudge flakes. It's bold, creamy, and delivers a sweet hit of caffeine to help you beat the summer heat. Enjoy it in a cup, cone, or as a shake. The Strawberry Swirl, on the other hand, is a celebration of summer's favorite fruit. It features non-dairy strawberry ice cream with ribbons of strawberry swirl that can be taken up a notch in a Strawberry Swirl Sundae that gets drizzled with marshmallow sauce, strawberry cookie crumble, and whipped creamall dairy-free. All three flavors are available now for a limited time, exclusively at Ben & Jerry's stores. But if you don't live near one or can't find the time to swing by a shop, Ben & Jerry's has a whole slew of fun new flavors available at major grocery retailers nationwide, including its massive 28-ounce Scoop-apalooza options and pre-packaged Sundae pints so you can enjoy your favorite ice cream shop dessert right at home. Read the original article on ALLRECIPES An African jacana on the shore with one of their enormous feet prominently displayed Martin Pelanek/Shutterstock.com The African jacana is an unusual bird and at first glance looks quite out of proportion. However, as you will see in this fascinating Instagram post, there are very good reasons for their unusual body shape. These extraordinary birds are found across sub-Saharan Africa, where their habitats are on freshwater. Take a look, then read on to discover more about this unique bird, including how seriously the dads take their childcare duties when danger lurks in the murky water. Balancing on Floating Lilies Enormous feet with elongated toes allow jacanas to walk on floating vegetation. Kelly Ermis/Shutterstock.com African jacanas (Actophilornis Africanus) are carnivores. They feed on small creatures that live in and near freshwater. This includes insects, spiders, larvae, crustaceans, and mollusks. The birds pick them off floating vegetation such as lilies, which presents them with a problem. Walking across lilies is not easy because they can quickly sink. Additionally, there is competition from flying birds, so the African jacana has evolved to do things a little differently. Although they are good swimmers, walking is the most efficient way for them to travel across the vegetation. Their enormous feet, with very long, straight claws, spread their weight across a large surface area and prevent them from sinking. Whats more, their bodies are very lightthey typically weigh between 4 and 10 ounces, with females being larger than males. To reduce weight, their wings are tiny, which means they are poor flyers as a trade-off. Dads on the Lookout for Danger Standing on a floating lily without the ability to fly away is a vulnerable position for an adult African jacana, and even more so for a chick. To make matters worse, those giant feet are great for balancing but not for running fast! They are hunted by birds of prey, large fish, and turtles. They are also targeted by Nile monitors and snakes. The jacana has a polyandrous mating system, in which the female mates with multiple males, and the males are responsible for incubating the eggs and caring for the chicks. So, when danger arrives, it is his responsibility to protect them. To protect themselves, the chicks climb under their fathers wings and remain hidden until the danger has passed. This strategy is effective, but the chicks feet are too large to fit completely under his wings and often dangle out, making the father appear to have many legs! The post This Bird Hides Its Chicks in the Most Fascinating Way appeared first on A-Z Animals. Chicago Cubs pitcher Matthew Boyd delivers during the first inning of a baseball game against the Cleveland Guardians, Tuesday, July 1, 2025, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Matt Marton) CHICAGO (AP) Matthew Boyd pitched seven sharp innings for his eighth win, Seiya Suzuki cracked his team-leading 23rd homer and the Chicago Cubs topped the sliding Cleveland Guardians 5-2 on Tuesday night. Carson Kelly doubled twice with a sac fly for three RBIs. Michael Busch went 3-for-3 and drove in a run to help NL Central-leading Chicago win its 50th game. Carlos Santana had two hits, including his 400th career double, but Cleveland dropped its fifth straight. The Guardians scored two runs in the fourth ending a skid of 17 straight scoreless innings on Nolan Jones' RBI single and Angel Martinez's sacrifice fly. Cleveland has scored in just two of its last 45 innings. Boyd (8-3) allowed two runs on five hits with five strikeout and one walk. The left-hander finished by retiring 11 straight hitters before Brad Keller entered for the eighth. Daniel Palencia struck out two in a perfect ninth for his ninth save. Cleveland's Gavin Williams (5-4) yielded four runs on seven hits and four walks. The Cubs took a 3-0 lead in a quirky second on four straight hits. Then Kelly was out at home when he tried to score from third after the ball got away from catcher Bo Naylor. Williams walked the next two hitters Nico Hoerner and Matt Shaw but picked both off first. After Cleveland cut it to 3-2 in the fourth, Suzuki hit his solo shot to left in the sixth. Key moment It looked like Cleveland's offense finally awakened in the fourth. But Boyd picked off Jones for the second out, then got Naylor to ground out. Key stat Boyd tossed his 12th quality start in 17. Hes one win short of his career high of nine, reached with Detroit in 2018 and 2019 Up next Guardians RHP Tanner Bibee (4-8, 3.80 ERA) faces Cubs LHP Shota Imanaga (4-2, 2.54) on Wednesday. ___ AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb NEED TO KNOW Bryan Kohberger confessed to the murders of Kaylee Goncalves, 21; Madison Mogen, 21; Xana Kernodle, 20; and Ethan Chapin, 20 in court on Wednesday Prosecutor Bill Thompson laid out the case against Kohberger, saying Kohberger returned to the crime scene just hours after the murders and then took a selfie making a thumbs-up gesture when he got home Kohberger is set to be sentenced on July 23, with the plea deal calling for four life sentences plus 10 years on a burglary charge, all to be served consecutively Bryan Kohberger pleaded guilty to the murders of four University of Idaho students on Wednesday. He confessed in a Boise courtroom to the murders of Kaylee Goncalves, 21; Madison Mogen, 21; Xana Kernodle, 20; and Ethan Chapin, 20. After admitting to those crimes, which took place on Nov. 13, 2022, Judge Steven Hippler called on Latah County Prosecutor Bill Thompson to lay out the details of the case against Kohberger. Thompson shared many details of the case which had been previously known, including video footage of a car similar to Kohberger's near the scene of the crime on the night of the murders and his purchase on Amazon of the same weapon used in the murders. Another key detail shared by Thompson was the fact that Kohberger returned to the murder scene just a few hours after brutally stabbing his four victims to death, but before their bodies had been discovered by their surviving roommates. Courtesy of Chapin Family; Maddie Mogen/Instagram; Kaylee Goncalves/Instagram; Xana Kernodle/Instagram Ethan Chapin, Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves and Xana Kernodle Thompson said that Kohberger's phone was tracked to the residence at around 9 a.m. and remained there for approximately 10 minutes before he returned to his dormitory at Washington State University in Pullman. Once back at his dorm, the normally stoic Kohberger took a selfie of himself grinning while making a thumbs-up gesture. AP Photo/Kyle Green, Pool; Latah County Prosecutor's Office Bryan Kohberger 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. Kohberger and his attorney appeared in court just two days after striking a deal with prosecutors. In exchange for Kohberger's guilty plea on four counts of murder and one count of burglary, the prosecution agreed not to seek the death penalty and instead recommended a term of four life sentences for each murder plus 10 years for the burglary to be served consecutively. Kohberger also waived his right to file an appeal. His sentencing has now been scheduled for July 23, at which time he is set to learn his fate. The decision to make a deal with Kohberger has divided the victims' families, with the Mogen and Chapin families coming out in support of the deal and Kernodle and Goncalves families saying they wanted the case to go to trial. Read the original article on People FILE - Pope Francis celebrates a mass Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024 in Ajaccio on the first papal visit ever to the French island of Corsica. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus, file) (ASSOCIATED PRESS) ROME (AP) Cardinal Luis Pascual Dri, the Argentine priest whom Pope Francis held up as the model confessor, has died in Buenos Aires at age 98, the Vatican said Wednesday. Dri, a Capuchin friar, died Monday in the Argentine capital, where his funeral was being celebrated Wednesday, the Vatican newspaper LOsservatore Romano said. Dri was made a cardinal by Francis in 2023 at the age of 96 in recognition of his lifetime of work hearing confessions of the faithful and dispensing merciful absolutions. Up until his death, he worked as the confessor at the Our Lady of Pompeii parish in Buenos Aires. Francis frequently referred to Dri during his pontificate and held him up as a model confessor for other priests, urging them to always be merciful in the confessional. For Francis, the sacrament of reconciliation was particularly important and he urged priests to always pardon those who seek forgiveness. He once quoted Dri as saying he was so willing to dispense absolutions because God himself gave me a bad example in forgiving all his sins. Pope Leo XIV, who was made a cardinal during the same consistory as Dri, issued a message of condolences Wednesday signed by the Vatican secretary of state. In it, he recalled Dri as a devoted pastor, who was so dear to Pope Francis, and who for so many years gave his life to the service of God and the church as a confessor. ___ 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. USA TODAY and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article. Pricing and availability subject to change. Charlize Theron is staring down 50 in just about a month. And 50 should be scared. The Oscar-winning actress ("Monster"), who reprises her butt-kicking, comic-book inspired role of Andromache of Scythia, or Andy, in "The Old Guard 2" (streaming July 2 on Netflix), simply has no time for society's judgmental ageist critiques. As long as Charlize thinks Charlize is hot, all is well. "Listen," she says with a smile as she peppers her comments with expletives. "I wore fishnets last night because I felt awesome in them, and that's where I'm heading right now, it's like, I don't give a ..." well, you know what. "I have limited time left, and I'm going to do it up the way I want to do it up, and that's it," she says, contrasting her feelings today with half a lifetime ago when she felt her on-screen sexuality was her stock-in-trade. "I have no more time to pretend to live my life for other people." Join our Watch Party! Sign up to receive USA TODAY's movie and TV recommendations right in your inbox Charlize Theron attends the Los Angeles premiere of Netflix's "The Old Guard 2." She tells USA TODAY that she wore fishnet stockings because they made her feel fantastic. Not that Theron doesn't sizzle in "Old Guard 2," where she and a bevy of other seductive and powerful women including Uma Thurman as Discord and KiKi Layne as Nile Freeman battle immortal figures who are bent on humanity's destruction. A highlight and hallmark of the sequel is bringing together talented female actors under the direction of Victoria Mahoney, who made a name for herself as second-unit director on 2018's "Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker," a first for a woman on that series. "When I started my career, I never saw a woman in such positions," Theron says of Mahoney, adding that many of the producers and crew on "Old Guard 2" were women. Two female titans do battle in "Old Guard 2": Uma Thurman as Discord (left) and Charlize Theron as Andy. "Early on as an actor, if I heard that Gwyneth (Paltrow) or Cameron (Diaz) or any of my generation got cast, I didn't even bother to look at the script again because I figured the one role was taken," she says. "We still have a long way to go. There are so many talented women, but so few opportunities. But that said, it feels better these days, more inclusive. It feels like you're not alone out there, that's the best way I can put it." Charlize Theron's daughters are not impressed with mom's superhero exploits Theron is a doting mom to adopted daughters Jackson, 12, and August, 9. The girls, however, are not impressed by Theron's on-screen exploits; the actress told Jimmy Kimmel her kids were far more dazzled by Tom Cruise's "Mission: Impossible" stunts than her own in "Old Guard 2." Theron continues to invest time and money into her native South Africa. Just a few days ago, she hosted another block party to raise money for the Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project, which helps community-based organizations that provide health, education and other support for young people in need. "Women in South Africa are facing femicide at a high rate and it's something nobody is talking about," Theron says. "So we do our small part, partnering with organizations in the trenches, coming up with answers and not waiting around for policy changes. And that's not a Black or white thing, we don't look at people's needs in that way. But it just so happens, though, that minorities of color are the others that usually fall between the cracks." Charlize Theron wields a mean axe as Andy, a superhero turned mortal, in "The Old Guard 2." Theron has a lot of irons in the fire. Her production companies, Denver and Delilah Productions (named after her dogs) and Secret Menu, are busy pursuing a range of projects with a particular focus on her favorite genre, documentaries. Secret Menu announced it would produce a new film on the Alexander brothers, real estate moguls who have been accused of serial sexual abuse. Next up for Charlize Theron: Battling another bad guy in the wilds of Australia But she's also just wrapped filming another movie for Netflix that will find her buff and taking no guff. In "Apex," Theron plays a rock climber who loses her husband (played by Eric Bana) and goes to Australia to deal with her loss. "She heads into nature to let it beat her up a bit," Theron says. "She meets a man who looks like someone who can help her, but he turns out to be a serial killer (Taron Egerton) and he hunts her through the outback wilderness." The superheroes of "The Old Guard 2," from left, Henry Golding as Tuah, Luca Marinelli as Nicky, Marwan Kenzari as Joe, Charlize Theron as Andy and KiKi Layne as Nile. Let's just say in Hollywood's not-so-distant past, 50-year-old women were not cast doing battle with serial killers. If Theron has her way, she will be entertaining us with such gritty turns well into her Social Security years. And it seems she's got her mother, Gerda, to thank for that. "My mom is well, we're not 100% sure how old she is, she's from a small town in South Africa and the records were written in pencil, I think but she's maybe 74 or 72," she says with a big laugh. "I told my mom that I was looking forward to 50, and she said, 'Oh, honey, it gets so much better when you hit your 70s.' So, yeah, I feel like I got lucky with good genes. I think life's going to be OK for me from here on out." This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'Old Guard 2' star Charlize Theron can't wait for this major milestone As the manhunt for Travis Decker -- the father accused of killing his three daughters near a Washington state campground -- reaches the one-month mark, DNA found at the scene of the crime now links the murders to the fugitive father, according to the Chelan County Sheriff's Office. Paityn Decker, 9; Evelyn Decker, 8; and Olivia Decker, 5, were killed after they left home for a "planned visitation" with Decker on May 30, and were found dead near the Rock Island Campground in Chelan County, Washington, on June 2, according to police. Decker's vehicle was discovered unoccupied near the girls' bodies, and officials revealed on Tuesday that bloody handprints found on the tailgate of his truck matches the DNA profile "that we believe is Decker's," the sheriff's office said in a press release. Wenatchee Police Department - PHOTO: Three young sisters in Washington, Olivia Decker, 5, Paityn Decker, 9, and Evelyn Decker, 8 who had not been seen since they left home for a scheduled visitation with their father have been found dead, according to the Wenatchee Police Department. With this evidence, officials said they "do not have any reason to believe there are any other suspects." Authorities said they are continuing this multi-agency search for Decker, saying the National Park Service is also planning to send out "swift water search and rescue teams in the near future to conduct more searches of the bodies of water around the crime scene." MORE: Father who killed 3 daughters was 'active dad' but the 'system failed' him, ex-wife's attorney says Drones, cadaver and tracking dogs are also continuing to be used in the search efforts, officials said. The U.S. Marshals Service is also still offering a $20,000 reward for information leading directly to Decker's arrest, the sheriff's office said. "Until he is taken into custody, or recovered, we will continue these efforts. We are extremely grateful for the continued leadership, dedication and support from all of our search teams," the sheriff's office said. Wenatchee Police Department via AP - PHOTO: Undated photo of Travis Caleb Decker who the police are asking the public for help in locating the Washington state father who is wanted for murder after his three young daughters were reported missing and then found dead. At this time, officials said they "do not have an evidence to suggest Mr. Decker is alive, or deceased." Todd McGhee, a law enforcement and security analyst and former Massachusetts state trooper, told ABC News last week he believes Decker is alive. Chelan County Sheriff's Office - PHOTO: The Chelan County Sheriff's Office released photos of Travis Decker in a wanted poster. Decker, who is described as 5 feet, 8 inches tall with black hair and brown eyes, was last seen wearing a light shirt and dark shorts, police said, and a new suspect flyer was released by authorities on June 16. He is currently wanted for three counts of first-degree murder and three counts of kidnapping, police said. Officials said anyone who has any information on Decker or knows of his whereabouts should call 911 immediately. For a timeline of what we know about the murder of the three sisters, click here. A woman is charged with first-degree murder in the drowning death of her 4-year-old daughter in El Portal, Florida, authorities said Dr. Neha Gupta, a pediatrician, is accused of killing Aria Talathi, 4, who was found floating in a pool behind a home at 156 NW 90 St. on Friday, the Miami-Dade Sheriffs Office said. Video showed police investigating after Miami-Dade Fire Rescue performed CPR. Aria was rushed to the hospital, where she was pronounced dead, the sheriffs office said. Police at the scene of a drowning in El Portal, Fla., on Wednesday. (NBC South Florida) Gupta, 36, and her daughter had traveled from Oklahoma City and were staying at a short-term rental, the sheriff's office said. Someone called 911 to report that the girl was drowning in the overnight hours. Through investigative means and consultation with the Miami-Dade State Attorneys Office, detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Dr. Neha Gupta and traveled to Oklahoma City. With the assistance of the Oklahoma City Police Departments Homicide Unit and the United States Marshals Service, they were able to locate and take her into custody, the sheriff's office said in a news release. Authorities did not immediately provide more details about Guptas alleged involvement in her daughters death. Hello and welcome to Eye on AI. In todays editionthe U.S. Senate rejects moratorium on state-level AI lawsMeta unveils its new AI organizationMicrosoft says AI can out diagnose doctorsand Anthropic shows why you shouldnt let an AI agent run your business just yet. AI is rapidly changing work for many of those in professional serviceslawyers, accountants, auditors, compliance officers, consultants, and tax advisors. In many ways, the experience of these professionals, and the businesses they work for, are a harbinger of whats likely to happen for other kinds of knowledge workers in the near future. Because of this, it was interesting to hear the discussion yesterday at a conference on the Future of Professionals at Oxford Universitys Said School of Business. The conference was sponsored by Thomson Reuters, in part to coincide with the publication of a report it commissioned on trends in professionals use of AI. That report, based on a global survey of 2,275 professionals in February and March, found that professional services firms seem to be finding a return on their AI investment at a higher rate than in other sectors. Slightly more than half53%of the respondents said their firm had found at least one AI use case that was earning a return, which is about twice what other, broader surveys have tended to find. Not surprisingly, Thomson Reuters found it was the professional firms where AI usage was part of a well-defined strategy and that had implemented AI governance structures were the most likely to see gains from the technology. Interestingly, among firms where AI adoption was less structured, 64% of those surveyed still reported ROI from at least one use case, which may reflect how powerful and time-saving these tools can be even when used by individuals to improve their own workflows. The biggest factors holding back AI use cases, the respondents said, included concerns about inaccuracy (with 50% of those surveyed noting this was a problem) and data security (42%). For more on how law firms are using AI, check out this feature from my Fortune colleague Jeff John Roberts. Mind the gaps Here are a few tidbits from the conference worth highlighting: Mari Sako, the Oxford professor of management studies who helped organize the conference, talked about the three gaps that professionals needed to watch out for in trying to manage AI implementation: One was the responsibility gap between model developers, application builders, and end users of AI models. Who bears responsibility for the models accuracy and possible harms? A second was the principles to practice gap. Businesses enact high-minded Responsible AI principles but then the teams building or deploying AI products struggle to operationalize them. One reason this happens is that first gapit means that teams building AI applications may not have visibility into the data used to train a model they are deploying or detailed information about how it may perform. This can make it hard to apply AI principles about transparency and mitigating bias, among other things. Finally, she said, there is a goals gap. Is everyone in the business aligned about why AI is being used in the first place? Is it for human augmentation or automation? Is it operational efficiency or revenue growth? Is the goal to be more accurate than a human, or simply to come close to human performance at a lower cost? What role should environmental sustainability play in these decisions? All good questions. Not a substitute for human judgment Ian Freeman, a partner at KPMG UK, talked about his firms increasing use of AI tools to help auditors. In the past, auditors were forced to rely on sampling transactions, trying to apply more scrutiny to those that presented a bigger business risk. But now, with AI, it is possible to run a screen on every single transaction. Still, it is the riskiest transactions that should get the most scrutiny and AI can help identify those. Freeman said AI could also help more junior auditors understand the rationale for probing certain transactions. And he said AI models could help with a lot of routine financial analysis. But he said KPMG had a policy of not deploying AI in situations that called for human judgment. Auditing is full of such cases, such as deciding on materiality thresholds, making a call about whether a client has submitted enough evidence to justify a particular accounting treatment, or deciding on appropriate warranty reserves for a new product. That sounds good, but I also wonder about the ability of AI models to act as tutors or digital mentors to junior auditors, helping them to develop their professional judgment? Surely, that seems like it might be a good use case for AI too. A senior partner from a large law firm (parts of the conference were conducted under Chatham House Rules, so I cant name them) noted that many corporate legal departments are embracing AI faster than legal firmssomething the Thomson Reuters survey also showedand that this disparity was putting pressure on the firms. Corporate counsel are demanding that external lawyers be more transparent about their AI usageand critically, putting pressure on legal bills on the theory that many legal tasks can now be done in far fewer billable hours. Changing career paths and the need for AI expertise AI is also possibly going to change how professional service firms think about career paths within their business and even who leads these firms, several lawyers at the conference said. AI expertise is increasingly important to how these firms operate, and yet it is difficult to attract the talent these businesses need if these non-qualified technical experts (the term non-qualified is simply used to denote an employee who has not been admitted to the bar, but its pejorative connotations are hard to escape) know they will always be treated as second-class compared to the client-facing lawyers and also are ineligible for promotion to the highest ranks of the firms management. Michael Buenger, executive vice president and chief operating officer at the National Center for State Courts in the U.S., said that if large law firms had trouble attracting and retaining AI expertise, the situation was far worse for governments. And he pointed out that judges and juries were increasingly being asked to rule on evidence, particularly video evidence, but also other kinds of documentary evidence, that might be AI manipulated, but without access to independent expertise to help them make calls about what has been altered by AI and how. If not addressed, he said, this could seriously undermine faith in the courts to deliver justice. There were lots more insights from the conference, but thats all we have space for today. Heres more AI news. Note: The essay above was written and edited by Fortune staff. The news items below were selected by the newsletter author, created using AI, and then edited and fact-checked. Jeremy Kahn jeremy.kahn@fortune.com @jeremyakahn Want to know more about how to use AI to transform your business? Interested in what AI will mean for the fate of companies, and countries? Then join me at the Ritz-Carlton, Millenia in Singapore on July 22 and 23 for Fortune Brainstorm AI Singapore. This years theme is The Age of Intelligence. We will be joined by leading executives from DBS Bank, Walmart, OpenAI, Arm, Qualcomm, Standard Chartered, Temasek, and our founding partner Accenture, plus many others, along with key government ministers from Singapore and the region, top academics, investors and analysts. We will dive deep into the latest on AI agents, examine the data center build out in Asia, examine how to create AI systems that produce business value, and talk about how to ensure AI is deployed responsibly and safely. You can apply to attend here and, as loyal Eye on AI readers, Im able to offer complimentary tickets to the event. Just use the discount code BAI100JeremyK when you checkout. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com The Ramsey Show Highlights/YouTube Christy spent the last 14 years as a stay-at-home mom in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, raising six children, ages four to 18. Her husband of nearly 20 years recently dropped a bombshell that he plans to file for a divorce this summer, and shes worried shes unprepared for the financial fallout. Don't miss I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 6 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) Robert Kiyosaki warns of a 'Greater Depression' coming to the US with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 'easy-money' assets will bring in great wealth. How to get in now You dont have to be a millionaire to gain access to this $1B private real estate fund. In fact, you can get started with as little as $10 heres how I've had a little bit of part-time income, which works with our kids' schedules, but essentially everything's valued under him so to speak, she told personal finance expert Dave Ramsey when she called into his show recently and explained her situation. Holy moly, responded Ramsey. Hidden debts and a looming legal battle The couple once tackled debt together in 2010 they paid off every loan. However, in 2020, when the couple refinanced their house, Christys husband confessed that he had been using credit cards and was carrying debt. They rolled those balances into their mortgage, and he promised he would get rid of the credit cards. Earlier this year, she discovered he had driven up nearly $60,000 in credit card debt. Again, they tapped home equity, taking a second mortgage to cover sky-high interest charges. Things went downhill really quickly after that, she said. Im a preschool teacher to try to make money because I can have my son with me I just found out that he hasnt been paying my life insurance. She said her husband, who earns about $117,000 a year, is still living in the family home but avoids her and doesnt communicate with her about the kids. He remains under their roof even as he pulls back from every other obligation. Ramseys response was blunt but reassuring: the law would make sure her family is secure. Your legal rights in most states with six children and a 20-year marriage are, he's not gonna have much of that one $117,000 left by the time he finishes with alimony and child support. It is almost all gonna go to you and the kids, he said. So youre not going to have to take care of the kids and feed them and pay the house payment on a part-time daycare salary. He urged Christy to meet with an attorney and to insist her husband move out immediately. She said she has scheduled that meeting to clarify her legal rights under South Dakota law. You need to start taking a position of strength on this, said Ramsey. As for her husband's credit card debt, the good news is most states, including South Dakota, follow common-law property rules. According to Experian, this means courts in these states usually hold the spouse who incurred the debts solely responsible for repayment. You usually would only be responsible for credit card debt solely in your name, joint credit card debt in both your name and your spouse's or credit card debt from an account that you cosigned for your spouse, even if not owned jointly. 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 Preparing financially for a divorce Even stay-at-home parents can shore up their finances at the first hint of divorce. Here are some ways to prepare yourself for this shift: Document every dollar: Gather tax returns, bank statements, investment account statements, pay stubs, mortgage statements, insurance policies, credit card bills and all other financial documents. Keep copies in a secure physical or cloud-based location to build a clear record of income, assets and liabilities. Separate your accounts: Open a personal checking and savings account, plus at least one low-limit credit card in your name. Even small balances build a credit history, which may be critical if you need to rent or buy independently. Build a budget: Use a zero-based budgeting tool to track all expenses and identify where to stretch every dollar. Factor in immediate needs (housing, utilities, groceries) and plan for one-income realities. Establish an income plan: Leverage skills you can monetize quickly: childcare, tutoring, virtual assistance, freelance writing or bookkeeping. For example, Christy found work as a preschool teacher, which allows her to bring her four-year-old to class. Secure new insurance: Shop for individual insurance policies to protect your children and yourself. Obtain quotes now and compare costs before coverage gaps occur. Build an emergency fund: Even $500 set aside can cushion against immediate crises car repairs, medical bills or gaps between paychecks. Seek professional guidance: A family-law attorney will explain alimony and child-support rules in your state. A financial planner or credit counsellor can help you manage debts and rebuild your credit. Christys road ahead will not be easy, but a proactive approach can transform chaos into control. By documenting finances, securing her accounts and crafting a realistic budget with a path to income, she can navigate from uncertainty to stability and ensure her six children come through this transition with their needs met. What to read next Stay in the know. Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise sent straight to your inbox every week for free. Subscribe now. This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind. A copper water supply line, left, after being installed to replace lead piping in Flint, Mich., in 2018. (Paul Sancya / AP file) Flint has replaced most of its lead water pipes, more than 10 years after contaminated water was found in the Michigan city's water system, prompting national outrage. State officials submitted a progress report in court on Tuesday showing that they had replaced 11,000 lead pipes in the city and restored more than 28,000 affected properties. "Thanks to the persistence of the people of Flint and our partners, we are finally at the end of the lead pipe replacement project," said Allen C. Overton of the Concerned Pastors for Social Action, one of the plaintiffs in a 2017 lawsuit against officials over the scandal. "While this milestone is not all the justice our community deserves, it is a huge achievement." The Michigan Attorney General's Office did not immediately return a request for comment. In 2013, officials stopped buying water from Detroit and created a pipeline to Lake Huron as a cost-cutting measure. Until the pipelines completion, the citys primary water source came from the Flint River in 2014. Quickly, residents reported a murky, foamy quality of the water coming from their pipes. After testing positive for high levels of trihalomethanes a disinfectant byproduct E. coli bacteria and lead, city officials said that the water was still safe for consumption. It wasn't until October 2015 that the majority-Black city switched back to Detroit water. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that the water crisis exposed nearly 100,000 residents of Flint to lead due to the crisis. Criminal charges were brought for several deaths related to the contamination, but were later dismissed. The 2017 lawsuit was settled in 2021 for $626 million, which included an agreement to replace the lead pipes free. "We would not have reached this day without the work of so many Flint residents who worked to hold our leaders accountable," Overton said. "I have never been prouder to be a member of the Flint community." The report says that roughly 4,000 homes still have lead pipes. Those homes were likely either vacant or homes that belonged to Flint residents who opted out of having the pipes replaced, according to a spokesperson for the advocacy group that led the lawsuit, the Natural Resources Defense Council. Authorities are investigating the incident after a father and daughter were rescued after going overboard on a Disney Cruise ship over the weekend. "Broward Sheriffs Office detectives continue to investigate the moments before a 5-year-old girl lost her balance while sitting on a railing and (fell) backward through a porthole," public information officer Veda Coleman-Wright told USA TODAY in an emailed statement. Both guests were medically evaluated, and the father was hospitalized after disembarking. Heres what we know. What happened The Disney Dream was heading back to Fort Lauderdale, Florida from the Bahamas when the father and child went overboard and were safely rescued by the ship's crew, The girl went overboard from Deck 4 on Sunday, June 29, as the Disney Dream was heading back to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, from The Bahamas. The child's fall occurred around 11:30 a.m. "After the girls mother alerted her husband, who didnt see the incident, he jumped into the ocean to save his daughter," Coleman-Wright said. "BSO detectives said after the 37-year-old father found his daughter, he treaded water until they were rescued by a tender that was launched from the ship." Jenn Young, a passenger on the cruise, previously told USA TODAY she recalled hearing an M.O.B. (man overboard) announcement in her stateroom, seeing crew scurrying on the ship and tossing orange rings into the water, and the ship turning. After the boat went out to rescue the passengers, Young said they were sitting up, moving, conscious, and trying to tell everybody that they're OK on the way back. BSO investigators said roughly 20 minutes passed between the child's fall and the pair's rescue, according to Coleman-Wright. Detectives reviewed security footage from the ship, which matched the family and crew members' statements. "We commend our Crew Members for their exceptional skills and prompt actions, which ensured the safe return of both guests to the ship within minutes, a Disney Cruise Line spokesperson told USA TODAY on Sunday. Authorities are withholding other identifying information about the passengers and details of the father's injury out of consideration "for the familys continued privacy," Coleman-Wright added. 'Brought me to tears': Disney cruise passenger details rescue of two fellow guests Whats next Investigators are still piecing together the details of what happened. Its unclear whether the findings will impact future sailings, but Disney Cruise Line said, We are committed to the safety and well-being of our guests, and this incident highlights the effectiveness of our safety protocols. Cruise goers have applauded crew members rapid response. This story was updated to fix a typo and add new information. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What we know of rescue of child who fell through a porthole on cruise Washington The House on Thursday passed the signature piece of legislation of President Trump's second term, approving a massive bill that includes trillions of dollars in tax and spending cuts while ramping up funding for defense and implementing the administration's immigration agenda. The lower chamber voted 218 to 214 to approve the measure, with two Republicans Reps. Thomas Massie of Kentucky and Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania joining all Democrats in opposing the bill. The Senate passed the legislation, dubbed the "big, beautiful bill," earlier this week. President Trump plans to sign the bill at a ceremony at the White House on Friday, coinciding with the July 4 holiday. The vote came after a marathon overnight session that saw GOP leaders overcome internal opposition to advance the bill, paving the way for final passage. Most Republican members who balked at many of the changes the Senate made to the legislation eventually relented and voted to pass it. Once it became clear that GOP leaders had the votes they needed, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries tried to delay the inevitable by speaking on the floor for 8 hours and 44 minutes, setting the record for the longest House speech in U.S. history. He called out Republicans for the bill's deep cuts to Medicaid and food assistance programs, highlighting the Americans who he said would suffer because of the bill. Johnson touted the legislation's passage after the vote, outlining the long path to passage since the bill was initially dreamt up more than a year ago, while saying it all came down to "belief." "We had a vision for what we wanted to do as a group. We believed in the election cycle last fall that we were going to be given this great blessing of unified government," Johnson said. "And we did not want to waste that opportunity." The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimates the bill would add $3.4 trillion to federal deficits over the next 10 years and leave millions without health insurance, due to the cuts to Medicaid and programs under the Affordable Care Act. It would also dramatically increase funding for immigration enforcement, a key priority for Republicans and the president. GOP opposition melts away House members vote on President Trump's tax bill at the Capitol on July 3, 2025. / Credit: ALEX WROBLEWSKI/AFP via Getty Images The final vote came after House GOP leadership scrambled Wednesday and into the wee hours Thursday to shore up support for the measure ahead of a key procedural vote to approve the rules for debate on the floor. Although Johnson spent weeks pleading with his Senate counterparts not to make any major changes to the version of the bill that passed the lower chamber by a single vote in May, the Senate made a number of tweaks that irked House members on a number of fronts from its cuts to Medicaid to its impact on the deficit. Johnson acknowledged that the Senate bill's changes "went a little further than many of us would've preferred," though he repeatedly urged that the final product was largely what the House had signed off on in May. The Senate-passed bill included steeper Medicaid cuts, a higher increase in the debt limit and changes to the House bill's green energy policies and the state and local tax deduction that irked many House members. Other controversial provisions that faced pushback in both chambers, including the sale of public lands in nearly a dozen states, a 10-year moratorium on states regulating artificial intelligence and an excise tax on the renewable energy industry, were stripped from the Senate bill before heading back to the House. Potential holdouts, including moderates and members of the conservative House Freedom Caucus, met with Mr. Trump on Wednesday as the White House pressured House Republicans to vote for the bill. The vote on the key procedural hurdle began around 9:30 p.m. Wednesday and didn't wrap up until about 3:20 a.m. Thursday. Five House Republicans initially voted no on the rule, which would have been enough to tank the vote. But GOP leaders kept the vote open as they worked to shore up support, allowing lawmakers to change from no to yes. Johnson told reporters that Mr. Trump was "directly engaged" with skeptical members to get them onboard. "Members wanted to hear certain assurances from him about what's ahead, what the future will entail, and what we're going to do next, and all of that," Johnson said. "And he was very, very helpful in that process." Mr. Trump ramped up the pressure over Truth Social as a handful of Republican holdouts didn't appear to be budging, declaring: "FOR REPUBLICANS, THIS SHOULD BE AN EASY YES VOTE. RIDICULOUS!!!" "What are the Republicans waiting for??? What are you trying to prove??? MAGA IS NOT HAPPY, AND IT'S COSTING YOU VOTES!!!" Mr. Trump wrote shortly after midnight. The House ultimately voted 219 to 213 to advance the bill in a key victory for Republican leaders, who won the support of about a dozen GOP opponents to the rule. And when the vote finally came to an end, Fitzpatrick was the sole Republican opposed. He would also vote against final passage. Johnson told reporters that the breakthrough came amid help from the president, along with lengthy listening sessions with the bill's opponents, "making sure that their concerns were addressed." "A lot of people had to take the time to thoroughly go through the Senate's changes to our bill and that's fine," Johnson said. "That was necessary to get them to yes." Ultimately, only Massie and Fitzpatrick bucked GOP leaders to vote against the legislation. Massie, a conservative, had drawn the ire of the president due to his stance against the bill for weeks. He said in a statement after Thursday's vote that he voted against it "because it will significantly increase U.S. budget deficits in the near term, negatively impacting all Americans through sustained inflation and high interest rates." Fitzpatrick said that the Senate's changes to the initial House legislation were too drastic for him to support. "[I]t was the Senate's amendments to Medicaid, in addition to several other Senate provisions, that altered the analysis for our PA-1 community," the Pennsylvania Republican said in a statement, referring to his district. "The original House language was written in a way that protected our community; the Senate amendments fell short of our standard. I believe in, and will always fight for, policies that are thoughtful, compassionate, and good for our community. It is this standard that will always guide my legislative decisions." Bryan Kohberger Pleads Guilty | "48 Hours" Podcast CBS News journalists describe what it was like to report on Sean "Diddy" Combs trial Skydiving plane crashes in New Jersey, several hospitalized Iran took action to retaliate against the United States on Monday, firing short- and medium-range missiles targeting the U.S. Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar. Qatar's government said the missiles were intercepted, and no casualties were reported, U.S. and Qatari officials said. President Trump called the attack "a very weak response" that the U.S. expected and "very effectively countered." He said in a pair of social media posts that 14 missiles were fired, and he thanked Iran "for giving us early notice, which made it possible for no lives to be lost, and nobody to be injured." Iran launched its missiles in retaliation for U.S. strikes targeting three Iranian nuclear sites over the weekend. Here's more about the Al Udeid base and the role it plays for the U.S. in the region. Largest U.S. military base in the Middle East A U.S. military transport aircraft is pictured on the tarmac at the Al Udeid Air Base, southwest of Doha, Qatar, on March 21, 2024. / Credit: GIUSEPPE CACACE/AFP via Getty Images The Al Udeid Air Base is the latest U.S. base in the Middle East, located in the desert southwest of Doha. It was established in 1996 and serves as the forward headquarters for U.S. Central Command, also known as CENTCOM, which directs U.S. military operations in a region stretching from Egypt in the west to Kazakhstan in the east. The U.S. has about 40,000 military personnel in the Middle East. The base in Qatar currently houses thousands of U.S. troops. It had about 10,000 at the height of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. Map shows location of the U.S. Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar. / Credit: Mehmet Yaren Bozgun/Anadolu via Getty Images President Trump visited Al Udeid in May Al Udeid was a major staging ground for U.S. military assets during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. In May, it welcomed a visit from Mr. Trump, who told troops, "My priority is to end conflicts, not start them." President Trump addresses troops at the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar on May 15, 2025. / Credit: BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images "But I will never hesitate to wield American power, if it's necessary, to defend the United States of America or our partners. And this is one of our great partners right here," referring to Qatar. "When we're threatened, America's military will answer our enemies without even thinking about it. We have overwhelming strength and devastating force." Other U.S. military bases in the Middle East In addition to Qatar, the U.S. military has bases and other installations in seven other countries in the region. The U.S. has about 40,000 military personnel, numerous bases and air and naval fleets that it can deploy across the Middle East. / Credit: Omar Zaghloul/Anadolu via Getty Images Bahrain hosts the headquarters of the U.S. Navy's Fifth Fleet, whose area of responsibility includes the Persian Gulf, Red Sea, Arabian Sea and parts of the India Ocean. The U.S. Navy has used the base since 1948, when the facility was operated by Britain's Royal Navy. There are some 9,000 U.S. military personnel in Bahrain. Kuwait has several U.S. military installations: Camp Arifjan Base, Ali Al Salem Air Base and Camp Buehring. Camp Arifjan is the forward headquarters of U.S. Army Central. Ali Al Salem, known as "The Rock" for its isolated, rugged environment, is roughly 25 miles (40 kilometers) from the Iraqi border. Camp Buehring was established in 2002, in the run-up to the Iraq War and is a staging post of U.S. Army units deploying into Iraq and Syria, according to the U.S. Army website. There are some 13,000 U.S. troops in Kuwait. United States Air Force (USAF) airmen at the Ali Al Salem airbase, about 60 kilometres north of Kuwait City. / Credit: YASSER AL-ZAYYAT/AFP via Getty Images United Arab Emirates has the Al Dhafra Air Base, located south of the capital, Abu Dhabi. It's a critical U.S. Air Force hub that has supported key missions in the region. It is shared with the UAE Air Force. There are some 3,000 U.S. service personnel in the UAE. Iraq has a continuing U.S. presence at Ain Al Asad Air Base, supporting Iraqi security forces and contributing to the NATO mission, according to the White House. Erbil Air Base, located in the semi-autonomous Kurdistan Region of northern Iraq, serves as a hub for U.S. and coalition forces conducting training exercises and battle drills. There are some 2,500 U.S. troops in Iraq. Saudi Arabia has some 2,700 U.S. troops stationed in the country, many of them at the Prince Sultan Air Base, located south of Riyadh. Jordan's Muwaffaq al Salti Air Base hosts the U.S. Air Forces Central's 323rd Air Expeditionary Wing. Located in Azraq, some 60 miles (100 kilometers) northeast of Amman, the base has some 3,800 troops. It also hosts several smaller U.S. installations, including the Tower 22 base near the Syrian border, where three U.S. service members were killed in a drone strike last year blamed on an Iran-backed militia. Syria also has a U.S. troop presence in a series of installations as part of international efforts against the Islamic State group. There are about 1,000 U.S. troops stationed in Syria. A U.S. official told CBS News on Monday that they were not aware of attacks on any other bases. Kidney dialysis industry accused of maximizing profits over patients Pentagon officials reveal new details about U.S. strikes on Iran's nuclear sites Some key Democratic congressional leaders left out of Trump's Iran attack plans Kraft Heinz is recalling about 367,812 pounds of Oscar Mayer turkey bacon products that may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced on Wednesday, July 2. The affected turkey bacon was produced from April 24 through June 11, according to FSIS's announcement. The impacted products, which have the USDA mark of inspection on the front of the label, were shipped to retail locations nationwide, and some were exported to the British Virgin Islands and Hong Kong, the public health agency said. The FSIS added that there have been no confirmed reports of "adverse reactions" in those who have consumed the recalled turkey bacon. The agency suggests that anyone concerned about a possible illness contact a health care provider. What Kraft Heinz turkey bacon products were recalled? The recalled Kraft Heinz turkey bacon products include: 12-ounce vacuum-packed packages of "Oscar Mayer Turkey BACON ORIGINAL," with universal product code (UPC) "071871548601" printed on the packaging under the barcode, and "use by" dates ranging from "18 JUL 2025" to "02 AUG 2025," as well as lot code "RS40." 36-ounce packages containing three 12-ounce vacuum-packed packages of "Oscar Mayer Turkey BACON ORIGINAL," with universal product code (UPC) "071871548748" printed on the packaging under the barcode, and "use by" dates ranging from "23 JUL 2025" to "04 SEP 2025," as well as lot codes "RS19," "RS40," or "RS42." 48-ounce packages containing four 12-ounce vacuum-packed packages of "Oscar Mayer Turkey BACON ORIGINAL," with UPC "071871548793" printed on the packaging under the barcode and "use by" dates ranging "18 JUL 2025" to "04 SEP 2025," as well as lot codes "RS19," "RS40," or "RS42." 2025 Kraft Heinz Foods Company Oscar Mayer Turkey Bacon Recall by greta.cross.photo How was listeria found in turkey bacon? Pictured is recalled 36-ounce packages containing three 12-ounce vacuum-packed packages of "Oscar Mayer Turkey BACON ORIGINAL". According to the FSIS, the issue was discovered after the company's testing indicated the product may be contaminated with listeria monocytogenes. Consuming food contaminated with listeria monocytogenes can cause listeriosis, a serious infection that mainly affects older adults, people with weakened immune systems and pregnant women and their newborns, the FSIS said, adding that people of these risk groups are less commonly impacted. What are the symptoms of listeriosis? Per the FSIS, listeriosis symptoms can include fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions, sometimes preceded by diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms. The infection, which is invasive and can spread beyond the gastrointestinal tract, can cause miscarriages, stillbirths, premature delivery and life-threatening infection of pregnant women's newborns, the FSIS said. Serious and sometimes fatal infections in older adults and people with weakened immune systems are also possible. Those in the higher-risk categories who experience flu-like symptoms within two months after eating contaminated food are advised to seek medical care and tell their health care provider about eating the contaminated food, according to the public health agency. Listeriosis is commonly treated with antibiotics. United States Department of Agriculture logo and U.S. flag are seen in this illustration taken April 23, 2025. What should people do if they have the recalled turkey bacon? Anyone who has purchased the recalled Kraft Heinz turkey bacon products is urged not to consume them, the FSIS said. The products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase immediately, the agency added. "FSIS is concerned that some products may be in consumers' refrigerators or freezers," the agency said. Contributing: Greta Cross, USA TODAY Jonathan Limehouse covers breaking and trending news for USA TODAY. Reach him at JLimehouse@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Oscar Mayer turkey bacon recall: 367,812 pounds recalled over listeria Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., speaks to reporters after a Senate Committee on Appropriations subcommittee on the Department of Defense hearing on budget estimates for the Navy, Tuesday, June 24, 2025, on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) CHAPIN, S.C. (AP) Former South Carolina Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer is mounting a GOP primary challenge to Sen. Lindsey Graham, arguing the incumbent isn't conservative enough to represent the state. Bauer, a wealthy developer, is a longtime backer of President Donald Trump. His candidacy sets up a midterm grudge match with Graham, a four-term senator whose relationship with Donald Trump has undulated through the years, but who has Trump's endorsement for reelection. Bauer has described himself as a real, America First conservative intent on representing what he sees as South Carolina conservatives true values. I think Graham's been there too long, and he votes like it, Bauer told The Associated Press Tuesday night. I'm guaranteed, I'm conservative, and I don't think he is." Republicans dominate South Carolinas statewide-elected positions, meaning that the most intense political competition takes place in GOP primaries. Graham has faced previous primary challenges from the right, with opponents accusing him of kowtowing to Democrats on issues from immigration to climate change. But he also hews to Republican priorities on national security; ahead of last months U.S. strike on Iranian facilities, Graham called for Trump to go all-in in backing Israel and destroying Irans nuclear program. Graham kicked off his reelection campaign in February, and at least one other Republican has also announced a primary challenge. He has already secured Trumps endorsement. This week, Graham's campaign announced that Chris LaCivita, a co-campaign manager of Trumps 2024 bid, would serve as a senior adviser. On Tuesday, Abby Zilch, spokeswoman for Grahams campaign, noted that the senator had earned Trumps complete and total endorsement, adding that Bauer has spent his career chasing titles to feed his ego. Bauer said he understood Trumps need to use Capitol Hill relationships to advance his legislative priorities, like the tax cuts and spending bill that came before the Senate Budget Committee which Graham chairs before passing the chamber earlier Tuesday. Trumps got to work and get his bills passed, Bauer said. Lindseys chairman of a major committee. ... I get what you have to do." Bauer has backed Trump since before his win in South Carolinas 2016 GOP primary. At his 2024 campaign's South Carolina launch event, Trump called Bauer who served on his state leadership committee a friend of mine, somebody that could I think run for almost any office and win. Bauer served in the South Carolina legislature before, at 33, he was elected the youngest lieutenant governor in the country in 2002. After two terms, he mounted an unsuccessful 2010 gubernatorial bid, finishing last in a four-way GOP primary ultimately won by Nikki Haley. Two years later, Bauer ran for Congress, losing a GOP runoff to eventual Rep. Tom Rice in South Carolinas newly created 7th District. Asked how much of his own money he would commit, Bauer declined to give a figure, saying he would put skin in the campaign and looked forward to returning to the trail. Im going to cover this state like the dew covers Dixie, Bauer said. I think youre going to see a movement. ___ Kinnard can be reached at http://x.com/MegKinnardAP Kevin Mazur/Getty Mariah Carey in June 2025 NEED TO KNOW Mariah Carey is teasing her upcoming sixteenth studio album She spoke about the body of work in an interview celebrating 10 years of Apple Music Carey teased "some Mariah ballads" on the project Are you ready for more new Mariah Carey music? In an interview with Apple Musics Zane Lowe and Ebro Darden on Monday, June 30 in Los Angeles to celebrate 10 years of the streaming service, the Songbird Supreme teased her upcoming sixteenth studio album. Carey, 56, revealed the project will feature details about her life, which includes her 14-year-old twins Monroe and Moroccan. "Definitely when the album is released, theres a lot of who I am today, and the last 10 years, the last 14 years [in it]," she said. "Its an interesting situation when you have kids, and its a whole nother paint job. Its a whole different thing." While the "Fantasy" vocalist admittedly didn't want "to tell too much about the new album," she further teased the body of work with a lyric "It's a special occasion / Mimi's emancipation" from her hit 2005 The Emancipation of Mimi single "It's Like That." "What is next? The album coming out. I dont wanna tell too much about it because I just dont want to reveal the whole thing," said Carey, before revealing: "Its finished." She detailed the project will have either "11 songs, or 12" and hinted at its contents: "We got some Mariah ballads." Last month, Carey kicked off her new era with the single "Type Dangerous," which she then performed at the 2025 BET Awards where she was honored with the BET Ultimate Icon Award. The song debuted at No. 95 on the Billboard Hot 100. 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. Kevin Mazur/WireImage Mariah Carey in November 2023 Before fans get the full new album, she told Apple Music, "A second single is coming soon." "Im very excited about it," Carey said. "Its very summer-y. I like the beat as well." The new album will mark her first since 2018's Caution, which featured songs like "GTFO," "With You" and "A No No." While accepting the BET Ultimate Icon Award on stage last month, Carey reflected in her speech, "My life and career have been quite the adventure. I will spare you the long, drawn-out saga tonight. It's all in my book [The Meaning of Mariah Carey] anyway." "It took me a while, but I finally realized life is far too short to live for anyone else's approval, which is something I always did," she said. "So I decided to own who I am. My extraness, my fabulousness, my and yes, my success and my iconicness." Carey continued, "I'm so grateful for you all to celebrate it with me tonight. Thank you so much. I just want to encourage everyone out there to believe in yourself. Love and respect yourself. Be a diva, be a boss, be anything you wanna be. But be iconic while you're doing it." Read the original article on People Wanted poster of Nemesio Osergura Cervantes (alias "El Mencho"), offering US$10 million for information leading to his arrest. Wikimedia Commons/Public/United States Department of State, Public domain Wikimedia Commons/Public/United States Department of State, Public domain Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as El Mencho, leads a powerful Mexican drug cartel the Trump administration designated a foreign terrorist organization and faces allegations of drug trafficking and murder conspiracy, officials said. El Mencho is the founder and leader of Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generacion (CJNG), a violent Mexico-based drug trafficking and money laundering operation, according to the Department of Justice (DOJ). The group has quickly expanded into America, establishing itself in smaller cities and towns to sell drugs, a Courier Journal investigation found. El Mencho has been engaged in drug trafficking since the 1990s, the Treasury Department said in 2015. He briefly served as a police officer before returning to drug smuggling, according to InSight Crime. The Milenio Cartel, which he worked for, reportedly split into two organizations and he led the faction called Los Torcidos. That group became what is now CJNG, the outlet reported. A federal grand jury indicted El Mencho on charges related to drug trafficking and distribution, as well as murder conspiracy and use of a firearm, according to 2020 court documents. DEA agent Kyle Mori estimated El Menchos net worth ranged from $500 million to over $1 billion dollars in 2019, Univision News reported. The Trump administration designated CJNG a foreign terrorist organization in February and slapped sanctions on its leadership in June, placing a $15 million bounty on El Mencho, The Associated Press (AP) reported. He is featured on the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administrations (DEA) most wanted list. CJNGs reign of terror across Mexico and its trafficking of fentanyl into the United States has destroyed countless innocent lives, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said. The cartel has employed children in its illicit activities in the U.S., according to a former official. Sadly, weve seen this horrific cartel exploit the children of San Diego and our border area by using them to conceal and smuggle deadly drugs into our country, then-DEA Special Agent in Charge John W. Callery alleged in a 2020 press release. Cartels have used children to smuggle drugs to exploit U.S. catch-and-release policies that forced authorities to release most families into the country or transfer them to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, according to U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP). President Donald Trump took aim at the policy after his inauguration, claiming that around 40% of such migrants disappeared under the Biden administration, a White House fact sheet read. The cartel allegedly sent spies to watch U.S. officials in Washington, D.C., during El Menchos son El Menchitos trial, DEA Special Agent in Charge Matthew W. Allen of the Los Angeles Division said in a June hearing. As a direct result of the capture and prosecution of Menchito, CJNG struck back in Mexico, shooting the wife and killing the daughter of a cooperating informant and killing a Mexican Army soldier. This is who were up against, [a] paramilitary cartel, with global reach, willing to kill families and surveil U.S. personnel on our own soil, he said. Firefighters work on a burned bus in Guadalajara, Mexico, amid an escalation of violence by the Jalisco New Generation Drug Cartel. (STR/AFP via Getty Images) A federal court sentenced El Menchito real name Ruben Oseguera-Gonzalez to life imprisonment with an additional 30 years for his role in his fathers cartel in March 2025, according to the DOJ. He killed multiple people and, in 2015, ordered an attack on a Mexican military helicopter to facilitate his and his fathers escape, court records said. (RELATED: State Department Revokes Visas Of Mexican Band, Accuses Them Of Glorifying Drug Kingpin At Concert) Allen also testified about CJNGs presence in LA. Los Angeles is not just a transshipment hub, it is an operational base for both the Sinaloa Cartel and CJNG. These cartels exploit Southern Californias ports, highways, financial institutions, and communities to facilitate everything from drug production and distribution to money laundering and weapons procurement. Their influence extends into the very heart of our neighborhoods, he said. Agents found a mural of El Mencho painted across the wall from floor to ceiling when raiding an LA-based CJNG warehouse, Allen told the senators. The message was clear: We are here and we are among you,' he said. ALLRECIPES / MADHUMITA SATHISHKUMAR Cowboy beans are something speciala classic American staple. That's why I'm not surprised Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans is the most-saved recipe for the Fourth of July. Originally from the Southwest region of the United States, the hearty, flavorful dish is now beloved by households across the country. Our easy recipe has a 4.7-star rating and more than 100 rave reviews. "I'll be making it at least once a week, the whole family loved it, everyone went for seconds..." says reviewer Montse Nogomo M. What Are Cowboy Beans? Cowboy beans are made from three types of beans: baked beans with pork, kidney beans, and lima beans. They also include ground beef and bacon, plus plenty of ketchup and brown sugar for good measure. The result is a sweet and savory side dish that is great for a barbecue or potluck. If you are looking to add more meaty flavor to this recipe, ground pork is another great option to include alongside the pork bits that come in a can of baked beans. Some Allrecipes community members also suggest adding multiple kinds of onions, green peppers, hot peppers, beef bouillon, or a handful of your favorite shredded cheese. "Every time I have made this recipe, it receives RAVE reviews, and I am asked to bring it to every function," says Allrecipes community member LoGould. "Whether prepared exactly as written or when I've changed up the variety of beans, there has never been so much as a spoonful left." How to Make Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans ALLRECIPES / MADHUMITA SATHISHKUMAR This recipe comes together with hardly any effort. Since it's cooked in a slow cooker, most of the work is out of your hands. "Made this for a pitch in everyone liked them, I don't like Lima beans so I used northern beans, So GOOD," says reviewer jbarker62. Cook and stir ground beef and bacon in a large skillet. Once brown and crumbly, transfer to your slow cooker and stir in the remaining ingredients: all three types of beans, onions, ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard. Stir all the ingredients, cover, and cook on low for about three hours. It's that simple! Bring the side to your Fourth of July barbecue, and everyone will thank you. View Recipe Read the original article on ALLRECIPES A Danish national was arrested in Denmark on allegations of gathering information on Jewish locations and people in Berlin for Iranian intelligence and will be extradited to Germany, German and Danish authorities announced Tuesday. The man, identified only as Ali S. under German privacy law, was arrested Thursday in the Danish city of Aarhus, according to German prosecutors. He was directed by an Iranian intelligence service earlier this year to gather information on "Jewish localities and specific Jewish individuals" in Berlin, prosecutors said. The suspect is accused of spying on three locations in June, presumably in preparation for further intelligence activities, including possible terrorist attacks on Jewish targets, prosecutors said. Iran, Following Trump Strikes, Says 'The Doors To Diplomacy Will Never Slam Shut' Iran's flag flies in front of the Iranian Embassy in Berlin. Iranian Ambassador to Germany Majid Nili Ahmadabadi was summoned to the German Foreign Ministry Tuesday. Read On The Fox News App "If this suspicion were confirmed, it would be an outrageous incident that would once again demonstrate that Iran is a threat to Jews all over the world," German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said after visiting a Jewish synagogue in the Ukrainian city of Odesa during a visit to the country. The Iranian Embassy in Berlin denied the allegations as "unfounded and dangerous accusations" that it argued appeared to be an attempt to distract from recent Israeli attacks on Iran. "Previous discussions with relevant German authorities have already highlighted that certain third parties are attempting to divert public perceptions from the actual events through artificial staging," the embassy said in a statement. The suspect, identified only as Ali S., was arrested Thursday in the Danish city of Aarhus. German security authorities stepped up protection for Jewish and Israeli sites in response to the 12-day war last month between Israel and Iran. During the conflict, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Germany was prepared for Iran to target Israeli or Jewish targets in the country. The suspect allegedly took photos of buildings, including the headquarters of the German-Israeli Society and a building where the President of the Central Council of Jews in Germany, Josef Schuster, was believed to sometimes stay, according to Der Spiegel magazine. "The extended arms of Iranian terror must have no place in Germany," a statement from the German-Israeli Society said, calling on the European Union to list Iran's Revolutionary Guards Corps as a terrorist organization. Iran-linked Hackers Threaten To Release New Trove Of Emails Stolen From Trump's Inner Circle After Strikes Schuster added that "the German government should not only remain vigilant but also take active political action against the Iranian regime. There can be no other consequence for this allegedly planned terrorist attack." Ali S. will be moved from Denmark to Germany, where he will be brought before an investigating judge of Germany's Federal Court of Justice, prosecutors said. The suspect was remanded in custody until July 23, pending extradition to Germany, according to Denmark's national security and intelligence service. Reuters contributed to this report. Original article source: Danish national wanted in Germany arrested after allegedly spying on Jewish targets for Iran Illustration: Eddie Marshall | Midjourney | ChatGPT As the U.S. wraps up the congressionally mandated Coordinator for Afghan Relocation Efforts (CARE) program, uncertainty for allies overseas is on the rise. Some allies who relied on CARE housing for safety while waiting on a yearslong processing queue now face an uncertain future, while multiple endangered U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) applicants have reportedly been deported from Pakistan, where they once sought refuge during case processing. Closing Every Path to Safety According to Shawn VanDiver, president of #AfghanEvac, the CARE-funded housing where Special Immigration Visa (SIV) holders and USRAP applicants were sometimes kept safe during processing in Islamabad and Kabul "has been kicking people outfor months." VanDiver also confirmed that the State Department is beginning to present options for dismantling Camp As Sayliyah, the main facility for SIV and USRAP case processing in Doha, Qatar. Around 1,500 Afghans remain on the base, VanDiver said, about 1,200 of whom are waiting on USRAP processing, while another 300 are SIV recipients awaiting privately funded movement to the U.S. There are four possible plans being considered for the future of Camp As Sayliyah's residents. First, relocating to a third country. This is at present a "hypothetical," according to VanDiver, because the State Department "has been trying for four years to identify countries willing to take Afghans who can't pass vetting, and they've been unsuccessful." The second option, and the one VanDiver said is "looking like the only option," is to leave Afghan residents' futures to the whims of Qatari officials. "Kicking the can to Qatar while refusing to take responsibility ourselves isn't strategy," VanDiver said. "It's cowardice dressed up as diplomacy." The third possibility, forcing those Afghans to return to their homeland, would be "a legal and ethical failure," said VanDiver. The final option is resettlement in the U.S. for eligible USRAP applicants; however, this is not a viable possibility, given that the USRAP remains suspended. VanDiver said these individuals, who often "sold all of their belongings and entrusted the U.S. government to keep them safe, are being abandoned and will likely be killed." Deported Afghan Prosecutors In mid-June, three unrelated Afghan prosecutors with USRAP cases were deported from Pakistan to Afghanistan, according to Mark Dumaine of the Association of Prosecuting Attorneys (APA). One of the deported prosecutors, a female, had previously been beaten by the Taliban on account of her work. Another, a male from the Hazara minority, has an open Taliban warrant for his arrest and detention. Dumaine has not made contact with either deported ally for weeks. The third deported prosecutor worked with the Afghan attorney general to prosecute criminal drug cases. The prosecutor has been in touch and told Dumaine that he has relocated to a remote region in Afghanistan with no access to services. He said he feels "exposure might lead to violence or death." According to Dumaine and the APA, at least 53 former prosecutors have been murdered by the Taliban since the U.S. withdrawal in August 2021. Each of the 750 Afghan prosecutors Dumaine has referred to the USRAP program supplied individual testimony and evidence of the threats they personally faced due to their work. Dumaine says male prosecutors "were targeted simply because they chose, in hindsight, the wrong side." Women prosecutors, however, "were actively recruited, trained, and placed in face-to-face roles with the Taliban at U.S. request," Dumaine explained, because the U.S. would only fund the creation of the Attorney General's office in Afghanistan if it employed "20 percent female prosecutors." Prior to January 20, the State Department routinely interceded in the cases of USRAP applicants arrested by Pakistani authorities, Dumaine said. Now, he reported that those intercessions are no longer taking place. "It's disheartening and dishonorable," Dumaine said. The final deadline for Afghansincluding USRAP applicantsto self-deport was June 30, and Dumaine sees tragedies ahead, including likely suicides for hopeless Afghans in U.S. processing pipelines who fear for their lives under the Taliban. I reached out to the press counselor of the Pakistani Embassy in Washington, D.C., and the Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs to ask whether they were aware of the deportation of Afghan allies and if they intended to continue deporting endangered Afghans back to the Taliban. I received no response. Expanding the Travel Ban The International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP) continues to be embroiled in a legal case, Pacito v. Trump, to force the government to resume USRAP processing. Although a judge previously ordered the government to process 160 refugees who had travel booked within two weeks of the USRAP suspension, IRAP media relations manager Spencer Tilger said in a press release last week that the federal government informed IRAP that it planned to include refugees in its travel ban. This, Tilger wrote, effectively banned travel for two-thirds of those 160 cases ordered to be processed and admitted. Amid the uncertainty, VanDiver said that "unless they get serious about restarting USRAP, it's insulting to even discuss it and give false hope. You don't offer a parachute with no ripcord." The State Department did not respond to questions about Afghans being displaced from CARE housing or about considerations underway for the future of inhabitants of Camp As Sayliyah. The post The U.S. Is Closing Every Door on Afghan Allies appeared first on Reason.com. Getty Images Scarlett Johansson at Cannes Film Festival in 2025. The Gist Scarlett Johansson wore a white Prada gown with a Gen Z-coded hairstyle to the Seoul premiere of her new film, Jurassic World Rebirth. The Her actress stars in the science fiction thriller opposite Bridgerton's Jonathan Bailey. Bailey recently told People that Johansson "led the film with such incredible energy." Scarlett Johansson is once again embracing Old Hollywood glamour in a minimalist bridal-coded gown that is the picture of timeless elegance. The Asteroid City actress stepped out in the Prada design for the Seoul premiere of her new film, Jurassic World Rebirth. It featured a streamlined silhouette with a halter neck, cinched waist, and sweetheart neckline. Most notable, however, was Johansson's hairdo: a half-up, half-down look with a middle part and face-framing pieces pulled out of the pony in a style beloved by Gen Z. Getty Images Scarlett Johansson at the Seoul premiere of 'Jurassic World Rebirth.' Getty Images Scarlett Johansson at the Seoul premiere of 'Jurassic World Rebirth.' Johansson is currently promoting her new film alongside co-stars Jonathan Bailey, Mahershala Ali, Rupert Friend, Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, and Ed Skrein. Jurassic World Rebirth follows Zora Bennett (played by Johansson) and a team of operatives who travel to the original Jurassic Park in search of genetic material from dinosaurs. The movie was shot in locations across Thailand, Malta, and the U.K. Getty Images Rupert Friend, Scarlett Johansson, and Jonathan Bailey at a press conference for 'Jurassic World Rebirth.' "She led the film with such incredible energy, and that's on and off camera," Bailey later told People of working with Johansson. "It just was so apparent very quickly that it was going to be a knockout summer." Bailey also called working on the film "magical," adding, "and then the people you meet along the way are just sort of the cherry on the cake." As for Johansson? She told People that despite the intensity of the blockbuster, everyone "laughed a lot" while filming. "We were thrown into such extraordinary circumstances physically where we were shooting," she recalled. "It was just insane." Read the original article on InStyle Serious Eats / Amanda Suarez In a Nutshell We taste-tested eight brands of unsweetened iced tea you're likely to find at your local supermarket or online. To find the very best one, we sampled each without knowing which brand was which. Our winner is Uncle Matt's Organic Brewed Unsweet Tea. On a scorching hot summer day, you'll likely find me sipping a glass of iced tea. Although I prefer to brew my own tea when I only have to make enough for myself and my family, I almost always choose store-bought iced tea when hosting a gathering, which means there's no need to brew and chill gallons of tea. To find the very best unsweetened iced tea, our editors sampled eight different brands of nationally available bottled iced tea that you're likely to find at your local supermarket and online. We stuck to plain iced tea, without any added flavors, such as peach or other fruits. We poured each into cups, then sampled them chilled in random order without knowing which tea was which. After sipping our way through all the iced teas, we tabulated the results and crowned an overall winner, as well as two other worthy contenders that we'd be happy to serve at our potlucks, picnics, and barbecues. Serious Eats / Amanda Suarez The Criteria Unsweetened iced tea should be smooth and balanced. It should taste like tea: There should be some bitter, tannic notes, but not so much that your mouth puckers. Fruity notes, such as those of peaches or nectarines, are welcome, as are honeyed and floral notes; however, the dominant flavor should still be that of tea. Overall Winner Uncle Matt's Organic Brewed Unsweet Tea See at shop.unclematts.com Though I found this iced tea to be quite bitter, all our other tasters enjoyed it. Case in point: our associate culinary editor, Laila, noted: "Might be too tannic for some, but I liked it!" Our editorial director, Daniel, thought it had "classic black tea flavor," and our senior social media editor, Kelli, described it as "very drinkable." Our visual editor, Jessie, liked that it was "light and easy" with a slight tannic flavor. Amanda, our associate visuals director, is a woman of few words and simply enthused: "Not bad!" Runners-Up Pure Leaf Unsweetened Black Tea Trader Joe's Black Tea Unsweetened Beverage While we did not enjoy the other teas quite as much as our winner, all our editors liked the iced teas from the two brands mentioned above and would be happy to serve and drink either. Daniel loved the "clean, refreshing" flavor of Pure Leaf Unsweetened Black Tea, and noted that it "tastes like real tea." Similarly, Jessie and I thought Pure Leaf was smooth and balanced, with a crisp flavor that wasn't overly sour or tannic. Kelli enjoyed the floral notes and slight hint of sweetness in Trader Joe's Black Tea Unsweetened Beverage. Daniel enjoyed the tea's acidity and thought it was another good classic-tasting iced tea. Serious Eats / Amanda Suarez The Contenders Arizona Real Brewed Unsweetened Just Tea 365 by Whole Foods Organic Unsweetened Black Tea Gold Peak Unsweetened Black Tea Just Ice Tea Original Black Tea, Unsweetened Pure Leaf Unsweetened Black Tea Subtle Tea Craft Brewed Organic Tea, Sweetless Trader Joe's Black Tea Unsweetened Beverage Uncle Matt's Organic Brewed Unsweet Tea Key Takeaways and Conclusion Although our editors had different preferences for how tart or bitter they wanted their iced tea, we generally enjoyed all the teas and would be happy to serve any of them at our cookouts. All the iced teas we tasted have water and black tea and/or black tea concentrate as the primary ingredients. Many store-bought iced teas contain citric acid or phosphoric acid, which are often used as preservatives and give food and beverages a kick of acidity. Our winner and runners-up are all made with citric acid or phosphoric acid, and one of our runners-up, Trader Joe's, contained natural flavors. Though these teas are fine served plain, we all agreed that they'd be better with a touch of lemon juice, fresh mint, simple syrup, or maybe even a dash of bourbon. So if you're serving bottled iced tea at a party, consider setting out a station with add-ins for guests. Our Testing Methodology All taste tests are conducted with brands completely hidden and without discussion. Tasters taste samples in random order. For example, taster A may taste sample one first, while taster B will taste sample six first. This is to prevent palate fatigue from unfairly giving any one sample an advantage. Tasters are asked to fill out tasting sheets ranking the samples for various criteria. All data is tabulated and results are calculated with no editorial input in order to give us the most impartial representation of actual results possible. Read the original article on Serious Eats Revelers traveling for July Fourth festivities may face delays due to stormy weather as the country braces for the busiest week of Independence Day air travel in 15 years. On Wednesday, trouble spots for travel include Florida, due to showers and thunderstorms, and Washington, D.C., and Baltimore, due to lingering delays. This comes after ground stops were issued up and down the Eastern Seaboard on Tuesday, creating chaos in airports in New York City, Boston and Washington, D.C., though skies have mostly cleared since then. Thunderstorms pass through the Washington, D.C., region Tuesday. (Robert Miller / The Washington Post via Getty Images) Travel has been a headache on the East Coast for the past several days. Video showed people sitting on the floor at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on Friday due to storms. A flood watch is also in place Wednesday for the Norfolk, Virginia, area after heavy rain moved through in the last 24 hours. The good news is most of the nation will enjoy clear skies prime for firework viewing come July Fourth. The only potential trouble spots on Independence Day are the northern Plains with heavy thunderstorms and Florida with heavy rain. The Federal Aviation Administration said this will be a particularly busy holiday with 300,000 flights throughout the week. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on Friday. (Joel Carrick / via Instagram) On Wednesday, there are 49,784 scheduled flights; on Thursday, 51,284; and on Friday, July 4, 35,066. The number of daily flights is then expected to increase, after July Fourth, with 42,866 scheduled flights on Saturday, 47,966 on Sunday and 50,128 on Monday. The Transportation Security Administration said it expects more than 18.5 million people to travel by air over the Fourth of July holiday and pass through the nations airport security checkpoints. This years projection spans July 1 through July 7 with the highest passenger volume of 2.9 million expected on July 6. TSA continues to work closely with our industry partners and ensure our airport security checkpoints are fully staffed and prepared to handle the heavy rush of traffic, TSA acting Administrator Ha Nguyen McNeill said. United Airlines said it expects to fly more than 6 million passengers from June 27 to July 7 about 500,000 more than last year. Of those days, June 27 and July 3 are forecast to be the busiest travel days, with United projecting about 580,000 passengers each day. The American Automobile Association said a record 72.2 million Americans are expected to travel domestically this week from June 28 to July 6 an increase in 1.7 million travelers compared with last year and 7 million more than in 2019. Of those travelers, AAA projects 61.6 million people will travel by car, 5.84 million by air and 4.78 million by bus, train or cruise. AAA said top holiday destinations drawing crowds with beaches, fireworks or both include the Florida cities of Fort Lauderdale, Miami and Orlando; Seattle; New York; Anchorage, Alaska; and Hawaii. For the few Republicans who haven't fallen in line to support of President Donald Trump's budget reconciliation bill, the so-called "big beautiful bill," political peril could lie ahead. When asked by ABC News Senior Political Correspondent Rachel Scott on Tuesday about his message to Republicans who aren't on board with his budget reconciliation bill, Trump levied a not-so-veiled threat. "I think it would be very wise for them to get on board," Trump said. He later added, "I would say that they have to do it. Really, I would say that. If they don't, they'll pay the consequences." MORE: These Senate changes to Trump's agenda bill could be sticking points in House Alex Wong/Getty Images - PHOTO: Sen. Thom Tillis takes the Senate subway at the Capitol Building, June 30, 2025. The consequence for Sen. Thom Tillis was a swift weekend announcement that he won't run for reelection in 2026, citing political pressure to go along with Trump's agenda. It came after Trump threatened to boost primary challengers to the North Carolina senator via a social media post. "In Washington over the last few years, it's become increasingly evident that leaders who are willing to embrace bipartisanship, compromise, and demonstrate independent thinking are becoming an endangered species," Tillis wrote in a scathing statement on Sunday. "Too many elected officials are motivated by pure raw politics who really don't give a damn about the people they promised to represent on the campaign trail." Tillis was ultimately a "no" on the legislation. MORE: Trump ramps up pressure on House Republicans to pass major tax cut and spending bill J. Scott Applewhite/AP - PHOTO: Sen. Susan Collins walks from the chamber to the office of Majority Leader John Thune at the Capitol in Washington, July 1, 2025. Sen. Susan Collins -- another "no" vote -- is also up for reelection in the approaching midterm year. The Maine lawmaker warned that a "dramatic reduction" in Medicaid funding could shutter hospitals and harm low-income families across her state. "My vote against this bill stems primarily from the harmful impact it will have on Medicaid, affecting low-income families and rural health care providers like our hospitals and nursing homes," Collins wrote in a statement defending her vote. The third Republican "no" vote came from Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul, who isn't up for reelection until 2028. However, Trump, who campaigned on the idea of revenge and retribution, is unlikely to forget Paul's defiance as that campaign ramps up. MORE: How Trump's megabilll could affect Medicaid and who could lose coverage Nathan Howard/Reuters - PHOTO: Senator Rand Paul walks to the Senate floor as Republican lawmakers struggle to pass U.S. President Donald Trump's sweeping spending and tax bill, on Capitol Hill in Washington, July 1, 2025. Tillis and Collins occupy seats that Democrats are eyeing as pickup opportunities in 2026, as the party looks to rebuild after losses up and down the ballot in 2024. The party is looking to win back disaffected moderates and independents. "We view North Carolina as one of the top type opportunities for Democrats in the [2026] cycle, in addition to the state of Maine, and that hasn't changed," DNC Chair Ken Martin told ABC News. "In fact, it's become more of a priority for us now with the retirement of Thom Tillis. We've got great prospective candidates in that race. We feel like we have an excellent opportunity." Trump's attempt to strong-arm his fellow Republicans -- by pushing out dissenters and clearing a path for loyalists -- could come at a price to his party. In states like North Carolina and Maine, where swing voters have historically rewarded moderation, Trump's hardline pressure campaign may galvanize the very opposition he's trying to suppress. They were bitter Republican rivals a year and a half ago, but President Donald Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis were all smiles this week, as the two appeared side-by-side for the opening of a new migrant detention center in the Everglades. "The relationship between the governor and the president is fantastic," DeSantis communications director Bryan Griffin told Fox News Digital. Griffin spoke with Fox News Digital the day after Trump and DeSantis, along with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, toured what's being called "Alligator Alacatraz," a detention center quickly constructed on a remote airstrip that's surrounded by alligator-infested swamps. DeSantis, the two-term conservative governor who unsuccessfully ran against Trump for the 2024 GOP presidential nomination, used emergency powers to seize the land and speed construction of the facility, with encouragement from Trump and his administration. Trump Touts Only Way Out Of Alligator Alcatraz Is Deportation President Donald Trump is greeted by Gov. Ron DeSantis as he arrives at "Alligator Alcatraz," a new migrant detention facility at Dade-Collier Training and Transition facility, Tuesday, July 1, 2025, in Ochopee, Florida. "Ron worked beautifully with Kristi (Noem) and all of the people at Homeland Security and got it done in how many days, Ron?" Trump said as he turned to the governor while answering reporters' questions. Read On The Fox News App "Eight days, a new facility was up and running," DeSantis responded. Fox News Takes You Inside Alligator Alcatraz Following his 2022 gubernatorial re-election landslide, DeSantis moved toward running for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination and formally launched his White House bid in the spring of 2023. But even before he announced his candidacy, DeSantis was repeatedly attacked by Trump and his political allies. The long-term targeting of the governor proved successful. DeSantis was considered Trump's top threat among the field of Republican White House hopefuls. But the governor saw his support deteriorate, and he ended his presidential bid in January of last year, after a disappointing second-place finish in the Iowa caucuses, far behind Trump. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis during his campaign for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, on Aug. 6, 2023 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. DeSantis immediately endorsed Trump, helped raise money for the then-former president's general election campaign, and gave a well-received speech last summer at the Republican National Convention in Milwuakee, Wisconsin. Asked about his relationship with DeSantis, Trump told reporters, "I would say its a 10. I think its a 10," before adding "maybe 9.9 because, you know, might be a couple of little wounds." Desantis Takes Victory Lap On Florida's 'Momentous Immigration Legislation DeSantis has been extremely aggressive in assisting Trump in his sweeping immigration crackdown. The governor signed stiff immigration measures into law earlier this year, after a compromise with the Republican leaders of the Florida legislature was brokered, which brought to an end a weekslong standoff over dueling bills. "This is going to be a force multiplier," DeSantis told Fox News late last week. "Were happy to work with the federal government to satisfy President Trumps mandate." And the governor, during his Fox News interview, suggested that the president visit the facility. "An invitation from me: We can land Air Force One right there no problem," DeSantis said. "I think the president would be impressed with what the guys are doing out here." Trump, at the event, highlighted that "Ron and I have had a really great relationship for a long period of time. We had a little off period for a couple of days, but it didnt last long." The president added that he and the governor have a "lot of respect for each other." DeSantis returned the praise, noting that "you can call him [Trump] anytime and he wants to be helpful for governors." But some top figures in Trump's political orbit, including White House chief of staff Susie Wiles, may still hold unflattering opinions of the governor. Wiles was once a top DeSantis political advisor before a very bitter falling out. And in a sign of political friction, Trump-ally Rep. Byron Donalds of Florida also attended Tuesday's event. Donalds earlier this year launched a bid to succeed the term-limited DeSantis in Florida's 2026 gubernatorial election, and he landed Trump's endorsement even before he announced his candidacy. DeSantis' wife, Florida first lady Casey DeSantis, has been mulling a run for governor of her own, and her husband earlier this year said she would be a worthy successor. Asked by reporters if Casey DeSantis should run for governor, the president would only say "we get along great." Ron DeSantis quickly interjected, noting that "I endorsed him immediately, in January 2024. I raised one of his PACs millions and millions of dollars." Original article source: Trump says his relationship with one-time rival DeSantis now a '9.9' The White House confirmed on Tuesday that President Donald Trump's administration froze the shipment of some air defense and precision guided weapons that were on track to be sent to Ukraine. Officials said the decision followed an assessment of U.S. stockpiles. "This decision was made to put America's interests first following a DOD review of our nation's military support and assistance to other countries across the globe," said White House spokesperson Anna Kelly. "The strength of the United States Armed Forces remains unquestioned -- just ask Iran," she added in a statement sent to reporters. Politico first reported the decision. It was not immediately clear whether other shipments of weapons would be released or how much was paused. Anatolii Stepanov/Reuters - PHOTO: Ukrainian gunners prepare to fire a M777 howitzer toward Russian troops at a position on the front line in Donetsk region, Ukraine, on June 9, 2025. The Pentagon declined to provide additional details about the decision. "America's military has never been more ready and more capable thanks to President Trump and Secretary Hegseth's leadership," Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell said in a statement. "Our service members are fully equipped to deter against any threat and the Senate's recent passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill ensures that our weapons and defense systems are modernized to protect against 21st century threats for generations to come." Pentagon policy chief Elbridge Colby provided an updated statement Wednesday saying the military is continuing to provide Trump "with robust options to continue military aid to Ukraine, consistent with his goal of bringing this tragic war to an end." Mykhailo Podolyak -- a top adviser to Ukraine's presidential office -- denied that the U.S. will end its supply air defenses to Ukraine. Speaking on Ukrainian television on Wednesday, Podolyak said negotiations are ongoing on how to provide them, including potential purchases by Kyiv. "America will not abandon its support for Ukraine in protecting civilians from Russian strikes," Podolyak said. "There are enough anti-missile systems and missiles for them in U.S. warehouses." MORE: How Trump's threats to abandon Ukraine war pose battlefield conundrums for Kyiv "Negotiations on their supply to Ukraine, including on a commercial basis, are ongoing," Podolyak said. Ukraine's Defense Ministry also commented on the reports, saying in a post to Telegram it "has not received any official notification regarding the suspension or revision of delivery schedules for the agreed defense assistance." The ministry said it requested a phone call with its U.S. counterparts "to further clarify the details." "For Ukraine, it is critically important to maintain resilience, continuity, and predictability in the provision of the agreed defense assistance -- especially in strengthening our air defense systems," the ministry said. "We are grateful to the United States for all its support and highly value the efforts of our American partners aimed at achieving genuine peace. We emphasize that the path to ending the war lies through consistent and collective pressure on the aggressor, as well as through continued support for Ukraine." Oleksandr Merezhko, a member of the Ukrainian parliament representing President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's party and the chair of the body's foreign affairs committee, told ABC News that the reports are "concerning, of course, but I hope that its some kind of technical delay." "If not, then it might have negative impact on our defense capabilities -- especially when it comes to air defense," Merezhko added. Any hint of a delay in aid, the lawmaker warned, would "embolden" Russian President Vladimir Putin "to intensify bombardments." Sergei Supinsky/AFP via Getty Images - PHOTO: Ukrainian servicemen walk past a Patriot air defense system at an undisclosed location in Ukraine on August 4, 2024. The military shipment was frozen comes just a week after Trump signaled his openness to selling Patriot missiles to Ukraine. After meeting with Zelenskyy at the NATO summit in the Netherlands, Trump said, "They do want to have the anti-missile, missiles," Trump said of Ukraine. "As they call them the Patriots, and we're going to see if we can make some available." "You know, they're very hard to get. We need them too. We were supplying them to Israel, and they're very effective, 100% effective. Hard to believe how effective," Trump said. "As far as money going, we'll see what happens. There's a lot of spirit," Trump added. The Patriot system is especially valuable to Ukraine, having been used to down Russian ballistic missiles, drones and aircraft since arriving in the country in the spring of 2023. MORE: Trump doesn't rule out sending Ukraine more Patriot missiles after Zelenskyy meeting Russia is intensifying its near-nightly drone and missile attacks on cities and targets all across Ukraine. June saw Moscow set a new monthly record for the number of long-range drones and missiles launched into Ukraine -- 5,438 drones and 239 missiles -- according to figures published by the Ukrainian air force. The U.S. remained the most generous single contributor of aid to Ukraine as of April 2025, according to the Kiel Institute for the World Economy, a research group based in Germany that tracks support from foreign governments toward Ukraine. The U.S. has contributed around $130 billion in total aid to Ukraine since 2022, of which $74 billion is military assistance. Combined, European Union nations have contributed more overall -- $157 billion -- but less than the U.S. on the military front, at slightly less than $73 billion. Ukraine's budget for military and security spending approved by lawmakers in late 2024 was around $53.7 billion. MORE: Ukraine loses F-16 fighter amid massed Russian drone, missile attack Trump has repeatedly raised the prospect of curtailing or ending U.S. military support for Kyiv, both on the campaign trail and since returning to office in January. A nine-month pause on U.S. aid in 2024, due to a gridlocked Congress, forced Kyiv to consider a future without American assistance. Those fears materialized in March 2025 when Trump imposed a week-long freeze on all American military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine. The flow soon resumed, but Trump's frustration has only deepened as U.S.-brokered peace talks floundered. The administration approved a $50 million sale of military aid to Ukraine in April, but only after Kyiv signed off on a controversial minerals sharing deal. The White House is also yet to use some $3.9 billion earmarked to fund military aid to Ukraine -- to be drawn from existing U.S. stocks, meaning it can be delivered quickly -- that former President Joe Biden was not able to spend before the end of his term. Zelenskyy said early this year that American aid accounts for 30% of Ukrainian weaponry. Though other estimates go as low as 20%, Washington remains a key benefactor -- particularly for advanced weapons systems for which Ukraine has no domestically- or European-produced analogues. -ABC News' Anne Flaherty, Kelsey Walsh, Molly Nagle, Patrick Reevell and Ellie Kaufman contributed to this report. Matt Winkelmeyer - Getty Images The Fourth of July is around the corner, and while some of us will be eating hotdogs and begging people to invite us to a pool (me), others will be diligently waiting for Taylor Swift to drop something (also me). July 4th has historically been a major holiday for America Taylor due to the celeb-packed parties she's thrown at her Rhode Island mansion. They don't happen every year, but when they do they are unforgettable (see: Tom Hiddleston frolicking around the ocean in an "I Heart T.S." shirt). But this year, fans think Taylor could have a surprise in store due to some, let's just say "emerging easter eggs." Like the fact that she changed her Spotify and Apple Music profile pictures specifically four days ahead of the fourth of July, andactually, you know what, this tweet says it best: Taylor Swift has updated her Spotify and Apple Music profile pictures with photos from the Red (Taylors Version) photoshoot -We are 4 days away from July 4th and Red is Taylors 4th album, what does this mean pic.twitter.com/zksvb1uGem GAV #1 FOTS STAN (@gavbreakfavtoys) July 1, 2025 The Daily Mail also points out some more outlandish speculation that Travis Kelce could propose on the fourth, but this seems like fan fiction to say the least. Like...if and when that happens, it probably isn't going to involve fans or easter eggs, and almost definitely won't be public. That said, Taylor is known for her absolutely love for a surprise album drop and the fourth is a significant holiday in her personal lore, so...maybe keep an eye out for new music? A girl can dream/clown! You Might Also Like Getty Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom on March 2, 2025 The Gist Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom, who had been engaged for six years and together for over nine years, broke up in June. The former couple share a 4-year-old daughter, Daisy Dove, and a source said the two feel their split will be better for their little girl. Perry and Bloom want to protect her, the insider added. Katy Perry and Orlando Bloomwho share a 4-year-old daughter, Daisy Dovesplit recently after nearly a decade together. The former couple, according to a new report, apparently think that their breakup is actually better for their daughter as they want to protect her. At a certain point, they had to admit its better for Daisy to see their parents separately, then she wont grow up feeling the tension and animosity, a source speaking to People said. They are there for Daisy and have been, the insider continued, adding that Daisy is their angel, and they want to protect her from anything adverse. Getty Images Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom at the 2024 Breakthrough Prize Ceremony They want to keep a friendly relationship so each can be around her, separately or together, they added. Perry is keeping herself busy with her ongoing Lifetimes tour; it wrapped its Australian leg earlier this week and is on a brief hiatus before resuming in Denver on July 10. After a number of North American dates, it heads to South America in September, Europe in October, Asia in November, and wraps in Abu Dhabi on December 7. Getty Images Katy Perry performing on her tour in Australia on June 4 Shes happy and just focused on her tour, a source told People of Perry. Her daughter is with her and theyre sightseeing and having fun. She never saw herself being a single mom, the insider added. Shes felt a lot of pressure about her tour, and now this. Its been a lot for her. Shes still doing great, though. As to why she and Bloomwho had been engaged for six yearssplit, Katy and Orlando have been suffering through the same problems that have plagued them for years, a source told People. [They had] too much going on in their lives, which makes it hard to find time for each other and iron out disagreements. When they dont communicate properly, their relationship dips to a low level. Getty Images Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom at the 2024 MTV VMAs Getty Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom on April 13, 2024 The two had been living on an island of stress and their relationship had been rocky prior to their split, the insider added: Sometimes love isnt enough to keep two people with different styles and outlooks on how things are done [together], they said. It can overshadow the love. Read the original article on InStyle There was no evidence of the onetime rivalry between President Donald Trump and Gov. Ron DeSantis on Tuesday as they came together in a common cause: opening an immigrant detention center in the swampy heart of Florida. Trump and his top deputies visited the Everglades, where Florida officials delivered a win for his anti-immigration agenda and positioned the state at the forefront of his crackdown. The facility, which Republican leaders dubbed Alligator Alcatraz, is set to house 3,000 detainees and took just eight days to construct. It might be as good as the real Alcatraz, Trump told reporters Tuesday. Its a little controversial, but I couldnt care less. The push behind Alligator Alcatraz is not only to keep Florida aligned with Trump on immigration but also to reposition some of the states biggest Republican players politically. DeSantis, for instance, fought vocally with Trump during the 2024 presidential primaries; during the visit Tuesday, however, he and Trump praised each other. "You are my friend, and youll always be my friend, and we may have some skirmishes, even in the future. I doubt it, but I will always come back, because we have blood that seems to match pretty well," Trump said. I think it is a 10, Trump added of their relationship. Maybe a 9.9. ... We get along great. DeSantis, unprompted, quickly chimed in with a reminder that he endorsed Trump as soon as he exited the presidential race in early 2024. The thing about it is, I endorsed him, DeSantis said. Raised one of his PACs millions and millions of dollars. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis greets President Donald Trump after Trump arrived at Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport in Ochopee on Tuesday for the opening of the detention facility. (Evan Vucci / AP) Trump and DeSantis, along with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, toured the facility in a made-for-TV presentation of the opening of what is one of the largest immigrant detention facilities in the country. A number of the media outlets on the tour were Trump-friendly organizations, who asked questions that praised him or allowed him to hype his agenda. One reporter asked him to weigh in on the disastrous handling of the border by President Joe Bidens administration, while another had him comment on how his beloved New York City may well be led by a communist soon. Whats your message to Gov. Gavin Newsom? right-wing YouTube personality Benny Johnson asked. Trump responded that the first thing Newsom, the governor of California and a potential 2028 Democratic presidential candidate, should do is come here and learn something. The political undertones of the event were hard to ignore. Among those Trump invited to attend was Rep. Byron Donalds, a Florida Republican running for governor in 2026. At the same time, DeSantis wife, Casey DeSantis, continues to consider a competing run for governor. During a roundtable discussion Tuesday, Donalds sitting just a couple of feet from DeSantis said he commended him for his work to combat illegal immigration. The moment represented political foes setting aside their feud, at least for the day. Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, a close DeSantis ally, hatched the idea for Alligator Alcatraz last month, but it got national traction when DeSantis did a live tour of the facility Friday on Fox and Friends, which caught the Trump administration off-guard. Noem and top adviser Corey Lewandowski supported the facility but wanted the opening Tuesday to be the formal public rollout, two sources familiar with the matter told NBC News. DeSantis upset Noem and Lewandowski with his Fox News tour of the detention site, a Republican operative familiar with the process said. Noem wanted an event for Tuesday and didnt want anyone having eyes on the site and needed to push until Tuesday because she was traveling. The Republican operative said Noems staff asked DeSantis not to do the Fox News tour. The DHS team asked DeSantis not to do his Friday event, the person added. DeSantis did what was best for DeSantis and got out in front...angering both Noem and Lewandowski. Another source familiar with the matter said the ire did not stem directly from the White House but from Lewandowski. He lost his s---, the person said. Lewandowski and DeSantis political team did not respond to requests for comment. The White House called the assertion fake news. Leave it to the Fake News NBC to write about baseless gossip following a hugely successful event with President Trump, Secretary Noem and Governor DeSantis at Alligator Alcatraz, White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson said in a statement. Heres the real story that the state-of-the-art facility will play an important role in fulfilling the Presidents promise to keep Americans safe and deport criminal illegal aliens. The President is grateful to work with both Secretary Noem and Governor DeSantis on this project, she added. Still, the event signaled that DeSantis was publicly rekindling his relationship with Trump, and to some degree it was seen as a boon for his attempt to again regain national political footing for a potential presidential campaign in 2028, even as Vice President JD Vance is widely seen as the current front-runner. No one thought Trump would so closely embrace DeSantis today, said a longtime Florida operative who was at the event. We didnt think he would try to undercut him or insult him, but Trump was over the top in his praise today. I dont know what that means, but it was a good day for Ron DeSantis. The Everglades facility has given DeSantis and the states Republican leaders, including Uthmeier, a boost to their fundraising efforts, even as Democrats have decried the effort as cruel to those accused of being in the country illegally. Alligator Alcatraz is a callous political stunt, said David Jolly, a former Republican member of Congress who is running for governor as a Democrat in 2026. Floridas most pressing challenge is the housing affordability crisis created by Republican leaders, not immigrants working to support our states economy. Since the announcement of the facility, there have also been protests including one Tuesday for the opening and a lawsuit filed by environmental groups concerned over the impact it could have on the Everglades. The facility was made possible by DeSantis using emergency powers he enacted in 2023. The state built what amounts to a tent city, hiring a dozen vendors and seizing land from Miami-Dade County over local leaders objections. The facility is housed on a little-used airstrip that includes a runway that DeSantis said can be used to quickly fly undocumented immigrants to third countries if deportation is deemed appropriate. Courtesy of Gap Zac Posen, the smiling conqueror of the red carpet, has been up to something a little different lately. With his appointment as the chief creative officer of Old Navy and creative director of Gap Inc. in February of 2024, the designer was tasked with revitalizing a massive heritage brand. In just a little over a year, Posen, who can also point to his ready-to-wear experience as creative director of Brooks Brothers, has launched GapStudio (a brand atelier of elevated staples), ushered in a subtle aesthetic shift, and signaled that the mall brand renaissance is finally here. Many of Gaps peers have re-found their footing within new niches. Abercrombie & Fitch pivoted to TikTok influencers and released pieces across an inclusive range of sizes. In 2021, J.Crew tapped Noah co-founder Brendon Babenzien to head up menswear, in an effort to revitalize the brand by capitalizing on his downtown New York appeal. More recently, J.Crew also rebooted its beloved catalog and delved into high-end, cult-following-driven collaborations with designers including Christopher John Rogers and Maryam Nassir Zadeh. However, no mall brand conversation would be complete without the retail giant that is Gap Inc., and it is precisely why Posens and Gaps fans are paying so much attention. getty images - Getty Images Many are nostalgic for the simple-but-cool appeal of 90s and early 2000s-era Gap, much of which was attained through its high-fashion-like commercial advertising. Celebrities such as Whoopi Goldberg, Madonna and Missy Elliott, along with supermodel Naomi Campbell, fronted campaigns shot by fashion greats like Patrick Demarchelier and Annie Leibovitz. With so much star power, there was an undeniable aspirational appeal. You would see them put these famous people in their ads in very simple clothes, and it was this interesting way to say You can have this look, too, because they would be in a $14.99 hoodie, for example, Liana Satenstein, a fashion writer and founder of the shopping series Neverworns, tells ELLE. In 1993, Gap even launched its famous Who Wore Khakis campaign, which utilized archive images of cultural figures like Miles Davis, Salvador Dali, and James Dean all sartorially equalized by a single everyday item of clothing. Though the marketing landscape and celebrity culture have vastly changed since then, within Posens brief tenure, parallels can be drawn. His creative directorial debut began with something true to his heart as a designer, a red carpet rollout that included DaVine Joy Randolph at the 2024 Met Gala and Anne Hathaways instantly shoppable shirtdress at a Bulgari event last May. The looks lent themselves to the budding excitement for GapStudio, which officially debuted in April of this year. Weve only done a few red carpet looks so far, but each one has been a powerful way to express GapStudios creative potential. Red carpet dressing is a kind of high-frequency communicationit lets us amplify the brand codes through an artistic lens, Posen explains. For the designer, each look, whether it be Demi Moores goddess gown at the Time100 Gala or Laura Harriers recent Met Gala suit, provides a platform for the brands new house codes. Current offerings from GapStudios summer drop include draped denim trousers, a light-wash denim dress, easy slip dresses, and on-trend off-the-shoulder tops. Posen adds, These moments are rooted in the same language: American classics, reimagined through construction, elegance, and wit. Theyre about taking familiar pieces and distorting them into something special. By opening the design dialogue between the red carpet and the mass market, this strategy recalls the theyre just like us mentality that Satenstein noted. In both 1996 and 1998, Sharon Stone caused a stir arriving to the Oscars wearing a Gap shirt paired with her Armani jacket and Vera Wang skirt, respectively. Controversial at the time, the blending of relaxed, classic day-to-day aesthetics with red carpet glam has made both appearances some of the most iconic Oscars looks of all time. Add on a handful of collaborations with hugely popular independent brands like Doen and Cult Gaia, and customers are noticing a tangible shift in designs across the company, too. New York City-based content creator Kelsey Kotzur recently went viral for a pink bubble-hemmed dress that she found at Old Navy. Hes taking the heart of Old Navy/Gap and putting his expertise behind it and creating something incredible, she tells ELLE. For Kotzur, who worked at both stores throughout high school and college, the fact she can now find an on-trend, evening edit-inspired dress for under $50 at the retailer is surprisingly refreshing. The shift in offerings has been subtle and pleasant, or as Posen explains, Not through an overnight transformation, but through thoughtful evolution. Courtesy of Gap Recent ads are also reflective of this nostalgic, real-life celebrity appeal. In May, Old Navy tapped a star-studded cast, including ELLEs Summer Issue cover star Lindsay Lohan, Dylan Efron, Quen Blackwell, and Charo, for a retro workout video, titled Old Navy, New Moves. The campaign was shot by fashion photographer Ethan James Green and directed by Torso. Coinciding with Posens appointment, Gap brought back its dancing commercials, featuring Tyla and Jungles viral hit Back on 74signaling a re-ignition of the videos that heavily contributed to its advertorial influence in the 90s. Since then, Gap has continued dancing its way through digital marketing, producing campaigns starring The White Lotuss Parker Posey and Troye Sivan. Not to mention Lila Moss, the ultimate Gen Z iteration of 90s iconography, fronting GapStudios summer 2025 campaign. Turns out, Posens design identity has more in common with the labels 90s era than one might think, and its an aura that the company is undoubtedly working to recapture. Theres this amazing intersection of 90s sportswear, New York grunge, late-30s futurism, and uptown/downtown energyall of which shaped me growing up. Were looking at how that aesthetic, that attitude, can live in todays world, he says. As for what we can look forward to at GapStudio, he adds, At its core, its about building an elevated capsule wardrobe that feels personal, cultural, and timelessdesigned to live in your life and also be remembered. You Might Also Like Extremist groups have attacked the LeMan magazine, while a Turkish court issued an arrest warrant for the chief editor and three other people, including the cartoonist. Erdogan calls the cartoon a "clear, vile provocation" and accuses the authors of immorality. Activists and civil society movements condemn the manner of the arrest, comparable to "torture", and the posting of its video. Istanbul (AsiaNews) A little more than 10 years since the Muhammad cartoons published by Charlie Hebdo and the subsequent attack by Islamic extremists against the headquarters of the French satirical magazine, which resulted in 12 deaths, the right to satirise has come under attack in Turkey. For Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who has built his political success over the last 20 years by combining nationalism and Islam, the cartoon is a clear, vile provocation launched under the false pretext of humor. The controversy, which has already led to the arrest of at least four people and sparked street protests, stems from a recent cartoon published by LeMan magazine to mark the 12-day war between Israel and Iran. The cartoon depicts the two prophets, Moses and Muhammad, shaking hands in the sky, while missiles fly on the ground in a scene that seems to represent one of the many wars in the recent history of the Middle East. The cartoon sparked outrage among many Turks, particularly in Istanbul, with groups of protesters gathering in front of the building that houses LeMans offices, while some trying to force their way into the premises. In Islam, visual representations of God and prophets are banned, and both Muhammad and the prophet Moses (who is also revered in Judaism and Christianity) are included in the ban. On X, the Turkish president condemned the cartoon, adding that security and court officials "immediately took action regarding this hate crime. The magazine in question, he continued, has been confiscated. He ends his post by saying that the lack of respect shown by some "immoral" individuals, "devoid of this nations values and devoid of decency and manners" towards Muhammad "absolutely unacceptable". In a speech given to provincial leaders of the Justice and Development Party (AKP), the Turkish president addressed especially young people, urging them not to let anger cloud reason. He reiterated that as long as he is in power, insults to "our sacred values" will not be tolerated. Turkish police have arrested the four people who worked on the controversial cartoon, following an order from the Istanbul Prosecutor General's Office to detain the owner, the managing editor, the editor-in-chief and the cartoonist. The court also ordered the seizure of this weeks edition of the magazine and blocked all its social media profiles. Meanwhile, videos of extremists trying to break down the door to the building that houses the magazine are multiplying online, while in some protesters are heard shouting slogans like Long live Sharia and An eye for an eye, blood for blood, revenge for revenge. In an attempt to defuse the controversy, LeMan stated in a note on X that "the work does not refer to the Prophet Muhammad in any way." The cartoonist, Dogan Pehlevan, stressed that the cartoon was about "the suffering of a Muslim man killed in Israeli attacks," adding that there was no intent to insult Islam or its prophet. The magazine urged the authorities to counter what it called a smear campaign and to protect freedom of expression. Several civil society groups condemned the detentions as a violation of freedom of thought and expression, noting that press freedom in Turkey is currently very low level; in its latest ranking, Reporters Without Borders puts the country in 158th position out of 180, following a trend of progressive decline. Various rights groups have also waded into the controversy. The Association for Human Rights (IHD) condemned "both the treatment during the arrest of the person alleged to have drawn the cartoon published in LeMan, and the way in which these images were promoted". The individual arrested, the IHD statement adds, was subjected to mistreatment, including reverse handcuffing and being dragged on the ground, despite showing no resistance. These images were publicly shared and legitimized by the Interior Ministry. The Istanbul branch of the Progressive Lawyers Association (CHD) says that the magazine has been systematically targeted and those arrested were subjected to torture. The Istanbul Medical Chamber (ITO) also denounced the treatment of detainees. The manner in which the cartoonist and LeMan staff were taken into custody over a cartoon that drew reactions from part of the public, the Interior Ministers decision to publicly share footage of the arrest, and efforts to justify the treatment they received are unacceptable, the group stated. by Vladimir Rozanskij According to data from the country's Hydrometeorological Agency, the phenomenon has increased more than tenfold in the last thirty years as a result of climate change and intensive access to water sources. The dust worsens air quality and accelerates glacier melt. Urgent measures are needed, such as those taken by Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, which are planting a million shrubs at the bottom of the Aral Sea. Dushanbe (AsiaNews) - In the last 30 years, dust storms in Tajikistan have increased more than tenfold, according to the country's Hydrometeorological Agency, and in recent days there has been a further increase in air pollution in the cities and provinces of Khatlon, Sogda and Dushanbe, as well as in other areas, with dust concentrations reaching exponential levels. The three key words for the tasks to be carried out are reiterated in every way: prevention, preparation and prediction. Dust and sand storms are widespread meteorological events in the arid and semi-arid regions of our planet, depending on three fundamental factors: strong winds, absence of vegetation and long periods of low rainfall. Dust transport is a natural process and an important element of the Earth's biochemical cycles, and in the last century it has increased by more than 25% due to a combination of non-continuous land use, intensive access to water sources and climate change. Dust storms are more frequent, more intense and more widespread geographically, causing serious damage to various sectors of the economy, human health and the integrity of the surrounding environment. In Central Asia, periods without rain are becoming longer, with extensive sandy and clayey desert areas, very sparse vegetation and strong winds affecting some areas for years at a time. According to UN data, over 80% of the population of Turkmenistan, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Iran is exposed to the more or less serious consequences of poor air quality due to these phenomena. The latest report on Situation analysis: dust and sand storms in Central Asia highlighted that in Tajikistan, over the last thirty years, the amount of dust has increased more than tenfold; while in the early 1990s there were two or three of these dangerous events per year, in recent years there have been more than 35 per year. Dust storms vary greatly in intensity, ranging from localised events to storms covering thousands of kilometres across several countries in Central and South Asia. In Tajikistan, they often occur near the deltas of the Vaks and Kafiringan rivers, while several areas of the country suffer from dust that rises from the bottom of the Aral Sea or is carried by winds from Afghanistan, sometimes from the Middle East and Africa. This does not necessarily cause direct damage to buildings, but the consequences can still be devastating, especially for agriculture, with reduced harvests, livestock deaths and loss of fertile soil. Air quality deteriorates, air and land transport are disrupted, and the efficiency of solar energy production is reduced. Severe dust storms can also damage electrical components and mechanical parts in many structures, causing disruption to many functions. The deposition of fine dust particles on glaciers accelerates their melting, a fact that is causing great concern among specialists and scholars in Tajikistan, where a trend towards a reduction in the area and mass of glacial cover has been observed for some time as a consequence of global warming. It is becoming increasingly necessary to constantly monitor the intensity of dust storms, not only in the areas where they occur most frequently, but also thousands of kilometres from their point of origin, in order to assess all the necessary preventive measures to be taken, seeking to combat the causes or minimise the consequences, and restoring natural ecosystems in the most arid lands. Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are continuing their work to restore vegetation at the bottom of the Aral Sea, and more than 1 million hectares of Haloxylon shrubs are expected to be planted by 2025. Tajikistan is also being called upon to take more decisive action. by Lisa Bongiovanni According to data from the International Energy Agency, ASEAN countries will have 300 million units installed in 2040, compared to 37 million today. Meanwhile, India is set to overtake China as the world's largest consumer of air conditioning. The challenge of sustainability lies in renewable energy sources, but also in new systems such as the cold coils being tested in Singapore. Milan (AsiaNews/Agencies) Record temperatures in recent days have once again raised the issue of rising energy consumption in Europe due to the widespread use of air conditioners. However, this is a challenge that also affects other parts of the world: globally, Southeast Asia is the area where the air conditioning market is currently growing at the fastest rate. According to data from the International Energy Agency (IEA), in 2019, energy consumption for air conditioning in ASEAN countries had already increased almost eightfold compared to thirty years earlier. And according to some projections, by 2040, there will be more than 300 million units installed in Southeast Asia alone, compared to 37 million in 2023. Experts are concerned about the vicious circle that these machines set in motion: economic progress and rising temperatures encourage the spread of air conditioners, which in turn contribute to global warming due to their high carbon emissions. During hot periods, electricity demand rises by about 10%, and almost a third of this increase is now attributable to the use of air conditioning. Air conditioners cool rooms by moving heat from inside to outside and require a large amount of electricity to operate. This contributes massively to carbon emissions, but if it were produced from clean sources, the environmental impact of air conditioners would be much lower. Currently, however, this is not the case: in Southeast Asia (as in many other areas of the world), cooling systems are largely dependent on fossil fuels. In 2024 alone, the use of coal for energy production increased by a further 1.5% compared to the previous year. This is due to several factors, including the lack of efficient storage systems for energy produced from solar and wind power, which by definition is subject to fluctuations depending on atmospheric conditions. Furthermore, transporting energy produced from renewable sources from point A (where it is generated) to point B (where it is needed) is still difficult due to a lack of adequate infrastructure. As a result, there are frequent cases where energy is produced but not used. Hydroelectric energy is also subject to production declines during hot periods because water reservoirs shrink. For example, in China in 2022, drought affecting the Yangtze River caused severe blackouts in provinces that are most dependent on dams, such as Sichuan and Yunnan. According to the National Energy Administration (NEA), the Chinese state administration responsible for energy strategy, electricity demand could exceed that of 2024 by around 100 GW this year (a country such as Italy has a total electricity capacity of around 130 GW). In India, too, electricity consumption is estimated to have reached new records in the summer of 2024, with a 10% increase over the previous year. And it is estimated that India will soon surpass China to become the world's largest consumer of air conditioning. What strategies is Asia developing to accompany this growth in air conditioning systems while limiting the impact on the environment? New Delhi is trying to mitigate the problem through simple solutions such as painting roofs white to reflect sunlight and using terracotta cooling systems as an alternative to air conditioning. Singapore, one of the countries with the highest rates of air conditioner use in the world, is also experimenting with alternative strategies. Its response is threefold: adopting renewable energy sources, introducing innovative cooling technologies and promoting more conscious use of air conditioning. To reduce carbon emissions, it is installing solar panels on the roofs of public housing. In addition, it is promoting the spread of a cooling system consisting of cold coils (tubes or panels with cold water) positioned near the floor or in the walls. Hot air tends to rise and when it comes into contact with these cold surfaces, it naturally descends. The air then moves and the environment is kept cool without the use of fans or air conditioners. However, care in the use of air conditioners is also essential: the Singapore government actively encourages maintaining a temperature of no less than 25C. According to a study by the Centre for Environmental Sustainability at Ngee Ann Polytechnic, between 23 and 25C, every degree increase in the air conditioner's set temperature results in energy savings of up to 12%. The Pakistani government has decided to strengthen alternative justice mechanisms in the tribal province on the border with Afghanistan, promoting the traditional jirga system and integrating it into the national legal framework. In the past, relations with the provincial administration had been tense after the latter tried to independently involve the Afghan Taliban in security talks. Meanwhile, attacks continue in the region. Islamabad (AsiaNews) The Pakistani government has decided to focus on tradition to strengthen justice and security in tribal areas. At a meeting yesterday, federal and provincial officials agreed on the need to revive the jirga system in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province, on the border with Afghanistan, to resolve disputes in an alternative manner. The meeting, chaired by the Minister for Kashmir Affairs, Gilgit-Baltistan, and the Minister for Frontier States and Regions, Amir Muqam, was the first meeting of the 18-member committee created by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the request of tribal elders. The aim is to create an alternative system of justice, rooted in local culture but aligned with the national constitutional and legal framework. Minister Muqam stressed that tribal elders and legal experts will be involved in the consultation process to ensure that decisions reflect the real needs of local communities. The jirga, the minister explained, will be integrated into the state legal system so that it operates within the confines of the law. It was also decided to establish a subcommittee and hold the next meeting in Peshawar. Development Minister Ahsan Iqbal reiterated that the ultimate goal is to reduce dependence on the police, adding that the KP government is a key player in this process and we are determined to move forward together. KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi expressed appreciation for the government's efforts to find solutions for the tribal areas. However, cooperation between the federal and provincial governments has not always been smooth. A few months ago, KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur revived a proposal to send a jirga of tribal leaders to Afghanistan for direct talks with the Taliban regime. The initiative (first discussed in September 2024) was harshly criticised by Prime Minister Sharif, who called it a direct attack on the central government. There is a widespread belief that the KP government cannot act independently without the tacit consent of Pakistan's influential military apparatus. Provincial government spokesman Barrister Saif had given assurances that the process would be aligned with security and foreign policy and that Islamabad would be kept informed of any progress with the Taliban government. The situation is exacerbated by the growing number of terrorist attacks in the region by the Pakistani Taliban (Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, TTP): just three days ago, 13 soldiers were killed in an attack, while 16 others were wounded. Despite a general decline in violence in June, a report by the United Nations Security Council highlights that between July and December last year, the Pakistani Taliban carried out 600 attacks, often with the support of the population and funding from Kabul. by Arundathie Abeysinghe The largest foreign investment in the history of Sri Lanka has been on hold since the start of the year. Differences between the government over local market share have stopped the Sinopec project in Hambantota. The economic recovery plan has raised fears that it will damage the countrys oil sector and energy security. Colombo (AsiaNews) The largest foreign direct investment (FDI) ever made in Sri Lanka, US$ 3.7 billion by the Chinese oil company Sinopec in Hambantota (Southern Province), has stalled after six months. The main cause is the difference between the government and the company on the portion of the local market share, although the agreement for the project was signed earlier this year between Sri Lankas Ministry of Energy and Sinopec. The project is facing delays due to multiple issues. These include disputes over the shareholder structure, tax concessions, land allocation for the project, and, as mentioned, market access. Sinopec has sought unrestricted access to the Sri Lankan market for its refined products, while the government has capped domestic sales at 20 per cent. The huge, state-of-the-art refinery planned for Hambantota was initially inked in 2023 under a previous government. In theory, the major investment project is expected to boost Sri Lankas economic growth while improving living conditions for low-income communities in Hambantota. Analysts say the rationale behind the restrictions imposed by the Sri Lankan government is to protect the state-owned Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC), which is already struggling with losses, aging infrastructure, and past corruption scandals. Scholars believe that the deal was earlier hailed as an economic recovery plan but stalled over the crucial issue of local market access. It is, therefore, a clash of commercial and political priorities. According to Power and Energy Ministry Secretary K.T.M.U. Hemapala, several demands have been received from Sinopec and the Chinese government, including additional land and government-supplied water. The government had initially offered 500 acres of land in Arabokka, Hambantota. However, Sinopec later requested an additional 200 acres of land about three kilometres from the controversial Chinese-built port of Hambantota. Meanwhile, the Central Environment Authority (CEA) notified Sinopec of the terms of reference to conduct an environmental impact assessment and submit the report. Established in 2019, Sinopec Fuel Oil Lanka (Private) Limited (SFOL) is a major Chinese international oil company, registered with the Board of Investment (BOI) as a hub company based in Hambantota. With a processing capacity of 200,000 barrels per day, the plant will mainly serve export markets, increasing the countrys foreign exchange earnings, said oil engineers Ramesh Punchihewa and Akalanka Sugathadasa speaking to AsiaNews. The project was initially proposed during the presidency of Ranil Wickremesinghe. Former Energy and Electricity Minister Kanchana Wijesekera had met with Sinopec representatives, who confirmed their intention to double the refinerys capacity compared to previous estimates. A feasibility study for the construction of a 160,000-barrel-per-day refinery or two 100,000-barrel-per-day facilities was finalised in mid-2024. The cabinet approved the investment in November 2023, initially valued at US$ 4.5 billion. Currently, Sri Lankas refining capacity at the Sapugaskanda refinery, built in 1969 by CPC under Iranian leadership, is limited to 38,000 barrels per day. The new refinery is expected to fill this gap while also strengthening the countrys energy infrastructure, the engineers added. An estimated 70 per cent of the refinerys output is earmarked for export, particularly to markets in South Asia and Africa, while the remainder, up to 30 per cent, is earmarked to meet Sri Lankas domestic fuel demand. Meanwhile, senior officials at Ceylon Petroleum Corporation have expressed fears that unrestricted market access for Sinopec could severely disrupt the island nations oil sector and negatively impact energy security. In short, allowing a giant like Sinopec unfettered access to the local energy market could gut local capacity and put energy supplies under foreign control. Champion local news. Join our community of readers who value daily beat reporting and in-depth stories alike. Your membership allows us to continue the legacy of local, independent journalism in the Roaring Fork Valley. With your support, we can remain a free and accessible source of news for everyone, always without paywalls or corporate influence. Together, we can ensure that vital local stories are told. 2 July 2025 13:51 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more The Middle Corridorofficially known as the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR)is rapidly evolving into one of Eurasias most vital arteries for trade, logistics, and geopolitical cooperation. At the heart of this transformation is Azerbaijan, which, alongside its Central Asian partners and with strong support from China, is reconfiguring the map of overland freight transit between East Asia and Europe. On June 30, 2025, a new multimodal freight route was launched connecting Beijing and Baku. The new "rail-sea-rail" line begins at the International Land Port in Beijings Fangshan District, carrying over 100 containers of industrial cargoincluding auto parts and machinerythrough Kazakhstan, across the Caspian Sea, and into Azerbaijan via the Port of Baku. The entire journey will take just 15 days, offering a faster and more reliable alternative to traditional maritime and northern overland routes. Geopolitical instability has forced a global rethink of trade logistics. The RussiaUkraine war has turned the Northern Corridor into a high-risk zone, while Houthi missile attacks in the Red Sea have disrupted shipping via the Suez Canal. In contrast, the Middle Corridorpassing through Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkiyeoffers political stability, shorter transit times, and increasing investment in rail and port infrastructure. Delivery times along the TITR have dropped dramatically, from over 50 days in 2018 to just 1923 days today, with targets to reduce this to 15 days for container block trains. Cargo volume has surged from 840,000 tonnes in 2021 to 4.5 million tonnes in 2024, with ChinaEurope freight volumes via the corridor rising nearly 28-fold, according to Kazakhstans latest data. The International Union of Railways projects that by 2025, the Middle Corridor will handle up to 730,000 TEUs, with more than 63% of transit volumes crossing Azerbaijani territory. The BeijingBaku freight service is more than just another logistical developmentit is a strategic pillar of Chinas Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The AzerbaijanChina Intergovernmental Agreement on Multimodal Transport, signed in April 2025, marked a turning point in bilateral cooperation on trade and logistics. Since 2019, when the first China Railway Express trains reached Baku, Chinese cargo transit through Azerbaijan has expanded exponentially. By 2025, up to 1,000 freight trains could run under the "BakuXian" model. Recent diversification also includes the Turkmenistan leg of the corridor. In June 2025, a freight block train from Chinas Jinhua city arrived at Turkmenbashi port, to be forwarded to Azerbaijan via the Port of Alat, easing pressure on the AktauAlat route and enhancing east-west connectivity. This growing web of connections positions Azerbaijan not just as a transit country, but as a co-architect of Eurasias transport infrastructure. Turkiyes Transport Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu emphasized Ankaras interest in joining the Zangezur Corridor and accelerating work on the TITR, aiming to reduce freight delivery times to Europe to a record 13 days. This is part of Turkiyes broader strategy to diversify trade routes amid tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, and to bolster east-west supply chains that bypass unstable zones. According to a statement by Azerbaijan Railways CJSC (ADY), the Port of Baku is becoming a central logistics hub in the global supply chain. As a founding member of the Middle Corridor initiative since 2017, Azerbaijan has actively partnered with China and Central Asian countries to modernize infrastructure and digitalize customs processes. Forecasts for 2025 project that the TITR will carry 5.2 million tonnes of cargo, of which 2.5 million tonnes will be dry cargo (approximately 96,000 TEUs) and 1.7 million tonnes will be oil. By 2027, that number could climb to 10 million tonnes, supported by further investment and integration of new partner states. The Middle Corridor is no longer simply a response to sanctions or conflict-induced bottlenecks. It is becoming a permanent feature of the new trade geography, with Azerbaijan serving as both linchpin and logistics innovator. From joint agreements with China to new partnerships with Turkmenistan and Turkiye, Baku is anchoring itself as a stabilizing force and key player in reshaping east-west connectivity. At a time when trade corridors are being weaponized and sea routes remain vulnerable, rail-sea-rail connectivity through Azerbaijan offers the world a critical alternativefast, stable, and secure. And with every new train that rolls into Baku, the Middle Corridor becomes more than a lineit becomes a regime of cooperation, reliability, and strategic balance. Azerbaijan stands as a critical checkpoint in the evolving logistics architecture of Eurasia, rather than merely a transit point. The world is transforming, and so are its rules. 2 July 2025 16:55 (UTC+04:00) Full digital access to all news for 1 year Full digital access to all news for 6 months Full digital access to all news for 3 months Full digital access to all news for 1 month Find the plan that suits you best. Recent trading activity at the Netherlands Title Transfer Facility (TTF)Europes most liquid virtual gas hubshows futures prices for August contracts rising to $411.5, reflecting continued upward pressure in the regions gas markets. These numbers are not arbitrary. They reflect deeper, long-term trends: constrained supplies, geopolitical tensions, and an EU-wide push to diversify away from Russian gas. Azerbaijan, through its reliable exports via the Trans-Adriatic Pipeline (TAP), has become an essential player in filling that gap... Here we are to serve you with news right now. It does not cost much, but worth your attention. Choose to support open, independent, quality journalism and subscribe on a monthly basis. By subscribing to our online newspaper, you can have full digital access to all news, analysis, and much more. Subscribe You can also follow AzerNEWS on Twitter @AzerNewsAz or Facebook @AzerNewsNewspaper Thank you! 2 July 2025 11:02 (UTC+04:00) AfricaAzerbaijan Cooperation (AFAZ) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the EUAfrica Chamber of Commerce (EUACC) and the AfroBrazilian Chamber of Commerce as part of the AFEX 2025 TurkiyeAfrica Business Forum held in Istanbul on June 2526, Azernews reports. The agreements are aimed at expanding AFAZs engagement across the African market, leveraging the extensive experience and institutional networks of its new partners. Both organizations have already begun supporting AFAZ initiatives. AFAZs leadership held a series of productive meetings during the forum with government officials, ambassadors, chamber of commerce leaders, and African entrepreneurs. Talks centered on advancing cooperation between African nations and Azerbaijan in key sectors such as trade, logistics, agriculture, education, and technology. Rena Gafarova, founder of AfricaAzerbaijan Cooperation, delivered a keynote speech at the Partnership for Sustainable Development panel. She highlighted Azerbaijans economic strengths, its strategic approach to fostering cooperation with Africa, and the quality and competitiveness of Azerbaijani products. Gafarova also introduced international partners to state institutions including KOBIA, the Azerbaijan Entrepreneurs Confederation, AZPROMO, and ASAN Service all recognized for their innovative, transparent, and accessible services. Her remarks underscored Azerbaijans expanding support programs for African engagement and called attention to the untapped potential for collaboration in sustainable development and innovation. Three Azerbaijani companies representing the tobacco, furniture, and food sectors joined the event, marking their first step into the African market. AFEX 2025 provided these enterprises with a critical entry platform to explore partnerships and establish business ties on the continent. As part of its outreach strategy, AFAZ also presented special gift packages to event participants. These included materials promoting Azerbaijans export capabilities and historical insights into Western Azerbaijan. The initiative drew significant interest and was seen as a meaningful cultural and economic bridge. AFAZ announced plans to organize a similar international event in Baku later this year, aiming to boost economic engagement with African countries and elevate Azerbaijans position in the global trade system. AFEX 2025 continues to serve as a key platform for enhancing TurkiyeAfrica ties and promoting new investment opportunities. 2 July 2025 11:40 (UTC+04:00) Nazrin Abdul Read more The Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) Business Forum is being held in the city of Shusha as part of the inaugural ECO Week, marking a significant milestone in regional economic cooperation, Azernews reports. The forum is jointly organized by Azerbaijans Ministry of Economy, the Azerbaijan Export and Investment Promotion Agency (AZPROMO), the ECO Secretariat, and the ECO Confederation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry. The event brings together government officials, business leaders, and industry experts from ECO member states to explore new opportunities for trade and investment. The primary objective of the forum is to enhance economic ties among ECO countries by promoting cross-border investment, fostering cooperation between business communities, and contributing to sustainable economic development across the region. Speaking at the opening session, Azerbaijans First Deputy Minister of Economy, Elnur Aliyev, emphasized Azerbaijans active engagement within the ECO framework. He highlighted the countrys consistent support for the organizations initiatives and noted that Azerbaijan has previously hosted numerous high-level ECO events. Azerbaijan is proud to be an active member of ECO and remains committed to the organizations goals. This year, trade turnover between Azerbaijan and other ECO member states reached 3.5 billion US dollars, demonstrating the growing potential of our economic partnerships, Aliyev stated. The forum features sector-specific discussions in areas such as food and agriculture, textiles, information and communication technologies (ICT), tourism, transport, and the circular economy. It also includes business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-government (B2G) meetings aimed at facilitating direct dialogue and partnerships. The ECO Business Forum is seen as a vital platform for expanding economic collaboration within the ECO and broader OIC regions, paving the way for deeper integration and shared prosperity. 2 July 2025 15:27 (UTC+04:00) Full digital access to all news for 1 year Full digital access to all news for 6 months Full digital access to all news for 3 months Full digital access to all news for 1 month Find the plan that suits you best. The increase reflects growing energy trade ties between the two countries, highlighting Azerbaijans role as a reliable electricity supplier in the South Caucasus region. Here we are to serve you with news right now. It does not cost much, but worth your attention. Choose to support open, independent, quality journalism and subscribe on a monthly basis. By subscribing to our online newspaper, you can have full digital access to all news, analysis, and much more. Subscribe You can also follow AzerNEWS on Twitter @AzerNewsAz or Facebook @AzerNewsNewspaper Thank you! 2 July 2025 18:53 (UTC+04:00) Nazrin Abdul Read more As part of the Economic Cooperation Organizations (ECO) Womens Forum held in Lachin, a panel session titled Womens role in human development for climate resilience took place, moderated by Vladanka Andreeva, the UN Resident Coordinator in Azerbaijan, Azernews reports. During the session, Leman Yenigun, Deputy Minister of Family and Social Services of Turkiye, highlighted her countrys climate change strategy, which was presented at COP29. She emphasized Turkiyes efforts to increase womens representation in the green energy sector under the patronage of Turkiyes First Lady, Emine Erdogan. We are committed to empowering women in renewable energy initiatives, Yenigun stated. Juldiz Suleymanova, member of Kazakhstans parliament and the National Commission on Women and Family Demographic Policy, spoke about Kazakhstans contributions to climate change mitigation under the Paris Agreement. She noted that the country is developing a strategy to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060, including new educational programs aimed at training specialists across various sectors of the energy and oil industries. Elnur Nasibov, Chairman of Azerbaijans Education Development Foundation, stressed the importance Azerbaijan places on promoting gender equality. He noted close cooperation between the Ministry of Science and Education and the State Committee on Family, Women, and Childrens Issues. Currently, 60% of students in Azerbaijan are girls, with 36% of them enrolled in vocational education. Our goal is to increase this number to 40%. Additionally, 61% of education loans are utilized by female students, Nasibov highlighted. Professor Mehmet Akif Kirecci, President of the ECO Educational Institute, acknowledged the organizations substantial investments in education but pointed out ongoing challenges. Women make up 94% of participants in secondary and other education levels, yet globally, 136 million young girls remain out of school. We must also invest in families, he said. Mihaela Ionescu, representative of the United Nations Womens Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia, praised the professional conduct of last years COP29 and marked this years anniversary of the Beijing Platform for Action. This is a critically important document. When funds are allocated to women, the entire economy benefits, she remarked. Farej Huseynbayov, Senior Project Specialist of the Asian Development Banks Azerbaijan Office, emphasized the banks ongoing commitment to womens empowerment through various targeted programs and projects aimed at supporting female development. The panel session concluded with active discussions among participants. 2 July 2025 11:56 (UTC+04:00) Laman Ismayilova Read more Azerbaijan National Library has presented its new logo, Azernews reports. During the event, the library director Karim Tahirov discussed the concept behind the logo. "The logo is a collection of symbols created to promote the activities of the institution. The new logo has been developed in accordance with modern requirements. The main elements of the new logo of the national library are an eight-pointed star a symbol of our national identity and sovereignty, the outline of an open book, and a silhouette of a person in front of an open computer, symbolizing digitalization. The essence of the concept lies in the unity of the traditional book and the modern digital world," the library director said. "The logo plays an important role in concisely conveying the librarys values, the tasks it faces, and its status. From now on, the Azerbaijan National Library will promote and showcase its activities on the international stage under the new logo," he added. Head of MN Branding & Architecture Elchin Ashurov responsible for corporate branding and the designer of the logo, noted that the library is one of the fundamental pillars of society. Director of the Scientific Library of Baku State University Nigar Ismayilova pointed out that the library possesses the most extensive book collection in the republic. Deputy director of the Central Scientific Library of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS) Shahla Guliyeva characterized the logo as a combination of national-spiritual values and modern trends. With over 5 million books, manuscripts, and maps, the Azerbaijan National Library is considered one of the largest libraries in the Caucasus region. Since 1939, the library has borne the name of the eminent playwright Mirza Fatali Akhundov. The library has an extensive collection of literature in Azerbaijani, Russian, English, and other languages. It has collected and preserved national editions, works of Azerbaijani and foreign authors about Azerbaijan published abroad. The National Leader, Heydar Aliyev, visited the National Library four times in 1995-1997 and donated nearly 300 books from his personal library. In 2004, the Mirza Fatali Akhundov Library was granted the status of a national library by the decision of Azerbaijan's Cabinet of Ministers. The building of the library is no less impressive. The library's faade is decorated with the statues of eminent poets and writers like Nizami Ganjavi, Mahsati Ganjavi, Uzeyir Hajibayli, Shota Rustaveli, Alexander Pushkin and many others. The scope of the library's activities is constantly expanding. In 2005, on the basis of legal copies received from publishing houses and printing companies, the library published the yearbook "Books of Azerbaijan" for 1990, 1991, 2000, and 2001. Over the past years, the National Library has signed a memorandum on bilateral mutual cooperation with about 80 libraries. In 2021, the Culture Ministry and Mirza Fatali Akhundov Library launched a joint campaign, "Let's go to Garabagh with a book", to restore libraries in the Garabagh region. A large number of books were donated to the Garabagh Book Fund by a number of international organizations working in the field of culture, Turkic-speaking countries, famous foreign and local authors, publishers, and print houses. 2 July 2025 15:59 (UTC+04:00) Laman Ismayilova Read more An attestation process has been conducted to assess the professional competence and skills of teachers at music and art schools operating under the Culture Ministry, Azernews reports. The attestation scheduled for 2025 has concluded as of July 1. The media representatives observed the attestation process live at the Baku Choreography Academy. The Advisor to the Culture Minister Jasarat Valehov, stated that on the final day, teachers specializing in painting, choir conducting, and guitar demonstrated their knowledge and skills. In accordance with Azerbaijani legislation, the attestation was carried out objectively and transparently, covering educational institutions across Baku, Absheron-Khizi, Mil-Mugan, Shirvan-Salyan, and Guba-Khachmaz districts. The process, which began on February 28, evaluated the knowledge and experience of approximately 4,100 teachers across various specialties. It was noted that in 2026, the attestation of teachers working in educational institutions throughout all regions of the country under the Culture Ministry will be completed. During the attestation, two teachers received positive evaluations, while three teachers, deemed unsuitable for their current positions, were given additional opportunities. Organized by the Culture Ministry's Scientific-Methodical and Specialization Improvement Center, training sessions are currently being held at three schools for this category of teachers. Experienced specialists from various artistic educational institutions are involved in the training. Those who complete the training successfully, passing the testing and interview stages organized by the State Examination Center, will be able to resume their teaching activities at schools. The Culture Minister's Advisor Jasarat Valehov emphasized that the attestation process involved the Uzeyir Hajibayli Baku Music Academy, Azerbaijan State University of Culture and Arts, Baku Choreography Academy, Azerbaijan State Academy of Fine Arts, Azerbaijan National Conservatory, as well as the Music College under this institution, the Bulbul Special Secondary Music School, the Gara Garayev Central Art School, and other leading artistic educational establishments, with support from their faculty members. It was highlighted that teachers who could not participate in the process due to valid reasons will have an additional attestation. 2 July 2025 14:09 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more The United Kingdom has updated its implementation of the OSCE arms embargo concerning Armenia and Azerbaijan to better align with international obligations and current conditions on the ground, the UK Government has announced, Azernews reports. According to the revised guidance, the arms embargo will now apply specifically to weapons, ammunition, and munitions that could be used on the land border between the two countries by military, police, security forces, and related government entities. These include items listed under entries ML1, ML2, ML3, and ML4 of the UK Military List, as specified in the Export Control Order 2008. The UKs prior interpretation from July 2, 2014, broadly restricted the supply of all military list equipment to these entities if it could be used either on the ArmeniaAzerbaijan land border or in the former Garabagh region. Under the new guidance, supplies of such equipment to non-state end-userssuch as humanitarian agencies, peacekeeping operations, researchers, or media organisationswill not fall under the embargo, unless there is a clear risk of diversion to the state military or security forces operating in the border area. This change brings the UKs implementation into closer alignment with the 1992 declaration by the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe (CSCE)the OSCEs predecessorwhich called for a ban on all deliveries of weapons and munitions to forces engaged in combat in the Garabagh area. The UK government emphasized that export and trade licence applications for Armenia and Azerbaijan will continue to be evaluated on a case-by-case basis under the UKs Strategic Export Licensing Criteria. No export licences will be granted if such action would contradict these criteria. The British Government reaffirmed its strong support for peace efforts between Armenia and Azerbaijan and stated that the embargos implementation will remain under ongoing review in light of developments on the ground. 2 July 2025 11:27 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more Nemat Avazov, Head of the Investigation Department of the Prosecutor General's Office of Azerbaijan and State Justice Counselor of the 3rd class, presented details on the investigation into crimes committed against Azerbaijani citizens in Russia during a press briefing held today, Azernews reports. According to Avazov, the Prosecutor Generals Office has launched a criminal case following the deaths and reported torture of Azerbaijani nationals during a joint operation carried out by Russian law enforcement agencies in Yekaterinburg on June 27, 2025. The operation, conducted by the National Guard of Russia, the criminal investigation unit of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and the regional FSB department, resulted in the detention of Azerbaijani citizens suspected of involvement in earlier murders. However, as Avazov noted, the detainees were subjected to excessive force and torture. Among the victims were brothers Huseyn Safarov (b. 1956) and Ziyaddin Safarov (b. 1970), who died from injuries sustained during the operation. Huseyn Safarov reportedly died the same day in the administrative building of the Yekaterinburg police, while Ziyaddin Safarov died in a police vehicle. The bodies were brought to Baku on June 30, where forensic experts documented multiple hematomas, bone fractures, and other signs of blunt force trauma. The cause of death for one was identified as post-traumatic shock; for the other, a combination of traumatic and hemorrhagic shock. As a result, on July 1, the Prosecutor General of Azerbaijan initiated a criminal case under Articles 12.2-120.2 (premeditated murder with aggravating circumstances), 12.2-309.2 (abuse of power with the use of violence), and 12.2-293.3 (torture) of the Criminal Code. An investigative team led by the First Deputy Head of the Investigation Department has been formed, and the case is under the direct supervision of the Prosecutor General. Avazov stressed that the actions in question also constitute serious crimes under Russian law, specifically under Articles 105 (murder), 286 (abuse of power), and 302 (coercion to testify) of the Russian Criminal Code. Preliminary findings show that at least 14 individuals were detained that morning, including 12 Azerbaijani citizens. Seven of them were reportedly tortured. Two have died, two remain hospitalized in Yekaterinburg, and one victim has returned to Baku and undergone examination. Of the remaining two, one is still in custody in Russia, while the other has been released. Photographs of the victims showing signs of physical abuse and official documents confirming their Azerbaijani citizenship were displayed during the briefing, along with forensic evidence collected by investigators. 2 July 2025 11:32 (UTC+04:00) Qabil Ashirov Read more The expert analyses related to the Aktau incident are being conducted in all three countries, Azernews reports, citing Nemt vzov, Head of the Investigation Department of the Prosecutor Generals Office, as he stated at a press conference on the criminal case involving the Azerbaijani nationals murdered in Russia. According to vzov, numerous expert examinations continue to be carried out in connection with the case: A few days ago, investigators from the Investigation Department traveled to Kazakhstan and met with their Kazakh counterparts. It is expected that the results of the expert analyses will be announced in the near future, he said. To recall, on December 25, 2024, Azerbaijan Airlines Flight J2-8243, an Embraer E190AR aircraft registered as 4K-AZ65, crashed near Aktau, Kazakhstan, during an emergency landing attempt. The flight, originating from Baku, was en route to Grozny. Reports suggest the aircraft was struck by a Russian surface-to-air missile while flying over southern Russia, leading to a loss of control. The plane was then diverted to Aktau but subsequently crashed near the city. The incident resulted in 38 fatalities, including both pilots and several passengers, with 29 survivors. 2 July 2025 14:41 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more The Milli Majlis' Commission on Countering Foreign Interventions and Hybrid Threats has issued a statement regarding the information campaign being conducted against Azerbaijan and its citizens, particularly in the aftermath of recent events in Yekaterinburg. Azernews presents the full statement: As a result of the monitoring conducted by the Temporary Commission against Foreign Interventions and Hybrid Threats of the Milli Majlis within its powers, it was determined that following the illegal actions against our compatriots in the Russian city of Yekaterinburg, a wide-ranging information campaign against Azerbaijan and Azerbaijanis living in Russia was launched by various news channels and individuals in the Russian media, as well as on the Telegram platform. During our investigations, we observed widespread propaganda on the aforementioned resources of aggressive behavior and inhumane attitude towards our compatriots, and provocative calls related to the taking of unfriendly steps against Azerbaijan. Previously, we have provided detailed statements on attempts to influence Azerbaijans activities based on international law and national interests through various hybrid threat tools. The Temporary Commission against Foreign Interventions and Hybrid Threats, in coordination with the relevant committees, the Office of the Milli Majlis, and other state bodies, is taking preventive measures against disinformation campaigns against our country. Against the backdrop of the ongoing information campaign, the Commission calls on our compatriots living in Azerbaijan to rely on and believe only the information provided by Azerbaijani state institutions and officials. The statement comes amid rising tensions following the violent treatment and deaths of Azerbaijani citizens in Yekaterinburg, which have triggered both diplomatic reactions and growing concern over disinformation tactics aimed at harming Azerbaijans international image and unity. 2 July 2025 15:10 (UTC+04:00) Qabil Ashirov Read more The Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) Womens Forum, held in Lachin as part of ECO Week, spotlighted the transformative role of women in shaping sustainable and inclusive cities. A key panel session titled The Role of Women in Urban Development brought together regional and international experts to explore how female leadership can guide urban planning in the face of climate and social challenges. Moderated by Elmar Mammadov, Head of the Economic Cooperation Department at Azerbaijans Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the session tackled questions such as: How can womens leadership guide sustainable urban planning? and What is the role of women in building healthy and climate-resilient cities? Participants included: Ume Laila Azhar, Chair of Pakistans National Commission on the Status of Women Chamanoro Odinazoda, Deputy Chair of Tajikistans Committee on Women and Family Affairs Gulshan Rzayeva, Deputy Chief of Staff at Azerbaijans State Committee for Urban Planning and Architecture Maral Yayliyeva, Deputy Head of International Relations at Turkmenistans Ministry of Labor and Social Protection Nasar Hayat, FAO Representative in Azerbaijan Hande Harmanc, WHO Representative in Azerbaijan Key Highlights: Elmar Mammadov proposed the creation of a new ECO platform focused on urban development, citing Azerbaijans leadership during COP29 and a joint declaration endorsed by 54 countries and 100 cities. Gulshan Rzayeva emphasized that by 2040, 70% of the global population will live in cities. She stressed the need for inclusive urban planning, especially in liberated territories, and highlighted Azerbaijans efforts to integrate international expertise and host the World Urban Forum in Baku in May 2026. Nasar Hayat of FAO underlined the importance of agriculture in sustainable urbanization and promoted the Green Cities Initiative, which aims to reach 1,000 cities globally by 2030. Hande Harmanc of WHO noted that women are disproportionately affected by climate change and called for their greater representation in city governance. She expressed hope that Azerbaijan would join the Healthy Cities Initiative, particularly in the Karabakh region. The session concluded with a lively Q&A, reinforcing the consensus that empowering women is essential for building resilient, equitable, and livable cities. 2 July 2025 18:10 (UTC+04:00) The second meeting of the Azerbaijan-Uzbekistan Supreme Interstate Council was held in Baku on July 2, with the participation of Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Azernews reports. Addressing the meeting, President Ilham Aliyev said: - Dear Shavkat Miromonovich, my dear brother, welcome once again to Azerbaijan. Warm greetings to you and the members of your delegation. I am confident that the state visit of the President of Uzbekistan will mark another important stage in the development of fraternal relations between our countries. We are friends and brothers. Since the signing of the Treaty on Allied Relations, we have been allies. Last year in Tashkent, we officially became allies. The Treaty on Allied Relations represents the highest form of interstate ties. Today, during the second meeting of the Supreme Interstate Council, we will hear reports, give further instructions on implementing our decisions, and determine a program of events for at least the next few months. Our countries share a common history, culture, language, and ethnic affinity. This is a strong foundation. We are building a beautiful edifice of Uzbek-Azerbaijani brotherhood. I would like to thank you for your attention to our country. Regular contacts are also carried out at the level of government members and heads of various institutions. Another meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission was recently held. Today, as I mentioned, we will hear the results. In principle, I am sure that we will be pleased with them. However, as we agreed and instructed members of our governments, we are monitoring the decisions and their implementation. I would also like to congratulate fraternal Uzbekistan on a historic achievement the qualification of the Uzbekistan national football team for the World Cup. This is the second historic milestone in sports recently, following the Summer Olympics where Uzbekistan emerged among the worlds leading sports nations. This success reflects the tremendous potential, human potential, the potential of your youth, and, of course, the correct policy of the state, and personally, the President. We celebrate this as if it were our own achievement. I am confident you will represent Azerbaijan there as well. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev: Absolutely. President Ilham Aliyev: Once again, my dear brother, welcome. I wish you a pleasant stay and am confident that the outcomes of our Interstate Council meeting will soon manifest themselves. Once again, welcome! x x x President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev said: - Thank you very much, dear Ilham Heydarovich, my dear brother. Indeed, this is a visit we have been anticipating. We come to Azerbaijan with great pleasure, as if to our own home, as if visiting our brothers. On my own behalf and on behalf of our delegation, I express my gratitude for the warm welcome extended to us from the moment of our arrival. I would like to thank you for this specifically. Of course, as you have just mentioned, our relations in recent years have reached a completely new level. We have achieved real successes. As you have said, we are now allies. That says it all. In intergovernmental diplomacy, an alliance means that we are already close neighbors and close friends. All our agreements, as we agreed with you, will be closely monitored and effectively implemented. Of course, we are two close nations with much in common - in history, spirit, moral values, outlooks, language, and culture. We continue to address numerous issues together. In a narrow format today, we discussed our shared history in depth. Much has been missed in the past, but together we are catching up. We will instruct our governments to continue this process, ensuring that all issues under our joint control will be fully resolved. Of course, I would also like to highlight that yesterday, for the first time in history, the interparliamentary forum was successfully held. I was informed about the active participation of deputies from both sides. This reflects yet another dimension of our elevated relations. The Intergovernmental Commission recently held a highly productive meeting, and the two chairs work in close harmony. I am very pleased that tangible results have been achieved. Additionally, the Security Councils convened recently and signed a roadmap, which also speaks volumes about the strength of our cooperation. Ilham Heydarovich, I want to extend my congratulations to Azerbaijan, the world champion in minifootball. We were delighted to see this achievement just one step away from big football x x x As part of the second meeting of the Supreme Interstate Council, the co-chairs of the Intergovernmental Commission - Azerbaijans Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov and Uzbekistans Minister of Investment, Industry, and Trade Laziz Kudratov - provided updates on the projects implemented in accordance with the directives of the presidents of Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan. Subsequently, the ministers of transport, energy, and culture delivered reports on their respective sectors, aligning with the strategic partnership and allied relations between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan. Thereafter, the heads of state issued instructions regarding the implementation of existing projects and the identification of new prospective projects to further enhance cooperation. 2 July 2025 18:31 (UTC+04:00) A document exchange ceremony between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Uzbekistan was held on July 2, with the participation of President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Azernews reports. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, signed the Decision of the second meeting of the Supreme Interstate Council of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Uzbekistan. Minister of Agriculture of Azerbaijan Majnun Mammadov and Minister of Agriculture of Uzbekistan Ibrokhim Abdurakhmonov exchanged the Practical Action Plan (Roadmap) for the Future Development of Cooperation in the Fields of Agriculture and Food Security for 20252027 between the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Minister of Digital Development and Transport of Azerbaijan Rashad Nabiyev and Minister of Transport of Uzbekistan Ilkhom Makhkamov exchanged the Protocol of Intent on Cooperation in the Fields of Shipping and Shipbuilding between the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Minister of Economy of Azerbaijan Mikayil Jabbarov and Minister of Investment, Industry, and Trade of Uzbekistan Laziz Kudratov exchanged the Action Plan to Ensure the Formation and Implementation of Comprehensive Measures and Projects to Increase Trade Turnover between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Uzbekistan to $1 Billion by 2030. Minister of Economy of Azerbaijan Mikayil Jabbarov and Minister of Investment, Industry, and Trade of Uzbekistan Laziz Kudratov exchanged the Program of Industrial Cooperation between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Uzbekistan for 2025-2027. Minister of Science and Education of Azerbaijan Emin Amrullayev and Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovations of Uzbekistan Kongratbay Sharipov exchanged the Agreement on Cooperation in the Fields of Science, Vocational Education, and Higher Education between the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan Bakhtiyor Saidov exchanged the Action Plan for 2025-2027 on the Implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the Field of Social Protection between the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the National Agency for Social Protection under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan Bakhtiyor Saidov exchanged the Agreement on the Mutual Recognition of Authorized Economic Operator Institutions between the State Customs Committee of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Customs Committee under the Ministry of Economy and Finance of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan Bakhtiyor Saidov exchanged the Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan on Organizing Information Exchange Regarding Cloned, Stolen, Lost, and Crime-related Mobile Devices. Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan Bakhtiyor Saidov exchanged the Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan on Cooperation in the Field of Environmental Protection. Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan Bakhtiyor Saidov exchanged the Roadmap for 20252029 on Implementing the Treaty on Allied Relations between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Uzbekistan. The documents signed during the visit also included the Protocol Establishing Sister City Relations between the City of Sumgayit and Tashkent Province, the Protocol Establishing Sister City Relations between the Cities of Gabala and Navoi, the Protocol on Cooperation in Developing the Service Delivery System for Children with Special Needs between the DOST Inclusive Development and Creativity Center of the Agency for Sustainable and Operational Social Security under the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the IMKON Rehabilitation Center, a State Multidisciplinary Specialized Preschool Educational Institution of the National Social Protection Agency under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, and the Protocol on Cooperation in Developing the Service Delivery System for Children with Special Needs and Socially Vulnerable Groups between the DOST Inclusive Development and Creativity Center of the Agency for Sustainable and Operational Social Security under the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the International Inclusive Hub International Inclusive Career-oriented Education Center of the National Social Protection Agency under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan. 2 July 2025 17:32 (UTC+04:00) On July 2, 2025, the Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Azerbaijan, Mikhail Yevdokimov, was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Baku, Azernews reports. The meeting was held with Deputy Foreign Minister Araz Azimov, during which Azerbaijan conveyed its official protest over Russias recent actions and rhetoric that have strained bilateral ties. The Azerbaijani side expressed deep concern over the deadly June 27 raids conducted by Russian law enforcement in Yekaterinburg, where two Azerbaijani citizens died and several others were seriously injured. Azerbaijan emphasized that forensic findings contradict Russias explanations and pointed to visible evidence of violence on the victims bodies. Officials also denounced the portrayal of Azerbaijanis in Russian media as an ethnic criminal group, calling such language discriminatory and a sign of ethnic intolerance. Azerbaijan demanded a transparent and impartial investigation by Russia into the conduct of its law enforcement agencies and for those responsible to be held accountable. Baku rejected any claims that its position on the matter constitutes interference in Russias internal affairs. In response to Moscows complaints about the ongoing legal investigation into Sputnik Azerbaijan, Azerbaijani officials emphasized that all actions were carried out in full accordance with national legislation. The Foreign Ministry also recalled rising tensions since the downing of an Azerbaijan Airlines aircraft in Russian airspace late last year. The statement criticized Russias failure to provide clarity, launch a full investigation, and counter the disinformation campaign surrounding the incident. Azerbaijan reiterated its demand for accountability and compensation for the victims. Additionally, Baku condemned repeated public remarks by Russian political figures and media representatives over the past several months that, in its view, undermine Azerbaijans sovereignty and insult its people. In conclusion, Azerbaijan warned that these actions run counter to the principles of mutual respect and friendship, and are contributing to a growing rift in bilateral relations. The Russian side was urged to take steps to de-escalate tensions and restore a constructive atmosphere moving forward. 2 July 2025 19:08 (UTC+04:00) On July 2, Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, attended the inauguration of the new building of Uzbekistans Embassy in Baku, Azernews reports. The heads of state cut the symbolic ribbon, officially marking the opening of the new embassy building. Presidents Ilham Aliyev and Shavkat Mirziyoyev toured the embassy, familiarizing themselves with its infrastructure and the facilities provided for diplomats. The new complex, built to modern standards, is set to contribute to the further development of the multifaceted strategic partnership and allied relations between the two brotherly nations. Following the tour, Presidents Ilham Aliyev and Shavkat Mirziyoyev signed the embassys Guest Book. 2 July 2025 19:38 (UTC+04:00) A ceremony was held to confer the Honorary Doctorate of Azerbaijan Technical University (AzTU) on President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Ersin Tatar, Azernews reports. Prior to the ceremony, flowers were laid in front of the bust of National Leader Heydar Aliyev in the university`s lobby. The national anthems of Azerbaijan and Turkiye were played, followed by observing a minute of silence in honor of the cherished memory of National Leader Heydar Aliyev and the martyrs who gave their lives for the territorial integrity of the country. Speaking at the event, AzTU Rector Vilayat Valiyev described the conferral ceremony not only as a solemn protocol event but also as an event with profound spiritual significance for young people, students, and future generations. Highlighting Ersin Tatars services to the unity of the Turkic world, the rector emphasized his consistent and determined activities in fostering unity and cooperation between brotherly peoples while safeguarding and transmitting their shared cultural heritage to future generations. AzTU Scientific Secretary Vafa Rzayeva read out the decision of the Universitys Scientific Council on June 12, 2025, to award the Honorary Doctorate to Ersin Tatar, President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. AzTU Rector Vilayat Valiyev conferred the Honorary Doctorate on TRNC President Ersin Tatar. AzTU Honorary Doctor, President Ersin Tatar, expressed his gratitude for receiving the prestigious diploma. He also spoke about the relations between the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and Azerbaijan, which are growing day by day. Emphasizing the great services and support of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev in advancing these relations, Ersin Tatar once again expressed his gratitude to the Azerbaijani state, President and people. 2 July 2025 19:12 (UTC+04:00) Prime Minister of Azerbaijan Ali Asadov met with Deputy Prime Minister of Afghanistan Abdul Ghani Baradar on July 2, Azernews reports. During the meeting, the sides emphasized the importance of the 17th Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) Summit in Khankendi. PM Ali Asadov stressed that Azerbaijan has actively participated in various initiatives aimed at developing cooperation in the region since joining ECO in 1992. It was noted that Azerbaijan's economic, energy, and transport projects are beneficial for all ECO countries. During the meeting, the two explored opportunities for interaction between Azerbaijan and Afghanistan in the economic, trade, transit and humanitarian domains. At the same time, the parties reviewed the issues of mutual interest as part of the Azerbaijan-Uzbekistan-Afghanistan trilateral cooperation format. 2 July 2025 21:03 (UTC+04:00) On July 2, Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, visited the Sea Breeze resort located on the Caspian Sea coast, Azernews reports. Emin Agalarov, founder of Sea Breeze, briefed the heads of state on the projects completed and planned at the resort. Spanning 500 hectares, Sea Breeze has completed and commissioned over 3 million square meters of residential and commercial real estate. More than 500 properties have been constructed, with over 20,000 residents currently living there. By 2028, this number is expected to exceed 50,000, with a long-term goal of accommodating 500,000 people upon full completion. Plans also include the creation of a unique crescent-shaped artificial peninsula covering 50 hectares. Over 150 hectares have been dedicated to recreational zones, parks, and beaches. Essential infrastructure, including a school, kindergarten, and hospital, ensures comfortable living and leisure for residents and visitors. Landscaping efforts have resulted in planting approximately 10 million plants and trees, expanding green areas to 300 hectares. Located just 30 minutes from Bakus city center, Sea Breeze combines various real estate types and is considered a unique global project. Its main developments are along the coastline. The resort currently employs 6,560 people, with plans to significantly increase staff in the future. Total investment has reached $3 billion, with over $10 billion more planned over the next five years. The renowned Uzbek brand The Choyxona restaurant operates within the resort. Emin Agalarov also presented the updated master plan for the Sea Breeze Uzbekistan project, which will be developed near the Charvak Reservoir. 2 July 2025 20:45 (UTC+04:00) Ali Asadov, Prime Minister of Azerbaijan, met with Ersin Tatar, President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), Azernews reports. During the meeting, Ali Asadov emphasized the importance of the participation of the President of the TRNC, as an observer state of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), in the 17th ECO Summit scheduled to be held in Khankendi. The sides noted the recent reciprocal visits at various levels between Azerbaijan and the TRNC. They also discussed cooperation opportunities across multiple sectors. 2 July 2025 16:33 (UTC+04:00) Full digital access to all news for 1 year Full digital access to all news for 6 months Full digital access to all news for 3 months Full digital access to all news for 1 month Find the plan that suits you best. Portugal significantly increased its oil imports from Azerbaijan during the first five months of 2025, continuing a trend of deepening energy ties between the two countries, Azernews reports, citing the State Customs Committee. Here we are to serve you with news right now. It does not cost much, but worth your attention. Choose to support open, independent, quality journalism and subscribe on a monthly basis. By subscribing to our online newspaper, you can have full digital access to all news, analysis, and much more. Subscribe You can also follow AzerNEWS on Twitter @AzerNewsAz or Facebook @AzerNewsNewspaper Thank you! 2 July 2025 09:00 (UTC+04:00) By Alimat Aliyeva Microsoft has developed a groundbreaking artificial intelligence system for medical diagnostics that not only assists doctors but also has the potential to outperform them, demonstrating a fourfold advantage in solving complex clinical cases. The tool, called Microsoft AI Diagnostic Orchestrator (MAI-DxO), was created by Microsoft AI under the leadership of Mustafa Suleyman, co-founder of DeepMind, Azernews reports. MAI-DxO acts as a data orchestrator, assembling a virtual panel of five AI agents, each simulating a doctor with a different medical specialty. According to the Financial Times, these agents interact, debate, and collectively arrive at diagnostic conclusions essentially forming an AI-powered medical board. To evaluate its capabilities, the system was tested on 304 of the most challenging clinical cases from the New England Journal of Medicine, where expert-level diagnostics are typically required. A novel testing method called the debate chain was used to ensure the transparency of the reasoning process behind each diagnosis. The system leverages large language models from multiple leading AI companies including OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, xAI, and DeepSeek. The OpenAI o3 model achieved the highest performance, correctly diagnosing 85.5% of the cases. For comparison, human doctors achieved around 20%, although they were not allowed to use reference materials or consult with colleagues which would normally boost their accuracy in real-world settings. Beyond diagnostic accuracy, the AI system demonstrated significant cost-efficiency by eliminating unnecessary tests and procedures, potentially saving healthcare systems hundreds of thousands of dollars per deployment. The technology is expected to be integrated into Microsoft platforms such as Copilot and Bing, which currently handle more than 50 million health-related queries per day. Suleyman emphasized that this marks a major step toward developing AI that is not only faster but also more accurate and cost-effective than human professionals a true breakthrough in healthcare innovation. Dominic King, former head of DeepMind Health and now a Microsoft executive, called MAI-DxO a new portal into the future of healthcare. However, he also noted that the system still requires refinement and rigorous real-world testing before it can be deployed in clinical environments. 2 July 2025 19:16 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has ordered the implementation of a law suspending Irans cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Azernews reports, citing Iranian media. The move follows the approval of a draft law passed by Irans parliament on June 25, 2025, and subsequently ratified by the Constitutional Oversight Council. The implementation of the law will now be carried out by the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, the Supreme National Security Council, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The decision comes amid heightened regional tensions after Israel launched military airstrikes on Iran on June 13, targeting high-ranking military officials and nuclear scientists. That same evening, Iran retaliated with Operation True Promise III, launching hundreds of ballistic missiles and drones toward Israel, including Tel Aviv, resulting in civilian casualties and widespread destruction. The escalation intensified when the United States carried out airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear sites on June 22, reportedly causing severe damage to key infrastructure. In response, Iran struck a US military base in Qatar on June 23, marking a significant expansion of the conflict. However, the situation began to de-escalate when, on July 2, the Israeli Prime Ministers Office announced that the Israeli government had agreed to a ceasefire with Iran, brokered by US President Donald Trump. The Iranian Supreme National Security Council has since confirmed that hostilities have ceased. Irans decision to suspend cooperation with the IAEA marks a significant shift in its nuclear policy and raises fresh concerns over regional security and non-proliferation efforts. Regarding the recent Israel /Iran Conflict (the "12 Day War"), culminating in the United States Air Force employing seven B2 Bombers to complete a 33 hour flight, dropping 14 fifteen ton bunker busting bombs on three Iranian nuclear facilities buried deep under mountain rock, which destroyed Iran's nuclear ambitions against Israel and the United States: Should President Trump have unilaterally made the decision to make such a bold decision to conduct this operation, without first running this prospective operation before the US Congress for their approval? 12.5% No, The War Powers Act prohibitions, which requires NO presidential military action without congressional approval.87.5% Yes, the President has Article 2 Constitutional authority to take unilateral military action to protect the American People, providing he does not break congressional codes, which he did not.0% Don't care, never have. Hard on the heels of swamp rat NC US Senator Thom Tillis (RINO-NC) bowing out of a reelection race he could not have won, his RINO colleague in South Carolina, Lindsay Graham has drawn a major primary challenger. Graham has historically been weak on illegal immigration and was long nicknamed "Lindsay Grahamnesty". He has been censured many times by GOP groups in his home state for his liberal votes. Former two term South Carolina Lieutenant Governor Andre Bauer, a staunch conservative, has announced his candidacy for the Senate seat now held by Graham. President Trump once described Bauer as a man "who could run for almost any office and win." https://dailycaller.com/2025/07/02/lindsey-graham-primary-challenge/ https://www.andrebauer.com/ Two other major primary challenges to RINO US Senators in the south for the 2026 election are currently underway. In Texas staunch conservative state Attorney General Ken Paxton leads incumbent RINO US Senator John Cornyn in the polls by double digits. In Louisiana, uber-RINO US Senator Bill Cassidy, an outspoken opponent of President Trump, faces current State Treasurer and former US Congressman John Fleming, a staunch conservative, who has also posted a double digit poll lead over the RINO incumbent. The far left years ago concocted the Cloward-Piven strategy of trying to overwhelm the system to bring it to its knees. With the help of far left radical Obama and Biden judges, that is what they are trying to do to our immigration system. A politically corrupt radical Obama judge in DC has fired the latest shot in the Judicial Coup d'etat by the Judicial Wing of the Democrat Party. Far left Obama judge Randolph Moss of the DC federal district court, who worked as a political appointee of Obama in the executive branch before being appointed a judge, has entered an order saying all illegal aliens everywhere in the country, no matter how they entered are entitled to bring a proceeding to claim asylum and cannot be deported while that is going on. Exploiting the class action loophole in the recent Supreme Court order, he ordered that all prospective illegal aliens from anywhere it the world were a protected class that his order protects. The intent is to drag the process out for years on all of the illegals, requiring that they either be allowed to stay or to be held in custody, which is expensive, until their cases could be heard. While only 13 plaintiffs were involved in the case, his abuse of class action procedures tries to apply his standard to all present and future illegal aliens. Asylum claims have become a joke. Everyone knows that most of them are bogus. The majority of illegal aliens who file asylum claims never bother to show up for court because they know their claims are false. Of those that do, the overwhelming majority are found by the immigration courts not to be entitled to asylum. Fake asylum claims are just a way to try to get a foot in the door to enter the country. This crooked Obama judge is using those fake claims to try to overwhelm the immigration system. https://www.breitbart.com/immigration/2025/07/02/dc-judge-allows-all-illegal-migrants-to-seek-asylum-halting-deportation/ https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2025/07/breaking-obama-judge-blocks-trumps-policy-barring-illegals/ https://thefederalist.com/2025/07/03/judge-blocks-another-trump-order-proving-alito-was-right-about-loopholes-in-scotus-injunction-ruling/ https://dailycaller.com/2025/07/02/judge-rules-trump-admin-cant-block-asylum-claims-for-migrants-who-cross-southern-border/ A recent article at The Federalist argues that President Trump has shown extreme restraint in his response to the power grabs and abuse of power by what it calls an Imperial Judiciary. The Founding Fathers openly stated they intended the Judicial Branch to be the weakest branch of government because it is not accountable to the citizens like the other two branches, but radical Obama and Biden (or autopen) judges want to turn our Constitution on its head. https://thefederalist.com/2025/06/30/we-still-have-an-imperial-judiciary-yet-trump-continues-to-exercise-extreme-restraint/ Man who was face of IRA in US on escaping arrest from RUC, 'traitor' Denis Donaldson and why he had to stand aside Ahead of a new RTE documentary, the Belfast Telegraph looks at the role played by Irish Americans during the Troubles Martin Galvin (arm raised and in inset) takes part in a St Patrick's Day parade in the US. Main image: Faolan Carey Suzanne Breen Wed 2 Jul 2025 at 07:21 For almost two decades, he was the public face of the IRA in the US. New York lawyer Martin Galvin was regarded as so dangerous by the authorities here that he was prohibited from entering the UK. It goes on sale in time for the start of the tour at the weekend and in time for Northern Ireland fans of the rockers to grab one ahead of their dates at Croke Park in Dublin on August 16 and 17. Two Romanian teenagers charged with attempted rape were back in court today as a judge was told the case is being fast tracked. Ballymena Youth Court heard that because of the age of the two 14-year-old defendants, and the age of their alleged victim, the case is being treated as a purple file which means it must be expedited. Defence barrister Michael Boyd told the court the complainant informed the authorities he is in the Orange Order and due to be involved in parades from July to September.(Photo by Paul Faith / AFP) The mother-of-two and her unborn baby were killed on Saturday Man appears in court charged with the Murder of Sarah Montgomery A man has appeared in court charged with the murder of 27-year-old Sarah Montgomery in Co Down at the weekend. Zak Hughes (28), of Ardglen Place, Belfast, appeared at Newtownards Magistrates Court charged with Ms Montgomerys murder and destroying the life of her unborn child. Ms Montgomery, a mother-of-two who was heavily pregnant with her third child, died at a house in Donaghadee on Saturday. Dressed in prison-issue grey tracksuit and handcuffed in the dock, Hughes stared at the ground throughout the hearing. Sarah Montgomery (27) Asked if he understood the charges against him, he nodded. A police officer confirmed he could connect the defendant to the charge. Defence counsel for Hughes indicated there would be no bail application, and the defendant was remanded in custody. District Judge Conor Heaney adjourned the case until July 30 at Newtownards Magistrates Court. The defendant will not be required to attend. A fundraiser set up in memory of Ms Montgomery has raised more than 34,000. The organisers said that Ms Montgomerys wider family had been left bereft of the care and support she had provided. The statement added: Donations will not ease the pain that this family will have to live with forever but as a close knit community, we are keen to show them that they are so loved and supported at this sad time and in the days, months and years to come. Violence against women will not be tolerated in our community. We must stand together to ensure that this will never happens again. Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins (centre), accompanied by Niall McKenna, chairperson of the A5 - Enough is Enough group (second left) and Orfhlaith Begley, Sinn Fein MP for West Tyrone (right), while speaking to the media to outline the next steps for the A5 Western Transport Corridor Project (Liam McBurney/PA Wire) The scene of a fire on the Main Street in Ballymoney. Photo by Stephen Hamilton/Presseye The scene of a fire on the Main Street in Ballymoney and (inset) Paddy Douglas Tributes have been paid to a man described as one of the best in Ballymoney who died in a house fire. Paddy Douglas has been named locally as the victim with a councillor offering his condolences to family and friends who will be impacted by this devastating loss. His death is said to have caused shock and sadness in the Ballymoney community. Firefighters were alerted to the fire at Main Street in Ballymoney shortly before 7am on Tuesday. Three fire appliances, two from Ballymoney and one from Coleraine and the Air Ambulance attended. Police have now confirmed that a man in his 50s died. The PSNI stated: Police received a report of a fire shortly before 7:00am and attended alongside colleagues from Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service who worked to extinguish the blaze. This is not being treated as deliberate. Colleagues from Northern Ireland Ambulance Service conveyed one man to hospital where he sadly died. Traffic management for this area is no longer in place. A well known and liked character from our town, he will be missed." DUP Councillor Darryl Wilson said he wouldve known the victim for 30 years, saying he ran a small business for years. He said: I am deeply saddened to learn of the tragic death of Paddy Douglas following a house fire in the Main Street area of Ballymoney My heartfelt condolences go out to Paddy's family, friends, and all those affected by this devastating loss. A well known and liked character from our town, he will be missed. I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to the emergency services including the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, the Police Service of Northern Ireland, and the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service who responded swiftly and did all they could to save him. The thoughts of our entire community are with everyone impacted by this tragedy. The scene of a fire on the Main Street in Ballymoney. Photo by Stephen Hamilton/Presseye Alliance Councillor in Ballymoney, Lee Kane, said he is deeply saddened to hear that the man involved in this mornings fire has sadly passed away. "I was in the area at lunchtime, and there was a real sense of shock and sadness that this tragedy had happened. I send my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew him, he added. I want pay tribute to the NI Fire and Rescue Service, the NI Ambulance Service, and the Air Ambulance for their response, doing all they could in the hope of a different outcome. One woman posted a tribute online saying: Paddy you were one of the best. Loved by everyone. Kind to everyone. You will be missed in this wee town. Another said: One of Ballymoneys true legends, Paddy was one of the first to show me kindness when I opened the studio bringing in a disc of flash designs and some words of wisdom, and never passed by without a wee chat and a bit of craic. A nicer man you couldnt meet and the town really wont be the same without him. Thinking of his family and friends at this horrible time. The scene of a fire on the Main Street in Ballymoney and (inset) Paddy Douglas News Catch Up - June 30th 2025 Earlier today, a spokesperson for the Northern Ireland Fire Service (NIFRS) said that one person was rescued and left in the care of the ambulance service. Firefighters were called to reports of a fire at a mid-terrace flat at Main Street, Ballymoney, they said. "Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used one jet and two hose reel jets to extinguish the fire. "One casualty was rescued from the property and transferred to the care of NIAS. "The cause of the fire is under investigation and firefighters left the scene at 9.56am. The annual Somme parade passing through east Belfast on Monday Evening. Photo: Andrew McCarroll/Pacemaker Press The annual Somme parade passing through east Belfast on Monday Evening. Photo: Andrew McCarroll/Pacemaker Press A man was arrested and several penalties were issued after disturbances at last nights Somme parades in Belfast. The 23-year-old was detained on suspicion of disorderly behaviour. An officer also sustained a minor injury, having been struck on the head by a bottle during the parade. The arrest took place in the Castle Street area of the city centre at 8.50pm. Separately, a 19-year-old man was issued with a community resolution notice after shouting at a passing band in Royal Avenue. A 16-year-old boy was also cautioned for shouting offensive slogans at a lodge member while it passed through Castle Place. Though no offences were detected, a small grouping of young people were also noted to be acting disorderly in the Short Strand area. TUV councillor Ron McDowell branded the incidents as intolerance. Attacks on Orange parades have been reported in multiple locations across the city, both verbal and physical in nature, he said. "The lodge I have been a member of for many years came under both verbal abuse and physical harassment on Royal Avenue. Similar reports are coming in from other areas as well. The annual Somme parade passing through east Belfast on Monday Evening. Photo: Andrew McCarroll/Pacemaker Press News Catchup - July 1st 2025 Mr McDowell said this kind of intolerance is nothing new. "Anyone who has been a member of the Loyal Orders for any length of time will have their own experiences to share, he added. A vigil was held in Co Down this evening for mum-of-two Sarah Montgomery A vigil was held in Co Down this evening for mum-of-two Sarah Montgomery. A vigil was held in Co Down this evening for mum-of-two Sarah Montgomery. A vigil was held in Co Down this evening for mum-of-two Sarah Montgomery A vigil was held in Co Down this evening for mum-of-two Sarah Montgomery. Picture By: Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press. A vigil held in Co Down this evening for mum-of-two Sarah Montgomery has heard she was the best mummy with the biggest heart. The 27-year-old who was around 34 weeks pregnant with a baby boy was found dead at her home in the Elmfield Walk area of Donaghadee on Saturday afternoon. Earlier today, Zak Hughes (28), of Ardglen Place, Belfast, appeared at Newtownards Magistrates Court charged with Ms Montgomerys murder and destroying the life of her unborn child. A vigil was held in Co Down this evening for mum-of-two Sarah Montgomery. Picture By: Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press. Vigil takes place in Donaghadee for Sarah Montgomery This evening, the local community held a vigil for Ms Montgomery, in collaboration with the North Down & Ards Womens Aid group. Beginning at 6.30pm, mourners gathered at the Donaghadee Resource Centre and walked the short distance to Ms Montgomerys home. Attendees were encouraged to wear anything with the colour purple. Womens Aid workers also distributed purple ribbon pins. Ainslie White, Ms Montgomery's best friend, told the crowd that her two daughters will be the most protected wee girls ever. She also described Ms Montgomery as having "the biggest heart" and someone that "absolutely loved band season". She asked mourners to raised a glass and think of her friend on the Twelfth next week. "Sarah was the best mummy and she couldn't wait to make her family complete with her little boy," said Ms White. I had been lucky enough to attend her gender scan with her, where her daughters were unsure whether they wanted a baby brother or a baby sister... Once they found out it was a boy, they were more than happy because then they wouldn't have to share their stuff with him. "I hope Sarah knew how much she was loved, and I don't even have the words to begin how to describe Sarah as a friend. "I was honoured to call her my best friend and my sister at the same time. "Sarah was the kind of girl to leave you 10-minute voice note... She never failed to put a smile on your face. She was a girl's girl and she had your back, through and through. "She was there for absolutely everybody and it had been an honour to have her in all of our lives." Sarah Montgomery Ms White shared that Ms Montgomery had joked about how their nearest Twelfth parade celebrations will be in Dundonald this year, because it would be a few weeks before her birth due date. "She would say: I would only be a few minutes away from the hospital, all you have to do is carry me there, her friend explained. "For anyone that knew Sarah, knew how much band season meant to her. "Any band season, that's where you found Sarah Montgomery...So can I ask everyone that for the Twelfth of July this year, can you please raise a glass for our girl? And if you're feeling really rebellious, can you have a tequila rose, because that's what she loved the most. Mourners left bouquets of flowers, toys and candles in memory of Sarah at the entrance to her home. Many also left notes and letters. One friend said: There are no words for what has gone on. You [Sarah] will always be remembered for being such a kind and down to earth young woman. A vigil was held in Co Down this evening for mum-of-two Sarah Montgomery. Sarah has also been described as thoughtful and generous. She regularly helped volunteer and fundraise for the RNLIs Donaghadee lifeboat division, and also donated to various other charities and fundraisers, including Dementia UK and the Miscarriage Association. Whilst many of her loved ones are in states of shock and grief, some shared their anger this week. One woman, who knew Sarah through her charity work, said: For decades, this country has been on a slippery slope, its no f***ing wonder. My skin is actually crawling [at what has happened to Sarah]. A spokesperson for the Beechfield Community Well-being Centre, who helped organise the vigil, stated: Sarah is not just a statistic, Sarah was a mummy, a sister, a granddaughter and a friend, she deserves to be remembered in a dignified manner. A vigil was held in Co Down this evening for mum-of-two Sarah Montgomery. A fundraiser set up in memory of Ms Montgomery has raised over 40,000 as of today. The organisers said that Ms Montgomerys wider family had been left bereft of the care and support she had provided. The statement added: Donations will not ease the pain that this family will have to live with forever but as a close knit community, we are keen to show them that they are so loved and supported at this sad time and in the days, months and years to come. Violence against women will not be tolerated in our community. We must stand together to ensure that this will never happens again. Alison Blaney, chief executive at Kilcooley Women's Centre, called for local politicians to stop paying lip service to issues facing local woman. "We just need to be doing more providing more services for women to access, because down here the services available are appalling. That is the only way I can describe it; appalling. Funeral details for Sarah are yet to be released. Former Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams has criticised the UK Government over its plans to bring in new legislation to stop internees from being compensated for their wrongful imprisonment in the 1970s. James Lawrence could be being used as an avatar by Conor McGregor, a court has heard (Brian Lawless/PA) Conor McGregors co-defendant winning an appeal over costs would present grubby realities where the fighter effectively snaffles back money he had to pay in damages, an Irish court has been told. Lawyers for a woman who successfully sued McGregor have argued he could use his co-defendant as an avatar because the mixed martial arts fighter had paid his legal costs. Judges at the Court of Appeal in Dublin are considering applications from both McGregor and James Lawrence, who was the co-defendant in a civil case taken last year. Former hairdresser Nikita Hand, 35, successfully sued McGregor over an incident in which he was alleged to have brutally raped and battered her in a penthouse at the Beacon Hotel in Dublin in December 2018. Conor McGregor outside the High Court in Dublin in 2024 (Brian Lawless/PA) Ms Hand, also known as Nikita Ni Laimhin, was awarded 248,603.60 euro in damages and McGregor was also ordered to pay about 1.3 million euro in legal costs. The jury did not find that Mr Lawrence had assaulted her during the same series of incidents at the hotel. The trial judge decided that Ms Hand would not have to pay Mr Lawrences costs arising out of the proceedings. His legal team is challenging whether that decision was correct and reasonable, arguing that Ms Hand should have to pay as the jury did not find he had assaulted her. Nikita Hand won her civil case against the mixed martial arts fighter (Niall Carson/PA) Meanwhile, McGregors lawyers are arguing that the jury heard an inadmissible line of questioning about his co-operation with gardai into their investigation of the matter. On Wednesday, Ray Boland SC, for Ms Hand, told the court that it had been confirmed that McGregor was paying Mr Lawrences legal costs. He said that the legal bill for Mr Lawrence, which would be due to be paid by Ms Hand if his appeal is successful, is likely to exceed the award of damages to be paid by McGregor. Mr Boland said this would set the jurys verdict on damages at naught when McGregor was preparing to pay over the balance of all costs relating to the matters. He said that McGregor would snaffle back the money he is paying for damages if the appeal of his avatar meant that Ms Hand had to pay Mr Lawrences costs instead. He said this would not be in the interests of justice. John Fitzgerald SC, for Mr Lawrence, said an unusual situation had arisen in the case around the interpretation of the jurys verdict by trial judge Alexander Owens. He said the point he was making in the appeal was essentially that costs follow the event. Given the principle of jury secrecy, he said the event is the verdict and not a subsequent interpretation of it. Mr Fitzgerald said the verdict was that Mr Lawrence had not assaulted Ms Hand. He said said his client had said that he had consensual sex with Ms Hand. He added that Ms Hand had also said she did not believe they had sex, and that Mr Lawrence was lying. Mr Fitzgerald said this begs the question as to how it made its way into a pleading on her behalf. He said it had been open to Ms Hand not to sue Mr Lawrence. Mr Fitzgerald said trial judge Mr Alexander Owens decision not to award costs was based on his incorrect interpretation of the jurys verdict. He said Mr Owens could have added additional questions to the issue paper or asked the jury direct questions about their verdict. He said said defendants had a presumptive entitlement to costs and we shouldnt even be having this discussion. Ray Boland, SC, for Ms Hand, said this entitlement arises where they have incurred expenses but this was not the case for Mr Lawrence as there was an unusual situation that McGregor had borne the costs. He said it was rich for Mr Fitzgerald to be raising the matter in appeal when there was deafening silence from him during discussions on the issue paper and whether there should have been additional questions for the jury following the verdict. Mr Fitzgerald said the purpose of the appeal was to consider the correctness of the judges reasoning and that he had been satisfied with the issue paper. On the argument that it would deprive Ms Hand of her damages, Mr Fitzgerald said there had to be cost implications for her choice to bring a case she never believed in. Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy said Mr Boland was making a difficult argument by asking judges at the Court of Appeal to consider the consequences of their verdict as it was their job to consider whether the trial decision was appropriate. Ms Justice Kennedy and the other two judges presiding over the proceedings continue to consider other matters relating to the appeals. Brother Kevin Crowley of the Capuchin Fathers Day Centre for homeless, Dublin, speaking to the media after meeting Pope Francis during his visit to Ireland (PA) Tributes have been paid to Brother Kevin Crowley as a champion of the poor after he died aged 90. The Capuchin Franciscans said that Mr Crowley died on Wednesday morning at Mount Desert Nursing Home in his home county of Cork. Brother Crowley founded the Capuchin Day Centre homeless service in Dublin in 1969, which was visited by Pope Francis in 2018. President of Ireland Michael D Higgins said Brother Kevin was a warm, caring, yet fearless man, while the Taoiseach said he was saddened to hear of the death of his good friend. Tributes were also paid in the Dail to Brother Kevin as the news of his death broke on Wednesday afternoon. Mr Higgins said Brother Kevin made an invaluable contribution to the people of Dublin city. The hot meals, food parcels, clothing, showers, family services, and medical and dental services have not just extended care of the most vulnerable, but has been exemplary in showing a fundamental respect for the dignity of each person and allowed so many of those who have availed of the services to rebuild their lives, he said. It was extremely appropriate that Pope Francis visited Brother Kevin and the Capuchin Day Centre during his visit to Ireland in 2018 and met with those present and volunteers. Pope Francis arrives for a meeting at the Capuchin Fathers Day Centre during his visit to Ireland (Yui Mok/PA) I was deeply honoured to meet with Brother Kevin on many occasions throughout the years and to share in his company. Brother Kevin was a warm, caring, yet fearless man, who dedicated his life to living his Christian faith in dedication to those most in need. Taoiseach Micheal Martin said Brother Kevin was a tireless and passionate advocate for justice, dedicating his life to helping those in need. In 1969 he founded the Capuchin Day Centre, where he worked selflessly, and with good humour, for 53 years providing help to vulnerable people. He truly lived the gospel. His compassion, devotion and non-judgmental approach to helping the marginalised was unwavering. He was an inspiring and humble man who I always enjoyed meeting. He was a proud Cork man who never lost touch with the home place that nurtured him in his early years. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this time. Tanaiste Simon Harris said Brother Kevin was one of lifes true heroes. A proud Cork man, he made an enormous contribution to assisting vulnerable Dublin people with the foundation of the Capuchin Day Centre, he said. While the centre is well known for its distribution of food parcels to people in need, I visited with Brother Kevin as health minister and know its work went beyond that, providing a range of medical services and family supports. Such was the renown of the centre he created, it was visited by the Pope in 2018. Brother Kevin will never be forgotten for the immense charitable contribution he made to people experiencing poverty and suffering. Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald told the Dail that Brother Kevin was a champion of the poor and his work at the Capuchin Day Centre is the stuff of legend. She said: He lived for others, and he absolutely changed lives. So we will all feel his loss very greatly. Ireland has lost a great son. Indeed, Cork has also lost a true legend. Public Expenditure Minister Jack Chambers responded: I think Ireland has lost a wonderful person, someone who brought incredible care, humility and service to support the most vulnerable in our country, and we thank him for his tireless work, and may he rest in peace and condolences to all of his family. Brother Kevins funeral mass will be held at St Mary of the Angels on Church Street at 11am on Saturday. President Michael D. Higgins unveils a portrait by Colin Davidson at University of Galway. Photo: Andrew Downes, xposure The new Lord Mayor of Belfast has refused to explain why a portrait of the Irish president Michael D Higgins has disappeared from the reception room at City Hall. The lord mayors parlour, used by Tracy Kelly, previously featured both portraits of King Charles and the Irish head of state side by side. But at a council meeting, Sinn Fein said the portrait is no longer there. The party questioned the lord mayor as to where the item has gone. Other councillors have also noticed the missing portrait, the BBC reported. Last week, on June 26, Ms Kelly posted images of her meeting with Orange Order representatives, teenage mothers and the US consulate. Sinn Fein councillor Ryan Murphy asked the lord mayor about the absence of Mr Higgins portrait. When our representatives have been in that position of being the mayor, there were certain things that we never took off the walls, he said. There were certain things we felt were off limits. "And so, when we were offered the royal portrait of the British King Charles [in March 2024], we accepted it, and we put it up. "And we put it up alongside Uachtaran na hEireann [President of Ireland] Michael D Higgins, and we marked it with a small event in the mayor's office. "It's concerning that we have seen in recent weeks that that portrait is no longer there, and we would just ask where is that portrait? And what kind of message does it send out to people in this city who hold the president of Ireland in high regard?" The lord mayor thanked Mr Murphy for bringing up his concerns, and said the issue was noted. However, she refused to comment further. President Michael D. Higgins unveils a portrait by Colin Davidson at University of Galway. Photo: Andrew Downes, xposure News Catchup - July 1st 2025 When questioned about the issue, a council spokesperson said it was a matter for Mrs Kelly. Meanwhile, a DUP spokesperson stated that the decoration of the lord mayors office is not yet complete. There will be further artefacts to be added in the next few weeks, they said. It is not the first time there has been controversy over the lord mayors parlour. In 2011 then Sinn Fein mayor Niall O Donnghaile removed images of then Prince Charles and the Queen Mother. They were replaced with the 1916 proclamation and a portrait of the United Irishmen. Youths serve as bridge for Cambodia-China enhanced friendship, cooperation Xinhua) 13:01, July 02, 2025 PHNOM PENH, July 1 (Xinhua) -- Youths have served and will continue to serve as a key bridge for enhanced friendship, exchanges and cooperation between Cambodia and China, experts and youths said here on Tuesday. They made the remarks during a Cambodian and Chinese youth dialogue on their role in building an all-weather Cambodia-China community with a shared future in a new era, which was organized by the Youth House for Cambodia-China Friendship in Phnom Penh. "Youths are the future of Cambodia-China relations," Sok Piseth, secretary general of the Youth House for Cambodia-China Friendship, told some 50 participants at the dialogue. "Youths really play a very important role in fostering and promoting ties and cooperation between our two countries," he added. Piseth said the dialogue was vital to promote mutual understanding, learning and trust, and gave an opportunity for youths of both countries to explore mutual culture and civilization. Thong Mengdavid, a lecturer at the Institute for International Studies and Public Policy of the Royal University of Phnom Penh, who is a moderator at the dialogue, said youth are one of central pillars of Cambodia-China cooperation, playing a vital role in strengthening long-term bilateral ties. "Investing in young people today means laying a foundation for a more connected and cooperative future," he said. "Promoting mutual understanding through cultural exchange programs, educational partnerships, tourism, and open dialogues allows Cambodian and Chinese youths to appreciate each other's histories, traditions, and contemporary realities," he added. Mengdavid said these engagements not only foster personal connections but also help build trust and empathy between future leaders of both nations. Ky Sereyvath, director-general of the Institute of China Studies, a think tank under the Royal Academy of Cambodia, said Cambodia and China have enjoyed fruitful cooperation in all areas, particularly in the economy, trade, investment, digital technology, education, tourism, culture, and agriculture. "Cooperation in these areas has provided mutual benefit and win-win results for both countries," he said at the event. Try Thyda, a 20-year-old Cambodian student at the Royal University of Phnom Penh, said she would love to be the bridge of friendship between Cambodia and China when she graduates. "I'm very happy with the ties because they have brought benefits in all sectors, from the economy to tourism and agriculture," she told Xinhua after the dialogue. Thyda said she could contribute to advancing Cambodia-China relations in the areas of education and innovation. "I think I can inspire students both Cambodia and China to be more connected with one another," she said. Lu Xuanren, a 19-year-old Chinese student at the Royal University of Phnom Penh, was very optimistic over Cambodia-China ties, saying that the relations will be even stronger in the future. "We will have more connections," he told Xinhua at the event. "We need to strengthen relationship between youths," he said. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) In November 2024, Nikita Hand won her claim against the MMA flighter for damagesLawyers for McGregor dramatically withdrew a bid to introduce new evidence in the appealMcGregor had asked the Court of Appeal new claims that Ms Hand was punched and kicked by her partner just hours after she says she was raped by him in 2018 In November 2024, Nikita Hand, who accused him of raping her, won her claim against him for damages, with McGregor ordered to pay her more than 248,000 (206,000). Lawyers for Conor McGregor dramatically withdrew a bid to introduce new evidence in his civil rape case appeal. Evidence included allegations of domestic abuse made by Samantha O'Reilly and Steven Cummins former neighbours of Ms Hand. The mixed martial arts fighter had asked the Court of Appeal to allow in new claims that Nikita Hand was punched and kicked by her then partner just hours after she says she was raped by McGregor in a Dublin Hotel in 2018. Ms Hands counsel John Gordon said his side was in shock at the late withdrawal of the fresh evidence application. Her counsel John Gordon said his side was in shock at the late withdrawal of the fresh evidence application, saying it was "not appropriate" to dress up the withdrawal of the application in such a way. The barrister said Ms Hand had been put through the wringer after the allegation, which she denounced as lies, was outlined in court and reported in the newspapers. The Irish Independents Fionnan Sheahan is joined by Shane Phelan, Legal Affairs Editor with the Irish Independent, to unpack a busy opening day in Conor McGregor's civil rape appeal. If you'd like to leave a comment (or a tip or a question) about this story with the editors, please email us We also welcome letters to the editor for publication; you can do that by filling out our letters form and submitting it to the newsroom. Public meetings are being scheduled around the state for the Agency of Transportation to receive input during an ongoing review of state Aviation Program policies and standards. A meeting on the William H. Morse Airport in Bennington, above, will be held here on July 23. Police said a motorist attempted to drive his pickup truck over the Woods Pond footbridge in Lenox Dale. He's now facing several charges Quality local journalism needs your support Access this story and all of our stories with 24/7 unlimited access. Subscribe today. Cancel anytime. Subscribe now for 99 Subscriber Sign In | Return Home Advocates for ideas and draws conclusions based on the interpretation of facts and data. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close Foster care is the modern process through which our government cares for children who need a safe and temporary place to live. While orphanages still exist in some parts of the world, in the United States, the foster care system is the primary means of providing care for children in dangerous or unstable homes. Whether you see the system as broken or functioning, it remains the main avenue through which we, as believers, can live out the biblical call to care for orphans. You dont have to travel across the globe to a remote village to find children in need of love, food, clothing, and safety. That same crisis exists here on our own soil. There is an urgent need for caregivers of vulnerable children in our communities. These are children who have been removed from their homes through no fault of their own. I happen to be the adoptive parent of two of them. While the term foster care does not appear in Scripture, the principle is woven through the Bible in words like fatherless and orphan. The heart of God for the vulnerable is consistent and clear. Lets look at a few Bible verses that help us understand Gods view of orphan care and our role as His people. 1. Orphan Care Is a Biblical Mandate Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world (James 1:27). James emphasizes that faith without works is dead. In this specific verse, he defines what God-honoring religion looks like: caring for the most vulnerable. Orphan and widow care is not a peripheral issue to possibly include in service for God, it is foundational. This means Christians cannot stand at a distance and admire orphan care from afar. In some tangible way, we are called to get involved. It might be through fostering, adopting, supporting, or simply showing up for families in crisis. But action is not optional. Consider what you can do in your community to get involved. 2. God Calls His People to Defend the Fatherless Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow's cause (Isaiah 1:17). Isaiah urges God's people to engage in justice, especially for those who cannot advocate for themselves. Children in foster care are among the most vulnerable in our society. They are displaced, often traumatized, and powerless over their circumstances. They need safe adults to intervene on their behalf, to provide not just shelter but advocacy, compassion, and consistency. The justice system may not always reflect God's justice, but the people of God can step in to reflect His heart and offer hope. 3. Adoption Is a Picture of the Gospel For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, Abba! Father! (Romans 8:15). This verse speaks of spiritual adoption through Christ for salvation. This adoption brings us into Gods family. But it also reveals something profound about God's nature: He adopts. Our earthly adoption of children reflects this heavenly reality. Just as we were once lost, separated, and without hope, children in foster care often experience great loss, separation, and grief. When they are adopted, they are given a new name, a new home, and a new identity, just like we are in Christ. Earthly adoption is not perfect, but it reflects the deep, redemptive heart of God. 4. Orphan Care Requires Intentionality Even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will (Ephesians 1:4-5). God did not adopt us by accident. He chose us, pursued us, and brought us into His family on purpose. Likewise, caring for the fatherless is not something that happens by chance. It requires intentional effort. Whether that means opening your home, mentoring a vulnerable child, supporting foster parents, or giving to local organizations, God calls us to move toward the need. When we understand that we were once spiritual orphans, we begin to see every vulnerable child as someone made in the image of God, in need of Gods love and stability. 5. Defending Orphans Is a Command, Not a Debate Give justice to the weak and the fatherless; maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute (Psalm 82:3). Some issues in the Christian life are gray areas. This is not one of them. Gods Word consistently commands us to care for the fatherless, not as a suggestion, but as a responsibility. To give justice here means to act on their behalf, to ensure they are seen, protected, and treated with dignity. It is a call to step in and speak up, even when it costs us. 6. Speak Up for Those Who Cannot Speak for Themselves Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute (Proverbs 31:8). Imagine a childs fear, being removed from their home, placed into a strangers care, without understanding why or what will happen next. This is not a hypothetical; it is the reality for thousands of children in foster care. Do a quick google search of your county alone. You might be shocked at how many children are in foster care right in your own community. Christians are uniquely positioned to be advocates, to be the voice for children who cannot speak up for themselves. Not everyone is called to be a foster parent, but everyone can do something. Some can provide meals. Others can volunteer or donate supplies. All can pray. All of us can listen, learn, and speak into situations with boldness, defending those who cannot speak up for themselves. 7. Gods Heart Is for the Fatherless Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in his holy habitation. God settles the solitary in a home; he leads out the prisoners to prosperity, but the rebellious dwell in a parched land (Psalm 68:5-6). God does not just ask us to care for the fatherless. He shows us how. He is the ultimate Father to those without one. Every time a Christian family welcomes a child into their home, they are partnering with Gods heart and Gods work. We cannot all be the father, but we can all point to the One true Father of all. We can be the hands and feet of Jesus in a childs darkest hour. When we are close to the heart of God, we will be moved by what moves Him. Caring for children in foster care is not only a social issue, it is a deeply spiritual one. The church has a mandate and mission to care for orphans and vulnerable children. Whether through fostering, adopting, advocating, supporting, or praying, every believer can play a role in this redemptive work. It is not easy. But it is holy work. And it reflects the very heart of God. And the King will answer them, Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me (Matthew 25:40). Photo credit: Getty Images/Nastco Micah Maddox is a wife, mama, friend, Bible teacher, and author of a James: Tired, Tested, Torn, and Full of Faith. You can find encouraging resources FREE HERE! Micah is passionate about helping women learn what it truly means to daily walk with Jesus. She is on the Proverbs 31 Ministries First 5 Writing Team and writes for Encouragement From Women. Her main ministry is at home with her husband, Rob, who leads worship at Clear Springs Baptist Church in East Tennessee, and with her five children, some by birth, and some by adoption. Micah's heart for her local church is what fuels her desire to keep writing, teaching, and serving. Micah loves to give a voice to hurting hearts and writes and speaks to the one who needs encouragement. You can connect with her on Instagram or micahmaddox.com. Jesus hardly ever taught without telling a story. We call them parables, and Christ used them along with his direct teaching. All these things Jesus spoke to the multitude in parables; and without a parable He did not speak to them, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying: I will open My mouth in parables; I will utter things kept secret from the foundation of the world (Matthew 13:34-35). Christ told stories for a reason: to expose deep, complex, and eternal truths through simple, relatable parables. The truths were so deep, people often didnt understand them, even Jesus closest disciples. When we approach the parables with the Spirit (Jesus guidance), we find amazing, heavenly lessons. Jesus used common items and types of people to tell these stories a woman lost a coin, a merchant wanted a pearl, a shepherd lost one of his sheep. When we look at the Parable of Lazarus and the Rich Man, the story has fantastical elements about the afterlife. Did Jesus use literal elements in this parable like the others? How literally can we take this parable? Where Can We Find the Parable of Lazarus and the Rich Man? In Luke 16:19-31, Jesus tells this parable to a group that included his disciples and the Pharisees. Just before Jesus tells the story, the Pharisees had mocked his teachings about money and the Kingdom of God. Christ had been instructing how no one can serve both God and money, directly challenging the Jewish leaders idea that wealth meant Gods favor and blessing. However, Jesus pointed out the deeper sin of greed. The parable describes two different men. A rich man lives in luxury. Outside the gates of his house lay a poor man (named Lazarus). Lazarus is covered in sores, and he only wants to eat scraps from the rich mans table. Jesus gives disturbing details, like dogs licking Lazaruss wounds, highlighting the mans unclean suffering. When both men die, the afterlife tells a different story. Angels carry Lazarus to Abrahams side or bosom. The rich man ends up in a painful version of Hades. The rich man sees Lazarus far away, a gap between them, and he begs Lazarus for a drop of water, any relief from the heat and agony. But Abraham points out how the rich man got good things in his earthly life, while Lazarus suffered. Their fates are now opposite, and fixed. No relief is available. The story takes a profound turn. The rich man begs for Lazarus to warn his brothers. Abraham says that the rich mans family already has Moses and the Prophets (the Old Testament) as truth to believe and change. If they wont regard the Old Testament, then they wont listen to someone rising from the dead to get them to repent. The parable confronts the Jewish leaders and their love of wealth. At the same time, since they felt money and luxury was a sign of Gods favor, poverty and sickness meant sin and a curse, keeping them from showing a poor man mercy. Jesus uses his story to reveal how God sees the heart. It implies that God holds the wealthy accountable to be generous and see the less fortunate as worthy of their time and effort. As Jesus ministered among the marginalized, he calls for the Pharisees and others to repent in light of eternal judgment for how people treat one another. What Were the Old Testament Views of the Afterlife? Jesus uses common ideas about the afterlife in this parable. The Old Testament uses the word Sheol for the realm of the dead. This dark, underground place held all the dead, righteous and wicked, after death (Genesis 37:35, Job 7:9). Sheol was seen as a place of silence, forgetfulness like sleep, and darkness. No praise of God could be heard there (Psalm 6:5). In some ways, Sheol didnt mean punishment, but it did separate the living from the dead and the joy of God. While not our modern idea of hell, sometimes Sheol would seem negative, especially when called a pit, associated with a form of destruction (Psalm 30:3, Isaiah 31:18). The Old Testament described the wicked going down to the pit, implying dishonor and judgment. At the same time, a more blessed afterlife was called being gathered to ones fathers (Genesis 25:8, 49:33), suggesting peace and rest in a community of faithful ancestors. The later prophets started developing a more distinct afterlife. Isaiah and Daniel introduced a later resurrection of the dead, a blessed thing (Isaiah 26:19, Daniel 12:2). The dead in sleep would rise to an eternal reward or shame. The resurrected righteous would live in a new, restored, and immortal Jerusalem (Isaiah 65:17-25). The wicked would go to Gehenna, once a place of idolatry and child sacrifices, symbolizing eternal punishment. Is the Parable of Lazarus and the Rich Man Literal or Figurative? While we may not be as familiar with the Old Testament worldview around the afterlife, Jesus certainly was. Like his other stories, the Parable of Lazarus and the Rich Man was a fictional narrative used to express spiritual truth. The characters symbolize different elements to challenge the Jews of Jesus day. We might interpret the parable figuratively, but the imagery aligns with the Old Testament concepts of the afterlife, especially the later prophetic ideas of conscious punishment and blessings for people after death. The Jews of Jesus day had further developed these ideas, as well. In the parable, Lazarus and the rich man live in different places, with a wide and impassable gap between them. The rich man suffered torment for his lack of mercy while alive. While Hades originates with Greek mythology, here Jesus describes it much like the negative images of the pit while combining elements of the burning of Gehenna, a common term for a tormented afterlife. The rich man languishes in a place of despair and separation. Lazarus had traded his earthly suffering for comfort in Abrahams bosom, clearly referencing the Old Testament idea of being gathered to the fathers, a peaceful rest for the righteous and faithful. The parable doesnt mention Lazarus righteousness, but its suggested with where he ends up. Context matters, and Jesus primary point was moral, to show kindness and mercy to the poor and sick, a central theme of Christs ministry. Jesus wasnt explicitly teaching about what hell and heaven would look like. Further, Jesus adds a powerful statement at the end of the parable. Abraham states how if people wont listen to the truth of Moses, then they wouldnt heed the truth told by a man who rose from the dead. Of course, Jesus would be that very man in the future. And we see the rejection of his resurrection and the Gospel by the Jews, in the Jerusalem council, and as Paul engaged synagogues all around the empire. The Parable of Lazarus and the Rich Man wasnt meant to be taken literally, although Jesus rooted it in Old Testament theology enough to give it an air of reality. The point, however, was for people to repent and care for the needy, because eternity would be judged by these things. Jesus taught something similar in Matthew 25:31-45, dividing the righteous and wicked (sheep and goats) with how they treated the poor and marginalized. How Did Lukes Gospel Highlight the Poor? It makes sense that Lukes gospel would have the Parable of Lazarus and the Rich Man. Lukes gospel emphasizes generosity to the poor more than the other three. Matthew, Mark, and John all mention care for the needy in teaching and narrative, but Luke gives even more special attention to the poor and the outcast. From the beginning, Luke presents Jesus as the one who fulfills prophecy, quoting from Isaiah 61. The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me to preach good news to the poor (Luke 4:18-19). While we can include our spiritual lack, reading through Lukes writings, Jesus primarily means the financially poor. Luke includes other parables along the same theme as the Parable of Lazarus and the Rich Man. The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) takes personal responsibility and shows mercy to a wounded man, a stranger, showing real love for a neighbor. Only Luke tells the story of Zacchaeus, a rich tax collector who sees Jesus and repents, giving half his possessions to the poor (Luke 19:1-10). The Beatitudes in Luke 6:20-26 differ from Matthews version. Luke writes Jesus saying, Blessed are you who are poor, while Matthews says, Blessed are the poor in spirit. Like James says the poor are rich in faith (James 2:5), Lukes gospel teaches how financial poverty will be reversed in Gods Kingdom, where the Lord will lift the lowly and bring down the proud and wealthy. Marys song praises God for this (Luke 1:46-55). Luke, a doctor, conducted thorough research for his gospel. In his introduction, he writes how he carefully investigated everything from the beginning to provide an orderly account (Luke 1:1-4). Luke became a regular ministry companion of Paul, and Luke would have learned doctrine from the apostle while being able to gather primary accounts. Paul also focused on generosity to the poor in his church planting efforts (Galatians 2:10). Lukes gospel truly champions the poor, calling Jesus disciples to a generous and compassionate life toward the marginalized, also a major theme in the New Testament. What Does the Parable of Lazarus and the Rich Man Mean for Us Today? First, the story places our earthly life in context of a real afterlife. How we treat others, primarily those less fortunate, will resound in eternity, whether one of comfort or judgment. Jesus reveals only two possible outcomes. This is consistent with his other teachings, where he says the righteous will be resurrected to eternal life and the wicked to judgement (John 5:29). For us today, we must remember we live in the moment, but our actions have eternal consequences. We must use our resources to love others, especially those in need. Second, the parable calls us to care for the sick and the poor. Generosity and compassion arent optional for us. Its easy for us to live with blinders on, not seeing the needs around us. We must learn to be intentional, to notice and bring relief and empowerment to others. When we do so, we reflect the coming Kingdom, both here and in the future, where poverty and injustice cant happen. Acts of service bless others and preach the Gospel, revealing how God loves all people and seeks to heal and give. Finally, Jesus promises that by participating in these Kingdom principles, God will reward us. Jesus tells us in Luke 14:13-14 to invite the poor, the crippled, and the blind to our parties. You will be blessed for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous. The Kingdom of God operates by different rules and values than the ones of this world. As a pastor friend once told me, generosity is the currency of heaven. We get more when we give. Hoarding makes us spiritually and eternally poor. Peace. Photo credit: Getty Images/Romolo Tavani Britt Mooney lives and tells great stories. As an author of fiction and non-fiction, he is passionate about teaching ministries and nonprofits the power of storytelling to inspire and spread truth. Mooney has a podcast called Kingdom Over Coffee and is a published author of We Were Reborn for This: The Jesus Model for Living Heaven on Earth as well as Say Yes: How God-Sized Dreams Take Flight. Republic of Kazakhstan and Government of Telangana explore business collaboration in healthcare July 02, 2025 | Wednesday | News Apollo to establish medical education institution and hospital in Kazakhstan image credit- shutterstock In a significant step towards deepening economic and cultural ties, the Deputy Chief Minister of Telangana, Batti Vikramarka Mallu, and Dr Nawab Mir Nasir Ali Khan, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Hyderabad for Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, met at the Deputy CM's official residence, to explore collaborative opportunities between the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Government of Telangana. The high-level meeting focused on expanding bilateral trade, healthcare, education, and connectivity. Dr Khan apprised the Deputy Chief Minister of the recent MoU between Hyderabad-based MSN Laboratories and Kazakh Invest for establishing a pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in Kazakhstan, a milestone in Indo-Kazakh cooperation. Another key highlight was the discussion on proposed direct flight services between Hyderabad and Almaty, Kazakhstan, which are currently under consideration. In the healthcare and education sectors, Dr Khan mentioned ongoing discussions with Dr Srinivas Rao, CEO of Apollo Hospitals Group, to establish a medical education institution and a world-class hospital in Kazakhstan. Impressed by the growing ties and potential, the Honble Deputy Chief Minister extended the Government of Telanganas full support to all such initiatives. He also accepted Dr Khans formal invitation to visit Kazakhstan. Africa-Asia Intercontinental Cold Chain Summit 2026 to build supply chain of future July 02, 2025 | Wednesday | News | By Bhagwati Prasad A formidable bridge between governments, industry, academia, social bodies and financial institutions The Africa-Asia Intercontinental Cold Chain Summit 2026 is set to be a landmark gathering that will bring together global stakeholders to deliberate and forge a shared vision for resilient, inclusive and sustainable cold chain systems across Africa and Asia. Scheduled in April at Kigali, Rwanda, the Summit will convene over 500 senior delegates from more than 30 countries, representing governments, international organizations, private industry, academia and international development agencies. This pioneering Summit is being co-hosted by two leading institutions: NAB-CCM (National Accreditation Body for Cold Chain Management) and FIRAT (Foresight Institute of Research and Development). NAB-CCM is a prominent body driving cold chain standardization, accreditation and capacity-building across sectors including agri-food and healthcare. FIRAT, on the other hand, is a future-focused think tank and implementation institute that specializes in research, policy innovation and sustainable development initiatives across Africa. Together, these two organizations are facilitating a transcontinental platform that aims to address critical cold chain gaps through collaborative action, technology transfer and institutional partnerships. A major outcome of the Summit will be the formal launch of the Africa-Asia Cold Chain Alliance to strengthen Cold Chain Community, a permanent platform for joint action, knowledge exchange, and coordinated investments. This Alliance will serve as a bridge between governments, industry, academia, social bodies and financial institutions committed to building cold chain systems that are context-sensitive, cost-effective and climate-smart. Another important milestone of the Summit will be the adoption of the Kigali Declaration on Transcontinental Cold Chain Cooperation, symbolizing a united commitment to accelerating progress through partnership. Additionally, a strategic document titled the Africa-Asia Cold Chain Roadmap (20262030) will be unveiled, outlining a clear framework for infrastructure development, capacity enhancement, innovation scaling and investment mobilisation over the next five years. The Summit is aiming to signing of at least ten formal partnership agreements and memorandums of understanding, alongside the announcement of several cold chain pilot projects and investment commitments across both continents. A comprehensive post-event proceedings report will be published, capturing key innovations, regional case studies and policy insights for global dissemination. This transformative event will bring together representatives from ministries of health, agriculture, trade and environment; multilateral bodies such as FAO, WHO, AfDB, ADB, and UN agencies; private sector leaders in logistics, agribusiness, pharma and refrigeration; academic and research institutions; standards agencies; and investment partners. By acting as a catalyst for innovation, coordination and investment, the Africa-Asia Intercontinental Cold Chain Summit 2026 represents a vital step toward building the supply chains of the futureresilient, equitable and capable of serving billions across two continents. Cold chainsthe systems used to store and transport temperature-sensitive goodsare essential. Whether ensuring safe delivery of vaccines or preserving agricultural produce, cold chain infrastructure is key to strengthening food systems, public health, and climate resilience. However, large parts of Africa and Asia continue to face infrastructure deficits, high energy costs, inconsistent regulatory environments and limited rural connectivity, making cold chain development both a challenge and an urgent priority. The Africa-Asia Cold Chain Summit 2026 is being launched at a time when cross-border collaboration is crucial. Through a mix of high-level panels, expert dialogues, and bilateral meetings, the event will focus on strengthening policy and regulatory coherence, advancing innovative cold chain technologies, improving last-mile healthcare logistics and unlocking innovative business models and financial instruments to scale up infrastructure. These efforts are especially important in the face of global food insecurity, emerging health crises and increasing climate volatility. Bhagwati Prasad Borsa Italiana non ha responsabilita per il contenuto del sito a cui sta per accedere e non ha responsabilita per le informazioni contenute. Accedendo a questo link, Borsa Italiana non intende sollecitare acquisti o offerte in alcun paese da parte di nessuno. Sarai automaticamente diretto al link in cinque secondi. State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington Washington D.C. 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Advertisement British borrowing costs rose and the pound fell as the weekly question-and-answer session unfolded on TV, with market analysts saying the moves reflected fears that Reeves would be replaced, throwing the government into further turmoil. Asked about Reeves, a Treasury spokesperson said: "It's a personal matter, which as you would expect we are not going to get into." Starmer's press secretary told reporters: "The chancellor is going nowhere, she has the prime minister's full backing." The pressure on Reeves comes after the British government managed to pass its welfare reform bill, but only after it removed measures that would have led to savings in the long run. Advertisement Reeves has repeatedly emphasised her commitment to self-imposed fiscal rules, limiting the amount Britain will borrow to try to build the confidence of investors. But that ambition collided with Labour members of parliament who were opposed to the scale of the cuts to welfare, and who said Reeves was being cruel in pushing for billions of pounds of savings from some of the most vulnerable people in society. Opposition politicians and economists said the decision to sharply scale back the welfare reforms meant the government would have to raise taxes or cut spending elsewhere to balance the public finances in the annual budget later this year. Looking miserable One Labour member of parliament, who asked not to be named, said Reeves was upset after an argument with the House of Commons speaker Lindsay Hoyle. A spokesperson for Hoyle declined to comment. Advertisement The opposition Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch singled out Reeves during the weekly set-piece parliamentary session, in which lawmakers put questions to the prime minister in often-raucous exchanges, saying: "She's pointing at me, she looks absolutely miserable." Reeves animatedly gestured back. Badenoch said: "She is a human shield for his incompetence. In January, he said that she would be in post until the next election. Will she really?" Starmer then responded that Badenoch would not be in her job by then, but did not explicitly back Reeves. Business Michael O'Leary says Rachel Reeves hasnt a clue... Read More The appearance of Reeves in tears put British government bonds on track for their biggest daily selloff since October 10th, 2022, when financial markets were still reeling from former prime minister Liz Truss's decision to announce big, unfunded tax cuts. The pound fell almost 1 per cent on Wednesday. Starmer's press secretary later said the prime minister had expressed his confidence in Reeves many times and did not need to repeat it every time a political opponent speculated on her position. The Treasury spokesperson said Reeves would be working out of Downing Street on Wednesday afternoon. Asked if Reeves had offered her resignation, Starmer's press secretary said: "no". Last month was the fourth warmest June on record, according to Met Eireann. The highest temperature recorded was 29.6C in Mount Dillon, Co Roscommon on June 20th, which is also the warmest temperature this year. Advertisement Mean temperatures for the month ranged from 13.7 C (1.2 C above its LTA) at Knock Airport, Co Mayo to 15.6 C (1.7 C above its LTA) at Phoenix Park, Co Dublin. The final third of the month has been remarkably hot for Europe, when an intense area of high pressure built over mainland Europe, provoking heatwave conditions to develop over it. While this happened over mainland Europe, Ireland stayed on the cloudier northern edge of the heat dome, which brought some uncomfortably high nighttime temperatures, contributing to the high June temperatures overall. All of the warmest June temperatures have been recorded in the last 20 years, with the other warmest June's in 2023, 2018, 2010 and 2006, with 2023 the warmest in history. Advertisement The average temperature last month was 15.10 C. It was also the wettest June since 2022, and the 24th wettest since 1941. Percentage of monthly rainfall values ranged from 56 per cent, the months lowest monthly rainfall total of 47.0 mm, at Cork Airport, Co Cork to 206 per cent, the months highest monthly rainfall total of 165.0 mm, at Athenry, Co Galway. The highest daily rainfall total was 42.6 mm at Casement Aerodrome, Co Dublin on Saturday June 14th. The number of rain days* ranged from 19 days at both Dublin Airport, and Casement Aerodrome, Co Dublin to 26 days at both Athenry, Co Galway and Claremorris, Co Mayo. Legislation is to be brought forward to stop Gerry Adams receiving compensation over being interred in the 1970s, the Northern Ireland Secretary has confirmed. Hilary Benn said that draft laws to address issues highlighted by the Adams case was forthcoming. Advertisement A Supreme Court judgment in 2020 paved the way for the former Sinn Fein president to secure compensation over his internment without trial in the early 1970s. Mr Adams won his appeal to overturn historical convictions for two attempted prison breaks, after he was interned without trial in 1973 at Long Kesh internment camp, also known as Maze Prison, near Lisburn. The Supreme Court ruled that his detention was unlawful because the interim custody order (ICO) used to initially detain him had not been considered personally by then secretary of state for Northern Ireland Willie Whitelaw. At the time of the case, the previous government contended that the ICOs were lawful because of a long-standing convention, known as the Carltona principle, where officials and junior ministers routinely act in the name of the secretary of state. Advertisement Mr Adams subsequently successfully challenged a decision to deny an application for compensation for his detention. However, the Legacy Act stopped such payouts to Mr Adams and other former internees. The Act retrospectively validated the ICOs to make them lawful and halted civil claims related to the orders. However, in February last year, the High Court in Belfast ruled that the provisions of the Act related to the ICOs were incompatible with the European Convention on Human Rights. Advertisement The Labour government has not appealed that judgment and has tabled a remedial order in Parliament that will repeal various parts of the Legacy Act. The draft laws to be introduced by Mr Benn will aim to give effect the block on payouts to former detainees in a lawful manner. In a question to Mr Benn, Labour MP Chris McDonald asked what steps he is taking to address the issue of interim custody orders that were not signed by his predecessor in relation to Mr Adamss case. Responding in a written answer on June 26th, the Secretary of State said: The main issue here is the application of the Carltona principle in the context of ICOs. Advertisement The previous Governments attempt to address this following the 2020 Supreme Court judgment in Adams has been found by the Northern Ireland courts to be unlawful and we need to find a better way of reaffirming this principle. The Government will therefore legislate to address this issue in forthcoming primary legislation. The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) should examine affidavits making accusations against a woman who sued Conor McGregor, her lawyers have said, after the fighter decided to withdraw them from his appeal. Former hairdresser Nikita Hand (35) successfully sued Mr McGregor in a civil court over an incident in which he was alleged to have brutally raped and battered her in a penthouse at a south Dublin hotel in December 2018. Advertisement During a three-week case at the High Court in Dublin last November, Mr McGregor told the court he had consensual sex with Ms Hand. Nikita Hand, who is also known as Nikita Ni Laimhin, leaving the Court of Appeal in Dublin. Photo: Niall Carson/PA After six hours and 10 minutes of deliberating, the jury of eight women and four men found Mr McGregor civilly liable for assault. Ms Hand, also known as Nikita Ni Laimhin, was awarded 248,603.60 in damages. Her lawyers have said she was disadvantaged by highly disparaging and unfair criticisms in widely published claims Mr McGregor brought as part of his appeal that she did not have a chance to reply to in court before they were withdrawn. Advertisement It related to affidavits from two former neighbours of Ms Hand which said she had been assaulted by her then-partner at around the same time of the incident at the hotel. On Tuesday, Mr McGregors legal team dramatically withdrew that ground of appeal which would have introduced the new evidence into the proceedings saying it would no longer be relying on the material. John Gordon SC, for Ms Hand, said it was frankly not appropriate for the ground to be withdrawn at a late basis. He said his client, who had denied accusations within the affidavits, had been put through the wringer yet again. Advertisement On Wednesday, Mr Gordon raised the matters again and asked the Court of Appeal to use its jurisdiction to refer matters to the DPP. He said the application on the affidavits had been made some months ago and the material the proposed witnesses were due to raise had been published widely. He said the court was aware of the scale of the accusations made against his client, which he said were a series of highly disparaging and unfair criticisms including that she had been lying. Mr Gordon said the application to introduce the witnesses was not just to produce further evidence, but also to undermine my clients reputation. Advertisement He said Ms Hand had described what was alleged as lies in her responding affidavit and that she should have been entitled for her opportunity to call this out in court. He said his client had been disadvantaged by the application. Mr Gordon also said it amounted to discontinuation of part of the appeal and asked the court to add terms of the payment of costs to Ms Hands side. Mark Mulholland KC, for Mr McGregor, said that withdrawing the application did not amount to a discontinuation of proceedings and if Mr Gordon believed that a criminal investigation was necessary, it should be dealt with in that forum rather than the court. Advertisement Speaking before Mr Gordon dealt substantively with the issue on Wednesday, Mr Mulholland said it was an attempt to get the matter on the record for the media, adding that this would be wholly inappropriate. He said costs relating to this specific part of the appeal should be adjudicated within the final determination. He said he had no further comment to make on whether the matters should be referred to the DPP. The judges expressed concern that dealing with the materials relating to the affidavits created a risk of prejudicing any potential criminal prosecution. Meanwhile, the appeal, which has yet to be decided, had proceeded on other grounds largely relating to the circumstances under which his no comment answers to gardai were allowed to enter the trial. Remy Farrell, SC, also for Mr McGregor, said on Tuesday that an enormous amount of no comment material had been entered into the hearings to no actual proper end. He said this occurred under cross-examination by Mr Gordon and was based on an entirely incorrect paraphrasing of what the appellant had actually said. Ireland Conor McGregor continues appeal without fresh evid... Read More Mr Farrell said his client had made a comment about wanting to seek the best advice from his solicitors and accused Ms Hands side of incorrectly interpreting the same comments as a suggestion that McGregor had sought to present himself as someone who was being fully co-operative with gardai. Ray Boland SC, for Ms Hand, said it was clear from a holistic consideration of McGregors evidence that he was putting forward that he wanted to be as co-operative as possible with the investigation. He said it was appropriate for the line of questioning on the no-comment answers to be admissible. A pensioner who was caught in a sting operation by an online group after he sent sexually explicit images and had sexualised conversations with what he believed were 11- to 12-year-old girls has been jailed for two years. Cork Circuit Criminal Court heard that Patrick (Pat) Linehan, previously of Comeragh Park, the Glen, Cork city, initially described his interactions with what he thought were very young girls as harmless fun. Advertisement Mr Linehan previously pleaded guilty to using technology to interact with children for sexual exploitation. He also admitted arranging to meet a child for the purpose of sexual assault. Det Garda Brendan Murray said that gardai were called to the home of Mr Linehan on July 8th, 2023. The 70-year-old had been approached by members of an organisation called Child Online Protection Enforcers. Det Garda Murray said that individuals in the group had set up fake decoy profiles where they posed as children. Mr Linehan went as far to try and arrange to meet up with what he thought was a twelve-year-old girl for a kiss and a cuddle and to make love in the back seat of a car in the country. Det Garda Murray said that when gardai arrived at the home of Mr Linehan, a member of the enforcers group handed them two USB storage devices. The devices contained sexualised conversations between the accused and adults pretending to be two girls, aged 11 and 12 years. Det Garda Murray said that the accused acknowledged sending images and videos to one of the girls. However, he denied that the videos were obscene in nature. Advertisement He also stated that she had asked to meet with him a few times, but he had never met up with her. "In the initial conversations with each of the profiles, Pat Linehan is informed he is communicating with children, and their ages are discussed on a number of occasions throughout the message threads. Mr Linehan told the persons posing as young girls that he was 13 years old. But he subsequently sent images of a sexual nature of himself. He then admitted that he was in his sixties. Det Garda Murray said that Mr Linehan engaged in sexual conversations with both profile users and detailed in graphic detail the sexual acts he would like to perform on one of the girls. Advertisement He asks if they would perform sexual acts on him, to which they reply, questioning if they're allowed to do that, given their ages, Pat Linehan suggests nobody would know, that it would be a secret. He sent images of his penis to both girls, and he sent videos of a sexual nature to the profile of the 11 year old girl. The message thread to both girls began on June 19th, 2023, and continued for a number of weeks, concluding on July 8th 2023. Defence counsel Ronan Barnes, BL, said that his client had an exemplary work record. Mr Linehan was employed for Cork County Council for over thirty years. He added that Mr Linehan cooperated with gardai and pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity. Judge Helen Boyle said that Mr Linehan had engaged with adults who were masquerading as children, telling them he was 13 years old before eventually stating he was 64 years old. In fact, he was several years older than that. Advertisement Judge Boyle said that Mr Linehan had gone as far as to try to arrange to meet what he thought was a 12-year-old girl. She described his culpability as high and said that although no injured parties exist in the case, the offences committed by the accused related to intent. In mitigation, Judge Boyle noted that Mr Linehan was without previous convictions and had voluntarily returned from his new home in South Africa to face the case. She also acknowledged that the guilty plea had saved the State the cost of a trial. Judge Boyle jailed Mr Linehan for 3.5 years. She suspended the final 18 months of the sentence with the condition that he return to South Africa within two weeks of finishing his prison sentence. If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, you can call the national 24-hour Rape Crisis Helpline at 1800-77 8888, access text service and webchat options at drcc.ie/services/helpline/ or visit Rape Crisis Help. Adults who were adopted from outside of Ireland as children can often feel isolated and may face discrimination, a study has found. A report by the Adoption Authority of Ireland (AAI) found that adoptees experience the most challenges about their identity during adolescence. Advertisement The report, titled The Lived Experience of Intercountry Adopted Adults in Ireland, found there was a need for more prolonged post-adoption support for adoptive parents, and targeted supports for teenagers to help them navigate the challenge of adoptive identity development. While some of these supports are already provided by Barnardos, many participants in the study were not aware of their existence, highlighting an opportunity for increased communication and promotion of such services to the people who need them. Since 1991, 5,000 children have been adopted into the country, but this number started to decline in 2010 when the Adoption Act was introduced. Minister for Children Norma Foley told Newstalk that home adoption has not replaced intercountry adoption, and foster systems remain the norm. Advertisement "More than 87 per cent of children in State care in this country are actually in foster care, which is a very high percentage, but I think its important that we look at all opportunities for children," Ms Foley said. "For some the best place for them and what meets their needs is adoption, for others its foster care so we would have a suite of measures and supports." Orlaith Traynor, the Chair of the AAI, highlighted the study's significance. "Adoption is an intervention in a childs life which has lifelong consequences. Todays launch highlights the experiences of a small sample of intercountry-adopted people. Ireland has a responsibility to support its 5000-strong intercountry adopted population as they move through the lifespan, and I look forward to working with the Department of Children, Equality and Disability to progress the development of policies and services in this area." Advertisement Dr Judy Lovett, research officer with the AAI and author of the report, said: "Thanks to the time and effort of these participants, their generosity and enthusiasm in engaging with the research process, we now know more about the lived experience of intercountry adoption in Ireland. This will help us to contribute to the global knowledge base about this under-researched area". Brother Kevin Crowley, who retired from the Capuchin Day Centre in Dublin in August 2022, has died at the age of 90. The founder of the Capuchin Day Centre in Dublin and Enniskeane, Co Cork native, Brother Kevin, returned to his native county following his retirement from the centre, which he founded 56 years ago. Advertisement Brother Kevin died peacefully shortly after 10am on Wednesday morning at the Holy Trinity on Fr Matthew Quay in Cork city. He founded the Capuchin Day Centre, located on Bow Street in Dublin, in 1969 and has become synonymous with helping the poor of Dublin city down through the decades. His last day at the centre was August 19th, 2022, and he then moved back to his native Cork. In 2018, Pope Francis paid a visit to the centre, which provides food and shelter to an average of 800 people every day. He met Brother Kevin as well as people who use their essential services there. Advertisement President Michael D Higgins led tributes to Brother Kevin, saying he made an invaluable contribution to the people of Dublin city, callingd him a warm, caring, yet fearless man. The hot meals, food parcels, clothing, showers, family services, and medical and dental services have not just extended care of the most vulnerable, but has been exemplary in showing a fundamental respect for the dignity of each person and allowed so many of those who have availed of the services to rebuild their lives, he said. It was extremely appropriate that Pope Francis visited Brother Kevin and the Capuchin Day Centre during his visit to Ireland in 2018 and met with those present and volunteers. Brother Kevin Crowley and President Michael D Higgins pictured together in 2016. Photo: Collins I was deeply honoured to meet with Brother Kevin on many occasions throughout the years and to share in his company," the President continued. Advertisement Brother Kevin was a warm, caring, yet fearless man, who dedicated his life to living his Christian faith in dedication to those most in need. Taoiseach Micheal Martin also paid tribute to his "good friend" Brother Kevin, saying he was "deeply saddened" to learn of his passing. Brother Kevin was a tireless and passionate advocate for justice, dedicating his life to helping those in need. In 1969, he founded the Capuchin Day Centre, where he worked selflessly and with good humour for 53 years, providing help to vulnerable people. He truly lived the gospel," Mr Martin said. His compassion, devotion and non-judgmental approach to helping the marginalised was unwavering. He was an inspiring and humble man who I always enjoyed meeting. He was a proud Cork man who never lost touch with the home place that nurtured him in his early years." Advertisement Tanaiste Simon Harris said Brother Kevin was one of lifes true heroes. A proud Cork man, he made an enormous contribution to assisting vulnerable Dublin people with the foundation of the Capuchin Day Centre, he said. While the centre is well known for its distribution of food parcels to people in need, I visited with Brother Kevin as health minister and know its work went beyond that, providing a range of medical services and family supports. Brother Kevin will never be forgotten for the immense charitable contribution he made to people experiencing poverty and suffering. Advertisement Close friend, former Lord Mayor of Dublin and North Inner City Independent councillor, Christy Burke, also paid tribute to Brother Kevin. It was a pleasure to bestow the Freedom of the City on Brother Kevin in 2015. He helped thousands of people who were homeless over the years. My sincere condolences to his family and friends. His legacy will live on forever, Cllr Burke said. He continued: For decades, Brother Kevin was a beacon of compassion and dignity for those experiencing homelessness in Dublin. He gave his life to serving others, always with kindness, humility and quiet strength. To so many, he was nothing less than a living saint. When I last visited him in Cork, he spoke with deep affection about the people he had served and the incredible generosity he witnessed over the past 50 years. He never sought recognition, but he inspired countless others through his example. Today, I mourn not only a remarkable man, but a close and cherished friend. His presence will be missed dearly, but his spirit will live on in the hearts of those he helped and those who loved him. Suaimhneas siorai da anam, a Bhrathair Caoimhin, beidh gra agat i gconai ag muintir Bhaile Atha Cliath. Beidh do mhuintir inar gcuid paidreacha inniu." In 2018, the Cork man was presented with the fourth Oireachtas Human Dignity Award by the then Ceann Comhairle of Leinster House, Sean O Fearghail TD, for his tireless work with the homeless and those in need. Additional reporting: PA A serving Irish soldier has been bailed for sentencing after he admitted delivering one punch to a man who fell to the ground and hit his head, leaving him with a traumatic brain injury. Father of three Alan Costello (37), of Shantraud Woods, Killaloe, Co Clare, told gardai he was sorry and ashamed of his behaviour on the night, Limerick Circuit Criminal Court heard. Advertisement Mr Costello, who has served almost 20 years in the Defence Forces, pleaded guilty to one count of affray, during which he punched the late Timmy Cosgrave (51), during a row in February 2022. Mr Cosgrave, a father of one from Annacotty, Co Limerick, who ran his own haulage firm, died following an unrelated illness in Tenerife almost two years later, on January 10th, 2024. The court heard that the two men got into a heated row at the Chicken Hut fast-food restaurant, Limerick City, after Mr Cosgrave appeared to have skipped past Mr Costello in a queue for food inside the premises, in the early hours of February 20th, 2022. Mr Cosgrave, who was intoxicated, beckoned Mr Costello to meet him outside the premises, and after both men went outside, Mr Costello punched Mr Cosgrave and he fell backwards, striking the back of his head off the ground, the court heard. Advertisement Prosecuting barrister, John OSullivan said: It is the Prosecutions case that Alan Costello administered one punch to Mr Cosgrave. Following his arrest almost a month later on March 13th, 2022, Mr Costello told gardai he had not been aware Mr Cosgrave had sustained a serious brain injury in the incident. Mr Costello told gardai that after punching Mr Cosgrave, he walked back to the scene to check on him, but he could not find him there, and so he left. Sergeant Cathal OSullivan, Limerick, played CCTV from inside and outside the Chicken Hut, which he said showed the two men squaring up to one another before Mr Costello removed his coat and punched Mr Cosgrave. Advertisement Although the actual punch was not captured on CCTV Sgt OSullivan said gardai were satisfied it was one blow. Gardai said they found Mr Cosgrave in an intoxicated and incoherent state, and he was bleeding from his head, having earlier lost consciousness at the scene. Mr Cosgrave was transferred from the scene by ambulance to University Hospital Limerick, where he was diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury consistent with the events of the night. He had sustained haemorrhages, contusions, and fractures of his left temple. Advertisement His condition deteriorated, and after he began suffering seizures, he was treated in the Intensive Care Unit and high Dependency Unit at UHL, where he was an inpatient for almost a month. Mr Cosgrave was eventually transferred from UHL to the National Rehabilitation Hospital, Dublin, where he was an inpatient from August 29th until October 14th, 2022. Mr Cosgrave underwent a battery of occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, and physiotherapy after suffering difficulties with language skills and swallowing. He suffered reduced strength and sensation in his limbs, persistent and significant fatigue, as well as emotional difficulties linked to his brain injury. Mr Cosgraves family told the court that Mr Costello took away Timmys independence when he punched him, as well as his passion for trucks and his haulage company, which he had established in 2015, which were his pride and joy. Advertisement Mr Cosgraves family said after Mr Cosgrave was devastated after doctors told him in 2023 he could no longer drive, nor perform mechanical checks on his fleet of trucks, after he developed epilepsy, and lost strength in his arms. It affected him mentally and physically. It was a huge disruption to his business and everyday life. Timmy was a proud family man, animal lover and hard worker, but after the incident, he was a different man, he became a distant person, he changed dramatically, they said. Mr Costellos barrister, Yvonne Quinn, told the court Mr Costello had no previous convictions, that he did not target Mr Cosgrave on the night, nor did he instigate the row with Mr Cosgrave. Sergeant OSullivan agreed that Mr Costello was deeply ashamed and genuinely remorseful, that he fully co-operated with the garda investigation, and that he did not have a history of violence. Ms Quinn asked the court to take into consideration the definition of affray whereby, she said, two or more persons use or threaten to use violence, and in that, Mr Cosgrave was the other party on the night. Yes, the accused had a choice, and yes, he should have walked away - he was wrong. In the moment Mr Costello should have exercised more restraint, he knows that now. Ms Quinn provided the court with a letter of apology penned by Mr Costello to Mr Cosgraves family. Judge Colin Daly said he would pass sentence on October 9th. When asked for comment, a spokesperson for the Irish Defence Forces replied: The Defence Forces do not comment on individual cases and as this is still before the court, it is inappropriate to comment further. The Government is divided over third-level fees, and the 31 million cocaine haul in Cork makes the front pages of Wednesday's papers. The Irish Times leads with the coalition divided over college fees set to rise by 1,000. The Irish Examiner leads with the cocaine haul in Cork worth 31 million which has seen four people arrested. The Echo leads with a Cork man jailed after he was caught in an online sting operation where he sent sexually explicit photos to 11 and 12 year-old girls. The Irish Independent leads with the cost of food set to continue to rise as consumers are warned days of "cheap food" are over. Advertisement The Irish Daily Mail leads with the Government facing backlash over a surgical hub being placed in Sligo instead of Donegal. Both the Irish Daily Mirror and the Irish Daily Star both lead with Conor McGregor's appeal against his rape conviction, as he dropped a bid to introduce fresh evidence. Europe sizzled in its first major heatwave of the summer on Tuesday, as Barcelona recorded its hottest June in more than a century and the summit of Paris famous Eiffel Tower was closed to visitors. Health warnings remained in effect in several countries. Advertisement The abnormally hot weather is exposing millions of Europeans to high heat stress with temperatures more typical of July and August, said Samantha Burgess of the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts. Barcelonas Fabra Observatory reported an average temperature for last month of 26C, breaking records since the data began in 1914. Italy has also seen soaring temperatures (AP) It said a single-day high of 37.9C for June was recorded on Monday. Barcelona is usually spared the worst heat in Spain, thanks to its location between hills and the Mediterranean. Ramon Pascual, a delegate for Spains weather service in Barcelona, told the Associated Press the very intense heatwave is clearly linked to global warming. Advertisement Mr Pascual said inhabitants of the Mediterranean region are not being helped by the rising sea temperatures, which greatly reduce any cooling effects of a nearby body of water. Spains weather service said recent surface temperatures for the Mediterranean near the Balearic Islands are 5-6C higher than average. Spains national average for June of 23.6Celsius was 0.8C hotter than the previous hottest June in 2017. Madrid was forecast to reach 39C. Advertisement People visit a public pool in Frankfurt, Germany (Michael Probst/AP) Temperatures were forecast to reach 40C in the French capital Paris. National weather agency Meteo-France placed several departments under the highest red alert. More than 1,300 schools were partially or fully closed. Visitors to the Eiffel Tower without tickets were told to postpone their visits as the summit was closed until Thursday for everyones comfort and safety. Climate experts warn that future summers are likely to be hotter than any recorded to date, with temperatures exceeding 40C expected every year by 2100. Italys health ministry said 17 of the countrys 27 major cities were experiencing a heatwave. Advertisement In Florence, where temperatures reached 38C on Tuesday, parts of the city centre experienced a blackout following a surge in electricity demand. Back-up systems restored power, energy company Enel said. Parts of Europe including Switzerland have seen above-average temperatures (AP) Near Bologna, the 46-year-old owner of a construction company collapsed and died while repaving a school car park, state-run RAI reported. An autopsy was being conducted but heat was suspected. In the Dutch town of Soest, first responders said they were bringing a fire hose to an evening water gun fight. Bring your water pistol and swimming clothes with you, because youre guaranteed to get soaked! the firefighters said on social media. Advertisement In Portugal, the weather service in a statement on Monday night confirmed the highest single temperature ever recorded in mainland Portugal for the month of June at 46.6C on June 29 in the town of Mora, west of Lisbon. Firefighters across Turkey tried to contain wildfires that have forced the evacuation of some 50,000 residents for the third consecutive day. Hamas has suggested it is open to a ceasefire agreement with Israel but insisted on its longstanding position that any deal must bring an end to the war in Gaza. The militant group stopped short of accepting a US-backed proposal announced by Donald Trump hours earlier. The US president said on Tuesday that Israel had agreed on terms for a 60-day ceasefire and urged Hamas to accept the deal before conditions worsen. Advertisement He has been increasing pressure on the Israeli government and Hamas to broker a ceasefire and hostage agreement and bring about an end to the war. Mr Trump said the 60-day period would be used to work towards ending the war something Israel says it will not accept until Hamas is defeated. He said a deal might come together as soon as next week. Hamass response raised questions about whether the latest offer could lead to an actual pause in fighting. Hamas official Taher al-Nunu said the militant group was ready and serious regarding reaching an agreement, adding that the group is ready to accept any initiative that clearly leads to the complete end to the war. Advertisement A Hamas delegation is expected to meet Egyptian and Qatari mediators in Cairo on Wednesday to discuss the proposal, according to an Egyptian official. Throughout the nearly 21-month war, ceasefire talks have repeatedly faltered over whether the war should end as part of a deal. Hamas has said it is willing to free the remaining 50 hostages, fewer than half of whom are said to be alive, in exchange for a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and an end to the war. Israel says it will only agree to end the war if Hamas surrenders, disarms and exiles itself, something the group refuses to do. Advertisement An Israeli official said the latest proposal calls for a 60-day deal that would include a partial Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and a surge in humanitarian aid to the territory. The mediators and the US would provide assurances about talks on an end to the war, but Israel is not committing to that as part of the latest proposal, the official said. It was not clear how many hostages would be freed as part of the agreement, but previous proposals have called for the release of about 10. Israel has yet to publicly comment on Mr Trumps announcement. On Monday, he is set to host Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for talks at the White House, days after Ron Dermer, a senior Netanyahu adviser, held discussions with senior US officials about Gaza, Iran and other matters. Advertisement On Tuesday, Trump wrote on social media that Israel had agreed to the necessary conditions to finalize the 60 Day CEASEFIRE, during which time we will work with all parties to end the War. I hope, for the good of the Middle East, that Hamas takes this Deal, because it will not get better IT WILL ONLY GET WORSE. Gazas health ministry said the death toll passed the 57,000 mark on Wednesday, after hospitals received 142 bodies overnight. The ministry does not differentiate between civilians and combatants in its death count, but says that more than half of the dead are women and children. Advertisement Since dawn on Wednesday, Israeli strikes killed a total of 40 people across the Gaza Strip, the ministry said. Hospital officials said four children and seven women were among the dead. The director of the Indonesian Hospital, Dr Marwan Sultan, was killed in an apartment in an Israeli strike west of Gaza City, a hospital statement said. The hospital is the Palestinian enclaves largest medical facility north of Gaza City and has been a critical lifeline since the start of the Israel-Hamas war. Irans president has ordered the country to suspend its co-operation with the International Atomic Energy Agency after US and Israeli air strikes hit its most-important nuclear facilities. The order by Masoud Pezeshkian included no timetable or details but is likely to further limit inspectors ability to track Tehrans programme which had been enriching uranium to near weapons-grade levels. Advertisement Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi signalled in a CBS News interview that Tehran still would be willing to continue negotiations with the United States. I dont think negotiations will restart as quickly as that, Mr Araghchi said, referring to US President Donald Trumps comments that talks could start as early as this week. However, he added: The doors of diplomacy will never slam shut. Iran has limited the UN watchdogs inspections in the past as a pressure tactic in negotiating with the West, although Tehran has denied there are any immediate plans to resume talks with the US which had been upended by the 12-day Iran-Israel war. Iranian state television announced Mr Pezeshkians order, which followed a law passed by Irans parliament to suspend co-operation. The bill had already received the approval of Irans constitutional watchdog, the Guardian Council, on Thursday, and is likely to have the support of the countrys Supreme National Security Council, which Mr Pezeshkian chairs. Advertisement Masoud Pezeshkian (Iranian Presidency Office/AP) The government is mandated to immediately suspend all co-operation with the International Atomic Energy Agency under the Treaty on the Nonproliferation of Nuclear Weapons and its related Safeguards Agreement, state television quoted the bill as saying. This suspension will remain in effect until certain conditions are met, including the guaranteed security of nuclear facilities and scientists. The Vienna-based IAEA has monitored Irans nuclear programme for years. It is not known how Tehran will implement the suspension. Under Irans theocractic government, there is room for the council to implement the bill as it sees fit, which means everything legislators asked for might not be done. Advertisement However, the move stops short of what experts feared the most. They had been concerned that Tehran, in response to the war, could fully end its co-operation with the IAEA, abandon the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty and rush towards creating a bomb. Under the treaty, countries agree not to build or obtain nuclear weapons and allow the IAEA to conduct inspections to verify authorities have correctly declared their programmes. Tehrans 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, negotiated under then US president Barack Obama, allowed Iran to enrich uranium to 3.67% enough to fuel a nuclear power plant, but far below the threshold of 90% needed for weapons-grade uranium. It also drastically reduced Irans stockpile of uranium, limited its use of centrifuges and relied on the IAEA to oversee Tehrans compliance through additional oversight. The IAEA served as the main assessor of Irans commitment to the deal. Advertisement But Mr Trump, in his first term as president in 2018, unilaterally withdrew Washington from the accord, insisting it was not tough enough and did not address Irans missile programme or its support for militant groups in the wider Middle East. Donald Trump (Evan Vucci/AP) That set in motion years of tensions, including attacks at sea and on land. Iran had been enriching up to 60%, a short, technical step away from weapons-grade levels. It also has enough of a stockpile to build multiple nuclear bombs. Iran has long insisted its nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes, but the IAEA, western intelligence agencies and others say Tehran had an organised weapons programme until 2003. Advertisement Israeli air strikes, which began on June 13, decimated the upper ranks of Irans powerful Revolutionary Guard and targeted its arsenal of ballistic missiles. The strikes also hit Irans nuclear sites, which Israel claimed put Tehran within reach of a nuclear weapon. Iran has said the Israeli attacks killed 935 Iranian citizens, including 38 children and 102 women. However, Tehran has a long history of offering lower death counts around unrest over political considerations. The Washington-based Human Rights Activists group, which has provided detailed casualty figures from multiple rounds of unrest in Iran, put the death toll at 1,190 people, including 436 civilians and 435 security force members. The attacks wounded another 4,475 people, the group said. Meanwhile, it appears that Iranian officials are assessing the damage done by the American strikes on the three nuclear sites on June 22, including those at Fordo, a site built under a mountain about 60 miles south west of Tehran. Satellite images from Planet Labs PBC analysed by the Associated Press show Iranian officials at Fordo on Monday apparently examining the damage caused by American bunker-buster bombs. US President Donald Trump said that Israel has agreed on terms for a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza and warned Hamas to accept the deal before conditions worsen. Mr Trump announced the development on Tuesday as he prepares to host Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for talks at the White House next week. Advertisement The US leader has been increasing pressure on the Israeli government and Hamas to broker a ceasefire and hostage agreement and bring about an end to the war in Gaza. My Representatives had a long and productive meeting with the Israelis today on Gaza. Israel has agreed to the necessary conditions to finalize the 60 Day CEASEFIRE, during which time we will work with all parties to end the War, Mr Trump wrote on social media, saying the Qataris and Egyptians would deliver the final proposal. I hope, for the good of the Middle East, that Hamas takes this Deal, because it will not get better IT WILL ONLY GET WORSE. Displaced Palestinians flee Jabalia (Jehad Alshrafi/AP) Israeli minister for strategic affairs Ron Dermer was in Washington on Tuesday for talks with senior administration officials to discuss a potential Gaza ceasefire, Iran and other matters. Advertisement Me Dermer was expected to meet vice president JD Vance, secretary of state Marco Rubio and special envoy Steve Witkoff. The development came as more than 150 international charities and humanitarian groups called for the disbanding of a controversial Israeli and US-backed system to distribute aid in Gaza because of chaos and deadly violence against Palestinians seeking food at its sites. The joint statement by groups including Oxfam, Save the Children and Amnesty International followed the killings of at least 10 Palestinians who were seeking desperately needed food, witnesses and health officials said. Meanwhile, Israeli air strikes killed at least 37 in southern Gazas Khan Younis, according to Nasser Hospital. Advertisement Before Mr Trumps announcement, Israels defence minister, Israel Katz, had warned that his country would respond forcefully to the firing of a missile the military said originated from Yemen. Sirens sounded across parts of Israel, alerting residents to the attack and the launch of two projectiles from Gaza. All were intercepted by Israeli defence systems. The missile launch marked the first attack by the Iran-backed Houthi rebels since the end of the 12-day war initiated by Israel with Iran. Mr Katz said Yemen could face the same fate as Tehran. Qantas Airways passengers are being warned to remain vigilant after criminals hacked into up to six million customer accounts, one of the largest data security breaches in Australia in recent years. The airline has become the latest major company to have been hit by a cyberattack, revealing on Wednesday that hackers have accessed customers personal information from one of its call centres. While Qantas is still investigating how much of their data has been stolen, it warned that it will be significant. Qantas has been the target of a cyber attack. Credit: Bloomberg An initial review of the incident showed the stolen data includes customer names, email addresses, phone numbers and birthdates, as well as frequent flyer numbers, Qantas said in a statement to the ASX on Wednesday. However, no credit card details, personal financial information or passport details were held on the hacked platform, and no frequent flyer accounts were compromised. The system was now contained, the airline said. Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Save articles for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. Got it Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size Sitting up the front of the plane, an Oregon beautician took a selfie while on the 17-hour flight across the North Pacific Ocean to Hong Kong to rendezvous with an Australian billionaire. He better be worth it, Kimberlee Cvitash wrote in a since-deleted Instagram post from May this year. The billionaire in question was Richard White, 70, a musician and former guitar repairer who founded global logistics software giant WiseTech in 1994. Kimberlee Cvitash is romantically linked to WiseTech founder Richard White. Credit: Facebook In the past year, Whites complicated personal life, including multiple relationships with women, including WiseTech employees, has resulted in board upheaval following a number of complaints about inappropriate conduct, a number of which have been settled. Engineer Greg Williams, who met White decades ago while both were members of the Church of Scientology, and before they became band members, observed that the billionaire was insecure on his own and, in recent years, he witnessed White requesting an employee, whom he named, to spend the night with him. Cvitash, whom White flew to Hong Kong to be with him in May, posted a not-so-subtle photo during their stay. The photo of a shopfront read: Billionaire Boys Club the luxury streetwear brand founded by American rapper Pharrell Williams. White is Australias 15th-richest person, with a $10.6 billion fortune. Advertisement Happy Freedom Day from Australia I love my Bexley guitar player, Cvitash posted during a visit to Whites Bexley compound in July last year. An investigation by The Australian Financial Review, The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age can reveal that the controversial businessman is supporting Cvitash, who runs Skin Wise Academy in Portland. The beautician receives a sizable monthly allowance and has told friends that White picked up the $30,000 tab for her breast augmentation surgery and face work. White is also paying the $11,000 monthly rental for Cvitashs four-bedroom lakeside property on the outskirts of Portland. The home in Portland, Oregon, that White rents for Cvitash. Credit: Facebook In February 2024, Cvitash posted a photo of my new little home with the hashtag #welllovedwoman and the flags of Australia and the US linked by a love heart. Whites multitude of property dealings for his paramours have resulted in a flurry of unwelcome publicity over the past year, and a slew of confidential settlements, which have been uncovered as part of ongoing investigations into allegations of inappropriate conduct, intimidation and bullying all of which have been denied by White. In October last year, wellness entrepreneur Linda Rogan claimed White expected her to have sex with him in exchange for an investment in her business. The claims were made as part of a legal stoush in which Rogan sued White over a $92,000 furniture bill. Rogan claimed she was stuck with the bill after Whites now-wife Zena Nasser, a former criminal lawyer, discovered the affair and kicked her rival out of the $13.1 million Vaucluse house White had secretly purchased for Rogan in September 2022. Advertisement White, Nasser and Cvitash did not respond to questions. At the same time Nasser was brutally ending one of Whites property deals, she was embroiling him in a new one with her ex-husband. Questionable loans Mark Merhi, who left Australia in mid-2022 with $80 million in corporate debts owed by his companies, recommended White finance three property developments in western Sydney, including one hed sold to an associate on the cheap before his business collapsed. Richard White has been linked to a number of women, including employees. Credit: Bloomberg After a joint investigation by the Financial Review, the Herald and The Age revealed the existence of Whites $70 million loan to Ahmad Ahmad, a nut roaster from Lakemba, the WiseTech founder publicly claimed he was calling in the loans and would move to sell the three sites if the money wasnt forthcoming. Five months later, the loans remain outstanding and White is down $70 million, plus interest. There has been no indication White has moved to take control of the properties and sell them. Meanwhile, his company RealWise Finance remains the lender to the developments, according to property records. Advertisement Documents obtained during the joint investigation show that for more than a year, White had not bothered to formalise the loan agreement. White began lending money to Ahmads companies in November 2022, starting with $5 million, followed by $3 million in May 2023. A formal loan agreement was finally drawn up in August 2023, which drastically increased Whites loans to Ahmads companies to $53 million. By March 2024, the loan increased to $70 million. Ahmads companies bought one property a former Aldi supermarket which had been owned by a Merhi company for $13.5 million in September 2020. This was $5.5 million less than Merhis company paid for it five years earlier. Helm Advisory liquidator Stephen Hathway told creditors the sale may have been an uncommercial transaction as the site had potential sale value of $23,300,000, in an October 2022 report. Privately, Whites friends and associates have expressed dismay over his involvement with Merhi, who had a colourful history before moving to Dubai. Loading Merhi and his brother, Khalil, who were involved in various companies within the Merhi Group, were central figures in an inquest into four deliberately lit fires, all using stolen cars loaded with accelerants, which were crashed into the properties. Simon Turner, who was the compliance and safety manager for the group of companies run by Mark and Khalil, told the joint investigation that his bosses orchestrated the four firebombings between 2006 and 2010. Two of the fires were at a neighbouring property the Merhis had been trying to buy, he said. Advertisement They drove a car through the security gates and the roller door and set it alight, Turner said of the two fires at the Merhis neighbouring premises in Seville Street, Fairfield. It was exactly the same as what happened at the CFMEU and Bellevue Hill. Turner said the Merhis were at war with the construction union when they firebombed the CFMEUs Lidcombe office. The fourth fire was in Bellevue Hill. Turner recalls receiving a call from Khalil Merhi about the Bellevue Hill development site, where the Merhis were in dispute with the owner. That prick owes us money get all the gear out of the office, Khalil is alleged to have said. Kimberlee Cvitashs house is paid for by Richard White. Credit: Facebook Turner said the original plan was to crash a 100-tonne crane onto the site but it was then decided to use a car loaded with accelerant. The fires were linked to organisations or people whod had confrontations or disagreements with Khalil Merhi and/or Mark Merhi, Coroner Michael Barnes found in 2016. On May 12, 2010, the day before the Lidcombe firebombing, Mark Merhi had a tense discussion with a CFMEU executive about his companys alleged breaches of employment and taxation laws. Later that day, in a phone call, Khalil threatened to take the union down, the coroner noted. Advertisement The US decision is part of what has been widely described as an assault on climate science by the Trump administration. It also affects other work by NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association, including hurricane forecasting, as reported by The Guardian US. A US Navy spokesperson said the meteorological satellite program, which it shared with US Space Force, would end in September 2026 and the navy would stop processing the data later this month in accordance with Department of Defence policy because the program no longer meets our information technology modernisation requirements. One important dataset under threat is the Sea Ice Index, which has continuous readings back to the late 1970s. It shows that until about 2015, sea ice was around average, or even a bit above average, but since 2016 it has been consistently low. Doddridge said the satellites were past their mission life but remained operational, suggesting the data would still exist but not be shared for scientific work, forcing scientists to use sources with less reliability and continuity such as Japanese or Chinese satellites. We wont lose complete access to sea ice data, Doddridge said. What we will lose is a long-term record of well-calibrated, interoperable satellite sensors. What that means is that we wont be able to compare future extremes with past extremes anywhere near as accurately. The impacts of extremely low sea ice in Antarctica The PNAS Nexus paper canvasses a wide range of impacts from extremely low sea ice, from ecological harm to feedback loops for global warming. Emperor penguins needed landfast sea ice for breeding platforms, Doddridge said, while Adelie penguins relied on sea ice to stay dry while they underwent a catastrophic moult, in which they replace all their feathers over a few weeks and temporarily lose their waterproofing. Crabeater seals give birth to their pups on large ice floes and need to stay with them for the two to three weeks between birth and weaning, but are vulnerable to predators such as leopard seals if the ice floes become smaller or harder to find. Krill in blue water in Antarctica. Krill larvae rely on sea ice. Credit: Brett Wilks / AAPP The paper also raises the spectre that low sea ice could affect the population of Antarctic krill, small crustaceans that are a main food source for a number of whale species, and which need sea ice in the larval stage. Loading Perhaps the biggest impact of low sea ice is the feedback effect it could have on the destruction of the ice shelf the part of the ice sheet of compacted snow that sits on the ocean rather than over rock through iceberg formation or melting, and the corresponding effect on sea level rises. Dr Sue Cook, a glaciologist and co-author on the PNAS Nexus paper, said sea ice suppressed ocean swells and waves close to the ice shelf. If the ice shelf was directly exposed to swell, it would start to bend and crack and might disintegrate into icebergs that then disperse out into the open ocean, Cook said. The ice sheet is more exposed to waves without sea ice. Credit: Pete Harmsen / AAPP In the 15-year record that we looked at, the years with the least summer sea ice produced more than twice as many icebergs as the years with the most summer sea ice, Cook said. This link between iceberg production and sea ice presence isnt something that we include in any of our ice sheet models at the moment, and that means that we might be underpredicting how quickly the Antarctic margin will retreat as sea ice dwindles around the continent. She added that most models were based on 15 to 20 years of data, which included long periods of good sea ice coverage. If we shift to this state where summer sea ice is very low, but we continue using models based on the previous period, then we will definitely underestimate how quickly Antarctica will contribute to sea level rise, she said. Aerial view of a crack in the pack ice. Credit: Kim Newbery / AAPP Dr Will Hobbs, a sea ice scientist with AAPP and co-author of the paper, said one of the most important roles of sea ice was the albedo effect, in which it essentially acts as a sunshade in summer. This works because snow-covered ice reflects about 90 per cent of the sunlight back into space, whereas the darker water of the open ocean absorbs 90 per cent of the sunlight, and warms accordingly. Hobbs said that historically in the Southern Ocean, the system always resets in the midwinter, but the researchers found that in a year of extremely low ice, such as 2016, it would affect the next summer and take about three years to fully recover. Ive always been as besotted with the idea of living in London as I was embarrassed by being besotted with the idea of living in London. Its such a terrible cliche: middle-class, white Australian girl grows up watching too much Press Gang, This Life and Black Books and, on finishing school, dreams of becoming an Antipodean Bridget Jones, follows the well-worn road of a gap year, moves to England, has a brilliant time and maybe never comes back. I thought for sure I would take that path. But I kept putting it off. After my final high school exams, I was still not quite 18 and didnt feel brave enough to go live in a strange city on my own. After university, I needed money before I could consider the move, so I found three jobs and got to work, putting off the trip for another year. The next obstacle was a boyfriend I didnt want to break up with. That time, I even got as far as starting my year away, only to spend the first month with him in Europe before throwing in the towel on my plan to continue to London and coming home with him. Then, back in Sydney, there was a job: a highly sought-after (by a particular subset of people with a fondness for books and extremely low salaries) entry-level position at a well-known multinational publishing house. I couldnt say no to getting my foot in the door of such a glamorous and exciting industry, could I? We cant always have all of what we once wanted, but we can try to have some of it. Credit: Getty Images You can see where this is going. For the next decade I worked away in publishing, moving up the ladder, quietly living through my 20s and watching as every year friends left for time abroad, building new lives that some returned from and some didnt. I stopped thinking that could be me. I had a mortgage now, and a relationship, work I enjoyed, family I adored and great friends. It would be silly to throw all that away. Two 15-year-old boys were allegedly recruited by Sydneys warring gangland and carried out shootings on separate Sydney homes, with bullets narrowly missing women and children lying in their beds. Police have warned teenagers being swept up in crime that they and their families will be hunted by gangsters seeking revenge if the law didnt catch them first. In the early hours of Saturday, March 22, a semi-automatic rifle rattled off almost 30 shots into a home on Crossland Street in Merrylands. A woman was inside the home with her four children, aged between six months and five years. The bullets travelled through the bedrooms and bedheads, one missing a five-year-old boy by just 20 centimetres. We have a bit of a driving culture in our city, she said. As we shift towards the 2032 Olympics and try to get more people moving easily, were going to have to start getting walking and riding. Desire paths are a source of fascination for people who like to ponder how a city should work. On Reddit, a community devoted to desire paths takes great delight in highlighting often illogical examples of footpaths that have been subverted by walkers who refuse to be dictated to. Campbell hopes the council will heed the message from walkers as part of the Kedron Brook Vision and Master Plan project. Anna Campbell hopes Brisbane City Council will consider desire paths in its revitalisation plan for Kedron Brook. Credit: Brisbane City Council This is a classic case where its underestimated how many people are walking up here from across the creek, from the shopping centre, from across the road, and other local businesses as well, she said. The Kedron Brook corridor that runs through 14 northern suburbs will be rejuvenated with flood-resilient bikeways and walking trails under the 20-year, $85 million master plan. Campbell pointed to another track worn through the grass outside Q Roasters leading down to a bridge over the creek as an example of urban planners not thinking about how people will actually move when designing footpaths. You can see exactly where people are wanting to go, she said. A quick link can make a big difference. Sometimes, authorities or private business owners try to stop desire paths from forming by using fences to block walkers from crossing where they shouldnt. Elsewhere, locals have to lobby councils to pave the path residents want to take. Campbell pushed Brisbane City Council to put down a stretch of asphalt on the other side of Q Roasters. The additional path has benefited residents like Iesha Moulden, 33, who regularly walks to the coffee shop, pushing her four-month-old daughter Mya in the pram. Iesha Moulden with daughter Mya and friend Melissa Martens on the path outside Q Roasters that was once a dirt track. Credit: Marissa Calligeros We used to have to walk this when it was grass, Moulden said. This makes it easier. It means we get out for a walk in the fresh air, and I can meet with friends for coffee. Campbell said this demonstrates that making suburbs better for walkers is also better for business. A 2011 Heart Foundation report found the economic benefits of creating walkable suburbs had been long underestimated. The reports author, Dr Rodney Tolley, concluded that a large proportion of retail expenditure comes from local residents and workers who walk or cycle, whereas those travelling by car are more likely to be drive-through shoppers, stopping to pick up one item on the way to another destination. Loading While the idea of people and animals slowly forming their own paths is an ancient one, the term desire path is often attributed to French philosopher Gaston Bachelard in his 1958 book, The Poetics of Space. The reasons for desire paths forming are not always about finding the fastest way. Along Riverside Drive in West End, pedestrians have created a desire path underneath the shade of the trees, and away from the main route used by cyclists. Planners should heed the lessons offered by desire paths, Campbell said, particularly around the citys green spaces like Kedron Brook. By creating connected paths, people can walk with comfort and with ease, she said. Anna Campbell on a desire path leading to a bridge over Kedron Brook. Credit: Marissa Calligeros Nearly 40 per cent of journeys in south-east Queensland under one kilometre are made by car or private vehicle, according to the Department of Transport. The 2019 Walking in Queensland Report found only 23 per cent of residents walk because it is convenient. It listed lack of suitable paths to destinations as one of the key reasons, after distance and lack of shade, that more people choose to get in their car rather than walk. Loading Councillor Tracy Davis, Brisbane City Councils chair for environment, parks and sustainability, said designing footpaths was about finding the right balance. While desire paths can show where people naturally want to walk, we want to make sure we get the balance right for our community, she said. Over the past year, weve built nearly 30,000 square metres of footpaths. The community consultation period for the Kedron Brook master plan ended on June 29, with the council now due to review the feedback. The council said connectivity and accessibility would be a strong focus of the final plan. Peta Tait rode her first winner in her first race as a 16-year-old for family friend and trainer Reg Manning at Balnarring. But like most well-laid plans, this one quickly went awry. Peta Tait returns to the mounting yard aboard Unruly Student after winning the Cranbourne Corinthian at Cranbourne Racecourse on October 11, 2019. Credit: Getty Images It was raining the day of the meeting, and we actually walked the track before the race and when we got to about the 600 [metres left], I said, Theres a fire truck parked there [outside the rail], and what you need to do is when you see the fire truck, just start riding it, mate, Manning said. That was the signal for her to go when she spotted the fire truck. Anyway, the funny part was, they moved the fire truck from the time we walked the track to the time the race started. There wasnt a fire truck there. What happened to Kalgoorlie woman Lisa Govan 26 years ago remains a mystery after a coroner was unable to determine her cause of death. The 28-year-old vanished in 1999 after she was last seen at a Club Deroes Motorcycle clubhouse with two men on October 8 that year. Lisa Govan. Credit: www.missingpersons.gov.au A recent coronial inquest into her disappearance failed to make inroads, with many witnesses invoking a bikie code of silence. In handing down his findings today, Coroner Michael Jenkin said he believed Govan died on the day she went missing, but was unable to determine what caused her death. There have been numerous rumours about what might have happened to Lisa after she was last seen standing out the front of the compound on the morning of 8 October 1999, he said. These rumours include that Lisa may have died accidentally after overdosing on illicit drugs, that she may have been assaulted and died, and/or that she was murdered. It seems that the circumstances surrounding her disappearance and subsequent death are destined to remain a mystery. This is clearly a frustrating and wholly unsatisfactory state of affairs, and I cannot imagine the additional grief and sadness that Lisas family and loved ones have had to endure since her disappearance in the face of this information vacuum. Charlotte Walker became the youngest person ever elected to the Senate on her 21st birthday, which fell on the same day the Albanese government was re-elected for its second term. The South Australian senator attended Senate school on Wednesday, learning the ropes with the other new senators. They will all take their places in the upper house chamber on July 22, when federal parliament sits for the first time since the national poll. New Labor senators: Corinne Mulholland, Ellie Whiteaker, Charlotte Walker and Richard Dowling at Parliament House in Canberra. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen At an age when many of her peers are enjoying university life, Walker said she was focused on driving policies to reduce student debt, improve housing affordability, reduce domestic violence and improve access to government services in regional areas. The biggest issue with getting into the housing market is saving for that down payment, she said. Opposition Leader Basil Zempilas has accused the government of passing the buck on transparency around the Perth Bears NRL deal after a frustrating budget estimates session on Tuesday. Tourism Minister Reece Whitby and Sport and Recreation Minister Rita Saffioti passed questions to each other over the course of the day about the modelling of the tourism benefits of the $80 million deal to bring the Bears to Perth. WA Opposition Leader Basil Zempilas. Credit: Hamish Hastie In the morning session, Zempilas grilled Whitby on whether Tourism WA conducted a cost-benefit analysis to establish the Perth Bears NRL team in WA. The process and the decision-making around this issue sit very firmly in the sporting division, Whitby said. US President Donald Trump said Israel has agreed to a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza and that the plan will now be presented to Hamas. Israel has agreed to the necessary conditions to finalize the 60 Day CEASEFIRE, during which time we will work with all parties to end the War, Trump said in a post on Truth Social, adding that Qatar and Egypt will deliver the final proposal to the Palestinian militant group. Trump speaks to the media at the White House on Tuesday. Credit: AP I hope, for the good of the Middle East, that Hamas takes this Deal, because it will not get better IT WILL ONLY GET WORSE. A deal would pause, if not end, a war between Israel and Iran-backed Hamas thats raged since October 2023, killing tens of thousands of Palestinians, devastating Gaza and destabilising the wider Middle East. It would also lead to many of the remaining hostages held by Hamas being released. Washington: Foreign Minister Penny Wong has emerged from a meeting with her US counterpart in Washington with no guarantee that the Trump administration would continue the AUKUS defence pact with Australia, amid a review being led by a declared sceptic. Wong met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio one-on-one as part of the Quad foreign leaders gathering which includes Indo-Pacific allies India and Japan on Wednesday (AEST) amid uncertainty about Australias future maritime defence and trade relationship with the US. She said Rubio expressed regret that Trump had to cancel a planned meeting with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at last months G7 summit in Canada due to the crisis in the Middle East, and both governments looked forward to a rescheduled meeting in future. Wong said she and Rubio had a good discussion about AUKUS and its benefits for all three parties. ABA CEO Anna Bligh underscored Australias lead in the global fight against financial scams. This is critical new technology that will help protect a customer from transferring money straight into the hands of a scammer, she said. Australia will be one of only a handful of countries to have this technology in place across the entire banking sector. On Wednesday, Helia formerly known as Genworth confirmed that ING Bank had begun negotiations with a different LMI provider, marking the second significant contract loss for the ASX-listed company in just a few months. According to a report from Financial Review, the insurer had earlier flagged the loss of its most valuable contract, with Commonwealth Bank of Australia entering exclusive talks with a rival. BIKERS from all around Co Carlow and beyond will don their leathers and take a spin in the summer sunshine to raise funds for a great cause. They will converge at the Square in Rathvilly before taking part in the run in aid of a group of children from Palestine who are coming to Ireland for some respite from the war in Gaza. The bike run will raise funds for the trip, which will involve over 50 children and adults going on a tour of Ireland this month. One of their first stops is Rathvilly, where theyll play hurling and will be presented with goodie bags before having lunch and a reception in The Harp Bar, catered for by the Green Lemon Cafe. Their nationwide trip will take in Tipperary, Cork, Clare, Galway, Derry and Belfast, before returning to Palestine. Businessman Stephen Redmond, originally from Rathvilly but now living in London, organised the trip for the children and their guardians and is being assisted locally by a group of volunteers, while Carlow County Council has also rowed in with support. The children will arrive in Rathvilly on 22 July to play GAA before moving on to their next destination. The bike run will take place on Sunday 6 July, with people meeting up at noon for registration before leaving at 1.30pm, so get along early as its expected to be busy. AN ex-husband and his partner were last week convicted at Carlow District Court of assaulting his ex-wife after a row erupted between the three of them at his house. Kevin Nolan (46) of Nolan Farming, Grangeford was found guilty by Judge Geraldine Carthy of assaulting his ex-wife Una Nolan at Springmount, Grangeford, causing her harm, on 30 November 2023, while his partner Margaret Hennessey, Ballymacelligot, Tralee, Co Kerry was also found guilty of assaulting her. Judge Geradine Carthy had heard evidence about the events that happened in Mr Nolans house at a previous court sitting, when both Mr Nolan and Ms Hennessey had denied the charges against them, with Judge Carthy adjourning the case to last week to consider her verdict. She said she was satisfied to convict the pair because she found the medical evidence was in line with what Mrs Nolan had said in court. She said that the case against Mr Nolan (46) and Ms Hennessey (50) was very serious and that the threshold for custody had been reached, unless a probation report convinced her otherwise. At the previous court sitting, Judge Carthy heard that an issue arose on the morning of the incident and that Mrs Nolan had gone up to her ex-husbands house where she met him and Ms Hennessey. Mrs Nolan said in her direct evidence that she was assaulted by Ms Hennessey over a mobile phone, while Mr Nolan had hit and kicked her before banging her head off the bonnet of a car. Judge Carthy heard that when Mrs Nolan arrived at the garda station in Tullow, her jaw was swollen, there were red marks on her neck and there were lumps of hair in her hand. The court was told that Mrs Nolan accepted an adult caution on a counter-charge of assaulting Ms Hennessey when she was trying to get her phone back and that she was advised to accept the caution because she was a social worker and didnt want to have a criminal conviction. Mr Nolan denied assaulting his ex-wife, telling the court that she had come to his house like a woman possessed, a crazy woman and admitted to pushing her out of the house. Ms Hennessey, in her direct evidence, admitted to grabbing a mobile phone from Mrs Nolan because she was recording the incident and that Mrs Nolan may have been injured as she was pushed through the door. Solicitor Joe Farrell had argued that Mr Nolan was entitled to use reasonable force against his ex-wife to get her out of his premises and last week, when giving her verdict, Judge Carthy said that it was a key issue in the case. She said that a medical report on Mrs Nolan was consistent with her evidence of being assaulted because of the injuries to her face and neck. Last week, after delivering her verdict, Judge Carthy ordered a probation report on each of the defendants and adjourned the matter until 10 September. A MAN who was out of control on alcohol and tablets was last week sent to prison for five months for headbutting a garda. At Carlow District Court, Judge Geraldine Carthy heard that Warren Flood (41) was out of control on a bus when gardai were called to Hanover Bus Park, Carlow on 9 August last year. Mr Flood last week pleaded guilty in court to assaulting the garda on that date at Carlow Garda Station, while also pleading guilty to two public order offences being intoxicated in a public place and engaging in threatening, insulting and abusive behaviour at the bus park. He also pleaded guilty to refusing to give his name and address to gardai during the same incident. Sgt Hud Kelly told Judge Carthy that gardai were called to the bus park on that date and found Mr Flood to be intoxicated. He said that Mr Flood refused to co-operate with the gardai, shouted at them and called them rats. Sgt Kelly continued that Mr Flood was arrested and brought to Carlow Garda Station but he continued to be aggressive and headbutted one of the gardai, making his nose bleed. Sgt Kelly also said that Mr Flood had 103 previous convictions, that he had served time in Mountjoy Prison and that the incident before the court was a triggering offence because Mr Flood was on probation at the time. Counsel for Mr Flood from Crinan Strand, Dublin 1 said that he admitted that he was fully out of control on the bus because he was on alcohol and medication. She continued that Mr Flood wished to apologise to the garda that he assaulted and asked Judge Carthy for leniency. She said that her clients mother had died when he was young and that he had found his father dead four years ago. She continued that he had three children and that his 17-year-old daughter, who was in court with him, was a great support for him. The barrister continued that her client was ten weeks sober and that he wanted to go into rehabilitation, but he needed a lot of support. Judge Carthy noted that the case had been scheduled for a hearing in November 2024 and that a bench warrant was issued for Mr Flood but later vacated. She also noted that this was a triggering offence and that Mr Flood had been given the benefit of a suspended sentence before but it didnt have the desired effect. She also said that Mr Flood had injured a garda in the course of carrying out his duty and then sentenced him to five months on the assault charge, taking all the other charges into consideration. TRIBUTES were paid by members of the judiciary on Friday morning at Carlow Circuit Court to Bernard Jordan, who passed away on Wednesday 27 June at the age of 83. Mr Jordan was a well-known solicitor in Co Carlow and beyond, working in his own practice AB Jordan Solicitors on College Street, Carlow for four decades. He built up his own practice there, having come to the legal profession after leaving a career in the priesthood. Over the years, he went on to train and mentor generations of solicitors, including John OSullivan and Joe Farrell, who both paid tribute to him on Friday morning in court. Judge Mary Morrissey presided over the tributes paid in court, which was attended by representatives of various branches of the legal system, including solicitors, members of the bar, An Garda Siochana, the DPPs office and the Courts Service. Mr Jordans wife Kate and daughter Ruth watched the tributes via live stream, as did former district court judge Colin Daly, current district court judge Geraldine Carthy and circuit court judge James McCourt. Judge Morrissey said that Mr Jordan was one of lifes true gentlemen, known for his integrity, honesty and compassion, which are the cornerstone characters of the judicial system. She said that he was a worthy adversary when in court, but when things were settled, the hand of friendship was always offered afterwards. Retired judge William Early called him a much-valued colleague and a dedicated and meticulous lawyer of great integrity. He sat among us on these benches for many years, he said, adding that Bernard loved the cut, thrust and drama of court. Mr Early continued that he was the kind of man who suffered fools, if not gladly, then politely and that he was an excellent judge of people. Something vital was taken from him with the death of his beloved daughter Sarah Kate in January 2020, he said. Mr Early continued that, as a religious man, Mr Jordan always believed that he would be reunited with Sarah Kate one day. Barrister John OConnell, who also trained as a solicitor, said a few words on behalf of the Bar Council. He said that over the four decades that Mr Jordan ran his office on College Street, many local solicitors served their apprenticeship with him and that his was a very great legacy to live up to. Sgt Hud Kelly paid his respects on behalf of An Garda Siochana and Superintendent Anthony Farrell, who was unable to attend. State prosecutor Brendan OFlaherty, who worked as a solicitor in AB Jordans office before he set up his own practice, said that he would miss Bernard. He was always a gentleman to deal with, while court registrar Jennifer Young paid her respects on behalf of court staff. Solicitor John OSullivan said that his former mentor was part of a lovely old world when the local courts such as Tullow were full of ribaldry and fun. Well miss him. Well think of him regularly and often, he said. If he doesnt make it into Heaven, well have to look for our money back. Solicitor Joe Farrell said: This is not a sad day, Bernard is at peace. He said that he had, over the years, lots of fun with Bernard and that he was honoured to serve his apprenticeship with him at a time when it wasnt easy to get a place in a solicitors office. He said that Bernard valued his staff and they, in turn, looked after him. They were his family, too, he said. Mr Farrell recalled how Mr Jordan met his beloved wife Kate and that as a former priest and as a solicitor he took great pride in divorcing some of the people he had married. Mr Farrell concluded that his mentor and former boss was gone but not forgotten. Mr Jordan, of Everton House, Old Derrig, Carlow, will be laid to rest today (Tuesday) in Killeshin cemetery following requiem Mass in St Clares Church, Graiguecullen at 2.30pm. He is survived by his wife Kate, children Ruth and Darragh, grandchildren Patrick, Ronan and Alex, brother Tom, sister Margaret, in-laws, extended family, colleagues of AB Jordan and many friends. A LAOIS/Carlow border town could be the Budapest of Ireland with proper investment, according to a county councillor. The unlikely link between Graiguecullen and the capital of Hungary was made by cllr Aisling Moran when she appealed for more money to be poured into the town on the Laois-Carlow border. The River Barrow marks the border between the two counties, with a large section of Graiguecullen in the Carlow electoral area, although the town is in Co Laois. The river separating Graiguecullen from Carlow town prompted cllr Moran to draw a comparison with Budapest, where the River Danube divides the old district of Buda from the newer district of Pest, which united as one city in 1873. The independent councillor from Ballylinan also suggested attracting a Center Parcs style resort to the old sugar factory site in Carlow. The Hungarian rhapsody unfolded at the latest meeting of Graiguecullen-Portarlington Municipal District, when cllr Moran proposed that Laois Co Council give a commitment to spend a percentage of development levies on community, recreation and amenities in the Graiguecullen area each year. She said: Graiguecullen is growing and its the third largest town in Laois, but all thats in it is housing. It needs amenities. You have Carlow on one side of the river, Laois on the other. It could be the Budapest of Ireland, two different towns. We could have the Blueway coming right into it. We have to look at Graiguecullen and its needs and ringfence money for projects there. In a written reply, Laois councils head of finance Julie Bergin said that council development levies are used to fund public infrastructure and facilities that include roads, recreational amenities, playgrounds, community centres, landscaping, heritage projects, urban and rural development and more. Ms Bergin added: Resources are directed to areas where projects are actively being implemented. The council does not intend to allocate a fixed percentage of development contributions to specific parts of the county but rather aims to use these funds to support project delivery throughout the entire county. Unhappy with the response, cllr Moran claimed that contributions from Graiguecullen were going to Portlaoise and that the council was not actively looking at any projects in the Graiguecullen area. Ms Bergin replied that development contributions are used not only in Portlaoise but around the county and money is spent where projects are identified. Cllr Moran suggested that there could be a footbridge across the Barrow at Graiguecullen, with bars and restaurants and an extension of the Blueway to make the area into a tourist attraction. She said: I have asked about the sugar factory and maybe doing a collaboration between Carlow and Laois, to have something like a Center Parcs in it. If you ringfence that money, we will come up with projects. Cllr Aidan Mullins from Portarlington suggested the creation of a public park in Graiguecullen. He agreed that there was a need for further investment in the town and said that a development plan would be the best way to begin. Graiguecullen-based cllr Ben Brennan declared that his area is the forgotten end of the county without even one EV charging point. He said: I have to go into Carlow just to charge my car. Ninety percent of the money is going to Portlaoise. Portarlington has gotten very little of it and Mountmellick has gotten very little of it, too. Senior engineer Tom Drennan noted that a new strategy for EV charging points is being rolled out nationally, which he expected would be implemented by the active travel section of Laois Co Council. Cllr Moran said that Graiguecullen needs a town centre first plan, which could be developed either solely by Laois Co Council or in collaboration with Carlow Co Council. Such plans have already been implemented in such areas as Mountmellick and Rathdowney. Ms Bergin said the possibility of such a plan for Graiguecullen would be a discussion to have with the councils town regeneration officer. By Jonathan McCambridge, PA A woman who was killed in Co Down was looking forward to the birth of her son to complete her family, her best friend has said. Hundreds of people have attended a vigil for pregnant mother-of-two Sarah Montgomery in Donaghadee. The vigil occurred just hours after a man had appeared in court charged with her murder and child destruction. Mother-of-two Sarah Montgomery was found dead inside a house in Donaghadee, Co Down (PSNI/PA) Large crowds, some carrying flowers or candles, gathered at the towns resource centre before walking the short distance to the Elmfield Walk home where the body of the 27-year-old was found at the weekend. Ainsley White became emotional as she addressed the crowd about her best friend. She described Ms Montgomery as a mother, a sister, a granddaughter, a friend. She added: To Sarah, family meant everything. Her two little girls meant absolutely everything to her. Sarah was the best mummy and she couldnt wait to make her family complete with her little boy. Ainsley White speaks during a vigil in Donaghadee, Co Down, in memory of her best friend, Sarah Montgomery (Jonathan McCambridge/PA) She said: I hope Sarah knew how much she was loved. I dont have the words to describe Sarah as a friend, I was honoured to call her my best friend and my sister at the same time. She never failed to put a smile on your face. She was a girls girl, she had your back. Ms White said: It is an absolutely cruel world that we live in. Sarah was just the best ever. Both of you are in the arms of the angels and you are both safe, I hope you both rest in peace and you are looking over us. Just know your girls are going to be the most protected kids in this world. The crowd then observed a minutes silence before breaking into applause. Dozens of people then queued to leave flowers at Ms Montgomerys home. Hundreds of people gathered in Donaghadee for the vigil (Jonathan McCambridge/PA) Among those who attended the vigil were some members of the family of Natalie McNally, who was pregnant when she was killed in Lurgan, Co Armagh in December 2022. Earlier in the day, a 28-year-old man appeared in court charged with the murder of Ms Montgomery Zak Hughes, from Ardglen Place in Belfast, was also charged with child destruction during a brief appearance at Newtownards Magistrates Court. Dressed in a grey tracksuit, he stood in the dock and nodded when asked if he understood the charges. A PSNI detective chief inspector told the court he could connect Hughes to the offences. No facts of the case were laid out and there was no application for bail. Floral tributes are left in in memory of Sarah Montgomery (Jonathan McCambridge/PA) The date of the alleged offences given on court papers was June 27th. District Judge Conor Heaney remanded Hughes in custody until July 30th. A 42-year-old woman, who was arrested in Belfast on suspicion of assisting an offender, was released unconditionally on Tuesday. The death of Ms Montgomery has led to renewed focus on the rate of violence against women and girls in Northern Ireland. She was the 27th adult woman to be killed in Northern Ireland since 2020. Claire Henry A man who dragged a visually impaired child away from her mother has been given a suspended sentence. Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard that Stephan Obelngoa (24) of Deerpark Road, Tallaght, Dublin 24, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm, assault of a peace officer and resisting arrest at The Square, Tallaght. Dublin, on October 2nd, 2023. He has six previous convictions and was on bail at the time of this offence. Judge Sinead Ni Chulachain handed down a one year prison sentence but suspended it in full on strict conditions. Obelngoa was suffering from a mental illness at the time and had not been taking his medication, the court heard. Garda Sergeant Gemma Collins told Shaun Smyth, BL, prosecuting, that an 11-year-old girl, her mother and little brother were leaving the shopping centre on the day in question when they noticed a man later identified as Obelngoa. He was topless, and the mother described his movements as unnerving and said he seemed aggressive. The court heard the mother intended to walk on and avoid Obelngoa, but she suddenly noticed that her daughter had disappeared from her peripheral vision. The woman turned around and saw her visually impaired daughter being dragged away by Obelngoa. The little girl was screaming, crying and struggling to get away. The mother described her daughter as bouncing off the ground. Obelngoa then threw the girl into a concession stand. Gda Sgt Collins said two security guards immediately subdued Obelngoa. When gardai arrived, they found Obelngoa was shouting, roaring and aggressive as he was being restrained. He then spat a mixture of blood and saliva into the face of one of the gardai. As gardai were trying to place handcuffs on Obelngoa, he tried to bite them. Specialist gardai interviewed the young girl, and she described to them being dragged like a doll and being dragged on the floor. She said, I thought he was going to drag me away forever and would kidnap me. The girl was examined the following day by a doctor, and a medical report stated she suffered minor spinal soft tissue tenderness and abrasions. The court heard the young girl had trouble sleeping and was extremely anxious in public places like shopping centres afterwards. Gda Sgt Collins agreed with Ciara Ni Ghabhann BL, defending, that gardai were unable to interview her client after he was arrested, as he was made an involuntary patient in Tallaght Hospital, where he remained for a period of time. The garda agreed with counsel that CCTV footage obtained by the gardai shows that the incident lasted a matter of seconds. Ms Ni Ghabhann said her client suffers from schizophrenia and is given antipsychotic medication every three months. She said at the time of this incident, Obelngoa had been off his medications for six months and was self-medicating with cannabis. Counsel said her client is currently under the supervision of the Probation Services and has undertaken community response programmes. The Probation Services have said he is at low risk of reoffending. She said Obelngoa has written letters of apology to both the garda and the young girl in this case, outlining his sincere remorse. He does not have a clear memory of the incident, but when shown the CCTV footage, he was embarrassed. She asked the court to take into account that her client was quite young and had an acute mental health issue when this offence was committed. She said her client has taken steps to ensure that nothing like this will ever happen again. At a hearing last month Judge Ni Chulachain said, these are very serious offences, and adjourned the case for two weeks to consider her sentences and read all documents handed into court. In sentencing the judge noted that the injured party was walking past him with her mother when he threw her into a concession stand and had to be pepper sprayed. The judge asked Sgt Collins to explain to the injured party that we cant punish people for things that arent their own fault and that if he takes his medication - hes never going to come near her again. It must be very strange to her that he is not going into prison, the judge added. She said the onus was on the defence to establish their client was suffering from a mental illness and that she was satisfied they had done so. She noted he was unmedicated for six months and was displaying his genitalia in public while in hospital. Judge Ni Chulachain noted his mental state at the time but said it does not reduce all your culpability, she said. She said the appropriate sentence was 18 months but she had to take account of his guilty plea which saved the injured party giving evidence at her young age. The judge noted he was 24 and was in college but dropped out and was on bail for six offences but there was a positive probation report and he was at low risk of reoffending if he continued on the same path. She imposed one-year imprisonment term to run concurrently on each of the assault charges but in view of the effect prison would have on him, she suspended it for two years on strict conditions. By Elizabeth Lee ONE of the best-known and most-loved priests in Co Carlow recently celebrated 60 years in the priesthood with hundreds of his friends and parishioners joining him for the celebrations. Fr Tommy Dillon marked an incredible six decades of being a priest at a special Mass in the Holy Family Church, Askea with Bishop Denis Nulty paying special tribute to him. Afterwards, a party was held in the nearby parish centre, where there were refreshments, cake and much joy. There was a real carnival atmosphere, it was so joyous. People came from other parishes to be here. It was a lovely night, said Norah Holohan, parish secretary. It was great. I feel as good as I felt 60 years ago, Fr Tommy told The Nationalist. Fr Tommy Dillon with his siblings Oliver and Mary who attended his anniversary party in Askea Parish Community Centre Photo: Rory Kellett A native of Grange, Fr Tommy was ordained at the age of 25 in Maynooth College on 20 June 1965. As a young priest, he was first appointed to Birmingham before returning to Ireland as a curate in Portlaoise. He was sent back to England, to Watford, where he was a chaplain and then came back to his native county where he was chaplain in the-then regional college, where he remained from 1973 to 1989. After that, he was appointed administrator to Carlow cathedral and later as administrator to Holy Family Church, Askea. From 1994 to 2002, he was parish priest in Raheen and Shanahoe and then he spent 15 years, from 2002 to 2017, as parish priest in Baltinglass. He was then moved back to Carlow in 2017, to Askea, Bennekerry and Tinryland, where hes as busy as ever still working as a priest, helping families to mark the milestones in their lives. Ive loved every parish Ive been in. I became a priest because I thought that Id like the life, helping people. Ive been to so many celebrations like birthdays, weddings, funerals all the big events in life. The parishioners are a great support and theyre my companions. They share their lives with me, said Fr Tommy. CO CARLOW will play host to a major international celebration this July, when more than 250 visitors from France, Italy, Germany and Northern Ireland along with many more from local counties arrive for the 26th Columbanus Weekend from Friday 11 July to Sunday 13 July. The gathering, part of a rotating European tradition, which sees Columbanus Day celebrated every second year outside Italy, honours the life and legacy of St Columbanus, a 6th century Irish missionary monk born in the shadow of Mount Leinster, who had a fundamental impact on European Christian heritage. Bishop Denis Nulty Photo: Thomas Sunderland Photography The weekends programme will highlight Carlows spiritual, cultural and historical connections to the saint, with events taking place in Carlow town and Myshall. The recently established Columban Way, a 571km walking route inspired by Columbanuss journey from Co Carlow to Bangor in Co Down, also features prominently. On Saturday morning, pilgrims will walk a section of the route from the Nine Stones on Mount Leinster to Myshall, based on the theme of Walking together in hope. Key events include: Friday 11 July launch of the exhibition Ireland and the birth of Europe by Prof Daibhi O Croinin at Carlow County Museum; symposium at Carlow College: If you want to know the Creator, understand creation (Columbanus, sermon 1); ecumenical evening prayer with the Columbanus relics in Myshall, followed by a ceremonial procession from the Adelaide Memorial Church to the Church of Exaltation of the Holy Cross. Saturday 12 July pilgrim walk from the Nine Stones to Myshall on the Columban Way; address by former president Mary McAleese: Columbanus, the man from Myshall in the Church of Exaltation of the Holy Cross; evening concert in the Cathedral of the Assumption followed by an Irish music night in Carlow town. Sunday 13 July 26th Columbanus Day Mass at the Cathedral of the Assumption, Carlw town, attended by religious leaders from throughout the island and continental Europe and civic authorities; closing pilgrims lunch at the Woodford Dolmen Hotel. Bishop Denis Nulty, who was central in bringing the Columbanus Weekend to Carlow, remarked: The Columbanus Weekend is, for the first time, being hosted in the Irish Republic. Its an opportunity to place Myshall, the birthplace of Columbanus, alongside the St Gallens, the Bobbios and Luxeuils of this world. I welcome this opportunity to reintroduce St Columbanus to Carlow and Ireland, a saint who spent 48 years of his life on this island, with 24 years on mainland Europe. Our three-day festival comes in the middle of the Jubilee Year of Hope: may we be pilgrims of hope this July, he said. The entire weekend brings with it enormous capacity to unite communities of different faiths and cultural traditions together, both in Ireland and across Europe, inviting all to explore Columbanuss significance to our everyday lives. This weekend is a testimony to shared faith and friendship, and to Carlows growing role in spiritual and cultural tourism, said Bishop Nulty. Fr Pat Colgan of the Columban Fathers at Dalgan Park in Navan, Co Meath noted: The Columbanus Weekend reminds us that the legacy of this great saint continues to foster unity and dialogue across nations. We are deeply grateful to the people of Carlow for embracing and hosting this important event. Cllr Fergal Browne, outgoing cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council, added: The Columbanus Weekend can link Carlow in a very tangible way to our neighbours in Northern Ireland, the UK, France, Austria, Luxembourg, Liechtenstein, Germany, Switzerland and Italy. This weekend represents a really important step in the realisation of a much bigger vision for Carlow and Columbanuss connection to Europe. Patsy McLean, chairperson of Friends of Ireland Republic of Ireland, and chairperson of Myshall Muintir na Tire, also stated: St Columbanuss message of peace and understanding is more relevant than ever. We are excited to welcome guests from across Europe to join together and walk in the footsteps of a true European pioneer. Advertisement Cement consumption in Colombia increased by 7.9 per cent to 1.083Mt in May 2025 from 1.003Mt in the year-ago period, reports the countrys statistics office, DANE. Bulk cement dispatches picked up by two per cent while bagged cement sales improved by 10.9 per cent. This was reflected by an 8.1 per cent rise in sales to the retail and wholesale sector. Dispatches to the construction companies and contractors saw a 0.6 per cent uptick, but those to ready-mix concrete companies declined by 1.3 per cent. Output from the countrys cement plants came in 9.3 per cent higher at 1.195Mt in May 2025 from 1.094Mt in May 2024. January-May 2025 In the first five months of this year dispatches edged up 0.8 per cent YoY to 4.989Mt from 4.947Mt in the 5M24. Bulk cement dispatches were down 4.8 per cent YoY in the January-May 2025 period while bagged cement sales improved by 3.7 per cent YoY. Dispatches to the retail and wholesale sector advanced by seven per cent. In contrast, construction companies and contractors reduced their off-take by 5.1 per cent while sales to ready-mix concrete companies fell by 7.4 per cent YoY in the 5M25. Domestic production slipped 0.3 per cent YoY to 5.437Mt from 5.452Mt in the 5M24. Advertisement Cement consumption in Peru expanded by 5.2 per cent YoY to 1.009Mt in May 2025 from 0.959Mt, according to the Peruvian cement association, ASOCEM. Of this total, 0.911Mt was supplied by ASOCEM members. Cement production improved by 14.8 per cent YoY to 0.929Mt in May 2025 from 0.887Mt while clinker production was up 15.6 per cent YoY, falling to 0.832Mt in May 2025 from 0.72Mt in May 2024. External trade In terms of external trade in May 2025, cement exports saw a 26.6 per cent YoY drop to 7900t from 10,800t in May 2024. However, clinker exports edged up by 0.4 per cent to 70,600t from 70,400t in May 2024. Cement imports fell by 27.9 per cent YoY to 9000t from 12,000t in May 2024, but clinker imports surged by 213 per cent to 88,000t in May 2025 from 28,000t in the year-ago period. Approximately 71 per cent of cement imports came from Chile, while the remainder originated in Bolivia. In terms of clinker, South Korea imported 56 per cent of clinker imports and Ecuador 44 per cent. At Tacna, the average CIF import price of cement improved four per cent YoY to US$131/t while in Desaguadero the price stood at US$94/t. Clinker imports sold at an average CIF import price of US$60/t at Callao port, down one per cent YoY, and US$42/t at the port of Pisco, representing a 31.4 per cent drop when compared with September 2024. Charles Van Hammon, 65, of Ooltewah, Tennessee passed away peacefully in his home on June, 23 surrounded by family. Van attended Ooltewah High School and was employed by Eastside Utility District for 30 years as a Labor Specialist. He enjoyed dirt bike riding, camping, trout fishing, racoon and bear hunting, staying at his off grid Cabin on the Hill in Ocoee and cheering for the Tennessee Volunteers. Preceding him in death were his father, Albert Scott Hammon, mother, Dorothy Grace Burns (Scoggins) Hammon and sister, Gayla Diane (Scoggins) Pickett. All of whom have been waiting on a joyous reunion with Van in Heaven. He is survived by his wife, Lori Keeter Hammon, and two sons, Jacob Scott Hammon and Clayton Reed Hammon, as well as a nephew and several cousins. He left us too quickly but not before giving his family and friends all he could. Van requested no funeral or memorial service. Instead he asked that his co-workers, friends and family take a moment to remember the good times they shared. A really good friend is hard to find and he was always a good friend. Go Vols! Arrangements are entrusted to Cremation Center of Chattanooga 1345 Hickory Valley Road, Chattanooga, Tn. 37421, 423 362-5999. The Desmond T. Doss American Legion Post 257 invites the community to stop by their tent at the Freedom Festival on July 3 in Veterans Park, where theyll be raising funds for additional storage space to support their growing activities and community service.Officials said, "The American Legion Post 257 is an active part of the community, hosting many events and monthly meetings throughout the year. Members play a crucial role in maintaining the beauty and patriotic spirit of Veterans Park by caring for and replacing the flags of all 50 states, as well as the massive 30' x 50' American flag that proudly waves over the park.The Post also helps fund and maintain the bronze statues and decorative stars that honor veterans and enhance the parks landscape."To support these efforts, Post 257 will be accepting donations and raffling off a beautiful Patriotic Quilt during the Freedom Festival. Theyll also be selling popcorn and bottled water as part of the fundraiser."Families and kids wont want to miss the authentic military vehicles on display, including a Humvee and a Korean War-era Jeep, perfect for checking out up close and snapping some great photos," officials said.Every dollar helps us continue the work we lovehonoring our veterans and keeping Veterans Park a place of pride for everyone, said Dennis Smith, commander of Post 257. We hope folks will come see us at the festival, learn more about what we do, and enjoy the military vehicles and refreshments."Donations of any size are greatly appreciated and will directly support Post 257s mission and storage expansion," officials said.For more information, visit the American Legion Post 257 tent at the Freedom Festival on July 3. Chinese cashmere giant weaves 28 years of China-Africa collaboration Xinhua) 13:17, July 02, 2025 HOHHOT, July 2 (Xinhua) -- In an industrial park in Madagascar's capital, Antananarivo, machines hum as local workers skillfully craft exquisite garments using premium cashmere yarn from north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. This year marks the 28th anniversary of Inner Mongolia Cashmere Co., Ltd., one of China's largest cashmere producers, establishing a presence in Africa. Starting from humble beginnings, the local company has grown into a thriving operation, bringing advanced technology and valuable employment opportunities to the region. Through these efforts, it is weaving a new bond of China-Africa cooperation. King Deer uses approximately 10 percent of the world's cashmere raw materials annually. The Madagascar facility, primarily serving high-end European and American markets, operates five modern factories across 48,000 square meters, and produces 2 million cashmere products annually. King Deer ventured into Madagascar in 1997, just four years before China's WTO accession, becoming one of the first Chinese enterprises to establish a cashmere production base in Africa. Company President Zheng Haisheng highlighted the firm's successful localization strategy, noting a dramatic shift in workforce composition. The company employs 3,200 local workers and only 31 Chinese technical personnel. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the company donated a pharmaceutical factory valued at 200 million yuan (about 28 million U.S. dollars) to the Madagascar government. Rivoherimanitriniaina Rado, a production assistant who joined the company in 2006, has witnessed the enterprise's development journey firsthand. He began his career as an operator of computerized flat knitting machines and, through five years of hard work, earned a promotion to team leader. Just two years later, he advanced to the role of production assistant, and now, he is responsible for production scheduling and personnel management. "Working at King Deer has provided me with a stable income and created favorable conditions for my children's education," he said. "I've not only found a platform for career development but also have the opportunity to pass on my skills to my Madagascar colleagues." The most significant indicator of the company's localization process has been talent development. Xia Yonghai, general manager of Madagascar King Deer Co., Ltd., noted that the technical workers they have trained have become the backbone of the local textile industry, holding key positions in many similar companies. The community surrounding the King Deer facility is affectionately called the "King Deer Community" by local residents. From job creation to community development, the Chinese cashmere company's African footprint has transcended simple production cooperation, weaving warm bonds of people-to-people connections between China and Africa. King Deer's presence in Africa illustrates the deepening bilateral exchanges that go far beyond simple overseas investments between China and Africa. At the fourth China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo held in June this year, China and several African countries signed 10 cooperation agreements. These agreements encompass collaboration in vocational education, the co-construction of industrial colleges, and overseas talent training. They aim to promote deeper integration between vocational education cooperation and economic development in China and Africa. This year, China's Ministry of Education's Center for Language Education and Cooperation, Baotou Light Industry Vocational Technical College, and King Deer have jointly established a workshop in Madagascar. The project not only teaches the Chinese language but also vocational skills, offering local employees opportunities to learn Chinese and engage in more bilateral cultural exchanges. Beatrice Chan Ching Yiu, deputy general manager at Madagascar King Deer Co., Ltd., has worked there for two decades and has a deep appreciation for cultural exchanges between China and Madagascar. She started as a translator, joined the finance department, became part of leadership in 2005, and now heads the administrative and human resources department. "During my time at King Deer, I've experienced Chinese culture deeply and gained a profound understanding of Chinese traditional customs and workplace etiquette. This cross-cultural environment has taught me work concepts such as teamwork," she said. Within the broader China-Africa cooperation framework, China-Africa partnership is embracing new historical opportunities. In 2024, two-way trade reached a record of 295.6 billion U.S. dollars, marking a 4.8 percent year-on-year increase. This solidified China's position as Africa's largest trading partner for the 16th consecutive year. Meanwhile, imports from Africa reached 116.8 billion U.S. dollars, up 6.9 percent year on year. This has also reaffirmed King Deer's commitment to expanding its presence in Africa. According to Zheng, the company plans to expand investment in Madagascar, including the construction of intelligent cashmere dyeing and spinning production lines, along with a rooftop photovoltaic power generation system to create a green, environmentally friendly and intelligent factory. "In the future, we will continue to uphold the concept of win-win cooperation, inject more Chinese strength into African economic development, and weave an even closer China-Africa community of shared future," he said. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) 25-006963- 6600 BLK Hilton Drive- Disorder with a Weapon Police were called to a domestic disorder where a firearm was pulled on a party. The reporting party was identified and stated he was choked out and a gun was pulled on him. After police spoke to the other party and saw footage from the ring camera system, it was determined that the original complainant was the primary aggressor and made multiple statements saying he was armed and going to kill the other man. Day Shift July 1: B Squad 25-006957-5400 BLK Clemons Road-Disorder Police responded to the listed address for a verbal disorder over a vehicle that was improperly parked. The other party in the disorder left the scene prior to police arrival, the reporting person was advised to call in if there were any further issues.25-006959 900 BLK Spring Creek Road MiscellaneousPolice were summoned to speak with a man in reference to a possible delayed robbery. According to the party, he went to a tow yard in Chattanooga to retrieve his RV from their possession and claimed a tow truck driver (unknown name) issued what he perceived to be threats towards his person and then took approximately $350 from him. Due to this incident occurring in Chattanooga, police advised the complainant he would need to speak with CPD regarding any allegations of being robbed. Officers also ascertained that the man may be experiencing some dementia like symptoms due to how he conveyed his account.25-006964 1000 BLK John Ross Rd Suspicious personPolice conducted a field interview at the above listed address with a male matching the description from an earlier suspicious person call at a bank. The subject identified himself and check revealed he had an active probation violation warrant out of Georgia, which was verified. He was subsequently transported to the Hamilton County Jail to await extradition. FI# 25-000092.25-006965 3400 BLK Ringgold Road Citizen AssistOfficers responded to room at the inn on E23rd Street after a man called reporting he had been robbed in East Ridge on the previous evening. According to him, he and a party he identified as Tennessee, came to the gas station for cigarettes and gas. He then claimed a lapse in memory but claimed he had been assaulted during the night, and his car, phone and wallet were stolen. After speaking with Tennessee, it was learned no crime was committed in East Ridge against the man, and his car was left in the Westside projects on Grove St. after experiencing an unknown operational issue. Tennessee alleged that the man was possibly assaulted in the Westside. Police located the vehicle and advised the complainant of its location, which seemed to satisfy his reporting need. No report was taken through ERPD.25-006967-5400 BLK Clemons Road-Theft from a VehicleThe victim reported to Police that the tag to her 2011 Chevy Cruze was stolen, no suspect is available. The plate was entered into NCIC as stolen.25-006971-1500 BLK Prigmore-Backup FirePolice assisted East Ridge Fire in making entry to the listed address to assist a fall victim. No property damage to report.Night Shift July 1: D Squad25-006986 3300 BLK Ringgold Road Disorder with a weaponOfficers responded to the above address on a report of a disorder with a weapon. The store clerk reported to dispatch that a male had entered the store while holding a knife. Additionally, dispatch advised officers that the suspect may have threatened the clerk. Officers located the suspect sitting outside the store. Officers observed a red box cutter next to the suspect. The suspect was detained while officers investigated the incident. The clerk stated that he did not feel threatened by the suspect and declined to press charges. It was determined that the suspect was experiencing a mental health crisis. The suspect consented to being transported to a hospital for a mental health evaluation. A miscellaneous report was completed to document the incident.25-006977 5300 BLK Oakdale Avenue Check HazardPolice spoke with a resident about their trailer obstructing the roadway. The resident apologized saying they moved in today and the trailer will be gone later.25-006988 5300 BLK Ringgold Road Well-Being CheckAn employee observed someone asleep on the sidewalk near the front entrance. The woman cooperated with police and was provided a courtesy ride to her home on South Seminole Road.25-006979- 4100 BLK Ringgold Rd- Missing Person/Psychiatric EmergencyPolice responded in reference to a missing person being located. Officers met with the missing person. She had been entered as missing by Chattanooga Police Department, and CPD was asking for an officer to place eyes on her so that she could be removed from NCIC. The woman agreed to willingly go with EMS for an evaluation.25-006987-6600 BLK Ringgold Road-Warrant ServiceFollowing a call that occurred at this location, a woman was arrested for a warrant out of Marion County for probation violation. Alabama House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter and Alabama State Senate Majority Leader Steve Livingston work together to cut the ceremonial ribbon on Wednesday, July 2, to officially dedicate the new, upgraded pool facility at DeSoto State Park in Fort Payne photo by Courtesy of Alabama State Parks Chris Blankenship, commissioner of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, speaks during the ceremonial ribbon-cutting ceremony photo by Courtesy of Alabama State Parks The new pool facility at facility at DeSoto State Park in Fort Payne photo by Courtesy of Alabama State Parks John Dersham, president and CEO of DeKalb Tourism, speaks during the ceremonial ribbon-cutting ceremony photo by Courtesy of Alabama State Parks Previous Next Local leaders gathered to celebrate the construction of a new pool house facility at DeSoto State Park. Local government and tourism officials joined State Parks personnel to cut a ceremonial ribbon and officially dedicate the new building, which houses changing rooms for visitors, as well as an area for the facilitys lifeguards. In addition, new ADA-compliant walkways from the parking area to the pool were added to improve accessibility for anyone with mobility challenges. When I became Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources eight years ago, it became immediately evident that we had some outdated facilities at State Parks that were in dire need of replacement, said ADCNR Commissioner Chris Blankenship. One of those was the pool house right here at DeSoto State Park. We want our State Parks to offer excellent amenities and a first-class experience for all of our visitors, and it's truly gratifying to see this new building and know it helps us accomplish that goal. Thanks to voters approval of an $85 million bond measure issue in 2022, numerous improvement projects at State Parks have been completed or are currently under construction. The combination of bond money, state park revenues, Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill funds and additional funds provided by the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) currently supports more than $220 million in renovations and upgrades at Alabamas 21 state parks. Some of the major projects include the construction of a new lodge at Cheaha State Park, a total renovation of Lake Lurleen State Park, and expansion of the campground at Gulf State Park, which was named one of the nations best RV parks in the country earlier this year. Just last week, officials gathered at Lakepoint State Park to announce that more than two dozen water and wastewater projects at Alabama State Parks, many of which will use ductile iron pipe manufactured in Alabama. We appreciate all of the support we receive from Gov. Kay Ivey and the Legislature, as well local officials around the state, Mr. Blankenship said. Without their unwavering support, theres no way we could have secured the funds to make these much-needed improvements throughout the state and right here at DeSoto State Park. Alabama House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter and Alabama State Senate Majority Leader Steve Livingston attended Thursdays event and took part in the ceremonial ribbon cutting. While officials acknowledge that replacing the pool house at DeSoto State Park is much smaller than other large-scale projects, they emphasized it has a major impact on the local area. DeSoto State Park is a major attraction for people visiting the Lookout Mountain area of our state, and we know tourism is a major economic engine for our local area, Mr. Ledbetter said. This new pool house facility definitely improves the experience of every visitor. Its always wonderful to see how our decisions in the Legislature can create something better for the people of Alabama and everyone who visits our great state. Added Mr. Livingston, Alabama State Parks attract millions of visitors each year, and its a pleasure to see so many enhancement projects like this one right here at DeSoto State Park become reality. Our State Parks are truly a treasure for all Alabamians, and these projects strengthen them and make the parks better than ever. Alabama State Parks Director Matthew Capps noted other parks, like DeSoto, feature swimming options for visitors and overnight guests. Those include beaches at Gulf State Park, Oak Mountain State Park, Cheaha State Park, and Lake Guntersville State Park, as well as swimming pools at Blue Springs State Park, Lake Guntersville State Park and Rickwood Caverns State Park. Numerous parks also have July 4th celebrations planned for later this week, including DeSoto State Parks annual Independence Day celebration. Other events include the Fire on the Water fireworks show at Oak Mountain State Park on Thursday, the Fourth of July Scavenger Hunt at Chewacla State Park on Friday, the Independence Day Popsicle Social at Lake Guntersville State Park on Friday, the inaugural 4th of July Cavern Glow at Rickwood Caverns State Park, and Fridays annual Gulf Shores Fireworks Show from the Gulf State Park Pier. Online reservations for the July 4 events are available through the State Parks website, Alapark.com. We encourage everyone to get outside and explore Alabama State Parks for the holiday weekend, Mr. said, whether thats enjoying a swimming pool or beach, taking part in a July 4th celebration or staying overnight in a campground, chalet, cabin or lodge. We have a wide variety of activities and programming for the entire family, and I hope people take advantage by visiting these beautiful parks that offer so many options for outdoor recreation and safe, family fun. urea is considered a possible key molecule in the origin of life. ETH researchers have discovered a previously unknown way in which this building block can form spontaneously on aqueous surfaces without the need for any additional energy. Graphical representation of urea formation in a droplet Luis Quintero / ETH Zurich Urea is one of the most important industrial chemicals produced worldwide. It is used as a fertiliser, for the production of synthetic resins and explosives and as a fuel additive for cleaning car exhaust gases. Urea is also believed to be a potential key building block for the formation of biological molecules such as RNA and DNA in connection with the question of the origin of life. Until now, the origin of urea itself on Early Earth has not been conclusively clarified. A research team led by Ruth Signorell, Professor of Physical Chemistry at ETH Zurich, has discovered a previously unknown reaction pathway for the formation of urea that could provide an answer. The study has just been published in the journal Science. Chemistry on the water surface Either high pressures and temperatures or chemical catalysts are needed for the industrial production of urea from ammonia (NH) and carbon dioxide (CO). Enzymes enable the same reaction to take place in humans and animals, removing toxic ammonia from the breakdown of proteins such as urea. As this simple molecule contains nitrogen as well as carbon and probably existed on the uninhabited Early Earth, many researchers view urea as a possible precursor for complex biomolecules. In our study, we show one way in which urea could have formed on the prebiotic Earth, says Signorell namely where water molecules interact with atmospheric gases: on the water surface. Reactor on the edge of a droplet Signorell's team studied tiny water droplets such as those found in sea spray and fine mist. The researchers observed that urea can form spontaneously from carbon dioxide (CO) and ammonia (NH) in the surface layer of the droplets under ambient conditions. The physical interface between air and liquid creates a special chemical environment at the water surface that makes the spontaneous reaction possible. As a droplet has a very large surface area in relation to its volume, chemical reactions mainly take place near this surface. Chemical concentration gradients form in this area, which acts like a microscopic reactor. The pH gradient across the interfacial layer of the water droplets creates the required acidic environment, which opens unconventional pathways that would otherwise not take place in liquids. The remarkable aspect of this reaction is that it takes place under ambient conditions without any external energy, explains Mercede Mohajer Azizbaig, one of the two first authors. This not only makes the process interesting from a technical perspective but also provides valuable insights into processes that could be significant for evolution. A window into the early days of the Earth The origin of life is currently the subject of a great deal of wide-ranging research, with different approaches being explored. First author Pallab Basuri explains: Given such a controversial field of research, it was important for us to back up our observations. Theoretical calculations by co-authors Evangelos Miliordos and Andrei Evdokimov from Auburn University supported the experimental findings and confirmed that the urea reaction on the droplets takes place without any external energy supply. The results suggest that this natural reaction could also have been possible in the atmosphere of the Early Earth - an atmosphere that was rich in CO and probably contained small traces of ammonia. In such environments, aqueous aerosols or fog droplets could have acted as natural reactors in which precursor molecules such as urea were formed. Our study shows how seemingly mundane interfaces can become dynamic reaction spaces, suggesting that biological molecules may have a more common origin than was previously thought, says Signorell. Home News 1,450 Syrian Alawites were killed by govt forces, Islamist groups in violent attacks in March: report Three months after reports of the killing of hundreds of civilians in Syrias Alawite coastal areas shook the world, a new, comprehensive report by Reuters revealed that almost 1,500 civilians were murdered by a variety of groups including some under the command of the new Syrian government. According to new Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa (the former wanted terrorist, Abu Mohammed al-Jolani) the violence began when pro-Assadist militias attacked the new governments forces in the area, purportedly killing about 200 of them over several days. In the aftermath of the killings, several Sunni Islamist militias that had just recently joined the official security forces were sanctioned by the EU for their part in the violence, and reports suggested that the main culprits were several of the extremist groups that hadnt been enlisted by the state yet. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe However, Reuters found that at least a dozen factions under the command of the government, including some made up of foreign fighters, took an active part in the killings of civilians on March 7-9. The report also suggests that the governments claims of a pro-Assad insurgency are at least partly true. The new government is still dominated by former members of al-Sharaas Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a coalition of moderate-to-extremist Islamist militias that controlled the city of Idlib in northern Syria until it captured Damascus in December 2024. The violence seemingly began as an uprising that was supported by some young men among the disaffected Alawite community, which had been among the pillars of the former regime and is now widely seen as complicit in its crimes. However, after several hours of fighting, the new government issued a country-wide call for reinforcements to defeat the uprising of remnants, or fuloul, of the old regime. Across the country, mosques blasted calls for jihad against the Alawites, who are not only closely associated with the Assad regime but are also considered infidels by Sunni Islamists. The coastal regions were then flooded by a variety of armed groups, as well as civilians, who went on to massacre, torture and expel Alawite civilians while looting their towns. While the report didnt reveal evidence of explicit, direct orders from the government to kill civilians, at a minimum, the lack of control over its own troops enabled the carnage that followed. Deploying units known for hostility toward communities they view as adversaries, and with a track record of abuse, led to predictable outcomes, Nanar Hawach, a senior analyst at the International Crisis Group, told Reuters. The report also cited eyewitness testimony suggesting that the governments orders were not clear, as different groups nominally under the governments control shot at each other, with some trying to protect civilians while others were busy massacring them. Some villages were overrun by several of these groups at different times over a span of several days. Entire families were eradicated as some of the attackers went house to house, carrying lists with the names of families purportedly known as Assad sympathizers, or former members of Assad militias who had received amnesties. Similarly to the atrocities committed by their fellow Islamists in Hamas, some of the attackers proudly filmed themselves humiliating, mutilating and murdering their victims. Units implicated in massacres of civilians include not just militias that joined the government after it took over, but also units that had been part of HTSs core security services during its rule over Idlib. In addition, Reuters found that factions of the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army, the countrys second-largest opposition coalition, which has faced numerous claims of severe human rights abuses, also took part. Other groups that joined in the massacres included extremist Sunni groups that werent aligned with HTS, Sunni civilians engaged in revenge killings, and some of the remaining groups of Islamist fighters recruited across the Muslim world, mainly Turkmens, Uzbeks, Chechens, and Arabs. Following the attacks, which were mainly committed over the span of three days, many Alawites across the coastal areas fled their homes. Thousands camped out at the Russian Hmeimim airbase, and only slowly returned home in fear of further attacks. Reuters cited reports by the Syria Observatory for Human Rights that 20 Alawites were gunned down in the Latakia and Hama regions between May 10 and June 4. Syrias government claimed that dozens of suspected attackers implicated in the killings had been arrested, after al-Sharaa promised to bring justice to the perpetrators. However, none of them have been charged yet. A committee set up by order of al-Sharaa and tasked with investigating the violence and setting up civil peace mediations is expected to present findings in two weeks. Counting the dead through locally created victim lists from community leaders and families that were cross-checked with witnesses from the respective village, Reuters found that 1,479 Syrian Alawites were killed, with dozens missing, at 40 distinct sites. This article was originally published by All Israel News. Home News A first faithful step: Baylor University, Cooperative Baptist Fellowship announce partnership Baylor University and the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship have announced a new partnership that involves the Baptist network placing three missions experts at the Texas-based academic institution. In a press release shared with The Christian Post, CBF noted that three global missions field personnel will be at Baylor in time for the start of the fall semester. The selected personnel have experience serving in missions in Southeast Asia and Northern Africa, and will speak to classes as well as occasionally teach courses at Baylor. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe One of the three, Karen Zimmerman, will serve as minister for Student Formation and Community Engagement for Open Table, an entity within the Baylor Division of Student Life. Baylor President Linda A. Livingstone said in a statement emailed to CP that the new partnership will help fulfill our mission of educating men and women for worldwide leadership and service through the integration of academic excellence and Christian commitment within a caring community. A year ago we expanded the Universitys longstanding motto Pro Ecclesia (for the church), Pro Texana (for Texas) to include Pro Mundo (for the world), she explained. This partnership is certainly an extension of our strategic priority to prepare students to live in a global, caring society and share Gods love worldwide, and we look forward to working with CBF in support of these efforts. CBF Executive Coordinator Paul Baxley said in a statement emailed to CP that the three missionaries being placed at Baylor are a first faithful step toward inviting a new generation of young adults to find their place in the mission of God. We know the students who benefit from these ministries will one day be field personnel around the world and pastors of congregations across our Fellowship and beyond, he explained. The chance to engage students in deep faith in Christ and participation in his mission of bringing good news to the poor, release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind is a holy privilege. A network of Baptist congregations, CBF traces its origins to the early 1990s, when a group of churches and pastors left the Southern Baptist Convention due to the resurgence of theologically conservative leaders. Our understanding of Baptist faith and practice is expressed by our emphasis on freedom in biblical interpretation and congregational governance, the participation of women and men in all aspects of church leadership and Christian ministry, and religious liberty for all people, explains the CBF on its website. CBF is innovative congregations, gifted and called field personnel bearing witness to Jesus Christ around the world, nearly 1,200 endorsed chaplains and pastoral counselors, 15 state and regional organizations, dozens of theological schools and partner organizations and so much more. Home News BBC apologizes after docu claims Jews spit on Christians as Jewish holiday ritual The BBC has issued a correction and apology for a documentary by its Arabic service that claimed Jews spit on Christians as part of a "holiday ritual." The correction followed complaints about a caption in an October 2023 video, which stated that observant Jews mark the Sukkot holiday by spitting on Christians. The original video was published alongside an article titled "Sukkot: Spitting and Assault on Christians and Harassment of Muslims on the Jewish Holiday," according to The Telegraph. The clip showed foreign Christian pilgrims carrying a wooden cross through Jerusalem's Old City during the Sukkot festival. At least seven ultra-Orthodox Jews were seen spitting on the ground as the procession passed while holding the ritual palm fronds associated with the holiday. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe The caption in the BBC Arabic video initially stated this act was a celebratory practice. Following a complaint by the Committee for Accuracy in Middle East Reporting and Analysis, or CAMERA, it was updated to read, "Some observant Jews consider spitting on Christians a holiday ritual." CAMERA filed the complaint soon after the video was released, but a formal response from the BBC took 19 months. In a written reply, the broadcaster said, "We apologise for the errors and thank you for your patience in waiting for this reply/confirmation of corrections that were made in October 2023." Another BBC Arabic article, published on Sept. 11, 2023, the 22nd anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, also drew criticism. Titled "The story of suicide bombers throughout history: from the fanatical Jews, through Assassins, to the Jihadists," the article described the Sicarii, a Jewish militant group from the first century, as early suicide attackers and linked them to modern jihadi tactics. That piece described the group's actions during the Jewish revolt in 70 A.D. and their subsequent retreat to Masada. CAMERA objected, stating that while the Sicarii committed mass suicide, they did not engage in suicide attacks and were inaccurately grouped with later jihadi movements. "Since the Sicarii's attacks weren't suicidal and their mass suicide was not an attack, they do not fit a narrative about suicide attacks at all. Yet, they are the only ones labelled 'fanatics' and 'extremists' in the entire article," CAMERA said in its letter to the BBC. After further complaints, the BBC's executive complaints unit ruled that the article contained a "material inaccuracy." In a decision released on April 10, the unit stated, "Although the Sicarii may have preferred suicide to capture, there was no evidence of their using suicide as a means of an attack." The article's headline was later revised to "The Story of Suicide Bombers Throughout History: From Assassins to Jihadists." The broadcaster has faced growing criticism over its Arabic service. Several BBC contributors have publicly expressed anti-Jewish views and support for Hamas, both before and after the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks on Israel. In February, the BBC pulled a documentary that critics say served as a propaganda piece for Hamas, highlighting the son of a Hamas leader. BBC said the film's producer did not divulge the Hamas connection. In May 2024, BBC chairman Dr. Samir Shah told Times Radio that the organization would appoint an independent figure to investigate its Middle East coverage, including BBC Arabic. CAMERA stated that six other complaints related to BBC Arabic content remained unresolved as of June 9. "Having demonstrated such ignorance in covering Jewish affairs, it seems that part of the problem lies not only with the Arabic service's inability to respond to complaints on time, but also in the lack of training its staff undergo upon hiring," a spokesperson for CAMERA told The Telegraph. The spitting incident in Jerusalem drew swift condemnation from the Israeli government and religious leaders at the time. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced a "zero-tolerance policy" and said urgent steps would be taken against those involved, as noted in an op-ed by The Christian Post at the time. The perpetrators were arrested shortly after the event. Chief Rabbi David Lau called the act a "desecration" and rejected any connection between such behavior and Jewish religious law. Foreign Minister Eli Cohen said the conduct "does not represent the values of Judaism," and Minister for Diaspora Affairs Amichai Chikli cited scripture in affirming Jerusalem's commitment to religious pluralism. Home News Billboard Chris shares details of shocking arrest, issues call to men to take a stand Chris Elston, an activist known for speaking out against performing trans procedures on minors, is sharing details about his recent arrest in Belgium. Elston, known as Billboard Chris for his tactic of wearing sandwich boards with bold messages, told The Christian Post that he recently traveled to Brussels to meet with European politicians and to engage in conversations with citizens about the transgender issue. He said he and Lois McLatchie Miller, senior legal communications officer for ADF International, ended up being detained after a crowd surrounded them and began hurling insults. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe We had several meetings with many members of the European Parliament, did a lot of media as well, Elston said. And, in some of our spare time, we were out on the street, and I've been doing what I do, having conversations wearing a sign that says, Children cannot consent to puberty blockers. I've done this all over the world. But he said the situation in Brussels was quite different from anything else hes experienced, as the duo faced antagonism, continual abuse and hostility. Elston said it started with a man who attempted to interrupt him, and then began harassing and following Miller. After about half an hour, I got tired of this, and we called the police, because, this is, in my view, criminal harassment of a young woman half his size, he said. By the time police eventually arrived, quite a crowd had gathered all hostile. Rather than help Elston and Miller or curb the crowds behavior, Elston said the police ordered him to remove his sign and leave the area. [The cop] was telling us we needed a permit from the mayor to hold a demonstration, he said, noting he explained he was simply holding conversations, not demonstrating or protesting. The sign is just a conversation starter. That's all it is. Ultimately, authorities ended up arresting Elston and Miller. We were told we were now being charged criminally with what translates as causing a disturbance, he said. We were handcuffed in that police station and transported to another police station. All of our possessions were logged. We were stripped down to our underwear, our clothes were searched, and then we were put in cells and held until 9 p.m. when we were released. In the end, they werent charged, but the entire experience was, from Elstons purview, a violation of [their] freedom of expression. In fact, he said there are no laws, to his knowledge, that would have permitted authorities to seize signage and punish them in such a way. We are taking legal action against them, he said. Elston has no plans to back down from spreading his message and starting important conversations. He believes he will prevail in any legal challenge on this front, citing laws that support free speech and expression. My message is: Children cannot consent to puberty blockers, he said. It's not hate speech. It is what the high court in England has already confirmed. It's what every systematic review of the scientific literature done in England, Finland, Sweden, the HHS just conducted one all of the scientific reviews have come to the same conclusion. Elstons message comes amid the U.S. Supreme Courts landmark 6-3 ruling Wednesday in Skrmetti v. United States, upholding a Tennessee law banning youth with gender dysphoria from obtaining life-altering surgeries and hormone drugs. With Elston and other activists seeing victories like these, its clear their campaigning is having an impact and he explained exactly why he persists in his work. Tens of thousands of children are having their natural development stopped with chemical castration drugs, drugs that have never been approved for this purpose, Elston said. We're stopping the development of perfectly healthy kids. He continued, This is a cult that's spread through social media and through schools, and it's causing grave, psychological damage and physical harm to kids. So that's what keeps me going. I don't care what these authorities want to do to me. We have kids losing body parts, so all of us adults, particularly us men, need to stand up because we can't tolerate this a moment longer. Home News Brazilian court to hear case of Christian mother prosecuted for homeschooling son A Brazilian state court will hear oral arguments on Wednesday in the case of Regiane Cichelero, a Christian mother prosecuted for homeschooling her son. The case is being brought before the highest court in the state of Santa Catarina. Cichelero began homeschooling her 12-year-old son in 2020 after public schools shut down due to COVID-19 and continued after in-person classes resumed in March 2021. She said she believed homeschooling allowed her to offer a higher-quality education aligned with her familys religious convictions, according to the legal advocacy group ADF International, which is backing her case. Brazilian law requires compulsory school enrollment. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe Regiane made a lawful and conscientious decision to teach her son at home, said Julio Pohl, ADF Internationals Legal Counsel for Latin America. We are hopeful that the court will affirm her rights and take an important step toward protecting parental rights in Brazil. It is my role as a mother to provide the best education I can for my son, Cichelero said ahead of her court date. The states decision to penalize me has made it difficult to fulfill that duty. But I look forward to this hearing, and I am hopeful for a decision that affirms the right of parents to direct their childrens education. No parent in Brazil should fear the risk of fines or even of losing custody of their child simply for making the best choice for their family. Following her decision, local authorities imposed fines and launched legal proceedings. Cichelero was fined $300 for failing to enroll her son in public school and faced a $20 daily penalty, potentially totaling $1,200. A judge also warned that she risked losing custody of her son if she did not comply with enrollment requirements. ADF International contends that her right to homeschool is protected under international human rights law. Parents are the first authority for the education of their children, and this reaction from the local authorities is a complete violation of her rights as a parent guaranteed under international law, Pohl previously said. More than 70,000 children are being homeschooled in Brazil, according to unofficial data from the National Association for Home Education. Despite this, there is no federal law in place to regulate homeschooling, the group points out. In 2018, Brazils Supreme Federal Court ruled that homeschooling is not unconstitutional, but also affirmed that specific legislation would be necessary to regulate the practice. Since then, families who choose home education have continued to face legal uncertainty. International legal instruments affirm parental rights in educational decisions, the group explains. Article 26.3 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that parents have a prior right to choose the kind of education that shall be given to their children. Similarly, Article 13 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights affirms the states obligation to respect the rights of parents to choose schools that align with their convictions, provided they meet national educational standards. Cichelero has said that her decision was rooted in both educational and religious concerns. I choose to homeschool my son because I believe this is what is best for him, and am committed to providing him with the best possible education, she stated earlier. Moreover, homeschooling ensures that I can impart our faith and values, which are so important to our family, to him on a daily basis values that are consistently challenged and undermined in Brazil's public school system. Cichelero, who also has a younger child, continues to homeschool despite the ongoing legal risk. Home News Chicago man recruited for ISIS, urged jihadis to 'create confusion, spread terror' An Iraqi-born Chicago man faces the possibility of 130 years in prison after he was convicted of using social media to promote violent jihad and recruit operatives to carry out attacks on behalf of the Islamic State terror group. On Friday, Ashraf Al Safoo, 41, was convicted in federal court in Chicago following his arrest in 2018. U.S. District Judge John Robert Blakey found Al Safoo guilty on one count of conspiracy to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, one count of conspiracy to transmit threats in interstate commerce and one count of conspiracy to intentionally access a protected computer without authorization. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe Al Safoo was also convicted of four counts of intentionally accessing a protected computer without authorization and four counts of providing material support to a foreign terrorist organization. The convictions carry a maximum penalty of 130 years in prison, and the defendant's sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 9. In a Friday press release, the U.S. Department of Justice cited court documents that described Al Safoo as the leader of Khattab Media Foundation, an internet organization that swore allegiance to IS (also known as ISIS or ISIL). The Khattab Media Foundation spread IS propaganda through videos, articles and infographics that the organization posted on social media sites and other online platforms. Al Safoo and other Khattab members worked under the direction of IS when creating content and posting it to social media websites. In one of the social media posts cited by the DOJ, Al Safoo told Khattab members to post pro-IS information "to cause confusion and spread terror within the hearts of those who disbelieved." "Work hard, brothers, edit the issue into short clips, take the pictures out of it and publish the efforts of your brothers in the pages of the apostates," the Iraqi-born Chicago man wrote in another social media post. "Participate in the war, and spread terror, the [Islamic] State does not want you to watch it only, rather, it incites you, and if you are unable to, use it to incite others." The content created and disseminated by Khattab celebrated violence and terrorism, including posts that encouraged "lone wolf" attacks in the United States. The court documents highlighted an infographic that Khattab created in October 2017 of the Las Vegas shooter. The infographic distributed by the pro-IS organization contained Arabic writing and stated in English, "The Las Vegas Conquest." Another video that Khattab created and distributed in December 2017 shows a present underneath a Christmas tree that contains a bomb with a ticking timer before cutting to a video of a mass shooting. The video then showed a computer-generated image of a family gathered around the Christmas tree, with a person in black standing behind them holding a detonator in his hand. Before the soldier with the detonator activated the bomb, the video showed images of various landmarks and cities, including Berlin, Brussels, London, Moscow, New York, Paris and Sydney. After the soldier is seen detonating the bomb, the video is engulfed in flames, ending with the Khattab logo. "Today's conviction demonstrates that the safety and security of the American public is always a top priority for me and my entire Office," U.S. Attorney Andrew Boutros said in a statement. "The prosecution of Ashraf Al Safoo is a testament to the vigilance and dedication of our prosecutors and law enforcement partners who stand watch to disrupt and prevent dangerous threats before they materialize," Boutros continued. "We will vigorously pursue and bring to justice those who provide material support in whatever form to terrorist organizations." Home News BGEA's Chris Swanson urges the Church to wake up: 'Our battle is spiritual' 'The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him' Montevideo, Uruguay With a mix of humor, biblical firmness and spiritual urgency, Chris Swanson, director of crusades and development for Latin America at the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA), lit up the auditorium of the Ibero-American Congress for Life and Family with a clear exhortation: "The battle we are facing today is not cultural, it is spiritual." The BGEA is an organization founded by the Rev. Billy Graham, one of the most influential evangelists of the 20th century, with the purpose of proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ by every means possible. With more than seven decades of experience, the association maintains an active legacy of global evangelism, pastoral training, and crisis response through events and media. Swanson, who grew up in Argentina, has been married for more than three decades and has three adopted children. He shared his pastoral and missionary experiences to invite attendees to understand that discussions about life, family, and faith are not mere political battles. "Culture is the battlefield, but war is spiritual and begins in the heavenly realms," he said, quoting Ephesians 6:12. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe Don't forget to pray expectantly Drawing on Acts 12, Swanson recalled the story of Peter's imprisonment and how the early Church responded with constant, fervent prayer. He stressed that many times, Christians have left prayer as a last option instead of making it their first reaction. "The church prayed fervently. That Greek word, 'ektenos,' means to stretch the muscle to the limit. This is how we should pray for our nations and our families," he said. In a pastoral tone, he warned that prayer without expectation can be sterile. "We pray, but we don't think anything is really going to happen. Peter knocked on the door, and those who prayed did not believe it. God wants us to pray with faith and preparation for the miracle." 'It's time to get dressed and put on' Returning to the biblical account, Swanson compared the angel's call to Peter "Arise and put on" to the current call to the church: "It is time for action. We can no longer sleep. God is waking up his people with pats on the side, as he did with Peter in prison." Addressing leaders, parliamentarians and pastors present at the congress, Swanson was emphatic: "We are here because we are already doing something. But maybe God is telling us to do more. The days are short, Jesus is coming soon, and there is much to do." He also warned against unscriptural activism: "Our convictions must be born of the Word of God. He is not going to protect or bless what does not come from Him. Good intentions or popular opinion are not enough. What we stand for must be revealed truth." Evangelism as the central axis of mission As a representative of the BGEA, Swanson insisted that all Christian action, including political action, must aim at the fulfillment of the Great Commission. "It's all about the Gospel. I'm not saying this because I work for the BGEA, I'm saying it because it's the truth. While you're in Parliament, in a cafe or in an interview, make disciples." He called on those present to recover the spiritual perspective of public life: "We are not fighting against people. It is not against culture. Our struggle is against the spiritual forces of evil. If we forget that, we lose focus and power." Montevideo as the epicenter of a continental vision The Ibero-American Congress for Life and Family brought together parliamentarians, activists and leaders from more than 15 countries, with the aim of consolidating an agenda of regional cooperation in defense of biblical values. Since its opening, the event has been marked by calls for unity, strategic prayer and the formation of new generations of leaders with a Christian worldview. Swanson concluded his participation with a direct exhortation: "Be concerned with proclaiming Jesus and Him alone as the way, the truth, and the life. The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him. Our mission does not change because God remains sovereign." This article was originally published at Christian Daily International Home News David French torched on social media for affirming transgenderism: 'Mr. Pharisee himself' New York Times columnist and author David French drew scorn on social media over the weekend when he affirmed the transgender identity of a male staff writer at The Dispatch who identifies as a woman. French congratulated Jessica Riedl, who was born Brian and has a wife and children, for joining as a contributing writer at The Dispatch, where French formerly served as a senior editor. The online magazine was founded by Jonah Goldberg, Stephen F. Hayes and Toby Stock in 2019 after The Weekly Standard went defunct. "This is great news for The Dispatch. Nobody is better on fiscal policy than Jessica. Jessica and I recently had a great conversation about the grim realities of the federal budget on The Opinions podcast," French tweeted Friday. He also affirmed Reidl's feminine pronouns during an interview published in The New York Times in March. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe This is great news for The Dispatch. Nobody is better on fiscal policy than Jessica. Jessica and I recently had a great conversation about the grim realities of the federal budget on The Opinions podcast (link in next tweet) https://t.co/BcwnnY0sZV David French (@DavidAFrench) June 28, 2025 Riedl, who is also a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute focusing on economic policy, penned an essay in February claiming he had known he was transgender since age 4 and experienced intense, traumatic bullying in grade school. The essay, which links to songs from the musical "Hamilton" and the 1990s rock band Blink-182 to emphasize his points, cites academic studies that he claims suggest it is possible for someone to have male anatomy while possessing the "predominantly female brain biology" he claims to have. After drawing widespread attention in part because of French's tweet, Riedl on Saturday issued an X post pushing back against claims he had abandoned his family and claimed he has been inundated with death threats from Christians. "In the last 24 hours, 1000s so-called 'Christians' have called me a 'demonic,' 'evil' 'monster' who needs to be 'brutally murdered' so I can 'burn in hell.' They have also doxxed my young kids. Why? Because I happen to be LGBT. That's all. These are simply terrible people," Riedl wrote. French's tweet, apparently affirming Riedl's worldview, was met with a torrent of criticism from users on X, including pastors, some of whom pointed out that French spoke out against transgender behavior as recently as 2018 regarding whistleblower Chelsea Manning, who was born Bradley. ''I won't call Chelsea Manning 'she' for a simple reason. He's a man. I will not use my words to endorse a falsehood. I simply won't," French wrote at the time in a column for National Review titled, "In the Transgender Debate, Conservatives Can't Compromise on the Truth." A decade ago, French was also penning columns suggesting sexuality and gender identity involve a moral choice, raising doubts regarding the assertion that homosexuality and transgenderism are innate. Some who took French to task for his Friday tweet suggested his hatred of President Donald Trump and his desire to remain in favor with the cultural elite have driven him to compromise on issues he once seemingly held as fundamental. "This is one more key indicator that David French is not a conservative at all," wrote Stephen Michael Feinstein, a pastor at Sovereign Way Christian Church in Hesperia, California. "And it's definitely hard to reconcile his claim to being a Christian. This is basic creation order stuff." "His name is Brian. He is male," The Federalist co-founder Sean Davis wrote of Riedl. "He is engaged in a vile and perverted sexual delusion that is destroying the lives of his wife and children." Davis suggested French has fallen into the same sin he accused Trump supporters of committing. "And here we have Mr. Pharisee himself David French the guy who implied voting for Trump imperiled the salvation of Christians and 'compromised their witness' going out of his way to endorse and promote this insanity," he added. The Christian Post has reached out to French for comment. This article will be updated if a response is received. "Trump Derangement Syndrome is real," wrote Michael Clary, who serves as lead pastor at Christ the King Church in Cincinnati, Ohio. "David French used to be conservative, but his contempt for Trump has driven him into the arms of radical leftist ideologies." "Here he is, celebrating his publication's hire of a dude in a dress as a staff writer," he continued. "Hatred is a heckuva drug." "You don't recover from abandoning first principles," said Colin J. Smothers, who serves as senior pastor at First Baptist Church Maize in Wichita, Kansas. Daniel Balcombe, lead pastor of Living Way Church in Poway, California, suggested French nurses a desire to retain his place at the table in the upper echelons of the culture. "Extremely sad to see what has happened to David French," said Balcombe, who noted he recently drew insight into French's alleged mentality by reading "How to Know a Person" by David Brooks, another New York Times columnist who claims to be a Christian. "I recently read my first David Brooks book and I came away from it with 2 thoughts," he said. "1) this guy lives in an incredible bubble of self-righteous, wealthy, privileged, upper-class folks. 2) I would very much enjoy a seat at a table like that." "I understand why French has compromised so much. That table is very alluring. But the price he has paid in terms of personal integrity cannot possibly be worth it," he said. "What a shame," he added. French endorsed former Vice President Kamala Harris during the 2024 presidential election, claiming her victory would help "save conservatism." He accused Trump and his Evangelical supporters whom he dubbed "MAGA Christians" of infecting the American church with "viciousness and intolerance." Home News Dozens of Planned Parenthoods have closed in recent years but abortions are still at record highs: report The number of Planned Parenthood facilities in the United States has reached a new low as dozens have closed in the last four years, a new report shows. But despite the closures, the abortions performed by the organization have reached a record high. The pro-life advocacy group American Life League released its 2025 Planned Parenthood Facilities Report, which found that Planned Parenthood facilities in the United States have declined to a low of 509 as of May 2025. This constitutes a decrease from the 536 Planned Parenthood facilities open in 2024 and the 554 open in both 2022 and 2023. With the exception of 2023, when no decrease in Planned Parenthood facilities was recorded, the number of clinics has consistently declined for more than two decades. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe "Within the last four years, however, 66 facilities closed permanently, 10 temporarily closed, and 20 new locations have opened, bringing the new total of open brick-and-mortar facilities to 509," the report reads. The report comes weeks after Planned Parenthood said it conducted a record high of 402,230 abortions in its 2023-2024 annual report while receiving nearly $800 million in public funding. American Life League attributed the record abortion numbers despite the drop in Planned Parenthood facilities to increased use of abortion pills, such as mifepristone. Planned Parenthood is leveraging the Internet to skirt state abortion laws, said American Life League National Director Katie Brown Xavios in a statement reacting to the reports findings. Even in states where abortion pills are restricted, women can book virtual appointments and receive abortion drugs in the mail. This is not only unethical, its illegal. In May, Planned Parenthood stated that as many as 200 of its facilities could close if federal lawmakers advance the Big Beautiful Bill Act, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives with a measure that would strip federal funding from Planned Parenthood. As lawmakers look for ways to defund the nation's largest abortion provider, Xavio contends that Plannd Parenthood is utilizing the "virtual healthcare sphere" by "moving online to entice its clients to end the lives of their preborn children through convenient, impersonal telehealth services. Planned Parenthood is adapting to find new ways of delivering abortion in the face of state attempts to shield women and children from harm, Xavios added. In the face of declining facilities for on-site abortions, Planned Parenthood has cunningly leveraged the telehealth program to prescribe abortion pills to women, even in states where the pills are illegal, furthering its largest moneymaking service. While several states have banned or restricted abortion since the U.S. Supreme Courts 2022 Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organizationdecision determined that the U.S. Constitution does not contain a right to abortion, Planned Parenthoods clinic closures occurred in both states that have implemented abortion restrictions and states that have few or no restrictions on abortion. Seven of the facilities that closed their doors since 2022 are located in Iowa, which bans abortion after six weeks of gestation. Six centers apiece have closed in Minnesota, New York and Vermont, all of which have few or no abortion limits in place. Illinois, another state with few or no abortion restrictions, has seen five of its Planned Parenthood facilities close. Florida, a state that bans abortion after six weeks gestation, has seen four of its Planned Parenthood facilities close since 2022 as have Michigan, where voters approved a referendum establishing a constitutional right to abortion, and Pennsylvania, another state with few abortion restrictions in place. Indiana and Missouri, both of which have near-total abortion bans on the books, have seen three Planned Parenthood facilities close. Alaska, Colorado, and Nevada, all of which have few or no abortion restrictions, have each seen two Planned Parenthood facilities close, as has Utah, where a near-total abortion ban is tied up in court. Alabama and Oklahoma, states with near-total bans on abortion, along with the pro-abortion states of Delaware, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Ohio, and Oregon, have each seen one Planned Parenthood facility close since 2022, as has Wisconsin, where a near-total ban on abortion is tied up in court. California has seen one Planned Parenthood facility close and one facility close and reopen. Even as more than five dozen Planned Parenthood clinics closed since 2022, the closings were cancelled out in part by the opening of new facilities. California has seen the most new clinics since 2022, with five opening in the past three years. Kansas has seen two Planned Parenthood clinics open since 2022. One facility apiece has opened in the pro-abortion states of Illinois, New Jersey, New Mexico, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania and Washington as well as the pro-life state of Missouri. Planned Parenthood facilitis have reopened in the pro-abortion states of Illinois and Ohio as well as the pro-life states of Tennessee and Texas. Home News Duffy urges all 50 state govs. to remove LGBT rainbow crosswalks, distracting political messages from roads Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy fired off a letter Tuesday to the governors of all 50 states, urging them to promote public safety by removing any politically charged and distracting displays from public roads, including LGBT rainbow crosswalks. Roads are for safety, not political messages or artwork. Today I am calling on governors in every state to ensure that roadways, intersections, and crosswalks are kept free of distractions, Duffy said in a statement, according to a DOT press release. Far too many Americans die each year to traffic fatalities to take our eye off the ball. USDOT stands ready to help communities across the country make their roads safer and easier to navigate. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe Taxpayers expect their dollars to fund safe streets, not rainbow crosswalks. Political banners have no place on public roads. Im reminding recipients of @USDOT roadway funding that its limited to features advancing safety, and nothing else. Its that simple. https://t.co/hA5FBsVFXO Secretary Sean Duffy (@SecDuffy) July 1, 2025 Duffys letter, which was also sent to District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser and Puerto Rico Gov. Jenniffer Gonzalez-Colon, asked the governors to comply with the Federal Highway Administrations initiative titled Safe Arterials for Everyone through Reliable Operations and Distraction-Reducing Strategies, or SAFE ROADS. The SAFE ROADS national initiative will focus on the non-freeway arterials within your state, including safety and operation at intersections and along segments, consistent and recognizable traffic control devices including crosswalk and intersection markings, and orderly use of the right-of-way that is kept free from distractions, Duffy wrote. These routes are where more than half of roadway fatalities in America occur and deserve enhanced attention. Duffy noted statistics that an estimated 39,345 people died on U.S. roads last year, a figure he described as unacceptable despite marking an improvement over 2023. Citing data compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Federal Highway Administration noted that almost half of roadway fatalities in the U.S. in 2023 occurred on non-freeway/expressway arterials. Duffy gave each governor 60 days to identify needed safety improvements and "to develop a list of arterial segments, including intersections, with the highest safety, operational, or compliance concerns to be addressed by the end of the next fiscal year. In an X post, Duffy singled out rainbow crosswalks and other potentially distracting political imagery as potentially dangerous. Taxpayers expect their dollars to fund safe streets, not rainbow crosswalks, he wrote. Political banners have no place on public roads. Im reminding recipients of [DOT] roadway funding that its limited to features advancing safety, and nothing else. Its that simple. LGBT murals on public streets have popped up in multiple U.S. cities in recent years, often leading to acts of vandalism such as "burning out" or "doing donuts" on the display with a vehicle that could potentially endanger pedestrians. Those involved are sometimes slapped with felony charges, which potentially carry years' worth of prison time. Home News Evangelical churches in Switzerland defy national decline in faith: report Evangelical Christians in Switzerland are defying the nationwide decline in religious belief and practice, standing out for their commitment to regular worship, prayer and spiritual engagement, according to newly released government data. According to the Reseau evangelique suisse (RES), which represents 250 Evangelical churches across French-speaking Switzerland, the data comes from a report released Monday by the Swiss Federal Statistical Office (SFSO) titled Religiosity and Spirituality in Switzerland (2024). The Swiss Evangelical Network (RES) is delighted that evangelical churches are mentioned for the first time in the study and that they stand out from the general trend in religious practice, stated RES in a news update [in French]. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe It is also [encouraging] that around 40% of the population prays at least once a month and that, according to the SFSO, religion and spirituality still play an important role in the daily lives of a large proportion of the population. The report highlighted that Switzerland is historically a Christian country, but also added that people with no religion are increasing despite the diversity of religious beliefs. Contrary to the title of the SFSO press release, Decline in religious faith and practice continues, evangelical churches are bucking this trend, stated RES, outlining how Evangelicals are bunched under the other Christian communities category. The 2024 figures show that Christianity remains the most widespread religion in Switzerland, and this is despite a downward trend. More than half (51%) of the population surveyed agreed or strongly agreed with the statement: More spiritual thinking would benefit society. At the same time, half of those surveyed believe in an afterlife. Population figures quoted for 2024 show 31% Roman Catholic, 19% Reformed Protestant and 6% Evangelicals. However, on matters of religion and spirituality, there are differences between religious communities. RES highlighted that a third of Swiss Roman Catholics are religious and spiritual, in comparison to nearly a quarter of Reformed Protestants. For Evangelical churches, however, this proportion rises to almost 50%. In the past 10 years, the SFSO outlined how regular reading of spiritual books, magazines or internet articles has spiralled upwards from 13% to 20%. The increase in spiritual reading is strongest among members of evangelical churches (+21%), the Reformed (+12%) and 15-24 year-olds (+13%), reported RES. Reading religious books is more widespread among members of Evangelical churches (45%) and Muslims (35%) than in other religious communities. Evangelicals are also more likely to participate in spiritual events and religious services with 30.3% attending at least once per week. Regular prayer times have also increased in Evangelical churches by a margin of at least seven percent. RES explained that the other Christian communities, which Evangelical churches are included in, are listed in the report as Evangelical Free Churches (FREE), International Evangelical Churches, Baptist, Anabaptist, Charismatic and Adventist Churches, as well as Sanctification, Pentecostal and Latter-day Saint Churches. Other churches in the category include Eastern Orthodox and other Eastern Christian churches, Evangelical Lutheran churches, other churches of the Reformation, as well as international, Anglican, Catholic-Christian and ecumenical Christian churches. The Religiosity and Spirituality in Switzerland report relies on data from the Language, Religion and Culture Survey (ELRC) taking place every five years since 2014. This article was originally published by Christian Daily International. Home News Fears of another large-scale attack on Christians growing in Nigeria after Fulani kill 200 ABUJA, Nigeria Fears of another large-scale attack on Christians are growing in Benue state, Nigeria, where Fulani herdsmen slaughtered up to 200 people in Yelwata village on June 13-14, sources said. Initial reports confirmed 100 people had died in the attack on predominantly Christian Yelwata, but later data collected by the Diocese of Makurdis Foundation for Justice, Development and Peace (FJDP) estimated a toll of up to 200, according to Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN). Among those slain were all nine family members of Yelwata resident Lucy Tsegba. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe My beloved mom, four sisters, three nieces and grandmother were killed during the incident, Tsegba told Christian Daily International-Morning Star News. I love them, but God loves them more. I will forever miss them. I cant stop crying. In a report to ACN, local clergy said earlier that evening, police had repelled the attackers as they tried to storm Yelwatas St. Josephs Church, where up to 700 internally displaced people were sleeping. But then, the militants made for the towns market square, where they reportedly used fuel to set fire to the doors of the displaced peoples accommodation, before opening fire in an area where more than 500 people were asleep, the charity reported. The death toll makes it the single worst atrocity in the region, where there has been a sudden upsurge in attacks and increasing signs that a concerted militant assault is underway to force an entire community to leave, ACN reported. Security officials in Benue state on June 22 announced the arrest of several suspects linked to the Yelwata attack. Fears heightened Attacks in the past week on Yogbo village, also in Guma County, have left some residents fearing another herdsmen invasion. Shooting and killing of Christians in Yogbo village of Guma Local Government Area by Fulani herdsmen is ongoing, resident Fred Samada said in a text message on June 23, to Christian Daily International-Morning Star News. Please pray for Benue state. Resident Tivta Samuel Aondohemba said fears have heightened in Yogbo in the past week following the activities of armed Fulani militias in the area. On June 18, armed Fulani militias attempted to launch an attack on Yogbo, he said. They entered the community and fired several shots. Fortunately, the few security personnel stationed in the area responded, and the militias retreated, Aondohemba said in a public statement. However, the situation did not end there as the same armed Fulani militias were later spotted on the outskirts of Yogbo, heavily armed and grazing their cattle freely on farms belonging to Christians. Herdsmen also blocked the Yogbo-Gyungu Adze road and killed one Christian, he said. On Monday, June 23, the armed Fulani militias attacked Christian farmers from Yogbo, Aondohemba said. From these incidents, it is clear that the armed Fulani militias are targeting Yogbo for a possible large-scale attack. Assailant identity In the Yelwata attack, church leaders told ACN that corpses were scattered everywhere, with the bodies of infants, children and parents burned beyond recognition. The villages Catholic parish priest, the Rev. Ukuma Jonathan Angbianbee, told ACN that he and others identified the assailants as Fulanis. There is no question about who carried out the attack. They were definitely Fulanis, Angbianbee told ACN. They were shouting Alahu Akhbar. He and other clergy in the Diocese of Makurdi criticized the security response, saying police stopped the assailants from accessing the church but were poorly equipped and unable to prevent the attack on the nearby marketplace. A leading diocese priest commented to ACN, The morning after the attack, there were plenty of police and other security, but where were they the previous evening when we needed them? This is by far the worst atrocity we have seen. There has been nothing even close. Church leaders had repeatedly called for international help, saying that a jihadist plan was underway to seize land and ethnically cleanse the region of its Christian presence, the ACN report states. The Rev. Hyacinth Alia, a Catholic priest and governor of Benue state, identified the attackers through a spokesman as suspected Fulani herdsmen. War against Christians Catholic and Evangelical leaders called for an immediate end to the unprovoked bloodshed. The ongoing killing spree by Fulani militias is a war being waged against Christians in Nigeria, the Rev. Yusufu Turaki, former vice president of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), told Christian Daily International-Morning Star News. Its a wrong narrative to claim that there are herdsmen-farmers clashes in the country. Having the defense minister, minister of state, and national security adviser, all of them Muslims from Fulani ethnic group, controlling our national security, how can these protect Christians? Pentecostal Pastor Johnson Suleiman said that if the federal government knows it is overwhelmed or its security architecture has failed, officials should be humble enough to tell citizens. What is happening in Benue state is evil, barbaric and a mayhem, Pastor Suleiman said. Another Pentecostal leader, Isa El-Buba, said residents protesting in Abuja, the federal capital, lifted their voices not just in protest but in righteous anger. The killings in Benue state are not a distant tragedy; they are a national disgrace, El-Buba said. We call on the Nigerian government: How many more lives must be lost before you act? How long will you remain silent while the blood of innocent men, women, and children cries out from the ground? Leadership is a responsibility that calls for protection, and if the government cannot protect the people, then it has failed them, he said. We demand urgent action. We demand justice. We demand peace, he said. The time to speak is now. The time to act is now. From the Catholic Church, the bishops from the dioceses of Abuja, Onitsha, Lagos and Jalingo denounced the attacks and called on the Nigerian government to, as a matter of urgency, end the violence. Numbering in the millions across Nigeria and the Sahel, predominantly Muslim Fulani comprise hundreds of clans of many different lineages who do not hold extremist views, but some Fulani do adhere to radical Islamist ideology, the United Kingdoms All-Party Parliamentary Group for International Freedom or Belief (APPG) noted in a 2020 report. They adopt a comparable strategy to Boko Haram and ISWAP and demonstrate a clear intent to target Christians and potent symbols of Christian identity, the APPG report states. Christian leaders in Nigeria have said they believe herdsmen attacks on Christian communities in Nigerias Middle Belt are inspired by their desire to forcefully take over Christians lands and impose Islam as desertification has made it difficult for them to sustain their herds. Nigeria remains among the most dangerous places on Earth for Christians, according to Open Doors 2025 World Watch List of the countries where it's most difficult to be a Christian. Of the 4,476 Christians killed for their faith worldwide during the reporting period, 3,100 (69%) were in Nigeria, according to the WWL. The measure of anti-Christian violence in the country is already at the maximum possible under World Watch List methodology, the report stated. In the countrys North-Central zone, where Christians are more common than they are in the Northeast and Northwest, Islamic extremist Fulani militia attack farming communities, killing many hundreds, Christians above all, according to the report. Jihadist groups such as Boko Haram and the splinter group Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP), among others, are also active in the countrys northern states, where federal government control is scant and Christians and their communities continue to be the targets of raids, sexual violence, and roadblock killings, according to the report. Abductions for ransom have increased considerably in recent years. The violence has spread to southern states, and a new jihadist terror group, Lakurawa, has emerged in the Northwest, armed with advanced weaponry and a radical Islamist agenda, the WWL noted. Lakurawa is affiliated with the expansionist al-Qaeda insurgency Jamaa Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin, or JNIM, originating in Mali. Nigeria is ranked seventh on the 2025 WWL of the 50 worst countries for Christians. This article was originally published at Christian Daily InternationalMorning Star News Home News Feds investigating Harvard, other schools over antisemitic incidents The U.S. Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights has recently opened an investigation into Harvard University over claims of antisemitic incidents on campus. The OCR opened a Title VI Shared Ancestry Investigation into the Massachusetts-based Ivy League school on Tuesday, along with a similar investigation into the New York City Department of Education. This type of investigation is centered on Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which bans discrimination based on race or national origin, including harassment based on a person's shared ancestry or ethnicity. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe Harvard and the NYC Education Department are included on a list of current investigations, with other recently opened investigations involving claims of bigotry on the campuses of the University of Tampa in Florida, Columbia University in New York, Cornell University of New York, Lafayette College of Pennsylvania, Wellesley College of Massachusetts, the University of Pennsylvania and The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art of New York. "The inclusion of an institution on this list does not mean that the institution violated a federal anti-discrimination statute; rather, it means that a complaint was filed with OCR and the agency determined the complaint should be opened for investigation, or the agency has opened a compliance review," an Education Department disclaimer reads. Harvard spokesperson Jason A. Newton said in a statement that the university supports "the work of the Office of Civil Rights to ensure students' rights to access educational programs are safeguarded and will work with the office to address their questions." There has been a reported increase in antisemitic sentiment following the start of the Israel-Hamas war, which was sparked by the terrorist group's Oct. 7 attack on Southern Israel that killed 1,200 people. More than 240 people were taken hostage. In response, Israel launched retaliatory airstrikes and a ground offensive in Gaza, seeking to eradicate Hamas, which has controlled Gaza since 2007, and secure the release of hostages. The Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry claims about 15,000 people have died in Gaza since the start of the war. In response to Israel's offensive, there have been many large-scale protests across the globe. Shortly after the Hamas attack, the Harvard Palestine Solidarity Groups released a letter co-signed by over 30 student organizations that blamed Israel for the outbreak of violence and refused to condemn the Islamic terrorist group's actions. Following extensive backlash to the letter, multiple student groups that had originally signed onto the letter among them Amnesty International at Harvard, Harvard College Act on a Dream, the Harvard Undergraduate Nepali Student Association withdrew their signatures. A spokesperson for Act on a Dream claimed that its board members were unaware that their organization had signed the letter and that it did not reflect their views on the conflict. "As an organization, we want to express our empathy and solidarity for all the victims who have been affected by the violence in the region," AOD said in a statement. While Harvard leadership released a statement denouncing Hamas' actions, former Harvard President Larry Summers argued that the statement was "delayed" and "fails to meet the needs of the moment." "Why can't we find anything approaching the moral clarity of Harvard statements after George Floyd's death or Russia's invasion of Ukraine when terrorists kill, rape and take hostage hundreds of Israelis attending a music festival?" he tweeted. "Why can't we give reassurance that the University stands squarely against Hamas terror to frightened students when 35 groups of their fellow students appear to be blaming all the violence on Israel?" On Nov. 7, one month after the war between Israel and Hamas began, the OCR sent out a "Dear Colleague" letter to schools reminding them of their "federal legal obligations to ensure nondiscriminatory environments" in response to "an alarming rise in disturbing antisemitic incidents and threats to Jewish, Israeli, Muslim, Arab, and Palestinian students on college campuses and in P-12 schools." "It is your legal obligation under Title VI to address prohibited discrimination against students and others on your campus including those who are or are perceived to be Jewish, Israeli, Muslim, Arab, or Palestinian," continued the letter. "All students, including students who are or are perceived to be Jewish, Israeli, Muslim, Arab, or Palestinian, as well as students who come from, or are perceived to come from, all regions of the world, are entitled to a school environment free from discrimination based on race, color, or national origin." Home News Former medium warns Christians against the occult: No such thing as a good witch GRAPEVINE, Texas Jenn Nizza still remembers the moment the door first opened. She was 13 years old, growing up on Long Island in a culturally Catholic family, when her mother, a hairdresser, hosted a psychic party in their home. It was in a little beauty parlor setting. Everyone got a 15-minute tarot reading, Nizza told The Christian Post. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe Hers, like her sisters, left an impression that would last for decades. The cards told her things that were true, facts about her past that felt impossible for a stranger to know. Thats the hook, she said. Demons can see the past. They cant tell the future only God can but they make good guesses. And thats all it takes to get you in. What followed was a descent that, in retrospect, she describes as both seductive and sinister. It was daily. Multiple times a day, she said of the tarot readings she and her sister performed on each other. From there, she pursued numerology, astrology and eventually psychic mediumship. At one point, a professional medium told her she, too, had the gift. Click here to listen to the Ex-Psychic Saved podcast I believed I was helping people. I really did, she said. I wanted to be a light. But the devil preys on people who want to do good. Nizza was involved with divination for over two decades and became a professional psychic medium. She was paid to tell people about their future, connect them to deceased loved ones and offer spiritual guidance. Her life, she said, looked harmless to outsiders. She was the girl next door. But beneath the surface, she was tormented. There was this constant chatter in my mind. I now believe I was on the brink of possession. I felt the weight of it. I was terrified. One night, she cried out, not to a spirit guide, not to a loved one who had passed, but to Jesus. I didnt know why. I didnt serve Him. I didnt even fully believe in Him, she said. But I called on the name of Jesus Christ. And peace flooded me. That moment, more than 11 years ago, was the beginning of her dramatic exit from the world of the occult. It wasnt immediate, and she faced spiritual resistance, some of it frightening. But eventually, through the influence of a friend and an invitation to church, she says she heard the Gospel clearly for the first time and surrendered her life to Christ. When I heard the lyrics to the worship songs, I started crying. I remembered crying out to Jesus. I knew it was Him. That was the day I got saved. Now, Nizza is a full-time evangelist and writer, warning others of the same spiritual deception that once ensnared her. Through social media, books and speaking engagements, she aims to educate Christians and non-Christians alike on what she calls the dangers of the New Age. You cant drink from the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons, she stressed, referencing 1 Corinthians 10:21. Theres no such thing as a good witch. Theres no such thing as harmless divination. She lamented the rising number of young Christians who dabble in astrology, psychic readings or energy healing while professing faith in Christ. You cant mix the New Age and Christianity. You have to choose who you're going to serve. For Nizza, that choice was costly. Some family members who once asked for readings cut ties when she gave her life to Jesus. They dumped me, she said. It showed me I wasnt valuable to them; I was just useful. But today, her identity, once based on spiritual power and external validation, is now firmly rooted in Christ. Only Jesus gives us value. Thats where identity is found. Nizza has since published two books From Psychic to Saved and Out of the New Age and Into the Truth. A third is set for release this October. The new book will take readers deeper into her experiences, with firsthand accounts of demonic activity and real stories from her past, coupled with biblical analysis. The ministry God gave me is about warning, she said. Im taking vignettes from my life, readings, experiences, attacks and pointing people to what Scripture says. Where is this in our culture? Where is this in the Bible? Much of her outreach today takes place online, particularly on TikTok, a space she never expected to enter. Im not tech-savvy, she admitted. I had to teach myself how to use Word in 2015. But in 2020, during the height of the pandemic, she began praying with people live on TikTok. The reach grew quickly. Soon, she was collaborating with others, writing books, and appearing on major Christian media platforms. Now, shes taking her ministry beyond screens. She recently spoke at a conference in Canada and is scheduled to speak in Brooklyn and Houston in the coming months. Its like God is saying, OK, now lets go out, she said. She also hosts a podcast, "Ex-Psychic Saved," where she interviews others who have left the New Age movement and found Christ. Topics range from Reiki and astrology to yoga and the Enneagram, all practices she warns can open spiritual doors to oppression and deception. Nizza doesn't cower from the backlash she receives. When you speak boldly about this, you get attacked. Spiritually, emotionally, sometimes even physically, she said. But Jesus already won. Thats what I cling to. For those still in the New Age or teetering between spiritual practices and Christianity she offers both compassion and urgency. I understand not knowing. I didnt know. But once you hear the truth, youre accountable to it, she said. Divination always leads to demonic oppression. You may think its just bad luck or anxiety. But when did that start? Was it after that tarot card reading? Nizza believes the Church has a responsibility to speak more clearly on these issues. We need to disciple people on this. So many Christians are being led astray not because theyre evil, but because theyre uninformed. The enemy is a master of smoke and mirrors. Hes not going to show up with horns. Hes going to look like your best friend, your therapist, your guide. As for her own life today, shes a single mother, raising her daughter and balancing ministry with motherhood. But she does so with the confidence she lacked before. Theres still spiritual warfare. That never goes away, she said. But I have peace now. Real peace. I belong to Christ. Jesus is enough, she added. No amount of power or knowledge or identity you think youre gaining from the occult will ever satisfy. But Jesus will. Home News Former Massachusetts pastor indicted on child sex abuse allegations from 1980 A former pastor at a church in Maryland was indicted on child sex abuse charges in Massachusetts, stemming from alleged actions that occurred in 1980. Eric Anderson, an 80-year-old former staff member at Greater Grace World Outreach of Baltimore, is facing two charges of assault and battery on a child younger than 14. According to the Berkshire District Attorneys Office, the abuse is alleged to have occurred in 1980, when Anderson worked at the churchs former headquarters in Massachusetts, when it was known as The Bible Speaks. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe The Millstones, a group of former church members who have investigated GGWOs handling of abuse allegations, said in a statement that Eric Anderson was one of the first alleged perpetrators they learned about. Hes been the source of immense pain and suffering across multiple generations, they stated, according to The Baltimore Banner. The justice hes facing now is long overdue. We hope this sends a strong message to the predators in the pews abusing children has real-world consequences. And we hope all victim survivors will get the justice they deserve. In a statement released last week, GGWO explained that they were unaware of any reports of sexual assault regarding Eric Anderson provided to anyone on current or past staff, though media has reported that concerns were raised to at least one dorm parent around the time frame related to the charged conduct which allegedly occurred in 1980. Sexual assault stands against everything we believe at Greater Grace, and is a deep violation of who God has revealed Himself to be, and what He has commanded us to live out. We likewise believe that our God is a God of justice, and that the pursuit of justice is a command to believers, stated the church. We are grateful for law enforcement officers who pursue justice, and for the individuals who chose to speak to law enforcement, knowing that the choice to engage the criminal justice process often comes at great personal cost. A nondenominational Evangelical megachurch headquartered in Baltimore, GGWO has recently garnered controversy over allegations of abuse within its ranks. In June of last year, The Baltimore Banner published a four-part investigative series on The Millstones, who had compiled dozens of allegations of abuse and failures on the part of church leaders to adequately respond. For its part, GGWO pledged to create an independent investigation, stating that "our hearts are grieved at the thought that anyone who was ever a part of this church could have been a victim of sexual abuse. "We are committed to addressing this situation, hearing from victims and/or their families, and ensuring we have the safest environment possible to minister to adults and children," they continued. "The Church will hire a nationally recognized, independent firm with expertise in dealing with sexual abuse to conduct a thorough investigation and assessment of Greater Grace World Outreach." Home News How parents can embrace technology as a 'Gospel-bringing tool' for meaninful discipleship Instead of fearing the lightning-fast advancements of the digital world, a Christian ministry is encouraging parents to embrace technology as a way to equip their children with the tools to grow into God-honoring people who engage responsibly as screens push for more of their attention. "In an age when screens are ever-present and digital distractions abound, parents often ask: 'How can I help my daughter grow in faith in a tech-saturated world?'" Rachel Culpepper, the executive director of American Heritage Girls, asked in a statement provided to The Christian Post. "How can Christian parents faithfully navigate this new technology when the Bible doesn't directly address these issues? The Bible is clear the matters of the heart are vastly more important than the trivial nature of today's world," she added. "It's vital that parents and leaders of [children] nurture a sense of respect and love towards our Creator. Our [kids] were made for so much more than anything social media has to offer." Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe American Heritage Girls is a Christ-centered organization that has offered developmental and leadership opportunities for 30 years, helping young girls grow into honest women with strong moral principles. Through various resources, including its "Raising Godly Girls" podcast, AHG offers advice on how to raise godly daughters in a culture that is increasingly hostile to Christian values. During a recent episode, Culpepper said that technology can be a "Gospel-bringing tool," but only when it's used appropriately. Even if parents don't want their kids exposed to the dangers of the internet, they must face the reality that most teenagers are online at least daily, if not constantly. According to a 2024 Pew Research survey of teenagers aged 13 to 17, 96% of teenagers reported being online daily. Nearly half said that they're online almost constantly. Roughly half of the teenagers surveyed report visiting Instagram or Snapchat daily, and about one in 10 reported visiting these social media platforms almost constantly. The share of teenagers who reported using Instagram almost constantly increased slightly, going from 8% in 2023 to 12% at the time of the study. "As we all are trying to navigate what feels like an expressway of technology, things are coming fast, they're changing fast, and how does that highway intersect with our girls' faith?" Culpepper asked, speaking to the concerns parents may have about raising children in today's digital landscape. Since the internet and social media will continue to be an ever-present force in society as children grow older, Culppper believes it's important to teach her children how to engage with the technology responsibly. Parents, she said, can create a routine for their daughters, noting that girls typically learn better when there's structure. Parents could also craft a schedule around a tech-based Bible study for their children and stick to it to make the study a habit. During the summer vacation, a time when children are out of school and adapting to a new routine, Culpepper said that her family utilizes a dry-erase board. The board breaks down various activities and the amount of time allotted, including things like technology use. The set beginning and end times, she added, help her children avoid the temptation to scroll endlessly. Culpepper said her children know that they have, for example, 30 minutes to engage with a video online. Parents also need to avoid what Culpepper called the "disconnected faith-tech journey." Any discipleship tool is only as effective as a parent's willingness to walk their children through it, she stressed. "It's not wise to just sign your girl up for online library resources, you know, virtual Bible study or a playlist of Biblical lessons, and just turn her loose," Culpepper said. "Every online presence really does have to come with a caring and watchful eye," she added, warning that sometimes people with ill intentions slip their way into certain online platforms. While some safeguards exist, Culpepper said it's still parents' responsibility to ensure their children are protected when using the internet. She questioned how parents can offer guidance to their children if they're using their child's internet time as a break. "And the third thing is just finding ways for her to synthesize what she's learning," the AHG executive director said. "If she has an applicable lesson through her video lesson or, you know, online Bible study, find a way to bring that into the concrete world." As a mother to multiple children, Culpepper said that when someone in the family is sick on Sunday and cannot leave the house, they use online streaming technology to attend church online. This ensures that her children still engage with their church and remain committed to faith formation. For parents concerned about their children's access to the internet and technology, AHG offers a Digital Citizenship Badge that girls can earn. These badges are designed to teach girls how to conduct themselves online and how to make wise choices when navigating the internet. "If you, as a parent, are like, 'OK, I think this summer we are going to be venturing into more of this online world. I want my girl to be prepared,' this is a great primer if you're looking for something to help your girls start to learn how to make those wise choices, what to look out for," Culpepper said. Home News Jews for Jesus director sees hope in disruption caused by Israel-Iran war In the last five days since the Israel-Iran conflict began, hurrying into bomb shelters and hearing the sounds of alarms and explosions has become a way of life for Eli Birnbaum in Tel Aviv, Israel. Birnbaum, born in the United States but moved to Israel with his family when he was 7, is the Israel director for Jews for Jesus a California-based international Christian missionary organization affiliated with the Messianic Jewish religious movement. "Everything has changed," Birnbaum told The Christian Post in a telephone interview from Tel Aviv on Tuesday. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe "Every day since Friday, we've been announced that you have 10 minutes to be in your shelter, and so nobody is really willing to go 10 minutes from their house or from their shelter." He said stores have been closed, and "tension is high." "As you go to sleep and get these alarms, and if you are in the shelter, you just hear the explosions above you, and you really, really just hope that all you hear are two explosions and you don't hear anything shaking because then you know it's landed near you," Birnbaum said. "And that's just the reality. Every single person now knows someone who's probably been affected by it or who's lost their home, and ... you kind of go to bed trying not to think about the fact that you could get a direct hit and die, because there's no discrimination, there's no knowing where or when the missile will hit. So it's been quite difficult." The Israel-Iran conflict erupted Friday after Israel launched an attack on Iran's nuclear and military infrastructure using warplanes and drones to kill top generals and scientists. Since then, at least 24 people have been reported killed in Israel and hundreds wounded, while 224 people have been killed in Iran and many more injured, according to CNN. And the violence has had an immediate impact on the work of Jews for Jesus in Israel. "Half of our staff have to stay at home and be with with their families, as they are navigating this," Birnbaum said. "And then the second half of our staff, we've been trying to understand how can we respond and help in whatever way whether it's those who are injured in the hospital, those who have lost their homes, and any of the first responders and sites that are hit when they have lost everything and have to spend a few hours, trying to save people from the rubble." "We've been able to show up and provide water, drinks, cookies, and sandwiches, as that happens," he continued. As a global ministry whose work involves connecting with partners and groups from around the world, the isolation brought on by the conflict will make their work even more challenging. "I was mentioning today when I was talking to our executive leadership team that I feel like I'm on an island. You know, we're going to just be here by ourselves for a while. So it does feel very, very different," he said. "We have an outreach trip planned for September. We're supposed to go to India and Peru. I don't know if that will be possible. ... All those things are all up in the air, so it's a kind of a different world, taking us about 100 years back." The ministry is currently working on repatriating a group of 30 young adult American volunteers, which is also a challenge. With the shutdown of the Israeli airspace, Jews for Jesus is now "waiting and seeing what's the safest thing" to do, Birnbaum said. Israel's Ministry of Tourism announced Tuesday they will help approximately 38,000 tourists in the country register for departure flights. In a statement to CP, the ministry said a digital registration form is being distributed through various digital platforms to the offices of incoming tourism organizers, hotels, tour guides, and other industry stakeholders. Tourists wishing to register are invited to fill out the form using this link. "The Ministry of Tourism will consolidate the list in a digital vault and transfer it, only as needed, to the National Security Headquarters and the Ministry of Transportation, so that coordination with relevant airlines can be arranged to facilitate tourists' departure from the country," the statement said. The Jews for Jesus director said that since the Hamas terror group's surprise attack in southern Israel that killed over 1,200, mostly civilians, on Oct. 7, 2023, they expected something to happen. Israel launched retaliatory airstrikes and a ground offensive in hopes of eradicating Hamas, which has controlled Gaza since 2007, and securing the release of over 240 hostages. "We've been preparing in a way for this for the last two years because we did expect at any point since Oct. 7 that there would be a greater missile attack, whether it was from Lebanon or from Iran. So we've been expecting it. We've been expecting that something would happen," he said. "We didn't know that Israel would go on a preemptive strike, so that was something that really took us a little bit by surprise, though there were a few days before, there were indications that it would be happening. But in our minds, we've been prepping for it." Despite the challenges brought on by the war, Birnbaum said the volunteers and local Israelis accept that the preemptive strike on Iran was necessary. "I think that the Israeli nation is calm, they're resilient," he said of his impression of the general mood in the country. "They know that before the war started, our life was in more danger than it is today because now we know exactly that the regime that had a threat on our existence is being held accountable for its actions and for its plans," he said. "If Israel hadn't attacked, there would have been a day that Iran would have done the first strike and then we would be in a very, very different world that we wouldn't want to be in. So I think the Israeli public is very, very willing to pay this price because they want to live in a safer, more peaceful world, and we would love to know the Iranian people and love to have peace in this area," he said. "Every single Israeli really grows up with a song that we sing that one day we won't have to go to war. One day, we won't have to be soldiers. Every child born since I've lived here, the parents would say to them, 'You know, you may not have to go to war.' And unfortunately, that's not been the case, but I think that's the hope, and I think there's a lot of hope in Israel that this war would change this endless cycle of violence, and so people are hopeful and resilient in that case." Home News Skillets John Cooper urges full-throated condemnation of Michael Taits actions: We cannot turn a blind eye Skillet frontman John Cooper described the scandal surrounding former Newsboys frontman Michael Tait as a shame and a tragedy for the Church and urged others in the CCM industry to issue a full-throated condemnation of these acts. In an episode of his "Cooper Stuff" podcast titled Michael Tait, Christian Music, and The Gospel That Doesn't Look The Other Way, the 50-year-old artist said he felt a burden from the Lord to address the allegations surrounding Tait. Tait, the former frontman of DC Talk and Newsboys, was accused by multiple men of sexual assault, including incidents where victims were allegedly drugged or intoxicated and touched without consent. He later admitted to living a double life, confessing to unwanted sensual contact and years of cocaine and alcohol abuse. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe I feel a burden from the Lord. The Lord would not let me rest. I was so conflicted, Cooper said, explaining why he decided to address the situation. I don't want to do this, but the Lord would not leave me alone about it. Because I've got to be honest, I am very dissatisfied with the comments that I have seen from CCM that seem so heavily vested in the idea, which has some truth to it, of Hey, let he who is without sin cast the first stone. Hey, we all need to have grace. We're all sinners. We need to focus on my own sin. Obviously, these things are true, but that is not where we need to begin. We need a full-throated condemnation of these acts, not a condemnation of people. We're not condemning people. We're condemning the actions of people. Full-throatedly, unapologetically, we do not shrink back, he added. Cooper, who also serves on the board of Ascent Church in Nashville, stressed that our testimony to the world is at stake and emphasized that the survivors of Taits alleged abuse must be prioritized. My focus is those who have been victimized, allegedly abused, sexually assaulted by Michael Tait, he said, describing the reports as very dark and voicing his support for those who have spoken up. During the hour-long episode, Cooper criticized what he lamented as a tendency in Evangelical Christian culture to downplay the severity of abuse in the name of grace or unity. It is improper to jump straight to [a mentality of] weve got to be loving, were all sinners, weve all fallen short, and we cant bring judgment, he said. Yes, were all sinners. Theres a time for that but there are categories on the front of this that we cannot skip. Referencing Taits public confession of living a double life and touching men in an unwanted sensual way, Cooper said, I appreciate that Michael gave the confession with all my heart. It was written very well, and he didnt make excuses. And I champion that. At the same time he gave the confession after it blew up. Do you know what it would have been like [if Tait] would have confessed to this a long time ago, in order to bring repair to people, in order to maybe stop peoples lives from being shipwrecked? Cooper asked. This sort of thing shipwrecks people because it shames the Gospel. He continued, We cannot turn a blind eye to this level of alleged injustice. We cannot do that! Cooper said the scandal raises serious questions about the witness of Christian artists: What kind of Gospel are we displaying to the world when our biggest, most passionate, most famous Christian music icons say, Ive been living a double life since the beginning? It makes it feel like our Gospel is not real, he added. While emphasizing that the Christian faith is one of forgiveness and redemption, Cooper made clear that grace should not eclipse justice. This stuff is so egregious, and it shames the Gospel to such a huge level, he said. Were not condemning people. Were condemning the actions of people full-throatedly, unapologetically. We do not shrink back. The Gospel also demands that you stand up for justice, he said. If the whole world became Christian and we began to live like Christians, there would be none of this sexual abuse. The power of the Gospel makes demands on your life. Cooper emphasized that the CCM industry must unequivocally condemn Taits actions, adding: This is not the Gospel of Christ. We cannot continue to do this. Although he expressed hope that Taits apology was genuine, Cooper expressed skepticism that true repentance had been demonstrated. Even if it is real, that does not deny that he did some really bad stuff to these victims, he said. We dont want PR, and we dont want platform restoration. We need real, painful, public turning from sin. Cooper also urged fellow Christians to process the news by supporting survivors. We grieve for the victims not just prayers, he said. We need to be giving voice to people like this. We need to continue to call for action. We need to call for justice. Weve got to call for truth. He also called on those within the industry to acknowledge systemic problems. Recognizing and saying, Im in CCM, Im a part of the problem, he said. Im not part of the problem in the sense that I knew these things. I did not. Im as shocked as you are about them. But Im in CCM. I want to recognize the egregious nature, and were not going to candy-coat it. There are some people saying this was an open secret. [That] everybody knew this. I find that very difficult to believe, he said. I did not know this. I find it very difficult to believe that everybody in CCM knew that there were alleged sexual assault victims. Still, he stressed, We are in compromise. We are not doing enough. Do we want restoration? Do we want forgiveness? he asked. Do we want grace for Michael Tait? Of course we want grace. I love Michael. I will not stop loving Michael, he said. Am I capable of doing absolutely outlandish, wretched things if I do not continue day by day by day to walk in the fear of the Lord and to keep His Commandments? Yeah, you bet. Are you capable? Yeah, you bet we are. We are a people of radical grace, not cheap grace. And we have got to begin to live consistent with the Word of God, Cooper concluded. Final word: Stay salty, stay bold, walk in the light, even if it costs you everything. Home News John Piper warns 'even a little drunkenness' can hinder closeness to God John Piper recently urged Christians, especially teens, not to ask how close they can get to sin, such as mild drunkenness, but instead pursue full clarity of mind and the fullness of the Holy Spirit as the true path to closeness with God. In a recent episode of his podcast "Ask Pastor John," the 79-year-old chancellor of Bethlehem College and Seminary in Minneapolis, Minnesota, responded to a question from a Christian teenager asking whether it is sinful to "get a little drunk every so often," especially if one maintains self-control and doesn't behave recklessly. The anonymous teen wrote: "I'm a Christian teenager trying to get closer to God, and I've been wondering if getting a little drunk every so often, for fun or to help with some pain, is sinful. When I've been drunk, I've stayed in control and haven't done anything bad. I even pray for God's help in making good decisions. I've never been so drunk I forget things or act crazy, and I don't intend to. Is it still sinful to do this even if I don't do anything wrong or out of hand?" Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe Piper affirmed the young listener's spiritual pursuit: "The most encouraging thing about this question is that this young man says, 'I'm a Christian teenager trying to get closer to God.' That's encouraging because the Bible says, 'Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you' (James 4:8)." But Piper challenged the underlying premise of the teen's question. Rather than asking if occasional drunkenness is "sinful," Piper reframed the inquiry: "Are you really asking (or should you be asking), 'Does getting a little drunk every so often get me closer to God?'" "Christianity has never viewed drug-induced states as a bona fide way of getting close to God," he said, contrasting it with some religious traditions that use substances for spiritual experiences. Citing Ephesians 5, Piper contended that Scripture emphasizes clarity of mind and alertness, traits at odds with intoxication. He read from verses 1417, emphasizing language such as "awake," "careful," "wise," and understand what the will of the Lord is. "Do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but [instead] be filled with the Spirit," Piper quoted from Ephesians 5:18. "The Holy Spirit is precisely the power of God in you to make you wakeful, and alive, and careful in your observations, and alert in your senses, and wise in your judgments." He continued, "The Holy Spirit doesn't come in to replace human faculties, mental faculties, faculties of observation or thinking, but rather to take them to a new level of spiritual acumen." Piper cautioned that seeking spiritual closeness while engaging in even mild intoxication is misguided. "To be full of the Spirit is to be full of the enjoyment of the nearness of Christ, which Paul says is the opposite of drunkenness because drunkenness dulls the very faculties God has given for the enjoyment of Christ," he explained. Piper acknowledged the broader societal consequences of alcohol abuse, like car accidents, workplace losses and broken families, but made clear that his focus was the theological and spiritual disconnect between drinking and drawing near to God. Piper challenged the teen's logic by drawing a provocative parallel: "If your desire is truly to draw near to God, you don't calculate your behavior by asking how close you can get to sin," he said. "That's like asking, 'Is it OK to drive a car when I'm a little bit sleepy?'" Rather than flirt with sin, Piper said Christians should seek the fullness of the Holy Spirit. "Let's not ask, 'How close can I go to sin?' but 'How full can I be of the Holy Spirit?'" He concluded by referencing Galatians 5:1921, which lists the "works of the flesh" that prevent people from entering the kingdom of God. "You don't say, 'Well, can I be a little bit envious? Can I be a little bit angry? Can I be a little bit jealous? You just don't ask those questions, not if your goal is really to be as close to God as you can be," Piper said. Though perspectives vary across denominations, most pastors agree that the Bible does not prohibit drinking alcohol outright, but it clearly condemns drunkenness. In a 2012 blog post, evangelist Greg Laurie of Harvest Christian Fellowship in California stated that while he would not dispute someone's "liberty to drink," he personally refrains from doing so. "As Paul told the Corinthian believers, 'I have the right to do anything,' you say but not everything is beneficial. 'I have the right to do anything' but I will not be mastered by anything (1 Corinthians 6:12 NIV)," he wrote. "I don't want to be under the power of anyone or anything but Jesus Christ!" Laurie added, "Here's a revolutionary thought: If you don't drink, you will never get drunk. If you do drink, you may get drunk. Is it worth the risk?" Patrick Nelson, president of Dort Theological Seminary in Minnesota, told The Christian Post in 2018 that although "the Bible does not expressly forbid the drinking of alcohol," it "does forbid us from getting drunk from the drinking of alcohol." "Jesus turned water into wine (John 2:1-11) so it's safe to assume he probably consumed wine himself, which was a custom in his day. However, he was also very adamant about Christians not giving in to drunkenness," said Nelson at the time. "Drunkenness and addiction are sins in the eyes of Lord, and its effects can be devastating not only to the person, but those around them as well." Home News Kevin DeYoung elected moderator of PCA General Assembly Kevin DeYoung, a prominent pastor, author and council member of The Gospel Coalition, has been elected the moderator of The Presbyterian Church in America General Assembly. The senior pastor of Christ Covenant Church in Matthews, North Carolina, was elected Tuesday evening at the PCA General Assembly, which is taking place this week in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Pastor Jason Helopolous, a friend of DeYoung, gave the nomination speech, reported the PCA magazine byFaith, touting the pastor's beliefs and steadfast convictions. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe "In a time when clarity is rare and conviction is costly, he has shown both without partisanship, without pride, and without compromise," said Helopoulos. "He holds fast to the Scriptures, loves the Reformed faith, and speaks the truth in love. And through it all, he carries himself as a servant of Christ." Helopolous labeled DeYoung "a true churchman" who "loves the local church" and will effectively lead the assembly in a way that goes beyond avoiding controversy. "It's easy to think that a successful Assembly is when we get done early and nothing terribly controversial takes place. And those can be signs of a good gathering," he said. "But even more importantly, I think a successful Assembly is one where God's people worship together and where the business of the church is handled fairly, charitably, honestly, and with a heart to honor God in all we do." A native of Jenison, Michigan, DeYoung earned a bachelor's degree in religion from Hope College in Holland, Michigan; a master of Divinity at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in South Hamilton, Massachusetts; and a doctorate in Early Modern History at the University of Leicester in the United Kingdom. DeYoung has published over a dozen books, including Just Do Something, The Biggest Story, Crazy Busy: A Mercifully Short Book About a Big Problem, and What Does the Bible Really Teach About Homosexuality? While originally ordained in the Reformed Church in America, DeYoung and his congregation changed their affiliation in 2015. He is married with nine children. In the early 2010s, DeYoung had several columns published on The Christian Post, including a July 2012 piece titled "Why No Denomination Will Survive the Homosexuality Crisis." "Groups will split. Bodies will rearrange. Parts will realign. Maybe not this year. Maybe not on your watch. But soon enough," wrote DeYoung at the time. "So my plea is for these denominations to make a definitive stand. Make it right, left, or center, but make one and make it clearly." "Insist that member churches and pastors hold to this position. And then graciously open a big door for any pastor or church who cannot live in this theological space to exit with their dignity, their time, and their property. Because sometimes the best way to preserve unity is to admit that we don't have it." Home News 'God's definitely real': Man credits cross necklace with shielding him from fatal gunshot wound A man who was accidentally shot last month is crediting his cross necklace with saving his life after the bullet hit the jewelry and spared him from experiencing a far worse outcome. In an interview with NBC News affiliate WESH, Aidan Perry of Marion County, Florida, held his cross necklace in his hand and described it as a life-saver. I probably wouldnt be talking to you guys right now [without it]," said the 20-year-old Perry, who was shot after a gun that his friend was showing him accidentally fired. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe They said [it entered] an inch above my heart and then from there, it hit the cross, Perry said, referring to doctors description of the bullets path. He noted that one of the doctors who treated him pointed to the bullet hitting the cross as divine intervention. Perry insisted that God played a big role in his survival, adding, I think Hes the reason Im still here today. In a separate interview with FOX 35 Orlando, Perry discussed the impact of the shooting on his Christian faith. I was religious before, Id consider myself more religious now than ever, he insisted. Recalling how he felt the moment the bullet first entered his body, Perry told the local news outlet, I thought I was going to die after seeing tons of blood. Dr. Khafra Garcia Henry of HCA Florida Ocala Hospital addressed the role the cross played in saving Perrys life: Because of its metallic component, it actually shielded a lot of the force of the bullet, so the bullet ricocheted off the necklace and entered his chest wall. However, it was just in his fat tissues because it slowed down the trajectory of the bullet. When asked about how the situation would have turned out if he was not wearing the cross, Henry responded, It could have been way worse, entering his chest wall itself into the pleural space, which is the airspace around the lung between the bones and injuring his lung itself or his heart. Henry told FOX 35 Orlando that the bullet missed every vital organ in Perrys body, preventing him from experiencing a possibly fatal outcome. While Perry still suffered wounds to his chest and arm as a result of the accidental shooting, he is optimistic and happy that the incident did not result in a more tragic outcome. Even with a little bit of pain, Im still here, so its fine, he remarked. Perry received the cross as a Christmas gift from his father, Aaron. Aaron Perry insisted that there was more than just a piece of metal there, 100 percent. Images of the cross taken after the shooting show the chain necklace still intact, although the cross itself is broken. As for Perrys friend who accidentally shot him, he now faces a misdemeanor charge of culpable negligence causing injury in Sumter County. Home News Most Americans support chaplains in schools, oppose school prayer: Poll A newly released report shows that the American public has mixed feelings about integrating religion into multiple aspects of life, with most Americans supporting chaplains in public schools while opposing teacher-led school prayer. The Associated Press released a poll on June 27 that surveyed public sentiment on a wide variety of topics related to education and religion. Conducted between June 5-9 in conjunction with the National Opinion Research Center at the University of Chicago, the survey asked 1,158 adults nationwide about their views on such matters. The overwhelming majority of those surveyed describe freedom of speech (85%), freedom of religion (81%) and freedom of the press (77%) as extremely/very important. Only 64% said the same when asked about the separation of church and state. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe A majority of respondents (58%) believe that public schools should be allowed to have religious chaplains providing services to students. Broken down by religious affiliation, support for chaplains in schools is highest among white Evangelical Christians (82%), followed by non-white Protestants (76%), Catholics (61%) and white Mainline Protestants (56%). A majority of those with no religious affiliation (59%) think that schools shouldn't be allowed to have religious chaplains. Conversely, most Americans (55%) do not support allowing public school teachers to lead their classes in prayer. While majorities of white Evangelical Christians (72%), non-white Protestants (63%), and Catholics (54%) approve of teacher-led prayer, most white Mainline Protestants (56%) and religiously unaffiliated Americans (84%) hold the opposite view. A supermajority (60%) of those surveyed oppose the establishment of a mandatory period during the school day for private prayer and religious reading at public schools. While 64% of white Evangelical Christians and 57% of non-white Protestants expressed support for the idea, their opinion was canceled out by majorities of Catholics (54%), white Mainline Protestants (72%) and the religiously unaffiliated (76%). When asked for their views on taxpayer-funded vouchers that let parents pay for tuition for their children to attend private or religious schools, a plurality (38%) of Americans expressed disapproval of the idea. Pluralities of non-white Protestants (48%), white Evangelical Christians (45%) and Catholics (41%) have the opposite position, while a plurality of white Mainline Protestants (43%) and the religiously unaffiliated (52%) do not support school vouchers. Forty-five percent of Americans oppose religious exemptions to vaccine requirements for students who go to public schools. White Evangelical Christians are the only group where more people support (39%) than oppose the religious exemptions, with pluralities of non-white Protestants (36%), white Mainline Protestants (43%) and Catholics (47%), along with a majority of the religiously unaffiliated (60%), opposing them. Similarly, 43% of respondents oppose allowing religious schools to become taxpayer-funded charter schools. While a plurality of white Evangelical Christians (41%) support letting religious schools become charter schools, the same percentage of non-white Protestants consider themselves neutral on the matter, while the identical share of Mainline Protestants oppose religious charter schools. Thirty-five percent of Catholics are neutral on the issue, while the same percentage of Catholics do not support religious charter schools. A majority (61%) of the religiously unaffiliated oppose them. A narrow majority of Americans (51%) believe that schools should be required to provide parents with lists of books available to students, with majorities of white Evangelical Christians (69%), non-white Protestants (56%), Catholics (55%) and white Mainline Protestants (53%) embracing this position, and a plurality (41%) of the religiously unaffiliated saying they neither agree nor disagree with the idea. When it comes to what children are taught in schools, a plurality (38%) of Americans think religion has too little influence, along with an overwhelming majority of white Evangelical Christians (65%) and Catholics (54%), as well as a plurality (43%) of non-white Protestants. A plurality of white Mainline Protestants (41%) believe that religion has about the right amount of influence on school curriculum, while a plurality (49%) of the religiously unaffiliated view religion as having too much influence on what children learn in public schools. When asked if religion had too much or too little influence on President Donald Trump, a plurality of Americans (41%) and non-white Protestants (45%), as well as a majority of religiously unaffiliated Americans (59%), said religion has too much influence on the president. By contrast, a majority of white Mainline Protestants (57%) as well as a plurality of white Evangelical Christians (48%) and Catholics (41%) think religion has about the right amount of influence on Trump. In response to a question asking about religions influence on the U.S. Supreme Court, a narrow plurality (37%) of Americans along with a majority of the religiously unaffiliated (52%) and a plurality of non-white Protestants (42%) described religion as having too much influence on the nations top court. One-half (50%) of white Mainline Protestants and a plurality (40%) of Catholics said religion has about the right amount of influence on the justices, while a plurality (45%) of white Evangelical Christians think religion has too little influence on the Court. Home News New Life Church asked Brady Boyd to resign, says he lied about Robert Morris abuse Elders at New Life Church in Colorado Springs, Colorado, announced Sunday that they asked their senior pastor, Brady Boyd, to resign after learning that he lied about his knowledge of Gateway Church founder Robert Morris alleged sexual abuse of Cindy Clemishire beginning when she was 12 in the 1980s. Recently, Brady has insisted that he was unaware until 2024 that Ms. Clemishire was 12 at the time that Morris abused her in the 1980s. We believe that to be inaccurate. Brady also made statements in his public address to the congregation on June 8 that the Board of Elders knows to be inaccurate, New Life Church elders said in a statement. Brady had nothing at all to do with Robert Morris past abuse. Still, we believe that trust is the currency of leadership. When Brady recently told our congregation, inaccurately, that he was unaware of certain details regarding Morris past abuse, trust was broken, and we, the Board of Elders, asked Brady to resign, they added. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe The elders said Boyd, who became the churchs senior pastor in August 2007, officially resigned on June 18, making way for Daniel Grothe to step in as the churchs new senior pastor. This is not the first time a New Life Church leader has stepped down in the face of controversy. In 2006, the church's former Pastor Ted Haggard resigned after confessing to "sexual immorality" with a male escort and illicit drug use. The elders explained that when Brady was being considered for the role, the churchs pastoral search committee was informed about Morris sexual abuse of Clemishire when she was 12 and he was about 20 or 21. Boyd served at Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas, from 2001 to 2007 during Morris 24-year tenure, which ended with his resignation in June 2024. "To report what they had heard and inquire further regarding the allegations of abuse, New Life representatives contacted the Board of Elders of Gateway. Our church was informed that Morris' past abuse was known to Ms. Clemishire's family, Gateway elders, news media, and legal counsel. Gateway also informed New Life that Morris had been through a restoration process and, inaccurately, that Ms. Clemishire and her parents had supported Morris' return to ministry," New Life Church elders said. "Based on that information, New Life believed that Ms. Clemishire's abuse was known by the relevant persons and the search committee concluded that Morris' conduct from 25 years earlier, while terrible, did not involve Brady and did not impair his fitness to serve as our Senior Pastor. The search committee recommended Brady for the role and New Life Church welcomed him in August 2007." Clemishire, now 55, recently filed a defamation lawsuit against Gateway Church and Morris, seeking over $1 million. The lawsuit names Clemishire and her father, Jerry Lee Clemishire, as plaintiffs. The filing alleges that Morris and Gateway Church leaders mischaracterized the abuse Clemishire suffered as a consensual "relationship" with a "young lady" instead of the sexual assault of a child. It further alleges that when public media reports emerged in 2024 about the abuse Morris, Gateway's board of elders and media executive Lawrence Swicegood made "knowingly false" statements to minimize what happened. Morris was indicted in March on five counts of lewd or indecent acts with a child by a multi-county grand jury in Oklahoma in connection with his actions against Clemishire. She reported that Morris began sexually abusing her on Dec. 25, 1982, when she was 12, and continued with the abuse for 4.5 years after that. At the time, Morris was serving as a traveling evangelist. Gateway Church, which Morris founded in 2000, removed multiple elders last November after a four-month investigation found that all but three church elders had some knowledge about Morris' encounter with Clemishire and "failed to inquire further." Some allegedly knew before allegations became public that Clemishire was a child when the abuse occurred. "This is a time of mixed emotions. We are grieving as a church. We are grateful for Brady's service, we pray for justice and healing for Ms. Clemishire, and we deeply regret our association with Robert Morris," New Life Church elders said in their statement. "At the same time, we are filled with hope for the future and believe God will continue to do great things at New Life Church. Most intensely, we long for a world of justice and peace, a world where God's Kingdom comes, 'on earth as it is in heaven.'" Home News New Life Church asks 2 more pastors to resign over Robert Morris scandal New Life Church in Colorado Springs, Colorado, dismissed two more pastors for failures in their handling of knowledge related to Texas megachurch founder Robert Morris' alleged sexual abuse of Cindy Clemishire in Oklahoma beginning when she was 12 in the 1980s. In a frequently asked questions document distributed to congregants after the worship service on Sunday, members of the megachurch's board of elders revealed that they had asked executive pastors Lance Coles and Brian Newberg to resign. The announcement comes a week after the board of elders announced that they asked their senior pastor, Brady Boyd, to resign for misleading the church about his knowledge of Morris' alleged abuse of Clemishire. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe The New Life Elders reiterated that when Boyd was announced as a finalist in the senior pastor search in 2007, both Coles and Newberg served on the search committee. That committee received a report from Clemishire's sister about the alleged abuse. "Brian and Lance raised some concerns about Robert Morris becoming involved with New Life. When Brady dismissed their concerns and appointed Robert Morris to be an overseer and began inviting Morris to preach, Brian and Lance had a responsibility to bring their concerns and the reasons behind them directly to the board of elders," the elders stated. "They did not do so then or afterward, so we likewise requested that Brian and Lance resign. They have submitted their letters of resignation and will depart after a transition period." New Life Church stated that Coles and Newberg were the only members of a total of nine individuals on that search committee who were still on staff at the church. New Life Church's governance structure has undergone changes and is now led by a board of elders, established in 2008. All the current elders were nominated by Boyd and were elected in or after 2011. The elders noted that both pastors have expressed regret for their inaction and asked for the church's forgiveness. "Since we first approached Brian and Lance last week, their repentant, sorrowful, and humble attitudes have been strongly evident. They have submitted to the authority of the elders and to the church," the elders explained. "They have both expressed how deeply they regret not doing more to prevent Robert Morris from becoming involved with our church. We believe they would never intentionally do anything harmful to New Life church. They are devastated, and so are we." "Brian and Lance have asked for and received our forgiveness. They plan to do everything they can to ensure a smooth transition of immense institutional knowledge that together comprises more than 70 years of service to the church. We hope they will remain members for many years to come, and we know they would appreciate your prayers," the elders added. The church expressed a hope to reconcile with Boyd at some point but noted that "at this time, Brady has not apologized nor is he repentant for what we think constituted lying to New Life Church, or for failing to disclose to the elders whatever knowledge he had about Robert Morris before asking Morris to serve as overseer and to preach at our church." Boyd reportedly told elders that he did not know that Cindy Clemishire was 12 years old when Morris allegedly began abusing her and did not know this when he worked under Morris at Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas. Boyd allegedly further stated that if he had known about the abuse or learned about it later, he would not have invited Morris to become an overseer or preach at New Life Church. "When Brady spoke about this on Sunday, June 8, 2025, he stated several times that he did not know, prior to 2024, Ms. Clemishire was 12 when Morris molested her," New Life Church elders explained. "Shortly after his message, the elders were presented with information from 2011 demonstrating that Brady was party to at least 20 emails relating to Ms. Clemishires' abuse, that he interacted extensively with those emails, and that many of the emails stated in the subject line the allegation that Ms. Clemishire was 12 at the time. Brady failed to disclose this to the board of elders." Although Boyd also claimed on June 8 that the search committee did not inform him about Clemishire's allegations in 2007, "meeting notes and email records confirmed that the search committee met with Brady specifically to discuss the accusations made by Ms. Clemishire's sister and then dialogued with him for weeks about the issue." "In the days that followed, we carefully reviewed the emails and other new evidence that surfaced. We also spent many hours meeting with Brady, listening to his perspective, and doing our best to reconcile the facts. As much as we hoped it would all make sense, in the end, it simply didn't," the elders said. "All seven elders the elders that Brady himself invited to hold him accountable agreed that trust was broken, and that we did not think he could continue as senior pastor of New Life Church. We requested he resign, and he did." Clemishire, now 55, recently filed a defamation lawsuit against Gateway Church and Morris, seeking over $1 million. The lawsuit names Clemishire and her father, Jerry Lee Clemishire, as plaintiffs. The filing alleges that Morris and Gateway Church leaders mischaracterized the abuse Clemishire suffered as a consensual "relationship" with a "young lady" instead of the sexual assault of a child. It further alleges that when public media reports emerged in 2024 about the abuse, Morris, Gateway's board of elders and media executive Lawrence Swicegood made "knowingly false" statements to minimize what happened. Morris was indicted in March on five counts of lewd or indecent acts with a child by a multi-county grand jury in Oklahoma in connection with his actions against Clemishire. She reported that Morris began sexually abusing her on Dec. 25, 1982, when she was 12, and continued with the abuse for 4.5 years after that. At the time, Morris was serving as a traveling evangelist. Gateway Church, which Morris founded in 2000, removed multiple elders last November after a four-month investigation found that all but three church elders had some knowledge about Morris' encounter with Clemishire and "failed to inquire further." Some allegedly knew before allegations became public that Clemishire was a child when the abuse occurred. Home News Some New Life Church members protest Brady Boyds resignation Some members of New Life Church in Colorado Springs, Colorado, mounted a strong protest outside the church on Sunday, a week after elders announced they asked Senior Pastor Brady Boyd to resign and claimed he lied about his knowledge of Gateway Church founder Robert Morris' alleged sexual abuse of Cindy Clemishire beginning when she was 12 in the 1980s. Angie Ragsdale, one of the church's members who protested Boyd's resignation, told KKTV that her former pastor didn't deserve to be ousted from his position over Morris' alleged crime. "He's been the pastor of New Life for the past 18 years, and he's a beautiful, wonderful, upstanding man of God who was forced to resign due to somebody else's issues from a long time ago, and we just don't think that that's fair or right," Ragsdale, who has attended New Life with her family for 27 years, said. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe Joan Mills, another protester, praised Boyd for the work he has done not just for his church family but for Colorado. He knows he did wrong putting trust in Pastor Morris, but Pastor Morris hasnt been at this church in a long time, so I just feel like it was wrong what was done, Mills said. New Life Church elders announced on June 22 that Boyd, who had served as the church's senior pastor since August 2007, officially resigned on June 18, making way for Daniel Grothe to step in as the church's new senior pastor. Boyd stepped into the senior pastor role at New Life Church after the church's former pastor, Ted Haggard, resigned in 2006 after confessing to "sexual immorality" with a male escort and illicit drug use. The elders said that when Boyd was being considered for the role, the church's pastoral search committee was informed about Morris' sexual abuse of Clemishire when she was 12 and he was about 20 or 21. Boyd served at Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas, from 2001 to 2007 during Morris' 24-year tenure, which ended with his resignation in June 2024. "To report what they had heard and inquire further regarding the allegations of abuse, New Life representatives contacted the Board of Elders of Gateway. Our church was informed that Morris' past abuse was known to Ms. Clemishire's family, Gateway elders, news media, and legal counsel. Gateway also informed New Life that Morris had been through a restoration process and, inaccurately, that Ms. Clemishire and her parents had supported Morris' return to ministry," New Life Church elders said. "Based on that information, New Life believed that Ms. Clemishire's abuse was known by the relevant persons and the search committee concluded that Morris' conduct from 25 years earlier, while terrible, did not involve Brady and did not impair his fitness to serve as our Senior Pastor. The search committee recommended Brady for the role and New Life Church welcomed him in August 2007." The elders stated that they later learned Boyd had made inaccurate statements about the situation as recently as June 8. "Recently, Brady has insisted that he was unaware until 2024 that Ms. Clemishire was 12 at the time that Morris abused her in the 1980s. We believe that to be inaccurate. Brady also made statements in his public address to the congregation on June 8 that the Board of Elders knows to be inaccurate," the elders said. "Brady had nothing at all to do with Robert Morris' past abuse. Still, we believe that trust is the currency of leadership. When Brady recently told our congregation, inaccurately, that he was unaware of certain details regarding Morris' past abuse, trust was broken, and we, the Board of Elders, asked Brady to resign." Last Saturday, Dean Miles, who had worked on Boyd's security team for more than 10 years before resigning in 2018, alleged on X that Boyd is a master manipulator. "I was on the inside for 10+ years. Part of the security team. Responsible for Brady Boyd's safety. No one told more half-truths. Master of manipulation. Always the victim. In 2018, I handed in my badge. Enough was enough. Leadership is earned in truth, not preserved in spin. I stayed silent for too long. No more," he wrote. Clemishire, now 55, recently filed a defamation lawsuit against Gateway Church and Morris, seeking over $1 million. The lawsuit names Clemishire and her father, Jerry Lee Clemishire, as plaintiffs. The filing alleges that Morris and Gateway Church leaders mischaracterized the abuse Clemishire suffered as a consensual "relationship" with a "young lady" instead of the sexual assault of a child. Home News New York lawmakers pass measure requiring social media warning labels Social media platforms with "addictive" design features may be required to display mental health warning labels on their websites for New York users, a move that advocates for family-friendly media have praised. Senate Bill S4505 passed in the New York Senate last week and in the Assembly last Tuesday, and it awaits New York Gov. Kathy Hochul's signature. The bill would require social media platforms that use addictive design features to display warning labels after users access the website. The bill, sponsored by New York state Sen. Andrew Gounardes and Assemblywoman Nily Rozic, follows calls from then-U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy for warning labels on social media platforms. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe "New York joins Minnesota in recognizing that social media can be harmful to children and teens and requiring warning labels to be added to platforms," Melissa Henson, the vice president of Parents Television and Media Council, said in a statement provided to The Christian Post. "Just like warning labels were added to cigarette packages, social media labels are intended to warn users against the harms. It's one common-sense solution among many that rightly aims to confront social media harms," Henson added. PTC, which advocates for a safe media environment for children and families, commended the Minnesota Legislature earlier this month for passing the social media warning label bill. The legislation in Minnesota will require that social media platforms present clear warnings about the risks of social media use and provide direct links to crisis services. Under the Minnesota legislation, platforms will have until July 1 to comply with the requirements outlined in the bill. California is also considering a bill, AB 56, that would require social media platforms to display warning labels about potential mental health harms associated with social media use. In Texas, the proposed House Bill 499 would require certain social media platforms to include a warning label about the association between a minor's social media usage and potential mental health issues. "More states are recognizing the harms of social media and taking steps to mitigate or eliminate them," Henson said. "Utah, Georgia, New York, Florida, Virginia, Texas, Minnesota, and New York are among the states that have introduced or enacted laws that deal with social media harms on children." Critics of the New York bill, such as the industry association NetChoice, say its "government overreach that violates fundamental constitutional principles while failing to provide meaningful solutions." "While we share the Legislature's concern for youth mental health, this bill represents a fundamentally flawed approach that violates core constitutional principles while failing to address the underlying issues it purports to solve," NetChoice's director of state and federal affairs, Amy Bos, said in a statement. "The proposed legislation constitutes an unprecedented expansion of government power that would compel private companies to espouse the state's preferred messaging, a clear violation of the First Amendment's protection against compelled speech," Bos argued. Henson said the only critics of social media warning labels are the Big Tech industry and its lobbyists. "But when children are exposed to sexually explicit content, predators, and other harmful content through powerful algorithms on social media platforms, and because children and teens can become addicted to screen time, it's time for our elected officials to act," the PTC vice president said. According to a survey of teens ages 13 to 17 published last year by the Pew Research Center, 96% of teenagers reported that they're online daily and nearly half said that they're online almost constantly. Seventy-three percent of participants in the survey, conducted from Sept. 18 to Oct. 10, 2024, said they visit YouTube daily. Roughly half of the teenagers said that they visit Instagram or Snapchat daily, and about one in 10 reported that they visit these social media platforms almost constantly. "The share of teens who say they use Instagram almost constantly has increased slightly, from 8% in 2023 to 12% today," the survey stated. According to a study published by JAMA last week, children who are addicted to screens are at a higher risk for suicidal behaviors. Home News Theologian NT Wright defends traditional male pronouns for God amid cultural shifts Theologian N.T. Wright recently emphasized that while God transcends gender, using traditional male pronouns like Father remains theologically appropriate when understood in light of Scripture. In a wide-ranging conversation on the "Ask N.T. Wright Anything" podcast, the theologian and former bishop of Durham addressed the question: Is it appropriate to refer to God using male pronouns? The question came from a listener in Minneapolis, Minnesota, who noted the tension between the use of male language for God such as He and Father and the theological understanding that God transcends human categories, including gender. The listener acknowledged Jesus own references to God as Father and wondered whether using male pronouns for the Trinity remains valid today. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe Wright, who has spent decades teaching and writing about Christian doctrine, was quick to note the layered nature of the discussion. It is, of course, a vast question, which has bubbled up during the course of my lifetime, he said. Of course, God is beyond gender. Thats one of the first things to say. Still, Wright emphasized that the Christian faith is grounded in the revelation of God as Father, Son and Holy Spirit. That language, he said, is drawn directly from Scripture and upheld throughout Church tradition. Jesus, who was and is emphatically male referred to God as Father, he said. So we have to say, hang on, there are various things going on here which our present culture isnt helping us with. Wright acknowledged the critiques of theologians like Mary Daly, a feminist thinker who famously wrote, If God is male, then the male is God. That logic, Wright said, has fueled real concern among women who have experienced male dominance both in the church and in broader society. Some people using male pronouns for God do give themselves airs and imply that, therefore, basically, we men are in charge here. He added, You only have to read Ephesians 5 to see how Paul reverses that the job of the husband vis-a-vis the wife is to take the role of Christ giving Himself for the Church. And there is a huge self-giving about that. Rather than throwing out masculine imagery of God due to abusive settings, Wright emphasized the reclaiming and redefinition of such terms based on biblical use. We have language about God as Father, but who is this Father? He isnt this angry, bullying, domineering, typically male god. He is a God of compassion, a God of mercy, a God of gentleness. He pointed to the Hebrew roots of the word for compassion, which derive from the word for "womb." God is like a mother whose womb is crying out for her children, he said, referencing multiple maternal images of God found throughout the Old Testament. Wright also noted that the gendered language associated with the Holy Spirit varies across languages. In Syriac and Hebrew, the word for Spirit is feminine. In Greek, its neuter. And in Latin, its masculine. So that genderedness is built into those languages in ways that it scarcely is in English. He cited Romans 8, where the Spirit is described as groaning in travail, a distinctly feminine image. That extraordinary sequence of thought in Romans 8 does imply that there is something transcending the whole thing about God, and that God covers all possible bases. Still, Wright warned against removing the traditional names of Father, Son and Holy Spirit from Christian worship and sacraments. When asked about a Catholic parish in Brisbane that began baptizing in the name of the Creator, Redeemer and Renewer to avoid gendered language, Wright expressed concern. If you were the Bishop of Brisbane would you declare all the baptisms void and make them go back and do it again? podcast co-host Mike Bird asked. Wright responded with what he called a typical Anglican response, focusing on the intent behind the act. He recounted a time when a priest inadvertently omitted the Son from the baptismal formula. He just missed out the Son but we didnt say, actually, you need to go back and do all those again, because the law of intention [applied]. Yet Wright drew a clear line when it came to deliberately replacing Trinitarian language. He recalled a 2004 service at Durham Cathedral celebrating the 10th anniversary of womens ordination to the priesthood. The organizers scripted a final blessing in the name of the Creator, Redeemer and Sanctifier. I looked at that before the service, and I said, I cant do that. Thats not Trinitarian, Wright said. Each member of the Holy Trinity does each of those things. Its not a Trinitarian blessing. I said, I think the blessing of God Almighty, the Holy and undivided Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, Creator, Redeemer and Sanctifier, he said. Wright emphasized that when it comes to speaking about God, theological precision matters, adding: We have to be very careful, especially when we're talking about God. You can't just muck around and invent things. You know, God is God, and we are humans struggling to get our heads and our hearts around who God is. While affirming that God transcends gender, Wright maintained that male references to God, rooted in Scripture, can and should still be used, provided they are rightly understood. Rather than say, because were aware of bullying male dominance, we should stop calling God Father, I would say, no. Lets look at what the Bible actually says about God. A 2013 Harris survey of 2,250 adults in the United States revealed that 43% of women and 34% of men believed God is male. Overall, 39% of Americans believed God is male, 31% believed God is neither male nor female, 10% believed God is both genders, and 1% believed God is female. In recent years, the theological debate over God's gender has gained renewed attention, notably with the release of The Shack, a bestselling novel by William Paul Young. The fictional story portrays God the Father as a woman, as well as the Holy Spirit, sparking widespread discussion among Christians. The book was adapted into a feature film in 2017. More recently, pop star Ariana Grande fueled cultural conversation on the topic with her hit song, God is a Woman. In a 2014 blog post, theologian John Piper explained that although God is spirit and not biologically male, the consistent use of masculine pronouns in Scripture is deliberate and theologically important. God is revealed as father, not mother. God is revealed as a king, not a queen. I dont mean that there arent motherly metaphors for him. I am just saying, mainly father, not mother; mainly king, not queen; mainly Lord, not lady, he said. In the marriage with the Church, Christ is the husband, and the Church is the bride. He is not the bride and she the husband. He installed priests in the Old Testament all of them were men. Jesus comes into the world as a man and not as a woman. He invests his unique apostolic authority in 12 men, not 12 women. Home News Pastor Doug Wilson weighs in on viral Carlson-Cruz Israel debate: Problematic Douglas Wilson, senior pastor of Christ Church (CREC) in Moscow, Idaho, weighed in last week on the recent viral debate between political commentator Tucker Carlson and Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, regarding the Christian duty toward modern Israel. Wilson, who is Reformed and adheres to a postmillennial eschatology, suggested in a video published last Thursday that the views of both Carlson and Cruz on the issue are problematic. While affirming the historical Reformed position that the Jewish people have a future role to play in the redemptive story, he also noted the complexity of delineating between the Jewish people and the modern political entity of Israel. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe The Bible, taken as a whole, does indicate that there is a role to play for the Jewish people yet to come in Israel, said Wilson, citing Romans 11. Wilson noted that such a view has been the traditional Reformed teaching on the issue going back centuries. Incidentally, just apart from dispensationalism, this has been the historic Reformed position from the time of the Reformation down. Over and over and over again, Reformed scholars, preachers, theologians have affirmed the future conversion of the Jews, which is a Reformed distinctive, he said. Cruz and Carlson went viral earlier this month for their conversation, which at times grew heated, leading to both men raising their voices and exchanging barbs. Carlson grew especially offended when Cruz implied he was antisemitic after he pressed him to clarify his definition of Israel. As a Christian, growing up in Sunday school, I was taught from the Bible that those who bless Israel will be blessed, and those who curse Israel will be cursed; I want to be on the blessing side of things, Cruz said in an apparent reference to Genesis 12:3, though he was unable to cite where it was in the Bible when Carlson asked him. Carlson also grilled Cruz to explain if God's promise to Abraham applied to the modern secular nation of Israel with its present borders and political leadership under Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. "I think most people understand that line in Genesis to refer to the Jewish people, God's chosen people," Carlson said, while Cruz claimed the Abrahamic promise applies to the modern nation-state. Wilson noted that while the nation of Israel and Netanyahu's government are not the same, such a debate is a separate issue from the debate over Israels theological role. If you're supporting the existence of the political entity Israel on the basis of God's promises in the Old Testament, then you have to deal with the New Testament, which teaches us that the Christian Church is the heir of all God's promises to Israel. Put it another way, the church is Israel, he said. Wilson pushed back against the idea that he is embracing replacement theology, which teaches the Church has replaced ethnic Israel as God's chosen people and the primary recipient of His promises. Now some people dismiss that, or accuse that [view] of being replacement theology, or the Church replaces Israel. No, it's Israel coming into full bloom at the day of Pentecost, where the Gentiles are included as the prophet Isaiah foretold that they would be, he said. Wilson went on to cite Romans 11, in which "the apostle Paul expressly prophesies, predicts that unbelieving Jews who did not recognize the Messiah and who were cut out of the olive tree that olive tree being Israel are going to be grafted back into the olive tree. And the people who are grafted back into the olive tree will be included again in the true Israel of God, he added. Wilson concluded that both Cruz and Carlson are at least partially mistaken in their apparent views on Israel. "To sum up, I would say that Tucker made some points and Ted Cruz made some points; they both have something to say, and Tucker seems to want to say that the verse in Genesis has nothing to do with anybody today, which is problematic," he said. "And Ted Cruz appears to want to say that it applies straight across to the people of Israel in the Middle East today, and that's problematic," he added, noting that many Jewish people are not Israeli. Christian Zionism and premillennial dispensationalism have been declining among younger American Evangelicals in recent years, according to multiple surveys detailed in the 2023 book Christian Zionism in the Twenty-First Century: American Evangelical Opinion on Israel. Experts who spoke to The Christian Post last year offered differing theories regarding the reasons behind such trends, including rising antisemitism or greater access to various versions of Christian eschatology because of the internet. Wilson, whom Carlson once jokingly dubbed the Christian nationalist they warned you about, last month announced the July opening of Christ Kirk Washington, D.C., just blocks from the U.S. Capitol. Home News Paula White tells Evangelicals Trump's survival is 'God's sovereign divine miracle' WASHINGTON Speaking before an Evangelical political conference, President Donald Trump's spiritual advisor Paula White-Cain, a Florida televangelist who helps lead the White House Faith Office, claimed the president's survival of an assassination attempt last year was "God's sovereign divine miracle" and far from a "coincidence." White, the Charismatic movement leader who co-founded Without Walls International Church in Florida and led the Trump evangelical advisory board during his 2016 campaign, spoke to a crowd of Christian conservative activists gathered at the Faith & Freedom Coalition's 2025 Road to Majority Conference in Washington, D.C. on Friday. Delivering her speech alongside White House Faith Office's Faith Director Jennifer Korn, White reflected on the unsuccessful July 2024 assassination attempt against Trump at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe White reiterated her remarks from last year's Road to Majority Conference, where she told the crowd that she had assured Trump, her close personal friend, that he would win the presidency when he was first considering a presidential bid but stressed to him that she hated the "price" he would pay. She said the assassination attempt, which took place three weeks after her speech at last year's Road to Majority Conference, is the "ultimate" example of the "sacrificial price" she correctly predicted Trump would pay. She recalled receiving a text message on the day of the assassination attempt informing her that "the president's been shot." "I was so discombobulated," she stated. "That wasn't just the president to me, that was my friend." White declared, "I'm so grateful" that he survived. Many people attributed Trump's survival to "all these coincidences that day," including the fact that he was "running late" to the campaign rally. "They put the chart up early; they put it up on the left," she recalled, referring to a chart displaying statistics about illegal immigration frequently used at Trump's campaign events. "They always put it up on the right." White said the chart was usually put up toward the end of the rally as opposed to in the middle of the event, when the assassination attempt took place. She ultimately rejected the idea that it was a series of coincidences that saved Trump from an assassin's bullet. "That wasn't a coincidence. That was God's sovereign divine miracle," she countered. White is not the first person to suggest that divine intervention played a role in Trump's survival of the murder attempt, where a bullet grazed his ear but did not inflict life-threatening harm on the president. During his acceptance speech at last year's Republican National Convention, Trump insisted that throughout the experience, "I felt very safe because I had God on my side." "I stand before you in this arena only by the grace of Almighty God," Trump proclaimed before the crowd of enthusiastic supporters gathered to see him accept the Republican nomination for president of the United States for a third time. Dr. Ben Carson, who served as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development during Trump's first term, offered a similar analysis during his speech at the RNC earlier that week: "I have no doubt that God lowered a shield of protection over President Trump." Home News PCA votes to form committee to investigate Christian nationalism The Presbyterian Church in America has voted to form a committee to study the nature and influence of Christian nationalism within the theologically conservative denomination. During the business session on Thursday afternoon, a commissioner from the Central Florida Presbytery requested that the assembly approve all overtures with 95 votes in their favor from the committee. In response to this, several overtures, including two centered on the issue of studying Christian nationalism, were voted on and approved in a vote of 1,708 in favor and only 28 opposed. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe Overture 3, titled "Erect Ad Interim Committee on Christian Nationalism" and coming from the Arizona Presbytery, called for the creation of a committee to "study the relationship between Christian Nationalism, Theonomic Reconstructionism, and similar viewpoints deemed necessary by the committee." "Further, the committee shall advise on whether these viewpoints and formulations are in conformity with the system of doctrine taught in the Westminster Standards or where they may diverge from the system of doctrine," the overture added. "Further, the committee shall write a report that gives pastoral guidance when addressing congregations, new members, and future officers of the PCA." Overture 4, titled "Erect Ad Interim Study Committee on Christian Nationalism" and submitted by the South Texas Presbytery, noted that there has been debate within the PCA about "the relationship of church and state that has occurred under the broad term of Christian Nationalism." "[T]here has been disagreement and confusion regarding what these various viewpoints actually teach; these variations have caused confusion, division, and dissension among the congregants of PCA churches and disturbed PCA pastors and officers," the overture explained. "Further, the committee shall advise on whether these viewpoints and formulations are in conformity with the system of doctrine taught in the Westminster Standards or where they may diverge from the system of doctrine." A third overture, likewise calling for a committee to study the matter, known as Overture 47 and coming from the Great Lakes Presbytery, was passed at a Thursday evening session in a vote of 1,008 to 333. The term "Christian nationalism" has been a topic of much debate in modern American politics, with it often being identified as the merging of Christian belief and American patriotism. Christian conservatives have argued that the term "Christian nationalism" is simply a smear against Christians who engage in advocacy for conservative causes. During a multi-panel event hosted by The Christian Post last August, panelists offered their thoughts on the rising buzzword in the 2024 election. Bunni Pounds, who served for 16 years as a political consultant to members of Congress before starting the political advocacy group Christians Engaged, notes that "Christian nationalism" is almost always used in the media to refer to the advocacy of conservative Christians but is never used in the context of progressive Christians whose religious beliefs are inspiring their political advocacy. "We are always talking about Evangelical right and us getting out the vote around our pro-family, pro-life values, but we're not having conversations about the progressive Left using churches to activate Christian voters," she said. "So the Christian nationalism label gets labeled on Evangelical, Bible-believing Christians who are pro-life and pro-family, and none of the other Christians get labeled anything," Pounds added. "And so that's that's the issue, right? We're not talking about them mobilizing voters, but we're getting labeled for our voter mobilization effort." Progressives, including Baptist Joint Committee Executive Director Amanda Tyler, have denounced Christian nationalism as "at odds with the core tenet of Christianity that is, that Jesus Christ is Lord" and is "pervasive throughout American society." "Christian nationalism demands ultimate loyalty to political power rather than God. And therefore can become idolatrous," Tyler told The Christian Post in a 2021 interview. Professor and author Owen Strachan wrote a column in 2021 in which he said that the claim that "a militantly racist body of extremist 'white' fundamentalists waits just beyond the city gates to take back America" was "downright silly." "The vast majority of Christians I know supported such candidates in past days because they are ardently pro-life, pro-religious liberty, anti-big government, anti-progressive agenda, and pro-free market. They do not have anything close to an evil vision of America that would ruin the lives of people of color," wrote Strachan at the time. "Nor do they wish to impose a ferocious theocracy on any who dare disagree with them. Instead, they want people of all kinds to be free, prosperous and able to worship God." Home News Students sue Va. over allegedly being denied grants to pursue religious studies at Liberty U Three students have filed a complaint against Virginia officials over allegedly being denied access to scholarship grant programs due to their decision to pursue religious studies. Cameron Johnson and Luke Thomas, two recent high school graduates planning to attend Liberty University, and Trace Stevens, a current Liberty student, filed the complaint late last month in United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, Richmond Division. Named defendants in the lawsuit include A. Scott Fleming, director of the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia; John Jumper, chair of the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia; Major General James W. Ring, adjutant general of Virginia; and Donald Unmussig, chief financial officer of the Virginia Department of Military Affairs. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe According to the complaint, Johnson and Thomas were denied a Tuition Assistance Grant because the SCHEV excludes certain religious programs of study, while Stevens, a member of the Virginia Army National Guard, was denied a grant from the National Guard Tuition Assistance Grant Program because his academic study was centered on religious training or theological education. The three students are being represented by the Alliance Defending Freedom, a nonprofit legal organization dedicated to defending religious freedom, which has successfully argued religious liberty cases before the United States Supreme Court. ADF Legal Counsel Jake Reed told The Christian Post in an interview Thursday that his organization had received several phone calls from people lamenting the parameters of the grant programs. We decided to take the case because, at bottom, what is happening in the great state of Virginia, this exclusion for certain students who decide to pick certain religious programs is unconstitutional, violates the First Amendment, he said. We want to make that right. As to the status of the case, Reed added, we're expecting the state defendants' first response or answer to the complaint next week, and that we're just waiting to see what happens with that. This is a generally available or supposed to be generally available public benefit program to all college students in the state of Virginia, Reed told CP. All Trace, Cameron and Luke want is to be treated equally to their classmates. So that's what this case is about. The Christian Post reached out to the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia and the Virginia Department of Military Affairs. A spokesperson for SCHEV directed CP to reach out to the Virginia Attorney General's Office, which replied on Friday, explaining that it declined to comment due to ongoing litigation. In recent years, there has been considerable litigation over whether students pursuing a Christian education are eligible for certain tuition assistance programs or similar publicly funded benefits. In 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in David Carson et al. v. A. Pender Makin that Maine's state tuition assistance program could not prevent parents from applying the funds to institutions that include religious instruction. Last December, Georgian officials reversed course and allowed for Luther Rice College and Seminary to participate in student financial aid programs that were available to other colleges, having previously excluded any school or college of theology or divinity. Home News JD Greears Summit Church denies it attempted hostile takeover of Faith Baptist Church after docuseries Leaders at Pastor J.D. Greear's 12,000-member multi-campus The Summit Church are defending him and the organization after a docuseries on their failed merger with Faith Baptist Church in Knightdale, North Carolina, suggested the megachurch used questionable tactics in a bid to take over the non-denominational church and its 30-acre campus valued at an estimated $25 million. The three-part series called "Defending Faith Baptist" was published earlier this month by the Church Reform Initiative an organization committed to "identifying and addressing corruption within the Christian church and Christian parachurch organizations through awareness, education, and the legal process." In a recent statement responding to the docuseries, church elders stated they were not informed about the documentary before it was published and insisted that they acted with integrity concerning the failed merger. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe "As some of you may have seen, our pastor and our church are the subject of a recent documentary series about our attempted church merger with Faith Baptist Church in Knightdale. We received no advance notification about this documentary, nor were we consulted about the issues discussed within it. We saw it for the first time when the episodes were shared with the public," Summit Church directional elders said. "The story being told misrepresents the events as well as our intentions in this process. The Summit sought to pursue this path with the utmost integrity at every step," the leaders continued. The Summit Church elders state that they launched a mobile campus at Knightdale High School in 2023 because of the desire of its members who lived in the area. After launching, Summit elders say leaders at Faith Baptist Church approached them about discussing a possible merger due to declines in attendance and financial stability. Over the next several months, Summit Church staff and directional elders worked with Faith Baptist Church's leadership to explore the possibility of dissolving Faith Baptist Church and "giving the church's property to The Summit Church as the permanent location for our Knightdale Campus." "The narrative being told that our pastor or pastoral team used manipulation, dishonesty, bullying tactics, or engaged in conspiracy is simply untrue, and we are deeply grieved by it. Our pastor and leadership team have nothing to hide as the elders of The Summit Church, we looked over their shoulder at every step." On June 11, author and producer Jon Harris, who created the docuseries, highlighted the story of Faith Baptist in an op-ed for American Reformer reporting on what he called a "silent takeover" of Evangelical Christianity by progressive ideology. First Baptist Church in Naples, Florida, and David Platt's McLean Bible Church in Northern Virginia are also featured. "These were not isolated events but part of a broader, coordinated push connected with the Southern Baptist Convention, the largest Protestant denomination. What also became clear is that leftist politics are just one piece of a much larger agenda to fundamentally transform American evangelicalism," Harris argued. "This is not merely about changing voting habits. It is about remaking churches from the inside out gutting their traditions, weakening their communities, and converting them into sterile, modern, and pliable social centers." Faith Baptist Church members allege that their troubles started shortly after their longtime pastor, Mick Bowen, retired in 2021 and was replaced by Jason Little. Little is accused of attempting to facilitate a takeover of the congregation by The Summit Church while disguising it as a partnership. The first episode of the documentary purports to uncover "the behind-the-scenes text messages, financial maneuvers, and spiritual warfare at the heart of a devastating takeover attempt and the faithful resistance that followed." The second episode examines a "calculated effort to dissolve [the] congregation and transfer its assets to Summit Church under JD Greear's leadership. From backroom deals to bylaw violations." The third and final episode highlights the protracted legal battle for the church as members fought back through the courts, and Summit Church backed away from the deal before Greear was to give a deposition. "As the legal proceedings continued, Summit Church's strategy shifted. A deposition for J.D. Greear was scheduled at 10 a.m. on December 4. Summit Church filed a motion to prevent Greear's deposition from being shared on social media, but the judge rejected the request. The day before the deposition, the parties settled the dispute. What could have ended in disaster became a beautiful ending as Faith Baptist recalled their original pastor, Gary Williams, back to the church and recommenced ministry in 2025," Harris wrote. "Throughout the entire saga, two things stood out. The first was the sense of entitlement some church leaders, including pastors, displayed believing they could get their way without considering the impact on their congregation," he added. "The second notable thing was the unwavering determination of the Defenders of Faith group to prevent their church from being overtaken. Many of them were long-time, older members, grounded in their faith and their commitment to the church. They stepped out in faith, even when unsure of how they would fund their efforts, putting their money where their mouths were to protect what they believed was right. In the end, they won, and their story is documented." In their statement, Summit Church's direction elders report that FBC leadership conducted a congregational vote in March 2024, with 97 votes in favor of the merger and 55 votes opposed. However, FBC members opposed to the merger and other interested parties filed legal action in state court to stop FBC from proceeding with the merger. They note that the lawsuit was brought against Faith Baptist Church, and The Summit Church was not a party to that legal proceeding. Home News Supreme Court says parents can opt kids out of school district's LGBT curriculum The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that parents can opt their children out of a Maryland school district's LGBT-themed curriculum materials over religious objections, reversing an appeals court ruling. In a 6-3 decision released Friday, the high court ruled in Mahmoud, Tamer, et al. v. Taylor, Thomas W., et al. that Montgomery County Public Schools in Maryland cannot force children to be exposed to LGBT-themed books in the curriculum. After a massive demonstration in 2023, a religiously diverse group of parents challenged the school district's refusal to grant opt-outs for lessons that include LGBT literature. Justice Samuel Alito authored the opinion of the court, being joined by Chief Justice John Roberts and justices Amy Coney Barrett, Brett Kavanaugh, Neil Gorsuch and Clarence Thomas. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe "A government burdens the religious exercise of parents when it requires them to submit their children to instruction that poses 'a very real threat of undermining' the religious beliefs and practices that the parents wish to instill," wrote Alito. "And a government cannot condition the benefit of free public education on parents' acceptance of such instruction. Based on these principles, we conclude that the parents are likely to succeed in their challenge to the Board's policies." The high court granted the parents a preliminary injunction against the MCPS' inclusion of LGBT-themed books in the curriculum on religious grounds. "The practice of educating one's children in one's religious beliefs, like all religious acts and practices, receives a generous measure of protection from our Constitution," Alito continued. "And this is not merely a right to teach religion in the confines of one's own home. Rather, it extends to the choices that parents wish to make for their children outside the home." Justice Sonia Sotomayor authored a dissenting opinion, joined by justices Ketanji Brown Jackson and Elena Kagan, arguing that the majority opinion "invents a constitutional right to avoid exposure to 'subtle' themes' contrary to the religious principles' that parents wish to instill in their children." "Given the great diversity of religious beliefs in this country, countless interactions that occur every day in public schools might expose children to messages that conflict with a parent's religious beliefs," wrote Sotomayor. "Requiring schools to provide advance notice and the chance to opt out of every lesson plan or story time that might implicate a parent's religious beliefs will impose impossible administrative burdens on schools. The harm will not be borne by educators alone: Children will suffer too." In October 2022, the Montgomery County Board of Education approved a group of LGBT-themed books for inclusion in schools' English language arts curricula. After a large parents' protest outside the school district office in Rockville in 2023 that included many Christian and Muslim parents from various backgrounds, the parents sued the board, arguing that officials violated their sincerely held beliefs. U.S. District Judge Deborah Boardman, a Biden appointee, rejected the motion for a preliminary injunction in August 2023, concluding that the parents failed to show that the "use of the storybooks crosses the line from permissible influence to potentially impermissible indoctrination." A three-judge panel of the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the lower court ruling in a 2-1 decision in May of last year, with Circuit Judge G. Steven Agee, a George W. Bush appointee, authoring the majority opinion. "[T]here's no evidence at present that the Board's decision not to permit opt-outs compels the Parents or their children to change their religious beliefs or conduct, either at school or elsewhere," wrote Agee. Circuit Judge A. Marvin Quattlebaum, Jr., a Trump appointee, dissented, writing that the parents had "shown the board's decision to deny religious opt-outs burdened these parents' right to exercise their religion and direct the religious upbringing of their children by putting them to the choice of either compromising their religious beliefs or foregoing a public education for their children." "The board's refusal to grant the parents' requests for religious opt-outs to instruction with the books the board required be used to promote diversity and inclusivity to the LGBTQ+ community forces the parents to make a choice either adhere to their faith or receive a free public education for their children. They cannot do both," Quattlebaum said. In January, the Supreme Court issued a miscellaneous orders list agreeing without comment to an appeal in the case. Home News Syrian Christian leader slams new president with terror ties after deadly church bombing A top Syrian Christian leader publicly rebuked President Ahmed al-Sharaa during a funeral service last Tuesday, blaming his administration for failing to protect religious minorities after a suicide bombing at a Damascus church left at least 25 dead. The attack, carried out during a Sunday mass, marked the deadliest strike on Christians in Syria since the fall of the Assad regime. Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch John (X) Yazigi addressed mourners gathered at the Church of the Holy Cross, where nine victims were laid to rest in white coffins covered with flowers. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe With love and with all due respect, Mr. President, you spoke yesterday by phone ... to express your condolences. That is not enough for us, he said, according to Reuters. 5 facts about Syrias President Ahmad al-Sharaa and his terror ties Yazigi, the most senior Christian cleric in the country, said the bombing was a direct consequence of government failure and demanded action rather than sympathy. What is important to me and I will say it is that the government bears responsibility in full, he said, drawing applause from hundreds of mourners attending the service. The service was attended by Social Affairs Minister Hind Kabawat, the only Christian and the only woman in Syrias new government. The explosion occurred on June 22 in the Al-Douweila district of Damascus during a prayer service at Mar Elias Church, killing at least 25 and injuring 59 others. The assailant, identified as a member of the Islamic State terrorist group, entered the church, opened fire on worshipers, then detonated an explosive vest. Graphic images shared by the Patriarchate showed blood-stained floors and human remains scattered inside the building. Security forces cordoned off the site to allow forensic and bomb disposal teams to examine the damage. Syrias Ministry of Health initially reported nine fatalities, but the number rose significantly by Monday, with Assistant Health Minister Hussein Al-Khatib photographed visiting survivors in hospitals. Interior Minister Anas Khattab condemned the bombing online, calling it a terrorist act aimed at derailing efforts toward civil peace. He said the attack would not deter the states goals and vowed retaliation. President al-Sharaa called the bombing a crime against all Syrians but avoided any specific mention of Christians or churches in his June 23 address. His government later said two Islamic State (IS) militants were killed in follow-up security operations, including one who allegedly facilitated the bombers entry into the church, according to the newswire. The United States condemned the attack. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce called it a brutal and cowardly attack and urged the Syrian government to protect all citizens, including religious minorities. Bruce said Washington continued to support the governments campaign against destabilizing forces in Syria and the region. The United Nations Special Envoy for Syria, Geir O. Pedersen, also denounced the bombing as a heinous crime, while U.S. Ambassador Tom Barrack wrote on social media that such acts of violence had no place in the countrys future. The IS later claimed responsibility for the attack in a statement reported by The Telegraph. The terrorist group has a history of targeting Christians and other minorities, adhering to a sectarian ideology that views non-Sunni groups as legitimate enemies. Two other churches in Damascus were targeted around the same time. A suicide bomber attacked the Deir Ibrahim al-Khalil Monastery in Douweila, while other assailants targeted the Church of Our Lady in Maqsura, according to All Arab News. Syrias new transitional government, formed after the Assad regime's ousting in December, has pledged to combat terrorism more effectively. It dismantled several Assad-era intelligence units and has conducted joint raids with U.S. forces, targeting Islamic State operatives in regions such as Aleppo and Deir al-Zor. Despite these efforts, intelligence officials say IS remains the Syrian governments most persistent internal threat. U.S. military intelligence has tracked increased IS activity in urban areas like Hasakah, Kirkuk and Deir al-Zor, where weakened state presence has allowed the group to regroup and launch attacks. The SITE Intelligence Group reported a decline in IS-claimed operations in Syria compared to the previous year, though analysts suggest this reflects a change in tactics rather than reduced capability. Christians, who once comprised 10% of Syrias pre-war population of 22 million, now number only a few hundred thousand. Most have fled the country since the start of the civil war, with many citing fear of persecution and insecurity. Home News Texas pastor who evacuated Israel amid Iran conflict credits prayers for safe return to the US A Texas pastor who is back home with his family after spending a week trying to evacuate the war-torn Middle East is crediting the prayers from his congregation for helping secure his return to the United States. Pastor Steve Brooks of First Methodist Church in Midland discussed his experience in Israel as tensions escalated between Israel and Iran in an interview with local news outlet KVUE-TV published Wednesday. Brooks traveled to Israel with his wife and 9-year-old twins earlier this month for a spiritual pilgrimage. During their time in the Middle East, war broke out between Israel and Iran, leaving them seeking to get out as soon as possible. "We got on buses in Jerusalem outside of our hotel. We had to walk about a quarter of a mile trying to keep a low profile," he recalled. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe "We spent the next actually 18 hours on the buses getting to a location in Jordan," Brooks detailed. After the family arrived in Jordan, they found themselves subject to delays in light of the large number of people looking to leave the region. "We were kind of asked to go dark," he said. "We were still able to read Facebook and our email, but we were asked not to give information out." The support they received from people back home was "incredible and so sustaining," Brooks said. First Baptist Church Associate Pastor Kurt Borden said it was "overwhelming the number of people that just genuinely were concerned." "We set aside a Sunday morning, specifically actually in this room," Borden explained as he conducted an interview alongside Brooks at the church. "Folks in our church stepped up, leaders that we've been working on for years. They wrote the prayers and they got the scriptures and they got the music and we filled this with candles." "We have this connection with God but when you bring other people in that also have a connection with God that's where the peace comes, that's where the hope comes," Borden added. Brooks attributed his family's success in evacuating to the spiritual intervention from his church family: "Certainly, in this situation, with all the prayers, we were out." "It's these moments where your faith is tested, and God is our refuge and our strength and our very present help in trouble, or he's not," Brooks maintained. "You really have to lean into that." First Methodist Church announced in a Facebook post in the early morning hours of June 20 that the Brooks family was "back on U.S. soil" and was scheduled to return home later in the day. Two days earlier, the church indicated that the family was en route back to the U.S. The Brooks' return to the U.S. came just over a week after Israel launched airstrikes on Iran's nuclear facilities, setting off a conflict between the two countries. Home News Texas school district backtracks, will let student share Bible verses during non-instructional time Attorneys say case is a 'major win' for student rights A Texas school district has reversed its decision to prohibit a fifth-grade student with special needs from sharing Bible verses with her classmates. The case began last month in the Killeen Independent School District, in Killeen, located about 50 miles north of Austin, when the girl started sharing Bible verses printed on small, fortune cookie-sized slips of paper during recess, lunch and after school. Attorneys with the American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ) say the girls principal and teacher confiscated the girls Bible verses after first allowing her to distribute them. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe The student, described as a devout Christian, had been sharing selections, including Genesis 1:27, which states, So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them. She also shared Revelation 12:5, which declares, He who was seated on the throne said, I am making everything new! Additional Bible verses included Romans 12:2, which urges Christians not to be conformed to this world, and Psalm 112:7, which states, They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord. On May 12, according to attorneys, Phylicia Miner, the principal at Cedar Valley Elementary, intervened, reprimanding the student and confiscating her Bible verse materials. Three days later, on May 15, the principal contacted the students mother again and told her that the school district policy prohibits all distribution of religious material on school property at any time, according to the ACLJ. In response, the ACLJ sent a demand letter to KISD on behalf of the student and her foster mother, citing the landmark 1969 U.S. Supreme Court decision in Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District, which declared students do not shed their constitutional rights to freedom of speech or expression at the schoolhouse gate. Additionally, the ACLJ referenced 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals precedents that uphold students rights to distribute religious materials during non-instructional time, provided such activities do not disrupt the school environment. Warning of imminent legal action, including a fully drafted lawsuit, the ACLJ set a firm deadline of May 22 for the district to address the issue. On the final day of the deadline, the district relented, issuing a written response that affirmed the students constitutional right to share her Bible verses. In response to your letter, I have personally spoken with the principal at Cedar Valley Elementary, wrote Mike Harper, the districts general counsel. I discussed with the principal that a student may distribute religious material during non-instructional time, when the distribution does not interfere with work in the classroom. ... The principal assured me that she understood and confirmed that [KISD] Board policy will be followed in the future, Harper added. CP reached out to Killeen ISD on Friday for a comment. This story will be updated if a response is received. ACLJ Executive Director Jordan Sekulow celebrated what he called a major win for religious liberty and student rights in a statement, saying he believes moving forward, the district is committed to upholding religious liberty in its schools. This is not just a win for one student its a victory for every students right to live out their faith, said Sekulow. Were proud to have stood by her and grateful to see her rights affirmed. Home News 'The restoration of God's design is urgent': Travis Weber calls for spiritual unity, political action Montevideo, Uruguay Speaking at the Ibero-American Congress for Life and Family, Travis Weber, a lawyer and vice president of policy and government affairs at the Family Research Council (FRC), emphasized that "the restoration of God's design for the family and human dignity is urgent" in the midst of the moral and cultural chaos that the world is experiencing today. The Family Research Council is a Christian organization based in Washington, D.C., founded more than 40 years ago to promote principles of faith, family and freedom in American public life. Weber leads the FRC team that monitors and influences federal policy from a biblical perspective. In recent years, he has worked in alliance with Latin American leaders to strengthen a common pro-life and pro-family front. In Montevideo, Weber greeted the attendees on behalf of Christians in the United States, stressing that their participation in Congress is not the result of an institutional strategy but of the direct call of the Holy Spirit: "We are not looking for connections, it was the Lord who put this in my heart when Jose Gonzalez (advisor to the Congress for Life and Family) came to our office and spoke to us about the cry of Latin America." Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe Unity in biblical purpose and foundation During his speech, Weber stated that cooperation between Christian organizations must be based on clear objectives, and proposed an essential one: to proclaim what God declared from the beginning. He quoted Genesis 1 and 2 to remind us that God created man and woman in His image, instituted marriage, and established a divine structure for the family. "These foundations are under attack like never before in history. But we must affirm that the Word of God is the eternal, perfect and sufficient truth," Weber said. He also warned that Christian activism must depend on the power of the Holy Spirit, not on human strategies: "If we work from our own strength, we will not succeed. We want pro-life laws and the end of gender ideology, but above all we want to see the advancement of the Kingdom of God," he stressed. Spiritual Healing and Relationship with the Father One of the axes of his intervention was the importance of emotional and spiritual healing in Christian leaders themselves. "Before we talk about healthy family relationships, we need to be healthy in our relationship with our heavenly Father. Only from there will we be able to influence coherently," he said. He shared his personal testimony, telling how an experience of spiritual renewal led him to deepen his dependence on the Holy Spirit. "I was already a Christian, I was already working for the family, but the Lord took me to another level of communion. It transformed me and that affected my whole life," she said. Weber also mentioned that this internal health must be reflected in the message that is transmitted to future generations. "We can't just pass on our customs or ways to them. We must pass on God's vision to them, not our incomplete versions of it," he warned. Restoration, Government, and Public Witness Throughout his message, Weber insisted that the restoration of the family must reach all levels, including government structures. "The world needs this restoration. Many are looking for answers, but they are in darkness. Our proclamation must be comprehensive: Jesus saves, but He also restores, transforms, and establishes His Kingdom in all areas of life," he said. In line with the vision of the Congress, he underlined three fundamental pillars for Christian action today: generational transfer, unity and spiritual healing. "Only with restored hearts can we impact society from the truth of the Gospel. We need to live what we preach to be an authentic witness at all levels," he concluded. Weber was one of the international speakers invited to the Congress held in the Uruguayan capital, which brings together political, social and religious leaders from all over Ibero-America with the aim of articulating a common agenda in defense of life, family, religious freedom and human dignity. This article was originally published at Christian Daily International Home News Trumps halting of protections for Haitian migrants draws concerns from Christian groups Christian advocacy organizations are raising alarm as the Trump administration plans to terminate Temporary Protected Status for Haitian nationals by Sept. 2, ending their legal residency and work authorizations in the United States amid fears of insecurity back home. The decision, which could impact over 500,000 migrants, followed a review of country conditions and consultations with other agencies, concluding that Haiti no longer meets the statutory requirements for TPS designation, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem said in a statement. "The environmental situation in Haiti has improved enough that it is safe for Haitian citizens to return home," a DHS spokesperson said. However, critics have pushed back against those assertions. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe World Relief, an Evangelical humanitarian organization authorized by the State Department to resettle refugees in the U.S., criticized the move, stating that it affects Haitians who have lived in the U.S. lawfully since TPS was first granted after the 2010 earthquake and others who fled instability following the assassination of Haiti's president in 2021. "Another week, another mass illegalization of families and individuals who have been lawfully and peacefully residing in our country," said World Relief CEO Myal Greene. Many of the individuals losing TPS, Greene said, had already cleared background checks and were employed, supporting their families both in the U.S. and back home. Without another legal status, such as asylum, these individuals would become vulnerable to deportation once TPS expires in September. In Springfield, Ohio, where a growing Haitian community has become part of the local workforce, the announcement stirred renewed anxiety. Viles Dorsainvil, a native Haitian and minister, serves as the executive director of the Haitian Community Help & Support Center in Springfield. He came to the U.S. on a tourist visa in January 2020 and was granted TPS by the Biden administration along with other Haitians. He and other Haitians came to the U.S. to escape the grip of gangsters back home, who have taken over the streets and are targeting people assumed to have affluence. If forced to leave the U.S., Dorsainvil, who attends Central Christian Church in Springfield, said he would head toward Canada, where he has family. "Many of us coming it's not because we were looking for jobs," Viles said last month. "We were being pushed away by the situations. You had to choose between your life and the job you had." "I am a community-oriented person. I am a Christian and I love Jesus. I like to serve people. I think serving people is my calling," he added. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, a Republican, has previously praised Haitian workers in Springfield, saying, "The companies tell us that they are very good workers. They're very happy to have them there, and frankly, that's helped the economy." Rev. Patrick Mahoney, director of the Christian Defense Coalition, wrote on X that the administration's claim that conditions have improved in Haiti is "absolutely NOT" accurate and warned that returning Haitian families would face grave threats of violence. The coalition held a prayer vigil, news conference and demonstration at the U.S. Capitol on March 6 in response to the Trump administration's earlier announcement that it might revoke TPS status for the Haitian community ahead of schedule. At the time, Alexei Laushkin, founder of Kingdom Mission Society, called the Haitian community in the U.S. "hardworking, faith-filled, freedom loving people." "There are great dangers Haitians have fled from and would have to go back to," he said. "Companies want them, their neighbors love them." Rev. Mahoney added that many Haitian families there fear they will become immediate targets of gang violence if deported. World Relief Haiti country director Pascal Bimenyimana also questioned the Department of Homeland Security's rationale, stating that Haiti remains under a state of emergency. "The U.S. Department of State has warned Americans not to travel to Haiti' due to kidnapping, crime, civil unrest, and limited healthcare,'" Bimenyimana noted. He added that forcibly sending people back would increase the burden on an already unstable country. Recent court rulings have made the administration's move more feasible. Last month, the U.S. Supreme Court permitted the Trump administration to terminate TPS protections for Venezuelan nationals. This month, the high court cleared the way for the administration to remove TPS status for Cuba, Haiti, Venezuela and Nicaragua. As the Trump administration plans to end TPS for Afghanistan, effective July 14, concern has been raised by a church in North Carolina over the fate of two dozen Afghan Christian refugees facing deportation who attend the church. "We are continuing to try to reach out to senators and congressmen and other people who may know, have contacts in the administration," Julie Tisdale, a seminary student who attends the Church of the Apostles in Raleigh, told The Christian Post earlier this month. "We have lots of people who have told us that they understand, they're sympathetic, but we have yet to find anybody who's willing to really be the champion for this and raise the issue very publicly." Advocates have also questioned the removal to Panama of a group of Iranian Christians who entered the U.S. illegally. They now have until December to find refuge in a third country. Home News Virginia's ban on LGBT conversion' talk therapy for minors struck down Virginia's ban on sexual orientation change efforts talk therapy for LGBT-identified minors, referred to by critics as "gay conversion therapy," has been effectively struck down following a legal challenge by two Christian counselors. John and Janet Raymond, along with the Virginia Department of Health Professions, agreed to a consent decree last month in the Circuit Court of Henrico County, which was recently made public. The measure, HB 386, bars licensed professionals from trying to change a minor's sexual orientation or gender identity and regards such counseling as unprofessional conduct and grounds for disciplinary action. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe According to the decree, the state's ban on talk therapy for individuals with unwanted same-sex attraction will no longer be enforced against the Raymonds or "similarly-situated counselors." The legislation will still ban other "conversion therapy" practices that are outside of talk therapy, such as electric shock. Each party in the litigation agrees to pay its own legal fees and other expenses. Before the law took effect in 2020, the Raymonds regularly counseled minors on a wide variety of issues. But after the enactment of the law, the Raymonds stopped seeing minors as clients almost entirely. The Raymonds operate the Associate Counseling Center, which provides counseling for marriages, families, men and women from a Christian worldview. The couple sued the state over the ban enacted in 2020 under the leadership of Democratic former Gov. Ralph Northam, arguing that it violated their sincerely-held religious beliefs regarding sexual orientation and gender identity. The Founding Freedoms Law Center, which represented the Raymonds, called the order a "victory for free speech and religious freedom." Shaun Kenney, a spokesperson for Republican Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares, told Richmond-based news outlet WRIC on Tuesday that he was "satisfied with the outcome and look forward to continuing to protect religious freedom and free speech." "This court action fixes a constitutional problem with the existing law by allowing talk therapy between willing counselors and willing patients, including those struggling with gender dysphoria," stated Kenney. "Talk therapy with voluntary participants was punishable before this judgment was entered. This result which merely permits talk therapy within the standards of care while preserving the remainder of the law respects the religious liberty and free speech rights of both counselors and patients." Also called "reparative therapy," SOCE therapy involves counseling efforts to reduce or eliminate same-sex sexual attraction in a person. Such therapy is rejected by mainstream American psychiatric organizations and LGBT advocacy organizations, which believe that the counseling in question poses harms to LGBT-identified individuals, especially minors. However, the conservative American College of Pediatricians reports that the number of American children presenting with "gender-related psychological distress has surged in recent years" and that "psychotherapy, often in the form of change-allowing talk therapy, is a well-accepted method of addressing psychological distress, including anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions." Furthermore, the group contends that state bans on such talk therapy bar even "client-initiated, exploratory psychotherapy if the client's goal is to feel at peace with their biological sex." In 2020, after signing the bill into law, Northam claimed that the therapy "sends the harmful message that there is something wrong with who you are." "This discriminatory practice has been widely discredited in studies and can have lasting effects on our youth, putting them at a greater risk of depression and suicide," Northam said in a statement at the time. In March, the U.S. Supreme Court agreed to hear a legal challenge to Colorado's ban on conversion therapy, which argues that the law violates the First Amendment of the Constitution. "When children who are distressed with thoughts (i.e. 'gender identities') not aligned with their bodies (i.e. biological sex) present to a counselor, this statute forbids the counselor from resolving that distress by affirming their bodies and exploring the underlying reasons their thoughts are at odds with their bodies," the ACP wrote in a brief to the U.S. Supreme Court earlier this month in relation to the Colorado case. "The harms of Colorado's statute are especially evident here as (1) the majority of youth with gender dysphoria also suffer from pre-existing underlying mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, trauma, or autism, and (2) between 80-95% of youth with gender dysphoria will naturally desist as they age if they are not affirmed in false ideas of sexual identity. Yet Colorado bans client-directed speech that treats depression or trauma in youth when that speech opposes the State's view of gender. The law is based on the State's preferred ideology, not evidence." Carlson-Cruz Israel Debate, UN Expert On Protecting Women From Trans Activism, Planned Parenthood Closures link to download the audio instead. link to download the audio instead. 07:25 07:25 Top headlines for Tuesday, July 1, 2025 In this episode, we begin with Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, which is grappling with ongoing financial challenges, resulting in continued sanctions from its accrediting body. Next, we explore a contentious legal battle in Texas, where a coalition of religious leaders and parents is challenging a state law mandating the display of the Ten Commandments in schools. A recent United Nations report raises alarms over governments' shortcomings in safeguarding women's and girls' rights in the face of expanding trans activism. Plus, we discuss the significant decrease in the number of Planned Parenthood facilities across the United States, as dozens have shuttered in recent years. 00:11 SWBTS placed on 12-month probation despite financial improvement 01:08 Pastor Douglas Wilson weighs in on Carlson-Cruz Israel debate 01:57 Karmelo Anthony advocate sues over Ten Commandments displays 02:53 UN expert to nations: Protect women, girls against trans activism 03:56 New Life members protest Brady Boyd's resignation 04:42 Dozens of Planned Parenthoods have closed in recent years: report 05:33 Women's college faces federal complaint for admitting males Home Opinion 10 baseless practices in the contemporary church As someone who has served in the church for over four decades, Ive witnessed movements come and go, trends rise and fall, and innovations that either served or sabotaged the mission of Christ. Yet, in recent years, it seems as though the line between orthodoxy and novelty has become so blurred that the average believer struggles to discern the sacred from the absurd. In this article, I want to address 10 baseless practices that have emerged in contemporary Christianity some of which are rooted in ignorance, others in spiritual arrogance, and still others in a distorted understanding of Scripture and church tradition. 1. Seeing the Bible and the Church through the lens of the NAR Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe We are living in an age where discernment has devolved into paranoia. For many, the so-called New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) has become the new bogeyman. There are legitimate theological concerns within certain NAR expressions, but whats equally problematic is the rise of a counter-movement that sees everything from political engagement to the word apostolic as evidence of a nefarious global conspiracy. Every sermon, every book, every preacher is suddenly suspect. The tragedy is that instead of seeing Christ in every passage, some now see the NAR. The lens has shifted from Jesus to fear. This is not discernment; this is theological McCarthyism. 2. Prosecuting fellow believers through online platforms without ecclesial process The Apostle Paul instructed the church in Corinth to judge matters internally (1 Cor. 6). Today, however, the church has outsourced judgment to the Twittersphere. Believers now play judge, jury, and executioner without due process or any semblance of ecclesial order. Social media has become a tribunal, and reputations can be assassinated with a single click. This practice not only bypasses biblical structures of accountability but also reveals how biblically illiterate and spiritually reckless much of the body has become. The church is not a mob. It is a family governed by elders, not online outrage. 3. Presumptuously calling for a 'court of Heaven' For over a decade, the courts of Heaven teaching has gained traction in certain charismatic circles. The idea is that one can summon a heavenly court to break generational curses and demonic strongholds. While there are kernels of truth God is a righteous Judge nowhere in Scripture do we see mortals initiating heavenly court sessions. In Isaiah 6, 1 Kings 22:1923, and Revelation 5, it is always God who opens the courts, not man. To presume otherwise is to cross a line into spiritual presumption. We do not command heaven; we respond to it. 4. Scheduling heavenly visitations On more than one occasion, someone has told me they could arrange for me to visit Heaven via a person they follow on Facebook. Let that sink in as if Heaven were a destination managed by a prophetic travel agent. This is not only absurd but spiritually dangerous. Scripture is filled with reverence and trembling in the presence of divine encounters. Paul himself was reluctant to speak of his vision of Heaven (2 Cor. 12), and yet today, people are scheduling it as if it were a conference call. This practice trivializes the holiness of God. 5. Claiming titles with no fruit We live in an era where many claim the titles of Bishop, Apostle, or even Doctor without the corresponding fruit, character, or qualifications. Titles without transformation are empty. If one has not been tested, mentored, or affirmed by credible spiritual authority, then claiming these roles is nothing short of self-deception. Worse, many now flaunt degrees from unaccredited diploma mills, which undermines the credibility of true scholarship and ministry. The Kingdom is not advanced by titles but by substance. 6. Communing with departed saints Necromancy was condemned in the Old Testament (Deut. 18:1012), yet Today, some leaders openly claim to receive counsel from dead saints (See also 1 Samuel 28). Others promote the practice of praying to saints, despite the New Testaments clear instruction that we come to the Father in the name of Jesus alone (John 14:6; 1 Tim. 2:5). There is one mediator between God and man Jesus Christ. To commune with the dead or invoke their intercession apart from Christ is not just unbiblical its spiritually reckless. 7. Using the Hebrew calendar to guide the Church In recent years, prophetic voices have increasingly drawn guidance for the Church from the Jewish (Hebrew) calendar, declaring divine mandates for each year based on its numerical or mystical significance. While the Old Testament calendar has deep historical and redemptive meaning, to use it as a primary tool for Church direction is to conflate covenants and lapse into a form of Christianized Kabbalah. The New Testament Church is led by the Holy Spirit and guided by Scripture and apostolic tradition, not Jewish numerology. 8. Giving unaccountable prophetic words on social media First Corinthians 14:29 commands that prophetic words be judged by other prophets and leaders. Yet today, untested voices with no visible accountability or ecclesial connection are releasing words to thousands on social media. Who are their pastors? Who mentors them? What lifestyle do they live? This lack of context and accountability is not prophetic; it is spiritual anarchy. True prophetic ministry is rooted in the local church and must pass the test of community, Scripture, accountability, and fruit. 9. Building churches around mega-personalities instead of Christ Weve built platforms bigger than pulpits, and personalities people highlight more than the Lord they claim to serve. When churches are built around the charisma of a person rather than the character of Christ, collapse is inevitable. We are witnessing the fallout celebrity pastors burning out, moral failures, and congregations that disband once the star leaves the stage. Paul said, We preach not ourselves but Christ Jesus as Lord (2 Cor. 4:5). The Church was never meant to orbit a man. 10. Basing success on crowds rather than disciples Nowhere in the sacred text or apostolic tradition are we commanded to draw a crowd. We are commanded to make disciples (Matt. 28:19). Of course, evangelism is essential winning the lost is the beginning of the process but the Church has often mistaken attraction for transformation. A full building does not equate to a full heart. The early Church in Acts didnt build around events but around spiritual formation and covenantal community. If we measure success only by size, we will fail to measure what truly matters. Conclusion These practices, though diverse, share a common flaw: they replace biblical fidelity with man-made innovation. They reflect a Church that, in many cases, has lost its moorings. The answer is not in swinging to reactionary extremes but in returning to Scripture, to Christ-centered orthodoxy, and Spirit-led wisdom rooted in the historic faith. Let us reform not with suspicion but with clarity and conviction, grounded in truth and tempered by love. Let the Church be the Church again. Home Opinion 10 years of tyranny is enough: The legal fiction of Obergefell When it comes to the interpretation of the Constitution the great charter of our liberties, which was meant to endure through the long lapse of the ages, we place a high value on having the matter settled right ...When one of our constitutional decisions goes astray, the country is usually stuck with the bad decision unless we correct our own mistake (Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization 2022). The time has come for the Court to do just that correct the mistake it made a decade ago and overturn the disastrous and unconstitutional decision that legalized same-sex marriage. To quote from Dobbs, the Obergefell v. Hodges opinion of 2015 was egregiously wrong, deeply damaging, far outside the bound of any reasonable interpretation of the various constitutional provisions to which it vaguely pointed, and set out on a collision course with the Constitution from the day it was decided. Those same words were used by the Court in Dobbs to justify relegating the purported right to abortion under substantive due process to the dustbin of history. The Court should do it once more with its constitutionally ungrounded decision in Obergefell. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe Ten years of constitutional tyranny is enough. Obergefell was a bad decision based on a legal fiction that needs to be corrected and nows the time to act. Defining legal fiction Legal fiction is defined as an assumption and acceptance of something as fact by a court, although it may not be true, to allow a rule to operate or be applied in a manner that differs from its original purpose while leaving the letter of the law unchanged. And Obergefell fits this definition as it has no basis in our nations charter. Obergefells purported creation of a substantive federal right to same-sex marriage was grounded in the notion that in addition to rights explicitly stated in the Constitution, there are others heretofore unknown to the Republic that lurk in the shadows and include intimate choices that define personal identity and beliefs (Obergefell). Simply put, Obergefell was created out of thin air with no foundation or constitutional precedent. As Justice Thomas opined in McDonald v. City of Chicago (2010), This [kind of] fiction is a particularly dangerous one. Dangerous, indeed. Obergefells errors do not concern some arcane corner of the law of little importance to the American people, but instead usurped the power to address a question of profound moral and social importance that the Constitution unequivocally leaves for the people (Dobbs). How five lawyers fabricated a constitutional right As Justice Scalia point out in his dissent in Obergefell, It is of overwhelming importance to determine who it is that rules me ... [and Obergefells] decree says that my ruler, and the ruler of 320 million Americans coast-to-coast, is a majority of nine lawyers on the Supreme Court. Regardless of ones views of same-sex marriage in general, everyone should care whether the Republics charter authorized its recognition by judicial fiat. It didnt. The practice of constitutional revision be an unelected committee of nine, always accompanied (as it is today) by extravagant praise of liberty, robs the People of the most important liberty they asserted in the Declaration of Independence and won in the Revolution of 1776: the right to govern themselves (Obergefell, Scalia, J., dissenting) (emphasis added). The legal fiction and rights-creating rabbit hole of substantive due process exalts judges at the expense of the People from whom they derive their authority, distorts other areas of constitutional law, and is wielded to disastrous ends (Dobbs). Put simply, this translates to the Court divining new rights in line with its own, extraconstitutional value preferences and nullifies state laws that do not align with the judicially created guarantees (Dobbs). The constitution had nothing to do with it Though proponents rejoiced on June 26, 2015, that a right to same-sex marriage had been created out of the recesses of the parchment upon which our Founders established a system of ordered liberty, that celebration was to a system unknown to the Republic. As the Chief Justice said at the time, celebrate the decision all you want, But do not celebrate the Constitution. It had nothing to do with it (Obergefell, emphasis added). That Obergefell upended the Republics constitutional order is bad enough, but leaving that constitutionally infirmed inversion aside, the decision should be overturned because it did not even follow the Courts prior quests into its constitutionally ungrounded game of rights-creating roulette. Even assuming that the substantive due process fiction remains, which for the good of the Constitutions prescribed pecking order it should not, Obergefell failed to follow the disciplined inquiry outlined in Washington v. Glucksberg (1997). Glucksberg requires the Court to insist on a careful description of the asserted fundamental liberty interest, and protects only those fundamental rights and liberties which are objectively, deeply rooted in this Nations history and tradition (quoting Glucksberg). Obergefell satisfied neither requirement and should be overturned as a result. In Obergefell, the five lawyers playing legislators did not even attempt to satisfy Glucksbergs primary requirement of carefully describing the right at issue. Rather, the Obergefell majority explicitly disclaimed any efforts to provide a careful description of the alleged right. Furthermore, nobody could rightly accuse the majority of taking a careful approach in determining and describing the alleged fundamental right. Obergefell was not grounded in the Nations history or traditions, nor could it have been because it was not rooted in any nations history or traditions. As Chief Justice Roberts noted, the right that the Obergefell majority created out of whole cloth was inconsistent with the meaning of marriage that has persisted in every culture throughout human history (Obergefell, Roberts, C.J., dissenting). Indeed, marriage has existed for millennia and across civilizations [and] [f]or all those millennia, across all those civilizations, marriage referred to only one relationship: the union of a man and a woman. In fact, it was the unanimous judgment of all generations and all societies until 10 years ago (Obergefell, Scalia, J., dissenting). Why Obergefell matters Ten years is a long time, and while it may not matter much to the average reader whether Obergefell was wrongly decided, it should. Because, ultimately, Obergefell stands for nothing, takes from the People a question properly left to them, and is unabashedly based not on law (Obergefell). The fiction must end. Obergefell must go. Home Opinion As a New York resident, here's my biggest worry about Mamdanis socialism New Yorks socialist mayoral candidates ideas threaten to bring back the post-George Floyd riots surge in crime. Of all the terrible policies 33-year-old New York mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani has embraced over the last five years, none threaten New York City more than his ideas about the police and law and order. To a certain extent, the New York assemblymans socialist ramblings about economics are less threatening because New York taxing and spending policies are handled by the Assembly and they are already both extremely high. Mamdanis government-run grocery stores will likely just end up being a taxpayer-funded joke rather than being truly disastrous. In a sea of other, almost certainly more functional privately-run businesses, Im guessing New Yorkers will generally avoid the government option. Where Mamdani will have a great deal of power to do damage is with his ideas about the police. Though hes tried to soften his position about defunding the police a bit in recent days, Mamdani has made it clear on social media over the years that hes hostile to traditional policing. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe The Daily Signal contacted Mamdanis office about his past social media posts. It has yet to respond. Taking money from the NYPD and giving it to social workers is defunding the police whether Mamdani admits it or not. A similar program was tried under former New York Mayor Bill de Blasio and it amounted to a gargantuan scam that did nothing to improve public safety. Not only was de Blasios 2015 program a colossal failure, but it turns out that police officers are quite competent at handling mental health emergencies. In 2023, officers responded to nearly 175,000 emotionally disturbed person calls, wrote Carolyn Gorman at City Journal. They used force in less than 1% of those encounters. The NYPD has years of experience successfully responding to crisis calls. NYPD is understandably getting nervous about the possibility that Mamdani might become mayor and implement his absurd agenda. The city would be totally unsafe for people who live here, said Scott Munro, president of the NYPD Detectives Endowment Association, according to the New York Post. I go to bed and worry about the phone ringing. Im worried about my members getting killed. I dont want to plan any funerals. According to the New York Post, top officials at NYPD are worried they will see an exodus of police officers if Mamdani wins his election. I will say, as a resident of New York, my greatest worry is that by essentially returning to the dumb anti-police ideas of the Great Awokening there will be another big crime spike in the city. New York has only now begun to recover from the 2020 crime surge, though many crime rates to start the year remain much higher than they were in 2019. And common street crime is only part of the equation. What can be expected from a mayor who refuses to denounce the phrase globalize the intifada? Will he deploy NYPD when protesters get out of control as they have at Columbia University? Now, some of Mamdanis opponents typically non-New Yorkers have argued that it may be good for New York City to elect a socialist mayor. The leftist denizens of the city will get what they want good and hard, including high crime, and it will serve as an example to the nation of what not to do. I disagree, and not just because I live in the city. The world has endless examples of Mamdani-style policies failing, spectacularly. Its not like this would be the only time that real socialism has been tried. Its an experiment that gets tried time and time again and damages societies for generations. Just look at the example of the social workers instead of cops program that cost New York over a billion dollars. That program was launched a decade ago, failed, and now its being proposed again. Globalist elites, like Mamdani and his parents, wont really suffer the consequences of these actions. They just move in, make a mess, then move on to somewhere else when things dont work out. Instead, what will happen is the Left will see Mamdani as an effective option to gain power and will try to float similar candidates elsewhere. And a lot of innocent people will be hurt, not just the billionaires who Mamdani has created as a phony punching bag. Originally published at The Daily Signal. Home Opinion Does the Bible command Christians to support the State of Israel? Does the Bible command Christians to support the State of Israel? This is an important question for our time. Let me answer the question from the outset: No. Christians are not under a biblical command to support Israel. However, they are under a biblical command to not be arrogant towards Israel. Whatever one thinks of Israel, Christians are absolutely under the biblical command to love Jews, just as they commanded to love people of any race. Christians are called to love their neighbor and their enemies (cf. Matt 5:43-48). But why is this even a question? What is behind all of this? For those paying attention, theres a growing number of Americans taking an anti-Israel stance, and with this comes an all-out assault against any thinking that inclines one to believe that Christians have a biblical obligation to support Israel. The Church is Israel, theyll retort! The message is, Gods chosen people are Christians. Love the Church! Not the State that rejects Christ and was responsible for His very crucifixion! Coupled with this is a strong stance against Dispensationalism that teaches that Israel remains Gods chosen people. It follows a literal approach to the text when God told Abraham, I will bless those who bless you, And the one who curses you I will curse (Genesis 12:3); meaning if Christians bless Israel, theyll be blessed, and if Christians dont, theyll be cursed. No one wants that, right? All of this is relevant to the question because the Bible is concerned with our attitude that stems from what we should believe about Israel, rather than the political stance we take regarding them. We must redirect the question from the political to the theological. Its not about whether the government of Israel commits sin (they do, as all governments do), its about if Christians should be arrogant towards them. For example, in Romans 11:18, the apostle Paul writes, Do not be arrogant toward the branches; but if you are arrogant, remember that it is not you who supports the root, but the root supports you. In context, Paul addresses whether God is done with Israel. He answers no and points to himself as proof, being that he too is a Jew, and then refers to Israels future restoration where All Israel will be saved (Romans 11:26). Without addressing the theological debates surrounding this, its clear that the branches are the offspring of Abraham, for in the previous verse, he contrasts the Jews who reject Christ with the Gentiles who accept Him. But if some of the branches were broken off and you, being a wild olive, were grafted in among them and became partaker with them of the rich root of the olive tree (Romans 11:17). Thus, Paul tells Christians to not be arrogant towards Jews, which is to say, dont think youre better than Israel because youve accepted Christ and they rejected Him. The reason for this is that Christians dont support the root, but the root supports us. Meaning, salvation came from the Jews first, and then to the Gentiles (cf. Rom 1:16, 2:9-10, 3:1-2, 9:1-5). This is fitting for our time, with those bearing the fruit of contempt towards Israel as they justify it with slogans, The Church is Israel! This may be biblically accurate in that Gods spiritual people are based on faith and not race, but its often a mask to incentivize racial hatred towards an ethnic group. To use the language of Genesis 12:3, then, even though this blessing is for believers (cf. Gal 3:8-9), nevertheless, one is not going to receive Gods spiritual blessing by disobeying His command to not be arrogant towards Israel, and then justify it because the Jews rejected Christ. You can disagree with Israel politically and argue what is morally acceptable with their political affairs (by the standard of Gods word, of course), but you cannot disagree on this biblical fact: Christians must not be arrogant towards Israel. If youre breaking this command, repent, love, and pray for Israel, and I encourage you to meditate on Romans 11 and its binding truth for Christians. We cant afford to miss the mark on this question. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe Home Opinion Is a relationship with God delusional? People often lack words when attempting to communicate objective meaning. I believe that a Christians genuine relationship with God can sometimes lack the words or answers that are required to do it justice, but that does not disqualify the objectivity of a meaningful Christian faith. There is definitely a dimension to Christian faith that can never be completely comprehended in this lifetime, because his understanding is beyond measure (Ps. 147:5). As God also revealed to Isaiah, as the heavens are higher than the earth so are ... my thoughts than your thoughts (Is. 55:9). Paul also highlighted some unknowns: What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him (1 Cor. 2:9). Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe The objectivity of Christian faith is not conditional upon answering all questions pertaining to God. How could a believer ever communicate the manner in which God created the constant laws of physics and mathematics? Should a believer be expected to explain how God perfectly fine-tuned the laws of gravity for human existence? Can believers be expected to know how the complexity of a fully formed human being exits the birth canal? Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it (Ps. 139:6). This incomprehensibility does not imply that a personal relationship with God lacks objective meaning, or is untrustworthy. Some skeptics often point to postmodern literary theory that idealizes language as restricted to cultural and social contexts. It thus theorizes that the literary reading of a text cannot necessarily provide interpretive meaning that is trustworthy. Interpretations then become largely subjective with no real correlation to objective truth, but note that a literary theory should not highlight the supposed subjective interpretations of others while assuming that its approach remains objective. As Nancy Pearcey aptly commented in Finding Truth: In practice, the only way deconstructionists can function is to tacitly exempt themselves from the critique they apply to everyone else. They presume to stand above the fray, with unique insight to deconstruct everyone elses statements as products of underlying interests and power struggles, while treating their own writings as immune to the process ... [1] I emphasize that an honest attempt to interpret a text shouldnt ignore the necessity of a sympathetic reading. In other words, what did the writer intend for the reader to understand? A literary theory should exercise intellectual honesty by not approaching a text unsympathetically. William Lane Craig contributes an excellent point in his classic book, Reasonable Faith: The idea that we live in a postmodern culture is a myth. In fact, a postmodern culture is an impossibility; it would be utterly unlivable. Nobody is a postmodernist when it comes to reading the labels on a medicine bottle versus a box of rat poison. If youve got a headache, youd better believe that texts have objective meaning! People are not relativistic when it comes to matters of science, engineering, and technology; rather, theyre relativistic and pluralistic in matters of religion and ethics.[2] For our own good, we should indeed read medicinal labels sympathetically. Objective meaning does exist. But when it comes to the biblical views of sin, repentance, and justification by faith, texts are made unnecessarily confusing. Intellectual gymnastics and language games are proffered in order to undermine the validity of Christian faith. The Bible reveals to humankind the history of redemption and teaches the path back to its maker. Its incumbent upon each truly open-minded person to explore the agelessness of Christian faith for oneself. I always say, what is the point of having your own mind if you are going to allow others to make up your mind for you? Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son (Heb. 1:1). These were real people in real geographical places who were chronologically documented. Many did not cross paths with one another, and yet their messaging remained generationally consistent. Then came Paul, who unpacked and explained: Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed; behold, the new has come (2 Cor. 5:17). How can a sympathetic reading not get what he meant? Not listening to it, or not wanting to believe what He meant, or refusing to acknowledge its contemporary applicability, these are totally different matters. The objectivity of Christian faith is to make peace with God and to grow into the human beings that He intended. Countless believers throughout the ages have and are experiencing this objective, with intellectual and spiritual rigor. Even so-called gotcha questions do not disqualify Christian faith. For example, Where did God come from? is asked often. There are solid answers, but even if a Christian were to answer, I dont know, that would still not undermine ones faith. A finite mind grappling with God can expect not to know everything about Him. What was God doing before He created our Universe? I dont know. Neither do I know how to put into words that do justice to the joy and peace of knowing God. As Peter said, Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible... (1 Pet. 1:8). Paul also said similarly, And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philip. 4:7). These fruits of the Spirit continue to characterize a genuine Christian faith, even though believers cannot find words to express them. A meaningful Christian faith that finds its objectivity in what God has scripturally revealed for humankind is available. My challenge is for one to read the Scriptures sympathetically, and to first acknowledge what the writers intended for us to understand before critiquing. Is that asking too much? 1. (David C. Cook: Colorado Springs, 2015), 202. 2. Third ed. (Crossway Books: Wheaton, 2008), 18. Home Opinion 'Peace through strength': Trumps foreign policy strategy vindicated? Less than 48 hours after American bombers struck the Iranian regimes underground nuclear weapons facilities, President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire between Israel and Iran and, despite a rocky start, Trump personally intervened to make it stick. The dramatic display provides a vivid vindication of Trumps foreign policy strategy of achieving peace through strength. The eventful hours began with Americas Saturday night bombing run, dubbed Operation Midnight Hammer. In a Sunday press conference, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Air Force General Dan Caine described how the military kept Iran distracted by feints while undetected bombers flew from the United States, devastating Irans nuclear bunkers with the first-ever battlefield use of the 30,000-pound GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) bomb. The previous day, seven B-2 stealth bombers launched from Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri. They flew for 18 hours, nearly halfway around the globe, maintaining only the minimal communication necessary to coordinate multiple mid-air re-fuelings. A support package of fourth and fifth generation aircraft escorted the bombers into enemy airspace at high altitude and high speed, sweeping in front for enemy fighters and surface-to-air missile threats, Caine communicated. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe Not only did the stealth bombers drop their payload with pinpoint accuracy from high altitude at high speed, but they also successfully entered and exited Iranian airspace without any apparent detection. We are unaware of any shots fired at the package on the way out, said Caine. Irans fighters did not fly, and it appears that Irans surface-to-air missile systems did not see us. Throughout the mission, we maintained the element of surprise. Certainly, it helped that Israel had already bombed Irans radar and air defense systems for 10 days prior. In perfect coordination with this airstrike, a U.S. submarine launched more than two dozen Tomahawk missiles that destroyed key infrastructure sites at Isfahan, one of the targeted sites. The elaborate mission also involved worldwide misdirection. At the same time that B-2 bombers were flying direct from Missouri to Iran, other B-2s flew west across the Pacific Ocean, from the same Missouri air base to Guam. The U.S. had made a show of moving another six B-2 bombers to Diego Garcia, an airbase in the Indian Ocean, which is close enough to Iran for bombers to hit Iranian targets and return without refueling. But these other bomber movements only served to misdirect Irans attention away from the real attack. But the mission was not only for show. Initial battle damage assessments indicate that all three sites sustained extremely severe damage and destruction, Caine concluded. We devastated the Iranian nuclear program, Hegseth added. The bombing mission bore additional fruit two days later when Trump convinced Israel and Iran to agree to a ceasefire. Israel agreed because the U.S. strike helped them achieve their objective of crippling Irans nuclear weapons program. Iran agreed because the U.S. strike convinced them they stood no chance of winning perhaps not even of surviving prolonged combat. In other words, a U.S. demonstration of strength was immediately followed by peace, and its easy to draw causal links between the two. And what an impressive demonstration of strength it was. No other military in the world could have done this, Caine insisted, adding that the mission demonstrated the unmatched reach, coordination and capability of the United States military. Americas adversaries would likely just have to admit as much. Just look at Russia, which, after three years, has failed even to establish control of the skies above its smaller, weaker neighbor, Ukraine. In fact, Ukraine is the party in that conflict pulling off surprising, decisive military strokes. Even China, perhaps Americas closest rival to achieving military parity, would have difficulty pulling off such a stunning surprise attack over such a long distance against Australia, for instance. Trumps approach to Iran certainly had its critics from both his partisan opponents and his own base. But the brilliant military success, followed up by an important diplomatic achievement, will go down in history as one of the high points of his second term in office. Trump deserves credit for ignoring the voices in Washington who counsel inaction out of an understandable but often paralyzing fear of unintended consequences, wrote the National Review editors. Every president in this century has promised to prevent Iran from achieving the capacity to break out with a nuclear weapon. Trump followed through on that talk Both Israel and the U.S. will have emerged from this war with more credibility regarding preemption against nuclear proliferators a condition that, one hopes, will put the fear of God into rogue states thinking about pursuing their own bomb. President Trumps vision to Make America Great Again has many facets of varying importance, wisdom, and likelihood. Among the chief facets is reasserting Americas role as a powerful, peaceable force for good in international affairs. Foreign adversaries will fear to attack or even antagonize America if they understand America's willingness to fight and best them on their own turf. By authorizing the daring Operation Midnight Hammer, Trump defied the domestic doubters and succeeded. After four years of international apology and retreat, Trump has restored Americas classic foreign policy of ensuring peace through strength. Originally published at The Washington Stand. Home Opinion President Trump should reverse the Biden kill pill policy Last week marked the third anniversary of the Supreme Courts landmark Dobbs decision, which overturned the infamous Roe v Wade ruling of 1973. For nearly 50 years, Roe imposed abortion on demand through the entirety of pregnancy, bypassing the democratic process and silencing the will of the people in all 50 states. Contrary to the Lefts narrative, Dobbs did not ban abortion. It returned the authority to regulate abortion to the people and their elected representatives. As a result, 41 states have enacted laws offering varying degrees of protection for the unborn. Thirteen of those states have adopted strong pro-life protections that affirm the sanctity of human life. And yet, despite these significant policy gains, abortion rates have actually risen since Dobbs. Yes, risen. While abortion advocates continue to claim that women have lost access, the abortion industrys own numbers tell a very different story. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe According to the Guttmacher Institute, formerly the research arm of Planned Parenthood, abortions have increased by 12% since 2020, climbing from 930,000 to over one million in each of the past two years. Whats driving this surge? The kill pill. Today, chemical abortions make up more than 63% of all abortions in the United States. That number continues to rise thanks to a Biden-era policy that remains in effect, which basically nullifies pro-life laws of many states. In April of 2021, under the guise of COVID, the Biden FDA removed longstanding safety protocols for mifepristone, including the requirement that a woman had to see a medical provider before receiving the drug. These safeguards had been in place for over two decades to detect life-threatening conditions like ectopic pregnancy and to ensure informed consent. But the Biden administration didnt stop there. After Dobbs, in homage to the abortion industry. The Biden administration directed the Department of Justice to issue a legally flawed opinion, stating that the Comstock Act, a federal law banning the mailing of items intended to be used in an abortion, does not apply to the abortion pill. This unprecedented interpretation opened the floodgates. Today, an estimated 8,000 or more abortion pills are mailed each month to states that have enacted pro-life laws. The consequences are dangerous. A study of insurance data found that nearly 11% of women who took the abortion pill experienced serious complications requiring emergency room treatment. And there are other harms. In Louisiana, a mother and a New York doctor were indicted for illegally obtaining abortion pills from the New York doctor and administering them to her underage daughter. New York has refused to extradite the doctor. A separate study reveals even widespread harm from the abortion pill. Tons of aborted fetal remains in pharmaceutical waste from abortion pills are entering and contaminating U.S. waterways each year, including drinking water, threatening both public health and environmental safety. Unless the Trump administration reverses this reckless Biden-era policy and conducts a full safety review of mifepristone, pro-life laws will remain largely symbolic. Lives will remain at risk, including the unborn, their mothers, and our broader society. Without action, the hard-won victory of Dobbs will be rendered meaningless. The Trump administration must end these Biden-era policies to stand with us for life. Home Opinion Socialist Mamdani's win was predictable. A harbinger for Democratic Party politics A far-left socialist who has supported defunding the police and replacing them with social workers, abolishing prisons, abolishing private health insurance, banning guns, decriminalizing pretty much every drug, and creating government-run grocery stores won the Democratic Party mayoral primary in New York City on Tuesday. The race is about more than New York. Its a harbinger of whats to come for Democratic Party politics. Zohran Mamdani, a New York assemblyman who made a name for himself by screaming like a raving lunatic at Trump administration border czar Tom Homan, pulled off a surprise victory over former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe Mamdani was endorsed by self-described socialists such as Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., and Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt. Heres the video of Mamdani screaming at Homan, by the way. Great temperament for an executive, right? Mamdani, who is 33 years old and only recently became a citizen of the United States, has embraced basically every failed far-left policy of the last century. Even just calling Mamdani a socialist isnt quite correct. Hes basically Lenin, if Lenin was a 21st-century Bowdoin College theater kid LARPing as a revolutionary, taking it to the man. Mamdani came from a well-to-do background. His mother is a famous Bollywood producer. His father is a Columbia University professor who specializes in postcolonialism. Some have pointed to Mamdanis lack of roots in America as an example of how immigrants are driving left-wing politics, but thats only part of the story. Mamdani doesnt quite represent foreigners. He represents a particular kind of left-wing, post-national globalist mindset that infects foreigners and native born alike. Mamdanis most fervent supporters tended to be transient white progressives. One thing was certainly settled by his election. The Cuomo dynasty is truly dead in New York. It was already very much on life support after the former governor badly mishandled his COVID-19 policies, then got run out of town after sexual assault allegations that seemed like an excuse to get him out of the picture. Though Cuomo was wildly and unduly praised by the New York and national media for his initial response to the pandemic, its now clear that his decision to release thousands of recovering COVID-19 patients into retirement homes led to countless deaths. He was like the mirror image of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. He was praised by the media for trusting the science, while DeSantis got trashed as a murderer for being more prudent about lockdowns. The truth was nearly the reverse. What a surprise. Cuomo ran a lackluster, seemingly exhausted campaign. And this accurately reflects the state of the Democratic Party establishment. They went all in on institutions, on the bipartisan consensus of the last few decades. That old order truly collapsed with the fall of President Joe Biden and the election of President Donald Trump in 2024. Trump and Republicans have almost fully captured the Democrat working-class base. Now the Democratic Party is lifeless. Democrat elites hold onto institutions that, despite being powerful, have lost all credibility. The only thing they have right now is knee-jerk anti-Trumpism and the hopes that establishment-left influencers like Ezra Klein can peddle stories about their party being about abundance. They think this will get voters to trust them with power again. In the near term, that seems unlikely. The party has been relegated to maximizing the votes of the wealthiest zip codes and those with postgraduate degrees. Thats hardly a winning electoral combination. Not only is the Democratic Party's message failing to resonate with the vast majority of Americans, but the base of the party also simply refuses to play along. They dont want triangulation or moderation. They want confrontation, they want stridence, they want purity. The New York Times, the guardian of respectable liberal opinion, ran a nearly 2,000-word essay on the mayors race that suggested Mamdanis agenda relied on policies that proved damaging to city life. How did Democrat voters respond? They went with that old meme of Spider-Man talking to a super villain and asking why he doesnt use his powers to cure cancer. But I dont want to cure cancer, says the villain who has turned into a dinosaur. I want to turn people into dinosaurs. The sinews of the modern Left, the activists, the anti-Western woke radicals, dont care to return to normalcy. They dont want to appeal to working-class voters who have largely exited the coalition. They want to double down on DEI and sanctimony. Voting for Mamdani is for them a catharsis. They can recapture the feeling of history being on their side, of being the party of the young and fresh rather than the old and stale. In that sense, Mamdani fits the moment. Sure, his governing ideas have been thoroughly discredited in the last five years. Heck, the last 100. But he talks well. He isnt afraid to appear on hostile media, and he can hardly be accused of not being a pure enough leftist. So Mamdanis election shouldnt be a surprise. It was predictable. Blue city bastions are going to zig as the country zags. Do the people of New York City want to throw that away for sanctimony? Maybe. Plenty of people dont want crime and dysfunction. Working-class voters cant just pick up and leave the rubble when leftist policies fail. But Mamdanis movement isnt really about the working class. Its about reviving the spirits of the globalist, left-wing managerial and activist class that feels impotent on the heels of Trumps victory. New York may be too big to fail, but it may fail a lot of people if it repeats this mistake. Real socialism may be tried once again. Originally published at The Daily Signal. Home Opinion Stop framing women's self defense as wrong. That's manipulative Martyna Ogonowska was just 14 years old the first time an older man decided he had the right to rape her. The trauma of the incident remained with her in the form of severe PTSD, and, desperate to protect herself from future harm, Martyna began carrying a small kitchen knife with her when out in public. She had reported the event to authorities, but, like a high percentage of sexual assault cases, no one was ever officially charged. Less than 3% of reported allegations of rape are ever charged in the UK. By 16, Martyna was spiraling into depression and other emotionally unhealthy choices. She became a single mom that year and worked to get her life back on track. Then, four years after that first traumatic incident, Martyna again found herself the victim of a violent sexual attack when drunken 23-year-old Filip Jaskiewicz, whom she had only met a few days prior, grabbed her by the throat so hard that it forced her to her knees. He shoved his hand under her shirt, cupped her breast, and proceeded to slide his hand up her thigh. Martyna resisted Filips advances, so he slapped her in the face. As he sexually assaulted and molested her, Martyna reached for her knife and stabbed Filip in the chest. He did not survive his injuries. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe Martyna did not handle the situation perfectly. Rather than calling an ambulance or phoning for emergency assistance, she fled the scene and changed her clothes and cleaned the knife but ultimately turned herself into the police the next morning, handed over the knife, and explained her side of the story to authorities. Im neither condoning nor condemning her response. Trauma is a wild thing. Fight or flight is real. I do think it matters that she chose to face the music and turn herself in. Either way, what happened next is crazy. As a result of the debacle, the Cambridge Crown Court found Martyna guilty of murder and sentenced her to a minimum of 17 years in prison. The judge presiding over the case told Martyna that her assailant undoubtedly touched you sexually and was violent to you shortly before he was killed, but he concluded that her choice to carry a knife (a crime in the UK) essentially negated any claim she had to self defense. Then the judge gaslit her, rejecting her claim to having been traumatized by the violence perpetrated against her, and instead described her trauma as follows: Probably the combination of the effect of being moved from Poland, where you were residing as a child, to this country at the age of 12, the bullying that you suffered at school, the post-natal depression that you undoubtedly suffered following the birth of your child, and the pressures of trying to integrate into this society. The sentencing drew an almost audible worldwide gasp. Most of us innately know that this is not what fairness looks like. She filed and lost an appeal. Ive been stewing over this verdict for weeks now, my hardwiring for justice deeply provoked. I began asking myself the same questions millions of women across the world were asking: Was she just supposed to sit there and take it? Were they expecting her to be able to ward off a grown man with the power of her fists? Do women in these situations have no recourse at all? Just ride it out and report it when finished, hoping against hope that this assault report will be one of the measly 3% that actually went somewhere? I thought of Martyna as I crossed the Canadian border on our family vacation last week. Roughly 20 miles before hitting the border crossing, my spidey sense prompted me to research Canadian laws regarding self defense, as, for years, Ive carried a small canister of pepper spray on my keychain just in case. I originally purchased the pepper spray en route to a contentious custody exchange with my emotionally volatile ex. At the time I was genuinely worried that today might be the day he finally snapped and hurt me. I broke out in hives every time we had to do a kiddo exchange and found myself on the receiving end of his wrath more than once. Sometimes he even physically blocked my car so I could not leave, prompting me to call the police for assistance. One time he even broke my phone so I couldnt call for help. I was tired of living in fear, so I drove to the local sporting goods store, forked over $15, and bought the dang pepper spray. It wasnt a gun, but at least it was something that gave me some semblance of recourse should the proverbial you-know-what hit the fan. So sure enough, as I Googled Canadian law, I found that I could actually be arrested if I carried the stuff across the border, so I threw it away in a Bellingham dumpster and wondered to myself, My gosh. What do Canadian women do to defend themselves from bad men? What do they carry when they go for a run? How are they supposed to keep themselves safe? I voiced these thoughts aloud on my Facebook page, and the conversation elicited some fascinating responses, including one from a particularly vexing Canadian woman who routinely trolls my posts to offer antagonistic rebuttals to many of the defenses Im sometimes inclined to offer for women. Im recalling her comment here because its basically a plug-and-play template for the type of gaslighting so many of us often encounter when we express legitimate concerns. The formula goes like this: Deny the legitimacy of the concern. Accuse the one expressing it of hysteria or worse. List a litany of concerns you consider more valid than the one she expressed, and insist that she should stop caring about the one she named and substitute these in its place. Insult her intelligence and character if she persists in her original focus and complaint. My Facebook troll essentially said that American women are being hysterical drama queens who dont actually need pepper spray, and Canadian women are badasses for soldiering on without fear of bad men or demands for tools of self-defense. The people you actually need to care about are people you already know, not strangers, she insisted as though she were playing the Ace of trump cards with this astute assertion, and as though I would even hesitate to spray the crap out of a threat to me or my children just because he was familiar to me. Ive encountered this haughty dismissal of valid safety concerns played out in a myriad of ways over the last decade, often weaponized against women, who apparently, arent allowed to have boundaries or standards of any kind the minute they inconvenience people who want to bulldoze them. Dont want naked men in the locker room showers with you and your daughters? Youre obviously a pearl-clutching bigoted prude hellbent on hysteria. If I were to compile receipts for every single variation of this message Ive fielded since 2015, I could easily fill an entire print edition of The New York Times. Of course, this isnt just true for women. I find its true for a ton of conservative policy positions, which are inevitably framed as hatred, prejudice, and irrational fear, no matter how well-founded they are. Want secure borders and lawful, organized immigration? Express concern about the extreme volume of drugs or the humans being trafficked across the border? You must hate brown people. What you should really worry about are the rich white millionaires. (As though you cant somehow manage to conjure healthy levels of concern about both at the same time.) Want to carry a firearm to protect your family? Youre an extremist zealot who probably belongs on a watchlist somewhere. What you should really be worried about are the conspiracy theorist wackadoodle militia extremists threatening to blow up abortion clinics. (As though you havent routinely denounced extremism and violence in all its forms.) Have a problem with sex clowns who want to read to children at the library? Thats just your thinly veiled bigotry speaking. Anna Bortion and Malestia Child only operate from the purest of motives, dont you know? Shame on you for questioning them even though their public Insta accounts are basically porn sites. The people you should actually be concerned about are the priests and youth pastors. Come on. You know youve heard that one a hundred times, right? I know I have despite the reality that I spend roughly 50% of my online time denouncing abuse in the Church. I can literally say, Hey if a man beats his wife to a bloody pulp, she has the right (and even the duty) to divorce his sorry a**, and, instead of being met with cheers of Amen! and Yes, maam!. Im instantly greeted by accusations of heresy and demands for repentance. (No, Im not exaggerating for effect here. I experienced this again just yesterday.) Forgiveness covers over a multitude of sins, one woman lectured me. That may be true, but then maybe these people should model the principles they preach by choosing to forgive the women fleeing monsters instead of condemning them for seeking safety. That could work, too, couldnt it? We are utterly afflicted with secular (and sacred) doormat theology that insists on viewing passivity in the face of our own oppression as some sort of righteous pursuit, even if it means enabling the wicked or allowing chaos and lawlessness to go unchecked. Why? If ever toxic empathy existed, surely this is it. The Bible says to love our enemies, but it never says we have to enable them to harm us. The older I get, the more I view hard, unapologetic boundaries as an uber important form of love, and the less patience I have for people who try to emotionally hijack the goodness of others to compel their passivity in the face of danger or injustice. Love always protects. Thats in the Bible, too. I guess Im just here to tell you that I experience zero guilt whatsoever in owning a firearm or carrying pepper spray or saying, heck no to womanface or telling abuse apologists in the church to take a hike. Theres a difference between conjuring enough humility to turn the proverbial other cheek when difficult people need mercy and rolling yourself out like a doormat for everyone to tread all over till kingdom come. Dismissing valid concerns or working to convince people that self-defense is wrong is a manipulative tactic that robs humans of their God-given right to dignity. Nobody should be guilt-tripped into vulnerability or left defenseless while the worlds wolves circle. Weve got to call this tactic what it is: a cheap, controlling mind game that thrives on guilt and fear. This isnt solely about control; its a sneaky way to make you question your worth. Psalm 82:4 calls us to protect ourselves and others. No one should shame us out of that truth. Youre worth defending full stop. Home Opinion The pro-life movement where are we? The abortion issue continues to roil American society with passionate pro-life and pro-abortion factions contending for hearts and minds in virtually every social segment and every geographic section of American society. Let us all understand what this debate reveals about American civilization in 2025. As a people, we are engaged in a discussion and a debate that will determine who we are and who we shall become as a people as a nation. As far back as the latter quarter of the 20th century, the late, great Francis Schaeffer told us that the fundamental fight between traditional Judeo-Christian convictions about human life, dignity and modern dehumanizing philosophies would be the greatest moral test to be put before us in this century. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe Schaeffer engaged in a spirited debate with the behavioral psychologist B. F. Skinner (at the time, one of the most influential thinkers on the American college campus). Skinner had written a book, Beyond Freedom and Dignity (1971), arguing that freedom and dignity were outmoded concepts that humanity could no longer afford. Schaeffer responded with Back to Freedom and Dignity (1972), defending these concepts as essential to human personhood. The abortion issue is inextricably intertwined with the debate of who and what is a being. The American liberal and legal establishment tried mightily to take the issue of abortion away from the American people through Supreme Court decisions like Roe v. Wade (1973). Through the heroic actions and activities of tens of millions of religious pro-life Americans, Catholic and Protestant over two generations with the assistance of divine providence the Supreme Court finally overturned Roe with its Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization (2022) decision. Many pro-lifers understood what many Americans did not that overturning Roe did not abolish abortion it just reestablished the peoples right to restrict and abolish abortion. As more and more pro-life Americans realized they still had to win the battle for hearts and minds in order to restrict and outlaw abortion on demand, they became increasingly frustrated, perplexed and angry. Sadly, the current state of American public opinion remains deeply divided on the legality of abortion. Opinion is not only divided at the national level. It is divided at the sectional and state levels. Abortion restriction has much more support in red states than in blue states. If pro-lifers want to severely restrict abortion in America, they must convince millions more of their countrymen to agree to support laws that would do so. In a representative republic, there is no alternative. That means many things. One, we must do everything we can to humanize the fetus as a miniature human being. Second, we must see mothers who have abortions as victims. Most women who have abortions dont want to have them. In fact, a Charlotte Lozier Institute study found that almost 70% of abortions "are coerced, unwanted or inconsistent with womens preference." This statistic is one of the many gems found in David Closson's Life After Roe: Equipping Christians in the Fight for Life Today. Clossons book is a treasure trove of pro-life facts and clearly reasoned arguments advancing the pro-life cause. Anyone reading Clossons book will be well-equipped to debate the pro-life issue. Perhaps the most important contribution made by Closson, however, is his Appendix 3, An Incrementalists Response to Abortion Abolitionists. Abortion Abolitionism rose to new heights in America in the wake of Roes fall. Abolitionists only advocate for laws that eliminate legal abortion no compromise, period! So abolitionists would reject any restrictions short of complete abolition no six-week bills, no 12-week bills, and no heartbeat bills! By insisting on an all-or-nothing approach, abolitionists guarantee no significant restrictions on abortion. If they insist on all or nothing in a society where approximately half the country favors at least some abortions, you will have no restrictions, and the human sacrifice of our unborn will continue without exception. The situation is analogous to a person coming to the banks of a river just as a bus full of elementary school children plunges into the river. The abolitionists position appears to be that we shouldnt save any of the children if we cant save all of them. The incrementalists position is that we plunge in and save as many children as we can, and then go back for more. This debate is real, and the lives of real children are at stake. I vote to save as many children as we can NOW! Home Opinion What US strikes on Iran nuclear sites may mean: From an ex-Muslim, Iranian As news broke of the United States targeted strikes on Irans nuclear facilities, panic and speculation swirled, with some fearing the dawn of World War III or the fulfillment of apocalyptic prophecies like Ezekiel 38 were imminent. Yet, as Christians, we are called to respond not with fear but with faith, prayer, and a heart for the oppressed. The strikes, aimed at crippling Irans nuclear ambitions, were not an act of aggression against the Iranian people but a strategic move to neutralize a threat posed by the mullahs regime. Unlike Iraq or Afghanistan, Iran is not a nation rife with anti-American sentiments. The Persian people, with a rich 2,500-year history, are distinct from their Arab neighbors and have a cultural heritage that predates the hostile takeover of Islam in the 7th century. Many Iranians, including my own daughter, dream of a free Iran where they can visit their homeland without fear. This longing echoes the cry of Psalm 146:7, where God upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry. The Lord sets prisoners free. God is in control, orchestrating history for His glory. This past weekend's U.S. military action, executed with precision and reportedly without loss of life, offers a moment to reflect on Gods sovereignty, the plight of the Iranian people, and our responsibility to intercede for them. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe In a recent emergency broadcast of our Living Fearless devotional, my husband and I discussed these strikes, their implications, and the hope we hold for Irans future. While the world fixates on geopolitics, we see a spiritual battle unfolding one where the Iranian people, long suppressed by a tyrannical regime, yearn for freedom. As Psalm 33:10-11 reminds us, The Lord foils the plans of the nations; he thwarts the purposes of the peoples. But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations. My greatest concern is not escalation but the possibility that these strikes might lead to a negotiated peace that leaves the mullahs in power, condemning the Iranian people to further oppression. The regimes chokehold has stifled a vibrant, educated society Tehran is a thriving city, not a patchwork of tunnels or shanties, with a median age of 34 and a highly literate population. Yet, poverty and despair persist under the mullahs rule, fueling a desire for change. This is not a people clamoring for war but one seeking liberation. Scripture offers insight into Irans prophetic role. While some point to Ezekiel 38, the preconditions for that conflict are not yet present. Instead, Jeremiah 49:34-39 speaks of God breaking the bow of Elam (ancient Persia) and scattering its people yet also promising restoration: In the latter days I will restore the fortunes of Elam, declares the Lord. Could this be a moment of divine judgment on Irans leadership, paving the way for a new chapter for its people? As Christians, we must pray fervently for this outcome. The underground church in Iran, estimated at one to two million believers, is one of the fastest-growing in the world. These brave disciples meet in secret, baptizing in bathtubs and sharing the Gospel two by two, risking their lives daily. Their courage reminds us of Acts 4:31: After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly. We must lift them up, asking God to protect them and amplify their witness. We also pray for our leaders President Trump, Prime Minister Netanyahu, and their teams who have shown restraint and precision in this operation. The absence of reported casualties speaks to their intent to target the regimes capabilities, not its people. Yet, the Church faces a domestic challenge: division over Israels role in Gods plan. Some, swayed by replacement theology, deny the biblical significance of modern Israel. This debate threatens to fracture the body of Christ, fulfilling Zechariah 12:3s warning that Jerusalem will become a heavy stone for the nations. We must stand firm, reading the whole Bible Genesis to Revelation and affirming Gods unbreakable covenant with His people. As we navigate these turbulent times, let us heed Philippians 4:6-7: Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. We are citizens of Heaven, trusting in the Lion of Judah who reigns forever. Our hope is not in military might but in the King who raises and brings down kings (Daniel 2:21). Tonight, pray for the Iranian people that they may know freedom and the saving grace of Jesus Christ. Pray for revival to sweep their land, for our militarys safety, and for wisdom for our leaders. Above all, pray that Gods will be done, knowing that our redemption draws near (Luke 21:28). In the mighty name of Jesus, we stand confident, vigilant, and unafraid. Home Opinion Who are God's 'chosen people': Israel or the Church? The modern state of Israel often stirs intense debate, especially among Christians navigating its place in biblical prophecy and todays geopolitics. Some equate the modern government of Israel with the biblical Israel of old, demanding unwavering support a conversation that has been trending on social media as of recent, due to a fiery Tucker Carlson/Ted Cruz face-off. Others veer into antisemitism, demonizing Jewish people as a whole. Both extremes miss the mark. Scripture, particularly Romans 911, offers clarity: the modern Israeli government is not biblical Israel, but Gods covenant with the Jewish people endures, and hatred toward them is sin. Lets unpack this with biblical truth, clarity, and apply it to our fractured world. The modern state is not biblical Israel Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe The modern nation of Israel, established in 1948, is a secular state with a complex political reality. Its not the theocratic kingdom of David or the covenant nation of the Old Testament. Biblical Israel was defined by its direct covenant with God, centered on the temple and the Mosaic law, pointing forward to the Messiah. That covenant found its fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who established a new covenant through His blood (Hebrews 8:13). The modern Israeli government, while tied to the land and the Jewish people, doesnt carry the same theological weight. Romans 911 is pivotal here. Paul wrestles with the question of Israels place in Gods plan after Christ. He affirms that Gods promises to Israel remain, but theyre not tied to a political entity. In Romans 9:6, Paul writes, Not all who are descended from Israel belong to Israel. True Israel, in Gods eyes, is defined by faith, not merely ethnicity or a nation-state. The modern government of Israel, like any other, is a human institution flawed, accountable, and open to critique. Christians arent biblically obligated to give it blanket support, as some claim, citing Genesis 12:3 (I will bless those who bless you). That promise to Abraham points ultimately to Christ and His spiritual heirs, not a modern government (Galatians 3:16, 29). In todays geopolitics, this distinction matters. Supporting Israels right to exist or its security doesnt mean endorsing every policy. For example, one can question Israels current leadership, military actions, US relations, intelligence community, or COVID policies issues debated even within Israel without rejecting Gods purposes for the Jewish people. In fact, scrutiny, if done with honesty (seeking truth), is profoundly wise. Blind allegiance to any government risks idolatry, elevating a nation above Gods Kingdom. Christians must weigh Israels actions, like those of any nation, against justice and righteousness (Micah 6:8). Gods enduring plan for the Jewish people While the modern state isnt biblical Israel, Gods covenant with the Jewish people remains. Romans 11 is unequivocal: The gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable (Romans 11:29). Paul explains that ethnic Israel, though partially hardened to the Gospel, still has a role in Gods redemptive plan. He warns Gentile believers not to be arrogant toward the natural branches (the Jews), who were broken off due to unbelief but can be grafted back in through faith (Romans 11:1724). God hasnt replaced Israel with the Church; rather, Hes grafted Gentiles into His covenant alongside believing Jews. This truth refutes replacement theology, which claims the Church has fully supplanted Israel. Such thinking ignores Pauls clear teaching that Gods promises to Israel endure (Romans 11:12). It also fuels antisemitism by dismissing the Jewish peoples unique role in salvation history. Jesus Himself said, salvation is from the Jews (John 4:22). The Messiah came through Israel, and the apostles were Jewish. To hate the Jewish people is to scorn the very roots of our faith. Romans 1:16 reiterates this point: For I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. Antisemitism is evil Antisemitism is a vile sin, incompatible with Christianity. Its not just a social issue; its a spiritual rebellion against Gods purposes. Romans 11:18 warns Gentiles not to boast over the branches God has preserved. Yet history is littered with Christian complicity in antisemitism from medieval pogroms to modern conspiracy theories. Today, antisemitism surges in geopolitics, often cloaked as criticism of Israel. Protests against Israeli policies sometimes spill into hatred of Jews as a people, with synagogue vandalism or slurs. This is demonic. Psalm 83:34 decries those who plot against Gods treasured ones, and Zechariah 2:8 calls Israel the apple of His eye. Hating the Jewish people opposes God Himself. In 2025, antisemitism is a global crisis. In Europe, Jewish communities face rising attacks, often tied to Middle East tensions. In the U.S., campus protests and online rhetoric increasingly blur criticism of Israel with anti-Jewish tropes, both provoked by the far left and the far right, who often scrutinize, but not under the pretense of discovering truth, as outlined previously. Rather, their unrelenting scrutiny is motivated by a hatred of the Jewish people at every turn. Christians must call this out. We canand should, being people who value truth, critique governments Israeli, American, or otherwise without hating entire people groups. Jesus commands us to love, not curse, even our enemies (Matthew 5:44). How much more should we love those through whom God brought salvation? The apostle Paul, in Romans 9, shares his attitude to the Jews, who have rejected the Gospel their awaited Messiah saying: I speak the truth in Christ I am not lying, my conscience confirms it through the Holy Spirit I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my people, those of my own race,the people of Israel. Theirs is the adoption to sonship; theirs the divine glory, the covenants, the receiving of the law, the temple worship and the promises. Theirs are the patriarchs, and from them is traced the human ancestry of the Messiah, who is God over all, forever praised! Amen. If Paul, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit harbors this love for the Jewish people to see them ultimately redeemed, as the Scriptures prophesy then ought we not share this same attitude? Grafted in, not replaced Romans 11:1724 paints a vivid picture: Gentiles are wild olive branches grafted into the tree of Gods covenant, alongside believing Jews. This isnt a zero-sum game where one group replaces another. Gods plan includes both, becoming one covenant family. The Church doesnt supplant Israel but shares in its spiritual heritage through Christ the very fulfillment of the Jewish Law and the prophets. This should humble us. Were not superior to the Jewish people; were co-heirs of grace with those who believe. Geopolitically, this calls for careful nuance; a lost art in todays reactionary, attention-seeking landscape. Christians should advocate for peace and justice in the Middle East, supporting Israels right to exist while also championing Palestinian dignity. Both peoples suffer in the current conflict, and simplistic pro-Israel no matter what or anti-Israel no matter what camps often ignore this. Isaiah 19:2325 envisions a day when enemies Egypt, Assyria, and Israel worship together. If God dreams of reconciliation, so should we. A call to Christians So where does this leave us? First, reject the idea that the modern Israeli government is biblical Israel. Its a nation-state, not a divine mandate. Critique its actions when warranted, as you would any government. Second, affirm Gods enduring love for the Jewish people. Romans 11:28 says they are beloved for the sake of their forefathers. Antisemitism has no place in a Christian heart. Finally, pray for peace. The Middle Easts turmoil whether Irans proxies, Hamass attacks, or Israels responses cries out for Gods shalom. In a world of tribalism and hate, Christians must stand for truth and love. Were grafted into Gods story; we are not its owners. Lets honor the Jewish people, critique governments wisely, and trust Gods plan to unfold until all Israel, and all nations, find salvation in Christ (Romans 11:26). Home Opinion Your home insurance is killing you, isn't it? Here's the solution Dear Chuck, Our homeowners insurance continues to rise. My husband asked me to find a new insurer or negotiate better rates. What is the best approach? Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe Stressed About Home Insurance Dear Stressed About Home Insurance, A friend of mine recently requested prayer after many of the buildings that housed their commercial agricultural business were burned to the ground by a massive fire. It turns out that the insurance company has a very different evaluation of the present value of the insured buildings, and it is much lower than the company needs to be able to rebuild! It was a reminder to me to be diligent about understanding and managing our insurance coverages! We did some research that I hope will be helpful to you and many others who may be out of date with coverage and costs. Why home insurance rates increase Increase in the number of natural disasters and extreme weather. Soaring construction/rebuilding costs due to labor shortages and material costs. Declining competition in the insurance market. Claims history especially multiple claims in a short period of time. Risk assessment. Credit report and debt. Changes in building codes. Converting to a rental property or running a business from the location. Vacancy: more vulnerable to vandalism, weather damage, and maintenance issues. All companies evaluate the risk of insuring a home and try to price it so they can make money. Besides the threat of severe weather, insurers consider crime rates, fire protection services, and proximity to high-risk areas. Many homeowners and potential homebuyers cannot afford the expense of insurance on top of mortgage payments, taxes, HOA fees, and routine maintenance. In addition, there is a correlation between credit history and claim likelihood. That is an incentive to stay current on bills, pay taxes on time, and not accumulate a lot of debt! Resale is especially difficult in areas where coverage is limited or denied. Few buyers want to own a home/business that they cannot insure. When insurers have higher-than-expected payouts for a region, they raise rates in order to remain financially stable. Renovations and additions, especially custom or luxury finishes, energy-efficient features, and smart technology, add to the cost. Comparison shop every year I was a loyal insurance customer, having only used one company for car and home coverage since 1979! Then they raised our rates. It no longer mattered how long Id been faithful to them. So, a friend, an independent broker, found us a policy in 24 hours at nearly half the cost of the quote from our current provider! I was shocked and delighted. Over time, insurers raise premiums. Unless comparison shopping is conducted annually, you may end up paying more than necessary. The key is comparing apples to apples. A lower premium might cover less, and a great discount might start with a higher premium. How to get the best deal Homebuyers should request all costs of insurance before making an offer on a house, condo, or commercial building. Get a thorough inspection to verify conditions that may impact coverage. It is possible to reduce premiums when certain coverage requirements are not mandatory. Keep in mind the cost to rebuild should the unexpected occur. Increase your deductible, make your home more secure, and skip small claims. Ask about lesser-known discounts, including home improvements. Build your credit score. Rethink the purchase of trampolines and dogs they can cost you. Want to remain loyal? Negotiate your premium after comparison shopping and see if bundling will reduce your cost. NerdWallet says that multi-policy discounts average 18%. If your insurance costs $5,000, an 18% reduction qualifies for $900 in savings. Plus, bundling makes it convenient to deal with just one insurer. Here are some other tips they offer to save on home coverage. Experts identify causes and cautions Rainy Hake Austin, president of The Agency: Rates have steadily risen due to increased natural disasters, rising construction costs, and higher claim payouts. In markets like Los Angeles and Aspen, home insurance rates are seeing premium spikes influenced by several factors unique to the area, including the risk of earthquakes, wildfires, and other natural disasters, as well as the cost of living and property values. Since 2009, a 335% surge in buildings lost to California wildfires resulted in a 270% rise in associated costs. In markets throughout Florida and Louisiana, home insurance costs rose due to destructive hurricanes. We are seeing insurance costs in high-risk locations, specifically in Florida and California, cost hundreds of thousands of dollars per year, and have seen it triple in price in many of these high-risk locations since 2020. Jennifer White, RE/MAX specialist in Florida: Insurance companies are requiring new shingle/asphalt roofs as early as 1012 years into existing roof lifespans, or as early as 2025 years for concrete or clay tile roofs. She notes they are requiring inspections for water heaters, HVACs, ice makers, plumbing fixtures, and connections/pipings to verify that they are newer, in order to bind coverage. Aging may require replacement or coverage denial. Customers with previous claims may also be denied. David Harris, Coldwell Banker agent: In a state like Florida, other insurance challenges include the soaring prices of reinsurance, and the states litigation-friendly environment, which makes it easier for customers to sue their insurers, further increasing the insurance challenge. With so many complex factors, be sure you keep current on the amount of coverage you have and that you are paying a competitive price for the insurance. Shopping around for home insurance is good stewardship! Hopefully, you and your husband will get a nice surprise with a much lower quote for the cost to insure your home. Do you want more tools and tips on financial stewardship? Are you interested in receiving ministry updates from around the world? Sign up to receive the Crown Newsletter emails by using the form on the homepage at Crown.org. Home Opinion Your witch will see you now If you werent aware, Brazil has one of the worlds fastest rising divorce rates. To tackle the increasing number of marriages ending, heartbroken Brazilians are doing what any sane person would do in hopes of maintaining love, fidelity, and keeping that spark alive in a relationship. Theyre turning to witchcraft. An article in The Wall Street Journal a short while back discussed the trend, which is gathering momentum because, according to those seeing witches to help their love life (just like they would a doctor for health reasons), the success rate of the spells cast by witches is better than expected. Sometimes its too good. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe My life became hell on earth, said Josefina, who declined to give her surname in the article for fear of angering the spirits. Concerned her husband was cheating on her, the 67-year-old housewife from Sao Paulo asked a woman who identified as a sorceress to cast a spell on her fella, only to have him follow her around the house all day. He wouldnt leave me alone, it drove me crazy, Josefina said. She ended up shelling out another $50 for a witch to undo the spell. Hey, none of us need a stage 5 clinger, so I get it. The rituals witches go through to get these kinds of results can be eyebrow-raising. Brazilian witches guide lovers through rituals such as wrapping frogs in underwear or dipping a chickens feet in honey. Among the most popular rituals are those that promise to keep cheating husbands faithful by giving them erectile dysfunction. Shudder! As you might expect, many ridicule such things. But that hasnt stopped people from believing, said Rodney William, an anthropologist and Candomble (an African occult religion) leader. If I say Im a wizard, and people want me to be a wizard, then whos to say Im not a wizard? Its not much different from some of the countrys popular evangelical preachers, who promise instant wealth and success in exchange for generous tithes. Everyone wants to be loved and rich, he said. You have to admit, its hard to argue that isnt true. A look at the craft According to a popular organization devoted to witchcraft, the Covenant of the Goddess, a witch is One who worships the Goddess, and sometimes also Her Consort, the God; practices magic; and considers her/himself to be following the spiritual path of Witchcraft. The term God typically references an ancient horned god or the Sun, while Goddess is associated with both the Earth and the Moon and is thought of as a triple deity that manifests as the Maiden, the Mother, and the Crone. Wicca, or the craft, is, at its core, an animistic religion that attempts to control and benefit from the spiritual powers that supposedly inhabit everything on the earth. Its morality is summed up in its simple mandate, An' ye harm none, do what ye will. That philosophy seems to be popular. For example, WitchSchool.com boasts over 200,000 practitioners, and Wiccas growth has been explosive in the U.S. since the 1990s, expanding into the millions by the 2020s. This shouldnt surprise us because, as Rodney William said, Everyone wants to be loved and rich, and so theyll turn to whatever seems to work to make that happen. People in Brazil sure are. Its easy to scoff and think theres no wood behind the witchcraft arrow, but Scripture begs to differ. Although theologians debate on exactly what they did, the sorcerers who opposed Moses seem to duplicate some of his miracles with their secret arts (Ex. 7). The book of Acts records the account of Simon, who formerly was practicing magic in the city and astonished the people of Samaria (Acts 8:9) and a woman who had a spirit of divination who was bringing her masters much profit by fortune-telling (Acts 16:16). With real (dark) power behind such things, maybe this is why the Bible is firm and calls out witchcraft by name in a prohibition: There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, one who uses divination, one who practices witchcraft, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer, or one who casts a spell, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead for those nations, which you shall dispossess, listen to those who practice witchcraft and to diviners, but as for you, the LORD your God has not allowed you to do so (Deut. 18:10-11, 14). Instead, when you and I need help in any area of our life, Scripture instructs us clearly on what to do by declaring: When they say to you, Consult the mediums and the spiritists who whisper and mutter, should not a people consult their God? (Is. 8:19). Im betting if the people of Brazil looked to the Bible for how to live, love, and follow Gods design for marriage, theyd be much better off than by going to witches. Tim Keller sums up the divine design when he says, The greatest pleasure youll ever receive [in marriage] is to give pleasure to the one that you love. Live that like, and I doubt youll ever need a witch to get your love life back on track. Home News Defunding Planned Parenthood, border security: 5 provisions in the Big Beautiful Bill The Republican-controlled United States Senate voted 51-49 Saturday to begin debate on H.R. 1, also known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The vote fell largely along party lines, with all Democrats opposing the measure along with Sens. Rand Paul, R-Ky., and Thom Tillis, R-N.C. The Senate is expected to make several amendments to the bill before voting on its final passage. Saturdays vote comes more than a month after the Republican-controlled U.S. House of Representatives passed its version of the legislation in a 215-214 vote that saw all Democrats oppose the measure along with Reps. Warren Davidson, R-Ohio, and Thomas Massie, R-Ky. At 940 pages of text, the Senates version of the bill is shorter than the Houses 1,018-page bill. Before the bill can reach President Donald Trumps desk and become law, the two chambers will need to resolve the differences between their respective versions of the legislation. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe Here are five provisions of the Big Beautiful Bill, along with their differences between the House and Senate versions of the legislation. Home News Christians bound, blindfolded, before being forced to jump into sea by Indias Navy Fate of Christians is unknown NEW DELHI Relatives of ethnic Rohingya Christian refugees cast into the sea by Indias Navy have yet to hear from them nearly two months after the cast-offs swam ashore to their native Myanmar (Burma). If someone could just tell us if they are alive or dead this anxiety is killing us, Sadeq Shalom told Morning Star News in Delhi. Refugees from Myanmar themselves, the relatives of the cast-offs, have been hunted by Delhi police since Indian authorities deported 38 Rohingya, including 15 Christians, on May 6. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe Police had detained the Rohingya Christian refugees from the Uttam Nagar and Vikaspuri areas in Delhi while authorities rounded up the 23 Muslim Rohingya from other parts of Delhi. The deported Rohingya who were abandoned in international waters had to swim to Myanmar the country they had left to escape genocide in the first place. Authorities gave neither them nor their families any prior notice or information, said Nasir David, whose elderly parents have been deported. Shalom said the 15 deported Christians have families left behind in India. Police picked up and deported Shaloms older brother, John Anwar, on May 6. He was one of the 15 Christians, five women and 10 men, including three elderly persons, who naval personnel forced into the sea in the early hours of May 9. Anwars wife, who had suffered a miscarriage in April, was also among the 15 Christians deported. My sister-in-law was not only dealing with her emotional and mental health challenges but was also in the process of physically recovering from the miscarriage, said Shalom, adding that there was another deported woman who had undergone a miscarriage. David said authorities deported the elderly without their daily medicines and without money to purchase them. My mother is a diabetic and my father is on blood pressure medication both need their daily dosage of medicines, David told Morning Star News. My mother faints due to sugar fluctuation, and it scares me to death wondering how they are surviving in Myanmar without money, medicines and food. Several of the cast-offs did not know how to swim, including Davids parents, he said. Shalom told Morning Star News the ordeal began on Feb. 26, when authorities called roughly 150 Christian Rohingya for their biometrics, such as fingerprints and other physical measurements used for identification. Authorities then released them without incident, but on May 6, police informed them that a technical failure had occurred in the biometric processes of 15 people, and that they needed to redo them. Police moved them from one location to another in an effort to register their biometrics, but failed each time due to internet connectivity issues, said Shalom. During this time, officials forced women to undergo pregnancy tests and men underwent identification mark tests. Officials finally took them to the Inderlok Detention Centre where authorities confiscated their phones. Until then, we were receiving occasional updates from our families through messages about their whereabouts, but after their phones were snatched, we did not know where they were, said Shalom. The next day, Shalom received a phone call from an unknown number, which turned out to be his brother, Anwar. He hastily informed Shalom that authorities were taking them to the airport to deport them to Myanmar. It was a 17-second call that shook us completely, said Shalom. Three days later, on May 9, Shalom again heard from his brother at 5:30 a.m.; having swum ashore to Myanmar, he had borrowed a phone from a fisherman to call Shalom. Anwar narrated the horrifying journey and the plight they all had to go through, said Shalom. Hearing that, we were all completely shaken. The Indian military had transported the Rohingya via aircraft to Sri Vijaya Puram (also called Port Blair) in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Once there, officials seized their U.N refugee documentation, money and belongings before placing them on Indian Navy ships, according to Anwar and media reports. Navy personnel bound their hands and covered their eyes with blindfolds, Anwar told his brother. They were bound tight for about four hours, causing Anwars wrists to bleed, Shalom said. Anwar also told him how he was assaulted after naval personnel noticed a cross and Anwars full name John Anwar written on his T-shirt. They asked him how many of them were Christian, and he revealed their number. The naval personnel accused them of being a part of the Pahalgam terror attack that took place in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22, inexplicably labelling them Pakistani. The naval crew then presented the group with two options: return to Myanmar or transfer to Indonesia. Fearing repatriation to Myanmar, the refugees selected Indonesia as their destination. After midnight on May 8, the naval personnel removed their restraints, distributed life jackets to them and told them to jump into the sea. They were ordered to stay in the water and assured that someone would get there to rescue them, David said. After treading water for some time, no one arrived, so they decided to try to swim ashore. Those who knew how to swim dragged those who could not swim, David said. Upon reaching the shore, they saw some men and, thinking they might get killed for trespassing international border, they quickly walked closer in a surrendering posture, David said. As the cast-offs drew closer, they realized those on shore were fishermen. It was a shock to all those who reached the shore that they were not in Indonesia but back in Myanmar, Shalom said. The account came in the first and the last call Shalom received from Anwar, who confirmed that they landed alive in Myanmar. David said he also got to speak to his parents, but that was the last that he heard from them. To this day, we do not know about their well-being, their safety or even if they are still alive, David said, clearly anxious. Faith amid uncertainties David shared his fear and concern for his family and community with Morning Star News. As a son, I feel like a human without life, torn apart by grief, and as the representative of my community, I am burdened and deeply concerned for the safety and future of our people, for we live in constant fear, he said. Parents whose children have been deported are not able to console themselves, Shalom said. They have been repeatedly saying, If we could get news about our children whether they are alive or dead, but we dont know how they are, he said. David said only his faith in God enables him to endure each day. He requested prayer for them as well as for India. We believe that God is sovereign and trust that He watches over His children even in the darkest valleys, he said. They are moving from place to place, waiting upon God to make a way for them to get political asylum in a country where they could live without any fear. We appeal to all the churches, Christian organizations and people of goodwill to stand with us in prayer, and extend all possible help financial, speaking to embassies on our behalf and governments for our relocation, Shalom said. Despite despairing circumstances, David continues to keep his hope alive. Though I may never see my parents again in this life, I hold on to the eternal hope that we will meet again in Heaven, in the arms of our Savior, where every tear will be wiped away and sorrow will be no more. Inhumane deportations Besides the 135 Christian Rohingya questioning the inhuman way of deportation at the hands of the government, Amnesty International, a global human rights organization, on June 19 urged the Indian government to halt all deportations. It urged the Indian government to uphold its legal obligations under international law and halt all deportations of Rohingya refugees at once, said Aakar Patel, chair of the board of Amnesty International India in its statement. Shalom, along with 150 Rohingya Christians, came to India in 2014 after they faced brutality at the hands of the Myanmar military. Upon arriving in Delhi, the government of India granted many of them Long Term Visas (LTV), and they also registered with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Shalom and the other children went rag picking for their survival, while their parents did menial jobs. Rag picking throughout the day, the children attended evening tuition and slowly and gradually passed their grades 10 and 12 examinations through the open school system. With education, these rag pickers acquired decent jobs. Davids father, who was uneducated, learned to read Bengali and Rohingya in order to read the Bible and teach others. He began to lead church services and became a church deacon in 2006, said David. But in 2017, the government of India announced the Rohingya as illegal immigrants and canceled all their visas. It was only now, after several years of struggle, that we had started to feel settled, and now suddenly we are homeless, without jobs, without food, uprooted, nowhere to fall back, David said. Shalom said they are not afraid of deportation, but we have problems with the way we are being deported picked up without prior notice, separated from our families, assaulted on the way and thrown in the international waters to die. We would request that they deport us all together and not separate us from our families. Myanmar regards the Rohingya as migrants from Bangladesh and denies them citizenship, but the Rohingya maintain they are indigenous to western Myanmar. Before the Rohingya genocide in 2017 that led to more than 740,000 Rohingya fleeing to Bangladesh, their population in Myanmar was estimated at 1.4 million. Authorities in Myanmar impose restrictions on their movement and access to state education and civil service jobs. U.N. officials and Human Rights Watch have described Myanmars persecution of the Rohingya as ethnic cleansing. U.N. investigations have found evidence of increasing incitement of hatred and religious intolerance by ultra-nationalist Buddhists against Rohingyas, and Myanmar security forces have subjected them to summary executions, disappearances, arbitrary arrests and detentions, torture and ill-treatment and forced labor against the community. Rohingya refugees in India face persecution and attacks from Hindu nationalist groups. Christian support organization Open Doors ranks India at No. 11 on its 2025 World Watch List of countries where Christians face the most severe persecution. India stood at 31st place in 2013 but has steadily fallen in the rankings since Narendra Modi came to power as prime minister. Religious rights advocates point to the hostile tone of the National Democratic Alliance government, led by the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party, which they say has emboldened Hindu extremists in India since Modi took power in May 2014. This article was originally published at Morning Star News Home News Over 30 Christians injured in attack by Hindu nationalists wielding axes More than 30 Christians were injured when a mob attacked a prayer gathering in Indias Odisha state, and local residents say no arrests have been made nearly two weeks after the incident. At least 20 people suffered serious injuries and were hospitalized following the assault, which local leaders alleged was carried out by Hindu nationalist groups. The attack took place in Kotamateru village of Malkangiri district on June 21, when around 20 farming Christian families had assembled to bless seeds before the planting season. Nearly 400 people from nearby villages stormed the area with weapons, including axes, and began what appeared to be a coordinated assault, according to the rights group Christian Solidarity International. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe One of the victims alerted a pastor outside the village, who then contacted Malkangiri Police Station. Officers reached the scene and assisted with evacuating the injured to Malkangiri District Hospital. The rest of the community sought shelter in a nearby church, which has since been functioning as a temporary relief center, CSI said. The U.S.-based persecution watchdog International Christian Concern reported that the attack targeted Christians from three different villages who were eating lunch together. Victims were beaten with sticks and sharp objects. Local police have offered a different explanation. Rigan Kinda, an inspector with Malkangiri Police Station, told the Indian newspaper The Telegraph that the violence resulted from a dispute between two brothers, one a Christian and the other a Hindu. He claimed the Christian group was questioned about their faith, which escalated into violence. Christian leaders have rejected the police version. They alleged that the Bajrang Dal, a Hindu nationalist group, orchestrated the attack. Bajrang Dal district leader Sibapada Mirdha denied any involvement but said there was growing resistance among Hindus to what they saw as religious conversions by Christians. He added that sometimes there is a spontaneous reaction to this, according to the Telegraph. A local pastor told CSI that threats against Christians have increased since the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party formed the state government in Odisha in June 2024. The pastor described being unable to leave his home for work because of repeated threats, and pointed to a video circulating on social media where a Hindu nationalist leader warned Christians of consequences if they continued converting people. Representatives from Christian organizations including Rashtriya Christian Morcha (National Christian Forum), Malkangiri District Christian Manch, Progressive Christian Alliance and Council of Evangelical Churches in India visited the victims. They also met with the district police chief to demand the immediate arrest of the perpetrators and raised questions about the lack of legal action, according to ICC. A formal complaint was filed with the police, who registered charges related to causing hurt and unlawful confinement. However, a local source told CSI that the complaint did not invoke more serious provisions under the penal code. The source said charges such as attempted murder, as well as sections addressing religious hate crimes and disruptions to religious assemblies, were notably missing. The Malkangiri Pastors Fellowship submitted a memorandum to the district police chief on June 23, calling for the establishment of a permanent police outpost in Kotamateru and surrounding villages. No arrests had been made and police had not provided any security, according to CSI. Bishop Pallab Kumar Lima, who leads the Odisha chapter of the Rashtriya Christian Morcha, described the aftermath as a grave humanitarian crisis, according to Catholic Connect. He urged the state government to provide relief and protection under the Odisha Victim Compensation Scheme. Christian families in the region have reported rising levels of hostility in recent years. Between March and April 2025, fact-finding teams recorded a sharp increase in anti-Christian violence across several Odisha districts, including Nabarangpur, Gajapati and Balasore. These included cases of denied burial rights, police violence and attacks during religious observances. In one documented incident in Nabarangpur, the body of Saravan Gond, a young Christian man, was exhumed and taken away. His mother and sister were allegedly assaulted during the confrontation while police stood by, according to CSI. The most extensive wave of violence in the state occurred in 2007 and 2008 in Kandhamal district, where more than 100 churches and 700 homes were burned following the December 2007 Christmas season. The situation worsened in August 2008 after the killing of Hindu leader Swami Lakshmanananda Saraswati, which was blamed on Christians. That violence left dozens dead and thousands displaced, and included reports of gang rape and forced conversions. Home News Ex-counselor charged with sex abuse arrested for threatening to shoot up Christian camp Updated at 9:05 ET on June 30, 2025 Mario Bernal, an ex-employee of Camp Cho-Yeh in Livingston, Texas, was arrested on June 22 for threatening children at the Christian camp that he would "create the next Columbine shooting if they "piss him off." In a June 23 press statement, the Polk County Sheriffs Office said Bernal, 23, was arrested with the help of the Livingston Police Department for making a terroristic threat. He is being held at the Polk County Jail on a $50,000 bond. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe Camp Cho-Yeh told The Christian Post in a statement that Bernal was fired on June 20 immediately after violating disciplinary protocols. Late Friday night, a male summer staff member serving at our Timbers camp was terminated immediately after violating disciplinary protocols. Early Sunday [June 22], we were made aware that this former staff member made verbal threats involving harm to himself and the camp, the statement said. Needless to say, we dont take threats lightly, even if it is a joke. These remarks were immediately reported to law enforcement, who responded swiftly and arrested him without incident. No firearms were found in his possession or vehicle. We are grateful for the swift action and support from the Livingston Police Department and the Polk County Sheriffs Office. Staffers at the camp allege in court documents that Bernal was fired after he locked a group of children in a hot room as discipline and refused to let them leave. Witnesses told authorities, according to an affidavit cited by Fox 26, that Bernal threatened to clock himself out if he were fired like the 1999 school shooting at Columbine High School in Columbine, Colorado. Bernal allegedly also threatened that if the camp came at him legally, he would not go down by himself. The camp, which was established in 1947, is described as a premier Christian Camp and Retreat Center on its website. The word Cho-Yeh comes from the local Alabama-Coushatta language and means land of tall pines. For decades, Camp Cho-Yeh has been a place where both youth and adults have grown in their faith and character, while having fun, and helping people grow deeper in their relationship with Jesus Christ, the camp states. Court documents cited by OnalaskaTexas also reported that Bernal was previously charged with two counts of forcible sexual abuse related to an incident on March 29. A sexual violence protective order was reportedly also granted against him in April. Camp Cho-Yeh insisted in its statement to CP that Bernal had passed a rigorous background check. Before any staff member is hired, they must complete a detailed application, interview with a full-time Cho-Yeh staff member, submit at least two strong references, and pass a comprehensive background check, camp officials said. Our vendor ran the comprehensive background check on May 2, 2025 through the Enhanced Nationwide Criminal Search, DOJ Sex Offender Search, Social Security Trace, and County Criminal Conviction Search. These background checks came back clear and showed no records, charges, or allegations. Our staff participate in intensive training before supervising campers. Livingston Police Department Chief Matt Parrish said in a statement that his department was made aware of an investigation into Bernals threats late Sunday morning. Shortly after noon that day, a Livingston Police Department officer spotted Bernals vehicle near the camps entrance and subsequently took him into custody without incident. Threats to this community, especially involving our children, will always be taken seriously, he said. I commend the quick and thorough investigation by the Sheriffs Office, as well as the response by our officers. Home News GHF announces Hamas murdered 12 aid staff, tortured others during Gaza relief efforts The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) commissioned to distribute aid in Gaza on Sunday announced that 12 of its local staff have been murdered, and others have been tortured. The U.S. and Israeli-backed NGO revealed in their update that Hamas had placed bounties on American security workers and that 12 local staff members had been killed by the terror group. Hamas has placed bounties on both our American security personnel and Palestinian aid workers, offering cash rewards to anyone who injures or kills them, they said in a statement. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe Executive Chairman of GHF, Rev. Dr. Johnnie Moore, told ALL ISRAEL NEWS Gaza is the single most complex humanitarian environment in many years. Previously, when UNWRA had responsibility for food distribution in the Strip, the Hamas terror group would routinely loot supplies and sell them on the black market to fund their operations. President Trump sought a solution that would facilitate the distribution of aid while circumventing Hamas, and invited Moore to head up the operation. He made the point that Hamas was making it very difficult to get help to the Palestinian people. He was determined to fix that, Moore said, speaking of Trumps decision. When asked why he agreed to lead such a complex and dangerous initiative, Moore replied, Its very simple: because I'm a Christian. These people deserve to be fed, and they deserve to be fed in a way that doesn't allow these bad actors to further oppress them. Operated by a U.S. security contractor with IDF perimeter protection, the independent aid group began delivering food directly to Palestinian civilians in late May and has been embattled not only by Hamas but also a campaign to discredit the organization. Nevertheless, GHF has managed to distribute a phenomenal amount of food. In the very first week of operations, [GHF] was able to deliver 7 million meals in eight days, without a single security incident happening within the confines of the distribution center, Moore relayed. GHF delivered more than 1.1 million meals on June 8 alone, surpassing 10 million total meals distributed in just over one week. However, successful aid distribution to Gazan civilians runs contrary to the strategy of Hamas, and GHF efforts have met serious opposition. Certain nefarious actors decided to issue a global disinformation campaign, to discredit the effort, when the exact opposite should have been happening, said Moore. Everybody should have been celebrating what was going ahead. Now, the independent aid organization is dealing with the extreme violence of Hamas operatives determined to stop the flow of aid and intimidate all who are trying to help. By the way, some very brave Gazans have helped distribute food to people, Moore revealed. The targets of Hamas brutality are heroes who are simply trying to feed the people of Gaza in the middle of a war, the GHF said in their statement about the murders. Our US security personnel some of Americas most elite and decorated veterans are on the ground to protect people. And our local staff, who keep these operations running, have already paid the ultimate price: 12 murdered, others tortured, and now more threats emerging by the day, the statement continued. The aid group added that in recent days, Hamas had pre-positioned armed operatives near humanitarian zones in an effort to disrupt the only functioning aid delivery system in Gaza. Last week, GHF urged the United Nations to publicly condemn the targeting of humanitarian workers in Gaza and to partner with the aid group to develop a new system to get food straight to Palestinian families, in a letter from Rev. Johnnie Moore to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. This article was originally published by All Israel News. Home News Former Bachelor star Madi Prewett says God freed her from porn, masturbation addiction Former Bachelor contestant Madison Prewett has opened up about her earlier struggles with porn and masturbation and how faith and confession helped set her free. On a recent episode of her "Stay True" podcast, the 29-year-old revealed that an addiction to pornography and masturbation began when she was in middle school. This has been a struggle, Prewett said. This has been a huge part of my testimony, something Ive struggled with since middle school. And thankfully, by the grace of God, and by the power of godly community and people around me, I have been free from porn and masturbation for I dont even know 10 years. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe Prewett said the struggle left her feeling enslaved and consumed by shame, even as she pursued a relationship with God. That was something that enslaved me and marked me for so long, she said. No matter how much I loved Jesus, I could not shake that sin. I could not break free from porn and masturbation. And I would beat myself up and I would be bound by shame. Prewett appeared on The Bachelor in 2020 and made headlines due to her commitment to refrain from sex until marriage. Now a wife and mother, Prewett said her curiosity around sexuality started early. By the time she was in middle school, she had begun engaging with media that introduced her to sex and relationships. I had already had moments of being curious about things and having certain feelings, or wondering certain things, or fantasizing about certain things, she said. I had not told that to anyone. I had not pursued to do anything about that, but I was curious. Prewett, who has a bachelor's degree in communications from Auburn University and earned her certificate in pastoral leadership through Highlands College in 2018, recalled watching a show at age 13 that featured nudity and sexual themes. It was all about sex and sexual relationships and who [the main character] was going to choose based on who she was attracted to, and it was a whole crazy thing, Prewett said. But I just remember I had never watched anything like that before, and my body started feeling things that I had never felt before. Within a few weeks, she said, she began searching for pornography online and started masturbating. She noted that, at the time, she believed these were struggles only men dealt with an assumption that made her feel isolated and ashamed. This continued for a long time, she said. And then this bled into relationships. I was letting the enemy run my life with living in secrecy and living in isolation. TheMade For This Momentauthor said her struggle affected her ability to maintain physical boundaries in dating relationships. This bled into then, when I would start dating someone, I pushed so many boundaries physically, she said. Although she was raised in a religious home, Prewett said there was a lack of clarity around the topic of sexual desire. I didnt have clarity, she said. Those were the gray areas of this whole purity thing that I was not clear on, that I was not certain about. And so, because of that, I found myself continuing to push boundaries and continuing to go further than I knew deep down in my heart that I wanted to go or that I knew I should go. Prewett emphasized that healing began when she opened up about her struggles. Previously, she shared that she enlisted accountability buddies to help her stay on track prior to marrying her husband, Grant Troutt. Confessing to God and confessing to other believers is what set me free from the addiction to sexual sin, she said. As soon as I said the thing that I was so scared to say, I immediately felt free, she said. Immediately, something shifted. Something happened when I spoke what was in the dark, and I brought it into the light. Prewett said healing didnt happen overnight, but transparency with others and a supportive community helped her create a space for accountability. Obviously, that doesnt mean I went from that moment and never struggled again absolutely not, she said. But as I brought it into the light and I brought other people into it, I then created an atmosphere where my sin was brought into the light, people were aware of it, and they then could hold me accountable. A report released last year from Barna, Beyond the Porn Phenomenon, found that 54% of Christians reported viewing pornography compared with 68% of non-Christians. In general, 75% of Christian men and 40% of Christian women reported consuming porn on some level. Kay Warren, wife of Saddleback Church Pastor Rick Warren, has also opened up about her past struggles with pornography, which she said stemmed from her experience with childhood sexual abuse. I didnt tell anybody, Warren said of being sexually abused as a child. I didnt have words for it; I didnt have language. Somehow, I knew it was bad, and I blotted it instantly out of my mind. And as far as I was concerned, it was buried. Warren said the trauma led to struggles with anxiety, depression and shame-based thinking, as well as issues with sexual identity and addiction. Anxiety and depression and shameful sexual attractions and actions divided me into a good girl on the outside, and in my mind, a bad girl on the inside, she said. Warren said it took years of therapy both individually and with her husband to begin finding healing. Yet, she emphasized, the effects of abuse have not been fully resolved. I wish that I could say today that there are no longer any effects of the abuse, she said. Christians like the big bow on top of the package that says, This is the way it used to be, but praise God that's no longer true. And sometimes it happens that way, but sometimes, in this life, it doesn't. There are parts of my soul and my body that will not be completely healed until I see Jesus face to face, she said. Every day is one day closer to the total and complete healing that my soul longs for. Home News Mississippi ex-cop sentenced for embezzling from church to pay rent A former police officer and security personnel for a Mississippi church has been sentenced after being found guilty of embezzling thousands of dollars from a Catholic congregation. Tonya Anne Laville, 48, was sentenced on Monday by Judge Randi Mueller of Harrison County Circuit Court to a pretrial diversion, which will allow Laville to avoid prison time if she completes certain terms. Laville acknowledged culpability for her actions, reported the Biloxi Sun Herald earlier this week, with attorneys stating that the former police officer had made restitution in the case. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe A former officer with the Gulfport Police Department, Laville reportedly embezzled approximately $8,600 from St. James Catholic Church in Gulfport while working as security for the congregation. Laville used Cash App to embezzle the money, having access to the bank and routing numbers, and using the funds to pay her rent and late fees on a home in Bethel Estates in Pass Christian. Eventually, the church staff discovered that the money was missing and contacted the authorities, who opened an investigation into Laville. The former police officer also illegally obtained $7,500 from a Subway store located in Pass Christian. In January of last year, authorities arrested Laville on a felony charge of wire fraud and booked her into the Harrison County jail. She was released on a $5,000 bond soon after. At the time of her arrest, Laville was an employee of the Harrison County School District, serving as assistant director of security since March 2022. A Harrison County grand jury found evidence to indict Laville in January. According to Todd Johnson, co-director of the Center for the Study of Global Christianity at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, in 2023 alone, as much as $62 billion, or 6.6% of all funds given by Christians globally to religious and secular entities, was lost to embezzlement and fraud. Organizations that have means for reporting suspected embezzlement (such as hotlines) tend to catch cases of fraud before they become massive. Other proactive measures include more frequent managerial reviews, internal (not just external) financial audits, and closer monitoring of the actions of employees, Johnson advised. Whether on a single computer or a network, financial information should be accessible only by those who absolutely need it. Users should have unique identification numbers and be required to change passwords periodically. Only the appropriate leadership figures should be able to delete or change transactions. Home News Pastor arrested for soliciting photos of 11-year-old girl at his church A Kentucky pastor has been placed on administrative leave following his arrest for requesting photos from an 11-year-old girl who attended his church. The Marshall County Sheriffs Office announced in a June 25 Facebook post that two days earlier, it had been contacted by the family of an 11-year-old female juvenile who wanted to report that the female had been solicited for photos of her body from the pastor of her church. Following an investigation, detectives determined that Pastor Clarence Barry Hungerford, 58, of Mayfield, had sent messages to the underage girl requesting the photos. Following his arrest, Hungerford admitted to contacting the girl and destroying his cell phone in an effort to hide the evidence. Hungerford was charged with tampering with physical evidence and unlawful use of electronic means within the Commonwealth to induce a minor to engage in sexual or other prohibited activities. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe Tampering with physical evidence is a class D felony in Kentucky. Under Kentucky law, those convicted of Class D felonies can expect to spend between one and five years in prison. The second charge involving the unlawful use of electronic means within the Commonwealth to induce a minor to engage in sexual or other prohibited activities is a much more serious offense. While ordinarily a class C felony, it rises to a class B felony in this case because the minor is under 12 years old and Hungerford meets the definition of a person in a position of authority or position of special trust as a religious leader. Class B felonies come with prison sentences ranging from 10 to 20 years. The law enforcement agency identified Hungerford as the pastor at an unnamed church in Aurora, located in Marshall County. While the Marshall County Sheriffs Office did not name Hungerfords church, the Purchase Area Baptist Association identified Hungerford as the pastor of Aurora Baptist Church in a statement published Saturday, indicating that it was aware of his arrest. The Purchase Area Baptist Association is standing with the church as civil authorities conduct their investigations and as the church grieves over the accusations and allegations and we seek to minister to all involved, the statement read. This pastor is on administrative leave of absence pending investigations. The church is fully cooperating with the Marshall County Sheriffs office as they conduct their investigation. We pray for justice and for healing for all and will thus have no other public comment at this time. A list of associational churches on the Purchase Area Baptist Associations official website, which also includes the names of the pastors of each individual church, notes a vacancy in the position at Aurora Baptist Church. According to NBC News affiliate WPSD, Hungerford appeared in court for an arraignment Monday, where he pleaded not guilty and requested that a public defender represent him in his legal proceedings. Hungerford is due back in court on July 9 for a preliminary hearing. Home News 'You're not a weak Christian if you see a therapist,' pastor tells congregants after attempted mass shooting A week after 31-year-old Brian Browning attempted a mass shooting at CrossPointe Community Church in Wayne, Michigan, the congregations pastor urged his members to forgive him while acknowledging the trauma from the incident. The Bible says we wrestle not against flesh and blood but powers and principalities, wickedness in high places. That's what we wrestle with. Satan tried to destroy us. Don't be mad at Brian. Don't harbor unforgiveness toward Brian, Pastor Bobby Kelly Jr. said in his sermon on Sunday. We are called to forgive, and if he were alive right now, we would be forgiving him because that's what God told us to do. Kellys message of forgiveness comes after Browning was fatally shot by a member of the church's security during a shootout shortly after he attacked the church. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe A police report cited by the Detroit Free Press states Browning was witnessed driving a silver SUV erratically before parking it on the west side of the church building. He was also dressed in camouflage clothing and a tactical vest as he approached the church entrance armed with an AR-15-style rifle and 500 rounds of ammunition. He opened fire at the church before he was run over by one of the churchs deacons, Richard Pryor, before he was fatally shot. Based on 911 calls, the shooting started shortly after 11 a.m., police said. Before the shooting, Browning allegedly debated with Kelly about religion. Browning also reportedly told the pastor that he was a prophet. He had some questions about the Bible. He kind of challenged me on some things in the Bible, and so we went back-and-forth about some scripture for a little bit," Kelly recalled about a meeting earlier this year. He said Browning's mother had been baptized at the church last October, and in February, he came to the church seeking help. "He seemed to be genuine about needing some help. I don't know exactly what it was because he didn't say didn't say it was mental health," Kelly said. "He didn't say it was an issue that he had or any of that, he just said, you know, 'can you help me with some things?' and I said sure." In his sermon on Sunday, Kelly told his congregants not to be afraid of addressing trauma from the shooting and encouraged them to speak to a therapist if necessary. If you've talked to me between last Sunday and today, you've probably heard me say that you need to make sure that you talk to somebody about your trauma. I can't stress that enough if you are [a member here] or not. If you are a part of this local church, you have trauma, and it needs to be dealt with, he said. It's harder to detect the trauma in yourself than it is to detect it in somebody else. You may see someone else's trauma very clearly, but we don't clearly see our own. We need people to help us move through it and process the trauma that we have. I know you think you're OK, but none of us are truly OK, he explained. I thank you for all of you who called me, who texted me and asked me if I'm OK. If you saw me, gave me a hug, [asked if I] am I OK. Yes, I'm OK, but I'm not OK and neither are you, he said. We are forever changed by this incident, and we have to process through that. You can't rush it, can't go back to things just as normal like we always did. What happened last Sunday, I know it sounds cliche to say it's OK to not be OK, but it's only OK to not be OK if you're seeing someone about not being okay, he added. I know we have some great Christian friends who have wisdom, have maturity, but many of us need professionals to help us process through it. You're not a weak Christian if you go see a therapist because you got trauma. . What it means is you're human. You're not a super Christian as we sometimes pretend we are. Home News 'God created the nation of Israel': Pastor Robert Jeffress weighs in on Cruz-Carlson debate When it comes to supporting the state of Israel, Texas megachurch Pastor Robert Jeffress says hes siding with Sen. Ted Cruz and the Bible. Jeffress, the senior pastor of the 16,000-member First Baptist Dallas, delivered an impassioned sermon on June 22 in which he addressed the U.S. military strikes on Irans nuclear facilities, framing them as both a strategic and moral necessity. The strikes, ordered by President Donald Trump, have fueled a broader theological and political debate about Americas support for Israel, particularly in light of a heated interview between Senator Cruz and conservative commentator Tucker Carlson, who questioned the biblical basis for such support. Jeffress, 69, used his pulpit to respond directly to Carlsons recent viral exchange with Cruz, where Carlson challenged the notion that Christians are biblically mandated to support Israel. Tucker, let me help you out, Jeffress said. To support Israel, first of all, means to support Israels right to exist. The nation of Iran does not believe Israel has the right to exist. Iran has its stated objective to wipe Israel off the face of the Earth, and there are other countries that believe that as well. But in doing so, they are going against God Himself. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe Asserting that the modern-day state of Israel holds a unique place in divine providence, Jeffress added, Unlike any other nation in the world, God created the nation of Israel. Israel was His idea, and He said Israel will endure forever. He contrasted this with the fate of other nations, including the United States, which he said lacked such a divine assurance. Jeffress further asserted that supporting Israel includes affirming its historical and biblical claim to its land. You look not just at the Bible, but look at secular history, look at archaeology. We know without a shadow of a doubt that Israel occupied that land at least three thousand years ago, he said, dismissing claims that the land rightfully belongs to Palestinians. Ladies and gentlemen, history is very clear on this. Those who oppose Israel are always on the wrong side of history. And most importantly, theyre on the wrong side of God, Jeffress added. And thank God we finally have a president who understands that truth in Donald Trump. The pastors remarks came in the wake of Trumps decision to authorize military action against Iran, a move Jeffress praised as both courageous and necessary. Last night, we saw President Trump make the right decision, he told his congregation. In going against Iran, he not only removed a menace and a threat to the nation of Israel, but he removed a threat to America and the entire world. Jeffress revealed that he had personally texted Trump earlier in the week to express support, assuring the president that millions of Christians across the country were praying for him and would back his decisions. Jeffress sermon also highlighted Trumps public acknowledgment of faith following the strikes. Referencing the presidents brief speech after the mission, Jeffress noted, He said, I want to thank everybody, but in particular, I want to thank God, and I just want to say we love you, God. Have you ever heard another president say that, Republican or Democrat? The congregation responded with fervent applause, signaling strong approval of both Trumps actions and his overt expressions of faith. Aside from their agreement on what the Bible says about Israel, Jeffress and Cruz also have a long-running political relationship that stretches back to at least 2013, when Cruz spoke at First Baptist Dallas and urged the congregation to stand up for their Christian principles. In that speech, Cruz also called for the abolishment of the Internal Revenue Service after IRS official Lois Lerner admitted that the agency targeted pro-life and Christian groups for further review. In an interview with Carlson earlier this month, Cruz cited Genesis 12:3 as his personal motivation when pressed for a biblical reason for supporting the state of Israel. After the interview went viral on social media, a number of public figures weighed in on the conversation, including former U.S. Ambassador to Israel David Friedman, who took exception to Carlsons claim that the government of Benjamin Netanyahu is not the same entity as the biblical people of Israel. The nation of Israel today comprises a people that prays in the same language, in the same places and with the same liturgy as in ancient times, he wrote. Its faith is governed by the Old Testament. This is the same nation of Israel referred to in the Bible, Friedman added. Home News Texas Supreme Court says UMC can sue Southern Methodist University over attempt to leave denomination The Texas Supreme Court has ruled that a regional body of The United Methodist Church can sue Southern Methodist University over its effort to disaffiliate from the denomination. Founded by the UMC's predecessor denomination in 1911, SMU is home to the Perkins School of Theology, which is one of 13 UMC seminaries that receive aid from the denominations Ministerial Education Fund. According to its own figures, as of last year, SMU has an endowment of $2.12 billion, more than 1,700 staff and administrators, and approximately 12,000 students. The university is also home to the President George W. Bush Library and Museum. The former president and his wife, former first lady Laura Bush, are also members of Highland Park United Methodist Church, which is adjacent to the SMU campus. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe The states highest court released a decision last Friday in the case of Southern Methodist University and Paul J. Ward v. South Central Jurisdictional Conference of the United Methodist Church and Bishop Scott Jones. Texas Supreme Court Justice Debra Lehrmann authored the majority opinion, concluding that the UMC South Central Jurisdictional Conference has statutory authority to sue SMU to enforce its rights under the articles and the Texas Business Organizations Code and that the Conference may pursue, at least at this stage, its breach-of-contract claim as a third-party beneficiary of SMUs articles of incorporation. SMU is not required to act for the Conferences benefit in the way that corporations must act for the benefit of their shareholders or members, wrote Lehrmann. However, as with for-profit corporations, a nonprofit corporations articles do constitute a contract between SMU and the State of Texas. The Conference alternatively alleges in its petition that it is a third-party beneficiary of that contract and may pursue its breach-of-contract claim in that capacity. We agree. However, Lehrmann also wrote that the university was entitled to summary judgment on the false-filing claim, rejecting the UMCs claim that SMU knowingly filed false paperwork when the university changed its governing documents. Texas Supreme Court Justice Jane Bland authored an opinion that partially dissented, believing that the high court took a step too far as it was permitting private contract causes of action akin to derivative actions. None of the statutes governing nonprofits suggest private contract rights are a follow-on benefit to nonprofit charter provisions. Instead, the parties must mutually confer contract rights through a separate agreementnot through the States enforcement power, wrote Bland. We should hold that a nonprofits charter does not confer third-party beneficiary status via the State. By recognizing such a claimone not even the Conference advancesthe Court breaks new ground on its own. In response to the ruling, SMU said in a statement to The Texas Tribune that it was pleased with the decision to drop the false-filing claim and that it was ready to defend its decision to leave. "SMU remains proud of its Methodist heritage as we move forward with advancing SMUs mission and providing enriching education for all students," stated Megan Jacob, SMUs director of media and community relations, as quoted by the Tribune. For its part, the conference issued a statement saying that the favorable opinion from the Court supports our original position that SMU must seek the approval of the SCJ when making changes to its amendments. Our desire is to see this matter brought to a peaceful resolution so that our historic connection to the university can be fruitfully maintained for future generations, stated the regional body. For decades, the UMC debated whether to change its Book of Discipline to allow for the blessing of same-sex unions and the ordination of people in same-sex relationships. In February 2019, at a special session of the General Conference, delegates passed The Traditional Plan, a measure that reaffirmed the rules on ordination and marriage. Later that year, in response to the divisive debate, the SMU Board of Trustees voted to affirm that they, rather than the conference, were the ultimate authority for the university. In December 2019, SCJC filed a lawsuit accusing SMU of unauthorized acts and stating that the regional body was supposed to be the electing, controlling, and parental body of SMU. Although a Texas district judge issued a ruling in favor of SMU in 2021, a three-judge panel of Texas Fifth Court of Appeals reversed the lower court ruling in July 2023, noting that the UMC has a detailed history with the university. In this case of first impression, we must determine whether a nonprofit corporation like SMU, whose governing documents provide that it is to be forever owned, maintained and controlled by the conference and that no amendments to said articles shall ever be made without the conferences prior approval, can unilaterally amend the articles to remove these provisions and all other references to the conference, the opinion stated. While the panel rejected the district courts dismissal of the conferences breach-of-contract claim, they upheld the dismissal of the claim that SMU breached its fiduciary duty when it moved to separate from the church. We have already determined [] that the conference has no legal or equitable title to the SMU campus under its claim of fiduciary duty and therefore affirm summary judgment on that theory of recovery, stated the panel opinion. Last October, the Texas Supreme Court agreed to hear the appeal. The UMC General Conference voted in 2024 to strike down the rules on marriage and ordination after thousands of mostly conservative congregations had left the denomination. Home News Trump floats possible Mayorkas arrest during 'Alligator Alcatraz' tour: 'Beyond incompetence' President Donald Trump floated the possibility of investigating and arresting former Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas during his Tuesday tour of a new migrant detention facility in Florida dubbed "Alligator Alcatraz." Responding to a question about why Mayorkas has yet to be arrested or held accountable for his handling of the southern border under former President Joe Biden, Trump asked if Mayorkas had been preemptively pardoned, like members of the U.S. House Select Committee on Jan. 6. Upon learning Mayorkas received no such pardon, Trump said, Well, Id take a look at that because what he did was its beyond incompetence. Something had to be done. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe Video of Trumps response to my question: pic.twitter.com/rjNBH7hHEJ Julio Rosas (@Julio_Rosas11) July 1, 2025 Trump went on to acknowledge that Mayorkas was acting on the orders of those above him, but noted he believes that is no excuse. I think he was so bad, he said. They were all so bad. Look, [Biden] was the worst president in the history of our country. We've had some bad ones, but he was the worst president. But somebody told Mayorkas to do that, and he followed orders, but that doesnt necessarily hold him harmless. So, take a look at it. Mayorkas was impeached by the U.S. House of Representatives in February 2024 on charges of misleading Congress and failing to enforce the laws, though his impeachment fizzled when the U.S. Senate acquitted him. During his remarks on Tuesday, Trump dismissed the impeachment of Mayorkas as fake. Trumps words about Mayorkas came after he toured "Alligator Alcatraz," the Florida state government's official name for the facility in Ochopee, Florida, which was built over eight days following an emergency order from Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. Protesters, many of whom were environmental or Native American activists, have lined the nearby highway to protest the facilitys construction in recent days, according to The Associated Press. Constructed on the site of a former airport, approximately 37 miles from Miami in the Everglades region, the facility is equipped with 3,000 beds and surrounded by swamps teeming with dangerous reptiles, including alligators and pythons. "I looked outside and that's not a place I want to go hiking anytime soon," Trump said. "We're surrounded by miles of treacherous swampland and the only way out is really deportation." Trump told reporters the facility will house the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens as they await removal from the country. DeSantis, who was with Trump, told reporters that National Guardsmen will be deputized to serve as immigration judges, which will streamline migration hearings to within 48 hours. Trump also reiterated his belief that the Biden administrations policies were destructive. "Nobody can ever forget what this group of people, Biden or whoever it was it probably wasnt even Biden, I dont think he knew what the hell he was doing; a small group of people who surrounded the Resolute Desk what they did to this country, he said. Home Opinion US, Israel bombs failed to take the fight out of Iran regime The thorough drubbing Iran received during the 12-Day War has imparted no humility or penitence to the radical regime. By Wednesday, Iranian lawmakers had reverted to factory settings, chanting Death to America and Death to Israel as they approved a bill suspending cooperation with U.N. nuclear inspectors. This irrational ferocity bears no relationship to the magnitude of Irans defeat, but it does warn that America and Israel have not yet held a final reckoning with Iran. For 20 years, the Iranian regime has quarreled with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), an international body that provides oversight of the nuclear stockpiles of nations without nuclear weapons under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). Their disagreements sharpened over the past year, as the IAEA noticed that Iran had rapidly increased its uranium enrichment, expanding its stockpile by nearly 50% every three months. As of May 31, the Iranian regime had enough enriched uranium for 10 nuclear bombs. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe On June 12, the IAEA officially held Iran in noncompliance with its oversight for the first time. Iran reacted defiantly, revealing that it had secretly built another nuclear enrichment facility and declared its intention to increase its uranium enrichment even further. That night, Israeli airstrikes began. After nine days, Iranian air defenses were non-existent, its retaliatory missile launchers had been severely degraded, and its nuclear weapons program had sustained heavy bombing; American bombers then iced the cake with bunker busters to damage Irans subterranean centrifuges. Throughout all of this, Iran publicly maintains that its nuclear program is entirely peaceful and that it has no intention of building nuclear weapons. But no civilian purpose requires uranium enriched to this level only needed for making bombs. Thus, the Iranian regime misled the IAEA, expanded its enrichment capacity at great cost, and submitted its country to devastating bombing all to obtain enriched uranium with no civilian application. All this was allegedly to defend the principle that Iran has a sovereign right to enrich uranium. But on Wednesday, the Iranian Parliament chanted the quiet part out loud, connecting their mantras, Death to America and Death to Israel, with a bill to suspend cooperation with the IAEA. Which is it? Is their nuclear program peaceful? Or does it bring death to their geopolitical adversaries? Both Israel and President Trump correctly deduced the answer. Of course, the regimes defiance outruns its power. While there is much debate about the degree of [damage] annihilation, total destruction, etc., said IAEA chief Rafael Grossi, everyone agrees that very considerable damage has been caused. Assessments of the destruction wrought by American bunker-busters on Irans Fordo enrichment facility are necessarily incomplete because the evidence lies buried under a mountainside crater, where neither Iran nor anyone else has been able to reach it. Regardless, given the power of these devices and the technical characteristics of a centrifuge, these centrifuges are no longer operational because they are quite precise machines. There must have been significant physical damage, Grossi concluded. Israeli officials concurred, The devastating U.S. strike on Fordow destroyed the sites critical infrastructure and rendered the enrichment facility inoperable. The strikes have set back Irans ability to develop nuclear weapons by many years. Not only are Irans centrifuges damaged and its fission material literally buried under the rubble, but Israel also eliminated Irans nuclear scientists, leaving no one to resume work on the nuclear weapons program, even if they had sustained less physical damage. Thus, with its pursuit of nuclear weapons temporarily stymied, the Iranian regime has fallen back to familiar ground on which it is competent: the repression of the Iranian people. Irans internal crackdown began as soon as the bombs started falling, including street checkpoints and widespread arrests. One human rights group has recorded 705 political or security arrests since the beginning of the war, especially in the Kurdish region in Irans extreme northwest. Iran has charged many of these prisoners with spying for Israel although no one knows how accurate those charges may be and has already carried out several executions. Meanwhile, Iranian regime figures have declared that their nuclear weapons program will continue. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei declared that the Iranian regime is determined to preserve its right to enjoy nuclear energy under any circumstances. This industry is deeply rooted in our country, and they will not be able to uproot it, insisted Irans Atomic Energy Organization spokesman Behrouz Kamalvandi. The upshot seems to be that the U.S. and Israel have taken the Iranian regime out of the fight, but failed to take the fight out of the Iranian regime. This irrational, extremist government will continue to make itself a thorn in Americas side wherever and whenever they have the opportunity. Whether we think Iran has been set back months, or years, or metaphysically forever, said National Review editor Mark Antonio Wright, if the ayatollahs decide to return to working on their clandestine nuclear program, it will require Israel and/or the United States to at some point mow the lawn. The strikes look like they were a success and the world is better off today than it was two weeks ago, thanks to the leadership of Benjamin Netanyahu and Donald Trump, he added. But the problem of the Iranian nuclear program isnt over unless, that is, the Iranians themselves want it to be. The point is, Americans should be clear-eyed about what sort of victory Trump won. He did not turn Iran into a friend or an ally, nor remove them from the totalitarian axis of U.S. adversaries that includes Russia, China, and North Korea. These were not the goals because these goals were far too costly to achieve. But the U.S. and Israel did neutralize Irans military threat, providing years of peace until the regime is able to rebuild; the final reckoning is not over, but it is long delayed. Originally published at The Washington Stand. The digital innovation plans of many businesses are starting to stall, with AI experiments yet to blossom into successful enterprise deployments. CIOs needs to ensure they have a holistic strategy that underpins their AI plans, taking in data, infrastructure, skills and governance. The failure to do so could leave businesses trailing AI-enabled rivals. Global investment in AI is set to more than double in 2025, according to Lenovos CIO Playbook 2025 which is produced in association with IDC. 1 But Foundrys AI Priorities Study shows that 62 % of organisations remain stuck at the pilot or researching stage.2 The next imperative is clear: move beyond isolated pilots to build integrated AI programs that deliver sustained, repeatable value. Many AI pilots succeed in principle but go nowhere in practice. They prove technical feasibility yet fail to connect with day-to-day operations. The causes are familiar: fragmented data environments, infrastructure that isnt built for AI-scale workloads, limited internal expertise, and unresolved questions around governance, compliance, and security. Until these systemic issues are addressed, most AI value will stay locked in pilot mode. Four enterprise shifts that enable AI at scale Scaling AI isnt just a matter of spend. Success depends on structural changes across systems, skills, and strategy. Here are four shifts that release powerful AI potential across the business. Build AI-ready data foundations Most enterprises lack the data backbone needed to scale AI. A recent MIT Technology Review Insight report found that 78 % of organisations dont have robust data foundations, citing data quality, timeliness, and siloed systems as key challenges.3 Without accessible, governed, and cleansed data, models cant scale or maintain trust. Thats why leading companies are now automating data governance, locking in control and reliability as AI adoption spreads. Modernise infrastructure for AI workloads AI workloads demand high-performance compute for training, inference, and real-time decisions. According to the CIO Playbook 2025, 65% of organisations now run AI on hybrid or on-prem infrastructure.4 Hybrid architectures provide the control, compliance, and agility enterprises need to scale effectively. When infrastructure meets AIs demands, execution becomes far more reliable and strategic. Close the AI talent and skills gap Limited in-house expertise remains one of the biggest blockers to achieving AI at scale. Forward-thinking CIOs are investing in upskilling, building cross-functional teams, and bringing in external partners where needed. But tools and talent alone are not enough. Enterprise success depends on strong coordination between IT, data science, and business teams. This alignment turns AI from a technical asset into a powerful strategic capability. Establish enterprise-grade AI governance Governance is now a make-or-break factor in scaling enterprise AI. Yet, just 20% of enterprises have governance policies in place and are enforcing them, according to the CIO Playbook 2025.5 These frameworks must tackle data privacy, model explainability, bias, and operational risk head-on. Strong governance not only ensures compliance, it also builds confidence and unlocks responsible and sustainable growth across the organisation. The path forward for CIOs AI has now moved well beyond proof-of-concept. But achieving impact at scale across the enterprise takes more than experimentation. It demands a coordinated strategy that brings together the right data, infrastructure, skills, and governance. When these foundations are in place, AI delivers more than automation. It drives measurable ROI, sharper resilience, powerful innovation and a long-term competitive edge. But there is no need for CIOs navigating this shift to start from scratch. The CIO Playbook 2025, complete with practical frameworks and strategic guidance, offers detailed support to help leaders successfully achieve the transition from pilot to performance at scale. Read the CIO Playbook 2025 now. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ [1] CIO 2025 Playbook [2] Foundry AI Priorities Study [3] Snowflake in partnership MIT Technology Review, How solid data strategies are fueling generative AI innovation, October 2024 [4] CIO Playbook 2025 [5] Ibid Breakthroughs in HIV/AIDS treatments have enabled most HIV-infected patients with good healthcare to live full lives. This leads many people who live in developed countries to assume that AIDS is under control. Not so. HIV/AIDS is decimating marginalized populations in countries where awareness and healthcare are scarce. According to UNAIDS, in 2023, an estimated 1.3 million people contracted HIV, and 630,000 died from acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) as a result of an HIV infection. Fighting the good fight with the right stuff Always on guard, the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) advocates for AIDS patients and distributes life-saving HIV medicines that prevent transmission. AHF has played a leading role in HIV/AIDs healthcare since it opened a hospice in 1987 to fight for the living and care for the dying. Today, the foundation serves over 2.2 million people in 47 countries worldwide by providing the HIV medicines that save lives. But thats not all. Over the years, AHF has learned that living situations affect access to healthcare and, therefore, controlling AIDS requires a holistic approach, from developing low-income housing to offering pharmaceutical services. AHFs mission is to prioritize people over profit through its AHF Circle of Care. To do so, AHF offers a range of nonprofit servicesmedical care, pharmaceutical, and other support programsall designed to accommodate an HIV patients journey, regardless of their financial status. AHF generates revenue primarily by billing insurance providers for HIV patient medications. And, the more efficiently its finance system runs, the more patients AHF can reach. Accurate data is essential for an effective and equitable global HIV response AHF co-founder and president Michael Weinstein is wary of inaccurate statistics that can create a false sense of progress, weakening political will, funding, and momentum for HIV/AIDs prevention. The foundation relies on accurate data on the spread of HIV to inform financial planning that supports global services from pharmacy distribution to healthcare centers. In order to leverage one set of data across 47 countries, AHF decided to move to the cloud. According to Lyle Honig Mojica, CFO, AHF operates in 47 countries, managing over 250,000 monthly transactions and thousands of bills daily. Having full visibility into our sales cycle and related documentation within one, cloud-based system is crucial. To reflect the realities of all populationsespecially marginalized groupsand ensure an equitable HIV/AIDS response, AHFs cloud-based finance system supports real-time data sharing and analysis. It also helps AHF gauge the effectiveness of advocacy campaigns designed to generate awareness. Data says: provocative campaigns spark controversy and awareness Now AHF runs data-driven advocacy campaigns to get the word out. For example, a provocative billboard campaign in Uganda looking to promote sexual health awareness, asked: Is your spouse cheating? As anticipated, this sparked controversy as well as a community discussion that significantly raised public awareness. AHF repurposes successful campaigns like this for use in other regions by tailoring the messaging to unique cultural and local sensitivities. By analyzing real-time KPI data from ongoing awareness campaignssuch as an increase in new patientsAHF can ensure future campaigns are both effective and appropriate. 47 countries share financial transparency from 1 integrated system 47:1 AHF met its overall objective for a cloud-based finance system that would align operations across regional bureaus worldwide with updated financial management and associated data workflows. AHFs technology partner, Nagarro, played a crucial role in ensuring AHF fully leveraged its new cloud-based ERP solution. As SAP digital architects, Nagarro helped AHF understand the benefits of redesigned business processes provided by SAP S/4HANA Cloud Public Edition before implementation, guiding us to avoid replicating old processes, explains Mojica. They encouraged us to adopt SAP best practices, even when it meant challenging familiar methods. The new system has transformed patient healthcare and advocacy services. Now, data processing is automated with centralized records. And, core finance accounting processes payments in minutes with real-time data access and cost-source transparency to high volumes of pharmaceutical sales transactions. 250K average monthly prescriptions transacted with transparency As a result, AHF can manage the financial data of more than 250,000 monthly transactions across 47 countries with transparency. By integrating all business lines, AHF enhances workflows gaining real-time oversight of processed payments with access to financial datacovering sales, costs, and expenses. Advocating patient care with real-time data, rather than wasting time looking for vital information, empowers our administrators and operational staff to make quicker decisions, says Mojica. To provide transparency into financial transactions, the cloud-based system streamlines data encompassing 12 subsystems, 23 domestic company codes, 65 global entities in group reporting, 938 profit centers, and 166 plants. This enables daily insights into accurate tracking despite cost fluctuations and high, global transaction volumes. Tossing a lifeline to more than 2 million people around the world With HIV and AIDS-related infections continuing to grow at an alarming rate, optimizing processes globally ensures more patients receive critical care sooner. For example, health information processing varies by location, need, application and settings; therefore, sharing patient financial data between systems streamlines AHF administration. With enhanced data sharing, AHF operates more efficiently worldwide to double down on its mission to serve the most vulnerable people by promoting comprehensive HIV/AIDS care worldwide. For their extraordinary accomplishments, AHF was selected as an SAP Innovation Award 2025 winner in the Cloud ERP Champion category. Learn more about the cloud-based deployment from the AHF pitch deck. Watch their World AIDS Day 2024 Global Recap video to see awareness in action. Abonati-va sa primiti pe email saptamanal lista articolelor adaugate pe parcursul saptamanii. Adresele .ru nu sunt acceptate. Email NEWSLETTER ActionAid UK has decided to close most of its accounts with HSBC after investigating the banks environmental impact. Yesterday, the international development charity published a report which claims that HSBCs financing of fossil fuels and industrial agriculture between 2021 and 2023 was linked to an estimated 128bn in climate-related damage. The charity said the findings expose a stark disconnect between HSBCs alleged green promises and its actions, and that while the bank talks sustainability, its investments are fuelling environmental destruction and social harm. In light of the findings and HSBCs recently announced delay to its net-zero target, ActionAid UK will move the majority of its accounts away from the bank after years of raising the alarm over its climate and human-rights record. The charity would not reveal to Civil Society how much money it will move from HSBC, but confirmed that it would transfer its bank accounts and cash deposits to Lloyds Bank. Hannah Bond, co-chief executive at ActionAid UK, said: HSBCs financing of environmentally destructive industries has been well-documented, but this report reveals how deep the harm runs. From Bangladesh to Brazil to Tanzania, billions are still flowing from city boardrooms into industries driving the climate crisis, with huge impacts on human rights. And its the communities we work with, especially women and girls, who are left to carry the burden. HSBCs investments show it is choosing profit over people and planet. Moving our money is not just symbolic; its a vital first step in challenging destructive financial systems and standing firmly by our values. Report findings According to ActionAid UKs report , between 2021 and 2023, HSBC provided 153bn in financial flows to the fossil fuel and industrial agriculture sectors. This includes 142bn in loans and underwriting and 11bn in investments in bonds and shares. As a result of these financial flows, HSBC has generated 357 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent, the report reads. This includes 323 million tons as a result of loans and underwriting and 34 million tons from investments. The societal costs of these emissions are calculated at 128bn in climate damages, equivalent to three times HSBCs accumulated net profit in this period. The report says HSBCs financial flows to companies that operate in the global south are causing or contributing to human rights and environmental harm, including land grabbing, deforestation, displacement of communities and gender-based violence. Even in cases where HSBC is not financing harmful extractive projects directly, HSBC continues to finance companies engaged in harmful extractive activities through corporate financing, thereby indirectly financing their projects and allowing these industries to continue. Net-zero target pushed back by 20 years Earlier this year, HSBC revealed that it had pushed back plans to achieve net zero in its own operations and supply chain by 20 years, extending this target to 2050 . ActionAid UK wrote in its report that this delay shows a deep discord between the need to address the climate crisis with urgency, and the real consequences for communities bearing its effects on a daily basis. The report adds that the banks policies on fossil fuels, industrial agriculture and human rights are insufficient in addressing the climate crisis and the direct impacts of these sectors. It reads: HSBCs policies dont effectively address the extent of its financial flows to the two sectors with the largest contribution to the climate crisis. HSBCs policies also lack the level of safeguarding mechanisms necessary to prevent harming of local communities and provide adequate reporting and response to harm. Civil Society has contacted HSBC for comment. Jacob Lund / Adobe Stock Scottish regulator OSCR has introduced requirements for all charities in the country to submit trustee details as part of their annual returns. From this week, Scottish charities can now submit their trustees information including their name, home and email addresses, telephone number and dates of birth and appointment through the regulators website. The first and last names of charity trustees will be published on OSCRs register from early next year, when the regulator will also begin publishing all annual reports and accounts it receives in full. This contrasts to OSCRs current approach, in which it publishes accounts for certain charities depending on their legal form and income, with personal details redacted. Trustees will be able to apply for an exemption from having their name published only if there is a risk to their personal safety or security. Strengthening OSCRs regulation Katriona Carmichael, OSCRs chief executive, said: This is a positive and important change for Scotlands charity sector. By collecting and publishing charity trustee names, we are strengthening our ability to regulate charities, building greater transparency, and reinforcing public confidence in the work of charities. It supports OSCRs vision of a trusted and respected Scottish charity sector that contributes positively to society. We know that the vast majority of charity trustees act with integrity and commitment, and this new requirement will help shine a light on their vital role. New powers proposed Meanwhile, the Scottish government is consulting on proposals to give OSCR more powers to remove charities from its register. Under the proposals, the regulator will be able to dissolve defaulting and non-responding Scottish charitable incorporated organisations (SCIOs). OSCR will be able to remove SCIOs without the need to apply to the court, if the proposals are introduced. The Scottish government has also proposed to restore the register of dissolved SCIOs for reasons such as allowing claims to be brought against them by creditors or other interested parties. Charities have until 11 September to respond to the consultation . sign up to receive the free Civil Society daily news bulletin here . For more news, interviews, opinion and analysis about charities and the voluntary sector, Sign up for The Media Today, CJRs daily newsletter. Recently, the Pew Research Center published a report attesting to a deeply polarized news landscape, in which trust falls along ideological lines. Democrats are significantly more likely to trust major news organizationsABC, CBS, and NBC among themwhich Republicans tend to view as liberal media machines. A majority of Republicans trust Fox News, which Democrats overwhelmingly see as GOP propaganda. Around the same time, the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism found, in its annual digital news report, that traditional US news media increasingly risks being eclipsed by online personalities and creators. These include the usual suspects of the right-wing podcast and YouTube spheresuch as Joe Rogan, Candace Owens, and former Fox-er Tucker Carlsonas well as characters from the left: Brian Tyler Cohen and David Pakman. Some of the most popular personalities over-index with young men, with right-leaning audiences, and with those that have low levels of trust in mainstream media outlets, Nic Newman, a senior research associate at the Reuters Institute, wrote, seeing them as biased or part of a liberal elite. That is a picture Donald Trump has done much to shade in. But it is not one that only his supporters see. In reality, he has taken advantage of a situation that preceded his political rise. The partisan trust problem is as old as journalism itselfin 1846, the emergence of the Associated Press introduced the ethics of objectivity as an alternative to politically affiliated coverage. That has since revealed its shortcomings and, lately, much of the news marketplace has returned to old habits. A modern history might place the beginning of this shift in the early aughts, with the popular rise of the internet and the invasion of Iraq: legacy outlets cheered for war, while alternative views crept online. The Arab Spring, in 2011, flipped the balance of power to narratives outside the mainstream, as on-the-ground reporting spread on Twitter and Facebook. Then came Black Lives Matter protests, and other stories in which the proliferation of news on social media challenged the coverage of major press organizations. Most recently, in Gaza, Palestinian journalists on the ground have posted livestreams of daily atrocities perpetrated by the Israeli military. Across the political spectrum, consumers of newsobserving factual discrepancies, biases, and power dynamicshave become fueled by skepticism in their search for truth. The press never truly recovered from the moral and professional collapse around the Iraq invasionthat betrayal lingers, Aboubakr Jamai, a journalist and the dean of the Donna Dillon Manning School of Global Affairs in Madrid, told me. Suspicion is on steroids, he said. And as a result, for many people, TikTok and Substacks are the most unfiltered platforms when it comes to Western issues. To Benjamin Moser, a Pulitzer Prizewinning author, frustration with media companies stems in part from audiences growing tired of what he calls the fake objectivity of news outlets. It starts with how you use language and how you respond to language that is deliberately obfuscating something or selling you something you dont want to buy, he said. For his part, I got sick of hate-reading stuff. I got sick of just seeing words like Hamas-run health ministry or the Israel-Hamas war. But among alternative voicesfound on Substacks and social media accounts across the left and rightMoser said he has observed a common sensibility, marked by defiance and an emphasis on transparency. Its indisputable that media right now has a trust problem, Katherine Maher, the CEO of NPR, told CNN at a recent conference. The rise of news influencers indicates that people want a relationship not with an institution but with an individual, she said. We have a historical belief, in media, that the brand name of our organization is enough to convey trust, confidence, integrity. But people right now are really looking for relationships with the reporter. They want to understand why someone is saying what theyre saying. That has been the experience of Mira Kamdarformerly of the New York Times, where she was on the editorial boardwho started a Substack a few months ago, after having lost faith in some of the mainstream outlets for which shes worked. I feel like I dont need to be part of that loudspeaker anymore, she said. She was comfortable writing off the news, to a targeted audience engaged with her voice. I have an international perspective, I have a north-south perspective, and that can be valuable to understanding what is happening to the world right now, she told me. Her aim is to fold in some of the soul-shattering current events we are living through but with my personal experience. For legacy newsrooms, the implications of the trust problem have been complicated. Citing a Gallup polla virtually annual revelation that Americans have a record-low opinion of the pressJeff Bezos, in his capacity as the owner of the Washington Post, declared last fall, Most people believe the media is biased and We must work harder to control what we can control to increase our credibility. His takeaway, conveniently: scrap presidential election endorsements. There have also been more earnest reckonings. In April, at this years White House Correspondents Dinner, Alex Thomspona reporter for Axios and a CNN contributor, who coauthored a recent book on Joe Bidens cognitive declinecalled on the press to own its failure to report critical information. We bear some responsibility for faith in the media being at such lows, he told colleagues. I say this because acknowledging errors builds trust, and being defensive about them further erodes it. As Jamai told me, theres still much work to be done in applying that standard to the latest news: With what is happening in Iran, he said, the first instinct is to be suspicious of the narrative told by legacy media. Sign up for CJRs daily email Moser doesnt think that news organizations grappling with credibility will do much to persuade news consumers. Journalism is in a deep crisis that I dont think its going to emerge from, he said. But the work of reporting remains important. What I think will emerge is individuals, he told me. What youre going to lose is journalism as a package. Sign up for The Media Today, CJRs daily newsletter. Late last night, Paramount, the corporate parent of CBS News, agreed to pay Donald Trump $16 million to settle the presidents lawsuit over the networks editing of a 60 Minutes interview with Kamala Harris during the 2024 election. This agreement comes six months after ABC paid $15 million to Trumps foundation to end his suit over how George Stephanopoulos characterized the presidents sexual assault of E. Jean Carroll. Taken together, these settlements represent a troubling compromise of editorial independence for two of the standard-bearers of American broadcast journalism. There was nothing out of the ordinary about how 60 Minutes edited its interview with Harris, and Stephanopouloss misstatement about the Carroll case was not substantive, making Trumps suits against each network utterly meritless. Nevertheless, both Paramount and ABCs corporate parent, Disney, agreed to pay up, largely out of a short-sighted bid to curry favor with the current administration. Clayton Weimers, the head of Reporters Without Borders, called the Paramount settlement shameful in a statement that continued, A line is being drawn between the owners of American news media who are willing to stand up for press freedom and those who capitulate to the demands of the president. Today, Paramounts leaders chose to be on the wrong side of that dividing line, but theyd be mistaken to believe appeasing Trump today will stop his attacks in the future. Jameel Jaffer, the director of the Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia University, said, Calling these settlements doesnt quite capture whats happening. Its more like surrenderor even payoff. The aim of ABCs settlement seemed to be about paving the way for a smoother relationship with the president during his second term, with an anonymous network executive telling CNNs Brian Stelter that this problem needed to go away. For Paramount, the incentive appears to be financial: the media conglomerate is in the midst of an $8 billion merger with the film studio Skydance that is awaiting approval from the FCC. Last year, the chair of that agency, Brendan Carr, told Fox News that the news distortion complaint over the 60 Minutes transcript is something that is likely to arise in the context of the FCC review of that transaction. This is different from the ABC case in the sense that there is a clearer sort of quid pro quo, says Seth Stern, the director of advocacy at the Freedom of the Press Foundation. Theres this merger that Paramount wants to happen, FCC approval is very much needed, and Trumps FCC chair, Brendan Carr, is an absolute political stooge and bootlicker. And I say that because he wears a golden bust of Donald Trump as a lapel pin. In May, the appearance that the FCC was holding up the Paramount-Skydance merger because of Trumps suit against CBS led senators Ron Wyden, Elizabeth Warren, and Bernie Sanders to send a letter to Paramount CEO Shari Redstone cautioning her that Under the federal bribery statute, it is illegal to corruptly give anything of value to public officials to influence an official act. Paramount did not respond to that letter. After the apparent quid pro quo was made official, Senator Wyden doubled down on Bluesky, writing, Paramount just paid Trump a bribe for merger approval. When Democrats retake power, Ill be first in line calling for federal charges. In the meantime, state prosecutors should make the corporate execs who sold out our democracy answer in court, today. Sign up for CJRs daily email While a prosecutor in Delawarethe state where Paramount is incorporatedis unlikely to pursue such a charge, the company now faces a different legal challenge. The Freedom of the Press Foundation, a shareholder in Paramount, is considering filing a suit against Redstone and the rest of the companys board alleging that they violated their fiduciary duty to the companys shareholders by facilitating an illegal bribe. We feel that the decision that was made to settle this patently unconstitutional lawsuit is an insult to the journalists of CBS, to the journalists of 60 Minutes, and its an invitation to Trump to continue targeting other news outlets, said Brenna Frey, a lawyer representing the Freedom of the Press Foundation. If successful, this suit would force Paramounts directors to pay damages to the company itself, though it faces an uncertain future in a Delaware court system that generally defers to corporate leaders. Ann Lipton, a business law scholar at the University of Colorado, Boulder, described the suit as something of a Hail Mary. Christine Sautter, from Southern Methodist University, agreed that it is definitely an uphill battle. Still, she continued, I think you have to try. If you dont try, you never know. Using this sort of litigation as a means of enforcing journalistic standards on Paramount is only a plausible strategy because of the consolidation of the broadcast news media into a handful of sprawling corporations. With Redstone and the rest of Paramounts board poised to personally earn tens of millions of dollars from the merger with Skydance, the integrity of CBS News was hardly a consideration. I dont think weve seen anything like this in the US, says Jaffer. Some people compare it to the McCarthy era, and I think there are similaritiesespecially in the bullying from official power and the institutional surrender. But McCarthy was just a senator. Now its the president of the United States doing the bullying. ABC and CBS may have allowed themselves to be pushed around, but if the free press is to persevere through the Trump era, the rest of the media must refuse to follow their example. (With additional reporting from Aida Alami.) Global payments processors Visa and Mastercards default multilateral interchange fees which are charged to retailers infringe competition law, a London tribunal ruled on Friday in the latest round of the long-running legal saga. Londons Competition Appeal Tribunal unanimously ruled that Visa and Mastercards multilateral interchange fees breach European competition law, in a ruling in linked lawsuits brought by hundreds of merchants. David Scott, global managing partner of law firm Scott+Scott, which represented the claimants, said the ruling was a significant win for all merchants who have been paying excessive interchange fees to Visa and Mastercard. Both Visa and Mastercard said they disagreed with the decision and intended to seek permission to appeal. A Visa spokesperson said: Visa continues to believe that interchange is a critical component to maintaining a secure digital payments ecosystem that benefits all parties, including consumers, merchants and banks. Mastercard strongly disagrees with todays decision, which is deeply flawed, and will seek permission to appeal, a Mastercard spokesperson said in a statement. Litigation over multilateral interchange fees, which are levied on retailers when cardholders make a transaction, has rumbled on for well over a decade in Britain and elsewhere. Scott+Scott said Fridays ruling was the first time that Visa and Mastercards commercial card and inter-regional multilateral interchange fees had been found to infringe competition law. The liability trial which led to Fridays ruling took place in early 2024. A ruling following a further trial to determine whether any alleged overcharge was passed on by retailers to customers is pending. (Reporting by Tobin; Editing by Emelia Sithole-Matarise) Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said he plans to make substantial changes to a federal program that compensates people who have serious side effects from vaccines and protects manufacturers from being sued. We just brought a guy in this week who is going to be revolutionizing the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, Kennedy said in an interview posted Monday evening with former Fox News star Tucker Carlson. Kennedy, the nations top health leader as the secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, didnt offer details on the changes or the person who will be spearheading them. An HHS spokesman declined to offer more details on Kennedys comments. Congress created the program nearly four decades ago after a wave of lawsuits against vaccine manufacturers caused some to drop out of the business. The program, which has a three-year statute of limitations, shields companies from most lawsuits and includes a fund that pays people who experience a serious reaction to a covered vaccine. People who claim they were harmed by Covid shots arent eligible to file for compensation through the VICP. Instead they can file a claim with a different program, called the Countermeasures Injury Compensation Program, which was designed for public health threats. It has more limited payouts and stricter standards, including a one-year statute of limitations. The government is looking at ways to expand the VICP program so Covid vaccine-injured people can be compensated, Kennedy said, without explaining how the administration plans to institute the changes that are normally overseen by Congress. He also said the Trump administration wants to lengthen the three-year statue of limitations. A lot of people dont discover their injuries until after that, he said. Paul Offit, director of the Vaccine Education Center at Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia, said he is worried that Kennedy may make it easier to bring bogus lawsuits to civil court claiming vaccine injuries, forcing vaccine companies to exit the business. Last month, the online publication NOTUS reported that HHS paid $150,000 to retain Arizona law firm Brueckner Spitler Shelts for its expertise on the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. One of the firms partners, Drew Downing, is described as one of the preeminent litigation attorneys in federal claims court for vaccine injuries on his firms site. Copyright 2025 Bloomberg. Personal information about Columbia University students and applicantsincluding whether they were accepted or rejected by the schoolhas been stolen, according to a Bloomberg News review of data provided by a person who claimed to have hacked the school in June. The 1.6-gigabyte volume of data provided to Bloomberg represents 2.5 million applications dating back decades, according to the alleged hacker. It includes students and applicants university-issued identification numbers, citizenship status, decisions on their applications, the academic programs to which they applied, among other things. Bloomberg confirmed the accuracy of the data for eight Columbia students and alumni who applied to Columbia between 2019 and 2024. A Columbia official said initial indications show that data was stolen, though the school hasnt yet determined the scope of the theft. Doing so could take weeks to months, the official said, adding that the university will then determine who needs to be notified. The university recovered most of its systems quickly and engaged the cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike Holdings Inc., the official said. Initial indications are that the perpetrator is a hacktivist, meaning the person is trying to make a statement rather than seek financial gain. CrowdStrike has described the attacker as highly sophisticated and very targeted in the theft of documents breaking in and stealing student data with the apparent goal of furthering their political agenda, the official said. The leak of the data could prove problematic for Columbia if it fuels concerns about diversity in admissions. The school is trying to negotiate a settlement with the Trump administration to unfreeze $400 million of federal funding for research. The White House earlier this year blocked money to the school, accusing it of fostering antisemitism. The administration has since broadened its attack on the Ivy League to include diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. The alleged hacker, speaking via text and claiming to work alone, said they sought to acquire information about university applications that would suggest a continuation of affirmative action policies in Columbias admissions, following a 2023 Supreme Court decision that effectively barred the practice. The Columbia official said the schools admissions processes are compliant with the Supreme Court decision. The alleged hacker declined to provide their name, saying they didnt want to go to prison. The records provided to Bloomberg, the person said, are part of approximately 460 gigabytes of extracted data detailing financial aid packages, employee pay and at least 1.8 million Social Security numbers belonging to employees, applicants, students and their family members. The person told Bloomberg News they acquired the data after more than two months of building up access within Columbias servers. Ultimately, they said they attained the most privileged access to the universitys data. The data Bloomberg received didnt include names, Social Security numbers or birth dates. Bloomberg cross-checked the data with eight current and former students who submitted 12 applications to Columbia between 2019 and 2024. The eight Columbia students and alumni told Bloomberg the data matched their university-issued ID code, gender, citizenship status, admissions decision, the academic programs to which they applied and their decisions on whether to matriculate. Six of the eight people applied to Columbia undergraduate programs, and in those instances, they said the data also matched the three academic interests stated in their applications in the exact order. Bloomberg wasnt able to verify all of the data. On June 24, Columbia experienced a systemwide outage in which students and employees couldnt log into their university emails or other digital services. By June 29, systems had returned to working order, the school said. The person claiming to have hacked Columbia also took responsibility for previously disclosed cybersecurity incidents at the University of Minnesota and New York University. The University of Minnesota said on its website that it believes someone gained unauthorized access to a school database in 2021. New York University disclosed earlier this year that a hacker gained access to some of its IT systems and that it had notified individuals whose Social Security numbers were contained in the affected files. The University of Minnesota told Bloomberg on Monday that it is looking into the alleged hackers claim of being responsible. NYU didnt respond to questions about the hacker. Copyright 2025 Bloomberg. A sign on a pedestrian walkway connecting University of Akron buildings on Friday, Oct. 11, 2024. Gov. Mike DeWine line-item vetoed a provision in the state budget that would have allowed legislators to withhold funding to colleges that don't comply with SB 1. Laura Hancock/cleveland.com COLUMBUS, Ohio -Gov. Mike DeWine vetoed a provision in Ohios new state budget that would have made a portion of public college funding contingent on whether lawmakers believed the school complied with Senate Bill 1. SB 1 is the controversial law, which went into effect Friday, that targets liberal indoctrination at Ohios public universities and colleges. SB 1 has drawn criticism from faculty and student groups for its mandates on curriculum content, post-tenure reviews, restrictions on faculty unions and bans on diversity and inclusion programming. Republicans who have a supermajority in the legislature believe academia has become too liberal and conservative voices are censored. The vetoed language would have required the higher education committees in both the Ohio House and Senate to determine whether each state college and university had complied with SB1 before releasing a portion of $75 million in State Share of Instruction (SSI) funding in the 2026-2027 academic year. In his veto message, DeWine said the provision violated the Ohio Constitutions separation of powers by assigning the legislature a role in executing the budget a responsibility reserved for the executive branch. This intrudes upon the constitutional authority of the executive branch to distribute funds that have been appropriated through this budget bill, DeWine said in his message. The Ohio Department of Higher Education is well positioned to determine compliance with Senate Bill 1 and to disburse funds in accordance with this section. Furthermore, DeWine said that the budget provision lacks a process to resolve disagreements between the two legislative committees. SB 1s sponsor state Sen. Jerry Cirino, said during an April 17 appearance at the City Club of Cleveland, that he wanted to tie university funding to compliance of the law. Cirino, a Lake County Republican, was able to influence the budget-making process as chair of the Ohio Senate Finance Committee. Im disappointed, he said. I would like to have had it, but I think the universities, to their credit, are making a lot of progress in complying so thats not the end of the world. Anna Staver contributed to this report. Generative AI contributed to the writing of this article. Crew members on a Disney cruise ship rescued a 5-year-old girl and her father after they went overboard near the Bahamas on Sunday morning. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson) AP FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. Authorities in Florida are investigating how a 5-year-old girl and her father fell overboard from a Disney cruise ship during a voyage in the Bahamas. The Broward County Sheriffs Office told People Magazine the incident happened late Sunday morning as the Disney Dream was sailing between Nassau and Castaway Cay, the companys private island. According to officials, the 5-year-old child fell from the ships fourth deck around 11:15 a.m. Her father jumped in after her, prompting the crew to issue a man overboard alert. Crew members deployed life rings and launched a rescue boat. The girl and her father were pulled from the water and back aboard the ship by 11:47 a.m., authorities said. Neither was seriously injured. This is every parents worst nightmare, said long-time Plain Dealer Travel editor Susan Glaser, who last took her two daughters on a Disney cruise a decade ago, when they were 10 and 12. I assume investigators will figure out how this happened, said Glaser, who noted that cruise-ship railings are high enough to make accidental overboard incidents exceedingly rare. According to Cruise Lines International Association figures, an estimated 19 passengers go overboard per year, out of millions of cruisers. And many of those incidents involve passengers who have had too much to drink or are in prohibited areas. Witnesses described hearing a scream and seeing crew members respond within minutes. This family is so blessed, the representative said. Its great to be able to respond to good news rather than what could have been a tragic outcome. Disney Cruise Line praised the crew for their quick response and said passenger safety is its top priority. Jet skiers pass the Disney Cruise Line ships "Fantasy," left, and "Dream" on the horizon as they sit stationary off of Cocoa Beach, Fla., in this view from Lori Wilson Park, March 24, 2021. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel via AP) AP The Crew aboard the Disney Dream swiftly rescued two guests from the water, Disney Cruise Line said. We commend our crew members for their exceptional skills and prompt actions, which ensured the safe return of both guests to the ship within minutes. Detectives are continuing to gather information about how the incident occurred, but officials said initial findings did not indicate anything suspicious. I didnt think theyd find them, a witness told People. I had to tell my own 9-year-old daughter Harper they were probably gone [because] they usually cant find people who fall. The Disney Dream had departed from Port Canaveral, Florida, for a four-night cruise to the Bahamas. U.S. halts military aid to Ukraine amid concerns about low U.S. stockpiles Xinhua) 13:22, July 02, 2025 HOUSTON, July 1 (Xinhua) -- The Trump administration has halted part of military aid to Ukraine following a review of U.S. own stockpiles, the White House and Pentagon confirmed on Tuesday. "This decision was made to put America's interests first following a review of our nation's military support and assistance to other countries across the globe," White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said in a statement. The move came amid concerns about U.S. military stockpiles falling too low, multiple U.S. media outlets reported, citing informative sources. Last month U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth issued a memo ordering a review of the U.S. stockpile of munitions, in the aftermath of three years of aid to Ukraine, recent strikes on Yemen's Houthi group and Iran. The review determined that stocks were too low on some weapons previously pledged, according to media reports. Elbridge Colby, the Defense Department undersecretary for policy, said the Pentagon will continue "to provide the president with robust options to continue military aid to Ukraine, consistent with his goal of bringing this tragic war to an end." "At the same time, the department is rigorously examining and adapting its approach to achieving this objective while also preserving U.S. forces' readiness for Administration defense priorities," Colby said in a statement. After meeting with Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky during the NATO summit at The Hague last week, U.S. President Donald Trump told reporters that Ukraine is eager to get the Patriot air defense missiles from the United States. "They do want to have the anti-missile missiles, OK, as they call them, the Patriots," Trump said then. "And we're going to see if we can make some available. We need them, too." "We're supplying them to Israel, and they're very effective, 100 percent effective. Hard to believe how effective. They do want that more than any other thing," he said. Some analysts suggest it is a signal that the Trump administration may further reduce aid to Ukraine. Hegseth skipped a meeting last month of an international group to coordinate military aid to Ukraine. It is the first time the U.S. defense secretary was not in attendance. The United States has provided Ukraine with more than 66 billion U.S. dollars worth of weapons and military assistance since the Russia-Ukraine conflict broke out in February 2022, according to an AP report. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) With the Ohio Legislature repeatedly refusing to budge on any of Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne's requests about a new Browns stadium, Ronayne is refusing to compromise, either. Is he making a mistake that will prove costly to taxpayers? Kaitlin Durbin, cleveland.com The issue: Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronaynes refusal to embrace a new state budget provision that would allow Cuyahoga County to double its sin tax collections to approximately $25 million annually for sports venue maintenance. The Today in Ohio debate: Is Ronayne being childish or principled. The EU and US flags flutter next to the military hub for Ukraine, in Jasionka, south-east Poland on March 6, 2025. The clock is ticking in trade talks between Washington and the European Union, with European officials now saying their best hope is striking a "political" deal before a key July 9 deadline, three sources told CNBC. Concrete details of such a trade arrangement would have to be worked out at a later time. "The U.S. proposal from last week is aimed at an agreement in principle," one EU official, who did not want to be named due to the sensitivity of the talks, told CNBC, adding that this agreement in principle would then "be negotiated out into a proper trade agreement at a later stage." Previously close allies, the U.S. and EU have had a fractious relationship amid disagreements over trade and support for embattled Ukraine in the months since the start of U.S. President Donald Trump's second term. Tensions escalated in early April, when White House announced a spate of reciprocal tariffs against most global trade partners, including a 20% levy on the EU. All such duties have been temporarily reduced until July 9 to facilitate talks. The U.S. sent a new proposal to the EU's negotiating team last week. European negotiators are having face-to-face talks with their American counterparts later this week with the view to get a deal done in the coming days. Total bilateral trade in goods between the EU and the U.S. accounted for 851 billion euros ($1 trillion) in 2023, according to figures from the European Commission. European officials expect a new update on the negotiations Friday, but the situation is fluid. On Monday, European ambassadors had conversations about the state of play in the trade negotiations. Lithuania's Minister of Finance Rimantas Sadzius told CNBC on Wednesday that he is "slightly optimistic" there will be a trade compromise between both sided of the Atlantic. Despite this, sources told CNBC that, despite efforts to reach a trade compromise, the EU is preparing for any possible outcomes, including the return of reciprocal tariffs. "The general sense is that in the coming days and weeks, all outcomes, ranging from a successful deal on a framework agreement all the way to higher US tariffs with additional sectors, are still possible," the same EU official told CNBC. Amazon announced Monday its millionth worker robot, and said its entire fleet will be powered by a newly launched generative artificial intelligence model. The move comes at a time when more tech companies are cutting jobs and warning of automation. The million robot milestone which joins Amazon's global network of more than 300 facilities strengthens the company's position as the world's largest manufacturer and operator of mobile robotics, Scott Dresser, vice president of Amazon Robotics, said in a press release. Meanwhile, Dresser said that its new "DeepFleet" AI model will coordinate the movement of its robots within its fulfillment centers, reducing the travel time of the fleet by 10% and enabling faster and more cost-effective package deliveries. Amazon began deploying robots in its facilities in 2012 to move inventory shelves across warehouse floors, according to Dresser. Since then, their roles in factories have grown tremendously, ranging from those able to lift up to 1,250 pounds of inventory to fully autonomous robots that navigate factories with carts of customer orders. Meanwhile, AI-powered humanoid robots designed to mimic human movement and shape could be deployed this year at factories owned by Tesla . In this article AZN-GB Follow your favorite stocks CREATE FREE ACCOUNT AstraZeneca CEO Pascal Soriot, pictured in London on June 28, 2023, reportedly wants to move the company's stock listing from London to the United States. Justin Tallis | Afp | Getty Images Pressure is piling on London's stock exchange, with reports that British pharma giant AstraZeneca may move its listing to the U.S. delivering yet another blow this week. CEO Pascal Soriot is considering moving the company's stock listing from London to the U.S., British newspaper The Times reported on Tuesday afternoon, citing anonymous sources. Soriot's frustrations with the U.K.'s regulatory environment particularly rules around new medicine approvals and drug pricing systems are said to be driving the move. AstraZeneca declined to comment on the Times report. The company's exit from the U.K. market would spark a major index re-weighting, given AstraZeneca is the most valuable business listed on London's FTSE 100. AstraZeneca's market cap was 161.2 billion ($221.1 billion) as of Tuesday's closing price, according to LSEG data. AstraZeneca's potential transatlantic move would add to concerns around London's weakening status as a global financial hub. A number of companies have delisted from the London market or reconsidered plans to float shares in the city over the past year. Toni Meadows, head of investment at London's BRI Wealth Management, labeled AstraZeneca's rumored listing considerations as "disappointing" for the U.K. equity market but he conceded that "it is not surprising" given that it would form the latest development in a wider established trend. Earlier this year, reports emerged that Chinese fast fashion giant Shein was looking to list in Hong Kong instead of London, when it goes public. Last week, news agency Reuters reported that the company was planning to file confidentially for a Hong Kong IPO. Metals investor Cobalt Holdings, meanwhile, confirmed to CNBC last month that it had scrapped plans for a London IPO, while British fintech giant Wise announced in June that it was moving its primary listing from London to New York. Kristo Kaarmann, Wise's CEO and co-founder, said in a statement at the time that the move would help raise awareness of the company in the U.S., while giving the firm better access to "the world's deepest and most liquid capital market." Subscribe now Get Ian King's insights on U.K. business and the City of London directly in your inbox. Companies listed in London have historically had much lower valuations than their Wall Street counterparts. Research from British investment manager Rathbones last year showed that the forward price-to-earnings ratio for U.K. stocks was 32% lower than those listed in the U.S. on a like-for-like basis. On the flipside, the Financial Times reported last week that Norwegian software giant Visma had chosen London for its upcoming debut on the public market. "Large and important companies like AstraZeneca are seeking a valuation uplift from exposure to a wider investor base and they will get that from moving to a US listing," BRI's Meadows told CNBC via email on Wednesday. "The trend to move listing, or the stream of takeovers for UK listed stocks, highlights value in the UK equity market, but it does nothing to encourage a new supply of companies listing here to support the future standing of the index in a Global context," Meadows added. 'The UK is losing its edge' Claire Trachet, founder of M&A advisory Trachet, said AstraZeneca shifting its listing to New York would represent "a memorable loss" for the London Stock Exchange. "Given the complexity of the company, this isn't simply because of liquidity or valuation advantages often cited by departing firms, rather a trifecta of underperforming capital markets, regulatory constraints, and misaligned incentives that make it harder to scale and reward innovation at home," she told CNBC by email. Trachet added that London-listed companies with a combined value in excess of $100 billion had already made the move to New York in recent years and AstraZeneca's departure alone would more than double that figure. "The potential move makes it painfully clear to global markets that the UK is losing its edge on the needs of world-class, scale-driven companies," she said. "This isn't an isolated story and that's the biggest issue. It's part of a broader shift, where founders and boards are increasingly looking to the US for deeper capital, stronger support, and a more ambitious investor base." Tom Bacon, a London-based partner at global law firm BCLP which has a division dedicated to M&A and corporate finance labeled reports of AstraZeneca's Soriot's desire to shift away from London "very worrying." "I think this should sound the alarm for the UK government that they need to do more both to support the city and our stock market together with our critical industries like life sciences and pharmaceuticals," he said. Listing change 'won't be an easy move to pull off' Dan Coatsworth, investment analyst at AJ Bell, on Wednesday said that AstraZeneca's reported plans appeared to be driven by business needs rather than chasing a higher valuation but he added that moving the company's listing across the Atlantic "won't be an easy move to pull off." "Unlike many other UK market 'defectors' with a dominant US shareholder base like CRH and Flutter, AstraZeneca has a more geographically diverse pool of investors," he explained in an email. However, Coatsworth noted that AstraZeneca generates around 42% of its sales from the U.S., and already has plans to increase its operational footprint in the country. Earlier this year, CEO Soriot told CNBC AstraZeneca was "very committed to the United States," where the company has two large research and development centers. watch now The "ChatGPT moment" for autonomous vehicles has finally arrived, according to Bank of America, which sees a trillion-dollar market for the space. The firm detailed a list of stocks to invest in the theme. In a Tuesday report, Bank of America identified more than 200 operational autonomous vehicle projects globally. Fully commercial robotaxis are running in seven cities including Waymo in Austin , San Francisco and Los Angeles, and Baidu's Apollo Go in Wuhan, China and 20 more are in progress, according to the firm. "Autonomous vehicles (AVs) are having their ChatGPT moment and are no longer a moonshot," strategist Martyn Briggs said in a note to clients. "The main 'drivers' are breakthroughs in [artificial intelligence] and compute, as well as falling sensor costs, enabling rapid commercial deployment," he said. "On top come an increasingly favourable regulatory backdrop and a US-China 'car race.'" Briggs estimated that cars represent the largest addressable robotaxi market, worth $700 billion by 2040. However, the total market rises to $1.2 trillion by the same year when accounting for trucks, freight, logistics, public transport and agriculture. Stocks behind the brains and bodies of AVs Several companies including rideshare platforms, original equipment makers, software developers, semiconductor companies and sensor makers stand to benefit from the boom in autonomous vehicles. Bank of America mentioned nearly 20 beneficiaries, including Caterpillar , Uber , Amazon , Nvidia , Aptiv , Baidu and Mobileye , of the trend as commercial deployments ramp up. Nvidia is a name that's been top-of-mind for investors when it comes to AI. The company is forging a new growth runway in autonomous technology, and could be a huge player in software development for OEMs. Analyst Vivek Arya highlighted Nvidia's three-computer solution for AVs: Nvidia DGX for AI model training, its DRIVE AGX complete autonomous driving platform, and Omniverse and Cosmos platforms for physical AI applications. He rates the chip giant a buy. "Nvidia (NVDA) is a pioneer in the accelerated compute space who stands to benefit from AV adoption," Arya said. "As the automotive industry shifts towards electrification and automation, we expect the need for compute power and AI training models on the car presents an incremental opportunity for Nvidia in AVs." Arya's $180 price target on Nvidia suggests upside of 17% from Tuesday's close. Shares are up about 17% in 2025. NVDA 1Y mountain Nvidia stock performance over the past year. Caterpillar is a little-known play on autonomous tech. The company began with offering truck applications for autonomy, but now provides several solutions for mining automation such as drills, haulers, and underground equipment, Bank of America said. The firm rates the stock a buy, but its price target suggests shares could slip 1.5% from Tuesday's close. Caterpillar is up 9% in 2025. According to analyst Michael Feniger, the company's "formula for success in autonomy" includes its scalable platform on autonomous fleets, as well as its ability to retrofit equipment and fulfill demand for new trucks. Feniger added that Caterpillar receives revenue from its autonomous business through its hardware applications (radar and sensors) and software fees at implementation. "Autonomous implementation likely means fewer trucks operating at higher utilization driving greater parts and service opportunity," he said. Rideshare company Uber is set to benefit from its partnerships with more AV companies, according to Bank of America. "The value of Uber's capability as an AV network partner, fleet operator, and demand generation service for AV providers is supported by a growing number of AV partners (now with 18 partners across AV industry globally, including Waymo in the US)," analyst Justin Post said. "We think over 50% of Uber's value is from mobility, and AV execution will be a key driver for the stock." He rates Uber as a buy. The firm's price target of $97 calls for more than 5% upside from Tuesday's close. Shares of Uber have rallied 52% year to date. Employees at a coal mine in China's Shaanxi province sit in an office to use digital systems for mining work, according to a photo taken on April 26, 2023, during a media tour organized by Chinese telecoms giant Huawei. Wang Zhao | Afp | Getty Images This report is from this week's CNBC's The China Connection newsletter, which brings you insights and analysis on what's driving the world's second-largest economy. Each week, we'll explore the biggest business stories in China, give a lowdown on market moves and help you set up for the week ahead. Like what you see? You can subscribe here. The big story Life in China these days is a story of stark contrasts. If in one conversation, my counterparts are wringing their hands over a sluggish economy, the next reveals how quickly artificial intelligence is revamping industries. Case in point: Chinese smartphone company Honor told CNBC its newest foldable set for release Wednesday will be the thinnest phone on the market to date at just 8.8 millimeters when folded undercutting even the rumored thickness for Samsung's forthcoming foldable thanks largely to its AI manufacturing tools. Honor said it found the optimal combination of slimness and strength by using its "1-billion parameter AI industrial model" to simulate more than 125,000 options for device assembly. The company said AI-powered 3D scanning allowed it to achieve precision control of 0.003 millimeters, or about 1/20th of a human hair. In all, that's a 1.1-millimeter slice off its first foldable launched in July 2023, when Honor made waves in the smartphone market with a device that folded up to be nearly as thin as an iPhone. But it was also two summers ago when I recall that much of the post-Covid economic excitement was fading in China. Conversations shifted from celebrating the end of lockdowns to bemoaning lackluster consumption. The pessimism also created a domestic market challenge for Honor's foldables, which typically start at the equivalent of over $1,000 each. A pivotal phase Looking back, Honor is not the only major Chinese company to have made strides over the last two years. Chinese smartphone company Xiaomi has launched two electric cars to directly compete with Tesla. DeepSeek was officially registered as a company in July 2023, according to records, before launching its breakthrough AI model in January this year. AI's pervasiveness has also started to penetrate the "less flashy" parts of China's economy. In July 2023, Huawei launched a dedicated AI model for commercial mining with mining company Yunding Technology and state-owned Shandong Energy Group. The model, based on its foundational "Pangu" model, allowed workers to operate mine equipment remotely from an office and develop other tech solutions more quickly. Fast-forward to 2025, and the AI tech has been integrated in more than 100 mines, according to Huawei's annual report released in March. In May, the company's client in Inner Mongolia launched 100 self-driving electric trucks for a local coal mine. Huawei last month revealed a new, 5.5 version of its Pangu foundation model, and on Monday, released an open source version for developers. Foreign companies are also spurring technological innovation on the mainland, such as German industrial giant Siemens. Out of 18 AI-integration related products Siemens just launched, 16 were developed in China in just nine months, Peter Koerte, the company's chief technology officer and chief strategy officer, said last week during the World Economic Forum conference in Tianjin. He described applications such as AI-powered energy savings systems for buildings. These technological breakthroughs are the result of years or months of painstaking development, but it's only more recently that businesses are reaping the rewards. "AI is transforming from isolated technological innovation into something that is core or embedded in the whole business process," Janet Tang, Hong Kong-based partner and managing director at AlixPartners, told me last week on the sidelines of the conference in Tianjin. She stated that the significant integration of AI with business operations began roughly 12 months ago, following extensive trial and error over the past few years. Economic impact While China's biggest cities are yet to see a return to the pre-Covid boom days, there are signs that the rapid urban growth has instead spread to smaller cities and even rural areas. Malipo, a Yunnan county once so poor it has received targeted assistance from the foreign ministry, started revamping its "Tianbao" land trading port on the border with Vietnam in 2023. The county even courted Hong Kong's Sunwah Group to invest 50 million yuan to open a tea processing plant in the same year. The port has since seen a surge in durian trade, while plans are underway to open a tourist attraction with Sunwah in the county, allowing visitors to see tea trees that county head Xiao Changju claims are several hundred years old. She was speaking to reporters during a state-organized trip to the region in May. Augmented reality glasses startup Xreal invested in its own factory in the southeastern "tier 2" city of Wuxi and earlier this year announced a new glasses product running Google's XR operating system. The company is also moving its headquarters from Beijing to Shanghai this summer to be closer to its specialized factories in Wuxi that make optical parts and other components, CEO and founder Chi Xu told me on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum's event in Tianjin last week. Xu hopes that his products can reach consumers by the end of this year, while noting the U.S. remains the top market for Xreal. "I'm always impressed by the level of energy, hardworking and openness of the enterprises here in China," AlixPartners' Tang said. Despite protectionism or other challenges, "everyone is still so motivated, so eager to learn new things and to connect with the rest of the world." Top TV picks on CNBC watch now Grant Pan, Group CFO of Noah Holdings, said that investors are looking to diversify their assets away from just the U.S. and China markets. watch now Tolga Oncu, COO of Ingka Group, which manages IKEA, discussed the competition and opportunities he sees in China, especially in the 'silver' economy. watch now Aditi Rasquinha, CEO of DHL Global Forwarding Greater China, stated that the region's export growth has remained resilient despite a slowdown in U.S.-China trade. Need to know In the markets Stock Chart Icon Stock chart icon The performance of the Shanghai Composite over the past year. Mainland China and Hong Kong stocks inched higher amid mixed trading in the region, as investors digested the latest comments from U.S. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. The CSI 300 index, which tracks the top 300 stocks traded on the Shanghai Stock Exchange and the Shenzhen Stock Exchange, closed flat at 3,943.68, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index which includes major Chinese companies gained 0.62%. The mainland benchmark is up 0.22% year to date, data from LSEG showed. Lee Ying Shan Coming up Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra watches Ice Hockey - Men's Preliminary Round - Group A match between China and Thailand on day 1 of the 9th Asian Winter Games Harbin 2025 at Harbin Ice Hockey Arena on February 7, 2025 in Harbin, Heilongjiang Province of China. It was a Thai court decision last year that swept Paetongtarn Shinawatra into the prime minister's office and now, once again, the fate of the 38-year-old novice politician lies in the hands of the judiciary. The Constitutional Court suspended Paetongtarn - Thailand's youngest prime minister - from office on Tuesday, pending a case that seeks her dismissal over a controversial phone call last month with former Cambodian leader Hun Sen. "I want to apologize to people who are upset by all of this," Paetongtarn told reporters on the steps of Government House in Bangkok, where she only took office last August after the shock dismissal of her predecessor by a court order. "I will continue to work for the country as a Thai citizen," she said, "I don't have any bad intentions." The suspension order capped two tumultuous weeks in Thai politics, triggered by the leak of the call between Hun Sen and Paetongtarn, in which she appears to pander to the Cambodian strongman and then denigrate a Thai military commander. Criticism of the military, which holds an outsized influence over domestic affairs, including politics, crossed a red line for many in Thailand and instantly drew a backlash, particularly from the conservative-royalist camp. The June 15 leak, and the subsequently release of the entire call by Hun Sen, came at a delicate time for Paetongtarn and her ruling Pheu Thai party, already struggling with a floundering economy and a shaky coalition as well as a festering border dispute with Cambodia. Although Paetongtarn apologised for the call and described its contents as a negotiation tactic, a major coalition partner, the Bhumjaithai party, walked out of the government just hours after the leak, leaving her alliance's parliamentary majority hanging by a thread. Still, Paetongtarn - the daughter of Thailand's influential but divisive former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra - dug in, and managed to hold together the remainder of her coalition. "The country must move forward," she said on June 22. "Thailand must unite and push policies to solve problems for the people." By then, a group of 36 senators had already submitted a petition to the Constitutional Court seeking the premier's dismissal. The judicial push coincided with growing public discontent against the prime minister, which culminated in a massive anti-government rally on Saturday. Several thousand people gathered in the heart of the Thai capital, braving intensive monsoon rains, to rally for hours. "Ung Ing, get out," they chanted occasionally in unison, calling the prime minister by a nickname. In an opinion poll released on Sunday, Paetongtarn's approval stood at 9.2% in June, sharply down from 30.9% in March. 'DADDY'S GIRL' The youngest of Thaksin's three children, Paetongtarn has spent much of her life in the shadow of the father's political career, which began in 1994 and led to him becoming prime minister in 2001. Thaksin was ousted in a coup five years later, but went on to push his younger sister, Yingluck into the premiership in 2011. But she was forced out of office by a court ruling. The decades-long power struggle between Thailand's conservative-royalist camp and the Shinawatra clan featured in Paetongtarn's campaign to help her family win back power in the 2023 general election, where Pheu Thai only came second. After the election-winning Move Forward party was blocked by military-appointed lawmakers from taking power, Pheu Thai engineered a parliamentary majority to form a government led initially by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. It was Srettha's dismissal last August that allowed Paetongtarn to take his place - although she had never held any government position before becoming prime minister. Educated at Chulalongkorn University and Britain's University of Surrey, she was primarily involved in the Shinawatra family businesses. Much of her 10-month premiership has also been overshadowed by the looming presence of Thaksin, who returned to Thailand in 2023 after over a decade-and-a-half in self-exile to avoid a prison term - and now potentially again faces jail time. For Paetongtarn, however, that appeared to be of little concern. "I'm a daddy's girl," she told parliament in March, referring to Thaksin. "I am like that completely. I am a daddy's girl, 100%." Germany's defense sector is growing as increasing geopolitical tensions have led to a surge in orders. The value of German military exports hit 13.2 billion euros ($15.5 billion) last year, according to preliminary figures more than double 2020's 5.82 billion euros . Defense stocks in the country have skyrocketed over the past year as the government passed a historic fiscal package expected to boost defense and infrastructure spending even further. Shares of Germany's largest defense company Rheinmetall , for instance, are up more than 260% over the last 12 months, while Hensoldt's are 168% higher. RHMB-FF .GDAXI 1Y mountain Rheinmetall vs. Dax So, where exactly are the record orders going? Country breakdown According to the German government's most recent export log , 80% of arms exports were to "close partner countries" during the first quarter of 2025. These include nations within the EU and beyond, including Japan, Switzerland, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Singapore and Ukraine. The remaining 20% of exports were to "other third countries." Germany's Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs does not name these, but told CNBC that Qatar and Israel are major players in this category. Think tank SIPRI notes that between 2020-2024, Germany was the world's fifth-largest exporter of major arms. Its three largest markets over the period were Ukraine (19%), Egypt (19%) and Israel (11%). SIPRI also reveals the types of major arms sold by German companies: over the past five years, 41% were ships, followed by armoured vehicles at 16%, missiles at 11%, and engines at 9.5%. Here's a look at some of Germany's biggest defense companies by market cap and where their exports go. Rheinmetall Rheinmetall, which specializes in weapons, ammunition and armored vehicles, is Germany's largest defense company and is deeply embedded in the European defense system. According to the company's 2024 annual report , just over a third of its sales were domestic, with the rest of Europe accounting for 46.6%, Asia and the Middle East accounting for 9.6% of sales, the Americas 7.7%, and other regions ("above all Australia") 5.8%. MTU Aero Engines MTU Aero Engines , which creates engines for civil and military aircraft, saw a more-than 13% jump in revenue in its military division in 2024. A main source of sales was EJ200 engines that power the Eurofighter Jet, used by European, Kuwaiti, Omani, and Saudi air forces . In a geographical breakdown of MTU's 2024 revenues, which include civil and military, North America accounted for 70% of sales. In second place was Germany, then Asia and the rest of Europe. MTU's military business is mostly focused on Germany and Europe, a company spokesperson told CNBC. Hensoldt Hensoldt went public in 2020 after spinning off from Airbus. A specialist in electronic defense and sensor technology, the CEO said in his annual shareholder letter that the company continues to see strong demand amid the war in Ukraine, crises in the Middle East and threat from China. "The demand is globally increasing, but with a very high increase from Germany and Europe", Hensoldt's CFO Christian Ladurner told CNBC earlier this year. Breaking down Hensoldt's 2024 revenue , 87.8% came from Europe, 3.7% from the Middle East, 3.5% from APAC, 2.6% from North America and 2.2% from Africa. Renk Augsburg-based Renk creates gearboxes for military vehicles, including tanks and naval vessels. The company says it supplies equipment to over 70 land forces around the world, including the EU, NATO, South Korea, India, and Israel and others. It also supplies the marines of over 40 naval forces. In its 2024 annual report , total revenue came in at 1.14 billion euros. Germany accounted for 27% of sales, the U.S. 20% and South Korea 11%. Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) Industrial conglomerate Thyssenkrupp is Germany's largest steel producer, and its subsidiary ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems is a major player in defense. Just under 30% of TKMS sales in the first half of this financial year were to Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Liechtenstein, while a similar amount went to the rest of Western Europe. South America accounted for 18%, and the Middle East and Africa, 15%. Political controversy Germany's growing role in the global arms trade has not been devoid of controversy, however. Politicians have raised concerns over the country's exports to Israel given allegations of human rights abuses in Gaza. Germany has historically been a staunch supporter of Israel given Germany's role in the Holocaust. In May , Germany's Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul appeared open to the idea of reviewing weapons exports to Israel, although he told CNBC at the recent NATO summit that arms sales to Israel will continue. German companies exporting to Israel include TKMS, which built the Israeli Navy's Sa'ar 6 frigates , and Renk and MTU , which supply parts for Israeli Merkava tanks. German exports to Ukraine have also been a source of controversy. Since Russia's' full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Germany has been among Ukraine's biggest military backers . Backlash has come from both extremes of the political spectrum, however. The far-left BSW has called for a halt to German military support of Ukraine , for example, while Beatrix Von Storch, deputy leader of the far-right AfD told CNBC she wants Germany to "stop delivering weapons, stop fueling the war." Honor launched the Honor Magic V5 on Wednesday July 2, as it looks to challenge Samsung in the foldable space. Honor Honor on Wednesday touted the slimness and battery capacity of its newly launched thin foldable phone, as it lays down a fresh challenge to market leader Samsung. The Honor Magic V5 goes will initially go on sale in China, but the Chinese tech firm will likely bring the device to international markets later this year. The company, which spun off from Chinese tech giant Huawei in 2020, is looking to stand out from rivals with key features of the Magic V5, like artificial intelligence, battery and size. Honor said the Magic V5 is 8.8 mm to 9mm when folded, depending on the color choice. The phone's predecessor, the Magic V3 Honor skipped the Magic V4 name was 9.2 mm when folded. Honor said the Magic V5 weighs 217 grams to 222 grams, again, depending on the color model. The previous version was 226 grams. In China, Honor will launch a special 1 terabyte storage size version of the Magic V5, which it says will have a battery capacity of more than 6000 milliampere-hour among the highest for foldable phones. Honor has tried hard to tout these features, as competition in foldables ramps up, even as these types of devices have a very small share of the overall smartphone market. Honor vs. Samsung Foldables represented less than 2% of the overall smartphone market in 2024, according to International Data Corporation. Samsung was the biggest player with 34% market share followed by Huawei with just under 24%, IDC added. Honor took the fourth spot with a nearly 11% share. Honor is looking to get a head start on Samsung, which has its own foldable launch next week on July 9. Francisco Jeronimo, a vice president at the International Data Corporation, said the Magic V5 is a strong offering from Honor. "This is the dream foldable smartphone that any user who is interested in this category will think of," Jeronimo told CNBC, pointing to features such as the battery. "This phone continues to push the bar forward, and it will challenge Samsung as they are about to launch their seventh generation of foldable phones," he added. The thinness of a foldable phone has become a battleground for smartphone makers to appeal to consumers who want the large screen size the device has to offer without extra weight. At its event next week, Samsung is expected to release a foldable that is thinner than its predecessor and could come close to challenging Honor's offering by way of size, analysts said. If that happens, then Honor will be facing more competition, especially against Samsung, which has a bigger global footprint. "The biggest challenge for Honor is the brand equity and distribution reach vs Samsung, where the Korean vendor has the edge," Neil Shah, co-founder of Counterpoint Research, told CNBC. Honor's push into international markets beyond China is still fairly young, with the company looking to build up its brand. "Further, if Samsung catches up with a thinner form-factor in upcoming iterations, as it has been the real pioneer in foldables with its vertical integration expertise from displays to batteries, the differentiating factor might narrow for Honor," Shah added. Vertical integration refers to when a company owns several parts of a product's supply chain. Samsung has a display and battery business which provides the components for its foldables. Honor talks up AI My top 10 things to watch Wednesday, July 2 1. Apple was upgraded to a hold from sell at Jefferies, which said its pull-forward sales due to tariffs, along with market share recovery in China, could raise June quarter sales and EPS 5% to 9% higher than the Street consensus. But second half of year not so hot. 2. Big bank stocks were up in the premarket after announcing dividends and buybacks following the Federal Reserve's stress test last week. The stars are JPMorgan and Goldman Sachs : The former raised its dividend by a dime to $1.50 a share and authorized a $50 billion buyback, while the latter hiked its dividend by a buck to $4.00 a share. 3. Defense contractor AeroVironment : 3.53 million share secondary offering priced at $248 apiece, on the back of my call last week that it was the next Palantir of hardware. 4. Foxconn Technology Group is asking hundreds of Chinese engineers and other technical employees to return home from its iPhone factories in India, Bloomberg News reported . 5. Cantor Fitzgerald started coverage D-Wave Quantum with a buy and $20 price target. No more fighting these quantum computing stocks, Rigetti too. 6. Truist said Alphabet will be fine despite search headwinds, and kept its buy rating and $200 price target ahead of second-quarter earnings. 7. Wolfe Research said to be careful with Jeep owner Stellantis , arguing the downside is not in. The firm downgraded the carmaker to sell from hold, noting "meaningful risk" to 2025 and 2026 earnings. 8. Jefferies upgraded Ross Stores to a buy from hold. This has been the worst of the retailers. We prefer and own TJX Companies , parent of TJ Maxx, Marshalls and HomeGoods. 9. Verint Systems , a maker of call center software, rose 10% in the premarket after Bloomberg reported that Thoma Bravo is in talks to buy the company. Is Thoma Bravo back as a enterprise software company buyer? 10. Centene downgraded to hold from buy at JPMorgan. The managed care company cancelled its 2025 guidance, noting lower enrollment rates in several states. Shares of Centene dropped 30%. Sign up for my Top 10 Morning Thoughts on the Market email newsletter for free (See here for a full list of the stocks at 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. Steven Alexopoulos, TD Cowen U.S. large cap bank analyst, believes artificial intelligence has created a huge buying opportunity in his favorite bank picks like JPMorgan one last seen in the aftermath of the Global Financial Crisis even with some of the shares trading at record highs. The analyst said the focus of AI will widen out from the builders like Nvidia to companies that use the technology to unlock massive economic value. Banks, for example, are going to apply AI to every corner of their businesses from credit decisions to portfolio management to customer experience. "The number two sector out there that's reliant on people behind the scenes who look at information, pull information, send information, it's banks," Alexopoulos said Wednesday on CNBC's " Squawk Box ," implying the biggest users of AI are tech companies, followed by banks. Alexopoulos said head counts at investment banks will come down significantly as more workers are replaced by AI. He predicted that JPMorgan, which he thinks is the leading beneficiary of AI in banking, will see its market capitalization reach $1 trillion by the end of next year. The bank's current market value is some $807 billion, according to FactSet data. JPM YTD mountain JPMorgan shares in 2025. JPMorgan shares just closed at a record high Tuesday after the bank said it would return more capital to shareholders following the Federal Reserve's latest stress test. The stock is up more than 21% this year. "We have a technology that's going to take out massive cost. It's going to reduce risk dramatically. It's going to improve the client experience," Alexopoulos said. "We are going to break to a new paradigm ... not to mention deregulation is helping the banks ... The only other two times I've been this bullish on the banks were coming out of GFC, and then after the regional bank crisis [in 2023]; this is one of those opportunities." Still, not all banks are created equal. Alexopoulos cautioned investors before buying stocks like Citigroup with big cross border payments businesses, which will be threatened by stablecoins. "Even though I'm very bullish, I'm cautious on a name like Citigroup, because Citigroup's crown jewel business is this business cross border payments," he said. The analyst has buy ratings on JPMorgan, Bank of America , PNC and US Bancorp , and hold ratings on Citigroup and Wells Fargo . U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth leaves following a closed briefing on the situation in Iran for members of the U.S. Senate on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., U.S., June 26, 2025. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered a pause in sending a shipment of missiles and ammunition to Ukraine amid concern about the U.S. military's stockpiles, according to two defense officials, two congressional officials and two sources with knowledge of the decision. Hegseth ordered the delay weeks after he issued a memo ordering a review of the U.S. stockpile of munitions, which has been depleted after years of the United States' sending weapons to Ukraine to defend against the Russia invasion, as well as nearly two years of military operations in the Middle East as the United States fought Houthi rebels in Yemen and defended Israel and allies against Iran, four of the officials said. The munitions and other weapons could be held up until the assessment is complete, the two defense officials and two congressional officials said, and if the munitions are in short supply or needed in other parts of the world, they could be held back even longer. The weapons being delayed include dozens of Patriot interceptors that can defend against incoming Russian missiles, thousands of 155 mm high explosive Howitzer munitions, more than 100 Hellfire missiles, more than 250 precision-guided missile systems known as GMLRS and dozens each of Stinger surface-to-air missiles, AIM air-to-air missiles and grenade launchers, the two defense officials, two congressional officials and two sources with knowledge of the decision said. White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly said: "This decision was made to put America's interests first following a DOD review of our nation's military support and assistance to other countries across the globe. The strength of the United States Armed Forces remains unquestioned just ask Iran." The Defense Department did not respond to a request for comment. At a closing news conference after a NATO meeting at The Hague last week, President Donald Trump said the United States is trying to find Patriot air defense missiles to send to Ukraine. "They do want to have the anti-missile missiles," Trump said of Ukraine. "As they call them the Patriots, and we're going to see if we can make some available." He said that the United States is supplying weapons to Israel and that "you know, they're very hard to get. We need them, too." A senior Ukrainian lawmaker on Wednesday called the Pentagon's decision "painful" for Kyiv's effort to defend itself against Russian air strikes. "This decision is certainly very unpleasant for us," Fedir Venislavskyi, a member of the Ukrainian parliament's defense committee, said in Kyiv, according to Reuters. He added, "it's painful, and against the background of the terrorist attacks which Russia commits against Ukraine ... it's a very unpleasant situation." Ukraine's foreign ministry also met with John Ginkel, a U.S. diplomat based in Kyiv, to discuss military assistance and defense cooperation between with two countries. "It was stressed that any delays or hesitation in supporting Ukraine's defense capacities would only encourage the aggressor to continue the war and terror, rather than seek peace," the ministry said in a statement. Ukraine has repeatedly appealed for additional U.S. and European air defense weaponry as Russia has stepped up its air raids in recent months. Over the weekend, Ukraine's Defense Ministry said Russia had launched the largest aerial attack on the country since Moscow's full-scale invasion in 2022, firing 60 missiles and 477 drones. Trump and his Republican allies in Congress are also working to secure a permanent ceasefire. Though it's common for new administrations to pause weapons transfers to assess stockpiles, there are concerns about the moment in which this is happening, according to an official with knowledge of the situation. The official said Ukraine needs to appear strong to get Russia to the negotiating table. During a visit to Washington on June 5, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's top adviser, Andriy Yermak, told reporters that his country was holding off Russian forces but needed more air defense systems to safeguard its cities from Russian attacks. The munitions were approved as part of Presidential Drawdown Authority and Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative packages during the Biden administration, the defense officials and two sources with knowledge of the decision said. Some of the shipments are already in the region but have been stopped before being turned over to Ukraine, according to a defense official and two sources with knowledge of the decision. Last month, the acting chief of naval operations, Adm. James Kilby, warned during testimony before Congress that while the Navy has enough standard missiles, known as SM-3s, right now, the United States has been using some missiles and munitions "at an alarming rate." In one move, Santander has silenced months of speculation over it's allegiance to the British high street and complicated a year-long consolidation saga in Spain's banking sector. On Tuesday, Spain's largest lender said it agreed to buy British high street lender TSB for 2.65 billion ($3.6 billion) from Catalonia's Sabadell in an all-cash deal subject to approval. The transaction will generate a return on invested capital of more than 20%, bringing its return on tangible equity in the U.K. from 11% last year to 16% by 2028, Santander said. Acquisitions have been at the heart of Santander's British expansion after it entered the market in 2004 through the purchase of Abbey National. But the profitability of the U.K. branch has faltered with pre-tax profit down by an annual 38% last year sparking questions over Santander's long-term presence in Britain. A March announcement of potential layoffs and 95 branch closures did little to abate the rumors despite CEO Ana Botin's frequent denials. "We never thought of leaving the U.K. The U.K. is very important for us," Santander Chief Financial Officer Jose Garcia Cantera told CNBC's "Squawk Box" on Wednesday. "It's actually the largest balance sheet of all the countries [where] we operate. It's a high quality, low-risk business, predictable returns, in hard currency, in sterling, and this helps to stabilize our risk-return profile." He added that the U.K. has "always been a very important and core component of Santander's diversification strategy." The TSB acquisition, meanwhile, "not only makes sense strategically, as I said, the U.K. helps with our risk-return profile, but it's also financially very, very compelling." The deal could work as a defensive play from Sabadell, which only took over TSB from Lloyds in 2015 and seeks to stop a takeover bid from Spanish peer BBVA . The two banks have been locked at odds since Sabadell rejected BBVA's initial all-share merger offer in May last year, on grounds of it undervaluing the acquisition target. Now entrenched in a potential 14-billion-euro hostile takeover, BBVA has decided to keep its bid alive despite a recent condition from the Spanish government that the takeover may only proceed if the two banks do not integrate their operations for at least three years. Over this period, "both entities maintain [must] separate judicial identity and assets, as well as autonomy in the management of their activities," Spanish Economist Minister Carlos Cuerpo said during a press briefing, according to a CNBC translation. Tim Kuniskis, head of NAFTA Passenger Car Brands for Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV, speaks during the reveal of the Fiat Chrysler 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon sports vehicle ahead of the 2017 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS) in New York, U.S., on Tuesday, April 11, 2017. New Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa, who took over the top job one week ago, has made his first major leadership move, promoting Tim Kuniskis to oversee all American brands and lead marketing and retail strategy in North America. Kuniskis remains CEO of Ram. He now has a broader role across the company's U.S. operations. Kuniskis, who came out of retirement after seven months, returned to Stellantis late last year after former Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares unexpectedly stepped down. Stellantis is also bringing back the Street and Racing Technology performance division. SRT will combine engineers from Dodge, Jeep, Ram, and Chrysler and will focus on high-performance vehicles and motorsports. "SRT is another box we needed to check," Kuniskis said in a press release Wednesday. "We're getting the band back together." Kuniskis is also leading a major product launch at Ram as part of an effort to combat yearslong sales declines. The brand plans to launch 25 new products throughout the next 18 months. Earlier this month, Kuniskis announced the return of its popular V-8 Hemi engines for its Ram 1500 full-size pickup trucks. Ram plans to offer the engine again in early 2026. Check out the companies making headlines in midday trading Robinhood The brokerage stock climbed 7% as traders speculated that it could soon be added to the S & P 500. A spot in the index was opened by Hewlett Packard Enterprise's acquisition of Juniper Networks, which officially closed Wednesday. Tesla Shares of the electric vehicle maker jumped 4% after second-quarter vehicle deliveries came in about in line with estimates. Tesla delivered 384,000 vehicles during the period, a 14% decline from a year ago. The number was just shy of analyst estimates of 387,000 deliveries, according to FactSet. This is its second straight quarterly drop. Rigetti Computing Shares gained nearly 7% after Cantor Fitzgerald initiated coverage of the quantum computing company with an overweight rating. Analyst Troy Jensen said: "Quantum computing is in its infancy but remains one of the most highly coveted technical milestones with enormous economical implications. While we are likely years away from full-scale quantum capabilities, the technology has already captured the interest of investors." Verint Systems Shares of the customer service software provider jumped 12% following a Bloomberg report that the company is in talks about a possible acquisition with buyout firm Thoma Bravo. Centene Shares of the managed care giant plummeted nearly 38% after Centene withdrew its 2025 guidance , saying recent data the company received shows lower enrollment rates in health insurance marketplaces in several states. From the data, which accounts for 22 of Centene's 29 marketplace states, the company said it expects a shortfall that will lower its adjusted earnings by about $2.75 per share. Higher medical costs in Centene's Medicaid business have continued to weigh on the business. Health insurers Centene's news put pressure on other health insurance stocks. UnitedHealth and CVS Health each fell about 3%, while Molina Healthcare and Oscar Health tumbled 18% each. Humana slipped 2%. Elevance fell 7%. Constellation Brands The booze stock jumped nearly 4% after the brewer reiterated its forecast for fiscal 2026, showing confidence that it can hit its financial targets despite the weaker-than-expected quarterly performance and higher tariffs. For the latest quarter, Constellation Brands reported earnings and revenue that missed analysts' estimates as tariffs on aluminum weighed on its profitability. Lands End Shares of the struggling apparel retailer rose 4% after Reuters reported that Authentic Brands Global and WHP Global have submitted bids to acquire it , citing two people familiar with the matter. The company had announced plans to explore strategic alternatives in March. Reddit Shares popped almost 4% after the social media platform said in a regulatory filling that it entered an amended credit agreement that extends the facility maturity to 2030. Nike , On Holding , Columbia Sportswear Shares of retailers with manufacturing in Vietnam rose after President Donald Trump announced a trade deal with the Southeast Asian nation that includes a 20% tariff on imports to the U.S. The agreement states that goods that originate in another country and are shipped to Vietnam for import to the U.S. will be hit with a 40% rate. Nike shares rose 3% and On climbed 4%, while Columbia Sportswear added nearly 2%. Solar stocks with manufacturing in Vietnam were also higher, lifting the Invesco Solar ETF (TAN) more than 6%. Cava Shares popped 2% after KeyBanc initiated the Mediterranean fast-casual chain at an overweight rating . Analyst Christopher Carril pointed out Cava's lack of direct competitors as a catalyst, and said Cava had the potential to one day be the Chipotle of Mediterranean food. CNBC's Yun Li, Jesse Pound, Alex Harring, Lisa Han, Pia Singh, Sarah Min and Michelle Fox contributed reporting. Tesla reported around 384,000 vehicle deliveries in the second quarter, a 14% decline from a year ago, and the second straight quarterly drop. The stock rose nearly 5% as the numbers were better than some analysts feared. The electric vehicle maker reported 443,956 deliveries and production of 410,831 vehicles during the same period last year. Here are the key numbers: Total deliveries Q2 2025: 384,122 vehicles Total production Q2 2025: 410,244 vehicles Wall Street analysts were expecting Tesla to report deliveries of around 387,000 according to FactSet. Deliveries in the first quarter of 2025 dropped 13% from a year earlier to 336,681. Deliveries are the closest approximation of vehicle sales reported by Tesla but are not precisely defined in the company's shareholder communications. The electric vehicle maker, headquartered in Austin, Texas, doesn't break out sales and production by model or region. However, the company said that it produced 396,835 of its most popular Model 3 and Model Y cars, with 373,728 combined deliveries for these models in the second quarter. President Donald Trump's signature tax and spending bill is on the verge of suffering a significant blow, as House Republican leaders appear unable to secure enough votes within their own party to move the massive package to a final vote on the floor. Five Republican noes have been cast, enough to tank the bill unless two of them flip to a yes. The members who have voted no span the ideological spectrum, from hardline conservatives to a moderate from Pennsylvania. A vote to approve the rules of debate got underway Wednesday shortly before 10 p.m. ET. Unless these rules are approved, the chamber cannot begin the debate required ahead of a final vote on legislation. The trouble House Republicans find themselves in is not a total surprise. Numerous rank-and-file members have dug in on their opposition to the tax-and-spending package throughout the day, casting doubts about just how much pressure Speaker Mike Johnson can exert on them to back the bill. Both moderates and conservative hardliners are demanding changes to a Senate version of the bill. President Donald Trump said Wednesday that the United States has struck a trade deal with Vietnam that includes a 20% tariff on the Southeast Asian country's imports to the U.S. Trump's announcement on Truth Social said that the deal will give the U.S. tariff-free access to Vietnam's markets. Vietnam also agreed that goods would be hit with a 40% tariff rate if they originated in another country and were transferred to Vietnam for final shipment to the United States. The process, known as transshipping, is used to circumvent trade barriers. China, a top exporter to the U.S., has reportedly used Vietnam as a transshipment hub. Trump wrote that "Vietnam will pay" that 20% duty, but tariffs are taxes on foreign goods that are paid by the importers of those products. The agreement was unveiled less than a week before a 90-day pause on many of Trump's so-called reciprocal tariffs was set to expire, sending U.S. duties on imports from dozens of countries soaring. Under that protectionist trade plan, Vietnamese imports to the U.S. were subject to a 46% blanket tariff. That rate was lowered to 10% during the 90-day interim. Raising the tariff on Vietnamese goods to 20% will hike costs for U.S. importers, which could be passed on to consumers or suppliers. The S&P 500 nevertheless rose slightly on news of the trade deal. Read Trump's full post: "It is my Great Honor to announce that I have just made a Trade Deal with the Socialist Republic of Vietnam after speaking with To Lam, the Highly Respected General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam. It will be a Great Deal of Cooperation between our two Countries. The Terms are that Vietnam will pay the United States a 20% Tariff on any and all goods sent into our Territory, and a 40% Tariff on any Transshipping. In return, Vietnam will do something that they have never done before, give the United States of America TOTAL ACCESS to their Markets for Trade. In other words, they will "OPEN THEIR MARKET TO THE UNITED STATES," meaning that, we will be able to sell our product into Vietnam at ZERO Tariff. It is my opinion that the SUV or, as it is sometimes referred to, Large Engine Vehicle, which does so well in the United States, will be a wonderful addition to the various product lines within Vietnam. Dealing with General Secretary To Lam, which I did personally, was an absolute pleasure. Thank you for your attention to this matter!" It was unclear from Trump's post when the deal will take effect, or if it has been officially signed by both parties. CNBC attempted to confirm the tariff rates with White House aides, who said more information would be forthcoming but did not repeat the president's numbers. Trump has signaled that he may ignore or revise the upcoming deadline for his reciprocal tariffs to snap back higher. The 90-day pause, which lowered tariffs on nearly all other countries to a blanket 10% rate, was imposed in early April to give countries breathing room while they negotiate deals with the U.S. With the deadline approaching, the Trump administration has only struck revised trade frameworks with China and the United Kingdom, though it has repeatedly said the U.S. is close to deals with numerous other countries. Vietnam, whose exports to the U.S. reportedly comprised 30% of its gross domestic product last year, is especially vulnerable to Trump's tariffs. Critics of Trump's unpredictable tariff policies warn that the duties create economic uncertainty and will result in higher prices for U.S. consumers. The Trump administration and its defenders counter that tariffs do not cause inflation and note that the president's duties have brought in billions of dollars to the U.S. government. Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer speaks on the phone to U.S. President Donald Trump at a car factory in the West Midlands, Britain, Thursday, May 8, 2025. The yield on benchmark 10-year government bonds , known as gilts, was 22 basis points higher at 1:33 p.m. in London. By 3:22 p.m. gilts were off highs but were still trading 17 basis points higher. Meanwhile, the British pound shed 1% against the U.S. dollar to trade at around $1.362 by 2:06 p.m. in London. Reeves' political future was called into question after British Prime Minister Keir Starmer was asked in Parliament Wednesday whether she would still be in the role at the next election in 2029. Starmer deflected the question, instead pointing the finger at the leader of the opposition, Kemi Badenoch, questioning whether she would still be in office. In a statement after the exchange in Parliament, the prime minister's press secretary said Reeves "is going nowhere." "She has the Prime Minister's full backing," the press secretary said. "He has said it plenty of times, he doesn't need to repeat it every time the Leader of the Opposition speculates about Labour politicians." Separately, a government spokesperson said Reeves, who looked visibly upset in parliament, said it was "a personal matter, which, as you would expect we are not going to get into." They noted that Reeves would be working out of Downing Street this afternoon. The Labour Party leadership has come under further pressure in the last 24 hours following a government U-turn over a controversial welfare reforms bill. The bill passed in a vote Tuesday night but only after steep concessions to rebel lawmakers who opposed cuts to disability benefits. This effectively wiped out the 5 billion of savings initially envisaged as a result of the reforms raising the prospect of further tax rises in the fall. The government is moving ahead with plans to revive the long-stalled Tulbul Navigation Project, as part of a broader strategy to optimise the country's share of water from the western rivers under the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), top official sources said.A detailed project report (DPR) for the Tulbul project is being prepared and is expected to take about a year to complete."Only after that will we take a decision," a senior official said, confirming that discussions are at an advanced stage to bring the project back on track.This comes in the backdrop of the IWT being put "under abeyance" following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, after which India began reassessing its water-sharing arrangements with Pakistan.Under the IWT, India has limited rights over the western rivers the Indus, Chenab and Jhelum which primarily flow into Pakistan.However, officials said several proposals are now under consideration to increase India's use of its share from these rivers."There is potential to divert water from one of the western rivers, technically feasible, to Punjab and Haryana," said an official, though they stressed that the Indus itself is not being considered for diversion.India faces challenges due to limited water-storage capacity, especially during monsoon."In the rainy season, we have less capacity. During the dry season, we can hold a certain amount of water, particularly on the Chenab river," the official said. "If we get more water, it flows downstream to Pakistan," he added.The official said this inability to store water beyond a short duration of 24 to 48 hours is why India was previously forced to carry out "flushing operations" at its dams."We filled our dams and then flushed them to manage sediment. But under the treaty, there were some restrictions on flooding, which caused problems in sediment management. What we are doing now is essentially better dam and reservoir management," he said.Meanwhile, the Kishanganga hydropower project, once contested by Pakistan, has already been completed. The construction of the Ratle project has also been expedited. VIDEO | Delhi: PM Modi (@narendramodi) emplanes for Ghana. The prime minister is also scheduled to visit Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia. (Source: Third Party) (Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/P2nBkuAxjR Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 2, 2025 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday (July 2) embarked on a five-nation tour to attend the BRICS summit in Brazil. This will be PM Modi's longest diplomatic visit in the last 10 years. The eight-day tour will conclude on July 9.Modi will visit Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina and Namibia.Modi will visit Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro to participate in the BRICS summit on July 6 and 7. BRICS brings together 11 major emerging economies of the world, representing around 49.5% of the global population, around 40% of the global GDP and around 26% of the global trade.Ahead of his visit, Modi posted on X, "My visit to Brazil include participation in the BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro and a bilateral state visit in Brasilia, which would be the first by an Indian Prime Minister in almost six decades. There would be various meetings with world leaders on the sidelines of the Rio BRICS Summit. I am also eager to meet President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva to discuss new avenues of India-Brazil cooperation."BRICS, originally comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, expanded in 2024 to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates, with Indonesia joining in 2025.The motto of Brazilian chairship is "Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance". The summit will culminate in two high-level declarations on financing the climate change regime and the governance of artificial intelligence.Modi will hold wide-ranging talks with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva as part of the bilateral visit to Brazil.Reports said Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin will skip the BRICS summit.Modi is travelling to Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, Ghana and Namibia as part of India's focus to enhance ties with the countries of the Global South. The Quad grouping of the United States, India, Japan and Australia called on Tuesday (July 1) for the perpetrators of a terrorist attack that killed 26 in Jammu and Kashmir to be brought to justice without delay.The April 22 attack sparked heavy fighting between India and Pakistan in the latest escalation as India blamed it on Pakistan, which denied responsibility while calling for a neutral investigation.The US State Department issued a joint statement by the foreign ministers of the grouping, who met in Washington, but stopped short of naming Pakistan or blaming Islamabad."The Quad unequivocally condemns all acts of terrorism and violent extremism in all its forms and manifestations, including cross-border terrorism," the ministers said in the statement.They called on all members of the United Nations to cooperate actively with "all relevant authorities" in delivering justice to the "perpetrators, organisers, and financiers of this reprehensible act", without any delay.India is an increasingly important US partner in Washington's effort to counter China's rising influence in Asia while Pakistan is a US ally.On May 7, Indian jets bombed terrorist infrastructure across the border setting off an exchange of attacks between the two countries by fighter jets, missiles, drones and artillery that killed dozens until a ceasefire on May 10.The ceasefire was first announced by US President Donald Trump on social media after Washington held talks with both sides, but India has differed with Trump's claims that it resulted from his intervention and threats to sever trade talks.India's position has been that New Delhi and Islamabad must resolve their problems directly and with no outside involvement.On Monday, External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar restated its position that trade was not a factor in the ceasefire."Relationships will never be free of issues," he said, referring to the United States, adding, "What matters is the ability to deal with it and to keep that trend going in the positive direction." Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday (July 1) announced that the country will urgently enhance its water storage capacity amid rising tensions with India over the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT).He termed India's decision as "weaponisation" of water, adding that the country has "no authority" to do so.Speaking during a visit to the National Emergencies Operations Centre in Islamabad, Sharif said, "The enemy has certain evil designs against Pakistan and wants to take steps against the waters treaty. For that, the government has decided that we will build our water storage," reported Pakistani daily Dawn.Sharif announced that Pakistan will prioritise building "non-controversial water storage capacity" using domestic resources."We will build this capacity with our own resources in the next few years. There is a critical role of the National Disaster Management Authority in this," he said.He particularly stressed the revival of stalled infrastructure projects such as the Diamer Bhasha Dam on the Indus river, which has faced delays for decades due to financial and environmental concerns, as per Dawn.Sharif also directed relevant authorities to improve early warning systems particularly during monsoons and to issue alerts via phone messages in coordination with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority.India has put the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) of 1960 in abeyance following the April 22 terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam which left 26 people dead. The responsibility of the attack was taken by The Resistance Force (TRF), a proxy group of the Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist group.The move marked a significant diplomatic escalation, with India's PM Narendra Modi clearing that "water and blood cannot flow together."The IWT was brokered by the World Bank and allocated the three eastern rivers - Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej - to India and the three western rivers - Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab - to Pakistan.Nearly 80% of Pakistan's water supply comes from these rivers which is crucial for its agriculture sector.Pakistan has condemned India's move, calling it a violation of the treaty and threatening legal action, including invoking the 1969 Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties, as per Dawn. Arlington The city of Arlington provides up to $20,000 in the form of a zero-interest loan to first-time homebuyers. The loan will be forgiven if you remain in the home for at least five years. You must earn 80% or less of the area median income, depending on household size, and the home must not exceed 95% of the area's median home price. Austin The city of Austin provides up to $40,000 in the form of a zero-interest loan to first-time homebuyers. Loans in the amount of $14,900 or less will be forgiven after five years, and loans above this amount will be forgiven after 10 years. You must earn 80% or less of the area median income, depending on household size. The maximum home purchase price is $579,250. Beaumont The city of Beaumont provides up to $14,999 as a zero-interest loan, which will be forgiven after five years. You must be a first-time homebuyer and meet income limitations. The maximum home purchase price is $150,000. Bryan The city of Bryan provides up to $14,000 in the form of a zero-interest loan, which will be forgiven after five years. You must be a first-time homebuyer, earning 80% or less of the area median income, depending on household size. The maximum home purchase price is $261,000 for existing homes and $273,000 for new homes. Denton The city of Denton provides up to $50,000 in the form of a zero-interest loan to first-time homebuyers. Loans in the amount of $14,900 or less will be forgiven after five years, and loans above this amount will be forgiven after 15 years. You must earn 80% or less of the area median income, depending on household size. The maximum home purchase price is $375,250. El Paso The city of El Paso provides up to $50,000 if the home is in a priority area and up to $30,000 if the home is outside of the priority area. The loan is a zero-interest loan for first-time homebuyers. You must earn between 60% and 80% of the area median income or less, depending on household size. The maximum home purchase price is $184,000. Fort Worth The city of Fort Worth provides up to $25,000 in the form of a zero-interest loan to first-time homebuyers. The loan will be forgiven if you remain in the home for up to 10 years, depending on the amount of the loan. You must earn 80% or less of the area median income, depending on household size. The maximum home purchase price is $309,000 for existing homes and $329,000 for new homes. Frisco The city of Frisco provides up to $10,000 in the form of a zero-interest loan to first-time homebuyers. The loan will be forgiven if you remain in the home for five years. The combined income of all adults must not exceed $144,567. The maximum home purchase price is $563,500. Galveston The city of Galveston provides up to $14,500 as a zero-interest loan to first-time homebuyers. The loan will be forgiven if you remain in the home for five years. You must earn 80% or less of the area median income, depending on household size. The maximum home purchase price cant exceed 95% of the median home price in the area. Grand Prairie The city of Grand Prairie provides up to $7,500 as a grant to first-time homebuyers. There are no conditions that you must remain in the home for any set amount of time. You must earn 80% or less of the area median income, depending on household size. The maximum home purchase price is $300,000. Houston The city of Houston provides up to $50,000 as a zero-interest loan to first-time homebuyers. The loan will be forgiven if you remain in the home for 10 years. You must earn 80% or less of the area median income, depending on household size. Theres no maximum purchase price. Irving The city of Irving provides up to $50,000 as a zero-interest loan to first-time homebuyers. Loans in the amount of $14,900 or less will be forgiven after five years, and loans above this amount will be forgiven after 10 years. You must earn 80% or less of the area median income, depending on household size. Theres no maximum purchase price. Laredo The city of Laredo provides up to $30,000 as a zero-interest loan to first-time homebuyers. The loan will be forgiven if you remain in the home for up to 10 years. You must earn 80% or less of the area median income, depending on household size. The maximum home purchase price is $209,000 for existing homes and $251,000 for new homes. Mesquite The city of Mesquite provides up to $10,000 as a zero-interest loan to first-time homebuyers. The loan will be forgiven if you remain in the home for up to 10 years. You must earn 80% or less of the area median income, depending on household size. Theres no maximum purchase price. Plano The city of Plano provides up to $55,000 as a zero-interest loan to first-time homebuyers. Loans in the amount of $10,000 or less will be forgiven after five years; loans above this amount will be forgiven after 15 years. For loans over $10,000, your income must be between 60% and 80% of the area median income. The maximum home purchase price is $418,000. San Angelo The city of San Angelo provides up to $15,000 as a zero-interest loan to first-time homebuyers. The loan will be forgiven if you remain in the home for five years. You must earn 80% or less of the area median income, depending on household size. The maximum home purchase cant exceed 95% of the area's median price. San Antonio The city of San Antonio provides up to $15,000 as a zero-interest loan to first-time homebuyers. If you remain in the home for 10 years, 75% of the loan will be forgiven. You must earn 80% or less of the area median income, depending on household size. The maximum home purchase price is $305,200 for existing homes and $325,800 for new homes. Even the most casual South Park fan knows that the show began as an animated short, or an animated Christmas card, as they referred to it. Created in 1992, when Matt Stone and Trey Parker were still students at the University of Colorado, The Spirit of Christmas featured Jesus fighting Frosty the Snowman. They followed that up with another short three years later, also called The Spirit of Christmas, but this time Jesus fought Santa. This second short was the one that made Parker and Stone famous and led to the creation of South Park. However, even some South Park die-hards dont know that Parker and Stone never really stopped making shorts. From 1997 until 2000, they made roughly a dozen shorts for Comedy Central, then at least one short every couple of years thereafter. The most recent one premiered in 2020. Don't Miss Heres your guide to every one of these lost shorts okay, not necessarily lost, just largely forgotten 1 The Spirit of Christmas (1992) Given that Parker and Stone made this one while still in college, its very crude and doesnt really make clear which character is which (case in point: the kid who looks like Cartman is called Kenny, and hes the one who dies). Still, you can see the DNA of South Park beginning to take form here. 2 The Spirit of Christmas (1995) This one is a lot closer to what South Park would become, as the boys all look like they do today and the character dynamics are there (as are all their names). 3 CableACE Awards 1997 (1997) Before the Emmys paid any attention to cable programming, there was something called the CableACE Awards. In 1997, just a few months after South Park debuted and became an overnight success, the boys were presenters for the Best Talk Show, which went to Inside the Actors Studio. The best joke is when Kenny incomprehensibly announces the winner. 4 Jay Leno Short (1997) Advertisement This short aired on The Tonight Show less than a week after CableACE Awards 1997. In it, Leno, playing himself, visits Mr. Garrisons class to talk about Thanksgiving. Its just a bunch of predictable chin jokes, making it only slightly funnier than a Leno monologue. 5 1998 New Years Countdown (1997) This is the first of three shorts made to count down to New Years Day on Comedy Central. Its also super basic just a handful of South Park characters counting down from 10 with a 1997 sign over them, then the 7 falls, revealing an 8, which falls as well and ultimately lands on Kenny, killing him. Play 6 The 12th Annual American Comedy Awards (1998) Advertisement Another spot for a now-defunct awards show. Nothing great. Kenny dies thats about it. Play 7 A Mothers Courage (1998) This Halloween-themed short was considered to be lost media until 2015. Before then, it lived as a file that could be downloaded via Comedy Centrals website and was made with a short-lived animation program called Media Conveyor. Once Media Conveyor was replaced by Flash, however, Comedy Central took down the short, never to be seen again until a YouTuber named Mannis reposted it. Play 8 1999 New Years Countdown (1998) Advertisement This is the first short not starring the boys. Its just Mr. Mackey stumbling his way through a New Years countdown as he sits behind a desk. Play 9 Dead Friend Sketch (1999) This short is especially funny and far less generic than some of the others. It was made for the 1999 special Python Night: 30 Years of Monty Python and its essentially a take on the Monty Python Dead Parrot sketch but with Cartman taking over for John Cleese, Kyle for Michael Palin and Kenny for the parrot. It also has some Monty Python-esque animation flourishes, which is cool to see merged with South Parks style. 10 2000 New Years Countdown (2000) Advertisement The third and final New Years countdown is much like the first except they use more obscure characters in addition to the boys and they begin at 15, not 10. Its easy to see why they stopped making these after this one. Play 11 The Gauntlet (2000) Five years before South Park mercilessly skewered Scientology in Trapped in the Closet, they more gently mocked the religion with this short for the MTV Movie Awards. In it, the boys square off against Russell Crowe in a Gladiator parody. Crowe quickly kills Kenny and proceeds to go after Stan, Kyle, Timmy and Cartman (who crapped his pants at the sight of Crowe). Suddenly, a spaceship lands and out comes John Travolta dressed as his character from Battlefield Earth. Travolta hands each of the boys a pamphlet about Scientology and kills Crowe. It ends with Cartman saying hell use the pamphlet to wipe his ass. 12 The Aristocrats Sketch (2005) Advertisement This one is exactly what the name would indicate: Cartman tells the other boys the infamous Aristocrats joke. It was created for the 2005 film The Aristocrats, in which many comedians tell their versions of the notoriously vulgar joke. Cartmans is as dirty as the rest, and it ends with Kyle saying, I dont get it. To which Cartman responds, Me neither. 13 Lil Rush (2007) Two years later, South Park made an exclusive short for the band Rush to be viewed on the Snakes & Arrows Tour. It was an intro to the song Tom Sawyer, and it was as funny as the song is that is, not very funny at all. Play 14 The Real South Park (2010) Advertisement Although this short is live action, it belongs on the list because it features the main cast of South Park sorta. According to the South Park Wiki, The sketch was a preview video for what was reputed to be a live adaption of the original television series. It was later revealed to be an April Fools joke. While mildly funny, its more of a curiosity than anything. 15 Cartman and the Hobbit (2012) Cartman and the Hobbit, in which Cartman interacts with a hobbit, eventually killing him, was produced for the 2012 SpikeTV Video Game Awards. If youre wondering what SpikeTV was, just know you didnt miss anything. 16 Tegridy Farms (2019) Advertisement The YouTube short Tegridy Farms helped launch the site Tegridyfarms.com. It was a fake commercial for Randys new farm in the show, which is still a relevant plot line in the series today, even if some South Park fans are sick of it. Imitating imitations is the second most sincere form of flattery Dont expect to see Madonna perform Like A Surgeon in concert anytime soon, the Weird Al Yankovic parody of her 1984 megahit, Like A Virgin. But in addition to feeling flattered by pops most prominent parodist, the original artists have occasionally played along on Weird Al versions of their greatest hits. Here are four times the lampooned became the lampooners 1 Crash Test Dummies @4jaybenandtej So far, only one artist can claim to have performed their parody on stage with Weird Al. Thats Crash Test Dummies, who joined Yankovic for Headline News, his goof on their hit Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm. It's definitely a kind of milestone, Dummies vocalist Brad Roberts told Network after the performance at MuchMusics Canadian Music Awards. A lot of people don't realize that Al, for example, does not have to ask us if he wants to cover our song there are no laws saying that someone cant cover you, the laws simply are that the artist be involved in the payment of royalties. Roberts loved that Yankovic took a different tactic, which is to actually work with the artists and talk to them about what he is doing. 2 Mark Knopfler from Dire Straits On Yankovics parody of Dire Straits Money for Nothing, thats actually guitarist Mark Knopfler cranking out the riffs on Beverly Hillbillies. He recorded the guitar tracks in England using a rough mix created by Yankovics band. Advertisement Advertisement Knopfler gave Weird Al his blessing for the parody on the condition that he could provide the guitar licks. Knopfler reportedly wanted the spoof to maintain authenticity, though some fans speculate the Dire Straits frontman wanted royalties for both his songwriting and guitar playing. 3 Presidents of the United States of America After Weird Al turned the groups hit song Lump into the Tom Hanks parody Gump, fans confirmed that the group incorporated Yankovic lyrics into their live performances. According to the songs Wikipedia page, the Presidents often ended live Lump performances with the takeoffs concluding lyrics: And thats all I have to say about that. Another day, another humiliation for the Prime Minister. The Governments Welfare Bill, a much-needed piece of legislation designed to get a handle on the vast and unsustainable amounts of taxpayer money being dished out in PIP (personal independence payments) to people who, in the words of the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Liz Kendall, are taking the Mickey, finally came to a vote. The opposition from the Left of the party had been incessant, aided and abetted by the usual interested parties and the handwringing liberal press. And fair enough, its never easy to take benefits away from people plus the Conservatives should have never allowed the whole thing to get so out of control in the first place. But government is not about people-pleasing (thats one of the things that failed the Tories), its about making tough decisions. And if you cant do that in the first year of government, with a stonking majority, when can you? Instead, the plan to reduce the welfare bill by 5billion had been reduced to a quivering pile of political jelly, along with poor Kendall herself. As for Sir Keir, he was his usual unapologetic, inscrutable self, his presence in the Chamber about as commanding as a soggy Cornetto. Truth is, the whole sorry saga is just the latest in a series of U-turns and fudges which all point to the same undeniable truth: after a year in the job it is becoming increasingly apparent that Keir Starmer is fundamentally unsuited to the role of Prime Minister. He has shown himself to be a moral and political vacuum at a time when Britain is in desperate need of leadership and vision. More than that, he is a weak leader who is incapable of standing up to the hardline bullies in his own party, let alone to some of the weapons-grade trolls that now operate on the world stage. That makes him not only a dud but also an incredibly dangerous dud. The plan to reduce the welfare bill by 5billion had been reduced to a quivering pile of political jelly, along with poor Liz Kendall herself, writes Sarah Vine 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. He will do and give anything to avoid making a tough choice and, when challenged, he will always find excuses for his own failures. This bill is a classic case in point. By his own admission, he only got around to giving it his full attention last Wednesday, after he got back from the Nato summit in the Hague a fact that is itself pretty astonishing. Something of that magnitude cannot be wholly delegated to a secretary of state, however capable or experienced (and in the case of Kendall, there is not a great deal of evidence to suggest she is either). Where was the detailed consultation and planning with ministers? Where was the to-ing and fro-ing of ideas, the gaming of scenarios? Boris Johnson, for example, when he was Prime Minister, did that all the time, endlessly stress-testing proposals with his team. Welfare reform should not be some half-baked afterthought. The Prime Minister should have been across it in every detail, and the fact that he clearly left it in the bottom of his red box until the last minute is deeply troubling. But perhaps even more worrying is what that omission tells us about his character. Being Prime Minister is not a straightforward, one-dimensional, nine-to-five role. Its a dizzying, dazzling rollercoaster. Everything, everywhere has to have your full attention all of the time. An ability to multi-task is a crucial part of the job description. That slightly mealy mouthed, almost whiny excuse I turned my attention fully to it when I got back from Nato on Wednesday night sounds like the sort of thing a work-from-home civil servant would say. Its certainly not very reassuring. Or statesmanlike. It also implies that he felt he had more important things to do which, if you are someone who genuinely relies on PIP, is more than a tad insulting. But the real giveaway here is what it tells us about Starmers overall approach to government in general. Which is, quite simply, that he never fully accepts responsibility for anything. Its always someone elses fault. The Tories first and foremost, of course, as he never tires of reminding us even a year in. But also, people within his own ranks. Just ask poor Rachel Reeves who, for all her mistakes, should not have to carry the can for his governments financial mismanagement. And yet there she is, about as popular as JK Rowling at a Stonewall rally, the entire burden for Labours first disastrous economic year in power resting on her shoulders. A responsible Prime Minister, a principled Prime Minister, a Prime Minister with even a shred of honour, would support or at least pretend to support his Chancellor as she tries to push through much needed (however cackhanded) fiscal reform. Instead, he always seems to be busy elsewhere. Coincidence? Some might call it moral cowardice. Whether this is a deliberate tactic to avoid being associated with uncomfortable choices or a symptom of a wider inability to fully engage isnt clear; perhaps a bit of both. Welfare reform should not be some half-baked afterthought, writes Sarah Vine. The Prime Minister should have been across it in every detail Its certainly the case that Whitehall staff have been surprised at the Prime Ministers withdrawn approach to government: his lack of warmth, his closed-door policy, his inability to take advice even from those whose job it is to advise. The whole Sue Gray debacle is an interesting case in this respect. Having moved from her supposedly impartial role as a civil servant (always questionable, given that Gray was the woman who effectively dispatched Johnson via her role in the Partygate report AKA the biggest stitch up in recent political history, possibly ever), she caused some considerable outrage by taking up a political role as his chief of staff in opposition. But once in office, she lasted a matter of months before getting her marching orders. Why? A lot of senior mandarins (including Gus ODonnell, veteran Cabinet Office chief, who reportedly had his head in his hands when he heard that Sir Keir had appointed her), thought she was fundamentally unsuited to the role, and told him so repeatedly. But he just didnt want to hear it. He avoided making the difficult decision until things became so fraught he had no real choice. And even then, he accepted no responsibility for his tin ear and colossal error of judgment, icily dismissing her by simply saying she wasnt the right person. On other matters, he has a lawyers tendency to demur and can be astonishingly disingenuous. Take, for example, his protestations about his court-room defences of various questionable groups and individuals, such as the Islamist group Hizb ut-Tahrir and the radical cleric Abu Qatada. He hides behind the cab rank rule (a principle in English law that means barristers cannot refuse a case based on personal opinions provided they are properly compensated for their work). But if you do certain cases pro bono, as he did, then that rule doesnt apply; it also doesnt apply outside the UK and given that his defence of Hizb ut-Tahrir was in the European Court (against the German government), that might be seen as a somewhat flimsy excuse. Also fairly flimsy on closer scrutiny was his blustering condemnation recently of Palestine Action for breaking into RAF Brize Norton and sabotaging two aircraft. In his human rights champion days, Starmer defended a number of similar protests, including as reported in The Mail on Sunday the actions of Lindis Percy, who was arrested over 500 times for breaking into and protesting outside RAF and US bases. Not only did he advocate for Ms Percy, she was also featured in his campaign video when he was running for the Labour leadership in 2020. Against a backdrop of images of campaigners, she said: Keir defended me, and many others, to bring public scrutiny and awareness to the presence of the US visiting forces so that we can live in a more peaceful and less secretive society. Keir never asked for anything in return. It is reasonable to assume, on the basis of that quote, that he helped her pro bono, and therefore, once again, his beloved get-out-of-jail cab rank rule would not apply. It all adds up to a picture of a north London Leftie more concerned with preserving his own reputation among the nduja classes than a genuine man of principle who wants to improve life for ordinary Britons. Indeed, one senses that part of him is fundamentally uncomfortable with his role as Prime Minister of a country that he does not seem to remotely identify with and that in some instances appears to actively deplore. Hence his paralysis over illegal immigration; his attacks on farmers and obvious indifference towards the countryside; his deranged loathing of private schools; his eagerness to give away the Chagos islands; his betrayal of Northern Ireland veterans; his stubbornness on grooming gangs. His world view is basically the inside of a VIP tent at Glastonbury. But there is one thing he really cares about: impressing his international law buddies. One of his first moves as Prime Minister was to appoint Lord Hermer as Attorney General. Most new Prime Ministers dont even know who the Attorney General is, least of all care enough to appoint their own. And yet he was falling over himself to install a man who, like him, is obsessed with the Rule of Law and the deployment of lawfare for political ends. Hermers past clients include Gerry Adams and a number of Islamist terrorists. He says the British Empire is deeply racist. Go figure. Another one of his international law buddies is Philippe Sands, who has been making some decent coin lately by representing Mauritius in the Chagos Islands deal. At a recent talk at Cambridge, Sands delighted in telling his audience how he had humiliated Britain in the courts, adding that it was a special thing to be celebrated for doing so. Given how much Starmer and those around him appear to openly loathe this country her traditions, her history, her people even its a mystery as to why he wants to run it. Unless, that is, his ultimate aim is to destroy Britain entirely. Judging by this first year in power, that is exactly what he intends to do. But to replace it with what? I shudder to think what the country will look like by the time of the next election, when half the nation is comatose, sucking on the great greasy teat of the welfare state while the ever-dwindling pool of taxpayers grind themselves into the ground to fill the empty coffers left behind by fleeing entrepreneurs and failed businesses. When our fields grow nothing but wind turbines and grey solar panels; when all our children are educated to the same dismal standard; when killing your unborn baby at 40 weeks is no longer a crime and when the old, the sick and the disabled are shuffled off early. How much damage can one joyless, self-satisfied north London lawyer who doesnt dream, doesnt care for novels, cant remember the last time he got a bit tipsy (the answer is not never but I cannot remember) and has no role models (I dont pick heroes) do in four years? The answer, I fear, is rather a lot. And were about to find out. Listen to Sarah Vine and Peter Hitchens debate the biggest talking points of the week on Alas Vine & Hitchens. Available wherever you get your podcasts now. I think King Charles must be a secret petrolhead, much more like the dreaded, goggled maniac motorist Mr Toad than the gentle plant-loving nostalgist he seems to be at first sight. What else can explain his horrible, needless decision to scrap the royal train? The instruction saves almost no money, is poorly justified and is a brutal blow at the environment he claims to love so much. Trains, as we shall see, are a million times greener than cars and, as for helicopters and private jets, these things which have survived the Kings cuts are not green at all, even if they run on old bits of cheese and cooking oil. Remember that the late Queen gave him an Aston Martin, in Seychelles Blue for his 21st Birthday in 1969. He still has it, though it now runs on biofuel made from wine, cheese... and unleaded petrol. Maybe that explains the rich, evocative whiff of old-fashioned fuel, which I sniffed a few months ago as I walked past the Royal Bentley near the gates of Clarence House, the Kings London home. His favourite vintage Aston Martin is a typical pointless show-off machine, quite unfitted for real life and related to the absurd, pretentious plutocrat cars that make London nights hideous with their mechanical burps and rumbles and screaming tyres. It is, for instance, capable of going at nearly twice the national speed limit. The great racing driver Graham Hill taught him how to drive it at the Thruxton circuit, not the sort of driving lesson most of us have. The King has said: It is one of the great cars. I adore the design and the lines. They are special... It was always the car to have. Perhaps so. But most cars, however fast and however lovely their lines, spend most of the time depreciating in the gutter, or emitting fumes in traffic jams, unless you have a motorcycle escort, which few of us do. Whereas trains can legally go at 186 mph, with no need for police outriders. As the King is three years older than me, and saw more of the steam age than I did, I had wrongly assumed that, in his old-fashioned heart he would, like me, have been far more thrilled by the thundering, roaring, shining glory of the great express locomotives of his boyhood. It is not just me who thinks he is a bit nostalgic. At his Highgrove home there is a painted sign warning guests: Beware! You are now entering an old-fashioned establishment. The King has decided the 1.5million annual running costs for the royal train are unjustifiable in the current economic climate and it will be decommissioned in 2027 As the King is three years older than me I had wrongly assumed that he would, like me, have been far more thrilled by the great express locomotives of his boyhood, writes Peter Hitchens The late Queen, pictured with the royal train in 2018, gave Charles an Aston Martin, in Seychelles Blue for his 21st Birthday in 1969 And yet he is, apparently, not nostalgic for trains. I have been noticing worrying signs about our Monarch. He could, for instance, have commanded the use of the royal train to carry the Queen back from Scotland, where she died, to London for her funeral. A special funeral railway carriage, with large windows and carefully illuminated to allow mourners to catch a glimpse of her coffin, even by night, had been commissioned in case Her Majesty died at Balmoral. Such a journey would have brought reverent multitudes to stand by the tracks, as countless Britons did for Sir Winston Churchills funeral train in 1965, and as two million Americans, black and white, did for the slain Bobby Kennedy in 1968. It would have been an immensely moving national farewell, as those like me who queued for hours for Her Majestys Lying-in-State can testify. But it never happened. Of course, it was more convenient, more modern, and more in line with the tedious, humourless and unfeeling demands of security to fly her down. Quite why, in that case, it was secure to drive the Queen in a banal car down the public highway from Hyde Park Corner to Windsor, I do not know. That was also a journey that would have been done better and more reverently by rail. You can see why the arguments for plane and car prevailed among the modern people who now surround the King. But they all missed the point. To be at the Lying-in-State in Westminster Hall was to witness and feel something that could not be measured by conventional instruments, and which I struggled to describe, though I felt it very strongly. It would be more modern and convenient and secure not to have a King at all. Yet even republicans would all be strangely, unexpectedly bereft once the Crown was gone. So Ive watched carefully since then and was not surprised to find that the train was hardly being used in the new reign. Well, why wasnt it? I recognised this as an ancient tactic for first squashing a thing you dont like, and then getting rid of it. So note the dreadful, wimpy, logic-free excuse for scrapping the train that it was used just twice in the year 2024-2025. It is claimed that it cost 389,984 a-time. That figure is reached by just loading all the overheads on to two trips. Many more trips would mean a much lower cost per outing. But, for heavens sake, why was it used so little? It wasnt because of the weather or the economy or global warming. It was because our petrolhead King and his glinting, efficient modern advisers did not wish to use it. They decided not to use it. It did not just happen. It will soon be obvious that this decision is a mistake, but it will be very hard to undo. When James Chalmers, the Keeper of the Privy Purse burbles that in moving forwards we must not be bound by the past, he is emitting drivel. He was brought into the Palace from the steely, efficiency-obsessed world of PricewaterhouseCoopers, a Goliath among accountancy firms. Such bodies specialise, alas, in knowing the price of everything and the value of nothing. I am surprised he has not renamed himself Chief of Accounts, as I bet he has never seen a privy purse and wouldnt know what to do with one if he did. Change is not always progress. Trains are not some archaic survival. They combine extraordinary beauty with great modernity. Railways remain, by miles, the most modern, quietest, cleanest, most efficient, fastest and least wasteful of all forms of powered ground transport. 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. They can use almost any fuel. Their rolling resistance the friction between steel wheel and steel rail is vastly smaller than that of any motor vehicle with a rubber tyre on a tarmac road. That is why all proper environmentalists do all they can to favour and promote them, as the royal train would if used properly. So the King should immediately reprieve it from this foolish doom. We should have not just one but two a grand old steam-powered locomotive and chintzy carriages to tour this country in real state, and a 200-mile-an-hour one in royal maroon, adorned with kingly emblems, which could whoosh through the Channel Tunnel to Paris, Berlin, Warsaw and Rome causing all those poor republican foreigners to envy us. Both should be open to paying visitors when not in use. And a seat aboard the royal train should be a reward offered to those otherwise unrecognised men and women, who have never so much as seen an Aston Martin, but whose distinguished, unspectacular work and duty keeps the national wheels rolling. Listen to Peter Hitchens and Sarah Vine debate the biggest talking points of the week on Alas Vine & Hitchens. Available wherever you get your podcasts now. Welfare minister Liz Kendall put down her novelty spectacles and summoned all the resolution in her slender veins. 'This Government,' she squeaked, 'must not and will not duck the big challenges!' Three and a half hours later: capitulation. Even then, Deputy Whip Mark Tami was prowling the chamber, gazing doggy-eyed at Labour MPs. Treasury minister James Murray looks like a mortuary assistant sat sniffing a fishy breeze. He soon scuttled away, as did Ms Kendall. Panic klaxons honked. Cave-in came at 5.25pm when Sir Stephen Timms, the Herman Munster of the operation, announced that the Bill was going to be neutered. Labour MPs cheered at having made Sir Keir Starmer look a fool. Landslide a year ago. Now mudslide. Sir Keir had been buried under the sludge of dissent. All that remains: two legs akimbo and a muffled, nasal voice saying 'the people voted for change'. If No 10 hoped the concession would end Labour in-fighting, it was wrong. Andy McDonald (Middlesbrough) gloated at the disarray. Show pony Imran Hussain (Bradford East) was on his hooves, over-egging his wheezy outrage. Ian Lavery (Blyth) shouted: 'This is crazy, man.' Ian Byrne (Liverpool W Derby) said belief in Labour had been 'shattered' by an 'immoral' shambles. The Bill began its second reading after lunch. Off it drifted, like the Hindenburg from Frankfurt in May 1937, amid brave boasts as pennants fluttered. There were hopes that Sir Keir would make a rare visit to his Westminster plantations to sit beside Ms Kendall. This would allow the PM to assert his leadership. Sir Keir was nowhere to be seen. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer in Downing Street yesterday Welfare minister Liz Kendall put down her novelty spectacles and summoned all the resolution in her slender veins in the Commons, writes Quentin Letts Pensions minister Torsten Bell was on parade. I saw him half turn and give a dazzling smile. Oddly, there was no one obvious in his orbit. He did not seem to be aiming that smile at anyone. Just practising his routines. You would not entrust young Torsten with a laden tea-tray. Kemi Badenoch led from the front for the Tories and shook her right arm in animation. She goes all crazy when she does that and it's rather pulse-quickening. You glimpse a wild woman within. Opposition leaders seldom speak in Bill debates but she is making a habit of it. Useful time in the nets. She is growing in confidence. A little. Welfare spending was out of control. 'The rider is getting heavier than the horse.' The Tories were 'the only party calling for restraint'. Nigel Farage's Reform MPs, since you ask, were absent. The day being hot, some used fans. Nadia Whittome (Lab, Nottingham E) and Stella Creasy (Lab, Walthamstow) had battery-operated jobs. Cat Smith (Lab, Lancaster & Wyre) fluttered an elegant Spanish one. Kim Johnson's was as big as a squash racket. She waved it with such vigour that the resultant gale caused havoc with the hairdo of her neighbour Rebecca Long-Bailey. A clerk chewed gum. Clive Betts (Lab, Sheffield SE) muttered to himself. The Lib Dems' Steve Darling held the paw of his guide dog. More than one Labour MP spoke of 'encouraging people to try work', as if work were an exotic starter at a Persian restaurant. Sheep's eye in custard. We must encourage people to try it. Chris McDonald (Lab, Stockton N) deplored Mrs Badenoch's lack of 'empathy' to welfare recipients. What about 'empathy' for Stockton taxpayers who rise at dawn and slog off to work only to have half their wages nicked to pay for welfare grabbers that Ms Kendall used to call 'Mickey takers'? Rachael Maskell (Lab, York C) was affectingly tearful and even quoted Nelson Mandela. Marie Tidball (Lab, Penistone) was a ball of impressively theatrical fury. Jeremy Corbyn (Ind, Islington N) spoke for his former tribe: 'If it does cost more money, so be it.' It was, in short, a day of prime ministerial panic, when Starmerite greasers saw the mirage fade and the Left reasserted its dominance. Tony Blair faced a similar rebellion in December 1997. I remember Harriet Harman afterwards hugging members of the sisterhood. Blair stood his ground and won. Starmer folded. We may never properly learn what finally brought Rachel Reeves to break down in tears in the House of Commons chamber yesterday. Ultimately only she will know, and to a degree it remains a matter for her. But only to a degree. She is the British Chancellor. And no one who has worked in Westminster and I've been working there for over 30 years has ever seen anything like the scenes we witnessed. As the tears were rolling down the Chancellor's cheeks a colleague said to me 'this is really horrible' to watch. It was. So it's best to place emotions aside, and stick with the facts. The genesis for Reeves's public breakdown was a seemingly innocuous spat between the Chancellor and Speaker Lindsay Hoyle 24 hours earlier, which was reported by the Daily Mail's sketchwriter Quentin Letts. 'Rachel Reeves urged to give shorter answers... rolled her eyes and said 'urgh, all right', making plain her contempt,' Quentin reported. As she entered the chamber for yesterday's PMQ's session, Hoyle pulled Reeves aside, and was heard to say: 'Quentin Letts has been tweeting about us. That exchange wasn't helpful to anybody.' At that point accounts differ. The Chancellor's allies claim the exchange escalated, and Hoyle became abrupt with her. Others who witnessed their interaction say it was brief and insignificant. But what has been confirmed by multiple sources is Reeves then said 'I'm just under so much pressure', before taking her place on the Government bench. Soon after, she became visibly upset. As the session unfolded, Keir Starmer carried on apparently unconcerned at the mounting distress of his Chancellor. When goaded by Kemi Badenoch over whether he would be keeping her in her role, he pointedly declined to answer. Others noted he kept referring to her successes in the past tense. This has led to sustained criticism of Starmer over his perceived callousness. But other ministers who were on the front bench, only a few spaces down from Reeves, claim they genuinely had no idea she was so upset. As one told me: 'I honestly didn't realise. I wasn't looking a her, but she sounded quite robust, backing up Keir.' For the entire sitting, Chancellor Rachel Reeves visibly struggled to keep her emotions together, as tears streaked her face, writes Dan Hodges In the immediate aftermath of the session, chaos ensued. Downing Street officials claimed to have no idea of what was happening to the Chancellor, and referred queries to her own team. Treasury officials appeared equally blindsided, and refused or felt unable to return calls. In the vacuum, rumours spread she had resigned, or been sacked by Keir Starmer. This, in turn, began to create significant turbulence on the financial markets. Some people have pointed conspiratorially to this media black-out. But one Government official told me: 'To be honest, I'd be surprised if Rachel's team were even watching PMQs. She's not got any role, and after last night [the welfare rebellion] they had enough on their plate.' Eventually her advisers issued a terse statement claiming she had experienced a 'personal matter' and they would not be commenting further. An explanation that has created significant scepticism across Westminster, and even among her own colleagues. According to one Cabinet minister: 'She was already on edge after an argument she had with Angela Rayner over the benefits climbdown. Then when Lindsay had a little pop that pushed her over the edge. But it wasn't his fault. It wasn't really about him.' Another minister said tensions between Reeves and Rayner had burst into the open after the Deputy Prime Minister's allies had briefed colleagues she had brokered yesterday's welfare climbdown directly with the PM, bypassing the Chancellor. This came after it emerged Rayner had been directly lobbying Reeves to change course on tax policy. One said: 'Rachel thinks Angela has been undermining her, and damaging her credibility with the markets'. Another observer of PMQs said: 'It was noticeable Angela and Rachel were ignoring each other throughout the session.' However, if we are to believe it was a 'personal issue' that brought the Chancellor to tears, other colleagues wonder why she attended PMQs in the first place. 'If it was so serious, why was she there? And why did they let her go in there if they knew she was facing some major issue?' one asked. There are essentially two ways of objectively addressing Rachel Reeves's unprecedented emotional distress in the chamber. The first is to take the explanation furnished by her office at face value. She is confronting a significant, private, personal issue. And she has every right to maintain her privacy. The other is to take Reeves herself at face value. And recognise she is indeed facing 'so much pressure' in her uniquely demanding role that she has been pushed to breaking point. But either way, the conclusion that must be reached and it needs to be reached by Keir Starmer quickly is that Rachel Reeves cannot remain in post until the issues she is facing are resolved. Because ultimately, this is not about her, but about the country. It is simply not tenable to have a Chancellor breaking down in tears in the House of Commons chamber. The circumstances of their emotional distress are not relevant. Reeves's suffering significantly undermined the financial markets, and the chaotic speculation that followed it further undermined the credibility of a government that has already had its authority shredded. What's more, the Prime Minister has a duty of care to a valued colleague. And while he may not have been fully aware of her anguish at the time, he is fully aware of it now. And it cannot simply be brushed off as 'one of those things'. Reeves needs to be pulled back at least temporarily from the political front line. Keir Starmer owes it to her. And, more importantly, he owes it the nation. A peculiar thing happened last Sunday. In my Ask Jana column, I answered a question from a reader who learned her husband had received a 'rub and tug' from a masseuse. She wanted to know if that constituted cheating. Her husband said it didn't - and even thought it was a funny little escapade. Yuck. My answer was clear: 'I think this one's pretty black and white: if a man lets another woman touch his willy, he's cheating. It doesn't matter if it was part of a "massage".' Done and dusted. Or so I thought When I shared my opinion on Instagram, I got some very surprising responses. The upshot was this: a shocking number of men don't think getting a Thai massage with a 'happy ending' counts as cheating. Even worse? A surprising number of women agreed. This week, DailyMail+ columnist Jana Hocking pulls back the curtain on 'rub and tug' joints One friend even told me she doesn't mind her husband getting a bit of 'hand relief' elsewhere if it gives her a 'few days' peace' - but draws the line at blowjobs or sex. Another said it wouldn't be a 'deal-breaker' if her man got a 'wristy' at a massage parlour. (Yes, she really said 'wristy'. That's Australian women for you.) 'I just don't think I'd care, to be honest... maybe I'm too easy-going?' she told me. 'Easy-going' is one way of putting it. Later that evening, as I strolled around Bondi, it suddenly seemed like massage parlours were everywhere, their neon 'open' signs flickering at me. Some were sandwiched between nail salons and bottle shops, others were sitting awkwardly on corners next to kebab joints. Some were at street level, but mostly they were up flights of dimly lit stairs. There were no customers in sight during my little stakeout, but you'd be wrong to assume business was slow. Usually there's a back entrance somewhere, or the male customers enter unnoticed, slinking in like horny ninjas. Call me naive, but until recently I really thought happy ending joints only existed in the red light districts of Bali and Thailand. 'Rub and tug' massage parlours are hiding in plain sight, nearly as common as coffee shops and convenience stores (stock image posed by models) Call me naive, but until recently I really thought happy ending joints only existed in the red light districts of Bali and Thailand, writes Jana (stock image) But no, they are right here on our doorstep, hiding in plain sight, almost as common as coffee shops and convenience stores. Welcome to Australia's 'happy ending' massage boom. Thai massage joints surged in popularity here when remedial massage was added to the extras offered by several major health insurers. But an unintended consequence of this was the proliferation of shops that provide a very different kind of 'extra' service - namely handjobs. I am told customers at these venues are generally married men who consider it 'light cheating' because the sex act they're paying for is so... basic. No sex, no blowjob, not even a bed. It's hardly in the same league as a brothel or meeting a woman on a dating app - or at least that's their logic. So how exactly does it all work? Well, men walk in, choose their massage and pay in cash. Then, upon entering the room, there is usually a hint of sorts from the masseuse that 'extras' are on the table. This is typically something like, 'Have you been here before?' Then it's game on. The rubdown begins and hands brush past bits that are usually off limits in a legit massage. Then, after about 30 minutes, the customer is told to 'turn over please' and... well, do I need to spell out what happens next? After their 'happy ending', the men exit - often through a discreet side door - and skip off home to their unsuspecting wives and girlfriends. Yep, it still sounds like cheating to me. But plenty of fellas out there disagree. This response came from a famous athlete, believe it or not: 'In my opinion, a rub and tug is not cheating. Stress relief and relaxation, no intimacy at all.' Meeting women has never been a problem for someone like him. But, as I was beginning to understand, it isn't about that. 'There's no exchange of bodily fluids, no sex or oral. Just a whole-body massage. People will disagree, but that's my two cents,' he said. Chris*, a FIFO worker from Western Australia, also told me that massage parlours have become a 'convenient loophole' for men on-site. 'Guys fly into town, check into their usual cheap motel, grab a kebab, then head to what they call the "relaxation zone". They treat it like self-care. Like getting a haircut or a car wash,' he explained. 'It's not an affair. It's just a massage.' This married man had a similar take: 'I've been married 12 years. I don't have affairs, I don't lie, I don't go on dating apps, but I do get the occasional massage with a happy ending,' he said. 'I see it like getting a release - it's not emotional, and it's keeping me satisfied in a marriage where regular sex dried up a long time ago.' Another bloke told me that he and his mates frequent a 'rub and tug' parlour after weekly footy practice and treat it like 'a cheeky secret'. His justification? 'You don't fall in love with your waxer. Why would this be different?' So, where does that leave us? There's a reason these shops are popping up everywhere, and it's not because we're a nation of people with tight shoulders. Perhaps it's because they present a guilt-free solution (although it really shouldn't be) to the sexual frustration common in many marriages. It's a kind of cheating that can be easy to justify - or maybe dismiss as an 'accident'. To that I say: if it's really 'just a massage', why don't you tell your wife about it? If you have to pay in cash, walk out a side door, and delete your browser history it's not exactly the same as a physio appointment, is it? As one of my followers succinctly put it: 'If it's something you would be ashamed to tell your partner, then you probably shouldn't be doing it.' Maybe it's time we stop calling it 'just a massage'. * Name has been changed The Dutch royal, 54, met the US President last week for the NATO summit Queen Maxima of the Netherlands has revealed what she really said when she appeared to 'mock' Donald Trump on live TV last week. The Dutch royal was standing right next to Trump and her husband King Willem-Alexander as they posed for pictures after the US president arrived in the European country for the NATO summit. While making small talk, Maxima, 54, had appeared to 'mock' the way Trump's mouth moved and pulled a face before turning towards the cameras. The split-second reaction didn't go unnoticed by eagle-eyed social media users, who wrote: 'You have to watch how Queen Maxima of the Netherlands mocks Trump's speaking right in front of him.' Writing on X/Twitter, CNN editor Vani Mehrotra observed: 'Did she really do that? Queen Maxima of the Netherlands is believed to be mocking Donald Trump.' But during the royal family's annual summer photo session on Monday, Maxima set the record straight. Speaking to Dutch outlet AD, she clarified what actually happened, telling reporters: 'I said "thank you" to someone who had helped', adding that meeting the president had been a 'pleasant experience'. Meanwhile her eldest daughter and heir to the throne, 21-year-old Princess Catharina-Amalia, said it was 'really cool' she had the opportunity to meet 'the president of America'. Queen Maxima of the Netherlands has revealed what she really said when she appeared to 'mock' Donald Trump on live TV last week. Pictured on Monday with husband Willem-Alexander While Trump smiled and spoke to her husband, Queen Maxima appeared to mock the way his mouth moved as he spoke while turning toward the cameras In the clip, the trio was seen smiling for cameras as Trump, 79, gave a thumbs-up while the King appeared to stand a bit closer to the commander-in-chief than his wife. Trump and the King made small talk and laughed a bit while Queen Maxima stayed quiet and continued to smile. 'That's the picture we want,' Trump said as the King told him: 'Well I hope you slept well!' 'It was great, the house is...' Trump replied as he smiled one last time before thanking everyone there. As he did so, Queen Maxima appeared to mock the way his mouth moved before turning toward the cameras. People quickly flocked to the comments after picking up on the Queen's response, as one wrote: 'I've never been a fan of our stiff monarchy, but Queen Maxima rocks it! Treat him like a baby.' Another said: 'Queeeen Maxima! Love her!' 'The Queen keeping her distance,' wrote another user. Queen Maxima of the Netherlands has been accused of mocking President Donald Trump on live TV while he stood right next to her. Pictured on June 25 'Looks like she has calculated how much separation from Trump she can achieve and be in the picture,' said another. While many people got a laugh out of the moment, others were not as happy with what the Queen appeared to do. 'How low can you stoop as the so-called queen of Dutch people who don't exist... despicable to the core...,' one wrote. 'Ooo. How creepy,' someone else commented. 'What a 'queen',' said another. Trump joined other world leaders who are part of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization for a family photo and welcome dinner ahead of a stacked day of meetings. First lady Melania Trump did not join her husband for the trip overseas. The red carpet was literally rolled out for Trump and other world leaders arriving in the Netherlands last Tuesday. NATO leaders were seen toasting each other and clinking drinks at a dinner ahead of an intense day of meetings. Trump was all smiles as he literally shook hands and figuratively rubbed shoulders with King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands Dutch Queen Maxima appeared to laugh and look over at her husband and Trump while posing for a group photo Trump and Dutch Queen Maxima look at each other while King Willem-Alexander smiles for a photo Queen Maxima was a 28-year-old economist when she married into the Dutch royal family in 2002. Maxima, who was born in Buenos Aires, endeared herself to the Dutch people thanks to her warm personality. Hello Magazine reported in 2016 that Willem-Alexander put his foot down and was so set on marrying Maxima he was ready to renounce the throne to be her husband. Willem-Alexander became King of the Netherlands in April 2013 following the abdication of his mother Queen Beatrix. The couple share three daughters: Princess Catharina-Amalia, 21, Princess Alexia, 20, and Princess Ariane, 18. Princess Catharina-Amalia, Queen Maxima, King Willem-Alexander, Princess Ariane and Princess Alexia for the Dutch royal family's annual summer photo session on Monday US President Trump appeared to have a chummy interaction with both King Willem and Queen Maxima after arriving in the Netherlands last Tuesday. At the time, the visit followed hot on the heels of his facilitating a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Iran. But after the ceasefire was initially struck early on Tuesday, Israel claimed Iran had violated the deal by carrying out strikes after it came into force. Mr Trump called for Israel to withdraw its warplanes, and claimed both it and Iran 'don't know what the f*** they're doing' as he departed for the summit in the Netherlands. Since, the U.S. leader has begun stepping up his push on the Israeli government to broker a ceasefire and hostage agreement and bring about an end to the war in Gaza. A woman who thought she got a great deal while booking a $7 hostel was left horrified when she saw where she'd be sleeping. Fiona Strack, 25, originally from Germany, has been traveling full-time since August 2024. While backpacking across the globe over the last year, she has become no stranger to booking cheap accommodations in a bid to cut down costs. When she came across a listing for a hostel in Manila, Philippines, on a popular booking website that was a mere $7 for one night, she was ecstatic over the low price. It had good reviews and the pictures looked 'okay,' so she went ahead and booked it... but as soon as she walked into the hostel, she immediately regretted her decision to stay there. It looked more like a dog kennel or a jail cell than a hostel, with harrowing bars on the outside of each bed. Her sleeping quarters consisted of a small mattress sitting on the floor, a pillow, a thin blanket, and a fan. It was caged in with walls around it and a metal gate that could be locked from the outside or inside. A woman who thought she got a great deal while booking a $7 hostel was left horrified when she saw where she'd be sleeping While backpacking across the globe, Fiona Strack, 25, originally from Germany, often books cheap accommodations in a bid to cut down costs But one hostel in Manila, Philippines, looked more like a dog kennel or a jail cell than a hostel, with harrowing bars on the outside of each bed Her sleeping quarters consisted of a small mattress sitting on the floor, a pillow, a thin blanket, and a fan The bathroom had a detachable shower head, a faucet to wash your hands, and a toilet with no toilet seat. 'I booked it online via a popular booking website, the reviews and the pictures were okay so I just thought to just go for it,' Fiona explained exclusively to the Daily Mail. 'I walked in and immediately thought, "This feels more like a dog kennel than a hostel." It was cramped, dark, and honestly a bit shocking, but It was fully booked.' While Fiona said she considered leaving at first, she explained that it was late and she was exhausted from a long day of traveling. In addition, she knew it would just be for one night so she decided to grin and bare it. 'I absolutely considered leaving and I probably would've if it hadn't been so late at night and I had not been so tired since I just arrived after a long travel day,' she dished. '[Also] as a low-budget backpacker, it's not really an option to double pay for one night.' She said she 'tried to make the best of it' and used humor to cope. It was caged in with walls around it and a metal gate that could be locked from the outside or inside While Fiona said she considered leaving at first, she explained that it was late and she was exhausted from a long day of traveling The bathroom had a detachable shower head, a faucet to wash your hands, and a toilet with no toilet seat She took a video of the unwelcoming accommodations and shared it to Instagram, under her username @fiona.strack, where it quickly went viral. 'When you budget backpacked a little too hard,' she wrote in a text overlay as a clip showed her covering her mouth in shock, before she turned the camera to show off the hostel. 'Still not sure if it was a hostel, a dog shelter, or a prison,' she joked in the caption. 'But hey, $7 a night and I had Wi-Fi, electricity, a fan, and a clean towel.' Fiona told the Daily Mail that she was 'so tired' that she 'immediately fell asleep.' But she said she was left tossing and turning most of the night out of fear someone might lock her in her little cubicle. She added that she did not have a 'restful night' and was extremely happy to leave the next morning as soon as she woke up. 'Knowing someone could easily lock my door with another padlock from the outside, let me wake up after every single noise I heard,' shared the backpacker. 'It wasn't [really] dangerous though, just extremely uncomfortable, loud, very hot (no AC, just a fan) and kind of surreal. She said she 'tried to make the best of it' and used humor to cope. She took a video of the unwelcoming accommodations and shared it to Instagram, where it quickly went viral She said she did not have a 'restful night' and was extremely happy to leave the next morning as soon as she woke up. Her bed at the hostel is seen In the end, she said she hoped that sharing the incident online will show others the realities of backpacking. The hostel's entrance is seen '[Thankfully], I had a linen sleeping bag and noise cancelling headphones what made it bearable.' In the end, she said she hoped that sharing the incident online will show others the realities of backpacking. 'I posted [the video] to share the chaos of real budget travel,' she explained. 'I never expected this kind of response. I'm overwhelmed (in a good way) and grateful people connected with the rawness of it.' Melinda Gates is opening up about the emotional journey of ending her 27-year marriage to one of the world's most recognizable billionaires - revealing that despite the public spotlight and high stakes, the decision ultimately came from a deeply personal place. In a recent interview on the How to Fail with Elizabeth Day podcast, Gates spoke candidly about the moment she realized her marriage with Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates had come to an end. The two had been together for nearly three decades, building not only a family but one of the most powerful philanthropic foundations in the world. 'When that voice would come - and it would come at different times because of things that had happened outside the marriage that I would later come to learn about - I kept pushing it away,' Melinda said. She explained that she felt immense pressure to maintain the relationship, not just for herself but for their three children and their joint work at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Gates said she initially ignored her instincts for years, burying them under the weight of motherhood, global responsibility, and a shared legacy. 'We had a foundation and that was big and I believed in that work. 'I still believe in the work of the foundation,' she said. Melinda Gates is opening up about the emotional journey of ending her 27-year marriage to one of the world's most recognizable billionaires The philanthropist revealed she spent quiet time reflecting before deciding to leave the marriage But eventually, she explained that her inner voice became too loud to silence. 'At some point I had to turn towards it, and I just knew it and I knew it in my soul,' Melinda said. She emphasized that the process of arriving at that decision was not quick or easy. 'I took marriage - and I still do - very, very seriously and it wasn't just two of us involved, it was five of us,' she said, referencing their children. The couple announced their divorce in 2021, stating that while they could no longer 'grow together as a couple,' they would continue working together on their philanthropic efforts. Shortly afterward, reports surfaced that Bill, now 69, had allegedly had an affair with a Microsoft employee years earlier, something that allegedly contributed to the erosion of trust in the marriage. Melinda has not confirmed the exact timeline of when she learned about the rumors, but she did tell CBS Mornings in 2022 that 'I certainly believe in forgiveness. 'So I thought we had worked through some of that.' Gates said she pushed away her inner voice for years while raising three children and working at the foundation Despite the divorce, Gates said the marriage began in love and that she still believes in the foundation's work She explained that stepping away from the marriage required serious introspection and solitude. 'I had to take time, quiet time with myself, time to ask myself, well, "Why am I staying? What would it be like if I left?"' she said. Bill Gates previously responded to allegations of an extramarital affair on the first anniversary of the joint announcement that he and Melinda were getting divorced. 'I certainly made mistakes, and I take responsibility,' he told Today when asked if he was ever unfaithful. 'The divorce is definitely a sad thing. I have responsibility for causing a lot of pain to my family. It was a tough year. I feel good that all of us are moving forward now.' Despite the pain, Gates said she still believes in love and partnership. 'It's two people who've come together, hopefully in love - and in my case I would definitely say that - so then the pulling it apart later is really hard,' she said. The former couple has continued to collaborate professionally since the divorce, most recently working on issues related to gender equality and global health. Still, Gates has carved out her own identity as a philanthropist and advocate, increasingly using her platform to speak on women's empowerment and reproductive rights. In her memoir The Moment of Lift: How Empowering Women Changes the World, she hinted at the emotional weight she carried for years in her marriage, writing that she often felt unheard and invisible in meetings and in her personal life. Now, Gates appears to be more attuned to her own voice - one she admits she ignored for too long. 'When you have an inner knowing... it is really important to listen to it and to follow it,' she said. While she acknowledged the pain of divorce, she also validated the experience of others going through it, regardless of the circumstances. 'It doesn't matter who it is,' she said. 'It's a very painful thing to go through.' With her children grown and her foundation work evolving, Gates continues to reflect on what it means to live a life guided not by obligation, but by authenticity. A mum who thought she'd found the perfect birthday gift for her son at a bargain price was shocked when her online order looked nothing like what she expected. Kasey Smith purchased a giant ride-on electric car toy for her truck-obsessed boy for just $150 - marked down from a whopping $600 - from what she believed was a legitimate Australian online retailer. The unsuspecting shopper realised she had been duped by a scammer when a small parcel arrived at her address. Rather than receiving a tipper truck big enough for her soon-to-be four-year-old son to ride around the backyard - steering and reversing to offload dirt - the mum was greeted with a tiny version, about half the size of an A4 sheet of paper. The mum-of-three was shocked by the discovery, so she went straight to the retailer's website - only to find the online store no longer existed. 'It was going to be for my son's fourth birthday. He is truck/digger crazy so I knew he would be obsessed with this,' Kasey told Daily Mail Australia. 'When I saw the big discount I thought, "Wow that's massive I need to jump on straight away" because the website looked legit and Australian. I didn't think twice.' She noticed the delivery was taking a little while to arrive - but when she received a tracking number showing the parcel was coming from Sydney, she didn't think anything was suspicious. 'They sent a tracking number and everything... so I wasn't worried and didn't really give it a second thought,' she explained. Kasey Smith purchased a giant ride-on electric car toy for her truck-obsessed boy for just $150 - marked down from a whopping $600 - from what she believed was a legitimate Australian online retailer (left). But instead she received a tiny truck version (right) When a small package was delivered to her home, she was confused at first because she wasn't expecting anything else. 'As soon as I opened it up... my jaw dropped,' Kasey said. 'I actually couldn't believe what I was seeing.' The parcel contained a small toy truck that could fit inside the palms of her hands. 'It's seriously wild to me that they would do this,' Kasey said. 'It looks absolutely nothing like the real thing.' Daily Mail Australia has contacted the retailer for comment. The worst part is the mum is still getting ads for the electric toy truck on social media. 'It really does look legit on the website and they're running so many Instagram and Facebook ads,' she said. The mum wanted to surprise her son for his fourth birthday - but now she needs to find another gift instead (pictured with her husband and their three boys) Kacey said she decided to share her story in an effort to stop other parents from falling for the fraudulent website. 'I've been scammed,' she said in her video. 'I ordered a tipper truck for my little boy's birthday. I was like, "He's going to love it". It was $150, down from $600 so I jumped on straight away. 'But a little bit of plastic (toy) arrived. $150 for this.' When the mum returned to the online retailer's website where she had bought the toy, she was shocked to find the link had disappeared without a trace. 'It's gone so I don't know what to do,' she said. 'I'm going to try contact my bank and see if they can help.' Her video has been viewed more than 40,000 times - with many parents coming forward to reveal they have either purchased the same item or almost bought it. 'OMG it happened to me too! The exact same plastic bit of sh*t arrived too - we got played,' one mum said, laughing. The tipper truck was supposed to be big enough for her soon-to-be four-year-old son to ride around the backyard - steering and reversing to offload dirt. This ad popped up on social media so the mum decided to buy the electric truck for her little boy Many unsuspecting shoppers have thanked Kacey for her warning as they were previously unaware of the scam. 'You've saved me ordering this. I sent this to my partner yesterday for my son's third birthday. You poor thing,' one said. 'I was contemplating ordering this then thought the price was way too good to be true,' another shared. 'OH MY GOD! I legit saw that ad a few weeks ago and was gonna get one for my son,' one revealed. 'I was so close to buying this! Thanks for stopping me,' another added. While one shared: 'Same thing just happened to me with recliner chairs. I got my money back from the bank. If it's too good to be true, it generally is.' Meanwhile, one person shared their own experience to lighten up the situation: 'If it makes you feel any better, I brought some drawers off Facebook Marketplace and sent my dad with a trailer... they were for a Barbie set.' One supermarket is celebrating the long anticipated Oasis comeback with a very special tribute to the Britpop band - and it's sure to catch the attention of devoted fans. Tapping into the musicians' northern roots, Aldi has rebranded one of its locations in Manchester to be pronounced with the distinctive Mancunian accent Noel and Liam Gallagher are known and loved for. The store - now labelled as 'Aldeh' to signal a phonetic change - is sure to delight shoppers in the Bury New Road store in Prestwich, where many will likely be stopping by ahead of the group's concert in nearby Heaton Park, taking place from 11th to 20th of July. The performances, kicking off this weekend, have come after years of reunion rumours repeatedly squashed by the notoriously feuding musicians. Oasis kick off their reunion gigs on 4th July, and will be playing in their home city at Heaton Park from 11th 20th July. 'Manchester is a vibrant city with a rich musical history, and with the Oasis reunion, we wanted to mark the occasion,' said Julie Ashfield, Chief Commercial Officer at Aldi UK. 'By temporarily renaming our Bury New Road store to "Aldeh", we're celebrating both the local dialect and the legendary band that has brought so much joy to fans worldwide.' As part of the Oasis celebrations, the supermarket has also launched a new range of Aldimania Bucket Hats (4.99) which will be on sale in stores nationwide from 3rd July, while stocks last. Tapping into the musicians' northern roots, Aldi has rebranded one of its locations in Manchester to be pronounced with the distinctive Mancunian accent Noel and Liam Gallagher are known and loved for The performances, kicking off this weekend, have come after years of reunion rumours repeatedly squashed by the notoriously feuding musicians. The brothers pictured in 2005 Meanwhile, excitement is brewing ahead of the comeback. On Monday, the band is thought to have arrived in Cardiff ahead of the first gig of their hotly-anticipated reunion tour, after a last minute change to the plans. The brothers will reunite on stage at Cardiff's Principality Stadium on Friday - in their first gig in 15 years. Their tour will feature stadium shows across the United Kingdom, Ireland, Japan, South Korea and North, Central and South America, where it will conclude with a show at Sao Paulo's Estadio do Morumbi on November 23. Ans fans became convinced that the duo had already arrived in Wales to sound check at the stadium after people heard music coming from inside. It had also been revealed the brothers have enlisted new bandmates for the tour, with drummer Joey Waronker and guitarists Andy Bell, Gem Archer and Paul 'Bonehead' Arthurs on board. A source told The Mirror: 'With a new lineup and it being such a huge first show, the boys will do some songs inside the venue too. 'Some tours would start with a smaller show or take a week or two to get into the groove again- but there is no time for that, and also Liam and Noel want every night to be massive. 'This is such a huge comeback show, and they are taking it very seriously, it all points to it being an incredible comeback tour.' As part of the Oasis celebrations, the supermarket has also launched a new range of Aldimania Bucket Hats (4.99) which will be on sale in stores nationwide from 3rd July, while stocks last Oasis have arrived in Cardiff ahead of the first gig of their hotly-anticipated reunion tour, after a last minute change to the plans On Monday, fans became convinced that the duo had already arrived in Wales to sound check at the stadium after people heard music coming from inside (Seen in Cardiff in 1997) Supporters have since reacted to hearing rehearsals for the Gallagher brothers' gig kicking off in Wales, taking to social media. One fan shared a clip saying: 'Hello, so it is Monday, the gig is this weekend and you can probably hear it behind me already - the sound check is happening. 'I'm not sure what song it is but it defintiely sounds like Oasis. There was just instruments earlier but now there is vocals so they seem to be in Cardiff already. Which is very early for a sound check. ' Meanwhile sharing other clips, people said: 'Oasis soundcheck in Cardiff just now, @liamgallagher sounding biblical,'; 'THEY'RE IN THERE!!! @liamgallagher and @oasis are testing @principalitysta speakers in Cardiff and they are LOUD,'; 'Oasis soundcheck Cardiff sounds wicked,'; 'Oasis sound checking in Cardiff ohhhh my god.' Meghan Markle's 'bossy' behaviour in the months leading up to her wedding to Prince Harry included refusing advice from the late Queen's trusted party planner, it has been claimed. Journalist and royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith has painted an extraordinary picture of the turmoil behind the scenes on her Substack channel 'Royals Extra', based on her conversations with Her Majesty's cousin Lady Elizabeth Anson. According to Lady Anson, Meghan's estranged father Thomas Markle was 'frightened of coming to the wedding' in May 2018, despite a plan being put in place for him to enter St George's Chapel through a side door because he 'didn't do steps'. Born in Windsor Castle, Lady Elizabeth - a great-niece of the Queen Mother and a goddaughter of King George VI - was a high-society party planner, known as Liza to friends. Sally recalled how she and Liza watched Prince Harry and Meghan's televised interview announcing their engagement together in November 2017, before Liza formally met the Suits actress the following February to discuss ideas for the royal wedding. While Meghan 'was full of charm', she quickly dismissed any ideas that Liza - who organised Queen Elizabeth II's 80th birthday party - had for their nuptials by saying she couldn't 'make any decisions' until Harry returned to the UK from Botswana. Meghan Markle 's 'bossy' behaviour in the months leading up to her and Prince Harry 's wedding has been revealed - as she refused advice from the late Queen's most trusted party planner The Queen was also saddened after 'Meghan wouldn't tell her' about the wedding dress, Sally wrote, adding that Harry was 'rude to her for ten minutes' during a meeting Journalist and royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith also claimed that Meghan's estranged father Thomas Markle, pictured, was 'frightened of coming to the wedding' in May 2018 in a post on her Substack channel 'Royal Extras' that was published last week 'He will write from Africa,' Meghan reportedly told Liza. One of the Queen's most trusted confidantes, Liza later told Sally that Harry had been in touch to say they had decided to go 'another way' with their plans, and claimed his grandmother was 'content with this' decision. 'When I spoke with the Queen, she said she is not at all content,' Liza told Sally. 'Meghan could turn into nothing but trouble. She sees things in a different way.' Formerly Vanity Fair's Contributing Editor, Sally revealed that during the months leading up to Harry and Meghan's wedding at St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle, the Duke's relationship with the Queen became strained. Liza told her how Harry had 'blown his relationship with his grandmother' and that the Queen became 'really upset' over the wedding plans. The Queen was also saddened after 'Meghan wouldn't tell her' anything about her wedding dress, Sally wrote, adding that Harry was 'rude to her for ten minutes' during a meeting. According to Liza, the Queen was dismayed that Harry had asked the Archbishop of Canterbury to perform the wedding service in St. Georges Chapel without first requesting permission from the Dean of Windsor. 'Harry seems to think the Queen can do what she wants, but she cant,' said Liza. 'On the religious side, it is the Dean of Windsors jurisdiction.' Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and his wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, after their wedding St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, in Windsor, on May 19, 2018. A royal expert has written claims that they had upset the Queen 'She said she was really upset. 'I was shocked when the Queen told me this, how she was so saddened. I had no idea about the conversation, that he was rude to her for ten minutes.' Following these February rows, towards the end of April, Liza claimed that the Queen and her grandson had 'patched things up'. Harry apparently visited her alone to smooth things over and later wrote to her with more wedding details. But more family drama was on the horizon with Meghan's father Thomas Markle, who was 'frightened' about attending the royal wedding. When Sally asked Liza if Meghan was being bossy, Liza replied: 'So I gather. Very much so.' Thomas, 80, who has since relocated to the Philippines for a 'fresh start', did not attend the wedding due to health problems. Meghan allegedly became increasingly 'bossy' and Liza said the Queen was privately 'very worried', it has been claimed Harry's father, now King Charles, walked her down the aisle before she said 'I do' to Prince Harry at the altar in St George's chapel. Despite the Queen's reservations about Meghan, Sally previously wrote that the Royal Family 'fully embraced her and hoped for the best'. Referring to Queen Elizabeth's plans for the couple as ambassadors to the Commonwealth, one senior adviser said Her Majesty hoped Meghan - who is biracial - would represent a new, progressive Britain. 'Nobody could have tried harder for Meghan than we did,' the adviser told Sally. Six months after the wedding, however, it became clear that Meghan's 'opinionated and forceful' demeanour had become a serious cause for concern among senior royals and staff. One adviser claimed the new Duchess of Sussex wasn't even trying 'to fit into the royal family' and was set, instead, on forcing 'her view on Harry'. Speaking after 'Megxit' - or the splintering of the Royal Family after Harry and Meghan quit as senior members and moved to the US - another staff member said it became clear 'very early on' that Meghan wanted 'to get out'. Sally said they also suggested Meghan was expecting 'more money' and an even more lavish lifestyle after her marriage into the Royal Family, adding: 'She wanted that royal title that she could leverage.' Lady Anson, pictured left in red behind the Queen, was not only Elizabeth's cousin, but one of her closest friends, having supported the monarch through the deaths of her mother, the Queen Mother, and sister, Princess Margaret MailOnline has asked a spokesman for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to comment. The revelations come as Meghan continues to scale her lifestyle brand As Ever, with the Montecito-based Duchess launching a new rose on July 1 - the same day as Princess Diana's birth anniversary. Lady Elizabeth Anson was born at Windsor Castle during World War II and with King George VI as a godfather, she grew up surrounded by, and on first name terms with, the royals. Lady Elizabeth was also royally connected (her mother, a Bowes-Lyon, was a niece of the Queen Mother) but she was also one of the Queen's closest friends. For almost 60 years she presided over London's party scene with a ruthless efficiency. From royalty to celebrity her business, Party Planners, organised the capital's best and most lavish celebrations. She first decided to be a party planner when she was 17. She was working as a receptionist at the Hyde Park Hotel in London, but she fell down a flight of stairs and injured herself. The fall meant she needed to find a job that would enable her to work from home, and was inspired at having to organise her own debutante party when she realised she could make a living from planning celebrations. Her first event was for the late Queen Mother. 'She was hosting a party for one of her godchildren,' Lady Elizabeth previously told The Mail on Sunday. 'I remember charging very little and receiving a letter from the Queen Mother telling me to double the invoice.' Lady Elizabeth Anson, known as Liza, apparently claimed that Harry had to see his grandmother alone to 'patch up' their relationship, it has been claimed The Queen was also reportedly concerned about the relationship between Meghan and Harry's brother and sister-in-law She hosted bashes for everyone from Baroness Thatcher and Sir Mick Jagger, to Tom Cruise and Bill Clinton. Weddings were a speciality: there was pop star Sting's to Trudie Styler, to the slightly more reserved nuptials for Crown Prince Pavlos of Greece (to heiress Chantal Miller). When Prince William married Kate Middleton in 2011, the Queen asked her to organise a party for all the visiting royal guests. By then she was a veteran of royal party planning. No palace event, it seemed, was complete without input from Lady Elizabeth. She arranged the Queen's 80th birthday party and an event to mark the 50th anniversary of her coronation. In April 2021, the Queen made Lady Elizabeth a Commander of the Royal Victorian Order as a sign of her personal esteem. The hottest day of the year this week - which had Brits sweltering in temperatures that had sunseekers basked in searing 34.7C across some parts - signalled that summer well and truly is here. Many across the UK will be getting their shades, SPF and portable fans out to deal with the scorching heat - but there's nothing better to cool down with than a tasty, sugary ice cream, and here, a travel writer has shared her favourite parlours across the country. A Mr Whippy and Calippo can do the job just fine, but some days call for a proper vendor that delivers on both creaminess and flavour. Speaking to FEMAIL, food critic Renae Smith, revealed her top 20 picks for the sweet treat, featuring locations everywhere from London to Edinburgh. The expert, who is also the host of What Chefs Want on Channel 4 in Singapore, unveiled the best places to go for; and there's something for everyone, whether you're after a classic gelato or an experimental foodie concoction. Top of the list is Chelsea and Bermondsey based Ice Cream Union, where Renae reccomends the Fiordilatte with dulce de leche ripple. Elsewhere, she is also fond of the Espresso Martini flavour at Moomaid of Zennor in Cornwall. And for those further up north, the pro praised Bruccianis - a Morecambe Bay staple... Top of the list is Chelsea and Bermondsey based Ice Cream Union, where Renae reccomends the Fiordilatte with dulce de leche ripple Speaking to FEMAIL, food critic Renae Smith, revealed her top 20 picks for the sweet treat, featuring locations everywhere from London to Edinburgh. Pictured, Mary's Milk Bar in Edinburgh Renae praised Swoon Gelato, pictured, for its 'award-winning, artisan gelato thats all about creamy elegance and seasonal creativity' Renae, pictured - who is also the host of What Chefs Want on Channel 4 in Singapore - unveiled the best places to go for; and there's something for everyone, whether you're after a classic gelato or an experimental foodie concoction 1. Ice Cream Union Chelsea & Bermondsey Small-batch kings with a cult following in the chef world. They treat ice cream like fine dining, everythings handcrafted with freaky precision. Renae's pick of flavour: Fiordilatte with dulce de leche ripple and chocolate-coated biscuit chunks. Like a luxury McVities in gelato form. 2. The Dreamery Islington A whimsical wine bar meets boutique gelato lab. Expect fig leaf sorbet, oolong & prune, and the sexiest scoops served in vintage silver bowls. Renae's pick of flavour: Pear & verjus sorbet, bright, tart, elegant. Very 'London with a secret' 3. Chin Chin Dessert Club Soho & Camden At Chin Chin, Renae reccomends the burnt butter caramel with truffle crumble and pandan whipped cream. Pictured, the matcha misu Nitro-frozen theatre with a mad flavour lab twist. Think Michelin dessert meets street snack. Renae's pick of flavour: Burnt butter caramel with truffle crumble and pandan whipped cream. Its a full-sensory sugar trip. 4. Oddonos Gelaton Multiple London Locations Proper Italian gelato made fresh daily, using natural ingredients and zero fuss. A London mainstay for good reason. Renae's pick of flavour: Pistachio. No gimmicks, just textbook perfection. 5. Happy Endings Bow + stockists The UKs reigning queen of ice cream sandwiches. A little naughty, very nice. Renae's pick of flavour: The Malty One, malted parfait, oaty biscuits, magic malt crumb, dipped in luxe milk choc. Pure filth. 6. Bilmonte Soho The food critic expressed that boutique gelateria Bilmonte had 'Italian heart' and 'Soho soul'. Pictured, mango flavour Boutique gelateria with a love for texture and experts of the slow melt (perfect for hot days). Italian heart, Soho soul. Renae's pick of flavour: Milk chocolate, old school done the right way. 7. Swoon Gelato Bristol, Bath, Oxford Award-winning, artisan gelato thats all about creamy elegance and seasonal creativity. Renae's pick of flavour: Amarena Cherry Cheesecake. Tart, sweet, decadent, dangerously addictive. 8. Jacks Gelato Cambridge Micro-batch madness. The menu changes constantly, and every flavour is a conversation starter. Renae's pick of flavour: Miso Blondie. Or Passionfruit & Gochujang Sorbet if youre feeling chaotic. 9. Gelato Gusto Brighton Gelato Gusto, based in Brighton, proudly touts the 'truffle and honey' flavour. Renae says: 'Now focusing on wholesale, but you can still score a scoop of greatness in Brighton' BAFTA-winning founder turned gelato obsessive. Now focusing on wholesale, but you can still score a scoop of greatness in Brighton. Renae's pick of flavour: Truffle & honey, fancy but friendly. 10. Moomaid of Zennor St Ives, Cornwall Farm-made ice cream with ocean views and Cornish sass. Renae's pick of flavour: Espresso Martini. Not for kids, and thats the point. 11. Morellis Gelato Broadstairs Gelato since 1932. Think marble counters, pastel sundaes, and heritage scooping. Renae's pick of flavour: Kilimanjaro Coffee, like espresso but sexier. 12. The Ice Cream Farm Tattenhall, Cheshire Speaking of her reccomendations, Renae says: 'Whatevers made that morning from their own herd, usually divine' Theme-park energy with proper dairy credentials. Great for kids, nostalgic for adults. Renae's pick of flavour: Whatevers made that morning from their own herd, usually divine. 13. Snugburys Cheshire Three sisters, one barn, 300k scoops a year. Local legend status. Renae's pick of flavour: Raspberry Pavlova. Summer in a scoop. 14. Snowflake Gelato London Artisan gelato using Jersey milk and Michelin-grade ingredients like Valrhona chocolate. Renae's pick of flavour: Raspberry Sorbetto. Supreme Taste Award-winner, and youll see why. 15. Marys Milk Bar Edinburgh Gelato made daily by Mary, who trained in Bologna. Rotating flavours. No repeats. Renae's pick of flavour: The Spaghetti Sundae, just trust me. 16. Alandas Gelato Edinburgh The foodie pro has included, in her list, the 'award-winning Scottish-Italian scoop shop using East Lothian dairy' Award-winning Scottish-Italian scoop shop using East Lothian dairy. Renae's pick of flavour: Whisky Caramel. Youre in Edinburgh, when in Rome 17. Parisellas Llandudno, North Wales Proper seaside parlour since the 50s. Classic cones and nostalgia by the scoop. Renae's pick of flavour: Banoffee. Tastes like childhood. 18. Bruccianis Morecambe Bay Art Deco darling of the north. Go for the design, stay for the knickerbocker glories. Renae's pick of flavour: Vanilla is actually the best, stacked sky-high in a tall glass. 19. Nicholls Ice Cream Parlour Parkgate, Wirral Seventy five years and counting. Estuary views, homemade scoops, and major retro charm. Renae's pick of flavour: Turkish Delight. Unexpected, but totally lush. 20. DAPPA Hackney & pop-ups Vegan soft-serve made from almonds and cashews that gives full-fat Mr Whippy energy. Renae's pick of flavour: Dark chocolate with caramelised hazelnuts and coconut chips. Plant-based indulgence done right. Job seekers were amused to see Anna Wintour's old role advertised online Advertising for the famed position at US Vogue has begun - in an unusual way Ready for your next career move? Maybe the Head of Editorial Content for US Vogue is the position for you. The hiring process has begun for Anna Wintour's highly-coveted role at Vogue after the style icon stepped down from one of her positions at the fashion bible following 37 years at the helm. While it's expected that a high-profile editor already known to the company is likely to be appointed the position, job seekers were amused to find Conde Nast are advertising the role to the public on LinkedIn. The position was posted on the social networking platform, which is specifically designed for professionals, and shared by the official Conde Nast account. Featuring a collage of pink couture dresses in various shades, the banner across the center read: 'We are hiring.' 'Conde Nast is hiring a Head of Editorial Content for US Vogue,' the accompanying text read, along with an email to send resumes to. While it's not unusual for roles to be shared on the platform, the seniority and prestige of the role being shared to the general public had prospective applicants amused. 'Crying at Conde Nast pretending to consider applications for the top Vogue job from people on LinkedIn,' one user posted, sharing a screenshot to X, formerly known as Twitter. The hiring process has begun for Anna Wintour 's highly covered position at Vogue after the style icon stepped down from one of her roles at Vogue after 37 years 'Acting like they're not finishing up negotiations with the candidate already,' one user joked in response. 'What if all of this is just marketing for Devil's Wear Prada 2?' chimed in another. 'So weird seeing this role advertised, I thought it would have been recruited behind closed doors,' observed another. Someone else agreed, writing: 'Can't wait for us to hear about the replacement they 100% selected before posting this and we find out it's a big name who probably hasn't seen a job application in decades.' 'A million girls would kill for this job,' wrote another, using an iconic line from The Devil Wears Prada, said to be based off Wintour herself. Last week, Wintour told staffers that she will be hiring a new head of editorial content at American Vogue. She will continue to hold her position as Conde Nast's global chief content officer and global editorial director at Vogue, and the new head of editorial content will report directly to her. As chief content officer, Wintour oversees every brand globally, including Wired, Vanity Fair, GQ, AD, Conde Nast Traveler, Glamour, Bon Appetit, Tatler, World of Interiors and Allure - among others. While it's expected that a high-profile editor already known to the company is likely to be appointed the position, job seekers were amused to find Conde Nast are advertising the role to the public on LinkedIn Last week, Wintour told staffers that she will be hiring a new head of editorial content at American Vogue She will continue to hold her position as Conde Nast's global chief content officer and global editorial director at Vogue, and the new head of editorial content will report directly to her In her 37-year reign, Wintour reinvented the magazine, turning it into the influential force it is today (Pictured: Wintour's first cover in 1988) Wintour first became editor in chief of Vogue in 1988 and is credited with completely transforming the famed fashion magazine. She is also behind making the Met Gala what it is today - a red carpet event attended by the fashion elite, as she handpicks the celebrities and makes sure to greet them personally. Wintour's first job was on the now-defunct Harpers & Queen. Before she took over at Vogue as editor-in-chief, she was its creative director. She then went back home to British Vogue, where she served as editor-in-chief from 1985 to 1987, before rejoining American Vogue. Her famed covers included appearances from A-listers such as Oprah Winfrey, Madonna, Ivana Trump, Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell, Christy Turlington and Cindy Crawford. Disney fans have been raving about a 'terrific' new TV series despite less-than-stellar reviews from critics. Ironheart, that moves on from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, is a six-part sci-fi series that follows Riri Williams (Dominique Thorne) as an MIT student who returns home to Chicago. The brilliant teen makes a suit of armor that rivals that of Iron Man's Tony Stark before she joins forces with mysterious criminal Parker Robbins (Anthony Ramos). The first three episodes aired on Disney+ in June with the last three released on July 1 - and the series, which cost a reported $150 million dollars to develop, has received a 86 percent score on Rotten Tomatoes. Fans who have already binged the mini-series have flooded to Reddit to share their positive reviews. 'I love the show so far, the storyline is great... I can't wait to see where it goes next,' someone wrote. 'This show is terrific. One of the better Marvel shows. I'd say I'm enjoying it as much as WandaVision and Agatha,' another praised. 'Magic and political side of the Marvel Cinematic Universe always is my favorite. I cannot wait [for] how Ironheart will fuse magic with technology,' a user shared. Disney fans have been raving about a 'terrific' new TV series despite less-than-stellar reviews from critics Ironheart, that moves on from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, is a six-part sci-fi series that follows Riri Williams (Dominique Thorne) as an MIT student who returns home to Chicago 'I'm enjoying it. I don't understand the hate towards it,' another said. But the rave viewer reviews come after less-than-stellar critiques by film experts. Mark Cassidy revealed he had 'seen all six episodes' and wasn't very impressed. He said: 'I've seen all six episodes of Ironheart, and it's not good. It becomes obvious very quickly why Marvel decided to dump this on D+ 3 eps at a time. 'Can't fault the cast, but none of them are given much to work with.' The Guardian rated Ironheart an average three out of five stars and praised Dominique Thorne's performance as 'stunningly charismatic' but said it was 'slightly tiresome.' Ironheart is based on the comic book character of the same name created in 2016 by writer Brian Michael Bendis and artist Mike Deodato. She first appeared in Invincible Iron Man Vol. 2 #7 as a 15-year-old super genius who was attending M.I.T. on a scholarship and, in her spare time, created her own Iron Man suit using materials she stole from the campus. The brilliant teen makes a suit of armor that rivals that of Iron Man's Tony Stark before she joins forces with mysterious criminal Parker Robbins (Anthony Ramos) Fans who have already binged the mini-series have flooded to Reddit to share their positive reviews The release comes after it was revealed that Marvel 'in talks with major Hollywood director' to mastermind the hotly-anticipated X-Men reboot. Thunderbolts* mastermind Jake Schreier is believed have been lined-up. After the commercial struggles of films such as Dark Phoenix and The New Mutants half a decade ago, the X-Men are yet to make a return. But beloved characters such as Professor X, Cyclops and Iceman could be set to grace cinema again in 2028 with a new movie reportedly in the works. The eyes are the window to the soul, but they may also be the key to spotting deadly diseases, doctors warn. Dark specks on the iris could just be a sign of too much summertime sunshine. But in rare cases, they could be the first clue to spotting deadly eye cancers. Additionally, subtle yellowing around the whites of the eyes could indicate that the liver can't properly filter out toxins, which may lead to permanent scarring. And though red blotches are often a sign to get some more sleep and lay off the screen time, they could also suggest high blood pressure or cholesterol has damaged your blood vessels. Doctors told the Daily Mail that many of America's deadliest illnesses can be spotted with a simple eye exam, even before other symptoms appear. Diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and heart disease may attack blood vessels in the eyes and lead to redness or bright blotches. Dark or bright spots on the eye or thickness or swelling around the eyelid, meanwhile, could indicate eye cancer before signature vision changes occur. And though most Americans can go a year or two without an exam, people with chronic diseases like diabetes should visit the eye doctor at least once a year to check for crucial signs of the condition worsening. Eleanor Levine of Massachusetts, pictured here, was being tested for reading glasses when doctors found ocular melanoma Eye experts told the Daily Mail routine exams can detect nearly 300 conditions not normally associated with the eyes, such as diabetes and arthritis (stock image) Dr Raj Dasgupta, chief medical officer for Sleepopolis, told the Daily Mail: 'A lot of diseases that affect the whole body can leave clues in the eyes because the eyes have tiny blood vessels, nerves and tissues that are really sensitive to changes.' Dr Jacqueline Bowen, president-elect of the American Optometric Association, estimates eye doctors can detect 270 health conditions that aren't directly related to the eyes. She told the Daily Mail diabetes is one of the most common diseases found through a routine eye exam. In 2019, for example, eye doctors detected 431,000 cases of diabetes in patients who didn't know they had the disease. Your browser does not support iframes. Suffered by 40 million Americans, diabetes leads to consistently high blood sugar that can damage blood vessels in the eyes. Similarly, high blood pressure can narrow and weaken eye blood vessels and cause them to leak or rupture, Dr Dasgupta said. This is called diabetic retinopathy, the leading cause of blindness in working-age adults, according to the CDC. While it may be undetectable just by looking in the mirror, in some cases it can cause blood vessels to leak into the whites of the eyes, making them red and blotchy. And though the skin cancer melanoma is one of the most common cancers in the US, affecting 100,000 Americans and killing 8,000, in rare cases, it can affect just the eye. Ocular melanoma develops in the eye's middle layer, the uvea. This area contains melanocytes, which produce melanin, a pigment that gives skin its color. Higher concentrations of melanin are associated with darker skin. Dr Dasgupta said ocular melanoma can appear as 'a dark spot or growth inside the eye' during a routine eye exam and often has no other symptoms. If symptoms do occur, they include flashes of light, a change in pupil size, blurry vision or loss of peripheral vision. Retinoblastoma, a rare cancer that grows in the back of the eye due to a genetic mutation, often shows up as a bright white spot in photos and on scans. A Canadian mother named Steph, for example, caught the glow in her toddler's eye in 2021 after snapping a picture of her. Lily Morss' parents noticed their young daughter would squint or tilt her head to see better out of her right eye. She was later diagnosed with retinoblastoma Diabetes and high blood pressure can damage blood vessels in the eyes and cause them to leak, turning them red (stock image) The cancer affects 200 to 300 Americans per year, most of whom are under two years old. It has a 96% survival rate, and removing the affected eye keeps it from spreading. Breast and lung cancers have also been shown to spread to the eye, causing dark spots on the eye and leading to vision loss. Additionally, rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune inflammatory condition that attacks the joints, but that inflammation can also travel to the eyes. Ocular inflammation causes the eye and its surrounding tissues to become red, swollen and irritated like during an allergic reaction. Over time, rheumatoid arthritis can also increase pressure inside the eye, which may raise the risk of glaucoma, a type of vision loss that makes the eyes look cloudy or hazy. General signs of vision issues include 'unusual trouble adjusting to dark rooms, difficulty focusing on near or distant objects, squinting or blinking due to unusual sensitivity to light or glare, recurrent pain in or around eyes, double vision, and excess tearing or watery eyes,' Dr Bowen said. Dr Dasgupta said while most healthy Americans can get by with an eye exam every two to three years, those at risk of conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure should '100%' get an exam every year. 'The eyes can give us early warning signs of these conditions before you notice anything wrong with your vision. And catching those changes early can help protect your eyesight and overall health,' he said. A family of healthy bacteria may help 'soak up' toxic forever chemicals in the body, warding off their cancerous effects. Forever chemicals, also known as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), are toxic chemicals that have been linked cancer, infertility and birth defects. They're named because they don't naturally break down in the environment or the body. Instead, they leech from plastic containers and nonstick cookware into food and build up in vital organs, increasing the risk of organ failure, infertility and some forms of cancer. Researchers at the University of Cambridge took samples of 38 strains of healthy bacteria living in the human gut and put them into lab mice. They found mice carrying human gut bacteria had up to 74 percent more 'forever' chemicals in their stool compared to mice without the bacteria within minutes of exposure. This suggests the toxins latched on to the bacteria as they moved through the digestive tract, leaving the body through the stool. While mountains of research have demonstrated deadly effects of forever chemicals, the new study is one of the first to show they can be taken out of the body instead of accumulating in there forever. And it builds on recent research showing a link between PFAS and the digestive tract. A study published last month, for example, found PFAS latches on to bile acids in the gut and eating fiber can help filter that excess bile out. Researchers at the University of Cambridge found nine different strains of healthy gut bacteria may lower forever chemical levels by up to 74 percent (stock image) PFAS is a common contaminant in many household items from cookware to hamburger wrappers. It can remain in the environment as well as human tissue for years, even decades, before being cleared out Your browser does not support iframes. Dr Kiran Patil, senior study author and toxicologist at the University of Cambridge, said: 'Given the scale of the problem of PFAS "forever chemicals," particularly their effects on human health, its concerning that so little is being done about removing these from our bodies. 'We found that certain species of human gut bacteria have a remarkably high capacity to soak up PFAS from their environment at a range of concentrations, and store these in clumps inside their cells. 'Due to aggregation of PFAS in these clumps, the bacteria themselves seem protected from the toxic effects.' PFAS are thought to be endocrine-disrupting chemicals, meaning they imitate the body's hormones and interfere with the production of - and response to - natural hormones like estrogen and testosterone. This increases the risk of developing hormone-sensitive cancers like breast and ovarian cancer. The study, published Tuesday in the journal Nature Microbiology, looked at samples of 38 healthy bacteria in the gut. The researchers measured the effect of bacteria on levels of the forever chemicals perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) and perfluorooctanoate acid (PFOA). PFOA is considered a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), meaning it causes cancer in animals. PFNA, meanwhile, is a Group 2 carcinogen, suggesting it may cause cancer in animals. Over the course of 24 hours, nine of the tested bacteria reduced exposure to PFNA by 25 to 74 percent and PFOA levels by 23 to 58 percent. For both types of PFAS, Odoribacter splanchnicus lead to the greatest reductions. It's thought to produce the short-chain fatty acid butyrate, which boosts metabolism and immune function. The team believes PFAS latch onto the bacteria and are excreted out of the body through the stool. The researchers are now working on developing probiotic supplements to increase levels of these healthy bacteria in the gut. Dr Indra Roux, study co-author and researcher at the University of Cambridge's MRC Toxicology Unit, said: 'The reality is that PFAS are already in the environment and in our bodies, and we need to try and mitigate their impact on our health now. 'We havent found a way to destroy PFAS, but our findings open the possibility of developing ways to get them out of our bodies where they do the most harm.' A world-first oral spray that combats erectile dysfunction within roughly 10 minutes has launched in the UK, and costs 60. Called Hezkue, the liquid contains sildenafil, which is the same active ingredient in the iconic little blue pill, Viagra. However, because it is a liquid spray, clinical studies found it can work within as little as 12 minutes. Absorption can begin within five minutes of taking the spray, and on average it can trigger male arousal sufficient for sex within 25 minutes. It's a fraction of the time compared to the tablet forms of sildenafil which can take up to an hour to kick in. The pharmaceutical firm behind the product, Aspargo Labs Inc, say the product, which is sprayed into the mouth, also allows for dosage flexibility. The prescription-only medicine offers flexible dosing of either 25mg, 50mg or 100mg. Each 30ml bottle contains enough medicine for 40 sprays at 12.5mg per spray. This means that if the prescribed dose is 25mgwhich works out as two sprays each bottle would contain up to 20 doses and the bottle would last for five sex sessions. If the recommended dose is 50mgwhich works out as four sprays each bottle would contain up to 10 doses. And if the prescribed dose was 100mg, a bottle would contain up to 5 doses. The new Hezkue spray launched in the UK (left) and the blue Viagra pill by Pfizer (right) The product also been given the green light in Spain, Germany, Ireland and the Netherlands, and the company has applied for approval in the US. Taking Hezkue at the 25mg dose means the spray has a price-per-use cost of 12. However, if the medicine has proved to be ineffective at the standard dose, clinicians may advise to try six pumps up to a maximum dose of eight. The manufacturers of Hezkue say that it is 'discrete and portable' as unlike tablets there is no need for a glass of water to take the product, and it is 'easy-to-carry'. It is exclusively available via a medical consultant prescribing it from the Pharmacy2U Online Doctor and Lloyds Pharmacy Online Doctor services. They are also looking to expand to Switzerland, other parts as the EU, as well as Latin America and the MENA regions, which includes the Middle East and North Africa. It is thought more than four million men in the UK suffer from ED, also known as impotencewhich is when a man has difficulty getting or maintaining an erection. Sildenafil was first developed in the 1990s as a heart disease medication, but trial participants noticed it had an unusual side effectfrequent erections. It comes after most recent figures showed there were 4.57million NHS prescriptions in England for sildenafil, and other types of drugs in 2023 In second place, was those aged between 16 and 24, with one in three experiencing over half of all sexual encounters. Despite popular belief, it isn't older men who experience erectile dysfunction the most, according to a recent study of 1,000 men by Click2Pharmacy. Less than half of men aged 55 or above struggled with impotence and less than one in five (18.2 per cent) experienced it more than half of the time, they found. Surprisingly, it was most common in young men, between the ages of 25 and 34, with three quarters having experienced it. Of the same age, 40 per cent experienced impotence during more than half of sexual encounters. In 2023 there were 4.57million NHS prescriptions in England for sildenafil, and other types of drugs. This was a new record level high, which experts said was likely due to due to tumbling drug prices and patients being less embarrassed to ask for help. NHS chiefs spent a total of 16.4million providing drugs to treat erectile dysfunction in 2023, about 3.60 per script, though pack sizes can vary. Even though there has been a record high number of prescriptions, the cost to the taxpayer was actually lower than that recorded in 2014. The condition isn't just all in men's headsaccording to the British Association of Urological Surgeons, 90 per cent of cases stem from underlying physical issues. These experts found the most common underlying causes were heart disease (40 per cent), diabetes (33 per cent) and hormone problems (11 per cent). Other treatments to improve they highlighted were weight loss, increased exercise, and lifestyle change like drinking less alcohol. While most cases of erectile dysfunction are isolated and nothing to worry about, repeated or sustained impotency should be checked out by a GP. On the latest product, Michael S. Demurjian, Chairman and CEO of Aspargo Laboratories, Inc., said: 'It offers patients a new solution not seen in other available treatments, including traditional options such as pills, gels, injections, and strips.' Group Chief Medical Officer Kieran Seyan for Pharmacy2U and Lloyds Pharmacy Online Doctor added: 'We see first-hand how many people are seeking discreet, accessible ways to address their health concerns. Hezkue is an innovative alternative to traditional tablets.' In response to the new product release, Professor David Ralph, Urologist at University College London said: 'ED is a common and often distressing condition that can significantly impact a mans quality of life and emotional wellbeing. 'While effective treatments exist, barriers such as timing, convenience, and patient adherence can limit outcomes. 'Continued innovation in how these therapies are delivered is essential to improving patient experience and helping men manage ED in a way that better fits their lifestyle and individual needs.' READ MORE: Woman's disease causes 20-pound tumor to grow out of her neck Doctors removed a massive cancerous tumor the size of a young child from a man's leg. Mohd Salman, a 27-year-old from India, was diagnosed in 2019 with chondrosarcoma, a slow-growing cancer that forms in connective tissue protecting the bones. For more than five years, the tumor in his leg grew slowly without pain. However, within the last six months, Salman's tumor ballooned in size to 76.5 pounds (34.7 kilograms), measuring four by two feet long - roughly the same weight as an eight-year-old child. Salman, a former laborer, was robbed of his ability to walk, leaving him bedridden and in excruciating pain. After a handful of doctors across the Delhi and Uttar Pradesh areas of India failed to help Salman, orthopedic surgeon Dr Mohit Dhingra of AIMS Rishikesh hospital led the charge to remove the massive growth. On June 9, 2025, Dr Dhingra and his team removed the tumor entirely in a brutal six-hour operation. Dr Dhingra said: 'This was one of the most challenging operations we've taken on. The sheer weight and complexity of the tumor pushed our team to the edge of medical precision.' Mohd Salman (pictured here), a 27-year-old former laborer from India, had a 76-pound tumor removed from his leg The tumor had been growing for six years but particularly ballooned in size over the past six months Your browser does not support iframes. Chondrosarcoma is made up of cells in the cartilage, firm tissue that protects the end of the bones. It's most often found in the pelvis, hip or shoulder, though it can form in the spine in rare cases. The disease makes up one in four bone cancer cases in the US, adding up to 1,300 every year. The condition kills about one in five patients within five years. It's unclear if Salman's cancer spread to other organs or tissues, which could make his disease more difficult to treat. While chemotherapy and radiation can help control the spread of aggressive forms of chondrosarcoma, the main treatment is surgery. Salman's doctors first had to perform an MRI and an angiography, which visualizes blood vessels and arteries, to make sure they didn't hit any major structures during the operation. One wrong move could have led to severe bleeding and damage to nearby organs. After six hours, doctors were able to remove the entire tumor with no complications. Hospital leadership called the operation a landmark moment. Professor Meenu Singh, AIIMS-Rishikesh executive director, praised the surgical teams success, noting that it has raised the bar for handling extreme cases of rare cancers. Though the tumor was massive, it is dwarfed in comparison to other growths in medical literature. The largest tumor ever recorded, according to the Guinness Book of World Records, was 328 pounds (148.6). The growth was an ovarian tumor removed from a 43-year-old woman in 1906. More recently, in 2022, doctors in Brazil removed a 100-pound tumor from a 45-year-old woman after it grew for five years. It's unclear what kind of tumor it was. Salman is still hospitalized more than three weeks after the surgery and may need rehabilitation to learn how to walk and perform daily tasks again. He said: 'The doctors didnt just remove a tumor they gave me my life back.' Two New England men have been left riddled with parasitic worms after receiving a common organ transplant. The patients, 61 and 66, had each received one kidney each from the same donor, who was from the Caribbean. The first patient, who was not named, received the transplant from Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston and initially improved. But 10 weeks later, the man was re-admitted due to suffering from severe thirst and abdominal discomfort. A large purple rash, like a constellation of bruises, had also erupted across the skin of his stomach. The second patient, who was also unnamed, received their transplant at Albany Medical Center in New York and also improved at first. Eleven weeks later, however, he was also re-admitted with fatigue, worsening kidney function and a plummeting white blood cell count. Doctors were initially stumped as to what could be behind the complications, having ruled out Covid, the flu and bacterial infections after a course of antibiotics did not improve their symptoms. However, samples from the first patient's abdomen, lungs and skin revealed a small ringworm called Strongyloides stercoralis. The second patient, meanwhile, was also found to have larvae from Strongyloides stercoralis in his stool. Two men in Massachusetts and New York were infected with parasites after receiving kidneys from the same deceased donor (stock image) The above image shows larval worms in one of the patients The bizarre cases were revealed in The New England Journal of Medicine last month, with doctors treating them as a cautionary tale for better regulation surrounding organ donation. Transplant organs, donors and recipients normally go through a battery of tests to minimize the risk of the organs being rejected by the body. Blood is tested for antibodies that might attack other tissues, while donors and recipients are both evaluated for infectious diseases like HIV and hepatitis. Your browser does not support iframes. They are also usually tested for parasitic infections, but it's possible the donor was not evaluated for these. About 48,000 organ transplants take place in the US every year, of which kidney transplants are the most common making up two-thirds of these procedures. The most common complication of the procedure is infection, which is common since recipients have to take medications that suppress their immune system. The above image shows the constellation-like rash the first patient developed after his transplant Doctors treating one of the man called the New England Donor Services and found the kidney donor had antibodies for Strongyloides, meaning the donor had encountered the parasite at some point. The recipients only had Strongyloides antibodies after their procedures and not before, meaning they likely got it from their organ donor. Strongyloides is a roundworm parasite that spreads by directly penetrating human skin that gets into contact with soil. Infections lead to stomach aches, diarrhea and rashes, but most patients don't know they're infected. The CDC doesn't consistently track US cases, though it's estimated Strongyloides hospitalizes thousands each year. The first patient was treated with ivermectin, a deworming drug touted for but largely unproven to treat conditions like Covid and cancer. The second patient received ivermectin and the similar drug albendazole. Both men have fully recovered. A mother has told of the 'terrifying' moment her teenage son was diagnosed with organ failure after developing heat stroke triggered by exercising on a hot day. Sarah Coen, 51, didn't flinch when her two sons told her they were going for a summer's day rununtil she received a frantic phone call telling her that her youngest had collapsed with heatstroke. George, now 22, and Will, now 16, headed out for a 10km (6.2 miles) run in woodland near their home in Lincolnshire in July last year. Although it was warm, with the temperature roughly 20C, the mother wasn't concerned about the 'sporty and healthy boys' as they had just experienced 40C heat while on a family holiday to Egypt. However, roughly just over halfway through the run, Will started to feel 'confused' and disorientated. Speaking about those first few kilometres, the teen described feeling 'woozy', but said: 'It was tough, dont get me wrong, but I didnt feel like I was about to die.' Suddenly, seemingly out of nowhere, the youngster collapsed and fell unconsciousprompting his terrified brother to call home and urge their mum to dial 999 immediately. Ms Coen described this as 'one of the most terrifying moments of her life'. Sarah Coen (left) with her son Will (right) who fell critically ill with a heat stroke after exercising in the heat The mother explained that, because she wasn't with the boys, she was unable to answer the phone handler's vital questions, such as whether or not her son was breathing and his exact location. 'It was absolutely horrendous,' she said. George used a location app on his smartphone called what3words, that gave him a unique combination of three words for their exact location. Emergency services soon dispatched a Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance to the stricken teen's location. But because he was put on a ventilator, it was only safe to transport him via the road in an ambulance to the closest hospitalQueen's Medical Centre in Nottingham. There it was discovered the teen had liver and kidney failure caused by exertional heat stroke (EHS), a type of the life-threatening condition triggered by doing vigorous physical activity in warm climates. Heat stroke occurs when the body loses its ability to cool itself, and its inner temperaturewhich usually hovers around 37Crapidly increases to over 40C. The heart begins frantically pumping blood to try to cool it against the skin's surface. At the hospital the mother was told the previously fit-and-health 15-year-old had multi-organ failure The increased temperatures can also damage internal organs, leading to irreparable damage, or even catastrophic failure. Will was transferred to Birmingham Children's Hospital to be prepped for a potential liver transplant. Recalling this time, Ms Coen, who worked in the healthcare industry for over 30 years, and is now retired, said: 'I just couldn't believe it was happening.' Medics concluded that, although Will drank a litre and a half of water during his run, his body was dehydrated due to a stomach bug he'd suffered the week prior. 'Liver failure can go one of two ways,' said Ms Coen. 'It either spontaneously starts to recover, or you need a transplant. 'Luckily, Will's liver took a turn for the better and he started to improve, and we were sent home four days later.' After being discharged from hospital, Will has undergone regular check-ups and has since made a full recovery. Now, he wants to warn others, particularly during the warm weather in the summer, to 'listen to their bodies' and stop physical activity if they notice unusual symptoms. Ms Coen has urged others to download the what3words app. 'I dread to think what would have happened if George didn't have the app on his phone but he's here now, and that's all that matters,' she said. The mother with her three children on holiday in Egypt with George, Teddy and Will (left to right) According to the NHS, tell-tale signs of the precursor to heat stroke, heat exhaustion, include tiredness, a high temperature, excessive sweating, being thirsty and weakness. Others include fast breathing, rapid heart rate, being headaches, nausea, vomiting, clammy and/or pale skin, as well as cramps in the arms, legs and stomach. While symptoms are often the same in adults and children, those under 18 may become irritable too. If someone is showing these signs, the NHS advice is to cool them down and give them fluids. The NHS advises that heat exhaustion will not typically need emergency medical help if you can cool down within 30 minutes. But if symptoms persist or worsen after 30 minutes, it may have turned into a heat strokewhich can be life threatening so you should call 999 immediately. It can be fatal because when your body's temperature regulation system fails, it can lead to dangerously high temperatures that can cause organ damage. Other signs of heat stroke are a very high temperature, hot skin that's not sweating and might look red, rapid heartbeat, fast breathing, shortness of breath, confusion, lack of coordination, seizures or fits, and loss of consciousness. The teen and his mother are helping raise money for the LNAA that helped save his life The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns of the dangers of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which can be deadly However, the changes in skin colour during a heat stroke can be harder to see on brown and black skin, the NHS warns. Latest data revealed there were 1,311 heat-related deaths during four spates of hot weather in the UK last summer. Those most vulnerable with the highest death rates were the elderly who were older than the age of 75. This month, the NHS reported a 198 per cent increase in website visits from people looking for heat exhaustion advice as temperatures soared across England. The NHS has launched the UK's first ever ketamine teen addiction clinic amid a surge in youngsters hooked on the mind-altering drug. Doctors at Alder Hay Children's Hospital in Liverpool opened the service last month after seeing 'increasing numbers' of children attending A&E, including one as young as 12. According to the specialist medics, teens had been left passing blood in their urine and even often wet the bed as a consequence of frequently taking the drug. The service aims to treat the symptoms of the ketamine abuse as well as advise children on how to tackle dependency. Experts today warned the drug, known as 'K' or 'Special K', is increasingly 'available in some schools as well as out in the community'. It comes as the dangers of ketamine have been thrown into the spotlight by the recent deaths of several celebrities. These include RuPaul's Drag Race star The Vivienne, who had a cardiac arrest after taking ketamine, and Friends actor Matthew Perrywhose death at the age of 54 in 2023 was caused by the 'acute effects' of ketamine and the opioid buprenorphine. The drug is also an ingredient in 'pink cocaine', which One Direction star Liam Payne had taken before falling off a balcony in Argentina last year. 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 Your browser does not support iframes. He suffered 'multiple traumas' and 'internal and external haemorrhaging' from the fall. Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast, Harriet Corbett, a consultant paediatric neurologist at Alder Hay Children's Hospital who helped set up the service, said: 'Sadly our youngest referral was for a patient who was 12, we're seeing a lot of 14 and 15-year-olds. 'There are an increasing number under the age of 16 which is why we've had to set up a clinic. 'No one else as far as we know is seeing quite as many children in that age group. 'We know it is available in some schools and out in the community as well. Parents can be really distressed and distraught.' She added: 'An increasing number of patients are coming into mostly the emergency department with symptoms from their ketamine use and those are increasingly from the bladder. 'They really struggle because their bladder can't hold enough urine and are often passing blood in their urine as well and having to get up at night, sometimes wetting the bed. 'Those are pretty distressing symptoms for the children. It comes as the dangers of ketamine have been thrown into the spotlight by the recent deaths of several celebrities. These include RuPaul's Drag Race star The Vivienne, who had a cardiac arrest after taking ketamine Speaking now in a bid to raise awareness of the dangers of ketamine, his family said James kept his initial addiction and relapse secret from them. The Vivienne pictured here with his sister Chanel and comedian Omid Djalili 'Ketamine gets concentrated in the urine and then gets absorbed through the bladder wall and cause it to become inflammed. 'That over time makes the bladder wall very stiff and can't stretch in the way it normally would do. 'Ketamine can cause permanent damage, so we want to see the children as early as we can to explain what it can do and what the long term picture of using ketamine looks like.' Latest figures released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), show one in twenty (4.8 per cent) 20 to 24-year-olds in England and Wales last year admitted to taking the drug. This is despite Gen Z increasingly shunning other types of drugs including cannabis, cocaine and MDMA, also known as ecstasy. Nearly seven per cent of today's 16-24 year olds have experimented with 'Ket'commonly taken at all-night raves. Government figures also show ketamine usage has risen by 85 per cent in just a year between 2023 and 2024. But deaths related to the drug, too, are up a shocking 650 per cent on 2015 and now average around one per week, according to the ONS. Here, we reveal how the substance now used in private clinics for its alleged anti-depressant effect can wreak havoc on the body within an hour of taking one large hit, leaving users paralysed, unable to breathe and choking on their own vomit Your browser does not support iframes. Yet despite these threats, social media users regularly make light of its impactswith a trend for videos showing users in 'k-holes'the disassociate state associated with heavy usage. Experts have long warned that rising ketamine use has been driven by both its affordability and availability. It is thought to cost around 20 a gram compared to 40 a gram for MDMA and 100 for cocaine. The drug, which comes as a powder and is usually snorted, can lead to a relaxed and dream-like sensation, but taking too much can cause temporary paralysis. Longer-term use can lead to memory loss, mental health problems and organ damage. Tolerance to the drug is known to build quickly. This leads to users needing more and more to feel the same high, which increases the risk of overdosing or experiencing adverse side effects. It works as an anaesthetic by blocking the neurotransmitter N-methyl-D-aspartate (NDMA), which controls actions in the nervous system. 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 eyes are the window to the soul, then the mouth is a portal to the mind, according to the British Dental Association. Theres emerging evidence that poor oral health plaque formation, gum disease and tooth loss is a risk factor for dementia, including Alzheimers disease, says Eddie Crouch, the associations chair. A slew of recent research suggests that what happens in your mouth can have wider health implications. Several large studies have discovered links between periodontitis (thats chronic gum disease to you and me) and an increased risk of cognitive decline. Scientists have even found traces of a key gum-disease bacterium in the brains of Alzheimers patients. We know that bacteria involved in gum disease can enter the bloodstream through inflamed gum tissue and travel to the brain, says president of the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr Sam Jethwa. This means that to help stave off dementia, one line of defence is good oral health. According to the British Society of Periodontology, over 45 per cent of adults in the UK are affected by gum disease so its clear that, for many of us, a full dental routine has slipped to the bottom of the to-do list. The good news? There are three simple pillars to preventing gum disease: brushing, interdental flossing and fluoride. Want to fight off dementia? Look after your teeth BRUSH BETTER Cleaning all surfaces of the tooth (including the inner part of your bite) and your gumline is vital. You can go with a manual or electric toothbrush our favourites for both are below although the latter is more effective for removing food particles and plaque. Philips Sonicare 5300 (now 50, was 169.99, argos.com) Removes up to seven times more plaque than manual brushing, with two power settings and a sensor that alerts you to excessive pressure, so you dont damage your gums. Suri Sustainable Electric Toothbrush (below, 75, trysuri.com) This brushs aluminium body can be recycled and its heads are plant-based Suri will even recycle them for you. The travel case has a UV light to kill bacteria, and it comes with a chic magnetic wall/mirror mount so you dont get toothpaste build-up on the base of your brush. Spotlight Oral Care Bamboo Toothbrush (3.95, uk.spotlightoralcare.com) This manual brush is plastic-free, 100 per cent recyclable and naturally antibacterial whats not to love? FACTOR IN FLOSSING As toothbrushes can only clean 60 per cent of the tooths surface, Dr Wyman Chan, a dentist for 40 years, says: Skipping interdental cleaning is like only washing the front of your body in the shower. You might feel fresher, but youre leaving a lot behind. Floss or interdental brushes will remove plaque that can inflame gums and lead to bone loss. This is a key step in reducing the risk of chronic gum disease. The consensus is that while mouthwash might help dislodge food and coat teeth with strengthening fluoride, it does not replace flossing. Ordo Hydro Sonic Water Flosser (below, 59.99, ordolife.com) Water flossers can remove more bacteria and plaque from between teeth than a manual brush, and are far gentler. This one has 260ml water capacity, which is the largest on the market for a handheld flosser. Be warned, it takes practice. Grin Smooth Flosspyks (3 for 36, boots.com) If the faff of flossing puts you off, these nifty individual picks have handles so they can be used one-handed, and theyre angled for ease. Theres a different shape available if you struggle to reach your molars at the back. TePe EasyPick (4.15 for 36, ocado.com) Sold in sizes from XS to XL, EasyPicks have a conical shape that fits between crowded teeth, with silicone ridges to sweep away debris without being harsh. FOCUS ON FLUORIDE Decades of scientific evidence cite fluoride as the most important element of any toothpaste, preventing decay and helping remineralise enamel. A number of formulas, from natural to luxury, are fluoride-free, but toothpaste needs it a minimum of 1,350 ppm (parts per million), to be precise to be effective, and more expensive doesnt necessarily equal superior. Check the packaging. Colgate Max White Ultra Toothpaste (now 5 ,was 10, boots.com) The most effective stain remover Ive tried I bulk-buy it when its on offer. Its powerful, yet not enough to aggravate sensitivities or worn-down enamel. Waken Enamel Care Toothpaste (below, 4.50, wakencare.com) This is free of artificial colours, alcohol and sodium lauryl sulfate (added to help products foam up). The recyclable tube is made from at least 30 per cent recycled plastic. Corsodyl Active Gum Repair (6, Sainsburys) Aimed at preventing early gum disease, this helps repair inflamed and bleeding gums within one week. Rare archives unveil history of China's airborne remote sensing innovation Xinhua) 16:20, July 02, 2025 BEIJING, July 2 (Xinhua) -- Over 400 archival items illuminating China's journey to become a global force in airborne remote sensing are going on public display in Beijing, showcasing four decades of innovation spearheaded by the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). The month-long exhibition, organized by the CAS Aerospace Information Research Institute, opened on Tuesday at the CAS Beijing new technology base. Airborne remote sensing offers crucial advantages -- high resolution, flexible deployment and rapid response -- making it indispensable for earth observation and vital for disaster mitigation platforms. The CAS established the Airborne Remote Sensing Center in 1985 during a crucial period for the nation's remote sensing research and application development. The exhibition chronicles China's trajectory from early exploration to achieving significant technological breakthroughs in airborne observation systems. Highlights include early documents, which are displayed for the first time, tracing the approval, modification, delivery and maiden flight of China's first-generation airborne remote sensing system, according to the center. Additionally, through various project implementation documents such as task assignment letters, feasibility reports and acceptance reports, the archives systematically present the process of independent innovation for the new generation of airborne remote sensing system projects, which utilized the Xinzhou-60 aerial remote sensing and scientific experiment aircraft platform. VITAL ROLE IN DISASTER RESPONSE Pan Jie, director of the CAS Airborne Remote Sensing Center, emphasized the center's vital operational role, as showcased in the exhibition. "The rich archival images and text vividly illustrate the center's deep involvement in providing remote sensing support for monitoring major floods in the Yangtze and Huaihe River basins, and for emergency assessments after the Wenchuan, Yushu, and Ya'an earthquakes," Pan noted. The 2008 Wenchuan earthquake response was particularly prominent. "Following the Wenchuan quake, our two aircraft flew to the disaster zone," Pan recounted. "Over the next 20-plus days, they logged 227 flight hours, surpassing 10 hours daily, setting a record for sustained remote sensing operations. They acquired over 20 terabytes of crucial imagery data, underpinning rescue coordination." The display also documents significant achievements in environmental monitoring and resource exploration, including gold, polymetallic ore, and oil and gas surveys. "Through 40 years, the center has progressed from zero to owning four specialized aircraft, achieving the leap from reliance on imports to self-developed large airborne remote sensing systems," Pan said. The center now operates a national-level aerial laboratory capable of carrying and coordinating multiple sensor payloads simultaneously, she added. Zhang Bing, vice president of the CAS Aerospace Information Research Institute, expressed the hope that the event would "allow more people to touch the spirit of China's aerospace information endeavor and draw innovative strength from reflecting on history." (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Is it true that Marie Antoinette slept with her son? How did 1700s women sit down in their massive dresses? Did Charles II invent dogging? These are just some of the historical questions being answered by 25-year-old Katie Kennedy in her snappy, sassy social-media videos, and Gen Z are lapping it up. Kennedy who goes by The History Gossip online has more than 683,000 social-media followers, with her videos racking up to 5.9 million views. TikTok has named her one of its 2025 Creators to Watch and recently she released a book, also called History Gossip, full of juicy titbits from centuries past. All this, and Kennedy is still at university Oxford immersed in postgraduate studies in 18th-century history after completing her undergraduate degree at Durham. What do her co-students and tutors make of the fact shes already a published author? When I first started posting videos in late 2023 I was so embarrassed, I blocked everyone I knew at university so they wouldnt see, she says. However her account took off and before long her content was being reposted elsewhere. My friends from uni started messaging, like, Is this you? They were supportive so, too, is her supervisor at Oxford, who lets her know whenever he spies her book in Waterstones. She didnt arrive at Oxford boasting of her social-media status. Her new flatmate did, however, soon spot a video online, Kennedy recalls. It was something like, Did people shag during the Black Death plague? I thought, My god! That is such a bad first impression. "Henry thinks Im a minger? Rude!" Now Kennedy blocks off a couple of hours every evening to research and record a video. Ive got a list of ideas on my Notes app, and I get requests from my Instagram community, too, she says. Once shes chosen the topic, shell start her research. Kennedy always includes her references in her captions I feel its so important to quote your sources, because theres so much misinformation online, she says. She does not, however, script her videos. Ill just kind of press record and see what happens. Kennedy credits her success to her gossipy, off-the-cuff style. When I first started posting videos, I was very formal, and getting about three views, she says. Once I started being less self-conscious of the way I speak and being more myself, it started taking off. Her video on whether Anne of Cleves was indeed as ugly as Henry VIII suggested was one of the first to go viral (Kennedys opinion? Henry VIII was the ugly one), followed by a series on the social history of Victorians. When posting, what I think most about is the hook the title of the video has to grab people or theyll just scroll past, she says. While some people might clutch their hearts in horror at the thought of young people getting their history lessons via TikTok, Kennedy points out: They are going to be scrolling anyway, so they might as well come away from it having learnt something. She first found her love of history through the humour of Horrible Histories books, devoured as a child growing up in County Durham; then, as an 11-year-old, she was entranced by The Diary of Anne Frank. My parents dragged us round National Trust houses on a Sunday and I remember thinking Id rather play Nintendo, says Kennedy. But I was obsessed with those diaries because Anne was such a normal person living in extreme circumstances. It was a starting point in her passion for the past. Her parents, says Kennedy, have been very supportive of her social-media career, with her mum occasionally suggesting topics for her videos. Travelling the world also provides inspiration; recent trips to Versailles and Rome were fertile ground for content. Kennedy even gets recognised sometimes when shes out and about, which, she says, feels very surreal. The History Gossip book came about after several literary agents direct-messaged Kennedy in February 2024, only a few months after she first started posting online. They said, Have you ever thought about writing something? and I said, No, Im still at uni! The idea was appealing, however, and once shed picked an agent, settled on an idea and pitched the book to publishers, all she had to do was find time to pen it while in the midst of her studies. I started writing the book just after handing in my undergraduate dissertation, and finished it just before freshers week at Oxford, Kennedy recalls. As for whats next, she plans to write another book, and her Sky History YouTube series, History Crush, has recently launched. She may, however, need some translation in the US: I thought Americans wouldnt understand a word Im saying, and sometimes in the comments they say, We need subtitles, she adds, laughing. They will ask things like, What does minging mean? but they do still watch, which is lovely. The History Gossip: Was Anne Of Cleves A Minger? And 365 Other Historical Curiosities by Katie Kennedy is published by Michael OMara Books, 14.99. To order a copy for 12.74 until13 July, go to mailshop.co.uk/books or call 020 3176 2937. Free UK P&P on orders over 25. When David Nicholls editor read the first draft of his latest novel You Are Here, one of his notes was, I think theres probably three days too much walking in this. It was maybe inevitable feedback. The book published in paperback on Thursday is about two strangers, Michael (42) and Marnie (39), who walk together along the Coast to Coast, a 192-mile stretch from St Bees Head in Cumbria to Robin Hoods Bay in North Yorkshire. Thats a lot of trudging, and Nicholls editor is not a great walker. So some changes were made, removing the geography teacher sort of details. (Nicholls concedes that not everyone is as interested in the switch from granite to limestone as I am.) The result is a novel that is funny and clever, with the perfect amount of walking. Nicholls, 58, is a big walker. He has done bits of the Coast to Coast, but says that, actually, its not his favourite route. (There are nicer ways to cross the Dales. I love the Dales High Way, for instance.) The most miles hes done in a day is 30 after a march across the North York Moors. His step count can sometimes reach 45,000 and, on average, he moves at a steady pace of three miles per hour. He has kit, too: a compass he was given by that walking-sceptic editor (I hardly ever use it, but I have it!); a pair of proper Italian boots that I really love; a handheld navigational tool to download routes in advance; and a paper map. He also has walking-related apps, including AllTrails and Outdooractive, but prefers to bury his phone right at the bottom of his rucksack and not look at it. The editor who bought Nicholls the compass also got him a waterproof notebook, which he keeps in his pocket. I always think Im going to sit on a mountaintop and compose something wonderful. No, it all happens when I come back at my desk, warm and dry. Nicholls grew up in Eastleigh, Hampshire, the middle child of three. His father was a maintenance engineer in a cake factory, his mother worked for the council, and nobody did much walking. As a teenager Nicholls began going for long, soulful walks along the Water Meadows in Winchester. (He was, he says, a pretentious 18-year-old.) Best foot forward: David walks the Lake District, 2024 He has a son and a daughter with his partner of more than 20 years, Hannah Weaver, and they have attempted various family walking holidays. We had a couple of very, very, very wet trips to the Yorkshire Dales. But the proper, solitary, 45,000-steps-a-day sort of walking began 11 years ago, after his father died. I just felt I needed to go away and spend some time by myself, Nicholls says, and my family were very understanding. He had always liked the look of the stretch of Northumbrian coast that you see from the train window if youre travelling from London to Edinburgh. So, he went there. I wasnt expecting any kind of miracles to happen, he says, but I just wanted some time. He walked for four days, ten hours a day, alone. It was the longest time Id been by myself in ten years. There were no miracles, but he loved it and has been ticking off routes since. (He thinks hes done 15 in a decade.) Because he doesnt like being away from home for too long, his walking is in England and he favours the North. His attitude is fair weather: I dont camp. I never do anything thats really, seriously in the wilderness. Often, I can hear an A-road. Ive never been inclined to a dark pause, mountaineer. But there are physical benefits to these trudges. Ive always hated all sport. If anyone kicks a ball towards me, I immediately panic. Walking is the nearest I get to a physical activity that I actually enjoy. Nicholls is also an insomniac, and walking is the thing thats guaranteed to make me sleep all the way through. Sometimes he walks with his partner and he mentions a recent father-and-son walking trip to the Three Peaks in Yorkshire, but mostly Nicholls walks alone. The balance between solitude and loneliness is a lot of what You Are Here is about. Nicholls is preoccupied with it himself. I live with my family, but I guess I felt that after Covid Id found ways to enjoy time by myself, so much so that I sort of stopped seeing my friends and became a bit nervous about going out for dinner and catching up. I had to give myself a bit of a talking-to, he says. I had to decide to make an effort. In your teens and 20s, you really want to know everyone and meet everyone and talk and share and listen to stories. And I think that dwindles as you get older it becomes much harder to rediscover that pleasure. So I guess the book is about two people who have found a way to make [loneliness] work, but who are then reminded of the value of connection. Nicholls edited You Are Here in 2023, as the Netflix adaptation of his novel One Day was being made. (He wrote the penultimate episode and was an executive producer.) In the day they were filming Dexter clubbing in Brixton in 1993, and in the evenings I was editing this book about walking the Coast to Coast path in middle age. But Michael and Marnie are the same age as Emma and Dexter are by the end of One Day, so theres a kind of continuity to it. Nicholls has written six novels (his fourth, Us, was longlisted for the Booker Prize) but One Day is what hes best known for. Hes not grumbling. The book has sold more than six million copies and that success is thrilling. And, if writers often get a bit grumpy about film adaptations [of their novels], he wont bother with that either. In 2011, One Day was turned into a film he wrote the screenplay for, and last year there was the Netflix behemoth. I was offered two lines in the final episode. A man walks into Dexters cafe and says, This used to be a fish shop. They said, Why dont you do a little Hitchcock cameo? I firmly turned them down. Honestly, they would have had to use CGI. (Nicholls worked as an actor in his 20s and says he was no good I could really only play clerks and servants but also understudied for a main part in The Seagull at the National Theatre with Judi Dench, so he cant have been bad.) One Days concept came from a moment in Tess Of The DUrbervilles when Tess considers and dont read this if you somehow dont know the end of One Day her death date, or, as she thinks about it: a day which lay sly and unseen among all the other days of the year, giving no sign or sound when she annually passed over it; but not the less surely there. So when I ask if there was ever a version where Emma didnt look away! die, he replies: Nope! It was about the one day that is your death day. That was always the idea. Would he write another storyline that sad? You know, I think One Day is probably a younger mans book. It was always meant to have a big, lush, kind-of operatic ending. Im probably writing in a slightly more restrained way now. I still love big, emotional books, but when I think of that story, I see it as the work of a younger writer. Not in a bad way, in a way that probably Im a bit too self-conscious to recreate. He adds, decisively: I know that Ill never write a sequel. (Sorry, Netflix.) Still, getting older, Im sure mortality is a subject that could come up again. After our interview, I email Nicholls to ask if he ever thinks about his own death day. He replies: Yes, Im afraid I do think about it a lot. In my 30s, even into my 40s, it barely crossed my mind but now Im reminded of mortality every time I glance in a mirror. I find myself thinking, how many more summer holidays? How many more books will I be able to read? My only response is to be enraged with myself about wasted time, scrolling on the internet when I could be working or reading or speaking to friends. I have to get on with things now. He adds: All of which makes me great fun to live with, Im sure. Nicholls turns 60 next year, so I ask what he is going to do to celebrate. Well, he says, Ill probably go for a walk. You Are Here by David Nicholls is published in paperback by Sceptre on Thursday, 9.99. To order a copy for 8.49 until 13 July, go to mailshop.co.uk/books or call 020 3176 2937. Free UK P&P on orders over 25. eyevine The hotel After a ten-and-a-half hour flight from London, the 1920s glamour of the Beacon Grand (rooms from 169, beacongrand.com) makes for a plush and, crucially, well-located refuge for the weary traveller its just two miles from the San Francisco Opera and Fishermans Wharf. Time your arrival right and youll want to head straight to the 21st floor for a refreshing sundowner at the rooftop Starlite bar, which has one of the most enviable 360-degree views in town. The heights Shake off your jet lag with a pre-dawn taxi trip up to leafy Twin Peaks (below) to watch sunrise over the city, serenaded by birdsong (that is to say, unless Karl the Fog has rolled in). Then take a 20-minute stroll or bus down, past San Franciscos Id definitely live there houses with their flamboyant colours, bay windows and the occasional turret to the Castro district for revivifying pancakes beneath fairy lights at Orphan Andys diner. The sights Despite its sticky-sweet confectionery stores and tourist tat, Fishermans Wharf is a must-visit for its barking sea lions. Catch a ferry to Alcatraz Island, the infamous (and, for now, still former) prison, and out past the Golden Gate Bridge (below) from Pier 41. If you havent packed your sea legs, a clattering old cable-car trolley ($8 a ride, bring cash) is a great way to see the city, or ride the Wiggle, a bike route that winds around (instead of over) many of SFs famous hills (Bay Wheels bike day pass, $15). The bites From Four Kings cheeky spin on chicken and waffles in Chinatown to the cozy Nob Hill jewel box (Michelins words, not mine) that is Sons & Daughters, British chef Harrison Cheneys homage to the forest-to-table kitchen, you could take a year to eat your way around SF and barely touch the sides. My favourite is the homely waterfront Italian, Scomas of Sausalito (above), a 45-minute ferry ride across the bay, with superb views of the city and seafood dishes to die for. The park The city has tripled down on friendly open spaces post-pandemic, a welcome counter-narrative to the tough times that some people will tell you the city has fallen on. The new Tunnel Top Park (above) has spectacular views of the Golden Gate Bridge, The Great Highway (an ageing stretch of road) is now closed to cars on weekends, making it a beachfront promenade devoted to pedestrians and cyclists, and Aquatic Park is where swimmers brave the frigid San Francisco Bay. The after-dark SF loves a revival. Take in live jazz at the Dawn Club (above), the 2.0 update of the club of the same name from the 1930s and 40s (its down the road from Twitter HQ, and after a few cocktails my friend wrote a job application to CEO Elon Musk here on the back of a napkin; she didnt get it). Sink a mai tai made with Chinese wine at legendary Chinatown cocktail bar Li Po Lounge or sip champagne with spiced nuts in French wine bar Verjus, then whizz back to HQ in a Waymo, Googles ubiquitous driverless taxi. CBS and Paramount are set to pay a humiliating settlement to Donald Trump that goes beyond millions in cash payouts and could flood their liberal audiences with conservative content. The president is set to get $16million from CBS and Paramount straight away to reimburse him for legal fees for what he claims is misleading editing to an interview before the election with rival Kamala Harris. The remaining money will help fund a future presidential library and serve some of Trump's favorite charities, at his discretion. However, the president has also won more than $15million more in earned media for both himself and the conservative movement that could have left-leaning viewers seeing red. The president will receive that much in advertising, public service announcements and other content that backs conservative causes, Fox News Digital reports. Further, CBS will institute a new 'Trump rule' in its editorial standards that forces them to quickly put out unedited transcripts of any interviews with presidential candidates. 'With this record settlement, President Donald J. Trump delivers another win for the American people as he, once again, holds the Fake News media accountable for their wrongdoing and deceit,' a spokesperson for Trump's legal team said. 'CBS and Paramount Global realized the strength of this historic case and had no choice but to settle. President Trump will always ensure that no one gets away with lying to the American People as he continues on his singular mission to Make America Great Again.' CBS and Paramount are set to pay a humiliating settlement to Donald Trump that could potentially infuriate their liberal audiences The suit, filed last October, accuses Paramount, CBS and its flagship show 60 Minutes of deceptively editing an interview with thenDemocratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris just weeks before the election A spokesperson for Paramount notes that CBS will not be forced to admit any journalistic wrongdoing as part of the settlement. 'The settlement will include a release of all claims regarding any CBS reporting through the date of the settlement, including the Texas action and the threatened defamation action.' The suit, filed last October, accuses Paramount, CBS and its flagship show 60 Minutes of deceptively editing an interview with thenDemocratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris just weeks before the election. Trump alleges the footage was manipulated to 'tip the scales' in Harris's favor. Lawyers for Trump and CBS parent company Paramount have been 'engaged in good faith, advanced, settlement negotiations,' according to court filings Monday. Now, it appears that Trump is set to get more than even the $20million a mediator for both sides proposed, and is set to have a new rule named after himself at the network. Trump alleges the 60 Minutes footage was manipulated to 'tip the scales' in Harris's favor. CBS has denied the claim, slamming the allegations as coming 'completely without merit.' In recent weeks, Paramount reportedly balked at settling the suit over fears of facing legal backlash for bowing to the president. The president is set to get $16million from CBS and Paramount straight away to reimburse him for legal fees Further, CBS will institute a new 'Trump rule' in its editorial standards that forces them to quickly put out unedited transcripts of any interviews with presidential candidates Paramount brass believed any large settlement could be considered a bribe, since the the company's proposed $8 billion merger with Skydance must be approved by the Trump administration. Trump's team has denied that his administration's approval of the deal is contingent on settling. Paramount heiress Shari Redstone, who has been pushing to close the Skydance deal, stands to make more than $1 billion as Paramount's primary shareholder. She reportedly offered to pay as much as $50 million to make the suit go away. Skydance is run by David Ellison, the son of Trump ally Larry Ellison. Last week, sources told the New York Post that David, 41, had become confident the $8 billion deal would close by the end of the summer. Former CBS CEO Wendy McMahon and longtime 60 Minutes boss Bill Owens both left their roles in protest of Paramount's willingness to settle. The A-List stars of 60 Minutes recently demanded that CBS News appoint their pick for the show's next executive producer. Paramount brass believed any large settlement could be considered a bribe, since the the company's proposed $8 billion merger with Skydance must be approved by the Trump administration It's a settlement that continues Trump's winning streak against media companies he believes have engaged in dishonest practices against him. In December, ABC News agreed to pay $15 million to Donald Trump to settle a lawsuit over assertions made by top anchor George Stephanopoulos that he was found civilly liable for raping writer E. Jean Carroll. The settlement, first reported by Fox News, was publicly filed on Saturday and revealed that the parties had come to an agreement in the suit. It stipulates that the network will pay $15 million as a charitable contribution towards Trump's presidential library. ABC will also post a note on its website expressing regret over the claim in a March 10 segment on "This Week" made by Stephanopoulos. They will also pay his legal fees as part of the settlement, which have totaled $1 million. A statement from the network said: 'ABC News and George Stephanopoulos regret statements regarding President Donald J. Trump made during an interview by George Stephanopoulos with Rep. Nancy Mace on ABCs This Week on March 10, 2024.' Trump had sued Stephanopoulos and the network for defamation soon after the segment aired. His lawyers accused Stephanopoulos of making the statements with 'malice' and a disregard for the truth. Trump also is continuing to sue a pollster who wrongly predicted he would lose in Iowa in November, despite reports the case has been dropped. The president is taking his fight against the Des Moines Register's J. Ann Selzer from federal to state court. The Des Moines Register lawsuit goes after top pollster Selzer for 'brazen election interference' for her poll released days before the election. Selzer's final Des Moines Register poll showed Trump three points behind Harris and was released the Saturday before Election Day. Every year a significant number of new cars hit the market - but which ones truly are the best of the bunch? Every year, the cream of the crop is named by various panels, crowning their favourite for outstanding overall performance. The most recent ceremony has seen automotive publication Auto Express deliver its Car of the Year 2025 gong to an electric car from a Czech brand that was formerly the butt of jokes in Britain. Skoda's Elroq crossover - which starts from 31,510 - has taken this year's crown. It marks the fifth year in a row that an EV has been awarded the top prize. But it isnt just the quirky Elroq thats turned judges' heads this year. As Auto Express editor Paul Barker says, the standard of new cars coming to the market continues to rise. So, here are the cars that have impressed reviewers the most and are highly recommended by the experts... The Skoda Elroq is the best car money can buy. Motoring journalists have crowned this electric car as Car of the Year at the Auto Express Awards. But it's not just the Elroq that made Skoda a winner.... Skoda Elroq voted best new car of 2025 Skoda is a bit of a cult classic brand at this point, winning a legion of fans for its ability to offer quality, reliability and affordability. The Elroq can be praised for embodying all that in a mid-sized electric SUV, with a seriously competitive range of 360 miles and a huge amount of practicality 470 litres of boot space to be exact into a price package of just 31,510. Paul Barker summed it up when he said: As a mid-size SUV, it hits the sweet spot for many UK buyers, offering space, comfort, usability, and value while also delivering the electric performance and refinement that drivers increasingly expect. Its a car that feels ready for the mainstream, and importantly, it doesnt demand big compromises to go electric. Skodas clever packaging, mature driving dynamics and understated quality all shine through in the Elroq.' It is the fifth consecutive year that an EV has taken the top honour, with the Citroen e-C3 winning in 2024, the Hyundai Kona EV in 2023, the Nissan Ariya in 2022 and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 a year earlier. Responding to the Elroq's victory, Skoda CEO Klaus Zellmer said: 'Winning Car of the Year means a lot to all of us at Skoda. Im grateful for this recognition of the hard work, creativity, and care that goes into building a car were truly proud of. 'We set out to create a car that people would love to drive on their daily explorations. 'To see it connect with drivers and experts alike is incredibly rewarding.' The Elroq can be praised for offering seriously competitive range of 360 miles and a huge amount of practicality 470 litres of boot space to be exact into a price package of just 31,51 Skoda picked up five awards at: Car of the Year, Family Car of the year, Mid-size SUV of the Year, Estate Car of the Year and Large SUV of the Year Skodas other winners Skoda is on a roll, sweeping the board in all the categories that deliver maximum practicality to drivers. As well as the Elroq being Car of the Year and Mid-Size SUV of the Year, the Octavia took home Family Car of the Year while the Superb won Estate of the Year, and the Kodiaq claimed Large SUV of the Year. The Octavia is a key example of Skodas reputation for offering sensible, good-value and massively spacious cars. Available as a Hatch or Estate, its a versatile family car. Not only is there a big range of petrol and diesel engines, but the interior is surprisingly plush and the Estate has a 640-litre boot. And it only costs 28,250. The Octavia, available as a hatch or estate, won Family Car and reiterated that Skoda maximises practicality for price, offering customers a versatile family car for just over 28k The Superb won Estate Car of the Year, and considering the new version has even better fuel consumption than before as well as an improved ride for a price that massively undercuts rivals, thats not all that surprising. The Superb starts from 37,225 and comes with a PHEV option that gives you 62 miles of EV-only range. And finally, the Kodiaq was crowned Large SUV of the Year, rounding out Skodas winning night, with its seven-seater option making a go to for large families. The Super on the other hand made Skoda king of the pile anything in estate car, taking home this category thanks to its versatile engine offerings and value for money And then the Kodiaq made it to first place in the Large SUV category - a competitive class with many more luxurious seven-seaters losing to this sub-40k car Again, it won't break the bank costing 39,000 with loads of standard kit and tech thrown in, and a surprisingly plush interior. Barker praised all Skoda winners but still elevated the Elroq as a step above its siblings saying: In a year where Skoda has taken home four major category wins, including with long-standing favourites like the Kodiaq and Superb, the Elroq is a worthy flagship. 'It shows how far the brand and electric cars more broadly have come. BMW swept the Auto Express Awards with five wins. The iX, its flagship EV, won two awards alone: Large Premium SUV and Premium Electric Car Other recommendations - from the luxurious to the affordable BMW stormed home with five wins, making the German marque the other most awarded brand of the year. Editor Paul Barker awarded the Elroq Car of the Year saying: As a mid-size SUV, it hits the sweet spot for many UK buyers, offering space, comfort, usability, and value while also delivering the electric performance and refinement that drivers increasingly expect' The iX the car with very divisive looks but an almost unparalleled combination of EV luxury and practicality won Large Premium SUV of the Year and Premium Electric Car, while the X3 was awarded Mid-size Premium SUV. With the iXs range of up to 426 miles and maximum luggage capacity of 1,750 litres youd think it would be a slow sensible car. But no, it can do 0 to 62 in 4.6 seconds. However, it isn't cheap, starting from over 75k and going up sharply to over 114k. The fun 2 Series took Coupe of the Year a car thats always a hit with keen drivers who like old-school handling and rear-wheel drive. The 530e seek past the post in the Premium Hybrid category, rounding out that grand total of five awards. The BMW 2 Series took Coupe of the Year a car thats always a hit with keen drivers who like old-school handling and rear-wheel drive Today there are four in five models available as battery electric, plug-in hybrid or hybrid, and almost two in five completely zero emission. So, its not surprising that EVs are being recognised as some of the very best options on the market, shown by the number of categories won by zero emissions models. The Kia EV3, the South Korean brands small electric B-segment SUV, was awarded Small Company Car of the year, while the Tesla Model 3 took home Mid-size Company Car of the Year. Kias little Picanto won the City car category, bringing the total wins for Kia to two. The EV3s rival, the Volvo EX30, was crowned Small Premium SUV and was the only trophy for the Swedish manufacturer. Audis new A6 e-tron was an electric car that beat out intense competition from the fellow German rivals BMW i5 and Volkswagen ID.7. Its long-distance driving capabilities it can do up to 464 miles on a single charge, undeniable good looks, plush interior and refined ride managed to snag it Large Company Car of the Year. The Volvo EX30 won the Small Premium SUV category - a single win for Volvo but an important category as the market is full of new premium SUVs at the moment The Bentley Flying Spur which can easily cost over 260k is the Luxury Car of the Year. If you've got the money what's not to like? As well as impressive power you can customise every inch of it to your heart's desire Beating all others to the ultimate luxury tag was the Bentley Flying Spur. It topped Range Rover (no easy feat) to be Auto Express Luxury Car of the Year. Is it the sustainable Nappa leather interiors, the endless customisation options, the Wellness seating specification or the Ultra Performance Hybrid V8 powertrain thats most covetable? Well let you decide. In pure performance though, the McLaren Artura took home first, winning Performance Car thanks to its V6 twin-turbo hybrid petrol engine, 700PS, and rear spoiler with 50kg of downforce. Not to be outdone, French favourite Renault picked up awards for both its Renault 4 and 5. The 5 has won the hearts of small EV owners who love its retro-inspired looks and 22,995 price tag The Renault 4 is based on the original that sold over eight million units . Now electric it has a driving range of up to 247 miles and quick charging and only costs 26,995 The Honda Civic Type R is a cheaper and more compact option for performance lovers, but potentially no less fun. Its Hot Hatch of the Year approved by boy racers the world over no doubt. On the cheaper end the MG3 Hybrid + was awarded Affordable Hybrid Car of the Year, the Mazda MX-5 took Convertible of the Year and the newly reincarnated Fiat Grande Panda (available as a hybrid or electric) won Supermini of the year. Fords big-seller pick-up the Ranger was a shoo-in for winning the pick-up category too and did. But a special mention goes to Renault who had a massive 2024 and first half of 2025 thanks to the launch of the Renault 4 and Renault 5. Both cars have captivated modern buyers with their retro-centric design, affordability and ability to bring the winning formula from the past into our electric present in such a well-designed and fun way. The boss of Britain's biggest listed firm is considering shifting its stock market listing to the US in a move that raised fears the City could become a global backwater. AstraZeneca chief executive Sir Pascal Soriot is reportedly weighing what would be a devastating blow to the London Stock Exchange. The move comes amid growing frustration with the UK's rules on approving new medicines as well as a row over drug prices between the industry and the NHS. Sir Pascal has spoken privately of his desire to move the FTSE 100 drugs giant's listing on multiple occasions. He has also considered moving AstraZeneca's headquarters away from the UK as well as its main stock market listing, the Times reported, citing sources familiar with the matter. Shares have fallen by 17 per cent over the past year. They rose 2by .8 per cent, or 282p, to 10,402p following the report. Sir Pascal, 66, has previously criticised the UK and the rest of Europe for falling behind other countries such as the US and China in developing medicines. In April, he said that innovation in pharmaceuticals 'has mostly been funded by the US' as he doubled down on plans to grow the business in America - which already accounts for 40 per cent of the company's sales. AstraZeneca chief executive: Pascal Soriot is the boss of Britain's biggest listed firm AstraZeneca, whose offices in Cambridge are pictured, is the largest company on the LSE The company has also been heavily investing in China, which Mr Soriot considers to be a major untapped source of sales as the country's rapidly growing middle class spends more on medicines. A shift to the US would also appeal to Donald Trump's hopes of drawing investment to America, even as his trade policy has created uncertainty for global companies. The President has threatened to impose 25 per cent tariffs on pharmaceutical imports. Last month, AstraZeneca unveiled a tie-up with Chinese biotech firm CSPC Pharmaceuticals worth 4billion to use artificial intelligence to help create new medicines. AstraZeneca is the largest company on the London Stock Exchange (LSE) with a value of 158billion. A move would deal a severe blow to the beleaguered UK market, which has been hit by a number of defections in recent months including fintech Wise, construction equipment hire firm Ashtead, Paddy Power owner Flutter and plumbing group Ferguson. Sir Pascal has spoken privately of his desire to move the firm's listing on multiple occasions It is also likely to fuel fears that other major British firms, including oil giant Shell and miners Glencore and Rio Tinto, all of whom have previously considered moving away from London, could follow suit. But Sir Pascal, who has led the pharma giant since 2012, is likely to face stiff resistance from members of the company's board of directors as well as from the government, which has prioritised the life science industry as one of its key areas to boost economic growth. Dan Coatsworth, investment analyst at AJ Bell, warned such a move would be 'difficult to pull off' for AstraZeneca as alongside the government and the board the firm would be likely to face a backlash from a large chunk of its shareholder register. But he acknowledged the company's focus on the US could make a switch harder to resist. Mr Coatsworth said: 'AstraZeneca generates about 42 per cent of its sales from the US and it already has plans to increase its operational footprint in the country. 'America is important to its growth strategy and it could become an even bigger cog in the wheel.' Michael Healy, UK Managing Director at trading platform IG, said: 'Another week, another potential hammer blow to the UK stock market. Rumours that AstraZeneca could be eyeing a US listing show just how serious the situation has become. Staff working in the Medimmune laboratory biologic centre of AstraZeneca in Cambridge Sir Pascal is knighted by King Charles III at Windsor Castle in December 2022 'We're in dangerous waters - London risks becoming a global backwater unless something changes fast. 'This isn't just about one company; it's about the UK's ability to attract capital, support innovation, and get people excited about investing again.' And Charles Hall, head of research at broker Peel Hunt, said: 'This is another warning shot that we cannot take our capital markets for granted. Government needs to take urgent action to ensure we have a healthy market.' Relations between AstraZeneca and the UK government have become more strained since Labour came to power last year. In January, the firm scrapped plans for a 450million expansion of its vaccine plant in Liverpool following a row with the government over financial support for the project. The UK's tax system was also cited by Mr Soriot in 2023 as the main reason why AstraZeneca opted to build a 262million factory in Ireland rather than Britain. AstraZeneca declined to comment. Against the backdrop of war in Europe, rising global threats and transformational changes in the nature of warfare unfolding at a rapid pace, the newly released Strategic Defence Review laid down a generational challenge to the nation: we must adapt. Ministers have committed to increase defence spending to 2.5 per cent of GDP by 2027, with the aim of boosting it to 5 per cent by 2035 - and laid out priorities for how it should be spent. As Britain's largest defence company, we will play a key role in helping them deliver, along with our partners up and down the supply chain. The defence industry is rarely mentioned as a point of British pride, but it is one of our great strengths as a country: an internationally competitive supply base which ensures the UK has direct access to the advanced equipment and technology that our armed forces need to keep us safe. Without it, we would be beholden to others for essential capabilities. Defence spending doesn't just deliver for the UKs armed forces and provide protection to the public. It is a hugely significant contributor to our nations economic prosperity. BAE boss Charles Woodburn says defence spending is a hugely significant contributor to Britain's economic prosperity As new, independent economic analysis shows, last year BAE Systems UK operations supported 159,600 jobs and added 13.7billion to the countrys GDP equivalent to around 1 in every 200 of economic output. We exported 3.6billion worth of defence and security products and services abroad and paid 3.6billion in tax. That is a significant national boost, built and fuelled locally. In communities where our largest manufacturing sites are based, the impact is hard to miss. In Barrow-in-Furness in Cumbria, some 12,300 people work on the design, manufacture, testing and production of the Royal Navy's submarines. A total of 4,500 people work for the company in Scotland, concentrated in and around our Glasgow shipyards where we are building the Royal Navy's Type 26 frigates. Were delivering impact at smaller sites, too. Just last month the Defence Secretary opened a new 25million artillery factory in Sheffield, to produce the M777, the only combat-proven lightweight howitzer in the world, which will restore critical gun manufacturing capability to the UK and create 200 new skilled jobs. These investments dont only mean jobs and facilities for the short term, they contribute to the long-term development of technology and skills. By the end of 2025, BAE Systems will have invested over 1bn in education and skills since the start of the decade. This year alone, were recruiting for more than 2,400 new apprentice and graduate roles across the UK the next generation of engineers, technicians and specialists who will shape the future of defence. This investment in skills extends far beyond big companies like ours. We work with almost 6,000 companies in our supply chain, including small innovative companies and start-ups which offer equally exciting prospects to contribute to the UKs national security endeavour. For example, our partner company Infleqtion, an Oxford-based firm, produces a quantum-based device to provide navigation as an alternative to GPS signals which can be jammed. Significantly, our sites are both nation-wide and often focused in areas which have experienced manufacturing decline. More than 40% of our workforce live in the bottom fifth of the UKs most deprived areas so we disproportionately benefit the communities which need it most. This is what it means when we talk about the UK's defence dividend. As a country, we are investing in defence to ensure we can protect ourselves in an uncertain world. And collectively we reap the broader benefits of investing taxpayers money in a world-class defence industry of which I am proud to be part. SSP Group shares jumped on Wednesday after the food retailer revealed a roughly 1.2billion valuation for its Indian joint venture business ahead of an IPO. The Upper Crust and Caffe Ritazza owner said the initial public offering of Travel Food Services (TFS) has a price band of 1,045 to 1,100 Indian Rupees per share. This implies a market valuation of between 137.6 billion and 144.8 billion Indian Rupees, or about 1.17billion to 1.23billion at current exchange rates. SSP initially hoped the listing would occur during the spring, following the filing of a draft red herring prospectus with the Indian regulatory authorities in December. It intends to purchase 1 per cent of TFS's issued share capital for around 12.5million, which will take its overall stake in the business to above 50 per cent. Shares in the London-listed firm soared 8.5 per cent to 188.5p by mid-Wednesday afternoon, making them the FTSE 250 Index's biggest riser. On the move: SSP Group shares shot up on Wednesday as increased leisure travel helped the firm deliver strong turnover growth across all regions Headquartered in Mumbai, TFS operates dozens of lounges and hundreds of quick-service restaurants across 14 airports in India and three in Malaysia. In addition to in-house brands like Idli.com and Dilli Streat, the group runs franchise outlets of famous global food-to-go companies, including KFC, Domino's Pizza, and Jamie Oliver's Pizzeria. It is co-owned by SSP and K Hospitality, an Indian food service business with over 500 locations, whose shareholding entity is the Kapur Family Trust. Trading in TFS shares is set to begin on the Indian stock exchanges on 14 July. Once the IPO is completed, SSP's deputy chief executive, Jonathan Davies, and Asia-Pacific boss, Jonathan Robinson, will join TFS's board. SSP's announcement comes as the company embarks on a cost-cutting programme to improve margins and returns amidst more challenging economic conditions. 'Recent geopolitical events have led to a heightened level of uncertainty across some of our travel markets, in particular in North America,' the firm told investors in May on the release of its half-year results. For the six months ending March, the group's turnover increased by 9 per cent to 1.6billion, supported by the acquisition of the Midfield Concessions business in Denver. In the UK and Ireland, SSP's revenue rose by 15.4 per cent to 892.5million thanks to continued growth in rail commuter numbers and strong demand in the air channel. Its operating profits also climbed by 20 per cent to 45million, although on a statutory basis, they slumped by around three-quarters to 15million due to costs from an IT transformation project and the recognition of impairment charges. AstraZeneca could blow a 1billion hole in the Treasurys coffers if it abandons the UK for the US stock market. The drug giant is estimated to bring in around 300million in stamp duty every year as well as hundreds of millions in tax from the 3.2billion in dividend payments annually, according to analysts at Peel Hunt. If it moves its headquarters overseas, as boss Pascal Soriot is thought to be considering, its British workforce is expected to shrink, depriving the Government of payroll taxes and corporation tax on profits, which last year stood at 6.4billion. The warnings came after reports said Soriot, who has led Astra since 2012, is thinking about shifting the 161billion firms stock market listing from London to Wall Street due to frustration about UK rules on medicine approvals and drug prices. It has fuelled criticism of the Governments plan to boost economic growth, with life sciences previously cited as a core part of its industrial strategy. The fact that our single largest company is contemplating leaving shows the Governments economic plan is in chaos, said Conservative business spokesman Andrew Griffith. Businesses rightly sense this Government does not value wealth creators, and after 12 whole months they still havent published a strategy for the critical life sciences sector. Pressure: AstraZeneca boss Sir Pascal Soriot (pictured) is mulling shifting its listing to New York due to growing frustration about UK rules on new medicine approvals and drug prices It also sparked alarm among City figures who believe the pharma giants departure could spark a rush to the exit for other major London-listed businesses, leaving the UK as an economic backwater. Its death by a thousand cuts here. Theres been this trend of UK companies getting large and then wanting to move their listing, said April LaRusse, who is the head of investment specialists at Insight Investment. They can get access to much deeper capital markets, their share price tends to trade at a higher level if its listed in the US so there are reasons they want to do this. She added that about 700 companies had moved their listing to the US from the UK since 2015. You can understand why AstraZeneca might be thinking about this, she said. Soriot, 66, has criticised the UK and Europe for falling behind countries such as the US and China in developing medicines. Astra is also one of several global pharma giants locked in a bitter row with the Government over a drug pricing scheme which requires them to repay at least 23 per cent of the money they make from medicine sales back to the NHS. The industry has lobbied intensely for the rate to be reduced, warning it risks hitting funding to develop new drugs. Tesla sales tumbled in the second quarter amid a backlash over founder Elon Musks politics. The electric vehicle (EV) maker made 382,122 vehicles in the three months to the end of June, a 13.5 per cent drop from 443,956 a year earlier. It was the second quarterly fall in sales in a row and puts it on track for an overall decline for the year. Demand has plunged due to Musks once-close ties to Donald Trump and his support for right-wing parties across Europe. Musk quit as the White Houses efficiency czar in May and the pair have since been engaged in a bitter row over the US Presidents tax-cutting bill. An ageing car line-up and tougher competition from cheaper Chinese firms such as BYD, the worlds biggest EV maker, have also dented sales. Tesla shares rose 4.8 per cent yesterday as the decline in sales was less than some analysts feared. The stock has lost 22 per cent of its value in 2025. Santander yesterday admitted that branches could be closed and jobs lost as it takes over rival TSB. The Spanish bank, led by Ana Botin, also hinted that the TSB brand could disappear from the High Street, though no decisions have yet been made. The comments came a day after TSBs Spanish owner Sabadell agreed to sell the lender to Santander in a deal worth up to 2.9billion. It is expected to complete at the start of next year. TSB employs 5,000 people operating out of 175 branches while Santander UK has 349 branches with 18,000 staff. Asked about closures and job losses, Santanders UK boss Mike Regnier said: There will be efficiencies that we expect to make. Santander expects to shave 13 per cent off the combined costs of Santander UK and TSB as a result of the takeover. Takeover: Santander, led by Ana Botin (pictured), hinted that the TSB brand could disappear from the High Street, though no decisions have been made Regnier said that will come from a number of areas, which will include bringing two IT platforms into one as well as back office functions. Speaking to the BBC, he added: All of us have been reducing and trimming the size of our branch networks. Theres no point having two branches in the same town serving the same customers so there will be opportunities. When we complete the integration and that wont happen for a few years at that point well take a look and make decisions then. The comments are likely to alarm campaigners who say the closure of huge numbers of bank branches over recent years as many customers shun them in favour of online banking has left the vulnerable and elderly in limbo. TSB had more than 600 branches when the brand was revived and spun out of Lloyds Banking Group in 2014. It was bought for 1.7billion by Sabadell and since then has shrunk dramatically. Figures from consumer group Which? show TSB has shut 459 branches since 2015 while Santander has axed 493. The deal came despite persistent speculation this year that Santander planned to leave the UK. But Regnier yesterday reiterated its commitment to Britain, saying it had invested an awful lot in the UK and the deal was a vote of confidence. He said that the takeover would help accelerate its growth plan and create one of the strongest, most competitive banks in the UK. Regnier said TSB was a powerful brand but that typically at Santander we tend to use the Santander brand on the High Street around the world. Thats the approach we normally take. Jenny Ross, Which? Money editor, said the deal could understandably be concerning for some TSB and Santander customers, particularly those who prefer to use a local branch for their banking. She added: If this deal goes ahead, the Financial Conduct Authority must look closely at any planned branch closures to ensure that there is no risk of customers, especially those with disabilities, losing access to local banking services or cash. London is a sauna - and nowhere more so than on the sweltering, sweaty public transport network. Underground trains and buses whizz people on five million journeys every day apiece. On the Tube there are up to 543 trains running at peak time, with an average max capacity of 900 people, and thousands of buses carrying up to 90 people. So it's of little surprise that the passengers get cooked in the summer, particularly in the midst of the current heatwave. 'Sauna' is no exaggeration - a group of climate protesters rode the Central line in towels last week. But to find out just how hot it really on public transport, MailOnline took a trip on Tuesday in 30C heat - and came away both concerned and sweaty. Everywhere we went, temperatures exceeded 30C - the legal limit at which the UK Government's Animal and Plant Health Agency says it is too hot to transport livestock. It makes you question who the real cattle is. Our trusty air thermometer - a nursery monitor shaped like a penguin - found buses were 3C hotter and Tube trains were up to 5C hotter above 30C. Experts have warned that these temperatures can make people ill - and are only set to rise. Setting off from the Mail's offices in Kensington, we boarded a bus bound for Notting Hill, where our monitor leapt up to 33C, even with the windows open and cool air being blown from vents over our heads. From there, we boarded the Central line - long regarded as one of London's warmest Tube routes - where our penguin friend recorded a temperature of 34C. MailOnline reporter Jon Brady with his friendly penguin air thermometer. If it's good enough for a baby's nursery, it's good enough for the Tube Your browser does not support iframes. The Tube is only getting hotter - as highlighted by a group of climate activists who treated the Central line as their own personal sauna last week It was a similar story on the Bakerloo from Oxford Circus: 34.2C, creeping towards 35, but coolest if you were lucky enough to be standing next to the connecting doors with their windows flung open. As we transferred from line to line, the temperature did take a much-welcomed dip to around 33C within the stations. In Oxford Circus, we found a gigantic fan behind a mesh grate - and cooled ourselves down to around 31C for a few precious seconds. But it was as we boarded the Victoria line - an up-and-coming new entry in the hellish heat rankings - that we really began to sweat, with the temperature hitting 35.1C. These three lines are all 'deep-level' Tube lines, running up to 100ft below ground. On our return leg to Kensington, we boarded the Circle line - one of the 'sub-surface' lines that goes no more than 30ft underground and has air-conditioning. Even then, our penguin friend recorded no lower than 32C. Back in the office with water to hand we were relatively lucky. We travelled at around 12pm, before the peak of the afternoon, when foot traffic tends to be light. It would be even hotter if we had been packed like sardines on a rush hour train at 5pm. But even 30C can be problematic for people travelling on public transport when the weather is stiflingly hot. A rapid analysis of the current heatwave conducted last month found almost 600 people could die in the current hot spell. Lewis Halsey, a professor of health sciences at the University of Roehampton, previously told MailOnline that temperatures above 30C can be 'difficult' for the body to bear, particularly in humid conditions such as in packed Tube trains. 'Over 30 degrees we all know its not the most pleasant temperature but it's not going to kill us off unless we're incredibly frail,' he said. 'But if it gets humid, which of course it can get it London, temperatures above 30C can get difficult for the body to "dump" heat as quickly as we're taking it on. 'If the body can't lose heat as quickly as it's taking it on, you're going to get a net gain of heat into the body and body temperature will rise. 'And if body temperature rises too much then you've had it.' In high humidity conditions and at around 40C, he added grimly, the most vulnerable could 'keel over'. And the chances of that happening are only set to increase. In around 1900, the temperature inside Tube tunnels was around 14C. Underground bosses were so proud of its pleasant climate that a 1926 poster boasted: 'The Underground's the only spot for comfort when the days are hot. It is cooler below.' Before hopping on a bus from Kensington to Notting Hill, we recorded an outside temperature of just over 30C The temperature hit 33C within minutes of us boarding the bus from Kensington - leaving our Antarctic friend (and our reporter) sweating Temperatures crept up to 34C as we boarded the Central line - one of the 'deep-level' Tube lines among London's hottest These days the closest measure is taken on platforms: across 2013, it was an average of 22C across all Tube lines. In the last decade, it has risen two degrees to 24C. On the stifling Victoria line, temperatures have risen by six degrees from 22C to 28C between 2013 and 2024, likely as TfL bosses have increased the frequency of trains. 'It is cooler below' wouldn't hold up now. The Met Office definition of a UK heatwave is three consecutive days of temperatures above 28C. On some Tube lines, commuters are living through heatwaves every time they hop on board in the summer. The Tube is hottest on Bakerloo, Central and Victoria line platforms - which are 'deep-level' Tube lines as much as 100ft below ground, lower than 'sub-surface' lines such as the District and Circle lines which sit around 30ft below ground. On the Victoria line, the only Tube route to run completely underground save for its Tottenham depot, temperatures sat at a sizzling 30.4C last summer - warmer than Spanish party island Ibiza at the same time of year. But why is the Underground so hot - and what can be done? In short: a few reasons, largely owed to its age and design; and not a lot. TfL says it is on a mission to cool the Tube down - and has been for decades. But it has a Sisyphean struggle on its hands as temperatures continue to rise year-on-year and it contends with the fact it can't simply rip out a 100-year-old design and start again. 'As I've often said, with the various quirks of the Underground: a Victorian built it, and now we're stuck with it,' Jago Hazzard, a pseudonymous YouTuber sharing the history of London transport with a quarter of a million subscribers, tells MailOnline. '(The Underground) is a deep, narrow tube surrounded by clay. There are so many people, there's the friction of the brakes, the various sorts of electrical machinery on the trains themselves, a whole lot of different reasons that all come together. 'The deep-level Tube lines are particularly afflicted because there's so much clay on top of them and so little space around the trains for air to circulate.' There are a few reasons that Tube bosses have acknowledged for the endless encroachment of heat, and some additional theories posited by experts. It was a similar story on the Bakerloo line, where the tiny trains and cramped tunnels saw temperatures hit 34C, only slightly helped by the draught from the doors The temperature cooled as we transferred between lines in the Underground stations, dropping to around 33C - suggesting it really is hotter on the trains The Victoria line hit 35C on our travels. Its temperature has risen more than any other Underground line in the last decade, by an average of 6C Excluding the sweaty passengers, Underground trains give off a lot of heat - from the motors and the auxiliary lighting systems to the brakes, even following the switch to regenerative brakes that absorb energy that would otherwise be lost as heat. Then there are the reams and reams of thick electrical cables you can see bolted to the walls of Underground tunnels responsible for powering the signals. Much of the heat is absorbed by the tunnels and would once have been absorbed by the London clay - the malleable but highly stable soil north of the Thames that was valued by Tube engineers because it was easy to tunnel into. But studies have suggested the clay has now warmed to the point it can no longer effectively absorb the waste heat from trains. And with nowhere else to go the heat simply sticks around in the tunnels, from where it is shoved onto the platforms by trains ploughing through at up to 60mph. Calvin Barrows, a retired civil engineer, has another theory: that of 'solar gain', the heat absorbed by Tube trains when they are exposed to heat from the sun, much like your car when left in the sun on a hot day. This, in effect, turns the trains into 'mobile storage heaters', he says, that then radiate and push heat into the tunnels. Central line trains are painted with solar reflective coatings and films on their roofs and windows, but Mr Barrows - a one-time long-suffering Central line commuter - maintains that more could be done, such as storing trains in covered areas. 'It's not the passengers - it's only when it comes out on the surface that the trains heat up,' he said. 'The trains gain their heat on the surface and carry that into the tunnels. Air temperature in the sun and the shade are exactly the same - but stand in the sun and you become warm because you're being solar radiated.' Dr Gary Fuller, a senior lecturer in air quality measurement at Imperial College London, believes smog may also play a role, trapping heat. said: Bad air pollution often adds to the direct impacts of heat. Air pollutants can react together in the strong sunlight and heat to form summertime smog. 'This is the type of air pollution that plagued cities like Los Angeles for the second half of the 20th century.' London's older Tube lines were also built before ventilation ever had to be considered in the way it must be now - some of them more than 100 years ago. And now the network is stuck with antiquated designs about which little can be done without tearing the entire city apart. Opening up the ground to add new vents to the Central line, for example, would be almost impossible. Newer trains are air conditioned: the Elizabeth Line and London Overground were designed with air-con on board, and new-build stations on the 'Lizzy line' were designed from the ground-up to be as cool as possible. On our final journey on the 'sub-surface' air-conditioned Circle line, the temperature dropped to a relatively agreeable 32C - still too hot, experts say, to be bearable for too long Commuters are using every trick in the book to stay cool on the Underground as the temperature continues to climb Giant fans like these are rolled out across the Tube network at major stations to help keep busy areas cool The Circle, Hammersmith & City, District and Metropolitan lines received air-con as part of an upgrade programme a decade ago. Around 40 per cent of the Tube network is now air-conditioned - but that leaves 60 per cent still sweating. But a question remains over whether the New Tube for London trains, which will bring air-con to the Piccadilly, Central, Bakerloo and Waterloo & City lines, will cool passengers at the expense of cooking the tunnels and platforms even more. Aircon systems need to be able to spew out the hot air that is being diverted away from the carriages, adding more heat to those already toasty tunnels. The first NTfL trains are expected to enter service on the Piccadilly line next year. 'Putting air conditioning on the trains only solves the problem inside the train,' adds Calvin Barrows. 'But the thing that's making the tunnels hottest is the outside of the train. Air conditioning just sends more heat out.' There is also another issue that Industrial Era London did not have to consider: between higher-density construction and climate change, the capital is heating up. Met Office data suggests 30-year average temperatures for July at its Hampstead weather station just north of Camden have risen 1.4C since the 1960s. But the city centre is even warmer thanks to the 'urban heat island' effect seen in city centres across the world where a lack of vegetation, dense buildings and dark surfaces like roads create the perfect environment for heat to take hold. On average, the centre of London is 4.5C hotter than its less built-up areas, according to a 2023 study by consultancy Arup using modelling from the University of Reading. 'In Britain, we've been so used to it being cold and wet that rising temperatures have rather taken us by surprise,' adds Jago Hazzard. 'These issues were just things that, circa 1900s, they just didn't even consider. What TfL are having to do now is see what they can do within the constraints of the infrastructure they've got. 'Unless you're going to rebuild stations at a cost of billions, you very much have to work with what you've got.' TfL's crack team of engineers have been working to find practical solutions to cooling the Tube for more than two decades - and as yet, nobody has a silver bullet. Transport for London is experimenting with new ways of keeping platforms cool, such as these water-cooled ventilation systems that were tested at Holborn in 2022 The New Tube for London trains arriving on the Piccadilly line from next year will have air-conditioning - but may make the tunnels they run through warmer Elizabeth Line new-build stations have been designed to be as cool as possible, with air-con on the trains The temperatures MailOnline recorded on the Tube were similar to those during the 2022 heatwave, when carriage temperatures hit almost 36C (pictured) In 2003, then-Mayor of London Ken Livingstone offered a 100,000 prize for anyone who could present a practical idea. It was never awarded, reported the BBC, which also noted that passengers withstood temperatures of an almost nostalgic 30C. Instead, TfL is taking a piecemeal approach, using a multitude of methods and experiments to find ways of cooling platforms, venting tunnels and reducing the amount of heat the trains themselves give off. It's not uncommon to encounter enormous industrial-sized fans, hidden behind safety meshes, in the summer months. On the Victoria line, TfL says it has doubled the capacity of its 13 ventilation shafts. And in 2015, a disused lift-shaft at St Paul's station was retrofitted with an enormous fan circulating 16 litres of cold water a second around pipes in the ventilation system - cooling air by up to 7C on the eastbound Central line platform. In 2022, it trialled cooling panel systems that use fans to circulate air cooled by pipes filed with cold water at a disused platform in Holborn station. The trial brought temperatures down between 10 and 15C around the panel. Last year, Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said in a written answer to London Assembly member Hina Bokhari that they would be tested at Knightsbridge and could be rolled out at Green Park, Holborn, Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus. But rolling out initiatives like these are expensive, and TfL only has so much to spend on these projects, often seeking external funding for trials like that at Holborn. But there's no getting around the fact that temperatures above ground are continuing to climb, seemingly unabated - and the Tube will continue to cook, at TfL's expense. The 40C July 2022 heatwave saw Tube travel drop by 29 per cent across two days - costing it millions in lost fare revenue. Tracks buckled and overhead cables sagged in the heat - issues likely to rear their head again in future. Carl Eddleston, TfL's director of network operations, says the transport body has a 'comprehensive hot weather plan in place' to keep the network going, and encourages Londoners to carry water and look out for one another. But that could prove more difficult as the years roll by: Met Office research suggests that temperatures in excess of 35C could happen every other year by the year 2100 - rather than once every five years or so. Even as it invests in solar energy, as it announced last week, and plants wildflowers to fight climate change, the uncomfortable truth is that the Tube will almost likely never be completely cool. 'We're going to kill people,' Calvin Barrows warns. 'If you're in 40 degree heat and the train gets stalled in a tunnel, you will come out in a bad way, if you come out at all.' 'It's a long-term thing - there is no simple solution,' concludes Jago Hazzard. 'It's very much a case of what works, what we can install in the existing infrastructure. I fear, unless stations can be rebuilt, it is going to continue to be a problem, at least in the short term. 'But in terms of a cool Tube? That's a long-term thing.' Nearly 75 years ago, George Orwell wrote that the pub was part of something distinctive and recognisable in English civilization, a place where all types could gather. Is that still the case? Orwell was writing as Nazi bombs fell on Britain and he felt it was important to celebrate all that made this country special. There are now 45,000 pubs in Britain down from nearly 61,000 at the start of this century. Not only are Brits drinking less alcohol than a generation ago, pubs are more expensive to run, with the Government increasing both the minimum wage and employers national insurance contributions. To gauge this British institutions health, I visited the Royal Victoria Pavilion, Ramsgate, the largest of all the 795 pubs operated by JD Wetherspoon, the company set up by Sir Tim Martin. This Spoons, can fit in a maximum of 1,400 customers over its two floors and has an astonishing 100 separate beer and wine taps. So how can such a vast venue flourish when other pubs are closing? To find out, I spent an entire Friday at the Royal Victoria, from 8am when it opened to closing time at 1am on Saturday. Harry Wallop spent an entire Friday at the Royal Victoria, from 8am when it opened to closing time at 1am on Saturday 8am Ayse Massouras, 48, a beautician, is first through the door. She didnt finish karaoke until 3am and admits shes possibly still drunk from last night. Shes come in for breakfast an egg and sausage muffin with latte (3.77). It was lovely, it did the trick. I just love Wetherspoons, particularly this one, she says. I come here all the time. Look at the view! The beach is outside the picture windows. On a clear day you can see across the Channel to France. The manager, Chris Whitbourn, 41, who has run the pub since it opened in the summer of 2017, says the sandy feet of customers means they need to replace its carpet every five years, rather than the once-a-decade norm. 9.05am The Royal Victoria starts serving alcohol at 9am. Mark Best, 68, a retired sign maker and regular, is reading the newspaper, sipping a pint of Poretti lager (4.49), which is 4.8 per cent ABV. He says that after a couple of these, hell move on to a Black Dragon cider at 7.2 per cent strength. Im escaping the grandkids, he jokes. Ill have six or seven pints, he says. An NHS doctor might point out thats 50 per cent more than the recommended weekly allowance 14 units in one morning. I ask him how hed describe his relationship to alcohol. It loves me, and I love it, he laughs. And, to be fair, three pints later hes tackling quite a difficult crossword, with no sign of being the worse for wear. Ayse Massouras, 48, a beautician, is first through the door. She didn't finish karaoke until 3am and came in for a spot of breakfast Mark Best, 68, a retired sign maker and regular, is reading the newspaper, sipping a pint of Poretti lager by 9.05. The pub starts serving alcohol at 9am 10.45am Wetherspoon has a curious reputation. Many see it as downmarket, but the company has also restored lots of fabulous old buildings. The Royal Victoria is a grade II-listed Edwardian seaside pavilion, with a substantial first-floor terrace. Nearly half of the 353 tables are outside overlooking the beach. Sandra Ford, 81, and her husband David, 83 are breakfasting with friends Sheila, 75, and Colin Pattison, 85, from Liverpool. They are on the sunny terrace. A lot of Wetherspoons are dumps, says Colin, whos ordered the eggs Benedict. But this is unique. This has such a lovely ambience. 11.30am My first pint of the day: a Ruddles, for the incredibly cheap price of 1.79; the average UK pint costs 4.83 according to the Office for National Statistics. Rumours used to persist that Wetherspoon could only sell beer this cheaply because it bought it as it was about to go off. This isnt true; because it sells so many pints, it negotiates a lower price from the brewer. Colin Wilson, 82, a retired publican, drinking a Plum Porter, agrees the real ale is reliably decent quality. Ive never had a bad pint in a Wetherspoons, he says. 12.15pm The terrace is starting to fill. Seven 18-year-olds, from the towns Chatham & Clarendon Grammar School, are celebrating having finished their final A-level (religion and philosophy) this morning. Why Spoons? Because its cheap! three of them chorus. These peanuts are 78p, says Chris with a sense of wonder. Cody, who hopes to study philosophy and sociology at Sussex University, says he sometimes came to the Royal Victoria to revise for his exams. Its got lots of charging points and there were free coffee refills. The best selling drink at Wetherspoon is the 1.71 coffee. When Noah orders a second Leffe beer (4.95), the waiter who delivers it to his table asks for ID to check he is 18 years old. By 10.45am Sandra Ford, 81, and her husband David, 83 are breakfasting with friends Sheila, 75, and Colin Pattison, 85, from Liverpool, on the Royal Victoria's sunny terrace Just after midday, seven 18-year-olds, from the towns Chatham & Clarendon Grammar School, celebrate having finished their final A-level (religion and philosophy) 1.30pm The sun is blazing, diners are tucking into lunch. This pub makes lots more money from food than drink, unlike a typical Wetherspoon where food is 38 per cent of turnover. Over a recent weekend, celebrating the 85th anniversary of the Dunkirk evacuation, the pub served an astonishing 8,327 meals, including 423 fish and chip orders Wetherspoon is technically the countrys largest chain of fish and chip shops. I order a small one (9.92), which is good crispy batter, firm cod. It comes with a pint of beer if I pay 11.68. 2.15pm Lots of families have come to the seaside for the weekend, including Fern Bushnell, 31, with her four-month-old son, her parents and partner Simon Griffiths , from Kettering. This Wetherspoon is my spiritual home, Simon says. Hes only half joking. I genuinely feel at peace here the views, the fantastic terrace, we can sit here and order beers on the app. It means we dont have to stop chatting to go to the bar. 3pm Inside is quiet, but there is a bustle on the terrace. Eddie Burdett, 55, is sunbathing I feel like Im on holiday here and is asked to put his T-shirt back on; Drew Welch, 38, and Heidi Howard, 39, have come to celebrate that theyve just posted their intention to get married at the town hall. A group of six former colleagues, most in their early 60s, have been meeting up for nearly 30 years, ever since they were laid off from an insurance company in the 1990s. Back in the day, we would have gone to a nightclub and checked out the girls, laughs Huw, 60, drinking a pint of Doom Bar. Now, its a sedate pub crawl around Ramsgate. They are on their second pub, and fourth pint. Fern Bushnell, 31, with her four-month-old son, her parents and partner Simon Griffiths, from Kettering, came to the seaside for the weekend At 5.30pm, James King and Alex Porter, both estate agents, arrive for an evening pint on the terrace 5.30pm The terrace is rammed with a mixture of weekenders from London starting a big night out, families treating their children to post-school burgers and colleagues enjoying after-work drinks. The only two people I see in a suit all day are James King, 25, and Alex Porter, 24, who I correctly guess are estate agents. Alex admits he once came on a date to the Royal Victoria. Was the date a success? Well he looks a bit sheepish, before laughing She came back to mine. Who knew the Ramsgate Wetherspoons could inspire such romance? 6.40pm Young bar staff weave through the throngs of drinkers. A cheer goes up when a tray of drinks is dropped. Sheree Mummery is celebrating her 70th birthday with pitchers of cocktails two for 16 with each pitcher containing four shots of alcohol including an alarming looking Purple Rain made of Blue Curacao, Corkys cherry schnapps and lemonade. Its all full of ice, really, Sheree says. 7.55pm Nine colleagues from the nearby FujiFilm printer ink factory are tucking into a dizzying array of drinks including pitchers of Mango Monster Mash and Woo Woo cocktails. Wayne Griffiths, 59, and Emma Porter, 30, discuss how they wont stay here all night. We want to boogie, she says. Wetherspoons bans music at nearly all its venues and many of the customers say that means you start the evening at Spoons, you never end it here. Wayne reminisces how the Royal Victoria used to be the Fifth Avenue nightclub in the 1990s, before lying derelict for a decade. I used to love it here back then. As a lifelong Ramsgate resident, he says hes pleased it is now a Wetherspoons. Theyve done a brilliant job here. A few tables along, a young drinker has vomited all over the terrace and the staff are out with a mop. Sheree Mummery is celebrating her 70th birthday with pitchers of cocktails which are two for 16 Just before 8pm, nine colleagues from the nearby FujiFilm printer ink factory are tucking into a dizzying array of drinks including pitchers of Mango Monster Mash and Woo Woo cocktails 8.15pm Earlier, Chris, the manager, insisted I should try the sticky Korean-fried chicken bowl with coconut-flavoured rice. So I do, for my dinner. The chicken is not bad, if a little light on spicing, but the accompanying pint of Poretti one of 100s served today is bland fizz. 9.30pm The pub is still full of families. Kids are variously on their scooters inside, on iPads watching cartoons or playing card game Uno. Another group of A-level students, from the private St Lawrence College, are ordering espresso martinis and pints of Guinness. Freddie Durrant (head boy), is watching a Lions rugby game on his phone. There are no TVs in Spoons, he says apologetically. Amber Bamford (head girl) says: This is the go-to place. Everyone comes here. Shed earlier had a Hugo Spritz, one of 2025s trendy drinks gin, elderflower and prosecco. Classy, I suggest. Thats because were classy people, she replies. 10.25pm The pub is quieter and the terrace is mostly deserted; children are asked to leave at 10pm. Miles Quinn, 78, a former school caretaker, wearing a loud Hawaiian shirt, is drinking a pint of Ruddles. He comes in every night between 9 and 11pm and the staff know him. I am flagging, and one punter, Chris, suggests I try a SoCoLocobomb a shot glass of Southern Comfort whiskey sunk into a glass of Monster Mango Loco energy drink. Its 5.18 and one of the most disgusting things I have consumed. Ten minutes later, however, my heart is racing and Im noticeably more awake. 11.05pm Charlie, 39, a postman from north London, is celebrating Dannys 41st birthday. Danny is, medically retired. Charlie explains: His heart only works at 20 per cent. Theyve been in here since 4.30pm. They are slurring as they order black sambuca shots. Danny leans in to ask me if Ive got any gear, by which he means drugs. I tell him no and suggest that even if I did, it might not be very good for his heart. He laughs. At 9.30pm, another group of A-level students, from the private St Lawrence College, arrive. They order espresso martinis and pints of Guinness Miles Quinn, 78, a former school caretaker, wearing a loud Hawaiian shirt arrives around 10.30pm. He comes in every night between 9 and 11pm 11.47pm Four security staff have been patrolling the pub all evening. A middle-aged woman, whod earlier tried to have an argument with me about Tommy Robinson (she is a fan), is exchanging aggressive words with her mother. A security guard encourages her to leave. 11.50pm Two well-dressed French friends, Lucie Dugan, 28, who works in wine, and Anna Fahy, 30, a cosmetics executive, are down from London and drinking Broadwoods Folly, English sparkling wine. Lucie says they picked Ramsgate after they asked ChatGPT to suggest a seaside resort less than two hours from London with a sandy beach. Lucie asks me how well the Kentish locals would take to her sunbathing topless. I suggest many Brits are quite uptight. Its normal in France its about freedom, she says. And does Wetherspoon represent freedom? I love this place, I love the carpet, the space, the old-looking furniture. Everybody has come here families and kids. We love it. Shes not drunk, just giddy at ending up in Britains biggest Spoons. 12.30am Staff are wiping down tables and putting out breakfast menus. Not many customers remain, some who do are rowdy. On the terrace, a group of former school friends, now aged 19, are dancing to Mr Brightside by The Killers, which is drifting across from The Waterfront pub across the road. They had vowed to me earlier they were going to go to the Dolphin nightclub in Broadstairs. Why are you still here? Because its cheap, and nowhere is cheap in 2025, says Freya Svenson whos just quit her job from TK Maxx. Lucie Dugan, 28, who works in wine, and Anna Fahy, 30, a cosmetics executive, are down from London having asked ChatGPT where to go The Royal Victoria Pavilion, Ramsgate, can fit in a maximum of 1,400 customers over its two floors and has an astonishing 100 separate beer and wine taps 1.03am Callum Shrimpton, 22, an NHS support worker, is with his friend Lewis. Hes drunk three pitchers of Sex On The Beach, two Corkys shots and a skittlebomb (Cointreau and Monster Energy). About 20 units of alcohol in just 40 minutes he says with a sense of pride. He insists he rarely drinks; this is an exception because its his birthday next week. My verdict It has been a very long day. But Ive managed to enjoy three square meals, 3 pints, a cocktail and a whisky & soda nightcap for a mere 41.44 and Ive met an astonishing array of people, nearly all of whom were happy to end up in the Royal Victoria. As Drew Welch told me earlier: I know the burgers will be half decent; I know the pints will be cheap. Is it the best? No. But you know what youre going to get. Thats what a lot of people want. Im not surprised its successful. Shocking footage captured the moment a fight erupted between two minibus drivers at Palma airport. A video shows the pair exchanging punches and wrestling in front of confused passengers on Saturday morning. One of the men falls onto his knees before a bystander steps in and tries to restrain the other in a bear hug as he fights to escape the clinch. The brawl broke out when the pair started arguing over a group of passengers wanting a transfer, local media says. Security guards had to intervene to separate the disgruntled duo, according to reports. National Police officers went to the scene and took the details of the two men. Neither of them had suffered a serious injury. A taxi driver who witnessed the incident described the pair as 'pirate' drivers. 'They pick up customers inside the airport, but they should not,' he told the Majorca Daily Bulletin. Shocking footage captures the moment a fight erupts between two minibus drivers at Palma airport A video shows the pair exchanging punches and wrestling each other in front of confused passengers on Saturday morning One of the men falls onto his knees before a bystander steps in and tries to restrain the other in a bear hug as he fights to escape the clinch The brawl broke out when one of the drivers started arguing with the other over a group of passengers wanting a transfer, local media says There has been tension between minibus operators and licensed taxi drivers for years, with occasional fights breaking out. But a fight between two minibus drivers is rare. In 2016, a fight between a pair of taxi drivers made the headlines after one cab driver was caught on camera slapping another in the face on a busy Brisbane street. As their cars were parked in a rank outside the Guzman y Gomez store on Albert Street, the two cabbies aggressively approached each other in the middle of the road. A video of the bizarre incident was captured by Andrew Nguyen and uploaded to Facebook. The footage shows a driver from a black Volkswagen signalling another cabbie as onlookers shout 'game on' in the background. A Black and White Cabs driver attempts to slap his opponent across the face but his hand is swiftly blocked. On his second attempt the Black and White Cabs driver lands his hand square on the Volkswagen driver's face. The victim doesn't flinch and starts walking towards the other cabbie, starring him dead in the eyes. The attacker runs for cover and his friend steps in to intervene. The other cabbie walks back to his Volkswagen and drives off. It is not known what caused the incident. Meanwhile, in 2015 two Colombian taxi drivers squared off in a chains-and-machete showdown after one allegedly stole the other's fare. Shocking footage of the street brawl emerged of the encounter in the Alcala district of capital Bogota. The two men are said to have fought for about a minute before appearing to agree to stop, without either man being seriously hurt. One is armed with a vicious-looking length of chain, while the other wields a machete. The men swing at one another a few times, but spend most of the encounter grappling. One driver, dressed in black, holds the other at arm's length and says something which appears to calm his opponent. After they part, the two drop into fighting poses again a look ready to renew the clash. But after a few more seconds they lower their weapons in favour of talking and pointing instead. It is not clear which vehicle allegedly moved in on the other's fare. Australians are increasingly turning to AI to do their tax returns hoping to save hours of time on boring paperwork. The new financial year often brings dread, with income taxpayers required to sift through dozens and dozens of receipts to make work-related claims. But large language models with analytical skills have the ability to go through all these dockets and determine whether work expenses can be legally submitted on a tax return. The Australian Taxation Office's myDeductions app keeps digital receipts in one place, enabling an AI app to go through the expenses and put together a claim. H&R Block's director of tax communications Mark Chapman admitted artificial intelligence was an increasingly popular way of doing tax returns. 'There is a growing use of AI in tax return preparation, particularly amongst self-lodgers - for example, using it to determine whether you are entitled to a work-related deduction based on your income,' he told Daily Mail Australia. University of New South Wales Professor Jennie Granger, from the School of Accounting, Auditing and Taxation, said artificial intelligence could be useful for basic tax returns, with the ATO's MyTax platform already helping individuals. 'AI can be a good starting point,' she said. 'It has an impressive ability to analyse issues, apply the law and respond in straightforward language.' Australians are increasingly turning to AI to do their tax returns hoping to save hours of time 'AI also gives taxpayers a nudge if their income or expenses seem out of pattern compared to their past history and checks for errors and calculates the likely tax result.' An AI app could submit items worth up to $300 and determine they were used for work purposes, making it claimable in one financial year. It could also figure out if someone who worked from home during the last financial year could claim 70 cents an hour as a flat rate. Or the AI robot could manually calculate the costs of heating a room and accordingly work out the annual expenses of a home office. Artificial intelligence is already being used help small business operators analyse their expenses and new AI apps are doing this for individuals. 'Once they are in the app, they can then be collated and automatically uploaded to the relevant parts of your return,' she said. 'You are still doing the work of inputting and tagging the records, but they are all in one spot digitally. 'A bigger step in automation is underway with AI tools that can access your statements digitally, analyse them and provide you with the analysis that you can then upload to your tax return.' The Australian Taxation Office's myDeductions app keeps digital receipts in one place, enabling an AI app to go through the expenses and put together a claim UNSW tax law expert Professor Michael Walpole said AI could be useful in finding those receipts for work-related items. 'AI will make it easier for Australians to locate records and thus get their income and deductions right,' he said. 'The advantage is that they will be less likely to miss things and thus under-report income or under-claim deductions. 'AI can also be used to check a taxpayers understanding of the rules.' But Mr Chapman said ChatGPT was prone to making mistakes, based on an individual asking it the wrong question. 'Self-preparers are particularly prone to use using these open-source AI programs and I would recommend using them with caution or not at all,' he said. 'Errors in algorithms or user input can lead to incorrect tax returns, which can result in penalties, fines, or even audits. 'Having said that, the use of AI is increasing every year as people try to use it as a short cut to prepare their tax return but nothing beats getting a human tax expert for some accurate tax advice.' University of New South Wales Professor Jennie Granger, from the School of Accounting, Auditing and Taxation, said artificial intelligence could be useful for basic tax returns Danger of submitting tax return too early While the 2024-25 financial year ended on Monday, the tax office doesn't start issuing refunds until the second week of July. Also, pre-filled information based on employer group certificates and private health fund details often aren't ready yet either, which could lead to incorrect tax returns being submitted. 'Doing your tax return in the first week of July is not recommended,' Mr Chapman said. 'In addition, much of the pre-fill information is not available to the ATO in the first few days of July and this can lead to inaccurate tax returns being lodged, and possibly the need to amend your return later on, because you might have forgotten to include an item of income which wasnt correctly recorded in the ATO pre-fill. 'Better to wait until mid-July, when the banks, employers, health funds, etc have all reported your data to the ATO and there is much less chance that you forget to include crucial details.' A man who allegedly stabbed a NSW Police officer in Sydney's Hyde Park has died in custody. Okan Ozcan, 45, was found dead in his cell at Long Bay Correctional Centre on Tuesday morning. He was on remand awaiting trial for a violent attack on Police Constable Elvis Poa on May 19 last year. NSW Police confirmed Ozcan died in his cell in a statement to Daily Mail Australia. 'Around 7.30am on Tuesday 1 July 2025, emergency services were called to Long Bay correctional facility, after a 45-year-old inmate was found unresponsive in his cell.' 'Corrective Services staff and NSW Ambulance paramedics attempted CPR, but he could not be revived.' they said. Authorities have confirmed that Ozcan's death is not being treated as suspicious, but a formal investigation is underway. Ozcan was facing four serious charges, including causing grievous bodily harm with intent to murder, wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, armed robbery, and carrying a knife in a public place. Okan Ozcan, 45, (pictured last year) was arrested shortly after the allegedly stabbing Despite being injured, Constable Poa chased his alleged attacker into Hyde Park Ozcan had been set to appear in court on July 15. The alleged attack took place at around 1:15pm on a Sunday, as Constable Poa, 35, was conducting traffic duties at the intersection of Castlereagh and Park Streets, near Hyde Park. According to police, Ozcan approached the officer from behind and stabbed him with a 30-centimetre kitchen knife, striking with such force that it fractured the officer's skull in two places. Despite the severe injury, Constable Poa and a female colleague pursued the alleged attacker down Park Street and into Hyde Park, repeatedly calling on him to drop the weapon. Ozcan was eventually subdued with a Taser, taken into custody, and later hospitalized before being charged. NSW Police Minister Yasmin Catley spoke to Constable Poa on the night of the attack while he was recovering at St Vincent's Hospital. 'Every officer that I have spoken to that has been injured in the course of their day-to-day work has been so humble, and can I say last night's conversation was no different,' Ms Catley said. She recalled asking Constable Poa: 'How on Earth did you get up and chase that [alleged] perpetrator?' Constable Elvis Poa, 35, (pictured) was on traffic duties near Hyde Park in Sydney when he was allegedly stabbed in the back of the head He simply replied: 'Because that is what I was trained to do.' NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb also acknowledged the bravery of the officers at the scene. She noted that one of the constables involved had been replaying the incident in her mind, questioning whether she could have acted differently. 'You did an amazing job and should be applauded for the way you reacted in the situation,' Commissioner Webb reassured her. A multimillionaire couple are embroiled in a 1million legal battle with an insurance firm which refused to pay out for rebuilding costs and designer watches following a house fire. The 2million home of wedding makeup artist Biborka Bellhouse, 42, and her property investment boss husband Charles Bellhouse, 46, went up in flames in December 2022. The four-bed detached house in Chiswick, west London, was seriously damaged in the blaze which broke out while the couple were in the process of having the property extended and refurbished. Home insurance company Zurich subsequently paid them around 16,000 for scaffolding to make the property safe, and 140,000 for alternative accommodation and furniture. But the insurers refused to pay out 600,000 rebuilding costs and up to 475,000 contents cover - including for a 300,000 collection of valuable watches. Only one of the watches was in the home at the time of the fire, but the couple claim boxes and authenticity certificates may have perished in the flames. The couple are also claiming 'medical expenses' of around 8,000, stating they suffered 'psychological harm' and needed therapy due to Zurich's failure to pay out. Zurich insisted the family had breached the terms of their cover by having an extension built without telling them, invalidating the policy. Biborka Bellhouse, 42, and her husband Charles Bellhouse, 46, are suing their home insurer after their 2million Chiswick property went up in flames in December 2022 Biborka and Charles Bellhouse's home went up in flames on December 29, 2022, with 60 firefighters rushing to bring the blaze under control The couple have claimed 'medical expenses' of around 8,000, stating they suffered 'psychological harm' and needed therapy due to Zurich's failure to pay out The four-bed detached house in Park Road, Chiswick, was seriously damaged in the blaze which broke out while they were in the process of having it extended and refurbished (Pictured left to right: Biborka and Charles Bellhouse) Now the couple are suing Zurich Insurance Plc at the High Court in a bid to force them to pay out so they can reconstruct their destroyed home. They also want around 20,000 for additional scaffolding costs and around 600,000 to rebuild the property, although they say the project may cost more. Lawyers for Zurich say it is not obliged to pay out anything else on the policy and has 'avoided liability' due to a 'misrepresentation'. They say that when the couple took out the insurance, they had no plans to carry out any major works to their home within the next 12 months. The company says it would not have insured the house had it known the extension and renovation was planned and as such the policy is invalid. It took 60 firefighters and eight fire engines to bring the blaze under control. Neither the couple or their children were home when the incident occurred. In documents submitted to the court, Mek Mesfin, representing the multi-millionaire couple, explained the fire broke out causing 'substantial damage' to their home. 'Following the fire, a claim was made under the policy,' said the barrister, who went to claim Zurich has 'wrongfully and in breach of the terms of the policy' refused to accept liability beyond scaffolding and rehousing payments. Biborka and Chalres Bellhouse have sued Zurich Insurance for causing 'psychological harm' after they failed to pay out over fire that destroyed their 2m house Biborka, also known as Bibi, is a luxury wedding makeup artist '[The insurance firm] has refused to pay the claimants any sum in respect of the losses which the claimants have suffered as a consequence of the fire.' The Rolex Chronograph and the Patek were individually insured for 40,000 and 187,000 respectively, while three other Rolex watches were insured for 75,000. According to the barrister, only one of the valuable watches was in the home at the time of the fire, however boxes and authenticity certificates may have perished in the flames, potentially impacting the value of the other luxury accessories. 'The authentication materials, including the boxes and/or certification, for the watches were in the property during the fire. Due to the unsafe condition of the property, the claimants do not know, but assume, whether they have been damaged or destroyed,' he said. Mr Mesfin insisted his clients are entitled to indemnity and/or damages from the insurance firm if the items suffered a loss in value as a result of damage to authentication materials in the fire. they went on to claim 16,000 towards scaffolding to make the property safe and around 140,000 for alternative accommodation and furniture from their insurers, Zurich However the insurance firm has refused to pay out over 1,000,000 for rebuilding part of the property as well as some luxury watches At a pre-trial hearing in the case, Judge David Hodge explained: 'Zurich asserts that in May 2022, the claimants made a deliberate or reckless, or careless, qualifying misrepresentation by misrepresenting their intention to carry out contract works to their home in the following 12 months. 'The claimants expressly confirmed...that the property was not likely to undergo any contract works within the next 12 months 'The claimants did then, in fact, carry out the contract works; and these caused loss and damage, both to the contract works themselves, and to the property, on 29 December 2022, when a fire occurred during the course of the contract works. 'Without the misrepresentation, Zurich would not have entered into the contract of insurance with the claimants at all. Zurich have now avoided the policy.' However, he said the couple deny making a 'qualifying misrepresentation' and insist there is 'no factual basis' for the allegations made against them. They are suing for a declaration that Zurich is obliged under the insurance policy to compensate them in respect of the claim, together with an indemnity, damages, interest and costs. In its defence, Zurich barrister Daniel Crowley says that as well as denying they are liable to pay out anything else, the insurer is counterclaiming in a bid to force the family to pay back the 169,507 it has already paid out to them. The couple and the insurers have already clashed in two preliminary hearings. The case will now return to court for a full trial unless it is settled beforehand. Teen drug mule suspect Bella Culley has claimed she was 'forced under torture' to smuggle drugs from Thailand to Georgia as she speaks for the first time of her ordeal at court. The British 18-year-old claimed she has a 'scar' that proves she was violently coerced into trafficking the narcotics and has no idea what country she is even in. Breaking down in tears throughout a 30-minute hearing at Tbilisi City Court in the Georgian capital, she told a judge: 'I didn't want to do this, I was forced under torture. 'I just wanted to travel, I just want to live with my family, I am a loving person, I am studying at the university to become a nurse. 'All I wanted to do is travel, but bad things happened. I don't do drugs, as you can see in my blood tests I am clean. I always wanted to make my family proud. Thank you.' She appeared distressed as she entered court in a pink jumper with her hair tied in a bun. Bella's father Niel (Corr) Culley, 49, and auntie Kerrie Culley, 51, were seen inside as well as her grandfather, while her mother appeared via video-link. They offered 13,500 to grant her bail but it was denied. Teen drug mule suspect Bella Culley appeared in court today, where she claimed she was 'forced under torture' to smuggle drugs from Thailand to Georgia. Pictured: Bella Culley at a court in Tbilisi on Tuesday The 18-year-old claimed she had a scar that proves she was violently coerced into trafficking the narcotics The teen, pictured, could face between 15 and 20 years behind bars She has been charged with purchasing 446g of tetraphenol cannabinol and 11.2kg of cannabis abroad and bringing it into Georgia on May 10. Prosecutor David Mestvirishvili said she faces a sentence of between eight and 20 years for the first charge and between 15 and 20 years. A third charge carries a maximum six year sentence. Judge Lela Kalichenkowas denied Culley bail after agreeing with prosecutors that the teenager is a flight risk and could commit the crime again. Malkhaz Alakaia, defending, argued she should be granted bail and claimed she tried to show police a 'long snake like' scar on her arm when she was transiting as evidence she had been coerced. He said she arrived in Thailand with just 70 to her name and has since become pregnant - describing the unborn child, whose father is also British, as 'a labour of love'. Mr Alakaia said: 'You'll see her actual involvement with these charges in her own testimony that is coming shortly. She is innocent. 'Her emotional state exactly confirms that she was forced, I want to ask her to show the court her arm and you can see the burning scar, this scar occurred before she was 'equipped' with her carriage, that she never even touched. Pictured: Bella May Culley seen in court in Tbilisi in May after she was detained at the city's airport on suspicion of carrying cannabis Culley was arrested upon arriving in Georgia in May. Image shows Culley being escorted by a police officer following her arrest in Tbilisi airport Culley entered a not guilty plea and the trial date was set for July 10 The teen had been travelling in Asia prior to her arrest Pictured: The alleged drug-filled suitcase of Culley Pictured: Bella's father Niel Culley and his sister Kerrie Culley (Bella's aunt) pictured in Tbilisi following her arrest in May Bella May Culley's lawyer Malkhaz Alakaia pictured outside court 'From Thailand to Sharja, from Sharja to Thailand, this baggage was carried by a different person. She was only given a passport and told you go there and there. 'She tried to inform the passport control but was paid no attention. She even has no idea geographically where she is, she thought Tbilisi was a country. 'She was given a photo and was told to keep and that she would be approached by certain people. This meeting didn't happen because she was detained.' Culley entered a not guilty plea and the trial date was set for July 10. The teen was stopped at Tbilisi airport back in May in a suspected sting operation and was found with cannabis and hashish with a street value of 200,000. The huge haul of drugs was found in her hold luggage, while her carry-on bag only had clothes in it. She was flying into the country on a plane from Sharjah in the UAE. Pictured: A bikini-clad Bella with a cannabis joint in her mouth Culley (pictured) is languishing in notorious Womens Penitentiary Number Five Prior to her arrest, Culley sparked a massive international search operation after she was reported missing while she was believed to be holidaying in Thailand. She claimed in court she was pregnant and her lawyer said she had been left 'scared, confused and depressed'. Her lawyer also described how the teen broke down on being told she could face life behind bars if convicted. Culley is languishing in notorious Women's Colony Number 5 on the outskirts of Tbilisi, and could be facing 20 years in prison. Detectives investigating child killer Lucy Letby have passed a file of evidence to prosecutors alleging she murdered and harmed more babies. The Mail understands there are more than a dozen potential offences included in the file, which the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) last night confirmed would be examined to see whether she should be charged with more crimes. That process is expected to take several weeks and involve consultation with the most senior legal brains in the country, including Stephen Parkinson, the director of public prosecutions. Lord Richard Hermer KC, the Attorney General, is also expected to be informed of any decision to bring new charges. The news emerged hours after Cheshire Police confirmed it had arrested three senior executives who worked at the Countess of Chester Hospital, where Letby carried out her 13-month killing spree, on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter. The unnamed managers were quizzed at separate police stations in Cheshire for several hours before being bailed pending further enquiries on Monday. Their arrests form part of Cheshire Constabulary's parallel investigation into corporate manslaughter at the NHS Trust, but it is understood that prosecutors have not yet been asked to offer advice in connection with that second inquiry. Letby, 35, is currently serving 15 whole life terms for the murder of seven babies and attempted murder of seven more - one of whom she attacked twice - at the hospital's neo-natal unit, between June 2015 and June 2016. In December, Cheshire police confirmed that the serial killer had been questioned in prison in connection with more murders and attempted murders at both the Countess of Chester Hospital and Liverpool Women's Hospital, where she underwent two periods of training. Lucy Letby was convicted of murdering seven babies and attempting to murder seven more following two trials at Manchester Crown Court Police are examining 4,000 babies Letby cared for between January 2012 and July 2016 The Women and Children's building, which houses the neo-natal unit, where Letby committed her crimes Stephen Parkinson, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), is expected to evaluate the file of evidence presented by detectives Attorney General Lord Richard Hermer is also likely to be consulted about any potential new charges Dr Stephen Brearey, the senior consultant on the hospital's neo-natal unit, told the public inquiry he now had suspicions about other babies Letby could have harmed Dr Dewi Evans was the lead expert witness at Letby's trial at Manchester Crown Court As part of their ongoing inquiry, codenamed Operation Hummingbird, detectives have been examining the cases of 4,000 infants she cared for during the 'footprint' of her nursing career, which dates back to January 2012, and includes two student placements she undertook at the Liverpool Trust, in 2012 and 2015. However, the handing over of evidence to the CPS is a significant milestone in their investigation. A spokesman for the CPS said: 'We can confirm that we have received a full file of evidence from Cheshire Constabulary asking us to consider further allegations in relation to deaths and non-fatal collapses of babies at the Countess of Chester Hospital and Liverpool Womens Hospital. 'We will now carefully consider the evidence to determine whether any further criminal charges should be brought. 'As always, we will make that decision independently, based on the evidence and in line with our legal test.' According to an independent report, leaked to the Mail's Trial+ podcast, Letby was on duty, or had been working the shift prior, for 12 of 13 baby deaths that occurred at the Countess between April 2015 and July 2016. In November, Dr Stephen Brearey, the senior paediatrician on the hospital's neo-natal unit, told the public inquiry investigating Letby's crimes that he believed she 'likely' murdered or attacked more babies before she killed her first victim, a premature twin boy known as Baby A, in June 2015. He said, looking back, he now had suspicions about other deaths and collapses, which at the time staff believed were due to natural causes. Dr Rachel Lambie, who worked as a registrar at the Countess, also told the Thirlwall Inquiry that around a fortnight before Baby A died another 'very, very unusual event' occurred on the ward. Although she didn't go into detail, the medic confirmed she has since given a statement to detectives about the incident. During the hearings, at Liverpool Town Hall, it also emerged that babies' breathing tubes became dislodged on 40 per cent of shifts Letby worked at Liverpool Women's Hospital, between October and December 2012, and January and February 2015. According to the BBC, babies suffered potentially life-threatening incidents on almost a third of the 33 shifts she was on duty while training at the Trust. In one case, from November 2012, a baby boy she was caring for collapsed and water was later discovered in his breathing tube, which experts say is highly irregular. Dr Dewi Evans, the former lead prosecution witness at Letby's original trial, also previously told the Mail he had concerns over the deaths of at least three children and the collapses of as many as 15 more, including one potentially poisoned with insulin, all of which were not included on the original indictment. He said he had suspicions that Letby experimented with moving babies' breathing tubes as a method of causing harm before she began injecting air into their bloodstreams, or into their tummies via their nasal feeding tubes in a bid to kill. 'One thing we can be reasonably sure of is that Lucy Letby did not turn up to work one day and decide to inject a baby with air into their bloodstream,' Dr Evans said. 'I think the modus operandi evolved over time and I think that prior to air embolus tube displacement was probably something that she did.' Letby is serving 15 whole life sentences and has twice applied but failed to appeal her convictions. Her case is now being looked at by the Criminal Cases Review Commission Lady Justice Thirlwall will report her findings from the public inquiry, which was held at Liverpool Town Hall, early next year Neonatologist Professor Neena Modi, Letby's barrister Mark McDonald, Sir David Davis MP and retired medic Dr Shoo Lee, during a press conference to announce 'new medical evidence' which they say casts doubts on her convictions The BBC's Panorama programme also claimed to have seen evidence that a baby boy, whose case was not included in the original trial, was potentially poisoned with insulin in November 2015. Letby was convicted of attempting to murder two children on the unit by administering the drug into their drips, in August 2015 and April 2016. Letby, formerly of Hereford, has always maintained her innocence but two applications for leave to appeal her convictions have already been refused by the Court of Appeal. In February her new legal team presented reports from a panel of 14 international experts which, they say, casts doubt on the jury's guilty verdicts. Led by Canadian neonatologist, Dr Shoo Lee, the panel said no murders took place at the Countess and instead babies collapsed or died because of natural causes or poor care. In April, their findings, plus that of another 12 experts, were submitted to the Criminal Cases Review Commission, the body that investigates potential miscarriages of justice. It subsequently confirmed it is examining whether her case should be sent to the Court of Appeal for a third time. Reacting to news that a file of evidence had been passed to prosecutors for consideration of new charges today, Mark McDonald, Letby's lawyer, said: 'We will cross every bridge when we get to it but if Lucy is charged I know we have a whole army of internationally renowned medical experts who will totally undermine the prosecutions unfounded allegations.' A spokesman for Cheshire Police said: 'We can confirm that Cheshire Constabulary has submitted a full file of evidence to the CPS for charging advice regarding the ongoing investigation into deaths and non-fatal collapses of babies at the neo-natal units of both the Countess of Chester Hospital and the Liverpool Womens Hospital as part of Operation Hummingbird.' Bryan Kohberger will capitalize on being spared the death penalty for murdering four students by writing a book about his crimes and chatting publicly about the horror mass-stabbing, a victim's family fears. Kohberger, 30, has struck a plea deal that will see him spared the death penalty in return for a guilty plea for the November 2022 murders of University of Idaho students Kaylee Goncalves, Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle and Madison Mogen. But Kaylee's father Steve Goncalves said Monday he fears Kohberger will spend the rest of the agreed-on life sentence capitalizing on his notoriety by writing a book, or communicating with the outside world about what he did. 'We have a killer who wants a show, and they just gave him one,' he said of the former criminology student at the University of Washington. Steve also branded the plea deal a 'ridiculous joke,' with the Goncalves condemning it moments after it was revealed Monday evening. Kohberger had been due to stand trial in August, but will instead enter four guilty pleas at a courthouse in Boise on Wednesday. In return for being spared the prospect of death row, he has agreed to a whole-life sentence with no prospect of parole. Kohberger is set to be scheduled late July. Goncalves' family attorney Shanon Gray told NBC News that they realized the prospect of Kohberger actually being executed within the family's lifetime was slim if he had been sentenced to death. But Gray said the Goncalves' had been comforted by the far harsher routine Kohberger would have faced on death row. 'You're basically on lockdown for 23 hours,' she explained, with inmates given one hour outdoor to exercise each day. The family of one of the Idaho college students slain by Bryan Kohberger (pictured) fears the attention-seeking killer will spend his days behind bars relishing in his crimes Kohberger is accused of murdering University of Idaho students Kaylee Goncalves, 21; Madison Mogen, 21; Xana Kernodle, 20; and her boyfriend Ethan Chapin, 20. Two other roommates survived It remains unclear if Kohberger will be allowed to mix freely among the general population of whichever prison he ends up in. Other inmates may seek to hurt or kill him in revenge for the quadruple murder in the sleepy college town of Moscow, Idaho. Kohberger's team contacted prosecutors to ask about a plea deal last week as his defense - including claims of an 'alternate perpetrator' - fell apart. The Goncalves family death 'as the only option' and feels there is 'no justice' in the plea agreement. They added: 'We are beyond furious at the state of Idaho. They have failed us.' Xana Kernodle's aunt was also reportedly so enraged by the plea deal that she was brought to tears. Kim Kernodle explained to TMZ that prosecutors told her Kohberger's defense team approached them with a plea deal over the weekend and prosecutors agreed to go along with it to 'spare the families' the pain of a trial. She claimed the prosecutors were especially concerned that the families would have to see gruesome crime scene photos of their loved ones - though Kernodle said, 'We know the graphics. They were not trying to spare us.' Kernodle also claimed that prosecutors did not mention they were taking death penalty off the table when they met on Friday, when she said prosecutors acknowledged they have enough evidence to secure a guilty verdict. But Madison Mogen's father Ben says their family finds some comfort in the plea deal because it allows them to avoid a trial that will reopen the wounds they have already started trying to heal, according to the Idaho Statesman. There is still a small chance the plea deal could be rejected during Wednesday's hearing. If that happens, the full trial will move ahead as planned from August 18. In Idaho, judges may reject plea agreements, though such moves are rare. If a judge rejects a plea agreement, the defendant is allowed to withdraw the guilty plea. Kaylee Goncalves' father Steve fears Kohberger will spend his four consecutive life sentences trying to write a book or having other communication about his crimes as the proposed plea deal does not ban him from doing so Goncalves' family issued a furious statement moments after details of the deal were made public, confirming it was true and that they were blindsided by it The defense team had previously made unsuccessful efforts to have the death penalty stricken as a possible punishment, including arguing that Kohberger's autism diagnosis made him less culpable. The prosecutors said they met with available family members last week before deciding to make Kohberger an offer. 'This resolution is our sincere attempt to seek justice for your family,' the letter said. 'This agreement ensures that the defendant will be convicted, will spend the rest of his life in prison, and will not be able to put you and the other families through the uncertainty of decades of post-conviction, appeals. 'Your viewpoints weighed heavily in our decision-making process, and we hope that you may come to appreciate why we believe this resolution is in the best interest of justice.' The deal offered by Latah County prosecutors would have the former criminology graduate student plead guilty to the murders and a burglary charge, in exchange for a sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole. A change of plea hearing is set for Wednesday, but the Goncalves family has asked prosecutors to delay it to give them more time to travel to Boise, Gray said. Kohberger's trial was set for August in Boise, where it was moved following pretrial publicity in rural northern Idaho. The route allegedly driven Bryan Kohberger allegedly drove on the night of the brutal Idaho murders, based on cellphone data Goncalves, Chapin, Kernodle and Mogen were all likely asleep when they were attacked and killed in November 2022. Some had defensive wounds and each was stabbed multiple times, autopsies revealed. The murders shocked the small farming community of about 25,000 people, which hadn't had a homicide in about five years, and prompted a massive hunt for the perpetrator. The manhunt included an elaborate effort to track down a white sedan that was seen on surveillance cameras repeatedly driving by the rental home, to identify Kohberger as a possible suspect through the use of genetic genealogy and to pinpoint his movements the night of the killings through cellphone data. Kohberger was arrested while staying with his parents in Monroe County, Pennsylvania, around six weeks after the killings, on December 30 2022. No motive has emerged for the killings, nor is it clear why Kohberger spared two roommates who were in the home. In a court filing before the plea deal, Kohberger's lawyers said he was on a long drive by himself around the time the four were killed. Authorities said cellphone data and surveillance video shows that Kohberger visited the victims' neighborhood at least a dozen times before the killings. The State has previously laid out how Kohberger purchased a balaclava from Dick's Sporting Goods store months before the savage murders inside the victims' off-campus home. Surviving housemate Dylan Mortensen later told police she saw a man wearing 'the same kind of mask' during the crime spree. She also described seeing a man with 'bushy eyebrows' - which fit Kohberger's appearance. The murder suspect also bought a Ka-Bar knife, sheath and sharpener from Amazon back in March 2022, according to a prosecution filing, and was ultimately linked to the murder of the four students by DNA found on the sheath of a knife found at the scene of their off-campus home. Data from Kohberger's cellphone also showed it connected to a cellphone tower near the victims' off-campus house a total of 23 times over the course of four months leading up to the grisly murders, according to court documents. Then, on the night of the November 13, 2022, prosecutors say Kohberger broke into the University of Idaho students' home on King Road shortly after they had gone to bed from a night of partying and stabbed them all to death. Investigators have claimed Kohberger went directly upstairs to Mogen's bedroom, where he killed her and Goncalves (pictured together, left) on the night of November 13, 2022. He then allegedly turned his attention to Kernodle on his way back out the house, and then targeted her boyfriend, Chapin (right), whom Kohberger allegedly 'carved' His white Hyundai Elantra was allegedly caught on a neighbor's home security footage at around 3.30am, and was seen circling around the block multiple times over the next half hour. By 4.07am, the vehicle came back drove by once again - then didn't come back into view until 4.20am, when it was seen speeding off. During that 13-minute window, sources close to the investigation told NBC's Dateline that Kohberger went directly upstairs to Mogen's bedroom, where he allegedly killed her and Goncalves. He is accused of the turning his attention to Kernodle on his way back out the house, killing her as she was up ordering food, and then targeting her boyfriend, Chapin, whom Kohberger allegedly 'carved'. Meanwhile, data from Kohberger's phone indicate he turned it off before 3am that morning, and when he apparently turned it back on at around 4.48am, it connected with a cellphone tower south of Moscow. But the phone also appeared to be briefly back in the city shortly after 9am, when Kohberger reportedly returned to his apartment in Pullman, Washington, where he took a chilling selfie, giving the thumbs up pose in a bathroom mirror. In the aftermath, Kohberger allegedly searched to buy a replacement knife and sheath. He was ultimately arrested nearly six weeks after the students were found dead at his parents' home in Albrightsville, Pennsylvania where he had returned for the holidays. Kohberger has remained behind bars ever since, and has been desperately trying to get the death penalty off the table over the past few months - even arguing at one point that his autism diagnosis precludes him from facing the ultimate punishment. The extraordinary picture taken hours after the alleged crime shows Kohberger smirking and offering a 'thumbs up' to the camera In more recent efforts, Kohberger's defense attorneys tried to get his purchase of the balaclava deemed inadmissible to the upcoming trial, but prosecutors argued it was crucial to their case. It now appears that the defense moved to reach a plea deal after Judge Hippler slapped down their efforts to point the finger at four alternate suspects - blasting his legal team's evidence as 'entirely irrelevant' and 'wild speculation 'Nothing links these individuals to the homicides or otherwise gives rise to reasonable inference that they committed the crime; indeed, it would take nothing short of rank speculation by the jury to make such a finding,' the judge wrote in his decision last week. Just hours before news of the plea deal broke, the defense faced another setback after they apparently called the wrong witness and other witnesses expressed their bewilderment at being called at all. President Donald Trump said he is open to deporting Elon Musk and added an additional threat: turning DOGE - the agency Musk founded - against him. Trump escalated his feud with world's richest man by threatening to have the Department of Government Efficiency 'eat Elon.' It comes after the duo had yet another social media spat that escalated with the president threatening to return Musk to his native South Africa. 'I don't know. We'll have to take a look,' the president told Daily Mail on Tuesday when asked about deporting Musk. 'We might have to put DOGE on Elon. You know what DOGE is? DOGE is the monster that might have to go back and eat Elon,' Trump added. Musk responded on X, writing: 'So tempting to escalate this. So, so tempting. But I will refrain for now.' The two men, once close allies, have seen their relationship take a bitter turn after Musk became a top critic of Trump's signature tax cut and spending legislation known as the 'big, beautiful bill.' Musk is a naturalized American citizen but was born in South Africa. Musk railed against the bill, complaining about its cuts to electronic vehicle subsidies and showing that it increases the country's deficit. His complaints came as the Senate reached over 20 hours of debate on the legislation. It is expected to get a final vote on Tuesday. But if it passes, Musk has threatened to immediately form a new political party, in what could potentially imperil the GOP trifecta of power in Washington. Trump had some words of warning for Musk on the matter. 'I don't think he should be playing that game with me,' he told reporters when he landed in Florida to tour a new migrant detention center. President Donald Trump didn't rule out deporting Elon Musk Trump shrugged off Musk's criticism and warned the Tesla founder has more to lose than EV subsidies. 'Elon is not getting his mandate,' Trump said earlier Tuesday. 'He's not going to get his mandate and he better be careful. He might not get anything else.' Trump also appeared to regret his Tesla purchase, which he made earlier this year, paying cash. He turned the South Lawn into a Tesla showroom in a nod to his relationship with the world's richest man. 'Not everybody wants an electric car. I don't want an electric car,' Trump said. At the time, Musk was the head of the Department of Government Efficiency and his auto dealerships became the target of protests due to his sweeping cost-cutting. Musk was a top contributor to Trump's 2024 presidential campaign, spending millions to help the president win a second term. But their relationship went South after Musk left the government to return to the private sector. They sparred on social media after Musk amped up his criticism of the Big, Beautiful Bill. As the Senate nears a vote, their feud has only gotten hotter. Elon Musk has been a vocal opponent of the 'big, beautiful bill' It reignited on Monday night as the Senate debated amendment after amendment to the 'big, beautiful bill' and Musk took to X to trash it. Trump made it clear that Musk knew the subsidies for electronic cars was not an option from the start. And he said Musk may have to go back to his homeland of South Africa. 'Elon Musk knew, long before he so strongly endorsed me for president, that I was strongly against the EV Mandate,' Trump wrote on Truth Social early Tuesday. Musk, in response, threatened to start a new political party and target Republicans who ultimately vote for the president's package. Elon Musk and President Donald Trump in happier times - in March on the South Lawn 'If this insane spending bill passes, the America Party will be formed the next day,' he wrote on X. 'Our country needs an alternative to the Democrat-Republican uniparty so that the people actually have a VOICE.' Musk, the world's richest man, gave nearly $300 million to Republican candidates last year. Now he may leverage that seismic warchest among the very GOPers he once aided, writing he would work to dislodge GOP incumbents in primaries 'if it is the last thing I do on this Earth.' There is something fundamentally rotten at the heart of Australia's child care system. We now have egregious examples - some alleged, some proven - of it failing to protect our children. Victoria Police revealed on Tuesday that detectives had charged a 26-year-old male childcare worker, Joshua Dale Brown, with 70 sexual offences involving eight children at a centre at Point Cook, south-west of Melbourne's CBD. The charges included rape. To make matters worse, authorities revealed that Brown had worked at least 20 different centres between 2017 and 2025, prompting health officials to ask some 1,200 children to get tested for possible 'infections'. Authorities were deliberately cryptic about what exactly they meant, but the subtext was clear. They were worried children had been infected with STIs as a result of Brown's suspected horrors. They have real reason to be concerned because the country was only recently rocked by a similar set of horrifying circumstances where a predator preyed on children in plain sight. Brisbane childcare worker Ashley Paul Griffith last year admitted to raping and sexually abusing 69 girls over almost 20 years of offending, both at Queensland childcare centres and overseas. Griffith was jailed for life last October - a sentence he is appealing. Meanwhile, he is separately accused of a litany of similar offences in Sydney between 2014 and 2018. The stories go on. In May, it was revealed another childcare worker was filmed slapping a crying baby in the face at a for-profit centre in South Strathfield, in western Sydney. The horrific video was sent on Snapchat as if it was a joke. Predator Ashley Paul Griffith is serving life behind bars for a decades-long series of attacks on young girls Childcare worker Joshua Dale Brown, 26, was charged with 70 offences this week. His case is before the courts Brown, Griffith and the unnamed baby slapper were all self-evidently allowed to work with children. Brown had a valid Victorian Working With Children check at the time of his arrest. It obviously wasn't worth the paper it was written on, but the authorities checked whether he had a criminal record or had been listed on a sex offender or professional standards register. It's the same story for Griffith, who had a Blue Card, Queensland's equivalent check, but still went on to offend - despite complaints - until he was ultimately brought to justice. Queensland has launched an inquiry into how its system failed. Victoria is likely to follow. But this is clearly a national problem. There have been too many rotten eggs for it not to be a systemic issue. Like many parents, three mornings a week, I drop my little one at daycare. The educators care quite a lot - I can tell from the work they do out of hours and the detailed reports we get about our son's behaviour. The quality of care matters. But there's too many examples in this country of children falling through the cracks - or worse, into nightmare situations such as these. And it could get worse. Demand for child care is booming. Throughout his time in office, and during his re-election campaign, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese spoke a lot about 'cheaper child care'. One of Anthony Albanese's go-to catchphrases is 'cheaper child care'. But he rarely - if ever - mentions the most important word of all... Child care also has to be safe He wants to move Australia toward a system of 'universal' daycare. Under that vision, every parent would pay a flat fee and centres could be built on school grounds. 'The objective of universal, affordable child care is one I certainly share,' he said earlier this year. But the Prime Minister rarely - if ever - mentions the most important word of all. Child care also has to be safe. Clearly, something needs to be done about tightening the standards of staff who work in them. So what's he going to do about it? A new Mail podcast follows the manhunt across Pakistan for Urfan Sharif, who fled the UK after the 'depraved' murder of his daughter Sara. Sara Sharif, a 10-year-old British-Pakistani girl, was murdered by her father Urfan and stepmother Beinash Batool in August 2023, with the case gaining international attention when the couple fled to Pakistan with their remaining children. In the second episode of 'On The Case: The Murder of Sara Sharif', podcast host and reporter Andy Jehring speaks with Pakistani journalist Shahzaib Wahla, who covered the search for Urfan at the time. A new Mail podcast series investigates the brutal murder of 10-year-old Sara Sharif by her father Urfan and stepmother Bainash Batool in 2023 The Hunt for Urfan Sharif and Beinash Batool Despite leaving a note by Sara's body confessing and vowing to face justice, Urfan and his partner Beinash Batool had fled to Pakistan before police arrived at their home in Woking, Surrey. Wahla told the podcast that this method of evading prosecution is common for Pakistani nationals, since Pakistan doesn't have an extradition treaty with the UK. This means the nation is under no legal obligation to extradite criminals to stand trial. 'We see a lot of cases where people commit a crime in Britain and then flee back to Pakistan,' he explained. 'If it's not a big crime or scandal: nothing usually happens. This case was too big to ignore it became international news, everywhere people were talking about it.' The publicity surrounding the murder created a problem for Pakistan, aware that allowing Urfan to remain at large could damage its profitable relationship with the UK. 'One of the biggest earners for Pakistan as a country is our foreign remittance', Wahla told the podcast. 'The foreign remittance comes into the country from middle class people who go from Pakistan to foreign countries and then send money back to support their families. 'For Pakistan's authorities, it's very important that they protect their diaspora that is living in the UK because it's a very big cash cow.' Despite leaving a note by Sara's body confessing and vowing to face justice, Urfan and his partner Beinash Batool had fled to Pakistan before police arrived at their home The publicity surrounding the murder created a problem for Pakistan, aware that allowing Urfan to remain at large could damage its profitable relationship with the UK The investigation into Urfan's whereabouts led Pakistani police to a small town in Punjab's industrial district, miles from where the extended Sharif family lived. Urfan, Beinash and their remaining children were being sheltered in a rural home by a cousin, Rasik Sharif. Police knew Rasik lived there and suspected him of harbouring Urfan yet, every time police came to interview Rasik, the family would hide in a nearby corn field. This worked for a time before Urfan's visits to the local town would eventually lead investigators to the family. As host Jehring explained: 'Rasik would drive the family around for mundane activities activities you would never suspect international fugitives to do. 'They would buy ice cream and pizza, and bring the family to the hairdressers, while the manhunt was ongoing.' In a stroke of luck, a police officer investigating the family's disappearance went for a haircut in the same barbershop the family had used. A hairdresser confirmed to the officer that the family were in the area, which gave police the impetus to step up their search. Authorities began deploying pressure tactics on Urfan, arresting and detaining every member of the Sharif family they could find until he gave himself up. Controversially, police didn't have the legal authority to do this many of the family members later claimed they were brought in on trumped up charges. The tactic was however effective. Exactly four weeks after fleeing the UK, the family posted a video to social media signalling their intent to surrender. Sharif being arrested at Gatwick Airport on suspicion of murdering his 10-year-old daughter Sara Beinash Batool, (stepmother, left), Faisal Malik, (uncle, centre) and Urfan Sharif (father, right) were arrested on their return to the UK after fleeing for Pakistan in the aftermath of Sara's death 'A week after they released the video, Urfan and Beinaish were driven to the airport', Jehring said. 'They flew back to the UK voluntarily not appearing to have any contact with Pakistani police. 'Some believe however, that a deal was struck where the suspects were told in no uncertain terms to go back to Britain or there would be continued pressure on their relatives.' Journalist Wahla explained why many Pakistanis believe such a deal was struck. He argued: 'If they would have arrested them in Pakistan, or if they would have taken them into custody, what would have happened is that they would have the opportunity to go court. 'They could've said: this case is in the UK, we're Pakistani citizens we cannot be sent back. 'There would have to be a proper process of law and a court case, which would linger on for years and years.' The Crime Desk is the home of arresting podcasts from the Daily Mail, including No.1 UK podcast The Trial, plus more riveting exclusive series. Listen ad-free on all major podcast platforms. Join here for a 7-day free trial. In December 2024, Urfan Sharif was sentenced in the UK to life imprisonment with a minimum of 40 years, while Beinash Batool received life imprisonment with a minimum of 33 years. To hear more about the manhunt, including exclusive interviews with the Pakistani investigators involved, search for 'On The Case: The Murder of Sara Sharif' now, wherever you get your podcasts. The heartbroken grandmother of murdered schoolboy Logan Mwangi has fallen 200ft off a cliff to her death at a coastal beauty spot in a suspected suicide, MailOnline can reveal. Clare Williamson, who described her tragic five-year-old grandson as 'the apple of her eye', struggled to come to terms with the horrors inflicted upon him by her daughter Angharad Williamson in the boy's brutal killing. Mrs Williamson, 64, is believed to have written to Angharad in jail about her intention to end her life, which was intercepted by prison authorities. Police were alerted and located her car at a cliff location near her home in Bridgend, South Wales. Ms Williamson's body was spotted on the beach below and was recovered by the Porthcawl lifeboat. An inquest heard the provisional cause of death was multiple traumatic injuries. Angharad was told of her mother's death in prison where she is serving a minimum of 28 years for Logan's murder. Mrs Williamson gave evidence at the trial into Logan's death where her daughter Angharad, Logan's stepfather John Cole, 40, and Cole's stepson Craig Mulligan, 14, were all convicted of murder. Clare Williamson, who described her tragic five-year-old grandson as 'the apple of her eye', struggled to come to terms with his murder at the hands of her daughter Logan Mwangi, five, was tortured and murdered by his own mother, her partner and his step brother, weighing just 19kg at the time of his death All three were found guilty of murdering and torturing the playful and smiling schoolboy before dumping his body in a river. He was still wearing his dinosaur pyjama bottoms and Spider-Man top. The schoolboy, who was just 3ft 5in and weighed three stone, or 19kg, at the time of his death, was tortured, starved and forced to do push-ups until he collapsed. Logan had suffered 56 external cuts and bruises, and 'catastrophic' internal injuries likened to a high-speed road accident, caused by a 'brutal and sustained assault' in the hours, or days, prior to his death. Experts said his injuries were 'consistent with child abuse' and prosecutors said in the months and weeks leading up to his death, Logan had been 'dehumanised' by his family. But in her evidence grandmother Mrs Williamson, who identified the schoolboy's battered and bruised body, tried to protect her daughter saying she never saw Logan being treated cruelly. When asked if she had ever seen her daughter be 'physical or violent' towards Logan, she replied: 'Absolutely not. She was a fantastic mum, she loved him to pieces.' Ms Williamson described Logan as 'the apple of my eye', adding: 'He was a very, very bright child, a joy to be around.' But the grandmother had seen little of the schoolboy in the months leading up to the July 2021 murder because of a 'difficult relationship' with John Cole, described in court as controlling. Mrs Williamson daughter Angharad Williamson, 31, (left) and her partner John Cole (right), 40, have both been sentenced to life in prison for Logan's murder Mrs Williamson's daughter Angharad Williamson, now 34, was jailed at Cardiff Crown Court for life with a minimum term of 28 years for the murder of her five-year-old son Logan Mwangi Angharad and Cole tried to cover up the horrific events in their two-bedroom flat in Sarn, Bridgend, by claiming Logan had gone to the river alone in the middle of the night. His grandmother was asked if Logan was the type of boy to wander off in the night. She replied: 'No'. Despite the rift Mrs Williamson was the first person her daughter turned to after Logan's limp body was found in the River Ogmore, just a few hundred yards from the family home. Mrs Williamson attended most days of the 10-week Cardiff Crown Court trial and was present when the jury found her daughter, Cole and Mulligan guilty of murdering her grandson. The three defendants had denied violently assaulting the little boy saying they knew nothing about what happened. All three were jailed for life with Angharad given a 28-year minimum sentence, Cole getting 29 years and Mulligan five years. Angharad's appeal against conviction in January 2023 was turned down. Her mother Mrs Williamson never spoke publicly after the trial but she was known to be devastated over the brutal death of her grandson and seeing her daughter jailed for life. Her email to her daughter was seen by the prison authorities who alerted South Wales Police who had also received a call from Mrs Williamson at 8.35am on June 16 saying she intended to end her life. By the time police got to the Southerndown beauty spot, near Porthcawl she had already fallen to her death. Angharad and Cole tried to cover up the horrific events in their two-bedroom flat in Sarn, Bridgend, by claiming Logan (pictured) had gone to the river alone in the middle of the night Logan (pictured) hadn't seen his grandmother in the months leading up to his brutal murder Mrs Williamson struggled to come to terms with the fact that it was her daughter who had murdered her grandson. She fell to her death from a 200ft cliff at Southerndown (pictured) The inquest heard Mrs Williamson, from Bridgend, was identified by her son Lloyd Williamson. Assistant South Wales central coroner Rachel Knight gave her condolences to her family 'at this sad time'. Logan was not mentioned during the brief hearing which was adjourned while inquiries continue. For confidential help and support, call the Samaritans for free from a UK phone on 116 123 or go to samaritans.org Famed televangelist Jimmy Swaggart has died aged 90. Swaggart's passing comes weeks after he suffered a cardiac arrest in his Louisiana home on June 15. His family wrote in a social media post on Tuesday following Swaggart's death: 'Today, our hearts are heavy as we share that Brother Swaggart has finished his earthly race and entered into the presence of His Savior, Jesus Christ.' A legendary southern preacher, Swaggart drew millions of viewers to his televised performances as the leader behind the SonLife Broadcasting Network and pastor of the Family Worship Center in Baton Rouge. Swaggart was famed for preaching of the evils of adultery, porn, divorce, feminism and 'alternative lifestyles.' But he was caught using prostitutes multiple times over the course of his career, beginning in 1988. Swaggart, cousins with rock pioneer Jerry Lee Lewis, often incorporated music into his sermons, and in 1981 he was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Gospel Performance for his album Worship. Swaggart raised over $100 million per year for his ministry at the height of his career in the 1980s, and was also known for his rivalries with other theatrical televangelists such as Jim Bakker and Orel Roberts. His feud with Louisiana televangelist Marvin Gorman led to his fall from grace when he accused Gorman of having extramarital affairs, leading Gorman to hire a private detective that caught Swaggart visiting a hooker named Debra Murphree. Swaggart was defrocked by the Assemblies of God ministry as a result of the scandal, and three years later he was implicated in another prostitution scandal that captured national headlines. Televangelist Jimmy Swaggart has passed away aged 90 weeks after he suffered a cardiac arrest in his Louisiana home Famed for his dramatic performances in front of millions, Swaggart often preached about family values and against adultery, pornography and 'alternative lifestyles' - before his ministry was rocked by prostitution scandals in 1988 Swaggart once drew millions of viewers with his televised sermons and gospel performances, before his prostitution scandal upended his career. In 1988 after he was first implicated in the prostitution controversy, Swaggart delivered a famous sermon that became known as the 'I have sinned' speech after he wept in front of his congregation. After rebuilding much of his following and continuing his sermons across the south, Swaggart was again caught with a prostitute in his car in 1991 when he was stopped for a traffic violation. Unlike his tearful apology after the first scandal, Swaggart famously told his congregation after the second time: 'The Lord told me it's flat none of your business.' In 1988 after he was first implicated in the prostitution controversy, Swaggart delivered a famous sermon that became known as the 'I have sinned' speech after he wept in front of his congregation (pictured) Swaggart was caught visiting a hooker named Debra Murphree (pictured) in 1998, before he was snared again with a different prostitute three years later The second prostitution shame led to many of his TV contracts to be cancelled, and that same year Gorman successfully sued Swaggart for defamation and was awarded $10 million in damages. Swaggart continued his preaching career even after being defrocked by his ministry, and in 2010 he launched his 24-hour Christian TV broadcast channel, SonLife Broadcasting Network. He became better known among the Christian Right movement in his later years, becoming an avowed supporter of Donald Trump. Last month, Swaggart was found unresponsive in his Louisiana home by his son Donnie and grandson Gabriel, who said they took turns performing chest compressions before paramedics arrived. 'He never regained consciousness,' Donnie Swaggart said. Following the medical emergency on June 15, his son said at the time that 'without a miracle, his time will be short.' Swaggart, pictured with President Ronald Reagan in the 1980s, was once among the most famous televangelist preachers in America Swaggart once drew millions of viewers with his televised sermons and gospel performances In their message following Swaggart's death, his family wrote: 'Today was the day he has sung about for decades. He met his beloved Savior and entered the portals of glory. At the same time, we rejoice knowing that we will see him again one day. 'For over seven decades, Brother Swaggart poured out his life preaching the gospel, singing songs of the faith, and pointing millions to the saving power of Jesus Christ and the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. 'His voice echoed through nations, his music softened hearts, and his message never changed: Jesus Christ and Him crucified. 'He was not just a preacherhe was a worshiper, a warrior, and a witness to the grace and mercy of God. He was a man whose faith was steadfast and always entered whatever door the Lord opened. And the Lord honored that faith.' A new Trump fragrance that the president is marketing as having the sweet smell of success is 'gross,' according to one Fox News commentator who isn't buying it. President Trump issued the surprise pitch for people to purchase his new $249 fragrance Monday even as he leaned on the Senate in search of a bare majority to pass his 'big beautiful bill'. It was a marketing move that drew an immediate rebuke from Fox News commentator Jessica Tarlov who appears on 'The Five' and has been railing against Trump's megabill. 'Sixteen million Americans are about to lose their healthcare, but go buy my gross perfume' she wrote, dismissing Trump's pitch. Tarlov, who is usually outnumbered representing a more liberal position on the show, cohosts a podcast called 'Raging Moderates.' She was referencing a Congressional Budget Office estimate of the megabill's impact on health coverage, mostly due to Medicaid cuts. The bill passed the Senate 51-50 Tuesday, with Vice President JD Vance casting the tie-breaking vote. It's unclear how Tarlov would be able to evaluate the new scent, which is just coming on the market. The efforts of Senate Republican leadership to line up support for the legislation were being called odious after provisions dubbed the 'Kodiak kickback' were designed to bring Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski on board. Before that, Trump was promoting his perfume. 'Trump Fragrances are here. Theyre called Victory 45-47 because theyre all about Winning, Strength, and Success For men and women,' Trump wrote on his Truth Social site. 'Get yourself a bottle, and dont forget to get one for your loved ones too. Enjoy, have fun, and keep winning!' Trump wrote. President Donald Trump is hawking a new fragrance called 'Trump Victory' for $24 The marketing materials the president posted just after business hours on June 30 feature a gold statuette of a man in a tuxedo bearing a resemblance to a younger Trump. It's part of his 'Fight, fight, fight' collection, which also marketing fragrances after the attempt on his life during the 2024 campaign. 'This scent is your rallying cry in a bottle. Featuring Trump's iconic image and raised fist, this limited-edition cologne embodies strength, power and victory,' it says. The Trump Victory 45-47 fragrance features perfume from women and a cologne for men, with the bottles bearing the president's signature. Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia jabbed that the scent of Trump's perfume likely matches the odor of the president's Big Beautiful Bill: 'garbage'. Trump already drew attention for selling gold sneakers, coffee table books and other items during his campaign to regain the White House. 'Theyre all about Winning, Strength, and Success For men and women,' Trump wrote on his Truth Social site Fox commentator Jessica Tarlov, who appears on 'The Five' called the perfume 'gross' and called out Trump for marketing while a massive bill that cuts Medicaid was coming to a vote The nonpartisan CBO estimates that 11.8 million American would lose health coverage by 2034 under the bill He even sold signed gold watches for $100,000 each. His latest financial disclosure revealed he raked in $57 million from a single family-linked cryptocurrency venture. Trump also hauled in $3 million from his 'Save America' coffee table book, $2.5 million from Trump-branded sneakers and cologne, $1.3 million from 'The Greenwood Bible', $1.05 million from a line of '45' electric guitars, and $1.06 million from licensing his image for digital trading cards. Its less about turning the other cheek and more about turning a profit with the Trump Bible Trump has turned riffs into revenue, with his presidential guitar Trump's forays into meme tokens and NFT trading cards may be seen as gimmicks, but the eye-watering profits suggest otherwise. Mystery surrounds how a young girl fell off a Disney cruise ship before her father dived in to save her in front of horrified passengers. The five-year-old fell from the fourth deck of the $900 million Disney Dream about 11am on Sunday as it was sailing to Fort Lauderdale from the Bahamas. Hundreds of passengers watched as the pair were dramatically rescued by the ship's crew after the brave dad kept his daughter afloat for 20 minutes. As no one who witnessed her fall has spoken publicly about what happened, speculation is rife about how the little girl plunged 45 to 50ft into the ocean. The father switched from hero to villain online amid claims he lifted his daughter on top of a 42.5-inch (3.5ft) railing for a photo, and she fell backwards off the ship. Passenger Gar Frantz said when he rushed to the edge of the fourth deck moments after the pair went overboard, he heard that story from nearby passengers as they watched the rescue. 'They said the dad lifted his daughter on to the railing and she fell off, then he jumped in straight after her,' the holidaymaker told the Daily Mail. 'People were screaming, "the baby's in the water, the baby's in the water", and then they said, "and the dad jumped in".' A five-year-old girl sits on the ship's doctor's knee after she and her father were rescued when they fell into the ocean from the Disney Dream cruise ship on Sunday morning The father (left) jumped in seconds after his daughter fell over the side of the ship, and kept her afloat for 20 minutes until help arrived 'I could see the fear in their eyes, and they went to the edge of the boat and I'm seeing anything that floats get thrown off the side. 'I thought they were dying.' But another passenger, Monica Shannon, who was on holiday with her husband and young child, said a crew member told her a different story. 'She said the parents were playing shuffleboard and the girl was climbing on the railings... and as she went to climb up again she flew off,' she told the Daily Mail. Shannon said the crew told her the area was often very windy, and a sudden gust could have caused the child to topple over the edge. Deck four includes a jogging track and is lined with railings that extend 42.5 inches (3.5ft) from the floor with plexiglass in front of them. Indoor sections have open portholes that could easily be climbed out of but not fallen through. Shannon, from South Florida, said she was in her room on a lower deck directly below the shuffleboard area and 'saw something go by really fast'. The father looks up at the crowd of passengers cheering their safe return The dad, clearly exhausted and distraught, gave the crowd a thumbs up as the boat approached the ship The emotional father then wiped his face with his hand 'I didn't think anything of it, I definitely didn't think it was a person or a body that just fell off the ship,' she said. Minutes later her husband told her what happened and she rushed on to the deck. Another anonymous passenger who claimed to be near the family when the girl fell also insisted the railing photo story wasn't true. 'I was there. This is not what happened. I heard the screaming and went to help. The little girl was not sitting on the railing,' they wrote on Facebook. 'I was there with them. We were first to help when we heard the initial fall/scream.' The Broward County Sheriff's Office, which is investigating, also hosed down the claim, saying the girl was not being held by her father when she fell. The girl was 'not sitting on the ledge or being held up over it', police said. Several passengers said the girl's mother was hysterical after watching her daughter and husband go over the side. 'The mom was yelling "she's five and can't swim",' passenger Shannon Lindholm said. Monica Shannon added: 'The crew said the mom was brought inside away from the edge and that she was hysterical the entire time.' Another passenger said a crew member told her that the girl was climbing on the railings and fell in while her parents were distracted playing shuffleboard (pictured) Deck four includes a jogging track and is lined with railings that extend 42.5 inches from the floor with plexiglass in front of them Indoor sections have open portholes that could easily be climbed out of but not fallen through Cruise passengers Gar Frantz (left) and Nikki Samsill Jackson (right) Within seconds of the girl falling, the ship's automatic man overboard alarm and the emergency code 'Mr MOB' blared over the intercom. 'It was my first cruise ever and it was pretty traumatizing trying to wrap my head around it,' passenger Nikki Samsill Jackson told the Daily Mail. 'When it first happened, everyone was saying that somebody jumped in and at that point we didn't know he jumped in to save his child, everyone was thinking suicide or too much alcohol.' Within minutes the crew readied a yellow motorized rescue boat and went after the stricken pair as hundreds of passengers rushed to the railings. Flotation rings were thrown into the water, but they were either too far away, or the father couldn't grab them without risking letting go of his daughter. Passengers described the massive 130,000 gross tonnage ship, which travels at 25mph, turning around as the rescue boat raced to find them before they drowned. 'When they were rescued, dad had his arms around his child and he was treading water,' Jackson said. The ship's doctor has been praised online for stroking the girl's hair to keep her calm A father and daughter were rescued from the ocean 20 minutes after the girl fell off the side of the Disney Dream cruise ship and her dad dived in to rescue her Passengers cheered as the rescue boat reach the father and daughter and hauled them on board Frantz described the moment rescuers hauled them on to the boat. 'Everybody was cheering because you could see them lift them into the boat and they had the baby in their arms,' he said. The dad, clearly exhausted and distraught, gave the crowd a thumbs up as the boat approached the ship, then wiped his face with his hand. His daughter was sitting on the ship's doctor's knee as she was checked out, appearing healthy despite her ordeal. The physician has been praised online for stroking the girl's hair to keep her calm. 'When they were safely recovered, the captain made an announcement to say what happened,' one passenger wrote online. 'His voice was wavering and cracking, you could tell this shook him to the core.' The father was hailed as a hero for saving his daughter from almost certain death on her own in the ocean, without regard for his own life. Initial reports and online reactions to videos of the rescue universally praised him, until the tide turned when rumors began to spread. A wave of relief spread through the ship as it became clear both dad and daughter were safe Detectives from the Broward County Sheriff's Office are investigating, but said there 'doesnt appear to be anything suspicious' Your browser does not support iframes. Detectives from the Broward County Sheriff's Office are investigating, but said there 'doesnt appear to be anything suspicious'. They confirmed the girl's age and that the man who jumped in was her father. 'Based on media reports I have read, the Disney crew was well prepared. Clearly, their training and readiness paid off because they executed a successful ocean rescue,' Sheriff Gregory Tony said. 'While there doesn't appear to be anything suspicious, Broward Sheriff's Office detectives are investigating the circumstances that led up to the child falling overboard. 'This family is so blessed. It's great to be able to respond to good news rather than what could have been a tragic outcome.' Disney Cruise Line later praised its crew for their actions. 'The crew aboard the Disney Dream swiftly rescued two guests from the water. We commend our crew members for their exceptional skills and prompt actions, which ensured the safe return of both guests to the ship within minutes. 'We are committed to the safety and well-being of our guests, and this incident highlights the effectiveness of our safety protocols.' The Daily Mail asked Disney to clarify how the girl fell overboard in the interest of calming online backlash against the father, but it didn't respond. The Disney Dream was built in 2010 and last refurbished in 2024, according to Cruise Mapper. He's the richest man in the world with unlimited funds and an army of supporters who have his back. But Elon Musk may be scrambling to come up with a contingency plan as his former best friend - who is the President of the United States - has threatened to deport him. The billionaire was born in Pretoria, South Africa, but his relationship with his country of birth might at best be described as rocky. He has accused the government there of being racist against white people, and it is hard to imagine him wanting to return. Another route could be Canada, where he has citizenship through his mother. But he is unpopular there, with 400,000 Canadians signing a petition to strip his citizenship. The idea of Musk leaving the US, where he has been a naturalized citizen since 2002, has arisen after he fell out spectacularly with Donald Trump in recent weeks. Long gone are the days when 'first buddy' Musk, as head of Trump's DOGE unit, was a constant presence by the President's side at the White House and Mar-a-Lago. Elon Musk and President Donald Trump during happier times at the White House in March Instead, Musk has been throwing bombs on X in a bid to blow up Trump's 'Big Beautiful Bill,' the legislative centerpiece of his second term. Trump believes the bill will turbocharge the economy with millions of jobs, while Musk has slammed it as 'insane' and claimed it will balloon the deficit by trillions of dollars. Amid the escalating war of words on Tuesday, Trump was asked if he would deport Musk. Speaking, appropriately enough, at a new migrant detention facility called 'Alligator Alcatraz' in Florida, Trump responded: 'Well have to take a look...' In a further threat, he suggested cutting federal subsidies to Musk's companies including SpaceX and Tesla. Ominously, he added: 'Elon would probably have to close up shop and head back home to South Africa..' But there are few countries currently less hospitable for Musk than his birthplace. In May, when South African president Cyril Ramaphosa visited the Oval Office, Trump ambushed him on the issue of the deaths of white farmers. Standing silently behind a sofa, on the shoulder of Vice President JD Vance, was Musk. The billionaire did not speak during the event, but occasionally smiled to himself. At one point Trump had the lights dimmed and played a video of people in South Africa chanting 'Shoot the Boer, Shoot the farmer.' A video was also shown of white crosses erected in memory of murdered white farmers. The footage had previously been posted on social media by Musk. The meeting came two months after Musk unloaded on South Africa in a row over whether it would allow use of his Starlink satellites 'Starlink is not allowed to operate in South Africa, because I'm not black,' a furious Musk wrote on X. He appeared to be taking a swipe at South Africa's Black Economic Empowerment rules that foreign-owned telecommunications licensees sell 30 percent of the equity in their local subsidiaries to historically disadvantaged groups. President Donald Trump listens to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, as they and others tour 'Alligator Alcatraz,' a new migrant detention facility at Dade-Collier Training and Transition facility, Tuesday, July 1, 2025, in Ochopee, Fla With a new life in South Africa unlikely, Musk could also go to Canada. His mom Mae was born in Saskatchewan and moved to South Africa in 1950 with her parents when she was seven. Elon Musk went the other way as a teenager, moving briefly to Canada aged 17 in 1988. He is said to have arrived with a backpack, some books and a few thousand dollars - and then obtained citizenship through his mother. But, while the country might once have been proud of its brief association with his success, that has faded. Musk's association with Trump's attempts to annex Canada as the '51st state' have left him a pariah. Above a Tesla dealership in Ottawa, Canadian flags have been draped from a nearby tower block in protest. The petition 'He has used his wealth and power to influence our elections,' the petition claims. 'He has now become a member of a foreign government that is attempting to erase Canadian sovereignty.' In a response to the petition, Musk wrote on X 'Canada is not a real country.' CNN has reached out to Musk's representatives for comment. The petition to Parliament aims to 'revoke Elon Musk's dual citizenship status, and revoke his Canadian passport effective immediately.' It says: 'He has used his wealth and power to influence our elections. He has now become a member of a foreign government that is attempting to erase Canadian sovereignty.' Musk has responded by saying: 'Canada is not a real country.' Elon Musk has refuted reports that he was on a student visa and should not have been working when he set up his first company There appears no sign of Musk making any move to establish an alternate base outside the US. He owns many homes in America, including a massive compound in Texas, and his 12 children are all American He does not appear to currently own a home outside the US. If push came to shove, and the pressure from Trump to leave became too much, the billionaire might be tempted to head to a Middle Eastern tax haven like Dubai. But unless he renounces his US citizenship then he would still have to pay tax to Uncle Sam on the vast majority of his income. If he did renounce his US citizenship he would be unable to base his companies in the US. There have been unconfirmed reports that he was looking at buying a home in Portugal, after a visit last year. Another possibility would be Shanghai, China, where Tesla has its biggest factory, or Germany where the biggest Tesla site in Europe is located. But Musk does not speak the language of either country. Elon Musk has been slamming Trump's 'Big Beautiful Bill' on X Experts say it is highly unlikely Trump would be able to deport Musk, so the president would have to use other levers such as making life difficult for the billionaire's companies. But those calling for Trump to investigate Musk's immigration history were given extra ammunition recently by a resurfaced interview from 2013. In it Musk is seen being interviewed on stage at the Milken Institute with younger brother Kimbal. The conversation turned to how they raised money for their first startup in America, a software company called Zip2. 'In fact, when they did fund us, they realized that we were illegal immigrants...' Kimbal laughed. It was an uncomfortable moment for the soon-to be richest man in the world, and future vocal critic of unlawful migration. 'Well....,' said Elon hesitantly. 'Yes we were,' Kimbal responded. 'I would say it was a gray area,' said Elon. 'Yes we were. We were illegal immigrants,' Kimbal repeated. He then moved on to describe how the struggling Musk brothers had owned a car with a wheel that fell off. Elon Musk has since maintained that, while his brother was in the United States illegally, he himself did have the right to work when they set up Zip2 in the 1990s. Trump has suggested Musk may have to 'head back home to South Africa' The suggestion that he was originally in the U.S. illegally remains unproven, and he has vehemently denied it. It stems from a Washington Post investigation last year, citing company documents, former business associates and court records. According to the report Musk arrived in Palo Alto, California in 1995 for a graduate program at Stanford University, but never enrolled, instead starting Zip2 with his brother. They went on to sell that company for $300 million four years later. Musk has said that his first visa was a J-1 student visa. The J-1 Exchange Visitor visa lets foreign students get academic training in U.S. 'Musk would have needed to be engaged in a full course of study (at least 12 academic hours a semester) in order to qualify for work while being a J-1 student,' according to Greg Siskind, a leading immigration lawyer. And Stanford would have had to have approved the work.' However, Musk has said that 'I was on a J-1 visa that transitioned to an H1-B.' The H1-B visa is for temporary employment. Kimbal Musk speaks onstage at Move Over NFTs. Here Come the DAOs during the 2022 SXSW Conference and Festivals at Austin Convention Center on March 14, 2022 in Austin, Texas According to the Washington Post early investors in Zip2 were concerned about immigration status, and one said: 'We don't want our founder being deported.' The newspaper also cited a 2005 email from Musk to his Tesla co-founders about his immigration status in the 1990s. 'Actually, I didn't really care much for the degree, but I had no money for a lab and no legal right to stay in the country, so that seemed like a good way to solve both issues,' Musk wrote. Elon Musk (L) aged 17 with his brother Kimbal On a podcast in 2021, again with Kimbal, Musk sought to clarify the issue. 'I don't know if you were, but I was not legally in America. So I was illegally there,' Kimbal said. Elon replied: 'I was legally there, but I was meant to be student work, I had a student work visa.' His brother said: 'You were supposed to be doing a PhD. at Stanford and decided not to.' 'I was allowed to do work, sort of supporting, whatever, you know,' Elon said. 'No, no, you're illegal. I was legal, but my visa was going to run out in two years. Student visa.' Despite his protestations that there was nothing amiss with his initial immigration status, Musk has faced attacks over it from an unlikely alliance of critics on the right and left. Earlier this month, MAGA firebrand Steve Bannon said: 'I am of the strong belief that he is an illegal alien, and he should be deported from the country immediately, Elon Musk is illegal, and he's got to go. He's illegal? Deport immediately. You're going to ship these other people home. Let's start with the South Africans, OK?' President Donald Trump and Elon Musk are at odds over Trump's spending plans and the president has said he will 'take a look' into deporting the former 'first buddy' And, last October, then-President Joe Biden claimed: 'That wealthiest man in the world turned out to be an illegal worker here. No, I'm serious. 'He was supposed to be in school when he came on a student visa. He wasn't in school. He was violating the law. And he's talking about all these illegals coming our way?' Elon Musk has since maintained that, while his brother was in the United States illegally, he himself did have the right to work when they set up Zip2 in the 1990s. 'I was in fact allowed to work in the U.S.,' Musk wrote on X. 'The Biden puppet is lying.' Days after describing welfare reform as a 'moral imperative', Sir Keir Starmer has all but abandoned it. A partial U-turn on benefit cuts last week became a total capitulation on Tuesday night, as Labour whips warned Downing Street that backbench MPs were poised to inflict a humiliating Commons defeat on the eve of the Prime Minister's first anniversary in office. No 10 believed it had done enough last Thursday when it agreed to exempt all those currently on disability from planned cuts and focus solely on new claimants. The huge concession would have halved the estimated 5 billion savings, but ministers consoled themselves that at least the principle of reform would be salvaged. Work and pensions secretary Liz Kendall faced mocking laughter from opposition MPs at 2pm on Tuesday when she insisted there would be no further concessions and declared the government 'must not and will not duck the big challenges facing this country'. As the afternoon wore on, and a seemingly endless stream of Labour MPs stood up to denounce the 'Dickensian' package of cuts, rumours began to circulate that No 10 was preparing to make further concessions to avoid a humiliating defeat. Behind the scenes, Angela Rayner and other senior ministers were ringing round rebels trying to change their minds to no avail. At 5.30pm, Ms Kendall's deputy Stephen Timms announced that the government was scrapping the disability benefit cuts at the heart of the legislation pending a review which will be 'co-produced' with disability charities and will not report for 18 months. The climbdown raises serious questions about the PM's ability to lead his own MPs on anything outside their comfort zone Social Security Minister Sir Stephen Timms confirmed in the Commons that the remaining changes, due to be introduced in November, would now not come in before a review was completed in the autumn of 2026 Liz Kendall faced mocking laughter from opposition MPs when she insisted there would be no further concessions and declared the government 'must not and will not duck the big challenges facing this country' Legislation once designed to save 5 billion will now save nothing at all. In fact, it is likely to end up costing money to fund a 1 billion back to work scheme conceded to rebel MPs. Mr Timms said that a review of disability benefits, which is all that is left of Labour's reform programme is 'not designed to save money'. Some Labour rebels were so incensed by the shambolic and 'disrespectful' handling of the so-called reforms that they declared they would vote to give the PM a bloody nose anyway. As Tory spokesman Helen Whately observed, the episode suggested the PM 'can't even deliver a U-turn'. The climbdown raises serious questions about the PM's ability to lead his own MPs on anything outside their comfort zone. He misjudged their mood initially, failed to heed warnings from the whips for weeks and miscalculated concessions designed to head off a revolt. It also raises Labour's ability to ever reform a welfare system which the PM - and just about everyone else believes is 'broken', with spending on sickness benefits in line to top 100 billion by the end of the decade. Sir Keir started the day by congratulating his Cabinet and telling them they could look back on their first year 'with a real sense of pride and achievement' after taking a series of 'tough choices'. By the end of the day he had abandoned his toughest choice and raised doubts about whether he will ever be able to push through a genuinely difficult choice again. Stars including Miriam Margolyes, Charles Dance and Mike Leigh are among 300 industry figures who signed a damning open letter calling the BBC's reporting about Israel a cause of 'great shame'. The call to arms, signed by 111 anonymous BBC journalists, condemns the broadcaster for being 'crippled by the fear of being perceived as critical of the Israeli government' as they accuse coverage of being 'defined by anti-Palestinian racism'. It also raises concerns over people in editorial positions that they claim have biases towards Israel. They are already under fire for its various responses after chants of was broadcast on Saturday 'Free Palestine' and 'Death to the IDF' were broadcast live during Bob Vylan's Glastonbury set on Saturday. Alongside the anonymous BBC staff, 303 media figures have signed their names by the list - including Harry Potter actress Margolyes, veteran star Dance and Oscar-winning director Leigh. Also signing their names to the list are Misan Harriman, Harry and Meghan's 'dear friend' and go-to photographer, historian William Dalrymple, Truly, Madly, Deeply actress Juliet Stevenson and former editor-in-chief of BBC Arabic Faris Couri. Still more include standup Alexei Sayle, Fresh Meat actress and wife of Tom Hiddleston Zawe Ashton and Denise Gough, who is currently starring in The Stolen Girl. Responding to the letter, the broadcaster said that they have produced breaking news, ongoing analysis and investigations covering the war in Gaza, alongside documentaries including Life and Death in Gaza and Gaza 101. It has been released as Channel 4 prepares to show a documentary at 10pm this evening about Gaza that was decommissioned and then scrapped by the BBC. Alongside the anonymous BBC staff, 303 media figures have signed their names by the list - including Harry Potter actress Margolyes, veteran star Dance and Oscar-winning director Leigh Also signing their names to the list are Misan Harriman, Harry and Meghan's 'dear friend' and go-to photographer, historian William Dalrymple, Truly, Madly, Deeply actress Juliet Stevenson and former editor-in-chief of BBC Arabic Faris Couri Still more include standup Alexei Sayle, Fresh Meat actress and Tom Hiddleston's wife Zawe Ashton and Denise Gough, who is currently starring in The Stolen Girl Gaza: Doctors Under Attack, which was made by two Emmy award-winning filmmakers, was originally commissioned by the BBC more than a year ago. But the corporation paused its production in April following the launch of an investigation into another documentary Gaza: How to Survive a War Zone, which starred the son of a leader of Hamas - a fact that film failed to mention. They said: 'Robust discussions amongst our editorial teams about our journalism are an essential part of the editorial process. We have ongoing discussions about coverage and listen to feedback from staff and we think these conversations are best had internally. 'Regarding our coverage of Gaza, the BBC is fully committed to covering the conflict impartially and has produced powerful coverage from the region. It comes as BBC staff are said to be 'in revolt' as they claim bosses are meddling 'for political reasons'. The letter branded the decision not to show the documentary about medics in Gaza as 'political' and 'nothing to do with the journalism of the film'. BBC insiders behind the open letter to their bosses told MailOnline: 'For more than a year now weve been aware that the BBCs news output is out of step with reality. Audiences are being asked not to believe their own eyes and ears. 'Anyone with a phone has seen the footage coming out of Gaza and the West Bank yet BBC News has tied itself in knots with notions of "complexity". Channel 4 will show a new documentary about medics in Gaza after it was scrapped by the BBC over bias concerns. Pictured: The funeral of medics in Gaza on June 10 One of the child narrators in BBC documentary 'Gaza: How to Survive a Warzone' was 13-year-old Abdulla Eliyazour (pictured) 'Why have we taken a clear position on Ukraine and Russia when we fail to confidently assert facts when it comes to the Palestinian people? 'We raised these concerns so many times and we have not been listened to. We are speaking out because we must serve audiences better. 'The BBC has got form when it comes to Palestine and cowering over reporting facts and context in a fair and robust way. This isnt the first time they have tied themselves into knots and bent over backwards towards lobby bullies. 'However the enormity of the decision to not show Gaza: Doctors Under Attack is beyond the pale. One that leaves the top management positions untenable. 'Not only is their reasoning pathetic, it goes against how the BBC works. Clearly if they dont understand the meaning of due impartiality, they should not be in the job. 'Prostrating themselves to mischief-making individuals and groups over listening to their own journalists, particularly when the international courts are investigating Israel for genocide - what else is this but complete complicity?' Gaza: Doctors Under Attack is a one off-documentary that examines allegations that Israeli forces have repeatedly targeted hospitals in breach of international law. The programme was made by two-time Emmy-winning journalist Ramita Navai, fellow two-time Emmy-winning director Karim Shah and ex-Channel 4 News Editor Ben De Pear, who is the executive producer of Basement Films, which was commissioned by the BBC to create the film. People carry the body of a Palestinian at the site where a journalist and three Palestinian medics were killed in an Israeli strike Channel 4 said it had fact-checked the documentary to ensure that it meets its editorial standards and the Ofcom Broadcasting Code The source said more than 40 people from BBC Eye, who were involved in the documentary, had signed a letter of protest against the corporation's. In total, the open letter has 414 signatures. Channel 4 said it had fact-checked the documentary, Gaza: Doctors Under Attack, to ensure that it meets its editorial standards and the Ofcom Broadcasting Code. The film reports that every one of Gaza's 36 main hospitals has now been attacked or destroyed by Israel, with people forced to evacuate and healthcare workers reportedly killed, imprisoned and tortured. Louisa Compton, Channel 4's head of news and current affairs and specialist factual and sport, said: 'We are showing this programme because we believe that, following thorough fact-checking and verification, we are presenting a duly impartial view of a subject that both divides opinion and frequently provokes dispute about what constitutes a fact. 'Channel 4 has a strong tradition of putting uncomfortable reporting in front of our audiences. 'In doing so, we know we will antagonise somebody somewhere sometime. But we do it because we believe it is our duty to tell important journalistic stories especially those that aren't being told elsewhere.' Basement Films, whose founder Ben de Pear signed the open letter, added: 'This is the third film we have made about the assault on Gaza since October 7th at Basement Films, and whilst none of them have been easy this became by far the most difficult. The BBC dropped the documentary earlier this month due to bias concerns. Pictured: BBC Headquarters 'As ever we owe everything to our Palestinian colleagues on the ground; over 200 of whom have been killed by Israel, and the doctors and medics who trusted us with their stories. 'We want to apologise to the contributors and team for the long delay, and thank Channel 4 for enabling it to be seen.' The BBC announced that it would not be broadcasting Gaza: Doctors Under Attack on June 20. 'We wanted the doctors' voices to be heard,' the broadcaster said in a statement. 'Our aim was to find a way to air some of the material in our news programmes, in line with our impartiality standards, before the review was published. 'For some weeks, the BBC has been working with Basement Films to find a way to tell the stories of these doctors on our platforms.' But, the corporation added: 'Yesterday it became apparent that we have reached the end of the road with these discussions. 'We have come to the conclusion that broadcasting this material risked creating a perception of partiality that would not meet the high standards that the public rightly expect of the BBC. The BBC documentary, Gaza: How to Survive a Warzone, was broadcast on BBC Two with the aim of showing a 'vivid and unflinching view of life' in the enclave 'Impartiality is a core principle of BBC News. It is one of the reasons that we are the world's most trusted broadcaster. 'Therefore, we are transferring ownership of the film material to Basement Films.' Previously, critics were enraged by the BBC's failure to disclose that the narrator of Gaza: How to Survive a War Zone was the son of a senior member of the Hamas terrorist group. It was originally broadcast on February 17 on BBC Two with the aim of showing a 'vivid and unflinching view of life' in the strip. The documentary was made by two producers based in London who remotely directed two cameramen on the ground over nine months. However, independent investigative journalist David Collier claimed one of the child narrators, Abdullah, was the son of a Hamas government minister and grandson of one of Hamas's founding members. Using Facebook and publicly available data online, Mr Collier claimed the show's young star is the son of Gaza's deputy minister of agriculture Dr Ayman Al-Yazouri. This would mean his grandfather would be the Hamas founder Ibrahim al-Yazouri, who has previously been jailed by Egypt and Israel for involvement in proscribed groups. The BBC apologised for the inclusion of the documentary's young star, with a spokesperson for the corporation saying: 'Since the transmission of our documentary on Gaza, the BBC has become aware of the family connections of the film's narrator, a child called Abdullah. 'We've promised our audiences the highest standards of transparency, so it is only right that as a result of this new information, we add some more detail to the film before its retransmission. We apologise for the omission of that detail from the original film.' Gaza: Doctors Under Attack will be broadcast on Channel 4 tonight, July 2, 2025, at 10pm. A young real estate agent is pulling in $300,000 in his second year and he only needed a three-day course to begin. Ethan Forbes, who is based in Baringa on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, was stopped while on the beach and asked how much he makes in his role. He said he 'accidentally fell' into real estate, joking that it was for the 'wrong reasons'. 'I had a mate who was in it. He had the watch, the car, and I was like, I just want to be like that,' he said. Mr Forbes, who works for LJ Hooker's branch in Caloundra, said he took home $130,000 in his first year as an agent. '[I earned] $291,000 in GIC [Gross Commission Income] so probably took home $130,000, but that was working six to seven days a week, 12-hour days, with no holidays,' he said. 'Literally, right now, I'm on my holidays for the first time in two years.' He also described the 'pretty easy' training he opted for to get into the real estate industry. Real estate agent Ethan Forbes (pictured) said he did not take a holiday for two years 'It's a six-month course or a three-day course, depending on which one you go with,' he said, adding the short one was in person while the months-long one was online. When asked why someone would choose the longer course, Mr Forbes told the interviewer that it was cheaper. 'So the three days (is) like three grand, the other one's like $500.' During the interview, Mr Forbes said the hardest thing about being a real estate agent is 'emotions with your clients', adding that he is an 'emotional sponge'. 'You got to take everything on and also talking to people that don't want to talk to you,' he siad. 'It's prospecting. 80 per cent of it is like we're glorified telemarketers.' Mr Forbes said the most expensive property he sold was $1.302 million which would suggest his commission might have been within the range of $26,040 and $52,080. The average earnings for real estate agents in Australia vary depending on experience, location, and commission structures. Mr Forbes said he earned almost $300,000 in his second year after doing a three-day course According to SEEK, real estate agents typically earn between $75,000 and $95,000 per year. The bulk of this income comes from commissions which usually range from 2 per cent to 4 per cent of the property's sale price, as noted by RealEstate.com.au. Because of this commission-based structure, only top-performing agents are likely to earn over $100,000 annually. In Queensland, the minimum requirement to begin working in real estate is obtaining a Real Estate Registration Certificate. Once certified, an individual is allowed to work as a real estate agent, but only under the supervision of a fully licensed agent. Rules on how long someone must train to become a licensed agent vary depending on which territory or state someone is in. But it is generally understood that, before applying for a licence, someone must complete an approved real estate course and have at least 12 months of full-time work experience. Labour's abject failure to protect our borders was laid bare today as it emerged a record 20,000 small-boat migrants had reached Britain in the first half of this year. Nearly 900 arrived in Dover from France on Monday, the latest official figures revealed. On top of a confirmed 19,982 arrivals since the start of the year, there were at least 300 more today, and the Mail witnessed scores awaiting a traffickers' 'taxi boat' off the French coast. This means the year's tally has already hit 20,000 a milestone not reached until mid-August in previous years. Small-boat arrivals are up by 48 per cent on the same period in 2024. The news comes almost exactly a year after Labour took power and scrapped the Conservatives' Rwanda asylum deal, which was designed to deter migrants from mounting perilous Channel crossings. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said: 'One year into Labour's Government and the boats haven't stopped they've multiplied. Labour tore up our deterrent and replaced it with fantasy. 'This is the worst year on record, and it's become a free-for-all. 'We need a removals deterrent so every single illegal immigrant who arrives is removed to a location outside Europe. The crossings will then rapidly stop. Pictured: Migrants boarding a smuggler's boat in an attempt to cross the English Channel off the beach of Equihen, northern France on June 30 The number of asylum seekers housed in hotels at the taxpayers' expense has gone up since the election, despite a Labour pledge to end their use Nearly 900 arrived in Dover from France on Monday, the latest official figures revealed. Pictured: Migrants waiting to board a small boat in Gravelines, France, today Since 2018, more than 170,000 migrants have reached Britain by small boat but only about 4 per cent have been removed Your browser does not support iframes. 'People are furious and rightly so. Under new leadership, only the Conservatives have a credible plan to stop the crossings, restore control, and end the chaos.' Tories predicted that this year's annual total could hit a record-breaking 50,000. Since 2018, more than 170,000 migrants have reached Britain by small boat but only about 4 per cent have been removed. Labour pledged to 'smash the gangs' by placing a new emphasis on law-enforcement tactics. But arrivals are soaring and the number of asylum seekers housed in hotels at the taxpayers' expense has gone up since the election, despite a Labour pledge to end their use. David Wood, the Home Office's former director general of immigration enforcement, told the BBC's Today programme today: 'It won't work, and it never was going to work.' He added that Labour's efforts to gather intelligence on traffickers relied on European police having the resources and determination to make arrests. 'The evidence the strategy doesn't work is it's gone up 40-odd per cent in the last year,' Mr Wood said. It came after the chief inspector of borders and immigration, David Bolt, revealed last week that he wrote to ministers last summer to say he 'wasn't convinced' that their policy would succeed. Your browser does not support iframes. Tories predicted that this year's annual total could hit a record-breaking 50,000. Pictured: Police piercing a small boat with a knife today The year's tally has already hit 20,000 a milestone not reached until mid-August in previous years Pictured: Migrants attempting to cross the English Channel in a small boat in Gravelines, France, on June 30 Even the pro-migrant Refugee Council said Labour's approach was not working. Its chief executive, Enver Solomon, said: 'The fact remains that these measures alone are so far not achieving the intended outcome, with deadly crossings rising.' In 2022 the year in which there was a record annual total of 45,700 arrivals the 20,000 point was not passed until August 14. In the following two years it took place at the end of August. Today, the Mail observed some 100 migrants lined up on the bank of a canal at Gravelines, between Calais and Dunkirk. They watched as other migrants tried to fix an outboard engine on a broken-down 'taxi boat'. Two dozen Police Nationale CRS riot squad officers arrived at the scene only after the boat was in the water. Migrants would have attempted to cross to Britain aboard the dinghy, had it not malfunctioned. President Emmanuel Macron's government has finally agreed to change its rules to let gendarmes and other officials intercept dinghies that are already in the water. But one British expert has warned that the new powers due to come into force this month will have a negligible impact on illegal migration. Small-boat arrivals are up by 48 per cent on the same period in 2024. Pictured: Police deflating a small boat President Emmanuel Macron's government has finally agreed to change its rules to let gendarmes and other officials intercept dinghies that are already in the water Lucy Moreton, of the ISU trade union, which represents Border Force staff, said migrants may simply switch to other modes of transport such as yachts and concealing themselves in HGVs. French police unions also are understood to have concerns that their members may be required to enter the water wearing body armour that can weigh up to 6lb, putting them at risk of drowning. Additionally, French officers are said to have raised fears about being unable to carry firearms if they have to go into the sea, because salt water would damage them. But French police colonel Olivier Alary told the BBC last month that they 'will be able to do more' once the new rules come into force. Illegal migration will be one of the key topics addressed by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Mr Macron during the French leader's state visit to the UK next week. A popular bakery has hit back at a one star reviewer who threatened to hold the owner at a $7,000 ransom over an overloaded pork banh mi. The customer, 'Edmund', left his scathing review after visiting Top Ryde Baker's House, in Sydney's north-west, on Tuesday. He wrote that he was 'utterly, if not bitterly disappointed' by the meal. 'As I arrived home, hoping to enjoy something I rarely have, I unwrapped the pork roll from its paper bag and was stunned by its size,' he continued. 'I was greeted by an enormous slab of pork that defies reality. A portion unheard of in the history of civilisation. 'Hungry and tired, I took that first bite. Grease dripped endlessly from the roll's interior, and every mouthful felt like a ticking sentence to obesity.' Edmund claimed he had 'endless stomach cramps and tears falling from my eyes'. 'As a result of my experience, a $7,000 fine is now payable, or else be prepared to face my fury,' he threatened. The store manager at Top Ryde Baker's House said the one star review would bring their overall rating down, even if 'Edmund' had been joking about the $7,000 fine Top Ryde Baker's House is generally praised for its pork banh mi (pictured) Kim, the store manager at Top Ryde Baker's House, told Daily Mail Australia that Google needed to protect business owners by monitoring online reviews. 'I didn't know if he was trying to be funny, but it does affect the business and we should have more power over what goes up because it's a one-sided story,' she said. 'Giving us one star brings our overall rating down. And we can give great service for years, but when one thing goes wrong, they go online and give you one star. 'I was surprised he asked us for $7,000. 'It is a family-run business and we've been doing this for a long time, and some of social media is good but a lot of it is full of keyboard warriors.' The bakery asked its customers how they were feeling in a callout on Instagram after Edmund complained of 'endless' stomach cramps. 'If you had a pork roll today, how are you feeling?' they wrote. 'Is anyone else feeling like Edmund today?' Customers will line up for up to an hour just to get their pork rolls at the popular bakery Top Ryde Baker's House at a quieter time. Sometimes the queues for rolls can be an hour long Top Ryde Baker's House has almost 12,000 followers on Instagram, with the vast majority of customers in support of the small business and its pork rolls. 'So, he's complaining you've been too generous, and it was just too good to stop, resulting in stomach cramps. Think he meant to give a five-star,' one wrote. 'One-star review for portion being too generous? Insanity,' another said. 'He could have written a proper bad review but chose to write it to highlight your strengths,' a third said. The bakery boasts an average review of 4.5 stars on Google, with its popularity proven by how long customers are willing to wait in line. 'You have to be very patient as the wait is almost an hour, and this was at 10.30am on a Saturday morning,' one reviewer said. 'The crispy pork roast banh mi was just amazing, filled with scrumptious roast pork. 'The service is just amazing. No matter how busy they are, the staff are so friendly and helpful. Trust me, it is worth the wait.' Ministers welcome addition of second Bali airport Travellers to Bali will soon have two airports to choose from, as plans for the North Bali International Airport show signs of progress after nine years on hold. The project has passed feasibility assessments, and operators have secured $4.5 billion in funding. The new airport is expected to ease congestion at Denpasar International Airport and accommodate a surge in tourism, with more than 6.3million foreign visitors arriving in Bali in 2024. Coordinating Minister for Community Empowerment, Muhaimin Iskandar, expressed his support for the airport, which will be located in Buleleng. 'If this airport is developed quickly, empowerment efforts will also accelerate, which will motivate us,' Minister Iskandar said in a statement, per Antara News. 'Micro, small, and medium enterprises will grow, and the creative economy will thrive.' He hopes the addition of a second airport will help transform the island into a fully developed region and promote balanced development across Bali. 'If there is only one airport, development will not progress fast enough. At least two access points are needed,' he said. Bali is one step closer to constructing a second international airport after funding was secured (above, early designs) Officials welcomed the development as it will offer an alternative to the congested Denpasar International Airport (pictured) in the island's south Construction is scheduled to begin later in 2025, with completion targeted for 2027. The proposed design features a single, state-of-the-art terminal equipped with self-service kiosks, advanced security systems, and automation technologies aimed at enhancing the passenger experience. A runway measuring between three and 3.6 kilometres will extend over the sea, forming part of the airport's planned 2,800-hectare footprint. To improve accessibility, the government will build a new toll road and upgrade surrounding provincial roads, connecting nearby population centres to the airport. Initial reports estimate the project could generate up to 220,000 direct jobs. The offshore runway has been specifically designed to reduce the environmental and cultural impact of aircraft traffic. Erwanto Sad Adiatmoko, president director of the company spearheading the airport project, confirmed that multi-billion-dollar funding has been secured from private sources. More than six million internationals visited the holiday island last year, with one million visitors recorded in May this year alone (above, Canggu, Bali) 'The money will be used to construct the airport and surrounding facilities,' he said. 'Funding is not a problem, do not use even one rupiah of the state budget.' To advance construction, the company travelled to Shanghai to formalise a cooperation agreement with China Construction Group Corporation. The signing ceremony took place during a business summit hosted by the Indonesian consulate in China. A third person has been arrested and charged following the alleged murder of Queensland teenager Pheobe Bishop. Kieren Daniel Mittelheuser, 30, was arrested just after 7pm on Tuesday and charged with two counts of accessory after the fact to murder. He is also charged with one count of failure to appear in accordance with undertaking and one breach of bail condition. Mittelheuser is also facing unrelated charges of driving while disqualified, fraud and drug possession. He will face Bundaberg Magistrates Court on Wednesday. 'It will be alleged the man used the victim's mobile phone to interfere with the investigation,' a Queensland Police Service spokesperson said. 'Following extensive investigations, police arrested the man shortly after 7pm last night in Bundaberg West.' Pheobe, 17, went missing near Bundaberg Airport about 8.30am on May 15, after booking a trip to WA to visit her boyfriend. A third person has been arrested and charged following the alleged murder of Bundaberg teenager Pheobe Bishop (pictured) Police shared footage of Mittelheuser's arrest in Bundaberg West at 7pm on Tuesday night Pheobe's former housemates, 33-year-old Tanika Bromley (right) and 34-year-old James Wood (left) were charged with her murder on June 5 On June 6, police discovered the Gin Gin teenager's remains near Goodnight Scrub National Park. It is alleged her body was moved more than once. Pheobe's former housemates, 33-year-old Tanika Bromley and 34-year-old James Wood, were charged with her murder on June 5. They are being held in jail on remand while they await their next court appearance. Neither has entered pleas. Wood is now being held at Brisbane Correctional Centre, and Bromley is in Brisbane Women's Correctional Centre. On Monday afternoon, Pheobe's family held a private funeral for the teen in Bundaberg before a cremation at the Springfields Crematorium. A large crowd gathered to farewell the teenager, with one mourner seen chasing after the hearse as other attendees tried to hold her back. Pheobe's funeral notice described her as the 'beloved daughter of Kylie and Ray, Kevin and Stacey. Dearly loved sister of Jamie, Jesse, Kaylea, Ruby-Leigh, Aybel and sister-in-law to Janay. Loving aunty to Tallullah. Much loved niece, cousin and friend to many'. Her mum Kylie Johnson said she was 'devastated' to farewell her daughter. A teenager was seen running after the hearse as it left the funeral service for Pheobe Bishop on Monday, with two fellow mourners holding her back as a woman runs to help As the hearse drove by, Pheobe's mother Kylie Johnson reached out to touch her daughter 'This is absolutely everybody's worst nightmare. However, we promised to get Phee home and give her a send-off that Phee would approve of and that's what will happen,' Ms Johnson said in a statement. Meanwhile, Pheobe's maternal aunt Caz Johnson took to social media on Monday to point out that she had not been invited to the funeral. 'It was nice to say goodbye to Pheobe my own way, since I was asked, please don't go to the funeral to keep the peace,' Caz said. 'It makes my blood boil that people from South Windsor (are) driving up to attend Pheobe's funeral when they couldn't be there to help her when she needed it.' Caz and Pheobe's mother have frequently butted heads in public since the teen's disappearance in May. It began when Caz went on Network Ten's The Project to share disturbing texts from the teen sent before she went missing, and make allegations about her tumultuous upbringing. She revealed Pheobe sent text messages out of the blue on April 26 to say her mother had told her to 'get out', but didn't want to talk about the matter as it was 'a long story'. 'Up s*** creek but s*** happens,' Pheobe wrote, in texts shown on Ten. Pheobe Bishop's mother Kylie Johnson (both pictured) said she was 'devastated' to farewell her daughter 'I'm flying the f*** out of here to see my boyfriend. If it goes to plan I'm not coming back. I can't do s*** anymore. I need to get out of this hell hole.' Caz also said that Pheobe had an unsettled childhood, regularly changing schools and having to deal with new stepdads coming in and out of her life. But Pheobe's mother reacted immediately on social media after The Project segment aired, saying her sister knew 'nothing' about her daughter. Caz Johnson 'hasn't spoken to my children or myself for the last 13-14 years. She knows nothing about Pheobe and who she was as a person,' she wrote. The pair later clashed in June over whether or not Pheobe had a disability. Before she disappeared, Pheobe made reference on social media to borderline personality disorder (BPD). Penny Wong has hit back at Nat Barr in a live interview from Washington after the Sunrise host questioned whether the AUKUS deal was safe. The Foreign Minister is in the United States for a Quad meeting between the US, Australia, India and Japan, and has held talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. 'Did you manage to score the PM an invite to the Oval Office?' Barr asked Wong on Wednesday, referencing the fact Anthony Albanese is yet to meet with President Donald Trump since his re-election. Wong replied that Rubio had 'expressed regret' the US had to reschedule a meeting with the Prime Minister because Trump had to leave the G7. Barr continued: 'We note the issue of defence spending has been large between the two countries. Did the Secretary of State raise that in your meeting? Was that pressure applied?' Wong said she and Rubio had a 'long discussion about all the work we do together to ensure strategic stability in the Indo-Pacific'. 'The Secretary of State did not raise Australia's defence budget with me,' she said. 'We did have a good conversation about the positive benefits of AUKUS for all three countries. Penny Wong has hit back at Nat Barr in a live interview from Washington after the Sunrise host questioned whether the AUKUS deal was safe 'It's a good deal for Australia, it's a good deal for the United States, and obviously a good deal for the United Kingdom as well.' But Barr wanted to know about the Trump administration's review of AUKUS and whether it meant the deal was in doubt. 'America is investigating or doing a review of it, because we may not end up with any subs. Did he give you an update on how that review is going?' she asked. Wong responded: 'I don't think that's an accurate assessment of the review, Nat. 'It's a new administration wanting to look at a policy or partnership that is of great importance and that will go over many decades. 'We understand that. The UK also had a review when there was a change of administration or change of government. 'We think AUKUS is a very important partnership for all countries - for the United States, for Australia, and the United Kingdom. We talked about that today. 'We will continue to work with the United States through this review and beyond.' Wong is in the United States for a Quad meeting between the US, Australia, India and Japan, and has held talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio The foreign minister added it was 'important to remember' that the AUKUS deal would be managed and secured over decades and multiple governments. It comes amid speculation Albanese will finally meet Trump at a Quad meeting in India in September. 'I'd be prepared, of course, to meet with President Trump when a suitable time can be organised,' the PM told the ABC on Monday. 'We also have the Quad meeting coming up that we are finalising as well. 'So these things are being organised, and I look forward to having a meeting and continuing the constructive dialogue that I've had with President Trump up to now.' The September event now offers the best chance for their long overdue meeting. That month, Albanese will also travel to New York for the UN leader's week, and may also be able to meet Trump there, or make a trip to Washington. Sticking points in the US-Australia relationship which are crying out to be addressed include the AUKUS nuclear submarine deal, which is currently under review by the Trump administration, and punishing tariffs imposed by the US on Aussie imports, including a 50 per cent levy on steel and aluminium. It comes amid speculation Albanese will finally meet Trump at a Quad meeting in India later this year The prime minister has been accused of dragging his feet in meeting with the leader of Australia's most important security ally. Since Trump was inaugurated in January, the pair have spoken on the phone three times. He missed an opportunity to meet the US president at the G7 Summit in Canada earlier this month when Trump left the Summit early to deal with the Israel-Iran conflict. He also did not attend last week's NATO Summit, where political observers had hoped he would have a second chance to meet with Trump. Medical experts are warning residents in the Northern Territory to get tested for syphilis following an explosion in cases of the potentially deadly infection. The NT has recorded more than 195 cases of syphilis so far this year, following back-to-back near-record months since an outbreak began in 2013. Consistently high case numbers prompted the territory's top medical officer to establish a dedicated response - a syphilis Incident Management Team (IMT) in February. Syphilis can be particularly devastating for pregnant women, leading to miscarriage, stillbirth, neonatal death, low birth weight and congenital syphilis. Australian Medical Association NT president Dr John Zorbas acknowledged the numbers were high, but suggested better testing could be contributing to the spike. 'Sometimes a large increase in case numbers is a good thing,' he told NT News. 'That means we're doing more testing, we're finding these cases and we're actually getting those cases treated.' As of June 22, as many as 93 per cent of cases recorded this year were successfully treated, a government spokesperson told the publication. The Northern Territory has recorded 183 cases of syphilis so far this year. Common symptoms include sores, rash and skin lesions (stock) Syphilis is a sexually transmissible infection (STI) usually caused by having vaginal, oral or anal sex with an infected person, through pregnancy and, in rare cases, through skin-to-skin contact. While it is easy to cure if found early, it can cause serious illness, disability and even death if left untreated. The IMT advised pregnant women to test five times across the course of a pregnancy - at the outset, at 28 weeks, at 36 weeks, at birth, and six weeks after birth. It also recommended testing for all people aged 15 years and older presenting to any health service including primary health care and emergency departments. Common symptoms include sores or ulcers in the genital areas, anus, cervix or mouth, as well as a rash, skin lesions, swollen lymph glands, fever, patchy hair loss, muscle and joint aches, headaches, tiredness and warty lumps. Not all patients will present with symptoms, however, meaning regular testing is crucial to ensure the disease does not cause long-term damage. Syphilis can spread to the nervous system, known as neurosyphilis, which can lead to headaches, altered behaviour, difficulty coordinating muscle movements, paralysis, numbness and even dementia. It can also spread to the eye, known as ocular syphilis, which can cause vision loss, blurred vision, eye pain, eye redness and even permanent blindness. Not all patients will present with symptoms, meaning regular testing is crucial (stock) Syphilis was almost entirely eradicated in Australia by the early 2000s, but cases have exploded following an outbreak in north-west Queensland in 2011. Since then, the disease has spread nationwide, with outbreaks currently active in Queensland, the Northern Territory, Western Australia and South Australia. Case numbers across the country increased by 400 per cent between 2011 and 2023, with a disproportionate impact on Indigenous Australian communities. The NT has been hit hardest by the outbreak, with its per capita rate more than five times higher than any other jurisdiction at its peak in 2018. A spokesperson for NT Health said the IMT had been established to increase testing for syphilis, decrease the time for treatment following a positive test and prevent or manage the disease during pregnancy. 'Aboriginal Territorians are disproportionately affected by syphilis and reducing the number of infections is a top priority for NT Health,' they said. 'Testing for syphilis can be done at a health clinic, local GP or through a free and confidential appointment at NT Healths Clinic 34 locations in the five regional centres.' To avoid contracting syphilis, the Department of Health recommends people get tested regularly and avoid sexual activity while unwell. It also recommends using condoms with condom-safe lubricants during vaginal and anal sex, and dental dams during oral sex. You should see your doctor or visit a family planning clinic or sexual health clinic if you are concerned you or anyone you have had sexual contact with has syphilis. It came as a bombshell that caught even some of the victims' families off guard. After more than two years of fighting and legal wrangling - from arguments that his life should be spared due to a recent autism diagnosis to a failed attempt to point the finger at four other people - Bryan Kohberger has now agreed to plead guilty to all charges in the murders of four University of Idaho students Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen and Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin. The 30-year-old criminology PhD graduate will appear in court Wednesday where he is expected to take a plea deal accepting his guilt on four counts of first-degree murder and one count of burglary. Under the terms of the deal, Kohberger will now avoid the death penalty - and the firing squad - instead being sentenced to life without the possibility of parole, while waiving all right to appeal his conviction or sentence down the line. The shock move, just weeks before his trial was due to get underway, has been slammed by some of the victims' families who had wanted to see their loved ones' killer receive the ultimate punishment. But Kohberger's fight for his life might not be over just yet. The federal government could decide to step in and hit Kohberger with federal charges - and, in doing so, potentially seek the death penalty against the suspected mass murderer. 'The Department of Justice could potentially file federal murder charges against Kohberger because he crossed state lines or committed a federal crime like stalking,' attorney and legal expert Neama Rahmani tells the Daily Mail. Bryan Kohberger snapped this creepy selfie six hours after the brutal Moscow murders 'They're dual sovereigns, so this wouldn't violate double jeopardy.' It's a step the Justice Department has recently taken with another high-profile case - that of Luigi Mangione, the man accused of shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO dead in Manhattan in December. The 26-year-old was facing state charges in New York with a maximum sentence of life in prison, because the state does not have the death penalty. In April, Mangione was then also indicted on federal charges including murder, interstate stalking resulting in death and firearms charges. Attorney General Pam Bondi has said the DOJ will seek the death penalty against Mangione on the federal charges. As Rahmani explains, both Kohberger and Mangione crossed state lines to allegedly commit their murders. Kohberger is accused of traveling from his home in Pullman, Washington state, in the early hours of November 13, 2022, to Moscow, Idaho, to break into the student home and murder the four victims. Mangione, meanwhile, is accused of crossing state lines and traveling to New York City to target Brian Thompson outside the healthcare company's annual conference. Idaho prosecutors have previously indicated in court records that - like Mangione - Kohberger may have stalked his alleged victims, with cell phone data placing him in the vicinity of the students' home 23 times in the lead-up to the killing spree. And so Rahmani believes federal prosecutors could look to bring charges such as murder and stalking, while crossing state lines. Ethan Chapin and Xana Kernodle (left) and Kaylee Goncalves and Madison Mogen (right) The home at 1122 King Road in Moscow, Idaho, where the four students were murdered 'Federal murder charges need a federal jurisdictional basis. An interstate nexus like Kohberger crossing state lines may be enough, or if the murders were committed in connection with another federal crime like stalking,' Rahmani explains. However John Day, criminal defense lawyer and former prosecutor, believes there would need to be something beyond the evidence currently known about the case for the feds to weigh in. 'Murder is usually a state case unless there are elements like a hate crime or crossing state lines unless something new comes up, he will not face any federal charges at this point,' he tells the Daily Mail. It is not yet clear if the federal government does plan to step in on Kohberger's case, which sent shockwaves all across America. A DOJ spokesperson told the Daily Mail they have nothing to announce at this time when asked if the federal government has any plans to pursue federal charges against him. As of now, there is no pending federal action against Kohberger. However a source suggested it has not been ruled out, saying that the DOJ does 'reserve the right to pursue charges.' Though possible, Rahmani believes it's unlikely the federal government will weigh into the case against Kohberger. Young couple Ethan Chapin and Xana Kernodle pictured together. Their accused killer is expected to change his plea Wednesday Best friends Kaylee Goncalves and Madison Mogen together. Goncalves' family has said they feel 'failed' by the state 'It's theoretically possible the federal government steps in, even though it's unlikely,' he says. 'The DOJ's internal Petit Policy says the feds shouldn't charge after state prosecutors unless there is a substantial federal interest not vindicated in the state case.' There's still another possibility whereby Kohberger could face the death penalty. Even when a plea deal is reached between state prosecutors and the defense, it still has to be signed off by a judge. Idaho Judge Steven Hippler has the power to reject the deal during Wednesday's court hearing. On their Facebook page, the Goncalves family has been urging people to contact the judge's office and the court in support of quashing the agreement ahead of the hearing. 'We stand strong that it is not over until a plea is accepted. We will not stop fighting for the life that was stolen unjustly,' the family said. 'It is not over until it is over. We still have time to fight for a chance to heal. If you feel called or led, please contact those responsible for the decisions being made,' they added, sharing a phone number and email address for the court. Goncalves' family has expressed outrage over the deal, saying in a statement that Idaho 'should be ashamed of its Prosecutor's Office.' The family says prosecutors only 'vaguely' hinted at a plea deal Friday, before telling them in a letter it had been reached - leaving them 'scrambling' to fight back. Kernodle's aunt also told TMZ that her family does not support the plea deal. Meanwhile, Chapin's family and Mogen's father have revealed support for it. Based on the Goncalves' family's version of events, Day says that the Latah County Prosecutor's Office certainly appears to have engaged in 'bad practice' in its handling of the agreement. While it's rare for a judge to toss a deal reached by both sides, it can happen - and the stances of the victims' families could play a part. 'It is remarkable that in such a high-profile case that the DA had not at least spent more time working to help the families understand why they made this decision just to head off the anger of the families - it looks like the families were blindsided, and that's a bad practice,' he says. 'As a former prosecutor who handled many murder cases, I would have spent hours if not days with the victims' familied explaining why I was making a decision, and the pros and cons of a plea deal, so at least the family would understand my reasoning.' That said, the prosecution is not working for the victims' families, he explains. 'While state law in most states, including Idaho, requires that victims' families have input and information about their loved ones' case, the ultimate decision as to a plea is up to a local prosecutor's office,' he says. 'The prosecutor does not represent the victims or their families - the DA will always argue that they represent the community as a whole, and have to make a decision in the interest of a larger group than just victim families. But this never will satisfy an angry family that feels like the DA has sold them out for the sake of convenience.' Smoking a glass pipe, holding a beer bottle, and nursing a baby are just some of the astonishing acts Aussie drivers have been caught doing while behind the wheel. New AI-powered cameras have captured drivers in Western Australia pulling off a series of unbelievable stunts as part of a major crackdown on road safety. One image that stood out was that of a driver who appeared to be lighting up a glass pipe, which is often used for hard drugs like crystal methamphetamine. Another motorist was even captured driving while holding a child. A P-plater was also snapped letting their passenger hold the steering wheel while they used their phone, while one man was seen holding what appeared to be a beer bottle. The new AI cameras were rolled out six months ago across known hotspots to try and cut the state's death toll and crack down on unsafe driving. A Budget Estimates hearing in the WA State Parliament on Tuesday revealed the new cameras captured 130,000 offences, with nearly 50,000 caution letters issued to drivers and passengers in breach of the road rules. It showed that more than 800 offences and 280 letters per day were recorded by WA drivers. A man is captured smoking a glass pipe behind the wheel in WA A passenger is caught steering for a P-plate driver Police said 50,000 people were caught either wearing a seatbelt incorrectly, or not at all, while another 75,000 drivers were sprung with their phone in their hand, or using it illegally. One driver was even caught breaking the law 81 times. Police Minister Reece Whitby said the pictures were 'quite astounding'. 'Not only is this person using a mobile phone, but he's having a beer at the same time,' he said. 'It's quite astounding, the figures are absolutely astounding. 'I cannot believe that one driver has been caught offending 81 times. Another driver has been caught offending 74 times, and another 52 times. And there are 10 people detected offending more than 40 times.' Fixed cameras were deployed at two spots on the Kwinana Freeway, while another six cameras were positioned on mobile trailers in Albany, along with another 55 around Perth's suburbs. The AI cameras will operate in a trial phase until October, with caution notices sent out for the next three months until the WA government starts enforcing fines. Daily Mail Australia contacted Western Australia Police for comment. The Bank of England has been accused of wrongheaded wokery after revealing it could drop historical figures from banknotes to reflect modern diversity. It has launched a consultation seeking suggestions from the public that could mean the end of using images of significant characters Sir Winston Churchill, Jane Austen, artist JMW Turner and code-breaker Alan Turing currently appear. The Bank suggests that modern issues such as gender, ethnicity and disability could be taken into account when planning the designs, with chief cashier Victoria Cleland saying: It may be that we can get that real diversity through a different theme than historic figures. But the plans to change the traditional appearance of banknotes which started in 1970 with William Shakespeare drew an immediate backlash. Former business secretary Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg said: The Bank of Wokeness wants to ignore our history and heroes to model itself on the unutterable banality of euro notes. It shows a lack of confidence in the nation and a supine kowtowing to the gods of political correctness. Kevin Hollinrake, a former business minister, said: This is wrongheaded wokery. We should be proud of our history, not sideline it. 'Replacing historical figures with abstract themes risks erasing the rich, complex story of how our country has evolved. Diversity is incredibly important, but we should achieve it by widening the range of historic figures we honour, not by abandoning them altogether. The month-long consultation, the Bank said, will give the public the opportunity to express their views on what theme they would like us to feature on the next series of our banknotes. Historical figures such as Sir Winston Churchill, Jane Austen, and Alan Turing could be removed from banknotes The Bank suggests that modern issues such as gender , ethnicity and disability could be taken into account when planning the designs The month-long consultation, the Bank said, will give the public the opportunity to express their views on what theme they would like us to feature on the next series of our banknotes Former business secretary Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg said: The Bank of Wokeness wants to ignore our history' Kevin Hollinrake, a former business minister said Brits shpould be should be 'proud of our history' The Bank has not said when the new set of notes will be issued, but it identified six potential themes, although people who are still alive other than the monarch would be excluded. A mock-up series of designs published alongside the consultation launch feature images of the Angel of the North, windfarms and the DNA double helix. The final decision will be for the governor, to rule out mischievous ideas such as Boaty McBoatface which was chosen by the public as the name of a new UK polar research ship, which eventually became the Sir David Attenborough. Ms Cleland said ideas for the designs needed to be representative of the UK but also not to be divisive or upset people. Campaigners had complained of a lack of women on notes prior to Jane Austens addition in 2017. Australian Jewish leaders have celebrated a win following a legal battle against an Islamist preacher who described their community as 'vile' and 'treacherous'. Sydney-based Al Madina Dawah Centre cleric, Wissam Haddad, was accused of racial discrimination in relation to a series of fiery sermons, which have racked up thousands of views online since November 2023. The preacher, also known as Abu Ousayd, referred to Jewish people as 'vile, treacherous, murderous and mischievous'. During the landmark case at the NSW Federal Court in Sydney, leaders from the Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ) argued the online lectures were offensive and could incite violence towards Jews. Justice Angus Stewart found on Tuesday that the speeches were disparaging and likely to offend, insult, harass or intimidate Jewish people. 'The imputations include age-old tropes against Jewish people that are fundamentally racist and anti-Semitic,' he said. 'They make perverse generalisations against Jewish people as a group.' ECAJ's co-chief executive Peter Wertheim and deputy president Robert Goot stood proudly outside the court after the verdict, which 'vindicated' them. A federal court judge in Sydney ruled sermons by Islamist preacher Wissam Haddad (pictured) were disparaging towards the Jewish community Co-chief executive of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry Peter Wertheim (pictured) said the win in court was 'vindication' for his community 'It confirms that the days when Jewish communities and the Jewish people can be vilified and targeted with impunity, are a thing of the past,' Mr Wertheim said. '(This case) was about antisemitism and the abuse of those freedoms in order to promote antisemitism. 'If the 300 ancestry groups and 100 faith communities living in Australia today were all free to vilify one another in the way that Mr Haddad vilified the Jewish people, the door would be wide open to chronic racial and sectarian strife. '(This would be) of the kind that has devastated other countries, and the peace and harmony we have generally enjoyed in Australia would be ruined for everyone.' Mr Goot described the preacher as a 'picture of anti-Semitic hatred', adding that he had brought the case to court to protect the Jewish community's safety. 'No community in this wonderful country should be dehumanised in the way that Mr Haddad treated us,' he said. 'Freedom of expression must not be abused by the promotion of hateful antisemitism. 'Those that wish to do so should know that that conduct will not be tolerated by us.' In 2023, Mr Haddad referred to Jewish people as 'vile, treacherous and murderous' Mr Wertheim and ECAJ deputy president Robert Goot (both pictured) brought the case to federal court in the hopes of removing the speeches The ECAJ leaders' case sought the removal of the published speeches, a public declaration of error, and an order restraining Mr Haddad from making similar comments in future. Mr Haddad denied breaching anti-discrimination laws and claimed he was delivering historical and religious lectures on events from the Qur'an to contextualise the war in Gaza. He said he was speaking about 'Jews of faith' rather than ethnicity, while trying to explain that 'what the Israeli government is doing to the people of Gaza' is 'not something new'. Ruling against the preacher would be tantamount to restricting the free exercise of religious expression, Mr Haddad's lawyer argued. But Justice Stewart rejected the defence on Tuesday and ordered Mr Haddad to remove the speeches. He directed the preacher not to make any further comments that convey similar disparaging imputations. Mr Haddad has also been ordered to foot the legal bill for the ECAJ, which the leaders told reporters would be 'several hundred thousand dollars'. The preacher's speeches were delivered during a time of heightened sensitivity after the designated terror group Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, sparking Israeli retaliation that has left the Gaza Strip in turmoil. The reporting of the war prompted questions and concerns from Mr Haddad's congregants and at the same time left Jewish Australians feeling unsafe, the court was told. A judge has jailed two brothers over a 'deplorable' attack on an elderly man so violent the 78-year-old almost permanently lost his sight. Alex Benjamin Dower, 23, and Brandon Adam Dower, 21, were sentenced in the Western Australian District Court on Tuesday. They pleaded guilty to attacking Herbert Schmidt in a Hungry Jacks carpark in the Perth suburb of Jindalee about 3am on August 2, 2024. The grandfather, who had been out collecting recyclable cans, was rushed to Royal Perth Hospital with serious head injuries. He underwent treatment to prevent him from losing his eyesight and spent a week in hospital recovering from the ordeal. The court heard he still suffers from anxiety and ongoing dizziness. Judge Linda Petrusa SC described the assault as 'utterly deplorable', adding the Dower brothers had 'robbed this elderly gentleman of his enjoyment of life'. Mr Schmidt was taking his usual early-morning walk, a habit he had formed when his dog was alive, when he was spotted by the pair. Brandon Dower, 21, (pictured) and his brother Alex, 23, were sentenced over the bashing of an elderly man in the District Court in Perth on Tuesday CCTV footage captured the moment the two men attacked Herbert Schmidt, 78, in the carpark of a Jindalee Hungry Jacks about 3am on August 2 last year Both were arrested by Western Australian police just hours after the attack (pictured) The brothers had been intoxicated and doing burnouts in the Hungry Jacks carpark when they saw a light coming from a torch held by the elderly man. After Brandon mistakenly assumed the grandfather was recording him, he exited the car and approached him in an aggressive manner. Judge Petrusa said Mr Schmidt had been frightened by the man and had been within his rights to defend himself with pepper spray. Brandon then pushed Mr Schmidt, causing him to fall backwards onto the ground. His older brother, Alex, then ran over and stomped on and kicked him at least nine times. Brandon then punched Mr Schmidt in the head at least three times and kicked him in the head at least once. 'This was a persistent attack by the two of you on this defenceless old man', Judge Petrusa said on Tuesday. 'It lasted about a minute. It doesn't seem like a long time. But when you're being kicked and stomped on whilst you're on the ground, it's a long time.' One of the brothers is seen being led in handcuffs to a waiting police car Pictured is a street view of the Hungry Jacks outside which Mr Schmidt was attacked One of them then stole Mr Schmidt's reading glasses before the pair returned to the car and fled the scene. Judge Petrusa said the pair returned to the scene but only to retrieve something Brandon thought he had left behind. Upon their return, Alex moved the bruised and bloodied old man from the roadway in the carpark and sat him against the footpath. The assault was recorded on CCTV and witnessed in part by a man who called emergency services, before returning to assist Mr Schmidt. The brothers were arrested later that day and both subsequently pleaded guilty to aggravated grievous bodily harm. Lawyers for the brothers said they both expressed remorse for their actions. Brandon was sentenced to three-and-a-half years in jail, backdated to the date of his arrest on August 2, 2024. He will be eligible for parole after serving 21 months. Alex was sentenced to seven years behind bars for the assault and breach of three previous suspended sentences for separate offences. He will be eligible for parole after five years, also backdated to August 2. Bryan Kohberger's family have broken a years-long silence to make a galling request for privacy after their son secured a plea deal to avoid the death penalty. The former criminology PhD student is expected to plead guilty to murdering Kaylee Goncalves, 21; Madison Mogen, 21; Xana Kernodle, 20; and Ethan Chapin, 20 in their off campus home in November 2022. The plea will ensure he spends the rest of his life behind bars, without the possibility of parole or future appeals. In exchange, prosecutors have agreed not to pursue the death penalty. Now, Kohberger's family have spoken publicly for the first time since his initial arrest urging the public to respect their privacy. The family went on to say it had been 'a difficult time for all those affected.' 'In light of recent developments, the Kohbergers are asking members of the media for privacy, respect, and responsible judgment during this time,' they told NewsNation. 'We will continue to allow the legal process to unfold with respect to all parties and will not release any comments or take any questions. 'We ask that you respect our wishes during a difficult time for all those affected.' Bryan Kohberger was pulled over with his father (pictured together) before his arrest Kohberger's family (father pictured) have spoken publicly for the first time since his initial arrest urging the public to respect their privacy It marks just the second time during the entire ordeal that Kohberger's family have addressed the allegations against him. Shortly after his arrest, the family released a statement through attorney Jason A. LaBar expressing sympathy for 'the four families who have lost their precious children.' 'There are no words that can adequately express the sadness we feel, and we pray each day for them,' they said. 'We will continue to let the legal process unfold and as a family we will love and support our son and brother. 'We have fully cooperated with law enforcement agencies in an attempt to seek the truth and promote his presumption of innocence rather than judge unknown facts and make erroneous assumptions.' The extraordinary request comes as their son's victim's families grapple with the news that he is now likely to serve out his natural life behind bars. The Goncalves family were particularly devastated by the news of a plea deal, issuing several statements on Monday night decrying the prosecutor's efforts. 'If anyone knows Judge [Steven] Hippler... reach out to him and ask him to put his foot down and not accept this offer,' grieving dad Steve Goncalves said. The former criminology PhD student will plead guilty to murder. From left: Dylan Mortensen, Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen (on Kaylee's shoulders), Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle and Bethany Funke Under the terms of the proposed deal, 30-year-old Kohberger will, on the murder counts, be sentenced to four consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole - and, on the burglary count, the maximum penalty of 10 years And Goncalves' younger sister, Aubrie, said: 'We are not asking for vengeance. We are asking for accountability. We are asking for dignity for our loved ones. And we are asking - pleading - for a justice system that truly lives up to its name.' Kernodle's aunt, Kim, was equally upset by the plea deal, while Mogen's father said he had accepted the decision and believed it would avoid reopening old wounds. Chapin's family will support the proposed plea deal when it is presented to Judge Steven Hippler on Wednesday. Prosecutors had tried to assure families that the plea deal was the best possible outcome, ensuring Kohberger will never be free while also avoiding a messy and traumatizing trial which could result in decades of appeals or even a verdict in which Kohberger walks free. Under the terms of the proposed deal, 30-year-old Kohberger will, on the murder counts, be sentenced to four consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole - and, on the burglary count, the maximum penalty of 10 years. He will also waive all right to appeal his conviction or sentence down the line, ensuring that he will never have the possibility of freedom for the heinous crime that sent shockwaves across the nation. But under the terms of the deal, Kohberger is under no obligation to reveal his motive for the vicious attacks. He may also never disclose whether he was targeting one of the victims in particular, or why he spared two housemates who were in the home at the time of the attack. It marks just the second time during the entire ordeal that Kohberger's family have addressed the allegations against him Over the course of the investigation into the murders, authorities have been unable to find any digital connection between Kohberger and any of the four victims, according to court documents. There is also no known digital connection between Kohberger and the two surviving roommates. Some investigators believe Mogen was the intended target based on the path Kohberger took once entering the home. According to Dateline, Kohberger went straight to Mogen's room on the third floor and was caught off guard when he found Goncalves sleeping with Mogen in her bed. When a struggle then broke out, Kernodle - who was downstairs in the kitchen, looking at TikTok on her phone - went to investigate and the killer then chased her to her room, Dateline reported. The killer stabbed Kernodle to death and then turned to her boyfriend Chapin, who was in her bed, killing him too and then 'carving' his legs. Kohberger was arrested nearly six weeks after the students were found dead at his parents' home in Albrightsville, Pennsylvania where he had returned for the holidays. The route allegedly driven Bryan Kohberger allegedly drove on the night of the brutal Idaho murders, based on cellphone data Kohberger has been desperately trying to get the death penalty off the table over the past few months Kohberger has remained behind bars ever since, and has been desperately trying to get the death penalty off the table over the past few months - even arguing at one point that his autism diagnosis precludes him from facing the ultimate punishment. In more recent efforts, Kohberger's defense attorneys tried to get his purchase of the balaclava deemed inadmissible to the upcoming trial, but prosecutors argued it was crucial to their case. It now appears that the defense moved to reach a plea deal after Judge Hippler slapped down their efforts to point the finger at four alternate suspects - blasting his legal team's evidence as 'entirely irrelevant' and 'wild speculation 'Nothing links these individuals to the homicides or otherwise gives rise to reasonable inference that they committed the crime; indeed, it would take nothing short of rank speculation by the jury to make such a finding,' the judge wrote in his decision last week. Just hours before news of the plea deal broke, the defense faced another setback after they apparently called the wrong witness and other witnesses expressed their bewilderment at being called at all. A female police officer was shot by a fellow officer during a dramatic confrontation inside her own home while being served with a restraining order filed by her fiance over safety concerns for their four-month-old baby. Kelsey Fitzsimmons, 28, an off-duty officer with the North Andover Police Department, was shot once on Monday evening after three fellow officers, including a supervisor, arrived at her home to serve a court-approved protection order. Essex County District Attorney Paul Tucker confirmed on Tuesday that as Fitzsimmons was being 'escorted' in the home and being served the order, an 'armed confrontation' erupted. 'As a result of that armed confrontation, one of the responding officers discharged their weapon, which struck Ms. Fitzsimmons once,' Tucker told reporters. The wounded officer had to be airlifted by medical helicopter to a Boston hospital, where she remains in stable condition. The district attorney would not comment on where she had been shot nor confirm details about her mental health. Fitzsimmons, who had been with the department about 18 months, was already on administrative leave and had filed to have her service weapon returned during her leave, according to police. Her leave will now be extended. Court documents obtained by WBZ-TV shed light on why officers had arrived to serve the restraining order. Kelsey Fitzsimmons, 28, an off-duty officer with the North Andover Police Department, was shot once Monday evening after three fellow officers arrived at her home to serve a court-approved protection order Fitzsimmons, who has been with the department about 18 months, was already on administrative leave and had filed to have her service weapon returned during her leave Fitzsimmons' fiance told authorities she allegedly struck him, threatened to take their baby away, and that he feared for their child's safety. In March, police and emergency medical responders were called to Fitzsimmons's home for what was described as a 'female having a mental health episode,' records show. She was hospitalized for 12 hours and diagnosed with postpartum depression. At that time, she turned in her service weapon. After being medically cleared in June, Fitzsimmons was reinstated to active duty, along with her license to carry a firearm. But on Monday, things took a grim turn. The fiance obtained a restraining order and a bid for sole custody of their infant. The confrontation that followed inside Fitzsimmons's own home then turned violent. Officers had arrived to serve the standard '209A' abuse prevention order, which includes retrieval of any firearms as a routine safety measure. 'Pursuant to the court order, one of the standard boxes to check is retrieval of any firearms in the home,' Tucker explained, adding that the restraining order process can be 'some of the most dangerous duties that police officers can cover, no matter who the object of that order is.' In March, police and emergency medical responders were called to Fitzsimmons's home for what was described as a 'female having a mental health episode'. At that time, she turned in her service weapon A note in the court paperwork had warned officers that serving Fitzsimmons could carry additional risk. 'Defendant is an officer with a license to carry. Plaintiff expressed concerns regarding Defendant's reaction to being served.' When asked if Fitzsimmons was armed during the encounter, Tucker said investigators were still gathering statements from the officers involved. 'The very granular details, we're waiting to speak on until we get the interviews back from our state police detectives,' he told reporters. North Andover Police Chief Charles Gray, appearing visibly shaken, declined to comment on whether the restraining order was linked directly to her service weapon, calling it a 'personnel matter.' He added, 'We're concerned for all the officers, on-duty and off-duty, and we're just going to monitor and hopefully get some results.' The officer who fired the shot, whose name has not yet been released, is a veteran with more than 20 years of experience, Tucker confirmed. Mental health clinician Jeff Zeizel, who works with first responders, told CBS Boston that resources for officers in crisis are critical. 'The more people process their feelings and deal with the trauma, the healthier they become,' Zeizel said. The department does not use body cameras, so there is no video of the shooting, according to Chief Gray. District Attorney Tucker acknowledged the many unanswered questions surrounding the incident. 'There are lots of interviews to be done. There are lots of pieces to be put together. There is lots of things that remain unanswered,' he said. The incident is under investigation by Massachusetts State Police detectives assigned to Tucker's office, while Fitzsimmons recovers in the hospital. 'We want to make sure that the people of North Andover and across the Commonwealth know as much as we can give out at this time, being as transparent as we can,' Tucker said. A professor who taught accused Idaho killer Bryan Kohberger criminology in college and took him inside the mind of serial killers fears she may have inspired him and is offering to study his 'dark side'. Dr. Katherine Ramsland, who has long been an expert in the field of serial killers and once wrote a book with the BTK strangler, taught four different undergraduate and graduate courses to Kohberger at DeSales University in Pennsylvania. Kohberger is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday when he's likely to plead guilty in exchange for life in prison and no death penalty as part of a plea deal that has sparked outrage from victims' families. Ramsland - who called Kohberger 'a promising student who could have made a mark' on the field of forensic psychology - initially refused to believe he could be capable of killing, even after his arrest. But as she investigated the case more, Ramsland began to believe Kohberger may be responsible and was forced to ask herself a tough question. 'I have to look at the framework of what I taught and wonder: Did I inspire him?' she told NewsNation Tuesday night. Ramsland continues her studies and teachings, but accepts how her courses may influence students, explaining 'unfortunately, in this field, that's what we live with.' She admits that given her research into the minds of the most vile of people, she knows a rare few of her students may turn out this way. A professor who taught accused Idaho killer Bryan Kohberger (pictured) college classes that took him inside the mind of serial killers fears she may have inspired him Dr. Katherine Ramsland (pictured), who has long been an expert in the field of serial killers and once wrote a book with the BTK strangler, taught four different undergraduate and graduate courses to Kohberger at DeSales University in Pennsylvania 'We know that there's always a risk that we're attracting somebody that's going to do something terrible,' she conceded. 'I know, everyone in this field know that we could have students who might become offenders but we also know the vast majority of our students will not and will go into a field like law enforcement that will make the world better,' she added. Despite her disgust, Ramsland - who wrote the literal book on BTK killer, Confession of a Serial Killer: The Untold Story of Dennis Rader, the BTK Killer - admits she's interested in potentially studying Kohberger. 'This is my work. If he wanted to do that, I would,' she said, adding that the study would be to try and learn 'developmental trajectories' and 'red flags' so killers can be identified faster. 'If he wanted to do that, I know that he's got the intellectual capacity to do it, to be self-reflective,' she said. 'I would definitely do it if he were willing. It would be hard but I think because I have so much material for him, I have questions for him that I think nobody but me could ask.' Ramsland, who taught Kohberger courses ranging from an intro to forensic psychology to one titled 'Dangerous Minds: the psychology of anti-social behavior,' at first was skeptical her former student could be capable of such heinous acts. 'I really thought Bryan was a promising student who really could have made a mark in this career in a very positive way,' she said. She added that 'he was polite, he was respectful, intense and curious. There was no reason for me to think that he was anyone other than someone interested in this potential career.' Ramsland - who called Kohberger 'a promising student who could have made a mark' on the field of forensic psychology - refused to believe he could be a killer even after his arrested Kohberger, 30, was due to face a capital murder trial in August for the deaths of Kaylee Goncalves (pictured top left), 21; her best friend Madison Mogen (pictured bottom right), 21; as well as their housemate Xana Kernodle (pictured top right), 20; and her boyfriend Ethan Chapin (pictured bottom left), 20, in November 2022 'His demeanor was that he was confident that he was going to prove his innocence,' she said. 'I wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt.' However, in March, when Kohberger claimed he was being framed by a real killer who planted evidence at the scene of the crime, Ramsland began to consider he could in fact be the right suspect. 'When he said his alibi - and it was clearly not an alibi and he would've known that through his classes and undergraduate work - that was when I was floored that this is my student who has done these things,' she said. Kohberger's shock move to accept a plea deal has left his ex-advisor Ramsland stunned, despite all her years working in this field. 'I'm disappointed, angry and shocked that this is who he turned out to be and horrified for the victims and their families,' she said. Kohberger, 30, was due to face a capital murder trial in August for the deaths of Kaylee Goncalves, 21; her best friend Madison Mogen, 21; as well as their housemate Xana Kernodle, 20; and her boyfriend Ethan Chapin, 20, in November 2022. But it was revealed on Monday that Latah County prosecutors have offered the former criminology graduate student a deal in which he would plead guilty to the murders and a burglary charge, in exchange for a sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole. Kohberger is now expected to appear in court on today to have the deal signed off by a judge. Despite her disgust, Ramsland - who wrote the literal book on BTK killer, Confession of a Serial Killer: The Untold Story of Dennis Rader, the BTK Killer - admits she's interested in potentially studying Kohberger to help better understand how he got away with it The family of Kaylee Goncalves was quick to condemn the agreement, declaring on Facebook that the State of Idaho 'failed us' as they hit out at prosecutors for failing to notify them that a plea deal was going through. 'We werent even called about the plea; we received an email with a letter attached,' family members said in a statement. 'Thats how Latah Countys Prosecutors Office treats murder victims families. 'Adding insult to injury, theyre rushing the plea, giving families just one day to coordinate and appear at the courthouse for a plea on July 2.' Steven Goncalves, Kaylee's father, is urging the judge overseeing the case to reject the plea deal. 'If anyone knows Judge [Steven] Hippler... reach out to him and ask him to put his foot down and not accept this offer,' the grieving father begged members of NewsNation's Ashleigh Banfield's audience Monday night. 'This is not justice,' he continued, declaring that it goes against what the victims' families want. 'This isn't the will of the victims' [families]. This is just one person making a decision, and it doesn't reflect what we're calling for,' Goncalves said of Latah County Prosecutor Bill Thompson, whom he claimed, 'decided to play God and decide what this man's decision should be and not a jury, not his peers.' He then called for 'no plea deal,' saying, 'Let's go for this guy 100 percent. Let's do it,' as he argued that Thompson didn't 'have the courage to hold [Kohberger] accountable.' The route allegedly driven Bryan Kohberger allegedly drove on the night of the brutal Idaho murders, based on cellphone data Investigators have claimed Kohberger went directly upstairs to Mogen's bedroom, where he killed her and Goncalves (pictured together, left) on the night of November 13, 2022. He then allegedly turned his attention to Kernodle on his way back out the house, and then targeted her boyfriend, Chapin (right), whom Kohberger allegedly 'carved' Kaylee's sister, Aubrie, also called the last-minute plea deal 'shocking and cruel,' saying it 'feels less like an act of justice and more like an afterthought.' The family explained that they met with prosecutors on Friday, when the attorneys 'vaguely mentioned a possible plea.' They claim prosecutors then moved forward with the deal without seeking any input from the victims' families and presented the arrangement on Sunday. At that point, the victims' families received an email from prosecutors explaining why they decided to stop pursuing the death penalty against their wishes. 'We cannot fathom the toll that this case has taken on your family,' the letter, seen by the Idaho Statesman, reads. 'This resolution is our sincere attempt to seek justice for your family,' prosecutors continued, noting that they, 'weighed the right path forward and made a formal offer' to the murder suspect, according to ABC News. 'This agreement ensures that the defendant will be convicted, will spend the rest of his life in prison, and will not be able to put you and the other families through the uncertainty of decades of post-conviction, appeals. 'Your viewpoints weighed heavily in our decision-making process, and we hope that you may come to appreciate why we believe this resolution is in the best interest of justice.' Kohberger is accused of murdering University of Idaho students Kaylee Goncalves, 21; Madison Mogen, 21; Xana Kernodle, 20; and her boyfriend Ethan Chapin, 20. Two other roommates survived The extraordinary picture taken hours after the alleged crime shows Kohberger smirking and offering a 'thumbs up' to the camera It was signed by Thompson and his deputy Ashley Jennings, and noted that Kohberger would be sentenced to life in prison in late July should he accept the plea deal on Wednesday. But if he does not plead as expected, the scheduled trial will continue as planned. After receiving the letter, the Goncalves family said they were left 'scrambling'. 'We immediately jumped into panic mode and started making phone calls and sending emails,' they said in a statement. 'We met with prosecution today to reiterate our views on pushing for the death penalty. 'Unfortunately all of our efforts did not matter,' the family lamented, claiming they had been 'branded adversaries' after they questioned the police investigation into the students' stabbing deaths. 'The Latah County Prosecutor's Office's treatment of our family during this process is something I wouldn't wish on anyone,' the Goncalves family concluded, arguing that county residents 'should be ashamed of its Prosecutor's Office'. 'After more than two years, this is how it concludes, with a secretive deal and a hurried effort to close the case without any input from the victims' families on the pleas details,' they wrote. 'Our family is frustrated right now and that will subside and we will come together as always and deal with the reality that we face moving forward.' Goncalves' father urged the judge overseeing the case to reject the plea deal as he spoke on NewsNation's Banfield Monday night The Goncalves family was not the only one upset by the news of the plea deal, however, as Xana Kernodle's aunt was reportedly so enraged that she was brought to tears. Kim Kernodle explained to TMZ that prosecutors told her Kohberger's defense team approached them with a plea deal and prosecutors agreed to go along with it to 'spare the families' the pain of a trial. She claimed the prosecutors were especially concerned that the families would have to see gruesome crime scene photos of their loved ones - though Kernodle said, 'We know the graphics. They were not trying to spare us.' Kernodle also claimed that prosecutors did not mention they were taking death penalty off the table when they met on Friday, when she said prosecutors acknowledged they have enough evidence to secure a guilty verdict. The State has previously laid out how Kohberger purchased a balaclava from Dick's Sporting Goods store months before the savage murders inside the victims' off-campus home. Surviving housemate Dylan Mortensen later told police she saw a man wearing 'the same kind of mask' during the crime spree. She also described seeing a man with 'bushy eyebrows' - which fit Kohberger's appearance. The murder suspect also bought a Ka-Bar knife, sheath and sharpener from Amazon back in March 2022, according to a prosecution filing, and was ultimately linked to the murder of the four students by DNA found on the sheath of a knife found at the scene of their off-campus home. Data from Kohberger's cellphone also showed it connected to a cellphone tower near the victims' off-campus house a total of 23 times over the course of four months leading up to the grisly murders, according to court documents. Touch DNA was found on a Ka-Bar knife sheath (seen in a stock image) left behind at the scene. Ramsland was stunned at Kohberger's alibi that alleged the real killer planted his DNA at the scene The victims' families claim Latah County Prosecutor Bill Thompson moved forward with the plea deal without their input Then, on the night of the November 13, 2022, prosecutors say Kohberger broke into the University of Idaho students' home on King Road shortly after they had gone to bed from a night of partying and stabbed them all to death. His white Hyundai Elantra was allegedly caught on a neighbor's home security footage at around 3.30am, and was seen circling around the block multiple times over the next half hour. By 4.07am, the vehicle came back drove by once again - then didn't come back into view until 4.20am, when it was seen speeding off. During that 13-minute window, sources close to the investigation told NBC's Dateline that Kohberger went directly upstairs to Mogen's bedroom, where he allegedly killed her and Goncalves. He is accused of the turning his attention to Kernodle on his way back out the house, killing her as she was up ordering food, and then targeting her boyfriend, Chapin, whom Kohberger allegedly 'carved'. Meanwhile, data from Kohberger's phone indicate he turned it off before 3am that morning, and when he apparently turned it back on at around 4.48am, it connected with a cellphone tower south of Moscow. But the phone also appeared to be briefly back in the city shortly after 9am, when Kohberger reportedly returned to his apartment in Pullman, Washington, where he took a chilling selfie, giving the thumbs up pose in a bathroom mirror. In the aftermath, Kohberger allegedly searched to buy a replacement knife and sheath. He was ultimately arrested nearly six weeks after the students were found dead at his parents' home in Albrightsville, Pennsylvania where he had returned for the holidays. Kohberger has remained behind bars ever since, and has been desperately trying to get the death penalty off the table over the past few months - even arguing at one point that his autism diagnosis precludes him from facing the ultimate punishment. In more recent efforts, Kohberger's defense attorneys tried to get his purchase of the balaclava deemed inadmissible to the upcoming trial, but prosecutors argued it was crucial to their case. It now appears that the defense moved to reach a plea deal after Judge Hippler slapped down their efforts to point the finger at four alternate suspects - blasting his legal team's evidence as 'entirely irrelevant' and 'wild speculation.' 'Nothing links these individuals to the homicides or otherwise gives rise to reasonable inference that they committed the crime; indeed, it would take nothing short of rank speculation by the jury to make such a finding,' the judge wrote in his decision last week. Just hours before news of the plea deal broke, the defense faced another setback after they apparently called the wrong witness and other witnesses expressed their bewilderment at being called at all. The Prime Minister has come under fire for pushing climate change policy while owning a 'climate criminal' dog by a top columnist. A US study published in June found that not owning a pet was one of the best ways everyday people could keep their carbon emissions low. Taking one fewer flight or eating lower-carbon meats were also effective behaviours identified in the PNAS Nexus report. The finding was leapt on by The Daily Telegraph columnist Tim Blair who suggested Anthony Albanese should give up his beloved cavoodle Toto if he is calling for climate action. 'Its time for Albo to turn Toto over to the authorities, because it turns out that little cavoodle of his is an awful climate criminal,' Blair wrote on Monday. 'Cavoodle Toto may be way smaller than other "oodle" varieties, such as the Bernese Mountain doodle, the Irish wolfhoodle and the fearsome pit boodle, but she's got one hell of a carbon pawprint. 'Thats because Toto occasionally rides on Prime Ministerial flights. 'Shes probably racked up more air time than any dog since Snoopy took on the Red Baron.' Daily Telegraph columnist Tim Blair suggested the PM should give up his beloved dog Toto Blair referenced a US-study which found not owning a dog can help reduce carbon emissions Blair quipped that 'it should be curtains for the PMs companion critter' in order to help nature balance itself. Toto is regularly photographed with Albanese, including on election day, and has her own X account. The Age even has an article page dedicated to Australia's first dog. Blair also took the opportunity to take aim at Australian billionaire and climate change warrior Mike Cannon-Brookes for buying a private jet earlier this year. The co-founder of software company Atlassian opened up about his challenging decision to purchase the multimillion-dollar Bombardier 7500 jet in March. 'Im not denying I have a deep internal conflict on this,' the tech entrepreneur told his followers on LinkedIn. 'Personal security is the primary reason (an unfortunate reality of my world), but also so I can run a global business from Australia, and still be a constantly present dad. 'So, this is a hard, continual trade-off Ive decided to make.' Blair said the declaration was his favourite example of 'self-appointed saviours (who) arent hurting at all'. Blair also took aim at IT billionaire Mike Cannon-Brookes (pictured) for buying a private jet earlier this year despite being an advocate for lowering carbon emissions 'Modern parenting is full of tough decisions. Sometimes your average Aussie dad just has to bite the bullet and buy a $120million private aircraft,' the columnist said. 'All members of our saintly climate community are little Cannon-Brookeses, in their own ways. 'If they do give up anything, it's only in ways that won't cause any pain.' Blair joined 2GB on Wednesday to maintain that he remains in the 'pro-dog camp'. 'It's just that I am also not a climate hypocrite who carries on about everyone else surrendering their beloved things and then running a big climate-hating dog in the household.' It's not the first time Toto's jet-setting lifestyle has come under scrutiny. Nationals Senate Leader Bridget McKenzie grilled Air Force Chief Robert Chipman at an intense Senate hearing in 2023 about Toto's travels after it was revealed she had likely been travelling on VIP flights with the Prime Minister. 'Could you provide a list of all flights since the 21st of May 2022 on which animals and specifically an animal called Toto have been permitted on board special purpose aircraft?' she asked. Mr Chipman confirmed that a pet had been known to travel on the special purpose aircraft primarily used by the Prime Minister for official duties. A woman with a projected $1.6million in superannuation has sparked controversy after claiming the best way to save is to not get married or have kids. Julia, 37, from Melbourne, told SBS's Insight program on Tuesday night that she already has a super portfolio projected to be worth more than $1million by the time she retires, even if she stopped contributing today. She said she began working at 16-years-old and had been 'aggressively' salary sacrificing while earning a steady income in her job in HR. However, she said her hard work ethic was not the only reason she had been growing her fund so consistently. Instead, it also came at the cost of having a family. 'I'm here tonight to empower the next gen of women and my advice would be aimed more so towards them,' she began. 'It is going to sound super controversial, but I would say one thing is, don't get married. 'And if you do, make sure someone is benefitting from it, whether it be for a visa or a tax saving of some sort.' Julia, 37, said she had managed to save a huge amount of superannuation through salary sacrifices and importantly skipping having a family and children She added she was aware there were countries, including Germany, which offer tax savings for married couples among other incentives. Julia then shared another piece of divisive advice for financially-conscious, young women. 'I would say this one is really controversial, but consider refraining from having children,' she said. 'Because by the time that kid leaves your home, it will have cost you as much as a Lamborghini. 'You could be driving your Lamborghini or that sum could be sitting in your superannuation growing.' Data from the University of New South Wales from 2024 backed up Julia's claims, suggesting the average Australian household spends between $100,000 to $300,000 per child when raising kids. Her last piece of advice would be not to 'underestimate the power' of compounding interest in an investment. 'You don't need a master's in commerce or an MBA to appreciate it,' she said. The 37-year-old has enjoyed a high-flying corporate career and spends her free time enjoying hobbies like yachting She told the show she had begun saving from a young age. 'I come from a migrant family, my parents were refugees to Australia in the early 80s and money was always a talk at the dinner table,' she said. She went on to buy her first home at 21, immediately after graduating university, and has since bought other properties and earned two more degrees. 'I think we're going to have a lot of poor retirees in Australia in my generation not enough people are contributing to superannuation via salary sacrifice, in my opinion.' She said Australian schools should be teaching all young kids about the benefits of super and how to navigate the country's tax system. The HR professional is also an avid sailor outside of work and is active in the Melbourne business world. She said her financially savvy life allowed her to enjoy 20-odd trips to Europe on her own dime, caravans and boats. She said many of her friends were older, in their 50s, 60s, and 70s, from her yacht club and had similar interests. The HR professional said more young Australians should be taught about the 'power of compounding interest' in schools along with more about the taxation system 'I can't really relate with younger persons, or they're not as freely available emotionally, time-wise, and financially as I am,' she said. She said she is looking to retire within the next decade 'at the latest'. AustralianSuper in June this year revealed that Australians may, however, need less superannuation than previously thought to retire comfortably. The union-backed industry fund released new research showing that 94 per cent of Australians get by with less than $1million in superannuation. The Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia recommends $595,000 for a single to have a comfortable retirement. Comfortable is defined as an overseas holiday every seven years and an annual getaway within Australia. Ross Ackland, AustralianSuper's head of advice and guidance, said many could still live a comfortable retirement with well short of $1million if they have the right planning. 'Some people think they need to be chasing a seven-figure balance to live well in retirement, but many Australians are thriving with less because they've planned around their lifestyle, not just a number,' he said. The discovery of a newborn baby inside a wheelie bin on a suburban street has sparked an urgent homicide investigation. Emergency services were called to a home on Renall St in Freeman's Bay, Auckland, on New Zealand's North Island about 10pm on Tuesday. Auckland City Police Detective Inspector Scott Beard said a woman had been taken into custody to assist police with their investigations. 'Sadly, I can confirm the deceased is a newborn baby, and they were discovered in a wheelie bin outside an address,' Mr Beard said. 'A woman is in custody and police are speaking with her to establish the circumstances around what has occurred. 'This is a tragedy for everyone concerned and there is a persons wellbeing to consider here alongside the investigation, so we will ensure the woman gets the support she needs.' Police are not looking for anyone else in connection with the discovery. The street remained cordoned off on Wednesday as police continued to scour the surrounding area for evidence and CCTV footage. Emergency services were called to an address on Renall Street in Freeman's Bay, Auckland, about 10pm on Tuesday (the scene is pictured) Mr Beard said a post-mortem would determine the next steps in the investigation before asking the public to avoid speculation. 'The result is not yet known, and police will provide further updates as the investigation allows,' he said. 'We would ask the public to avoid speculation given what has occurred and allow investigators to carry out their work.' Two men accused of shooting a prison officer dead after he exposed an illegal affair were pictured attending Glastonbury Festival together. Elias Morgan and Anthony Cleary allegedly murdered father-of-four Lenny Scott who was fatally injured outside a West Lancashire gym in February last year. Morgan is said to have shot the victim in an 'act of retaliation' after Mr Scott, 33, exposed an illicit relationship involving him and a female prison guard at HMP Altcourse in Liverpool. Cleary allegedly assisted Morgan by 'delivering the van and bike so they could be used by a gunman who intended to kill Lenny Scott'. Both men deny murder and Cleary also denies a second charge of manslaughter. A timeline of Morgan and Cleary's relationship has now revealed the pair go as far back as at least June 2023, when they were seen together at Glastonbury Festival. Their attendance came just days after Morgan entered a not guilty plea to possession of an unauthorised phone recovered by Mr Scott. The pictures show Morgan with his arm around Cleary with dozens of festival-goers in the background. In another image the pair can be seen lying down. Anthony Cleary (left) and Elias Morgan pictured together at Glastonbury Festival in June 2023 Lenny Scott was shot in Peel Road, Skelmersdale, West Lancashire, at around 7.35pm on February 8 2024 Court proceedings yesterday saw prosecutor Alex Leach KC take the jury through a timeline of events made up of CCTV, ANPR footage and cell site data. Telematics data on Morgan's Mercedes vehicle showed it was in Spain until December 11 2023 from at least July 11, the court was told. Between November 12 and 19 that year, a number attributed to Morgan used networks in the UAE and in Spain until December 11. A phone attributed to Morgan and Cleary then crossed from Spain into France on December 12, the court heard. Cleary told an associate in a recovered Instagram message he was with 'me bird, me mate' and they were 'bringing car back from Spain, few stops on the way'. The pair were also pictured together in Paris in images recovered from Cleary's handset before the Mercedes was back in Liverpool on December 13. In the early hours of December 23, Morgan made a payment to Aer Lingus in Dublin and later made a payment to Manchester Airport, the court heard. A phone attributed to Morgan was used across mainland Europe between December 24 and 30 and in Spain between New Year's Eve and January 2, 2024. Mr Scott found evidence that exposed Morgan's sexual relationship with prison officer Sarah Williams (pictured) Mr Leach said that on January 3, Morgan went on a 'reconnaissance trip' where, along with other unidentified men, he visited three addresses linked to Mr Scott. These included the North West Mecca Gym in Speke, Mr Scott's home address in Prescot and a gym at Peel House in Skelmersdale - outside which Mr Scott was later shot dead. The court previously heard the root of Mr Scott's alleged murder lay in his discovery of Morgan's mobile phone on March 26, 2020. On it, he found evidence that exposed Morgan's sexual relationship with prison officer Sarah Williams. Morgan told Mr Scott to balls up the paperwork and even offered him 1,500 not to report it, jurors were told. But the prison officer submitted the paperwork - and from that moment Elias Morgan told Lenny Scott that he would get him, he said he would bide his time, but that he would get him. Jurors heard that on February 8, 2024, Mr Scott was leaving a gym in Skelmersdale, Lancashire 'when he was approached by a man wearing a high-visibility jacket and carrying a handgun'. The man shot him, six times, to the head and body,' Mr Leach said. Lenny Scott (pictured), who was the father of twins, was shot six times outside a gym on February 8 last year by a gunman dressed in a hi-vis jacket Mr Scott had searched inmate Elias Morgan's (pictured) cell and found a mobile phone on March 26, 2020, Preston Crown Court was told The roots of the 33-year-old's killing lay in his former job at Altcourse prison (pictured) in Liverpool nearly four years earlier, a murder trial jury was told Lenny Scott died of his injuries. The murder was, the prosecution says, an act of retaliation.' Jurors were told that mobile phone evidence showed the two men spent January 3 as a 'day of reconnaissance' as part of the plan to kill Mr Scott. They visited locations including the area of his home as well as gyms he formerly and currently attended. Mr Leach told the jury yesterday: 'The evidence you are about to hear, when examined in detail, reveals a powerful image, one in which Elias Morgan, driven by a desire for revenge and reliant on Anthony Cleary for his assistance, planned and executed the murder of Lenny Scott. Both men, the prosecution says, are guilty of his murder.' The trial continues. DO YOU KNOW MORE? Email: max.aldred@dailymail.com.au A man is fighting for life after contracting New South Wales' first confirmed case of Australian bat lyssavirus, prompting a warning from authorities. The man, in his 50s, is from northern NSW and has been admitted to hospital in a critical condition. NSW Health has urged the public to avoid touching or handling bats, which can spread the potentially-fatal virus. Keira Glasgow, a Director in Health Protection at NSW Health, said lyssavirus is transmitted from infected bats to humans when the virus in bat saliva enters the body through a bat bite or scratch. 'This is a very tragic situation. The man had been bitten by a bat several months ago and received treatment following the injury,' Ms Glasgow said. 'Further investigation is underway to understand whether other exposures or factors played a role in his illness. 'We know 118 people required medical assessment after being bitten or scratched by bats in 2024, but this is the first confirmed case of the virus in NSW, and the fourth case in Australia.' She said it was 'incredibly rare' for the virus to transmit to humans, but once symptoms of the virus begin 'there is no effective treatment'. Australian bat Lyssavirus can, on rare occasions, spread from bats to humans through physical contact (pictured are two Australian fruit bats) Ms Glasgow urged people to assume that any bat in Australia could carry lyssavirus, and said this is why only trained, protected and vaccinated wildlife handlers should interact with bats. 'If you are bitten or scratched by a bat, urgent medical assessment is crucial,' she said. 'You will need to wash the wound thoroughly for 15 minutes right away with soap and water and apply an antiseptic with anti-virus action, such as betadine, and allow it to dry. 'You will then require treatment with rabies immunoglobulin and rabies vaccine.' Australian bat lyssavirus is a close relative to the rabies virus. The virus has been found in species of flying foxes, fruit bats and insect-eating microbats. People who come into close contact with bats due to work, volunteering, or recreation are at most risk of contracting the virus. Bat handlers and carers, vets, wildlife officers, cave explorers and power-line workers are all advised to be vaccinated against the disease. Medical professionals are urging Australians not to handle bats after a confirmed case of Lyssavirus saw a man in his 50s rushed to hospital (above, stock of man in hospital) The virus can be diagnosed through the testing of blood, spinal fluid, skin, or nervous tissues. 'If you see a bat in distress, injured or trapped on the ground, do not try to rescue it,' a NSW Health website reads. 'Instead, contact trained experts WIRES on 1300 094 737 or your local wildlife rescue group.' Public officials first discovered the virus in Australian bats when a flying fox showed signs near Ballina in 1996. Samples were sent to the CSIRO in Victoria where gene sequencing showed the disease was lyssavirus. Later that year, a Queensland woman who had recently become a bat handler became ill, before the initial numbness and weakness in her arm progressed to a coma, and later, death. Two further cases saw the death of a Queensland woman in 1998 and an eight-year-old in 2013. Both had been bitten or scratched by a bat, according to the CSIRO. Infected bats are able to spread the virus between themselves, other mammals, and people. Some, but not all, infected bats carry the virus in their saliva or salivary grands. Virginia Giuffre's suicide note that she left behind for her children has today been revealed, as excerpts from her diary accuse her husband of domestic violence and making her a 'prisoner' in her own home. Ms Giuffre, who led the fight to bring paedophile Jeffrey Epstein to justice and claimed she was twice trafficked to have sex with Prince Andrew, died by suicide aged 41 at her farm in western Australia in April. She had recently split from her husband of 22 years Robert, who it is now claimed beat her when she was pregnant and stopped her from seeing her children. The diary, which Ms Giuffre kept from the beginning of 2025, detailed her memories of her marriage breaking down as well as photos, texts and legal filings alleging Robert had been violent and abusive. In a final message to her children written before her death, she wrote: 'Every day that I don't see your faces has a little less light. 'The world is dimmer without you in it.' She also wrote out what appeared to be lyrics from a song, which read: 'It'll all be alright, you've always had a rainbow over your head, angels by your side and God in your heart.' Ms Giuffre added: 'I'm here for you here and everywhere.' Virginia Giuffre 's suicide note that she left behind for her children has today been revealed, as excerpts from her diary accuse her husband Robert (left) of domestic violence Ms Giuffre, who led the fight to bring paedophile Jeffrey Epstein to justice and claimed she was twice trafficked to have sex with Prince Andrew (left, with a young Virginia and Ghislaine Maxwell, right), died by suicide aged 41 Other excerpts from her diary included a text message to a friend, in which she described how Robert allegedly beat her while she was holding their newborn child. She said: 'Even when I had Emily in my arms as a baby, Rob was coming down off a 3-day bender and punched me in the face which dropped me to the floor and continuously kicking me in the stomach.' Two years after the message, Robert was arrested in Colorado in June 2015 over an alleged assault with the crime marked as 'domestic violence'. The couple kept the incident private. Elsewhere in her diary, she claimed in 2017 her husband had been 'emotionally and physically controlling', such as by forbidding her to go downstairs whenever a man was visiting the house, which she said made her into a 'prisoner' in her home. The entry read: 'Not allowd [sic] to go downstairs when any male was ovr [sic] and that was everyday, I became a prisoner'. She added her husband was drinking most days from 8am in the morning, and in her most recent diary from this year said he was no longer employed and was 'gambling away' their money. The couple separated in 2024 and began living in different homes - but Ms Giuffre's diary claimed Robert beat her as recently as January after she denied his request for sex. Ms Giuffre's sister-in-law told the Times: 'Her death was a terrible ending to this story, but there is a big part of it she never got to tell. Ms Giuffre's final weeks were mired in controversy after she shared an Instagram post following a traffic accident in which she claimed she had 'days to live' Virginia Giuffre (pictured) was found dead at her Perth farmhouse - her diary has now revealed the final message she sent to her children '[Virginia] may have fought battles with some of the most powerful men in the world, like Epstein and Prince Andrew, but what people didn't understand was that [in her final days] the hardest battle of her life was at home.' Ms Giuffre had become estranged from her three teenage children, but towards the end of her life, she is said to have desperately tried to make contact with them. This included changing the name of the family Netflix account to 'Mommy still loves you', and reaching out directly to her daughter Emily by sending her a link to a song they both liked. Ms Giuffre's final weeks were mired in controversy after she shared an Instagram post following a traffic accident in which she claimed she had 'days to live'. She said her car had been hit by a school bus travelling at over 60mph and the accident had left her with kidney failure. The photograph showed discoloration to Giuffre's face and chest which has been described as severe bruising. In the post after the crash, she expressed that she was ready to die. 'I've gone into kidney renal failure, they've given me four days to live, transferring me to a specialist hospital in urology,' she said. Virginia Giuffre was last seen in public being driven by her brother Danny Wilson close to her farmhouse just over a fortnight before her death Ms Giuffre escaped Epstein's influence after she met her husband-to-be Robert (pictured together) while on a masseuse training course in Thailand, that Epstein had paid for 'I'm ready to go, just not until I see my babies one last time.' Three days after the picture emerged, a spokesman for Giuffre said she had 'made a mistake' and had not intended to share the post publicly. Her family now say they see the post as a 'way to reach her children' and a 'desperate plea for help'. Among the final diary entries in which she told supporters: 'We are not going to go away.' She added: 'Mothers, fathers, sisters and brothers need to show the battlelines are drawn and we stand together to fight for the future of victims. 'Is protesting the answer - I don't know, but we've got to start somewhere.' It's believed Giuffre wrote the message for organisers of the Washington rally of sexual assault survivors being held in Lafayette Park, opposite the White House, ahead of Denim Day on April 30. Giuffre became famous as a victim of Epstein and his girlfriend Ghislaine Maxwell, who she accused of sex trafficking her to Prince Andrew when she was just 17. The Royal has always denied the allegations but reportedly paid her millions to settle a lawsuit over her claims against him. The settlement did not involve any admission of liability on his behalf, and he denies any sexual contact with her. The scandal led to Prince Andrew stepping back from royal life after a disastrous interview with Emily Maitlis, then working for the BBC. Maxwell is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence in a Florida federal prison following her conviction for helping Epstein sexually abuse underage girls. Epstein died in a New York prison in 2019 before trial. For confidential help and support, contact the Samaritans on 116 123 for free from a UK phone or go to samaritans.org Migrants today vowed to continue crossing the Channel to the UK - including one father who made a second attempt despite his two-year-old daughter almost drowning. Labour's failure to stop the boats was laid bare yesterday as it emerged a record 20,000 had arrived in the UK in the first half of this year. Wearing a blue Nasa-themed t-shirt, Mohammed told the BBC: 'My mother, my father and all my family live in England. 'I want to go there - both for my children's future and for my mother to help me with them.' The father revealed his daughter Hadeel had almost drowned in an attempted crossing yesterday. Another migrant, who said he wanted to be a policeman and study in the UK, told TV crews, 'it's so hard'. Nearly 900 people arrived in Dover from France on Monday, the latest official figures show. Wearing a blue Nasa-themed T-Shirt, Mohammed told the BBC : 'My mother, my father and all my family live in England' The father also revealed his daughter Hadeel, two, (pictured) almost drowned in an attempted crossing yesterday Another migrant who said he wanted to be a policeman and study in the UK broke down in tears saying 'it's so hard' On top of a confirmed 19,982 arrivals since the start of the year, there were at least 300 more yesterday, and the Mail witnessed scores awaiting a traffickers' 'taxi boat' off the French coast. This means the year's tally has already hit 20,000 a milestone not reached until mid-August in previous years. Small-boat arrivals are up by 48 per cent on the same period in 2024. The news comes almost exactly a year after Labour took power and scrapped the Conservatives' Rwanda asylum deal, which was designed to deter migrants from mounting perilous Channel crossings. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said: 'One year into Labour's Government and the boats haven't stopped they've multiplied. Labour tore up our deterrent and replaced it with fantasy. 'This is the worst year on record, and it's become a free-for-all. 'We need a removals deterrent so every single illegal immigrant who arrives is removed to a location outside Europe. The crossings will then rapidly stop. 'People are furious and rightly so. Under new leadership, only the Conservatives have a credible plan to stop the crossings, restore control, and end the chaos.' This morning, a woman was pictured clinging to a young child as she boarded a boat in the thick fog in Gravelines, France. A woman is helped onto a small boat with her child in the thick fog on July 02, 2025 in Gravelines, France The desperate mother clings to her child in Gravelines, France on July 2 as a boat arrives through the fog Last month, it was reported that French officials were planning changes to policies that govern interceptions at sea Another woman wades in the water up to her waist as she helped across by other male migrants Two children are also pictured in the water as they try to make their way past traffickers Pictured: A migrant small boat at Gravelines, 1st July 2025, as up to 100 migrants wait to board, the boat suffers from engine failure and fails to get underway, watched on by police Pictured: Migrants boarding a smuggler's boat in an attempt to cross the English Channel off the beach of Equihen, northern France on June 30 The number of asylum seekers housed in hotels at the taxpayers' expense has gone up since the election, despite a Labour pledge to end their use The boat was already very full of migrants who had boarded further down the coast, as traffickers looked to squeeze a few more people in. Conservatives predicted that this year's annual total could hit a record-breaking 50,000. Since 2018, more than 170,000 migrants have reached Britain by small boat but only about 4 per cent have been removed. Labour pledged to 'smash the gangs' by placing a new emphasis on law-enforcement tactics. But arrivals are soaring and the number of asylum seekers housed in hotels at the taxpayers' expense has gone up since the election, despite a Labour pledge to end their use. David Wood, the Home Office's former director general of immigration enforcement, told the BBC's Today programme yesterday: 'It won't work, and it never was going to work.' He added Labour's efforts to gather intelligence on traffickers relied on European police having the resources and determination to make arrests. 'The evidence the strategy doesn't work is it's gone up 40-odd per cent in the last year,' Mr Wood said. It came after the chief inspector of borders and immigration, David Bolt, revealed last week he wrote to ministers in the summer to say he 'wasn't convinced' that their policy would succeed. Even the pro-migrant Refugee Council said Labour's approach was not working. Its chief executive, Enver Solomon, said: 'The fact remains that these measures alone are so far not achieving the intended outcome, with deadly crossings rising.' Nearly 900 arrived in Dover from France on Monday, the latest official figures revealed. Pictured: Migrants waiting to board a small boat in Gravelines, France, today Since 2018, more than 170,000 migrants have reached Britain by small boat but only about 4 per cent have been removed Conservatives predicted this year's annual total could hit a record-breaking 50,000. Pictured: Police piercing a small boat with a knife today The year's tally has already hit 20,000 a milestone not reached until mid-August in previous years Pictured: Migrants attempting to cross the English Channel in a small boat in Gravelines, France, on June 30 In 2022 the year in which there was a record annual total of 45,700 arrivals the 20,000 point was not passed until August 14. In the following two years it took place at the end of August. Yesterday, the Mail observed some 100 migrants lined up on the bank of a canal at Gravelines, between Calais and Dunkirk. They watched as other migrants tried to fix an outboard engine on a broken-down 'taxi boat'. Two dozen Police Nationale CRS riot squad officers arrived at the scene only after the boat was in the water. Migrants would have attempted to cross to Britain aboard the dinghy, had it not malfunctioned. President Emmanuel Macron's government has finally agreed to change its rules to let gendarmes and other officials intercept dinghies that are already in the water. But one British expert has warned that the new powers due to come into force this month will have a negligible impact on illegal migration. Lucy Moreton, of the ISU trade union, which represents Border Force staff, said migrants may simply switch to other modes of transport such as yachts and concealing themselves in HGVs. French police unions also are understood to have concerns that their members may be required to enter the water wearing body armour that can weigh up to 6lb, putting them at risk of drowning. Small-boat arrivals are up by 48 per cent on the same period in 2024. Pictured: Police deflating a small boat President Emmanuel Macron's government has finally agreed to change its rules to let gendarmes and other officials intercept dinghies that are already in the water Additionally, French officers are said to have raised fears about being unable to carry firearms if they have to go into the sea, because salt water would damage them. But French police colonel Olivier Alary told the BBC last month that they 'will be able to do more' once the new rules come into force. Illegal migration will be one of the key topics addressed by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Mr Macron during the French leader's state visit to the UK next week. The United States will halt some key weapons shipments to Ukraine that were promised under the Biden administration in a devastating blow to Kyiv. The decision was taken to 'put America's interests first' following a review of military aid given to other countries,' White House Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly said on Tuesday. Missiles for Patriot air defence systems, precision artillery and Hellfire missiles are said to be among the items being held back. Kyiv summoned a senior US diplomat on Wednesday in a bid to urge president Donald Trump's administration not to cut or delay the key aid. Ukraine's foreign ministry warned that 'any delay' would only 'encourage' Russia to continue the war. It emphasised the need for air defences, with Russia stepping up its almost nightly aerial attacks with missiles and drones. Russia heralded the decision to review U.S. contributions to Ukraine. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said: 'The fewer the number of weapons that are delivered to Ukraine, the closer the end of the special military operation.' An M109 A3 gun crew on June 17, 2025 near Kostiantynvka, Ukraine Firefighters work at the site of a building heavily damaged by a Russian drone strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kharkiv, Ukraine, in this handout picture released July 2, 2025 Explaining Washington's decision, Kelly said: 'This decision was made to put America's interests first following a DOD (Department of Defense) review of our nation's military support and assistance to other countries across the globe.' U.S. officials did not immediately say which shipments were being halted. And Ukraine's Ministry of Defence said that it had not received any official notification from the U.S. about either a suspension or revision of deliveries. It urged that stopping the path to ending the war was through 'consistent and joint pressure on the aggressor' in a statement. Trump's efforts to orchestrate a ceasefire have been frustrated since he took office at the start of the year. Ukraine maintains that Russian President Vladimir Putin is not interested in peace, citing dozens of ceasefire breaches. The Kremlin on Tuesday pushed back on similar allegations from Keith Kellogg, the US special envoy, that Russia was trying to stall the next round of peace talks to delay the end of the war. Stopping the delivery of munitions and other military aid, including air defense systems, would be a blow to Ukraine as it contends with some of Russia's largest missile and drone attacks of the three-year-old war. Analysis published by AFP on Tuesday showed that Russia dramatically ramped up aerial attacks in June, firing thousands of drones as Ukraine's stretched air defence systems and exhausted civilian population felt the Kremlin's increased pressure. Despite spending more of its GDP on defense than any other country in the world, Ukraine is still being outgunned by Russia. Security experts continue to warn that Europe could be next if Moscow achieves its goals in Ukraine. Servicemen of the 25th Separate Airborne Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine fire a BM-21 Grad multiple rocket launch system towards Russian troops, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, near the frontline town of Pokrovsk, in Donetsk region, Ukraine June 8, 2025 Donald Trump speaks with the press on board Air Force One as he travels from Ochopee, Florida to Joint Base Andrews, Maryland on July 1, 2025 The ending of military aid signals a possible shift in the priorities of Trump, who has pressed for Russia and Ukraine to speed up stalled peace talks. The Pentagon review determined that stocks had become too low on some previously pledged munitions, and that some pending shipments now would not be sent, said a US official who spoke on condition of anonymity, according to Politico, which first reported the halt of military aid. Michael McFaul, who was the US ambassador to Russia from 2012 until just before the Crimea conflict began in 2014, said on X: 'The Trump administration is even stopping delivery of Patriots? 'So disgusting and embarrassing as the 'leader of the free world.' I guess we are done with that.' Last week at a NATO summit in the Netherlands, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with Trump and appeared to get a vague response from the US leader on Patriot air defense systems. 'We're going to see if we can make some available,' Trump said of the missiles. 'They're very hard to get,' he added. The United States has been the biggest sole source of military aid to Ukraine since Putin's illegal invasion in 2022. But Donald Trump has significantly shifted the flow of aid to Kyiv, allocating no new aid in March and April 2025 while urging his NATO allies to ramp up spending on defence. As a share of GDP, many European nations offer more than the United States, according to data collected by the Kiel Institute. A view of a destroyed market following a recent shelling, which local Russian-installed authorities described as a Ukrainian military strike, in Donetsk, Ukraine, on June 30, 2025. A torchlit ceremony is held as new recruits are inducted into Ukraine's '144th Special Operations Center' on June 29, 2025, in an undisclosed part of Ukraine Throughout the war, the U.S. has been able to support Ukraine by drawing on old equipment stored in bases around the world, some of which it deemed was not ready for combat operations. Ukraine nonetheless relies heavily on U.S. equipment, training, intelligence and logistics. But Republican leaders and voters remain divided on continuing contributions. Notably, more Americans now believe the U.S. is not doing enough to aid Ukraine in the conflict since Trump came into office; Gallup found in March that 46% believe the U.S. is not doing enough, a 16 percentage-point increase since December. Around 30% believed the U.S. was doing too much. Trump paused military aid to Ukraine in March to 'review' its contributions, before resuming it a few days later. The administration then approved its first sale of military equipment since Trump took office in May. An April report from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) found that Ukraine is being outgunned by Russia, despite spending more of its GDP on defense than any other country in the world. Ukraine's military expenditure in 2024 was $64.7 billion, SIPRI said, and Kyiv has relied heavily on its allies in Europe and the United States for weapons and aid. Russian leader Vladimir Putin blamed the West for fanning the flames of war with that support, telling French president Emmanuel Macron Tuesday that the West has 'for many years ignored Russia's security interests.' Vladimir Putin during a meeting on the development of 'new regions', annexed from Ukraine, at the Kremlin, June 30, 2025, in Moscow Volodymyr Zelensky attends a joint press conference with Polish President Andrzej Duda (not pictured) following their meeting in Kyiv, Ukraine, 28 June 2025 Washington's tone has openly shifted on Ukraine with the Trump presidency. Back in 2022, then president Joe Biden affectionately embraced Zelensky at the White House as his administration announced another $2 billion in weapons for Ukraine. But during Zelensky's Washington visit earlier this year, he was belittled on-camera by Trump and Vice President JD Vance during an Oval Office meeting, who ganged up to accuse the Ukrainian leader of ingratitude. Britain's Keir Starmer has since found a role leading a European 'coalition of the willing' in support of Ukraine, condemning Russia for its illegal invasion. U.S. officials said earlier this year that their NATO allies needed to do more heavy lifting in Europe as Washington turned its focus towards China. South Australia's most senior police officer, still reeling from the death of his son in a Schoolies hit-and-run, has revealed he is the subject of a misconduct investigation. South Australia's Police Commissioner Grant Stevens confirmed he is being investigated over claims he accidentally discharged his firearm during a police operation in the 1990s. The revelation follows days of speculation over media reports on Sunday about a probe into an unidentified 'senior police officer.' Calling in to Adelaide radio station FIVEaa's David and Will on Wednesday morning, Commissioner Stevens said he wanted to be transparent. 'I thought I'd take the opportunity to come on and just maybe clear the air and put people out of their misery as to who the senior officer was that, 34 years ago, accidentally discharged their firearm while doing a police raid on a heroin dealer. 'The officer concerned was actually me.' The incident occurred during a raid on a suspected drug dealer's home in Adelaide's northern suburbs. According to Stevens, a bullet was unintentionally fired into the house during the operation and no one was injured. Commissioner Stevens (pictured) revealed he was under investigation for discharging his gun decades ago 'This is an incident that was managed in accordance with our procedures back at the time,' Commissioner Stevens explained. 'We were attempting to force entry into a house where a drug dealer was trying to get rid of drugs. And in the course of breaking a window to gain entry, I did discharge my firearm.' 'My supervisor was there at the time. I did the police report that was necessary, and it was reported to [the] Internal Investigations Branch on the day.' He firmly denied reports suggesting there had been a second accidental discharge of the gun. Commissioner Stevens and his family are still mourning the loss of their son Charlie, 18, who was killed in a hit-and-run while celebrating Schoolies at Goolwa Beach, south of Adelaide, in November of 2023. Mr Steven's son Charlie suffered significant brain damage in the crash and died at Flinders Medical Centre the next day, surrounded by family and friends. Dhirren Singh Randhawa, the 19-year-old driver of the car that struck Charlie, was given a suspended jail sentence. Stevens son Charlie (left) died following a hit-and-run incident at Schoolies in 2023 Randhawa was banned from driving for 10 years. Despite the crushing loss of their son, the Stevens family have been bravely advocating for organ donation and road safety. Mr Stevens, who has been SA's top cop since 2015, was one of four people nominated for the state's Australian of the Year in 2024. South Australia Police has been approached for comment by Daily Mail Australia. The exiled spiritual leader of Tibet has confirmed that he will have a successor when he dies, reassuring Buddhist followers around the globe that the 600-year-old institution of the Dalai Lama will continue. It is a landmark decision for Tibetans, many of whom had feared a future without a leader. Supporters around the world who see the Dalai Lama as a symbol of non-violence, compassion and the enduring struggle for Tibetan cultural identity under Chinese rule will also be relieved at the decision. According to Tibetans, Tenzin Gyatso is the 14th reincarnation of the Dalai Lama. The Dalai Lama is lauded by his followers for his tireless campaign for greater autonomy for Tibet, a vast high-altitude plateau in China about the size of South Africa. He and thousands of other Tibetans have lived in exile in India since Chinese troops crushed an uprising in the Tibetan capital Lhasa in 1959. The charismatic Nobel Peace Prize-winning Buddhist had previously said the institution of Dalai Lama would continue only if there was popular demand. He said Wednesday he had received multiple appeals over the past 14 years from Tibetan diaspora in exile, Buddhists from across the Himalayan region, Mongolia and parts of Russia and China, 'earnestly requesting that the institution of the Dalai Lama continue'. The Dalai Lama has confirmed that he will have a successor when he dies, reassuring Buddhist followers around the globe that the 600-year-old institution will continue Buddhist monks of various schools of Tibetan Buddhism watch a recorded video message by Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama in Dharamshala Samdhong Rinpoche (left), former prime minister of Tibet's government-in-exile addresses a press conference about the Dalai Lama's decision in McLeod Ganj, near Dharamsala Sikyong Penpa Tsering, the head of Tibet's government-in-exile, and prominent politician and Buddhist leader Samdhong Rinpoche held a press conference on the day of the 15th Tibetan Religious Conference at the Dalai Lama Library 'In particular, I have received messages through various channels from Tibetans in Tibet making the same appeal,' he said in a video broadcast at the start of a meeting of religious leaders in the Indian Himalayan town where he has lived for decades. 'In accordance with all these requests, I am affirming that the institution of the Dalai Lama will continue,' he added, according to an official translation. His advanced age had also sparked concern over the future of Tibetan leadership and the delicate question of his succession. The announcement was made ahead of his 90th birthday on July 6. While China condemns him as a rebel and separatist, the internationally recognised Dalai Lama describes himself as a 'simple Buddhist monk'. Many exiled Tibetans fear China will name its own successor to bolster control over a territory it poured troops into in 1950. But the Dalai Lama said Wednesday that responsibility for identifying the 15th Dalai Lama 'will rest exclusively' with the India-based Gaden Phodrang Trust, the office of the Dalai Lama. 'I hereby reiterate that the Gaden Phodrang Trust has sole authority to recognise the future reincarnation; no one else has any such authority to interfere in this matter,' he added. Tibetan monks walk past Buddhist prayer flags, displayed over a street in McLeod Ganj, near Dharamsala A Buddhist monk reads religious texts at the Boudhanath Stupa on the outskirts of Kathmandu Actor Richard Gere attends the 15th Tibetan Religious Conference at the Dalai Lama Library and Archive near Tsuglagkhang, also known as Dalai Lama's Temple complex, in the northern hill town of Dharamshala Chemi Lhamo, 30, a Tibetan activist in exile, said she was convinced the continuation of the role of Dalai Lama would serve the cause of a Tibetans. 'There isn't a doubt that the Dalai Lama institution will also continue to serve the benefit of humanity,' Lhamo said, adding the announcement sent a message to Beijing to 'unequivocally reject' any role in identifying the future leader. The Dalai Lama handed over political authority in 2011 to an exiled government chosen democratically by 130,000 Tibetans globally. At the same time, he warned that the future of his spiritual post faced an 'obvious risk of vested political interests misusing the reincarnation system'. Rachel Reeves admitted she was 'under so much pressure' minutes before being reduced to tears in the Commons, triggering a new political and economic crisis. The Chancellor is said to have made the admission to Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle before taking her seat for an extraordinary session of Prime Minister's Questions. She was forced to listen in silence as Sir Keir Starmer refused to say in front of MPs that she was secure in her job, as he was battered over his welfare surrender to Labour rebels. In an extraordinary moment that spooked markets, tears appeared to roll down Ms Reeves' cheek as Kemi Badenoch demanded a guarantee she would stay in No11 - something the premier did not give. She was seen being comforted by her sister Ellie - also a Labour minister - as she left the chamber, although Sir Keir did not speak to her. Ms Reeves' spokesman insisted afterwards that it was a 'personal matter' and he would not be 'getting into' the reasons. Downing Street said the Chancellor 'is going nowhere', had not resigned, and retains Sir Keir's 'full backing'. No10 and No11 both denied claims Ms Reeves had an argument with Sir Keir before they entered the Commons. But the Guardian reported that she told the Speaker about the strain she was under. She apparently broke down when she was privately rebuked by Speaker Lindsay Hoyle for giving long answers during Treasury questions yesterday. Health Secretary Wes Streeting tonight said Ms Reeves has 'toughness and hard-headedness... in spades' as he spoke out in support of the Chancellor. 'It's why with the choices she's made, not always the most popular choices, is creating the conditions for our economy to grow,' he told ITV's Peston. Ms Reeves looked to be holding back sobs as the clashes developed in the Commons Rachel Reeves was seen seemingly weeping during PMQs today as Keir Starmer was battered over his welfare humbling In an extraordinary moment, a tear appeared to roll down Ms Reeves' cheek as Kemi Badenoch demanded a guarantee she would stay in No11 - something the premier did not give Mr Streeting added Ms Reeves has 'something going on personally, not professionally'. 'It's easy to forget that we're all humans as politicians and we have lives like everyone else,' he continued. Interest rates on 10-year and 30-year gilts - effectively the cost of government borrowing - spiked and the pound slipped sharply against the US dollar as the Commons scenes unfolded earlier. Just a year on from his election landslide, Sir Keir's authority has been left in tatters after his extraordinary surrender to avert defeat at the hands of Labour rebels. Ms Badenoch said he had made 'mistake after mistake', highlighting volte faces over grooming gangs and winter fuel allowance. She also pointed to a visibly-upset Reeves, sitting next to the PM, saying she looked 'miserable' and was being used as a 'human shield'. Last night Sir Keir effectively tore up his benefits reforms, which had been due to shave 5billion a year off spirallling costs by the end of the Parliament - but will now actually increase spending by 100million. The move heaped misery on Ms Reeves, who was already struggling to fill a black hole in the public finances that could amount to tens of billions of pounds. Touring broadcast studios this morning, Cabinet Office minister Pat McFadden warned there would be 'financial consequences' - hinting that the tax burden will need to rise again. Ms Reeves has insisted Labour will stick to manifesto pledges of no hikes to income tax, employee National Insurance or VAT. And she had been adamant that she will not break her 'cast iron' fiscal rules. But she refused to guarantee yesterday that the hated freeze in tax thresholds will not be extended. Health Secretary Wes Streeting tonight said Ms Reeves has 'toughness and hard-headedness... in spades' as he spoke out in support of the Chancellor Angela Rayner seemed oblivious as Ms Reeves wiped her eyes a few feet away along the green benches Deputy PM Angela Rayner is said to have brokered the deal with rebels, fueling speculation that she is positioning to succeed Sir Keir In highly emotional scenes at PMQs, Ms Badenoch said: 'This man has forgotten that his welfare bill was there to plug a black hole created by the Chancellor. Instead they're creating new ones. They're creating new ones. '(Ms Reeves) is pointing at me, she looks absolutely miserable. Labour MPs are going on the record saying that the Chancellor is toast, and the reality is that she is a human shield for his incompetence. In January, he said that she would be in post until the next election. Will she really?' Sir Keir replied: '(Mrs Badenoch) certainly won't. I have to say, I'm always cheered up when she asks me questions or responds to a statement because she always makes a complete mess of it and shows just how unserious and irrelevant they are. 'She talks about the black hole, they left a 22billion black hole in our economy and we're clearing it up, and I'm really proud that in the first year of a Labour Government, we got free school meals, breakfast clubs, childcare, got 15 billion invested in transport in the North and the Midlands. 'We're cutting regulation, planning and infrastructure is pounding forward, building 1.5 million homes, the biggest investment in social and affordable housing, and of course the three trade deals.' Mrs Badenoch replied: 'How awful for the Chancellor that he couldn't confirm that she would stay in place.' Challenged afterwards why Sir Keir failed to give Ms Reeves the vote of confidence, the PM's press secretary said: 'He has done so repeatedly. 'The Chancellor is going nowhere. She has the Prime Minister's full backing. 'He has said it plenty of times, he doesn't need to repeat it every time the Leader of the Opposition speculates about Labour politicians. 'The Chancellor and the Prime Minister are focused entirely on delivering for working people. 'It's thanks to the Chancellor's management of the economy that we managed to restore stability, which has led to four interest rate cuts, wages rising faster than inflation and she recently delivered a spending review that invested in Britain's national renewal.' Asked whether the Prime Minister still had confidence in Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall, the press secretary said: 'Yes.' A spokesman for the Chancellor said: 'It's a personal matter which, as you would expect, we are not going to get into. 'The Chancellor will be working out of Downing Street this afternoon.' Aides to Speaker Lindsay Hoyle refused to comment on claims he had a row with Ms Reeves shortly before the PMQs session began. But MPs believe Sir Lindsay only rebuked Ms Reeves for giving excessively long answers at Treasury questions yesterday, with the Speaker surprised that she immediate became upset. The pair had already exchanged words on the subject during the session yesterday. One MP told MailOnline that the cause was a spat with the PM before that clash. 'There has been a major row before, just before she walked in. I think it was with Keir,' they said. However, both No10 and No11 denied that there was any argument between Ms Reeves and Sir Keir. After the session, Mrs Badenoch's spokesman said 'personal matter doesn't really clear it up' and 'you normally tell people what the personal matter is'. He added: 'I'm not going to speculate I think we should find out what's going on.' Labour circles have been in a frenzy over how the Chancellor will handle the crisis in the public finances. One MP said: 'She is in massive trouble. This government has lost control. It is the worst politics of anybody - it doesn't matter whether you are left or right. 'Governments get this after four years, but we're not even at one year.' Rather than leaving the Commons immediate after PMQs as usual, Sir Keir remained on the estate for about two hours having meetings. Meanwhile, rebel ringleaders gloated that they had 'power' over the PM and stepped up demands for a lurch to the Left. Rachael Maskell, whose fatal amendment sparked the benefits shambles, urged a 24billion 'wealth tax' to pay for more handouts. Deputy PM Angela Rayner is said to have brokered the deal with rebels, fueling speculation that she is positioning to succeed Sir Keir. Opponents jibed it is obvious that Sir Keir will not now lead the party into the next election. Appearing on ITV's Lorraine show, Ms Rayner insisted she did not want the top job, joking that it would 'age me by 10 years'. Told that Sir Keir looked 'tired' and 'exhausted', she said: 'It's a very challenging job. To be fair for Keir Starmer there's been a lot going on... 'There's a lot going on and the PM's been here there and everywhere doing the job for Britain.' Amid carnage at Westminster yesterday, the PM's carefully assembled truce with rebels dramatically disintegrated. Facing the threat of a massive revolt, Sir Keir opted to make yet another major concession just 90 minutes before the vote. Ministers pledged that changes to disability handouts will not be finalised until after a review - meaning that the package as it stands will actually make the current system more expensive than before up to 2029. Sir Keir - who is days away from marking the first anniversary of his election landslide - had already agreed that the benefits curbs would only apply to new claimants. There was mocking laughter in the chamber as Social Security Minister Stephen Timms was asked how much the proposals would save now, and merely replied that the government would 'set out figures in the usual way'. Despite the humiliating manoeuvres, when the vote was held 44 Labour MPs still backed the fatal amendment and others abstained - although it was comfortably defeated by 328 to 149 as Tories largely stayed away. Shortly afterwards, the Bill cleared second reading stage by 335 to 260, with the rebellion growing to 49. It will now be scrutinised at committee, where there could be further problems. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. Keir Starmer put on a big smile for the cameras as he left for PMQs this morning, despite his authority being left in tatters after his extraordinary surrender to avert defeat at the hands of Labour rebels But Sir Keir suffered an unfortunate moment as he tripped over the step Keir Starmer insisted the smoking ruing of his benefits reforms would still make things better during brutal PMQs clashes with Kemi Badenoch Rachael Maskell, whose fatal amendment sparked the benefits shambles, urged a 24billion 'wealth tax' to pay for more handouts The concessions twist the knife on Chancellor Rachel Reeves, who was already struggling to fill a black hole in the public finances that could amount to tens of billions of pounds Mr McFadden told BBC Breakfast he is 'not going to speculate' on what could be in the Autumn Budget but there would be 'financial consequences'. 'This is one moving part of the budgetary picture, it does have a financial consequence yesterday,' he said. 'I'm not going to speculate on where the budget lands, because there are so many other different moving parts in it, and it wouldn't make sense for me to do that.' Asked explicitly whether he could rule out tax rises, Mr McFadden said: 'I'm not going to speculate on the budget. 'We will keep to the tax promises that we made in our manifesto when we fought the election last year. But it doesn't make sense for me to speculate on something where, as I say, there are so many moving parts of which this is only one element.' Ms Rayner said Ms Reeves would have to 'look' at the finances in the Autumn after the benefits overhaul. 'That does have a cost to it that will have to be set out in the Budget in the normal way. Rachel, our chancellor, will have to look at the challenges we face,' she said. Presenter Lorraine Kelly said to the Deputy PM of Sir Keir: 'You're working with him all the time - he looks absolutely exhausted. Some have said he might not be here after xmas, he doesn't have the stomach for it or anything.' Ms Rayner replied: 'Even before I was in politics, I said that have you ever seen a prime minister after a year or two in government? 'And people always say to me, do you want to be Prime Minister? Not a chance. It'll age me by 10 years within six months.' She added: 'It is a very challenging job, and there's been, to be fair for Keir Starmer, there's been a lot going on. 'He's been all around the world trying to repair the relationships in Europe. We've got the trade deals that the previous government wasn't able to do, tackling the things like the tariffs that the President in the US wanted to put onto the UK, which would have damaged our economy again. 'There's a lot going on, and the Prime Minister's been [] here, there and everywhere, doing the job for Britain.' Polling expert Professor Sir John Curtice has referred to Sir Keir's first year in office as 'the worst start for any newly elected prime minister'. He told Times Radio that the PM was 'never especially popular' and that 'the public still don't know what he stands for.' Pressed if she would be interested in taking over No10 at some point, Ms Rayner told the ITV programme: 'No'. She said that she is 'passionate' about issues including workers' rights and council housing. 'I'm very interested in delivering for the people of this country, because to be elected as an MP from my background was incredible,' she said. 'Having that opportunity to serve my community that have raised me, looked after me, given me opportunities, and I don't forget that. And to be Deputy Prime Minister of this country it's got to count for something.' Welfare minister Stephen Timms prompted gasps from MPs as he announced the volte face last night Despite the humiliating manoeuvres, when the vote was held 44 Labour MPs still backed the fatal amendment and others abstained Your browser does not support iframes. Ms Maskell told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that 'we need to look at those with the broader shoulders' to balance the books. She said she was also 'worried about public finances'. 'And that's why I think we heard very much in the debate, including from myself, that we need to look at those with the broader shoulders, as the Prime Minister said, contributing more into our system, but never pushing down on the poorest,' she said. 'And that was what the dynamic was yesterday, that we do need to look at things like a wealth tax, 24 billion, or equalisation of capital gains tax.' The Japanese government said that much more needs to be done to prepare for a possible 'megaquake' to reduce the feared death toll of up to 300,000 people. Quakes are extremely hard to predict, but in January a government panel marginally increased the probability of a major jolt in the Nankai Trough off Japan in the next 30 years to 75-82 percent. The government then released a new estimate in March saying that such a megaquake and subsequent tsunami could cause as many as 298,000 deaths and damages of up to $2 trillion. In 2014 the Central Disaster Management Council issued a preparedness plan recommending a series of measures that, it was hoped, would reduce deaths by 80 percent. But the government has said that so far the steps taken would only cut the toll by 20 percent, Kyodo news agency reported, and an updated preparedness plan was issued on Tuesday. This recommended accelerated efforts including constructing embankments and evacuation buildings as well as more regular drills to improve public readiness. 'It is necessary for the nation, municipalities, companies and non-profits to come together and take measures in order to save as many lives as possible,' Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba told a government meeting, local media reported. The Nankai Trough is a 500-mile undersea gully running parallel to Japan's Pacific coast where one tectonic plate is 'subducting' - slowly slipping - underneath another. The Japanese government said that much more needs to be done to prepare for a possible 'megaquake' to reduce the feared death toll of up to 300,000 people. Pictured: Massive tsunami waves triggered by a major earthquake in northeastern Japan engulf houses in Natori, March, 2011 According to a new analysis, an earthquake in the Nankai Trench off Japan's Pacific coast would have devastating consequences. This map shows the intensity of tremors according to Japan's seven-point scale The government believes that an earthquake in the Nankai Trench would produce a tsunami more destructive than the 2011 Tohoku earthquake What happens if a megaquake strikes? If a megaquake occurs in the Nankai Trough, some regions will have as little as two minutes to prepare. Waves up to 10m tall will hit Tokyo and 12 other prefectures along the southeast coast. Almost 300,000 people would be killed - including 215,000 killed by tsunami waves, 73,000 by building collapse, and 8,700 in fires. Post-disaster deaths due to factors like disease and exposure could range from 26,000 and 52,000. Advertisement Over the past 1,400 years, megaquakes in the Nankai Trough have occurred every 100 to 200 years. The last one was in 1946. The Japan Meteorological Association (JMA) last August issued its first advisory warning that the likelihood had risen but it was lifted again after a week. Some foreign tourists have been holding off coming to Japan this summer by unfounded fears spurred on social media that a major quake is imminent. Causing particular concern is a manga comic reissued in 2021 which predicted a major disaster on July 5, 2025. Hong Kong-based Greater Bay Airlines reduced flights to Japan because 'demand has rapidly decreased', a local tourism official told AFP in May. The number of visitors to Japan from Hong Kong to Japan fell 11.2 percent in May year-on-year, according to the tourism office. Those from mainland China soared 44.8 percent, however, while arrivals from South Korea rose 11.8 percent. 'It is impossible with current science to predict earthquakes by specifying the location, time, and magnitude of an earthquake, and to say that an earthquake will or will not occur,' Ryoichi Nomura, head of the JMA, said in May. Two men walk through the rubble and debris on March 18, 2011 in Ishinomaki, Japan after a quake triggered a tsunami wave which engulfed large parts of north-eastern Japan Japan sits directly on the Pacific Ring of Fire, a belt of intense seismic activity. One of the most dangerous regions is the 600-mile (900km) section known as the Nankai Trough which produces megaquakes once every 100 to 200 years The most dangerous aspect of the earthquake would be the tsunami wave that would hit Japan. This map shows the expected height of the tsunami wave with black regions showing waves above 20m and red showing waves from 10-20m in height In 2011, a magnitude nine earthquake struck about 81 miles off the coast beneath the North Pacific. The earthquake produced waves up to 132ft tall in some places and killed 15,500 people. Pictured: Fishing boats washed up by the tsunami in Miyagi Prefecture Yuriage district that was devastated by the earthquake and tsunami that hit northeastern Japan on March 11, 2011 In this aerial image, people look at destroyed houses on March 12, 2011 in Minamisanriku, Miyagi, Japan 'We ask the public to take certain steps so that you can cope with earthquakes no matter when they occur. But we also strongly urge the public not make irrational actions driven by anxiety.' In 2011, a magnitude nine earthquake struck about 81 miles off the coast beneath the North Pacific. The earthquake produced waves up to 132ft tall in some places and killed 15,500 people. In addition, the flooding caused the meltdown of three nuclear reactors at the Fukushima power plant, releasing toxic waste into the environment and forcing thousands to flee their homes. However, a megaquake in Nankai Trench could be even more devastating than the 2011 Earthquake - the most powerful tremor in history. A mother-of-two was left with her lip 'hanging off' and 'blood pouring from her face' after being savaged by a pitbull. Influencer Cody Davies was viciously mauled during a night out with friends in Liverpool city centre on Saturday. The 31-year-old dog lover claimed she approached the animal and tried to stroke it when it leapt up and sunk its teeth into her face. Panicked Cody was left covered in blood and needing emergency treatment, with 20 stitches used to fix her disfigured face. Graphic pictures of her wounds show her top lip looking painfully swollen and a large gash where the out-of-control hound tore into her. The glamorous mother-of-two's injuries were so gruesome, she now fears she will lose out on her lucrative role as a 'brand ambassador' online. Speaking about her trauma, Ms Davies told the Liverpool Echo: 'I was running around with my hands covering my face and blood pouring from my face. 'No taxis would take me because I was covered in blood and thankfully someone rang an ambulance for me.' Influencer Cody Davies was viciously mauled during a night out with friends in Liverpool The 31-year-old was savaged after she tried to stroke the dog during a night out The mother-of-two we left needing 20 stitches and fears her injury will ruin her job as a brand ambassador online (pictured is her after the attack) Model Cody's ordeal took place at about 1am, close to the statue of iconic British rock group - and Liverpool natives - the Beatles, in Mathew Street. The young mother said she had spotted the 'pitbull-type dog' as it was 'playing with its owner', a woman, in the vibrant city district - famed for being the home of The Cavern Club, the birthplace of the Beatles. When Ms Davies, of Port Sunlight, approached to pet the animal, it leapt up and tore into her face. She was rushed to Aintree Hospital by ambulance where she received 20 stitches. She left the facility a day later, on Sunday morning. The shocking attack has since been reported to Merseyside Police, which has now launched an official investigation. It comes as Ms Davies, who owns two French bulldogs, admitted the mauling had left her worried to be around other animals. And she claimed it was hard to explain her graphic injuries to her young children. 'I feel terrible and I feel so sad,' she added. Model Cody's ordeal took place at about 1am, close to the statue of iconic British rock group - and Liverpool natives - the Beatles, in Mathew Street Ms Davies, who owns two French bulldogs, admitted the mauling had left her worried to be around other animals (she is pictured with a lion cub) Police have now launched an investigation into the alleged dog mauling in Liverpool Police say they have 'identified the dog and its owner' and are now appealing for witnesses or those with CCTV of the attack to come forward. Chief Inspector Nathaniel Stockley said: 'This attack left a woman requiring hospital treatment for injuries to her face. 'We have identified the dog and its owner and our enquiries into the incident are ongoing. 'We are appealing to anyone who was in the area at the time of the incident who may have information to come forward as soon as possible.' Chief Insp Stockley added: 'This case highlights in stark terms the potential dangers of dogs, and I would appeal to anyone with information about dangerous dogs in their area to contact us so that we can take proactive action.' Those with information should contact Merseyside Police quoting the incident refence '125 of 29 June'. A former Russian special forces paratrooper today emerged as the whistleblower who prevented a notorious British paedophile 'marrying' a nine-year-old girl at Disneyland Paris. The 54-year-old Latvian, who only uses his first name of Vitalijs for security reasons, helped get Londoner Jacky Jhaj, 39, arrested a week ago last Saturday. Jhaj who is on a sex offenders register in the UK following criminal convictions remains in custody in France after being charged with a series of criminal offences. All are connected with the bizarre 111,000 ceremony at Disneyland, which involved a schoolgirl from Ukraine who was meant to act as his 'bride'. On Wednesday, Vitalijs said he had been offered the equivalent of 550 to play 'the father of the bride'. He assumed he was giving away the 41-year-old mother, but when he realised the betrothed was in fact her little girl, he exploded with anger. Vitalijs, who served as a paratrooper in the Red Army before the collapse of the old Soviet Union, only found out about the child's role 'five hours before the ceremony' and immediately quit, he said. Despite Jhaj telling him to stay away, he travelled to Disneyland to alert management about the involvement of the minor. Jacky Jhaj, who is on the sex register in the UK is now in custody in France charged with multiple criminal offences Vitalijs, a former Russian paratrooper used his skills to break into Disneyland Paris to stop the 'wedding' 'I knew I had to do something,' he said. 'I sneaked into Disneyland without a pass.' Vitalijs, who does not speak French or English, used his special forces training to get into the theme park the most popular in Europe and carried a note with him. It read: 'This is not a real wedding. The girl is nine years old!' Vitalijs said he approached the wedding stage, and handed the message to a Disney employee, who ensured the 'wedding was stopped immediately.' Police arrived within minutes, and a number of suspects including Jhaj were arrested and taken into custody. Vitalijs was driven to a police station, where he was shown a fake British passport with his photo on it. Vitalijs said: 'I found out that my passport had been forged. I only remember the first name, Mikhail. I don't remember the surname. 'I remembered that a woman in Riga [Latvia] had asked me for a passport photo for a pass to Disneyland. 'Of course, I told the police that it wasn't me and that it wasn't my passport.' Jhaj was arrested after Vitalijs handed a note to a Disneyland employee informing them the girl was a minor Vitalijs was released without charge, as were the Ukrainian mother and child. Vitalijs had got to know the pair after meeting them at a casting session for the Disneyland stunt in the Czech Republic in May. She told him she had known Jhaj for a year, and even gone on holiday with him, while also accepting cash from him. Jhaj has since claimed: 'I'm just a simple actor who took part in a film shoot'. Jhaj made the comment to examining magistrates in Meaux, east of the capital city, after his arrest. His lawyer, Jean-Christophe Ramadier, said Jhaj was solely placed in 'provisional custody' because 'he had no guarantee of legal representation in France, where he has no address.' He was guilty of sexual activity with two 15-year-olds in Britain in 2016. Jean-Baptiste Bladier, the Meaux prosecutor, confirmed the Ukrainian child had not suffered 'any violence, neither physical nor sexual,' and had 'not been forced into playing the bride.' Jhaj was found guilty of sexual activity with two 15-year-olds back in 2016 Mr Bladier said Jhaj 'played the role of the groom after having been professionally made up to display a face completely different from his own.' An unidentified 24-year-old Lativian woman is also being held in connection with the stunt. The investigation into the fake wedding continues. The Azerbaijan Airlines plane that crashed in Kazakhstan on Christmas Day, killing 38, was shot down in an attack authorised by the Russian Ministry of Defence, according to the apparent testimonies of a Russian air defence crew. Flight J2-8243 crash landed just short of Aktau airport on December 25. It was claimed that its navigation systems had been compromised and the plane had been shot down, possibly confused with a Ukrainian projectile by artillery in Chechnya. Azerbaijani outlet Minval reported on Tuesday it had received audio, video and an explanatory note ostensibly signed by a Russian air defence officer, claiming the ministry had cleared the crew to shoot down a 'potential target' in 'very thick fog'. The author claims to have been the head of the crew in Grozny when the plane was shot down. Three audio recordings shared with the outlet reportedly included three voices claiming they had all given the operational command and fired twice at the plane. Footage purported to show the moment the order was given to fire. The clip seen by MailOnline includes a Russian speaker listing coordinates before giving an order to 'Fire! Fire, I say!'. There is a loud explosion and then an admission the attack missed. The camera, focused on two screens inside what appeared to be a mobile artillery system, shook after the instruction and a loud bang could be heard. 'It's on the way...' the audio continues. 'Missed! Repeat. One more time!' MailOnline was unable to verify the authenticity of the files. Mirval said it had received an 'anonymous letter' with the multimedia evidence and what they said was a note signed by a Captain Dmitry Sergeevich Paladichuk. The moment Flight J2-8243 crashed on Christmas Day, 2024, in Kazakhstan Minval shared video and audio claiming to show 'The moment the Russian Defense Ministry gave the order to destroy the AZAL flight' The Embraer 190 aircraft was carrying 67 people. Only 29 survived A Russian Pantsir-S1 self-propelled, medium-range surface-to-air missile and anti-aircraft artillery system. Fragments from a Pantsir-S missile were found in the Azerbaijan AIrlines plane According to the explanatory note, at 8:11am, 'the target detection station detected a potential target, which I took on precise tracking by the [multiple rocket launcher system], which I reported to the 51st Division Command Post.' Two minutes later, 'I was given the command to destroy the target over the phone'. The target was 'not visible in the optics due to very thick fog, which was reported to the command post'. But within half a minute, 'I gave the command to the operator to destroy'. The first attack missed and 'I gave the command to fire again.' The crew was said to have been commanded to 'switch to readiness' at 5:40am. In the days before, Chechnya had assured its air defences were on standby to shoot down incoming Ukrainian drones. A media report on December 20 noted that four drone strikes had hit Chechnya since October, with 'not a single drone' shot down despite assurances that defences were operational. Sources told Novaya Europe at the time that aircraft defence systems had hitherto never been used during drone attacks on Chechnya. The documents since shared with Minval describe the poor condition of the equipment available to the Chechen forces in Grozny. 'Due to poor mobile reception and a lack of functional wired communication, coordination relied heavily on unstable mobile connections,' it reads. Video showed the plane crashing in Kazakhstan. Some passengers somehow escaped Damage to Flight J2-8243 identified after the crash A drone view shows the crash site of an Azerbaijan Airlines passenger plane near the city of Aktau, Kazakhstan December 25 The outlet was unable to verify the authenticity of the letter received, or the author. It said it was in the interests of the ongoing investigation to publish the document. The outlet also did not publish all three audio recordings, as they 'still need to be studied by investigative bodies', it said. The crash has been under investigation for more than six months, after a preliminary report found fragments from a Pantsir-S missile lodged in the plane. Russian President Vladimir Putin did not say that Russia had shot the plane down, but has apologised for the 'tragic incident' inside Russian airspace. A day after the crash, Azerbaijani government officials told Euronews that there had been drone activity above Grozny at the time of the incident. They said that the pilot of the commercial plane, travelling from Baku to Grozny, had been blocked from landing at any Russian airports despite emergency pleas. The pilots asked for help from several different airports in Russia, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan, the officials said. But the plane was barred from landing in Grozny, with the official reason given as 'fog'. Ordered to carry on towards Kazakhstan, Flight J2-8243 crossed the Caspian Sea towards Aktau before crashing. FILE PHOTO: The Pantsir-S1 (SA-22), self-propelled, medium-range surface-to-air missile system seen displayed under the Russian national flag during the annual Army defense technology exhibition in 2016 It ultimately came down just a few miles from Aktau, and data shows its radars were jammed as it crossed over the sea. A source familiar with the Azerbaijani investigation told Reuters that while 'no one claims that it was done on purpose', Baku 'expects the Russian side to confess to the shooting down of the Azerbaijani aircraft'. Most of the passengers on board were Azerbaijani. Sixteen were from Russia, and several from Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. Russia had tried to play down speculation the flight had been shot down by a Russian missile, urging patience while the investigation is carried out. The two countries have enjoyed bilateral ties, with Azerbaijan becoming an essential partner for trade and acting as a corridor to Iran amid the war in Ukraine. But diplomatic relations have reached a new low in recent days, as two Russian state journalists were arrested in Baku and a further around 15 more Russians arrested separately on suspicion of drug trafficking and cybercrime. The arrests followed Russian police raids against ethnic Azerbaijanis living in Russia suspected of involvement in serious crimes in which two men died. The Russian Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday that certain forces were trying to wreck Moscow's ties with Azerbaijan and that they should think hard about what they were doing, the state RIA news agency reported. A mother-of-two who lost her arm and leg when she slipped on a wet platform and was hit by two Tube trains 'contributed' to her life-changing injuries through her own negligence, according to Transport for London. City worker Sarah de Lagarde, 46, slipped on a wet platform at High Barnet station in north London in September 2022 and fell down the gap between the platform and the train. Ms De Lagarde, global head of corporate affairs at investment firm Janus Henderson, was returning home from work at 10pm on September 30, 2022. She fell asleep and was woken up by another passenger at the end of the Northern Line at High Barnet station. After getting off the train, she noticed it was returning back the same way and stepped backwards to get back on. But she fell through the gap on to the tracks. Nobody heard her desperate cries for help and she was run over and crushed by two trains. By the time she was rescued and taken to hospital, she had to have her limbs amputated. The PR executive, who now uses two prosthetic limbs including a bionic arm, has launched a legal battle against London Underground Ltd (LUL), part of Transport for London (TfL), and is seeking 25million in compensation. However, in defence documents submitted to the High Court, TfL denies liability, arguing Ms De Lagarde's injuries were the result of her own negligence. The public transport network says she, 'placed herself in a position of danger' because she was 'negligent' in how she got off the train. Ms de Lagarde was on the tracks for 15 minutes before the alarm was raised. Speaking previously, she said: 'Twenty-two tonnes of steel crushed my limbs, and, if that wasn't bad enough, I remained on the tracks undetected until the second train came into the station, crushing me for a second time.' Sarah de Lagarde spoke outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London last year, directing her message to Mayor of London Sadiq Khan and the bosses of TfL, prior to launching legal action at the court Ms de Lagarde is pictured at the Royal London Hospital trauma ward after the accident Ms de Lagarde fell on to the tracks at High Barnet station, pictured, on her commute home after she fell asleep and missed her intended stop TfL defence lists six grounds of Ms de Lagarde's alleged contributory negligence Failed to manage her exit from the train so that she was on stable footing when she was on the platform. Failed to walk safely along the platform so that she stepped sideways and backwards on the platform after alighting the train and fell backwards into the gap. Failed reasonably to maintain her balance. Failed to have sufficient regard for her own safety and placed herself in a position of danger. Failed to heed warnings of the existence of the gap, including announcements given on the network of the existence of a gap between trains and platforms. Failed to guard against the obvious risk of danger of falling off the platform if positioned close to its edge. Advertisement In defence documents submitted to the High Court by TfL's legal team and seen by MailOnline, TfL suggest 'the incident was caused or contributed to by the claimant's negligence'. According to the TfL defence: 'The claimant took a few steps forward on to the platform and then took a few steps backwards, before the rear of her body struck the rear side of the door of the train she had exited from. 'The claimant continued to move backwards and, approximately seven seconds after exiting the train, she fell into the gap between carriages five and six of the train.' Around five minutes later, the train driver walked back through the train to get to the driver's cab to start his return journey southbound. He noticed Ms de Lagarde's brown leather bag wedged between the train and the platform, which he later handed to lost property. But he didn't investigate further. TfL's defence said the driver 'did not see or hear the claimant at that point and did not look into the gap, having no reason to do so'. She called out for help, but no one came and the train left the platform, bringing her right arm with it. She managed to reach her phone but her face was so badly injured the face ID didn't work and it was too wet from the rain for the touchscreen to function, so she again tried to shout for help. But again, no one came. And then a second train arrived, running over her right leg. On Wednesday June 25, Ms de Lagarde attended the first High Court hearing in her case against London Underground Limited, which is part of Transport for London before Judge Master Roger Eastman. The judge indicated that an eight-day trial would be listed at the High Court for early 2027. Standing outside the Royal Courts of Justice in central London, she said: 'I was run over and crushed by not one, but two London underground trains on the Northern Line. 'Miraculously, I survived, but it cost me dearly: the first train took my arm, and the second train took my leg. That night I also lost my mobility, my independence, my dignity and above all my ability to hug my two young children with both arms. 'Today, I stand before you not just as a survivor, but as a voice for change.' Mrs de Lagarde at a rehabilitation centre, getting fitted for her bionic arm She was travelling home to Camden from work when she fell down the gap The mother suffered from PTSD and said she will never use the Underground again Ms de Lagarde lost her right arm and leg after being crushed by the tube TfL say the driver of the second train did not see Ms de Lagarde lying on the track, despite the train's headlights being on. However, TfL said their purpose was 'not to illuminate the tracks or the platform' but to make the train visible to workers on the track. Ms de Lagarde was on the tracks for 15 minutes before the alarm was raised and London Fire Brigade and London's Air Ambulance medics were alerted. Three air ambulance medics helped save her life, with Dr Benjamin Marriage and paramedics Chris Doyle and Kevin Cuddon receiving a national bravery award. Mr Cuddon said: 'Sarah was trapped in a very awkward position so I crawled under the train to help the London Fire Brigade get her out. 'Together we had to carry her about 30m under the train and put her on a device to lift her up to the platform. 'She was really quiet, pale and had lost some blood.' Ms de Lagarde had stepped on to an 'accessibility hump', a slope of a ramp that is designed to make it easier for wheelchair users to board trains. Ms de Lagarde speaks outside the Royal Courts of Justice in February last year prior to launching legal action An investigation by TfL found that the ramp was 'in principle compliant' with TfL's standards and that 'passengers stepping on to the base of the platform ramp is considered a sub-optimal arrangement' but was nevertheless Ms de Lagarde says 'remained conscious and continued to cry out for help'. Her claim states: 'She was left lying partially across the first rail of the track, closest to the station platform. 'The claimant attempted to manoeuvre her right foot and leg across the first rail in order to retrieve her mobile telephone. She cried out for help, but nobody came to her assistance.' She was unable to move into a recess space in the platform wall as it was blocked by a steel frame and 'excess ballast', it is claimed. It is disputed by TfL that there are different safety procedures for trains departing from a terminus station, as opposed to a station elsewhere on the line. 'The same checks are required on dispatching a train from a terminus station and a non-terminus station,' TfL said. Ms de Lagarde was airlifted to the Royal London Hospital in Whitechapel where she underwent surgery before being transferred to the Amputee Rehabilitation Unit in Lambeth on October 20. She was discharged home on December 1, 2022. Ms de Lagarde receives ongoing care at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital in Stanmore. Representing Ms de Lagarde, Leigh Day partner Thomas Jervis said: 'Like millions of other Londoners, Sarah de Lagarde was just trying to get home from work when she was hit by two tube trains at High Barnet station. 'Transport for London is refusing to accept liability and positively blames Sarah for what happened. 'This case is incredibly important and may have a profound impact on how Londons transport network is operated in the future.' A TfL spokesperson said: 'We are responding to a legal claim brought by Sarah de Lagarde. 'It is not appropriate to discuss details of our defence while this case is ongoing. 'Our thoughts continue to be with Sarah and her family following this terrible incident, and we will continue to make every possible effort to learn from any incident on the Tube network. 'Safety is our top priority and we will always place it at the forefront of our thinking.' Poland's Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski has claimed a 300 million border wall has proven '98 per cent effective' at preventing attempts of illegal migration from Belarus. 'We had large numbers of people who were invited by Russia and Belarus from the Middle East and Africa who were then pushed across the Polish-Belarusian border into Poland,' Sikorski told BBCR4's Today programme. Warsaw alleges that Minsk and Moscow have long been waging a 'hybrid war', seeking to flood Poland with refugees to strain the country's finances and law enforcement resources, and destabilise civil society. 'This year we have completed a big and beautiful fence with sensors overground, underground, with a patrol road alongside it, so hardly anybody gets through that barrier,' Sikorski declared. He also mentioned a recent amendment to immigration legislation that stipulates migrants attempting to reach Poland via Russia and Belarus can continue to apply for asylum in Poland, but only at consulate buildings in Moscow and Minsk. The anti-migration fencing was completed in June 2022 and now spans a 116-mile-long stretch of the Polish-Belarusian border, but was subsequently upgraded with surveillance equipment, including CCTV cameras, heat and motion sensors. The five-metre-high metal fence scythes through the Polish countryside, covered with miles upon miles of barbs and topped with razor wire. Border checkpoints are also reinforced with huge concrete slabs, each weighing more than 1.5 tonnes, along with secondary walls and barbed-wire fencing. Sikorski spoke to BBCR4 amid discussions about soaring illegal migration figures in Britain, with 20,000 migrants said to have arrived in Britain via small boats crossing The Channel so far in 2025. Your browser does not support iframes. Poland 's Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski has claimed a 300 million border wall has proven '98 per cent effective' at preventing attempts of illegal migration from Belarus Now, Polish authorities are proceeding full steam ahead with a new project - East Shield - which aims to transform its entire frontier with Belarus and the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad into one gigantic, closely surveilled fortification. The 400-mile-long construction, announced last year and targeted for completion in 2028, arguably constitutes the single most significant national security investment in Poland's post-war history at more than 2 billion. It was green-lit by Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk's government in response to Russia's war in Ukraine, and Moscow and Minsk's so-called hybrid war tactics. In addition to the barbed wire-topped fencing, concrete reinforcements and secondary defences, the East Shield will see strips of land turned into minefields and littered with anti-tank fortifications including steel and concrete hedgehogs, 'dragon's teeth' obstacles and deep trenches, along with drone defence equipment. This multi-layered line of defence is expected to extend more than 200 metres back from the initial border wall. Behind these defences, Warsaw is constructing bunkers, firing posts and other military infrastructure in the forests, woods and small villages spanning the length of the country to provide yet more resistance should the deterrent fail. According to details provided by the government, the programme will also employ state-of-the-art surveillance equipment, including imagery intelligence (IMINT), signals intelligence (SIGINT), and acoustic monitoring to improve situational awareness of the would-be battlefield. An armed and masked soldier stands guard at the border wall between Poland and Belarus Heavily armed Polish troops are seen detaining migrants who managed to penetrate the wall in March Cezary Tomczyk, Poland's Secretary of State in the Ministry of National Defence, sees the mammoth project as not just a defence insurance policy for Poland, but for the whole of Europe. Speaking at the launch of the project in 2024, he said: 'Today we are making a decision that will change how we think about Poland's security for decades. This is not just Poland's border. It is the border of the European Union and NATO. The frontline of democracy, order and stability.' As such, Poland worked to attract investment from the European Union's lending and financing arm, the European Investment Bank (EIB), to help finance East Shied. In March, the defence ministry announced that the EIB had agreed in principle to spend up to 1 billion on the project, close to half the forecasted cost. Lieutenant General Stanislaw Czosnek, Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Polish Armed Forces, told Ukrainskaya Pravda in May that the invasion of Ukraine by Russia was the primary motivating factor behind East Shield. 'The security environment in our region has significantly deteriorated. We are in a state of hybrid war, and we are acting in advance,' he said. In the months before Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Poland was already struggling to cope with a constant stream of migrants crossing the border from Belarus. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko had urged migrants to forge a path further West and even began facilitating visas and travel from Middle Eastern countries to accelerate the process. The move prompted Warsaw to break with EU migration policies and begin work on its border fence - a project whose necessity was justified in November 2021 when crowds of migrants attempted to bust through then-incomplete defences. Heavily armed riot police and border security teams were dispatched to manage the ruckus. In one particularly shocking clash, some members of a group of more than 1,000 migrants tried to hack down a barbed-wire fence only to meet a phalanx of Polish guards who forced them back with pepper spray. The fortifications of East Shield are designed to fend off potential threats from 'the enemy' Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk (pictured) said Polish soldiers operate amoured tanks during the military exercise 'Shield East' defence programme in the Land Forces Training ground in Orzysz, northern Poland, October 14 Hundreds of migrants broke through the Belarusian border fence close to the Kuznica crossing with Poland, before rushing towards Polish barbed wire barricades, in November 2021 Polish forces are seen standing guard at the border to block the passage of migrants from Belarus in 2021 Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko speaks to migrants as he visits the transport and logistics centre Bruzgi on the Belarusian-Polish border, in the Grodno region, Belarus November 26, 2021 Poland's then-Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said: 'The Polish government is determined and we will defend the security of our country,' labelling the action an 'invasion' orchestrated by Belarus. The border wall was completed after months of work in June 2022, but the number of people lodging asylum claims in Poland only continued to increase. Hundreds of migrants have also attempted to penetrate the border fencing, mostly to no avail. Those that do manage to sneak or force their way through are swiftly detained by heavily armed Polish border guards patrolling the fence in armoured vehicles. A brazen attempt to cut through the fence in March proved the last straw for Premier Donald Tusk, who promptly suspended the right to claim asylum in Poland for 60 days, save for unaccompanied minors, pregnant women, elderly or unwell people. Earlier this year, the Polish government confirmed it would not take part in the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum, which the bloc implemented to manage the arrival of asylum seekers. Under the agreement, states could either relocate a certain number of migrants, pay a financial contribution or provide operation support to help resettlement. Tusk said: 'Poland will not implement the Migration Pact in a way that would introduce additional quotas of immigrants in Poland. 'We are ready to cooperate with everyone to protect Europe from illegal migration. However, Poland will not take on any additional burdens. We have already taken on more than anyone could have imagined just a few years ago.' A border guard patrols at the Polowce-Pieszczatka border crossing in 2024 Polish soldiers begin laying razor wire along Poland's border with the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad Tusk has sought to tighten up Poland's borders since coming into office Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. As Poland continues cracking down on illegal migration, Britain is struggling with record-breaking numbers of migrants arriving via small boats. More than 20,000 people have reached Britain by crossing The Channel on migrant vessels since the start of the year. The same milestone was not hit until mid-to-late August in previous years, including 2022 - the year which went on to see a record annual total of 45,700 arrivals. Since the start of the so-called Channel crisis in 2018, more than 170,000 migrants have reached Britain by small boat - but only about four per cent have been removed. The overall cost of the asylum system was 5.3billion in 2023-24, more than double the amount spent in 2021-22. Accommodation costs are expected to hit more than 15billion over 10 years - triple the original estimate - the National Audit Office said in May. French President Emmanuel Macron's government recently agreed to change its rules so gendarmes and other officials can intercept dinghies already in the Channel, and prevent them heading for Britain. The new 'maritime doctrine', expected to come into force in the next few weeks, will allow French police to block small boat departures within 300 metres of the shoreline. However, French police unions are understood to have expressed concerns that their members may be required to enter the water wearing body armour, which can weigh up to 6lbs and would put them at risk of drowning. Last month, sources said French officers had also raised concerns about being unable to carry firearms if they are required to go into the sea, because salt water would damage the weapons. French police colonel Olivier Alary told the BBC earlier this month his teams 'will be able to do more' once the 300 metre rule comes into force. A vast Iranian propaganda factory which allegedly 'hijacked' social media in a 'coordinated' effort to manipulate millions of Britons can today be exposed. More than 1,300 fake accounts flooded X with thousands of posts during a six-week onslaught to try and 'destabilise' the UK and push pro-Iranian propaganda. It's believed a Tehran-backed bot network - aided by Russia - was behind the social media disinformation assault, which used AI to create and run bogus profiles. Cyber soldiers ruthlessly targeted every 'pressure point' in British politics seeking to divide the UK, by hijacking debates on Scottish independence and Brexit with inflammatory posts. The digital barrage also allegedly saw bots trying to discredit the British media and erode trust in the government, with AI-generated personas leading the charge. Beginning in May, the entire network then went silent in June, shortly after Iran's military strike against Israel, The blackout coincided with Iran's national communication shutdown. When the lights came back on 16 days later, so did the fake network, as it sought to champion the tyrannical Iranian regime and frame it as a 'moral superpower' against the West - with some sharing sickening anti-semitic posts depicting Israelis as rats. The co-ordinated disinformation campaign was exposed by digital campaign group Cyabra, and is thought to be one of the largest of its kind officially unveiled, having reached an estimated 224million people over 3,000 posts. Iran has been accused of using fake accounts to spread inflammatory social media posts seeking to divide Britain, including those surrounding the debate for Scottish independence More than 1,300 fake accounts flooded X with thousands of posts during a six-week onslaught to try and 'destabilise' the UK and push pro-Iranian propaganda Cyabra, a tech firm focusing on exposing alleged disinformation campaigns, said it had identified more than 1,300 accounts on X responsible for thousands of posts Dan Brahmy, chief executive of Cyabra, told MailOnline: 'While the blackout cut Iran's internet and power, it lit up what they were hiding from the rest of the world, exposing their playbook. 'AI-generated fake personas, designed to pass as real users, had been blending into public conversations. 'When Iran came back online, so did the bots, but this time, they were pushing pro-Iran propaganda and mocking the West. We watched a state-run influence op misfire in real time.' It comes as military chiefs today warned the alleged bot factory may indicate Iran and Russia - a known expert in disinformation tactics - have been working together. 'The threat is huge,' warned Colonel Philip Ingram, a former officer in British military intelligence. 'I believe Russia has coordinated a lot of this. 'It's something more than a strong tangible link Russia and Iran are working together. 'This could then indicate Russia was heavily involved in Iran's planning with Hezbollah and Hamas, and would suggest Russia might be involved in Hamas's attack into Israel.' While former British commander Colonel Hamish de Bretton-Gordon said: 'This to me is the classic Russian disinformation propaganda we're very well aware of. 'Iran has obviously been taught this by the Russians, who are adept at it.' Iran's alleged bot network shutdown during Tehran's assault on Israel, which led to an internet blackout in Iran (pictured: Israel's Iron Dome engages missiles fired by Tehran) A missile was seen exploding into a building in Tel Aviv after Iran launched a salvo of missiles against Israel Iran's Supreme Leader Khamenei vowed to 'inflict heavy blows' as he blames Israel for starting a war Several people were injured after Tehran launched a barrage of missiles at Tel Aviv in revenge for attacks on its nuclear sites The huge troll network targeted Western audiences and the Scottish online community. Fake accounts 'systematically promoted a blend of pro-Scottish independence, anti-Brexit, and pro-Iranian narratives' to create politically-charged debates that sought to sow division within the UK, Cyabra said. In the company's investigation into the alleged cyber takeover, some 5,083 profiles engaged in promoting pro-Scottish independence debates were analysed - with 26 per cent found to be fake, 'substantially higher than platform norms', it said. The bogus accounts worked 'in co-ordination' by systematically deploying identical hashtags, messages and themes to 'manufacture consensus, fuel division, and weaken public trust in UK institutions'. Its first strike saw fake profiles trying to frame the UK as 'a force of oppression from which Scotland must break free' and that independence was an inevitability. Posts reinforced the idea that independence is not only justified but long overdue, while co-ordinated phrasing such as 'another very good reason for #ScottishIndepence' was deployed by the bots. In its second phase, the alleged propaganda factory tried to use Brexit as a 'catalyst for separation', depicting it as a 'decision imposed on Scotland' and a 'betrayal' of the British public, with hashtags '#BetterTogetherLied and #BrexitBetrayal. In its research, Cyabra claimed to have exposed a number of alleged fake accounts who were part of the Iranian bot network Researchers said alleged fake profiles hijacked debates on Brexit to try and 'destabilise' the UK Many of the accounts used the same #BrexitBetrayal and sucked real users into the conversation (pictured is an alleged fake account) The fake posts duped real Britons into joining in the debate, who unknowingly helped its reach and engagement online to spread like wildfire. Iranian bots also took aim at the British media and Government by deliberately spreading misinformation to 'erode the credibility of two central pillars of British public life', Cyabra said. However, following Israel's military strike against Iran on June 13, Cyabra said it identified a 'suspicious pattern' of numerous previously active accounts going silent. The unexpected blackout coincided with the internet blackout that plunged Iran into chaos. Days later and the alleged troll factory sprung back into action after internet connection was restored in Iran. Many posts framed Iran as a 'strong, moral actor standing up to the United States and Israel', while portraying its military responses as 'justified acts of defence'. Other accounts sought to legitimise Iran's missile bombardment of Israel and 'criticise Western double standards' - while other posts mocked the US by saying it had 'begged for a ceasefire after failing to defeat Iran', Cyabra's report said. Colonel Hamish de Bretton-Gordon (pictured), a former British Army officer, said there could be a link between Russia and Iran over the alleged Iranian bot factory that targeted the UK Jill Burkes, Cyabra's head of communications, added the 16-day silence had exposed the alleged Iranian bot network's operation. 'They didn't go quiet on purpose, the power cut them off. And that unexpected disruption exposed everything,' she added. 'When the bots came back, they were pushing a completely new narrative: praising Iran's strength, mocking the West, and amplifying regime propaganda. 'That silence, followed by a sudden coordinated messaging shift, is what confirmed attribution. Same fake personas, same behavior patterns, just a different mission.' Among the accounts allegedly central to the disinformation campaign was @lucy9760. Between May 11 and June 12, the account was highly active publishing huge swathes of content supporting Scottish independence in posts 'aimed to amplify division'. Between June 13 and June 28, the account went dark, ceasing all activity. The timescale aligned with the Israel-Iran war and were seemingly replicated by other alleged bots in the network. Then, from June 29, the profile resumed, promoting pro-Iranian narratives. Research by Cyabra linked certain fake accounts to the alleged troll factory, with profiles posting about similar themes before then all going dark during Iran's internet blackout The account went from posting about Scottish independence to going silent for days during Iran's communication blackout. It then resumed posting on June 29, championing Iran Pictured is Iran's leader Grand Ayatollah, Naser Makarem Shirazi Protests about America's bombing exploded in the states. Pictured are demonstrators in New York on July 1 The investigation found that 1,322 fake accounts posted a staggering 3,092 piece of content between May 11 and June 28 as part of a 'deliberate large-scale operation'. Content generated by disinformation onslaught accumulated almost 127,000 engagements - made up of likes, comments, and shares - significantly boosting its visibility across X. As a result, manipulated messaging achieved a reach of more than 224million views, increasing the likelihood of shaping real users' opinions. Colonel Hamish de Bretton-Gordon said the operation showed that Britons needed to be aware of the threats posed by hoovering up information from social media. 'Russians and Iranians want to try and destabilise our society - thats the way autocratic societies operate,' he warned. 'If you say something often enough people start to believe it however ridiculous. Its a fact of life. 'But its also a fact that we shouldn't be passive. We shouldnt just let it go on. We should try and identify people and make sure the correct narrative - not the gibberish spouted by Moscow and Tehran - comes to light.' The news came after experts at a British defence think-tank warned Vladimir Putin's shadowy cyberspace army is 'weaponising' artificial intelligence to spread disinformation online and confuse Britons into siding with the Kremlin. The new technology is 'already in use' and 'blurring the lines' between fact and fiction, researchers at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) worryingly claimed. Experts from the London-based group say Russia-linked groups - including 'hacktivist collectives' and pro-Kremlin influencers - have already been mobilised. Using so-called 'generative AI', the groups are working to seed disinformation about Russian activity on an industrial scale, using custom-built automated propaganda to 'sow discord' across the West. Speaking of the dangers posed by AI, a Government spokesman previously told MailOnline: 'We are acutely aware of the serious risks posed by hostile actors exploiting generative AI to spread mis- and disinformation to divide communities and undermine our democracy. We are taking firm and decisive action to face down that threat and strengthen the UK's resilience.' MailOnline approached the Iranian Embassy for comment. An angry builder has been handed a 500 fine for flytipping - after renovating a home but leaving two empty sacks on a grass verge. Frank Brown, 63, has hit out after receiving the penalty - saying he put the heavy-duty bags on the patch of land to avoid blocking the driveway where he was working. The sacks, containing a few inches of sand, were outside the property on a road in Chilwell, Nottinghamshire, for three days before he was fined. Mr Brown is now refusing to pay - insisting he always had the intention of taking the sacks with him after the job was finished. The grandfather-of-two said: 'It's madness - I wasn't flytipping. 'I was carrying out quite a big building job on a house and we had a skip and the customers had two cars so space was limited. 'I put the empty sacks on a grass verge just outside the front of the house. They were there for three days before I got fined. 'An enforcement agent knocked on the bay window and said he wanted to speak to me about the fly-tipping and pointed at the bags. Frank Brown (pictured), 63, has hit out after receiving a 500 fine for flytipping He says he only put two sacks on land to avoid blocking the driveway where he was working 'I said to him, "Okay, mate, I'm sorry if there's been a misunderstanding, I'll remove them now" - but he said, "No, it's too late". 'The official just said, "I'm writing you a fine for 500 for fly-tipping". 'I was shocked and couldn't believe there was no common sense being applied..' He received a Fixed Penalty Notice from Broxtowe Borough Council on June 24. Mr Brown, who has run his building firm for 30 years, said: 'I was so shocked, I told my wife and she wrote a post about what happened and put it on Facebook. 'We had lots of responses from people who had also been fined. 'It's just bullying tactics - it was like the official who fined me was waiting to pounce, he just didn't seem to have any feelings. 'It was really upsetting. My wife was really upset and we can't afford to pay this.' Frank Brown (pictured) received a Fixed Penalty Notice from Broxtowe Borough Council The sacks, containing a few inches of sand, were outside the property on a road in Chilwell, Nottinghamshire, for three days before he was fined. Mr Brown, who has run his building firm for 30 years, said of the fine: 'I was so shocked' Mr Brown said: 'I put the empty sacks on a grass verge just outside the front of the house. They were there for three days before I got fined' Mr Brown is now refusing to pay - insisting he always had the intention of taking the sacks with him after the job was finished The fine was issued by Waste Investigations Support and Enforcement, a company that works with more than 40 local authorities and which says it issues people with FPNs for offences such as littering and dog fouling, while describing having 'an impressive 79 per cent payment rate'. Mr Brown is now being backed by a legal expert who says the FPN should be void because the building materials were not technically waste. Lawyer Michael Orlik, who specialises in highways, said: 'It has been issued because the builder is alleged to have deposited waste unlawfully, contrary to the Environmental Protection Act. 'But under section 75, external, waste means any substance or object which the holder discards. 'Clearly the builder has not discarded these bags, so it's not waste. They should cancel it, having found out their mistake.' A Broxtowe Borough Council spokesperson said: 'The council uses a third party contractor, WISE, for enforcement on flytipping and littering in the borough and are therefore unable to comment on individual cases.' And Broxtowe borough councillor Tyler Marsh, ward councillor for where the fine was handed out, said: 'I have spoken with Frank and the relevant council officer and will be monitoring the progress of the appeal, as well as scrutinising the contract and current operations of WISE in Broxtowe. 'WISE's contract with the council is currently in its trial period. As councillors, we will factor reports like this into our review process and determine whether this approach is working for residents.' Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. Official figures recently suggested flytipping in England has risen to its highest level in almost 20 years. Environment Secretary Steve Reed vowed to toughen up enforcement after reported cases of illegal dumping passed 1.15million in 2023-2024. The figure is an increase of six per cent from the 1.08million the previous year and the highest level in the six years since the current method for reporting was brought in. The statistics also revealed a year-on-year fall in the number of fixed penalty notices issued for flytipping and a decline in the number of court-issued fines. Analysis of the data revealed London as a major hotspot, with eight boroughs in the top 10 local authorities for overall dumping and the highest proportion by population. The London Borough of Croydon was said to be the flytipping capital of the UK with 35,470 recorded incidents, according to an analysis of government data published covering the period from April 2023 to March 2024. Across England, the scourge of fly-tipping represnted a 6.2 per cent increase on the previous year and the second consecutive annual rise recorded. Nottingham and Liverpool were also included in the top 10, with other places towards the highest levels being Birmingham and Bradford. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. Last year some 60 per cent of cases involved household waste, with 688,000 incidents of illegally dumped rubbish from homes - ranging from black bags of waste to the contents of shed clearances, furniture, carpets and DIY. The most common places for flytipping to occur were on pavements and roads, accounting for 37 per cent of incidents. Almost one third, or 31 per cent, of incidents were the size of a small van load. And another 28 per cent amounted to the equivalent of a car boot or less of rubbish. Meanwhile, four per cent were the size of a tipper lorry load or bigger. Large flytipping incidents have cost 13.1million for local authorities to clean up, research showed. Mr Reed has said: 'Flytipping is a disgraceful act which trashes communities and its increase is unacceptable. Communities and businesses shouldn't have to put up with these crimes. 'This Government will crack down on fly tipping and punish rubbish dumpers, forcing them to clean up their mess.' Teen drug mule suspect Bella Culley claims a British gang in Thailand threatened to kill her family and decapitate her if she did not smuggle 24lb of cannabis. The pregnant 18-year-old said she was burned with an iron and desperately texted her family saying: 'HELP ME'. She also stopped a policeman in Bangkok, saying she was being coerced into taking the narcotics to Georgia. But the officers simply returned her to the gang and by the time her parents saw her message it was too late. Bella is in Women's Penitentiary No 5 after being caught with the drugs as she entered Tbilisi Airport in the Georgian capital on May 10. She was yesterday denied bail and faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted of drug smuggling at her trial next week. Her lawyer Malkhaz Salakaia, known as a skilful negotiator who has investigated the attempted assassination of a former Georgian President, said the British backpacker 'is not of the age to carefully consider what could have happened to her.' Speaking after her hearing in Tbilisi City Court, he told the Mail she was targeted by a British gang in Bangkok. 'They told her: we know the addresses of your parents, we know where your 16-year-old brother is,' he said. 'They made her watch a video of a man being decapitated and told her: if you don't do as told, this is what is going to happen to you and your family. 'She felt queasy and almost fainted but they still forced her to watch it.' The 18-year-old claimed she had a scar that proves she was violently coerced into trafficking the narcotics Teen drug mule suspect Bella Culley appeared in court Tuesday, where she claimed she was 'forced under torture' to smuggle drugs from Thailand to Georgia The teen, pictured, could face between 15 and 20 years behind bars Pictured: Bella May Culley seen in court in Tbilisi in May after she was detained at the city's airport on suspicion of carrying cannabis Pictured: The alleged drug-filled suitcase of Culley Bella May Culley's lawyer Malkhaz Salakaia pictured outside court Mr Salakaia said his client's right arm still bears 'a mark from this coercion'. He said: 'She was, so to say, branded - a hot iron was pressed on her arm. She was forced to do this - there was both psychological and physical pressure, the trace of which is still visible. 'As to what connection did she have with this group - She knew several of them - they are British. At first, she knew one, and then through him met the others. However, we have grounds to assume that this group also had local accomplices, including in Thailand.' Bella's father Niel Culley, 49, and aunt Kerrie Culley, 51, were seen inside as well as her grandfather, while her mother appeared via videolink. They offered 13,500 to grant her bail but it was denied. It has now emerged Bella tried to get a message to them during her ordeal. Her lawyer said: 'There is also an episode indicated in the case that Bella sent an SMS to her family asking for help, saying: "HELP ME", but by the time the family reacted it was too late 'The instruction, or rather, a threat, she was given consisted of the following: you will take this luggage and carry it from point A to point B, to this or that country, or we will kill you. There is no talk of any potential reward or deal - Bella was simply forced to do this. 'The speculation that one of them is the father of Bellas child does not correspond to the truth - I categorically deny this; there is no connection. I cannot say whether the father of the child knows about Bellas situation.' He also accused the Thai police of being involved with the gang. Mr Salakaia said: 'There was a very alarming episode while she was still in Bangkok. 'Bella seized a moment to go to some policemen - there were three of them, standing on the street - She tells them: I have a problem, this is happening, there is pressure on me, help me. 'They spoke with her for 20 minutes and then returned her exactly to the same people she had run away from. 'This allows the simplest conclusion - that this group, so to say, had things arranged with the local police.' Pictured: A bikini-clad Bella with a cannabis joint in her mouth The teen had been travelling in Asia prior to her arrest Culley entered a not guilty plea and the trial date was set for July 10 Culley was arrested upon arriving in Georgia in May. Image shows Culley being escorted by a police officer following her arrest in Tbilisi airport Pictured: Bella's father Niel Culley and his sister Kerrie Culley pictured in Tbilisi following her arrest in May Detailing how she got to Tbilisi, he said she was simply told she was going there and loaded into a vehicle where she was met by a handler who gave her a passport and checked the bag in. Bella apparently told passport control it was not her bag but 'they paid no attention'. Mr Salakaia said that when she got to Tbilisi officers noticed the vacuum-sealed drugs inside. She again informed them it was not her bag and had been told to meet someone with it and 'her mission would be complete'. He said his client made a partial admission to Georgian police that she was 'forced' to carry the narcotics 'due to pressure exerted on her'. 'It was not the case that she brought it with prior intent to later pass it to a prearranged, known person. 'She was told she would be met, that her photograph had already been sent and the addressee would receive the cargo.' He insisted the teen Brit did not buy the drugs and that her luggage had been checked in by someone else - but was registered to her. Mr Salakaia was hopeful that these mitigating circumstances would see Bella handed a fine and be deported. He said: 'This is a realistic scenario.' The trial is listed to begin on Thursday July 10. New data has revealed a sharp rise in smoking and vaping among young Australians, casting doubt on the effectiveness of the Albanese Government's vape crackdown. Australians aged 18 to 24 now have the highest rate of smoking or vaping of any age group, with 28 per cent (700,000 people) reporting they engage in one or both habits. That's up from 25.1 per cent (620,000) in September 2024, a steep 2.9 percentage point rise in less than a year. Vaping alone is now undertaken by 20.5 per cent (510,000) of this age group, up from 19 per cent (470,000). It marks the highest vaping rate recorded for young adults since early 2024. More worryingly, there has been a significant jump in factory-made cigarette (FMC) use. In the same period, the proportion of 18 to 24-year-olds smoking FMCs climbed from 8.2 per cent (200,000) to 11.1 per cent (280,000). Use of roll-your-own (RYO) tobacco also ticked up slightly, from 7.1 per cent to 7.6 per cent. The number of Australians vaping has risen since bans were introduced last year The numbers follow a surge of illegal tobacco shops, which are booming across the country The rise comes despite the federal government's sweeping anti-vape legislation. The laws, which came into effect on July 1, last year, banned the importation, production, supply, advertisement, and commercial possession of disposable, non-therapeutic vapes. However, the latest figures from Roy Morgan released this week suggest the policy has had minimal impact on curbing nicotine use, and may even be pushing young people toward more harmful tobacco products. Roy Morgan CEO Michele Levine said the data paints a worrying picture. 'The legislation was phased in starting from July 2024, but the data clearly shows that it has failed to reduce the overall incidence of smoking and vaping,' she said. 'In fact, rates are now higher than they were during the latter half of last year, and the raw number of Australians who smoke or vape has increased.' The crackdown is also driving a rise in illegal tobacco shops, which are surging in number across the country, particularly in Melbourne and Sydney. One major Sydney newspaper reported there are now 60 tobacco retailers for every McDonald's restaurant in New South Wales, many operating outside the law. The number of Aussies aged 18-24 who smoke is up almost 3 per cent since the ban started In response, the NSW Opposition announced plans on Sunday to introduce new legislation aimed at tightening enforcement and targeting the black market trade in tobacco and vapes. NSW Shadow Health Minister Kellie Sloane said the government's lack of action was allowing organised crime to flourish. 'We can't risk a new generation getting hooked on cheap cigarettes and destroying their health because the Minns Government failed to act on enforcement and tougher penalties,' she said. According to the new data overall, 17.1 per cent of Australians aged 18 and over now smoke cigarettes, RYO tobacco, or vapup from 16.8 per cent at the end of 2024. That equates to an additional 110,000 people, bringing the total number of smokers and vapers to 3.7 million. The increase follows a low point in usage recorded just months earlier, and has been driven largely by a resurgence in factory-made cigarette use. Between September 2024 and now, the number of Australians smoking FMCs rose from 7.9 per cent (1.67 million) to 8.3 per cent (1.79 million), an increase of 120,000. Vaping rates, meanwhile, saw only a modest decline. Currently, 7.5 per cent of the adult population (1.61 million) vape, down just 0.2 percentage points from September 2024. Notably, the rise in smoking and vaping is not seen across all age groups. While rates jumped among 18-to 24-year-olds, they declined in several other demographics. Usage fell by 0.7 per cent among 25-to-34-year-olds, 0.4 per cent in the 5064 bracket, and 0.2 per cent among those aged 65 and over. No change was recorded for people aged 35 to 49. The figures suggest the government's efforts to restrict access to non-therapeutic vapes have been a failure, particularly for younger Australians. Migrants were whipped by apparent people smugglers and a desperate mother with a baby hauled onto a dinghy amid extraordinary out-of-control scenes in France this morning. The Mail beat French police to the shore at small-boat hotspot Gravelines beach at 5.30am, where large groups of migrants were running the mile down to the beach to reach the waves. The group, all young men, were up to their knees in the water as a dinghy emerged from a canal into the sea, and turned back to the shoreline towards them. Only then did four Police Nationale officers appear at the waters edge - but they strictly applied the rule that they will not touch migrants or boats in the water, through fear of causing harm. So as the taxi-boat dinghy pulled nearer, already half-full with previously collected passengers, the migrants on the beach were able to climb aboard unhindered. But in what appeared to be a measure of harsh crowd control, to prevent the 30-foot rubber boat from capsizing, a people smuggler's assistant in the water repeatedly whipped migrants with a cane if they tried to climb on too fast. The scenes further illustrate Labour's abject failure to protect Britain's borders. A masked 'trafficker' was seen brandishing a cane and tugging on the jacket of a migrant as they tried to scramble on board off Gravelines, France, this morning Cane poised, an alleged trafficker tried to manage the scene as the desperate migrants heaved themselves onboard while one seems to have slipped under One terrified migrant was seen cowering as the masked thug with a rubber ring around his neck brandished the long stick A second boat arrived later this morning - this time, the migrants waiting to climb aboard were not young men, but vulnerable mothers with babies and small children The mother and her child (pictured above) successfully made it to Dover after their dinghy was picked up by a Border Force vessel A total of 20,422 migrants have arrived in the UK after crossing the Channel so far this year, with 440 arriving on Tuesday, Home Office figures show. It is a milestone not reached until mid-August in previous years with small-boat arrivals up by 48 per cent on the same period in 2024. The landmark, reached this week, comes almost exactly a year after Labour took power and scrapped the Conservatives' Rwanda asylum deal, which was designed to deter migrants from mounting perilous Channel crossings. Astonishingly, this morning, while the four officers watching with dry boots only interacted with the migrants by using their phones to video them, they did question just two men your reporter and photographer. They demanded identification documents, and photographed them, before telephoning our names and employer to HQ. Asked why they were quizzing us and not the migrants, one officer replied with a question: 'Did you come here because you had advance information?' One hysterical woman, clutching her screaming toddler wrapped in a life vest to her breast, made a break for the already overloaded dinghy The panicked woman tried to dash through the choppy waters to reach the small boat The woman then tries to board from the back of the boat with a man holding her young child She clambers around the side as one person onboard reaches out to help - in tow, the screaming child who tugs on her top The woman was seen wandering the shore line earlier waiting for the small boat to take her across the Channel Wearing only socks, the mother with her baby strapped to her back in a life jacket dashed to the boat when it arrived A family of migrants walk through the water to reach an inflatable dinghy but did not make it in time The dinghy promptly motored away from the shore, leaving wailing families who missed their chance to board standing helpless in waist-deep saltwater in heart-rending scenes An alleged trafficker appears to turn a woman away and a family from boarding the small boat as a small child trips and falls in the water Two children try to make their way past alleged traffickers to a small boat but were unsuccessful in boarding and made their way back to the shore to try another day A man carrying a baby gestures towards the boat that would have taken them across the Channel The man with the baby was forced to turn back as the crowded boat set sail for the UK without them The alleged trafficker looks back as the rest of the migrants try to scramble on board It was a startling question because for more than a year Gravelines beach, between Calais and Dunkirk, has been a key spot for the now near-ubiquitous 'taxi boat' technique, where boats are launched at a quiet spot inland, then sail to the sea out of a waterway, such as Gravelines' impressive canal, to pick up clients typically paying a little over 1,000 a fare. And boats had left Gravelines on Monday, while on Tuesday the Mail had previously beat police to the scene of a migrant pick-up by a dinghy a mile inland here. We did not need 'information' that a launch would happen here it was obvious one was likely. The dinghy meanwhile seemed to be heading to England at 5.45am as we watched but it soon turned back to shore, as we saw another group of around 30 migrants waiting at another spot around a mile to the east on the beach. We and the officers hurried to the spot but again many boarded unhindered, before this time it set off for England for good. One officer, videoing, said of the group: 'There's a lot of children in this group. It could be dangerous.' Another officer was less concerned, laughing as he said: 'They will arrive in England soon God save the King'. By 6am the dinghy was heading to the horizon, followed eventually by a police motorboat, with a French military corvette hovering in the distance. The four police who said the first they knew of the dinghy was when they were radioed and told it had emerged from Gravelines' canal walked off the beach. A group of people thought to be migrants are brought in to Dover, Kent, from a Border Force vessel following a small boat incident in the Channel The crowds were seen disembarking still with their life vest on Earlier that morning, a French police officer walk was seen walking towards a group of migrants in life jackets running towards the water in the hope catching a 'taxi boat' A group of migrants walk through the sand dunes to reach an inflatable dinghy As the 'taxi-boat' dinghy pulled nearer, already half-full with previously collected passengers, the migrants waded into the water ready to climb aboard The migrants wade up to their chest to try and climb aboard Migrants on board were seen helping people in the water as they tried to haul themselves onto the boat A distraught woman is devastated at not being able to get a place on the crowded small boat seen sailing in the background Overcome with devastation, the woman cries on the French shores after missing the opportunity to sail to the UK Families and children walk back to shore in the fog after failing to board a small boat For those who did make it on board, they took a moment to pose for a photo, waving at the photographer on the shore But the Mail did not believe it was over and at 6.40am an entirely new group of migrants, maybe three dozen, suddenly emerged and walked openly along the top of Gravelines' extensive dunes, some wearing bright lifejackets, towards the shoreline, all looking out to sea. Clearly they had been told another dinghy was on its way. Mist was falling over the sea, and ferry and shipping foghorns sounding as weather conditions took a turn for the worse particularly for an illicit rubber dinghy but soon that second taxi-boat arrived, again apparently from the Gravelines canal. Already maybe 20 migrants were aboard. As it neared the shore, maybe a mile west beyond the last pick-up point of the first dinghy, and in front of a looming nuclear power station, the migrants came out of the dunes in tightly marshalled groups. First ten at a time, then in several carefully staggered groups of six, they were sent to the dinghy in waist-deep water. There, an organiser in a green hooded jacket stood in the waves ensuring those already aboard were grouped to the front of the rippling boat, so new passengers could pushed up by him, and pulled up by those helping in the dinghy. Apparently full, with, naturally, no police in sight, the dinghy appeared to be heading for Dover but it suddenly turned back, and we saw yet another group of migrants half a mile to the west back along the huge beach. And this was a clearly a vulnerable group an African woman with a young toddler to her back was particularly distressed as she ran through the waves towards the returning dinghy. She appeared to be successfully hauled aboard with her child. A large group of migrants emerge from the sand dunes before heading back in again as the police arrive Migrants run into the water to be collected by a small boat in the fog early this morning The latest scenes from across the Channel came as it was revealed that a record 20,000 small-boat migrants had reached Britain in the first half of this year. A police officer watches on as a Maritime Gendarmerie rib approaches a small boat full of migrants heading in to the English Channel The frenzy to get out of the water and sail to the UK was in vain as minutes later the crowded boat was intercepted by French cops (a French war ship is seen in the background) The crammed boat set sail from Gravelines in the fog this morning An Afghan man aged 25 was among those turned away 'because I didn't have a life jacket' Behind her was a struggling group including another toddler, young children to two grey-bearded men in their 60s. There were family groups, of parents in their fifties, with an adult child, the mother falling in the sea and crying as she was hauled to her feet. Ultimately, the dinghy finally turned away for England, having taken only a small number of this final struggling group on board. Among those sat on the sides were several with only flimsy children's toy rubber rings as utterly inadequate protection. An Afghan man aged 25 was among those turned away. He told the Mail: 'They wouldn't let me on because I didn't have a life jacket. 'But I want to get to England. I have no documents in France. Maybe tomorrow.' One Labour MP branded it 'absolutely shambolic', another said it was 'the most unedifying spectacle I have ever seen', while a third labelled it 'a total clusterf***'. So, after ministers were forced to gut their welfare plans in dramatic scenes in the House of Commons last night, who is to blame for the Government's humiliation? The architects of Labour's initial welfare plans were Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, Chancellor Rachel Reeves, and Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall. They wanted to cut nearly 5billion from Britain's ballooning benefits bill by tightening access to welfare payments. This included restricting eligibility for Personal Independence Payment (PIP), which is the main disability payment in England. But, in the face of a rebellion by Labour MPs, the Government shelved its plans to change PIP rules during an eleventh hour climbdown. The failure to realise the strength of anger among Labour MPs at the proposed cuts has been blamed on the party's chief whip Sir Alan Campbell. Key members of Sir Keir's team of aides in Downing Street are also seen as being at fault. This includes Claire Reynolds, the PM's political director, and Morgan McSweeney, the No10 chief of staff. Yet Sir Keir has launched a full-throated defence of Mr McSweeney, telling Cabinet ministers that briefings against his most powerful adviser must stop. Key members of Sir Keir Starmer's team of aides in Downing Street are seen as being at fault for Labour's welfare shambles Following the Government's humiliating climbdown on welfare cuts, Chancellor Rachel Reeves is now facing an even bigger black hole in the public finances Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall is spearheading the Government's Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill, which has now been shredded Who's to blame for Labour's welfare shambles? Keir Starmer The PM ultimately takes responsibility for what is now the third U-turn he has made in a matter of weeks. The welfare climbdown follows other reversals on axing winter fuel payments for millions of pensioners, and the holding of a national inquiry into grooming gangs. Sir Keir recently admitted he had failed to get to grips with the revolt by Labour MPs over benefits cuts as he was distracted by the Middle East crisis and a NATO summit. The PM spent much of the previous fortnight out of the country to attend a meeting of G7 leaders in Canada, and then a NATO gathering in The Hague. He was also hunkered down in domestic emergency meetings over the Israel-Iran conflict, as well as the US bombing of Iran 's nuclear sites. Sir Keir told the Sunday Times he had been 'heavily focused' on international affairs. He added had not been able to give the welfare row his 'full' attention until after he returned from The Hague. Rachel Reeves Following the Government's climbdown on welfare cuts, the Chancellor is now facing an even bigger black hole in the public finances. The 4.8billion savings that she had hoped for will now have to be found elsewhere, increasing the likelihood of further tax rises. It is the Chancellor's demand for those savings in the first place, in order to balance the books, that is attracting criticism from Labour rebels. Some in the party want Ms Reeves to loosen her 'iron-clad' fiscal rules. There is a belief that her strict approach meant she looked at welfare reform from the standpoint of trying to make savings, rather than getting more people into work. Ms Reeves is also accused of compounding Labour's benefits shambles following claims her efforts to talk round rebel MPs ended in disaster. One phone call between the Chancellor and a rebel MP is reported to have left the latter 'deeply shaken' and 'in tears'. Sir Keir has launched a full-throated defence of Morgan McSweeney, telling Cabinet ministers that briefings against his most powerful adviser must stop Your browser does not support iframes. Liz Kendall The Work and Pensions Secretary is spearheading the Government's Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill, which has now been shredded. Ms Kendall is facing claims the legislation was rushed and poorly drafted, while she has also been criticised for her performance in the Commons on Monday afternoon. Rather than successfully heading off a Labour revolt by detailing the Government's initial concessions on welfare cuts, she was accused of making the situation worse. This led, ultimately, to ministers having to perform an even greater climbdown on Tuesday night. The drastic action was taken in order to stave off the threat of a humiliating defeat when the Commons voted on the Bill's second reading. Alan Campbell As Labour's chief whip, Sir Alan Campbell is responsible for corralling the party's MPs in order for the Government to push its legislative agenda through the Commons. But last night's climbdown suggests Sir Alan had little confidence the Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill would pass its second reading without further concessions. Questions are now being asked about how Sir Alan allowed the Labour rebellion on welfare cuts to grow to such a scale that the Government was at threat of defeat. Claire Reynolds The wife of Jonathan Reynolds, the Business and Trade Secretary, is Sir Keir's political director in No10. Her job is to liaise between Labour MPs and the Government in order to keep enough of the party's backbenchers on board with Sir Keir's agenda. It should be a fairly simple task, seeing as the PM won a huge majority at last year's general election. But, as Tuesday night demonstrated, there was a stunning absence of loyalty among Labour MPs towards the PM. There have been gripes that Ms Reynolds has failed to meet or speak to all of Labour's 400-plus MPs since the party's election victory. Morgan McSweeney The PM's chief of staff is under pressure following Sir Keir's hat-trick of U-turns in recent weeks. The welfare row saw some calls for 'regime change' in No10, with Mr McSweeney criticised for alienating or ignoring Labour backbenchers. He is also accused of presiding over a 'bunker mentality' in Downing Street. But Sir Keir has made clear he won't be ditching his most senior adviser, who is widely credited with masterminding Labour's general election landslide. In a pointed address to the Cabinet on Tuesday morning, the PM said he 'will not countenance' criticism of Mr McSweeney. 'We will learn from our mistakes, but we will not turn in on each other,' Sir Keir said. 'We will not resile from our record of achievement and we will not turn on our staff - including our chief of staff, without whom none of us would be sitting around this Cabinet table.' Mr McSweeney replaced Sue Gray as Sir Keir's chief of staff in October, as he emerged as the apparent victor of a bitter No10 feud. Europe is bracing for another day of scorching heat and violent weather as deadly wildfires continue to rock the continent. Germany was bracing for 40C heat today, with authorities warning of an increased risk of forest fires across the country and preparing for major travel disruption. Local media showed heavy 'heat hail' in communities around Lake Constance, in the south, even as temperatures surpassed 30C on Wednesday afternoon. The municipality of Sipplingen was also struck by hailstones up to five centimeters (two inches) in size on Tuesday. Specialised vehicles were needed to clear the roads. The north of Spain, meanwhile, continued to grapple with the aftermath of wildfires after a blaze erupted in a farming area in Catalonia on Tuesday afternoon. Two people died in the fires yesterday as around 14,000 residents were told to stay indoors. An area stretching some 35 miles was affected, firefighters said. Footage shared on social media showed smoke billowing high above tile rooftops in rural Spain. Temperatures up to 43C were expected on Wednesday. Several heat-related deaths have been recorded across Europe since the heatwave began. Authorities continue to investigate possible heat-related complications. A 10-year-old girl died after suffering a heart attack in northern France on Tuesday as the heat forced some 2,200 schools to shut nationwide. The American tourist, who was travelling with her family, collapsed in the courtyard of the Palace of Versailles yesterday evening. Firefighters arrived promptly on the scene as the child, understood to have been undergoing treatment for underlying health issues, suffered a heart attack. Within an hour of her collapsing, she was declared dead. An investigation is expected to be opened to determine the cause of death, local media reports. Initial reports suggest that the extreme heat may have played a role in aggravating her illness. SPAIN: Catalonia continued to grapple with wildfires after a blaze erupted on Tuesday GERMANY: A firefighter works on extinguishing the forest fire near Sonnewalde on Wednesday GERMANY: Scenes from Germany as hail rained down despite soaring temperatures nearby GERMANY: A woman at the Lustgarten park in Berlin cools off in a fountain on Wednesday AUSTRIA: People ride a water-bike on the Old Danube river in Vienna on Tuesday SPAIN: A tourist walks with an umbrella on Las Setas, during an heatwave, in Seville, July 2 France The minister for ecological transition in France said on Wednesday that two people had died as a result of 'heat-related illness' as the country registered its second-hottest June since records began in 1900. 'More than 300 people have been treated by firefighters and two have died following heat-related illnesses,' ecology minister Agnes Pannier-Runacher said. 'June 2025 has become the second hottest June since records began in 1900, behind June 2003,' she added. Meteo-France, the meteorological agency, said June 30 was the hottest day in June since measurements began in 1947, beating the previous record set in 2019. Tens of thousands of people have died in Europe during past heatwaves, prompting authorities to issue warnings for old and young, the sick, and others vulnerable to what experts call a 'silent killer'. Under scorching skies, Paris imposed its first 'red alert' in five years, empowering officials to limit or ban sporting events, festivals and school outings for children. Some 2,200 schools were also closed on Tuesday as teachers reported students feeling unwell. Research from Allianz Research showed that the recent heatwaves across the continent could slow economic growth by half a percentage point in 2025. China, Spain, Italy and Greece could each see GDP losses of nearly one percentage point due to the current heatwaves, the Allianz Research report said. The U.S. may face a decline of around 0.6 percentage points and France of up to a third of a point. Relief will start to arrive from the Atlantic today, bringing thunderstorms and cooler temperatures to parts of western Europe. FRANCE: People cool off with misters in a park in the Halles district of Paris on July 1, 2025 FRANCE: A thermometer outside a pharmacy in central Paris in July FRANCE: Young people dive in the Mediterranean Sea on a sunny summer day in Marseille FRANCE: A labourer drinks water to cool down as he works on a construction site of tramway lines along the Garonne river during a heatwave in Bordeaux, July 1 FRANCE: Lifeguards watch beachgoers as they bathe at the Beach of Catalans on a sunny and warm summer day in Marseille as an early summer heatwave hits France, July 1 , 2025 Spain Spain, facing temperatures in the low 40s on Wednesday, continued to grapple with wildfires in Catalonia as Barcelona recorded its hottest June in more than 100 years. Some 6,500 hectares (16,000 acres) burned on Tuesday before firefighters got some help from a rainstorm and established a perimeter. Authorities issued warnings to residents via messages to smartphones and ordered 14,000 people to stay indoors, firefighters said. That order was lifted late yesterday. The fire destroyed mostly farmland, but it also incinerated at least three old farmhouses and some other farm buildings. The fire was declared under control early Wednesday. The heat wave in parts of Europe has set record high temperatures for June in Spain and Portugal. Barcelona's Fabra Observatory reported an average temperature for last month of 26C (78 F), breaking records since the data began in 1914. It said a single-day high of 37.9 degrees Celsius (100 degrees Fahrenheit) for June was recorded Monday. Barcelona is usually spared the worst heat in Spain, thanks to its location between hills and the Mediterranean. Police in nearby Tarragona reported the tragic death of a two-year-old on Tuesday, who they said had been left in a car in the sun for several hours. Emergency services in Valls were alerted in the early afternoon but were unable to resuscitate the child, a police spokesperson told the AFP news agency. 'Everything seems to indicate that it was negligence on the father's part. The child spent the entire morning in a locked car under the sun,' they added. 'It was heatstroke. Even an adult would have died.' Temperatures in Valls reached up to 32C in the shade on Tuesday morning, according to the national meteorological agency Aemet. SPAIN: Views of wildfires sweeping Catalonia on Tuesday SPAIN: An aerial view of the wildfires that killed two on Tuesday SPAIN: The fire destroyed mostly farmland, but it also incinerated at least three old farmhouses and some other farm building SPAIN: Uncontrolled fire rages across the grasslands in the Segarra region, in the rural province of Lleida, Spain, Tuesday, July 1, 2025 SPAIN: A woman looks at the sunrise as she paddleboards on the sea, in Barcelona, July 2 Germany The punishing heatwave loosened its grip on western Europe somewhat on Wednesday and started to roll eastwards, with Germany today expected to record some of its hottest temperatures of the year so far. Germany's national weather service (DWD) issued blanket weather warnings for heat and extreme heat covering the entire country. The agency said it expected 'maximum temperatures with exceptionally high peaks of up to 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit)' in the course of the day. It added that it was expected severe thunderstorms from midday, and heavy rain of up to 25 litres per square metre per hour, gusts of wind up to 55mph, and hail. The unusually hot weather was causing disruptions to transport, with the national rail operator Deutsche Bahn saying it expected services to be affected in the west of the country where temperatures were rising most. In the north of the country, the heat had caused the surface of the motorway to buckle in places, creating a danger for drivers, local media reported. The rising heat has already caused disruption to traffic on the Rhine River, with water levels reduced by the scorching heat. The Ostalbkreis District Office warned that low water levels and high water temperatures would lead to oxygen deficiencies, killing aquatic wildlife. Early this morning, forest fires broke out in the Harz Mountains. Images showed heavy smoke emerging from a dense forest area. Around 150 emergency personnel were drawn in to help extinguish the blaze. GERMANY: Firefighters work to extinguish a wildfire near Kleinbahren on Wednesday, July 2 GERMANY: Smoke billows from a fire at the edge of a grain field near Brandenburg, Wednesday GERMANY: An Icelandic horse shakes off sand after rolling on the ground during a heatwave in Wehrheim near Frankfurt, on Tuesday Italy Italy, which has suffered floods and wildfires in recent days, issued warnings in 18 cities today as the heatwave continued unabated. Level 3 alerts, the highest, were issued by the Ministry of Health for cities across the country, including Rome, Florence, Venice, Genoa and Milan. Local media reported that record temperatures were causing damage to crops in the countryside, with fruit and vegetables being burned. Coldiretti Lombardy reported that in the region, high temperatures were causing production to fall by 10 to 15 per cent, with potentially far-reaching consequences. High temperatures were also said to have damaged electricity cables, causing blackouts in Bergamo and Florence on Wednesday. Wildfires were the most imminent threat to life on Tuesday. The Campobasso fire brigade said it had responded to 14 vegetation fires yesterday. More than 90 hectares of land were said to have burned, and authorities were only able to get the fires under control by 9pm. Authorities in Palermo, Sicily continued to warn of fire risk on Wednesday, with a Level 3 warning in place. 'The fire risk expected for today is of medium danger,' the Sicilian Civil Protection assessed, with temperatures reaching 36C. Several regions of the country have imposed bans on working outdoors during the hottest hours of the day. Italy, like Spain, can expect some relief from the heat by Thursday. ITALY: People walk under a digital sign showing the current temperature of 40 degrees celsius (104F) in Piazza di Spagna, Rome ITALY: A person walks past the Spanish Steps in the capital on Tuesday ITALY: A girl drinks water to cool down during an ongoing heatwave in Rome ITALY: A shop in the centre of Florence is closed due to a sudden blackout because of the heatwave The heatwave peaked in Britain on Tuesday as London saw highs of 34.7C. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) had activated a five-day alert starting on Friday due to concerns that there could be 'a rise in deaths, particularly among those ages 65 and over or with health conditions'. Provisional figures from the Met Office found that last month was the warmest June on record in England, and the second warmest for the entire UK. The mean average temperature for England across the month was 16.9C, beating the previous June record of 16.7C set in 2023. For the UK as a whole, the mean temperature was 15.2C, just behind 15.8C set in 2023. Wales saw its third-warmest June, behind 2023 and 2018. Met Office temperature data began in 1884. Family paid tribute to 'kind and loving' brother and son An 18-year-old tradie has died after hitting his head while doing a backflip in his new Gold Coast apartment. Sonny John Orlando Blundell was found unresponsive by his housemate on June 25, in their Southport Beach apartment, after suffering with a headache and vomiting following the backflip in his loungeroom. The tradie was taken to a Gold Coast hospital and put into a coma. He suffered several strokes before having brain surgery, but died on June 30. Mr Blundell was tragically celebrating moving into a new apartment with his friend Mitchell Bullard when the accident took place. His sister Izabella Cromack-Hay revealed he was starting a new life with his girlfriend after moving from the Central Coast in NSW. 'He was celebrating moving into the Meriton on Southport beach with his best friend Mitchell Bullard when he did a backflip and hit his head,' she told The Courier Mail. The tradie had also recently been offered a concreting job on the new light rail. 'Sonny had an extraordinary lifestyle, he lived his short 18 years of life to the fullest of his ability,' his sister said. Sonny Blundell (pictured with his sister Izabella Cromack-Hay) tragically died on Monday after doing a backflip and hitting his head in his loungeroom Mr Blundell was put into a coma but suffered several strokes and did not recover He had just moved to Queensland and got a job doing concreting on the new light rail (pictured) He 'touched everyone's soul so deeply, he was the kindest, loving and nurturing man you could have met'. Ms Cromack-Hay said her brother lived his life to the fullest and the young tradie was a big Bulldogs fan. He had been extremely proud to have accomplished his dream of moving to Queensland a month ago. His sister revealed how Sonny was incredibly close with his mum, Madeline Blundell. Paying tribute to her son, Ms Blundell wrote on Facebook: 'My beautiful baby grew his bigger wings today and passed and is in heaven. 'Sonny died peacefully and is in a beautiful place. My heart is broken and my best friend in the world is gone. I love you my boy.' Mr Blundell's sister has set up a GoFundMe to help with funeral costs and to bring him back home to NSW. She described how the family is in 'disbelief and major pain' following the tradie's death. 'We need to bring Sonny home as his sisters are waiting for him,' she wrote. A man has died after being pulled from the sea at a coastal resort while on his 'first holiday' with friends. The holidaymaker, named online as Aaron Keightley, 29, was taken by the current while enjoying the heatwave in Skegness, Lincolnshire, on Monday, according to an online fundraising appeal posted by his sister. The county's RNLI Lifeguards told in a Facebook post how they recovered an 'unconscious member of the public from the water south of central beach, after he got into difficulty in the surf.' It added: 'Despite their best efforts to resuscitate him, the casualty sadly passed away at the scene. Our thoughts go to the family and friends affected by the incident, along with many of the beach visitors who witnessed the tragic events at the time.' East Midlands Ambulance Service and the Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance also attended the incident on Monday afternoon the second beach fatality in the area in as many days. On Saturday afternoon a teenage boy vanished from Anderby Creek, between the resorts of Skegness and Mablethorpe. A body was recovered in the early hours of Sunday. Those tragedies came just a matter of weeks after hero holidaymaker Alexandru Melei, 60, died after wading into the sea at Ingoldmells, also near Skegness, after hearing twin girls screaming for help only to be overwhelmed by the swell. Aaron Keightley was taken by the current while on his first holiday with friends, accoring to a post by his sister Mr Keightley's sibling, Shannon, said the family were experiencing 'heart wrenching pain' Lifeguards pulled Mr Keightley from the water, but he couldn't be saved The fundraiser set up to help meet funeral costs is aiming to raise 2,200 for 'selfless and loving' Aarron's family, from Leicester. A message alongside the appeal by sibling Shannon said: 'On 30/06/2025 my brother lost his whole future, he went on his first friends' holiday and lost his life to the sea on Skegness beach! 'The current took him so quickly and there is no fight against the sea!' Outlining the family's 'heart wrenching pain', she added: 'We really want to give him everything and more and show him how loved and adored he is and always will be, there will never be another person like him'. She said Mr Keightley would give his last pound and 'deserves a great send-off'. A body was found at Anderby Creek early on Sunday after a teenager was reported missing in the water the previous afternoon Hero holidaymaker Alexandru Melei, 60, died after wading into the sea at Ingoldmells on May 25 As she told how her brother would be 'forever 29', the grieving sibling urged people to be careful in the sea 'no matter your size or strength'. Shannon later posted on Facebook: 'Love you so much brother, heartbroken your(sic) gone, forever 29'. On Sunday, Lincolnshire Police said in relation to the weekend incident: 'We are saddened to report that a body was found in the early hours of this morning in the search for a teenager who had been reported missing from Anderby Creek.' The statement added: 'We would like to thank the public's help in allowing emergency services to respond to the incident. 'Our thoughts at this time are with the boy's family.' Romanian Mr Melei died on May 25 while on a trip to the UK to visit friends. His daughter later told how the ex-army medic had been walking along the promenade with his wife and friend when they heard two girls screaming in the water. The friend managed to rescue one of the children but Mr Melei was overcome by the swell and died in hospital. Both children emerged unscathed. Two Romanian teenagers aged 14 have appeared in court charged with attempted rape that prompted riots in the Northern Irish town of Ballymena. The defendants, appearing at Ballymena Youth Court by video link from custody, heard that because of their age and that of their alleged victim the case should be speeded up. The two teenagers, who cannot be identified because of their ages, are jointly charged with attempted oral rape of the girl on June 7 this year in Northern Ireland. According to a police statement at the time, the alleged victim was subjected to a 'serious sexual assault' in the Clonavon Terrace area of Ballymena, Co Antrim, some time between 7.30pm and 10.30pm that Saturday evening. Hours after the pair first appeared in court on June 9, serious rioting and public disorder erupted in Ballymena - and Romanian families fled their homes on Clonavon Terrace. Three nights of disturbances included houses being attacked and cars burned - with Police Service of Northern Ireland riot squads facing angry mobs hurling missiles, including petrol bombs, fireworks, masonry and bottles. During the brief hearing this morning, the teenagers' defence solicitor confirmed the defendants' parents were watching proceedings online. A prosecuting lawyer told District Judge Nigel Broderick that while the full file was requested last month, 'this will be a serious crime unit file'. Three nights of disturbances included houses being attacked and cars burned in the Northern Irish town of Ballymena last month Fireworks were seen being at riot police in Ballymena, Northern Ireland, on June 11 PSNI officers are pictured standing behind armoured police vehicles on June 10 in Ballymena She said that while there was 'a target date', she suggested it was not realistic and that one would be supplied on the next occasion. The lawyer also told the judge a video interview with the alleged victim was not yet on the file, adding: 'That's something the PPS will look at.' It was heard that the next Youth Court is in five weeks - and yet when a defendant is in custody, they can only be remanded for a maximum of four weeks at a time. Judge Broderick adjourned the case for two weeks to July 16 for further review. He warned that, given the ages of the parties concerned including the defendants and the complainant, the proceedings should be prioritised as a 'purple file case'. In response to last month's riots, the official spoesman for Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said on June 10: 'The disorder we saw in Ballymena is very concerning. 'Reports of sexual assault in the area are extremely distressing but there is no justification for attacks on police officers while they continue to protect local communities. 'The PSNI and the justice system must be allowed to carry out their jobs. Masked and hooded youths launch an attack on a house in Ballymena as protests became riots Social media footage showed a fire raging inside one house. Masked youths were seen smashing windows and setting curtains alight Firefighters attempt to put out fires in streets and houses in the Northern Irish town on June 9 'Our thoughts are with the victims of the assault as well as the police officers who were injured.' He added: 'Ministers and colleagues are in touch with counterparts.' Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said at the time: 'The shocking scenes of disorder on the streets of Ballymena have to be condemned in the strongest terms. 'This is not the way. People have been injured and public property damaged. 'We are engaging with groups that have been affected by this disorder and we are gathering evidence, CCTV and other footage to progress criminal investigations. 'I want to put on record my appreciation and gratitude to our officers who were determined to restore order to the town in the most challenging of circumstances with bricks, furniture and petrol bombs all thrown in their direction. 'They worked fearlessly to try to bring calm to the most volatile of situations. 'I'm also grateful to our partners in the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service and Northern Ireland Ambulance Service for their support through-out. Officers were called to deal with public disorder in Ballymena, Northern Ireland, on June 9 One of four properties set alight and attacked in Ballymena on June 9 after the alleged attempted rape of a local girl sparked protests in Northern Ireland 'I would strongly urge anyone who was involved in yesterday's rioting and disorder to think long and hard about their actions. 'Violence and disorder will only place people at greater risk. Our priority is to keep the community safe and we need everyone to work with us. 'We want better for Ballymena and Northern Ireland. 'Anyone who has information or who can help identify those responsible is asked to contact police on 101.' Stone-faced killer Bryan Kohberger finally confessed to murdering four University of Idaho students in 2022 during his plea deal hearing on Wednesday. Ethan Chapin, 20, Kaylee Goncalves, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and Madison Mogen, 21, were brutally stabbed on November 13, 2022, in one of the most horrific events ever to unfold on a college campus. But the plight of the victims' families is far from over. Some were horrified and distraught at the plea deal Kohberger cut with the court - while others accepted his guilty verdict, which has been approved by Judge Steven Hippler. Kohberger will no longer face the possibility of being put to death by firing squad. The callous killer calmly answered 'yes' multiple times when asked if he willingly murdered Mogen, Kernodle, Goncalves, and Chapin two and a half years ago. Not only did the victims' heartbroken relatives break down in tears, but the prosecutor's voice broke as his final sentence tailed off during the hearing in Boise. Kohberger is due to be sentenced over a two-day hearing starting July 23. An ex-wife of a retired banker has lost a Supreme Court battle over an 80million sum he granted her in an attempt to avoid tax before their divorce. Clive Standish, 70, a sheep farming tycoon and former chief financial officer of banking giant UBS, wed Anna Standish, 56, in December 2005. But the couple separated in 2020 after a 15-year marriage, during which they had two children. The marital assets at the time of the split amounted to 132million, almost all of which had grown from the 57.3million fortune Mr Standish brought into the marriage. He retired in 2007, living off the profits of a 28million sheep farm in Australia, while the couple enjoyed life in 18-bedroom mansion Moundsmere Manor, set in 83 acres near Hampshire village Preston Candover. The court heard of Mr Standish's worries about changes to the inheritance tax regime announced in 2016 by HM Revenue and Customs. He feared these would expose his personal assets to a 40 per cent levy on his death. He then transferred 80million-worth of assets to his wife in 2017, with a plan for them to eventually be placed in an offshore trust for the benefit of their children. Clive Standish, 70, a sheep farming tycoon and former chief financial officer of banking giant UBS, married Anna Standish (left, outside the Appeal Court with divorce lawyer Fiona Shackleton), 56, in December 2005 The marital assets at the time of the split amounted to 132million, almost all of which had grown from the 57.3million fortune Mr Standish (pictured) brought into the marriage But the marriage hit the rocks before that could happen, leaving the couple estranged and Mrs Standish claiming the 80million was hers outright. She said it had been 'gifted' to her and so should form part of the matrimonial pot to share on divorce. Mr Justice Moor ruled in the divorce courts in December 2023 that Mr Standish should get 87.6million of the total family wealth valued at a total 132,648,326, with his wife walking away with 45million. That decision was made using the so-called 'sharing principle' of dividing the family fortune. Mrs Standish was said to have insisted the 80million was 'matrimonial' money to be divided equally, despite bringing 'no significant wealth' of her own into the marriage. Last year the Court of Appeal cut her payout, ruling that the 'fair outcome' of the case would leave Mrs Standish with 25million rather than 45million. She has since taken the case to the Supreme Court in a bid to get the ruling overturned and reclaim the extra 20million. But today five of England and Wales' most senior judges upheld the earlier verdict, saying that the 80million had not been turned into 'matrimonial assets' simply because it was put in her name to avoid tax. Cliva Standish had a 28million sheep farm in Australia, while the couple enjoyed life in 18-bedroom mansion Moundsmere Manor (pictured) near Hampshire village Preston Candover The court ruling stated: 'Tax planning schemes to save tax, involving transfers of assets from one spouse to another, are commonplace. 'The problem for the wife is that there is nothing to show that, over time, the parties were treating the 2017 assets as shared between them. 'Rather, the transfer was in pursuance of a scheme to negate inheritance tax and it was for the benefit exclusively of the children. 'The parties' intention was that the 80million should not be retained by the wife.' Tim Bishop KC, for Mr Standish, had said during the Court of Appeal hearing that the husband had 'a very successful career in banking'. He told the judges that in June 2004 his client was worth 57.3million, while Mrs Standish had 'no significant pre-marital wealth'. Mr Standish is British but moved to Australia in 1976 before moving back to England with his family in 2010. That potentially left him open to a huge inheritance tax hit when prospective changes were announced in 2016 - affecting anyone with a British domicile of origin returning to the UK from a country they had made their new permanent home. Anna Standish (left) is seen outside the Appeal Court with lawyer Fiona Shackleton (right) In the face of this, he 'commenced a process to shield his property from IHT' by 'transferring his assets to the wife to hold for a period and for the wife then to settle the transferred assets into a trust', the court was told. Mr Bishop said: 'The husband made the transfers in March 2017, but the wife failed to transfer the assets into trust by the time the marriage ran into problems in 2019 and then broke down finally in 2020.' Mr Standish's barrister criticised the divorce judge's eventual division of the assets last December as 'unfair'. Mr Bishop argued it had been wrong for the 80million to have been regarded as 'matrimonialised' property, rather than the personal property of the husband and not to go into the pot for division. The Court of Appeal went on to rule that 25 per cent of the 80million should be shared, as that money had been made by the husband during a time when he was being supported by his 'homemaker' but that the rest should not - cutting her divorce payout by 20million. For Mrs Standish, Richard Todd KC said the 80million was her property and everything else apart from the sheep farm ought to be equally split - leaving the former spouses with 56.3million apiece. But delivering the Supreme Court ruling, Lord Burrows and Lord Stephens, with whom Lord Reed, Lord Lloyd Jones and Lady Simler agreed, said the Appeal Court had got it right. They said: 'Here, the source of the pre-marital assets within the 2017 assets was exclusively the husband. The couple's country home was set in 83 acres near Hampshire village Preston Candover 'Those assets have been transferred to the wife. But the problem for the wife is that there is nothing to show that, over time, the parties were treating the 2017 assets as shared between them. 'Rather, the transfer was in pursuance of a scheme to negate inheritance tax and it was for the benefit exclusively of the children. 'The parties' intention was that the 80million should not be retained by the wife but should be used by her to set up trusts for the children, thereby negating inheritance tax. 'In short, there was no matrimonialisation of the 2017 assets because, first, the transfer was to save tax and, secondly, it was for the benefit of the children not the wife. 'The 2017 assets were not, therefore, being treated by the husband and wife for any period of time as an asset that was shared between them. 'In relation to a scheme designed to save tax, under which one spouse transfers an asset to the other spouse, the parties' dealings with the asset, irrespective of the time period involved, do not normally show that the asset is being treated as shared between them. Rather, the intention is simply to save tax. 'Transfers of capital assets with the intention of saving tax do not, without some further compelling evidence, establish that the parties are treating the capital asset as shared between them. 'The 2017 assets comprise, first, the husband's pre-marital assets and, secondly, earnings that the husband made in the years 2004-2007 to which the wife contributed by being the home-maker and childcarer during those years. Anna Standish (left) told court officials that 80million had been 'gifted' to her and so should form part of the matrimonial pot to share on divorce - but judges have now ruled against her 'It is not in dispute that the latter constitutes matrimonial property. That should be shared on an equal basis. 'The Court of Appeal assessed the latter, i.e. the matrimonial property, as comprising 25% of the 80million.' The judges said that meant that 25 per cent 'was to be shared equally, and the former, i.e. the pre-marital assets/non-matrimonial property, as comprising 75 per cent of the 80million'. They added: 'We see no reason to interfere with that assessment. The decision and orders of the Court of Appeal should therefore be upheld. For all these reasons, we would dismiss the appeal.' Legal experts have responded by describing the judgment as a 'landmark ruling' - and suggesting it offered a cautionary note to many other couples. Aasha Choudhary, family law partner at law firm Shakespeare Martineau, said: 'Merely transferring assets into joint names or to a spouse does not automatically transform them into matrimonial property, unless there is clear and documented intention to share an asset. 'While it may not be the most romantic topic before a wedding, this decision is a timely reminder of the value of prenuptial agreements. Clive Standish (pictured) is British but moved to Australia in 1976 before moving back to England with his family in 2010 'Divorces can be emotionally fraught, and decisions made during a separation dont always reflect long-term intentions. 'A well-drafted prenup allows both parties to set expectations early and protect their respective interests with transparency and fairness, saving the financial and emotional cost of litigation. 'Most crucially, this ruling makes it clear that if couples want a non-matrimonial asset to become shared property, it must be recorded clearly. 'Without that, the default position may now lean toward such assets remaining non-matrimonial, a major shift in the legal landscape.' The forlorn figure cut by Rachel Reeves in the Commons today was a million miles from the 'Iron Chancellor' persona she envisaged when she entered No11 almost a year ago. The 46-year-old stoked rumours she planned to step down after she wept during Prime Minister's Questions - with Sir Keir Starmer publicly refused to guarantee her job. After a hammering at the hands of spendthrift Labour MPs unwilling to cut the astronomical welfare bill, the Prime Minister failed to repeat his promise on her staying in No11 until the next election. It prompted claims from Tory leader Kemi Badenoch that she was a 'human shield' for the PM's 'incompetence'. On Wednesday Labour MPs forced her and Sir Keir Starmer to rip up their plans to improve the UK economy when they refused to back a 5bn cut to welfare payments for disabled recipients. She was already under fire over her Budget last year which increased taxes by 40billion and cuts to winter fuel payments for pensioners. The Chancellor was visibly tearful as the exchanges unfolded and her sister Ellie, the Labour minister appeared to be holding her hand as she later left the chamber. It left Westminster asking if it was the end of the road for Ms Reeves, a former chess champion who had set out plans to be the country's 'iron' Chancellor with a firm hand on the nation's finances. But both the Treasury and No10 later insisted she was going nowhere. The 46-year-old stepped down hours after she wept during Prime Minister's Questions when Sir Keir Starmer publicly refused to guarantee her job. It marked the end of the road for Ms Reeves, a former chess champion who had set out plans to be the country's 'iron' Chancellor with a firm hand on the nation's finances. The MP for Leeds West and Pudsey (pictured in 2006) was first elected to Parliament in 2010 and became the shadow chancellor in Sir Keir's opposition Cabinet in 2021. Ms Badenoch had said: 'This man has forgotten that his welfare bill was there to plug a black hole created by the Chancellor. Instead they're creating new ones. They're creating new ones. '(Ms Reeves) is pointing at me, she looks absolutely miserable. Labour MPs are going on the record saying that the Chancellor is toast, and the reality is that she is a human shield for his incompetence. In January, he said that she would be in post until the next election. Will she really?' With Ms Reeves visibly upset behind him, Sir Keir replied: '(Mrs Badenoch) certainly won't. I have to say, I'm always cheered up when she asks me questions or responds to a statement because she always makes a complete mess of it and shows just how unserious and irrelevant they are. 'She talks about the black hole, they left a 22 billion black hole in our economy and we're clearing it up, and I'm really proud that in the first year of a Labour Government, we got free school meals, breakfast clubs, childcare, got 15 billion invested in transport in the North and the Midlands. 'We're cutting regulation, planning and infrastructure is pounding forward, building 1.5 million homes, the biggest investment in social and affordable housing, and of course the three trade deals.' Mrs Badenoch replied: 'How awful for the Chancellor that he couldn't confirm that she would stay in place.' Ms Reeves was born in Lewisham and grew up in south London. She studied PPE at Oxford and has a Master's degree in economics from the LSE. The MP for Leeds West and Pudsey, who is married with two children, was first elected to Parliament in 2010 and became the shadow chancellor in Sir Keir's opposition Cabinet in 2021. Ms Reeves was born in Lewisham and grew up in south London. She studied PPE at Oxford and has a Master's degree in economics from the LSE. She has a stint at the Bank of England and four years in private sector banking under her belt. But she has also faced claims that she embellished her CV to boost her credentials. Her LinkedIn profile showed she spent six years at the Bank of England rather than a decade as she had previously said, and she was reported to have changed her profile on the networking site to change a job at Halifax Bank of Scotland from 'economist' to 'retail banking', newspapers reported. She became Britain's first female Chancellor in July against a daunting backdrop of a sluggish economy and competing demands for public spending. Ms Reeves described her appointment as 'the honour of my life' and a sign for all women and girls that there should be 'no limit to your ambitions'. She has been unapologetically pro-business, talking up growth as the linchpin of success in government. She embarked on a so-called 'smoked salmon offensive' of breakfast meetings with leaders of the FTSE 250 in the months before the election and then courted businesses for an international investment summit in October. But her Budget decision to raise national insurance for employers after Labour's repeated election pledge not to increase taxes on 'working people' prompted a major backlash from businesses. And she is under pressure over her pledge to restore financial stability as growth has failed to match expectations and amid rising government borrowing costs. In May Sir Keir announced a partial U-turn on plans to means-test winter fuel payments, which will see the benefit paid to pensioners receiving up to 35,000 per year at a cost of around 1.25 billion to the Treasury. The plan had originally been to set the eligibility ceiling at 13,000. Last month she delivered her spending review, which again pumped billions into the NHS, as well as defence spending and nuclear power. Last year she admitted that a tweet that described her as 'boring, snoring' during a TV appearance left her feeling slightly humiliated. But the then-shadow treasury secretary, who had been Leeds West MP for three years when BBC Newsnight editor Ian Katz posted the view in 2013, was clear about what her priorities were when asked about it. 'Glamorous and exciting are probably not two things you'd want from someone in charge of public finances you want someone who's steady, who's serious, who's responsible,' she told The Guardian. However she has also been involved in a feebies row. Last August she, the PM, and deputy Angela Rayner stopped accepting clothing donations from a wealthy Labour donor and peer, Lord Alli, and Sir Keir later tweaked the rules on ministers accepting gifts and hospitality. A hero dog has been rescued a fortnight on from the remnants of a devastating blaze that killed a man and left an eight-year-old girl injured. The chihuahua, who has now been given the name Vilo, emerged from the burnt-out apartment in the Scottish town Perth. A charity, Missing Pets, is now looking after the dog - as police continue to investigate the tragedy that happened in the early hours of June 14. Neighbours in the street were forced to flee their homes as emergency services were called to deal with the inferno and its aftermath. The animal welfare group posted an update about Vilo on its Facebook page named Missing Pets In Perth And Kinross. The statement described how the 'devastating' fire had 'a huge impact on our community but has also shown in times of struggle how we can all pull together to help others'. The group also told of giving the dog the name Vilo, inspired by it being a Slovakian word suggesting 'to live' or 'to thrive and flourish'. The group told its 32,000 Facebook followers: 'A couple of days after the fire, we at Missing Pets were contacted to ask for our advice and help as a little miracle had happened. A chihuahua given the name Vilo, emerged from a burnt-out apartment in Scottish town Perth An animal welfare charity shared a thermal imaging picture suggesting the dog's presence Vilo has now been reunited with her family following the June 14 blaze at a property in Perth 'A little chihuahua puppy called Vilo had survived the fire and was still in the building. 'Vilo had been spotted by contractors working on the building but was too scared to come to anyone. Team members gave advice about popping food out and also provided two humane traps baited with food.' The group said: 'With us all working together, we were able to pinpoint a rough area where she was hiding and bedding down to keep safe. 'After 13 days, Vilo was safely caught and completely unharmed.' They also insisted they could not 'take all the credit for her safe capture', sharing thanks with local demolition firm Reigart Contracts whose staff added their help. Missing Pets said of the company based in Coatbridge, Lanarkshire: 'They did everything they possible could to safely help with her capture and were the ones who were able to catch her and bring her down safely. 'They had her wrapped up safely in one of her owners teeshirts so she had a comforting smell too. They told how a neighbour spotted the dog at the window 'looking remarkably well', while the group's live cameras of the scene showed Vilo entering a trap left out and eating food that was there - 'but not triggering the trap plate'. Vilo is seen here being held by Katie McCandless from the charity Missing Pets Missing Pets went on to describe how one of their volunteer drone pilots won permission to fly a thermal drone over the building to track Vilo's movements. Katie McCandless, from the charity, has now described the dog's rescue as 'a little bit of hope in some dark times'. She said: 'Perth and Kinross Council contacted us for some help and advice about what the best thing to do was. I've been running this charity for 14 years but this is the first type of case like this I've ever been involved in. 'We knew it was a delicate situation and had to be handled sensitively, a lot of residents have lost everything.' Following Vilo's rescue, she was taken to a vet for a check over and, remarkably, is suffering no ill effects. It emerged that Vilo had also managed to make herself a bed in a wardrobe, where she escaped the noise and disruption of the demolition work going on around her. Ms McCandless added: 'She does not have a single mark on her and her paw pads are completely fine. She smells a bit of smoke but had minimal smoke inhalation. She really is a miracle dog. Vilo belongs to the Ridaj family, who stayed in the top-floor of the tenement, including father Maros who said: 'We are very happy that the dog is safe and has been returned to us.' Fire engulfed a tenement building close to the centre of the Scottish town Perth on June 14 Councillor Eric Drysdale, deputy leader of Perth and Kinross Council and ward member for Perth City Centre, said: 'This really is a remarkable story. 'I would like to thank everyone who helped return Vilo to her family safely - the neighbouring family who reported seeing her, Missing Pets Perth and Kinross, council staff who supported the rescue and, of course, the team from Reigart Contracts who assisted while carrying out dangerous and urgent demolition work. 'We know there are people still grieving after the fire because of the loss of loved ones, the loss of their homes and the impact on businesses nearby. 'But this amazing rescues is emblematic of the kindness people have shown in the wake of the tragedy - and the extra mile people have been willing to go to help others affected by this awful situation.' 'After her being checked over by the vets, I dont think any of us could believe how unharmed she was. 'She didnt have a single mark on her, her paw pads were completely fine and she had minimal smoke inhalation.' A man was found dead at the scene following the June 14 fire, while the eight-year-old girl and another man, aged 27, were taken to hospital. Two firefighters also required medical attention, one of them after being struck by 'falling masonry' as a result of the fire. Police officers spotted the fire tearing through the property on the corner of Scott Street and South Street, Perth, while they were patrolling the area About 40 residents were evacuated from nearby properties after police, fire and ambulance crews rushed to the blaze A man was found dead at the scene, while an eight-year-old girl and another man, aged 27, were taken to hospital Two firefighters also required medical attention, one of them after being struck by 'falling masonry' as a result of the inferno Scotland's First Minister John Swinney, whose constituency as an MSP is Perthshire North, said afterwards he was 'terribly sorry' to hear that a man had died. He added: 'I express my sympathy to his family. Concerned also for the condition of those who are receiving hospital treatment.' Perth and Kinross-shire MP Pete Wishart described the incident as 'awful news', saying: 'We had hoped that everyone had got out safely.' He added: 'Thoughts are with family and friends. There is going to be ongoing disruption in the city centre and I ask everyone to be patient with the investigation and restrictions.' Chief Superintendent Nicola Russell said Police Scotland are conducting a joint investigation with the fire service. She said: 'Our thoughts are with all those affected by this incident. Investigations are at a very early stage to establish the full circumstances of what has happened. Donald Trump's plan to deport hundreds of thousands of illegal Haitian immigrants was shot down by a New York court. A federal district court judge in Brooklyn rejected President Trump's plans to end temporary protection status (TPS) for 520,000 Haitian migrants living in the U.S. The TPS designation was set to expire on August 3 and termination was meant to go into effect on September 2. But U.S. District Judge Brian Cogan said that Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem went against the timeline set forth by Congress to reconsider the designation for migrants from the Caribbean island. 'Secretary Noem does not have statutory or inherent authority to partially vacate a country's TPS designation,' Cogan wrote in his Tuesday decision. He said that her actions to end the status were 'unlawful.' The federal government, however, can still freely enforce immigration laws and terminate TPS. A federal judge ruled that President Donald Trump and DHS Secretary Kristi Noem cannot end temporary protected status for Haitian migrants within the 18-month period for which the status was granted. Pictured: Trump and Noem speak to media in Ochopee, Florida on July 1 U.S. District Judge Brian Cogan of Brooklyn wrote in his ruling on Tuesday that DHS 'Secretary Noem does not have statutory or inherent authority to partially vacate a country's TPS designation,' The ruling came down the same day that Trump and Noem were in the Florida Everglades with Gov. Ron DeSantis to visit the new immigration detention center dubbed 'Alligator Alcatraz.' The facility is designed to hold up to 5,000 migrants and supports the administration's mass deportation agenda. DHS said days before Cogan's ruling that the decision to end the TPS for Haitians ensures it is only a temporary status and not a tool used to circumvent the traditional route to gain citizenship or other documentation to live and work in the U.S. They claim it restores integrity of the U.S. immigration system and legal pathways. 'The environmental situation in Haiti has improved enough that it is safe for Haitian citizens to return home,' a spokesperson said on Friday. 'We encourage these individuals to take advantage of the Department's resources in returning to Haiti, which can be arranged through the CBP Home app. Haitian nationals may pursue lawful status through other immigration benefit requests, if eligible.' The Immigration Act of 1990 created TPS with the intention of allowing residents of foreign countries to seek refuge in the U.S. while their home nations were facing war, natural disasters, political uprisings or other unsafe conditions. There are 520,000 Haitians living in the U.S. under protected status and Trump wants to kick them out as part of his mass deportation plan Trump and Noem joined Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis for a tour of the new migrant detention facility named Alligator Alcatraz in Ochopee, Florida on July 1, 2025 The program is able to be extended in 18-month increments. Haitians were first granted TPS by the U.S. in 2011 after two hurricanes rocked the poor island nation. In 2013 and 2015 the status was extended for 18-month periods each time. At the end of the 2015 decision to continue TPS, in 2017 it was extended for six more months with a termination of July 22, 2019. But that easy delayed by lawsuits. In May 2021 the TPS status was redesignated for 18 months due to the ongoing political crisis in Haiti along with human rights abuses and economic challenges. On December 5, 2022 it was extended again. The previous administration extended it on June 28, 2024 to expire on February 3, 2026 for any Haitians living in the U.S. as of June 3, 2024. But Noem amended this on February 20, 2025 an d set it to expire in August. Cogan claims that she cannot redesignate the expiration outside the 18-month extension period laid out by Congress. Cogan wrote in his decision that Haitians' interest in living and working in America 'far outweigh' potential harm to the U.S. government. It's unclear whether that's a sound legal justification for ruling against the federal-level decision to end TPS for Haitians and remove migrants living in the U.S. without permanent status. Noem originally decided to revoke TPS from these migrants after reviewing a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) report showing that Haiti no longer met the statutory requirements that grant foreign residents the ability to obtain this protection status. Haitians living in the U.S. under TPS are encouraged by DHS to use the CBP Home app to secure a complimentary ticket for a departure flight home to their island along with a $1,000 exit bonus for those who voluntarily leave. Elon Musk took to his X account to talk about President Donald Trump but, in a surprising twist, he was there to praise him instead of criticize him. He made his complimentary comment after re-tweeting Trump's update on peace talks between Israel and Gaza including a 60-day ceasefire deal. 'Credit where credit is due. @realDonaldTrump has successfully resolved several serious conflicts around the world,' the world's richest man wrote. It was a remarkable change in tone considering the two men have spent the month sniping at each other on social media, each trying to out top the other with threats and insults. The Tesla CEO has come out publicly against Trump's signature spending and tax 'big, beautiful bill' that is snaking its way through the House and Senate this week. He slammed the bill over its cuts to electronic vehicle subsidies and says it increases the country's deficit. After Musk's public condemnation of the legislation, Trump even indicated he was open to the idea of deporting the Tesla founder, who was born in South Africa and is a naturalized American. The president also threatened to turn Musk's DOGE agency against him, telling the Daily Mail that he might have the agency 'eat Elon' - which likely meant Trump was threatening to cancel Musk's billions in government contracts. Elon Musk's took a new tone when talking about President Donald Trump The simmering tensions between the two men have boiled over in the past week as Musk railed against Trump's 'big, beautiful bill' and Trump snapped back. It was a throw back to their breakup last month, which was public and messy. Their long alliance appears to be over but Musk, who said he was leaving DOGE to concentrate on his private businesses, appears to be making a return to politics. Musk spent almost $300 million to support Trump and other Republican candidates in the 2024 election. And now he's threatening to start a new political party. In response, Trump escalated matters, saying he is open to deporting Musk and adding that additional threat: turning DOGE - the agency Musk founded - against him. 'I don't know. We'll have to take a look,' the president told Daily Mail on Tuesday when asked about deporting Musk. 'We might have to put DOGE on Elon. You know what DOGE is? DOGE is the monster that might have to go back and eat Elon,' Trump added. Musk responded on X, writing: 'So tempting to escalate this. So, so tempting. But I will refrain for now.' Their feud, which had quieted down, reignited after the Tesla founder spent much of the weekend railing against Trump's signature bill, complaining about its cuts to electronic vehicle subsidies and showing that it increases the country's deficit. The Senate, however, ultimately approved the 'big, beautiful bill' on Tuesday. It now faces another vote in the House. President Donald Trump didn't rule out deporting Elon Musk Trump shrugged off Musk's criticism and warned the Tesla founder has more to lose than EV subsidies that help support his car business. 'Elon is not getting his mandate,' Trump said Tuesday. 'He's not going to get his mandate and he better be careful. He might not get anything else.' Trump also appeared to regret his Tesla purchase, which he made earlier this year, paying cash. He turned the South Lawn into a Tesla showroom in a nod to his relationship with the world's richest man. 'Not everybody wants an electric car. I don't want an electric car,' Trump said. At the time, Musk was the head of the Department of Government Efficiency and his auto dealerships became the target of protests due to his sweeping cost-cutting. Musk was a top contributor to Trump's 2024 presidential campaign, spending millions to help the president win a second term. But their relationship went South after Musk left the government to return to the private sector. They sparred on social media after Musk amped up his criticism of the Big, Beautiful Bill. Elon Musk and President Donald Trump in happier times - in March on the South Lawn But Trump made it clear that Musk knew the subsidies for electronic cars was not an option from the start. And he said Musk may have to go back to his homeland of South Africa. 'Elon Musk knew, long before he so strongly endorsed me for president, that I was strongly against the EV Mandate,' Trump wrote on Truth Social early Tuesday. Musk, in response, threatened to start a new political party and target Republicans who ultimately vote for the president's package. 'If this insane spending bill passes, the America Party will be formed the next day,' he wrote on X. 'Our country needs an alternative to the Democrat-Republican uniparty so that the people actually have a VOICE.' Musk, the world's richest man, gave nearly $300 million to Republican candidates last year. Now he may leverage that seismic war chest among the very GOPers he once aided, writing he would work to dislodge GOP incumbents in primaries 'if it is the last thing I do on this Earth.' The Coeur D'Alene gunman who shot two firefighters dead last weekend complained about having 'problems' with authority and was booted from school in the 10th grade for making violent threats. Wess Roley, 20, launched a deadly attack on first responders on Sunday after deliberately setting a bush fire at Idaho beauty spot Canfield Mountain to lure them in. Now DailyMail.com can reveal that the baby-faced shooter had a troubled past that included bullying gender-fluid kids at his Arizona high school, making disturbing neo-Nazi comments and posting Holocaust-denying TikTok videos. And after moving to Idaho in summer 2024 after a year living with his grandfather Dale, 66, in Vinita, Oklahoma, his life spun further out of control with a former roommate telling DailyMail.com that he made threatening gang signs, had no friends and cheated him out of a month's rent when he was told to move out. Roley had also fallen out with his father Jason, 39 a heavily tattooed motorcycle enthusiast whose Facebook page carries several pictures of him in Hells Angel gear who lives in remote Priest River, Idaho, with his second wife Sara, 35, and their two young children. 'When he first moved in with me, he was just real quiet,' TJ Franks, 28, told DailyMail.com in an interview at his modest apartment home in Sandpoint, Idaho, 60 miles north of Coeur d'Alene. 'He didn't really do a whole lot. He just kind of kept to himself and worked. But then, towards the end of his stay here, we started noticing changes in his behavior. 'He shaved all his hair off. He was keeping really late hours at night.' Wess Roley, 20, who ambushed emergency crews responding to a wildfire he ignited with a flint fire starter on Canfield Mountain near Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, on Sunday, had a disturbing past marked by bullying classmates and repeatedly drawing Nazi symbols in school His former roommate, TJ Franks, 28, told DailyMail.com that Roley's behavior had grown increasingly bizarre before he finally asked him to move out in January. While Roley complied, he left without paying the last months rent The two had shared an apartment in this building in Sandpoint, Idaho, but their relationship began to deteriorate after Roley used Franks' nail clippers without permission, constantly hogged the TV and played video games into the early morning hours Other difficult behavior included using Franks's personal items such as his clippers without permission, monopolizing the TV and playing video games deep into the small hours. Franks added: 'He left his vehicle running out here for like, 12 or 13 hours, so the landlord called me and wanted me to check on him, and I knocked on his door. Roley (pictured in 8th grade) also raised red flags during his time at North Phoenix Prep School, where former classmates recalled his cruelty toward peers and his habit of doodling swastikas and other Nazi symbols in his school notebooks 'He was just sleeping, but he jumped up and said he had no idea that it was running there was a lot of weird stuff like that.' According to Franks, Roley who was living out of his van when he died didn't appear to have any friends at all and frequently complained about wanting a girlfriend. But he did nothing to get one, instead spending most of his time off taking lonely rambles along the 3.5-mile Mickinnick Trail telling Franks he felt most at home in the forest. The pattern is similar to one observed his former classmates in Arizona, with one North Phoenix Prep School graduate telling DailyMail.com that that he would bully other students including cruelly nicknaming one girl 'Horse Teeth' and had few friends of his own. More disturbing were his neo-Nazi outbursts and penchant for doodling swastikas and other Nazi symbols in his school notebook. 'He was weird,' recalled the student. 'At one point, in 10th grade he got a girlfriend who was Jewish. Roley's father, Jason, 39 a heavily tattooed motorcycle enthusiast who shared photos in Hells Angels gear, including at his wedding had fallen out with his son before the shooting, later posting on Facebook that he stood with the fallen first responders One classmate at the prep school recalled a time in 10th grade when Roley got a Jewish girlfriend and the couple proceeded to spread Nazi propaganda Roommate Franks said by the end of Roley's stay at their Sandpoint apartment, the 20-year-old shaved his head and stayed up all night Roley's disturbing behavior from scalated to a deadly breaking point on Sunday when he set a bushfire to lure first responders before ambushing them fatally shooting two firefighters and wounding a third Kootenai County Sheriff Robert Norris shared a picture of Roley that he had shared to his Instagram prior to the shootings, wearing a balaclava and a belt of rifle shells Law enforcement and emergency responders at Cherry Hill Park off 15th Street on June 29 after the ambush. Both Franks and his classmates said that Roley had a problem with authority 'They both were spreading neo-Nazi propaganda. Wess's notebook was notorious for having doodles of swastikas and satanic symbols in it. Later in November 2021, the then-10th grader Roley was expelled after threatening both the school and his classmates. His tattooed, dyed-hair girlfriend also left the school and was never heard from again by classmates. The student also added: 'Looking back on how Wess was in school, while I am shocked that someone I went to school with did this horrible act, I am not entirely surprised by it.' Asked about Roley's neo-Nazi past, Franks insisted he had never said anything 'racial' in front of him but did say he had shown a consistent disdain for authority. 'He did say that he has a problem not with authorities but authority,' Franks told DailyMail.com. 'He has a problem with authority, but he was not a political person. You know, I would talk to him about something that I saw on the news. 'When I did, he would just kind of laugh and he would say, "it's all bull crap anyway".' Ultimately, Roley's behavior became too much for Franks to tolerate, and he asked him to move out, which he did at the end of January this year. 'That's the last I ever talked to him,' Franks said. 'Me and him were getting into it over the things that were happening towards the end of his stay here because it was just not good, so we didn't really stay in contact. 'On the last day, he said bye and that he was going down to Coeur d'Alene for a job. I did try contacting him to get his last rent payment and the house key, but he wouldn't pay it.' Roley lived at this house with his parents in Phoenix, Arizona, before relocating to Oklahoma to stay with his grandfather, Dale, 66. He eventually moved to Idaho, where he lived in Sandpoint, a 30 minute drive from Roley's apartment in Sandpoint KoCoeur d'Alene Fire Department Battalion Chief John Morrison , 52, (left) and Kootenai County Fire Rescue Chief Frank Harwood, 42, were the two men killed by Roley Dave Tysdal, 47, was the third firefighter hit and is currently in hospital in critical condition After that, police say he lived a transient lifestyle and was the subject of several welfare and trespass calls but did nothing unduly troubling until the Sunday shootout that claimed the lives of Kootenai County Battalion Chief Frank Harwood, 42, and Coeur d'Alene Fire Department Battalion Chief John Morrison, 52. Coeur d'Alene Fire Department Fire Engineer David Tysdal, 47, was also badly hurt in what cops described as 'a total ambush' but is expected to survive. Neither of Roley's parents could be contacted for comment but late Monday night, dad Jason posted a tribute to the dead firefighters and changed his Facebook profile photo to a badge that read: 'In loving memories of our fallen heroes.' He added: 'I have no words. I'm so sorry for the families.' Of his estranged son, he said nothing. An ailing California radio personality denied using his medical donations to pay his daughters legal bills over claims she lied about being impregnated by a former Bachelor star. Ronn Owens, a 79-year-old San Francisco Bay Area media veteran, shared a GoFundMe page earlier this month seeking $140,000 to cover mounting medical expenses from several worsening health issues, including Parkinsons disease and serious heart problems. But the timing raised eyebrows, as his daughter, 34-year-old Laura Michelle Owens, faces seven felony charges tied to a 2023 lawsuit alleging she falsely accused reality TV star Clayton Echard of getting her pregnant with twins. On Monday, the broadcaster took to Facebook to deny the rumors, calling the claims 'completely false and deeply hurtful.' 'Unfortunately, some individuals have made defamatory claims suggesting the fund was created to support my daughter, Laura, and her legal expenses,' Ronn wrote. 'Laura has not received, requested, or accessed any of the GoFundMe contributions, and none of them have been - or will be - used for her legal matters,' he added. 'Let me make it clear that I stand with Laura 100% and am disheartened by the online efforts to discredit us both.' On New Year's Eve, friends and family launched a GoFundMe to help Ronn cover the financial challenges of his 23-year battle with Parkinsons disease and recent struggles with four bouts of cancer, including colon cancer. Ronn Owens (pictured), a 79-year-old, ailing radio personality, denied using his medical donations to pay his daughters legal bills over claims she lied about being impregnated by a former Bachelor star Ronn (right) shared a GoFundMe page earlier this month seeking $140,000 to cover mounting medical expenses from several worsening health issues, including Parkinsons disease and serious heart problems (pictured: Ronn's daughter, left) The timing raised eyebrows, as his daughter, 34-year-old Laura Michelle Owens (pictured), faces seven felony charges tied to a 2023 lawsuit alleging she falsely accused reality TV star Clayton Echard of getting her pregnant with twins While Laura insisted she was certain Clayton was the father, the 32-year-old former Bachelor (pictured) firmly denied the claim, stating they 'did not have sexual intercourse' As of July 2, the radio star best known for hosting KGOs The Ronn Owens Report until 2021 had raised $129,736 toward his $140,000 goal. It comes less than two months after his daughter Laura was indicted in Arizona on seven felony charges - including fraud and perjury - in a high-profile scandal involving Clayton Echard from Season 26 of The Bachelor. She allegedly engaged in the deception from May 2023 to June 2024, all to seek child support from Clayton. Laura was said to have given the reality star oral sex twice during a May 2023 encounter, with Clayton ending up leaving her distraught after attempting to end their fling the next day. Eleven days after that, Laura claimed to be pregnant. In 2023, she filed a lawsuit demanding DNA testing to prove whether the 6'5" reality star is the father of her unborn twins - allegedly conceived during a one-night stand. While Laura insisted she was certain Clayton was the father, the 31-year-old former Bachelor firmly denied the claim, stating they 'did not have sexual intercourse,' according to court documents obtained by The Sun. He ultimately agreed to the paternity test and shared the official results on social media in October 2023 - confirming he was not the father of Lauras alleged twins. On Monday, Ronn (pictured) took to Facebook to deny claims that he was giving his daughter medical GoFundMe donations for her legal bills, calling the rumors 'completely false and deeply hurtful.' This past May, felony charges filed against Laura (right) alleged that she had altered an ultrasound image, fabricated a pregnancy video and lied multiple times under oath to paint the reality star as the parent (pictured: Ronn, left) As of July 2, the radio star best known for hosting KGOs The Ronn Owens Report until 2021 had raised $129,736 toward his $140,000 goal (pictured: Ronn) Laura's alleged web of lies also included lying about her miscarriage, though she has denied the accusations and will face trial later this year (pictured: Laura's alleged pregnancy) Laura allegedly engaged in the pregnancy deception from May 2023 to June 2024, all to seek child support from Clayton (pictured) At the time, however, Laura claimed she suffered a miscarriage. This past May, felony charges filed against Laura alleged that she had altered an ultrasound image, fabricated a pregnancy video and lied multiple times under oath to paint the reality star as the parent. Moreover, her alleged web of lies also included lying about her miscarriage. Clayton recently spoke with the Daily Mail about the prosecutor's decision to bring felony charges. I'm celebrating the vindication Ive received from having these charges handed down to Laura, the perpetrator, he said in May. For her to be facing seven felony charges is absolutely incredible. It was a shock to me. It was a shock to the other victims.' We thought she may be charged but we didn't think that she was going to get the severity of the charges that she did,' he added. Because a Class 2 felony being at the front end of those seven charges is major. We have just been elated, over the moon, that this is the outcome that we were waiting on. It took a long time to get there but the day has finally come where she's going to be facing some accountability. Laura has denied the accusations and will face trial later this year. A British base-jumper parachutist who worked on a Mission Impossible movie died after colliding with an Italian mountainside, an inquest heard. Dylan Morris Roberts, 32, 'died doing what he loved' while attempting a jump from a licensed jumping area on Monte Brento, near Lake Garda, on June 3, 2022. Mr Roberts, 32, of Dent, near Sedbergh, Cumbria, had performed well over 1,000 such jumps in his life and was known as being 'meticulous in his preparation'. A statement read out at Cockermouth Coroner's Court by a friend and fellow base jumper said that he held the highest possible qualification for parachute instructors in the UK, allowing him to perform 'tandem' jumps with learners. He had been a skydiving professional and instructor for more than 10 years and worked as a 'rigger' for stunts performed on the Mission Impossible film during Covid, ensuring equipment was safe for all concerned. And he had designed a 'bespoke parachute system' for a Tom Cruise stunt. Mr Roberts had arrived at the well-known jumping site in the Dolomites to further hone his skills, according to his friend, and began walking up to the 'Happy Birthday' jumping spot on Monte Brento, around 1,000 metres high, at 5am on June 3, 2022 with two friends and fellow jumpers. According to their statements, Mr Roberts, wearing a purple wing-suit, jumped second, after his colleague had landed safely at around 6.30am. Dylan Morris Roberts (pictured), 32, 'died doing what he loved' while attempting a jump from a licensed jumping area on Monte Brento, near Lake Garda, on June 3, 2022 Mr Morris had been a skydiving professional and instructor for more than 10 years and worked as a 'rigger' for stunts performed on the Mission Impossible film during Covid They heard a 'loud crash' 20 seconds after Mr Roberts jumped. Their witness statements, along with footage from Mr Roberts' camera he was filming from while jumping, indicated that he had failed to achieve sufficient velocity to generate 'lift'. He had then 'aligned himself' into the most aerodynamic position possible to gain velocity, which caused him to crash into the mountain, the inquest heard. A post mortem found he suffered catastrophic head and chest injuries. His mother Catherine Morris told the court: 'Dylan was an amazing son, and an amazing brother. 'He was able to bring tremendous happiness and joy to us as a family and to those who he met. 'It was an extraordinary gift, he had an enormous smile that we always used to say wrapped round the world. 'It's what we all remember but it also reminds us he had so much love and so much joy to bring to us all.' Mr Roberts had arrived at the well-known jumping site in the Dolomites to further hone his skills, according to his friend His friend and skydiving colleague called him a 'charismatic, devoted and humble man'. He said: 'He was a multi-disciplinary expert who was a talented and respected skydiving and BASE-jumping specialist, but also an excellent teacher. 'Despite his undeniable skill and experience in his field, Dylan always remained grounded and he always strove to improve. 'He sought training as much as he offered it - the hallmark of an expert. 'Dylan was meticulous in his preparation and he handled risk in a considered way that only someone with his experience could do. 'Beyond his numerous achievements, Dylan had the biggest heart I've ever known.' Coroner Margaret Taylor said: 'This was a tragedy of monumental proportions. 'Dylan was clearly incredibly talented and much loved.' She said there was 'nothing to suggest there was anything unsafe in attempting that jump'. Ms Taylor found that Mr Roberts' death was accidental. The grieving families of four University of Idaho college students savagely murdered in 2022 and, indeed, most of America were shocked when it was reported Monday that accused killer, Bryan Kohberger, had accepted a plea deal to live out the rest of his life in prison. Two days later, the emotionless killer appeared in a Boise, Idaho, courtroom where he verbally admitted his guilt on all counts. But beyond the justifiable outrage over the state prosecutor's deeply cynical, yet pragmatic decision to put an accused murderer behind bars, many were left wondering: why now? I, however, was not particularly surprised. I began reporting on this case in the days immediately after the killings in Moscow, Idaho, spending weeks in that tiny, traumatized college town, crossing America to the small Pennsylvania lake community where Kohberger was born and raised and sitting in court as state prosecutors battled Kohberger's savvy and determined court-appointed defense team. It became apparent to me early on that Kohberger's lawyers understood that the evidence against their client was convincing, even overwhelming. There was no getting around the fact that a touch of Kohberger's DNA was recovered from a knife sheath found on the bed of one of the murder victims. It also would have been near impossible for them to explain why his car was near the house where the murders occurred at the approximate time of the killings and why he had no alibi on that freezing cold evening. It became apparent to me early on that Kohberger's lawyers understood that the evidence against their client was convincing, even overwhelming. On November 13, 2022, an intruder killed Madison Mogen (second from left, top), Kaylee Goncalves (second from left, bottom), Xana Kernodel (second from right) and Ethan Chapin (center) with a knife. As I reported for the Daily Mail in April, Kohberger's attorneys had been lobbying him to accept a plea deal taking the threat of execution by an Idaho fire squad (an antiquated method of capital punishment brought back into practice for Kohberger's benefit) off the table. But, as a source close to the Kohberger family told me then, it was his mother Maryann, who repeatedly encouraged him to plead not guilty, frustrating the defense team's strategy. The mother's apparent motivation is still unclear. Whether she was driven by a desire to protect her family reputation or a delusional refusal to accept reality, my source said she stood in a way of a bargain with prosecutions. In fact, the Kohberger family was allegedly so resistant to a deal that Bryan's lawyers argued in court that he had autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and that executing someone with the condition would constitute cruel and unusual punishment. That was a ruse - I believe. I suspect the defense's true objective was to establish Kohberger's alleged autism so that they could argue the disorder made him incapable of making reasonable decisions. And therefore, despite his reluctance, they would ask the court to accept his guilty plea regardless of his consent with the hope that in return the state will forgo the death penalty and accept a life sentence. Howard Blum (pictured) is the author of 'When the Night Comes Falling: A Requiem for the Idaho Student Murders.' But now, my source tells me it was only in past few days that Bryan Kohberger's resistance to a deal was broken. Defense lawyers allegedly went back to Kohberger recently and warned him that if he goes to trial, his mother, father Michael and possibly even one of his two sisters would be called to testify. A recent Dateline investigation, of which I took part, revealed that there are records of a phone call that Kohberger made to a cellphone registered to his father at 6am on the morning after the murders. It is possible that Kohberger spoke to his mother in that conversation and Kohberger was warned, I'm told, that the state will likely grill her over what may have been said. The defense team then assured Kohberger, my source said, that prosecutor would also undoubtedly question his father over the cross-county road trip they took together in December, after Michael drove from Pennsylvania to pick up Bryan and take him back home in Pennsylvania for the Christmas holidays. By this time, there was a nationwide search for a killer. And while driving in Bryan's Hyundai Elantra, the Kohbergers were stopped twice by police but ultimately allowed to drive on. I was told that Bryan seemed distraught during the drive and confided in his father during that trip that he was in trouble at his job as a teaching assistant in the criminal justice department at Washington State University. His father was quite possibly putting two and two together and concluding that his son was running from something terrible. Finally, I've previously reported that one of Kohberger's sisters had confronted her father over her suspicions after she found her brother cleaning out his car and bizarrely sorting his garbage into different garbage bins across their neighborhood when he was home in December. Some have speculated that Kohberger may have done that to hide trace DNA that might be left on his refuse from investigators seeking to link him to the killings. All of this would be explored by prosecutors at trial and a source close to the family says that influenced Bryan's decision to accept the deal. A recent Dateline investigation, of which I took part, revealed that there are records of a phone call that Kohberger made to a cellphone registered to his father at 6:00 am on the morning after the murders. It is possible that Kohberger spoke to his mother in that conversation and Kohberger was warned, I'm told, that the state will likely grill her over what may have been said. Of course, there's no way of my knowing how prominent that was in his thoughts. The defense also recently suffered a series of losses in court. Judge Steven Hippler threw out the Kohberger team's so-called 'alternate perpetrator' defense theory which suggest that four other people were involved in the killing. Hippler also rejected the defense's attempt to claim that Kohberger didn't need to establish an alibi because he was out driving by himself in the early morning hours before the murders. So, what finally pushed Bryan Kohberger to accept a plea deal condemning himself to life in prison? It may be a combination of many factors from his failing courtroom hopes to pressure from family. A former reporter for the NY Times, Howard Blum is the author of several bestselling nonfiction books, including 'When the Night Comes Falling: A Requiem for the Idaho Student Murders,' which was just published this week in paperback with a new afterword. An Ohio woman who was found guilty of raping an infant will spend the rest of her life behind bars. Kristina Jacobson, 39, of Akron, near Cleveland, was convicted of illegal use of a minor or an impaired person in nudity-oriented material or performance, rape, and gross sexual imposition at a hearing on June 12. She will have to register as a Tier III sex offender and will not be given the possibility of parole. 'Kristina Jacobson abused an innocent childs vulnerability and inability to defend or advocate for herself,' Summit County Prosecutor Elliot Kolkovich said in a statement. 'There is simply no excuse for this abhorrent crime.' Kristina's husband, Scott Jacobson, 45, was also sentenced to life in prison without parole for raping two children. He was sentenced in November after pleading guilty in August, Kolkovich said. He was also found guilty of gross sexual imposition, five counts of pandering obscenity involving a minor or impaired person, and five counts of pandering sexually-oriented matter involving a minor, which is an Ohio crime that involves material showing a minor involved in sexual activity. Their victims are under the age of 13 and the abuse occurred between December 2011 to December 2015 and April to May 2024, according to Fox 8. Kristina Jacobson, 39, of Akron, near Cleveland, was convicted of illegal use of a minor or an impaired person in nudity-oriented material or performance, rape, and gross sexual imposition at a hearing on June 12 Kristina's husband, Scott Jacobson, 45, was also sentenced to life in prison without parole for raping two children They will both have to register as a Tier III sex offenders and will not be given the possibility of parole. Kristina often posted photos with small children on her Facebook page, as well as pictures of her running and of her dog. Her latest photo is a picture of her in what appears to be a public bathroom in May 2024. Earlier this year, a North Carolina mother was arrested on 80 counts of child rape. Sara Jean Sellers, of Shallotte, was arrested in February on multiple charges related to sexual crimes against children. The 44-year-old mother engaged in these alleged acts from 2018-2019, and two boys who were 12-years-old at the time are said to be involved, prosecutors said. She faces 20 counts each of statutory rape of a child under the age of 15, indecent liberties with a child, and statutory sex offense with a child under 15, according to arrest records reviewed by Daily Mail. Rachel Reeves was visibly upset in the House of Commons this afternoon as she sat next to Sir Keir Starmer during Prime Minister's Questions. The Chancellor's position is under intense scrutiny following the Government's humiliating U-turn on welfare cuts in the face of a rebellion by Labour MPs. During the Commons exchanges between Sir Keir and Tory leader Kemi Badenoch on Wednesday, tears were seen rolling down Ms Reeves' cheeks. But, asked about her upset appearance, a spokesman for the Chancellor said it was a 'personal matter' that 'we are not going to get into'. Downing Street said Ms Reeves had Sir Keir's 'full backing' and, despite speculation about her future, the PM's press secretary added: 'The Chancellor is going nowhere.' Here's how a dramatic PMQs unfolded... 11.59am - Rachel Reeves is seen taking her seat in the Commons ahead of PMQs. Her eyes appear puffy. An MP behind her taps her on the shoulder - perhaps asking if she is ok - before receiving a reply from the Chancellor. Ms Reeves then cracks a smile as she talks to Sir Keir Starmer on the Labour front bench. 12.12pm - Ms Reeves responds after Tory leader Kemi Badenoch notes how the Chancellor 'looks absolutely miserable'. 12.13pm - A tear rolls down Ms Reeves' face. It came as Sir Keir failed to provide an answer to Mrs Badenoch's question about whether the Chancellor would remain in post until the next general election. 12.31pm - Ms Reeves' bottom lip wobbles and tears roll down both her cheeks as the PM answers a question from Glasgow North MP Martin Rhodes. 12.37pm - The Chancellor leaves the House of Commons chamber after PMQs finishes. Ms Reeves' sister, Ellie Reeves, took her hand in an apparent show of support. The EU is unwilling to allow Britain to join a pan-European trade zone despite Sir Keir Starmer's efforts to 'reset' the UK's relations with Brussels, it has emerged. The Government recently published a trade strategy that hailed membership of the Pan-Euro-Mediterranean Convention (PEM) as an 'opportunity' for the UK. Ministers said they would 'consider the benefits' of joining the PEM as part of efforts to boost British exports. The PEM allows for tariff-free trade of some goods from across dozens of countries in Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. But, according to the Financial Times, the European Commission has made clear to Britain that it would not currently support UK membership of the PEM. EU officials said Brussels bosses had decided that the UK joining the PEM was not currently in the bloc's interests, the newspaper reported. The EU is said to fear it would increase the risk of products unfairly qualifying for low-tariff access to the bloc. It comes despite Sir Keir and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen recently striking a 'reset' deal following a UK-EU summit in London. The European Commission has reportedly made clear to Britain that it would not currently support UK membership of the Pan-Euro-Mediterranean Convention (PEM) It comes despite Sir Keir Starmer and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen recently striking a 'reset' deal following a UK-EU summit in London The Government recently published a trade strategy that hailed membership of the PEM as an 'opportunity' for the UK The agreement, signed in May, covered fishing, trade, defence and energy and represented the biggest change in Britain's relations with the bloc since Brexit. Although the PEM is not exclusively an EU arrangement, trade experts said Britain would need EU co-operation to join because it would require a rewriting of the post-Brexit trade deal. Sam Lowe, trade lead at consultancy Flint Global, said: 'For it to be meaningful for the UK, the EU would need to agree to incorporate the PEM rules of origin into the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement. 'This gives the EU de facto blocking powers.' David Henig, a former UK trade negotiator now at the ECIPE think-tank, said: 'The EU isn't united on the importance of the UK reset and issues like PEM can easily be caught up in this even though technically straightforward. 'The UK Government is going to have to work hard in London and Brussels to build momentum.' Although they have left the door open to joining the PEM, the Prime Minister has repeatedly ruled out rejoining the EU's single market or customs union. A Government spokesperson said: 'This Government has secured a new agreement with the EU to support British businesses and jobs and put more money in people's pockets. 'We have also published a new Trade Strategy setting out how we will boost trade further. 'We aren't going to provide a running commentary on our ongoing discussions with the EU.' READ MORE: Teenage tradie dies in a freak accident while celebrating milestone A cargo ship bound for Australia has been found to have a massive 2.5 tonnes of cocaine onboard, worth about $800million. Officers from the New Caledonia-based French Navy, with surveillance support from a Falcon jet, undertook the huge operation to seize the illicit drug on June 25 from a vessel that departed Peru in May. Seven crew members from the SM Dante were taken into custody in New Caledonia. It's understood the massive drug shipment, a record the small pacific nation, was bound for Queensland. New Caledonian public prosecutor Yves Dupas revealed the cocaine was packaged within about fifty bags. The operation to seize the drugs took place about 400 nautical miles off Noumea, the capital of the French territory. It comes just days after over half a tonne of cocaine was prevented from reaching Australia following a two-month Australian Border Force-led operation. The ABF worked in partnership with Customs authorities from Jamaica, United States, France in French Polynesia and New Caledonia, and New Zealand. The French Navy intercepted the shipment when they searched a ship near New Caledonia Officers seized approximately 2.5 tonnes of cocaine, worth about $800million, onboard a vessel that sailed from Peru and was bound for Australia The $800million seizure (pictured) is just days after it was revealed another half a tonne of cocaine was prevented from reaching Australia following a separate two-month operation In a statement, the ABF revealed they had targeted the 'Rip' concealment method. The method exploits legitimate cargo shipments, whereby the drug is concealed in shipping containers and often unwittingly transported by sea faring vessels before it is swiftly removed by corrupt workers at a point along the route. Throughout April and May - before the massive 2.5 tonne find - the joint effort led to the seizure of over 500kgs of cocaine. During the operation more than 142kgs of cocaine was seized in French Polynesia hidden within insulation panels in a refrigeration unit. More than 67kg of cocaine was seized in New Caledonia buried behind panels in a shipping container, in a separate detection. Three other separate seizures saw over 285kgs of cocaine detected hidden within shipping containers arriving into Melbourne. ABF Commander International Claire Rees said: 'Organised crime groups are highly sophisticated enterprises, with incredibly deep pockets and a constantly expanding global reach.' 'The Rip method is becoming a hugely popular method of evasion, but it is only a possible strategy due to the increase of trusted insiders and criminal infiltration throughout the global supply chain. Seven crew members were taken into custody on the idyllic island nation of New Caledonia The joint operation that included Australia Border Force targeted the 'Rip' concealment method, which uses shipping containers to conceal and transport drugs In addition to the 2.5 tonne cocaine find, other operations in recent weeks have found 67kg of cocaine in New Caledonia buried behind shipping container panels and 285kgs of cocaine hidden in shipping containers arriving into Melbourne 'The operation is one of many examples of ABFs commitment to deepening our connection and capabilities with our international counterparts and our valued Industry partners.' 'It was a great example of the ABF officers embedded overseas and in Australia, working with international partners, combining trust, effort and resources for a common goal to halt criminal intrusion on our global supply chain and keep our communities safe.' A spokesperson for the French Customs Agency added: 'French customs welcomes the excellent cooperation between its various overseas services and Australian authorities in this operation against international drug trafficking by sea. 'The seizure ... of cocaine by customs officers from French Polynesia and New Caledonia demonstrates the effectiveness of a joint action and confirms the high level of collaboration in information sharing and intelligence between our territories.' An urgent warning about a cult toy craze that's sweeping the globe has been issued to Aussies, as eager buyers lineup for hours to get their hands on the in demand item. NSW Fair Trading took to social media on Wednesday to alert consumers to a spike in fake Labubu toys being sold online. They warn that scammers are cashing in on the hype by flogging off counterfeit 'Lafufu' products or failing to deliver on orders altogether. Fair Trading shared a visual guide to help buyers spot the difference between genuine Labubu figures and some of the knock-offs that are making their way into the country. Key details include matte packaging for the real toys versus shiny packaging for the fakes, along with design differences. Authentic Labubus have ears that sit closer together and feature nine distinct pointed teeth. Authorities are urging shoppers to only buy from reputable retailers, steer clear of suspiciously cheap listings on overseas websites, and always check seller reviews before purchasing. The official toys, sold by PopMart, retail for about $32 but are often snapped up by resellers who hike the price to well over $100. NSW Fair Trading shared this graphic, warning Labubu shoppers to avoid fake 'Lafufus' NSW Fair Trading has encouraged consumers who have been scammed or have not received their item to report it immediately. Labubus, which originated in Hong Kong, first gained popularity in Asia through 'blind-box' collectible culture and social media hype. Its quirky design and limited releases quickly turned them into a sensation among collectors around the globe. The toys are a popular fashion accessory, and have been seen attached to the handbags and clothing of a number of celebrities and social media personalities. PopMart's valuation has skyrocketed on the back of Labubu's global success. The company is now estimated to be worth $68.47 billion, surpassing major toy giants like Hasbro and Hello Kitty creator Sanrio. A father desperately tried to save his five-year-old son's life as he suffered a fatal allergic reaction after eating a biscuit at school, an inquest has been told. Peter Blythe arrived at Barnack Primary, in Stamford, Lincolnshire, to discover his son Benedict unconscious on the floor and staff frantically trying to revive him. He has now been giving evidence at the inquest, describing at Peterborough Town Hall his efforts to help. The tragedy unfolded on December 1 2021 when Benedict, who was allergic to dairy, eggs, peanuts, sesame and chickpeas, vomited during breaktime. Mr Blythe said: 'Benedict was dying in front of us and I could not believe what was happening.' The retired RAF senior aircraftsman immediately began CPR but struggled to clear mucus blocking Benedict's airway. Music teacher Dave Read, who was working outside the reception class at the time, saw Mr Blythe enter the room and then heard him yell - then stepped in to assist, having been trained in first aid. Mr Read said: 'It seemed the right decision to take over CPR, as Mr Blythe was crying - but he was not in any way doing a bad job. Schoolboy Benedict Blythe (pictured) collapsed at school and died after suffering a serious allergic reaction upon eating a biscuit, an inquest has been told The tragic youngster (right) is seen here with his parents Peter and Helen and sister Ella 'Everyone was working together to do the right thing. At the time, the CPR felt like it was working.' Mr Blythe and school staff continued to perform CPR for between 10 and 15 minutes before paramedics arrived. Benedict's mother Helen got there just two minutes later, at the same time as an air ambulance. The child was taken to Peterborough City Hospital but was pronounced dead shortly before 1pm on the day he was taken ill. Benedict had not previously shown signs of an allergic reaction and teaching assistant Sophie Brown said she assumed the sickness that day was related to an illness earlier in the week, the inquest has heard. She did not recall him asking for his blue asthma inhaler - adding that if he had, then she would have taken it as a sign he was having an allergic reaction and fetched his epi-pens immediately. Benedict vomited for a second time 10 minutes later and his class teacher Jenny Brass took him outside to get some fresh air - and it was at this point he collapsed. Ms Brown told the inquest: 'I heard Jenny shouting my name and she was carrying Benedict inside. Five-year-old Benedict Blythe (pictured), in his first year at Barnack Primary School in Stamford in Lincolnshire, died in hospital on December 1 2021 after vomiting at school Benedict, a member of the high IQ society Mensa since the age of four, died on December 1 2021 from anaphylaxis after eating a biscuit snack - he is pictured here with his sister Ella Benedict Blythe (pictured) was described by his mother Helen Blythe in an inquest statement as 'quick-minded and kind-souled' 'He was floppy and appeared to be unconscious. His skin was grey-blue which I took to mean he was in shock and I immediately got his bag and administered his EpiPen.' She added that she could feel Benedict breathing and placed him in the recovery position - and then when he stopped breathing she began to perform CPR. Paramedics and his father had been called and Mr Blythe arrived shortly afterwards. Benedict was one of three children in the class with known allergies - though Ms Brown said she had not seen any written allergy management plan for him. She had received online anaphylaxis training and online and in-person training on how to use an epi pen, the inquest was told. The jury heard that Benedict, who lived in Stamford with his parents and younger sister Etta, had eaten a McVities gingerbread biscuit as a break time snack, which he had brought in from home. He had refused a carton of oat milk and drank water instead. Benedict's mother Helen Blythe was among those giving evidence on the opening day earlier this week of the inquest into the death of her 'kind-souled' son'. Benedict Blythe is said to have been one of three children in the class with known allergies The cause of death for Benedict, who was allergic to milk, eggs and some nuts, was recorded as food-induced anaphylaxis, an inquest has been told UK hospital admissions from food-related anaphylaxis have increased by an average of 5.7 per cent each year between 1998 and 2018. An inquest into Benedict's (pictured) death continues She told how he was 'not just a child with allergies' but 'a whole universe', as she paid tribute to the boy as 'curious, funny, kind and loving - adding: 'The world should have been safer for him.' Elizabeth Gray, the area coroner for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, has addressed a jury at Peterborough Town Hall considering a verdict in the inquest. She informed the court how Benedict as kept home from school on November 30, shortly before his death, because he was unwell and had vomited the previous night - but he went to school as normal on December 1. The coroner said Benedict ate a biscuit during that school day which he had brought from home and was then offered oat milk by a class teacher but declined to drink it. The inquest is scheduled to continue for the rest of the week, with other school staff and health professionals lined up to give evidence. House lawmakers have rushed back to Washington to vote on President Donald Trump's sweeping domestic agenda taking planes, trains and even a party bus to make it in time. The Senate passed the president's marquee legislative package dubbed the 'Big, Beautiful Bill' on Tuesday setting up the House for a last-second vote on the multi-trillion-dollar tax and spending package before Independence Day on Friday. Trump has repeatedly prodded Congress to pass the bill before then so he can have a signing ceremony at the White House on the federal holiday, but as bad weather snarled Washington's airports, many had their flights canceled. Refusing to let the inclement weather derail her travel plans, Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., decided to ride in style for the overnight drive from her district to D.C. Mace, 47, and her staff posted videos of their half-day journey aboard a decked-out sprinter van with LED lights and plush leather seats. The clips of the impromptu road trip show Mace donning pink heart pajamas while traveling from the Palmetto State to Capitol Hill with her team and her dog named Liberty. 'I'm here to save my country, so come hell or high water, I was gonna get here on time,' she told the Daily Mail just after her arrival. 'We got here five minutes before the first vote.' Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., flashes a thumbs up before departing from her district to Washington, D.C., aboard a party bus with her staff Mace with her dog Liberty while buying Redbull at a Wawa overnight On the journey Mace and her staffers made stops at road trip staples Wawa and Waffle House. A video posted by the congresswoman's team shows Mace carrying her dog into Wawa and purchasing three Redbull for the overnight voyage. She wanted to keep their driver, a constituent, fueled and alert for the 12-hour ride. When she needed to refuel herself, the South Carolina lawmaker ordered a stop at Waffle House for some breakfast chocolate pie. 'Their chocolate pie is the best,' she admitted, but she was soon disappointed because 'they ran out' of her favorite treat. 'So I had chocolate chip waffles and I had hash browns, and we made sure that they had fresh coffee available,' she told the Daily Mail. It was unclear whether the congresswoman originally had a flight into D.C. that was canceled, as was the case for scores of lawmakers trying to get back in time to vote on Trump's agenda. Fellow South Carolina Republican Rep. Russell Frye, for example, opted to drive to the Capitol from Myrtle Beach after his flight was canceled on Tuesday. Other lawmakers had more harrowing journeys, like Illinois Democrat Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, who was forced to drive 14 hours from Chicago to D.C. after his flight was canceled. Mace sits at Waffle House before ordering chocolate pie and hash browns on Wednesday morning We made it. Drove overnight from IL to vote NO on this Large Lousy Law. pic.twitter.com/zSbcvj8hRt Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (@CongressmanRaja) July 2, 2025 Both sides of the aisle felt the urgency to return to Capitol Hill to vote for or against Trump's mega-bill, which includes no tax on tips or overtime, funding for border security, reforms to Medicaid and SNAP and many other provisions. Nobody wants to talk about growth, which will be the primary reason that the Big, Beautiful Bill will be one of the most successful pieces of legislation ever passed,' the president posted on social media Wednesday. 'Our Country will make a fortune this year, more than any of our competitors, but only if the Big, Beautiful Bill is passed!' And Trump is personally lobbying on-the-fence lawmakers to get in line and support his agenda. The president has planned meetings at the White House on Wednesday to sway lawmakers who are considering voting against the sweeping, nearly 900-page measure. Following the meeting, the House is expected to take a procedural vote to advance the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. A Frontier Airlines passenger who was caught on camera cackling after allegedly attacking a fellow flyer while mid-air had his smug grin wiped clean off his face the moment the plane landed. Ishann Sharma, 21, of New Jersey, was arrested Tuesday and charged with battery after a violent brawl erupted on board a flight arriving at Miami International Airport, according to the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office. Deputies were called to the tarmac Monday night following reports of an assault on a flight coming into the airport. An arrest report states Sharma approached a fellow passenger and grabbed him without warning by the neck as the man was returning to his seat. Bizarrely, Sharma's defense attorney claimed the incident occurred after a passenger took issue with his client for meditating. Video shows a grisly fistfight between Sharma and the victim - a man wearing a grey sweatshirt and sporting dreadlocks - as they slug it out in a row of seats, while shocked passengers plead with them to stop. The pair were eventually pulled apart, but Sharma returned to his seat grinning, allegedly mumbling to himself and snapping selfies of his bloodied face. He sustained a cut above his left eyebrow, while the victim suffered minor injuries and declined medical treatment. A Frontier Airlines passenger who was caught on camera cackling after allegedly attacking a fellow flyer mid-air had his smug grin wiped clean off his face the moment the plane landed Ishann Sharma, 21, was arrested Tuesday and charged with battery following the violent altercation An arrest report states Ishann Sharma approached a fellow passenger and grabbed him without warning by the neck as the man was returning to his seat Sharma's smirk didn't last long as he was marched off the plane in handcuffs by deputies and taken to Jackson West Hospital for treatment before being booked into custody. Sharma appeared in bond court on Tuesday, where his attorney bizarrely claimed the altercation began while he was meditating. My client is from a religion where he was meditating, said defense attorney Renee Gordon. Unfortunately, the passenger behind him did not like that. But the excuse didnt sway Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Gerald Hubbart, who set Sharmas bond at $500. He also ordered Sharma to have no contact with the victim, either in person or on social media, and issued a 500-foot stay-away order from the victims school and workplace. A clear motive for the alleged mid-air assault has yet to be determined. Frontier Airlines did not immediately respond to Daily Mail's request for comment. Bizarrely, his defense attorney claimed the incident occurred after a passenger took issue with Sharma for meditating Sharma was marched off the plane in handcuffs by deputies and taken to Jackson West Hospital for treatment before being booked into custody Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Gerald Hubbart who set Sharmas bond at $500 and forbid him from having contact with the victim It comes just months after passengers aboard a Frontier flight had to restrain an unruly patron after he punched out a window on the jet. Footage captured aboard Flight 4856 from Denver to Houston showed the unknown man frantically lashing out at his fellow passengers in early February. Those onboard had to resort to using shoelaces and zip ties to restrain him following the violent outburst, which saw him punch through the plexiglass of a window. A 33-year-old Illinois woman has been accused of grooming a teenage boy, refusing to leave him alone even after authorities issued a protective order barring her from contact with the child. Jessica Mills was arrested in March in Bloomington, a city outside of Springfield, for her alleged involvement with the teenage boy. It's unclear exactly what prompted the protective order, but prosecutors alleged during a recent hearing that she took the teenager to a motel and he was found cowering under the bed. During a pre-trial hearing on June 25, prosecutors tacked on an additional charge of grooming, which is a Class 4 felony. Sexually explicit videos and inappropriate text messages from Mills were allegedly found on the teen's phone. Prosecutors also accused Mills of talking about her relationship with the teenager during phone calls she made from jail. Mills is facing a Class 4 felony for grooming under Illinois law, which is probation eligible, according to the McLean County State Attorney's Office. Jessica Mills, 33, faces a Class 4 Felony charge for grooming and an additional charge of violating a protective order for an inappropriate relationship with a teenage boy Prosecutors alleged that Mills sent explicit texts and videos to the teenage boy and continued to contact him after the protective order Mills will remain in custody at a county detention facility in Illinois as she awaits her next pre-trial hearing No further background on the protective order or how Mills' knew her alleged victim has been shared. Mills will remain in custody at the McLean County Detention Facility in Bloomington. The state's attorney's office said her ongoing detention will continue to be evaluated by a judge. Mills is scheduled for her next court hearing on July 8 with Judge William Yodler, who will decide if her detention is still necessary. She has already appeared in court for three pre-trial hearing and has pled not guilty to the felony charge. Mills has pled not guilty to the felony grooming charge. If she's convicted, she could face up to three years behind bars If she's found guilty, Mills could be sentenced to the Illinois Department of Corrections for one to three years. According to McLean County Court records, Mills served jail time and was sentenced to 48 months' probation on burglary and looting charges in 2020. She was also arrested for domestic battery in March of 2021. The charge is a Class A criminal misdemeanor. A Facebook profile associated with her first and middle name listed her occupation as a co-owner and designer at a craft store. Her relationship status says she's been in a relationship since July 11, 2024. Six people accused of witchcraft have been burned alive, stoned or beaten to death in an act of 'horrific, unspeakable barbarity' in Burundi. The mob dragged the group from their homes on Monday after accusations were made by members of the ruling party's powerful youth movement, known as the Imbonerakure, according to witnesses. Imbonerakure is described as a militia by the United Nations and rights organisations. The two men who were burned alive have been named locally as Rwoba and Bimara, as well as another man, Vinicius, who was beaten with sticks. The attacks came after unfounded rumours circulated around the cause of recent deaths including that of a teacher and child, RPA said. Locals blamed witchcraft as the reason, prompting the attacks. Bujumbura provincial governor Desire Nsengiyumva said yesterday that 12 people had been arrested over the incident. Four more have since been arrested, Le Journal Africa reported. Six people accused of witchcraft were burned alive, stoned or beaten to death in an act of 'horrific, unspeakable barbarity' in Burundi Mr Nsengiyumva denounced the 'unacceptable mob justice', saying locals had wrongly attributed recent unexplained deaths to the victims. The tiny nation is predominantly Christian, and traditional beliefs are deeply rooted with unexplained deaths often blamed on witchcraft. Only last year, the Supreme Court sentenced a former prime minister to life imprisonment for charges 'including using witchcraft to threaten the president's life, destabilising the economy and illegal enrichment'. The official said three further people were also beaten but were ultimately rescued after police intervened. One victim remains in hospital, Le Journal Africa reported. 'A group of young Imbonerakure entered the homes of about 10 people accused of witchcraft. They then attacked them,' according to the official from Gasarara Hill, 10 kilometres east of Burundi's economic capital, Bujumbura. 'Six people were killed, two of them burned alive. The others were beaten to death with clubs or stoned with large stones thrown at their heads,' the official said. 'It was horrific, unspeakable barbarity.' Several unverified videos have circulated on social media since Tuesday but two clips set on Gasarara Hill, in the Nyabibondo area, were authenticated to AFP by two witnesses, who identified the group as the Imbonerakure. Several rights groups, including Human Rights Watch, have accused the Imbonerakure of killing and torturing dozens of people, particularly under the authoritarian rule of former president Pierre Nkurunziza, in power from 2005 until 2020. An Oklahoma pediatrician was arrested in connection with the death of her young daughter, who drowned in a backyard pool at a rental home in the middle of the night. Dr. Neha Gupta, 36, of Oklahoma City, is accused of killing her four-year-old, Aria Talathi, who was found unresponsive in a residential pool around 3am last month while the family was vacationing in El Portal, Florida, according to a press release from the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office (MDSO). Gupta now faces a first-degree murder charge following the investigation and is currently awaiting extradition to Miami-Dade County. Just after 3.30am on June 27, El Portal police responded to a 911 call reporting a child drowning at a short-term rental in the 100 block of Northwest 90th Street - the home where Gupta was allegedly staying with her daughter during their visit to South Florida. When officers arrived, they found four-year-old Aria 'floating in a pool' behind the home, completely unresponsive, as reported by NBC Miami. Paramedics with Miami-Dade Fire Rescue performed CPR at the scene before transporting her to Jackson Memorial Hospitals Ryder Trauma Center, where she was pronounced dead. The tragedy was initially described as a 'horrible accident,' according to Guptas attorney, Richard Cooper, who emphasized the shock and heartbreak surrounding the overnight incident, as reported by Local 10 News. 'I've been with her the whole morning,' Cooper told the outlet at the time. 'She is very sad, very distraught.' Dr. Neha Gupta (pictured), a 36-year-old pediatrician in Oklahoma City, was arrested in connection with the death of her four-year-old daughter, Aria Talathi, who was found unresponsive in a residential pool around 3am last month while the family was vacationing in Florida Just after 3.30am on June 27, El Portal police responding to a 911 call found Aria 'floating in a pool' behind the rental home in the 100 block of Northwest 90th Street (pictured) However, perspectives on Arias drowning began to shift after the MDSO took over the case from El Portal police, prompting investigators to take a closer look at the childs mother. 'The fact that a four-year-old at 3 o'clock in the morning would be outside is, to me, a little bit alarming,' a neighbor, identified only as Barbra, told Local News 10. Officials said that, 'through investigative efforts and in consultation with the Miami-Dade State Attorneys Office,' an arrest warrant was issued for Gupta on a charge of first-degree murder. With the combined efforts of multiple agencies - including the MDSO, the Oklahoma City Police Departments Homicide Unit and the U.S. Marshals Service - authorities were able to locate the 36-year-old mother in Oklahoma City and take her into custody. Authorities have not yet released an arrest affidavit or provided further details regarding Guptas alleged involvement in her daughters drowning. In a statement to DailyMail.com, Cooper said: 'My co-counsel, Michael Mirer, Esq, and I are upset to learn of this arrest. Ive never seen an arrest for murder before toxicology reports are in.' 'We look forward to learning more as we conduct our independent investigation,' he added. 'All I know is a mother missed her daughters funeral. It is one unimaginable tragedy on top of another.' Failings by a Labour-run council contributed to the death of a foster mother who was killed by a 12-year-old boy she was caring for. Marcia Grant, 60, had been working as a foster carer for seven years when she suffered catastrophic injuries as she tried to stop the boy taking her car from outside her home in the Greenhill area of Sheffield on April 5, 2023. The boy, referred to as Child X, was sentenced to two years in custody in November 2023 after admitting causing Mrs Grant's death by dangerous driving when he ran her over. Mrs Grant and her husband Delroy Grant had tried to stop the boy taking the car outside their home before he then reversed 'aggressively' over her at speed 'like a dart' as she stood at the end of her driveway. A wheel of the Honda Civic crushed Mrs Grant's chest and she later died at the scene. The boy said to police: 'Is she dead?' and 'looks like I got my first kill?' before insisting: 'It was an accident, I swear.' When he was arrested after trying to run away from police, the balaclava-clad youngster told a policewoman: 'I'm going to f***ing kill your family, you b****, and I don't give a f***.' On Wednesday, South Yorkshire coroner Marilyn Whittle recorded a narrative conclusion after an inquest into Mrs Grant's death, and said that the tragedy was caused in part by failings of the Labour-run council of Rotherham. Marcia Grant, 60, (pictured) had been working as a foster carer for seven years when she suffered catastrophic injuries as she tried to stop the boy taking her car outside her home A car at the scene of the tragic incident on Hemper Lane, Greenhill, Sheffield on April 5, 2023 Child X, was sentenced to two years in custody in November 2023 after admitting causing Mrs Grant's death by dangerous driving when he ran over her with her own car (Pictured: tributes outside the house) She said the circumstances which led to the fatal incident 'were contributed to by the failings of the Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council to have appropriate systems and processes in place when placing foster children, including but not limited to the lack of accurate and complete documentation, failure to communicate risks and concerns appropriately, failure to conduct appropriate risk assessments and failing to safeguard those in their care'. Ms Whittle said she would be writing a 'prevention of future deaths' report addressing issues including the council's lack of documentation and failure to complete forms; and a shortage of placements, although she said this was a 'national issue' and not just to be directed at Rotherham. The inquest heard Mrs Grant and her husband Delroy were experienced foster carers who were highly regarded by the council's fostering team. They were caring for another child, referred to as Child Y, when a call went out to all Rotherham's foster carers for an emergency placement for Child X on March 30, 2023. The inquest heard how Mr and Mrs Grant volunteered to take him, despite them being categorised as only able to take in one child at a time, largely because of the complexities Child Y presented to them. Ms Whittle said that Child X had a youth caution for possessing a knife and had at times talked about wanting to be part of gang culture, but this information was not included on the initial placement referral form, making it 'deficient'. She said Mrs Grant's decision that she could provide Child X with a short term placement 'was made without her full knowledge of Child X's risks' because of 'the failings of Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council to have in place systems and processes to ensure full details are included and up to date forms were used'. The coroner said the Grants' social worker, who was asked for his opinion on whether they were a suitable match for Child X, was not told about the boy claiming to have stabbed people or been involved in gangs, and 'would have categorically said that was not a match' if he had been. The inquest heard Mrs Grant and her husband Delroy were experienced foster carers who were highly regarded by the council's fostering team A map (above) marks where the incident took place outside Mrs Grant's home in the Greenhill area of Sheffield Ms Whittle found that 'had the proper process been undertaken, Child X would not have been placed with the Grant family'. Social worker David Wade, who supported the Grants in their fostering, told the inquest earlier that he was consulted about the initial emergency placement of Child X and said he did not agree with the decision because of the potential impact on Child Y, who was clearly being helped by the family. But Mr Wade said the decision was made by a more senior manager. The social worker told the court that he did not know the details of Child X's self-reported history of gang-related activity and possession of knives. He told the coroner that, if he did, he would have been more robust in his insistence that this was not a suitable placement. Mr Wade said he had absolutely no concerns over Mr and Mrs Grant's ability to care for Child X and stressed that his prime concerns were about the impact on Child Y. He said: 'They just wanted to help all the time. They were just incredibly open to helping children.' Matthew Boud, who worked at the time as head of service for Rotherham Council's children in care service, signed off on the placement of Child X with the Grants. Police attended the scene in Sheffield where Mrs Grant was found with catastrophic injuries after her chest had been crushed by the wheel of a Honda Civic He explained how the council faced difficult, 'finely balanced' decisions over emergency placements and, if the Grants had not agreed to take the boy, he could have ended up in an unsuitable setting, possibly including a hotel or being transported miles from Rotherham. He said: 'We were desperately trying to provide some stability for Child X in that context.' Mr Boud said he thought it was an 'appropriate decision' in the circumstances. The inquest heard on April 4, Mrs Grant received a visit from the Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) who discussed the placement with her. The IRO said after the meeting they would not recommend the placement was extended as concerns were raised that Mrs Grant was keeping knives locked in another room, and the boy had told her he had stabbed someone, spat at the neighbour and had sex with 10 girls. Child X was removed from Mrs Grant's care on April 5, but she was asked to keep him on for a longer placement because social services were not able to find an alternative placement. Shortly after he was returned to the Grants' home, he attempted to steal their car. Mrs Whittle said Mrs Grant was killed as she stood behind the vehicle in an attempt to stop him driving it away. After the inquest, Mrs Grant's son Shaun Grant said his mother 'deserved better' and would not have taken Child X if she had known his full history. Reading a statement alongside his sister Gemma Grant, he said: 'We have been on an agonising journey to uncover the truth behind the events and systemic failings that led to the death of our beloved mum, Marcia Grant. 'What has become evident over the last few weeks leaves us with no doubt that our mum was failed, our family was failed, and so too the foster child that was in our long-term care. 'It remains a source of deep sorrow and frustration that senior leadership within the council has consistently refused to acknowledge their own accountability despite being fully aware of the risk history of Child X and our mum's own needs as a foster carer. 'They chose to look away, take no responsibility and to make no meaningful change for carers after our mum's death.' He went on to say: 'We wholly welcome the coroner's findings that our mum was failed on numerous fronts and that these failures directly contributed to her death. 'However, whilst this leaves us with a sense of vindication, it also serves to reinforce to us how badly she was failed. 'If not for these failures, our mum would still be with us here today. 'Our mum was dedicated to protecting vulnerable people, she did so with strength, compassion, and an unwavering sense of duty. 'Yet when it mattered the most, the same system she gave so much for, did not protect her in return.' Rotherham Council's strategic director for Children and Young People's Services, Nicola Curley, said: 'We want to begin by offering our deepest and sincerest condolences to the family of Marcia Grant. The pain and distress they have experienced is immeasurable, and we are truly sorry for their loss and everything they have been through. 'Marcia was a much-loved and highly respected foster carer, and a central figure within Rotherham's fostering community. Her family have spoken of her devotion as a wife and mother - qualities that were equally evident in the care and compassion she gave to some of our borough's most vulnerable children. 'She made a lasting difference to the lives of many, and she remains deeply valued and greatly missed by all who knew her. We also extend our heartfelt condolences to her friends, and the fostering community who held her in such high regard. 'We recognise the seriousness of the coroner's findings, and we will now take time to reflect fully on the outcome of the inquest and consider all appropriate next steps.' Benjamin Netanyahu has called for the elimination of Hamas as Israel awaits a response from the terror group over a proposed 60-day ceasefire in Gaza. 'There will not be a Hamas. There will not be a Hamastan. We're not going back to that. It's over,' Netanyahu told a meeting hosted by the Trans-Israel pipeline on Wednesday. It comes after U.S. President Donald Trump said that Israel had agreed to what he called a 'final proposal' for ceasefire conditions. Hamas and Israel both staked out their positions ahead of expected talks on the Washington-backed ceasefire proposal due to take place on Wednesday. The militant group has suggested it was open to an agreement while the Israeli prime minister vowed 'there will be no Hamas' in postwar Gaza. Both stopped short of accepting the proposal announced by Trump on Tuesday. Hamas insisted on its longstanding position that any deal bring an end to the war in Gaza. Trump said that Israel had agreed on terms for a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza and urged Hamas to accept the deal before conditions worsen. Benjamin Netanyahu called for the elimination of Hamas in his first public remarks since U.S. President Donald Trump announced what he called a 'final proposal' for a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza Patients sit outside the destroyed Shifa Hospital compound in Gaza City on Tuesday, July 1 Trump said on Tuesday that Israel had agreed to U.S.-proposed ceasefire conditions The U.S. leader has been increasing pressure on the Israeli government and Hamas to broker a ceasefire, hostage agreement, and bring about an end to the war. Trump said the 60-day period would be used to work toward ending the war - something Israel says it won't accept until Hamas is defeated. He said that a deal might come together as soon as next week. But Hamas' response, which emphasized its demand that the war end, raised questions about whether the latest offer could materialize into an actual pause in fighting. Hamas official Taher al-Nunu said that the militant group was 'ready and serious regarding reaching an agreement.' He said Hamas was 'ready to accept any initiative that clearly leads to the complete end to the war.' A Hamas delegation is expected to meet with Egyptian and Qatari mediators in Cairo on Wednesday to discuss the proposal, according to an Egyptian official. The official spoke on condition of anonymity, because he wasn't authorized to discuss the talks with the media. Throughout the nearly 21-month-long war, ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas have repeatedly faltered over whether the war should end as part of any deal. Hamas said in a brief statement Wednesday that it had received a proposal from the mediators and is holding talks with them to 'bridge gaps' to return to the negotiating table to try to reach a ceasefire agreement. Hamas has said that it's willing to free the remaining 50 hostages, less than half of whom are said to be alive, in exchange for a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and an end to the war. Trump said the 60-day period would be used to work toward ending the war - something Israel says it won't accept until Hamas is defeated. Pictured: President Donald Trump, left, stands with Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in April Throughout the nearly 21-month-long war, ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas have repeatedly faltered over whether the war should end as part of any deal On Tuesday, Trump wrote on social media that Israel had 'agreed to the necessary conditions to finalize the 60 Day CEASEFIRE, during which time we will work with all parties to end the War.' 'I hope, for the good of the Middle East, that Hamas takes this Deal, because it will not get better - IT WILL ONLY GET WORSE,' he said Pictured: A 10-year-old girl living with her father in a destroyed building in the Nasr neighborhood west of Gaza City carries water Pictured: Thick plumes of smoke are seen rising following the Israeli army carried out an airstrike targeting the Shujaiya neighborhood in eastern Gaza City, Gaza on July 2 Israel says it will only agree to end the war if Hamas surrenders, disarms and exiles itself, something the group refuses to do. 'I am announcing to you - there will be no Hamas,' Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said during a speech Wednesday. An Israeli official said that the latest proposal calls for a 60-day deal that would include a partial Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and a surge in humanitarian aid to the territory. The mediators and the U.S. would provide assurances about talks to end the war, but Israel isn't committing to that as part of the latest proposal, the official said. The official wasn't authorized to discuss the details of the proposed deal with the media and spoke on condition of anonymity. It wasn't clear how many hostages would be freed as part of the agreement, but previous proposals have called for the release of about 10. Some 50 hostages remain, many of them thought to be dead. 'I'm holding my hands and praying that this will come about,' said Idit Ohel, mother of Israeli hostage Alon Ohel. 'I hope the world will help this happen, will put pressure on whoever they need to, so the war will stop and the hostages will return.' On Monday, Trump is set to host Netanyahu at the White House, days after Ron Dermer, a senior Netanyahu adviser, held discussions with top U.S. officials about Gaza, Iran and other matters. On Tuesday, Trump wrote on social media that Israel had 'agreed to the necessary conditions to finalize the 60 Day CEASEFIRE, during which time we will work with all parties to end the War.' 'I hope, for the good of the Middle East, that Hamas takes this Deal, because it will not get better - IT WILL ONLY GET WORSE,' he said. Trump's warning may find a skeptical audience with Hamas. Even before the expiration of the war's longest ceasefire in March, Trump has repeatedly issued dramatic ultimatums to pressure Hamas to agree to longer pauses in the fighting that would see the release of more hostages and a return of more aid for Gaza's civilians. Still, Trump views the current moment as a potential turning point in the brutal conflict that has left more than 57,000 dead in the Palestinian territory. Gaza's Health Ministry said the death toll passed the 57,000 mark Tuesday into Wednesday, after hospitals received 142 bodies overnight. The ministry doesn't differentiate between civilians and combatants in its death count, but says that more than half of the dead are women and children. Since dawn Wednesday, Israeli strikes killed a total of 40 people across the Gaza Strip, the ministry said. Hospital officials said four children and seven women were among the dead. The Israeli military, which blames Hamas for the civilian casualties because it operates from populated areas, was looking into the reports. The war began on Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking roughly 250 hostages. The war has left the coastal Palestinian territory in ruins, with much of the urban landscape flattened in the fighting. More than 90% of Gaza's 2.3 million population has been displaced, often multiple times. And the war has sparked a humanitarian crisis in Gaza, pushing hundreds of thousands of people toward hunger. The director of the Indonesian Hospital, Dr. Marwan Sultan, was killed in an apartment in an Israeli strike west of Gaza City, a hospital statement said. The hospital is the Palestinian enclave's largest medical facility north of Gaza City and has been a critical lifeline since the start of the Israel-Hamas war. The hospital was surrounded by Israeli troops last month, and evacuated alongside the other two primary hospitals in northern Gaza. The bodies of Sultan, his wife, daughter and son-in-law, arrived at Shifa Hospital torn into pieces, according to Issam Nabhan, head of the nursing department at the Indonesian Hospital. 'Gaza lost a great man and doctor,' Nabhan said. 'He never left the hospital one moment since the war began and urged us to stay and provide humanitarian assistance. We don't know what he did to deserve getting killed.' The head of the Royal Navy has been sacked following an inquiry into his extra-marital affair with a female colleague, the Ministry of Defence has confirmed. Admiral Sir Ben Key had been suspended while claims of his relationship were investigated by senior officers. The First Sea Lord is one of the highest ranking military officers to be dismissed from this countrys armed forces for inappropriate behaviour. The married father-of-three, who was previously entrusted with leading investigations into sexual abuse within the Royal Navy, has also been stripped off his commission. Sir Ben, 59, was ordered to step back from his duties in May over claims of an affair with a female officer. It then emerged last month how the probe into his conduct was launched following a complaint by the husband of the female officer. The non-serving husband filed a formal complaint to the Ministry of Defence when he learned of his wifes behaviour. The subsequent inquiry looked into whether Sir Bens affair breached strict regulations barring sexual relations between commanders and those in their chain of command. Admiral Sir Ben Key had been suspended while claims of his relationship were investigated by senior officers Admiral Sir Ben Key, and his wife Elly, who has been a 'support' to him Sir Ben, who is understood to be a practising Christian, had been considered a candidate to lead the UKs armed forces. In a statement released tonight, he said: Serving as First Sea Lord has been one of the greatest privileges of my life, and I pay tribute to the dedicated and professional Officers, Sailors, Royal Marines and Civil Servants who make up the Royal Navy. 'I deeply regret my conduct in the spring of last year, which fell well below the standard I set for myself and that which I set for the Royal Navy. As such, I fully accept the decision of the Defence Council. 'I am very sorry to those I have hurt personally, and I apologise to everyone who serves with the Royal Navy. King Charles III greets Admiral Sir Ben Key, First Sea Lord, in 2022 'Finally, I am very grateful for the support of my wife, family and friends during a very difficult time.' RABBLE-rousing punk band Bob Vylan are being investigated by police for another anti-Israel outburst onstage weeks before the Glastonbury Festival, the Mail can reveal. Detectives are probing video footage of a performance the controversial band gave at Alexandra Palace in London in May. In the clip, Bob Vylan frontman, whose real name is Pascal Robinson-Foster, can be heard yelling: Death to every single IDF soldier out there as an agent of terror for Israel. Death to the IDF. The comments - which were made on May 28 2025 at Alexandra Palace shortly before a performance of the bands song Hunger Games - echo the widely-condemned remarks made on the West Holts stage. Last night a spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police told the Daily Mail: Officers are investigating comments allegedly made during a concert at Alexandra Palace earlier this year. The decision to investigate follows the emergence of footage which appears to have been filmed at the venue on 28 May 2025'. This latest controversy comes days after Avon and Somerset police launched a criminal investigation into the band after they chanted death, death to the IDF and ranted about working for f***ing Zionists during their controversial set at Glastonbury Festival. Following their performance Bob Vylan were dropped by their agent and management, had their US visas revoked ahead of their US tour and had several performances cancelled including one at Radar Festival in Manchester. Bob Vylan are being investigated by police for another anti-Israel outburst onstage weeks before the Glastonbury Festival, the Mail can reveal. In the clip, Bob Vylan frontman, whose real name is Pascal Robinson-Foster, can be heard yelling: Death to every single IDF soldier out there as an agent of terror for Israel . Death to the IDF. The comments - which were made on May 28 2025 at Alexandra Palace shortly before a performance of the bands song Hunger Games - echo the widely-condemned remarks made on the West Holts stage. Glastonbury published a statement on their Instagram page shortly thereafter claiming they were appalled by Bob Vylans behaviour and that his chants had crossed a line. Meanwhile, the BBC was forced to apologise after Britains Chief Rabbi accused the national broadcaster of airing vile Jew-hatred after a live broadcast of Bob Vylans antisemitic remarks were streamed on the channel. Afterwards the BBC said it stands firmly against incitement to violence and with hindsight (...) should have pulled the stream during the performance. Responding to the new footage, former spokesman for Gordon Brown and ex Labour MP John Woodcock, also known as Lord Walney, said: The fact that this was not the first time Bob Vylan made that hateful death chant makes the BBCs Glasto disaster even more serious. Most of the public might not have heard of the group but its just not credible that none of the hundreds of BBC Staff at the festival were unaware. If director-general Tim Davie doesnt get a personal grip on the corporations antisemitism crisis he is going to have to go. A CST spokesperson added: This clip underlines that when Bob Vylan talks about killing the IDF, they are not talking about ending an institution but are calling for the death of individual human beings. If this is what they say at all their recent gigs then there is even less excuse for failing to foresee they would do something similar at the Glastonbury Festival. To the backdrop of a Palestinian flag, Bobby Vylan of British duo Bob Vylan performs on the West Holts Stage on the fourth day of the Glastonbury festival at Worthy Farm in the village of Pilton in Somerset, south-west England Following their performance Bob Vylan were dropped by their agent and management, had their US visas revoked ahead of their US tour and had several performances cancelled including one at Radar Festival in Manchester. Avon and Somerset police launched a criminal investigation into the band after they chanted death, death to the IDF and ranted about working for f***ing Zionists during their controversial set at Glastonbury Festival. In a post on Instagram Bob Vylan said: We are not for the death of Jews, Arabs or any other race or group of people. When approached for comment the BBC added: The BBC respects freedom of expression but stands firmly against incitement to violence. The antisemitic sentiments expressed by Bob Vylan were utterly unacceptable and have no place on our airwaves. The team were dealing with a live situation but with hindsight we should have pulled the stream during the performance. We regret that this did not happen. We will look at our guidance around live events so we can be sure teams are clear on when it is acceptable to keep output on air. In a post on Instagram Bob Vylan said: We are not for the death of Jews, Arabs or any other race or group of people. We are for the dismantling of a violent military machine. We like those in the spotlight before us are not the story. We are a distraction from the story. We are being targeted for speaking up. Free Palestine. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport and the Glastonbury press office have been contacted for comment. President Donald Trump has weighed in on the new portrait of him that now hangs in the Colorado State Capitol after his blasts against the last one prompted officials to quickly take it down. Trump's view of the new one was considerably more positive, gushing about the artist after he found a previous version 'unflattering.' 'Thank you to the Highly Talented Artist, Vanessa Horabuena, and the incredible people of Colorado Now on display in the Colorado State Capitol!' Trump posted on his Truth Social site, along with the image of the new portrait. The new rendering, donated by the White House, shows a bronzed Trump staring dead ahead, and bears a resemblance to the recent official Trump portraits the president has installed at the White House. They bear a resemblance to his infamous mugshot, taken when he was processed in Georgia during one of his four criminal trials during the 2020 campaign. Trump also appears considerably slimmer than in the earlier portrait, which was the subject of a furious post. 'Nobody likes a bad picture or painting of themselves, but the one in Colorado, in the State Capitol, put up by the Governor, along with all other Presidents, was purposefully distorted to a level that even I, perhaps, have never seen before,' Trump raged. 'I would much prefer not having a picture than having this one.' He also called the earlier painting by Sarah Boardman 'truly the worst.' A portrait of President Donald Trump hangs in the Colorado State Capitol in Denver on Tuesday, July 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Thomas Peipert) The state's Republican leadership quickly had the portrait taken down, the Daily Mail reported in March. But the drawing had been funded by a state Republican official, not the Democratic governor. In June the White House unveiled a new official photo portrait of Trump that showed heavy indications of photo-shop. Horabuena's website describes her as a 'Christian Worship Artist' and features other large portraits of Trump. The artist defended it at the time as a neutral take that was not meant to be confrontational. Also hanging in the White House is a portrait of a bloodied Trump making a fist after the attempt on his life in Butler, Pennsylvania. The new portrait by Tempe, Arizona, artist Horabuena is a sterner, crisper image than Sarah Boardman's painting of Trump that had hung since 2019. Last spring, Trump posted on social media that Boardman 'must have lost her talent as she got older' and 'purposely distorted' him, criticisms the Colorado Springs artist denied. The next day, lawmakers announced they would remove the portrait from a wall of past presidents. By the day after that, Boardman's painting was gone, put into museum storage. The Horabuena portrait donated by the White House a month or so ago went up this week after a Thursday decision by Lois Court, a former state lawmaker who chairs the Capitol Building Advisory Committee that helps select artwork for the Capitol in downtown Denver. 'There was a blank on the wall. It seemed inappropriate. We knew that the White House had sent us this replacement and it simply made sense to put it up,' Court said. FILE - A portrait of President Donald Trump hangs on a wall in the rotunda on the third floor of the Colorado Capitol, March 24, 2025, in Denver. (Helen H. Richardson/The Denver Post via AP, File) The White House has released a new official portrait of President Donald Trump. Recent portraits released by the White House bear a resemblance to Trump's infamous mugshot Trump's portrait hangs in federal buildings around the country and in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building Trump has taken a keen image in portraiture of himself, and raged at one that was hanging in the Colorado Capitol building The White House donated the Horabuena portrait a month or so ago, said Court. Horabuena is a 'Christian worship artist' who has done several other depictions of Trump as well as Abraham Lincoln, Mount Rushmore and Jesus Christ, according to her website. On Tuesday, the Colorado statehouse was sleepy with lawmakers out of session and no schoolchildren visiting the historic building. A smattering of tourists took photos of the new portrait. Horabuena did not return a phone message Tuesday seeking comment. The portrait and others of past presidents might not remain up for long. The advisory committee is considering whether to replace them with portraits of past governors to mark the 150th anniversary of Colorado statehood next year. The Daily Mail has reached out to the White House for additional information about the cost and payment for the portrait. Bryan Kohberger was cold and emotionless as he confessed to murdering four Idaho college students today. Kohberger, 30, spoke calmly, answering 'yes' as he was asked plainly whether he murdered the four students. His plea deal was a shock to the victims' families, some of whom are furious that it was ever offered to him. He took the deal to avoid the death penalty - accepting instead a life without parole sentence - after years of delays and stalling. Kohberger has now admitted to the world that he did murder Madison Mogen, 21, Kaylee Goncalves, 21, and Xana Kernodle, 20, as well as Kernodle's boyfriend, Ethan Chapin, 20, on November 13, 2022. There's still no hint of a motive for the shocking crime and Kohberger may never reveal why he did it. Judge Steven Hippler accepted Kohberger's plea and said he will be sentenced at Ada County Court on July 23 at 9am local time (11am EST). 'The trial will be vacated and the jury commissioner will get words to those who were summoned that they won't be required to attend,' Hippler added. Documents in the court file wont be unsealed until after sentencing. Kohberger, 30, spoke calmly, answering 'yes' as he was asked plainly whether he murdered the four students Bryan Kohberger was cold and emotionless as he confessed to murdering four Idaho college students today STOIC KOHBERGER PLEADS GUILTY Kohberger remained unemotional as he confirmed to the judge that he stabbed the four victims almost three years ago, despite previous vehement denials. Hippler addressed Kohberger, wearing a gray shirt and dark tie, directly to explain the possible penalties to the crime that he is set to plead guilty to. Kohberger confirmed to the judge that he was pleading guilty' freely and voluntarily' because he was, in fact, guilty, and not because he had some other incentive. The families of his victims maintained stoic expressions across the courtroom from Kohberger as he gave his short, affirmative answers to the judge. Hippler wasted no time to address the controversy around the decision to offer Kohberger a plea to avoid the death penalty - a decision that one victim's family has vehemently opposed. 'This court cannot require the prosecutor to seek the death penalty, nor would it be appropriate for this court to do that,' Hippler said. He also addressed criticisms that the families were not given time to weigh in on the plea deal. 'I, like everyone else, learned of this plea agreement Monday afternoon and had no inkling of it beforehand. Once I learned of the defendant's decision to change his plea in this case it was important that I take the plea as soon as possible.' Kohberger has now admitted to the world that he did murder Madison Mogen, 21, Kaylee Goncalves, 21, and Xana Kernodle, 20, as well as Kernodle's boyfriend, Ethan Chapin , 20, on November 13, 2022 This extraordinary selfie taken hours after the murders shows Kohberger smirking and offering a 'thumbs up' to the camera Hippler said his court received numerous emails and phone messages ahead of the hearing, during which the judge could accept or reject the plea agreement. He said the efforts by members of the public were inappropriate and also said that no external opinions would influence his decision. 'Court is not supposed to, and this court will never, take into account public sentiment in making an opinion regarding its judicial decisions in cases. I always will make decisions based on where the facts and the law lead me, period,' the judge said. Kohberger watched without reaction as the judge issued his warning. They waited with somber, quiet expressions. At least 100 people were in attendance in the courtroom, and nearly 12,000 people tuned in to watch a livestream of the proceeding. The accused killer spoke intently with his lead attorney Anne Taylor for a few moments before he was led out of court and back to jail. Noticeably, Kohberger was not handcuffed or shackled for the hearing. STATE DETAILS KOHBERGER'S HORRIFIC CRIME Kohberger previously pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder and burglary charges in a gruesome multiple homicide in 2022, but on Wednesday accepted the state's plea deal. He looked on coldly as Latah County prosecutor Bill Thompson laid out a detailed timeline of what took place inside off-campus house shared by five women. Thompson confirmed that Kohberger went up to the third floor of the residence at 1122 King Road in Moscow, Idaho, killing Madison Mogen and Kaylee Goncalves. Xana Kernodle was still up at that time and, as Kohberger was coming down the stairs or leaving, he encountered her. He killed her and then her boyfriend Ethan Chapin, who was sleeping in her bed. Kohberger stared expressionlessly as he listened to Thompson. Thompson choked up as he finished his comments, laying out the timeline for the murders. He said that Bryan Kohberger intended to kill - but did not intend to murder all the victims - before entering the home. Kohberger looked on coldly as Latah County prosecutor Bill Thompson (left) laid out a detailed timeline of what took place inside off-campus house shared by five women VICTIMS' FAMILIES BREAK DOWN IN COURT The victims' family members were seen choking back emotion as the judge asked Bryan Kohberger whether he murdered each of their loved ones. Madison Mogen's father Ben Mogen hung his head and his legs shook as the judge asked Kohberger if he admitted to stabbing his daughter to death. He wiped his eyes with a hanky after his daughter's killer pleaded guilty to the heinous crime. Kaylee Goncalves' mother Kristi Goncalves, who was flanked by several family members, cried as the judge asked Kohberger if he had murdered her daughter and Kohberger replied in the affirmative. Bryan Kohberger showed no emotion as he confirmed he was 'guilty' on all charges. He did not appear to look at the public gallery at all - where the families of the loved ones he slaughtered sat wiping their eyes and choking back tears. Ethan's parents Stacy Chapin and Jim Chapin were seen walking into the Ada County Courthouse ahead of the hearing Madison Mogen (left) and Kaylee Goncalves (right) are pictured together GONCALVES FAMILY LASHES OUT AT PLEA DEAL OUTSIDE OF COURT Kaylee Goncalves' heartbroken father, Steve, said the plea deal tabled ahead of Kohberger's trial would not serve justice to his family. 'They (prosecutors) made a deal with Kohberger. He was the only person who was considered,' Steve Goncalves told reporters outside the courthouse on Wednesday. 'He didn't even negotiate with us. He could have just pretended and lied, but he didn't even pretend.' Goncalves said his daughter's accused killer needs to admit that 'he did it on his own and nobody else was responsible' so he would no longer have 'supporters'. 'He's not going to take accountability,' the anguished father added. When asked whether he thought four life sentences was justice, Goncalves said: 'No, of course not.' Reporters asked Goncalves what he thought about the families of some other victims feeling relief over news of the plea deal. 'Well, that's good enough for their kids, doesn't mean it's good enough for mine,' he said. KOHBERGER FAMILY BREAKS SILENCE The Kohberger family has issued a statement ahead of Bryan Kohberger's plea hearing today. The family, in a statement published by NewsNation correspondent Brian Entin, said: 'In light of recent developments, the Kohbergers are asking members of the media for privacy, respect, and responsible judgment during this time. 'We will continue to allow the legal process to unfold with respect to all parties and will not release any comments or take any questions. 'We ask that you respect our wishes during a difficult time for all those affected.' This is the first ever comment the family has made since the one statement issued when he was first arrested. Daily Mail Crime Correspondent Rachel Sharp went to Kohberger's parents' residence in Albrightsville, Pennsylvania on Monday but no one was home. It's unclear if the family had by then been informed about the plea deal and were already on their way to Boise. They did appear in court on Wednesday. FAMILIES DIVIDED OVER PLEA DEAL The bombshell plea deal came in the 11th hour - coming just over a month before Bryan Kohberger was due to go on trial in August. And it has divided the families of the victims Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, Kaylee Goncalves and Ethan Chapin. On the one hand, the families of Goncalves and Kernodle have publicly slammed the agreement reached between prosecutors and Kohberger. The Goncalves family blasted the prosecutor's office for making 'a deal with the devil', spoke of their sense of betrayal by the state of Idaho and revealed plans to stage a protest outside the courthouse today. Kernodle's aunt Kim Kernodle similarly told TMZ that the family had vehemently opposed the deal when it was suggested by prosecutors - and voiced her confusion given the state had previously told them they had enough for a conviction. Although the Goncalves family opposed the agreement and said they would seek to stop it, they also argued that any such deal should require Kohberger to make a full confession, detail the facts of what happened and provide the location of the murder weapon. 'We deserve to know when the beginning of the end was,' they wrote in a Facebook post. Steve Goncalves, left the courthouse before Kohberger entered the courtroom. 'Im just getting out of this zoo,' he told reporters. Steve Goncalves, father of one of four University of Idaho students stabbed to death in 2022, reacts to the expected guilty plea of suspect Bryan Kohberger, outside Ada County Courthouse in Boise, Idaho. He opposed the plea deal The Mogen family Attorney reads a statement after Bryan Kohberger's guilty plea On the other hand, family members of Chapin and Mogen have voiced their support for the deal that would put Kohberger behind bars for life. The family of Chapin - one of three triplets who attended the university together - supports the deal, their spokesperson, Christina Teves, said Tuesday. Attorney Leander James read a statement from Mogens mother and stepfather after the guilty pleas that said they supported the agreement with the prosecutors. 'While we know there are some who do not support it, we ask that they respect our belief that this is the best outcome for the victims, their families and the state of Idaho,' the family said. 'We now embark on a new path,' they said. 'We embark on a path of hope and healing.' The 21-year-old's father Ben Mogen previously told the Idaho Statesman that he supports the deal because it 'punishes the perpetrator of this horrendous crime, protects the public from further harm and allows all of us who knew and loved these four young people the time to grieve without the anxiety of the long and gruesome trial, years of appeals and potential for mistrials along the way.' PROSECUTOR BREAKS DOWN IN COURT The prosecutor who handed Bryan Kohberger a plea deal to allow him to avoid the death penalty broke down in court Wednesday as he read the victim's names. Bill Thompson choked up as he laid out the timeline of the shocking murders of four University of Idaho students in 2022 at the hearing on Wednesday. 'On November 13, 2022, excuse me...,' Thompson said, growing emotional as he reached for a sip of water and a colleague patted him on the back. He then broke down again as he read the names of Kohberger's victims, Ethan Chapin, 20, Kaylee Goncalves, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and Madison Mogen, 21. Prosecutor Bill Thompson choked up as he laid out the timeline of the murders of four University of Idaho students in 2022 at a hearing on Wednesday Thompson grew emotional shortly after Bryan Kohberger (pictured) broke his silence in court as he confessed to murdering Ethan Chapin, 20, Kaylee Goncalves, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and Madison Mogen, 21 FAMILIES SOB AT SIGHT OF ICY KOHBERGER As his victims' loved ones sobbed in the courtroom, Bryan Kohberger showed no emotion and stared ahead. He stared intently at the judge - and then the prosecutor - as they spoke about his horrific crimes and the senseless violence that he inflicted upon the four young students. Madison Mogen's father Ben Mogen hung his head and his legs shook as the judge asked Kohberger if he admitted to stabbing his daughter to death. Kaylee Goncalves' mother Kristi Goncalves, who was flanked by several family members, cried as the judge asked Kohberger if he had murdered her daughter and Kohberger replied in the affirmative. The Goncalves family previously vented their fury at Thompson after he offered Kohberger the plea deal that spared him the death penalty. They declared on Facebook that the State of Idaho 'failed us' as they hit out at prosecutors for failing to notify them that a plea deal was going through. 'We werent even called about the plea; we received an email with a letter attached,' family members said in a statement. 'Thats how Latah Countys Prosecutors Office treats murder victims families. 'Adding insult to injury, theyre rushing the plea, giving families just one day to coordinate and appear at the courthouse for a plea on July 2.' Thompson said that Kohberger took this selfie soon after murdering the four students Thompson laid out the timeline, saying that Kohberger stalked the students' home at 1122 King Road in Moscow, Idaho before the slayings GRUSOME CASE THAT SHOCKED THE NATION The Idaho college killings grabbed headlines around the world and set off a nationwide hunt, including an elaborate effort to track down a white sedan spotted on surveillance cameras repeatedly driving by the rental home. Police said they used genetic genealogy to identify Kohberger as a possible suspect and accessed cellphone data to pinpoint his movements the night of the killings. At the time, Kohberger was a criminal justice graduate student at nearby Washington State University who had just completed his first semester and was a teaching assistant in the criminology program. Kohberger was arrested in Pennsylvania, where his parents lived, weeks later. Prosecuting attorney Bill Thompson said investigators recovered a Q-tip from the garbage at his parents' house to match Kohberger's DNA to genetic material recovered from a knife sheath found at the crime scene. Online shopping records showed that Kohberger had purchased a military-style knife months earlier - as well as a sheath like the one found at the scene. The county prosecutor said the murder weapon has not been found and revealed new details about how Kohberger tried to cover up the killings. Kohberger bought another knife sheath to replace the one he left at the crime scene and scrubbed his apartment and office, Thompson said. His car had been 'pretty much disassembled' and he changed his car registration, Thompson said. 'The defendant has studied crime,' Thompson said. 'In fact, he did a detailed paper on crime scene processing when he was working on his Ph.D., and he had that knowledge skill set.' Kohberger broke into the victims' rented off-campus home and killed them on November 13, 2022. The home - which has since been demolished - is pictured in December 2023 No motive has emerged for the killings, nor is it clear why the attacker spared two roommates who were in the home. There also was no indication he had a relationship with any of the victims, who all were friends and members of the university's Greek system. Authorities have said cellphone data and surveillance video show that Kohberger visited the victims' neighborhood at least a dozen times before the killings, and that he traveled in the same area that night. Kohberger's lawyers said he was simply on a long drive by himself around the time the four were killed. Beijing issues multiple alerts as heavy rain approaches Xinhua) 16:44, July 02, 2025 BEIJING, July 2 (Xinhua) -- Beijing authorities issued multiple weather warnings and activated emergency responses on Wednesday as the Chinese capital braces for heavy rainstorms expected from Wednesday afternoon through Thursday morning. The municipal flood control and meteorological departments jointly issued an alert for waterlogging, warning of potential flooding in several districts. Residents have been urged to avoid low-lying areas such as underpasses, subways, underground shopping malls, and parking garages. The city also upgraded its emergency flood response. The Beijing Meteorological Service forecasted heavy to torrential overnight rain in some areas, accompanied by thunderstorms sweeping across the capital. Daytime temperatures are expected to reach a high of 32 degrees Celsius, with high humidity adding to the discomfort. A separate alert for geological disasters was also issued, highlighting risks of landslides and collapses in certain areas of Beijing. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) A Supreme Court ruling on how cash earned before a marriage should be divided in a divorce is set to herald a boom in US-style prenuptial agreements, lawyers have said. Today the UKs highest court ruled that a retired banker who gave his wife almost 80million to avoid inheritance tax will not have to split the money with her equally following a divorce. The landmark ruling clarified that money earned by one partner before a marriage does not automatically become matrimonialised - and thus shareable in a divorce - if it is transferred to the other partner. However lawyers said the judgment paves the way for a boom in pre- and post-nups as the ruling states that the intention behind a transfer of cash between partners is crucial in deciding who gets what in a divorce. Five Supreme Court justices ruled today that Clive Standish, 72, is entitled to keep the largest share of almost 80million he had transferred to his ex-wife Anna Standish, 57, because most of the money had been earned prior to the marriage. The former chief financial officer of banking giant UBS had transferred the money to his wife, who is Australian, to take advantage of her non-dom status and avoid paying 32million in inheritance tax following changes to the law. Clive Standish, 72, a sheep farming tycoon and former chief financial officer of banking giant UBS, married Anna Standish (left, outside the Appeal Court with divorce lawyer Fiona Shackleton), 57, in December 2005 The marital assets at the time of the split amounted to 132million, almost all of which had grown from the 57.3million fortune Mr Standish (pictured) brought into the marriage Mr Standish expected his wife to use the money to establish two offshore trusts, but she never did and so remained the sole owner when divorce proceedings began. In 2022 the High Court decided that Mrs Standish should receive 45million of the family's 132million total wealth. But this was later overturned by the Court of Appeal which reduced Mrs Standish's share to 25million. Today the Supreme Court upheld the Court of Appeals decision with a ruling that will affect how wealthy people plan their finances and estates - particularly following Chancellor Rachel Reeves inheritance tax changes. Lord Burrows and Lord Stephens said in their ruling: In short, there was no matrimonialisation of the 2017 assets because, first, the transfer was to save tax, and, secondly, it was for the benefit of the children, not the wife. The 2017 assets were not, therefore, being treated by the husband and wife for any period of time as an asset that was shared between them. Lawyers said the ruling will spark an increase in couples signing US-style pre- and post-nuptial agreements in order to avoid similar lengthy and costly legal battles. Pre-nups - a contract which state how assets are divided in the event of a divorce - are not legally recognised in England and Wales but are common in the United States and Europe. But such agreements are generally respected by the courts following a 2010 Supreme Court ruling, although it is currently left to the discretion of judges. In December the Law Commission, the independent body which recommends legal reform to Parliament, proposed formally recognising pre-nups in UK law. The Government has a year to respond in full to the proposals. Claire Reid, a partner at Hall Brown Family Law, said: Given the recent changes to the Inheritance Tax rules announced by the Government, there are likely to be many individuals undertaking the kind of estate planning that Mr and Mrs Standish were. Cliva Standish had a 28million sheep farm in Australia, while the couple enjoyed life in 18-bedroom mansion Moundsmere Manor (pictured) near Hampshire village Preston Candover The couple's country home was set in 83 acres near Hampshire village Preston Candover Wealthier spouses will now be alive to the need to formalise the terms of any transfers of cash or other assets even more clearly to avoid falling into the same complicated situation. That will probably mean ensuring that there are very carefully worded pre- and post-nuptial arrangements put in place to protect them from any future claim of the sort made by Mrs Standish. Stephanie Kyriacou, managing associate in family law team at Freeths lawyers, the case adds renewed relevance to pre-nuptial and post nuptial agreements for high-net-worth individuals, particularly where tax planning, inherited wealth or business assets are concerned. Ms Reid added: 'Even allowing for the fact that properly drafted nuptial agreements are regarded as persuasive by the courts, they still dont have full legal weight, 15 years after another landmark Supreme Court ruling. 'Therefore, this latest judgement will add pressure on ministers to outline what they intend to do regarding the Law Commissions suggestions that legislation governing financial settlements on divorce might be overhauled.' The Supreme Court ruling came on the same day that official figures showed divorce numbers had returned to pre-Covid levels after falling during the pandemic - with this driven largely by women. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures showed that 103,816 dissolutions were recorded in England and Wales in 2023 - including 102,678 marriages and 1,138 civil partnerships. The majority of marriages now end through so-called no fault divorces or dissolutions for the first time following a change in the law in 2022 - with 74.2 per cent of divorces no fault in 2023. However despite the introduction of joint divorce applications, the figures show that almost three-quarters of divorce proceedings were still initiated by one party alone. The ONS figures show that women are the driving force behind divorce - whether it be in opposite or same-sex marriages. Women accounted for 50,164 sole applications for divorce in 2024 out of a total of 100,787 - with 29,123 divorce applications made solely by men and 19,743 joint applications made by both partners. The figures also show that same-sex divorces have increased four-fold in the last five years and that last year women made 65 per cent of all applications for divorce in same-sex marriages. Women in same-sex relationships made 839 sole applications for divorce last year and 378 joint applications - compared to 427 sole applications and 247 joint applications for men in same-sex relationships. The figures also show that the average length of a same-sex marriage that ends in divorce is significantly shorter for women in same-sex relationships. The median duration of marriages that ended in divorce was 12.7 years for opposite-sex couples and 7.2 and 6.3 years for male and female same-sex couples respectively, according to the ONS. Oxford is plotting a 2-a-night tax on overnight visitors staying in a hotel or college room in a bid to swell council coffers. Guests would be charged for each night they spend in the historic city under new plans that officials estimate could raise 2.5 million every year in tax receipts. Funds racked up by the levy would go towards 'improving' Oxford for both residents and tourists, councilors at a scrutiny committee meeting on Tuesday heard. Self-catering accommodation and AirBnbs would be exempt from collecting the tax as they are not included in the business rate database, the Telegraph reports. Diana Fawcett, Oxford council's city centre manager, said: 'It's not really just about our tourists it's about anybody who uses the city. 'So whether you live here, whether you work here, whether you're a student here, as well as a tourist, we want to improve that experience.' Council bosses calculate that the ancient university city received 32 million visitors last year, fuelling 40,000 jobs. By introducing a 'tourist tax', Oxford would be following in the footsteps of Manchester, which has implemented an accommodation business improvement district charge of 1 a night. Oxford is plotting a 2-a-night tax on overnight visitors staying in a hotel or college room (Stock Photo) Visitors would be charged for each night they spend in the historic city under new plans that officials estimate could raise 2.5 million every year in tax receipts (Stock Photo) Liverpool, meanwhile, levies a similar tax of 2 a night. Oxford City Council has been approached for comment. It's the latest in a string of controversial policy ideas mooted in the area, following hot on the heels of proposals to impose a congestion charge - in the local authority's latest move in the 'war on motorists'. Such a levy would be the first of its kind intoduced in Britain for more than two decades. Under the proposed 'temporary' scheme, motorists would be slapped with a 5 fee every time they travel into the city centre. Locals have warned that the plans would cripple businesses in Oxford, which have already been hit by a controversial low traffic neighbourhood scheme in the city. If enforced, Oxford would be just the third city in the UK to introduce a congestion charge - after London and Durham in the early 2000s. The plans were proposed by Oxfordshire County Council in June and could be introduced as early as this autumn. Oxfordshire County Council introduced a pilot ZEZ zone, which is the first in the country, in February 2022 with charges in place from 7am until 7pm Locals warned the ZEZ plans would cripple businesses in Oxford, which have already been hit by a controversial low traffic neighbourhood scheme in the city Low Traffic Neighbourhoods work by blocking cars from going down residential streets The scheme would be enforced using automatic number plate recognition - with charging cameras placed on six major roads that lead into the city centre. Oxford residents with a permit would be exempt from the 5 charge but anyone travelling into the city for work, tourism or shopping would have to pay. Oxford City Council, a separate local authority, has also criticised the scheme. Council leader Susan Brown said she was concerned that the scheme would allow wealthier people 'to buy access to our streets'. Oxford, which has a historic centre made up of a number of narrow medieval streets, has previously been named one of the most congested cities in the UK. The prosecutor who handed Bryan Kohberger a plea deal to allow him to avoid the death penalty broke down as he read the victim's names. Prosecutor Bill Thompson choked up as he laid out the timeline of the shocking murders of four University of Idaho students in 2022 at the hearing on Wednesday. 'On November 13, 2022, excuse me...,' Thompson said, growing emotional as he reached for a sip of water and a colleague patted him on the back. He then broke down again as he read the names of Kohberger's victims, Ethan Chapin, 20, Kaylee Goncalves, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and Madison Mogen, 21. His admission marked the first time the alleged killer has spoken in court. When asked whether he was pleading guilty because he is guilty, he coldly replied 'yes', as several of the victims' heartbroken relatives broke down in tears. Some of their relatives have vehemently opposed the plea deal because it spares Kohberger the death penalty, while other families have said they support it. Kohberger stared coldly ahead as Thompson laid out the timeline, saying that he stalked the students' home at 1122 King Road in Moscow, Idaho before the slayings. Thompson said the state would have argued in court that Kohberger slipped in through a side door before killing Mogen and Goncalves on the third floor. He said Kohberger then encountered Kernodle as she came down the stairs to pick up a Doordash order, and killed her with the same Ka-Bar knife he used on her roommates. He then entered Kernodle's bedroom and stabbed her sleeping boyfriend Chapin to death, Thompson said. Prosecutor Bill Thompson choked up as he laid out the timeline of the murders of four University of Idaho students in 2022 at a hearing on Wednesday Thompson grew emotional shortly after Bryan Kohberger (pictured) broke his silence in court as he confessed to murdering Ethan Chapin, 20, Kaylee Goncalves, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and Madison Mogen, 21 Thompson said that after Kohberger murdered the four students, he then returned to the home at around 9am the next morning and lurked outside for around 10 minutes. He then returned to his home, and took a selfie of himself in his bathroom, where he looked menacingly into the camera with his thumbs up. Thompson admitted that he could not precisely place Kohberger in the murder house, but said phone data put him in the area. His vehicle, a white Hyundai Elantra, was also seen circling the home on 1122 King Road, before surveillance cameras caught it fleeing the scene shortly after the murders at a high rate of speed. As his victims' loved ones sobbed in the courtroom, Kohberger showed no emotion and stared ahead. He stared intently at the judge - and then the prosecutor - as they spoke about his horrific crimes and the senseless violence that he inflicted upon the four young students. Thompson said that Kohberger took this selfie soon after murdering the four students Thompson broke down again as he read the names of Kohberger's victims, Ethan Chapin , 20, Kaylee Goncalves, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and Madison Mogen, 21 Thompson laid out the timeline, saying that Kohberger stalked the students' home at 1122 King Road in Moscow, Idaho before the slayings Madison Mogen's father Ben Mogen hung his head and his legs shook as the judge asked Kohberger if he admitted to stabbing his daughter to death. Kaylee Goncalves' mother Kristi Goncalves, who was flanked by several family members, cried as the judge asked Kohberger if he had murdered her daughter and Kohberger replied in the affirmative. The Goncalves family previously vented their fury at Thompson after he offered Kohberger the plea deal that spared him the death penalty. They declared on Facebook that the State of Idaho 'failed us' as they hit out at prosecutors for failing to notify them that a plea deal was going through. 'We werent even called about the plea; we received an email with a letter attached,' family members said in a statement. 'Thats how Latah Countys Prosecutors Office treats murder victims families. 'Adding insult to injury, theyre rushing the plea, giving families just one day to coordinate and appear at the courthouse for a plea on July 2.' Women get angrier as they age but they learn to manage it better from midlife as their 'emotional regulation' improves, a study suggests. Educating women about mood changes and managing the symptoms can have a profound effect on their quality of life, experts say. The frequency with which women feel anger and the intensity of the emotion actually increases over time, the findings show. But they typically learn to calm themselves down and control how they externalise it, becoming less likely to express anger indiscriminately. The same is true of their propensity to react angrily when criticised or treated unfairly and to act aggressively towards other people and objects. Researchers from the University of Washington examined data on more than 500 women aged 35 to 55 years, who provided details of their menstrual cycles and regularly answered questions designed to assess their anger. Analysis revealed that chronologic and reproductive age both have a significant effect on a woman's level of anger and her ability to manage it. Anger was defined as antagonism toward someone or something, often accompanied by a propensity to experience and express it indiscriminately. Educating women about mood changes and managing the symptoms can have a profound effect on their quality of life, experts say Writing in Menopause, the journal of the Menopause Society, the study authors said: Aging was significantly related to anger, with anger expression indicators decreasing with age, suggesting emotion regulation may occur during midlife. Studies of anger and its health implications in midlife women date back to 1980 but have predominantly focused on heart disease, blood pressure and depression. Dr Monica Christmas, associate medical director for The Menopause Society, said: The mental health side of the menopause transition can have a significant effect on a woman's personal and professional life. This aspect of perimenopause has not always been acknowledged and managed. It is well recognised that fluctuations in serum hormone concentrations during the postpartum period, as well as monthly fluctuations in reproductive-aged women corresponding with their menstrual cycles and during perimenopause, can result in severe mood swings associated with anger and hostility. Educating women about the possibility of mood changes during these vulnerable windows and actively managing symptoms can have a profound effect on overall quality of life and health. The researchers would like to see further studies of women's anger in the context of everyday life to help inform emotion regulation and anger management strategies and their consequences for midlife and older women. Britains FBI has issued a Red Alert warning that Russia is using a shadow fleet of vessels to evade sanctions on the sale of its oil. The National Crime Agency (NCA) warned UK financial firms yesterday that Russian oil trading companies are utilising a complex network of companies with deliberately obscure ownership structures in order to evade sanctions. Britain has banned the maritime transportation of Russian oil as its energy exports are funding the war in Ukraine. In 2024, 30 per cent of Russias federal budget came from oil and gas sales. But Russian oil trading companies are managing to circumvent sanctions to get Western cash which is continuing to fund the Russian state, investigators believe. One of the companies sanctioned last year used over 100 Shadow Fleet oil tankers, vessels which are usually over 15 years old which secretly carry Russian oil. To avoid detection, flags are regularly changed and the ship's automatic identification system is turned off to avoid its movements being tracked, while the oil is often transferred from one ship to another to obscure its origin before the shipment reaches its destination. Over 400 Shadow Fleet vessels have so far been sanctioned by the UK, EU, US and Canada. Shadow fleet tanker seen off the coast of Denmark last year Russian President Vladimir Putin Yesterday a NCA spokesman said: Today, the National Crime Agency has issued an alert to financial institutions and other members of the UK regulated sector in relation to the sale of Russian oil and gas through the use of Shadow Fleet vessels and front companies. Sanctions imposed on Russia as a result of its invasion of Ukraine have had a significant impact on its ability to sell oil and gas it produces. However, in an effort to circumvent these controls, Russian oil trading companies are utilising a complex network of companies with deliberately obscure ownership structures to evade sanctions whilst accessing Western finance and professional services in order to continue to fund the Russian state. An XL Bully owner whose dog attacked a child and left her with permanent scarring has walked free from court. The animal, Rocky, set upon the nine-year-old victim at an address in Nottingham in January 2024, a court heard. Despite causing injuries so severe that the child had to take time off school, the dog has now been returned home to its owner, Elizabeth Boot. When the young gurl was taken to hospital, Boot begged her and her mother not to tell the police what happened 'or it would get put down', Nottingham Crown Court was told. The 33-year-old defendant from Sneinton then gave false details when asked for them while at the hospital. A dog behaviour expert who analysed Rocky produced a report concluding it would be safe to be returned to Boot's address. Handing her a 16-month jail term, suspended for 18 months, Judge Mark Watson said: 'This was a frightening and scary incident, it must have been, and was made worse by your response to it. 'Rather than show concern for the girl, you were more concerned about Rocky and the impact on you and your family. 'It was selfish behaviour and behaviour you should be ashamed of. But it was a quick bite and I am satisfied it was snapping rather than the dog taking hold and mauling. An XL Bully owner whose dog attacked a child and left her with permanent scarring has walked free from court. Despite causing injuries so severe that the the child had to take time off school, the dog has now been returned home to its owner, Elizabeth Boot (pictured) The animal, Rocky, set upon the nine-year-old victim at an address in Nottingham in January 2024, a court heard (stock image) A graphic showing the key physical features of the XL Bully breed as defined by government legislation Last year data revealed the top ten XL Bully hotspots in 2023, unveiling the areas with the highest numbers of the 'dangerous' dog 'And (having heard the expert evidence) I am satisfied that Rocky does not pose a danger to the public. This was not an incident out of the blue without explanation and (concerns) the behaviour of children around dogs.' Devni Kitulagoda, prosecuting, said the incident happened at an address in Nottingham on January 4, 2024. He said the girl was unsupervised with the dog when it suddenly bit her just under her eye. Boot realised what was happening after hearing the child her scream. The prosecutor said: 'The defendant's partner then began shouting that Rocky was going to be put down and begged her and her mother not to say that Rocky had bitten (the girl). 'She received a number of injuries including a deep gash under her eye and attended the QMC where she received stitches. While there, the defendant gave a false name and false details. 'Officers then attained her address on January 8 and while there Rocky had to be held back.' Boot of Furlong Place, later pleaded guilty to being in control of a dog which was dangerously out of control and injured a person. What is the law on XL Bullies? Since February 1, 2024, it has been a criminal offence to own an XL bully dog in England and Wales without a certificate. To qualify for an exemption certificate, owners had to prove their XL bully was neutered by June 30. If the pup was less than a year old by January 31, they must have been neutered by the end of 2024, and evidence must be provided. As well as neutering their animals, XL bully owners seeking an exemption must also pay an application fee, hold active public liability insurance for their pets and ensure the dogs are microchipped. People with dangerously out of control dogs can be jailed for 14 years and banned from owning animals, and their pets can be put down. Advertisement Lucia Harrington, mitigating, said her client has children aged nine and 11 who both have ADHD and autism. She said: 'I asked her what would happen if she was sent immediately to custody today and she said her children would have to go into care.' As part of the suspended sentence order, the judge ordered the defendant to attend 15 rehabilitation sessions and contribute 1,000 towards the 12,000 kenneling costs which have already been incurred. He also ordered a contingency destruction order meaning Rocky will be destroyed if Boot is unable to keep it under control under the terms of: Pet gates to be fitted at the entrance to her home and her living room entrance. If anyone under the age of 16 visits her home, Rocky needs to be locked in a separate room. Attends sessions with a dog behaviour analyst. The victim's identity is protected by law. It comes after a ban on XL bully dogs ruled lawful by the High Court in December 2024, despite campaigning owners' claims that it was based on 'unreliable material'. Judges said that ministers had 'sufficient evidence of an alarmingly high level of fatal attacks' by the dog breed when launching the crackdown in 2023. XL bully owner Sophie Coulthard and campaign group Don't Ban Me, Licence Me pursued legal action against the Department for Environment and Rural Affairs over the large bulldog-type American breed being added to a banned list under the Dangerous Dogs Act. Since February 2024, it has been a criminal offence to own an XL bully dog in England and Wales without an exemption certificate - meaning unregistered pets will be taken and owners possibly fined and prosecuted. Opponents argued that the ban was unlawful, insisting it was based on 'unreliable' material and also lacked a 'proper' analysis over its impact while including 'vague' standards that risked people unknowingly committing a criminal offence. But in the new judgment at London's High Court, Mrs Justice Lang dismissed most of the legal challenge over the ban. The judge found that issues such as defining the right types of dog and the human impacts of euthanasia had been considered by Defra. She ruled it was 'not necessary' to interrogate 'each reported case of a dog attack or fatality' ahead of the ban nor to delay the crackdown coming into force 'until an official definition of the XL Bully was prepared'. A British man has died on a cruise ship travelling through a Greek holiday hotspot. The 67-year-old passed away while on board the vessel, which was 'flying the Maltese flag' in the port of Corfu. The Port Authority said in a statement on Tuesday: 'In the morning hours today, the Corfu Port Authority was informed of the death of a 67-year-old foreign passenger (British citizen) on a cruise ship (C/Z) flying the Maltese flag in the port of Corfu. 'The body was transferred to the Corfu General Hospital for an autopsy. 'A preliminary investigation is being conducted by the Corfu Central Port Authority.' MailOnline has approached the Foreign Office for comment. The tragedy comes just two months after cruise ship passengers were stunned to learn their captain had tragically died in the middle of their 19-day voyage in Asia. Devastation ensued upon Princess Cruises' Diamond Princess ship in May when guests received a letter breaking the news of Captain Michele Bartolomei's sudden death. A 67-year-old man passed away while on board the vessel - which was 'flying the Maltese flag' in the port of Corfu (pictured) The 52-year-old, who lived in Canada, died from a medical emergency and was discovered Monday morning while the ship was docked in Keelung, Taiwan. Before passengers were officially notified, an announcement blared over the boat's loud speaker, urging the medical team to respond to an emergency, according to Crew Center. Vacationers were unnerved by the message, but the real shock came when they learned it was about the man leading the voyage. 'We are deeply saddened by the passing of Captain Michele Bartolomei, a beloved member of the Princess Cruises family whose career at sea spanned more than 30 years,' Princess Cruises shared in a heartfelt message. In an attempt to ease concerns, the cruise company said in its letter to passengers 'that our commitment to your safety and the smooth operation of this voyage remains our utmost priority.' Cruise ships have onboard morgues for dead bodied to be stored if someone dies at sea, The New York Times reported. The area is typically a stainless steel chilled room on a cruise ship's lowest deck. They generally are designed to fit two to 10 corpses. A predatory pastor sexually assaulted a parishioner whilst pretending to remove demons from her body, a court heard. Walter Masocha repeatedly touched the woman inappropriately at his home in Stirling, telling her she was a gift to him from God. He also attempted to rape a woman and indecently assaulted her during a campaign of sexual abuse spanning six years. Masocha, Archbishop of the Agape for All Nations Church, was found guilty after a trial at the High Court in Livingston of the attempted rape, an indecent assault and a sexual assault against one woman and indecent assault of his other victim. He committed the offences at addresses in the Stirling area between January 2006 and July 2012. The jury heard from a 39-year-old woman who said she was aged 20 when Masocha began sexually abusing her. She said most people in the church referred to the accused as Dad or Daddy and looked on him as a father figure. She told the court: He would say My children implying we needed to be there for him. Walter Masocha, Archbishop of the Agape for All Nations Church, was convicted of several sexual offences He would tell me God said I need to look after you and has given me special love for you in particular. Several times during so-called surgeries he said to me God has given you to me to nurture you, look after you and provide for you. He told me to love you in any way you want to be loved. You dont need a boyfriend. She said Masocha sexually assaulted her at his home and in a later incident slapped her bottom as she was going upstairs. She told how he later tried to rape her after taking her into his bedroom. Her husband told the court he and the victim later confronted Masocha, who responded by asking them to pray for him, saying: Im sorry I loved you too much. The jury also heard evidence from a 58-year-old who was sexual abused by Masocha around 20 years ago. The woman said he had told her that God had given her to him as a gift and ordered her to kiss his holy lips. She said he tried to justify touching her inappropriately by claiming he was removing demons from her body and giving her blessings in return. Summing up the prosecution case, advocate depute Michael McIntosh said in his closing speech: She was looking for prayer and she found herself being preyed upon. Walter Masocha wasnt just a pastor and a preacher, he was a predator who thought that his power and position rendered him immune from suspicion. Giving evidence in his own defence, Masocha accused the two complainers, and two other women who gave evidence of earlier sexual abuse by him, of making up all the allegations against him. Masocha, 61, a former accountancy lecturer at Stirling University - founded his own successful church in Scotland in his spare time in 2007. The Zimbabwean national built up The Agape for All Nations Church into a formidable international religious organisation with more than 2,000 members, appointing himself as Archbishop on the same salary as the Archbishop of Canterbury. He set up ministries across the UK, the United States and Canada as well as in numerous African countries. He was known and respected by church members as The Prophet, The Apostle and A Man of God. Judge Susan Craig called for background reports and a risk assessment before sentencing and adjourned the case until later this month. She remanded Masocha in custody until then. She told him: This was appalling behaviour. Its completely clear to me that this will result in a custodial sentence. While youve been bailed until now Im going to revoke that bail immediately and the officers there will take you into prison for remand. It was only after the jurys verdicts were announced that it could be revealed that Masocha was convicted in June 2015 of sexually assaulting a woman at the Church of Agape and engaging in sexual activity towards a schoolgirl. He was sentenced at the time to 250 hours of unpaid work and placed on the sex offenders register for a year, but the conviction was later quashed after appeal court judges ruled he was the victim of a miscarriage of justice. An eerie doorbell camera sighting has reignited hope in the search for an autistic man who has been missing since March. Jonathan Hoang, 21, vanished from his home in Arlington, Washington sparking a massive manhunt. Now footage recorded on June 23 has captured a young man resembling Jonathan walking through a residential neighborhood 44 miles away. 'We still haven't been able to grasp the reality of it,' Jonathan's father, Thao Hoang, told KOMO news. 'Every day we wake up and just wonder where we are and where Jonathan is.' Jonathan, who has the mental capacity of an 8 or 9-year-old, was last seen around 7:30 p.m. on March 30 at his family's home, according to the Snohomish County Sheriff's Office. The Washington State Patrol designated him an endangered missing person. At the time, he was reportedly wearing a green polo shirt, khaki pants, and his mother's black slip-on shoes. He left without his cellphone or jacket, carrying only his iPad, which does not have cellular data. 'The investigator was frank with us,' said Thao Hoang. 'He said that if he's lost out here without his jacket, the window of survivability decreases every day.' Surveillance footage from June 23 shows a man resembling missing 21-year-old Jonathan Hoang walking through a neighborhood at night Family members are convinced the man's mannerisms and clothing match Jonathans, and have launched a neighborhood search in response Jonathan vanished from his home in Arlington, Washington, on March 30 - his family says he has the mental capacity of an 8 or 9-year-old His family said it is highly unusual for him to leave the house without letting someone know. 'Whenever he goes on walks, he'll come and ask if it's okay to go on a walk and we say that's fine, but he never leaves without saying something,' they told KOMO News. Although Jonathan is verbal and capable of holding a conversation, his family fears he may struggle to retain crucial information. 'We try to drill him with phone numbers and addresses and things like that, he'll remember short term but those details are not his strong point,' they said. Search and rescue teams from multiple counties scoured the area in the days following his disappearance, deploying drones, K-9 units, helicopters, and ground crews. But no trace of Jonathan was found. 'There's nothing that shows he walked to the woods, it shows him go up the steps and out to the road but that's his typical walking route,' the family said. 'The facts are very sketchy in that he was here late Sunday past 7:30 and then never seen again. The family is hopeful the man caught on camera last month may finally lead them to their son. The family is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to Jonathans safe return They say the person not only resembles Jonathan, but shares his familiar mannerisms. 'Just looking at it, how he interacts, really resonates with us, and if we didn't know any better, if he's in front of a house and sees through our Ring video, we would say, "That's Jonathan outside,"' Thao Hoang added. The family is rallying volunteers to canvass the area and urging residents to check their surveillance cameras, and their backyards, sheds, and garages, for any sign of the missing man. 'He should respond to his name, so if you see someone that resembles Jonathan, you should call 911, you should approach him and ask, "Are you Jonathan?" and he should be able to self-identify,' his sister, Irene Fister said. She noted that Jonathan has a mole on his right forearm and two small moles on his face, distinct features that could help confirm his identity. The family is offering a $10,000 reward for information that leads to Jonathan's safe return. Local police have confirmed they're reviewing the footage and are working closely with the Snohomish County Sheriff's Office to follow up on any leads. 'Residents in the area are urged to check backyards, outbuildings, garages, vehicles, and review home surveillance footage. If you have any information, please call 911 immediately,' the sheriff's office wrote on Facebook. After years of silence and tireless efforts to fight his gruesome crimes, Americans have finally heard Bryan Kohberger's voice and witnessed his emotionless demeanor for themselves. Up until now, the 30-year-old monster has only ever spoken through his attorneys following the horrid November 2022 slayings that left Ethan Chapin, 20, Kaylee Goncalves, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and Madison Mogen, 21, dead. On Wednesday, he openly admitted that he was the one who slaughtered the innocent students that fateful night - leaving many in awe of how blank and cold his body language was throughout his confession. The callous killer calmly answered 'yes' multiple times when asked if he willingly murdered Mogen, Kernodle, Goncalves, and Chapin two and a half years ago. While the victims' heartbroken relatives broke down in tears and the prosecutor's voice broke as his final sentence tailed off during the hearing in Boise, Idaho, Kohberger sat there emotionless and still. He stared intently at the judge - and then the prosecutor - as they spoke about his horrific crimes and the senseless violence that he inflicted upon the four young students. Many shared their honest opinions of the killer online after seeing him during his plea hearing, as one wrote that he reacted 'with ZERO emotion.' 'Blank eyes. A Monster,' said another. After years of silence and tireless efforts to fight his gruesome crimes, Americans have finally heard the voice of Bryan Kohberger (pictured Wednesday) and seen his emotionless demeanor for themselves 'No emotion no remorse, my heart is broken for the victims families,' a user wrote. Another said of his voice: 'Listening to Bryan Kohberger confess to the murders of the 4 Idaho students is hard... 'He says yes to all the charges in regards to Maddie Mogen like it's nothing. His voice is so cold. Almost cheerful. Not a drop of sincerity or remorse.' And one person online called his voice 'hollow': 'The cold, emotionless way Brian Kohberger delivered his GUILTY plea was downright chilling. No remorse. No hesitation. 'Just a hollow voice admitting to the savage murders of Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin.' Another said: 'Cold-hearted toneno emotion, stone-faced.' 'Beyond creepy,' another said as another person compared him to an infamous serial killer he searched about online. 'Those eyes... just like Ted Bundy,' they wrote. Kohberger made several chilling internet searches related to Bundy. On the night of November 13, 2022, Kohberger crept into a college home in Moscow, Idaho and went on a violent stabbing spree. It was there that he went straight to Mogen's room on the third floor, sources said. He soon realized Mogen was sharing a bed with her best friend Goncalves, leading him to kill them both with a Ka-Bar knife. After killing the friends, he returned downstairs where he is believed to have encountered Kernodle. At the time, Kernodle was making her way downstairs to fetch a Doordash order, but when Kohberger encountered her, he stabbed her with that same knife. The callous killer calmly answered 'yes' multiple times when asked if he willingly murdered Mogen, Kernodle, Goncalves, and Chapin two and a half years ago. (Pictured: Goncalves and Mogen) After killing the friends, he returned downstairs where he is believed to have encountered Kernodle. He then killed her with the same knife before slashing her boyfriend Chapin to death. (Pictured: The couple in July 2022) He then entered Kernodle's bedroom and stabbed her sleeping boyfriend Chapin to death, Thompson said. Prosecutor Bill Thompson said Kohberger stalked the students' home at 1122 King Road before the slayings. Thompson said that after Kohberger murdered the four students, he then returned to the home at around 9am the next morning and lurked outside for around 10 minutes. He then returned to his home, and took a selfie of himself in his bathroom, where he looked menacingly into the camera with his thumbs up. Thompson admitted that he could not precisely place Kohberger in the murder house, but said phone data put him in the area. His vehicle, a white Hyundai Elantra, was also seen circling the home before surveillance cameras caught it fleeing the scene shortly after the murders at a high rate of speed. Mogen's father Ben Mogen hung his head and his legs shook as the judge asked Kohberger if he admitted to stabbing his daughter to death. Goncalves' mother Kristi Goncalves, who was flanked by several family members, cried as the judge asked Kohberger if he had murdered her daughter and Kohberger replied in the affirmative. The Goncalves family previously vented their fury at Thompson after he offered Kohberger the plea deal that spared him the death penalty. They declared on Facebook that the State of Idaho 'failed us' as they hit out at prosecutors for failing to notify them that a plea deal was going through. 'We werent even called about the plea; we received an email with a letter attached,' family members said in a statement. 'Thats how Latah Countys Prosecutors Office treats murder victims families. 'Adding insult to injury, theyre rushing the plea, giving families just one day to coordinate and appear at the courthouse for a plea on July 2. In a special episode of the chart-topping True Crime podcast The Trial, journalist Laura Collins unpacks Bryan Kohberger's shock guilty plea and how police caught the college student killer. To listen, subscribe to The Crime Desk (www.thecrimedesk.com) The home of arresting podcasts from The Daily Mail. Join today for a 7-day free trial. A cash-strapped university has been plunged into further turmoil after its chief finance officer left just days into his new job. Staff at the University of Dundee were yesterday told Chris Reilly had left the position by mutual agreement just eight days after starting the job. Mr Reilly, who the university said had a wealth of experience, only joined the beleaguered university last Monday. It is the latest issue to rock the university, which is slashing its headcount amid a 35 million deficit, and comes just days after its former principal Prof Iain Gillespie said he was incompetent and not corrupt. Mr Reilly was appointed to be its interim chief financial officer for 18 months, but yesterday staff were told of his departure. In a campus-wide email Prof Nigel Seaton, the current interim principal and vice chancellor, revealed Mr Reilly has left the university by mutual agreement. Prof Seaton, who took over last month after Prof Shane ONeill quit as principal following a scathing independent report into the cash crisis, said: We are moving quickly to appoint a new interim director of finance who will take us through the next steps of the university recovery plan for submission to the Scottish Funding Council. Mr Reilly joined the university on June 23, and the institution said he brought a wealth of experience across a range of sectors including higher education, charities, healthcare and multisite retailing and catering, with substantial governance experience. Professor Nigel Seaton, the current interim principal and vice chancellor of the University of Dundee, revealed Chris Reilly has left the university by mutual agreement after eight days The University of Dundee is slashing its headcount amid a 35 million deficit Informing staff of his appointment, as part of its financial recovery plan, the university said: Chris is initially being appointed for an eighteen-month period. This is a vital appointment as we move through the next stages of our financial recovery. University bosses are now on the hunt for their fourth finance chief in less than a year. Mr Reilly replaced Helen Simpson, who served in the role for seven months before her own exit. Before then, in early October 2024, Peter Fotheringham left. The university, which has secured a 62m taxpayer bailout, is seeking to cut as many as 300 jobs to cope with its multi-million pound deficit. In an excruciating Holyrood appearance last week former principal Prof Gillespie, who was paid 305,000 a year before he quit in December, denied being a liar, a coward, and a good time Charlie but did admit he was incompetent. When the university was hit with a scathing report by Prof Pamela Gillies last month, Prof ONeill and two senior members of the universitys governing body immediately quit. It found that poor financial management and bad decisions were behind a self-inflected black hole, with red flags clearly visible on Prof Gillespies watch. She found there were numerous points in which a reasonable person could have realised the financial situation was worse than presented. Bryan Kohberger meticulously tried to cover his tracks after he brutally murdered four Idaho college students in cold blood, prosecutors have now revealed. Kohberger, 30, was cold and emotionless as he confessed to murdering Madison Mogen, 21, Kaylee Goncalves, 21, and Xana Kernodle, 20, as well as Kernodle's boyfriend, Ethan Chapin, 20, on November 13, 2022. He spoke calmly during his plea hearing Wednesday, answering 'yes' as he was asked plainly whether he murdered the four students. Investigators had long claimed that Kohberger broke into the off-campus home and stabbed to death Mogen and Goncalves, before then killing Kernodle and Chapin. But for the first time ever, prosecutors have laid bare before the court the actions he took in the aftermath of the slayings. Kohberger's apartment and office were scrubbed clean when investigators searched them, and his car had been 'pretty much disassembled internally', prosecuting attorney Bill Thompson told the plea hearing Wednesday. He also changed his car registration to Washington State after the four killings. FBI agents were able to link Kohberger to the killings after collecting DNA samples from the garbage outside his parents' Pennsylvania home, where he was living at the time. Investigators determined that DNA left on a Q-Tip belonged to the father of the person who left DNA on the knife sheath found at the crime scene. 'The defendant has studied crime,' Thompson told the court. 'In fact, he did a detailed paper on crime scene processing when he was working on his PhD, and he had that knowledge skillset.' Bryan Kohberger was cold and emotionless as he confessed to murdering four Idaho college students today Bryan Kohberger was pulled over with his father (pictured together) before his arrest Kohberger's apartment and office were scrubbed clean when investigators searched them, and his car had been 'pretty much disassembled internally', prosecuting attorney Bill Thompson told the plea hearing Wednesday KOHBERGER PLEADS GUILTY TO IDAHO MURDERS Bryan Kohberger pleaded guilty to murder Wednesday in the brutal stabbing deaths of four University of Idaho students in 2022. His plea deal was a shock to the victims' families, some of whom are furious that it was ever offered to him. He took the deal to avoid the death penalty - accepting instead a life without parole sentence - after years of delays and stalling. The world still does not know why he did it - and he may never have to confess to it. As Kohberger entered his guilty plea, some of the victims' loved ones looked down while others craned to see him. Judge Steven Hippler accepted Kohberger's plea and said he will be sentenced at Ada County Court on July 23 at 9am local time (11am EST). 'The trial will be vacated and the jury commissioner will get words to those who were summoned that they won't be required to attend,' Hippler added. Documents in the court file wont be unsealed until after sentencing. Kohberger, 30, spoke calmly, answering 'yes' as he was asked plainly whether he murdered the four students Kohberger remained unemotional as he confirmed to the judge that he stabbed the four victims almost three years ago. Hippler addressed Kohberger, wearing a gray shirt and dark tie, directly to explain the possible penalties to the crime that he is set to plead guilty to. Kohberger confirmed to the judge that he was pleading guilty' freely and voluntarily' because he was, in fact, guilty, and not because he had some other incentive. The families of his victims maintained stoic expressions across the courtroom from Kohberger as he gave his short, affirmative answers to the judge. Hippler wasted no time to address the controversy around the decision to offer Kohberger a plea to avoid the death penalty - a decision that one victim's family has vehemently opposed. 'This court cannot require the prosecutor to seek the death penalty, nor would it be appropriate for this court to do that,' Hippler said. He also addressed criticisms that the families were not given time to weigh in on the plea deal. 'I, like everyone else, learned of this plea agreement Monday afternoon and had no inkling of it beforehand. Once I learned of the defendant's decision to change his plea in this case it was important that I take the plea as soon as possible.' Kohberger has now admitted to the world that he did murder Madison Mogen, 21, Kaylee Goncalves, 21, and Xana Kernodle, 20, as well as Kernodle's boyfriend, Ethan Chapin , 20, on November 13, 2022 This extraordinary selfie taken hours after the murders shows Kohberger smirking and offering a 'thumbs up' to the camera Hippler said his court received numerous emails and phone messages ahead of the hearing, during which the judge could accept or reject the plea agreement. He said the efforts by members of the public were inappropriate and also said that no external opinions would influence his decision. 'Court is not supposed to, and this court will never, take into account public sentiment in making an opinion regarding its judicial decisions in cases. I always will make decisions based on where the facts and the law lead me, period,' the judge said. Kohberger watched without reaction as the judge issued his warning. They waited with somber, quiet expressions. At least 100 people were in attendance in the courtroom, and nearly 12,000 people tuned in to watch a livestream of the proceeding. The accused killer spoke intently with his lead attorney Anne Taylor for a few moments before he was led out of court and back to jail. Noticeably, Kohberger was not handcuffed or shackled for the hearing. STATE DETAILS KOHBERGER'S HORRIFIC CRIME Kohberger previously pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder and burglary charges in a gruesome multiple homicide in 2022, but on Wednesday accepted the state's plea deal. He looked on coldly as Latah County prosecutor Bill Thompson laid out a detailed timeline of what took place inside off-campus house shared by five women. Thompson confirmed that Kohberger went up to the third floor of the residence at 1122 King Road in Moscow, Idaho, killing Madison Mogen and Kaylee Goncalves. Xana Kernodle was still up at that time and, as Kohberger was coming down the stairs or leaving, he encountered her. He killed her and then her boyfriend Ethan Chapin, who was sleeping in her bed. Kohberger stared expressionlessly as he listened to Thompson. Thompson choked up as he finished his comments, laying out the timeline for the murders. He said that Bryan Kohberger intended to kill - but did not intend to murder all the victims - before entering the home. Kohberger looked on coldly as Latah County prosecutor Bill Thompson (left) laid out a detailed timeline of what took place inside off-campus house shared by five women VICTIMS' FAMILIES BREAK DOWN IN COURT The victims' family members were seen choking back emotion as the judge asked Bryan Kohberger whether he murdered each of their loved ones. Madison Mogen's father Ben Mogen hung his head and his legs shook as the judge asked Kohberger if he admitted to stabbing his daughter to death. He wiped his eyes with a hanky after his daughter's killer pleaded guilty to the heinous crime. Kaylee Goncalves' mother Kristi Goncalves, who was flanked by several family members, cried as the judge asked Kohberger if he had murdered her daughter and Kohberger replied in the affirmative. Bryan Kohberger showed no emotion as he confirmed he was 'guilty' on all charges. He did not appear to look at the public gallery at all - where the families of the loved ones he slaughtered sat wiping their eyes and choking back tears. Ethan's parents Stacy Chapin and Jim Chapin were seen walking into the Ada County Courthouse ahead of the hearing Madison Mogen (left) and Kaylee Goncalves (right) are pictured together University of Idaho students Xana Kernodle, right, and Ethan Chapin on a boat on Priest Lake, in Idaho in July 2022. Both students were among four found stabbed to death in an off-campus rental home on Nov. 13 that year GONCALVES FAMILY LASHES OUT AT PLEA DEAL OUTSIDE OF COURT Kaylee Goncalves' heartbroken father, Steve, said the plea deal tabled ahead of Kohberger's trial would not serve justice to his family. 'They (prosecutors) made a deal with Kohberger. He was the only person who was considered,' Steve Goncalves told reporters outside the courthouse on Wednesday. 'He didn't even negotiate with us. He could have just pretended and lied, but he didn't even pretend.' Goncalves said his daughter's accused killer needs to admit that 'he did it on his own and nobody else was responsible' so he would no longer have 'supporters'. 'He's not going to take accountability,' the anguished father added. When asked whether he thought four life sentences was justice, Goncalves said: 'No, of course not.' Reporters asked Goncalves what he thought about the families of some other victims feeling relief over news of the plea deal. 'Well, that's good enough for their kids, doesn't mean it's good enough for mine,' he said. Steve Goncalves, the father of Kaylee Goncalves, hugs mother Kristi Goncalves after Bryan Kohberger's plea deal hearing Kristi Goncalves, second from right, walks with family members including Steve Goncalves, left, to the Ada County Courthouse for Bryan Kohberger's plea deal hearing GUILTY PLEA CAME AFTER FAILED EFFORTS TO STRIKE DEATH PENALTY Bryan Kohberger's attorneys had done what they could to spare his life. They tried to bar prosecutors from seeking the death penalty in the quadruple murder on an array of grounds - that it would violate standards of decency or flout international law, that prosecutors had failed to provide evidence properly, that their client's autism diagnosis reduced any possible culpability. They challenged the legitimacy of DNA evidence and sought permission to suggest to a jury that someone else committed the crime. None of it worked. And with Kohberger's quadruple-murder trial set to begin next month, they turned to a final option: a plea deal to avoid execution. KOHBERGER FAMILY BREAKS SILENCE The Kohberger family has issued a statement ahead of Bryan Kohberger's plea hearing today. The family, in a statement published by NewsNation correspondent Brian Entin, said: 'In light of recent developments, the Kohbergers are asking members of the media for privacy, respect, and responsible judgment during this time. 'We will continue to allow the legal process to unfold with respect to all parties and will not release any comments or take any questions. 'We ask that you respect our wishes during a difficult time for all those affected.' This is the first ever comment the family has made since the one statement issued when he was first arrested. Daily Mail Crime Correspondent Rachel Sharp went to Kohberger's parents' residence in Albrightsville, Pennsylvania on Monday but no one was home. It's unclear if the family had already been informed about the plea deal and were already on their way to Boise. They did appear in court on Wednesday. Michael Kohberger, father of accused killer Bryan Kohberger, is seen cleaning up the property around the Albrightsville, Pennsylvania in July 2023 FAMILIES DIVIDED OVER PLEA DEAL The bombshell plea deal came in the 11th hour - coming just over a month before Bryan Kohberger was due to go on trial in August. And it has divided the families of the victims Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, Kaylee Goncalves and Ethan Chapin. On the one hand, the families of Goncalves and Kernodle have publicly slammed the agreement reached between prosecutors and Kohberger. The Goncalves family blasted the prosecutor's office for making 'a deal with the devil', spoke of their sense of betrayal by the state of Idaho and revealed plans to stage a protest outside the courthouse today. Kernodle's aunt Kim Kernodle similarly told TMZ that the family had vehemently opposed the deal when it was suggested by prosecutors - and voiced her confusion given the state had previously told them they had enough for a conviction. Although the Goncalves family opposed the agreement and said they would seek to stop it, they also argued that any such deal should require Kohberger to make a full confession, detail the facts of what happened and provide the location of the murder weapon. 'We deserve to know when the beginning of the end was,' they wrote in a Facebook post. Steve Goncalves, left the courthouse before Kohberger entered the courtroom. 'Im just getting out of this zoo,' he told reporters. Steve Goncalves, father of one of four University of Idaho students stabbed to death in 2022, reacts to the expected guilty plea of suspect Bryan Kohberger, outside Ada County Courthouse in Boise, Idaho. He opposed the plea deal The Mogen family Attorney reads a statement after Bryan Kohberger's guilty plea On the other hand, family members of Chapin and Mogen have voiced their support for the deal that would put Kohberger behind bars for life. The family of Chapin - one of three triplets who attended the university together - supports the deal, their spokesperson, Christina Teves, said Tuesday. Attorney Leander James read a statement from Mogens mother and stepfather after the guilty pleas that said they supported the agreement with the prosecutors. 'While we know there are some who do not support it, we ask that they respect our belief that this is the best outcome for the victims, their families and the state of Idaho,' the family said. 'We now embark on a new path,' they said. 'We embark on a path of hope and healing.' The 21-year-old's father Ben Mogen previously told the Idaho Statesman that he supports the deal because it 'punishes the perpetrator of this horrendous crime, protects the public from further harm and allows all of us who knew and loved these four young people the time to grieve without the anxiety of the long and gruesome trial, years of appeals and potential for mistrials along the way.' PROSECUTOR BREAKS DOWN IN COURT The prosecutor who handed Bryan Kohberger a plea deal to allow him to avoid the death penalty broke down in court Wednesday as he read the victim's names. Bill Thompson choked up as he laid out the timeline of the shocking murders of four University of Idaho students in 2022 at the hearing on Wednesday. 'On November 13, 2022, excuse me...,' Thompson said, growing emotional as he reached for a sip of water and a colleague patted him on the back. He then broke down again as he read the names of Kohberger's victims, Ethan Chapin, 20, Kaylee Goncalves, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and Madison Mogen, 21. Prosecutor Bill Thompson choked up as he laid out the timeline of the murders of four University of Idaho students in 2022 at a hearing on Wednesday Thompson grew emotional shortly after Bryan Kohberger (pictured) broke his silence in court as he confessed to murdering Ethan Chapin, 20, Kaylee Goncalves, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and Madison Mogen, 21 FAMILIES SOB AS KOHBERGER REMAINS STOIC As his victims' loved ones sobbed in the courtroom, Bryan Kohberger showed no emotion and stared ahead. He stared intently at the judge - and then the prosecutor - as they spoke about his horrific crimes and the senseless violence that he inflicted upon the four young students. Madison Mogen's father Ben Mogen hung his head and his legs shook as the judge asked Kohberger if he admitted to stabbing his daughter to death. Kaylee Goncalves' mother Kristi Goncalves, who was flanked by several family members, cried as the judge asked Kohberger if he had murdered her daughter and Kohberger replied in the affirmative. The Goncalves family previously vented their fury at Thompson after he offered Kohberger the plea deal that spared him the death penalty. They declared on Facebook that the State of Idaho 'failed us' as they hit out at prosecutors for failing to notify them that a plea deal was going through. 'We weren't even called about the plea; we received an email with a letter attached,' family members said in a statement. 'That's how Latah County's Prosecutor's Office treats murder victims' families. 'Adding insult to injury, they're rushing the plea, giving families just one day to coordinate and appear at the courthouse for a plea on July 2.' Thompson said that Kohberger took this selfie soon after murdering the four students Thompson laid out the timeline, saying that Kohberger stalked the students' home at 1122 King Road in Moscow, Idaho before the slayings GRUSOME CASE THAT SHOCKED THE NATION The Idaho college killings grabbed headlines around the world and set off a nationwide hunt, including an elaborate effort to track down a white sedan spotted on surveillance cameras repeatedly driving by the rental home. Police said they used genetic genealogy to identify Kohberger as a possible suspect and accessed cellphone data to pinpoint his movements the night of the killings. At the time, Kohberger was a criminal justice graduate student at nearby Washington State University who had just completed his first semester and was a teaching assistant in the criminology program. Kohberger was arrested in Pennsylvania, where his parents lived, weeks later. Prosecuting attorney Bill Thompson said investigators recovered a Q-tip from the garbage at his parents' house to match Kohberger's DNA to genetic material recovered from a knife sheath found at the crime scene. Online shopping records showed that Kohberger had purchased a military-style knife months earlier - as well as a sheath like the one found at the scene. The county prosecutor said the murder weapon has not been found and revealed new details about how Kohberger tried to cover up the killings. Kohberger bought another knife sheath to replace the one he left at the crime scene and scrubbed his apartment and office, Thompson said. His car had been 'pretty much disassembled' and he changed his car registration, Thompson said. 'The defendant has studied crime,' Thompson said. 'In fact, he did a detailed paper on crime scene processing when he was working on his Ph.D., and he had that knowledge skill set.' Kohberger broke into the victims' rented off-campus home and killed them on November 13, 2022. The home - which has since been demolished - is pictured in December 2023 No motive has emerged for the killings, nor is it clear why the attacker spared two roommates who were in the home. There also was no indication he had a relationship with any of the victims, who all were friends and members of the university's Greek system. Authorities have said cellphone data and surveillance video show that Kohberger visited the victims' neighborhood at least a dozen times before the killings, and that he traveled in the same area that night. Kohberger's lawyers said he was simply on a long drive by himself around the time the four were killed. In a special episode of the chart-topping True Crime podcast The Trial, journalist Laura Collins unpacks Bryan Kohberger's shock guilty plea and how police caught the college student killer. To listen, subscribe to The Crime Desk (www.thecrimedesk.com) The home of arresting podcasts from The Daily Mail. Join today for a 7-day free trial. The family of one of the victims killed by Idaho quadruple murderer Bryan Kohberger has slammed the prosecutor who allowed him to avoid the death penalty. Kaylee Goncalves' relatives issued a blistering statement on social media aimed at Latah County Prosecutor Bill Thompson, saying they were not consulted before Kohberger was given a plea deal this week. 'Right here, right now, we dig our heels into the earth and carve a line deep in the dirt. This aint justice, no judge presided, no jury weighed the truth,' they wrote. 'Thompson robbed us of our day in court. No negotiations, no jury of our peers, not even the pretense of cooperation and fairness.' The aging prosecutor, who is listed as 68 or 72 on publicly available records, has served as the Latah County Prosecutor since 1992. The Goncalves family said they believe Thompson is now 'retiring on this deal.' 'No spine, no shred of honor. He didnt have the basic decency, the plain human courage, to face the families, to meet our eyes and ask, How do we make an offer that works?' the statement continued. 'Instead, Thompson cut his deal with the devil, his negotiations didnt require anything other than a simple guilty plea. Allowing him the leeway to blame the same people you are paid to protect. 'You betrayed us, Thompson. You deal fails to shield the innocent. You couldve stood tall and made damn sure the blame stayed where it belongs not on us, not on the broken survivors still carrying the weight of your repeated failures.' The family of murder victim Kaylee Goncalves issued a blistering statement on social media aimed at Latah County Prosecutor Bill Thompson, branding him a 'coward' for handing a plea deal to their daughter's killer Kaylee Goncalves' father Steve (pictured) has shared several scathing remarks about Thompson as he says his family was not consulted before Kohberger was handed the plea deal The family of Goncalves (lower left) slammed Thompson for cutting a 'deal with the devil.' She is pictured alongside other victims Ethan Chapin, 20, Xana Kernodle, 20, and Madison Mogen, 21 At the hearing on Wednesday where Kohberger pleaded guilty, Thompson broke down and grew emotional as he detailed the brutal slayings in 2022. 'On November 13, 2022, excuse me...,' Thompson paused, as he reached for a sip of water and a colleague patted him on the back. He then broke down again as he read the names Goncalves and Kohberger's other victims, Ethan Chapin, 20, Xana Kernodle, 20, and Madison Mogen, 21. Goncalves' family continued excoriating Thompson and said his decision to hand Kohberger a plea deal robbed them of the chance to have closure through his trial. 'First: Truthspill it, BK Every sickening detail only the killer could know, the kind that twists your guts just to hear but turns even a simpleton proberger against you,' the statement added in reference to Kohberger's supporters. 'Second: You bear the guilt, all of it alone. You dont get to smear the survivors, the ones still waking to nightmares born of your reckless choices. 'Third: No cashing in on our grief no books, no private interviews with your ex-professor. No one is allowed to study you, because youre not special. You dont get to spit on our kids graves by making this all about you.' Bryan Kohberger pleaded guilty on Wednesday to the murders of the four students in 2022 after previously claiming he was innocent, as he was handed a plea deal to avoid the death penalty Sharing the statement before Judge Steven Hippler accepted the deal, the family added: 'Only Hippler can step into this void, mend the wreckage Thompson left in Latah so-called justice system. 'This is what murder victims families negotiation looks like. Its ugly. Its raw. It wild, Its anything but easy. 'Yet you, Mr. Thompson, didnt even bother to negotiate with us, so this is all we have left there is no more time for us to wait for you to make a stand so we stand in your place!' Thompson came under scrutiny after the deal with Kohberger was announced this week, with critics of his decision calling for him to step down after the Kohberger case is closed. Although it is unclear why Thompson agreed to the plea deal there has been speculation that Thompson, whose reported $118,380 salary is nearly double the county average, wanted to avoid a lengthy trial and multi-year appeal process. It has also been speculated that the Kohberger trial may have delayed his plans to retire and that he did not want to handle a monster case in the twilight of his career. The Daily Mail has approached him for further comment on the plea deal. Thompson said that Kohberger took this selfie soon after murdering the four students At the hearing on Wednesday, Kohberger stared coldly ahead as Thompson laid out the timeline that prosecutors would have presented if he had gone to trial. Thompson said that phone data showed Kohberger had stalked the victims' home at 1122 King Road in Moscow before the slayings. Thompson said the state would have argued in court that Kohberger slipped in through a side door, before killing Mogen and Goncalves on the third floor. He said Kohberger then encountered Kernodle as she came down the stairs to pick up a Doordash order, and killed her with the same Ka-Bar knife he used on her roommates. He then entered Kernodle's bedroom and stabbed her boyfriend Chapin to death as he slept, Thompson said. Kohberger's vehicle, a white Hyundai Elantra, was also seen circling the home on 1122 King Road, before surveillance cameras caught it fleeing the scene shortly after the murders at a high rate of speed. Thompson said that after Kohberger murdered the four students, he then returned to the home at around 9am the next morning and lurked outside for around 10 minutes. He then returned to his home, and took a selfie of himself in his bathroom, where he looked menacingly into the camera with his thumbs up. It may not have been the ideal weather to kick off their official visit to Scotland. But Charles and Camilla were all smiles as they strolled through the rain yesterday. The King and Queen sheltered under umbrellas as they were greeted by hundreds in Kirkcaldy, despite pouring rain, to mark the centenary of the town's war memorial. They unveiled a commemorative stone Cairn containing school badges, caps and USBs with childrens stories acting as a time capsule. The King laid a wreath at the Kirkcaldy War Memorial before a minutes silence. But during the service to recognise 100 years of the commemorative monument local cadet Robbie McGovern, 13, collapsed and needed medical help. After he recovered, the teenager was brought to meet the King just before he departed. Charles shook his hand asked: Did you hit your head? King Charles and Queen Camilla arrive to unveil a Commemorative Cairn to mark the centenary of the Kirkcaldy War Memorial The King looks on during a minute's silence after laying a wreath at Kirkcaldy War Memorial Robbie replied no but then nodded and said a little bit when the King asked if he had any buzzing in between his ears. Charles replied: Dont worry, I remember. Earlier, alongside the Queen he unveiled a memorial stone marking the spot where Queen Elizabeths coffin lay in Edinburghs historic St Giles Cathedral. The couple attend a short service of dedication for the black slate stone, engraved with the Scottish crown and ER cypher together with the date where her Late Majesty rested on her final journey back down to London after dying at Balmoral in 2022. Rev Dr Scott Rennie, Minister of St Giles, told them: We give thanks for our great sovereign who lived a life of deep faith, humble service and unwavering devotion to duty. We honour her legacy of constantly in times of change, of grave in moments of challenge and of steadfast commitment to the people she served. As this stone becomes in time a place of memory, let it also be a sign of inspiration, calling all who pass by to live lives of self-giving love, steadfast devotion and commitment to the common good. A service of thanksgiving and vigil took place in the cathedral on September 12 and 13 2022. The new permanent memorial is located on the floor near the Holy Table where HM The Queens coffin lay. King Charles and Queen Camilla arrive to unveil a memorial stone in St Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh, where Queen Elizabeth II lay at rest before being carried to London No other sovereign has had such a Service of Thanksgiving in Scotland, with the breadth of Scottish society in attendance. Following the service, a vigil was held and, over the following 23 hours, more than 33,000 people queued to pay their respects. The late Queens children, including the King, also held their own vigil for their mother. While her coffin was present in the cathedral the Royal Company of Archers, the Sovereigns Bodyguard in Scotland, mounted guard - and some of the same officers were present today. The engraving on the stone was carried out by Roxanne Kindersley from the renowned Cardozo Kindersley Workshop in Cambridge, who also met the King and chatted about her other work he had seen, and described it as brilliant. Rev Dr Rennie, minister of St Giles, said: It has been a great honour and privilege to welcome Their Majesties King Charles and Queen Camilla back to St Giles for such a special event as we commemorate the late Queen Elizabeth, who visited the cathedral many times, with the Dedication of the Memorial Stone. It is fitting that St Giles, which has been at the heart of Scottish civic and religious life for more than 900 years, was able to host the 33,000 people who came to pay their final respects to Queen Elizabeth. St Giles was probably founded by David I in around 1124 so there has been a strong royal connection since the beginning. The relatives of the Idaho murder victims are bitterly divided over Bryan Kohberger's plea deal, which came at the 11th hour and was a shock even to the judge. Two families have slammed the deal for allowing him to avoid the death penalty, while the other two breathed a sigh of relief that the case never has to go to trial. Kohberger, 30, pleaded guilty on Wednesday to killing Ethan Chapin, 20, Kaylee Goncalves, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and Madison Mogen, 21, on November 13, 2022. He made the bombshell admission at Ada County Court in Boise, Idaho, while sitting meters away from the heartbroken families who have waited years for justice. The plea deal was approved by Judge Steven Hippler, who was then inundated with calls from angry members of the public asking him to reject Kohberger's cowardly agreement. Hippler hit out at observers who had tried to influence his decision making, slamming it as 'inappropriate'. 'My role is to ensure the defendant's plea is given voluntarily,' Hippler said, adding that he only learned of the agreement on Monday. Several relatives of the victims broke down in tears in the courtroom - as did Prosecutor Bill Thompson when he read out the victims' names. The Goncalves and Kernodle families have said the plea pact means they will never have justice for their children who he brutally stabbed to death in one of the most horrific events ever to unfold on a college campus. The relatives of the Idaho murder victims are bitterly divided over Bryan Kohberger 's plea deal, which came at the 11th hour and was a shock even to the judge. Kohberger (pictured during his plea deal hearing on Wednesday) avoided the death penalty by pleading guilty The Goncalves and Kernodle families have said the plea deal means they will never have justice for their children who he brutally stabbed to death in one of the most horrific events ever to unfold on a college campus. (Pictured: Kaylee Goncalves' father Steve Goncalves) Maddie Mogen's mother and stepfather, Karen and Scott Laramie (pictured outside court on Wednesday), said via a statement through their attorney that they supported the plea deal Kaylee's family issued a statement blasting the prosecutor's office for making 'a deal with the devil' and spoke of their sense of betrayal over the backroom agreement. 'This ain't justice, no judge presided, no jury weighed the truth,' they wrote. '(Prosecutor Bill) Thompson robbed us of our day in court. No negotiations, no jury of our peers, not even the pretense of cooperation and fairness.' 'Instead, Thompson cut his deal with the devil, his negotiations didn't require anything other than a simple guilty plea,' their statement added. Judge Steven Hippler approved the plea deal 'Allowing him the leeway to blame the same people you are paid to protect. You betrayed us, Thompson.' Goncalves' father, Steve, said outside the courtroom on Wednesday that he wanted to see Kohberger admit that 'he did it on his own and nobody else was responsible' so he would no longer have 'supporters'. 'He's not going to take accountability,' the anguished father added. When asked whether he thought four life sentences was justice, Goncalves said: 'No, of course not.' Over the past two years, the Goncalves family has publicly supported Kohberger receiving the death penalty if convicted of the murders. Steve was involved in pushing to pass the state law to make firing squad a legal method of execution, while some of their other loved ones have worn pro-death penalty shirts to court hearings. Goncalves' father, Steve, said outside the courtroom on Wednesday that he wanted to see Kohberger admit that 'he did it on his own and nobody else was responsible' so he would no longer have 'supporters'. (Pictured: Steve hugging his wife Kristi Goncalves on Wednesday) Pictured: Mother of Kaylee Goncalves, Kristi Goncalves, second from right, walks with family members including Steve Goncalves, left, to the Ada County Courthouse on Wednesday Kernodle's aunt, Kim, has echoed similar views. TMZ said she was so furious when she heard about the plea deal that she broke down in tears. She hit back against prosecutors' claims that the deal was brokered partly to spare the victims' families from the pain of the trial. Pictured: Prosecutor Bill Thompson Kernodle said they have already seen the gruesome pictures of the crime scene. 'We know the graphics. They were not trying to spare us,' she said. But for the family of Maddie Mogen, news of the deal came as a relief, because they wanted to move on with their lives while Kohberger never escapes jail. 'If you get that quick death sentence, you don't have to spend decades thinking about how terrible you made the world,' Maddie's father, Ben Mogen, told CBS News. 'We can actually put this behind us and not have these future dates and future things that we don't want to have to be at, that we shouldn't have to be at, that have to do with this terrible person,' he added. 'We get to just think about the rest of lives and have to try and figure out how to do it without Maddie and the rest of the kids.' Maddie Mogen's mother and stepfather, Karen and Scott Laramie, also said via a statement through their attorney that they supported the deal. Pictured: Karen and Scott Laramie, the mother and stepfather of Madison Mogen, making a statement through their attorney Leander James outside the Ada County Courthouse Pictured: The family of Ethan Chapin including mother Stacy Chapin and father Jim Chapin arrive at Ada County Courthouse for Bryan Kohberger's plea deal hearing on Wednesday Their attorney, Leander James, said that they were in favor of the agreement '100 percent' as he spoke on their behalf outside Ada County Court on Wednesday. Ethan Chapin's parents, Stacey and Jim, also said they supported the deal in a brief statement, but did not elaborate on their reasons. They appeared at Kohberger's plea hearing along with Goncalves and Mogen families, as each sat meters away when their childrens' killer coldly pleaded guilty to ending each of their lives. Kernodle's family did not attend the hearing. Kohberger stared straight ahead and showed no sign of emotion as he admitted stabbing the happy college students to death in their off-campus home. The chilling hearing saw Kohberger break his silence in court for the first time, and he spoke only to answer in the affirmative when Judge Steven Hippler asked if he was guilty of the crimes, and whether he understood the terms of the plea agreement. When asked whether he was pleading guilty because he is guilty, he said: 'Yes'. Kohberger will be sentenced for his heinous crimes over two days at Ada County Courthouse from July 23. The court will also hear heart-wrenching victim impact statements from the victims' families. Trains across NSW have been thrown into chaos after an intense bomb cyclone struck the state. Sydney commuters are being warned to check before they travel and be prepared for delays. On the Central Coast to Newcastle Line, trains were not running early on Thursday morning between Wyong and Fassifern due to overhead wiring repairs at Dora Creek. Limited bus replacements were introduced between the two stations, and a shuttle train service has been put in place between Fassifern and Newcastle Interchange. NSW TrainLink North said response crews have attended to repair the overhead wiring but, 'due to extensive damage, repairs may continue for the next two days'. 'Please delay non-essential travel if possible or consider using other transport,' the statement on social media said. 'If you must travel, allow plenty of extra travel time.' Damaging winds persisted into Thursday morning around parts of northern New South Wales after severe weather battered the coast earlier this week. NSW TrainLink North has said repairs of overhead wiring between Fassifern and Newcastle could take days to be completed after the wild weather People have been told to delay non-essential travel on the rail line The Bureau of Meteorology has said a series of low-pressure systems remain in the Tasman Sea. The secondary low that was moving northwards just offshore from the NSW coast has begun to weaken. Peak gusts of around 100km/h are likely near parts of the Northern Tablelands, the Mid North Coast hinterland and about the Border Ranges, but have been forecast to ease later this morning. Emergency warnings from NSW SES due to coastal erosion have continued into Thursday for some residents in Wamberal and North Entrance. The notices have told people to 'evacuate now'. Flooding warnings are still in place for some areas including Burrill Lake, Lake Conjola, Sanctuary Point, Sussex Inlet and Shoalhaven. WaterNSW warned on Wednesday that, following the heavy rainfall across Greater Sydney's water supply catchments, Warragamba Dam was close to full capacity. 'If you are downstream of the dam, stay away from fast flowing or deep water and never drive, ride or walk through floodwater,' the notice on social media said. 'Most other Greater Sydney dams are currently spilling, including Woronora, Nepean, Cataract, Cordeaux, Avon, Fitzroy Falls, Lake Medlow, Greaves Creek and Tallowa. 'Some regional dams also continue to spill, including Glennies Creek and Lostock in the Hunter region and Brogo in the south.' Surf and swell conditions are expected to be hazardous for coastal activities such as rock fishing, boating, and swimming in the following areas, the bureau said. Bryan Kohberger appeared to be smiling on the inside as he admitted to the brutal murders of four Idaho students, a body language expert has suggested. Judi James told DailyMail.com the 28-year-old killer seemed to be 'enjoying the attention' during his plea deal hearing on Wednesday. She said he 'sat impassively' with 'alien interest', before sliding his chair back 'like a drawer from a filing cabinet' when his name was mentioned, rising unnecessarily even as a judge told him there was no need. 'Kohberger appeared to enjoy the attention,' said James, who is based in the UK, 'taking his oath with a dramatic lift of his right hand with the fingertips over head height'. James added: 'When sitting listening to his crimes, his demeanor looked passive and unemotional. 'His one-word answers came quickly and in an assured, speedy, slightly sibilant voice that gave the impression of someone being politely helpful.' She continued: 'When he agreed to having committed those crimes, with each name and each cause of death being listed, his tone and his body language did not appear change. '[There were] no apparent attempts to mask his eye expression or to dip his head in shame or guilt. Just an impassive-looking verbal agreement of guilt.' Bryan Kohberger is pictured in court above ahead of confessing to the four brutal murders Kohberger pleaded guilty to the brutal murders of four students at a rental home in November 2022 in a crime that shocked the nation. The confession allows him to avoid a quadruple murder trial set for next month and a potential death penalty, although he is expected to spend the rest of his life in prison. His victims were Ethan Chapin, 20, Kaylee Goncalves, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and Madison Mogen, 21. James added: 'Kohberger sat in a confident symmetric pose in his seat listening impassively to the judge's long introduction, his large, deep-set and cold bug-eyes watching with an expression of alien interest. Your browser does not support iframes. 'Suddenly, in standing mode, his pose and his demeanor suggested an air of menace. 'He towered above the court with his wide shoulders splayed and his back arched in an almost military-looking stance. 'His arms hung at his sides, although not touching his torso and the too-short sleeves of his shirt that revealed long bare wrists and huge hands. 'The shirt looked tight at the neck, with stretch marks from neck to armpits as though the tie had been knotted too tight.' Thompson broke down again as he read the names of Kohberger's victims. From left: Kaylee Goncalves, 21, Madison Mogen (on Kaylee's shoulders), 21, Ethan Chapin, 20, and Xana Kernodle, 20, and Madison Mogen His admission marked the first time the alleged killer has spoken in court. When asked whether he was pleading guilty because he is guilty, he coldly replied 'yes', as several of the victims' heartbroken relatives broke down in tears. It came moments after the prosecutor who handed him the plea deal broke down in court as he read out the victims names. Prosecutor Bill Thompson choked up as he laid out the timeline of the shocking murders, growing emotional as he reached for a sip of water and a colleague patted him on the back. He then broke down again as he read out the names. Kohberger stared coldly ahead as Thompson laid out the timeline, saying that he stalked the students' home at 1122 King Road in Moscow, Idaho, before the slayings. Thompson said the state would have argued in court that Kohberger slipped in through a side door before killing Mogen and Goncalves on the third floor. He said Kohberger then encountered Kernodle as she came down the stairs to pick up a Doordash order, and killed her with the same Ka-Bar knife he used on her roommates. He then entered Kernodle's bedroom and stabbed her sleeping boyfriend Chapin to death, Thompson said. Thompson said that after Kohberger murdered the four students, he then returned to the home at around 9am the next morning and lurked outside for around 10 minutes. He then returned to his home, and took a selfie of himself in his bathroom, where he looked menacingly into the camera with his thumbs up. Thompson admitted that he could not precisely place Kohberger in the murder house, but said phone data put him in the area. Kohberger was asked to seat himself after he stood when he was called He maintained a cold and impassive expression thoughout the proceedings, with experts suggesting that he may have enjoyed the attention His vehicle, a white Hyundai Elantra, was also seen circling the home on 1122 King Road, before surveillance cameras caught it fleeing the scene shortly after the murders at a high rate of speed. As his victims' loved ones sobbed in the courtroom, Kohberger showed no emotion and stared ahead. Kohberger was arrested on December 30, 2022, and taken into custody in Pennsylvania over the murders. Kohberger was eventually linked to the murders after a tan leather sheath found at the crime scene was shown to contain male DNA. This was eventually traced back to his family line, and matched to himself after a swab was taken. His cellphone was also 'pinged' in the vicinity of the house around a dozen times in the month's before the crime, including on November 13, 2022. In a special episode of the chart-topping True Crime podcast The Trial, journalist Laura Collins unpacks Bryan Kohberger's shock guilty plea and how police caught the college student killer. To listen, subscribe to The Crime Desk (www.thecrimedesk.com) The home of arresting podcasts from The Daily Mail. Join today for a 7-day free trial. Hundreds of mourners have gathered for a vigil for a pregnant mother who was allegedly murdered as she got ready to give birth to a son. Sarah Montgomery, 27, was found dead in a residential property in Donaghadee, Northern Ireland on Saturday afternoon. On Tuesday, Zak Hughes, 28, was charged with the murder of the mother-of-two, as well as 'child destruction'. He appeared at Newtownards Magistrates' Court on Wednesday. Just hours later, a large crowd came together at Donaghadee's resource centre to remember the life of the victim, before walking the short distance to the Elmfield Walk home where her body was discovered. During the moving afternoon, some carried flowers or candles as the vigil travelled across town. Ainsley White became emotional as she addressed the crowd about her best friend. She described Ms Montgomery as a 'mother, a sister, a granddaughter, a friend'. The heartbroken pal added: 'To Sarah, family meant everything. Her two little girls meant absolutely everything to her. Hundreds of mourners have gathered for a vigil for Sarah Montgomery, a pregnant mother who was allegedly murdered as she got ready to give birth to a son During a moving afternoon, some carried flowers or candles as the vigil travelled across town Ms Montgomery, pictured, was found dead in a residential property in Donaghadee, Northern Ireland on Saturday afternoon On Tuesday, Zak Hughes, pictured, was charged with the murder of the mother-of-two, as well as 'child destruction' 'Sarah was the best mummy and she couldn't wait to make her family complete with her little boy. I hope Sarah knew how much she was loved. 'I don't have the words to describe Sarah as a friend, I was honoured to call her my best friend and my sister at the same time. 'She never failed to put a smile on your face. She was a girl's girl, she had your back.' Ms White said: 'It is an absolutely cruel world that we live in. Sarah was just the best ever. 'Both of you are in the arms of the angels and you are both safe, I hope you both rest in peace and you are looking over us. Just know your girls are going to be the most protected kids in this world.' The crowd observed a minute's silence before breaking into applause. Dozens of people then queued to leave flowers at Ms Montgomery's home. Among those who attended the vigil were members of the family of Natalie McNally, a pregnant woman who was killed in Lurgan in December 2022. A large crowd came together at Donaghadee's resource centre to remember the life of the victim, before walking to the Elmfield Walk home where her body was discovered Ainsley White, pictured, became emotional as she addressed the crowd about her best friend Tributes have poured in for the mother - who is survived by her two daughters Paramedics were unable to save the pregnant mum and she was pronounced dead at the scene Dressed in a grey tracksuit, Hughes stood in the dock today and nodded when asked if he understood the charges. A Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) detective chief inspector told the court he could connect Hughes to the offences. No facts of the case were laid out and there was no application for bail. The date of the alleged offences given on court papers was June 27. District Judge Conor Heaney remanded Hughes in custody until July 30. A woman, 42, who was arrested in Belfast on suspicion of assisting an offender, was released unconditionally on Tuesday. In the days after her death, the local community has seen an outpouring of grief towards Ms Montgomery. Revd Ian R Gamble and Revd Kathy Couchman of Donaghadee Parish Church, who had a 'strong connection' with the family, said they were 'deeply saddened', adding that they would miss her at their Mums & Tots group. A GoFundMe has raised more than 40,000 to help her daughters, calling the mother 'a popular girl who would never pass you without a smile or a chat'. Officers were called to the home at 2.15pm on Saturday after receiving reports of an unconscious female with a serious injury (Pictured: A forensics team at the home) In the days after her death, the local community has seen an outpouring of grief towards Ms Montgomery A GoFundMe has raised more than 43,000 to help her daughters, calling the mother 'a popular girl who would never pass you without a smile or a chat' Officers were called to the home at 2.15pm after receiving reports of an unconscious female with a serious injury. Paramedics were unable to save her and she was pronounced dead at the scene. The church statement said: 'The tragic nature of Sarah's death, compounded with the loss of her unborn child, can only add to the immense sense of grief that her family and friends will be feeling. 'Sarah was a very loving daughter to her late parents, a caring and devoted mother to her own children and a great support to her brothers and elderly grandparents. 'May God grant to Sarah's family, close friends and our Donaghadee community his unfailing love.' And the fundraiser, which was organised by 'local girl' Joanne Courtney, said that 'The events of this weekend have brought the community and indeed a wider circle to its devastated knees.' She continued: 'The children adored their mummy but have now been robbed of the nurture and love to guide them as they grow into young women. 'They will never get to know their unborn baby brother whose life was also cut short in this tragic incident.' A bus driver impaired by an opioid painkiller during a horror crash that killed 10 wedding guests has appealed against his 32-year jail sentence. Brett Andrew Button, 60, had been driving too fast and engaged in risk-taking behaviour before the deadly crash, which also injured 25 people, at Greta in the NSW Hunter Valley in June 2023. He was jailed last September for a maximum term of 32 years with a non-parole period of 24 years. At the time, NSW District Court Judge Roy Ellis said he was unaware of any other case that had such a devastating impact on so many people. Button has filed a challenge with three appeal grounds, which was briefly heard in the NSW Court of Criminal Appeal on Thursday. He will argue that Judge Ellis made a mistake in finding that Button knew he was under the influence of the opioid painkiller Tramadol, the court heard. Button will also challenge the judge's finding that the "relevant tipping threshold for the bus was 31km/h'. He will also argue that his maximum 32-year jail term is 'manifestly excessive in all the circumstances'. A two-hour hearing has been scheduled for October 3. Prosecutors expect voluminous evidence to be tendered, including victim impact statements from the families of those who died or were injured in the crash. The court will consider a psychological report for Button and several references attesting to his good character. Button won't be appealing against his conviction. He pleaded guilty in the District Court to 10 charges of dangerous driving causing death, nine counts of driving causing grievous bodily harm and 16 counts of causing bodily harm by wanton driving. Button was told in 2022 that he was dependent on the opioid Tramadol. He admitted taking more than the prescribed amount prior to the crash. The vehicle entered a roundabout on Wine Country Drive on the way to Singleton after a wine estate wedding at an estimated 52km/h. It then accelerated to about 56km/h while on the roundabout, the District Court was earlier told. The speed required to tip the bus over was only 31km/h. A class action has been filed by those injured and family members of the deceased against the NSW government alleging failings in the design of the roundabout. The speed limit through the interchange was also allegedly too high. Andrew Scott, 35, his wife Lynan Scott, 33, Nadene McBride, 52, daughter Kyah McBride, 22, and her partner, Kane Symons, 21, Darcy Bulman, 30, Rebecca Mullen, 26, Zachary Bray, 29, Tori Cowburn, 29, and Angus Craig, 28, were killed in the crash. A notorious British paedophile allegedly took a nine-year-old girl and her mother on holiday a year before he arranged to 'marry her' in a grim ceremony at Disneyland Paris. Jacky Jhaj, 39, attempted to wed the Ukrainian girl for social media last month, but was quickly arrested. He reportedly spent 111,000 on the bizarre event with more than 100 actors hired to play guests at the event, while the schoolgirl was meant to act as his 'bride'. Jhaj - who is on a sex offenders register in the UK following criminal convictions - remains in custody in France after being charged with a series of criminal offences. In preparation for the event, Jhaj had been in contact with the family for more than a year and took them on a family holiday. A former Russian special forces paratrooper emerged on Wednesday as the whistleblower who prevented the paedophile from going through with the ceremony. The 54-year-old Latvian, who only uses his first name of Vitalijs for security reasons, helped get Londoner Jhaj arrested a week ago last Saturday. On Wednesday, Vitalijs said he had been offered the equivalent of 550 to play 'the father of the bride'. He assumed he was giving away the 41-year-old mother, but when he realised the betrothed was in fact her little girl, he exploded with anger. Jacky Jhaj, who is on the sex register in the UK, is now in custody in France charged with multiple criminal offences Vitalijs, a former Russian paratrooper used his skills to break into Disneyland Paris to stop the 'wedding' Vitalijs, who served as a paratrooper in the Red Army before the collapse of the old Soviet Union, only found out about the child's role 'five hours before the ceremony' and immediately quit, he said. Despite Jhaj telling him to stay away, he travelled to Disneyland to alert management about the involvement of the minor. 'I knew I had to do something,' he said. 'I sneaked into Disneyland without a pass.' Vitalijs, who does not speak French or English, used his special forces training to get into the theme park the most popular in Europe and carried a note with him. It read: 'This is not a real wedding. The girl is nine years old!' Vitalijs said he approached the wedding stage, and handed the message to a Disney employee, who ensured the 'wedding was stopped immediately.' Police arrived within minutes and a number of suspects, including Jhaj, were arrested and taken into custody. Vitalijs was driven to a police station, where he was shown a fake British passport with his photo on it. Vitalijs said: 'I found out that my passport had been forged. I only remember the first name, Mikhail. I don't remember the surname. 'I remembered that a woman in Riga [Latvia] had asked me for a passport photo for a pass to Disneyland. 'Of course, I told the police that it wasn't me and that it wasn't my passport.' Jhaj was arrested after Vitalijs handed a note to a Disneyland employee informing them the girl was a minor Vitalijs was released without charge, as were the Ukrainian mother and child. The paedo had got to know the pair after meeting them at a casting session for the Disneyland stunt in the Czech Republic in May. She told him she had known Jhaj for a year, and even gone on holiday with him, while also accepting cash from him. Jhaj has since claimed: 'I'm just a simple actor who took part in a film shoot'. He made the comment to examining magistrates in Meaux, east of the capital city, after his arrest. His lawyer, Jean-Christophe Ramadier, said Jhaj was solely placed in 'provisional custody' because 'he had no guarantee of legal representation in France, where he has no address.' Jhaj was found guilty of sexual activity with two 15-year-olds in Britain in 2016. Jean-Baptiste Bladier, the Meaux prosecutor, confirmed the Ukrainian child had not suffered 'any violence, neither physical nor sexual,' and had 'not been forced into playing the bride.' Jhaj was found guilty of sexual activity with two 15-year-olds back in 2016 Mr Bladier said Jhaj 'played the role of the groom after having been professionally made up to display a face completely different from his own.' An unidentified 24-year-old Lativian woman is also being held in connection with the stunt. The investigation into the fake wedding continues. At least six people, including one juvenile, have been injured in a horror shooting outside a mall in Savannah, Georgia. Police descended on the Oglethorpe Mall about 5.43pm amid reports that bullets were flying at terrified shoppers. At least five ambulances were also rushed to the scene to treat six victims with varying injuries. One person is in a critical condition, and at least four have been taken to nearby hospitals. Police Chief Lenny Gunther later revealed an altercation broke out between two groups of people. He clarified the shooting was not random and that there is no ongoing threat to the public. The Savannah Police Department said three people were shot, and at least one person suffered a medical emergency. The shooting victims have been identified as two young adults and one juvenile. Police have descended on the Oglethorpe Mall and are urging members of the public to avoid the area The altercation reportedly started inside the mall before spilling out onto the streets. Police worked quickly to evacuate the mall as Savannah locals were urged to avoid the area. The International Association of Fire Fighters described the event as 'an active and dangerous situation.' 'Avoid the area at all costs. Updates will be provided when available,' they said in a statement. Police have since said there is no active threat to the area. No arrests have been made at this stage, police said. This is a breaking news story. More to come. The lives of Edward and Mrs Simpson are legendary, but what about the third person in the Abdication Crisis Ernest Simpson? Written off as the boring husband who willingly gave up his wife for his king, Mr Simpson has too often been dismissed as a dull dog. But in fact, Wallis Simpson's husband was a very attractive man, who married four times and was involved with a series of worldly-wise women. Rather than just acquiescing while his monarch stole his wife, he was enjoying his own grand passion with Wallis's best friend. Ernest Simpson was certainly a catch. The son of a wealthy British ship-broker and an American mother, he was good-looking, well-connected and chivalrous. His elder sister Maud married a British politician, Peter Kerr-Smiley, and the couple entertained in style in Belgrave Square, in a house crammed with old masters. They hosted lavish parties where the Prince of Wales rubbed shoulders with celebrities and politicians. A protective older sister, Maud was determined to make sure her handsome brother married well. Noted as a 'fastidious dresser' with a 'neat blond moustache' by the New York Times, Ernest's good looks made him a magnet for women. A young Barbara Cartland, the future doyenne of romantic fiction, was one of his early conquests. She often danced with the dark-haired, well-built young man. On one occasion Ernest tried to kiss her in the back of a taxi. However, the canny flapper realised it was just a flirtation, writing to her mother, 'He said some very flattering things but I don't think he is seriously interested in me. Especially as his sister keeps saying to all the girls: "It's no use your falling in love with Ernest, he's got to marry money!"' Bessie Wallis Warfield, the future Duchess of Windsor (left) with her childhood friend, Mary Kirk later Mrs Jacques Raffray who went on to marry the Duchess's ex-husband, Ernest Simpson Bessie Wallis Warfield. Wedding Portrait With Her Second Husband, Ernest Simpson in 1928 As the relationship between his wife Wallis and Prince Edward escalated, Ernest resigned himself to the inevitable Mr Simpson was never on the marriage market for long. His first marriage to Dorothea Webb Parsons, a New Englander with whom he had a daughter, ended when Wallis Warfield appeared on the scene. When they met in 1926, the attraction was instant. Wallis later recalled his 'quiet wit' and that he was 'always well-dressed, a good dancer, fond of the theatre, and obviously well-read'. She added that he was 'an unusually well-balanced man'. Wallis and Ernest married in 1928. Although Mr Simpson is now purely seen as a stepping stone to greater things for his ambitious second wife, in fact, the couple were very compatible. Wallis had found the security which had previously eluded her. Ernest brought out the best in her and there is little hint of the dominating side of her character that emerged in her marriage to the Duke of Windsor. Yet Wallis's restless spirit could never be content for long and when the possibility of catching a king arose, there was no way she could resist. At first Ernest encouraged the flirtation, not seeing the boyish immature royal as a threat. Wallis also did not take it too seriously, telling her Aunt Bessie that if her husband raised any objections, she would give the prince up at once. However, as the relationship between his wife and Edward escalated, Ernest resigned himself to the inevitable. He did not cause a scandal because he still loved Wallis. In October 1936, he wrote to her: 'I know that somewhere in your heart there is a small flame burning for me. Guard it carefully my darling, and don't let it go out if only in memory of all the sacred lovely things that have been.' Rather than mope, Ernest moved on and fell in love himself with someone too close to home for Wallis's liking. Mary Kirk Raffray had been Wallis' best friend since school and had even been her bridesmaid at her first wedding. When Mary's marriage broke up, Wallis invited her to stay with the Simpsons in their London flat. Rather than mope, Ernest moved on and fell in love himself with someone too close to home for Wallis's liking Mrs. Jacques Raffray, who became the next Mrs. Ernest Simpson, was met by him at the boat on arrival in England. Wallis Simpson's second husband, photographed after his secret wedding in 1937 to the former Mrs Jacques Raffray, Mary Kirk who had been Wallis Simpson's best friend At first, she encouraged her friend to distract her husband so that she was free to be with Edward. What she had not calculated on was that Ernest and Mary would develop a lasting rapport. After Mary returned to America, Ernest met up with her on a business trip and their affair began. When Wallis discovered what had happened, she was not pleased. It closed a door that she had expected to stay open. Her husband's change of allegiance pushed her further into the arms of the king and meant there was no going back. Ernest and Wallis's marriage was dissolved in May 1937, and in November he married Mary. The affinity between Ernest and Mary was at least as great as the love between Edward and Wallis. In her book The Other Mrs Simspon, Mary's sister Anne wrote about the palpable bond between the couple, describing their 'ecstasy with each other'. Their future seemed promising when they had a baby together in 1939 and moved into a smart town house in Kensington. However, after the Second World War began, the Simpsons evacuated their son to America for safety. Tragically, in 1940 Mary was diagnosed with breast cancer. She told her sister that she was 'heartbroken' on Ernest's account but would try to be brave for him. In summer 1941, when she knew that she was dying, she wanted to be reunited with her only child. Recognising that Ernest behaved extremely well in the Abdication Crisis, Winston Churchill stepped in to help. Mary was flown to America where she was taken by ambulance to collect her son and bring him back to England. As she put on her final birthday party for their child, Ernest wrote that she looked 'divine'. She died shortly afterwards. Ernest was devastated by the loss, describing his soulmate as 'the bravest of the brave'. He told her sister that 'everyone adored Mary' for 'her charm, her kindness, her staunchness'. In 1948 Mr Simpson married for the fourth time and once again, his partner was a chic, cosmopolitan divorcee. Avril Leveson-Gower had been married twice before, first to a Georgian prince. Her sister, Elvira Mullens, was a decadent socialite, who became notorious for shooting dead her lover. Ernest and Avril were happily married for a decade until Ernest died from throat cancer in 1958 aged 61. In both his public and private life, Mr Simpson was an honourable man. Wallis Simpson and Edward married in 1937 in France after he abdicated. He was given the title Duke of Windsor and they emigrated to the Bahamas An undated photograph of Mr Simpson dressed sharply in a pin-stripe suit and hat After the war began, the Simpsons evacuated their son to America for safety. Tragically, in 1940 Mary was diagnosed with breast cancer. She told her sister that she was 'heartbroken' on Ernest's account but would try to be brave for him It is hard to believe that if Wallis had stayed with him, she would have pursued her flirtation with fascism which has tarnished her reputation. Staunchly patriotic, at the end of the First World War he abandoned his studies at Harvard to join the Coldstream Guards. Of Jewish descent, he had no time for Hitler, unlike his ex-wife. When the Second World War began, he was determined to do his bit and so he was sent on a secret mission to India. Knowing the real Ernest Simpson, instead of just seeing him as the king's cuckold makes an observer wonder whether Wallis made a mistake in leaving him. It seems that at times she regretted it. She always stayed in touch with her ex and never spoke negatively about him. She described him as 'a strong and noble character' who had been a wonderful friend to her. However, the allure of those sparkling Cartier jewels and the promise of a place in history were just too much for a woman who always wanted more. As Ernest, who perhaps knew her better than anyone, once wrote to her: 'Could you possibly have settled down to the old life and forgotten the fairyland through which you had passed? My child, I do not think so.' Rachel Trethewey's latest book Muv: The Story of the Mitford Girls' Mother is published by The History Press on 18th September 2025. A European princess's decision to travel halfway around the world to study in Sydney has stunned royal fans and revealed lingering prejudices about Australia. In Norway, the move by Princess Ingrid Alexandra to enrol at Sydney University was met with confusion and dismay by both pundits and the public. Many are questioning whether spending several years at an old British penal colony is the best option for a future queen. It all unfolded on May 26 when the Norwegian royal household issued an unexpected media release announcing: 'Her Royal Highness Princess Ingrid Alexandra will begin her studies at the University of Sydney in August'. The announcement explained that the 21-year-old royal had enrolled in a three-year Bachelor of Arts degree focusing on 'international relations and political economy'. 'The Princess will be studying full-time and reside in a student residence on campus,' the statement continued. 'Her Royal Highness looks forward to dedicating herself to her studies in the years to come.' Shortly afterwards, a leaked email exclusively obtained by Daily Mail Australia confirmed the young princess - a keen surfer - would be living on campus at St Andrew's College, one of Sydney University's exclusive student residences. Princess Ingrid Alexandra of Norway (left) joined her parents, Crown Prince Haakon (centre) and Crown Princess Mette-Marit (right), on June 23 at a state gala dinner at the palace She is seen here greeting French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte Dr Daniel Tyler, the principal at St Andrew's College, confirmed the royal's impending arrival, writing in an email that Ingrid would be joining 'Drews' - the nickname for the college - 'and living on site'. 'I know she is looking forward to integrating into College and university life,' added Dr Tyler. The future queen's arrival was met with a flurry of excitement in Australia, a country that proudly shares the British monarchy with the rest of the Commonwealth. But this sentiment was not necessarily reciprocated in Norway. Royalist circles are abuzz with concern that Ingrid Alexandra's antipodean adventure leaves her adrift from royal family duties for the next few years. Critics have particularly questioned the choice to study so far away when there are plenty of other prestigious universities closer to home, including in Europe, Britain or the United States. They suggest that enrolling at a higher-education institution closer to home would have made it more feasible for the princess to intermittently participate in royal life. One comment, translated by Daily Mail Australia, reads: 'A university in a country closer to home would have allowed for some royal duties being undertaken intermittently now Ingrid will definitely be away for three years.' The Norwegian royal family recently announced that Princess Ingrid Alexandra had elected to continue her studies abroad at the University of Sydney. She is pictured here attending a Red Cross event on June 19, just weeks after the announcement was made Princess Ingrid Alexandra's impending arrival at University of Sydney has been questioned by the Norwegian press. She is pictured here, in April 2025, at a palace gala dinner with her parents Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit A handful of remarks unkindly highlighted Australia's history as a penal colony. One even joked that her studies were 'fengselsopphold' - meaning a prison stay. Weeks after the announcement, reigning monarch King Harald V and his wife Queen Sonja made a royal visit to the municipality of Balsfjord. There, the press was most eager to learn the King and Queen's true feelings about their granddaughter's controversial decision to study so far abroad. At first, the King responded generally saying that the Australia move was 'nice', while Queen Sonja added that it was 'very good'. But local publication VG pressed harder, asking the question: 'What does the royal couple think of those who believe she should have studied closer to Norway to contribute more to the royal family?' It was at this point that the 88-year-old made his stance clear. The King said: 'You get that money back with compound interest when she returns, so I think it's an advantage. 'She should be able to study and receive an education before she takes up her duties.' Ingrid Alexandra has steadily increased her royal involvement since coming of age. She joined her father Crown Prince Haakon (right) on June 23 at a roundtable discussion in Oslo While Princess Ingrid Alexandra's official involvement as a working royal has been limited thus far, she is already a favourite among Norwegian royal watchers Princess Ingrid Alexandra's mother Crown Princess Mette-Marit also weighed in during an interview. Mette-Marit who also spent time as an exchange student in Australia before she married into the royal family confirmed she and her husband Crown Prince Haakon fully supported their daughter's decision. 'We think it's great that she's going to study and we're really looking forward to following the journey she'll have as a student,' the 51-year-old said. Princess Ingrid Alexandra is not the first future Norway monarch to study abroad. Having recently completed 15 months of military training, Princess Ingrid Alexandra will continue her education in Australia Crown Prince Haakon, 51, studied at the University of California at Berkeley in the late 1990s, undertaking a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science before later completing his education at the London School of Economics. Going back further to the 1960s, King Harald attended Balliol College at the University of Oxford, where he studied history, economics and politics. Both her parents and grandparents may be championing the move, but that hasn't silenced debate over why the princess has chosen to go so far away. Many fear what it means for the Norwegian royal family left behind. Officially, the princess could have been a full-time royal family member since she turned 18, but this has not happened. Ingrid Alexandra had barely returned from 15 months of military training when her move to Sydney was announced once again delaying her start as a working royal. Royal watchers have also offered theories about why the princess chose Australia, of all places. The Princess attended National Day celebrations in May, but royal watchers believe she will probably be unlikely to attend in upcoming years while overseas studying in Australia The most prominent theory is that she has made a deliberate move to get 'as far away from home as she possibly can' due to the recent controversy involving her stepbrother Marius Borg Hiby, who last week was charged with rape and sexual assault and bodily harm following a months-long investigation. Other royal fans have suggested the future Queen of Norway wishes to enjoy a few last years of freedom before committing to a lifetime of royal duties. Commentator Caroline Vagle told Scandinavian publication Se og Hr that she thinks the princess will thrive being a 'long way from home' in Australia. 'This will be her chance in life to live a more anonymous life. Her father himself has said that his wish was to travel far away from Norway when he was going to study, and that he obviously enjoyed being just Haakon for a few years. 'The palace specifies that the princess will be a full-time student, and with that I think they are saying that we will not see her represent much during this period.' However, some Norwegian royalists feel this move unfairly places additional pressure on the remaining family members. Ingrid Alexandra is third in line to the throne. Royal watchers had expected the 21-year-old to step up and take on a more active working role. She is seen in a 2024 Christmas family portrait with (L-R) Queen Sonja, Crown Prince Haakon, Crown Princess Mette-Marit, and King Harald Her move also comes at a time when elderly monarch King Harald has struggled with numerous health issues, resulting in multiple hospitalisations. Both he and his wife Queen Sonja, 87, have also recently been fitted with pacemakers. Meanwhile, Princess Ingrid Alexandra's mother Crown Princess Mette-Marit lives with pulmonary fibrosis, a chronic and incurable lung disease. As a result, Crown Prince Haakon is increasingly left to shoulder the responsibility of Norway's royal representation. With his daughter being next in line to the throne after Haakon, there was a growing public expectation that Princess Ingrid Alexandra's time to step up had arrived. This was evidenced by the overwhelmingly positive reception to her recent string of formal appearances, including joining her parents on June 23 at a state gala dinner at the palace. For now, one royal fan concluded on an internet forum that her decision to live 'this far away' undoubtedly leaves the royal family with 'fewer options'. 'That will surely by a great experience for the princess, but given the distance, I guess we will not see her in Norway at events, probably not even for National Day,' another user speculated. 'It's clear she is still not expected to assume any formal responsibilities.' When I wrote a Daily Mail column last November about what the late Queen Elizabeth really thought of Meghan Markle, I was deluged with abuse from the Sussex squad, the collective noun proudly used by the Duke and Duchess of Sussexs most devoted supporters. They accused me of slandering the American former actress who, they claimed, had enjoyed a warm relationship with the grandmother of her husband, Prince Harry. I wrote the column based on extensive research undertaken for an edition of my YouTube video series, Reading The Royals, which had raised some troubling questions about the Sussexes behaviour. And so I was not surprised to read this week that the Queen had shared her concerns about Meghan with her first cousin, Lady Elizabeth Anson, who was one of her closest confidantes. I saw signs of the Queens deep affection for her friend at a number of London events organised by Lady Elizabeth, a successful party planner. Ill never forget one party, at the Goring Hotel, the Belgravia hotel a stones throw from Buckingham Palace where Catherine Middleton and her family stayed before she married Prince William at Westminster Abbey in 2011. The Queen was rumoured to be due to attend this particular party but I was sceptical because I knew that she was going to a preview of the Chelsea Flower Show earlier that day. This was in her later years, and I presumed that the last thing the Queen would want to do after a few hours inspecting the vast flower show in west London would be to go to a party. Meghan on her first official engagement, a visit to Chester with the Queen in June 2018 How wrong I was. So devoted to her friend and cousin was the Queen that not only did she pop in to Lady Elizabeths party, but she stayed chatting to guests for hours. The embarrassing truth is that I wanted to leave the party, having been there for some time, but didnt feel I could while our elderly monarch was still in full swing. Given her evident devotion to Lady Elizabeth, her remarks to her cousin about her grandson Harry and his choice of bride revealed this week by respected royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith should not come as a surprise. The journalist and author says Harry blew his relationship with the Queen as he prepared to marry Meghan, who also upset the monarch by refusing to reveal what her wedding dress looked like. The Queen was said to have been very worried about her besotted and weak grandson and was concerned about some of their decisions relating to the ceremony at St Georges Chapel, Windsor, in May 2018. Her Majesty reportedly confided in Lady Elizabeth that Harry was rude to her for ten minutes in one meeting and that Meghan and William and Kate were not working well together, adding that it was particularly... the two girls who didnt get on. The jury was out on whether the Queen really liked her grandsons then bride-to-be, Bedell Smith claims, and the monarch felt left out of the planning for the wedding by Harry, who tried to patch up their relationship in the weeks before walking down the aisle. The duchess reportedly upset the monarch by refusing to reveal what her wedding dress looked like Are King Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson really deserving of their notorious reputations? Listen to the new Queens, Kings & Dastardly Things miniseries here Lady Elizabeth herself allegedly said just days before Meghan and Harrys wedding: We hope but dont quite think she is in love. We think she engineered it all. Despite the Queens apparent reservations about Harrys choice of bride, she went out of her way to welcome her into the Royal Family. Indeed, she cast aside royal conventions to do so. For example, while other women who had married into the Windsors, such as Kate Middleton and Sophie Rhys-Jones, had to wait until after their weddings to be invited to spend Christmas at Sandringham, Meghan was allowed to join Harry in 2017, five months before the big day. It was an unprecedented and highly personal gesture by the Queen. Meghan later said on her Netflix series, Harry & Meghan: I remember so vividly the first Christmas at Sandringham, calling my mom, and shes like, Hows it going? and I said, Oh, my gosh, its amazing. Its just like a big family, like I always wanted. And there was just this constant movement and energy and fun. The Queen gave Meghan the Duchess of Sussex title, and invited her granddaughter-in-law to accompany her on a solo visit to Chester just weeks after the royal wedding, prompting Meghan to tell Oprah Winfrey in 2021: The Queen, for example, has always been wonderful to me. Other thoughtful gestures by Her Majesty included handing Meghan a role as royal patron of the National Theatre and giving her important positions within the Commonwealth. Meghan was also named Vice President of the Queens Commonwealth Trust in 2018. The fact that less than two years after her wedding, Meghan was already quitting royal duties to seek her fortune overseas shows how astute the Queen was to have private reservations about her. A charming Southern town dubbed the heart of the Lowcountry has become a hotspot for those yearning for a laid-back lifestyle. With its natural allure and vibrant art scene, Bluffton, South Carolina has caught the eyes of more adults than any other town or city this year. US News & World Report analyzed online search patterns to determine where people are interested in living, and the riverfront gem garnered the most traction. This comes as no surprise to locals, as Bluffton's population has more than doubled over the past 15 years. Since 2010, the number of Bluffton residents has grown by 120 percent, Bluffton Public Information Officer Debbie Szpanka told Daily Mail. Census data shows an even greater growth rate. With 12,530 residents in 2010 and 36,146 in July 2024 - an increase of roughly 188 percent. 'People are drawn to the strong sense of community, the chance to slow down, and the everyday access to nature, culture, award-winning culinary scene, and local businesses - all within a short drive from home,' Szpanka wrote. 'Bluffton has that unique "sense of place." Its where neighbors still wave to each other and where historic structures - and the stories behind them - are celebrated.' With its natural allure and vibrant art scene, Bluffton, South Carolina has caught the eyes of more adults than any other town or city this year (pictured: homes in Bluffton) US News & World Report analyzed online search patterns to determine where people are interested in living, and the riverfront gem garnered the most traction (pictured: a pier on the May River) Bluffton's delightful downtown, also known as Old Town Bluffton, features art galleries, award-winning restaurants and boutiques (pictured: a farmer's market in the downtown area) Bluffton realtor Desiree Dulski (pictured) said those sick of chilly weather or a hectic city life flock to Bluffton Bluffton realtors Joan Kelly and Desiree Dulski, both originally from the Northeast, said most of their clients come from out of state and are looking for a change of pace. 'Quite honestly, the folks who are originally from the area are definitely outnumbered,' Kelly explained to Daily Mail. Bluffton is situated on the bank of the stunning May River and is just a 30-minute drive from Hilton Head's white sand beaches. 'You're really centrally located,' Kelly said, adding that Beaufort and Savannah, Georgia, are both less than an hour away as well. Over the past several years, both Kelly and Dulski said their clientele consists of people mainly from the Northeast and Midwest, specifically Ohio. And while moving rates have been 'evening out' since the COVID real estate boom, according to Dulski, it is certainly a hot spot nonetheless. 'So, the nickname is the Lowcountry, and it lives up to the name,' Dulski said, explaining why those sick of chilly weather or a hectic city life flock to Bluffton. 'It's just kind of like a small town, slower pace of life - imagine, life on the river.' 'Quite honestly, the folks who are originally from the area are definitely outnumbered,' realtor Joan Kelly (pictured) told Daily Mail Bluffton is known for its outdoor activities and vibrant downtown area, featuring restaurants such as The Cottage (pictured) The 15-mile long May River (pictured) - arguably the town's main draw - runs through Bluffton and is a popular site for fishing and boating Bluffton has been described as an excellent place to raise a family, as there is plenty to do (pictured: the SOBA art gallery) The 15-mile long May River - arguably the town's main draw - runs through Bluffton and is a popular site for fishing and boating. 'Many residents say they feel more connected to life by being surrounded by natural beauty,' Szpanka said. 'It never gets old to gaze at the May River, watch the tide roll in, or see dolphins playing just offshore.' 'World famous oysters' are also sourced from the gorgeous river's waters, according to Bluffton's official website. During low tide, outdoors-lovers are known to take boats to the May River Sandbar - a hidden gem adored by locals about a mile from Bluffton's Brighton Beach coast. Bluffton's delightful downtown, also known as Old Town Bluffton, features art galleries, award-winning restaurants and boutiques. Original buildings and structures fill the area, maintaining its historical integrity. For example, The Church of the Cross was built before the civil war. Dulski moved to Bluffton from Pittsburg, Pennsylvania about 10 years ago - one of the best decisions she said she ever made. 'I feel in love with it right away and never looked back,' she said. 'It's very family oriented, so many young families - I will say that population seems to be growing.' Kelly added retirees have always been fond of Bluffton as well, as there are several large communities catered to that demographic available. Bluffton is situated on the bank of the stunning May River and is just a 30-minute drive from Hilton Head's (pictured) white sand beaches Original buildings and structures fill the area, maintaining its historical integrity. For example, The Church of the Cross (pictured) was built before the civil war 'Their obviously attracted to the weather and lower taxes, not from everywhere, but if you're coming from places like Connecticut or New Jersey, certainly lower taxes than those folks are used to paying,' she explained. New Jersey, for example, has one of the highest property tax rates in America, with residents paying an average rate of 2.23 percent. This is a significantly greater burden than in South Carolina - a state known for its low property taxes - where the average rate is 0.53 percent, according to SmartAsset. The average home price in Bluffton is $508,307 and the median income is $105,463, which is higher than the $80,610 national average, according to census data. The Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Beaufort Metropolitan Statistical Area has a low an unemployment rate of 3.3 percent as of April, while the national rate is 4.2 percent. 'I would just say you have to come experience it for yourself,' Dulski said when asked what she would tell someone considering moving to Bluffton. Despite its booming population, the small town - the so called 'Bluffton state of mind,' Kelly said - remains. From the depths of The Mariana Trench to the summit of Everest, microplastics can now be found almost everywhere on Earth. Now, it turns out even our most intimate moments can't escape their blight. Scientists have discovered microplastics are 'common' in both male and female reproductive fluids. And they warned of the potential implications for reproduction, as egg and sperm quality could be impaired. The team examined follicular fluid found within the ovaries - from 29 women and the seminal fluid, found within semen, from 22 men. Analysis revealed a range of commonly-used microplastics were present in more than half of the samples. This included microplastics linked to non-stick coatings, polystyrene, plastic containers, wool, insulation and cushioning materials. Lead researcher Dr Emilio Gomez-Sanchez, from the University of Murcia, said: 'Previous studies had already shown that microplastics can be found in various human organs. While microplastics are much smaller than this, measuring under 5mm in size, this image shows how plastic particles can break down in the environment (stock image) Experts have found microplastic particles in both male and female reproductive fluids - and it could have an impact on egg and sperm quality (stock image) 'As a result, we weren't entirely surprised to find microplastics in fluids of the human reproductive system, but we were struck by how common they were found in 69 per cent of the women and 55 per cent of the men we studied.' Microplastics are defined as plastic particles under 5mm in size, and there is evidence that they pose a threat to environmental and public health. While this research did not directly assess how microplastics affect fertility, their detection highlights the need to explore possible implications for human reproductive health, the researchers warned. 'What we know from animal studies is that in the tissues where microplastics accumulate, they can induce inflammation, free radical formation, DNA damage, cellular senescence, and endocrine disruptions,' Dr Gomez-Sanchez added. 'It's possible they could impair egg or sperm quality in humans, but we don't yet have enough evidence to confirm that.' The scientists said the microplastics probably enter the body through ingestion, inhalation and contact with the skin. From there they enter the bloodstream, which then distributes them throughout the body including to the reproductive organs. They plan to carry out further studies to explore the potential relationship between the presence of microplastics and egg and sperm quality. Tiny bits of microplastic, seen here as the black dots, have also been previously found in semen samples as part of a Chinese trial Studies linking items with release of microplastics Bottle (173 database entries) Other container (115) Teabag (70) Cup (59) Bag (57) Baby bottle & feeding accessory (27) Tray (19) Can (18) Food processing & transport equipment (17) Wrapping (11) Other (9) Beverage carton (6) Grinder (5) Beehive (1) Bottle cap (1) Chopping board (1) Advertisement The findings, published in the journal Human Reproduction, were presented at the annual meeting of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE). Commenting on the study Dr Carlos Calhaz-Jorge, Immediate Past Chair of ESHRE, said: 'Environmental factors influencing reproduction are certainly a reality, although not easy to measure objectively. 'The authors of this study found microplastics in over two-thirds of follicular fluids and more than 50 per cent of semen fluids from the studied patients. 'Although the significance of these findings is not yet clear, they should be considered an additional argument in favour of avoiding the generalised use of plastics in our daily lives.' Previous studies have detected microplastics in human breast milk, blood and even brain tissue. And separate research has found high levels in everyday items such as tea bags, baby bottles and chopping boards. Some scientists have urged caution when interpreting the findings of the new study. Dr Stephanie Wright, Associate Professor in Environmental Toxicology at Imperial College London, said: 'Without information on the sizes of the microplastic particles observed, it is challenging to interpret how meaningful this data is. Scientists from Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona have previously warned that a single tea bag can release billions of dangerous microplastics into your body 'There is a high potential for samples to become contaminated with microplastic throughout the sampling, laboratory processing, and analysis procedures. 'It is not a surprise that microplastics have been found they are everywhere, even in the lab but the data provided do not support that they are there as a result of human exposure as opposed to methodological artefact and must be interpreted with caution at this early stage.' Fay Couceiro, Professor of Environmental Pollution and Head of the Microplastics Research Group at the University of Portsmouth, said: 'The study is very interesting and considering the global reduction in fertility rates, looking at possible causes is very topical and timely. 'As the authors state, finding microplastics is not that surprising as we have found them in lots of other areas of our bodies. 'Presence is also not the same as impact and the authors are clear that while they have found microplastics in the reproductive fluids of both men and women, we still don't know how they are affecting us.' Rumors that a secret mountain base in the US controlled by aliens has been swirling for 50 years, but locals and UFO researchers are convinced it's real. The base allegedly sits inside Archuleta Mesa in New Mexico, but has gained the nickname 'Alien Mountain' because of the conspiracy theories, strange phenomena, and alleged eyewitness accounts all tied to the nearby town of Dulce. While there's no physical evidence that a base has somehow been carved out inside the large mountain, UFO researchers have continued to examine the claims surrounding the facility, including a battle with aliens that reportedly left 66 people dead. Since the 1970s, residents have claimed they've seen UFOs, extraterrestrials, and even genetic experiments that look like human-alien hybrids walking around the town. Geraldine Julian, a Dulce resident, told the Santa Fe New Mexican: 'The whole town of Dulce, whoever you want to talk to, they'll tell you what they've seen, a lot of them.' The local community hasn't just seen things in the sky, as they've taken photos of strange craft around the mountain, as well as unexplained cow mutilations in nearby fields. Recently, declassified records have revealed how the US government could have created the massive complex inside Archuleta Mesa, using a machine that literally melts rock instead of drilling. The records may one day help prove the stories of at least one alleged whistleblower, who claimed he survived that deadly encounter with the aliens hiding inside the government facility. Archuleta Mesa (pictured) overlooks the town of Dulce, New Mexico, where UFO researchers and locals both claim aliens live in secret Residents have photographed multiple UFOs over the years flying near Archuleta Mesa. A secret base is believed to be hidden inside the mountain, created using advanced drilling technology UFO and government conspiracy researcher John Greenewald was able to uncover documents revealing that a machine called the Subterrene was built and tested in the 1970s. The Subterrene is a nuclear-powered tunneling machine developed to bore through rock and soil by melting them with extreme heat, creating smooth, glass-lined tunnels. It was created by scientists at Los Alamos National Laboratory, just 100 miles from the site of the alleged New Mexico base inside Archuleta Mesa. Although the declassified documents confirmed that the Subterrene exists, there were no records of it being used to build Dulce Base. If the mountain base does exist, however, one man already revealed what it looks like, claiming that Dulce Base has seven floors devoted to genetic experiments, extraterrestrial technology, mind control, and housing for alien beings. The man who allegedly saw the inside of Dulce Base was Phil Schneider, a self-proclaimed former government engineer and geologist. Before he died in 1996, Schneider repeatedly claimed that he suffered severe injuries, including the loss of several fingers, during a deadly battle with aliens inside the complex. According to Schneider, who never showed proof of his government ties, 66 military personnel and government workers perished in the fight after a human team accidentally drilled into an alien-controlled section of the base. Phil Schneider, an alleged government whistleblower and geologist, claimed that Dulce Base had 7 levels devoted to alien research, mind control, and genetic experiments Schneider also made unsubstantiated claims that the US government was creating hundreds of these mountain bases around the nation using advanced technology. At UFO lectures, Schneider would also reveal a piece of metal that he claimed was alien technology from the Dulce base, and that it was now being used in US stealth aircraft. The rumors of a mysterious Dulce base go back to the mid-1970s, when New Mexico State Police officer Gabe Valdez was one of many locals who started finding the mangled remains of cattle near the mountain. These cows hadn't been killed by a local predator. They appeared to have been surgically disassembled, with specific organs removed and all the blood drained out. In local radio interviews, Valdez also claimed that gas masks, glow sticks, and other equipment had been left behind at the scene of the attacks. In 1979, Albuquerque businessman and physicist Paul Bennewitz claimed he intercepted unusual electronic signals near Dulce. He would go on to theorize that the signals were coming from an underground base being used by both aliens and the US government, a theory that became widely shared among UFO researchers at the time. However, Bennewitz's claims were later dismissed by the UFO community after several researchers discovered declassified Air Force documents linking the businessman to a government disinformation campaign aimed at discrediting UFO stories. Despite being seemingly debunked by the Air Force documents in the 1990s, locals in Dulce continue to maintain that the mountain is a true UFO hotspot. New Mexico State Police officer Gabe Valdez (pictured) was one of the first people in the 1970s to note the strange events taking place near the mountain and discuss it publicly Several cow mutilations were discovered by Valdez and others during the 1970s and 1980s, with suspicious equipment like gas masks left behind at the scene of the attacks 'It's not just a fairy tale,' Julian said in 2016. 'All the things are true, and I believe every last one of them, too, because I've seen it myself.' Julian added in an interview with KOAT that she saw one of the genetic experiments allegedly created in Dulce Base, saying that it was a 'goat with a tail' from the waist down, but had the upper body and head of a human. Other locals said they've seen the ground open up near the mountain, with steam coming out of the opening. Dory Vigil, a Dulce resident who captured a photo of a UFO near Archuleta Mesa, said he'd take a lie detector test to prove he and others in the community aren't making up what continues to be seen in this small town of just 2,700 people. A scientist has warned that Earth's rotation is unexpectedly accelerating, leading to the shortest day in history in just a few weeks. Graham Jones, an astrophysicist at the University of London, says Earths rotation could speed up noticeably on one of three dates this summer, either July 9, July 22, or August 5. On those days, time is predicted to drop by 1.30, 1.38, or 1.51 milliseconds, respectively. Researchers say that although this change will be tiny, it can affect everything from satellite systems and GPS accuracy to how we measure time itself. Leonid Zotov, a scientist at Moscow State University, said: 'Nobody expected this, the cause of this acceleration is not explained.' Since 2020, scientists have noticed that Earth has been spinning slightly faster than usual, but the cause remains a mystery to this day.. Before that, the planet was slowing down over time, due to the moon's gravitational pull, which stretched days into the 24-hour cycle we now live by. Earth normally takes 24 hours, or exactly 86,400 seconds, to complete one full rotation, which is called a solar day. The fastest day recorded so far was on July 5, 2024, when Earth spun 1.66 milliseconds faster than the standard 24 hours Earth's rotation is not always perfect, as it can shift by a tiny amount over time, a few milliseconds. That is likely due to the Earths spin being influenced by natural forces, like earthquakes and ocean currents. Melting glaciers, movement in Earths molten core, and large weather patterns like El Nino can also slightly speed up or slow down the planets rotation. These changes are measured using atomic clocks, which track time more accurately than regular watches. The recent spin-up has surprised researchers. The fastest day recorded so far was on July 5, 2024, when Earth spun 1.66 milliseconds faster than the standard 24 hours. Although the scientist does not know the exact reason for the acceleration, they are studying what's happening inside the Earth. That includes shifting molten layers in the core, ocean currents, and high-altitude winds as they affect the Earth's spin. Earth is not solid all the way through. Its core is made of hot, swirling liquid metal. As that molten metal moves, it can change the planet's shape and balance, similar to how a figure skater spins faster by pulling in their arms. Ocean currents and jet streams, fast-moving ribbons of air in the atmosphere, also shift mass around the planet, causing small wobbles or changes in spin speed. Atomic clocks track the numbers and the tools measure what's called 'Length of Day,' or LOD. That's the time it takes Earth to rotate once, down to the millisecond Scientists are looking at all these pieces together, the moon's orbit, core activity, ocean flow, and wind patterns, to figure out what's going on. Starting in 2020, Earth began breaking its records for the shortest day. That year, July 19 came in 1.47 milliseconds short. On July 9, 2021, there was a 1.47 millisecond drop. In 2022, Earth recorded its shortest day on June 30, shaving off 1.59 milliseconds from the usual 24 hours. In 2023, the rotation slowed slightly, and no new records were set. But in 2024, the speed picked up again. Several days broke the previous records, making it the year with the most consistently short days ever measured. These estimates are based on past observations and computer models, and include systematic corrections and smoothing to account for natural fluctuations. Jones used information from the US Naval Observatory and international Earth rotation services. Atomic clocks track the numbers, and the tools measure what's called 'Length of Day,' or LOD. That's the time it takes Earth to rotate once, down to the millisecond. Even tiny changes in day length matter. GPS, phone networks, and financial systems rely on split-second accuracy. A shift of just a few milliseconds can cause tech glitches. Right now, the world keeps time using Coordinated Universal Time, or UTC. Sometimes we add a leap second to stay in sync with Earth's slow shifts. If the Earth keeps rotating faster, experts may have to remove a second, called a negative leap second. It's never happened before. The long-term trend is more familiar. Billions of years ago, Earth spun so fast that a day lasted only a few hours. It happened due to the moon's gravitational pull. Now, something inside Earth may be speeding it back up. But researchers say current models of the atmosphere and oceans don't explain what's happening. 'Sooner or later, Earth will decelerate,' Zotov said. But for now, the spin continues to speed up. President Donald Trump is just one stroke of a pen away from handing another major blow to Elon Musk's plans for space exploration. On Tuesday, the US Senate passed its version of the 'Big, Beautiful Bill,' a massive piece of spending and tax cut legislation, which also set aside $10 billion for NASA's Artemis program. Artemis aims to return humans to the moon and establish a permanent US presence there by the end of the decade. Musk, the CEO of SpaceX, has been a vocal opponent of continued funding for missions to the moon, repeatedly lobbying for the Trump Administration and NASA to focus on colonizing Mars. If signed into law by Trump, the allotment to NASA would primarily go to pay for the Space Launch System (SLS), which utilizes single-use rockets to send the Artemis vehicles to the moon. The SLS rockets completely fly in the face of Musk's vision for space travel, as his company mainly relies on reusable rockets during crewed missions to the International Space Station (ISS). Before their very public falling out in May, it seemed as though Musk had convinced the president to phase out SLS rockets, with Trump proposing to slash NASA's budget and replace the SLS after Artemis' third planned mission in 2027. However, the new Republican-led megabill has reprioritized the moon missions and left Musk's dream of a crewed mission to Mars out on the White House lawn. President Trump could soon sign a massive spending bill that restores many of the planned cuts he and Elon Musk previously discussed for NASA's Artemis program In 2022, NASA's third attempt to launch the Artemis I mission was successful, kicking off a 25-day mission around the moon Musk, the former head of Trump's Department of Government Efficiency, has blasted both the use of billion-dollar, single-use rockets and the president's controversial spending bill as a waste of taxpayer money. 'Fundamental issue with SLS is that it's not reusable, which means that a billion-dollar rocket is blown up every launch!' the billionaire wrote on X in 2020. On June 3, Musk called the Big, Beautiful Bill a 'disgusting abomination' and urged Americans to contact their representatives to oppose it, citing how it would leave the US budget with more 'crushing' debt. Later that month, he described the Senate's draft of the spending bill as 'utterly insane and destructive' and 'political suicide' for the Republican Party. Musk also claimed that Trump signing the bill would destroy millions of jobs and harm industries of the future while favoring outdated ones. Despite his ongoing objections, the Big, Beautiful Bill will pay for the increasingly expensive disposable rockets, which NASA's Inspector General estimated will now cost as much as $2.5 billion per use. Through the 2025 fiscal year, NASA has already spent $93 billion on the Artemis program, with most of that money going towards the rockets, the Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle, and a 'Human Landing System' so the astronauts can reach the moon's surface. Since the start of the Artemis program in 2019, only the unmanned Artemis I test flight in 2022 has reached space. The next mission, Artemis II, is scheduled for 2026, with Artemis III to follow in 2027. The so-called 'Big, Beautiful Bill' would prioritize spending on single-use rockets, which Musk has strongly opposed NASA has not conducted a manned moon mission since 1972. However, the 'Big, Beautiful Bill' has allocated $10 billion in new funding for NASA's Artemis program Roughly $2.6 billion of the funds would be allocated to the Lunar Gateway, a planned space station that will orbit the moon and help sustain NASA's future Artemis missions. Approximately, $20 million will go to the Orion spacecraft, specifically for building the fourth crew capsule for Artemis IV in 2028 and future lunar missions after that. If Trump signs this current version of the spending bill, he'll also be reviving a program he and Musk previously looked to kill before their friendship unraveled. The new funding includes $700 million for a Mars Telecommunications Orbiter, which would support Martian core sample return missions. That project has already cost NASA billions as the agency has aimed to bring rock samples collected by the Martian rovers back to Earth to be studied. However, Trump's May 1 spending proposal for NASA slashed $6 billion from their budget, which would have paid for that research. Following the Senate's passage of the bill, that money is back in NASA's pockets. Another $1.25 billion would go to operating costs on the ISS, money that was also slashed by the president and Musk earlier this year. It's not all bad news for Musk, however, as SpaceX is still slated to receive $325 million to build a spacecraft that will help de-orbit the ISS by the end of the decade. The decommissioning of the ISS has been another of Musk's major talking points when it comes to space exploration. The head of SpaceX has even called for the de-orbiting mission to be moved up to 2027, citing safety concerns raised by a former physicist and engineer at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. In June 2024, NASA awarded SpaceX a $843 million contract to build the deorbit vehicle, or USDV, that will be used to safely guide the ISS into the Pacific Ocean by 2030. The funding for continued ISS operations runs through 2029, essentially ending Musk's dream of bringing down the station earlier. Decommissioning the ISS ahead of schedule would not have been that simple anyway, and would require an agreement from all the space station's partners, not just the approval of President Trump. Scientists have been baffled to discover a 'clingy' planet that is ensuring its own doom. The first ever recorded 'planet with a death wish' orbits so close to its host star that it triggers huge flares of radiation every time it orbits. Those flares are up to 10,000 times more powerful than those produced by our sun, and each one blasts away a little more of the planet's wispy atmosphere. Over the next 100 million years, scientists predict the planet will shrink from an almost Jupiter-sized giant to a planet the size of Neptune, around a third of its original size. The star, named HIP 67522, is located about 415 light years from Earth and is a little cooler and larger than the sun. However, unlike our sun, which is middle-aged at 4.5 billion years old, HIP 67522 is extremely young at only 17 million years old. Scientists believe that young stars like this spin rapidly and churn up powerful magnetic fields. When a planet passes close by, it can interact with these fields and charge up vast quantities of power, which is eventually released as devastating solar flares. Scientists have been baffled to discover a 'clingy' exoplanet that is ensuring its own doom by orbiting too close to its host star (artist's impression) Since the 1990s, scientists have hypothesised that a combination of a young star and a close orbiting planet might produce powerful flares of radiation. However, it is only now that the most advanced telescopes are capable of spotting these distant events. After scanning a selection of potential stars using NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite, the researchers realised that HIP 67522 was worth investigating further. Thanks to previously gathered data, scientists knew that the closest planet to this star, creatively dubbed HIP 67522 b, takes just seven days to make a complete orbit. This meant that the planet must be extremely close to its host star, making it an ideal candidate for flare hunting. After securing a window to use the European Space Agency's powerful Characterising Exoplanet Satellite, known as Cheops, they started watching for solar flares. Soon, the researchers had spotted 15 solar flares, almost all coming in our direction as the planet passed between its star and Earth. Since these flares only occurred when the planet passed in front of its star, they are very likely triggered by the planet. The star's closest planet orbits in just seven days, so close that it whips up the magnetic fields to produce solar flares up to 10,000 times stronger than those produced by our sun (artist's impression) What is Cheops? Cheops (CHaracterising ExOPlanet Satellite) is the first mission dedicated to studying bright, nearby stars that are already known to host exoplanets. It will make high-precision observations of planets' sizes as they pass in front of their host stars. It will focus on planets in the super-Earth to Neptune size range, with its data enabling the bulk density of the planets to be derived. Cheops is the first small, or S-class, mission in ESA's science programme. It is a partnership between ESA and Switzerland, with a dedicated Consortium led by the University of Bern, and with important contributions from 10 other ESA Member States. Advertisement However, exactly how this process takes place is still something of a mystery. Lead author Dr Ekaterina Ilin, of the Netherlands Institute for Radio Astronomy, told MailOnline: 'We don't know for sure. But we have an idea of how it could work. 'The planet couples into the star's magnetic field and sets off waves that travel along the field line to the star. 'Once arrived in the star's atmosphere, the wave's energy destabilises coronal field loops that then erupt as flares.' You can imagine this like the planet shaking the star's magnetic field lines like massive ropes, sending waves racing down them. When those waves meet the end of the field line at the star's surface, it triggers a flare. Even though researchers had long predicted this might be possible, these flares were around 100 times more energetic than anyone had expected. Since the explosions are so much more powerful than the waves that create them, the researchers believe the planet might be setting off explosions that were already waiting to happen. This star has magnetic fields even more powerful than those of our own sun. As the planet orbits, it shakes up these fields and sends waves of energy down to the solar surface. Once the waves hit the end of the field line, they produce devastating solar flares (stock image) Scientists believe that this process will eventually shrink the planet's atmosphere until it has diminished from the size of Jupiter to the size of Neptune This is bad news for HIP 67522 b, which is one of the wispiest exoplanets ever discovered and has the density of candy floss. These flares mean the planet is exposed to six times as much high-energy radiation as it would otherwise be. Dr Ilin says that this probably won't totally destroy the planet; it will eventually be stripped of its atmosphere and become much smaller over the next 500 million years. Dr Ilin says: 'So far, we have found one. But if the youth of the star-planet system is the reason for the observation, it is possible that this is a quite common occurrence.' While the researchers have only detected a 'handful' of planet-star pairings that could produce flares, more observations may soon reveal more of these destructive interactions. Going forward, Dr Ilin says the next step will be to make follow-up observations in different wavelengths of light to see what kind of radiation is being released. If a lot of the flares' energy is in the form of high-frequency ultraviolet or X-ray radiation, that would be especially damaging for the planet. In the future, the European Space Agency will use its planned exoplanet hunter, Plato, to look for sun-like stars, which could be producing smaller flares that aren't visible to other telescopes. A new map has revealed a disturbing truth about drinking water in the US. Scientists found millions of Americans may be regularly exposed to dangerous levels of arsenic, which is a naturally occurring element in soil and rock that seeps into groundwater over time. Using data collected between 2017 and 2019, researchers mapped population-weighted arsenic levels in community water systems. Alarming hotspots were found in parts of Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Utah, Arizona, California, Oregon and Washington, where levels exceed 5 micrograms per liter (g/L), a point considered hazardous to human health. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a maximum arsenic level of 10 g/L in drinking water. However, research has shown that even lower levels can increase the risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease and developmental issues. Moderate-to-high levels (1.05.0 g/L) were found in Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Nebraska, Colorado, New Mexico, Nevada, Texas and Idaho. While some states have low overall arsenic exposure, the map shows pockets of chronic contamination that disproportionately affect rural and low-income populations, many of whom may be unaware of the risks. The findings identified alarming hotspots, particularly in Californias Central Valley, parts of the Midwest, and swaths of the Southwest, where arsenic concentrations exceed 5 micrograms per liter (g/L), a level considered hazardous to human health Some studies suggest that more than two million Americans may be exposed to arsenic in their water supply, though not all at levels above the EPA's 10 micrograms per liter (g/L) limit. The map was created by scientists at Columbia University who utilized records from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to assess arsenic levels across specific regions. The team collected data to determine arsenic levels in each Zip Code Tabulation Area (ZCTA), geographic zones defined by zip codes, based on 13,998 participants across 35 sites from 2005 to 2020. The map reveals the highest arsenic concentrations, exceeding 5.0 g/L, in Michigans Lower Peninsula, where industrial and agricultural activity may contribute. Sheridan Haack, a research hydrologist with the US Geological Survey (USGS), previously said that several counties in Michigan have elevated levels of arsenic. Counties in the Thumb had the highest levels in the state, along with Oakland, Washtenaw and Ingham counties. New Yorks southern tier, particularly around Binghamton, features bedrock and soils that may contain arsenic-bearing minerals that release the element into groundwater under certain conditions. This is a common phenomenon in parts of the Northeast, where glacial deposits and sedimentary rock layers can concentrate arsenic. While some states have low overall arsenic exposure, the map shows pockets of chronic contamination that disproportionately affect rural and low-income populations, many of whom may be unaware of the risks This map from the United States Geological Survey estimates the parts of the country with higher levels of naturally occurring arsenic in private drinking wells Californias Central Valley, known for intensive farming, also emerged as a hotspot. Other critical areas included Pennsylvanias western counties near Pittsburgh, Tennessees eastern Appalachian areas, Utahs northern Cache and Weber counties, Arizonas southwest near Yuma, and Oregons Willamette Valley. Concerned citizens can use at-home filters to reduce their arsenic risk, but popular brands like Brita likely aren't effective at getting rid of arsenic Instead, people can look for reverse osmosis systems, activated alumina filters or anion exchange resins, according to EcoWater Systems. A 2023 study by a separate team from Columbia found that arsenic in drinking water was linked to an increased risk for heart disease. They examined the health records of 100,000 Californians over 23 years and compared the data to their estimated exposure to arsenic in drinking water. They found that people exposed to high levels of the toxic metal for a decade or more were 42 percent more likely to develop heart disease. The study author, Dr Tiffany Sanchez, an environmental and molecular epidemiologist, suggested that current policy on the amount of arsenic allowed into drinking water may need to be re-examined. 'Our results are novel and encourage a renewed discussion of current policy and regulatory standards,' she said. Archaeologists have uncovered ancient inscriptions inside Egypts Great Pyramid that they say confirm who built the monument 4,500 years ago. Ancient Greeks shared stories that the stunning monument was built by 100,000 slaves who worked in three-month shifts over 20 years. But new discoveries inside the Great Pyramid have changed the narrative, showing it was constructed by paid, skilled laborers who worked continuously, taking one day off every 10 days. Egyptologist Dr Zahi Hawass and his team recently explored a series of narrow chambers above the Kings Chamber using imaging technology, finding never-before-seen markings left by work gangs from the 13th-century BC. They also unearthed tombs south of the pyramid, the eternal resting places of skilled laborers, complete with statues of workers muscling stones and 21 hieroglyphic titles like 'overseer of the side of the pyramid' and 'craftsman.' '[The discoveries] confirm that the builders were not slaves. If they had been, they would never have been buried in the shadow of the pyramids,' Dr Hawass said during an episode of the Matt Beall Limitless podcast. 'Slaves would not have prepared their tombs for eternity, like kings and queens did, inside these tombs.' The latest findings also shed light on how the pyramid was built, revealing that limestone from a quarry just 1,000 feet away was hauled to the site using a rubble-and-mud ramp, remnants of which were found southwest of the monument. Dr Hawass is now working on a new expedition, funded by Beall, which will send a robot into the Great Pyramid, marking the first excavation of the structure in modern history. The Great Pyramid of Giza is the largest Egyptian pyramid and was constructed by Pharaoh Khufu, who ruled during the Fourth Dynasty of the Old Kingdom Egyptologist Dr Zahi Hawass shared the discoveries on the Matt Beall Limitless podcast this month The Great Pyramid of Giza is the largest Egyptian pyramid and was constructed by Pharaoh Khufu, who ruled during the Fourth Dynasty of the Old Kingdom. It is also one of three within the Giza plateau, the other two include the Pyramid of Khafre and the Pyramid of Menkaure, as well as the Great Sphinx. All shrouded in mystery due to their unclear construction methods, precise astronomical alignment and still-debated purpose. Inscriptions were previously found inside the Great Pyramid during the 19th century, sparking debate that the writings were forged hundreds of years after it was built. 'There was some debate on whether or not that could be a forgery, but now you're saying that you've discovered three more cartes within the King's Chamber,' Beall asked Dr Hawass. The archaeologist then showed images never shared with the public, highlighting the names drawn onto the rock. 'They were found in chambers that are difficult and dangerous to access, and they use writing styles that only trained Egyptologists can accurately interpret,' said Dr Hawass. 'Its nearly impossible that someone in recent times could have forged something like this. You must climb about 45 feet and crawl through tight spaces to even reach those chambers.' Egyptologist Dr Zahi Hawass and his team recently explored a series of narrow chambers above the Kings Chamber using imaging technology, finding never-before-seen markings left by work gangs from the 13th-century BC Hawass's team also unearthed tombs south of the pyramid, the eternal resting places of skilled laborers The archaeologist admitted that some European visitors managed to enter and left their names scratched into the stone in the late 18th and 19th centuries. 'But the inscriptions we found are clearly much older, original graffiti from ancient Egyptian workers,' Dr Hawass added. Alongside these inscriptions, the second major discovery was the tombs of the pyramid builders. Dr Hawass and his team found tools inside the tombs, such as flint tools and pounding stones that would have been used in the Great Pyramid's construction. 'The base of the Great Pyramid is made from solid bedrock, carved 28 feet deep into the ground,' he said. 'This means that after marking the square base, the builders cut down into all four sides of the rock until they created a level platform of solid stone, no blocks, just bedrock. 'You can still see this today on the south side of Khufus pyramid.' He continued to explain that the workers operated in teams, some cut the stones, others shaped them and the rest transported the material using wooden sleds pulled over the sand.' He added that the rocks were then moved using ramps, which the archaeologist said he found evidence of. Hawass's team also unearthed tombs south of the pyramid, the eternal resting places of skilled laborers, complete with statues of workers muscling stones 'The ramp had to come from the southwest corner of the pyramid and connect to the quarry,' said Dr Hawass, 'We excavated this area, and in the site labeled C2, we found remnants of the ramp, stone rubble mixed with sand and mud. When the ramp was dismantled, they didnt remove every trace, and what was left behind is what we uncovered.' Dr Hawass' colleague, Mark Lehner, has been excavating a site just east of the pyramid, uncovering what they are calling 'the worker's city.' The team has uncovered facilities used for sorting salted fish, a large bakery for bread, barracks and the settlement where the laborers lived. 'Theres a popular myth that the workers ate only garlic, onions, and bread, but we found thousands of animal bones at the site,' Dr Hawass said. 'An expert from the University of Chicago analyzed them and found that the Egyptians slaughtered 11 cows and 33 goats every day to feed the laborers. 'This diet was enough to support around 10,000 workers per day.' The conversation switched to the upcoming exploration of the Big Void, which Dr Hawass is leading. 'I am funding the exploration of the Big Void,' Beall said, adding that he is helping the team build the robot for the mission. The podcaster explained that they were working on a robot, no larger than a centimeter, which will travel through a tiny hole drilled into the side of the Great Pyramid. The Big Void, discovered in 2017, stretches for at least 100 feet above the Grand Gallery, an ascending corridor that links the Queens chamber to the Kings in the heart of the pyramid. Dr Hawass believes he will locate the lost tomb of Khufu inside the void. 'I think it's unlikely that it's a tomb, just because there's never been a tomb,' Beall said. 'There's never been a Pharaoh discovered in any of these in any of the main pyramids ever.' The excavation is slated for around January or February next year. A mysterious object from outside our solar system has just been spotted by astronomers heading towards our planet. Harvard physicist Avi Loeb revealed that the object is expected to pass by Earth on December 17, speeding through the solar system at more than 41 miles per second (roughly 150,000 miles per hour). That means the unidentified object, which scientists are calling A11pl3Z, is moving too fast for it to get caught in the gravitational pull of our sun or any other planet. A11pl3Z's unusual course and speed were first spotted by astronomer Sam Deen in late June, however, it has just been flagged by the International Astronomical Union after its interstellar origins were confirmed. Loeb believes A11pl3Z could be a large space rock or a comet, but astronomers are still figuring that out. It's estimated to be about 12 miles wide. That makes it much larger than the last two otherworldly objects that flew through our solar system, Oumuamua and the comet Borisov. Oumuamua was only about 300 to 1,300 feet long, and Borisov's core was about half a mile in diameter. Like Oumuamua in 2017, A11pl3Z could soon start stirring more speculation that the object is man-made and sent here from another solar system with intelligent life. A11pl3Z (Teal line) is expected to make its closest pass by Earth on December 17. Scientists believe the object comes from a source outside our solar system In 2017, an interstellar object named Oumuamua passed through the solar system, and while most scientists believe it was a natural phenomenon, Harvard physicist Avi Loeb famously argued it may have been of alien origin In 2021, Loeb, the Frank B. Baird Jr. Professor of Science at Harvard, theorized that Oumuamua could have 'been meant to scan signals from all viewing directions,' looking for sensors from a long-lost receiver previously placed on Earth. The first recorded interstellar object set off alarm bells among UFO researchers after scientists discovered Oumuamua was not a known comet or asteroid. 'It was inferred to have a disk-like shape and to exhibit non-gravitational acceleration, raising the possibility of an artificial origin,' Loeb wrote in an article on Medium Wednesday. If A11pl3Z is a space rock, it's surprisingly massive compared to the other two interstellar objects that have passed by Earth. However, scientists don't project that the mystery object will get anywhere near Earth. On its current trajectory, it'll come within 2.4 astronomical units of the planet (223 million miles). An astronomical unit (AU) is equal to the distance between Earth and the sun, 93 million miles. Technically, A11pl3Z is already in the solar system, and is currently 3.8 AU away from Earth as of July 2. In October, the object from outside the solar system is expected to make its closest pass to a planet, coming within 0.4 AU (37 million miles) of Mars. Scientists don't believe A11pl3Z poses any threat to Earth. At 12 miles in length, that's good news because the object would fall into the category of a 'planet killer' - likely causing an extinction-level event if it struck the Earth. Scientists believe A11pl3Z is 12 miles long, making it significantly bigger than the last 2 interstellar objects to be tracked as they passed through the solar system 3rd interstellar object discovered? Maybe. There's a lot of buzz right now in the Astro community. More observations should come in tonight to confirm if A11pI3Z is from beyond the solar system. pic.twitter.com/B6d8ou1AmA Tony Dunn (@tony873004) July 2, 2025 However, there is a chance that A11pl3Z is not as big as it currently appears. Loeb explained that the interstellar visitor could be a comet, just like Borisov in 2019. The physicist said that it could have a smaller core surrounded by a bright cloud of gas and dust. This would reflect sunlight and make the mass appear larger to our telescopes. A11pl3Z's extreme speed will only give astronomers a short window to study the mysterious object before it leaves the solar system in 2026. In that time, scientists will look to gather information on its trajectory using telescopes like the Rubin Observatory in Chile, and possibly the James Webb Space Telescope in space. They'll hope to confirm A11pl3Z is staying on its expected route, passing the sun in late October, swinging by Earth at a safe distance in December, and then flying past Jupiter in March 2026. Once it gets closer, scientists should be able to determine what A11pl3Z actually is - an asteroid, a comet, or something else entirely. Mark Norris at the University of Central Lancashire told New Scientist: 'They really do whip through the solar system at ridiculous speeds. They're really fleeting and you are severely limited in what you can learn about them.' This Italian island is so disturbing that tourists are actually banned from visiting it. And as it's known as the 'Island of Ghosts', Poveglia island isn't the kind of place where you'd want to go for a holiday. The abandoned island, located off the coast of Venice, actually made up of three islands. One of the three is given over to nature, one was used as a fort to defend the island and the main island houses Poveglia's creepy abandoned buildings. There's a deserted hospital and a prison which many believe are haunted. These derelict buildings are the reason why tourists have been forbidden from visiting Poveglia as their decrepit state makes them dangerous to explore. A few exceptions on the ban have been granted for filmmakers. Although Poveglia was once home to a small community, it was first abandoned in the 14th century due to conflict. And a few centuries later, it was to become hell on earth. In the late 1700s, the island was used as a quarantine station for people suffering from the plague. Those showing any symptoms of the deadly Black Death were taken there, often against their will. This Italian island is so disturbing that tourists are actually banned from visiting it These derelict buildings are the reason why tourists have been forbidden from visiting Poveglia It wasn't long before the 18-acre island became a mass grave site and it's thought that 160,000 plague victims were buried there. Many people believe that as much as 50 per cent of the island's soil today is made up of ash and the decomposed bodies of those who died there. Legend says that the island is haunted by those who passed away in Poveglia. The island later housed an asylum before being completed deserted. Despite the ban, British explorers Matt Nadin and Andy Thompson managed to travel to the island in 2020, and shared what they found on their YouTube channel, Finders Beepers History Seekers. Matt told viewers: 'The island is so full of dark, dark history, a hell of a lot of people died there and you really get a sense of the horrors that took place there while you're walking around. 'They burnt all the bodies and left them where they lay. The island has never really been cleared properly or anything so everything has just been left. 'Later on, when it was turned into an asylum, and because people were shoved there out of the way of prying eyes, they started to do experiments on them, horrible, horrible stuff.' Despite its dark past, Matt said it was still possible to tell from the site's tiles and archways that it would once have been a 'beautiful building'. As it's known as the 'Island of Ghosts', Poveglia island isn't the kind of place where you'd want to go for a holiday Legend says that the island is haunted by those who passed away in Poveglia. The island later housed an asylum before being completed deserted And the pair added that it was easy to tell that no one had visited Poveglia in years, as there was no graffiti on the island, just 'natural decay'. Matt revealed that the pair 'heard the bell toll' while they were there and adds 'that did actually freak me out a little bit'. But Poveglia is far from the world's only abandoned island. The world might know the Maldives for its picture-postcard villas, turquoise waters, and once-in-a-lifetime luxury escapes. But one island in the middle of this tropical paradise tells a completely different story - one of decay, mystery and ambitious plans left abandoned. In a video uploaded to YouTube in 2023, Australian filmmaker and surfer Kale Brock explained that while on the retreat in the Maldives, he and his group had spotted a 'mysterious' island in the distance and convinced their guide to take them there. What they discovered was straight out of a movie - more Jurassic Park than five-star luxury getaway. READ MORE: Inside the abandoned Italian island where tourists are BANNED Few people have seen as much of the world as Randy Williams. The intrepid traveller from San Diego, who posts online as Ramblin' Randy, has visited all 193 UN member countries and ticked off his final nation, Turkmenistan, in 2023. You might think that having seen so much of the world, Randy might struggle to choose his favourite country. But, in an interview with LOST iN in 2019, Randy revealed he actually didn't find it a challenge to pick his top spot. At the time of the interview Randy had travelled to 120 countries and had one clear favourite. 'I always get asked what my favourite country is,' said Randy. 'And the answer for me is so easy because well, it's the only country that I packed up everything, quit my job, left everything behind and moved to. 'I found this city on the coast called Recife. I didn't even leave the airport but passing over the shores of Recife, I saw these beautiful, coral, pastel-coloured high-rises right along the beach. It kinda reminded me of Miami Beach. 'So, on my next trip, I visited it. I found an apartment and then I went back home and asked my boss if I could talk to him and told him I was quitting and moving to Brazil, and it was one of the most exciting times of my life.' The intrepid traveller, who posts online as Ramblin' Randy, has visited all 193 countries that are members of the UN and ticked off his final nation, Turkmenistan, in 2023 'I found this city on the coast called Recife. I didn't even leave the airport but passing over the shores of Recife, I saw these beautiful, coral, pastel-coloured high-rises right along the beach' Located on Brazil's northeastern Atlantic coast, urban Recife blends beaches and high-rises. But while he might have moved to Brazil, the South American country is the only destination to have caught Randy's attention. He revealed that Switzerland, Djibouti, Armenia and Brunei also number among his favourite countries. On his blog, Randy explains that he tends to 'travel fast and furious', sometimes spending less than 24 hours in each country. When he completed his epic challenge in Turkmenistan, Randy told ABC 10News San Diego that it was 'bittersweet'. He added: 'A pin for every country, and this is the last one - Turkmenistan. Here we go.' A world cruise remains that elusive, once-in-a-lifetime dream trip swapping the dreary day-to-day for far-flung adventure. But finding the time to do what can be tricky, and taking months away from home isnt always a practical choice. Now a cruise insider has unveiled a clever hack for chartering a course around the globe in shorter stages. Audrey Hobby, who leads travel agent training for Cunard, shared with MailOnline Travel how travellers can curate a series of shorter voyages over three years letting them see the world in the process. Many guests dont realise that you can piece together a world voyage in stages, she says. By selecting shorter segments across different years, you can still explore five continents and 14 countries but with more flexibility, and more time to savour each destination. Cunard has even put together a suggested itinerary that takes in cities and remote destinations, all reached by sailing on the lines famous Queens: Queen Mary 2, Queen Anne, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth. You could start out with an 11-night Alaska cruise on Queen Elizabeth, setting sail from Seattle, Washington on 11 July. Cruise expert Audrey Hobby has unveiled a clever hack for charting a course around the globe in shorter stages Many guests dont realise that you can piece together a world voyage in stages, says one cruise insider You could start out with an 11-night Alaska cruise Cunard's Queen Elizabeth just sailed its first voyage in the region The 2,000-passenger ship, which recently underwent a massive transformation, sailed on a voyage around the state for the first time last month. Then next year, tackle the 24-night Sydney to Singapore cruise in March aboard Queen Mary 2, the worlds only ocean liner. The itinerary features stops in Vietnam where you could visit the Imperial City of Hue, a UNESCO Heritage Site and Indonesia, where excursions include the Minahasa Highlands on a tour from Bitung. Come summer, tackle the Adriatic and western Mediterranean from July to August. Immerse yourself into European culture with ports of call from Marseille to Corsica, Barcelona to Corfu. The final corners of the world to tick off the cruising bucket list can be done aboard the newest Queen. Queen Anne will be making her maiden call to South America as part of a 29-night adventure to Rio de Janeiro, departing in January 2027 from Southampton. It includes an overnight stay in the iconic Brazilian city when the Rio Carnival is in full swing. By spreading a world cruise across three years, you see the world without needing months and months away from home in one go Immerse yourself into European culture with ports of call from Marseille to Corsica, Barcelona to Corfu (pictured: Marseille) Cunard's newest ship, Queen Anne, will be visiting Rio Carnival in 2027 as part of her maiden call at the port Along the way, there are visits to Bermuda, Florida, and Barbados. Spreading out a cruise around the world with this itinerary costs just over 10,000 per person. To elevate the experience, Audrey suggests holidaymakers plan your voyages to coincide with signature moments like Rio Carnival or Alaskas summer solstice. Katie McAlister, president of Cunard, says the company understands that modern travellers seek flexibility and accessibility without compromising on luxury. Thats why our segmented alternatives to a world voyage offer the perfect solution, as our incredible itineraries allow guests to explore the world on their terms but in true Cunard style. A solo traveller who has been to almost 40 countries across five continents has been sharing her opinions on travelling warning that some may be unpopular. Karina Henry, who runs the @karinaworldwide Instagram account and has over 131,000 followers on the site, shared 15 of her strongest views. She starts by addressing the mistake people make when they rush to visit as many countries as possible, writing: Travel isnt a race no one cares about your passport stamp. Instead of the number of nations visited, people should instead impress with their experiences. 'Lets swap whew, Id definitely go back there stories, not just border-crossing bingo.' Among the comments agreeing with her, a user wrote: 'I'm more impressed with someone who has visited only 5 countries but spent a longer time there than with someone who has visited 10 in 3 weeks.' She warns against using Africans as props in your travel photos, stating: 'Poverty is not an aesthetic.' 'If you wouldnt take that photo in Paris or Tokyo, ask yourself why it feels acceptable in Ghana or Kenya,' she added. Karina Henry, who runs the @karinaworldwide Instagram account and has over 131,000 followers on the site, shared 15 of her strongest views Her post received for 5,000 likes, with plenty of comments though not everyone agreed with the traveller Your trip shouldnt come at the cost of someones dignity. One of the most popular responses agreed with this point in particular. I HATE SEEING kids in villages in Southeast Asia in peoples photo carousels. If you wouldnt take a picture of less fortunate American, dont do it in another country, wrote @jadethetraveler. However, one person questions this opinion. You have pics posing with a local in very traditional, simple dress, while you are decked out to the nines. ??, wrote Katie Mendonca. I dont get the difference? Loved a lot of what you sharedbut this one seems hypocritical. Another viewpoint that people disagreed with was around tipping, which Karina believes shouldnt be optional just because youre abroad. The tipping culture is very different (give or not, how much, or actually bargain), I think it is best to study beforehand how they do and accommodate that instead of bringing your own tipping culture, said @cskmtrsztsz The content creator believes that tipping shouldnt be optional just because youre abroad Karina has built a large following online, with more than 440,000 followers across Instagram and TikTok Another, who identified themselves as Australian, wrote: Tipping can actually be seen as extremely rude in many countries- particularly places like Japan - so its always best to actually research the tipping culture. Karina also shared her stance on how solo travel isnt a personality trait, why theres no shame in dating abroad, and how travel doesnt have to be transformational. Most of the responses were positive, though one Instagram user wrote: I get where shes coming from, but many of these come from an odd, rather judgey place. The travel content creator, who has over 300,000 followers on TikTok, previously opened up about her most terrifying experiences abroad, ranging from a tourist scam to a parasitic infection she got from eating cat meat. 'In China, I was physically assaulted by a drunk man who said he didn't like me simply because I was American,' she shared. The footage showed a man yelling at her in Chinese while she begged him to leave her alone, saying, 'I didn't do anything. I just want to go home.' Karina then shared that she 'got an incurable parasitic infection after eating cat meat in Ghana,' but she didn't go into detail about her health scare. 'In Egypt, I was lured into a shop by a "tour guide" and then trapped inside until I agreed to pay for a belly dancer outfit I "broke" only to later realize it was a scam,' she continued. She addressed using poverty as an aesthetic: 'If you wouldnt take that photo in Paris or Tokyo, ask yourself why it feels acceptable in Ghana or Kenya' (pictured: the French capital) Another solo travel content creator recently shared her honest views on where she feels unsafe as a woman and one of her picks is a hugely popular European destination. Savanna Crowell, in a video that has been viewed almost 500,000 times, the New York-based traveller revealed three places where she didnt feel safe. She told her 54,000 followers that shed had a few uncomfortable situations in one of the countries Another she claimed was where she experienced the most catcalling. You might want to think twice before reaching for leggings or tight jeans the next time you fly, as experts have revealed the popular clothing items may be some of the worst things to wear on a plane. It's pretty common for passengers boarding major airlines like American Airlines, United, and Southwest to throw on a comfy pair of leggings or some cute jeans, but now, they have been urged to reconsider their travel fashion. A doctor recently spoke out about the dangers of donning tight clothes while flying to Huffington Post. 'The clothing we wear when we fly can significantly impact our circulation,' Dr. Hugh Pabarue, a vein specialist with Metro Vein Centers, explained. 'For example, tight clothing is not recommended. Wearing leggings and other restrictive garments such as skinny jeans that are too tight reduces blood's ability to flow into and out of the legs.' He explained that wearing skin-tight outfits while you're seated for hours in a cramped cabin can restrict circulation, leading to swollen legs, numbness, or worse - deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a dangerous condition where blood clots form in the legs. 'Wearing clothes that are too tight can potentially lead to conditions like compartment syndrome or meralgia paresthetica, causing numbness, tingling, and severe leg pain,' added Dr. Pabarue. Aviation specialist Christine Negroni also agreed with the clothing warning, and in addition to the health risks, she added that leggings pose another problem if there's ever an emergency on board. You might want to think twice before reaching for leggings or tight jeans the next time you fly, as experts have revealed the popular clothing items aren't safe to wear on planes (stock image) She pointed out that in the event of a fire, wearing leggings, which are made from synthetic fibers, could result in worse burns. 'The issue with leggings is the nature of the material,' Negroni told Huffington Post. 'You have a tight garment that is usually made from synthetic fibers, made from petroleum products, which is not something you want to wear on an airplane. 'The largest risk in a survivable air accident is fire.' '[The material of leggings] is going to get very hot, it will either melt on your skin or cause serious burns, and that becomes something that will impact your ability to escape the aircraft,' she added. 'In other words, if you're not damaged beyond [the] ability to exit, to get out of the airplane, then you might be affected by the fire.' One flight attendant previously went viral after she shared clothes that she advises against while flying. Sille Rydell, claimed items such as that shorts, crop tops, and flip flops are all bad choices. It's pretty common for passengers to throw on a comfy pair of leggings or some cute jeans, but now, they have been urged to reconsider their travel fashion (stock image) She captioned the post: 'Your outfit might be cute at the gate, but at 38,000 feet? Not so much. Here's what I never fly in and why.' Alongside a clip of Rydell walking through a first class cabin, she shared what you should 'not wear on a plane' and asserted that she is speaking from experience, having 'seen it all.' First, Rydell claimed you should never fly in 'shorts or crop tops' because its gets very cold on a flight. Explaining further in the caption, she wrote: 'Shorts or crop tops - ever felt the wrath of plane AC [air conditioning] on bare thighs or on your naked belly? Brutal.' Next, the flight attendant revealed why flip flops should be avoided at all costs when traveling. She wrote: 'Flip flops - fine for the beach, not for running to your gate or emergency landings. Plus, I know you will take them off during the flight and walk barefoot.' Similarly to Negroni, the air hostess also explained that tights should not be worn when flying, as she explained that they could be a safety hazard if there was a fire onboard. Flight attendant Sille Rydell previously went viral after she shared clothes that she advises against while flying, which included shorts, crop tops, and flip flops She said: 'Tights [are] synthetic = flammable. Not what you want in case of fire [as the] fabric might burn into your skin.' Back in April, a travel expert revealed what the most comfortable and stylish clothes are to wear to the airport. Having layers you can easily chuck off and on is vital for running to the boarding gate or settling down for a nap at 34,000 feet, she detailed. She suggested items such as slip-on sneakers, T-shirts, lounge sets, button-up shirts, and long cotton dresses. The White Isle might be best-known for hedonism and clubbing but Ibiza no longer reigns supreme as Europe's top party hotspot. According to new research from GetYourGuide, it's Ayia Napa that's now Europe's best destination for partying. A tourist resort on Cyprus' southern coast, Ayia Napa is particularly popular in the summer with young adults looking to let loose. The majority of its clubbing scene takes place on the Ayia Napa Strip which is packed with late-night venues. Next on the list in Europe is Majorca. The Spanish island is a popular family destination but it's also home to Magaluf, one of the continent's best-known party hotspots. Although the resort has looked to change its reputation in recent years, many Brits still see the beach destination as a clubbing haven. But that's not the case in Ibiza. New research from GetYourGuide has found that more than a third (33 per cent) of Britons travelling to Ibiza would try to avoid bars and clubs when visiting the Balearic island. The White Isle might be best-known for hedonism and clubbing but Ibiza no longer reigns supreme as Europe's top party hotspot According to new research from GetYourGuide, it's Ayia Napa that's now Europe's best destination for partying The study also found that 58 per cent of Britons want to skip the hangover and leave their holiday feeling rested and revived. Nearly half (43 per cent) of women travellers say they would consider not drinking on holiday and that 'they don't need it to have a good time'. The cost of drinks and club entry has also put some Britons off holidaying in a party destination. Benjy Potter, a GetYourGuide spokesperson, said: 'Gone are the days of fly-and-flop as booking data and travellers themselves are telling us they want to immerse themselves in local culture and soak up the unique experiences a destination like Ibiza has to offer. 'As four in 10 British travellers admit to drinking less on holidays now than they did five years ago, it opens up their itinerary to more opportunities for discovering their destination. 'If they can just peel themselves away from the bar, they'll find a whole new side to Ibiza, beyond the buffet.' GetYourGuide has partnered with Fearne Cotton to launch a new experience in Ibiza that will focus on everything the island has to offer beyond partying. Fearne reveals: 'I first visited Ibiza 20 years ago and fell in love with the island's energy and people. GetYourGuide has now partnered with Fearne Cotton to launch a new experience in Ibiza that will focus on everything the island has to offer beyond partying Fearne reveals: 'I first visited Ibiza 20 years ago and fell in love with the island's energy and people' 'There's something truly magical about this place and however hectic my life gets, a trip here will always bring me back to myself. 'Over the last two decades I've discovered the best secret spots for sunrise hikes, chilly dips and soulful yoga sessions.' 'Ibiza:Unplugged' can be booked on the GetYourGuide website and app on a first-come-first-serve basis. The experience is available on August 1, 8, 15 and 22 in 2025. Pastry fans are in for a treat: the humble sausage roll could be your ticket to an incredible summer holiday. Greggs and Jet2holidays have joined forces to offer a European getaway with plenty of home comforts for those lucky enough to be packing their bags. The partnership will see 20 lucky Greggs fans and their plus ones jet off to the sunny shores of Spains Costa del Sol for a three-night, all-inclusive break. Were not just offering sun, sand and SPF, were delivering a taste of home and a whole lot of fun, said a Greggs spokesperson. For just 1.30 the price of the bakerys sausage roll the winners will be whisked off to paradise on return flights from Manchester Airport and a stay at the four-star Iberostar Selection Marbella Coral Beach. The beachfront hotel is just minutes from the buzzing Puerto Banus. The collaboration comes after revealing new research showing nearly three-quarters of Brits particularly 73 per cent of gen Z and 76 per cent of millennials admit to missing their favourite home comforts when abroad. With that in mind, its not just the holiday thats on offer. Greggs and Jet2holidays have joined forces to offer a European getaway with plenty of pastry treats Each winner will receive a limited edition sausage roll-inspired suitcase packed with holiday essentials Research found that 40 per cent of Brits miss their Greggs while abroad so winners will get in-flight packs that include some of the brands best-loved treats Before takeoff, each winner will receive a limited-edition sausage roll-inspired suitcase packed with holiday essentials. This includes bucket hats and passport covers to water bottles and sunglasses ensuring theyre fully prepped for their getaway. Theyll also be sent travel packs, including a bespoke eye mask for kipping at 37,000 feet. And because the research found that 40 per cent of Brits miss their Greggs while abroad, those in-flight packs will include some of the brands best-loved treats. Were always looking at different ways we can offer unique experiences to our customers, so were excited to see how our fans react to the introduction of our first ever Greggs inspired package holiday, a spokesperson for Greggs says. From an all-inclusive weekend by the beach to a limited-edition range of Sausage Roll inspired merch, were not just offering sun, sand and SPF, were delivering a taste of home and a whole lot of fun! A Jet2holidays spokesperson says: We are delighted to be teaming up with Greggs to offer lucky holidaymakers the chance to enjoy an exclusive, one-of-a-kind getaway. This partnership is a fantastic way to demonstrate all the qualities that make a holiday with Jet2holidays so memorable. The partnership will see 20 lucky Greggs fans and their plus ones jet off to the sunny shores of Spain s Costa del Sol for a three-night, all-inclusive break (stock image) Those jetting off will be given all sorts of goodies, from bucket hats and passport covers to water bottles and sunglasses 'We look forward to welcoming all the lucky winners onboard and showcasing our award-winning credentials. The winners will depart on 2 October 2025. To enter the prize draw for this unforgettable Greggs and Jet2holidays holiday, visit jet2holidays.com/greggs anytime until 9 July. Entry is open to UK residents aged 18 and older. Full terms and conditions are available on the website. Champagne - the ultimate symbol of celebration and indulgence - often carries a hefty price tag. But for those craving some of the finest fizz without the splurge, a European destination has been crowned the cheapest for a glass of bubbly. A new study by luxury jewellers Austen & Blake revealed the cities around the world where couples enjoy a post-proposal meal - and a glass of champagne - without breaking the bank. The index assessed locations across various romantic factors, such as sunset scores, stargazing opportunities, and where couples can enjoy the most affordable meal out for two - along with a glass of champagne to toast to the milestone moment. Taking top honours for budget-friendly bubbles is Seville, Spain, where a glass of champagne costs just 9.67 on average. The Andalusian city was followed closely by New Orleans, USA, where a glass costs just slightly more at 10.01, while Porto, Portugal rounds out the top three at 11.50. In Copenhagen, Denmark, a glass of fizz costs 12.64, while Barcelona, Spain, offers a similarly priced glass at 12.67. The UK, namely Edinburgh, Scotland, features in fifth place, with a glass costing 13.00 on average. For those craving some of the finest fizz without the splurge, one European destination has been crowned the world's cheapest for a glass of bubbly Taking top honours for budget-friendly bubbles is Seville, Spain, where a glass of champagne costs just 9.67 on average A new study by luxury jewellers Austen & Blake revealed the cities around the world where couples enjoy a post-proposal meal - and a glass of champagne - without breaking the bank In Amsterdam, Netherlands, a glass of champagne costs 13.34, followed by Melbourne, Australia, priced at 13.88 and Lisbon, Portugal, at 13.98. Rounding out the list at number 10 is Sydney, Australia, where a glass of bubbly will set fizz connoisseurs back 14.01. On the flip side, Bangkok in Thailand takes the top spot as the most expensive place to toast romantic beginnings and marriage proposals, with an average glass of champagne setting couples back 29.41 each. A glass of fizz in New York costs a staggering 22.66, and 21.73 in Medellin, Colombia. Unsurprisingly, London also has some of the world's highest champagne costs, with an average glass costing around 17. And though Bangkok may have been crowned the most costly city for champagne, it happens to be where couples can enjoy the world's cheapest meal for two, at just 30.56. Medellin in Colombia comes in close second at 31.38, followed by Shanghai, China at 37.81, Cape Town, South Africa, at 44.72 and Seville, Spain, at 45.32. It comes as new research reveals exactly where in Europe you can enjoy as many glasses of Aperol Spritz as you want without burning a hole in your wallet. Ranking second is New Orleans in the US, where a glass costs an average of 10.01 Porto, Portugal, rounds out the top three at 11.50 for a glass of bubbles In Copenhagen, Denmark, a glass of fizz costs 12.64 Though Bangkok was crowned the most costly city for champagne, it happens to be where couples can enjoy the world's cheapest meal for two, at just 30.56 Dubbed the 'sunset cocktail' for its vibrant orange hue, the drink has seen global sales quintuple since 2015. In the UK, it's now officially the nation's favourite cocktail, with over 183,000 monthly Google searches and over 1.4 billion views on TikTok's #aperolspritz hashtag. Meanwhile in Veneto, Italy - the home country of the beloved cocktail - nearly 300,000 Spritzes are consumed in a single day alone. Luckily, for superfans keen to sip without the splurge this summer, the best and cheapest Aperol Spritz across 39 of Europe's most popular holiday hotspots have been revealed. Europe's best airline is set to launch new flights from London Stansted to one of the world's top city break destinations. Turkish Airlines, which was recently crowned the continent's best carrier in the World Airline Awards, has announced it will operate flights to Istanbul from Stansted in 2026. The service will launch on March 18 2026 and the airline will operate 14 weekly flights on the route. Mehmet Gurulkan, Turkish Airlines general manager, says: 'This new service increases our total weekly UK-Istanbul frequencies, providing passengers even more choice and greater connectivity to our global network.' Istanbul is one of the world's most-visited cities and welcomes around 17 million tourists a year. It's the ideal destination for history fans, being home to some of the globe's most incredible landmarks. The Hagia Sophia, which was finished in 537 AD, has served as a church, museum and mosque in its long history. The building's stunning architecture makes it a must-see. The city's Blue Mosque is one of the best examples of an Ottoman mosque in the whole of Turkey. As its name suggests, the interior of the mosque is decorated with intricate blue tiling. Istanbul is one of the world's most visited cities and welcomes around 17 million tourists a year Finished in 537 AD, the Hagia Sophia has served as a church, museum and mosque in its long history It's completely free to visit the mosque, making it one of the city's best attractions to add to your itinerary. Tourists can also explore the Basilica Cistern, an ancient cistern located beneath the streets of the city. Movie buffs will recognise the historic site from its feature in the James Bond film From Russia with Love. If history isn't your thing, the city is also one of the world's best destinations for shopping. Head to the Grand Bazaar to explore thousands of shops selling souvenirs, kitchenware, jewellery and more. Climb the Galata Tower for panoramic views of the city skyline or enjoy a slice of chocolate-coated burnt cheesecake underneath the tower. Food is a highlight of any trip to Istanbul and tourists should try to indulge in a traditional Turkish breakfast while they're there. The huge spread includes cheeses, eggs, jams, bread, meat and fruit. Other Istanbul delicacies include fish sandwiches, stuffed mussels and Turkish pizza. Tourists can also opt to unwind with a traditional Turkish hammam experience. The visit usually includes a full-body scrub, sauna and steam room. And a trip to Istanbul doesn't have to break the bank. Climb the Galata Tower for panoramic views of the city skyline Food is a highlight of any trip to Istanbul and tourists should try to indulge in a traditional Turkish breakfast while they're there Turkish Airlines, which was recently crowned the continent's best carrier in the World Airline Awards , has announced it will operate flights to Istanbul from Stansted in 2026 According to Numbeo, a domestic beer costs just 2.50 in Istanbul, while a meal at an inexpensive restaurant comes to 7.33. The flight from London generally takes just under four hours, while Turkish Airlines also offers routes from Birmingham, Manchester and Edinburgh. Speaking about the new route, London Stansted's managing director Gareth Powell says: 'We're delighted to welcome Turkish Airlines to London Stansted. 'This is a major milestone for the airport and a strong vote of confidence in both our operation and the vibrant, fast-growing region we serve.' In these turbulent times for the UK economy, a growing number of financially comfortable people are looking for ways to protect their savings. And for many, starting a new life in Malta is a tempting solution. 'We see more people moving from Britain than anywhere else,' says estate agent Grahame Salt. 'They like the Mediterranean lifestyle, the low crime rate, the fact that English is spoken here and, above all, the low taxes.' Malta has also improved greatly as a destination in recent years, and nobody is better placed to appreciate this than journalist Marianne Jones, who was brought up on the island and recently returned there to see family. 'The island bears no resemblance to the slightly sleepy rock of my youth, where I remember watching old ladies embroidering lace on their doorsteps while donkeys and carts passed by,' says Jones, who now lives in London. 'Malta today is a young, vibrant and crowded place but still historically astonishing. When I last visited Valletta almost every bar was packed out and there was live music in the streets. 'Yet the Michelin star tasting menus and night life go hand in hand with ruins older than the pyramids, church bells and masterpieces.' TAXES Malta offers several programmes of taxation, which might initially appear confusing. But local estate agents are on hand to advise you on which to use. If you have lived on Malta for five years and wish to make it your permanent home, the Long-Term Residence Permit is for you. This allows holders to enjoy nearly the same rights as Maltese citizens, including access to employment, education and public services. Malta today is a young, vibrant and crowded place but still historically astonishing To apply for this form of residence, you must demonstrate stable financial income to support yourself and your dependents, as well as comprehensive health insurance and suitable accommodation. Alternatively, non-EU nationals (including UK citizens) can apply for permanent residency under the Malta Permanent Residency Programme. To do so, you must have assets of at least 500,000 (429,000) with at least 150,000 (129,000) in financial investments or assets of 650,000 (558,000), with at least 75,000 (64,000) in financial investments. You will also need comprehensive health insurance covering you and your dependents. Long-term residents in Malta pay a progressive tax rate of up to 35 per cent on the highest income brackets 10 per cent below Britain's top rate. There is no wealth, inheritance or annual property tax, which further benefits incomers. However, there is 5 per cent stamp duty on property purchases and potential capital gains tax for property sales. If you retire to Malta, then you will need the Malta Retirement Programme. To qualify for this status, you must own or rent a property in Malta. The property should be worth 275,000 (236,721), or 220,000 (189,145) in South Malta. For those renting, the minimum annual rent should be 9,600 (8,254) or 8,750 (7,522) in South Malta. Applicants must reside in Malta for at least 90 days a year and should have a pension that constitutes 75 per cent of their total income. Health insurance is also required. The programme also permits holders to include dependents, providing they share the principal residence. Retirees in Malta are subject to a generous flat tax rate of 15 per cent on foreign income, with local income taxed at 35 per cent. EMPLOYMENT English is now an official language in Malta, making setting up a business straightforward. Compared to other European countries, such as Germany or France, the company registration process is also incredibly efficient, taking between 1-2 weeks. It is also an affordable place to start a business: for private limited companies, a share capital of only 1,165 (977) is needed, with only 20 per cent of this required up front. This is a particularly attractive prospect for small to medium businesses, especially when combined with low corporate tax rates (between 5 and 7 per cent). Malta is a heady mix of influences, explained by the fact it has been ruled by Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines and Arabs Malta has also improved greatly as a destination in recent years, and nobody is better placed to appreciate this than journalist Marianne Jones, pictured, who was brought up on the island and recently returned there to see family There are several employment options available for expats in Malta. The country is now a major hub for IT and software firms, attracting British expats with skills in software development, data analysis and customer support. There is also a steady demand for accountants, auditors and other financial professionals, due to the many international firms operating in Malta's robust financial sector. English language teaching is another significant employment area available in Malta, as the country is a popular destination for students learning English. EDUCATION The education system is well regarded and, importantly, young people have the choice of following either the British or the United States curriculum. Top English-speaking schools include Verdala International School, St. Edward's College, QSI International School of Malta and St Martin's College. Annual fees range from 3,700 (3,105) to 10,800 (9,285), depending on the school and the child's age. Many have waiting lists, so early application is advised. STREET LIFE Malta is a heady mix of influences, explained by the fact it has been ruled by Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines and Arabs. Examples of earlier influences include the Fortifications of Mdina and Valletta's grand palaces, open squares and quaint labyrinthine alleys. The British ruled Malta as a dominion for 165 years until it joined the Commonwealth in 1964. Today the British influences include driving on the left and English being an official language, something which helps the property-buying process if you are an expat. With shops such as Marks & Spencer and Zara to choose from, the high street experience is similar to that of the UK. MUST SEE Even if you are not religious you must visit the churches. There are 350 of them on this tiny island, including the capital's baroque St John's Co-Cathedral which houses two Caravaggio masterpieces. Blending anonymously into the surrounding architecture, some say it is the most awe-inspiring church in the world. COST OF LIVING In general, the cost of living in Malta is lower than the UK, with monthly spending estimated at 2,571 for a family of four, as opposed to 3,907. You'll also pay about 22 per cent less for rent, as the price per square metre for a city centre apartment is almost 40 per cent lower than in London. PROPERTY A new report reveals that property prices in Malta have increased by 125 per cent over the past decade. Apartments comprise 50 per cent of the islands 297,000 homes. On your drive from the airport, you may be less than impressed with the first sight of Maltese property: box-like housing scarred by satellite dishes. It is only when you get to the capital of Valletta, around which most people live, with its mixture of baroque and Renaissance palaces that you begin to appreciate Malta's architectural splendour. Malta has attracted tourists over the years from many different countries 'The thing that most Brits like is that everybody integrates so happily,' says Grahame Salt. 'In many countries, such as Spain, you find incomers forming together in their own communities, making little attempt to mix. That doesn't happen here.' As the most densely populated country in the EU, space is at a premium in Malta. However, apartment developments, such as Tigne Point, have recently been built along the harbour. Overlooking the Grand Harbour at Sliema, the complex is a contemporary take on traditional Arabian street design, featuring flat roofed homes built around a marble piazza and shopping centre. There is a restaurant adjacent to a sea-water infinity pool and the views across the bay to Valletta are to die for. For those in need of extra space, inland villages such as Gharghur, Naxxar or Lija may be more suitable. There is a charm to their squares and street markets. Winding streets often lead to tall, anonymous-looking buildings. Behind these front doors are some of the island's most impressive homes. They are the palazzos with their inner courtyards and wells a hangover from the 16th Century, when every home had to be capable of withstanding attack and siege. As you stand in the cool of one of these courtyards, you'll understand why Marianne Jones says, 'I still love Malta more than anywhere in the world.' 'I have no intention of leaving any time soon' Mags Whitehead rented a property and had her Maltese ID sorted 'within two weeks of moving' Born and raised in Wigan, Mags Whitehead, 54, moved to Malta with her partner Nige in February 2019, inspired by the country's proximity to the UK, the lack of language barrier 'basically everyone in Malta speaks English', she says and improved weather. Mags rented a property and had her Maltese ID sorted 'within two weeks of moving', and the EU Residency Permit she was initially granted has now been extended to a ten-year Residency Permit. While Brexit may have complicated the emigration process in recent years, she notes that this has not put people off coming to Malta, saying: 'If anything, more people are coming over especially Brits.' Today, she runs her own business, Birgu Candlelight Company, in Three Cities, which she found 'very easy' to set up. She lives in Birgu, a very 'authentic Maltese' area of the country. Mags found integration into Maltese society seamless. 'Basically every nationality you could think of lives in Malta, so I have friends who are Maltese, French, Spanish, Italian, German and South African.' With a ten-year lease on her shop, she has 'no intention of leaving anytime soon', even declaring that she 'will never return to the UK'. A relatively unknown UK beach described as the English Seychelles has been named one of the worlds best beating paradise bays in Australia, the Maldives and and the Philippines. Pentle Bay, found on the east coast of the island of Tresco in the Isles of Scilly, has claimed a place on a list of the 20 prettiest beaches in the world based on how often the word paradise is used to describe them in online reviews. While most beaches that feature in the paradise ranking are based in Asia and the South Pacific, Pentle Bay made a surprise appearance, coming in 13th place. Known as the English Seychelles due to its white sands, turquoise waters and distinctive grey rock formations, 8.7 per cent of its reviews used the word paradise to describe the bay. The half-mile crescent of sand is backed by low dunes and its remote location means that there are no nearby shops or facilities. Family travel specialist Kuoni analysed thousands of online reviews for almost 200 of the world's most beautiful beaches to discover which of these is most often described as paradise. The word paradise has been associated with beaches since the early 1900s, when beach holidays moved away from being prescribed health-boosting visits to a desirable and luxury activity. Port Olry Beach in Vanuatu, a country in Oceania, came top of the list with 15.33 per cent of its reviews using the word paradise. Pentle Bay, on Tresco in the Isles of Scilly, made a surprise appearance in the rankings, finishing in 13th place It is known as the English Seychelles due to its white sands, turquoise waters and distinctive grey rock formations Port Olry Beach in Vanuatu, a country in Oceania, came top of the list The world's 20 prettiest beaches R ank Beach Name Country 1 Port Olry Beach Vanuatu 2 Parque Nacional de Bazaruto Mozambique 3 One Foot Island Cook Islands 4 Ao Thong Yee Thailand 5 Veligandu Island Beach Maldives 6 Champagne Beach Vanuatu 7 Lalomanu Beach Samoa 8 Navagio Beach Greece 9 Ora Beach Indonesia 10 Surin Islands (Mu Koh Surin National Park) Thailand 11 Bon Bon Beach Philippines 12 Ko Lipe Thailand 13 Pentle Bay United Kingdom 14 Sok San Beach Cambodia 15 Whitehaven Beach Australia 16 Palm Cove Beach Australia 17 Entalula Beach Philippines 18 Secret Beach, Ambergris Caye Belize 19 Huvadhu Atoll Maldives 20 Hidden Beach, Palawan Philippines The beach, found on the east coast of Espiritu Santo, is home to emerald-green foliage that hugs golden sands and shimmering turquoise waters. Mozambiques Parque Nacional de Bazaruto came in second place, with 14.29 per cent of its reviews mentioning paradise. The beach, with its swirling sand and bright blue sea, is known for its wildlife, including dolphins and spectacular dugongs - commonly known as sea cows. Meanwhile, One Foot Island beach in the Cook Islands came in third place, with 13.28 per cent of the reviews containing the word paradise. The only other European beach on the list was Navagio Beach on the Greek island of Zakynthos. It came in eighth place, with 10 per cent of its reviews containing the word paradise. The beach is sometimes referred to as Smugglers Cove thanks to the iconic rusting shipwreck of the MV Panagiotis that sits at the centre of the bay. British tourists have been warned to avoid making a key mistake when they go on holiday. A home security expert has told Britons that putting your address on your luggage is telling burglars to 'help yourself' to their house. Carlos Dhunay, home security expert at Telcam Security Solutions, says: 'Putting a residential address on your luggage is basically saying: this house is empty, help yourself.' Many travellers put their full home address on their luggage to ensure it's returned to them if it gets lost. However, thieves might be alerted to an unoccupied property if they see the address. Instead of writing a full address, Carlos recommends just listing a mobile number, email address or even a work address on a luggage tag. He explains: 'That way, airline staff can get in touch if needed, but you're not advertising that your house is unoccupied.' And there are also a few other easy mistakes that put British tourists at greater risk of burglary. A home security expert has told Britons that putting your address on your luggage is telling burglars to 'help yourself' to their house 'Never advertise on social media that you are away - wait until you're home to post' Carlos reveals: 'Leaving a light on 24/7 can actually tip people off that you're away. Instead, use smart lights or timers to mimic normal activity patterns. 'Motion-activated lights and other outdoor security lighting are also a good way to deter potential burglars.' The expert also recommends cancelling any regular deliveries while you're away and asking a neighbour to keep an eye out for parcels. And while it might be tempting to share constant holiday updates, it might be best to wait until you're home. Carlos says: 'Avoid talking about holiday dates or duration in a public place or around strangers. And, if you plan to use an "out of office" at work, don't specify that you're leaving your home unoccupied. 'Never advertise on social media that you are away - wait until you're home to post. 'There are more than 16.3 million uploads from airports, revealing potentially dangerous information about holiday location and duration, and these may be seen by potential burglars.' Go Compare recently found that 36 per cent of holidaymakers post their holiday pictures while they're away, potentially advertising their absence to burglars. Many travellers put their full home address on their luggage to ensure it's returned to them if it gets lost The insurance company warns that thieves can use the information 'to their advantage', especially if people don't have 'fully private' social profiles. 'If the worst does happen, sharing holiday photos could also create issues with your home insurance,' says a spokesperson from Go Compare. 'Although insurers don't explicitly say that posting on social media will invalidate your insurance, as a policyholder, you're obligated to keep your belongings secure, and posting publicly that your property is empty could be deemed as not taking the proper precautions to protect your home.' The insurance company says holidaymakers should 'play it safe' and wait until they're home to post on socials. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has announced a major change to security checks at 10 airports across the country. The administration shared that it would be adding a new expedited lane and discounts 'to enhance the travel experience for members of the U.S. military community,' per PR Newswire. Gold Star families - those who have lost a loved one in military service - will also now have TSA PreCheck fees waived. Additionally, TSA will now offer a $25 discount on TSA PreCheck enrollment for spouses of military and uniformed service members. The change will go into affect at some airports on Tuesday, July 1, and is part of the 'Serve with Honor, Travel with Ease' initiative. Ahead of the changes, Ha Nguyen McNeill, TSA's Acting Administrator, explained how they will make it easier for the military community to travel efficiently. 'This Independence Day and beyond, TSA reaffirms its commitment to ease travel for the military community through its TSA PreCheck program by providing it free to Gold Star families, discounting it for military spouses and creating expedited lanes for service members,' she said, according to the publication. 'By expanding access, easing enrollment, and partnering with our TSA PreCheck enrollment providers and industry partners, we strive to honor those who serve and the families who stand beside them.' The Transportation Security Administration has announced a major change to security checks at 10 airports across the country (stock image) To make things as accessible as possible, TSA PreCheck is hosting mobile enrollment events near major US military locations. The new lanes will be implemented at 10 American airports in cities including: San Antonio, Texas, Anchorage, Alaska, Atlanta, Georgia, Austin, Texas, Colorado Springs, Colorado, El Paso, Texas, Fayetteville, North Carolina, Nashville, Tennessee, San Diego, California, and Seattle, Washington. In other airport news, TSA was recently forced to issue a hilarious statement about which ID cards qualify as official identification while traveling. It came after a user on X, formerly known as Twitter, posted a picture of a bright yellow Waffle House customer card with the caption, 'TSA might want REAL ID, but I have the realest ID.' It read 'Matthew Cappucci, Meteorologist,' with an American flag in the right corner. The post amassed over 2.2 million views and thousands of replies - including one from the official TSA account. 'Respectfully, no Waffle House IDs will not suffice as a Real ID alternative (sorry),' the organization's comical response read. People all across the globe were entertained by the post and TSA's involvement. The administration shared that it would be adding a new expedited lane and discounts 'to enhance the travel experience for members of the U.S. military community' (stock image) The new lanes will be implemented at 10 American airports in cities including: San Antonio, Atlanta, Austin, Colorado Springs, El Paso, Nashville, San Diego, and Seattle (stock image) 'How does one even acquire this?' one user asked. 'You didn't have to flex on us like this,' a different person wrote, while another said, 'Where do I get my Waffle House identification?' Cappucci followed up his post by writing: 'One of my greatest life accomplishments is being one of the only 90 people in this world that Waffle House follows.' TSA has also responded to travelers who attempted to use their Costco cards as valid ID at the airport. US travelers are now required to have a federally approved REAL ID or passport to board a domestic flight, with a standard driver's license no longer cutting it. An Antiques Roadshow guest's jaw dropped as they learned the whopping value of a Rolex watch that they bought for just 200. In a recent episode of the BBC show, which originally aired in 2022, a number of guests travelled to Woodhorn Museum in Northumberland to get their special items looked at. One man brought along a watch for expert Richard Price to look at. Richard told the guest: 'So, Rolex collectors obviously know what this is and this is a Rolex Oyster GMT Master. 'And they refer to everything by the reference number. In this case, it is the reference 1675. 'Its also here on the bill of sale which I see is from a Hong Kong retailer in the early part of 1971. An Antiques Roadshow guest's jaw dropped as they learned the whopping value of a Rolex watch that they bought for just 200 In a recent episode of the BBC show, which originally aired in 2022, a number of guests travelled to Woodhorn Museum in Northumberland to get their special items looked at - including a Rolex watch Expert Richard Price (pictured) shared his knowledge about watches and explained how much the Rolex as worth 'Its obviously not bought by you so who bought it in 1971?' And the man explained how he got his hands on it and said: 'It was basically a gift to my dad and about give years ago, he passed it to me for inheritance. 'He's still alive, but he just thought give it to me to see what to do with it and it's been in a drawer ever since!' Richard then shared the history of the watch, explaining that the airline history in the 40s and 50s made longer trips, and pilots flew on GMT. Pan American Airways has a discussion with Rolex to develop a watch with an extra hand to set it to GMT - it was developed for the airline in 1954. The watch became the standard GMT master. 'What is so lovely about this is that you have got all the paper work,' Richard said. 'What is so lovely about this is that you have got all the paper work,' Richard said (pictured the watch and its paper work) He pointed out that the bezel was original, but the value may have been reduced if it wasn't, but the bracelet wasn't the original. The expert pointed out that he thought it was purchased for 200, and then went on to say how much he think it is now. Richard said: 'That 200 50 years ago has actually done quite well. 'If it had the original bracelet with the full set, we could have put two noughts on and made it 20,000. 'But it's not got the original bracelet. 'So I'm going to take it back to in this condition, around 14,000.' The guest was lost for words and said: 'What?! Woah! No way.' Richard asked: 'You happy?' 'Yeah!' the guest replied. 'I didn't expect that at all. It comes after an Antiques Roadshow guest's jaw dropped in shock as she learnt the eye-watering value of her 'exquisite' watch - despite a swipe from a BBC expert. A recently repeated 2004 episode of the BBC show, which sees specialist appraisers value heirlooms and heritage items, went to Hampton Court Palace in London. Expert Richard Price met with a woman who had brought in a gorgeous Swiss ball watch she had inherited after a 'very dear friend' passed away. She explained their relationship: 'I actually used to work for her and her husband was a buyer at one time in Harrods, a jewellery buyer for Harrods.' The antiques specialist asked if her friend wore it often, to which she replied: 'Yes, she used to wear it nearly every day on her suit lapel.' Richard was touched - and impressed: 'That's a lovely story and I'll tell you something, it is in absolutely exquisite condition. An Antiques Roadshow guest's jaw dropped in shock as she learnt the eye-watering value of her 'exquisite' watch - despite a swipe from a BBC expert Expert Richard Price met with a woman who had brought in a gorgeous Swiss ball watch she had inherited after a 'very dear friend' passed away The guest was absolutely amazed at the eventual valuation, with her jaw dropping in shock 'There's not a chip out of that enamel anywhere.' He tried out the mechanism, winding the unusual spherical watch using the bezel and testing the clock hands, before saying it 'does everything it should do'. The antiques expert showed off its inner workings to the camera, dubbing the delicate metal work 'absolutely typically Swiss'. 'It is an exquisite thing. Wonderful quality', he exclaimed. But it was not an entirely positive assessment, as the expert took a swipe at the watch's bezel: 'But there's just one thing I'm not entirely happy with. 'The little rose diamonds around the bezel of this watch just don't have quite the same style and class, if I can use that word, of these brilliant cut ones here.' He asked, as the guest nodded in agreement: 'Do you see how thats just a little bit nicer than the watch itself?' Richard also had a problem with the chain used to hang the watch: 'I'm not sure that the pendant actually went on with the watch when new.' 'It is an exquisite thing. Wonderful quality', Richard exclaimed But it was not an entirely positive assessment, as the expert took a swipe at the watch's bezel: 'But there's just one thing I'm not entirely happy with' 'The little rose diamonds around the bezel of this watch [left] just don't have quite the same style and class, if I can use that word, of these brilliant cut ones here [right]' But the appraiser was willing to move past that: 'The colours are so good that it doesn't really matter. 'It blends extremely well because this is an unusual quality of enamel and it's an unusual colour because you've got the dark reds and you've got these lovely almost coral-y petals.' The guest was not sure what period the watch was from - but Richard used his expertise to identify it: 'Well, these flowers, the petals, leaves, the enamel, it's very sort of art nouveau in style, isn't it?' 'And just looking at the general shape and size of the piece, I'm quite happy to say it's about 1905 to 1910.' Then came the moment the guest had been waiting for - the valuation. Richard said: 'Well, you're never going to replace it because you'll never need to. 'But if you went to look for one, I think that's going to cost you an absolute minimum of 6,000 to 7,000.' The guest was absolutely amazed, with her jaw dropping in shock: 'Oh goodness! Oh goodness me! Thank you, that's wonderful.' The guest was not sure what period the watch was from - but Richard used his expertise to identify it The woman said after the valuation: 'Oh goodness! Oh goodness me! Thank you, that's wonderful' Richard said, laughing: 'Next time somebody takes you out for a lovely dinner, pop it on.' The woman chuckled, looking towards her partner off camera: 'I'll tell him!' It comes after 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 went to Belton House near the town of Grantham, Lincolnshire. Expert Hilary Kay met with a woman who had brought in a 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. Hilary began the segment: 'Sheltering from a passing shower and sheltering with an object which is, I feel, almost radioactive with power. It comes after an Antiques Roadshow guest was left wide-eyed (pictured) as an expert gasped 'I need time to come down from this' in response to the 'trickiest item she's ever had to value' Expert Hilary Kay (pictured) met with a woman who had brought in a unique item 'It's a very interesting phenomenon to be this close to something that is really quite important.' 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.' With 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'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?' Antiques Roadshow is available to watch on BBC One and to stream on iPlayer. A man who lost both of his legs in the 7/7 bombings recounted the moment he locked eyes with the terrorist and the three things his rescuer said. Wednesday's instalment of This Morning saw co-hosts Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard sit down with Dan Biddle and Adrian Heili who both survived the 7/7 terrorist attacks in London. Dan was 26 years old at the time and was on his way to work on July 7, 2005 when three terrorists detonated bombs on the London Underground killing 42 people, including the suicide bombers. A fourth bomb also exploded on the number 30 bus in Tavistock Square, central London, killing another 14 including the terrorist. A four-part series on the events, titled 7/7: The London Bombings, launched on Netflix on July 1. Dan, who worked in construction at the time, was on the circle line and missed his stop, meaning he was on the carriage with one of the terrorists. Dan Biddle (left) who lost both of his legs in the 7/7 bombings recounted the moment he locked eyes with the terrorist and the three things his rescuer, Adrian Heili (right) said Wednesday's instalment of This Morning saw co-hosts Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard (pictured) sit down with Dan and Adrian who both survived the 7/7 terrorist attacks in London 'My morning of the 7th July, I call it the sliding doors moment because there's lots of incidents that morning where if I do something different, I'm not on that train and it all culminated with the final mess up was I missed my stop, so I shouldn't of even been on the train,' he recalled to Cat and Ben. Dan was sat near the terrorist in the carriage and recalled locking eyes with him moments before the horrific attack. 'It was really strange because I was stood up and he was sat next to me... as the train pulled out of Edgware Road station I could feel somebody staring at me,' Dan said. However, he admitted he 'didn't really think anything of it' at first. 'Out of the corner of my eye I saw him lean forward and look along the carriage to the back end of the carriage we was in and then he started to stare at me again,' Dan explained. Dan witnessed the moment the terrorist detonated the bomb and described how 'absolute hell was unleashed'. He said: 'By this point it was starting to get a little bit uncomfortable so I looked at him, locked eyes with him, I was just about to say 'What you're looking at mate? What's your problem?' and I just saw him reach into the bag and that's when absolute hell was unleashed.' The moment the bomb was set off, there was a 'brilliant white flash' of light and heat unleashed into the carriage. Dan was blown through the carriage doors and into the tunnel by the pressure of the bomb. He didn't realise what had happened at first and assumed the carnage was caused by a train collision or an electrical explosion. Dan was 26 years old at the time and was on his way to work on July 7, 2005 when three terrorists detonated bombs on the London Underground killing 42 people, including the suicide bombers A fourth bomb exploded on the number 30 bus in Tavistock Square, central London, killing another 14, including the terrorist, and leading to one of the biggest ever police investigations 'I didn't realise how seriously injured I was in that second, it was only when I moved my arms and my arms and hands were on fire that I realised actually this is a bit more than I first realised,' Dan recalled. 'That's when I made the mistake of trying to look around and that's when I saw the first dead body and it was just absolute hell on earth after that.' Dan lost both of his legs in the incident, and recalled how his left leg was found 15 feet behind him in the tunnel. He also suffered a lacerated liver, burst spleen, ruptured colon, ruptured bowel, punctured kidney, two punctured lungs and lost his left eye, amongst other injuries. Adrian had been on a different carriage and suffered a dislocated shoulder and broken ribs. He recalled hearing 'almighty screams' from people in the tunnel and climbed over tracks to reach Dan who he had been able to speak to. Adrian had worked as a medic in the military previously and used his experience to help Dan and other injured people. 'When I found Danny I didn't actually see the full extent of his injuries I saw his head was cut open, he had facial injuries and his hands were charred,' he said. It wasn't until Adrian moved the tube door off Dan that he realised how badly injured he was. Dan was sat near the terrorist in the carriage and recalled locking eyes with him moments before the horrific attack Adrian had worked as a medic in the military previously and used his experience to help Dan and other injured people Adrian recalled hearing 'almighty screams' from people in the tunnel and climbed over tracks to reach Dan who he had been able to speak to Dan credited Adrian for saving his life and said: 'He ran headlong into what people were trying to run away from. 'Basically Adrian, when he found me, he said three things to me which I'm never going to forget. 'The first thing he said to me was... I've been in this situation before and never lost anyone, which was a little bit unsettling at first I've got to admit. 'He then asked me if I had anything he didn't want to be catching because obviously massive open wounds and then he said to me, 'Brace yourself Dan this is really going to hurt'. And I thought, I've been set on fire, I've got all these injuries what can you possibly do to me that could hurt anymore? 'One thing Adrian isn't is a liar, because he basically had to push his hand into what was left of my left leg, find my femoral artery and pinch it shut to stop me from bleeding to death.' Cat and Ben were speechless at the recount and Ben commented, 'It's extraordinary hearing you say that and you were doing it in a train tunnel, a tube tunnel, surrounded by the devastation'. 'The experience I had in the past gave me that understanding and confidence more than anything to say that I'm going to do my best for Dan,' Adrian said. Dan described how everything he witnessed, including inside the tube and outside of the station has culminated into a lot of painful memories. Cat and Ben were speechless at the recount and Ben commented, 'It's extraordinary hearing you say that and you were doing it in a train tunnel, a tube tunnel, surrounded by the devastation' Dan credited Adrian for saving his life and said: 'He ran headlong into what people were trying to run away from.' 'Adrian and myself, we don't have one trauma, we have 101 different traumas and for both of us it's like having a horror movie playing in your head on repeat and you can't find a button to turn it off, so you have to live with it,' Dan explained. Despite the horrors both men witnessed, they have formed a strong friendship with one another and Dan credited Adrian for saving his life. 'Everything I've done with my life since 8.52 on the 7th July is because of this man,' he said. 'We didn't know each other, we'd never met before that day and one of the things I always come back to when I talk about 7/7 is in a space of minutes I came face to face with the very worst of humanity and the person that did this, and the very best of it in Adrian.' This Morning airs weekdays on ITV1 from 10am and is available to stream on ITVX. Fearne Cotton looked incredible wearing a plunging red swimsuit in behind the scenes images from her recent wellness trip to Ibiza. The telly favourite, 43, looked happy and healthy in the one-piece while posing on a boat as she cruised through the med with the wind in her hair. She later changed into a two piece, throwing a nude crocheted cover up over the top while being shown the sites on her boat trip. Enjoying some 'me-time', the mother-of-two later changed into a two piece, throwing a nude crocheted cover up over the top while being shown the sites on her boat trip. The mental health advocate, best-selling author and long-standing broadcaster took a hike to get a good view of Es Vedra during sunrise. Es Vedra is a small rocky island standing at almost 400 metres high where people typically go to practise meditation because it's associated with positive energy and spirituality. Fearne Cotton looked incredible in a plunging red swimsuit in behind the scenes snaps from her recent wellness trip to Ibiza She later switched up her look wearing a two piece and throwing a nude crocheted cover up over the top while being shown the sites on a boat trip Fearne, who is a GetYourGuide ambassador, has been finding the balance of letting her hair down and prioritising wellness and enjoyed a yoga class in a pink workout ensemble while looking out across the sea The mental health advocate, best-selling author and long-standing broadcaster also looked incredible as she flashed her abs in a khaki lycra co-ord while hiking to get a good view of Es Vedra during sunrise Naturally, Fearne added a fashionable flourish to her look wearing a thin scarf around her neck and carrying a crossbody bag for the excursion. Other behind the scenes photos showed Fearne getting the giggles while deep in conversation with handsome Pablo Leonard, co-founder of Into The Island, who was showing her the sights. Fearne, who is a GetYourGuide ambassador, has been finding the balance of letting her hair down and prioritising wellness. She likes to visit Ibiza, an island she considers to be her happy place - every year and has been embracing the single life since announcing she has split from husband Jesse Wood in December 2024 after 10 years of marriage. While there, she celebrated her friend's 50th birthday during her latest trip on the island, where she was pictured wearing a blue sequin mini dress and looking happier than ever. Fearne - who rarely drinks alcohol - completed the eye-catching outfit with silver boots and matching jewellery, posing for photos with friends as they danced the night away. She captioned the post: 'A weekend of dancing and filming in Ibiza. First up celebrating Hedvig's 50th. So many special memories made. Danced all day (shout out to my dance partner Emma. So many memories in the happy box). Fearne appears to have had 'New beginnings' tattooed on her upper thigh following her split from Jesse Wood The tattoo looks to be a new inking addition after she was previously seen without it (pictured in 2018) She likes to visit Ibiza, an island she considers to be her happy place, every year and has been embracing the single life since announcing she has split from husband Jesse Wood in December 2024 after 10 years of marriage Fearne looked picture perfect as she took part in a yoga class while on the island She took in the sights as she stood atop a rock during her hike Naturally, Fearne added a fashionable flourish to her look wearing a thin scarf around her neck and carrying a crossbody bag for the excursion Other behind the scenes photos showed Fearne getting the giggles while deep in conversation with handsome Pablo Leonard, co-founder of Into The Island, who was showing her the sights 'Then filming something cool with the loveliest team of people which will be out soon. A relentless, vibrant weekend of lovely people. My cup is full and I need some sleep.' Her post came after Fearne's ex, Jesse proved things are getting serious in his new relationship with Gemma Gregory. The musician, 48, went public with his romance with the former Made In Chelsea star, 39, two months ago and they are going from strength to strength. Fearne is keen to urge Ibiza revellers to discover the alternative side of the island given that over a third of British travellers would avoid bars and clubs when visiting and has teamed up with GetYourGuide to serve up Ibiza: Unplugged wellness experiences. Priced at 40 euros, the average price of Ibiza club entry, it features a sunrise hike, boat trip, yoga class and sound bath all in a half-day itinerary. Fearne - who rarely drinks alcohol - turned heads as she celebrated a friends 50th birthday in style on the sun-soaked island The 43-year-old TV presenter shared a series of vibrant snaps from the celebration on Instagram just days ago For one of the standout photos, Fearne dazzled in a shimmering blue sequin mini dress She completed the eye-catching outfit with silver boots and matching jewellery Fearne posed for photos with friends as they danced the night away She also posted a cheerful shot of a camera crew gathered together at the marina It comes after Fearne's estranged husband Jesse Wood proved things are getting serious with in his new relationship with Gemma Gregory with an Instagram post last week (Jesse and Gemma together) Fearne issued a shock statement to announce her split from Jesse after 10 years of marriage back in December, saying their priority was their children (pictured in February 2024) Tequilas or tumeric? It's not just Fearne taking a new approach to holidaying, GetYourGuide and YouGov surveyed over 2,500 British travellers and found 1 in 3 (30%) avoid clubbing and hangovers to ensure they can make the most of their holiday activities. In equal measure its the cost of drinks (32%) and club entry (32%) which are putting over a third of British travellers off clubbing abroad. With Brits three times more likely to pick a holiday for having a well-known spa (13%) versus a famous nightclub (4%). Advertisement Fearne said: 'I first visited Ibiza 20 years ago and fell in love with the islands energy and people. Theres something truly magical about this place and however hectic my life gets, a trip here will always bring me back to myself. Over the last two decades Ive discovered the best secret spots for sunrise hikes, chilly dips and soulful yoga sessions. And this summer Im going to let you in on some of my hidden gems. With GetYourGuide Ive curated the perfect way to unplug and spend a chilled day in Ibiza, guided by true experts that know the island like the back of their hand. And the best thing about it? Its all for the price of a club entry. So treat yourself to a night off!' Ibiza Unplugged, is running on selected dates throughout August, and has been co-created with trusted GetYourGuide partner, Into The Island. Bookings go live on Tuesday for Ibiza: Unplugged on the GetYourGuide website and app https://www.getyourguide.com/ available on a first-come-first-serve basis on 1st, 8th, 15th and 22nd August 2025. Fans have reacted to the news that Tom Holland could be in line to play the next James Bond, with the actor dubbed 'too adorable' for the role. Supporters have been eagerly waiting to find out who will be the next star with a 'license to kill' after Daniel Craig relinquished the part with the 2021 film No Time To Die. Following months of speculation, three clear favourites for the coveted role at last emerged on Monday. It is believed that Saltburn star Jacob Elordi, Spider-Man's Tom Holland and Babygirl actor Harris Dickinson are at the top of Amazon's wish-list, according to Variety. But the news was met with much animosity by die-hard Bond fans, who were particularly disillusioned with the possibility of Tom Holland bagging the part. Supporters have been eagerly waiting to find out who will be the next star with a 'license to kill' after Daniel Craig, 57, relinquished the part with the 2021 film No Time To Die (pictured in No Time To Die) British actor Tom Holland, 29, emerged as a shock favourite for the part - but he was not a popular choice with fans (pictured in February 2022) Tom has previously starred as Peter Parker in Spider-Man: Homecoming and Spider-Man: Far from Home, with many cinema-goers describing him as 'adorable' The results of a MailOnline poll even revealed that the majority of film-lovers would rather 'someone else' play 007. A staggering 72 per cent of voters opted for the 'someone else' option, while 13 per cent picked Australian Jacob Elordi, five per cent chose Harris Dickinson and 10 per cent fancied Holland. But Tom too received a heap of backlash on X, formerly known as Twitter, with a host of fans questioning whether he's really a suitable Bond. The British actor, 29, has previously starred as Peter Parker in Spider-Man: Homecoming and Spider-Man: Far from Home, with many cinema-goers describing him as 'adorable'. Fans wrote: 'Tom Holland as James Bond is like making a James Bond kids movie', 'I'm sorry. does even tom holland think he should be james bond. is that really something he thinks he'd be good at', 'I adore Tom Holland, and he was more than proved his ability to play action characters... but he cannot play James Bond. He's too adorable', 'I just saw that Tom Holland is being considered for the next James Bond. I like him enough... but not as Bond. Maybe he could surprise us, but I just don't see it', A host of fans took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to have their say on Tom Holland playing Bond One of the favourites for the part is Harris Dickinson (pictured in November 2024), but he has previously played down speculation While Jacob Elordie (pictured March 2022) could be in-line to be the second Aussie actor to play Bond after George Lazenby starred in On Her Majesty's Service in 1969 'Tom Holland as James Bond, what a terrible decision that would be. The other candidates are rubbish too. Amazon are going to kill this franchise with this nonsense. So many better candidates out there.' Amazon are reportedly targeting a British actor under the age of 30 for the part, according to Variety. Much-loved candidates Theo James, 40, Henry Cavill, 42, and Aaron Taylor-Johnson, 34, have all previously been bookies' favourites to be the next Bond - but such an age rule would put all of the trio out of the running. Leaks about the potential cast for the highly-anticipated film came a short time after Amazon studios announced that Denis Villeneuve - best known for directing Warner Bros' two-part Dune adaptation - will be the movie's director via a press release. The French-Canadian filmmaker, 57, will also serve as executive producer of the project alongside Tanya Lapointe. Amazon had previously announced Amy Pascal and David Heyman as the film's producers, after the studio parted ways with longtime 007 caretakers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson. Denis said in a statement: 'Some of my earliest movie-going memories are connected to 007. I grew up watching James Bond films with my father, ever since Dr. No with Sean Connery.' He added: 'I'm a die-hard Bond fan. To me, hes sacred territory. I intend to honor the tradition and open the path for many new missions to come.' The news was announced last week that Denis Villeneuve will be the director of the new Bond movie (pictured February 2023) 'I'm a die-hard Bond fan. To me, hes sacred territory. I intend to honor the tradition and open the path for many new missions to come,' he said after accepting the gig (pictured February 2023) The filmmaker admitted: 'This is a massive responsibility, but also, incredibly exciting for me and a huge honor.' Amy and David said: 'Denis Villeneuve has been in love with James Bond movies since he was a little boy. 'It was always his dream to make this movie, and now its ours, too. We are lucky to be in the hands of this extraordinary filmmaker.' After Amazon acquired MGM in 2022, they obtained full creative control of the 007 franchise with a deal they struck with Barbara and Michael, the offspring of original James Bond producer, Albert R. Broccoli. Barbara and Michael had been overseeing the franchise since 1995, when their father ceded control of his Eon Productions company to them. Amazon reached an agreement with Barbara and Michael in March 2025, and while financial terms were not disclosed, it was rumored to be upwards of $1 billion. Villeneuve made his directorial debut in 1998 with August 32nd on Earth, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival that year. He followed that up with Maelstrom (2000), Polytechnique (2009) and Incendies (2010), the latter of which was nominated for Best International Film at the Academy Awards. The filmmaker broke through in Hollywood with 2013's Prisoners, a dark drama starring Hugh Jackman and Jake Gyllenhaal. He continued to win acclaim for 2013's Enemy, 2015's Sicario, 2016's Arrival, 2017's Blade Runner 2049 and, most recently, 2021's Dune: Part One and 2024's Dune: Part Two. Daniel Craig was a much-loved Bond and enjoyed a five-film stint at 007 beginning with Casino Royale Amazon bosses are currently said to be considering locations in which to set the much-anticipated new film, which experts predicted is likely to be released at the end of next year or in 2027. Due to a filming ban being imposed in Central London next year, new locations are reportedly being considered - with Liverpool a frontrunner, according to The Sun. An insider told the publication: 'This will no doubt irk Bond purists who already fear Amazon taking over the 007 franchise may lead to them making big changes. 'But Liverpool is a well-known alternative to London for film-makers. 'It has appeared in everything from The Batman to Captain America and Harry Potter movies, doubling up as international cities.' The source added that it doesn't necessarily mean the story will be set in Liverpool - though eagle-eyed Merseysiders will no doubt spot their city centre in the background. It was announced earlier this year that Amazon Prime had taken over 'creative control' of the James Bond franchise leaving fans fearing the beloved films could be ruined by endless spin-offs such as Star Wars. There is reportedly set to be no explanation of how the special agent is still alive, no multiverse of Bonds and no attempt to go back to the 1960s for a vintage Bond in the next movie The deal comes after Amazon bought MGM Studios in 2022 as a part of its media push. The acquisition gave Amazon distribution rights to the 007 franchise but not creative control. The company is said to be fast-tracking the new movie after spending a reported $1 billion to regain control from Barbara Broccoli. There is reportedly set to be no explanation of how the special agent is still alive, no multiverse of Bonds and no attempt to go back to the 1960s for a vintage Bond. Barbara Broccoli's choice for Bond was thought to be Aaron Taylor-Johnson, who was once favourite for the role, but Heyman and Pascal are likely to want to choose their own 007. Freddy Brazier has revealed he had booked an impromptu trip to Ibiza on Instagram on Tuesday but while travelling to the airport, it went horribly wrong. Documenting his journey to Stansted Airport as he travelled by train, things took a turn for the worse as the 20-year-old seemed to get into an altercation. Just three hours after booking the flight, Freddy shared a photo of himself with his large yellow suitcase and designer backpack making his way to the airport. However, in a follow up snap, he revealed he missed his flight due to 'getting punched' and was handed a 'fine on the train'. Freddy penned: 'Missed my flight got punched and got a fine on the train what a s*** day.' The star, who is the second son of late reality star Jade Goody and TV presenter Jeff Brazier, also shared a selfie of what appeared to be a swollen eye. Freddy Brazier has revealed he had booked an impromptu trip to Ibiza on Instagram on Tuesday but while travelling to the airport it went horribly wrong Documenting his journey to Stansted Airport as he travelled by train, things took a turn for the worse as the 20-year-old seemed to get into an altercation MailOnline has contacted Freddy and Jeff's representatives for comment. It comes just three weeks after he announced he was going to rehab in Marbella, admitting he 'wanted a healthy relationship with his dad' following a family fallout. The model told fans at the time that he had been addicted to 'smoking' from the age of 12 and would be heading for treatment soon. Although, in a shock U-turn, Freddy changed his mind, explaining that he 'doesn't need rehab' and instead just 'needs a boys' holiday or a retreat'. Freddy is the youngest son of Jeff Brazier and the late Jade Goody, who also share an older son Bobby, 22. Jade died from cervical cancer in 2009, when Freddy was just four years old, and he has since been raised by his dad Jeff. Freddy and his maternal grandmother Jackiey Budden were spotted smoking suspicious cigarettes after their recent reconciliation, despite his dad's legal war to block contact. He was seen puffing with his gran, 68, in front of tourists near Tower Bridge in South London, after Mail On Sunday revealed Freddy had been living with his maternal grandmother for a week. Just three hours after booking the flight, Freddy made his way to the airport however, revealed he missed his flight due to 'getting punched' and was handed a 'fine on the train' It comes after Freddy insisted he is 'not' going to rehab - just days after revealing he was going to 'get clean' in Marbella (pictured in 2024) Freddy shared in an Instagram post on Sunday that he has decided he 'doesn't need rehab' and instead just 'needs a boys' holiday or a retreat' The son of Jeff Brazier and the late Jade Goody told fans last week that he has been addicted to smoking from the age of 12 and would be heading for treatment soon Jackiey and Jeff have clashed multiple times over the years, and it was revealed last month that the TV star is taking action in an attempt to legally block contact between his son and his grandmother 'to keep him safe'. Freddy also reportedly skipped his brother Bobby's birthday bash amid his feud with father Jeff over his relationship with grandmother Jackiey. EastEnders star Bobby turned 22 on June 2, and while other loved ones including his father and step-mum Kate were present, his sibling was noticeably absent. Despite Freddy acknowledging the birthday online, it is said that there was 'sadness' felt by the family that Freddy wasn't there to celebrate in person. A source told The Sun: 'It was a really nice family occasion but everyone really missed Freddy. 'He was of course invited but he is making his feelings quite clear at the moment about who he wants to be spending time with.' 'He did acknowledge that Bobby's birthday online but there was some sadness that he wasn't there with his brother,' they added. Neither Victoria Beckham or Geri Halliwell will attend their fellow Spice Girl Melanie Brown's wedding on Saturday, MailOnline can reveal. The fashion designer and Geri are both absent from the guest list for Scary Spice's big day at St Paul's Cathedral this weekend when she marries fiance Rory McPhee in what otherwise promises to be a star-studded bash. There is also a suggestion that another member of the band, either Emma Bunton or Melanie Chisholm, are also not going. Sources say that Posh, 51, will be abroad, with one explaining: 'Victoria has long standing plans out of the country and she simply can't be there. 'She adores Mel, they get on really well despite their paths going in opposite directions. It's a real shame. 'There is no issue between them, they haven't fallen out. It's just one of those things.' Neither Victoria Beckham or Geri Halliwell will attend their fellow Spice Girl Melanie Brown's wedding on Saturday, MailOnline can reveal The fashion designer and Geri are both absent from the guest list for Scary Spice 's big day at St Paul's Cathedral this weekend (pictured Mel B) As for Geri, she and Mel have a tempestuous relationship and at times have struggled to be in the same room without there being animosity. The two women went to war after Mel B revealed that she had an intimate relationship with Geri when the band was starting out while she was being interviewed for Piers Morgan's Life Stories programme. Geri was deeply upset by the bombshell revelation in 2019, for which Mel has apparently never apologised. Sources also say that Geri's husband Christian Horner was 'mortified' about Mel's claims. Neither Victoria or Geri attended Mel's 50th birthday in Leeds back in May. Just Emma and Mel C were in attendance. It is the third time that Mel will say 'I do' after first marrying Dutch backing dancer Jimmy Gulzar in 1998. For her big day, Mel wore a Vegas showgirl-style feathered headdress with a white and gold dress. And when she wed Stephen Belafonte in 2007, they eloped to Las Vegas before holding a vow renewal in Egypt the following year. There is also a suggestion that either Emma Bunton or Melanie C will not be going (Spice Girls pictured in 1996 L-R Emma Bunton, Mel C, Victoria Adams, Geri Halliwell and Mel B) Mel is set to marry fiance of three-years Rory McPhee, 37, at London's famous St. Paul's Cathedral later this year (pictured together) Mel and Stephen separated in 2016 when she accused him of emotional and physical abuse, which he has always denied. His lawyers said that during the marriage they spent her 50million fortune. Mel grew close to Rory after the breakdown of her marriage to Stephen. Last year, she said: 'He's a family friend, great hairdresser... when I went back to England, he would come over and give me hair treatments... 'And as he was nurturing my curls back, I guess he was nurturing my trust and belief in a relationship.' She is able to marry him at St Paul's Cathedral because of her OBE, which she got in 2022 for her services to charitable causes and vulnerable women, especially Woman's Aid. Mel B celebrated her upcoming wedding with a sun-soaked hen party in Tunisia, featuring leopard-print bikinis, a choreographed dance routine, and a 'Zen party'. Her daughter Phoenix and 35 friends joined in the festivities, which included a lavish menu and dancing by the ocean. The hen party also included a leopard print themed night, as well as a belly dancing class. Mel's first husband was Phoenix's father Jimmy Gulzar who she was married to between 1998 and 2000 (pictured 1999) Ryan Seacrest shocked his fans when he shared a series of Instagram photos on Monday looking noticeably slimmer. Seacrest unexpectedly sparked panic among his seven million followers, as many were worried about his appearance. Now, an insider has exclusively revealed to DailyMail.com the truth behind Seacrest's latest photos...and how he really feels about them. Seacrest, 50, shared a nine-slide carousel documenting his 'life lately,' including a picture of the American Idol presenter looking slim in a button-up shirt and matching pants, but his stylish ensemble looked a bit baggy. Commenters quickly aired their concerns, with one saying he looked 'frail' and another telling him 'youre getting too skinny.' 'Please tell me you're not on the skinny drugs too,' one commenter wrote anxiously. However, plenty of his fans rushed to his defense, with some saying it was 'rude' to discuss his weight, urging others to 'be positive and encouraging.' Now, an insider has told DailyMail.com that 'Ryan thought that the pictures made him look good.' Ryan Seacrest shocked his fans when he shared a series of Instagram photos on Monday looking noticeably slimmer The radio personality has been working out with a new trainer, Dodd Romero , who has also worked with Jennifer Lopez and Lenny Kravitz 'He's very happy and healthy,' the insider confirmed, adding, 'Nobody should be worried about him.' The media mogul, who is dating 32-year-old entrepreneur Camille Orders, has been busy working out this summer, which is what he credits with his new physique. The radio personality has been working out with a new trainer, Dodd Romero, who has also worked with Jennifer Lopez and Lenny Kravitz. He's also combined Pilates and yoga for the first time, which is what created the 'visible change.' 'Hes also been enjoying vacation time this summer and eating lots of pasta,' the source made sure to add. The Wheel of Fortune host has even been documenting his pasta excursions on Instagram. On Tuesday, he posted another carousel and wrote: 'Little time off for a pasta making lesson with my pal @brunellocucinelli; featuring a pot thats a monument to carbs.' The comments were much more encouraging, as fans praised the pictures and said the meal looked incredible, adding that it was brave he was cooking in a full suit. The media mogul, who is dating 32-year-old entrepreneur Camille Orders, has been busy working out this summer, which is what he credits with his new physique On Tuesday, he posted another carousel and wrote: 'Little time off for a pasta making lesson with my pal @brunellocucinelli; featuring a pot thats a monument to carbs' Seacrest has enjoyed a busy summer abroad. Before he was linked to Order, he previously admitted to feeling 'depressed' about being single nearly one year after he broke up with his longtime girlfriend, model Aubrey Paige. Now, he's moved on and is enjoying a European summer, despite the negative commentary. In June, he was spotted in Rome on a romantic stroll with his new girlfriend, who previously worked as an intern at E! News. 'People shouldn't be worried, he is in great spirits and great health and enjoying life,' the insider confirmed. Bethenny Frankel took to social media this week to voice her opinion on Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez's wedding extravaganza. The 55-year-old former journalist and 61-year-old Amazon founder gathered with loved ones to tie the knot in Italy last weekend. On Monday the ex Real Housewives of New York City personality, 54, unleashed her thoughts via TikTok and Instagram posts. In a minute-long video clip, she ranted about the couple's tacky invitation, which even drew ire from a tech giant. 'Ok, I've been diplomatic about the wedding,' Frankel began before adding, 'When I saw the invitation, that's when I got lost.' She made a point to issue a disclaimer ahead of her criticism: 'I happen to love Lauren Sanchez and I also adore Amazon, so I am treading lightly. But you know me, I have a difficult time holding back when I have an opinion.' Bethenny Frankel took to social media this week to voice her opinion on Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez's wedding extravaganza The 55-year-old former journalist and 61-year-old Amazon founder gathered with loved ones to tie the knot in Italy last weekend Bethenny, known for her hot takes, joked, '[With] the invitation, you lost me. 'And as a result, for the people, I'm going to start dating so I can eventually get married and have a wedding and make up for that invitation because that invitation... I could not stay silent.' Noting her tendency to catch flack for being outspoken, she continued, 'I'm sorry. It's the lord's work. I take a couple of hits, I get dinged up and bruised, and I get into trouble but the invitation is where you lost me.' Frankel who called off her engagement to Paul Bernon in 2024 and later dated Tom Villante declared: 'I am open for business after seven months. 'I am starting to date for the people and I will be having a wedding at some point. 'I just don't know when or where, but I can't wait for you to see my invitation.' Across her video, which was filmed on a boat as she wore a sun hat, sunglasses, and a white bra, was the hilarious note, 'POV: I'm getting married...' Bethenny captioned the post, 'Ps. Im in a bra on a boat....so you should question the source....' The invitation featured what appeared to be computer-generated graphics of butterflies, doves, the Venice canals, gondolas, and feathers in purple, gray and pink After catching wind of Jeff and Lauren's 'cringe' wedding invitation, Adobe Express posted a polished iteration Described as the 'wedding of a century,' Lauren and Jeff exchanged vows in front of nearly 200 VIPs on San Giorgio Maggiore island in Venice, Italy, on Friday Lauren and Jeff's invitation, obtained by ABC News last week ahead of the wedding, featured computer-generated graphics of butterflies, doves, the Venice canals, gondolas, and feathers in purple, gray and pink. The public quickly took to the internet to criticize the correspondence, which many agreed looked like it had been created by a '10-year-old.' Using the buzz as a promotional opportunity, content creator tool Adobe Express took to Instagram with a subtle slight to the bride and groom and posted a much more sophisticated-looking iteration. Referencing the couple's request for 'no gifts,' the caption read: 'I know you said no gifts, but it really only took us a couple minutes. XOXO, Adobe Express.' Amanda Seyfried and Adam Brody are facing backlash over their recent 'tone deaf' remarks about disgraced film producer Harvey Weinstein. Seyfried, 39, and Brody, 45, discussed their knowledge of the Weinstein 'rumors' while appearing together on Variety's Actors On Actors series last month. In a snippet shared to Variety's Instagram, Seyfried claimed she 'didn't know the extent' of Weinstein's abuses while Brody said he 'knew he was scary' but 'hadn't heard anything sexual' until Weinstein was exposed in 2017. The conversation took a bizarre turn as Seyfried recalled her own past encounter with Weinstein, with both her and Brody smiling and laughing throughout. She recalled being awestruck by Weinstein, who she described as the 'big papa of the room,' when he agreed to attend the premiere of her 2013 film Lovelace. The actress shuttered as she remembered 'giving him the biggest hug' at the event. Seyfried and Brody's Actors On Actors episode was released on June 9 amid Weinstein's highly-publicized rape and sexual assault retrial in New York City. Two days alter, Weinstein was found guilty of sexually assaulting his former assistant but not guilty of forcing oral sex on a teenage model. The judge declared a mistrial on a third charge of rape after the jury failed to reach a unanimous decision. Fans were left outraged by both Seyfried and Brody 'laughing' during the Weinstein discussion, with many calling them out in the comment section of Variety's post. DailyMail.com has reached out to representatives for both Seyfried and Brody for comment. Amanda Seyfried and Adam Brody after facing backlash over their recent 'tone deaf' remarks about disgraced film producer Harvey Weinstein. Seyfried, 39, and Brody, 45, discussed their knowledge of the Weinstein 'rumors' while appearing together on Variety's Actors On Actors series last month 'This is far from funny omg how repugnant of them,' one IG user wrote, with another adding: 'The way they are both laughing during this story is quite disturbing.' Many also refused to believe that the actors 'didn't know' about the Weinstein allegations, which industry figures have claimed was an 'open secret' in Hollywood. 'Oh they know. Everyone in hollywood knows,' one Instagram user claimed, with another fan going as far as to accuse Brody and Seyfried of 'lying.' 'Genuinely curious how they "didnt know" when every actor I've met in Los Angeles including myself, heard stories about that dude. I moved here in 08, everyone knew, if they say they didn't, they're [lying],' the fan commented. However, several Variety followers came to Brody and Seyfried's defense as they praised the duo for being 'genuine' during the conversation. 'Love her honesty,' said one fan of Seyfried's Weinstein story. The topic of Weinstein came up after Seyfried alluded to a 'moment' she had at the Sundance premiere of her film Lovelace Brody remembered that 'Harvey Weinstein bought' Lovelace, in which Seyfried plays real-life porn star Linda Lovelace, during the 2013 festival. He also recalled Weinstein attending a Sundance 'party' but encouraged Seyfried to tell the story how she remembered it. 'I remember seeing him drive away. This was pre-everybody admitting that he was the way everybody knew he was but I ,' Seyfried began before Brody interrupted her. 'I knew [Weinstein] was scary, but I actually didn't know...,' he said. '[Didn't know] to the extent,' Seyfried added. 'I didn't know the extent.' In a snippet shared to Variety's Instagram , Seyfried claimed she 'didn't know the extent' of Weinstein's abuses while Brody said he 'knew he was scary' but 'hadn't heard anything sexual' until Weinstein was exposed in 2017 The conversation took a bizarre turn as Seyfried recalled her own past encounter with Weinstein, with both her and Brody smiling and laughing throughout Brody claimed that he 'hadn't heard anything sexual' but appeared to suggest that he mostly likely 'wouldn't have' since Weinstein's victims were women. 'I had heard, like, a few rumors,' Seyfried admitted. 'I see,' Brody replied. Seyfried then launched into her story about inviting Weinstein to the Sundance premiere of Lovelace. 'Yeah, I remember seeing him in a car and Im like, "Harvey!" Seyfried began before letting out a laugh and remarking, "Oh, I'm so stupid."' She continued: 'Slow motion, he's like rolling down his window and I'm like, "Are you gonna come to Lovelace tomorrow?" And he's like, "Um, I'm supposed to fly out in the morning. When is it?"' Seyfried said she told Weinstein the details and that he told her, '"I'll make it there!"' At the time, Seyfried was thrilled that Weinstein had agreed to attend the premiere. 'And then I looked to Abby, my agent, who's still my agent, of course, and she was like, "Oh my God, Amanda, that's so great."' Weinstein attended the premiere like he said he would and ended up 'buying' Lovelace during the festival. 'He's like, "I bought it,"' Seyfried remembered Weinstein telling her. 'And I gave him the biggest hug and I'm like, "Oh my God, thank you."' Seyfried reenacted the hug for Brody by hugging herself in her seat. She later found out that it was actually Weinstein's brother Bob Weinstein's company Radius-TWC who purchased the distribution rights. Seyfried and Brody's Actors On Actors episode was released on June 9 amid Weinstein's highly-publicized rape and sexual assault retrial in New York City; Weinstein seen on June 12 Fans were left outraged by both Seyfried and Brody 'laughing' during the Weinstein discussion, with many calling them out in the comment section of Variety's Instagram post Many also refused to believe that the actors 'didn't know' about the Weinstein allegations, which were believed to be an 'open secret' in Hollywood However, several Variety followers came to Brody and Seyfried's defense as they praised the duo for being 'genuine' during the conversation. 'Love her honesty,' said one fan of Seyfried's Weinstein story What she remembered most about her entire experience with Weinstein was the 'excitement' in the room at the premiere. 'It was just the excitement with which the whole room was buzzing. And I gave him the biggest hug,' she recalled. 'I'm like, you know, "Harvey bought it." And he was like the big papa of the room.' Seyfried stopped mid-story to exhale and dramatically wipe Weinstein's 'hug' off of her. 'But it's just the way it was,' she continued. 'We all needed him to want our project if it was an indie because that meant it was gonna go somewhere.' 'Yeah, yeah. Wild,' said Brody. 'I remember him at the party.' Seyfried then interrupted him to joke, 'Where is [Weinstein] now?' Brody then sarcastically added: 'Yeah, what is he doing?' 'I'm just kidding,' said Seyfried. 'So f***ed up.' Brody then continued his story about seeing Weinstein at the film's after-party. 'I remember him bouncing around the party a bit and like the, you know, whispers [that], "He's behind you." But that's sort of it. I didn't get to hug him.' Seyfried declared that 'Hollywood is a safer place' now because Weinstein was 'like the dictator kind of.' 'He set the tone. He was the number one,' Brody said. 'And also people were scared of him' added Seyfried. 'And if people are scared of somebody, the right things don't happen.' The Project star Kate Langbroek and Sarah Harris are still not over Channel Ten's shock decision to axe the long-running news program. Langbroek, 59, took to Instagram to make a brutal swipe at the network alongside a selfie with Harris while inside the show's studio. 'She made it look so easy it was easy to take her for granted,' Kate captioned the story. Kate shared the same image a second time, alongside the text: 'Tuesday's now Bluesday. Tuesday is not the same without The Project and my girl.' In the snap, Kate pouted while posing alongside Sarah with her arm around her shoulder. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. It seems former Project stars Kate Langbroek and Sarah Harris are still not over Channel 10's shock decision to axed the long-running news program Sarah alongside The Project hosts Waleed Aly, and Hamish Macdonald are set to exit the network Sarah, alongside The Project hosts Waleed Aly and Hamish Macdonald, are set to exit the network, while comedian Sam Taunton will continue his guest appearances on other Ten shows. The Project was pulled from the schedule after 16 years and more than 4,500 episodes. The show also received mixed reviews from other viewers, with many sharing their thoughts on X. Several compared 10 News+ to A Current Affair, with one posting: 'This is like ACA. Going to people's houses to talk and them avoiding the cameras.' 'You replaced The Project with a Temu ACA not seeing @theprojecttv is incredibly depressing. 10news+ sucks!' complained another viewer. Someone else said: 'This is proper @Channel7 style commercial JUNK. It's like watching a cross between Fox News and Anchorman. Why the silly "news" voices!?' One more person tuning in at home asked: 'Anyone else bored so far?' while someone else said, 'please no more long investigation reports it's 6pm'. The show's hosts, recently poached Seven journalists Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace, opened the episode by telling the audience what they can expect The Project was officially axed after 16 years last week, and aired its final episode on June 27. Pictured L to R: Sam Taunton, Waleed Aly, Sarah Harris, and Georgie Tunny 'Oh dear. I thought I would give 10 News Plus a go.I feel like we have regressed 20 years! An inauthentic painfully choreographed attempt at current affairs!' one said. 'Dribble. Won't last the year' a viewer said with another adding, 'Felt like it was a Comedy Company parody from the 80s. The fist pump at the end? Yikes.' Not everyone was so negative with one fan writing: 'Loving @10NewsPlus - strong launch story. Is this the new Schapelle Corby story we all need to know about. 10 news should be very proud.' The show's hosts, recently poached Seven journalists Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace, opened the episode by telling the audience what they can expect from the hard-hitting program. 'Firstly, we're not here to tell you what to think, to scare or depress you,' Hitchcock said. 'We will give you facts, information you can trust the truth,' Brace added. Of course, we are a daily news program, so you won't miss the stories that matter,' Hitchcock went on. 'But we are also digging deeper with investigations and original reporting you won't see anywhere else,' Brace said. The first episode included an investigation on drug-smuggling Melbourne mum Debbie Voulgaris and a sit-down chat with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Lisa Hyde has been rushed to hospital after collapsing at her home. The Bachelor star shared a photo to Instagram on Tuesday while in a neck brace and lying in a hospital bed after being diagnosed with Crowned dens syndrome (CDS). CDS is a rare condition leading to neck pain and stiffness after too many calcium deposits form on the bone's surrounding ligaments. 'Sometimes you don't choose the break, the break chooses you. I've been constantly pushing myself and my body just couldn't keep up,' she wrote. 'Grateful for the wakeup call and the chance to slow down and reset (although next time I'd appreciate a beach somewhere in Europe.' From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Bachelor star Lisa Hyde (pictured) has been rushed to hospital after collapsing at her home The Aussie TV star shared a photo to Instagram on Tuesday while in a neck brace and lying in a hospital bed after being diagnosed with Crowned Dens Syndrome (CDS) Lisa also shared a video surrounded by family in hospital and said: 'We are staying positive! 'I have a good cheer squad keeping me entertained with dance performances, snacks, cute giggles, and mum's new zumba moves. Laughter really is the best medicine.' Lisa revealed she had been rushed to hospital earlier this week after collapsing at her home. 'Went to hospital and they said it was just muscular, but I knew something wasn't right,' she said. 'Got home, then collapsed a couple hours later. My parents found me on the floor, barely able to talk or move. The pain was unbearable.' She later explained: 'They're now treating me for something called Crowned dens syndrome.' 'It's a rare condition where uric acid crystals build up in the spine causing intense neck and head pain.' Lisa shot to fame on Blake Garvey's 2014 season of The Bachelor. Lisa also shared a video surrounded by family in hospital and said: 'We are staying positive' After failing to find love, she briefly returned to reality TV in 2018 on the first season of Bachelor In Paradise. Shortly after her split from co-star Luke McLeod, Lisa found love with Damon Collina and they welcomed daughter Myja-Jae in July 2019. At the time, Lisa admitted the difficulty in balancing motherhood with a burgeoning business empire. 'I used to think I was so busy before I became a mum,' she told Daily Mail Australia. 'I had no idea!' 'In the first three months of having MJ, I was lucky enough to find time in the day to shower or do anything for myself really - that part they don't tell you,' Lisa added. 'For me, the key to juggling "mum life" and running a business is having a good routine and surrounding myself with people you can trust and rely on.' The Venice, Italy wedding of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez was quite the star-studded affair, with the event filled with A-listers. The guest list included everyone from Orlando Bloom to Oprah to Kim Kardashian, to name just a few. One of the more surprising celebs spotted in Venice was actress Sydney Sweeney, who had many scratching their heads since she doesn't appear to be close friends with either the bride or the groom. The 27-year-old made headlines during the festivities by partying with the likes of Tom Brady and recently-single Orlando Bloom. Still, her inclusion at the lavish $50 million wedding left some baffled, though now a new report sheds some light on why she was actually there. It seems Sweeney's arrival was a show of respect for her future boss Bezos, according to a new report from Page Six. The Venice, Italy wedding of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez was quite the star-studded affair, with the event filled with A-listers One of the more surprising celebs spotted in Venice was actress Sydney Sweeney , which had many scratching their heads since she doesn't appear to be close friends with either the bride or the groom Back in March, Sweeney signed on to star in the video game adaptation of the recent hit Split Fiction. The adaptation will be directed by Jon M. Chu (Wicked) and written by Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick (Deadpool & Wolverine). Then in early June, Amazon MGM Studios picked up the project, which seemingly lead to an invite extended to Sweeney for Bezos' wedding. A source admitted Sweeney, 'is not friends with either one of them,' though adding she, 'came to pay respect to the "boss," just like in the old days of Hollywood.' The fantasy/sci-fi game Split Fiction follows authors Mio and Zoe who become trapped within the worlds they have written. It's unclear which of the two main characters Sweeney will portray, with Amazon said to be 'actively looking' to cast her co-star. Sweeney will also be returning to HBO's Euphoria as Cassie Howard, and she recently starred in Apple TV Plus' Echo Valley with Julianne Moore. She is also playing trailblazing female boxer Christy Martin in an upcoming biopic that is in post-production and expected to be released later this year. Back in March, Sweeney signed on to star in the video game adaptation of the recent hit Split Fiction Then in early June, Amazon MGM Studios picked up the project, which seemingly lead to an invite extended to Sweeney for Bezos' wedding A source admitted Sweeney, 'is not friends with either one of them,' though adding she, 'came to pay respect to the "boss," just like in the old days of Hollywood.' Sweeney is currently single, coming off her engagement with producer and businessman Jonathan Davino. They started dating in 2018 and he popped the question in 2022, though they broke up and called off the wedding in March 2025. Sources told Daily Mail that they were going through a 'rough patch' and they were trying to 'reassess' their relationship. Another report said that Sweeney felt 'overwhelmed' by the wedding and she 'didn't feel right about it.' Kellie Finlayson has revealed the emotional challenges of dealing with her terminal cancer diagnosis in a candid new interview. The AFL WAG, 29, who is married to Port Adelaide star Jeremy Finlayson, is battling stage four bowel and lung cancer and has undergone thoracic surgery in recent months. She was first diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2021 and revealed in 2022 that the illness had spread to her lungs. Appearing on the Jess Rowe Big Talk Show podcast's Safe Space series, Kellie, who was promoting her new memoir There Must Be More, said that she was 'thriving' in the wake of her diagnosis. When Jess asked Kellie what she meant by 'thriving', she said it was all about changing her frame of mind. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMails new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Kellie Finlayson has revealed the emotional challenges of dealing with her terminal cancer diagnosis in a candid new interview on the Jess Rowe Big Talk Show 'It completely comes from mindset,' she said. 'I feel like I still live each day the same as that I used to, if not with more life, if that makes sense,' she said. 'I turned a really s***ty situation into a pretty incredible one and a really powerful one with a lot of purpose.' Kellie added that one of the challenges of battling cancer could be how the diagnosis robs the sufferer of agency. 'We don't get many choices when we're diagnosed. We get start this treatment or die, essentially. They're your options - get really, really sick from this treatment, or don't be here anymore,' she said. Kellie added that one choice still in front of her was how she chose to fight the disease emotionally. 'The only choice I guess I did have was how I responded to that and how I almost copped it on the chin like an insult,' she said. '[I] got on with life and did the things I could do to make each day okay initially and now great.' Kellie said that she was 'thriving' in the wake of her diagnosis 'It completely comes from mindset,' she said. 'I feel like I still live each day the same as that I used to, if not with more life, if that makes sense.' Jess then asked Kellie if she had ever experienced "why me?" moments with the WAG replying that, it all comes down to mindset. 'I've had my "why me?" moments obviously. If I hadn't I'd be a bloody psychopath,' she admitted. 'It did take me a little bit of time, but I realised that I could flip that and have more of the 'why not me?' approach. 'Multiple people are diagnosed every single day with this exact cancer. Why shouldn't it be me? Why shouldn't it be someone that can give so much purpose to it? Someone that can thrive with it? 'Why should it be an 80-year-old woman that is so frail that she'll probably last three months and give us another bad statistic?' Kellie's candid admission comes after she recently gave a heartbreaking insight into what she thinks about while undergoing chemotherapy. Speaking with Woman's Day in April, she revealed there's a moment in the memoir where she writes about a time she 'didn't want to wake up' and 'asked the nurses to turn off the machines'. 'I talk about the days I didn't want to wake up and a time I asked nurses to turn off the machines. There are emotions there Jeremy didn't even know I had,' Kellie told the magazine. 'It was a very naked feeling when it was released but it's also the best thing I've ever done. People can understand where I've been.' 'I've had my "why me?" moments obviously. If I hadn't I'd be a bloody psychopath,' she admitted 'Multiple people are diagnosed every single day with this exact cancer. Why shouldn't it be me? Why shouldn't it be someone that can give so much purpose to it? Someone that can thrive with it? Kellie is pictured with husband Jeremy Finlayson and daughter Sophia, three In March, Kellie revealed she had undergone a VATS procedure to remove a piece of tissue from her lungs. VATS stands for Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery, which is a form of keyhole surgery. She revealed that doctors had removed metastatic tissue from her lungs. Metastatic tissue occurs when cancer cells spread from a primary tumour to other areas in the body to form new tumours. The young mum published a clip of herself lying in a hospital bed, writing: 'Me a week ago'. In the next frame, Finlayson looked bright and well, sharing a brief clip of two scars on the left side of her rib cage following the surgery. 'Just over a week ago I was having a VATS wedge resection on my right lung to remove Mets and send off tissue to pathology in hope for more answers/better treatment plans,' Kellie captioned the video. 'I've had soooo many people checking in to see how I'm doing, thank you!!! 'And honestly, I'm so fine. Which I know is incredible given the major surgery I've just undergone and I know not everyone is as lucky. But hey, I'll take the wins when I can get them in this never-ending experience.' Kellie and Jeremy tied the knot in March 2023, in an intimate ceremony at South Australia's Tennyson Beach. They share daughter Sophia, three, who was born in 2021, just months before Kellie was first diagnosed. Rihanna put her blossoming baby bump on display when she stepped out in Paris this week with her younger son Riot holding her hand. The 37-year-old shares two sons, RZA, three, and Riot, 23 months, with her rapper boyfriend A$AP Rocky, and she is currently expecting their third. She joyously went public with her latest pregnancy at this May's Met Gala, which happened to have Rocky as one of the co-chairs. Now, she has been spotted in a rare public outing with little Riot, in the glamorous and upscale 8th arrondissement of the French capital. Cutting a stylish figure in a layered cropped polo shirt and a charcoal set of maternity jeans, she slung on a statement handbag by Dior. The purse was the newly redesigned Book Tote based on the first edition cover of Dracula by Bram Stoker, an author whose Irish nationality is shared by Dior's new creative director Jonathan Anderson. Rihanna put her blossoming baby bump on display when she stepped out in Paris this week with her younger son Riot holding her hand Jonathan, who is known for founding his own line JW Anderson, made his Dior debut with the brand's menswear show in Paris last week - an event attended by Rihanna. Rihanna's latest outing comes two days after Rocky appeared to accidentally reveal the gender of their third child while attending the world premiere of her film Smurfs held at Mont des Arts in Brussels, Belgium on Sunday. When ET's Kevin Frazier asked the 36-year-old rapper 'Is that the girl you've been waiting for' he immediately replied: 'It is, man, it is.' Feeling cornered, A$AP (born Rakim Athelaston Mayers) then held up a plush Smurfette doll and redirected: 'Right here, you know what I'm saying? Right here.' Over on ET's official Instagram account, fans went wild with user @aysenuurkc exclaiming: 'It's [a] girl!' 'He definitely gave it away,' Instagram user @khadija_sufi laughed. 'How cutely he promoted the movie and showed his love for her!' Instagram user @fashionistaera21 gushed. 'That's a real man supporting his girl.' Instagram user @hot_cheetos_0001 commented: 'Put a ring on it. Do it the right way.' The 37-year-old shares two sons, RZA, three, and Riot, 23 months, with her rapper boyfriend A$AP Rocky , and she is currently expecting their third She joyously went public with her latest pregnancy at this May's Met Gala, which happened to have Rocky as one of the co-chairs Now, she has been spotted in a rare public outing with little Riot, in the glamorous and upscale 8th arrondissement of the French capital Cutting a stylish figure in a layered cropped polo shirt and a charcoal set of maternity jeans, she slung on a statement handbag by Dior The purse was based on the first edition cover of Dracula by Bram Stoker, an author whose Irish nationality is shared by Dior's new creative director Jonathan Anderson Jonathan, who is known for founding his own line JW Anderson, made his Dior debut with the brand's menswear show in Paris last week - an event attended by Rihanna Riri (born Robyn Fenty) did confirm that the couple would give their next child a name that begins with R : 'That's the one thing me and Rocky don't fight over' 'He needs to marry her,' Instagram user @chibiapril0412 agreed. When Frazier asked the expecting 36-year-old the same exact question, she smiled coyly and replied: 'Let's see if it's a Smurfette...It could be a Papa Smurf. Who knows?' Riri (born Robyn Fenty) did confirm that the couple would give their next child a name that begins with R: 'That's the one thing me and Rocky don't fight over.' When asked how many more children they planned on having, the two-time Grammy nominee joked: 'We [are] going to be like the Wayans' family, you know? Yeah, I mean, love is beautiful and it's just [about] spreading it.' The nine-time Grammy winner and A$AP Rocky already welcomed two sons - RZA Athelston Mayers, 3; and Riot Rose Mayers, 22 months - during their five-year relationship and she hasn't been shy in the past over her dream of having a daughter. But the power couple - who share matching 1988 tattoos to mark their birth year - originally met in 2011 when she first enlisted him to rap on her song Cockiness (Love It). A$AP Rocky was facing up to eight years in prison until February 18 when a jury found him not guilty of two counts of assault with a semi-automatic firearm stemming from a 2021 shooting of his longtime friend A$AP Relli (born Terell Ephron). The AWGE founder's late Bajan father reportedly went to prison when he was only 12, and he spent his teen years moving around homeless shelters with his mother and sister. Rocky appeared to accidentally reveal the gender of their third child while attending the world premiere of her film Smurfs held at Mont des Arts in Brussels, Belgium on Sunday Over on ET's official Instagram account, fans went wild with user @aysenuurkc exclaiming: 'It's [a] girl!' 'He definitely gave it away,' Instagram user @khadija_sufi laughed 'How cutely he promoted the movie and showed his love for her!' Instagram user @fashionistaera21 gushed. 'That's a real man supporting his girl' Instagram user @hot_cheetos_0001 commented: 'Put a ring on it. Do it the right way' 'He needs to marry her,' Instagram user @chibiapril0412 agreed When Frazier asked the expecting 36-year-old the same exact question, she smiled coyly and replied: 'Let's see if it's a Smurfette...It could be a Papa Smurf. Who knows?' Rihanna produced and voiced Smurfette in Paramount Animation's Smurfs - hitting UK/US theaters July 18 - along with writing and recording original songs like Friend Of Mine. Smurfette was previously voiced by the Bajan billionaire's rival pop stars Katy Perry and Demi Lovato. Chris Miller's animated film will also feature Nick Offerman, Natasha Lyonne, JP Karliak, Dan Levy, Amy Sedaris, Nick Kroll, James Corden, Octavia Spencer, Hannah Waddingham, Sandra Oh, Alex Winter, Billie Lourd, Xolo Mariduena, Kurt Russell, and John Goodman. A$AP Rocky also took on an acting role as Yung Felony in Spike Lee's critically-acclaimed neo-noir crime thriller Highest 2 Lowest, which hits US theaters August 22 before streaming on Apple TV+ starting September 5. But there is still no release date for the New York native's long-delayed fourth studio album, Don't Be Dumb. Rihanna also keeps busy with her $3B lingerie line Savage X Fenty, which she parlayed into a $600M cosmetics company Fenty Beauty as well as Fenty Skin, Fenty Fragrance, and Fenty Hair. Love Island bombshell Bilikis Azeez has a secret ex-boyfriend who once starred on the show, MailOnline can reveal. New arrival, Bilikis, aka Billykiss, used to date 2022 Islander Dami Hope, who's still in a relationship with his Love Island girlfriend Indiyah Polack. Content creator Bilikis, 28, entered the villa during Tuesday night's episode and took fellow Irish star Conor Phillips and Dejon Noel-Williams on a date. But one viewer would have been shocked by her announcement after Dami, who still co-owns a business with his ex, had no idea she would be appearing on the series. It will also be an awkward watch for Dami's current girlfriend, former Islander Indiyah, who is on the Love Island Aftersun panel with host Maya Jama and co-stars Sam Thompson and Amy Hart. A source revealed: 'Bilikis and Dami have known each other for years after both growing up in Dublin. Love Island bombshell Bilikis Azeez has a secret ex-boyfriend who once starred on the show, MailOnline can reveal New arrival, Bilikis, aka Billykiss, used to date 2022 Islander Dami Hope, who's still in a relationship with his Love Island girlfriend Indiyah Polack Content creator Bilikis entered the villa during Tuesday night's episode and took fellow Irish star Conor Phillips and Dejon Noel-Williams on a date 'They dated a long time ago but still run a party business together so Dami not given a heads up on her villa entrance may not have gone down well. 'Their former fling is guaranteed to be discussed on Aftersun given Dami's girlfriend Indiyah is a regular panellist.' Dami and Indiyah have been together since meeting on Love Island in 2022, the year Ekin-Su Culculoglu and Davide Sanclimenti won the series. They are the only couple from their season still going strong after this year saw Tasha Ghouri and Andrew Le Page split while the likes of Gemma Owen and Luca Bish only lasted three months. Indiyah has become a standout star from her year, going onto present the MOBO Awards and appear alongside Maya on the Aftersun panel each Sunday. Bilikis's arrival has already left Islander Megan Moore unsettled, after she romanced Dejon, who she has been coupled up with since the show's launch three weeks ago. During Tuesday's show, Dejon revealed his head could be turned, saying: 'She's a pretty girl, her body is ridiculous, we had good chat and she's confident she's in unbelievable shape.' MailOnline has contacted an ITV spokesperson for comment. Indiyah has become a standout star from her year, going onto present the MOBO Awards and appear alongside Maya Jama on the Aftersun panel each Sunday Dami and Indiyah have been together since meeting on Love Island in 2022, the year Ekin-Su Culculoglu and Davide Sanclimenti won the series Irish rugby player Conor also went on a date with Bilikis, which was his first since love interest Megan Forte Clarke left the villa last week. In an exclusive interview, Megan said she wasn't offended that Conor didn't follow her and is prepared to wait for him but will be closely watching his villa antics. She told MailOnline: 'I wouldn't want him to make a rash decision out of emotion, but we shall see how he behaves, if someone comes in fair enough but as of now, I think there is something between us so I will see how it goes. 'I will definitely be watching the show but not for too long because the FOMO gets to me, I want to be in there, but I have to see the girls and their best bits and how they are getting on with the boys.' When asked how she feels about the latest bombshell, Megan said: 'I'm like Conor, please stay away, don't forget me!' The wife of former Australian Prime Minister Bob Hawke looked unrecognisable as she promoted her new raunchy book in Sydney. Blanche d'Alpuget, who became a widow in 2019 after her husband passed away, featured in a video posted to Facebook last week by Abbey's Bookshop. In the clip, the 81-year-old wore a bold makeup look and heavy rouge on her cheeks as she encouraged fans to buy her new book The Bunny Club. She wrapped up warm in a neutral-toned puffer jacket as she visited the iconic Sydney bookstore, accessorising with a red beret, a patterned scarf and pearl earrings. Her hair, usually voluminous and curled, was a far cry from her signature do as it lay flat on her head in a short, straight bob. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMails new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. The wife of former Australian Prime Minister Bob Hawke looked unrecognisable as she promoted her new raunchy book in Sydney. Pictured right in recent years and left this week In 2020, Blanche sensationally claimed in a bombshell biography that her late husband Bob (left) had four affairs while he was prime minister and was addicted to sex 'There's plenty of s-e-x in it,' she told her fans of her new novel. Adding her saucy take on the 'murder mystery' genre, she revealed that it's 'not clear if it's murder or a sex game gone wrong.' 'Blanche D'Alpuget delivers a gripping novel that unravels the shocking death of Australia's darling, the nation's most beloved and recognisable morning television presenter, found dead under mysterious and disturbing circumstances in her Southern Highlands home,' the caption read. In 2020, Blanche sensationally claimed in a bombshell biography that her late husband Bob had four affairs while he was prime minister and was addicted to sex. The revered politician had about four 'serious affairs' while national leader from 1983 until 1991, his widow told the writers of Bob Hawke: Demons and Destiny. Hawke was married to his wife Hazel from 1956 until their divorce in 1995; the affair with d'Alpuget began in 1976 and went on and off before starting again in 1988. She said Hawke's behaviour would be classed as a sex addiction. 'At the end of a day of intense activity, he somehow had to let off steam, as it were, and theres nothing like a roll in the hay or five to do that,' d'Alpuget said. 'At the end of a day of intense activity, he somehow had to let off steam, as it were, and theres nothing like a roll in the hay or five to do that,' d'Alpuget said The book claims Hawke's charm saw countless women mesmerised, with women throwing themselves at him in the 1960s and 1970s. If rejected, Hawke was known to be brutal. Former tourism minister John Brown also recalled how Hawke 'constantly' chased women - and wasn't remotely discreet, according to excepts from the book seen by The Australian. Ex-union secretary Bill Kelty, who worked with Hawke at the Australian Council of Trade Unions, said the politician would routinely sleep with women during drinking benders which lasted until the early hours of the morning. 'Bob would drink, he would f**k somebody, and he would gamble until 2.30am or 3.30am in the morning - and then when the ACTU executive started at 9am in the morning, he was the second one there and he was fine,' Kelty recalled. Hawke famously gave up alcohol throughout his leadership despite being a heavy drinker in his trade union days. Pirates Of The Caribbean star Bob Elmore has died aged 65. The actor starred as the executioner in 2007's Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End and worked as a stuntman on 2003's The Curse of the Black Pearl. He is also known for his role as Leatherface in the Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2. His Chainsaw Massacre co-star Caroline Williams shared the news to Instagram on Sunday. The actress, 68, who played Stretch in the film series, uploaded a photo of them together and wrote: 'My dear Bob Elmore has passed...' Bob's cause of death is currently unknown. Pirates Of The Caribbean star Bob Elmore has died aged 65 The actor starred as the executioner in 2007's Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End and worked as a stuntman on 2003's The Curse of the Black Pearl Fans paid tribute in the comments section writing: 'Oh no......What a terrible loss. I'm so sorry to see him go, but I know he's in good company.' Others added: 'Absolutely gutted. An honour and privilege to meet him only a few months ago here in the U.K. what a gentleman, a giant of a man and the most epic white beard. My favourite Bubba rest easy sir'; 'So sad to hear, meeting you and Bob last year was one of my highlights of the year. Bob was an incredibly kind soul and Im happy to have had the chance to meet him'; 'Im literally at work crying right now after hearing this. Bob was the man'; 'So sorry to hear. My heart goes out to you and the whole tcm family'; 'So sad, and I only just got to know him. RIP Leatherface'; 'Im so very sorry to hear, he was a lovely man.' Bob had no films in the works but was schedueled to appear at next year's Horror Realm Convention. The event shared to Facebook: 'Awful news coming out that Bob Elmore has passed away. 'We were fortunate to have him as a guest at Horror Realm a few years back. He was actually booked for 2026 but we have not announced any guests yet. 'We are sorry we wont have a chance to be with him one more time. Our condolences to Bobs family. R.I.P. Bob.' His Chainsaw Massacre co-star Caroline Williams shared the news to Instagram on Sunday Fans paid tribute in the comments section writing: 'Oh no......What a terrible loss. I'm so sorry to see him go, but I know he's in good company' Elsewhere, Johnny Depp, who is enjoying a comeback, is reportedly in 'advanced' talks to reprise his role in yet another Pirates of the Caribbean adventure. The UK website Express reported the bosses at Disney, which made the five previous Pirates films, are getting ready to greenlight the project, quoted a senior executive who said 'It's very close to being a done deal.' 'A script is already in place and Disney views this as a series reboot, meaning the door will be wide open for more future episodes for Johnny, despite everything he has been through,' the exec told the outlet. Depp, 61, was dropped by Disney after his ex-wife, Amber Heard, wrote about her experience as a victim of domestic abuse, although she did not publicly name Depp as her alleged abuser. After the op-ed was published a UK newspaper that branded him a 'wife beater,' and he was dropped by Disney and from other projects including the Fantastic Beasts franchise. Depp lost his defamation suit against the UK publication, but won millions in a civil trial in the US against Heard, 38, vindicating himself while destroying Heard's career. Teddi Mellencamp celebrated her 44th birthday with family and friends on Sunday and Monday amid her ongoing stage 4 cancer battle. On Sunday, the Two Ts in a Podcaster kicked off her festivities with a fully-clothed morning leap into the backyard pool of her $6.5M Encino marital home with her 10-year-old son Cruz. Teddi's estranged husband Edwin Arroyave filmed all the action as their three children presented her with handwritten birthday messages and presents in bed. Little Cruz procured Mellencamp a pair of Beats headphones and her 12-year-old daughter Slate gave her a black quilted purse, which curiously had cash inside. The nepo-baby of John Mellencamp - whose suitcase was packed for a family trip - then headed to 'linner' with her BFF/co-host Tamra Judge as well as six other gal pals. 'I accidentally keep telling people I am turning 34 instead of turning 44. Maybe it's the steroids. Maybe it's wishful thinking. You decide,' Teddi - who boasts 1.2M Instagram followers - joked. Teddi Mellencamp celebrated her 44th birthday with family and friends on Sunday and Monday amid her ongoing stage 4 cancer battle 'It's always a special birthday when I get to spend it with my girls but this one was extra special because I got my first Labubu!' Mellencamp - who's actively dating men via the Hinge dating app - is an avid equestrian who owns three horses, so it made sense that her birthday cake was horse-themed. On Monday morning - her actual birthday - the RHOBH guest star shared a selfie with Cruz, Slate, and her five-year-old daughter Dove in bed captioned: '43 was pretty rough but couldn't ask for a better start to 44 with worlds best cuddlers.' Next Monday would have marked Teddi and Edwin's 14th wedding anniversary had she not started divorce proceedings last November amid her rumored months-long affair with her horse trainer Simon Schroeder (while his wife Karli Postel was pregnant with their second child). Postel reportedly 'found text messages on Simon's phone that exposed the affair' and they confessed when she confronted them about it. Despite everything, the 48-year-old Skyline Security CEO gushed on Instagram: 'Happy birthday @teddimellencamp! Your resilience, tenacity, and strength have taught our children what a true warrior is. May God bless you with your best year ever.' Tamra shared a special birthday tribute to Mellencamp, writing: 'Happy birthday to my Teddi Walters my best friend, my ride or die, the little sister I never had but always needed. I truly can't imagine doing life without you. Love you forever.' On Sunday, the Two Ts in a Podcaster kicked off her festivities with a fully-clothed morning leap into the backyard pool of her $6.5M Encino marital home with her 10-year-old son Cruz Teddi's estranged husband Edwin Arroyave filmed all the action as their three children presented her with handwritten birthday messages and presents in bed Little Cruz procured Mellencamp a pair of Beats headphones and her 12-year-old daughter Slate gave her a black quilted purse, which curiously had cash inside The nepo-baby of John Mellencamp - whose suitcase was packed for a family trip - then headed to 'linner' with her BFF/co-host Tamra Judge (2-R) as well as six other gal pals Teddi - who boasts 1.2M Instagram followers - gushed: 'It's always a special birthday when I get to spend it with my girls but this one was extra special because I got my first Labubu!' Mellencamp - who's actively dating men via the Hinge dating app - is an avid equestrian who owns three horses, so it made sense that her birthday cake was horse-themed On Monday morning - her actual birthday - the RHOBH guest star shared a selfie with Cruz, Slate, and her five-year-old daughter Dove in bed captioned: '43 was pretty rough but couldn't ask for a better start to 44 with worlds best cuddlers' Next Monday would have marked Teddi and Edwin's (L, pictured June 6) 14th wedding anniversary had she not started divorce proceedings last November amid her rumored months-long affair with her horse trainer Simon Schroeder Despite everything, the 48-year-old Skyline Security CEO gushed on Instagram: 'Happy birthday @teddimellencamp! Your resilience, tenacity, and strength have taught our children what a true warrior is. May God bless you with your best year ever' Tamra shared a special birthday tribute to Mellencamp, writing: 'Happy birthday to my Teddi Walters my best friend, my ride or die, the little sister I never had but always needed. I truly can't imagine doing life without you. Love you forever' The Indiana-born Bravo-lebrity also received birthday tidings from fellow Housewives Rachel Zoe, Shannon Storms Beador, Lisa Hochstein, Melissa Gorga, Cynthia Bailey, Marysol Patton, and Adriana de Moura. On June 11, Teddi gave an update on her stage 4 cancer battle, which originated as melanoma before spreading to her brain (with four tumors) and lungs. 'I had gotten pretty nervous because I started getting headaches again,' Mellencamp said of her MRI results on Two T's in a Pod. 'So I was like, "Oh no, that was the sign of this happening in the first place. I hope it means that the tumors aren't getting bigger again." But the doctors came in and said that the tumors have not grown at all. If anything, they're shrinking. I'm in the 1% range of improvement But I am still stage 4 cancer.' Chloe Goodman looked less like her glamorous Instagram self on Wednesday after undergoing a shock hair transplant. The model, 32, was seen leaving the KSL Clinic in Maidstone, Kent as she headed back to her car following the procedure. With her brunette locks pinned up in a bun on top of her head, the initial red follicles of the hair transplant could be seen across her hairline. Appearing to dress up for the treatment, Chloe opted for a stylish blue summer dress which she paired with white sandals. Putting on a busty display in the plunging dress it featured a waistcoat style top and she cinched her waist in with a white belt. Chloe's procedure comes seven years after her now husband Grant Hall also underwent a hair transplant at the same clinic back in 2018. Chloe Goodman showed the shocking results of her hair transplant as the star was seen leaving the clinic in Kent on Wednesday The model, 32, was seen leaving the KSL Clinic in Maidstone, Kent as she headed back to her car following the procedure The pair were snapped at the time leaving the clinic holding hands in the early days of their relationship before they went on to tie the knot in June 2024. Meanwhile Chloe previously underwent corrective surgery to fix botched Vaser liposuction which she had in 2017 which left her skin mottled. Chloe told new! that she had been left badly scarred by her botched surgery before having a corrective procedure done at Pall Mall Cosmetics in the UK. She told the publication: 'I'm so happy with the results. I spent six years of my life hiding my body and editing photos so that you couldn't see the scarring. 'I was so unhappy. But now I feel like a different woman. It's not even about the surgery, it's about what it's done for my happiness and confidence. It's made the biggest difference.' Chloe later discovered that the skin mottling she experienced was as a result of the surgeon taking too much skin away when doing the liposuction. She had the first surgery done aged 24 due to the pressure of being in the public eye and as a confidence boost after going through a break-up. But she said she had been feeling so bad about herself, she wondered how Grant could even fancy her, admitting she 'hated herself when she looked in the mirror.' With her brunette locks pinned up in a bun on top of her head, the initial red results of the hair transplant could be seen across her hairline Appearing to dress up for the treatment, Chloe opted for a stylish blue summer dress which she paired with white sandals Putting on a busty display in the plunging dress it featured a waistcoat style top and she cinched her waist in with a white belt Chloe's procedure comes seven years after her now husband Grant Hall also underwent a hair transplant at the same clinic back in 2018 Chloe previously underwent corrective surgery to fix botched Vaser liposuction which she had in 2017 which left her skin mottled However she admitted her new-found confidence has done wonders for her relationship in the bedroom. The couple share daughter Isla, five, and son Hudson, three, and married in a picturesque ceremony in Portugal. Last September, speaking exclusively to MailOnline at her home in East Sussex, Chloe opened up about her relationship with the Swindon Town central defender and the highs and lows they faced in their relationship. Chloe explained: 'The hardest point for us in our relationship was when he left QPR where he was Captain. 'We had Isla and he got a new contract with Middlesbrough, which was a seven hour drive away. Isla was three months old and I was driving up every other week to him.' Chloe continued: 'When you're a new mum it's really difficult to navigate on your own. I had postnatal depression and Grant was phenomenal, fantastic. He really, really helped me through that. 'So that was probably the hardest time. I remember constantly stopping on the motorway. 'I had our three dogs in the car and Isla and constantly having to pull over and breastfeed. 'Then she got to the weaning stage and I was constantly just changing the nappies at service stations - my life felt like it was on a motorway.' Chloe and Grant Hall share daughter Isla, five, and son Hudson, three, and married in a picturesque ceremony in Portugal (pictured together December 2022) Revealing how the family settled into a new routine, Chloe shared: 'Grant's getting older now. So realistically, I keep thinking he might be playing until he's 35/38. 'His priorities have changed too. I need him to be close to the family. It's not good for your mental health being alone and far away. 'So after the Middlesbrough contract we had a chat and it was just after we had Hudson. Grant said he was going to do his best to try and get a club that he could be more at home for. 'So currently he's based from home but will stay in hotels near the training ground if he needs to. So we're working it out. It's working really well. We're really happy.' She's already won an army of fans for her muddy job on Clarkson's Farm. But here's Jeremy's farmhand Harriet Cowan as you've never seen her. The nurse, 24, who was seen helping the TV star manage Diddly Squat in the fourth series of his hit Prime Video show, has posed for Country Life magazine's 'Girls in Pearls' page, once the preserve of royalty and demure debutantes. Harriet has swapped wellies for cowgirl boots in this photograph taken on her father's farm in Belper, Derbyshire. She's joined by her border collie Tyke as she sits on the tyre of a vintage tractor wearing a summer dress. Clarkson, 65, has previously explained that Kaleb, 27, had mistakenly 'imagined that after four years I'd be able to manage [Diddly Squat] on my own'. Clarkson's Farm star Harriet Cowan has ditched her wellies for cowgirl boots, as she posed for Country Life Magazine's 'Girls on Pearls' page Harriet shocked viewers of the hugely popular Prime Video show when she appeared in series four after Jeremy's co-star Kaleb Cooper temporarily left the show The former Top Gear presenter admitted: 'I made a complete mess of everything and had to bring in a young girl called Harriet. Harriet is brilliant.' Harriet shocked viewers of the hugely popular Prime Video show when she appeared in series four after Jeremy's co-star Kaleb Cooper temporarily left the show. And she has been enjoying her time in the spotlight ever since, now boasting half a million followers on Instagram and 700,000 over on TikTok. While she has not been cast permanently on the farm show, she has been keeping her fans updated on her personal life as she revealed a sweet back story about her relationship with longterm partner James Booth. Jumping on a recent TikTok trend, she took to the social media platform to share a cosy snapshot with her partner James alongside a throwback picture from their teen days in 2018. Harriet penned: 'From party teenagers in 2018, to mid-to-late 20s in 2025 and like to be in bed before 10. I hope I get to this life with you forever.' Harriet and her beau, who is believed to be a third-generation farmer, first met at a Young Farmer's meeting. Harriet has given her followers a sneak peek into their private life together through her social media and has an entire highlight dedicated to her 'love'. She has been enjoying her time in the spotlight ever since, now boasting half a million followers on Instagram and 700,000 over on TikTok While she has not been cast permanently on the farm show, she has been keeping her fans updated on her relationship with longterm partner James Booth In one of her recent posts, she shared a clip of James behind the wheel of a green tractor, and suggested that that he is four years her senior. In another post, she quipped: 'The 'butterfly effect' is crazy because if I didn't join Young Farmers we'd never have met.' 'YFC gave me my whole life and for that I will be forever grateful!' Harriet also urged others to consider joining community groups, promising they will 'meet the greatest people'. Her followers were happy to see the couple together and publicly sharing insights into their life. One commented: 'Wishing you both eternal happiness,' while another added: 'You two are so cute,'. Harriet recently broke her silence on a 'fake' Clarkson's Farm scene as she spoke candidly on a new podcast. She has been helping out Jeremy with an array of tasks on the farm and impressing viewers while also challenging stereotypes around women in farming. And last week Harriet appeared on the Should I Delete That podcast with Jeremy's daughter Emily. She spoke about one scene in the trailer that she thought seemed 'fake' when she watched it back but was in fact completely true. They discussed on the podcast how busy farmers are and how Harriet also works a full time nursing job five days a week. Emily asked her: 'Do you ever sit down with your boyfriend and chill together, or eat together? It sounds impossible.' Harriet then said: 'No! In the trailer where it's like, 'Have you watched Clarkson's Farm before?' And I'm like, 'No', and when I watched it it looked so fake. But it is so real because we don't watch telly. 'Literally, if we watch something, James will sit down, his head will hit the back of the sofa and he's asleep because the second he can rest, he'll sleep, because he's so tired all the time.' On the podcast Harriet also spoke about breaking stereotypes of women working in farming. She said of appearing on the show: 'I wanted to show that women can do it too, we are there but people can't see it. Women can do it. 'Most people think of just older men wearing checked shirts when it comes to farming. 'I am challenging people's views of what people think a farmer looks like. People are so shocked when they drive past and I'm in the tractor they just stare.' The recent Clarkson's Farm trailer showed Jeremy running into several obstacles on the farm, yet TikTok star Harriet made a good impression as she was quick to help The recent Clarkson's Farm trailer showed Jeremy running into several obstacles on the farm, yet TikTok star Harriet made a good impression as she was quick to help. Jeremy was left in awe at her work, turning to the camera and gushing: 'She's brilliant!' She wasn't afraid to get her hands dirty as she put in fences, loaded feed for the animals and even showed her welding skills on Diddly Squat Farm. Kaleb - who was on a nationwide tour - later returned to the farm and seemed to be getting along well with his replacement. It's hardly surprising that Harriet was a natural on the farm, having grown up helping her father Eddy tend to his land. She revealed on social media that her mother wanted her to become a nurse but her father wanted her to follow in his footsteps - so she opted to do both. Love Island fans have been left shocked after old photos of Helena Ford have revealed what she used to look like. The cabin crew worker, 29, has found herself embroiled in non-stop drama since entering the villa on day one last month. She has been seen on screens with her flawlessly highlighted locks and glam make-up looks, as well as flaunting her incredible figure in skimpy bikinis. But online have sleuths have found snaps of the Islander from her younger years - and she looks quite different. In unearthed pictures, Helena is seen sporting a classic 2010s beehive quiff and red lipstick, while in another her long locks are dyed in a striking ombre style. Taking to social media, baffled fans wrote: 'Is this rlly her tho pls, this is a diff personn,'; Love Island fans have been left shocked after old photos of Helena Ford have revealed what she used to look like The cabin crew worker, 29, has found herself embroiled in non-stop drama since entering the villa on day one last month 'Wow fair play to her, she had a mahooosive glow up ,'; 'Thats a completely different person WTAF,'; 'That is not her,'; Omg she looks so different.' Helena, who is friends with Zara McDermott, works as cabin crew and a travel influencer as well as jetting around the world in her day job, Helena also has a TikTok account and 4,903 Insta followers. The London native's social media is littered with 'come with me' videos from idyllic locations including Dubai, Lake Como and Monaco. This summer, her followers will be 'coming with her' to the famous ITV2 villa. Sharing her ideal type, Helena said: 'Somebody funny or Northern. I feel like Northern people have much more banter than Southerners. 'If you look through my previous dating history, you'll see I clearly go for personality. You can pretty much laugh me into bed.' It comes after Love Island fans were left outraged as Helena and Harry flirted the second Shakira left the villa for a date on Tuesday night's jam-packed episode. But online have sleuths have found snaps of the Islander from her younger years - and she looks quite different In one snap, Helena's long locks are dyed in a striking ombre style - compared to her current flawless highlights In unearthed pictures, Helena is seen sporting a classic 2010s beehive quiff and red lipstick Taking to social media, baffled fans wrote: 'Is this rlly her tho pls, this is a diff personn' Helena, who is friends with Zara McDermott, works as cabin crew and a travel influencer as well as jetting around the world in her day job The blonde beauty then just hours later kissed her other love interest Harrison as she dismissed her and Harry's connection as just 'sexual chemistry'. Shakira headed out of the villa for a date with new boy Ryan leaving Harry and Helena to flirt without prying eyes. It came just a day after Helena made the very X-rated comment of 'I want to f**k you' to Harry during the Heart Rate Challenge. As they spoke, Harry complimented her on her sexy outfit in the challenge as they spoke about their physical attraction. Shakira had been left fuming at Harry after finding out about Helena's outrageous comment to him earlier in the episode. After speaking to Harry just hours later, Harrison pulled Helena to the terrace for a kiss. Fans were shocked by the scenes as they penned on X: 'Helena kissing Harrison after just saying all that to Harry?? #loveisland #loveislanduk.', 'when you actually think about it, helena moves the way we expect yasmin to when she first came in the villa #LoveIslandUK #LoveIsland.', Love Island fans were left outraged as Helena and Harry flirted the second Shakira left the villa for a date on Tuesday night's jam-packed episode The blonde beauty then just hours later kissed other love interest Harrison (seen) as she dismissed her and Harry's connection as just 'sexual chemistry' As they spoke Harry complimented her on her sexy outfit in the challenge as they spoke about their physical attraction 'helena is the LEAST girls girl i think weve actually ever seen. the degradation of the women she is around is so actually spiteful.', 'Harry and Helena are just two horny people!', 'harry is so embarrassing. why are you begging every little thing that happens to you????? you have SHAKIRA in your bed every night and youre entertaining fiat 500 final boss?????.' The heart rate challenge sent shockwaves through the villa on Monday night's dramatic episode. It was Helena who was at the centre of the most shocking scene after whispering something wild in ex flame Harry's ear during her dance. As she danced around him in her skimpy underwear she whispered in his ear 'I want to f**k you' in a shocking moment. The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star Jen Affleck gave birth to her third child with husband Zac Affleck. Jen, 26, and Zac, 28, introduced their newborn daughter Penelope - via Instagram on Wednesday. The couple share kids Nora, three, and Luca, 23 months. Jennifer revealed that she gave birth 'unmedicated,' which she called 'the most painful but empowering experience of my life,' noting that she couldn't have done it without Zac and her doula. 'I'm so grateful and so happy that Penny is earth side now,' Jennifer wrote in the post. The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star Jen Affleck gave birth to her third child with husband Zac Affleck Jennifer revealed that she gave birth 'unmedicated,' which she called 'the most painful but empowering experience of my life,' noting that she couldn't have done it without Zac and her doula Just days prior, Jennifer revealed she went into labor while getting a manicure at a nail salon. The influencer shared the moment to her social media on June 27, adding the caption: 'POV: you start having contractions at your nail appointment.' In the video, Jen is asked by a friend how she's feeling, to which she says: 'I'm feeling great!' as she begins to time her contractions, do squats and also show off her pink nails. She proceeds to make a call - presumably to her husband Zac- before laying on the group so a woman could check her cervix. Jen announced her third pregnancy in February, revealing that the baby was a 'surprise' but that everyone was 'excited.' During an episode of The Secret Lives of Mormon Lives, Jen broke down talking about her marriage to Zac, revealing that they were not 'on the best of terms' after they briefly separated. They split up during the end of season of the hit show, with the couple deciding to work on their relationship while waiting for their third child. Just days prior, Jennifer revealed she went into labor while getting a manicure at a nail salon The couple share kids Nora, three, and Luca, 23 months 'Just because of everything that we went through last year and because of everything we've had to do so much therapy,' she told People. 'We are finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. Right now I'm focusing on my mental health, my marriage and becoming the best version of myself that I can be,; she told People in May 'Just because of everything that we went through last year and because of everything we've had to do so much therapy,' she told People. They briefly lived apart as they worked on their marriage and themselves. Zac deferred his medical school acceptance in Arizona as they worked on their marriage. 'We are finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. Right now I'm focusing on my mental health, my marriage and becoming the best version of myself that I can be,; she told People in May. Rosie O'Donnell made clear her anger after Sean 'Diddy' Combs was cleared on sex trafficking and racketeering charges in his criminal trial Wednesday in New York City. The veteran comedian and talk show host, 63, took to Instagram after the verdict - in which Diddy was convicted in connection with federal prostitution violations - was announced. Rosie, a longtime nemesis of President Donald Trump, expressed her frustration with the jury's thought process in coming to their conclusion against Diddy. 'I guess a jury just never wants to believe that a woman stays because of power and coercion,' the 63-year-old comic - who predicted his arrest nearly 25 years before it happened - said on her Instagram page Wednesday. The A League of Their Own star added, 'Wow - they just think women stay because what? money - fame - they love the abuse - what a f***ing joke.' Rosie said of the jury's verdict: 'This decision got me angry.' Rosie O'Donnell, 63, was upset after Sean ' Diddy ' Combs was cleared on sex trafficking and racketeering charges in his criminal trial Wednesday in NYC. Pictured in 2023 in LA Diddy, pictured in 2023, was convicted in connection with federal prostitution violations Wednesday In related news on Wednesday, presiding Judge Arun Subramanian said he would not grant bail to the Satisfy You artist, who will remain in custody in New York City pending sentencing. The music mogul, 55, has been held in a New York City jail since he was arrested last fall in connection with the federal charges. Under the counts he was convicted of - transportation to engage in prostitution - Diddy faces a maximum sense of 10 years in custody. The I'll Be Missing You artist could have been held for life had he been convicted on the other charges. Attorneys for the hip-hop stalwart said Diddy should be allowed a bond of $1 million to go free until sentencing. Prosecutors maintained Diddy was still was a flight risk in the wake of the verdicts. A number of Rosie's friends and followers chimed in to express their agreement with her sentiments. Actress Rosanna Arquette said she was 'broken hearted for the brave survivors on top of more broken heart.' The veteran comedian and talk show host took to Instagram after the verdict Rosie admitted the jury's verdict made her 'angry' and suggested there was a misogynistic element at play in their decision process SNL alum Laraine Newman said Diddy had been out of line in the way he had treated sex workers he'd hired. 'Even if the relationship is somewhat transactional, it doesnt give him the right to beat, rape and humiliate them,' the actress-comic wrote on the social media platform. Said comic Tammy Pescatelli: 'The good news is that we have a long memory and his comeback is cancelled.' Another follower called the legal decision 'Infuriating' while another said it was 'disappointing' to see Combs escape major punishment with Wednesday's verdict. One user said: 'THIS IS WHY WOMEN DONT SPEAK OUT. OUR ABUSERS NEVER GET PUNISHED.' One user pointed out the complicated psychological elements in play that might have paved Diddy's path to eluding convictions on the major counts he was charged with. 'I guess the jurors aren't familiar with Stockholm syndrome;' the user said. 'What's really bothers me is that women will once again be reluctant to come forward and testify and that's really really sad. 'I'm sure the the women involved, or now nervous about having testified. Such minor consequences for the perpetrator. I can't even say his name.' A number of Rosie's friends and followers, such as Rosanna Arquette, chimed in to express their agreement with her sentiments SNL alum Laraine Newman said Diddy had been out of line in the way he had treated sex workers he'd hired One user pointed out the complicated psychological elements in play that might have paved Diddy's path to eluding convictions on the major counts he was charged with One user said that systems remained in place to protect the wealthy and powerful A follower told Rosie they had predicted what would happen, but it didn't make it any more palatable once it had happened. The user said, 'I knew this would happen but Im still crying! I feel so sick.' Another user added that 'there is no justice' with Diddy being cleared on the counts that could have put him away for the rest of his life. 'My heart goes out to all those brave and courageous women who spoke out and testified against this monster,' said the user. One user praised the women who stepped forward with their claims against Diddy in the high-profile case. 'In no way, can anyone discount the bravery and the courage it took for these women to come forward no matter this verdict,' the user said. 'One cant discount the bravery of these women.' One follower noted: 'There is no justice. My heart goes out to all those brave and courageous women who spoke out and testified against this monster.' President Donald Trump commented on Rosie this past March when he was asked about her move to Ireland Some users referenced Rosie's longtime rival Trump in their reactions to the verdict. 'The President would have pardoned him anyway,' one user said, while another added, 'Fascists setting new goals for the masses. Everything is going great! Right?' Trump commented on Rosie this past March when he was asked about her move to Ireland after he defeated Democrat challenger and former Vice President Kamala Harris in last November's presidential election. As he was hosting Irish Taoiseach Micheal Martin in Washington D.C. for a St. Patrick's Day event, a reporter asked Trump about Rosie relocating. The president asked Martin, 'Did you know you have Rosie O'Donnell? Do you know who she is? You're better off not knowing.' The Project's Instagram page has gone rogue following Channel Ten's shock decision to axe the long-running news program. The program, which was pulled from the schedule after 16 years and more than 4,500 episodes, aired its final episode on Friday. And while The Project has officially ended, the show's Instagram page still appears to be very active. On Tuesday, a post poking fun at the Network Ten bosses was shared on social media. 'The bosses really should have changed the password from Password1,' it read. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMails new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. The Project's Instagram page has gone rogue following Channel Ten 's shock decision to axe the long-running news program The program, which was pulled from the schedule after 16 years and more than 4,500 episodes, aired its final episode on Friday 'Well, well, well, look who is in charge now... It's me! The social media hero (that's what I call myself),' the caption read. The following day, another post was shared to The Project's social media page: 'Still cancelled. Still curious.' 'I have nobody to share the silly news I see from around the world with,' read the caption. 'That, and the other things we should be discussing Shall I just post the things that interest/make me laugh anyway?' A third post showed a woman getting knocked over by a huge box blowing in the wind during Sydney's recent storm. 'We have been off air for less than a week, and a woman has been knocked over by a fridge box? You just can't make this stuff up,' it read. The Project was officially axed after 16 years last week, and aired its final episode on June 27. It was replaced by 10 News+ which failed to impress viewers following its debut on Monday night. While The Project has officially ended, their Instagram page still appears to be very active The following day, another post was shared to The Project's social media page: 'Still cancelled. Still curious' A third post showed a woman getting knocked over by a huge box blowing in the wind during Sydney's recent storm. 'We have been off air for less than a week, and a woman has been knocked over by a fridge box? You just can't make this stuff up,' it read The first episode included an investigation into drug smuggling Melbourne mum Debbie Voulgaris and a sit-down chat with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Not everyone liked what they saw, with many sharing their thoughts on X. Several compared 10 News+ to A Current Affair with one posting: 'This is like ACA. Going to peoples houses to talk & them avoiding the cameras.' 'You replaced The Project with a Temu ACA not seeing @theprojecttv is incredibly depressing. 10news+ sucks!' complained another viewer. Someone else said: 'This is proper @Channel7 style commercial JUNK. It's like watching a cross between Fox News and Anchorman. Why the silly "news" voices!?' One more person tuning in at home asked: 'Anyone else bored so far?' while someone else said, 'please no more long investigation reports it's 6pm.' 'This is trash, so dry and bland. Time for the project 2.0 and a game show in a prime time slot up against Home and Away. Good luck,' someone wrote. 'Not even bothering with #10newsplus bring back #TheProjectTV' one more wrote with someone else saying, 'Is Denham Hitchcock AI generated or just stupid?' 'Dribble. Won't last the year,' a viewer said with another adding, 'Felt like it was a Comedy Company parody from the 80s. The fist pump at the end? Yikes.' Not everyone was so negative with one fan writing: 'Loving @10NewsPlus - strong launch story. Is this the new Schapelle Corby story we all need to know about. 10 news should be very proud.' Tesla sales have slipped again, falling short of Wall Street expectations. The EV maker delivered just over 384,000 vehicles to customers between April and June a 14 percent drop from the same period last year, when 444,000 customers put new Teslas in their driveways. Analysts had expected Tesla to deliver closer to 387,000 vehicles this quarter, marking the second consecutive quarter the company missed delivery targets. It comes after Tesla shares tumbled on Tuesday after Musk reignited his social media war with President Donald Trump, criticizing his proposed tax and spending bill. Unlike most automakers, Tesla doesn't break down sales by model. For example, Ford tells investors how many F-150 pickups rolled off dealership lots. Tesla keeps its sales data vague reporting total deliveries and picking larger sales data to share with the public. This was a crucial quarter for some of Tesla's top-selling vehicles. The refreshed Model 3 and Model Y its most popular cars recently hit the American roadways with updated designs. Tesla says it delivered 14 percent fewer vehicles to drivers last quarter Tesla said it produced 396,835 units during the three-month period and sold a combined 373,728 of the two, though it didn't specify how many of each model made it to customers. Higher-end Model S and Model X vehicles received modest updates this past quarter. Despite the sales miss, Tesla stock rose between 3.5 and 5 percent in pre-market trading, before settling closer 2 percent after Wall Street opened. The modest rally followed a rough Tuesday, when CEO Elon Musk stirred controversy after clashing with President Donald Trump. Musk, who recently left his role as White House advisor, took to social media to criticize Trump's proposed tax and spending bill. On X, formerly known as Twitter, Musk said the bill's reported $3 trillion price tag would send the country into 'DEBT SLAVERY,' and threatened to fund primary opponents to Republicans who supported the bill. Trump hit back with a series of threats, suggesting the federal government could launch investigations into Musk's companies. He even hinted at deporting Musk, who was born in South Africa. The company just revamped the styling of the Model Y and Model 3 and changes are coming to the Model S and Model X Tesla quickly became the best-selling EV pickup truck producer - Ford likely reclaimed that mantle Elon Musk had consistently aligned with President Donald Trump, but the two have increased their barbs, sending Tesla's stock price on a rollercoaster 'Elon may get more subsidy than any human being in history, by far, and without subsidies, Elon would probably have to close up shop and head back home to South Africa,' Trump posted on Truth Social. 'No more Rocket launches, Satellites, or Electric Car Production, and our Country would save a FORTUNE. Perhaps we should have DOGE take a good, hard, look at this?' Tesla's stock took a dive right after the barbs, dropping from $311.19 a share to $298.19 between 8:30am and 9am. The stock is down just over 19 percent since January. But investors have gotten used to the company's wild roller coaster ride, analysts said. 'For Tesla investors, volatility is a way of life,' Bret Kenwell, a US investment analyst with eToro, told DailyMail.com. 'While the path has been bumpy, it's been rewarding, with Tesla still sporting a market cap of almost $1 trillion.' Right now, investors are largely betting on Tesla's ability to deliver self-driving taxis. The company launched a modest pilot program in Texas in June after promising the tech was coming to American vehicles for year. Self-driving advancements were supposed to put Tesla in a class of its own. But there is increasing competition in the space. Waymo already has thousands of vehicles on American roads without an occupant in the driver's seat. Toyota and Volkswagen have also announced plans to get into the self-driving game. The future of Valomilk candy cups the gooey, chocolate-and-marshmallow treat beloved by generations of Midwesterners is in limbo after 96 years. Russell Sifers, the 77-year-old Kansas native and fourth-generation candy maker, says he's looking for someone to carry on the legacy of his familys iconic candy but finding the right steward hasnt been easy. The milk chocolate cup with marshmallow filling has been a fan favorite treat for Midwesterners since 1931, once described as 'the 5-cent candy bar with the 50-cent taste.' It was first created after a marshmallow mishap in the factory. With its nostalgic red-and-white packaging and handmade quality, Valomilk has resisted the trend of flashy rebrands and limited-edition gimmicks. Instead, its remained a rare find often sold at select retailers or Cracker Barrel, until the chain recently dropped it due to quality-control issues with melted stock. Russell told The Kansas City Star there had been a 'changing of the guard in the candy business,' one that Valomilk doesn't have. Valomilk has also kept its original style while watching brands create and relaunch items such as PB&J sandwich M&M's and Salted Caramel Butterfingers.acy. 'I'd like to find a proper steward. Somebody who can take care of our simple little candy bar bring it back, improve it, whatever,' he said. The future of Valomilk candy cups is in limbo after more than 120 years Russell Sifers, 77, is looking for someone to take over improve the Valomilk brand Russell has always been fond of retelling the story of his family's start in the candy business. It began in 1903, when his great-grandfather Samuel Mitchell Sifers began selling candy in Iola, Kansas. He moved into a now torn down Kansas City building in 1916 and discovered the potential of marshmallow candy after a batch gone wrong in the 1931. With 'V' for vanilla, 'alo' for marshmallow, and 'milk' for the milk-chocolate cups, Valomilk was on the way to achieve candy greatness. Things took a surprising turn when Russell's father and grandfather sold Sifers Valomilk Candy Company to Hoffman in 1970. Russell took over the Valomilk legacy, and after nearly giving up on keeping the brand alive, he was inspired to reignite the dream after finding unused equipment 15 years after the Hoffman sale. 'I found stuff like my grandfather's copper kettles and a gas-fired cooker,' he told the Wall Street Journal. 'After I did an inventory, I said to myself, 'You know, I could start making Valomilks the way my grandfather did.' Russell's great-grandfather Samuel Mitchell Sifers was the mastermind behind Valomilk The marshmallow candy creation began in 1931 following a batch creation gone wrong Russell managed to recreate the old recipe in 1987 and resumed production in Merriam later that year. Factory workers take marshmallow and combine it with meringue before pouring it into a mix of corn syrup, sugar, water and salt. The marshmallow is left overnight in an insulated box and poured into trays that pass by heads, providing chocolate and air to form the cup. 'I told my dad I was thinking about resurrecting the company. He died before it happened. He never got to see it,' he said. 'But he always said to me he commanded me if you bring Valomilks back, make them the best you know how, and don't worry about the cost. And that's what we've done.' Despite Russell's retirement, members of the Sifers family continue to work on the candy creation. Russell's son-in-law Dave Swiercinsky oversees the manufacturers on the factory floor, his wife being one of them. 'We make it fresh. But what happens after it leaves us? That's the problem,' Swiercinsky told The Kansas City Star. Valomilk candy cups are hardly seen in grocery or convenience stores Relying on regional distributors, Valomilk's recent tumble came after the Cracker Barrel restaurant chain dropped them last year over complaints of melted or damaged stock. 'We were in something like 180 Cracker Barrels. Then we weren't,' Russell stated. The retiree continued by pointing out the candy industry went from a 'handshake business' to one that's 'all computers.' 'You have to have sales volume to justify that shelf space and we don't have that. And a lot of the old distributors have been consolidated into mega-distributors, and they don't even know who I am anymore,' he claimed. Even though Russell is looking for a buyer, the family has received multiple offers to buy Valomilk, including Pearson Candy Company, the creator of Salted Nut Rolls. Other bidders that were interested in purchasing the brand include the sons of candy legend Lou Ward and Tootsie Roll, a company Russell has admired for many years. 'To find a fairy godmother like that would be great. Because people love Valomilks,' Russell stated. 'But we just don't have the capacity or the know-how anymore to get them to our fans like we used to.' Amazon will soon have more robots than human employees working in its warehouses. The retail giant has long been increasing automation for tasks once completed by humans. As a result it now has more than one million robots in its workplaces, according to the company's own data. This new record is nearing the amount of human workers in its facilities, and will soon surpass them. Amazon's enormous warehouses are now staffed with large plucking 'robots' that can pick up and move packages with their long metallic arms. Other robots are used to pack products into packaging and to help with sorting. One of the newest robots, called Vulcan, even has in-built sense of touch which helps it to distinguish between different items on shelves, the Wall Street Journal reported. Amazon's latest move is to connect the robots to its order-fulfillment systems - meaning the machines can work together and with humans to complete jobs - according to the report. Amazon now has more than one million robots in its workplaces 'They're one step closer to that realization of the full integration of robotics,' robot analyst Rueben Scriven told the Journal. Currently around 75 percent of Amazon's deliveries are helped by a robot at some point on their journey. Amazon claims this has been one of the main factors behind their improved productivity. It also helps solve issues such as high staff turnover at its fulfilments centers, the retail giant said. It has also freed current staff from some repetitive and cumbersome tasks such as heavy lifting. 'I thought I was going to be doing heavy lifting, I thought I was going to be walking like crazy,' Amazon employee Neisha Cruz told the Journal. Cruz spent five years picking items at an Amazon warehouse in Windsor, Connecticut, but was then trained to oversee the new robotic systems. Cruz now earns more than double the pay she started on and is able to work behind a computer rather than on her feet. There will soon be more robots in Amazon workplaces than human employees Around 75 percent of Amazon's deliveries are helped by a robot at some point on their journey Amazon boss Andy Jassy warned that AI will lead to job cuts However, the robots are also replacing jobs and slowing hiring at the company which currently employs 1.56 million people, mostly in warehouses. It comes after Amazon's CEO Andy Jassy recently revealed that the increased implementation of AI means the company will slash the size of its workforce in the coming years. 'As we roll out more Generative AI and agents, it should change the way our work is done,' Jassy wrote in a memo to staff last month. 'It's hard to know exactly where this nets out over time, but in the next few years, we expect that this will reduce our total corporate workforce,' he explained. And Amazon is not alone. Last month Microsoft also said is planning to cut thousands of jobs as it ramps up investments in AI. The cuts, which will hit sales roles in particular, are part of a broader effort to streamline the company's workforce, according to Bloomberg. The layoffs are expected to be announced early next month, following the end of the tech giant's fiscal year, the report said, citing people familiar with the matter. In June Procter & Gamble, which makes diapers, laundry detergent, and other household items, also announced it would cut 7,000 jobs, or about 15 percent of non-manufacturing roles. Americans are growing increasingly concerned about the impact of AI on the jobs market. The tech is continuing to upend the jobs market with white collar entry-level jobs disappearing fastest and layoffs in tech, finance and consulting gathering pace. Microsoft has confirmed it will cut around 4 percent of its global workforce as it ramps up investments in artificial intelligence. The tech giant will slash around 9,000 jobs across different teams, geographies and levels of experience, the company said on Wednesday. 'We continue to implement organizational changes necessary to best position the company and teams for success in a dynamic marketplace,' Microsoft said in a statement. It is the fourth round of layoffs at Microsoft this year following the cutting of 1 percent of its headcount in January, 6,000 further job cuts in May and 300 more in June. In April, Microsoft said it planned to use third-party firms to handle more sales of software to small and mid-size customers. The company had a global headcount of 228,000 at the end of June 2024. Microsoft has market capitalization of over $3 trillion - the biggest in the world - but it is looking to rein in costs as it funnels billions into its ambitious bet on artificial intelligence. The news comes days after Amazon's CEO announced brutal workforce cuts as the company also increases its use of AI. Microsoft is planning to cut thousands of jobs as it ramps up investments in artificial intelligence (Pictured: CEO Satya Nadella) Amazon boss Andy Jassy said he plans to reduce the company's corporate workforce over the next few years as the tech will make certain roles redundant. Jassy told employees in a note seen by the Wall Street Journal that AI was a once-in-a-lifetime technological advancement and it has already transformed how Amazon operates. 'As we roll out more Generative AI and agents, it should change the way our work is done,' he wrote in the memo. It is not yet clear how many workers will lose their jobs and when the cuts will come. 'It's hard to know exactly where this nets out over time, but in the next few years, we expect that this will reduce our total corporate workforce,' Jassy explained. Those close to the matter told the outlet that a large chunk of the decrease in headcount would hopefully occur via attrition. This means as employees move on their roles will not be filled. However, this will not cover all of the reductions and layoffs are still expected to occur at some point. Amazon is the second largest employer in the country and is seen as a bellwether for employment stability. In an aerial view, the Microsoft headquarters in Redmong, Washington Microsoft's cuts, which will hit sales roles in particular, are part of a broader effort to streamline the company's workforce Amazon boss Andy Jassy warned that AI will lead to job cuts The company has already slowed hiring, suggesting AI is already influencing the company's staffing needs. It is also clear the company is betting big on the new technology, after it revealed plans to splash $100 billion on data centers that AI depends on. It comes as Americans grow increasingly concerned about the impact of AI on the jobs market. The tech is continuing to upend the jobs market with white collar entry-level jobs disappearing fastest and layoffs in tech, finance and consulting gathering pace. Earlier this month Procter & Gamble, which makes diapers, laundry detergent, and other household items, announced it would cut 7,000 jobs, or about 15 percent of non-manufacturing roles. American Capital Advisory LLC bought a new stake in The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (NYSE:GS Free Report) in the 1st quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The fund bought 53 shares of the investment management companys stock, valued at approximately $29,000. Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Krane Funds Advisors LLC grew its position in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group by 2.7% during the 1st quarter. Krane Funds Advisors LLC now owns 963 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $526,000 after buying an additional 25 shares during the last quarter. Aaron Wealth Advisors LLC boosted its stake in The Goldman Sachs Group by 11.1% during the 1st quarter. Aaron Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 1,824 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $996,000 after purchasing an additional 182 shares in the last quarter. Coastline Trust Co lifted its holdings in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group by 30.7% in the first quarter. Coastline Trust Co now owns 1,803 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $985,000 after buying an additional 424 shares during the period. NovaPoint Capital LLC lifted its holdings in The Goldman Sachs Group by 0.4% in the 1st quarter. NovaPoint Capital LLC now owns 10,774 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $5,886,000 after acquiring an additional 40 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Keybank National Association OH grew its position in The Goldman Sachs Group by 3.4% in the first quarter. Keybank National Association OH now owns 10,215 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $5,580,000 after buying an additional 334 shares during the last quarter. 71.21% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get The Goldman Sachs Group alerts: Insider Activity at The Goldman Sachs Group In other The Goldman Sachs Group news, Director John B. Hess bought 3,904 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, April 15th. The stock was acquired at an average cost of $511.68 per share, with a total value of $1,997,598.72. Following the purchase, the director owned 3,904 shares in the company, valued at $1,997,598.72. This trade represents a increase in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. 0.55% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. The Goldman Sachs Group Trading Up 0.1% GS stock opened at $708.50 on Wednesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.41, a current ratio of 0.68 and a quick ratio of 0.68. The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $437.37 and a fifty-two week high of $714.30. The stock has a market capitalization of $217.40 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 16.44, a P/E/G ratio of 0.97 and a beta of 1.35. The business has a fifty day moving average price of $606.17 and a 200 day moving average price of $588.74. 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 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $12.57 by $1.55. The Goldman Sachs Group had a net margin of 11.86% and a return on equity of 13.76%. The company had revenue of $15.06 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $14.99 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $11.58 EPS. Analysts expect that The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. will post 47.12 EPS for the current fiscal year. The Goldman Sachs Group Announces Dividend The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, June 27th. Stockholders of record on Friday, May 30th were issued a $3.00 dividend. This represents a $12.00 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.69%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, May 30th. The Goldman Sachs Groups dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 27.85%. Analysts Set New Price Targets GS has been the subject of several recent analyst reports. JMP Securities decreased their target price on The Goldman Sachs Group from $625.00 to $600.00 and set a market outperform rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, April 8th. Barclays lowered their price target on 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. Wells Fargo & Company cut their price objective on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group from $680.00 to $650.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, April 15th. Royal Bank Of Canada decreased their target price on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group from $610.00 to $560.00 and set a sector perform rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, April 15th. Finally, Daiwa America lowered shares of The Goldman Sachs Group from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Friday, April 4th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, thirteen have assigned a hold rating and six have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $595.67. View Our Latest Research Report on The Goldman Sachs Group 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. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding GS? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (NYSE:GS Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for The Goldman Sachs Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for The Goldman Sachs Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. McKesson (NYSE:MCK Get Free Report) is one of 26 publicly-traded companies in the MED/DENTAL SUPP industry, but how does it contrast to its rivals? We will compare McKesson to related companies based on the strength of its earnings, dividends, valuation, analyst recommendations, risk, institutional ownership and profitability. Earnings and Valuation This table compares McKesson and its rivals top-line revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Get McKesson alerts: Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio McKesson $359.05 billion $3.30 billion 28.10 McKesson Competitors $37.61 billion $430.42 million 20.12 McKesson has higher revenue and earnings than its rivals. McKesson is trading at a higher price-to-earnings ratio than its rivals, indicating that it is currently more expensive than other companies in its industry. Profitability Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets McKesson 0.92% -201.12% 5.83% McKesson Competitors 2.88% -3.91% 7.65% Insider & Institutional Ownership This table compares McKesson and its rivals net margins, return on equity and return on assets. 85.1% of McKesson shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 69.6% of shares of all MED/DENTAL SUPP companies are owned by institutional investors. 0.1% of McKesson shares are owned by company insiders. Comparatively, 9.5% of shares of all MED/DENTAL SUPP companies are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, hedge funds and endowments believe a company will outperform the market over the long term. Volatility and Risk McKesson has a beta of 0.48, suggesting that its stock price is 52% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, McKessons rivals have a beta of 0.52, suggesting that their average stock price is 48% less volatile than the S&P 500. Dividends McKesson pays an annual dividend of $2.84 per share and has a dividend yield of 0.4%. McKesson pays out 11.0% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. As a group, MED/DENTAL SUPP companies pay a dividend yield of 0.8% and pay out 26.3% of their earnings in the form of a dividend. McKesson has increased its dividend for 17 consecutive years. Analyst Ratings This is a breakdown of recent ratings and target prices for McKesson and its rivals, as reported by MarketBeat.com. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score McKesson 0 3 10 1 2.86 McKesson Competitors 104 1127 2020 113 2.64 McKesson presently has a consensus price target of $696.42, suggesting a potential downside of 4.06%. As a group, MED/DENTAL SUPP companies have a potential upside of 24.08%. Given McKessons rivals higher probable upside, analysts clearly believe McKesson has less favorable growth aspects than its rivals. Summary McKesson beats its rivals on 8 of the 15 factors compared. About McKesson (Get Free Report) McKesson Corporation provides healthcare services in the United States and internationally. It operates through four segments: U.S. Pharmaceutical, Prescription Technology Solutions (RxTS), Medical-Surgical Solutions, and International. The U.S. Pharmaceutical segment distributes branded, generic, specialty, biosimilar and over-the-counter pharmaceutical drugs, and other healthcare-related products. This segment also offers practice management, technology, clinical support, and business solutions to community-based oncology and other specialty practices; and consulting, outsourcing, technological, and other services, as well as sells financial, operational, and clinical solutions to pharmacies. The RxTS segment serves biopharma and life sciences partners, and patients to address medication challenges for patients by working across healthcare; connects patients, pharmacies, providers, pharmacy benefit managers, health plans, and biopharma companies to deliver innovative solutions to help people get the medicine needed to live healthier lives; and provides prescription price transparency, benefit insight, dispensing support, third-party logistics, and wholesale distribution support services. The Medical-Surgical Solutions segment offers medical-surgical supply distribution, logistics, and other services to healthcare providers, including physician offices, surgery centers, nursing homes, hospital reference labs, and home health care agencies. The International segment provides distribution and services to wholesale, institutional, and retail customers in Europe and Canada. McKesson Corporation was founded in 1833 and is headquartered in Irving, Texas. Receive News & Ratings for McKesson Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for McKesson and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Arbor Capital Management Inc. ADV raised its holdings in Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM Free Report) by 0.8% during the 1st quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 14,996 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 126 shares during the period. Philip Morris International comprises approximately 2.3% of Arbor Capital Management Inc. ADVs investment portfolio, making the stock its 7th biggest holding. Arbor Capital Management Inc. ADVs holdings in Philip Morris International were worth $2,359,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Perigon Wealth Management LLC lifted its stake in shares of Philip Morris International by 0.4% during the 1st quarter. Perigon Wealth Management LLC now owns 14,087 shares of the companys stock worth $2,236,000 after buying an additional 60 shares during the last quarter. TBH Global Asset Management LLC grew its stake in Philip Morris International by 0.9% in the 1st quarter. TBH Global Asset Management LLC now owns 6,932 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,100,000 after buying an additional 61 shares during the last quarter. Capital Advisors Wealth Management LLC raised its holdings in Philip Morris International by 2.1% in the 1st quarter. Capital Advisors Wealth Management LLC now owns 3,005 shares of the companys stock valued at $477,000 after acquiring an additional 63 shares during the period. Lloyd Advisory Services LLC. raised its holdings in Philip Morris International by 3.3% in the 1st quarter. Lloyd Advisory Services LLC. now owns 2,032 shares of the companys stock valued at $323,000 after acquiring an additional 64 shares during the period. Finally, Western Wealth Management LLC lifted its position in Philip Morris International by 1.5% during the first quarter. Western Wealth Management LLC now owns 4,446 shares of the companys stock worth $706,000 after acquiring an additional 64 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 78.63% of the companys stock. Get Philip Morris International alerts: Philip Morris International Price Performance Shares of NYSE PM opened at $177.55 on Wednesday. The business has a fifty day moving average price of $176.63 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $153.71. The stock has a market capitalization of $276.36 billion, a PE ratio of 36.61, a P/E/G ratio of 2.64 and a beta of 0.51. Philip Morris International Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $100.80 and a fifty-two week high of $186.69. Philip Morris International Announces Dividend Philip Morris International ( NYSE:PM Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, April 23rd. The company reported $1.69 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.61 by $0.08. The company had revenue of $9.30 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $9.10 billion. Philip Morris International had a negative return on equity of 122.40% and a net margin of 8.43%. Philip Morris Internationals revenue was up 5.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the business earned $1.50 earnings per share. On average, equities analysts expect that Philip Morris International Inc. will post 7.14 EPS for the current year. The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, July 15th. Shareholders of record on Friday, June 27th will be issued a $1.35 dividend. This represents a $5.40 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.04%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, June 27th. Philip Morris Internationals dividend payout ratio is currently 111.34%. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several equities analysts have recently commented on PM shares. Stifel Nicolaus upped their target price on Philip Morris International from $168.00 to $186.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, April 24th. Barclays restated an overweight rating and issued a $220.00 price target (up from $205.00) on shares of Philip Morris International in a research note on Friday, June 13th. Citigroup increased their price objective on Philip Morris International from $163.00 to $180.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, April 16th. Morgan Stanley reissued an overweight rating and set a $182.00 target price (up previously from $156.00) on shares of Philip Morris International in a report on Thursday, April 24th. Finally, Bank of America boosted their target price on shares of Philip Morris International from $182.00 to $200.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, June 4th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and eleven have assigned a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $176.80. Check Out Our Latest Research Report on Philip Morris International About Philip Morris International (Free Report) Philip Morris International Inc operates as a tobacco company working to delivers a smoke-free future and evolving portfolio for the long-term to include products outside of the tobacco and nicotine sector. The company's product portfolio primarily consists of cigarettes and smoke-free products, including heat-not-burn, vapor, and oral nicotine products primarily under the IQOS and ZYN brands; and consumer accessories, such as lighters and matches. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Philip Morris International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Philip Morris International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. CMG Global Holdings LLC increased its position in shares of Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ Free Report) by 8.5% in the 1st quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The firm owned 2,543 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 200 shares during the quarter. CMG Global Holdings LLCs holdings in Johnson & Johnson were worth $394,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. A number of other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of JNJ. Westside Investment Management Inc. raised its stake in Johnson & Johnson by 5.0% in the first quarter. Westside Investment Management Inc. now owns 5,102 shares of the companys stock valued at $833,000 after purchasing an additional 243 shares in the last quarter. Insight Inv LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Johnson & Johnson by 141.1% during the first quarter. Insight Inv LLC now owns 27,544 shares of the companys stock worth $4,568,000 after purchasing an additional 16,120 shares during the period. Nicholson Meyer Capital Management Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Johnson & Johnson in the 1st quarter valued at about $466,000. Nabity Jensen Investment Management Inc boosted its holdings in Johnson & Johnson by 1.5% in the first quarter. Nabity Jensen Investment Management Inc now owns 4,624 shares of the companys stock valued at $767,000 after acquiring an additional 69 shares during the last quarter. Finally, MorganRosel Wealth Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of Johnson & Johnson in the 1st quarter valued at $88,000. Institutional investors own 69.55% of the companys stock. Get Johnson & Johnson alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several equities research analysts recently commented on the company. Morgan Stanley raised their target price on Johnson & Johnson from $164.00 to $169.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research note on Wednesday, April 16th. Raymond James Financial decreased their target price on shares of Johnson & Johnson from $165.00 to $162.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Monday, April 14th. Bank of America lowered their price target on Johnson & Johnson from $171.00 to $159.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, April 10th. Royal Bank Of Canada reiterated an outperform rating and issued a $181.00 price objective on shares of Johnson & Johnson in a research note on Thursday, June 5th. Finally, Leerink Partnrs cut Johnson & Johnson from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, May 13th. Eleven investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, seven have assigned a buy rating and three have issued a strong buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $170.88. Johnson & Johnson Price Performance Shares of NYSE JNJ opened at $155.81 on Wednesday. Johnson & Johnson has a fifty-two week low of $140.68 and a fifty-two week high of $169.99. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $153.63 and a 200-day moving average of $153.87. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.49, a quick ratio of 1.03 and a current ratio of 1.26. The stock has a market cap of $374.89 billion, a PE ratio of 17.33, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.31 and a beta of 0.41. Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, April 15th. The company reported $2.77 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.59 by $0.18. Johnson & Johnson had a net margin of 24.42% and a return on equity of 33.46%. The firm had revenue of $21.89 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $21.65 billion. Equities research analysts anticipate that Johnson & Johnson will post 10.58 earnings per share for the current year. Johnson & Johnson Increases Dividend The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, June 10th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, May 27th were paid a $1.30 dividend. This represents a $5.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.34%. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, May 27th. This is a boost from Johnson & Johnsons previous quarterly dividend of $1.24. Johnson & Johnsons payout ratio is currently 57.84%. Johnson & Johnson 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. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding JNJ? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Johnson & Johnson Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Johnson & Johnson and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Insider & Institutional Ownership 52.7% of shares of all REAL ESTATE DEV companies are held by institutional investors. 16.2% of International Land Alliance shares are held by company insiders. Comparatively, 37.3% of shares of all REAL ESTATE DEV companies are held by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, hedge funds and endowments believe a company is poised for long-term growth. Earnings and Valuation This table compares International Land Alliance and its peers gross revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Get International Land Alliance alerts: Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio International Land Alliance $8.10 million $3.05 million 2.88 International Land Alliance Competitors $1.54 billion -$113.76 million 0.49 International Land Alliances peers have higher revenue, but lower earnings than International Land Alliance. International Land Alliance is trading at a higher price-to-earnings ratio than its peers, indicating that it is currently more expensive than other companies in its industry. Risk and Volatility Profitability International Land Alliance has a beta of -0.79, meaning that its stock price is 179% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, International Land Alliances peers have a beta of -5.82, meaning that their average stock price is 682% less volatile than the S&P 500. This table compares International Land Alliance and its peers net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets International Land Alliance -43.94% -10.72% -5.10% International Land Alliance Competitors -293.67% -42.84% -0.31% Summary International Land Alliance beats its peers on 5 of the 9 factors compared. International Land Alliance Company Profile (Get Free Report) International Land Alliance, Inc. operates as a residential land development company with target properties located primarily in the Baja California, Northern region of Mexico, and Southern California. Its principal activities include purchasing properties; obtaining zoning and other entitlements required to subdivide the properties into residential and commercial building lots; securing financing for the purchase of the lots; enhance the properties' infrastructure and amenities; and selling the plots to homebuyers, retirees, investors, and commercial developers. The company was incorporated in 2013 and is headquartered in San Diego, California. Receive News & Ratings for International Land Alliance Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for International Land Alliance and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Andatee China Marine Fuel Services (OTCMKTS:AMCF Get Free Report) and HF Sinclair (NYSE:DINO Get Free Report) are both energy companies, but which is the superior investment? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their institutional ownership, risk, analyst recommendations, profitability, earnings, dividends and valuation. Profitability This table compares Andatee China Marine Fuel Services and HF Sinclairs net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Get Andatee China Marine Fuel Services alerts: Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Andatee China Marine Fuel Services N/A N/A N/A HF Sinclair -0.51% 0.05% 0.03% Earnings and Valuation This table compares Andatee China Marine Fuel Services and HF Sinclairs gross revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Andatee China Marine Fuel Services N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A HF Sinclair $28.58 billion 0.28 $177.00 million ($0.77) -54.82 HF Sinclair has higher revenue and earnings than Andatee China Marine Fuel Services. Volatility and Risk Andatee China Marine Fuel Services has a beta of 6.23, indicating that its stock price is 523% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, HF Sinclair has a beta of 0.93, indicating that its stock price is 7% less volatile than the S&P 500. Insider and Institutional Ownership 88.3% of HF Sinclair shares are owned by institutional investors. 51.9% of Andatee China Marine Fuel Services shares are owned by insiders. Comparatively, 0.3% of HF Sinclair shares are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, large money managers and endowments believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term. Analyst Ratings This is a breakdown of recent ratings and price targets for Andatee China Marine Fuel Services and HF Sinclair, as reported by MarketBeat.com. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Andatee China Marine Fuel Services 0 0 0 0 0.00 HF Sinclair 0 5 6 0 2.55 HF Sinclair has a consensus target price of $43.70, indicating a potential upside of 3.53%. Given HF Sinclairs stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, analysts clearly believe HF Sinclair is more favorable than Andatee China Marine Fuel Services. Summary HF Sinclair beats Andatee China Marine Fuel Services on 7 of the 10 factors compared between the two stocks. About Andatee China Marine Fuel Services (Get Free Report) Andatee China Marine Fuel Services Corporation, through its subsidiaries, engages in the production, storage, distribution, and trading of blended marine fuel oil for cargo and fishing vessels in the Peoples Republic of China. The company also produces customer specific products using its proprietary blending technology. It sells its products through distributors, as well as to retail customers in Liaoning, Shandong, Jiangsu, Shanghai, Guangdong, and Zhejiang Provinces. The company is based in Dalian, the Peoples Republic of China. About HF Sinclair (Get Free Report) HF Sinclair Corporation operates as an independent energy company. The company produces and markets gasoline, diesel fuel, jet fuel, renewable diesel, specialty lubricant products, specialty chemicals, specialty and modified asphalt, and others. It owns and operates refineries located in Kansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming; and markets its refined products principally in the Southwest United States and Rocky Mountains, Pacific Northwest, and in other neighboring Plains states. In addition, the company supplies fuels to approximately 1,500 independent Sinclair branded stations and licenses the use of the Sinclair brand at approximately 300 additional locations. Further, it produces base oils and other specialized lubricants; and provides petroleum product and crude oil transportation, terminalling, storage, and throughput services to the petroleum sector. HF Sinclair Corporation is headquartered in Dallas, Texas. Receive News & Ratings for Andatee China Marine Fuel Services Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Andatee China Marine Fuel Services and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Computer Services (OTCMKTS:CSVI Get Free Report) and CGI Group (NYSE:GIB Get Free Report) are both computer and technology companies, but which is the superior stock? We will compare the two companies based on the strength of their risk, valuation, analyst recommendations, earnings, profitability, institutional ownership and dividends. Analyst Recommendations This is a summary of recent ratings and price targets for Computer Services and CGI Group, as provided by MarketBeat. Get Computer Services alerts: Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Computer Services 0 0 0 0 0.00 CGI Group 0 1 2 2 3.20 CGI Group has a consensus price target of $156.75, indicating a potential upside of 50.21%. Given CGI Groups stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, analysts clearly believe CGI Group is more favorable than Computer Services. Insider & Institutional Ownership Profitability 66.7% of CGI Group shares are held by institutional investors. 9.9% of CGI Group shares are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, endowments and large money managers believe a company is poised for long-term growth. This table compares Computer Services and CGI Groups net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Computer Services N/A N/A N/A CGI Group 11.53% 18.86% 10.47% Valuation & Earnings This table compares Computer Services and CGI Groups gross revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Computer Services N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A CGI Group $10.79 billion 2.17 $1.24 billion $5.49 19.01 CGI Group has higher revenue and earnings than Computer Services. Summary CGI Group beats Computer Services on 10 of the 10 factors compared between the two stocks. About Computer Services (Get Free Report) Computer Services, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, provides core processing, digital banking, managed services, payments processing, print and electronic distribution, and regulatory compliance solutions to financial institutions and corporate entities in the United States. The company offers processing, maintenance, and support services; software licensing and installation services; and professional services, as well as sells equipment and supplies. It also provides integrated banking solutions, which include mobile and Internet banking; check imaging; cash management; branch and merchant capture; print and mail, and electronic document distribution services; corporate intranets; board portals; Web hosting; e-messaging; teller and platform services; ATM and debit card service and support; payments solutions; cybersecurity risk assessment; network management; and cloud-based managed services. In addition, the company offers compliance software and services for regulatory compliance, homeland security, anti-money laundering, anti-terrorism financing, and fraud prevention. It serves community and regional banks; multi-bank holding companies; and technology, logistics, and insurance organizations, as well as various other business enterprises. The company was incorporated in 1965 and is headquartered in Paducah, Kentucky. About CGI Group (Get Free Report) CGI Inc., together with its subsidiaries, provides information technology (IT) and business process services. Its services include the business and strategic IT consulting, systems integration, and software solutions. The company also provides application development, modernization and maintenance, holistic enterprise digitization, automation, hybrid and cloud management, and business process services; intellectual property-based solutions; business consulting; managed IT services; and IT infrastructure services. It serves clients operating in government, banking and capital market, health, utility, communication and media, oil and gas, space, manufacturing, insurance, life sciences, retail and consumer service, and transportation and logistics sectors. The company operates in Canada, France, Spain, Portugal, the United States, Germany, Sweden, Norway, the United Kingdom, Australia, Finland, Poland, Baltics, the Netherlands, Denmark, Czech Republic, India, the Philippines, Asia Pacific, and internationally. Western and Southern Europe; Australia; Scandinavia; Finland, Poland, and Baltics; the United States; the United Kingdom; and the Asia Pacific. The company was formerly known as CGI Group Inc. and changed its name to CGI Inc. in January 2019. CGI Inc. was founded in 1976 and is headquartered in Montreal, Canada. Receive News & Ratings for Computer Services Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Computer Services and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. U.S. Bancorp (NYSE:USB Get Free Report) and State Street (NYSE:STT Get Free Report) are both large-cap finance companies, but which is the superior business? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their analyst recommendations, risk, earnings, dividends, institutional ownership, valuation and profitability. Analyst Ratings This is a summary of recent recommendations for U.S. Bancorp and State Street, as provided by MarketBeat.com. Get U.S. Bancorp alerts: Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score U.S. Bancorp 1 8 14 0 2.57 State Street 1 6 7 0 2.43 U.S. Bancorp presently has a consensus target price of $50.72, suggesting a potential upside of 9.16%. State Street has a consensus target price of $102.85, suggesting a potential downside of 3.85%. Given U.S. Bancorps stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, equities analysts clearly believe U.S. Bancorp is more favorable than State Street. Profitability Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets U.S. Bancorp 15.70% 13.02% 1.00% State Street 12.85% 12.79% 0.84% Dividends This table compares U.S. Bancorp and State Streets net margins, return on equity and return on assets. U.S. Bancorp pays an annual dividend of $2.00 per share and has a dividend yield of 4.3%. State Street pays an annual dividend of $3.04 per share and has a dividend yield of 2.8%. U.S. Bancorp pays out 49.5% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. State Street pays out 34.1% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Both companies have healthy payout ratios and should be able to cover their dividend payments with earnings for the next several years. U.S. Bancorp has raised its dividend for 14 consecutive years and State Street has raised its dividend for 13 consecutive years. U.S. Bancorp is clearly the better dividend stock, given its higher yield and longer track record of dividend growth. Volatility & Risk U.S. Bancorp has a beta of 0.99, meaning that its share price is 1% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, State Street has a beta of 1.45, meaning that its share price is 45% more volatile than the S&P 500. Valuation & Earnings This table compares U.S. Bancorp and State Streets gross revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio U.S. Bancorp $42.71 billion 1.69 $6.30 billion $4.04 11.50 State Street $22.13 billion 1.38 $2.69 billion $8.91 12.00 U.S. Bancorp has higher revenue and earnings than State Street. U.S. Bancorp is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than State Street, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Insider and Institutional Ownership 77.6% of U.S. Bancorp shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 87.4% of State Street shares are owned by institutional investors. 0.2% of U.S. Bancorp shares are owned by company insiders. Comparatively, 0.3% of State Street shares are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, large money managers and endowments believe a company is poised for long-term growth. Summary U.S. Bancorp beats State Street on 11 of the 17 factors compared between the two stocks. About U.S. Bancorp (Get Free Report) U.S. Bancorp, a financial services holding company, provides various financial services to individuals, businesses, institutional organizations, governmental entities, and other financial institutions in the United States. It operates through Wealth, Corporate, Commercial and Institutional Banking; Consumer and Business Banking; Payment Services; and Treasury and Corporate Support segments. The company offers depository services, including checking accounts, savings accounts, and time certificate contracts; and lending services, such as traditional credit products and credit card services, lease financing and import/export trade, asset-backed lending, agricultural finance, and other products. It also provides ancillary services comprising capital markets, treasury management, and receivable lock-box collection services to corporate and governmental entity customers. In addition, the company offers asset management and fiduciary services for individuals, estates, foundations, business corporations, and charitable organizations. Further, it provides investment and insurance products to its customers principally within its domestic markets, as well as fund administration services to mutual and other funds. Additionally, the company provides corporate and purchasing card, and corporate trust services. Furthermore, it offers trust and investment management, merchant and ATM processing, mortgage banking, insurance, and brokerage and leasing services. U.S. Bancorp was founded in 1863 and is headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota. About State Street (Get Free Report) State Street Corporation, through its subsidiaries, provides a range of financial products and services to institutional investors worldwide. The company offers investment servicing products and services, including custody, accounting, regulatory reporting, investor, and performance and analytics; middle office products, such as IBOR, transaction management, loans, cash, derivatives and collateral, record keeping, and client reporting and investment analytics; finance leasing; foreign exchange, and brokerage and other trading services; securities finance and enhanced custody products; deposit and short-term investment facilities; investment manager and alternative investment manager operations outsourcing; performance, risk, and compliance analytics; and financial data management to support institutional investors. It also engages in the provision of portfolio management and risk analytics, as well as trading and post-trade settlement services with integrated compliance and managed data. In addition, the company offers investment management strategies and products, such as core and enhanced indexing, multi-asset strategies, active quantitative and fundamental active capabilities, and alternative investment strategies. Further, it provides services and solutions, including environmental, social, and governance investing; defined benefit and defined contribution; and global fiduciary solutions, as well as exchange-traded funds under the SPDR ETF brand. The company provides its products and services to mutual funds, collective investment funds, UCITS, hedge funds and other investment pools, corporate and public retirement plans, insurance companies, foundations, endowments, and investment managers. State Street Corporation was founded in 1792 and is headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts. Receive News & Ratings for U.S. Bancorp Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for U.S. Bancorp and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Fiduciary Group LLC lowered its holdings in CocaCola Company (The) (NYSE:KO Free Report) by 0.4% in the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the SEC. The firm owned 114,930 shares of the companys stock after selling 426 shares during the quarter. Fiduciary Group LLCs holdings in CocaCola were worth $8,231,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other large investors have also recently made changes to their positions in KO. Kanawha Capital Management LLC grew its stake in CocaCola by 2.1% in the first quarter. Kanawha Capital Management LLC now owns 184,888 shares of the companys stock worth $13,242,000 after purchasing an additional 3,887 shares during the period. Moody Lynn & Lieberson LLC lifted its position in CocaCola by 11.2% during the first quarter. Moody Lynn & Lieberson LLC now owns 161,620 shares of the companys stock valued at $11,575,000 after buying an additional 16,254 shares during the period. Aaron Wealth Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in shares of CocaCola by 7.1% during the 1st quarter. Aaron Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 34,149 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,446,000 after buying an additional 2,250 shares in the last quarter. FSM Wealth Advisors LLC increased its stake in shares of CocaCola by 31.2% in the 1st quarter. FSM Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 5,123 shares of the companys stock worth $367,000 after acquiring an additional 1,217 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Meadow Creek Wealth Advisors LLC increased its stake in shares of CocaCola by 0.4% in the 1st quarter. Meadow Creek Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 143,443 shares of the companys stock worth $10,273,000 after acquiring an additional 605 shares in the last quarter. 70.26% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get CocaCola alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of brokerages have weighed in on KO. Cfra Research upgraded shares of CocaCola to a strong-buy rating in a report on Tuesday, April 15th. UBS Group boosted their price target on CocaCola from $84.00 to $86.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, April 30th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their price objective on CocaCola from $74.00 to $78.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Monday, April 21st. Royal Bank Of Canada lifted their price objective on CocaCola from $73.00 to $76.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Wednesday, April 30th. Finally, Barclays reissued an overweight rating on shares of CocaCola in a report on Thursday, March 27th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, fifteen have issued a buy rating and two have assigned a strong buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, CocaCola currently has a consensus rating of Buy and a consensus target price of $76.27. CocaCola Stock Performance Shares of CocaCola stock traded down $0.05 during trading hours on Wednesday, reaching $71.62. 1,203,082 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 16,084,936. CocaCola Company has a one year low of $60.62 and a one year high of $74.38. The firm has a market capitalization of $308.27 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 28.63, a P/E/G ratio of 3.71 and a beta of 0.45. The company has a quick ratio of 0.89, a current ratio of 1.10 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.57. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $71.17 and a 200 day moving average price of $68.43. CocaCola (NYSE:KO Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Tuesday, April 29th. The company reported $0.73 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.71 by $0.02. CocaCola had a net margin of 23.00% and a return on equity of 45.49%. The company had revenue of $11.13 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $11.23 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the business posted $0.72 earnings per share. The firms quarterly revenue was down .7% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, equities research analysts expect that CocaCola Company will post 2.96 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. CocaCola Dividend Announcement The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, July 1st. Stockholders of record on Friday, June 13th were paid a $0.51 dividend. This represents a $2.04 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.85%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, June 13th. CocaColas dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 81.60%. Insider Activity In related news, CEO James Quincey sold 266,403 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, May 30th. The shares were sold at an average price of $72.06, for a total value of $19,197,000.18. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer directly owned 275,946 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $19,884,668.76. This represents a 49.12% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Also, CFO John Murphy sold 88,658 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, May 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of $72.09, for a total transaction of $6,391,355.22. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer owned 205,511 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $14,815,287.99. The trade was a 30.14% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 415,387 shares of company stock valued at $29,923,985 in the last ninety days. Corporate insiders own 0.90% of the companys stock. CocaCola Profile (Free Report) The Coca-Cola Company, a beverage company, manufactures, markets, and sells various nonalcoholic beverages worldwide. The company provides sparkling soft drinks, sparkling flavors; water, sports, coffee, and tea; juice, value-added dairy, and plant-based beverages; and other beverages. It also offers beverage concentrates and syrups, as well as fountain syrups to fountain retailers, such as restaurants and convenience stores. See Also Receive News & Ratings for CocaCola Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for CocaCola and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Summit Trail Advisors LLC raised its stake in shares of First Industrial Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE:FR Free Report) by 155.1% in the 1st quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The fund owned 10,718 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after acquiring an additional 6,516 shares during the quarter. Summit Trail Advisors LLCs holdings in First Industrial Realty Trust were worth $583,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. Several other hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of FR. Sumitomo Mitsui DS Asset Management Company Ltd grew its holdings in First Industrial Realty Trust by 4.8% during the first quarter. Sumitomo Mitsui DS Asset Management Company Ltd now owns 27,136 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $1,464,000 after acquiring an additional 1,237 shares during the period. Money Concepts Capital Corp boosted its position in shares of First Industrial Realty Trust by 8.5% during the 1st quarter. Money Concepts Capital Corp now owns 15,488 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $836,000 after purchasing an additional 1,215 shares in the last quarter. Artemis Investment Management LLP purchased a new stake in shares of First Industrial Realty Trust during the 1st quarter worth $40,294,000. Alpine Bank Wealth Management acquired a new position in shares of First Industrial Realty Trust during the 1st quarter worth $26,000. Finally, Bessemer Group Inc. increased its holdings in shares of First Industrial Realty Trust by 93.0% in the 1st quarter. Bessemer Group Inc. now owns 467 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $25,000 after purchasing an additional 225 shares in the last quarter. 99.85% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get First Industrial Realty Trust alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of equities analysts have recently issued reports on FR shares. Truist Financial cut their price target on shares of First Industrial Realty Trust from $60.00 to $55.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Monday, May 5th. Barclays dropped their target price on shares of First Industrial Realty Trust from $56.00 to $52.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, April 30th. Royal Bank Of Canada reduced their price target on shares of First Industrial Realty Trust from $62.00 to $58.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, April 29th. The Goldman Sachs Group lowered their price target on First Industrial Realty Trust from $59.00 to $51.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, April 22nd. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. dropped their price objective on First Industrial Realty Trust from $63.00 to $57.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Monday, April 28th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, six have assigned a hold rating and six have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $55.91. First Industrial Realty Trust Trading Up 0.5% Shares of First Industrial Realty Trust stock opened at $48.38 on Wednesday. First Industrial Realty Trust, Inc. has a 1 year low of $40.31 and a 1 year high of $58.17. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.87, a current ratio of 1.05 and a quick ratio of 1.05. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $49.14 and a 200 day moving average price of $51.14. The company has a market capitalization of $6.41 billion, a P/E ratio of 23.95 and a beta of 1.07. First Industrial Realty Trust (NYSE:FR Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, April 16th. The real estate investment trust reported $0.68 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.70 by ($0.02). First Industrial Realty Trust had a return on equity of 9.82% and a net margin of 39.04%. The company had revenue of $177.07 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $176.98 million. Sell-side analysts anticipate that First Industrial Realty Trust, Inc. will post 2.89 EPS for the current fiscal year. First Industrial Realty Trust Announces Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, July 21st. Investors of record on Monday, June 30th will be given a dividend of $0.445 per share. This represents a $1.78 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.68%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, June 30th. First Industrial Realty Trusts dividend payout ratio is presently 88.12%. About First Industrial Realty Trust (Free Report) First Industrial Realty Trust, Inc (NYSE: FR) is a leading U.S.-only owner, operator, developer and acquirer of logistics properties. Through our fully integrated operating and investing platform, we provide high quality facilities and industry-leading customer service to multinational corporations and regional firms that are essential for their supply chains. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding FR? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for First Industrial Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE:FR Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for First Industrial Realty Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for First Industrial Realty Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Keybank National Association OH increased its position in shares of SPDR Gold Shares (NYSEARCA:GLD Free Report) by 2.3% during the 1st quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 135,378 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after purchasing an additional 2,985 shares during the period. Keybank National Association OHs holdings in SPDR Gold Shares were worth $39,008,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Murphy & Mullick Capital Management Corp purchased a new stake in shares of SPDR Gold Shares in the 4th quarter worth approximately $26,000. HWG Holdings LP bought a new position in SPDR Gold Shares in the first quarter worth approximately $53,000. American National Bank & Trust raised its stake in SPDR Gold Shares by 189.4% in the first quarter. American National Bank & Trust now owns 191 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $55,000 after buying an additional 125 shares in the last quarter. Inlight Wealth Management LLC purchased a new stake in SPDR Gold Shares during the first quarter worth $55,000. Finally, Mattson Financial Services LLC bought a new stake in SPDR Gold Shares during the 4th quarter valued at $56,000. 42.19% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get SPDR Gold Shares alerts: SPDR Gold Shares Trading Up 0.9% GLD opened at $307.55 on Wednesday. The firm has a market cap of $102.54 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -32.43 and a beta of 0.15. SPDR Gold Shares has a 12 month low of $214.62 and a 12 month high of $317.63. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $306.02 and a 200-day moving average price of $280.14. SPDR Gold Shares Company Profile SPDR Gold Trust (the Trust) is an investment trust. The investment objective of the Trust is for the Shares to reflect the performance of the price of gold bullion, less the Trusts expenses. The Trusts business activity is the investment of gold. The Trust creates and redeems Shares from time to time, but in one or more Baskets (a Basket equals a block of 100,000 Shares). See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding GLD? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for SPDR Gold Shares (NYSEARCA:GLD Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for SPDR Gold Shares Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for SPDR Gold Shares and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Krane Funds Advisors LLC trimmed its position in shares of Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO Free Report) by 16.8% in the first quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 8,380 shares of the companys stock after selling 1,693 shares during the period. Krane Funds Advisors LLCs holdings in Altria Group were worth $503,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in the business. Kanawha Capital Management LLC raised its stake in shares of Altria Group by 1.6% in the first quarter. Kanawha Capital Management LLC now owns 18,384 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,103,000 after purchasing an additional 289 shares in the last quarter. Aaron Wealth Advisors LLC raised its position in Altria Group by 20.1% in the 1st quarter. Aaron Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 7,815 shares of the companys stock valued at $469,000 after purchasing an additional 1,308 shares during the last quarter. Redmont Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new position in shares of Altria Group in the first quarter valued at about $60,000. Keybank National Association OH lifted its position in shares of Altria Group by 0.6% during the first quarter. Keybank National Association OH now owns 128,607 shares of the companys stock worth $7,719,000 after purchasing an additional 790 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Rossby Financial LCC lifted its holdings in Altria Group by 96.2% during the 1st quarter. Rossby Financial LCC now owns 12,095 shares of the companys stock worth $705,000 after buying an additional 5,931 shares in the last quarter. 57.41% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Altria Group alerts: Altria Group Stock Down 0.8% Shares of Altria Group stock opened at $58.14 on Wednesday. Altria Group, Inc. has a twelve month low of $45.73 and a twelve month high of $61.26. The stock has a market cap of $97.93 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 9.74, a P/E/G ratio of 3.43 and a beta of 0.59. The companys fifty day moving average is $59.22 and its 200 day moving average is $56.34. Altria Group Dividend Announcement Altria Group ( NYSE:MO Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, April 29th. The company reported $1.23 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.19 by $0.04. The firm had revenue of $4.52 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.64 billion. Altria Group had a negative return on equity of 295.44% and a net margin of 43.09%. The companys revenue was down 4.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $1.15 earnings per share. As a group, equities analysts anticipate that Altria Group, Inc. will post 5.32 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, July 10th. Shareholders of record on Monday, June 16th will be paid a dividend of $1.02 per share. The ex-dividend date is Monday, June 16th. This represents a $4.08 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 7.02%. Altria Groups dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 68.34%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth MO has been the topic of several analyst reports. Wall Street Zen lowered shares of Altria Group from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Thursday, May 1st. Citigroup boosted their price objective on Altria Group from $52.00 to $55.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Friday, April 25th. Needham & Company LLC upgraded Altria Group to a hold rating in a report on Thursday, May 22nd. Stifel Nicolaus raised their price target on shares of Altria Group from $60.00 to $63.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, April 30th. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft set a $60.00 target price on Altria Group in a research report on Tuesday, April 1st. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, six have issued a hold rating and two have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $57.71. Read Our Latest Stock Report on MO About Altria Group (Free Report) Altria Group, Inc, through its subsidiaries, manufactures and sells smokeable and oral tobacco products in the United States. The company offers cigarettes primarily under the Marlboro brand; large cigars and pipe tobacco under the Black & Mild brand; moist smokeless tobacco and snus products under the Copenhagen, Skoal, Red Seal, and Husky brands; oral nicotine pouches under the on! brand; and e-vapor products under the NJOY ACE brand. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Altria Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Altria Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Lawson Kroeker Investment Management Inc. NE trimmed its stake in Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE Free Report) by 0.4% during the 1st quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The firm owned 209,926 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock after selling 850 shares during the period. Lawson Kroeker Investment Management Inc. NEs holdings in Pfizer were worth $5,320,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Sippican Capital Advisors boosted its stake in Pfizer by 63.4% in the 1st quarter. Sippican Capital Advisors now owns 67,627 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $1,714,000 after buying an additional 26,230 shares in the last quarter. Rossby Financial LCC increased its position in shares of Pfizer by 6.1% during the 1st quarter. Rossby Financial LCC now owns 9,322 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $236,000 after purchasing an additional 538 shares in the last quarter. DAVENPORT & Co LLC increased its holdings in shares of Pfizer by 16.1% during the first quarter. DAVENPORT & Co LLC now owns 378,669 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $9,594,000 after buying an additional 52,497 shares in the last quarter. Sumitomo Mitsui DS Asset Management Company Ltd raised its stake in shares of Pfizer by 3.4% in the first quarter. Sumitomo Mitsui DS Asset Management Company Ltd now owns 781,952 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $19,815,000 after acquiring an additional 25,552 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Lincoln Capital Corp boosted its holdings in shares of Pfizer by 30.5% in the 1st quarter. Lincoln Capital Corp now owns 14,720 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $373,000 after acquiring an additional 3,441 shares in the last quarter. 68.36% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Pfizer alerts: Pfizer Stock Performance NYSE:PFE opened at $25.03 on Wednesday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.96, a current ratio of 1.26 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.64. The firm has a market capitalization of $142.30 billion, a PE ratio of 18.14, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.88 and a beta of 0.58. Pfizer Inc. has a twelve month low of $20.92 and a twelve month high of $31.54. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $23.56 and its 200 day simple moving average is $24.83. Pfizer Announces Dividend Pfizer ( NYSE:PFE Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, April 29th. The biopharmaceutical company reported $0.92 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.67 by $0.25. The company had revenue of $13.72 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $14.43 billion. Pfizer had a return on equity of 20.33% and a net margin of 12.62%. Pfizers revenue for the quarter was down 7.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $0.82 EPS. On average, analysts anticipate that Pfizer Inc. will post 2.95 EPS for the current fiscal year. The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, September 2nd. Stockholders of record on Friday, July 25th will be given a dividend of $0.43 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, July 25th. This represents a $1.72 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 6.87%. Pfizers dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 124.64%. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several analysts have recently commented on the company. Citigroup restated a neutral rating on shares of Pfizer in a report on Thursday, March 27th. Hsbc Global Res raised shares of Pfizer to a strong-buy rating in a report on Monday, March 10th. The Goldman Sachs Group restated a neutral rating and issued a $25.00 price objective (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 target price on the stock. Finally, Guggenheim reissued a buy rating on shares of Pfizer in a report on Tuesday, March 18th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have given a hold rating, four have given a buy rating and three have given a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Pfizer has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $29.17. Read Our Latest Analysis on Pfizer 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. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PFE? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Pfizer Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Pfizer and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Miller Howard Investments Inc. NY lifted its holdings in Stag Industrial, Inc. (NYSE:STAG Free Report) by 0.6% in the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 603,279 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after acquiring an additional 3,838 shares during the period. Miller Howard Investments Inc. NY owned approximately 0.32% of Stag Industrial worth $21,790,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Several other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in STAG. Versant Capital Management Inc raised its position in shares of Stag Industrial by 204.9% during the first quarter. Versant Capital Management Inc now owns 753 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $27,000 after purchasing an additional 506 shares during the period. Tsfg LLC acquired a new position in shares of Stag Industrial during the first quarter valued at about $32,000. Garde Capital Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Stag Industrial during the first quarter worth about $33,000. Proathlete Wealth Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Stag Industrial in the 1st quarter worth about $47,000. Finally, Quarry LP bought a new position in Stag Industrial in the 4th quarter valued at about $62,000. 88.67% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Stag Industrial alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of research firms have recently weighed in on STAG. Royal Bank Of Canada restated a sector perform rating and issued a $38.00 target price on shares of Stag Industrial in a report on Monday, May 19th. Raymond James Financial increased their target price on shares of Stag Industrial from $36.00 to $38.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Wednesday, May 7th. Finally, Robert W. Baird cut their target price on Stag Industrial from $39.00 to $38.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, May 7th. Four analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, Stag Industrial currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $39.71. Stag Industrial Stock Down 0.3% STAG stock opened at $36.43 on Wednesday. The company has a current ratio of 1.25, a quick ratio of 1.25 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.86. Stag Industrial, Inc. has a 1-year low of $28.61 and a 1-year high of $41.63. The stock has a market cap of $6.80 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 27.39 and a beta of 0.93. The companys 50 day moving average is $35.21 and its 200 day moving average is $34.63. Stag Industrial (NYSE:STAG Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Tuesday, April 29th. The real estate investment trust reported $0.61 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.60 by $0.01. Stag Industrial had a return on equity of 7.04% and a net margin of 31.05%. The business had revenue of $205.57 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $202.04 million. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $0.59 earnings per share. Stag Industrials revenue for the quarter was up 9.7% on a year-over-year basis. Sell-side analysts predict that Stag Industrial, Inc. will post 2.47 EPS for the current fiscal year. Stag Industrial Announces Dividend The company also recently disclosed a dividend, which was paid on Monday, June 16th. Shareholders of record on Monday, June 2nd were given a dividend of $0.1242 per share. The ex-dividend date was Friday, May 30th. This represents a yield of 4.37%. Stag Industrials payout ratio is 112.03%. Insider Buying and Selling at Stag Industrial In other Stag Industrial news, Director Benjamin S. Butcher sold 28,843 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Friday, June 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $36.90, for a total value of $1,064,306.70. Following the sale, the director owned 7,115 shares in the company, valued at approximately $262,543.50. This represents a 80.21% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. 1.10% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Stag Industrial Company Profile (Free Report) STAG Industrial, Inc is a real estate investment company, which engages in acquiring, owning, and managing single-tenant, industrial real estate assets. It offers industrial real estate operating platform to real estate ownership. The company was founded by Benjamin S. Butcher on July 21, 2010 and is headquartered in Boston, MA. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Stag Industrial Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Stag Industrial and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. North of South Capital LLP purchased a new position in shares of BBVA Banco Frances S.A. (NYSE:BBAR Free Report) in the first quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor purchased 30,000 shares of the banks stock, valued at approximately $544,000. BBVA Banco Frances accounts for approximately 0.1% of North of South Capital LLPs investment portfolio, making the stock its 19th largest position. Several other large investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in BBAR. Clear Creek Financial Management LLC increased its stake in BBVA Banco Frances by 89.2% during the 1st quarter. Clear Creek Financial Management LLC now owns 23,465 shares of the banks stock worth $425,000 after buying an additional 11,060 shares during the period. Deltec Asset Management LLC grew its stake in BBVA Banco Frances by 43.1% in the first quarter. Deltec Asset Management LLC now owns 85,000 shares of the banks stock worth $1,540,000 after purchasing an additional 25,600 shares in the last quarter. ABS Direct Equity Fund LLC raised its stake in BBVA Banco Frances by 42.0% during the first quarter. ABS Direct Equity Fund LLC now owns 30,417 shares of the banks stock valued at $551,000 after buying an additional 9,000 shares in the last quarter. Redhawk Wealth Advisors Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of BBVA Banco Frances by 30.7% in the 1st quarter. Redhawk Wealth Advisors Inc. now owns 50,992 shares of the banks stock valued at $924,000 after buying an additional 11,984 shares during the period. Finally, GAMMA Investing LLC lifted its holdings in shares of BBVA Banco Frances by 27.1% in the 1st quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 5,303 shares of the banks stock worth $96,000 after purchasing an additional 1,132 shares during the last quarter. Get BBVA Banco Frances alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes Several equities research analysts recently commented on the company. Wall Street Zen upgraded BBVA Banco Frances from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Saturday, June 21st. Itau BBA Securities started coverage on shares of BBVA Banco Frances in a research report on Tuesday, May 20th. They issued a market perform rating and a $18.00 price target for the company. BBVA Banco Frances Price Performance Shares of BBAR opened at $16.29 on Wednesday. The firm has a market cap of $3.33 billion, a PE ratio of 9.53 and a beta of 1.19. The firms 50 day moving average price is $19.35 and its 200 day moving average price is $19.60. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.19, a quick ratio of 1.10 and a current ratio of 1.05. BBVA Banco Frances S.A. has a twelve month low of $7.05 and a twelve month high of $25.01. BBVA Banco Frances (NYSE:BBAR Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, May 21st. The bank reported $0.28 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.26 by $0.02. BBVA Banco Frances had a return on equity of 13.53% and a net margin of 8.31%. The business had revenue of $667.94 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $751.69 billion. As a group, research analysts expect that BBVA Banco Frances S.A. will post 1.94 EPS for the current fiscal year. BBVA Banco Frances Company Profile (Free Report) Banco BBVA Argentina SA provides various banking products and services to individuals and companies in Argentina. The company provides retail banking products and services, such as checking and savings accounts, time deposits, credit cards financing, consumer and pledge loans, mortgages, insurance, and investment products to individuals; and small and medium-sized companies products and services, including financing products, factoring, checking accounts, time deposits, transactional and payroll services, insurance, and investment products to private-sector companies. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BBAR? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for BBVA Banco Frances S.A. (NYSE:BBAR Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for BBVA Banco Frances Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for BBVA Banco Frances and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Pinnacle Financial Partners Inc grew its position in shares of Intercontinental Exchange Inc. (NYSE:ICE Free Report) by 0.4% during the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 81,288 shares of the financial services providers stock after buying an additional 337 shares during the quarter. Pinnacle Financial Partners Incs holdings in Intercontinental Exchange were worth $14,022,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in ICE. Moody Lynn & Lieberson LLC raised its stake in shares of Intercontinental Exchange by 170.9% in the first quarter. Moody Lynn & Lieberson LLC now owns 105,002 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $18,113,000 after purchasing an additional 66,248 shares during the last quarter. Aaron Wealth Advisors LLC increased its stake in Intercontinental Exchange by 14.2% in the 1st quarter. Aaron Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 3,162 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $545,000 after buying an additional 392 shares in the last quarter. FSM Wealth Advisors LLC raised its holdings in Intercontinental Exchange by 10.3% during the first quarter. FSM Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 3,538 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $610,000 after acquiring an additional 330 shares during the period. Fedenia Advisers LLC lifted its position in shares of Intercontinental Exchange by 9.5% in the first quarter. Fedenia Advisers LLC now owns 3,674 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $634,000 after acquiring an additional 320 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Meadow Creek Wealth Advisors LLC boosted its stake in shares of Intercontinental Exchange by 2.8% in the first quarter. Meadow Creek Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 2,892 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $499,000 after acquiring an additional 79 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 89.30% of the companys stock. Get Intercontinental Exchange alerts: Intercontinental Exchange Stock Down 0.3% Shares of NYSE ICE traded down $0.63 during mid-day trading on Wednesday, reaching $181.23. 108,341 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 3,104,055. The stock has a market cap of $103.96 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 37.52, a P/E/G ratio of 1.98 and a beta of 1.11. The company has a quick ratio of 1.00, a current ratio of 1.00 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.62. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $175.95 and a 200 day moving average of $165.99. Intercontinental Exchange Inc. has a 1 year low of $139.61 and a 1 year high of $183.76. Intercontinental Exchange Dividend Announcement Intercontinental Exchange ( NYSE:ICE Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, May 1st. The financial services provider reported $1.72 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.70 by $0.02. Intercontinental Exchange had a return on equity of 13.27% and a net margin of 22.84%. The firm had revenue of $2.47 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.44 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $1.48 EPS. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 8.0% on a year-over-year basis. On average, research analysts expect that Intercontinental Exchange Inc. will post 6.73 earnings per share for the current year. The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, June 30th. Investors of record on Friday, June 13th were paid a $0.48 dividend. This represents a $1.92 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.06%. Intercontinental Exchanges dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 39.75%. Analyst Ratings Changes ICE has been the subject of several research analyst reports. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods raised their target price on shares of Intercontinental Exchange from $183.00 to $189.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Friday, May 2nd. Barclays increased their price objective on shares of Intercontinental Exchange from $189.00 to $198.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Friday, May 2nd. Morgan Stanley boosted their target price on Intercontinental Exchange from $181.00 to $192.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research report on Monday, May 5th. Finally, Bank of America reduced their price target on Intercontinental Exchange from $237.00 to $230.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, April 2nd. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eleven have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $188.46. View Our Latest Stock Analysis on ICE Insider Activity at Intercontinental Exchange In related news, SVP Douglas Foley sold 1,600 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, June 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $177.48, for a total value of $283,968.00. Following the sale, the senior vice president owned 27,313 shares in the company, valued at $4,847,511.24. This represents a 5.53% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, CAO James W. Namkung sold 612 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, May 30th. The stock was sold at an average price of $180.00, for a total transaction of $110,160.00. Following the transaction, the chief accounting officer directly owned 13,220 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,379,600. This represents a 4.42% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold 227,954 shares of company stock worth $40,796,663 in the last 90 days. 1.00% of the stock is owned by insiders. Intercontinental Exchange Company Profile (Free Report) Intercontinental Exchange, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the provision of market infrastructure, data services, and technology solutions for financial institutions, corporations, and government entities in the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union, Singapore, India, Abu Dhabi, Israel, and Canada. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ICE? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Intercontinental Exchange Inc. (NYSE:ICE Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Intercontinental Exchange Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Intercontinental Exchange and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Lundin Mining Corp. (OTCMKTS:LUNMF Free Report) Analysts at Raymond James Financial issued their Q2 2025 earnings estimates for Lundin Mining in a research report issued on Monday, June 30th. Raymond James Financial analyst J. Elliott anticipates that the basic materials company will post earnings per share of $0.10 for the quarter. Raymond James Financial currently has a Hold rating on the stock. The consensus estimate for Lundin Minings current full-year earnings is $0.53 per share. Raymond James Financial also issued estimates for Lundin Minings Q3 2025 earnings at $0.13 EPS, Q4 2025 earnings at $0.14 EPS and FY2025 earnings at $0.52 EPS. Get Lundin Mining alerts: LUNMF has been the topic of a number of other research reports. UBS Group downgraded Lundin Mining from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Friday, May 2nd. Scotiabank restated an outperform rating on shares of Lundin Mining in a report on Monday, May 5th. Desjardins upgraded shares of Lundin Mining to a moderate buy rating in a research note on Thursday, April 3rd. TD Securities raised Lundin Mining from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Tuesday, April 15th. Finally, BMO Capital Markets raised Lundin Mining from an outperform rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Friday, June 6th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, one has given a buy rating and five have issued a strong buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Buy. Lundin Mining Price Performance LUNMF stock opened at $10.52 on Wednesday. The businesss 50-day moving average is $9.49 and its two-hundred day moving average is $8.73. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.27, a current ratio of 1.88 and a quick ratio of 1.53. The firm has a market capitalization of $9.00 billion, a P/E ratio of -80.92, a P/E/G ratio of 0.90 and a beta of 1.35. Lundin Mining has a 1 year low of $6.30 and a 1 year high of $11.96. Lundin Mining (OTCMKTS:LUNMF Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, May 7th. The basic materials company reported $0.11 EPS for the quarter, meeting the consensus estimate of $0.11. Lundin Mining had a negative net margin of 2.34% and a positive return on equity of 6.24%. The business had revenue of $963.90 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $914.31 million. Lundin Mining Cuts Dividend The business also recently declared a dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, June 25th. Stockholders of record on Friday, June 6th were paid a dividend of $0.0198 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, June 5th. This represents a dividend yield of 0.84%. Lundin Minings dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently -61.54%. About Lundin Mining (Get Free Report) Lundin Mining Corporation, a diversified base metals mining company, engages in the exploration, development, and mining of mineral properties in Chile, Brazil, the United States, Portugal, Sweden, and Argentina. It primarily produces copper, zinc, gold, nickel, and molybdenum, as well as lead, silver, and other metals. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Lundin Mining Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Lundin Mining and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Summit Trail Advisors LLC increased its stake in Box, Inc. (NYSE:BOX Free Report) by 3.4% during the 1st quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The firm owned 27,504 shares of the software makers stock after buying an additional 908 shares during the period. Summit Trail Advisors LLCs holdings in BOX were worth $849,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. A number of other large investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Sumitomo Mitsui DS Asset Management Company Ltd lifted its holdings in shares of BOX by 11.2% during the 1st quarter. Sumitomo Mitsui DS Asset Management Company Ltd now owns 19,281 shares of the software makers stock valued at $595,000 after buying an additional 1,941 shares during the period. Peregrine Capital Management LLC increased its position in BOX by 3.4% during the first quarter. Peregrine Capital Management LLC now owns 536,707 shares of the software makers stock valued at $16,563,000 after acquiring an additional 17,697 shares during the last quarter. MorganRosel Wealth Management LLC bought a new position in BOX in the first quarter valued at about $31,000. Blue Trust Inc. boosted its position in BOX by 88.3% in the first quarter. Blue Trust Inc. now owns 26,291 shares of the software makers stock worth $811,000 after purchasing an additional 12,330 shares during the last quarter. Finally, CWA Asset Management Group LLC grew its stake in shares of BOX by 57.2% during the 1st quarter. CWA Asset Management Group LLC now owns 37,524 shares of the software makers stock valued at $1,158,000 after purchasing an additional 13,649 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 86.74% of the companys stock. Get BOX alerts: Insiders Place Their Bets In other news, Director Bethany Mayer sold 5,123 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, June 30th. The stock was sold at an average price of $34.06, for a total value of $174,489.38. Following the completion of the transaction, the director owned 15,284 shares of the companys stock, valued at $520,573.04. This represents a 25.10% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, VP Eli Berkovitch sold 5,924 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Friday, May 30th. The stock was sold at an average price of $37.70, for a total value of $223,334.80. Following the sale, the vice president owned 138,770 shares of the companys stock, valued at $5,231,629. This represents a 4.09% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last ninety days, insiders sold 100,509 shares of company stock valued at $3,465,476. Insiders own 3.90% of the companys stock. BOX Price Performance BOX opened at $33.73 on Wednesday. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $33.65 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $32.49. The firm has a market cap of $4.85 billion, a P/E ratio of 26.15 and a beta of 0.90. Box, Inc. has a 1-year low of $24.63 and a 1-year high of $38.80. BOX (NYSE:BOX Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, May 27th. The software maker reported $0.30 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.25 by $0.05. The company had revenue of $276.27 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $274.77 million. BOX had a net margin of 21.38% and a negative return on equity of 20.17%. BOXs revenue for the quarter was up 4.4% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company earned $0.39 EPS. Equities analysts anticipate that Box, Inc. will post 0.27 earnings per share for the current year. BOX declared that its Board of Directors has approved a share repurchase program on Tuesday, March 4th that allows the company to repurchase $150.00 million in shares. This repurchase authorization allows the software maker to repurchase up to 3.1% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares repurchase programs are often a sign that the companys leadership believes its stock is undervalued. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several equities research analysts have recently commented on the stock. DA Davidson set a $45.00 price target on shares of BOX and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, May 28th. UBS Group upgraded shares of BOX from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating and increased their price target for the stock from $37.00 to $40.00 in a research report on Wednesday, May 28th. Morgan Stanley reissued a positive rating on shares of BOX in a research report on Wednesday, May 28th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their price objective on BOX from $37.00 to $39.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, May 28th. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada raised their target price on BOX from $21.00 to $24.00 and gave the stock an underperform rating in a report on Wednesday, May 28th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have assigned a hold rating, seven have issued a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $38.50. Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on BOX BOX Profile (Free Report) Box, Inc engages in the provision of an enterprise content platform that enables organizations to securely manage enterprise content while allowing easy, secure access and sharing of this content from anywhere, on any device. Its products include cloud content management, IT and admin controls, Box Governance, Box Zones, Box Relay, Box Shuttle, and Box KeySafe. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BOX? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Box, Inc. (NYSE:BOX Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for BOX Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for BOX and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Summit Trail Advisors LLC grew its holdings in Paycom Software, Inc. (NYSE:PAYC Free Report) by 15.3% during the first quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 3,016 shares of the software makers stock after purchasing an additional 401 shares during the quarter. Summit Trail Advisors LLCs holdings in Paycom Software were worth $659,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the stock. Clear Creek Financial Management LLC purchased a new position in Paycom Software during the first quarter worth approximately $259,000. Mather Group LLC. grew its holdings in Paycom Software by 510.2% in the 1st quarter. Mather Group LLC. now owns 299 shares of the software makers stock valued at $65,000 after buying an additional 250 shares in the last quarter. Valley National Advisers Inc. increased its stake in shares of Paycom Software by 1.0% in the 1st quarter. Valley National Advisers Inc. now owns 10,811 shares of the software makers stock worth $2,361,000 after acquiring an additional 109 shares during the last quarter. New York State Teachers Retirement System raised its holdings in shares of Paycom Software by 0.7% during the 1st quarter. New York State Teachers Retirement System now owns 46,658 shares of the software makers stock worth $10,194,000 after acquiring an additional 315 shares during the period. Finally, Mirae Asset Global Investments Co. Ltd. boosted its position in shares of Paycom Software by 3.8% during the 1st quarter. Mirae Asset Global Investments Co. Ltd. now owns 8,111 shares of the software makers stock valued at $1,774,000 after acquiring an additional 298 shares during the last quarter. 87.77% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Paycom Software alerts: Paycom Software Stock Up 1.2% NYSE:PAYC opened at $234.07 on Wednesday. Paycom Software, Inc. has a 52 week low of $139.50 and a 52 week high of $267.76. The stocks fifty day moving average is $245.03 and its two-hundred day moving average is $222.73. The stock has a market capitalization of $13.54 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 33.39, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.55 and a beta of 0.77. Paycom Software Announces Dividend Paycom Software ( NYSE:PAYC Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, May 7th. The software maker reported $2.80 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.62 by $0.18. Paycom Software had a return on equity of 25.53% and a net margin of 20.60%. The firm had revenue of $530.50 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $522.92 million. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $2.59 EPS. The companys quarterly revenue was up 6.1% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, sell-side analysts expect that Paycom Software, Inc. will post 7.15 EPS for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, June 9th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, May 27th were paid a $0.375 dividend. This represents a $1.50 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.64%. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, May 27th. Paycom Softwares payout ratio is 21.40%. Analyst Ratings Changes Several equities research analysts recently issued reports on PAYC shares. Piper Sandler raised their price objective on shares of Paycom Software from $224.00 to $246.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Thursday, May 8th. Stifel Nicolaus raised their price target on shares of Paycom Software from $187.00 to $215.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a report on Thursday, May 8th. Wall Street Zen lowered shares of Paycom Software from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, March 4th. BMO Capital Markets increased their price objective on Paycom Software from $215.00 to $244.00 and gave the stock a market perform rating in a research report on Thursday, May 8th. Finally, Needham & Company LLC restated a hold rating on shares of Paycom Software in a research report on Thursday, May 8th. Eleven equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and one has issued a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $226.90. Get Our Latest Analysis on Paycom Software Insider Activity at Paycom Software In other news, COO Randall Peck sold 890 shares of the stock in a transaction on Wednesday, June 4th. The stock was sold at an average price of $263.21, for a total value of $234,256.90. Following the sale, the chief operating officer directly owned 49,394 shares in the company, valued at approximately $13,000,994.74. This trade represents a 1.77% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, insider Bradley Scott Smith sold 1,500 shares of Paycom Software stock in a transaction on Thursday, June 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $249.96, for a total value of $374,940.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider owned 27,233 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $6,807,160.68. This trade represents a 5.22% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last quarter, insiders sold 172,016 shares of company stock worth $42,736,608. Corporate insiders own 10.90% of the companys stock. About Paycom Software (Free Report) Paycom Software, Inc provides cloud-based human capital management (HCM) solution delivered as software-as-a-service for small to mid-sized companies in the United States. It offers functionality and data analytics that businesses need to manage the employment life cycle from recruitment to retirement. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Paycom Software Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Paycom Software and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Swmg LLC trimmed its position in iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF (BATS:MTUM Free Report) by 6.8% during the 1st quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 13,893 shares of the companys stock after selling 1,012 shares during the quarter. iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF comprises about 1.1% of Swmg LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its 19th biggest position. Swmg LLCs holdings in iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF were worth $2,873,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. boosted its position in shares of iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF by 58.5% during the 4th quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 12,608,593 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,608,970,000 after acquiring an additional 4,651,707 shares during the last quarter. Raymond James Financial Inc. bought a new stake in shares of iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF in the 4th quarter worth about $574,824,000. LPL Financial LLC lifted its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF by 215.4% in the 4th quarter. LPL Financial LLC now owns 1,954,637 shares of the companys stock valued at $404,454,000 after acquiring an additional 1,334,851 shares during the last quarter. Assetmark Inc. lifted its stake in shares of iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF by 3.4% in the 4th quarter. Assetmark Inc. now owns 1,750,905 shares of the companys stock valued at $362,297,000 after purchasing an additional 57,922 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Bank of America Corp DE lifted its stake in shares of iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF by 25.2% in the 4th quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 1,528,601 shares of the companys stock valued at $316,298,000 after purchasing an additional 308,078 shares during the last quarter. Get iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF alerts: iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF Stock Performance BATS MTUM opened at $236.97 on Wednesday. The businesss 50 day moving average price is $226.13 and its 200-day moving average price is $215.27. iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF has a fifty-two week low of $168.49 and a fifty-two week high of $240.75. The company has a market cap of $17.30 billion, a P/E ratio of 28.67 and a beta of 1.02. iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF Company Profile The iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF (MTUM) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the MSCI USA Momentum SR Variant index. The fund tracks an index of large- and mid-cap US equities, selected and weighted based on price appreciation over 6- and 12-month periods and low volatility over the past 3 years. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. There is an inherent fear amongst many involved in education that AI systems and LLMs will make schooling redundant in the future. These fears are wholly unfounded. Its unlikely that schools will become completely worthless, even with advanced AI integration and potential brain-computer interfaces (BCIs), but they are almost certain to change dramatically. Physical forms of schooling and higher education will still be beneficial for humanity simply as a form of social and emotional development. Its not just about knowledge, but about socialisation, emotional growth, and cultural immersion. AI cannot replicate this form of human interaction, peer dynamics or collective learning experiences. Schools also help transmit societal norms, civic values and moral reasoning, although some may argue they are places simply training humans to be compliant taxpayers, but that is another conversation altogether. Neural brain implants and bespoke AI tutors will no doubt be expensive when first introduced, thus only the very rich will initially benefit which may also bring forth the question of inequality but realistically life is not fair. In this respect, it is inevitable that only those who can afford such technologies will have a head start in future knowledge acquisition and integration. As in all new technologies, the costs will eventually decrease as mass integration accelerates, thus giving the general populace access to the benefits of the revolutionary emerging systems. How the form and function of schools will evolve: Hyper-personalised AI tutors: Education will be tailored to each childs pace, interests, and cognitive strengths via generative AI. Instant feedback, adaptive difficulty, and multi-modal lessons (text, voice, holograms) will make learning more effective. BCIs and knowledge streaming: With brain-machine interfaces (Neuralink or similar), certain skillslike languages, coding, or maths formulascould be uploaded or streamed directly into the brain. But this wont replace understanding, creativity, or critical thinking, which still require mental training and reflection. Teachers as facilitators: The role of teachers will shift from content delivery to guiding inquiry, managing emotional well-being, supervising group work, and helping students evaluate information critically. Virtual and hybrid campuses: Physical classrooms may be partially replaced by immersive VR or AR environments. Students could attend classes with peers globally, engage in simulations (e.g., walking through ancient Rome), or collaborate in virtual labs. Physical schools may become project-based hubs or community centres. In 3050 years, education will involve a hybrid model where core knowledge will be acquired by AI tutors and brain-chip implantation. Human teachers will be needed, in lesser numbers, not as traditional educationalists, but as middlemen between the AI tutors and the human recipients. They will be trained to guide debate for exploration, socialisation and ethical concerns. Schools will thus be evolved centres of creativity and collaboration, where the traditional rote method of instructional delivery will be replaced by interdisciplinary thinking, creative imagination, resilience and emotional intelligence. Golden State Wealth Management LLC increased its holdings in shares of First Horizon Corporation (NYSE:FHN Free Report) by 53,160.0% in the 1st quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 2,663 shares of the financial services providers stock after purchasing an additional 2,658 shares during the quarter. Golden State Wealth Management LLCs holdings in First Horizon were worth $52,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Get First Horizon alerts: Several other large investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. boosted its holdings in First Horizon by 180.6% during the first quarter. Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. now owns 43,214 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $839,000 after purchasing an additional 27,814 shares during the last quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. boosted its holdings in First Horizon by 2.0% during the first quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. now owns 77,020 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,496,000 after purchasing an additional 1,481 shares during the last quarter. Advisor Resource Council acquired a new position in First Horizon during the first quarter worth $1,062,000. Centennial Wealth Advisory LLC acquired a new position in First Horizon during the first quarter worth $303,000. Finally, Johnson Investment Counsel Inc. boosted its holdings in First Horizon by 4.7% during the first quarter. Johnson Investment Counsel Inc. now owns 2,785,777 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $54,100,000 after purchasing an additional 124,185 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 80.28% of the companys stock. First Horizon Stock Performance NYSE FHN opened at $21.51 on Wednesday. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $19.65 and a 200-day moving average of $19.82. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.20, a quick ratio of 0.95 and a current ratio of 0.96. The stock has a market cap of $10.91 billion, a PE ratio of 14.94, a P/E/G ratio of 1.08 and a beta of 0.61. First Horizon Corporation has a 52-week low of $14.34 and a 52-week high of $22.44. First Horizon Announces Dividend First Horizon ( NYSE:FHN Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, April 16th. The financial services provider reported $0.42 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.40 by $0.02. The company had revenue of $823.69 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $825.11 million. First Horizon had a net margin of 16.13% and a return on equity of 10.33%. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $0.35 EPS. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate that First Horizon Corporation will post 1.67 EPS for the current year. The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, July 1st. Shareholders of record on Friday, June 13th were paid a $0.15 dividend. This represents a $0.60 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.79%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, June 13th. First Horizons dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 41.67%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades FHN has been the subject of several recent research reports. Raymond James Financial reduced their target price on shares of First Horizon from $23.00 to $22.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, April 2nd. Robert W. Baird raised shares of First Horizon from a neutral rating to an outperform rating and set a $22.00 price objective for the company in a research report on Monday, April 7th. Barclays decreased their price objective on shares of First Horizon from $25.00 to $23.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, April 8th. Wall Street Zen downgraded shares of First Horizon from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research report on Sunday, June 22nd. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their price objective on shares of First Horizon from $19.50 to $22.50 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Tuesday. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, six have assigned a hold rating, ten have issued a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $22.47. Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on FHN First Horizon Profile (Free Report) First Horizon Corporation operates as the bank holding company for First Horizon Bank that provides various financial services. The company operates through Regional Banking and Specialty Banking segments. It offers general banking services for consumers, businesses, financial institutions, and governments. See Also Receive News & Ratings for First Horizon Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for First Horizon and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. An appeal of a court decision to quash the A5 road upgrade is being explored, Minister for Infrastructure Liz Kimmins has said. The Belfast High Court last week quashed an Executive decision to proceed with the A5 redevelopment on the basis that it breached Stormonts commitment to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. She said they are working through the possible grounds for appeal before the proposal is brought to the Executive, but would not be making any knee-jerk decisions. It is my intention that we will look at pursuing an appeal, that will require Executive agreement and were exploring the logistics in relation to that, Ms Kimmins said. Ms Kimmins said the A5 upgrade was an Executive flagship project and there are wider implications from the High Court judgement. Everything remains on the table. We will look at all the options available to us. My priority and my determination is that we find a solution and we get this road built, so that no more lives are lost. There have been more than 50 deaths on the A5, which links Derry with Aughnacloy in Co Tyrone, since 2006. Welcoming the news, Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Ruairi McHugh, said it was appropriate that the Department for Infrastructure explore grounds for an appeal, and that it would give much comfort to families. I warmly welcome the news that all options are being considered in finding some solution to this impasse. I know that local families were devastated last week when they faced yet another obstacle in the campaign to upgrade this treacherous road where too many lives have been lost. I stand firmly with them in their campaign, and I want to voice my support for the department as they work through this process and urge that definitive action is taken quickly to set the wheels in motion on this vital infrastructure project before we see any further tragedy. Niall McKenna, of the A5 Enough is Enough group, said they would welcome an appeal and had implored the Department to act decisively. He said: The judgement itself last week said that the one thing that is certain about the A5 is that further delay will lead to further deaths. The harsh reality of this road is that it kills somebody every three months, thats the cold hard facts on it, so it needs to be a matter of urgency. Chair of the infrastructure committee Deborah Erskine said there was still no certainty for people. The minister has said she is minded to bring forward an appeal in relation to the High Court decision but we need to see the Attorney Generals advice in relation to the Executive and any future steps forward in relation to this, the DUP MLA said. Theres no certainty around any of this and its important that the minister gets to grips. Mark Durkan, SDLP MLA, welcomed that she was minded to appeal against last weeks judgement. However, in terms of what the minister actually said, Im trying to work out what that was. Theres a lack of definite action, she wasnt too certain it would seem in terms of what grounds she would be appealing on and was unable to answer even the most basic questions from the press gathered in the Great Hall for this announcement. Todays announcement is basically to demonstrate some sort of activity, however its clear that theres a lot of work to be done by DFI in terms of this appeal. Four journalists and a travel photographer representing various GB magazines and newspapers with a combined reach of over 1 million have been exploring locations along the Causeway Coastal Route and Wild Atlantic Way, as guests of Tourism Ireland, Tourism NI and Failte Ireland. In Derry, the group enjoyed a tour of the city with McCrossan Walking Tours and a Derry By Fork food tour with Lo & Slo. The programme included a guided e-bike tour of Blackhead Coastal Path in Whitehead, followed by a Fire, Feast and Folklore experience at Willow and Lore Heritage Farm in the Antrim Hills and a whiskey experience at The Harbourview Hotel in Carnlough. The journalists also visited Rathlin Island and the Giants Causeway. On the Wild Atlantic Way, the itinerary included Fanad Lighthouse, Sliabh Liag, Tullan Strand and Glencar Waterfall, as well as a surf lesson with Atlantic Surf School in Strandhill. This media visit complements Tourism Irelands Coast to Coast: The Scenic Route campaign, which has been under way recently in GB. Judith Cassidy, Tourism Irelands Acting Head of GB, said: Tourism Ireland was delighted to invite these influential British journalists to come and discover at first-hand some of the amazing experiences on offer along the Causeway Coastal Route and Wild Atlantic Way. With spectacular scenery, great water-based activities and outstanding food and drink experiences, Tourism Irelands message is that these two iconic routes can be enjoyed as part of one great holiday. READ NEXT: Face Your Fears Take on Limavady abseil with Air Ambulance NI and help save lives The articles these journalists will write when they return home will be read by more than 1 million potential GB holidaymakers, so this visit is a great opportunity to showcase our tourism offering and inspire visitors to extend their stay here, to explore more of our beautiful coastline. Tourism Ireland undertakes a busy publicity programme around the world each year to raise the profile of Northern Ireland and the island of Ireland and visits by influential journalists like these are a key element of that programme. If youre willing to go the used route for your GPU, this build offers a serious jump in performance over iGPU-based setups. With a Ryzen 7 5700 and a second-hand RTX 3050 sourced from Facebook Marketplace, this build delivers smooth 1080p gameplay in most modern titles even at medium to high settings. Also read: Top 5 best gaming keyboards under 5,000 in July 2025 AMD Ryzen 7 5700 (11,000) This 8-core, 16-thread processor is based on AMDs Zen 3 architecture and supports PCIe 4.0. It doesnt have integrated graphics, but paired with a decent GPU, its a beast for both gaming and multitasking. Perfect if you want extra headroom for background tasks, streaming, or light productivity work. NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 (12,000) The RTX 3050 offers great 1080p performance with ray tracing support and DLSS. At this price, its only possible via a used deal, in this case, a good condition card found on Facebook Marketplace. If youre comfortable buying second-hand (with basic checks), its easily the best GPU youll get under 15K right now. ASUS Prime A520M-K (3,900) Basic AM4 motherboard that supports Ryzen 5000 CPUs (including the 5700) out of the box. Includes M.2 slot, HDMI, and USB 3.2 Gen 1. No overclocking or PCIe 4.0 on this board, but its enough to get the system up and running reliably. Adata Premier 16GB (28GB) DDR4 3200MHz (2,600) This kit gives you 16GB of dual-channel DDR4 RAM at 3200MHz, which is the sweet spot for gaming and everyday multitasking in 2025. While its a basic budget series, the performance is reliable and fully compatible with Ryzen CPUs out of the box. Dual-channel configuration ensures better memory bandwidth, especially important for modern titles and background tasks. Whether youre gaming, streaming, or running Chrome with 15 tabs open, this will hold up well. EVM 512GB M.2 SATA SSD (2,500) Also read: Best gaming PC build under 25,000 in July 2025 This is a 512GB M.2 SATA SSD from EVM, one of the more affordable brands in India. Its not NVMe, so dont expect blazing-fast transfer speeds, but its still far quicker than a hard drive. Youll get fast boot times, snappy OS performance, and enough space for Windows and a few large games like Warzone, GTA V, or Valorant. Its a solid entry-level choice if youre trying to keep overall costs low while still wanting the benefits of solid-state storage Cooler Master MWE 450 Bronze V2 (3,000) A decent 450W power supply with 80+ Bronze certification. While this can power an RTX 3050 safely, its near the limit. If youre planning to upgrade to a higher-end GPU in the future, consider going for a 550W unit. ZEBRONICS ZIUM Mid-Tower (1,600) An entry-level mid-tower cabinet with acceptable airflow and enough room for full-length GPUs. Not flashy, but gets the job done. Full Build Summary Component Model/Specification Price () CPU AMD Ryzen 7 5700 11,000 GPU NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 12,000* Motherboard Asus Prime A520M-K 3,900 RAM Adata Premier 16GB (8GBx2) DDR4 3200MHz 2,600 Storage EVM 512GB M.2 SATA SSD 2,500 PSU Cooler Master MWE 450 Bronze V2 3,000 Case ZEBRONICS ZIUM Mid-Tower 1,600 Total 36,600 Performance Expectations Gaming: This build offers smooth 1080p gaming performance in both modern AAA titles and competitive esports. With the RTX 3050 (used), you can comfortably play games like Valorant or CS2 at High to Ultra settings with 140+ FPS, while demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Call of Duty: MW2 run well at Medium to High settings with DLSS enabled. Ray tracing is supported, but best used with DLSS for stable performance. Compared to integrated graphics like Vega 7, this build offers a significant boost in raw GPU power and visual quality. This build offers smooth 1080p gaming performance in both modern AAA titles and competitive esports. With the RTX 3050 (used), you can comfortably play games like Valorant or CS2 at High to Ultra settings with 140+ FPS, while demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Call of Duty: MW2 run well at Medium to High settings with DLSS enabled. Ray tracing is supported, but best used with DLSS for stable performance. Compared to integrated graphics like Vega 7, this build offers a significant boost in raw GPU power and visual quality. Everyday Use : With its 8-core Ryzen 7 CPU and 16GB dual-channel RAM, this PC handles multitasking, streaming, and productivity with ease. Whether youre browsing, using Office apps, editing photos, or watching content, the system stays responsive. The 512GB SSD ensures fast boot times and quick game/application launches. : With its 8-core Ryzen 7 CPU and 16GB dual-channel RAM, this PC handles multitasking, streaming, and productivity with ease. Whether youre browsing, using Office apps, editing photos, or watching content, the system stays responsive. The 512GB SSD ensures fast boot times and quick game/application launches. Upgrade Path: While the build is balanced as-is, future upgrades can push it further. Consider a 550W or higher PSU if you plan to install a more powerful GPU later. Add a 1TB hard drive or SSD for extra game storage. A better case with improved airflow can help lower temps and improve cable management, especially if you plan to upgrade to higher-end components. Also read: Top 5 Best gaming mice under 2000 The Apple iPhone 17 Pro series, specifically the iPhone 17 Pro Max has been in the headlines for a while now, thanks to the leaks. The device is said to have some massive improvements after years, including the design change. This year, the Apple iPhone 17 Pro, or maybe Apple iPhone 17 Ultra, could get a rectangular camera island with a familiar camera layout but upgraded lenses. Under the hood, the device is tipped to offer big changes including a new processor, a dedicated vapour cooling chamber, an enhanced RAM to support Apple Intelligence features and so on. While these advancements will be a welcome upgrade for the fans, will it affect the price this year? Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max Price (Expected) As per the latest reports, the iPhone 17 Pro Max could be priced at around Rs 1,64,990 in the Indian market. To recall, the iPhone 16 Pro Max was introduced at Rs 1,44,900. While these are just rumours, this price hike could be possible due to the US tariffs uncertainty, saturated demand, and more. Also read: Nothing Phone 3 vs Phone 2: Price, camera, design, display, chipset and other specs compared However, it is still too early to predict the prices. Since Apple has been investing in the manufacturing plans set up in India and exports, it is possible that the iPhone 17 series may not see a price hike. Anyway, we will get a clear picture in September. Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max launch timeline: As per the reports, Apple could be introducing the iPhone 17 Pro Max along with iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Air, and iPhone 17 in September, possibly in the second week. Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max specs and features Apple is said to get a big 6.9-inch SuperRetina XDR panel with ProMotion tech. The device is said to get a 3nm A19 Pro chipset, paired with up to 12GB RAM. The device is also said to get a better battery backup. The device may debut with iOS 26 and get some new AI features. As for the camera, the device may come with a triple 48MP camera including Wide, Ultra-Wide, and a new Telephoto with 3.5x optical zoom. The device may also support 8K recording. Save my User ID and Password Some subscribers prefer to save their log-in information so they do not have to enter their User ID and Password each time they visit the site. To activate this function, check the 'Save my User ID and Password' box in the log-in section. This will save the password on the computer you're using to access the site. Note: If you choose to use the log-out feature, you will lose your saved information. This means you will be required to log-in the next time you visit our site. Toales on Crowe Street in Dundalk will host a full-day live stream of Back to the Beginning concert on Saturday. Saturday 5th July Back to the Beginning - Live stream at 3pm - Free admission. Dundalk fans of heavy metal, mark your calendars. On Saturday, July 5th, Toales Bar will transform into a mecca for metalheads as it hosts a full-day live stream of Back to the Beginninga massive concert celebrating the genres roots and future. The highlight? A historic reunion of the original Black Sabbath lineupOzzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Wardperforming together for the first time in two decades. Osbourne will first take the stage for a solo set before joining his legendary bandmates for what is expected to be his final live performance. READ NEXT: New boutique festival Aurfest takes place in Dundalk this weekend But the lineup doesnt stop there. The all-day stream will feature full sets from some of metals biggest names, including:Metallica, Slayer, Pantera, Gojira, Halestorm, Tool, Lamb of God, Anthrax, and Mastodon. Adding even more firepower is an all-star metal supergroup featuring appearances by: Billy Corgan (Smashing Pumpkins), Slash and Duff McKagan (Guns N Roses), David Draiman (Disturbed), Fred Durst (Limp Bizkit), Jonathan Davis (Korn), Tom Morello (Rage Against the Machine), Zakk Wylde, Sammy Hagar, KK Downing, Lzzy Hale, Scott Ian, Rudy Sarzo, Papa V Perpetua (Ghost), and members of Sleep Token, among others. Toales Bar will be screening the concert live and loud, with full sound and a big screen setup to capture every riff and roar. Admission is free, and no tickets are required. Music kicks off at 3pm, with headliners hitting the virtual stage in the evening. Early arrival is encouraged, as space is expected to fill up quickly. Whether you're a diehard Sabbath fan or just looking for a place to soak in some serious live energy, this will be an unforgettable day for Dundalks music community. Back to the Beginning may be happening elsewhere, but for one night only, Toales is the loudest front row in town. The Town End podcast have announce their charity jersey for 2025. Once again the podcast has teamed up with Dundalk Village as their chosen charity and main sponsor for the podcast. This will be their second charity jersey after a successful jersey launch in 2023 helping to raise over 300 for Dundalk Village project works in Uganda. Speaking at the launch of this year's jersey, former Dundalk FC player and Dundalk Village representative, Donal Greene said: We are delighted to be linking up again for a new charity jersey with The Town End lads for 2025. Dundalk Village is a sustainable farming and community development initiative based in Nakasongola, Uganda. Since its founding in 2020, the project has been dedicated to improving the lives of rural Ugandans through grassroots agricultural programs and vital community support services. To date, Dundalk Village has delivered clean drinking water to over 100 families, distributed mosquito nets to multiple villages, and provided access to education and critical medical treatment for children suffering from malaria and other life-threatening conditions. Fans can directly fund Dundalk Village community initiatives by purchasing the Town End podcast jersey Chris Clarke from The TownEnd podcast said: It's great to be able to announce this years charity shirt. We wanted to take some inspiration from Dundalks 1st Division seasons gone by. A jersey we all always really liked was the 2006 jersey. Despite winning a playoff against Waterford that year, the Controversial FAI Independent Assessment Group denied Dundalk FC promotion but John Gill had begun assembling his squad which would eventually gain promotion two season later. He continued: Working again with Donal and Dundalk Village has been a real honour as hes someone who has backed the podcast from day one, and we are delighted to be able to highlight all the great work Dundalk Village have been doing as well. The Town End have once again teamed up with Dundalk FC jersey manufacturer Playr-fit have come on board to help design and create this year's Jersey. Read Next: Louth County Council meets with Dundalk councillors over Blackrock Beach concerns Chris continued: Playr-fit and in particular Karl OConnor has been great helping this creation come to fruition, we are so proud of it and we hope the fans of Dundalk FC will be too. We would like to thank Vinny and all the crew in Tonys Pizzeria as well as Marc Carolan from Black Mountain Studio for their continued support of the podcast and feature on the sleeves of this year's shirt. Also a big thanks to Gerry Scully for the photographs and Nita Whelan, Dundalk FC, for the use of Oriel Park to showcase the jersey. The shirt is available from today, Tuesday, July 1st for a limited time from the playr-for website https://playr-fit.com/ the-town-end/ Louth Labour TD, Ged Nash has slammed the government and the HSE for what he said is a growing crisis in providing orthodontist services for children in Louth. Deputy Nash said: It is clear to me that there is a crisis in Drogheda and Dundalk and across the county, in terms of the provision of orthodontic services for children. After a number of complaints to my office from constituents on the issue, I submitted a Parliamentary Question to the Minister for Health. While I am waiting on a more comprehensive reply from the HSE, the Minister for Health has told me that there is no consultant orthodontist or specialist orthodontist working in Louth, currently. He added: The Department of Health cannot even provide me with accurate waiting times for the service, because essentially, the service does not exist. While the Minister for Health says there is an active recruitment process to engage professionals for these vacant posts, Im not sure how active a process can be when you consider these posts have now been vacant since the end of 2022. Deputy Nash said the posts were advertised for a year, between May 23 and May 24 and there were no applicants and in June of 2024, the HSE engaged employment agencies to help and still no applications were forthcoming. I understand that since then, there has been recruitment campaigns in Northern Ireland for the posts and online, with no success," he continued. Read Next: Go ahead given for 24 apartments in centre of Dundalk The abject failure to recruit for these vital positions in our community points to a greater crisis in recruitment in the health services which this government must get to grips with. Children are waiting years to see an orthodontist and that queue is only getting longer as the failure to recruit for the post, rumbles on. Its an intolerable situation and children in our county, deserve better from a government who is failing in its duties to provide the most basic of public services at a time when the public purse is supposedly bursting at the seams. The Birches Alzheimer Day Care Centre in Dundalk celebrated its 25th anniversary with a Silver Jubilee Tea Day on Saturday. Otherwise known as the north Louth branch of the Alzheimer Society of Ireland, The Birches, which opened 25 years ago, offers a wide range of services. - It provides care on a five day basis at the day care centre. - It runs an outreach programme at The Birches, Rathabbey in Cooley one day a week, with transport kindly provided by Cooley Red Cross. - The Birches "Day Care At Home" service does what it says on the tin' and provides care to clients in the Dundalk and Cooley areas every week. - The monthly Social Club takes place in St. Gerard's Hall, St. Alphonsus Road (beside St. Joseph's Redemptorist Church) on the third Saturday of the month from 11am to 1pm. READ NEXT: Young Louth artist wins XL Stores Ireland colouring competition - The Young/Early Onset Dementia Activity Club meets monthly with activities driven by the clients themselves. - The Birches are also keen to spread the word about our Family Support Group which meets on the first Tuesday of the month at 7pm. - The 'veterans' family support group also holds a twice yearly get together. - In addition we provide telephone support for those with loved ones on the waiting list to access The Birches. The Birches Nurse Manager Olive Joyce, on behalf of their committee, said: Thank you to everyone who has helped us walk the road with those who have dementia in our community over the past 25 years - without your support it would not have been possible. As with so many voluntary and community groups around the country The Birches need more volunteers! So please get in touch if you'd like to help them. The Louth Garda Division saw a significant increase in the number of burglary offences recorded in the county in the 12 month period to March 2025, compared to the previous 12 month period, according to the latest figures released by the Central Statistics Office. 375 burglary and related offences were recorded in the Louth Garda Division in the 12 months to the end of March 2025, up 62 or 19.8% on the 313 recorded in the previous 12 months. In the first quarter (Q1) of this year 109 offences were recorded, up from 88 in the final quarter of 2024, and also up from 100 in Q1 2024. The figures contrast with the national figures for burglary offences, which fell by 6% in the year to Q1 2025 compared with the same period in 2024. The number of theft and related offences recorded in the Louth Garda Division also rose in the 12 months to the end of March 2025, but Q1 of this year also saw a decrease on Q4 2024. Read also: Louth man found guilty of raping tourist in Dublin as victim seeks restorative justice meeting 2,458 theft and related offences were recorded in Louth in the 12 months to the end of Q1 2025, up 349 or 16.5% on the 2,109 offences recorded in the 12 months to the end of Q1 2024. There was a fall in the number of offences recorded in Q1 of this year however, with 529 offences recorded, down from 623 in Q4 2024, and also down from the 571 recorded in Q1 2024. Tributes have poured in for a young girl named Joy Bruzda Damasceno who sadly died recently. Joy was from Kestral Manor, Drogheda in Louth and Maynooth in Kildare and has been paid tribute by those who knew and loved her dearly. Joy died on 29th June 2025 suddenly at Temple Street Childrens Hospital in Dublin. She was the dearly loved daughter of Justyna and Emerson and will be sadly missed by them, her brother Ben, her Babeczka and Vovo, Emerson's partner Caoimhe, her aunts Flavia, Fernanda and Dani and uncles Robert, Piotr, Clayton, Fernando and Anderson and their families, according to her RIP.ie. Joy's funeral arrangements are as follows: Reposing at F Watson & Son Funeral Directors, Dyer St, Drogheda (A92 W7EP) on Wednesday evening from 5pm until 7pm. Funeral Mass on Thursday morning in St. Marys Church, James St, Drogheda at 11am (A92 XO96) which can be viewed live at www.stmarysdrogheda.ie Burial afterwards in Calvary Cemetery. No flowers please. Donations, if desired, to https://www.lauralynn.ie/ Heartfelt messages have been left on RIP.ie, from those who knew and loved Joy, with one mourner writing, "Heart breaking to hear about the loss of your daughter Joy, a beautiful, kind & mannerly girl. My thoughts and prayers are with you all as you bid farewell to your angel, Joy. May she rest in peace." READ NEXT: 'We lost everything'- Students left homeless and injured amid tragic house fire Another message said, "Dear Joy you were really a blessed daughter. You were exceptionally well in your manners and behaviours. We always cherish your love and care to our little ones. They will miss the care and affection of an elder sister like you. Dear Justyna and Emerson our deepest thoughts and prayers are with your family at this difficult time. We will always remember your little angel in our prayers. Rest in peace dear Joy". A mum in Maynooth in Kildare said, "To all Joys family and friends, I am so sorry for you all. This is unimaginable and heart breaking. I pray that in time you will find some comfort in her memory and the light she brought to your lives. No parent should ever have to go through this and we are all sending all of our love and prayers your way. May Joys beautiful soul rest in peace and her memory live on". "Our beautiful little Joy, It's hard to believe that you are not with us anymore. You have always been the joy of your family, friends and loved ones, treasured by so many people who loved you so much. We will miss your voice, energy, your incredible smile and your affection. You will always be in our hearts and missed forever in our lives. You left us too soon... May you rest in peace our little Joy," another tribute said. The West Cork community of Courtmacsherry was shocked and surprised as a joint task force involving gardai, the Defence Forces, and Revenue personnel mounted a major operation in the area in the early hours of yesterday morning, leading to the seizure of a large quantity of illegal drugs with an estimated value in excess of 31m. The Independent Ireland councillor for the Skibbereen municipality, Daniel Sexton, expressed concern that smugglers could be able to take advantage of the regions exposed coastline to land drugs wholesale on beaches or the many coves and ports along the shoreline. I think theres a lot more coming in all over, he told The Echo, pointing to a major drug seizure in Leap and Tragumna last year that led to the discovery of what was estimated to be around 58m worth of drugs. There will be more of it, he said. Its a rugged coastline and theres lots of small ports, and some of them [are] fairly isolated. Four men have been arrested in connection with yesterdays drugs seizure, and a garda spokesperson told The Echo this morning: "The four men remain in Garda custody at this time." Gardai intercepted a van in the Courtmacsherry area in the early hours of yesterday morning. There were two men in the vehicle that was searched as part of the garda operation. A large quantity of cocaine was found in the van, believed to be in the region of half a tonne. The estimated value of this narcotic on the market is in excess of 31m, but is subject to further analysis by Forensic Science Ireland. The men aged in their 30s and 40s were arrested at the scene, and were last night being detained in a garda station in Cork under Section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act 2007. This means they can be held for seven days. Meanwhile, according to a spokesperson for An Garda Siochana, a rigid inflatable boat (RIB) with two men on board departed Broadstrand in Courtmacsherry and the LE William Butler Yeats, which was on patrol in the area as part of the joint task force operation, responded with support from a maritime patrol aircraft from the air corps. This aircraft provided overhead surveillance during the operation as two Irish naval service rigid inflatable boats, with members of the ships maritime interdiction team, were launched from the LE William Butler Yeats. These craft intercepted the suspect rigid inflatable boat off the coast of Cork. The suspect RIB was detained by Revenue customs service and the two males were taken on board the LE William Butler Yeats, the garda spokesperson said. The LE William Butler Yeats returned to Haulbowline Naval Base, and both males [also aged in their 30s and 40s] have been arrested by gardai and are currently detained in a garda station in Co Cork under Section 50 Criminal Justice Act 2007. Tanaiste and defence minister Simon Harris has commended those involved in the operation which led to the seizure. Mr Harris posted a message of congratulations on his social media platforms after receiving an update on the joint agency operation. I want to commend members of the gardai, the Defence Forces, the naval service, and Revenue for their close collaboration in securing a successful outcome, he said. West Cork Fine Gael senator Noel ODonovan also commended the work of the agencies involved. Early indications say this operation was under surveillance for the last number of days, so that is a testament to all involved for their professionalism and success in combating the importation of drugs into this country and its further transportation, he added. This is a significant detection the biggest drug bust in the country this year. In West Cork, we are well aware how narcotics can be smuggled into this country and the European continent. All involved in this operation An Garda Siochana, naval service, air corps have worked extremely well together and shown their capabilities in taking on evil criminal gangs and international drug smugglers. This capture highlights again the increased need for further garda resources in West Cork more gardai patrolling our rural areas prevents and deters criminal activity. A couple in their 80s who were found dead near the stairs of their terraced home in Glounthaune, Co Cork, on Monday have been named locally as 83-year-old Michael and 80-year-old Anne OSullivan. The bodies of the couple were found at about 5pm after a relative called to their property in the village. He found himself unable to contact the couple, and enlisted the help of another man to force open the door of the property. Gardai and the emergency services were contacted after the two men found the bodies of the couple near the stairs. A local GP formally pronounced the couple dead, and their bodies were later taken to the morgue at Cork University Hospital for postmortem examinations. There was no evidence of a gas leak, nor was there anything to suggest they had met their deaths via foul play. The property has been technically examined as gardai attempt to determine what caused their deaths. A members of the Garda forensic team at the house in Glounthaune Village, Cork where a couple in their 80's were found dead. Picture Dan Linehan Gardai are examining the possibility that the deaths may have occurred as a result of a fall. One of the parties possibly sustained a fall or experienced a medical incident with the other also being fatally injured whilst going to their assistance. It is understood that contact was last made with the couple on Sunday evening, so gardai have established that the deaths occurred at some period after that time. Prayers were offered for Mr and Mrs OSullivan at a Mass in the area yesterday morning. The couple were described as being very quiet people who were respected in the village, which is located east of Cork city. The results of the postmortem examinations will determine the course of the garda investigation. However, the deaths are being treated as a tragedy. Funeral arrangements will be finalised in the coming days. An inquest will be heard at a later date. Speaking to The Echo, Fine Gael Cork North Central TD Colm Burke said: This discovery is very sad for the couples immediate family. Its obviously very sad that this has occurred. Labour Party Cork North Central TD Eoghan Kenny said: I would like to offer my condolences to all of Anne and Michaels family. This is very sad news coming from the Glounthaune community. Fine Gael Cork East TD Noel McCarthy offered his deepest sympathies to all impacted by the death of Anne and Michael OSullivan. My deepest sympathies go out to everyone involved, all their neighbours in the area must be shocked. Sinn Fein Cork East TD Pat Buckley said his thoughts are with the OSullivan family. My condolences go out to their immediate and extended family, this is a massive tragedy, said Mr Buckley. In their elder years of life they were together, and now, unfortunately, in the way it has happened, they have left together as well. The good thing is that they will go on to the next place with each other. A teenager, understood to be from North Cork, was killed following a fall from a height while climbing near the Conor Pass near Dingle in the Corca Dhuibhne Gaeltacht on Tuesday afternoon. The boy, aged 16, was understood to be on holidays with his parents in the area and is believed to have gone climbing to a lake known as Loch an Pheidleara (Lough Doon) and fell from a height. The incident is believed to have occurred at 3.30pm in the afternoon. Gardai and Kerry Mountain Rescue were called to the scene and the rescue operation was co-ordinated by the Coast Guards Marine Rescue Co-ordination Centre in Valentia who tasked the Shannon based Rescue 115 helicopter to the scene. The body of the deceased was removed from the scene and brought to University Hospital Kerry in Tralee where a postmortem examination is to be carried out in the coming days. A spokesperson for An Garda Siochana said that gardai and emergency services attended a sudden death incident involving a male juvenile in An Chonair/Conor Pass, Co Kerry yesterday afternoon, Tuesday July 1 2025. A postmortem examination will take place in due course and a file prepared for the office of the Coroner, the spokesperson added. President Higgins has led tributes to Brother Kevin Crowley, founder of Dublins Capuchin Day Centre, has passed away at the age of 90. A native of Kilcolman, Enniskeane, his work with the homeless and the poor in Dublin made him a nationally respected figure. He founded the Capuchin Day Centre in 1969 and retired to the Holy Trinity Friary in Cork in 2022. President Higgins said Br Kevin had made an invaluable contribution to the people of Dublin city. "The Capuchin Day Centre on Church Street, founded by Brother Kevin in 1969, has gone on to provide essential services to the homeless population of the city for nearly 60 years. "The hot meals, food parcels, clothing, showers, family services, and medical and dental services have not just extended care of the most vulnerable, but has been exemplary in showing a fundamental respect for the dignity of each person and allowed so many of those who have availed of the services to rebuild their lives," he said. "It was extremely appropriate that Pope Francis visited Brother Kevin and the Capuchin Day Centre during his visit to Ireland in 2018 and met with those present and volunteers. "I was deeply honoured to meet with Brother Kevin on many occasions throughout the years and to share in his company. Brother Kevin was a warm, caring, yet fearless man, who dedicated his life to living his Christian faith in dedication to those most in need. "Brother Kevin leaves a wonderful legacy to all those whose lives to which he made such a difference," President Higgins added. "Siochain siorai do a anam lach uasal. Taoiseach Micheal Martin said he was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of a good friend, who had "worked selflessly, and with good humour, for 53 years providing help to vulnerable people. "Brother Kevin was a tireless and passionate advocate for justice, dedicating his life to helping those in need. He truly lived the Gospel," Mr Martin said. "His compassion, devotion and non-judgmental approach to helping the marginalised was unwavering. "He was an inspiring and humble man who I always enjoyed meeting. He was a proud Cork man who never lost touch with the home place that nurtured him in his early years." The Bishop of Cork and Ross, Fintan Gavin, said he had admired Br Kevin for many years for his tireless work for the poor and underprivileged. He didnt spare himself but saw Christ in everybody. He wasnt afraid to speak out when he saw any kind of injustice. Bishop Gavin said he had come to know Br Kevin better since he moved back to Cork, and described him as a man of deep prayer and closeness to Christ who had been very proud of his West Cork roots. May the poor who are close to Christ welcome him to the table of the Lord in Heaven, he said. Martin Long, director of the Catholic Communications Office in Maynooth, recalled a "deeply spiritual man with a great sense of humour". "As part of their Transition Year work experience in St Peters College, Dunboyne, three of our children worked in the Capuchin Day Centre and benefited greatly by it," he said. "Br Kevin personified the Good Samaritan and was a national treasure. Lord have mercy on his gentle soul. Kevin Crowley was born on February 24, 1935, and worked initially as a signalman with CIE. He felt the vocation to religious life and, prompted by an advert in the Southern Star, he joined the Capuchin Franciscan Order in Kilkenny in 1958, finishing his noviciate in Rochestown, and taking final orders in 1963. In his early years as a Capuchin friar, Br Kevin was stationed in Dublin and worked in a co-operative clothing guild for unemployed people and families, working particularly with people with disabilities. A Capuchin initiative, the guild manufactured rudimentary leather goods, operating out of offices in the Church Street Friary on Dublins Bow St, and in Corks Holy Trinity Friary. It helped poorer families with clothes, footwear, furniture, and toys, with volunteers acting as social caregivers, and co-operating with other charitable organisations, such as St Vincent de Paul, the Sick Poor Society and the Rehabilitation Society. In 1969, Br Kevin founded the Capuchin Day Centre, reconstructing the Dublin guild offices on Bow St as a hub for homeless and unemployed men, initially providing a basic service of soup and bread. The founding principle of the centre was to relieve the hardship endured by homeless people. In the mid-1980s, the centre had to expand its operations to cater for the increasing number of women and children availing of its services, and began distributing food parcels to families unable to make ends meet. By the mid-1990s, the centre was supplying meals for between 200 and 300 people a day, and dealing with a visible increase in child poverty. A new centre was built on the Bow St site, from where it operates to this day. By 2008, the centre reported demand for its services had doubled, and it was serving approximately 600 meals a day. In 2018, Pope Francis visited the Capuchin Day Centre, telling those gathered there that the Capuchins are especially attuned with people of God, and indeed, with the poor. Brother Kevin retired to the Holy Trinity Friary in Cork in 2022, at the age of 87. The Capuchin Day Centre now provides more than 1,000 meals per day, with demand constantly rising. Br Kevin Crowleys remains will arrive to St Mary of the Angels, Church Street, Dublin at 5pm on Thursday, reposing there all day Friday with solemn evening prayer at 6pm. Requiem Mass will be held at 11am on Saturday, with burial afterwards in Dardistown. Munster Technological University (MTU) has participated in the scientific response to the discovery of two critically endangered flapper skate fish (dipturus intermedius) that washed ashore in Co Mayo in May of this year. The stranding, reported by members of the public and relayed to the Irish Whale and Dolphin Groups stranding network, provided a rare opportunity for marine researchers to collect essential data on one of the most threatened elasmobranch species in Europe. Marine scientists, including Louise Overy, wildlife biology lecturer at MTU and vice chair of the Irish Elasmobranch Group (IEG), collaborated with Dr Catherine Waters and Alan Drumm of the Marine Institute, along with Dr Danielle Orrell of University College Cork (UCC) to conduct analysis and research. The flapper skate is the largest skate species in the world, reaching up to 2.5 metres. Ms Overy said: Elasmobranchs around the world are facing mounting pressures, with over one-third of species now considered at risk of extinction. Addressing this crisis requires a broad, collaborative and sustained global effort. The event hosted here at MTU highlights the importance of scientific collaboration and knowledge-sharing. Dr Orrell from UCC added: The recent stranding of these two skates presents a unique opportunity to gather samples and insight into these incredible animals found in Irish waters. The findings will provide valuable insights into the physiology and ecology of this critically endangered species. The dissections were done at MTUs field laboratory with analysis conducted by the Marine Institute, UCC and MTU. Its a bitter-sweet night, but great that Rory is still selling tickets all these years later. Those were the words of Donal Gallagher to The Echo on Tuesday night, ahead of the first of a trio of tribute concerts at the Marquee to celebrate his late brother, the legendary Cork guitarist Rory Gallagher. Joe Bonamassa, a blues guitarist from upstate New York, and a three-time Grammy nominee, paid revered homage to his hero who died 30 years ago last month, at the tragically young age of 47. As Bonamassa explained it to the full-house Marquee crowd: I got a call from your man who runs the Marquee asking if I would appear. I said, Hell, yeah, I can sing my songs like The Ballad Of John Henry and Sloe Gin all night. However, Donal Gallagher, keeper of Rorys flame for all these years, had other ideas. Donal called me, explained Bonamassa, and said it would be great if I did a tribute to Rory here. Yeah, sounds great ... I put the phone down, thought for a moment, and said, S**t! If the American had stage-fright about how Rorys hometown audience would respond to him performing a full set of his heros hits, he neednt have worried. Bonamassa is a superb axeman in his own right, and, looking down on the Marquee, Rory would surely have approved of this brilliant virtuoso performance. From the opening bars of Cradle Rock to the closing tune, A Million Miles Away played with Rorys trusty old hollowed-out guitar Bonamassa had the audience spellbound. He ploughed through hits from Rorys landmark Irish Tour 74 double live album I Wonder Who (Whos Gonna Be Your Sweet Man), Tattood Lady, Too Much Alcohol, and As The Crow Flies but also included other Rory favourites, like Calling Card, Bad Penny, Bullfrog Blues, I Fall Apart, and Messin With The Kid. Bonamassas backing band included percussionist Jeremy Stacey, from Noel Gallaghers High Flying Birds, Cork guitarist Conor Brady, and a guest appearance by Gerry McAvoy, Rorys bass player on that 1974 Irish Tour 74. The crowd comprised a fair share of bearded and pony-tailed 60-something rockers many of whom surely saw Rory play at City Hall or Macroom Mountain Dew Festival in his heyday but there were plenty of younger music aficionados and international fans to wallow in this celebratory and triumphant nostalgia-fest. Bonamassa has spent the past week in Cork, visiting Crowleys Music shop, where Rory purchased his famous Fender Stratocaster, and walking in the footsteps of his idol. At the Marquee, he completed his pilgrimage to perfection. A two-year suspended jail term was imposed on a former solicitor for causing a loss of almost 10,000 by deception to a couple which had a catastrophic domino effect on them. 50-year-old Mark Cronin, formerly of Macroom, County Cork, and now of 23 Halliday Square, Dublin, pleaded guilty to two counts of making a gain or causing a loss to another by deception, namely that between December 7 2009 and January 31 2012 he did dishonestly by deception induce a person to pay him 9,000 with the intention of making a gain for himself or causing a loss to another, and a similar charge in the same period relating to the sum of 700. Defence barrister Paula McCarthy said at Cork Circuit Criminal Court that Mark Cronin has already served a prison sentence for similar offences against others in the same period. He was sentenced to four years in prison with the last two years of that sentence suspended. Now working as a barista, Mr Cronin gathered 2,000 compensation for the injured party from limited resources, Ms McCarthy said. Judge Helen Boyle said from the evidence at the sentencing hearing that the injured partys wife had trusted Mark Cronin when he went out on his own to set up in practice and she decided to give him the business, paying him 9,000 and 700 for stamp duty and land registry fees in respect of a site, but the stamp duty and land registry fee was never paid. Judge Boyle noted that the consequences of this deception were catastrophic for the family as they lost the site and were subject to penalties and fees in respect of the stamp duty and land registry duty that Mr Cronin did not pay, despite being given the money to do so. The couple lost the site afterwards arising out of their inability to pay the penalties. The victim impact statement sets out the catastrophic impact on their family. It was a domino effect. They both (the injured party and his wife) lost their jobs around this time, and lost their family home It was not a direct effect but it was a domino effect. It was very distressing and they had to enter bankruptcy. I have no doubt this had a serious effect on the course of their life. It was a severe breach of trust, the judge said. Regarding Mark Cronin, Judge Boyle said: For assorted reasons you were unable to function as a solicitor and caused a lot of damage to people There is some compensation I think it is the best that you can do in terms of your present circumstances. You have had severe medical issues. You suffered in laymans terms a mental breakdown. You have been working and have not come to garda attention since. Had this offending come to light with other similar offences for which you served a sentence, it would have been dealt with already. It is appropriate to make the seriousness of this offence with a sentence of two years but because you have already served a sentence for this type of offence I will suspend the sentence. The 2,000 compensation is to be paid to the injured party. A Christmas night out ended in violence when a man took exception to another man skipping the queue and reacted by head-butting him, catching him in a headlock and biting his finger. Detective Sergeant Pat Lyons outlined this evidence at Cork Circuit Criminal Court where 28-year-old Cathal Lyons of Clonpriest East, Youghal, County Cork, pleaded guilty to a charge of assault causing harm to the other man during a social event at Rochestown Park Hotel. A number of different companies were out for a joint Christmas party dinner dance back on December 16 2023. People who were staying in the hotel that night were in a queue to get to the residents-only part of the hotel after the event when the altercation occurred. Det Sgt Lyons said the injured party was called forward in the queue by a number of his friends who were ahead of him but Mr Lyons reacted to what he saw as skipping the queue. He headbutted the other man, caught him in a headlock and bit one of his fingers. When identified on CCTV and questioned, the defendant had no recollection, no explanation and could only apologise unreservedly for entirely out-of-character behaviour. Judge Sinead Behan imposed a one-year suspended sentence, noting that alcohol played a huge role in what occurred, he paid 5,000 compensation to the injured party and has given up drink since the incident occurred. Taoiseach Micheal Martin met with Prime Minister of Japan Shigeru Ishiba in Toyko on yesterday, which included discussions on bilateral and economic relations between the two countries. Following a salute and guard of honour ceremony, the two leaders held a summit meeting which was followed by a working lunch. The Japanese Prime Minister expressed his delight that Japan was chosen as the first country Mr Martin has visited in Asia since being re-elected as Taoiseach. Mr Ishiba extended his congratulations on the opening of Ireland House Tokyo, which will hold the Embassy, trade and tourism promotion agencies, and an event space. During the meeting Mr Ishiba and Mr Martin also agreed to further advance co-operation across a wide range of areas toward the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Ireland and Japan, which will be in 2027. Among the areas included are security, economy, digitalisation, agriculture, people-to-people exchanges and cultural exchanges. With regards to bilateral relations between Ireland and Japan, the two leaders also agreed to co-ordinate in the field of security and cybersecurity. The two leaders also shared the recognition that unilateral attempt to change the status quo by force is unacceptable anywhere in the world, while that that they would continue to co-operate to achieve a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. Speaking after the meeting, the Taoiseach said: I was delighted to meet with Prime Minister Ishiba in Tokyo today. There is a longstanding, strong friendship between Ireland and Japan. We agreed to build on this mutually beneficial partnership and further strengthen the economic ties between our countries. Japan is a key trading partner for Ireland. We are both pro-enterprise and pro-business. This important economic relationship formed a key part of our discussions. "In an increasingly complex geopolitical environment, it is important that we build on the relationships we have with like-minded partners, such as Japan. Mr Martin added: Much progress has been made since my last visit to Japan in 2022 when the Joint Leaders statement between our two countries was signed. We are committed to further developing our political, economic, trade and people-to-people links. We also discussed Irelands participation at Expo and the opening of Ireland House Tokyo, the new home of Irelands embassy and state agencies in Japan, which demonstrates our commitment to further develop bilateral relations with Japan. The Taoiseach will continue his visit of Japan on Thursday, when he is scheduled to attend an Expo in Osaka. On Friday, Mr Martin will visit Hiroshima where he will be laying a wreath at the memorial for victims of the atomic bomb. With the surge in interest in space exploration, it is no surprise that groundbreaking developments are being made by UCC students to keep Cork at the forefront. After months of hard work and petitioning, the newly-established Rocketry and Space Exploration Society is set to become an official society at the start of next term. As UCCs newest engineering society, they have a shared vision to design, build and launch rockets, and to provide real-world engineering experience to all the students of UCC. The idea took shape 16 months ago between Michael Moynihan, Darren Moynihan, and Leo Healy, who shared the question: Do you want to build a rocket? That single idea led to a small but dedicated engineering group being formed. It quickly grew to about 20 members, from disciplines such as engineering, physics, and computer science. Development of their first rocket, named Icarus, started in late April last year, and significant assistance was provided by the other rocketry teams in UL and Queens, who were well established. The UCC engineering department also chipped in, giving advice, access to facilities, and funding the new team. Icarus was launched on February 15 this year in Curraghmore Estate, Waterford. It was a momentous day for the group, as it was the deciding factor on whether the months of work would pay off. Thankfully, the launch was a complete success, despite the crash landing in a nearby tree. The rocket was later recovered almost unscathed, bar a tail fin taking the brunt of the fall. The launch wasnt just a technical milestone, it showed that the students and the engineering group in UCC had the interest, dedication, and know-how to create this society. However, forming a society is no easy feat. Even with the experience of launching a fully-fledged rocket under the groups belt, it still proved difficult to get the UCC societys office to agree to the new society. It took months of back-and-forth emails, signed letters of recommendation from the heads of several societies, and a petition that gathered more than 300 signatures in just under five hours before the office agreed to the formation. This all happened in early April. Consequently, there will be no official UCC funding until the start of next semester. This has not stopped the team, however, as it has been full steam ahead in their development of their next rocket, called Prometheus. Prometheus is being constructed for the participation in Mach25 - a rocketry competition due to be held in Scotland in July this year, where teams from all over Ireland and the UK participate. Prometheus is planned to reach a maximum height of two kilometres. The rocket is already almost completed. The main body is constructed, painted, and all parts have been ordered. As well, all updates on the rockets journey in construction are being documented on their Instagram, @uccrocketrysociety. There were, of course, challenges in the construction of Prometheus. While generous, there were some budget constraints with just the money provided by the Engineering Department. The rocket components all had to be shipped from Italy, which, on top of taking months to arrive, also cost a significant amount. Alternatives to certain parts were investigated. Eventually, it was decided to 3D print the nose cone and fins. This saved valuable money and time. Fortunately, many members of the team had access to top-of-the-line 3D printers. These designs were tested on Icarus. They proved to be a big success and capable of being used on Prometheus, saving money and giving the team valuable experience. The group isnt all about launching rockets. There is a big push and commitment for raising awareness about the space exploration industry on campus. There are plans to host talks from people throughout the industry, including representatives from SpaceX, Nasa, and Realtra, open to all students in UCC. Regular newsletters will be sent out to cover what is happening in space exploration. There are even talks about a potential donation of real rocket parts to UCC for display in the physics building on the main campus. As the time ticks closer to the launch of Prometheus, the Rocketry and Space Exploration Society is hard at work. They are setting the groundwork for many future generations of aspiring rocketeers and starting off UCCs rocketry journey with a bang. With many planned launches, events, and outreach programmes, they plan to make UCC the centre of student made innovation and ingenuity in the aerospace industry. For 13 years, Orso has created a reputation as the tiny restaurant serving big flavours. Generous plates sing of colour, vibrancy, and freshness. A signature Levantine flair for heady spices and aromatic herbs made it the go-to place in the city for breakfast bakes and coffee, and a bustling lunchtime grab-and-go spot for zingy salads and fluffy flatbreads. In recent years, Orso has switched things up. Responding to how diners want to eat today, focus has shifted from mostly takeaway to largely sit-down for lunch and dinner, six days a week. Overseeing this game of culinary chess is Dee Munnelly, co-owner of Orso and a familiar face to regulars. The restaurant is part of the Market Lane Group that includes Goldie, Elbow Lane, The Castle Cafe, and the eponymous Market Lane. Originally from Dublin, Dee moved to Cork 25 years ago with a new baby and a Corkonian husband in tow. Having worked in hospitality while studying a degree in English with Greek and Roman History and a postgrad in Public Relations at UCD, the world of restaurants already had Dees heart. The people side of things always interested me. That combined with the lure of hospitality was one step forward from the other. The people side of things always interested me. That combined with the lure of hospitality was one step forward from the other," says Dee. In 2000, Dee was working at Luigi Malones: It was the place to be, says Dee, and it was there she met Judy Howard, who would go on to become a founding partner of Market Lane Group. We were both Luigi Malone recruits, she had also moved to Cork, wed both just had babies and didnt know what we were doing, says Dee, and a friendship blossomed. In 2008, Market Lane opened, and Dee joined the team soon after. During a busy evening service, a customer asked Dee if she planned on being a waitress for the rest of her life? I had been moseying along very happy, but you know the way something might be said, youd flip it off but then it kind of resonates in an annoying way. I suddenly knew I needed to do something for myself, says Dee. I had a drive to do the entrepreneurial thing, but I needed it to be in this industry because it was one I loved, and all Id ever done. It was make or break time. I had to decide what I was going to do next, so when the opportunity to open Orso came about, it was amazing. Good ideas happen when we least expect it, and the concept for Orso happened at the kitchen table surrounded by friends. I was sat in Judys kitchen, and we were just throwing little ideas out. At that time, in 2011, Ottolenghi was all the rage in London, and because me and Judy were at home with our kids, we cooked a lot, and we had Ottolenghi books. To us, what he was doing with food at the time was amazing and there was nothing like it in Cork. That for us was the inspiration for Orso. The next challenge was to go from a food scene that, at the time, was all chicken fillet rolls and serving chips and crisps with everything, to selling slow-cooked lamb pies and cous cous. Thats what it was. Were not trailblazing trendsetters by any means. We were inspired by Ottolenghis vision. Everything he did, he did with such colour and perfection. We werent copying him, but we were 100% inspired by him, says Dee. She is the face of Orso and runs the restaurant behind the scenes; the kitchen is the domain of her head chefs. Weve had some really interesting chefs work with us over the years, says Dee. We had an Indian chef whose influence on the menu was about bringing his knowledge of spices; a real learning for us because he used spices in ways we wouldnt think of. Our big thing is fresh herbs and fresh produce, and there is a skill to marrying herbs and spices to make them work. Im always amazed at the chefs that come through our door, and I love what they bring to our table. It makes my heart beat knowing everybody who comes along can influence what were doing at any given time. Hannes von der Fecht has been head chef at Orso for the past 18 months. Whats amazing about Hannes is his understanding of what were about. Hes got a real bubbling passion underneath for the food we do. As a collaborative, we both come up with ideas, but I can take no credit for what is presented to people. The concept for Orso came about at the kitchen table. We might fine-tune a dish together because I know what our audience expects or how far to push a boundary. But look at the city: weve so much diversity in Cork, so were always embracing new ideas. All we want to do is make them work. Once its consistently delicious and lovely, thats it. Across Market Lane Group is a commitment to source as much local and seasonal produce as possible. This isnt a challenge to Orso even though the cuisine isnt native to here. Its easier for us than the other venues because we have a lot of creative freedom in our kitchen to play because were not constrained by anything: were meat, were fish, were spice, were veggie, were coeliac, were gluten-free, were vegan. We have it all, so we have less boundaries. Pivoting to become predominantly a sit-down restaurant with an evening service six nights a week is a big transition for Orso. But, says Dee, the change was necessary to adapt what were the changing demands of diners. The figures dont lie, says Dee. You could see the decline in takeaway sales because nobodys in the offices. People who were office-based are no longer grabbing and going back to their desk but are taking their hour, leaving the desk and going for a sit-down lunch. It wasnt that people didnt want what we did, but the offering needed to satisfy what had changed, which was the behaviour of diners. We did our sums; we couldnt survive as a business doing takeaway five days a week, so we started opening six nights. Lots of places are closed Mondays and now Monday nights are one of our busiest of the week. Whereas many in the restaurant trade would like to move away from night-time service, Dee says she has found her groove. When you work a day shift, youre running a business. At night, youre running a shift, and its joyous because youre doing what you love doing. At night, you cant do office admin, emails, phone calls. You only deal with the people who are happy to be there. I love it. Its so rewarding. Food is rightly so the focus of dining out, but more attention is being paid to what is sipped with it, and there is a growing interest in seasonal cocktails and low/no alcohol drinks. We do a collaboration with Churchfield Community Gardens where they drop a box to us every Tuesday, but we dont know whats going to be in it. Right now, its lettuce season so were delighted because its leaves, leaves, leaves! But we also get wildflowers and herbs like elderflower, lemon verbena, and sage flowers. Getting these fresh flowers and herbs adds another side of creativity, and we run the whole bar from it. We infuse vodka with raspberries; we make syrups from fresh mint and rhubarb for cocktails. We change our cocktail menu four times a year and have developed a big portfolio of recipes now. We have an old-world wine menu with European wines, mostly from small organic vineyards. All the wines have a story, and I love telling the stories behind our wines. We also added two of the Elbow Lane beers on tap this year: Jawbone and Lager. Theyre great beers, and theyre designed to be paired with food. What has changed massively are the 0-0 drinkers. The next generation approach drinks so differently now. A recent study predicts that in ten years, sales of 0-0 will outsell alcohol, so we embrace that on our cocktail menus. We want to offer a drink that makes somebody feel lovely - thats what its about. The only thing thats changed is the alcohol content, nothing else. The presentation is the same. Put a 0-0 spirit in it, and itll taste like a real cocktail. Constantly evolving is an everyday part of the restaurant business. But after years in the biz and rolling with challenges, theres no sign the buzz is wearing thin for Dee. "Your job should be somewhere youre delighted to walk into," says Dee. I love what I do. I know its a real cliche answer, but I dont feel like Im getting up every morning and just trudging into some job. The diversity this business throws at you every day lends a lot of freedom. I want people to be in this industry because they want to and not feel they need to find something else because thats expected. The nurturing I do now is showing people you can travel; if you meet someone, you can have a family; you can get a credit union loan, you can get a mortgage - you can get all the things that are perceived impossible if youre a bartender, chef or server. Id love to break the stereotype on that. Ive had some great people here, and Im always sad they dont stay with us forever. But what I do hope is they have left after having a really nice time here. I cant tell you the amount of people who still come back to me, message me, invite me to their weddings. Have I changed anything in the whole wide world? Probably not. But I hope, for the industry, Ive left an imprint on their minds that means theyll never think theyd never work in a bar again. I dont want the people that work here to feel like what theyre doing isnt a real job. I really dont. There is a future, and I think we show that by nurturing who we have and that theres a path of progression - thats important. It means something to me if it means something to them. I do bang on about work-life balance because I want to teach them that your job should be somewhere youre delighted to walk into and supports your lifestyle, because your world outside work is more important than your world in work. Thats what keeps me going. Its not really anything else. Its about nurturing and getting other people to see what I have seen on my journey. 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. A page from the EPA employees' Declaration of Dissent social media announcement on June 30, 2025. Stand Up for Science! / @standupforscience.bsky.social A group of more than 170 employees of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on Monday published a Declaration of Dissent from policies under the Trump administration. The employees said the administrations policies undermine the EPA mission of protecting human health and the environment. Since the Agencys founding in 1970, EPA has accomplished this mission by leveraging science, funding, and expert staff in service to the American people. Today, we stand together in dissent against the current administrations focus on harmful deregulation, mischaracterization of previous EPA actions, and disregard for scientific expertise, the declaration states. >400 brave EPA signatories & 3,500+ Supporters have voiced support for preserving the EPAs mission to protect health and the environment. We need everyone in this fight. Take action: Read the EPA Declaration of Dissent here zurl.co/l3zMU Sign your support here zurl.co/Ygcq7 [image or embed] Stand Up for Science! (@standupforscience.bsky.social) July 1, 2025 at 6:37 PM Jeremy Berg, former editor-in-chief of Science magazine and one of the signatories to the letter, said that, in addition to the 170 named scientists and academics, there were roughly 100 others who signed anonymously for fear of retaliation, including 20 Nobel laureates, reported The Guardian. The letter is a rare rebuke by EPA employees who could face repercussions for criticizing the weakening of federal support and funding for environmental, climate and health science. Im really sad. This agency, that was a superhero for me in my youth, were not living up to our ideals under this administration. And I really want us to, said Amelia Hertzberg, an EPA environmental protection specialist who was put on administrative leave in February, as The Guardian reported. The administration is working to shut down Hertzbergs department at the Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights. The work Hertzberg did for the department was focused on vulnerable groups impacted by pollution, such as young children, the elderly, people living in communities with higher pollution levels, pregnant and nursing people and those with chronic and pre-existing conditions. Americans should be able to drink their water and breathe their air without being poisoned. And if they arent, then our government is failing, Hertzberg said. The EPA responded to the letter with a statement saying the policy decisions are a result of a process where Administrator (Lee) Zeldin is briefed on the latest research and science by EPAs career professionals, and the vast majority who are consummate professionals who take pride in the work this agency does day in and day out, reported The Associated Press. The statement from the EPA denounced what it said were the Biden administrations attempts to shut down American energy and make our citizens more reliant on foreign fossil fuels. Berg, who was director of the National Institute of General Medical Sciences from 2003 to 2011, said partisan criticism was not the motivation for the employees declaration, The Guardian reported. Rather, they hoped their dissent would support the EPA in getting back to its mission, which, Berg said, only matters if you breathe air and drink water. In the declaration, the EPA employees outlined five major concerns: the disregard of scientific consensus with the purpose of benefiting polluters; dismantling the research and development office; reversing EPA progress in the countrys most vulnerable communities; undermining public trust; and promoting a culture of fear that forces staff to make a choice between their well-being and livelihoods. Zeldins push to reorganize the agencys research and development office was part of a broader effort to gut its environmental justice and climate change wings and slash its budget. He is also attempting to repeal pollution rules that were found in an examination by The Associated Press to save approximately 30,000 lives and $275 billion annually. Your decisions and actions will reverberate for generations to come, the authors of the declaration wrote, addressing Zeldin. EPA under your leadership will not protect communities from hazardous chemicals and unsafe drinking water but instead will increase risks to public health and safety. Administrator Zeldin, we urge you to honor your oath and serve the American people. Going forward, you have the opportunity to correct course. Should you choose to do so, we stand ready to support your efforts to fulfill EPAs mission. Nobel laureate Carol Greider, one of the letters signatories who is a professor of molecular and cellular biology at University of California, Santa Cruz, described the heat wave on the East Coast last week as evidence of climate change. And if we dont have scientists at the EPA to understand how what we do that goes into the air affects our health, more people are going to die, Greider said, as reported by The Guardian. When asked about fears of retaliation or repercussions, Greider said she was living the repercussions of everything. As labs lose funding, graduate students who Greider meets with on a regular basis said theyre concerned about pursuing careers in science. It becomes a long-term problem if support is taken away from the next generation of scientists, Greider said. Thats decades worth of loss, Greider said. Sylke Schulz-Metzner, Mesago Messe Frankfurt GmbH: With its global events, SPS creates platforms for innovation, dialogue and partnership. The SPS - Smart Production Solutions trade fair is making further inroads into international markets: In addition to SPS - Smart Production Solutions Guangzhou and SPS Italia, this year sees the debut of SPS - Smart Production Solutions Atlanta and the SPS Stages in Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur. Diesen Artikel anhoren Whether in Europe, Asia or North America, SPS creates platforms for innovation, exchange and partnership with its global events, explains Sylke Schulz-Metzner, Vice President SPS at the organising company Mesago Messe Frankfurt GmbH. Each of these events is specifically tailored to the needs of regional industries and at the same time offers access to an international network of technology providers, users and thought leaders. This makes SPS a global driving force for the industrial future, close to the markets and close to the people. In addition to the SPS in Nuremberg, which has been well known and established for over 30 years, expos and stages are held in China, Italy, the USA, Thailand and Malaysia at various times of the year, offering participants new impetus and interesting contacts. SPS - Smart Production Solutions Guangzhou and SPS Italia As the first sister event of SPS, SPS - Smart Production Solutions Guangzhou has been held annually since 2009. With over 39,000 visitors and 555 exhibitors, the trade fair continued its success of previous years in February 2025. Since its premiere in 2011, SPS Italia has been a permanent focal point for Italian OEMs and technology providers who want to position their automation expertise in the Italian market. From 13 to 15 May 2025, around 37,000 visitors came to Parma to find out about the latest products and trends from the more than 800 exhibiting companies. SPS - Smart Production Solutions Atlanta The SPS brand has also been represented on the US market since 2024, continuing its international growth trajectory. It made its first appearance at IMTS in Chicago, where it was presented to the North American trade public for the first time under the title Automation Sector accelerated by SPS. After its successful debut, the next step is now following: SPS will take place for the first time as an independent trade fair in Atlanta from 16 to 18 September 2025. This will also establish the brand as a central platform for industrial automation and intelligent production in the USA. The aim is to sustainably promote dialogue between technology providers, users and industry experts. Hosting SPS in Atlanta is a logical next step in the further development of the brand, says Constantin von Vieregge, President and CEO of Messe Frankfurt Inc. The USA is not only a major player in the global manufacturing industry, but also a centre for innovation - especially in the south-east of the country. With this event, we are bringing international automation expertise directly to the USA - where it is urgently needed and expressly desired. SPS Stages - Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur With SPS Stages, the SPS brand brings new impetus to the world of industrial automation. As an integral part of Automation Thailand and Intelligent Manufacturing, a conference-based platform for companies, they offer an effective opportunity for exhibitors and sponsors to tap into new markets in Southeast Asia. The first SPS stage took place in Bangkok in March this year and met with great interest from trade visitors and industry representatives. The next stage will follow in Kuala Lumpur from May 2026, expanding the international presence of the SPS brand in the region. With its international orientation and the close integration of all event formats, SPS offers far more than just regional industry events, explains Sylke Schulz-Metzner. It forms a global network of expertise for industrial automation. The close co-operation between the individual locations enables a continuous transfer of knowledge, promotes technological impulses and opens up new market opportunities for exhibitors and trade visitors. SPS stands for quality, innovation and practical solutions worldwide and is the central platform for global dialogue within the automation industry. Further information and dates Interested parties can find out when and where the next SPS Expos and Stages will take place at sps-messe.de. Further information on the respective event and contact details can also be found there. In addition to the trade fairs, SPS offers a wide range of opportunities for networking and exchanging information on current industry trends throughout the year. As part of the SPS Automation Hub, interested parties can meet regularly in digital or physical formats - or find out about news and developments from the world of automation via SPS Insights. Further details and contact information are also available on the website. SoftBank's $6.5 billion acquisition of AI-chip designer Ampere is facing an in-depth US government probe that may delay the deal, according to Bloomberg. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has opened a so-called second request for information, a relatively rare investigation that can go on for more than a year or even lead to a lawsuit blocking it, according to people familiar with the matter. Neither SoftBank nor Ampere have commented on the matter. Japan's SoftBank, headed by Masayoshi Son, already owns chip designer Arm following a $32 billion acquisition in 2016. Ampere, founded in 2018 with a focus on cloud-native computing, recently moved strongly into AI chip design so SoftBank is betting that the company will bolster's Arm's research and development in that area. Under the deal, Santa Clara-based Ampere would would keep its name and run as a wholly-owned subsidiary. If the deal goes through, SoftBank will own Arm, UK chip designer Graphcore Ltd. and Ampere, all key players in the AI space. The FTC may therefore be probing the deal as a potential antitrust issue. SoftBank's attempt to sell Arm to NVIDIA was eventually abandoned for similar reasons. The AI space has also become politicized with projects like Stargate, which heavily involves SoftBank as well. SoftBank has battled some headwinds of late. Stargate has been facing delays due to US tariffs and its Arm division is battling Qualcomm over chip licenses and antitrust complains in Europe, the US and South Korea. A US judge has ruled that Huawei must stand trial following a 16-count indictment from 2019 accusing the Chinese telecommunications company of trying to steal trade secrets from its US rivals and selling surveillance equipment to Iran despite trade sanctions, according to a report by Reuters . A trial is currently set for May 4, 2026. US District Judge Ann Donnelly found sufficient evidence in the indictment to refute the company's bid for dismissal. In a 52-page decision, the Brooklyn judge ruled that its arguments for dismissal were premature. The indictment alleges that Huawei engaged in racketeering, stole trade secrets from six companies and committed bank fraud by misleading the financial organizations about its work in Iran. The Iran accusations stem from Huawei's alleged control over a Hong Kong-based company called Skycom, which did business in that country. Donnelly said that prosecutors successfully alleged that Skycom "operated as Huawei's Iranian subsidiary and ultimately stood to benefit" from over $100 million in money transfers through the US financial system. Huawei has pleaded not guilty and sought to dismiss 13 of the 16 counts , referring to itself as "a prosecutorial target in search of a crime." The case goes all the way back to 2019 during President Trump's first term and coincided with the Department of Justice launching an investigation into China's alleged theft of intellectual property. Chinese officials have accused the US government of "economic bullying" and of using national security concerns as a pretext for "oppressing Chinese companies." The company's CFO Meng Wanzhou, whose father founded the company, was arrested and detained in Canada for three years on allegations that Huawei violated sanctions with Iran. Wanzhou was eventually released and the charges were dismissed. The software used by EU border security forces to prevent undocumented immigrants and suspected criminals from travelling in the region is allegedly riddled with holes and vulnerable to cyber attacks. The Second Generation Schengen Information System (SIS II) is an IT system and database shared between most EU states for law enforcement and public security purposes. And according to a new collaborative report between Bloomberg and investigative non-profit Lighthouse Reports, SIS II which has been used since 2013 is plagued with "thousands" of cybersecurity issues, to the extent that an EU auditor flagged them to be of "high" severity in a report filed last year. The report notes that there is no evidence of any data theft, but the "excessive number" of accounts that unnecessarily have access to the database means it could be fairly easily exploited. During its initial rollout, SIS IIs major additions included fingerprint technology and photographs in alerts, and in 2023 the software was updated with upgraded data and enhancements to its existing functionality, including the ability to signal when someone has been deported from a country. Bloomberg reporters spoke to Romain Lanneau, a legal researcher at an EU watchdog called Statewatch, who warned that an attack would be "catastrophic, potentially affecting millions of people." Right now SIS II operates within an isolated network, but will soon be rolled into the EUs Entry/Exit system (EES) , which will make registering biometric details a requirement for individuals travelling to Schengen-associated areas when it comes into effect, likely later this year. As the EES will be connected to the internet, a hack on the SIS II database will become significantly easier. Bloomberg and Lighthouse note that while most of the SIS II systems estimated 93 million records pertain to objects such as stolen vehicles, there are around 1.7 million linked to people. It adds that people usually arent aware that their details are logged in the database until law enforcement gets involved, so if the information was leaked, wanted individuals may find it easier to evade the authorities. SIS IIs development and maintenance is managed by a Paris-based contractor called Sopra Steria. According to the report, as vulnerabilities were reported, they took between eight months and upward of half a decade to resolve. This is despite it being contractually obligated to fix issues deemed to be of critical importance within two months of releasing a patch. A spokesperson for Sopra Steria did not respond to Bloomberg regarding the detailed list of allegations concerning SIS IIs security holes, but said in a statement printed in the report that EU protocols had been adhered to. "As a key component of the EUs security infrastructure, SIS II is governed by strict legal, regulatory, and contractual frameworks," it said. "Sopra Sterias role was carried out in accordance with these frameworks." EU-Lisa, the EU agency that oversees large-scale IT systems like SIS II, regularly farms out duties to external consulting firms as opposed to building its own in-house tech, according to the investigation. The audit accused the agency of not informing its management about security risks that had been flagged, to which it responded by saying that all systems under its management "undergo continuous risk assessments, regular vulnerability scans, and security testing." At the start of last year, Crunchyroll President Rahul Purini told The Verge the company was "very focused on testing" generative AI tools for subtitling and captioning speech to text. The comment came just months after the streamer temporarily took down the debut episode of one of its newest shows, The Yuzuki Family's Four Sons, after people complained about poor subtitles. Much of the translation was nonsensical, with missing punctuation in many sentences. At the time, some fans speculated the company had used AI to translate the episode. Earlier this week, fresh accusations of AI use came up when an episode of new anime showed evidence ChatGPT was used to write the subtitles. Igor Bonifacic for Engadget On July 1, Bluesky user Pixel spotted an issue with the German subtitles for Necronomico and the Cosmic Horror Show, one of the new series Crunchyroll is streaming this anime season. Beyond a general sloppiness, one line began with the words "ChatGPT said..." during a pivotal scene in the show's debut episode. Engadget was able to independently verify the episode contains the AI-generated translation. If you're curious, the English subtitles aren't much better, as seen in the screenshots above and below. "We were made aware that AI-generated subtitles were employed by a third-party vendor, which is in violation of our agreement," a Crunchyroll spokesperson told Engadget. "We are investigating the matter and are working to rectify the error." People were understandably upset about the subtitles. Crunchyroll subscriptions start at $8 per month, and since its acquisition by Sony, service has been the dominant player in the anime streaming market outside of Japan. "This is not acceptable. How can we be expected to pay for a service that clearly doesn't care about the quality of its products?" wrote Pixel in their original post. As of the writing of this article, their post has been quoted more than 300 times and reposted by thousands of other people. Many fans say they're turning to torrented fansubs, calling the official AI-generated translations "unwatchable." People on Reddit have expressed similar frustrations. Crunchyroll Ironically, when Purini revealed Crunchyroll was testing generative AI tools for subtitles, he said part of the motivation was to prevent piracy. He reasoned the tech would allow the company to start streaming new, translated anime episodes as close to their original Japanese release as possible, adding the lag between official releases was sometimes what pushed fans to torrent shows. Update 3:58PM ET: Added comment from Crunchyroll. Have a tip for Igor? You can reach him by email, on Bluesky or send a message to @Kodachrome.72 to chat confidentially on Signal. French video game giant Ubisoft has been embroiled in a multiyear saga regarding a toxic company culture , multiple sexual harassment investigations and harassment suits filed by former employees. In 2023, five former Ubisoft executives were arrested on various charges related to these investigations. On Wednesday, a French court sentenced three of them to suspended sentences for enabling a culture rife with sexual and psychological harassment. Former editorial vice president Thomas Francois was convicted on additional charges of attempted sexual assault and received a suspended three-year term. Francois was alleged to have perpetrated a bevy of sexual assaults at the workplace and held a pattern of egregious sexual harassment. Various other executives, including former chief creative officer Serge Hascoet and former games director Guillaume Patrux, were sentenced to shorter suspended sentences. They also faced fines of up to $35,000. These convictions come years after anonymous reports of a toxic work culture at Ubisoft began spreading online , and the company launched an internal investigation . Maude Beckers, an attorney for the plaintiffs, celebrated the convictions as a victory against workplace harassment, saying, "This is a very good decision today and for the future." She added, "For all companies, it means that when there is toxic management, managers must be held accountable and employers can no longer let it slide." MethaneSAT, the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) methane-tracking satellite backed by the Bezos Earth Fund, is lost in space. Its ground team lost contact with the spacecraft on June 20 but tried to reestablish a connection until it learned in the morning of July 1 that MethaneSAT had lost power altogether. The team believes that the satellite is likely not recoverable. MethaneSAT collected data on methane emissions that have previously been untrackable in an effort to combat climate change. Methane is the second largest contributor to global warming after carbon dioxide, with agriculture, fossil fuels and waste decomposition being the largest sources. In its announcement, the MethaneSAT team said that the spacecraft's observations have given us critical insight about the distribution and volume of methane being released from oil and gas production regions. Thanks to the satellite, scientists have also developed the capability to "interpret the measurements from space and translate them into volumes of methane released." That knowledge can be used in future missions. EDF developed the mission, which launched in March 2024, to hold the countries who previously pledged to slash their methane emissions accountable. It created Google Cloud-powered algorithms to calculate and monitor methane emitted in certain regions with held from Harvard and Smithsonian scientists. While the satellite itself is gone, the MethaneSAT team vowed to work with other scientists to leverage the algorithms and software developed for the project. The team will also continue processing the data the satellite had sent back. US government officials have condemned ICEBlock and CNN's recent coverage of it, leading to more people hearing about its existence and downloading it from the App Store. Now the application, which allows users to add a pin on a map to show where ICE agents have recently been spotted, has climbed to the to the top of Apple's App Store charts. It's currently the number one free social networking app in the US and the third most downloaded free app overall. Engadget CNN's piece talked about how the app's developer, Joshua Aaron, launched it in early April after seeing the Trump administration crack down on immigration. When the piece went live, Aaron said the app had 20,000 users, many of whom live in Los Angeles, where ICE has been raiding neighborhoods. In addition to letting users pin ICE agent locations on a map, the app also gives them a way to add notes, such as what the agents are wearing or what car they're driving. Any user within a five mile radius of the sighting will get an alert. But White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt suggested that the CNN piece was "an incitement of further violence against... ICE officers" when asked to respond to the report on the podium. She said that there's been a 500 percent increase against ICE agents who are just "trying to do their jobs and remove public safety threats from... communities." ICE acting Director Todd M. Lyons also issued a statement, saying that the app paints a target on federal law enforcement officers' backs. "CNN is willfully endangering the lives of officers who put their lives on the line every day and enabling dangerous criminal aliens to evade US law," he continued. "Is this simply reckless 'journalism' or overt activism?" Meanwhile, US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and US Attorney General Pam Bondi both said the government is going after Aaron. "He's giving a message to criminals where our federal officers are," Bondi said. "...we are looking at it, we are looking at him, and he better watch out, because that's not a protected speech. That is threatening the lives of our law enforcement officers throughout this country."' Aaron told CNN that ICEBlock doesn't collect personal data, such as device IDs and IP addresses, which TechCrunch has confirmed in a test. The app is only available on iOS, because it would have to collect information on Android that could put people at risk. If you buy something through a link in this article, we may earn commission. The first teaser trailer for Christopher Nolan's highly anticipated adaptation of "The Odyssey" has leaked online, providing audiences with their first-ever look at the director's upcoming epic following its exclusive theatrical debut. The 70-second teaser premiered alongside screenings of "Jurassic World Rebirth" on Tuesday night but quickly surfaced on social media platforms despite Universal Pictures' efforts to keep it as a cinema-only experience. The leaked footage opens with dramatic shots of the Mediterranean Sea and features voiceover narration establishing the film's mythological atmosphere. "Darkness. Zeus' law smashed to pieces. I'm without a king since my master died. He knew it was an unwinnable war. And then, somehow, he won it," the narrator declares over images of ocean waves and what appears to be the Trojan Horse on a beach. The teaser centers on Tom Holland's character Telemachus, son of the missing hero Odysseus, as he seeks information about his father's fate. In a pivotal scene, Telemachus approaches Jon Bernthal's character with the urgent plea of finding out what happened to his father. Bernthal's character responds by questioning those around him about various rumors surrounding Odysseus's whereabouts. The trailer concludes with a haunting image of Matt Damon as Odysseus, shown floating alone on driftwood in a dark, expansive ocean. This final shot reinforces the epic's central theme of a hero lost at sea during his perilous journey home from the Trojan War. Universal Pictures has been actively working to remove unauthorized versions of the trailer from various social media platforms and video-sharing sites. The studio's decision to debut the teaser exclusively in theaters follows Nolan's established pattern of prioritizing the cinematic experience, similar to his approach with "Oppenheimer," which also received a theatrical-only trailer debut one year before its release. The leaked trailer represents the first official footage from the $250 million film, which is currently still in production across multiple international locations. "The Odyssey" marks Nolan's return to filmmaking following his Academy Award-winning "Oppenheimer" and will be the first major motion picture shot entirely using IMAX film cameras. The film boasts an ensemble cast including Matt Damon as Odysseus, Tom Holland as Telemachus, and additional stars such as Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Charlize Theron, Lupita Nyong'o, and Jon Bernthal. Based on Homer's ancient Greek epic poem, the story follows King Odysseus of Ithaca as he journeys to return home after the Trojan War, encountering mythical creatures and divine challenges during his decade-long trip. "The Odyssey" is scheduled for theatrical release on July 17, 2026, continuing Nolan's tradition of summer blockbuster premieres. The film represents Universal Pictures' significant investment in the director's vision, making it potentially the most expensive project of his career. A California judge has dismissed Jay-Z's lawsuit against Texas lawyer Tony Buzbee, marking a dramatic twist in the high-profile legal battle. The rapper, whose real name is Shawn Carter, had accused Buzbee of trying to extort him by threatening to publicly tie him to a sexual assault case that has since been withdrawn. The 65-page ruling by Los Angeles County Judge Mark Epstein acknowledged the complexity of the case. According to the NY Times, while the judge admitted the decision was difficult, he ultimately ruled to strike the lawsuit, which included claims of extortion and defamation. "This court is only the first stop," Judge Epstein wrote. "Stay tuned." Jay-Z had filed the suit after Buzbee sent letters in late 2023, suggesting that a lawsuit could be avoided through mediation. Carter's legal team argued the letters were part of a ploy to force a payout and silence him over false allegations. Soon after refusing to settle, Jay-Z was named in a lawsuit alongside Sean "Diddy" Combs, accusing them both of raping a 13-year-old girl at a party 25 years ago. The woman who made the allegations later dropped her claims against Carter and Combs. Jay-Z's team said this proved the accusations were false and that Buzbee knowingly pushed a false narrative. Judge dismisses Jay-Zs lawsuit against lawyer Tony Buzbee, whom the rapper said tried to extort and defame him with false claims of sexual misconduct. pic.twitter.com/uLddwJewxT Buzzing Pop (@BuzzingPop) July 2, 2025 Judge Rules Jay-Z's Extortion Claim Doesn't Hold Up in Court However, the judge ruled that the letters were part of typical pre-lawsuit mediation efforts, not criminal extortion. "There is no promise of silence in the criminal context here," Judge Epstein noted, adding that while the conduct was severe, it didn't meet the legal standard for extortion under California law, Rolling Stone said. Jay-Z's attorney, Alex Spiro, criticized the ruling and said the team would appeal immediately. "We are surprised and disappointed," he said. Spiro argued that if specific evidence had been admitted, the case would have turned out differently. That evidence included recorded conversations in which the woman reportedly said Buzbee pushed her to name Jay-Z, even though he wasn't involved. In response, Buzbee celebrated the dismissal, writing on social media, "Yet another huge win!" He added that they would now seek attorney's fees from Jay-Z's team for bringing what he called a "meritless" case. Meanwhile, Jay-Z has filed a separate lawsuit in Alabama, where the woman lives, accusing her and Buzbee of defamation and attempting to destroy his reputation. Originally published on Music Times Just weeks before Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's 2018 wedding, Queen Elizabeth II was left deeply unsettled by what she saw as a mismatch between her grandson and his bride-to-be, according to newly surfaced claims from the Queen's cousin, Lady Elizabeth Anson. Anson, who died in 2020, allegedly expressed private doubts to royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith, saying Meghan may have "engineered" the relationship and didn't appear genuinely in love with Harry. Bedell Smith has published her findings in her Substack newsletter, Royal Extra. "We hope but don't quite think she is in love," Anson reportedly said at the time. "We think she engineered it all." Lady Elizabeth, known as "Liza," was one of the Queen's trusted royal attendants for decades. She gained a profound understanding of Buckingham Palace's inner workings through her proximity to Queen Elizabeth II's daily operations. In the lead-up to Prince Harry and Meghan's 2018 royal wedding, she grew increasingly worried about the escalating friction between Meghan and senior family members, including the monarch and Kate Middleton. According to accounts later shared with Smith, Meghan declined the Queen's request for consultation on her wedding attire, a perceived snub that added strain. Additionally, Harry's sharp tone during a reported conversation with his grandmother was portrayed as "rude," further straining their already fraught relationship amid the wedding's tense planning and pervasive media attention. When the prince bypassed protocol by seeking the Archbishop of Canterbury's blessing for the nuptials independently, it came as a startling betrayal to the veteran sovereign. Anson recalled Harry telling her that "he was close to his grandmother and she is content with this." But when Anson spoke to the Queen directly, the Queen's view was quite different. "She said she is not at all content," Anson said. According to Anson, there were quiet fears among palace insiders that Meghan's strong personality and rapid rise could cause internal tension, a potential disruption the Queen was said to be worried about." The Queen called Meghan Markle evil. I believe Prince Andrew told the Queen about Megs & Epstein Island. Megs pretends she has never met Andrew & when they meet Harry wrote Meg asked me something about the Queen's assistant. I asked who she was talking about." Megs had to pic.twitter.com/I5hYG1cuKg Deanna (@ARamblingRoyal) July 1, 2025 'Harry Is Neither Bright Nor Strong' Concerns went deeper than matters of royal formalities. To advisors, Harry appeared to be lured by infatuation, neglecting his other strengths. "The problem, bless his heart, is that Harry is neither bright nor strong, and she is both." one noted grimly. Between the couples, too, tensions were laid bare. As the wedding day drew near, it became clear the Duchess had failed to win over Prince William and his wife. Most worrying of all to the Queen was the friction between Catherine and Meghan, once so friendly. Though initially taken by Meghan's charm, others were less convinced. "I don't trust Meghan an inch. Meghan could turn into nothing but trouble," Anson confessed. Despite those tensions, Anson had glowing praise for Kate's royal wedding. She described it as "a wonderfully beautiful and understated service," adding that "Kate did it brilliantly. She was fantastic with perfect strangers." The revelations come at a time when Meghan's social standing in Hollywood appears to be on shaky ground. She and Harry were notably absent from Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez's star-studded wedding in Venice. An unnamed insider informed Radar Online that Meghan was distressed over not receiving an invitation to the lavish event. "Meghan is reeling after not receiving an invitation... she considers herself more famous and important than guests such as the Kardashians," the source revealed. This same insider suggested Meghan is struggling to preserve her public persona, stating, "Her podcast is one of the most-mocked in the world now on social media, and she's failed to rebrand herself as a philanthropist." As for Harry, according to the source, severing ties with palace life for a celebrity existence "has hit a dead end." Sydney Sweeney turned heads as her appearance at Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez's lavish wedding in picturesque Venice shocked many. The $50 million celebration overflowed with renowned figures including Kim Kardashian, Oprah Winfrey, and Orlando Bloom. However, Sweeney's presence confused people: why Sweeney she there? Despite lacking visible bonds to the bride or groom, the "Euphoria" actress was spotted engaging with high-profile people. Her attendance, it emerges, wasn't concerning friendship, it involved business. As cited by Page Six, a source claimed that Sweeney "is not friends with either of them," but was invited to "pay respect to the 'boss,' just like in the old days of Hollywood." The boss is Bezos, whose Amazon MGM Studios recently attained "Split Fiction," an imminent film wherein Sweeney will star. Sweeney signed on to the project in March, with Jon M. Chu designated to direct and "Deadpool & Wolverine" writers Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick penning the script. Once Amazon assumed control in June, the optics of her appearance in Venice started to make more sense. "Split Fiction" is a fantasy-sci-fi video game adaptation tracking two authors who become trapped in their own fictional worlds. Sydney Sweeney spotted in Venice, yesterday. pic.twitter.com/r7PXn66mqk Sydney Sweeney Daily (@sweeneydailyx) June 27, 2025 Read more: Jacob Elordi Walked So Sydney Sweeney Could Sell Soap Made From Her Bathwater Is Sydney Sweeney Dating? While the actress' career is reaching new heights, her personal life is experiencing turbulence. At 27, Sweeney recently ended her engagement to Jonathan Davino, whom she dated since 2018. They decided to get engaged in 2022 and had plans to get married in 2024. Speculation around Sweeney's romantic life was set ablaze when pictured emerged of her going in the presence of two heartthrobs, Bloom and Tom Brady, while in Venice, feeding rumors about new flings. Sources tell Page Six that Sydney Sweeney went to the Venice nuptials because shes starring in an upcoming potential blockbuster for Bezos Amazon MGM Studios. pic.twitter.com/NZS4RxliFC Sydney Sweeney Daily (@sweeneydailyx) July 1, 2025 But insiders say there's nothing going on behind the scenes. "She's not dating anyone and isn't interested either," a source told TMZ. "Right now, it's all about her career and enjoying life." Despite the viral snapshots, those close to Sweeney say she's simply staying social and professional, nothing more. Meanwhile, another source told Radar Online that the actress was one of the most talked-about guests in Bezos and Sanchez's wedding. "Sydney apparently is the most sought-after person to be around at the Bezos wedding." "Everyone wants to talk to her, and every guy that has been in her presence has talked about how stunning she is in real life." Wednesday, July 2, 2025 Aging is not lost youth but a new stage of opportunity and strength. Betty Friedan Aging isnt experienced the same way everywhere in the world. In some cultures, older adults are revered and celebrated. In others, aging is feared, hidden, or even stigmatized. But across borders and generations, there are valuable lessons to be learnedespecially when it comes to purpose, happiness, and how we view the journey into later life. Looking beyond our own cultural lens can help us imagine new ways to age brilliantly, with dignity, curiosity, and fulfillment. So, what are other countries doing right? And how can we bring some of those practices into our own lives? 1. Japan: Purpose Keeps You Young In Okinawa, Japan, people live longer than almost anywhere else on Earth. One of their secrets? Ikigaia concept that loosely translates to reason for being. Its not just about doing something to stay busy. Its about waking up with a sense of meaning and contribution. A 2020 study published in Psychosomatic Medicine found that people with a strong sense of purpose had a significantly lower risk of death over the study period (source). Action step: Reflect on your own ikigai. Use tools likeIkigai diagram generators to identify where your passions, talents, values, and what the world needs intersect. 2. Denmark: Happiness Through Simplicity and Social Bonds Denmark consistently ranks among the happiest countries in the world, according to theWorld Happiness Report. Why? Strong social safety nets, a focus on equality, and a cultural philosophy of hyggecoziness, contentment, and well-being in daily life. Whats more, older Danes report high levels of life satisfaction, even after retirement. They remain active in their communities, and the culture respects intergenerational living and lifelong learning. Action step: Practice your own version of hygge. Host a cozy dinner with friends, enjoy a long walk in nature, or start a purpose club where people of different ages discuss goals, passions, and what it means to live meaningfully. 3. Costa Rica: Pura Vida and Living Slower In Nicoya, Costa Ricaa Blue Zone where people often live past 100theres a cultural emphasis on pura vida, or pure life. Its a mindset rooted in gratitude, simplicity, connection, and joy in the present moment. A study in the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine found that people in Nicoya live longer due to factors including family support, daily physical activity, and having a plan de vida (life plan) that gives them purpose (source). Action step: Build your own life plan beyond retirement. Try usingFutureMe to write a letter to your future self, describing the life you want to be living 5, 10, or 20 years from now. 4. India: Wisdom Through Spiritual Practice and Community In Indian culture, aging is often viewed as a spiritual journey. Elders are respected as wisdom keepers, and many stay actively involved in guiding family and community. Retirement doesnt mean withdrawalit means deeper engagement with purpose, often through mentorship or service. Meditation and yoga arent trendstheyre time-honored tools for personal reflection and growth. And the emphasis on multigenerational households supports both emotional connection and practical caregiving. Action step: Try incorporating a mindfulness practice into your day. Apps likeInsight Timer orTen Percent Happier offer guided meditations tailored to all levels and ages. 5. The Netherlands: Redefining Retirement With Freedom and Flexibility Dutch retirees often stay physically active, volunteer, and engage in social life long after leaving formal work. The culture promotes work-life balance throughout lifenot just at the endand many pursue phased retirement or encore careers. Older adults are seen as vital contributors, not burdens. And the infrastructurefrom transportation to lifelong educationsupports continued independence. Action step: Explore ways to give back in your own community. UseVolunteerMatch to find opportunities that align with your skills and passions. Let Global Wisdom Guide Your Personal Path You dont need to move to another country to age brilliantlyyou can integrate the best of global practices into your own life, starting today. The common thread across these cultures is clear: purpose, relationships, movement, and gratitude create a meaningful life, no matter your age. By exploring how others define a good life, we expand our own vision for whats possible. And in doing so, we become more intentional architects of our futureliving not just longer, but better. What wisdom from other cultures inspires you to rethink aging and purpose in your own life? What habits or perspectives are you ready to adopt? Join the conversation and share your ideas in theforum. Harrisburg, Pa. A Pennsylvanian caucus has expressed worry for legislation included in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act that would add a tax to money immigrants send to support their families abroad. This legislation, which passed the U.S. Senate today and heads back to the U.S. House for consideration, would tax remittances sent overseas by American and immigrant families in Pennsylvania. The federal tax rate that is currently being proposed would add a 3-5% tax to all funds sent overseas. Last Thursday, the Pennsylvania Legislative Latino Caucus held a news conference urging Pennsylvanias U.S. Senators and Representatives to oppose a federal tax on remittance and the reconciliation bill. Following the news conference, state representatives, advocates, and community leaders released the following announcements on behalf of immigrant communities across the Commonwealth: This isnt just an attack on immigrants. This is an attack on Pennsylvanias working families, on American families. This is not just bad policy. It is morally wrong, economically reckless, and deeply out of step with the values we claim to hold in this country. State Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz, chair, Pennsylvania Legislative Latino Caucus Small businesses are part of this system where folks come in with their paycheck and send it home to their families for support. This is something new Americans have been doing for generations. What this bill is doing is placing an extra tax on working people. It is important to urge our federal representatives to reject the federal remittance tax so that immigrants can continue doing the right thing and being rewarded justly, not punished. State Rep. Joe Hohenstien "Federal Republican lawmakers continue to attack the weakest parts of our communities on every level of public policy. Its time for Pennsylvanians from all walks of life to stand up for fellow neighbors." State Rep. Danilo Burgos Beyond the financial and regulatory implications, a tax on remittances is a direct attack on the American Dream. It makes it harder for working families especially immigrants to support loved ones, build futures, and contribute to global and local economies. Over 8% of Pennsylvanias population is foreign-born, and remittances are a crucial part of how many immigrant families maintain cross-border connections and economic stability. Laura Beltran Figueroa, policy and research director, Pennsylvania Policy Center This bill is a blueprint for punishment taxing immigrant families, cutting off food and health care, and expanding the same enforcement system thats already disappeared our neighbors. It sends the message that any noncitizen doesnt belong here. Senators Fetterman and McCormick must vote no Pennsylvania deserves better. Julio Rodriguez, Pennsylvania Immigration Citizenship Coalition The Pennsylvania Congressional Delegation must vote NO on the current budget reconciliation proposal. This legislation is not immigration policy it is tyranny masquerading as public safety. Disguised as fiscal reform, it wages an all-out assault on working families, immigrant communities, and the very principles of justice and compassion our nation claims to uphold. Let us be clear: this is a war on the working class, and its consequences will be felt for generations to come. We urge every lawmaker who believes in human dignity, economic fairness, and the promise of liberty to reject this bill without hesitation. Our communities are watching and history will remember where you stood. Patty Torres, Make the Road Pennsylvania Our members are made up of working class, low wage and small business owners who are already taxed under income, taxing remittance is a second tax on those families. Our member send money to their families for things like medicine, rent, urgent food, basic family needs, and if theyre not able to do that, the urgency to bring those relatives to the United States become stronger, overburdening and already burdened, legal immigration system. Shamaine Daniels, Pennsylvania state director, CASA Inc. LIVINGSTON A call to the Bozeman Police Department aboug a male and female arguing escalated into a cross-county, high-speed stolen-vehicle pursuit Sunday evening from Frontage Road on to I-90 near Livingston. The vehicle, which caught fire at the end of the chase, caused backups on the interstate well into the evening. The incident, which began at 8 p.m. Sunday, resulted in the arrest of Billings resident Easton Myrstol, 24, and Montana teen Maranda Faley, 18. Faley faces theft of a motor vehicle and criminal endangerment charges, according to the complaint. Myrstol's charges were not immediately available. This is not Myrstol's first run-in with local law enforcement. He faced a felony and two misdemeanor charges in Park County for allegations he broke into a Livingston apartment in February, and tried to grab and punch someone he knew there. "The reporting party stated a male and female were arguing for approximately 20 minutes .... female screaming that she wants to go home," states the Affidavit of Probable Cause, written by Bozeman Police Officer Braden Peterson, referencing Myrstol and Faley. The statement describes the two suspects getting into a Subaru Outback with a license plate matching a reported stolen vehicle earlier on June 30. Peterson attempted to stop the vehicle as it traveled eastbound on Main Street in Bozeman. Accelerating, the car failed to stop, eventually ending up on Frontage Road, with Peterson in pursuit, per the statement. The Subaru climbed to speeds of approximately 100 mph before crashing in a ditch at an intersection with Moffit Gulch Road, colliding with multiple road signs, per Peterson. Faley accelerated the vehicle out of the ditch, entered I-90, losing both front wheels at 90-mph speeds, according to the statement. "It was unable to drive anymore as it lost its front wheels entirely," said Peterson, explaining the stolen Subaru caught fire when both front wheels fell off. "Faley tried to start the vehicle, but it was unable to start as the vehicle was no longer operational. I participated in a high-risk stop to get the occupants out of the vehicle and pointed my handgun at (them)." Peterson said the two suspects initially ignored his commands to exit the Subaru, kissing inside the vehicle while it went up in flames. They later exited of their own accord, Peterson said. After a reading of his rights, Myrstol stated Faley told him she borrowed the Subaru, and she led officers on the pursuit because she did not want to get him arrested for violating his No Contact order with her. Myrstol added he told Faley to stop the vehicle once but did not press further, per the statement. The officer described Faley as admitting to stealing the Subaru and knowing the name of the rightful owner, who left the keys inside the vehicle. Faley told Peterson that Myrstol encouraged her to elude law enforcement during the chase. Law enforcement transported Myrstol and Faley to Bozeman Deaconess Hospital to be cleared for incarceration. Faley was later transported to the Gallatin County Detention Center, where she was denied bond. More information on Myrstol was not immediately available. Faley faces as much as $50,000 in fines and a minimum of 10 years in prison for criminal endangerment and vehicle theft charges. Her bail was set at $20,000 during her initial appearance Monday. Faley is prohibited from leaving Montana, having contact with the victim of the car theft, or Myrstol, per the court proceedings. Her preliminary examination hearing is scheduled for July 18 at 8 a.m. GREAT FALLS, Mont. Concerns arose in Great Falls after email headlines claimed the 15th Street Bridge was unsafe. However, officials clarified that the bridge remains safe for regular drivers. The American eschatological impulse to war is to achieve a definite victorious outcome, even when the costly extra effort is not warranted by the political outcome. This is typified by President Franklin D. Roosevelts demand for unconditional surrender of the Axis during the Second World War (even as his ignorant successor Harry Truman then abandoned the fruits of victory by surrendering Eastern Europe to the USSR). This is because Washingtons wars are preventive wars of choice, not preemption, and therefore its taxpayers need the theatre of moral justification. U.S. President Donald Trump approximates political scientist Hans Morgenthaus pragmatic statesman, most importantly by avoiding the sunk cost fallacy. U.S. leaders are often entrapped by their own justifications for continuing wars, as George W. Bush was by the need to vindicate the sacrifices of U.S. military service personnel in Iraq. This misperception typified the stalemated quagmires of the Korean, Vietnam, Afghanistan and Iraq campaigns. Even where previous leaders showed comparable wisdom, as former U.S. President George Bush did in February 1991 by abruptly imposing a cease-fire at the end of the 100 hour land campaign of Operation Desert Storm, younger members of their administrations could not resist seeking a resumption of the attempt to achieve total victory a few years later (2003 in the case of Iraq). Frequently, Presidents distracted by higher priority domestic policy goals, like President Lyndon Johnson, unsure how to end international crises, will instead allow them to simmer. What Trump does well, for which he is often accused of amateurish ignorance by leftish media, is quickly pivot away from bad bargaining positions. He preserves this freedom of action by ensuring the maintenance of his popularity beyond his core MAGA constituency, within the broader Republican base. The swift B-2 delivered GBU-57 pinprick and sudden ceasefire, immediately deflated his MAGA critics opposed to involvement in foreign wars. Trumps strength is that as an outsider to the legislature, he is independent of the usual power brokers, political factions or corporate interests offering post-tenure seats on governing boards. Trump is not impressed by neo-conservative appreciations of the situation in the Near East, such as by Abram Shulskys Office of Special Projects, in a way that amplified their influence in the CIAs analysis for the 2003 invasion of Iraq under George W. Bush. Israels preference would have been for the U.S. to become engaged in a protracted bombing campaign of Iran, akin to the failed and expensive Operation Rolling Thunder operation over Vietnam. While Israeli intelligence has a superlative capacity for target identification and assassination, it rates poorly in its understanding and its ability to predict sociological developments in the Muslim, and particularly Arab, world. Trump is consequently far more agile and credible in his deal making than former President Joseph Biden, especially in the Middle East: while the prevailing wisdom is that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu chain-ganged Trump into the 12-Day War with Iran, its ending on terms and in costs most favourable to Washington rather than Tel Aviv, belie that claim. In fact, during Trumps First Term (2017-2021), his tariff dispute with China likely saved the globe from a Fourth World War. Usually power transition wars occur when dissatisfied challengers reach 80 percent of the status quo hegemons nominal GDP, and Trumps policies reinforced Chinese Communist Party General Secretary Xi Jinpings economic micro-mismanagement that has stagnated Chinas manufacturing and shrunk its employment. None of Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, or Barack Obama could have as easily refused the powerful interests of the American international business establishment. Because Trump better empathizes with President Vladimir Putins strategic mind-set in dealing with Russias woke crisis of modernity, he was far more successful that Barack Obama in isolating Moscow from supporting Iran or China. Trump was correct that he had a better intelligence appreciation of the progress and implications of Irans nuclear program than the U.S. intelligence community. Since the U.S. no longer runs deeply infiltrated agents and relies instead on intercepting signals intelligence and other forms of remote sensing, it cannot know the private intent of foreign leaders. The technical indicators used to measure intent are also known to the Iranians and can therefore be manipulated by them. Besides, there is the fundamental epistemological issue that the senior Iranian leadership is itself unaware of what it will do at each juncture. The CIA has an excellent grasp of sociology and geopolitics, and so was able to predict the Sino-Soviet split, and the 1971 breakup of Pakistan, the latter over a decade prior. However, the intelligence community has a poor historical record of making predictions off of personality profiles of foreign leaders whose high emotional quotients have been tempered by brutally competitive politics. Trumps instinct that the Iranians would likely cross the nuclear weaponization threshold given Tehrans anticipation of an Israeli strike after the collapse of Hezbollah and Syria, was the unverifiably correct one. We can never know the counterfactual since any decision can be countermanded at the last second. Trump bluffed the ceasefire, but it worked because both Tel Aviv and Tehran realized that their futures were filled with uncertainties. Any unilateral cessation of bombing of Iran by Israel, even if only because it ran out of ordinance, would have looked like defeat to its regional adversaries. Israel generally does poorly in attrition conflicts, because of costs, casualties and political disillusionment at home, and because time grants its adversaries time to overcome their poor governance and organize their greater resources. It consequently relies on decisive military action for its political effect, as in the attacks into Egypt in 1949, 1956, 1967, 1968-1970, and 1973. Israels self-interest in compelling the U.S. to protect it by having the latter switch to targeting Irans offensive missile capability striking its cities, was outweighed by the fact that Netanyahu was less certain of Trumps deference to him or Israel, than any previous U.S. president he faced. Trumps equivalent treatment of Israel and Iran in his unilateral ceasefire announcement preserved Tehrans dignity sufficient for it to comply and not lose face. Trump beat down Israeli triumphalism in as wise a fashion as George H.W. Bushs termination of the 1991 Gulf War, which gave him the appearance of an arbiter rather than a close ally of Israel. The effectiveness of Israeli and U.S. bombing reminded Iran that it is a poorly governed developing country rather than an Islamic bulwark, in the traditional Western manner of demonstrating how easy it is to split a corrupt regime from the people it claims to be serving. Iran abandoned their optimal escalation strategy of closing the Straits of Hormuz and the attritional missile bombardment of Israel, which could have lasted for several months, because Trump had successfully isolated both Moscow, and especially Beijing over their tariffs dispute. With the latters assistance, Tehran would have gradually improved its missile guidance technology, costing the U.S. dearly in missile interceptors for Israel and the Persian Gulf. Although Israel was ready to shift from industrial and regime facilities, to targets affecting the population, it was unclear which population would outlast the other. An extended campaign would have led to a purge of Irans incompetent IRGC, and supplanting by, and optimization of its military leadership. Iran actually underestimated the difficulty of a Western re-opening of the Straits of Hormuz, which is completely beyond the capabilities of even a combined European and Pacific Rim fleets, and would have taken six months to assemble and consolidate the landing of a U.S. amphibious force. However, without China, Tehran would have been unable to halt an eventual U.S. landing, and Beijing would have worried about the Straits in the hands of an unfriendly U.S. Trump found the cost-effective saddle point between domestic, allied, neutral and adversarial points of tolerance and interest. By ending the conflict before Israel and Iran began to inflict and accumulate significant non-combatant losses, he solved their collective action problem of how to achieve war termination. By ending the conflict before Israel began making public threats of using nuclear weapons, and a public demonstration of the political utility of nuclear weapons, he preserved the global consensus against nuclear proliferation. The swiftness of Trumps ceasefire also preserved the neutrality of nuclear-armed Pakistan, of Iran-friendly India, Turkey and Yemen, and prompted any reactions by much of the under-developed South, which has linked the Iran issue to Israels policies in Gaza. Criticisms of Trumps ceasefire before follow-on strikes on Fordow and more certain destruction of Irans nuclear weapons assembly timeline, now an estimated delay of a few months, are unfounded because they miss the point of his strategy. The B-2 strikes were meant to demystify Irans capabilities, demonstrate the versatility of U.S. technology, and legitimize future U.S. bombardment, which is vital for enforcing the ceasefire on Iran. It is notable that Trump touted the ceasefire as between Israel and Iran, not the U.S. Had the U.S. airstrikes continued with the ephemeral and undefinable goal of completely destroying Irans proliferation capacity, rising marginal costs would have risen, chasing increasingly marginal, unconfirmed and likely decoyed targets, with an ever-increasing probability of an air defense formula leading to the loss of a stealth aircraft. Trump achieved the B-2 strike within the Constitutional rights of a President, and preserved the compellent power of the U.S. Air Force, with zero U.S. casualties. As in the case of the neutralization and denuclearization of Iraq from 1991 to 1998, most of the effects of Trumps strategy will be achieved after the ceasefire. Once established, Tehran will find it difficult to unilaterally breach the ceasefire because of opposition from its domestic population, which despite the bombast of Iranian victory demonstrations in the streets of Tehran, was a deep humiliation for the current theocratic regime. Irans allies, particularly Moscow and Beijing, are also likely to counsel restraint given the demonstrated incompetence of Tehrans IRGC-dominated security apparatus, and because neither is positioned to provide the significant arms inflow required to re-establish Irans air defense network. Washingtons strategy for normalizing Tehrans revolutionary and emancipatory foreign policy, into the restrained and negotiable interests of an acknowledged regional power, depends on containment of Iran while creating the conditions for an entirely natural and domestic political liberalization. Trump is likely to defer and give full force to the human rights branches of international organizations, and to back them up with selective sanctioning of individuals, many of whom in the elite have family members in the West, particularly Canada. This attempt at an inconspicuous regime change will undoubtedly come under the contradictory pressure of ensuring that Iran does not resume nuclear research or manufacturing. The U.S. is almost certain to back IAEA calls for a resumption of the monitoring regime to include the inspection of suspected dispersal sites, which Tehran will initially resist. With the strong backing of European (alienated because of Iranian arms used against Ukraine) and Pacific Rim allies, and the deference of Moscow and Beijing, the U.S. will demand the right to operate drones unmolested over Iran. Equipped with sniffers for fission decay products, electro-magnetic frequency detectors for centrifuge operations, and even devices attached for soil sampling, this will considerably circumvent the drama experienced by Iraqi Weapons of Mass Destruction inspectors in 1991 and 1992. Irans intimations of leaving the Non-Proliferation Treaty will be used to characterize Tehran in the United Nations as seeking to promote instability, and will be the basis for neutralizing international support for the regime. This will gradually evolve into regional or temporary No-Fly Zones and occasional and brief actions by the U.S. air assets against offending air defense sensors and launchers. By striking Fordow, Trump set a precedent of the prompt bombing of Iran without warning or providing Congressional or United Nations Security Council notice. This may be expanded to include inspection and tagging of Irans ballistic missile, anti-ship missile, and sea mine stocks, and submarine arsenal. Protocols with Beijing, Moscow, and Islamabad on limiting arms transfers to Iran are conceivable. The success of these ordinance-specific regimes will increase in conjunction with a gradually liberalizing Iranian regime, whose principal political agents must be provided with sufficient positive incentives and advantages that these step-level arrangements become irreversible. The successful case of Iraq, notwithstanding all of the hand-wringing within the U.S. memory of that expensive campaign, demonstrates that stable democracy in the Middle East is an attainable and valuable goal. Very few Iraqis fantasize about a return to a Saddam Hussein-like strongman. Dr. Julian Spencer-Churchill is associate professor of international relations at Concordia University, and author of Militarization and War (2007) and of Strategic Nuclear Sharing (2014). He has published extensively on Pakistan security issues and arms control and completed research contracts at the Office of Treaty Verification at the Office of the Secretary of the Navy, and the then Ballistic Missile Defense Office (BMDO). He has also conducted fieldwork in Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Egypt, and Taiwan, and is a consultant. He is a former Operations Officer, 3 Field Engineer Regiment, from the latter end of the Cold War to shortly after 9/11. He is currently collaborating with the Combat Modelling group at the Trevor Dupuy Institute. Over 80% of UK farmers say climate change is seriously threatening their ability to make a living, with extreme weather hitting productivity and profits hard, new research reveals. The study reveals the widespread disruption caused by increasingly severe weather, with farmers and growers bearing the brunt. Over the past five years, 86% say they have experienced extreme rainfall, 78% have faced drought, and more than half have been hit by heatwaves. A mere 2% reported no extreme weather impacts a stark indicator of how pervasive the crisis has become. Commissioned by the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU) and conducted by Grounded Research, the survey questioned 300 farmers across the UK. When asked about the impact of extreme weather on their farms, 87% cited reduced productivity, 84% saw a decline in crop yields or livestock output, and three-quarters reported lower incomes. Tom Lancaster, land, food and farming analyst at ECIU, said: Farmers are on the front line of climate change and this research reveals what impact that is having on them and their businesses. "From lost crops and livestock to soil erosion, farmers are battling these impacts across more fronts than most with repeated heatwaves, droughts and periods of extreme rainfall all taking a toll on farmer confidence. He added: Beyond farmers, the scale of these climate impacts also calls into question the UKs food security in the face of climate change driven extreme weather. "We need to be taking these risks more seriously, with more support for farming to adapt and build resilience, as well as more urgent action to help farmers reduce their own emissions. The research follows recent reports confirming a billion-pound loss for arable farmers due to last years unprecedented wet winter, which led to one of the worst harvests in decades, alongside growing concerns over this years harvest following the warmest and one of the driest springs on record. In response to these challenges, more than two-thirds of farmers have altered their farming practiceschanging what they grow, joining environmental schemes, or investing in diversification. Despite this, over 30% are highly concerned about their future ability to make a living from farming, with half somewhat concerned. Worries intensify when considering the next generation, with two in five farmers highly concerned about their successors prospects. Kent farmer Anthony Curwen reflected on the situation: Its getting increasingly difficult to farm given the impacts were now seeing with climate change. "Weve gone from drought to Biblical floods and back to drought in the space of just a few years. Its devastating and many of us in farming now fear for a sustainable future. What we need most now from government is a bit of stability and some better support to help us become resilient to these impacts. "If we want to retain a robust supply of home-grown food, we need to invest more into the soil, water and wildlife that build this resilience and bolster the fundamentals of our food security. "In an era when the climate is giving us a kicking, we need government to have our back, not add to the uncertainty. Many farmers in the survey called for stronger policies to help them adapt, with two-thirds highlighting the need for better farmgate prices to reduce financial pressures and enable environmental work. Nearly 60% called for more long-term certainty in green farming schemes. These concerns echo ongoing government efforts to improve farm profitability and follow disruptions to the Sustainable Farming Incentive in England. To read the full story, become a PRIME member today. PRIME Unlimited Access to Insightful Industry Information All Corporate Members and TexPro Subscribers are eligible to access F2F PRIME CONTENT using the same login credentials. The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) will begin constructing a $5-billion integrated textile industrial facility in Nigeria this month as part of its continent-wide industrialisation strategy, its outgoing president Benedict Oramah recently announced at the banks 32nd annual meeting in Abuja. The facility, to be developed under a partnership between Afreximbank, Dubai-based Arise Integrated Industrial Platforms and Swiss textile equipment manufacturer Reiter, is expected to revive Nigerias cotton industry, save the country up to $4.7 billion annually in textile imports and create up to 250,000 jobs, a domestic media outlet reported. The African Export-Import Bank will begin constructing a $5-billion integrated textile industrial facility in Nigeria this month. The facility, to be developed under a partnership between Afreximbank, Dubai-based Arise Integrated Industrial Platforms and Swiss textile equipment manufacturer Reiter, is expected to revive Nigeria's cotton industry and create up to 250,000 jobs. This landmark project underscores Afreximbanks deepening focus on industrialisation, which Oramah described as the cornerstone of Africas economic transformation. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS) The US Senate has passed the comprehensive One Big Beautiful Bill Act, with Vice President JD Vance casting the tie-breaking vote. The One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) Act eliminates federal taxes on tips, overtime pay, and Social Security income. It also includes expanded child tax credits and a tax break on car loans for American-made vehicles, the White House said in a statement. On the economic front, the legislation aims to protect two million family farms from so-called double taxation and bolster US energy production. Supporters say it will reduce energy prices and end reliance on foreign oil. US Senate has passed the 'One Big Beautiful Bill' Act with Vice President JD Vance casting the tie-breaking vote. The sweeping legislation eliminates federal taxes on tips, overtime, and Social Security, expands child tax credits, and supports US-made car purchases. The NCC has praised the bill for enhancing farm safety nets and urged the US House of Representatives to pass it swiftly. The bill also claims to reduce the national deficit by over $2 trillion through spending cuts and the rollback of funding related to environmental initiatives. Additionally, the bill includes major provisions to deport one million undocumented migrants annually, expand border enforcement, and strengthen Medicaid for vulnerable Americans. It modernises air traffic control, boosts defence with a Golden Dome missile shield, and invests in the Coast Guard. The National Cotton Council (NCC) has applauded the efforts of the US Senate, and the Senate Agriculture Committee, to ensure passage of the Act. This key legislation includes language that strengthens the farm safety net and provides necessary enhancements to support farmers navigating the current economic environment, it said in a press release. The NCC appreciates the momentous effort that has gone into crafting and passing the One Big Beautiful Bill, said NCC chairman, Patrick Johnson. We are grateful for the Senates commitment to delivering meaningful enhancements to the cotton safety net, which is absolutely critical for the stability and future of our industry. The NCC said that it strongly supports the OBBB Act and has now urged the US House of Representatives to swiftly take up and pass this legislation. Commenting on the Act, Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent said: Todays Senate vote is a major step forward in enacting President Trumps agenda to revitalise the American economy and provide certainty to households and businesses alike. Senate Republicans have taken decisive action to prevent a $4 trillion tax hike on hardworking Americans, while securing No Tax on Tips, No Tax on Overtime, new tax cuts for seniors, and vital provisions for the manufacturing sector. I appreciate the tireless work of leader Thune and chairman Crapo to usher this legislation through the Senate and closer to the Presidents desk. We encourage House Republicans to act quickly so that we can deliver on President Trumps promises to power the future of our economy and ensure the United States remains the worlds premier destination for capital and innovation. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KD) Ende Mai leitete US-Prasident Donald Trump mit der Unterzeichnung mehrerer Dekrete eine weitreichende Wende in der amerikanischen Energiepolitik ein. Im Fokus: der beschleunigte Ausbau der Kernenergie. Mit einem umfassenden Manahmenpaket sollen Genehmigungsprozesse reformiert, kleinere Reaktoren gefordert und der Anteil von Atomstrom in den USA massiv gesteigert werden. Ausloser ist der explodierende Energiebedarf durch KI-Rechenzentren, der eine stabile, CO-arme Grundlastversorgung zwingend notwendig macht. In unserem kostenlosen Spezialreport erfahren Sie, welche 3 Unternehmen jetzt im Zentrum dieser energiepolitischen Neuausrichtung stehen, und wer vom kommenden Boom der Nuklearindustrie besonders profitieren konnte. Holen Sie sich den neuesten Report! Verpassen Sie nicht, welche Aktien besonders von der Energiewende in den USA profitieren durften, und laden Sie sich das Gratis-PDF jetzt kostenlos herunter. Dieses exklusive Angebot gilt aber nur fur kurze Zeit! Daher jetzt downloaden! OSLO, Norway, June 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Navamedic announces that the Swedish Medical Products Agency, acting as the Reference Member State, together with the Concerned Member States in 9 additional countries have approved OraFID for use with a medicinal product. "OraFID is a unique, fully mechanical medical device that dispenses precise quantities of minitablets to patients. It enables personalized, fine-tuned treatment with minitablets, and I am thrilled to see the approval of this important milestone." says Kathrine Gamborg Andreassen, Chief Executive Officer of Navamedic. Treatments with a narrow therapeutic window can benefit from hyper-fractioning of the dose, by dividing it into minitablets, each containing a fraction of the dose. OraFID works with a couple of twists of the hands and ejects an exact number of minitablets. It is approved as an integral combination product for Flexilev, Navamedic's medication for the treatment of Parkinson's. The launch in Nordic markets is anticipated in October 2025. For further information, please contact: Kathrine Gamborg Andreassen, CEO, Mobile: +47 951 78 880 E-mail: kathrine@navamedic.com Lars Hjarrand, CFO, Mobile: +47 917 62 842 E-mail: Lars.Hjarrand@navamedic.com About Navamedic Navamedic ASA is a Nordic pharmaceutical company dedicated to enhancing people's quality of life by being a reliable supplier of high-quality prescription, consumer health, and hospital products to hospitals and pharmacies. Our growing product portfolio has been carefully selected to meet current public health concerns, such as obesity, Parkinson's disease, and gastro-related ailments, to empower people to live healthier and more fulfilling lives. What sets us apart is our deep-rooted commitment to understanding the needs and requirements of the countries where we are present. Our local insight and competence enable us to understand the specific needs of each country where we operate and ultimately to gain market access. This makes us a preferred partner for international companies expanding their footprint across the Nordics and Benelux regions, through either in-licensing or out-licensing. Navamedic has been listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange since 2006 (ticker: NAVA) and is headquartered in Oslo, Norway. For more information, please visit Navamedic.com This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com Navamedic ASA: First approval of the medical device OraFID as primary package for a pharmaceutical product Oslo, Norway - 2025.06.27 - Navamedic announces that the Swedish Medical Products Agency, acting as News Powered by Cision View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/navamedic-asa-first-approval-of-the-medical-device-orafid-as-primary-package-for-a-pharmaceutical-product-302493246.html Pacifica Hotels G.K. subsidiary Karasuma Hospitality G.K. has signed a franchise agreement with IHG Hotels Resorts to rebrand a 103-room hotel in a prime Kyoto location to Garner, IHG's new midscale brand. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250701193168/en/ Garner Hotel Kyoto Shijo Karasuma Twin Room Image The hotel is scheduled to open in November 2025 and will be called Garner Hotel Kyoto Shijo Karasuma, following an extensive interior renovation with strong Kyoto design influences. It will be the first Garner in Kyoto and the fourth in Japan. Group company Pacifica Capital K.K. is handling project management for the renovation. Seth Sulkin, CEO of Pacifica Hotels G.K said: "This will be our first property in the midscale space, where we see strong demand from both international and Japanese travelers seeking quality accommodation at a reasonable price with the comfort of an international brand and the loyalty benefits it brings. Guests at the hotel can enjoy the best daytime and nighttime attractions of Kyoto within walking distance and the property is extremely convenient for the subway and city buses." Located in Shijo Karasuma, Garner Hotel Kyoto Shijo Karasuma, is within walking distance to the Gojo and Shijo subway stations as well as a short taxi ride to Kyoto Station for the Shinkansen train. Guests staying at the hotel will be able to enjoy a blend of historic and modern attractions not far from the hotel which include the Nishiki Market, the Kyoto Imperial Palace, Kyoto International Manga Museum as well as department stores and popular shopping areas. In addition to the guest rooms, the hotel has a comfortable lobby offering guests free coffee and tea throughout the day and a place to relax along with a cafe on the ground floor operated by a tenant providing breakfast, drinks and light meals all day. About Pacifica Hotels G.K. Pacifica Hotels G.K. is Japan's leading third-party manager of international branded hotels. Together with group company Pacifica Capital K.K., the two companies provide a complete, vertically integrated solution to development, renovation and management of franchised hotels in Japan. Having built and operated hotels in Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto, the rapidly growing group has a pipeline of greenfield and conversions to be announced in 2025. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250701193168/en/ Contacts: For more information, please contact: Ai Tanaka Pacifica Capital K.K. +81-3-5549-9033 tanaka@pacifica-cap.com EQS Newswire / 02/07/2025 / 10:07 UTC+8 Hong Kong - July 01, 2025 - ( SeaPRwire ) - SeaPRwire , a leading Public Relations Communication Platform, has launched its innovative News Bots system, a cutting-edge AI-based automated program developed in collaboration with Asia Presswire ( https:/asiapresswire.com ). This new service is designed to provide real-time news updates and personalized news push notifications to readers, ensuring they receive the most relevant and timely information. The News Bots use advanced artificial intelligence algorithms to analyze user preferences and behavior, delivering tailored news updates that match individual interests. Whether it's breaking news, industry updates, or trending stories, the system ensures that users are always informed with the most relevant content, without the need for manual searches or constant updates. "With the introduction of News Bots, we are revolutionizing how news is delivered to readers," said Jane Woo, Product Director at SeaPRwire. "Our system provides a seamless, efficient way for users to stay up-to-date with the latest developments in their areas of interest, all while receiving content tailored specifically to them. This not only enhances user experience but also ensures that the news they receive is timely, accurate, and relevant." By utilizing AI technology, News Bots continuously monitor news sources, social media platforms, and other relevant channels to provide instant updates. The personalized nature of the service ensures that readers are not overwhelmed by irrelevant information. Instead, they receive only the news that matters most to them, which enhances engagement and keeps them informed in real time. The platform is particularly beneficial for businesses, PR professionals, and media organizations looking to stay on top of the latest trends and breaking news. By integrating News Bots into their communication strategies, they can ensure that their content reaches the right audience at the right time, maximizing its impact and relevance. As part of SeaPRwire's ongoing commitment to innovation, the News Bots system will continue to evolve with advancements in AI technology, ensuring even greater accuracy and personalization over time. With this powerful tool, users can stay ahead of the curve, receiving personalized news directly to their devices as soon as it becomes available. "News Bots provide a level of personalization that traditional news delivery methods simply cannot match," added Jane Woo. "We believe that this will set a new standard for how news is distributed, making it more relevant, timely, and easily accessible for everyone." SeaPRwire's News Bots are now available to clients across the Asia-Pacific region, providing an innovative solution for delivering personalized news updates and enhancing the overall user experience. This new service highlights SeaPRwire's dedication to providing cutting-edge communication tools that empower brands to engage with their audiences more effectively. About Asia Presswire Asia Presswire ( https:/asiapresswire.com ) is a press release distribution service that provides tailored solutions for public relations firms, agencies, organizations, and corporations worldwide. They specialize in delivering customized press release distribution, including direct-to-editor email delivery to targeted media editors at newspapers, magazines, and broadcast outlets. Their extensive network spans 172 countries, connecting with over 230,000 media outlets and 3.6 million self-media platforms. Supporting over 46 languages, including English, Chinese, French, German, and Japanese, Asia Presswire ensures effective communication across diverse linguistic regions. Their services are designed to enhance brands' online visibility and reputation, enabling effective connection with target audiences. About SeaPRwire SeaPRwire is a leading earned media communications management platform in Asia, designed to empower PR and communications professionals. Its Branding-Insight Program streamlines communication management by connecting clients with a network of over 80,000 journalists, editors, magazines, and online media outlets, along with 300 million followers of key opinion leaders (KOLs). Leveraging AI-driven technology, SeaPRwire enables users to identify relevant media and KOLs, personalize pitches, and measure the impact of their communications efforts. Operating across regions including Japan, China, Korea, Hong Kong, Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines, SeaPRwire enhances brand awareness and educates audiences effectively. Media Contact Brand: SeaPRwire Contact: Media team Email: cs@seaprwire.com Website: https://seaprwire.com 02/07/2025 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 MANILA, July 2, 2025 - (ACN Newswire) - The future of cloud and AI is unfolding faster than ever and the Philippines is right at the heart of this transformation. On July 03, 2025, industry leaders, innovators, and policymakers will gather at Edsa Shangri-La, Manila for The State of the Future AI-Powered Cloud Philippines 2025, a high-impact summit that will explore how AI and cloud technologies are reshaping businesses, government services, and everyday life across the country. As we enter a new era of digital acceleration, this event aims to spark conversation, foster collaboration, and highlight real solutions driving national progress.The Philippines has made bold moves toward digital modernization, led by initiatives like the Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT)'s Cloud-First Strategy, which has empowered government agencies to upgrade outdated systems and deliver more efficient services. Alongside this, the rollout of the National AI Roadmap and the launch of the Center for AI Research (CAIR) reflect the country's growing ambition to become a leading hub for AI innovation in the ASEAN region. Coupled with evolving regulatory frameworks and new tech policies, these efforts are opening the doors for greater investment, wider adoption, and more inclusive access to cutting-edge technologies.The summit is expected to welcome over 200 senior-level attendees, including engineers, architects, CIOs, CISOs, and business leaders, all eager to exchange insights and strategies. Through a dynamic program of keynotes, panel discussions, fireside chats, and tech spotlight sessions, participants will explore critical issues such as AI-powered automation, cybersecurity, digital governance, and ethical AI adoption. The event will also feature a showcase of the latest innovations from top tech exhibitors, offering attendees a hands-on look at the tools and platforms transforming how we work, live, and serve communities.This year's summit would not be possible without the support of our sponsors: Genesys, FUJIFILM Business Innovation Philippines Corp., Agents Stack, Cloudian, TUV SUD, and Maptech. These organizations continue to play a pivotal role in pushing digital transformation forward across industries. As Cjhay Azores, Global Director of Operations at ESCOM, puts it: "This is the best speaker lineup we've ever had for a cloud and AI conference in the Philippines. The topics are timely, the trends are relevant, and the conversations will be both insightful and actionable."What truly sets this event apart is its focus on impact not just innovation. From using AI to detect misinformation and deepfakes, to leveraging cloud technologies in support of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the conversations at this summit will highlight how technology can be a force for good. Whether you're in healthcare, finance, public service, or tech, this is your chance to engage with thought leaders and help shape the future of the country's digital landscape.Join us at The State of the Future AI-Powered Cloud Philippines 2025 as we CTRL + ALT + INNOVATE and ignite the next digital wave for the nation.For any inquiries regarding cloud, AI, or healthcare technology conferences, please contact cjhay.azores@escom.com.Source: EscomCopyright 2025 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved. Rheinmetall, Renk und Hensoldt haben den Rustungsboom der letzten Jahre dominiert, doch inzwischen sind diese Titel fundamental heillos uberbewertet. KGVs jenseits der 60, KUVs uber 4, und das in einem politisch fragilen Umfeld mit wackelnder Haushaltsdisziplin. Fur spateinsteigende Anleger kann das teuer werden. Doch es gibt Alternativen, die bislang unter dem Radar fliegen; solide bewertet, operativ stark und mit Nachholpotenzial. In unserem kostenlosen Report zeigen wir dir, welche 3 Rustungsunternehmen noch Potenzial haben und wie du von der zweiten Welle der Zeitenwende profitieren kannst, ohne sich an uberhitzten Highflyer zu verbrennen. Holen Sie sich den neuesten Report! Verpassen Sie nicht, welche Aktien besonders vom weltweiten Aufrusten profitieren durften, und laden Sie sich das Gratis-PDF jetzt kostenlos herunter. Dieses exklusive Angebot gilt aber nur fur kurze Zeit! Daher jetzt downloaden! Driving New Momentum in Imaging Industry through Integration and Collaboration SHANGHAI, July 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The VISION & IMAGE SHANGHAI 2025 will be held at the Shanghai New International Expo Center from July 17 to 19 (Thursday to Saturday), 2025. With the theme of "Imaging Innovation Integrated Collaboration", the exhibition attracts approximately 350 exhibitors and brands from 11 countries and regions including Mainland China, the United States, Russia, Japan, Germany, Spain, Italy, Vietnam, Malaysia, Ukraine, South Korea, and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, establishing itself as a professional exhibition with extensive influence in the imaging industry. Among them, the "PHOTO & IMAGING SHANGHAI", co-hosted by the Council for the Promotion of International Trade Shanghai, the Shanghai Photographers Association, and Shanghai International Exhibition Management Co.,Ltd., has been awarded the title of Shanghai Excellent Exhibition for two consecutive years, becoming an annual must-visit event for photographers! Full-chain Presentation from Imaging Capture to Post-production Relying on the era opportunity of "technological innovation and ecological renewal", the VISION & IMAGE SHANGHAI 2025 brings together its subsidiary exhibitions, including the "PHOTO & IMAGING SHANGHAI", "Video Equipment & Technology Show", "Shanghai International Photo Printing & Art Framing Expo", and "Maternity & Children's Portrait Photography Fair". It also collaborates with the "China Wedding Expo" and the "SHANGHAI BRIDAL FASHION SHOWROOM" to achieve multi-exhibition linkage and resource integration. The exhibition comprehensively displays new trends, products, and technologies covering "cameras, lenses & filters, photography accessories, film lighting, audio-video equipment, AI technology, digital software, online delivery, imaging output, imaging materials, post-production, framing & mounting, theme sample photos, photo albums & frames, background props, consulting & training, marketing services", etc. Sustained Expansion of Photography Industry Market Scale According to relevant data statistics, in 2024, the global digital camera shipment volume reached 8.49 million units, an increase of 10%, among which the shipment volume of mirrorless cameras (also known as micro single cameras), which have dominated the market, was 5.61 million units, an increase of 16.1%. The camera shipment volume in the Chinese market reached 1.9481 million units, with sales reaching 229.923 billion yen (11.384 billion RMB), among which the sales volume of mirrorless cameras reached 1.6364 million units, a year-on-year increase of 36.4%, making China the world's largest mirrorless camera market. The rigid demand for professional imaging in short video and Vlog content creation has contributed to the camera purchase boom. Therefore, imaging devices that combine movie-level professional high image quality with flexibility, compactness, and diverse video creative expression features have ushered in development opportunities. Whether for film short dramas, live streaming, Vlogs, or 3D VR videos, professional equipment can help create high-quality social network imaging content, enabling video creators to achieve creative freedom. Comprehensive Integration of AI into Commercial Imaging AI has been fully integrated into the imaging chain. New products from Fujifilm, Canon, and Nikon respectively feature intelligent composition, enhanced scene and subject recognition, in-camera AI retouching, and even AI video functions. Computational photography's "AI super-resolution" and "deblurring" have become practical functions to improve image quality. In recent years, innovative applications of AI enterprises such as Pixel Cake, MeituYunxiu, Baidu Netdisk, and Tuling in the commercial photography field have significantly improved retouching quality and efficiency, thereby saving labor costs and shortening the time cycle from shooting to delivery. The VISION & IMAGE SHANGHAI 2025 is fully prepared. Currently, the reservation channel is open. Click the link to register immediately: http://yshz.cn/LdqqYP. Exhibition Information VISION & IMAGE SHANGHAI Time: July 17-19, 2025 Venue: Shanghai New International Expo Center (E1-E5) Press Contact Shanghai International Exhibition Management Co., Ltd. Tel: (86) 21 6279 2828 Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2722742/20250701160500.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/vision--image-shanghai-2025-open-in-july-302496471.html New Report on Europe's High-End Sector Shows 986 Billion Economic Engine Powerhouse Driving Jobs, Tourism & Craftsmanship Projected global high-end & luxury market growth expected to reach 2 trillion by 2030; ECCIA's aims policy recommendations at EU amidst emerging geopolitical headwinds BRUSSELS, July 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Latest figures released by the European Cultural and Creative Industries Alliance (ECCIA) show that Europe's high-end and luxury sector represents 5% of Europe's GDP. The sector continues to drive economic growth, preserve cultural heritage, and champion excellence well beyond the continent. The new report, developed with the technical collaboration of Bain & Company for ECCIA, also indicates that the sector's global leader status with 70% global market share is "clouded" due to external challenges such as tariffs and emerging global trade uncertainty. The sector, which the latest figures show employs 2 million people throughout Europe, is grappling with attracting and retaining the next generation of skilled artisans. "European luxury goods continue to dominate global markets, with the latest figures demonstrating a strong performance over the past five years and a solid position for growth within the global high-end and luxury market - rooted in the sector's unique resilience and its ability to adapt and seize opportunities in emerging markets," said Claudia D'Arpizio of Bain & Company. "While these new findings show that the sector accounts for 11.5% of total European exports, high-end and luxury goods are much more than economic drivers. The brands, through their products and experiences, also represent the ultimate expression of the soft power Europe wields through its creativity, innovation, and craftsmanship - Europe's unique 'artisanal intelligence.' This sector is a creative powerhouse that invests up to 5% of revenues in education and training, and up to 3% in sustainability and innovation which contribute to social prosperity, cultural preservation, and economic growth across Europe's clusters of excellence." The latest findings suggest that the sector's success story faces challenges as the world looks to an uncertain future. Escalating geopolitical tensions, rising tariffs, and protectionist trade policies, especially between the US and China which make up 35-45% of the global revenues for the sector, inject unwanted uncertainty. "It's tempting to assume that this the sector is shock-proof from some of the economic turbulence we've been seeing. While luxury stocks perform by 4 to 6 times over the broader market in Italy or France, we are sensitive to the some of the warning signs," said Michael Ward, President of ECCIA. "European high-end and luxury brands supported 2 million jobs in 2024, with 160,000 new jobs created since 2019, outpacing broader EU labour market growth. Tariff measures threaten to disrupt global demand, drive up costs, and force companies to reconsider supply chains as we focus on profitability and call for greater stability." Europe's high-end and luxury sector is a powerhouse on the global stage. The sector's impact extends beyond economic impact with 40% of international travelers citing luxury shopping as a key reason for visiting. Leading brands invest up to 3% of annual revenues in sustainability and up to 5% in education and training. While the latest report's findings suggest that the global luxury market has the potential to double by 2030, smart and urgent policy support is needed to safeguard one of Europe's cultural and economic treasures. The full report, executive summary and infographic can be downloaded here. Note to Editors : Although the Bain findings reveal sustained global competitiveness and optimistic growth prospects, European high-end cultural and creative industries face significant challenges due to geopolitical tensions and trade disputes in key markets, such as the USA and China. Outlined below are ECCIA's five EU policy recommendations to support the sector's long-term sustainable growth and its ability to continue to support the European economy and reputation. 1. Strengthen intellectual property rights (IPR) and combat counterfeiting Enhance the enforcement of the Digital Services Act (DSA): The effective implementation of the DSA depends on the European Commission's commitment to rigorously enforcing its provisions by: - Allocating sufficient financial and human resources; - Conducting an implementation review; - Proactively removing counterfeit products and clarifying the rollout of the trusted flagger mechanism. - Allocating sufficient financial and human resources; - Conducting an implementation review; - Proactively removing counterfeit products and clarifying the rollout of the trusted flagger mechanism. Introduce specific anti-counterfeiting legislation: Implement binding measures to address the gaps left by the DSA: - Enforce traceability across the entire value chain by mandating a "Know Your Business Customer" obligation for all intermediaries, not just online marketplaces. - Require all intermediaries to take proactive, reasonable, and proportionate measures to prevent the appearance of counterfeit goods. - Ensure platforms implement measures to prevent the reappearance of illegal products following removal. 2. Preserve consumer trust and experience Combat unauthorised sales: Strengthen the EU's legislative framework to help brands enforce their selective distribution networks against unauthorised distributors, protecting brand image and investments while ensuring consumer safety. Support our tailored distribution networks: Maintain high-end industries' ability to select authorised sellers based on qualitative criteria to preserve craftsmanship and the excellence of our customer service. 3. Promote sustainability in high-end goods and services Industry-specific consultation: Involve industry representatives in the preparation of Green Deal secondary legislation to address the specific needs of our sector, particularly for ecodesign and circular economy requirements. Implementation delays: Ensure a minimum of 36 months for compliance with new legal obligations, in line with the industry's product cycle (design to retail). Ensure a level playing field: Apply Green Deal standards equally to all companies operating in the EU market and prevent new measures from undermining European companies' global competitiveness. 4. Support craftsmanship and skills development Address the skills gap: Launch EU-level and Member State initiatives to develop a workforce skilled in craftsmanship, engineering, and technical production for high-end industries. Introduce a European Maitre d'Art title: Recognise and promote creative and technical expertise essential for preserving high-quality craftsmanship. 5. Enhance trade and tourism Prioritise diplomatic solutions to trade disputes: European high-end and luxury brands face significant challenges from escalating geopolitical tensions, rising tariffs, and protectionist trade policies, particularly in the US and China (two key markets contributing 35-40% of revenues). Proactive strategies such as market diversification, engagement with emerging economies, and advocacy for favourable trade agreements are essential to safeguarding resilience and mitigating risks to profitability and global competitiveness. Promote Free Trade Agreements (FTAs): Support FTAs that ensure reciprocal market access, reduce barriers to trade, and combat counterfeiting and parallel trade. Visa facilitation: Simplify procedures for obtaining EU visas and encourage VAT-free shopping for non-EU tourists to enhance the EU's appeal as a destination for high-end shopping and tourism. Retaliatory measures, including tariffs and non-tariff barriers, threaten the industry's ability to maintain competitive access to these crucial export destinations. The increasing protectionist rhetoric could further strain the industry, which relies heavily on open markets. Furthermore, our production cannot be relocated, as our business model and appeal are rooted in Europe's cultural heritage and expertise. About ECCIA: The European Cultural and Creative Industries Alliance (ECCIA), established in 2010, is composed of seven European cultural and creative industries organisations - Altagamma (Italy), Circulo Fortuny (Spain), Comite Colbert (France), Gustaf III Kommitte (Sweden), Laurel (Portugal), Meisterkreis (Germany) and Walpole (UK) - who between them represent 750 brands and cultural institutions. Based on art, culture and creativity, our work is underpinned by continuous innovation, a relentless focus on quality, highly skilled employment and strong exports abroad. Our members strive for the highest quality in all they do, from products and services all the way to the experience offered to consumers. For more information on ECCIA please visit eccia.eu ECCIA Bain Economic Impact Study For Media View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/new-eccia-bain-report-europes-high-end-sector-sounds-alarm-on-tariffs-skills-and-competitiveness-302495991.html KUALA LUMPUR, MY / ACCESS Newswire / July 2, 2025 / VoltAero, the French pioneer in electric-hybrid aviation and developer of the Cassio aircraft family, today signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with SEDC Energy (SEDCE) of Malaysia and France's ACI Groupe, marking a major step toward establishing a regional hybrid-electric aircraft assembly facility and innovation center in the Malaysian state of Sarawak. As part of this agreement, SEDCE and ACI Groupe have expressed their interest in acquiring an equity stake in VoltAero and becoming a strategic investor. The investment forms the foundation of a broader strategic partnership aimed at supporting clean aviation development across the Asia-Pacific region. The agreement outlines a shared vision to create a state-of-the-art assembly center in Sarawak for VoltAero's Cassio aircraft, which utilizes electric-hybrid propulsion for safe, quiet, efficient and eco-friendly regional transportation, as well as for pilot training. "This partnership is a major milestone for VoltAero and for the global transition to air transportation with reduced emissions," said Jean Botti, CEO and Chief Technical Officer of VoltAero. "Establishing a regional hub in Malaysia allows us to expand our production capacity, deliver on regional demand, and transfer technology and skills to a key part of the world that is embracing sustainable aviation." Tan Sri Datuk Amar (Dr) Haji Abdul Aziz bin Dato Haji Husain, the Chairman of SEDC Energy, explained that Sarawak is uniquely positioned to be a leader in sustainable technology and innovation. "Through this collaboration with VoltAero, Malaysia will be at the forefront of next-generation aviation manufacturing and clean energy development," stated Abdul Aziz. "It supports the broader regional ambitions to position Malaysia as a green aviation hub, aligned with national goals for decarbonization, technology transfer and skilled workforce development." Philippe Riviere, the ACI Groupe's President and CEO, added: "We are proud to partner with VoltAero and SEDC Energy to bring electric-hybrid aviation to the Asia-Pacific region. This project reflects our shared belief in a clean, connected future for global air transport." Key elements of the proposed collaboration include: Establishment of a Cassio aircraft assembly facility in Sarawak; Training of local technicians and engineers, both in France and Malaysia; Creation of a pilot training academy with flight simulator to support the use of Cassio aircraft in the growth of eco-efficient regional aviation; Technology transfer and local capability development, including final assembly line support and delivery operations; Manufacturing and distribution rights for the Cassio aircraft in the Asia-Pacific region granted to the SEDCE-ACI Groupe joint venture; Deployment of mobile charging solutions at regional airports and demonstration flights to build public and stakeholder awareness in electric-hybrid aviation; Development of local supply chains to support aircraft production, with the ACI Groupe playing a lead role in the project's early stages; Establishment of local MRO (maintenance, repair, and overhaul) capabilities for electric aircraft; and Joint development in hydrogen propulsion and sustainable fuels (SAF, biofuels) in partnership with strategic collaborators. Contact Information Marina Evans VoltAero marina.evans@voltaero.fr +33 (0)1 45 78 89 92 SOURCE: VoltAero View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/aerospace-and-defense/voltaero-signs-agreement-with-malaysias-sedc-energy-and-frances-aci-groupe-fo-1044979 Collaboration unlocks premium visibility across Singapore's top news and finance platforms, empowering clients to engage broader audiences with greater impact. CHICAGO, July 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- PR Newswire has partnered with SPH Media to significantly expand the reach of its clients' press release content within Singapore. This landmark collaboration provides unparalleled access for press releases sent via PR Newswire to two of Singapore's most-consumed media outlets: The Straits Times and MONEY FM 89.3. This strategic partnership offers clients an exceptional opportunity to deepen geographic penetration and boost engagement with industry professionals and consumers throughout Singapore. The Straits Times is the English flagship daily of SPH Media, one of the leading media companies in Asia. The Straits Times is Singapore's most widely read newspaper, providing comprehensive national and international news coverage. MONEY FM 89.3 is Singapore's first and only business and personal finance radio station and reaches listeners 24/7 with its English-language business and personal finance programming. The press release distribution partnership furthers the collaboration between SPH Media and PR Newswire's parent company, Cision Ltd., that began in May 2024, when the two organizations signed a content licensing agreement enabling Cision's clients to monitor online content from all SPH Media outlets through its CisionOne platform. "This partnership with SPH Media is the latest example of PR Newswire's ongoing investment to further broaden our industry-leading global network and ensure that our customers reach the most extensive, highest quality audience in the world," said Matt Brown, President, PR Newswire. "By distributing press release content to The Straits Times and MONEY FM 89.3, we're providing our clients with unparalleled access to a highly engaged and influential Singaporean audience." Key features of this partnership include: Expanded Reach: Leveraging The Straits Times' significant multi-platform presence, encompassing its digital sites-which attract 62.2 million monthly page views and 8.5 million monthly users -PR Newswire has bolstered the visibility and discoverability of client content with this offering. Leveraging The Straits Times' significant multi-platform presence, encompassing its digital sites-which attract 62.2 million monthly page views and 8.5 million monthly users -PR Newswire has bolstered the visibility and discoverability of client content with this offering. Targeted Audience: PR Newswire's clients gain exclusive access to a premium audience of Singaporean professionals across various sectors actively following news and financial trends. "This press release distribution partnership between Cision and SPH Media is a powerful synergy, combining Cision's global reach and technology with SPH Media's deep understanding of the Asian markets and their influential media landscape," stated Lynn Liu, Vice President of Audience Development and Distribution Services, PR Newswire APAC. "We believe this collaboration will unlock significant value for our clients, enabling them to connect with key audiences in a more impactful and data-driven way." To learn more, visit: https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/. About PR Newswire PR Newswire is the industry's leading press release distribution partner with an unparalleled global reach of more than 440,000 newsrooms, websites, direct feeds, journalists and influencers and is available in more than 170 countries and 40 languages. From our award-winning Content Services offerings, integrated media newsroom and microsite products, Investor Relations suite of services, paid placement and social sharing tools, PR Newswire has a comprehensive catalog of solutions to solve the modern-day challenges PR and communications teams face. For 70 years, PR Newswire has been the preferred destination for brands to share their most important news stories across the world. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2721000/PR_Newswire_The_Straits_Times.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2721001/PR_Newswire_MoneyFM.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2209885/PR_Newswire_Navy_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/pr-newswire-expands-reach-in-singapore-via-sph-media-partnership-302493577.html RWS continues winning streak with four awards in a year for its neural machine translation solution RWS, a content solutions company, powered by technology and human expertise, today announced that its Language Weaver solution has been selected as winner of the 'Machine Translation Solution of the Year' award in the 8th annual AI Breakthrough Awards program conducted by AI Breakthrough. The AI Breakthrough Awards shine a spotlight on the boldest innovators and most impactful technologies leading the charge in AI across a comprehensive set of categories, including generative AI, agentic AI, natural language processing and industry-specific AI applications. This year's program attracted more than 5,000 nominations from over 20 different countries. "While many competitors offer fragmented capabilities, Language Weaver delivers a uniquely comprehensive translation experience tailored for global enterprises," said Steve Johansson, Managing Director, AI Breakthrough. "We're pleased to award RWS with the 2025 award for 'Machine Translation Solution of the Year!'" The latest award follows three other recent industry accolades, including two 2025 AI Excellence Awards and an AI Breakthrough Award in 2024. Language Weaver is an AI-powered translation solution that seamlessly integrates adaptive neural machine translation (NMT), scalable performance, intuitive usability and enterprise-grade security into a single, end-to-end platform. The solution ensures compliance with data protection regulations and offers robust privacy controls as well as flexible deployment options whether in the cloud, on-premises, or in hybrid environments. "This award is a true testament to the incredible dedication and innovation of our Language Weaver team," said Mark Lawyer, President of Regulated Industries Linguistic AI at RWS. "Their passion, expertise, and relentless pursuit of excellence have positioned Language Weaver as a leader in AI-powered translation capable of helping clients to handle high volumes of complex, multilingual content." The Language Weaver platform processes up to 500,000 words per minute across 150+ languages and its adaptive AI models continuously learn and refine translations. It incorporates industry-specific glossaries, branded terminology, and real-time feedback for enhanced contextual accuracy. About RWS RWS is a content solutions company, powered by technology and human expertise. We grow the value of ideas, data and content by making sure organizations are understood. Everywhere. Our proprietary technology, 45+ AI patents and human experts help organizations bring ideas to market faster, build deeper relationships across borders and cultures, and enter new markets with confidence growing their business and connecting them to a world of opportunities. It's why over 80 of the world's top 100 brands trust RWS to drive innovation, inform decisions and shape brand experiences. With 60+ global locations, across five continents, our teams work with businesses across almost all industries. Innovating since 1958, RWS is headquartered in the UK and publicly listed on AIM, the London Stock Exchange regulated market (RWS.L). For further information, please visit: rws.com. About AI Breakthrough Part of Tech Breakthrough, a leading market intelligence and recognition platform for global technology innovation and leadership, the AI Breakthrough Awards program is devoted to honoring excellence in Artificial Intelligence technologies, services, companies and products. The AI Breakthrough Awards provide public recognition for the achievements of AI companies and products in categories including Generative AI, Machine Learning, AI Platforms, Robotics, Business Intelligence, AI Hardware, Computer Vision and more. For more information visit AIBreakthroughAwards.com. Tech Breakthrough LLC does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in our recognition programs, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with award designations. Tech Breakthrough LLC recognition consists of the opinions of the Tech Breakthrough LLC organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Tech Breakthrough LLC disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this recognition program, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250702789176/en/ Contacts: RWS Denis Davies Corporate Communications ddavies@rws.com +44 1628 410105 Newest feature caters to 92% of shoppers who prefer familiar currencies BARCELONA, Spain, July 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- YachtWorld, the world's leading online yacht marketplace, has unveiled a major upgrade to its mobile app that introduces automatic local currency support-a transformative enhancement designed to simplify cross-border yacht shopping for a growing global audience. The update, which allows users to view yacht listing prices in their preferred or regional currency, directly addresses a major friction point in international yacht purchases and continues YachtWorld's push to deliver a best-in-class digital shopping experience. "YachtWorld serves buyers and sellers in over 100 countries. As international activity continues to rise, price transparency in familiar currency becomes critical to building buyer trust and accelerating decision-making," said Mike Grabowski, Chief Product Officer. "YachtWorld is the only global boating marketplace app, and this upgrade further delivers the experience serious buyers expect: globally, but with local personalisation." Yacht shopping is inherently global-and the numbers back it up: 30% of YachtWorld traffic comes from outside the listing country, with buyers frequently comparing vessels across borders. of YachtWorld traffic comes from outside the listing country, with buyers frequently comparing vessels across borders. According to Fiserv, approximately 33% of global online shoppers abandon purchases due to unfamiliar currencies or pricing confusion. of global online shoppers abandon purchases due to unfamiliar currencies or pricing confusion. Internal data from YachtWorld reveals that 92% of international buyers search for boats listed in other countries, yet choose to view prices in their own local currency. By eliminating the need for manual conversions and reducing uncertainty in price comparison, this update removes a key barrier in the buyer journey-especially in the high-consideration, high-value world of yacht sales. Whether browsing a superyacht in the South of France, a sportfisher in Fort Lauderdale, or a sailing catamaran in Thailand, YachtWorld now gives buyers an intuitive way to evaluate listings with real-time pricing that reflects their world. Key benefits include: Accurate, automatic conversion to local currency based on location or preference conversion to local currency based on location or preference Improved transparency across international listings Greater ease in comparing yachts of similar class, size, and price range worldwide "This isn't just a convenience feature-it's a critical step toward making yacht shopping truly global, without the guesswork," said Kate Hurley, Regional Director of Sales for YachtWorld International. This update builds on YachtWorld's commitment to delivering the industry's most robust digital marketplace. Alongside currency localization, the app continues to offer: Advanced filters for refined searches for refined searches Thousands of global listings from professional brokers from professional brokers Real-time alerts on saved searches and price changes on saved searches and price changes Direct contact tools to connect with brokers instantly to connect with brokers instantly Optimized mobile design for seamless on-the-go browsing Available Now on iOS and Android The new local currency feature is available today via the latest update to the YachtWorld app, downloadable globally on the App Store and Google Play. With this release, YachtWorld continues to redefine what modern yacht shopping looks like-global in scope, local in experience, and trusted at every step. About Boats Group Boats Group operates the world's leading online marketplaces for buying and selling boats, including Boat Trader, YachtWorld, and boats.com. With a global audience of millions of boat buyers, we provide data-driven marketing solutions, AI-driven tools, financing services, and industry insights to help OEMs, dealers, and brokers maximize their sales potential. Media Contact: Courtney Chalmers VP of Marketing, Boats Group Email: press@boats.com Phone: 1-877-354-4069 Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2713039/YachtWorld_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/yachtworld-enhances-global-yacht-shopping-with-local-currency-support-in-latest-app-update-302494681.html Important equipment upgrade streamlines programing, component changeovers, software migration, and version management using the latest Kinetix servo technology from Rockwell Automation BRATISLAVA, Slovakia, July 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Rockwell Automation, Inc. (NYSE: ROK), the world's largest company dedicated to industrial automation and digital transformation, today announced that Kia Slovakia is to upgrade elements of its body shop through the deployment of the latest servo technologies from Rockwell Automation. The body shop lifters use servo motors and drives to elevate and orient primary car body components during the manufacture of Kia's Ceed and Sportage models. The lifter's existing servo solution was identified by Kia engineers as approaching end-of-life, so the system will undergo replacement over the summer shutdown. Through this modernization program, the body shop not only benefits from greater uptime-related resilience, but also the added capabilities delivered by modern digitalized hardware running contemporary communication networks. "End-of-life and obsolete components elevate risk levels and the possibility of downtime in any manufacturing operation," said Mark Bottomley, regional vice president, strategic accounts and sales specialists, EMEA at Rockwell Automation. "But in lean, just-in-time environments, such as automotive, this downtime can have a significant and costly impact on the critical path. Users of legacy equipment also miss out on the many benefits delivered by digitally capable hardware. For this reason, we offer a comprehensive modernization program that helps companies leverage the benefits of digital transformation." Kia's deployment of Allen-Bradley Kinetix 5700 servo drives and MPL servo motors will also streamline much of what goes on behind the scenes, with Rockwell Automation PLCs handling software migration, adaptations and upgrades. "This is an important part of the production process, so our primary requirement, in addition to accuracy, is reliability," said Peter Holubcik, assistant manager, maintenance body at Kia Slovakia. "When downtime is required, such as when we reconfigure the lifters, we need to do this as quickly as possible, something that the new, tightly integrated PLC, servo and network architecture will allow us to do." 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. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1981317/Rockwell_Automation_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/kia-slovakia-boosts-production-line-resilience-uptime-and-digital-capabilities-through-motion-solution-modernization-302492117.html GOPPINGEN, Germany, July 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- TeamViewer, a global leader in digital workplace solutions, introduces TeamViewer Intelligence, a growing suite of AI-powered features designed to enhance IT support with real-time automation, actionable insights, and in-session assistance. With the recent launch of TeamViewer CoPilot, alongside existing capabilities like Session Insights and Analytics, TeamViewer Intelligence helps IT professionals reduce manual effort, resolve issues faster, and manage support operations more effectively, from service desks to distributed endpoints. "With TeamViewer Intelligence, we're embedding AI directly into support workflows, so teams don't need to switch tools or break focus to get help," said Mei Dent, Chief Product & Technology Officer at TeamViewer. "Whether it's resolving a ticket or managing large-scale IT environments, we're enabling faster decisions and more scalable operations through intelligent assistance." TeamViewer CoPilot is a contextual AI assistant embedded inside remote support sessions. IT agents can chat with it in real-time to access device data, diagnose issues, generate resolution workflows, or even automate everyday tasks, such as opening Task Manager or pulling system logs, without interrupting their workflow. For high-volume service desks, TeamViewer CoPilot transforms repetitive troubleshooting into rapid, scalable action. Session Insights & Analytics gives IT leaders a comprehensive view of support operations, combining automated documentation with actionable data. Each support session is summarized automatically, including smart tags and step-by-step records of how issues were resolved-enabling faster handovers, easier reviews, and consistent knowledge sharing across teams. On top of that, built-in dashboards provide clear visibility into key metrics such as issue types, resolution times, session volume, and workload distribution, helping IT teams identify recurring problems, improve service quality, and optimize team performance over time. All TeamViewer Intelligence features are available as add-ons to TeamViewer Corporate and Tensor licenses and are supported in the latest user interface. TeamViewer's application of AI extends beyond IT, supporting teams in the field as well.Assist AR features an AI-powered session summary that automatically transcribes and captures the key outcomes of remote video assistance calls. Designed for service technicians and deskless workers, this functionality helps teams document interactions quickly and stay compliant, without interrupting their workflow. About TeamViewer TeamViewer provides a Digital Workplace platform that connects people with technology - enabling, improving and automating digital processes to make work work better. In 2005, TeamViewer started with software to connect to computers from anywhere to eliminate travel and enhance productivity. It rapidly became the de facto standard for remote access and support and the preferred solution for hundreds of millions of users across the world to help others with IT issues. Today, more than 660,000 customers across industries rely on TeamViewer to optimize their digital workplaces - from small to medium sized businesses to the world's largest enterprises - empowering both desk-based employees and frontline workers. Organizations use TeamViewer's solutions to prevent and resolve disruptions with digital endpoints of any kind, securely manage complex IT and industrial device landscapes, and enhance processes with augmented reality powered workflows and assistance - leveraging AI and integrating seamlessly with leading tech partners. Against the backdrop of global digital transformation and challenges like shortage of skilled labor, hybrid working, accelerated data analysis and the rise of new technologies, TeamViewer's solutions offer a clear value add by increasing productivity, reducing machine downtime, speeding up talent onboarding, and improving customer and employee satisfaction. The company is headquartered in Goppingen, Germany, and employs more than 1,800 people globally. In 2024, TeamViewer achieved a revenue of around EUR 671 million. TeamViewer SE (TMV) is listed at Frankfurt Stock Exchange and belongs to the MDAX. Further information can be found at www.teamviewer.com. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2639323/5396733/TeamViewer_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/teamviewer-expands-ai-portfolio-with-teamviewer-intelligence-for-it-support-workflows-302495973.html Q Assist the context aware agentic AI solution highlighted as innovative Gen AI Application in Financial Crime and Compliance LONDON, July 02, 2025, a global leader in Decision Intelligence (DI) for the public and private sectors, today announced it has been named as a Luminary in Everest Group's Innovation Watch: Generative AI Applications in Financial Crime and Compliance (FCC) report. This prestigious acknowledgment highlights Quantexa's innovative use of generative AI as part of its' Decision Intelligence Platform, to transform the financial crime and compliance practice. At the center of this recognition is Q Assist, Quantexa's context-aware Agentic AI capability designed to augment trusted decision-making at enterprise scale. Q Assist leverages the full power of Quantexa's Decision Intelligence Platform - combining a dynamic contextual data fabric, a generative AI prompt builder, and an intelligent co-pilot. By integrating deeply with graph analytics, Q Assist provides investigators and compliance teams with instant access to connected insights, surfacing hidden relationships and patterns across vast, complex datasets. Since its launch in 2024, Q Assist has rapidly progressed from pilot to production, delivering measurable impact across critical use cases such as third-party investigations, SAR creation, and real-time risk assessments. Quantexa's Luminary status reflects the company's leadership position in leveraging advanced AI technologies to address the growing complexity and resource intensity of financial crime compliance. As noted in the Everest Group report, generative AI holds significant promise for transforming the FCC value chain by automating labor-intensive tasks, revealing previously hidden insights, and detecting anomalies in near real-time. The Everest Group report highlights that 75% of providers are building robust go-to-market and technology partnerships. Quantexa sets the standard through its strategic collaborations with Microsoft, Google, Databricks, Accenture, KPMG, and PwC - bringing together best-in-class technology and expertise to support mission-critical transformation programs for some of the world's largest banks. "Quantexa's development of Q Assist represents a practical and meaningful application of generative AI in financial crime compliance. By embedding context-aware intelligence into core processes like entity resolution, SAR report creation, and risk assessment, Quantexa empowers investigators with real-time, actionable insights," said Dheeraj Maken, Practice Director at Everest Group. "With Q Assist now moving from pilot to production across key use cases, Quantexa is solidifying its position in the AI-driven decision intelligence space and is therefore featured among the Luminaries in Everest Group's Innovation Watch Assessment." This recognition follows Quantexa's recently completed $175 million Series F funding round, which valued the company at $2.6 billion and positions it to accelerate global growth, platform innovation, and go-to-market momentum. "This recognition from Everest Group validates our commitment to delivering practical, production-ready AI solutions that address the real-world challenges facing financial crime compliance teams," said Matt Long, Global Head of Financial Crime Risk for Financial Services and Government at Quantexa. "Q Assist showcases the transformative potential of context-aware generative AI in investigative workflows, accelerating complex investigation and upholding the trust and explainability essential to regulated industries " To find out more about Quantexa's fincrime solutions, please visit: https://www.quantexa.com/solutions/financial-crime/ About Quantexa Quantexa is a global AI, data and analytics software company pioneering Decision Intelligence to empower organizations to make trusted operational decisions with data in context. Using the latest advancements in AI, Quantexa's Decision Intelligence platform helps organizations uncover hidden risk and new opportunities by unifying siloed data and turning it into the most trusted, reusable resource. It solves major challenges across data management, customer intelligence, KYC, financial crime, risk, fraud, and security, throughout the customer lifecycle. The Quantexa Decision Intelligence Platform enhances operational performance with over 90% more accuracy and 60 times faster analytical model resolution than traditional approaches. An independently commissioned Forrester TEI study on Quantexa's Decision Intelligence Platform found that customers saw a three-year 228% ROI. Founded in 2016, Quantexa now has over 800 employees and thousands of platform users working with billions of transactions and data points across the world. For more information visit www.quantexa.comor follow us on LinkedIn. Media Inquiries C: Stephanie Crisp, Director and Growth Tech Lead, Fight or Flight E: Quantexa@fightorflight.com C: Adam Jaffe, SVP of Corporate Marketing T: +1 609 502 6889 E: adamjaffe@quantexa.com - or - RapidResponse@quantexa.com HANGZHOU, China, July 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Recently, Narada has announced the upcoming mass production of its Center L Ultra liquid-cooled energy storage system, once again demonstrating its strong technical capabilities in the energy storage sector. The system delivers a capacity of 6.25MWh within a standard 20-foot container, making it suitable for energy storage applications ranging from 2 to 8 hours. The system features an innovative dual-battery compatibility design, supporting both 783Ah and 587Ah battery models. Equipped with both compressor-based and natural cooling modes, the system can intelligently switch between them based on environmental temperature and operating conditions, reducing auxiliary power consumption by 30%. With its self-regulating intelligent thermal management system, the temperature difference across the system is kept under 2.5C, significantly extending system lifespan. On the safety front, the system utilizes advanced technologies such as big data fusion analysis and multi-physics coupling models to predict thermal runaway risks up to 24 hours in advance. Combined with precise fault localization and a four-tier fire protection mechanism, the system offers greatly enhanced operational safety and stability for power stations. Through full-stack in-house development of key equipment, the Center L Ultra energy storage system is pre-installed and pre-commissioned before leaving the factory, enabling fast and efficient grid connection immediately upon arrival at the site. With IP55/C5 protection rating, wide temperature tolerance from -40C to 55C, seismic resistance up to grade 8, and low-noise operation under 65 dBA, the system is built to adapt to a wide range of environments, including coastal areas, deserts, and mountainous regions. In addition, the system is integrated with an AI-powered intelligent management platform, allowing real-time monitoring of the system's operational status. It also supports OTA (Over-the-Air) technology for remote software upgrades. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2723501/image.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/naradas-center-l-ultra-6-25mwh-liquid-cooled-energy-storage-system-ready-for-global-delivery-302496631.html Bulgaria hosts conference marking decade of China-CEEC agricultural cooperation Xinhua) 13:14, June 27, 2025 SOFIA, June 26 (Xinhua) -- An international conference focused on agricultural cooperation between China and Central and Eastern European countries (CEEC) was held Thursday in Sofia, bringing officials and experts to reflect on past achievements and explore more prospects. The event marked the 10th anniversary of the Association for the Promotion of Agricultural Cooperation between China and the CEECs, Wang Min, charge d'affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Bulgaria, highlighted the growth and progress made since the association was established at the intergovernmental level in Sofia on June 26, 2015. Wang noted that bilateral trade in agricultural products between China and the CEEC has grown significantly over the past decade. Technological cooperation in agriculture continues to deepen, and exchanges in agricultural talent have steadily progressed. Describing the sector as "one of the earliest established, most fruitful, most widely recognized, and most broadly participated" within the China-CEEC cooperation framework, Wang emphasized the association's role in developing e-commerce and logistics hubs. These cooperations have brought CEECs' agricultural products to major exhibitions in China, such as the Bulgarian National Pavilion in Hangzhou and the China-CEEC Agricultural Products Exhibition Hall in Ningbo. Lozana Vasileva, deputy minister of agriculture and food of Bulgaria, also commended her country's cooperation with China. She stressed that through the successful implementation of numerous initiatives, programs, and projects, the association has effectively promoted agricultural and food trade between China and the CEEC, and she expressed confidence in achieving further mutually beneficial outcomes. Leng Changjian, president of Shandong Agricultural University, also spoke at the event. He lauded the agricultural cooperation between China and CEECs while acknowledging the challenges ahead. "Standing at a new historical juncture, cooperation between China and CEEC is brimming with boundless vitality and energy, and the prospects for future collaboration are vast," he said. The conference also featured a prize ceremony for the December 2024 edition of the Academy for Entrepreneurship in Agriculture, initiated by the association. Gergana Kermenova, 18 years old, won a prize of 5,000 BGN (some 2,965 U.S. dollars) for her innovative solution to a honey marketing problem in Bulgaria. Aspiring to a career in agriculture, particularly in beekeeping, Kermenova credited the academy for fueling her ambition. "The academy gave me a lot. It was really inspiring, the lecturers were very interesting, and I learned a lot of important things for the future," she said. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Brussels, Belgium--(Newsfile Corp. - July 2, 2025) - The Left is pleased to announce the opening of the modern art exhibition "Life Distribution - Immigrant Souls" by internationally acclaimed Syrian-born artist Jamal Joratli, to be held on 2 July 2025 at 18:30 in the atrium of the Paul-Henri Spaak Building. Artist Jamal Joratli with his work "Mosaic of Journeys," part of the exhibition "Life Distribution - Immigrant Souls." To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11274/256971_e0240d0444025a97_001full.jpg Organized under the auspices of Greek Member of the European Parliament Professor Nikolas Farantouris, the exhibition aims to highlight the role of art in fostering intercultural understanding, migration narratives, and civilizational dialogue in Europe. A powerful rhythm of movement-Jamal captures the untold journey in the hooves of horses. Each step feels like memory pressing into the earth, echoing the restless spirit of migration and resilience. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11274/256971_e0240d0444025a97_002full.jpg "I invited Jamal to Brussels because I consider him one of the most distinguished contemporary artists of our generation," said MEP Prof. Farantouris. "His work reflects the anguish and the creative spirit of people from the Mediterranean and the Middle East. His message is a universal one - calling for peace, dignity, and shared human values." Following the official inauguration, guests will be invited to a welcome reception accompanied by a live piano performance by Prof. Farantouris, who is not only a respected parliamentarian and professor of European law but also an accomplished classical pianist. A horse, yet more than a horse-Jamal's painting is a soul in motion. Layers of memory, pain, and rebirth ripple through every curve, turning color into story and stillness into flight. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11274/256971_e0240d0444025a97_003full.jpg The event is expected to draw a diverse group of Members of the European Parliament, cultural figures, and art enthusiasts. A Civilizational Journey Through Art Jamal Joratli, born in Syria and trained in Europe, blends Eastern artistic heritage with European classicism and modern abstraction. His layered canvases reflect the personal experiences of immigrants, turning memory into a shared visual language. "Every painting is a journey," said Joratli. "From Syria to Athens, Florence to New York, my work reflects a meeting of worlds. Through art, I build bridges - not borders." Nikolas Farantouris is a Greek MEP with SYRIZA and Jean Monnet Professor of EU and energy law, serving since 2024 on key European Parliament committees To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11274/256971_e0240d0444025a97_005full.jpg Exhibition Details Date: 2 July 2025 Time: 18:30 (Opening Ceremony) Venue: Atrium, Paul-Henri Spaak Building, European Parliament, Brussels Programme: Art exhibition, welcome reception, piano performance by MEP Prof. Farantouris Guests: Artist Jamal Joratli; MEP Prof. Farantouris; Members of the European Parliament To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/256971 SOURCE: Awareness Marketing Management DWC LLC Cirium, the aviation analytics company, creates a new transparent standard and ranking for airline CO2 emissions, identifying the best performing airlines in specific categories Wizz Air is the world's most emissions-efficient airline in new rankings released today by Cirium, the aviation analytics firm. The Cirium Flight Emissions Review ranks the top 20 airlines globally, through a consistent benchmark for flight emissions. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250702342529/en/ The top 20 Major airlines globally, ranked by lowest CO2/ASK Wizz Air, the Hungary-based ultra-low-cost airline emits an industry low of 53.9 grams of CO2 per Available Seat Kilometer (ASK)*, followed by Frontier Airlines (54.4 grams) and Pegasus (57.1 grams) according to the report. The rankings provide the aviation industry with verified comparable data on an equal playing field as the sector advances toward Net Zero by 2050 commitments. The rankings performance use Cirium's EmeraldSky platform, which achieved ISAE 3000 Reasonable Assurance from PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) and official accreditation from the Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI). Wizz Air, Frontier, and Pegasus Top 3; The Top 20 Major Airlines Ranked by CO2 Emissions/ASK The top 20 Major airlines globally are presented in the corresponding tables. Of note is the performance of Indigo, top in Asia, Volaris, top in Latin America and the Caribbean, and Jetstar, for its performance in Australia. The CO2/ASK Emissions of the World's Largest Airlines Cirium's reporting also ranked the 10 largest airlines in the world by ASK. At the head of the table is Ryanair, followed by Southwest Airlines, and Delta Air Lines. Each of the major U.S. carriers earned spots at the table, while Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airlines and Emirates rounded out a group of primarily long-haul operators. Enabling Fair Comparison Across the Industry "For the first time, airlines can compare their emissions performance using a consistent, verified methodology," said Jeremy Bowen, CEO at Cirium. "EmeraldSky provides the industry-standard benchmark that enables fair comparison and meaningful progress tracking." The comprehensive Review analyzed global operations using dual-accredited methodology, with the full report containing extensive findings across: Global Category Rankings showing the top 20 Major airlines and the World's 10 largest airlines by CO2 per Available Seat Kilometer showing the top 20 Major airlines and the World's 10 largest airlines by CO2 per Available Seat Kilometer Regional Performance breakdowns showing which airlines excel on intra-region and inter-region routes breakdowns showing which airlines excel on intra-region and inter-region routes Route-Level Improvements identifying specific airport pairs with the greatest efficiency gains identifying specific airport pairs with the greatest efficiency gains Operational Insights revealing how fleet composition, load factors, and route optimization drive performance differences The Review provides comprehensive operational insights that support industry-wide efficiency improvements, offering actionable intelligence for aviation stakeholders committed to sustainability progress. Setting New Industry Transparency Standards EmeraldSky's methodology achieved the highest level of assurance under International Standard on Assurance Engagements through rigorous independent review. The Rocky Mountain Institute's accreditation under the Pegasus Guidelines validates the approach for climate-aligned aviation financing, enabling banks and investors to make informed decisions based on verified emissions data. This standardized approach addresses aviation's fragmented sustainability reporting, where inconsistent methodologies have made meaningful comparisons impossible. The verified benchmark enables airlines to assess their operational efficiency accurately, investors to evaluate performance reliably, and corporations to report Scope 3 emissions with confidence. Quarterly Updates Drive Accountability The Flight Emissions Review will be updated quarterly, tracking performance changes and operational improvements across the industry. With hundreds of data points and detailed analysis across multiple categories, the report provides the most comprehensive view of aviation emissions performance available. Access the Complete Rankings and Analysis The full Flight Emissions Review, including detailed carrier rankings, regional breakdowns, route-specific analysis, and operational insights, is available for download at www.cirium.com/flight-emissions-review. Notes to Editors Available Seat Kilometers (ASK) is a metric in the airline industry that represents the total passenger capacity of an airline About Cirium Cirium is the world's most trusted source of aviation analytics. The company delivers powerful data and cutting-edge analytics to empower a wide spectrum of industry players. It equips airlines, airports, travel enterprises, aircraft manufacturers, and financial entities with the clarity and intelligence they need to optimize their operations, make informed decisions, and accelerate revenue growth. Cirium is part of LexisNexis Risk Solutions, a RELX business, which provides information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. The shares of RELX PLC are traded on the London, Amsterdam and New York Stock Exchanges using the following ticker symbols: London: REL; Amsterdam: REN; New York: RELX. Download the complete Flight Emissions Review with full rankings, regional analysis, and operational insights at www.cirium.com/flight-emissions-review View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250702342529/en/ Contacts: Media Contact: Mike Arnot, Cirium spokesperson Mike@Juliettalpha.com +1 (212) 518-4796 Callum McGoldrick cirium@pc.agency +44 (784) 2971398 DELRAY BEACH, Fla., July 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The strobilurin market is projected to expand from USD 5.53 billion in 2025 to USD 6.88 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 4.47% during the forecast period, according to a report published by MarketsandMarkets. The market is witnessing robust growth, driven by rising global food demand, increasing incidences of crop diseases, and the need for higher agricultural productivity. Farmers are increasingly adopting strobilurin-based fungicides due to their broad-spectrum disease control, yield enhancement properties, and systemic action. A key trend in the market is the development of combination products that integrate strobilurin with other active ingredients to improve efficacy and manage resistance. Additionally, growing demand from developing countries, government support for crop protection practices, and the expansion of high-value crop cultivation are fueling market growth. Browse in-depth TOC on "Strobilurin Market" 200- Tables 115- Figures 350- Pages Download PDF Brochure: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=108903839 By product type, the azoxystrobin segment holds a significant market share in the global strobilurin market. In the strobilurin market, azoxystrobin holds the largest share within the product type segment, primarily due to its wide applicability, high efficacy, and plant health benefits beyond disease control. As a broad-spectrum fungicide, azoxystrobin is used extensively across various high-value crops such as cereals, fruits, vegetables, grapes, and soybeans, providing effective protection against key fungal diseases including rusts, powdery mildew, downy mildew, and leaf spots. Its systemic and translaminar movement within plants ensures long-lasting protection, which enhances its popularity among growers. Moreover, azoxystrobin contributes to enhanced photosynthetic activity, delayed senescence, and overall yield improvement, making it a favorable choice in both preventive and curative fungicide programs. With strong regulatory approvals across major agricultural economies and rising awareness among farmers about its yield-boosting properties, azoxystrobin continues to lead the strobilurin market globally. By application method, the foliar spray segment holds a significant market share in the strobilurin market. By application method, foliar spray holds the largest share in the strobilurin market, driven by its effectiveness in delivering quick and uniform coverage to crops. Foliar spraying allows the fungicide to be directly applied to the leaves, where most fungal infections occur, ensuring rapid absorption and immediate protective or curative action. This method enhances the fungicide's efficacy by optimizing contact with the target pathogens, thereby improving disease control and minimizing crop damage. Additionally, foliar sprays are easy to apply using standard agricultural equipment, making them suitable for large-scale farming operations across diverse crop types. The growing demand for efficient and cost-effective crop protection solutions, along with the increasing cultivation of fruits, vegetables, and cereals that benefit from foliar application, continues to support the dominance of this segment in the market. Request Sample Pages: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestsampleNew.asp?id=108903839 Europe is estimated to hold the largest market share in the strobilurin market. Europe holds the largest share in the strobilurin market, primarily due to the region's advanced agricultural practices, high awareness of crop protection, and strong regulatory framework supporting the use of effective fungicides. Countries like France, Germany, Spain, and Italy have extensive cultivation of cereals, fruits, and vegetables, which are highly susceptible to fungal diseases and thus demand preventive solutions such as strobilurins. The region's focus on achieving high crop yields and quality, coupled with widespread adoption of integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, further drives the use of strobilurin-based products. Moreover, continuous product innovation, favorable government support for sustainable farming, and the presence of leading agrochemical manufacturers contribute to Europe's dominant position in the global market. The report profiles key players such as BASF (Germany), Bayer Group (Germany), Corteva (US), Syngenta (Switzerland), FMC Corporation (US), UPL (India), Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd. (Japan), Nufarm Limited (Australia), AMVAC Chemical Corporation (US), Gowan Company, LLC (US), Albaugh, LLC (US), Limin Group Co., Ltd. (China), Hailir Pesticides and Chemicals Group (China), Coromandel International Limited (India), and Adama Agricultural Solutions Ltd. (Israel). Get 10% Free Customization on this Report: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestCustomizationNew.asp?id=108903839 Browse Adjacent Reports @ Agriculture Industry Market Research Reports & Consulting Related Reports: Fungicides Market by Type (Chemical and Biological), Mode of Action (Contact and Systemic), Formulation (Liquid and Dry), Mode of Application (Foliar Spray, Seed Treatment, and Soil Treatment), Crop Type and Region - Global Forecast to 2029 Agrochemicals Market by Type (Fertilizers, Pesticides), Crop Type (Cerelas & Grains, Oilseeds & Pulses, Fruits & Vegetables), Fertilizers Type, Pesticide Type (Insecticides, Herbicides, Fungicides, Nematicides) and Region - Global Forecast to 2028 About MarketsandMarkets MarketsandMarkets has been recognized as one of America's Best Management Consulting Firms by Forbes, as per their recent report. MarketsandMarkets is a blue ocean alternative in growth consulting and program management, leveraging a man-machine offering to drive supernormal growth for progressive organizations in the B2B space. With the widest lens on emerging technologies, we are proficient in co-creating supernormal growth for clients across the globe. Today, 80% of Fortune 2000 companies rely on MarketsandMarkets, and 90 of the top 100 companies in each sector trust us to accelerate their revenue growth. With a global clientele of over 13,000 organizations, we help businesses thrive in a disruptive ecosystem. The B2B economy is witnessing the emergence of $25 trillion in new revenue streams that are replacing existing ones within this decade. We work with clients on growth programs, helping them monetize this $25 trillion opportunity through our service lines - TAM Expansion, Go-to-Market (GTM) Strategy to Execution, Market Share Gain, Account Enablement, and Thought Leadership Marketing. Built on the 'GIVE Growth' principle, we collaborate with several Forbes Global 2000 B2B companies to keep them future-ready. Our insights and strategies are powered by industry experts, cutting-edge AI, and our Market Intelligence Cloud, KnowledgeStore, which integrates research and provides ecosystem-wide visibility into revenue shifts. To find out more, visit www.MarketsandMarkets.com or follow us on Twitter , LinkedIn and Facebook . Contact: Mr. Rohan Salgarkar MarketsandMarkets Inc. 1615 South Congress Ave. Suite 103, Delray Beach, FL 33445 USA: +1-888-600-6441 Email: sales@marketsandmarkets.com Research Insight: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ResearchInsight/strobilurin-fungicide-market.asp Visit Our Website: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ Content Source: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/PressReleases/strobilurin-fungicide.asp Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1868219/MarketsandMarkets_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/strobilurin-market-worth-6-88-billion-by-2030-exclusive-report-by-marketsandmarkets-302496543.html HONG KONG, July 2, 2025 - (ACN Newswire) - Ching Lee Holdings Limited 'Ching Lee' or 'The Group' (stock code 3728. HK) reported its annual results for the year ended 31 March 2025. During the year, the Group's revenue increased to HK$1281 million, representing a year-on-year growth of approximately 43%, driven by the successful completion of several construction projects and the commencement of multiple new ones. Gross profit rose by around 14%. However, net profit declined by 12% due to higher administrative and operating expenses, increased finance costs, and an impairment loss on interest in an associate.Despite the continued weakness in the Hong Kong property market and the slowdown in the development of private residential projects, the Group has explored diversified development, strengthened business growth momentum, and actively participated in public construction projects and non-residential projects, effectively offsetting the current market downturn and further consolidating its position in the industry.The Group Chairman Mr. Ng Choi Wah said: "The recent decline in Hong Kong Interbank Offered Rates has brought some relief to the property market, especially residential users. While the broader economic outlook remains uncertain, the Group remains optimistic about the prospects of the local construction industry. We will continue to work hard on cost control, prudently manage financial planning and enhance operational efficiency to maintain the resilience of the Group's business."The Group has currently held incomplete contracts amounting more than HK$1.5 billion which will provide a foundation for future operating income and strengthen the Group's financial stability.Media enquiries:New Smile Limited Strategic IR & PR ConsultancyTel:+852 2126 7076Jenny Lai jenny.lai@newsmilehk.comJacey Ching jacey.ching@newsmilehk.comElina Zhang elina.zhang@newsmilehk.comNotes to editors:Ching Lee Holdings Limited 'Ching Lee' or 'The Group'Ching Lee Holdings Limited, a limited liability company incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands, is a contractor in Hong Kong with over 28 years of experience in public and private sectors. The principal activities of Ching Lee Holdings and its subsidiaries are the provision of construction and consultancy works and project management services in Hong Kong, engaged in providing substructure building works services, superstructure building works services, and repair, maintenance, alteration and addition (RMAA) works services. Ching Lee Holdings Limited was transferred from GEM board to the main board in HKEx on September 18, 2017 with stock code 3728.hk. Company website: http://www.chingleeholdings.comSource: Ching Lee Holdings LimitedCopyright 2025 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved. New analysis from Vermiculus and GreySpark Partners reveals timing misalignments, FX friction, and staffing pressures as firms in Europe and Asia adapt to North America's faster settlement cycle. STOCKHOLM, July 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Vermiculus, a leading provider of market infrastructure technology, in collaboration with capital market research firm GreySpark Partners, has released a new study examining the global implications of the recent T+1 trade settlement mandate in North America. While the transition has been largely successful for U.S. firms, the report reveals operational and regulatory challenges for financial institutions across Europe and the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. The switch from T+2 to T+1 settlement tightens the post-trade processing timeline significantly. For global firms operating in different time zones, that translates into after-hours work, FX execution under time pressure, and growing risk of settlement failure. "With the shift to T+1, especially across time zones, automated affirmation and allocation processes are no longer optional. Firms must act now to get ready for the shortened settlement cycles driven by global, 24/7 trading in the future. Systems will be moving towards proactivity, with pre-trade risk calculations and pre-funding in place," says Lars-Goran Larsson, industry expert at Vermiculus. Lars-Goran Larsson, Industry Expert at Vermiculus The report ends with the observation that 24/7 trading and real-time settlement will be the ultimate bar for traditional trading technology - a future not too far off. As the lines blur between digital and traditional assets, the pressure is mounting on firms to modernize their post-trade infrastructure accordingly. Read the full report: International implications of the North American T+1 Settlement Rules For insights on how the T+1 transition has affected North American firms, read our earlier report here: Implications of T+1 Settlement on North American Markets About Vermiculus Financial Technology Vermiculus Financial Technology AB provides cutting-edge trading, clearing, and CSD solutions to market participants around the world. Vermiculus' solutions are the first to bring state-of-the-art advances in dynamic microservice architecture together with vast experience in clearing house, exchange, and CSD business requirements. The company started its operation in 2020 and is founded by industry experts with the incentive to revolutionize the technology of exchanges, clearing houses, and CSDs. With its headquarters in Stockholm, Sweden, Vermiculus consists of hand-picked teams, trained to deliver mission-critical solutions. With decades of accumulated knowledge and expertise, the team has previously completed 75+ projects for the world's largest exchanges, clearing houses, and CSDs. For further information, please contact: Amelie Hedenstierna - PR & Communications Vermiculus Financial Technology Tel +46-(0)73 622 24 54 amelie.hedenstierna@vermiculus.se This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com https://news.cision.com/vermiculusft/r/global-firms-grapple-with-north-american-t-1--new-study-reveals-early-impacts,c4182673 The following files are available for download: https://mb.cision.com/Main/20350/4182673/3547169.pdf Release https://news.cision.com/vermiculusft/i/lars-goran-larsson-international-implications-from-t1,c3434681 Lars-Goran Larsson International implications from T1 https://news.cision.com/vermiculusft/i/lars-goran-larsson--industry-expert-vermiculus,c3434823 Lars-Goran Larsson, Industry Expert Vermiculus View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/global-firms-grapple-with-north-american-t1-new-study-reveals-early-impacts-302496684.html AdCellerant introduces its proprietary marketing platform, Ui.Marketing, to empower UK agencies and media companies. DENVER, July 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- AdCellerant, an award-winning leader in marketing technology solutions, is expanding to the United Kingdom. This marks the next phase of the company's international growth strategy, following a successful launch in Canada earlier this year. AdCellerant Launches UK Operations with Scalable Digital Marketing Solutions As the UK's $30 billion digital ad market continues to grow, AdCellerant empowers businesses to perform smarter, operate more efficiently, and deliver results that matter. The company's proprietary platform, Ui.Marketing, offers a comprehensive solution for media companies, agencies, and enterprise-level organizations. Designed to streamline campaign execution and optimize outcomes, the platform empowers users to manage the entire buyer's journey with speed, precision, and ease. Andy McNab Named to Lead AdCellerant's UK Expansion To spearhead this expansion, AdCellerant has appointed Andy McNab to oversee its UK operations and international growth initiatives. Andy brings a wealth of experience in digital marketing, business development, specifically in the UK market. His leadership will drive AdCellerant's mission to become the go-to partner for UK businesses seeking scalable, performance-driven digital advertising solutions. "The UK market is brimming with opportunity, and I'm excited to welcome AdCellerant's technology and expertise to agencies and media companies across the region," said Andy McNab, UK Managing Director of AdCellerant. "I'm proud to lead this charge and deliver innovative solutions that drive measurable impact for our partners." AdCellerant's UK entry will deliver a robust suite of digital marketing services designed for the region, with plans to further support clients through local partnerships and resources as growth continues. The company's approach combines best-in-class technology, strategic partnerships, and customer-centric support to ensure clients achieve their marketing objectives. "We are thrilled to introduce AdCellerant's innovative marketing solutions to the UK market," said Brock Berry, CEO and Co-Founder of AdCellerant. "With Andy's leadership, we are confident in our ability to deliver exceptional value and results for our UK partners. This expansion is a testament to our commitment to helping businesses worldwide succeed in the rapidly evolving digital landscape." This expansion underscores AdCellerant's long-term commitment to scalable international growth and strategic partnerships that drive client success. Following a successful launch in Canada earlier this year, the company is continuing its focus on international scalability and meaningful partnerships. To learn more about AdCellerant's UK expansion, or to schedule a meeting with our team. About AdCellerant AdCellerant partners with media companies, agencies, and brands to provide businesses access to high-quality digital marketing technology and solutions. Focused on generating results and growth for businesses of all sizes, AdCellerant offers best-in-class technology and software, award-winning customer service, industry-leading training resources, and exceptional operational support to ensure customer campaign performance. Leveraging proprietary technology Ui.Marketing, AdCellerant effectively connects businesses with their ideal customers at the right time. Harnessing an easy-to-use and nimble advertising tool, users can manage the entire buyer's journey, from quick and accurate comprehensive proposal creation to campaign launch and campaign performance, within a single platform. Media Contact Meghan Brito, SVP of Marketing mbrito@adcellerant.com Follow AdCellerant for more updates. LinkedIn | X | Facebook | Instagram Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2723180/AdCellerant_LLC_Andy_McNab.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1077656/AdCellerant_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/adcellerant-enters-uk-market-bringing-scalable-digital-solutions-to-agencies-and-media-companies-302496282.html London, United Kingdom--(Newsfile Corp. - July 2, 2025) - Sends, a UK-based fintech company, announces its recent recognition by the International Business Magazine Awards 2025 in two categories: Best Alternative Banking Platform and Leading Financial Services Provider. Find the whole winners list via the link. sends To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10281/257427_838d39da44577bfb_001full.jpg The International Business Magazine Awards are recognised for their strict evaluation process, which combines expert analysis, industry research, and customer feedback. Nominees are assessed based on innovation, service excellence, market impact, and regulatory compliance. Winning in two highly competitive categories reflects Sends' consistent performance and competitive financial products. The Best Alternative Banking Platform award recognises institutions that successfully bridge the gap between traditional banking and emerging fintech solutions, delivering intuitive, secure, and scalable platforms for both individual and business users. The Leading Financial Services Provider in the UK title means excellence across a broad spectrum of financial offerings, including payments, digital wallets, compliance, and customer service. Alona Shevtsova, CEO of Sends, shared her thoughts on the recognition: "We are truly honoured to receive these awards from International Business Magazine. This recognition validates the passion and forward-thinking approach that our team brings to the industry every day. At Sends, we remain focused on delivering creative and effective solutions that meet the needs of our customers while upholding the highest standards of service, compliance, and trust." As Sends continues to expand its suite of services, this recognition sets a strong foundation for further international growth and industry collaboration. It is worth mentioning that in June 2025, Sends launched its new product - digital payment cards for personal accounts. About Sends Sends is a financial service provider headquartered in London. Since 2017, it has offered a comprehensive range of payment solutions as the FCA-authorised Electronic Money Institution (EMI). The mission is to upgrade the banking experience by providing a functional alternative to traditional bank accounts. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/257427 SOURCE: Sends Val-d'Or, Quebec--(Newsfile Corp. - July 2, 2025) - Bonterra Resources Inc. (TSXV: BTR) (OTCQX: BONXF) (FSE: 9BR2) ("Bonterra" or the "Company") is pleased to provide exploration updates being led by a 100% indirect subsidiary of Gold Fields Ltd ("Gold Fields" or the "Operator") at the Phoenix JV (the "Project"). The Project is under a definitive earn-in and joint venture agreement (the "JV Agreement") with Gold Fields. Under the JV Agreement, Gold Fields has the right to acquire a 70% interest in the Project by spending C$30 million in work expenditures, with a minimum spending commitment of C$10 million per year over a three-year period (see press release dated November 28, 2023, for more details). Marc-Andre Pelletier, President and CEO commented: "Progress at the Phoenix JV is well underway, with geophysical surveys, mapping, and soil sampling currently in progress. These initiatives, combined with a 15,000-meter drill program scheduled to begin in August, offer promising potential for new discoveries at the Phoenix JV, particularly at the Gladiator NE-Titan targets where near surface economic values have been intercepted before. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with Gold Fields as we work to advance Quebec's newest emerging gold camp." 2025 Exploration Program updates To date, over 65,000 meters ("m") have been drilled, with approximately C$20 million invested in the Project under the JV Agreement. The current work includes two gravity surveys, one airborne and one ground base, as well as field activities such as soil sampling, prospecting and mapping of outcrops and review of historical trenches. Gold Fields is currently preparing a 15,000 m drill program, with final target selection subject to internal review and prioritization. Several promising targets have already been identified, based on historical gold showings, previous drill results, and geophysical survey data (see Figure 1). Gold Fields intends to deploy three drill rigs, primarily focused along the Barry Shear Zone at the Gladiator NE and Titan targets. The program will also explore additional areas including Duke NE, Chanceux, the Tourmaline Ridge Extension, Rouleau Till, and Cominco. Some of these targets exhibit multiple mineralized indicators, several of which show economically significant values. Additionally, field work combined with a gravity airborne survey is ongoing. The 2025 exploration program will generate new targets once the results are analyzed later this year. Figure 1 - Phoenix JV Project - Surface Plan View with Completed Drill holes, Historical Drill Hole Assay Results and 2025 Drill Target Areas To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/1528/256783_c680c807c4549a0b_001full.jpg Gladiator NE and Titan targets The Gladiator NE sector, including the Titan target, is crossed by the Barry Deformation Zone, hosts to the Gladiator deposit which contains 0.39 million ounces of Measured and Indicated Mineral resources and 0.99 million ounces of Inferred Mineral resources, as reported in the 2021 mineral resource estimate ("2021 MRE"). Titan's previous drill hole BA-18-116 returned an intersection of 12.4 g/t Au over 5.3 m and drill hole BRS 17-11 returned 7.7 g/t over 3.0 m, including 23.2 g/t over 1.0m (see Bonterra's press release dated November 20, 2018, and January 21, 2019), confirming the discovery potential along the Barry fault (see Figure 2). The geological setting is similar to that of Gladiator deposit, with gabbroic sills and felsic intrusions associated with gold mineralization. Figure 2 - Phoenix JV Project - Longitudinal View of Gladiator deposit and Titan target area To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/1528/256783_bonterra_figure2.png Qualified Person M. Donald Trudel, P.Geo. (OGQ # 813), Director Geology for the Company, has reviewed and approved the technical information contained in this press release. Mr. Trudel is a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 on standards of disclosure for mineral projects. ABOUT BONTERRA Bonterra is a Canadian gold exploration company with a portfolio of advanced exploration assets anchored by a central milling facility in Quebec, Canada. The Company's assets include the Gladiator, Barry, Moroy, and Bachelor gold deposits, which collectively hold 1.24 million ounces in Measured and Indicated categories and 1.78 million ounces in the Inferred category. In November 2023, the Company entered into an earn-in and joint venture agreement with Osisko Mining Inc. for the Urban-Barry properties (the "JV Agreement"), which include the Gladiator and Barry deposits. In October 2024, Gold Fields Ltd, through a wholly owned Canadian subsidiary, completed the acquisition of Osisko Mining for C$2.16 billion. Gold Fields is now the counterparty to the JV Agreement and can continue to earn a 70% interest in the joint venture by incurring C$30 million in work expenditures until November 2026 (including expenditures incurred by Osisko Mining prior to October 2024). This strategic transaction highlights Bonterra's dedication to advancing its exploration assets, marking a significant step towards development. 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. Caution regarding forward-looking statements This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements other than statements of historical fact may be forward-looking 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 forward-looking statements and information are based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by management of the Company. Although management of the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking statements and information are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements and information since no assurance can be given that they will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements and information are provided for the purpose of providing information about the current expectations and plans of management of the Company relating to the future. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such statements and information may not be appropriate for other purposes, such as making investment decisions. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks, including the ability and timing of the parties to complete the Joint Venture (if at all), whether the work expenditures would be incurred as contemplated in the Agreement (or at all), the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development, fluctuating commodity prices, competitive risks and the availability of financing, as described in more detail in the Company's recent securities filings available at www.sedarplus.ca. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. The forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof and no undertaking is given to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable securities laws. The forward-looking statements or information contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/256783 SOURCE: Bonterra Resources Inc. Monroe, Louisiana and Montreal, Quebec--(Newsfile Corp. - July 2, 2025) - Krown Technologies LLC, in collaboration with Quantum eMotion Corp. (TSXV: QNC) (OTCQB: QNCCF) (FSE: 34Q0) ("QeM"), a leader in quantum-powered cybersecurity, is thrilled to announce significant progress in the development of two groundbreaking quantum-secure cryptocurrency wallets: the Qastle Quantum Hot Wallet and the Excalibur Quantum Cold Wallet. These advancements mark a pivotal step in safeguarding digital assets against the emerging threats of quantum computing. Building on the successful announcement of the development of Excalibur, the world's first quantum-secured crypto cold wallet, Krown Technologies and QeM are now simultaneously advancing the Qastle Hot Wallet. Both wallets leverage QeM's proprietary Quantum Random Number Generator (QRNG) and Entropy-as-a-Service (EaaS) technologies, ensuring unparalleled protection for digital assets in both offline and online environments. Excalibur Cold Wallet: Setting the Gold Standard in Security Excalibur, a compact, thumb-drive-sized cold wallet, continues to redefine crypto storage with its universal compatibility and quantum-secure architecture. Powered by QeM's QRNG technology that reduces monetary loss risk by up to 98% compared to traditional cold wallets, Excalibur is poised to offer unmatched protection for any digital asset. Recent development efforts have focused on optimizing its design and preparing for large-scale production following successful prototype testing. "Excalibur is the safest way to store digital assets, period," said James Stephens, CEO of Krown Technologies. Qastle Hot Wallet: Quantum Security for the Connected World The Qastle Quantum Hot Wallet is being developed to bring quantum-grade security to online transactions and real-time asset management. Designed for seamless integration with blockchain ecosystems, Qastle employs QeM's EaaS and post-quantum cryptographic solutions to protect users from quantum attacks that could compromise traditional hot wallets. Recent milestones include the integration of advanced post-quantum algorithms, such as SLHDSA and ML-KEM, ensuring robust signatures and encrypted backups. Qastle is poised to meet the growing demand for secure, user-friendly hot wallets in decentralized finance (DeFi) and beyond. A Strategic Partnership Driving Innovation and Commercial Reach The deepened collaboration between Krown Technologies and QeM, bolstered by a strategic partnership with Esposito Intellectual Enterprises (EIE) announced on April 23, 2025, is accelerating the commercialization and exposure of these quantum-secure wallets. Esposito Intellectual Enterprises (EIE), a global holding company with over 115 entities and 200+ joint ventures across 25+ industries, leverages its vast media, marketing, and industry networks to drive exposure, adoption, and commercialization of Krown Technologies' Qastle and Excalibur quantum-secured wallets, developed with Quantum eMotion (QeM), by integrating them into diverse sectors and amplifying their visibility through strategic partnerships and celebrity influencers. This partnership leverages QeM's recent completion of a quantum simulation project, which validated the resilience of its Sentry-Q cryptographic architecture against quantum attacks, including Grover's algorithm. The project underscores QeM's leadership in quantum cybersecurity and Krown's commitment to pioneering secure blockchain solutions. "Krown Technologies and Quantum eMotion are revolutionizing digital asset security," said Dr. Francis Bellido, CEO of Quantum eMotion. "The advancements in Qastle and Excalibur demonstrate our shared vision of creating a quantum-secure future for blockchain and decentralized technologies." Looking Ahead Krown Technologies is actively finalizing the design of Qastle, with prototype testing scheduled for Q3 2025. Excalibur's production is ramping up to meet global demand, with availability expected to expand in early 2026. Both wallets are set to address the rising concerns of quantum vulnerabilities in cryptocurrency, as highlighted by recent industry developments, including Google's research indicating that quantum computers could break traditional encryption with fewer resources than previously estimated. For more information about Krown Technologies, Quantum eMotion, or their quantum-secure wallet solutions, please visit www.krown.network or www.quantumemotion.com. About Krown Technologies LLC Krown Technologies LLC, based in Monroe, Louisiana, is a leader in blockchain, decentralized technology, and quantum innovation. Committed to advancing digital asset security, Krown develops cutting-edge solutions in an evolving financial technological landscape. About Quantum eMotion Corp. Quantum eMotion Corp. (TSXV: QNC) (OTCQB: QNCCF) (FSE: 34Q0) is a Montreal-based pioneer in quantum-powered cybersecurity. Specializing in quantum-secure hardware and software, QeM leverages its patented Quantum Random Number Generator to deliver robust protection for high-value assets and critical systems. Disclaimer: This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding the development, testing, and commercialization of the Qastle and Excalibur wallets. Actual results may differ due to technological, regulatory, or market factors. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/257410 SOURCE: Krown Technologies LLC Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - July 2, 2025) - Group Eleven Resources Corp. (TSXV: ZNG) (OTCQB: GRLVF) (FSE: 3GE) ("Group Eleven" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the latest step-out drill results from the Zn-Pb-Ag horizon at its Ballywire discovery ("Ballywire") at the 100%-owned PG West Project ("PG West"), Republic of Ireland. Drilling at Ballywire's deeper, Cu-Ag target is in progress (to be reported in due course). Highlights: 25-3552-35 (a 50m step-out to the NE from previous drilling, along the Zn-Pb-Ag horizon) intersected: 53.9m of 7.9% Zn+Pb (4.7% Zn and 3.2% Pb), 99 g/t Ag and 0.20% Cu, including 39.7m of 9.5% Zn+Pb (5.6% Zn and 3.9% Pb), 131 g/t Ag and 0.27% Cu , including 18.3m of 16.1% Zn+Pb (8.9% Zn and 7.2% Pb), 233 g/t Ag and 0.42% Cu, including 5.6m of 16.6% Zn+Pb (8.0% Zn and 8.5% Pb), 370 g/t Ag and 0.86% Cu True thickness is estimated to be 90-100% of the intervals noted above and below (a 50m step-out to the NE from previous drilling, along the Zn-Pb-Ag horizon) intersected: Three Cu-Ag enriched zones were also intersected below the above intercept in the same hole: 5.5m of 3.2% Zn+Pb (0.9% Zn and 2.2% Pb), 209 g/t Ag and 0.49% Cu, including 0.9m of 2.1% Zn+Pb (1.5% Zn and 0.6% Pb), 831 g/t Ag and 2.46% Cu and 0.9m of 195 g/t Ag and 0.21% Cu and 3.5m of 7.1% Zn+Pb (3.5% Zn and 3.6% Pb), 134 g/t Ag and 0.34% Cu, including 0.9m of 3.5% Zn+Pb (0.5% Zn and 3.0% Pb), 224 g/t Ag and 0.63% Cu were also intersected below the above intercept in the same hole: These results extend the strike length of the immediate Ballywire discovery corridor from 1,250m to 1,300m , while demonstrating much thicker mineralization than previously encountered , while demonstrating much thicker mineralization than previously encountered This corridor is hosted within a larger 2.6km long trend of robust mineralization pierced by drilling at Ballywire to date, along a prospective trend of over 6km (defined by four regional gravity-high anomalies, only one of which has been systematically drill tested to date) of robust mineralization pierced by drilling at Ballywire to date, along a prospective trend of over (defined by four regional gravity-high anomalies, only one of which has been systematically drill tested to date) Today's elevated Cu-Ag values further substantiate the Company's 'deeper Cu-Ag' target (100-200m below the Zn-Pb-Ag horizon), currently being drill tested (second hole in progress) Three rigs are turning at Ballywire with over 4,000m of drilling completed year-to-date; Group Eleven aims to complete 8,000-10,000m in 2025 (fully funded) "Today's hole represents our thickest intercept yet at the Ballywire discovery, surpassing our 29.6 metres of 10.6% Zn+Pb, 78 g/t Ag and 0.15% Cu announced in June 2024," stated Bart Jaworski, CEO. "Not only does this intercept extend strike and show exceptional mineralized thickness but also demonstrates zones of strong copper-silver values. This adds to growing evidence suggesting a deeper Cu-Ag horizon one to two hundred metres below the main Ballywire discovery horizon. This deeper target is currently being drilled, with one hole finished and a second started. We look forward to releasing these results as soon as assays are available. With three rigs turning each on excellent targets at Ballywire and a recently announced strengthened cash position of C$4.3 million, Group Eleven is poised to keep generating shareholder value through the drill bit for the foreseeable future." Exhibit 1. Plan Drill Hole Map of Ballywire Discovery, Showing Hole 25-3552-35 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5685/257506_7a4c0f28c4b01b45_002full.jpg Exhibit 2. Long-Section of 25-3552-35 (50m Step-Out) at Ballywire To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5685/257506_7a4c0f28c4b01b45_003full.jpg Note: Structural interpretation above is preliminary and subject to change with further drilling and compilation Ballywire Drill Update The Ballywire prospect at the Company's 100%-owned PG West Project in Republic of Ireland, represents the most significant mineral discovery in Ireland in over a decade. First announced in Sept-2022, the discovery has 53 holes drilled and reported by Group Eleven to date, including the most recent hole (25-3552-35) reported today (see Exhibits 1 to 3). Drilling at Ballywire continues with three rigs. Currently, eight (8) new holes are completed (and in the process of being logged, sampled and assayed). Six of these holes are shown in Exhibit 1, with two other holes near gravity-high anomaly 'D' (located 1.3km to the ENE). Recently strengthened financial position provides Group Eleven flexibility to either ramp-up drilling in 2025 and/or extend its runway for drilling well into 2026. Assays from 25-3552-35 are summarized below (see Exhibit 3). Strong mineralization starts to occur within the Waulsortian Limestone at 120.6m downhole and continues intermittently until 187.9m, at which point, mineralization becomes more consistent through to near the base of the Waulsortian Limestone at 242.9m. Below the Waulsortian Limestone, several horizons of elevated copper-silver occur. Mineralization consists predominantly of sphalerite, galena and pyrite, with the copper-silver bearing zones also containing chalcopyrite and suspected tennantite-tetrahedrite. Exhibit 3. Summary of Assays from 25-3552-35 at Ballywire Item From (m) To (m) Int (m) Zn (%) Pb (%) Zn+Pb (%) Ag (g/t) Cu (%) 25-3552-35 120.58 121.49 0.91 10.85 2.90 13.75 235.0 0.03 And 148.67 149.62 0.95 16.90 4.05 20.95 69.6 0.02 And 155.22 156.15 0.93 6.16 0.67 6.83 18.5 0.01 And 163.74 177.63 13.89 3.61 0.57 4.17 9.4 0.00 Incl. 173.19 177.63 4.44 5.08 1.14 6.22 18.6 0.01 Incl. 174.98 175.91 0.93 10.20 2.72 12.92 47.1 0.02 And 187.88 241.82 53.94 4.72 3.18 7.89 99.3 0.20 Incl. 202.15 241.82 39.67 5.61 3.85 9.45 131.1 0.27 Incl. 212.55 230.81 18.26 8.89 7.18 16.06 233.1 0.42 Incl. 212.55 224.21 11.66 11.60 9.99 21.59 207.8 0.34 Incl. 221.33 226.96 5.63 8.03 8.54 16.57 370.0 0.86 Incl. 222.32 223.25 0.93 16.20 18.90 35.10 556.0 1.13 And 238.21 241.82 3.61 0.41 0.17 0.58 96.4 0.54 Incl. 240.92 241.82 0.90 0.82 0.55 1.37 223.0 1.27 And 252.32 257.80 5.48 0.94 2.22 3.16 208.8 0.49 Incl. 252.32 254.09 1.77 2.01 3.68 5.69 616.8 1.50 Incl. 252.32 253.20 0.88 1.48 0.63 2.11 831.0 2.46 And 263.23 264.15 0.92 0.01 0.08 0.09 195.0 0.21 And 268.70 272.15 3.45 3.50 3.55 7.06 133.7 0.34 Incl. 271.27 272.15 0.88 0.50 2.99 3.49 224.0 0.63 Note: True thickness of the mineralized interval in hole 25-3552-35, as a percentage of the down-hole interval, is estimated to be 90-100% Notes to Exhibit 4: (a) Pallas Green MRE is owned by Glencore (see Glencore's Resources and Reserves Report dated December 31, 2024); (b) Stonepark MRE: see the 'NI 43-101 Independent Report on the Zinc-Lead Exploration Project at Stonepark, County Limerick, Ireland', by Gordon, Kelly and van Lente, with an effective date of April 26, 2018, as found on SEDAR; and (c) the historic estimate at Denison was reported by Westland Exploration Limited in 'Report on Prospecting Licence 464' by Dermot Hughes dated May, 1988; the historic estimate at Gortdrum was reported in 'The Geology and Genesis of the Gortdrum Cu-Ag-Hg Orebody' by G.M. Steed dated 1986; and the historic estimate at Tullacondra was first reported by Munster Base Metals Ltd in 'Report on Mallow Property' by David Wilbur, dated December 1973; and later summarized in 'Cu-Ag Mineralization at Tullacondra, Mallow, Co. Cork' by Wilbur and Carter in 1986; the above three historic estimates have not been verified as current mineral resources; none of the key assumptions, parameters and methods used to prepare the historic estimates were reported and no resource categories were used; significant data compilation, re-drilling and data verification may be required by a Qualified Person before the historic estimates can be verified and upgraded to be compliant with current NI 43-101 standards; a Qualified Person has not done sufficient work to classify them as a current mineral resource and the Company is not treating the historic estimates as current mineral resources. 'Rathdowney Trend' is the south-westerly projection of the Rathdowney Trend, hosting the historic Lisheen and Galmoy mines. Exhibit 4. Regional Map of Ballywire Discovery To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5685/257506_gefig4.jpg Qualified Person Technical information in this news release has been approved by Professor Garth Earls, Eur Geol, P.Geo, FSEG, geological consultant at IGS (International Geoscience Services) Limited, and independent 'Qualified Person' as defined under Canadian National Instrument 43-101. Sampling and Analytical Procedures All core drilled at Ballywire is NQ (47.6mm) and is cut using a rock saw. Sample intervals vary between 0.55m to 1.32m with an average (over 188 samples) of 0.92m. The half-core samples are bagged, labelled and sealed at Group Eleven's core store facility in Limerick, Ireland. Selected sample bags are examined by the Qualified Person. Transport is via an accredited courier service and/or by Group Eleven staff to ALS Laboratories in Loughrea Co. Galway, Ireland. Sample preparation at the ALS facility comprises fine crushing 70% < 2mm, riffle splitter, pulverise up to 250g 85% < 75um. Analytical procedures are 34 element four acid ICP-AES (codes ME-ICP61 and ME-OG62). Other than paying for a professional analytical service, Group Eleven has no relationship with ALS. Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) Information Group Eleven inserts certified reference materials ("CRMs" or "Standards") as well as blank material, to its sample stream as part of its industry-standard QA/QC programme. The QC results have been reviewed by the Qualified Person, who is satisfied that all the results are within acceptable parameters. The Qualified Person has validated the sampling and chain of custody protocols used by Group Eleven. About Group Eleven Resources Group Eleven Resources Corp. (TSX.V: ZNG; OTCQB: GRLVF and FRA: 3GE) is drilling the most significant mineral discovery in the Republic of Ireland in over a decade. The Company announced the Ballywire discovery in September 2022, demonstrating high grades of zinc, lead, silver, copper, germanium and locally, antimony. Key intercepts to date include: 10.8m of 10.0% Zn+Pb and 109 g/t Ag (G11-468-03) 10.1m of 8.6% Zn+Pb and 46 g/t Ag (G11-468-06) 10.5m of 14.7% Zn+Pb, 399 g/t Ag and 0.31% Cu (G11-468-12) 11.2m of 8.9% Zn+Pb and 83 g/t Ag (G11-3552-03) 29.6m of 10.6% Zn+Pb, 78 g/t Ag and 0.15% Cu (G11-3552-12) and 11.8m of 11.6% Zn+Pb, 48 g/t Ag (G11-3552-18) 15.6m of 11.6% Zn+Pb, 122 g/t Ag and 0.19% Cu (G11-3552-27) 12.0m of 1.4% Zn+Pb, 560 g/t Ag, 2.30% Cu and 0.17% Sb (25-3552-31), including 6.4m of 2.1% Zn+Pb, 838 g/t Ag, 3.72% Cu and 0.27% Sb (25-3552-31) 39.7m of 9.5% Zn+Pb, 131 g/t Ag and 0.27% Cu (25-3552-35) Ballywire is located 20km from Company's 77.64%-owned Stonepark zinc-lead deposit1, which itself is located adjacent to Glencore's Pallas Green zinc-lead deposit2. The Company's two largest shareholders are Michael Gentile (15.3%) and Glencore Canada Corp. (15.2% interest). Additional information about the Company is available at www.groupelevenresources.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. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information Technical and scientific information disclosed from neighbouring properties does not necessarily apply to the current project or property being disclosed. This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Such statements include, without limitation, statements regarding the future results of operations, performance and achievements of the Company, including the timing, content, cost and results of proposed work programs, the discovery and delineation of mineral deposits/resources/ reserves and geological interpretations. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as: believe, expect, anticipate, intend, estimate, postulate and similar expressions, or are those, which, by their nature, refer to future events. The Company cautions investors that any forward-looking statements by the Company are not guarantees of future results or performance, and that actual results may differ materially from those in forward looking statements as a result of various factors, including, but not limited to, variations in the nature, quality and quantity of any mineral deposits that may be located. All of the Company's public disclosure filings may be accessed via www.sedarplus.ca and readers are urged to review these materials, including the technical reports filed with respect to the Company's mineral properties. 1 Stonepark MRE is 5.1 million tonnes of 11.3% Zn+Pb (8.7% Zn and 2.6% Pb), Inferred (Apr-17-2018) 2 Pallas Green MRE is 45.4 million tonnes of 8.4% Zn+Pb (7.2% Zn + 1.2% Pb), Inferred (Glencore, Dec-31-2024) To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/257506 SOURCE: Group Eleven Resources Corp. Oscillate Plc - Update on completion of initial field work programme on the Duekoue Prospect PR Newswire LONDON, United Kingdom, July 02 Oscillate PLC ("Oscillate" or the "Company") 2 July 2025 Update on completion of initial field work programme on the Duekoue Prospect Oscillate PLC is pleased to provide an update on progress in the field at the Duekoue Project in the western region, of the Cote d'Ivoire. . The Duekoue Project is the subject of a Joint Venture Partnership and earn-in agreement with La Miniere de L'Elephant SARL ("Laminele", together the "JV Partnership") as announced on 30 April 2025. Duekoue, is a molybdenum-copper-(gold) prospect located in the District des Montagnes in western Cote d'Ivoire. Work programme - Phase I The announcement on 3 June 2025 outlined the ongoing work at the prospect. Since June the Company completed the following work: Geological mapping and geochemical soil sampling programme over six selected lines covering the SODEMI identified anomalies has been completed. The samples have been submitted to ALS laboratory in Yamassoukro for preparation before onward transmission to Johannesburg, for geochemical analysis. A total of 204 samples have been submitted, and results are expected within the next 4-6 weeks. Ground magnetics on all six profiles have been completed, providing the magnetic profile along the same lines that the soil samples has been collected. The two datasets, geochemistry and magnetics, will facilitate an improved geological interpretation. Results are currently being analysed. Furthermore, widespread geological mapping has also been completed over the postulated late-stage granitoid circular structure and this will be incorporated into the final report on this phase of the exploration. All these results are being collated and compiled into a report that will also lay out the Phase II work programme, which is expected to start in Q3 2025. Phase II is expected to include pitting and trenching to further investigate the geology and mineralisation, with any drill campaign being focused accordingly. This project can be considered brownfield in nature, given the valuable historical results available. This allows Oscillate to rapidly evaluate the area's potential. Geology mineralisation Historic data suggests two potential mineralisation models: Iron Oxide Copper Gold (IOCG) and; A porphyry molybdenum-copper systems. Further exploration is now required to confirm the geological model, with further clarification via the current and planned work programmes. Oscillate CEO, Robin Birchall, commented: "I am delighted that we were able to finish all the field work before the onset of the rainy season. The team is now working on the interpretation of the results of this initial work programme. Once the assay samples are received we will be able to have a proper view of historical anomalies identified in this area and be able to plan follow up programs to assess the mineralisation at depth. The JV is progressing nicely in-country with our partners Laminele, and we hope to complete the transaction documents in July. Otherwise, we continue to progress discussions and due diligence on other potential transactions in Africa. I hope to be able to announce something on further potential transactions in the near future. At the same time we are updating our presentation which will ultimately allow us to re-launch our website. The Directors of the Company accept responsibility for the contents of this announcement. Enquiries: Company Oscillate PLC John Treacy https://oscillateplc.com Robin Birchall, CEO robinbirchall@oscillateplc.com Telephone: + 44 (0) 7711 313 019 Corporate Adviser Peterhouse Capital Limited Telephone: 020 7220 9795 Notes to Editors: OSCILLATE PLC is an investment issuer listed on the Aquis Growth Market Stock Exchange with the ticker AQSE: MUSH. Oscillate is focussed on advancing exploration and development-stage strategic metals opportunities focussed on Copper to deliver compelling and long-term value for shareholders. The Company has commenced a strategic process of reviewing acquisition opportunities. As part of this strategy, the Company has entered a Joint Venture Partnership with Evolution Energy Minerals plc to develop the Chikundo Prospect, a volcanic hosted massive sulphide (VHMS) Copper (Cu)-Lead (Pb)-Zinc (Zn) prospect located within the Chilalo Graphite Project in Tanzania. Further to this, Oscillate has entered into a Joint Venture Partnership with La Miniere de L'Elephant SARL to advance exploration at the Duekoue Project; Duekoue is a copper-gold-molybdenum ("Cu-Au-Mo") prospect located in the District des Montagnes in western Cote d'Ivoire OAKBROOK TERRACE, ILLINOIS / ACCESS Newswire / July 2, 2025 / Stronghouse, a national leader in roofing and exterior services, today announced its acquisition of Gustafson Roofing ("Gustafson") with roofing services based in Boynton Beach, Florida. Stronghouse will support Gustafson by providing best-in-class processes, capital investment, technology innovation, and operational support to bolster Stronghouse's position in its retail exterior division. Stronghouse Acquires Gustafson Roofing Signing of Gustafson Roofing to Partner With Stronghouse "We are excited to partner with Gustafson." said Troy Baker, CRO of Stronghouse. "We identified Gustafson as an operator uniquely positioned to expand its footprint both within its existing markets as well as into new markets. Their leadership under Frank Mercado, Ryan Gustafson, and Mike Gustafson, Jr. has provided high-quality services and excellence across Palm Beach County. Stronghouse looks forward to providing the resources to build on their impressive 75-year legacy." Established in 1948, Gustafson is led by Mercado, who serves as CEO of the third-generation family-owned business alongside Ryan Gustafson and Mike Gustafson, Jr. in key leadership and operational roles. The brand's strong reputation for delivering superior roofing and exterior services has garnered decades' worth of referral business throughout Palm Beach County. "We are incredibly pleased to partner with Stronghouse, an organization that shares our vision for quality, growth, and innovation," said Mercado. "Stronghouse went to great lengths to understand our business and develop a forward-thinking plan for sustainable expansion to meet the increasing demand for quality residential exterior services." Stronghouse operates in Florida under its brands Linear Roofing and Infinity Roofing and Siding in its storm response division. With an unmatched platform for growth and a strong leadership team now in place, Stronghouse is attracting premier exterior roofing, siding, and window operators to join its growing network. Stronghouse is dedicated to executing a purposeful growth strategy by partnering with leading roofing, siding, and window operators in attractive markets. Please contact Mike Hilcove at mhilcove@stronghousebrands.com for more information or to discuss new development opportunities. About Stronghouse Stronghouse is a best-in-class roofing, siding, window, and exterior service platform that operates across the United States through its portfolio of premier partner brands - Capital Construction, Gustafson Roofing, Infinity Roofing & Siding, Irish Roofing & Exteriors, Linear Roofing & General Contractors, Marshall Building & Remodeling, and Options Exteriors. Establishing itself as one of the largest and fastest-growing platforms in the country, Stronghouse is committed to further expansion through a robust pipeline of new acquisitions, continually enhancing its market presence and service offerings. For more information on Stronghouse, please visit www.stronghousebrands.com. About Gustafson Roofing Established in 1948, Gustafson Roofing delivers trusted residential and commercial roofing solutions across South Florida. Homeowners turn to Gustafson for dependable, high-quality roofing throughout Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade counties. For more information on Gustafson, please visit www.giroofers.com. About O2 Investment Partners O2 Investment Partners is a Midwestern-based private equity firm that seeks to invest in lower middle-market niche services, technology, and select industrial companies. The firm invests in businesses with earnings growth potential and a clear path to creating shareholder value. O2 invests to partner with management to build and grow the business and take it to its next stage of development. This requires a clear vision and strategic plan to create shareholder value, close partnership, and alignment of interest with management. For additional information, please visit www.02investment.com. SOURCE: Stronghouse View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/consumer-and-retail-products/stronghouse-partners-with-gustafson-roofing-to-expand-reach-in-southea-1045212 Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - July 2, 2025) - Intrepid Metals Corp. (TSXV: INTR) (OTCQB: IMTCF) ("Intrepid" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the strategic expansion of its Corral Copper Property ("Corral" or the "Property") in Cochise County, Arizona through the acquisition of an additional four state leases from the Arizona State Land Department ("ASLD") and another patented mining claim (the Emmet Claim) from Silver Nickle Mining Company. These new claims, located on the eastern border of Intrepid's existing land package (see Figure 1 below), significantly enhance the Company's regional footprint. Notably, several of the newly acquired state leases bridge the southern gap between Intrepid's holdings and recently acquired claims by Rio Tinto. The property acquisition by Rio Tinto followed Intrepid's successful 2024 drill program, which highlighted the Property's potential and drew significant regional interest. Please refer to Intrepid News Release dated January 15, 2025 for further details. The new claims increase Corral's total land package by approximately 2,195 acres (888 hectares), bringing the Company's consolidated holdings to 11,715 acres (4,741 hectares). This positions Intrepid to further capitalize on the district's exploration upside and reinforces its presence in one of Arizona's most prospective copper belts. "The expansion of our land position at Corral reflects our continued confidence in the district's potential and our commitment to building a meaningful copper asset in a tier-one jurisdiction," stated Ken Engquist, Chief Executive Officer of Intrepid. "By securing these strategically located state leases, we've strengthened our competitive position alongside a major industry player and set the stage for further value creation through exploration." About Corral Copper The Corral Copper Property, located near historical mining areas, is an advanced exploration and development opportunity in Cochise County, Arizona. Corral is located 15 miles east of the famous mining town of Tombstone and 22 miles north of the historic Bisbee mining camp which has produced more than 8 billion pounds of copper1. Production from the Bisbee mining camp, or within the district as disclosed in the next paragraph, is not necessarily indicative of the mineral potential at Corral. The district has a mining history dating back to the late 1800s, with several small mines extracting copper from the area in the early 1900s, producing several thousand tons. Between 1950 and 2008, various companies explored parts of the district, but the effort was uncoordinated, non-synergistic and focused on discrete land positions and commodities due to the fragmented ownership. There is over 50,000m of historical drilling at Corral mainly centered on the Ringo, Earp and Holliday Zones and although this core has been destroyed, Intrepid has a historical digital drill hole archive database which the Company uses for the purposes of exploration targeting and drill hole planning. Intrepid, through ongoing exploration drilling and surface geological mapping, sampling and prospecting is increasing confidence in the validity of these data. Figure 1: Simplified Land Position Showing Newly Staked Intrepid Claims Relative to Rio Tinto and Ivanhoe Electric Based on Publicly Available Information. Map does not account for internal fractions. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6187/257374_7d1dfe61945dca16_001full.jpg The Corral Copper Property is comprised of the Excelsior Property, the CCCI Properties, the Sara Claim Group and the MAN Property. The Company has completed the acquisition of the Excelsior Property and Sara Claim Group through purchase and sale agreements. The Company has the right to acquire the corporate group that holds the CCCI Properties through an option agreement. The Company has the right to acquire the MAN Property through an option agreement. See the "Commitments" section of the Company's most recently filed Management Discussion and Analysis for further details. Intrepid is confident that by combining modern exploration techniques with historical data and with a clear focus on responsible development, the Corral Copper Property can quickly become an advanced exploration stage project and move towards development studies. About Intrepid Metals Corp. Intrepid Metals Corp. is a Canadian company focused on exploring for high-grade essential metals such as copper, silver, and zinc mineral projects in proximity to established mining jurisdictions in southeastern Arizona, USA. The Company has acquired or has agreements to acquire several drill ready projects, including the Corral Copper Project (a district scale advanced exploration and development opportunity with significant shallow historical drill results), the Tombstone South Project (within the historical Tombstone mining district with geological similarities to the Taylor Deposit, which was purchased for $1.3B in 20182, though mineralization at the Taylor Deposit is not necessarily indicative of the mineral potential at the Tombstone South Project) both of which are located in Cochise County, Arizona and the Mesa Well Project (located in the Laramide Copper Porphyry Belt in Arizona). Intrepid has assembled an exceptional team with considerable experience with exploration, developing, and permitting new projects within North America. Intrepid is traded on the TSX Venture Exchange (TSXV) under the symbol "INTR" and on the OTCQB Venture Market under the symbol "IMTCF". For more information, visit www.intrepidmetals.com. INTREPID METALS CORP. On behalf of the Company "Ken Engquist" CEO For further information regarding this news release, please contact: Notes 1 Information disclosed in this news release regarding the historic Bisbee Camp can be found on the Copper Queen Mine website and on the City of Bisbee website (www.bisbeeaz.gov/2174/Bisbee-History). 2 Details regarding the sale of the Taylor Deposit can be found in South32 News Release dated October 8, 2018 (South32 completes acquisition of Arizona Mining). Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information Certain statements contained in this release constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Such forward-looking statements relate to: the potential of the property; positioning Intrepid to further capitalize on the district's exploration upside; Intrepid's presence in one of Arizona's most prospective copper belts; continued confidence in the district's potential; Intrepid's commitment to building a meaningful copper asset in a tier-one jurisdiction; further value creation through exploration; that the Corral Copper Property can quickly become an advanced exploration stage project and move towards development studies; the interpretation of drills results; details about potential mineralization; the exploration potential of the Corral Copper Property and the Company's other mineral projects; and potential future production. In certain cases, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might", "occur" or "be achieved" suggesting future outcomes, or other expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions, intentions or statements about future events or performance. Forward-looking information contained in this news release is based on certain factors and assumptions regarding, among other things, the Company can raise additional financing to continue operations; the results of exploration activities, commodity prices, the timing and amount of future exploration and development expenditures, the availability of labour and materials, receipt of and compliance with necessary regulatory approvals and permits, the estimation of insurance coverage, and assumptions with respect to currency fluctuations, environmental risks, title disputes or claims, and other similar matters. While the Company considers these assumptions to be reasonable based on information currently available to it, they may prove to be incorrect. 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. Such factors include risks inherent in the exploration and development of mineral deposits, including risks relating to the ability to access infrastructure, risks relating to the failure to access financing, risks relating to changes in commodity prices, risk related to unanticipated geological or structural formations and characteristics risks related to current global financial conditions, risks related to current global financial conditions and the impact of any future global pandemic on the Company's business, reliance on key personnel, operational risks inherent in the conduct of exploration and development activities, including the risk of accidents, labour disputes and cave-ins, regulatory risks including the risk that permits may not be obtained in a timely fashion or at all, financing, capitalization and liquidity risks, risks related to disputes concerning property titles and interests, environmental risks and the additional risks identified in the "Risk Factors" section of the Company's reports and filings with applicable Canadian securities regulators. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The forward-looking information is made as of the date of this news release. Except as required by applicable securities laws, the Company does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking information. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) has reviewed or 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/257374 SOURCE: Intrepid Metals Corp. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - July 2, 2025) - Kuya Silver Corporation (CSE: KUYA) (OTCQB: KUYAF) (FSE: 6MR1) ("Kuya" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Sheila Magallon as Chief Financial Officer effective immediately. Ms. Magallon succeeds Mr. Stephen Peters whom the Company thanks for his contributions. Mr. Peters will remain with Kuya's finance team in a consultancy role. Ms. Magallon is a seasoned Chartered Professional Accountant with over 20 years of experience in the mining industry. She brings a solid foundation in financial reporting, internal controls, strategic planning, treasury management, and change management. Her career has been marked by a consistent track record of optimizing operations for Canadian mining companies with projects across Latin America and Europe, including Chile, Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, and Spain. Most recently, Ms. Magallon served as CFO and Corporate Secretary of ATEX Resources. Prior to that, she was Vice President of Finance at GCM Mining, where she played a pivotal role in the company's merger with Aris Mining. She has also held senior finance roles at Detour Gold, Torex Gold Resources, Primero Mining, and Largo Resources. "We are excited to welcome Sheila to the Kuya leadership team," said Mr. David Stein, President and CEO of Kuya. "Her depth of experience with Canadian public mining companies with international operations, especially in Latin America, and her proven ability to support growth will be invaluable to the Company as we advance our strategic plan to build the next high-margin silver producer." About Kuya Silver Corporation Kuya is a Canadian-based, growth-oriented mining company with a focus on silver. Kuya operates the Bethania silver mine in Peru, while developing district-scale silver projects in mining-friendly jurisdictions including Peru and Canada. Reader Advisory This news release contains statements that 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," "must," "next," "propose," "new," "potential," "prospective," "target," "future," "verge," "favorable," "implications," and "ongoing," and similar expressions, as they relate to the Company or its management, are intended to identify such forward-looking information. Investors are cautioned that statements including forward-looking information 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 described in the forward-looking information as a result of various factors, including but not limited to fluctuations in market prices, successes of the operations of the Company, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market, and business conditions. There can be no assurances that such forward-looking information will prove accurate, and therefore, readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of the risks and 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. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/257500 SOURCE: Kuya Silver Corporation From purchase to pay, an all-in-one platform to enhance control that's free for all Webexpenses users. LONDON, July 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Webexpenses, a leading provider of expense management software, trusted by over 2,000 finance teams worldwide, today announced the launch of its new Expense Cards. This empowers businesses with powerful new capabilities in spend control, available freely to all Webexpenses users. Webexpenses is dedicated to eliminating inefficient processes, automating workflows, enforcing policy and controlling costs. The new Expense Cards facilitate this by enabling customers to track spending at the point of purchase, rather than at the point of claim. Webexpenses' Expense Cards offer finance teams a smarter, more flexible approach to spend management. Fully integrated within the expense management platform, they simplify expenses, improve visibility and enhance control. Businesses can use the card as their employees' way to pay, alongside their existing corporate cards - catering to the diverse needs of their employees, or simply manage traditional out-of-pocket expense claims all within a single system. When an employee uses an Expense Card, an expense record automatically generates at the point of purchase. Receipts are matched, providing immediate visibility, which saves time by eliminating manual claims and reducing reimbursement delays. Policies can be pre-configured within Webexpenses to restrict or block specific types of spend and apply limits at team or individual levels. This real-time tracking and built-in policy compliance prevent non-compliant spending before it occurs, reducing administrative burden. Users also gain instant visibility of all company spending for informed decisions and efficient budget allocation. Effortless administration is paramount with Expense Cards. Administrators can easily issue, freeze, or set spending rules for cards from one central area, allowing for optimal flexibility and security. Expense Cards let employees instantly add them to their mobile wallet for immediate use, eliminating physical cards, paper receipts and delayed reimbursements. Cards can also be pre-loaded with funds. Andrew May, CEO at Webexpenses, says: "At Webexpenses, our commitment has always been to eliminate the pain of inefficient processes, allowing businesses to focus on growth, not spreadsheets. That's why Webexpenses is incredibly excited to launch our Expense Cards - the next evolution in expense management. Our Cards are about giving our customers unprecedented choice and flexibility. Every business is different, so with our Expense Cards, we want to do what is right for our customers. Our customers can integrate this with their existing cards or replace their corporate cards with our Expense Cards. It's fast, simple, and completely free for all Webexpenses users." Adyen N.V is a global financial technology platform that provides end-to-end payment capabilities, data-driven insights and financial products in a single solution. Founded in 2006 and headquartered in Amsterdam, the company operates globally with offices across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Latin America. Adyen is Webexpenses' trusted payment partner for cards. They enable the cards to connect seamlessly to the payment network, allowing you to make payments online and offline, using Apple or Android Wallets. In partnership with Mastercard, the Expense Cards meet the highest industry standards for security and compliance. Finance teams retain full control, with the ability to issue and revoke cards directly within the Webexpenses platform. Unlike traditional credit cards, Webexpenses' cards come with no hidden charges or interest-just clear, controlled company spending. For more information, please visit: https://www.webexpenses.com/expense-cards/ About Webexpenses Founded in 2000, Webexpenses is a leading SaaS provider of expense management solutions, trusted by over 2,000 finance teams and 300,000 users across more than 70 countries. Headquartered in the UK, with offices in Australia, Webexpenses offers a comprehensive suite of tools including invoice processing, automated expense reimbursement and expense auditing. Contacts Evie Parker evie.parker@webexpenses.com 0800 711 7137 Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2723603/Webexpenses_Expenses_Made_Easy.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2723602/Webexpenses_Logo.jpg View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/webexpenses-launch-expense-cards-setting-new-standards-for-seamless-spend-management-302496748.html VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / July 2, 2025 / Faraday Copper Corp. ("Faraday" or the "Company") (TSX:FDY)(OTCQX:CPPKF) is pleased to announce an important milestone for the Copper Creek Project, located in Arizona ("Copper Creek"), with the approval of the Exploration Plan of Operations ("EPO") by the Bureau of Land Management ("BLM"). The BLM published the final Environmental Assessment, and finding of no significant impact ("FONSI") and issued a related Decision Record approving the EPO on June 30, 2025. Paul Harbidge, President and CEO, commented, "The EPO approval of up to 67 drill pads is a major catalyst to unlock further value and advance Copper Creek. This approval enables the drilling of numerous untested breccias within the American Eagle area, where recent drilling intersected many mineralized breccias and highlighted the potential for a large, near-surface resource to be defined. In addition, the approval enables drilling of entirely new and untested targets, as well as further infill and step-out opportunities at existing resource areas." "I'd like to thank the BLM for their hard work in finalizing the approval and look forward to continuing to work with them in the future." Exploration Plan of Operations The EPO includes up to 67 drill pads located on Federal land (Figure 1): 48 drill pads in or near the American Eagle area and the southern portion of the Mammoth resource area; 10 drill pads in or near other existing resource areas at Old Reliable, Globe, Copper Prince and Copper Giant; and 9 drill pads that enable reconnaissance drilling on previously untested targets. Next Steps With the approved EPO, the Phase IV drill program is expected to commence in the third quarter of this year. Further, the Company remains on track to deliver an updated Mineral Resource Estimate ("MRE") and Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA") during the third quarter of 2025. The updated MRE will incorporate approximately 40,000 metres of incremental drilling completed during the Phase II and Phase III programs. Figure 1: Plan View Showing Drill Pads and Selected Surface Geology Qualified Person The scientific and technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Faraday's VP Exploration, Dr. Thomas Bissig, P. Geo., and VP, Projects and Evaluations, Zach Allwright, P.Eng., who are considered a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101"). About Faraday Copper Faraday Copper is an exploration company focused on advancing its flagship copper project in Arizona, U.S. The Copper Creek Project is one of the largest undeveloped copper projects in North America with significant district scale exploration potential. The Company is well-funded to deliver on its key milestones and benefits from a management team and board of directors with senior mining company experience and expertise. Faraday trades on the TSX under the symbol "FDY". For additional information please contact: Stacey Pavlova, CFA Vice President, Investor Relations & Communications Faraday Copper Corp. E-mail: info@faradaycopper.com Website: www.faradaycopper.com To receive news releases by e-mail, please register using the Faraday website at www.faradaycopper.com. Cautionary Note on Forward-Looking Statements Some of the statements in this news release, other than statements of historical fact, are "forward-looking statements" and are based on the opinions and estimates of management as of the date such statements are made and are necessarily based on estimates and assumptions that are inherently subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of Faraday to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements and forward-looking information specifically include, but are not limited to, statements concerning the exploration potential of the Copper Creek property and the timing of the MRE and PEA. Although Faraday believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements should not be in any way construed as guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include without limitation: market prices for metals; the conclusions of detailed feasibility and technical analyses; lower than expected grades and quantities of mineral resources; receipt of regulatory approval; receipt of shareholder approval; mining rates and recovery rates; significant capital requirements; price volatility in the spot and forward markets for commodities; fluctuations in rates of exchange; taxation; controls, regulations and political or economic developments in the countries in which Faraday does or may carry on business; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development, competition; loss of key employees; rising costs of labour, supplies, fuel and equipment; actual results of current exploration or reclamation activities; accidents; labour disputes; defective title to mineral claims or property or contests over claims to mineral properties; unexpected delays and costs inherent to consulting and accommodating rights of Indigenous peoples and other groups; risks, uncertainties and unanticipated delays associated with obtaining and maintaining necessary licenses, permits and authorizations and complying with permitting requirements, including those associated with the Copper Creek property; and uncertainties with respect to any future acquisitions by Faraday. In addition, there are risks and hazards associated with the business of mineral exploration, development and mining, including environmental events and hazards, industrial accidents, unusual or unexpected formations, pressures, cave-ins, flooding and the risk of inadequate insurance or inability to obtain insurance to cover these risks as well as "Risk Factors" included in Faraday's disclosure documents filed on and available at www.sedarplus.ca. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in any jurisdiction to any person to whom it is unlawful to make such an offer or solicitation in such jurisdiction. This press release is not, and under no circumstances is to be construed as, a prospectus, an offering memorandum, an advertisement or a public offering of securities in Faraday in Canada, the United States or any other jurisdiction. No securities commission or similar authority in Canada or in the United States has reviewed or in any way passed upon this press release, and any representation to the contrary is an offence. SOURCE: Faraday Copper Corp. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/faraday-copper-receives-bureau-of-land-management-approval-for-exploration-plan-o-1043571 Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - July 2, 2025) - Compass Gold Corp. (TSXV: CVB) ("Compass" or the "Company") announced today that the holders of outstanding convertible debentures of the Company due June 30, 2025 (the "Convertible Debentures") have agreed to convert 93% the aggregate principal amount due under such Convertible Debentures into common shares of the Company ("Common Shares"). Specifically, the Convertible Debentures were issued as follows: On June 30, 2023, the Company issued Convertible Debentures in an aggregate principal amount of $650,000, such Convertible Debentures having a conversion price of $0.10 per Common Share. See Compass press release dated July 4, 2023. On June 30, 2024, the Company issued Convertible Debentures in an aggregate principal amount of $175,000, such Convertible Debentures having a conversion price of $0.10 per Common Share. See Compass press release dated July 17, 2024. On December 2, 2024, the Company issued Convertible Debentures in an aggregate principal amount of $610,500, such Convertible Debentures having a conversion price of $0.18 per Common Share. See Compass press release dated December 3, 2024. Holders of Convertible Debentures have agreed to convert an aggregate principal amount of $1,335,500 into Common Shares, in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Convertible Debentures. Pursuant to the conversion of the Convertible Debentures, the Company will issue an aggregate of 11,086,111 Common Shares. The conversion of the Convertible Debentures will be completed effective as of June 30, 2025 (the maturity date of the Convertible Debentures). In addition, the Company has elected to pay all accrued and unpaid interest on the Convertible Debentures to June 30, 2025, the maturity date of the Convertible Debentures, in Common Shares, in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Convertible Debentures. Specifically, the Company will issue an aggregate of 1,077,132 Common Shares, at an issue price of $0.17 per Common Share, in satisfaction of aggregate accrued and unpaid interest on the Convertible Debenture in the amount of $183,115. The issue price of the Common Shares was determined based on the market price of the Common Shares (in accordance with the applicable policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) on June 30, 2025. The issuance of such Common Shares remains subject to the final approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. Compass CEO, Larry Phillips, said, "The conversion of debt to equity by our Debenture holders is just a further example of the confidence and support that our Compass shareholders have demonstrated over the past two years. The funding from the debentures allowed our team in Mali to complete all the work required to commence first production at our Massala Small Mine project. We now await the issuance of our Small Mining permit from the Malian mining authorities, which will immediately transform Compass into a gold producer, at a time when gold is at historically high price levels. Very soon, we look to be generating robust free cash flow to advance our strategic objectives across our package of exploration permit areas exceeding 1,000 square kilometres." Certain insiders of the Company, namely Larry Phillips (President and Chief Executive Officer) and Joseph Conway (Chairman), are holders of Convertible Debentures and each has agreed to convert the principal amount due under such Convertible Debentures into Common Shares and will receive Common Shares in satisfaction of all accrued and unpaid interest on the Convertible Debentures. Participation in such transaction may be considered a "related party transaction" within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions. Participation by such insiders in such transaction is exempt from (i) the valuation requirements of MI 61-101 by virtue of the exemption contained in Section 5.5(b) of MI 61-101, as the company is listed only on the TSX Venture Exchange; and (ii) the minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 by virtue of the exemption contained in Section 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101, as at the time the transaction was agreed to, the fair market value of the Common Shares to be issued pursuant to, or in connection with, the conversion of the Convertible Debentures, insofar as it involved such interested parties, did not exceed 25% of the market capitalization of the Company. All dollar amounts referred to in this press release are expressed in Canadian dollars. About Compass Gold Corp. Compass, a public company having been incorporated into Ontario, is a Tier 2 issuer on the TSX-V. Through the 2017 acquisition of MGE and Malian subsidiaries, Compass holds gold exploration permits located in Mali that comprise the Sikasso Property. The exploration permits are located in four sites in southern Mali with a combined land holding of 1,173 sq. km. The Sikasso Property is located in the same region as several multi-million-ounce gold projects, including Morila, Syama, Kalana and Komana. The Company's Mali-based technical team, led in the field by Dr. Madani Diallo and under the supervision of Dr. Sandy Archibald, P.Geo, is conducting the current exploration program. They are examining numerous anomalies first noted in Dr. Archibald's August 2017 "National Instrument 43-101 Technical Report on the Sikasso Property, Southern Mali." For further information please contact: Website: www.compassgoldcorp.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. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/257486 SOURCE: Compass Gold Corporation KSX Search Xcelerator's 9th Acquisition Asset-light industrial equipment services business with recurring revenues and strong growth prospects Purchase price of $22.4 million Trailing 12-month unaudited revenue of $16.0 million Trailing 12-month unaudited adjusted EBITDA of $4.2 million CHICAGO, IL / ACCESS Newswire / July 2, 2025 / Kingsway Financial Services Inc. ("Kingsway" or the "Company"), the only publicly-traded US company employing the Search Fund model to acquire and build great businesses, today announced the acquisition of Roundhouse Electric & Equipment Co., Inc. ("Roundhouse"), a leading provider of industrial-scale electric motor maintenance, repair, testing, and sales solutions based in Odessa, Texas, for a purchase price of $22.4 million, plus transaction expenses and a working capital adjustment. Roundhouse provides mission-critical services, including field maintenance and testing as well as in-shop motor repair, primarily to midstream natural gas pipeline operators and utilities across the Permian Basin. The company's operations are characterized by strong customer retention, excellent response times, and meaningful integration into client workflows. Roundhouse has more than 200 active customers, and approximately 90% of revenues are either recurring or reoccurring. The company's unaudited revenue has more than doubled over the last two years, with unaudited adjusted EBITDA growing ahead of revenue over the same period. Kingsway believes Roundhouse has considerable further growth potential in the years ahead, underpinned by the twin structural growth drivers of increased natural gas pipeline flows in the Permian Basin and the shift from legacy gas-powered motors to more-efficient electrical motors. Kingsway intends to support Roundhouse with strategic investments in people, systems, and regional expansion to meet accelerating customer demand and enhance service delivery. The transaction closed on July 1, 2025, and was funded with $10.4 million in cash on hand and $11.0 million from a senior credit facility. As part of the transaction, the selling shareholders are maintaining an economic interest in the go-forward entity, reflecting their continued belief in the company's long-term prospects and their alignment with Kingsway's growth vision. Management will provide additional details about the transaction during the company's second quarter 2025 earnings call. Miles Mamon, Kingsway's Operator-in-Residence who sourced and led the transaction for Kingsway, will assume the CEO role at Roundhouse. Management Commentary "Roundhouse is a perfect fit for the Kingsway Search Xcelerator platform," said JT Fitzgerald, Kingsway's President and CEO. "Roundhouse is a growing, capital-light, high-recurring revenue business with a seasoned team, a strong culture, and deep customer relationships. Kingsway is thrilled to partner with the entire Roundhouse organization to continue building on their legacy of service and growth." "I am honored to join the Roundhouse team," said Miles Mamon, incoming CEO of Roundhouse. "Lee and Armando have built an extraordinary business with unmatched field service capabilities, rapid response times, and long-standing customer trust. I am excited to work with Lee and everyone at Roundhouse to expand our reach and impact across the Permian Basin and beyond." "Joining forces with Kingsway and Miles marks a new chapter for Roundhouse," said Lee Hudson, current Vice President and co-owner of Roundhouse, who will remain with Roundhouse as President. "Kingsway's commitment to people and long-term growth aligns perfectly with the culture we have built here. I am proud to continue leading our team and thrilled about the opportunities ahead." "Roundhouse has been a labor of love for me for over four decades," said Armando Gonzales, co-founder and former majority owner of Roundhouse. "I am confident that Miles, Lee, and Kingsway are the right partners to carry this company forward with the same care and attention to quality and relationships that got us here." About Roundhouse Electric & Equipment Co., Inc. Founded in Odessa, Texas in 1976, Roundhouse provides electric motor maintenance, repair, testing, and sales services to midstream natural gas and utility companies across the Permian Basin. Roundhouse's mission-critical field services and shop repair capabilities make it the vendor of choice for leading natural gas infrastructure providers. About Kingsway Financial Services Inc. Kingsway Financial Services Inc. ("Kingsway") (NYSE:KFS) is the only publicly-traded US company employing the Search Fund model to acquire and build great businesses. Kingsway owns and operates a collection of high-quality B2B and B2C services companies that are asset-light, growing, profitable, and that have recurring revenues. Kingsway seeks to compound long-term shareholder value on a per share basis via its decentralized management model, its talented team of operators, and its tax-advantaged corporate structure. Forward-Looking Statements This press release may include "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are not historical facts and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expected and projected. Words such as "expects," "believes," "anticipates," "intends," "estimates," "seeks," and variations and similar words and expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements; however, the absence of any such words does not mean that a statement is not a forward-looking statement. Such forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance, but reflect Kingsway management's current beliefs, based on information currently available. A number of factors could cause actual events, performance, or results to differ materially from the events, performance, and results discussed in the forward-looking statements. For information identifying important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements, please refer to the section entitled "Risk Factors" in the Company's 2024 Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent Form 10-Qs and Form 8-Ks filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Except as expressly required by applicable securities law, the Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Additional Information Additional information about Kingsway, including a copy of its Annual Reports, can be accessed on the EDGAR section of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission's website at www.sec.gov, on the Canadian Securities Administrators' website at www.sedar.com, or through the Company's website at www.kingsway-financial.com. For Investor Inquiries: Hayden IR James Carbonara (646) 755-7412 james@haydenir.com For Company Inquiries: Kingsway Financial Services Inc. Kent Hansen, CFO (312) 766-2163 khansen@kingsway-financial.com SOURCE: Kingsway Financial Services, Inc. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/banking-and-financial-services/kingsway-announces-acquisition-of-roundhouse-electric-and-equipment-1045009 TORONTO, ON / ACCESS Newswire / July 2, 2025 / Summit Royalty Corp. ("Summit") and Eagle Royalties Ltd. (CSE:ER.CN) ("Eagle") are pleased to announce that they have entered into a definitive amalgamation agreement (the "Amalgamation Agreement") in respect of a reverse takeover transaction (the "RTO"), pursuant to which Summit will "go-public" by way of a reverse takeover of Eagle. In this news release, references to the "Resulting Issuer" are to Eagle after the closing of the RTO. Transaction Particulars and the Definitive Agreement On June 30, 2025 Eagle, Summit and a newly-formed subsidiary of Eagle ("Eagle Subco") incorporated under the Business Corporations Act (Ontario) (the "OBCA"), entered into the Amalgamation Agreement, which provides for, among other things, a three-cornered amalgamation (the "Amalgamation") pursuant to which (i) Eagle Subco will amalgamate with Summit under Section 174 of the OBCA to form one corporation, (ii) the securityholders of Summit will receive securities of the Resulting Issuer in exchange for their securities of Summit at an exchange ratio of five Resulting Issuer shares for each outstanding share of Summit (subject to adjustments in accordance with the Amalgamation Agreement) (the "Exchange Ratio"), and (iii) the transactions will result in a reverse takeover of Eagle, all in the manner contemplated by, and pursuant to, the terms and conditions of the Amalgamation Agreement. A copy of the Amalgamation Agreement will be available electronically on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) under Eagle's issuer profile in due course. The Exchange Ratio implies estimated consideration of C$0.18 per Eagle share, representing a premium of 47% based on Eagle's closing price on June 30, 2025 on the Canadian Securities Exchange. Drew Clark, President and Director of Summit, stated: "We are excited to announce this RTO with Eagle as we move toward a public listing and the combination of two strong royalty portfolios. Eagle's portfolio of royalties, notably including a royalty on a portion of Banyan's 7Moz AurMac Gold Project, coupled with over 35 royalty interests predominately in Canada, will provide excellent optionality that will complement our cash-flowing portfolio. We look forward to partnering with Eagle shareholders as we work to aggressively grow our business after we close the RTO." Tim J. Termuende, President, CEO and Director of Eagle, stated: "We are very pleased to announce the RTO and partnership with Summit as Eagle enters this new and exciting chapter in its development. We believe that this transaction immediately unlocks value for Eagle shareholders through a significant upfront premium and look forward to becoming meaningful shareholders in the combined company. Summit's team of experienced royalty professionals will unlock significant value for Eagle's shareholders through the addition of Summit's current portfolio of cash-flowing royalty and streaming assets. I'd like to thank Eagle's shareholders and team for all of their continued efforts and support in this transaction. The transaction with Summit will accelerate the growth and development of the combined company." As part of the RTO, and subject to any required shareholder and regulatory approvals, Eagle will: (i) change its name to "Summit Royalty Corp." or such other name as may be requested by Summit; (ii) change its stock exchange ticker symbol to a symbol to be determined between the parties and acceptable to the target stock exchange (the "Exchange") on which the shares of the Resulting Issuer will trade (which may be the Canadian Securities Exchange (the "CSE") or the TSX Venture Exchange, as may be determined by Summit); (iii) reconstitute the board of directors and management of the Resulting Issuer; (iv) continue under the OBCA following completion of the RTO; (v) adopt a new equity compensation plan; (v) change its auditor; and (vi) if requested, consolidate its issued and outstanding shares at a consolidation ratio to be agreed between the parties (the "Consolidation"). Eagle intends to call an annual and special meeting of its shareholders to approve various corporate actions and seek approval of the RTO, which will result in a Fundamental Change (as defined in the policies of the CSE), by at least a majority of its shareholders pursuant to the policies of the CSE. In support of the RTO, all the directors and officers of Eagle, representing approximately 22% of the outstanding common shares of Eagle have entered into voting support agreements with Summit in support of the RTO (the "Eagle Support Agreements"). In addition, all of the directors and officers and certain shareholders of Summit representing approximately 78% of the outstanding common shares of Summit have entered into voting support agreements with Eagle in support of the RTO (the "Summit Support Agreements", together with the Eagle Support Agreements, the "Support Agreements"). The Amalgamation Agreement was negotiated at arm's length between representatives of Eagle and Summit. The board of directors of each of Eagle and Summit determined that the RTO is fair to the shareholders of Eagle and Summit, respectively. The common shares of Eagle will remain halted pending further filings with the Exchange. The Resulting Issuer is expected to be owned approximately (i) 80% by current shareholders of Summit, (ii) 20% by the current shareholders of Eagle, after giving effect to the RTO and without taking into account the effect of any financings before completion of the RTO. The full particulars of the RTO, the material properties of the Resulting Issuer, and the Resulting Issuer will be described in the management information circular of Eagle (the "Circular"), which will contain the information required pursuant to listing statement requirements under the policies of the Exchange. A copy of the Circular will be available electronically on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) under Eagle's issuer profile in due course. Completion of the RTO is subject to a number of conditions, including, but not limited to, Exchange acceptance and required shareholder approvals of Eagle and Summit. There can be no assurance that the RTO will be completed as proposed or at all. The completion of the RTO is also subject to other customary conditions for a transaction of this nature. Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the Circular to be prepared in connection with the RTO, any information released or received with respect to the RTO may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon. Trading in the securities of Eagle should be considered highly speculative. Neither Exchange has in any way passed upon the merits of the proposed RTO and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release. Attributes of the Resulting Issuer The formation of the Resulting Issuer creates a public Canadian junior royalty and streaming company focused on precious metals. Following the completion of the RTO, the Resulting Issuer is anticipated to own interests in the following key assets: Bombore Silver Stream (Ganzourgou Province, Burkina Faso) - a 50% silver stream on the operating Bombore Mine owned and operated by Orezone Gold Corporation; Pitangui Royalty (Minas Gerais, Brazil) - an $80/oz production royalty on the first 250 Koz of gold sold, and a 1.5% NSR royalty thereafter on the Pitangui project currently under development by Jaguar Mining Inc.; AurMac Gold Project (Yukon, Canada) - a 0.5% to 2.0% NSR on the AurMac Gold Project operated by Banyan Gold Corp.; Zancudo Royalty (Titiribi, Colombia) - a 0.5% NSR royalty on the operating Zancudo Mine owned and operated by Denarius Metals Corp.; and Lavras do Sul Royalty (Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil) - a 3.0% NSR royalty on the over 5,000 Ha Lavras do Sul project owned by Lavras Gold Corp. It is anticipated that the Bombore Silver Stream and the Pitangui Royalty will be the only material interests in a mineral project of the Resulting Issuer, for purposes of National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects , following the completion of the RTO. Board and Management Composition and Biographies The Board of Directors of the Resulting Issuer is expected to include Andrew Clark, Jerrold Annett, Steven Eddy, Russell Mills and Blair Zaritsky. Management of the Resulting Issuer is expected to include Andrew Clark (President, Chief Executive Officer and Director) and Connor Pugliese (Vice President, Corporate Development). The following are biographies of the currently proposed directors and senior officers of the Resulting Issuer: Drew Clark, CFA | President, Chief Executive Officer & Director: Drew is currently the President and Director of Summit. Drew has completed over $300 million of royalty deals through more than 30 transactions over the last 12 years. He was most recently VP of Corporate Development and first employee hired at Metalla Royalty & Streaming (TSX:MTA), where he was vital in helping to grow the company's portfolio from 18 to 100+ royalties and streams. He was previously VP Corporate Finance at a boutique investment bank and held other senior corporate development roles at Carlisle Goldfields and Premier Royalty, acquired by Alamos Gold and Sandstorm Gold, respectively. Drew started his career in equity research, becoming a published analyst prior to joining the issuer side in 2012. Jerrold Annett, P.Eng. | Director: Jerrold has over 30 years of mining and capital markets experience, most recently as Senior Vice President, Strategy & Capital Markets at Capstone Copper. He has over a decade of mining sales experience, including nine years as head of mining sales at Scotiabank, a position he left to join Arizona Mining, which was acquired for $1.6 billion in cash. A professional engineer by background, Jerrold started his career working for Teck Resources and Falconbridge as a metallurgist. Steven Eddy | Director: Steven most recently served as a Senior Vice President, Business Development, at IAMGOLD, where he led several enterprise-defining initiatives, including securing a joint venture partner and restructuring a gold development project exceeding $1 billion in capital. He has successfully executed over $900 million in acquisitions and $2.4 billion in divestitures, managing end-to-end deal processes involving strategic asset sales, joint ventures, and international negotiations. Russell Mills, CFA, MFin. | Director: Russell is currently a Partner at Mills Dunlop Capital Partners ("MDCP"), a boutique investment banking firm. He has nearly 20 years of experience advising mining companies, including recently as Managing Director, Investment Banking at a Toronto based Investment Bank for 10 years before becoming a Partner with MDCP. He has significant experience with executing complex merger and acquisitions and sophisticated equity transactions. Blair Zaritsky, CA, CPA | Director: Blair is currently CFO of Osisko Metals (TSXV:OM) and was the founding CFO of Osisko Mining (formerly, TSX:OSK), advancing the company from its go-public event to its all-cash acquisition by Gold Fields for over C$2.1 billion. Blair has raised over C$1.0 billion and completed over ten public M&A transactions during his 13-year tenure. Blair has also sat as audit chair on multiple boards throughout his career. Connor Pugliese | Vice President, Corporate Development: Connor is currently Vice President, Corporate Development at Summit. Connor is a corporate development professional with a strong background in finance and the mining sector. Before joining Summit, he worked at Redwood Materials, supporting the company's growth in the sustainable battery materials space. Prior to Redwood, he spent over four years at Triple Flag Precious Metals, where he helped execute over $1B in royalty and streaming deals. Connor began his career in investment banking, advising on M&A and capital markets transactions across the metals and mining sector. Advisors Bennett Jones LLP is legal counsel to Summit and Haywood Securities Inc. is financial advisor to Summit. McLeod Law LLP is legal counsel to Eagle. About Eagle Royalties Ltd. Eagle Royalties benefits from maintaining a strong treasury and holds a diverse portfolio of over 35 royalty interests in western Canada. Target commodities subject to royalties include a broad spectrum including critical metals, precious metals and industrial minerals. Its flagship royalty is associated with the AurMac Project located in Yukon, operated by Banyan Gold Corp. Eagle Royalties holds royalty interests ranging from 0.5% to 2% on claims that contain a significant portion of AurMac's inferred gold resource located at the Powerline and Airstrip deposit areas. Eagle Royalties also holds royalty interests on a number of historical base metal deposits located in Western Canada. About Summit Royalty Corp. Summit is a private precious metals streaming and royalty company with an aggressive growth trajectory. Summit's current portfolio is backstopped by cash flow production with additional expansion and exploration upside. Summit intends to rapidly expand to be the next mid-tier streaming and royalty company through a series of actionable and accretive acquisitions which, given Summit's size, can have an outsized effect on its production and cash flow growth. Summit currently has no debt and sufficient cash on-hand for use in future acquisitions. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF EAGLE ROYALTIES LTD. Tim J. Termuende President, Chief Executive Officer and Director Eagle Royalties Ltd. For more information contact: Mike Labach, Business Development Officer 1 866 HUNT ORE (486 8673) ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF SUMMIT ROYALTY CORP. Drew Clark President and Director Summit Royalty Corp. For more information contact: Connor Pugliese, Vice President of Corporate Development connor@summitroyalty.com Forward-looking Statements Certain statements contained in this news release may be deemed "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. These forward-looking statements, by their nature, require Eagle and Summit to make certain assumptions and necessarily involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of performance. Words such as "may", "will", "would", "could", "expect", "believe", "plan", "anticipate", "intend", "estimate", "continue", or the negative or comparable terminology, as well as terms usually used in the future and the conditional, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Information contained in forward-looking statements, including with respect to the ability to satisfy or waive on satisfactory terms any conditions to the completion of the RTO (including but not limited to any required regulatory and shareholder approvals), ability to complete the RTO (if at all), the anticipated listing of the Resulting Issuer shares on the Exchange, anticipated benefits of the RTO (including anticipated synergies from combining Summit and Eagle's royalty portfolios and value for shareholders and impact on cash-flow), the expected premium to be realized by Eagle shareholders, the impact of Summit's experienced team, expected ownership of the Resulting Issuer, and the expected growth, expansion and development of Summit and the Resulting Issuer (including potential actionable and accretive acquisitions), and ability for Summit to become a mid-tier streaming and royalty company are based upon certain material assumptions that were applied in drawing a conclusion or making a forecast or projection, including management's perceptions of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, current information available to the management of Eagle and Summit, as well as other considerations that are believed to be appropriate in the circumstances. Eagle and Summit consider their respective assumptions to be reasonable based on information currently available, but caution the reader that their assumptions regarding future events, many of which are beyond the control of Eagle and Summit, may ultimately prove to be incorrect since they are subject to risks and uncertainties that affect Eagle and Summit, and their respective businesses. For additional information with respect to these and other factors and assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements made in this news release concerning Eagle, see the section entitled "Risks and Uncertainties" in the most recent management discussion and analysis of Eagle which is filed with the Canadian securities commissions and available electronically under Eagle's issuer profile on SEDAR+ ( www.sedarplus.ca ). The forward-looking statements set forth herein concerning Eagle and Summit reflect management's expectations as at the date of this news release and are subject to change after such date. Eagle and Summit disclaim any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by law. The Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept 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. SOURCE: Eagle Royalties Ltd. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/eagle-royalties-and-summit-royalty-execute-definitive-agreement-for-reverse-takeo-1045192 VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / July 2, 2025 / Aton Resources Inc. (TSXV:AAN) ("Aton" or the "Company") updates investors on the results of its phase 3 reverse circulation percussion ("RC") drilling programme at the Semna gold mine project, located within the retained exploration areas of the Company's Abu Marawat Concession ("Abu Marawat" or the "Concession") in the Eastern Desert of Egypt. Highlights: 44 RC drill holes (SMP-049 to SMP-092) have been drilled in the current programme to date at Semna, for a total of 5,257m. Full assay results, including conventional fire assay and metallic screen fire assay results, are now available for the first 25 holes of the programme (SMP-049 to SMP-073); Significant high grade mineralised intersections (based on screen fire assay analyses), returned to date, include the following: 14.33 g/t Au over a 9m interval , from 72m downhole depth, from hole SMP-050, including intervals of 46.50 g/t Au over 1m and 26.11 g/t Au over 3m ; 5.41 g/t Au over a 14m interval , from 39m downhole depth, including an interval of 22.57m g/t Au over 3m (hole SMP-056); 10.74 g/t Au over a 6m interval , from 138m downhole depth (hole SMP-073); 8.66 g/t Au over a 7m interval , from 44m downhole depth, including an interval of 21.73m g/t Au over 2m (hole SMP-052); 10.06 g/t Au over a 3m interval , from 125m downhole depth (hole SMP-071); 6.16 g/t Au over a 6m interval, from 38m downhole depth (hole SMP-053). "This latest set of very positive drilling results continues on from the previous programmes, further confirming the presence and persistence of the high grade veins at Semna, and we are really very happy with them" said Tonno Vahk, CEO. "We are currently pushing ahead at full speed with the objective of being able to include the Semna and Abu Marawat deposits in the PFS that we commenced last year, as Aton continues to work steadily towards its objective of developing multiple mining operations on the Abu Marawat Concession. We have also now completed the diamond drilling programme at Abu Marawat, and the rig will be mobilising to Hamama in the coming days to start on a short geotechnical and metallurgical drilling programme. We have temporarily suspended the RC drilling at Semna, with the rig also having been moved to Hamama to drill groundwater wells, as part of the vitally important programme to develop a process water supply for the projects. We plan to be back both RC and diamond drilling at Semna again within the next 2 months to continue on from the success of these latest results, and we will also be kicking off a follow-up RC drilling programme at Abu Marawat within the next 4 weeks." Semna gold mine project The Semna prospect is located approximately 27km east-northeast of the Hamama West deposit and 13km north-northeast of the Rodruin deposit, and is accessed via desert tracks from either Hamama, Rodruin or the Abu Marawat deposit to the north (Figure 1). The Semna area has a long history of gold mining, dating back thousands of years to the Old Kingdom, and it was more recently exploited between 1904 and 1906 by two British companies, which worked the Main Vein on two underground levels. It is anecdotally suggested that the Semna mine had the widest vein exploited during the early 20th Century phase of gold mining in Egypt, reaching up to 6m width in places, with the British companies reporting mining grades of over 2 ounces per ton. Reports from the British Mining Journal from 1905 indicated that some remnant pillars within the ancient Pharaonic-era stopes assayed up to 5.5 ounces per ton of gold. More recently the area has been extensively worked by illegal artisanal miners, who have now been removed from the site. Figure 1: Geology plan of the Abu Marawat Concession, showing the location of the Semna prospect During 2023 Aton completed a first phase of RC drilling at Semna, drilling 21 holes for a total of 3,662 metres. This initial programme yielded excellent results with mineralised intersections including 50.07 g/t Au over a 6m interval (hole SMP-016), 28.36 g/t Au over a 4m interval (hole SMP-003), 10.61 g/t Au over a 9m interval (hole SMP-019), and 5.73 g/t Au over a 14m interval (hole SMP-017). The RC drilling confirmed the presence of significant coarse gold in the Semna mineralisation (see news release dated December 18, 2023). Subsequent metallurgical testwork undertaken by Aton returned very positive results with gold recoveries in excess of 97% from 2 representative bulk samples of the Semna mineralisation. Gold was also recovered to 2 gravity concentrates at rates of 56.4% and 62.2%, again indicating a significant component of coarse gold in the Semna mineralisation. The testwork indicated that the Semna mineralisation is amenable to treatment by both conventional CIL, and gravity concentration-leach processing options (see news release dated January 4, 2024). In 2024 the Company completed a 27 hole follow up diamond drilling programme for a total of 4,701 metres drilled (see news release dated July 4, 2024). This programme also returned significant high grade intersections including 11.69 g/t Au over a 5.19m interval, from 126.35m downhole depth, and 21.53 g/t Au over a 1.50m interval, from 147.20m (both from hole SMD-048), 15.05 g/t Auover a 2.55m interval, from 100.45m (hole SMD-025), 27.90 g/t Au over a 1.37m interval, from 68.94m (hole SMD-043), 8.10 g/t Au over a 3.13m mineral, from 135.83m (hole SMD-027), and 16.77 g/t Au over a 1.55m interval, from 64.30m (hole SMD-044). The mineralisation at Semna is interpreted as being orogenic in style, and is associated with an array of structures, presumed to have formed in dilational zones, accompanied by shearing and weak to moderate phyllic wall rock alteration. The mineralised structures appear to be localised between and offset by a series of regional north-northeast striking faults. These structures are frequently manifested as milky white quartz veins, which apparently anastomose and pinch and swell, and are associated with locally strong phyllic wall rock alteration. The quartz veins are variably sulphidic, and the highest grades of gold mineralisation are typically associated with lenses and selvages of sulphide minerals, sub-parallel to the veins, as well as occurring at the margins of the veins, and in the immediately adjacent altered wall rocks. The mineralisation at Semna predominantly consists only of gold, which is often coarse and nuggety. The sheared veins locally contain abundant chalcopyrite, and can carry significantly elevated grades of silver and copper. Figure 2: Remnant rib pillar of theMain Vein in the underground workings, showing lenses and ribbons of vein-parallel sulphidic material (*) Semna phase 3 RC drilling programme To date 44 RC drill holes (SMP-049 to SMP-092) have been drilled in the current programme, for a total of 5,257 metres (Figure 3). The current phase 3 Semna RC programme has been temporarily suspended, as the RC rig has been moved to Hamama for other priority work on the Hamama Pre-Feasibility Study. Once this is completed the rig will carry out a c. 5,000m programme of RC drilling at Abu Marawat, before returning to Semna. The phase 3 RC drilling has initially been undertaken on a reasonably tight spacing as the Company looks to accelerate the estimation of a maiden resource at Semna, while considering the grade variability and the irregular distribution of the nuggety coarse gold in the pinching and swelling veins, as well as continuing to test the eastern and depth extensions of the identified mineralisation. Full collar details of all holes are provided in Appendix A. Samples were initially composited over 4m intervals, with the entire length of all the drill holes being submitted for gold fire assay analysis. Selected 1m split samples collected directly during the drilling were subsequently submitted for additional gold fire assay analysis, as well as for silver and copper analysis, after the receipt of the 4m composite assay results. After receipt of the 1m split assay results a further 165 selected 1m splits from the drilling were also submitted for metallic screen fire assay analysis, comprising most of the samples from within the mineralised intervals. Figure 3: Geology and drill hole collar plan of the Semna prospect, SMP-049 to SMP-073 Discussion of results Selected mineralised intersections from holes SMP-049 to SMP-073 are shown below in Table 1. Full mineralised intersection details from SMP-049 to SMP-073 are provided in Appendices B, C, and D (based on screen fire assay analyses, conventional fire assay analyses from the 1m split samples, and conventional fire assay analyses from the 4m composite samples, respectively). Hole ID Intersection (m) Au 1 (g/t) Ag (g/t) Cu (ppm) Comments From To Interval SMP-050 72 81 9 14.33 2.2 29 Fire assay: 9m @ 13.39 g/t Au incl. 75 76 1 46.50 6.7 62 and incl. 75 78 3 26.11 3.6 26 SMP-051 35 49 14 2.93 0.7 68 Fire assay: 14m @ 2.60 g/t Au incl. 44 49 5 7.65 1.7 73 SMP-052 44 51 7 8.66 1.4 19 Fire assay: 7m @ 10.52 g/t Au incl. 49 51 2 21.73 3.9 23 SMP-053 38 44 6 6.16 0.8 39 Fire assay: 6m @ 7.79 g/t Au SMP-056 39 53 14 5.41 1.1 39 Fire assay: 14m @ 6.97 g/t Au incl. 50 53 3 22.57 4.3 36 SMP-058 1 10 9 1.85 0.3 338 Fire assay: 9m @ 1.92 g/t Au incl. 5 6 1 11.65 0.6 242 SMP-066 30 40 10 1.99 2.9 158 Fire assay: 10m @ 2.11 g/t Au SMP-069 77 81 4 3.98 3.3 2,097 Fire assay: 4m @ 5.33 g/t Au SMP-071 125 128 3 10.06 0.8 22 Fire assay: 3m @ 5.14 g/t Au incl. 125 126 1 29.10 2.1 34 SMP-073 138 144 6 10.74 1.9 16 Fire assay: 6m @ 12.29 g/t Au incl. 138 139 1 35.20 6.7 55 Notes: Screen fire gold assays (ALS analytical code Au-SCR-24), where available, are used in the calculation of intersections Table 1: Selected final intersections from the Semna phase 3 RC drilling, SMP-049 to SMP-073 Figure 4: RC percussion chips from hole SMP-050, 60-100m depth, showing the mineralised interval between 72-81m, associated with a massive white quartz vein The latest phase of RC drilling continues to indicate that the gold mineralisation is usually associated with the milky white quartz veins, with gold appearing to be distributed both within the quartz veins themselves, but usually at lower grades, and typically also at higher grades in the sulphide-bearing margins and wall rock adjacent to the veins, as was mapped in the underground workings (Figures 2, 4 above and 5 below). Note that in hole SMP-050 (Figure 4) the highest grades returned come from the immediate margins of the quartz vein: 45.6 g/t Au between 75-76m and 61.8 g/t Au between 79-80m. The same is noted in hole SMP-073 (Figure 5), with the highest grades also returned from margins of the quartz vein: 35.2 g/t Au between 138-139m and 13.5 g/t Au between 142-143m. Figure 5: RC percussion chips from hole SMP-073, 134-146m depth, showing the mineralised interval between 138-144m, also associated with a massive white quartz vein The quartz veins themselves can be either virtually barren or weakly mineralised (eg. SMP-050: 0.30 g/t Au between 76-78m, see Figure 4), or well mineralised (eg. SMP-073: 6.85 g/t Au between 140-142m, see Figure 5). However there does appear to be a fairly clear correlation between the gold grades and the quantity of sulphide present in the veins themselves, and on their margins. Figure 6: Cross-section O3 through the eastern extension of the Semna deposit (refer to Figure 2 for location) The latest phase of drilling continues to indicate the presence of a sub-vertical zone of multiple quartz veins in the area tested, which appear to be largely sub-parallel, over a true width of approximately 20m (Figure 6). There is also increasing evidence from the drilling of the presence of a series of well mineralised "flat" easterly-dipping structures, as mapped at surface in channel sample profile SMC-065, which returned a mineralised interval at surface of 2.60 g/t Au over 39.3 metres (see news release dated February 1, 2024). Surface mapping and evidence from drill holes suggest that the "flat-dipping" veins to be quite narrow, in contrast to the steep milky quartz veins, which reach several metres in width. The "flat-dipping" veins rarely exceed 10-20cm in width individually, but numerous stacked tension gash style veins occur in these structural zones. Anecdotally these "flat-dipping" vein arrays appear to be associated with elevated copper grades. Sampling methodology and analysis Please also refer to the "Sampling and analytical procedures" section below for fuller details of these procedures. The drilling was undertaken by Capital Limited, using an Explorac 100 RC drilling rig with an onboard cone splitter. The onboard splitter was set to produce 2 sub-samples of the chips ("L" and "R" samples, collected in cloth bags) each representing c. 12.5% of the entire sample over a metre interval. The remaining c. 75% of the sample was collected in bulk plastic bags at the rig. Sampling of each and every hole was undertaken in their entirety at 1 metre intervals. Hole SMP-050 Depth (m) 4m composites 1m splits Screen fire assays From To Au (g/t) 1 Au (g/t) 2 Ag (g/t) Cu (ppm) Au (g/t) 3 68 69 0.03 0.01 <0.2 20 - 69 70 0.01 <0.2 25 - 70 71 0.05 <0.2 53 - 71 72 0.06 <0.2 40 - 72 73 11.95 0.55 0.3 46 0.55 73 74 1.36 1.0 26 2.10 74 75 1.46 0.7 43 1.81 75 76 44.30 6.7 62 45.60 76 77 14.75 0.22 <0.2 4 0.25 77 78 0.49 <0.2 4 0.35 78 79 4.83 0.7 10 7.51 79 80 54.80 8.0 44 61.80 80 81 2.54 12.55 2.0 23 9.02 81 82 0.21 0.2 28 0.24 82 83 0.17 <0.2 43 - 83 84 0.04 <0.2 11 - 84 85 0.09 0.02 <0.2 5 - 85 86 0.05 <0.2 8 - 86 87 0.02 <0.2 45 - 87 88 0.02 <0.2 13 - Notes: Gold analysis by ALS code Au-AA23 (conventional fire assay, 30g charge, with an AA finish) Gold analysis by ALS code Au-AA23 (conventional fire assay, 30g charge, with an AA finish) Gold analysis by ALS code Au-SCR24 (metallic screen fire assay, 1kg sample) Table 2: Compiled assay results, SMP-050, 68-88m Aton field crews then took sub-samples of the "L" samples, and combined them into 4m composite samples, thoroughly mixing and homogenising the samples. These 4m samples were then split down to c. 500-1,000g samples which were dispatched from site for gold fire assay analysis. Upon receipt of the 4m composite assay results, selected 1m mineralised intervals were then selected with a further c. 500-1,000g sub-sample being split off from the retained material from the "L" bags and sent to the laboratory for gold, silver and copper analysis. After the results of the 1m split samples were received, a further 165 samples were selected from the mineralised intervals, with another 1kg sub-sample being split off, this time from the "R" bags, and these were sent for metallic screen fire assay analysis. An example of all the assays received from the 3 different sampling techniques/assaying methods is presented in Table 2 above, showing the mineralised intersection from hole SMP-050 between 72-81m. Furthermore, a comparison was made between all the mineralised intervals from holes SMP-049 and SMP-073, using both the 4m composite sample assays and the 1m split sample assays, as a direct comparison cannot be made between individual 1m and 4m composite samples, and this is plotted as a scatter graph in Figure 7 below Figure 7: Comparison between mineralised intervals from the 4m composite samples and the 1m split samples, holes SMP-049 to SMP-073 Figure 7 shows a generally very close correlation between the 1m split sample grades and the 4m composite sample grades, with the trendline showing a 99% correlation between the 2 sets of samples. This very close and accurate correlation indicates the validity of the sampling methodologies employed and the accuracy of the assays received from both the initial 4m composite samples and the subsequent 1m split samples. Figure 8: Comparison between conventional fire assay (Au-AA23) and metallic screen fire assay results (Au-SCR24), holes SMP-049 to SMP-073 A similar exercise was undertaken to assess the correlation between the conventional fire assay (Au-AA23) and the screen fire assay (Au-SCR24) results of the 165 1m samples that were submitted for screen fire assay analysis (Figure 8). The graph shows that the majority of samples analysed cluster at grades of below about 13-15 g/t Au, and that up to these grades the screen fire assay grades appear to be marginally higher than the original 1m conventional fire assay grades. However when the 8 higher grade assays are included the correlation becomes very dependent on the high grade outlier samples, with the overall correlation very heavily skewed by a single sample (SMP-056, 51-52m), which returned a 4m composite assay of 23.10 g/t Au between 48-52m, an Au-AA23 assay of 89.4 g/t Au from the subsequent 1m split, but a significantly lower Au-SCR24 assay of 67.1 g/t Au. Overall this analysis suggests that the screen fire assays appear to be lower than the original Au-AA23 analyses, which is a slightly surprising conclusion, but is explained by the nuggety distribution of coarse gold in the highest grade samples. In general, however, the correlation between the screen fire assay results and the original conventional fire assay results is quite close. Sampling and analytical procedures The RC drill holes were drilled at 5" size (138-140mm diameter), using an Explorac 100 RC drilling rig. The rig was equipped with an onboard cone splitter which was set to produce 2 separate 1/8 split samples ("L" - laboratory and "R" - retain) which were collected into cloth bags directly from the splitter. The remaining c. 75% of the bulk percussion chip samples was collected directly from the cyclone into pre-written large plastic bags every metre, numbered with the hole number and hole depths. The bulk sample bags were laid out sequentially at the drill site. Between each metre of drilling the cyclone was cleaned out with compressed air, and the hole was blown clean to reduce the risk of downhole contamination. The bags were logged on the drill sites by Aton geologists. A representative sample of each metre was washed and stored in marked plastic chip trays, each containing 20m of samples, photographed, and retained onsite as a permanent record of the drill hole, with the bulk sample bags being retained at the drill sites. The 1m "L" split samples, weighing approximately 4-5kg each were then transported to the Abu Marawat sample processing facility, where they were 1/2 riffle split into 2 separate sub-samples, weighing approximately 2-2.5kg. One of these sub-samples was marked and labelled, and retained at the laboratory for storage. The second 1m sub-samples were then combined into 4m composite samples, weighing approximately 8-10kg. These were thoroughly mixed and homogenised and again riffle split to produce nominal c. 500-1,000g 4m composite samples which were dispatched to ALS Minerals for analysis. Again the splitter was cleaned with compressed air between each sample. The 4m composite samples were allocated new sample numbers. The bulk reject material from the riffle split 4m composite samples was disposed of. QAQC samples were inserted into the 4m composite sample stream at a rate of approximately 1 certified reference material (or "standard" sample) every 60 samples, 1 blank sample every 30 samples, and 1 field duplicate split sample ("L" bag) or replicate sample (taken from the "R" bag) every 30 samples. The "R" bags were retained separately onsite and stored at the Abu Marawat sample storage facility. The dried and split 4m composite samples were shipped to ALS Minerals sample preparation laboratory at Marsa Alam, Egypt, where they were pulverised to a size fraction of better than 85% passing 75 microns. From this pulverised material a further sub-sample was split off with a nominal c. 100g size, which was shipped on to ALS Minerals at Rosia Montana, Romania for analysis. The reject pulp material was returned to the sample preparation facility at Rodruin, where it is also retained onsite The 4m composite samples were analysed for gold by fire assay (30g charge) with an atomic absorption spectroscopy ("AAS") finish (analytical code Au-AA23). Any high grade gold samples (>10 g/t Au) were re-analysed using analytical code Au-GRA22 (also fire assay, with a 50g charge, and with a gravimetric finish). Following receipt of the assay results of the 4m composite assay results, selected 1m mineralised intervals were then selected with a further c. 500-1,000g sub-sample being split off from the retained material from the "L" bags, and again allocated new sample numbers. QAQC samples were inserted into the 1m split sample stream at a rate of approximately 1 certified reference material/standard sample every 30 samples, 1 blank sample every 15 samples, and 1 field duplicate or replicate sample every 15 samples. The remaining material from the "L" bags was again retained onsite at Abu Marawat. The 1m split samples were again sent to ALS Minerals Egypt for sample preparation and on to ALS Romania for gold, silver and copper analysis. Gold was again analysed using Au-AA25 and Au-GRA22 for overlimit assays. Samples were also analysed for silver and copper using an aqua regia digest followed by an AAS finish (analytical codes Ag-AA45 and Cu-AA45). Following receipt of the assay results of the 1m composite assay results, a further 165 samples were then selected from the mineralised intervals, with a further c. 1,000g sub-sample being split off from the retained "R" bags, and these samples were again allocated new sample numbers. The residual material from the "R" bags was re-bagged, and was again retained onsite at Abu Marawat. This second tranche of 1m split samples were again sent to ALS Minerals Egypt who arranged for transport directly on to ALS Romania for metallic screen fire assay analysis for gold (analytical code Au-SCR24). No QAQC samples were inserted into this sample stream. About Aton Resources Inc. Aton Resources Inc. (AAN: TSX-V) is focused on its 100% owned Abu Marawat Concession ("Abu Marawat"), located in Egypt's Arabian-Nubian Shield, approximately 200 km north of Centamin's world-class Sukari gold mine. Aton has identified numerous gold and base metal exploration targets at Abu Marawat, including the Hamama deposit in the west, the Abu Marawat deposit in the northeast, and the Rodruin deposit in the south of the Concession. Two historic British gold mines are also located on the Concession at Semna and Sir Bakis. Aton has identified several distinct geological trends within Abu Marawat, which display potential for the development of a variety of styles of precious and base metal mineralisation. The Abu Marawat exploitation lease is 57.66 km2 in size, covering the Hamama West and Rodruin mineral deposits, and was established In January 2024 and is valid for an initial period of 20 years. The Concession also includes an additional 255.0 km2 of exploration areas at Abu Marawat, retained for a further period of 4 years from January 2024. Abu Marawat is located in an area of excellent infrastructure; a four-lane highway, a 220kV power line, and a water pipeline are in close proximity, as are the international airports at Hurghada and Luxor. Qualified person The technical information contained in this News Release was prepared by Javier Orduna BSc (hons), MSc, MCSM, DIC, MAIG, SEG(M), Chief Geologist of Aton Resources Inc. Mr. Orduna is a qualified person (QP) under National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. For further information regarding Aton Resources Inc., please visit us at www.atonresources.com or contact: TONNO VAHK Chief Executive Officer Tel: +1 604 318 0390 Email: info@atonresources.com Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements Some of the statements contained in this release are forward-looking statements. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions; by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results in each case could differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements. 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. Appendix A - Semna phase 3 RC drill hole collar details, SMP-049 to SMP-073 Hole ID Collar co-ordinates 1,2 EOH depth (m) Dip Grid azimuth Comments X Y Z SMP-049 558839.6 2924693.3 569.9 90 -54.6 307.8 SMP-050 558846.0 2924703.6 569.2 130 -52.7 307.7 SMP-051 558848.8 2924711.9 568.8 120 -48.5 313.7 SMP-052 558855.4 2924717.0 568.8 120 -49.3 312.1 SMP-053 558859.7 2924730.0 568.3 110 -48.1 311.7 SMP-054 558861.9 2924734.2 568.1 110 -54.3 340.8 SMP-055 558868.8 2924741.2 568.1 100 -54.2 339.5 SMP-056 558794.0 2924691.3 589.1 110 -54.8 349.6 SMP-057 558790.5 2924736.5 565.9 50 -53.2 340.1 SMP-058 558819.6 2924736.0 559.0 70 -49.9 308.5 SMP-059 558834.4 2924749.4 559.2 60 -49.0 310.1 SMP-060 558842.5 2924754.3 559.8 95 -49.9 311.7 SMP-061 558841.4 2924751.5 559.7 90 -59.5 339.7 SMP-062 558847.6 2924767.2 560.7 60 -50.3 340.1 SMP-063 558873.0 2924782.7 561.8 60 -49.0 340.5 SMP-064 558891.2 2924792.6 561.6 60 -60.0 339.7 SMP-065 558909.8 2924802.8 560.2 60 -43.9 340.0 SMP-066 558918.7 2924807.4 559.5 60 -59.8 341.0 SMP-067 558947.4 2924818.9 559.3 55 -48.8 338.8 SMP-068 558973.4 2924850.5 563.8 50 -45.6 309.5 SMP-069 558985.6 2924844.4 563.8 100 -53.9 309.4 SMP-070 559041.0 2924837.0 575.5 25 -56.8 284.5 Hole abandoned, not assayed SMP-071 558948.7 2924753.4 577.2 184 -51.7 342.7 Twin of diamond hole SMD-027 SMP-072 558813.9 2924653.0 570.6 120 -42.6 339.1 SMP-073 558815.3 2924649.2 570.5 185 -58.6 335.9 Notes: All co-ordinates are UTM (WGS84) Zone 36R Collars have all been surveyed using an E-survey E800 GNSS system using RTK survey methodology All drill holes were downhole surveyed using a gyroscopic survey tool Appendix B - Semna phase 3 RC drill hole screen fire assay intersections (1m splits) Hole ID Intersection (m) Au (g/t) Ag (g/t) Cu (%) Comments From To Interval SMP-049 81 89 8 0.65 8.4 0.41 SMP-050 55 59 4 0.69 0.3 0.00 and 72 81 9 14.33 2.2 0.00 Offset Vein? incl. 75 76 1 45.60 6.7 0.01 and incl. 78 81 3 26.11 3.6 0.00 SMP-051 35 49 14 2.93 0.7 0.01 incl. 44 49 5 7.65 1.7 0.01 SMP-052 44 51 7 8.66 1.4 0.00 Offset Vein? incl. 44 46 2 8.30 0.9 0.00 and incl. 49 51 2 21.73 3.9 0.00 SMP-053 27 29 2 1.03 1.6 0.09 and 38 44 6 6.16 0.8 0.00 Offset Vein? SMP-054 36 37 1 1.40 0.3 0.01 and 98 99 1 2.11 0.4 0.00 SMP-055 - - - - - - No samples sent for screen fire assay SMP-056 39 53 14 5.41 1.1 0.04 incl. 39 44 5 2.53 0.2 0.01 and incl. 50 53 3 22.57 4.3 0.00 SMP-057 2 13 11 0.45 0.2 0.17 Includes 3m NSR (old/recent mine workings) SMP-058 1 10 9 1.85 0.3 0.03 SMP-059 2 5 3 0.78 0.4 0.03 SMP-060 8 12 4 1.16 1.9 0.06 SMP-061 6 13 7 1.26 0.5 0.01 incl. 11 13 2 3.62 1.3 0.02 SMP-062 18 20 2 3.77 0.5 0.01 SMP-063 - - - - - - No samples sent for screen fire assay SMP-064 - - - - - - NSA (28-30m: 2m @ 0.67 g/t Au) SMP-065 6 15 9 1.07 0.2 0.00 and 30 31 1 2.59 0.2 0.01 SMP-066 30 40 10 1.99 2.9 0.02 incl. 30 32 2 4.43 13.2 0.06 and incl. 37 40 3 3.65 0.5 0.01 SMP-067 29 31 2 5.09 0.6 0.02 and 49 53 4 1.06 0.1 0.00 SMP-068 40 42 2 2.80 0.8 0.00 SMP-069 77 81 4 3.98 3.3 0.21 SMP-071 49 50 1 1.57 0.2 0.01 Twin of DD hole SMD-027 and 125 128 3 10.06 0.8 0.00 Twin of SMD-027 (135.8-139.0m: 3.1m @ 8.10 g/t Au) and 164 167 3 2.04 2.2 0.05 Twin of SMD-027 (162.2-166.3m: 4.1m @ 1.03 g/t Au) SMP-072 68 74 6 0.61 0.7 0.01 Hole ID Intersection (m) Au (g/t) Ag (g/t) Cu (%) Comments From To Interval SMP-073 97 100 3 0.61 0.3 0.02 and 138 144 6 10.74 0.0 0.00 Possible depth extension of Main Vein / and 177 179 2 0.77 0.3 0.01 Offset Vein? Notes: Mineralised intervals were calculated using a nominal cut-off of 0.5 g/t Au NSR: no sample recovery; NSA: no significant assays Appendix C - Semna phase 3 RC drill hole conventional fire assay intersections (1m splits) Hole ID Intersection (m) Au (g/t) Ag (g/t) Cu (%) Comments From To Interval SMP-049 81 89 8 0.68 8.4 0.41 incl. 86 89 3 1.15 18.3 0.49 SMP-050 55 59 4 0.69 0.3 0.00 and 72 81 9 13.39 2.2 0.00 Offset Vein? incl. 75 76 1 44.30 6.7 0.01 and incl. 78 81 3 24.06 3.6 0.00 SMP-051 35 49 14 2.60 0.7 0.01 Offset Vein? incl. 47 49 2 15.55 4.0 0.00 SMP-052 44 51 7 10.52 1.4 0.00 Offset Vein? incl. 44 46 2 8.02 0.9 0.00 and incl. 49 51 2 28.70 3.9 0.00 SMP-053 27 29 2 1.43 1.6 0.09 and 38 44 6 7.79 0.8 0.00 Offset Vein? SMP-054 36 37 1 1.12 0.3 0.01 and 98 99 1 1.26 0.4 0.00 SMP-055 - - - - - - No 1m split samples sent for re-assay SMP-056 39 53 14 6.97 1.1 0.00 incl. 39 44 5 1.43 0.2 0.01 and incl. 51 53 2 44.90 6.4 0.00 SMP-057 2 13 11 0.47 0.2 0.17 Includes 3m NSR (old/recent mine workings) SMP-058 1 10 9 1.92 0.3 0.03 SMP-059 2 5 3 0.75 0.4 0.03 SMP-060 8 12 4 1.04 1.9 0.06 SMP-061 11 13 2 3.63 1.3 0.02 SMP-062 19 20 1 9.21 0.9 0.01 SMP-063 - - - - - - NSA > 0.17 g/t Au SMP-064 - - - - - - NSA (28-30m: 2m @ 0.62 g/t Au) SMP-065 7 15 8 1.19 0.2 0.00 SMP-066 30 40 10 2.11 2.9 0.02 incl. 30 32 2 3.62 13.2 0.06 and incl. 37 40 3 4.60 0.5 0.01 SMP-067 28 31 3 3.00 0.4 0.01 and 44 53 9 0.62 0.1 0.00 incl. 49 53 4 1.05 0.1 0.00 SMP-068 40 42 2 2.17 0.8 0.00 SMP-069 77 81 4 5.33 3.3 0.21 SMP-071 49 50 1 1.73 0.2 0.01 Twin of DD hole SMD-027 and 125 128 3 5.14 0.8 0.00 Twin of SMD-027 (135.8-139.0m: 3.1m @ 8.10 g/t Au) and 164 167 3 1.31 2.2 0.05 Twin of SMD-027 (162.2-166.3m: 4.1m @ 1.03 g/t Au) Hole ID Intersection (m) Au (g/t) Ag (g/t) Cu (%) Comments From To Interval SMP-072 68 74 6 0.37 0.7 0.01 SMP-073 97 99 2 0.74 0.4 0.03 and 138 144 6 12.29 1.9 0.00 Possible depth extension of Main Vein / and 177 179 2 0.79 0.3 0.01 Offset Vein? Notes: 1) Mineralised intervals were calculated using a nominal cut-off of 0.5 g/t Au 2) NSR: no sample recovery; NSA: no significant assays Appendix D - Semna phase 3 RC drill hole conventional fire assay intersections (4m composites) Hole ID Intersection (m) Au (g/t) Comments From To Interval SMP-049 80 88 8 0.44 SMP-050 72 84 12 9.75 Offset Vein? SMP-051 40 52 12 3.23 Offset Vein? SMP-052 44 52 8 8.76 Offset Vein? SMP-053 36 44 8 5.19 Offset Vein? SMP-054 36 40 4 0.36 and 96 100 4 0.32 SMP-055 - - - - NSA > 0.03 g/t Au SMP-056 36 52 16 6.32 SMP-057 2 12 10 0.47 Includes 3m NSR (old/recent mine workings) SMP-058 0 12 12 1.89 SMP-059 1 8 7 0.69 SMP-060 8 12 4 1.34 SMP-061 8 16 8 1.44 SMP-062 - - - - NSA > 0.21 g/t Au (16-20m) SMP-063 - - - - NSA > 0.10 g/t Au (8-16m) SMP-064 - - - - NSA > 0.35 g/t Au (28-32m) SMP-065 8 16 8 1.12 SMP-066 28 40 12 1.32 SMP-067 28 32 4 2.46 and 48 55 7 0.62 SMP-068 40 44 4 2.98 SMP-069 76 84 8 3.14 SMP-070 - - - - Hole abandoned early, not assayed SMP-071 124 128 4 3.56 Twin of SMD-027 (135.83-143.80m: 3.13m @ and 148 152 4 0.61 8.10 g/t Au) and 164 168 4 1.25 SMD-027: 162.20-166.29m: 4.09m @ 1.03 g/t Au) SMP-072 68 72 4 0.33 SMP-073 96 100 4 0.41 and 136 144 8 10.32 Possible depth extension of Main Vein / Offset Vein? and 176 180 4 0.33 Notes: 1) Mineralised intervals were calculated using subjectively, but with a nominal cut-off of 0.5 g/t Au 2) NSR: no sample recovery; NSA: no significant assays SOURCE: Aton Resources, Inc. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/aton-reports-the-first-results-from-its-phase-3-rc-drilling-programme-at-the-semn-1045209 Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - July 2, 2025) - Kenorland Minerals Ltd. (TSXV: KLD) (OTCQX: KLDCF) (FSE: 3WQ0) ("Kenorland" or the "Company") and Auranova Resources Inc. ("Auranova") are pleased to announce complete assay results from the 2025 Winter drill program at the South Uchi Project (the "Project"), located in the Red Lake District of Ontario. Assays from 27 diamond drill holes totaling 14,365 metres are reported herein. Kenorland and Auranova also jointly report that Auranova has completed the initial earn-in under the South Uchi option agreement, acquiring a 51% ownership interest in the Project. Drill Highlights: New gold system confirmed, with widespread mineralisation intersected in maiden drilling Gold-bearing structures traced over five kilometres across the target area 25 of 27 drill holes (93%) intersected intervals of gold assaying at least 0.1 g/t Au 15 of 27 drill holes (56%) intersected intervals of gold assaying at least 1.00 g/t Au 6 of 27 drill holes (22%) intersected intervals of gold assaying at least 5.00 g/t Au Highest grade intercept of 14.60 g/t Au over 1.00 m Mineralised corridor remains open in all directions Follow-up drill program planned for late summer Figure 1. Plan map of Papaonga with drill hole locations including highlights from this press release To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6489/257402_aeffb3e0b408abd9_001full.jpg Zach Flood, President and CEO of Kenorland, stated: "The results from this maiden drill program mark a major step forward in unlocking the potential of South Uchi. Intersecting gold mineralisation across a five-kilometre structural corridor, in an area with no previously recorded gold occurrences, validates our early targeting efforts and highlights the scale of this newly discovered system. We look forward to advancing the next phase of follow-up drilling with Auranova." Tom Obradovich, CEO of Auranova, stated: "We're excited to advance the next phase of drilling, targeting the gold-bearing structures identified in Phase 1. With a more focused approach, we aim to unlock the potential of this emerging gold system and gain a deeper understanding of the controls on mineralisation." Discussion of Results This program marks the first-ever drilling at the Papaonga gold target, following four years of systematic exploration. Prior to this work, no historical drilling or documented gold occurrences had been recorded within the target area. The maiden drill program consisted of 27 diamond drill holes totaling 14,365 metres, testing a 27km2 area identified by extensive gold-in-till and heavy mineral concentrate (HMC) gold grain anomalies (see press release dated September 11, 2024). Widely spaced drill fences, roughly 500 metres to greater than 1 kilometre apart were designed to test interpreted structural corridors concealed by deep overburden and Papaonga Lake. Widespread gold mineralisation was intersected across the Papaonga target, hosted by various rock types including the sheared margin of the diorite, interbedded clastic sedimentary rocks and iron formation, and the volcaniclastic-mafic volcanic rock stratigraphy. A significant gold bearing structural corridor was intersected in multiple drill holes traced over a 5 kilometre strike length, trending east-west across the target area and remains open. Details include: Drill hole 25PADD023, drilled along the most eastern fence, intersected 0.50m at 7.57 g/t Au and 9.50m at 1.19 g/t Au including 0.50m at 4.76 g/t Au, containing visible gold within multi-stage quartz and quartz-carbonate veins associated with arsenopyrite, pyrrhotite, pyrite, and trace chalcopyrite mineralisation and sericite-silica-carbonate-chlorite alteration. Figure 2 illustrates style of mineralisation and detailed images of visible gold intersected within 23PADD023, 147.50-157.00m downhole. Approximately 3 kilometres to the west along strike, drill hole 25PADD016 intersected widespread gold anomalism including 1.35m at 7.00 g/t Au, 34.50m at 0.11 g/t Au, and 30.50m at 0.13 g/t Au. Further to the west, approximately 1.5 kilometres along strike, drill hole 25PADD027 intersected numerous zones of notable gold mineralisation including 25.50m at 0.20 g/t Au, 1.00m at 14.60 g/t Au, and 8.50m at 0.48 g/t Au. These results demonstrate widespread gold mineralisation and continuity of a significant structure across multiple kilometres, suggesting a robust gold-rich orogenic system. The broad zones of anomalous gold mineralisation, multiple vein and sulphide generations, visible gold, and strong deformation intersected in the initial drill program are indicative of the long-lived nature of fluid flow and deformation across the Papaonga target area. The major east-west trending deformation zone along volcanic and volcaniclastic stratigraphy remains open in all directions and a priority target for follow up. Figure 2. Drill core from hole 25PADD023 (146.1m - 159.1m) highlights a zone of intense shearing with multiphase quartz veining, hosting 5-10% arsenopyrite, pyrrhotite, pyrite and chalcopyrite along with visible gold, emphasized in the lower portion of the figure. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6489/257402_aeffb3e0b408abd9_002full.jpg Next Steps A Phase 2 drill program, up to 5,000m, is scheduled for late summer 2025, focused on expanding on the newly discovered gold-bearing structural corridor identified during the maiden drill program. Tighter step-outs will be planned around 25PADD023 where volcaniclastic and mafic volcanic rocks are cross-cut by strongly mineralised shear zones, containing quartz-carbonate stockwork hosting visible gold. Broader spaced step-outs will test the east-west trending deformation zone between 25PADD016 and 25PADD023, as well as to the east of 25PADD023, where no drilling has been conducted and bedrock is concealed by deeper overburden. Auranova Completes Initial Earn-In Kenorland and Auranova jointly report that Auranova has completed the initial earn-in under the South Uchi option agreement (see press release dated December 2, 2024), acquiring a 51% ownership interest in the Project. As part of the earn-in milestone, Kenorland has received $500,000 in cash and 9,242,267 common shares of Auranova. Table 1: Table of assay results from the 2025 winter drill program HOLE ID From (m) To (m) Interval (m) Au (g/t) 25PADD007 118.50 139.85 21.35 0.49 Incl. 124.50 126.00 1.50 5.08 25PADD011 117.00 118.00 1.00 4.08 And 342.80 344.00 1.20 5.58 And 384.00 384.60 0.60 3.80 25PADD014B 446.00 474.00 28.00 0.39 Incl. 454.50 456.00 1.50 2.90 25PADD015 216.30 222.00 5.70 1.88 Incl. 216.30 217.00 0.70 7.03 25PADD016 174.90 176.25 1.35 7.00 And 219.20 253.70 34.50 0.11 And 273.55 304.05 30.50 0.13 25PADD017 413.00 414.00 1.00 4.32 25PADD023 117.00 117.50 0.50 7.57 And 147.50 157.00 9.50 1.19 Incl. 151.05 151.55 0.50 4.76 25PADD027 414.00 439.50 25.50 0.20 And 450.00 451.00 1.00 14.60 And 468.00 476.50 8.50 0.48 Table 2. Drill hole location and collar table of reported drill from the 2025 winter drill program HOLE ID Easting (NAD83) Northing (NAD83) Elevation (m) Depth (m) Dip Azimuth 25PADD001 550030 5641214 418 501.00 -50 140 25PADD002 550626 5640830 408 604.30 -50 140 25PADD003 550419 5641083 423 507.00 -50 140 25PADD004 550364 5640293 405 522.00 -50 140 25PADD005 549217 5639676 406 501.00 -50 145 25PADD006 551447 5641146 415 535.00 -50 140 25PADD007 550832 5640579 403 546.00 -50 140 25PADD008 550581 5640029 403 498.00 -50 140 25PADD009 549393 5639432 410 492.85 -50 145 25PADD010 551035 5640338 400 453.00 -50 140 25PADD011 551609 5640823 411 516.00 -50 140 25PADD012 550786 5639777 398 495.00 -50 140 25PADD013 555188 5640468 394 509.30 -50 170 25PADD014 551452 5639847 394 177.40 -50 140 25PADD014A 551452 5639847 394 57.00 -60 140 25PADD014B 551452 5639847 394 537.00 -64 140 25PADD015 552239 5640084 394 469.20 -50 140 25PADD016 552437 5639844 394 534.00 -48 140 25PADD017 552024 5640338 394 540.00 -60 140 25PADD018 553039 5641285 394 501.00 -50 155 25PADD019 552087 5641199 394 468.00 -50 140 25PADD020 551816 5640586 394 600.00 -60 140 25PADD021 551185 5640150 401 600.00 -50 140 25PADD022 552307 5640990 394 483.00 -50 140 25PADD023 555138 5640775 401 531.00 -50 170 25PADD024 547966 5638698 397 522.00 -50 170 25PADD025 552949 5641666 394 555.00 -50 155 25PADD026 552774 5640830 392 585.00 -50 140 25PADD027 550868 5639581 400 525.00 -50 155 Figure 3. Regional volcanic assemblages with significant gold deposits and South Uchi Project location To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6489/257402_aeffb3e0b408abd9_003full.jpg 1 Kinross reports 2023 fourth-quarter and full-year results: (Date February 14, 2024) - Updated resource to the technical report titled Great Bear Project Ontario, Canada prepared by Nicos Pfeiffer, P.Geo., John Sims, CPG, Yves Breau, P.Eng., Rick Greenwood, P.Geo., Agung Prawasono, P.Eng., issued February 13, 2023 About South Uchi Project The South Uchi Project was first identified and staked by Kenorland based on the under-explored region's prospectivity to host significant gold mineralised systems. The Project covers a portion of Confederation Assemblage volcanic rocks, as well as the boundary between the Uchi geological subprovince to the north and the English River geological subprovince to the south. Multiple major east-west striking deformation zones associated with the subprovince boundary transect the Project, resulting in zones of strong shearing and folding of the supracrustal stratigraphy, which are favourable settings for orogenic gold mineralisation. Prior to Kenorland staking the Project, records indicated little to no systematic exploration had been completed, and the land package remained under-explored. The majority of gold deposits in the Red Lake District (Red Lake, Madsen, Hasaga, and others) are located on the northern margin of the Confederation Assemblage. However, recent discoveries such as the LP Fault Zone on the Dixie Project by Great Bear Resources Ltd. (acquired by Kinross Gold and renamed Great Bear Project) highlight the prospectivity of the entire Confederation Assemblage along the southern margin of the Uchi subprovince. Kenorland announced on December 2, 2024, that it had entered into a definitive agreement with Auranova, granting Auranova the right to earn up to a 70% interest in the Project. Pursuant to the agreement, Auranova may earn an initial 51% interest in the Project by making cash payments totalling $500,000 to Kenorland, completing a diamond drilling program with at least $8,000,000 in qualifying expenditures or completing 15,000 metres of drilling within two years of receiving a drill permit, issuing Kenorland 19.9% of Auranova's common shares, and maintaining Kenorland's 19.9% share position until Auranova raises a minimum of $10,000,000 through share issuances, after which Kenorland's stake will remain at 10% on a pro-rata basis through to the completion of a Preliminary Economic Assessment (the "PEA"). Kenorland has received the $500,000 in cash payments and currently holds 9,242,267 common shares of Auranova. Further, Auranova may earn an additional 19% interest, for a total of 70% interest in the Project, by incurring an additional $10,000,000 in qualifying expenditures on or before the third anniversary of Auranova's election to proceed with the second option. Kenorland will also retain a 30% carried interest in the Project through to the completion of the PEA, at which point a joint venture will be formed. Kenorland also holds a 2% net smelter return royalty on the Project (see press release dated September 16, 2024). Qualified Persons Mr. Janek Wozniewski, B.Sc., P.Geo. (EGBC #172781, APEGS #77522, EGMB #48045, PGO #3824), a "Qualified Person" under National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101"), has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information in this press release. William Yeomans, P.Geo., a "Qualified Person" under National Instrument 43-101, has also reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information in this press release. Mr. Yeomans is a gold exploration professional with over 40 years of experience in all stages of gold exploration throughout the Americas, including the Superior Province throughout Quebec and Ontario. He gained extensive exploration management experience across the entire Guiana Shield with BHP and has generated projects which resulted with significant NI 43-101 gold resources. He has worked as a consultant to IAMGOLD and Dundee Precious Metals Inc., identifying acquisition opportunities across Canada, the USA and South America. He is currently the President of Yeomans Geological Inc. as well as 1127637 B.C. Ltd. and has many years of experience as a board member for several junior mining companies. QA/QC and Core Sampling Protocols All drill core samples were collected under the supervision of Kenorland employees. Drill core was transported from the drill platform to the logging facility where it was logged, photographed, and split by diamond saw prior to being sampled. Samples were then bagged, and blanks and certified reference materials were inserted at regular intervals. Groups of samples were placed in large bags, sealed with numbered tags in order to maintain a chain-of-custody, and transported from Chibougamau to Bureau Veritas Commodities ("BV") laboratory in Timmins, Ontario. Sample preparation and analytical work for this drill program were carried out by BV. Samples were prepared for analysis according to BV method PRP70-250: individual samples were crushed to 2mm (10 mesh) and a 250g split was pulverized to 75m (200 mesh) for analysis and then assayed for gold. Gold in samples were analyzed using BV method FA430 where a 30g split is analyzed with fire assay by Pb collection and AAS finish. Over-limits gold samples were re-analyzed using BV method FA530 where a 30g split is analyzed with fire assay by Pb collection and gravimetric finish. Multi-element geochemical analysis (45 elements) was performed on all samples using BV method MA200 where a 0.25g split is by multi-acid digest with ICP-MS/ES finish. All results passed the QA/QC screening at the lab, all company inserted standards and blanks returned results that were within acceptable limits. About Kenorland Minerals Kenorland Minerals Ltd. (TSXV: KLD) is a well-financed mineral exploration company focused on project generation and early-stage exploration in North America. Kenorland's exploration strategy is to advance greenfields projects through systematic, property-wide, phased exploration surveys financed primarily through exploration partnerships including option to joint venture agreements. Kenorland holds a 4% net smelter return royalty on the Frotet Project in Quebec which is owned by Sumitomo Metal Mining Canada Ltd. The Frotet Project hosts the Regnault gold system, a greenfields discovery made by Kenorland and Sumitomo Metal Mining Canada Ltd. in 2020. Kenorland is based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. About Auranova Resources The Company is an unlisted reporting issuer in the Provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Its directors and major shareholders are Thomas Obradovich, Chris Taylor, Timothy Young and William Rand. The company is focused on the discovery of new gold systems in the Birch Uchi Belt in partnership with Kenorland Minerals Ltd. as well as expanding its presence in the greenstone belts of Ontario. Further information can be found on the Company's website www.kenorlandminerals.com On behalf of the Board of Directors of Kenorland Minerals, Zach Flood President, CEO & Director Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (together, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, are forward-looking statements. Generally, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of terminology such as "plans", "expects", "estimates", "intends", "anticipates", "believes" or variations of such words, or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might", "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". Forward looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors disclosed under the heading "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in the Company's filings with Canadian securities regulators, that could cause actual results, performance, prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing these forward-looking statements are reasonable based upon the information currently available to management as of the date hereof, actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by these statements. Readers are therefore cautioned not to place undue reliance on these statements, which only apply as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed times frames or at all. Except where required by applicable law, the Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. 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/257402 SOURCE: Kenorland Minerals Ltd. VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / July 2, 2025 / Amarc Resources Ltd. ("Amarc" or the "Company") (TSXV:AHR)(OTCQB:AXREF) is pleased to announce that it has commenced an extensive 2025 drill program at its 100% owned DUKE Copper-Gold district ("DUKE District" or "District") in central British Columbia ("BC"). Drilling is planned to test a number of copper-gold ("Cu-Au") deposit targets across the 732 km2 District. This year's program - budgeted at $10 million - will again be funded by Boliden (see release December 17, 2024), which is earning-in at DUKE. Amarc is the project operator. "We are excited to be back out on the ground in collaboration with Boliden to continue to advance the DUKE District," said Diane Nicolson, President and CEO. "Amarc's systematic approach to exploration is discovering new occurrences of copper-gold mineralization in a region with half a century of exploration history. Drilling and survey work will step out to the north and south from the centrally located, open-ended DUKE porphyry Cu-Mo-Ag Deposit to test multiple copper-gold targets to unlock the further potential throughout the District. In addition to the successful scout drilling at the targets described below, some nine targets remain to be tested for the first time in 2025." "As Canada looks towards capitalizing on its critical mineral endowment, both the need and the opportunity, are clear. According to recent research[1], copper prices need to double to provide the necessary impetus for companies to develop the mines at the rate necessary to 'satiate the rapid consumption of metal driven by economic development and clean energy' across the globe," added Nicolson. "Amarc's continued focus on the discovery and development of new copper-gold deposits at DUKE and at our other BC Cu-Au Districts such as AuRORA, Empress and IKE have the real potential to contribute to the provincial economy and, in particular, that of the local communities." Amarc's DUKE District is located 80 km northeast of Smithers within the Babine Region, one of the most mineralized porphyry belts in BC. It hosts the former Bell and Granisle Cu-Au mines that were operated by Noranda Mines, and Morrison, an advanced stage Cu-Au deposit owned by a third party. Significant potential exists for discovery of new large porphyry Cu-Au deposits. Infrastructure servicing the former mines and the forestry and mineral exploration industries is nearby. There is an extensive network of forest roads and much of the DUKE District is road accessible. DUKE District Update - Significance of Initial Scout "Greenfields Drilling" at the JO, C4 and Svea Cu-Au Targets Over a timespan of less than 12 months, Amarc's DUKE District program has revealed hallmarks of early-stage exploration success within a greenfields district. The systematic and extensive exploration model used by Amarc in 2023 and 2024 is permitting the cost-effective identification of prospective mineralized targets while screening out less prospective areas. In addition to the JO, C4 and Svea Targets discussed below, Amarc has built a pipeline of early-stage reconnaissance scale targets to be drill tested. The effective use of reconnaissance scale Induced Polarization ("IP") and airborne magnetic geophysical surveys, along with geochemical and geological surveys for target delineation, followed by initial scout drilling, is identifying the presence of mineralized biotite-feldspar porphyry ("BFP") intrusions. BFP intrusions are associated with most of the major porphyry Cu-Au-Mo deposits (Granisle, Bell, Morrison, DUKE and Nak) in the Babine Region. BFP intrusions hosting porphyry style Cu-Au mineralization have been recognized at the JO and C4 Targets for the first time. Cu-Au ratios at the C4 and Svea occurrences indicate that the BFP intrusions are Au-enriched. The presence of Au enhanced intervals at the JO Target is considered significant: gold-zinc mineralization is hosted within sulphide-rich black clastic sediments and may represent an ancillary deposit target type in the DUKE District. The initial drill programs at the JO, C4 and Svea targets identified prospective mineralized environments. Defining the scale of higher-grade mineralization within these permissive environments will be the focus of the 2025 drill programs at these and similar targets. In 2024, Amarc completed 19 scout core holes (5,815 m) at three porphyry Cu-Au deposit targets - JO, C4 and Svea. All three targets are located to the north of the DUKE Deposit (see Figure 1 and release June 25, 2024). The JO and C4 Targets were not previously known and had not been drill tested. The Svea Target had limited shallow historical drill testing in the late 1960's and early 1970's. Figure 1: DUKE District - Amarc's Comprehensive Surveys Have Delineated Multiple New Porphyry Cu-Au Targets for Drill Testing JO Deposit Target - Porphyry Cu-Au and Volcanic-Sediment Associated Au The effectiveness of the on-going surveys completed across the DUKE District is highlighted by the JO Target, which is a new discovery of Cu-Au mineralization. The approximately 3 km2 target, as defined by IP chargeability and co-incident aeromagnetic anomalies, is largely overburden covered. Sporadic anomalous concentrations of Cu (51-192 ppm) and Au (15-71 ppb) were returned from soil geochemistry over a comprehensive survey grid. A composite rock chip sample taken from the discovery outcrop over approximately 3 m2 from a roadside gravel pit returned 0.18% Cu, 0.52 g/t Au, 16 g/t Ag and 55 ppm Mo in a strongly pyritic BFP. Six broadly spaced scout core drill holes (2,266 m) were completed in 2024 on the east lobe of the JO target (see Figure 1, Tables 1 and 2). Drilling Highlights The geophysical anomalies in the JO target area are underlain by a large (potentially greater than 1.5 km 2 ) BFP intrusion. Parts of this BFP intrusion are significantly mineralized, for example, DKJ24043 returned 71 m of 0.13% CuEQ (see Table 1) from 71 m, and could indicate proximity to a porphyry deposit. The area remains to be fully drill tested. Drill hole DKJ24042 returned an interesting 3 m of 3.56 g/t Au from 305 m including zinc concentration of 3,960 ppm, hosted within a fine grained, sulphide rich black clastic sediment. Discrete quartz veins are not present in this interval and enhanced gold-zinc mineralization in fine grained, carbon rich sediments may represent a previously unrecognized style of mineralization in this camp. Notably the west lobe of the strong IP chargeability anomaly, is located approximately 1 km due west of the area of JO drilling and remains to be drill tested. C4 Deposit Target - Porphyry Cu-Au Like JO, the C4 Target area is characterised by extensive overburden cover. The target is defined by a 4 km2 IP chargeability high with an internal aeromagnetic high anomaly, and anomalous Cu-Au concentrations in sporadic soil geochemical samples. Three inaugural scout holes (777 m) drilled at the C4 Target in 2024 successfully intercepted previously unknown BFP hosted porphyry Cu-Au mineralization (see Figure 1, Tables 1 and 2). Drilling Highlights C4 exhibits early-stage exploration signatures of a potential Au enriched porphyry Cu with drillhole DKC24058 coring 48 m (from 73 m) of 0.11 g/t Au within a slightly broader 53 m (from 68 m) interval coring 0.16% CuEQ. Mineralization may also be associated with intermediate (BFP) and mafic dykes that form proximal to intrusions; an example is drill hole DKC24058 that intercepted 14 m (from 163 m) of 0.19% CuEQ. This style of mineralization has been described at the Nak occurrence (see https://americaneaglegold.ca). Mineralization has been intercepted by the three holes at C4 over an area of 500 m by 250 m; this has tested only 3% of the 4 km2 core of the IP chargeability anomaly which remains to be fully drill tested. Svea Target - Porphyry Cu - Au and Structurally Controlled Cu-Au-Mo Ten scout core drill holes (2,772 m) were completed in 2024 on the Svea Target. Drilling at Svea was guided by the interpretation of IP and aeromagnetic geophysics and broad historical Cu-Au soil geochemical anomaly, as well as the results from a series of short, typically < 70 m long, historical drill holes completed in the late 1960's and early 1970's (see Amarc release January 19, 2024). Drilling Highlights Select drill holes at Svea intersected Cu-Au mineralized zones comparable to those intersected in historical drillholes, for example, drillhole DKS24046 intercepted 96 m of 0.23% CuEQ from 218 m, including a higher-grade interval of 21 m of 0.39% CuEQ from 236 m. Quartz-bornite micro veinlets were encountered in two drill holes: DKS24049 intercepted 26 m of 0.23% CuEQ from 4 m, and DKS24050 intercepted 12 m of 0.16% CuEQ from 5 m. Copper mineralized zones in several of the Svea drill holes have associated elevated Au concentrations ranging above 0.1 g/t Au. DDH's DKS24046, DKS24049, DKS24052 and DKS24053 host intervals of greater than 0.1 g/t Au over widths ranging from 8 to 24 m. Svea hosts a diverse suite of intrusions, which may be mineralized. Table 1. Highlighted1 Diamond Drill Intersections, JO, C4 and Svea Targets Target Drill Hole Incl. From (m) To (m) Int.2,3,4 (m) Au (g/t) Cu (%) Ag (g/t) CuEQ5 (%) JO DKJ24042 305.00 308.00 3.00 3.56 0.01 1.1 2.00 DKJ24043 71.00 142.00 71.00 0.04 0.09 1.5 0.12 C4 DKC24056 119.00 145.00 26.00 0.10 0.07 2.1 0.14 DKC24057 24.00 36.00 12.00 0.18 0.20 0.5 0.30 DKC24058 68.00 121.00 53.00 0.11 0.08 0.6 0.15 163.00 177.34 14.34 0.10 0.06 10.6 0.19 Svea DKS24046 218.00 314.00 96.00 0.07 0.17 0.6 0.22 Incl. 236.00 257.00 21.00 0.14 0.30 1.0 0.38 DKS24047 145.00 157.00 12.00 0.05 0.13 1.0 0.16 DKS24049 3.77 29.96 26.19 0.12 0.16 1.3 0.23 186.00 204.00 18.00 0.07 0.09 0.5 0.13 DKS24050 5.00 17.00 12.00 0.07 0.11 1.0 0.16 DKS24052 115.00 242.00 127.00 0.06 0.11 1.3 0.16 DKS24053 71.00 83.00 12.00 0.16 0.05 1.6 0.15 Notes to Table 1: For inclusion in Table 1 all CuEQ values must exceed 0.14% CuEQ over greater then or equal to 12 m or gold assay values exceeding 1.0 g/t Au over 3 m, except for holes DKJ24043 & DKS24049, which are calculated at 0.12% & 0.13% CuEQ, respectively. Drillholes not listed, lie below these thresholds. Widths reported are drill widths, such that true thicknesses are unknown. All assay intervals represent length-weighted averages. Some figures may not sum exactly due to rounding. Copper equivalent (CuEQ) calculations use metal prices of: Cu US$4.00/lb, Au US$1,800.00/oz, Ag US$24.00/oz and conceptual recoveries of: Cu 85%, Au 72% and Ag 67%. Conversion of metals to an equivalent copper grade based on these metal prices is relative to the copper price per unit mass factored by conceptual recoveries for those metals normalized to the conceptualized copper recovery. The metal equivalencies for each metal are added to the copper grade. The general formula for this is: CuEQ % = Cu% + (Au g/t * (Au recovery / Cu recovery) * (Au $ per oz/ 31.1034768) / (Cu $ per lb* 22.04623)) + (Ag g/t * (Ag recovery / Cu recovery) * (Ag $ per oz/ 31.1034768) / (Cu $ per lb* 22.04623)). The Company also announces that it has granted 100,000 options at a price of $0.68 per share with a five year term to a senior executive. About Amarc Resources Ltd Amarc is a mineral exploration and development company with an experienced and successful management team focused on developing a new generation of long-life, high-value porphyry Cu-Au mines in BC. By combining high-demand projects with dynamic management, Amarc has created a solid platform to create value from its exploration and development-stage assets. Amarc is advancing its 100%-owned JOY, DUKE and IKE porphyry CuAu Districts located in different prolific porphyry regions of northern, central and southern BC, respectively. Each District represents significant potential for the development of multiple and important-scale, porphyry CuAu deposits. Importantly, each of the three districts are located in proximity to industrial infrastructure - including power, highways and rail. Amarc's exploration is led by an internationally successful team of experienced geologists specializing in porphyry Cu-Au deposits. Members of this team have been involved in and have tracked porphyry Cu-Au exploration advancements in the Toodoggone region since 1990. Their experience and early recognition of the porphyry potential at the NWG Target in terms of a shallowly overburden covered and underexplored transitional epithermal-porphyry geological setting, led to the discovery of the Au-rich AuRORA porphyry Cu-Au-Ag Deposit. Freeport-McMoRan Mineral Properties Canada Inc. ("Freeport"), a wholly owned subsidiary of Freeport-McMoRan Inc. at JOY and Boliden Mineral Canada Ltd. ("Boliden"), an entity within the Boliden Group of companies at DUKE, can earn up to a 70% interest in each District through staged investments of $110 million and $90 million, respectively. Together this provides Amarc with potentially up to $200 million in non-share dilutive staged funding for these Districts. In addition, Amarc completed self-funded drilling at its higher-grade Empress Deposit in the IKE District in 2024. Amarc is the operator of all programs. Amarc is associated with HDI, a diversified, global mining company with a 35-year history of porphyry Cu deposit discovery, development and transaction success. Previous and current HDI projects include some of BC's and the world's most important porphyry deposits - such as Pebble, Mount Milligan, Southern Star, Kemess South, Kemess North, Gibraltar, Prosperity, Xietongmen, Newtongmen, Florence, Casino, Sisson, Maggie, AuRORA, PINE, IKE and DUKE. From its head office in Vancouver, Canada, HDI applies its unique strengths and capabilities to acquire, develop, operate and monetize mineral projects. Amarc works closely with local governments, Indigenous groups and stakeholders in order to advance its mineral projects responsibly, and in a manner that contributes to sustainable community and economic development. We pursue early and meaningful engagement to ensure our mineral exploration and development activities are well coordinated and broadly supported, address local priorities and concerns, and optimize opportunities for collaboration. In particular, we seek to establish mutually beneficial partnerships with Indigenous groups within whose traditional territories our projects are located, through the provision of jobs, training programs, contract opportunities, capacity funding agreements and sponsorship of community events. All Amarc work programs are carefully planned to achieve high levels of environmental and social performance. Qualified Person Mark Rebagliati, P.Eng, a Qualified Person ("QP") as defined by National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved all technical and scientific information related to the Duke Project contained in this news release. Mr. Rebagliati is not independent of the Company. Quality Assurance/Quality Control Program Amarc drilled NQ (47.6mm) size core in the summer of 2024. All drill core was logged, photographed, and cut in half with a diamond saw. Half core samples from the DUKE drilling were sent to ALS Canada Ltd., Kamloops or Langley, Canada, for preparation and to North Vancouver, Canada for analysis. All facilities are ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited. At the laboratory, samples were dried, crushed to 70% passing -2mm, and a 250 g split pulverized to better than 85% passing 75 microns. Samples were analyzed for Au by fire assay fusion of a 30 g sub-sample with an ICP-AES finish, and for 60 elements including Cu, Mo and Ag by a four-acid digestion, multi-element ICP-MS package. As part of a comprehensive Quality Assurance/Quality Control ("QAQC") program, Amarc control samples were inserted in each analytical batch of the core samples at the following rates: standards one in 20 regular samples, in-line replicates one in 20 regular samples and one coarse blank per hole. The control sample results were then checked to ensure proper QAQC. For further details on Amarc Resources Ltd., please visit the Company's website at www.amarcresources.com or contact Dr. Diane Nicolson, President and CEO, at (604) 684-6365 or within North America at 1-800-667-2114, or Kin Communications, at (604) 684-6730, Email: AHR@kincommunications.com. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF AMARC RESOURCES LTD. Dr. Diane Nicolson President and CEO Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward Looking and other Cautionary Information This news release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All such statements, other than statements of historical facts that address exploration plans and plans for enhanced relationships are forward-looking statements. 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 or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Assumptions used by the Company to develop forward-looking statements include the following: Amarc's projects will obtain all required environmental and other permits and all land use and other licenses, studies and exploration of Amarc's projects will continue to be positive, and no geological or technical problems will occur. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, potential environmental issues or liabilities associated with exploration, development and mining activities, exploitation and exploration successes, continuity of mineralization, uncertainties related to the ability to obtain necessary permits, licenses and tenure and delays due to third party opposition, changes in and the effect of government policies regarding mining and natural resource exploration and exploitation, exploration and development of properties located within Aboriginal groups asserted territories may affect or be perceived to affect asserted aboriginal rights and title, which may cause permitting delays or opposition by Aboriginal groups, 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. For more information on Amarc Resources Ltd., investors should review Amarc's annual Form 20-F filing with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov and its home jurisdiction filings that are available at www.sedarplus.ca. Table 2: JO, C4 and Svea Target Drill Hole Information Target Drill Hole Easting Northing Elevation Azimuth () Dip () EOH (m) JO DKJ24042 661337 6148663 1169 268 -50 313.60 DKJ24043 661337 6148663 1169 178 -49 305.00 DKJ24044 661634 6148672 1156 92 -50 310.50 DKJ24045 661062 6148671 1139 271 -50 308.00 DKJ24059 662119 6148685 1146 228 -45 478.20 DKJ24060 661495 6149201 1129 225 -45 551.00 C4 DKC24056 676607 6132596 1274 84 -46 272.00 DKC24057 676279 6132586 1232 267 -46 279.30 DKC24058 676273 6132591 1238 357 -46 225.40 Svea DKS24046 668279 6143533 1387 0 -46 416.00 DKS24047 668043 6143645 1393 184 -46 220.00 DKS24048 668043 6143645 1393 359 -46 87.00 DKS24049 668976 6143850 1437 358 -45 422.00 DKS24050 668976 6143850 1437 349 -86 155.00 DKS24051 668898 6144410 1514 267 -47 246.00 DKS24052 668693 6144597 1493 271 -45 323.00 DKS24053 668958 6143801 1435 130 -45 271.50 DKS24054 668471 6143563 1433 359 -46 377.00 DKS24055 668439 6144491 1493 274 -46 254.00 [1]https://www.mining.com/copper-price-must-double-to-meet-future-mining-needs-study SOURCE: Amarc Resources Ltd. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/amarc-launches-10-million-2025-duke-copper-gold-district-drilling-provides-distri-1044481 First Co-Digestion System in Italy Will Combine Source-Separated Organics and Wastewater Sludge Anaergia Inc. ("Anaergia", the "Company", "us", or "our") (TSX:ANRG; OTCQX:ANRGF), through its subsidiary, Anaergia S.r.l., entered into a binding agreement with RDR S.p.A. ("RDR"), a leading Italian engineering and construction firm, that has been awarded a public tender by ASA Livorno, operator of the municipal wastewater treatment plant in the City of Livorno, Tuscany. Anaergia is to supply capital equipment for the Livorno facility, enabling the plant to co-digest food waste and other source-separated organics ("SSO") with wastewater sludge to produce renewable biomethane. This project is to be Italy's first facility to combine these streams for biogas production. Construction is already underway, with the system expected to be fully operational by December 2026. The total investment in this project is to be approximately C$25 million, and Anaergia expects to recognize revenues of C$3.2 million. "We are pleased to be partnering with Anaergia on this groundbreaking project for ASA Livorno," said Francesco Freddo, Head of Commercial Department of RDR. "Anaergia's proven experience in anaerobic digestion and its expertise in co-digesting organics with wastewater sludge make it the ideal technology partner for this innovative system." "While Anaergia's long-standing experience in Italy and in co-digestion globally is well established, we're especially excited to deliver Italy's very first co-digestion plant," stated Assaf Onn, CEO of Anaergia. "Leveraging our global expertise with our proven solutions, this project exemplifies how we turn complementary waste streams into valuable energy resources, helping Livorno, and the planet, move toward a sustainable future." About ASA Livorno ASA Livorno is a utility providing integrated water services in the Province of Livorno, in the Region of Tuscany. ASA Livorno is part of Azienda Servizi Ambientali S.p.A ("ASA"), an integrated water service provider and gas distributor, which considers water resources and methane gas to be fundamental assets for life and the development of the planet. In order for these resources to be available in adequate quantities for future generations, the company works to optimize the efficiency and the effectiveness of the processes it utilizes. For additional information on ASA, please see: https://www.asaspa.it/ About RDR RDR S.p.A., is a leader in the integrated water sector, specializing in the design, construction, management, maintenance and commissioning of aqueduct works and of water treatment plants. RDR's Plant Design and Construction Division benefits from considerable experience, acquired over the years of activity and it is able to provide a wide range of services to meet specific customer needs. For additional information on RDR please see: https://www.rdr.it/ About Anaergia Anaergia is a pioneering technology company in the renewable natural gas (RNG) sector, with over 250 patents dedicated to converting organic waste into sustainable solutions such as RNG, fertilizer, and water. We are committed to addressing a significant source of greenhouse gases (GHGs) through cost-effective processes. Our proprietary technologies, combined with our engineering expertise and vast experience in facility design, construction, and operation, position Anaergia as a leader in the RNG industry. With a proven track record of delivering hundreds of innovative projects over the past decade, we are well-equipped to tackle today's critical resource recovery challenges through diverse project delivery methods. As one of the few companies worldwide offering an integrated portfolio of end-to-end solutions, we effectively combine solid waste processing, wastewater treatment, organics recovery, high-efficiency anaerobic digestion, and biomethane production. Additionally, we operate RNG facilities owned by both third parties and Anaergia. This comprehensive approach not only reduces environmental impact but also significantly lowers costs associated with waste and wastewater treatment while mitigating GHG emissions. For additional information on Anaergia please see: www.anaergia.com Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities legislation, which reflects Anaergia's current expectations regarding future events, including but not limited to, counterparty contractual performance, and the capability of the Company's technology and performance with respect to the project objectives. Forward-looking information is based on a number of assumptions, including, but not limited to counterparty contractual performance, the timing of construction of the new facility, the expected volume of SSO, the expected production of biomethane, the total investment and expected revenues of the project, the capability of the Company's technology and performance with respect to the project objectives, and the sufficient sourcing of food waste and power generation. The Company is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company's control. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the factors discussed under "Risk Factors" in the Company's annual information form for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, and under "Risks and Uncertainties" in the Company's most recent management's discussion and analysis. Actual results could differ materially from those projected herein. Anaergia 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 under applicable securities laws. Additional information on these and other factors that could affect Anaergia's operations or financial results are included in Anaergia's reports on file with Canadian regulatory authorities. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250702698569/en/ Contacts: For media and/or investor relations please contact: IR@Anaergia.com CroiValve, a pioneering medical device company innovating a better way to help more patients suffering from Tricuspid Regurgitation (TR), was awarded funding from Horizon Europe's European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator Programme. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250702306192/en/ DUO Transcatheter Tricuspid System Part of the EU's Horizon Europe 2021-2027 Research and Innovation Programme, the EIC Accelerator Programme provides transformational funding to high-potential, high-risk start-ups, scale-ups and subject matter experts. This award includes grant funding of 2.5 million, combined with an equity investment of 10 million in CroiValve's next financing. The latest competition included 959 applications, with only 40 awards across 16 countries. Almost one third of the selected companies are led by a woman and CroiValve are incredibly proud to be one of this group. "Securing European Innovation Council (EIC) funding is instrumental in expanding clinical validation of the DUO System, a novel minimally invasive, transcatheter device to treat severe+ tricuspid regurgitation. There is a significant unmet clinical need to treat the heterogeneous patient population who are not suitable for first generation transcatheter tricuspid devices. It is CroiValve's mission to innovate a better way to help more patients suffering with this disease and we are honoured to have EIC support for this journey," said Lucy O'Keeffe, CEO of CroiValve. More than 4 million people in Europe and the US suffer from tricuspid regurgitation, a severe heart condition that occurs when the tricuspid valve in the right side of the heart fails to close properly. This results in blood being pumped backwards into the heart causing debilitating symptoms. It affects over 4 million people in Europe and the U.S. and is associated with significant morbidity and reduced life expectancy. The DUOTM System is a novel transcatheter heart valve that preserves the patient's native anatomy while treating tricuspid regurgitation. It works in tandem with the native tricuspid valve to restore valve function while leaving the patient's right heart and native valve apparatus untouched through an innovative anchoring mechanism. Designed to treat a broad patient population, the DUOTM System accommodates the heterogeneity of patient anatomies while avoiding contact with critical structures in the right heart which could lead to complications. The DUOTM System is also designed to enable a straightforward procedure and reduce the procedural complexity seen with other devices. The procedure is less reliant on expert intraprocedural imaging, enabling a short learning curve with predictable and stable outcomes. The DUO System is currently under clinical investigation through the TANDEM II Study, a multicenter, prospective early feasibility study including centers in Poland and the US. About CroiValve CroiValve is a clinical stage medical device company focused on the development of a novel transcatheter device for the treatment of tricuspid regurgitation with Research, Development and Operations based in Ireland and Clinical, Regulatory and Marketing based in the United States. Caution: The DUOTM System is an investigational device and not for sale in any geography. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250702306192/en/ Contacts: Stella Kim Stella@croivalve.com WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Ligand Pharmaceuticals Inc. (LGND) and Pelthos Therapeutics Inc. announced Wednesday the closing of the previously announced merger agreement with Channel Therapeutics Corp. (CHRO), resulting in the launch of Pelthos as an independent, publicly traded biopharmaceutical company. Under the deal, CHRO Merger Sub Inc., a unit of Channel, merged with and into LNHC, Inc., a unit of Ligand, with LNHC surviving as a Channel subsidiary. The combined company will operate under the name Pelthos Therapeutics Inc. and will commence trading on the NYSE American exchange under the new ticker symbol PTHS on July 2. Further, Pelthos plans to launch ZELSUVMI for the treatment of Molluscum contagiosum infections in July 2025. The companies in mid-April signed a definitive merger agreement to combine Ligand's subsidiaries, Pelthos and LNHC, with Channel's CHRO Merger. Concurrent with the deal closure, Pelthos raised $50.1 million of equity capital, including a private placement from a group of strategic investors led by Murchinson. The Investor Group invested $32 million and Ligand invested $18 million in the combined company, respectively. The capital is being invested into Pelthos Series A Convertible Preferred Stock and Common Stock. It includes cancellation of around $18.8 million in bridge capital that was advanced to Pelthos by several of the Investors, including Ligand, since the beginning of 2025 to support the commercial launch of ZELSUVMI. Ligand is entitled to a 13% royalty on worldwide net sales of ZELSUVMI. Pelthos plans to initially focus on the launch and commercialization of ZELSUVMI (berdazimer) topical gel, 10.3%, for the treatment of molluscum contagiosum infections in adults and pediatric patients one year of age and older. ZELSUVMI is an FDA-designated novel drug and the first and only prescription medication approved for the treatment of molluscum, a poxvirus and one of the most common skin infections, that can be administered at home by parents, patients, and caregivers. In addition, Pelthos is continuing to evaluate the path forward for its existing NaV 1.7 development programs for the treatment of various types of chronic pain, acute and chronic eye pain, and post-surgical nerve blocks. Todd Davis, CEO of Ligand, said, 'This moment is the result of the vision, hard work, and unwavering commitment of our internal team, who developed the commercial platform to help bring ZELSUVMI, a novel product addressing a significant unmet need, to market this summer. Ligand recognized the potential value of ZELSUVMI before it was approved, during a time when others did not, and we are proud to bring this impactful treatment to market through our special situations initiatives.' For More Such Health News, visit rttnews.com Copyright(c) 2025 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX 2025 AFX News Company looks to accelerate exploration at Pike Warden and Saturday Night Projects Summer fieldwork plans at Pike Warden to be initiated soon Drilling at Saturday Night to resume in 2025, targeting deeper high-grade PGM zones Additional value opportunities identified within non-core assets, royalties, and investments Sudbury, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - July 2, 2025) - Transition Metals Corp. (TSXV: XTM) ("Transition" or "the Company") is pleased to provide an update following the US$2.5 million (approximately CDN$3.4 million) non-dilutive capital injection through the sale of its interest in the Fostung Property (see news release of June 27, 2025). Company CEO Scott Mclean commented: "The proceeds from the Fostung sale have significantly enhanced our balance sheet without shareholder dilution. This influx of capital will allow us to aggressively advance exploration on our high-potential Pike Warden and Saturday Night Projects and allows us to look to continue the unlocking of meaningful value from our strong portfolio of royalties, investments, and non-core assets. This disciplined approach aligns with our strategy of delivering sustainable growth and shareholder value in an improving metals market." Key Projects and Value Drivers for 2025 Pike Warden The Pike Warden Project, located 65 km south of Whitehorse, Yukon, and within the traditional territory of the Carcross Tagish First Nation, is an emerging high-grade polymetallic epithermal and porphyry copper property. The project sits on the northern rim of the Bennett Lake complex-one of Canada's largest collapsed volcanic calderas-offering a highly prospective geodynamic setting for large-scale mineral systems. To date, more than 1,800 rock and soil samples have been collected, returning elevated concentrations of gold (Au), silver (Ag), copper (Cu), and molybdenum (Mo). Over 25 polymetallic showings have yielded exceptional assays, including values up to 48.1 g/t Au, 11,270 g/t Ag, 7.49% Cu, and 2.37% Mo. Advanced geophysical and lineament interpretation, incorporating high-density LiDAR, orthophoto analysis, geophysics including the recent over 600 line-km of ZTEM data, have defined four primary large-scale targets-three potential centres for porphyry Cu-Mo systems and one epithermal Au-Ag system (see news release dated August 22, 2024). Upcoming work at Pike Warden will be announced within the coming weeks once permits and contractors are secured. Work will be centred around refining and delineating the Copper North and Copper Junction porphyry targets, as well as the ERT Au-Ag target. Saturday Night The Saturday Night Project, located 30 kilometres northwest of Thunder Bay, Ontario, is an emerging critical metals property. The Project features a large PGM-enriched polymetallic intrusion related to the Midcontinental Rift. Discovered by the Company in 2016, the Company has completed three drill holes to date, each intersecting encouraging mineralization. The initial hole (SN-16-01) intersected 6.25 m grading 1.07 g/t PGEs (Au + Pt + Pd), including 0.30 m at 4.0 g/t PGM, 0.56% Cu, and 0.19% Ni (see news release dated January 23, 2017). Additional geophsyis and modeling since the initial discovery has expanded the footprint of the host intrusion, which was further tested with two additional holes drilled in January 2025, returning encouraging mineralization within hole SN-25-02, including 14.00 m at 1.04 g/t PGEs and 0.19% Cu (see news release dated March 26, 2025). Hole SN-25-03, which Intersected a thick package a rift intrusion inclusive of reef-style mineralization, However, to stay within budget, the hole was terminated at a depth of 830-metres, before being able to reach the ultramafic series and basal contact, where mineralization was anticipated. These results compare favourably with early-stage drilling which was conducted at Sunday Lake (see news release dated May 5, 2020), affirming the Saturday Night the project's strong upside potential. Planned work at Saturday Night will be announced once contractors are secured, with current plans focused on deepening hole SN-25-03 and conducting additional drilling to test the basal contact of the intrusion, where thicker accumulations of high-grade basal sulphides are anticipated. Unlocking Value from Strategic Assets In addition to its core assets, Transition Metals holds a diversified portfolio of royalties, investments, and exploration-stage properties across Canada. The recent monetization of the Fostung interest highlights the potential for realizing substantial value from non-core holdings. The Company is actively evaluating options for several high-quality assets, including: Desert Lake , a district-scale uranium property (Northwest Territories), Wollaston Copper , large sediment-hosted Cu-Au system (Saskatchewan), Gowganda Gold , an Abitibi lode gold and high-grade silver (Ontario), Maude Lake , a high-tenor Ni-Cu system (Ontario), Jolly Gold, a district-scale gold and polymetallic property (Ontario). Transition invites parties interested in discussing, acquiring, or partnering on these or other high-quality projects within its portfolio to contact the Company. Qualified Person The scientific and technical content of this release has been reviewed and approved by Mr. Benjamin Williams, P.Geo. (PGO), Senior Geologist at Transition Metals Corp. and a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101. About Transition Metals Corp. Transition Metals Corp. (TSXV: XTM) is a Canadian-based, multi-commodity explorer. Its award-winning team of geoscientists has extensive exploration experience which actively develops and tests new ideas for discovering mineralization in places that others have not looked, often allowing the Company to acquire properties inexpensively. Joint venture partners earn an interest in the projects by funding a portion of higher-risk drilling and exploration, allowing Transition to conserve capital and minimize shareholder's equity dilution. Cautionary Note on Forward-Looking Information Except for statements of historical fact contained herein, the information in this news release constitutes "forward-looking information" within the meaning of Canadian securities law. Such forward-looking information may be identified by words such as "plans", "proposes", "estimates", "intends", "expects", "believes", "may", "will" and include without limitation, statements regarding estimated capital and operating costs, expected production timeline, benefits of updated development plans, foreign exchange assumptions and regulatory approvals. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate; actual results and future events could differ materially from such statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include, among others, metal prices, competition, risks inherent in the mining industry, and regulatory risks. Most of these factors are outside the control of the Company. Investors are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking information. Except as otherwise required by applicable securities statutes or regulation, the Company expressly disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. 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. Further information is available at www.transitionmetalscorp.com or by contacting: To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/257529 SOURCE: Transition Metals Corp. Montreal, Quebec--(Newsfile Corp. - July 2, 2025) - Bullion Gold Resources (TSXV: BGD) ("Bullion Gold" or "The Company") is pleased to provide an update to its shareholders and the public regarding the latest developments on its gold and polymetallic exploration projects: Bousquet, Bodo, and Langlade. Highlights: Olympio intersects visible gold in the first drill hole at Bousquet Bodo reveals new zones rich in semi-massive to massive sulphides Langlade presents new geological targets prospective for copper, zinc, gold, and silver Bousquet Project Bullion Gold's partner Olympio Metals has kicked off its maiden drill program at the high-grade Paquin prospect on the Bousquet property - and results are already promising. In its very first hole (BO-25-27), the team intersected visible gold within a smoky quartz vein, part of a broader ~9-metre mineralized zone containing quartz and sulfides (from 183 m to 192 m depth). BO-25-27 drill core photo available Additional observations from the core indicate several more mineralized intervals featuring smoky quartz, sulfides, and notable alteration down to a depth of 286 metres, indicating a robust mineralizing system at depth. The current drill program is part of a planned 10,000-metre campaign, divided into three successive phases. Drilling efforts are currently focused on the western extension of the Paquin prospect. Three more holes are planned to further test this area's mineralization potential. Analytical results are expected by the end of July. Earn-in Agreement with Olympio Metals Under the terms of the option agreement, Olympio Metals can earn up to an 80% interest in the Bousquet Project by: Investing C$2 million in exploration expenditures Paying C$1.25 million in a mix of cash and shares Managing all exploration activities Bullion Gold will retain a 20% undivided carried interest upon completion of the earn-in. "We're very encouraged by our Australian partner's rapid and effective execution on the ground," said Guy Morissette, President and CEO of Bullion Gold. "This initial hole at Paquin provides tangible evidence of the project's potential. The upcoming assays will further define the extent of mineralization and guide our next steps." Bodo Project Since early June, Bullion Gold has been actively advancing a large-scale exploration program on its Bodo project, located in the James Bay region, approximately 225 km north of Chibougamau, Quebec. The property spans 410 km (41,000 hectares) within a geologically favorable area known for its potential in strategic minerals such as copper, zinc, nickel, cobalt, lithium, rare earth elements, as well as gold and silver. Prospection Map Picture Rock Sample Picture 1 Rock Sample Picture 2 Initial work, including historical data review and field observations, has led to the identification of multiple mineralized zones containing semi-massive to massive sulfides, with a strong presence of chalcopyrite, a key copper-bearing mineral. These findings point to significant potential for hydrothermal polymetallic and VMS-type deposits. A first batch of rock samples will be sent to the laboratory shortly, with analytical results expected in the coming months. Meanwhile, fieldwork will continue through late July, focusing on detailed prospecting, mapping, and the delineation of new target areas. Depending on the results obtained, the Company plans to launch a second phase of work later this year, which may include stripping and drilling operations in priority zones. "So far, the Bodo project is living up to our expectations. Several interesting zones have been identified in the field, and this initial phase will help us better define our drilling targets," said Guy Morissette, President and CEO of Bullion Gold. Langlade Project (Cadillac Extension) An initial field team (a geologist and a technician) recently completed a site visit to plan upcoming work. They identified geological environments similar to the known Langlade mineralized zone, which hosts copper, zinc, gold, and silver. The zone is ~600 m long, 900 m deep, and remains open in all directions. Stripping Picture Langlade Showing Eastern area findings: high concentrations of massive sulfides within a broad shear zone; a similar structural trend identified ~200 m north of the main index. A second team will be mobilized in the coming days to continue prospecting and sample collection. A targeted basal till sampling program is also planned in favourable and accessible areas, aiming to detect potential mineralization under the overburden. Management is also evaluating the possibility of conducting a gravity survey around the main showing and the eastern part of the project. Private Placement Bullion Gold also announces the closing of a non-brokered private placement issuing 7,590,000 flow-through units at $0.05 per unit, raising C$379,500 gross. Each unit comprises one flow-through share and one warrant exercisable at $0.08 per common share for 18 months post-closing. Insider participation: six insiders subscribed for 2,200,000 units; considered a related-party transaction under TSX-V Policy 5.3. The issue is exempt from formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements. Broker fee: 6% cash commission (C$6,000 total) and 120,000 broker warrants, each exercisable at C$0.05 for 18 months. Hold period: all securities are subject to a four-month and one-day hold expiring October 27, 2025. The placement remains subject to final TSX Venture Exchange approval. Qualified Person Scientific and technical information in this release has been reviewed and approved by M. Gilles Laverdiere, P.Geo., Director of the Company and a Qualified Person under NI 43-101 standards. About Bullion Gold Resources Bullion Gold Resources Corp. is a Quebec-based mineral exploration company focused on discovering gold and polymetallic deposits. Through strategic partnerships and active exploration, the Company seeks to build sustainable value for shareholders. Other Information The TSX Venture Exchange and its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts no responsibility for the veracity or accuracy of its content. Forward-Looking Statements: This press release contains forward-looking statements. 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. The forward-looking statements are based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by the Corporation. Although Bullion 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 Bullion Gold 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 several factors and risks. In addition to other risks that may affect the forward-looking statements in this press release are those set out in the Corporation's management discussion and analysis of the financial condition and results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2024 and the first quarter ended March 31, 2025, which are available on the Corporation's profile at www.sedar.com. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date hereof and Bullion Gold undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable securities laws. NOT FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES OR FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER OF THE SECURITIES DESCRIBED HEREIN. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/257493 SOURCE: Bullion Gold Resources Corporation Asahi Kasei Pharma has started trial drug administration in a Phase III study of ART-123 in Japan (generic name: thrombomodulin alfa; marketed as Recomodulin Injection in Japan) for the prevention of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) related symptoms. This announcement follows encouraging data from earlier Phase I and II studies performed in Japan on the efficacy of ART-123 in relieving patient symptoms without compromising existing treatment plans. Chemotherapies such as platinum-based drugs, taxanes, and vinca alkaloids are known to induce peripheral neuropathy. This condition, known as CIPN, is characterized by tingling and pain in the hands and feet, which, when severe, can impair day-to-day activities. In some cases, reduced dosage or suspension of chemotherapy may be necessary to alleviate symptoms, leading to a clinical effect on the patient's prognosis. There are currently no drugs showing clear, established effectiveness for the prevention or treatment of CIPN, leaving patients with limited, often undesirable options. ART-123 is a recombinant human thrombomodulin (rTM) approved in Japan in 2008. Previous Phase I and II studies suggest efficacy and patient tolerability of ART-123 for CIPN by suppressing the activation of protein C and thrombin-activable fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFI). After consultation with Japan's Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PDMA) regarding potential clinical development, Asahi Kasei Pharma initiated the Phase III study. The study will assess the efficacy and safety of ART-123 for CIPN in patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer and undergoing chemotherapy including the platinum drug oxaliplatin. "Patients undergoing chemotherapy still have no options for preventive or therapeutic drugs with clearly demonstrated efficacy for CIPN, leaving a significant unmet medical need worldwide," said Yoshikazu Aoki, President, Asahi Kasei Pharma Corporation. "Limited treatment options for CIPN have made an already difficult situation even harder, leaving many patients and healthcare providers feeling discouraged as they seek ways to manage this challenging condition. We believe ART-123 could offer a new path forward in addressing this challenge and bringing solutions for patients on a global scale." This is in line with Asahi Kasei's Medium-Term Management Plan, which targets high growth in the Healthcare sector with pharmaceuticals identified as a 'First Priority' area in its strategic positioning. About Asahi Kasei Pharma Asahi Kasei Pharma is a specialty pharmaceutical firm with a global presence focusing on the development of new world-class drugs in the areas of pain management, musculoskeletal disorders, and critical care medicine. Through its mission "to sincerely care for each individual life and solve their unmet medical needs with a wealth of ideas and solid science," Asahi Kasei Pharma delivers innovative pharmaceutical solutions that improve health and enhance quality of life. For more information, visit: https://www.asahi-kasei.co.jp/pharma/en/ About Asahi Kasei The Asahi Kasei Group contributes to life and living for people around the world. Since its foundation in 1922 with ammonia and cellulose fiber business, Asahi Kasei has consistently grown through the proactive transformation of its business portfolio to meet the evolving needs of every age. With more than 50,000 employees worldwide, the company contributes to sustainable society by providing solutions to the world's challenges through its three business sectors of Healthcare, Homes, and Material. For more information, visit www.asahi-kasei.com. Asahi Kasei is also dedicated to sustainability initiatives and is contributing to reaching a carbon neutral society by 2050. To learn more, visit https://www.asahi-kasei.com/sustainability/. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250702155005/en/ Contacts: North America Contact: Asahi Kasei America Inc. Christian OKeefe christian.okeefe@ak-america.com Europe Contact: Asahi Kasei Europe GmbH Sebastian Schmidt sebastian.schmidt@asahi-kasei.eu VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / July 2, 2025 / Kingfisher Metals Corp. (TSXV:KFR)(FSE:970)(OTCQB:KGFMF) ("Kingfisher" or the "Company") is pleased report that drilling is underway at the previously announced 7,500 meter drill program at the HWY 37 Project. The 849 km2 HWY 37 Project is located within the Golden Triangle, British Columbia. Update on 2025 Exploration Program Drilling is now underway at the HWY 37 Project. Initial drilling will focus on the Williams porphyry copper-gold system testing for extensions of mineralization outside the limits of historical drilling. Two diamond drills are currently on site with one targeting an area west and upslope of the known limits of mineralization. The second drill is focusing on new discoveries in an area with no historical drilling, targeting an area across the valley with a similar Induced Polarization (IP) geophysical signature when compared to the Williams porphyry copper-gold system. Over the last two weeks, camp construction has been completed, wildlife and archaeological surveys have been conducted to pre-clear drill pad locations, and 4 drill pads have been built with construction of additional pads ongoing. Dustin Perry, CEO, states "I just returned from a week on site with drilling beginning as I was leaving. The exploration season is now underway with two diamond drills working around the clock to explore this highly prospective portion of the HWY 37 Project. I will be returning to site later this week and throughout the field program and the Company will continue to update the market on our progress." Qualified Person Dustin Perry P.Geo., Kingfisher's CEO, is the Company's Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, and has prepared the technical information presented in this release. About Kingfisher Metals Corp. Kingfisher Metals Corp. (https://kingfishermetals.com/) is a Canadian based exploration company focused on copper-gold exploration in the Golden Triangle, British Columbia. Through outright purchases and option earn in agreements (Orogen Royalties and Golden Ridge Resources) the Company has quickly consolidated one of the largest land positions in the region at the contiguous 849 km2 HWY 37 Project. Kingfisher also owns (100%) two district-scale orogenic gold projects in British Columbia that total 641 km2. The Company currently has 88,661,810 shares outstanding. For further information, please contact: Dustin Perry, P.Geo. CEO and Director Phone: +1 778 606 2507 E-Mail: info@kingfishermetals.com Neither the TSX-V nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX-V) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements Mineralization hosted on adjacent and/or nearby properties is not necessarily indicative of mineralization hosted on the Company's property. This news release contains statements that constitute "forward-looking statements." Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the Company's actual results, performance or achievements, or developments to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates," "projects," "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will," "would," "may," "could" or "should" occur. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, among others, statements relating to expectations regarding the projects, and other statements that are not historical facts. 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 and risks include, among others: 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 acceptable; compliance with extensive government regulation; domestic and foreign laws and regulations could adversely affect the Company's business and results of operations; 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 forward-looking information contained in this news release represents the expectations of the Company as of the date of this news release and, accordingly, is subject to change after such date. Readers should not place undue importance on forward-looking information and should not rely upon this information as of any other date. 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. SOURCE: Kingfisher Metals Corp. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/kingfisher-announces-drilling-is-underway-at-hwy-37-project-golden-triangle-1044981 CAMBRIDGE, Mass., July 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SurgiBox, Inc., a pioneering medical technology company dedicated to bringing safe surgery to every patient, today announced a strategic partnership with Ondatec Medical, a leading medical device distributor in Turkiye. This collaboration represents an important milestone in SurgiBox's mission to expand access to its innovative surgical containment and protection technologies throughout the European and Middle Eastern markets. Ondatec is a well-established Turkish company operating in the field of medical devices, hospital equipment, and healthcare technologies. The company proudly contributes to the development of the healthcare sector by providing innovative, reliable, and high-quality products to both public and private hospitals throughout Turkiye. With strong expertise in marketing and sales, Ondatec is positioned as a reliable partner in the industry. The partnership will enable SurgiBox to leverage Ondatec's established distribution network and deep market knowledge to introduce its portable surgical environment technology to Turkish hospitals, clinics, and healthcare facilities across both public and private sectors. "We are very excited to partner with such a well-regarded distributor with extensive knowledge of the Turkish healthcare landscape and dedication to advancing medical care across," said Kelly Laurel, COO of SurgiBox. "This strategic alliance with Ondatec Medical strengthens our commitment to making safe surgery accessible in regions where maintaining optimal surgical conditions can be challenging. Together, we will accelerate our growth throughout Turkiye and the broader region while ensuring Turkish healthcare providers have seamless access to our innovative surgical solutions." Ondatec will be responsible for marketing, distributing, and providing local support for SurgiBox's products in ensuring healthcare providers have access to the necessary training and resources to effectively utilize the technology. "We believe that portable and sterile surgical solutions like SurgiBox will transform healthcare access, especially in disaster zones and hard-to-reach areas," said Mr. Oguz Akkaya, Managing Partner of Ondatec Medical. "We are very proud to bring this innovative technology to Turkiye and add value to the healthcare sector." This strategic partnership is part of SurgiBox's global expansion strategy, which aims to make safe surgery accessible to patients worldwide, particularly in regions where maintaining safe surgical conditions can be challenging due to geographical constraints, natural disasters, or infrastructure limitations. About SurgiBox, Inc. SurgiBox, Inc. is a medical technology company committed to bringing safe surgery to patients, anytime, any place. SurgiBox is a pioneer in portable surgical care, enabling safe and effective procedures in austere environments, disaster and conflict zones, and medical facilities overwhelmed by surgical backlogs. Through innovation and strategic partnerships, SurgiBox aims to revolutionize the delivery of surgical care. About Ondatec Medical Ondatec is a Turkish company operating in the field of medical devices, hospital equipment, and healthcare technologies. The company contributes to the development of the healthcare sector by providing innovative, reliable, and high-quality products to both public and private hospitals throughout Turkiye. With strong expertise in marketing and sales, Ondatec serves as a reliable partner in advancing healthcare technology access across the Turkish market. Media Contact: Karen Bernstein, Global Partnerships Director press@surgibox.com Legislative Threats to Medicaid Funding Drive 300+ Vulnerable Hospitals to Reevaluate Financial Resilience, Operations, and Community Impact WASHINGTON, DC / ACCESS Newswire / July 2, 2025 / Responding to escalating fiscal pressures resulting from anticipated Medicaid reimbursement cuts, Black Book Research today released a flash poll reaffirming its 2025 rankings of healthcare advisory firms most capable of guiding hospitals reliant on Medicaid through strategic planning and critical operational adjustments. Given the heightened vulnerability of providers which derive considerable revenue from Medicaid, identifying the five most impactful advisory firm engagements has become crucial. "Without proactive strategic support, these hospitals face a substantial risk of severe financial distress or closure, significantly impacting community health services and the patients who rely on them," said Doug Brown, Founder of Black Book. Approximately 300 U.S. hospitals, primarily safety-net, rural, children's, and specialty facilities, are estimated to derive 30% or more of their revenue from Medicaid in 2025. These providers are particularly vulnerable to Medicaid reimbursement cuts. All US hospitals already rely significantly on Medicaid funds, averaging about 14.6% of revenue nationwide. Given the scale of potential impact, these institutions urgently require focused strategic support to manage anticipated financial disruptions and continue serving vulnerable populations effectively. A recent targeted Black Book flash survey of 40 hospital administrators identified five essential strategic priorities for health systems deriving 15% or more of their revenue from Medicaid, pairing each priority with top-rated advisory firms based on client satisfaction, proven outcomes, and effectiveness in Medicaid-driven engagements. The advisory firm rankings are based on extensive surveys involving more than 4,000 healthcare executives, CFOs, and strategic planners from Q4 2024 to Q2 2025 and have been available to view and download the complete report at the Black Book website for no charge to industry stakeholders since March 2025. 5 Essential Strategies for Medicaid-Dependent Health Systems and Their Top-Rated 2025 Advisory Firms: 1. Financial Vulnerability Assessment & Resiliency Planning Top-Rated Consultant: Kaufman Hall Hospitals must prepare rigorously for Medicaid funding reductions through detailed financial scenario modeling, proactive cost containment strategies, and reevaluation of service-line profitability. Kaufman Hall emerged as the highest-rated firm, recognized for its expertise in providing swift, actionable insights, precise risk forecasting, and tailored financial recovery strategies that align effectively with the unique fiscal demands of safety-net institutions. 2. Operational Efficiency & Cost Structure Transformation Top-Rated Consultant: Huron Consulting Group Hospitals facing significant reimbursement reductions must optimize their operational efficiencies and cost structures. Huron Consulting Group was recognized for its success in reshaping operations, identifying significant cost-saving opportunities, streamlining clinical workflows, and implementing sustainable productivity improvements to effectively absorb Medicaid revenue reductions. 3. Medicaid Policy, Advocacy & Stakeholder Engagement Top-Rated Consultant: Leavitt Partners Proactive engagement with Medicaid agencies, managed care organizations, and legislative stakeholders is vital to sustaining stable reimbursement streams. Leavitt Partners earned top honors due to their extensive network of policy experts, robust relationships within state governments, and proven capability in forming provider coalitions. Clients highly praised Leavitt Partners' strategic guidance in interpreting regulatory developments and effectively influencing policy outcomes favorable to hospitals. 4. Payer Mix Diversification & Revenue Optimization Top-Rated Consultant: Deloitte Reducing Medicaid dependence requires strategic diversification into services and market segments with higher commercial reimbursement potential. Deloitte was recognized for excellence by hospitals aiming to expand outpatient capacity, introduce commercially successful specialty services, and modernize payer engagement strategies. Deloitte's data-driven methodologies and strong implementation capabilities received particular commendation from clients. 5. Community-Based Coverage Expansion & Medicaid Redetermination Preparedness Top-Rated Consultant: Chartis Group With millions of patients facing Medicaid eligibility redetermination and potential disenrollment, hospitals must secure continuous coverage within their communities. Chartis Group received the highest client recognition for successfully assisting hospitals in developing scalable coverage retention programs, forging partnerships with Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and Community-Based Organizations (CBOs), and deploying digital outreach solutions. Chartis was particularly noted for its integration of community-centric strategies with sophisticated analytics to minimize coverage disruptions. __________ These strategic frameworks and advisory rankings are featured in the 2025 Black Book of Healthcare IT Consultants and Advisory Firms, providing in-depth data and insights on 260 HIT management consulting organizations. This resource is available free to hospitals, health systems, and healthcare providers impacted by Medicaid policy shifts. Download the full report at https://blackbookmarketresearch.com/2025-black-book-of-healthcare-it-consultants-and-advisory-firms Black Book maintains a rigorous, independent methodology, strictly prohibiting vendor sponsorships or advertisements to ensure unbiased, credible client experiences. "Hospitals reliant on Medicaid are entering an era marked by unprecedented financial challenges, including impending reimbursement cuts, complex patient churn due to redetermination processes, and inflexible managed care rates," said Brown. "The advisory firms highlighted in this report are not merely supportive resources; they represent essential partnerships. Their proven strategies, measurable outcomes, and deep Medicaid policy expertise are indispensable for hospitals aiming to navigate this turbulent landscape successfully." About Black Book Research Black Book is a leading independent source for peer-validated performance rankings of consulting, advisory, and IT vendor organizations since 2004. Utilizing robust internal, partner-based panels, and extensive crowdsourced polling, Black Book has engaged, in particular, more than 3.3 million healthcare professionals since 2011, maintaining steadfast dedication to transparency, accuracy, and independence without vendor or advisory firm influence. Black Book maintains a rigorous, independent methodology, strictly prohibiting vendor sponsorships or association partnerships to ensure unbiased, credible client experiences. For more information, contact research@blackbookmarketresearch.com or visit www.blackbookmarketresearch.com. SOURCE: Black Book Research View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/healthcare-and-pharmaceutical/health-systems-race-to-secure-expert-guidance-as-medicaid-budget-cuts-1045206 Kolter Homes PANAMA CITY BEACH, FLORIDA / ACCESS Newswire / July 2, 2025 / The Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce recently hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the grand opening of Salt Grass at Ward Creek, a new home community by Florida home builder Kolter Homes. The event welcomed Chamber members and area professionals to celebrate the ceremonial launch of this thoughtfully designed neighborhood, located in one of the most sought-after areas with homes for sale in Panama City Beach. Salt Grass at Ward Creek Ribbon Cutting Event Salt Grass at Ward Creek is a newly developed residential community in Panama City Beach, offering an ideal mix of coastal homes in Florida, modern features, and proximity to the area's white-sand beaches, 30A, and a wide variety of shopping and dining destinations. With its prime location and flexible home options, the community is well-positioned to meet the growing demand for new homes in Panama City Beach. The ribbon-cutting event introduced Salt Grass at Ward Creek to local business leaders, highlighting plans for an active lifestyle community with a future resort-style pool, lighted pickleball courts, and sidewalk-lined streets for walkability and outdoor enjoyment. Developed by Kolter Homes, Salt Grass at Ward Creek features four unique new construction home floorplans designed with flexibility in mind. Each plan offers a wide range of personalization options and over 25 Kolter Structural Options (KSO) per plan, allowing buyers to tailor their homes to their unique needs. For those looking to move sooner, a selection of move-in ready homes is also available. "We're excited to celebrate Salt Grass at Ward Creek and appreciate the warm welcome from the Panama City Beach Chamber," said Thomas Hudson, Community Director for Kolter Homes. "This community captures the essence of Florida living with quality homes, thoughtful amenities, and a prime coastal location." Salt Grass at Ward Creek offers homebuyers a blend of modern living and relaxed coastal charm, just minutes from top-rated beaches and recreation. As a leading home builder in Florida, Kolter Homes continues to deliver high-quality communities designed to meet the lifestyle and location needs of today's buyers. The Kolter Group LLC (together with its affiliates, "Kolter"), based in Delray Beach, Florida, is a private investment firm focused on real estate development and investment. Led by CEO Robert "Bobby" Julien, Kolter operates four residential development business units and has sponsored over $29 billion of realized and in-process residential real estate projects throughout the southeastern United States (including Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Tennessee). Kolter has completed 99 residential projects, delivering over 27,800 units Kolter has current investments in 91 residential projects expected to deliver a total of over 65,500 units Kolter Homes LLC (together with its affiliates, "Kolter Homes"), is focused on the development, construction, and sale of 500-1,500 for-sale single-family units, often as Cresswind-branded, age-restricted, amenity-rich master-planned communities, with additional focus on smaller, traditional and age-targeted add-on communities of 100-500 homes. Kolter Homes has sponsored over $16 billion of realized and in-process real estate projects throughout the southeastern United States. Contact Information John Manrique SVP Marketing jmanrique@kolter.com 561-515-4450 SOURCE: Kolter Homes View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/real-estate/ribbon-cutting-ceremony-celebrates-new-home-community-in-panama-city-beach-1044359 From rare purple diamond discoveries to record-breaking sales, Paris Couture Week kicks off with a bang as new first-of-its-kind report presents the world's most coveted and rarest fancy colour diamonds. LONDON, July 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As the world's most prestigious and visionary maisons prepare to illuminate Paris Couture Week with their dazzling creations featuring the rarest, most exquisite, fancy colour diamonds, the world's spotlight is on the astonishing discovery of an extremely rare purple diamond at Canada's Diavik mine. The find is so exceptional that it's already being hailed as one of the most significant in recent memory, electrifying the industry and fuelling a surge of interest. The excitement doesn't end there. June 2025 saw a string of record-breaking sales for fancy colour diamonds, including the nearly $14 million auction of the legendary Marie-Therese Pink diamond at Christie's New York and a standout $1.5-2 million fancy pink diamond ring at Sotheby's. Adding to the buzz, Lauren Sanchez has been hitting headlines with her dazzling pink diamond jewellery estimated to be worth millions of dollars at her recent Venice nuptials to Jeff Bezos. Against this backdrop, a new report is set to redefine our understanding of these incredible gems. Released today (2 July 2025) by the Natural Diamond Council (NDC), in partnership with Choron Group and the Fancy Color Research Foundation, the Fancy Colour Diamond Report offers a front-row seat to the allure of these sparkling tributes to the wonders of nature. With contributions from the world's leading fancy colour diamond experts, collectors, auctioneers and retailers, the report reveals the secrets of their formation, their rich and storied legacy, and their meteoric rise as a symbol of wealth and artistry. For centuries, through their extreme rarity, value, and dazzling beauty, fancy colour diamonds have been an integral part of the highest quality craftsmanship and contributed to exquisite high jewellery. Sparkling facts from the report The report delves into the secrets behind each exquisite colour, examines their rarity based on extensive research, analyses their value factors, showcases the auction appeal, features top curated exhibitions, and brings us back to some of the most notorious fancy colour diamonds. The most prized hues are red, pinks, blues and greens Only a handful of red diamonds larger than two carats are known to exist Fancy colour diamond prices have grown at a compound annual rate of 5.7% over the past 20 years, according to the Fancy Color Research Foundation (FCRF) The chameleon effect is a phenomenon where the colour of diamonds changes temporarily when kept in darkness or gently heated "These are exciting times where bold creativity and colourful, rare beauty takes centre stage," says David Kellie, CEO of the Natural Diamond Council. "This is why we decided to continue our Diamond Report series with a beautiful edition focused on these rare gems. Through our vast network of partners and industry experts, we wanted to provide a go to guide on fancy colour diamonds for press, retailers, and passionate consumers alike. Fancy colour diamonds are the ultimate expression of passion, desire, personal style and enduring value - no two are ever the same. We're not talking about just jewels, we're talking about a vibrant legacy of Earth's ultimate power and beauty." The unstoppable value of fancy colour diamonds Chromatic gems continue to command record-breaking prices and inspire awe. The past two decades have seen fancy colour diamonds outshine the entire market, with prices skyrocketing by a staggering 205% since 2005. Pink diamonds have soared by?393.5%, blue by 242.4% and yellow by 49.3%1 - a sign of their rarity and insatiable global demand. "While global trade anxieties have created caution across luxury sectors, the fancy colour diamond market remained impressively composed. The data shows a contained, strategic repositioning. It speaks to the market's growing maturity and the defensive appeal of vivid colour diamonds," said Roy Safit, CEO of the Fancy Color Research Foundation (FCRF). Cutting for colour When cutters decide on how to cut a rough diamond into a polished gem, they seek to maximise appeal and value. For fancy colour diamonds, that means making the colour as bold and beautiful as possible. "Fancy colour diamonds are an ultra-rare and highly esteemed segment of the market that demands a profound understanding of craftsmanship and gemmology. With decades of technical expertise, Choron works closely with collectors, investors, and luxury brands for the full spectrum of fancy colour diamonds. Backed by a global network and a strong presence in key markets, we continue to set benchmarks in the trade of fancy colour diamonds, transforming nature's rarest creations into timeless works of art", highlights Anshul Gandhi, CEO of Choron Group, one of the world's leading fancy colour diamond manufacturing and trading companies. Putting fancy colour diamonds on the map Over the past 150 years, discoveries have revealed additional sources of fancy colour diamonds. But, even today, only a handful of diamond mines produce these exceptional gems, and they still make up just a tiny fraction of total diamond output. The report's topology reveals the global hotspots where fancy colour diamonds have been discovered, including Canada, Botswana, South Africa, Sierra Leone and Australia. Auction appeal Colour diamonds may represent just a tiny share of global diamond production, but they command massive attention - especially on red carpets, at exhibitions, and in major auctions. Fancy Deep, Fancy Intense, and Fancy Vivid have become the stars of the auction world, prized as both striking jewels and valuable investments. That excitement continues to build. 2024 saw a string of standout colour diamond sales, and 2025 is already shaping up to be another big year. Highlights include: The Mediterranean Blue, a 10.03-carat, VS2 clarity Fancy Vivid blue cushion modified brilliant diamond, was sold for $ 21.4 million at Sotheby's Geneva in May 2022. This translates to a staggering sum of $ 2.1million/carat. Sotheby's High Jewelry sale in New York in June 2025 represented the whole rainbow of colours that natural diamonds can form in. In addition, to the 5.02-carat?fancy pink diamond ring?(est. $1.5-2 million) there was the 2.02-carat?Fancy Vivid blue diamond?(est. $1.4-1.8 million), an incredibly rare?Fancy green-blue diamond ring?weighing 2.61 carats (est. $250,000-350,000),?and a 26.19 carat Fancy Vivid yellow diamond and diamond ring (est. $750,000-1 million). The 10.38-carat Marie-Therese Pink diamond, linked to France's Queen Marie Antoinette and newly mounted by JAR, just doubled its pre-auction estimate at Christie's New York also in June 2025?for nearly $14 million. Of course, the legendary CTF Pink Star, a 59.60-carat, Fancy Vivid pink, internally flawless diamond, fetched the all-time record-breaking sale at $71.2 million at Sotheby's Hong Kong auction in 2017 acquired by the leading Chinese jewellery house, Chow Tai Fook. "There are very few important pink diamonds over 20 carats. It is less likely that we will see more important sizable pinks," shares Tom Moses, Executive Vice President of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). As Paris Couture Week commences, expect to see abundant rich colours on the runways and red carpets as the top maisons showcase their new, exquisite, gem-encrusted fine jewellery collections. Download the full report here. Notes to editors About the Natural Diamond Council The Natural Diamond Council (NDC) is a not-for-profit organisation committed to inspiring and educating consumers on the real, rare and responsible values of natural diamonds and the positive global impact of the industry. Our?Only Natural Diamonds?platform is the authoritative publisher on all things natural diamonds including myth-busting facts, celebrities and pop culture, epic diamonds and jewellery trends, engagements and weddings, and diamond buying guides. In addition, we provide marketing, promotional, and educational services to brands, designers and retailers, encouraging them to amplify the values and integrity of natural diamonds. NDC is?a global organisation whose members' operations?span four continents and 10 countries including Canada, South Africa and Botswana. Their operations support the livelihood of 10 million people worldwide.? NDC operates out of offices in New York, Shanghai, Mumbai and Antwerp, with satellite teams in the UK and France. For interviews, commentary or to request further information, please contact: Arabella Holland Goad Communications? arabella@goadcommunications.com Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2723656/Polished_rough_fancy_coloured_diamonds.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2723657/Fancy_coloured_diamonds_Credit_FCRF.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2703289/5398331/Natural_Diamond_Council_logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/natural-diamond-council-releases-first-ever-fancy-colour-diamond-report-to-celebrate-natures-rarest-and-most-colourful-treasures-302496821.html LONDON, July 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The London Blockchain Conference successfully hosted its third government summit at the House of Lords on Tuesday 1st July. This exclusive gathering brought together pioneers, innovators and public sector leaders to discuss and explore how blockchain technology can transform the UK public sector with trust, transparency, and innovation. The highlight of the event was the roundtable discussion: Reforming Government with Transparency, Trust, and Technology, which featured a diverse panel of experts and was moderated by Alun Cairns, Business Consultant and Former Member of Parliament & Secretary of State of Wales. Richard Baker, Founder & CEO, Tokenovate Jennifer Ewing, Institutional Business Development, Blockchain.com Nikhil Vadgama, Co-founder & Director, Exponential Science Tim Daley, Strategy and Transformation Director, Perago The discussions delved into the role of blockchain in increasing transparency and innovation across government operations. The panel also highlighted the U.S. Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) as a notable example of efforts to reduce government bloat and inefficiency. It's role in increasing government transparency was widely recognised, a benefit blockchain could also provide. The panel agreed that clear legislation is essential for mass adoption and for innovators to feel secure. While regulation is lagging innovation, current efforts such as UK's Property Bill and Digital Securities Sandbox, as well as international acts like the GENIUS and STABLE Acts in the U.S. and MiCA in the EU, show positive movement. Education was identified as a key factor to improve understanding, adoption and innovation. Real-world examples were highlighted, including Dubai's push to create a paperless government with tokenised land registries and Estonia's progress in blockchain infrastructure. The UK is also exploring blockchain use in departments such as Work and Pensions. In terms of improving government efficiency, the panel discussed that blockchain can provide the most benefit in procurement, supply chain, and increasing transparency around public spending, ultimately reducing waste. The London Blockchain Conference continues to play a pivotal role in fostering dialogue between government and technology leaders ensuring that innovation remains at the forefront of public sector reform. About the London Blockchain Conference UNITING ENTERPRISE, AI & WEB3 At the London Blockchain Conference, we show how Blockchain will change the world and help people see another way to manage data, build scalable on-chain solutions and achieve great things. We do this by creating valuable, insightful, and engaging events that educate and inform, allowing you to connect and network to build strong business relationships. Our conference is the best avenue to see blockchain innovations, big ecosystem announcements, new product launches, technology updates, keynote speeches, panels, and fireside chats from blockchain leaders. Join us and experience it for yourself. Alun Cairns, Business Consultant and Former Member of Parliament and Secretary of State Alun is a former UK Cabinet member and Member of Parliament, in his 14-year career he served three Prime Ministers as Secretary of State for Wales, government whip, and minister. He was also a member of the UK Board of Trade. As a backbencher, Alun held leadership roles in several All-Party Parliamentary Groups, including Blockchain, Energy Security, Crypto and Digital Assets, and Qatar. Currently Alun is working as a business consultant, advising a range of international companies. Jennifer Ewing, Institutional Business Development of cryptocurrency financial services company Blockchain.com Jennifer's expertise in finance dates back to her work in investment banks such as ING, Dresdner Kleinwort, and Wood & Company. She is also an advocate of innovative tools like Bitcoin and blockchain, believing they can be powerful tools for disruption and empowerment. Richard Baker, CEO of fintech firm Tokenovate. Richard is a prominent entity in the blockchain sector whose platform advocates for the development of a smarter financial ecosystem. Nikhil Vadgama, Co-founder and Director of Exponential Science, Nikhil's work centres on advancing research, education, and innovation in the exponential tech space. Tim Daley, Strategy and Transformation Director, Perago Tim is an experienced digital leader, specialising in strategy, delivery, and supplier management, with over 15 years of senior leadership experience, working at board level to successfully deliver a range of UK-wide services and initiatives. Using a range of techniques and specialising in Agile, Tim delivers complex, large-scale, high-risk IT applications and infrastructure developments within significant business and cultural change programmes across the entire change life cycle. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/london-blockchain-event-series-successfully-hosts-its-third-government-summit-on-blockchains-role-in-uk-public-sector-efficiency-and-innovation-302496832.html Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - July 2, 2025) - Belgravia Hartford Capital Inc. (CSE: BLGV) (OTC Pink: BLGVF) (FSE: ECA) ("Belgravia" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the successful completion of its fourth Bitcoin (BTC) acquisition as part of its long-term Bitcoin Treasury Reserve strategy. This latest purchase further strengthens Belgravia's position as a forward-thinking public company leveraging Bitcoin as a strategic treasury asset. New Bitcoin Acquisition Belgravia Hartford acquired 9.35295508 BTC for a total consideration of USD $1,000,000, executed at an average price of $106,918.08 per Bitcoin (inclusive of all costs and fees). This purchase increases the Company's cumulative Bitcoin holdings to: Description BTC Amount USD Value Average Cost (USD) Previous Holdings 6.39316479 BTC $660,094.35 $103,367.05 per BTC New Purchase 9.35295508 BTC $1,000,000.00 $106,918.08 per BTC Total Holdings 15.74611987 BTC $1,660,094.35 $105,449.46 per BTC All figures in USD. The purchase was facilitated through Coinsquare's regulated OTC desk and funded by the previously announced USD $5 million credit facility provided by Round13 Digital Asset Fund L.P.; a premier institutional partner focused on digital asset strategies. Commitment to Transparency and Governance Belgravia Hartford remains committed to full transparency in its treasury operations and will continue to provide timely updates on all material developments. Insiders of the Company currently hold approximately 36% of the outstanding shares, underscoring strong internal alignment with shareholders. Up-to-date insider disclosures are available at SEDI.ca. ******************************* For legal disclaimers and further corporate information, please visit: www.belgraviahartford.com. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/257533 SOURCE: Belgravia Hartford Capital Inc Partnership now includes nearly 40 programmes in high-demand topics across flexible formats-from foundational online learning to advanced executive education ARLINGTON, Va. and OXFORD, England, July 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- 2U, a global leader in education technology, and Said Business School, University of Oxford, today announced a significant expansion of their partnership with new programmes designed to meet the growing demand for flexible business education in high-demand skill areas. The expanded portfolio now includes nearly 40 programmes delivered on edX, 2U's online learning platform, ranging from three-week introductory courses to five-month executive programmes in topics at the intersection of technology and leadership. The latest additions to Oxford Said's portfolio with 2U include the newly launched AI-Driven Business Transformation Executive Programme and sixteen new open courses-Oxford Said's first-ever on edX. The executive AI programme is designed to support senior decision-makers in navigating the complex intersection of AI, innovation, and strategy, while the open courses cover essential business topics in shorter, self-paced formats for busy professionals. "This partnership isn't just about scale, it's about purpose," said Caroline Williams, Executive Director of Oxford Said Online. "We've built learning experiences rooted in the world-class expertise of our faculty and shaped by the real demands professionals face today. From core skills to executive insight, we're opening Oxford's doors to learners worldwide, flexibly, accessibly, and on their terms." New programme highlights: New open courses on edX: Sixteen open courses covering leadership, finance, strategy, sustainability, innovation, venture finance, and entrepreneurship are launching throughout the summer, with six now available, including Leadership Development, Essentials of Leading Strategic Projects, and Corporate Sustainability Foundations. Designed for working professionals, these flexible courses are approximately six hours long, spread over three weeks, and priced at 149. The open courses draw on content from Oxford Said's Executive Education portfolio, currently ranked second in the UK and sixth globally by the Financial Times. Available on demand with self-paced learning, these courses provide accessible entry points to Oxford's business education. AI-Driven Business Transformation Executive Programme: This five-month programme equips executives with the strategic perspective, cross-functional knowledge, and ethical grounding needed to lead AI innovation at scale. Like the new open courses, this programme demonstrates how Oxford and 2U are reimagining Oxford Said's existing executive education content to create new learning pathways, combining modules from three leading Oxford Said programmes (Artificial Intelligence, Strategic Innovation, and Executive Strategy) into one integrated learning journey. Today's announcement exemplifies 2U's strategy of building multi-faceted partnerships with top institutions to create innovative programmes that deliver measurable outcomes for learners. For Oxford Said, it represents an important step in its commitment to lifelong learning, opening up curated content on a global platform to make an Oxford education more accessible worldwide. "Oxford consistently delivers some of the most impactful business education available," said Andy Morgan, Chief Partnerships Officer at 2U. "We're proud to be a partner of choice to leading institutions like Oxford as they scale their impact and reach new audiences. The comprehensive portfolio that Oxford and 2U are building together gives learners real choice in how they want to learn-and in the most relevant topics needed to thrive in business today and tomorrow." About Said Business School, University of Oxford Said Business School at the University of Oxford blends the best of new and old. We are a vibrant and entrepreneurial business school, but yet deeply embedded in an 800-year-old world-class university. We create programs and ideas that have global impact. We educate people for successful business careers, and as a community seek to tackle world-scale challenges. We deliver cutting-edge programs, including the full-time MBA, Executive MBA, MSc and PhD programs, and Executive Education. About 2U 2U is a global leader in education technology. Guided by its founding mission to increase access to higher education, 2U has spent over 15 years advancing the technology and innovation to deliver world-class learning outcomes at scale. Through its global online learning platform edX, 2U connects more than 96 million people with thousands of affordable, career-aligned learning opportunities in partnership with more than 250 of the world's leading universities, institutions, and industry experts. From free courses to full degrees, 2U is creating a better future for all through the power of high-quality online education. Learn more at 2U.com. Media Contacts: media@2u.com Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/428203/2U_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/2u-and-oxford-said-business-school-expand-partnership-with-launch-of-new-executive-ai-programme-and-first-ever-open-courses-on-edx-302496746.html CHICAGO, July 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The global weather RADAR market was valued at US$ 158.43 million in 2024 and is projected to reach US$ 816.19 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 21.42% during the forecast period 2025-2033. Download PDF Brocher: https://www.astuteanalytica.com/request-sample/weather-radar-market The weather radar market is witnessing an unmistakable wave of fresh installations that underscores how decisively public agencies and private operators are upgrading their early-warning assets. Since April 2024, NOAA has certified 160 of its 167 long-range NEXRAD sites after an intensive Service Life Extension Program that added digital receiver boards and solid-state transmitters, sharply cutting maintenance downtime and stabilizing beam performance. India's Meteorological Department, meanwhile, broke ground on twelve S-band radars across the Himalayan foothills scheduled to go live before the post-monsoon cyclogenesis window. In the Southern Hemisphere, Australia's Bureau of Meteorology activated three dual-polarization C-band units in the Pilbara mining corridor, finally covering coastal blind spots that miners and port operators had flagged for years. Beyond national networks, niche operators also energize the weather radar market. Energy utilities in Texas commissioned four compact X-band systems during the spring 2024 hail season, while the Port of Rotterdam installed a marine phased-array antenna that delivers five-second volume scans to pilots maneuvering LNG carriers. Each deployment reflects a pivot from stand-alone hardware toward integrated ecosystems that merge radar volumes with lightning arrays and high-resolution numerical guidance. As installation counts climb, contract language increasingly specifies cross-network data exchange within fifteen seconds-an exacting latency target that would have been unbudgeted just three years ago. Astute Analytica's updated Weather Radar Market report equips stakeholders with technology roadmaps, regional deployment insights, and competitive benchmarking that illuminate emerging opportunities in X-band adoption, AI-integrated forecasting, and service-centric models. By detailing supply-chain vulnerabilities, regulatory shifts, and partnership studies, the study enables vendors, operators, and investors to prioritize R&D, de-risk procurement, and craft future growth strategies through 2033. Agriculture Aviation Broadcasting Adopt Radar Data For Critical Decision Making Daily Operations The weather radar market is rapidly broadening its influence as non-meteorological sectors convert reflectivity data into hard operational gains. Major grain cooperatives across the US Corn Belt now lease mosaic feeds from TempestX, a start-up that curates forty private X-band towers to refine spray-window decisions, slashing fungicide drift violations issued by state regulators. Eurocontrol, on the aviation front, completed integration between en-route air-traffic consoles and sixteen dual-polarization sites covering Alpine airways, giving controllers five-minute lead time to reroute around developing turbulence cells. Even broadcast outlets are modernizing: station groups in Atlanta and Minneapolis upgraded graphics engines to ingest polarimetric variables such as differential phase, enabling on-air meteorologists to pinpoint lofted debris signatures before emergency managers sound local sirens. Such sector cross-pollination reinforces premium data requirements inside the weather radar market. In February 2024, John Deere's Operations Center opened an API tier that ingests calibrated rainfall totals directly from regional radar hubs, enabling real-time variable-rate irrigation without manual gauge checks. Hydropower utilities along Norway's Glomma River adopted similar logic, driving sluice-gate decisions from quantitative precipitation forecasts derived from densified C-band coverage. These examples illuminate an evolution from passive observations to transactional commodities whose uptime is backed by software-style service-level agreements, drawing equipment builders, analytics firms, and end users into tighter collaborative loops. Artificial Intelligence And Phased Array Upgrades Accelerate Precision And Speed Of Scans The weather radar market continues to push technological frontiers, with 2024 marking the debut field deployment of a dual-polarization phased-array prototype by Japan's National Institute for Information and Communications Technology near Osaka. The flat-panel antenna completes a full volume scan in under ten seconds-five times faster than legacy parabolic units-and streams raw IQ values straight to an on-site GPU cluster running machine-learning hydrometeor classifiers. German integrator HENSOLDT, meanwhile, unveiled a solid-state Ka-band radar for urban flash-flood mapping that weighs under one hundred kilograms and draws power over Ethernet, enabling rooftop and cellular-tower installations without heavy cranes or diesel generators. Artificial intelligence further accelerates progress inside the weather radar market. NOAA's StormAI pipeline, operational since May 2024, automatically flags mesocyclone couplets in dual-polarization imagery, trimming forecaster workload by roughly forty percent according to internal dashboards. Brazilian start-up RainCloud applies similar convolutional-network techniques to filter biological clutter during nocturnal bird-migration peaks, boosting aviation-safety alerts at Sao Paulo Guarulhos Airport. Meanwhile, software-defined transmitters built with gallium-nitride amplifiers now extend mean time between failures beyond seven thousand hours, a milestone cheered by agencies battling technician shortages. Together, faster scan regimes, smarter classification, and longer component lifespans demonstrate technology's expanding role in safeguarding lives and property. Intensifying Competition Spurs Differentiation Through Service Bundles Maintenance And Analytics Integration Capabilities The weather radar market now hosts an increasingly crowded vendor roster, forcing manufacturers to differentiate through service-rich packages and data-centric add-ons. Enterprise contracts inked in 2024 typically bundle five-year remote diagnostics, over-the-air firmware updates, and SaaS analytics with the physical array. Leonardo's new Helios program, for example, grants civil-aviation clients a dedicated Kubernetes cluster for real-time Doppler products, while Vaisala's Guardian suite merges lightning and radar feeds under a single dashboard with configurable threat metrics. Smaller firms such as Israel-based Climaview have shifted to a rental model, leasing mobile X-band trailers for seasonal crop monitoring rather than pursuing capital-equipment sales. Heightened rivalry is also reshaping pricing logic throughout the weather radar market. Capex list prices increasingly give way to per-gigabyte delivery fees or per-alert billing, mirroring software subscriptions and appealing to municipalities that lack lump-sum budgets yet can handle predictable operational costs. Legacy suppliers respond by broadening spare-part footprints: ELDES opened a component depot in Chile in February, guaranteeing seventy-two-hour turnaround for Andean customers, while Huawei signed a memorandum with the African Centre of Meteorological Applications to co-develop localized firmware and operator-training curricula. Such maneuvers underscore how service breadth, not just hardware specs, now defines competitive advantage. Component Shortages And Geopolitics Reshape Supply Chains For Critical Microwave Modules Today The weather radar market endured acute supply-chain stress throughout 2023 and early 2024, as limited gallium-nitride wafers, high-grade ferrite circulators, and RF power amplifiers faced lead times surpassing forty-eight weeks. Export controls tied to rising geopolitical tensions reduced semiconductor flows from East Asia, forcing European integrators such as Selex ES to qualify alternative vendors in Canada and Singapore. Logistics snarls compounded delays: drought-induced reductions in Panama Canal transits postponed enclosure and waveguide deliveries to Caribbean sites, while Red Sea security incidents prompted radar pedestals bound for East Africa to circumnavigate the Cape of Good Hope, adding nearly three weeks in transit. Procurement teams across the weather radar market are responding with dual-source contracts and higher in-house inventories of critical boards. NOAA's Logistics Center abandoned just-in-time practices, now storing enough magnetron assemblies for a full year's refurbishment cycle. On the software side, suppliers embed remote-key provisions that let clients activate standby transmitters when primary modules fail, mitigating downtime when hardware is stranded at sea. Collectively, these adaptations reveal a sector that treats geopolitical volatility as a structural condition rather than a temporary disruption, reshaping how risk is priced into long-term maintenance agreements. Ground Clutter Calibration Gaps Staffing Deficits Challenge Continuous System Reliability Worldwide Today The weather radar market increasingly confronts operational headwinds rooted in physics and workforce capacity. Ground clutter remains a stubborn foe; expanding solar-farm acreage across the US Southwest now generates wide angular sidelobe reflections that overwhelm filters originally tuned for natural terrain. Engineers at the National Severe Storms Laboratory report clutter targets have grown by roughly one-third since 2021, driving firmware patches that rely on Doppler spectral-width thresholds instead of static maps. Simultaneously, calibration slips are surfacing as fleets age; Turkey's State Meteorological Service documented a two-decibel reflectivity bias drift at its oldest Ankara site before a 2024 refurbishment restored accuracy. Human-capital deficits add another stress point for the weather radar market. An American Meteorological Society survey published in March 2024 found that only one in five graduating atmospheric-science majors receive formal electronics training, leaving few technicians able to service high-power transmitters. Agencies are piloting augmented-reality headsets that guide novice staff through waveguide inspections, cutting average outage duration by half an hour per event. Nevertheless, the confluence of mechanical wear, spectral-processing complexity, and limited personnel underscores the imperative for predictive maintenance analytics and remote diagnostics if continuous data integrity is to be sustained. Diverse Regulatory Frameworks Complicate Certification Timelines Yet Push Standards Toward Interoperability Goals The weather radar market must navigate an intricate lattice of national spectrum and safety rules that strongly influence project timelines. In 2024, the US Federal Communications Commission tightened out-of-band emission limits on C-band weather services colocated near 5G mid-band networks, while Canada's telecom regulator imposed protective radii around mobile base stations adjacent to new X-band sites. The International Telecommunication Union's latest conference, meanwhile, began studying potential sub-ten-gigahertz allocations for future phased-array sensors, a reminder that spectrum negotiations remain fluid and require early engagement from procurement officers and legal teams. Divergent frameworks can extend certification well beyond twenty months, a delay that buyers in the weather radar market increasingly deem unacceptable. The European Commission now demands cybersecurity risk assessments under its Radio Equipment Directive, compelling manufacturers to prove encrypted command links and secure-boot firmware before import clearance. Brazil's National Civil Defense Agency recently added environmental impact reviews for mountaintop installations after community objections in Santa Catarina. Although varied, these mandates push the industry toward interoperable data models and tighter electromagnetic-compatibility thresholds, trends that ultimately benefit operators by easing cross-border data exchange once compliance milestones are achieved. Uneven Coverage Drives International Collaborations And Investments In Underserved Tropical Regions Urgently The weather radar market displays stark regional contrasts that are spawning new collaboration frameworks. Africa operates fewer than eighty surveillance radars across fifty nations, leaving vast inland territories without real-time convective monitoring. To close the gap, the African Development Bank and South Korea's KICT launched a program in February 2024 to supply solid-state S-band units to eight Sahel countries, paired with satellite backhaul to avoid fiber-optic bottlenecks. In tropical Asia, Indonesia commissioned six coastal C-band sites to shield shipping lanes spanning the Malacca and Makassar Straits, enhancing maritime safety during seasonal squall lines. Collaboration remains the antidote to disparity across the weather radar market. The World Meteorological Organization's Radar Exchange Hub, inaugurated in April 2024, now streams near-real-time volumes from sixty-five European and Middle-Eastern radars to Caribbean forecasters preparing for Atlantic hurricanes, demonstrating how data solidarity offsets hardware shortages. Private industry is also stepping up: SpaceX's Starlink Maritime division bundles low-latency connectivity with compact X-band units for Pacific-island airports, giving coastal communities critical minutes of additional cyclone warning. As 2025 approaches, equitable coverage stands out both as a humanitarian imperative and as the next commercial frontier for the weather radar market. Inquire Before Buying: https://www.astuteanalytica.com/inquire-before-purchase/weather-radar-market Global Weather RADAR Market Key Players: Honeywell International Inc. Meteopress EWR RADAR Systems Inc. HuaYun METSTAR Radar (Beijing) Co., Ltd. Collins Aerospace FURUNO ELECTRIC CO., LTD. Gamic GmbH Garmin Ltd. TTM Technologies Inc. Vaisala Oyj Other Prominent Players Key Segmentation: By Radar Type Airborne Radar Ground Radar By Component Transmitter Antenna Receiver Display Others By Frequency C-Band S-Band X-Band Others By Deployment Type Fixed Weather Radars Mobile Weather Radars Satellite-Based Weather Radars By Application Meterology and Hydrology Aviation Industry Military Others By Region North America Europe Asia Pacific Middle East & Africa South America Related Reports: Autonomous Driving Market: By Component (Hardware, Software, Services); Autonomous Level (Level 0: no driving automation, Level 1: driver assistance, Level 2: partial driving automation, Level 3: conditional driving automation, Level 4: high driving automation, Level 5: full driving automation); Vehicle Type (Sedans, SUVs, Buses, Truck, Tractor, Others); Propulsion Type (Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) Vehicles, Electric Vehicles (EVs), Hybrid Vehicles); Vehicle Applications (Passenger/Private Vehicles, Commercial Vehicles, Heavy/Off-road Vehicles); Region-Market Size, Industry Dynamics, Opportunity Analysis and Forecast for 2025-2033 Cybersecurity Market: By Component (Solution and Services); Security (Network Security, Endpoint Security, Application Security, Cloud Security and Others); Development (Cloud-Based and On Premise); Enterprise Size (Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises and Large Enterprises); and Application (BFSI, Government, Retail, Healthcare, IT and Telecommunication, Manufacturing and Others); Region-Market Size, Industry Dynamics, Opportunity Analysis and Forecast for 2025-2033 Influencer Marketing Platform Market: By Component (Software and Services; By Function - Search, Discovery & Onboarding, Campaign Management, Influencer Relationship Management, Risk & Compliance, and Others); Subscription Plan (Basic, Pro, and Enterprise); Enterprise Size (Large Enterprises, Medium-sized Enterprises, and Small & Micro Enterprises); Industry (Retail & E-commerce, Consumer Goods & Services, Healthcare, Banking, and Others); Region-Market Size, Industry Dynamics, Opportunity Analysis and Forecast for 2025-2033 Intellectual Property Software Market: By Component- Software and Services; Deployment Type (On-premise and Cloud); End User (Academia, Corporate, Government, Legal Services, Life Sciences & Healthcare, IT & Telecommunication, BFSI, Automotive, Aerospace & Defense and Others); Region-Market Size, Industry Dynamics, Opportunity Analysis and Forecast for 2025-2033 About Astute Analytica Astute Analytica is a globally recognized market research and advisory firm, delivering data-driven insights and strategic intelligence to organizations worldwide. We offer comprehensive research solutions across a wide range of industries, including technology, healthcare, chemicals, semiconductors, FMCG, and more. Our reports provide in-depth analysis of market trends, competitive landscapes, emerging opportunities, and technological advancements, empowering businesses to make informed decisions in an evolving global environment. Supported by a team of seasoned analysts, economists, and industry experts, we are committed to delivering accurate, timely, and actionable insights. At Astute Analytica, client success is our priority. We offer customized research solutions that are both cost-effective and tailored to meet the unique needs of our clients. Contact: Mr. Vipin Singh Astute Analytica 500 N Michigan Ave, Suite 600 Chicago, Illinois, United States USA: +1-888 429 6757 Email: sales@astuteanalytica.com Visit our website: https://www.astuteanalytica.com/ Expert Network Platform: https://www.astuteconnect.com/ Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2643300/Astute_Analytica_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/weather-radar-market-set-to-hit-valuation-of-us-816-19-million-by-2033--astute-analytica-302496640.html BANGALORE, India, July 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Junction Box Market is Segmented by Type (Non-Metallic Junction Box, Metallic Junction Box), by Application (Photovoltaic Plants, Industrial, Commercial, Infrastructure, Residential, Others): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2024-2031. In 2024, the global market size of Junction Box was estimated to be worth USD 5343 Million and is forecast to reach approximately USD 8916 Million by 2031 with a CAGR of 7.7% during the forecast period 2025-2031. Claim Your Free Report: https://reports.valuates.com/request/sample/QYRE-Auto-3M12345/Global_Junction_Box_Market Major Factors Driving the Growth of Junction Box Market: The junction box market is poised for sustained expansion, fueled by widespread application in construction, energy, automotive, and digital infrastructure sectors. Evolving end-user needs, safety regulations, and industrial modernization are pushing manufacturers to deliver both standardized and customized solutions. Growth in smart buildings, electric vehicles, and renewable energy installations further diversifies the use cases. Rising demand for compact, weather-resistant, and high-voltage compatible boxes adds to innovation momentum. Strategic partnerships and global supply chains ensure broad availability. As the world increasingly relies on uninterrupted and safe power distribution, the junction box remains a foundational component of modern electrical systems. Unlock Insights: View Full Report Now! https://reports.valuates.com/market-reports/QYRE-Auto-3M12345/global-junction-box TRENDS INFLUENCING THE GROWTH OF THE JUNCTION BOX MARKET Non-metallic junction boxes are significantly driving the growth of the junction box market due to their cost-effectiveness, lightweight design, and superior corrosion resistance. These boxes are widely used in residential and light commercial electrical systems because they are easier to install and safer to handle. The growing demand for non-conductive and weather-resistant materials in wiring systems has pushed the popularity of polycarbonate and PVC-based boxes, especially in outdoor and humid environments. Their insulation properties eliminate the need for grounding, reducing installation complexity. Moreover, non-metallic variants comply with updated safety regulations and are favored in retrofitting older infrastructure. With a shift towards smart homes and energy-efficient construction, non-metallic boxes are seeing a sharp increase in global demand. Metallic junction boxes are crucial for industrial and commercial applications, especially where durability, fire resistance, and grounding are essential. These boxes are made from materials like stainless steel and aluminum, offering high strength, security, and long service life in extreme conditions. Their ability to shield against electromagnetic interference makes them ideal for data centers, telecommunication hubs, and manufacturing plants. The growing construction of high-rise buildings and infrastructure projects with complex electrical systems has bolstered demand for metallic variants. Additionally, regulatory bodies in many countries mandate the use of metallic boxes in specific building types, further expanding their market. As industrial automation and energy infrastructure grow, metallic boxes play an integral role in safe and efficient operations. Photovoltaic (PV) plants are a major driver for the junction box market due to their crucial role in connecting, protecting, and optimizing solar panel systems. Each solar panel requires a junction box to facilitate efficient energy transfer and ensure safety against environmental exposure. As utility-scale solar farms and rooftop installations expand globally, the demand for weather-resistant, UV-stable, and thermally durable junction boxes is surging. These boxes safeguard against overcurrent and enable bypass diodes, enhancing system performance and reliability. With rising investments in solar energy under global decarbonization goals, manufacturers are developing advanced PV junction boxes to meet performance standards. This increasing reliance on solar infrastructure is directly accelerating the growth trajectory of the global junction box market. The growth in construction activities, especially in urban areas, is significantly contributing to the expansion of the junction box market. Residential projects are increasingly incorporating advanced wiring systems that require junction boxes for managing complex electrical connections safely. Similarly, commercial spaces like malls, offices, and hospitals need robust and scalable electrical infrastructure, further fueling demand. The trend toward modular and prefabricated buildings also supports the use of junction boxes due to their adaptability. Additionally, compliance with updated electrical safety codes mandates the use of certified enclosures for junctions and splices. This widespread use across diverse building types reinforces the foundational role of junction boxes in modern construction. The ongoing wave of industrial automation and the proliferation of machinery in sectors like manufacturing, oil and gas, and transportation is significantly driving the demand for robust electrical enclosures, including junction boxes. These boxes are essential for safely housing electrical connections in high-voltage, high-temperature, and corrosive environments. They play a critical role in minimizing electrical hazards and ensuring uninterrupted machine operations. As factories incorporate IoT and sensor networks, junction boxes facilitate wiring integrity and organization. Customization options for rugged conditions are also increasing adoption. Their contribution to safe, reliable, and compliant industrial operations underlines their importance in powering the fourth industrial revolution. The transition to smart grid infrastructure and growing deployment of renewable energy systems is catalyzing junction box market growth. In smart grids, junction boxes help in managing distributed energy resources by providing safe routing and protection of electric lines. They are widely used in solar power installations, wind turbines, and battery storage systems to ensure operational stability and maintenance convenience. As countries commit to carbon neutrality targets and green energy investment rises, demand for weatherproof and high-durability junction boxes with advanced connectivity features increases. These applications require advanced materials and modular configurations, driving innovation and volume growth in the market. With the exponential rise in data generation, the construction of new data centers across the globe has surged, boosting demand for junction boxes. These facilities require highly secure and reliable electrical networks with precise control and redundancy. Junction boxes are vital for organizing and protecting wire systems within data rooms, power management hubs, and networking zones. The push for edge computing and colocation services has diversified data center types, each requiring tailored junction box solutions. Moreover, energy-intensive setups are driving demand for fire-resistant and EMI-shielded metallic boxes. This infrastructure backbone dependency ensures long-term growth for the junction box market. Claim Yours Now! https://reports.valuates.com/api/directpaytoken?rcode=QYRE-Auto-3M12345&lic=single-user JUNCTION BOX MARKET SHARE ANALYSIS Regionally, the junction box market is witnessing substantial growth in Asia-Pacific, driven by rapid urbanization, industrial expansion, and massive infrastructure development in countries like China, India, and Vietnam. North America remains a strong market, supported by stringent building codes, industrial automation, and the rapid electrification of transport and buildings. Key Players: Renhe Zhonghuan Sunter Schneider Electric Tonglin Electric Eaton Emerson Legrand nVent FIBOX QC Solar Hensel Rittal ABB Ltd Weidmuller Cortem Haitian Hammond Hubbell Spelsberg Ningbo GZX XTONG SUBSCRIPTION We have introduced a tailor-made subscription for our customers. Please leave a note in the Comment Section to know about our subscription plans. DISCOVER MORE INSIGHTS: EXPLORE SIMILAR REPORTS! - The global market for Polycarbonate Junction Box was valued at USD 1367 Million in the year 2024 and is projected to reach a revised size of USD 1784 Million by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 4.3% during the forecast period. - The global market for Explosion-Proof Junction Boxes was valued at USD 1267 Million in the year 2024 and is projected to reach a revised size of USD 1935 Million by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 6.2% during the forecast period. - The global market for Solar Module Junction Boxes was valued at USD 1613 Million in the year 2024 and is projected to reach a revised size of USD 2709 Million by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 7.8% during the forecast period. - Cast Iron Junction Box Market - Integrated Glue-Filled Junction Box Market - Solar PV Junction Box Market - Split Type Hollow Photovoltaic Junction Box Market - The global Underground Enclosures and Access Boxes market was valued at USD 563 Million in 2023 and is anticipated to reach USD 825.6 Million by 2030, witnessing a CAGR of 5.7% during the forecast period 2024-2030. - Sensor Distribution Boxes Market - Optical Fiber Distribution Box Market - The global market for Vertical Intelligent Grounding Box was valued at USD 130 Million in the year 2023 and is projected to reach a revised size of USD 215 Million by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 7.5% during the forecast period. 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GET A FREE QUOTE Valuates Reports sales@valuates.com For U.S. Toll-Free Call 1-(315)-215-3225 WhatsApp: +91-9945648335 Website: https://reports.valuates.com Blog: https://valuatestrends.blogspot.com/ Pinterest: https://in.pinterest.com/valuatesreports/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/valuatesreports Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/valuatesreports/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@valuatesreports6753 https://www.facebook.com/valuateskorean https://www.facebook.com/valuatesspanish https://www.facebook.com/valuatesjapanese https://valuatesreportspanish.blogspot.com/ https://valuateskorean.blogspot.com/ https://valuatesgerman.blogspot.com/ https://valuatesreportjapanese.blogspot.com/ Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1082232/Valuates_Reports_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/junction-box-market-to-hit-usd-8916-million-by-2031-driven-by-pv-plants-and-smart-infrastructure--valuates-reports-302496877.html NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESS Newswire / July 2, 2025 / Cummins Global power and technology leader Cummins Inc. (NYSE:CMI), is pleased to announce the launch of its new turbocharger designed specifically for hydrogen internal combustion engines (H2 ICE). This advancement in turbocharging technology marks a significant milestone for heavy-duty commercial on-highway applications in Europe. Cummins Components and Software (CCS), part of Cummins' Components business segment, has secured a contract to supply H2 ICE turbochargers to a major European OEM, showcasing its leadership in hydrogen innovation. The H2 ICE turbocharger meets the industry's growing demand for efficient and sustainable solutions, supporting the transition to low-emission transportation. It is specifically designed to power the first hydrogen internal combustion engine for heavy-duty on-highway applications in the European market. Pioneering innovation to support global decarbonization efforts The integration of the H2ICE turbocharger into hydrogen-powered heavy-duty vehicles reinforces Cummins' commitment to delivering sustainable and cost-effective solutions for decarbonizing transportation. H2 ICE engine technology has been classified as zero-emission by the European Union (EU) and represents a promising bridge solution for reducing emissions. H2ICE engine platforms also comply with the upcoming Euro VII emission standards, demonstrating the potential of hydrogen as a viable alternative in the journey toward global decarbonization. Innovation leadership in turbocharging technologies The Cummins H2 ICE variable geometry turbocharger has been meticulously engineered to meet the unique requirements of hydrogen engines. With bespoke aerodynamics and advanced prognostics, the turbocharger optimizes performance under the challenging conditions presented by hydrogen combustion. The product is a cornerstone of Cummins' Destination Zero strategy, which aims to achieve decarbonization by working with partners across industries to develop cutting-edge, sustainable technologies. Key Features of the CCS H2 ICE Turbocharger: Bespoke aerodynamics designed for hydrogen combustion Advanced prognostics to enhance performance and reliability Compliance with Euro VII emission standards, aligning with the European Union's environmental goals Challenges and Successes During the development of the turbocharger, Cummins overcame significant challenges posed by the use of hydrogen as a fuel. These included adapting aerodynamics to address varying lambda requirements, managing the increased water production resulting from hydrogen combustion, and mitigating the metallurgical impacts of hydrogen use. Despite these hurdles, Cummins has successfully delivered a reliable and high-performance turbocharger for hydrogen powered heavy-duty on-highway truck engines. To know more about Cummins' turbocharging technology and innovations, please visit Turbochargers | Cummins Inc. About Cummins Inc. Cummins Inc., a global power solutions leader, comprises five business segments - Engine, Components, Distribution, Power Systems and Accelera by Cummins - supported by its global manufacturing and extensive service and support network, skilled workforce and vast technological expertise. Cummins is committed to its Destination Zero strategy, which is grounded in the company's commitment to sustainability and helping its customers successfully navigate the energy transition with its broad portfolio of products. The products range from advanced diesel, natural gas, electric and hybrid powertrains and powertrain-related components including aftertreatment, turbochargers, fuel systems, valvetrain technologies, controls systems, air handling systems, automated transmissions, axles, drivelines, brakes, suspension systems, electric power generation systems, electrified power systems with innovative components and subsystems, including battery, fuel cell and electric power technologies and hydrogen production technologies. Headquartered in Columbus, Indiana (U.S.), since its founding in 1919, Cummins employs approximately 69,600 people committed to powering a more prosperous world through three global corporate responsibility priorities critical to healthy communities: education, environment and equality of opportunity. Cummins serves its customers online, through a network of company-owned and independent distributor locations, and through thousands of dealer locations worldwide and earned about $3.9 billion on sales of $34.1 billion in 2024. See how Cummins is leading your world toward a future of smarter, cleaner power at www.cummins.com. Media Contact Melinda Koski External Communications Director 317.476.3293 Email View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Cummins Inc on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Cummins Inc Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/cummins-inc Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Cummins Inc View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/industrial-and-manufacturing/cummins-launches-industry-first-hydrogen-internal-combustion-engine-tu-1045294 Montreal, Quebec--(Newsfile Corp. - July 2, 2025) - RheEnergise, a dynamic Montreal-based energy storage innovator, has launched a Canadian fundraising campaign on FrontFundr, Canada's leading online private investing platform. The campaign marks the company's further deepening their Canadian presence and offering individual investors the opportunity to help accelerate the deployment of High-Density Hydro, a next-generation long-duration energy storage solution (LDES). RheEnergise's High-Density Hydro energy storage demonstrator project near Plymouth in Devon, Britain To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11736/256891_email_footer_socail_jun25v3.jpg RheEnergise's technology stores energy when it's cheap and dispatches it when demand is high. This approach strengthens grid reliability, improves energy affordability, and supports the transition to clean, renewable power. Canada has a long history of embracing hydropower, and the RheEnergise High-Density Hydro solution is a perfect compliment, going into topographies unavailable to traditional hydro, and is quicker to build and scale. "We believe Canada is an ideal market for High-Density Hydro," said Stephen Crosher, CEO of RheEnergise. "Our solution delivers the scale, duration, and economics that utilities and developers across Canada are looking for-especially as provinces work to phase out fossil fuels and bolster grid resiliency." Each RheEnergise project typically delivers between 20 and 100 megawatts of power and offers 4 to 20 hours of energy storage, with round-trip efficiencies exceeding 80%. 20MW of LDES is enough to power approximately 15,000 Canadian homes. The opportunity in Ontario alone stands at 13,000 potential sites, utilizing just 1% of these could create a staggering 6,500MW of long duration energy storage (nearly 5m homes). Unlike conventional pumped hydro, RheEnergise uses a proprietary fluid that is 2.5x denser than water, allowing the system to be deployed on modest hills rather than requiring mountainous terrain. This makes projects more cost-effective and easier to site-particularly valuable in Canada's diverse geography. Funds raised through FrontFundr will be used to accelerate RheEnergise's commercial expansion in Canada, support feasibility studies and project development, and build local partnerships. "This is more than just a raise-it's an invitation for Canadians to invest in the infrastructure of the future," Crosher added. "We're excited to bring High-Density Hydro to Canada and deliver clean, reliable energy storage at scale." ### About RheEnergise RheEnergise is an energy-storage innovator committed to delivering scalable, environmentally benign solutions that underpin the global transition to renewable power. Headquartered in London and Montreal, with a demonstration site in Devon, UK, RheEnergise's High-Density Hydro technology offers utilities, developers, and communities a flexible, long-duration storage option for a decarbonized grid. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/256891 SOURCE: RheEnergise Limited New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - July 2, 2025) - Universal Processing (uP), a leading financial technology company dedicated to empowering underserved businesses across America, is looking towards the future after a star-studded grand opening of its Times Square headquarters. The theme of the night was "Brick by Brick", a celebration of the people and partnerships that have shaped the company's journey. uP was proud to host many of the people who have been integral to the company's success, and were honored that some of New York's most well-known and influential politicians stopped by the event to make speeches. Image 1 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10373/257542_14982db4c41bc9e5_001full.jpg Former Governor George Pataki had this to say about uP's contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic: "I want to thank Universal Processing, because without what you did during that terrible time, many of the businesses that New York counts on wouldn't be here today." It was an honor for uP to be recognized by the former governor, as during the pandemic - when Asian-owned businesses across the city were hit hardest - uP stepped in as a lifeline. The company offered multilingual support, financial relief, PPE, and digital tools to help stabilize their communities. Image 2 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10373/257542_14982db4c41bc9e5_002full.jpg Former Governor David Patterson also stopped by to applaud uP founder and CEO, Saint Hung: "For the leadership and all that you have done, for the efforts you waged, and your expansion of concepts that I think is bringing more business to the area and to areas around hereyou've done a marvelous job and we look forward to bigger and better things." Image 3 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10373/257542_14982db4c41bc9e5_003full.jpg New York State Senator Stephen Chan crafted a powerful metaphor for Hung's leadership of the company: "Everybody here is a cog in this timepiece and everybody must be in their place and work in order for our community, our society, our city to tick," said Mr. Chan. "Saint is the driving force in that timepiece. He is the conductor of this symphony, and if everybody plays their part correctly, that's what is going to make it sound good. That's what is going to make it beautiful." "Saint Hung is committed to growing small and medium-sized businesses in New York," said Chairman of the New York State Republican Party, Ed Cox. "These new headquarters in New York City are about the growth of Universal Processing and about Mr. Hung's and Universal Processing's commitment to New York City. Thank you Mr. Hung." In a surprise move, New York State Assemblymember Lester Chang awarded Universal Processing with a New York State Assembly Citation. "I applaud you because you had the foresight, vision, and optimism to create this business," said Assemblymember Chang. "Writing a citation for me is easy, but earning a citation is the real work." Image 4 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10373/257542_14982db4c41bc9e5_004full.jpg "We know in New York State that it's the small businesses that are the economic engine that drive this great state," said New York State Assemblymember Al Taylor, "so thank you for investing, thank you for being a risk taker." As uP continues to be recognized for its achievements in the fintech space and expand its service offerings, the company remains focused on its mission to democratize access to fintech solutions, helping more businesses move 'uP'. The new headquarters in Times Square marks a significant milestone in this journey, providing a platform for continued growth and impact. It is also particularly meaningful to founder and CEO Saint Hung, whose father - an architect - worked on Philip Johnson's Times Square Redevelopment Project in 1989. "For me to come back here and stake my claim to Times Square, it's been an effort 36 years in the making," said Hung. About Universal Processing Universal Processing is an award-winning fintech and payment solutions provider, specializing in serving underserved businesses and partner channels with full-service payment processing. As a certified Minority-Owned Business, uP is committed to providing transparent, secure, and scalable payment solutions with 24/7 multilingual support. Learn more at www.letsgoup.com. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/257542 SOURCE: Pressmaster DMCC USA News Group News Commentary Issued on behalf of Magma Silver Corp. VANCOUVER, BC, July 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- USA News Group News Commentary - Silver has officially broken through 13-year highs, with prices surging past $36 per ounce - a move some analysts are calling a generational technical breakout. Since January, the metal has climbed from $28.92, triggering a wave of activity as Americans rush to cash in on old coins and jewelry. But the real signal may be ahead, as long-term demand drivers in industrial and green tech sectors continue to build a case for silver miners. For investors looking to position early in this unfolding silver story, several miners have issued fresh updates, including from Magma Silver Corp. (TSXV: MGMA) (OTCQB: MAGMF), Silvercorp Metals Inc. (NYSE-American: SVM) (TSX: SVM), Vizsla Silver Corp. (NYSE-American: VZLA) (TSX: VZLA), Discovery Silver Corp. (TSX: DSV) (OTCQX: DSVSF), and MAG Silver Corp. (NYSE-American: MAG) (TSX: MAG). Some analysts now believe silver's rally is just getting started, with bold targets ranging from US$100 to as high as US$130 per ounce. UBS sees $40 silver on the horizon, while AI-driven models are projecting a short-term range between $36 and $42. With momentum building, investors are shifting focus to silver miners - particularly those reporting high-grade results and advancing aggressively in the field. Magma Silver Corp. (TSXV: MGMA) (OTCQB: MAGMF), recently hihglighted another important milestone at its Ninobamba silver-gold project in Peru. The company confirmed that all required property payments are up to date, with every claim in good standing through at least June 2026. With full control over the Ninobamba, Randypata, and Jormina zones, Magma Silver is advancing toward a planned diamond drilling campaign in Q4 2025. Surface access agreements are already in place for Randypata and Jormina, with negotiations ongoing for Ninobamba. Drilling permits are expected later this year. Ahead of drilling, Magma Silver is mobilizing Alpha IP geophysics, mapping, and surface sampling across the property. Early efforts are zeroing in on high-grade gold targets at Ninobamba North, where recent results have sparked renewed interest. What sets this project apart is its foundation. Magma isn't starting from zero - it's building on more than US$10 million in historical exploration, including drilling, trenching, and metallurgical work carried out by names like Newmont, AngloGold, Rio Silver, and Bear Creek. Backed by a strong exploration legacy, the project saw over 65 holes drilled by Newmont at the Jormina zone alone - enough to support an internal pre-feasibility study that pointed to potential for a mid-sized mine. Highlight results from that era include 72.3 meters of 1.19 g/t gold and 130 meters of 87 g/t silver. Yet despite these promising intercepts, the system hasn't seen modern targeting or 3D modeling until now. Located in Peru's prolific south-central silver belt, Magma Silver's Ninobamba project sits within a 4,100-hectare land package spanning a 6.5-kilometer mineralized corridor. The property includes three contiguous zones - Ninobamba, Randypata, and Jormina - all believed to be part of the same high-sulfidation system. For the first time, these zones are being explored as a unified, 100%-owned project under one operator. The company also stands out for its tight share structure and proven leadership. With fewer than 34 million shares outstanding, Magma Silver is strongly held, with insiders and management aligned through meaningful ownership. Its board includes capital markets and technical experts with a track record of advancing precious metals projects in Latin America. With permits underway, historic data in play, and groundwork accelerating across the field, Magma is entering a pivotal phase - with momentum, experience, and scale already on its side. CONTINUED Read this and more news for Magma Silver at: https://usanewsgroup.com/2025/06/04/mining-giants-missed-the-big-prize-a-juniors-back-for-the-precious-metals/ In other industry developments and happenings in the market include: Silvercorp Metals Inc. (NYSE-American: SVM) (TSX: SVM) recently released an updated mineral resource estimate for its Condor Project in Ecuador, focusing on higher-grade underground deposits at Camp and Los Cuyes. The updated estimate includes 3.17 million tonnes of indicated resources containing 0.34 million ounces of gold, 2.0 million ounces of silver, and 49.4 million pounds of zinc, with additional 12.1 million tonnes of inferred resources hosting 1.38 million ounces of gold. Open-pit constrained resources were also reported at Soledad and Enma, contributing further indicated and inferred gold, silver, and zinc values. Silvercorp plans to launch a 3,500-metre drill program in May and publish an updated Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) by year-end. Vizsla Silver Corp. (NYSE-American: VZLA) (TSX: VZLA) continues to advance development of its Copala test mine at the 100%-owned Panuco project in Mexico, with the decline now extended approximately 125 metres under favorable ground conditions. "We're now testing underground at Panuco and executing the test mine development according to plan, at the historic Copala district," said Simon Cmrlec, COO of Vizsla Silver. "We are on track to complete the fully funded test mine program by year-end." The test mine is on track to produce a 10,000-tonne bulk sample by year-end, which will support backfill testing, mine design optimization, and grade reconciliation. Underground development is also enabling low-cost drilling to upgrade resources and test near-mine exploration targets. With infrastructure in place and strong local engagement, the company is steadily progressing toward a future construction decision. Discovery Silver Corp. (TSX: DSV) (OTCQX: DSVSF) has recently seen a high-profile shareholder action, as prominent investor Eric Sprott reduced his stake by approximately 2.4% through a public market sale. The transaction involved 19.2 million shares sold for total proceeds of over C$62 million, lowering his ownership to 12.8% on a non-diluted basis. Despite the sale, Sprott reaffirmed that his position is held for investment purposes and that he may buy or sell more shares in the future depending on market conditions. The move comes as the company continues advancing its flagship silver asset in Mexico toward development. MAG Silver Corp. (NYSE-American: MAG) (TSX: MAG) has published its fourth annual Sustainability Report, highlighting progress across safety, environmental stewardship, and stakeholder engagement. The company reported zero significant environmental incidents at its flagship Juanicipio silver mine in 2024, while maintaining a multi-year decline in injury rates and dedicating over 100,000 hours to safety training. T he report underscores Juanicipio's central role as a cornerstone silver-producing asset, operated in partnership with Fresnillo. As MAG advances its broader project pipeline, its commitment to ESG leadership is positioned as a driver of long-term value creation across its silver-focused portfolio. Article Source: https://usanewsgroup.com/2025/06/04/mining-giants-missed-the-big-prize-a-juniors-back-for-the-precious-metals/ CONTACT: USA NEWS GROUP info@usanewsgroup.com (604) 265-2873 DISCLAIMER: Nothing in this publication should be considered as personalized financial advice. We are not licensed under securities laws to address your particular financial situation. No communication by our employees to you should be deemed as personalized financial advice. Please consult a licensed financial advisor before making any investment decision. This is a paid advertisement and is neither an offer nor recommendation to buy or sell any security. We hold no investment licenses and are thus neither licensed nor qualified to provide investment advice. The content in this report or email is not provided to any individual with a view toward their individual circumstances. USA News Group is a wholly owned subsidiary of Market IQ Media Group, Inc. ("MIQ"). This content is being distributed for Baystreet.ca media Corp, who has been paid a fee for an advertising contract with Magma Silver Corp. MIQ has not been paid a fee for Magma Silver Corp. advertising or digital media, but the owner/operators of MIQ also co-own Baystreet.ca Media Corp. ("BAY") There may also be 3rd parties who may have shares of Magma Silver Corp. and may liquidate their shares which could have a negative effect on the price of the stock. This compensation constitutes a conflict of interest as to our ability to remain objective in our communication regarding the profiled company. Because of this conflict, individuals are strongly encouraged to not use this publication as the basis for any investment decision. The owner/operator of MIQ/BAY does not own any shares of Magma Silver Corp. but reserve the right to buy and sell and will buy and sell shares of Magma Silver Corp. at any time without any further notice commencing immediately and ongoing. We also expect further compensation as an ongoing digital media effort to increase visibility for the company, no further notice will be given, but let this disclaimer serve as notice that all material, including this article, which is disseminated by MIQ on behalf of BAY has been approved by Magma Silver Corp. Technical information relating to and published by Magma Silver Corp. has been reviewed and approved by Jeffrey Reeder, PGeo, a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Reeder is a Technical Advisor of Magma Silver Corp., and therefore is not independent of the Company; this is a paid advertisement, we currently do not own any shares of Magma Silver Corp. but will likely buy and sell shares of the company in the open market, or through private placements, and/or other investment vehicles. While all information is believed to be reliable, it is not guaranteed by us to be accurate. Individuals should assume that all information contained in our newsletter is not trustworthy unless verified by their own independent research. Also, because events and circumstances frequently do not occur as expected, there will likely be differences between the any predictions and actual results. Always consult a licensed investment professional before making any investment decision. Be extremely careful, investing in securities carries a high degree of risk; you may likely lose some or all of the investment. Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZUaU2MzAlPs Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2723767/USA_News_Group_Ninobamba_project.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2603685/5398557/USA_News_Group_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/silver-just-hit-a-13-year-high--and-forecasts-say-it-could-triple-302496924.html LONDON, July 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- HH Global, the world's leading responsible marketing activation partner, today announces a quartet of senior appointments to assemble the leadership team within its growing global creative ecosystem, Nuevo. Backed by HH Global, Nuevo, which launched last month to reimagine the way brands develop creative ideas and activate seamlessly across multiple markets, audiences, experiences and channels sees the appointment of Trak Ellis-Hill as executive creative director, Dr Karen Correia da Silva as head of creative intelligence, Richard Buchanan as head of creative technologies and Betty Fadier as the head of creative business. Reporting into Clyde McKendrick, president of Nuevo, these appointments are set to strengthen and accelerate expansion, further supporting Nuevo's proposition to build brands that mean more to people. Ellis-Hill, previously managing creative partner at IPG's Momentum Worldwide, is responsible for shaping the future of Conscious Creativity across the global team of 700 content and creative professionals within the network, seeing Nuevo uniquely positioned to set a greater industry standard in brand marketing. Former Iris senior strategy director, Dr Karen Correia da Silva, semiotics and behavioral science insights expert, is charged with leading the next generation consumer and cultural insights and intelligence offering, helping clients translate hyper-localized insights into global strategic direction for brand activation across relevant sectors and consumer groups. Richard Buchanan, former AKQA group strategy director, brings strategic thinking infused with the latest technologies and platforms and will be providing clients with the power to innovate, giving access to new ways for brands to create seamlessly connected experiences for consumers. Betty Fadier, previously VML's business director, sits as head of creative business, to ensure campaign development and management is held to the highest standard. Kristian Elgey, group chief executive officer, HH Global, comments, "Senior marketers need more than traditional agencies can offer in the modern world of brand marketing. That is why we invested in Nuevo, to establish a genuine global creative ecosystem that can offer our clients a completely integrated and new way. Nuevo is a model that combines deeper insights, strategic and creative excellence, giving marketing leaders better options from one globally connected team. These appointments reflect our commitment to supporting our clients in meeting their now, next and future needs." Clyde McKendrick, president, Nuevo comments, "Nuevo's management team represents our different way of working. They are all progressive leaders in their respective fields - and the core ethos that unites each of us within the global creative ecosystem is a passion to build brands that simply mean more to people. Backed by HH Global, Nuevo has all the benefits of acting independently, while scaling globally. I'm beyond excited to show our clients what they can achieve with Nuevo's new approach." About HH Global HH Global is the global leader in responsible marketing activation services. Through creativity, technology and expertise, they connect brands to their customers across every channel and market to help them achieve big impact for big ideas. With 4,500 experts in every market and a thirty-year track record of success, they help the biggest brands on the planet achieve stronger, more responsible growth. With an unmatched supply chain, a growing suite of tech tools, market-leading creativity and strategic insights-they make their clients' brilliant ideas unmissable everywhere. Media contact: BigImpact@hhglobal.com Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/471140/hh_global_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/hh-global-assembles-leadership-team-to-establish-nuevo-as-global-creative-ecosystem-302496919.html Provided pursuant to article L.233-8 II of the Code de commerce (French Commercial Code) and article 223-16 of the Reglement generalde l'Autorite des marches financiers (General regulation of the French financial market authority) Regulatory News: Carmila (Paris:CARM): Date Total number of issued shares Number of real voting rights (excluding treasury shares) Theoretical number of voting rights (including treasury shares)* 30 June 2025 140,948,872 140,713,682 140,948,872 *Pursuant to article 223-11 of the Reglement General de l'Autorite des marches financiers. CARMILA French societe anonyme with a share capital of 845,693,232 Registered office: 25, rue d'Astorg, 75008 Paris France Registered at the Paris Commercial and Companies Registry under number 381 844 471 View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250702816024/en/ Contacts: Carmila CHARLOTTE, NC / ACCESS Newswire / July 2, 2025 / Texas' McKinney Independent School District (MISD) today announced that it has selected DreamBox Math by Discovery Education, an adaptive and engaging edtech solution, to support math instruction in grades K-5. An innovative online math program that supports core instruction in the classroom or at home, DreamBox Math is independently proven by several third-party research organizations to increase math achievement. Discovery Education is the creator of essential PreK-12 learning solutions used in classrooms around the world.?? MISD is located in Collin County, Texas, and primarily serves students in the city of McKinney and in parts of New Hope, Allen, Fairview, Princeton, and Lowry Crossing. MISD currently enrolls more than 24,500 students in 20 elementary schools, five middle schools, three high schools, two alternative campuses, and one early childhood education center. MISD has a long-standing reputation for educational excellence, and the district is continually recognized at both the state and national levels. To continue MISD's tradition of academic excellence and to meet the goal of ensuring all students' access to a curriculum that addresses the needs of all learners and promotes student achievement and growth, district leaders sought an interactive, adaptive math resource. Following a careful review of potential solutions, MISD selected DreamBox Math by Discovery Education. Updated earlier this year with a host of improvements that empower teachers to create even more personalized learning experiences, DreamBox Math by Discovery Education adapts dynamically to the learner, providing tailored instruction within a highly engaging, gamified learning environment. DreamBox Math lessons are available in both English and Spanish and align to math standards in Texas. Along with actionable reporting and tools that empower differentiation for all learners, DreamBox Math offers teachers content-specific professional learning and provides administrators critical insights into student progress. With DreamBox Math, every student is empowered to independently engage in interactive problem solving so they can develop conceptual understanding, apply a variety of strategies, and gain competence and confidence in mathematical reasoning and skills. "At MISD, we believe in the need for meaningful mathematical literacy. Math literacy empowers students to use math reasoning skills and habits of mind they develop to help support them in all areas of life," said Sharon Sovereign, Elementary Math Coordinator. "This literacy is based on two areas: procedural, or the mathematical procedures which promote efficiency and accuracy; and conceptual, which is a students' understanding of the ideas of how and why math works. DreamBox Math supports student understanding of both areas, and we are excited to see it integrated into classroom instruction." DreamBox Math will be used alongside Discovery Education's Social Studies Techbook, and Experience solutions that are already integrated into instruction in MISD classrooms. MISD educators using DreamBox Math will receive?dedicated professional development? from Discovery Education's team of professional learning experts. These learning opportunities for teachers help schools recognize the full return on their edtech investment. Through Discovery Education's interactive professional development sessions, participants will learn best practices for integrating their new digital resources into instruction. Effective professional learning increases student engagement and supports the continued academic development of all students.??? In addition, all educators using Discovery Education's digital resources have access to the Discovery Educator Network. A global community of education professionals, the Discovery Educator Network connects members across school systems and around the world through social media, virtual conferences, and in-person events, fostering valuable idea sharing and inspiration. "Discovery Education is proud to deepen its long-term relationship with McKinney ISD," said Jamie Long, Discovery Education's Educational Partnerships Manager. "McKinney ISD has long been at the forefront of efforts to enhance teaching and learning through the thoughtful application of innovative technologies, and Discovery Education is excited to be continue to support their efforts." For more information about Discovery Education's award-winning digital resources and professional learning solutions, visit www.discoveryeducation.com, and stay connected with Discovery Education on social media through LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. ### About Discovery Education Discovery Education is the worldwide edtech leader whose state-of-the-art, PreK-12, digital solutions support learning wherever it takes place. Through award-winning multimedia content, instructional supports, innovative classroom tools, and strategic alliances, Discovery Education helps educators deliver powerful learning experiences that engage all students and support higher academic achievement on a global scale. Discovery Education serves approximately 4.5 million educators and 45 million students worldwide, and its resources are accessed in over 100 countries and territories. Through partnerships with districts, states, and trusted organizations, Discovery Education empowers teachers with essential edtech solutions that inspire curiosity, build confidence, and accelerate learning. Explore the future of education at?www.discoveryeducation.com.? Contact Stephen Wakefield Discovery Education Phone: 202-316-6615 Email: swakefield@discoveryed.com View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Discovery Education on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Discovery Education Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/discovery-education Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Discovery Education View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/computers-technology-and-internet/texas%e2%80%99-mckinney-independent-school-district-selects-adaptive-and-1045355 Regulatory News: Lidl has signed its third lease on Mercialys' (Paris:MERY) portfolio in Niort, taking over part of the retail space formerly occupied by Geant Casino. This transition of food retail operations was completed without any disruption in rental income for Mercialys, once again demonstrating the Company's expertise in the restructuring and reconfiguration of large food retail premises in France-following recent similar announcements in Brest. The opening of Lidl is scheduled for the second half of 2026. The surface area vacated by Geant Casino will also make it possible to accommodate a major international fashion retailer, with the lease currently being finalized. In parallel, advanced negotiations are underway with two additional leading retail brands not yet established in the region. The combined presence and power of these retailers will significantly enhance the commercial appeal and regional reach of the shopping center, reinforcing its positioning as the leading retail destination in the Deux- Sevres department. This press release is available on www.mercialys.com. A presentation of these results is also available online, in the following section: Investors News and press releases Financial press releases About Mercialys Mercialys is one of France's leading real estate companies. It is specialized in the holding, management and transformation of retail spaces, anticipating consumer trends, on its own behalf and for third parties. At December 31, 2024, Mercialys had a real estate portfolio valued at Euro 2.8 billion (including transfer taxes). Its portfolio of 1,927 leases represents an annualized rental base of Euro 169.2 million. Mercialys has been listed on the stock market since October 12, 2005 (ticker: MERY) and has "SIIC" real estate investment trust (REIT) tax status. Part of the SBF 120 and Euronext Paris Compartment A, it had 93,886,501 shares outstanding at December 31, 2024. IMPORTANT INFORMATION This press release contains certain forward-looking statements regarding future events, trends, projects or targets. These forward-looking statements are subject to identified and unidentified risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results anticipated in the forward-looking statements. Please refer to Mercialys' Universal Registration Document available at www.mercialys.com for the year ended December 31, 2024 for more details regarding certain factors, risks and uncertainties that could affect Mercialys' business. Mercialys makes no undertaking in any form to publish updates or adjustments to these forward-looking statements, nor to report new information, new future events or any other circumstances that might cause these statements to be revised. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250702407790/en/ Contacts: Analyst and investor contact Olivier Pouteau Tel: +33 (0)6 30 13 27 31 Email: opouteau@mercialys.com MaaT Pharma and Clinigen signed exclusive long-term licensing and distribution agreement and commercial supply agreement for Xervyteg (MaaT013), its first in class treatment proposed for patients with acute Graft-versus-Host Disease (MaaT013), its first in class treatment proposed for patients with acute Graft-versus-Host Disease In June 2025, the European Medicines Agency accepted for review the marketing authorization submission for this medicine MaaT Pharma will receive a 10.5 million upfront payment, further potential regulatory and sales milestones of up to 18 million, and royalties of a mid-thirties' percentage on net sales. MaaT Pharma also entered into a supply agreement to provide Clinigen with finished medicine, at a pre-agreed price per unit If this medicine is approved with potential marketing authorization granted by mid-2026, it has the potential to be the first microbiota therapeutic approved in Europe, the first one in hemato-oncology globally and the first and only one in third-line aGvHD Conference call and webcast to be held on July 3rd, 2025, at 3:00PM CET/ 9:00AM EDT/9:00PM CST To register, please click here. Regulatory News: MaaT Pharma (EURONEXT: MAAT the "Company"), a clinical-stage biotechnology company and a leader in the development of Microbiome Ecosystem TherapiesTM (MET) dedicated to enhancing survival for patients with cancer through immune modulation, today announces the signature of a license and commercial agreement with Clinigen, a global specialty pharmaceutical services group and a leading European player in hospital distribution and market access, to streamline the pathway for ensuring access to this medicine across Europe1. With this partnership, MaaT Pharma demonstrates its capability to supply products to pharmaceutical companies, including those specializing in rare diseases while ensuring scale-ups for commercial and extending its cash runway into January 2026. Herve Affagard, CEO and co-founder of MaaT Pharma says: "This deal is a pivotal step in bridging MaaT Pharma's innovation with healthcare professionals who care for patients with aGvHD. Clinigen's hemato-oncology expertise and leading European position in hospital distribution and market access make this team the ideal fit to bring this therapy to patients and we're confident that this new relationship will maximize the full revenue generation potential of full revenue generation potential of Xervyteg (MaaT013). I look forward to working closely with the Clinigen team as we prepare for a successful launch." Jerome Charton, CEO of Clinigen, says: "Following the EMA's acceptance of MaaT Pharma's submission of an application for assessment for MaaT013 in June, we are very excited about this new relationship. This collaboration brings a novel technology to the forefront of rare disease and oncology care. We're proud to play a leading role in ensuring access across Europe to this innovative therapy, and we look forward to working closely with MaaT Pharma as we prepare for potential launch." Transaction Terms Under the terms of the agreement, MaaT Pharma will grant Clinigen exclusive European rights to distribute this medicine for the treatment of patients with aGvHD, if approved by the EMA. MaaT Pharma will receive an upfront payment of 10.5 million and additional eligible payments of up to 18 million depending on the achievement of pre-specified regulatory and sales milestones. MaaT Pharma will also be eligible to receive royalty payments on net sales of a percentage in the mid-thirties and regular cash flow as per the supply agreement. The hematology community has expressed interest in this medicine and this class of medicines to treat patients with aGvHD, as evidenced by the growing requests of Early Access Program between 2023 and 2024 (+75%). This program has been active in Europe since 2019. Under the terms of the agreement, Clinigen will take over this activity to meet the growing expectations of physicians while allowing MaaT Pharma to optimize its internal resources. This transition enhances MaaT Pharma's capacity to focus on clinical development, regulatory milestones, and industrial scale-up. MaaT Pharma management will host a conference call and webcast tomorrow Thursday, July 3nd, 2025, at 3:00pm CET/ 9:00am EDT/ 6:00am PT/ 9:00pm CST. To register, please click here.Participants can also attend the conference by phone by dialing the following number: +33 1 78 42 94 76 and using the PIN code 43 92 58 1 Includes the following countries: European Union, Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein and the United Kingdom About Clinigen Clinigen is a global, specialist pharmaceutical services company focused on providing ethical access to medicines. Its mission is to accelerate access to medicines for patients in every corner of the globe. The Group supports pharmaceutical and biotech companies across the medical product lifecycle, from clinical through to commercial and operates from sites in North America, Europe, Africa, and the Asia Pacific. Clinigen has more than 1,100 employees across five continents in 15 countries and provides access in more than 130 countries every year. For more information on Clinigen, please visit www.clinigen.com. About MaaT Pharma MaaT Pharma is a leading, late-stage clinical company focused on developing innovative gut microbiome-driven therapies to modulate the immune system and enhance cancer patient survival. Supported by a talented team committed to making a difference for patients worldwide, the Company was founded in 2014 and is based in Lyon, France. As a pioneer, MaaT Pharma is leading the way in bringing the first microbiome-driven immunomodulator in oncology. Using its proprietary pooling and co-cultivation technologies, MaaT Pharma develops high diversity, standardized drug candidates, aiming at extending life of cancer patients. MaaT Pharma has been listed on Euronext Paris (ticker: MAAT) since 2021. Forward-looking Statements All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this press release about future events are subject to (i) change without notice and (ii) factors beyond the Company's control. These statements may include, without limitation, any statements preceded by, followed by, or including words such as "target," "believe," "expect," "aim", "intend," "may," "anticipate," "estimate," "plan," "project," "will," "can have," "likely," "should," "would," "could" and other words and terms of similar meaning or the negative thereof. Forward-looking statements are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties beyond the Company's control that could cause the Company's actual results or performance to be materially different from the expected results or performance expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. About acute Graft-versus-Host Disease Acute Graft-versus-Host Disease occurs in patients within 100 days of undergoing a stem cell or bone marrow transplant, where the transplanted cells initiate an immune response and attack the transplant recipient's organs, causing inflammation of the skin, liver and/or gastro-intestinal tract and leading to significant morbidity and mortality. GI involvement is associated with severe complications such as profound diarrhea, abdominal pain, intestinal bleeding, and death. These complications are often life-threatening, with increased mortality risk, due to the challenges of managing severe GI inflammation and the associated risks of infection, malnutrition, and organ failure. The standard first line therapy for treating aGvHD is the use of systemic steroids. If patients do not respond to steroids, they are considered Steroid Resistant (SR) and other agents can be administered. Currently the only agent approved for treating SR aGvHD after failure of steroid treatment is ruxolitinib, which is currently approved for this indication in USA and has received approval from the European Medicines Agency's Committee for Human Medicinal Products (CHMP) on March 25, 2022. About MaaT013 (Xervteg) MaaT Pharma's Microbiome Ecosystem Therapies (MET) are designed to leverage a full microbiome ecosystem to restore balance and maximize clinical benefits for patients with severe, treatment-induced dysbiosis in acute diseases. MaaT013 (Xervyteg) is a full-ecosystem, off-the-shelf, standardized, pooled-donors, enema Microbiome Ecosystem TherapyTM for acute, hospital use. It is characterized by a consistently high diversity and richness of microbial species and the presence of ButycoreTM (a group of bacterial species known to produce anti-inflammatory metabolites). MaaT013 (Xervyteg) aims to restore the symbiotic relationship between the patient's functional gut microbiome and their immune system to correct the responsiveness and tolerance of immune functions and thus reduce steroid-resistant, gastrointestinal (GI)-aGvHD. MaaT013 (Xervyteg) has been granted Orphan Drug Designation by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA). View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250702395509/en/ Contacts: MaaT Pharma Investor Relations Guilhaume DEBROAS, Ph.D. Head of Investor Relations +33 6 16 48 92 50 invest@maat-pharma.com MaaT Pharma Media Relations Pauline RICHAUD Senior PR Corporate Communications Manager +33 6 14 06 45 92 media@maat-pharma.com Catalytic Agency U.S. Media Relations Heather Shea Media relations for MaaT Pharma +1 617-286-2013 heather.shea@catalyticagency.com Path of Liberty will offer active, off-duty, and retired military members and their families special complimentary tickets for prime viewing. NEW YORK, NY / ACCESS Newswire / July 2, 2025 / Path of Liberty: That Which Unites US , a powerful public art installation made possible by The Soloviev Foundation , will welcome active, off-duty, and retired military members and their families this Independence Day at 8:30pm as the nation begins the official countdown to America's 250th birthday. Situated along the East River, the installation offers a meaningful backdrop for the celebration and live simulcast of the annually anticipated Macy's Fireworks Show. To reserve complimentary tickets for this private catered event, please visit poljuly4.splashthat.com . LEFT: Path of Liberty: That Which Unites US, an immersive public art installation at Freedom Plaza made possible by the Soloviev Foundation, features larger-than-life photography and videos of Americans from across the country. Courtesy of C&G Partners, Exhibition and Experience Designer. RIGHT: Lieutenant Mickey Kross is a retired New York City firefighter whose miraculous survival during the September 11, 2001 attacks has become a powerful testament to resilience and courage. A member of Engine Company 16, Kross was assigned to the North Tower that morning. He and his team had reached the 23rd floor to assist with evacuations when the South Tower collapsed. Moments later, as the North Tower began to fall, Kross was buried beneath the rubble. Trapped for nearly three hours, he survived by taking shelter in a corner, with his helmet shielding him from falling debris. In the aftermath, Kross played an active role in the recovery efforts at Ground Zero. The helmet that helped save his life is now preserved in the National September 11 Memorial & Museum, serving as a symbol of bravery and endurance. Courtesy of The Soloviev Foundation. High resolution installation and subject images can be downloaded here "This year's 4th of July begins a historic journey toward America's 250th birthday," said Michael Hershman, a decorated Army veteran and CEO of Soloviev Group. "We are proud that Path of Liberty offers a space where neighbors, veterans, and visitors can come together to reflect on our shared values and honor the diverse voices that continue to shape our country." Stretching from 38th to 41st Street along First Avenue, the six-acre immersive installation transforms the cityscape with a larger-than-life tribute to the founding ideals that unite us. With vibrant visuals and emotional storytelling, Path of Liberty: That Which Unites US offers a fresh and inclusive lens on what it means to be American. The installation, by exhibition and experience design firm C&G Partners and directed by Cannes-selected filmmaker Daniella Vale , features 41 towering interactive screens showcasing striking photography and short films. This brings to life the personal stories of 55 Americans - veterans, librarians, farmers, Indigenous leaders, astronauts, and others-whose lived experiences illuminate the shared principles of liberty, equality, and perseverance. The exhibit is free and open to the public every Thursday through Saturday from 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM, with walk-ups welcome and advance reservations available at pathoflibertynyc.com . Path of Liberty: That Which Unites US expands on The Soloviev Foundation's commitment to bringing the community together through art that encourages contemplation, nurtures connection, and inspires hope. TOP LEFT: Petty Officer 1st Class Steven Edgar is a Mass Communication Specialist in the U.S. Navy, stationed at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base (NAS JRB) New Orleans. In this role, he produces and manages public affairs content, including photography, videography, and written communications that highlight the base's missions and personnel. Courtesy of The Soloviev Foundation. TOP RIGHT: Ariel Broussard is a dedicated service member in the U.S. Navy, currently stationed in New Orleans. With a strong commitment to national service, Broussard plays a vital role in supporting the Navy's operations while contributing to the city's vibrant military community. Courtesy of The Soloviev Foundation. BOTTOM LEFT: Noah Currier is a decorated Marine veteran and the founder of Oscar Mike, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting disabled veterans through mental health services and adaptive sports. After returning from Iraq, Currier sustained a life-changing spinal cord injury in a vehicle accident. Rather than letting adversity limit him, he turned his experience into a mission to uplift fellow veterans. Through Oscar Mike, he provides rehabilitation and empowerment programs that help wounded service members regain their independence and sense of purpose. Courtesy of The Soloviev Foundation. BOTTOM RIGHT: Al "Mr. G" Godlewski enlisted in the Army during World War II in 1943, serving in England and France with the 140th Finance Disbursement Section. He narrowly escaped a torpedo attack and played a key role in ensuring 30,000 soldiers received their pay. Now at 100 years old, he remains active, enjoying time with family, reading, jigsaw puzzles, and the occasional martini. Courtesy of The Soloviev Foundation. ABOUT PATH OF LIBERTY: THAT WHICH UNITES US Encompassing more than six-acres on Manhattan's East Side from 38th to 41st Street on First Avenue, the large-scale exhibition provides a visual and narrative journey of the founding principles of the United States, framed by stunning portraits and immersive landscapes. Made possible by the Soloviev Foundation, Path of Liberty: That Which Unites US will welcome guests and present an exploration of both the achievements and ongoing challenges of American democracy. Through powerful, large-scale environmental portraits and interactive elements, visitors will leave with a deeper understanding of the country's past, present, and future. Please visit pathoflibertynyc.com and follow @pathoflibertynyc on Instagram and Facebook for more information. ABOUT THE SOLOVIEV FOUNDATION The Soloviev Foundation is the charitable giving arm of the Soloviev Group, dedicated to supporting the efforts of those working across humanitarian, environmental, and educational causes. The Foundation's gifts go to both large, long-established institutions addressing global crises and concerns, and smaller, hyperlocal organizations serving the populations in need within their communities. For more information, visit solovievfoundation.org . Contact Info: info@dujour.com 646-710-4494 SOURCE: DuJour Media View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/publishing-and-media/%22path-of-liberty-that-which-unites-us%22-honors-veterans-on-july-4th-as-the-nati-1045381 Institutional Real Estate, Inc. ("IREI") has completed its acquisition of the assets of London-based Lyndon Publishing 2 Ltd ("Lyndon Publishing"), which include The Property ChronicleandThe Green Chronicle.The former Lyndon Publishing 2 will now operate as a division of IREI. The Property Chronicle reaches a global audience of real estate investment professionals, researchers, and academics. Its sister publication, The Green Chronicle, is edited to address the interests and concerns of emerging young talent in these real estate professions. Both publications are produced as weekly news briefings filled with original content and contributed feature articles from industry thought and opinion leaders. In addition, The Property Chronicle is also published as a quarterly, illustrated full-color magazine available in both digital and print formats, while The Green Chronicleis published exclusively in digital format. Together, the two publications reach approximately 50,000 professionals across the real estate, real assets, and broader investment communities in the U.K., EU, Middle East, Americas, and Asia Pacific regions, nearly doubling the circulation and reach of IREI's existing publications and newslines. As part of the acquisition, Stephen Yorke, founder of Lyndon Publishing, will join IREI as a consultant and will continue to serve as the editor of these two publications in that capacity. Yorke brings extensive experience in publishing and investment, having held roles at D&GAM, UBS Warburg, and JPMorgan Chase in London. He is also the founder of The Academy of Real Assets, a U.K.-based social enterprise that introduces students to career opportunities in real asset investing and investment management. "The Property Chronicle has been my life for the last eight years and I would not have dreamed of selling, or parting with it, unless I had 100% confidence that IREI has the skill, resource and ambition to grow it as a global title and to serve our growing readers through live events and stimulating content. In an era when AI is everywhere, original, stimulating, thought-provoking human content will become more and more valued. I can't wait to start working with IREI to keep The Property Chronicle at the forefront of Real estate and Real assets' publishing," commented Yorke. "We are delighted to welcome Stephen and Lyndon Publishing to the IREI family," commented Geoffrey Dohrmann, Chairman, CEO, and Editor-in-Chief of IREI. "Stephen's values and the mission of his two publications are perfectly aligned with IREI's core values and mission. The completion of this transaction enables us to support and expand our platforms in Europe, the Middle East and the Asia Pacific regions. The opportunities for synergy between our two platforms are immense." About Institutional Real Estate, Inc. Founded in 1987, Institutional Real Estate, Inc. (IREI) is an investor-focused global media firm long recognized as a critical nexus for sharing reliable industry intelligence, research and insights across the institutional real estate investment, infrastructure investment and private wealth advisory marketplaces. Through its suite of publications, industry events, IRE.IQ database, as well as its sponsorship programs and consulting services, IREI provides timely information and strategic advice to investors, investment managers, consultants, private wealth advisers and other key investment industry stakeholders. For more information, visit www.irei.com. About Lyndon Publishing 2 Ltd Founded in 2017, Lyndon Publishing 2 Ltd is the publisher of The Property Chronicle and The Green Chronicle, two well-respected platforms offering thought and opinion leadership covering issues impacting participants in the real estate, real assets, and the broader investment community. Launched in 2024, The Green Chronicle is a quarterly publication that serves as the voice of the next generation, featuring contributions from the under 35 set around the globe, with articles focused on sustainability, ESG, and innovation across the asset classes. Together, the publications engage a contributor base of over 300 industry professionals and academics, while serving a global audience comprised of approximately 50,000 readers. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250702208153/en/ Contacts: Media Contact: Sandy Terranova Institutional Real Estate, Inc. 925-244-0500 SHERBROOKE QC, July 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Global Excel Management Inc. (Global Excel) is pleased to announce the strategic acquisition of First Assistance New Zealand Limited (First Assistance) and its subsidiary First Assistance Australia Pty Ltd, leading businesses specializing in digital assistance services. This deal marks Global Excel's commitment to expanding its footprint in the travel assistance and claims markets in the Asia-Pacific region. "First Assistance's highly skilled team will play a vital role in supporting our growth strategy on the international field", says Phil Hibbert, CEO of Global Excel, "We aim to enhance our capabilities and offer our clients a comprehensive suite of assistance services while creating new market opportunities through innovative, integrated solutions". The partnership embodies Global Excel's commitment to delivering customer-centric assistance solutions that truly help people during their time of need. Together the teams are set to strengthen the region's assistance and claims offering, paving the way for a new era of growth and customer service excellence. "Global Excel is a worldwide leader in cost containment, claims adjudication and health risk management", added David Burns, CEO of First Assistance, "By bridging our talent pools together our customers will benefit from a one-stop-shop approach in assistance enabling faster, more responsive support around the clock". First Assistance's management team will remain in their roles to ensure business continuity and ongoing customer relationships providing stability as the teams integrate and align their efforts. About Global Excel Management Inc. Global Excel is a full-service provider of global healthcare risk management solutions. Global Excel, together with its subsidiaries based in Canada, USA, Mexico, Europe, Africa, and Asia, offers a complete range of risk mitigation, cost containment, claims management and medical assistance services to over 1,800 clients located in more than 90 countries around the world. As a group, Global Excel will manage approximately 420,000 inpatient, outpatient and non-medical cases per year and processes in excess of $2B USD in healthcare claims annually. For more information, visit globalexcel.com. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2723789/Global_Excel_Management_Inc__Global_Excel_Acquires_First_Assista.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/global-excel-acquires-first-assistance-to-strengthen-assistance-services-and-expand-in-the-asia-pacific-market-302497089.html Salt Lake City, Utah--(Newsfile Corp. - July 2, 2025) - As Americans across the nation gather to celebrate Independence Day, ReadyWise, a leading provider of emergency food, encourages a moment of reflection on our fundamental freedoms and the importance of safeguarding what we value most. In a world navigating complex global challenges-from ongoing geopolitical conflicts to rising international tensions-many are contemplating the unsettling question: Are we on the brink of war? ReadyWise's mission is simple: to bring peace of mind to more households through practical emergency solutions. From freeze-dried meals to portable water filtration and backup power options, ReadyWise empowers families to be prepared for any emergency. "Preparedness gives people the confidence and resources they need to remain independent during uncertain times," says Norm Ramos, Director of Marketing at ReadyWise. Governments across Europe and North America are encouraging citizens to stock up on emergency food, clean water, and essential supplies. Whether it's a power outage, supply chain disruption, or an extreme weather event, emergency preparedness as a form of insurance and self-reliance is more important now than ever. ReadyWise offers dependable emergency food with up to 25-year shelf life and survival gear for peace of mind when it matters most. Recent data from FEMA's 2023 National Household Survey reveals that only 51% of Americans feel prepared for a disaster, and just 48% have assembled or updated an emergency supply kit in the past year. This shows there's still room for many households to take practical, meaningful steps toward readiness. Happy 4th of July from ReadyWise! To help families prepare, ReadyWise is offering up to 30% off select supplies through July 4. To learn more, visit readywise.com or call a helpful product specialist at 800-393-2570. ReadyWise Emergency Food To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9483/257557_64b6decc0402b812_001full.jpg **About ReadyWise** Based in Salt Lake City, Utah, ReadyWise is a global leader in food manufacturing, specializing in high-quality, shelf-stable food solutions. They offer a range of branded products including ReadyWise Emergency Food Kits, trusted for long-term food storage, ReadyWise Outdoor, featuring convenient meals for camping and adventure, and Simple Kitchen, their line of ready-to-eat meals and snacks. Beyond their own brands, they provide private label and co-manufacturing services in their USDA- and SQF-certified facility in Utah, ensuring top-tier quality and safety for partners. At ReadyWise, they are committed to innovation, reliability, and making food security accessible for all. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/257557 SOURCE: ReadyWise, Inc. LEEDS, England, July 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Build Concierge, the customer engagement platform, has raised $5.1m (3.8m) in seed funding from a consortium of private investors. The deal values the year-old start-up at 35m. The venture has built an AI-enabled customer engagement platform, helping businesses to automate customer communications across every channel, using email, text, WhatsApp, chat and voice. The software boosts productivity and helps businesses to scale rapidly and profitably. Build Concierge is the fourth business from serial founder Martin Port. The Yorkshire-based entrepreneur, investor and philanthropist has been building B2B software for almost 30 years. Port's previous venture, the workforce management software platform BigChange, was sold to Simpro Group last year in a deal that valued BigChange at more than 300m. Build Concierge has raised 3.8m in growth finance from angel investors, high net worths, and Martin Port himself. Alongside the investment, Build Concierge has announced the appointment of several industry heavyweights to its board. These individuals bring extensive industry experience from Build Concierge's target sectors. Lord Ian Austin, former Labour minister, now the UK government's trade envoy to Israel, joins Build Concierge as a board observer, bringing decades' worth of experience in frontline government policy. He is a passionate advocate for tech disruption and automation within the construction sector. Robin Proctor brings FTSE 100 experience to our new board. A former Development Director of construction giant Travis Perkins Group, he held executive roles in Travis Perkins, Wickes and Howdens, so really understands our target customers. A proven market innovator having been a board member at market disruptor Toolstation.co.uk during its key growth phase and chairman of Bathrooms.com, he specialises in improving business efficiency, lean supply chains, automation and robotics. Charlie Kirk, founder and former managing director of drainage firm Jet Aire, built his business over more than two decades to become the leading supplier of drainage services in the North of England, employing more than 170 people. As a board member, he will help shape the development of AI tools that allow companies in this industry to scale efficiently. "We are delighted to welcome these luminaries to our board," says Build Concierge founder Martin Port. "We have spent the past year refining our business model, technology and approach. It is a testament to the power and potential of our technology that we have attracted such high-calibre people to the board, and that our first fundraising round was oversubscribed, closing in record time." Lord Austin comments: "Martin's track record speaks for itself. He has already created two of the most exciting software companies in Europe and Build Concierge has the potential to make an even bigger impact. There isn't a single service business that couldn't benefit from this AI-powered platform, and no limit to its potential." Charlie Kirk comments: "This is a really exciting opportunity and I'm very much looking forward to working with Martin and the team. Build Concierge's AI-driven software will be a game changer for many businesses and will help to drive efficiency and growth." About Martin Port Martin Port is a technology pioneer based in Leeds, Yorkshire. He is a serial entrepreneur, with three successful exits under his belt. Martin founded his last venture, software-as-a-service company BigChange, in 2011. In 2020, BigChange was recognised for its outstanding innovation in the Queen's Awards for Enterprise, the UK's highest official awards for British businesses. In 2024, the business was sold to Simpro in a deal that valued BigChange at over 300m. About Build Concierge Build Concierge is an AI-powered omnichannel customer engagement platform that converts, automates and scales, 24/7. Businesses face rising enquiry volumes, fragmented systems, and manual tasks that drain resources and slow growth. Using proprietary AI tools, Build Concierge manages calls, chats, WhatsApp, SMS, emails, and bookings in real time. It understands intent, responds instantly, and follows up automatically. Seamlessly integrating with existing tools, from CRMs to job management and scheduling software, Build Concierge helps businesses automate without disrupting how their teams already work. No missed steps. No wasted time. Just intelligent automation. https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7340776143177895937/ Media Contact: Leah Port CMO Build Concierge Email: leah.port@buildconcierge.com Phone: +44 (0)7572608854 View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/build-concierge-raises-5m-appoints-industry-heavyweights-to-board-302497116.html Sacramento, California--(Newsfile Corp. - July 2, 2025) - Mark Waldron ("Waldron"), a director of Vibe Growth Corporation ("Vibe" or the Issuer") today filed an Early Warning Report ("EWR") on Form 62-103F1 pursuant to National Instrument 62-103 (Early Warning System and Related take-Over Bid and Insider Reporting Issues) reporting the intent to dispose of 250,000 common shares ("Shares") in the capital of Vibe through the facilities of the Canadian Securities Exchange. Before the contemplated disposition, Waldron exercises control or direction over 1,959,045 Shares of the Issuer, representing approximately 18.14% of the issued and outstanding Shares. Upon completion of the proposed disposition, Waldron will exercise control or direction over 1,709,045 Shares of the Issuer, representing approximately 15.83% of the outstanding undiluted Shares. Waldron is selling the Shares to reduce his shareholdings in the Company and to obtain the proceeds of sales to be used for other purposes. Waldron reserves the right to acquire further Shares, or dispose of some or all of the Shares, in the future, in each case either through the open market or through private transactions, depending on market conditions and other relevant factors. For further information regarding the Transaction, please see the EWR. A copy of the EWR is available on SEDAR+. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor the Canadian Investment Regulatory Authority accepts responsibility for the adequacy or the accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/257583 SOURCE: Mark Waldron Los Angeles, California--(Newsfile Corp. - July 2, 2025) - Digital Silk, an award-winning agency focused on creating brand strategies, custom websites, and digital marketing campaigns, has published a new article examining the growing impact of AI tools on enterprise web design workflows in Los Angeles. As businesses look for scalable solutions to improve UX and reduce development timelines, AI-powered design platforms are gaining traction across industries. How AI Tools Are Transforming Web Design Workflows in Los Angeles: Insights from Digital Silk To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10732/257132_027d7652f4fc798c_001full.jpg According to a 2024 report by Deloitte, 67% of mid-to-large U.S. businesses are currently exploring or implementing AI solutions to streamline aspects of their website development, including layout generation, user journey mapping, and content structuring. Product design tools are potentially helping teams accelerate wireframing, improve visual consistency, and identify optimisation opportunities earlier in the development cycle. Digital Silk's latest insights highlight how AI can support design workflows when used alongside human-led creative strategy - especially for brands aiming to maintain consistency, compliance, and performance across complex site ecosystems. AI in Web Design: Efficiency and Customisation May Improve Across Enterprise Teams The article explores how AI is being used to assist with: Generating responsive UI layouts tailored to user behaviour Speeding up prototyping and iterative testing Analysing heatmaps and on-page interactions for UX adjustments Supporting accessibility compliance through semantic tagging suggestions These developments are particularly relevant to enterprise clients in highly regulated sectors, such as healthcare and finance, where customisation must align with strict branding and technical requirements. Balancing Automation With Strategy "Our clients aren't using AI to replace creativity. They're integrating AI tools to support their internal teams and reduce friction during the design process," said Gabriel Shaoolian, CEO of Digital Silk. "With the right framework, AI can potentially help teams make smarter design decisions while keeping pace with shifting user expectations." Fast Facts on AI in Web Design 67% of U.S. businesses are exploring AI for web development (Deloitte, 2024) 43% report faster turnaround times on design iterations Popular product design tools Enterprise teams are integrating AI primarily for UX design and layout structuring About Digital Silk Digital Silk is an award-winning Los Angeles 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 conversions and digital marketing services to help improve visibility and engagement. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/257132 SOURCE: Digital Silk Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - July 2, 2025) - Saturn Oil & Gas Inc. (TSX: SOIL) (OTCQX: OILSF) ("Saturn" or the "Company"), a light oil-weighted producer focused on unlocking value through the development of our assets in Saskatchewan and Alberta, is pleased to announce the renewal of the Company's existing $150 million syndicated credit facility (the "Credit Facility") following the semiannual borrowing base review, with an added and uncommitted accordion feature allowing for a $100 million expansion of the Credit Facility up to $250 million in total, subject to certain conditions. The Credit Facility remains fully undrawn. "This renewed and enhanced Credit Facility supports Saturn's disciplined approach to managing our balance sheet, providing ample liquidity for the ongoing development of our light-oil weighted assets," said John Jeffrey, CEO of Saturn. "With approximately $80 million of cash exiting Q1 2025 combined with this undrawn Credit Facility, we remain well positioned to further advance our blueprint strategy. We would like to thank our lenders for their continued support and confidence in Saturn." The terms of the amended Credit Facility reflect the Company's healthy financial position, provide Saturn with ample financial flexibility to execute on our strategic blueprint, and support the continued development and optimization of our low-decline, profitable and light oil weighted asset base. National Bank of Canada led the Credit Facility, which includes ATB Financial and Goldman Sachs Bank USA and is comprised of a $100 million reserve-based credit facility and a $50 million operating facility. The Credit Facility is a committed facility subject to a semi-annual borrowing base redetermination occurring on or before June 30th and November 30th of each year. The $100 million accordion feature is not subject to fees until drawn. ABOUT SATURN Saturn is a returns-driven Canadian energy company focused on the efficient and innovative development of high-quality, light oil weighted assets, supported by an acquisition strategy targeting accretive and complementary opportunities. The Company's portfolio of free-cash flowing, low-decline operated assets in Saskatchewan and Alberta provide a deep inventory of long-term economic drilling opportunities across multiple zones. With an unwavering commitment to building an entrepreneurial and ESG-focused culture, Saturn's goal is to increase per share reserves, production and cash flow at an attractive return on invested capital. The Company's shares are listed for trading on the TSX under ticker 'SOIL' and on the OTCQX under the ticker 'OILSF'. Further information and our corporate presentation are available on Saturn's website at www.saturnoil.com. READER ADVISORIES Forward-Looking Information and Statements Certain information included in this press release constitutes forward-looking information under applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking information typically contains statements with words such as "anticipate", "believe", "expect", "plan", "intend", "estimate", "propose", "project", "scheduled", "will" or similar words suggesting future outcomes or statements regarding an outlook. Forward-looking information in this press release may include, but is not limited to: the sufficiency of liquidity for the execution of the business plan and the Company's near and medium term strategic plans. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by Saturn, including expectations and assumptions concerning the business plan. Although Saturn believes that the expectations and assumptions on which the forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements because Saturn can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual plans and results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks, including the risks set out under "Risk Factors" in Saturn's Management Discussion and Analysis for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2024, and Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2024, available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Forward-looking information is based on a number of factors and assumptions which have been used to develop such information, but which may prove to be incorrect. Although Saturn believes that the expectations reflected in its forward-looking information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking information because Saturn can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. In addition to other factors and assumptions which may be identified in this press release, assumptions have been made regarding and are implicit in, among other things, our capital expenditure and drilling programs and future production and growth plans. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list is not exhaustive of all factors and assumptions which have been used. The forward-looking information contained in this press release is made as of the date hereof and Saturn undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless required by applicable securities laws. The forward-looking information contained in this press release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. All dollar figures included herein are presented in Canadian dollars, unless otherwise noted. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/257596 SOURCE: Saturn Oil & Gas Inc. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - July 2, 2025) - Alma Gold Inc. (CSE: ALMA) ("Alma Gold" or the "Company") announces that further its news releases dated April 25, 2025 and June 9, 2025, it has amended the terms of the previously announced private placement (the "Private Placement"). The Company will now issue units (each a, "Unit") at a price of $0.08 per Unit. Each Unit will consist of one common share (a "Share") and one full, transferable common share purchase warrant (a "Warrant"). Each Warrant will entitle the holder thereof to acquire one additional Share a price of $0.16 for a period two (2) years from the closing date. The Company now intends to raise aggregate gross proceeds of $1,138,770. All other terms of the Private Placement remain unchanged. The Company expects to close the first tranche of the Private Placement on July 3, 2025, with the possibility of one or more additional tranches closing thereafter. About Alma Gold Inc. Alma Gold Inc. is a gold-focused exploration company based in Bedford, Nova Scotia. Alma Gold Inc. through its subsidiary Karita Gold Corp. is exploring the Karita West Project in northern Guinea, the Dialakoro project permits under application in the Siguiri Basin of Guinea and it owns the Clarence Stream North Gold Project in southwest New Brunswick, Canada. For more information on Alma Gold Inc., please visit our website at: almagoldinc.ca. 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 release. Forward-Looking Information This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, statements regarding the Company's intention to complete a non-brokered Private Placement; the expected size, pricing, and structure of the Private Placement; the anticipated use of proceeds; the issuance and terms of the common shares and warrants; and the Company's exploration plans and objectives. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. These risks and uncertainties include, without limitation: the risk that the Private Placement may not be completed as currently proposed or at all; the availability of capital and investor interest; the risk that regulatory or stock exchange approvals may not be obtained in a timely manner or at all; changes in economic, market, and business conditions, including fluctuations in commodity prices and investor sentiment; unanticipated expenses or liabilities; and other risks disclosed in the Company's public disclosure documents, including those filed under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Forward-looking information is based on management's reasonable assumptions, estimates, expectations, analyses, and opinions as of the date of this news release. These assumptions include, among others: that all required regulatory and stock exchange approvals will be obtained in a timely manner; that sufficient investor interest will be secured; and that the Company will be able to use the proceeds of the Private Placement as currently contemplated. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking information are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Readers should not 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 applicable law. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/257578 SOURCE: Alma Gold Inc. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - July 2, 2025) - FIRST ANDES SILVER LTD. (TSXV: FAS) (OTC Pink: MSLVF) (FSE: 9TZ0) (the "Company" or "First Andes") today announced, at the request of the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization ("CIRO"), clarification to its news release dated July 2, 2025 (the "Original News Release") announcing field logging and interpretation results from the first diamond drill hole completed to target depth, SG017, as part of its ongoing 2,000-meter ("m") drill program at the Company's 100%-owned Santas Gloria Project ("Santas Gloria" or the "Project"), located approximately 55 kilometres east of Lima, Peru. This news release restates the disclosure contained in the Original News Release but removes any visual percentage estimates from core logging of mineralization contained therein. Key Point Summary Drill hole SG017 at the San Jorge Vein ("San Jorge") intercepted a broad zone of sulphide-mineralized hydrothermal breccia from 136.60 to 194.20 m (57.60 m drilled width), characterized by strong silicification, argillic alteration and local sericitic alteration. Sulphide mineralization is present throughout the interval, with pyrite accompanied by local galena, sphalerite, barite and tetrahedrite. Sulphidic mineralization intensifies from 162.00 m, with occurrences of galena and sphalerite, along with barite and tetrahedrite crystals associated with quartz veins. The most intense brecciation occurs from 147.00 to 179.80 m, where the breccia features a strongly argillic altered matrix, silicified clasts, and mineralized veins with pyrite, galena, and sphalerite. A semi-massive interval of galena mineralization up to approximately 15 centimeters ("cm") in width was intercepted at 179.90 m which included pyrite and barite, as well as locally euhedral sphalerite crystals. Field observations and logging from SG017 confirm the presence of a robust, polymetallic-mineralized intermediate sulphidation hydrothermal system at depth, which remains open in all directions. The program's first hole, SG016, did not reach target depth after intercepting a void at 77.00 m, with alteration and mineralization commencing at 74.70 m, suggesting the onset of the epithermal zone - four samples totalling 2.60 m were submitted for assay. The void was likely the result of small scale artisanal miners stoping a near-surface mineralized vein. A total of 50 HQ-diameter core samples (half-core) totalling 43.00 m were collected and submitted from drill hole SG017 to Alfred H. Knight Group ("AHK Group") laboratory in Lima, Peru for assay, with initial results expected in 3 to 4 weeks. "The intersection of a broad, sulphide-rich hydrothermal breccia in SG017 marks a significant breakthrough in the geological model at Santas Gloria," stated Colin Smith, CEO and Director of First Andes Silver. "The intensity of hydrothermal alteration, the presence of semi-massive galena and sphalerite, and the occurrence of pervasive polymetallic sulphide mineralization all suggest that vectoring into the core of a well-preserved, fertile sulphide system. With a vertical intercept depth of 125 and 170 meters, this drill test represents the deepest recorded intersection of epithermal mineralization in the Project's history. These results further underscore the scale and continuity of the San Jorge system, and we look forward to receiving assay results to evaluate the grade profile of this promising, open-ended mineralized zone." Drill Hole SG017 Drill hole SG017, completed at the San Jorge Vein target within the Santas Gloria Project, intersected a substantial zone of sulphide-bearing hydrothermal breccia between 136.60 and 194.20 m downhole. This mineralized interval is characterized by intense hydrothermal alteration, including pervasive silicification and argillic overprinting, with localized zones of sericitic alteration, indicative of a high-temperature fluid regime and fully-intact intermediate sulphidation epithermal system. Sulphide mineralization is present throughout the breccia, with pyrite as the dominant phase. Accompanying the pyrite are variable but notable occurrences of galena, sphalerite, barite, and tetrahedrite. From approximately 162.00 metres, the intensity of sulphidic mineral increases, with galena and sphalerite alongside barite and tetrahedrite crystals commonly observed within quartz veinlets. The most texturally intense brecciation spans a core interval from 147.00 to 179.80 m, marked by a strongly argillic matrix, angular clasts exhibiting silica replacement, and a network of mineralized veinlets hosting pyrite, galena, and sphalerite. At 179.90 m, the hole intercepted a semi-massive interval with galena up to 15 centimetres wide, featuring pyrite and barite, along with locally euhedral crystals of sphalerite - a visually impressive and geologically significant zone. Geological logging and field interpretation confirm that SG017 has intersected a robust, multiphase polymetallic hydrothermal system at depth which remains open in all directions, highlighting a strong potential for further expansion in subsequent drilling. Figure 1: Plan map of ongoing 2025 drill program at San Jorge. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10525/257603_3d0ce3d584847941_002full.jpg Figure 2: Cross section of SG017. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10525/257603_3d0ce3d584847941_003full.jpg Table 1: SG017 zone description and core photographs (136.60 to 194.20 m). Depth (m) Core Photo Description Box # 51 From 136.60 To 139.20 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10525/257603_3d0ce3d584847941_004full.jpg -137.40 m: sericitic alteration in the rock, with pyrite ("Py") Box # 52 From 139.10 To 141.60 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10525/257603_3d0ce3d584847941_005full.jpg -139.70 m: Py identified with an increase silicification -149.70 m: oxidization and silicification increases Box # 53 From 141.60 To 144..30 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10525/257603_3d0ce3d584847941_006full.jpg -142.90 m: increase of Py mineralization Box # 54 From 144.30 To 147.00 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10525/257603_3d0ce3d584847941_007full.jpg -146.20 m: oxidization increases again, Py mineralization remains Box # 55 From 147.00 To 149.70 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10525/257603_3d0ce3d584847941_008full.jpg -147.60 m: brecciation with argillic and silicic alteration -148.70 m: brecciation ends with Py mineralization Box # 56 From 149.70 To 152.45 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10525/257603_3d0ce3d584847941_009full.jpg -150.35 m: fractures with sericite and sphalerite ("Sph") Box # 57 From 152.45 To 155.20 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10525/257603_3d0ce3d584847941_010full.jpg -153.60 m: oxidized breccia, 50 core axis with argilized matrix and silicified clasts (Py in the clasts) -154.70 m: vein filed with sulphides, Py and quartz ("Qtz") Box # 58 From 155.20 To 158.00 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10525/257603_3d0ce3d584847941_011full.jpg The matrix is argilized and the clasts silicified. Py in the clasts. Box # 59 From 158.00 To 160.80 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10525/257603_3d0ce3d584847941_012full.jpg The matrix is argilized and the clasts silicified. Py in the clasts. Box # 60 From 160.80 To 163.40 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10525/257603_3d0ce3d584847941_013full.jpg -162.15 m: The breccia ends, dacite light gray, silicificated, still with Py -162.50 m: Py continues to be present -163.25 m: oxidized zone, medium argillic alteration Box # 61 From 163.40 To 166.30 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10525/257603_3d0ce3d584847941_014full.jpg -163.68 m: silicified rock and gray color again, Py continues to be present -166.00 m: breccia texture with Qtz veins Box # 62 From 166.30 To 169.10 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10525/257603_3d0ce3d584847941_015full.jpg -167.10 m: Py, galena ("Gal"), Sph -168.05 m: Py, Sph with argillic alteration Box # 63 From 169.10 To 171.75 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10525/257603_3d0ce3d584847941_016full.jpg Breccia starts with Qtz vein. Py, Sph with argillic alteration Box # 64 From 171.75 To 174.45 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10525/257603_3d0ce3d584847941_017full.jpg -173.80 m: Gal disseminated in the Qtz vein, barite and tetrahedrite crystals present Box # 65 From 174.45 To 176.95 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10525/257603_3d0ce3d584847941_018full.jpg -175.10 m: argillic alteration with Py, Gal and Sph -176.86 m: vein filled with sulphides, Py, Gal, Sph Box # 66 From 176.95 To 179.50 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10525/257603_3d0ce3d584847941_019full.jpg -178.50 m: Py in the matrix, Sph -179.20 m: Qtz vein forming cavities with Py, Gal and barite Box # 67 From 179.50 To 182.20 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10525/257603_3d0ce3d584847941_020full.jpg -179.90 m: vein with Gal, Sph crystal, Py and barite. 2-3 cm of thickness and 15 cm of length -180.20 m: The breccia ends at 30 core axes. Start footwall rock with Py Box # 72 From 192.60 To 194.20 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10525/257603_3d0ce3d584847941_021full.jpg -193.60 m: Qtz vein with sulphides and Py and gal traces, entering footwall sequence Some core intervals were strongly oxidized and represents a supergene effect, whereby surficial groundwaters percolate down structures, resulting in oxidation of sulphides. Intermediate sulphidation epithermal deposits are mined throughout central Peru, and have demonstrated vertical extents in excess of 600 metres. Deeper drilling at Santas Glorias should encounter sulphide only mineralization. Quality Assurance / Quality Control ("QA/QC") The Company follows industry-recognized standards of Best Practice and QA/QC. HQ-diameter core samples are sawed into equal halves, and selected core samples are submitted to AHK Group in in Lima, Peru, a market-leading provider of inspection and analysis services which maintains rigorous quality standards through compliance with industry standards and regulations, including ISO/IEC 17025 and ISO 9001. Core samples are sealed in plastic bags using single use tie-locks, thereby ensuring chain of custody, for fire assay and ICP analysis. To date, all batches have passed QA/QC within acceptable tolerance limits. All diamond holes were drilled in PQ-NQ diameter. Core recovery across all veins exceeded 90%. Qualified Person Dr. Christopher Wilson, Ph.D., FAusIMM (CP), FSEG, FGS, a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical information contained in this news release. Dr. Wilson is not independent and serves as Chief Geologist of First Andes Silver Ltd. and owns securities of the Company. About First Andes Silver Ltd. First Andes Silver Ltd. is a British Columbia company that holds a 100% interest in the high-grade Santas Gloria silver property, located in a major mining district 100 km east of Lima, Peru. Santas Gloria has excellent established road access, and is situated within a well-known intermediate sulphidation epithermal belt, and hosts over 12 km of multiphase veins mapped at surface which had never been historically drilled or explored by modern techniques before 2024. First Andes' maiden diamond drill program last year reported high-grade silver grades on all drilled vein systems confirming silver endowment and warranting high priority follow-up drilling in 2025. Forward-Looking Statements Information set forth in this news release contains forward-looking statements that are based on assumptions as of the date of this news release. These statements reflect management's current estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations. They are not guarantees of future performance. The Company cautions that all forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain and that actual performance may be affected by a number of material factors, many of which are beyond the Company's control. Such factors include, among other things: risks and uncertainties relating to Company's limited operating history, ability to obtain sufficient financing to carry out its exploration programs and the need to comply with environmental and governmental regulations. Accordingly, actual and future events, conditions and results may differ materially from the estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations expressed or implied in the forward-looking information. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking information. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release. Except as required by law, the Company disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/257603 SOURCE: First Andes Silver Ltd. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - July 2, 2025) - Planet Based Foods Global Inc. (CSE: PBF) (OTC Pink: PBFFF) (FSE: AZ00) (the "Company"), a company that offers a diverse portfolio of sustainable food ingredients and innovative plant-based solutions, is pleased to announce a change to its board of directors (the "Board"), effective immediately. The Company welcomes Olha Yushchenko as an Independent Director, David Eaton as an Independent Director, William Blake Aaron as a Director and Audit Committee Chair, and Dawn Wattie as a Director and Corporate Secretary. These appointments demonstrate Planet Based Foods' dedication to enhancing its leadership with fresh perspectives and strong governance. William Blake Aaron will step down as Corporate Secretary to assume his new role as a Director and Audit Committee Chair. The Company expresses its gratitude for his contributions as Corporate Secretary and looks forward to his continued leadership in his new capacity. "We are thrilled to welcome Olha Yushchenko, David Eaton, William Blake Aaron, and Dawn Wattie to our leadership team," said Sigal Shapira, Chief Executive Officer and President. "Their collective expertise in public and private sector leadership, capital markets, finance, and corporate law will be invaluable as we continue to grow and innovate in the plant-based food sector. These appointments underscore our dedication to building a strong, dynamic leadership team to drive our mission of delivering sustainable, high-quality food solutions." About Planet Based Foods Global Inc. The Company is dedicated to advancing the plant-based food industry through a diverse portfolio of sustainable food ingredients and innovative plant-based solutions, prioritizing quality and environmental responsibility. Planet Based Foods Global Inc. is committed to upholding the highest standards of sustainability and fostering equitable partnerships that empower communities worldwide. With a focus on creativity and integrity, the Company provides products that align with evolving consumer values and contribute to a more sustainable food ecosystem. Additional information about the Company is available on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca). Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements included in this news release may constitute "Forward-Looking Statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and "forward-looking information" under applicable Canadian securities laws (collectively, "forward-looking statements"). Such statements include those identified by the expressions "anticipate", "assume" "believe", "plan", "estimate", "expect", "intend", "may", "should" and similar expressions. The forward-looking statements are not historical facts but reflect current expectations regarding future results or events. These statements reflect the Company's current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of other assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by management, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or forward-looking information and the Company has made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation, development of the industry in which the Company operates; risks associated with the conduct of the Company's business activities; risks relating to reliance on the Company's management team and outside contractors; currency fluctuations; risks regarding the failure to generate sufficient cash flow from operations; laws and regulations governing the industry in which the Company operates; operating or technical difficulties; employee relations, labour unrest or unavailability; stock market volatility; conflicts of interest among certain directors and officers; lack of liquidity for shareholders of the Company; litigation risk; and other risk factors disclosed in the Company's public disclosure documents available on the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca. Readers are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements or forward- looking information. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be anticipated, estimated or intended. The Company does not intend and does not assume any obligation to update these forward-looking statements or forward-looking information to reflect changes in assumptions or changes in circumstances or any other events affecting such statements or information other than as required by applicable law. The Canadian Securities Exchange does not accept 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/257563 SOURCE: Planet Based Foods Global Inc. DHL Express UAE and Meydan Free Zone have partnered to boost global shipping for UAE businesses. The agreement offers streamlined logistics, reduced rates, and expert support, aligning with Dubai's goal to strengthen its position as a global center for trade and entrepreneurship. Photo Courtesy of Meydan Free Zone DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, July 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- DHL Express UAE, the global leader in international express logistics, has signed a strategic agreement with award-winning, 100% digital Meydan Free Zone to enhance international shipping capabilities for UAE-based businesses. The partnership, formalized at the Meydan Free Zone headquarters, was signed by Mahmoud Haj Hussein, Country Manager of DHL Express UAE, and Mohammad Bin Humaidan Al Falasi, Director of Free Zone Licensing at Meydan Free Zone. Through this collaboration, businesses operating within the Meydan Free Zone will gain streamlined access to DHL's global logistics network, which spans more than 220 countries and territories. The agreement includes preferential shipping rates, expert customs guidance, scalable delivery solutions, and dedicated logistics assistance designed to simplify international trade and accelerate global business expansion. The partnership supports Dubai's broader economic agenda to foster entrepreneurship and position the emirate as a leading global hub for trade and innovation. By addressing key logistical challenges, the initiative will especially benefit high-growth sectors such as e-commerce, healthcare, manufacturing, and retail. E-commerce businesses, in particular, will benefit from DHL's fulfilment services, automated tracking tools, and optimized last-mile delivery solutions that improve operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. Beyond logistics, the partnership gives entrepreneurs access to one of Dubai's most future-ready business ecosystems. Companies benefit from 0% corporate tax as qualified Free Zone entities, guaranteed UAE bank account assistance, and access to over 2,500 licensed activities across multiple sectors. The free zone also offers LLC structures for personal liability protection, flexible pay-as-you-grow packages, ISO-certified data security, and continuous expert support, all managed through a fully digital, award-winning platform. Mahmoud Haj Hussein, Country Manager of DHL Express UAE, stated: "DHL Express is proud to be part of the UAE's thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem. Our partnership with Meydan Free Zone reinforces our commitment to supporting SMEs with best-in-class logistics expertise, seamless international delivery, and tailored support." Mohammad Bin Humaidan Al Falasi, Director of Free Zone Licensing at Meydan Free Zone, added: "At Meydan Free Zone, we're committed to creating an environment where businesses can launch and scale with ease. This partnership with DHL Express provides our license holders with the logistical tools they need to expand internationally and compete on a global stage. It's a key milestone in our mission to build a smart, agile, and globally connected business community." The agreement is part of DHL's broader strategy to empower globally ambitious small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with specialized logistics solutions and sector-specific expertise. From cross-border compliance to last-mile delivery, DHL offers a full suite of services that help entrepreneurs streamline supply chains and reach new markets efficiently. Further strengthening the offering, Meydan Free Zone's Fawri license enables businesses to become operational in under 60 minutes, setting a new benchmark for speed and simplicity in company formation. Together, the partnership delivers an end-to-end ecosystem built for efficiency, agility, and global reach. By embedding advanced logistics capabilities into Dubai's SME ecosystem, this partnership reinforces the UAE's position as a leading destination for innovation-led, sustainable business growth. Photo Courtesy of Meydan Free Zone About DHL - The logistics company for the world DHL is the leading global brand in the logistics industry. Our DHL divisions offer an unrivalled portfolio of logistics services ranging from national and international parcel delivery, e-commerce shipping and fulfilment solutions, international express, road, air and ocean transport to industrial supply chain management. With approximately 400,000 employees in more than 220 countries and territories worldwide, DHL connects people and businesses securely and reliably, enabling global sustainable trade flows. With specialized solutions for growth markets and industries including technology, life sciences and healthcare, engineering, manufacturing & energy, auto-mobility and retail, DHL is decisively positioned as "The logistics company for the world". DHL is part of DHL Group, which generated revenues of approximately 84.2 billion euros in 2024. With sustainable business practices and a commitment to society and the environment, the Group makes a positive contribution to the world. DHL Group aims to achieve net-zero emissions logistics by 2050. About Meydan Free Zone: Meydan Free Zone ranks among the world's largest and most advanced Digital Free Zones, strategically located just 15 minutes from Dubai International Airport and headquartered at the prestigious Meydan Hotel. Known for its award-winning 360 platform, it enables businesses to launch, operate, and scale with speed, simplicity, and flexibility from Dubai to the world. Contact Information: Marium Jawaid DHL Express UAE Communication Manager E-mail: marium.jawaid2@dhl.com Anisha Sagar Meydan Free Zone Head of Marketing & Communications Phone: +971 55 210 5697 E-mail: anisha@meydanfz.ae Photos accompanying this announcement are available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9dfc441e-c9e5-4922-aebb-8e755772007a https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ee56790e-34ef-4b81-9354-8065d8269568 SAN FRANCISCO, CA / ACCESS Newswire / July 2, 2025 / At a pivotal moment for AI and cybersecurity, AI Insiders: Cybersecurity Edition gathered 130 of the most influential minds in the space at AWS Builders Loft for a highly curated salon designed to surface zero-day insights and catalyze new defense paradigms. The evening, hosted by Marvelous, the AI operating system for real-world event automation, focused on how autonomous agents and LLMs are reshaping the cyber threat landscape and what must come next. "As AI becomes both a weapon and a shield, cybersecurity can't afford to lag behind standing still is a three-year head start for the adversary, especially when 98% of CISOs expect an AI-driven attack surge within that time," said Merve Isler, founder of Marvelous. Structured as a vertical intelligence ecosystem rather than a traditional conference, the event attracted high-trust guests working at the bleeding edge of AI and security innovation. The audience composition reflected the moment's intensity: 50% CISOs and security leads from major enterprises, decision-makers on budget, tooling, and response strategy. 30% were AI founders and technical builders, building tools for red-teaming, LLM hardening, and agent alignment. 10% were investors from top-tier funds like a16z, Greylock, Menlo Ventures, CRV, and Ballistic Ventures. The final 10% included analysts and security media, invited to listen, though most discussions remained off the record to foster candor and collaboration. Backed by partners including Lakera and AWS, Cyera, Tinfoil, Pangea, Zania AI, Straiker AI, and HC Consulting, AI Insiders continues to serve as a nexus for domain-specific AI collaboration. AI Insiders was founded and curated by Merve Isler, a globally recognized ecosystem strategist and former Google community architect. With a decade of experience designing high-trust innovation communities across Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia and the United States, she has built founder and technology networks in some of the world's most complex and fast-evolving ecosystems. Through AI Insiders, Isler brings this global expertise into vertical-specific, high-signal gatherings that spark meaningful industry collaboration. AI Insiders the highly curated and most trusted AI community in San Francisco. She founded Marvelous to democratize the tools and systems behind this kind of high-impact convening, transforming what was once exclusive into something scalable. The platform's vision is shared in her Marvelous 10-year Memo at themarvelo.us/memo. Where Intelligence Meets Defense Before programming began, guests were welcomed with curated matchmaking by Marvelous, local craft drinks, and light bites designed to spark meaningful connections. Hosts Merve Isler (Marvelous), Julie Tsai (Cybersecurity Executive), and Bhavya Gupta (Stanford) opened the night with a call to action; AI is already disrupting security doctrine and the room held those best equipped to respond. Bhavya Gupta added, "AI is no longer just a tool in cybersecurity, it's becoming an active player, making decisions, adapting in real time, and rewriting the pace of both attack and defense. The real question now isn't just how we secure AI, but how we secure with it." Christopher Chew, Supervisory Special Agent at the FBI, delivered a sobering look at how LLMs are being exploited in real-world threat campaigns, while Michelle Dennedy, CPO-in-Residence at Abaxx / PrivacyCode (ex-Cisco, Sun, Juniper), outlined frameworks for privacy-at-scale in autonomous systems. The VCs' View on Cybersecurity in the AI Era panel, moderated by David Colombo, unpacked how capital flows into AI-native security and which types of infrastructure are still underserved. Panelists: Malika Aubakirova (Partner, a16z) Chenxi Wang (Managing General Partner, Rain Capital) David Hahn (Partner, Ballistic Ventures) James Green (Partner, CRV) Shreya Shekhar (Partner, Greylock) Building the Future of AI Security & Resilience panel moderated by Feyza Haskaraman (Principal, Menlo Ventures), this panel went deep into technical strategy and startup challenges. From model-level defense to real-time observability in agentic workflows, panelists revealed what's working and what's not. Startup Showcase: Six Startups Defining AI-Native Cyber Defense A rapid-fire showcase spotlighted the next wave of security innovation tools built from the ground up for LLMs, agents, and adversarial environments. Straiker AI - Ankur Shah unveiled real-time threat detection for AI-native applications. Lakera - David Haber demonstrated scalable defenses against model exploitation. Zania AI - Aidan Collins introduced agentic security tooling designed for continuous learning environments. Cyera - Adam DeGraff showcased enterprise-ready data protection for AI-integrated cloud systems. Pangea - Oliver Friedrichs showcased workforce AI tool usage and AI activity within applications. Tinfoil- Tanya Verma closed with a vision for lightweight, developer-first LLM security primitives. As with every AI Insiders gathering curated by Merve Isler, the experience blended substance with style. This time, the evening unfolded to the sound of live jazz, following past salons that featured AI-generated piano performances. Guests enjoyed bites and carefully selected wines, adding to the ambiance of thoughtful conversation and connection. The night closed with high-trust, no-agenda networking among operators, security architects, investors, and researchers. Many discussions extended well beyond closing, sparking collaborations that Marvelous and its founder Isler will continue nurturing through future AI Insiders salons across verticals like Healthcare & Biotech, Fintech, Robotics & Automation, and culminating in the H1 of 2026 flagship summit. About Marvelous Marvelous is an AI-powered operating system for in-person event automation and a real-time collaboration AI community platform. Built for teams who activate physical spaces with digital efficiency, Marvelous enables users to launch and manage live experiences through agentic workflows that automate vendor matching, budgeting, logistics, and post-event analytics. The platform is headquartered in San Francisco and supports high-frequency event execution across experiential marketing, founder communities, and enterprise innovation programs. Founded by Merve Isler, a former Google community strategist, Marvelous powers scalable, on-demand coordination for IRL activations. Learn more at themarvelo.us. About AI Insiders AI Insiders is a verticalized series of events and private founder network for AI professionals and researchers. Organized by Marvelous, each gathering convenes 150 pre-vetted participants working across core AI sectors, including cybersecurity, fintech, robotics, enterprise SaaS, synthetic media, and healthcare AI. The series is designed to surface zero-day intelligence, facilitate startup-investor deal flow, and support domain-specific collaboration across the broader San Francisco AI ecosystem. The 2026 roadmap includes a 1,500-person flagship conference focused on the evolving AI toolchain, agent infrastructure, and applied research community. Request access at themarvelo.us/ai. Merve Isler Marvelous merve@themarvelo.us https://themarvelo.us/ SOURCE: Marvelous View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/business-and-professional-services/98-of-cisos-expect-ai-driven-attacks-to-surge-inside-marvelous-a-1045470 VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / July 2, 2025 / Supreme Critical Metals Inc. (CSE:CRIT)(FWB:VR61)(OTCID:VRCFF) ("Supreme" or the "Company") did not file its audited annual financial statements, management's discussion and analysis and related CEO and CFO certifications for the financial year ended February 28, 2025 (the "Required Filings") by the filing deadline of June 27, 2025, and as a result is in default of its obligations under Part 4 of National Instrument 51-102 Continuous Disclosure Obligations. As previously announced on June 20, 2025, and June 27, 2025 (collectively, the "Announcement"), the Company applied to the British Columbia Securities Commission (the "BCSC") for a management cease trade order (the "MCTO"), which would restrict all trading in securities of the Company, whether direct or indirect, by the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the Company until such time as the Required Filings are made and the Executive Director of the BCSC revokes the MCTO. The BCSC issued the MCTO on July 2, 2025. The MCTO does not generally affect the ability of shareholders who are not insiders of the Company to trade their securities. The Company and its auditor continue to work diligently toward completing the Required Filings and expect to remedy the default by filing the Required Filings on or before August 29, 2025. Furthermore, the Company confirms that so long as it is in default of its obligations to file all periodic and timely disclosure documents that it is required to have filed, it will cease the distribution of its securities (and any acts in furtherance thereof) under the listed issuer financing exemption described in the offering document of the Company dated June 4, 2025. The Company confirms that since the date of the Announcement: (i) there has been no material change to the information set out in the Announcement that has not been generally disclosed; (ii) the Company is satisfying and confirms that it intends to continue to satisfy the provisions of the "alternative information guidelines" under National Policy 12-203 Management Cease Trade Orders ("NP 12-203") and issue bi-weekly default status reports for so long as the delay in filing the Required Filings is continuing, each of which will be issued in the form of a news release; (iii) there has not been any other specified default by the Company under NP 12-203; (iv) the Company is not subject to any insolvency proceedings; and (v) there is no material information concerning the affairs of the Company that has not been generally disclosed. About Supreme Critical Metals Inc. SUPREME CRITICAL METALS INC. is a publicly traded diversified investment corporation actively exploring and investigating multiple opportunities in lithium, copper, silver, and precious metals. The Company adheres to strategic guidelines that prioritize regions conducive to mining, supported by favourable government regulations and existing infrastructure. For further information, please contact: George Tsafalas, Director Phone: Toll Free 1(778) 373-8578 E-mail: info@supremecritalmetals.com www.supremecriticalmetals.com 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. 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 Supreme'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 Supreme's expectations. Such material risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the impact of general economic conditions, industry conditions and dependence upon regulatory approvals. 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. 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: Supreme Critical Metals Inc. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/supreme-critical-metals-inc.-granted-management-cease-trade-order-1045476 Singapore, Singapore--(Newsfile Corp. - July 2, 2025) - Raffles Financial Group Limited (CSE: RICH) ("RFG' or the "Company") This is to give shareholders an update of the Company. Change in the composition of the Board of Directors Mr. David Wong, the independent director of the Company has informed the Board of his decision to resign from the Board, effective on 1 July 2025. Mr. Wong has served the Company with dedication and invaluable contributions since his appointment. His strategic insights have greatly benefited the Company. The Board extends its deepest gratitude to Mr. Wong for his exemplary service and wishes him a fulfilling and well-deserved retirement. Concurrently, the Board is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. William Ying as an Independent Director of the Company, effective from 1 July 2025. Mr. Ying is an angel investor, venture capitalist and senior corporate executive with a proven record of achievement in Corporate Finance and Administration for high growth companies and capital markets. He has been a driving force leading and funding high growth start-ups, private and public companies, through RTO, IPO, M&A, and trading on the major North American stock exchanges. For over 25 years, Mr. Ying provides growth investment opportunities to accredited investors globally (institutional, corporate and individual) as well as advises growth-oriented companies in capital raising, M & A, listing and other corporate finance activities. He served as a CEO of a CSE-listed company and currently take a position on board of director of a publicly listed fintech company. Mr. Ying also participates in Mentor in Business program at Simon Fraser University (SFU Beedie School of Business) as a mentor to share his business experience with future business leaders. William holds a Master Degree of Business Administration from Ivey Business School at Western University, Ontario, Canada. The Board is confident that Mr. Ying's appointment will enhance the Company's governance framework and support its long-term growth objectives, as well as further strengthen the Board's oversight and strategic guidance. About Raffles Financial Group Limited Raffles Financial Group is listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange Purchasable under the stock symbol (CSE: RICH). Raffles specializes in public listing advisory and arrangement services including corporate restructuring and mergers & acquisitions. The Company's operating subsidiaries are based in Hong Kong serving clients from Asia-Pacific who are in AI, blockchain, cloud-database, cyber security, renewable energy, food & beverage, green economy & environment, fintech, healthcare, logistics and sustainability initiatives. RFG target clients are those aiming for a market cap between US$150 million to US$300 million upon IPO and with net earnings of at least US$10 million. They are too small to be served by the big investment banks and too big for the boutique advisors. On behalf of the RFG Board of Directors Monita Faris The CSE has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the accuracy or adequacy of this release. Neither the Canadian Securities Purchase nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Purchase) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains statements that 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," "must," "next," "propose," "new," "potential," ""favorable," "implications," and "ongoing," and similar expressions, as they relate to the Company or its management, are intended to identify such forward-looking information. Investors are cautioned that statements including forward-looking information 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 described in the forward-looking information as a result of various factors, including but not limited to fluctuations in market prices, successes of the operations of the Company, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market, and business conditions. There can be no assurances that such forward-looking information will prove accurate, and therefore, readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of the risks and uncertainties. The Company does not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking information except as required under the applicable securities laws. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/257622 SOURCE: Raffles Financial Group Limited VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / July 2, 2025 / Onco-Innovations Limited (CBOE CA:ONCO)(OTCQB:ONNVF)(Frankfurt:W1H,WKN:A3EKSZ) ("Onco" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that on July 2, 2025, its Chief Executive Officer, Thomas O'Shaughnessy, held an investor call during which he provided shareholders with an update on the Company's strategic milestones and development roadmap, as it continues to advance its mission to accelerate cancer treatment innovation through cutting-edge therapeutics and artificial intelligence. The update overviewed significant advancements in the Company's Research and Development efforts, particularly the continued development of its lead Polynucleotide Kinase 3'-Phosphatase (PNKP) Inhibitor Technology. Mr. O'Shaughnessy spoke to Onco's engagement of Dalton Pharma Services to initiate manufacturing activities for preclinical testing material, reiterating that this marks the beginning of the transition from early-stage research to scaled production and clinical preparation. Mr. O'Shaughnessy then outlined the near-term focus areas of the Company's R&D roadmap, including the selection of contract research partners, the commencement of GLP preclinical testing, and preliminary preparation efforts towards eventual Phase 1 clinical trials. He emphasized that these activities are critical to achieving key regulatory milestones in 2026, which are part of a global multi-region clinical development plan. As part of this AI-focused strategy, Mr. O'Shaughnessy provided an update on the PROmAI consortium, a strategic initiative led by Inka Health AI and designed to bring together global pharmaceutical partners and scientific experts. The consortium's goal is to support the development of causal AI tools that improve predictive modeling and regulatory alignment in oncology drug development. He confirmed that AstraZeneca has expressed interest in participating as a founding member, which underscores the consortium's relevance to the broader industry. Further supporting this development pipeline, Onco recently entered into a new research agreement with the University of Alberta and the Cross Cancer Institute. Mr. O'Shaughnessy explained that this collaboration will explore the application of PNKP inhibition in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), one of the most treatment-resistant forms of cancer. The preclinical study is expected to generate data that could lay the groundwork for future combination treatment strategies and expanded indications. Mr. O'Shaughnessy highlighted Onco-Innovations' continued corporate momentum, including the Company's recent uplisting to Cboe Canada Inc. on May 22, 2025. He described the listing as a meaningful step toward expanding capital market visibility, strengthening investor engagement, and aligning capital strategy with the Company's long-term scientific goals. He also reflected on the Company's acquisition of Inka Health AI in February 2025, a move that strategically positions Onco to integrate artificial intelligence into its drug development efforts. Inka Health brings advanced capabilities in real-world data analytics and AI model development, supported by a distinguished scientific team. Mr. O'Shaughnessy noted that this acquisition plays a critical role in enhancing R&D performance and strengthening the Company's ability to drive precision oncology forward. Finally, Mr. O'Shaughnessy reaffirmed Onco-Innovations' commitment to uniting novel drug development with advanced artificial intelligence platforms, such as Inka Health's proprietary Synograph system. He noted that further updates would be shared soon regarding Synograph's evolution and its growing role in strategic partnerships and AI-driven research. The Company looks forward to continuing its mission to bring forward a new class of therapies for solid tumors, accelerated by AI, and to share further updates on its progress toward clinical translation in the months ahead. About Inka Health Inka Health is an AI-driven analytics company revolutionizing oncology research and drug development through advanced causal AI. Its proprietary platform, SynoGraph, leverages AI-powered causal inference to identify which cancer patients are most likely to respond to specific treatments, advancing precision medicine. By integrating diverse multimodal medical data-including genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics-SynoGraph uncovers hidden insights that can optimize treatment decisions and clinical trial design. With this cutting-edge technology, Inka Health aims to help pharmaceutical companies accelerate drug development, reduce trial failures, and bring life-saving therapies to market faster. About Onco-Innovations Limited Onco-Innovations is a Canadian-based company dedicated to cancer research and treatment, specializing in oncology. Onco's mission is to pursue the prevention and treatment of cancer through pioneering research and innovative solutions. The company has secured an exclusive worldwide license to patented technology that targets solid tumours. ON BEHALF OF ONCO-INNOVATIONS LIMITED, "Thomas O'Shaughnessy" Chief Executive Officer For more information, please contact: Thomas O'Shaughnessy Chief Executive Officer Tel: + 1 888 261 8055 investors@oncoinnovations.com Forward-Looking Statements Caution. This news release contains forward-looking statements, including in relation to the prospects of the Company, and the Company's business and plans generally, and other statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as "will", "may", "potential", "should", "anticipate", "expects" and similar expressions. All statements other than statements of historical fact, included in this release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking information may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted, as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and the Company will update or revise publicly any of the included forward-looking statements as expressly required by applicable law. SOURCE: Onco-Innovations Limited View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/healthcare-and-pharmaceutical/onco-innovations-ceo-highlights-strategic-milestones-and-randd-progre-1045451 Hollywood star John Cena says he is grateful to audiences in India who have supported him over the years and invested their time in his movies. read more In a highly anticipated visit, the Heads of State commenced their London junket with a compelling series of interviews at Potters Fields Park, set against the iconic backdrop of the London Bridge and dramatically flanked by a US Marine One Helicopter. This striking visual provided a powerful symbol of international cooperation and prestige. Following the high-profile interviews, the delegation arrived in style for an exclusive screening at the esteemed BFI London. Hollywood star John Cena says he is grateful to audiences in India who have supported him over the years and invested their time in his movies. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The wrestler-turned-actor, who currently stars in action-comedy Heads of State, said he once visited India for a short while and was bowled over by the hospitality and enthusiasm of the fans. The enthusiasm, the hospitality and the welcome that I have always received from India, not to mention, the support, and the fan base in India even though I have only been there for a limited time. Globally-popular actor Priyanka Chopra Jonas says she wants to be proud of the work she does and thats why her constant effort is to take on roles of substance. Priyanka has been making waves in Hollywood with her performances in shows such as Citadel as well as movies such as Baywatch, A Kid Like Jake, The Matrix Resurrections and Love Again. Her latest film is Heads of State, a globetrotting action comedy from streaming service Prime Video in which she features alongside Hollywood stars Idris Elba and John Cena. Ukraine and Russia are increasingly deploying ground robots for resupply, combat and casualty evacuation. With AI-driven systems like Murakha, THeMIS and Volchanin in action, these robotic platforms are transforming modern warfare. As both countries innovate on the battlefield, are ground robots becoming the frontline fighters of the future? read more The Gereon RCS Robot, an unmanned ground vehicle for the defence sector, from ARX Robotic, in action in Oberding near Munich, Germany, March 27, 2025. File Image/Reuters Both Moscow and Kyiv are putting their focus on unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) robots designed to support logistics, firepower and casualty evacuation. These systems, once peripheral to military strategy, are now playing a growing role in direct battlefield engagement, as seen in Russia's war in Ukraine. How Ukraine is expanding its robotic arsenal Ukraine has steadily increased its investment in robotic warfare since 2024, aiming to reduce soldier exposure by relying on autonomous or remotely operated ground vehicles. One of the key additions to its defense inventory is the Murakha, a tracked robotic platform designed for front-line operations, particularly under artillery fire or in heavily mined environments. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Murakha, developed for utility in difficult battlefield conditions, stands out due to its size and capacity. It can transport loads exceeding 500 kilogrammes over considerable distances, crossing challenging landscapes and even shallow water. Ukraines Defence Ministry has stated that its control systems allow it to remain functional in areas affected by Russian electronic warfare measures. In April, another vehicle the D-21-12R was unveiled. This UGV comes equipped with a machine gun and joins a growing family of military robots intended to undertake a range of critical operations, including direct assault, defensive action, rescue missions, demining and logistical support. Recently, Ukraine also approved the Targan robotic logistics system, created by domestic engineers under the Brave1 initiative. The Targan, approved for field use in late 2024, is electrically powered and fitted with large rubber wheels, capable of carrying up to 200 kilogrammes of material across rugged terrain. It comes in multiple variants, with its standard version offering a range of 20 kilometers. Other Ukrainian systems, such as the Sirko-S1 and Volia-E, which entered service in mid-2024, have payload capacities of 150200 kilogrammes and are also used to evacuate injured personnel. Additionally, Ukraine has received foreign-supplied ground robots like the German Gereon RCS, Estonian THeMIS and Czech Trail-Blazer, expanding the technological diversity of its robotic fleet. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD How ground robots are being used on the frontline Ukrainian forces have proven adept at reimagining the use of both imported and locally made equipment. Kuldar Vaarsi, founder and CEO of Milrem Robotics, a company based in Estonia, noted that Ukrainian troops are finding creative ways to utilize their ground robots more effectively. Ukrainian troops are really creative, and they really find very simple ways how to get even more out of the equipment, he told Business Insider. Milrems flagship UGV, the THeMIS, can be customised with various payloads including weapons and demining gear. It can transport nearly 1,200 kilogrammes and travel up to 19 kilometers per hour. Vaarsi explained that the motivation is straightforward: If you give a tool to a soldier, then he will use it as it seems most appropriate It is literally a question of life and death. The Da Vinci Wolves Battalion in Ukraine uses these systems for high-risk operations such as laying mines, collecting fallen soldiers, and carrying explosives close to Russian targets. Oleksandr Yabchanka, who leads the battalions robotic systems, likens their flexibility to childhood construction toys: The ground robotised systems are Lego sets We all remember Lego. We were growing up together with those kits. His unit adapts a single robot design for multiple purposes due to limited availability of specialized models, reported Business Insider. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This approach aligns with broader Ukrainian innovation during the war, which has seen Soviet and Western hardware reconfigured for entirely new purposes such as mounting outdated weapons on trucks, repurposing cruise missiles and integrating commercial drone parts into military platforms. How Russia is deploying robots Russia, too, has responded to Ukraines technological adaptation by increasing its own use of ground-based robots. Facing similar challenges on a 600-mile front particularly vulnerable supply lines frequently targeted by drones Russia has introduced platforms like the Volchanin, developed by the Volsk Military Logistics Institute, for resupply and casualty evacuation. Combat engineers of pro-Russian troops operate an Uran-6 mine-clearing robotic system during an operation to demine anti-personnel landmines in a street in the course of Ukraine-Russia conflict in Donetsk, Ukraine, July 31, 2022. File Image/Reuters It has also deployed the Courier, a multifunctional UGV with a large payload capacity designed for both logistics and combat. Russian forces have been observed conducting training sessions with these systems. In one video posted in late 2023, troops are seen using a wheeled robot to transport supplies and wounded soldiers across the battlefield. Russian forces use homemade transport bot to move supplies around in Avdeevka without coming under fire: pic.twitter.com/s9tpHGFNEc SIMPLICIUS (@simpatico771) December 3, 2023 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Another post featured a tracked vehicle moving across a combat zone in Donetsk before being destroyed by Ukrainian drone strikes. More recently, Russian media footage from Chasiv Yar displayed larger and faster robots some equipped with anti-drone cages suggesting that Russia is improving the size, speed, and resilience of its ground robotic fleet. Despite their technological differences, both countries are united by a strategic need: minimising human casualties while maintaining the flow of supplies and firepower. Robotic resupply offers a cost-effective, safer alternative to manned convoys, especially in contested zones where aerial surveillance and attacks are constant. Why these battle ground robots are crucial now The use of ground robots for logistical operations is not just about saving lives but about operational sustainability. With manpower constraints on both sides, unmanned systems free up soldiers for direct combat duties. Furthermore, losing a robot to enemy action is far less costly than losing a soldier, both strategically and emotionally. These platforms leverage robotics expertise initially developed in aerial drone warfare. Ground-based autonomy is comparatively less complex; UGVs navigate two-dimensional terrain and can follow preprogrammed routes. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Some models operate using onboard sensors and basic navigation systems without relying on external communications that can be jammed a critical feature on todays electronic warfare-heavy battlefield. Robots are also being increasingly deployed in urban settings where traditional resupply is logistically difficult. A Ukrainian post from the 93rd Mechanized Brigade shows robots being loaded with supplies near Pokrovsk. Conversely, captured two Ukrainian UGVs moving swiftly through Chasiv Yar, demonstrating their operational reach even in contested areas. As Ukraine and Russia deploy more robotic systems for more missions on the frontlines, the question of whether ground robots could one day replace human soldiers is no longer theoretical. With inputs from agencies The Centre has released new guidelines for ride-hailing platforms. Cab aggregators such as Uber, Ola and Rapido can now charge twice the base fare during peak hours, up from the previous 1.5 times. The new rules also allow these companies to operate private bikes as taxis read more A motorbike driver uses the Uber mobile application for Uber Moto rides in New Delhi, India, June 14, 2023. File Photo/Reuters Cab rides at rush times are set to get expensive in India. The Centre has revised rules for ride-hailing apps, allowing cab aggregators such as Uber, Ola and Rapido to charge twice the base fare during peak hours. Previously, the cap on the surge price or dynamic fare during peak hours was 1.5 times the base fare. This will change after the new Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines (MVAG), 2025, were issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) on Tuesday (July 1). STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Lets take a closer look. What are the new rules for cab services? Cab aggregators can soon charge up to two times the base fare during the peak hours. The Centre has also permitted them to charge a minimum of 50 per cent of the base fare during non-rush hours. The new guidelines also state that if a driver cancels the ride without a valid reason, a penalty of 10 per cent of the fare, not exceeding Rs 100, will be imposed. If a passenger cancels the ride without a valid reason, they will be charged similarly. The ministry said on the regulation of fees, The fare by the State Government for the respective category or class of motor vehicles, shall be the base fare chargeable to passengers availing services from the aggregator. If a state has not decided on a base fare, the aggregator will have to specify the charge to the state government, as per a Times of India (TOI) report. The base fare chargeable shall be for a minimum of three km to compensate for dead mileage including the distance travelled without a passenger and the distance travelled and fuel utilised for picking up the passenger, according to the new guidelines. The Centre has revised the cap on the surge price charged by cab aggregators. File Photo/Reuters Ride-hailing platforms cannot charge dead mileage to passengers, except when the distance for availing the ride is less than three kilometres. The fare shall be charged only from the point of origin of the journey to the point of destination where the passenger is dropped off, the governments guidelines say. The Centre has directed the state governments to adopt the revised guidelines within three months. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The government has revised the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines 2020 to bring the regulatory framework up to date with the developments in the motor vehicles aggregator ecosystem. Insurance for drivers & more The revised guidelines also permit the use of non-transport (private) motorcycles as taxis. The State Government may allow aggregation of non-transport motorcycles for journey by passengers as shared mobility through aggregators, resulting in reduced traffic congestion and vehicular pollution, along with providing, inter alia, affordable passenger mobility, hyperlocal delivery, and creating livelihood opportunities, the notification stated. States can levy daily, weekly, or fortnightly fees on aggregators for the use of such motorcycles, as per Clause 23 of the guidelines. The guidelines come as a relief for bike taxi operators, including Rapido, Ola and Uber, who have long operated in a legal grey area. Recently, Karnatakas ban on bike taxis triggered widespread protests. The revised rules also make insurance cover mandatory for drivers associated with cab aggregators. Each driver should be provided with a health insurance cover of Rs 5 lakh and a term insurance policy of Rs 10 lakh. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Cab services hail new rules Popular ride-hailing apps, including Uber and Rapido, have welcomed the governments new guidelines. Uber has said the new rules will lead to innovation and regulatory clarity. Timely adoption by states will be key to ensuring uniform implementation and building much-needed predictability for all stakeholders. We commend the ministry for its consultative and balanced approach, a company spokesperson said. A man drives an Uber electric car on a road in New Delhi, India, August 28, 2023. File Photo/Reuters Rapido has specifically lauded Clause 23 of the MVAG 2025, which allows aggregators to operate private motorcycles for passenger journeys. The company has described the move as a milestone in Indias journey towards a Viksit Bharat. With inputs from agencies The FBI has added Cindy Rodriguez-Singh to its Ten Most Wanted list for allegedly killing her six-year-old son, Noel Alvarez, in 2023. Not only this, they are offering a staggering $250,000 (Rs 2.14 crore) reward for anyone who offers information on the fugitive. She fled the US with her husband, Arshdeep Singh, and six children in March 2023 and may be hiding in India read more Cindy Rodriguez-Singh, who is believed to have fled the US in March 2023 with her husband, Arshdeep Singh and their six other children, is suspected to be hiding in India. She is on FBI's 'Most Wanted' list. Image courtesy: FBI The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has added Cindy Rodriguez-Singh, a 40-year-old woman with ties to India and Mexico, to its Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list for her alleged role in the murder of her six-year-old son, Noel Rodriguez-Alvarez. Rodriguez-Singh, who is believed to have fled the US in March 2023 with her husband, Arshdeep Singh and their six other children, is suspected to be hiding in India. On Tuesday, the FBI announced it was raising the reward for information that leads to her arrest and conviction from $25,000 (Rs 21.4 lakh) to a staggering $250,000 (Rs 2.14 crore). The Bureau confirmed this is one of the highest rewards currently being offered for a fugitive. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD So, how did this case unfold? And who is the woman at the centre of it all? Heres what we know. The mysterious disappearance of Noel Alvarez Six-year-old Noel Rodriguez Alvarez was last seen in October 2022, around the same time his mother, Cindy Rodriguez Singh, gave birth to twins. Months later, on March 20, 2023, officers from the Everman Police Department in Texas carried out a welfare check at the request of the states Child Protective Services, who were tipped off about the possible neglect and disappearance of the child. Six-year-old Noel Rodriguez Alvarez was last seen in October 2022. Image courtesy: Everman Police Department When questioned, Rodriguez Singh told police that Noel was living with his biological father in Mexico and had been there since November 2022. But just two days after that visit, on March 22, Cindy, her husband Arshdeep Singh, and their six other children boarded a flight to India. Noel wasnt with them. According to both the FBI and local police, he never boarded that planeand hasnt been seen since. From thereon, Rodriguez Singh has remained out of sight. Investigators believe she could be hiding either in India or Mexico. What happened to Noel? Noel reportedly suffered from chronic lung disease and needed oxygen to breathe. But instead of receiving care, the little boy reportedly endured terrifying abuse. As reported by USA Today, Rodriguez Singh allegedly believed her son was evil, possessed or [had] a demon in him. In the days before his disappearance, she is said to have told people she feared Noel might hunt her newborn twins. Witnesses later told police that Rodriguez Singh would deprive Noel of food and water, refusing to feed him just because she didnt want to change his diapers. One account described her striking him in the face with a set of keys when he tried to drink water. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD She also gave conflicting stories about Noels whereabouts. In one version, she claimed she had sold him to a woman in the parking lot of a Fiesta Mart supermarket, but police found no evidence to back that up. Former Everman Police Chief Craig Spencer confirmed that no sale or exchange ever took place. FBI Dallas hosted a press conference today to announce Cindy Rodriguez Singh as the 537th fugitive placed on the FBIs Top Ten Most Wanted List. She is wanted for allegedly killing her 6-year-old son, Noel Alvarez. https://t.co/lZwTBE3xhb pic.twitter.com/u7qOJ5VVFA FBI Dallas (@FBIDallas) July 1, 2025 Investigators also uncovered a disturbing detail: the day before the family fled the country, Arshdeep Singh was seen disposing of a carpet in a dumpster near their home. A police dog trained to sniff out human remains alerted police to both the carpet and the new patio at the familys residence. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD How Rodriguez-Singh ended up on the FBIs most wanted list In the months after Rodriguez-Singh and her family fled the US, the investigation into Noel Alvarezs disappearance only intensified, and so did the case against her. On October 31, 2023, authorities formally charged Rodriguez-Singh with capital murder in the District Court of Tarrant County in Fort Worth, Texas. Just days later, on November 2, a federal arrest warrant was issued by the US District Court for the Northern District of Texas, charging her with Unlawful Flight to Avoid Prosecution. Initially, the FBI had announced a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to her arrest. But on July 2, 2025, the agency raised the reward to $250,000 and also placed Rodriguez-Singh on its Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list, one of the highest-profile fugitive lists in the world. The FBI is offering a reward of up to $250,000 for information leading to the arrest of Cindy Rodriguez Singh. Calls can be made to 1-800-CALL-FBI or to FBI Dallas at 972-559-5000. Tips can also be submitted digitally at https://t.co/gEDOPVZKar. https://t.co/gxbmUuCAPI pic.twitter.com/oHfjnz2HsI FBI Dallas (@FBIDallas) July 1, 2025 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The addition of Cindy Rodriguez Singh to the FBIs Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list marks a powerful moment in our unrelenting pursuit of justice for Noel, said Everman Police Chief Craig Spencer. This is a promise we made to him and to this community, that we would never stop until those responsible are held accountable. At a press conference held by the FBI on Tuesday, R Joseph Rothrock, Special Agent in Charge of the FBIs Dallas Field Office, reiterated that message, The message to Cindy [Rodriguez Singh] is we arent going to stop [looking]. Were going to keep seeking justice for Noel. Rodriguez-Singh, born in Dallas, Texas, in 1985, is 39 years old. Shes described as standing between 5 feet 1 inch and 5 feet 3 inches, weighing between 120 and 140 pounds (5463 kg). She has a medium complexion, brown eyes, and brown hair, with multiple tattoos on her back, both legs, right arm, right hand, and right calf, according to the FBIs lookout bulletin. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Emphasising the urgency of finding her, Chief Spencer added,The immediate capture of Cindy Rodriguez Singh is so incredibly important in the interest of justice, the safety of our communities, as well as the safety of the other children in her custody. With input from agencies Ahead of his 90th birthday, the Dalai Lama has revealed his succession plan, stating that he will be reincarnated after his death, and only the Gaden Phodrang Trust holds the sole authority to recognise his future reincarnation. However, China maintains that it has the right to choose the next leader, leading to a power tussle. But who will have the last word? read more A Tibetan resident watches a video broadcast of Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama, on her phone in Delhi. The exiled Tibetan spiritual leader said at the start of the 15th Tibetan Religious Conference, that the 600-year-old institution will continue after his death, a decision that will have profound impact on his Buddhist followers. AFP Usually when a person turns 90, they spend it on reflection and introspection. However, as the Dalai Lama turns 90 on July 6, it will be a moment of profound consequence, as he has revealed his plan for selecting his successor. Usually, the search for the Dalai Lamas successor only begins after the death of the current Tibetan spiritual leader. Senior monks interpret signs, scour the region for a child exhibiting qualities of the previous Dalai Lama a process that could take years, leaving a spiritual and leadership vacuum. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD However, this time, Tenzin Gyatso, the current Dalai Lama, is rewriting the script; on Wednesday, just days before his 90th birthday, he has confirmed that he will be reincarnated after his death, asserting that only the Gaden Phodrang Trust holds the sole authority to recognise his future reincarnation and that no one else has the right to interfere in the matter. This has led to a possibility that there could be two Dalai Lamas one chosen by Tibet and the other by China. Heres how. How is the Dalai Lama usually chosen? For years and years, Tibetans have used ancient rituals and mysticism to find the human form of the Dalai Lama. Tibetan Buddhists believe that as one Dalai Lamas human form leaves this world, the soul is reborn in another body. Explaining the process, Robbie Barnett, a senior research fellow on Tibetan, Chinese history and politics at the School of Oriental and African Studies at the University in London, told ABC, Lamas look for divination signs mystical signs in lakes or in the mountains, messages from mountain deities that tell them where to go and look for a child who they then test and see if that child is the reincarnation of the consciousness of the former Dalai Lama. Thats a process that takes many years. The current Dalai Lama was found in 1939, six years after the 13th Dalai Lama Thupten Gyatso passed away in 1933. File image/Reuters In fact, the present Dalai Lama was found by a search party in 1939, six years after the 13th Dalai Lama Thupten Gyatso passed away in 1933. The reincarnation was recognised by several signs, including a vision revealed to a senior monk. According to his official biography, the biggest sign that he was the next Dalai Lama came when he correctly identified items belonging to the 13th Dalai Lama saying, Its mine. Its mine. Then, in 1940, the little boy was taken to Potala Palace in Lhasa and officially enthroned. So, whats different this time around? However, the process of choosing the next Dalai Lama became tenuous as a result of Chinas invasion of Tibet in 1950. And in 1959, following a failed uprising, the Dalai Lama fled Tibet and sought refuge in Dharamsala, in India. Since then, China has been meddling in the process of selecting the next Dalai Lama, as they believe it is a way to impose control on the Tibetan people. A clear indicator of this came in 1995 when Dalai Lama issued a proclamation that a Tibetan boy named Gendun Chokyi Nyima was the Panchen Lama, the second-most prominent reincarnate lama in his order. China responded by arresting the boy, then six years old, along with his family. They have not been seen since. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Gyaltsen Norbu, Chinas 11th Panchen Lama at the opening ceremony of CPPCC with other delegates at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Tibetans often call him a stooge of the Chinese Communist Party. File image/Reuters In turn, Beijing found its own Panchen Lama. However, he is reviled as a fake by many Tibetans, who accuse him of simply toeing the Communist Partys line and praising its policies in Tibet. What has the Dalai Lama said about his successor now? Sensing the threat from China, the 14th Dalai Lama has made a number of statements that would make it difficult for a Chinese appointed 15th Dalai Lama to be seen as legitimate. In his memoir, Voice for the Voiceless: Over Seven Decades of Struggle With China for My Land and My People, published in March, he said that the Tibetan people had made it clear to him that the Dalai Lamas lineage must continue, and he said the choice of a successor should be made according to traditional practices and that lamas and monks would conduct the search. And just days before his 90th birthday on July 7, the spiritual leader revealed his plan on July 2, saying he will have a successor after his death. Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama addresses via a video message at the inaugural session at the 15th Tibetan Religious Conference at the Dalai Lama Library and Archive near Tsuglagkhang, also known as Dalai Lamas Temple complex, in the northern hill town of Dharamshala, India. Reuters The charismatic Tibetan leader said he had received multiple appeals over the past 14 years from Tibetan diaspora in exile, Buddhists from across the Himalayan region, Mongolia and parts of Russia and China, earnestly requesting that the institution of the Dalai Lama continue. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In particular, I have received messages through various channels from Tibetans in Tibet making the same appeal, he said in a video broadcast at the start of a meeting of religious leaders in Himachal Pradeshs Dharamshala where he has lived for decades. In accordance with all these requests, I am affirming that the institution of the Dalai Lama will continue, he added, according to an official translation. He further added that the responsibility for identifying a future Dalai Lama would rest exclusively with the Gaden Phodrang Trust, the official body associated with his office, and would involve consultation with senior lamas of the Tibetan Buddhist traditions and other established spiritual mechanisms. The Gaden Phodrang Trust has sole authority to recognise the future reincarnation; no one else has any such authority to interfere in this matter. And in what seems to be a swipe at China, he emphasised, no-one else has any such authority to interfere in this matter. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD What about China then? However, it seems that China will pay no heed to the leaders remarks they already view him as a separatist. Many Chinese watchers note that despite the Dalai Lamas remarks, Beijing will name its own Dalai Lama. China will argue that only the Communist Party of China based in Beijing has the authority to find the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama, Dibyesh Anand, professor of International Relations at the University of Westminster, told the BBC. After a period of a few months or a few years, they will have their own proteges identify a small boy as the next Dalai Lama and impose that. Of course, a majority of Tibetans are going to reject it and the majority of people in the world are going to make fun of it. But remember China has immense authority in terms of resources so they will try to impose that. Supporters of the Dalai Lama say that any attempts of Chinese interference in the selection of the next Dalai Lama will fail. File image/AFP Even Tibet expert John Powers, a Lecturer in Buddhism Studies at the University of Melbourne, agreed with this theory, telling ABC that the Chinese Communist Party will probably come up with some sort of ersatz ceremony and they will force lamas to participate and pretend that its a legitimate exercise. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD He further explained for Chinese Communist Party official law says that if a Dalai Lama (or other Buddhist leaders) are not recognised by the Communist Party, then theyre not true reincarnations. In fact, shortly after the Dalai Lama made public his succession plan, Beijing said that the Dalai Lamas successor has to be approved by the Chinese government. The reincarnation of the Dalai Lama, the Panchen Lama and other great Buddhist figures must be chosen by drawing lots from a golden urn, and approved by the central government, foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told a regular news briefing, referring to a method introduced by a Qing dynasty emperor in the 18th century. The Chinese government implements a policy of freedom of religious belief, but there are regulations on religious affairs and methods for managing the reincarnation of Tibetan living Buddhas, Mao said. However, followers and supporters of the Dalai Lama say Chinas efforts to influence the succession wont work. As Youdon Aukatsang, an MP in the Tibetan parliament-in-exile, told BBC, A Dalai Lama chosen by China will not be recognised, not only by the Tibetans but the world will not recognise it because China doesnt have the legitimacy to find the future Dalai Lama. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Another Tibetan, Yonten, in a report by The Diplomat notes, This is more than a spiritual question, its about our freedom to decide our future without fear or foreign control. His Holiness deciding his successor while alive is both brave and wise. It ensures continuity and protects our faith from political manipulation. With inputs from agencies Ahead of the Dalai Lamas 90th birthday, he has answered the big question on his succession. He clearly stated that only the Gaden Phodrang Trust, the Office of His Holiness, holds the sole authority to recognise his future reincarnation. So what happens next? read more Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, offers blessings to his followers at his Himalayan residence in the northern hill town of Dharamshala, India, December 20, 2024. File Image/Reuters Who will succeed the Dalai Lama? Its a question that has been doing the rounds as the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader is nearing his 90th birthday (July 6). As celebrations begin, the Dalai Lama has put an end to the speculation. He has clarified that only the Gaden Phodrang Trust, the Office of His Holiness, holds the sole authority to recognise his future reincarnation. He said on Wednesday (July 2) that the 600-year-old institution will continue after his death, a decision that will have a profound impact on his Buddhist followers. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In a move that challenges Chinas attempts to control the succession of the Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, said that he had declared in 1969 that the continuation of the Dalai Lama institution should be a decision for the Tibetan people and the followers of Tibetan Buddhism. I hereby reiterate that the Gaden Phodrang Trust has sole authority to recognise the future reincarnation; no one else has any such authority to interfere in this matter, the Dalai Lama said, pushing back against the idea of a China-backed successor. The Dalai Lama said he had received multiple appeals over the past 14 years from Tibetan diaspora in exile, Buddhists from across the Himalayan region, Mongolia and parts of Russia and China, earnestly requesting that the institution of the Dalai Lama continue. Statement Affirming the Continuation of the Institution of Dalai Lama (Translated from the original Tibetan) On 24 September 2011, at a meeting of the heads of Tibetan spiritual traditions, I made a statement to fellow Tibetans in and outside Tibet, followers of Tibetan pic.twitter.com/VqtBUH9yDm Dalai Lama (@DalaiLama) July 2, 2025 In particular, I have received messages through various channels from Tibetans in Tibet making the same appeal, he said in a video broadcast at the start of a meeting of religious leaders in Himachal Pradeshs Dharamshala, where he has lived for decades. In accordance with all these requests, I am affirming that the institution of the Dalai Lama will continue, he added, according to an official translation. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The process of selecting a successor to the Dalai Lama holds significant importance not only for his followers but also for China, India and the United States, due to geopolitical considerations. So, how will this succession unfold? How was the current Dalai Lama chosen? According to Tibetan belief, the soul of a high-ranking Buddhist monk is reborn in a new body after death. The 14th Dalai Lama, originally named Lhamo Dhondup and born on July 6, 1935, to a farming family in the region now called Qinghai province, was identified as the reincarnation at the age of two. Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama greets devotees as he arrives at the Tsuglakhang temple in Dharamsala, India, August 29, 2017. File Image/AP As described on the Dalai Lamas official website, the selection was based on multiple signs interpreted by a team dispatched by the Tibetan government, including a vision received by a senior monk. The team became convinced when the young child recognised items that had belonged to the 13th Dalai Lama, saying, Its mine, its mine. In the winter of 1940, Lhamo Dhondup was taken to Lhasas Potala Palace now in the Tibet Autonomous Region and formally installed as the spiritual leader of the Tibetan people. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD How will the next Dalai Lama be chosen? In his book Voice for the Voiceless, published in March this year, the Dalai Lama stated that his successor would be born outside of China. He has lived in exile in northern India since 1959 after escaping a failed revolt against Mao Zedongs Communist government. In the book, he mentioned plans to reveal more about his succession process near his 90th birthday. Speaking in Dharamshala on Monday, he said: There will be some kind of a framework within which we can talk about the continuation of the institution of the Dalai Lamas. However, he gave no further details. The Tibetan parliament-in-exile, based in Dharamshala like the Dalai Lama, has said that mechanisms are in place to allow the exiled government to continue functioning, and that senior officers of the Gaden Phodrang Foundation will be tasked with locating and recognising the next Dalai Lama. The foundation, created by the current Dalai Lama in 2015, is intended to maintain and support the tradition and institution of the Dalai Lama in regard to his spiritual and religious responsibilities, according to its website. Several of the Dalai Lamas close aides hold senior roles within the organisation. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Where does China stand? Beijing claims that its leadership has the authority to approve the Dalai Lamas reincarnation, citing historical precedent from imperial times. The selection method involving names drawn from a golden urn dates back to 1793, during the rule of the Qing dynasty. Chinese authorities have repeatedly insisted that the reincarnation must adhere to domestic legal procedures, which require the use of the golden urn and that the rebirth occurs within Chinas borders. However, many Tibetans view Chinas involvement as a strategic effort to assert control over their religious community. The Dalai Lama has said it is improper for Chinese Communists, who do not believe in religion, to meddle in the system of reincarnation of lamas, let alone that of the Dalai Lama. In his book, he urged Tibetans not to accept a candidate chosen for political ends by anyone, including those in the Peoples Republic of China, referring to the nation by its official designation. The Chinese government considers the Dalai Lama, who received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989 for sustaining the Tibetan movement, as a separatist. Public displays of his image or expressions of reverence are strictly forbidden in China. In March, a spokesperson for Chinas foreign ministry referred to the Dalai Lama as a political exile with no right to represent the Tibetan people at all. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD China rejects accusations of suppressing Tibetan rights, asserting instead that its governance abolished serfdom and brought development to what it describes as a previously underdeveloped region. Where do India and the US come in? Beyond the Dalai Lama himself, India hosts more than 100,000 Tibetan Buddhists who have the freedom to study and work within the country. The Dalai Lama is widely respected in India, and foreign policy analysts note that his presence provides New Delhi with a degree of diplomatic leverage in its ongoing tensions with Beijing. The United States, locked in strategic rivalry with China, has consistently expressed its support for the protection of Tibetan human rights. US legislators have made clear their opposition to any Chinese interference in the selection of the next Dalai Lama. In 2024, then-US President Joe Biden signed legislation urging China to address long-standing demands for increased Tibetan autonomy. Also Watch: With inputs from Reuters A marine heatwave, combined with a heat dome, is scorching Europe, with temperatures surpassing 40 degrees Celsius in several places. Marine heatwaves are prolonged periods of abnormally high ocean temperatures. As the ocean warms, its ripple effects are also felt on land. The phenomenon has become more common and severe, triggering concerns. Heres why read more People walk at Trocadero plaza near Eiffel Tower during a heat wave, July 2, 2025 in Paris. AP Europe is reeling from searing temperatures as a marine heatwave in the Mediterranean Sea, along with a heat dome, has sent mercury soaring. Spain and England recorded their hottest June since records began. Germany experienced its hottest day of the year on Wednesday (July 2), with temperatures set to touch 40 degrees Celsius. France has issued a red alert, the highest extreme heat warning, for 16 departements, including Paris. The top of the Eiffel Tower remained closed on Wednesday, with staff urging people to take precautions amid the ongoing heatwave. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Hot temperatures have also scorched the United Kingdom, which is reporting its second heatwave of the summer. Spain and France have also reported casualties as temperatures shoot up. But what is the marine heatwave that has led to red alerts in parts of Europe? We will explain. What is a marine heatwave? Marine heatwaves (MHWs) are prolonged periods of abnormally high ocean temperatures. As the planet warms, the oceans are absorbing excess heat trapped in the atmosphere from greenhouse gases. A marine heatwave occurs when the surface temperature of the sea rises to 3 or 4 degrees Celsius above the average temperature for at least five days. According to the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), these heatwaves can last for weeks, months or even years. The frequency of the phenomenon has nearly doubled since the 1980s. According to the 2021 report by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), marine heatwaves have surged by 50 per cent over the past 10 years and have become more intense.MHWs can last for weeks or even years. They can affect small areas of coastline or span multiple oceans. MHWs have been recorded in surface and deep waters, across all latitudes, and in all types of marine ecosystems, the report said. Youth cool off in a fountain in downtown Berlin, as a heatwave hits, Germany, July 2, 2025. Reuters Whats driving the surge in marine heatwaves? Human activities are causing an increase in the frequency of marine heatwaves. Burning fossil fuels like oil, coal and natural gas releases greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. These gases trap heat, leading to global warming and climate change. A recent study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that climate change is to blame for the majority of marine heatwaves in recent decades. With global temperatures soaring 1.3 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, the ocean has absorbed 90 per cent of the excess heat. The ripple effects are also being seen on land. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Impact of marine heatwaves Marine heatwaves are hurting marine life. Ocean warming has affected coral reefs, which bleach and die when surface temperatures are too high. About 84 per cent of reefs globally witnessed bleaching-level heat stress between January 2023 and March 2025, New York Times (NYT) reported, citing a recent report. As several marine animals rely on coral reefs for survival, any damage to corals could also threaten their existence. Excess warming of the ocean also impacts weather patterns, making hurricanes likely to be more severe and destructive. Marine heatwaves are expected to continue to surge due to climate change. Moreover, predicted increases in the frequency, duration and severity of marine heatwaves over the next century have the potential to disrupt marine life, from individual animals to whole ecosystems, as well as the important services that they provide, such as fisheries and aquaculture, as per a University of Plymouth article. Marine heatwave in Mediterranean The Mediterranean Sea has been regularly warming since the 1980s, with a significant increase over the past decade. The Mediterranean marine heatwaves have become more noticeable in recent summers. The ocean heat is extending to land, triggering a spike in temperatures. It has also led to deadly floods and destructive fires. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Sea surface temperatures in the Mediterranean have touched their highest level for June. Amid a marine heatwave, water temperatures in the Mediterranean Sea have risen nine degrees above average for this time of year. The Mediterranean is warming faster than the global average. If global warming remains unchecked, the region could change permanently beyond recognition. With inputs from agencies A 24-year-old law student who was gang-raped at South Calcutta Law College said she had a panic attack during the assault and was struggling to breathe. Seeing her state, the main accused, Monojit Mishra, allegedly told one of the others to fetch her an inhaler, not to help her, but so she could be made to suffer more once she recovered read more Monojit Mishra already had multiple complaints against him. Image courtesy: Facebook The 24-year-old law student who was gangraped at South Calcutta Law College said she suffered a panic attack during the assault. She said in her complaint that the main accused, Monojit Mishra, told the others to get her an inhaler, not to help her but so she could be made to suffer more once she recovered. Notably, the three accused in the case, Mishra, Pramit Mukhopadhyay and Zaib Ahmed, are in police custody till July 8. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD On Saturday, police arrested Pinaki Banerjee, the college guard who was on duty when the incident took place. A court on Tuesday sent him to police custody till July 4. So, what did the student say about the panic attack in her complaint? Lets take a look: What happened? The survivor said she had a panic attack just before the assault and was visibly struggling to breathe. Seeing her condition, Monojit Mishra, the main accused, allegedly told one of the others to bring her an inhaler so she could calm down. Once the inhaler was given and her breathing settled, the accused took her to a guard room on the campus, where the assault took place. Two of the three accused arrested in connection with the alleged gang-rape of a first-year student of a law college in south Kolkata, being produced at a city court, in Kolkata, June 27, 2025. PTI Public prosecutor Sourin Ghosal told the court, When the victim had a panic attack and was unable to breathe, the accused persons, instead of taking her to a hospital, gave her an inhaler so that she feels better and they could torture her again. The survivor said she tried hard to resist. At that point, the accused allegedly told her they had secretly filmed an earlier attempt to assault her. They used the video to scare her, saying they would leak it online if she did not give in, according to a report by News18. When I fought back, he blackmailed me, threatened me which he was doing from before. He threatens me that he will kill my boyfriend and he will arrest my parents (sic), she said in the complaint. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Her statement is backed by CCTV footage, which shows the accused dragging her to the spot where the incident took place. Local media have also traced the pharmacy where Zaib is said to have bought the inhaler. Staff at the shop confirmed he came to buy it at the time mentioned in the complaint. Who is Monojit Mishra? Mishra graduated from South Calcutta Law College in 2022. Even after completing his degree, he is said to have remained active on the college campus and continued to exert influence. He later began practising law at Alipore Law College. While he was a student, Mishra was known for aggressive behaviour and was reportedly involved in multiple assault cases. He held the position of Organising Secretary in the South Kolkata district unit of Trinamool Congress Chhatra Parishad (TMCP). After the incident, the college has terminated Mishras services and expelled the two other co-accused. Monojit Mishra graduated from South Calcutta Law College in 2022. PTI The college has also said it will move to cancel Mishras bar council membership. He is currently practising criminal law at the Alipore Police and Sessions Court. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD We will leave no stone unturned to bring back a healthy academic atmosphere in the college as early as possible, TMC MLA Ashok Kumar Deb said. Amid public outrage, the ruling party in West Bengal has said that Mishras links to its student wing would not stop him from facing the strictest possible punishment. Kasba rape case: What happened? Three people, including Mishra, were arrested for gangraping a law student inside the South Calcutta Law College campus in Kasba. The assault took place on June 25 between 7:30 pm and 8:50 pm. The complaint was filed on Thursday night, after which Kasba police made the arrests. Investigators say Monojit Mishra (Centre) and his two aides, Pratim Mukherjee and Zaid Ahmed, had been stalking the survivor since the very first day she stepped into South Calcutta Law College. PTI Police said the 24-year-old woman had come to the college around noon on Wednesday to complete some exam-related work. In her complaint, she said that she initially waited inside the college union room. Later, the main accused allegedly instructed that the campus gate be locked. The woman was then raped inside the security guards room on the premises. With inputs from agencies A 40-year-old English teacher from an elite Mumbai school was arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting her 16-year-old student. The woman, who is married and has children, reportedly assaulted her student multiple times over the year in a five-star hotel. She now faces charges under the Pocso Act and the Juvenile Justice Act read more The disturbing case unfolded in Mumbai where a teacher allegedly began approaching her student, whom she had once taught in Class XI. Image for Representation. Pixabay In a disturbing case from Mumbai, a 40-year-old English teacher at one of the citys reputed schools has been arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting a 16-year-old male student multiple times over the past year, police officials confirmed. The incident came to light after the boy gathered the courage to inform his family about what he had endured. His parents then approached the police and filed a formal complaint against the teacher. According to a Hindustan Times (HT) report, the woman, who is married and has children, reportedly developed an interest in the student while choreographing a group dance for the schools annual function. She is said to have started making inappropriate advances towards him from January 2024, leaving the teenager traumatised. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The teacher has since been booked under several serious charges, including provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act, the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, and relevant sections of the Bhartiya Nyay Sanhita. Heres what we know about the case so far. How a teacher assaulted her student for a year The disturbing case began when the English teacher allegedly began approaching her student, whom she had once taught in Class XI, police said. At first, the teenager resisted her advances and kept his distance. But the teacher reportedly brought in a female friend, someone from outside the school, to persuade him. According to an investigating officer quoted by HT, The friend told the minor that relationships between older women and teenage boys were quite common and that he and the teacher were made for each other. Following this, the student eventually agreed to meet the teacher. She picked him up in a Sedan and drove to a secluded location. There, she allegedly forced herself on him. She forcefully undressed him and sexually assaulted him, the officer said. Police also revealed that the teacher would often get the boy drunk before abusing him. Over time, the student began to experience severe anxiety. Shockingly, the teacher is said to have given him anti-anxiety pills, according to a police official cited by HT. Investigators have seized the vehicle used in the alleged crime. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A second officer told HT that the teacher later took the boy to five-star hotels in South Mumbai and near the airport. She would get him drunk and coerce him into having sexual relations, the officer said. The case came to light only after the boys family noticed a drastic change in his behaviour. When they confronted him, he finally opened up about what had happened. The case came to light only after the boys family noticed a drastic change in his behaviour. When they confronted him, he finally opened up about what had happened. Image for Representation. Pixabay Initially, the family chose to remain silent, hoping things would end once he completed his Class 12 board exams. But after the boy cleared his Class 12 exams earlier this year, the teacher allegedly reached out again, this time through one of her domestic staff, and asked him to meet her. Thats when the family finally decided to approach the police and file a formal complaint. The teacher has since been taken into custody, and her arrest has left the school community in shock. Police said a case has been filed under sections 4 (penetrative sexual assault), 6 (aggravated penetrative sexual assault) and 17 (abolition of offences) of the Pocso Act, besides provisions of the Bhartiya Nyay Sanhita and the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD What is Pocso, and can it be filed against a male victim? The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act, introduced in 2012, is a crucial law in India that aims to protect anyone under the age of 18 from sexual abuse, harassment, and exploitation, including child pornography. What makes this legislation particularly significant is that it is gender-neutral. This means it applies equally, whether the victim is a boy or a girl, and whether the accused is male or female. The law was framed to address various forms of sexual offences against children and ensure that all victims are treated with sensitivity and dignity during legal proceedings. Under Pocso, any act involving physical contact with a child that is carried out with sexual intent is considered sexual assault. It also recognises penetrative sexual assault as a more serious offence. In such cases, the law provides stricter punishment. While general sexual assault carries a minimum jail term of three years, which may extend to five years along with a fine, penetrative sexual assault can lead to imprisonment for a minimum of seven years, which may even stretch to life imprisonment, in addition to a fine. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Importantly, because the law is gender-neutral, boys who are victims of sexual abuse have equal protection under Pocso. The same legal standards and punishments apply, helping ensure that justice is not limited by gender but is extended to every child in need of protection. With input from agencies Prime Minister Narendra Modi is beginning his five-nation tour today (June 2). This trip, his longest diplomatic foray in nearly a decade, will see him visit Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia. But what do we know about the trip? And why are these nations important to India? read more Follow us on Google News Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to undertake a long diplomatic trip overseas. PTI/File Photo Prime Minister Narendra Modi has embarked on a long diplomatic tour today (June 2). Modis five-nation tour, his longest diplomatic foray in nearly a decade, will see him visit Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia. The tour, which begins in Ghana, will conclude in Namibia on June 10. But what do we know about the details of the trip? And why are these nations important? Lets take a closer look Ghana Modis will kick off his trip overseas in Ghana on July 2 and 3. This will be Modis first visit to the West African nation as prime minister. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD No Indian prime minister has visited Ghana for nearly three decades. Modi will meet Ghanas President John Dramani Mahama, who recently took office after a huge win at the polls. Mahama previously visited India in 2015 for the India-Africa Forum Summit. The two men will discuss how to deepen ties and the possibility of a vaccine hub being created in Ghana. Agriculture, defence and critical minerals will also be on the agenda. A number of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) are expected to be signed. Modi is also set to address Ghanas Parliament. Ghanas Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa speaks at Raisina Dialogue on March 18, 2025. India and Ghana have had a long and fruitful relationship. India and Ghana established diplomatic relations in 1957 immediately after it achieved independence. In fact, India had opened a representative office in Accra in 1953. Ghana is an important trading partner for India and one of West Africas fastest growing nations. Bilateral trade between the countries was at $3.13 billion in 2024-25. India is the third-largest investor in Ghana. India imports large quantities of gold, petroleum and cashews from Ghana. It exports construction machinery, medicine and cars to Ghana. Trinidad and Tobago Modi will then head to Trinidad and Tobago on July 3. He is making the trip after an invitation from Kamla Persad-Bissessar, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Both Persad-Bissessar and President Christine Carla Kangaloo are of Indian-origin. This will be Modis first bilateral visit to Trinidad and Tobago as prime minister. An Indian prime minister last visited the nation in 1999. Modi is expected to hold wide-ranging talks with both of them. Pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, digital public infrastructure, agriculture, disaster resilience, education and culture are on the agenda. Trinidad and Tobago last year adopted Indias flagship UPI platform Prime Minister Narendra Modi is making the trip after an invitation from Kamla Persad-Bissessar, the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago. Reuters . Here too, Modi is expected to address a joint session of parliament. Trinidad and Tobago is home to a huge Indian population. Nearly half the Indian population of the Caribbean lives in the country. Modis visit comes on the 180th anniversary of Indian immigrants arriving to Trinidad and Tobago. The two countries established diplomatic relations in 1962. The two nations in 1997 signed a trade deal that accorded each other Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status. Bilateral trade between the two nations touched $341.61 million in 2023-2024. India exports vehicles, rolling stock, parts and accessories, iron and steel, pharma and plastic to Trinidad and Tobago. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD India imports mineral fuels, mineral oils, mineral waxes ores, and aluminium from Trinidad and Tobago. Argentina Modi on July 4 will head to Argentina. Modi is making the trip on the invite of President Javier Milei. This will be the first bilateral visit by an Indian prime minister since 1968. Modi and Milei will hold wide-ranging talks in the areas of food, defence, digital technology, telemedicine, infrastructure, mining, technology, science, green and renewable energy. The two countries have already made strides when it comes to cooperation on mining. The two leaders previously met at the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro in November 2024. Argentinas President Javier Milei. AP The two countries elevated their relationship to that of a strategic partnership in 2019. Bilateral trade between India and Argentina touched $6.4 billion in 2022. India that year maintained its status as Argentinas fourth-largest trading partner. India exports petroleum oils, agro chemicals, yarn-fabric-madeups, organic chemicals, bulk drugs and two-wheelers to Argentina. It imports vegetable oils (soybean and sunflower), finished leather, cereals, residual chemicals and allied products and pulses from Argentina. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Brazil Modi will then head to Brazil on July 6. Modi is set to attend the Brics summit in Rio de Janeiro which will be followed by a state visit. This will be Modis fourth visit to Brazil. At Brics, the leaders will hold talks on governance, peace, security, climate change and AI. Modi will speak on terrorism including the recent Pahalgam attack and Indias response. India will contribute to the Leaders Declaration and coming up with an outline for climate finance and socially determined diseases. Modi on July 8 will meet President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in Brasilia. The two men will discuss how to increase cooperation in a number of fields including energy, defence, agriculture, minerals and digital infrastructure. Prime Minister Narendra Modi (left) with Brazils President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva (right) during the symbolic tree plantation ceremony at the closing session of the G20 Summit 2023 at the Bharat Mandapam, in New Delhi, Sunday, Sept. 10, 2023. Source: PTI India and Brazil established diplomatic relations in 1948. Bilateral trade between the two countries stands at $12 billion. Brazil is Indias largest trading partner in South America. India in 2021 was Brazils fifth-largest trading partner. India exports petroleum products, agro-chemicals (insecticides, fungicides), chemicals, pharmaceuticals, engineering products, textured filament yarn, and unwrought aluminium to Brazil. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD India imports crude oil, soya oil, gold, cane sugar, cotton, gum, wood and turpentine oils, chemicals (carboxylic acids) and iron ore and concentrates from Brazil. Namibia Modi will then fly to Namibia on July 9. Modi is making this trip at the behest of Namibian President Dr Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah. This will be the first time an Indian prime minister has visited Namibia in nearly three decades. This will also be just the third time an Indian prime minister has visited the country. Modi and Nandi-Ndaitwah will hold bilateral talks on digital fintech. A key item on the agenda is implementing Indias Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in Namibia. Indias Unified Payments Interface (UPI), one of the worlds fastest payment system. The Indian prime minister is also expected to address Namibias Parliament and pay homage to Dr Sam Nujoma, the Founding Father of Namibia. India was one of the first countries that raised the question of Namibian independence at the UN. Trade between the two countries touched $650 million in 2023. Indias top export to Namibia was refined petroleum. Its other exports were petrol, pharmaceuticals and rice. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Its top import from Namibia was diamonds. Its other top imports were bulk minerals, ores, iron and steel. India, which is looking to diversify its energy sector, sees Namibia, which has plentiful supplies of uranium, diamonds, copper, phosphates and other minerals, as a great potential partner. Namibia in 2022 also sent India eight cheetahs that were released in Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh. With inputs from agencies Donald Trumps One Big Beautiful Bill has cleared a major hurdle after the US Senate narrowly voted in favour of it on July 1. The mega bill combines huge tax cuts and painful social programme cuts, which will affect millions of Americans. Heres a closer look at who benefits and who loses out as a result of the legislation read more After hours of stalemate, Republicans in the US Senate have narrowly passed Donald Trump's mega-bill on tax and spending on Tuesday. File image/AFP After a record 24-hour vote-a-rama, the Republican-led US Senate approved Donald Trumps sweeping tax and spending package, officially titled the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, with Vice President JD Vance casting the tie-breaking vote on Tuesday (July 1). The voting saw three Republicans Senators Susan Collins of Maine, Thom Tillis of North Carolina and Rand Paul of Kentucky join the Democrats to vote against the bill. Following the passage of the legislation in the Senate, the US president, who was on a visit to a migrant detention facility in Florida dubbed as Alligator Alcatraz, celebrated the news. Its a great bill, he said. There is something for everyone. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The sprawling text it is estimated to be 887 pages long consisting of tax breaks, spending cuts and other Republican priorities now heads to the House of Representatives, where it faces unified Democratic opposition and multiple Republicans balking at the budget-busting costs, as well as slashed health care and food aid programs for poor Americans. But whats in the bill? How does it affect the common American? Lets take a closer look. Whats Trumps One Big Beautiful Bill? The One Big Beautiful Bill is Trumps signature second-term domestic legislative package. The White House describes it as a generational opportunity to deliver the long-term changes Americans voted for. It aims to: >> Expand the scope of Trumps 2017 tax cuts to the wealthy while introducing new tax breaks. >> Cut federal spending and increase defence spending. >> Raise the debt ceiling by up to $5 trillion. >> Fund mass deportations of undocumented immigrants. However, not everyone views it the same way. Polls show the bill is among the most unpopular ever considered. US Senate Majority Leader John Thune speaks to reporters off the Senate floor after the Senate passes President Donald Trumps so-called One, Big, Beautiful Bill, Act at the US Capitol Building in Washington, DC. AFP But whats in the bill? The most important aspect of Trumps One Big Beautiful Bill Act is tax cuts. In fact, Republicans who support the legislation say that the bill is much required as there would be a massive tax increase after December when tax breaks from Trumps first term expire. The legislation contains about $4.5 trillion in tax cuts. Big tax breaks: Under the bill, the existing tax brackets would become permanent. Moreover, it includes no taxes on tips, overtime pay, the ability to deduct interest payments for some automotive loans, along with a $6,000 deduction for older adults who earn no more than $75,000 a year. The bill also increases the deduction limit for state and local taxes (Salt). At present, theres a $10,000 cap on how much taxpayers can deduct from the amount they owe in federal taxes. However, Trumps bill now approved by the Senate raises that cap from $10,000 to $40,000. However, after five years, it would return to $10,000. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Funding for deportations: Trump says he needs more money to carry out mass deportations, and the legislation ensures its. The bill provides some $350 billion for Trumps border and national security agenda, including $46 billion for the US-Mexico border wall and $45 billion for 100,000 migrant detention facility beds, as he aims to fulfill his promise of the largest mass deportation operation in US history. The bill also earmarks money to hire 10,000 new Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers as well as Border Patrol officers. Senate staffers rest on the US Capitol steps at sunrise amid the struggle to pass US President Donald Trumps sweeping spending and tax bill, on Capitol Hill. Reuters Child tax credit: The Senate approved One Big Beautiful Bill also increases the child tax credit from $2,000 to $2,500 until 2028. More military spending: The bill allots $25 billion for the Golden Dome missile defence system, $29 billion for shipbuilding and $15 billion for nuclear deterrence, among other provisions. Slashing Medicaid and food stamps: In order to offset the revenue lost from the tax cuts, Trumps bill targets the Medicaid programme, which 72 million people rely on for health coverage. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD One of the big changes that the bill includes is the new work requirement for childless adults without disabilities. To qualify, the bill says, they would be required to work at least 80 hours per month from December 2026. The Senate-approved bill also requires states to conduct eligibility redeterminations for coverage every six months, rather than every 12 months based on current policy. The Congressional Budget Office states that the Medicaid cuts could result in about 11.8 million people becoming uninsured by 2034. The Senate bill calls on states to contribute more to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Snap), or food stamps, which is used by over 40 million low-income Americans. It also makes work requirements stricter, which critics say would likely eliminate millions of people from SNAPs rolls. Cuts to green energy: The bill rolls back policies that support clean energy. A tax break for people who buy new or used electric vehicles would expire on September 30, instead of at the end of 2032 under current law. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Much, much more: The One Big Beautiful Bill also calls for a new childrens savings programme, called Trump Accounts, with a potential $1,000 deposit from the Treasury. Billions will also go for the Artemis moon mission and for the exploration of Mars. Moreover, a provision would increase the nations debt limit, by $5 trillion, to allow continued borrowing to pay already accrued bills. The US Capitol stands behind a US flag after a narrow vote saw the passage of Trumps One Big Beautiful Bill in the Senate. Reuters What comes next? The Senate approved bill now heads to the House of Representatives before it can reach the presidents desk to be signed into a law. However, the road through the House seems perilous. Many in the House, including some Republicans, have expressed issues with the legislation and the changes made by the Senate. However, President Trump has demanded for his party to get on board and pass the bill. We are on schedule Lets keep it going, and be done before you and your family go on a July 4th vacation, he wrote on Truth Social. To my GOP friends in the House: Stay united, have fun, and vote yay. With inputs from agencies The US has reportedly proposed a rule to fix the period of stay for foreign students, exchange visitors, and representatives of international information media. If implemented, the rule will affect Indian students who make up the highest number of foreign students in America. Heres how read more The Library of Columbia University is seen as students walk the campus in New York, US, December 16, 2017. File Photo/Reuters In what could be a setback for Indian students, the United States is mulling a time limit on the stay of foreign students and exchange visitors. Reports say the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has proposed a rule to fix the visa tenure for certain categories. Since coming to power in January, US President Donald Trump has cracked down on immigration and targeted pro-Palestine students on campuses, accusing them of anti-semitism. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD What is the proposed rule? How will it affect Indian students? Lets take a closer look. Time limit on stay for foreign students in US? The DHS has suggested a rule to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to have fixed periods of stay for foreign students, exchange visitors, and representatives of international information media, as per a Times of India (TOI) report. A similar plan was first proposed in 2020 during Trumps first term. However, it was not finalised then. Currently, the US has a flexible student visa system. Foreign students can stay in the country as long as they continue their full-time studies in approved programmes. The Trump administration is now seeking to replace the current duration of status with a fixed period of stay. The OMB will review the proposal by DHS. After this, the rule will be published in the Federal Register. A window of up to 60 days is open to invite public comments and it takes months before a rule is finalised. ALSO READ: Could Elon Musk be deported from the US? How will it impact Indians If the US changes the visa rules, it could have a major impact on Indian students. There were 4.2 lakh Indian students in the US in 2024, with India continuing to be the largest source of foreign students in the country. The proposed rule would fix their period of stay, which would result in foreign students applying for visa extensions after that period. Speaking to TOI, Rajiv S Khanna, managing attorney at Immigration.com, explained, Currently, international students can stay in the US as long as they are maintaining their full-time student status in approved programs. This is referred to as duration of status. The Trump administration wants to change this to a predefined period of stay. With a fixed expiration date on their visa, international students would have to periodically apply for extensions. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This will create additional unnecessary delays, financial burden and uncertainty for students. Considering that an average extension of status request can take a few months to process, these types of restrictive regulations will increase the uncertainty international students would face, he added. Student overstay is cited as the reason for proposing the change. However, the figures say otherwise. The overstay rate for student and exchange visitors (J visa) was just 3.6 per cent in 2023. Mitch Wexler, Senior Counsel at Fragomen, a global immigration law firm, told the newspaper that the proposed revision could also affect policies relating to unlawful presence. Currently, international students accrue unlawful presence only after US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) makes a formal finding or an immigration judge orders the individual to be excluded, deported or removed. This could change and unlawful presence could accrue after the last date of their finite authorised stay, except in a narrow set of circumstances, he said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Trumps crackdown on universities, foreign students Foreign individuals and immigrants have been increasingly targeted under the Trump administration. The US president has clamped down on universities to eliminate anti-semitism on campuses. The Trump administration has accused Harvard University of violating federal civil rights law by not protecting Jewish students from harassment during campus protests, reported The New York Times. The White House has frozen $2.2 billion in federal funding to Harvard. With the varsity refusing to comply with the conditions of the Trump administration, the government has put restrictions on the number of international students to be enrolled at the university. In April, the DHS announced that its agents would start screening the social media accounts of immigrants for so-called antisemitic activity. Those seeking US student visas have also been told to change the privacy settings on their social media profiles to public. With inputs from agencies Anil Menon, who was selected as a Nasa astronaut in 2021, is set to make his first spaceflight in June 2026. He will serve as a flight engineer with the Expedition 75 crew. Born to Indian and Ukrainian immigrant parents, Menon was raised in Minneapolis. His wife, Anna Menon, also worked at Nasa before joining SpaceX, and took part in a private spacewalk mission last year read more He is set to make his first journey into space in June next year. Image: Nasa Nasa has picked Indian-American astronaut Anil Menon for a space mission scheduled for 2026. He is set to make his first journey into space in June that year. Menon will be part of the Expedition 75 crew and will serve as a flight engineer during the mission. ALSO READ | Who is Jahnavi Dangeti, the Andhra woman likely to go to space in 2029? Interestingly, his wife Anna Menon also worked at Nasa, later joined SpaceX and took part in a private spacewalk mission last year. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD But who is Anil Menon? And what do we know about his upcoming mission? Heres a look: Who is Anil Menon? Chosen as a Nasa astronaut in 2021, he will head to space for the first time in June 2026. He will join the Expedition 75 crew as a flight engineer. Nasa has announced that Menon will travel to the International Space Station next year aboard the Roscosmos Soyuz MS-29 spacecraft. He will fly alongside Russian cosmonauts Pyotr Dubrov and Anna Kikina. While on board, Menon will carry out science experiments and test new technology. The aim is to support future human missions to space and bring benefits back to Earth. He was part of Nasas 23rd astronaut class in 2021 and finished his astronaut training in 2024. Since then, he has been preparing for this mission. He was chosen as a Nasa astronaut in 2021. Image: AFP/File Photo Menon grew up in Minneapolis. He is a trained emergency medicine doctor, a mechanical engineer, and a colonel in the United States Space Force. He was born to Ukrainian and Indian immigrant parents. He also spent a year studying at Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi. He holds a degree in neurobiology from Harvard University, along with a masters in mechanical engineering and a medical degree from Stanford University. Menon completed his training in emergency and aerospace medicine at Stanford and the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. Before joining Nasa, he worked at SpaceX as their first flight surgeon. He helped send the first crewed Dragon spacecraft into orbit during Nasas SpaceX Demo-2 mission. He also helped set up SpaceXs medical programme to support future missions. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD He has worked as a flight surgeon for several SpaceX launches and Nasa missions to the space station. It was worth the wait !!! pic.twitter.com/Btld3jGFsW Anil Menon (@astro_anil) September 15, 2024 Who is Anna Menon, astronaut and Anil Menons wife? Anil Menon is married to Anna Menon, who also works at SpaceX. The couple has two children. Anna earlier worked at Nasa before moving to SpaceX. Last year, she took part in a private spacewalk mission. She has played key roles as a mission controller in several missions. Image: X/@annawmenon She is currently a lead space operations engineer at Elon Musks company. Anna has also written a childrens book about space titled Kisses from Space. She has played key roles as a mission controller in several missions, including Demo-2, Crew-1, CRS-22, and CRS-23. Before joining SpaceX, Anna spent seven years at Nasa, where she worked as a biomedical flight controller for the International Space Station. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD ALSO READ | What will Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla do in space? Sunita Williams and Shubhanshu Shuklas space journeys Nasa astronaut Sunita Williams, who was part of the Crew-9 team, went on an eight-day mission to the International Space Station last year. She returned to Earth in March this year after being stranded in space for over nine months due to issues with the Boeing spacecraft, which delayed her return. Born on September 19, 1965, in Ohio, Williams is a former US Navy captain. Her father, Deepak Pandya, is from Jhulasan in Gujarats Mehsana district, while her mother, Ursuline Bonnie Pandya, is Slovenian. Williams has proudly embraced her roots during space missions, carrying items such as samosas, a Ganesha idol, and the Slovenian flag. This was her third mission to space. With this trip, she has now spent a total of 608 days in orbit. Meanwhile, Shubhanshu Shukla has become the first Indian to visit the International Space Station as part of the Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission. Shubhanshu Shukla was named the Prime astronaut for the Indo-US mission to the International Space Station in August last year. Image: Axiom Space He travelled aboard SpaceXs Falcon 9 rocket, which lifted off from Nasas Kennedy Space Centre in Florida last month. Among the personal items he carried with him were specially prepared Indian foods: mango nectar, gajar ka halwa, and moong dal halwa. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Notably, Shukla is the first Indian in 41 years to travel to space, after Rakesh Sharmas historic eight-day space journey in 1984. With inputs from agencies Switzerland, in November, will vote on imposing a hefty federal inheritance tax on its wealthiest. The proposal to impose a 50 per cent levy on inheritance and gifts above $56 million was put forth by the far-left Young Socialists party to fight climate change. It is now causing concern among the super-wealthy and their financial advisors read more Switzerland currently has no federal inheritance tax. AFP Switzerland is set to have a referendum that could see it super-rich flee. The country in November will vote to decide whether or not to impose a hefty federal inheritance tax on its wealthiest. The proposed tax has caused concern among the super-wealthy and their financial advisors. But what do we know about this proposed law? Lets take a closer look: Swiss inheritance tax laws First, lets take a brief look at Switzerland laws. Switzerland has no federal inheritance tax. Instead, each canton, except Obwalden and Schwyz, have their own amount of inheritance tax. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Switzerland is divided into 26 cantons with 26 different cantonal tax regimes. Spouses, partners and children and grandchildren are usually exempt from the inheritance tax. Reuters This local tax can be anywhere from 0 to 50 per cent. It depends on, among other things, the amount of gift or inheritance and the relationship with the deceased. It is payable by the heirs of the deceased. Spouses, partners and children and grandchildren are usually exempt from the inheritance tax. The proposed tax would therefore be adding to the already existing cantonal or municipal inheritance and gift taxes. The proposal This federal tax was first proposed in 2022. It was the far-left Young Socialists party (JUSO) that came up with the idea. The party, which is associated with the left wing Social Democratic Party (SDP), wants to levy a 50 per cent tax on inheritances and gifts above $56 million. The Young Socialists collected over 100,000 signatures for their proposal. They say the money raised will go to fighting the effects of climate change. Under Swiss law, this means it has to be put on the ballot nationwide. This is because Switzerland has a system of direct democracy. Hurdles aplenty However, getting such a law passed wont be easy. The Swiss government has already come out against this vote which reduces any chance it will pass. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The government quoted a study saying that though the law could potentially raise $5 billion, three-fourths of the potential revenue raised could be at risk if the wealthy leave Switzerland. The initiative could lead to reduced revenues for the federal government and especially for the cantons and municipalities, the government said. It would also create the wrong incentives for climate protection. Already the top 10 per cent of the wealthy in Switzerland contribute over half (53 per cent) of tax revenue. Indeed, a study from PricewaterhouseCoopers showed that 78 per cent of those who would be affected are already moving abroad or considering doing so. Reuters The government also worries that such a law could deal a blow to Switzerlands reputation as a home for the high-net-worth individuals (HNIs) and the ultra-wealthy. Swiss businessman Peter Spuhler has already publicly said he will leave the country if such a tax is implemented. He called the idea a a disaster for Switzerland. And Spuhler isnt alone. Indeed, a study from PricewaterhouseCoopers showed that 78 per cent of those who would be affected are already moving abroad or considering doing so. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The survey quoted business families as saying that two out of three family businesses would not remain or would only partially remain within the family at time of succession if such a law was passed. Experts say the referendum is unlikely to pass at the ballot box. Still, the idea has already unsettled much of the Swiss elite. In just 40 days, Karnatakas Hassan district has reported 23 heart attack deaths, many involving young or middle-aged people. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has questioned whether there could be a link between these deaths and the Covid vaccine. The Union Health Ministry, however, has said that there is no evidence to suggest that the vaccine is causing sudden deaths among adults read more This rise in cases has also led to an 8 per cent increase in patients visiting Jayadeva Hospital in Bengaluru. News18 Heart attack-related deaths have gone up alarmingly in Karnatakas Hassan district. In the past 40 days, 23 people have died after suffering heart attacks. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has now set up a team of experts, led by Dr Ravindranath from the Jayadeva Institute, to find out what is behind the spike. The panel has been asked to give its report in 10 days. ALSO READ | Shefali Jariwala death: What are glutathione injections, and are they safe? STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Chief Minister has also questioned whether the Covid vaccine might have anything to do with these deaths. So, whats really going on in Hassan? Is there a link between the vaccine and the deaths, as the state government claims? Lets take a look: What happened? In just 40 days, Karnatakas Hassan district has reported 23 deaths, all caused by heart attacks. Another troubling concern is that many of those who died were either young or middle-aged. Data from May 28 to June 29, 2025, indicates a concerning view across age groups. Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah links Covid vaccines with surge in heart attack-related deaths in Hassan, triggers political row News18's @harishupadhya and @Elizasherine with details "Vaccines have been safe, they are not associated with cardiac diseases": Dr Sanjeev Bagai pic.twitter.com/c6wi3rDaeU News18 (@CNNnews18) July 2, 2025 The list includes four people under the age of 20 (two boys and two girls), one woman aged between 21 and 29, five men between 30 and 40, seven men aged 41 to 59, and one man over 60. On Tuesday, a 27-year-old woodworker was the latest to die after suffering a heart attack. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This rise in cases has also led to an 8 per cent increase in patients visiting Jayadeva Hospital in Bengaluru over the past two weeks, mostly from Hassan and nearby areas. Figures from the District Health and Family Welfare Department show that Hassan has seen 507 heart attack cases in the last two years, with 190 resulting in death, India Today reported. Another troubling concern is that many of those who died were either young or middle-aged. Pixabay/Representational Image What did the state government say? A high-level meeting was held on June 30 at the office of the Hassan District Collector. It was chaired by the Principal Secretary of the Health and Family Welfare Department and attended by key medical experts, including the Director of the Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, the District Health and Family Welfare Officer, District Surgeon, Medical Superintendent, and the District Surveillance Officer. An expert committee led by Dr Ravindranath has also been set up to find out what is behind the deaths and submit a report. In the past month alone, in just one district of Hassan, more than twenty people have died due to heart attacks. The government is taking this matter very seriously. To identify the exact cause of these series of deaths and to find solutions, a committee of experts has been Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) July 1, 2025 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, meanwhile, has raised doubts about whether there could be a link between these deaths and the Covid vaccine, adding that the vaccine may have been approved and rolled out too quickly. He wrote on X, Orders were given to this same committee back in February to conduct a thorough study on the reasons behind sudden deaths among young people in the state, and whether the Covid vaccines could have any adverse effects. It cannot be denied that the hasty approval and distribution of the Covid vaccine to the public could also be a reason for these deaths, as several studies worldwide have recently indicated that Covid vaccines could be a cause for the increasing number of heart attacks, he added. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD ALSO READ | Killer dreams: How nightmares can lead to early death Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao told News18 that he has asked the expert team to visit the area, look into the deaths, and check if similar incidents are being reported in other parts of the state. He also urged people not to panic and said the health department was treating the matter seriously. Once we get the report, we will be able to speak with greater clarity. These are matters that must be properly investigated. Speculation at this stage could cause unnecessary alarm, he said. The Chief Minister has also questioned whether the Covid vaccine might have anything to do with these deaths. Pixabay/Representational Image On Tuesday, the Union Health Ministry said there is no evidence to suggest that Covid vaccines are causing sudden deaths among adults. Citing studies by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), the ministry said the issue had been looked into by multiple agencies. The matter of sudden unexplained deaths has been investigated through several agencies in the country. These studies have conclusively established that there is no direct link between Covid 19 vaccination and the reports of sudden deaths in the country," it said in a statement. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD #HealthForAll Extensive studies by @ICMRDELHI and AIIMS on sudden deaths among adults post COVID have conclusively established no linkage between COVID-19 vaccines and sudden deaths Lifestyle and Pre-Existing Conditions identified as key factorshttps://t.co/QEN1X1PKfv Ministry of Health (@MoHFW_INDIA) July 2, 2025 The government added that sudden cardiac deaths could be caused by many factors, such as genetics, lifestyle choices, underlying health problems, and even post-Covid complications. Studies by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) affirm that Covid-19 vaccines in India are safe and effective, with extremely rare instances of serious side effects. Sudden cardiac deaths can result from a wide range of factors, including genetics, lifestyle, pre-existing conditions, and post-Covid complications," the press release said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The spike in heart-related deaths has left doctors and health experts worried across different age groups. Did the Covid vaccine play a role in the recent heart attack deaths? The expert panels findings are expected to give some answers soon. Shefali Jariwalas unexpected passing due to cardiac arrest at the age of 42 came as a shock. While the exact cause of her death is still under investigation, many reports point towards her taking medications and Vitamin C IVs on an empty stomach on the day of her death. How dangerous is this practice? read more Shefali had been using anti-ageing injections for some time, reportedly under medical supervision. However, taking them while fasting is extremely risky, expoerts warn. Image courtesy: X Shefali Jariwalas unexpected passing at the age of 42 came as a shock to most. The Bollywood actress and model, best known as the Kaanta Laga Girl, collapsed at home in Mumbai on June 27. Her husband, actor Parag Tyagi, rushed her to Bellevue Hospital in Mumbai on a Friday night, where she was declared brought dead. While the exact cause of her death is still under investigation, initial reports suggest a suspected cardiac arrest, possibly linked to the combination of medications she had taken while fasting. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD While the exact cause of death is still under investigation, the incident has sparked conversations about the risks of consuming medication on an empty stomach, especially when combined with fasting and cosmetic treatments. Heres what we know What happens when you take medicines on an empty stomach Taking medication without food can have serious consequences. When the stomach is empty, its lining is more exposed and sensitive, which means certain medications, especially anti-inflammatory drugs, steroids, and even some supplements, can cause irritation or worse. Dr Rituja Ugalmugle, consultant in internal medicine at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central, told The Indian Express that taking medicine without food can lead to a number of side effects. Low blood pressure, dizziness, fainting, or even cardiac complications can occur, she warned, particularly when medications like antihypertensives or heart drugs are involved. Its not just about discomfort or nausea. In some cases, the absorption of the medicine is too fast, especially when taken on an empty stomach. This can trigger a sudden drop in blood pressure, shivering, fainting spells, or irregular heart activity. These symptoms are even more likely when several medications are taken at oncea condition known as polypharmacy. According to an Dr Narander Singla, lead consultant in internal medicine at CK Birla Hospital, Delhi, noted that when multiple medications or injections are combined, especially without food, the body can become overwhelmed. The effects can be sudden and dangerous. This appears to align with the events in Shefali Jariwalas case. According to an NDTV report, she was fasting for a puja on the day she collapsed. She had taken an anti-ageing injection earlier in the afternoon and reportedly followed it with her usual medications later that eveningagain, all on an empty stomach. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A police official told PTI, Her blood pressure dropped drastically, and she began shivering, following which family members rushed her to the hospital. The hidden risks of supplements & anti-ageing injections According to police sources, Shefali had been using anti-ageing injections for some time, reportedly under medical supervision. These treatments often include ingredients like glutathione, collagen boosters, or vitamin-based antioxidants, administered intravenously or intramuscularly. Close friend and actor Pooja Ghai told The Indian Express that Shefali had taken a Vitamin C IV drip on the day she died. Its a very normal IV. We all take Vitamin C. Some pop it as a tablet, and others opt for a drip. She did take an IV drip that day. While these treatments are commonly marketed as wellness or beauty boosters, doctors caution that they arent always risk-free, especially during fasting. Without adequate hydration or food, even something as standard as a Vitamin C infusion could put pressure on the cardiovascular system. While these treatments are commonly marketed as wellness or beauty boosters, doctors caution that they arent always risk-free, especially during fasting. Image for Representation. Pixabay Dr Rahul Mehrotra, Chief of Non-Invasive & Clinical Cardiology at Artemis Hospitals, told TOI that high-dose vitamin C (30 g or more via IV) can lower blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessels. This is usually harmless, but if the patient is fasting or dehydrated, the blood pressure can drop dangerously, leading to fainting, dizziness, or worse, he said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Dr Ugalmugle added that food acts as a natural buffer. For many medications, taking them with meals improves tolerability and safety by moderating how quickly they enter the bloodstream. What you should keep in mind Always follow medical guidance Consult a doctor before starting any medication, supplement, or cosmetic treatment, especially injections like vitamin C or glutathione Never take medication on an empty stomach Without food, absorption and effects can be unpredictable. Always read labels and check whether a light snack or meal is needed. Be cautious with supplements Supplements and cosmetic injections can have a potent effect. Long-term or unsupervised use can be risky, so consult a healthcare practitioner. Know your health risks People with heart conditions, hypertension, or fainting history should be particularly careful with fasting, medications, or cosmetic therapies. With input from agencies Prime Minister Narendra Modi has embarked on a significant five-nation tour from July 2 to 9, 2025, spanning Ghana, Trinidad & Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia. Heres what he said about it read more Prime Minister Narendra Modi has embarked on a significant five-nation tour from July 2 to 9, 2025, spanning Ghana, Trinidad & Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia. The visit shows Indias deepening commitment to the Global South and its growing role in key multilateral forums such as Brics, the African Union, Ecowas, and CARICOM. The tour will include high-level bilateral engagements, landmark addresses to parliaments, and participation in the Brics Summit in Brazil. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Here are his full comments on the visit: Today, I embark on a five-nation visit to Ghana, Trinidad & Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia from 2 to 9 July 2025. 2. At the invitation of President H.E. John Dramani Mahama, I will visit Ghana on 2-3 July. Ghana is a valued partner in the Global South and plays an important role in the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States. I look forward to my exchanges aimed at further deepening our historical ties and opening up new windows of cooperation, including in the areas of investment, energy, health, security, capacity building and development partnership. As fellow democracies, it will be an honour to speak at the Parliament of Ghana. 3. On 3-4 July, I will be in the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago, a country with which we share deep-rooted historical, cultural and people-to-people connect. I will meet President H.E. Mrs. Christine Carla Kangaloo, who was the Chief Guest at this years Pravasi Bhartiya Divas, and Prime Minister H.E. Mrs. Kamla Persad-Bissessar, who has recently assumed office for the second term. Indians first arrived in Trinidad and Tobago 180 years ago. This visit will provide an opportunity to rejuvenate the special bonds of ancestry and kinship that unite us. 4. From Port of Spain, I will travel to Buenos Aires. This will be the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Argentina in 57 years. Argentina is a key economic partner in Latin America and a close collaborator in the G20. I look forward to my discussions with President H.E. Javier Milei, whom I also had the pleasure of meeting last year. We will focus on advancing our a mutually beneficial cooperation, including in the areas of agriculture, critical minerals, energy, trade, tourism, technology, and investment. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 5. I will attend the BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro on 6-7 July. As a founding member, India is committed to BRICS as a vital platform for cooperation among emerging economies. Together, we strive for a more peaceful, equitable, just, democratic and balanced multipolar world order. On the sidelines of the Summit, I will also meet several world leaders. I will travel to Brasilia for a bilateral State Visit, the first by an Indian Prime Minister in nearly six decades. This visit will provide an opportunity to strengthen our close partnership with Brazil, and work with my friend, President H.E. Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, on advancing the priorities of the Global South. 6. My final destination will be Namibia, a trusted partner with whom we share a common history of struggle against colonialism. I look forward to meeting President H.E. Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and chart a new roadmap for cooperation for the benefit of our peoples, our regions and the wider Global South. It will be a privilege to also address the Joint Session of Namibian Parliament as we celebrate our enduring solidarity and shared commitment for freedom and development. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 7. I am confident that my visits to the five countries will reinforce our bonds friendship across the Global South, strengthen our partnerships on both sides of the Atlantic, and deepen engagements in the multilateral platforms such as BRICS, the African Union, ECOWAS and the CARICOM. Adding a cultural touch to the occasion, a group of Ghanaian children greeted the Indian leader with chants of Hare Rama Hare Krishna, a moment that visibly delighted the prime minister read more PM Modi is greeted by the President of Ghana, John Mahama, at the airport. Image courtesy: X.com/@NarendraModi Prime Minister Narendra Modi was greeted with warmth, ceremony and music on Wednesday as he touched down in Ghanas capital, Accra, marking the first visit by an Indian prime minister to the West African nation in over three decades. Upon his arrival at Kotoka International Airport, Modi was welcomed by a ceremonial guard of honour and a 21-gun salute. President John Dramani Mahama was on hand to receive him, underlining the significance Ghana places on the historic two-day visit. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Adding a cultural touch to the occasion, a group of Ghanaian children greeted the Indian leader with chants of Hare Rama Hare Krishna, a moment that visibly delighted the prime minister. Watch: #WATCH | Ghana: A group of young children recite 'Hare Rama Hare Krishna' before Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as they welcome him to Accra. (Video: ANI/DD News) pic.twitter.com/uzRrjowGUG ANI (@ANI) July 2, 2025 Your browser does not support the video tag. The ceremonial welcome continued at the hotel where Modi is staying, with a short musical performance staged in his honour. The prime minister watched with evident appreciation, smiling as the performers showcased local talent. This is Modis first bilateral visit to Ghana, a country with which India shares warm historical relations and growing cooperation. Ghana is seen as an important partner for India in the Global South, with an influential role in the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In a departure statement before the trip, the prime minister said he looked forward to opening new avenues of cooperation in investment, energy, health, security, and development partnership. He also called it a great honour to address Ghanas Parliament, noting the democratic values that India and Ghana share. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, Modi will hold talks with President Mahama to explore new areas of collaboration, especially in the fields of economic engagement, defence cooperation, and energy partnerships. Ghana is the first stop on Modis latest multi-nation tour. After Accra, he will head to Trinidad and Tobago (July 34), Argentina (July 45), and Brazil for the 17th BRICS summit, before concluding the trip in Namibia. The visit is expected to further deepen Indias engagement with key partners across continents. Perhaps the most sobering takeaway from the SCO saga is the fact that Bharat is, in many ways, alone in its fight against terrorism emanating from Pakistan read more Not every agreement inked from a position of strength translates into strategic triumph. The 1971 war is a telling reminder. Bharats decisive victory split Pakistan, created Bangladesh, and saw 93,000 Pakistani soldiers surrendering in Dhakaone of the most humiliating defeats in modern military history. Yet, just months later, the Simla Agreement of 1972 exposed how battlefield gains could be squandered at the diplomatic table. Despite explicit warnings from then RAW chief RN Kao to count her fingers after shaking hands with Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, Mrs Indira Gandhi fell for his charm, unilaterally agreeing to release the Pakistani prisoners without even securing the return of Indian soldiers languishing in Pakistani jails. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD If all treaties signed from the point of strength are not success stories, then all treaties not signed arent failures either. Last week, when Defence Minister Rajnath Singh refused to sign the SCOs joint statement on countering terrorism, he not only safeguarded Bharats core security interests but also offered a glimpse of a country willing to stand firmalone if necessaryin pursuit of its national priorities. The Defence Ministers conduct at the SCO summit reflects a growing confidence, maturity and self-assuredness of the country while dealing with global powers. Unlike in the past, when New Delhi would have been tempted to make a compromise for the sake of consensus or regional solidarity, todays Bharat doesnt mind walking that extra mile on treacherous terrains if the countrys long-term interest so demanded. The SCO draft statement was a watered-down document that, with Chinese collusion, sought to downplay Pakistans terror connections. It also refused to acknowledge, far less condemn, Islamabads sinister role in not just waging but also spreading global jihad. What particularly irked New Delhi was the refusal to give the dastardly Pahalgam attack a place in the draft statement. For Bharathaving borne the brunt of Pakistan-sponsored terrorism for decadesany endorsement of such a document would have compromised its core security interests. More so in the wake of the much successful Operation Sindoor where Bharat drew for Pakistanand the worlda new Lakshman Rekha on terrorism. Critics argue that Bharat should reconsider its engagement with institutions like the SCO, given their internal dynamics and frequent tilt against Bharats interests. But there is a compelling counterpoint: Bharats very participation forces these blocs to confront their inconsistencies. By attending and then refusing to endorse a flawed document, Bharat highlighted the SCOs duplicity on terrorism. New Delhis presence gives the SCO a democratic legitimacy, especially when most of its member-states lack genuine democratic credentials. At the same time, it does moderate the innate anti-Bharat tendencies of such institutions. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Yet, the incident is also a reminder of the solitary nature of Bharats fight against Pakistan-sponsored terrorism. The Wests support often stops at rhetoric. Washingtons Bharat policy is still largely China-driven, focused on counterbalancing Beijing rather than addressing Islamabads terror machinery. Europe, preoccupied with internal crises, besides being wary of disturbing its fragile equations with Islamic states, rarely ventures beyond routine condemnations, followed by an exhortation to both sides to return to talks. Russia, Bharats time-tested partner and an SCO member, finds itself increasingly aligned with China, compelled by geopolitical realities and economic compulsions after the Ukraine war. Moscows growing dependence on Beijing inevitably narrows the space for unequivocal support to New Delhi, especially on issues where Chinese and Pakistani interests converge. Perhaps the most sobering takeaway from the SCO saga is the fact that Bharat is, in many ways, alone in its fight against terrorism emanating from Pakistan. While Western capitals may occasionally put up rhetorical support in Bharats favour, very few will be willing to shun, far less confront, Pakistan for its terror connections. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD However, the path ahead is not without challenges. Bharat will likely face more such moments where standing up for its core interests may mean standing alone. The international system is inherently transactional. Allies shift their positions, interests evolve, and moral arguments often give way to strategic calculations. This reality makes it imperative for Bharat to continue diversifying its partnershipsdeepening ties not just with the Quad countries but also with nations in Europe, Asean, Africa, and the Middle East. Simultaneously, Bharat must persist in exposing Pakistans duplicity on terror at every available forum, denying Islamabad the international space it needs to whitewash its record. Be that as it may, the fact of the matter is that Bharats conduct at the SCO summit reflects the case of a confident, self-assured and surefooted nation. Yes, there is this concern of finding itself isolated on the international platform, but one needs to see it in the larger context of Bharat rising at an unprecedented pace and scalea pace and scale that seem to be unnerving its friends and foes alike. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The next couple of decades will be critical. As Bharat continues its unprecedented economic and geopolitical ascent, it will inevitably unsettle entrenched interests, both among rivals and even some partners. How deftly Bharat navigates this phasebalancing assertion with strategic partnerships, principle with pragmatismwill determine how swiftly it cements its place as a global power. The good thing is, as Rajnath Singhs resolute stance at the SCO shows, Naya Bharat not just counts the fingers after shaking hands with other powers; it has also started making them accountable if some of the fingers go missing after the handshake! When the US establishment engages directly with the Pakistan Army chief while bypassing its elected leadership, it proves that the countrys democracy is nothing more than a decorative formality read more In a diplomatic spectacle that could only be described as deliciously ironic, Field Marshal Asim Munir, Pakistans Army Chief, was invited to the White House for a tete-a-tete with President Trump. A prime example of irony, this meeting arrived at a time when the very foundations of civilian authority in Pakistan were under siege. A prime minister who can barely finish a term, and a military leader who holds more sway than any elected official. It is a display so spectacular that even the most cynical observer would be tempted to applaud the audacity. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD But this wasnt just a polite exchange of pleasantries; it was a statement. The optics were impeccable, two powerful men sharing a meal while the rest of the world watched, wondering if they were discussing strategy or simply reminiscing about the good old days of military coups. The message was clear: the US wasnt just engaging with Pakistan, it was engaging with the Pakistani military as its de facto representative. A military that doesnt just play a supporting role in Pakistans governance, but increasingly becomes the lead actor. This was not Pakistan being celebrated in Washington; it was the Pakistani military being reinforced as the permanent sovereign. A state of affairs where civilian leadership is increasingly sidelined in favour of military power. A true diplomatic win? Hardly. More of a political indictment of a system that cant seem to find a way to empower its people through democratic institutions. The Disappearing State: When Civilians Are Optional The absence of Pakistans Prime Minister and Foreign Minister from this historic meeting wasnt just a diplomatic faux pas; it was a glaring testament to the sidelining of civilian authority. The message was loud and clear: Pakistans real leader is in uniform, not in a suit. This isnt just about who gets to share the spotlight in Washington. Its about who gets to make the decisions at home. The concept of the disappearing state is rooted in the idea that state visits used to reflect a sovereign hierarchy, where heads of state would meet heads of state. But in Pakistans case, that chain of command has been brutally ruptured. When the US military or political establishment engages directly with Pakistans army chief while bypassing its elected leadership, it doesnt just reflect a diplomatic trend; it exacerbates the perception that Pakistans democracy is nothing more than a decorative formality. The US engagement with General Munir further highlights this, reinforcing the message that military-led governance is acceptable, even preferable, to civilian-led democracy. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD For a country already plagued by a fractured political class, co-opted, humiliated, and frequently sidelined, the result is nothing short of disastrous. Every time a foreign power, particularly the United States, plays along with this narrative, it chips away at the legitimacy of Pakistans civilian institutions. Whats worse, this serves to further marginalise the political class, transforming elected officials into mere figureheads, ornamental but without any real power. This is not just a diplomatic faux pas; its a death by a thousand photo ops. The Illusion of Strength: Posturing in a Global Theatre While General Munirs invitation to Washington may appear to project strength to domestic audiences in Pakistan, this is a brittle, borrowed form of strength. Its the kind of strength that only appears powerful from a distance. The paradox is unsettling: the more powerful Pakistans military seems at home, the more dependent it becomes abroad. Far from promoting strategic autonomy, this is strategic theatre, a show designed to distract from the reality of Pakistans political and economic dependence on foreign powers. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD American engagement with Pakistans military has historically been less about partnership and more about utility. Whether during the Cold War, the War on Terror, or in the current climate of strategic alliances in the region, the pattern has been unmistakable: when the US needs something, be it military bases, transit routes, or leverage over Afghanistan, it reaches out to Rawalpindi, not Islamabad. This has always been a transactional relationship, not one based on mutual interests or respect. General Munirs visit to Washington follows this exact script. Its a carefully choreographed engagement designed to serve the interests of both parties, but primarily those of the US. Whats worse, every such engagement further entraps Pakistan in a cycle of conditional aid, military-to-military cooperation, and silent compliance. As long as Pakistans military establishment remains the face of the state, it becomes easier for foreign powers to treat Pakistan not as a multifaceted democracy but as a monolithic security apparatus. And in this regard, the US is complicit, not just in supporting Pakistans military dominance, but in ensuring that civilian power remains an afterthought. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Timing of the Lunch and Shared Dessert General Munirs invitation to the White House raised questions about its true intent. While President Trump framed the meeting as a thank-you for preventing a nuclear crisis between India and Pakistan, the timing and context suggested deeper motives. The meeting came at a time of rising tensions with Iran, underscoring Munirs growing influence in Pakistans power politics. The lunch symbolised a diplomatic gesture that excluded Pakistans elected leaders, reinforcing the militarys dominance in foreign policy. While Munir met with Trump, Pakistan rejected Irans request for support during its attacks, a move that aligned with Israels interests. US officials made it clear that no support would come from the broader Islamic world, isolating Iran. Trumps praise of Munirs insight into Iran further highlighted the militarys central role, as the civilian government was sidelined. Additionally, Munirs reported attendance at an American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) meeting fuelled concerns over Pakistans increasing alignment with US and Israeli interests. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This meeting reflected a return to Cold War-era dynamics between the US and Pakistan. Pakistan reportedly offered rare earth materials and potential crypto council partnerships, benefiting both nations. For Pakistan, it was a way to shift from China to the US, while Trump secured vital resources. However, this deal reinforced the transactional nature of US-Pakistan relations, with the military continuing to dominate foreign policy, sidelining civilian institutions. India Watches, Unbothered! The entire spectacle of General Munirs visit and the subsequent media frenzy in Pakistan might lead some within Pakistans strategic circles to believe that this is a victory in the ongoing geopolitical rivalry with India. After all, when Pakistans army chief is feted by the worlds most powerful nation, surely it must be a step toward restoring the balance of power, right? Wrong. The truth is far less flattering. From Indias perspective, the situation is a source of reassurance rather than concern. Indias strategic calculus regarding Pakistan has always been shaped by one key observation: Pakistans military dominance is its Achilles Heel. Pakistans inability to fully embrace civilian rule and forge a truly democratic identity has been a point of pride for Indias strategic thinkers for decades. General Munirs trip to Washington only confirms what India has long suspected, that Pakistan is still a security state masquerading as a democracy. And as long as the US continues to treat Pakistan as such, Indias concerns about its geopolitical standing are minimal. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This isnt just about who gets invited to Washington; its about the deeper dynamics of regional power. While the US-Pakistan military relationship may serve specific American interests, it doesnt fundamentally alter the trajectory of the Pakistan-India rivalry. Instead, it highlights the deepening chasm between Pakistans civilian institutions and its military-dominated reality. As far as India is concerned, Pakistans internal dysfunction is less a threat and more a confirmation of its own stability and growing influence in the region. Whats Lost in the Optics? The optics of General Munirs luncheon in Washington are not what they seem. While the Pakistani military may read this as an endorsement, a validation of its central role in the state, the deeper reality is far more cynical. The US is not empowering Pakistans military to make it stronger; its engaging with it to keep it compliant. The handshake at the White House is not about strengthening Pakistans sovereignty; its about ensuring Pakistan doesnt stray too far from the USs strategic orbit. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD By endorsing the military as the primary interlocutor, Washington effectively sidesteps the messy, unpredictable nature of democratic governance. Elections, public dissent, and popular opinion all complicate diplomatic engagement. But by dealing exclusively with the military, the US gets the kind of stability it craves, centralised power that can be easily influenced. The military becomes the puppet, and the US pulls the strings. This dynamic is particularly dangerous because it consolidates Pakistans place in a cycle of military dominance, foreign dependency, and institutional decay. Pakistans sovereignty is sacrificed on the altar of strategic convenience, and the long-term health of its democratic institutions is jeopardised in the process. What does this mean for Pakistans Future? Every state must choose the architecture of its legitimacy, and in Pakistan, that choice has been made again and again: uniforms over ballots. But this form of legitimacy is inherently unstable. Legitimacy built on coercion and foreign validation is always temporary. It erodes slowly, until it collapses suddenly. General Munirs lunch at the White House may satisfy egos and silence critics for a few news cycles, but its strategic cost is enormous. It does nothing to address the underlying tensions between Pakistans military and its civilian institutions. Instead, it institutionalises the militarys role as the face of the nation, an institution that is increasingly less accountable to the people it purports to represent. This is not just a short-term setback for Pakistans democratic prospects. It is a long-term erosion of the democratic norms that Pakistan once aspired to. And unless something changes, the future of Pakistan looks increasingly like a military-led state, where the voices of its people are drowned out by the noise of military parades and diplomatic dinners. Conclusion: A Meal Served Cold General Munirs luncheon at the White House was more than just a diplomatic event. It was a symbol of Pakistans ongoing struggle between military dominance and democratic governance. While the world watched, the real question remained: who truly holds the reins of power in Pakistan? The military, cloaked in ceremonial grandeur, seems to be making a play for the throne, one handshake at a time. Until that question is answered, the nation risks remaining a republic in name only. A republic that, like the lunch served at the White House, has grown cold, stale, and increasingly irrelevant to the needs of the people it was designed to serve. Chitra Saini holds a PhD from the School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University and currently serves as an Assistant Professor (Guest) at the Delhi College of Arts and Commerce, University of Delhi. Amit Kumar is a Senior Research Fellow at the Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani, Rajasthan, India. The views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the authors. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. Even Niall Ferguson, an apologist for the Wests colonial depredations, is forced to concede that the decline of the West is a near certainty read more In his 2011 book Civilisation: The West and the Rest, British historian Niall Ferguson wrote: In the year 1411, if you had been able to circumnavigate the globe, you would probably have been most impressed by the quality of life in Oriental civilisations. The Forbidden City was under construction in Ming Beijing, while work had begun on reopening and improving the Grand Canal; in the Near East, the Ottomans were closing in on Constantinople, which they would finally capture in 1453. The Byzantine Empire was breathing its last. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD By contrast, Western Europe in 1411 would have struck you as a miserable backwater, recuperating from the ravages of the Black Death which had reduced population by as much as half as it swept eastwards between 1347 and 1351 and still plagued by bad sanitation and seemingly incessant war. In England the leper king Henry IV was on the throne, having successfully overthrown and murdered the ill-starred Richard II. So how did the West rise from this morass? The facile, if not tautological, answer to the question, Ferguson says, is that the West dominated the Rest because of imperialism. There are still many people today who can work themselves up into a state of high moral indignation over the misdeeds of the European empires. Misdeeds there certainly were, and they are not absent from these pages. Unfolding events have exposed Fergusons shallow thesis. He claimed that colonialism cannot fully explain why the West rose from penury of the 1600s to the prosperity of the 1900s. Instead, Ferguson and other apologists of colonialism and transatlantic slavery, blindsided by the rise of China and India and the sclerotic decline of Europe, cling to the six factors that led to Western global domination. Fergusons six killer applications that he says contributed to the Wests success are simplistic: competition, science, democracy, medicine, consumerism and the work ethic. The West grew rich not because of these six killer applications but because colonial invasions, extortionate taxation from the colonies, and slave labour shipped from Africa to North America gave the West a multi-generational bounty: free land and free labour for over 200 years. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The work ethic killer application did not apply to African slaves. The democracy killer application did not apply to European colonies. The consumerism killer application was extractive raw materials from the colonies fed the Industrial Revolution. The competition killer application applied only to Western powers carving out Africa among themselves following the infamous Berlin Conference in 1884-85. Medicine and science, Fergusons fifth and sixth killer applications, were byproducts of the first four. Ferguson is not unaware of the cruelties of colonialism and slavery. He concedes: The word imperialism is a term of abuse that caught on with nationalists, liberals and socialists alike. These critics rained coruscating ridicule of the claim that the empires were exporting civilisation. Asked what he thought of Western civilisation, the Indian nationalist leader Mahatma Gandhi is said to have replied wittily that he thought it would be a good idea. In Hind Swaraj (Indian Home Rule), published in 1908, Gandhi went so far as to call Western civilisation a disease and a bane. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Livid with Gandhi, Ferguson showered venom on him: The ascetic holy man Gandhi was scornful of Western civilisations army of doctors. In an interview in London in 1931 he cited the conquest of disease as one of the purely material yardsticks by which Western civilisation measured progress. To the countless millions of people whose lives have been lengthened by Western medicine, however, the choice between spiritual purity and staying alive was not difficult to make. Ferguson ignores the horrific discovery that British colonial doctors used Indian political prisoners in the Andaman Islands Cellular Jail as guinea pigs to test experimental medical drugs, leading to several deaths. The crime was exposed in a seminal investigation report published by The Guardian in 2001. Six key factors The West rose from poverty to wealth not primarily due to Fergusons six killer applications but six other key factors. The first key factor was Europes mastery of the seas and the weapons of war. That enabled even small West European nations like Portugal to colonise Brazil and parts of India. The bigger nations of Europe, Britain and France, built bigger colonies and made bigger fortunes for their nations treasuries. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The second key factor was the transatlantic slave trade. Millions of Africans were captured by British slave shippers, shackled in chains and sold to the highest bidder in North America from the 1600s to the 1800s. Americas wealth was built with slave labour on its cotton plantations. The third key factor was European invasions of the Americas and Australasia, driving indigenous people who had lived there for millennia into impoverished reservations and settling invading Europeans on their land. The fourth key factor was imposing taxes of over 50 per cent on farmers and traders in colonial India, reducing it from a cotton and textile exporting global powerhouse into a land wracked by poverty. The fifth key factor was creating conditions for famine in British-ruled India. Before colonialism, major famines were rare in India. During Britains 190-year colonial rule, India suffered from 31 major famines roughly one big famine every six years. After 1947, there hasnt been a famine in India. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The sixth key factor was propagating a distorted history of the West and the Rest. As befits an apologist for the Wests colonial depredations and slave ownership, Ferguson ignores British economics historian Angus Maddisons conclusions except to say: Even the late Angus Maddison may have been over-optimistic when he argued that in 1700 the average inhabitant of China was slightly better off than the average inhabitant of the future United States. Maddison was closer to the mark when he estimated in 1600 British per-capita GDP was already 60 per cent higher than Chinese. That is a misreading of Maddisons conclusions, who said India and China accounted for nearly 50 per cent of global economic output in 1700. Ferguson is forced to concede in the end in the interest of academic integrity: The decline of the West is a near certainty. The writer is an editor, author and publisher. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The plaintiffs claimed that Google gathered data from idle phones running its Android operating system for purposes such as targeted advertising, using Android users cellular data without their knowledge or benefit read more A Google logo is seen at a company research facility in Mountain View, California, U.S. Reuters Google has been accused of stealing data from Android phone users in the US, leading to a court ordering the tech giant to pay over $314.6 million for unauthorised data collection. A jury in Californias San Jose has contended with the plaintiffs that Alphabets Google has been sending and receiving information from the cell phones of Android users without their permission while they were idle, causing mandatory and unavoidable burdens shouldered by Android device users for Googles benefit. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Google, however, has sought an appeal as its spokesperson, Jose Castaneda, said that the jurys verdict misunderstands services that are critical to the security, performance, and reliability of Android devices. Meanwhile, the plaintiffs lawyer Glen Summers said the verdict forcefully vindicates the merits of this case and reflects the seriousness of Googles misconduct. What does the plaintiffs plea say? The plaintiffs filed the class action lawsuit against Google in state court in 2019 on behalf of at least 14 million residents of California. They claimed that Google gathered data from idle phones running its Android operating system for purposes such as targeted advertising, using Android users cellular data without their knowledge or benefit. Another group filed a separate lawsuit in federal court in San Jose, bringing the same claims against Google on behalf of Android users in the other 49 states. That case is scheduled for trial in April 2026. On the other hand, Google told the court that no Android users were harmed by the data transfers and that users consented to them in the companys terms of service and privacy policies. A group of tech entrepreneurs is preparing to launch a US bank aimed at serving start-ups and cryptocurrency businesses, seeking to fill the void left by the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) read more A group of tech entrepreneurs led by Palmer Luckey, co-founder of military contractor Anduril, is preparing to launch a US bank aimed at serving start-ups and cryptocurrency businesses, filling a void left by the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB). The new institution, to be named Erebor, has applied for a national bank charter, according to a regulatory filing made public this week. Erebor is backed by a roster of prominent technology investors, including Joe Lonsdale, founder of venture capital firm 8VC and a co-founder of defence company Palantir. Founders Fund, the venture capital group launched by Peter Thiel, is also among the investors, Financial Times cited two people familiar with the matter as saying. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The bank is named after the lonely mountain" from J.R.R. Tolkiens The Lord of the Rings, the same literary source that inspired the names of Anduril and Palantir. According to the application, the bank will be a national bank . . . providing traditional banking products, as well as virtual currency-related products and services, for businesses and individuals. Erebor intends to target companies in what it describes as the innovation economy, with a focus on virtual currencies, artificial intelligence, defence, and manufacturing. The filing said the bank would also serve individuals who work for or invest in these companies, and would work with non-US firms seeking access to the US banking system. The banks founders began discussing the idea in 2023 after the collapse of SVB, which had been the preferred lender for many US start-ups. SVBs assets were eventually acquired by First Citizens Bank, and a number of its bankers joined HSBC in the US However, many start-ups have since reported difficulty accessing capital and services, prompting efforts to create a new financial institution tailored to their needs. Erebor plans to set itself apart by focusing on customers that are not well served by traditional or disruptive financial institutions, in particular with respect to insufficient access to credit, the filing said. The bank will be headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, with an additional office in New York. It plans to operate entirely digitally, marketing its products and services through a smartphone app and website. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The venture is expected to play a significant role in handling stablecoin transactions, a type of cryptocurrency pegged to real-world assets like the US dollar. The application notes Erebor aims to be the most regulated entity conducting and facilitating stablecoin transactions. Luckey and Lonsdale, both major donors to Donald Trump during the 2024 presidential election, are not expected to be involved in Erebors daily operations, according to people familiar with the project. The bank will be led by co-CEOs Jacob Hirshman, a former adviser at crypto firm Circle, and Owen Rapaport, CEO of digital assets compliance company Aer Compliance. Mike Hagedorn, a former senior executive at Valley National Bank, will serve as president. Some details of the application, including its equity structure, business plan, and shareholder information, were submitted confidentially and have not been made public. Lonsdale confirmed he was financially backing the project but declined further comment. Luckey did not respond to a request for comment. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Trump has reached a $16 million settlement with CBS parent company Paramount over a lawsuit claiming a 2023 60 Minutes interview with Kamala Harris was deceptively edited to hurt his election chances. The money will go to Trumps future presidential library, and the deal includes no apology from Paramount. read more CBS parent company Paramount has agreed to pay $16 million to settle a lawsuit filed by US President Donald Trump over a 2023 broadcast of a 60 Minutes interview featuring then-vice president Kamala Harris. The settlement, announced on Wednesday, is the latest example of a media company conceding to Trump amid his ongoing battles with press outlets over allegedly misleading coverage. The $16 million will go toward Trumps future presidential library, not to Trump directly or indirectly. Paramount clarified that the settlement does not include an apology or expression of regret. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Trump initially sued CBS for $10 billion in October, accusing the network of deceptively editing Harriss interview to favor the Democratic Party ahead of the election. He later increased the damages sought to $20 billion in an amended complaint filed in February. The lawsuit claimed CBS aired two versions of the same interview in which Harris gave seemingly conflicting responses to a question about the Israel-Hamas war. Trump said this manipulation violated Texas consumer protection laws against deceptive practices. CBS previously called the lawsuit completely without merit and sought its dismissal. The case entered mediation in April. As part of the settlement, Paramount also agreed that 60 Minutes would release transcripts of interviews with future presidential candidates after airing, with redactions allowed for legal or national security reasons. The White House declined to comment. Trumps lawyer, Edward A. Paltzik, could not be immediately reached. Media rights groups raised concerns about Trump using consumer protection laws to bypass traditional legal standards for defamation, which require proof of actual malice when the subject is a public figure. The settlement comes as Paramount works to finalize its $8.4 billion merger with Skydance Media, which still requires approval from the Federal Communications Commission. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Trump, who has long attacked mainstream media and labels negative stories as fake news, had previously threatened to revoke CBSs broadcast license if elected. The CBS settlement follows a similar case involving ABC News, which in December agreed to pay $15 million to Trumps presidential library and issued a public apology after anchor George Stephanopoulos inaccurately said Trump had been found liable for rape. BEIJING, July 1 (Xinhua) -- With the firm support of the motherland, the protection of the "one country, two systems" policy, the dedication of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) government, and the concerted efforts of all sectors of society, Hong Kong has broad prospects and a promising future, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Tuesday. Spokesperson Mao Ning made the remarks at a regular press briefing, noting that over the past five years since the promulgation and implementation of the Law on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong SAR, Hong Kong's legal framework has been strengthened, social stability and unity have improved, and the rights and freedoms enjoyed by Hong Kong residents in accordance with the law have been fully protected. Mao said that the baseless and malicious smears by certain Western politicians and anti-China organizations against the "one country, two systems," along with their attacks on Hong Kong's rule of law, fully expose their ill intent to undermine stability in Hong Kong. She noted that with a high level of security, Hong Kong is able to achieve high-quality development and the city's GDP has grown for nine consecutive quarters. It has ranked among the top three international financial centers in the world, and has reclaimed a spot among the top three in global competitiveness rankings. As the world's third-largest recipient of foreign direct investment, Hong Kong tops the world in terms of fundraising from IPOs since the beginning of this year, ranks first in the world in air cargo shipping and fourth in the International Shipping Center Development Index, and is among the top 10 in talent competitiveness, with many foreign chambers of commerce recommending increased investment in the city, Mao said. These data show that Hong Kong's economy is highly resilient and vibrant, and its international appeal continues to grow, she added. "Today marks the 28th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland. We believe that with the steadfast support of the motherland, the safeguard of 'one country, two systems,' the dedication of the government of the HKSAR and the joint efforts of the whole society, Hong Kong enjoys broad prospects and a promising future," Mao said. Malian army on Tuesday said that it neutralised more than 80 militants after Jihadist fighters launched coordinated attacks on military posts in several towns across Mali, marking the third major offensive against the army in the past month read more Malian army on Tuesday said that it neutralised more than 80 militants after Jihadist fighters launched coordinated attacks on military posts in several towns across Mali, marking the third major offensive against the army in the past month. According to a BBC report, Jamaat Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM), an al-Qaeda-affiliated group, claimed responsibility for the attacks and said it had seized control of three army barracks. However, Malian army said the enemy suffered significant losses in every location they attacked. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The enemy suffered significant losses in every location where they engaged with the security and defence forces, BBC quoted Army Spokesperson Souleymane Dembele as saying in a statement broadcast on national TV. Col Dembele added that the army recovered weapons, vehicles and motorcycles from the assailants. Mali has been gripped by a deadly Islamist insurgency for over a decade, alongside ongoing violence from separatist groups. Earlier, the military reported that the attacks took place in seven towns and cities, including Binoli, Kayes, and Sandere, near the Senegalese border. Additional assaults were reported further north, close to Malis border with Mauritania. A resident of Kayes told the BBC that gunfire could be heard everywhere during the assault. The police station was damaged, as well as the governors house, he was quoted as saying, adding that casualty figures were still unclear. JNIM described its latest assault as coordinated and high quality in a social media statement, though it provided no casualty figures. The group also claimed responsibility for two other major recent attacks. On 2 June, militants struck an army camp and airport in the northern city of Timbuktu. The day before, a raid in central Mali killed at least 30 soldiers. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD These incidents underscore the escalating insecurity in Mali and the wider Sahel, following a warning from US Africa Command about Islamist militant groups intensifying efforts to reach West Africas coastal regions. With inputs from agencies July 2, 2025, 02:00:06 (IST) Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Former Kenyan cabinet secretary Fred Matiang'i declares political independence Former Kenyan Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiangi has declared he is politically independent for now, distancing himself from his influential role in the previous government of former President Uhuru Kenyatta, according to a report in Standard Media. Matiangi, once one of the most powerful figures in Kenyattas administration, addressed the narrative that he was a political project, a term used in Kenyan politics for individuals perceived as being sponsored by the ruling elite. His statement is viewed as a strategic move to redefine his political identity following the 2022 general election amid ongoing political realignments in the country. China has said that the central government must approve the next Dalai Lamas reincarnation and that the process must happen within China, hours after the Dalai Lama himself said only his institution could identify his successor. read more Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama greets devotees as he arrives at the Tsuglakhang temple in Dharmsala, India, Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2017. (Photo: AP) China said on Wednesday that the next Dalai Lamas reincarnation must be approved by its central government and that the process must take place within China. This statement comes just hours after the Dalai Lama announced that he will be reincarnated and that only his non-profit institution has the authority to identify his successor directly challenging Chinas claim to choose the next Tibetan Buddhist leader. The reincarnation of the Dalai Lama, the Panchen Lama and other great Buddhist figures must be chosen by drawing lots from a golden urn, and approved by the central government, foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said, as quoted by news agency AFP. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Dalai Lama said on Wednesday that he plans to be reincarnated and that only his non-profit institution will have the authority to identify his next incarnation, pushing back against Chinas claims that it will choose his successor. The Dalai Lama, who turns 90 on the upcoming Sunday, put an end to speculation among his millions of followers about whether there would be another Dalai Lama after him. The Nobel Peace Prize winner made these comments during his birthday celebrations, which are being closely watched by the US, India, and China due to the political importance of his succession. Beijing views the Dalai Lama, who fled to India from Tibet in 1959 after a failed uprising against Chinese rule, as a separatist. The Dalai Lama has previously said his successor will be born outside China and urged his followers to reject anyone chosen by Beijing. In previous years, he had also said it was possible that there might be no successor at all. In an exclusive conversation with Firstpost, policy researchers from Armenia discussed how the country has become Indias gateway to the Caucasus and explained how a Black Sea Corridor can be Indias game-changer in Eurasian geopolitics read more As China aims to strengthen its hold in the Caucasus, Armenia sees India as a potential counterbalance in the Central and West Asia region. Armenian strategic experts told Firstpost that New Delhi could play a pivotal role in the development of a Black Sea Corridor, connecting India to Iran, Armenia, Georgia and the wider Central Asia. In recent years, the region has garnered significant attention with China investing heavily in Azerbaijan and Georgia. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD India has the opportunity to utilise its strong ties with Armenia to build a space for itself in the region, say strategic experts. India-Armenia ties go back decades. India surpassed Russia in 2022, becoming Armenias largest arms supplier. When India conducted Operation Sindhu to evacuate Indians stuck in Iran during the latters 12-day military conflict with Israel, special flights flew from Armenia to India while both the Iranian and Pakistani airspaces were closed. Armenia also emerged as a vocal ally of India, following the horrific terror attack in Jammu and Kashmirs Pahalgam, and later during Operation Sindoor, when Indian forces conducted strikes on terror camps in Pakistan. Armenia, which has its own share of struggles, has aligned itself with India. One of the reasons for this alignment is the geopolitical landscape of the region. In an insightful conversation with Firstpost, Leonid Nersisyan, Senior Research Fellow and Nvard Chalikyan, Research Fellow at APRI Armenia, shared their assessment on India-Armenia relations and explained how both nations can take bilateral ties to the next level. Armenia: Indias strongest ally in the Caucasus During Operation Sindhu, India had a major task on hand, i.e. to evacuate its nationals from Iran and Israel. When it comes to Iran, things have been rough since Tehran closed its airspace amid Israeli strikes. Pakistan, which continues its anti-India campaign, had closed its airspace in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack. With Iranian airspace also closed, the evacuation of Indian nationals had to be facilitated through its land borders. Given the geopolitical situation, the land borders between Iran and Pakistan in Balochistan were also shut for Indian evacuees. The same was the case with Irans borders with Turkey and Azerbaijan, both of which, incidentally, professed overt support for Pakistan during Operation Sindoor. While India and Afghanistan share close ties, New Delhi currently does not have official ties with the Taliban-ruled nation, which is to Irans east. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This left three countries, through which Indians could be evacuated: Turkmenistan, Iraq, and Armenia. Given the security risks at Irans border with Turkmenistan and Iraq, the 44-km-long Iran-Armenia border became the most viable option for Indian evacuees. While talking about the smooth evacuation of Indians through Armenia, Chalikyan told Firstpost that Yerevans contribution to Operation Sindhu was a great demonstration of India-Armenia relations in action. This was one among many incidents that show India-Armenia relations developing. Our relations have been good for centuries, we are friendly countries, and our national strategic interests align with each other, she told Firstpost. Amenia is a key to countering the Pakistan-Azerbaijan-Turkey Axis It is pertinent to note that Armenia was one of the first nations to outrightly support Indias Operation Sindoor, in which Indian forces struck nine terror camps in Pakistan. The mission was conducted days after Pakistan-backed terrorists killed 26 people, including 25 tourists, in Pahalgam on April 22. Operation Sindoor was followed by a four-day military confrontation between India and Pakistan. During the military conflict, Turkey and Azerbaijan swiftly sided with Pakistan, while Armenia remained firm in its stance to support India. Because we are friendly countries and Armenia is totally in support of India, but also objectively, India was attacked, and it got a terrorist attack on its soil. Armenia sees and understands Indias fight against terrorism, and also because the two countries are friendly, and at the same time, Pakistan is the country that has not even recognised Armenia as a state, Chalikyan explained. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Armenia has been in favour of Indias position on the Kashmir issue. For a very long time, this has been articulated both by the government and in the international organisations, so the political level of the support from Armenia again is not new, she said. Elaborating on the matter, Nersisyan also spoke about the nature of the state of Pakistan. I would just add to that, we know what country Pakistan is and we know it very well in our region, nowadays theyre quite valiantly supporting Azerbaijan, which is our difficult neighbour. Their [Pakistan-Azerbaijan ties] are going more strategic and strategic every year, and now Pakistan has also become a quite large armament supplier to Azerbaijan, selling the JF 17 jet fighters to them. So in every sense, India and Armenias position aligns, he said. While Pakistan, Azerbaijan and Turkey, under Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, have bolstered mutual ties as part of the so-called three brother alliance. To counter this, India is looking towards the Caucasus. Prime Minister Narendra Modis historic visit to Cyprus can be seen as the prime example of this geopolitical manoeuvring. When asked how the three-brother alliance and how Armenia and India can emerge as a counterbalance to it, Chalikyan explained why strong ties between the two sides are the need of the hour. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD For a very long time, it [Azerbaijan-Pak-Turkey nexus] has been growing and getting more and more strategic and military after Erdogan came into power in Turkey and considering his desire to expand his influence and to connect with other Turkic-speaking states. Turkey has been backing up Pakistan not only on the Kashmir issue but on a range of other issues. And Turkey has been a vocal critic of India, she said, referring to Ankaras stance on the abrogation of Article 370 by India. Strategic partnership has been growing, not only doing trilateral ex-military exercises but also producing weapons, she added. Meanwhile, Nersisyan emphasised the new alliance India can formulate with Cyprus, Greece and Armenia. Greece was the first NATO country which started supporting Armenia in the defence domain in the 90s after Armenia regained its independence, he remarked. Its very good to see that partners of India in Europe and partners of Armenia in Europe are the same countries. We are quite happy to see that India has deeper relations with Cyprus and Greece. Cyprus is also one of our close partners, we already have a trilateral cooperation agreement in defence with Cyprus and Greece would be very interesting to look into how India can be added to this equation. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD India surpassed Russia but did not replace it In recent years, India has surpassed Russia in being Armenias largest arms exporter. When asked if the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war has anything to do with it, Nersisyan emphasised that there is more to the story. I think that the Russia-Ukraine war, of course, triggered this process. I mean it made it much faster and dramatic because no supplies were coming to Armenia after 2020 from Russia anymore, he remarked. But the first discussions about Armenia procuring Indian weapons started at least in 2018, and the first contract was signed in 2019. It gained momentum in 2022 with India now being Armenias biggest defence supplier, along with France and with local companies which are also developing at the moment very actively in Armenia. So in that sense, its became India has become a very important partner, especially on that very day. Chalikyan, however, said that while India holds a special spot in terms of Armenias defence infrastructure, it still hasnt replaced Russia. I agree with what Leonid says about diversification, but at the same time, we cannot say that Armenia is replacing Russia with India because ties are not the same at a formal level, she said. I want to emphasise that formally, Russia is still supposed to guarantee Armenias security against an attack, and this is not something that India has ever pledged, and India does not have that ambition as far as I know. But it would be good for us if India were more involved in the region. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD It needs to go beyond buying and selling arms. We would like to see more involvement in the region, and from a security perspective, she added, suggesting more joint military exercises between the two nations. I think, are close to the moment where our countries should be looking at signing a strategic partnership agreement, some good document like that, because I mean if our country is the largest buyer of made-in-India weapons, it makes sense that our countries should be strategic partners, Nersisyan averred. Indias contribution to Armenias defence expenditure Nersisyan further explained how Indian weapons are bolstering Armenias defence infrastructure. During the 2020 war, we had quite serious losses of equipment in our armed forces, and even if we had no 2020 war, our equipment.was getting quite outdated in many senses, so if you look at what was procured from India, according to mostly Indian sources, by the way, you will see lots of artillery systems. You will see air defence, and thats exactly the part of the armed forces that faced the largest losses, he said. We also boost the quality of our artillery, which was made in the Soviet Union, and most of it is 40-50 years old systems, even more sometimes. I think we made a strategic decision to fully transfer to 155mm Nato calibre, and India is producing only that. Generally speaking, if you look at the lists of what Armenia is procuring from India, you will see almost everything that India can produce at the moment." STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Its also about being ready to supply these things, and now we see that many types of weapons India is already able to produce at a high level,l so for Armenia, it was also good to see that Akash 1S systems were quite effective during the standoff with Pakistan shorting down also some kinds of drones from Turkey, which Azerbaijan possessed,s and thats also something we appreciate, he added. Black Sea corridor: How India can counter-balance China in the Caucasus China has emerged as a key player in Central Asia and the Caucasus, with its investment in mining deals and defence supply in Azerbaijan and Georgia. While speaking to Firstpost, Chalikyan noted how Armenia is being left out when it comes to Chinas presence in the region. Caucasus has three countries, Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan, and in two countries, Azerbaijan and Georgia. China has been investing heavily, especially in growing its. Investment capacity in recent years and its main interest has been investing in new economic projects, and mostly, of course, it is related to infrastructure projects and the Belt and Road Initiative, for which Azerbaijan and Georgia are of importance, she said. Armenia, however, has been left out of the BRI projects, and China has not been investing as much as it has been investing in the other two countries. Our relations are with India, and they develop it more with China, so this is in a way, a region where I think India and China, to some extent, can compete on this infrastructure project, she added. Chalikyan also mentioned that both countries will be looking at which country will have a greater influence in the region in terms of connectivity projects. For this reason, she noted that the north-south corridor would be crucial. Black Sea corridor is another option for connecting India, Iran, and Armenia. The development of that project is essential if you want to emerge as a counterbalance in the region, she said. India is looking at alternative routes to connect to Europe. Especially after the Ukraine war turbulence in other shipment routes. India is interested in having alternative and not one but several alternative routes to reach Europe. So one of these routes can be India, Iran, Armenia, Georgia, the Black Sea, and Europe. This is obviously a very major project, and it can make a big difference. It also has some hurdles related to sanctions against Iran, as India and Armenia and Iran collaborate on the foreign ministry level, she said. What Armenia can offer India is a land route alternative to Europe that does not pass through either Turkey or Azerbaijan, because all the other alternatives pass through Iran, she said. The duo have been engaged in a war of words after Musks exit from the Department of Government Efficiency (Doge), with a major showdown last month taking their relationship to an all-time low read more And now the Donald Trump and Elon Musk relationship is in meltdown. Reuters/File Photo The love-hate relationship between Elon Musk and US President Donald Trump has resurfaced once again, with the Tesla CEO now praising his ex-boss over the Gaza ceasefire, which has been accepted by Israel. In a post on X, Musk said, Credit where credit is due. President Trump has successfully resolved several serious conflicts around the world." Credit where credit is due. @realDonaldTrump has successfully resolved several serious conflicts around the world. pic.twitter.com/0EyHHy5Gfo Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 2, 2025 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD His comments came after Trump threatened to deport Musk and strip federal funds from his businesses. Meanwhile, the Tesla boss has said that he will turn his riches against Trump, mulling a rival political party to challenge Republican lawmakers who vote for the presidents One Big Beautiful Bill. In reply to a post on his X social network featuring Trumps deportation comments, Musk said on Tuesday: So tempting to escalate this. So, so tempting. But I will refrain for now. The duo have been engaged in a war of words after Musks exit from the Department of Government Efficiency (Doge), with a major showdown last month taking their relationship to an all-time low. Tesla shares plunge The row between Musk and Trump has not reflected well on the formers businesses as Teslas shares sank on Tuesday. Shares of Tesla sank around 5 per cent after Trump said he would consider deporting Musk and directing the Doge to scrutinise the Tesla and SpaceX founders government subsidies. Musk, a mega-donor to Trump in the 2024 election who headed Doge before leaving Washington earlier this spring, has called for a new political party in response to Trumps bill. The row weighs on investor sentiment because Tesla is extraordinarily popular with speculative traders, said Steve Sosnick of Interactive Brokers. If theres a big drop in that stock, I do think it sort of hurts the mood of the market. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Israel-Hamas ceasefire Trump announced earlier today that Israel has accepted a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza, urging Hamas to do the same. Trump, in a post on social media, said his representatives had met with Israeli officials about the raging conflict, ahead of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus visit to Washington next week. Israel has agreed to the necessary conditions to finalize the 60 Day CEASEFIRE, during which time we will work with all parties to end the War, Trump wrote. With inputs from agencies The Dalai Lama has announced that the institution will continue after him. He has also said that free Tibetans will decide his successor. The announcement comes days ahead of his 90th birthday. read more Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama greets devotees as he arrives at the Tsuglakhang temple in Dharmsala, India, Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2017. (Photo: AP) The Dalai Lama on Wednesday said that the institution will continue after him and free Tibetans will appoint the successor. In accordance with requests of the Tibetan people, the Dalai Lama said that I am affirming that the institution of the Dalai Lama will continue. I hereby reiterate that the Gaden Phodrang Trust has sole authority to recognize the future reincarnation; no one else has any such authority to interfere in this matter, the Dalai Lama further said in a statement released on Tuesday. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The statement comes days ahead the Dalai Lamas 90th birthday. He had previously said that he would provide clarity about succession around his 90th birthday. The Dalai Lama will turn 90 on Sunday. The Tibetan community is currently holding multi-day celebrations in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, where he has stayed for decades. The Tibetan movement runs a government-in-exile in Dharamshala. China invaded and occupied Tibet in 1949-50. The Dalai Lama has been living in India in exile since 1959 when he arrived in the country after a Tibetan uprising against Chinese occupation failed. The question of the Dalai Lamas succession is politically sensitive as China has labelled him as a separatist. China must be watching any announcement carefully and is expected to react strongly. For years, China has maintained for years that any successor anointed in exile would not be recognised. In recent years, and particularly in recent months, the Dalai Lama has suggested that his successor would not be from Tibet from the exiled Tibetan community likely in India. In recent years, as India-China relationship hit a new low following Chinese aggression in 2020, the Narendra Modi government has renewed engagement with the Tibetan movement. During ongoing birthday celebrations, senior Indian politicians, such as Union minister Kiren Rijiju and Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu, have been present. In a book published this year, the Dalai Lama said that his successor would be born in the "free world". This meant that the successor would be from outside of China-occupied Tibet. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Since the purpose of a reincarnation is to carry on the work of the predecessor, the new Dalai Lama will be born in the free world so that the traditional mission of the Dalai Lama that is, to be the voice for universal compassion, the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, and the symbol of Tibet embodying the aspirations of the Tibetan people will continue, writes the Dalai Lama in the book. Earlier this week, the Dalai Lama said that there will be some kind of a framework for the continuation of the institution after his death. The rest of my life I will dedicate for the benefit of others, as much as possible, as extensive as possible. There will be some kind of a framework within which we can talk about the continuation of the institution of the Dalai Lamas, the Dalai Lama said. The Dalai Lama is the spiritual head of Tibetan Buddhists. Every Dalai Lama is considered to be the reincarnation of the previous one. The current Dalai Lama is the 14th in line. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Currently, women comprise around 10 per cent of the Danish Army, Navy and Air Force. Denmark uses the draft lottery only when there are not enough volunteers to meet staffing needs read more Women in Denmark who turn 18 are now subject to military conscription, as the country expands its armed forces in response to growing security concerns posed by Russia and in an effort to meet Nato expectations. The measure, passed by Denmarks Parliament in June, officially took effect on Tuesday (July 1). It marks a significant shift in policy for the Nordic country, where women have long been allowed to volunteer for military service but were not previously required to enter the national draft lottery like their male counterparts. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The defence needs all the fighting power we can mobilise, said Michael W. Hyldgaard, Denmarks defence chief, when the change was announced in March. This requires that we recruit from all over society. Denmarks draft lottery pool gets bigger Denmark uses the draft lottery only when there are not enough volunteers to meet staffing needs. Currently, women comprise around 10 per cent of the Danish Army, Navy and Air Force, according to a report by New York Times. The decision to expand the draft to include women came about 18 months earlier than initially planned, following support from a liberal political party to place men and women on equal footing in conscription. Experts say the move is driven primarily by practical military needs, rather than by an ideological push for gender equality. If we need to build up our forces quickly and we need the numbers that were now aiming for then we need to draft both men and women, said Peter Viggo Jakobsen, a professor at the Institute for Strategy and War Studies at the Royal Danish Defense College. He added, Its not really an ideological argument about equal rights and equal obligations. With a population of six million, Denmark has about 16,600 uniformed personnel in its military and emergency services. The government has committed to increasing its annual intake of recruits for basic training to 6,500 by 2027, up from 4,700 last year. It also plans to extend the duration of compulsory service from four months to 11 months beginning in February 2026. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Concerns over Ukraine war Analysts say the increase in service duration could discourage voluntary enlistment, making the draft more necessary. Officials have stated there will be no restrictions on womens roles, and that women will be allowed to serve in combat positions if they meet the required physical standards. There is a bigger concern now that the war in Ukraine might actually lead to a bigger war in Europe so we need this sooner rather than later, said Anders Puck Nielsen, a military analyst at the Royal Danish Defense College. While Denmark does not share a border with Russia, its government remains wary of Moscows activities in the Arctic and the Baltic Sea, including past incidents involving sabotage to infrastructure. I dont think Danish politicians are fearing Russian tanks in Copenhagen tomorrow or anything like that, but its tied to fears that Russia could be a problem, said Mikkel Runge Olesen, a senior researcher at the Danish Institute for International Studies. Denmark has stepped up military spending and adopted a more assertive defense posture since Russias invasion of Ukraine in 2022. For nearly a decade, its defense budget saw minimal growth, a reflection of the countrys reliance on the United States for protection, analysts say. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With or without Trump Jakobsen described this period as one of decay in Denmarks military readiness. Now, he said, Denmark has to rebuild our armed forces basically from scratch because theyre basically nonfunctional. He also noted that former US President Donald Trumps repeated calls for Nato allies to boost their defence budgets and his administrations interest in acquiring Greenland may have accelerated Denmarks commitment to strengthen its military capacity. But even without Trump, we would still have reintroduced the draft, Jakobsen said. A Japan Airlines flight plunged nearly 26,000 feet on Monday after a sudden cabin pressure problem, forcing an emergency landing in Osaka. All 191 people on board were safe, though passengers described moments of panic. read more A Japan Airlines Boeing 737 suffered a terrifying mid-air emergency on Monday (July 1), suddenly plunging nearly 26,000 feet after a mechanical problem. Flight JL8696 was travelling from Shanghai Pudong Airport in China to Narita International Airport in Tokyo when, around 6:53 pm local time, the plane experienced a rapid loss of cabin pressure. The aircraft dropped from 36,000 feet to just over 10,000 feet in under ten minutes. Passengers described hearing a loud boom before oxygen masks dropped from the ceiling. Flight attendants urgently shouted for everyone to put them on. Some passengers, who had been sleeping, woke up gasping for air. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD One passenger told The People, I heard a muffled boom, and the oxygen mask fell off in a few seconds. The stewardess cried and shouted to put on the oxygen mask, saying the plane had a malfunction. Emergency Spring and Autumn Airlines 6.30 Japan Spring and Autumn 1J004, Boeing 737, Shanghai flew to Tokyo more than 10,000 metres above the city of free fall to 3,000 metres of fish Before that, I heard a muffled boom, and the oxygen mask fell off within a few seconds. The pic.twitter.com/FY56ZNvcEQ ght sunli (@GSunli45639) June 30, 2025 Another said some people were so frightened they began writing wills and farewell messages, fearing they might not survive. Videos from inside the plane show panicked passengers wearing oxygen masks, some clasping their hands or trying to stay calm, while a flight attendant can be heard instructing everyone to follow safety procedures. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The captain declared an emergency and diverted the plane to Kansai International Airport in Osaka, where it landed safely at 8:50 pm local time. All 191 people on board, including crew, were unharmed but deeply shaken. Japans Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism confirmed the incident and said an investigation is underway to determine what went wrong with the planes pressurisation system. Japan Airlines offered passengers 15,000 (about $93) and hotel accommodations for the night. The scare comes amid heightened concerns over Boeing aircraft after an unrelated crash involving an Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner in Ahmedabad recently killed 241 people. The PEM convention enables countries to build manufacturing supply chains across participating nations and still qualify for low-tariff access to markets under free trade deals read more Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer shakes hands with European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen at the European Commission headquarters in Brussels in October 2024. AFP File Hopes by the British government to join a major European trade pact so as to ease the UKs post-Brexit supply chain issues are reportedly being blocked by the European Union. The UK last week announced it was exploring accession to the Pan-Euro-Mediterranean (PEM) convention, citing potential benefits such as reduced paperwork and greater sourcing flexibility for British goods exporters. However, according to a report by Financial Times, four people familiar with discussions said the European Commission has privately told London it will not support the UKs entry at this time. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Commissions decision has frustrated British officials, who view joining PEM as a technical and pragmatic step to support struggling exporters. It also marks the first sign of tension following a reset in UK-EU relations, announced at a 18 May summit where both sides pledged improved cooperation in energy and agrifood trade. The PEM convention enables countries to build manufacturing supply chains across participating nations and still qualify for low-tariff access to markets under free trade deals. Though not exclusively an EU initiative, joining would require revisiting the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement, effectively giving Brussels veto power. For it to be meaningful for the UK, the EU would need to agree to incorporate the PEM rules of origin into the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement. This gives the EU de facto blocking powers, said Sam Lowe, trade lead at consultancy Flint Global. While Brussels was previously open to the idea, officials now argue UK membership could risk products gaining low-tariff access unfairly, undermining the blocs trade defences. Trade groups such as the British Chambers of Commerce had supported the UK bid. Sir Keir Starmers government has ruled out rejoining the EU single market or forming a new customs union but views PEM accession as a useful interim measure to aid manufacturers and exporters. David Henig, a former UK trade negotiator now at the ECIPE think tank, said the EUs reluctance reflected ongoing political sensitivities. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The EU isnt united on the importance of the UK reset and issues like PEM can easily be caught up in this even though technically straightforward, Henig said. The UK government is going to have to work hard in London and Brussels to build momentum. PEM was considered in 2023 as a potential solution to a dispute over post-Brexit tariffs on electric vehicles. EU trade commissioner Maros Sefcovic in January said UK participation in PEM was something the bloc could consider, but the Commission now prefers to adhere strictly to the commitments agreed in May. Separately, tensions remain over the Windsor framework agreement for Northern Ireland. The final phase of that deal came into force on 1 July, requiring major British retailers to label more than 1,000 products not for EU and subjecting 400 more to full customs checks. M&S Chief Executive Stuart Machin called the changes bureaucratic madness and urged quick progress on an EU-UK veterinary agreement, which would reduce checks on agrifood shipments between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The promised EU-UK veterinary agreement cant come soon enough, Machin said. However, EU officials reiterated that such an agreement would only be considered once the Windsor framework is fully implemented. They have raised concerns that many UK supermarket chains are not in full compliance. European relations minister Nick Thomas-Symonds reportedly met retail executives in Whitehall last Thursday to stress the importance of meeting the agreements conditions to avoid jeopardising further negotiations. The Commission declined to comment. The UK Cabinet Office said the government remained committed to the Windsor framework and would continue engaging with PEM members, including the EU. We arent going to provide a running commentary on our ongoing discussions with the EU, the Cabinet Office said. The Trump administration is considering stripping Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic candidate for New York City mayor, of his US citizenship over accusations that he concealed ties to terrorism during his naturalization process, as the President and Republicans ramp up their attacks. read more The Trump administration has suggested it might strip Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic candidate for New York City mayor, of his US citizenship as part of a crackdown on foreign-born citizens accused of certain crimes, according to a report from The Guardian. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the president is considering an investigation after Republican Congressman Andy Ogles called for Mamdanis citizenship to be revoked. Ogles claims Mamdani may have hidden his support for terrorism during his naturalization process. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Mamdani, 33, was born in Uganda to Indian parents and became a US citizen in 2018. He has drawn national attentionand controversyfor his outspoken support for Palestinian rights. Trump threatens arrest Asked about Mamdanis call to stop undercover ICE agents from deporting immigrants, President Trump said on Tuesday, Well, then, well have to arrest him, according to Axios. In response, Mamdani posted on social media, The President of the United States just threatened to have me arrested, stripped of my citizenship, put in a detention camp and deported. Not because I have broken any law but because I refuse to let ICE terrorize our city. He added that Trumps threats are an attack on democracy and an attempt to silence those who speak out. My statement on Donald Trump's threat to deport me and his praise for Eric Adams, who the President "helped out" of legal accountability. https://t.co/m7pNcT2DFS pic.twitter.com/UcYakMx4lI Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@ZohranKMamdani) July 1, 2025 Islamophobic attacks and political backdrop Mamdani has also faced Islamophobic attacks since winning last weeks New York mayoral primary, defeating figures including former Governor Andrew Cuomo. The controversy comes as the Trump administration has directed government lawyers to prioritize efforts to denaturalize foreign-born citizens who committed certain crimes or lied during their citizenship process. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Ogles urged Attorney General Pam Bondi to investigate Mamdani, accusing him of possibly gaining citizenship through false statements or concealing support for terrorism. As evidence, he cited a rap song by Mamdani praising members of a group convicted of funding Hamas, as well as Mamdanis refusal to condemn the phrase globalize the intifada. Ogles also posted on social media, calling Mamdani an antisemitic, socialist, communist who will destroy the great City of New York, and saying he needs to be deported. When asked about Ogless claims, Leavitt said, I have not seen those claims, but surely if they are true, its something that should be investigated. The Justice Department confirmed it received Ogless letter but declined further comment. Democrats push back Senator Chris Murphy, a Democrat from Connecticut, condemned the push to denaturalize Mamdani, calling it racist bullshit. Trump will stop at nothing to protect billionaires and price gouging corporations, even racist bullshit like this, Murphy wrote. Zohran won because he ran a campaign focused on putting power back in the hands of working people. And thats a threat to the Mar-a-Lago crowd. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Mamdani, who describes himself as a democratic socialist, has faced intense scrutiny of his social media posts and activism since his primary victory, where he promised left-leaning policies for New York City if elected. Trumps continued criticism Amid criticism from conservatives, Trump has labeled him a pure communist and threatened to cut federal funds to New York if Mamdani becomes mayor and doesnt behave himself. At a press event in Florida, Trump repeated his communist accusation and hinted Mamdani might have obtained citizenship illegally. We dont need a communist in this country, but if we have one, Im going to be watching over him very carefully, Trump said. A lot of people are saying hes here illegally. Were going to look at everything. Praise for Eric Adams Trump also praised current New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who is running for reelection as an independent after leaving the Democratic Party. Trump said Adams was a good person and hinted hed helped him, possibly referring to the Justice Department dropping a corruption case against Adams earlier this year. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In his post, Mamdani said it was unsurprising that Trump praised Adams while threatening him. President Pezeshkian slammed IAEA Chief Rafael Grossi for not condemning Israel and US attacks on Iran despite them being in flagrant violation of the UN charter and the nuclear non-proliferation treaty read more An official in front of uranium enriching centrifuges in Tehran. File image/Reuters Iran has officially suspended cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) after a law seeking the severance was approved by President Masoud Pezeshkian on Wednesday, according to state TV. US strikes on Irans key nuclear facilities have severely damaged the countrys atomic program, something that Tehrans top leadership has admitted. A few days ago, Pezeshkian slammed IAEA Chief Rafael Grossi for not condemning Israel and US attacks on Iran despite them being in flagrant violation of the UN charter and the nuclear non-proliferation treaty. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD What guarantee is there that our facilities wont be attacked again, even if we cooperate? the Iranian president told his French counterpart during a conversation over the phone, according to local media. Meanwhile, Grossi, who has rejected Irans decision to suspend cooperation with the UNs nuclear watchdog, has warned that Tehran will be able to begin to produce enriched uranium in a matter of months, despite the extensive damage caused to its nuclear facilities. They can have, you know, in a matter of months, I would say, a few cascades of centrifuges spinning and producing enriched uranium, or less than that, Grossi told CBS News last week. At the same time, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has admitted that US strikes heavily impacted the Fordow nuclear site. No one exactly knows what has transpired in Fordow. That being said, what we know so far is that the facilities have been seriously and heavily damaged, he told CBS. However, according to a Washington Post report citing four individuals familiar with classified U.S. intelligence, intercepted Iranian communications appeared to downplay the extent of damage caused by American strikes on three major nuclear facilities in Iran. North Korea is preparing to triple its troop presence alongside Russian forces in Ukraine, with plans to send up to 30,000 soldiers to support Moscow, according to a report, citing a Ukrainian intelligence assessment read more North Korea is preparing to triple its troop presence alongside Russian forces in Ukraine, with plans to send up to 30,000 soldiers to support Moscow, according to a CNN report, citing a Ukrainian intelligence assessment. As many as 11,000 North Korean soldiers had helped Russia repel Ukraines incursion into Kursk region. Of those, 4,000 were killed or injured in the deployment, according to the report, citing Western officials, yet Pyongyangs cooperation with Moscow has since bloomed. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD According to CNN, the new batch troops is likely to arrive in Russia in the coming months. Russias Ministry of Defence is prepared to supply North Korean forces with the necessary equipment, weapons, and ammunition to enable their integration into Russian combat units, reported CNN, citing a Ukrainian intelligence assessment. The report suggests there is a strong likelihood that these troops will be deployed to Russian-occupied areas of Ukraine and participate in large-scale offensive operations to reinforce Russian forces. The assessment, issued by Ukraines defence intelligence agency, also points to evidence that Russian military aircraft are being modified to transport personnel a sign of the scale involved in relocating tens of thousands of foreign troops across Russian Siberia, which borders North Korea in the far southeast. Deployment underway? Satellite imagery reviewed by CNN shows potential preparations for the deployment, including the arrival of a ship previously linked to troop movements at a Russian port and cargo aircraft activity at North Koreas Sunan airport. North Korea initially deployed 11,000 soldiers to Russia in the fall of 2024, a move kept secret until Russian President Vladimir Putin confirmed it publicly in April 2025. In October, images showed North Korean troops receiving frontline equipment at the Sergeevka military base in Russias Primorskyi Krai. A month later, a Ropucha-class Russian landing ship, capable of carrying up to 400 troops, docked at Dunai port near Nakhodka, about 95 kilometers (59 miles) to the southwest, reported CNN, citing analysts. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Satellite imagery provided to CNN by the UK-based Open Source Centre, which focuses on defence and security intelligence, shows that another Ropucha-class ship returned to the same port on May 18. Flight patterns also indicate that additional troop movements may be underway. Satellite imagery from North Koreas Sunan airport, captured on June 4 and shared with CNN by the Open Source Centre, shows cargo planes possibly IL-76s taxiing on the runway. According to CNN, these are the same aircraft types used during last years deployments. While the imagery does not confirm the purpose of the ships or planes, analysts note the activity mirrors patterns seen in previous troop movements, added the report. Satellite imagery shows a Russian personnel carrier arriving at Dunai in May, and activity at Sunan airport in May and June, CNN quoted Joe Byrne, senior analyst at the Open Source Centre, as saying. This appears to indicate the routes previously used to move DPRK troops are active, and could be used in any large-scale future transfer of personnel, he added. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies The Pakistani leader also called for India to resolve all outstanding disputes, including the Kashmir issue and IWT, that India has put under abeyance following the Pahalgam massacre where terrorists linked to Pakistan killed 26 civilians read more After trading barbs against India over the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), Pakistans former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto asked New Delhi on Wednesday to join its so-called efforts to combat terrorism and forge a historic partnership. During an address on Pakistan Fighting War for the World against Terrorism at the Islamabad Policy Research Institute, Bhutto said, Pakistan is ready to forge a historic, phenomenal partnership with India to jointly combat terror. Not as adversaries playing a zero-sum game but as neighbours who share a moral and civilisational obligation to save a billion souls from the plague of extremism. All it requires is from Indias leadership is to step down from the high horse heading in the abyss and pursue peace with Pakistan, he added. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Pakistani leader also called for India to resolve all outstanding disputes, including the Kashmir issue and IWT, that India has put under abeyance following the Pahalgam massacre where terrorists linked to Pakistan killed 26 civilians. Let us resolve Kashmir in accordance with the aspirations of the people. Let us end the weaponisation of water. And instead, build peace as mighty as the Himalayas. Let us return to our shared traditions grounded not in hatred but the ancient soil of the Indus valley civilisation. It is not weakness to extend a hand. It is wisdom." Bhutto said. This is not the first time the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader has reached out to India to seek dialogue and partnership. Following India's Operation Sindoor, which destroyed several terrorist launchpads in Pakistan, Bhutto said, Pakistan would still like to cooperate with India to combat terrorism we cant leave the fate of 1.5 or 1.7 billion people in the hands of non-state actors and terrorists for them to decide at a whim that two nuclear armed powers will go to war and this is the new normal of the new abnormal that the Indian government is trying to impose on the region. As the Gwadar port has failed to live up to its ambitions, despite envisioned as the crown jewel of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the Pakistani government now wants to revive it by starting trade and transit services to Gulf countries and make it a bridge between Gulf and Central Asia. read more Pakistan has come up with a new plan to make the China-operated Gwadar port relevant. Despite the imposition of import mandates, the Gwadar port has not lived up to its expectations, handling less than 2 per cent of the countrys cargo. Pakistan has now decided to expand shipping lines from the port to Gulf countries and introduce ferry services to Gulf countries. The behind the move is to attract shipping and passenger between the Gulf countries and Pakistan to the Gwadar court. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The initiative is part of the governments strategy to enhance regional connectivity, boost maritime trade and position Gwadar as a major hub in the Arabian Sea. We aim to transform Gwadar into a strategic transhipment and logistics centre, benefiting Pakistan and the wider region, said Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry on Tuesday, according to Dawn. The Gwadar port in Balochistan province was intended to be the crown jewel of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), one of the most ambitious components of Chinas Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). However, the port has not lived up to the promise despite billions of dollars in investments. The lack of commercial feasibility, lack of supporting infrastructure such as roads and electricity, and the security crisis from the Baloch insurgency are some of the reasons for the Gwadar port not living up to the promise. Pakistan wants Gwadar to link Gulf with Central Asia Even as the Gwadar port cannot attract cargo and passengers to its own shores, Pakistani government has now planned to make it a bridge between the Gulf countries and Central Asia. Maritime Affairs Muhammad Chaudhry said that additional shipping lines will be connected to Gwadar to facilitate greater movement of goods between Pakistan and Gulf countries and promote transit trade with Central Asia and the West Asia, according to Dawn. The new routes will reduce pressure on existing ports and ensure faster, more efficient cargo handling, said Chaudhry. As for the ferry service between Pakistan and Gulf countries, Chaudhry dubbed it the new lifeline for the Balochistan province. The ferry service will strengthen people-to-people ties, boost tourism and provide a new economic lifeline for Balochistan. It will create local employment, improve supporting infrastructure and attract private sector participation, especially in the areas of ship services, hospitality and transportation. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Gwadar port remains a dud Despite billions of dollars in investment, the Gwadar port has turned out to be a dud. Even government mandates have failed to revive the port. The Pakistani government has mandated that 60 per cent of all public sector imports and exports should be routed through the Gwadar port. Yet the port amounts to less than 2 per cent of Pakistan maritime imports and exports, dwarfing other major ports in the region. For comparison, while Gwadar port, the crown jewel of CPEC, handles less than 1 million tons of cargo a year, Pakistans Karachi port handles around 65 million tons and Indias Mumbai port handles around 70 million tons. The Gwadar airport, which is the largest in Pakistan by area, is located next door to the port and is also a dud. The airport has just three domestic flights and an international flight a week. Earlier this year, a meeting chaired by Pakistani Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal acknowledged that there was no real plan to do anything with the port despite building with grand rhetoric. The minister noted the lack of commercial analysis and a comprehensive operational plan for Gwadar Port, calling for immediate efforts to unlock its potential, an official statement said, as per VOA News. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD One of the reasons for the ports failure is the security crisis in the Balochistan province. For decades, Baloch groups have been waging a self-determination movement against what they say is the occupation of their land systemic oppression by the Pakistani regime. The Baloch movement has often turned violent with attacks on Pakistani soldiers, police, and government personnel and facilities. Chinese workers and projects have also been attacked as they are seen as an extension of the Pakistan regime. PM Modi has embarked on an eight-day tour to Ghana, Trinidad, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia to strengthen ties with the Global South and boost cooperation. His visit includes bilateral meetings and Brics Summit in Brazil read more Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday departed on an 8-day diplomatic tour covering five nations across Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean with a focus on boosting ties with the Global South and deepening cooperation in trade, energy, technology and multilateral engagement. During this tour, PM Modi will visit Ghana, Trinidad, Argentina, Brazil and Namibia from July 2 to July 9. PM Modi said that the tour will reinforce Indias partnerships across the Global South, enhance its footprint on multilateral platforms, and foster ties across both sides of the Atlantic. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In his departure statement, PM Modi said that he will visit Ghana on July 2-3 at the invitation of President HE John Dramani Mahama. The prime minister will also address Ghanas Parliament. Over the next few days, I will be attending various bilateral, multilateral and other programmes in Ghana, Trinidad & Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia. Looking forward to interacting with world leaders and discussing ways to make our planet better. https://t.co/tg3FOwtceh Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 2, 2025 I look forward to my exchanges aimed at further deepening our historical ties and opening up new windows of cooperation, including in the areas of investment, energy, health, security, capacity building and development partnership, the prime minister said in the statement. On July 34, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Trinidad and Tobago, a country with strong cultural and ancestral ties to India. He will meet President Christine Carla Kangaloo and Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar to strengthen historical bonds and boost cooperation. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Next, PM Modi will travel to Argentina the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister in 57 years. In Buenos Aires, he will meet President Javier Milei to explore partnerships in agriculture, trade, technology, and critical minerals. The highlight of the tour will be the Brics Summit in Rio de Janeiro on July 67. Modi will reaffirm Indias role as a founding member of Brics and meet Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in Brasilia to discuss Global South priorities. The final stop is Namibia, where PM Modi will meet President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and address the Namibian Parliament. The visit aims to honour shared anti-colonial struggles and strengthen regional ties. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, and their Japanese counterpart Takeshi Iwaya attended the Quad foreign ministers meeting in Washington DC. read more Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Australias Foreign Minister Penny Wong, Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stand together at the start of their meeting of the Indo-Pacific Quad at the State Department in Washington, D.C., U.S. Reuters The Quad released a joint statement on Wednesday, condemning cross-border terrorism in its first joint statement after the Pahalgam attack in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22, when Pakistan-backed terrorists killed 26 people. Twenty-five of the victims were tourists, singled out by terrorists after ascertaining their religious identity. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, and their Japanese counterpart Takeshi Iwaya attended the Quad foreign ministers' meeting in Washington DC. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Quad condemns all acts of terrorism and violent extremism in all its forms and manifestations, including cross-border terrorism and renews our commitment to counterterrorism cooperation, the joint statement said. This comes days after US President Donald Trump held a closed-door meeting with Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir, something Islamabad seemed to cheer against the backdrop of four-day military conflict with India, which launched Operation Sindoor after waiting for about two weeks to see if Pakistan took any action against the terror group that claimed responsibility for the Pahalgam massacre. The Quad joint statement said, We condemn in the strongest terms the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir on April 22, which claimed the lives of 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen, while injuring several others. The four-country alliance, which includes India, US, Japan and Australia, also called for perpetrators, organisers and financiers behind the Pahalgam attack to be brought to justice. The joint statement comes after Jaishankar addressed the media, calling for unity against terrorism. He said, A word about terrorism in the light of our recent experience the world must display zero tolerance. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Victims and perpetrators must never be equated. And India has every right to defend its people against terrorism, and we will exercise that right. We expect our Quad partners to understand and appreciate that, he added. Jaishankar also met Rubio and US Defence Secretary on the sidelines of the Quad meeting to further the bilateral relationship between the two countries. The two sides discussed trade, security, critical technologies, connectivity, energy and mobility, and shared perspectives on regional and global developments. The foreign ministers of the Quad countries on Tuesday held wide-ranging discussions focusing on making the four-nation grouping more impactful in dealing with various global challenges. The meeting also deliberated on the agenda for Quads annual summit to be held in India later this year, according to a report by PTI. From Russia to Pakistan, China has emerged as the primary profiteer of conflicts as it has been exploiting new market for its arms exports with every new conflict in various parts of the world from Europe to Asia and Africa. read more Chinese People's Liberation Army HQ-9 surface to air missile launchers are seen during a military parade at Tiananmen Square in Beijing. File image/AFP China has emerged as the primary profiteer of conflicts in recent years as its military exports are increasingly making their way to conflict zones. In recent years, Chinese weapons have been used in conflict by Pakistan, Russia, Yemen-based Houthis, and a host of other state and non-state actors in conflicts in Africa, such as ethnic and civil conflicts in Sudan, South Sudan, Ethiopia, and elsewhere. China has lately sent military equipment from aircraft to missiles and drones to 44 countries, according to the latest global arms trade report from Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (Sipri) released in March. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Reflecting the close partnership between the two countries, as much as 63 per cent of Chinese military exports have gone to Pakistan, which range from fighter planes and missiles to air defence systems and drones. These systems were used in the conflict with India in May. However, the India-Pakistan conflict was not the only conflict in which Chinese weapons were used. From Ukraine to West Asia wars, Chinese weapons drive conflicts China has been central to the Russian war on Ukraine. China has not just sustained the Russian war economy by providing the country with dual-use supplies, such as machinery, electronics, and chemicals, that allow it to make weapons and military system for the war, but has also supplied direct weapons such as military drones. Russias dependence on China is such that it imported around 90 per cent of high-priority goods from China and imported nearly all of critical machine tools from China, according to research from Takshashila Institution. In West Asia, Chinese weapons have been used by non-state actors against Israel in the conflict that began with the October 7 attack. Last year, US intelligence sources told i24 News that Yemen-based and Iran-backed Houthis have procured Chinese weapons to attack ships in exchange for allowing Chinese vessels undisturbed. Other than Iranian proxies in West Asia, Chinese weapons have also been used in Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict around the Nagorno-Karabakh enclave. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Chinese weapons in Africa Chinas weapons and military systems have been used in conflicts across Africa. In some parts, such as West Africa, every one in four military system in use is now from China. Estimates have said that around 70 per cent of African nations now use Chinese military vehicles. In the Sudanese Civil War (2023-) and the Darfur conflict (2003-20), Chinese weapons have been used by nearly all warring sides. While Chinese arms have been used by government forces, Chinese drones have been used by paramilitary force RSF in the ongoing civil war. Similarly, various factions have used Chinese weapons in South Sudan. Similarly, Chinese weapons have also been used in civil wars and insurgencies in Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Mali, and Burkina Faso. In recent years, China has overtaken Russia to become the largest military goods supplier to sub-Saharan Africa. In Nigeria, a major Chinese defence company has set up a factory to produce ammunition. The Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple, located just off Main Street in Utahs Spanish Fork, became the target of gunfire over several nights in June, with bullets hitting various parts of the temple, including the dome arches, and even a second-story window read more An Iskcon temple in northern Utah came under attack after shots were fired at the place of worship multiple times last month, causing damage to the structure and raising concerns over a possible hate crime. The Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple, located just off Main Street in Utahs Spanish Fork, became the target of gunfire over several nights in June, with bullets hitting various parts of the temple, including the dome arches, and even a second-story window. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD What happened? According to reports by Fox13 and The Salt Lake Tribune, the first incident of firing occurred on June 18 when the temples co-founder, Vai Warden, was woken up by a loud sound near the Krishna Radio station building adjacent to the temple in the middle of the night. The ISKCON Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple in Spanish Fork, Utah (USA), world-famous for its Holi Festival, has recently come under attack in suspected hate crimes. Over the past several days, 2030 bullets were fired at the temple building and the surrounding property. The pic.twitter.com/ew4MmNsQvA ISKCON (@iskcon) July 1, 2025 Initially, assuming it was the sound emitted by fireworks or the work of teenagers, Warden later found bullet holes in the temples walls and windows. More gunshots were reported on June 20, according to security footage reviewed by temple staff. Surveillance video showed a vehicle approaching the temple grounds, stopping near the fence, and an individual firing shots from the vehicle before quickly driving away. Initial investigation revealed that 20 bullets were recovered from the temple premises, including from the dome and near public gathering areas, indicating that they were fired to intimidate. The shots were fired from approximately 100 yards away. Not an act of random vandalism In an interview with Iskcon News and Herald Extra, Warden stated that the temple leadership believes the attack was intentional. This wasnt a random act of vandalism. Someone came here with the intent to cause fear or harm," he said. Its an attack on a sacred space and a peaceful community." Warden noted that the temple, which belongs to the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), has never faced such violence in its 30-year history in Spanish Fork. India reacts The Indian Consulate in San Fransico said, We strongly condemn the recent firing incident at the ISKCON Sri Sri Radha Krishna temple in Spanish Fork, Utah. The Consulate extends full support to all the devotees and the community and urges the local authorities to take prompt action to bring the perpetrators to justice. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has made a dramatic U-turn on planned disability and sickness benefit cuts delaying key reforms in a bid to quell a major internal Labour rebellion and avoid a humiliating parliamentary defeat read more UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer narrowly avoided the most damaging parliamentary defeat of his premiership by performing a dramatic U-turn on proposed cuts to disability and sickness benefits. This came as he faced a potentially disastrous rebellion from within his own Labour Party. Starmer made last-minute concessions just hours before the Commons vote on the controversial Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment (PIP) reforms. These concessions ultimately ensured the bills survival, but at a significant political and strategic cost. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Despite commanding a commanding majority of 165 MPs in the House of Commons, the scale of internal unrest was enough to shake the foundations of his authority. Forty-nine Labour MPs voted against the welfare reform bill, the largest rebellion of Starmers premiership to date. Starmers government managed to push the legislation through with 335 votes to 260, securing a majority of 75. However, this success was achieved only after the core components of the bill were diluted to the point of near impotence. Concessions to calm the storm The concessions made to avert a defeat were substantial. The government announced a delay to the proposed benefit cuts, shifting the implementation date to November 2026 and restricting the changes to new applicants only. Existing recipients of PIP and the health element of Universal Credit will be fully protected under the current system. Furthermore, a ministerial review of the PIP assessment will now take place before any changes are enacted. This review, to be led by Social Security and Disability Minister Stephen Timms, aims to involve disabled people and advocacy groups directly in shaping future reforms. Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall formally outlined these commitments in a letter to MPs, emphasising the governments intention to reduce anxiety and place fairness at the heart of reform. These reversals, while welcomed by some MPs and disability rights organisations, have severely weakened the fiscal impact of the legislation. The government originally hoped to save 5 billion annually through tighter eligibility rules and reduced benefits. These ambitions have now been halved, with current estimates putting the savings at around 2 billion. It remains unclear what the actual financial yield will be after the delayed implementation and narrowed scope. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Starmers leadership under pressure While Starmer succeeded in winning the vote, the broader political narrative is one of a leader embattled by his party and under mounting criticism for a series of policy reversals. This latest climbdown follows a string of U-turns that have begun to define his first year in office. Earlier in June, his government reversed plans to scrap winter heating support for pensioners after another intra-party backlash. Days later, Starmer announced a national inquiry into child sexual exploitation a move he had previously resisted. The cumulative effect of these reversals has been a steady erosion of Starmers personal approval ratings and public perception of his leadership. Pollster John Curtice has cllaed Starmer as the most unpopular newly elected prime minister in modern British history. The YouGov poll released last week showed that Labour is bleeding support not just to the right, with Reform UK rising under Nigel Farage, but also to the Liberal Democrats and Greens on the left. Critics within Labour have pointed to a growing disconnect between Starmers centrist governance and the partys traditional base. The welfare cuts, in particular, alienated both left-wing MPs and grassroots members, many of whom saw the proposals as antithetical to Labour values. Paula Barker, one of the MPs leading the opposition, described the attempt to push through the original reforms as the most unedifying spectacle she had ever witnessed. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Economic dilemma for Rachel Reeves The dilution of the welfare reforms poses an immediate problem for Chancellor Rachel Reeves. With reduced savings from the welfare budget, the government will need to identify alternative funding sources to maintain fiscal discipline. Reeves now faces a dilemma of either raising taxes, cut spending elsewhere or consider increasing borrowing all options she has previously vowed to avoid. The broader economic context compounds these pressures. The UK economy has been sluggish, with limited signs of growth despite Labours promises to rejuvenate it after years of Conservative austerity and Brexit uncertainty. Reeves, once seen as a pragmatic and disciplined steward of public finances, now faces the challenge of patching a budgetary gap without undermining Labours credibility or alienating core voters further. A fractured political strategy This episode exposes the challenges Starmer faces in balancing competing political pressures. On one hand, he must present Labour as a responsible governing party capable of managing the economy and welfare state. On the other hand, he must retain the support of a diverse coalition of MPs, party members, and voters with strong views on social justice and public spending. While some MPs, such as Dame Meg Hillier, welcomed the concessions as a positive compromise that protects the vulnerable, others remain unconvinced. Rachel Maskell, representing the partys left flank, warned that reforms still lacked genuine inclusion of disabled people and dismissed the revised package as a backroom deal. The opposition has been quick to seize on Labours internal discord. Conservative Party finance chief Mel Stride described the government as having ripped the heart out of its own legislation, while Reform UK leader Farage derided Starmers first year in power as a catalogue of political backtracking. Reports suggest that even before the vote, the revised legislation was widely labelled as farcical for its incoherence and diluted impact. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Reform with caution Despite surviving the Commons vote, the episode leaves Starmer politically bruised. His ability to command discipline within his party is increasingly in question, and his reputation as a steady, pragmatic leader has taken a hit. A government that came to power promising stability and competence is now being described by critics even some within Labour as reactive and adrift. The welfare reform saga serves as a cautionary tale about governing with a large majority but a fragmented party. The lesson for Starmer may well be that technocratic efficiency cannot replace the need for clear political values and effective coalition-building within his ranks. As the ministerial review of PIP unfolds and further economic decisions loom in the autumn budget, Starmers leadership will continue to be tested. Whether he can reconcile fiscal pragmatism with Labours traditional social commitments remains an open question and the answer may define not just the rest of his premiership, but Labours long-term identity. Chinese engineers have played a key role in training Indian workers since Apple began scaling up production in India about four years ago. However, now, Beijing is discouraging technology transfers and equipment exports to India read more Chinese engineers working for Taiwanese firm Foxconn, a supplier to US-based Apple, are being sent back from India to China. (Photo: Reuters) Foxconn Technology Group has sent hundreds of Chinese engineers and technicians back home from its iPhone manufacturing facilities in India, a move that may complicate Apple Inc.s growing efforts to shift more production to the South Asian country. The departures began roughly two months ago, with more than 300 Chinese workers having already returned home, Bloomberg reported citing people familiar with the matter. Most of the remaining foreign support staff at the Foxconn plants in southern India are from Taiwan, one person said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The company has not publicly explained why it is withdrawing so many workers. However, the move comes amid signs that Beijing is discouraging technology transfers and equipment exports to India and Southeast Asia. Earlier this year, Bloomberg News reported that Chinese officials had verbally advised regulators and local governments to tighten controls on such transfers, part of what appears to be an effort to slow the migration of manufacturing out of China. Foxconn, Apples largest iPhone assembler, is in the process of expanding operations in India, where it is building a new iPhone plant. Apple and its manufacturing partners are also preparing to ramp up production of the iPhone 17 in the country. While the withdrawal of Chinese staff is not expected to affect the quality of iPhone production, it could impact efficiency on the assembly lines, according to one of the people familiar with the matter. Chinese engineers have played a key role in training Indian workers since Apple began scaling up production in India about four years ago. Apple CEO Tim Cook has often emphasised the value of Chinese assembly workers, saying their skill and experience rather than just lower costs have been vital to Apples manufacturing success in China. The company has been steadily diversifying its supply chain since former U.S. President Donald Trumps administration imposed tariffs on Chinese goods. India and Vietnam have since attracted attention as alternative manufacturing hubs. The shift is gaining new momentum under President Trumps current tariff proposals. In response, China has imposed restrictions on exports of rare earth minerals, technology, and labour further complicating the ambitions of companies like Apple. India now produces about 20 per cent of the worlds iPhones, and Apple had aimed to make most of its iPhones for the US market in India by the end of 2026. Trump has criticised this approach, saying iPhones for American customers should be manufactured in the US, though high labour costs have made such a move economically challenging. Additionally, any Chinese effort to stop the transfer of its skilled engineers would further hinder the feasibility of large-scale US assembly. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Foxconn still manufactures the majority of Apples iPhones in China, but the gradual expansion in India has been viewed as a key part of the companys risk mitigation strategy. China and India, whose relations have remained tense in recent years, are competing for greater regional influence. While diplomatic ties have slightly improved, direct flights between the two countries have not resumed since recent border clashes, and India continues to restrict Chinese visas and maintain bans on several Chinese apps, including TikTok. China, meanwhile, continues to uphold a ban on exports of fertilisers to India, though it has eased such restrictions for other countries. Trump visited Alligator Alcatraz immigration detention center in Florida on Tuesday, joking that nearby alligators could help guard the facility, reflecting his administrations tough stance on illegal immigration. read more US President Donald Trump visited an immigration detention center in Florida on Tuesday, joking that the alligators in the nearby swamps could act as guards. He was joined by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. The facility, nicknamed Alligator Alcatraz, is located about 50 kilometers west of Miami on a remote airstrip in the Florida Everglades, an area full of alligators, pythons, and mosquitoes. Very soon this facility will house some of the most menacing migrants, some of the most vicious people on the planet, Trump said during the visit, according to AFP. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD He added, Were surrounded by miles of treacherous swampland, and the only way out is really deportation. The tough conditions reflect the Trump administrations strict approach to illegal immigration. Joking about the alligators, Trump said, A lot of bodyguards and a lot of cops in the form of alligators you dont have to pay them so much. I wouldnt want to run through the Everglades for long. Itll keep people where theyre supposed to be. Before his visit, Trump also joked about teaching detainees how to escape alligators if they tried to run away. Were going to teach them how to run away from an alligator if they escape prison, he said, demonstrating a zigzag motion with his hands. Dont run in a straight line. Run like thisAnd you know what? Your chances go up about 1 per cent, he said, as reported by AP. Governor DeSantis said the center would begin housing detainees on Wednesday. Built in just eight days, it can hold up to 3,000 people, AP reported. The camp has over 200 security cameras, more than 28,000 feet (8,500 meters) of barbed wire, and 400 security personnel to keep it secure. In a televised evening address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Kyiv and Washington were working to clarify the specifics of the latest change in military assistance read more US President Donald Trump and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy meet in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, on February 28. File image/AFP Ukraine on Wednesday sought clarification from the United States following a surprise announcement by the White House that Washington is pausing certain arms deliveries to the country. According to AFP, the Ukrainian Defence Ministry, heavily reliant on US military assistance, said it had not received prior notification about the aid reduction, which was made public a day earlier. The announcement drew a sharp response from Moscow, with Russian officials saying the decision could bring the war closer to an end. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A slowdown in US support threatens to undermine Ukraines capacity to counter intensifying Russian airstrikes and advances along the front lines. Fears over the continuity of US aid have mounted in Kyiv since President Donald Trump returned to the White House in January. The former president has long criticised the scale of military and financial support provided to Ukraine under his predecessor, Joe Biden. In a televised evening address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Kyiv and Washington were working to clarify the specifics of the latest change in military assistance. Continued American support for Ukraine, for our defence, for our people is in our common interest, AFP quoted him as saying. John Ginkel, the deputy chief of mission at the US embassy in Kyiv, was summoned by the foreign ministry - a rare diplomatic move usually reserved for foes and rivals, not vital allies - given uncertainty about what the cuts would mean for Kyiv. Now is not the time for weak decisions, Ukraines Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga wrote on X. We need more interceptors and systems. We are also ready to purchase or rent them, he added. On Tuesday, the White House announced it is pausing certain key weapons shipments that had been pledged by the previous US administration, though it offered no further details. Under President Joe Biden, the United States led Western efforts to support Ukraine, with Congress approving over $100 billion in aid including $43 billion in military assistance. In contrast, President Trump has pushed for renewed peace talks between Kyiv and Moscow, including in recent phone calls with Russian President Vladimir Putin. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD However, Putin reportedly dismissed calls for a ceasefire and reiterated demands that Ukraine surrender additional territory as a condition for ending the war, which began with Russias invasion in 2022. Consistent pressure The US president has refused to announce new aid packages and Kyiv has been corralling Washingtons European allies to step up their support. Kyiv remains seriously dependent on US arms supplies, a high-ranking source in the Ukrainian military told I. Europe is doing its best, but it will be difficult for us without American ammunition, the source added. A May report by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) said that Europe had only made limited progress in strengthening its defence industries. But it said that continued US aid remains extremely important for Ukraines long-term effectiveness on the battlefield. In Moscow, the Kremlin said that reducing weapons deliveries to Kyiv would help end the conflict. The fewer the number of weapons that are delivered to Ukraine, the closer the end of the special military operation, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters in response to a question by AFP, using Russias term for its more than three-year-long offensive. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The White House told AFP in an email that the decision to reduce shipments was taken following a review of our nations military support and assistance to other countries. Kyiv said that it was caught off-guard by the move. The defence ministry said that the country had not received any official notifications on the issue. Escalating drone attacks Politico and other US media reported that missiles for Patriot air defence systems, precision artillery and Hellfire missiles are among the items being held back. Russia ramped up attacks on Ukraine in June, launching nearly twice as many missiles and over 30 percent more drones than in May, according to an AFP analysis of Ukrainian air force data. Kyiv was in June subjected to at least four fatal attacks that left more than 40 people dead. Its residents are worried that a cessation of US aid would leave the capital even more vulnerable. We had gotten used to seeing America as a country of values, a country that defends democracy, Igor Stambol, a Kyiv resident, told AFP. But there is hope that they will remember their values, the 36-year-old added. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies Iran is negotiating with China to buy 36 J-10C fighter jets as it looks to modernise its ageing air force, after facing delays in getting Russian Su-35 aircraft due to Moscows focus on the Ukraine war. The talks come amid rising threats from Israel and the US. read more People walk next to a mural with a picture of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, on a street in Tehran, Iran. Reuters Iran is in advanced talks with China to buy dozens of Chengdu J-10C fighter jets after facing problems with a deal to purchase Russian Su-35 aircraft due to supply and delivery disruptions, as the Kremlin remains occupied with its war in Ukraine. Tehran is eager to modernise its ageing air force amid growing threats from Israel and the US following recent military escalations and strikes on its nuclear facilities. According to The Moscow Times, Iran is negotiating to purchase 36 J-10C jets from China. This follows Irans stalled plan to acquire 50 Russian Su-35s, with only four aircraft delivered since the 2023 agreement. The urgency for new warplanes increased after last months joint Israeli-American air strikes on Iranian targets, including nuclear sites. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD J-10C vs Su-35 Iran has shown interest in the J-10 series for years, reportedly trying to buy up to 150 jets as early as 2015. However, those talks fell apart over payment issues, as China demanded foreign currency while Iran, under heavy sanctions and low on cash, offered oil and gas in exchange. A now-lifted UN arms embargo had also complicated the negotiations. The J-10C is a modern, 4.5-generation fighter jet capable of carrying long-range PL-15 missiles. Its already in service with the Pakistani air force and is viewed as a cost-effective yet capable alternative to Russias Su-35, costing about $4060 million less per aircraft. Problems with the Su-35 deal Iran signed a deal with Moscow in 2022 for Su-35 fighter jets to upgrade its air force. However, deliveries have been repeatedly delayed. Despite Tehrans official statements that deliveries would begin in early 2023, only a handful of aircraft have materialised. Reports from March 2025 indicated that a batch of Su-35s originally slated for Iran was instead redirected to Algeria. Irans ageing air fleet As of early 2025, Irans air force operates around 150 fighter jets, most of which are ageing American aircraft purchased before the 1979 Islamic Revolution. These include 64 F-4 Phantom II, 35 F-5E/F Tiger II, and 41 F-14A Tomcat aircraft. Many of these planes are either non-operational or require constant maintenance to remain flight-worthy. Iran also has about 18 MiG-29A/UB jets acquired in the late 1980s and early 1990s, but these too are showing their age and limitations. For the past decade, Iran has relied heavily on domestically produced surface-to-air missile systems to protect its skies. However, during the recent Twelve Day Warthe term unofficially used for the Israeli-American strikesthese systems were quickly suppressed by Israeli air power. Momentum appears to be building around the passage of President Donald Trumps sweeping spending bill, following a meeting on Wednesday between House Republican hardliners and Trump at the White House read more US Capitol Police patrol the plaza as House Republicans work inside to pass President Donald Trump's signature bill of tax breaks and spending cuts by a self-imposed Fourth of July deadline, at the Capitol in Washington, on Wednesday. AP Momentum appears to be building around the passage of President Donald Trumps sweeping spending bill, following a meeting on Wednesday between House Republican hardliners and Trump at the White House. Multiple lawmakers from the House Freedom Caucus including vocal holdouts Reps. Chip Roy (R-TX), Ralph Norman (R-SC), and Tim Burchett (R-TN) attended the meeting, which came amid intensifying negotiations over the legislation. The bill, already passed by the Senate, faces resistance from fiscal conservatives concerned about the scope and cost of the package. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Following the meeting, several members signaled a softening of their positions, raising hopes among Republican leadership that the bill could advance. After meting Trump at White House, Tennessee Rep. Burchett, a key GOP holdout, told CNN he is moving closer to voting yes on President Trumps domestic agenda bill. It puts me a little closer. Were going to meet a little bit here and go over everything and make sure we got all our facts straight, Burchett said. The president was very informative. Burchett, whose meeting at the White House lasted for two hours, said the members who were in his meeting at the White House wanted to meet together again to discuss before a final vote. Earlier, Burchett, who supported the House version of the bill despite initial concerns over spending levels, had told reporters he remains undecided on how he will vote on the Senate-passed version. I dont care if its July 40th, honestly," CNN quoted Burchett as saying, explaining that Trumps July 4 deadline push(es) us up against to what were doing right now and thats panicking. Republican Nebraska Rep. Don Bacon, who recently announced he will not seek reelection, told CNN he will vote to support the Senates version of President Trumps domestic policy bill even though he conceded cuts to Medicaid will hurt Republicans in the midterms. South Dakota Rep. Dusty Johnson, who also earlier met with Trump, told reporters he believes the president will be the closer on the bill. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD House Speaker Mike Johnson also touted the very positive progress made toward passing the bill, but he acknowledged not all House Republicans are going to be happy with the final package. When you have a piece of legislation that is this comprehensive and with so many agenda items involved, youre going to have lots of different priorities and preferences among people because they represent different districts and they have different interests, CNN quoted him as saying. But we cant make everyone 100% happy. Its impossible. This is a deliberative body. Its a legislative process. By definition, all of us have to give up on our personal preferences. (Im) never going to ask anybody to compromise core principles, but preferences must be yielded for the greater good, and thats what I think people are recognizing and come to grips with, he continued. It remains unclear if Johnson has the GOP support needed to pass the bill as the House prepares to take a key procedural vote to get the bill closer to final passage. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The bill passed the Senate 51-50 on Tuesday, thanks to Vice President JD Vances tiebreaking vote. Republicans have struggled mightily with the bill nearly every step of the way this year, often succeeding by only one vote. Their House majority stands at just 220-212, leaving little room for defections. Meanwhile, House Republicans are pressing ahead with a key procedural vote to advance President Trumps agenda, even as they currently remain short of the votes, reported CNN. If it succeeds, this would be the last big step before final passage later on Wednesday. Then, if approved, its off to Trumps desk. Tensions are expected to flare during the procedural rule vote, as House conservatives and possibly some moderates may push back, potentially holding the vote open for hours in an effort to sway remaining holdouts. GOP leaders are counting on a meeting with former President Trump to help persuade right-wing skeptics, particularly members of the House Freedom Caucus, to support the rule, which is a key step toward final passage of Trumps spending bill. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With a narrow majority, Speaker Mike Johnson can afford to lose no more than three votes if all members are present. With inputs from agencies The administration offered little explanation for the delay, stating that the funds are under review and emphasising a commitment to ensuring taxpayer money is spent in line with the presidents priorities, according to a report read more The Trump administration has withheld nearly $7 billion in federal education funding that supports after-school and summer programmes, English language learning, teacher training, and other essential services. According to The New York Times report, the funds were expected to be released by Tuesday. However, in an email sent on Monday, the US Department of Education informed states that the money would not be made available as scheduled, added the report. The administration offered minimal explanation, saying only that the funding is under review. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD No timeline was provided for when, or if, the funds would be released. A brief statement said the administration is committed to ensuring taxpayer resources are spent in accordance with the presidents priorities, reported NYT. The frozen funds are not connected to the domestic policy bill that narrowly passed the Senate on Tuesday, which includes separate cuts to various programmes. Move likely to face legal challenges Its catastrophic, NYT quoted Jodi Grant, executive director of the Afterschool Alliance, a group that works to expand after-school services for students, as saying. She estimated that the roughly $1.3 billion in federal funding for after-school and summer programmes each year supports around 1.4 million students, primarily from low-income families, accounting for about 20% of all students enrolled in such programmes nationwide. According to the report, the decision is likely to face legal challenges and has already drawn sharp criticism from Democrats and teachers unions, who argue it is unlawful. They note that the funds were appropriated by Congress and signed into law by President Trump in March as part of a larger funding package. This is lawless, NYT quoted Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, as saying. The Trump administration has aggressively sought to shrink the federal role in education, even proposing to eliminate the Education Department, though only Congress has the power to do so. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In the meantime, it has slashed staffing and funding across the board. Permanent cut in funds? Officials have hinted at plans to permanently eliminate the nearly $7 billion in frozen education funds, reported NYT. During a Senate hearing last week, White House budget director Russell Vought said the administration is exploring a process called rescission to formally request Congress revoke the funds. Even without a congressional vote, the request would freeze the money until it eventually expires. No decision has been made, Vought was quoted as saying. The freeze on education funds has left school districts scrambling just weeks before classes resume. The uncertainty threatens after-school programmes, support for English learners, teacher training, and mental health services. According to NYT report, in rural Umatilla, Oregon, Superintendent Heidi Sipe warned parents to make backup plans, noting her federally funded after-school programme runs until 5:30 pm but has no local alternatives. In Omaha, Nicole Everingham of Collective for Youth said reduced funding would force cuts in after-school slots and staffing across 42 public schools. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Even a delayed release of funds could disrupt hiring and planning, leaving working families in limbo. It completely puts us in flux, NYT quoted Everingham as saying. Districts like Oxnard, California, also rely on federal dollars to support non-English-speaking families. Without this outreach, families could be cut off from schools, Superintendent Ana DeGenna told NYT. Many of the affected programmes, like the 21st Century Community Learning Centers and Student Support and Academic Enrichment grants, have enjoyed bipartisan support for decades. Still, most criticism of the freeze has come from Democrats. Every day that this funding is held up is a day that school districts are forced to worry about whether theyll have to cut back on after-school programs or lay off teachers instead of worrying about how to make sure our kids can succeed, Senator Patty Murray, a Democrat who is the vice chairwoman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, said in a statement. With inputs from agencies STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This is the second time in less than a month that the US president has sworn live on camera. Last month, Trump dropped an F-bomb after Iran and Israel continued bombing each other following the presidents announcement of a ceasefire read more US President Donald Trump berated his predecessor, Joe Biden, on Tuesday as he toured the notorious Alligator Alcatraz, the new migrant detention centre in Florida. Talking to reporters at the high-security prison facility, Trump said, Hey, Biden wanted me in here. It didnt work out, but he wanted me in here. That son of a bitch. He was accompanied by the Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and the Florida Governor, Ron DeSantis. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Trump in front of the migrant cages at DeSantis's camp: "Biden wanted me in here, that son of a bitch." pic.twitter.com/CwCAEN57PM Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) July 1, 2025 This is the second time in less than a month that the US president has sworn live on camera. Last month, Trump dropped an F-bomb after Iran and Israel continued bombing each other following the presidents announcement of a ceasefire. He said, I didnt like the fact that Israel unloaded right after we made the deal. They didnt have to unload. We basically have two countries that have been fighting so long and so hard that they dont know what the f\*\*k theyre doing." Trump tours Alligator Alcatraz Trump toured the new Florida migrant detention centre dubbed Alligator Alcatraz on Tuesday, boasting about the harsh conditions and joking that the reptilian predators will serve as guards. The $450 million camp has been built on a disused airfield deep in the Florida Everglades and is surrounded by swamps that are home to creatures including alligators and poisonous snakes. Very soon this facility will house some of the most menacing migrants, some of the most vicious people on the planet, Trump told reporters. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Were surrounded by miles of treacherous swampland and the only way out is really deportation. The steaming hot, mosquito-infested site is a symbol of the Republican administrations determination to look tough as it pursues its policy of mass deportations of undocumented migrants. The name Alligator Alcatraz is a reference to Alcatraz Island, the former prison in San Francisco, that Trump recently said he wanted to reopen. With inputs from agencies Qualcomm is set to host its inaugural Snapdragon Auto Day in New Delhi on July 30, 2025, in collaboration with Amazon Web Services (AWS). The event aims to address the future of mobility in India, focusing on advancements in road safety and smart vehicle technologies. It will also highlight the role of international collaborations and technological developments in shaping the next decade of the automotive industry. Event Overview Snapdragon Auto Day is designed to bring together various stakeholders in the automotive sector, including industry leaders, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), Tier 1 suppliers, and ecosystem partners. The event will serve as a platform to showcase the capabilities of connected, software-defined vehicles powered by Qualcomms Snapdragon platforms. This initiative underscores Qualcomms commitment to fostering a secure, intelligent, and sustainable mobility ecosystem that aims to benefit both India and the global market. Qualcomms Role in Automotive Evolution As vehicle architectures increasingly shift towards software-defined platforms, Qualcomm Technologies has positioned itself as a key technology provider in the automotive industry. The companys portfolio includes solutions for seamless in-vehicle connectivity and cloud integration. Qualcomms Immersive Cockpit Solutions utilize artificial intelligence (AI) to offer personalized, context-aware in-vehicle experiences and advanced 3D UI/UX designs. Additionally, the company contributes to road safety and automation through its Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). Its Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) technology is intended to facilitate real-time communication and enhance situational awareness, potentially contributing to safer and more connected mobility. Focus on Collaborative Ecosystems and Indian Innovation Attendees at Snapdragon Auto Day will have the opportunity to observe how Snapdragon technologies are influencing automotive development through collaborative ecosystems. These collaborations are intended to accelerate development cycles, aiming for improved road safety and smarter mobility solutions. The event will also highlight Indias growing prominence as a hub for automotive innovation, recognizing the convergence of technology, talent, and scale within the country. Qualcomm intends for this event to foster engagement within the broader automotive and technology communities, providing a forum for discussions, demonstrations of new technologies, and interactions with industry leaders. Registrations for the event will begin soon. Welcome to my genealogy blog. Genea-Musings features genealogy research tips and techniques, genealogy news items and commentary, genealogy humor, San Diego genealogy society news, family history research and some family history stories from the keyboard of Randy Seaver (of Chula Vista CA), who thinks that Genealogy Research Is really FUN! Copyright (c) Randall J. Seaver, 2006-2024. Christopher Tomlinson/The Daily Sentinel The historic Shoshone hydroelectric power plant in Glenwood Canyon is tiny by hydroelectric facility standards. But its 1905 water right of 1,250 cubic feet per second wields a lot of power in the water world. Four Front Range water providers dont oppose in principle the concept of an instream flow right for flows that have been associated with the power plant, but object to some details of the Colorado River Districts proposal to purchase those rights. They question in particular the river districts calculation of the historical use of the river water by the power plant, which is key to determining the level of flows that would be controlled by the instream use right. A new portrait of President Donald Trump, painted by Arizona artist Vanessa Horabuena, is now hanging in the Colorado Capitol. Originally, a portrait commissioned by Colorado Republicans was painted by Colorado artist Sarah Boardman and hung in the capitol in 2019. However, this April, Trump complained about the portrait, calling it distorted. State Republicans, such as Matt Soper (R-Delta), who represents House District 54, joined the chorus of criticism. This ultimately led to the portraits removal and eventual replacement. Soper in an interview with The Daily Sentinel said that the new portrait is seen as a major improvement. Its quite striking, the differences. The first portrait of President Trump made him look fat and I certainly did not believe it was a likeness of him. The second portrait certainly looks much more like him. Theres a striking resemblance to his official photograph, which is on purpose to ensure the official portrait of the president looks similar, whether its oil on canvas on a photograph, Soper said. I do like how it portrays President Trump as being very strong. The fact he has much more of a chiseled jawline, that look of power, someone who has a lot of grit and determination, you can just feel the leadership of President Trump when you look at the portrait. For me, it had much more of a moving presence. It stands out. Its unlike all the other presidential portraits in the gallery. It had emotion. It had feeling. It wasnt just a 2D portrait. It had much more of a 3D effect. You feel like President Trump is alive and right there. The new portrait, which was approved by the White House, is technically a temporary installation, but Soper and other Republicans are hopeful it will remain in place, as private fundraising for a new replacement portrait is unlikely. Its unlikely that someone is going to raise $10,000-30,000 to have a new portrait painted. This one is a very good likeness of the president, one that certainly captures him in a very attractive way, Soper said. I dont think its likely that were going to see this portrait replaced not under my watch. Soper noted that both the original portrait and this new one will ultimately be part of the states gallery and archives. This portrait ordeal has raised questions about whether Colorado should continue portrait displays of presidents moving forward. Many state capitols do not feature artwork of presidents or other federal officials. However, Soper stated his support for continuing the tradition, adding that artwork of other influential Americans, such as Martin Luther King Jr., are also displayed at the capitol. He advocated for adding more artwork at the capitol. When he was talking with the Sentinel over the phone, he said he was standing in the capitol and looking at spaces all over the walls where art could be displayed. Ive been to about 30 state capitals. The ones Ive visited dont feature a presidential portrait gallery. That makes Colorado quite unique. We have our presidential portrait gallery because were the Centennial State and its that connection to the founding of the nation and that legacy Colorado has of becoming a state 100 years after the nation became a nation, Soper said. I would advocate for keeping the presidential portrait gallery because its unique. Its Colorados tradition to have it there. Weve had many colorful, controversial presidents, certainly before President Trump, and well continue to have them after him. He wont be the standout, even if it feels that way right now. They are the individuals who were elected to lead this great country. We shouldnt allow peoples feelings in this moment in time to come into play with whether we should or shouldnt keep the presidential portrait gallery. The original portrait was paid for by donors after Republicans launched a fundraising campaign. Boardman said the criticism of the original portrait is directly and negatively impacting my business of over 41 years, which now is in danger of not recovering. Last week, The Daily Sentinel reported on whether many of the concerns related to West Springs Psychiatric Hospitals closure had materialized since it shuttered on March 10. In many cases, they did. However, there is hope on the horizon, with some efforts already underway. I have worked in the human services systems in town since 2015, and (these post-closure conversations) were the first time I felt a lightning-strike opportunity, Grand Junction Police Department Co-Response Unit Clinician Brandi Black said. For the first time, the whole system was together and willing to change. At the same time, it is still unclear when Mesa County can expect to see some of the larger, local solutions and stopgaps put into effect. WHEN ONE DOOR CLOSES Currently, locals experiencing a severe crisis who are a potential danger to themselves and others must search for appropriate care one to four hours away. Vail Healths Precourt Healing Center, which opened less than two months after West Springs closed, mitigated a notable portion of the immediate fallout. The Precourt Healing Center is an inpatient facility that will boast 28 beds for adults by September; however, Vail Health Chief Population Health Officer and Behavioral Health Director Chris Lindley said that only 14 of those beds are available as of publication. For comparison, West Springs was a 48-bed facility, but between 2019 and 2023, the average daily census totaled 30 or fewer patients. According to Lindley, the Precourt Healing Center will likely face fiscal challenges similar to those that strained West Springs, but its position as part of a larger hospital system will allow for the offsetting of any potential deficits. This is a core service weve brought to this community, that were going to continue to provide to this community, Lindley said. Were going to be creative, flexible and nimble to find ways to ensure its financial sustainability going forward. Although the facility is located about two hours away, all the other psychiatric hospitals are located in Denver, Salt Lake and other cities that would take more than four hours to reach. Still, the distance from Mesa County to Vail can be a barrier to voluntary treatment, as prospective patients must arrange the intake, travel and, especially in the case of youth, lodging for family or caretakers. I cant tell you how many people tell me they cant get help or treatment because of what it costs, Black said. And I have no response to that, because theyre absolutely right. WHAT ABOUT THE BUILDING? At the time of the closure, there was no clear path forward for the parent company (Mind Springs Health), local elected officials, community residents or other local behavioral health providers. Compounding the uncertainty, Mind Springs was brought under the operational control of Health Solutions, a behavioral health system serving southeast Colorado, just under a month later. Health Solutions West CEO Jason Chippeaux said they have diligently worked to stabilize Mind Springs since assuming operational control; however, their focus has been exclusive to outpatient and residential recovery services. According to a Health Solutions West statement, there is no firm timeline for when Health Solutions West will be ready to explore new uses for the former hospital building, but it will likely be within the next year. In the meantime, there is a potential for collaboration or use of the space, such as another provider leasing the hospital building to temporarily operate a crisis stabilization unit or acute treatment unit, which care for mental health crises of a similar acuity to psych hospitals. That opportunity could allow for the quickest bandage, as neither hospitals buildings meet the regulatory criteria to open a psychiatric unit. Intermountain St. Marys Regional Hospital President Bryan Johnson told the Sentinel in March that even substantial renovations would not meet those standards. Any potential partnership would need to ensure safety, regulatory compliance, and sustainability, a Health Solutions West statement said. were committed to being part of a long-term solution for behavioral health in Mesa County and beyond. We welcome continued discussion with our valued community partners. Whether any of the local hospitals or behavioral health care providers would be interested or capable of such a partnership is unclear, with none able to discuss the idea on the record. But, its one of many ideas being explored through the Mesa County Behavioral Health Summit: a recurring gathering of behavioral health organizations and county decision-makers focused on addressing the gap left by West Springs. A BIRDS-EYE VIEW The summit not only aims to identify and implement alternatives to the psychiatric hospital but also to scrutinize the broader continuum of behavioral health care in Mesa County. Bookcliff Consulting Data Analyst Shae Lynn Watt, who was contracted to oversee accountability and implementation, said the summit selected five priorities: Develop and implement crisis stabilization centers. Address the increased demand on emergency and justice-involved services. Develop a coordinated entry system for a continuum of behavioral health needs. Streamline and coordinate existing care coordination and case management services. Improve communication and data sharing across agencies. For each priority, there is a work group of locals with knowledge and experience relevant to the specific objective. If we just focus on the band-aid, we never get any system-level change, Watt said. Our community has relied on that single location at West Springs, but is that even what we want? That is not a solution that is going to come in 90 days, but that is an objective she added. How do we shore up pieces of our crisis continuum in the meantime? Beyond creating shared goals and determining specific action plans, Black said that simply gathering all the people from different parts of the behavioral health world (like co-response, emergency department staff and outpatient therapists) has been a major benefit to efficacy. The mental health hold process is one example Black mentioned, which has been a large factor behind the inundation of local emergency departments. Black estimated that about one-third of patients on M-1 hold will stabilize or recover from the crisis within the first day or two, but hospitals cannot release them until 72 hours have passed or until they are transferred to a proper facility. That is, unless the hospital can coordinate an outpatient appointment for the individual within a week of release. The hospital is saying theres so many people we have to keep on hold and send over the mountain to a higher level of care because we cant find an appointment within seven days, Black said. Does our community know that? Could we see what services are able to say, Well hold two, 60-minute spots a week, to leave that opportunity open if need be? Mesa County Public Health first convened the summit in April, and its next meeting will take place on July 10. The department has also created an online dashboard where locals can check for updates to the work groups efforts. A NEW LINE OF SERVICES Another player in the post-West Springs world is Ava Health. Its CEO, Christopher Bennett, said his team has been building Ava Health in the background since acquiring $5.4 million last year from the Colorado Fines Committee (which is funded by penalties the state has paid for years of failing to provide timely competency restoration). According to Bennett, Ava Health will comprise outpatient services, inpatient detox, sub-acute stabilization and transitional housing for substance abuse and mental health. Outpatient services will be offered through a 27,000-square-foot building on Horizon Drive and Crossroads Boulevard, which is tentatively set to open on Sept. 1, alongside its 40-bed transitional housing services. Thirty-five beds for inpatient treatment and sub-acute stabilization services will be available through the Molina Center, 52254 KE Road, which was previously a wellness retreat center located 45 minutes east of Grand Junction. Both services are set to debut on Oct. 1. The highest level of care we would provide is sub-acute stabilization, so you could come in a pretty significant mental health crisis, as long as you dont need to be behind locked doors, Bennett said. Its all going to be based on assessment so, we can (handle) some pretty severe acute and chronic mental health, as well as substance use. Although the sub-acute service is a step down from the care West Springs provided, Bennett said their organization is part of the community-wide conversation about the need for an acute treatment unit. He added that Ava Health would likely be able to fill that gap, especially considering the space available at its Crossroads Boulevard building. Nonetheless, those discussions are still underway, and establishing such a facility doesnt happen overnight. Weve got a lot of flexibility and nimbleness in our operation, and weve got such a great team, Bennett said. We could start that process while were opening everything else up, but it will (require) construction and things like that. So, its not an immediate solution. Jerry Neal /Colorado Parks and Wildlife A young male wolf races away from transport crates that carried him and four other wolves to Grand County on Dec. 19, 2023, when wolves were first reintroduced into Colorado. Congressman Jeff Hurd on Tuesday responded to a question from a town hall participant on the wold reintroduction in the state. Im encouraging the administration to see what it can do to evaluate ways we can prohibit the further introduction of wolves and manage the population thats already here, Hurd said. Sat Saturday 98 /67 Mostly sunny. Highs in the upper 90s and lows in the upper 60s. Justice Department Charges Two Individuals with Acting as Agents of the PRC Government Tuesday, July 1, 2025 For Immediate Release Office of Public Affairs Arrests Disrupted Clandestine PRC Ministry of State Security Intelligence Network Operating in the United States Two nationals of the People's Republic of China (PRC) made their initial appearances in federal court in Portland, Oregon, and Houston, Texas, yesterday to face charges issued out of the Northern District of California for acting as agents of the Government of the PRC without prior notification to the Attorney General. The defendants, Yuance Chen, 38, a PRC national and legal permanent resident who resides in Happy Valley, Oregon, and Liren "Ryan" Lai, 39, a PRC national who traveled from the PRC to Houston, Texas, on a tourist visa in April 2025, were arrested Friday on a criminal complaint charging them with overseeing and carrying out various clandestine intelligence taskings in the United States on behalf of the PRC Government's principal foreign intelligence service, the Ministry of State Security (MSS). These activities included facilitating a "dead drop" payment of cash for information relating to the national security of the United States previously provided to the MSS, gathering intelligence about U.S. Navy service members and bases, and assisting with efforts to recruit other individuals from within the U.S. military as potential MSS assets. Chen and Lai were arrested on June 27, 2025, by the FBI in Happy Valley, Oregon, and Houston Texas, as part of a coordinated counterintelligence and law enforcement operation across multiple states. "This case underscores the Chinese government's sustained and aggressive effort to infiltrate our military and undermine our national security from within," said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. "The Justice Department will not stand by while hostile nations embed spies in our country - we will expose foreign operatives, hold their agents to account, and protect the American people from covert threats to our national security." "The FBI arrested two Chinese nationals who were allegedly attempting to recruit U.S. military service members on behalf of the PRC," said FBI Director Kash Patel. "The Chinese Communist Party thought they were getting away with their scheme to operate on U.S. soil, utilizing spy craft, like dead drops, to pay their sources. This case was a complex, coordinated effort and is an example of outstanding counterintelligence work done by FBI San Francisco, Portland, Houston, San Diego, and the Counterintelligence Division. The FBI will continue to vigilantly defend the homeland from China's pervasive attempts to infiltrate our borders." "Adverse foreign intelligence services like the PRC's Ministry of State Security dedicate years to recruiting individuals and cultivating them as intelligence assets to do their bidding within the United States," said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg. "Under my leadership, the National Security Division will continue to defend our nation and neutralize our adversaries' clandestine spy networks." "These charges reflect the breadth of the efforts by our foreign adversaries to target the United States this time by conducting illegal intelligence-gathering operations aimed at our national security information and military service members," said U.S. Attorney Craig H. Missakian for the Northern District of California. "My office and the FBI remain ever vigilant in guarding against these threats to the United States. We will continue to undertake counterespionage investigations and prosecutions, no matter how complex and sensitive, to disrupt attempts to weaken our national security." "NCIS and the Department of the Navy take the foreign intelligence gathering threat very seriously, as the PRC has for years attempted through various means to recruit U.S. service members as intelligence assets due to their access to sensitive military information," said Director Omar Lopez of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS). "NCIS and the Department of the Navy (DON) remain committed to working together to root out any attempts to compromise the DON's critical warfighting and shipbuilding capabilities." As alleged in the criminal complaint unsealed yesterday, the PRC Government conducts intelligence activities against the United States through multiple arms, including the MSS. The MSS handles civilian intelligence collection for the PRC and is responsible for counterintelligence and foreign intelligence, as well as political security. The MSS and its bureaus seek to obtain information on political, economic, and security policies that might affect the PRC, along with military, scientific, and technical information of value to the PRC. The MSS and its bureaus are tasked with conducting clandestine and covert human source operations, of which the United States is a principal target. As alleged in the criminal complaint, Lai recruited Chen to work on behalf of the MSS in or about 2021. While in Guangzhou, China, in January 2022, Lai and Chen worked together to facilitate a dead-drop payment of at least $10,000 on behalf of the MSS, working with other individuals located in the United States to leave a backpack with the cash at a day-use locker at a recreational facility located in Livermore, California. Following the January 2022 dead drop, Lai and Chen continued to work on behalf of the MSS, including by attempting to help identify potential assets for MSS recruitment within the ranks of the U.S. Navy. For example, in 2022 and 2023, Chen was tasked by Lai to visit a U.S. Naval installation in Washington State and a U.S. Navy recruitment center in San Gabriel, California. While in the recruitment center, Chen obtained personal information for recruits that he appears to have transmitted to an MSS intelligence officer in China. The complaint also alleges that Chen received instruction from the MSS on how to engage and recruit future Sailors and methods for minimizing his risk of exposure. Eventually, Chen began contacting a Navy employee over social media and provided information about the employee to the MSS. The complaint alleges that Chen traveled to Guangzhou and met with MSS intelligence officers in April 2024 and March 2025 in order to discuss compensation and specific taskings. The complaint also alleges that Lai traveled to Houston, Texas, in April 2025, claiming that the purpose of his visit was related to his business as an online retail seller, and that he would be staying in the Houston area for two weeks. However, on May 9, 2025 - more than four weeks after his arrival in the United States - Lai traveled by car with a companion from Houston to Southern California, via New Mexico and Tucson, Arizona, before returning to Texas, on May 15, 2025. Chen and Lai are charged with violating Title 18, United States Code, Section 951, which makes it a crime for a person to operate or agree to operate within the United States as an agent of a foreign government without notification to the Attorney General of the United States. If convicted, the defendants face a fine of up to $250,000 and a term of imprisonment of up to 10 years. The FBI San Francisco Field Office is leading the investigation, with valuable assistance provided by the FBI Portland, Houston, and San Diego Field Offices. NCIS also provided valuable assistance during the operation. The National Security and Special Prosecutions Section of the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of California and the National Security Division's Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are in charge of the prosecution. Significant operational support and assistance is also being provided by the District of Oregon, the Southern District of Texas, and the Southern District of California. A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. Topics: Counterintelligence National Security Components: Office of the Attorney General Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) National Security Division (NSD) USAO - California, Northern Press Release Number: 25-681 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Dismantling of an Explosives Site, Elimination of Terrorists, and Confiscation of Weapons Belonging To Terrorist Organizations From Within Civilian Structures Israel Defense Forces June 29, 2025 29.06.25 IDF Troops from the Givati Brigade, under the command of the 162nd Division, are operating in the area of Jabaliya in the northern Gaza Strip as part of Operation "Gideon's Chariots". In recent weeks, the troops eliminated numerous terrorists, dismantled military infrastructure both above and below ground, and located and confiscated weapons some of which were hidden inside civilian structures. During one of the activities, the troops located an explosive device site in the Jabaliya area. Following the troops' swift identification on the ground, an Israeli Air Force aircraft, directed by the brigade's Fire Control Center, carried out a strike and dismantled the explosive site. IDF troops continue to operate in the Gaza Strip against terrorist organizations in order to protect the civilians of Israel. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address OIC Condemns the Escalation of Genocide in Gaza, Calls on the International Community to Stop It Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) 30-06-2025 The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has strongly condemned the escalation of crimes, including genocide, starvation, and destruction, perpetrated by the Israeli occupation in the Gaza Strip. This includes the recent barbaric massacre that resulted in the deaths of more than 85 martyrs and left hundreds wounded on June 30, 2025. The OIC regards these actions as war crimes and crimes against humanity. Additionally, the OIC has raised concerns about the escalating Israeli attacks and the organized violence carried out by extremist settlers in the West Bank. This includes storming cities, establishing military checkpoints, targeting refugee camps, displacing tens of thousands of citizens, and destroying homes and infrastructure. Furthermore, there are ongoing incursions into the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque, where Palestinians are being denied access in clear violation of international law and relevant UN resolutions. The organization calls on the international community to take urgent action to establish an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire, lift the Israeli blockade, ensure adequate and unhindered humanitarian access to the Gaza Strip, and provide international protection for the Palestinian people. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Joint Statement by the Foreign Ministers of CSTO Member States on the United Nations Regional Centre for the Sustainable Development Goals for Central Asia and Afghanistan 30 June 2025 15:03 1130-30-06-2025 June 30, 2025 Cholpon-Ata We, the Foreign Ministers of the Member States of the Collective Security Treaty Organisation, welcome the adoption by the United Nations General Assembly of Resolution A/79/L.57/Rev.l of March 4, 2025, establishing a UN Regional Centre for the Sustainable Development Goals for Central Asia and Afghanistan, to be located in Almaty, Republic of Kazakhstan. We reaffirm the firm commitment of CSTO Member States to building international relations based on the universally recognised principles and norms of international law, first and foremost the UN Charter. We express our shared interest in furthering cooperation in the Central Asian region to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and to strengthen good-neighbourly relations. We reaffirm our intention to support Afghanistan in its development as a peaceful and stable country and express our readiness to participate in international efforts for Afghanistan's reconstruction, under the central coordinating role of the United Nations. We call on the international community to step up humanitarian assistance to the Afghan people. We believe that the establishment of the UN Regional Centre for the Sustainable Development Goals for Central Asia and Afghanistan will help promote cooperation aimed at strengthening peaceful dialogue across the Eurasian space and enhance the complementarity of the UN development system's work in the region, with greater focus on implementing concrete projects and addressing key socioeconomic development priorities. We are confident that the Centre, operating within its mandate, will contribute to the coordinated implementation of the Programme of Action for the Least Developed Landlocked Countries. We emphasise the importance of the UN development system reform, initiated by the UN Secretary-General, which aims to enhance the system's effectiveness in supporting Member States in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. We reaffirm our readiness to jointly leverage the potential of the Regional Centre to advance these goals. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Joint Statement by the Foreign Ministers of CSTO Member States on International Information Security 30 June 2025 14:44 1128-30-06-2025 June 30, 2025 Cholpon-Ata We, the Foreign Ministers of the Member States of the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO), acknowledging the Agreement on Cooperation in the Field of Information Security signed on November 30, 2017, and recognising the importance of further strengthening the international legal framework governing the use of information and communication technologies, express our support for the development of a global system of international information security grounded in the principles of the UN Charter, respect for the sovereignty of states and non-interference in their internal affairs. We welcome the adoption of the Convention against Cybercrime at the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly, marking the first universal instrument aimed at strengthening international information security. We urge all states to sign the Convention at the official ceremony scheduled for October 2025 in Hanoi and to initiate, without delay, the necessary domestic procedures to facilitate its swift entry into force. We also emphasise the need to develop additional universal, legally binding instruments addressing other critical aspects of international information security, including the prevention and resolution of interstate conflicts. In this regard, we support the continuation of substantive dialogue within the United Nations framework. We support the adoption of a final decision at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly to establish a permanent mechanism for ensuring international information security, founded on the principle of consensus and guided by the central role of states. We underscore the inadmissibility of using information and communication technologies to interfere in the internal affairs of states or to undermine their socio-political stability, including in ways that contravene national legislation. We advocate for international cooperation in the operation of low-orbit satellite internet communication systems, with due regard for the national interests and security of states. We reaffirm our commitment to intensify joint efforts on international information security across all relevant global platforms and to further develop and strengthen cooperation in this area. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Contracts Contracts For July 1, 2025 MISSILE DEFENSE AGENCY Lockheed Martin Rotary and Mission Systems (LM RMS), Moorestown, New Jersey, is being awarded a sole-source, 10-year indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract with a ceiling of $2,968,000,000. Under this follow-on contract, LM RMS will provide continuation of the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) Combat Systems Engineering Agent (CSEA) in order to maintain operational relevancy in support of the Missile Defense System. The Aegis BMD CSEA is the responsible Aegis BMD Weapon System design, development, integration, sustainment, and computer program source for Aegis cruisers, guided-missile destroyers, Aegis ashore variants, Aegis Guam System, and Glide Phase Intercept. LM RMS will provide execution of future studies, concepts, and computer program development to achieve capability improvements across all phases of the fire control loop (plan, detect, control, engage, and assess) in accordance with government provided interface requirements that can be delivered to the CSEA or other government designated agents for integration into the Common Source Library, and/or Integrated Combat Systems software architecture (e.g., advanced discrimination to counter advanced threats, closure of potential missile defense gaps, and enhanced defense against adversary advanced threats, improved single-ship performance of current dual tier engagement schemes, expansion to incorporate multi-tier weapons, and integration of advancements in Tactical Data Link architectures) The anticipated period of performance is July 2025 to June 2035. Research, development, test and evaluation; defense wide procurement; and operations and maintenance funds, will be utilized to execute the proposed scope. The work will be performed in Moorestown, New Jersey. The Missile Defense Agency, Dahlgren, Virginia, is the contracting activity (HQ0851-25-D-E001). Lockheed Martin Corp., Moorestown, New Jersey, is being awarded a sole-source, hybrid, cost-plus-fixed-fee and cost-plus-incentive-fee contract modification (P00128) under Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) Weapon Systems contract HQ085121C0002. The total value of this contract modification is $41,213,885.00, inclusive of all options. The work will be performed in Moorestown, New Jersey, with period of performance from time of award through June 2026. This modification will extend current contract line-item numbers for a period of up to twelve months. The effort performed includes an extension to the Combat Systems Engineering Agent contract; to have Lockheed Martin Corp. continue as the Aegis BMD Combat System Engineering Agent; and the Aegis BMD Weapon Systems design, development, and computer program source for Aegis cruisers, destroyers, and Aegis Ashore variants. Obligations in the amount of $12,763,888 using fiscal 2025 and 2026 research, development, test and evaluation; and operations and maintenance funds, will occur at the time of award. The value of the contract increases from $1,419,229,004 by $41,213,885 to $1,460,442,889. The Missile Defense Agency, Dahlgren, Virginia, is the contracting activity. Marzen Group LLC,* Nashua, New Hampshire, is being awarded an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity hybrid contract (cost-plus-fixed-fee, cost reimbursement, and firm-fixed-price) with a maximum value of $31,372,000. Under this contract, the contractor will provide services to support the maintenance, transportation, set up, network connection, cybersecurity compliance, data link management & analysis and operation of the Tactical Data Analysis Connectivity System workstations. A task order in the amount of $1,767,917 is being issued immediately after award of the indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract. The work will be performed in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The ordering period, including options, is from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2030. This contract was procured on a sole source basis. Task Order One will be awarded with the indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract with $1,370,000 in fiscal 2024 and 2025 research, development, test and evaluation funds obligated at the time of task order award. The Missile Defense Agency, Huntsville, Alabama, is the contracting activity (HQ0855-25-D-E001). NAVY Lockheed Martin Rotary and Mission Systems, Moorestown, New Jersey, was awarded a $92,188,802 cost-plus-incentive-fee modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-23-C-5123) for in-service AEGIS sustainment, capability package development and fielding, BL10 system integration and fielding, and product documentation in support of current configurations of the AEGIS combat system. Work will be performed in Moorestown, New Jersey, and is expected to be completed by December 2025. Fiscal 2024 research, development, test and evaluation (Navy) funds in the amount of $573,803 (8%), fiscal 2025 research, development, test and evaluation (Navy) funds in the amount of $5,695,864 (82%); and fiscal 2025 other procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $695,000 (10%), will be obligated at time of award; and funds in the amount of $573,803 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. (Awarded June 27, 2025) Airbus Helicopters Inc., Grand Prairie, Texas, is awarded a $39,834,430 firm-fixed-price indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract to provide performance based logistic support services required to support five Navy UH-72A helicopters owned by the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School in Patuxent River, Maryland. This effort shall include all maintenance support services and equipment including sustaining engineering. Work will be performed in Patuxent River, Maryland, and is expected to be completed in July 2030. Fiscal 2025 operation and maintenance (Navy) funds in the amount of $20,952,910; fiscal 2025 research, development, test and evaluation (Navy) funds in the amount of $8,365,230; and fiscal 2025 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $10,516,289, will be obligated at the time of award, $20,952,91 of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competed. Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity (N0042125D0051). Alabama Shipyard LLC,* Mobile, Alabama, is awarded a $9,515,662 firm-fixed-price contract (N3220525C4030) for a 49-calendar day shipyard availability for the mid-term availability of Military Sealift Command's fleet replenishment ship USNS Robert E. Peary (T-AKE 5). This contract includes a base work package and two unexercised options for additional work and time, which if exercised, would increase the cumulative value of this contract to $9,619,239. Work will be performed in Mobile, Alabama, beginning Sept. 2, 2025, and is expected to be completed by Oct. 21, 2025. Working capital funds (Navy) in the amount of $9,515,662 are obligated for fiscal 2025 and will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. This contract was a small business set-aside solicited via the Governmentwide Point of Entry website and four offers received. Military Sealift Command, Norfolk, Virginia, is the contracting activity (N3220525C4030). Huntington Ingalls Inc., Pascagoula, Mississippi, was awarded a cost type modification to a previously awarded contract (N00024-18-C-2307) for shipyard infrastructure investments to improve productivity at the shipyards and support a distributed shipbuilding model. Work will be performed in Pascagoula, Mississippi (100%) and is expected to be completed by December 2033. Fiscal 2024 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funds (100%) will be obligated at the time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. AIR FORCE DRS Sustainment Systems Inc., Bridgeton, Missouri, was awarded a $51,732,837 fixed-price incentive, indefinite-delivery requirements contract for overhaul of the Tunner Aircraft Cargo Loader. This contract provides for overhaul, unscheduled depot level maintenance and power pack unit overhaul for the Tunner Aircraft Cargo Loader. Work will be performed in Bridgeton, Missouri and is expected to be completed by June 29, 2030. This contract was a sole source acquisition. No funds are being obligated at time of award. The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, is the contracting activity (FA8534-25-D-0003). (Awarded June 30, 2025) Tyto Government Solutions Inc., Reston, Virginia, was awarded a $25,928,257 firm-fixed-price contract for weapon system support services primary to support the electronic warfare mission set. This contract provides for technical systems engineering, logistics, product support, and software prototyping services necessary to perform advisory and assistance services for the Space Force Space and Missile Systems Special Programs Directorate. Work will be performed at El Segundo, California, and is expected to be completed by Nov. 30, 2026. This contract was a sole source acquisition. Fiscal 2025 research, development, test and evaluation funds in the amount of $3,822,869; and fiscal 2025 operation and maintenance appropriation funds in the amount of $1,633,000, are being obligated at time of award. The Space System Command Space Superiority Systems Directorate Contracting Division, Los Angeles Air Force Base, California, is the contracting activity (FA8819-25-C-B010). Science Applications International Corp., Reston, Virginia, has been awarded a $23,036,389 cost-plus-fixed-fee modification (P00053) to a previously awarded contract (FA7014-21-F-0108) for strategic plans and policy support services. This modification brings the total cumulative face value of the contract from $80,153,353 to $103,189,742. Work will be performed in Washington, D.C.; Hawaii; and Germany, and is expected to be completed August 25, 2026. Fiscal 2025 operation and maintenance appropriation funds in the amount of $11,316,305 are being obligated at the time of award. The Air Force District of Washington Contracting Directorate, Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, is the contracting activity. Work Services Corp., Wichita Falls, Texas, has been awarded a $21,599,152 firm-fixed contract modification (P00011) to a previously awarded contract (FA3020-23-C-0007) for food services at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas. The modification brings the total cumulative face value of the contract to $112,035,451. Work will be performed at Sheppard AFB, Texas, and is expected to be completed by June 30, 2026. Fiscal 2025 operation and maintenance appropriations funds in the amount of $21,599,152 are being obligated at time of award. The 82nd Contracting Squadron, Sheppard AFB, Texas, is the contracting activity. KMM-Black Wave, Lewisville, Texas, was awarded a ceiling $9,500,000 indefinite-delivery/ indefinite-quantity type contract for Simplified Acquisition of Base Engineering Requirements. This contract provides for completion of minor, non-complex construction projects requiring minimal design. Work will be performed at Rome, Newport; and Stockbridge, New York, and is expected to be completed on June 30, 2030. This contract was a competitive acquisition, and two offers were received. Fiscal 2025 research, development, test and evaluation funds are being obligated at the time of award. The Air Force Research Laboratory, Rome, New York, is the contracting activity (FA8751-25-D-0002). DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY Treen Box & Pallet Inc.,* Mifflintown, Pennsylvania (SPE8EF-25-D-0007); Cutter Lumber Products,* Livermore, California (SPE8EF-25-D-0008); Pinnacle Forest Products LLC,* Holland, Michigan (SPE8EF-25-D-0009); and Slone Building Supply LLC,* Santa Fe, Texas (SPE8EF-25-D-0010), are sharing a maximum $42,493,320 fixed-price with economic-price-adjustment, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract under solicitation SPE8EF-24-R-0001 for various types of wood pallets. This was a competitive acquisition with 28 responses received. These are two-year contracts with three one-year option periods. Locations of performance are Georgia and Arkansas, with a June 30, 2027, ordering period end date. Using customer is Defense Logistics Agency. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2025 through 2027 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. ARMY Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, Grand Prairie, Texas, was awarded a $42,004,339 modification (P00009) to contract W31P4Q-22-D-0022 for missile support center logistics support. 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 May 25, 2026. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity. Pond Constructors Inc., Peachtree Corners, Georgia, was awarded a $10,641,620 modification (P00011) to contract W912DY-22-F-0266 for repair and maintenance of petroleum facilities and systems. Bids were solicited via the internet with six received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of July 7, 2026. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Engineering and Support Center, Huntsville, Alabama, is the contracting activity. Birmingham Industrial Construction LLC,* Alabaster, Alabama, was awarded a $9,586,604 firm-fixed-price contract for construction of a weapons range. Bids were solicited via the internet with nine received. Work will be performed in Fort Campbell, Kentucky, with an estimated completion date of July 6, 2027. Fiscal 2025 military construction, Army funds in the amount of $9,586,604 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Louisville, Kentucky, is the contracting activity (W912QR-25-C-0008). CORRECTION: The $52,571,428 modification (P00125) to contract W91CRB-18-F-0238 announced on June 30, 2025, to Ernst & Young LLP, Washington, D.C., for audit infrastructure was announced with an incorrect estimated completion date. The correct estimated completion date is Oct. 31, 2025 *Small business https://www.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract/Article/4232278/ NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Congress President deplores deteriorating political climate in Georgia Council of Europe Congress of Local and Regional Authorities Strasbourg 1 July 2025 "I deplore the deteriorating political situation in Georgia, with the arrests of opposition leaders which seriously hinders the possibility of dialogue between the country's political forces," stressed Marc Cools, President of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, in a statement today. "I note the recent statement jointly released by eight opposition parties declaring that they will be boycotting the local elections to take place in October 2025. I regret that the conditions for meaningful participation in the local elections in a trust-based environment have still not been met. The Congress stands ready to work with all the Georgian political forces to make sure these conditions are met. "In its resolution and recommendation adopted on 26 March 2025, the Congress urged Georgian authorities to resume inclusive political dialogue at all levels of government and with all stakeholders - including local authorities, opposition and civil society - in order to reduce polarisation, restore the checks and balances essential in a pluralist democracy and regulate the participation rights of the opposition. This is indispensable to restore the conditions for a democratic environment ahead of the 2025 local elections. "Today, I reaffirm this call on behalf of the Congress. I urge Georgian authorities to stop persecution of the opposition and enter into political dialogue at all levels of government, in order to create conditions necessary for holding local elections, as required in Congress Recommendation 476(2022) with regard to the rights of candidates from the opposition in local and regional elections," underlined President Cools. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Subgroup on Passive Surveillance Systems Meets in Prague to Boost European Air Defence Ministry of Defence & Armed Forces of the Czech Republic 1.7.2025 Author: LtC Jaroslav SEKANINA On 11 and 12 June, the initial meeting of the Subgroup on Passive Surveillance Systems (PSS) took place under the leadership of experts from the Ministry of Defence. The new project seeks to identify the best solution for the ESSI initiative in the field of passive sensors, and above all to create a platform for sharing experience and expertise on the European level. The European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI) is a German-led project designed for joint development and procurement of air and missile defence systems in Europe. It brings together over twenty European countries, including the Czech Republic, to strengthen protection against advanced threats such as missiles, drones and ballistic missiles. By working together, the ESSI enhances the European air defence posture while enabling more cost-effective procurement and closer cooperation between armed forces. Led by experts from the Czech Ministry of Defence, the new project aims to come up with the best solution for the ESSI initiative in the field of passive sensors and indeed to create a space for sharing experience and expertise, to understand the role of passive systems in air defence and improve and accelerate the integration of these sensors into military air defence systems. The initial meeting of the international Subgroup on passive systems in air defence took place in Prague, bringing together representatives of six European countries. Alongside the Czech Republic, the meeting was attended by Belgium, Estonia, Austria, Slovenia and Switzerland. Czech experience with passive surveillance systems was presented by experts from multiple units of the Czech Armed Forces. "The Czech Republic has a long and successful record in operating passive surveillance systems. However, it is not just about having a historically strong and innovative industry, we also have a well-established pool of seasoned experts and extensive databases in the Czech Armed Forces, built up through operational deployments. In addition, we have an effective training system. While others are still considering theoretical possibilities, our air defence capabilities are already testing how to integrate passive systems into the broader air defence network," says Ondrej Samonil from the Czech MoD Armaments and Acquisitions Division. Director General of the MoD Industrial Cooperation Division, Radka Konderlova, and Director of the MoD Force Development Division, Major General Milcicky, opened the session with their keynote addresses. MG Milcicky emphasised the strategic importance of international military cooperation in the air defence domain. He highlighted mutual benefits of sharing experience, with the Czech Republic offering its knowhow in the passive surveillance systems and at the same time gaining valuable insights from other members. In her contribution, Director General Konderlova underlined the crucial importance of air defence capabilities, as shown in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. She stressed that formats like this are currently irreplaceable and carry the historic responsibility of strengthening defence cooperation across Europe in these challenging times. According to Mr. Samonil, closer international cooperation in armaments is a growing trend and the excellent results from the deployment of passive surveillance systems in Ukraine have only strengthened the interest among the states in pursuing this capability. "At the same time, if states do not have historical experience with operating such systems, building the capability from scratch is extremely difficult. That is why cooperation is essential," he noted. The expert part of the programme focused on the presentations of advanced technological solutions, including a detailed introduction of systems such as the Deployable Passive Electronic Support Measures Tracker System (DPET) and its application options for ground air defence, electromagnetic warfare and air surveillance. The MoD Force Development Division presented the results of deployments during Exercises Silent Hunter I and II, which the 25th Air Defence Missile Regiment intends to continue and wants to refine the DPET employment and data quality for air defence. This will also be necessary due to the fast growth of this service in the Czech Armed Forces, driven by the progressive introduction of radar systems from the MADR and SHORAD projects. A key part of the programme involved engaging with Czech Armed Forces personnel deployed in a foreign operation. The specialists discussed in general terms the operational deployment of the DPET system in real-world conditions, plus connectivity and compatibility challenges. A representative of the ERA company introduced PET systems as a battle-tested technology currently deployed in Ukraine in several capabilities, including early warning and airspace monitoring. At the end of the first day of the meeting, representatives of all participating states expressed their interest and expectations from the activities of the Subgroup, with the most frequently mentioned topic being the integration of passive surveillance systems into existing structures and possible fusions between different types of sensors and technologies. The discussion revealed that there was a high interest in learning more about the PET and PCL technologies, which are not competing but complementary. Three conference guests also mentioned the interest in integrating passive sensors into SHORAD's own systems, which they procure from Diehl Defence and Hensoldt companies. Representatives of these major companies also attended the conference, which followed the signing of a strategic partnership among Hensoldt, Diehl Defence and ERA Pardubice at ILA Berlin 2024. The following day, the delegates visited ERA as one of the ESSI potential suppliers. ERA representatives showcased the unique features of their systems and demonstrated the operation and performance of the VERA-NG system in action. The visit was an opportunity for international partners to learn more about the long-standing tradition and expertise of the Czech defence industry. The first meeting of the ESSI subgroup was the beginning of a discussion on the possibilities of integrating passive surveillance systems into European air defence. The participating states expressed their strong interest in continuing cooperation and tentatively agreed to meet again in late 2025. The conference highlighted the interest in exploring how different command and control systems and sensors could be fused into a unified network in future talks. While the ESSI sub-group meeting confirmed the interest in exchanging experience in developing air defence systems, harmonising national interests remains a significant challenge for any potential joint acquisition of new systems. "While passive surveillance systems represent one of many components of a multi-layered air defence, they can never replace, for example, active sensors in networks and vice versa. However, working together to integrate different data sources into a unified command and control system should be the foundation of future European air defence. After all, the project is agnostic about effectors - some countries will use the German IRIS-T, the Czech Republic will use the SPYDER CZ system. The project's task is to help create an architecture for sharing data across the systems," Ondrej Samonil concludes. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The 99th Division Eliminates Terrorists and Dismantles Weapons and Terrorist Infrastructure Israel Defense Forces July 1, 2025 01.07.25 IDF Last week, the 99th Division returned to operate in the Gaza Strip for the fourth time since the beginning of the "Swords of Iron" War. The division's troops are operating in the northern and central Gaza Strip to locate and dismantle military infrastructure above and below ground, and to carry out defense missions for the communities near Gaza. The division is operating three brigades - the Northern Gaza Brigade, the 646th Brigade, and the 990th Brigade. So far, the troops have eliminated several terrorists in close quarter encounters and, in coordination with Israeli Air Force aircraft, located numerous weapons hidden in civilian structures, and dismantled military infrastructure sites of terrorist organizations in the Gaza Strip, both above and below ground. IDF troops continue to operate in order to protect the civilians of the State of Israel. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Exchange of list of prisoners between India and Pakistan India - Ministry of External Affairs July 01, 2025 India and Pakistan today exchanged, through diplomatic channels simultaneously in New Delhi and Islamabad, the lists of civilian prisoners and fishermen in each other's custody. Under the provisions of the bilateral Agreement on Consular Access 2008, such lists are exchanged every year on 1st January and on 1st July. 2. India has shared names of 382 civilian prisoners and 81 fishermen in its custody, who are Pakistani or are believed-to-be-Pakistani. Similarly, Pakistan has shared names of 53 civilian prisoners and 193 fishermen in its custody, who are Indian or are believed-to-be-Indian. 3. The Government of India has called for early release and repatriation of civilian prisoners, fishermen along with their boats, and missing Indian defence personnel from Pakistan's custody. Pakistan has been asked to expedite the release and repatriation of 159 Indian fishermen and civilian prisoners, who have completed their sentence. In addition, Pakistan has been asked to provide immediate consular access to the 26 civilian prisoners and fishermen in Pakistan's custody, who are believed-to-be-Indian and have not been provided consular access so far. Pakistan has been requested to ensure the safety, security and welfare of all Indian and believed-to-be-Indian civilian prisoners and fishermen, pending their release and repatriation to India. 4. India remains committed to addressing, on priority, all humanitarian matters, including those pertaining to prisoners and fishermen in each other's country. In this context, India has urged Pakistan to expedite the nationality verification process of 80 believed-to-be-Pakistani civilian prisoners and fishermen in India's custody, whose repatriation is pending for want of nationality confirmation from Pakistan. 5. As a result of sustained efforts by the Government, 2,661 Indian fishermen and 71 Indian civilian prisoners have been repatriated from Pakistan since 2014. This includes 500 Indian fishermen and 13 Indian civilian prisoners who have been repatriated from Pakistan since 2023 till date. New Delhi July 01, 2025 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address O.C.H.A. spokesperson: People in Gaza left to die from starvation IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Jul 1, 2025 Tehran, IRNA -- The spokesperson for the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (O.C.H.A.) has described the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip as unprecedented and alarming. According to Al Jazeera report, Jens Laerke said the killing of people while they are struggling to find food is unacceptable. People are effectively left to die from starvation, about which O.C.H.A. cannot remain silent, he added He urged protecting civilians and doing investigation into the distribution of food aid. The level of crisis in Gaza cannot be justified under any humanitarian circumstances. The United Nations on Monday called on Israel to immediately ease access and entry of critical supplies into Gaza through existing crossings to address the urgent needs of the civilian population. Speaking to reporters, Stephane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General said, "Civilians must be respected and protected." "The Secretary-General welcomes the continued efforts by the mediators and reiterates his appeal to the parties to urgently reach a permanent ceasefire in Gaza," he stated. At least 56,500 Palestinians have been killed, mostly women and children, and another 133,419 individuals injured in the brutal Israeli onslaught on Gaza since October 7, 2023. The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants last November for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Minister of military affairs Yoav Gallant, citing war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its war on the besieged coastal territory. 9376**9417 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address NATO Secretary General Highlights Industry Partnership in Toulouse Visit NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation 01 Jul. 2025 NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte visited Toulouse, France, today (1 July 2025), engaging with Airbus leaders to strengthen ties with the defence industry. Speaking at the Airbus Top Executive Forum, Mr Rutte emphasized the shared goal of ensuring security and prosperity across all NATO nations. "We share the same objective: to ensure the prosperity and security of our economies and societies - across Europe and North America," he said, stressing the critical need for NATO and industry to work together in a rapidly changing security landscape. The Secretary General, welcomed by Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury, addressed the urgent need for enhanced defence capabilities amid growing global threats. "There is no strong defence without a strong defence industry," he stated, praising Airbus for contributions like the A400M aircraft and the Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT). One week after the agreement on a 5% GDP defence spending target reached by Allies at NATO's Summit in The Hague, he urged the industry to innovate and scale up production to meet NATO's ambitious capability targets and keep our one billion people safe. Following his address, Secretary General Rutte held a bilateral meeting with CEO Mr Faury and his team, and visited the A321 Final Assembly Line, interacting with Airbus employees. The visit underscores NATO's commitment to fostering transatlantic industrial cooperation to deliver critical capabilities for the years to come. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israel Commits 3,496 Crimes, Killing and Injuring 2,652 Palestinians in 7 Days"Infants' Suffering" and "Settlements" Top the Occupation's Crimes in Gaza and the West Bank Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) 01-07-2025 The catastrophic humanitarian situation for infants in the Gaza Strip and the attacks on West Bank villages by settlers highlight the disturbing reality of Israeli crimes against Palestinians. Between June 24 and June 30, 2025, a staggering 3,496 crimes were reported. During this period, occupying forces bombed five schools consecutively. The targeted schools included Fahd Al-Sabah School in the Al-Tuffah neighborhood, Abdul Fattah Hamoud School on Jaffa Street, Osama Bin Zaid School in Al-Saftawi, Adnan Al-Alami School west of Gaza City, and another school in the Sheikh Radwan neighborhood. Additionally, a popular market on Jaffa Street, which is frequented by thousands, and a beachfront restaurant in Gaza City were also bombed. Reports indicate that the number of Palestinians killed while seeking food has reached 580, bringing the total number of Palestinian fatalities caused by Israeli military forces in that single week to 536. The number of wounded individuals has reached 2,116. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation's Media Observatory for Israeli Crimes Against Palestinians has reported on the number of Palestinians killed by Israeli occupation forces between October 7, 2023, and June 30, 2025. During this period, there have been 58,035 deaths and 142,235 injuries. In terms of the humanitarian situation, 66 infants have died from malnutrition in the Gaza Strip since October 7, 2023, and approximately 70,000 infants are suffering from health issues related to chronic malnutrition. Additionally, essential neonatal vaccines have been unavailable in Gaza for the past four months. Philippe Lazzarini, the Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), described the situation in the Gaza Strip as "absolutely dire." He noted that international attention to Gaza has significantly declined since June 13, 2025, which coincided with the destruction of 74% of the region's water wells and the ongoing struggles of residents who are facing contaminated drinking water. In the West Bank and occupied Al-Quds, Israeli forces conducted 279 incursions, resulting in the death of one child and the arrest of nine others, among a total of 216 Palestinian detainees. A school in the village of Jalud was raided, and surveillance camera footage was confiscated. Although the gates of the Al-Aqsa Mosque were reopened, the occupation forces prevented Waqf employees from entering the Noble Sanctuary, which continues to face frequent settler incursions. Additionally, the occupation forces issued an order to confiscate more than two dunams of land in the town of Ya'bad in Jenin, as well as five vehicles and cash. They demolished four homes in Al-Quds and Jenin and occupied three homes in Nablus and Jenin. They also demolished several shops, a car wash, and an agricultural nursery in the town of Kifl Haris in Salfit. Further demolitions included two pens in Dura Al-Qar'a and the village of Wadi Rahhal in Bethlehem, as well as water wells and agricultural land. Settlement activities in West Bank towns and villages reached 15, with a focus on decisions by the occupation authorities to confiscate Palestinian lands in the Masafer area of Yatta. Additional sites included land between the settlements of Ibei Hanahal and Ma'ale Amos in the Bethlehem area, the road adjacent to Wadi Azriq in Hizma, and the Jabal al-Masalma area in the village of Raba in Jenin, all for the benefit of settlement projects. In a related context, occupation forces erected three mobile homes north of Salfit, bulldozed agricultural land in Husan near the Beitar Illit settlement, uprooted dozens of olive trees, and transferred 12 mobile homes to a new settlement outpost on Jabal al-Kadan from land in Kafr Qaddum. The new settlement, renamed the "Gideon Neighborhood" and part of the Kedumim settlement, is home to 10 settler families. Settlers also fenced off land near Palestinian tents in the Al-Farisiya area of Tubas and areas between the villages of Qaryut and Jalud in Nablus. They bulldozed land, paved roads, and uprooted olive trees west of the village of Deir Ammar in Ramallah, as well as agricultural land in Aqraba in Nablus, to seize more territory. They filled in water collection wells to expand the Daniel settlement in the Shoshala area, south of Al-Khader. Settlers set up tents on Palestinian land south of Asira Al-Qibliya in Nablus, as well as on other Palestinian land near the Karmei Tzur settlement in the Hebron area. They vandalized a water well and established a new settlement outpost near Arab al-Kaabneh in the Wadi Al-Qelt area, west of Jericho. In just one week, the OIC's Observatory recorded 70 settler attacks on Palestinian towns and villages. Notably, a raid on the village of Kafr Malik in Ramallah resulted in the deaths of three Palestinians, injuries to ten others, and the burning of ten vehicles. Further incidents included attacks on Palestinian homes, theft of property in the Masafer area of Yatta in Hebron, and storming the outskirts of Al-Mazra'a Al-Gharbiya in Ramallah. Settlers stole gas cylinders, destroyed a sign for the Al-Quds Water Authority, stole a horse in Wadi Fukin, and released livestock in Arab Al-Malihat in Jericho. They burned vehicles and Palestinian property, grazed cattle on agricultural land, and cut tree branches in the Masafer area of Yatta. Settlers also stormed the village of Susya in Hebron, burned agricultural land on the outskirts of Asira Al-Qibliya and Yatma in Nablus, and uprooted 260 trees in Aqraba, Azzun in Qalqilya, and Turmus Ayya in Ramallah. They demolished a barn in Yatta and burned a hut in the village of Hizma in Al-Quds. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Exchange of Lists of Prisoners between Pakistan and India Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs Today, Pakistan and India exchanged, through diplomatic channels, the lists of prisoners in each other's custody. The exchange of lists took place in pursuance of the Agreement on Consular Access, 2008. The Agreement requires both sides to share the lists of prisoners in each other's custody on 1st January and 1st July, every year. The Government of Pakistan handed over a list of 246 Indian or believed-to-be-Indian prisoners (53 civilian prisoners and 193 fishermen) to a representative of the Indian High Commission, Islamabad. Simultaneously, the Government of India shared a list of 463 Pakistani or believed-to-be-Pakistani prisoners (382 civilian prisoners and 81 fishermen) to a diplomat from the High Commission for Pakistan, New Delhi. The Government of Pakistan has called for immediate release and repatriation of all those Pakistani prisoners and fishermen, who have completed their respective sentence and whose national status stands confirmed. A request for special consular access has also been made for all believed-to-be-Pakistani prisoners, including the physically- and mentally-challenged prisoners for expeditious confirmation of their national status. The Government of India has been urged to provide consular access to all those prisoners to whom consular access is still awaited. The Indian side has also been urged to ensure safety, security, and well-being of all Pakistani prisoners in Indian custody. The Government of Pakistan remains committed to addressing humanitarian matters as a priority. It will continue its endeavors to ensure early return of all Pakistani prisoners in Indian jails. Islamabad 01 July 2025 195/2025 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Thailand's Constitutional Court suspends PM Paetongtarn People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 14:55, July 01, 2025 BANGKOK, July 1 (Xinhua) -- Thailand's Constitutional Court suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra on Tuesday after accepting a petition accusing her of constitutional violation. A panel of judges voted to accept the petition and order Paetongtarn to stop performing her duties as prime minister starting Tuesday pending a final ruling, the court said in a statement. The decision comes after a group of senators last month filed the petition accusing Paetongtarn of breaching the constitution by a serious violation of ethical standards over a telephone conversation with Cambodian Senate President Samdech Techo Hun Sen on the border issue. Paetongtarn, the 38-year-old Pheu Thai Party leader and the daughter of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, was appointed last August to become Thailand's youngest and second female prime minister after winning a parliamentary vote. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PAF mindset now on territorial defense ops - commander Philippine News Agency By Priam Nepomuceno July 1, 2025, 1:16 pm MANILA -- The Philippine Air Force (PAF) has shifted its mindset to territorial defense as it celebrates its 78th founding anniversary, its commander said on Tuesday. Lt. Gen. Arthur Cordura, in his speech at Villamor Air Base, Pasay City, said this transformation was made when President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. earlier challenged the Air Force to "realign and sharpen our focus towards territorial defense." "Across our vast and porous archipelago, your Air Force has risen to that call, flying and defending our airspace and territorial integrity. More importantly, we transitioned mindset, posturing from internal security operations to territorial defense operations," he said. Cordura also said they are advancing their capabilities in surveillance, precision strike, advanced systems, and integrated air defense, vowing to "earnestly work" for the adoption of space capabilities. Aside from these, he said, the PAF is also evolving its doctrines, force structure, and strategic partnerships to ensure that it remains relevant and decisive in times of peace and crisis. "But more than platforms and systems, it is our values that propel us forward: integrity, service above self, teamwork, excellence, and professionalism. These remain our true strength, along with our commitment to do good governance, pursuit of a stronger safety culture, and unshakeable warrior ethos," Cordura said. (PNA) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Marcos says Air Force key to PH defense, vows relentless support Philippine News Agency By Darryl John Esguerra July 1, 2025, 12:03 pm MANILA -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday emphasized the Philippine Air Force's (PAF) crucial role in national security, disaster response, and law enforcement, vowing sustained government support to equip and modernize the service amid evolving regional threats and internal challenges. Speaking at the PAF's 78th founding anniversary celebration at the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City, Marcos praised the Air Force for its commitment to its mission and its growing capability to secure Philippine skies and support civilian communities. "The Philippine Air Force is a force in its own right. It is credible, agile, and essential to our country's aerospace defense," Marcos said, noting the PAF's consistent presence across defense, humanitarian, and law enforcement operations. He cited key operational milestones in the past year, including heightened air and maritime monitoring amid rising tensions in the West Philippine Sea. "Hundreds of unidentified tracks have been monitored in our air defense zone and thousands of vessels near our waters have been kept under close watch by the Air Force," the President said. The PAF also supported internal security efforts, he added. "Insurgents have been tracked, threats neutralized, law enforcement operations supported - from capturing criminals and stopping smuggling operations that hamper the economy," he said. The President said that behind the Air Force's quiet work is a culture of professionalism and sacrifice that continues regardless of recognition. "The hard work continues even when nobody is looking," he said. "Time and again, you put your life on the line for the sake of our people." To enable the Air Force to meet growing demands, Marcos reaffirmed his administration's commitment to sustained modernization efforts. "The government will exert all efforts to provide the Philippine Air Force with the best possible equipment, training, and facilities," he said. "We remain relentless in ensuring that support will continue." Improved capabilities, he said, have begun to materialize, with the delivery of six new aircraft, the expansion of flight simulation and advanced training programs, and the completion of infrastructure projects that ensure air assets are protected and strategically deployed. Despite operational challenges, Marcos also highlighted the PAF's swift response during natural disasters, both domestic and international. Marcos assured the troops of his commitment to their welfare and mission readiness. "Habang umaasa ang taumbayan sa inyo, kayo naman ay may maaasahan sa administrasyong ito. Bilang inyong Commander-in-Chief, titiyakin kong buo at tapat ang suporta at malasakit ko sa inyong lahat sa Philippine Air Force (While the people rely on you, you can count on this administration. As your Commander-in-Chief, I will assure steadfast and wholehearted support to the entire PAF)," he said. (PNA) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address DND chief wants MRF project to proceed in 'full package' Philippine News Agency By Priam Nepomuceno July 1, 2025, 10:44 am MANILA -- Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. wants the proposed multi-role fighter (MRF) program to proceed as a full package, with an airborne warning and control system (AWACS) and aerial tankers for mid-air refueling platforms. Having these platforms will ensure that the MRF program is "operational as a force package," Teodoro said in a media briefing at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel on Monday afternoon. This means that the country's MRFs, if deployed for missions, must be able to demonstrate their capabilities to the utmost, he said. "It is not only the purchase of the MRF, per se, which we need to deal with but also to make the MRFs operational as a force package, meaning to say, we need the AWACS capability. A lot of countries have experienced the fact that they are realizing that they need AWACS, notwithstanding the fact that their satellite capability is not enough," Teodoro said. The AWACS is generally a large aircraft fitted with airborne radars capable of early warning and detecting aircraft, ships, vehicles, and missiles at long range. It is also used to direct friendly fighter and attack aircraft regarding specific targets and serves as airborne radar pickets or surveillance assets. Aside from AWACS, Teodoro said, the Philippines also needs tanker aircraft for its proposed MRFs for sustainment purposes, as this capability would extend the range of the aircraft. Aerial tankers are large aircraft capable of transferring fuel to fighter and attack aircraft through a probe-and-drogue system. Teodoro noted that while it is easy to buy MRFs, there is a need to acquire these military assets with adequate stores, reserves, and munitions. He, however, admitted that having these would "add considerably to the cost of the package (and) must be all taken into account." "And we are in constant coordination with the DOF (Department of Finance) and the DBM (Department of Budget Management) regarding the continuity of funding available. It is easy to buy and like the first tranche. However, what we do not want is to buy, you know, have orders, have deliveries and not being able to use them for their optimal use and just have them flying air shows. That we will not countenance," Teodoro said. He said the Philippines would not buy military equipment that "will not make a difference (and) will not add to deterrence." "We will not buy standalone equipment. If there are standalones, fine. However, if equipment per se needs support equipment, we will also have to put aside funds for that," he added. He also said the DND would try to have adequate reserves of munitions per aircraft. He cited the need to have the consensus of the DOF and the legislature that they would spend annually for the adequate sustainment of these platforms so that these are not just displayed at the gates of an air base. "Those are the considerations that we need to deal with and these are very real considerations. I know the expectations of our people, but it is my responsibility to make sure that each peso spent can be supported and justified," he said. Earlier reports regarding the MRF project had the Philippines shortlisting the Lockheed Martin F-16 Block 70/72 "Viper" and the Saab JAS-39C/D "Gripen" MRFs. The budget for the MRF acquisition project is placed at PHP61 billion. The F-16 Block 72/70 is the latest and most advanced F-16 in operation today and is considered the foremost combat-proven fourth-generation MRF. It is equipped with advanced radar systems, allowing it greater detection and tracking capabilities along with advanced air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons. Meanwhile, the JAS-39 "Gripen" C/D is classified as the most reliable "swing-role combat aircraft" available in the world today. The "C" version is a single-seat aircraft while the "D" version is a two-seater configuration. The Swedish-made fighter requires minimal personnel and ground support equipment for dispersed operations and can operate from small unprepared roads. It is also equipped with sophisticated radar, sensors, and weapons. (PNA) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Red Cross raises alarm over escalating Israeli aggression in Gaza Iran Press TV Tuesday, 01 July 2025 10:11 PM The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has issued an urgent warning about the intensifying Israeli military aggression in Gaza, which has overwhelmed the region's few remaining hospitals. On Tuesday, the ICRC reported that nearly all public hospitals in Gaza are either shut down or severely damaged due to months of attacks and restricted access to critical medical supplies, equipment, and fuel. "The International Committee of the Red Cross is deeply alarmed by the intensifying hostilities in Gaza City and Jabaliya, which have reportedly caused dozens of deaths and injuries among civilians over the past 36 hours," the ICRC stated. "Nearly all public hospitals in Gaza are shut down or gutted by months of hostilities and restrictions on the entry of critical medicine, supplies and equipment," it stated. The organization highlighted that operational medical facilities, including the Red Cross Field Hospital, are critically low on essentials like fuel and body bags, severely limiting their ability to treat the wounded or manage the deceased with dignity. The ICRC noted that Gaza's decimated healthcare system is struggling to cope with a relentless surge in critical cases. Widespread evacuation orders are exacerbating the crisis, forcing civilians into increasingly confined areas, sowing panic, and hindering first responders' ability to reach those in need. The ICRC urgently calls for the protection of medical personnel and facilities in Gaza, emphasizing that they must not be deprived of vital resources. The organization also demands adequate shelter, hygiene, healthcare, safety, and food for evacuated civilians, many of whom are injured, sick, or disabled and unable to comply with evacuation orders. "Constant care must be taken to spare them," the ICRC stressed. Since October 7, 2023, when the Israeli regime began its campaign of genocide in Gaza, it has killed at least 56,531 Palestinians and wounded 133,642, according to the health ministry of Gaza. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Yemeni army strikes Israel's Ben Gurion airport with hypersonic missile Iran Press TV Tuesday, 01 July 2025 9:28 PM The Yemeni army says it has carried out several retaliatory operations against Israel, striking sensitive targets deep inside the occupied Palestinian territories. The missile force of the Yemeni Armed Forces used a Palestine 2 hypersonic ballistic missile to attack the airport, the Yemeni Armed Forces said in a statement issued on Tuesday night. The operation successfully achieved its goal, causing a large number of Israelis to flee to shelters and halting airport operations. Yemen's Armed Forces spokesman Brigadier General Yahya Saree said that the UAV force of the Yemeni Armed Forces also struck sensitive targets belonging to the Israeli enemy in the areas of Yaffa, Ashkelon, and Eilat in the occupied Palestine using three drones. He said the Yemeni army will continue its operations in support of the oppressed Palestinian people in Gaza, noting that the people of Yemen will not abandon their duties towards Palestinians. Saree stressed that the army's operations will continue until the Israeli aggression against Gaza stops and the siege of the territory is lifted. As the genocidal war on Gaza escalated, the Yemenis enforced a strategic blockade on essential maritime routes, intending to obstruct the delivery of military supplies to Israel and urge the international community to take action regarding the ongoing humanitarian emergency in Gaza. The Yemeni Armed Forces have declared they will not stop their assaults unless Israel ceases its ground and aerial offensives in Gaza, where more than 56,531 Palestinians have been killed and 133,642 wounded since the onset of war on October 7, 2023. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hamas says 'ready' for new round of indirect Gaza ceasefire talks with Israel Iran Press TV Tuesday, 01 July 2025 11:05 AM A high-ranking Hamas official says the Palestinian resistance movement is ready and determined to enter a new round of indirect negotiations with Israel, with the aim of ending the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and reaching a permanent ceasefire. "We are ready and serious to reach an agreement in case factors required for ending the war are clearly stated. We will be prepared to agree to any proposal," Taher al-Nunu stated. He, however, added that Bishara Bahbah, a Palestinian-American political activist who has been mediating between the Trump administration and Hamas, does not have the qualifications to be a mediator and is not suitable for the role. The senior Hamas official noted that Bahbah, who led the group "Arab Americans for Trump" during the 2024 presidential campaign, does not have an intermediary role. Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesman Majid al-Ansari said on Monday that the Persian Gulf kingdom is seeking to resume negotiations between Israel and Hamas to reach a Gaza ceasefire. "There are no talks regarding a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip," Ansari told a press conference in Doha. "Communications are underway to reach a formula to return to negotiations," he added, without elaborating. "We see positive language from Washington regarding reaching an agreement in Gaza, and there are serious intentions from them to push towards resuming negotiations on Gaza, but there are complications," the spokesman said. The remarks came a day after Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty said that Cairo is working on a new Gaza deal that includes a 60-day ceasefire in exchange for the release of some Israeli captives and the rapid entry of humanitarian aid into the besieged coastal territory. "Israel's stubbornness prevents the entry of aid to Gaza. It is unacceptable to continue linking the humanitarian and military sides in Gaza," he stated. At least 56,531 Palestinians have been killed, mostly women and children, and another 133,642 individuals injured in the brutal Israeli onslaught on Gaza since October 7, 2023. The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants last November for Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former minister of military affairs Yoav Gallant, citing war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its war on the besieged coastal territory. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israeli forces shoot dead at least 7 starving Palestinians at aid site in central Gaza Iran Press TV Tuesday, 01 July 2025 9:37 AM Israeli troops have shot dead at least seven starving Palestinians while they were waiting at a US-backed aid distribution site in the central parts of the besieged Gaza Strip. The deadly incident occurred on Tuesday morning, when Israeli soldiers opened fire on starving people waiting for receiving food at an aid distribution site run by the so-called Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) in central Gaza, Quds News Network reported. The shooting spree killed at least seven Palestinians and wounded at least 15 others near the Netzarim Corridor, it added, just a day after the Israeli military admitted that its soldiers "harmed" Palestinians seeking aid. The US- and Israel-backed GHF system began distributing food packages in Gaza since its establishment at the end of May, overseeing a new model of aid distribution which the UN says is neither impartial nor neutral. Figures by the Palestinian Health Ministry show that since the GHF started its operations in the war-torn territory, more than 580 aid seekers have been killed and over 4,216 others wounded. Furthermore, 39 Palestinians have also been reported missing after heading to the GHF sites to secure food. The report by Quds News Network added that Israeli mass killings of aid seekers in the vicinity of GHF aid sites have become a grim daily reality amid chaotic scenes, as desperate Palestinians are given only a narrow window to rush for food and are targeted by Israeli soldiers. Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, along with the UN, have already described these sites as "mass death traps" and "slaughterhouses." In a statement, Doctors Without Borders (MSF) also warned that "weaponizing aid in this manner may constitute crimes against humanity." "Every day Palestinians are met with carnage in their attempts to receive supplies from the insufficient amount of aid trickling into Gaza," it said. Palestinian resistance groups in a joint statement recently said the real aim behind the US aid distribution centers in Gaza is to dismantle the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, and destroy the Palestinian cause. They also emphasized that the aid centers' moves are aimed at accelerating the forced displacement, ethnic cleansing, and evacuation of the people and residents of Gaza as part of US President Donald Trump's "criminal plans." The United Nations and other aid groups refuse to cooperate with the GHF system, saying it contravenes the humanitarian principles of neutrality, impartiality, and independence. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Sheikh Qassem: Resistance will never yield to tyrannical US, criminal Israel Iran Press TV Tuesday, 01 July 2025 7:17 AM The secretary general of Hezbollah says the Lebanese resistance movement will never surrender to the tyranny of the United States and the occupying Israeli regime, describing the struggle against the two as "divine and unstoppable." "We are in an active defensive mode. Don't tell us not to defend ourselves! Don't ask us to surrender to the tyrants who want to control the destiny of humankind. We will never bow down and surrender to aggressors. Never to humiliation!!!," Sheikh Naim Qassem said as he delivered a televised speech broadcast from the Lebanese capital Beirut late on Monday. He called the Israeli occupation of the Lebanese territory temporary, while characterizing its liberation as definitive. "This land will remain noble, dignified and free, by God's will. The occupation is temporary, but liberation is ultimate." The Hezbollah chief stated that the resistance group's ongoing confrontation with the US and the Zionist entity is a just and divinely inspired battle. Sheikh Qassem then described Israel as "an aggressive, oppressive, and criminal entity," and the United States as "a tyrannical force" attempting to destroy dignified life around the world. "Israel is criminal, and America is tyrannical. We have the right to say 'No' to both," the Hezbollah leader said. "Our commitment to defend our land emanates from the fact that it is ours by right," Sheikh Qassem said, underscoring, "Others cannot deprive us of this right for the sake of their own interests. We will act in defense of our right." The Hezbollah chief stated that Israel is on the rampage, and so is the United States. "They want to exploit the status quo to reshape the region." "Whoever supports Israel and the US is the one driving our country towards the brink of abyss," Sheikh Qassem noted. He urged all walks of the Lebanese society to establish their national loyalty as their number-one priority, and to refrain from supporting the schemes of the US and Israel, especially at this critical juncture. "We can shape a future of dignity and have glamour once justice prevails. It is when we liberate our land and prevent Israel and the US from imposing their diktats upon us," the Hezbollah leader said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Dalai Lama's expected announcement might impede Chinese control of his succession Analysis: Naming a successor would influence a future for Tibetans that China has sought to steer. By Tenzin Pema for RFA Tibetan 2025.07.01 -- As the Dalai Lama approaches his 90th birthday on July 6, the world awaits the Tibetan spiritual leader's decision on whether there will be a next Dalai Lama - an announcement the head of Tibetan Buddhism promised to unveil when he is 90 in what may serve as a definitive move to thwart the Chinese government's efforts to exert control over his succession. The announcement is set to be the most consequential in modern Tibetan history, one that will shape the future of Tibetans' seven-decade-long struggle to preserve their religious and cultural freedoms in the face of Chinese oppression and the continuation of the 14th Dalai Lama's legacy as a global icon of compassion, peace, democracy and human dignity. At a conference of Tibetan religious leaders scheduled for July 2-4 in Dharamsala, just days before his 90th birthday, the global Buddhist leader is expected to announce if the institution of the Dalai Lama will continue and confirm whether formal responsibility for the recognition of the 15th Dalai Lama should rest with the Gaden Phodrang Trust, his private office. In 2011, at the conclusion of a similar convention of the heads of all Tibetan religious traditions, the Dalai Lama issued a formal statement saying that when he turns 90, he would consult with Tibetan religious leaders and the public on whether there should be a next Dalai Lama. "If it is decided that the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama should continue and there is a need for the Fifteenth Dalai Lama to be recognized, responsibility for doing so will primarily rest on the concerned officers of the Dalai Lama's Gaden Phodrang Trust (the Office of the Dalai Lama)," the Buddhist leader said in his Sep. 24, 2011, statement. "They should consult the various heads of the Tibetan Buddhist traditions and the reliable oath-bound Dharma Protectors who are linked inseparably to the lineage of the Dalai Lamas... and carry out the procedures of search and recognition in accordance with past tradition. I shall leave clear written instructions about this," he added. At the time, the Dalai Lama also made clear that "...apart from a reincarnation recognized through such legitimate methods, no recognition or acceptance should be given to a candidate chosen for political ends by anyone, including those in the People's Republic of China." If China does intervene, it wouldn't be the first time. On May 17, 1995, the Chinese government abducted a then-6-year-old boy named Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, just days after he was officially recognized by the Dalai Lama as the 11th Panchen Lama, the second-highest spiritual leader in the largest sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Rights groups say his continued disappearance and China's installation of another boy, Gyaltsen (in Chinese, Gyaincain) Norbu, in his place, highlights the Chinese government's long-held plan to control the recognition of the next Dalai Lama, given the two lamas have historically recognized the other's successive reincarnations and served as the other's teacher. The Chinese government, for its part, believes it can appoint the reincarnation of the 14th Dalai Lama under Chinese law. "The reincarnation of Living Buddhas is unique to Tibetan Buddhism. It must comply with Chinese laws and regulations as well as religious rituals and historical conventions, and follow the process that consists of search and identification in China, lot-drawing from a golden urn, and central government approval," Liu Pengyu, a spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in Washington D.C., told RFA last month. In 2007, Beijing decreed that the Chinese government would begin overseeing the recognition of all reincarnate Tibetan lamas, or "living Buddhas," including the next incarnation of the Dalai Lama. China plans to use its own Beijing-appointed Panchen Lama to endorse their choice - a move the Dalai Lama has said contradicts the Chinese Communist Party's political ideology. "It is particularly inappropriate for Chinese communists, who explicitly reject even the idea of past and future lives, let alone the concept of reincarnate Tulkus (or Buddhist incarnated beings), to meddle in the system of reincarnation and especially the reincarnations of the Dalai Lamas and Panchen Lamas," the Dalai Lama said in 2011. "Such brazen meddling contradicts their own political ideology and reveals their double standards. Should this situation continue in the future, it will be impossible for Tibetans and those who follow the Tibetan Buddhist tradition to acknowledge or accept it," he added. The Dalai Lama's statement on his reincarnation may, therefore, serve to preempt Beijing's efforts to interfere in the recognition of the 15th Dalai Lama. It is expected to come just days before the U.S. Congress is likely to formally designate July 6 as "A Day of Compassion" through a bipartisan resolution introduced by U.S. lawmakers in the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate in recognition of the Dalai Lama's "outstanding contributions to peace, nonviolence, human rights, and religious understanding." Edited by Greg Barber 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 July not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The Yangtze River, once a formidable natural barrier, has become a thoroughfarenot only by bridges but also by tunnels! At 11 a.m. on July 1st, 2025, the highly anticipated Wuhu Longwan Yangtze River Tunnel officially opened to traffic. From that point on, driving from Jiangbei New Area to the opposite Wuhu Dalongwan downtown area has been reduced from 40 minutes to just 5 minutes. As Anhui Provinces first river-crossing tunnel, the Wuhu Longwan Yangtze River Tunnel is hailed as the Number One Tunnel of the 800-li Wanjiang River (The Anhui section of the Yangtze River). The tunnel is located at the great bend of the Yangtze River in Wuhu City. It connects Longwan Road in Jiangbei New Area on the north side, passes underneath the Yangtze River, and links to Dagongshan Road in the urban area on the south side. The tunnel is 6 kilometers long, features six lanes (three in each direction) of urban expressway, and is designed for a speed of 80 km/h. Beneath the Yangtze River, the geology is complex. The tunnel boring machine had to traverse over 10 types of mixed strata over a long distance, making it a geological museum of shield tunneling. According to Wang Chengzhen, commander of the China Railway 14th Bureaus Wuhu Yangtze River Tunnel Construction Headquarters, to tackle the complicated geological conditions under the riverbed, the project used two giant 15.07-meter-diameter slurry shield machines tunneling in the same direction for the first time. They overcame challenges such as uneven soft and hard composite cohesive soils and fractured fault zones. Over 1,228 days of construction, more than 20 key core technologies were developed to ensure steady shield tunneling under the Yangtze River. The Wuhu Longwan Yangtze River Tunnel is one of the backbone routes in Wuhus Two Vertical, Four Horizontal, One Ring urban expressway system. The tunnel is about 9 kilometers from the downstream Wuhu Yangtze River Bridge and about 5.5 kilometers from the Wuhu Yangtze River Third Bridge, connecting Jiangbei central district, Jiangnan central district, and the new science and education industrial area. According to a planning official from Anhuis Department of Transportation, with the opening of the Wuhu Longwan Tunnel, Anhui has now completed 11 river-crossing passages10 Yangtze River bridges and 1 river-crossing tunnel. Additionally, projects such as the G3 Tongling Yangtze River Rail-and-Road Bridge and Chizhou Yangtze River Rail-and-Road Bridge are progressing rapidly. Source: Anhui Daily Paks II Nuclear Power Plant May Be Ready by Mid-2030s - Hungarian Foreign Minister Sputnik News 20250701 BUDAPEST (Sputnik) - New units at Hungary's Paks II nuclear power plant may be ready by the mid-2030s, and the facility could then cover 70% of the country's electricity needs, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said following the US decision to lift sanctions related to the project. On Sunday, Szijjarto said that Washington had lifted sanctions on investments into the Paks 2 NPP, enabling construction to resume. Russian state nuclear corporation Rosatom told Sputnik that the exemption from US financial sanctions of a number of Russian banks and insurance companies related to nuclear energy will allow the company to more intensively implement this project together with its Hungarian partners. "Therefore, investments in Paks II are now receiving a new impetus, so that from the middle of the next decade we will be able to cover 70% of Hungary's electricity demand through our own nuclear production," Szijjarto said at a press conference on Monday. The minister noted that after the project's implementation, Hungary will be able to import approximately 3.5 billion cubic meters less natural gas and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 17 million tonnes, as well as become more energy independent. The Paks NPP is Hungary's only nuclear power plant. In late 2014, Russia and Hungary signed an agreement on the construction of two Generation III+ VVER 1200 power units at Paks, in addition to the existing four VVER-440 reactors, which generate almost 50% of Hungary's electricity. Russia agreed to give Hungary a loan of up to 10 billion euros ($11.78 billion) to finance the construction. A license for the construction of the power units has already been issued. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, and Japanese Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi Remarks to the Press US Department of State Remarks Marco Rubio, Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson Room Washington, D.C. July 1, 2025 SECRETARY RUBIO: Welcome. Well, thank you all for joining us here today. I'm reminded by my colleagues from India, Australia, and Japan that within an hour of becoming the Secretary of State of the United States, this was my first meeting. So we like to do these every six months, right, every five months. But we're honored to host them here today in this very important partnership that has developed over the years and that I think has really taken wing in the last few months, and that we want to continue to build on. These are very important countries. These are very important strategic partners and allies of the United States, and together we have a lot of shared priorities - a lot of things we care about in the world. I think there are many global problems but also problems that we face in our respective countries that can be solved by us cooperating together. One of the challenges upon coming - although this is a great partnership and a great forum in which to discuss these issues - one of the challenges has been - with something new like this - is turning meetings and gatherings where we talk about ideas and concepts into a vehicle for action, into a vehicle for actually being able to take concrete actions. And that's the next step in this great partnership, is to actually begin to see concrete actions and steps being taken in conjunction with one another, in coordination with one another, in partnership with one another for the benefit of our respective countries and ultimately of many other countries in the world. There are many countries that are going to benefit from this partnership even though they're not members of it. And it's not simply a security matter. It's largely, in many cases, about economic development. In fact, later today, we'll be hosting here in this building a number of companies - I think over 30 or 40 companies was the last count representing all four of our countries - companies that are doing businesses in these countries, or who are domiciled in these counties, and who are going to be visiting here to talk about things we can work together on. And there are many topics that we can work on and focus on. One that I've personally been very focused on is diversifying the global supply chain of critical minerals - not just access to the raw material but also access to the ability to process and refine it to useable material. It's critical for all technologies and for all industries across the board. And so having a diverse and reliable global supply chain of these is just one example of many that we can focus on and build upon and achieve some real progress on. So that's the hope for this partnership. That's why it's so important to host it here today. And in addition to the bilateral relationships we have with each of the three partner nations that are here, it's also important within this forum to turn it into one where we begin to focus on specific issues that we want to work together on and begin to deliver action on those issues. And today's the next step in that process. It's an honor to host them. And now I'm going to ask the - my - become a friend; I've seen him a number of times now in just six months on the job. And I was just telling him how much he travels. I follow the news. And he's - every time I see, he's somewhere else in the world. He's been very busy, but my colleague from India, who will be followed by my colleague from Australia, and then of course Japan, who I've also seen quite a number of times. I've - in fact, I've seen you more than my own children - (laughter) - because he's at all - some of the same forums that we've been on, and it's been an important partnership as well. So I'm grateful to all of you for being here today. Welcome to the State Department. Welcome to Washington. And I look forward to visiting you and your respective countries as well, and for the progress that we're making together in this very, very important partnership and the forum that we've created. So thank you, thank you. EXTERNAL AFFAIRS MINISTER JAISHANKAR: Thank you. I'm very pleased to be back in D.C. for the second time this year for a Quad foreign ministers meeting. And let me begin by saying that we're all committed to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific. To that end, our endeavors are devoted to promoting a rules-based international order. It is essential that nations of the Indo-Pacific have the freedom of choice so essential to make right decisions on development and security. In the last few months, we have made significant progress in Quad initiatives. They include the maritime domain, logistics, education, and political coordination. We will be discussing that in greater detail. The working on the Quad has also been made more efficient through streamlining the working groups - a more cohesive, nimble, and focused Quad will certainly help deliver better. Quad is about deepening our convergence and expanding our common ground. I value our consultations on different dimensions of the Indo-Pacific in that regard. A lot is happening in the world, and I'm sure that our exchange of views will be very valuable for all of us. A word about terrorism in the light of our recent experience: The world must display zero tolerance, victims and perpetrators must never be equated, and India has every right to defend its people against terrorism - and we will exercise that right. We expect our Quad partners to understand and appreciate that. India plans to host the next Quad summit. We have some proposals on how to make that productive. I'm sure so do our partners. We will discuss, and I'm sure we will agree. Once again, I thank Secretary Rubio for hosting us today, and I look forward to our discussions. Thank you. FOREIGN MINISTER WONG: Thanks very much. It's really wonderful to be back here in Washington. It was such an honor to be asked, be invited to attend the inauguration of President Trump in January and to attend it with my colleagues from India and Japan. And Secretary Rubio, it was indeed your first - your first few hours of being Secretary of State. It was such an honor to meet with you, and I look forward. Thank you for the engagement over particularly this last little period with the Middle East, and then obviously we look forward to your visit to the ASEAN set of meetings in our region. We are - we understand how important this partnership is. It is such an important partnership for the world, it's such an important partnership for our region, it's such an important partnership for the countries represented. The importance of our partnership is highlighted by the urgency of the strategic challenges that we all face. In his testimony to his confirmation hearings, the Secretary spoke about the future of the 21st century being made in this region, being shaped in this region. And Australia agrees. This is a very important Quad meeting, as always. And unfortunately we meet against the backdrop of conflict and of escalating competition. So it has never been more important for us to harness our collective strength and peace for stability, for prosperity in the Indo-Pacific and for all our peoples. These four countries represent nearly a quarter of the world's population and over a third of global GDP. We are independent, sovereign nations. We bring our own perspectives, our own interests. And we also know this: that we are stronger when we work together. Whether it's when we respond to emergencies, as we did when we together mobilized quickly to support communities affected by the deadly earthquakes in Myanmar; or all cooperating on issues which are critical to the region's security and prosperity, such as technology, supply chains, and maritime security - practical cooperation, which is all designed to make all of us safer in a region which continues to change. I'm very grateful to be hosted again by the Secretary for this, our second Quad meeting in six months, and I look forward to the discussion today. Thank you. FOREIGN MINISTER IWAYA: (Via interpreter) Today, I am pleased to convene the second Quad foreign ministers meeting of this year, thanks to Marco's initiative. The previous foreign ministers meeting in January took place just a few hours after Marco's first day at the State Department, and I believe that sent a positive and a strong message to the international community. The fact that the four foreign ministers are once again gathering here in Washington, D.C. only six months later demonstrates the strength of the unity and the importance of the Quad. Currently, there is turmoil in the Middle East and in Europe. The Indo-Pacific region, where our four countries are located, is the growth engine of the global economy, accounting for more than half of the world's population. With this, the peace and stability of the Indo-Pacific region are essential for the prosperity of international community. The four countries, as major powers in the region, have an important role to play in ensuring peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. Today, I'm looking forward to engaging in in-depth strategic discussions on the current international situation. Additionally, we will exchange views on future cooperation that will benefit countries in the region in order to advance the realization of a free and open Indo-Pacific. Thank you very much. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Secretary Rubio's Meeting with the Quad Foreign Ministers US Department of State Readout Office of the Spokesperson July 1, 2025 The below is attributable to Spokesperson Tammy Bruce: Secretary of State Marco Rubio hosted Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, and Japanese Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi in Washington today for the Quad Foreign Ministers' Meeting. The officials reaffirmed their steadfast commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific and their resolve to work together to support peace, security, and prosperity in the region. The Foreign Ministers announced the launch of the Quad Critical Minerals Initiative, an ambitious expansion of our partnership to strengthen economic security and collective resilience by securing and diversifying critical mineral supply chains. The Secretary also met separately with each of the ministers to strengthen bilateral cooperation. In his meeting with Foreign Minister Iwaya, the Secretary emphasized the U.S.-Japan Alliance as vital to Indo-Pacific peace and prosperity and explored deeper security and energy sector cooperation with Japan. In his meeting with External Affairs Minister Jaishankar, the Secretary affirmed the strength of the U.S.-India relationship, highlighting implementation of the U.S.-India COMPACT which will enhance our two nations' collaboration on trade, defense, energy, countering illegal immigration, counternarcotics, and more. Finally, the Secretary met with Foreign Minister Wong to deepen cooperation through the U.S.-Australia Alliance to enhance security in the Indo-Pacific and discuss cooperation on building secure critical mineral supply chains. As a proud Indo-Pacific nation, the United States will continue to deepen cooperation with Quad partners to protect our shared interests in the region. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Joint Statement from the Quad Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Washington US Department of State Media Note Office of the Spokesperson July 1, 2025 The text of the following statement was released by the Secretary of State of the United States, the Foreign Minister of Australia, the External Affairs Minister of India, and the Foreign Minister of Japan. Begin text: We, the Secretary of State of the United States, and the Foreign Ministers of Australia, India, and Japan met in Washington, D.C., on July 1, 2025, to reaffirm our steadfast commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. We underscore our commitment to defending the rule of law, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. As four leading maritime nations in the Indo-Pacific, we are united in our conviction that peace and stability in the maritime domain underpin the security and prosperity of the region. We are committed to a region where all countries are free from coercion and strongly oppose any unilateral actions that seek to change the status quo by force or coercion. We discussed the opportunities and challenges in the Indo-Pacific and how to further harness the strengths and resources of the Quad to advance peace, security, and prosperity, working with our regional partners. To ensure the Quad's enduring impact, we are pleased to announce today a new, ambitious, and strong agenda focused on four key areas: maritime and transnational security, economic prosperity and security, critical and emerging technology, and humanitarian assistance and emergency response. Through this renewed focus, we will sharpen the Quad's ability to leverage our resources to address the region's most pressing challenges. As we advance our shared objectives for the region, our cooperation with and support for ASEAN and its centrality and unity, the Pacific Islands Forum and Pacific-led regional groupings, and the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) remain unwavering. We remain seriously concerned about the situation in the East China Sea and South China Sea. We reiterate our strong opposition to any unilateral actions that seek to change the status quo by force or coercion. We express our serious concerns regarding dangerous and provocative actions, including interference with offshore resource development, the repeated obstruction of the freedoms of navigation and overflight, and the dangerous maneuvers by military aircraft and coast guard and maritime militia vessels, especially the unsafe use of water cannons and ramming or blocking actions in the South China Sea. These actions threaten peace and stability in the region. We are seriously concerned by the militarization of disputed features. We emphasize the importance of upholding freedom of navigation and overflight, other lawful uses of the sea, and unimpeded commerce consistent with international law, as reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). We affirm that maritime disputes must be resolved peacefully and in accordance with international law, and reiterate that the award rendered by the Arbitral Tribunal on July 12, 2016 is a significant milestone and the basis for peacefully resolving disputes between the parties. We are deeply concerned about the abrupt constriction and future reliability of key supply chains, specifically for critical minerals. This includes the use of non-market policies and practices for critical minerals, certain derivative products, and mineral processing technology. We underscore the importance of diversified and reliable global supply chains. Reliance on any one country for processing and refining critical minerals and derivative goods production exposes our industries to economic coercion, price manipulation, and supply chain disruptions, which further harms our economic and national security. We condemn North Korea's destabilizing launches using ballistic missile technology and its continued pursuit of nuclear weapons in violation of multiple UN Security Council resolutions (UNSCRs). We reaffirm our commitment to the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula consistent with relevant UNSCRs, and we urge North Korea to abide by all its obligations under the UNSCRs. We also express grave concern over North Korea's malicious cyber activity, including cryptocurrency theft and use of workers abroad to fund North Korea's unlawful weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs. We will continue to support efforts to address contraventions of North Korea-related UNSCRs. We urge all UN Member States to abide by their international obligations under the UNSCRs to implement sanctions, including the prohibition on the transfer to North Korea or procurement from North Korea of all arms and related materiel. We express deep concern about countries that are deepening military cooperation with North Korea, which directly undermines the global nonproliferation regime. We reconfirm the necessity of immediate resolution of the abductions issue. We remain deeply concerned by the worsening crisis in Myanmar and its impact on the region. We call on the regime to adhere to its commitment to a ceasefire, and call on all parties to implement, extend and broaden ceasefire measures. We reaffirm our strong support for ASEAN's efforts, including calling for the full and effective implementation of the Five Point Consensus in seeking an inclusive, durable, and peaceful resolution to the crisis. We call on all parties to allow safe and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance. We are also concerned about the impact of the crisis on regional security and the spread of transnational crimes. We are committed to fighting cybercrime and online scam operations. The Quad unequivocally condemns all acts of terrorism and violent extremism in all its forms and manifestations, including cross-border terrorism, and renews our commitment to counterterrorism cooperation. We condemn in the strongest terms the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir on April 22, 2025, which claimed the lives of 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen, while injuring several others. We express our deepest condolences to the families of the victims and extend our heartfelt wishes for a swift and full recovery to all those injured. We call for the perpetrators, organizers, and financiers of this reprehensible act to be brought to justice without any delay and urge all UN Member States, in accordance with their obligations under international law and relevant UNSCRs, to cooperate actively with all relevant authorities in this regard. In the face of these challenges, we are proud to announce today key initiatives that the Quad is advancing to strengthen maritime and transnational security, economic prosperity and security, critical and emerging technology, and support humanitarian assistance and emergency response across the Indo-Pacific. We are launching today the Quad Critical Minerals Initiative, an ambitious expansion of our partnership to strengthen economic security and collective resilience by collaborating to secure and diversify critical minerals supply chains. We continue to deepen our cooperation on maritime law enforcement cooperation through regional training initiatives, maritime legal dialogues, and Coast Guard cooperation. We plan to host the first Quad Indo-Pacific Logistics Network field training exercise this year to strengthen shared airlift capacity and leverage our collective logistics strengths to respond to natural disasters more rapidly and efficiently, providing support for regional partners. We also plan to launch the Quad Ports of the Future Partnership in Mumbai this year. We continue to coordinate rapid responses to regional disasters and collectively contributed over USD $30 million in humanitarian assistance to support communities affected by the earthquake that struck central Myanmar in March 2025. We will continue to counter foreign efforts to push false narratives and interfere with Quad interests in the Indo-Pacific. As the Quad continues to evolve, our four democracies remain committed to deepening our cooperation in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific, and ensuring our cooperation has an enduring impact on the region's top challenges and opportunities in the 21st century. We look forward to the next Quad Leaders' Summit hosted by India later this year and the next Quad Foreign Ministers' Meeting hosted by Australia in 2026. End text. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 2025 Quad Foreign Ministers' Meeting US Department of State Fact Sheet Office of the Spokesperson July 1, 2025 The Secretary of State of the United States and the Foreign Ministers of Australia, India, and Japan met in Washington, D.C. on July 1, 2025, for the 10th Quad Foreign Ministers' Meeting. They welcomed recent and upcoming activities conducted by their four countries and in cooperation with partners to advance a free and open Indo-Pacific. Ministers announced key initiatives to strengthen maritime and transnational security, economic prosperity and security, critical and emerging technology, and support humanitarian assistance and emergency response across the region. Today, Quad Foreign Ministers are proud to announce the launch of the Quad Critical Minerals Initiative, an ambitious expansion of our partnership to strengthen economic security and collective resilience by collaborating on securing and diversifying critical mineral supply chains. This new flagship initiative, alongside the high-impact programs and outcomes the Quad is realizing, will enable our four countries to bring economic opportunity and prosperity to our people and the region. Maritime and Transnational Security The Quad is expanding maritime law enforcement cooperation with the region, which will support efforts to curtail illicit maritime activity, including piracy, drug trafficking, infringements on border security, and illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. This month, we launched the first-ever Quad-at-Sea Ship Observer Mission, which strengthens our interoperability and knowledge-sharing to best address unlawful maritime activities across the region. Quad partners have embarked as observers on a U.S. Coast Guard Cutter that has departed Palau and will disembark in Guam this week. Later this month, the Quad will hold the second maritime legal dialogue to advance efforts to uphold maritime order. We continue to implement the Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA), including the increased provision of space-based collection and sharing of radio frequency data, analytical training, and capacity building. We intend to geographically expand IPMDA across the Indian Ocean region and continue to explore developing an IPMDA common operating picture. We intend to conduct the first Maritime Initiative for Training in the Indo-Pacific (MAITRI) workshop in 2025, which aims to assess the capability gaps in the region and enhance the maritime capabilities in consultation with regional partners. Economic Prosperity and Security The Quad is committed to ensuring a free and open region and promoting the prosperity of our citizens and all people in the Indo-Pacific region. We aim to strengthen energy security across the Indo-Pacific and promote resilient supply chains and quality infrastructure projects that are transparent and secure. The Quad Critical Minerals Initiative will strengthen cooperation on priorities such as securing and diversifying reliable supply chains, and electronic waste (e-waste) critical minerals recovery and re-processing. The Initiative will expand the Quad's cooperation on supply chain resilience measures for critical minerals, and we look forward to coordinating with private sector partners to facilitate increased investments. We will formally launch the Quad Ports of the Future Partnership by hosting a transportation and logistics conference with Indo-Pacific partners in Mumbai in October 2025. The conference will increase knowledge, facilitate dialogue, and exchange experiences on advanced ports and logistics practices; and mobilize government and private sector investments in quality port infrastructure development. This will complement the work Quad partners have done to boost infrastructure expertise across the Indo-Pacific region through the Quad Infrastructure Fellowships Program. We continue to advance the Quad Partnership on Cable Connectivity and Resilience. This year, the United States and India will host an undersea cables forum with participation from Quad partners to identify opportunities for digital infrastructure collaboration. This forum will encourage regulatory harmonization which supports more efficient access by Quad partner companies to identify opportunities for digital infrastructure collaboration. Australia's Cable Connectivity and Resilience Centre is supporting partner governments to strengthen their undersea cable policies and regulations. Critical and Emerging Technology The Quad recognizes the transformative power of critical and emerging technologies and will continue to advance secure and trusted information and communications technology infrastructure while expanding our work on artificial intelligence, semiconductors, technical standards, biotechnology, and cybersecurity. The Quad will continue to promote digital infrastructure projects across the Indo-Pacific, in close collaboration with the private sector, to support security, interoperability, and innovation in the Quad. The Quad will take forward lessons learned from the Open Radio Access Network (Open RAN) deployment in Palau and consider future deployments. The Quad remains committed to deepening research to harness artificial intelligence, robotics, and sensing to transform agricultural approaches and empower farmers across the Indo-Pacific through the Advancing Innovations for Empowering NextGen Agriculture (AI-ENGAGE) initiative. The Quad STEM Fellowship continues to build ties among the next generation of science and technology leaders. The next cohort will include graduate student Fellows based in Japan, an exciting step in the program's commitment to fostering international collaboration in STEM. India has also launched the Quad STEM scholarships initiative for fifty students from the Indo-Pacific to pursue a four-year undergraduate engineering program at government-funded technical institutions. Humanitarian Assistance and Emergency Response We continue to support humanitarian assistance and emergency response and efforts to prevent and contain health security threats across the Indo-Pacific region. Following the earthquake that struck central Myanmar in March 2025, the Quad contributed together over USD$30 million in humanitarian assistance to support the communities affected. In March 2025, the Quad convened a workshop on pandemic preparedness, hosted by India, with the participation of 15 Indo-Pacific countries to strengthen global health emergency frameworks, enhance regional resilience, and ensure a safer and healthier Indo-Pacific. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General Department of Public Information . News and Media Division . New York 1 July 2025 The following is a near-verbatim transcript of today's briefing by Stephane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General. ** Briefing Al right, good afternoon. As soon as you are done with me, you will be joined by Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, the Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the United Nations, who is here to brief you on the programme of work of the Security Council for the month of July, given that Pakistan is holding the Presidency this month. ** Secretary-General Financing for Development This morning, in Sevilla, Spain, our Secretary-General had a closed meeting with the Heads of the Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs). He then had a bilateral meeting with Juan Manuel Moreno Bonilla, President of the regional government of Andalusia and the First Vice-President of the European Committee of the Regions. And as you will have seen we issued a number of readouts of his meetings with world leaders while he was in Sevilla. He left Sevilla this afternoon. And we will be announcing his upcoming trip very shortly. ** Deputy Secretary-General Financing for Development Our Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed, was also present at the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FFD4) in Sevilla, where she delivered remarks at the High-Level session of the International Business Forum. She called for a shift from international assistance to investments in sustainable development and underscored the private sector's role in delivering impact at scale. She also participated in a meeting of G20-Spain high-level special event on debt sustainability in developing countries alongside Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, and she highlighted the need to break the cycle of debt and welcomed the growing attention from policymakers on this very issue. This evening, she will travel to Vienna to address the sixty-eighth session of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, which is being organized by the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA). During her time there, she will meet with Member States, senior government officials and the UN system. She will then return to Seville on Thursday for the closing segment of FFD4. ** Occupied Palestinian Territory Turning to the situation in the Gaza Strip, where Israeli military operations have further intensified in northern Gaza since the issuance of the displacement order issued on Sunday: In the time since that directive was announced, our partners on the ground say that at least 1,500 families have been displaced from North Gaza, as well as eastern parts of Gaza governorate; they have moved towards the central and western parts of Gaza governorate. Over the past 48 hours, five school buildings sheltering displaced families in North Gaza were reportedly hit, with deaths and injuries reported. Initial assessments by partners indicate that many families who fled from the schools that were hit have returned to North Gaza, largely due to the lack of alternatives and limited shelter space elsewhere. Healthcare also continues to come under attack. The World Health Organization (WHO) says that in central Gaza yesterday, a tent sheltering people in the courtyard of Al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir al Balah was reportedly hit, injuring a number of people. The agency added that the hospital's internal medicine department also sustained some damage, and its oxygen supply line was affected. Since October 2023, WHO has documented 734 attacks against healthcare facilities in Gaza. WHO reiterated its call for the protection of civilians and healthcare facilities. OCHA (Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs) reiterates that under international humanitarian law, civilians and civilian infrastructure must be protected, not targeted. Regarding aid operations on the ground, OCHA says that movement restrictions remain a major challenge, preventing partners from predictably and sustainably providing critical assistance and services. Yesterday, only eight out of 15 attempts to coordinate humanitarian movements inside Gaza were facilitated by the Israeli authorities, including those missions to remove debris. Three other missions were outright denied, while two missions were impeded and two others had to be cancelled due to security or logistical challenges. As humanitarian assistance and basic services dwindle, people in Gaza have been increasingly deprived of the means for their survival. This is a red flag that demands urgent action to secure the opening of all crossings and facilitation of all humanitarian operations, including meaningful flows of necessary life-saving supplies. OCHA warns that fuel supplies are fast running out with devastating consequences for civilians, as you can imagine. Today, the Ministry of Health reported that Al-Shifa Medical Complex has suspended its kidney dialysis services due to fuel shortages, and that intensive care services will be limited to only a few hours per day. Ensuring sustained access to fuel is essential to avoid a collapse of the logistics backbone underpinning the humanitarian response. No fuel has entered Gaza since the ceasefire which ended which was about 17 weeks ago, and as stocks available are depleted, OCHA warns that more life-saving and life-sustaining facilities could also shut down very soon. The World Food Programme (WFP) warns that the window to push back starvation in Gaza is closing fast. The agency adds that its teams are adapting in real time setting up new distribution points, navigating extreme constraints, and using every safe route to reach people where they are. However, to sustain these efforts, the agency reiterates its call for multiple points of access and safe routes to reach people, support from the international community, and a sustained ceasefire. ** Syria Just moving to Syria and on the humanitarian front there, we and our partners continue to deliver aid across the country. Our Humanitarian and Resident Coordinator for Syria, Adam Abdelmoula, today completed a three-day UN inter-agency mission in the north-west of the country to the governorates of Aleppo and Idleb to assess humanitarian needs there. The team met with interim local authorities, displaced communities and people who have returned to their communities. The team also visited a healthcare centre in Marat Numan, in Idleb governorate, which has been rehabilitated by WHO and its partners. It provides over 100,000 people with healthcare, vaccinations, emergency care and maternity care. Our humanitarian colleagues also tell us that cross-border aid deliveries from Turkiye have significantly increased this year, with more than 1,400 trucks crossing into Syria as of yesterday. This is five times the number of trucks getting in than compared to the same period of last year. Since January of this year, more than 1.6 million men, women and children have received food, health, shelter and other support. Meanwhile, OCHA says that explosive ordnance contamination continues to have a deadly impact across Syria. Since the start of 2025, more 390 civilians have been killed across the country, including over 100 children. More than 500 civilians have also been injured. And on the political front, we have been asked about our reaction to the US's decision yesterday regarding rescinding a large portion of economic sanctions on Syria. I can tell you that we very much welcome this measure taken by the United States. Our Special Envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen says this is a significant step toward offering the country a path to recovery, to stability and a better future. He underscores that it is critical to give the Syrian people a genuine opportunity to rebuild their own country. As we have been reiterating, and we continue to reiterate, the importance of ensuring that all sanctions relief actions are fully utilised, and that financial support and resources are provided alongside the easing of sanctions. Alongside sanctions relief, a transparent and inclusive political transition together with security and protection for all Syrians remains the cornerstone of any lasting stability in Syria. ** Sudan Moving to Sudan: The Secretary-General's Personal Envoy for Sudan, Ramtane Lamamra, is intensifying his good offices efforts to support the de-escalation of the conflict and advance a political solution. Mr. Lamamra continues to underscore the criticality of scaled up and more unified diplomatic efforts by the international community to end the war. Mr. Lamamra's team is currently finalizing consultations on the next Consultative Group meeting, to be co-organized with the African Union in Addis Ababa. The Personal Envoy is also continuing his efforts to launch a preparatory consultation process on protection of civilians with the parties intended to lead to proximity talks as soon as feasibly possible. And on the humanitarian end, I want to focus a bit more on the situation around El Fasher. I can tell you that Tom Fletcher, the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, has spoken to senior officials of the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces this week to press for a humanitarian pause, as the Secretary-General said to you last week, so that life-saving aid can reach thousands of people in the besieged city of El Fasher. Since April of last year, we and our partners have had limited access to reach civilians in urgent need. Our humanitarian colleagues underscore that we will continue our engagements with the aim of facilitating the swift and safe delivery of aid to all those who need it. Meanwhile, across Sudan we continue to be deeply concerned about the humanitarian impact of the ongoing fighting, which is escalating displacement and driving needs even higher, including in the Kordofan region. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) says that in North and West Kordofan states prompted more than 30,000 people to flee their towns and villages due to the fighting. People also continue to flee hostilities in North Darfur, with fighting in El Fasher having displaced more than 400,000 human beings since April of this year, and they move mostly to the town of Tawila. Last month, nearly 8,000 of those displaced from North Darfur arrived in Ad-Dabba locality, in Northern state that's according to local authorities there. The influx has increased pressure on already limited resources, straining access to healthcare, shelter, clean water and food. Once again, we call on all parties in Sudan to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure and facilitate safe and sustainable access to vulnerable people in need across the country, in line with their obligations under international humanitarian law and just humanitarian law. Our humanitarian colleagues are also sounding the alarm over the risk of potential floods during the country's rainy season, which runs through October. Any flooding could disrupt road access, hamper aid delivery, and heighten the threat of disease outbreaks during the ongoing lean season. We've talked to you, I think, at length about cholera. Last year, nearly half a million human beings were impacted by floods in parts of Sudan. We and our partners stand ready to respond to this where access and resources allow. However, severe funding shortfalls are limiting our ability to prepare for these floods. ** Democratic Republic of the Congo The United Nations Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) today welcomed the signing in Aru over the weekend of the cessation of hostilities agreement in Ituri by six local armed groups (CODECO, Zaire/Auto-Defense, MAPI, FRPI, FPIC, and Chini Ya Tuna). Vivian van de Perre, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General in the DRC and Acting Head of MONUSCO, said that this agreement marks a significant step forward in the quest for stability in Ituri. It paves the way for a new era focused on reconciliation, security, and development. The Mission encourages the signatory armed groups to continue sensitizing their ranks to ensure strict compliance with the commitments made in Aru, to honour their obligations, and to help create a climate of trust and reconciliation conducive to the return of displaced people and the revival of Ituri's economic and social development. ** Haiti Finally, but not lastly, in a press statement issued today, the President of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), our friend Bob Rae, the Permanent Representative of Canada, urged the Security Council to quickly heed Haiti's request for robust security assistance. A UN stabilization mission should be seriously considered, he writes. In the short term, the ECOSOC President said, a significant UN support package to the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission is critical. He also urges the Security Council to ensure an active UN presence on the ground, given the severity of the situation in Haiti. ** Questions and Answers Spokesman : Dezhi then Edie. Question : Yes. Steph, several questions first. More than 170 NGOs [non-governmental organizations] today released a statement in Geneva calling an end to the Gaza Humanitarian Fund and reinstate UN-led humanitarian operations in Gaza. Any response from the Secretary-General on this statement? Spokesman : I would refer you to what we have said day in and day out about our concerns for the Gaza Humanitarian [Fund]. This statement was signed by very important NGOs, many of whom with which we partner in the delivery of aid. Question : Next week, Prime Minister of Israel [Benjamin] Netanyahu will visit DC and meet with President [Donald] Trump. Does the Secretary-General have any plan or contact, maybe the third person who can meet all those two he's not able yet to meet? Spokesman : Not that I'm aware of. Edie? Question : Thank you, Steph. Two questions; first, the WFP is saying that the window of opportunity to prevent famine is closing fast. Are any bakeries operating in anywhere in Gaza, or have they all run out of flour? Spokesman : I would need to check. Question : Secondly, you talked about Tom Fletcher, the UN Humanitarian Chief, speaking to both senior government and paramilitary officials about the situation in El Fasher and the Secretary-General's call for a one-week ceasefire. We know it's already been accepted by the government. What was the reaction from the RSF [Rapid Support Forces]? Spokesman : Well, let me put it this way. If both parties had accepted, we would have announced it. Ahmed Ali, please. Question : Hi Steph. Two questions. So first, you mentioned that there were two UN-led aid missions in Gaza blocked due to, you said, security and logistical issues. Could you elaborate a little bit on what that means? Spokesman : I mean, basically, just so you understand what happens: We put in the request for the missions. Sometimes it's denied. Sometimes it's granted. But sometimes it's granted with a delay, which means that the mission has to be cancelled because the security situation changes or because people can't wait at the checkpoints too long. So it's a very... we are operating in a very fluid and difficult situation. So, I mean, that's all I can tell you at this at this point. Correspondent : Understood. And then, sorry, just one more question. There is a video surfacing on social media of Kenya's Interior Minister, [Onesimus] Murkomen, urging police to shoot protesters. Spokesman : No. But where is the... what country? I'm sorry. Question : Kenya. Kenya's interior minister. Apologies, yeah. Video surfacing of him urging police to shoot protesters. Just wondering if there were any reactions or comments? Spokesman : I haven't seen the video. Sorry. Alex, Vasula, then Dennis. Correspondent : Thanks, Steph. The memorandum between Russia and the United Nations... Spokesman : Sorry? Question : The memorandum between Russia and the United Nations under the Black Sea Grain Initiative expires this month. Will it be extended or not? Spokesman : I will... let me get an update for you on where things stand with that. Question : And can I have one more? Spokesman : Why should you be different than anyone else? Correspondent : On my yesterday's question on the arrest of Sputnik journalists in Azerbaijan. Spokesman : Yeah. I mean, we have seen, we're very aware of the growing tensions between Azerbaijan and the Russian Federation, with incidents in both countries. We very much hope that all of that is resolved through diplomatic channels and also that the freedom of journalists to operate is also guaranteed. Vasuya? Question : Thank you, Steph. So, on June 27, the Russian Federal Security Service reportedly tortured and killed two Azerbaijani civilians, Zirad Din and Sefarov brothers in Yekaterinburg. And besides, they were also brothers of well-known Azerbaijani journalist, Seyfed Din. Same day, several others were seriously injured, and nine people were detained. I'm just wondering, I haven't seen any condemnation from the UN. And wondering, has Secretary-General requested an investigation or explanation from the Russian side, Russian government? Spokesman : No. as I was mentioning to your colleague, we're very well aware of the tensions between Azerbaijan and the Russian Federation due to a number of incidents, notably the one you referred to. We very much hope all this would be resolved, which will be within the framework of the rule of law and the right of journalists to work. Denis? Question : So it was just reported that President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron, just held talks. First, in about three years, they discussed Middle East and Ukraine. So what's your comment on that? Spokesman : I mean, I haven't seen the outcome of discussions, but obviously, we welcome any dialogue between the two countries, especially when it's at the highest level. Let's go to Lenka to finish the rush. Okay. We're done? Okay. Abdelhamid and then Linda. Question : Thank you. Can you confirm that UNFPA [United Nations Population Fund] signed a memorandum with Israel for cooperation in Gaza? Spokesman : I don't have that information. Question : I have even a petition from the UN. Spokesman : I'm not doubting. I'm just saying you should check with UNFPA. Question : Okay. My second question. In the West Bank, settlers have burned 104 acres of agricultural land in the village of Sahir near Hebron, and they took over all the goats of the peasants there. Are you aware of this development? Spokesman : You know, Abdelhamid, we are very much aware of the situation in the West Bank. I think Khaled Khiari spoke about it. I spoke about it. We speak about it repeatedly. We're not in a position from here to do real time reporting, but I think our position on, first of all, the illegality of the occupation, but also very much so on the violence that Palestinians have been suffering, especially in the last few months, I think, has been very, very clear. Linda? Question : Thank you, Steph. Regarding Gaza, I was just wondering if you could give us a little update in terms of what the current size and scope of UN workers in Gaza. Spokesman : I mean, you know, the vast majority of UN staff in Gaza are Palestinians themselves, so they remain in the thousands. Our work... I mean, we talk about it every day. It remains completely opportunistic at best, right? We're able to do things drip by drip whenever there's a slight opening and an opportunity is given to us to deliver something, we do it. But it's no way to run a railroad, let alone a humanitarian operation. Question : But aside from food delivery, you know, humanitarian, what else is...? Spokesman : Well, I mean, there's not fuel's not getting in. Shelter's not getting in. You know, construction material. I mean, it is the bare minimum, and that is also probably an overstatement to say that it's the bare minimum that's getting in. Benno? Question : Thank you, Steph. A climate question. So it's hot here in New York, but it's even hotter in Europe right now. Do you have a comment to the hottest June on record for Spain and Portugal? Spokesman : I think, as the Secretary-General said on social media a few days ago, it's not a record, it's the new normal. And that's what is terrifying. Right? I mean, it is what we now have to live with and, you know, the heating planet is more than plain to see for anyone who is willing to open their eyes. And the impact it has on human beings who die from heat exhaustion, on people not being able to work outside because of heating, the economic impact it has all over the world and it should... you know, if Member States and if the private sector and the carbon peddling companies still need some encouragement to do the right thing, maybe just looking at thermometer should do that. Question : So when this is the new normal, when is the SG finally dropping the 1.5C goal? Spokesman : He is keeping hope alive. All right. On that hopeful note, I will leave you in the hands of the Permanent Representative of Pakistan, who should be here shortly. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Every five seconds, a child is displaced, injured, or killed in the Middle East and North Africa's conflicts UNICEF 1 in 2 children in MENA live in a conflict-affected country; UNICEF calls for the protection of all children 01 July 2025 AMMAN, 1 July 2025 -- At least 12.2 million children have reportedly been killed, maimed or displaced in conflicts in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) in less than 2 years, the equivalent of one child displaced every five seconds, and one child killed or maimed every fifteen minutes. Reports indicate over 12 million children have been displaced, more than 40,000 maimed, and almost 20,000 killed. "A child's life is being turned upside down the equivalent of every five seconds due to the conflicts in the region," said UNICEF Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa Edouard Beigbeder. "Already, half of the region's 220 million children live in conflict-affected countries. We cannot allow this number to rise. Ending hostilities - for the sake of children - is not optional; it is an urgent necessity, a moral obligation, and it is the only path to a better future." Today, nearly 110 million children in MENA live in countries affected by conflict. Violence continues to disrupt nearly every aspect of their lives. Homes, schools, and health facilities are being destroyed. Children are regularly exposed to life-threatening situations, extreme distress, and displacement, stripped of safety and often left with psychological scars that can last a lifetime. In 2025, UNICEF estimates that 45 million children across the region will require humanitarian assistance due to continued life-threatening risks and vulnerabilities, up from 32 million in 2020 - a 41 per cent increase in just five years. Meanwhile, UNICEF is experiencing major funding shortfalls across its operations in the MENA region. For instance, as of May, Syria faces a 78 per cent funding gap, the State of Palestine a 68 per cent gap for their 2025 appeals, and our regional programmes are under increasing financial strain. Looking ahead, the outlook remains bleak. By 2026*, UNICEF's funding in MENA is projected to decline by 20 to 25 per cent, potentially resulting in a loss of up to US$370 million - jeopardizing life-saving programmes across the region, including treatment for severe malnutrition, safe water production in conflict zones, and vaccinations against deadly diseases. "As the plight of children in the region worsens, the resources to respond are becoming sparser," said Beigbeder. "Conflicts must stop. International advocacy to resolve these crises must intensify. And support for vulnerable children must increase, not decline." UNICEF urges all parties to conflict in the region to end hostilities and uphold international law, including international humanitarian law and human rights law. Member States with influence over parties to conflict must use their leverage to advocate for peace and the protection of children and the essential infrastructure they rely on for survival. UNICEF also urges donors to maintain or increase their support for children and calls on new donors to stand with the region's most vulnerable children. ### Note to editors: The MENA region is marked by diverse demographics and complex political and economic realities. In this environment, UNICEF's role remains vital. Operating across 20 countries, we deliver humanitarian assistance while investing in resilient systems for education, health, nutrition, and social protection. With decades of experience in the region, UNICEF has consistently delivered results and demonstrated impact at scale. Methodology: Impact analysis The analysis is based on reported figures for children killed, injured or displaced since September 2023 in Iran, Israel, Lebanon, State of Palestine, Sudan, Syria and Yemen and population figures from the UN Population Division. Funding analysis *The analysis applied cuts to Official Development Assistance (ODA) announced by government donors for 2025 and 2026, plus an expected 30 per cent reduction in pooled funds (such as World Bank funding) over the period, to the percentage of UNICEF MENA's share of global ODA in 2024 to extrapolate the possible funding decrease for 2025 and 2026. Actual funding cuts may be more or less depending on how governments ultimately decide to implement their funding decisions, including how they allocate funding between regions and countries. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address General Assembly approves $5.4 billion UN peacekeeping budget for 2025-2026 By Vibhu Mishra 1 July 2025 - The General Assembly on Monday approved a $5.38 billion budget for UN peacekeeping operations for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, down slightly from the previous year, as delegates wrapped up weeks of negotiations amid warnings about persistent funding challenges. Acting on the recommendation of its Fifth Committee (Administrative and Budgetary), the Assembly endorsed the budgets for 12 missions, the logistics centres in Entebbe (Uganda) and Brindisi (Italy), and the support account for peacekeeping. The budgets were adopted without a vote, except for the resolution on the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), which was adopted by 147 votes in favour to 3 against (Argentina, Israel, and United States), with 1 abstention (Paraguay). The adoption of UNIFIL's budget followed an Israeli-proposed oral amendment, which was rejected by 5 votes in favour (Argentina, Canada, Israel, Paraguay, and US) to 83 against, with 57 abstentions. Last year, the peacekeeping budget stood at $5.59 billion for 14 operations, meaning the 2025-2026 figure reflects a modest decrease, following final settlements of former missions in Cote d'Ivoire and Liberia. Pressing liquidity challenges Despite the agreement on the budgets, UN Controller Chandramouli Ramanathan outlined a sobering picture about the fragility of the UN's broader liquidity situation. "You manage somehow to find common ground three times a year. But I only wish you had gone a little bit further to solve one of the underlying problems of the UN, which has been plaguing us for 80 years," he told delegates last week as they concluded negotiations in the Fifth Committee. He described how approved budgets are often undermined by cash shortages, forcing immediate instructions to slash spending by 10, 15, or even 20 per cent. "No money, no implementation. There is not enough cash. I cannot emphasize enough a massive effort needed on your side to somehow take us over that line and deal with a problem that's plagued the UN for the last so many years," he said. UN peacekeeping operations UN peacekeeping remains one of the most iconic UN activities, with nearly 70,000 military, police and civilian personnel deployed across Africa, the Middle East and Europe. Missions include long-standing deployments such as MONUSCO in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, UNFICYP in Cyprus, and MINUSCA in the Central African Republic. Mandated by the Security Council, these operations work to stabilize conflict zones, support political processes, protect civilians, and assist in disarmament and rule-of-law efforts. UN's peacekeeping budget is separate from its regular budget, which supports the Organization's core programs, including human rights, development, political affairs, communications and regional cooperation. The peacekeeping budget cycle runs from July-June, while the regular budget is aligned with the calendar year. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Children's lives 'turned upside down' by wars across Middle East, North Africa, warns UNICEF 1 July 2025 - Conflicts in the Middle East and North Africa in the last two years reportedly killed, maimed, or displaced over 12 million children across the region, according to the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF). Alarmingly, 110 million children in the region live in countries affected by war, with homes, schools and health facilities damaged or destroyed in fighting. "A child's life is being turned upside down the equivalent of every five seconds due to the conflicts in the region," said Edouard Beigbeder, UNICEF Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa, on Tuesday. UNICEF estimates indicate that 45 million children across the region will require humanitarian assistance in 2025, a 41 per cent increase since 2020. Funding shortfalls However, funding gaps are affecting vital programmes across the region. For instance, as of May, Syria faced a 78 per cent funding gap and the State of Palestine a 68 per cent gap for their 2025 appeals. UNICEF's regional programmes are also under increasing financial strain. The outlook for 2026 also remains bleak, UNICEF said, noting that its funding for Middle East and North Africa is projected to decline by 20 to 25 per cent, potentially resulting in shortfalls of up to $370 million. Conflicts must stop This would jeopardize lifesaving programmes across the region, including treatment for severe malnutrition, safe water production in conflict zones and vaccinations against deadly diseases. "As the plight of children in the region worsens, the resources to respond are becoming sparser," said Mr. Beigbeder. "Conflicts must stop. International advocacy to resolve these crises must intensify. And support for vulnerable children must increase, not decline." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Gaza: Families deprived of the means for survival, humanitarians warn 1 July 2025 - The United Nations on Tuesday reported that humanitarian operations in Gaza are facing escalating strain, as ongoing fuel shortages, access restrictions and military activity continue to undermine aid delivery and essential services. "As humanitarian assistance and basic services dwindle, people in Gaza have been increasingly deprived of the means for their survival," UN Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric told reporters at the UN Headquarters in New York. It has been 17 weeks since any fuel has entered Gaza, according to Mr. Dujarric - a critical shortage that forced the Al-Shifa Medical Complex to suspend its kidney dialysis services and restrict its intensive care unit services to just a few hours per day. Other hospitals, including Al-Aqsa in Deir al-Balah, have also come under attack, with the World Health Organization (WHO) reporting a strike on a tent sheltering displaced civilians in its courtyard. Over the past 48 hours, five school buildings sheltering displaced families were also hit, reportedly causing deaths and injuries, while a new evacuation order issued on Sudan displaced 1,500 families from northern Gaza. Living in terror Olga Cherevko, an official at the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), described conditions for families in Gaza as "living in terror." "The only thing that is on their minds right now is a ceasefire and peace at last," she said. Ms. Cherevko called for Israel to open all border crossings and allow a steady and sufficient flow humanitarian aid. "The thing that needs to happen for us...to address the emergency on the ground, is to reopen additional crossings, to allow supplies to enter through multiple corridors and remove the constraints that are in place for us to deliver supplies to people in need," she said. She warned that unless conditions change quickly, essential services will continue to shut down and the broader humanitarian response could stall entirely. "If the situation doesn't change very, very urgently, more such services will continue shutting down," Ms. Cherevko said. "And if the situation doesn't change going forward, the entire humanitarian operation could grind to a halt." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Today's top news: Occupied Palestinian Territory, Syria, Sudan UNOCHA - United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Occupied Palestinian Territory Hundreds of families displaced amid ongoing hostilities in northern Gaza OCHA warns that deadly hostilities continue to increase the suffering of civilians in Gaza, driving additional displacement. Military operations have further intensified in northern Gaza since the issuance of the displacement order on Sunday by the Israeli authorities. In the time since that directive was announced, partners on the ground say that at least 1,500 families have been displaced from North Gaza, as well as eastern parts of Gaza governorate, towards the central and western parts of Gaza governorate. Over the past 48 hours, five school buildings sheltering displaced families in North Gaza were reportedly hit, with deaths and injuries reported. Initial assessments by partners indicate that many families who fled from the schools that were hit have returned to North Gaza, largely due to the lack of alternatives and limited shelter space elsewhere. Healthcare also continues to come under attack. The World Health Organization (WHO) says that in central Gaza yesterday, a tent sheltering displaced people in the courtyard of Al-Aqsa Hospital, in Deir al Balah, was reportedly hit, injuring five people. The agency added that the hospital's internal medicine department also sustained some damage, and its oxygen supply line was affected. Since October 2023, WHO has documented 734 attacks on healthcare in Gaza. WHO reiterated its call for the protection of civilians and healthcare facilities, noting that ongoing attacks on healthcare and continued hostilities near hospitals are fueling fear among already traumatized communities and placing further strain on facilities struggling to cope. OCHA reiterates that under international humanitarian law, civilians and civilian infrastructure must be protected, not targeted. Regarding aid operations on the ground, OCHA warns that movement restrictions remain a major challenge, preventing partners from predictably and sustainably providing critical services and assistance. Yesterday, only eight out of 15 attempts to coordinate humanitarian movements inside Gaza were facilitated by the Israeli authorities, including to remove debris. Three other missions were denied outright, while two missions were impeded and two others had to be cancelled due to security or logistical challenges. As humanitarian assistance and basic services dwindle, people in Gaza are being increasingly deprived of the means for their survival. This is a red flag that demands urgent action to secure the opening of all crossings and facilitation of all humanitarian operations, including meaningful flows of necessary life-saving supplies. OCHA warns that fuel supplies are fast running out - with devastating consequences for civilians. Today, the Ministry of Health reported that Al-Shifa Medical Complex has suspended its kidney dialysis services due to fuel shortages, and that intensive care services will be limited to a few hours each day. Ensuring sustained access to fuel is essential to avoid a collapse of the logistics backbone underpinning the humanitarian response. No fuel has entered Gaza since the ceasefire over 17 weeks ago, and as available stocks are depleted, OCHA warns that more life-saving and life-sustaining facilities could also shut down very soon. In a social media post, the World Food Programme (WFP) warned that the window to push back starvation in Gaza is closing fast. The agency added that its teams are adapting in real time - setting up new distribution points, navigating extreme constraints, and using every safe route to reach people where they are. However, to sustain these efforts, WFP reiterated its call for multiple points of access and safe routes to reach people, support from the international community, and a sustained ceasefire. Meanwhile, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization reports that the agency recently supported 200 farmers in Rafah and Khan Younis to optimize the use of land that is still available to grow critically needed staple crops. The pilot initiative - which is being funded through the occupied Palestinian territory Humanitarian Fund* - provides farmers with cash-based assistance to help re-establish limited local food production until a sustained ceasefire is reached. *Donations made to UN Crisis Relief help UN agencies and humanitarian NGOs reach people in the Occupied Palestinian Territory with urgent support. Syria Humanitarians provide vital assistance, including through cross-border convoys OCHA reports that the UN and its partners continue to deliver aid across Syria. Cross-border aid deliveries from Turkiye have significantly increased this year, with more than 1,400 trucks crossing into Syria as of 30 June. This is five times the number of trucks during the same period last year. Since January of this year, more than 1.6 million people have received food, health, shelter and other support. The Humanitarian Coordinator in Syria, Adam Abdelmoula, today completed a three-day UN interagency mission to the governorates of Aleppo and Idleb, in the north-west of the country, to assess humanitarian needs. The team met with interim local authorities, displaced communities, and people who have returned to their communities. The team also visited a healthcare centre in the city of Ma'arrat An Nu'man, in Idleb governorate, which has been rehabilitated by WHO and its partners. It provides 100,000 people with healthcare, vaccinations, emergency care and maternity care, but with only one midwife attending to more than 100 births a day. Meanwhile, OCHA warns that explosive ordnance contamination continues to have a deadly impact across Syria. Since the start of 2025, more than 390 civilians have been killed across the country, including over 100 children. More than 500 civilians have also been injured. Sudan Rainy season heightens risk of flooding, aid disruption OCHA is sounding the alarm over the risk of potential floods during Sudan's rainy season, which runs through October. Any flooding could disrupt road access, hamper aid delivery, and heighten the threat of disease outbreaks during the ongoing lean season. Regional forecasts indicate a high likelihood of above-average rainfall, which could increase the probability of severe riverine and flash floods, particularly in conflict-affected areas. Last year, nearly 500,000 people were affected by floods in parts of Sudan. The UN and its partners stand ready to respond where access and resources allow. However, severe funding shortfalls are limiting aid agencies' ability to preposition critical supplies. OCHA is also deeply concerned about the humanitarian impact of the ongoing fighting - which is escalating displacement and driving needs even higher, including in the Kordofan region. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reports that insecurity in North Kordofan state prompted more than 16,000 people to flee Bara locality between 26 and 29 June alone. Another 600 people were displaced in the locality of Sheikan, also in North Kordofan, in the past week. Meanwhile, in West Kordofan state, IOM reports that ongoing fighting displaced 16,000 people from Babanusa locality on 27 June. People also continue to flee hostilities in North Darfur, with fighting in El Fasher having displaced more than 400,000 people since April of this year, primarily to Tawila. Last month, nearly 8,000 of those displaced from North Darfur arrived in Ad-Dabba locality, in Northern state, according to local authorities there. The influx has increased pressure on already limited resources, straining access to shelter, clean water, food and healthcare. Overcrowding in temporary settlements has heightened risks, particularly for women and children. IOM is setting up a transit centre in the Northern state capital, Dongola, to support returnees from Egypt and internally displaced people arriving from the border triangle area between Egypt, Libya and Sudan. Some 7,000 people reportedly arrived in Dongola between 15 and 28 June, with additional returnees from Egypt arriving each day. Humanitarian partners are providing them with hot meals and scaling up access to clean water and sanitation. OCHA calls once again on all parties in Sudan to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure and facilitate safe and sustainable access to vulnerable people in need across the country, in line with their obligations under international humanitarian law. Posted on 1 July 2025 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Press Conference by Security Council President on Programme of Work for July Press Conference Security Council 1 July 2025 The Security Council will convene its signature event on 22 July a high-level open debate on promoting international peace and security through multilateralism and the peaceful settlement of disputes the Council's President for the month said at a United Nations Headquarters press conference today. Asim Iftikhar Ahmad (Pakistan), who holds the 15-member organ's rotating presidency for this month, said the open debate held under the overarching theme of maintaining international peace and security will be chaired by his country's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mohammad Ishaq Dar. The Secretary-General is expected to brief the Council. "The debate stems from the fact that today's crises often emerge from unresolved disputes, erosion of international obligations and underutilization of peaceful means enshrined in the Charter," he said. The discussion will examine the effectiveness of existing dispute settlement mechanisms, identify barriers to implementing Council resolutions and explore ways to strengthen preventive diplomacy, mediation and technical support. It will also reaffirm the commitments made in the Pact for the Future towards preventive diplomacy and the peaceful resolution of disputes. The Council will further hold a signature event on "Cooperation between the UN and regional and subregional organizations", chaired also by Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs. It will spotlight UN's engagement with the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), which represents 57 member States across four continents and has played an increasingly important role in conflict prevention and mediation, humanitarian response and post-conflict recovery. This meeting will explore ways to institutionalize and deepen this cooperation, particularly in relation to peace processes in various contexts. On 23 July, the Council will hold its quarterly open debate on the Middle East, including the Palestinian question, which will be elevated to the ministerial level. The meeting will reaffirm the Council's responsibility to protect civilians, uphold international humanitarian law and push for an immediate ceasefire, along with just and lasting solutions based on UN resolutions concerning the Palestinian question. Throughout July, the Council will consider several country-specific and thematic issues, primarily through mandated briefings and situational updates. These will include discussions on Colombia, Haiti, Cyprus, Sudan, Syria, Yemen and the International Criminal Court, as well as consultations on Lebanon within the framework of resolution 1701 (2006). The President of the Security Council reaffirmed his readiness to convene additional meetings should developments on the ground particularly in Africa, the Middle East or Asia warrant timely engagement. On 29 July, the Council will also hold a briefing on UN Peace Operations, in the context of the Secretary-General's ongoing review. "We are committed to an open and consultative Presidency," he stated, outlining the Council's working methods, which are grounded in transparency, inclusivity and close coordination among all 15 members. He noted that the Council remains alert and responsive to global developments, with a particular focus on conflict zones such as in the Middle East, Africa, Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. He also responded to several questions posed by media correspondents, many of which concerned the situation in Gaza. In his national capacity, he said the objective of the draft resolution jointly proposed by China, the Russian Federation and his own country is to achieve a ceasefire to the conflict. In response to a question about the future role of Hamas in Gaza, he emphasized that this is an intra-Palestinian matter that "should be left to the Palestinians [themselves]". Addressing a query about the Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations for Children and Armed Conflict's recent report on children in Gaza, which the reporter described as "unfair", he stressed that mandates such as children and armed conflict must be upheld universally and without selectivity. "[By] failing to do that, [...] we are undermining these important mandates," he warned. On the conflict between Israel and Iran, he spoke in his national capacity to reaffirm Pakistan's principled position, grounded in international law and the Charter of the United Nations. He noted that some discussions have deviated from Iran's legitimate rights, highlighting that Tehran remains a party to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. "The best way to address the Iranian nuclear issue in all its complexity is through dialogue and diplomacy," he said. However, he added, this path was seriously disrupted by the recent attacks, while expressing hope that "a window of opportunity" still exists to resume dialogue and reach a conclusive resolution in accordance with international law. Regarding the UN's cooperation with regional and subregional organizations, he pointed to OIC's growing role in areas such as counter-terrorism, counter-extremism and humanitarian affairs. He emphasized the importance of deepening engagement between OIC and the Security Council. When asked about how the issue of Kashmir could be addressed in the Council, he responded in his national capacity that the dispute remains unresolved and continues to be a source of tension between India and Pakistan, hindering broader regional relations. He emphasized that it is the Council's responsibility especially that of its permanent members to take meaningful steps towards implementing their own resolutions. For the full programme of work, please see: https://main.un.org/securitycouncil/en/content/programme-work. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address "Low-cost. Attritable. No Regrets." At Combined Naval Event 2025, U.S. Navy Leaders Agree that Autonomous is the Future, in Partnership for Peace. US Navy 01 July 2025 From Anna Eisenberg, Disruptive Capabilities Office Current conflicts across the globe prove that the way we engage in war is changing daily - and that winning requires scalable, attritable systems that can adapt to evolving mission landscapes in real-time. Captain Colin Corridan, Acting Director, U.S. Navy Disruptive Capabilities Office (DCO), heard this live from the watch floor of the Maritime Operation Center in Bahrain, where he was stationed 2022-2024. As he listened to the Captains of U.S. Navy ships take Houthi drone fire, "Hearing the urgency in our warfighters' voices - I realized everything was changing, and that we have to continue to focus on mastering this attritable side of warfare," he said. On 21 May, Rear Admiral Michael Mattis, Director, Strategic Effects, Commander U.S. Naval Forces Europe/Africa Commander, Task Force-SIX SIX, and Corridan joined a panel discussion to discuss these lessons learned. Industry partner Insitu hosted the panel, "UxS Exquisiteness to Attritability: How Ukraine has provided insight into how UxS should be deployed for the next conflict in INDOPACOM," as part of the Combined Naval Event (CNE) 2025. CNE brings together international navies, the defense industry, and academia to power the future of naval environments by helping align the strategic, operational, and technological opportunities and demands of the future. Three major themes emerged from the panel: 1: "We must get to autonomous systems at size and scale," Mattis said. Accelerating testing, fielding, and scaling of these new technologies will help the U.S. Navy maintain its critical edge. By leveraging existing platforms that industry partners can advance quickly, we will get to that next level of autonomy. "Ukraine has been an evolution, autonomous will be a revolution," said Mattis. 2: "Low-cost. Attritable. No regrets," Mattis said. Rather than thinking in terms of lifetime investment, the Navy should consider these new weapons in terms of their short-term use. A symbiotic relationship with industry partners is critical here. Innovation is happening in the private sector, and the Navy can benefit from their speed, agility, and ingenuity. On the other side of the coin, the Navy should be able to provide feedback to industry partners to generate real-time iteration. 3. "The whole ocean may soon be a weapons engagement zone," Corridan said. Our allies and partners are important now more than ever - because no one Navy can or should keep every sea safe. Information is power, and we need to be able to quickly and easily speak with and share data with our allies. We have the technology - the next step is to enable interoperability. When drones can talk to each other - and allow us to talk to our partners - we will have upper hand. Simply put: if we are not conquering the attritable space as well as the exquisite, we are not doing enough. The DCO was stood up to marry these three major themes. With the mantra that "speed in this space is our new reality," DCO takes specific challenges provided directly by the Fleets and accelerates the acquisition of technology to address them. DCO is focused on a minimal viable product that delivers one capability at a lower cost. While speed is in DCO's DNA, a careful assessment process considers everything from the engineering design and costs of a proposed solution to its legal and policy implications. Along the way, DCO is gathering lessons learned that can be applied to improve the entire Navy's capability. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address U.S., Malaysian forces conclude Bersama Warrior 25 US Navy 01 July 2025 From 1st Lt. Samuel DeRobertis, Marine Rotational Force - Darwin KUANTAN, Malaysia -- Service members with the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF), U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, and U.S. joint forces - including active duty and reserve components - concluded Bersama Warrior 25 on June 26, following 10 days of bilateral staff integration and scenario-based planning in Kuantan, Malaysia. The annual staff exercise (STAFFEX), sponsored by U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM) and hosted by the MAF, is designed to strengthen defense ties, enhance combined interoperability, and develop combined staff processes. This year's iteration brought together a mix of active duty, reserve, and National Guard service members from the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, Navy, and Air Force to plan alongside their Malaysian counterparts. For several U.S. units, 2025 marked their first time participating in Bersama Warrior. Among them were Marines with the Marine Rotational Force - Darwin (MRF-D) 25.3 Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF), soldiers with the Missouri Army National Guard, and civil affairs specialists with the 440th Civil Affairs Battalion. "Our partnership with the Malaysian Armed Forces is rooted in shared commitment and mutual respect," said Dr. John Wood, deputy director, joint training and exercises, USINDOPACOM. "I'm glad we're all able to get together and think through some of these important constructs of military planning." The foundation of the planning was the Military Decision Making Process - Multinational (MDMP-M). Nested under the Multinational Force Standard Operating Procedures (MNF SOP), the process provides a shared framework for operational planning that allowed joint and combined staff to integrate effectively across functions. U.S. and Malaysian planners worked to develop a combined operations order in response to a regional contingency scenario requiring humanitarian assistance and stability operations. Every step of the process was conducted jointly and in parallel, with each functional area incorporating Malaysian and U.S. planners to foster integration, transparency, and learning on both sides. "Planning side-by-side with our Malaysian counterparts helped us develop a common understanding of the problem and arrive at a solution that capitalized on everyone's strengths," said Maj. David Miller, the current operations officer with MRF-D 25.3, and a combined planning group lead for the duration of the exercise. "It was a true team effort that reflects how we would operate together in a real-world scenario." The combined order developed during the exercise will serve as a foundation for future iterations of Bersama Warrior, as the plan developed here will be executed in scenario during Bersama Warrior 26, which will be a command post exercise (CPX). The continuity between iterations allows U.S. and Malaysian forces to build on shared progress and increase both the scope and complexity of the scenario each year. The exercise concluded with a closing ceremony hosted by the MAF, where both U.S. and Malaysian service members were able to reflect on their shared accomplishments and look toward the future. "As we close Bersama Warrior, let us take pride in what we've accomplished and look ahead with confidence," said Brig. Gen. Michael Ake, the land component commander of the Washington Army National Guard. "The lessons learned and friendships forged here will echo far beyond this field, strengthening the ties between our nations and enhancing our collective security." Malaysian leaders shared a similar perspective. "Bersama Warrior 2025 has made us stronger, not just in military partnership, but as people united by sharing one purpose," said Malaysian Navy Rear Adm. Saifudin Kamarudin. "As we look ahead, let's continue to support each other and work together for a safer, more peaceful future." As the Indo-Pacific continues to evolve, exercises like Bersama Warrior remain a cornerstone of multinational cooperation, ensuring participating forces remain resilient, responsive, and united in purpose. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address USAID officially ceases operations, disrupting global aid delivery Global Times By Shen Sheng Published: Jul 02, 2025 10:40 AM US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the official end of the US Agency for International Development (USAID) on Tuesday, after rapidly dismantling the government's foreign aid arm since President Donald Trump's return to the White House, the Hill reported. Founded in 1961 as John F. Kennedy sought to leverage aid to win over the developing world in the Cold War, the USAID has now been incorporated into the State Department, according to the AFP. In a statement marking the transfer of USAID to the State Department as part of President Trump's unprecedented push to shrink the federal government, Rubio said the US was abandoning what he called a charity-based model and would focus on empowering countries to grow sustainably, Reuters reported. Reuters cited Rubio's claim that this new model would prioritize trade over aid and investment over assistance, adding that it would put Washington in a stronger position to counter Beijing. USAID's official shutdown comes following a study published Monday in the Lancet Medical journal projecting that more than 14 million additional deaths could occur globally as a result of the US aid reductions, including 4.5 million deaths among children, per Hill's report. CNN, citing The Lancet, reported that "Unlike those events, however, this crisis would stem from a conscious and avoidable policy choice one whose burden would fall disproportionately on children and younger populations, and whose consequences could reverberate for decades." Former US presidents Barack Obama and George W Bush made rare public criticisms of the US administration as they took part in a video farewell for USAID staffers on Monday on its last day as an independent organization, according to the Guardian. Li Ming, a spokesperson for the China International Development Cooperation Agency, told the Global Times on Friday that major powers should take up their international responsibilities and obligations, and avoid letting these policy changes create difficulties or disruptions for the international community especially for developing countries striving to achieve the UN's 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. Foreign aid should not be treated as a battlefield for great-power rivalry, but as a platform for global cooperation, Li said, further noting that some developed countries ignore pressing development challenges, fail to meet their aid commitments and walk away from the consensus on international cooperation. "Trying to shift blame and evade responsibility goes against the tide of history and such efforts are bound to fail," Li added. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israel agrees to necessary conditions to finalize 60-day ceasefire in Gaza: Trump People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 09:44, July 02, 2025 HOUSTON, July 1 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump said Tuesday that Israel has agreed to the necessary conditions to finalize a 60-day ceasefire to end the conflict in Gaza, and also urged Hamas to accept the deal. "Israel has agreed to the necessary conditions to finalize the 60 Day CEASEFIRE, during which time we will work with all parties to end the War," Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth Social. "The Qataris and Egyptians, who have worked very hard to help bring Peace, will deliver this final proposal," said Trump. He also urged Hamas to accept the deal. "I hope, for the good of the Middle East, that Hamas takes this Deal, because it will not get better - IT WILL ONLY GET WORSE," Trump added. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Trump proposes 60-day Gaza ceasefire plan Iran Press TV Wednesday, 02 July 2025 12:57 AM US President Donald Trump has announced a 60-day ceasefire proposal for Gaza aimed at halting Israel's genocidal war in the besieged territory. In a Truth Social post, Trump stated, "Israel has agreed to the necessary conditions to finalize the 60-day CEASEFIRE." He noted that representatives from Qatar and Egypt will deliver the proposal to Hamas. Urging acceptance, Trump warned, "I hope, for the sake of the Middle East, that Hamas accepts this deal, as it will not get betterthings will only worsen if rejected." Hamas has not yet commented on the proposal. The movement says any ceasefire depends on Israel committing to end the war, fully withdrawing from Gaza, and allowing unrestricted aid access. A previous two-month ceasefire collapsed in March after Israel refused to implement the second phase of the agreement. A high-ranking Hamas official said on Tuesday that the Palestinian resistance movement was ready and determined to enter a new round of indirect negotiations with Israel, intending to end the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and reach a permanent ceasefire. "We are ready and serious to reach an agreement in case factors required for ending the war are clearly stated. We will be prepared to agree to any proposal," Taher al-Nunu stated. The remarks came a day after Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty said that Cairo is working on a new Gaza deal that includes a 60-day ceasefire in exchange for the release of some Israeli captives and the rapid entry of humanitarian aid into the besieged coastal territory. "Israel's stubbornness prevents the entry of aid to Gaza. It is unacceptable to continue linking the humanitarian and military sides in Gaza," he stated. At least 56,531 Palestinians have been killed, mostly women and children, and another 133,642 individuals injured in the brutal Israeli onslaught on Gaza since October 7, 2023. The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants last November for Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former minister of military affairs Yoav Gallant, citing war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its war on the besieged coastal territory. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Trump Urges Hamas To Accept Proposal For 60-Day Cease-Fire By RFE/RL July 02, 2025 US President Donald Trump urged Iran-backed Hamas militants to agree to what he called a "final proposal" for a 60-day cease-fire with Israel in Gaza. "I hope, for the good of the Middle East, that Hamas takes this Deal, because it will not get better -- IT WILL ONLY GET WORSE," he said on July 1 on Truth Social. Israel has agreed to the conditions to finalize a 60-day cease-fire during which "we will work with all parties to end the War," Trump said. Representatives for Qatar and Egypt will deliver the proposal to Hamas, Trump said, which followed what he said was a "long and productive" meeting about Gaza between Israeli officials and his representatives. He did not identify his representatives, but US special envoy Steve Witkoff, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Vice President JD Vance had been due on July 1 to meet Ron Dermer, a senior adviser to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington. White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said on June 30 that Trump and administration officials were in constant communication with Israeli leadership and that bringing about an end to the Gaza conflict is a priority for Trump. "It's heartbreaking to see the images that have come out from both Israel and Gaza throughout this war, and the president wants to see it end," Leavitt added. "He wants to save lives." The US proposal also calls for the release of half the hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and the remains of other Palestinians. Trump told reporters earlier that he is hopeful that a cease-fire-for-hostages agreement can be achieved next week between Israel and Hamas militants in Gaza. He is set to meet Netanyahu at the White House on July 7. Trump told reporters that he would be "very firm" with Netanyahu on the need for a speedy Gaza cease-fire, noting that the Israeli leader wants a cease-fire as well. "We hope it's going to happen. And we're looking forward to it happening sometime next week," he told reporters. "We want to get the hostages out." Netanyahu's visit to the White House will be his third since Trump returned to office in January. It follows Trump's decision to join Israel's war against Iran by attacking Iranian nuclear sites. After brokering a cease-fire between those two countries, Trump has signaled that he's turning his attention to bringing a close to the fighting between Israel and Hamas. Hamas has said it is willing to free remaining hostages in Gaza under any deal to end the war, while Israel says it can only end if Hamas is disarmed and dismantled. With reporting by AP and Reuters Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/israel-gaza-hamas-trump-iran- war/33461521.html Copyright (c) 2025. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UN experts urge United Kingdom not to misuse terrorism laws against protest group Palestine Action Press releases Special Procedures 01 July 2025 GENEVA -- UN experts* today urged the United Kingdom not to ban the "direct action" group Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation under the Terrorism Act 2000. "We are concerned at the unjustified labelling of a political protest movement as 'terrorist'," the experts said. "According to international standards, acts of protest that damage property, but are not intended to kill or injure people, should not be treated as terrorism." The Government asserts that the group is "terrorist" because some members have allegedly caused criminal damage to property, including at military bases and arms companies, with the aim of progressing its political cause and influencing the Government. Proscription would trigger a range of criminal offences relating to support for the group. Palestine Action positions itself as a national activist network that promotes civil disobedience and takes direct action against companies and institutions deemed by the group as being used by Israel to violently enforce apartheid, occupation, colonisation and genocide in Palestine. "While there is no binding definition of terrorism in international law, best practice international standards limit terrorism to criminal acts intended to cause death, serious personal injury or hostage taking, in order to intimidate a population or compel a government or an international organisation to do or to abstain from doing any act," the experts said. "The UK supported this approach in voting for Security Council resolution 1566 in 2004," they said. "Mere property damage, without endangering life, is not sufficiently serious to qualify as terrorism." The experts noted that, if national law criminalises property damage as terrorism, as it does in the UK, then it would be good international practice in a democracy to exclude acts of advocacy, protest, dissent or industrial action that do not result in death or serious injury. The Security Council's Counter-Terrorism Executive Directorate supports this approach. "Protest actions that are not genuinely 'terrorist', but which involve alleged property damage, should be properly investigated as ordinary crimes or other security offences," they said. Banning Palestine Action would make criminal offences out of actions relating to the group, including membership, inviting support for it, arranging a meeting in support of it and publicly wearing clothing or carrying articles associated with the group. The experts warned disproportionate penalties of up to 14 years in prison could apply. "These offences would criminalise legitimate activities by innocent members of the group that do not contribute in any way to property damage by other members, let alone 'terrorism' which, if properly defined, the group has not committed," they said. "Individuals could be prosecuted for peacefully exercising their rights to freedom of expression and opinion, assembly, association and participation in political life. This would have a chilling effect on political protest and advocacy generally in relation to defending human rights in Palestine." The experts have been in contact with the UK Government in relation to this issue. *The experts: Ben Saul, Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism; George Katrougalos, Independent expert on the promotion of a democratic and equitable international order; Irene Khan, Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression; Gina Romero, Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association; Francesca Albanese, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territory occupied since 1967. Special Rapporteurs/Independent Experts/Working Groups are independent human rights experts appointed by the United Nations Human Rights Council. Together, these experts are referred to as the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council. Special Procedures experts work on a voluntary basis; they are not UN staff and do not receive a salary for their work. While the UN Human Rights office acts as the secretariat for Special Procedures, the experts serve in their individual capacity and are independent from any government or organization, including OHCHR and the UN. Any views or opinions presented are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the UN or OHCHR. Country-specific observations and recommendations by the UN human rights mechanisms, including the special procedures, the treaty bodies and the Universal Periodic Review, can be found on the Universal Human Rights Index https://uhri.ohchr.org/en/ NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Trump administration escalates legal battles with Los Angeles People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 08:42, July 01, 2025 SACRAMENTO, United States, June 30 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. Justice Department on Monday sued the City of Los Angeles, Mayor Karen Bass, and the City Council, asking a federal judge to strike down the city's "sanctuary" ordinance on the grounds it obstructs federal immigration enforcement. Filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, the lawsuit argued that Los Angeles violated the Constitution's Supremacy Clause and two federal information -- sharing statutes by forbidding local police and other agencies from cooperating with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) unless a suspect faces serious felony charges. The Justice Department sought a court order blocking the ordinance, which took effect on Dec. 9, 2024, after a unanimous council vote. U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi said the policy was "the driving cause of the violence, chaos, and attacks on law enforcement that Americans recently witnessed in Los Angeles," according to a press statement issued Monday. She called the suit part of President Donald Trump's pledge to "end lawless sanctuary jurisdictions." Los Angeles officials sharply disputed that narrative. "To characterize what is going on in our city as a city of mayhem is just an outright lie," Bass told the Los Angeles Times on June 12 while visiting demonstrators denouncing recent immigration raids. The mayor argued that federal swoops "terrorize families and harm our economy." The ordinance barred city funds, staff, or property from aiding federal immigration tasks, blocked most data sharing with ICE, and directed city jails to ignore detainer requests unless a judicial warrant is produced. City leaders said the measure codified limits already imposed by California's 2017 Values Act, which survived a 2019 challenge at the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. According to U.S. Census Bureau estimates, about 35 percent of Los Angeles County residents are foreign born. California's top officials quickly rallied behind the nation's second largest city. Governor Gavin Newsom branded the lawsuit "political theater" in a written statement. State Attorney General Rob Bonta told a Monday news conference that federal officers "cannot conscript local law enforcement to do their job," citing the Supreme Court's anti-commandeering doctrine. Civil rights advocates echoed that view. The American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California called the suit "an unconstitutional attack on immigrant communities" in an emailed statement, arguing that sanctuary rules encouraged crime victims and witnesses to speak with police. The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles warned that rolling back protections would "drive thousands of Angelenos deeper into the shadows," according to its Monday press release. Conservative organizations applauded the filing. The Center for Immigration Studies said the ordinance "releases deportable offenders back onto the streets." At the same time, the Federation for American Immigration Reform called it "a long overdue step toward public safety" in separate policy briefs. Legal analysts said the clash could reshape the balance of power between the federal government and local jurisdictions. Courts have historically been reluctant to force cities to enforce deportations. Yet, the Justice Department argued Los Angeles went further than prior cases by forbidding even contractors from sharing basic inmate release information. If the Trump government prevails, Los Angeles could be compelled to grant ICE routine access to city jails, notify agents when non-citizen inmates are released, and honor immigration detainers, which critics contended would erode years of trust building with immigrant communities. Should the city win, analysts expected other U.S. municipalities to strengthen comparable protections, creating an even wider patchwork of approaches nationwide. The suit is the latest in a string of federal challenges filed this year against sanctuary measures in New York, Chicago, and several New Jersey cities. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PH, Australia end 6-week cyber warfare drills Philippine News Agency By Priam Nepomuceno July 1, 2025, 11:36 am MANILA -- The Philippine Army (PA) said Tuesday it has conducted six weeks of cyber warfare exercises with the Australian Defense Force (ADF) to strengthen their cyber defense and resilience through collaborative cyber operations. The exercises, dubbed "Joint Defense Forward Training Activity," were held at the Army headquarters in Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City from mid-May to June 26, PA spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala said in a statement. "This activity aimed to strengthen cyber defense and resilience by conducting collaborative cyber operations focused on detecting, analyzing, and mitigating sophisticated digital threats," Dema-ala said. Among the key activities in the exercises were joint malware forensics, advanced threat intelligence exchange, and reverse engineering of malicious software. Dema-ala said these activities enabled both forces to gain critical insights into current and emerging cyber threats. "The joint undertaking significantly enhanced the PA's cyber posture by tapping into ADF's advanced technological expertise and operational best practices," he said. Dema-ala added that the drills "also reinforced the strategic partnership between the Philippines and Australia in addressing the dynamic challenges of cyberspace and hybrid warfare." (PNA) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Treasury Sanctions Global Bulletproof Hosting Service Enabling Cybercriminals and Technology Theft U.S. Department of the Treasury July 1, 2025 WASHINGTON -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is designating Aeza Group, a bulletproof hosting (BPH) services provider, for its role in supporting cybercriminal activity targeting victims in the United States and around the world. BPH service providers sell access to specialized servers and other computer infrastructure designed to help cybercriminals like ransomware actors, personal information stealers, and drug vendors evade detection and resist law enforcement attempts to disrupt their malicious activities. OFAC is also designating two affiliated companies and four individuals who are Aeza Group leaders. Finally, in coordination with the United Kingdom's (UK) National Crime Agency (NCA), OFAC is designating an Aeza Group front company in the UK. "Cybercriminals continue to rely heavily on BPH service providers like Aeza Group to facilitate disruptive ransomware attacks, steal U.S. technology, and sell black-market drugs," said Acting Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Bradley T. Smith. "Treasury, in close coordination with the UK and our other international partners, remains resolved to expose the critical nodes, infrastructure, and individuals that underpin this criminal ecosystem." Today's action is being taken pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13694, as further amended, and builds on OFAC's February action targeting ZServers BPH. Today's action also reflects Treasury's continued work to combat cybercrime and degrade the support networks that enable malicious actors to target U.S. citizens, technology, and critical industries. AEZA GROUP: KEY TECHNICAL SUPPORT FOR RANSOMWARE GROUPS, CYBERCRIME, AND ILLICIT DRUGS Aeza Group, headquartered in St. Petersburg, Russia, has provided BPH services to ransomware and malware groups such as the Meduza and Lumma infostealer operators, who have used the hosting service to target the U.S. defense industrial base and technology companies, among other victims globally. Infostealers are often used to harvest personal identifying information, passwords, and other sensitive credentials from compromised victims. These credentials are then often sold on darknet markets for profit, making infostealer operators a key piece of the cybercrime ecosystem. Aeza Group has also hosted BianLian ransomware, RedLine infostealer panels, and BlackSprut, a Russian darknet marketplace for illicit drugs. Darknet drug marketplaces allow for the anonymous purchase and shipment of narcotics over the internet, making them a present and increasing contributor to drug trafficking to the United States and worldwide. According to Treasury's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) and its supplemental advisory on fentanyl, criminal organizations use darknet marketplaces to sell precursor chemicals and manufacturing equipment used for the synthesis of fentanyl and other synthetic opioids, as well as to traffic fentanyl and other narcotics into the United States. OFAC is designating Aeza Group pursuant to E.O. 13694, as further amended by E.O. 14144 and E.O. 14306, for being responsible or complicit in, or having engaged in, directly or indirectly, cyber-enabled activities originating from, or directed by persons located, in whole or in part, outside the United States that are reasonably likely to result in, or have materially contributed to, a threat to the national security, foreign policy, or economic health or financial stability of the United States, and that have the purpose of or involve causing a misappropriation of funds or economic resources, intellectual property, proprietary or business confidential information, personal identifiers, or financial information for commercial or competitive advantage or private financial gain. Aeza International Ltd. is the United Kingdom branch of Aeza Group. Aeza Group uses Aeza International to lease IP addresses to cybercriminals, including Meduza infostealer operators. Aeza Logistic LLC and Cloud Solutions LLC are Russia-based subsidiaries that are 100% owned by Aeza Group. OFAC is designating Aeza International Ltd., Aeza Logistic LLC and Cloud Solutions LLC pursuant to E.O. 13694, as further amended by E.O. 14144 and E.O. 14306, for being owned or controlled by, or having acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, Aeza Group, a person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to E.O. 13694, as further amended by E.O. 14144 and E.O. 14306. KEY AEZA GROUp PERSONNEL Arsenii Aleksandrovich Penzev (Penzev) is the CEO and 33% owner of Aeza Group. Penzev has been involved in multiple bulletproof hosting and illicit drug marketplace businesses and has been arrested by Russian law enforcement for his placement of illicit drug marketplace Blacksprut onto Aeza Group infrastructure. Yurii Meruzhanovich Bozoyan (Bozoyan) is the general director and 33% owner of Aeza Group. Bozoyan helped manage the finances of Aeza Group and was similarly arrested for his involvement in Blacksprut. Vladimir Vyacheslavovich Gast (Gast) is the technical director for Aeza Group and works closely with Penzev and Bozoyan. Gast manages Aeza Group's internal network and oversaw the technical details of placing Blacksprut on Aeza Group infrastructure. Igor Anatolyevich Knyazev (Knyazev) is the 33% owner of Aeza Group and is managing the company during the absence of Penzev and Bozoyan. OFAC is designating Penzev, Bozoyan, Gast, and Knyazev pursuant to E.O. 13694, as further amended by E.O. 14144 and E.O. 14306, for being or having been a leader, official, senior executive officer, or member of the board of directors of Aeza Group. SANCTIONS IMPLICATIONS As a result of today's action, all property and interests in property of the designated or blocked persons described above that are in the United States or in the possession or control of U.S. persons are blocked and must be reported to OFAC. In addition, any entities that are owned, directly or indirectly, individually or in the aggregate, 50 percent or more by one or more blocked persons are also blocked. Unless authorized by a general or specific license issued by OFAC, or exempt, OFAC's regulations generally prohibit all transactions by U.S. persons or within (or transiting) the United States that involve any property or interests in property of blocked persons. Violations of U.S. sanctions may result in the imposition of civil or criminal penalties on U.S. and foreign persons. OFAC may impose civil penalties for sanctions violations on a strict liability basis. OFAC's Economic Sanctions Enforcement Guidelines provide more information regarding OFAC's enforcement of U.S. economic sanctions. In addition, financial institutions and other persons may risk exposure to sanctions for engaging in certain transactions or activities involving designated or otherwise blocked persons. The prohibitions include the making of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services by, to, or for the benefit of any designated or blocked person, or the receipt of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services from any such person. The power and integrity of OFAC sanctions derive not only from OFAC's ability to designate and add persons to the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List (SDN List), but also from its willingness to remove persons from the SDN List consistent with the law. The ultimate goal of sanctions is not to punish, but to bring about a positive change in behavior. For information concerning the process for seeking removal from an OFAC list, including the SDN List, or to submit a request, please refer to OFAC's guidance on Filing a Petition for Removal from an OFAC List. Click here for more information on the persons designated today. To report internet crime to the FBI, click here. ### NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Coast Guard Cutter Vigorous returns home after 51-day counter-migration patrol in the Windward Passage United States Coast Guard Press Release | July 1, 2025 PORTSMOUTH, Va. -- The crew of Coast Guard Cutter Vigorous (WMEC 627) returned to their home port in Portsmouth, Tuesday, following a 51-day patrol in the Windward Passage. Vigorous deployed in support of Operation Vigilant Sentry to advance the primary missions of safety of life at sea and deterrence of illegal alien ventures in known transit zones. Vigorous' crew conducted maritime safety and security missions while protecting America's maritime borders from unlawful entry. Vigorous conducted several consent-based interview boardings in the Canal de la Tortue, Haiti, a key transit zone between Haiti and points north. Vigorous also patrolled for Coast Guard Sector Key West and Sector Miami, which are crucial to deterring illegal activities and maintaining maritime domain awareness. Working with Department of Defense and Department of Homeland Security entities, Vigorous contributed to the disposition of 17 suspected smugglers and nearly 1,400 pounds of cocaine with an estimated street value of $10 million. Vigorous also honed its tactical proficiency through advanced boat tactics training alongside Coast Guard Cutter Campbell (WMEC 909). The crews conducted pursuit training, enhancing their interoperability and response capabilities in high-speed maneuvering situations. Additionally, they completed a towing exercise, further strengthening their collaborative efforts in maritime assistance and rescue operations. In a demonstration of international partnership, the Vigorous worked with the Department of State to deliver critical boat supplies to the Haitian Coast Guard, bolstering their capabilities and strengthening maritime security cooperation in the region. "The crew performed exceptionally well throughout this demanding patrol," said Cmdr. Charles Bare, commanding officer of Vigorous. "Their dedication and professionalism enabled us to achieve significant operational successes, contributing directly to regional stability and interagency and international partnerships." DHS Operation Vigilant Sentry is a DHS-led operation comprised of federal, state and local partners responsible for preventing and responding to maritime migration. OVS, previously known as Homeland Security Task Force - Southeast, was established in 2003 and is comprised of more than 50 federal, state, and local agencies. Vigorous is a 210-foot, Reliance-class medium endurance cutter homeported in Portsmouth, Virginia. Its missions include search and rescue, maritime law enforcement, marine environmental protection, and homeland security operations in the Atlantic Ocean. The cutter falls under the command of U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area, which is based in Portsmouth, Viginia. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning's Regular Press Conference on June 30, 2025 Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China Updated: June 30, 2025 20:20 CCTV: We noted that the General Administration of Customs yesterday released an announcement on conditionally resuming seafood imports from some regions of Japan. Could you share more details on that? Mao Ning: At the strong request of China and the international community, Japan accepted the international monitoring of the discharge of the Fukushima nuclear-contaminated water and China's independent sampling and monitoring, and promised to ensure the continuous implementation of the above-mentioned monitoring activities. On this basis, China held multiple rounds of consultations with Japan on the resumption of Japanese aquatic product exports to China. Japan promised to take a series of credible and visible measures to guarantee the quality and safety of its aquatic products to China and strengthen regulation. In accordance with China's laws and regulations and international trade rules, and on the basis of scientific evidence, including data collected from monitoring by all parties to date, and prudent analysis and research, competent authorities released an announcement yesterday to conditionally resume aquatic product imports from some regions of Japan that meet China's regulation requirements and standards. The competent authorities will continue to step up regulation and ensure people's food safety. Once any risks are identified, necessary import restrictions will be taken immediately in accordance with the law. Hubei Media Group: Does China's resumption of Japanese aquatic product imports suggest its recognition of the safety of the discharge of the Fukushima nuclear-contaminated water? Mao Ning: China's opposition to Japan's discharge remains unchanged. Due to China's firm position and active effort, the international oversight on the discharge is effectively strengthened. We will continue to work with the international community to urge Japan to honor its commitments by taking long-term actions and to effectively control the risks that come with the discharge. China-Arab TV: Japanese and Russian media reported that China, the U.S. and Russia will jointly commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-fascist War, and the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. Is this true? Mao Ning: At last week's press conference of the State Council Information Office, relevant authorities shared the arrangement about inviting foreign leaders to the events commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, which you may refer to. As for your specific question, I have no information to share at the moment. Shenzhen TV: At the recently held 20th China International Small and Medium Enterprises Fair, we noted quite some eye-catching new materials, technologies and products that incorporate advanced technologies on exhibition, making "innovation-driven development" the latest catchword. Representatives from the UN Industrial Development Organization noted that the fair can help companies from developing countries access the global market and innovation outcomes. What is your comment? As the outcomes of China's scientific and technological innovation are shared by the world, what impact do you think this will have globally? Mao Ning: I also noted that in recent years, new products of cutting-edge areas, such as humanoid robot, smart glasses and brain-computer interfaces, have made their debut at platforms including the China Import and Export Fair, the International Consumer Goods Fair, and the China International Supply Chain Expo. These fairs and expos not only provide a panoramic view of China's new quality productive forces, but also serve as important bridges for international exchange in science and technology. They vividly display China's vision of seeking open, inclusive and win-win scientific and technological innovation. The innovation-driven development of China serves the interest of not only China itself but also the whole world. We stand ready to work with various countries to advance scientific and technological progress in open cooperation and, through such progress, drive global development and modernization. Bloomberg: U.S. President Donald Trump has said that he had identified a group of wealthy people as buyers for TikTok, but he didn't reveal their identities and said that the deal still needs China's approval. My question for the Chinese Foreign Ministry: Are you aware of this proposed deal, and the identity of the people involved? And if so, could you provide some details? Would this be a deal China would be agreeable to approve? Mao Ning: On TikTok, China has stated its principled position more than once. PTI: The Indian Defense Minister recently held a meeting with his Chinese counterpart. He made certain observations that India and China should solve the "complex issues" under a structured roadmap comprising steps to deescalate tensions along the frontiers and rejuvenate the existing mechanisms to demarcate the borders. He also stressed the border management and having a permanent solution to border demarcation by rejuvenating the established mechanisms. He also said "It is incumbent on both sides to maintain this positive momentum and avoid adding new complexities in the bilateral relationship." How does China view his remarks and what's your response to that? Mao Ning: On the specifics of the meeting between Chinese and Indian defense ministers, I'd refer you to competent Chinese authorities. What I can tell you is that China and India have established the Special Representatives mechanism on the boundary question and reached the Agreement on the Political Parameters and Guiding Principles for the Settlement of the China-India Boundary Question. The two sides have diplomatic and military communication mechanisms at various levels. China stands ready to maintain communication with India on issues including delimitation negotiation and border management, jointly keep the border areas peaceful and tranquil, and promote cross-border exchange and cooperation. PTI: That's precisely the issue that the border mechanisms have been established. You have all 20 rounds of special representative talks. There is some kind of sense of awareness back in India that it is getting prolonged. Probably, that is in that context that the defense minister of India has made those remarks. Are we looking at some kind of solutions that the two countries are probably coming up with in a specified period in the future? Mao Ning: The boundary question is complicated, and it takes time to settle it. The two countries have already established mechanisms at various levels for communication. We hope that India will work with China in the same direction, continue to stay in communication on relevant issue and jointly keep the border areas peaceful and tranquil. AFP: Taiwan's "vice president" Hsiao Bi-khim said that she would not be intimidated by Beijing after the government accused Chinese Embassy staff of planning to "ram" her car during an official visit to the Czech Republic in March last year. Does the Foreign Ministry have a comment on this? Mao Ning: First of all, Taiwan is part of China and there is no such thing as "vice president" of the Taiwan region. Chinese diplomats always observe the laws and regulations of host countries. No matter how the DPP authorities seek independence by soliciting foreign support and sow discord between China and countries with diplomatic ties with us, they cannot cover up their ill intentions, still less succeed in their attempts. Bloomberg: With Foreign Minister Wang Yi visiting Europe this week, is China prepared to finalize a tentative deal on minimum import prices for French cognac entering the Chinese market or does progress depend on the EU's stance on Chinese EVs? So the question is about the willingness to arrive at a deal in terms of the French cognac entering the Chinese market or is that linked in some way to Chinese EV discussions? Mao Ning: On Foreign Minister Wang Yi's visit to Europe, we will release timely information. Let me say more broadly that we stand ready to work with the EU to step up cooperation, properly handle differences, and uphold the international trade order in the spirit of open cooperation. Kyodo News: China announced the resumption of Japanese aquatic product imports, excepting those from the 10 prefectures, including Fukushima. When will the aquatic product imports from these 10 prefectures be resumed? Mao Ning: On the issue of food safety, China has a strong sense of responsibility toward its people and makes relevant policy based on the principle of safety and science. Bloomberg: Just to go back to something earlier about the military parade in September in Beijing. Kyodo News is reporting that China is planning to invite U.S. President Donald Trump. Can you confirm that is an accurate report or can you offer some more details? Mao Ning: As I just said, last week, the press conference of the State Council Information Office shared relevant arrangement about inviting foreign leaders to the events commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. As for your specific question, I have no information to share at the moment. AFP: Yesterday, Chinese state media posted a video of Chinese fighter jets apparently driving away a foreign aircraft intruding in China's airspace. The video seemed to be very similar to another video posted in September last year of a Chinese jet's apparent intercept with an Australian defense plane. Can the Foreign Ministry provide any more details about this video over the weekend? And if this was an Australian plane and when this incident took place? Mao Ning: I didn't notice the video that you mentioned and have no information to offer. AFP: President Donald Trump said yesterday that a group of buyers had been found for TikTok, but he will likely need China's approval for the sale. I know that a reporter from Bloomberg just asked this question, but I'm just wondering if the Foreign Ministry has anything else to add? Mao Ning: We have made clear China's principled position on the issue more than once. I have no information to add. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Chinese FM announces sanctions on former Philippine senator Tolentino, experts say move is necessary and sends warning Global Times By Shen Sheng and Feng Fan Published: Jul 01, 2025 11:16 PM China has decided to impose sanctions on former Philippines' senator Francis Tolentino for his egregious conduct on China-related issues and prohibit him from entering the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong and Macao, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson announced on Tuesday. Chinese experts believe the sanctions are necessary and targeted, serving as a warning, since Tolentino's claims have seriously damaged China-Philippines relations and affected the lives of the Chinese community in the Philippines. For quite some time, driven by selfish interests, a handful of anti-China politicians in the Philippines have made malicious remarks and moves on issues related to China that are detrimental to China's interests and China-Philippines relations. The Chinese government is firmly resolved to defend national sovereignty, security and development interests, said the spokesperson. When asked to provide some specific examples of the "improper behavior" that led to Chinese sanctions, and more details as well as the reasons behind the sanctions, following the announcement the same day, another Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said that the website of Chinese Foreign Ministry had released the sanction decision and elaborated on it, which you may refer to. "Let me stress that there are consequences for hurting China's interests," Mao said. Tolentino is one of the key figures behind the passage of the so-called "Act Declaring the Maritime Zones under the Jurisdiction of the Republic of the Philippines" in the Philippine Senate, newspaper Lianhe Zaobao reported. With regard to the "Act Declaring the Maritime Zones under the Jurisdiction of the Republic of the Philippines" ("Maritime Zones Act") and the "Act Authorizing the President of the Philippines to Establish the Archipelagic Sea Lanes in Philippine Archipelagic Waters" ("Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act") announced by the Republic of the Philippines on November 8, 2024, the Chinese Foreign Ministry solemnly stated in November 2024 that the Philippine Maritime Zones Act illegally includes China's Huangyan Dao and most of the islands and reefs of China's Nansha Qundao and relevant waters into the maritime zones of the Philippines, and attempts to enshrine the illegal award of the South China Sea arbitration in the form of domestic legislation. China strongly condemns and firmly rejects this as the move gravely infringes upon China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea. China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea shall by no means be affected by the enactment of the Act, said the statement. Tolentino is the malicious driving force behind the so-called "Maritime Zones Act" pushed by the Philippines, which not only violates the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea but also contravenes the UN Charter and other relevant international laws, said Ding Duo, director of the Research Center for International and Regional Studies at the National Institute for South China Sea Studies. Yang Xiao, an international strategy scholar who has long tracked issues in the South China Sea, told the Global Times on Tuesday that the South China Sea has been an integral part of China's territory and maritime rights since ancient times, and he believed that Tolentino's actions in promoting "Maritime Zones Act" are one of the reasons China decided to impose sanctions on him. Tolentino, leveraging his family's political influence, holds considerable sway in Philippine politics and has long maintained an anti-China stance, Ding said, further noting that Tolentino has consistently actively pushed laws to support the illegal ruling of the South China Sea arbitration and consolidate the Philippines' illegal claims. Yang noted that Tolentino has also been hyping up the so-called "China threat" narrative, interfering in China's affairs and stirring up fear of China among the Philippine elite. According to a May report by Philippine media outlet Rappler, Tolentino claimed that the Philippine Senate should launch probes into suspicions of Chinese espionage and interference in the country's 2025 elections. By presenting so-called evidence, he claimed that the Chinese Embassy in Manila hired a local public relations firm tasked with influencing public perception through fake social media accounts, while simultaneously attacking Philippine government policies seen as unfavorable to Beijing, the Straits Times reported in April. In response to related inquiry, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun stated that China follows the principle of non-interference in other countries' domestic affairs. We have no interest in interfering in Philippine elections. "Tolentino has seriously damaged China-Philippines relations and shows no political integrity," Ding said, adding that Tolentino often attacks people with fair views on China, accusing them of "selling out" the Philippines to smear his political opponents. China's sanctions are not simply in response to rhetoric, but are based on actual actions that have harmed China's sovereignty and development interests, and they serve as a legal countermeasure, Yang said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China's aircraft carrier formations return after completing far-sea training Ministry of National Defense of the People's Republic of China Source Xinhuanet EditorChen Zhuo 2025-07-01 08:51:30 BEIJING, June 30 (Xinhua) -- China's naval formations of two aircraft carriers, Liaoning and Shandong, have completed their far-sea combat-oriented training and safely returned to their home ports, according to the Chinese navy on Monday. The training was conducted in a well-coordinated and systematic manner as the two naval formations advanced into the Western Pacific, collaborated with relevant military forces, and completed a variety of exercises under combat conditions, such as those related to reconnaissance and early warning, counterstrike, maritime assault, air defense, and the day-and-night tactical flight of carrier-based aircraft. The training has yielded a series of research achievements for relevant military subjects and significantly boosted the systemic combat capabilities of China's aircraft carrier formations, following previous dual-carrier drills conducted jointly by the two naval formations last year. During the training, certain foreign warships and aircraft repeatedly conducted up-close reconnaissance maneuvers, tracking, and surveillance. The Chinese naval formations maintained high vigilance and responsiveness to combat scenarios, organized multiple flights of carrier-based aircraft, and handled the situation professionally and soundly. According to the Chinese navy, as a routine arrangement per its annual plan, the training has effectively tested the joint training results of relevant forces and enhanced their capability to safeguard the country's sovereignty, security and development interests. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China's two carrier strike groups return to homeports Ministry of National Defense of the People's Republic of China Source China Daily EditorChen Zhuo 2025-07-01 08:52:55 China's two carrier strike groups have recently returned to their home ports after a series of training operations and exercises in the Western Pacific, according to the People's Liberation Army Navy. The Navy said in a news release on Monday afternoon that the two strike groups, led by the CNS Liaoning and CNS Shandong aircraft carriers, carried out "realistic and systemic" combat training and cooperated with other PLA branches to conduct mock battles. Units involved in the exercises performed early-warning, reconnaissance, air and missile defense, fighter deployments, assaults against sea targets and other maneuvers, the release said. During the dual-carrier mission, the strike groups explored and verified their tactics and also honed their crews' skills, effectively improving the flotillas' combat capabilities, it stated. According to the Navy, during the training session, the Chinese vessels had several encounters with foreign warships and aircraft that conducted close-in reconnaissance and surveillance. The groups maintained high alert and were always ready to respond to possible threats. They mobilized carrier-based fighters to establish security perimeters, handling various scenarios professionally and effectively. The exercise was the second time that both of the Navy's carrier strike groups participated in an operation together. The first time was in October, when they conducted a joint combat exercise in the South China Sea. Senior Captain Wang Xuemeng, a spokesman for the Navy, said on June 10 in Beijing that the strike groups' operations were "a part of routine training arrangements set by our annual work plan, and is intended for improving our units' ability to fulfill their duties. It is in line with the international law and common practice by other navies, and is not targeted at any specific nation or objective". Currently, the Navy operates two aircraft carriers the CNS Liaoning and the CNS Shandong. Both have a standard displacement of around 50,000 metric tons and a conventional propulsion system, and they use a ski jump system to launch their J-15 fighter jets. The country has built a third aircraft carrier the CNS Fujian, which is the largest and mightiest warship any Asian nation has ever built. It is also the world's largest non-American aircraft carrier. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning's Regular Press Conference on July 1, 2025 Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China Updated: July 01, 2025 18:06 Beijing Youth Daily: It has been five years since the promulgation and implementation of the Law on Safeguarding National Security in Hong Kong. A handful of Western politicians and anti-China organizations smeared and attacked human rights and freedom in Hong Kong. But we also noted that since the beginning of this year, despite the turbulent global market, Hong Kong's economy has achieved steady progress with unique strength. Some foreign scholars who once had concerns over Hong Kong's prospects are once again optimistic about Hong Kong's development. What's your view? Mao Ning: Over the past five years since the promulgation and implementation of the Law on Safeguarding National Security in Hong Kong, Hong Kong's legal framework has been improved, the society enjoys greater stability and solidarity, and the rights and freedoms Hong Kong residents enjoy in accordance with the law have been fully protected. Certain Western politicians and anti-China organizations' groundless and malicious smears against One Country, Two Systems, as well as their attacks on Hong Kong's rule of law, fully reveal their ill intention of destabilizing Hong Kong. With high-level security, Hong Kong is able to achieve high-quality development. I would like to share some data. Hong Kong's GDP has grown for nine consecutive quarters. It has ranked among the top three international financial centers in the world and regained one of the top three seats in the world's competitiveness ranking. It is the world's third largest recipient of foreign direct investment. It tops the world in terms of fundraising from IPOs since the beginning of this year. It has ranked the world's first in air cargo shipping, the fourth in the International Shipping Center Development Index and among the top ten in talent competitiveness. Increasing investment in Hong Kong has been recommended by many foreign chambers of commerce. These data show that Hong Kong's economy is highly resilient and vibrant, and the city's international appeal continues to grow. Today marks the 28th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland. We believe that with the steadfast support of the motherland, the safeguard of One Country, Two systems, the dedication of the government of the Hong Kong SAR and the joint efforts of the whole society, Hong Kong enjoys broad prospects and a promising future. AFP: Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra today was suspended by the country's constitutional court as it opened a probe into her conduct in a diplomatic spat with Cambodia. What is China's comment to this? Mao Ning: That's the internal affair of Thailand and I don't comment on that. As a friendly neighbor, we hope to see sustained stability and development in Thailand. AFP: The U.S. Justice Department said yesterday that it has taken down a network that allegedly helped North Koreans obtain remote IT work with companies to raise funds for the country's weapons program. Six Chinese nationals and two Taiwan citizens have been indicted for their involvement. Does the Foreign Ministry have a comment on this? Mao Ning: China opposes unilateral sanctions that have no basis in international law or authorization of the UN Security Council. We will do what is necessary to defend the legitimate and lawful rights and interests of Chinese nationals. Bloomberg: Can the Foreign Ministry provide some specific examples of the "improper behavior" by former senator Tolentino of the Philippines that led to him being sanctioned by Beijing? Can you give some more details and more specifics as to the reasoning and the rationale behind those sanctions? Mao Ning: Our website has released the sanction decision and elaborated on it, which you may refer to. Let me stress that there are consequences for hurting China's interests. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address U.S. imposes tougher policy on Cuba People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 14:57, July 01, 2025 HOUSTON, June 30 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump signed a memorandum on Monday to toughen U.S. policy on Cuba, including restrictions on certain financial transactions and travel. According to a fact sheet issued by the White House, the memorandum enforces the legal ban on U.S. tourism to Cuba by requiring mandatory record-keeping of all travel-related transactions for a minimum of five years and conducting regular audits to ensure compliance. The Trump administration aims to end economic practices that disproportionately benefit the Cuban government or its military, intelligence, or security agencies or personnel. Direct or indirect financial transactions with entities controlled by the Cuban military, such as Grupo de Administracion Empresarial S.A. (GAESA), and its affiliates are prohibited. More Cubans and entities are henceforth barred from doing business with Americans as the decades-long U.S. economic embargo is enhanced, the memorandum shows. On the first day of his second term in January, Trump, who has always been tough on Cuba, reversed the decision made by his predecessor Joe Biden to remove Cuba from the list of "state sponsors of terrorism" before leaving office. In the final days of his first term in 2021, Trump had labeled Cuba as a "state sponsor of terrorism." Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla blasted the memorandum as "a criminal behavior that violates the human rights of an entire nation." "The Presidential Memorandum vs. Cuba released today by the U.S. government strengthens the aggression and economic blockade that punishes the whole Cuban people and is the main obstacle to our development," he said on the social platform X. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Two Taiwanese indicted in U.S. for backing N. Korea's weapons program ROC Central News Agency 07/01/2025 02:09 PM Washington, June 30 (CNA) Two Taiwanese nationals were among a group of suspects indicted in Boston on Monday in connection with an alleged scheme to generate revenue for North Korea's weapons of mass destruction (WMD) programs, according to U.S. prosecutors. The two Taiwanese suspects, identified as Liu Meng-ting and Liu En-chia, were among nine suspects indicted in the scheme that raised at least US$5 million in revenue for the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), United States Attorney Leah Foley's office said. Aside from the two Taiwanese, there were six Chinese nationals and one American who were indicted in the case. The statement from Foley's office did not detail whether the suspects were being detained. According to court documents, the DPRK government has dispatched thousands of skilled IT workers around the world in response to U.S. and United Nations sanctions to steal the identities of U.S. persons and pose as American workers to obtain remote IT jobs and generate revenue for DPRK weapons of mass destruction WMD programs. Between 2021 and October 2024, those indicted in connection with the scheme transmitted fake and misleading information to dozens of U.S. companies, financial institutions and government agencies. The IT workers employed also gained access to sensitive employer data and source codes, including International Traffic in Arms Regulations data from a California-based defense contractor that develops artificial intelligence-powered equipment and technologies. In doing so, the suspects and their co-conspirators compromised the identities of over 80 U.S. citizens, and fraudulently obtained remote jobs at over 100 American companies, including several Fortune 500 companies and a defense contractor, according to Foley's office. They also accessed internal information from these companies, and generated US$5 million in revenue, the office said. "The threat posed by DPRK operatives is both real and immediate. Thousands of North Korean cyber operatives have been trained and deployed by the regime to blend into the global digital workforce and systematically target U.S. companies," Foley was quoted as saying in the statement. "We will continue to work relentlessly to protect U.S. businesses and ensure they are not inadvertently fueling the DPRK's unlawful and dangerous ambitions." (By Chung Yu-chen and Joseph Yeh) Enditem/ls NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Delegation of Kim Il Sung Military University Leaves for Russia Korean Central News Agency of DPRK Pyongyang, July 1 (KCNA) -- A delegation of Kim Il Sung Military University headed by President Kim Kum Chol left here on June 30 to visit the Military Academy of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation. The delegation was seen off at Pyongyang International Airport by an official of the university, officers of the Korean People's Army and the military attache of the Russian embassy here. -0- NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Raksha Mantri & US Secretary of Defense talk over phone; Discuss ways to further augment defence ties with focus on expanding industry collaboration India - Press Information Bureau Ministry of Defence Posted On: 01 JUL 2025 8:17PM by PIB Delhi Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh and US Secretary of Defense Mr Pete Hegseth held a telephonic conversation on July 01, 2025. The two leaders discussed a wide canvas of issues ranging from long-term cooperation in the defence sector, including training and military exchanges, to expanding the industry collaboration. They agreed to further build upon the momentum of this critical & mutually beneficial partnership across all its pillars such as interoperability, integration of defence industrial supply chains, logistics sharing, increased joint military exercises and cooperation with other like-minded partners. Raksha Mantri appreciated the unwavering support extended by US to India for its fight against terrorism. He complimented the US Secretary of Defense for his dynamic leadership which has propelled defence cooperation between US and India to new levels. Mr Pete Hegseth invited Shri Rajnath Singh to US for an in-person meeting to take the bilateral defence partnership forward. In a post on X, Shri Rajnath Singh stated that the discussions were held to review the ongoing and new initiatives to further deepen India-US defence partnership & strengthen cooperation in capacity building. He looked forward to meeting the US Secretary of Defense at an early date. This was their third telephonic conversation since January this year when Mr Pete Hegseth was confirmed as US Secretary of Defense. **** VK/Savvy (Release ID: 2141367) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address INS TEG CONCLUDES VISIT TO PORT VICTORIA, SEYCHELLES India - Press Information Bureau Ministry of Defence Posted On: 01 JUL 2025 5:46PM by PIB Delhi INS Teg, a frontline stealth frigate of the Western Naval Command, concluded a port visit at Port Victoria, Seychelles on 30 Jun 2025. The visit formed part of the ship's operational deployment to the South West Indian Ocean Region and featured a wide spectrum of professional, social and cultural engagements, underscoring the maritime partnership between India and Seychelles. On arrival at Port Victoria on 26 Jun 2025, the Commanding Officer called on senior government and military officials of Seychelles, including Maj Gen Michael Rosette, Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) SPDF, Mr Sylvestre Radegonde, the Minister of Home Affairs and Mr Kartik Pande, the High Commissioner of India to Seychelles (HCI). The officers and crew also interacted with senior government functionaries and officials from the Indian High Commission onboard the ship. These discussions contributed to strengthening camaraderie, bilateral ties and promoting cooperation in the maritime domain. As part of cultural outreach, a yoga session, in line with the International Day of Yoga 2025 theme "Yoga for One Earth, One Health", was conducted onboard on 28 Jun 2025 with enthusiastic participation by the local populace, Indian diaspora and the ship's crew. Towards fostering greater understanding of the Indian Navy's role and capabilities, the ship was open to visitors at Port Victoria on 28 Jun 2025. About 200 visitors were provided a guided tour of the ship and the entire event garnered immense interest and appreciation for the Indian Navy's efforts in promoting maritime security in the region. A cultural evening was hosted onboard the ship on 28 Jul 25. Invitees included the CDF, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Tourism, the Minister for Agriculture, the Minister for Community Affairs, other functionaries from the Govt of Seychelles, the HCI, envoys of friendly foreign nations including France, Japan, USA, Indonesia and Sri Lanka, and members of the Indian diaspora. During his address the CDF highlighted the vibrant India-Seychelles defence partnership including support for capacity building through joint military exercises and regular port calls by Indian Naval ships. The programme facilitated a productive exchange of professional views, followed by a captivating performance by the Naval band, a vibrant dance performance by the ship's crew and delectable Indian cuisine during dinner. The highlight of the port call was participation of a marching contingent from the ship along with the famed Indian Naval Band in a parade to commemorate the 49th National Day of Seychelles on 29 June 2025. A flypast was also undertaken by the ship's integral helicopter during the parade. The enthusiasm and standards of marching showcased by the contingent attracted appreciation from all quarters. On completion of her port call on 30 Jun 2025, the ship embarked personnel from the Seychelles Coast Guard (SCG) for joint surveillance of Seychelles EEZ from 30 Jun -02 Jul 2025. This initiative reaffirms India's commitment towards safety of the global commons and combating Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing. The ship will proceed with the next phase of deployment post disembarking the SCG personnel. This visit stands testament to the Indian Navy's commitment to strengthen maritime security cooperation and bilateral relations between the two nations. **** VM/ SKY 126/25 (Release ID: 2141287) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PM Netanyahu met with the IDF General Staff Forum Israel Prime Minister's Office Events and Speeches The 37th Government Publish Date: 30.06.2025 Updated date: 01.07.2025 PM Netanyahu to the IDF General Staff Forum: "The line that separates between the generations of Jewish history and what has happened in our generation - is the establishment of the state and the IDF. I thank you for the intensive and superb operation that will be etched in the history of our people and the world." Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, today, at the Kirya in Tel Aviv, met with the IDF General Staff Forum, together with Defense Minister Israel Katz and IDF Chief-of-Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir. The Prime Minister commended the major-generals of the IDF for their part in Operation Rising Lion in Iran and thanked them for their contribution to ensuring the eternity of Israel. Prime Minister Netanyahu: "Personally, I would like to express immense appreciation and gratitude to you Defense Minister Israel Katz, to you IDF Chief-of-Staff Eyal Zamir and to you, the members of the General Staff Forum for perfectly executing that missions that we set. 'A people that rises up as a lion' - and much more. Over the centuries of our exile, the Jewish People lost the ability to oppose those who attacked it. We became as a leaf driven in the wind, a people that experienced exile, pogroms, murders and, in the end, the worst act of murder in history. When the fathers of Zionism arose approximately 130 years ago, most of them did not think that the attacks on the Jewish People would end with the establishment of the State of Israel, but that we would formulate the diplomatic and military force to oppose these attacks. This is the line that separates between the generations of Jewish history and what has happened in our generation - the establishment of the state and the IDF. In Iran, a threat was created for us that was no less strong and perhaps even greater than the pan-Arab threat at its peak, and it still threatens us. Forty years ago, and certainly 35 years ago, I thought that the greatest danger to humanity was the link between nuclear weapons and an Islamist regime, or the link between an Islamist regime and nuclear weapons. But Iran did not suffice with this because, in effect, they built three axes of annihilation: First - the noose, a plan for the annihilation of Israel by means of an axis. The second - a plan for the annihilation of Israel by means of a missile threat. And the third - a plan for the annihilation of Israel by means of a nuclear threat. This is the raison d'etre of the regime. This is not the only reason why they want to annihilate us and we are not their main objective. But in order to realize the main objectives, they must get rid of us. It is impossible to conquer the Middle East without annihilating Israel. And if there is no Israel, the Middle East collapses immediately. The State of Israel was like a person who has two cancerous tumors - one was the nuclear threat and the second was the missile threat. If you do not excise them - you die. It could be that you excise them and they return, like you treat cancer. But if you do not excise them, we die. Therefore, there was no question here. We had to make this decision. And the way in which it was made, unanimously by the political echelon, and unanimously by the IDF command - under your outstanding leadership, which improved exceptionally on a daily and weekly basis. The question arose regarding the US, and I told you that we would do everything to get them on board, but this was not a condition. It was not a condition. But none of this would have been possible without the intensive and superb operation that will be etched in the history of our people, and - in my view - in the history of the world, certainly in the military history, which I believe everyone will come to study. This has major implications for our economy - we are already feeling it." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Araqchi: Iran's acceptance of the request to stop the war has provided a new opportunity for diplomacy IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Jul 1, 2025 Tehran, IRNA -- Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has stressed that Iran's acceptance of the request to stop the war imposed by the Israeli regime has provided a new opportunity for comprehensive diplomacy, and said that there is no doubt that West Asia is on the threshold of a historic crossroads which is continuing endless violence or moving towards a lasting peace. "Now is the time for the Islamic world to think about a sustainable future instead of short-term policies," Araqchi wrote in an article in the An-Nahar newspaper. The full text of Araqchi's article in An-Nahar is as follows: Decades ago, when the Palestinian issue was first framed as a "central cause" in the Islamic world and the Arab sphere, few could have imagined that Iran would one day find itself at the heart of this cause, playing a decisive and active role. Today, just days after the Zionist entity called for a temporary halt to the war, the Islamic Republic of Iran has not only reaffirmed its influential position but has also demonstrated that a significant shift has occurred in the regional balance of power. Regarding this shift, two pivotal points must be highlighted. First, the powerful resistance mounted by the Islamic Republic of Iran in defence of its sovereignty and territorial integrityalong with its decisive response to the Israeli aggression deep within the occupied Palestinian territorieshas resulted in the collapse of the fabricated image of strength long projected by the Zionist entity, which has consistently relied on unwavering support from the United States and its allies. Second, Iran's response was based on Resolution No. 69/51 issued during the 51st session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), which was unanimously adopted by all member statesthus reflecting a unified stance and collective consensus. The OIC member states deemed the military operations directed against the Islamic Republic of Iran to constitute an "act of aggression," in accordance with Article 2(4) of the United Nations Charter. They also affirmed that the actions committed by the Zionist entity amount to a "war crime" under the rules of international humanitarian law. Moreover, in another section of the resolution, fifty-seven Islamic countries called on the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to condemn the attack on Iran's nuclear facilities by the United States and the Israeli entity. They also urged the agency to submit a report to the United Nations Security Council regarding this blatant and flagrant violation of international standards. What distinguishes the current state of the Islamic Ummah and our region from the past is that the scene of national unity and cohesion witnessed within Iranian society following these attacks has now extended to both the regional and broader Islamic arenas. A comparable moment of collective solidarity has not been seen since 1969, when Zionist forces stormed Al-Aqsa Mosque and set fire to parts of the "First of the Two Qiblas." Although the UN Security Council at the time adopted Resolution 271 strongly condemning the actions committed by the Israeli entity, what had a more profound impact was the decision by the Organization of the Islamic Conference to convene its first-ever Islamic summit on the issue of Palestine. In my opinion, the Rabat Summit in September 1969, which established the Palestinian cause as the starting point for joint Islamic action, is being reactivated today through the recent meeting of the Foreign Ministers of Islamic countries. This has enabled a converging awareness after decades, allowing Islamic countries to lay the foundations for a new, realistic dialogue that reflects the aspirations of their peoplesa dialogue free from domination by national, sectarian, or linguistic affiliations, as well as political disputes, traditional rivalries, and geopolitical competitions. The principle of "protecting the collective rights of the peoples and states of the region" has become a shared focus in the positions of countries over the past two weeks, raising new questions: Has the Islamic world become convinced to take on an active role at a moment when a new, multipolar, and more independent world order is emerging? Have the issues of Palestine, dignity, and development not become a top priority in the collective concerns of the region's countries and Islamic societies? The past fifteen days, or the "Days of Empowerment," have on one hand tested the cohesion of Iran's deterrence strategy and regional diplomacy, and on the other hand served as a measure of the seriousness of the Islamic world in confronting shared threats. For the first time since the Organization of Islamic Cooperation summit in Rabat, the Islamic world is shaping a new Islamic discourse characterized by realism and strength, with no member state left behind. The fundamental pillar of deterrence is now embodied in cooperation among the countries of the region. Consensus in confronting shared threats, understanding on regional stability, economic security, and combating all forms of terrorism constitute the four cornerstones around which diplomatic negotiations should be conducted. The Islamic Republic of Iran's response to the call for a ceasefire opens a new window for comprehensive diplomacy, offering all parties interested in peace an opportunity to reassess their approaches. However, entering negotiations and the success of diplomacy require the consideration of fundamental conditions. The first steps on this path involve addressing the issues of "ensuring security" and "achieving justice." Ensuring security can only be realized by legally formalizing the call for a ceasefire and requiring the aggressor to provide guarantees against future use of violencean element that was absent in the cases of Gaza and Lebanon. This absence led to the Zionist entity's continued violations of the agreed ceasefire and its disregard for stability in the Mediterranean region. At this point, the UN Security Council must fulfil its responsibilities as mandated by the United Nations Charter and act swiftly and decisively to secure the necessary guarantees from the aggressor. There is no doubt that influential Security Council members such as China, Russia, and European countries, alongside nations like Brazil and Japanwhich consider the protection of international peace part of their dutiescan play a constructive role in achieving this goal. I must point out that my country, Iran, has long advocated for a Middle East free of nuclear weapons to ensure regional security and has demonstrated its commitment to this approach. Alongside this vision, it is essential to focus on collective consensus among Islamic countries and to work on formulating economic development modelsthrough initiatives such as investment and regional trade agreementsas tools to ease tensions under current circumstances. Regarding the pursuit of justice, the idea presented in paragraph 2 of Resolution 69/51 issued by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation is valid; the International Atomic Energy Agency's explicit condemnation of the attacks carried out by the Israeli entity and the United States on Iran's peaceful nuclear facilitiessuch as Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahanshould translate into practical and enforceable measures. It should not be forgotten that the demand for this condemnation arises in the context of assaults targeting facilities fully subject to the safeguards of the International Atomic Energy Agency. Ensuring security and achieving justice can be viewed as a starting point in a long journey that would link the "moment of ceasefire" to the "horizon of sustainable peace." There is no doubt that the West Asian region stands today at a critical historical crossroads: either continuing a never-ending cycle of violence or moving toward a firmly established peace. It is high time for the Islamic world to contemplate a more stable and sustainable future instead of relying on short-term policies. In the same context, the second step on the path to peace is closely linked to the pivotal position of Lebanon and Palestine as two countries within the Islamic world. This approach requires that the regions of Gaza and Lebanonboth of which have been the most affected by aggression, killing, and systematic occupation over the past year and a halfreceive special attention from all parties involved. The Islamic Republic of Iran, like all Islamic countries, views the immediate cessation of aggression and occupation against Gaza and Lebanon as the fundamental condition for managing the conflict, alongside urgent humanitarian aid and serious international involvement in the reconstruction of these two regions. Alongside the constructive practical steps mentioned, the issue of establishing and formulating an executive framework or platform must be taken into consideration. The creation of a legal and human rights bodysuch as an "Islamic Human Rights Court"based on legal principles recognized within the Islamic world, like the 1990 Cairo Declaration, could serve as a complementary requirement in this context. This court, much like the European Court of Human Rights, should receive broad international support. Establishing such a mechanism would enable the member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation to play a more effective role in the path of solidarity and collective action. Turkey's current presidency of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation presents an opportunity to form a preparatory committee to draft the statute as soon as possible, and to lend an organized and institutional character to the cooperation between the Islamic world and international institutionssuch as the International Criminal Courtby focusing on specific cases like the Gaza issue. From the perspective of the Islamic Republic of Iran, collective peace and stability in West Asiaa region free of nuclear weaponsis not only possible and within reach through joint cooperation focused on shared destiny, but it is also essential. 2050 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran is pursuing compensation over U.S.-Israeli aggression, says Araqchi IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Jul 1, 2025 Tehran, IRNA -- Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi says Iran is actively pursuing its right to seek compensation for the damage caused by the recent acts of aggression of the United States and Israel against the Islamic Republic. Araqchi made the remarks in a phone conversation with his Armenian counterpart, Ararat Mirzoyan, on Tuesday. They discussed Tehran-Yerevan relations and regional developments in the aftermath of the military aggression by the U.S. and Israel. The top Iranian diplomat said that the international community and the United Nations have a responsibility to hold the U.S. and Israel to account for violating Iran's national sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as all international regulations and laws. "The Islamic Republic of Iran is seriously pursuing its right to have the aggressor recognized and seek compensation in international organizations," he added. Mirzoyan, once again, condemned the U.S.-Israeli aggression, saying that Armenia welcomes the cessation of hostilities that would de-escalate the situation in the region. Israel launched the aggression on Iran on June 13, assassinating top military officials and nuclear scientists in targeted strikes. The regime also attacked homes and other civilian structures, leaving more than 900 people dead, including women and children, in the 12 days of war imposed on the Islamic Republic. Washington joined the war on June 22 when it bombed three major Iranian nuclear sites, namely Fordow, Isfahan, and Natanz, directly becoming involved in the conflict. The Iranian Armed Forces responded to the U.S.-Israeli aggression powerfully, striking key areas across the Israeli-occupied territories and inflicting heavy damage there. The aggression came to an end following a ceasefire announced on June 24. 4194**4353 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address O.P.C.W. condemns Israeli strikes on Iran's chemical facilities IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Jul 1, 2025 London, IRNA -- A large majority of countries participating in a special session of the Executive Council of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (O.P.C.W.) have condemned Israeli strikes on Iranian chemical facilities as a flagrant violation of international law. The meeting, held on Tuesday in The Hague at Iran's request, was convened in response to recent attacks carried out against Iran during the 12-day war imposed by Israel. Iranian Ambassador to the Netherlands Hadi Farajvandwho also serves as Iran's representative to the O.P.C.W.denounced the Israeli aggression, which targeted civilians, including women, children, and scientists, as well as research centers and petrochemical sites. Farajvand warned of the serious environmental consequences such attacks pose, including the potential release of hazardous chemicals, infrastructure damage, and long-term risks to public health and ecological stability. He said Israel violated international humanitarian law and ignored binding international norms in carrying out the attacks. The ambassador also noted that Israel is not a party to treaties banning weapons of mass destruction and referenced prior attacks on chemical sites in Syria and Lebanon. In response, Iran proposed the establishment of a working group within the O.P.C.W. to develop binding mechanisms aimed at preventing attacks on chemical facilities during armed conflicts. 9341**4353 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iranians will not allow any harm to their Leader: Administration spokesperson IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Jul 1, 2025 Tehran, IRNA -- The spokesperson for President Masoud Pezeshkian's administration has said that the enemies have not understood Iran and its people, adding that the cultural heritage and civilizational wealth of this nation prevent them from allowing even the slightest harm to be inflicted on the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei. In her weekly press briefing on Tuesday, Fatemeh Mohajerani said that the enemy had relied on its war of aggression and the assassination of Iranian security personnel and military commanders to incite protests across the country; however, they failed to recognize that Iranians will not permit foreign adversaries to disrupt the nation. Regarding the latest statistics on losses and injuries from the U.S.-Israeli war, she said that according to the Ministry of Health's announcement, 5,646 individuals were injured, and 935 people lost their lives, including 140 women and children. She also said that the actions of the Israeli regime against Iran are considered a crime under international law; therefore, the Iranian administration began lodging complaints with the U.N. Security Council and human rights organizations from the very first hours of this aggression. In response to a question on the situation of Iranian nuclear sites following the U.S.-Israeli strikes, the spokesperson said that Iran's nuclear facilities have been seriously damaged. When asked about future talks between Iran and the United States, she said that, as the Iranian foreign minister and his spokesperson have declared that no timeline has yet been set for these discussions, and it is likely that they will not occur very soon. The Iranian side has not made a decision in this regard, Mohajerani said. 4208**9417 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iranian nation will withstand all forms of bullying: Foreign Ministry spokesperson IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Jul 1, 2025 Rasht, IRNA -- Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei says the Iranian nation is determined to stand against any external threats and coercion. Baqaei made the remarks during a memorial held in Astaneh-ye Ashrafiyeh, a town located in the northern Province of Gilan, where five citizens were laid to rest after being killed in the Israeli airstrike. Baqaei paid tribute to the martyred civilians, including women, children, and elderly individuals, terming the attack as shocking in its cruelty and a clear war crime. He emphasized that the measures are unjustifiable under any standard of international law or morality. The Iranian people, he said, stand firm against any form of bullying or threat. Assassination of Iranian scientists is considered cowardly acts that expose the desperation of those who seek to undermine Iran's scientific advancements. On June 13, the Israeli regime started airstrikes on Iran, including its nuclear facilities, killing hundreds of scientists, military personnel and civilians. The United States joined the regime's war against Iran by attacking nuclear sites in Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan on June 22. 7129**9417 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Cuba: Netanyahu has been lying about Iran's nuclear program for 30 years IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Jul 1, 2025 Tehran, IRNA -- Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez says Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been lying for more than 30 years with regard to Iran's peaceful nuclear program. "Netanyahu and his supporters have been lying for more than 30 years about Iran supposedly having nuclear weapons," Rodriguez said in a post on his X account on Monday. He added that Israel's clear intention has been to militarily involve the U.S. government in order to destroy an ancient nation that has historically supported the creation of an independent Palestinian state. On June 13, the Israeli regime launched an unprovoked war against Iran on the pretext of destroying Tehran's civilian nuclear program, killing more than 900 people, including senior commanders, nuclear scientists, and civilians. In response, the Islamic Republic carried out Operation True Promise III, which included 22 rounds of missile and drone strikes at targets throughout the occupied territory. 4354**9417 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Nuclear program has turned into a matter of national pride: Foreign Minister Araqchi IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Jul 1, 2025 In an interview with CBS News, Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi has emphasized that Iran's "peaceful nuclear program has turned into a matter of national pride and glory." Underlining the Islamic Republic's legitimate right to enrich uranium, he remarked, "We have also gone through 12 days of imposed war; therefore, people will not easily back down from enrichment." The foreign minister referred to U.S.-Israeli attempts to eliminate Iran's nuclear program, saying, "One cannot obliterate the technology and science for enrichment through bombings." Araqchi further said, "If there is this will on our part, and the will exists in order to once again make progress in this industry, we will be able to expeditiously repair the damages and make up for the lost time." Regarding the possibility of resuming indirect talks with the United States on the lifting of sanctions and uranium enrichment, he said, "Doors of diplomacy will never slam shut." However, he added, "I don't think negotiations will restart as quickly as that." He also said that the Islamic Republic requires certain assurances from the U.S. to engage in a new round of negotiations. "In order for us to decide to reengage, we will have to first ensure that America will not revert back to targeting us in a military attack during the negotiations," he said, "And I think with all these considerations, we still need more time." On Iran's decisive response to the Israeli regime's aggression, Araqchi said, "We showed during this 12-day imposed war that we have the ability to defend ourselves, and we will continue to do so should any aggression be launched against us." On June 13, the Israeli regime started airstrikes on Iran, including its nuclear facilities, killing hundreds of scientists, military personnel and civilians. The United States joined the regime's war against Iran by attacking nuclear sites in Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan on June 22. 4208**9417 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran FM warns 'destructive approach' by EU a blow to diplomacy Iran Press TV Tuesday, 01 July 2025 7:21 PM Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has warned the European Union against the "destructive approach" toward Iran's nuclear activities and support for Israeli aggression by several European countries, stating that such actions would further complicate matters and hinder diplomatic efforts. In a phone conversation with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas on Tuesday, Araghchi denounced what he described as the leniency shown by some parties toward the lawlessness and crimes of the Zionist regime. He emphasized the responsibility of all governments to condemn the military aggression by Israel and the United States against Iran. Referring to the open support for the attacks by Germany and some other European governments, Araghchi warned that any statements that implicitly or indirectly justify such blatant violations of international law and the crimes committed by the Israeli regime would be tantamount to complicity in those crimes. The Iranian foreign minister underscored the Iranian nation's firm defense of its territorial integrity and national security in the face of Israeli and American military aggression. He described the attack on Iran's peaceful nuclear facilities and the killing of Iranian civilians as an unprecedented blow to diplomacy, the non-proliferation regime, and UN Security Council Resolution 2231. Araghchi said the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran are fully prepared to defend the nation's sovereignty against any form of aggression. "When the Zionist regime ceased its attacks, we halted our defensive operations as a gesture of goodwill. This clearly demonstrates that, unlike the warmongering Zionist entity, the Islamic Republic of Iran neither initiated the war nor seeks its continuation," he said. Araghchi also reiterated Iran's distrust of the United States, stating that "the Israeli and US military attacks occurred while Iran was engaged in negotiations and diplomacy, and it was the US that betrayed the diplomatic process." According to a statement by the Iranian Foreign Ministry, Kallas emphasized that there is no evidence suggesting Iran is expanding its nuclear program to develop weapons. She underscored the need for a diplomatic solution to the Iranian nuclear issue and expressed support for ongoing efforts to reduce tensions and promote regional stability. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address OPCW members condemn Israeli attack on Iran's chemical facilities Iran Press TV Tuesday, 01 July 2025 5:19 PM A majority of the member states of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) has condemned Israel's recent acts of aggression against Iranian chemical and industrial facilities. The condemnation was issued during a special session of the OPCW Executive Council in The Hague, convened at Iran's request. At the session, Hadi Farajvand, Iran's ambassador to the Netherlands and permanent representative to the OPCW, highlighted the killing of women and children, scientists, and civilians, as well as the targeting of research centers, including petrochemical facilities and chemical research centers. He cited the harm to civilians, the risk of chemical substance release, environmental damage, and threats to critical infrastructure. Farajvand underscored a series of violations by the Israeli regime, including breaches of humanitarian law, disregard for international legal norms, violations of peremptory norms (jus cogens), failure to adhere to any treaties or conventions on weapons of mass destruction, and a record of attacks on chemical facilities in Syria and Lebanon. During the session, Iran's ambassador proposed that the OPCW Executive Council establish a working group aimed at adopting binding decisions to prevent attacks on chemical facilities during conflicts and called for appropriate measures to be taken in this regard. During the 12-day aggression by the Israeli regime against Iran, several chemical facilities and fuel storage sites were targeted, resulting in significant environmental damage. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 'Next retaliation will exceed your expectations': Leader's aide warns Israel, US Iran Press TV Tuesday, 01 July 2025 9:02 AM A senior military advisor to Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has warned the adversaries that Iran's next round of retaliatory strikes in the event of a new act of aggression will be much stronger than during the 12-day Israeli war against the country. Major General Yahya Rahim-Safavi, who also used to serve as the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC)'s chief commander, made the remarks during a ceremony on Monday. "Should they begin a new round [of aggression], Iran will start a new round [of retaliation] that will exceed their expectations," he said. '1000s of missiles set on enemy targets' "We know them, their interests, structures, bases, and forces well across the [West Asia] region," the official noted, referring to the country's adversaries. "The power of the IRGC extends beyond the region," Safavi said, underlining how information concerning those bases has been stored on the target banks belonging to "thousands of [the Corps'] missiles." The comments came after the Islamic Republic's armed forces staged a whole host of successful defensive maneuvers and retaliatory operations in the face of an unprovoked Israeli war, compelling the regime to request a ceasefire. The operations saw the forces successfully intercept numerous incoming projectiles and down multiple hostile warplanes. They also fired hundreds of ballistic missiles, including multi-warhead and hypersonic variants, towards key nuclear, military, and industrial sites across the occupied Palestinian territories as part of their retaliatory strikes. This decisive reprisal, conducted as part of Operation True Promise III, hit such targets as Tel Aviv, the Israeli regime's economic hub; Haifa, its vital deep-water port; and Be'er Sheva, its technological and developmental epicenter. According to the advisor, the forces will strike the enemies' entire regional interests and bases "with higher intensity, and face [the targets with] serious threat" upon renewed miscalculation on the part of the adversaries. 'Great Satan, Lesser Satan doomed to fail' The official denounced the regime as the "Lesser Satan," and the United States -- its biggest ally that provided it with unprecedented military and intelligence support throughout the war -- as "Lesser Satan." "With my over 40 years of experience confronting the enemies, I confidently state that victory will ultimately belong to the great and powerful Iranian nation, and defeat will befall the Great Satan and the Lesser Satan." He noted how, during the war, the duo tried but dismally failed to advance their objectives of subjugating the nation, dividing the country up, reversing the gains of its 1979 Islamic Revolution, and staging a coup. They failed in all their goals against the "invincible" nation "by divine grace and through the Leader's directions," Safavi remarked. 'Zionists heading faster towards demise' The advisor, meanwhile, predicted that the Zionist entity was heading faster towards demise, saying the realization of a famous forecast offered once by the Leader concerning the entity's not existing in "25 years" had been expedited. He maintained that the blood of all those martyred as a result of the Israeli regime's atrocities throughout the region will eventually "drown the criminal Zionist regime." "The Zionist regime and [Benjamin] Netanyahu's demise have drawn near," he said, referring to the regime's prime minister, who has been waging escalated deadly aggression throughout the region, including a genocidal war on the Gaza Strip, since October 2023. 'US plan for West Asia defeated' Elsewhere in his remarks, Safavi said the United States had failed to realize its so-called "Greater" West Asia plan that had foreseen further entrenchment of Washington's regional influence, and expansion of its interference beyond the region's contours. "The Greater West Asia will [rather] be shaped around Iran's Islamic Revolution and the [regional] Resistance Axis," he stated. The official predicted that the 1.5-billion-strong Muslim world's further future empowerment would contribute to the decline of the United States' power. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Global disregard for Palestine led to Israel waging war on Iran as well, says Russian envoy Iran Press TV Tuesday, 01 July 2025 8:10 AM Russia's first deputy permanent representative to the United Nations has described as "explosive" the situation in Palestine, stressing that international disregard of Israel's long-time crimes against Palestinians resulted in the 12-day war against Iran. Dmitry Polyansky said at a UN Security Council meeting on the situation in West Asia on Monday that ignoring the Palestinian issue and the Israeli regime's expansion of its illegal settlement activities led to the conflict between Tehran and Tel Aviv. "We have repeatedly warned that the unsettled state of one of the major and protracted conflicts in the Middle East seriously impacts developments in the region and may trigger a large-scale conflict involving neighboring countries. Regrettably, a deaf ear was turned to us and other countries calling for urgent collective efforts on the Middle East settlement track," Polyansky said. "The persistent disregard of the Palestinian problem resulted in the 12-day war that was unleashed right before our eyes when two nuclear states attacked a non-nuclear participant in the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty," he added. The Russian diplomat underlined that no progress is seen concerning the implementation of UN Security Council resolution 2334, which calls on Israel to immediately stop its illegal settlement activities in the occupied Palestinian territories. "The satiation in the occupied Palestinian territories and generally in the process of the Middle East settlement remains explosive," he added. More than 700,000 Israelis live in over 230 settlements built since the 1967 Israeli occupation of the West Bank and East al-Quds, while the international community views the settlements as illegal under international law and the Geneva Conventions due to their construction on occupied territories. The UN Security Council has condemned Israel's settlement activities in several resolutions. Despite a decades-long occupation of the Palestinian territories, the Israeli regime has launched a devastating war on the besieged Gaza Strip since October 2023, claiming the lives of tens of thousands of Palestinians, most of them women and children. In support of Palestinians and retaliation for the Israeli assassination of a number of leaders of the resistance front, as well as an attack on its diplomatic mission in the Syrian capital of Damascus, Iran fired hundreds of missiles at the Israeli-occupied territories last year as part of Operation True Promise I and II. In a new round of confrontation, Israel launched an unprovoked war of aggression against the Islamic Republic on June 13, assassinating senior military commanders and top nuclear scientists in targeted strikes before attacking nuclear and military sites and residential areas. The Iranian Armed Forces responded with missile strikes as part of Operation True Promise III, which targeted many strategic sites across the Israeli-occupied territories. Iran's retaliation included the launch of over 500 ballistic missiles and around 1,100 drones at Israel. The attacks killed 28 people and wounded some 5,000 others in the occupied territories. On June 22, the United States joined the Israeli regime in the assault and bombed three Iranian nuclear sites in a grave violation of the United Nations Charter, international law, and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). The 12-day war ended with a unilateral US-brokered ceasefire last week. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran's uranium enrichment technology, science cannot be obliterated by bombs: Araghchi Iran Press TV Tuesday, 01 July 2025 5:55 AM Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has asserted that Iran's nuclear energy knowhow and determination to further advance its peaceful nuclear industry could not simply be destroyed through military aggression. "One cannot obliterate the technology and science for [peaceful uranium] enrichment through bombings," the top diplomat told CBS News in an interview that was aired on Tuesday. The Israeli regime launched an unprovoked war on the Islamic Republic on June 13, taking aim at the country's nuclear facilities, among many other targets. The United States, which had already been contributing heavily to the aggression through unprecedented military and intelligence support, stepped in towards the end of its 12-day span, hitting several nuclear sites located in the central and north-central parts of Iran. Araghchi's remarks came after US President Donald Trump alleged that the targeted sites had been "obliterated" in the American attacks -- an assertion that was later debunked by the Pentagon's own assessments. The foreign minister underlined that the Islamic Republic was completely willing and capable of recuperating the losses, painting a promising picture of how fast the country could do so. "If there is this will on our part, and the will exists in order to once again make progress in this industry, we will be able to expeditiously repair the damages and make up for the lost time," he stated. The official ascribed the country's determination to further enhance its peaceful nuclear energy expertise to the nuclear industry's having turned into a source of national pride. According to Araghchi, the nation's pride in the industry was powerfully demonstrated during its decisive defense of the country, including its nuclear installations, throughout the Israeli-imposed war. "We have also gone through 12 days of imposed war, therefore, people will not easily back down from enrichment," he said, adding, "During the war, we demonstrated and proved our ability to defend ourselves." The official, additionally, underlined that the country would promptly act in self-defense if faced with renewed aggression. 'Talks not to restart so quickly' Asked about the prospect of fresh talks with the US, Araghchi said, "I don't think negotiations will restart as quickly as that." "In order for us to decide to reengage, we will have to first ensure that America will not revert back to targeting us in a military attack" during the diplomatic process, he stated. "I think with all these considerations, we still need more time." The two sides began holding Omani-mediated talks in April that lasted for six rounds. The process was, however, plagued by the US's recurrently insisting -- in chorus with the Israeli regime -- on Iran's reducing its enrichment levels to "zero," a demand that has been roundly ruled out by the Islamic Republic. The American aggression has also cast the US's intentions in further doubt, prompting Iranian officials to dismiss excessive reliance on the talks and ask why Washington would resort to military aggression against the country if it had truly given diplomacy a chance. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran calls for UN condemnation of Israel and US aggression Iran Press TV Tuesday, 01 July 2025 1:59 AM Iran has urged the UN and the Security Council to strongly condemn Israel and the US for violating its national sovereignty and territorial integrity. In a letter to the UN chief and Security Council president, Iranian envoy Amir Saeid Iravani on Monday called for recognition of Israel and the US as aggressors against Iran. Iravani stated that attacks on Iran's civilian nuclear infrastructure threaten international peace, undermine the non-proliferation regime, and violate Iran's right to develop peaceful nuclear energy. He cited a recent IAEA report confirming Iran's compliance with safeguards obligations, rendering the attacks unjustified. "The Security Council and Secretary-General must act decisively to uphold the UN's credibility," Iravani said, warning that inaction risks complicity and damage to the UN's founding principles. "In light of these grave violations and their far-reaching consequences, silence is not an option. For the sake of the credibility, integrity, and authority of the United Nations system as a whole, the Security Council and the Secretary-General must not only break their silence but also act decisively. Failure to do so renders the UN complicit through inaction and risks irreparable damage to the very principles upon which it was founded," Iravani said. Iran demands that the Security Council: 1 - Condemn the unlawful aggression by Israel and the US as violations of the UN Charter, international law, and Security Council Resolutions 2231 (2015) and 487 (1981). 2 - Hold Israel and the US accountable under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, including full compensation for damages and measures to prevent future violations. "Determine that the Israeli regime and the United States are the initiators of the act of aggression and take effective enforcement measures under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter, to hold them fully responsible, including their obligation to provide full compensation and reparation for the harm inflicted and to ensure that such unlawful acts of aggression are not repeated in the future," Iravani said. Iran also calls on the Secretary-General to report on Israel's violations of Resolution 487 (1981), particularly its targeting of IAEA-safeguarded nuclear sites. Iravani emphasized that the US must be held accountable for its direct aggression and complicity in Israel's actions, warning that failure to act undermines the UN's integrity. He noted that failure to do so renders the UN complicit in US violations and risks irreparable damage to the very principles upon which it was founded. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran Pivots Toward China, But Is Beijing Ready To Play Ball? By Kian Sharifi and Abubakar Siddique July 01, 2025 The war with Israel last month decimated a senior echelon of Iran's military leadership, crippled its air defenses, and exposed the vulnerability of its air force. Within days, Israel had established aerial superiority, paving the way for US air strikes on Iran's nuclear sites. But the war also tested the limits of Iran's alliance with Russia, which offered little more than diplomatic support to Tehran during the 12-day conflict. With faith in Moscow at a low point, Iran is now urgently seeking to rebuild its defenses -- and is turning to China for the advanced military hardware that Russia has failed to deliver. But as Tehran pivots toward Beijing, it faces fresh obstacles and skepticism, revealing both the limits of its options and the depth of its strategic isolation. Russia: A Strategic Partner In Name Only Despite a recently signed strategic partnership agreement and years of close cooperation, Russia's support for Iran during this crisis has proven largely rhetorical. As the reformist newspaper Shargh notes, "this alliance, at critical junctures, is based more on shifting interests than on steadfast commitments." While Russian President Vladimir Putin condemned the US strikes as "unjustified" and offered dialogue, he made no commitment to military assistance, with the Kremlin repeatedly insisting that the partnership deal has no provisions for military aid in times of war. Ali Motahari, a former deputy speaker of Iran's parliament, captured the growing sense of frustration in a post on X. He noted that Russia has refused to sell the S-400 missile defense system to Iran, despite Tehran supplying Moscow with drones for its war in Ukraine, while providing such systems to Turkey and Saudi Arabia. The ex-lawmaker argued that Russia's reluctance is due to concerns Iran could use the S-400 against Israeli aggression, exposing the superficiality of the so-called strategic partnership "that Putin touts." Iran's attempts to purchase advanced Russian military equipment -- including Sukhoi-35 (Su-35) fighter jets and Mi-28 attack helicopters -- have also stalled. According to Shargh, "except for some trainer jets, none of the promised equipment has been delivered," with production issues in Russia and diplomatic pressure from Persian Gulf states, Israel, and the United States cited as key reasons. This pattern of noncommitment has likely left Iranian officials and analysts openly questioning Russia's reliability as an ally. Chinese Reluctance And Realpolitik With Russia distracted and unreliable, unconfirmed reports both in Iranian and Western media claim that Iran has turned to China in hopes of acquiring advanced military hardware, particularly the Chengdu J-10C multirole fighter jet. Iran's air force is severely outdated and ill-equipped to confront modern adversaries. Its fleet consists largely of aging US and Soviet-era aircraft acquired before the 1979 revolution, many of which are kept operational through cannibalized parts and domestic improvisation. The J-10C is a 4.5-generation, single-engine fighter jet equipped with advanced avionics, AESA radar, and capable of deploying PL-15 long-range missiles. It is considered a credible, though not equal, challenger to Israel's advanced F-35I fleet. However, Chinese reluctance to supply Iran is pronounced, according to Andrea Ghiselli, a lecturer at the University of Exeter and head of research of the TOChina Hub's ChinaMed Project. "Beijing is trying to stabilize the relations with Washington to buy some time to further increase its tech and economic self-sufficiency, Ghiselli told RFE/RL. "That's more important than rebuilding the Iranian Air Force." Experts also agree that China's relations with Iran's regional rivals contribute to its disinclination to beef up Iran's military. "China has acted as an economic or geoeconomic actor in the Middle East," said Hamidreza Azizi, a fellow at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs. He told RFE/RL that China values its relationships with Iran's Sunni Arab neighbors in the Gulf Cooperation Council -- Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates -- who are critical energy suppliers and trading partners but maintain cautious relations with Tehran. Analysts widely agree that China's most effective way to support Iran is through continued oil purchases, which provide Tehran with vital revenue under sanctions. For Beijing, maintaining access to energy and avoiding regional destabilization outweigh any potential benefits from selling advanced weaponry to Iran, Ghiselli argued. Iran's Strategic Isolation The events of the past weeks have exposed the depth of Iran's strategic isolation. Both Moscow and Beijing have prioritized their own interests and relationships with Iran's adversaries over any formal alliance commitments. As Shargh concludes, Russia's unwillingness to go beyond political statements has severely damaged its credibility as an ally, while China's realpolitik ensures that any meaningful military support will remain out of reach. Farzan Sabet, a managing researcher at the Geneva Graduate Institute, told RFE/RL that Tehran "doesn't have any good options" when it comes to foreign military partners. Even if Tehran managed to purchase fighter jets from China, it would need a lot more than it can pay for to be able to maintain aerial superiority in future conflicts, at least in its own skies. "These are very, very expensive," Sabet said. "With Iran being under sanctions, it's not clear to anybody who would have the money to pay for it." Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-china-fighter- jets-russia-partnership/33460009.html Copyright (c) 2025. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran crisis: UN stays and delivers 1 July 2025 - A clearer picture of needs across Iran is beginning to emerge after the conflict this month with Israel, which left hundreds dead, several hospitals hit and a spike in Afghan refugees returning home, the UN's top official in Tehran said on Tuesday. "In the early morning hours of 13 June, a number of attacks took place in Tehran, and other parts of Iran," said Stefan Priesner, UN Resident Coordinator in Iran. "Then over the next 12 days there were multiple attacks by either side...we know that there have been at least 627 people killed and almost 5,000 injured in Iran. Underlining that the UN remained in Iran through the duration of the conflict, Mr. Priesner noted that discussions are ongoing with the Government on "how to adapt existing UN programmes to meet the country's post-conflict needs", he told journalists in Geneva via Zoom. Tehran insight Speaking from the Iranian capital, the UN official confirmed reports that Tehran had seen a population movement as several million residents left the city seeking safety from the missile strikes. He mentioned the solidarity that Iranians had shown towards each other, with families in the north and the countryside hosting those coming from Tehran. Looking ahead, Mr. Priesner said: "we know that the health sector has very specific needs given the damage." The UN's development and humanitarian presence in Iran spans 18 agencies with approximately 50 international staff and 500 national staff. Last year's budget amounted to around $75 million with two-thirds dedicated to the country's roughly 3.5 million refugees or people in a refugee like situations. Iran has been hosting one of the largest - and most protracted - refugee situations in the world for over four decades with inclusive policies for example in the fields of access to health and education, and UN has supported these efforts over the years. The remainder of this budget is allocated for development projects including climate adaptation and mitigation work. Mr. Priesner said there was need for significant additional funding to support the most vulnerable groups in Iran including children, the elderly, female-headed households and persons with disabilities. The UN official confirmed reports that increasing numbers of Afghan refugees have been heading back to their country across the Iranian border either voluntarily or through deportation. According to the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, 36,100 Afghans returned on 26 June alone. The number of daily returns has continued to increase since 13 June, it said. "Every day, and sometimes every few hours, buses arrive and stop at the Afghanistan-Iran border, carrying exhausted and desperate Afghan refugee families with all their belongings," said Arafat Jamal, UNHCR Representative in Afghanistan. Afghanistan returnees' plight "Many are returning to a country they barely know, forced out of Iran after decades of living there. The recent Israel-Iran war accelerated their return, pushing numbers to a record high, while deep funding cuts have made humanitarian aid operations increasingly challenging." Having just returned from the Islam Qala border area, UNHCR Representative Arafat Jamal told UN News that the flow of people into Afghanistan has surged since the conflict, rising from around 5,000 daily crossings to a recent peak of nearly 30,000. The UNHCR official warned that Afghan returnees are arriving in an impoverished country that is unprepared to support them. Women and girls who had access to education and jobs in Iran now return to a country where "extreme gender injustice" makes such opportunities impossible, he said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The Chief of the General Staff at the Central Command Israel Defense Forces June 30, 2025 30.06.25 IDF Today (Monday), The Chief of the General Staff, LTG Eyal Zamir, held a situational assessment and discussion in the Samaria Regional Brigade with the Commander of the Central Command, MG Avi Bluth, the Commander of the Judea and Samaria Division, BG Yaakov Dolef, and the brigade commanders of the Judea and Samaria Division. The Chief of the General Staff met with the commanders of the reserve battalions operating in the Judea and Samaria region, expressed his appreciation for their consistent readiness, and emphasized that their contribution is vital to maintaining the security of the state. The Chief of the General Staff noted that some of the reserve battalions were called up unexpectedly at the outbreak of Operation "Rising Lion" in order to strengthen the defense of the communities and the eastern region. From the remarks of the Chief of the General Staff, LTG Eyal Zamir: "Youthe battalion commanders and soldiers, the reserve forceare the great asset of the people of Israel. You are what sustains us; you are the central backbone. I'm aware of the difficulty, and that it is growing. There has never been such a number of reserve duty days in the country. For nearly two years, civilians have been putting on uniforms, taking up arms, and heading out on missions. My deep appreciation goes to all of you." Offensive efforts must continue alongside defensive efforts. There have been extraordinary achievements here, which are the result of sustained offensive action. We have dismantled terror cells and eliminated the leaders of these terrorist organizationssome of the most dangerous terrorists. You must continue to pursue them wherever they are. I expect a high level of operational discipline and vigilance from you all. It is essential to protect the civilians, and you are doing so with professionalism and precision. You are the ones who set the standards, and what sustains us are your values and the IDF's norms. Anyone who tries to harm the IDF is harming the State of Israel and its security. The mission is clear to maintain security, protect the civilians, and strengthen the defense of the communities, while at the same time not to tolerate the unacceptable behavior from extremist and violent groups. We must not allow the development of trends that could deteriorate into anarchy and loss of governability. If these phenomena are not addressed now, they will only spread. The danger is at our doorstep, and therefore, alongside the security forces, a systematic and immediate response is required to address this issue. We are striking in all arenas and not waiting for the threats to reach us. As in all arenas, including Iran, Israel has demonstrated its determination and readiness to act in order to remove threats. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address FM Sa'ar attends press conference with Latvian FM Baiba Braze Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs FM Sa'ar: "Hamas is still holding 50 of our hostages in cruel captivity. The war can end tomorrow if it releases them and lays down its weapons. We are serious in our desire to achieve a hostage deal and ceasefire." Type: Press Releases Topic: Foreign Policy Publish Date: 01.07.2025 Minister of Foreign Affairs Gideon Sa'ar's remarks at press conference in Riga, Latvia, with Foreign Minister Baiba Braze: "I want to thank my friend Foreign Minister Baiba Braze for the warm hospitality in Riga. I did invite her to Israel and she promised she would come. We are grateful for Latvia's support for Israel since the October 7th massacre. We appreciate your President's solidarity visit to Israel. And I appreciate, Foreign Minister, our ongoing and constructive dialogue and friendship. **** 'Operation Rising Lion' demonstrated the extent of the Iranian regime's threat to Israel, Europe and world order. Iran's nuclear program was the greatest threat to the international community as a whole. Iran deliberately targeted civilian population centers with its ballistic missiles. Your own Deputy Ambassador's residence in Tel Aviv was unfortunately hit. The same missile threat can reach Europe, including Latvia and the Baltic states. So Israel's actions against the head of the snake in Iran contributed directly to the safety of Europe. Our strikes, along with the U.S., set their nuclear threat back by many years. We severely damaged the ballistic missiles program. And we harmed the Iranian drone supply. The very same technology used by Russia against Ukraine. *** This is not only Israel's war. It is Israel's war. It's a global war between the free world and Iran's radical axis of evil. Iran's Islamist axis includes Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, the Shi'a Militias in Iraq and the Palestinian gangs of terror in Judea and Samaria. It is backed by the authoritarian axis: China, Russia, North Korea. Israel is the only democracy in the Middle East. It is the only true ally of Europe in the region, with common values and challenges. **** Hamas is still holding 50 of our hostages in cruel captivity. The war can end tomorrow if it releases them and lays down its weapons. We are serious in our desire to achieve a hostage deal and ceasefire. We said Yes to Special Envoy Witkoff's proposals. But Hamas hadn't. Hamas is responsible not only for initiating this war but also for its continuation. Hamas is responsible for the suffering of both Palestinians and Israelis. Israel withdrew from Gaza over 20 years ago. It could have been a beachfront heaven. Instead, Hamas turned it into the biggest terror kingdom in the world. It oppresses its citizens and uses them as resources for terrorism. It joined the Iranian effort to eliminate Israel. The international community must back now the American initiative for a ceasefire. It must destroy and illusions Hamas might have. **** Israel continues to facilitate humanitarian aid, as we did since the beginning of the war. We do so despite difficult circumstances. But Hamas stole the aid and used it as a financial engine for its war machine. The American GHF initiative is meant to help address this problem. It directly allocates large amounts of aid to the people themselves. At the same time, we are allowing the old method to bridge the gap in order to have quantities. The needs of the civilian population should be addressed without empowering Hamas. **** Dear Minister, I want to congratulate you again on Latvia's upcoming membership in the UN Security Council. Israel supported Latvia's candidacy from the start. And I know you will continue standing for freedom and our common values in this important forum. Israel has much experience and knowledge on security and emergency situations. We want to share it with a close friend like Latvia. We want to further strengthen and deepen our close bilateral relations. I do want to thank you Minister for you hospitality and for this visit. Thank you!" NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address FM Sa'ar holds joint press conference in Vilnius with Lithuanian FM Kestutis Budrys Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs FM Sa'ar: "Our strikes damaged Iran's supply of drones. The very same technology being used by Russia, with Iranian help, in its war against Ukraine... The capabilities that Israel destroyed in Iran did not only threaten Israel. They threaten Europe and the wider Western world." Type: Press Releases Topic: Foreign Policy Publish Date: 01.07.2025 Minister of Foreign Affairs Gideon Sa'ar today (Tuesday, July 1, 2025) held a joint press conference in Vilnius with Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys. Following are his full remarks: "I thank my host, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kestutis, for the warm hospitality. I want to thank you for your open and forward approach. Our dialogue is good, important and effective. It is a privilege to be here in Vilnius. Our nations share deep historical ties. The Jewish community of Vilnius was once a major center of Jewish life and learning in Europe. And my wife's family also came from Vilnius. I can assure you, Minister - it is my first visit here, but not my last. Israel sees Lithuania as an important partner in Europe. And I believe that Israel is a strategic partner for Europe - especially for Lithuania. Israel is an asset for Europe and the Western world in the Middle East. Israel's 'Operation Rising Lion' against the head of the snake in Iran - and its many actions since the October 7th massacre - contribute directly and significantly to the security of Europe. Our operation was a huge success. Iran's nuclear program was the greatest threat to regional stability, and also a great threat for Europe and world order. A nuclear Iran certainly would have caused a nuclear arms race in the Middle East - as much as the threat of leaking this kind of dangerous weapon to terror organizations. Israel's actions, along with the U.S., sent the Iranian regime's nuclear ambitions many years back. Iran's ballistic missiles that Israel severely damaged were able to reach Europe too. Our strikes damaged Iran's supply of drones. The very same technology being used by Russia, with Iranian help, in its war against Ukraine. We were very successful in intercepting 1,000 of them. Israel's war on seven fronts since Hamas' October 7th massacre - is not just Israel's war. Of course it is a war for our survival. But it is a broader struggle between the free world and the radical axis of terror - led by Iran and its proxies: Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis of Yemen, the Shi'a militias in Iraq and Palestinian terror gangs in Judea and Samaria. And the axis is supported by the authoritarian axis: China, Russia and North Korea. *** Israel did not seek this war. Hamas started it and is responsible also for its continuation in Gaza. We are serious, as I told the Minister, in our will to reach a hostage deal and a ceasefire. We said Yes to Special Envoy Steve Witkoff's proposals. Unfortunately, until now, Hamas hadn't. This war can end any day - if Hamas releases our hostages and lays down its arms. **** Minister, This battle is between civilization and barbarism. Europe must not be confused - Israel is a strategic partner. There is no other partner that shares the same values and challenges in our region. Our actions contribute directly to European security. While those in the international community talked the talk, Israel was the only one: To act. To remove the threat. To do the "dirty work for all of us", as the German Chancellor said. The capabilities that Israel destroyed in Iran did not only threaten Israel. They threaten Europe and the wider Western world. Israel has much to contribute to Lithuania and we want to cooperate on trade, economy, and hi-tech, and also security from our knowledge, experience, technology, and military equipment. **** Dear Minister, As I stand here in Vilnius, I recall the special Jewish heritage of this land. I also recall the dark chapter that led to its destruction during the Holocaust. As a nation, we will always carry this pain with us. But I also see hope in our partnership: We appreciate Lithuania's commitment to fight antisemitism. We discussed it. We are grateful to Lithuania for standing with Israel in our most difficult hour. But we still need you to continue standing firmly by us on the international stage. Let us further strengthen the bonds between our nations - for the sake of a better and safer and more prosperous future for us all. Thank you." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PM Netanyahu's Remarks at the Start of the Government Meeting Israel - Prime Minister's Office Media Statements The 37th Government 01.07.2025 Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the Start of the Government Meeting: "I am due to leave next week for meetings in the US with US President Donald Trump. These come in the wake of the great victory that we achieved in Operation Rising Lion." "I am due to leave next week for meetings in the US with US President Donald Trump; Vice President Vance; Secretary of State and National Security Adviser Marco Rubio; Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth; the President's envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, the Commerce Secretary - we have several items to close beforehand in order to reach the trade agreement, and several additional matters; meetings with Congressional and Senate leaders and security meetings which I will not detail here. These come in the wake of the great victory that we achieved in Operation Rising Lion. Taking advantage of the success is no less an important part of achieving the success. On two issues, I would like to thank you - ministers of the Government. You are doing the work - you have done, and are doing, critical work to realize these achievements. Of course, I would like to expedite the rebuilding, which includes almost all, if not all, of the ministries here. I think that there is great value in this, that there should be a unification of forces here. This finds expression among the people, but also in the Government and the Knesset. I must also say something about the opposition, which during the great challenge, lined up, almost all of them. This is important and I hope that it will be preserved as a compass for the future. In any case, each and every one of you has my gratitude for the exceptional cooperation and for the excellent work. Thank you very much." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israel's key oil refinery 'existential threat' to Haifa after Iranian strike: Mayor Iran Press TV Tuesday, 01 July 2025 2:34 PM The mayor of Haifa says Israel's key oil refinery, Bazan, poses "a serious and existential threat" to the city after it was crippled by an Iranian retaliatory missile strike in mid-June. Yona Yahav demanded the permanent evacuation and relocation of the facility since the threat "is clear and undeniable," according to Hebrew-language daily Maariv. The mayor said Tel Aviv "must act immediately to evacuate and relocate this company" from the city. The Bazan Group's oil refinery in the Haifa Bay came under attack by Iranian ballistic missiles on June 15. The strike came as part of the Islamic Republic's retaliatory operationTrue Promise IIIwhich began on June 13, in response to the Israeli regime's brazen aggression against the country. The strike forced the facility's shutdown and severely disrupted the regime's fuel supply chains. Haifa's mayor said that the key refinery "would never return to operation." He promised to "do everything to remove it from the city." Avihu Han, head of Haifa's Environmental Association, also demanded an immediate halt to the regime's reconstruction efforts at the damaged facility. He said, "There is no longer any room for this company in the heart of Haifa." The complex is responsible for a significant part of the fuel demand in the occupied territories. It has a refining capacity of nearly 0.2 million barrels per day. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Japan-India Foreign Ministers' Meeting Ministry of Foregn Affairs of Japan July 1, 2025 On July 1st, commencing at 7:35 a.m. local time, (8:35 p.m. on July 1, JST) for approximately 40 minutes, Mr. IWAYA Takeshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a Japan-India Foreign Ministers' Meeting with H.E. Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Minister of External Affairs of India during his visit to Washington D.C. to attend the Japan-Australia-India-U.S. (Quad) Foreign Ministers' Meeting. The overview of the meeting is as follows. At the outset, Minister Iwaya expressed his condolences to those who lost their lives in the airplane accident in Gujarat, India last month. Furthermore, Minister Iwaya stated that the importance of Japan-India cooperation is increasing under the current international situation, and that the concept of a "Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)" which aims to guide the international community towards cooperation rather than division and confrontation, is increasing in significance. Minister Iwaya also stated that Japan would like to actively fulfill its role in ensuring the peace and stability of the international community by utilizing the framework of Japan-Australia-India-U.S., and by coordinating with Minister Jaishankar. In response, Minister Jaishankar stated that under the Japan-India Special Strategic and Global Partnership, he would like to further deepen bilateral relations and strengthen cooperation in the international arena. Furthermore, both ministers confirmed to continue to cooperate between the two countries in various areas including security, economy, and people-to-people exchanges, with a view to Prime Minister Modi's visit to Japan scheduled for this year. Both ministers also held discussions on regional issues and efforts by the Quad (Japan-Australia-India-U.S.). NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Japan-Australia Foreign Minister's Meeting Ministry of Foregn Affairs of Japan July 1, 2025 On July 1, commencing at 8:40 a.m. local time (9:40 p.m. on July 1, JST) for approximately 40 minutes, Mr. IWAYA Takeshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a Japan-Australia Foreign Minister's Meeting with Senator the Hon. Penny WONG, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Commonwealth of Australia during his visit to Washington D.C. for the Japan-Australia-India-U.S. (Quad) Foreign Ministers' Meeting. The overview of the meeting is as follows: At the outset, Minister Iwaya stated that further deepening the "Special Strategic Partnership" between Japan and Australia is essential for peace and stability in the region and the international community, and expressed his reassurance being able to continue working closely with Minister Wong to strengthen Japan-Australia relations. Minister Wong concurred with Minister Iwaya's remark. The two ministers exchanged views on various international challenges, including those in the Indo-Pacific region and the Middle East and concurred on promoting multi-layered cooperation with the United States and other like-minded countries, including through frameworks such as the Japan-U.S.-Australia-India, in light of the severe security environment in the region. Minister Wong expressed her understanding and support for the immediate resolution of the abductions issue by North Korea. Considering Japan-Australia cooperation as a model for collaboration among like-minded countries, the two ministers also concurred on steadily advancing concrete cooperation in a wide range of fields, including security, cyber security, economic security, information security, and people-to-people exchanges, with a view to next year's 50th anniversary of the signing of the Japan-Australia Basic Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Telephone conversation with President of France Emmanuel Macron Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with President of the French Republic Emmanuel Macron. July 1, 2025 19:10 The two leaders had a detailed discussion on the state of events in the Middle East in light of the conflict between Iran and Israel, as well as the US strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities. Vladimir Putin and Emmanuel Macron emphasised that Russia and France, as permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, bore particular responsibility for upholding peace and security, in the Middle East or elsewhere, as well as for preserving the global non-proliferation regime. In this regard, it was noted that respecting Tehran's legitimate right to develop peaceful nuclear technology and continue fulfilling its obligations under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, which includes cooperating with the IAEA, was crucial. The two leaders spoke in favour of settling the crisis around Iran's nuclear programme and any other differences arising in the Middle East exclusively via political and diplomatic means. They agreed to maintain contact in order to coordinate their stances if necessary. When discussing the situation surrounding Ukraine, Vladimir Putin reiterated that the Ukraine conflict was a direct consequence of the policies pursued by the Western countries, which had for years been ignoring Russia's security interests, creating an anti-Russia staging ground in Ukraine, and condoning the violations of rights of Ukraine's Russian-speaking citizens, and at present were pursuing a policy of prolonging hostilities while supplying the Kiev regime with a variety of modern weaponry. Speaking about the prospects of a peaceful settlement, the President of Russia has confirmed Russia's stance on possible agreements: they are to be comprehensive and long-term, provide for the elimination of the root causes of the Ukraine crisis, and be based on the new territorial realities. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Deaths Of Azerbaijanis After Russian Police Raid Fuel Diplomatic Row With Baku By Merhat Sharipzhan, RFE/RL's Azerbaijani Service and Current Time July 01, 2025 The deaths of two ethnic Azerbaijanis amid allegations of torture during a police raid last week in the Russian city of Yekaterinburg has quickly escalated into a diplomatic confrontation highlighting difficulties in Russia's relations with other former Soviet republics. Azerbaijani officials said on July 1 that post-mortem examinations of two brothers detained during a large-scale police operation in Yekaterinburg late last month showed signs they were beaten. The state prosecutor's office in Baku said it has opened a case into "the torture and deliberate killing with particular cruelty of Azerbaijani citizens and ethnic Azerbaijanis by officers of law enforcement agencies of the Russian Federation." The accusations and tit-for tat diplomatic moves surrounding the issue threaten to severely damage relations between Russia and Azerbaijan, an oil-producing country that has close ties with Turkey. Analysts, meanwhile, say Azerbaijan's assertive stance over the matter reflects a broader realignment in a region that Moscow once dominated. Buoyed by military victories in Nagorno-Karabakh, increased energy exports to Europe, and strategic ties with Turkey, Baku appears less willing to accommodate Russia's "heavy-handed diplomacy," they say, which could have a significant impact on regional geopolitics. "Azerbaijan is sending a signal that it wants to increase the distance from Moscow," according to RFE/RL South Caucasus expert Vadim Dubnov. "It is correcting the imbalance that has developed over recent years in the relations between Azerbaijan and Russia, and equidistance from all centers of power is a hallmark of all Baku's diplomatic maneuvers," he added. Relations between Moscow and Baku took a hit in December 2024 when a Russian missile defense unit reportedly shot down an Azerbaijani passenger aircraft near the Georgia-Russia border, killing 38 civilians. Though Russian President Vladimir Putin issued a statement of regret, Azerbaijan has since pursued legal action in international courts. In May 2025, Aliyev declined to attend a Victory Day parade in Moscow -- an absence widely interpreted as a diplomatic snub. Things worsened after law enforcement officials on June 27 arrested dozens of ethnic Azerbaijanis accused of being involved in organized crime and allegedly in several murders dating back to the early 2000s. Two of the men detained -- Ziyaddin and Huseyn Safarov -- died in custody under suspicious circumstances. Eyewitness accounts and family testimonies, supported by leaked footage and interviews, alleged the detainees were subjected to beatings and torture. Russian authorities, who did not report the deaths for several days, have denied wrongdoing, attributing one death to heart failure and launching a preliminary investigation into the second. The Azerbaijani government reacted with unprecedented diplomatic force. It summoned Russia's charge d'affaires in Baku, Pyotr Volokovykh, to demand a transparent probe while characterizing the incident as an "extrajudicial killing with ethnic overtones." President Ilham Aliyev's administration went further over the weekend by suspending high-level bilateral meetings, barring a planned visit by Russian Deputy Prime Minister Aleksei Overchuk, and canceling several Russian cultural events scheduled in Baku. On June 30, Azerbaijani authorities took the dramatic move of raiding the Baku offices of Sputnik Azerbaijan, a local branch of Russia's state-run news agency. Citing expired accreditations and alleged violations of media law, police detained two journalists and seized broadcasting equipment. Local media reports said the arrested Russian journalists, Igor Kartavykh and Yevgeny Belousov, were suspected of being undercover agents of Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB). The charges have not been officially confirmed, but Russian officials decried the move as a hostile act against freedom of expression, summoning Azerbaijan's ambassador in Moscow for an explanation. On July 1, journalist Aytekin Huseynova from the "Ruptly" video agency was detained in Baku. Her mother said Huseynova was filming a search being conducted at the Sputnik Azerbaijan editorial office. Azerbaijani authorities have not disclosed any reasons for her detention. The same day, according to local media affiliated with the government, police in Baku detained several people accused of being members of two Russian organized gangs suspected of drug transit from Iran, online trafficking, and cyberfraud. While the Kremlin has condemned Azerbaijan's moves, especially the media crackdown, it has stopped short of retaliatory sanctions or mass expulsions. The Foreign Ministry in Moscow said on June 30 it had summoned Azerbaijan's ambassador in Moscow "in connection with the unfriendly actions of Baku and the illegal detention of Russian journalists." The ministry on July 1 accused Baku of taking "unfriendly actions" and "deliberate steps" in an attempt "to dismantle bilateral relations." Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/azerbaijan-russia-police- raid-deaths-caucasus-diplomacy/33460707.html Copyright (c) 2025. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Former Russian Deputy Defense Minister Ivanov Gets 13 Years On Corruption Charges By RFE/RL July 01, 2025 In a landmark case highlighting a deepening purge within Russia's defense and security establishment, a court in Moscow sentenced former Deputy Defense Minister Timur Ivanov to 13 years in prison. The Moscow City Court on July 1 found Ivanov, the most visible figure in a massive probe into alleged military corruption that also targeted several other top officials close to former Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, guilty of large-scale embezzlement and money laundering. In addition to the prison sentence, Ivanov was fined 100 million rubles ($1.1 million), and stripped of his state honors, including the prestigious Order "For Merit to the Fatherland" (2nd Class) and the title of "Honored Builder of Russia," both of which are highly esteemed in Russian military and political circles. Also convicted in the same case was Anton Filatov, the former head of the state-linked logistics company Oboronlogistika, who received a 12.5-year prison sentence. Ivanov, once considered a rising star in Russia's defense ministry and a close associate of then-Defense Minister Shoigu, oversaw major construction and procurement projects, including infrastructure for the Russian military. He played a key role in rebuilding occupied territories in Ukraine. Less than three weeks after Ivanov's arrest in late April 2024, Russian President Vladimir Putin, whose military had been criticized at home for a perceived lack of progress and heavy losses during its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, sacked Shoigu. Ivanov's arrest sent shockwaves through the Russian elite, especially as it coincided with the dismissal of several other senior defense officials. The case against him involved complex financial schemes and kickbacks related to state contracts, which had long been suspected but rarely prosecuted at such high levels. Ivanov maintained his innocence throughout the trial. His legal team has stated they will appeal the ruling, saying they "disagree with the court's decision." Ivanov's sentencing is part of an ongoing and intense crackdown on top military and defense industry figures, which was launched quietly in late 2023 and accelerated in 2024. In recent months, several generals and procurement officials have been arrested or dismissed on charges ranging from corruption to treason. Many observers view these arrests as part of a power reshuffle after Russia's military struggled at times in Ukraine, prompting Putin's efforts to reassert control over increasingly fractured security agencies. While state media have framed the arrests as part of a long-overdue fight against corruption, independent analysts and Russian opposition figures suggest the campaign is also politically motivated. It appears to target figures once aligned with powerful "siloviki" factions military and intelligence elites whose influence has grown during the war. With reporting by TASS, Interfax, and RIA Novosti Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-moscow-city-court- timur-ivanov-sentence-prison-corruption-war/33460898.html Copyright (c) 2025. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Putin Holds Phone Call With Macron - Kremlin Sputnik News 20250701 It has been their first phone conversation since 2022. Putin, in a conversation with Macron, discussed the situation surrounding Ukraine and reminded that the conflict is a direct consequence of the West's policies. Speaking about the prospects for a peaceful settlement, Putin confirmed the fundamental approaches to potential agreements, which should be comprehensive and long-term, addressing the root causes of the Ukrainian crisis and based on new territorial realities. "When considering the situation around Ukraine, Vladimir Putin recalled that the Ukrainian conflict is a direct consequence of the policies of Western states that for many years have ignored Russia's security interests, created an anti-Russian foothold in Ukraine, condoned violations of the rights of Russian-speaking citizens, and are now pursuing a policy of prolonging hostilities by feeding the Kiev regime with various modern weapons." the statement read. Putin confirmed Russia's principled approaches to possible agreements on the prospects for a peaceful Ukrainian settlement, the Kremlin said. "Speaking about the prospects for a peaceful settlement, the Russian president confirmed principled approaches to possible agreements that should be comprehensive and long-term in nature, provide for the elimination of the root causes of the Ukrainian crisis and rely on new territorial realities," the statement said. The two presidents also discussed the Iran-Israel confrontation, as well as US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. Putin and Macron noted the responsibility of Russia and France in supporting peace in the Middle East and maintaining the nuclear non-proliferation regime, according to the Kremlin. "The leaders discussed in detail the situation in the Middle East in the context of the Iran-Israel confrontation and the US attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities," the Kremlin said in a statement. Putin and Macron also agreed to maintain contacts to coordinate their respective countries' positions on the situation in the Middle East, the statement read. "The leaders called for the resolution of the crisis over the Iranian nuclear program, as well as the resolution of other contradictions in the Middle East, to be achieved exclusively through political and diplomatic means," the Kremlin added. The leaders also stressed the importance of respecting Iran's legitimate right to develop peaceful nuclear energy, fulfilling its obligations under the non-proliferation regime, and working with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). French President Emmanuel Macron intends to continue negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin after the first conversation between the two leaders since 2022 on Tuesday, the media reported, citing the Elysee Palace. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Seven People Detained at Sputnik Azerbaijan Office in Baku - Azerbaijani Interior Ministry Sputnik News 20250701 On Monday, the Azerbaijani Interior Ministry announced an "operation" at Sputnik's office in Baku. Seven people were detained as a result of an 'operation' at Sputnik Azerbaijan editorial office in Baku, the Azerbaijani Interior Ministry said. The charges against the detained journalists have not been filed, and access of the consular staff to the employees has not been secured, a spokesperson for the Rossiya Segodnya Media Group has said. The work of Sputnik Azerbaijan's office in Baku has been blocked, the spokesperson added. There are Azerbaijani citizens among the detained employees of Sputnik's bureau in Baku. The actions of the security forces in Baku against Sputnik Azerbaijan employees are unfounded, the spokesperson for the Rossiya Segodnya Media Group said. "Rossiya Segodnya is deeply concerned about the detention in Baku of two Russian citizens, the executives of Sputnik Azerbaijan. Several editorial staff members, citizens of Azerbaijan, were also detained along with them," the media group said. On Monday, the Azerbaijani Interior Ministry announced an "operation" at the office of the Sputnik Azerbaijan in Baku. Later in the day, the office said that two Russian journalists - Igor Kartavykh, the head of the editorial board of Sputnik Azerbaijan, and editor-in-chief Yevgeny Belousov - had been detained by Azerbaijani security forces in Baku on absurd charges. A Ruptly employee, an editor who was in Azerbaijan on a private visit, was also detained later on Monday. According to the information the media group has, a search was conducted in the apartment of Kartavykh, with computer equipment seized. "It should be noted that Igor Kartavykh's health is of particular concern. He requires medication, including insulin," the media group said. "We call on the Azerbaijani authorities to immediately resolve this unacceptable situation and release our colleagues," the media group said. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Azerbaijani Ambassador Arrives at Russian Foreign Ministry Over Baku's Unfriendly Actions Sputnik News 20250701 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Russia Rahman Mustafayev has arrived at the Russian Foreign Ministry in connection with unfriendly actions of Baku and illegal detention of Russian journalists, a Sputnik correspondent reported on Tuesday. On Monday, the Azerbaijani Interior Ministry announced an "operation" at the office of the Sputnik news agency in Baku, adding that the office still does not have connection with Moscow. Later in the day, the office said that two Russian journalists Igor Kartavykh, head of the editorial board of Sputnik Azerbaijan, and editor-in-chief Yevgeny Belousov had been detained by Azerbaijani security forces in Baku on absurd charges. According to local media reports, they are accused of being "agents of the FSB." Russian embassy staff were not allowed access to the detainees. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Trump signs executive order terminating Syria sanctions: White House People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 08:40, July 01, 2025 WASHINGTON, June 30 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday signed an executive order terminating Syria sanctions, according to the White House website. Trump "signed a historic Executive Order terminating the Syria sanctions program to support the country's path to stability and peace," the White House said in a fact sheet. "The Order removes sanctions on Syria while maintaining sanctions on Bashar al-Assad... The Order permits the relaxation of export controls on certain goods and waives restrictions on certain foreign assistance to Syria," said the White House. Under the order, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is directed to "explore avenues for sanctions relief at the United Nations to support stability in Syria." Syria has been designated a State Sponsor of Terrorism by the United States since December 1979. Additional sanctions and restrictions were added in May 2004 with the issuance of Executive Order 13338, while in May 2011, the U.S. government imposed additional sanctions targeting key sectors of the Syrian economy. In remarks to an investment forum in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on May 13, Trump announced that he planed to lift sanctions on Syria. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US begins 'preliminary discussions' with Israel, Syria on security deal: Report Iran Press TV Tuesday, 01 July 2025 2:55 PM The administration of US President Donald Trump has reportedly begun preliminary talks with Israel and Syria to help them reach a potential security agreement, with Tel Aviv pressing for assurances that the negotiations ultimately lead to a full peace deal and normalization. The Virginia-based news website Axios, citing unnamed US and Israeli officials, reported on Monday that the talks are focused on reducing tensions between the two sides and ensuring border security. The report went on to say that Washington "favors a gradual process that would slowly build trust and improve relations between Israel and Syria." "We are having very soft preliminary discussions," said a senior US official. The talks currently involve mid-level officials with no discussions yet of a leaders' summit, said another US official. Two senior Israeli officials also noted that a deal remains possible but emphasized that making tangible progress in the negotiations would take some time. A senior Israeli official said the regime is aiming for phased agreements starting with a revised version of the 1974 Disengagement Agreement between Damascus and Tel Aviv, which defines the boundaries of a buffer zone separating the Golan Heights from Syria. The agreement was signed after Israel seized the strategic territory during a Western-backed war seven years earlier. Axios said Tel Aviv views the Israeli-occupied buffer zone and more Syrian territory it occupied following the collapse of President Bashar al-Assad's government in December 2024 as primary negotiating leverage. Axios said withdrawal from these areas would only occur in exchange for complete peace and normalization. The Israeli media outlet i24 News, citing a Syrian source with direct knowledge of the matter, recently reported that Israel and Syria are nearing a peace agreement expected to be signed before the end of 2025. According to the report, the deal envisions a gradual Israeli withdrawal from all Syrian territories it seized after invading the buffer zone on December 8, 2024, including the peak of Mount Hermon. Since the collapse of Assad's government, the Israeli military has been launching airstrikes against military installations, facilities, and arsenals belonging to Syria's now-defunct army. The regime has also intensified its aggression on Syria by initiating an unlawful land appropriation beyond the occupied Golan Heights in what is seen as a component of the so-called "Greater Israel" project. Separately on Monday, the US said it may remove the HTS from its terror list, after Trump signed an executive order to ease Washington's unilateral sanctions against Syria. The US State Department announced in a statement that it will review the terror designation of HTS and consider fully suspending the Caesar Act sanctions on Syria, in line with a directive by Donald Trump. The statement further stated that it will also review the Specially Designated Global Terrorist designations of HTS and Syria's self-proclaimed president Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, as well as Syria's State Sponsor of Terrorism designation, while exploring further sanctions relief through the UN. "Today's actions mark the beginning of a new chapter for the people of Syria as they work to shape a future that is safe, stable, and successful," the statement said. The HTS militant group seized control of Damascus on December 8, following a swift offensive that had begun in the northwestern province of Aleppo just two weeks earlier. Jolani, head of HTS-led administration, has recently expressed readiness to normalize ties between Syria and Israel amid Washington's plans to revoke anti-Damascus sanctions and Israel's occupation of more Syrian land. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US Lifts Sanctions on Syrian National Defense Forces Sputnik News 20250701 WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - The US Department of State terminated sanctions on the Syrian National Defense Forces, the 1st and the 4th divisions of the Syrian Arab Army as well as a number of individuals and entities. On Monday, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order to lift sanctions on Syria, which also instructs Secretary of State Marco Rubio to review the country's designation as a state sponsor of terrorism. "Pursuant to section 7432(b)(1) of the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act of 2019 (22 U.S.C. 8791 note), the Secretary of State certified that it is in the national security interests of the United States to waive the application of sanctions for certain individuals and entities: ADAM TRADING AND INVESTMENT LLC, AL-QATTAN, Wassim Anwar, AL-ZUBAIDI, Khaled, INTERSECTION LLC, MURUJ CHAM INVESTMENT AND TOURISM GROUP, APEX DEVELOPMENT AND PROJECTS LLC, KALAI, Nader, AL-AMAR ONE-PERSON LLC, TIMEET TRADING LLC," the statement of the Department of State reads. "The Department is further terminating sanctions on the following entities that were designated pursuant to E.O. 13894: FOURTH DIVISION OF THE SYRIAN ARAB ARMY, FIRST DIVISION OF THE SYRIAN ARAB ARMY, NATIONAL DEFENSE FORCES," the statement added. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Han Kuang drills to last 10 days, 9 nights, focus on 'gray zone' tactics ROC Central News Agency 07/01/2025 07:40 PM Taipei, July 1 (CNA) The live-fire portion of this year's Han Kuang military exercises will be twice as long as previous drills and have an added focus on China's "gray zone" tactics -- coercive actions that fall short of open conflict, a defense official said Tuesday. Major General Tung Chi-hsing (), director of the Ministry of National Defense's (MND) joint operations planning division, said the 10 day, nine-night Han Kuang exercises from July 9-18 are double the length of previous exercises which lasted five days and four nights. Past Han Kuang drills were accelerated so the time required for participants to engage enemies was shortened, whereas this year's drills will allow simulated battles to play out in full, Tung said. Regarding the key focuses of the Han Kuang drills, Tung noted that they are based on lessons from last year's exercises, including a continued emphasis on decentralized operations, comprehensive logistical support, rules of engagement, strengthening rapid decision-making, improving synchronization of joint operations, boosting civilian-military coordination and clarifying military action authorization mechanisms. Tung explained that the scenario begins with gray zone harassment from the Chinese military, transitioning through phases such as peace-to-war shift, force deployment, joint anti-landing operations, coastal and beachhead combat, in-depth defense, and protracted warfare. These simulate a full spectrum of defensive combat and civil-military integration, he added. On simulated gray zone actions by China, Tung said the military has identified several scenarios, including deception, attrition and provocation. These actions occur before a formal outbreak of war and are likely forms of interference by China against Taiwan, he said, adding that the armed forces will develop counterstrategies and initiate "immediate readiness" training for active-duty units to prepare for such threats. According to Tung, the first three days of the exercises will focus on gray zone response, and participating troops will enter the force deployment phase on July 12 during "contingency operations." The "full-scale combat" phase will take place from July 13-18 and include joint anti-landing operations on July 13, coastal and beachhead combat on July 14, in-depth defense on July 15-16, and protracted warfare on July 17-18, Tung said. Asked by a reporter whether some drills could be canceled due to approaching typhoons, as was the case last year, Tung explained that if two counties or cities within a combat zone are affected by typhoons or earthquakes, drills in that zone will be suspended to prioritize disaster relief. If two or more combat zones across Taiwan and its outlying islands are affected, the Han Kuang exercises will be canceled in their entirety, and the drills will be rescheduled or incorporated into subsequent immediate readiness training or combat preparedness exercises, he said. (By Wu Su-wei and Sean Lin) Enditem/AW NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Nationwide urban resilience drills set for July 15-18: MND ROC Central News Agency 07/01/2025 03:18 PM Taipei, July 1 (CNA) Taiwan will hold a series of urban resilience drills from July 15 to 18 in conjunction with the annual Han Kuang military drills to test its defense readiness under simulated wartime conditions, the Ministry of National Defense (MND) said Tuesday. The drills will be conducted regionally and feature air raid sirens, public evacuation procedures, traffic controls, and mobile alert notifications, said Chu Sen-tsuen (), director of the Manpower Mobilization Division under the All-out Defense Mobilization Office. On July 15, exercises will take place in Miaoli County, Taichung, Nantou County, Changhua County, Yunlin County, Chiayi County and Chiayi City, Chu said at a press conference. On July 16, drills will be held in Tainan, Kaohsiung, and Pingtung County in the south, he said. Northern Taiwan, including Yilan County, Keelung, Taipei, New Taipei, Taoyuan, Hsinchu County and Hsinchu City, will conduct drills on July 17, while the eastern and outlying counties -- Hualien, Taitung, Kinmen, Lienchiang and Penghu -- will follow on July 18. Drills will take place from 1:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. in most areas, while counties in eastern Taiwan and outlying island counties will conduct theirs from 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. During the exercises, operations at public and private venues will be temporarily suspended to carry out evacuation and emergency response procedures, according to the MND. Transportation hubs, including airports, seaports, conventional rail, high-speed rail, metro systems, intercity buses and bus terminals must suspend all services during the drill, with alighting passengers required to cooperate with evacuation measures. Passengers waiting for their transportation services will not be subject to controls, and metro and train services already in motion will not be affected, it said. All levels of government agencies, retail outlets, hotels, exhibition centers, markets, and pharmacies are also required to suspend operations during the designated time. Mobile phone users will receive alerts stating "(Air Defense Drill) Incoming enemy missile/rocket attacks. Seek immediate shelter. (MND)" and "(Air Defense Drill) Air defense alert lifted. (MND)" at the start and end of the exercise, it said. Meanwhile, Taipei, Taichung and Tainan will carry out expanded drills that incorporate war games, civil defense, and critical infrastructure protection, simulating elements of the Han Kuang military exercises. Morning sessions will involve tabletop simulations, and afternoon sessions will include hands-on rescue drills conducted in realistic settings. In addition, each local government will select three districts or townships to test public shelter entry procedures at key locations, such as transport hubs, public facilities, and essential infrastructure. (By Wu Shu-wei and Lee Hsin-Yin) Enditem/ls NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Lai calls for public support of military investment, slams opposition ROC Central News Agency 07/01/2025 09:49 PM Taipei, July 1 (CNA) President Lai Ching-te () on Tuesday called for public support of government efforts to build up Taiwan's military capabilities while also calling opposition lawmakers out for cutting this year's defense budget. Speaking to members of the Lions Clubs International in Taipei, Lai outlined measures the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) government has taken since 2016 to improve the working environment for servicemen, reform the military and enhance Taiwan's overall defense capabilities. In particular, he described defense investment as not only a security imperative but also an economic opportunity, as developments of drones, telecommunications systems and weaponry spur innovation, create jobs and strengthen domestic industries. "We are not merely purchasing [arms articles], we are also manufacturing them ourselves [and] co-developing, designing and producing [them] with the United States," Lai said, stressing that these efforts would make Taiwan both safer and economically stronger. The president then shifted focus to criticize opposition lawmakers from the Kuomintang (KMT) and the Taiwan People's Party for making "historic" cuts and freezes to the government's 2025 defense budget. According to government data, the Legislature, where the opposition currently holds a majority, cut NT$8.4 billion (US$287.18 million) from the proposed NT$647 billion defense spending, along with freezes of nearly NT$90 billion, though some of the frozen funds were later unfrozen. "Political parties can compete, but the country cannot be left undefended," Lai said, adding that the opposition lawmakers' actions had sent "the wrong signal" to the international community that Taiwan was not willing to defend itself. The KMT, on the other hand, said the budget cuts and freezes resulted from a rigorous review process and emphasized that it has always supported Taiwan's military. KMT Chairman Eric Chu () also pushed back against Lai's remarks in a social media post Tuesday night. The frozen funds could be accessed pending reports from the executive branch but the DPP government has deliberately stalled the process for three months to fuel the recall campaigns, Chu said, while accusing Lai of undermining Taiwan's security for the sake of his party's political gain. Tuesday's talk was the fourth in a series of speeches Lai plans to give on a range of topics, after the DPP pledged full support for an unprecedented campaign targeting the recall of a majority of KMT lawmakers elected in the legislative election held on Jan. 13 2024. A total of 24 out of 39 directly elected KMT lawmakers may face early removal from office if recall votes scheduled for July 26 succeed, with seven other recall proposal still pending review by the election authorities. (By Teng Pei-ju) Enditem/AW NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Nantou prosecutors raid, question recall vote campaigners ROC Central News Agency 07/01/2025 06:06 PM Taipei, July 1 (CNA) Nantou prosecutors conducted raids on Tuesday at the residences and offices of individuals leading recall vote campaigns against representatives from both the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and the opposition Kuomintang (KMT). According to the Nantou District Prosecutors Office, Lin Ching-tung () and Tsai Yi-chu () -- who are spearheading recall petition drives against KMT Legislator Yu Hao () and DPP Councilor Chen Yu-ling (), respectively -- were brought in for questioning. Lin and Tsai were taken in as suspects, according to a source familiar with the matter. The actions taken by Nantou prosecutors formed part of a broader investigation into recall vote campaigns against lawmakers and councilors nationwide, which the Central Election Commission has said involved numerous forged signatures. On June 5, Yu claimed that the recall vote petitions in his district contained the most invalid signatures in Nantou County, urging prosecutors not to single out dubious petitions against the DPP. He filed a complaint with the Taipei District Prosecutors Office, which subsequently referred the case to its Nantou counterpart. The KMT, Taiwan's main opposition party, has come under scrutiny after prosecutors charged around 100 chapter staff members, primarily on suspicion of forging signatures in connection with the party's efforts to recall DPP lawmakers. Meanwhile, judicial and investigative authorities from other municipalities raided the KMT's Nantou chapter on Tuesday. Attempts by reporters to contact chapter officials were unsuccessful, as phone calls went unanswered at the time of reporting. (By Hsiao Po-yang and Chao Yen-hsiang) Enditem/AW NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Taiwan leader criticized for 'independence' rhetoric People's Daily Online By ZHANG YI (China Daily) 13:37, July 01, 2025 Taiwan leader Lai Ching-te's recent remarks have again divided public opinion on the island while escalating tensions across the Taiwan Strait with provocative moves toward secession, a mainland official said on Monday. Zhu Fenglian, spokeswoman for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, made the comments after Lai's recent criticism of efforts by the opposition-controlled "legislative" body to expand its oversight powers. Lai made the remarks on Sunday during the third in a series of 10 speeches he will make across Taiwan under the theme of "uniting the country". During the ruling Democratic Progressive Party's congress in Taipei on Saturday, Lai claimed that Taiwan's "defense" budget and security proposals aimed at countering the Chinese mainland were being blocked by opposition parties and called for recalling opposition "lawmakers". Zhu criticized Lai for exaggerating the "mainland threat" in his speeches while reiterating rhetoric advocating "Taiwan independence", which she said goes against legal principles, historical facts and the mainstream public opinion on the island. "Taiwan is an integral part of China, and both sides across the Strait belong to one China," Zhu said, adding that no individual or force can deny this reality, which has clear historical facts and legal basis. She added that the restoration of Taiwan after World War II is a crucial part of the postwar international order and a victory achieved by both sides working together to defend national dignity and protect their shared homeland. "Any actions contrary to the overall interests of the Chinese nation are destined to fail, and advocating for 'Taiwan independence' and challenging territorial sovereignty will lead to a dead end," Zhu said. She urged the people in Taiwan to "recognize the true nature" of the Lai administration's pursuit of "Taiwan independence", see through its "hypocrisy" and "expose its flawed tactics." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan ROC Ministry of National Defense 2025/07/01 PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan 1.Date 6 a.m. Jun 30 (Mon.) to 6 a.m. Jul 1 (Tue.) (UTC+8) 2.PLA activities 7 sorties of PLA aircraft and 9 PLAN ships operating around Taiwan were detected as of 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 1 out of 7 sorties crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan's northern ADIZ. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and employed CAP aircraft, Navy ships, and coastal missile systems in response to detected activities. 1140701_PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan.jpg [Open a new window] 1140701_PLA air activities in the vicinity of Taiwan.jpg [Open a new window] NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PM meeting with President Ruto of Kenya: 1 July 2025 The Prime Minister welcomed the President of Kenya, William Ruto, to Downing Street today. From: Prime Minister's Office, 10 Downing Street and The Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer KCB KC MP Published 1 July 2025 The Prime Minister welcomed the President of Kenya, William Ruto, to Downing Street today. The leaders began by celebrating the new UK-Kenya Strategic Partnership, which will see both countries work together to drive economic growth and strengthen regional security. Turning to migration, the Prime Minister and President welcomed a new UK-Kenya security agreement to disrupt organised immigration crime and human trafficking in Kenya to prevent onward migration to Europe. On trade and investment, the leaders discussed the Nairobi Railway City project, which has been inspired by London's Kings Cross and will enable opportunities for UK businesses, driving growth and delivering on our Plan for Change. The Prime Minister and President agreed on the need for peace and stability in the region. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Following SSU investigation, FSB agent sentenced to 15 years in prison for adjusting enemy strikes on Zaporizhzhia Security Service of Ukraine 16:00, 30 June 2025 Based on the investigation by the Security Service of Ukraine, another agent of russia's federal security service, who spied in Zaporizhzhia, has been convicted to 15 years in prison. The perpetrator prepared coordinates for russian air strikes on the city. The enemy accomplice is a 19-year-old student at a local university, recruited by the occupiers through her godmother, a collaborator from the temporarily occupied part of the region. According to the investigation, the agent tried to identify backup command posts of the Defense Forces as well as defense companies operating in the region. She also collected information about the consequences of enemy strikes and the sites hit. The SSU Counterintelligence detained the traitor in March 2024. A phone with evidence of her work for russia was seized from the agent during searches. Based on the evidence collected by SSU investigators, the court found the accused guilty under Articles 28.2 and 111.2 of the CCU (high treason, committed under martial law, by a group, upon prior conspiracy). The investigation was carried out by the SSU Zaporizhzhia Office under the procedural supervision of the regional Prosecutor's Office. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address SSU detains pair of GRU agents who adjusted enemy strikes on Odesa Security Service of Ukraine 10:00, 30 June 2025 In Odesa, the SSU cyber units have apprehended another two agents of russia's military intelligence ('the GRU'). The perpetrators worked in pair and adjusted the aggressor's attacks on the Defense Forces in southern Ukraine. According to the investigation, the agent who collected intelligence is a 61-year-old rehabilitation doctor. To provide more information to the ruscists, she enlisted the help of her acquaintance, a 36-year-old former employee of Ukrainian Railways. The SSU intercepted a telephone conversation in which the man received instructions from his handler, a GRU serviceman. During the briefing, the officer of the enemy special service identified priority targets for the strikes. These included air defense positions and backup command posts of Ukrainian troops defending Odesa and the Black Sea water area. The occupiers also tried to target Ukrainian Armed Forces freight trains. To do this, the enemy agents had to obtain the schedules of military trains and geolocations of their stops at transit stations. As for the rehab doctor, while working with military patients she covertly questioned them about the locations of the Defense Forces. Following their handler's instructions, both agents also walked around the city and its outskirts, recording potential targets on their mobile phones. SSU cyber specialists documented every move of the traitors and detained them at their homes. Simultaneously, action was taken to protect the locations of Ukrainian troops. SSU investigators notified the detained individuals of suspicion under Article 111.2 of the CCU (high treason, committed under martial law). The suspects are in custody without bail and face life imprisonment with confiscation of property. The operation was carried out by the SSU Odesa Office under the procedural supervision of the regional Prosecutor's Office. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address We stand shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine: Foreign Minister Wadephul travels to Kyiv Germany Federal Foreign Office 01.07.2025 - Article Foreign Minister Wadephul travelled to Ukraine again. Germany will continue and expand its military, financial, economic and humanitarian support with all its strength, because Ukraine is defending freedom for all of us. The second stage of his trip will take the Foreign Minister to Moldova. Russia's war of aggression continues to ravage Ukraine each and every day and the people of Kyiv are facing the heaviest shelling in months. Day in, day out, the Kremlin's drones and missiles are striking innocent civilians in Ukrainian cities. Ukraine is defending itself with impressive strength, courage and determination. The Ukrainian forces near Sumy have managed to halt the Russian summer offensive for the time being. One thing remains clear, however, which is that Russia's aggression threatens not only Ukraine but also our security throughout Europe. Together we are fortifying ourselves against this threat, which is why we are standing shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine. And we are continuing to strengthen our defences. We reaffirmed this once again with our partners around the world at the >NATO Summit in The Hague last week. Europe stands resolutely by Kyiv's side We will continue to support Ukraine in all areas -especially in the military domain. Germany's support is having an impact, whether in the form of self-propelled howitzers, the IRIS-T air defence system or drinking water treatment plants. Foreign Minister Wadephul met Ukrainian President Zelensky and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha in the Ukrainian capital Kyiv for talks. Upon his arrival in Kyiv, Foreign Minister Wadephul stated the following: In Ukraine it will be decided whether our Europe remains a place where freedom and human dignity hold sway, or becomes a continent on which violence can be used to redraw borders. The Ukrainian people are defending not only the freedom and sovereignty of their country, but also the security and freedom of Europe in the face of Putin's aggression. That is why we will continue to fully concentrate on supporting Ukraine. Foreign Minister Wadephul also held talks with representatives from Ukrainian civil society during his visit. Among other things, they discussed the reform efforts Ukraine is undertaking to combat corruption and gradually align itself with EU standards. We are fully committed to freedom, stability and prosperity in Ukraine and will continue to support the country on its path towards EU and NATO membership. Commemorating the crimes committed by Nazi Germany in Babyn Yar A visit to the memorial site in Babyn Yar is particularly moving for all Germans. Within the space of two days, on 29 and 30 September 1941, SS troops murdered more than 33,000 Jewish men, women and children here on the outskirts of Kyiv. In total, more than 100,000 people were murdered on the Babyn Yar site during the Second World War up until liberation. The Babyn Yar massacre is symbolic of the cruelty of the Shoah in Ukraine. For decades, the massacre was a taboo subject in the Soviet Union and commemorating Jewish victims was forbidden. Today, Babyn Yar is a memorial and a place of remembrance for the victims of Nazi violence. On 1 March 2022, Russian missiles struck Babyn Yar, setting fire to a building at the memorial site. Odesa: Contested gateway to the world The port of Odesa connects Ukraine with the world. Every year, millions of tonnes of goods such as grain and sunflower oil are shipped from here to Africa, Asia, the US and Europe. The Russian army continues to target the strategically important Black Sea ports from the air. Time and again, tonnes of grain have been destroyed by missile attacks; just recently, port workers were killed. Foreign Minister Wadephul and his Ukrainian counterpart Sybiha visited the port facilities to see the situation on the ground for themselves. Germany is providing federal guarantees for the largest freight terminal - this is the second-largest German investment in Ukraine. Likewise, our support for air defence is protecting people and also helps ensure that the ports, which are of such crucial importance, remain operational despite the constant Russian attacks. Supporting Moldova's path towards the EU Ukraine's small neighbour has been successfully standing up to the direct impacts of Russia's war against Ukraine for years, and in particular to the massive Russian disinformation campaigns carried out within Moldova's borders. Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine is posing major challenges for the country. When the war broke out, Moldova took in the largest number of refugees from Ukraine per capita. The war also dramatically exacerbated the energy crisis in the country. However, with the support of Germany and its partners, Moldova has managed to stabilise its economy and fend off Russia's hybrid attacks. Moldova has been an EU accession country since June 2022. In October 2024, a majority of Moldovans voted in a referendum in favour of enshrining the country's accession to the EU in the constitution. The courageous people of Ukraine and Moldova are defending European security, our values and our freedom each and every day. For NATO , the EU and all Europeans, it is clear that, in the face of the Russian threat, we will now be investing heavily in our defence capabilities so that we too can contribute to the security of our continent. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Government frees up nearly SEK 1.7 billion for increased support to Ukraine and humanitarian initiatives Government Offices of Sweden Press release from Ministry for Foreign Affairs Published 01 July 2025 The Swedish Government is currently creating the conditions to expand development assistance to Ukraine this year and be able to respond even better to global humanitarian needs. This is being done by reprioritising both geographic and thematic assistance, freeing up nearly SEK 1.7 billion for 2025. The Government has also decided to begin phasing out the Strategy for Sweden's development cooperation with Afghanistan and the Strategy for Sweden's regional development cooperation with Asia and the Pacific region. The Government is continuing to reform Swedish development assistance. The changes now being made in the development assistance budget are considered necessary given the changing international situation. "We're living in a troubled world with many crises. Human suffering is enormous in a number of places - particularly Ukraine, Sudan, Gaza and Yemen. The situation in many countries has been further exacerbated by the United States' decision to suspend parts of its development assistance. Sweden is therefore choosing to step forward with an extensive reprioritisation of its 2025 development assistance budget. We're freeing up SEK 1.67 billion for support to Ukraine and life-saving initiatives around the world. Sweden can't make up for the cuts by the US, but we must do everything we can to support Ukraine and save lives," says Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Benjamin Dousa. This reprioritisation affects all geographic appropriation items except for Ukraine and Sweden's neighbourhood. Cuts are also being made in thematic development assistance. These changes are being managed responsibly without reneging on existing agreements. The Government is also phasing out the Strategy for regional development cooperation with Asia and the Pacific region as a further step in its ambition to go from aid to trade in this part of the world. Even greater focus will be placed on relations with individual countries to uphold cooperation and Swedish interests in the region. Sweden's bilateral development assistance to Afghanistan will be discontinued as well. "Sweden has provided both development and humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan for many years, but right now the possibilities of continued long-term development assistance are limited. However, we do see a considerable need for humanitarian support that Sweden will continue to provide. The situation for women and girls in Afghanistan remains a key issue for the Swedish Government," says Mr Dousa. A crucial reason for freeing up these funds is to be able to provide additional support to Ukraine. "Support to Ukraine and Sweden's neighbourhood is an existential matter for Europe. Ukraine is Sweden's foremost priority in terms of development assistance policy and foreign policy. Increased support is needed in order to resist a Russia that doesn't hesitate to open fire on playgrounds, hospitals, schools and homes. Ukraine isn't just fighting for its own freedom, but also for Europe's," concludes Mr Dousa. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ukrainians Turn Soviet Van Into Modern Warfare Tool To Fight Russian Drones By Oleksiy Prodayvoda and Current Time July 01, 2025 A clunky Soviet-designed off-road van, has become a tool of modern warfare for Ukrainian soldiers. The Bukhanka, the Russian word for a loaf of bread, may be one of the oldest in-production vehicle designs in the world, but a retrofitted version with a modern electronic warfare system is playing a key role in frontline survival in Ukraine's Donetsk region. Performing its 21st Century call of duty, the vehicle scans the skies for Russian drones, alerting troops of the 68th Jaeger Brigade near Pokrovsk and even intercepting camera feeds being sent back to Russian soldiers. For Yuriy and other soldiers in his brigade, the van and its technology are a life saver. "If we can see what the drone sees, we can get out before it hits," he explains as the van is quickly camouflaged to avoid enemy surveillance or kamikaze drones once it arrives in support of the troops. The Pokrovsk sector has become one of the hottest war zones along the front line in Russia's full-scale invasion of its neighbor. The vehicle travels down a road lined with netting, including overhead, to ward off incoming drones. But the netting offers limited protection. "You're lucky none is flying right now," says Andriy, an artilleryman. "At night, it's two or three drones overhead, and then glide bombs. It's a concert starting at 9 p.m." Andriy's story reflects the broader wartime shift many have endured. Before the full-scale invasion, he worked across Europe, repairing cars in Germany, milking cows in Denmark. After Russia invaded in February 2022, he volunteered to defend Ukraine. Even after being wounded, he refused to leave his unit. "Here, everything is clear. You know what to do," he says. Our interview is interrupted as the brigade receives an order to fire. A short circuit delays the self-propelled artillery system, but the crew resolves it in minutes, fires on the target, and immediately moves to a shelter to wait for the likely Russian response. According to Ukraine's General Staff, Pokrovsk is currently experiencing the most intense Russian assault activity of any frontline sector. "Firing is one thing, return fire? That's when it gets intense," says one soldier. The Bukhanka may have been around since 1965, but it arrived just in time for Yuriy, Andriy, and their Ukrainian colleagues. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-war-bukhanka-van-drones- pokrovsk/33459872.html Copyright (c) 2025. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ukrainian Drone Strike Hits Russian Defense Plant In Izhevsk, Killing 3 By RFE/RL's Russian Service and RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service July 01, 2025 A Ukrainian drone strike hit a facility overnight in Russia's industrial city of Izhevsk, more than 1,000 kilometers east of Moscow, killing three people and seriously injuring 35, according to Udmurtia's regional governor. Aleksandr Brechalov said on July 1 that the attack targeted an industrial facility in the regional capital, but he did not specify which one. He confirmed that the wounded are receiving medical care in a city hospital and that psychologists are working with victims and their families. Ukrainian sources claimed responsibility for the strike, stating that the Kupol Izhevsk Electromechanical Plant was the target. The plant is a key player in Russia's defense industry, known for producing the Tor surface-to-air missile system and the Garpia-A1 combat drone, making it a high-value military-industrial asset in the region. Social media channels and Telegram posts shared video footage purportedly capturing the moment of the drone's impact and a subsequent explosion. In response to the incident, Rosaviatsiya, Russia's federal aviation agency, announced the temporary closure of Izhevsk airport, as well as airports in Saratov, Kazan, Ulyanovsk, and Nizhnekamsk. Izhevsk is a significant hub for Russia's defense industry. It is home to enterprises such as the Kalashnikov Group weapons manufacturer and has been a critical node in Russia's military supply chain. According to Russia's Defense Ministry, the attack in Izhevsk was part of a larger overnight Ukrainian drone offensive. The ministry claimed to have shot down 60 drones across several regions, including Ukraine's Russia-annexed Crimea as well as Rostov, Kursk, Saratov, Belgorod, Voronezh, Oryol, and territories around the Azov Sea and the Black Sea. The ministry said the drones had been intercepted and did not provide any damage evaluations. Residents in the Saratov region, located near Kazakhstan, reported hearing explosions during the night. Saratov Governor Roman Busargin acknowledged the drone threat in the area. The Saratov region is home to strategic infrastructure, including the Engels-2 air base, which hosts Russia's strategic bombers, the Tu-95MS and Tu-160. One of Russia's largest oil refineries, Taneco, is located in the nearby city of Nizhnekamsk in Tatarstan. Also in Tatarstan, there is the Alabuga Special Economic Zone in the town of Yelabuga, where Shahed-type drones used by Russia in Ukraine are being assembled. These sites have been previously targeted in past drone assaults, indicating a persistent Ukrainian strategy aimed at degrading Russia's military-industrial capabilities deep inside its own territory. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-war-bukhanka-van-drones- pokrovsk/33459872.html Copyright (c) 2025. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ukraine and Japan coordinate steps to deepen security cooperation Ministry of Defence of Ukraine 1 July, 2025, 10:11 AM EEST First Deputy Minister of Defence of Ukraine, Sergiy Boyev, and the Charge d'Affaires of the Embassy of Japan in Ukraine, Yuji Tokita, discussed further steps to deepen security cooperation between the two countries. The Japanese delegation expressed gratitude to Ukraine for its participation in the DSEI Japan 2025 Defence and Security Equipment International exhibition. Mr. Yuji Tokita noted that such events and bilateral dialogues contribute to strengthening cooperation between Ukraine and Japan. In turn, Sergiy Boyev emphasized that along with Ukraine's priority to enhance defence cooperation, humanitarian and financial support remains important. "We are interested in mutually beneficial cooperation and open to proposals. Japan demonstrates a high level of technological development, which could become a key to deeper engagement," stated Sergiy Boyev, First Deputy Minister of Defence of Ukraine. Japan expressed interest in exchanging experience with Ukraine, particularly in the field of innovative developments. In conclusion, Sergiy Boyev stressed that Japan's support for Ukraine once again confirms that the Pacific and European regions are united: "We face common threats, and our response to them must be a joint one." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address We Have Clear Evidence - Confirmed by Partners - That Sanctions Are Truly Painful for Russia - Address by the President President of Ukraine 1 July 2025 - 21:05 Dear Ukrainians! Today, the entire day was spent clearing the rubble after the strike on Huliaipole. Tragically, there are casualties - both military and civilian. Colonel Zakharevych, the commander of the 110th Separate Mechanized Brigade, as well as other men from the brigade were killed. My condolences to all their families and loved ones. A full investigation into the circumstances of this strike is ongoing - I am awaiting a report. Everyone who was wounded - and this was a missile strike - is receiving the necessary assistance. More than 30 people were wounded. We will definitely retaliate against the Russians for this strike. Many different meetings took place today - mainly preparatory meetings. We are getting ready for upcoming meetings in Europe, particularly in Denmark, as well as meetings with other partners of ours. One of the key topics will be weapons production - our joint investments, our joint projects. Today marks the beginning of a new Presidency of the Council of the EU - the Danish Presidency. It is important for us that this period - the next six months - be truly productive in terms of security issues, including for the defense industry, and in terms of sanctions - so that all pressure on Russia truly works, and does so in a way that brings this war to an end and genuinely limits Russia's potential for aggression. We have clear evidence - confirmed by our partners - that sanctions are truly painful for Russia. And if pressure keeps growing, it will push Russia to think beyond the front and hatred of its neighbors. Today, I spoke with President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev. I thanked him for supporting Ukraine, our independence and territorial integrity. I also expressed our full support and solidarity with Azerbaijan. Right now, Russia is fomenting a new campaign of hostility against its neighbors, and after the brutal killing of two people from the Azerbaijani community in Russia, it is even threatening the Azerbaijani state. All our partners must view this in the same way - not as a threat to one country, but as a threat to everyone - to all those neighboring Russia. By killing some and humiliating others, Russia is trying to intimidate and subjugate everyone. This must be stopped. There must be sufficient protection for the lives of every nation, and absolute respect for human dignity. And a few more things. Ukraine continues to fight for justice - for the just punishment of Russia for its crime of aggression against our state and our people. And for fair accountability for all those who have personally chosen Russia over a peaceful and normal life. Today, I signed the documents to submit our agreement with the Council of Europe on the establishment of the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression for ratification. And we must clearly define the timeline - the specific deadlines - for when all procedural steps required to launch the Tribunal will be completed, and when the Tribunal will actually begin its work. I expect a report on this from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine and the legal team of the Presidential Office immediately after the agreement on the Tribunal is ratified. We are also continuing our work on the Ukrainian sanctions track - new decisions of the National Security and Defense Council on sanctions will be made soon. The relevant materials are already being prepared. Today, I also signed a decree to honor our warriors with state awards - such decrees are issued almost daily, and this time it's a rather large one. It includes 414 defenders, the majority of whom - 354 warriors - are from the National Guard of Ukraine. Among them are Azov fighters, defenders of Mariupol, and men we brought back from Russian captivity. We continue working to secure the release of all our people - every warrior, every civilian, every adult and child still held in Russian captivity. I thank everyone who is helping us! I thank all our people! Glory to Ukraine! NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ukraine and Slovakia Discuss Prospects for Bilateral Relations President of Ukraine 1 July 2025 - 20:13 Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Ihor Brusylo held a meeting with Martin Kaco, Director General for Political Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic. The key topic of the negotiations was the prospects for further dialogue between Ukraine and Slovakia, as well as areas of bilateral cooperation. The Deputy Head of the Presidential Office informed his Slovak counterpart about the current situation in Ukraine, in particular the intensification of Russian attacks involving around 500 Shahed drones and missiles of various types in a single night. "The scale of Russian attacks continues to grow, which requires an appropriate response from the international community. It is important to synchronize sanctions policy. Sanctions are not just a tool - they are pressure on the aggressor state to deprive it of the ability to continue this war of aggression," Ihor Brusylo emphasized. The meeting also touched upon potential joint projects, with a focus on cooperation in logistics and humanitarian initiatives. In particular, the parties discussed demining. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address President of Ukraine Holds Phone Call with President of Azerbaijan President of Ukraine 1 July 2025 - 17:43 President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a phone call with President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev. The Head of State thanked the President of Azerbaijan for assisting in the evacuation of Ukrainians from Iran, for humanitarian aid, and for supporting Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Volodymyr Zelenskyy assured that Ukraine will always support the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan as well. On behalf of all Ukrainians, the President expressed solidarity with the Azerbaijani people and condolences over the brutal detention of Azerbaijani citizens and the killing of the Safarov brothers in Yekaterinburg, Russia. Ilham Aliyev shared details that have already been established. They once again demonstrate the hatred, chauvinism, and cynicism of Russians. The President of Azerbaijan thanked Ukraine and the Ukrainian people for their support. The parties also discussed Ukraine's struggle against Russian aggression, joint steps with international partners to end the war, and the development of bilateral relations between Ukraine and Azerbaijan in the energy sector. Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Ilham Aliyev agreed to instruct their teams to hold a meeting of the Joint Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation later this month. The Head of State invited the President of Azerbaijan to visit Ukraine. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address SSU detains GRU agent who adjusted russia's attacks on energy facilities in Dnipro and Zaporizhzhia Security Service of Ukraine 10:00, 1 July 2025 In Dnipro, the SSU Counterintelligence apprehended an agent of russia's military intelligence ('the GRU') who was preparing coordinates for the aggressor's air strikes on Ukraine's critical infrastructure. According to the investigation, the enemy strikes were adjusted by a 54-year-old fitter from a local construction company. He came to the attention of the occupiers when he tried to purchase fake documents online to travel abroad posing as a foreigner. After recruitment, the agent collected geolocation data for his handler on power plants that supply electricity to the most of residential areas in Dnipro and Zaporizhzhia. To gather intelligence, the asset used his position at a construction company involved in restoring Ukrainian energy facilities after enemy attacks. While carrying out his work contracts, the traitor recorded the technical condition of potential targets and photographed their appearance, geolocating them on Google Maps. While at the repair site, the agent sent the relevant information to his handler, thereby adjusting repeated russian strikes on the energy infrastructure of cities. For secrecy, he used several phones, which he periodically changed and kept at his relative's house. The SSU identified the enemy agent and detained him at his home. SSU investigators notified the detained individual of suspicion under Article 111.2 of the CCU (high treason, committed under martial law). The suspect is in custody without bail and faces life imprisonment with confiscation of property. The operation was carried out by the SSU Office in Dnipropetrovsk region under the procedural supervision of the regional Prosecutor's Office. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Some US Weapons Won't Be Sent To Ukraine Following Pentagon Review By RFE/RL July 02, 2025 The United States is halting some shipments of weapons previously promised to Ukraine for use in its war with Russia under the Biden administration after a Pentagon review determined that US stockpiles have declined too much. A decision was made to "put America's interests first" following a Defense Department review of US military support to other countries around the world, said White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly in a statement. "The strength of the United States Armed Forces remains unquestioned -- just ask Iran," Kelly said, making a reference to the recent US bombings and missile strikes against Iran's nuclear facilities. Kelly's statement came after a US official who spoke on condition of anonymity was quoted by Politico as saying the Pentagon review determined that stocks were too low on some items previously pledged, so pending shipments of some items won't be sent. The United States, which has provided Ukraine more than $66 billion worth of weapons and military assistance since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022, has pressed allies to provide air defense systems and other equipment to Ukraine. But many are reluctant to give up their high-tech systems, particularly countries in Eastern Europe that also feel threatened by Russia. The halt of some weapons comes after Russia launched its biggest combined aerial attack against Ukraine over the weekend, Ukrainian officials said, in an escalating bombing campaign that has further dashed hopes for a breakthrough in peace efforts championed by US President Donald Trump. Ukraine has been pleading with the West for more air defense systems as Russia steps up its missile and drone attacks, including on civilian infrastructure, leading to the deaths of dozens of noncombatants. Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the sidelines of the NATO summit last week. He said after the meeting that the United States would try to get Ukraine more air defense systems to protect against deadly Russian attacks but would not commit to approving more aid for Ukraine. "We're going to see if we can make some [Patriots] available," Trump said in The Hague on June 24 when asked by a reporter if he would sell air defense systems to Ukraine. "They're very hard to get. We need them too. We were supplying them to Israel." Trump, who criticized the amount of US military aid sent to Ukraine during the 2024 presidential campaign, gave a vague answer when he was asked about continued defense assistance for Ukraine. "We'll see what happens," said Trump, whose Republican party is deeply divided on the issue with its isolationist wing strongly against aid for Ukraine. He acknowledged that Ukraine wants Patriots "more than any other thing," saying his administration would "see if we can make some available." He noted that the United States had been supplying them to Israel to help it defend itself against missiles fired by Iran and the proxy groups it supports. Missiles for Patriot air defense systems, precision artillery, and Hellfire missiles are among the items being held back, Politico and other US media reported. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told a Senate subcommittee hearing earlier this month that some US security spending for Ukraine is still in the pipeline but provided no details. Hegseth also acknowledged that funding for Ukraine military assistance would be reduced. He said the budget bill under consideration in Congress includes hard choices and "reflects the reality that Europe needs to step up more for the defense of its own continent. And President Trump deserves the credit for that." Hegseth stressed that the Trump administration takes a different view of the conflict in Ukraine. "We believe that a negotiated peaceful settlement is in the best interest of both parties and our nation's interests," he said. With reporting by AP and Politico Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-russia-weapons- supply-war-pentagon-trump/33461518.html Copyright (c) 2025. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address On Ukraine's Eastern Front, Artillery Crews Fight To Stop Russian Advance By Yevhenia Rusetska and Anna Kudriavtseva July 01, 2025 NEAR CHASIV YAR, Ukraine -- The battle for Chasiv Yar remains one of the fiercest along the eastern front in Ukraine's Donetsk region. Perched on high ground, the city holds strategic importance: if Russian forces seize it, they could push toward nearby Kostyantynivka and move closer to key hubs like Kramatorsk and Slovyansk. Russian troops are employing a mix of tactics in the area -- including guided aerial bombs, artillery barrages, ground assaults, and swarms of first-person view (FPV) drones. At a frontline artillery position near Chasiv Yar, Ukrainian gunners from the 24th Separate Mechanized Brigade continue to fight under constant aerial threat. In a recent visit by RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service, soldiers described being under near-constant drone surveillance and attacks. They responded with steady fire, targeting Russian positions, vehicles, and trench systems. "Whatever they've got over there, we'll destroy it," said one artilleryman using the call sign Bur. The rise of FPV and fiber-optic controlled drones has reshaped the battlefield. What was once considered the relative safety of the rear -- even 25 kilometers back -- is now within striking range. Ukrainian troops are adapting by using shotguns to try to shoot drones out of the sky. "It's like hunting now," said one soldier. Despite exhaustion, the artillery crews remain determined. "We'll hold it," one soldier said. "We've got shells, people are working." For these troops, the war has become a long, exhausting effort, but one they see as unavoidable. As long as Russian forces press forward, they say, their guns will keep firing. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-chasiv-yar-frontline- fight-russian-drones/33459816.html Copyright (c) 2025. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address NEW YORK and NEW ORLEANS, July 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC (KSF) and KSF partner, former Attorney General of Louisiana, Charles C. Foti, Jr., remind 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. What You May Do If you purchased securities of Organon and would like to discuss your legal rights and how this case might affect you and your right to recover for your economic loss, you may, without obligation or cost to you, contact KSF Managing Partner Lewis Kahn toll-free at 1-877-515-1850 or via email (lewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com), or visit https://www.ksfcounsel.com/cases/nyse-ogn/ to learn more. If you wish to serve as a lead plaintiff in this class action, you must petition the Court by July 22, 2025 . 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 Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC KSF, whose partners include former Louisiana Attorney General Charles C. Foti, Jr., is one of the nation's premier boutique securities litigation law firms. This past year, KSF was ranked by SCAS among the top 10 firms nationally based upon total settlement value. KSF serves a variety of clients, including public and private institutional investors, and retail investors - in seeking recoveries for investment losses emanating from corporate fraud or malfeasance by publicly traded companies. KSF has offices in New York, Delaware, California, Louisiana, Chicago, New Jersey, and a representative office in Luxembourg. TOP 10 Plaintiff Law Firms - According to ISS Securities Class Action Services To learn more about KSF, you may visit www.ksfcounsel.com. Contact: Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC Lewis Kahn, Managing Partner lewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com 1-877-515-1850 1100 Poydras St., Suite 960 New Orleans, LA 70163 CONNECT WITH US: FaceBook || Instagram || YouTube || TikTok || LinkedIn MIAMI, FL, July 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The crowd was already electric when Christian D. Evans, Founder of LFG America, took the stage at CPAC Latino. What followed wasnt just a keynote it was a declaration of war on the political establishment. These old farts in Congress are clinging to power like its their god-given right. Its time we rip it out of their hands. The audience erupted some stunned, many on their feet. One thing was clear: LFG America, a rising grassroots conservative force, had just planted its flag in the center of a political revolution. Not Your Fathers Conservative Movement This isnt Reagan-era politics. LFG America represents a new wave one forged by Americans whove watched their communities deteriorate, their freedoms erode, and their representatives grow rich and complacent. Christian D. Evans didnt hold back: Theyve had decades to fix this country and all theyve done is cash checks and sell us out. Im not just talking about Democrats. America needs a new breed of conservative not country club bureaucrats in red ties. LFG America: From Rhetoric to Action More than a messaging machine, LFG America is executing on the ground backed by hundreds of thousands of small-dollar donors and a network of mission-driven conservative leaders. Recent milestones include: Co-sponsoring CPAC Latino, where LFG America shared the stage with Byron Donalds, Ben Carson, Grant Cardone, Anna Paulina Luna, Eduardo Bolsonaro, and others. Funding rescue missions across the U.S. through its partnership with Rescue America, supporting efforts to combat child and human trafficking. Hosting a high-profile rally at Trump National Doral, featuring a bold address by Rep. Byron Donalds: Stop waiting for permission to save this country. Launching national coalitions with groups like Kim Klaciks Red Renaissance PAC, amplifying minority-led conservative activism. CPAC Chairman Matt Schlapp: This Is the New Wave In a surprise appearance, CPAC Chairman Matt Schlapp threw his full support behind the movement: What this movement represents is exactly why CPAC exists to shake up the status quo. If career politicians are rattled, good. They should be. This is the new wave of American conservatism bold, unapologetic, grassroots, and unstoppable. CPAC Latino Ignites a Conservative Firestorm From the opening remarks to the final ovation, CPAC Latino belonged to the insurgents. Byron Donalds declared: If you think the fight is happening in DC, youre already behind. Its happening in your neighborhoods. Anna Paulina Luna didnt mince words: Latino conservatives are DONE being ignored. Were not here to ask for a seat at the table. Were here to flip the damn table. Dr. Ben Carson offered a warning: If we dont fight for our values now, well raise children who dont even know what those values are. Grant Cardone closed with urgency: This country was built on hustle. The people in Congress have lost it. Lets make it happen. Where Congress Fails, Rescue America Leads One of the weekends most powerful moments came as LFG America highlighted its partnership with Rescue America, led by CEO Allison Madrigal. Their joint efforts have directly funded rescues from human trafficking rings nationwide. Christian D. Evans didnt hold back: You want to talk about evil? Its children being sold on American streets while Congress tweets about pride flags. Were out there saving them. Thats why people trust us. Whats Next for LFG America? LFG America is just getting started. Upcoming initiatives include: Launching state-based activist squads with real organizing power Scaling digital-first donor campaigns aimed at disenfranchised conservatives Organizing a national "Retire the Relics" tour, calling for term limits and primary challenges to establishment incumbents Expanding its anti-trafficking mission with Rescue America Were not here to be housebroken conservatives, said Evans. Were not asking for permission were taking back our country. The Closing Message: Its Always Been Us Christian D. Evans left the stage with a final call-to-arms: If youre still waiting for someone in D.C. to save you, you havent been paying attention. Its us. Its always been us. Under President Trumps leadership, we took America back from the dumb Democrats now its time to retire the old farts in Washington for good. Media Contact Company: LFG America Contact Person: Jasmine G Website: https://www.lfgamerica.co/ Email: hello@lfgamerica.co Country: U.S NEW YORK and NEW ORLEANS, July 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC (KSF) and KSF partner, former Attorney General of Louisiana, Charles C. Foti, Jr., remind investors that they have until July 8, 2025 to file lead plaintiff applications in securities class action lawsuits against Compass Diversified Holdings (NYSE: CODI), if they purchased the Companys securities between March 1, 2023 and May 7, 2025, inclusive (the Class Period). These actions are pending in the United States District Court for the Central District of California. What You May Do If you purchased securities of Compass and would like to discuss your legal rights and how the case might affect you and your right to recover for your economic loss, you may, without obligation or cost to you, contact KSF Managing Partner Lewis Kahn toll-free at 1-877-515-1850 or via email (lewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com), or visit https://www.ksfcounsel.com/cases/nyse-codi/ to learn more. If you wish to serve as a lead plaintiff in the class actions, you must petition the Court by July 8, 2025 . About the Lawsuits Compass and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws. On May 7, 2025, the Company issued a press release entitled "Compass Diversified Discloses Non-Reliance on Financial Statements for Fiscal 2024 Amid an Ongoing Internal Investigation into its Subsidiary, Lugano Holding, Inc.," disclosing that the Audit Committee of CODI's Board has concluded that the previously issued financial statements for 2024 require restatement and should no longer be relied upon and that [e]ffective May 7, 2025, Lugano's founder and CEO, Moti Ferder, resigned from all of his positions at Lugano and will not receive any severance compensation. The Company further disclosed that [t]he Audit Committee of CODI's Board of Directors promptly launched an investigation after CODI's senior leadership was made aware of concerns about how Lugano was potentially financing inventory and that [t]he investigation . . . is ongoing but has preliminarily identified irregularities in Lugano's non-CODI financing, accounting, and inventory practices. On this news, the price of Compass shares plummeted approximately 62%, from $17.25 per share on May 7, 2025, to $6.55 per share on May 8, 2025. The case is Matthews v. Compass Group Diversified Holdings, Inc., et al., No. 25-cv-981. A subsequent case, Tan v. Compass Group Diversified Holdings, Inc., et al., No. 25-cv-5777, extended the class period. About Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC KSF, whose partners include former Louisiana Attorney General Charles C. Foti, Jr., is one of the nation's premier boutique securities litigation law firms. This past year, KSF was ranked by SCAS among the top 10 firms nationally based upon total settlement value. KSF serves a variety of clients, including public and private institutional investors, and retail investors - in seeking recoveries for investment losses emanating from corporate fraud or malfeasance by publicly traded companies. KSF has offices in New York, Delaware, California, Louisiana, Chicago, New Jersey, and a representative office in Luxembourg. TOP 10 Plaintiff Law Firms - According to ISS Securities Class Action Services To learn more about KSF, you may visit www.ksfcounsel.com. Contact: Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC Lewis Kahn, Managing Partner lewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com 1-877-515-1850 1100 Poydras St., Suite 960 New Orleans, LA 70163 CONNECT WITH US: FaceBook || Instagram || YouTube || TikTok || LinkedIn New York City, NY, July 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Amid the volatile fluctuations of the cryptocurrency market, more and more investors are looking for stable, high-return platforms to grow their wealth. BTC Miner , an innovative cloud mining platform, has emerged as a game-changer by providing investors with the opportunity to earn millions daily without the need for expensive equipment, complicated setups, or market expertise. With guaranteed daily returns and a secure, hassle-free mining process, BTC Miner is helping people achieve their financial goalseven while they sleep. A New Era of Stable, Risk-Free Crypto Mining As traditional financial markets face ongoing uncertainty, cryptocurrency remains an attractive option for savvy investors. However, many have hesitated to enter the mining world due to the complexity and cost involved. BTC Miner removes these barriers by offering an easy-to-use, cloud-based mining solution that allows anyone to earn passive income without technical know-how. BTC Miners guaranteed principal + fixed return contracts ensure investors can earn stable returns, regardless of market fluctuations. 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Multi-Currency Support BTC, ETH, XRP, DOGE, SOL, USDT (TRC20/ERC20), and more. BTC, ETH, XRP, DOGE, SOL, USDT (TRC20/ERC20), and more. Green Energy Mining Powered by renewable energy sources like solar and wind for sustainable operations. Powered by renewable energy sources like solar and wind for sustainable operations. 24/7 Customer Support Multilingual support for users worldwide, ensuring prompt assistance. How to Get Started with BTC Miner Register for free at https://btcminer.net Claim your $500 bonus and choose a mining contract Start earning daily profits, with automatic payouts and the option to reinvest About BTC Miner Founded in 2009, BTC Miner is a leading digital asset mining platform that combines AI-powered mining, green energy, and regulatory compliance to provide secure, stable, and profitable cloud mining opportunities. The platform enables investors from around the world to earn passive income with minimal risk, offering fixed returns and guaranteed principal protection. As the cryptocurrency market evolves, BTC Miner remains at the forefront, helping users make stable, high returns in a safe and sustainable manner. Official Website: https://btcminer.net Email: info@btcminer.net Attachment SHENZHEN, China, July 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to Euromonitor Internationals 2025 research, K&F CONCEPT, a leading photography accessories brand, has secured its position as the No.1 filter brand among camera accessory brands worldwide. Unrivaled Market Leadership Through sustained investment in product innovation and global market expansion, K&F CONCEPT is rapidly emerging as a leading brand in the photography accessories industry. With operations in over 120 countries and annual revenue exceeding hundreds of millions of USD, the brand continues to strengthen its global presence. According to Euromonitor Internationals 2025 research, K&F CONCEPT has achieved the No.1 position in global online retail sales of lens filters, surpassing other major camera accessory brands in this segment. Tapping Industry Trends The rise in video creation, professional photography, and content creation across diverse platforms has driven more demand for lens filters. K&F CONCEPTs exceptional optical quality captivates a wide range of users, from content creators to professional photographers, as showcased at CP+ 2025, where its booth attracted thousands. Social media users praised its filter as exceeding expectation for transforming creative workflows. CEO Vision At K&F CONCEPT, our core values are rooted in the belief that there are no small partsnot in our products, and not in our community. Whether you're just starting out or shooting professionally, your vision matters, said Ken Wang, CEO of K&F CONCEPT. Thats why we have been creating tools for every level, every budgetso everyone can focus on the shot, not the gear. Complete Filter Matrix for All K&F CONCEPT is committed to building a comprehensive and diverse filter lineup. Classified by function, mounting type, and device compatibility, the filters cover a wide range of shooting scenariosfrom everyday photography to professional creationto meet the diverse needs of photographers. In terms of functionality, they are broadly categorized into Standard and High-Performance series. Standard: Designed for everyday photography, this series includes essential filters like ND, UV, CPL, and effects filters. These deliver reliable performance and affordability for enthusiasts and professionals alike. High-Performance: Engineered for photographers with specialized demands, this series builds on core filter functions with enhanced quality and advanced features. Key offerings include: True Color Series: Ensures precise color fidelity by eliminating yellow casts for authentic, vibrant results. Ultra-Low Reflectivity Series: Minimizes flare and ghosting caused by filter-induced reflections, ideal for pristine image clarity. Nano-Xcel Pro Series: Features 36-layer nano-coatings with 0.15% ultra-low reflectivity for superior clarity, plus premium brass frames for exceptional durability and optical performance. This reflects K&F CONCEPTs commitment to innovation and accessibility, ensuring every photographer finds the ideal filter to elevate their craft. Future in Focus As global photography surges, K&F CONCEPT will bring its camera filter quality to devices like smartphones and action cameras, delivering pro-level effects to enthusiasts. About K&F CONCEPTSEE THE UNSEEN K&F CONCEPT is a pioneering photography accessory brand committed to empowering global creators with innovative, high-performance tools for professional imaging. Since 2012, weve crafted premium filters, tripods, adapters, backpacks, cleaning tools, and camera batteries. Honored with Japans DGP Grand Gold Award for five years as well as the prestigious Red Dot and iF Design Awards, K&F CONCEPT combines innovative design with precision craftsmanship to empower photographers with exceptional experiences and unleash their creative potential. For more information, please visit official website. Photos accompanying this announcement are available at : https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c0d3cf2e-c5eb-45fc-80db-82e06f644ed0 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8fe85059-62a8-45fa-8f72-098d22472086 Building permit granted. Future Stellantis Germany and global Opel headquarters in Russelsheim: VGP to construct office building for the grEEn campus. 02 July 2025 Antwerp/Dusseldorf/Russelsheim The building authority of the city of Russelsheim am Main has granted VGP, a European owner, manager and developer of high-quality logistics and light industrial properties and provider of renewable energy solutions, permission to start construction of the first building for the future Stellantis Germany and global Opel headquarters. While development and initial construction work are already underway, the official ground-breaking ceremony is scheduled for autumn 2025. A total of three buildings are planned for the site. In autumn 2023, VGP acquired the so-called M, K and P areas on Mainzer Strae and Bundesstrae 43 in Russelsheim, covering a total area of approximately 700,000 square metres. On a site covering approximately 100,000 square metres, the company plans to develop a CO 2 -neutral, green corporate headquarters for Stellantis, known as the grEEn campus: modern, efficient, friendly and urban. The remaining space offers further diverse development opportunities. The administration building will provide state-of-the-art workplaces over five floors across a total of 28,000 square metres fully compatible with hybrid and flexible ways of working on site or remotely. It will be certified with at least the Gold sustainability label in accordance with the DGNB certification scheme. In addition, the building meets the requirements of the EU taxonomy for environmentally sustainable business practices. VGP places a special focus on reducing CO 2 (embodied carbon) in construction. Sustainable building materials will be used to ensure good indoor air quality for employees and a photovoltaic system will be combined with a green roof to generate energy. This promotes biodiversity and cools the building. VGP CEO Jan Van Geet is very impressed by the cooperation with the city administration: We submitted our building application for this special construction last December. The professional cooperation with the responsible employees of the Russelsheim building authority and the Opel team has brought the entire project forward quickly. City Councillor Simon Valerius, who is responsible for planning and construction in Russelsheim, emphasises the good cooperation and the importance of the project for the city: The grEEn campus shows what urban design can look like in the future resource-efficient, architecturally sophisticated and significantly enhancing the western entrance to the city. Mayor Patrick Burghardt is also delighted: The grEEn-campus is a strong commitment to the location and to sustainable development. It shows the potential that Russelsheim has to offer: for existing and new jobs, for innovation and for a strong economic future. Florian Huettl, CEO Opel & Vauxhall and Managing Director Stellantis Germany, says: The building permit is an important step in moving the project forward from the preparation phase to the next phase together with our partner VGP. Our employees are looking forward to our new sustainable and modern headquarters in Russelsheim. It will create a pleasant and modern environment for creative and collegial work. This is how we live the One Team approach every day across all divisions and brands. CONTACT VGP VGP Investor Relations Tel: +32 (0)3 289 1433 Investor.relations@vgpparks.eu relatio PR Sandra Zimmermann Tel: +49 89 210 257-20 sandra.zimmermann@relatio-pr.de ABOUT VGP VGP is a pan-European owner, manager and developer of high-quality logistics and semi-industrial properties as well as a provider of renewable energy solutions. VGP has a fully integrated business model with extensive expertise and many years of experience along the entire value chain. VGP was founded in 1998 as a family-owned Belgian property developer in the Czech Republic and today operates with around 380 full-time employees in 18 European countries directly and through several 50:50 joint ventures. In December 2024, the gross asset value of VGP, including the 100% joint ventures, amounted to 7.8 billion and the company had a net asset value (EPRA NTA) of 2.4 billion. VGP is listed on Euronext Brussels (ISIN: BE0003878957). For more information, please visit: http://www.vgpparks.eu/en ABOUT STELLANTIS Stellantis N.V. (NYSE: STLA / Euronext Milan: STLAM / Euronext Paris: STLAP) is a leading global automaker, dedicated to giving its customers the freedom to choose the way they move, embracing the latest technologies and creating value for all its stakeholders. Its unique portfolio of iconic and innovative brands includes Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Citroen, Dodge, DS Automobiles, FIAT, Jeep, Lancia, Maserati, Opel, Peugeot, Ram, Vauxhall, Free2move and Leasys. For more information, visit www.stellantis.com. CONTACT STELLANTIS Franziska QUELING +49 170 2269306 franziska.queling@stellantis.com Harald SCHMIDT +49 6142 692 3737 harald.schmidt@stellantis.com communications@stellantis.com www.stellantis.com CONTACT THE CITY OF RUSSELSHEIM Communications and City Marketing Department Communications Division pressestelle@ruesselsheim.de Attachment Bitwise NEAR Staking ETP is the latest addition to Bitwises European index-linked staking ETP suite aiming to offer investors efficient, regulated exposure to NEAR, the Blockchain for AI. is the latest addition to Bitwises European index-linked staking ETP suite aiming to offer investors efficient, regulated exposure to NEAR, the Blockchain for AI. NEAR Protocol: A high-performance, energy-efficient, layer-1 1 blockchain built for the AI erapowering cross-chain interoperability and AI-native applications through fast, user-friendly infrastructure. A high-performance, energy-efficient, layer-1 blockchain built for the AI erapowering cross-chain interoperability and AI-native applications through fast, user-friendly infrastructure. Staking: The Bitwise NEAR Staking ETP will seek to stake the NEAR tokens held by the product, with the objective of generating additional returns of approximately 5.5% net of fees and TER, while providing investors with daily liquidity on the stock exchange. 02 July 2025. Frankfurt: Bitwise today announced the launch of the Bitwise NEAR Staking ETP (Ticker NEAR; ISIN DE000A4A5GV2) on Deutsche Borse Xetra. NEAR Protocol is a blockchain platform known for its approach to scalability, low-cost performance, and a user-first vision of decentralization powering 45M+ monthly active users and 8M daily transactions2. The Bitwise NEAR Staking ETP is designed for both institutional and retail investors who are familiar with digital assets and seeking to diversify their portfolios. The launch marks another milestone in a series of product innovations designed to broaden investment access to the crypto market, provide high-quality investment solutions and timely market insights, and promote transparency and accountability in what is shaping up to be a landmark year for the crypto industry. The ETP is fully backed and issued in Germany, designed with the objective to deliver efficient staking returns, low total cost of ownership, and superior performance compared to other NEAR staking ETP solutions currently on the market. Staking yields accumulate daily in the ETP seeking to enhance performance. Using a robust and transparent benchmark, the CF NEAR Staked Return Index, investors can accurately track the performance of the ETP after costs and fees compared to the market standard NEAR staking return. The Biwise NEAR Staking ETP is the fourth to be launched as part of Bitwises European Total Return product suite including the Bitwise Ethereum Staking ETP (Ticker: ET32 | ISIN DE000A3G90G9), which recently surpassed 200 million in assets under management. Bradley Duke, Head of Europe at Bitwise, said: We are so pleased to launch this new ETP in partnership with NEAR. There is a lot of noise in the world of crypto and we are excited to partner with a genuine innovator in both blockchain and AI. The Bitwise NEAR Staking ETP gives investors exposure to price movements in the NEAR token as well as compounded return from staking rewards all with Bitwises best-in-class ETP structure. Illia Polosukhin, Co-Founder NEAR Foundation: NEAR was built to power a new kind of internetone where AI serves people, not platforms. This ETP brings that vision closer to investors worldwide. By making NEAR more accessible through Bitwises trusted products, were accelerating mainstream adoption of user-owned AI infrastructure. NEAR Protocol a layer-1 blockchain designed for usability and scalability NEAR Protocol is a blockchain platform designed to make advanced technologies like artificial intelligence more accessible and useful. Launched in 2020, NEAR addresses common challenges in blockchainlike slow speeds and high costsby using a technology called sharding to process many transactions at once. What sets NEAR apart is its focus on real-world usability: it lets people access apps and services with usernamessimilar to email addressesrather than traditional Web3 wallet codes. It also operates across different blockchains, aiming to simplify the transfer of assets and data between platforms. NEAR is already being used to power AI tools, digital wallets, and applications that give users greater control over their data and digital identity. Its architecture is particularly well-suited for AI, providing the speed, scalability, and data privacy required to support AI-powered applications and autonomous agents. In Q2 2025, NEAR ranked #2 among the most-used blockchain platforms in terms of monthly active users, just after Solana3. This growth is driven in part by NEARs chain abstraction technology, which makes it easier for people to use apps across different blockchains without needing multiple wallets or tokens. With chain signatures, users can access and control accounts on other blockchains directly through their NEAR account, making cross-chain activity simple and intuitive. Developers also benefit from NEARs infrastructure. Its customizable smart contracts support multichain financial applications using secure cryptographic toolswithout the need for bridges or wrapped tokens, which can introduce risk and complexity. Staking NEAR Staking is a way to generate income for crypto asset owners, and is a key feature for NEAR. On the NEAR Protocol, staking allows token holders to help validate transactions on the network, contributing to its security and reliability. In return, they earn additional tokens - so called staking rewardssimilar to how dividends work in traditional equities. For investors, the Bitwise NEAR Staking ETP may offer a streamlined way to gain exposure to staking rewards without managing the technical aspects of staking or token custody directly. While direct NEAR holders can stake through wallets or validators, the ETP offers distinct benefitsparticularly daily liquidity, as it is traded on regulated stock exchanges and involves no lock-up periods or manual delegation. Additionally, the underlying NEAR tokens are held in secure cold storage by a professional institutional custodian, which offers an added layer of asset protection. Key Product Details ETP Name Bitwise NEAR Staking ETP Primary Ticker NEAR ISIN / WKN DE000A4A5GV2 / A4A5GV Index Benchmark CF NEAR Staked Return Index Expected NET Staking Reward 5.5%* TER 0.85% p.a. *The Net Staking Reward reflects the staking return after all fees (Staking Service Fee and TER) have been deducted, on a per-ETP unit basis. This figure represents the return the ETP is expected to deliver, expressed in annualised, non-compounded % terms. Note: The rate is subject to change based on network and market dynamics. The Net Staking Rewards are accumulated daily within the ETP, seeking to enhance performance. This mechanism increases the cryptocurrency entitlement per ETP unit at the end of each trading day, meaning that the amount of NEAR backing each ETP share adjusts upward over time. You can view the current entitlement per ETP unit in the Cryptocurrency Entitlement Table available on the product page at www.bitwiseinvestments.eu/products. - Ends - About NEAR Foundation NEAR Protocol is the blockchain for AI. A high-performance, AI-native platform built to power the next generation of decentralized applications and intelligent agents. It provides the infrastructure AI needs to transact, operate, and interact across Web2 and Web3. NEAR combines three core elements: User-Owned AI, which ensures agents act in users best interests; Intents and Chain Abstraction, which eliminate blockchain complexity for seamless, goal-driven transactions across chains; and a sharded blockchain architecture that delivers the scalability, speed, and low-cost execution needed for real-world AI and Web3 use. This integrated stack makes NEAR the foundation for building secure, user-owned, AI-native applications at internet scale. About Bitwise Bitwise is one of the worlds leading crypto specialist asset managers. Thousands of financial advisors, family offices, and institutional investors across the globe have partnered with us to understand and access the opportunities in crypto. Since 2017, Bitwise has established a track record of excellence, managing a broad suite of index and active solutions across ETPs, separately managed accounts, private funds, and hedge fund strategies spanning both the U.S. and Europe. In Europe, for the past five years Bitwise (formerly ETC Group) has developed an extensive and innovative suite of crypto ETPs, including Europes most traded bitcoin ETP, or the first diversified Crypto Basket ETP replicating an MSCI digital assets index. This family of crypto ETPs is domiciled in Germany and issued under a base prospectus approved by BaFin. We exclusively partner with reputable entities from the traditional financial industry, ensuring that 100% of the assets are securely stored offline (cold storage) through regulated custodians. Our European products comprise a collection of carefully designed financial instruments that seamlessly integrate into any professional portfolio, providing comprehensive exposure to crypto as an asset class. Access is straightforward via major European stock exchanges, with primary listings on Xetra, the most liquid exchange for ETF trading in Europe. Retail investors benefit from easy access through numerous DIY/online brokers, coupled with our robust and secure physical ETP structure, which includes a redemption feature. For more information, visit http://www.bitwiseinvestments.eu Media contacts: JEA Associates John McLeod 00 44 7886 920436 john@jeaassociates.com Important information This press release does not constitute investment advice, opinions are those of Bitwise and do not constitute an offer or solicitation to buy financial products. This press release is issued by Bitwise Europe GmbH (BEU), a limited company domiciled in Germany, for information only and in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations. BEU gives no explicit or implicit assurance or guarantee regarding the fairness, accuracy, completeness, or correctness of this article or the opinions contained therein. It is advised not to rely on the fairness, accuracy, completeness, or correctness of this article or the opinions contained therein. Please note that this article is neither investment advice nor an offer or solicitation to acquire financial products or cryptocurrencies. Before investing in crypto Exchange Traded Products (ETPs), potential investors should consider the following: Potential investors should seek independent advice and consider relevant information contained in the base prospectus and the final terms for the ETPs, especially the risk factors. Diversification does not guarantee a profit or protect against a loss. ETPs issued by BEU are suitable only for persons experienced in investing in cryptocurrencies and risks of investing can be found in the prospectus and final terms available on www.bitwiseinvestments.com./eu. The invested capital is at risk, and losses up to the amount invested are possible. ETPs backed by cryptocurrencies are highly volatile assets and performance is unpredictable. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. The market price of ETPs will vary and they do not offer a fixed income or match precisely the performance of the underlying cryptocurrency. Investing in ETPs involves numerous risks including general market risks relating to underlying, adverse price movements, currency, liquidity, operational, legal and regulatory risks. 1 Source: NEAR Foundation 2 Source: Bitwise Europe Research; NEAR Foundation 3 Source: Artemis, Bitwise Europe; https://app.artemisanalytics.com/chains The extraordinary general meeting of Hexagon Purus ASA was held today, 2 July 2025 in Oslo, Norway. All proposals on the agenda were adopted as proposed. Complete minutes of the extraordinary general meeting are attached to this release and are also available on www.hexagonpurus.com. For more information Mathias Meidell, IR Director, Hexagon Purus ASA Telephone: +47 909 82 242 | mathias.meidell@hexagonpurus.com About Hexagon Purus ASA Hexagon Purus enables zero emission mobility for a cleaner energy future. The company is a world leading provider of hydrogen Type 4 high-pressure cylinders and systems, battery systems and vehicle integration solutions for fuel cell electric and battery electric vehicles. Hexagon Purus' products are used in a variety of applications including light, medium and heavy-duty vehicles, buses, ground storage, distribution, refueling, maritime, rail and aerospace. Learn more at www.hexagonpurus.com and follow @HexagonPurus on Twitter and LinkedIn. Attachment Dublin, July 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Cannabis Pharmaceuticals - Global Strategic Business Report" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The global market for Cannabis Pharmaceuticals was estimated at US$5.2 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach US$72.7 Billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 55.1% from 2024 to 2030. This comprehensive report provides an in-depth analysis of market trends, drivers, and forecasts, helping you make informed business decisions. Cannabis-based pharmaceuticals are emerging as a transformative segment within the global healthcare industry, driven by increasing scientific validation of cannabinoids for medical applications. The legalization of medical cannabis in numerous countries has fueled research and development (R&D) efforts, leading to the approval of cannabis-derived drugs for conditions such as epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and chronic pain. Additionally, shifting regulatory frameworks and growing physician acceptance are paving the way for cannabis-based formulations to be integrated into mainstream healthcare. What Are the Key Drivers Behind the Growth of the Cannabis Pharmaceuticals Market? The growth in the cannabis pharmaceuticals market is driven by several factors, including expanding medical cannabis legalization, increased R&D investment, and growing patient demand for alternative treatments. Regulatory approvals for cannabis-based drugs in North America and Europe have legitimized the sector, encouraging pharmaceutical companies to develop new formulations. The opioid crisis has also contributed to the demand for non-addictive pain management solutions, positioning cannabis as a viable alternative. Additionally, advancements in drug delivery systems and precision dosing are improving the efficacy of cannabis-based medications, further accelerating market growth. As global healthcare systems continue to recognize the benefits of medical cannabis, the pharmaceutical cannabis sector is poised for significant expansion. How Are Advancements in Cannabis Research Expanding Pharmaceutical Applications? Ongoing clinical research has uncovered the therapeutic potential of cannabinoids such as cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), leading to the development of prescription cannabis-based drugs. Pharmaceutical companies are investing in cannabinoid extraction and formulation technologies to enhance bioavailability, stability, and targeted delivery. Advances in nanotechnology and encapsulation methods are improving the efficacy of oral, transdermal, and inhalable cannabis medications. Additionally, the exploration of minor cannabinoids such as cannabigerol (CBG) and cannabinol (CBN) is expanding the therapeutic scope of cannabis pharmaceuticals, potentially leading to new treatments for neurodegenerative diseases, anxiety disorders, and autoimmune conditions. Which Therapeutic Areas Are Driving the Demand for Cannabis Pharmaceuticals? The primary demand for cannabis-based pharmaceuticals comes from patients suffering from chronic pain, neurological disorders, and mental health conditions. Epidiolex, a CBD-based drug, has gained FDA approval for treating rare forms of epilepsy, while Sativex, an oral spray containing THC and CBD, is widely used for multiple sclerosis-related spasticity. The growing acceptance of cannabis for pain management is leading to its adoption as an alternative to opioids, particularly for cancer and arthritis patients. Additionally, ongoing research into cannabis-based treatments for anxiety, PTSD, and sleep disorders is expanding the potential applications of cannabis pharmaceuticals. Report Features: Comprehensive Market Data: Independent analysis of annual sales and market forecasts in US$ Million from 2024 to 2030. In-Depth Regional Analysis: Detailed insights into key markets, including the U.S., China, Japan, Canada, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East, and Africa. Company Profiles: Coverage of players such as AbbVie Inc., Aphria Inc., Aurora Cannabis Inc., Bausch Health Companies Inc., Canopy Growth Corporation and more. Complimentary Updates: Receive free report updates for one year to keep you informed of the latest market developments. Key Insights: Market Growth: Understand the significant growth trajectory of the Sativex Brand segment, which is expected to reach US$52.6 Billion by 2030 with a CAGR of a 60.1%. The Epidiolex Brand segment is also set to grow at 49.2% CAGR over the analysis period. Regional Analysis: Gain insights into the U.S. market, estimated at $1.4 Billion in 2024, and China, forecasted to grow at an impressive 51.8% CAGR to reach $10.4 Billion by 2030. Discover growth trends in other key regions, including Japan, Canada, Germany, and the Asia-Pacific. Scope of Study: Segments: Brand (Sativex Brand, Epidiolex Brand, Other Brands) Geographic Regions/Countries: World; United States; Canada; Japan; China; Europe (France; Germany; Italy; United Kingdom; and Rest of Europe); Asia-Pacific; Rest of World. Key Attributes: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 116 Forecast Period 2024 - 2030 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2024 $5.2 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2030 $72.7 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 55.1% Regions Covered Global Key Topics Covered: MARKET OVERVIEW Influencer Market Insights Tariff Impact on Global Supply Chain Patterns Cannabis Pharmaceuticals - Global Key Competitors Percentage Market Share in 2025 (E) Competitive Market Presence - Strong/Active/Niche/Trivial for Players Worldwide in 2025 (E) MARKET TRENDS & DRIVERS Growing Clinical Research Supporting Therapeutic Use of Cannabinoids Rising Acceptance of Cannabis-Derived Pharmaceuticals in Mainstream Medicine Expansion of Prescription-Based Cannabis Products Driving Market Maturity Advancements in Formulation Science Improving Bioavailability and Efficacy Increased Investment From Pharmaceutical Companies Accelerating Drug Development Emergence of Rare Cannabinoids Creating Opportunities for Niche Therapies Rising Demand for Chronic Pain and Neurological Disorder Treatments Integration of Cannabis Into Palliative and Cancer Care Expanding Patient Base Development of GMP-Compliant Manufacturing Facilities Elevating Product Standards Advancements in Drug Delivery Systems Enhancing Patient Compliance Consumer Shift Toward Plant-Based Medicine Driving Market Growth Increasing Healthcare Professional Education Enhancing Prescribing Confidence Digital Health Platforms Facilitating Cannabis-Based Treatment Accessibility Growth in International Medical Cannabis Programs Supporting Export Markets Focus on Standardized Dosing and Consistency Building Trust in Pharmaceutical Cannabis FOCUS ON SELECT PLAYERS:Some of the 48 companies featured in this Cannabis Pharmaceuticals market report AbbVie Inc. Aphria Inc. Aurora Cannabis Inc. Bausch Health Companies Inc. Canopy Growth Corporation Cresco Labs Inc. Cronos Group Inc. Curaleaf Holdings, Inc. Green Thumb Industries Inc. GW Pharmaceuticals Harvest Health & Recreation Inc. Hexo Corp. Insys Therapeutics, Inc. Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc MedReleaf Corp. Organigram Holdings Inc. Sundial Growers Inc. Tilray Brands, Inc. Trulieve Cannabis Corp. VIVO Cannabis Inc. For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/hxhen 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 Enters into Early Works program with Samsung Heavy Industries and Black & Veatch in preparation for the EPCI contracting and execution of the project HOUSTON, July 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Delfin Midstream Inc. (Delfin or the Company) announced today that it has entered into an agreement with Siemens Energy Inc. (Siemens Energy) to reserve manufacturing capacity for four SGT-750 Gas Turbine Mechanical Drive Packages. Delfin also announced that it has agreed to an Early Works program with Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) and Black & Veatch Inc. (B&V) to further detail FLNG vessel design specifications as basis for the Lump-Sum Turn-Key Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Integration (EPCI) contract and to prepare both contractors for the execution of the project. The Companys activities are in support of a Final Investment Decision (FID) anticipated in the Fall of 2025 for its leading US energy infrastructure project under development in Louisiana and offshore in the Gulf. Dudley Poston, Delfin CEO, said: This is an incredibly exciting time for the development of Delfins critical energy infrastructure project. Following the successful issuance of the deepwater port license by MARAD, all workstreams are on schedule and the project is currently on track for FID in the Fall of 2025. By making this large investment to lock-in critical manufacturing capacity, we have secured our execution schedule with the anticipated delivery of our first FLNG Vessel from Samsung Heavy Industries shipyard in 2029. Karim Amin, Siemens Energy Executive Board Member said: Siemens Energy is excited to support Delfins energy infrastructure project by providing the critical Gas Turbine Mechanical Drive packages the Company needs as it moves towards delivering the first offshore LNG project in the United States. The modular design, high power-to-weight ratio and ability to operate under diverse conditions make Siemens Energy gas turbines an innovative and ideal technology solution for this leading low emissions energy infrastructure project. The agreement with Siemens Energy reserves manufacturing capacity for four SGT-750 Gas Turbine Mechanical Drive Packages which will be used to drive the mixed-refrigerant compressors for Delfins LNG liquefaction system. Delfins Early Works program agreement with Samsung and B&V will further detail FLNG Vessel #1 design specifications as basis for the Lump-Sum Turn-Key EPCI contract. This work will de-risk project execution and ensure both contractors are prepared for immediate project execution following a positive FID. On March 21, 2025, Delfin LNG LLC (Delfin LNG), a subsidiary of Delfin, received the first deepwater port license from the Maritime Administration (MARAD) authorizing Delfin LNG to own, construct, operate, and export Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) from the United States. The license was issued pursuant to the Deepwater Port Act of 1974 and MARADs 2017 Record of Decision and is in accordance with President Trumps Executive Order titled, Unleashing American Energy, signed January 20, 2025. Delfin is a leader in LNG export infrastructure utilizing low-cost floating LNG technology. Delfins brownfield deepwater port requires minimal additional infrastructure investment to support up to three floating LNG vessels producing up to 13.2 million tonnes of LNG annually. The Delfin floating LNG project has the potential to not only be the first LNG export deepwater port facility in the United States, but a significant economic contributor and job creator over the long-term. About Delfin Delfin is a leading LNG export infrastructure development company utilizing low-cost Floating LNG technology solutions. Delfin is the parent company of Delfin LNG. Delfin LNG is a brownfield Deepwater Port requiring minimal additional infrastructure investment to support up to three FLNG Vessels producing up to 13.2 MTPA of LNG. Delfin purchased the UTOS pipeline, the largest natural gas pipeline in the Gulf of America. Delfin LNG received a deepwater port license from MARAD and approval from the Department of Energy for long-term exports of LNG to countries that do not have a Free Trade Agreement with the United States. Additional information is available at www.delfinmidstream.com. Public Relations Dan Gagnier Gagnier Communications Email: Delfin@gagnierfc.com HONG KONG, July 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On June 27, 2025, CoinEx Charity successfully deployed and donated its fourth Starlink satellite internet system in Sitio Gala, Subic, Zambales, providing high-speed connectivity to Aningway-Sacatihan Elementary and High School. The system addresses a long-standing lack of mobile signal and internet access in the area, marking another important milestone in CoinEx Charity s mission to close the digital divide through global philanthropic action. The handover ceremony was held on campus, attended by representatives from the Department of Education, local government units, and CoinEx Charity. Key figures present included Janjo Khonghun, Chief of Staff to Zambales 1st District Congressman Jay Khonghun, and Subic Mayor Jon Khonghun. Both officials praised CoinExs dedication to enhancing educational access for underserved communities. This initiative will profoundly impact the lives of our students. Many dreams from Sitio Gala are reaching us, and many children are counting on compassionate individuals like you. Janjo Khonghun, Chief of Staff to Zambales 1st District Representative The newly installed Starlink system is expected to revolutionize local education by giving students and teachers direct access to global knowledge resources. CoinEx Charity also donated two printers to help meet classroom needs. Dell Omasas, Country Project Manager at CoinEx Charity Philippines, expressed appreciation for the schools warm welcome and outlined future plans: Thank you to Aningway-Sacatihan Elementary and High School for letting us be part of this transformative initiative. We hope to return with more supportincluding a mini-library and financial literacy programs for students. School leaders also shared heartfelt gratitude. Alexander C. Viado, Head of the High School, said, We have waited for this moment for many years. Today, our dream finally comes true. William Ramos, Head of the Elementary School, added, Our students will no longer be left behind. They can now explore the world and stay informed through the power of the internet. The event featured a heartfelt cultural performance by Aeta students, who celebrated their heritage and expressed thanks through traditional dance. We were truly moved by the students welcome and performance, said Dell Omasas. At CoinEx Charity, we believe in empowering underserved communities through technology and education. This Starlink installationand the printers we donatedare just the beginning. Seeing their smiles and determination fuels our mission. With this successful deployment, Aningway-Sacatihan stands as a beacon of hopeproving that meaningful partnerships can create transformative change, even for the most remote learners. CoinEx Charity will continue its commitment to launching more impactful projects in the Philippines, India, Africa, and beyonddelivering not just connectivity, but real opportunities for a brighter future. About CoinEx Established in 2017, CoinEx is an award-winning cryptocurrency exchange designed with users in mind. Since its launch by the industry-leading mining pool ViaBTC, the platform has been one of the earliest crypto exchanges to release proof-of-reserves to protect 100% of user assets. CoinEx provides over 1400 coins, supported by professional-grade features and services, for its 10+ million users across 200+ countries and regions. CoinEx is also home to its native token, CET, incentivizing user activities while empowering its ecosystem. To learn more about CoinEx, visit: Website | Twitter | Telegram | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube Contact: CoinEx pr@coinex.com Disclaimer: This content is provided by CoinEx. 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We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above. Photos accompanying this announcement are available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c1781545-3db3-4d59-8a01-c353bc8a8761 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/090451e2-e771-4e38-83e6-704316ef5a1c https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b378a165-d148-4aff-9c38-936ea6661d01 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/fbaa4179-0392-4f2c-9a95-e97b7ad1da99 Dublin, July 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Smokeless Tobacco Market Size and Share Analysis - Growth Trends and Forecast Report 2025-2033" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The Smokeless Tobacco Market is expected to reach US$ 17.73 billion by 2033 from US$ 13.35 billion in 2024, with a CAGR of 3.20% from 2025 to 2033. Increasing demand for flavored smokeless tobacco, increased awareness of the negative effects of cigarette smoking, and rising investments in gutka and snuff are some of the major reasons propelling the market's expansion. Due to consumers' rising awareness of the health dangers connected with combustible goods, the global market is expanding as more people choose non-smoking alternatives. In addition to forbidding sales to minors and establishing non-smoking zones, regulatory measures like Malaysia's Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 place a strong emphasis on the registration, sale, packaging, and labeling of tobacco products. Furthermore, a growing market for flavorful and inventive products caters to a wide range of consumer tastes, and focused advertising activities, such as celebrity endorsements, increase market awareness. Furthermore, the industry is growing due in large part to rising disposable incomes in emerging nations and the cultural acceptance of smokeless tobacco in some areas. A significant regional market, the US is growing as customers turn to goods seen to be less dangerous than combustible tobacco. The market is growing as a result of ongoing developments in nicotine pouches and dissolvable tobacco as well as rising youth adoption. According to the 2024 National Youth Tobacco Survey, 1.8% (480,000) of students use nicotine pouches, with 85.6% preferring flavored varieties, including fruit and mint, and 22.4% using them everyday. The market demand is further supported by the popularity of smokeless goods in rural areas and their ease in smoke-free environments. In addition, brand awareness is increased through targeted advertising and endorsements, and consumer trust is increased through regulatory compliance. Health-conscious consumers are nevertheless drawn to investments in harm-reduction research, which supports the market's potential for long-term growth. In the face of shifting consumer tastes and regulatory environments in international markets, the smokeless tobacco sector is still developing. Markets like the US are putting in place more organized regulatory frameworks to control production, marketing, and distribution, even if several EU nations - aside from Sweden - retain stringent prohibitions on specific smokeless tobacco products like snus. For industry participants, this regulatory disparity has produced a complex operating environment, with certain markets providing growth prospects while others are still constrained. About 2.1% of American adults used smokeless tobacco products in 2021, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, underscoring the steady consumer base in markets with lax regulations. Growth Drivers for the Smokeless Tobacco Market Increasing Diversification and Product Innovation Smokeless tobacco market growth is also being driven by ongoing innovation in product offers and flavor diversification. Companies in this sector are putting a lot of effort into research and development (R&D) in order to launch a variety of goods that cater to different customer demands. Both developed and emerging markets employ nicotine pouches, which are a modern take on traditional smokeless tobacco. These fresh products usually come in a variety of flavors, including mint, berry, and coffee, which makes them more appealing to novices and younger audiences. Since their shipment quantities are predicted to be 32% greater this quarter of 2024 than they were a year ago, sales of nicotine pouches have exploded globally, according to the most recent industry reports. Customizing flavors became much more common, particularly in countries where flavored cigarettes are prohibited or subject to stringent regulations. Additionally, people looking for the nicotine rush without actually using tobacco are being drawn in by the push toward cleaner and more advanced smokeless options, such tobacco-free nicotine pouches. By offering a greater selection of products, companies were able to draw in a larger clientele, which boosted their customer base and promoted market expansion. Growing Trends in Lifestyle and Social Acceptance The market for smokeless tobacco is growing globally as a result of rising consumption brought on by changing societal norms, curiosity, and changing lifestyle choices. Higher adoption rates are being encouraged by increased regional acceptance of smokeless tobacco. The demand for alternatives to traditional smoking is also being driven by the influence of contemporary lifestyles, especially among younger groups. Market penetration is fueled by the widespread perception that smokeless tobacco is a discrete, practical, and occasionally less dangerous option. Furthermore, pricing is still an important consideration because, in many places, these products are less expensive than cigarettes because of lower taxes. Growing product innovation, such as flavored and nicotine pouch varieties that cater to contemporary tastes, is also helping the business. In order to ensure sustained market expansion, accessibility is further supported by expanding retail and online distribution channels. Scandinavian Tobacco Group UK (STG) added the flavors Black Cherry and Citrus Cooling to its lineup of XQS nicotine pouches in 2025. The 5.50 8mg nicotine pouches complement the rapidly expanding XQS brand, which debuted in May 2024. Perception of Health as a Safer Option One of the main factors driving the expansion of the global smokeless tobacco market is the perception that it is safer than regular smoking. Many smokers have recently shifted to smokeless tobacco products as a result of growing awareness of the harmful effects of smoking, particularly its link to heart issues, respiratory ailments, and lung cancer. According to the World Health Organization, tobacco use is the primary cause of COPD, which affects over 70% of people in developed nations. Moreover, secondhand smoke exposure among non-smokers causes more than 7,000 lung cancer deaths in the United States each year. One of the main selling points of smokeless goods like snuff, snus, and chewing tobacco is the notion that they can reduce the consumption of harmful chemicals produced by burning. People looking for alternatives were drawn to them since they don't produce secondhand smoke and can be used quietly in many circumstances, despite the possible concerns they offer, such as gum disease and oral cancer. Additionally, smoke-free tobacco products are gaining popularity as a stopgap measure for people who want to stop smoking without totally giving up nicotine. Marketing campaigns emphasizing the convenience and reduced risk of smokeless tobacco have fuelled this demand, particularly in places with stringent anti-smoking regulations. Challenges in the Smokeless Tobacco Market Targeted Marketing to Youth One major issue in the market for smokeless tobacco is targeted marketing to young people. In an effort to market smokeless goods to younger consumers, the tobacco industry has been using influencer relationships, social media, and digital platforms more and more. These marketing strategies, which portray smokeless tobacco as fashionable or less dangerous, frequently use appealing packaging, flavored varieties, and lifestyle messaging. The increased consumption among teenagers and young people, many of whom may misjudge the health hazards, is a major worry raised by such initiatives. Smokeless goods, such as nicotine pouches, are more enticing and easier to hide due to their covert character, which also helps to explain their increased use. Calls for stronger laws to restrict youth exposure and stop early addiction have been sparked by this development Regulatory Scrutiny and Compliance The market for smokeless tobacco faces significant obstacles from regulatory monitoring and compliance. Governments everywhere are enforcing stricter laws in an effort to reduce the use of these items, especially by young people. Flavored versions are prohibited, plain packaging is enforced, advertising is limited, and health warnings are required. For instance, flavored nicotine pouches like Zyn have been subject to regional prohibitions in the United States because of worries about their potential to appeal to children. As a result, businesses have responded to subpoenas for sales and marketing data and suspended online transactions in response to legal demands for openness. In addition to restricting market expansion and consumer accessibility in a number of areas, these growing regulatory demands also result in substantial compliance costs and operational challenges for producers. Key Players Analyzed: Overview, Key Persons, Product Portfolio, Financial Insight Altria Group, Inc. British American Tobacco Plc. DS Group Turning Point Brands Inc. Imperial Brands Plc. Philip Morris International Inc. Dholakia Tobacco Pvt. Ltd. Japan Tobacco Inc. Kothari Group Ltd Key Attributes: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 200 Forecast Period 2024 - 2033 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2024 $13.35 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2033 $17.73 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 3.2% Regions Covered Global Key Topics Covered: 1. Introduction 2. Research Methodology 2.1 Data Source 2.1.1 Primary Source 2.1.2 Secondary Source 2.2 Research Approach 2.2.1 Top-down Approach 2.2.2 Bottom-up Approach 3. Executive Summary 4. Market Dynamics 4.1 Growth Drivers 4.2 Challenges 5. Global Smokeless Tobacco Market 5.1 Historical Market Trends 5.2 Market Forecast 6. Market Share 6.1 By Product 6.2 By Distribution Channel 6.3 By Country 7. Product 7.1 Chewing Tobacco 7.2 Snuff 7.3 Others 8. Distribution Channel 8.1 Supermarkets/Hypermarkets 8.2 Convenience/Traditional Grocers 8.3 Online Stores 8.4 Other Distribution 9. Country 9.1 North America 9.1.1 United States 9.1.2 Canada 9.2 Europe 9.2.1 France 9.2.2 Germany 9.2.3 Italy 9.2.4 Spain 9.2.5 United Kingdom 9.2.6 Norway 9.2.7 Netherlands 9.2.8 Turkey 9.2.9 Sweden 9.2.10 Switzerland 9.2.11 Russia 9.3 Asia-Pacific 9.3.1 China 9.3.2 Japan 9.3.3 India 9.3.4 Australia 9.3.5 Korea 9.4 Latin America 9.4.1 Brazil 9.4.2 Mexico 9.4.3 Argentina 9.5 Middle East & Africa 9.5.1 South Africa 9.5.2 Saudi Arabia 9.5.3 UAE 9.5.3 Israel 10. Porter's Five Analysis 10.1 Bargaining Power of Buyers 10.2 Bargaining Power of Suppliers 10.3 Degree of Rivalry 10.4 Threat of New Entrants 10.5 Threat of Substitutes 11. SWOT Analysis 11.1 Strength 11.2 Weakness 11.3 Opportunity 11.4 Threat 12. Key Players Analysis For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/a1zsrt 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, July 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "North America Limestone Market Size and Share Analysis - Growth Trends and Forecast Report 2025-2033" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The North America Limestone Market is expected to reach US$ 45.29 billion by 2033 from US$ 28.94 billion in 2024, with a CAGR of 5.1% from 2025 to 2033 The growing need for building materials, the rise in building projects such as roads, bridges, residential buildings, and commercial spaces, as well as the increased advancements in extraction methods like automated machinery and more effective blasting, are all contributing factors to the market share's expansion. The growing demand for building materials is one of the key factors driving the limestone market in North America. The production of cement, which is necessary for constructing infrastructure, commercial buildings, and residential buildings, depends on limestone as a raw material. The need for building projects such as roads, bridges, residential buildings, and commercial spaces is increasing as North American cities continue to expand due to urbanization. As a result, there is now a greater need for limestone, which is used in cement, concrete aggregates, and crushed stone for road construction. The market for limestone products in North America is being driven by the shift toward lowering industrial emissions and mitigating environmental effect, particularly in businesses striving for carbon neutrality. The market landscape has been determined in large part by developments in mining technologies and limestone processing. Limestone mining operations are now more productive and economical thanks to improved extraction methods such automated technology and more effective blasting. The creation of finer and more specialized limestone products has also been made possible by advancements in processing technology, such as improved crushing and grinding machinery. Because of these technological advancements, limestone may now be used in a wider variety of products, such as fertilizers, high-quality chemical products, and even as a fluxing agent in the steel industry. The United States has been preparing to rebuild the nation's current infrastructure. The government declared in May 2022 that more than USD 110 billion will be used to complete 4,300 specific projects, including updating ports and airports, repairing roads and bridges, and replacing lead pipes to supply clean water. Over the course of the projected period, these projects are anticipated to generate profitable demand for limestone and benefit almost 3,200 communities spread across the 50 states. Additionally, a number of government initiatives in Canada, such as the Made in Canada program, the New Building Canada Plan, and the Affordable Housing Initiative (AHI), are expected to greatly aid in the sector's growth. A major investment of over USD 2 billion was announced by the Canadian government in August 2022 to support three key projects that will help build almost 17,000 homes for families nationwide, including thousands of affordable housing units. Growth Drivers for the North America Limestone Market Infrastructure Development One of the main factors propelling the North American limestone market's expansion is infrastructure development. The demand for limestone, a vital raw material in the manufacture of cement and the building of roads, is rising sharply as a result of massive investments in construction projects throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Because limestone is widely utilized in concrete and asphalt mixtures, it is crucial for the construction of urban infrastructure, bridges, highways, and airports. The usage of long-lasting and reasonably priced materials like limestone is anticipated to increase as governments place a higher priority on modernizing public works and transportation infrastructure. There is a steady and increasing need for limestone in both public and private sector construction projects due to the continuous drive for infrastructure renovation throughout North America. Rise in Environmental Applications Beyond construction, limestone is a significant resource since it is used in many environmental applications. One of its main applications is in flue gas desulfurization systems, which aid in the fight against air pollution by lowering sulfur dioxide emissions from coal-fired power plants. In agriculture, limestone is also used to neutralize and treat acidic soils, increasing land productivity and reestablishing soil health. It can also be used to purify water and control industrial waste because of its inherent filtering and neutralizing properties. The demand for limestone is rising in North America because to these ecologically benign uses, especially as laws and sustainability objectives encourage businesses to adopt greener, cleaner processes. Growing Technological Advancements The efficiency and sustainability of the sector are being greatly improved by technological developments in the extraction and processing of limestone. The time and labor needed for limestone mining and processing have decreased due to the simplification of processes brought about by modern machinery and automation. Additionally, by reducing waste and energy use, these advances contribute to more environmentally responsible production. While reducing operating expenses, methods including automated sorting, real-time monitoring, and precision blasting enhance product quality and consistency. Faster delivery and lower emissions are also guaranteed by developments in logistics and transportation. The incorporation of cutting-edge technologies is crucial in increasing production and propelling growth in the North American limestone market while simultaneously resolving environmental issues, as companies continue to place a high priority on sustainability and cost-effectiveness. Challenges in the North America Limestone Market Land Use and Resource Depletion The market for limestone in North America is continuously challenged by land usage and resource depletion. Over time, extensive land degradation brought on by ongoing limestone extraction can have an impact on nearby ecosystems and landscapes. The progressive depletion of high-quality reserves makes it more challenging to locate and secure new mining locations. Attempts to expand operations are made more difficult by environmental rules and increasing community opposition. Disruption of habitat, water use, and possible effects on residential or agricultural regions are frequently local concerns. Longer approval procedures and more compliance expenses are caused by these variables. Companies must invest in land reclamation, embrace more sustainable mining methods, and collaborate closely with communities and regulatory agencies to ensure future access to sustainable limestone reserves in order to overcome these obstacles. United States Limestone Market The market for limestone in the US is vital to several sectors, such as manufacturing, agriculture, and building. Limestone is utilized extensively in the manufacturing of chemicals like lime, cement, and construction materials. It is a useful resource for both large-scale projects and small-scale applications due to its adaptability and abundance in the United States. The industry gains from rising demand for agricultural applications like pH balancing and soil conditioning as well as infrastructure development. Limestone is also an essential part of environmental control processes like flue gas desulfurization. Mining restrictions, changing industrial needs, and regional supply all have an impact on the U.S. market. In 2024, research conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey used both machine learning (ML) and water testing to predict that the Smackover Formation, a geological unit, contains between 5 and 19 million tons of lithium reserves. Underneath parts of Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas, Alabama, Mississippi, and Florida lies a sizable, permeable, and porous layer of limestone known as the Smackover Formation, which is a remnant of a prehistoric ocean. Canada Limestone Market The Canadian limestone market is essential to a number of important sectors, such as industry, agriculture, and building. Limestone is an essential component in cement manufacturing, road construction, and agricultural soil conditioners. The market is distinguished by a wide variety of applications, with notable demand in both rural agriculture operations and urban infrastructure projects. Geographically, Canada has vast limestone reserves, including one of the biggest in the nation, Alberta's Hammerstone Quarry. A steady supply chain for both exporting and domestic consumption is supported by this abundance. Nevertheless, the market is confronted with obstacles like varying export amounts and rivalry from other countries that produce limestone. The Canadian limestone market continues to be an essential part of the country's industrial environment in spite of these obstacles. Mexico Limestone Market Mexico's limestone market is an essential part of the country's economic landscape, sustaining industries including chemicals, building, and agriculture. Limestone is widely used in road construction, cement manufacturing, and agriculture as a soil conditioner. The market is distinguished by a wide variety of applications, with notable demand in both rural agriculture operations and urban infrastructure projects. Geographically, Mexico has large reserves of limestone, particularly in areas like Quintana Roo. However, the market has to contend with issues including governmental scrutiny and environmental concerns. Tensions between government officials and industrial players have resulted from disputes over land use and environmental impact, underscoring the necessity of well-balanced regulations that take into account both economic and environmental issues. Key Players Analyzed: Overview, Key Persons, Recent Developments, Revenue United States Lime & Minerals Inc. Imerys SA The National Lime & Stone Company Carmeuse Holcim Limited Imerys CEMEX S.A.B. de C.V. Mineral Technologies Inc. Key Attributes: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 200 Forecast Period 2024 - 2033 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2024 $28.94 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2033 $45.29 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 5.1% Regions Covered North America Key Topics Covered: 1. Introduction 2. Research & Methodology 2.1 Data Source 2.1.1 Primary Sources 2.1.2 Secondary Sources 2.2 Research Approach 2.2.1 Top-Down Approach 2.2.2 Bottom-Up Approach 2.3 Forecast Projection Methodology 3. Executive Summary 4. Market Dynamics 4.1 Growth Drivers 4.2 Challenges 5. North America Limestone Market 5.1 Historical Market Trends 5.2 Market Forecast 6. Market Share Analysis 6.1 By Type 6.2 By Application 6.3 By End Use 6.4 By Countries 7. Type 7.1 Magnesian Limestone 7.2 High Calcium Limestone 8. Application 8.1 Industry Lime 8.2 Chemical Lime 8.3 Construction Lime 8.4 Refractory Lime 9. End Use 9.1 Construction 9.2 Iron & Steel 9.3 Agriculture 9.4 Chemical 9.5 Others 10. Countries 10.1 United States 10.2 Canada 10.3 Mexico 10.4 Rest of North America 11. Porter's Five Forces Analysis 11.1 Bargaining Power of Buyers 11.2 Bargaining Power of Suppliers 11.3 Degree of Rivalry 11.4 Threat of New Entrants 11.5 Threat of Substitutes 12. SWOT Analysis 12.1 Strength 12.2 Weakness 12.3 Opportunity 12.4 Threat 13. Key Players Analysis For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/awrzf3 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 WASHINGTON, July 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC), the worlds premier organization for in-house legal professionals, is proud to announce the launch of the ACC AI Center of Excellence for In-House Counsel, a dynamic, member-driven resource designed to support in-house counsel as they navigate the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence. In response to the impact of AI on the legal profession and the broader business environment, ACC created this Center to serve as a comprehensive resource for its global membership and in-house legal professionals, worldwide. As businesses increasingly rely on in-house legal teams to not only manage legal risk but also to guide strategic, ethical AI implementation, the Center provides the knowledge, guidance, and peer-driven insights necessary for success, said Veta T. Richardson, ACC president and CEO. Built on the guiding principle of by in-house counsel, for in-house counsel, the new ACC AI Center of Excellence for In-House Counsel reflects our commitment to offering the knowledge, tools, and capabilities needed to lead innovation with confidence and integrity. The Center features four key sections to support the legal professional, law department, the business enterprise, and legal profession: In-House Lawyers Offers strategies and resources to help individual legal professionals enhance productivity and efficiency through AI, from legal research to contract review. Law Department Focuses on departmental readiness with governance models, compliance frameworks, and best practices for integrating AI into the broader operations of the legal function. The Enterprise Guides in-house counsel on how to advise and lead their organizations through AI transformation, covering enterprise-wide risks, opportunities, and strategic roadmaps. The Legal Profession Examines critical issues such as transparency, intellectual property, and human oversight. This section reinforces the importance of responsible AI practices that uphold legal ethics and human judgment. The ACC AI Center of Excellence for In-House Counsel is designed to be a living, evolving resource, with regularly updated content curated from leading experts and real-time contributions from ACCs global network. Peer-to-peer learning and shared use cases ensure that the Center remains relevant and adaptable in an environment of rapid technological and regulatory change. Our vision for the ACC AI Center of Excellence is to serve as the premier resource where in-house legal professionals can explore real-world use cases, gain actionable insights, and learn best practices from leading legal departments across the globe, said Shannon Klinger, ACC global board member and Chief Legal Officer & Corporate Secretary at Moderna. By fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing, the Center will empower our members to lead in AI innovation, manage emerging risks, and shape the future of legal practice. Visit the ACC AI Center of Excellence at www.acc.com/AI ### About ACC: The Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC) is the premier global legal association that promotes the common professional and business interests of in-house counsel who work for corporations, associations and other organizations through information, education, networking, and advocacy. With more than 48,000 members employed by over 12,000 organizations spanning 117 countries, ACC connects its members to the people and resources necessary for both personal and professional growth. By in-house counsel, for in-house counsel remains the foundation for ACCs market leadership. For more information, visit www.acc.com and follow ACC on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook. WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind., July 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On the 88th anniversary of her mysterious disappearance, Purdue Research Foundation (PRF) and Archaeological Legacy Institute (ALI) announced a remarkable joint effort to locate Amelia Earharts lost aircraft and help complete the heroic journey she began almost a century ago. The search, named the Taraia Object Expedition, will begin when a field team organized by ALI visits, by sea, the Pacific island Nikumaroro in November 2025 to confirm whether a visual anomaly known as the Taraia Object, seen in satellite and other imagery in the islands lagoon, is what remains of Earharts plane. Nikumaroro is approximately halfway between Australia and Hawaii. What we have here is maybe the greatest opportunity ever to finally close the case, said Richard Pettigrew, ALIs executive director. With such a great amount of very strong evidence, we feel we have no choice but to move forward and hopefully return with proof. I look forward to collaborating with Purdue Research Foundation in writing the final chapter in Amelia Earharts remarkable life story. Earhart worked for Purdue University after Purdue President Edward Elliott became concerned that the women enrolled at the university were not completing their educations. He hired Earhart to live in the new womens residence hall for a few weeks of the semester, serve as a counselor on careers for women, advise Purdues aeronautical engineering department and enjoy access to the resources of Purdues new airport the only one, at that time, at a U.S. college or university. About nine decades ago, Amelia Earhart was recruited to Purdue, and the university president later worked with her to prepare an aircraft for her historic flight around the world, said Purdue President Mung Chiang. Today, as a team of experts try again to locate the plane, the Boilermaker spirit of exploration lives on. As part of Purdue Universitys pioneering efforts in aeronautical research, PRF funded the flying laboratory Lockheed Electra 10E airplane through the Amelia Earhart Fund for Aeronautical Research. Purdue trustee and benefactor David Ross gave money, and further donations were received from J. K. Lilly; Vincent Bendix; and the Western Electric, Goodrich and Goodyear companies. Earhart used the plane, which was specifically outfitted for long-distance flights, in her attempt to circumnavigate the globe and set a record for the longest-distance flight. "Purdue Research Foundation began its commitment to Earharts aeronautical explorations in 1935," said PRF president and CEO Chad Pittman. "By embarking on this joint partnership with ALI, we hope to come full circle on our support of Earharts innovative spirit, solve one of historys biggest mysteries, and inspire future generations of aviators, adventurers, innovators and Boilermakers. In recognition of PRFs contribution, Earhart intended to give the plane to Purdue upon her return, where it would be used to further scientific research in aeronautics. Although she never returned, the Purdue-Earhart connection remains strong. Honoring her legacy as a valued faculty member, shes remembered across campus through facilities, programs, and clubs. Additionally, in 2024 construction began on the approximately 10,000-square-foot Amelia Earhart Terminal at Purdue University Airport that has resumed commercial passenger services to the countrys first university airport. Both Earhart and her husband and manager, George Putnam, expressed their intention to return the Electra to Purdue after her historic flight, said Steven Schultz, senior vice president and general counsel of Purdue University. Based on the evidence, we agree with ALI that this expedition offers the best chance not only to solve perhaps the greatest mystery of the 20th century, but also to fulfill Amelias wishes and bring the Electra home. The Electra, which disappeared on July 2, 1937, has never been recovered, but a vast amount of circumstantial evidence has been amassed, largely by The International Group for Historic Aircraft Recovery over nearly 40 years, supporting the Nikumaroro hypothesis. This idea posits that Earhart and her navigator, Fred Noonan, did not crash at sea but instead landed and were marooned on an uninhabited island and subsequently perished there. The hypothesis, as updated by ALI with new evidence for the Taraia Object, is based on documentary records, photographs and satellite images, physical evidence, and personal testimony, including these highlights: Radio bearings recorded from radio transmissions at the time by the U.S. Navy, the U.S. Coast Guard and Pan American World Airways, which converge on Nikumaroro A 2017 analysis of human bones discovered on the island in 1940, which determined Earharts bone lengths were more similar to the discovered bones than 99% of individuals, strongly supporting the conclusion they belong to Earhart Artifacts including a womans shoe, a compact case, a freckle cream jar and a medicine vial all dating to the 1930s The Bevington Object, a photographic anomaly captured just three months after the planes disappearance, which appears to represent one of the Electra landing gear on the Nikumaroro reef The Taraia Object, located in 2020, which has been in the same place in the lagoon since 1938 The expedition is planned to embark from Majuro in the Marshall Islands on Nov. 5, spend five days on Nikumaroro inspecting the Taraia Object, and return to port on Nov. 21. ALI plans to post project updates, beginning soon, on its subscription video platform, Heritage Broadcasting Service. If the initial expedition proves successful in confirming the identity of the aircraft, PRF and ALI plan to return for larger excavation efforts in 2026 to uncover and help return what remains of Earharts plane. Join the mission: https://amelia.prf.org/ About Purdue Research Foundation Purdue Research Foundation is a private, nonprofit foundation created to advance the mission of Purdue University. Established in 1930, the foundation accepts gifts; administers trusts; funds scholarships and grants; acquires and sells property; protects and licenses Purdues intellectual property; and supports creating Purdue-connected startups on behalf of Purdue. The foundation operates Purdue Innovates, which includes the Office of Technology Commercialization and Incubator. The foundation manages Purdue Strategic Ventures, Purdue Research Park, Discovery Park District, Purdue Technology Centers and Purdue for Life Foundation. About Archaeological Legacy Institute Archaeological Legacy Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Eugene, Oregon, and organized to share the human cultural heritage widely through the use of cutting-edge media technology. ALIs core project is The Archaeology Channel (http://www.archaeologychannel.org), a free streaming-media website featuring video and audio programs on archaeology, indigenous peoples and cultural heritage. This combines with news site Archaeologica.org, the social media site ArchaeoSeek.com, and subscription video-on-demand platform Heritage Broadcasting Service (heritagetac.org) to form a unique constellation of online services and resources for those keen to learn about and enjoy cultural-heritage information, events, programming, and discussions. Through TAC Tours, ALI also organizes in-person group visits to significant cultural heritage sites worldwide, which have included Stonehenge, Machu Picchu, Chichen Itza, Uxmal, Newgrange, Persepolis, Carnac, the Ness of Brodgar, the Malta prehistoric temples, and many others. Note to journalists: Additional photo and video related to this story are available in the media kit. Attachment BEIJING, July 1 (Xinhua) -- The National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) on Monday launched the Private Enterprise Innovation and Development Joint Fund, which aims to empower private companies to officially participate in national basic research. Under the fund's framework, private enterprises will identify critical research challenges based on their specific innovation needs and the joint fund will sponsor top researchers nationwide to tackle these defined problems. NSFC Director Dou Xiankang stated that the fund aims to leverage the NSFC's guiding role, encouraging innovation-driven private enterprises to boost their investment in foundational research. The initiative seeks to concentrate China's leading scientific resources on core scientific issues within key technological fields. It will focus on basic and applied basic research tightly aligned with urgent national economic and social development needs. This approach is designed to foster deep integration between technological and industrial innovation, energize private sector innovation, and inject fresh momentum into China's innovation-driven development strategy. The inaugural partners in the fund are four major pharmaceutical firms: Hengrui Pharmaceuticals, Mindray Bio-Medical, Singclean Medical, and Qilu Pharmaceutical. The NSFC intends to maximize the fund's steering function, broadly attracting high-caliber scientific talent across society to advance basic research in the medical field and collectively push the boundaries of independent innovation. FARRAGUT, Tenn., July 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- What should buyers consider before purchasing a lake home in Farragut, Tennessee? In a detailed feature for HelloNation , Billy Houston of the Billy Houston Group explains how understanding a property's intended usewhether as a full-time residence or a vacation retreatcan significantly influence the buying process. Located near Fort Loudoun Lake and Tellico Lake, the Farragut area includes desirable communities such as WindRiver and Tennessee National, each offering distinct lifestyle and ownership considerations. Houston outlines how this core question of intent shapes insurance needs, utility management, financing structures, and even community fit. A year-round residence often requires comprehensive maintenance, different mortgage terms, and may include responsibilities such as school enrollment or HOA compliance. In contrast, a seasonal home might demand winterization, vacancy safeguards, and specific pest control strategies. Community selection also plays a pivotal role. WindRiver caters to full-time residents seeking resort-style amenities, while Tennessee National appeals to both primary and secondary homeowners drawn to its marina and outdoor access. Buyers navigating the nuances of Farragut lakefront real estate are encouraged to work with a professional who understands the implications of full-time vs. vacation home ownership. As detailed in What to Ask Before Buying a Lake Home in Farragut , Houston helps ensure each investment aligns with long-term goals by assessing property features, community standards, and municipal regulations. 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/a97f104e-c20c-485a-81e9-09d64f014d99 Delray Beach, FL, July 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global terminal tractor market is projected to grow from USD 1.55 billion in 2025 to USD 2.25 billion at a CAGR of 5.5% over the forecast period, as per the recent study by MarketsandMarkets. The terminal tractor market is driven by expanding port activities, advancements in warehouse management, and the rising airport industry across the globe. North America is projected to be the largest market during the forecast period, with growth driven by the expansion of intermodal transportation hubs and the booming e-commerce industry that has increased the need for efficient freight handling. In North America, the Port of Houston saw a 25% YoY import rise in April 2025, handling 2.8 million tons and 196,222 TEUs, while industrial warehouse demand has risen by 26% over the past decade. The global rise in rail freight transport has also increased the demand for terminal tractors in rail logistics. Factors such as sustainable transportation initiatives in Europe and urbanization in the Asia Pacific region further contribute to the demand for electric terminal tractors. Browse in-depth TOC on Terminal Tractor Market 180 - Tables 80 - Figures 350 Pages Download PDF Brochure: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=153834794 List of Key Players in Terminal Tractor Market: Kalmar (Finland) Terberg Special Vehicles (Netherlands) Capacity Trucks (US) MAFI Transport-Systeme GmbH (Germany) TICO Tractors (US) Drivers, Opportunities and Challenges in Terminal Tractor Market: Driver: Increase in rail freight transport Restraint: Limited charging infrastructure for electric terminal tractors Opportunity: Growing demand for low-emission terminal tractors Challenge: Lack of synchronization with other port equipment Key Findings of the Study: The warehouse & logistics segment is projected to account for the largest share of the global terminal tractor during the forecast period. The manual segment is projected to account for the largest share during the forecast period. North America is projected to lead the terminal tractor market during the forecast period. Get Sample Pages: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestsampleNew.asp?id=153834794 The diesel segment is projected to account for the largest share of the global terminal tractor market during the forecast period. By propulsion, the diesel segment is projected to account for the largest share (65%) of the global terminal tractor market by 2032. This dominance is primarily driven by the proven engine technology of the diesel production system, which offers high power output figures, a capability for heavy load handling, and relatively lower initial costs. This enables it to withstand any work requirement. It is the most preferred choice among port operators ranging from small to mid-sized terminals in developed regions like North America and Europe. Terminal ports in North America remain major users of diesel terminal tractors due to their extensive cargo handling needs and cost-sensitive operations. However, the growing regulatory pressure to reduce emissions of Nox and CO2 is pushing manufacturers toward cleaner diesel technologies. Kalmars Eco Heavy Terminal Tractor, equipped with a Stage 5 Cummins engine and Dana RTE14 transmission, offers up to 30% fuel savings and lower emissions. Similarly, Terbergs YT series now features diesel models that are compliant with EU Stage V and US Tier 4 Final emission standards. Also, despite the shifting inclination toward pure electric variants, the long-term role of diesel terminal tractors is expected to be steady owing to their robust performance delivery at comparatively lower costs and established infrastructure. The 50100 tons segment is projected to achieve the highest CAGR during the forecast period. Terminal tractors within the 50100 tonnage range are most widely used due to their optimal balance between load capacity and operational versatility. These tractors are used primarily for stacking single-laden containers, and electric variants are anticipated to become successful for container handling applications. Gaussin (France) offers APM 75T, a fully autonomous electric terminal tractor for container terminals. The tractor is equipped with a payload capacity of 75 tons, motor power of 189 kW, and a fully electric and fuel cell propulsion option. North America is projected to dominate the segment due to the growing e-commerce sector, extensive distribution centers, and a shift toward automation for efficient material handling. Additionally, industries such as shipping and port operations, rail freight, automotive logistics, and retail distribution are major users of terminal tractors in this range due to their capability to handle high volumes. Due to the rising popularity of terminal tractors in this category, many players are adopting strategies to enhance their market presence. For example, Capacity Trucks offers a TJ 9000-yard truck with a tandem axle and a Gross Combined Vehicle Weight Rating (GCVWR) of up to 200,000 lbs (approximately 90.7 tons). It is ideal for operations requiring high-capacity hauling. Moreover, these tractor models offer greater maneuverability than heavier categories (100+ tons). They can play a crucial role in some terminal layouts, as many existing terminals are already equipped to handle the weight and footprint of these trucks. Europe is projected to be the second-largest region in the terminal tractor market. Europe is projected to be the second-largest market for terminal tractors during the forecast period, with Germany leading due to its growing manufacturing sector and key OEMs like Kalmar, Konecranes, Terberg, Linde, and MAFI. The regions strong emphasis on automation is evident in facilities like the HHLA Container Terminal Altenwerder (CTA) in Hamburg, which operates with 95 fully automated, battery-powered AGVs and advanced OCR systems, setting global standards for efficiency and sustainability. Additionally, the Port of Gothenburg achieved a record throughput of 914,000 TEUs in 2023, marking a 3% increase from the previous year. It inaugurated the Arendal 2 terminal in September 2024, its most significant expansion in 40 years. Additionally, the growing passenger and cargo traffic in Germany, the UK, and France is prompting significant airport investments in ground support equipment, including terminal tractors. Kalmar, a global terminal tractor leader, and regional manufacturers, such as MAFI, Terberg, and MOL, offer customized solutions tailored to European port and logistics requirements. Terbergs YT-series tractors are designed to meet EU regulations and operational needs. As most freight transport in Europe continues to rely on seaports, the demand for terminal tractors is expected to grow. Inquiry Before Buying: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Enquiry_Before_BuyingNew.asp?id=153834794 Recent Developments: In May 2025, two electric Terberg YT203-EV terminal tractors from N.C. Nielsen were operational at the massive DSV logistics center in Horsens, Denmark. This series was designed for internal transport in busy terminals, central warehouses, and distribution centers. In April 2025, American Battery Solutions partnered with TICO to provide its Proliance Intelligent Battery Series 700-volt lithium-ion batteries to power TICOs Pro-Spotter Electric terminal tractors. In December 2024, Terberg Special Vehicles partnered with MBA AG to provide tractor service in Switzerland. MBA AG is a VRP SA subsidiary based in Boussens near Lausanne. In April 2024, Konecranes acquired the business of German crane and service supplier Kocks Kranbau, giving it access to new European and global customers. Related Reports: NEW YORK, July 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Leading securities law firm Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP announces that a lawsuit has been filed against Organon & Co. (NYSE: OGN) and certain of the Companys 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 womens 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 Organons 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 Revealed On May 1, 2025, Organon announced that management reset the Companys dividend payout from $0.28 per share to $0.02 per share. Organons 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. Organons 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: https://www.bfalaw.com/cases-investigations/organon-co-class-action Or contact: Ross Shikowitz ross@bfalaw.com 212-789-3619 Why 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. https://www.bfalaw.com/cases-investigations/organon-co-class-action Attorney advertising. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Austin, July 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nerve Repair and Regeneration Market Size & Growth Analysis: According to SNS Insider, the global Nerve Repair and Regeneration Market was valued at USD 9.14 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 25.67 billion by 2032, expanding at a CAGR of 12.19% during the forecast period of 20242032. Innovation in neurostimulation and biomaterials is reshaping the treatment of peripheral nerve injury with more targeted, efficient, and minimally invasive approaches. Digital neurostimulation devices weighty features such as spinal cord and deep brain stimulators can be used to control chronic neurological conditions and alleviate pain. Meanwhile, advanced biomaterials employed in nerve grafts, conduits, and scaffolds stimulate faster and more physiological nerve recovery. Get a Sample Report of Nerve Repair and Regeneration Market@ https://www.snsinsider.com/sample-request/3390 The U.S. Nerve Repair and Regeneration Market was estimated at USD 2.31 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach USD 6.45 billion by 2032, at a CAGR of 12.11% during the forecast period of 2024-2032 In the U.S, there has been early and increasing use of biosimilar erythropoietin products, which have been proven to be more cost-effective than original biologics. This change is increasing the availability of EPO therapies within the dialysis and oncology settings. Physician adoption and healthcare system uptake of biosimilars are now being incentivised by guidelines from the FDA and payer incentives, to drive the overall market.Top of Form Major Players Analysis Listed in this Report are: Axogen Inc. (Avance Nerve Graft, AxoGuard Nerve Connector) Integra LifeSciences (NeuraGen Nerve Guide, NeuraWrap Nerve Protector) Polyganics (NEUROLAC Nerve Guide, VIVOSORB Adhesion Barrier) Regenity (Neuroflex Nerve Conduit, NEUROCAP Nerve Capping Device) Synovis Micro Companies Alliance (a subsidiary of Baxter) (Neurotube, GEM Microvascular Clamps) Collagen Matrix Inc. (Neuroflex, NeuroMatrix) Toyobo Co., Ltd. (Nerbridge, Nerbridge Plus) Orthomed S.A.S. (Revolnerv, NeuroWrap) Inova MedTech (Neuroflex Collagen Nerve Conduit, NeuroMend Collagen Membrane) Stryker Corporation (NeuroMatrix, Neuroflex) Alafair Biosciences (VersaWrap Nerve Protector, VersaWrap Tendon Protector) Checkpoint Surgical (NeuroShield Chitosan Nerve Wrap, Checkpoint Stimulator/Locator) Medovent GmbH (Reaxon Nerve Guide, Reaxon Plus) KeriMedical (Reaxon Nerve Guide, Reaxon Plus) BioWave Corporation (BioWaveHOME Neuromodulation Device, BioWavePRO Neuromodulation Device) Neuroregen LLC (Neuroregen Nerve Conduit, Neuroregen Nerve Wrap) Neurotex Ltd. (Neurotex Nerve Guide, Neurotex Nerve Wrap) Orthomed S.A.S. (Revolnerv, NeuroWrap) Alafair Biosciences (VersaWrap Nerve Protector, VersaWrap Tendon Protector) Mimtb (AxoGuard Nerve Protector, Avance Nerve Graft) Nerve Repair and Regeneration Market Report Scope Report Attributes Details Market Size in 2023 US$ 9.14 billion Market Size by 2032 US$ 25.67 billion CAGR CAGR of 12.19% From 2024 to 2032 Base Year 2023 Forecast Period 2024-2032 Historical Data 2020-2022 Regional Analysis North America (US, Canada, Mexico), Europe (Germany, France, UK, Italy, Spain, Poland, Turkey, Rest of Europe), Asia Pacific (China, India, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Australia, Rest of Asia Pacific), Middle East & Africa (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, South Africa, Rest of Middle East & Africa), Latin America (Brazil, Argentina, Rest of Latin America) Segment Analysis: Neurostimulation and Neuromodulation Devices Segment is Anticipated to Hold the Largest Share of the Nerve Repair and Regeneration Market By Product In 2023, the neurostimulation and neuromodulation devices segment held the largest market share with 67%. The growing aging population is significantly contributing to the dominance of neurostimulation and neuromodulation devices. Older adults are more susceptible to chronic conditions such as Parkinsons disease, neuropathic pain, and spinal disorders, which require long-term management. These devices offer effective, minimally invasive solutions, making them ideal for elderly patient care. Based on Surgery, the Neurostimulation and Neuromodulation Surgeries Segment Accounted for the Largest Share of the Nerve Repair and Regeneration Market The drug development segment dominated the nerve Repair and Regeneration Market in 2023 with a 38% market share, due to the increasing demand for pharmacological therapies aimed at nerve protection, regeneration, and pain management. Advancements in neuroprotective agents, growth factors, and stem cell-based drugs have driven interest from both academia and pharmaceutical companies. Additionally, a surge in clinical trials and R&D investments targeting neurological conditions such as neuropathy, multiple sclerosis, and spinal cord injuries has strengthened this segments lead. For A Detailed Briefing Session with Our Team of Analysts, Connect with Us Now@ https://www.snsinsider.com/request-analyst/3390 Nerve Repair and Regeneration Market Segmentation By Product Biomaterials Neurostimulation and Neuromodulation Devices Spinal Cord Stimulation Devices Deep Brain Stimulation Devices Vagus Nerve Stimulation Devices Sacral Nerve Stimulation Devices Gastric Electric Stimulation Devices By Surgery Direct Nerve Repair/Neurorrhaphy Stem Cell Therapy Nerve Grafting Neurostimulation and Neuromodulation Surgeries Nerve Repair and Regeneration Market is Expected to Register Fastest Growth in Asia-Pacific, North America Dominates. The Nerve Repair and Regeneration Market in North America accounted for the largest share in 2023, with a 32% market share, owing to the regions well-established healthcare infrastructure, high prevalence of neurological disorders, and increased incidence of traumatic injuries. Additionally, strong government funding, early adoption of advanced neurostimulation technologies, and the presence of major players such as Medtronic, Abbott, and Boston Scientific contribute to continuous innovation and accessibility. Favorable FDA approvals and reimbursement policies further support market growth in the region. The region Asia-Pacific is estimated to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period, owing to the rising prevalence of chronic kidney disease and cancer, increasing healthcare spending, expanding dialysis centers, growing awareness of anemia treatments, and improving access to biosimilar EPO therapies. Table of Contents Major Key Points 1. Introduction 2. Executive Summary 3. Research Methodology 4. Market Dynamics Impact Analysis 5. Statistical Insights and Trends Reporting 5.1 Prescription Trends and Treatment Patterns (2023) 5.2 Device and Drug Volume Metrics (Production and Usage) 5.3 Healthcare Expenditure Allocation (2023) 5.4 Clinical Trials and Regulatory Trends 6. Competitive Landscape 7. Nerve Repair and Regeneration Market by Product 8. Nerve Repair and Regeneration Market by Surgery 9. Regional Analysis 10. Company Profiles 11. Use Cases and Best Practices 12. Conclusion Buy a Single-User PDF of Nerve Repair and Regeneration Market Analysis & Outlook Report 2024-2032@ https://www.snsinsider.com/checkout/3390 About Us: SNS Insider is one of the leading market research and consulting agencies that dominates the market research industry globally. Our company's aim is to give clients the knowledge they require in order to function in changing circumstances. In order to give you current, accurate market data, consumer insights, and opinions so that you can make decisions with confidence, we employ a variety of techniques, including surveys, video talks, and focus groups around the world. Las Vegas, Nevada, July 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- High Roller Technologies (High Roller and the Company) (NYSE: ROLR), operator of award-winning premium online casino brands High Roller and Fruta , today announced a partnership with Gaming Realms to add its innovative gaming content to the Companys online casino library in Ontario. Ben Clemes, Chief Executive Officer at High Roller Technologies, commented, Gaming Realms is one of the worlds most innovative gaming studios, offering a wide variety of entertaining content. Were thrilled to partner with them for our launch in Ontario. Craig Falciglia, Vice President of Americas at Gaming Realms, commented, We are impressed with High Rollers vision, and their commitment to providing a world-class gaming experience for their patrons. Were excited about High Rollers growth potential and were looking forward to working with them in Ontario. High Roller has submitted its license application to enter Ontarios regulated online casino market, and subject to licensing and approval, the Company anticipates launching live operations in the market in H2 2025. About High Roller Technologies, Inc. High Roller Technologies, Inc. is a leading global online gaming operator known for its innovative casino brands, High Roller and Fruta , listed under the ticker ROLR on the NYSE. The Company delivers a cutting-edge real-money online casino platform that is intuitive and user-friendly. With a diverse portfolio of over 5,000 premium games from more than 90 leading game providers, High Roller Technologies serves a global customer base, offering an immersive and engaging gaming experience in the rapidly expanding multi-billion iGaming industry. The online casino features enhanced search engine optimization, machine learning, seamless direct API integrations, faster load times, and superior scalability. As an award-winning operator, High Roller Technologies continues to redefine the future of online gaming through innovation, performance, and a commitment to excellence. For more information, please visit the High Roller Technologies, Inc. investor relations website , X , Facebook , and LinkedIn pages. About Gaming Realms Gaming Realms develops, publishes and licenses next-generation mobile gaming content. Its market-leading mobile technology powers content distribution and monetization across real money and social gaming markets. Gaming Realms is the creator of a variety of Slingo, bingo, slots and other casual games. The company uses a proprietary data platform to build and engage global audiences that are expanded even further via strategic lottery, media and platform partnerships. For more information, please visit www.gamingrealms.com. Forward Looking Statements Certain statements in this press release constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Words such as "may," "might," "will," "should," "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "continue," "predict," "forecast," "project," "plan," "intend" or similar expressions, or statements regarding intent, belief, or current expectations, are forward-looking statements. While the Company believes these forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on any such forward-looking statements, which are based on information available to us on the date of this release. These forward-looking statements are based upon current estimates and assumptions and are subject to various risks and uncertainties, including without limitation those set forth in the Company's filings with the SEC, not limited to Risk Factors relating to its business contained therein. Thus, actual results could be materially different. The Company expressly disclaims any obligation to update or alter statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Contact ir@highroller.com 800-460-1039 Washington, DC, July 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The New Civil Liberties Alliance has filed an amicus curiae brief in conjunction with the Goldwater Institute in LHL Realty Company v. District of Columbia urging the District of Columbia Court of Appeals to set aside the temporary Deference Amendment to the Districts Administrative Procedure Act. The new amendment requires courts to defer to the Mayor and administrative agencies reasonable interpretations of the law when reviewing these authorities actions, a violation of the Supreme Courts Relentless Inc. v. Department of Commerce decision won by NCLA that overturned Chevron deference last year. In effect, the Deference Amendment allows bureaucrats, not judges, to decide the outcomes of lawsuits involving municipal government agencies. The Court of Appeals should rule that the Amendment conflicts with Relentless and reassert D.C. courts core constitutional power to interpret the law. The Deference Amendment is even more ambitious than the now-discredited and abandoned Chevron doctrine. Whereas Chevron required judicial deference to an agencys legal interpretation only when the statute in question was ambiguous or silent with respect to the issue at hand, the Deference Amendment requires judges to defer to administrative agencies legal interpretations without regard to ambiguity or silence. By allowing the executive branch of government to exercise some of the judiciarys authority, the Deference Amendment also violates the D.C. Court Reorganization Act of 1970 and the D.C. Home Rule Act of 1973, which vested judicial power in the D.C. courtsjust like Article III of the U.S. Constitution vests judicial power in federal courts. Judicial deference not only deprives courts of their independent judgment in saying what the law is, it also denies Americans the due process of law. When a judge defers to an administrative agency, the government effectively becomes a judge in its own case. This rips away citizens right to an impartial adjudicator when they challenge official agency action. NCLA emphasized this point in Relentless v. Dept. of Commerce and does so again here. NCLA released the following statements: The District Council took the power to say what the law is away from the Districts courts and handed it to the Mayor and her administrative agencies. The Court of Appeals must reject this poaching of judicial power and restore D.C. residents right to fair and impartial court proceedings. Daniel Kelly, Senior Litigation Counsel, NCLA Chevron deference deforms the role of judges and is contrary to our Constitution. It is no more acceptable as a legislative construct than as a judicial doctrine. John Vecchione, Senior Litigation Counsel, NCLA The Districts judicial power was vested in its judges, not in the District Council. The Council has no right to wrest away that powerand the Districts judges would be crazy to let the Council get away with doing so. Mark Chenoweth, President, 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. ### Dublin, July 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "APAC Data Center Market Landscape 2025-2030" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The APAC Data Center Market was valued at USD 102.45 Billion in 2024, and is projected to reach USD 174.81 Billion by 2030, rising at a CAGR of 9.31%. The APAC data center market has the presence of construction contractors such as AECOM, Arup, Aurecon Group, CSF Advisers, DSCO Group, Gammon Construction, Larsen & Toubro, NTT Facilities, PM Group, and Studio One Design. The APAC data center market has a presence of several other prominent colocation vendors, such as AirTrunk, BDx Data Centers, CDC Data Centres, China Unicom, China Mobile, China Telecom, Chindata Group, Digital Realty, Equinix, GDS Services, Keppel Data Centres, NTT DATA, NEXTDC, Princeton Digital Group (PDG), and ST Telemedia Global Data Centres and others. The APAC data center market is also witnessing development by hyperscale operators such as Microsoft, Google, Amazon Web Services, and Meta (Facebook) who are involved in the development of self-built hyperscale data center facilities across the APAC region. New entrants in the APAC data center market include DataGrid, Digital Halo, Edgnex Data Centres by DAMAC, Empyrion Digital, Epoch Digital, Evolution Data Centres, FutureData, Ada Infrastructure, GreenSquareDC, Gaw Capital, Infracrowd Capital, K2 Data Centres, Megawide Construction Corporation, Open DC, Regal Orion, SC Zeus Data Centers, SEAX Global, Trifalga, Yondr and several others. APAC DATA CENTER MARKET TRENDS Introduction of HVO Fuel for Generators The data centers are facing increasing pressure to reduce their carbon footprint and operate sustainably. Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) has emerged as a viable low-carbon alternative to diesel fuel for backup generators in the APAC data center market. HVO is a type of renewable diesel produced by hydrotreating waste vegetable oils and animal fats, making it a drop-in replacement for conventional fossil diesel. In July 2024, ST Telemedia Global Data Centres announced that it had become the first data center operator in Singapore to use HVO fuel in generators in all facilities across Singapore, with the initial deployment of around 50,000 liters. In January 2024, GDS Services announced that it had gradually switched diesel fuel generators to HVO fuel generators and hydrogen fuel cells for data center power backup. It also announced that it plans to switch all facilities to renewable energy. Adoption of Artificial Intelligence The adoption of AI is on the rise across countries in the region with the increased trend of automation and smart operations. Governments across several countries have launched several artificial strategies. For instance, the government of Hong Kong plans to use AI for disaster and energy use monitoring. Several data center operators have started developing AI-ready data centers in the region to accommodate AI workloads being rapidly generated by customers of different industry sectors. For instance, in September 2024, Blackstone and ESR planned to expand their footprints in Japan, and it has developed an AI-based data center in Japan. Although Australia has already implemented some protective measures for AI, and the global response to AI is still in its nascent stages, it is not the only one considering whether additional regulations and governance systems are necessary to manage emerging risks. In March 2024, NEXTDC announced its plans to be involved in the development of its S6 data center facility in Sydney, which will be designed exclusively for AI Factories and sovereign AI. SEGMENTATION INSIGHTS In terms of segmentation in the APAC data center market, IT infrastructure leads with a substantial share of approximately 74.4% in 2024. The remaining 25.6% is contributed collectively by support infrastructure, which includes electrical infrastructure, mechanical infrastructure, and general construction. There is currently a strong trend towards procuring sustainable and efficient infrastructure in data centers. Some innovative technologies being adopted in this sector include sodium-ion and nickel-zinc batteries for uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems, fuel cells, and hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) fuel for generators, as well as liquid immersion and direct-to-chip cooling technologies. Servers are available in various types and configurations. They are classified by form factors into rack, blade, and tower categories. In the APAC data center market, the most common servers are rack and blade servers from vendors such as Cisco Systems, Hewlett-Packard Enterprise, Dell Technologies, IBM, Lenovo, and NetApp. APAC DATA CENTER MARKET GEOGRAPHICAL ANALYSIS Cumulatively, data center operators in APAC are expected to add over 31.4 GW of installed power capacity between 2025 and 2030. China is likely to lead the market by contributing more than 18.2 GW of this capacity, followed by Malaysia with over 3 GW and India with over 2.4 GW of installed power capacity. Taiwan is expected to add around 276 MW, making it the smallest contributor to this overall growth. China at present dominates the APAC data center market, followed by Australia, Japan, and India. It accounts for approximately 49% of the overall data center investments in the area, excluding IT infrastructure, which highlights its stronghold in the sector. The country witnesses billions in investments from several operators. Southeast Asia emerges as a key destination for data centers, with countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand experiencing increased investments. In 2024, the Southeast Asia data center market contributed around 20.7% of the total investments in APAC, excluding IT infrastructure. The top data center destinations in APAC include Shanghai, Beijing in China, Mumbai and Chennai in India, Sydney and Melbourne in Australia, Tokyo and Osaka in Japan, Seoul in South Korea, Johor and Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, Batam and Jakarta in Indonesia, and Bangkok in Thailand. The cost per MW for developing data center facilities is the highest in Japan, ranging between $14 million and $15 million per MW. Singapore follows closely, with costs ranging from $13 million to $14 million per MW. In contrast, the development costs are significantly lower in India and China, where they range from $6 million to $7 million per MW and $5.5 million to $6.5 million per MW, respectively. VENDOR LANDSCAPE IT Infrastructure Providers Arista Networks Atos Broadcom Cisco Systems Dell Technologies Extreme Networks Fujitsu Hewlett-Packard Enterprise Hitachi Vantara Huawei Technologies IBM Inspur Intel Lenovo Micron Technology NEC NetApp Oracle Pure Storage Quanta Cloud Technology QNAP Systems Quantum Seagate Technology Super Micro Computer Toshiba Western Digital Wiwynn Prominent Construction Contractors AECOM Arup Aurecon Group CSF Advisers DSCO Group Gammon Construction Larsen & Toubro (L&T) NTT Facilities PM Group Studio One Design Other Prominent Construction Contractors AWP Architects BYME Engineering Chung Hing Engineers Group Corgan CTCI DPR Construction Exyte (M+W Group) Fortis Construction Hutchinson Builders ISG Kienta Engineering Construction Linesight LSK Engineering Nakano Corporation Obayashi Corporation Powerware Systems Red Engineering Rider Levett Bucknall Sato Kogyo Sterling and Wilson Turner & Townsend Prominent Support Infrastructure Vendors ABB Caterpillar Cummins Eaton Rittal Schneider Electric STULZ Vertiv Other Prominent Support Infrastructure Vendors Airedale By Modine Alfa Laval Canovate Cyber Power Systems Delta Electronics EAE Envicool Fuji Electric Green Revolution Cooling (GRC) HITEC Power Protection Legrand Mitsubishi Electric Narada Piller Power Systems Rolls-Royce Rehlko (Kohler) Siemens Socomec Trane Prominent Data Center Investors Alibaba Group AirTrunk Amazon Web Services BDx Data Centers CDC Data Centres China Unicom China Mobile China Telecom Chindata Group Digital Realty Equinix GDS Services Google Keppel Data Centres Microsoft NTT DATA NEXTDC Princeton Digital Group ST Telemedia Global Data Centres Other Prominent Data Center Investors AdaniConneX AIMS Data Centre AT TOKYO Beijing Sinnet Technology CapitaLand Chayora Chief Telecom Chunghwa Telecom CMC Telecom Colt Data Centre Services CtrlS Datacenters DCI Data Centers Digital Edge DC DITO Telecommunity Dr. Peng's Telecom & Media Group EdgeConneX Empyrion Digital ePLDT ESR Etix Everywhere FPT Telecom Fujitsu Global Switch Goodman Haoyun Changsheng Huawei Technologies Internet Initiative Japan (IIJ) Iron Mountain iTech Towers Data Centre Services KT Corp LG Uplus Macquarie Data Centres Mapletree Investments Meta Nxtra by Airtel OneAsia Network Pure Data Centres Group Shanghai Atrium (AtHub) Sify Technologies Singtel STACK Infrastructure Techno Electric & Engineering Company Telehouse Telkom Indonesia Tenglong Holding Group Vantage Data Centers Viettel IDC VNET Yotta Infrastructure Solutions YTL Data Center New Entrants Ada Infrastructure BRIGHT RAY BW Digital CloudHQ CyrusOne DataGrid Digital Halo Doma Infrastructure Group Epoch Digital Edgnex Data Centres by DAMAC Evolution Data Centres FutureData GreenSquareDC Gaw Capital Infracrowd Capital K2 Data Centres Megawide Construction Corporation Open DC Regal Orion SC Zeus Data Centers SEAX Global Trifalga TPG Angelo Gordon YCO Cloud Yondr Key Attributes: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 300 Forecast Period 2024 - 2030 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2024 $102.45 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2030 $174.81 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 9.3% Regions Covered Asia Pacific Report Segmentation Segmentation by Facility Type Hyperscale Data Centers Colocation Data Centers Enterprise Data Centers Segmentation by Infrastructure IT Infrastructure Electrical Infrastructure Mechanical Infrastructure General Construction Segmentation by IT Infrastructure Server Infrastructure Storage Infrastructure Network Infrastructure Segmentation by Electrical Infrastructure UPS Systems Generators Transfer Switches & Switchgear Power Distribution Units Other Electrical Infrastructure Segmentation by Mechanical Infrastructure Cooling Systems Racks Other Mechanical Infrastructure Segmentation by Cooling Systems CRAC & CRAH Units Chiller Units Cooling Towers, Condensers, and Dry Coolers Other Cooling Units Segmentation by Cooling Techniques Air-based Liquid-based Segmentation by General Construction Core & Shell Development Installation & Commissioning Services Engineering & Building Design Physical Security Fire Detection & Suppression DCIM Segmentation by Tier Standard Tier I & II Tier III Tier IV For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/vq4qo 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 Dallas, TX, July 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- 1-800-TruckWreck, powered by Witherite Law Group, announced that for the third consecutive year it has made a record-breaking donation from a privately held company to fund educational scholarships through its Making a Difference Scholarship and job-readiness programs. Since inception, 619 students have received the scholarship, and 577 scholarships have been renewed, making the financial contribution over $2.94 million to individuals interested in pursuing higher education in the Atlanta, Chicago and Dallas-Fort Worth 1-800-TruckWreck office locations. Post-secondary education is critical for career success, as it offers the potential for improved job prospects, career advancement opportunities, greater job security and higher earning potential, as well as opportunities for personal growth. Though, the rising cost of attending college, university, vocational and technical training schools makes attending unattainable for the majority. 1-800-TruckWreck and its partners, Fort Worth ISD, Atlanta Public Schools, Crete-Monee School District and the Dunbar Vocational Career Academy, are working together to assist students who want to further their education. For those who cant afford college outright, accruing overwhelming student loan debt is a valid concern. Financial assistance can be a lifeline to help students further their education, enhance their skills and better position themselves for jobs of the future, said Amy Witherite, owner of Witherite Law Group and 1-800-TruckWreck. Were proud to say that for 11 years our scholarship has helped make college a reality for thousands of individuals, and we have no doubt that their societal contributions will not only change the trajectory of their lives, but also their families and communities. This year, 173 graduating seniors were awarded $432,500 in scholarships; 5 students chosen by special selection received $12,500 in scholarships; and $447,500 in scholarships will be renewed for an estimated 179 previous recipients who maintained a 2.5 GPA and took at least 12 credit hours, for a total of $892,500 in scholarship funds awarded by 1-800-TruckWreck. Additionally, 23 students at the Dunbar Vocational Career Academy received a total of $57,500 in funds awarded by 1-800-TruckWreck. The grand total of educational funding provided by 1-800-TruckWreck this year is $950,000. Thanks to the financial relief this scholarship has provided, I havent had to work as many hours just to stay afloat. That freedom has allowed me to truly engage in my Georgia Tech experience and pursue leadership and involvement opportunities Im passionate about, said GeNaya Hough, student at Georgia Tech. The Making a Difference Scholarship has truly lived up to its name in my life. It has helped me move through obstacles with confidence and focus on becoming the best version of myself, not just for my own future, but so I can continue giving back and supporting others, just like this scholarship has supported me. Amy Witherite is committed to being an integral part of the communities she serves via 1-800-TruckWreck. As the daughter of a teacher, she understands and has a heart for those who need extra assistance especially youth and has used her success to fill the gaps for those in need. She has partnered with several businesses and organizations to enrich the lives of children and families. Coming from a community with limited resources for guidance and mentorship, the support I've received from Ms. Witherite and her team has been transformative. Their belief in me has not only opened doors but has also instilled in me a greater sense of confidence and determination as I pursue my ambitions in law, said Deona Davis, student at the University of Georgia. Created in 2014, the Making a Difference Scholarship provides financial assistance to students who have demonstrated leadership in their schools and communities. ### ABOUT 1-800-TRUCKWRECK/WITHERITE LAW GROUP 1-800-TruckWreck/Witherite Law Group is a personal injury law firm founded in 2001 with offices in Atlanta, Birmingham, Chicago, Dallas and Fort Worth. The firm's attorneys specialize in helping those injured in a car or truck accident and can be reached by calling 1-800-TruckWreck or 1-800-CarWreck, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS Witherite Law Group Social Media Links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WitheriteLaw Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/witheritelaw/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/witheritelawgroup/ 1-800-TruckWreck Media Links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1800TruckWreck/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1800truckwreck/ Attachments DENVER, CO, July 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As the demand for accessible and reliable cryptocurrency mining grows, AIXA Miner is proud to unveil its latest cloud mining platform enhanced by artificial intelligence (AI) technology. This new service is designed to provide steady mining profits while eliminating the technical barriers that often intimidate newcomers and busy investors alike. Intelligent Mining Meets Simplicity AIXA Miners cutting-edge platform leverages AI algorithms to optimize mining operations, dynamically adjusting computing power to maximize efficiency and returns. By automating complex tasks such as resource allocation and energy management, the system ensures users benefit from stable income streams without needing specialized knowledge or manual intervention. Our goal was to make crypto mining straightforward and profitable for everyone, said an AIXA Miner spokesperson. With AI optimization, users can now enjoy enhanced performance and consistent rewards without the usual technical headaches. Key Benefits of AIXA Miners AI-Powered Cloud Mining Optimized Efficiency: AI-driven algorithms monitor and fine-tune mining processes in real time to increase yield and reduce wasted energy. AI-driven algorithms monitor and fine-tune mining processes in real time to increase yield and reduce wasted energy. User-Friendly Experience: The platform requires no hardware or software setup, making it accessible for beginners and seasoned investors alike. The platform requires no hardware or software setup, making it accessible for beginners and seasoned investors alike. Predictable Daily Earnings: Users receive transparent, regular payouts, enabling better financial planning. Users receive transparent, regular payouts, enabling better financial planning. Eco-Conscious Operations: Mining facilities utilize renewable energy sources to minimize environmental impact. Mining facilities utilize renewable energy sources to minimize environmental impact. Secure and Reliable: Multi-layered encryption and continuous system monitoring safeguard user data and assets. Who Should Consider AIXA Miner? This platform is ideal for anyone interested in earning passive crypto income without the technical learning curve, including: Individuals new to cryptocurrency are seeking a low-risk entry point. are seeking a low-risk entry point. Experienced investors looking to diversify portfolios with steady mining returns. looking to diversify portfolios with steady mining returns. Environmentally aware users who prioritize green energy solutions. who prioritize green energy solutions. Busy professionals who prefer automated systems that run smoothly in the background. A Future-Focused Mining Solution By combining AI innovation with cloud mining, AIXA Miner is setting a new standard for what users can expect from crypto mining platforms. The company plans to continue enhancing its AI capabilities and expanding its global data center footprint, aiming to provide even greater stability and profitability in an evolving market. Getting Started Is Easy To begin mining with AIXA Miner, users simply need to: Create an account on the official website. Choose a mining plan that suits their goals. Activate mining instantlyno technical setup required. Monitor earnings and withdraw profits anytime via a clean, intuitive dashboard. About AIXA Miner AIXA Miner is a leading provider of AI-enhanced cloud mining solutions, committed to delivering safe, efficient, and sustainable cryptocurrency mining services worldwide. Focused on user experience and technological advancement, AIXA Miner empowers individuals to generate passive income from digital assets without complexity or risk. Explore AIXA Miner and start mining today at: https://aixaminer.com Disclaimer: The information provided in this press release does not constitute an investment solicitation, nor does it constitute investment advice, financial advice, or trading recommendations. Cryptocurrency mining and staking involve risks and the possibility of losing funds. It is strongly recommended that you perform due diligence before investing or trading in cryptocurrencies and securities, including consulting a professional financial advisor. Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP Securities Litigation Partner James (Josh) Wilson Encourages Investors Who Suffered Losses Exceeding $75,000 In Organon To Contact Him Directly To Discuss Their Options If you suffered losses exceeding $75,000 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, July 02, 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/40f728f1-3a24-467b-948d-dfe699296b77 AMIENS, France, July 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- TSplus proudly participated in the first-ever Sino-French Economic Meetings, held on June 910 in Amiens. This landmark event gathered key public and private figures from France and China to foster dialogue, innovation, and business collaboration between the two countries. For TSplus, it marked a unique opportunity to strengthen its presence in China and reinforce its commitment to international development. Over two days, the event brought together a wide array of Chinese and French stakeholders, with highlights including roundtable discussions, innovative showcase stands, and speed business meetings. The program was rich in insight and networking opportunities, designed to unlock future commercial cooperation. TSplus was represented by a dedicated team: Dominique Benoit , Founder and President , Founder and President Francois Stoop , International Sales Director , International Sales Director Mariam Essafi , Customer Success Manager , Customer Success Manager Yi Zheng, Presales engineer This event was a fantastic opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations with influential members of the Chinese economic scene. We believe in building bridges and creating lasting partnerships, said Dominique Benoit. Forging New Partnerships and Opening Doors to the Chinese Market Throughout the event, the TSplus team had the pleasure of meeting several high-profile Chinese officials, including: HU JunYing , Deputy Director, Shanghai Minhang District Commission of Commerce , Deputy Director, Shanghai Minhang District Commission of Commerce JIANG Bo , President, Centre des Entreprises Francaises/Francophones , President, Centre des Entreprises Francaises/Francophones ZHANG Bin , Deputy Director, Shanghai Hongqiao International CBD Administrative Committee , Deputy Director, Shanghai Hongqiao International CBD Administrative Committee CHEN Zhongyu , Director, Division of Commerce Development, Shanghai Hongqiao International CBD , Director, Division of Commerce Development, Shanghai Hongqiao International CBD CHEN Wei, Deputy Director, Chenjiaqiao Sub-District Office, Peoples Government of Changning District These valuable connections reflect the growing interest in collaborations between Chinese institutions and innovative French companies like TSplus. The event also featured a prestigious Franco-Chinese gastronomic lunch, organized by the Somme Business Club and hosted by renowned culinary figures including M. Collet (MOF 1998) and M. Ho, President of the Chinese Gastronomy Academy. Cultural highlights such as the presence of a descendant of Jules Verne brought a rich symbolic dimension to the gathering. On the second day, TSplus attended the roundtable: Do French Entrepreneurial Initiatives Have a Place in the Chinese Market? The session offered valuable perspectives on how French companies can adapt and thrive within Chinas economic landscape. The day concluded with a B2B lunch, allowing the TSplus team to exchange ideas and explore synergies with Chinese entrepreneurs. TSplus: Committed to Global Growth, with a Focus on China Participation in this historic event aligns with TSplus' broader strategy: investing in strategic markets and cultivating long-term international partnerships. With a strong presence in over 140 countries, TSplus continues to expand its reach by engaging directly with key actors on the ground. Are you a Chinese business looking to collaborate with a trusted French tech partner? Explore the TSplus Partner Program and discover our secure, powerful remote access solutions tailored for modern businesses. Check the photo carousel from the event! ------ About TSplus TSplus is a global software company specializing in secure remote access, application delivery, and IT infrastructure solutions. Our suite of productsRemote Access, Remote Support, Advanced Security, and Server Monitoringis designed to help businesses of all sizes simplify their IT operations while improving flexibility and security. Trusted by over 500,000 companies across more than 140 countries, TSplus empowers organizations to succeed in the age of hybrid work and digital transformation. Press Contact: Caleb Zaharris Marketing Director at TSplus Caleb.zaharris@tsplus.net A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6f37ed77-8b4d-4a40-b027-d379e4541c43 Dubai, UAE, July 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Major exchange platform backs Solana's 'unkillable' cockroach token with massive reward pool, but what makes this memecoin different? OKX Wallet has announced an exclusive $100,000 KOKOK Trading Competition running from July 2-9, 2025. But behind this major platform backing lies an intriguing question: what exactly is KOKOK, and why is this Solana memecoin generating such serious attention? Join the OKX KOKOK Trading Arena: https://web3.okx.com/ul/3ex8DP The Cockroach That Won't Get Rekt KOKOK positions itself as Solana's first "unkillable" memecoin, drawing inspiration from the cockroach's legendary survival game. While most memecoins get rugged or fade into oblivion, KOKOK's entire narrative centers on being the ultimate HODLerbuilt to survive whatever the market throws at it. "Hit me with whatever, I'm still standing," became the battle cry for a community that believes in outlasting bear markets, FUD campaigns, and short seller attacks. Just like cockroaches survived asteroid impacts and nuclear disasters, KOKOK aims to be the token that emerges stronger from every crypto winter. Since its fair launch on March 26, 2025, at $0.0001658, the token has absolutely mooned with a 78,300% pump, hitting $0.13 by late June and touching an ATH of $0.2051 on June 6. Currently sitting around $0.13, it's down about 36% from peakpotentially a solid entry for degens betting on the next leg up. The Legendary Burn That Changed Everything On May 30, 2025, legendary Thai whale SRISIAM made one of the most based moves in recent memecoin history, burning 800 million tokens80% of total supplyleaving only 200M in circulation. The burn immediately sparked a +43.89% pump and sent the community into full ape mode. This wasn't just a marketing stunt. The burn fundamentally changed KOKOK's tokenomics, creating genuine scarcity that could fuel serious price discovery as demand increases. With only 200M tokens left, every pump hits different. Wallet Integration Game Strong KOKOK has secured integrations with major players including Gate.io, BingX, Bitget, Coin98, Binance, OKX, and SafePal. These aren't just technical partnershipsthey're potential on-ramps for millions of users to ape into KOKOK when the next pump cycle hits. Cross-chain partnerships with Pepes Dog ($ZEUS) and Lofi The Yeti ($LOFI) expand the ecosystem beyond Solana, creating arbitrage opportunities and broader exposure across different degen communities. But this is just the beginning. Word on the street is that many more partnerships are brewing across ALL chainsKOKOK believes in having friends in different area codes. This multi-chain expansion strategy could unlock massive cross-ecosystem liquidity and expose KOKOK to entirely new trader demographics beyond Solana natives. OKX Competition: Institutional Validation The OKX Wallet competition isn't just marketingit's a major exchange betting $100,000 that KOKOK has serious trading volume and community engagement. When platforms like OKX allocate this kind of budget, they're expecting significant returns in terms of user activity and platform engagement. The competition mechanics include trading rewards on OKX DEX, referral bonuses, and social sharing tasks designed to maximize both volume and viral exposure. For traders, this creates multiple opportunities for alphafrom direct rewards to momentum plays during the campaign period. The Billion Dollar Vision With 200M tokens in circulation post-burn and current market cap around $26M, KOKOK needs roughly 40x to hit billion-dollar status. In memecoin terms, that's absolutely achievable for a project with strong fundamentals, active community, and growing institutional recognition. The combination of supply scarcity, Asian market penetration, wallet integrations, and now major exchange backing creates multiple catalysts for significant price appreciation. Recent Solana memecoins have shown that billion-dollar market caps are definitely within reach for projects that execute well. Why This Matters for Traders For degens looking at the next potential moonshot, KOKOK presents an interesting thesis: a survival-focused narrative backed by strategic execution and growing platform recognition. The current price around $0.13 offers a decent entry compared to the $0.20 ATH, especially with the OKX campaign potentially driving fresh volume. The tokenomics post-burn favor holders, the Asian community provides consistent liquidity, and platform integrations suggest potential for broader adoption. Whether KOKOK can maintain momentum beyond the campaign period will depend on sustained community engagement and continued platform support. But for now, the cockroach that refuses to die just got a major platform endorsementand in crypto, that often signals the beginning of something bigger. Start trading in the OKX KOKOK Arena: https://web3.okx.com/ul/3ex8DP For more information, follow KOKOK on social media Website: https://www.kokoktheroach.com/ Twitter X: https://twitter.com/Kokoktheroach 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. TERMINATION OF THE LIQUIDITY CONTRACT AND HALF-YEAR STATEMENT Regulated Information Paris, 2 July 2025 Press release related to the termination of the liquidity contract and the half-year statement, which specifies the number of executed share transactions and the volume exchanged under the liquidity contract of Societe Generale. As the daily liquidity of Societe Generale shares has been satisfactory for several years, Societe Generale decided, as of 1 July 2025, to terminate the liquidity contract entrusted since 2011 to Rothschild Martin Maurel. The following resources appeared on the liquidity account per the liquidity contract as of 30 June 2025: 0 share 5,573,179.76 As a reminder: on the date of signing the liquidity account, 22 August 2011, the following resources appeared on the liquidity account: 0 share 170,000,000 the amendment to the liquidity account on 19 December 2018 reduced these resources to: 0 share 5,000,000 as of 31 December 2024, the status of the liquidity account was: 0 share 5,429,174 The following information presents the number of buy and sell transactions, expressed in terms of both the number of shares and the volume exchanged from 1 January to 30 June 2025 within the framework of the liquidity agreement signed between Societe Generale and Rothschild Martin Maurel. As a reminder, the liquidity contract was temporarily suspended from 10 February to 9 April 2025 included, which corresponded to the share buyback period announced on 6 February 2025. DATE NUMBER OF PURCHASE TRANSACTIONS NUMBER OF SALE TRANSACTIONS QUANTITY OF PURCHASE QUANTITY OF SALE TOTAL PURCHASED AMOUNT TOTAL SOLD AMOUNT 02/01/2025 89 111 25 500 25 500 688 576,50 688 066,50 03/01/2025 50 54 26 000 19 500 699 036,00 524 823,00 06/01/2025 76 127 22 000 28 500 598 972,00 774 373,50 07/01/2025 72 46 28 100 23 100 760 667,00 626 587,50 08/01/2025 65 82 20 000 25 000 546 340,00 683 850,00 09/01/2025 81 105 27 000 27 000 733 590,00 734 994,00 10/01/2025 101 57 25 000 18 500 684 400,00 506 141,50 13/01/2025 52 80 21 500 28 000 584 090,50 763 644,00 14/01/2025 63 92 29 000 25 000 809 593,00 698 150,00 15/01/2025 64 90 24 000 28 000 685 536,00 798 000,00 16/01/2025 49 56 26 500 21 500 762 829,00 619 415,00 17/01/2025 51 55 21 000 21 000 604 464,00 604 737,00 20/01/2025 62 84 25 000 30 000 731 450,00 876 360,00 21/01/2025 80 93 22 500 22 300 658 980,00 653 813,70 22/01/2025 52 55 30 500 25 700 896 059,50 756 094,00 23/01/2025 56 66 14 000 19 000 418 726,00 566 333,00 24/01/2025 113 123 31 500 31 500 949 725,00 950 922,00 27/01/2025 72 56 21 000 13 800 639 345,00 420 127,20 28/01/2025 66 60 20 500 27 700 629 309,00 848 894,20 29/01/2025 83 94 27 000 27 000 830 169,00 831 438,00 30/01/2025 72 28 21 000 21 000 650 979,00 650 958,00 31/01/2025 65 50 30 000 30 000 937 200,00 937 680,00 01/2025 1 534 1 664 538 600 538 600 15 500 036,50 15 515 402,10 03/02/2025 76 42 22 500 22 500 683 235,00 684 697,50 04/02/2025 92 65 22 500 22 500 692 280,00 692 550,00 05/02/2025 188 111 40 000 31 000 1 232 600,00 956 195,00 06/02/2025 16 41 9 400 18 200 308 583,20 601 510,00 07/02/2025 134 135 27 000 27 200 956 583,00 965 953,60 02/2025 506 394 121 400 121 400 3 873 281,20 3 900 906,10 10/04/2025 136 90 32 300 22 300 1 205 532,90 829 961,40 11/04/2025 143 160 35 500 45 500 1 295 608,00 1 670 669,00 14/04/2025 78 91 20 000 20 000 767 620,00 768 160,00 15/04/2025 119 136 25 000 25 000 989 500,00 990 575,00 16/04/2025 127 131 25 870 25 870 1 028 332,50 1 028 798,16 17/04/2025 74 108 25 000 25 000 991 875,00 992 425,00 22/04/2025 114 93 20 000 20 000 797 900,00 798 540,00 23/04/2025 61 70 12 500 12 500 517 937,50 518 362,50 24/04/2025 127 119 20 000 20 000 830 960,00 831 520,00 25/04/2025 116 126 25 000 25 000 1 058 700,00 1 058 950,00 28/04/2025 67 94 22 000 22 000 951 698,00 952 600,00 29/04/2025 127 167 52 000 52 000 2 293 356,00 2 296 788,00 30/04/2025 177 236 64 000 59 500 2 920 064,00 2 713 259,50 04/2025 1 466 1 621 379 170 374 670 15 649 083,90 15 450 608,56 DATE NUMBER OF PURCHASE TRANSACTIONS NUMBER OF SALE TRANSACTIONS QUANTITY OF PURCHASE QUANTITY OF SALE TOTAL PURCHASED AMOUNT TOTAL SOLD AMOUNT 02/05/2025 79 122 32 018 36 518 1 478 719,31 1 687 058,56 05/05/2025 111 131 41 500 41 500 1 920 703,00 1 922 487,50 06/05/2025 111 105 47 500 35 000 2 181 722,50 1 603 105,00 07/05/2025 53 63 15 000 19 000 679 575,00 861 935,00 08/05/2025 68 107 28 000 36 500 1 287 776,00 1 678 379,50 09/05/2025 70 74 32 000 32 000 1 485 344,00 1 486 528,00 12/05/2025 128 123 45 000 45 000 2 140 965,00 2 142 990,00 13/05/2025 92 114 40 000 40 000 1 885 200,00 1 887 400,00 14/05/2025 62 96 35 000 35 000 1 663 865,00 1 665 545,00 15/05/2025 83 88 45 000 40 000 2 167 290,00 1 926 200,00 16/05/2025 63 63 20 000 25 000 959 000,00 1 201 275,00 19/05/2025 110 128 36 000 36 000 1 754 460,00 1 756 152,00 20/05/2025 34 47 17 000 17 000 835 057,00 835 788,00 21/05/2025 49 99 32 100 26 600 1 587 152,40 1 315 130,60 22/05/2025 46 40 20 500 26 000 999 498,00 1 274 052,00 23/05/2025 83 71 36 400 22 900 1 767 838,80 1 103 161,70 26/05/2025 14 84 3 600 17 100 174 182,40 824 510,70 27/05/2025 86 97 27 500 27 500 1 333 970,00 1 335 125,00 28/05/2025 82 37 23 000 11 800 1 109 612,00 565 043,00 29/05/2025 37 110 17 500 28 700 846 877,50 1 390 141,90 30/05/2025 162 151 32 500 22 500 1 570 400,00 1 086 052,50 05/2025 1 623 1 950 627 118 621 618 29 829 207,91 29 548 060,96 02/06/2025 69 105 15 000 25 000 717 105,00 1 200 375,00 03/06/2025 56 50 14 300 14 100 684 869,90 675 531,00 04/06/2025 71 33 21 500 11 700 1 039 417,50 563 694,30 05/06/2025 28 74 9 000 19 000 431 127,00 914 850,00 06/06/2025 57 60 17 500 17 500 861 962,50 862 942,50 09/06/2025 53 40 12 400 12 400 607 339,60 607 897,60 10/06/2025 114 122 32 000 32 000 1 538 720,00 1 541 056,00 11/06/2025 56 77 21 500 21 500 1 030 817,50 1 031 419,50 12/06/2025 63 57 18 000 18 000 872 262,00 873 504,00 13/06/2025 84 62 22 000 22 000 1 057 760,00 1 059 014,00 16/06/2025 61 97 27 051 27 051 1 344 597,01 1 345 516,74 17/06/2025 51 3 12 300 2 100 600 818,10 102 908,40 18/06/2025 33 43 10 500 20 700 509 491,50 1 009 621,80 19/06/2025 37 9 8 200 2 100 393 583,60 101 791,20 20/06/2025 31 35 8 500 10 600 407 796,00 509 361,80 23/06/2025 60 20 18 000 9 700 845 244,00 456 656,60 24/06/2025 57 106 16 000 28 300 766 000,00 1 360 890,40 25/06/2025 63 82 22 000 21 700 1 042 844,00 1 030 120,70 26/06/2025 92 49 14 400 14 700 683 164,80 698 646,90 06/2025 1 136 1 124 320 151 330 151 15 434 920,01 15 945 798,44 S1/2025 6 265 6 753 1 986 439 1 986 439 80 286 529,52 80 360 776,16 Press contacts: Jean-Baptiste Froville_+33 1 58 98 68 00_ jean-baptiste.froville@socgen.com Fanny Rouby_+33 1 57 29 11 12_ fanny.rouby@socgen.com Societe Generale Societe Generale is a top tier European Bank with around 119,000 employees serving more than 26 million clients in 62 countries across the world. We have been supporting the development of our economies for 160 years, providing our corporate, institutional, and individual clients with a wide array of value-added advisory and financial solutions. Our long-lasting and trusted relationships with the clients, our cutting-edge expertise, our unique innovation, our ESG capabilities and leading franchises are part of our DNA and serve our most essential objective - to deliver sustainable value creation for all our stakeholders. The Group runs three complementary sets of businesses, embedding ESG offerings for all its clients: French Retail, Private Banking and Insurance , with leading retail bank SG and insurance franchise, premium private banking services, and the leading digital bank BoursoBank. , with leading retail bank SG and insurance franchise, premium private banking services, and the leading digital bank BoursoBank. Global Banking and Investor Solutions , a top tier wholesale bank offering tailored-made solutions with distinctive global leadership in equity derivatives, structured finance and ESG. , a top tier wholesale bank offering tailored-made solutions with distinctive global leadership in equity derivatives, structured finance and ESG. Mobility, International Retail Banking and Financial Services, comprising well-established universal banks (in Czech Republic, Romania and several African countries), Ayvens (the new ALD I LeasePlan brand), a global player in sustainable mobility, as well as specialized financing activities. Committed to building together with its clients a better and sustainable future, Societe Generale aims to be a leading partner in the environmental transition and sustainability overall. The Group is included in the principal socially responsible investment indices: DJSI (Europe), FTSE4Good (Global and Europe), Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index, Refinitiv Diversity and Inclusion Index, Euronext Vigeo (Europe and Eurozone), STOXX Global ESG Leaders indexes, and the MSCI Low Carbon Leaders Index (World and Europe). In case of doubt regarding the authenticity of this press release, please go to the end of the Group News page on societegenerale.com website where official Press Releases sent by Societe Generale can be certified using blockchain technology. A link will allow you to check the documents legitimacy directly on the web page. For more information, you can follow us on Twitter/X @societegenerale or visit our website societegenerale.com. Attachment Chicago, July 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global point of care testing market was valued at US$ 46.48 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach US$ 85.55 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 7.33% during the forecast period 20252033. Global point-of-care testing market growth in 2024 is being powered by a confluence of demographic, epidemiologic and behavioral forces that favor care closer to patients. Chronic illnesses such as diabetes, chronic kidney disease and heart failure are trending upward, while the median age in North America, Western Europe and parts of East Asia now sits above forty-three years. Clinicians therefore prize diagnostic tools that shorten feedback loops, helping them initiate evidence-based interventions during the same encounter. The pandemic cemented consumer expectation for rapid answers, and that expectation did not recede when mask mandates disappeared; instead, it migrated to respiratory, metabolic, fertility and coagulation use-cases. Pharmacies, retail clinics and employer sites have responded by adding CLIA-waived analyzers that can be operated by non-laboratory staff after brief training. Request Sample Pages: https://www.astuteanalytica.com/request-sample/point-of-care-testing-market Global point-of-care testing market momentum is also evident in the surge of connected platforms that automatically populate electronic health records, allowing physicians to manage larger patient panels without compromising decision accuracy. According to the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, more than 92,000 pharmacy locations had a CLIA Certificate of Waiver at the end of 2023, compared with 59,000 five years earlier. Meanwhile, industry audits show that a modern analyzer such as Abbotts ID NOW delivers a negative influenza-A result in thirteen minutes, slashing the average wait time for antiviral prescriptions by almost a day. Developers increasingly embed Bluetooth or LTE chips, enabling bidirectional data integration that satisfies accountable-care reporting requirements and strengthens the value proposition for payors managing risk-based contracts. Key Findings in Global Point-Of-Care Testing Market Market Forecast (2033) US$ 85.55 Billion CAGR 7.33% By Region North America (40.1%) By Product Type Testing Kits & Consumables (65.55%) By Test Type Immunological PoC Tests (41.41%) By Indication Infectious Diseases (31.30%) By Technology Biosensor Technology (31.3%) By Sample Type Blood (63.0%) By End User Hospitals & Clinics (54.3%) By Mode of Purchase Prescription-based Testing (53.25%) By Distribution Channel Retail Pharmacies (45.2%) Top Drivers Aging population driving demand for frequent chronic disease monitoring Rising diabetes prevalence affecting 537 million people globally today Immediate diagnostic results eliminating laboratory wait times for patients Top Trends Shift from centralized laboratories to decentralized patient care settings Mobile health devices enabling real time diagnostic result delivery Over the counter testing gaining traction with FDA approvals Top Challenges Regulatory complexities delaying product launches and increasing compliance costs Ensuring diagnostic accuracy outside traditional laboratory environments remains difficult Data privacy concerns hindering digital health platform integration efforts Diverse Product Types Drive Rapid, Accurate Bedside Diagnostics Adoption Worldwide Global point-of-care testing market spans a broad spectrum of product architectures that each solve for speed, accuracy and usability at the patients side. Lateral-flow immunoassays remain the workhorse, with more than three billion disposable strips produced in 2023 for pregnancy, infectious disease and cardiac markers. Cartridge-based molecular systems have meanwhile scaled sharply; Abbott states that 45,000 ID NOW analyzers are active across seventy countries, delivering isothermal SARS-CoV-2 or Streptococcus A results in under fifteen minutes. Photometric dry-chemistry panels such as Nova Biomedical StatStrip dominate glucose and lactate monitoring in critical care because they fit in a pocket yet maintain co-efficient-of-variation values below five analytic units, matching central laboratory quality under regulatory scrutiny. Newer entrants in the product mix focus on microfluidic integration. LumiraDxs electrochemical chip channels a single drop of blood through six reaction zones, enabling multiplex D-dimer, CRP and NT-proBNP from one sample while using less than a tenth of the reagent volume consumed by legacy cassettes. Paper-based devices printed with hydrophobic wax now cost under US$ 2 to manufacture and can detect dengue NS1 antigen at femtogram concentrations when paired with a low-cost smartphone reader. Vendors also bundle cloud-connected middleware; Roche cobas pulse uploads results via LTE in real time, letting clinicians interpret trends across visits instead of relying on isolated point results, thereby reinforcing clinical decision confidence and safety. Prescription-Based Purchases Remain Dominant Pathway For Point-Of-Care Tests Across Markets Global point-of-care testing market continues to be driven primarily by prescription-based purchasing, a channel that embeds the test within a reimbursable clinical workflow. Claims data from the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services show nearly 70 million physician-ordered POC procedures processed during 2023, quadrupling the volume of over-the-counter rapid tests that were later submitted for flexible-spending reimbursement. Similar patterns appear in Japan, where more than 13,000 community clinics now stock CLIA-waived analyzers under the national fee schedule, and in France, where statutory health insurance covers pharmacy-run C-reactive protein tests only when prescribed by a general practitioner. Prescriptions thus unlock financing and ensure linkage to longitudinal electronic records for outcome measurement. Technology and policy are further reinforcing prescription dominance. E-prescribing platforms such as Epics SureScripts module automatically populate the lab order into the patients mobile portal, allowing drive-through sample collection and same-day teleconsultation. In the United Kingdom, Patient Group Directions permit pharmacists to supply antibiotics immediately after a positive, prescription-initiated strep test, reducing the burden on overloaded GP appointments. Employers are also leveraging virtual primary-care contracts that generate on-demand digital prescriptions for molecular respiratory panels shipped to the employees home, a model piloted by Amazon Clinic in nine states. These examples illustrate how the prescription pathway integrates clinical oversight, payor reimbursement and data continuity, elements that non-prescription channels struggle to replicate. Technological Convergence Boosts Sensitivity Within Portable Microfluidic Point-of-Care Platforms Today Global point-of-care testing market innovators are marrying microfluidics, nanomaterials and advanced surface chemistries to produce bench-quality sensitivity in palm-sized instruments. Recent prototypes showcased at AACC 2024 use femtogram-level gold-nanoparticle immunoassays paired with CMOS detectors, enabling cardiac troponin I cut-offs of eighteen picograms per milliliterwell below the thirty-four-picogram threshold required for high-sensitivity classification. Simultaneously, paper-based microfluidic devices piggyback on capillary action to route plasma through wax-printed channels, eliminating external pumps. These single-use chips cost less than US$ 2 to mass-produce and can incorporate barcode zones for automated lot tracking. Complementing hardware advances, machine-learning algorithms embedded on edge processors continuously calibrate optical output against reagent decay curves, maintaining coefficient-of-variation values under five units over a year of storage at thirty degrees Celsius. Global point-of-care testing market engineering teams are also tackling sample integrity by integrating ambient-stable lyophilized reagents and on-board quality controls. Cue Healths molecular cartridge, for example, ships with internal positive and negative controls that run concurrently, instantly flagging test inhibition without operator interpretation. Battery life has grown as well: the latest handheld PCR analyzer from LumiraDx performs thirty cycles on a single charge, enough for eight SARS-CoV-2 runs during an outreach clinic. Meanwhile, interoperability consortia such as the IVD Connectivity Standards Cooperative have finalized HL7 FHIR profiles specific to rapid diagnostics, making it possible for microfluidic analyzers to upload discrete results and instrument-status logs directly into cloud dashboards, thereby reducing unscheduled downtime by triggering predictive-maintenance alerts. Infectious Disease Panels Dominate Rapid Testing Needs Across Global Regions Global point-of-care testing market demand for infectious disease assays remains robust as policymakers embrace test-and-treat strategies to contain antimicrobial resistance and reduce hospitalization episodes. In sub-Saharan Africa, the Global Fund financed 145 million malaria rapid diagnostic tests in 2023, and procurement projections for 2024 indicate similar volumes for dengue and chikungunya in Southeast Asia. Multiplex respiratory panels have also broadened; BioFires RP2.1-EZ now detects twenty-four pathogens, including Mycoplasma pneumoniae, in approximately forty-five minutes, supporting emergency departments that must cohort patients quickly during winter surges. Global point-of-care testing market adoption of sexually transmitted infection panels is accelerating because of rising macrolide resistance in Mycoplasma genitalium. Visby Medicals single-use PCR platform secured FDA 510(k) clearance in April 2024 for a combined gonorrhea/chlamydia/trichomonas assay that fits inside a coffee-cup-sized unit and delivers results in twenty-seven minutes. Public-health agencies view such immediacy as critical since half of STI patients fail to return for traditional laboratory follow-ups. Similarly, tuberculosis control programs in India and the Philippines are piloting battery-operated isothermal amplification devices capable of detecting rifampicin resistance directly from sputum with no sample pretreatment, cutting referral delays that previously stretched to ten days. These real-world deployments illustrate how novel panels go beyond convenience; they directly influence antimicrobial stewardship, bed-management efficiency and cost avoidance. Cardio-Metabolic Indicators Transition Into Retail Clinics For Immediate Decisions Everywhere Global point-of-care testing market relevance in cardiovascular and metabolic care is rising as payors shift reimbursement toward outcome-based bundles. Pharmacies administered more than ten million HbA1c finger-stick tests in the United States during 2023, according to IQVIA script data, facilitating same-visit counseling and dose titration. The trend accelerated further in 2024 after CMS expanded its Chronic Care Management codes to recognize results generated in non-traditional settings, as long as devices transmit data into certified electronic health records. Consequently, chain retailers such as CVS added high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and lipid panels to their service menus, using compact analyzers that fit on a counter next to vaccine refrigerators. Global point-of-care testing market impact on acute cardiac events is equally notable. Philips handheld i-STAT integrated fourteen new emergency medicine sites in Spain early this year, enabling troponin turnaround in seven minutes and reducing door-to-balloon workflow lag by twelve minutes compared with central lab routing. Additionally, diabetes educators now employ Bluetooth ketone meters that automatically alert care managers when results exceed three millimoles per liter, preventing diabetic ketoacidosis admissions. On the innovation front, researchers at Georgia Tech reported a graphene-based sweat patch capable of continuous lactate monitoring during cardiac rehabilitation exercises, transmitting data via a smartphone app so therapists can adjust exertion in real time. As consumer wearables converge with regulated diagnostics, clinical guidance will increasingly be driven by multi-modal biomarker streams captured wherever patients happen to be. Emerging Markets Leverage Connectivity To Scale Rural Point-of-Care Networks Efficiently Global point-of-care testing market penetration in emerging economies is benefiting from mobile connectivity and pay-as-you-go financing. Kenyas Ministry of Health deployed 3,200 Bluetooth glucometers in rural dispensaries during Q1 2024, each paired with Android phones running an open-source results portal. The system uploads anonymized data to a national non-communicable disease dashboard, giving planners real-time insight into glycemic control patterns for the first time. Similar models operate in India, where eVINoriginally a vaccine logistics platformwas extended to capture malaria rapid test stock levels across 28,000 primary health centers, reducing stock-outs from forty-two days per year to under ten. Global point-of-care testing market initiatives also address power and training gaps. In Bangladesh, BRACs community network now uses solar-charged PCR units weighing under three kilograms to confirm dengue serotypes within outreach floating hospitals. Meanwhile, Nigerias Zipline drone corridor began transporting dried blood spot cards for EID HIV confirmatory testing, cutting average specimen transit from three days to under two hours. Though the final assay still occurs in a central lab, end-to-end turnaround improvement underscores how blended logistics and POC triaging optimize scarce resources. Philanthropic capital is pivotal: the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has earmarked US$ 140 million through 2026 for scale-up of multiplex febrile-illness lateral flows that distinguish bacterial from viral infections, potentially steering antimicrobial stewardship in regions where empiric antibiotic use remains widespread. Need Custom Data? Let Us Know: https://www.astuteanalytica.com/ask-for-customization/point-of-care-testing-market Competitive Landscape Features Acquisitions, Partnerships, Funding Fueling Testing Advances Worldwide Global point-of-care testing market competition intensified in 2024 as strategic players sought portfolio breadth and digital differentiation. Roche acquired the remaining equity in LumiraDxs coagulation franchise, gaining proprietary electrochemical amperometry that produces PT/INR results in less than sixty seconds from a single finger-stick. Simultaneously, BD and Synamatix co-developed a cartridge-free molecular system using lyophilized magnetic beads, targeting five-fold consumable cost reductions. Venture capital continued to flow: U.S. start-ups raised approximately US$ 1.7 billion across thirty-two disclosed deals by May, with notable rounds for Cue Health and Truvian that each exceeded US$ 100 million. Global point-of-care testing market incumbents are also forging data alliances. Siemens Healthineers partnered with Amazon Web Services to build a secure cloud for de-identified rapid test data, enabling algorithm training against tens of millions of results without breaching patient privacy. Meanwhile, Fujifilm and Sysmex unveiled a joint lung-cancer exosome assay using chemiluminescent nanoparticles, signaling expansion beyond traditional infectious and metabolic segments. In addition, interoperability projects such as the Digital Diagnostics for Africa consortium finalized a common device identity registry, allowing Ministries of Health to track instrument uptime across brands. These collaborations highlight a strategic shift: value flows not only from reagent pull-through but also from analytics, service contracts and the ability to integrate seamlessly into health-information exchanges that increasingly govern reimbursement. Global Point of Care Testing Market Major Players: Abbott Laboratories F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd Danaher Corporation Becton, Dickinson and Company (BD) bioMerieux SA Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. Other Prominent Players Key Market Segmentation: By Product Devices & Instruments Diagnostic Analyzers & Testing Devices Blood Gas & Electrolyte Analyzers Cardiac Biomarker Analyzers Glucose Monitoring Devices Coagulation Testing Analyzers Urinalysis Analyzers Routine Clinical Chemistry Analyzers Others Monitoring Devices Blood Pressure Monitors Thermometers Pulse Oximeters Others Testing Kits & Consumables Blood Gas & Electrolyte Test Kits Cardiac Biomarker Test Kits Routine Clinical Chemistry Test Kits Hematology Test Kits Coagulation Testing Kits Urinalysis Test Strips & Kits Cholesterol Test Strips Drugs Abuse Testing Kits Pregnancy And Fertility Testing Kits Others By Test Type Immunological PoC Tests Nucleic Acid-Based PoC Tests Biomarker-Based PoC Tests By Indication Infectious Diseases HIV COVID-19 Others Oncology Cardiovascular Diseases Metabolic Disorders Respiratory Diseases Neurological Disorders Gastrointestinal Disorders Others By Technology Biosensor Technology Microfluidic Lab-On-A-Chip Technology Molecular Diagnostics Immunoassays Others By Sample Type Blood Urine Saliva Others By Mode Of Purchase Prescription-based Testing Over the Counter (OTC) Testing By End User Hospitals & Clinics Diagnostic Centers Homecare Settings Research Laboratories Others By Distribution Channel Direct Distribution Retail Pharmacies Online Pharmacies Others By Region North America Europe Asia Pacific Middle East Africa South America Have Questions? Reach Out Before Buying: https://www.astuteanalytica.com/inquire-before-purchase/point-of-care-testing-market About Astute Analytica Astute Analytica is a global market research and advisory firm providing data-driven insights across industries such as technology, healthcare, chemicals, semiconductors, FMCG, and more. We publish multiple reports daily, equipping businesses with the intelligence they need to navigate market trends, emerging opportunities, competitive landscapes, and technological advancements. With a team of experienced business analysts, economists, and industry experts, we deliver accurate, in-depth, and actionable research tailored to meet the strategic needs of our clients. At Astute Analytica, our clients come first, and we are committed to delivering cost-effective, high-value research solutions that drive success in an evolving marketplace. Contact Us: Astute Analytica Phone: +1-888 429 6757 (US Toll Free); +91-0120- 4483891 (Rest of the World) For Sales Enquiries: sales@astuteanalytica.com Website: https://www.astuteanalytica.com/ Follow us on: LinkedIn | Twitter | YouTube Ontario, July 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Toronto, ON, July 2, 2025 Magical Midways Inc. has pleaded guilty to one count of violating the Technical Standards and Safety Act, following a serious safety incident involving one of its amusement rides in Campbellford, Ontario. The Ontario Court has imposed a fine of $30,000, along with a 25% victim surcharge. The incident occurred in August 2022 at the Campbellford Fair, where one of the cars became detached from the ride known as the Tilt-A-Whirl while in operation. At the time, the car was carrying three passengers and they all sustained minor injuries. An investigation by the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) revealed that Magical Midways Inc. failed to maintain proper inspection records in accordance with Ontario Regulation 221/01. The employee responsible for maintenance used a simplified checklist that did not reflect the manufacturers required procedures. The logbook lacked any documentation of the necessary inspection and testing of fasteners on the cars pivot pin assembly a failure that led to the unit's unexpected detachment. Maintenance is just as important as installation when it comes to amusement ride safety, said AJ Kadirgamar, Director of TSSAs Amusement Devices Safety Program. Installation ensures a ride is set up for safe use, but ongoing maintenance ensures it remains safe over time. Overlooking key procedures or failing to document them can put users at serious risk. Every detail matters in maintenance, and the purpose of the logbook is to record all safety actions carried out. As the regulator, we urge amusement device operators to devote the necessary attention and effort to this safety process designed to help protect both property and passengers. TSSAs data show that failures in maintenance and record-keeping remain a key compliance issue in the amusement devices sector. According to TSSAs latest Public Safety Report, the highest number of orders issued during periodic inspections of amusement devices in fiscal year 2024 accounting for 7.69% of all orders were related to operators failure to ensure that certified mechanics performed periodic maintenance and documented it in the associated log books. About TSSA The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) is one of Ontarios public safety regulators mandated by the Government of Ontario to enforce provincial safety regulations and enhance public safety. Throughout Ontario, TSSA regulates the safety of amusement devices, boilers and pressure vessels, elevating devices, fuels, operating engineers, and ski lifts. Its range of safety services include public education and consumer information, certification, licensing and registration, engineering design review, inspections, investigations, safety management consultation, compliance support and enforcement and prosecution activities. The organizations vision is to be a valued advocate and recognized authority in public safety. Attachment Dallas, TX, July 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Saddle up, sausage lovers! Ranchers Premium Smokehouse is celebrating its one-year anniversary with a sizzling social media contest: The Great Ranch Showdown a nationwide flavor face-off to crown the fan-favorite Ranchers Premium Sausage SKU. Now through July 11, fans across the country can join the bracket-style battle by following @RanchersPremiumSausage on Instagram and Facebook, voting in daily sausage matchups, and shouting out their favorite flavor in the comments using #1YearAtTheRanch. At stake? Bragging rights, a Ranch Party Pack full of swag, and a months supply of Ranchers Premium sausage. Weve had an incredible first year with Ranchers Premium, said Laura Rea Dickey, CEO of Dickeys Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. This contest is our way of saying thank you to our customers for bringing our sausage to their tables and grills. Now were handing over the reinslets see which flavor the people crown king of the ranch. Each day, two fan-favorite SKUslike Bacon Cheddar and Brisket Burnt Endsgo head-to-head in Instagram and Facebook Stories. Fans can vote, comment, and engage for a chance to win, while enjoying influencer-hosted taste tests, behind-the-scenes content from the ranch, and exclusive Sausage Showdown filters and stickers. Barbecue is about community and flavor, and The Great Ranch Showdown brings both to life in a fun, interactive way, said Roland Dickey, Jr., CEO of Dickeys Capital Group. Were proud of the rapid growth of Ranchers Premium in just one yearand this challenge is a bold way to mark the milestone. Launched in 2024, Ranchers Premium made its debut in Walmart stores with just three SKUsBrisket Burnt Ends, Philly Cheesesteak, and Mac & Cheese. Now, the product line is available in over 4,300 Walmart locations, more than 400 Grocery Outlet stores, and 150 Lowes Market stores through Affiliated Food Stores. This contest is more than just a fun pollits a celebration of flavor, loyalty, and what happens when quality meets creativity, said Shayla Bell, Vice President of Purchasing and Retail at Dickeys Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. Our fans helped us grow, and now they get to help shape whats next. The winning SKU will be revealed on July 11 in a special video announcement featuring top influencersand a sneak peek at an upcoming flavor release. The Ranch is only big enough for one top sausage. Cast your vote, tag your grill crew, and help make sizzlin sausage history. #1YearAtTheRanch #RanchersPremiumSausage About Ranchers Premium Launched in the spring of 2024 by Dickeys Barbecue, Ranchers Premium Smokehouse Sausage has quickly established itself as a top choice for those seeking authentic, high-quality smoked meats. Crafted using traditional methods, our sausages offer a rich, smoky flavor that pays homage to the time-honored art of sausage making. Made from the finest cuts of meat and seasoned with a carefully curated blend of spices, Ranchers Premium provides an unparalleled taste experience. Whether grilled, pan-fried, or added to your favorite recipes, our sausages promise a burst of flavor that embodies true craftsmanship. For more information, visit rancherspremium.com. About Dickeys Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. Founded in 1941 by the Dickey family, Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. is the worlds largest barbecue concept and continues as a third-generation family-run business. For more than 80 years, Dickeys Barbecue Pit has served millions with its signature Legit. Texas. Barbecue. Slow-smoked over hickory wood-burning pits, Dickeys barbecued meats are paired with a variety of Southern sides. Committed to authentic barbecue, Dickeys never takes shortcuts because real barbecue cant be rushed. With more than 866 restaurants across eight concepts in the U.S. and several countries, Dickeys Barbecue Franchise and Dickeys Restaurant Brands continue to grow under the leadership of Roland Dickey Jr., CEO of Dickeys Capital Group, and Laura Rea Dickey, CEO of Dickeys Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. Dickeys has been recognized on Newsweeks 2022 "Americas Favorite Restaurant Chains" list, Nations Restaurant News 2024 top fast-casual brands for value, and USA Todays 2021 Readers Choice Awards. The brand has also ranked in the Top 20 of Fast Casuals Top 100 Movers and Shakers for four of the past five years. Additional accolades include Entrepreneurs Top 500 Franchise and Hospitality Technologys Industry Heroes list. The brand has been featured by Fox News, Forbes, Franchise Times, The Wall Street Journal, and People Magazine. For more information, visit www.dickeys.com. For franchise opportunities, visit www.dickeysfranchise.com. Attachment MAPLE GROVE, Minn., July 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- TopLine Financial Credit Union , a Twin Cities-based member-owned financial services cooperative , held their fourth annual clothing and shoe drive during the month of May benefitting three local non-profits, African Education and Health Initiative (AFEDHI), Union Gospel Mission and YMCA of the North Youth and Family Services. TopLine members and employees generously donated shirts, jeans, socks, shoes and more to help neighbors in need. Employees were able to participate by donating clothing items, shoes and money in exchange for a Foundation Friday/Saturday sticker, allowing them to wear jeans to work. TopLine and community members could also purchase items from the credit unions Amazon Wishlist or Target Registry and have them delivered directly to TopLine, and in return delivered to charitable partners. When the program ended employees and members had donated more than 1,300 pounds of clothing and shoes and $1,100 in cash to assist local individuals and families. Thank you to all of our generous donors, employees and members, who contributed clothing and shoes to our annual donation drive, says Mick Olson, TopLine President and CEO. We are proud to support our community non-profit partners who empower individuals and families on their path to independence. African Education and Health Initiative (AFEDHI) is a non-profit organization with a vision to ensure that African students in rural areas and suburbs, have access to educational materials such as books, computers and other reading aids to support their educational needs and goals. For more information or to donate, visit https://afedhi.org/. Union Gospel Mission Twin Cities is a Christian ministry dedicated to serving people facing homelessness, poverty, or addiction in the community. Union Gospel Mission helps people rebuild their lives through a variety of time-tested and proven life-changing programs. To learn more, visit https://www.ugmtc.org/. The YMCA of the North Youth and Family Services is a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. To Learn more about the Ys mission and work, visit ymcanorth.org/youthandfamilyservices. TopLine Financial Credit Union , a Twin Cities-based credit union, is Minnesotas 9th largest credit union, with assets of over $1.1 billion and serves over 70,000 members. Established in 1935, the not-for-profit financial cooperative offers a complete line of financial services from its ten branch locations in Bloomington, Brooklyn Park, Champlin, Circle Pines, Coon Rapids, Forest Lake, Maple Grove, Plymouth, St. Francis and in St. Pauls Como Park as well as by phone and online at www.TopLinecu.com . Membership is available to anyone who lives, works, worships, attends school or volunteers in Anoka, Benton, Carver, Chisago, Dakota, Hennepin, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, Pine, Ramsey, Scott, Sherburne, Washington and Wright counties in Minnesota and their immediate family members, as well as employees and retirees of Anoka Hennepin School District #11, Anoka Technical College, Federal Premium Ammunition, Hoffman Enclosures, Inc., GRACO, Inc., and their subsidiaries. Visit us on our Facebook or Instagram. To learn more about the credit unions foundation, visit www.TopLinecu.com/Foundation. CONTACT: Vicki Roscoe Erickson Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer TopLine Financial Credit Union verickson@toplinecu.com | 763.391.0872 A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4bf0d14e-f8ac-4d2c-a758-1c1f678f8c97 Denver, CO, July 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to new survey data commissioned by M&C Communications, 45% of U.S. business owners have never considered a communications-centered crisis plan, which is bad news because the rising temperatures of summer are often enough to act as a flashpoint for crisis. Pair this with a local news cycle that usually slows in summer and rising tensions, and the gap between acts as a tinderbox capable of easy ignition. When lit, the fire consumes everything in its path, including the reputation of the business, which owners have worked so hard to build. A crisis doesnt care if businesses are victims of circumstance or something self-inflicted. Local water contamination, wildfire, internet scams, riots, disgruntled employees, or customers can all act as the spark that ignites a PR inferno. Without a plan that acts as a fire suppression system, even once the figurative fire is out and the crisis is over, the smoke damage to a business's reputation remains. Naturally, we were surprised at the top answers we received when we asked more than one thousand companies, Why dont you have a plan? "I've never thought about it" "I don't see it as a priority "I don't know how to create one Too many businesses are unprepared, assuming theyre too small, too busy, or that it could never happen to them. This mindset will leave companies scrambling, costing them millions in revenue and immeasurable damage to their reputation. Weve seen how quickly a small issue can become front-page news, especially during summers media silly season, when slow news days can amplify even minor missteps. Our team of former journalists brings decades of newsroom experience, helping businesses think like reporters so they can lead the conversation, not react to it. Our survey found that even the most basic crisis prep steps are often overlooked. At a minimum, every business should have three essential roles locked in: a decision maker to lead, a communicator to speak publicly, and an internal lead to keep teams focused and moving. This structure is the foundation of Brand Resilience, a key pillar of Brand Protection PR. This unique approach to public relations helps businesses create clear messaging, identify risks before they escalate, and prepare leaders to speak with conviction and clarity. Well be revealing more insights from this survey in a full white paper coming later in 2025. In the meantime, visit mandccommunications.com for actionable PR tips to protect your brand and stay ahead of the next crisis. About M&C Communications For 16 years, M&C Communications has proven to be an expert in Insider Media Relations and Brand Protection PR, providing businesses with strategic public relations plans and effective content creation services. M&C Communications helps companies enhance visibility and achieve marketing objectives while maintaining brand resiliency. Beijing, China, July 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On the early morning of May 12, a 5.5-magnitude earthquake struck Lhaze county, Xigaze, Southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. The earthquake had a focal depth of 10 kilometers and affected surrounding areas, including Saga county. Sakya Monastery in the county, the earliest monastery of the Sakya Sect of Tibetan Buddhism, is located just 71 kilometers from the epicenter. Facing the powerful impact of the earthquake, this millennium-old monastery, however, withstood the test thanks to a preventive restoration project carried out in 2024. Founded in 1073, the glorious monastery is not only the birthplace of the Sakya Sect, but also occupies a pivotal position in the history of Tibetan Buddhism. "When the earthquake happened, I was really worried. If the central pillar of the main hall hadn't been reinforced, it might have fallen," SonamTashi, director of the Culture and Tourism Bureau of Saga county, told the Global Times. His words made people realize how dangerous the situation was at that time and appreciated Chinese cultural relic staffers' strong responsibility in safeguarding the cultural treasures. Preventive restoration project According to Sonam Tashi, the main hall of the monastery was renovated in 2024, including the reinforcement of some inclined beams and the renovation of the roof. Consolidating the central pillar of the main hall is mainly due to the long construction time, while renovating the roof is to replace the Aga soil on the roof. Aga is a traditional Tibetan architectural craft for the roof or floor of a house. It is made from clay and crushed stones that locals call the Aga soil (a kind of highland soil). It is mixed with water, and laid out on the ground or on the roof, then repeatedly stomped on manually to make it solid and smooth so no water leak through. Thanks to these preventive restoration measures, Sakya Monastery only suffered minor rectifiable damage, including the wall cracking in this earthquake without any major structural dangers. The cracked wall is located at the parapet. Sonam Tashi explained that the parapet of Tibetan temples refers to the low wall around the roof of a building, which has a unique form and cultural connotation in Tibetan temple architecture. In addition, the murals in the corridor on the second floor also cracked. "Most of these murals date back to the Ming Dynasty [1368-1644]. Now, the project of repairing the cracked wall has been approved and is expected to be launched this year," he said. In addition to the restoration of the building, the protective measures for cultural relics in Sakya Monastery are also in place. The Global Times reporter followed a group of lamas from Sakya Monastery to another hall of the monastery and saw that the cultural relics in the display cases were tightly wrapped to ensure that aftershocks would not damage them. It is worth mentioning that the preventive protection measures implemented in 2019 also played a role. Precious movable cultural relics in Sakya Monastery, such as blue-and-white porcelain in Yuan Dynasty (1279-1368), palm leaf manuscripts, Thangka, have not been found to be damaged. Integration of diverse cultures Sakya Monastery's significance stretches far beyond its survival of a single seismic event. Young monk Jabar Gyatso eagerly recounted its relics to the visitors. Founded by Khon Konchok Gyalpo, founder of the Sakya Sect of Tibetan Buddhism, the sprawling complex of white-grey walls (Sakya translate into "pale earth") became the seat of the Sakya sect, one of Tibetan Buddhism's four major schools. Its historical weight is immense. In 1244, Sakya Pandita, a representative of Xizang, journeyed to Liangzhou (Today's Wuwei in Northwest China's Gansu Province) to meet with Godan Khan, grandson of Genghis Khan who was representing the Mongolian Khan court. This pivotal Liangzhou Alliance led to officially incorporating the Xizang region into the juridiction of China's central government, with Sakya Monastery serving as Xizang's regional political, economic, and cultural center. This era of central authority transformed Sakya into a magnet for cultural treasures. Jabar Gyatso led the way to the monastery's most breathtaking sight - the overwhelming scripture wall. He said these scriptures are not only the inheritance of religion and culture, but also witnesses to the integration of Chinese national cultures. There are over 10,000 volumes on the shelves, including main Buddhist canons like the Kangyur and Tengyur. Commissioned by the great scholar-king Drogon Chogyal Phagpa, these were transcribed by the finest scribes and artists from Xizang using precious mediums, including gold, silver, vermilion, and ink, on paper renowned for its quality. The collection transcends language and origin: Texts in Tibetan, Chinese, Mongolian, Sanskrit and other scripts stand side by side, embodying centuries of intellectual and spiritual exchanges across the diverse tapestry of Chinese civilization. "These scriptures," Jabar Gyatso noted with pride, "carry the indelible imprint of the integration of China's diverse cultures. They are witnesses." The near-miss of the earthquake underscores the profound value at stake. Sakya Monastery is not just a religious site, but also a physical archive of China's multicultural history. It proves the "diversity within unity" that characterizes Chinese civilization, Sonam Tashi noted. Recognizing its fragility, the monastery is embracing the future while preserving the past. This story first appeared in Global Times: https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202507/1337418.shtml Company: Global Times Contact Person: Anna Li Email: editor@globaltimes.com.cn Website: https://globaltimes.cn City: Beijing Disclaimer: This press release may contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements describe future expectations, plans, results, or strategies (including product offerings, regulatory plans and business plans) and may change without notice. You are cautioned that such statements are subject to a multitude of risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including the risks that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Jonesboro AR, July 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Camfil APC, a leading manufacturer of industrial dust collection systems, today announced the publication of a comprehensive guide addressing the critical importance of investing in dust collector maintenance programs. The technical resource provides industrial facility managers, safety professionals, and maintenance teams with essential insights into transforming maintenance from a cost center into a strategic investment that delivers measurable returns. Addressing Critical Industrial Safety and Compliance Challenges Industrial facilities across manufacturing sectors face increasing pressure to maintain safe working environments while managing operational costs and ensuring regulatory compliance. The new guide specifically addresses how proactive dust collector maintenance programs significantly reduce safety risks, prevent costly system failures, and ensure continuous compliance with OSHA and NFPA standards. "Many facilities view maintenance as a necessary expense, but our new guide demonstrates how the right maintenance approach delivers measurable returns on investment," said Brian Richardson, Northwest Regional Sales Manager at Camfil APC. "Proactive maintenance isn't just about preventing breakdowns it's about protecting workers, ensuring compliance, and optimizing operational efficiency." Comprehensive Analysis of Maintenance Program Benefits The online guide provides a detailed analysis of the multifaceted benefits of structured dust collector maintenance programs, including: Enhanced Safety: Detailed explanation of how preventative maintenance reduces combustible dust hazards and indoor air quality risks Regulatory Compliance: Guidance on meeting OSHA requirements and new NFPA 660 standards for combustible dust safety Cost Efficiency: Breakdown of how a well-maintained dust collection system operates more efficiently, reducing energy costs and prolonging the lifespan of the equipment. Operational Continuity: Strategies for preventing unplanned downtime and production disruptions Technical Framework for Effective Maintenance Programs The guide features comprehensive technical guidance on key components of effective dust collector maintenance programs: Cleaning System Maintenance: Inspection protocols for solenoids, diaphragm valves, and air pressure settings Filter Housing Management: Examination procedures for detecting abrasion, leakage, and dust accumulation Inlet Duct Monitoring: Systematic approaches for monitoring dust buildup and cleaning requirements Safety Equipment Verification: Testing protocols for explosion vents, isolation dampers, and fire suppression systems Fan and Motor Maintenance: Performance monitoring for blower amperage, belt tension, and airflow optimization Expert Insights on Maintenance Program Implementation The resource draws upon Camfil APC's extensive experience in dust collection system maintenance, providing practical implementation strategies for facilities of all sizes. The guide addresses common maintenance challenges and provides proven solutions for optimizing system performance while managing costs. "Effective dust collector maintenance requires understanding both the technical requirements and the operational realities of industrial facilities," Richardson noted. "This guide provides the framework and practical tools that maintenance teams need to implement successful programs." NFPA 660 Compliance and Modern Safety Standards The guide specifically addresses the new NFPA 660 standard for combustible dust safety and its impact on maintenance requirements. As facilities work to align with updated safety standards, understanding the connection between maintenance practices and compliance becomes increasingly critical. The resource provides detailed guidance on documentation requirements, inspection frequencies, and performance verification protocols that support both safety objectives and regulatory compliance. Camfil APC Maintenance Solutions and Services The guide highlights Camfil APC's comprehensive maintenance service offerings, including: Preventative Maintenance Programs: Customized service plans for both Camfil and non-Camfil dust collection systems Technical Expertise: Factory-trained specialists providing advanced diagnostics and optimization services Regional Service Coverage: Northwestern and Northeastern territory coverage with responsive service capabilities Comprehensive Documentation: Detailed reporting and compliance documentation support Supporting Industrial Facility Excellence The publication reflects Camfil APC's commitment to supporting industrial facility safety and efficiency through proven maintenance strategies. As facilities face increasing regulatory scrutiny and operational pressure, evidence-based maintenance approaches provide essential support for both safety and business objectives. The guide also addresses emerging trends in industrial maintenance, including predictive maintenance technologies, energy efficiency optimization, and sustainability considerations in maintenance planning. Comprehensive Technical Resource Availability The complete dust collector maintenance program guide is available immediately through Camfil APC's website at https://camfilapc.com/blog/importance-of-investing-in-a-dust-collector-maintenance-programpharmaceutical-dust-collection-strategies-for-oral-solid-dose-pharmaceutical-manufacturing-2/. About Camfil APC Camfil APC is a leading manufacturer of dust, mist, and fume collection equipment for industrial applications. With decades of experience in air filtration technology and maintenance services, the company provides engineered solutions and comprehensive support for challenging industrial environments across North America. The company maintains manufacturing facilities in Jonesboro, Arkansas, and provides technical support, installation, and maintenance services throughout the United States. Camfil APC is part of the global Camfil Group, recognized worldwide for innovation in air filtration technology and commitment to industrial safety and clean air solutions. For more information about Camfil APC's dust collector maintenance services, visit camfilapc.com or contact the maintenance services team at [contact information]. Media Contact: Lisa Goetz Schubert b2b 1-610-269-2100 x244 lgoetz@schubertb2b.com Maintenance Services Contact: Northwest Territory (Serving Northwestern U.S. and Alaska) Email: CamfilAPCServiceNorthwest@camfil.com Service Line: 307-461-3116 Northeast Territory (Serving New England and Surrounding Areas) Email: CamfilAPCServiceNortheast@camfil.com Service Line: 603-400-5182 Austin, TX, USA, July 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Custom Market Insights has published a new research report titled Quantum Computing in Energy and Utility Market Size, Trends and Insights By Technology (Quantum Hardware, Quantum Software, Quantum Services), By Application (Grid Optimization, Energy Storage Systems, Renewable Energy Forecasting, Predictive Maintenance, Supply Chain Optimization), and By Region - Global Industry Overview, Statistical Data, Competitive Analysis, Share, Outlook, and Forecast 20252034 in its research database. According to the latest research study, the demand of global Quantum Computing in Energy and Utility Market size & share was valued at approximately USD 15.42 Billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 16.10 Billion in 2025 and is expected to reach a value of around USD 23.72 Billion by 2034, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 4.40% during the forecast period 2025 to 2034. Click Here to Access a Free Sample Report of the Global Quantum Computing in Energy and Utility Market @ https://www.custommarketinsights.com/request-for-free-sample/?reportid=70710 Overview As per the industry experts at CMI, the main positioning factor for quantum computing applications in the energy and utilities industry is the increase in efficiency to operate complex and data-rich processes. As renewable energy sources continue to grow, quantum computing is allowing for better utility forecasting and optimization of renewable energy, such as wind and solar. These capabilities can also improve responsiveness in grid management, predictive maintenance, and energy storage systems. Convenience and allowing utility companies to solve complex optimization problems faster than they could do with classical computing ensures more reliable and cost-effective solutions and ultimately will lead to more widespread adoption of quantum technologies in the energy sector. Key Trends & Drivers Better Energy Efficiency: Quantum computing can process large datasets considerably faster than classical computers. This enables significant improvements in predictions and optimizations for energy systems, which improves energy distribution, grids, and storage and increases energy efficiency. Quantum algorithms can quickly identify consumptive behavior patterns or consumption to optimize resources and reduce waste, which is a growing need, particularly in renewable energy management. Aside from the energy efficiency impact, it is one of the main systems driving quantum computing in energy and utilities. Better Inclusion of Alternative Energy Sources: The growing demand for renewable energy generation requires systems at times that require optimization, from solar, wind, hydroelectricity, etc. Quantum computing optimizes how we forecast the next days and next hours weather and provides more accurate renewable energy production models. Quantum computing improves the incorporation of renewable energy into existing grids and helps improve the balancing of supply and demand, and in doing so, reduces the need for non-renewable resources. The emphasis on cleaner energy systems and climate sustainability will significantly influence the adoption of quantum computing in the energy and utilities sector. Cost Optimization and Reduction: Energy systems are complex, including grid systems, generation production, and regulations to consider. Energy systems require constantly optimized integrations of a vast number of systems to reduce costs and ultimately help provide better services to consumers. In theory, quantum computing should help accomplish large-scale optimization processes to improve energy systems across the electricity supply chain in the future. Request a Customized Copy of the Quantum Computing in Energy and Utility Market Report @ https://www.custommarketinsights.com/request-for-customization/?reportid=70710 Enhanced Decision-Making and Predictive Analytics: Quantum computing can help to improve predictive analytics by allowing users to analyze vast amounts of data quickly and with the highest degree of accuracy. The energy and utility sectors can leverage quantum predictive analytics to more accurately forecast energy demands, grid stability, and maintenance. Quantum algorithms are also capable of forecasting potential system failures or energy shortages before they happen, allowing them to remedy inefficiencies proactively and mitigate unexpected inhibitors to energy availability. The real-time analytics of quantum computing provide energy and utility operators with increased operational efficiencies, which is essential to the maintenance of reliability in the energy supply chain. Support for Smart Grid and IoT Integration: The transition to smart grids, in combination with the increased utility of the Internet of Things (IoT) with energy systems, is creating a powerful need for advanced computational solutions. Quantum computing can facilitate the computational power needed to assist in the integration of IoT devices by analyzing real-time and near-real-time data produced by the IoT devices. Quantum computing can help utilities optimize data from IoT devices to make smart grids responsive and adaptive to even further changing energy demands. As utilities continue to modernize their assets and infrastructure, quantum computing assists with the coordinated operation and scalability of smart grids and IoT systems. Report Scope Feature of the Report Details Market Size in 2025 USD 16.10 Billion Projected Market Size in 2034 USD 23.72 Billion Market Size in 2024 USD 15.42 Billion CAGR Growth Rate 4.40% CAGR Base Year 2024 Forecast Period 2025-2034 Key Segment By Technology, Application and Region Report Coverage Revenue Estimation and Forecast, Company Profile, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors and Recent Trends Regional Scope North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and South & Central America Buying Options Request tailored purchasing options to fulfil your requirements for research. (A free sample of the Quantum Computing in Energy and Utility report is available upon request; please contact us for more information.) Our Free Sample Report Consists of the following: Introduction, Overview, and in-depth industry analysis are all included in the 2024 updated report. The COVID-19 Pandemic Outbreak Impact Analysis is included in the package. About 220+ Pages Research Report (Including Recent Research) Provide detailed chapter-by-chapter guidance on the Request. Updated Regional Analysis with a Graphical Representation of Size, Share, and Trends for the Year 2025 Includes Tables and figures have been updated. The most recent version of the report includes the Top Market Players, their Business Strategies, Sales Volume, and Revenue Analysis Custom Market Insights (CMI) research methodology (Please note that the sample of the Quantum Computing in Energy and Utility report has been modified to include the COVID-19 impact study prior to delivery.) Request a Customized Copy of the Quantum Computing in Energy and Utility Market Report @ https://www.custommarketinsights.com/report/quantum-computing-in-energy-and-utility-market/ SWOT Analysis Strengths: Quantum computing allows for an unprecedented level of computational ability, providing energy and utility companies with rapid solutions to complex optimization problems. With its unique ability to analyze large sets of data simultaneously, quantum computing has the potential to improve grid management, predictive maintenance, and energy efficiency. Furthermore, quantum computings abilities would enable energy companies to facilitate renewable energy sources to be integrated into the energy grid, optimize energy storage capabilities, and reduce operational costs. No other technology has the same ability to support the implementation of sustainability programs. These strengths are unique to quantum computing and are why its a very promising technology for the energy sector; it will help companies operate more efficiently and sustainably and help provide a competitive advantage. Weaknesses: Quantum computing still has many challenges to overcome within the energy and utility sectors. While quantum computing has much potential, it is still in its early stages for the energy sector and has little in the way of actual, realizable applications that can be scaled. Quantum hardware is also very expensive to build and operate, which will deter some companies from pursuing the technology. The skilled labor shortage is about to emerge with quantum computing; its very difficult to find a quantum physicist who also understands the application of quantum algorithms to energy and utility optimization. In other words, for energy to realize the value of quantum computing, there are still significant hurdles to overcome. Opportunities: With the rise of renewable energy, the need for more intelligent, more efficient energy systems presents major opportunities for quantum computing. The technology can provide the needed solutions for energy forecasting, optimization of the grid system, and energy storage, helping to leverage a transformation away from carbon-based energy sources. In addition, as it matures, the demand for quantum-based solutions in areas such as smart grids, energy storage, and predictive maintenance will increase, allowing firms to invest in an emerging and rapidly changing market where they can differentiate themselves with cutting-edge technology. Threats: Quantum computing certainly faces threats in the energy space, mainly because of competition with different classical computing technologies. Classical supercomputing continues to improve its performance in specific energy applications, and in some circumstances, it may provide similar or equivalent levels of performance to quantum in a short-term perspective. Furthermore, regulatory issues and the costs of implementing quantum computing systems can delay or limit the adoption possibilities. Despite the potential benefits, complex and variable information surrounding critical reasons to adopt products and services based on quantum technologies can deter investor confidence, leading to delayed adoptions from the utility and energy sector. Request a Customized Copy of the Quantum Computing in Energy and Utility Market Report @ https://www.custommarketinsights.com/report/quantum-computing-in-energy-and-utility-market/ Key questions answered in this report: What is the size of the Quantum Computing in Energy and Utility market and what is its expected growth rate? What are the primary driving factors that push the Quantum Computing in Energy and Utility market forward? What are the Quantum Computing in Energy and Utility Industry's top companies? What are the different categories that the Quantum Computing in Energy and Utility Market caters to? What will be the fastest-growing segment or region? In the value chain, what role do essential players play? What is the procedure for getting a free copy of the Quantum Computing in Energy and Utility market sample report and company profiles? Key Offerings: Market Share, Size & Forecast by Revenue | 20252034 Market Dynamics Growth Drivers, Restraints, Investment Opportunities, and Leading Trends Market Segmentation A detailed analysis by Types of Services, by End-User Services, and by regions Competitive Landscape Top Key Vendors and Other Prominent Vendors Buy this Premium Quantum Computing in Energy and Utility Research Report | Fast Delivery Available - [220+ Pages] @ https://www.custommarketinsights.com/report/quantum-computing-in-energy-and-utility-market/ Regional Analysis The Quantum computing in energy and utility market is segmented into various regions, including North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA. Here is a brief overview of each region: North America: North America is at the forefront of the quantum computing market, receiving extensive investment from the U.S. and Canada. Innovative energy ideas and a commitment to sustainability are even greater drivers for the adoption of quantum technology within the energy industry. Furthermore, major players such as IBM, Google, and Microsoft have established robust footprints in the region by providing quantum hardware, software, and services. The U.S. Federal Government recently launched the National Quantum Initiative, which promotes investments in research into quantum technologies, among many others, which is already driving additional developments and investments into the sector. With a mature infrastructure, substantial technology ecosystem, and investment from government agencies, North America is poised to continue developing quantum solutions to optimize and manage energy consumption. Europe: Meanwhile, Europe is ramping up their investment in quantum computing, and several countries are driving innovation in this space in the energy sector across the continent. The European Union has funded the Quantum Flagship initiative, which provides a platform for deploying systematic initiatives to accelerate quantum research and development. Countries such as Germany, France, and the UK, among others, are currently funding projects to integrate quantum computing within grid optimization, renewable energy forecasting, and energy storage solutions. Given that the European Union has these green energy as sustainability goals, most of which involve reducing energy consumption while increasing the use of renewable energy sources, advances in quantum computing are positioning themselves at a timely time to help the government and private sector achieve these ambitious goals. Asia-Pacific: This region of the world appears to be rapidly growing for quantum computing with the likes of China, Japan, and India at the forefront of developments in quantum technology. Chinas investment in quantum research and technology means that they are a major player in the sector, and the energy sector is no exception. Likewise, Japan and India are hoping to understand how quantum computing can aid in optimizing energy management and supporting the integration of renewables. Asia-Pacific is likely to be a strong market for quantum computing in energy as demand for sustainable energy practices increases and both the public and private sectors invest in quantum technologies. LAMEA: Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa (LAMEA) may be considered emerging markets for quantum computing, with the technology being increasingly considered for projects relating to the energy sector. In Latin America, some countries, such as Brazil and Mexico, are investigating quantum-based solutions for energy efficiency, integrating renewables, and managing a smart grid. The Middle East continues to make substantial investments in smart grid technology. In Africa, while challenges remain, particularly regarding the wider economic context, clean energy solutions are slowly becoming a part of the energy landscape. The LAMEA region may present challenges for quantum computing adoption due to both economic and infrastructural issues; however, the increasing focus on sustainable development in these areas could provide opportunities for quantum computing to help address issues in the energy sector. Request a Customized Copy of the Quantum Computing in Energy and Utility Market Report @ https://www.custommarketinsights.com/report/quantum-computing-in-energy-and-utility-market/ (We customized your report to meet your specific research requirements. Inquire with our sales team about customizing your report.) Still, Looking for More Information? Do OR Want Data for Inclusion in magazines, case studies, research papers, or Media? Email Directly Here with Detail Information: support@custommarketinsights.com Browse the full Quantum Computing in Energy and Utility Market Size, Trends and Insights By Technology (Quantum Hardware, Quantum Software, Quantum Services), By Application (Grid Optimization, Energy Storage Systems, Renewable Energy Forecasting, Predictive Maintenance, Supply Chain Optimization), and By Region - Global Industry Overview, Statistical Data, Competitive Analysis, Share, Outlook, and Forecast 20252034 Report at https://www.custommarketinsights.com/report/quantum-computing-in-energy-and-utility-market/ List of the prominent players in the Quantum Computing in Energy and Utility Market: IBM Google Microsoft Rigetti Computing D-Wave Systems Honeywell Quantum Solutions Intel IonQ Xanadu Quantum Technologies Alibaba Quantum Laboratory Cambridge Quantum Computing Zapata Computing Quantum Circuits Inc. Toshiba Corporation Fujitsu Accenture AWS (Amazon Web Services) Quantum Computing Microsoft Azure Quantum Baidu Quantum Computing QCI (Quantum Computing Inc.) Others Click Here to Access a Free Sample Report of the Global Quantum Computing in Energy and Utility Market @ https://www.custommarketinsights.com/report/quantum-computing-in-energy-and-utility-market/ Spectacular Deals Comprehensive coverage Maximum number of market tables and figures The subscription-based option is offered. Best price guarantee Free 35% or 60 hours of customization. Free post-sale service assistance. 25% discount on your next purchase. Service guarantees are available. Personalized market brief by author. 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Which Trends Are Causing These Developments? Who Are the Global Key Players in This Quantum Computing in Energy and Utility Market? What are Their Company Profile, Product Information, and Contact Information? What Was the Global Market Status of the Quantum Computing in Energy and Utility Market? What Was the Capacity, Production Value, Cost and PROFIT of the Quantum Computing in Energy and Utility Market? What Is the Current Market Status of Quantum Computing in the Energy and Utility Industry? What's Market Competition in This Industry, Both Company and Country Wise? What's Market Analysis of Quantum Computing in the Energy and Utility Market by Considering Applications and Types? What Are Projections of the Global Quantum Computing in the Energy and Utility Industry Considering Capacity, Production, and Production Value? What Will Be the Estimation of Cost and Profit? What Will Be Market Share, Supply, and Consumption? What about imports and exports? What Is Quantum Computing in Energy and Utility Market Chain Analysis by Upstream Raw Materials and Downstream Industry? What Is the Economic Impact of Quantum Computing in the Energy and Utility Industry? What are Global Macroeconomic Environment Analysis Results? What Are Global Macroeconomic Environment Development Trends? What Are the Market Dynamics of Quantum Computing in the Energy and Utility Market? What Are Challenges and Opportunities? What Should Be Entry Strategies, Countermeasures to Economic Impact, and Marketing Channels for Quantum Computing in Energy and Utility Industry? Click Here to Access a Free Sample Report of the Global Quantum Computing in Energy and Utility Market @ https://www.custommarketinsights.com/report/quantum-computing-in-energy-and-utility-market/ Reasons to Purchase Quantum Computing in Energy and Utility Market Report Quantum Computing in Energy and Utility Market Report provides qualitative and quantitative analysis of the market based on segmentation involving economic and non-economic factors. Quantum Computing in Energy and Utility Market report outlines market value (USD) data for each segment and sub-segment. This report indicates the region and segment expected to witness the fastest growth and dominate the market. Quantum Computing in Energy and Utility Market Analysis by geography highlights the consumption of the product/service in the region and indicates the factors affecting the market within each region. The competitive landscape incorporates the market ranking of the major players, along with new service/product launches, partnerships, business expansions, and acquisitions in the past five years of companies profiled. Extensive company profiles comprising company overview, company insights, product benchmarking, and SWOT analysis for the major market players. The Industry's current and future market outlook concerning recent developments (which involve growth opportunities and drivers as well as challenges and restraints of both emerging and developed regions. Quantum Computing in Energy and Utility Market Includes in-depth market analysis from various perspectives through Porter's five forces analysis and provides insight into the market through Value Chain. Reasons for the Research Report The study provides a thorough overview of the global Quantum Computing in Energy and Utility market. Compare your performance to that of the market as a whole. Aim to maintain competitiveness while innovations from established key players fuel market growth. Buy this Premium Quantum Computing in Energy and Utility Research Report | Fast Delivery Available - [220+ Pages] @ https://www.custommarketinsights.com/report/quantum-computing-in-energy-and-utility-market/ What does the report include? Drivers, restrictions, and opportunities are among the qualitative elements covered in the worldwide Quantum Computing in Energy and Utility market analysis. The competitive environment of current and potential participants in the Quantum Computing in Energy and Utility market is covered in the report, as well as those companies' strategic product development ambitions. According to the component, application, and industry vertical, this study analyzes the market qualitatively and quantitatively. Additionally, the report offers comparable data for the important regions. We have provided actual market sizes and forecasts for each of the aforementioned segments. Who should buy this report? Participants and stakeholders in the worldwide Quantum Computing in Energy and Utility market should find this report useful. The research will be useful to all market participants in quantum computing in the energy and utility industries. Managers in the Quantum Computing in Energy and Utility sector are interested in publishing up-to-date and projected data about the worldwide Quantum Computing in Energy and Utility market. Governmental agencies, regulatory bodies, decision-makers, and organizations want to invest in Quantum Computing's energy and utility products' market trends. Market insights are sought for by analysts, researchers, educators, strategy managers, and government organizations to develop plans. Request a Customized Copy of the Quantum Computing in Energy and Utility Market Report @ https://www.custommarketinsights.com/report/quantum-computing-in-energy-and-utility-market/ About Custom Market Insights: Custom Market Insights is a market research and advisory company delivering business insights and market research reports to large, small, and medium-scale enterprises. We assist clients with strategies and business policies and regularly work toward achieving sustainable growth in their respective domains. CMI offers a comprehensive solution, from data collection to investment advice. Our company's expert analysis digs out essential factors that help us understand the significance and impact of market dynamics. The professional experts apply clients inside on the aspects such as strategies for future estimation fall, forecasting or opportunity to grow, and consumer survey. Follow Us: LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube Contact Us: Joel John CMI Consulting LLC 1333, 701 Tillery Street Unit 12, Austin, TX, Travis, US, 78702 USA: +1 737-734-2707 India: +91 20 46022736 Email: support@custommarketinsights.com Web: https://www.custommarketinsights.com/ Blog: https://www.techyounme.com/ Blog: https://businessresearchindustry.com Blog: https://www.technowalla.com/ Blog: https://marketresearchtrade.com/ Buy this Premium Quantum Computing in Energy and Utility Research Report | Fast Delivery Available - [220+ Pages] @ https://www.custommarketinsights.com/report/quantum-computing-in-energy-and-utility-market/ SPRINGFIELD, Mass., July 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Greystone Real Estate Advisory Group (GREA), serving as transaction advisor for the Massachusetts Division of Capital Asset Management & Maintenance (DCAMM), is pleased to announce a Request for Proposals (RFP) which provides an exceptional opportunity to design, build, and own a landmark facility anchored by a 40-year initial lease with the Commonwealth -- a new courthouse facility in Springfield, MA. The selected development partner will be responsible for providing a site and delivering a fully functional courthouse encompassing up to 330,000 usable square feet to accommodate judicial, administrative, detention, and court services. The initial lease term will span 40 years, with the potential for two 10-year extensions, for a total term of up to 60 years. DCAMM is pleased to announce the availability of the Request for Proposals as a major milestone in the Commonwealths efforts to accelerate the delivery of a new modern regional justice center for Springfield and Hampden County, said DCAMM Commissioner Adam Baacke. We look forward to a robust response from the development community that will ultimately yield a high-quality facility that also reflects important community priorities. Development proposals must include: A suitable site within the city limits, preferably centrally located in Downtown Springfield, with strong civic identity and convenient public access Design that aligns with court operational needs and enhances community presence Plans to exceed the Commonwealths sustainability benchmarks Demonstrated experience in delivering large-scale civic or justice-related infrastructure Financial and operational capacity to execute a project of this magnitude We are pleased to see this important project move into its next phase, said Executive Office of the Trial Court Chief Justice Heidi Brieger and Court Administrator Thomas G. Ambrosino. This new courthouse will better serve our employees, court users, and the broader community. In Greystones role as transaction advisor to DCAMM for the Springfield Regional Justice Center project, services include opportunity marketing to achieve high visibility of this unique solicitation, proposal analysis, and transaction advisory services. Greystones experience includes serving as the real estate and development advisor to numerous Commonwealth agencies, including the MBTA, MassDOT and DCAMM, in addition to numerous public institutions across the nation. For more information, please visit http://springfieldregionaljusticecenter.com. About the Greystone Real Estate Advisory Group Established in 1999, the Greystone Real Estate Advisory Group, a division of Greystone Select Incorporated (Greystone), provides commercial real estate service to public, private, and not for profit clients. Its mission is to provide advisory services that maximize the value of existing real estate portfolios. Through its established partnership with public clients, Greystone Real Estate Advisory Group has become a national leader in the management of revenue-producing properties for public transportation agencies. The group has an established reputation in the marketplace as a results-oriented property asset management firm that routinely identifies new revenue sources from its clients existing portfolios. For more information, visit www.greystonerealestategroup.com. About the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance The Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM) works with state agencies to create and manage forward-thinking, sustainable buildings to meet the needs of the people they serve. DCAMM partners with fellow agencies to help them meet their strategic needs with fiscally responsible building and real estate solutions. CONTACT: Dennis Wood Greystone 212-268-9485 Dennis.Wood@greyco.com LONDON, July 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NE10 Vodka Limited, (NE10) and/or (the Company) a leading international drinks business with a strong emphasis on the production and distribution of premium flavored vodka and ready-to-drink cans, today announced the appointment of two seasoned Directors, further strengthening the Companys executive leadership team. With immediate effect, Scott Ryder and Simon Young will take their positions as National Sales and Commercial Directors respectively. Scott brings more than two decades of executive experience and a strong record of success within the UK and USA beverage industries, his responsibilities include revenue optimization, development and execution of NE10s national sales strategies, business development and emerging growth opportunities. As a creative and charismatic leader, Scott previously held senior management roles at ROKiT drinks, Castle Rock Brewery, Green King and Marstons PLC. Scott's proactive approach and commitment to excellence will be instrumental in establishing NE10 as a global leader in the premium spirits category. Scott Ryder shared his passion about joining NE10: Im excited to bring my experience to a Company thats scaling both in the UK and USA. Its a great opportunity for me to work alongside an energetic team and build on strong foundations. Im looking forward to working with the NE10 team and help deliver value to our customers, partners and shareholders. Its certainly exciting times ahead for NE10. Furthermore, the Company is pleased to announce the appointment of Simon Young as Commercial Director. Simon brings over 19 years of industry exposure with previous tenures including HB Clark, ROKiT Drinks, Trilogy Beverages and one of the UKs leading beverage companies Camerons Brewery. Simon will develop and execute NE10s commercial plan whilst continually driving growth and further enhance the Companys market presence. Simon has a deep understanding of market dynamics, product innovation and customer engagement. His ability to forge strategic partnerships and build high-performing teams will accelerate the companys growth and success in the spirits market. Paul Carroll Managing Director Commented: Both Scott and Simon have a fantastic understanding of the highly competitive premium spirits landscape. Their managerial expertise will play a critical role in solidifying NE10 as a leader in the flavored vodka drink category. Both appointments align perfectly with NE10s mission to grow nationally and internationally while staying true to our core values. We welcome them both to the NE10 leadership team. Both appointments come at a pivotal time for NE10, as the new Directors will focus on driving growth in key markets throughout the UK and USA whilst staying committed to providing consumers with premium flavored vodka-based drinks. For Further Information Contact: Ne10 Vodka Limited Investor Relations Manager E: info@ne10vodka.co.uk GAITHERSBURG, Md., July 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Emergent BioSolutions Inc. (NYSE: EBS) today announced the expansion of its proprietary NARCANDirect online distribution network to include KLOXXADO (naloxone HCl) Nasal Spray 8 mg. The platform provides qualified direct purchasers, including emergency medical services, law enforcement, fire departments, government agencies, schools/universities and community-based naloxone distribution programs with streamlined access to opioid overdose response products. This addition complements the existing availability of NARCAN (naloxone HCl) Nasal Spray 4 mg, increasing access to naloxone across the United States. In January 2025, Emergent acquired exclusive commercial rights to KLOXXADO Nasal Spray in the U.S. and Canada in an effort to help save lives by increasing access and availability of life-saving naloxone. By distributing both NARCAN Nasal Spray 4 mg and KLOXXADO Nasal Spray 8 mg through Emergents expansive distribution networks, key stakeholders and communities now have more options in responding to opioid emergencies. KLOXXADO Nasal Spray is a higher dose prescription emergency treatment for a known or suspected opioid overdose. NARCAN Nasal Spray is available across the U.S and Canada and continues to be a trusted 4 mg naloxone standard of care in the community setting. Expanding naloxone tools through NARCANDirect comes at a pivotal moment in the ongoing fight against the opioid epidemic as provisional data released in May from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that drug overdose deaths in 2024 decreased 27 percent, with opioid-related deaths dropping by 34 percent from 2023.1 Shortly after this initial report, the CDC reported new provisional data available as of June 1, 2025 that found overdose deaths increased by roughly 1,400 in a 12-month period from January 2024 to January 2025.2,3 This incremental increase demonstrates the persistent and evolving nature of the opioid crisis, further reinforcing the continued need for new tools and ongoing support to ensure widespread opioid emergency preparedness. Tremendous progress in the fight against the opioid epidemic has been made since NARCAN Nasal Spray became available over the counter in 2023, but this most recent uptick in overdose deaths reaffirms that we cannot simply stay the course, says Paul Williams, senior vice president, head of products business, global government & public affairs at Emergent. Adding KLOXXADO to our NARCANDirect distribution is an important step in broadening access to naloxone and saving more lives. We will continue to work with partners across sectors to adopt new approaches and make systemic changes to ensure businesses, communities and individuals nationwide are ready to rescue. Emergent is also introducing Convenience Kits on NARCANDirect, which will equip frontline responders and community programs with the requested components of one medical-grade CPR mask and one pair of nitrile examination gloves for overdose response, provided in a durable hard case with internal pockets. To access these new offerings, public interest customers should visit NARCANDirect.com. Consumers, patients and healthcare providers can visit KLOXXADO.com and NARCAN.com to learn how to be prepared in an opioid overdose emergency with life-saving intranasal naloxone. About NARCAN Nasal Spray NARCAN Naloxone HCl Nasal Spray 4 mg is the first FDA-approved, over-the-counter (OTC) 4 mg naloxone product for the emergency treatment of opioid overdose. NARCAN Nasal Spray is not a substitute for emergency medical care. Repeat dosing may be necessary. Use as directed. Important Safety Information for KLOXXADO (naloxone HCl) Nasal Spray 8 mg What is KLOXXADO Nasal Spray? KLOXXADO Nasal Spray is a prescription medicine used for the treatment of an opioid emergency such as an overdose or a possible opioid overdose in adults and children with signs of breathing problems and severe sleepiness or not being able to respond. Nasal Spray is a prescription medicine used for the treatment of an opioid emergency such as an overdose or a possible opioid overdose in adults and children with signs of breathing problems and severe sleepiness or not being able to respond. KLOXXADO Nasal Spray is to be given right away and does not take the place of emergency medical care. Nasal Spray is to be given right away and does not take the place of emergency medical care. Get emergency medical help right away after giving the first dose of KLOXXADO Nasal Spray, even if the person wakes up. What is the most important information I should know about KLOXXADO Nasal Spray? Get emergency medical help right away after giving the first dose of KLOXXADO Nasal Spray. The signs and symptoms of an opioid emergency can return after KLOXXADO Nasal Spray is given. If this happens, give another dose after 2 to 3 minutes using a new KLOXXADO Nasal Spray and watch the person closely until emergency help is received. The medicine in KLOXXADO Nasal Spray is safe to use in people who are not taking opioids. KLOXXADO Nasal Spray is not intended for self-administration. What should I tell my healthcare provider (pharmacist or prescriber) before using KLOXXADO Nasal Spray? Before using KLOXXADO Nasal Spray, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you: have heart problems are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Use of KLOXXADO Nasal Spray may cause withdrawal symptoms in your unborn baby. Your unborn baby should be examined by a healthcare provider right away after you use KLOXXADO Nasal Spray. Nasal Spray may cause withdrawal symptoms in your unborn baby. Your unborn baby should be examined by a healthcare provider right away after you use KLOXXADO Nasal Spray. are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if KLOXXADO Nasal Spray passes into your breast milk. What are the possible serious side effects of KLOXXADO Nasal Spray? KLOXXADO Nasal Spray may cause sudden opioid withdrawal symptoms including body aches, diarrhea, increased heart rate, fever, runny nose, sneezing, goose bumps, sweating, yawning, nausea or vomiting, nervousness, restlessness or irritability, shivering or trembling, stomach cramping, weakness, and increased blood pressure. In infants under 4 weeks old who have been receiving opioids regularly, sudden opioid withdrawal may be life-threatening if not treated the right way. Signs and symptoms include seizures, crying more than usual, and increased reflexes. Who should not use KLOXXADO Nasal Spray? Do not use KLOXXADO Nasal Spray if you are allergic to naloxone hydrochloride or any of the ingredients in KLOXXADO Nasal Spray. What are the most common side effects of KLOXXADO nasal spray? The most common side effects of KLOXXADO Nasal Spray in adults include stomach-area (abdomen) pain, weakness, dizziness, headache, nose (nasal) discomfort, and a feeling like you are going to faint. These are not all of the possible side effects of KLOXXADO Nasal Spray. Please see full Prescribing Information, including Patient Information, which includes a more complete discussion of the risks associated with KLOXXADO Nasal Spray. Always contact your healthcare provider (pharmacist or prescriber) if you have questions or experience any side effects. You are encouraged to report negative side effects to the FDA at: 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. You can also contact Hikma Specialty USA Inc. at: us.hikma@primevigilance.com or call 1-877-845-0689 or 1-800-962-8364. Trademarks and logos are the property of their respective owners. About Emergent BioSolutions At Emergent, our mission is to protect and save lives. For over 25 years, weve been at work preparing those entrusted with protecting public health. We deliver protective and life-saving solutions for health threats like smallpox, mpox, botulism, Ebola, anthrax and opioid overdose emergencies. To learn more about how we help prepare communities around the world for todays health challenges and tomorrows threats, visit our website and follow us on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Safe Harbor Statement This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, including statements regarding Emergents ability to market and sell KLOXXADO Nasal Spray on the NARCANDirect online distribution network, are forward-looking statements. We generally identify forward-looking statements by using words like anticipate, believe, continue, could, estimate, expect, forecast, future, goal, intend, may, plan, position, possible, potential, predict, project, should, target, will, would, and similar expressions or variations thereof, or the negative thereof, but these terms are not the exclusive means of identifying such statements. Forward-looking statements are based on our current intentions, beliefs and expectations regarding future events based on information that is currently available. We cannot guarantee that any forward-looking statements will be accurate. Readers should realize that if underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or if known or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results could differ materially from our expectations. Readers are, therefore, cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of this press release, and, except as required by law, we do not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect new information, events or circumstances. There are a number of important factors that could cause Emergents actual results to differ materially from those indicated by any forward-looking statements. Readers should consider this cautionary statement, as well as the risk factors and other disclosures included in Emergents periodic reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, when evaluating the companys forward-looking statements. Investor Contact: Richard S. Lindahl Executive Vice President, CFO lindahlr@ebsi.com Media Contact: Assal Hellmer Vice President, Communications mediarelations@ebsi.com _________________________ 1 https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/pressroom/releases/20250514.html 2 https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2025/2025-cdc-reports-decline-in-us-drug-overdose-deaths.html 3 https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nvss/vsrr/drug-overdose-data.htm PERRYSBURG, Ohio, July 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- O-I Glass, Inc. (NYSE: OI) has scheduled its second quarter 2025 conference call and webcast for Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at 8 a.m. EDT. The Companys news release for the second quarter 2025 earnings will be issued after the market closes on Tuesday, July 29. What: O-I Conference Call and Webcast Earnings presentation materials will also be posted on the O-I website, www.o-i.com/investors, when the earnings news release is issued. When: Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at 8 a.m. EDT Where: https://events.q4inc.com/attendee/530265544 or at www.o-i.com/investors, Events and Presentations page The webcast will be archived at www.o-i.com/investors until July 2026. ABOUT O-I GLASS At O-I Glass, Inc. (NYSE: OI), we love glass, and we are proud to be one of the leading producers of glass bottles and jars around the globe. Glass is not only beautiful, it is also pure, healthy, and completely recyclable, making it the most sustainable rigid packaging material. Headquartered in Perrysburg, Ohio (USA), O-I is the preferred partner for many of the worlds leading food and beverage brands. We innovate in line with customers needs to create iconic packaging that builds brands around the world. Led by our diverse team of approximately 21,000 people across 69 plants in 19 countries, O-I achieved revenues of $6.5 billion in 2024. Learn more about us: o-i.com / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / LinkedIn contact: SASHA SEKPEH Investor Relations Coordinator alexandra.sekpeh@o-i.com 567.336.5128 Attachment OKOTOKS, Alberta, July 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- (TSX: MTL) Mullen Group Ltd. ("Mullen Group" and/or the "Corporation") intends to release its 2025 Second Quarter earnings results on Thursday, July 24, 2025, at 6:00 a.m. ET, and has scheduled a conference call and webcast as follows: Date: July 24, 2025 Time: 10:00 a.m. ET Pre-Registration: registration link Upon registering, you will receive a calendar booking by email with dial in details and a unique PIN. This process will bypass the operator and avoid the queue. Registration will remain open until the end of the conference call. Dial-in: 1-833-752-3592 (for participants in North America) +1-647-846-8386 (International participants) Webcast: www.mullen-group.com Replay: Two weeks until August 7, 2025, by dialing 1-855-669-9658 (Canada/US toll free) or 1-412-317-0088 (International toll), access code 7759851 followed by the pound key. About Mullen Group Ltd. Mullen Group is a public company with a long history of acquiring companies in the transportation and logistics industries. Today, we have one of the largest portfolios of logistics companies in North America, providing a wide range of transportation, warehousing and distribution services through a network of independently operated businesses. Service offerings include less-than-truckload, truckload, warehousing, logistics, transload, oversized, third-party logistics and specialized hauling transportation. In addition, our businesses provide a diverse set of specialized services related to the energy, mining, forestry and construction industries in western Canada, including water management, fluid hauling and environmental reclamation. The corporate office provides the capital and financial expertise, legal support, technology and systems support, shared services and strategic planning to its independent businesses. Mullen Group is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "MTL". Additional information is available on our website at www.mullen-group.com or on the Corporation's issuer profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Contact Information Mr. Murray K. Mullen - Chair, Senior Executive Officer and President Mr. Richard J. Maloney - Senior Operating Officer Mr. Carson P. Urlacher - Senior Financial Officer Ms. Joanna K. Scott - Senior Corporate Officer 121A - 31 Southridge Drive Okotoks, Alberta, Canada T1S 2N3 Telephone: 403-995-5200 Fax: 403-995-5296 VANCOUVER, British Columbia, July 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rubicon Organics Inc. (TSXV: ROMJ) (OTCQX: ROMJF) (Rubicon Organics, Rubicon, or the Company), Canadas leading premium licensed producer focused on cultivating and selling organic certified, premium and super-premium cannabis products, is proud to announce the launch of its new 1964 Supply Co. (1964) All-in-One (AIO) Full Spectrum Extract (FSE) Resin Vapes into the Canadian market. Building on the successful launch of its 510 FSE resin vape cartridges in May 2024, Rubicon Organics introduces a new All-in-One device. Designed for convenience, the AIO delivers the Companys premium, highly flavourful FSE resin through hardware carefully selected to bring out the full expression of Rubicons FSE resin made from its renowned, terpene rich, flower inputs. The first AIO release will feature Comatose, 1964s best-selling 510 vape SKU, in a 0.5 gram format that allows for an attractive price point and broad consumer accessibility. The product will debut in British Columbia and roll out to most major provinces across Canada (excluding Quebec) in the coming months. Rubicon plans to launch two additional AIO offerings by the end of 2025. This launch is another important step in our growth strategy, said Margaret Brodie, CEO of Rubicon Organics. We are excited to bring our All-in-One vapes to Canadian consumers and continue offering premium, full-spectrum cannabis products that meet the evolving needs of todays market. This launch aligns with Rubicons 1964 brand strategy to attract consumers from the legacy market both current and former by offering high-quality products at compelling value. As one of the only AIO products in the category to feature FSE resin, this launch sets a new standard in a vape segment largely dominated by distillate-based products. For more information, visit us at www.rubiconorganics.com RSU Forfeiture The Company clarifies that 900,000 Restricted Share Units (RSUs) have been forfeited pursuant to the terms of Rubicons 2020 Equity Incentive Plan in relation to the termination of a former employee in 2022. ABOUT RUBICON ORGANICS INC. Rubicon Organics is the Canadian leader in certified organic and premium cannabis. With a vertically integrated model and strong national distribution, the company is scaling a house of trusted, high-performing brands including Simply Bare Organics, 1964 Supply Co., Wildflower, and Homestead Cannabis Supply. The Companys production base is anchored by its Delta, BC Facility, and is now complemented by the acquisition of our Hope, BC Facility which will expand production capacity by over 40% and support future growth in both domestic and export markets. With proprietary genetics, award-winning products, and certifications enabling international distribution, Rubicon is positioned at the forefront of the premium cannabis segment. As the Canadian market continues to rationalize and global demand for high-quality cannabis increases, Rubicons disciplined execution, brand equity, and consumer loyalty set it apart. The Company's focus on premium quality, innovation, and operational execution has driven consistent revenue growth and positive Adjusted EBITDA. Rubicon Organics represents a rare combination of category leadership, operational strength, and long-term growth potential. CONTACT INFORMATION Margaret Brodie CEO Phone: +1 (437) 929-1964 Email: ir@rubiconorganics.com The TSX Venture Exchange or its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward Looking Information This press release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements that are not historical facts, including without limitation, statements regarding future estimates, plans, programs, forecasts, projections, objectives, assumptions, expectations or beliefs of future performance, statements regarding Rubicon Organics goal of achieving industry leading profitability are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking information can be identified by the use of words such as will or variations of such word or statements that certain actions, events or results will be taken, occur or be achieved. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, events or developments to be materially different from any future results, events or developments expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. The forward-looking information in this press release is based on certain assumptions that management considers reasonable under the circumstances, the Companys ability to execute its business strategy, demand for its products in international markets, and other factors beyond the Companys control. These statements are based on current expectations, estimates, and projections about the Companys business and the industry in which it operates. Risks and uncertainties associated with the forward-looking information in this press release include, among others, risks related to regulatory approvals, changes in market conditions, competition, supply chain disruptions, the Company's ability to maintain certification standards, and the successful implementation of its business strategy. These factors should be considered carefully, and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. Although Rubicon Organics has attempted to identify important risk factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other risk factors that cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in forward-looking statements. Rubicon Organics assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, even if new information becomes available as a result of future events, new information or for any other reason except as required by law. These factors should be considered carefully, and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. Although Rubicon Organics has attempted to identify important risk factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other risk factors that cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in forward-looking statements. Rubicon Organics assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, even if new information becomes available as a result of future events, new information or for any other reason except as required by law. SAN FRANCISCO, July 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On June 25, 2025, two securities class action lawsuits were filed against Hims & Hers Health, Inc. (NYSE: HIMS) and certain of the companys executives. Sookdeo v. Hims & Hers Health, Inc., et al., No. 3:25-cv-05315 (N.D. Cal.) and Yaghsizian v. Hims & Hers Health, Inc. et al., No. 3:25-cv-05321 (N.D. Cal.). Together, the cases seek to represent investors who purchased or otherwise acquired Hims & Hers securities between April 29, 2025 and June 23, 2025. The lawsuits follow an announcement by Novo Nordisk that it terminated its collaboration with the telehealth company due to concerns about Hims & Hers sales and deceptive marketing of the weight loss drug Wegovy which precipitated a 30% crash in the price of Hims & Hers shares. National shareholders rights firm Hagens Berman continues to investigate the legal claims and urges Hims & Hers investors who suffered substantial losses to submit your losses now. The firm also encourages persons with knowledge who may be able to assist in the investigation to contact its attorneys. Class Period: Apr. 29, 2025 June 23, 2025 Lead Plaintiff Deadline: Aug. 25, 2025 Visit: www.hbsslaw.com/investor-fraud/hims Contact the Firm Now: HIMS@hbsslaw.com 844-916-0895 Hims & Hers Health, Inc. (HIMS) Securities Class Actions: The lawsuits allege that Hims & Hers made false and misleading statements while failing to disclose crucial information to investors. More specifically, the complaints allege that the company was engaged in deceptive promotion and selling of knockoff versions of Wegovy that put patient safety at risk and, as a result, there was a substantial risk that Hims & Hers collaboration with Novo Nordisk would be terminated. Investors learned the truth on June 23, 2025, when Novo Nordisk announced that it terminated the arrangement over its concerns about Hims & Hers illegal mass compounding and deceptive marketing. Novo further explained, [o]ver one month into the collaboration, Hims & Hers Health, Inc. has failed to adhere to the law which prohibits mass sales of compounded drugs under false guise of personalization and are disseminating deceptive marketing that put patient safety at risk[] and when companies engage in illegal sham compounding that jeopardizes the health of Americans, we will continue to take action. Were investigating whether Hims & Hers may have misled investors about whether it marketed knockoff versions of Wegovy that could have put patients and the collaboration with Novo Nordisk at risk, said Reed Kathrein, the Hagens Berman partner leading the investigation. If you invested in Hims & Hers and have substantial losses, or have knowledge that may assist the firms investigation, submit your losses now If youd like more information and answers to frequently asked questions about the Hims & Hers case and our investigation, read more Whistleblowers: Persons with non-public information regarding Hims & Hers should consider their options to help in the investigation or take advantage of the SEC Whistleblower program. Under the new program, whistleblowers who provide original information may receive rewards totaling up to 30 percent of any successful recovery made by the SEC. For more information, call Reed Kathrein at 844-916-0895 or email HIMS@hbsslaw.com. About Hagens Berman Hagens Berman is a global plaintiffs rights complex litigation firm focusing on corporate accountability. The firm is home to a robust practice and represents investors as well as whistleblowers, workers, consumers and others in cases achieving real results for those harmed by corporate negligence and other wrongdoings. Hagens Bermans team has secured more than $2.9 billion in this area of law. More about the firm and its successes can be found at hbsslaw.com. Follow the firm for updates and news at @ClassActionLaw. Vancouver, BC,, July 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WestKam Gold Corp. (TSXV:WKG) (the Company or WestKam) announces that today it was unable to meet the June 30, 2025, deadline to file its interim financial statements, the related managements discussion and analysis and the related officer certifications for the six month period ended April 30, 2025 (collectively, the Interim Filings), as required under applicable Canadian securities laws. The Company is unable to file the Interim Filings prior to the required deadline as its CFO, Pam Saulnier, has gone on medical leave. The Company is in the process of hiring new accounting personnel and an Interim CFO to assist it with completion of the Interim Financials as soon as possible. It is anticipated that the Interim Filings will be completed and filed on SEDAR+ before the end of August 2025. In connection with the Companys inability to file the Interim Filings on time, the Company applied, and received approval, for a management cease trade order (the MCTO) from the British Columbia Securities Commission under National Policy 12-203 Management Cease Trade Orders (NP 12-203). Until the Company files the Interim Filings, it will comply with the guidelines set out in Part 3(10) of NP 12-203. The guidelines, among other things, require the Company to issue bi-weekly default status reports in the form of news releases. While the MCTO is in effect, the general investing public will continue to be able to trade freely in the Companys listed common shares. However, the MCTO will prohibit the Companys Chief Executive Officer and Interim Chief Financial Officer from trading securities of the Company for so long as the Interim Filings are not filed. Additionally, the Company will be prohibited from directly or indirectly issuing or acquiring securities from insiders or employees of the Company until such time as the Interim Filings and all continuous disclosure filings have been filed by the Company, and the MCTO has been lifted. About WestKam WestKam Gold Corp. is a Canadian-listed junior gold exploration company focused on exploring and developing projects in Western North America. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Peter Laipnieks Peter Laipnieks, President & CEO Contacts: WestKam Gold Corp. Suite 900, 570 Granville Street Vancouver, BC V6C 3P1 Contact: Investor Relations 250.216.5671 Email: westkam007@gmail.com westkamgoldcorp.com 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. In particular, this news release contains forward-looking information regarding the timing of completing and filing of the Interim Filings. 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 Companys 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. Beijing, China, July 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- July 1, 2025, marks the 104th founding anniversary of the Communist Party of China (CPC). Looking back on more than a century of striving, it is under the Party's strong leadership that the Chinese people have continuously turned the "impossible" into the "possible." The historic transformation of the Chinese nation - from standing up, to growing prosperous and becoming strong - has been fundamentally driven by the leadership of the CPC. The book series of Xi Jinping: The Governance of China contains multiple important speeches on upholding and strengthening the Party's leadership. In the article "Maximize the Institutional Strength of CPC Leadership" included in Volume III of the book series, Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, emphasized that governing a large country with more than 1.3 billion people, the Party must improve its leadership systems and mechanisms, give full play to the great strength of leadership by the Party, and shoulder the major responsibilities of carrying out our great struggle, developing our great project, advancing our great cause, and realizing our great dream. Only in this way can we ensure national reunification, uniform laws and policies and consistent market management, achieve economic development, clean political administration, cultural prosperity, social justice and healthy ecosystems, and smoothly advance the causes of Chinese socialism in the new era. In Volume IV, Xi further stressed in the article titled "Speech at the Ceremony Marking the Centenary of the Communist Party of China" that the leadership of the Party is the defining feature of socialism with Chinese characteristics and constitutes the greatest strength of this system. It is the foundation and lifeblood of the Party and the country, and the crux upon which the interests and wellbeing of all Chinese people depend. Looking ahead, only by upholding and strengthening the Party's overall leadership can we fully build a great modern socialist country in all respects as scheduled and achieve the grand goal of national rejuvenation. In the seventh installment of the special series "Decoding the Book of Xi Jinping: The Governance of China," the Global Times, along with People's Daily Overseas Edition, focuses on the theme: "Upholding CPC's overall leadership is China's greatest political advantage." We continue to invite Chinese and foreign scholars, translators of Xi's works, practitioners with firsthand experience, and international readers to explore the CPC's institutional strengths and real-world results in theoretical innovation, political development, organizational structure and its people-centered approach - and to collectively answer the question of our times: "Why is the CPC successful?" In the seventh article of the "Readers' Reflections" column, Global Times (GT) reporters Ma Jingjing and Qi Xijia talked to Jack Perry Junior (Perry), chairman of the 48 Group Club to listen to his family's story of connections with the CPC in the span over 70 years. For over 70 years, three generations of the Perry family have been engaged in in-depth interactions with China and the CPC, and witnessed the miracle of China's development. My grandfather (Jack Perry Senior)'s first interaction with the Communist Party of China (CPC) was a meeting with representatives of the then premier Zhou Enlai. They hoped that my grandfather would help reopen the China-British and China-Europe business and trade channels. In July 1953, my grandfather led a group of industrial and business leaders on a groundbreaking journey to China. They received a warm welcome in Beijing, where they inked a trade agreement worth 30 million pounds ($40.37 million) with the Chinese government, which was the first trade deal between a Western business community and the People's Republic of China. The visit defies the blockade imposed by the West on the newly founded People's Republic of China and is well known as the "Icebreaking Mission" between China and Britain. After that, my grandfather decided to focus his business on developing trade with China. He firmly believed that the new China led by the CPC would once again become a pillar of global trade. The Perry family has close connections with China under the leadership of the CPC and witnessed those most profound reforms - from the initial development in the 1950s after the founding of the new China, to the rapid surge of economic growth in the 1980s and 1990s, and then to the economic takeoff in the 21st century. In a congratulatory letter to an event commemorating the 70th anniversary of the "Icebreaking Mission" in China-UK trade in July 2023, President Xi Jinping pointed out that 70 years ago, British entrepreneurs represented by Jack Perry, keenly seeing the bright future of New China and the huge potential of China-UK cooperation, broke the ice of ideology with courage, and took the lead in opening up the channel of China-UK trade exchanges. Over the past seven decades, generations of "icebreakers" have witnessed and actively participated in China's development and reform, and achieved their own development and growth through mutually beneficial cooperation, Xi said. My father, Stephen Perry, met President Xi for three times. In 2018, President Xi presented the China Reform Friendship Medal to my father. Through long-term friendly exchanges with China, the Perry family has deeply felt the strategic foresight demonstrated by the CPC in exploring China's development path. We firmly believe that the wisdom of the CPC in governing the country will continue to inject strong momentum into China's stable development in the long run, create more opportunities for countries around the world, and contribute more Chinese solutions to achieving inclusive global development. New China, led by the CPC, has always been moving forward. The CPC and the Chinese government not only focus on addressing pressing immediate issues in the short term but also possess far-sighted vision - they take a 30-year, 40-year, or even longer-term perspective and formulate long-term goals and development plans based on scientific analysis. This forward-looking thinking enables China to maintain its course across different historical stages. Facts have proven that the CPC and the Chinese government have consistently kept their commitments, following through on their promises with unwavering resolve and exceptional execution. They have led the Chinese people to overcome myriad obstacles and achieve one magnificent goal after another. Such cohesion and execution capacity not only commands admiration but also demonstrates extraordinary strength, serving as a solid foundation for driving national development and progress. For example, China is generally able to effectively meet its domestic demand in areas such as agriculture, commodities, and oil refining - a challenge that would be difficult for any other country. This primarily stems from the CPC's consistent focus on achieving a happy life for the people as its core objective and its unswerving commitment to improving people's livelihoods, and promoting social equity, and harmony. The CPC cares about the feelings and needs of rural residents, ensuring that everyone can achieve success through their own efforts. This people-centered development philosophy has fostered social stability and the people's well-being in China, providing a solid foundation for economic development. President Xi has frequently talked about three key words: high-quality development, new quality productive forces, and high-level opening-up. These reflect China's forward-looking mindset and a development direction that China always maintains. Focusing on "AI+", a delegation of the 48 Group visited multiple Chinese provinces and cities, including Beijing and East China's Shandong Province recently, in a bid to explore cooperation opportunities in various sectors such as green economy, sci-tech innovations and financial services. The reason we came here is to seize on the development opportunities in China's high-tech field. The CPC and the Chinese government have demonstrated remarkable strategic focus, which ensures the consistency of their policies. Unlike the frequent shifts in Western political leadership and the lack of policy continuity, China has, through a long-term and stable policy environment, created predictable development prospects for global investors. Such a stable environment allows foreign businesses to operate in China with confidence, engage in long-term strategic planning, and make investments. Under the firm leadership of the CPC, China's high-level opening-up not only supports the vigorous growth of foreign enterprises in China but also showcases its remarkable inclusiveness. What impresses me is also China's opening-up stance. Take the various international exhibitions held in China as an example. Even if there are geopolitical differences between China and certain countries, the doors of the exhibitions are always open to all countries and companies, and no participant is rejected. During a meeting with representatives of the international business community in Beijing in March 2025, President Xi noted the twin miracles of rapid economic growth and enduring social stability that China has created over the past seven decades since the founding of the People's Republic of China, especially over the past four decades of reform and opening up. President Xi attributed the miracles to the strong leadership of the Communist Party of China as well as the unity and hard work of the Chinese people, and also to the support and help from the international community, including the contribution of foreign businesses operating in China. Countries around the world and global companies are eager to understand China and share China's market opportunities. In fact, my friends in the business field ask me all the time: "Jack, what are they doing in China?" I said you should get out there before you miss it, because they're doing a lot. Now the biggest opportunity in the world is to invest in China. China has transformed from traditional manufacturing to advanced equipment manufacturing driven by advanced technology, with cutting-edge technologies such as AI having deeply integrated into this process, injecting strong momentum into the industrial upgrading. Chinese private enterprises are exploring new technologies, striving to improve their strength and technological levels, and continuously moving toward internationalization. They have made significant achievements in various areas, providing abundant cooperation opportunities in the high-tech sectors. We want to work with countries, we want to work with companies, and we want to work with people. And that's what I've always seen with China, under the leadership of the CPC - being inclusive and being one of the leaders in innovation. For more than 70 years, we have always walked shoulder to shoulder with China under the leadership of the CPC. In the future, as the third generation of the Perry family, I will have the honor to continue this mission. July 1 marks the 104th anniversary of the founding of the CPC. To the Chinese people and the CPC, I would like to say thank you! Thank you for trusting a family from London to be your closest overseas partner for over 70 years. It's my humblest and greatest honor that I get to continue this "icebreaking" spirit in the third generation. My grandfather is "lao Perry," my father is "xiao Perry," and I'm "xiaoxiao Perry." That is truly emotional and I will continue to work hard to keep this friendship going. This story first appeared in Global Times: https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202507/1337428.shtml Company: Global Times Contact Person: Anna Li Email: editor@globaltimes.com.cn Website: https://globaltimes.cn City: Beijing Disclaimer: This press release may contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements describe future expectations, plans, results, or strategies (including product offerings, regulatory plans and business plans) and may change without notice. You are cautioned that such statements are subject to a multitude of risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including the risks that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Beijing, China, July 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On the first Wednesday of every month since 2005, rain or shine, a determined circle forms outside Osaka Station. Holding portraits of silver-haired women and signs reading "Let us build a society together where peace and human rights prevail, preserving the memory of history," members of a Japanese civil group raise voices that Tokyo has long tried to silence. As Japan marks 80 years since its World War II (WWII) defeat, this citizen-led movement battles historical amnesia while time runs out for the remaining victims. The civil group Japanese Military "Comfort Women" Issue, Kansai Network - began by petitioning local assemblies to adopt resolutions urging Japan's government apologize and compensate survivors of Imperial Japan's military sexual slavery system. Initially a regional effort, this initiative soon merged with nationwide activism. In 2010, the organization joined forces with other activists across Japan to establish the Japan Nationwide Action for the Resolution of the Japanese Military "Comfort Women" Issue, Pang Chong-ja, representative of the organization, told the Global Times in an exclusive interview on Sunday. Today, its core group of 15 organizers - mostly aged 60-70, with younger supporters joining monthly assemblies - continues to sustain a fragile bridge between vanishing survivors and Japan's forgetful present. According to the organization's website, one of their main activities is the Osaka Wednesday Rally. What began as a fragile gathering of 20 activists on a pedestrian bridge outside Osaka Station has grown into a sustained act of defiance against historical erasure. By June 2025, the rally had reached its 225th iteration, with crowds swelling to 60 a testament to resilience where crowds reached 60. When introducing the origin of the activity, the civil group said on its website that organizers believed that they "couldn't keep asking elderly survivors to relive trauma," so they began holding Wednesday Rally - notably shifting from speeches to street theater and live music. The organization has confronted obstruction from right-wing hate group members and the Japanese authorities. November 2009 brought orchestrated assaults when a group stormed the footbridge, spewing hate speech. Yet the organization later reclaimed the bridge through sheer determination, facing down both extremists and complicit authorities. After relocating monthly across Osaka's terminals, they finally established a long-term rally point in 2015, according to their website. "Since its inception, we have firmly opposed hate speech and activities targeting victims of Japanese military sexual violence, and we have consistently resisted pressure from the [Japanese] government and police authorities without yielding," Pang said. "Over the past 15 years, we have invited victims [comfort women] from various countries to hold testimonial gatherings in South Korea, Japan, China, the Philippines, Indonesia and Timor-Leste on multiple occasions," Pang told the Global Times. When recalling the unforgettable episode during their activities, Pang said her most searing memory remains Kim Bok-dong, a survivor who confronted Osaka's then-mayor Toru Hashimoto in 2012-13 after he callously declared wartime sexual slavery "necessary." According to Pang, Kim faced down politicians who demanded "evidence" of her trauma. Another then survivor, Gil Won-ok, sang at the network's 10th anniversary in 2019 despite declining health. According to multiple media reports, Kim died in January 2019 in South Korea at the age of 92. Gil died in February 2025 in South Korea at the age of 96. Such testimonies, painstakingly recorded in recent years, now form an urgent archive. "Early testimonies weren't preserved," the civil group acknowledged. During the COVID-19 pandemic, they streamed documentaries of survivors' accounts during online vigils - a digital lifeline to counter government-sanctioned erasure. With only a few survivors alive worldwide, the organization now supports Indonesian victims through the Nationwide Action group, sending aid and visiting survivors. But systemic barriers persist. "Japan's government hides history," Pang asserted. "Young people are robbed of the truth," Pang said, blaming textbook sanitization and media censorship in Japan. Although the representative reveals deeper wounds during their long-term activities: public indifference, hope emerges. "Some young activists link wartime sexual violence to modern gender discrimination," Pang noted. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. The organization said they would hold on August 16 a nationwide action commemorating the August 14 International Memorial Day for "Comfort Women." Also, they are mulling an activity in November to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. "We have persistently addressed issues such as the Japanese government's inflammatory remarks and pressure to remove 'Peace Statue' and 'Comfort Women' statues in various countries, protesting and making formal requests each time," Pang told the Global Times. "We will continue to engage in this struggle without yielding," the representative said. This story first appeared in Global Times: https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202506/1337249.shtml Company: Global Times Contact Person: Anna Li Email: editor@globaltimes.com.cn Website: https://globaltimes.cn City: Beijing Disclaimer: This press release may contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements describe future expectations, plans, results, or strategies (including product offerings, regulatory plans and business plans) and may change without notice. You are cautioned that such statements are subject to a multitude of risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including the risks that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Highlights: 3D inversion of ground magnetic data suggests continuity at depth to previously identified Western Mag, Limestone Contact, and Bambino Trend targets. Recent field work discovered the outcropping of Phase 1 andesitic volcanics, at the Western Mag target, a geological unit known to host copper-gold systems in the Timok region. A prominent NNW- trending corridor of elevated magnetic susceptibility extends Bambino target over 7 kilometers Along the contact between Jurassic limestone and Palaeozoic sediments, an ENE-trending magnetic anomaly is being selected for further work as a target prospective for skarn and carbonate replacement mineralization. Follow-up mapping and soil sampling underway to further test three primary targets. Vancouver - Electrum Discovery Corp. ("Electrum" and/or the "Company") (TSX-V:ELY | FRA:R8N | OTC:ELDCF) is pleased to announce the results of 3D inversion modelling of ground magnetic data and to outline upcoming fieldwork plans at its Timok East Project ("Timok East" and/or the "Project") in eastern Serbia. "The 3D inversion results have provided an important new dimension to our geophysical understanding at Timok East," said Dr. Elena Clarici, CEO of Electrum Discovery Corp. "The continuity of magnetic features with depth, and particularly along the Bambino Trend and Western Mag target, enhances their significance. With our soil sampling and geological mapping programs now underway, we are moving to convert these compelling geophysical anomalies into well-constrained drilling targets." Electrum has received results from 3D inversion modelling of its high-resolution ground magnetic survey at Timok East. Modelling was carried out by Terra Scout Ltd. (Sofia, Bulgaria) an experienced provider of ground magnetic data acquisition and modelling. The model suggests multiple vertically extensive magnetic zones with elevated magnetic susceptibility values potentially caused by magnetite-bearing intrusions or skarn-style alteration. Key observations at each target include: Bambino Trend Along the Bambino Trend, the 3D inversion model highlights a prominent 7.5-kilometer NNW-trending corridor of elevated magnetic susceptibility extending from surface to depths exceeding 1 kilometre. This anomaly coincides with copper, gold, and silver anomalies in surface rock chip samples and copper-in-soil anomalism at both the Bambino prospect and the Northern Skarn target (Figure 1 & 2). A soil sampling grid (~180 samples) is planned to test the northern portion of the corridor, where magnetic intensity is strongest, for signatures of underlying mineralization (Figure 1 & 3). Western Mag Target The Western Mag target is defined by a large, vertically continuous magnetic high along a major NNW-trending structural corridor. Fieldwork has confirmed the anomaly is spatially associated with outcrops of Phase 1 andesitic volcanics, a lithology well known to host copper-gold systems elsewhere in the Timok region (Figure 1 & 2). The anomaly extends south beneath Neogene cover, indicating potential for concealed targets. Analysis results are awaited for a soil grid of 225 samples that has been collected to assess geochemical indicators for porphyry-style mineralization at the Western Mag target (Figure 3). Limestone-Boundary Target At the Limestone-Boundary target, an WNW-trending magnetic anomaly has been identified along the boundary between non-magnetic to weakly magnetic Jurassic limestone and Palaeozoic sediments. This boundary is considered prospective for skarn and carbonate replacement ("CRD") mineralization. The modelled anomaly dips west towards the Timok Magmatic Complex, displays moderate magnetic susceptibility and continuity to depths of approximately 850 metres, and may indicate localised magnetite enrichment potentially linked to unmapped intrusive dykes or to hydrothermally sourced magnetite enrichment (Figure 1 & 2). A soil grid (~140 samples) along with scout geological mapping is planned to investigate the cause of the magnetic anomaly and identify geochemical signatures that may indicate the presence of hydrothermal mineralization associated with this boundary (Figure 3). Summer 2025 Exploration Plan Soil sampling, field mapping, and prospecting across defined target areas to identify geochemical anomalies and identify geochemical signatures that may indicate underlying mineralization. Deeper geophysical surveys (e.g., CSAMT, HIRIP, or AMT) over soil-defined targets to generate resistivity models of the subsurface to guide drill targeting. Ground magnetic survey at the northern part of the Timok East Project, i.e. the Bukova Glava permit, to delineate prospective intrusives and support ongoing field mapping and target definition. Click Image To View Full SizeFigure 1: Expanded slices through the 3D inversion model of ground magnetic data with 1:100,000-scale geology and geochemical data superimposed (soil results from News Releases 30th October 2024, and April 16th 2025). Oblique view to the WNW. Click Image To View Full SizeFigure 2: Zones of higher magnetic susceptibility from the 3D inversion of ground magnetic data, with 100k geology surface wireframe and geochemistry overlain (rock and soil results from News Releases 30th October 2024, and April 16th 2025). Oblique view to the NNW. Click Image To View Full SizeFigure 3: 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) planned soil grids and collected samples pending assay are also displayed (soil results from News Releases 30th October 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 and 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. Bottas to Alpine a nice theory says Wolff Valtteri Bottas' time on the Formula 1 bench could be coming to a rapid end. Franco Colapinto, Austrian GP 2025 Alpine As Franco Colapinto struggles to find his feet at Alpine, strong rumours are suddenly swirling about contact between de-facto team boss Flavio Briatore and Mercedes' Toto Wolff. It is unclear whether Briatore, 75, really is considering another mid-season driver change in 2025, or whether he is making plans for the 2026 season. An Alpine team insider told Auto Motor und Sport: Colapinto is losing too much time to (Pierre) Gasly. When asked, Wolff - currently with 35-year-old Bottas under contract as full-time reserve driver - admitted he has a coffeehouse friendship with Briatore. As for the Bottas-to-Alpine rumour specifically, especially with Alpine switching to customer Mercedes power and gearboxes next year, he told motorsport-total.com: "Nice theory. But it didn't come from me. Nelson Piquet jr, who fell out spectacularly with Briatore over the infamous 'crashgate' scandal, cannot believe that Alpine is really considering Bottas. Choose a young talent, like (Felipe) Drugovich, several from Indy, Paul Aron, Alex Dunne - or choose a mediocre driver who's been out for a while? he exclaimed on social media," he said. FFS, the old guy running that team is worse than I thought. Bottas declared in Austria that his deadline for a decision about his future is now looming large. These things should be finished here during July, he told Ilta Sanomat newspaper. July starts next week, so it will be an interesting month ahead. The Finn was already strongly linked with the new-for-2026 team Cadillac, whose boss Graeme Lowdon will be in the paddock at Silverstone for talks. He was asked by Sky Deutschland if he had seen Bottas' recent cheeky social media post when he was filmed stroking the nice seat of a Cadillac road car. I did, Lowdon smiled. It shows that he bought a Cadillac! Lowdon reportedly plans to pair an experienced driver like Bottas or Perez with a younger American rookie like Colton Herta. Everyone wants to drive a Cadillac, Lowdon smiled again. "The good thing is that we know a lot of the drivers who are out there - both the younger drivers coming in from Formula 2 and the more established drivers who have a lot of Formula 1 experience. We talk to these people all the time and try to spend time in the paddock as well. But so far, the real focus has been on building the car, he added. We won't be announcing anything at Silverstone, but stay tuned. (GMM) Ricciardo enjoying F1 retirement so far Daniel Ricciardo admits to "enjoying life in the slow lane". Daniel Ricciardo, Austrian GP 2024 Red Bull Multiple drivers - including Ricciardo's former rivals Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez - are linked with a return to Formula 1 next year with the new Cadillac F1 team. But when asked about Cadillac, the now bearded 35-year-old Ricciardo declared recently: Nah, I'm done. Since losing his seat at Red Bull's junior team RB after the 2024 Singapore GP, Ricciardo has been quietly enjoying retirement alongside ventures with his Enchante clothing brand and range of wines. He also made a personal appearance at the 'Daniel Ricciardo Series' kart event at the Buckmore Park circuit in the UK last weekend. All good, RMC quoted the 8-time grand prix winner as saying when asked about his retirement, adding that his life today is not as chaotic . I'm just enjoying life in the slow lane, Ricciardo smiled. "I mean, it sounds weird to say I'm retired at 35, but it's only retirement in the world I used to be in. Being here, it's actually the first time I've been to a race track since Singapore, I guess, so quite a few months now, the Australian added. (GMM) Featured Dont fall for it: SEC names two platforms running unlicensed investment scams Kweku Zurek Business News Jul - 02 - 2025 , 10:38 The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has cautioned the Ghanaian public against engaging with two entities;, News GH and Ghana News, that it says are promoting unlicensed investment schemes in violation of the countrys securities laws. In a public notice issued on July 1, 2025, the SEC identified the two entities as operating outside Ghanas regulatory framework and urged Ghanaians to refrain from investing in their products. According to the Commission, News GH is advertising a scheme called the Gold AI Rise Platform, while Ghana News is promoting an unnamed product that promises high returns with no associated risk; claims the SEC describes as unrealistic and misleading. The SEC has not licensed any of the above-mentioned entities to carry out Capital Market activities, as mandated by Section 3 of the Securities Industry Act, 2016 (Act 929), as amended, the statement said. The SEC is currently collaborating with law enforcement agencies to clamp down on the people behind these entities. The regulator warned that both organisations have been actively using social media to market their schemes, bypassing regulatory scrutiny and putting investors at risk. It noted that such practices fall foul of the investor protection measures outlined under Sections 3 and 208(c) of the Securities Industry Act. As part of its enforcement actions, the SEC has begun working with security agencies to identify and prosecute the individuals responsible. The Commission also reminded the public of its mandate to maintain surveillance over the capital markets and to publish relevant information in the interest of investor protection. The SEC is consequently warning the general public to be vigilant and to desist from investing in these unlicensed products, it added. The Commission further urged potential investors to verify the licensing status of any investment firm through its toll-free number 0800100065, direct line 0302768970-2, or email at info@sec.gov.gh. A full list of licensed capital market operators is also available on the SEC website. The warning comes amid a growing number of online platforms offering fraudulent investment products in Ghana. The SEC reiterated its commitment to ensuring a fair, transparent, and efficient capital market and advised the public to remain cautious when approached with investment opportunities that promise unusually high returns.. Ghana-India Trade Advisory Chamber hails Indian PM Modis visit as boost to Ghana-India economic relations GraphicOnline Business News Jul - 02 - 2025 , 12:03 The Ghana India Trade Advisory Chamber (GITAC) has warmly welcomed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Ghana, describing his historic visit as a major milestone in the ongoing efforts to deepen diplomatic and economic ties between the two nations. President of GITAC, Dr Dominic Oduro Antwi, said the visit represents a pivotal step toward strengthening bilateral cooperation in trade, entrepreneurship, education, and healthcare. He added that the Chamber is optimistic that the Prime Ministers presence will catalyse new investments and accelerate existing collaborations across various sectors. Founded to promote trade and economic collaboration between Ghana and India, GITAC has emerged as a key conduit between Ghanaian entrepreneurs and Indias business community. Through strategic partnerships, the Chamber has supported initiatives spanning culture, agribusiness, pharmaceuticals, and technology transfer. GITAC has also been instrumental in organising high-level forums and trade missions that connect businesses from both countries. These initiatives have not only facilitated trade deals but have encouraged joint ventures and job creation, particularly in local industries. The presence of Prime Minister Modi in Ghana is not only historic but also timely, Dr Antwi noted. It is a powerful endorsement of the work GITAC has been doing for years in bridging the gap between our two nations. We are confident that this visit will catalyse more investments, encourage deeper economic cooperation, and open new avenues for trade, technology, and cultural exchange. The Chamber has over the years maintained close ties with Indian-owned businesses and multinational companies operating in Ghana. Its activities have contributed to a more favourable environment for Indian investors in the country, while also promoting Ghanaian businesses seeking partnerships on the subcontinent. As the Prime Ministers visit progresses, both governments are expected to sign new agreements and launch joint initiatives that could strengthen their long-standing relationship. GITAC reaffirmed its commitment to supporting these developments and called on stakeholders to seize the opportunity to advance a shared vision of growth and prosperity. Next article: Aminu Dantata: This is why Dangote's rich uncle was buried in Saudi Arabia after dying in UAE Featured Heat wave grips Europe: Barcelona records hottest June in over 100 years Reuters International News Jul - 02 - 2025 , 18:04 2 minutes read Barcelona recorded its hottest month of June since records started over a century ago, Spains national weather service said on Tuesday as Europe remained in the grip of the first major heat wave this summer. The Fabra Observatory, located on a hill overlooking Barcelona, reported an average temperature of 26 degrees Celsius (78 degrees Fahrenheit), breaking records since 1914. The previous hottest average for June was 25.6 C in 2003. The same weather station said that a single-day high of 37.9 C (100 F) for June was recorded Monday, June 30. Barcelona is usually spared the worst heat in Spain, thanks to its location between hills and the Mediterranean in Spains northeastern corner. But most of the country has been gripped by the first heat wave of the year. Health warnings were in effect Tuesday in several European Union countries even as conditions began to improve in some parts of the region. Punishing temperatures were forecast to reach 40 C (104 F) in Paris and to stay unusually high in Belgium and the Netherlands. In contrast, temperatures were falling in Portugal, where no red heat warnings were issued. Spain saw a new high mark for June established on Saturday when 46 C (114F) was recorded in the southern province of Huelva, while Sundays national average of 28 C (82F) set a record for a high temperature for June 29 since records were started in 1950. We are seeing these temperatures because we are experiencing a very intense heat wave that has come early in the summer and that is clearly linked to global warming, Ramon Pascual, the regional delegate for Spains weather service in Barcelona, told The Associated Press yesterday. Featured Liberian President killed in coup to get state funeral bbc.com International News Jul - 02 - 2025 , 18:11 2 minutes read Liberia's former President, William Tolbert, is set to receive a symbolic reburial, 45 years after he was murdered during a coup and his body believed to be dumped in a mass grave. Ten days after the President's killing, following trials by a kangaroo court, 13 of his cabinet were stripped, tied to stakes and then executed by a firing squad on a beach next to an army barracks in the capital, Monrovia. None of the 14 corpses has been found but each man is due to get a state funeral at a ceremony attended by President Joseph Boakai and other dignitaries. The event is seen as an act of reconciliation and part of a process of the country coming to terms with its violent recent past. The April 12, 1980 coup in which 28-year-old Sgt Samuel Doe took power ended well over a century of political dominance by the minority Americo-Liberians, the descendants of freed black slaves who had come from the US in the 1800s. Tolbert's nine-year presidency was marked by growing dissatisfaction with the ethnic inequalities. His overthrow came at the start of a period of instability in Liberia, culminating in two devastating civil wars, that finally ended in 2003. Doe himself met a violent death at the hands of rebels in 1990. His reburial in his home town last week was also ordered by the President. "This is not just a burial; it is a moment of national reflection, a time to reconcile with our history, to heal from our wounds and to remember with respect and purpose," Boakai said at Doe's funeral. For the families of those executed in 1980, the ceremony is both an act of remembrance and a way of bringing some respect to those who died. Featured Scented candles linked to cancer, respiratory diseases toxicologist Gloria Apprey Life Jul - 02 - 2025 , 10:25 4 minutes read A toxicologist, Dr Regina Ama Oppong Wiredu, has warned that some scented candles may release harmful chemicals when burned, especially in enclosed spaces. She says the chemicals are likely to pose long-term health risks such as cancer and respiratory issues. Dr Wiredu, who works with SYNLABB Ghana in Accra, said this in an interview with The Mirror on Friday, June 13, 2025. In recent years, the use of scented candles has gained popularity among the youth. They use them not only to create a calming atmosphere but to add a touch of style to their living spaces. From bedrooms and study corners to cafes and beauty studios, they have become a key part of the aesthetic often showcased on social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok. Dr Wiredu explained that many commercial scented candles are made from paraffin wax, which is a byproduct of petroleum. When burned, they can release Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) such as benzene, a known carcinogen and toluene, which may cause other serious health effects. These chemicals, she said, could linger in the air, especially in small rooms with poor ventilation, and over time, breathing in such toxins could irritate the lungs and affect indoor air quality. While occasional use is unlikely to cause immediate harm, people who light scented candles daily, particularly in unventilated spaces, are at a higher risk of long-term exposure, she noted. Dr Wiredu noted that although there is no direct evidence that scented candles alone caused cancer, the concern lies in cumulative exposure to multiple indoor air pollutants. Cancer doesnt happen overnight. It builds over years, sometimes decades, due to repeated exposure to harmful substances. When you combine emissions from candles with other indoor pollutants like air fresheners, dust, cleaning sprays or cigarette smoke, the risk increases, she added. What's in a candle? Citing a 2009 study by South Carolina State University in the United States, she said it was found that burning paraffin wax candles could release harmful chemicals into the air, potentially linked to cancer and asthma. More recent studies suggest that while the levels may be low, regular exposure could still be problematic for certain groups, especially children, pregnant women, the elderly and people with pre-existing respiratory conditions such as asthma. Fragrance vs health Apart from the wax itself, the fragrance used in candles is another concern. Dr Wiredu explained that many candles were scented with synthetic fragrance oils, which could emit phthalates, chemicals known to disrupt hormones. Phthalates are used to help scents last longer, but they have been linked to hormonal imbalances and reproductive health issues. Inhaling these chemicals repeatedly is not something we should take lightly, especially for children and women of childbearing age, she said. Safer candle choices According to Dr Wiredu, not all candles are bad. She noted that natural wax alternatives like soy, beeswax and coconut wax burn cleaner and are generally safer. These options are biodegradable and dont release as many toxins into the air. Even better, look for candles that use natural essential oils instead of artificial fragrances, she advised. She also encouraged consumers to pay attention to labels. If a candle doesnt list what type of wax or fragrance it uses, thats usually a red flag. Transparency is key when it comes to your health. Tips for safer use Even if someone prefers to keep using their favourite scented candles, Dr Wiredu said some practical tips such as always burning candles in a well-ventilated room, limiting burn time to under two hours, trimming the wick to a quarter inch before each use to minimise smoke, avoiding candles with dark soot or strong artificial smells and never sleeping with candles burning could help reduce health risks. Candles can still be part of your relaxation routine, but moderation and awareness are important, she said. Alternatives to candles For people looking to create an ambience without health concerns, Dr Wiredu recommended natural alternatives like reed diffusers with essential oils, indoor plants that purify the air or open windows and fans to improve airflow. Low public awareness Addressing issues of public awareness, Dr Wiredu said despite growing global awareness of indoor air pollution, public education in Ghana and across many African countries remained limited. Many people associate pollution with factories and cars, but they forget about whats happening inside their own homes. We need more conversations around indoor air quality and how it affects long-term health, she said. She added that while regulations for food and water safety existed, there were few local guidelines for everyday household products like candles and air fresheners. Its important that consumers push for safer products and that health authorities consider stronger regulations to protect the public, she urged. You dont need to throw out all your candles. Just be informed about what youre breathing in. Your lungs and your future self will thank you, she said. Featured 24 Hour Economy Programme enters implementation phase after cabinet approval, launch Beatrice Laryea Jul - 02 - 2025 , 13:24 2 minutes read The Presidential Advisor on the 24-Hour Economy, Mr. Augustus Goosie Obuodum Tanoh, has announced that the government is ready to begin implementing its flagship 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Programme, following cabinet approval and the official launch held on Wednesday, July 2, in Accra. Speaking ahead of the launch, Mr Tanoh explained that the programme has been structured into 50 distinct commercial, institutional, and social projects of varying sizes to streamline the implementation process. "Ladies and Gentlemen: now that the Cabinet has approved the Programme, we have entered the implementation phase. Over the next six months, we have a busy schedule," he said. "We are writing concept notes for the first 20 of these projects. These concept notes will serve as our primary tools for engaging with institutional stakeholders, including local and foreign entrepreneurs, financiers, donors, contractors, CSOs, MDAs, MMDAs, community leaders, youth leaders and others. They will be available on our website for interested persons to engage," he stressed. Clarification Mr Tanoh explained that several versions of the 24H+ Programme have been circulating for some time, but clarified that the programme consists of one comprehensive Full Report, which includes all content, and eight subprogramme reports, each focused on a specific area. "Ladies and gentlemen, several 24H+ Programme documents have been circulating in print and online for a month now. Let me explain the format we used belatedly," he said. "The programme is presented as nine individual documents: a Full report and eight subprogramme reports. The Full Report covers the content of the other eight; if you have that, you have everything." "Each of the remaining eight documents focuses on a specific subprogramme (Grow24, Make24, Build24, Show24, Connect24, Fund24, Aspire24, and Go24). Each subprogramme document includes the introductory sections of the full report and the chapter related to that subprogramme," he explained. Background The programme, a flagship initiative of President John Dramani Mahamas administration, seeks to re-engineer the countrys productivity architecture by extending economic activity beyond conventional hours and integrating key sectors into a seamless value chain. The 24H+ programme is positioned as a nationwide economic reboot, with the goal of creating 1.7 million quality jobs within four years. It targets strategic value chains in agriculture, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, textiles, infrastructure, and logistics. The initiative is designed to harness the potential of every Ghanaian, every hour of the day, and reduce reliance on imports while boosting exports. Featured All you need to know about Ghanas 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Programme (24H+) GraphicOnline Jul - 02 - 2025 , 09:25 4 minutes read Ghana is set to launch a transformative economic policy dubbed the 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Programme, or 24H+, on Wednesday, July 2, 2025. The programme, a flagship initiative of President John Dramani Mahamas administration, seeks to re-engineer the countrys productivity architecture by extending economic activity beyond conventional hours and integrating key sectors into a seamless value chain. With a projected cost of $4 billion, the government is committing between $300 million and $400 million as seed capital to bridge viability gaps and catalyse private sector investment. According to Mr Augustus Goosie Obuodum Tanoh, Presidential Advisor on the 24-Hour Economy, The initial projected cost is about $4 billion. Of that, $300 to $400 million will come from government to support the viability gap requirement, ensuring bulk infrastructure is commercially sound and attractive to private investors. He noted that private sector commitments are already nearing $2 billion. The 24H+ programme is positioned as a nationwide economic reboot, with the goal of creating 1.7 million quality jobs within four years. It targets strategic value chains in agriculture, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, textiles, infrastructure, and logistics. The initiative is designed to harness the potential of every Ghanaian, every hour of the day, and reduce reliance on imports while boosting exports. Abdul-Nasser Alidu, Head of Strategy and Programmes at the 24H+ Secretariat, explained the rationale behind the intervention. Despite growth, job creation has stagnated. In the 1990s, a 10 per cent GDP growth improved employment by 7 per cent. Today, its just 2 per cent. The 24H+ programme will ensure growth translates into prosperity for Ghanaians, not external systems, he said. Eight interconnected sub-programmes form the foundation of 24H+. These include Grow24 (agriculture), Make24 (manufacturing), Build24 (infrastructure), Fund24 (financing), Show24 (creative economy and tourism), Connect24 (logistics), Aspire24 (human capital development), and Go24 (governance and civic engagement). Each is designed to address specific structural bottlenecks in Ghanas economy while creating a seamless framework for 24-hour productivity. Grow24 will revitalise agricultural value chains through initiatives like Eden Volta, which aims to transform the Volta Basin into West Africas breadbasket, and Shikpon, an urban farming scheme for Ghanas cities. Make24 will develop 50 industrial parks and position Ghana as a manufacturing hub for West Africa. Build24 and Connect24 will provide the necessary infrastructure, including air cargo hubs, inland water transport systems, and cold chain logistics. Fund24 will offer financial support via concessional loans, tax credits, and dedicated lending facilities. Key financial partners include the Development Bank Ghana, Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund, and EXIM Bank. The programme also proposes the creation of a Strategic Value Chain Development Fund (SVCDF), partially funded through levies on imported finished goods in sectors where local production capacity exists. Significant incentives will be offered to private sector players. These include tax rebates of up to 50% for round-the-clock operations, import duty waivers, value chain lending facilities, and performance-based export support. Time-of-use electricity tariffs will offer lower rates for firms operating between 10pm and 6am. Strategic projects under the initiative include the Volta Economic Corridor, AkosomboJuapong Garments and Textiles Park, Kumasi Machinery and Technology Park, and the Legon Pharmaceutical Innovation Park. Others include the Ghana Mall, which will connect local producers to diaspora markets, and a network of TVET Digital Centres of Excellence to upskill the workforce. Crucially, the programme is designed to be inclusive and participatory. The time has come for Ghanaians to reject poverty and work towards realising our vast economic potential, said Dr Tanoh. The 24H+ programme reflects the collective aspirations of Ghanaians, beyond partisan considerations. The launch on July 2 will feature presentations from technical experts, policy-makers, and private sector representatives. The government also plans to roll out a national 24-Hour Readiness Programme to prepare over 5,000 businesses across all 16 regions to participate in the new economic model. The 24H+ programme represents a bold shift in Ghanas development strategyfrom dependency and fragmentation to integration, productivity, and global competitiveness. It is a call for the nation to work smarter and harder, every hour, to deliver prosperity for all. Previous article: See the list of polling stations for Ablekuma North parliamentary rerun on July 11 Featured EC sets July 11 for Ablekuma North parliamentary rerun in 19 polling stations Mohammed Ali Jul - 02 - 2025 , 13:37 2 minutes read The Electoral Commission (EC) has decided to rerun the parliamentary election in the Ablekuma North constituency in Accra in 19 polling stations. The commission has announced that the rerun will be done on Friday, July 11, 2025. This follows more than seven months of a delay in collating and announcing the results following a disruption of the process on December 7, 2024 that resulted in the destruction of some of the result sheets. An earlier attempt by the commission to use duplicates of the sheets in areas where the sheets were destroyed was received with some disagreements over the validity of the sheets, which has held up the declaration of the results as of now. In a statement issued on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, the Deputy Chairman in charge of Operations at the EC, Samuel Tettey, said the decision was reached after extended discussions with representatives of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP). The parties remained divided for months despite several meetings. The most recent round of talks took place on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, following earlier engagements, including a session on June 12. The dispute centred on 37 pink sheets submitted by the NPP during the collation process. The NDC questioned the authenticity of the scanned copies and called for a rerun in all 37 polling stations. The NPP, however, insisted that 34 of the pink sheets had already been validated, and only three were outstanding. Mr Tettey explained that although party agents from both sides had approved the scanned results from 19 polling stations, the presiding officers responsible for those centres had not verified the forms. He said this led the commission to conclude that a rerun was necessary in those stations. The 19 scanned polling station results used for the collation, though approved by agents of both political parties, were not verified by the presiding officers responsible for those polling stations, Mr Tettey said. He added that the commission had since received verification from presiding officers for the remaining 18 polling stations originally under dispute, making a rerun unnecessary in those locations. The controversy dates back to December 2024, when the collation process in Ablekuma North was disrupted. According to the EC, some political party supporters entered the collation centre and destroyed several pink sheets, halting the process. Ahead of the rerun, the commission has requested support from the Ghana Police Service to maintain order at the affected polling stations. Once the rerun is completed, the results are expected to bring finality to the 2024 parliamentary elections and restore full membership in the 276-seat Parliament. Act decisively on Bawku conflict to save lives - Amnesty International to govt Biiya Mukusah Ali Jul - 02 - 2025 , 09:57 3 minutes read Amnesty International (AI) Ghana, has called on the government to act more decisively on the Bawku conflict to save lives and property. It urged the government to deploy transparent mediation efforts, rebuild trust among the factions and protect civilians from further harm. The Board Chairman of AI Ghana, Francis Nyantakyi, made the call at the opening ceremony of the organisations Annual General meeting at Fiapre, near Sunyani, in the Bono Region, on the theme: "Resilience in a restricted civil space." The meeting brought together international delegates from Germany, Nigeria, Kenya, Burkina Faso and Cote dIvoire, as well as representatives from government, civil society partners, the media and human rights and justice advocates. Bawku lives matter Mr Nyantakyi said: "The lives of Ghanaians in Bawku are just as precious as those in any other part of the country." The meeting He said the protracted violence in Bawku continue unabated, maiming and claiming more lives, displacement of families and loss of properties, adding that "governments silence and indecisiveness on this matter speaks louder than any statement". Galamsey Mr Nyantakyi also mentioned illegal mining, also known as "galamsey," as a an area that needed to be tackled. He described the menace as an urgent human rights issue, adding that toxic rivers, poisoned food chains, destroyed farmlands and collapsing health systems in affected communities exposed a failure of leadership and enforcement. Mr Nyantakyi said that individuals such as journalists, traditional leaders and youth activists who dared to speak against the menace were faced with lawsuits, police harassment or violent attacks. He urged the government to go beyond rhetoric and demonstrate political will by prosecuting both financiers and perpetrators in galamsey. The chairman also called on the government to ensure that communities affected by environmental degradation were compensated and supported to rebuild. "Independent institutions such as the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice, the National Media Commission and the Judiciary must be shielded from political interference," he added. Right violations An investigative journalist, Erastus Asare Donkor, said every illegal mining operation that destroyed forests, polluted rivers and displaced communities was an affront to human rights. He explained that the scourge of galamsey triggered a national outcry not only for its ecological devastation but also for the human rights violations. Mr Donkor said the menace bred forced evictions, child labour, abuse of power and suppression of dissent. He said activities of illegal miners were not only ravaging Ghana's forests and water bodies but were also depriving communities of access to clean water, arable land and healthy living conditions, which were basic human rights. Mr Donkor also said rivers once used for fishing, drinking and farming were now poisoned by mercury and cyanide. Writer's email: [email protected] Featured Asantehene, Kusaug Traditional Council meeting successful Gilbert Mawuli Agbey Jul - 02 - 2025 , 09:57 3 minutes read A meeting between the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II and the Kusaug Traditional Council reportedly concluded successfully at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, Ashanti Region. The meeting, which was held last Monday, formed part of mediation efforts led by the Asantehene towards resolving the protracted Bawku conflict in the Upper East Region. According to a source who attended the meeting, several issues were discussed, all aimed at bringing closure to the ongoing conflict. The source said during an earlier meeting between Otumfuo and the Mamprusis, the Mamprusis listed some communities within the Bawku enclave, which they claimed owed allegiance to them. However, the source said that during the meeting with the Kusaug Traditional Council, who were accompanied by chiefs and elders from the said six communities, they openly declared where they belonged, thereby bringing finality to the matter. Otumfuo Osei Tutu, after hearing the responses of the representatives of those, assured them that he would convey their stance to the Mamprusis in a subsequent meeting to determine the way forward. Commitment Speaking to the media after the meeting, Maxwell Agbambilla, Counsel for Bawku Naba, Zugraan Naba Asigri Abugrago Azoka II, stated that the chiefs of the six communities were clear in their views about where they wished to belong. He reiterated the Bawku Nabas commitment to the mediation process, saying, We have always been committed because of the regard that we have for the Asantehene, and also we know that the truth is on our side. Mr Agbambilla urged the people to remain calm and patient as efforts were being made by the Otumfuo to find a lasting solution to the conflict, adding that, from all indications, it seemed the end was near in resolving the crisis that continues to claim lives and properties in the area. Situation Hundreds of Kusasis, dressed in smock and other traditional attire, arrived at the Manhyia Palace at 8:00a.m., ahead of the arrival of members of the traditional council led by the Bawku Naba. However, they were not permitted entry into the palace until members of the traditional council arrived. The people waited in a pensive mood, awaiting members of the council who were in the meeting that lasted nearly two hours, ending around 3:00p.m. They were subsequently briefed on the outcome of the meeting On April 29, 2025, Otumfuo Osei Tutu began the mediation process in the age-old Bawku crisis, which had resulted in the loss of lives and destruction of properties. So far, the Otumfuo, who is the sole mediator in the long-standing chieftaincy and ethnic dispute, has held separate meetings with the feuding parties. Background President John Dramani Mahama sought the intervention of Otumfuo to continue with the mediation process that began under former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. There has, however, been an escalation of the conflict in recent times, resulting in deaths and cases of arson. The government has since imposed a curfew and deployed security forces to maintain peace and order in the troubled area. Writers email: [email protected]. Featured Former employee sues OSP over wrongful dismissal Justice Agbenorsi Jul - 02 - 2025 , 09:57 4 minutes read A former staff member of the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has dragged the specialised anti-corruption agency to court for terminating his appointment without giving him a hearing. In a suit filed at the Human Rights division of the High Court to enforce his fundamental human right, Deputy Staff Officer (DSP) Mark Kwaku Asiedu-Arthur is challenging the grounds for the withdrawal of his appointment by the OSP. Before joining the OSP in 2023, Asiedu-Arthur worked with the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) where his appointment was terminated in 2016. He asserts that his prior termination from the NIB was thoroughly discussed during his job interview with the OSP in 2023, before being hired as an investigator. He contends that after being suspended for a week due to an ongoing investigation, he was not given an opportunity to appear before a disciplinary committee before his appointment was rescinded in June 2025. He added that the OSP letter of withdrawal of service, which revoked his appointment on grounds that it only became aware in 2025 that he had been dismissed from the NIB in 2016 and as such he was ineligible for employment at the OSP, was disingenuous since he had already disclosed this during the interview stage in 2023. The crux of his argument is that having been aware of the facts at the point of recruitment, and having employed and confirmed him thereafter, the OSP was estopped from relying on the same facts to justify the withdrawal of his appointment, adding that he was never given an opportunity to be heard before his appointment was withdrawn. That the decision of the OSP to rely on a known and previously accepted fact to now justify the withdrawal of my appointment is an abuse of discretion and a violation of my right. That I am advised by counsel and verily believe same to be true that a public institution cannot rely on its own inaction or oversight as a ground to deprive an individual of employment or protection under the law, he added, saying the actions of the OSP had caused him grave injustice and irreparable damage to his professional reputation. Reliefs He is, therefore, praying the High Court for a declaration that the OSPs withdrawal of his appointment letter without a hearing, and based on previously disclosed information, is unfair, unreasonable, and in breach of Article 23 of the 1992 Constitution. A Declaration that the OSPs action in withdrawing the applicant's appointment letter dated without due process, amounts to a violation of his right to a fair hearing and right to administrative justice, the applicant stated in his writ which was filed by his counsel, Derrick Aboagye Asamoah. He also wants the court to issue an order for him to be reinstated or, in alternative, payment of compensation in a lump sum, and a payment of compensation for the infringement of his right. Background Giving a background in the processes that led to his appointment, the applicant said he was duly offered employment by the OSP on July 31, 2023 after disclosing that his appointment with the NIB had been terminated. He added that during his 12-month probation, he was assigned to investigate several cases including one involving the Scholarship Secretariat, leading to the arrest of suspects and gathering of evidence. The applicant alleged that his investigative team was preparing to arrest former Chief Executive Officer of the secretariat, Kingsley Agyemang, who Asiedu-Arthur claimed was a close friend of the Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng. He further stated in his affidavit in support of the motion that in October 2024, Special Prosecutor directed him to discontinue investigations into the case involving Mr Agyemang who was a parliamentary candidate for the Abuakwa South Constituency in order not to prejudice his political ambitions. After discontinuing the case, the applicant alleged that he began to face victimisation but his appointment was confirmed on October 1, 2024. However, after his confirmation, Asiedu-Arthur said OSP received a petition that he was engaged in another employment and earning income without approval from the SP, and that he had disclosed his name as Michael Ebbah. He said the petitioner mistook him for Michael Ebbah and went ahead to provide the OSP with details of Ebbah which were later verified by the OSP. In June this year, the applicant alleged that he was served with a letter of interdiction after placing a call to the OSP to obtain charge statements after the SP had tasked them to open investigations into the Scholarship Secretariat with no further arrests of suspects in the matter. It is this interdiction that he claimed that he was not given a hearing, leading to a further termination of his appointment on the grounds that his appointment with NIB was terminated, and hence was not eligible to be employed by the OSP. Writers E-mail: justice.agbenorsi@graphic.com.gh Ghana Cocoa Monitor launched Emmanuel Bonney Jul - 02 - 2025 , 09:57 3 minutes read The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) and its partners have launched a platform to promote inclusive dialogue, align sustainability efforts, and bring greater coherence and transparency to collective interventions by actors in the sector. Known as the Ghana Cocoa Monitor, it is an initiative of the European Union (EU) and COCOBOD, with the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) serving as the implementing agent. The EU Ambassador to Ghana, Irchad Razaaly, who launched the platform in Accra last Monday, said the facility marked a turning point and a shift from working in silos to building partnerships, from isolated impact to collective progress, from fragmented efforts to structured collaboration. Unification Mr Razaaly further said that the monitor would serve as a unified platform for public institutions such as relevant COCOBOD divisions, the Cote dIvoire Ghana Cocoa Initiative, the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, the Forestry Commission, the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection and the Ministry of Education. It would also offer a platform for private companies from input dealers to licensed buying companies, off-takers, processors, chocolate makers, certification bodies and haulers. He said it would improve the cocoa value chain in Ghana, pool and share resources efficiently, and address systemic challenges managed by thematic working groups. Mr Razaaly added that it would also help reduce duplication, increase efficiency and most importantly, place farmers and sustainability at the centre of the sector. Commendation We commend COCOBOD for its leadership in bringing this platform to life. We also thank our partners at the FAO for their exemplary groundwork. This merits recognition and a round of applause. I want to acknowledge the success of the validation workshop held on June 19 2025, where the platform's structure was confirmed and key thematic areas were identified, he said. Mr Razaaly also thanked the various actors for their engagement and thoughtful contributions. The EU remains committed to supporting Ghana's cocoa sector through various initiatives, including enhancing its traceability, developing national and regional standards (ARS 1000), and also capitalising on opportunities presented by EU legislation such as the EU Deforestation Regulation and the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive, he said. Challenges The Head of Research and Development, Ghana Cocoa Board, Dr Isaac Manu, described the platform as a novelty. He said stakeholders in the sector were aware of the numerous challenges facing the industry in the country, such as child labour, deforestation, low income and climate change, which remains key to the sustainability of the cocoa sector. These are issues that cannot be solved by the cocoa board alone. It requires our collective effort," Dr Manu said. The FAO Representative, Priya Gujadhur, said the organisation was pleased to support the design and launch of the platform to ensure it captures the voices of all stakeholders in accordance with international best practices. But more importantly, we are proud that it is locally owned and supported by a strong network of partners committed to Ghana's cocoa future, she said. Next article: Ghana Water closes Weija Plant for expansion Here are the affected areas Featured No panic over recent COVID-19 cases - Minister assures public Dickson Worlanyo Dotse Jul - 02 - 2025 , 12:20 4 minutes read The Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has assured the nation that the recent rise in COVID-19 cases reported at the University of Ghana (UG) is not due to a new virus, but rather a familiar sub-variant of Omicron, which the country has successfully managed in the past. He explained that the outbreak was localised at the university campus, with all confirmed cases recovering, emphasising that there was no need for panic, but continued vigilance was essential. Mr Speaker, I want to assure Ghanaians that this is not a new virus, and we are not back to 2020. This Omicron variant has been with us before. It spreads fast, yes - but it is mostly mild. And we know how to manage it. Weve beaten back bigger waves before, and we can do it again with calm, cooperation and good public health practices, he said. Mr Akandoh gave the assurance yesterday on the floor of parliament, where he delivered a comprehensive report on the countrys public health preparedness, response measures, and the status of infections, vaccinations and surveillance systems in response to the sudden resurgence of COVID-19 cases at the University of Ghana. Cause The recent outbreak was detected through the countrys influenza surveillance system and confirmed by the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research. As of yesterday, 316 suspected cases had been reported, out of which 107 were confirmed as COVID-19. There have been no hospitalisations or deaths, and all confirmed cases are recovering well. Mr Akandoh identified the recent spike in COVID-19 cases as being primarily caused by large gatherings during Hall Week celebrations, where adherence to safety protocols such as mask-wearing and physical distancing was minimal. He said investigations also revealed a general decline in the observance of basic COVID-19 preventive measures and difficulties in contact tracing, even after the university community became aware of the outbreak. In response, he said the government swiftly mobilised a national response team to collaborate with the university and municipal health authorities. Once the first signals came in, we moved quickly. Heres what we did: we held meetings with the Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, heads of Noguchi and the School of Public Health and issued alerts to all health facilities nationwide. The university suspended all Hall Week activities and launched a campus-wide education campaign using posters, campus radio, and student leaders, he added. He further revealed that the government was implementing a series of proactive steps, including boosting support for Legon Hospital and the Students Clinic, enhancing data tracking in health facilities and preparing the Ghana Infectious Disease Centre to manage severe cases if they arise. Additionally, face-to-face engagements with students and faculty were ongoing, and more personal protective equipment (PPE) training is being provided to frontline health workers, while testing and daily monitoring efforts are being strengthened. Treatment options The Minister of Health clarified that COVID-19 vaccination was no longer part of Ghanas routine immunisation programme, as is the case in many countries. However, he said vaccination remained vital in preventing severe illness and death, especially among vulnerable groups, such as the elderly and those with underlying conditions. He, however, revealed that the government was securing vaccines in preparation for a possible surge. Mr Akandoh also assured the public that effective treatment, including Paxlovid an antiviral drug for patients with co-morbidities is available, adding that most infections were mild and managed at home, with hospitals ready for more serious cases. To help stop the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses, the minister urged everyone to take simple but effective precautions. These include washing hands regularly with soap and water, wearing masks in crowded or poorly ventilated places, staying home when feeling unwell and avoiding gatherings if sick. He also advised people with symptoms to visit the nearest clinic promptly for medical attention. The Ministry of Health has made sure that our response is well resourced. Personal protective equipment, test kits and treatment supplies are all in place. Health workers are being supported, and emergency centres like the Ghana Infectious Disease Centre are on standby, the minister added. Next article: UPSA enforces 'decent' dress code on campus, unkempt hair, shorts, anklets, nose rings etc not permitted for lectures Featured GoldBod seizes GH35m in crackdown on illegal gold traders Diana Mensah Jul - 02 - 2025 , 20:22 3 minutes read The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) has seized gold and cash worth GH35 million from illegal gold traders so far this year. In total, the board has conducted 17 operations across four regions of the country, namely Central, Western, Ashanti, and Eastern. The Anti-Galamsey Task Force of GoldBod also arrested 10 foreign nationals engaged in illegal gold trading and smuggling at a hideout in Asankragwa, a district in the Western Region. The operation, conducted in collaboration with the National Security Secretariat, led to the seizure of 1.3 kilogrammes of gold valued at approximately GH1.4 million, over GH1.3 million in cash, and a significant quantity of casino cards. The team also confiscated gun cartridges, 12 pump-action guns, calibrating machines, and other equipment. The suspects have been identified as Tang Da Jien (41), Wang Chun Ling (41), Wei Dong (41), Li Fu Shou (60), Wei Sheng Xin (39), He Shi Long (57), Wu Cheng Wei (32), Li Ren Neng (44), Fan Zhen Shang (46), and Zheng Xi Chuang (54). The Managing Director of GoldBod, Sammy Gyamfi, disclosed these details at a press conference held in Accra yesterday. The event was jointly organised by the Board and National Security. No deportation policy Mr Gyamfi announced that foreign nationals involved in illegal gold trading would no longer be deported. Now, the grace period is over. From here on, anyone caught will face the full rigours of the law, he said. The suspects, who are currently in custody, are expected to be arraigned today. If convicted, they face between five and 25 years imprisonment, a fine, or both. Trading prohibition Mr Gyamfi explained that under the new gold trading regime, foreigners are prohibited from trading in gold in Ghana. He described those involved in illegal gold trading as enemies of the state. They deprive our people of much-needed foreign exchange, which is essential for the stability of our currency and for national development, he said. Although a grace period was granted to allow exit from the sector, he noted that some individuals defied the law, and the consequences had now caught up with them. He revealed that most of the suspects were allegedly operating from private residences and hotels converted into illegal gold depots. Intelligence reports further indicated that they were smuggling gold through complex laundering schemes, including the conversion of cash into casino cards stored in massive safes. We discovered detailed gold trading records written in Chinese, documenting weights, purity, and pricing. This is not speculation, its a criminal enterprise, Mr Gyamfi stated. He added that the suspects had converted their funds into cards, which were found stored in two large safes. Investigations are underway to identify local collaborators, sponsors of the smuggling network, and to determine whether the confiscated firearms were duly registered. Numerous gold trading records, including receipts written in Chinese, have been retrieved as part of the ongoing investigations. Supporting development Mr Gyamfi indicated that the confiscated assets would be used to support development projects in mining communities, including the provision of potable water, schools, and healthcare infrastructure, in line with the Ghana Gold Board Act, 2025 (Act 1142). He stressed that any confiscation would follow due legal process. It must be validated by a Tribunal before it can be confiscated. We intend to follow this process to the letter. We are not releasing a single gramme of gold or a single cedi of this money, he emphasised. Reaffirming the Boards commitment to transparency, Mr Gyamfi said all seized itemsgold and cashhad been counted in the presence of the suspects and secured in the vaults of the National Security Secretariat. No one, and I repeat, no one, can call me to release even a gramme of gold or a cedi of the money, he declared. Next article: This is how to access financing opportunities under the 24-Hour Economy initiative Featured Grow24 to irrigate over 2 million hectares for intensive agriculture President Mahama Beatrice Laryea Jul - 02 - 2025 , 15:41 2 minutes read Grow24, one of the eight subprogramme reports under the broader 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Programme, aims to irrigate over two million hectares of land to support intensive agriculture, according to President John Dramani Mahama. He made this announcement during the official launch of the initiative on Wednesday, July 2, in Accra. Today, were recreating Kwame Nkrumahs dream. Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumahs vision comes alive again. Under Grow24, we will irrigate over two million hectares of land to drive intensive agriculture. Grow24 is about boosting agricultural productivity, agro-processing, and food security, President Mahama said. The 24-Hour+ Programme is presented in nine documents: one comprehensive Full Report and eight subprogramme reportsGrow24, Make24, Build24, Show24, Connect24, Fund24, Aspire24, and Go24each focusing on a specific operational area. He outlined the core focus of each subprogramme: Make24 Development of agro-industrial parks for textiles, pharmaceuticals, and food processing. Show24 Creation of tourism clusters, particularly around the lake. Connect24 Enhancing logistics, transport, warehousing, ports, energy, and digital infrastructure. Build24 Accelerating infrastructure, housing, construction, and public works. Shore24 Tapping into Ghanas creative, cultural, and tourism assets. (Note: This appears as "Show24" earlierplease confirm the correct name.) Fund24 Unlocking innovative financing through credit guarantees, blended finance, and venture capital. Aspire24 Building skills, ethics, values, and digital capacity to boost national competitiveness. President Mahama emphasized that while the 24-Hour+ Programme is national in scope, its flagship project will focus on the Volta Economic Corridor (VEC)a strategic effort to unlock the economic and environmental potential of the Volta Lake and surrounding lands. "Ladies and gentlemen, our first president, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, envisioned the Volta project at Akosombo. Not only as a source of power to power Ghana's industrial sector. He also saw it as an integrated project that will provide agribusiness, it will provide lands for agriculture, irrigation. Unfortunately, that aspect of his vision has been lost." "Today, we are recreating Kwame Nkrumah's dream. Today, Osadjefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah's dream comes alive again," he said. The Programme seeks to re-engineer the countrys productivity architecture by extending economic activity beyond conventional hours and integrating key sectors into a seamless value chain. It is positioned as a nationwide economic reboot, to create 1.7 million quality jobs within four years. It targets strategic value chains in agriculture, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, textiles, infrastructure, and logistics. The initiative is designed to harness the potential of every Ghanaian, every hour of the day, and reduce reliance on imports while boosting exports. Next article: All you need to know about Ghanas 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Programme (24H+) Featured GRA confirms July 16 start date for revised Energy Sector Levies Graphic Online Jul - 02 - 2025 , 09:46 2 minutes read The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has announced that the Energy Sector Levies (Amendment) Act, 2025 (Act 1141) will take full effect from July 16, 2025, following a one-month postponement to assess global market trends. In an official statement signed by the Acting Commissioner-General Anthony Kwasi Sarpong, the GRA referenced its earlier notice on June 13, 2025, which deferred the levys implementation after consultations with the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Energy. The delay, the Authority explained, was necessary to monitor international market fluctuations and preserve recent stability in local fuel prices. Following a thorough review of prevailing market indicators and in line with the governments commitment to ensuring stable economic conditions, the GRA stated, the implementation of the Energy Sector Levies (Amendment) Act, 2025 (Act 1141), will now commence, effective 16th July 2025. The revised levies introduce significant increases for key petroleum products. Petrol (motor spirit) will see its Energy Sector Shortfall and Debt Repayment Levy (ESSDRL) rise from GH0.95 to GH1.95, while diesel (gas oil) increases from GH0.93 to GH1.93. Marine Gas Oil (MGO) for foreign vessels will similarly jump from GH0.93 to GH1.93, though locally used MGO sees a smaller adjustment from GH0.03 to GH0.23. Heavy fuel oil levies will rise from GH0.04 to GH0.24. Notably, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and naphtha remain unchanged at GH0.73, exempt from the latest adjustments. The GRA has instructed importers, distributors, and customs agents to comply fully with the new rates, confirming that the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS) has already been updated to enforce the changes automatically. Your cooperation is vital to the successful implementation of this critical revenue measure, which is essential for Ghana's energy sector stability and overall economic development, the statement emphasised. The directive has been circulated to all ports, stations, and relevant customs departments, reinforcing the GRAs commitment to integrity, fairness, and service in revenue mobilisation. Read the entire GRA statement below; Featured UPSA enforces 'decent' dress code on campus, unkempt hair, shorts, anklets, nose rings etc not permitted for lectures Enoch Darfah Frimpong Jul - 02 - 2025 , 19:01 2 minutes read Following an upsurge in indecent dressing on campus, the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) has initiated a move to enforce its code on dressing by students on campus. The new move, which came into force on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, has generated a public discussion online following an incident on Wednesday, where a student was seen being dragged by a male, said to be a member of the task force enforcing the code on dressing on campus. Some students have explained to Graphic Online that, the incident recorded on video has nothing to do with the dressing of the female student but it was as a result of an exchange of words [WATCH THE ATTACHED VIDEO BELOW]. Graphic Online understands that the management of the UPSA last week announced to students that it was going to enforce the dress code following an upsurge in indecency on campus. In a memo dated June 30, 2025, from the Office of the Dean of Students on dress code of students for lectures it was explained that the UPSA management was concerned about the indecent dressing of students on campus, especially during lectures. The students were reminded that university policy has not changed and the dress code policy will be strictly adhered to. "You are therefore reminded to keep abreast with the provisions on the dress code as stated in the Undergraduate Students Handbook 2018 on the universitys website." "With effect from July 1, 2025, a task force will be positioned at strategic locations on campus to enforce the dress code and bring sanity to campus." "Note that you will not be allowed into lecture halls with unkempt hair, shorts, bathroom slippers, tracksuits, anklets, nose rings etc to mention a few." "We uphold our mantra, which is, scholarship with professionalism," the memo from the Office of the Dean of Students stated. Meanwhile, some students have said the task force was discriminating in the enforcement of the dress code and that only Level 100 students were being targeted. They argued that Level 200 and 300 students are being left off the hook by the members of the task force On Wednesday, some students were prevented from accessing lecture halls for not dressing appropriately. Some complained that they had examinations to write as part of their assessment (IA) but they were prevented from entering the lecture hall. UPSA enforces 'decent' dress code on campus, unkempt hair, shorts, anklets, nose rings etc not permitted for lectures https://t.co/YIO4ZQM1xv pic.twitter.com/Vtt5lka650 DailyGraphic GraphicOnline (@Graphicgh) July 2, 2025 Writer's email: enoch.frimpong@graphic.com.gh Follow @enochfrimpong Follow @Graphicgh Nothing started out its journey with its Ear (1) wireless earbuds, and the brand is now launching its first over-ear headphones the aptly named Headphone (1). These come with the signature Nothing transparent look on the outside of the earcups and are primed to challenge the flagship noise-cancelling headphones from brands like Sony, Bose and Sennheiser. Headphone (1) were developed in collaboration with British audio brand KEF and feature 40mm dynamic drivers with the drivers, chambers and software all featuring KEF tuning. Nothing is also bringing an eight-band sound equalizer, which you can tweak inside the Nothing X app. Theres support for the AAC, SBC, and LDAC codecs. The headphones feature a total of six microphones, paired with a 42dB hybrid active noise-canceling (ANC) system. They pair over Bluetooth 5.3 with dual device pairing and support for Google Fast Pair and Microsoft Swift Pair. You also get in-ear detection for automatic play/pause of media The headphones weigh 329 grams and feature IP52 ingress protection against dust and water. Headphone (1) also get several buttons located on the earcups including a roller dial for volume control and a paddle for shifting through songs. You also get a programmable button which can be assigned to toggle between the ANC modes, launch your voice assistant or answer calls. Battery life is rated at up to 80 hours of playback (without ANC) thanks to the 1,040mAh battery. Charging is done via USB-C, and they also feature a 3.5mm headphone jack if you prefer going the wired route. Nothing Headphone (1) come in black and white colors and are priced at $299/299/299/21,999. Open sales are set to kick off on July 15 via nothing.tech and partnering retailers. Source Even though the Nothing brand began its journey with mid-range phones, the company is quickly expanding its portfolio and now added its first over-ear headphones, which are anything but cheap. The Headphone (1) features an unorthodox design, comfy earpads and a set of premium features. The goal is to go head-to-head with the likes of Sony, Bose and Sennheiser. The headphones follow Nothing's transparent, techy design language and offer premium build quality. The design is definitely polarizing, but it's instantly recognizable and we feel this was always the goal. Nothing Headphone (1) One thing is for sure: we are fans of the hardware controls. They feel super convenient. The Headphone (1) has all the bells and whistles too. The pair features adaptive active noise cancellation. The 42dB ANC system is touted as a hybrid, relying on six microphones. The dynamic sound drivers are plenty big, measuring 40mm and are developed in collaboration with KEF. Support for the most common high-definition codecs like AAC, SBC and LDAC is available. Battery life is supposed to be 80 hours without ANC, which is outstanding, at least on paper. That's because they house a huge 1,040 mAh battery that charges over USB-C. There's also a 3.5mm audio jack if you prefer to go analogue. Nothing Headphone (1) Stay tuned for our full review where we dive deeper into all the features, design, sound quality and everyday use. Atkins Kroll Inc. Guam has signed a memorandum of understanding with the University of Guam that seeks to build a stronger, future-ready workforce and support the development of the islands next generation of leaders. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to investing in local talent and building long-term career pathways for Guams youth, Atkins Kroll, an Inchcape company, said in a release. Through the program, UOG students will gain real-world experience in key business disciplines such as finance, marketing, business administration, information technology, and more. Students will also engage in hands-on learning and mentorship opportunities with professionals from Atkins Kroll, helping them build valuable skills for the workforce. UOG President Anita Borja Enriquez said this collaboration reflects UOGs continued efforts to build the workforce and create purposeful career pathways by connecting students directly with leaders in the local industries. Through opportunities like this with Atkins Kroll, students gain more than work experience, they gain professional mentorship, insights into evolving career landscapes, and a chance to envision their future here at home, Enriquez said. Atkins Kroll general manager and vice president Clark Boswell said as a company deeply rooted in Guam, Atkins Kroll is incredibly proud of this partnership. Its a meaningful way for us to support the next generation of leaders who will help shape the future of our island. This is about more than careers. Its about community, connection, and love for our island, Boswell said. Atkins Kroll said as a leading automotive retailer in Guam and Saipan and a member of the Inchcape global network, it offers more than just vehicle sales and service. The company said it provides a dynamic, growth-oriented workplace with expansive opportunities to build capabilities across multiple business functions. Students will also gain exposure to the global reach and standards of Inchcape, a world leader in automotive distribution and retail, it said. Atkins Kroll is proud to be part of the global Inchcape network, Boswell said. Together, we are committed to Transforming Tomorrow Together by helping young talent thrive right here at home. The Legend-class U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Stratton made port in Guams Apra Harbor Wednesday, as it patrols across the Pacific with international observers aboard. Ship commanding officer Capt. Brian Krautler said the stopover was the second on Guam since the 418-foot Stratton left home port in Alameda, California around mid-March. Prior to Guam, the Stratton stopped off to work with U.S. partners in Japan, Korea, and the Philippines, conducting at-sea training and search and rescue exercises, according to Krautler. The stronger that we can make those partnerships, the better we can improve maritime governance, territorial integrity, law enforcement, environmental protection, fisheries protection, all things that I know are very important to people, he said. The captain said the Pacific patrol is also the first with observers from the diplomatic Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, or Quad, partnership aboard. Two observers each from the Japan Coast Guard, Australian Border Force and Indian Coast Guard were aboard the ship Wednesday, as part of an exchange between the partners nations. The U.S. Coast Guards mission extends beyond our national interest, Krautler said. Its about forging and advancing partnerships with allies and partners who share our vision for maritime governance that is inclusive, transparent and based on mutual respect and shared goals. Krautler noted that the port call was special for him, as his career in the Coast Guard started when he was first stationed on Guam in 1998. He said it was the tip of the spear, but also felt like home for many in the Coast Guard. National security class cutters like the Stratton are the centerpiece of the Coast Guards maritime fleet. Stratton executive officer Cmdr. Jonathan Wolstenholme said the ship can carry 120 to 170 personnel at any time, along with supplies to stay at sea for up to 100 days. Members of the media got to tour the ship Wednesday. While at sea, the vessel can put a helicopter and drone into the air, and multiple smaller interceptor boats into the water, to aid in law enforcement and search and rescue operations. So far, this patrol, weve worked with Navy Marine Corps pilots. Weve worked with Taiwan Coast Guard Authority pilots, and weve worked with Air Force pilots and Army special operations, we really do it all here, said Ensign Dan Unangst. Working with the Armed Forces of the Philippines special forces and anti-terrorism units was also a standout of the ongoing patrol, according to maritime enforcement specialist Petty Officer Third Class Nicholas Aguirre-Cervantes. Prior to Guam, the Stratton made a notable stop in Palawan, Philippines. The province is close to the hotly contested South China Sea, where Chinese and Philippine coast guard forces often clash. Krautler said the U.S. Coast Guard will continue to build on partnerships and capabilities in the region. Our specialized law enforcement capabilities have been deployed throughout the region, and thats kind of where I see it building, is that were increasing the number of ships that are permanently stationed here in Guam, he said. That included soon-to-come, 154-foot fast response cutters. We will continue to push our largest, most capable assets, the national security cutters out here as part of continued focus on territorial integrity for Guam and partner building in the Pacific, Krautler added. Federal authorities contacted and received cooperation from the Guam Department of Labor with inquiries about an alleged $1.9 million Pandemic Unemployment Assistance fraud ring involving former GDOL employees. We have an open relationship with the federal authorities and have fully cooperated with all requests for information, Labor Director David DellIsola said about the investigation. Benefits processing for the pandemic-era program closed out just on June 30, with some $809.3 million paid out to 23,752 eligible applicants on Guam. PUA, established in 2020, helped tens of thousands of Guam residents financially survive the impacts of COVID-19 pandemic. Two former GDOL employees, Kathleen Peredo and Marlene Pinaula, are among seven people indicted in an alleged PUA fraud scheme that happened between 2020 and 2021, according to indictments. Defendants, among whom are members of Lt. Gov. Josh Tenorios family, were indicted last week for allegedly receiving $492,063 worth of fraudulent PUA claims. Court documents allege the entire scheme involved $1.9 million worth of false claims, and involved other co-conspirators who have not yet been named or charged. GDOLs DellIsola declined to comment further on the matter Wednesday, citing the pending court case and federal confidentiality regulations over PUA. He did state that all PUA program employees were required to go through ethics training. They received multiple training sessions from the U.S. Department of Labors Employment and Training Administration in five separate clinics before the program launched in July 2020, he said. Still uncollected $14.5M PUA overpayments DellIsola also provided more details about the closeout of the PUA program. Of the $809.3 million paid out through PUA, about $23.3 million were identified as overpayments, according to DellIsola. About $14.5 million of that remains uncollected. He said the overpayments were about 2.88% of total payouts on Guam, versus 17% nationwide. Payouts were allowable when benefits claims were not supported, according to DellIsola. This is nationwide, right? Ours was probably the lowest in the nation, he told the Pacific Daily News. DOL still has funding to continue collecting overpayments from residents through Sept. 30, under an administrative grant, he said. Applicants have requested and received numerous waivers for overpayments that were not fraudulent, according to the director. {div}The amount of PUA paid back was $3.67 million, while another $5.17 million was waived, totaling $8.8 million according to numbers from GDOL spokesperson Janela Carrera. {/div} DellIsola said GDOL does not keep exact figures of how many overpayments resulted from errors, as opposed to false reporting or fraud. However, each waiver request is evaluated individually to determine that overpayments did not result from fraud or misrepresentation, he said. There isnt a tally of how many cases are found to be fraudulent. We dont keep track. However, GDOL routinely cooperates with federal law enforcement agencies by providing any requested documentation allowed under USDOL rules, DellIsola stated. Multiple PUA fraud cases on Guam Last weeks federal indictments were the largest brought forward related to PUA fraud on Guam, but not the first involving residents or even former DOL employees. Former DOL employees Peredo and Pinaula are alleged to have used their access to the departments systems to approve fraudulent claims and divert payments. The latest round of indictments is also notable for involving members of Lt. Gov. Joshua Tenorios family and others: Charissa M. Tenorio, the lieutenant governors sister Matthew Topasna, the lieutenant governors partner Frankie Rosalin, the father of Charissa Tenorios children Tina Sanchez, Rosalins mother Winnie Jo Santos, an employee at Rosalin and Charissa Tenorios business The lieutenant governor, who is currently serving as acting governor while Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero is in the Marshall Islands for the Micronesian Islands Forum, is not charged in any crime. Back in court Thursday In a statement last week, Tenorio said he had no knowledge of the events alleged in the indictment. Defendants in the case are scheduled to be arraigned in District Court of Guam Judge Michael Bordallos courtroom at 1 p.m. on Thursday. The U.S. Government Accountability Office in 2023 estimated that, nationwide, fraudulent pandemic unemployment payments amounted to between $100 billion and $135 billion. At the time, states reported just $55.8 billion in overpayments, of which $5.3 billion were fraudulent, the GAO reported. Pandemic benefits fraud has been a focus in Congress this year. The House of Representatives in March passed the Pandemic Unemployment Fraud Enforcement Act to double the statute of limitations on pandemic-era fraud from five to 10 years. As of Wednesday, the measure was still awaiting a vote from the Senate. Desiree Lizama is now the president of the Guam Contractors Association, following her appointment by the board of directors Wednesday. A 15-year GCA employee, Lizama brings extensive experience in managing the associations administration, finances, activities, and events, GCA said in a release. Lizama previously served as the associations office manager. Desiree has provided steady leadership since becoming interim president, GCA board chairman Matt Hunter said in a statement. The board is impressed with her management of the association, and we look forward to many years of her leading the GCA. Lizama became interim GCA president on Aug. 7, 2024, following the resignation of president James Martinez, who held the position for 23 years. Martinez, who was described by his peers as a force behind the transformation of Guams construction industry, died in February. Lizama said shes deeply honored by the boards confidence in appointing her as president of GCA. Having worked alongside this incredible organization for 15 years, Ive witnessed firsthand the vital role GCA plays in supporting our local construction industry and building stronger communities across Guam, Lizama said in a statement. Im committed to working hard to continue our mission of advancing the interests of our members, promoting safety and excellence in construction, and fostering the next generation of skilled professionals. Together, well keep building a stronger future for Guams construction industry. GCA boards Hunter said Lizamas dedication and leadership have been invaluable to the organization. Her deep understanding of the association makes her the ideal choice to lead the GCA into the future. Were excited to see the association continue to thrive under her guidance, Hunter added. GCA said during the past year, Lizama has successfully planned and managed several key GCA events: The Department of Public Health and Social Services suspended the sanitary permit of Sodexo Food Service at the Finegayan Elementary School cafeteria in Dededo on June 24 after inspectors found evidence of insects, rodents, or animals. This is according to the agencys sanitation inspection report for the week of June 23 through 29. Im reaching out to those in charge of this but as far as I know, this issue has already been addressed, Guam Department of Education spokesperson Damen Borja told the Pacific Daily News on Wednesday. He did not provide further details. PDN also requested comments from Public Health. The same inspection report included two other school site visits. Upi Elementary School in Yigo, also serviced by Sodexo, was inspected on June 26. Inspectors issued no demerits or sanitation grade and found no evidence of any infestation. Captain H.B. Price Elementary School in Mangilao was inspected separately on June 17. Inspectors reported 27 demerits and issued a letter grade of C. Finegayan, Upi, and Price Elementary schools are currently hosting summer classes through July 10. Violations at Price Elementary Violations found at Price Elementary included inadequate vector control, inadequate ventilation, and plumbing not properly installed or maintained, which were corrected on-site. Others included floors not maintained; walls and ceilings not smooth; exit doors do not open outward, not self-closing, not tight-fitting, not clean, and in disrepair; and restrooms not kept in good repair, not clean, not free from foul odor, and toilet tissue not provided, among others. All this comes as GDOE continues to seek federal approval to access $108.8 million in pandemic recovery funds, most of which has been allocated for long-overdue school repairs and upgrades to ventilation, plumbing, and sanitation. Acting Gov. Josh Tenorio is asking federal officials to explain whether a 1% proposed remittance tax in the budget reconciliation bill passed by the Senate will apply to Guam. The tax, revised from a 3.5% remittance tax proposed in the House of Representatives version of the bill, is expected to save the federal government $10 billion, according to the New York Times. The Times said the tax includes exceptions for transfers funded with a debit or credit card issued in the U.S. or made through certain financial institutions. It does not include exemptions of credits for U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Remittances from people living and working in the United States provide a substantial amount of money for some countries. A Center for Global Development study found that if migrants are charged 1% to send remittances, the amount of money sent will likely decline by 1.6%. The countries that will be hit hardest by the tax, according to the center, are Mexico, which will lose up to $1.5 billion a year, followed by India, Guatemala, the Philippines and China. Tenorio said the tax penalizes people working to support family members in other countries. This tax doesnt target wealth or excessit targets love, responsibility, and sacrifice, Tenorio said. Sending money to help family survive should never be treated like a sin or a loophole. And yet, this proposal taxes people for doing exactly that. Tenorio emphasized the issue of fairness, saying Guam has no vote in the House or Senate. History has shown that taxes imposed on those without political power tend to grow over time, he said. This proposal may start small, but it sets a troubling precedent. Tenorio has sent a letter to Del. James Moylan requesting urgent clarification on the measure, including whether: The proposed tax applies to Guam and other U.S. territories. Guam can be exempted through the conference process. Revenue collected would be returned to Guam through the Treasury or Section 30 mechanisms. Local authorities would be empowered to rebate or offset the burden on residents. Tenorio urged Moylan to use his position to press for clarity and fairness as the legislation moves forward. People already pay their share. Now were being asked to pay againfor the simple act of caring for someone across an ocean, Tenorio said. Thats not just wrong. Thats un-American. A woman facing multiple felony drug counts, including possession of a drug-cutting agent known as tawas, was ordered held on $10,000 cash bail Wednesday. Maria Dolores Cruz Lorenzo, 50, was charged with: Possession of a Schedule II controlled substance with intent to deliver as a first-degree felony. Possession with intent to deliver a non-controlled substance while representing it to be a controlled substance as a second-degree felony. Criminal facilitation to possession of a Schedule II controlled substance with intent to deliver as a third-degree felony. Possession of a Schedule II controlled substance as a third-degree felony Theft by receiving as a misdemeanor. On June 30, police executed a search warrant in Lorenzos home and found 10.98 grams of tawas, or rock salt, a cutting agent that resembles crystal methamphetamine, in her room. They also found 3.93 grams of meth, drug paraphernalia and a stolen pressure washer in the room, according to a magistrates complaint filed in Superior Court. Lorenzo told police she began smoking meth in 2013, and she uses the drug once a week. She said she purchases meth, and she has given the drug to others. She said other people sell meth out of the residence, according to the complaint. She also admitted that the tawas belonged to her, and she said it looked like meth, the complaint stated. If she is found guilty of all charges, she could face 36 years in prison. Others charged Another person in the house, Danny Valencia, 42, was charged with possession of a Schedule II controlled substance with intent to deliver as a first-degree felony and possession of a Schedule II controlled substance as a third-degree felony. Police found 5.7 grams of methamphetamine in his room, along with drug paraphernalia, according to the complaint. Darwin Savella, 41, was also detained in the home. He was charged with possession of a Schedule II controlled substance with intent to deliver by complicity. Savella told police he gave someone meth in exchange for the stolen pressure washer, and he said he purchased drugs at the home for personal use, according to the complaint. Valencia and Savella both face 15 years in prison if convicted of the charges. Their cases were continued to Thursday. One of the remaining U.S. Marines who helped liberate Guam from Japanese soldiers during World War II, former Cpl. Frank S. Wright, is turning 100 years old this year and Guam residents could help grant his heartfelt birthday wish of receiving 100,000 cards, postcards or letters. Wright, a Marine Corps Raider and Purple Heart recipient, was born on July 5, 1925 in Arkansas. He now lives in Lodi, California. He returned to Guam for the very first time last year, 80 years after he fought during the war that helped in the recapture of Guam from Japan in 1944. Wright again returned to Guam in March this year on his way to and from the events to mark the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima in Japan. Postcards, cards or letters for Frank S. Wright may be sent to: Frank S. Wright, Stockton Marine Corps Club, PO Box 690145, Stockton, CA 95269-1045. On Wednesday, Acting Gov. Josh Tenorio also issued a message to the people of Guam to join the national birthday campaign for Wright, who he describes as a true hero of Guams liberation. Frank Wright is more than a veteran. Hes a living link to our past, and a warrior who helped return freedom to our shores, Tenorio said in a statement. As one of the last surviving WWII Raiders, his bravery is etched into our history. He fought in some of the most brutal battles in the Pacific, including Guadalcanal, New Georgia, Iwo Jima, and right here on Guam. He is part of our story, and we are part of his. Last year, Wright was given a tour of Guam, 80 years after he was last here as a young Marine fighting a war. I ask our community, from students and veterans to artists and families, to join in this campaign and send Frank a postcard. Lets let him know that the people of Guam remember. Lets surround him with the warmth, gratitude, and pride that he so deeply deserves, Tenorio added. Wright was bayoneted in the stomach while liberating Guam. He was shot in the chest and arm at the Battle of Iwo Jima. He also fought at Guadalcanal. Guam is celebrating the 81st anniversary of its liberation on July 21. Prior to Liberation Day, there will be memorials and events across the island, culminating in a July 21 parade. I have said this before, but it is worth mentioning again. Within a year after coming to Guam, I had a problem that I needed to follow up with at a now closed company. It looked to me as if the company had an employee with a medical degree who was making technical medical decisions. But this person was not licensed to practice medicine on Guam. I went in and talked to the CEO in person about this. He told me that it was true. He also gleefully added, Guam is like the wild west, this is just how it is. He then discussed this point with me in detail. He told me that while leaders make a lot of laws and they talk a lot, no one enforces anything. By the time anyone does take notice, it doesnt matter anymore. Over time, I have realized that he was telling the truth for the most part. Many Guam leaders kick the can down the road and simply do not do their jobs. As long as a crisis does not occur on their watch, not much really gets done and no one is ever held responsible. This summer, I have been going through a lot of old files in my office. Many of the files dealt with the struggles I have had with university administrators over the years. Most professors never get involved with genuine administrative matters and they rarely if ever interact with the Board of Regents. I have always spoken up and I have always sought to encourage compliance with local and federal laws as much as possible. Even so, many of my efforts took years to meet basic goals. For example, between 1997 and 2003, I repeatedly complained that the university did not have an equal employment opportunity process for college professors. In 2003, the University of Guam settled an unrelated federal case that required them to adopt an EEO process. On a side note, I have noticed that only external pressure seems to work. Unless the federal government arrests people, or threatens funding or an academic accreditation body takes notice, leaders on Guam simply do not appear to care. Going over these old files, I realized that few things ever change and no one enforces laws on a regular basis. In effect, it is always someone elses problem. Several times in this column, I mentioned that the Guam Code at 1 GCA 20 says that sealed legal settlements are not allowed. In 2018, the university insisted on making a sealed settlement with me. When I raised the point in the media that settlements are not supposed to be sealed, no leader ever did anything about it. Now seven years later, this concern has still not been resolved. We will see soon if it will be. Where were our leaders in enforcing the law? This is why Guam is the Wild West. There is an old concept related to the government, Who guards the guardians themselves? Make all the laws you want. Whine into the shadows of the internet. By constantly going on off island travel, pretend to do your jobs. While the wild west may have some sort of nostalgia to a few people, it is not the way to run a functional government. Our public deserves better. Haiti - FLASH : 60 scholarships for Morocco, registrations open The Ministry of Foreign Affairs informs that the Government of the Kingdom of Morocco is offering sixty (60) scholarships to Haitians wishing to pursue their university studies in Morocco starting in the 2025-2026 academic year. Requirements : Be under 23 years of age; Have completed secondary education in 2024 with a minimum average of 6.00/10; Have a legalized birth certificate; Have a legalized high school diploma and transcripts; Have a medical certificate issued by the public health services; Have a final year school report; Be of Haitian nationality and hold a valid passport; Have a recent clean criminal record; Have a recent passport photo. Note : Successful applicants must legalize all their documents before departing for Morocco. Applications will be accepted online at : https://mae.gouv.ht/bourses-detude/ Application deadline : Tuesday, July 15, 2025. The exams will take place on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., and for the first time, they will be held simultaneously in the capital, Port-au-Prince, as well as in Cap-Haitien, Les Cayes, and Miragoane for the provincial cities. For more information : bourses.maec@diplomatie.ht HL/ HaitiLibre Haiti - TPS : UN Secretary General challenges the Trump administration's claim on the situation in Haiti UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, during his regular briefing on the country's situation before the UN Security Council, challenged the Trump administration's recent assessment that the situation in Haiti had improved sufficiently to allow the revocation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and the return of its citizens to their country. He stated that Haiti "continues to face considerable challenges, notably due to the deteriorating security situation and the growing presence of gangs." "In continuing their territorial expansion, armed gangs have seized strategic points in the West, Center, and Artibonite regions, sowing violence and committing serious human rights violations against the population," stressing that all access routes to the capital, Port-au-Prince, are now under gang control. Despite this assessment, a study conducted by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services concluded that the situation in the Caribbean country had improved sufficiently to allow Haitians to "return home safely." It remains unclear how DHS reached the decision to waive TPS for Haitian migrants, given that the State Department is currently advising Americans not to travel to Haiti and to leave the country as soon as possible. https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-45197-haiti-flash-message-to-american-citizens-depart-haiti-as-soon-as-possible.html The situation in Haiti remains extremely volatile, according to recent reports. The latest update indicates that transitional government forces have reportedly killed hundreds of gang members using drones. According to a report by the National Human Rights Defense Network, drone operations have killed at least 300 gang members and injured 400 others. Meanwhile, other UN reports have noted a 500% increase in violence against children in the country over the past year, making it one of the most dangerous places in the world. Specifically, the UN report on children in armed conflict indicates that the country is now as dangerous for children as Gaza, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia, and Nigeria... Breaking News : On Tuesday, July 1st, 2025, New York federal judge Brian M. Cogan ruled in favor of Haitians granted temporary legal status in the United States, finding that Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem had exceeded her authority https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-45217-haiti-flash-end-of-tps-for-more-than-500-000-haitians-official.html by subtracting six months from the 18-month TPS extension that the former Biden administration had granted to Haitian nationals and decided in its decision to reinstate the February 2026 deadline. The Trump administration will likely appeal the decision Cogan's decision SL/ HaitiLibre French internet users can once again watch porn more easily if required. The Canadian media and IT company Aylo has restored access to Pornhub, YouPorn and Redtube in France, as it confirmed to Politico. The parent company of the adult portals had taken them offline in the country itself at the beginning of June. With this action, it wanted to protest against the implementation of a new French law that has required operators of adult websites to introduce robust age verification systems (AVS) and block users under the age of 18 since June 7. Anzeige "The administrative court has spoken", writes Aylo in a statement. The company is thus referring to a decision by Paris judges on Monday, which temporarily suspended the proceedings. Domestic authorities cannot simply impose the statutory requirements on companies based in other EU states, the judges argued. The obligations are therefore suspended for now. Aylo's European headquarters are located in Cyprus. The European Court of Justice (ECJ), which was called upon by the administrative judges, will now clarify whether the AVS requirement is compatible with EU law. The main focus here is on the country of origin principle of the 2002 E-Commerce Directive, which states that an EU country cannot simply regulate a company based in another member state. Exceptions are only possible after going through a formal process that includes notifying the country of origin and the EU Commission. Aylo wants global age checks at device level "French citizens deserve a regulation that prevents children from accessing adult content and that can be effectively enforced," commented Aylo on the decision. "They also deserve protection of their privacy and sensitive data." To achieve this, lawmakers need to understand the fact "that adult content exists on hundreds of thousands of platforms", not just the 17 websites affected in France. The court's decision provides an opportunity to "consider more effective approaches". Aylo argues that global age verification at device and operating system level would be more effective than website-based verification. The French government intends to appeal against the court's announcement. It continues to emphasize the need to protect minors from harmful content. President Emmanuel Macron and Digital Minister Clara Chappaz are also pushing for a Europe-wide age limit of 15 years for the use of social media. In other European countries, such as Germany and the UK, regulators are also striving for stricter restrictions on porn online. In Germany, for example, the Commission for the Protection of Minors in the Media (KJM) is campaigning for AVS, while porn activists consider such an obligation to be "negligent" and a threat to fundamental rights. According to a study, age verification on the internet is necessary, but not feasible in democracies. At the same time, access to the two German-language portals of Pornhub and YouPorn via major providers remains blocked following rulings by local administrative courts. In France, VPN providers that provide access to nationally blocked sites recorded a sharp increase in user numbers during the shutdown of YouPorn & Co. there. Anzeige (nen) Don't miss any news follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn or Mastodon. This article was originally published in German. It was translated with technical assistance and editorially reviewed before publication. On Tuesday, telescopes in Chile may have discovered the third interstellar object in the solar system, known as A11pl3Z. This is according to reports from the European Space Agency and various astronomers on Bluesky. The responsible offices at the US space agency NASA and the Minor Planet Center of the International Astronomical Union have already confirmed the discovery. However, it remains to be seen whether it is actually a celestial body that is just passing through and will leave the solar system again. However, the values determined so far and the trajectory calculated from them strongly suggest that it is. Anzeige Empfohlener redaktioneller Inhalt Mit Ihrer Zustimmung wird hier ein externer Inhalt geladen. Externen Inhalt jetzt laden Astronomers may have just discovered the third interstellar object passing through the Solar System! ESAs Planetary Defenders are observing the object, provisionally known as #A11pl3Z, right now using telescopes around the world. ESA Operations (@operations.esa.int) Jul 2, 2025 at 10:23 Empfohlener redaktioneller Inhalt Mit Ihrer Zustimmung wird hier ein externer Inhalt geladen. Externen Inhalt jetzt laden To be expected with newly discovered objects moving slowly, things are updating. New precovery observations from I41 now span back to June 14th, 2025. The eccentricity as dropped a bit to ~6, which is still almost double 2I Borisov (3.36). Updated orbit plot here: (Image from Saguaro Observatory) [image or embed] David Rankin (@asteroiddave.bsky.social) Jul 2, 2025 at 07:06 According to reports, the celestial body was discovered as part of the Deep Random Survey project, for which amateurs have access to a telescope in Chile. The object has now also been detected with other devices, and there are already reports that there is also evidence in older data from other observatories. According to the very first calculations, A11pl3Z has an eccentricity of well over 10, whereby any value over 1 means that the object is not in orbit but is merely passing our sun. Even if the value has since been corrected downwards to just over 6, this would still be almost twice as much as the previous record holder 2I/Borisov. Interstellar objects are celestial bodies that are not bound to a star and only pass through star systems like ours. Such a passage has only been observed for two objects so far, 1I/Oumuamua in 2017 and 2I/Borisov in 2019 and 2020. Both were of great interest to researchers because they came unusually close to us as objects from outside. A11pl3Z could now be the hoped-for third research object. According to current calculations, it will approach the orbit of Mars in the fall. At its closest approach, it will therefore be about twice as far away from the sun as our Earth. Anzeige (mho) 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. Finnair announced it will cancel around 100 flights on Wednesday, 2 July, due to strike action by the Finnish Aviation Union (IAU), affecting ground services essential to the airline's operations. The cancellations are expected to disrupt travel plans for approximately 7,000 passengers. Finnair said it is contacting affected customers directly. The IAU has also announced strike actions on 4, 7, 16, 18, 21, and 23 July. The Ministry for Foreign Affairs announced the removal on Wednesday. According to the ministry, the move aims to safeguard the functioning of the Finnish diplomatic mission in Lisbon. A replacement search begins immediately. Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen has dismissed Titta Maja-Luoto from her post as Finlands ambassador to Portugal. The decision follows internal complaints and an ongoing civil service investigation into her conduct. Valtonen made the decision after consulting ministry leadership and human resources officials. The unfortunate matter is that this took a bit too long, Valtonen told Helsingin Sanomat. She referred to a three-month internal deadline for resolving workplace safety complaints, which had already been exceeded. In February, all eight members of the embassy staff and the ambassadors residence filed a formal complaint against Maja-Luoto. The allegations included bullying, verbal abuse, racist conduct and psychological harassment. Maja-Luoto admitted in an interview with STT that she had acted inappropriately on two occasions. She made a similar statement to Helsingin Sanomat, saying she recognised her behaviour had been unacceptable during two incidents involving embassy staff. The administrative process regarding the February complaint is still ongoing. Possible outcomes include a written warning or dismissal. According to Valtonen, removing Maja-Luoto from her post was not a disciplinary sanction but an operational measure. This is not tolerated at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Valtonen said. Any such behaviour leads to consequences, but every individual must also be guaranteed due process. State Secretary Jukka Salovaara, who oversees civil service procedures at the ministry, said the investigation is nearing completion. The results will be published once the process ends. Valtonen declined to comment on whether Maja-Luoto could be reassigned to another position within the ministry. The decision has attracted criticism from legal scholars. Olli Maenpaa, emeritus professor of administrative law at the University of Helsinki, described the removal as artificial. In substance, this circumvents the dismissal procedure, Maenpaa said. It appears the criteria for dismissal were not met, so this alternative method was chosen. He warned that such a move risks setting a precedent for bypassing proper disciplinary channels. If a troublesome civil servants position is terminated to remove them without due process, it resembles a misuse of discretion, he said. Maenpaa acknowledged that the president of Finland holds the formal authority to appoint or remove heads of missions but questioned the intent behind using that power in this case. Valtonen made a similar decision last year in the case of Jari Vilen, Finlands former ambassador to Canada. Vilen requested to be recalled after internal complaints, including allegations of inappropriate conduct and sexual harassment. He later received a written warning after an administrative review. Unlike Vilen, Maja-Luoto did not request her own removal, the ministry said. The Ministry for Foreign Affairs has faced repeated criticism in recent years for its handling of personnel issues. In response, it has brought in an external HR director and introduced 360-degree staff assessments. Valtonen said these steps aim to improve leadership readiness and prevent future problems. HT The incident occurred around 10:30pm and lasted just a few seconds. A fireball appeared in the sky and was followed by a sudden boom. The Aland police confirmed that they received multiple calls about a flash and noise, but found no injuries or damage. A meteor caused a loud explosion and intense light over the Aland Islands on Tuesday night, prompting reports from several cities across southern Finland. Footage captured by residents shows the meteors path from different angles. In Geta, Vincent Bergman, 16, was swimming with friends when he saw and recorded the fireball. The whole of Aland heard the sound, said his mother, Jessica Jansson. Another video came from Frans Bjorkroth in Parainen, whose dashboard camera recorded the fireball while he was driving home. Sightings extended far beyond Aland. Observers reported the meteor from Kirkkonummi, Turku, Espoo, Tampere, Rauma, and Masku. Finlands astronomical association Ursa received dozens of citizen reports through its observation portal. One witness in Kirkkonummi described the fireball as brighter than the full moon. Another in Masku wrote, Fireball at night, like the sun. In Aland, Rasmus Karlsson, a journalist with Alands Radio, saw the fireball while at a summer cottage. It was a ball of light that came from the southwest and travelled northeast at high speed, he said. I have never seen or heard anything like it in all my life. He estimated the meteor was headed toward Norrhavet, northeast of the islands, but stressed that the exact trajectory was hard to determine. The event lasted about three seconds and sparked widespread speculation. Social media users shared videos and commented on the intensity of the flash. Kaveh Bahar, secretary of Alands amateur astronomy club, told Alands Radio the footage likely confirmed that a meteor exploded in the atmosphere. Local police concluded their investigation, stating there was nothing further to pursue. The Finnish Meteorological Institute and astronomical groups have not yet provided a detailed trajectory or analysis. HT A labour dispute between the Finnish Aviation Union (IAU) and Service Sector Employers (Palta) remains unresolved after another failed round of negotiations, the National Conciliators office said on Tuesday. The breakdown in talks comes ahead of a strike by airport ground workers scheduled for Wednesday. Finnair has cancelled around 100 flights in response. The strike will affect key ground operations at Helsinki Airport, including baggage handling. Inka Kuusjarvi , a chemistry student in Turku, said her monthly benefit will fall from 217 to 83. She rents from her parents and described the decision as unfair. The reform shifts students from the general housing allowance to a more limited study grant housing supplement. Support will now only be paid during months of active study and in lower amounts. A major overhaul of Finlands student housing aid system will take effect in August, cutting support for around 150,000 students. Those renting from parents will see the sharpest drops. I pay rent just like anyone else, she told Yle. This isnt about sending Kela money to parents. Its about having a stable living arrangement. Students who rent from family members will now receive a maximum of 83 per month, compared to the previous average of 344. This reduction does not apply equally to students renting from other landlords. Kela confirmed that just over 5,000 students rent from parents but that the wider reform will affect 150,000 people overall. Under the new rules, students will no longer receive housing support during summer unless they are enrolled in courses. The monthly support amount will also decrease by 50 to 128, depending on the location. Piia Kuusisto, benefits manager at Kela, said students should prepare for the change. There are two ways students can manage, she said. Study during the summer or work during the academic year. Students resuming studies in September will lose housing aid after July and may not be aware of the gap. Kuusisto said students could apply for study loans in August. She also mentioned basic social assistance as a last option. The government estimates the reform will save over 5 million annually. HT Airports council honors AVL's Tina Kinsey Tina Kinsey Tina Kinsey, chief administrative officer at Asheville Regional Airport, has been named the recipient of the 2025 Air Service Achievement Award by Airports Council International-North America, the Greater Asheville Regional Airport Authority announced. Related Stories The prestigious national award recognizes outstanding work and exceptional contributions in air service development. Kinseys leadership and commitment over the last 15 years has played a crucial role in expanding and enhancing air service at AVL in a sustainable way, directly benefiting the people and businesses of Western North Carolina. Air service development is much more than adding flights. It is a key driver of our regions economy, connecting Western North Carolina to the world, creating jobs, supporting tourism, and providing critical access for our business community, said Lew Bleiweis, president and CEO of Asheville Regional Airport. Tinas innovative and strategic approach to air service development has ensured that AVL continues to grow in alignment with the needs of our community. Under Kinseys leadership, AVL has improved travel options for the region leading to record-breaking passenger numbers, more than 20 new nonstop destinations and increased seat capacity by more than 230 percent. Her work has strengthened AVLs position as a vital regional asset that supports economic development, quality of life and resilience in Western North Carolina. We are proud to see Tinas impact recognized on a national stage, Bleiweis added. This award is a testament to her dedication and to the importance of air service development as we continue to support the economic vitality of the communities we serve. CAMPAIGNERS are furious after a new report has found that the majority of heavy goods vehicles were not using Henley as a short cut. Oxfordshire County Council, the highways authority, carried out a study over two days in September where it collected data using 35 automatic number plate recognition cameras. The HGV Analysis Report, which has been leaked to the Henley Standard, found that while most were more than 18 tonnes, they were local to the area. As a result, the council officer which put together the report stopped short of recommending an environmental weight limit. It said the introduction of this restriction risks displacing HGV traffic to other areas, potentially creating new issues elsewhere. But they outlined a number of recommendations, including exploring the possibility of pedestrianising areas of the town and installing new signage. The survey was carried out between Thursday, September 25 and Sunday 26 last year and cameras were installed in High Wycombe, Abingdon, Didcot, Maidenhead and Reading. In Henley, cameras were installed in Fair Mile, Greys Road, Gravel Hill, A4155 South and North, A4130 Remenham Hill, the A321 and in Nettlebed. The report found a total of 61.7 per cent of all vehicles captured were 18 tonnes or more and that very few HGVs from the east are using Henley as a through-route to reach Didcot or Oxford. Similarly, it found that only a small fraction of westbound HGVs, from Oxford and Didcot, use Henley as a non-stopping route to the east, towards the A404, Maidenhead and Slough. It concluded that the majority of the HGVs are travelling on the advisory routes for all weight groups and the majority of the HGVs captured at Henley are local as they are stopping within a five-mile radius of the town. It found that 80 per cent of 3.5 to 7.5 tonne HGVs are making stops, 60 per cent of 7.5 to 18 tonnes are making stops and 74 per cent of more than 18 tonnes are making stops. The cameras in and around Henley that picked up the highest number of vehicles were in Fair Mile and Nettlebed. The raw data provided the time stamp for the capture, direction of travel as well as technical details of each vehicle recorded, including vehicle type, fuel type, European emission standards and weight. Campaigners, who have been calling for a weight limit for Henley, have disputed the findings, saying they have a large body of photographic evidence to prove HGVs are using Henley as a short cut. They have also criticised the report due to its short collection period and claim that some of the cameras used to collect the data were not working. Town and county councillor Stefan Gawrysiak said: I want independent verification of this data as so many cameras werent working. Twenty-five per cent of HGVs coming into the study area were lost. Amanda Chumas, of Henley HGV Watch, said: Despite submitting four and a half years of real-time photographic evidence, our concerns have been dismissed and minimized, with the sole focus seemingly placed on ANPR data. A spokesman for the county council said that as the report had not been published yet it would not comment. Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site. 0108263 License for publishing multimedia online Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349 A California car wash owner says Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents stormed his business without showing a warrant, part of an escalation in workplace immigration raids. Since President Donald Trump returned to office, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has renewed its aggressive focus on immigration enforcement. A central element of this strategy has been worksite raids, often at small businesses. On June 22, armed CBP officials arrived at Bubble Bath Hand Car Wash in Torrance, California, in unmarked cars, according to the Washington Post. Surveillance footage shows them entering restricted areas and shoving both staff and the owner, Emmanuel Karim Nicola-Cruz, who says his multiple requests to see a warrant were ignored. "They weren't answering any of my questions," Nicola-Cruz told the outlet. "I feel like my rights were 100% violated. I feel absolutely, absolutely betrayed. We have American flags all over the property. We're an American business." One worker was pushed into a gate, and others fled into the car wash tunnel. DHS said the worker was attempting to escape, but denied any misconduct. The shop has since lost business, and its owner, who has not been charged, says his family now fears further retaliation. The incident is one of dozens across the country that immigration advocates say reflect a pattern of rights violations. From Florida construction sites to Nebraska meatpacking plants, ICE raids have increasingly targeted small operations, where owners are less likely to push back. In many cases, workers are arrested while business owners remain untouched. Some raids have involved questionable tactics, including entering private areas without judicial warrants and using so-called "Blackie's warrants," which do not name specific individuals. Though DHS claims the raids aim to disrupt illegal hiring practices, the outcomes suggest a different motive: increasing migrant arrest numbers. Even some business owners who cooperated with immigration checks and used tools like E-Verify have faced surprise raids. Originally published on Latin Times A Florida man who risked his life to save a young girl from a shark attack earlier this month now faces deportation. Luis Alvarez, 31, was one of three men who rushed to help 9-year-old Leah Lendel after she was attacked by a shark in Boca Grande on June 11. Lendel's hand was nearly severed, but doctors were able to save it. Three days later, Alvarez was pulled over by the Collier County Sheriff's Office in Immokalee for driving without headlights. Discovering he was driving without a license, deputies arrested him. According to court records reviewed by Fox 4, Alvarez is now being held by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). "He went deep underwater, not even caring about the shark. He probably faced the shark," Raynel Lugo, who also assisted in the rescue, recalled to the outlet. He described Alvarez as "a real decent guy, a family guy." Body camera footage shows Alvarez in wet clothes beside the beach following the shark attack, as a deputy praises the rescue effort. "You made a real difference," the officer said. "I think that would have been a lot worse if you weren't here." As Lendel continues her recovery, Alvarez awaits a court hearing scheduled for July 9. Originally published on Latin Times Russia ramped up drone attacks on Ukraine dramatically in June, an AFP analysis published Tuesday showed, pressuring the war-torn country's stretched air defence systems and exhausted civilian population. Ukraine says it is adapting to the escalating bombardments and has vowed to respond, but the mounting attacks come at a critical moment of the Russian invasion, which is grinding through its fourth year. Kyiv is appealing to the United States and European allies for more air defence systems to defend its critical infrastructure as talks spearheaded by Washington to secure a ceasefire falter. The AFP analysis of Ukrainian air force data showed that Russia fired 5,438 long-range drones at Ukraine in June -- more than in any month since Moscow launched its invasion in February 2022. That figure was up 37 percent from the total in May, when Russia launched 3,974 drones, according to the Ukrainian air force. Moscow's army also fired 239 missiles in overnight attacks, almost twice as many as a month before, the data showed. The attacks, which trigger air raid sirens in towns and cities across the country and spur civilians to spend sleepless nights in shelters, occurred every night in June. Russian President Vladimir Putin underscored last month that drones are an increasingly integral part of his country's military might. During a televised meeting on armaments convened by the Kremlin, he touted Russian drone units' attacks on armoured vehicles, fortified positions, and personnel. Putin claimed that up to 50 percent of all attacks that "destroyed and damaged equipment and facilities" in Ukraine were launched by Russian drone units. "Their effectiveness is constantly growing," he said, noting the military was creating a separate drone forces branch. But Ukraine, which has been forced to adapt its defences to fend off Russia's larger army, is also changing how it deals with increasing Russian drone attacks. "Ukraine is introducing new developments -- interceptor drones -- as well as other tools that are deliberately not disclosed," defence minister Rustem Umerov told journalists, including from AFP last week. "All work on counter-drone systems is a continuous cycle of innovation and improvement." Ukrainian air defence units destroyed 81 percent of all drones and missiles launched by Russia in May. Even as attacks escalated over June, Kyiv's intercept rate of drones and missiles increased to 86 percent. Assessing the impact of the larger Russian drone attacks is complicated in part because Ukraine is secretive about what, if anything, was targeted by Russia or hit. That was up from two killed in Russian bombardments of Kyiv in May. The Kremlin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov called on Kyiv to give into Moscow's hardline demands for peace if it wanted the attacks to stop. "Kyiv knows perfectly well what needs to be done to end the fighting," Peskov said in response to a question from AFP about the increased drone attacks. Kyiv says Moscow's ceasefire requirements -- to cede territory and renounce Western military support -- amount to capitulation. Alina Shtompel, a 20-year student in Kyiv, said on June 17 that the night she had survived was "hellish". That country-wide attack from 440 drones and 32 missiles ripped open an apartment building in Kyiv, where at least 28 people were killed. "It is indescribably painful that our people are going through this right now," Shtompel added. Over the last decade, Iran invested more than $10 billion in Russian weapons, aiming to construct what it believed to be an "impenetrable shield." This arsenal included sophisticated S-300 air defense systems, MiG-29M fighter jets, and advanced electronic warfare units such as radar-jamming equipment. Yet, in a stunning display of military prowess, hundreds of Israeli jets, drones, and even seven B-2 bombers executed every mission successfullydestroying the majority of Iran's air defense sites and assets. Within just 48 hours, Israel claimed air superiority over Iran's entire airspace. This rapid dominance stands in stark contrast to Russia's own performance in Ukraine, where, after more than three years of warfare, Moscow has failed to achieve similar air superiority. The disparity highlights a critical truth: Russia's much-vaunted military capabilities often collapse under real-world combat pressureshattered by the decisive edge of Western technology, doctrine, and operational competence. Russian Weapons in Action: From Iraq to Iran Iran's multi-billion dollar military overhaul relied heavily on Russian support, with roughly 96% of its arms imports coming from Moscow. However, this extensive rearmament proved futile against the Israeli offensive. Experts attributed Israel's success to "superior Western weaponry, rigorous training, unmatched intelligence networks, and precise operational planning"a combination Russia has been unable to replicate. The Israeli attack echoed the opening hours of the 1991 Gulf War. Back then, Iraqalso equipped with advanced Soviet weaponry such as T-72 tanks and MiG-29 fightersfaced a similar fate. U.S. F-117 Nighthawk stealth bombers launched the first wave of strikes, and Iraqi radar and air defense units, unable to detect the aircraft, "didn't even know an attack had begun." By the time operators realized something was wrong, it was too late: key defensive infrastructure had already been neutralized. Ukraine's Stubborn Skies A Grinding Stalemate When Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, most analysts predicted the Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS) would swiftly dominate Ukrainian airspace. But that expectation proved fundamentally flawed. Thanks to early warnings from U.S. intelligence, Kyiv rapidly dispersed its mobile surface-to-air missile (SAM) batteries and evacuated fighter jets, ensuring that initial Russian strikes hit decoys or empty hangars. Ukraine's air defenses responded with intensity, shooting down dozens of Russian aircraft, including modern Su-34 and Su-35 jets. Within the first few months, Russia had reportedly lost over 75 fixed-wing aircraft. Western support further bolstered Ukraine's defenses, with advanced systems like NASAMS, IRIS-T, and Patriot batteries being deployed. In a landmark moment, a U.S.-supplied Patriot battery shot down multiple Russian Kinzhal hypersonic missiles over Kyiv in May 2023missiles that Moscow had previously declared "practically unstoppable." Ukrainian officials confirmed that every Kinzhal missile fired at Kyiv since May 2023over 20 in totalhad been successfully intercepted. Ukraine has also exposed weaknesses in Russian air defenses, using long-range drones and modified missiles to strike targets deep inside Russian territory, including air bases and even Moscow itself. The Achilles' Heel: Why Russian Weapons Fail Russia's military shortcomings are not limited to Ukraine. Similar failures have been observed in conflicts across Syria, Libya, and the 2020 war between Azerbaijan and Armenia. The Pantsir-S1 air defense system, touted as a counter to cruise missiles and drones, was consistently destroyed by Israeli and Turkish strikes. Even the S-300 SAM system failed to detect or engage small drones during the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. On the ground, Russian armored forces have suffered catastrophic losses due to a long-known design flaw: ammunition stored in an autoloader carousel beneath the turret. Western anti-tank weapons like the Javelin exploit this vulnerability by striking from above, often igniting the ammo and ejecting the turret entirelyan effect Ukrainian soldiers grimly nickname a "jack-in-the-box." These failures are compounded by systemic corruption in Russia's military-industrial complex. Funds earmarked for R&D, quality materials, and testing often disappear. Inspections have revealed explosive reactive armor blocks on Russian tanks to be either empty or filled with ineffective materials, leaving crews dangerously exposed. Russia's reliance on outdated manufacturing techniques and Cold War-era technology is another critical limitation; many of its missiles still use basic semi-active radar or inertial guidance systems, whereas Western counterparts utilize multimode seekers with AI-enhanced targeting. Naval Disasters and Doctrinal Failures Perhaps the most humiliating setback for Russia was the sinking of the Moskva, its Black Sea Fleet flagship, by just two Ukrainian-made Neptune R-360 missiles. The cruiser, worth an estimated $750 million, was destroyed by weapons costing a fraction of that amount. Its outdated radar systems failed to detect and intercept the incoming missiles in time. By contrast, the USS Mason, a U.S. Navy destroyer, successfully intercepted Iranian-made anti-ship missiles off the coast of Yemen in 2016 using modern defense systems and electronic countermeasures. Russia's rigid and centralized military doctrine has also proven to be a liability. Its strategy emphasizes overwhelming firepower and strict top-down command structuresvulnerable to disruption when communications are jammed. In contrast, Western forces utilize decentralized, adaptable command systems and encourage initiative at lower ranks. Russian units, lacking such flexibility, often become paralyzed when plans collapse and new orders fail to arrive. Western Edge: A Clear Disparity Israel's rapid dominance over Iran, like the coalition's success in the Gulf War, wasn't due to sheer numbers but strategic superiority. The F-35I fighter jets used by Israelcustomized with cutting-edge Israeli electronicsare designed to be virtually undetectable. Iran's Russian-supplied radar systems had little chance of spotting them. On the ground, Western-supplied tanks such as the Leopard 2, Challenger 2, and M1 Abrams have demonstrated superior protection, accuracy, and survivability in Ukraine. Their advanced optics, thermal sights, and digital fire control systems consistently outclass their Russian counterparts. Moreover, Ukraine's battlefield success is driven by superior intelligence, logistical resilience, and rapid decision-makingfactors that continuously keep it a step ahead of Russia. A Global Wake-Up Call Russia's repeated battlefield failures have seriously undermined its reputation as a leading arms exporter. Once the world's second-largest arms supplier, Russia has now slipped to third place, and its global sales are expected to decline further. Governments worldwide are watching Ukraine closelyand drawing unmistakable conclusions. As Russian tanks, air defenses, and missiles are systematically neutralized or defeated, Ukraine has become a living case study of what not to buy. Ultimately, real-world combat effectiveness speaks louder than propaganda. The gap between Russia's advertised military prowess and its actual battlefield performance has never been more exposed. * 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. Alarm is spreading across online communities and social media following reports that waste from North Korea's Pyongsan uranium refining plant may be contaminating the West Sea with radioactive material. Claims that wastewater from the facility is flowing into the West Sea via the Yesong River have gone viral, accompanied by photos purportedly showing elevated radiation levels near South Korea's Ganghwa Island. Public anxiety is high, with some netizens drawing comparisons to the Chernobyl disaster. However, a closer examination of the evidence and expert commentary reveals a more nuanced situation, marked by limited verifiable data and the rapid amplification of fear. The Allegation: Wastewater from Pyongsan to the West Sea The controversy began with Dr. Jung Sung's analysis of WorldView-3 satellite images, reportedly provided by a U.S. environmental think tank. His review of imagery from late October last year suggested that wastewater from the Pyongsan uranium plant in North Hwanghae Province was being discharged into the Yesong River and ultimately reaching the West Sea. According to Dr. Jung, the uranium refining process produces sludge, which has filled the plant's sedimentation pond. With the pond at capacity, wastewater appears to be discharged directly into the river. Satellite images show drainage channels leading from the sedimentation pond to a small stream, which joins the Yesong River and flows south through Ganghwa Bay before entering the West Sea. The Counter-Argument: Assessing Radioactivity Levels These alarming claims have faced significant pushback. A source familiar with North Korean affairs, cited in a News1 report, argued that the Pyongsan plant primarily processes natural uranium, which has relatively low radioactivity. According to this perspective, the risk of wastewater being significantly contaminated with radioactive material is low. The source also claimed that the sludge in the sedimentation pond consists mainly of material from which uranium has already been removed, reducing the likelihood of radioactive substances being present in discharged water. Consensus: Unpurified Discharge and Marine Pollution Risks Despite differing views on radioactive risk, both sides agree that factory wastewater has flowed into the West Sea via the Yesong River and that it was discharged without purification. This means that, regardless of radioactivity, there is a clear risk of marine pollution. Industrial wastewater can carry harmful chemicals, heavy metals, and other pollutants that threaten aquatic life and human health, especially through seafood consumption. Public Fear and Radiation Monitoring Social media has played a significant role in amplifying public concern. One widely shared image claimed a radiation level of 0.92 microsieverts (Sv) per hour at beaches near Ganghwa Island, a figure that exceeds typical background radiation levels. However, South Korean authorities have not confirmed this measurement. As of July 1, 2025, the Nuclear Safety and Security Commission reported radiation levels in the country ranging from 0.059 to 0.212 Sv per hour, with Ganghwa Island recording 0.143 Sv per hourall within the normal range of 0.05 to 0.3 Sv per hour. Previous government monitoring in 2019 also found no abnormalities in seawater samples from the area. Verification Challenges and the Spread of Fear The situation highlights the difficulties of independently verifying environmental threats from North Korea, given the country's secrecy and restricted access. This information vacuum allows unverified claims and alarming imagery to spread quickly online, fueling public anxiety. It is important to distinguish between confirmed marine pollution from unpurified wastewater and the more contentious issue of radioactive contamination, which remains debated among experts and officials. Implications and the Need for Transparency The Pyongsan plant controversy underscores the environmental vulnerability of the Yellow Sea and the potential for cross-border pollution. It also demonstrates the power of social media to shape public perception, emphasizing the need for timely, transparent, and science-based information from authorities. Continued monitoring and international cooperation are essential to protect public health and the region's ecological integrity. * 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. Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) agents have been instructed to keep tabs on incidents involving federal immigration officers following citizen reports of "attempted kidnappings." NBC News detailed that the guidelines involve trying to verify the identities of people making the arrests and document events on body cameras if those claiming to be officers refuse to comply. "In some cases, agents have reportedly refused to identify themselves, resulting in confusion, calls for service, and tensions between the public and law enforcement," reads a passage of the message to officers. LAPD agents are instructed to act only if needed to safeguard lives and remain separated from the enforcement action. They are also directed to seek to de-escalate tensions, provide information to community members and take crime reports for kidnapping or false imprisonment if agents don't identify themselves after a "verification attempt." "There's been a lot of conversation around with a lot of concern for 'blue on blue' interactions, a lot of concern about community perceptions that the people who are out there, are not who they purport to be," LAPC Chief Jim McDonnell told the Board of Police Commissioners last week, according to the outlet. An incident illustrating the situation took place recently, when a California community leader was reportedly detained and taken to a warehouse near the border until she self-deports Concretely, Yuriana Julia Pelaez Calderon was detained last week, her attorney, Stephano Medina, said. Medina detailed that "uniformed men in unmarked cars kidnapped Juli, and with her courage and her strength, even though we don't know where Juli is and we don't know when we will find her, Juli has managed to make two phone calls to the family since she's been kidnapped." The lawyer went on to say that the woman saw she was being followed by two trucks as she was on her way to her janitorial job on June 25. At one point, one truck got in front of her, leading her to pull over hoping they would pass by. However, she was followed and then armed men with masks on "took her." Medina added that the men did not identify themselves, and that Pelaez Calderon believed they were bounty hunters. "Juli told us that when she was picked up in this parking lot, she wasn't taken to any Detention Center. She wasn't taken to be processed," Medina added. "Instead, Juli was taken directly from this parking lot to the border at San Ysidro, and there she was presented to an ICE staffer. There, Juli was presented with voluntary self deportation paperwork. She was taken straight from here to the border and pressured to sign self deportation paperwork." The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) denied the woman was taken by ICE, claiming that the report was false. "ICE does not employ bounty hunters to make arrests. This bizarre tale about being picked up by bounty hunters, taken to an unmarked warehouse without access to food, water, or an attorney were clearly fabricated," DHS added in a social media publication. KTLA fell for a HOAX. This woman was never arrested or kidnapped by ICE. If the media would have bothered to askICE does not employ bounty hunters to make arrests. This bizarre tale about being picked up by bounty hunters, taken to an unmarked warehouse without access to food, pic.twitter.com/WoaUjTOQP4 Homeland Security (@DHSgov) July 1, 2025 However, the denial led to questions about who took the woman. Aaron Reichlin-Melnick, Senior Fellow at the Immigration Council, raised alarm about the issue, noting that it is unclear who detained her. "Again, this is a MORE terrifying scenario. The woman is missing. She called from a blocked number and said she was in immigration custody. Her family has no idea where she is. Her lawyers can't get an answer. So WHERE IS SHE? Aren't you concerned?" he added. Originally published on Latin Times This summer, Fontenille Collection drops anchor in Brittany with the opening of Les Bassans, a soulful new retreat perched on the iconic Cote de Granite Rose. Located in the former Manoir du Sphinx in Perros-Guirec, Les Bassans is more than a hotel, it's an invitation to reconnect with nature, heritage, and oneself along one of France's most captivating coastlines. A TALE OF BRITTANY Named after the Fous de Bassanthe majestic northern gannets that symbolize freedom and returnLes Bassans channels the migratory spirit of these seabirds in both name and soul. The hotel embodies this spirit of escape, offering an intimate, inspiring, sea-swept retreat. Its singular light, a shifting palette of reflections and marine hues, infuses the rooms, materials, and overall atmosphere. The 25 rooms and suites offer panoramic views of the Sept-Iles Archipelago and are inspired by the elegance of 1930s Art Deco ocean liners. Bow windows frame the ever-changing horizon, while interiors blend warm wood paneling, patinated brass, and handcrafted mosaics, creating a refined yet grounded atmosphere. The color palette, soft and warm, in tones of beige and sand (fabrics signed Pierre Frey and Caravane Paris), fades before the blues of the sea and the striking lights of Brittany's skies. Contemporary furniture by KER, Maison Iodee establishes a bridge between traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design, as do the woven seats by Ainhoa Perez-Urdangarin. On the walls, vintage black and white photographs anchor each room in Brittany's rich and refined history. Here, Celtic legend and Breton pride meet understated luxury, attuned to the shifting rhythms of sky, tide, and wind that define the region. ROOTED IN PLACE, COMMITTED TO THE FUTURE In collaboration with architect Boris Le Noane and the Architectes des Batiments de France, Les Bassans has been meticulously restored to preserve the spirit of the original manor while welcoming a new era. The interiors, imagined by Fontenille Collection's in-house architecture team, subtly echo the golden age of transatlantic travel with clean-lined woodwork, aged brass and graphic mosaics, woven into a modern, quietly cinematic composition. The result is a space that honors local heritage while looking resolutely forward. A deep eco-conscious vision guides every detail. The hotel is designed to meet Clef Verte and BREEAM Very Good standards, with eco-labeled materials, energy-efficient systems, and smart building management to optimize resources. This is a hospitality experience that values impact as much as intimacy. FROM TIDE TO TABLE Set against a backdrop of endless ocean horizons, the restaurant at Les Bassans delivers a bold and refined take on Brittany's culinary heritage. With an immersive open kitchen, the menu celebrates the treasures of the sea with marinated or smoked oysters, lightly seared abalone, clams, line-caught fish baked in a crust and grilled shellfish. Each dish evolves with the rhythm of tides and daily catches. Firmly rooted in regional tradition, the menu offers a contemporary interpretation of Brittany's culinary soul. Dishes such as rolled buckwheat galettes with Guemene andouille, the daily catch, salt meadow lamb and chocolate mousse delicately laced with Nori seaweed reflect this living, evolving identity. Seasonal menus highlight local treasures like clams, artisanal cider, Kouign-Amann, far Breton and Gavottes, showcased with precision and harmony. Throughout the day, relaxed moments unfold over charcuterie boards and seasonal small plates paired with cocktails. At the Bar des Bassans, the journey continues with sea-inspired creations blending citrus, seaweed and local spirits, offering an ode to the elements and the art of coastal living. CRAFTED WITH LOCAL HANDS AND HEARTS Fontenille Collection celebrates local savoir-faire through committed collaborations, an approach that finds full expression at Les Bassans, where every detail reflects a deep reverence for the territory and its artisans. Les Bassans is a love letter to local flavors and craftsmanship, honored not just in what's on the plate, but in the plate itself, and in every material gesture throughout the hotel. Rooted in Brittany's rich artisanal heritage and reimagined through a contemporary lens, the hotel tells a tactile, layered story of place and identity. Signature tableware by long-time Fontenille partner Jars Ceramistes and a bespoke line of raw stoneware by Tregor-based ceramicist Valentine Benoist elevate each meal, combining organic textures with clean, minimalist lines. A striking mosaic by Lauriane Maussion, crafted from marble and glass paste in tones of sand, slate blue, and pale yellow, depicts two intertwined northern gannets and welcomes guests into this coastal haven. The sculptural mosaics in the bathrooms, made from local marine sediments by Gwilen, continue this dialogue between geology and design, with KER, Maison Iodee infusing oceanic mythologies into poetic decorative objects. Illustrator Maiwenn Nicolas, with her studio Amour Breton, brings a playful take on regional icons through a limited-edition line of Brittany bowls made with the Pornic faience factory. A joyful and inspired first collaboration, this collection pays tribute to local culture with a light, affectionate touchmarking the beginning of a creative dialogue to come. Thoughtfully woven together, these elements embody a modern Breton identity that is grounded yet elevated, raw yet refined, timeless yet unmistakably contemporary. ELEMENTAL COMFORT At Les Bassans, wellness is deeply shaped by the rhythms of nature and the sea's restorative power. Facing the ever-shifting tides of the English Channel and the flickering light of the Cote de Granit Rose, the Alaena spa offers a holistic sanctuary tucked beneath the hotel's red granite cliffs, where marine-based treatments meet the calm of the land. Rooted in algae and other active sea ingredients, rituals are designed to gently restore balance between body and mind. Signature therapies blend ancestral Japanese techniques and biodynamic principles with cutting-edge tools and marine elixirs, creating treatments that are intuitive, personalized, and intentionally unhurried. The bespoke treatment menu draws from time-honored practices such as Kobido and Tui Na, allied with innovative protocols like Nooance LED masks and Apnee marine elixirs, with each ritual adapted to specific skin needs. Between sessions, guests can unwind in the granite steam room, soak in the Jacuzzi, relax in the sauna, swim in the indoor pool with sweeping views of the Sept-Iles, or simply settle into the stillness of their surroundings. BETWEEN SKY AND SEA Set just steps from Trestignel Beach and the Sentier des Douaniers, Les Bassans is an ideal gateway to the treasures of northern Brittany. From the pink-granite cliffs of Ploumanac'h (named France's most beautiful village) to seabird spotting in the Sept-Iles Nature Reserve or sailing toward the turquoise coves of Ile de Brehat, awe is never far away. Nearby, the Leguer is a wild, protected river and the first to be labeled a Site Rivieres Sauvages; it winds through the landscape, embodying the region's raw, authentic nature. A short drive invites further discovery: the historic towns of Treguier, Paimpol, and Lannion, the majestic Abbaye de Beauport, and the hilltop Chateau de la Roche-Jagu. Back at the hotel, the magic continues. Whether it's a fireside game of chess, a quiet moment gazing at the waves, or a shared meal as the sun dips low, Les Bassans is where the essence of Brittany reveals itself, gently and beautifully. Hotel website Aspen One, parent company of world-class brands including Aspen Snowmass, The Little Nell, Limelight Hotels, and Aspen Collection, is excited to announce the latest addition to its rapidly-growing Limelight Hotels brand. This new venture, set to open in 2028, will feature both a hotel and branded residential project located in Charleston, South Carolina. This marks the Limelight brand's first property on the East Coast, and it will be located at 306 King Street and 86 Society Street in the core of Charleston's historic district, near the College of Charleston. Limelight Charleston will be another remarkable hotel within the Limelight portfolio, which includes locations in the most desirable places across the country, within premium, high-barrier-to-entry, leisure markets. The 50-room Limelight Charleston will include the brand's quintessential "living room" - a gathering place and community destination featuring dynamic programming for locals and guests alike - and its celebrated, design-forward approach to development. The mixed-use project will feature a restaurant, bar, rooftop pool and dining, meeting spaces, 16 private residences, and a parking garage. This new property is being developed in partnership with Category Company. Limelight's expansion to Charleston will mark the brand's seventh location. The modern hotel and residences will join others within the Limelight portfolio in Aspen, Snowmass, Denver, and Ketchum, with two more hotels slated to open this year: Limelight Boulder (opening late summer in Boulder, Colo.); and Limelight Mammoth (opening this winter in Mammoth, Calif.). While the company has taken a measured approach to growth, focusing exclusively on top markets, the brand has grown from three open locations as of early 2023, to seven open or in-development locations. Each property is known for being in the best location within their respective markets. Hotel website Perched by the sea in Begur, Spain, Finca Victoria is a place where heritage, design, and Mediterranean spirit come together in effortless harmony. The historical house stays true to its origins while offering luxurious amenities like a wellness area, an exclusive beach club, and two dining destinations helmed by Michelin-starred chef Jordi Vila. Situated on a hill just steps away from one of the most breathtaking beaches along northern Catalonia's Costa Brava, the newly opened hotel Finca Victoria is a timeless Mediterranean retreat with sweeping views of the Medes Islands. Originally built in the 1960s as a private residence where artists, politicians, and visionaries gathered, today, under the care of two Catalan families led by the matriarch Victoria, the finca remains true to its origins, embodying the warmth, beauty, and mystique of its namesake. Like the historical home, Costa Brava was once regarded as a place for celebrity-studded parties; but it is now becoming a destination for unwinding and reconnecting, for discovering the region's natural beauty and magical villages. Maintaining the original spirit of the home, a meticulous restoration carried out by GCA Architects preserved historical features, such as an original staircase and wood banister as well as wood-paneled ceilings. Such structures are augmented by an interior design conceptled by two of the Originals, brothers Harry and Toni Serra, with support from Post Company and Sarita Posadasfocused on contemporary additions and bespoke furniture. As a result, the stone and mortar building, evoking the grand Masias houses of Cadaques and Llafranc, now merges harmoniously with newly added stucco walls, toba catalana ceramic flooring, and entirely custom furnishings crafted by artisans in the region. Each of the 38 guestrooms, including 10 suites, combine comfort and sophistication. Many of the generously sized retreats are equipped with private areas for rest, work, and wellbeing: Large beds and walk-in closets often give way to lounges and living areas or terraces. Standout rooms include the Privilege Terrace, a luxurious space with a terrace, solarium, and outdoor shower with views of the sea, and the Suite Pool, which is equipped with a private plunge pool. The property's crown jewel is the Suite La Torre, housed within the home's original tower. Spread across three levels with a terrace, 360-degree views, and an outdoor shower, the suite can comfortably accommodate up to four people. No matter the room type, white ceramic bathrooms beautifully contrast wood built-ins and accents, which recall menorquina barcos, a common Catalonian boat, and unique pieces by local artists on the walls. At the center of Finca Victoria are common areas that unfold around the home's original cloister. The cloister itself has been transformed into the restaurant Al Kostat del Mar, while a second dining outlet, wellness space, and pool area can be found nearby. Led by Michelin-starred chef Jordi Vila, Al Kostat del Mar offers a fine-dining experience with a culinary concept based on the authentic flavors of Catalan cuisine, prepared with precision and a touch of improvisation. Designed for sharing, the menu pays tribute to local ingredients and is focused on open-fire cooking, with grills integrated into the cloister's stone archways. At Finca Kitchen and Bar, located in the central lobby and lounge and also helmed by Jordi Vila, guests can enjoy oysters with Bloody Marys or freshly made pastas at any time of day. Be it cozied up next to the lounge's fireplace or dining alfresco in the cloister, visitors and locals alike come together at both dining outlets, where the joy of sharing around a table is celebrated and where conversations over dinner stretch late into the night. Those seeking more intimate experiences can unwind at the guest-only pool, where the home's original pool is surrounded by bespoke sun loungers, personal coolers, and two shaded areas with spacious sofasthe ideal places to enjoy a light bite from the Pool Bar's menu of casual fare. The nearby wellness area, with a sauna, Jacuzzi, gym, and two treatment rooms, offers a peaceful escape for renewal and restoration. Plus, a short walk from the hotel, guests will discover Finca Victoria's La Caseta del Mar, an exclusive beach club serving chilled champagne and fresh oysters and equipped with plenty of fresh towels, umbrellas, and sunbeds. LOCATION Costa Brava is a stunning stretch of coastline in northeastern Catalonia renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, charming villages, and rich cultural heritage. Long favored as a destination for celebrities and a summer retreat for Catalonians, today it is transforming into a place where travelers can find inspiration and tranquility. Towns such as Begur, where Finca Victoria is located, Cadaques, and Pals boast traditional whitewashed houses and serene landscapes, while others are recognized for having enchanted renowned historical figures. Salvador Dali, for example, made his home in Portlligat and his surrealist influence remains a defining element of the region's cultural identity. In Begur, guests will discover Begur Castle, a medieval fortress with coastal views, and some of the region's most picturesque beaches and hidden coves, including Aiguablava, Sa Tuna, and Sa Riera. Nearby activities include hiking the Caminos de Ronda, tasting the high-quality wines produced in Emporda, and discovering the underwater beauty of the Medes Islands, a protected marine reserve. Hotel website KYOTO, JAPAN - World Brands Collection Hotels & Resorts Ltd. (WBC), a 100% subsidiary of Wealth Management, Inc. (Tokyo Stock Exchange: Standard Market), is proud to announce a sweeping expansion of its luxury hospitality portfolio across Japan, in partnership with globally celebrated brands such as Six Senses and Banyan Tree. As the hospitality arm of an integrated real estate development group renowned for revitalisation and innovation, WBC is shaping the future of luxury hotel management in Japan. Through a curated collection of unique and culturally immersive properties, WBC is committed to creating "experiential value" that resonates deeply with both domestic and international guests. This marks an important step forward for WBC, as we continue to shape our vision for luxury hospitality in Japan. Our ongoing expansion is more than just a business milestone; it's the realization of a vision to create and share world-class hospitality deeply rooted in Japan's rich heritage and the enduring Japanese spirit. We are incredibly honoured to partner with exceptional global brands, many of whom are making their first development in Japan, to collaboratively craft destinations that enable every guest to discover and create entirely new inspirations, rejuvenation, and connections. I am proud of our team's dedication and eagerly look forward to welcoming the world to experience Japan in an unprecedented way. Hiroshi Komoto, President and CEO of World Brands Collection Hotels & Resorts Ltd A Multi-Brand Strategy for a Diverse Market WBC collaborates with globally recognised hospitality brands, each curated to resonate with distinct guest profiles and lifestyle preferences. The most recent openings illustrate this strategic diversity - Six Senses Kyoto and Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto both launched in 2024, while Garrya Nijo Castle Kyoto welcomed guests in 2023. These properties exemplify the groups ability to cater to wellness seekers, cultural explorers, and design-conscious travellers alike. From regenerative wellness sanctuaries to culturally immersive retreats and minimalist escapes, each brand offers a unique yet consistently high-quality experience rooted in authenticity. Under the leadership of World Brands Collection Hotels & Resorts Ltd., each project is designed to reflect the rich tapestry of Japanese culture while aligning with the global standards of its partner brands. WBCs executive team, composed of seasoned professionals in real estate, hospitality, and global partnerships, brings decades of experience in hotel management, asset revitalisation, and brand development. Each of our partner brands speaks to a different kind of traveller. Garrya appeals to minimalism and quiet reflection, Banyan Tree evokes deep cultural and sensory immersion, and Six Senses leads the way in regenerative wellness. This diversity is our strength , Hiroshi Komoto continues. Upcoming Openings Banyan Tree Hakone Ashinoko (2028) - A new development planned in the Hakone Ashinoko area of Japan, currently under development in partnership with Banyan Tree. A new development planned in the Hakone Ashinoko area of Japan, currently under development in partnership with Banyan Tree. Hakuba Luxury Project (TBA) - A luxury venture in the planning stages, set in the Hakuba area, one of Japans well-known mountain resort destinations. - A luxury venture in the planning stages, set in the Hakuba area, one of Japans well-known mountain resort destinations. Toba & Ise Luxury Project (TBA) -A high-end hospitality initiative currently being planned in the Toba and Ise area, known for its historical and cultural significance. -A high-end hospitality initiative currently being planned in the Toba and Ise area, known for its historical and cultural significance. Six Senses Hakone Gora (2029) - A new project currently in development in collaboration with Six Senses, located in the Hakone Gora area of Japan. A new project currently in development in collaboration with Six Senses, located in the Hakone Gora area of Japan. Six Senses Hokkaido Niseko (2029) - A new property under development, located in the Niseko region of Hokkaido, scheduled to open in 2029. About World Brands Collection Hotels & Resorts World Brands Collection Hotels & Resorts Ltd. is a 100% subsidiary of Wealth Management, Inc., a Tokyo Stock Exchange-listed company. As part of a group specialising in revitalisation and real estate development, WBC is entrusted with the mission of delivering hotel management from Japan that is chosen around the world. By partnering with top-tier global hospitality brands and emphasising sustainability, sensory experiences, and cultural immersion, WBC is shaping a luxury hospitality future deeply rooted in Japanese identity. Hungarian consortium to acquire Budapest Marriott Hotel from S Immo A Hungarian consortium led by BDPST Group and Diorit Private Equity Fund has entered an agreement, subject to regulatory approval, to acquire the five-star, 364-room Budapest Marriott Hotel in Hungary from Austrian real estate investor S Immo AG, now 100% owned by CPI Europe, for an amount reported to be 115 million (315,900 per room). The hotel overlooks the Danube River in the centre of Budapest and includes two restaurants, a rooftop bar and 16 meeting rooms. BDPST is headed by Istvan Tiborcz, the son-in-law of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, and reportedly has interests in seven other Hungarian hotels, including the Mandarin Oriental Gellert in Budapest. S Immo AG also recently agreed to sell the Vienna Marriott Hotel in Austria, as reported in last weeks newsletter, with CPI primarily focussed on office and retail investments. Cristal Life acquires Playamojacar Hotel in Spain from Senator Hotels & Resorts French fund manager Inter Gestion REIM, on behalf of the Cristal Life SCPI vehicle it manages, has acquired the four-star, 190-room Playamojacar Hotel in Mojacar, on the east coast of Andalusia in southern Spain, in a sale and leaseback deal with Spanish owner-operator Senator Hotels & Resorts for 18.37 million (96,700 per room). The property is situated by the sea, approximately 150 kms south of Murcia and 300 kms east of Malaga. The hotel was fully renovated between 2019 and 2022 and includes two restaurants, two bars and a water park. Following the transaction, Senator Hotels & Resorts will continue to operate the property under a 20-year triple-net lease agreement. Atom Hoteles SOCIMI sells B&B Hotel Vitoria General Alava in Spain Spanish real estate investment trust Atom Hoteles SOCIMI has sold the three-star, 107-room B&B Hotel Vitoria General Alava in the north of Spain to a family office for 9.2 million (86,000 per room). The property is situated in central Vitoria-Gasteiz, the capital and second largest city in the Basque Country, one hours drive south of the coastal city of Bilbao, the regions largest city. The hotel includes a breakfast restaurant and five meeting rooms. Atom has been working to reposition its portfolio toward higher-end assets, and following nine divestments in the last few years it now owns 23 four-star and five-star hotels. Last month, the group also sold the 319-room Exe Rey Don Jaime hotel in Valencia for 50 million, as reported in this newsletter. PGIM, Dekus and HNH Hospitality acquire Hotel Leon d'Oro in Verona, Italy PGIM, the investment management business of US financial services company Prudential Financial Inc, together with Italian real estate investment management company Dekus and Italian operator HNH Hospitality, have acquired the four-star, 190-room Hotel Leon d'Oro in Verona, Italy from an Italian family. The property is situated by the citys central train station and includes a restaurant, bar and 11 meeting rooms. The new owners plan to renovate the hotels common areas, guest rooms and technical infrastructure. Following the renovation, HNH will operate the hotel, which is to be rebranded as a DoubleTree by Hilton. Somnoo acquires La Citadelle MGallery hotel in Metz, France French owner-operator Somnoo has acquired the four-star, 80-room La Citadelle Hotel Metz - MGallery Collection in Metz, France. The property, once a military stronghold and transformed into a hotel in 2005, is situated in north-eastern France, approximately 100 kms south of Luxembourg. The hotel includes a restaurant, bar and four meeting rooms. Somnoo now owns and operates over 60 hotels across France and Germany. In April 2025, the group acquired the shares previously held by its partner-investor, 123 Investment Managers, in six Ibis and Ibis Budget-branded hotels in France, as reported in this newsletter. Nowu Hospitality acquires Voco Vienna Prater hotel from Winegg Austrian investor Nowu Hospitality GmbH has acquired the four-star, 141-room Voco Vienna Prater hotel in Austria from Vienna-based real estate developer Winegg. The property is situated in Viennas second district near the Danube River and the Prater amusement park. The hotel includes a restaurant, bar and three meeting rooms. Winegg originally acquired the former Austria Trend Hotel Lassalle in 2021 and, in collaboration with local hotel developer JP Hospitality, carried out an extensive renovation. Since then, the hotel has been operated by the German operator Gorgeous Smiling Hotels (GSH). The Ministry of Tourism has released its 2024 Annual Statistical Report on the tourism sector in Saudi Arabia, highlighting key indicators of tourism activity and underlining the sectors continued growth following the significant progress recorded in 2023. His Excellency Ahmed Al Khateeb, Minister of Tourism, stated that the strong performance reflected in the 2024 report was achieved with the guidance and support of the Kingdoms leadership. His Excellency added that tourism has become a key enabler of Saudi Vision 2030, with the report showcasing the sectors accelerated growth driven by the efforts of the Ministry and all stakeholders of Saudi Arabias tourism ecosystem. According to the report, the Kingdom welcomed around 116 million domestic and inbound tourists in 2024, a 6% increase compared with 2023. Total tourism spendingfor domestic and inbound tourismreached approximately SAR 284 billion, reflecting 11% growth year-on-year. The Ministry noted that Saudi Arabia achieved its highest-ever number of inbound tourists, receiving about 30 million inbound tourists in 2024, marking an 8% rise versus 2023. Inbound tourism spending in 2024 totaled SAR 168.5 billion, up 19% from 2023. Domestic tourism also experienced solid growth with 86.2 million domestic tourists in 2024, marking a 5% increase compared with 2023. Moreover, domestic tourism spending reached SAR 115.3 billion in 2024. The Ministry invited investors and stakeholders to view the full 2024 Annual Statistical Report available on the Ministrys website: Tourist Intelligence Center | Ministry of Tourism | KSA (mt.gov.sa). For years, I have seen revenue management occupying a yet critical but narrowly defined space in the hotel ecosystem. It has traditionally been a role grounded in numbers: monitoring pace, adjusting rates, watching competitor pricing, and updating spreadsheets. This work, though essential, has long kept talented revenue professionals locked into highly tactical routines, limiting their ability to influence broader business outcomes. But change is in motion. Across the hospitality industry, theres a growing recognition that the role of revenue management is evolving from tactical execution to strategic leadership. And at LodgIQ, we strongly believe this shift will define the next generation of high-performing hotel organizations. From Analyst to Strategist: A Structural Shift The evolution underway isnt just about better tools. Rather, its about rethinking the value of the revenue manager. Todays top hotels are no longer treating revenue management as a siloed function focused on rates and RevPAR. Instead, theyre leveraging the revenue managers unique visibility across pricing, demand, guest behavior and market trends, and empowering them to shape broader commercial decisions. As an example, lets take a nearly 200-room lifestyle Hotel in New York City. Their revenue manager has been working with LodgIQ for several years; through multiple platform iterations. What began as a move to reduce manual work has now become a strategic advantage. With pricing decisions automated through LodgIQ Autopilot, that revenue manager now spends her mornings reviewing market shifts, evaluating digital performance, and collaborating with marketing on initiatives that drive direct bookings and optimize channel contribution. This isnt an isolated case, but a window into whats possible when pricing automation is done right. The Bottleneck of Manual Control Despite technological progress, a sizable portion of the industry still hesitates to automate pricing. Many revenue managers remain wary of giving up manual control, particularly in high-stakes markets or during compressed demand periods. The concern is understandable: no one wants to risk overpricing or underpricing inventory. But the cost of maintaining full manual control is often overlooked. When revenue managers spend hours updating rates room by room, day by day, it creates an organizational bottleneck. Pricing decisions are delayed, opportunities are missed, and the team becomes reactive instead of proactive. Worse, high-value thinking such as market positioning, brand strategy and pricing integrity get crowded out by low-leverage tasks, when it should actually drive long term growth. Another example is a hotel with over 40 room types in a resort-style layout. Revenue managers were spending two hours every morning simply pushing rate updates. With automation in place, the team can now spend these hours to analyze patterns, test pricing scenarios, and align better with sales and marketing efforts. Automation as the Enabler, Not the Endgame Its important to understand that automation isnt about removing humans from the process. We should instead look at automation as a way to reassign our talents to the right part of the process. LodgIQs RMS doesnt just push prices, it learns. It identifies patterns in market data, pickup behavior and competitive set shifts, and then provides recommendations grounded in machine learning. This frees up the revenue manager to evaluate opportunities, run strategic experiments, and refine pricing narratives. In this Manhattan Hotel weve accompanied, automation enabled the team to rethink how premium rooms were priced. Historically, their two-queen rooms were priced conservatively. They also made up nearly half the inventory. With automation surfacing patterns in demand and elasticity, the team discovered they could capture room-type rate premiums of over $500 on peak weekends. This wasnt a result of risky pricing, it was the result of trusting a system that could see opportunities faster and more accurately than a manual workflow could. The Expanding Role of the Revenue Manager Whats most exciting about this shift is how it repositions revenue professionals within their organizations. With pricing execution automated, their time can be spent collaborating with digital marketing teams, shaping metasearch bidding strategies, refining OTA participation, and identifying high-value guest segments. They become central players in deciding not just how rooms are priced, but how they are sold, who they are sold to, and what long-term value those guests represent. This is particularly important as we see customer acquisition costs rising and guest behavior changing. A revenue manager who understands the entire guest journey, meaning from Google search to checkout, is in a position to influence everything from conversion optimization to channel mix. But they can only take on this broader mandate if theyre not stuck manually adjusting prices every morning. The examples I mentioned above illustrate this clearly. Back to the 200-room Manhattan hotel, their direct booking contribution is now over 40%, outpacing many branded full-service hotels. This didnt happen by chance, it was the result of revenue management and marketing working hand-in-hand, supported by the insights and time made available through automation. Why It Matters Right Now The hospitality industry is being reshaped by technology, traveler expectations, and operational constraints. AI, cloud-native tools, and real-time analytics are becoming the norm, and no longer the exception. Hotels that fail to adapt risk falling behind not only in pricing performance, but in organizational agility too. Revenue managers must now prepare to lead, and not just manage. This means embracing automation, refining their understanding of adjacent disciplines like marketing and reputation management, and stepping into strategic roles that influence the full commercial lifecycle of the hotel. The LodgIQ platform is built for this transition. It automates what can be automated so your most valuable people can focus on what matters most and drive long-term revenue growth. The Bottom Line As described above, the role of revenue management is changing. The question is not whether automation will be part of the future. Its whether revenue professionals will use it to elevate their impact or be limited by old habits. Those who embrace automation will find themselves leading the conversation on guest acquisition, brand value, and long-term profitability. Those who resist it may find themselves stuck in a loop of manual tasks while the market moves forward. I believe the future belongs to those who lead boldly; that is why we are building the tools to help them do just that. LodgIQ is a leading AI-enabled revenue management platform for the hospitality industry, transforming data integration and decision-making for hotel commercial teams. Our platform consolidates Revenue, Sales, and Marketing data, providing insights into market trends and consumer behaviors for strategic, data-driven decisions. LodgIQ offers a real-time, comprehensive view of key metrics, enhancing room rate adjustments, marketing campaigns, and sales strategies. Committed to optimizing operations and maximizing revenue, LodgIQ is the essential tool for unified commercial strategies in hospitality. Currently working with over 550 hotels, LodgIQ's products combine sophisticated machine learning with an intuitive and powerful user interface, delivering advanced recommendations and actionable analytics. LodgIQ is headquartered in Silicon Valley, with offices in New York City, and Bangalore. For more information visit https://lodgiq.com/ View source Guestroom at the Sarena de Muro Resort Mallorca - Image Credit Hyatt Hyatt Hotels Corporation has opened Sarena de Muro Resort Mallorca, marking the debut of the Destination by Hyatt brand in Mallorca, Spain. Hyatt Hotels Corporation has announced the opening of Sarena de Muro Resort Mallorca, the first hotel under its Destination by Hyatt brand in Mallorca, Spain. This development represents a strategic expansion of Hyatt's presence in Europe and specifically in the Balearic Islands, a key travel destination. The resort is situated on Playa de Muro, adjacent to SAlbufera Natural Park, and features 184 guestrooms and suites. The hotel's design incorporates elements inspired by the Mediterranean environment, with interiors featuring colors and materials that reflect the local landscape. Each room is equipped with amenities such as 55-inch smart TVs and offers views of the surrounding sea. The resort features four dining venues, each offering a distinct culinary experience. Michelin-starred chef Andreu Genestra leads the food and beverage offerings. The restaurants focus on local and seasonal ingredients, with menus that include Mediterranean and Mallorcan dishes. Dining options range from casual to fine dining, with a focus on local traditions and flavors. Advertisement In addition to dining, the resort offers wellness facilities, including the Sarena Spa, which uses natural products from the Spanish brand Aroms Natur. The spa provides a range of treatments and features a hydrotherapy area and thermal zone. Guests also have access to two pools, one with direct beach access, and a 24-hour fitness center that offers guided wellness activities. The opening of Sarena de Muro Resort Mallorca is part of Hyatt's broader strategy to expand its brand portfolio in Europe. The Destination by Hyatt brand aims to offer unique experiences that reflect the local culture and environment of each location. This new property in Mallorca is positioned to attract both leisure travelers and those interested in exploring the natural and cultural attractions of the island. The resort's location provides easy access to local landmarks, including the Roman ruins of Pollentia and Cape Formentor. The development is expected to enhance Hyatt's offerings in the region and provide a new option for travelers seeking accommodations in Mallorca. CREAL Inc. Sells 22 Pieces in Kyoto, Japan - Image Credit Inside Kyoto Weekly Hotel Industry Asia Pacific News Roundup from HVS Regal Partners Joins Australian Hotel Real Estate Sector via Ark Capital Partnership Australia-based Regal Partners Limited (Regal Partners) has acquired a 50% stake in Ark Capital Partners Pty Limiteds (Ark Capital) for AUD3 millionAUD1.8 million for all shares in BT Hotels 1 Pty Ltd (BT Hotels) and AUD1.2 million in newly issued Ark Capital shares. Ark Capital is a specialist hotel investment and advisory platform focused on Australia and New Zealand, with more than AUD350 million invested to date in accommodation assets and value-add initiatives. Partnering with Ark Capital extends Regals alternative-investments platform into value-add hotel equity, broadening its product suite for investors. In addition, Ark Capital applied the equity injection toward its share of the AUD75 million purchase of the 170-key freehold Mayfair Hotel, a five-star property in Adelaides central business district that now anchors the joint Regal-Ark Australian Hotel Opportunities strategy as the seed asset. The property features three food and beverage outlets, five meeting rooms, a fitness centre, and a swimming pool. Ishin Acquired by APA Group as a Wholly Owned Subsidiary Japan-based APA Group has acquired 100 % share of Ishin Hotels Group Co., Ltd. (Ishin), making the urbanhotel operator a wholly owned subsidiary of APA Group. The deal broadens APA Groups traditional growth modelpreviously centred on direct ownership and franchisingby adding Ishins asset-light platform of 17 city-centre properties, including the the b hotel brand. Ishin posted a net profit of JPY24.87 million for the fiscal year ending December 2024. Under the agreement, Ishin will keep its existing management team, brand concepts and operating policies, while immediately plugging into APA Groups central reservations system. Both parties are also evaluating APA-funded support for new openings, joint procurement of supplies and a unified IT infrastructureinitiatives aimed at accelerating growth and enriching APAs brand portfolio for guests. Serviced Apartment Complex in East Perth Sold for AUD105 Million in Western Australia, Australia The Western Australian State Government has acquired a 236-key serviced apartment complex in East Perth for AUD105 million. This translates to approximately AUD444,915 per key. Previously known as Fraser Suites Perth, the 19-storey property features 11 commercial suites, a rooftop bar, a gym, a swimming pool, and meeting facilities. The building was originally developed 12 years ago alongside a neighbouring luxury residential tower as part of the Queens Riverside urban renewal project. Upcoming renovation plans for the property include the removal of a pool, gym, ballroom, and meeting rooms. Key to the acquisition was the property's central location, with close proximity to public transport, healthcare facilities, education providers, and recreational amenities, making it highly suitable for long-term housing. The government also noted that the purchase and repurposing of the existing building is significantly more cost-effective than constructing new apartments from the ground up. CREAL Inc. Sells 22 Pieces in Kyoto, Japan Japan-based asset management company CREAL Inc. has divested the 21-key 22 Pieces in Kyoto, Japan, for an undisclosed amount to an unnamed buyer. According to official sources, the sale price is expected to be equal to or exceed 30 percent of the companys consolidated assets, which stand at JPY5.27 billion. Opened in 2017, 22 Pieces offers rooms equipped with kitchenettes featuring an induction hob, toaster, and microwave. The four-storey property has a total gross floor area of approximately 979 square metres and enjoys a prime location just a four-minute walk from the Hachijo-west exit of Kyoto Station, with popular landmarks such as the Toji Temple and Nidec Kyoto Tower within a 10 to 15 minutes walk. Philippines Grants Visa-Free Entry to Indian Tourists to Boost Arrivals In a move to strengthen tourism ties, the Philippines has announced that Indian nationals can now enter the country without a visa for tourism purposes starting 8 June 2025. This visa-free entry is valid for up to 14 days and aims to encourage more Indian travellers, following a 12% increase in arrivals from India in 2024, which reached nearly 80,000. While growing, Indian tourist numbers still represent a small fraction of the over five million visitors to Southeast Asia annually. The new policy also allows Indian nationals holding valid visas or residence permits from the U.S., Australia, Canada, the UK, Schengen countries, or Singapore to stay in the Philippines visa-free for up to 30 days. HVS is the world's leading consulting and valuation services organization focused on the hotel, restaurant, shared ownership, gaming, and leisure industries. Established in 1980, the company performs more than 4,500 assignments per year for virtually every major industry participant. HVS principals are regarded as the leading professionals in their respective regions of the globe. Through a worldwide network of over 50 offices staffed by 300 experienced industry professionals, HVS provides an unparalleled range of complementary services for the hospitality industry. For further information regarding our expertise and specifics about our services, please visit www.hvs.com. Waldorf Astoria Brand Expands into Nordic Region with Helsinki Hotel - Image Credit Hilton Hilton has signed a management agreement to rebrand The Hotel Maria in Helsinki as Waldorf Astoria Hilton has announced the signing of a management agreement with M&L Group to rebrand The Hotel Maria in Helsinki as the Waldorf Astoria Helsinki. This development marks the introduction of the Waldorf Astoria brand to the Nordic region. The property, located in the Kruununhaka district of Helsinki, is set to undergo a rebranding process later this year. The building, originally designed in 1885 by architect Lagerspetz, will continue to operate during a transitional period before officially becoming the Waldorf Astoria Helsinki. The hotel will feature 116 rooms and include amenities such as signature dining options, a bar, a fitness studio, and a Nordic wellness spa with a traditional Finnish sauna. This agreement is part of Hilton's strategy to expand its luxury hotel offerings in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. The Waldorf Astoria Helsinki will become the fourth Hilton-branded property in the Finnish capital, reflecting the growing demand for high-end leisure and business travel in the region. The Waldorf Astoria brand, spanning five continents, comprises a portfolio of 67 hotels, either currently operating or in development. The Helsinki location will join recent openings such as the Waldorf Astoria Osaka and upcoming projects in cities like New York, Rabat, and London. The rebranding of The Hotel Maria is part of a broader collaboration between Hilton and M&L Group, which has seen the development of multiple hotel properties across various international locations. Patrick Fitzgibbon, senior vice president, development, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Hilton, said, Were delighted to be collaborating with M&L Group to introduce the Waldorf Astoria brand to Finland. As we near 300 luxury hotels in EMEA, its fantastic to have signed our first in the Nordics. The Finnish capital has seen growing travel demand in recent years, and we look forward to serving an even wider range of traveller needs as we open our fourth property in the city. The Derby London City, Curio Collection by Hilton - Image Credit Hilton Hilton has signed an agreement to open The Derby London City, Curio Collection by Hilton, in London's Square Mile by early 2026. Hilton has announced plans to open The Derby London City, Curio Collection by Hilton, in the Square Mile, London's financial district. The new hotel is part of a franchise agreement with real estate developer Dominus and is scheduled to open in early 2026. This development will mark the tenth Curio Collection by Hilton property in the United Kingdom. The hotel will be located on Great Tower Street, repurposing a former office building. It will feature 237 guest rooms, including 10 suites, and offer views of notable London landmarks. The property will also include an all-day dining restaurant, a coffee house, and a bar named Rycroftes, which will serve British cuisine. Additional amenities will include a 24-hour gym, meeting rooms, and private dining spaces. The location of The Derby London City is strategic, being close to the Tower of London, St Pauls Cathedral, and eight London Underground stations. This positioning is expected to appeal to both business travelers and tourists. Dominus, which owns the hotel, will manage it under its Dominus Hospitality platform. The company has been involved in the refurbishment and upgrade of the existing building, with a focus on sustainable design practices. The new hotel is aligned with the City of London Corporations Destination City program, which aims to enhance the Square Mile as a leading business and leisure destination. The initiative seeks to accommodate the increasing number of visitors and workers in the area. The Derby London City will join other hotels managed by Dominus, including Lost Property St. Paul's London and Hampton by Hilton Bath City. Heartland Inn & Suites in Wheatland, Wyoming - Image Credit Hotel Brokers International Prime Investment Properties LLC, a leading hospitality brokerage firm and member of Hotel Brokers International, is pleased to announce the successful sale of the Heartland Inn & Suites in Wheatland, Wyoming. This well-maintained, limited-service hotel presented a strategic investment opportunity in a growing market with strong regional demand drivers. Located in Platte County, the 57-key Heartland Inn & Suites features a mix of comfortable guest rooms and amenities including complimentary breakfast, a fitness center, business services, and convenient access to I-25 and regional attractions. The hotel has historically served both business and leisure travelers visiting the area for agriculture, energy, and outdoor recreation. "This transaction represents a great outcome for both the seller and the buyer," said Dan Emert, lead broker at Prime Investment Properties LLC. "Wheatland continues to show healthy lodging demand with limited competition, and the Heartland Inn & Suites is positioned to remain a key asset in the local market. This transaction was unique and took some time to close but we were able to craft a unique deal that was beneficial for all parties involved." About Prime Investment Properties LLC Prime Investment Properties LLC is a premier hospitality brokerage and advisory firm specializing in the sale of lodging properties across the U.S. and international markets. As a member of Hotel Brokers International, the firm leverages strategic marketing, industry expertise, and a strong network to maximize value for its clients. With a strong digital and traditional marketing presence, Prime Investment Properties ensures broad exposure for its listings. The firm specializes in hospitality asset acquisition and disposition, representing a wide range of clients and properties, including full-service hotels, boutique hotels, select-service hotels, limited-service hotels, development projects, resorts, and beachfront hotel properties in Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean. For more information about additional listings or to inquire about acquisition opportunities, contact Dan Emert, Lead Broker, Prime Investment Properties LLC, 970.819.4948, dan@primeinvestmentprops.com, www.primeinvestmentprops.com. About Hotel Brokers International Founded in 1959, Hotel Brokers International (HBI) is the hospitality industry's most established and experienced network of hotel real estate professionals. With more than 11,000 successful hotel transactions, HBI members are recognized leaders in hotel brokerage, investment advisory, and market insight. HBI is the founder and administrator of the Certified Hotel Broker (CHB) Programthe only professional designation specifically for hotel brokers. In addition to brokerage services, HBI offers affiliate membership opportunities for professionals in franchising, lending, appraisals, and investment services. To learn more, visitwww.hbihotels.com. For more information, contact: Dan Emert, Lead Broker Prime Investment Properties LLC Steamboat Springs, Colorado 970.819.4948 dan@primeinvestmentprops.com Glenda J. Webb, Executive Director Hotel Brokers International Kansas City, Missouri 816.505.4315 gwebb@hbihotels.com ADVERTISE Hypebot & MusicThinkTank With the internet and digital technologies driving rapid change within the music industry, articles about new releases and who has been hired and fired are no longer enough. Our up to the minute industry news alongside insightful commentary helps our readers sift through the rumors and developments to find the information they need to keep their businesses moving forward. Hypebot is read daily by more than 30,000 music industry professionals including executives and senior staff of music related tech firms, internet based music sites, every major label group and most indies as well as many managers, artists and members of the live music community: Contact us for the latesst stats, ad rates and sponosorship opportunites. We also offer combined rates with MusicThinkTank. SBA letters demand venues return millions in SVOG funds The US Small Business Administration (SBA) has sent hundreds of rescission letters that demand venues return millions in SVOG funds. The funds were part of $16.25 billion in SBA Shuttered Venue Operating Grants (SVOG) awarded in 2021 aimed at helping closed music venues and companies during the pandemic. Recipients of the letter may also appeal the decision. So far, the SBA has not commented on the letters. Bandit Lites founder Michael Strickland, who with NIVA, NITO and others helped push through the SVOG legislation, told Pollstar that he had heard from 200 business owners who had received the letter. Estimates of the total recipients range around 600 venues and related businesses. Years later, some grantees are receiving letters stating their award is being retroactively rescinded, sometimes for documentation the SBA previously reviewed and approved. said music industry attorney Chris Castle. Others are told their business never qualified, despite having operated openly and transparently throughout the process. This whiplash approach raises due process concerns and undermines trust in federal grantmaking. Bruce Houghton SBA letters demand venues return millions in SVOG funds Heres more from Chris Castle from his Music Technology Policy blog (republished with permission) along with advice on how anyone who received an SBA SVOG rescission letter should respond. In a stunning and frustrating, yet somehow typical, turn for the live events community, venue operators across the country are reporting receipt of SVOG rescission lettersdemanding the return of grants awarded under the Small Business Administrations Shuttered Venue Operators Grant program during the COVID pandemic. Many of these letters come months or even years after funds were received and spent, leaving small businesses scrambling for answers. This is exceptionally frustrating for me as I had to raise hell at the time about how long it was taking to loosen up the money as did the venues, Austin Congressman Roger Williams and NIVA. A Brief History of SVOG The Save Our Stages/SVOG program was established by Congress as part of the COVID-19 relief effort in late 2020 under the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofits, and Venues Act, later expanded by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. Administered by the SBA, SVOG was designed to provide emergency relief to independent live venues, theaters, promoters, and talent representatives devastated by pandemic shutdowns. More than $14 billion was allocated, and recipients were required to meet strict eligibility guidelinessubmitting tax records, programming histories, lease documents, and payroll records. The process was intensive and time-consuming, but for many, the grant provided a lifeline. Now, the Rules Are Shifting Years later, some grantees are receiving letters stating their award is being retroactively rescinded, sometimes for documentation the SBA previously reviewed and approved. Others are told their business never qualified, despite having operated openly and transparently throughout the process. This whiplash approach raises due process concerns and undermines trust in federal grantmaking. But what options remain for those caught in this bureaucratic reversal? Seek Legal Advice and Preserve All Options If youve received a rescission letter and believe the decision is incorrect or unfair, seek qualified legal counsel immediately. A lawyer familiar with federal grant programs can help you evaluate your situation, identify any inconsistencies in the SBAs actions, and explore formal appeal procedures. You may also want to preserve all your rights by: Submitting a formal written response to the rescission Filing a timely appeal through the SBAs designated process Maintaining a complete copy of your original application and all correspondence Consulting with industry associations or nonprofit advisors who assisted during the SVOG application phase SVOG grants were administered under extraordinary circumstances with evolving guidance and timelines. If you complied in good faith, you deserve clarity and fair treatment. Legal guidance can help ensure you dont waive your rights inadvertently. Consider the SBA Office of the National Ombudsman In addition to formal legal appeals, consider bringing your case to the SBA Office of the National Ombudsman. This free service exists to assist small businesses experiencing unfair, burdensome, or inconsistent treatment by federal agenciesincluding the SBA itself. While the Ombudsman cannot overturn decisions, they can review your case, elevate it within the agency, and flag systemic problems to Congress. Its a valuable oversight mechanism that should not be overlooked. These guys were a huge help to us when we were fighting the orphan works legislation many years ago and brought in lawyers and economists to help kill that legislation. Remember, they have a direct line to the Senate Small Business & Entrepreneurship Committee. They get the MTP seal of approval. Heres what you can do: Visit: Ombudsman website File: Use Form 1993 to describe how the rescission has harmed your business Explain: Include key facts about your award, your documentation, and any communications you had with SBA program officers and email to ombudsman@sba.gov Parallel Track: This is not a substitute for appealing within SBAbut it is a powerful parallel pressure point Why This Matters Many of the rescission letters seem to reflect moving goalposts or post hoc eligibility interpretations. Thats not how emergency aid is supposed to work. When federal grant administrators change the rules after funds have been disbursed and spent, they jeopardize the livelihoods of the very businesses Congress intended to protect with Save Our Stages. The live events sector was one of the hardest-hit industries during COVID-19, and SVOG was one of its only lifelines. If the SBA is backtracking on commitments, affected venues should not only appeal internallybut raise their voices to Congress and the SBA Ombudsman. And rememberthe wheels of justice may turn slowly, but they do turn. Particularly if you help them along. Never stop fighting til the fight is done Share on: BMC Resident Programs Celebrate with Graduation PITTSFIELD, Mass. Berkshire Health Systems has announced that the Berkshire Medical Center Residency Programs have graduated 27 providers across its three residencies. BMC has residency programs in Internal Medicine, Surgery, Psychiatry and Osteopathic Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine. As a community teaching hospital, BMC's residency programs play a role in ensuring access to care for all patients, enhancing the quality of services, and advancing the mission of education and excellence in medicine, stated a press release. "As we mark the graduation of our residents, we reflect with pride and gratitude on their invaluable contributions to our hospital and our community," said Liana Fraenkel, MD, Director of Medical Education at BMC. "Throughout their training, they have not only provided high-quality, compassionate care to our patients, but have also brought fresh perspectives, energy, and innovation to our clinical teams. We thank our graduating residents for their dedication, and we celebrate their achievements as they embark on the next chapter of their careers." In the Internal Medicine Residency led by Program Director Steven Lamontagne, MD, 13 physicians completed three years of training at BMC, while five others completed their first year of training and are moving on to advanced specialty training. Of the overall group, three residents Drs. Avantika Bhargava, Aashar Raza and Razhan Madhar will remain in the Berkshires and will serve in the BMC Hospitalist Medicine Department. Two others, Drs. Sheetal Manerkar and Rohan Saranu will stay on for the 2025/2026 academic year as Chief Residents and Hospitalists. The Surgery Residency, led by Program Director Michael Disiena, DO, has graduated two providers who completed five years of training. In Psychiatry, led by Program Director Brenda Butler, MD, four providers completed four years of training, and three others graduated early to pursue fellowships in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Dr. Erik Adler will stay at BMC working in the Behavioral Health Unit. As a teaching hospital, Berkshire Medical Center has provided Residents training for more than fifty years. BMC is affiliated with The University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, The University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine, and Boston University. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A 16-year-old boy from Hong Kong died after a fatal fall while descending Mount Siguniang a 5,276-metre mountain in Sichuan province in China, local media reported. The incident occurred on Monday morning during an outdoor activity organised by a local travel agency. The teen had reportedly been enrolled by his parents, who submitted a formal authorisation letter two days earlier. Rescue teams and medical personnel were swiftly deployed after the fall, The Standard reported, but the boy was confirmed dead upon discovery. Rescuers recovered his body around 12.40pm local time on Monday, following a search operation. A video circulating online reportedly appeared to capture the harrowing moment: a figure is seen sliding uncontrollably down the slope as fellow climbers watch on helplessly. Authorities have not officially identified the individual in the footage, however, or released further details about the victim. The Mount Siguniang local authorities confirmed the incident and said the boys family had arrived in Chengdu. open image in gallery A Hong Kong teen slipped while descending the snow-laden slope of Mount Siguniang in Sichuan, China, on 30 June 2025 ( AFP/Getty ) At approximately 8am on Monday, the teen was reported to have slipped while descending a snow-laden slope on the second peak of Mount Siguniang. Local reports suggest he may have been experiencing fatigue at the time, which could have contributed to the fall. Earlier, an image widely shared online, purportedly showing an official notice from the Mount Siguniang Scenic Area Administration, identified the victim as a Hong Kong resident who had been living in Shenzhen in the Guangdong province. According to the bulletin, his parents enrolled him in a guided outdoor activity organised by a travel agency on Saturday, submitting a letter of authorisation as part of the registration process. Hong Kongs immigration department said it was providing assistance to the teens family through its economic and trade office in Chengdu. A spokesperson said, in a statement that appropriate advice and feasible assistance were offered to the family, according to Hong Kongs RTHK News. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice South Korea is closely monitoring radiation levels in the Yellow Sea following reports that North Korea has begun discharging uranium waste into rivers that flow south, though officials say no abnormal changes have been detected so far. South Koreas unification ministry said on Tuesday that the government is tracking nuclear-related activity in North Korea, including operations at the Pyongsan plant in North Hwanghae province, in coordination with other relevant agencies. "In regard to relevant agencies' regular measuring of radioactive levels in the Yellow Sea, there has been no meaningful change," a ministry official told reporters on condition of anonymity, according to Yonhap. "But as the issue is directly related to our people's health and safety and the environment, the ministry is in close talks with other agencies over how to respond to it." South Koreas response came after Daily NK, a Seoul-based news outlet specialising in North Korea, reported in June that Pyongyang is operating a uranium refining facility in Pyongsan County and had begun dumping nuclear waste directly into nearby waterways. North Koreas nuclear programme spans several sites with distinct roles in the production of nuclear weapons fuel. open image in gallery A TV screen shows an image of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during a news program at the Seoul Railway Station in Seoul, South Korea, September 2024 ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) The Pyongsan plant is believed to be the countrys primary uranium mining and milling site, where raw uranium ore is processed into yellowcake, a concentrated form of uranium. This material can then be sent to enrichment facilities such as those at Yongbyon, North Koreas main nuclear complex, or Kangson, a suspected covert site near Pyongyang, according to Beyond Parallel, a US-based monitoring programme. In a rare disclosure last year, North Korea provided a glimpse into one of its enrichment facilities for building nuclear bombs. The countrys official Rodong Sinmum newspaper published several photos of Kim Jong Un talking with scientists and military officials. While the exact location was not disclosed, experts believe it was one of its two known plants in the towns of Yongbyon and Kangson. The pictures showed Mr Kim touring a facility packed with shoulder-height grey centrifuge tubes equipment used to enrich uranium for nuclear weapons. open image in gallery A 2021 satellite photo from Planet Labs Inc shows a uranium enrichment plant in North Korea's main Yongbyon nuclear complex ( AP/The Independent ) The report analysed satellite imagery, suggesting that uranium waste generated at the facility was being directly discharged into the river system. It said the waste was previously sent to a reservoir across the river for sedimentation, but the sedimentation pond reached capacity. Last month, Beyond Parallel, a US-based monitoring programme, released satellite imagery suggesting construction of a new uranium enrichment facility at North Koreas main nuclear complex in Yongbyon a possible indication that Pyongyang is seeking to boost its nuclear arsenal. Uranium is a radioactive element that exists naturally. To make nuclear fuel, raw uranium undergoes processes that result in a material with an increased concentration of the isotope uranium-235. Last year, Mr Kim underlined the need to expand uranium enrichment capacity and develop a new centrifuge, claiming his country needed greater defence capability against threats by the US and its allies during his visit to the facility. He expressed great satisfaction over the wonderful technical force of the nuclear power field held by North Korea, KCNA reported. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice North Korea has opened a vast new beach resort, the Wonsan-Kalma eastern coastal tourist zone, to its citizens, state media reported on Wednesday, even as the country largely maintains its strict ban on foreign tourism. The mammoth complex, which Pyongyang claims can accommodate nearly 20,000 people, is central to leader Kim Jong Uns strategy to bolster the nations struggling economy through tourism. The resort, touted as North Koreas largest tourist complex, features facilities for open water swimming, water park slides, and various other aquatic activities. However, the prospects for the Wonsan-Kalma zone remain uncertain. Observers suggest that with the country unlikely to fully reopen its borders or embrace Western tourists in the near future, its full potential as an international draw may not be realised. Despite these broader challenges, the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that the Wonsan-Kalma area commenced service on Tuesday, drawing a significant number of North Koreans who were seen enjoying the new attractions. open image in gallery This picture taken on June 24, 2025 and released by North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on June 26, 2025 shows North Korean leader Kim Jong Un (L), his daughter Kim Ju Ae (2nd L) and his wife Ri Sol Ju (3rd L) visiting the Wonsan Kalma coastal tourist area in Kangwon Province, North Korea. ( KCNA ) The guests hearts were filled with overwhelming emotion as they felt the astonishing new heights of our-style tourism culture blossoming under the era of the Workers Party," KCNA said in a typical propaganda-driven dispatch. Photos released by North Korean state media showed children with tubes and inflatable balls dipping into the sea, while others in colorful swimsuits beamed while sitting beneath red-and-white parasols. Kim said at the opening ceremony last week the site would be recorded as one of the greatest successes this year" and called its opening the proud first step toward realizing the governments policy of developing tourism. State media said North Korea has plans to build similar tourist zones around the country. North Korea, however, hasnt said whether and when it would fully resume international tourism that is key to their success. open image in gallery North Korea Tourism ( KCNA ) Since 2022, North Korea has been slowly easing the curbs imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic and reopening its borders in phases. But Chinese group tours, which made up more than 90% of visitors before the pandemic, remain stalled while there are questions about ties between the two socialist neighbors. In February this year, North Korea allowed a small group of international tourists to visit its northeastern border city of Rason, only to stop that tour program in less than a month. Since February 2024, North Korea has been accepting Russian tourists amid expanding military cooperation between the countries. But Russian government records seen by South Korean experts show a little more than 2,000 Russians, only about 880 of them tourists, visited North Korea last year, a number that is too small to revive North Korea's tourism. Russias Primorsky region, which borders North Korea, said last week that the first group of Russian tourists to the Wonsan-Kalma resort will depart on July 7 for a eight-day trip that includes a visit to Pyongyang. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The Dalai Lama has said that the institution he embodies will continue after his death and that his Gaden Phodrang trust has the sole authority to recognise his future reincarnation. The Tibetan Buddhist spiritual leader has previously questioned whether there should be another Dalai Lama after him, with the process to name his successor likely to be bitterly contested between the Chinese government and Tibetans in exile. In a long-awaited statement issued to a gathering of the Tibetan government-in-exile on Wednesday, the 14th Dalai Lama said he had long believed that the future of his role should be decided by the Tibetan people themselves. In a statement on Wednesday, he said: In particular, I have received messages through various channels from Tibetans in Tibet making the same appeal (that the institution of the Dalai Lama continue). In accordance with all these requests, I am affirming that the institution of the Dalai Lama will continue. The Dalai Lama will turn 90 on 6 July and the most senior figures in Tibetan Buddhism have gathered in Dharamshala in India for a three-day religious conference building up to Sunday. He met with 11 senior Buddhist monks on Wednesday morning before his video statement on his reincarnation was made public. The Dalai Lama said: The process by which a future Dalai Lama is to be recognised has been clearly established in the 24 September 2011 statement which states that responsibility for doing so will rest exclusively with members of the Gaden Phodrang Trust, the Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. He added: They should consult the various heads of the Tibetan Buddhist traditions and the reliable oath-bound Dharma Protectors who are linked inseparably to the lineage of the Dalai Lamas. They should accordingly carry out the procedures of search and recognition in accordance with past tradition. I hereby reiterate that the Gaden Phodrang Trust has sole authority to recognise the future reincarnation; no one else has any such authority to interfere in this matter. The Dalai Lama has repeatedly said his successor will be born outside China and urged followers to reject any candidate appointed by Beijing. The Chinese government says it is the sole body with the authority to name a successor. Beijing has not officially responded to the Dalai Lamas statement, but in the run-up to Wednesday, the Chinese media have been accusing him for trying to manipulate the reincarnation process. The Communist Party-run Global Times wrote: At its core, his intention remains the same to deny the traditional religious rituals and historical conventions that have governed the Dalai Lama reincarnation system for centuries, and to manipulate the reincarnation process for his own purposes. More follows On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice In March 1959, the 14th Dalai Lama left the Tibetan capital of Lhasa in the dead of night to flee from Mao Zedongs communist regime. Over the course of the next seven decades, the Dalai Lama has inspired generations of Tibetans in exile, as first the political, and then the spiritual, leader of Tibetan Buddhism. Born with the name Lhamo Dhondup on 6 July 1935, the Nobel Peace Prize winner has become synonymous with his stateless peoples struggle in exile, and the arrival of his 90th birthday this month has left many of his followers considering what will happen after his death. The Dalai Lama has himself repeatedly questioned whether the institution he embodies should continue at all after he dies. On Wednesday he provided some long-awaited clarity on the matter, giving a video address declaring that he would indeed be reincarnated, and that his trust of advisers would be tasked with identifying his successor. That still leaves a number of vital questions: who will be the next Dalai Lama, how will they be appointed, and what will happen when inevitably the Chinese government names its own rival successor to the position? The Independent put those questions to Penpa Tsering, the sikyong, or president, of the Tibetan government-in-exile based in Dharamshala, India a position created in 2011 when the Dalai Lama decided to divest himself of political leadership and focus on spiritual matters. Within the Tibetan community, theres not much anxiety, in the sense that His Holiness keeps reassuring us that he will live for another two decades and more, said Tsering. There are a lot of questions being asked about his reincarnation, which is an awkward position for us. On one hand, His Holiness keeps saying, Ill live for two decades and more. On the other hand, we keep [being reminded] about his reincarnation as if hes going to leave the world tomorrow, he added. open image in gallery Monks assist the Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama after he presided over an event to celebrate his 90th birthday ( AP ) The present Dalai Lama was not identified by Tibetan spiritual leaders until he was two years old, when he was discovered on a small farm in northeastern Tibet. There, according to his office, a search party looking for the new Dalai Lama found a small boy who not only appeared to recognise them, but also picked out items belonging to the 13th Dalai Lama from a lineup. As a teenager, the Dalai Lama was forced to assume a political role shortly after China took control of Tibet in 1950 in what it called a peaceful liberation. Nine years later, a major rebellion and a subsequent crackdown by the Chinese army prompted the Dalai Lama to escape disguised as a common soldier from the palace in Lhasa where his predecessors had held absolute power. The Dalai Lama reached India at the age of 24 and was allowed to settle in the Himalayan town of Dharamshala, where he established a government-in-exile for ordinary Tibetans, with an elected parliament. He has since advocated a non-violent Middle Way, seeking autonomy and religious freedom for Tibetan people within China, and was awarded the 1989 Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts. But his popularity has become a challenge for successive Chinese government leaders, from Mao through to president Xi Jinping, who describe him as a separatist or splittist and a wolf in a monks robes. open image in gallery A photo of the Dalai Lama is displayed near Tsuglagkhang, also known as the Dalai Lamas temple complex, in the northern hill town of Dharamshala, India ( Reuters ) The issue of Tibet remains unresolved, while my homeland is still in the grip of repressive communist Chinese rule, the Dalai Lama wrote in his latest book Voice for the Voiceless. Documenting his decades-long struggle with China, he wrote: Given that ours is a struggle of people with a long history of distinct civilisation, it will, if necessary, continue beyond my lifetime. The Dalai Lama has emphasised that his successor, whether a man or a woman, will be born in a free country in other words, outside China and most likely among the estimated 140,000 Tibetans living in exile. open image in gallery Penpa Tsering, the sikyong or leader of the Tibetan government-in-exile ( AFP/Getty ) He has warned that any successor chosen by China, which has for years piled pressure on foreign governments to shun him, will not be respected. Despite his age, and suffering from a number of health problems he had knee replacement surgery last year the Dalai Lama continues to receive thousands of visitors and give sermons from his simple throne at a monastery next to his residence, though these have more often been video messages in recent times. Earlier this week, as his birthday was marked in the Tibetan lunar calendar, he bestowed blessings in person on the Hollywood actor Richard Gere, a longtime supporter. His personal draw and charisma are part of the reason that the prospect of replacing him looms large over this weeks festivities. Its difficult to explain how much of a painful subject it is, Lhadon Tethong, the director of action group the Tibet Action Institute, tells The Independent. I think there is overwhelming anxiety, but also just sadness. I think, for Tibetans, its sort of like advance heartbreak, she adds. The process of identifying the 15th Dalai Lama is likely to be laced with uncertainty, and potentially political upheaval. open image in gallery A Tibetan monk walks clockwise around Tsuglagkhang, also known as the Dalai Lamas temple complex ( Reuters ) Tsering believes that the risk of a power vacuum while the next Dalai Lama grows up can be managed by the political wing of the movement, which has been working for years with the current Dalai Lama to prepare for this eventuality. Upon the Dalai Lamas death, there is a 49-day period when his consciousness is considered to be searching for a form, which could be human. After that begins the potentially years-long journey of finding the form that his consciousness is believed to have taken. The task of finding this reincarnated consciousness rests with an inner circle of monks who attend to the current Dalai Lama. Once they have found a candidate, that inner circle will then ask all other senior monks to gather and give their opinion. China is expected to try to utilise the Dalai Lamas death as an opportunity to tighten its grip on Tibet. The Chinese government said on Wednesday that it alone has the authority to approve a candidate as the next Dalai Lama once they have been nominated by religious leaders. There is precedent for such disputes taking a grim turn. In 1995, a six-year-old boy selected by the current Dalai Lama as the 11th Panchen Lama the second-highest spiritual position in Tibetan Buddhism was taken away by Chinese officials and has not been seen since. This year, a Beijing-installed Panchen Lama pledged loyalty to the Chinese Communist Party during a meeting with President Xi. open image in gallery Actor Richard Gere arrives at an event earlier this week to celebrate the 90th birthday of the Dalai Lama ( AP ) In March, China said the Dalai Lama was a political exile who had no right to represent the Tibetan people at all. China has said it is open to discussing his future if he recognises that Tibet is an inalienable part of China, a proposal the Tibetan government-in-exile has rejected. The Chinese dont just want to have a say. They want to decide and force their opinion and decision on us Tibetans, said Penpa Tsering. China has been thinking about the demise of this Dalai Lama for the past 20 years. So when His Holiness says Im going to live for two decades, I tell [the Chinese government] This message is for you. So well see whether the Communist Party outlives His Holiness or His Holiness outlives the Communist Party. And I also tell them, if you look for one Dalai Lama, the Tibetans will definitely look for another Dalai Lama. So I ask them, do you want a lifelong headache or not, with two Dalai Lama? The Dalai Lama and Tibetan officials say there is a system in place for the government-in-exile to continue its political work while officers of the Dalai Lamas Gaden Phodrang Foundation search for, and recognise, the next Dalai Lama. The present Dalai Lama set up the foundation in 2015, and its senior officers include several of his aides. I think thats the key, that hes always been the leader of our freedom struggle, says Lhadon. So however difficult, somehow were still here, and that doesnt just disappear overnight. Our people still have some really incredible unity and core resilience, and that also doesnt just come in one lifetime, surviving as a people in one of the most inhospitable environments on the planet for thousands of years, she says, adding that the struggle for the Tibetan cause will continue. As the picturesque streets of Dharamashala don colourful hues for the festivities around the Dalai Lamas 90th birthday, in Tibet where displaying the Dalai Lamas image is banned celebrations will be far more clandestine, in an effort to avoid Beijings wrath. open image in gallery Exiled Tibetans pray for the longevity of their spiritual leader in Dharamshala, India, on 4 June ( AP ) China is notorious for beefing up security and restricting the movement of monks and nuns in Tibet during the Dalai Lamas birthday celebrations. In the past, dozens have been arrested for partaking in celebrations around this and other Buddhist festivals. Tibetans have become skilled at marking these important occasions and still showing love, devotion and allegiance to His Holiness, or to the Tibetan struggle, through very quiet acts of resistance, explains Lhadon. Tibetans just pray and light incense to mark the occasion. Any visible sign of celebration will trigger arrests, a Tibetan Buddhist, who did not want to be named, tells The Independent. The Dalai Lama has said he would like to visit Tibet one last time before he dies, but that he will only do so if it is guaranteed that he can then return to India. The Chinese foreign ministry has said he can visit, but that he would have to then stay in Tibet and openly recognise that Tibet and Taiwan are inalienable parts of China. Given the opportunity, the Dalai Lama would visit China and Tibet, but he could not live there with undue curbs on his freedom, according to Tsering. If the 14th Dalai Lama has to die in exile, it will be very emotional for Tibetans inside Tibet, he said, adding that they have been deprived of the opportunity to see their spiritual leader. Im not sure whether it will trigger radicalisation inside. His Holiness also said, I dont want to die with Chinese on my bedside. I want to die with Indians, my friends, on my bedside. I wish to see His Holiness in person some day that will be a blessing, says the unnamed Buddhist in Tibet. But that may not be possible for me in this lifetime. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice As the Dalai Lama approaches his 90th birthday this Sunday, the question of his succession looms large. The issue is captivating not only his millions of followers but also drawing significant strategic interest from global powers including China, India, and the United States. The Nobel Peace Laureate is widely regarded as one of the world's most influential figures, with his spiritual and moral authority extending far beyond the confines of Buddhism. Central to Tibetan Buddhist tradition is the belief that the soul of a senior monk is reincarnated after death. This ancient practice was pivotal in identifying the 14th Dalai Lama, born Lhamo Dhondup on July 6, 1935, to a farming family in what is now Qinghai province. He was recognised as the reincarnation of his predecessor at just two years old. According to his official website, a search party dispatched by the Tibetan government made the determination based on several auspicious signs, including a vision revealed to a senior monk. Their conviction was solidified when the young toddler reportedly identified belongings of the 13th Dalai Lama, exclaiming, "It's mine, it's mine." In the winter of 1940, Lhamo Thondup was taken to the Potala Palace in Lhasa, the capital of today's Tibet Autonomous Region, and officially installed as the spiritual leader of Tibetans. open image in gallery The Dalai Lama turns 90 on Sunday ( AP ) How will his successor be chosen? The Dalai Lama has announced that he will be reincarnated, and that his successor will be chosen by his closest Tibetan advisers without interference from China. In a statement issued to a gathering of the Tibetan government-in-exile on Wednesday, he said: The process by which a future Dalai Lama is to be recognised has been clearly established in the 24 September 2011 statement which states that responsibility for doing so will rest exclusively with members of the Gaden Phodrang Trust, the Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. He added: They should consult the various heads of the Tibetan Buddhist traditions and the reliable oath-bound Dharma Protectors who are linked inseparably to the lineage of the Dalai Lamas. They should accordingly carry out the procedures of search and recognition in accordance with past tradition. I hereby reiterate that the Gaden Phodrang Trust has sole authority to recognise the future reincarnation; no one else has any such authority to interfere in this matter. The statement comes after the Dalai Lamas comments in his book Voice for the Voiceless, released in March 2025, where he said his successor would be born outside China. The Dalai Lama has lived in exile in northern India since 1959, after fleeing a failed uprising against the rule of Mao Zedong's Communists. The Tibetan parliament-in-exile, based in the Himalayan town of Dharamshala, like the Dalai Lama, says a system has been established for the exiled government to continue its work while officers of the Gaden Phodrang Foundation will be charged with finding and recognising his successor. open image in gallery Attendant monks help the Dalai Lama wear a ceremonial hat at an event during which exiled Tibetans prayed for his longevity at the Tsuglakhang temple in Dharamshala, India, in May ( AP ) The current Dalai Lama set up the foundation in 2015 to "maintain and support the tradition and institution of the Dalai Lama" with regard to his religious and spiritual duties, it says on its website. Its senior officers include several of his aides. What is the Gaden Phodrang Trust? The non-profit was registered in 2011 in the northern Indian town of Dharamshala, where the Dalai Lama is based. Its members include the Dalai Lama, senior monk Samdhong Rinpoche and close aides who work in the Dalai Lama's office in Dharamshala. The Dalai Lama heads the trust and its "alternate chairperson", or the second highest official, is Rinpoche, who Tibetans believe to be the reincarnation of a previous high monk. All its members must be based in India. The Dalai Lama and many other Tibetans fled Tibet in 1959 after a failed uprising against Chinese rule. He has since called for a "middle-way approach" that does not seek Tibet's independence from China but demands autonomy for Tibetans to protect and preserve their culture, religion and national identity. What does the trust do? At the moment, the organisation's main job is to support the Dalai Lama's spiritual and humanitarian work. The Dalai Lama said in an address to a religious conference on Wednesday that members of the trust should consult the various heads of Tibetan Buddhist traditions and other senior religious figures to "carry out the procedures of search and recognition in accordance with past tradition". open image in gallery Tibetan monks attend the 15th Tibetan Religious Conference, a meeting of religious leaders in McLeod Ganj, near Dharamsala ( AFP/Getty ) In 2011, he said that he would leave "clear written instructions about this", but Rinpoche said on Wednesday that the Dalai Lama had not yet done so because he was in good health and had promised to live for many more years. The Dalai Lama will celebrate his 90th birthday on July 6. He told Reuters in December he could live until he is 110. There is another Gaden Phodrang non-profit in the Swiss city of Zurich. It also carries out various projects on behalf of the Dalai Lama, is headed by the Dalai Lama and has his aides as its members. Its job is to "maintain and support the tradition and institution of the Dalai Lama with regard to the religious and spiritual duties of the Dalai Lama", it says on its website. What does China say? China says its leaders have the right to approve the Dalai Lama's successor, as a legacy from imperial times. A selection ritual, in which the names of possible reincarnations are drawn from a golden urn, dates to 1793, during the Qing dynasty. Chinese officials have repeatedly said the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama should be decided by following national laws that decree use of the golden urn and the birth of reincarnations within China's borders. But many Tibetans suspect any Chinese role in the selection as being a ploy to exert influence on the community. It is inappropriate for Chinese Communists, who reject religion, "to meddle in the system of reincarnation of lamas, let alone that of the Dalai Lama," the Buddhist leader has said. In his book, he asked Tibetans not to accept "a candidate chosen for political ends by anyone, including those in the People's Republic of China," referring to the country by its official name. Beijing brands the Dalai Lama, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989 for keeping alive the Tibetan cause, as a "separatist" and prohibits displays of his picture or any public show of devotion towards him. In March 2025, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said the Dalai Lama was a political exile with "no right to represent the Tibetan people at all". open image in gallery Exiled Tibetans pray for the Dalai Lama ( AP ) China denies suppressing the rights of the Tibetan people, and says its rule ended serfdom in, and brought prosperity to, a backward region. What role could India and the US play? Apart from the Dalai Lama, India is estimated to be home to more than 100,000 Tibetan Buddhists who are free to study and work there. Many Indians revere him, and international relations experts say his presence in India gives New Delhi some kind of leverage with rival China. The United States, which faces rising competition from China for global dominance, has repeatedly said it is committed to advancing the human rights of Tibetans. U.S. lawmakers have previously said they would not allow China to influence the choice of the Dalai Lama's successor. In 2024, then U.S. President Joe Biden signed a law that presses Beijing to resolve a dispute over Tibet's demands for greater autonomy. Sign up for our free Health Check email to receive exclusive analysis on the week in health Get our free Health Check email Get our free Health Check email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice People deemed cool boast six surprisingly similar personality traits across cultures, according to a new study that hints at the role played by broadcast media in standardising the meaning of the term. While their cultures vary greatly, the definition of a cool person in Eastern and Western social circles seems to be identical, according to the study published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology. The study is based on psychology experiments conducted from 2018 to 2022 with about 6,000 adult participants from the US, Australia, Chile, China, Hong Kong, Germany, India, Mexico, Nigeria, Spain, South Africa, South Korea, and Turkey. Each participant was asked to think of someone they thought was cool, not cool, good, or not good, and then rate that persons personality and values. Using this data, researchers assessed how cool people differed from uncool and good people. Everyone wants to be cool, or at least avoid the stigma of being uncool, and society needs cool people because they challenge norms, inspire change, and advance culture, study co-lead researcher Todd Pezzuti explained. The concept of coolness started in small, rebellious subcultures, including Black jazz musicians in the 1940s and the beatniks in the 1950s. As society moves faster and puts more value on creativity and change, cool people are more essential than ever. open image in gallery Pedro Pascal attends the premier of From The World Of John Wick: Ballerina ( Jeff Spicer via Getty ) In spite of cultural variations, cool people were universally perceived as being more extroverted, hedonistic, powerful, adventurous, open, and autonomous, researchers from the American Psychological Association found. In comparison, good people were perceived as more conforming, traditional, secure, warm, agreeable, universalistic, conscientious, and calm. While there are some overlapping traits, researchers point out that being cool isnt necessarily considered good in a moral sense. open image in gallery Prince performs onstage during 2013 Billboard Music Awards ( Getty ) The growth of fashion, music and film industries globally has seen the meaning of cool crystallise on a similar set of values and traits around the globe, becoming more commercially friendly, the study noted. Coolness has definitely evolved over time but I dont think it has lost its edge. Its just become more functional, Dr Pezzuti said. Researchers said their findings could help better understand the role played by coolness in establishing social hierarchies and changing social and cultural practices and norms. The fact that cool people are seen as having a similar attribute profile around the world and that these attributes are distinctly cool rather than good in general makes a strong case that coolness is a meaningful construct that can help explain how people understand, order, and structure their social world, they wrote. If coolness emerged as a status granted to those who inspire and facilitate cultural change, then perhaps we shouldnt be surprised that cool people, from San Francisco and Santiago to Sydney and Seoul, show traits that would make them more likely to question convention, innovate, and persuade others to change. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A British teenager currently imprisoned in Georgia has said she was tortured into smuggling drugs into the country. Bella Culley, 19 from Billingham, Teesside, is in police custody in the former Soviet republic accused of purchasing, possessing and trafficking a large quantity of narcotics, including marijuana. She has pleaded not guilty to all charges. She had been travelling in Asia in April and May before she was arrested in Tbilisi International Airport on 10 May, where police seized 11kg of marijuana and around 400g of hashish from a travel bag. Ms Culley was refused bail at a pre-trial hearing at Tbilisi City Court on Tuesday. Malkhaz Salakaia, representing Ms Culley, said she had been threatened with a hot iron to coerce her into travelling with the suitcase filled with drugs, according to the BBC. Ms Culley stood in front of the judge in the courtroom and showed her scarred right wrist. Speaking in court, the teenager claimed she had been forced into the drugs trade. open image in gallery ( East2West ) I did not want to do this. I was forced to do this through torture, she said. "I just wanted to travel. I am a good person. I am a student at university. I am a clean person. I don't do drugs." Mr Salakaia said the teenager was not aware of what was in her suitcase, telling the court she tried to inform customs officers in Thailand but nobody paid attention, the BBC reported. She was instructed to fly to Georgia - she did not even know where Georgia was located geographically, he added. He also told the court that Ms Culley was 18 weeks pregnant. The teenagers family was ready to pay the 50,000 georgian lari for bail money to get her out of prison, Mr Salakaia said. Her father, aunt and grandfather were reportedly in attendance at the courtroom. Judge Lela Kalichenko denied Ms Culley bail and remanded her into custody until the next court hearing, which is scheduled for 10 July. The teenager had decided to travel to southeast Asia after finishing her course at Middlesbrough College. Her mother toldTeesside Live that her daughter flew to the Philippines after Easter with a friend and was there for three weeks. Ms Culley went to Thailand on 3 May, reportedly to meet friends she had made on a previous trip that her mother did not know. She vanished in Thailand before resurfacing at Tbilisi International Airport. The Georgian interior ministry has said the teenager is facing up to 20 years in jail or life imprisonment. A statement read: B.K, born in 2006, is charged with illegally purchasing and storing a particularly large amount of narcotics, illegally purchasing and storing the narcotic drug marijuana, and illegally importing it into Georgia. The committed crime envisions up to 20 years or life imprisonment. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A retired banker who gave his wife nearly 80 million to avoid paying inheritance tax will not have to split that money with her equally following a divorce, the Supreme Court has ruled. Five justices unanimously agreed that because most of the money had been earned prior to the marriage, Clive Standish, 72, was entitled to keep the largest share. He had transferred the multimillion-pound assets to his wife Anna Standish, 57, in 2017, to take advantage of the Australians non-dom status and allow more money to benefit their two children. Mr Standish, being domiciled in the UK, was worried about paying around 32 million in inheritance tax if he died with the assets in his name, Lords Burrows and Stephens explained in their ruling on Wednesday. Sam Longworth of Hudson Sandler and the lead partner for Mr Standish said: The Supreme Court has also provided essential guidance as to when assets which do not have an originating connection to the marriage partnership should be considered marital. This guidance will give the courts a clear framework to ensure individuals cannot benefit from running false arguments as to whether they had or had not agreed to share certain assets during the currency of their relationship. open image in gallery Clive Standish ( Champion News ) Claire Reid, a partner at Hall Brown Family Law, said the ruling was more goalposts being moved than a paradigm shift, adding that other spouses looking to manage their wealth to minimise their tax bills should be very circumspect in how they do so. She said: Given the recent changes to the inheritance tax rules announced by the Government, there are likely to be many individuals undertaking the kind of estate planning that Mr and Mrs Standish were. Wealthier spouses will now be alive to the need to formalise the terms of any transfers of cash or other assets even more clearly to avoid falling into the same complicated situation. Sarah Norman-Scott and Victoria Walker, family law partners at Hodge Jones & Allen and Moore Barlow respectively, said couples should keep clear records on the source of their wealth. Ms Walker said: Going forward, families will need to keep tighter records to demonstrate that transfers were executed for specific purposes. That said, if spouses cannot meet their respective needs from the pool of available assets, the court will still draw on non-matrimonial funds to ensure fairness. However, for high value separations where plenty of wealth is available, Standish delivers a clear message: intent is everything. open image in gallery Anna Standish (left) ( Champion News ) Yael Selig, a family law partner at Osbornes Law, predicts a a surge in prenuptial and postnuptial inquiries following the Supreme Courts decision. She said: Whilst such agreements are not yet considered the norm, they are becoming that way and particularly for couples where there are significant assets involved, although the courts decision will always be grounded in making sure that the financial needs of both parties are met. Lucy Stweart-Gould, second partner for Mr Standish at Hudson Sandler, said owning money or assets at the time of the divorce, known as having title, is not enough to claim ownership; what matters is how that property is intended to be used. She said: Title alone is insufficient evidence to permit a party to share in a non-marital asset. What is required is an intention to share and treatment of the asset as shared; on the proper analysis of the facts of this case there was neither. Jennifer Dickson, family law partner at Withers, agreed. She said: The judgment makes clear that non-matrimonial property should not be subject to the sharing principle and matrimonial property should ordinarily be shared 50/50, but that non-matrimonial property can be matrimonialised depending on the couples intention and treatment of that wealth during the marriage. Had the tax planning exercise been designed to benefit Mrs Standish, rather than their children, it may well have been a different story. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Britain's beloved bakery chain, Greggs, has warned that its full-year earnings forecast has been significantly impacted by the recent heatwave, as soaring temperatures deterred customers from its hot food offerings. The company reported a noticeable decline in footfall and a reduced appetite for its signature warm pastries and sandwiches as the nation sweltered. While overall like-for-like sales for the six months to June 28 still saw a 2.6% increase, Greggs noted a distinct slowdown in growth during June. This deceleration was directly attributed to "high temperatures impacted consumer purchasing patterns," according to the firm. Like-for-like sales in June were impacted as very high temperatures affected the UK, increasing demand for cold drinks but reducing our overall footfall, it added. Greggs said it now expects that annual operating profits could be modestly lower year on year. open image in gallery (PA Graphics) The UK has seen temperatures soar since late June, with the country experiencing its hottest day of the year so far on Tuesday, with temperatures exceeding 34C. The Met Office confirmed that 34.7C was recorded at St Jamess Park in central London on Tuesday afternoon, beating a 34.4C reading recorded in Writtle, Essex earlier in the day. Greggs said half-year results on July 29 are set to show lower operating profits for the first six months as it came up against strong trading from a year earlier. Whilst acknowledging that comparative like-for-like sales are less demanding in the second half of the year, in light of the current trading conditions the board now anticipates that the full-year operating profit could be modestly below that achieved in 2024, the group said. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice New CCTV footage of a missing teenage girl has been released as police continue to search for her. Police are urging witnesses to come forward after Lola Bignell, 16, was reported missing in Kent on Monday. The footage shows Ms Bignell in the Heath Road area of Dartford on Tuesday and appears to show that she has dyed her hair black. Police say she may have travelled to Bexleyheath, Margate or the east Kent area, where she has links. The 16-year-old is described as around 5ft 5in and of slim build, with long brown hair and blue eyes, Kent Police added. Anyone who has seen the teenager is advised to contact Kent Police or call 999 if they have critical information on her whereabouts. Messages of support poured in online in response to the urgent appeal, which was shared over 1,500 times. As well as multiple wishes that Ms Bignell is found safe and sound, the community raised concerns over the number of young people going missing. So many youngsters going missing, whats going on? one comment read. Hope she is found. Some 79 per cent of missing children are found within 24 hours and 90 per cent are found within two days, according to the charity Missing UK. More than 170,000 people are reported missing every year in the UK, according to a National Crime Agency report. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Plans to reintroduce the Eurasian lynx to the British countryside are once again gaining momentum, as the governments wildlife chief says he would be absolutely delighted to see the species return during his term. Tony Juniper, chair of Natural England, has voiced support for renewed conversations around lynx reintroduction, calling for more public engagement to understand the potential impact on communities, landowners, and wildlife. The comments follow a proposal by the Lynx UK Trust to bring the animals back to Kielder Forest in Northumberland, using individuals rescued from culls in Sweden. Lynx, which have been extinct in Britain for over 1,000 years, are elusive forest-dwellers that prey on deer and rabbits. Conservationists argue they could play a vital role in controlling deer populations, helping restore damaged woodlands and boosting biodiversity. But opposition remains strong in some quarters, particularly among farming groups, with concerns over livestock safety, legal barriers, and public accountability. Readers are already divided on the issue. Templer commented: I would imagine sheep farmers in the area are thrilled at the prospect. I also wonder why lynx were hunted to extinction. Maybe there was a reason for that! Uriba, however, countered: In areas where lynx have been reintroduced, like parts of Switzerland, Germany, and Slovenia, predation on livestock is extremely rare. In fact, lynx are more useful than harmful to farmers, as they help control deer populations that damage crops and young trees. As debate grows over whether Britain should welcome back once-extinct species and who should decide we want to know what you think. Should the UK reintroduce animals like the lynx as part of a wider nature recovery strategy? Or are the risks and uncertainties still too great? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts in the comments below. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A British man found dead in Arizona more than a decade ago has finally been identified, thanks to a pioneering DNA technology. Michael Hill, 75, died in February 2013 while visiting a friend in the United States, but his identity remained a mystery for 12 years. For over a decade, Mr Hill was known only as the "Maricopa County John Doe 2013". He had arrived at his friends home with no belongings other than the clothes he was wearing, and without close relatives to identify him, his case remained unsolved. However, researchers from both the UK and US have now successfully restored Mr Hills identity using a cutting-edge method called Investigative Genetic Genealogy (IGG). This innovative technique combines advanced DNA analysis with extensive genealogical searches, marking the first time a UK citizen has been identified through this process. The resolution of Mr Hills case has been hailed as "a historic milestone" in forensic identification. Experts believe this breakthrough could pave the way for the wider adoption of IGG tools in the UK, potentially leading to the closure of numerous other long-unsolved cases. Dr Craig Paterson, who led the work from Sheffield Hallam University, said: It is a privilege to see the team solve this case and to restore Michaels name and identity. This case proves that IGG can be used in the UK to identify distant relatives and generate leads in cases that have remained unsolved using other investigative techniques. There are lots more unsolved cases in the UK where IGG can be used and we will continue to work with our partners and students to ensure that as many cases as possible benefit from this expertise. open image in gallery Michael Sidney Hill (University of Sheffield) The technology can help investigators identify distant relatives of a subject, whereas regular DNA testing usually identifies close family members, Dr Paterson explained. It relies on the millions of members of the public who have taken consumer DNA tests and carried out genetic genealogical searches on platforms such as FamilyTreeDNA and GEDmatch, said David Gurney, director of the Investigative Genetic Genealogy Centre at Ramapo College in New Jersey. The investigation of Mr Hills case was led by researchers and students from Sheffield Hallam University, the Ramapo College Investigative Genetic Genealogy Centre, and Silverwell Research in London. The team gathered information the police and coroners officer in Arizona held about Mr Hill, and the team found that Mr Hill had left his friends house on the day he died, and returned four hours later complaining that he did not feel well. He laid down in a guest bedroom but a short time after began to convulse and went unresponsive. The friend called 911 and emergency service personnel responded to the scene and death was pronounced at that location. The friend Mr Hill visited in the Phoenix area provided a name, Michael Sydney Hill, and date of birth to the authorities. But this information alone could not be used to confirm Hills identity. Traditional means of identification employed by Maricopa County Office of the Medical Examiner (MCOME) also did not yield a positive result. There was no identification on his person, and he had no siblings, children, or close relatives to contact and provide a positive identification. He was still connected to parts of the family but there was just a loss of contact, Dr Paterson said. It happens a lot more than you would think. The case remained cold for more than a decade until the team managed to trace a distant cousin of Mr Hill using DNA taken from his body, combined with genealogical analysis. The relative provided a DNA test and Michael Hills identity was finally confirmed. He was born in 1937 so finding a living relative was difficult, Dr Paterson said. We are happy that there was closure. Thats the aim its to take away that uncertainty. IGG technology has been mainly used in the United States, Canada, and Australia but researchers hope to increase its use in the UK. Cairenn Binder, director of the IGG Certificate Programme at Ramapo College, said: Investigative genetic genealogy was integral to solving the case of Mr Hill because as an unidentified person with only a lead on a possible name and no next of kin, genetic genealogy research was required to restore his identity. Advanced DNA testing and shared DNA with his distant relatives allowed investigators to confirm his identity and memorialize him after more than twelve years as a John Doe. This case is a historic milestone for the implementation of IGG in the UK, as Mr Hill is the first UK citizen to be identified with IGG research. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice British hunters brought home in just one year the bodies of at least three African elephants they had shot, as well as scores of body parts from crocodiles, bears, lions, baboons, cheetahs and zebras, a wildlife campaign group has claimed. In all, wealthy trophy-hunters reportedly imported into the UK 188 parts from 28 endangered or threatened species in 2023 the year after Boris Johnsons government dropped a proposed new ban on such imports. Both Conservative and Labour election manifestos in 2019 and 2024 included pledges to introduce a ban, and the two main parties have been repeatedly accused of dithering, allowing British shooters to continue killing wild animals for fun. open image in gallery Joanna Lumley and explorer Ranulph Fiennes back the campaign ( Campaign to Ban Trophy Hunting ) The latest available data from the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (Cites) shows that in 2023 hunting trophies imported into the UK included: three full bodies of African elephants, four tusks, four ears and four bones representing at least five elephants in all 26 lion bodies, 21 giraffes and five zebra skins seven caracal cats, three leopards and two cougars two hippos and two scimitar oryx baboons and vervet monkeys parts from dozens of Crocodiles, Bears, civets, pythons, aardwolves, honey badgers and wild goats The lions were captive-bred but nearly all the other animals were wild and shot in Africa, according to the Cites information, which is taken from permits and annual reports submitted by member countries and compiled into a database. Several Canadian black bear parts were also imported, as well as one from Russia and one from Croatia. Africas elephants are at risk of extinction, experts say, after nearly two-thirds disappeared over the past 60 years, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature. open image in gallery British gunmen shot at least five endangered African elephants in a year ( George Wittemyer via AP ) Numerous websites sell legal hunting holidays, and British wildlife hunters accounted for only around a tenth of the endangered species shot in 2023. Hunters from across the world took home nearly 1,800 giraffe body parts trophies that year. Holidays to shoot endangered leopards are being sold online for up to 116,000, The Independent revealed last month. Eduardo Goncalves, founder of the Campaign to Ban Trophy Hunting, is launching a documentary and three books on the subject, marking the tenth anniversary of the killing of Cecil the lion in Zimbabwe, which prompted an outpouring of global anger. The film, Britains Trophy Hunters, includes new footage from UK trophy-hunters homes, trophy rooms and South African hunting estates used by British clients. Campaigners, backed by television star Chris Packham, say trophy-hunting is accelerating the loss of nature, and are intensifying calls on the UK government to deliver on Labours longstanding manifesto promise to ban hunting trophy imports. Actress Dame Joanna Lumley said: Goncalves destroys the myth that trophy-hunting is just a handful of Americans. He exposes Britains shameful role, and why the government must act now. open image in gallery Eduardo Goncalves is launching three books at a film ( Campaign to Ban Trophy Hunting ) A private members bill, by Conservative MP David Reed, banning trophy imports is due to have a second reading in the Commons on 11 July, and its understood the government will set out its position then, but private members bills rarely become law without government support. Mr Goncalves has repeatedly called on the government to bring back a ban as a government bill. A spokesperson for the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said: The government was elected on a mandate to ban the import of hunting trophies that is exactly what we will do. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The familiar TSB brand could disappear from UK high streets following a 2.65 billion agreement for rival Santander to acquire the lender, a move that has sparked concerns over potential branch closures. The deal, which requires a shareholder vote, would see Santander integrate TSB into its existing group, creating the UK's third-largest bank by personal current accounts. TSB's Spanish owner, Sabadell, had indicated last month it was exploring a sale of its UK operations as part of efforts to fend off a potential hostile takeover. TSB runs around 175 branches across the UK and employs more than 5,000 people, while rival Santander runs 349 branches and has around 18,000 staff. Both lenders have cut their number of sites in recent years as many customers have shifted to online banking. The deal will raise fears of further job cuts and branch closures across the combined group. open image in gallery Santander runs 349 branches across the UK (Mike Egerton/PA) In a presentation to analysts, Santander said it plans a rationalisation of the overall branch network and structure, with aims to look at overlaps involving properties. It comes a decade after Sabadell bought TSB for 1.7 billion to gain a foothold in the UK, a year after Lloyds had spun off TSB in a stock market float. In May, TSB saw first-quarter profits nearly double thanks to cost-cutting and improved mortgage lending ahead of Aprils stamp duty deadline. Marc Armengol, TSB chief executive, said: TSB is a truly special bank, run by a first-class team that deliver trusted service and support for customers, day in and day out. Todays announcement represents the next exciting chapter for this successful business, as part of Santander, a highly regarded banking group. I believe this will prove to be an excellent fit for our loyal customers. Ana Botin, Banco Santanders executive chairwoman, said: The acquisition of TSB represents a continuing strategic commitment to our customers in the UK, offering a compelling opportunity that is financially attractive to our shareholders and aligned with Santanders long-term objectives. It strengthens our franchise in a core market through the acquisition of a low-risk and complementary business that adds to our diversification. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice At 5.25pm yesterday disabilities minister Sir Stephen Timms got to his feet in the Commons chamber to intervene on a speech by Labour backbencher Andrew Pakes. His purpose was in effect pull up the white flag on the governments flagship welfare legislation, in the view that a vote in favour of the government on a completely hollowed out bill was better than defeat. They removed personal independence payments (PIPs) from a bill with the PIPs in the title. Timms is a veteran politician of 31 years in parliament, stoic and understated in nature, thoughtful and careful in speech. He was in many ways the least likely character on the stage to deliver a moment of such theatre. But the hours before that revealed that the real drama was playing out spectacularly in the corridors and corners of the Palace of Westminster, where a defeat for a government with a majority of 156 less than a year into office was becoming a shockingly strong possibility. open image in gallery Starmer defended his position at PMQs ( The Independent ) This is how a prime minister who, in just a few weeks, managed to completely lose control of his governments agenda and ability to push through its policies. How it all began 15 June 3.45pm - Sir Keir Starmer flying over to Canada for the G7 holds an on-flight huddle with journalists where he is asked whether there will be any more concessions for Labour rebels. The answer is no. We have got to get the reforms through and I have been clear about that from start to finish. The system is not working; its not working for those that need support, its not working for taxpayers. Everybody agrees it needs reform, we have got to reform it, and that is what we intend to do. 26 June - After more than 130 MPs sign a reasoned amendment which would kill the welfare reform bill, the government offers a series of concessions including allowing those who currently have personal independence payments (Pips) to keep them as well as set up a review led by Timms on the whole issue of Pip payments. We are told that chief of staff Morgan McSweeney, Ms Kendall and chief whip Alan Campbell have personally negotiated the package. Rebel leader Dame Meg Hillier declares she will withdraw the reasoned amendment. open image in gallery Labour MP for York Central Rachael Maskell (Parliament/Jessica Taylor) ( PA Media ) 30 June 3.30pm - Work and pensions secretary Liz Kendall makes a statement in the Commons on the changes but the hostility she is greeted with takes the government by surprise. Furious Labour MPs claim that Ms Kendalls statement has watered down what was agreed on Thursday. Labour rebel Rachel Maskell lays down a new amendment to kill the bill which 36 rebels sign immediately. 1 July a day of drama 10am - Keir Starmer chairs cabinet ahead of the welfare reform vote at 7pm. He stands by his chief of staff Morgan McSweeney, who is facing increasing hostility from backbench Labour MPs, and there is a belief that the concessions have been enough to win the vote. Some ministers are unhappy over the poor communication of reform which has been portrayed as 5bn in cuts but in reality is 20bn in extra welfare spending. Post cabinet - Such is the lack of confidence in the government position on welfare that already the prospect of Liz Kendall losing her job as work and pensions secretary is being openly discussed by ministerial colleagues. One senior minister jokes that nobody wants to get her job in a reshuffle. Bit of a poisoned chalice, notes another. 1.44pm - Ms Kendall gets to her feet to open the second reading debate of the welfare reform bill and is met with an uncomfortable silence from the Labour benches. One party insider watching her messages: Worse than a chocolate kettle. open image in gallery Liz Kendall was unable to persuade Labour MPs ( Parliament TV ) 2.26pm - Ms Maskell gets to her feet almost in tears as she introduces her amendment with a much warmer reception from her Labour colleagues. An MP messages to say the rebellion is back on. 4.18pm - A tearful disabled Labour MP, Dr Marie Tydball, denounces the governments reforms. She follows a long line of Labour MPs demanding the legislation is pulled or postponed. The whips and Downing Street are beginning to panic with a growing feeling that the government could still be defeated. 4.39pm - Vicky Foxcroft, who resigned as a whip over the issue is speaking, while discussions have been taking place outside the chamber to try to save the situation. Minutes later news begins to break that the government has effectively thrown in the towel and made a massive concession, removing the PIP element of the Bill. 5.25pm - Another would-be rebel Labour MP Andrew Pakes stops his speech to take an intervention from the minister for disability Sir Stephen Timms, who confirms the government climbdown. Timms states: During this debate, my hon. friend and others across the House have raised concerns that the changes to Pip are coming ahead of the conclusions of the review of the assessment that I will be leading. We have heard those concerns, and that is why I can announce that we are going to remove clause 5 from the Bill in Committee. We will move straight to the wider review sometimes referred to as the Timms review and only make changes to PIP eligibility activities and descriptors following that review. The government are committed to concluding the review by the autumn of next year. open image in gallery Sir Stephen Timms speaking in the Commons (House of Commons/PA) ( PA Archive ) Another Labour rebel, Andy MacDonald, immediately raises a point of order: I would be grateful for your clarification. We have just heard that a pivotal part of the Bill, clause 5, will not be effective, so I ask this: what are we supposed to be voting on tonight? Is it the Bill as drawn, or another Bill? I am confused, and I think Members in the Chamber will need that clarification. 6.55pm - After more Labour MPs have stated their intention to still vote against the legislation, the government has not finished with concessions. Sir Stephen Timms adds some more in his closing speech, notably on the changes not affecting Northern Ireland. 7pm - MPs vote and the government defeats the Maskell amendment and passes second reading by 75 votes. But 49 Labour MPs still vote against the government. 8pm - The Institute of Fiscal Studies warns that the government concessions means that instead of saving money (5bn a year originally) it will now be spending more. The Tories ask where the money is coming from. 9pm - Trade union source messages to say that the fight to force the government to adopt wealth taxes will be top of the agenda. Wednesday morning - the fallout 7.20am - Ms Maskell speaks to Radio 4s Today programme demanding that the prime minister starts to listen and brings forward wealth taxes to fill the gap in the finances. 7am to 8.30am - Safe pair of hands chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Pat McFadden is sent on the morning round to try to get a grip back on the agenda.He insists that Rachel Reeves will be chancellor in six months time and is not going to get sacked. He warns rebels that you cant spend the same money twice. 9am - Vultures are circling around Starmers leadership. A senior Labour figure describes the situation for Starmer as terminal. 12pm - Starmer gets up for PMQs with a half-hearted cheer from the Labour benches and louder ironic cheers from the Tories. He sits next to chancellor Rachel Reeves, who appears to be weeping for the full half hour. It is later said this is because of an altercation with Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle, however, the tears appear to be more symbolic of a political situation spiralling out of control for the government with the PM even refusing to guarantee the job security of his chancellor. Where does this end? Already there is a debate raging on how the government will fill the financial gap. But beyond that the talk is of a ministerial reshuffle, with names like Ms Reeves and Ms Kendall in the firing line. On top of that Mr McSweeney should be worried about whether he will follow Sue Gray losing his job as chief of staff. But the real question marks are over Starmer himself. There is now a belief that in parliament that health secretary Wes Streeting and deputy prime minister Angela Rayner are manoeuvring to replace him. Outside parliament Manchester mayor Andy Burnham also seems to be reviving his leadership interests. The party is also struggling in the polls and important elections in London, Wales, Scotland and English councils next year. The clock is ticking for Starmer to turn his fortunes around. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Watch live as Sir Keir Starmer faces Kemi Badenoch at PMQs on Wednesday (2 July), hours after MPs voted to pass the prime ministers watered-down welfare bill. The bill, which would see changes made to personal independence payment (PIP) and the health-related element of universal credit, went to a crunch vote on Tuesday evening. It passed its second reading by 335 ayes to 260 noes, a majority of 75, with 49 Labour MPs voting against the welfare cuts, which they believe could push people further into poverty. On Monday, in a bid to convince rebel MPs to back the changes, the PM watered down his original welfare plans to minimise the impact on existing claimants. He will likely take a grilling from the opposition leader, who slammed the bill as a total waste of time. Writing on X, Ms Badenoch said: It effectively saves 0, helps no one into work, and does NOT control spending. Its pointless." Sir Keir, who is fresh off facing his largest Commons rebellion to date, could also see backlash from opposing Labour MPs. The bill fallout comes just days after Labour celebrates its one-year anniversary since entering government. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The UK has been accused of hypocrisy over its lack of high-level participation at a key global development finance summit, on top of cuts to Britains aid budget while talking up its role in helping lower-income nations. The accusations have been made at the fourth Financing for Development Conference (FfD4), a once-a-decade summit happening all week in Seville, Southern Spain, where delegates are aiming to tackle the perennial problem of how to help developing countries access the money they need. Thirty-two African countries currently spend more on debt repayments than on healthcare, and 25 African countries spend more on debt payments than on education, an issue that activists say needs urgent action. Some 50 world leaders are due at FfD4, including Emmanuel Macron of France, Mark Carney of Canada, and Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission. The UK, however, has only sent a government minister in the form of Baroness Chapman, the international development minister. A level of ambition from the UK government would have been demonstrated clearly by sending higher level participation such as the prime minister or Foreign Secretary, Lydia Darby, a senior policy advisor at Save the Children, told The Independent. Ahead of fDf4, writing in The Independent, Baroness Chapman called for a new era for global aid and development, that would see developing countries helped in building their own tax systems, and greater investment in developing countries from the private sector, among other measures. Hannah Bond, Co-CEO at ActionAid UK, said that it is hypocritical for the UK to talk about fair finance while cutting overseas aid. If the UK truly cares about fair finance, it must honour its overseas aid commitments, tackle unfair debts, and pay its fair share in addressing the climate crisis, Bond said. Without this, talk of fair finance is nothing more than empty PR. Baroness Chapmans appearance comes off the back of the UK cutting its foreign aid budget from 0.5 per cent to 0.3 per cent of Gross National Income (GNI) - which is expected to reduce foreign aid by 6.2 billion by 2025. Alex Farley, from advocacy group Bond, said that it is impossible to see how the UK can deliver on existing funding commitments, respond to humanitarian crisis, and tackle climate change, following he 0.5 to 0.3 per cent cut. Let alone undo the damage these cuts have done to our reputation and credibility with countries, she added. It would be nice to hear the government expressing regret for its cuts to the aid budget, rather than blithely claiming that they are somehow doing developing countries a favour, Michael Jacobs, from the think tank ODI, told The Independent. Mr Jacobs added that the claim that private sector money can substitute public funds is silly at best, disingenuous at worst. This is because the private sector wants returns, while much aid - for health, schools, sanitation, climate adaptation - doesn't make a profit, so is not investable, he said. open image in gallery An attendee watches proceedings during the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development, in Seville, Spain ( Reuters ) open image in gallery Women use umbrellas to protect themself from the sun during this weeks heatwave in Seville ( Reuters ) Catherine Pettengell, executive director of NGO network Climate Action Network UK concurred that the UK had failed to sufficiently support developing countries calls for fairer debt, tax, international cooperation, and climate finance in build-up to the conference. Its a crushing blow that only compounds the recent UK aid cuts, she added. Attendees of FfD4 say, however, that it is not all doom and gloom in Seville. The final agreement of the talks - the Compromiso de Sevilla - was in fact agreed to just ahead of this weeks conference. According to Save the Childrens Ms Darby, there is notably positive language on matters including international tax cooperation and an agreement to initiate an intergovernmental process on debt. The document is an important step with plenty to build on in the months and years to come, Darby said - though she acknowledged it has inevitably fallen short of the transformative ambition that civil society and vulnerable communities worldwide had called for. While the UK, along with the EU, has been accused of watering down key priorities for low-and-middle-come countries, these countries have at least contributed much more positively than the US, which withdrew from talks ahead of the conference over the refusal from the rest of the world to delete the goal of sustainable development from the text. This story is part of The Independents Rethinking Global Aid series Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Sir Keir Starmers welfare bill has managed to scrape past its second reading as he fended off what is believed to be the most significant rebellion since he became prime minister a year ago. The bill passed its second reading by 335 ayes to 260 noes, a majority of 75, with 49 Labour MPs voting against the welfare cuts which have caused controversy. Disability minister Sir Stephen Timms announced a last-ditch concession that plans to restrict eligibility for personal independence payments (PIP) which had been the central pillar of the governments reforms would not take place until after a review of the benefit had concluded. The government had initially planned to change the eligibility criteria for disability benefits for all new claimants from November 2026 but now the new system will not come into force until the review has concluded. It comes just days after the government watered down the legislation for the first time on Thursday, excluding all existing claimants from changes to PIP in a chaotic U-turn. Sir Keirs welfare bill has continuously caused controversy as a growing rebel camp, led at the time by Dame Meg Hillier, putting forward an initial amendment which forced the government to U-turn from its initial plans. While she voted to back the legislation, almost 50 Labour MPs expressed their discontent with the bill still. One key voice in the noes was MP Ms Maria Tidball, born with a congenital disability affecting all four limbs, who broke down in tears as she delivered an impassioned speech criticising the welfare cuts. Another key rebel, Rachel Maskell, said disabled people will have been worried watching the debate. The MP for York Central said: Im obviously really sad that the Bill went through but I think my greatest sadness is that disabled people will have been looking on and seeing Parliament debating their futures, and I think theyll be incredibly distressed when they see the way that Parliament was today. Thats the thing that tugs at me, because I think ultimately weve got huge responsibility to disabled people and they werent served well by the department today. Sir Stephen Timms later said, in response to concerns over a two tier system, that it was completely normal in social security. PIP replaced DLA (disability living allowance) in 2013 but half a million adults are still on DLA today. That doesnt cause problems. Parallel running is normal, and actually its often the fairest way to make a major change. Work and pensions secretary Liz Kendall said welfare reform was particularly difficult for Labour because the party cared passionately about the subject. Asked what the main lessons were from the backbench rebellion over proposed cuts, she told broadcasters: Welfare reform is always really difficult, perhaps especially for Labour governments. Its something we care passionately about. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The leader of the rebel Labour MPs who forced Sir Keir Starmer to abandon his welfare reforms has called for a wealth tax to meet the 5bn cost of the U turn. On Tuesday, the prime minister suffered the biggest blow to his leadership since coming into power a year ago after he was forced to shelve a key plank of his controversial benefit cuts in order to get them through parliament. While his welfare reform bill passed its second reading by 335 votes to 260 a majority of 75 the prime minister still suffered the largest rebellion of his premiership so far, with 42 Labour MPs voting to reject the legislation. Rachael Maskell, who led the backbench Labour rebellion which forced further changes to the reforms on Tuesday, suggested that as much as 24bn a year could be raised by increases in capital gains tax and other measures. open image in gallery Rachael Maskell called for a wealth tax ( Parliament TV ) Speaking in the wake of the rebellion, the Labour MP for York Central said: We need to look at those with the broader shoulders, as the prime minister said, contributing more into our system, but never pushing down on the poorest. And that was what the dynamic was yesterday, that we do need to look at things like a wealth tax, 24bn, or equalisation of capital gains tax. Ms Maskell also accused the Treasury of fixing the key benefits cuts, accusing them of having chosen to find savings on the backs of disabled people. That was always going to be wrong, she said. The MP also warned Sir Keir he had to do more listening to critics of his policies, saying the welfare rebellion had been a very steep learning curve for him. Speaking to BBC Radio Fours Today programme, Ms Maskell said: We saw a change in power between the prime minister and disabled people across the country. We live in a very ableist world where disabled people are often invisible, seen and not heard until yesterday. Ms Maskell has been one of Sir Keirs fiercest opponents in the welfare revolt, earlier calling the cuts Dickensian and from another era. Fellow Labour rebel Andy McDonald also said on Wednesday morning a tax on wealth, and equalising capital gains tax with income tax, should be used to make up the shortfall and invest in public services. He told Times Radio: If you listen to people like the Patriotic Millionaires, who've campaigned for higher taxes for themselves, these are people who've said in no uncertain terms that this country has given me every single opportunity, I've benefited from health and education and the opportunities presented to go into business. open image in gallery Andy McDonald has said there is appetite from wealthy people in the UK for a wealth tax ( UK Parliament ) I've succeeded and I've flourished and I can afford to pay a little bit more. They're suggesting that a wealth tax of 2 per cent on assets over 10m will produce for the Treasury 24bn. And yet another Labour rebel joined the calls, with MP Cat Eccles saying there are alternatives to just cutting money from vulnerable people. Speaking to LBC, she said: There are alternatives to just cutting money from vulnerable people. HMRC wrote off 5bn in unpaid taxes, we're still trying to recoup money from Covid contracts, and we're still not meeting UN obligations on tax evasion.... and a possible wealth tax." Meanwhile former Labour MP Rosie Duffield, who quit in protest at Sir Keirs leadership in September last year, said there was an understanding before the general election that the party would implement a wealth tax. But of course, it was all ditched pretty much in the first couple of weeks when winter fuel allowance was taken away from the elderly and it just dominoed down that route, so that people who couldn't really afford to be, you know, cut or punished as they feel, were. And it's just gone downhill since then, she told Times Radio. She insisted it was definitely spoken about sort of in the PLP meetings and amongst veteran MPs, adding that there was a sort of understanding that that would be on the cards potentially, although not explicitly stated. MPs voted to approve the governments watered down welfare bill after a last-ditch announcement that plans to restrict eligibility for personal independence payments (PIP) which had been the central pillar of the governments reforms were being dropped until after a review of the benefit has concluded. The latest climbdown will cause a major headache for chancellor Rachel Reeves; the welfare squeeze was intended to save 4.8bn a year, already watered down to 2.3bn last week. Postponing any changes to PIP means it is now uncertain how much the reforms will save. Last night the Institute for Fiscal Studies warned that the reforms package could even end up costing the taxpayer 100m by 2029-30 if proposals to tighten eligibility for PIP are scrapped following the Timms review. Amid fears that tax rises will be needed to fund the concessions, Cabinet minister Pat McFadden - one of the prime ministers closest allies - said the revolt would lead to spending cuts in other departments. He said: There is a cost to the decision taken yesterday [Tuesday], there is no denying that. You cant spend the same money twice so more money spent on that means less for some other purpose. But the chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster refused to say if it would lead to tax rises, saying any such decision would be made at the next budget. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Researches hope to find evidence that will put to rest one of modern history's most enduring mysteries: what happened to legendary pilot Amelia Earhart? On Wednesday, researchers at Purdue University announced a new expedition that hopes to find some material evidence of Earhart's airplane. Using satellite imagery, the researchers have identified a spot on the tiny, remote island of Nikumaroro in Kirabati which they believe may be the final resting place of Earhart's plane, according to NBC News. The expedition was announced on July 2, exactly 88 years after Earhart and navigator Fred Noonan disappeared during their famed attempt to circumnavigate the world in her airplane. Earhart worked for Purdue University, and the institute helped to fund her historic, if tragic, final flight. Purdue said it plans to send a team in November to examine the site and, hopefully, find evidence of her Lockheed Electra 10E airplane. open image in gallery New research from Purdue Research Foundation and Archaeological Legacy Institute could help find Amerila Earhart's missing plane. ( Purdue Research Foundation / Archaeological Legacy Institute 2025 ) We believe we owe it to Amelia and her legacy at Purdue to fulfill her wishes, if possible, to bring the Electra back to Purdue, Steve Schultz, Purdues general counsel, said in a statement. The satellite photo fueling the new expedition was captured in 2015, just one year after a powerful tropical cyclone shifted the sands at the island, potentially revealing the plane, according to Richard Pettigrew, the executive director of the nonprofit Archaeological Legacy Institute in Oregon. Pettigrew took the satellite imagery to Purdue, which kickstarted the upcoming expedition. According to Pettigrew, the size and composition of the object matches parts of Earhart's plane, and the island's location is close to Earhart's planned flight path, and almost exactly where four of her last radio calls for help originated. It satisfies all the criteria, he said. Everything fits. open image in gallery Ths satellite photo was captured in 2015, a year after an intense tropical cyclone shifted the sand, potentially reveals her plane, researchers say. ( Purdue Research Foundation / Archaeological Legacy Institute 2025 ) Earhart's disappearance was a tragic final act after a decade of newspaper and radio stories documenting her record-setting flights. On June 17, 1928, at the age of 30, she became the first woman to pilot a plane a bright red Lockheed Vega 5B, which she called "old Bessie, the fire steed" across the Atlantic. The endeavor made headlines across the nation. Later, she became the first person to complete a solo flight across the Pacific, traveling from California to the Hawaiian islands in 1934. Earhart was initially treated as an aviation oddity due to her gender; news reports at the time called her the first "girl" to fly across the Atlantic, and another referred to her as an "aviatrix. But as she continued to prove her prowess in the cockpit, she gained notoriety as a great pilot, rather than as a curious outlier. Even still, she used her growing prominence to push for equality in the skies; in an interview with the Evening Star in 1929, Earhart pleaded with the public to "give women a chance in the air." open image in gallery The plane Amelia Earhart flew in her trans-Atlantic flight which she called old Bessie, the fire steed is seen at the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C. ( AP2010 ) "Women can qualify in the air as in any other sport. Their influence and approval are vital to the success of commercial aviation," she said at the time. "Women and girls write to me by the thousands to learn the truth about aviation and what women's chances are. There is nothing in women's make-up which would make her inferior to a man as an air pilot. The only barrier to her swift success is her lack of opportunity to receive proper training." After numerous successful and record-setting flights in the late 20s and early 30s, Earhart set her sights on a new goal: becoming the first woman to circumnavigate the planet in an aircraft. Following her disappearance, the public remained somewhat hopeful that she would be found to fly again another day. But, after a two-month search that turned up no trace of her or Noonan, the pair were presumed dead. Pettigrew has been trying to find the remains of Earhart's flight for years. He has visited Nikumaroro, and said that a period-appropriate medical vial and American-made tool were found on the island, suggesting someone from the West perhaps Earhart had been on the island in some capacity around the time of her disappearance. open image in gallery American aviator Amelia Earhart is surrounded by a crowd of wellwishers and press on arrival at Hanworth airfield after crossing the Atlantic. ( Getty ) According to National Geographic, four forensic dogs and a team of archaeologists with the International Group for Historic Aircraft Recovery traveled to the island in 2017. During that trip, the dogs reportedly detected the scent of human remains, though none were actually found. No one lives on Nikumaroro, and there is scant evidence of there ever being continuous inhabitation on the island. Two years later, famed ocean explorer Robert Ballard led an expedition to locate Earhart's plane or evidence that it had landed on the island. After days of searching both the island's cliffs and the surrounding waters, Ballard found no evidence of a wreck on the island. "We felt like if her plane was there, we would have found it pretty early in the expedition," Allison Fundis, Ballard's chief operating officer for the expedition, told The New York Times. The Executive Director of the International Group for Historic Aircraft Recovery, Richard Gillespie said he doubts the Purdue expedition will turn up any evidence of Earhart's plane on their upcoming expedition. Weve looked there in that spot, and theres nothing there, he told NBC News. open image in gallery The Pacific island of Nikumaroro, an uninhabited coral atoll that researchers believe the wreckage of Amelia Earhart's plane could be near ( Reuters ) Gillespie has launched a dozen expeditions over the last 35 years searching for Earhart, including searches of Nikumaroro. He said the satellite image guiding the Purdue expedition shows an overturned coconut palm tree with a root ball that had been washed up by a storm. I understand the desire to find a piece of Amelia Earharts airplane. God knows weve tried, he said. But the data, the facts, do not support the hypothesis. Its as simple as that. Despite his skepticism, Purdue will undertake the expedition regardless. The Purdue Research Foundation has extended a credit line of $500,000 to the first phase of the expedition, according to Shultz. The expedition members will depart in November and spend six days traveling to reach Nikumaroro. From there, they'll have five days on the island to investigate the object from the satellite imagery and determine whether or not it is evidence of Earhart's missing plane. If we hopefully solve the mystery and confirm that it is, then there will be further efforts to bring it back, hopefully to a permanent home, Schultz said. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice An American tourist has vanished after going on vacation in Turks and Caicos with his wife to celebrate their anniversary. Brian Tarrence was last seen leaving a rented apartment in Turks and Caicos, southeast of the Bahamas just before 3:40 a.m. on June 25, the local police force said. The New Yorker has not been seen since. Tarrence was staying at the Paradise Inn in Grace Bay, Providenciales, when CCTV footage caught him walking away from the property without any obvious signs of distress, reported the island news outlet Eagle Legal News. The 51 year-olds belongings, including his wallet and phone, have also gone missing and his cell is unreachable, the outlet added. open image in gallery The 51-year-old was captured on CCTV leaving his rented apartment on the early hours of June 25 ( Google Street View ) Private investigator Carl DeFazio, who was hired by the Tarrence family, told The Independent he had been working with local police since his unexplained disappearance. DeFazio said he was trying to track Tarrences credit card and Apple Watch information and anything that could suggest his whereabouts. He added that police and local community had been very cooperative in the investigation, treating it as a high-priority case and that so far there was nothing to suggest foul play. They seemed to be having a normal couple of days, and he ended up walking out of his condo, which is in a very safe place and in the middle of Grace Bay Road, DeFazio told Fox News. We have him on camera, and he walks into town, and then he basically disappears, and we haven't heard from him since." DeFazio told Fox Tarrence is a smart guy, adding we don't know what's in his mind or if he did this on his own or if somebody took him in." The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police hunt to find Tarrence, who lives in Manhattan, is now on its eighth day. The missing mans wife is reportedly assisting with the search efforts. The couple had arrived on the island on June 21 for what they had intended to be a relaxing break. Tarrences brother, Mike Tarrence, told the island outlet The Sun that he last heard from his brother via text the day before they went. He said the message was short and advised that he and his wife were heading off on holiday but with no further details. open image in gallery Tarrence and his wife had been celebrating their one-year-anniversary, say family ( Getty/iStock ) They were there to celebrate their one-year anniversary, Mike said. He just said they were going on vacation. If anyone has any information on Tarrences whereabouts, they are urged to contact the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force at 911 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477. All calls will be answered by the Miami-Dade Police, and no one from RTCIPF will know who called, adding that the information would be passed on anonymously. Local police advised people not to share information with them via their social media pages. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Seven people are missing following a huge fireworks warehouse explosion in California. A blaze broke out at the storage facility in Yolo, 40 miles outside of Sacramento, Tuesday, erupting into a huge fireball. Aerial footage from the scene showed large plumes of black smoke spreading across the surrounding farmland. In an update on Wednesday, the Esparto Fire Protection District and the State Fire Marshals Office said that seven individuals remain unaccounted for. First responders and investigators are working diligently with the property owner to determine the whereabouts of those individuals, a statement to NBC News said. It is not clear if the seven missing people were workers or lived nearby. open image in gallery CAL firefighters arrived at the scene in Yolo County to assist with the huge explosion ( Cal Fire LNU/X ) The Yolo County Sheriffs Office added that the warehouse fire was still burning days after the blast. Officials had warned residents living near the factory to evacuate following the explosion due to the immediate threat to life. The cause of the explosion remains under investigation but it took place days before July 4 celebrations that will see millions of Americans involved in firework displays across the country. As many of you are aware, there was a significant explosion earlier today near the Esparto/Madison area, specifically around County Road 23 and County Road 86A. A warehouse storing fireworks exploded and continues to burn, the YCSO wrote in a statement Tuesday. open image in gallery Huge plumes of black smoke continued throughout the night Tuesday ( CAL Fire LNU/X ) People who were staying in Madison and the Madison Migrant Center were told they could return home Tuesday. A one-mile evacuation area remains in place around the scene. The fire is expected to take days to cool down, and when it does, explosive experts will safely assess and secure the area, the YCSO said. We strongly urge everyone to continue avoiding the area for the next several days so that fire crews, law enforcement, and emergency personnel can do their jobs safely and effectively. Cal Fire firefighters said they deployed air and ground resources to assist Yolo County officials with the incident. The fire remains a critical situation, and officials issued a stark warning to residents: Immediate threat to life. This is a lawful order to leave now. The area is lawfully closed to public access. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Del Monte Foods has initiated Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings in the United States, filing on Tuesday as part of an agreement with key lenders to facilitate a sale of the company. The move comes with a secured financing package of $912.5 million, intended to support its operations throughout the restructuring process. Despite the bankruptcy filing, the 139-year-old food giant has affirmed its intention to remain open and continue its operations without interruption. Known as one of the biggest US household brands, Del Monte first emerged in 1886 and expanded in the 1890s. The company later built its famous The Cannery in San Francisco in 1907 and claimed that it operated the largest fruit and vegetable cannery in the world by 1909. Del Monte Foods is widely recognised for its extensive portfolio of household brands, including its namesake canned fruits and vegetables, College Inn broths and stocks, and Joyba tea products. Court documents filed in New Jersey estimate the company's assets and liabilities to be in the range of $1 billion to $10 billion. The filing also indicates a substantial number of creditors, estimated to be between 10,000 and 25,000. In a statement, CEO Greg Longstreet said: This is a strategic step forward for Del Monte Foods. After a thorough evaluation of all available options, we determined a court-supervised sale process is the most effective way to accelerate our turnaround and create a stronger and enduring Del Monte Foods. With an improved capital structure, enhanced financial position and new ownership, we will be better positioned for long-term success. He added: While we have faced challenges intensified by a dynamic macroeconomic environment, Del Monte Foods has nourished families for nearly 140 years, and we remain committed to our mission of expanding access to nutritious, great-tasting food for all. I am deeply grateful to our employees, growers, customers and vendors, as well as our lenders for their support in helping us achieve our long-term goals". Certain of its non-US subsidiaries are not included in the Chapter 11 proceedings and continue to operate as usual, Del Monte Foods said. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Passengers on a Disney Dream cruise ship have described the moment a horrified mom realized her five year-old daughter fell overboard. The little girl plunged from the fourth deck of the $900 million Disney Dream on Sunday morning as it was returning to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, following a four-night cruise in the Bahamas. Her mother screamed after she went into the water and then had to watch as her husband jumped 45ft to rescue her, according to witnesses. The dad had to tread water for up to 20 minutes before both were pulled aboard the ships rescue boat. A post from a passenger on the cruises Facebook page said the mom was yelling she's five and can't swim when the accident happened, while other witnesses described her terror as the dramatic incident unfolded. Shannon Lindholm, from Houston, was on the cruise with her husband and their two kids when she heard the man overboard announcement. She watched the rescue unfold from the fourth floor deck, where the girl is believed to have fallen from. open image in gallery The father was rescued from the water after jumping in to save his daughter ( TikTok ) I saw the mom's face of terror when she was waiting for them to be rescued, and I saw her face of relief when they brought them on board, Lindholm told People. They brought her over, and obviously she was extremely relieved and incredibly grateful, and it was just very quick from there, said Lindholm, adding that the rescue was a miracle times two. open image in gallery The Disney Dream cruise ship was returning to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, following a four-night cruise in the Bahamas ( AFP via Getty Images ) Another passenger, Monica Shannon, was on vacation with her husband and young child and waiting to meet Disney princesses when the fall happened. I kind of see something really fast flew by, I didn't think anything of it, Shannon told CBS News. Shannon was on the third floor deck at the time, one below where the girl plunged from. I just figured it was maybe a part of the show or just the experience, but about five minutes later we heard that someone flew overboard, she said. Another passenger named Chandler told People magazine about the moment the girl hit the water. It sounded like hitting the pavement, she said. There was some kind of commotion ... Then this awful scream from what I assume is the mother and then this massive splash. Chandler said she was with her family when the commotion began, and Mr. M.O.B., meaning man overboard, blared out over the ships intercom as it traveled between Nassau and Grand Bahama Island. open image in gallery Disney rescue crew pulled the father and his daughter aboard, who had been in the water for up to 20 minutes ( Janice Martin-Asuque/TMX ) The woman said she didnt think rescuers would be able to locate the dad and daughter, who have not yet been identified, and told her nine-year-old daughter Harper: They were probably gone. Passenger Gar Frantz says he was near the fourth deck jogging track when the little girl fell. People were screaming, the baby's in the water, the babys in the water, he recalled to the Daily Mail. I thought they were dying. Video shared online shows the yellow rescue boat quickly bobbing through the waters to reach the father and daughter as horrifying onlookers watched from on top of the ship. Travelers erupted into rapturous applause as the rescue teams threw out a rope for the pair to grab onto and safely pulled them onto the jetty. open image in gallery Video shows the dad and daughter rescue after the five-year-old fell overboard ( Janice Martin-Asuque/TMX ) Everybody was cheering because you could see them lift them into the boat and they had the baby in their arms, Frantz said. The Broward County Sheriffs Office praised the Disney crew for the successful effort. Clearly, their training and readiness paid off because they executed a successful ocean rescue, it said in a statement. This family is so blessed. BSO detectives dont currently suspect anything suspicious, but they continue to investigate the circumstances that led to the child going overboard. Disney Cruise Line commended its crew in a statement to People for their exceptional skills and prompt actions, adding, this incident highlights the effectiveness of our safety protocols. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A deep clean at a grocery store wound up reuniting a family with a lost, cherished memorial to their late daughter. Tom and Cathy Hemish of Rosemoutm Minnesota, lost their 35-year-old daughter, Leah, to an aggressive cancer in 2019. Leah died only six weeks after her diagnosis. Her family shaken and grieving commissioned a custom pendant that incorporated Tom, Cathy, and Leah's birthstones as well as a small portion of Leah's ashes. "This was one thing my wife wanted to do so she could have Leah with her all the time," Tom told KARE11. "Our birthstones were put on there. It's our family, just the three of us. We miss her like crazy all the time." But further tragedy struck when, four years ago, Cathy and Tom lost the pendant during a shopping trip at a Cub Foods grocery store in Rosemount. The couple searched the store, its parking lot, their car, and their home hoping to find the little piece of their daughter that they carried with them everywhere they went, but ultimately were unable to locate the pendant. They even posted photos of the pendant on social media asking their neighbors to call them if they spotted their lost jewelry. open image in gallery A Cub Foods grocery store in Rosemount, Minnesota, where a family was reunited with a pendant containing their daughter's ashes four years after it was lost ( Google Maps ) "It hurt, Tom said. But what do you do? You have to just move on. Then, just over four years later, employees at the store were carrying out a deep clean of the buildings coolers and found the missing pendent, noticing it included a birthday engraved on the back. Thinking the pendant likely held sentimental value for whoever lost it, the employee handed it over to their manager, who then posted about it on neighborhood Facebook pages the same ones that Tom and Cathy posted to four years earlier. Another Facebook user saw the post and reached out to Tom and Cathy directly to let them know the pendant had been found. "There's a lot of not good, happy news that comes out every day, and to have somebody that steps up and does the good thing and the right thing, it doesn't happen very often," Tom said. We just are very thankful for the people that found it and did what they did to reunite us with her, to put us back with her. The store manager, Maria Nagel, told KARE 11 in an email how the scenario played out inside the store. She explained that an employee named Kevin located the pendant, saw the inscription on the back, and gave it to her. "He brought it to my attention and I felt inspired to find the rightful owner. I hoped that by turning to social media, it would find its way back home," she wrote. "I remember years ago, a woman had lost a pendant that was made with her daughter's ashes but it was never found. I didn't think this could possibly be it, but, as it turns out this was the lost pendant!" She said that she and the rest of the Cub employees were "so happy that we were able to reunite this cherished [memento] to the Hemish family." The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Irans president on Wednesday ordered the country to suspend its cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency after American and Israeli airstrikes hit its most-important nuclear facilities, likely further limiting inspectors' ability to track Tehran's program that had been enriching uranium to near weapons-grade levels. The order by President Masoud Pezeshkian, however, included no timetables or details about what that suspension would entail. Pressure tactic Iran has limited IAEA inspections in the past as a pressure tactic in negotiating with the West though as of right now Tehran has denied that there's any immediate plans to resume talks with the United States that had been upended by the 12-day Iran-Israel war. Iranian state television announced Pezeshkian's order, which followed a law passed by Irans parliament to suspend that cooperation. The bill already received the approval of Iran's constitutional watchdog, the Guardian Council, on Thursday, and likely the support of the country's Supreme National Security Council, which Pezeshkian chairs. The government is mandated to immediately suspend all cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency under the Treaty on the Nonproliferation of Nuclear Weapons and its related Safeguards Agreement, state television quoted the bill as saying. "This suspension will remain in effect until certain conditions are met, including the guaranteed security of nuclear facilities and scientists. It wasnt immediately clear what that would mean for the IAEA, the United Nations nuclear watchdog. The Vienna-based IAEA long has monitored Irans nuclear program. The agency didnt immediately respond to a request for comment. Details remains unclear It's not known how Iran will implement this suspension. Iran's theocractic government, there is room for the council to implement the bill as they see fit. That means that everything lawmakers asked for might not be done. However, Iran's move stops short of what experts feared the most. They had been concerned that Tehran, in response to the war, could decide to fully end its cooperation with the IAEA, abandon the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty and rush toward a bomb. That treaty has countries agree not to build or obtain nuclear weapons and allows the IAEA to conduct inspections to verify that countries correctly declared their programs. Irans 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, negotiated under then U.S. President Barack Obama, allowed Iran to enrich uranium to 3.67% enough to fuel a nuclear power plant, but far below the threshold of 90% needed for weapons-grade uranium. It also drastically reduced Irans stockpile of uranium, limited its use of centrifuges and relied on the IAEA to oversee Tehrans compliance through additional oversight. The IAEA served as the main assessor of Iran's commitment to the deal. But U.S. President Donald Trump, in his first term in 2018, unilaterally withdrew Washington from the accord, insisting it wasnt tough enough and didnt address Irans missile program or its support for militant groups in the wider Middle East. That set in motion years of tensions, including attacks at sea and on land. Iran had been enriching up to 60%, a short, technical step away from weapons-grade levels. It also has enough of a stockpile to build multiple nuclear bombs, should it choose to do so. Iran has long insisted its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, but the IAEA, Western intelligence agencies and others say Tehran had an organized weapons program up until 2003. Suspension comes after Israel, US airstrikes Israeli airstrikes, which began June 13, decimated the upper ranks of Irans powerful Revolutionary Guard and targeted its arsenal of ballistic missiles. The strikes also hit Irans nuclear sites, which Israel claimed put Tehran within reach of a nuclear weapon. Iran has said the Israeli attacks killed 935 Iranian citizens, including 38 children and 102 women. However, Iran has a long history of offering lower death counts around unrest over political considerations. The Washington-based Human Rights Activists group, which has provided detailed casualty figures from multiple rounds of unrest in Iran, has put the death toll at 1,190 people killed, including 436 civilians and 435 security force members. The attacks wounded another 4,475 people, the group said. Meanwhile, it appears that Iranian officials now are assessing the damage done by the American strikes conducted on the three nuclear sites on June 22, including those at Fordo, a site built under a mountain about 100 kilometers (60 miles) southwest of Tehran. Satellite images from Planet Labs PBC analyzed by The Associated Press show Iranian officials at Fordo on Monday likely examining the damage caused by American bunker busters. Trucks could be seen in the images, as well as at least one crane and an excavator at tunnels on the site. That corresponded to images shot Sunday by Maxar Technologies similarly showing the ongoing work. ___ Amir Vahdat contributed to this report from Tehran, Iran. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Constellation Brands, the maker of top-selling Modelo and Corona beers, says sales are struggling because of Immigration and Customs Enforcement deportation fears. The companys beer sales dropped two percent in the second fiscal quarter of 2025, CNBC reported. Hispanics account for about half of its beer sales. Bill Newlands, CEO of Constellation Brands, said during an earnings call Wednesday ICE raids were making it hard to predict consumer spending, per CNBC. Newlands said its Hispanic customers are very interested in beer, but occasions on which beer is consumed have decreased, Yahoo Finance reported. Constellation Brands, the maker of top-selling Modelo and Corona beers, says sales are struggling because of Immigration and Customs Enforcement deportation fears ( Justin Sullivan/Getty Images ) The CEO said Hispanic consumers are not going out to eat as much as they had, they're having less social occasions at home." Constellation Brands worse-than-expected earnings and revenue were also caused by President Donald Trumps tariffs on aluminum, according to the company. Trumps mass deportation plan is in full swing. Last month, the White House announced ICE had made more than 100,000 arrests since Trump took office for the second time. The Trump administrations immigration crackdown has put fear into Americas Latino and Hispanic populations, with some too afraid to leave their homes. The New York Times wrote in late June of the fear in Los Angeles, which was the site of mass protests over ICE immigration raids that month: Increased immigration raids and patrols by masked officers have stifled one of the largest and most established Latino communities in America, causing what residents and officials describe as a Covid-style shutdown of public events, street life and commerce. Constellation Brands isnt the only company to see sales slip in recent months, partly because of Hispanic consumers staying home in fear of ICE. Coca-Colas sales volume in North America fell three percent in the first fiscal quarter. The beverage companys CEO James Quincey said on an earnings call on April 30: In addition to challenges with severe weather and calendar shift, volume was impacted by weakening consumer sentiment as the quarter progressed, particularly among Hispanic consumers, Yahoo Finance previously reported. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A Black technician at SpaceX was fired for being late to work while caring for his young daughter as she recuperated from a heart transplant, while his white colleagues were given a pass for their own consistent tardiness and absences, according to an eye-popping workplace discrimination lawsuit obtained by The Independent. In a 33-page federal complaint initially filed in Los Angeles and removed to federal court on June 25, LTavious Rice says his bosses at the commercial space launch provider were fully aware of his daughter's medical condition, and encouraged him to take time off as needed. Yet, Rices complaint alleges, the SpaceX Human Resources department soon began ginning up issues with his time-off requests in retaliation for him having agreed, in principle, to testify truthfully about a former supervisor that another employee had accused of wrongdoing in an unrelated incident. Rice, 38, worked as a materials inspector at the SpaceX campus in Hawthorne, California, ensuring the structural integrity of materials such as base metals, welds, structures and assemblies. His complaint also accuses SpaceX of denying him proper meal breaks, and expected him to work through lunch. Rice had no performance issues when SpaceX let him go, the complaint contends, describing the companys treatment of him as deliberate, cold, callous, cruel and intentional. open image in gallery SpaceX, owned by billionaire and erstwhile first buddy Elon Musk, is once again under fire over alleged workplace discrimination issues ( AFP/Getty ) Attorney Stephanie Perez, who is representing Rice, told The Independent that Rices daughter is now 5, and that she was very young when she had the heart transplant. It requires continual monitoring and checkups, since there is always a chance of organ rejection, Perez said. When Rices daughter hit a rough patch and was hospitalized for a week right before he was let go, he was still showing up for work, according to Perez. He consistently outperformed his white coworkers, but was held to a higher standard, Perez said. Space X turned a blind eye to several white co-workers showing up late, or failing to show up at all. We believe supervisors manipulated time entries to erase co-workers late clock-ins, concealing the tardiness. The same grace was not extended to Mr. Rice. SpaceX and the lawyers defending the company against Rices claims, did not respond to requests for comment. Rice was hired at SpaceX in February 2020, and became a standout worker, according to his complaint. It says Rice was consistently complimented for his work ethic, outshining his cohort who appeared less motivated. The complaint says Rices daughter suffered from a serious medical condition, which is unspecified in court filings but eventually necessitated a heart transplant. After the successful transplant, UCLA Medical Center required continual transplant monitoring, as did her Kaiser Permanente pediatric cardiologist, the complaint goes on. When a fever presented or she fell ill, immediate medical intervention was required to ensure her body was not rejecting the transplant. Given the heart is a vital organ, serious precautions were in place to protect the transplants vitality. Rice made his supervisors aware of his daughter's cardiac issues, and they told him to take whatever time off he needed, the complaint continues. He entered his time-off requests into an online portal maintained by SpaceX, and uses a point-system which penalizes employees for tardiness or unexcused absences, according to the complaint. Rice was told that he could also let his superior know via text or call if he anticipated being late, it says. open image in gallery LTavious Rice says SpaceX, which receives billions in U.S. government contracts, fired him over being late but kept white workers who were equally tardy ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) Last year, Rice was called into HR for an interview. There, an HR exec told Rice that his former supervisor had been accused of retaliation against another SpaceX employee, and that he could be called as a witness, according to the complaint. HR questioned [Rice] about the various allegations, the complaint states. [Rice] answered honestly and advised he believed the supervisor's actions were retaliatory, and intended to be honest if called as a witness should the matter proceed to litigation. From that point on, HR began closely monitoring [Rices] time-off requests via [SpaceXs online portal] and tardiness (despite having already informed his superior of such tardies) used to for his daughter, the complaint alleges. HR began retaliating against [Rice], implementing strict application of the point system, it says. Interestingly, while HR enforced the point system against [Rice], the point system was not used against his white counterparts. [Rice] observed his white colleagues' consistent tardiness and absences, without points either being applied or remaining on their record. [Rice] then discovered some of SpaceX's supervisors were writing off or erasing such points. On August 20, 2024, Rice was terminated. SpaceX cited the point system as the basis for such termination, the complaint states. Perez told The Independent that speaking up against large, powerful corporations such as SpaceX is a daunting task, but a necessary one. I believe people want to do the right thing, she said. However, when history repeats itself and patterns resurface, it reveals deeper systematic issues. Rices daughter is doing better now, but continues to require check-ins and monitoring by her doctor, according to Perez. SpaceX, which is owned by Elon Musk, the erratic billionaire and President Donald Trumps erstwhile first buddy, was sued in May by an employee with Crohns disease, who claimed his supervisors at the company's Redmond, Washington facility monitored his bathroom breaks and penalized him for spending more than 10 minutes on the toilet. During the Biden administration, the Department of Justice sued SpaceX over its alleged refusal to hire asylum seekers and refugees, a case which the incoming Trump administration dropped in February 2025. In 2023, SpaceX was sued for allegedly underpaying women and minorities, and last year, authorities accused SpaceX of illegally firing eight employees who criticized Musk. On Tuesday, Trump floated the idea of denaturalizing and deporting Musk, a South African-born U.S. citizen who donated $288 million toward the presidents victorious 2024 campaign, and stripping SpaceX (and other Musk companies) of their federal contracts. Trump has been lashing out at Musk over his opposition to the GOPs so-called big, beautiful bill, a spending package that, if passed, would all but sink future prospects for the wind and solar industries, wipe out tax incentives for buyers of electric cars, and leave millions without access to healthcare. Rice is seeking special and exemplary damages; at least $500,000 in general damages for emotional and mental distress and aggravation; economic damages for past and future lost wages, bonuses, and benefits; and punitive damages to be determined by a jury, as well as legal fees and court costs. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Teenage bullies in Tennessee may be banned from driving or getting their learners permit under a new law. Last year, Tennessee lawmakers got serious about addressing bullying. It passed legislation, which, in part, expanded the definition of harassment to include bullying and cyberbullying. Now the state is going after the driving privileges of minors found guilty of bullying whether in person or online. The newly signed law, which took effect on Tuesday, requires juvenile court judges to suspend the minors drivers license or their ability to get a learners permit for one year. The law, which was passed with strong bipartisan support in the state legislature, gives first-time offenders the chance to apply for a restricted license, which allows them to drive to school, work and church. Teenage bullies in Tennessee may be banned from driving or getting their learners permit under a new law ( Getty/iStock ) State Representative Lowell Russell, who sponsored the legislation, wrote on Facebook on Monday, Most acts of violence or suicides are results of being bullied. I sponsored this bill in hopes to prevent children from being bullied and in hopes to prevent tragic events. Kristy Prater, a local mom of three who supports the new law, told WBIR, "I mean, it might be 100 kids or 500 kids, but if these kids are out here doing this, they got to be disciplined to know right from wrong. Prater said her son, Kyle, was bullied for years in elementary and middle school, and she worries about her younger children. I feel like its actually going to get worse because the way the world is noweverything is on the internet, she said. Rodger Dinwiddie, CEO of Students Taking A Right Stand Nashville, is unsure whether the law will have a significant impact on bullying. Just removing the drivers license doesnt seem to me to really address some of the issues, because the majority of bullying that occurs, by the way, not necessarily at the high school level, particularly when kids are able to drive, Dinwiddie, who is a consultant in bullying prevention and intervention, told WKRN. Nashville criminal defense attorney David G. Ridings applauded the bill, telling ABC News, Good job Tennessee! More states should follow the example." The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Trash is piling high in cities across the U.S. as collections were disrupted by a workers strike demanding better pay and benefits. Over 400 workers for Republic Services in Massachusetts refused to go to work on Tuesday, leaving at least 14 cities and towns without trash pick-up as heatwaves roll across the country. In Massachusetts, temperatures will climb to the upper 80s Friday as the July Fourth holiday gets underway. Their union, Teamsters Local 25, said in a press release that hundreds of additional Teamsters across the country are having similar contract disputes and may soon also go on strike. "If your rubbish is piling up on the Fourth of July, remember who's responsible for it: the white-collar criminals who run Republic Services," Teamsters General President Sean O'Brien said in a statement. "Republic Teamsters didn't start this fight, but we will finish it. Our members will do whatever it takes to finally get the respect they're owed." open image in gallery Trash sits on sidewalk on Tuesday in Philadelphia as workers strike for better pay and conditions ( The Philadelphia Inquirer ) Meanwhile, Republic Services said in a statement that it was disappointing that the union called a work stoppage rather than continue negotiating, WBZ News reported. A work stoppage does not benefit our employees or the communities we serve, the company said. We planned for the possibility of a work stoppage and have taken several steps to continue providing service, including securing Republic Service employees from other areas, prioritizing routes and optimizing routing efficiency. The union explained to CBS News that the incident was not isolated in the state. open image in gallery Over 400 workers for Republic Services in Massachusetts refused to go to work on Tuesday, leaving at least 14 cities and towns without trash pick-up ( ABC ) In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the largest city workers' strike in 40 years is underway after a deal couldn't be reached with city officials. AFSCME District Council 33, which represents thousands of workers, including trash collectors, walked off the job Tuesday after negotiations failed to result in a deal. The union last held a strike in 1986, CBS News reports. Videos show street dumpsters overflowing with heaps of rubbish. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Lisa Murkowski was hammered on social media after voting Tuesday to advance Donald Trumps big, beautiful budget reconciliation bill through the Senate and paving the way for its final passage. After her vote Tuesday, the Alaska senator told reporters in Congress that she hoped the House would make changes to the bill before sending it back to the Senate. Reconciliation is never a very dignified process, but we were operating under a timeline that was, basically an artificial timeline, said the senator. And I think rather than taking the the deliberative approach to good legislating, we rushed to get a product out. My hope is that the House is going to look at this and recognize that we're not there yet, she said. Do I like this bill? No. But I tried to take care of Alaskas interests. That quote went on to be pilloried by numerous Democrat-aligned figures on Twitter and other media platforms. open image in gallery Lisa Murkowski told reporters she disliked the big, beautiful bill after voting for it on Tuesday ( Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) House Speaker Mike Johnson is showing no interest in going back to the drawing board, however, even in the face of threats to vote against the legislation from nearly two dozen House Republicans. We knew we would come to this moment. We knew the Senate would amend the House product. I encouraged them to amend it as lightly as possible. They went a little further than many of us would have preferred, but we have the product now, Johnson said on Tuesday. As the president said, its his bill. Its not a House bill, its not a Senate bill, its the American peoples bill. But even with Johnsons latest rollover to the partys leader, Murkowski was due to become Washingtons target for scorn after the Senates vote. Her support for the measure came after an intense lobbying campaign that involved Alaska-specific sweeteners added to the package, including a delay on penalties for the work requirements she and her Republican colleagues supported in the bill. Democrats and even some Republicans, like Republican no-vote Sen. Rand Paul, accused her of attempting to soften the effects of the legislations deep spending cuts in her state, while hanging the rest of the country out to dry. The Kentucky libertarian, commenting to reporters after the bills passage, said that Murkowski wanted a bail-out for Alaska at the expense of the rest of the country, a remark that earned NBCs Ryan Nobles a 10-second stare-down from Murkowski when Nobles repeated the quote to her. Murkowski then told Nobles she would make no excuses for fighting for her state. She maintained in multiple gaggles with reporters over Tuesday that Alaskas intensely rural population led to a set of unique circumstances that needed to be addressed around work requirements and food stamp eligibility. That explanation didnt satisfy the other side of the aisle. Shes a cheap date, quipped Rep. Jim McGovern during a session of the House Rules Committee on Tuesday, commenting about a tax break for whaling that he inferred was included to win over Murkowski. The national Democratic Party meanwhile set to work on a particularly aggressive effort to highlight Murkowskis criticism of the bill, which she raised again and again in comments to reporters after the vote. Murkowski, however, is not up for re-election until 2028 and doesnt represent the most appealing of a target for the party anyway, given her centrist bent and Alaskas political landscape. As a result, Democrats are focusing on another central figure in the GOP effort to get the big, beautiful bill to Donald Trumps desk his top deputy and link to Congress, Vice President JD Vance. Though he only served in the Senate for a fraction of one term before joining Trumps presidential ticket (in both cases with Donald Trump Jr.s backing), Vance maintains strong ties within the GOP Senate caucus and was hard at work leaning on them over the weekend, according to Republican senators. Sen. Markwayne Mullin, an ally of Vance who spoke to reporters after the vote Tuesday, referred to the vice president as the White Houses closer on the budget deal. open image in gallery JD Vance is seen by Democrats and Republicans alike as being the most likely person to win the GOP nomination in 2028 ( AP ) A number of prominent Democrats used social media posts to highlight Vances role as the tiebreaker in Tuesdays vote, including two men thought to be eyeing possible runs for president in 2028: Pete Buttigieg and Gov. Gavin Newsom of California. Buttigieg said in March that he thought seriously about running for Senate in 2026, but decided against it. Both are thought to harbor strong ambitions for future political office. What happened to you @JDVance author of Hillbilly Elegy now shrugging off Medicaid cuts that will close rural hospitals and kick millions off healthcare as minutiae? wrote Ro Khanna, a Democratic congressman representing Silicon Valley who is one of Vances top critics in his public statements. The strategy is far from random. Vance, along with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, are considered to be two of the top contenders for the Republican presidential nomination in 2028 now that Donald Trump himself has waved away the idea of challenging the Constitutional ban on presidents serving for more than two terms. Still relatively new to politics, Vance nevertheless has strong political backing and a key ally in the presidents oldest son, Trump Jr. The former senator also proved to be a formidable debate opponent during his 2024 televised matchup with Gov. Tim Walz, Kamala Harriss running mate, and demonstrated an ability to leapfrog past more experienced candidates when he vaulted into the lead in his race for Senate in 2022. All that is to say, Democrats clearly are looking to weaken Vance (and likely Rubio, too) as the party looks to take on a more aggressive, punchy approach to fighting the GOP after the debacle of 2024. An Emerson College poll in June found that Vance is the strong favorite among Republican voters to be the 2028 nominee. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Fox News commentator Jason Chaffetz tossed a stunning accusation at Zohran Mamdani on Wednesday, claiming the New York City mayoral candidate just wants to eradicate Jews and doesnt believe in them. The inflammatory assertion by Chaffetz a former Republican congressman from Utah comes as conservatives and centrist Democrats have widely smeared Mamdani as antisemitic largely over his refusal to condemn the pro-Palestinian slogan globalize the intifada. While saying he doesnt use the phrase or endorse it, Mamdani has added that his role as the mayor is not to police language while arguing that the term can mean different things to different people. Hes also vowed to tackle the crisis of antisemitism in the city, pushing for a significant increase in funding for anti-hate crime prevention. During an interview with The Bulwark, for instance, he said that while he sympathized with those who feel intifada is associated with violence against Israel, to condemn the phrase would in essence denounce the Arabic word for resistance. Besides the media-driven focus on the supposed globalize the intifada scandal, which has led at least one prominent Democrat to later apologize to Mamdani for grossly mischaracterizing his words, the 33-year-old democratic socialist has also falsely been accused of not condemning the Holocaust because he didnt co-sponsor a New York resolution memorializing the genocide. Mamdani, however, has commemorated International Holocaust Remembrance Day for years on social media. Fox News commentator Jason Chaffetz says that New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani "wants to eradicate Jews" because "he doesn't believe in them." ( Fox News ) With the Democratic mayoral nominee facing ugly and gross Islamophobic attacks since his surprise primary victory, Fox News hosts and commentators have outright accused him of being an antisemite and even going so far as to question the faith of Jewish New Yorkers who have endorsed Mamdani. Amid Donald Trumps threat to arrest Mamdani if he were to interfere with ICE raids in New York, which evolved on Wednesday to the president saying he holds all the levers to prevent this Communist Lunatic from destroying the city, Chaffetz appeared on anchor Harris Faulkners show to criticize the candidates extreme policies. He doesnt believe there should be billionaires, the ex-lawmaker grumbled, referencing recent remarks made by Mamdani. He wants to confiscate wealth. Redistribute it. He believes in equality, not in the good sense, but the idea he will confiscate wealth and try to push it down to make sure everybody has the same outcome. Faulkner, who earlier this week lambasted Jewish lawmakers who have backed Mamdani, then wondered why the progressive candidate didnt draw more support from the poorest voters in the primary despite all these free things he wants to give away. I dont think they can relate to him, Chaffetz exclaimed before making a wild assertion. I think he is so radical, so far to the left, he just wants to eradicate Jews, he declared. He doesnt believe in them! The Fox News contributor then maintained that Mamdani believes in the global intifada before calling for New York voters to back unpopular incumbent Eric Adams, who has become a frequent Fox News presence since leaving the Democratic Party and receiving a pardon from Trump. This guy is too far radical, he said. I hope they coalesce around somebody more reasonable. I have never been a big Eric Adams fan. I am right now compared to this guy. I really worry about in this city, its a dangerous place here in New York City.Chaffetz concluded: If youre going to dismantle law enforcement. Youre gonna get rid of them. You wont cooperate with ICE. This town is going to turn to I cant say it on TV. Not addressing Chaffetzs incendiary claims about Mamdani wanting to eradicate Jews, Faulkner instead ended the discussion by calling Mamdani a chameleon because he didnt do his homework. Does he think the rest of us are as stupid as to believe that a mayor can get done the things he is promising? He had a better chance as an assemblyman for his own district, she added. But I dont think he studied up, buttercup! Well see! Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice President Donald Trumps Big, Beautiful Bill returns to the House of Representatives on Wednesday but Republicans in the lower chamber are already threatening a revolt. Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, an influential voice within Trumps MAGA movement, appeared on Steve Bannons War Room podcast on Tuesday and complained that Trumps July 4 timeline for passing the massive tax and spending legislation was arbitrary and not realistic. It is really a dire situation, Greene told Bannon. Were on a time clock thats been really set on us, so we have a lot of pressure. Its a s***show. open image in gallery Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene supports the bill but not the timeline ( Getty ) The House narrowly passed a 940-page version of Trumps bill which seeks to boost defense and border spending while making cuts to key welfare programs back in May by 216-215 but it has since been heavily amended by the Senate. The upper chamber only pushed through its draft with the help of Vice President JD Vance, whose vote was required to break a 50-50 tie after three Republican senators Thom Tillis of North Carolina, Rand Paul of Kentucky and Susan Collins of Maine broke ranks to side with the Democrats, effectively nullifying their partys majority. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska almost joined the rebels but was ultimately persuaded to fall in line, albeit reluctantly. Ahead of Wednesday's House session, Speaker Mike Johnson appeared on Sean Hannitys primetime Fox News show and promised: We are going to deliver the bill by July 4. Weve got a clear mandate to do this. But Greene is not alone among his representatives in raising objections to the pressure they are being placed under over the megabill. open image in gallery House Freedom Caucus chair Andy Harris discusses Donald Trump's 'Big, Beautiful Bill' on Fox News on Tuesday July 1 2025 ( Fox News ) Members of the hard-right House Freedom Caucus, including chair Andy Harris and Ralph Norman, have also expressed their disquiet. Likewise speaking to Fox, Harris said: This is not ready for primetime. We support the presidents agenda. The presidents agenda was not to raise the deficit three quarters of a trillion dollars over the next 10 years. The bottom line is now the House is going to have its say. This is not going to sail through the House. Norman called the bill an abomination at a House Rules Committee meeting and said: What the Senate did, Ill vote against it here and Ill vote against it on the floor. Andy Ogles of Tennessee has meanwhile called the Senate bill a dud, Andy Biggs of Arizona said it contains some amazingly bad stuff and Chip Roy of Texas said that Senate Republicans had failed us. Another unnamed House Republican told The Hill this week that conservative group chats were lighting up over the Senates draft of the bill and asked: How did it get so much f***ing worse? Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Now-President Donald Trump said that he was bleeding so much on the hospital bed after the assassination attempt on his life in July last year that top aides thought he had been shot four or five times, according to a new book. An excerpt from 2024: How Trump Retook the White House and the Democrats Lost America, published in The Washington Post, has revealed new details from the attack in Butler, Pennsylvania, almost a year later. Trump, who was speaking on stage at the campaign rally on July 13, had been bundled to the ground by Secret Service agents and rushed to the hospital after 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks fired at him from the roof of a building approximately 100 yards away. Trump was sitting up in bed, still wearing his suit. A bandage covered his ear. There was blood everywhere, according to the book. open image in gallery Donald Trump raises his fist after being shot at the campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania on July 13 last year. Aides thought the then-presumptive Republican presidential nominee had been shot four or five times because there was so much blood, according to a new book ( Getty ) open image in gallery Secret Service bundled Trump to the ground after shots were fired. It was bleeding like a bitch, the president told the books authors in an interview. There was blood everywhere, aides recalled ( Getty ) It was bleeding like a b****, Trump later told the books authors in an interview. They thought I had four or five bullets in me because there was so much blood, the president said, referring to his would-be White House chief of staff Susie Wiles, future director of communications Steven Cheung and future deputy chief of staff Dan Scavino. The three soon realized Trump was OK because he started making jokes in his hospital bed, according to the book. It was a turning point for the campaign. What followed was an outpouring of support for Trump from Amazon mogul Jeff Bezos and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, two of the worlds richest men, who had been outspoken critics of his in the past. open image in gallery Trumps campaign team realized he was okay after he started making jokes in the hospital, according to the excerpt ( AFP/Getty ) open image in gallery July 13 was a turning point for the Trump campaign. He received well wishes and endorsements from the worlds richest men Amazon mogul Jeff Bezos, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, and Tesla boss Elon Musk ( AFP/Getty ) Bezos said Trumps instincts showed who he was, and he wanted them to have a friendship, according to the book. Wiles marveled that before, some of these people wouldnt give him the time of day. Trump loved it. He was having a great time. Zuckerberg later said that seeing Trump pump his fist in the air after getting shot was one of the most badass things hed seen his life. July 13 was also the day future first buddy and Department of Government Efficiency architect Elon Musk officially endorsed Trump. I fully endorse President Trump and hope for his rapid recovery, the Tesla boss said in a post on X that day. open image in gallery Trump loved it. He was having a great time, the books authors write. He was flown to Bedminster, New Jersey, where his wife Melania was waiting for him ( AFP/Getty ) Trump had a brief call with then-President Joe Biden, who was still grappling with the fallout from his disastrous debate performance against the Republican. The exchange was awkward after their tense debate just two weeks earlier, the book says. The call was brief. But Trump described it as very nice, actually. Trump left the hospital and flew to Bedminster, New Jersey, where his wife Melania was waiting for him. The book is due to be published on July 8. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Paramount, the parent company of CBS News, has agreed to pay Donald Trump $16 million to settle the presidents lawsuit over the editing of a 60 Minutes interview with Kamala Harris that the network's lawyers had deemed meritless in recent court filings, the company revealed Tuesday evening. The payment to the sitting president of the United States comes as Paramount is looking to close an $8 billion merger with Skydance Media that will require final approval from the Trump administration. Shari Redstone, the companys top shareholder, had made it clear that she favored settling the lawsuit with Trump in order to clear the way for the Skydance deal to go through. The media conglomerate soon found itself under intense fire from Democratic senators who had already promised to launch a congressional probe into potential anti-bribery violations if the company reached a paid settlement with the president. This looks like bribery in plain sight, Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) tweeted Wednesday. Paramount folded at the same time it needs Trump's approval for a billion-dollar merger. Im calling for an investigation into whether any anti-bribery laws were broken, and I'm working on a new bill to rein in this kind of corruption. Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR), who had previously joined Warren and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) in the warning to Paramount about settling with the president, also labeled the payment to Trump as a bribe for merger approval while claiming hell be first in line calling for federal charges when Demcorats retake the Senate. In the meantime, state prosecutors should make the corporate execs who sold out our democracy answer in court, today, he added. open image in gallery Donald Trump will be paid $16 million by Paramount to settle a lawsuit over a 60 Minutes interview. ( Getty Images ) The progressive lawmakers werent alone in threatening legal action against Paramount. The Freedom of the Press Foundation, which vowed in May to file a lawsuit on behalf of Paramount shareholders if a settlement was reached, said that the group will continue to pursue our legal options to stop this affront and to hold the companys board accountable. Today is a dark day for press freedom. Paramounts spineless decision to settle Trumps baseless and patently unconstitutional lawsuit is an insult to the journalists of 60 Minutes and an invitation to Trump to continue targeting other news outlets, Seth Stern, the foundations director of advocacy, told The Independent on Wednesday. Each time a company cowers and surrenders to Trumps demands, it only emboldens him to do it again. Companies often settle litigation to avoid the high and somewhat unpredictable costs of legal defense, the risk of an adverse judgment that could result in significant financial or reputational damage, and the disruption to business operations that prolonged legal battles can cause, Paramount Global said in a statement. Settlement offers a negotiated resolution that allows companies to focus on their core objectives rather than being mired in uncertainty and distraction. The looming payoff to the president, which seemed all but inevitable in recent days after the two sides told a Texas court they were involved in good faith, advanced, settlement negotiations, has sparked anger among the CBS staff and led to low morale as well as the resignations of two of the networks news leaders. The resolution also came mere hours before the companys annual shareholder meeting on Wednesday. Paramount noted that the terms of the settlement, which were proposed by the mediator in the case, include the company paying the plaintiffs legal fees and costs. Trump was joined in the lawsuit by Rep. Ronnie Jackson (R-TX), a longtime ally and his one-time presidential physician. A spokesman for the presidents legal team framed the settlement as a historic victory that proved the merits of the case, despite the fact that Trump settled for a tiny fraction of the $20 billion he was seeking. "With this record settlement, President Donald J. Trump delivers another win for the American people as he, once again, holds the Fake News media accountable for their wrongdoing and deceit, the spokesman said. CBS and Paramount Global realized the strength of this historic case and had no choice but to settle. President Trump will always ensure that no one gets away with lying to the American People as he continues on his singular mission to Make America Great Again." No money will be paid directly to the president or Jackson, as the remaining funds, minus legal costs, will be allocated to Trumps future presidential library. This is a similar arrangement that Disney reached last year in Trumps defamation lawsuit over comments made by ABC News anchor George Stephanopoulos. The settlement also includes a release of all claims made by the president regarding CBS reporting through Tuesday, which includes both the disputed 60 Minutes interview and other defamation actions that Trump has threatened in recent months. Paramount has also agreed to release the transcripts of 60 Minutes interviews with presidential candidates in the future after the segments have aired, subject to redactions as required for legal or national security concerns. Notably, the settlement does not include an apology or statement of regret, which reportedly was a major sticking point for Trump during the monthslong mediation process. Reportedly, the president who initially sued for $20 billion was seeking at least $25 million and an on-air apology. While the settlement comes amid the pending merger that would eventually place Paramount under the control of David Ellison, the son of Trump-backing mogul Larry Ellison, the company has insisted that the lawsuit is completely separate from, and unrelated to the transaction and the FCC approval process. Brendan Carr, the presidents handpicked FCC chairman, has also stated that the two issues are not linked. open image in gallery Shari Redstone, Paramounts top shareholder, had made it clear that she favored settling the lawsuit with Trump in order to clear the way for the Skydance deal to go through. ( Getty Images ) No one is a fan of Shari right now, one network staffer told The Independent on Tuesday evening. People are still angry and frustrated and morale is very low. While the Paramount board and Redstone who recused herself from the settlement negotiations and is currently fighting thyroid cancer had long indicated that they preferred to settle to make the matter go away ahead of the major media merger, the networks lawyers continued to fight the case in court. After moving to dismiss the case earlier this year, CBS News attorneys filed a memo in support of the motion just last week. The chilling effect of Plaintiffs meritless assault on the First Amendment compels dismissal now, the filing noted. Well before the resolution of the lawsuit was complete on Tuesday night, the specter of settling a lawsuit that most legal experts deemed frivolous, and the network itself said was clearly without merit, to a president who has labeled the free press the enemy of the people had led to rising tensions within CBS News. Adding to the turmoil over the handling of Trumps legal attacks was the additional scrutiny Redstone and other executives applied to 60 Minutes over the past few months, especially over stories they felt were overly critical of the president. Though the network didnt kill any stories amid the increased pressure, 60 Minutes executive producer Bill Owens resigned in April because he felt he was unable to make independent decisions due to corporate interference. CBS News chief Wendy McMahon would follow a month later, noting that she did not agree on the path forward with the company. Both of the newsroom leaders had explicitly noted to the upper brass that they would not apologize for the interview as part of any arrangement with Trump. On Wednesday morning, the Writers Guild of America East which represents journalists at 60 Minutes and CBS News issued a statement denouncing the settlement. The Writers Guild of America East stands behind the exemplary work of our members at 60 Minutes and CBS News, WGA East stated. We wish their bosses at Paramount Global had the same courage to do the same. This settlement is a transparent attempt to curry favors with an administration in the hopes it will allow Paramount Global and Skydance Media merger to be cleared for approval. Paramounts decision to capitulate to Trump threatens journalists ability to do their job reporting on powerful public figures. Amid the resignations and the continued discussions of a settlement over the editing down of one of Harris answers to a question, the frustration at CBS News eventually boiled to the surface. It would be very damaging to CBS, to Paramount, to the reputation of those companies, 60 Minutes correspondent Scott Pelley told CNN last month. Another 60 Minutes correspondent, CBS News legend Lesley Stahl, said in a New Yorker interview that shes angry at Redstone for looking to settle with Trump, adding that shes pessimistic and were in very dark times. On top of that, all seven correspondents of the vaunted newsmagazine sent a letter in May to Paramount co-chief executives George Cheeks, Brian Robbins, and Chris McCarthy warning of the reputational damage a settlement would cause the network and the show. They pointedly expressed concern that Paramount is failing to put up a fierce and unrelenting fight in the face of Trumps lawsuit over the programs Kamala Harris interview, which has been widely denounced by the legal community as baseless, according to the people familiar with the matter, Status News reported this week. They said Trump's allegations against the storied program are false and ripped his lawsuit as baseless. And they warned in no uncertain terms that if Paramount were to settle with Trump, it will stain the reputation of the company and undermine the First Amendment. In the end, though, that letter didnt move the needle at all, a network insider told The Independent, adding that it just shows that they have no oversight. With a settlement growing increasingly likely in recent weeks, Democratic lawmakers and journalism organizations have urged Paramount to reconsider, warning that failure to do so could lead to civil litigation, congressional hearings, and criminal probes over potential violations of anti-bribery laws. Even if Paramount directors and officers don't care about the harm to the First Amendment from settling, they need to think hard about whether it's worth the harm to themselves, the Freedom of the Press Foundation tweeted on Monday. Is securing Shari Redstone's windfall worth getting sued or investigated? In fact, Paramount board members had recently weighed concerns over the possibility of facing legal action due to allegations of extortion and bribery, specifically because of the perception that settling with the president would secure the Skydance merger. The Freedom of the Press Foundation, meanwhile, has recently enlisted prominent litigators Abbe Lowell and Norm Eisen in anticipation of filing a complaint against Paramount in the event of a settlement. It will be remembered as one of the most shameful capitulations by the press to a president in history, Stern said on Wednesday. Weve already filed a shareholder information demand and are sending a second demand today to uncover information about this decision. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice President Donald Trump appeared to suggest that billions of dollars of U.S. aid to Israel could be at stake if prosecutors do not drop corruption charges against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Trump lashed out at Israeli prosecutors in a Truth Social post Saturday evening and said it was terrible what was happening to war hero Netanyahu, who faces charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust. He denies all of the allegations. While the president did not directly threaten prosecutors, he highlighted that the United States has sent billions of dollars to Israel and said the nation was not going to stand for it. It is INSANITY doing what the out-of-control prosecutors are doing to Bibi Netanyahu, Trump said. The United States of America spends Billions of Dollar a year, far more than on any other Nation, protecting and supporting Israel. We are not going to stand for this. He called Netanyahus prosecution a POLITICAL WITCH HUNT and compared the case to the very similar to the Witch Hunt that I was forced to endure following the presidents multiple indictments on conspiracy and fraud charges. open image in gallery Trump lashed out at Israeli prosecutors in a Truth Social post Saturday evening and said it was terrible what was happening to war hero Netanyahu ( Getty Images ) Israel is the largest recipient of U.S. foreign aid, having received hundreds of billions of dollars in military and economic support over the last several decades, including billions in additional support for Israel during its war in Gaza. The president said on Saturday that Netanyahu was right now in the process of negotiating a Deal with Hamas, but did not specify further details. Trump told reporters on Friday that he believed a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas was close. Trumps intervention, the second in days, comes as Netanyahus cross-examination, which began on June 4, is set to resume Monday. Netanyahu was indicted in 2019. He pleaded not guilty after the trial, involving three criminal cases, began in 2020. In the first case, Netanyahu is alleged to have committed fraud and breach of trust over claims he and his wife Sara received expensive gifts illicitly from a Hollywood media mogul, according to The Times of Israel. In the second, he is accused of fraud and breach of trust over allegedly trying to persuade a newspaper publisher to give him positive coverage in exchange for legislation weakening the newspapers key rival. open image in gallery Netanyahu, pictured in April at his trial at the district court in Tel Aviv, faces charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust. He denies the charges ( AFP/Getty ) In the third case, Netanyahu is alleged to have passed legislation that financially benefited a telecommunications giant shareholder in return for more favorable media coverage. Trump vowed to save the Israeli leader earlier this week. Bibi Netanyahus trial should be CANCELLED, IMMEDIATELY, or a Pardon given to a Great Hero, who has done so much for the State, Trump said in a post on Truth Social. It was the United States of America that saved Israel, and now it is going to be the United States of America that saves Bibi Netanyahu, he added. The Trump administration has been working on a deal after Israel shattered a two-month truce with Hamas by launching strikes in April. Interest in resolving the crisis picked up steam this month after Israels bombing campaign in Iran and Trumps decision to bomb several Iranian nuclear facilities. A ceasefire to the 12-day Israel-Iran conflict went into effect early this week. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice So a Facebook founder walks into an Oval Office meeting ... No, its not the start of a bad joke, just the latest reminder that In Donald Trumps White House, the easiest way to avoid being surprised is to remember that anything can happen. Air Force leaders learned that lesson earlier this year when they arrived for a top-secret briefing with Trump in the Oval Office, which according to NBC News was scheduled for them to discuss plans for Americas sixth-generation fighter aircraft, dubbed the F-47 in a nod to Trumps status as the 47th President of the United States. As the generals were going over the details of the super-stealthy plane, which Trump has called the most advanced, capable and lethal combat aircraft platform ever built, they were startled by the appearance of Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg popping into the Oval Office. According to NBC, White House officials became concerned that Zuckerberg, one of the wealthiest men in the world, lacked the security clearance required to be present for talks about such a sensitive national security matter. Mark Zuckerberg reportedly strolled into a classified Oval Office meeting during a recent visit to the White House ( REUTERS ) With that in mind, Zuckerberg was politely asked to step out of the Oval while the conversation continued, though other Trump aides wandered in and out to show the president information on computer screens while his mobile phone rang intermittently. The incident, which one administration official said was an example of the bizarro world atmosphere in the Trump White House, reportedly rattled the generals in attendance, who were mystified and a bit unnerved by the lack of privacy in the Oval Office so much so that they quietly discussed among themselves whether the visitors and calls might have compromised sensitive information afterwards. But the freewheeling atmosphere they encountered during their effort to brief the president on a top-secret fighter plane project has been part and parcel of how Trump has transformed the West Wing since returning to power this past January. The president reportedly has taken to referring to the Oval Office the iconic inner sanctum of American executive power as Grand Central Terminal, comparing it to the bustling train station of his native New York City. For the most part, hes not wrong to do so. Unlike in most other administrations where the presidents office is a tightly-controlled environment with only a select few top aides given so-called walk-in privileges, Trumps Oval is the center of his world of friends, confidantes, advisers and employees who often mill about nearby in the West Wing, even when they might not have much to do there. Even Trumps cabinet secretaries, who ostensibly have their own, often ornate offices and large bureaucracies to attend to themselves, have taken to spending time at the White House to pop in and out of meetings with top Trump aides, such as Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller and Chief of Staff Susie Wiles. One person who has been on the inside for such meetings told NBC: No one wants to miss the decision. Trump himself also contributes to this dynamic by routinely asking people whove come for one meeting to stay around for another one. One White House aide who spoke to The Independent on condition of anonymity said the freewheeling atmosphere there is a product of Trumps nature as a people person. He likes to schmooze and bounce things off of whoever is around, the aide said. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Imagine going back in time 10 years or more and explaining to someone that second-term President Donald Trump was visiting somewhere called Alligator Alcatraz a hastily built mass deportation facility. Then imagine trying to explain some of the things he and his traveling companion, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, discussed with members of the press during the trip. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis joined Trump and Noem for a tour of the migrant detention center, built in just eight days at a disused airstrip in the Florida Everglades, as the president looks to ramp up deportations of people in the U.S. illegally. With his signature domestic policy bill making its way through the Senate back on Capitol Hill, and the reemergence of his feud with former DOGE leader Elon Musk simmering in the background, the president had plenty to say to the pool reporters accompanying him on the trip. Here are some of the wilder moments. U.S. President Donald Trump, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem visit a temporary migrant detention center informally known as "Alligator Alcatraz" in Ochopee, Florida, U.S., July 1, 2025 ( Reuters ) Alligator cops (and crocodiles and sharks?) Trump seems particularly taken with the idea of using wildlife and natural barriers to keep detainees from escaping. Asked Tuesday if the new detention center was the model going forward, the president responded: It can be. You don't always have land so beautiful and so secure. We have a lot of bodyguards and a lot of cops in the form of alligators... I wouldn't want to run through the Everglades for long. He went further when reminded that in 2018, he suggested putting alligators in the Rio Grande to prevent migrants from crossing into Texas. Asked if today was a dream come true for him, the president said: Well, I was thinking about that. It was meant more as a joke, but the more I thought of it, the more I liked it. He added: And they were serious. They were actually crocodiles. They were crocodiles from Africa. They are a step beyond. In addition, on the flight home, Trump restated on Truth Social his desire to reopen the original foreboding Alcatraz federal prison in San Francisco Bay as a detention center, noting its island location and claiming it is surrounded by sharks. Arresting NYC mayoral candidate Mamdani and Biden DHS chief Mayorkas During a press conference after touring the site, Trump said he was open to arresting both presumptive Democratic New York City mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani and Joe Bidens Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. Concerning Democratic socialist Mamdani, Trump was asked what he would do if he won his election and followed through on a promise to defy raids by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in the city that would aid in Trumps mass deportations program. Well, then well have to arrest him, Trump said bluntly. For Mayorkas, he said that he is open to his arrest for his handling of the migrant crisis at the southern border during President Joe Bidens administration. The president was also interested that Biden had not issued a pardon to Mayorkas. Well, Id take a look at that one because what he did is its beyond incompetence. Something had to be done. Now, with that being said, he took orders from other people, and he was really doing the orders, Trump said. And you could say he was very loyal to them because it must have been very hard for him to stand up and sit up and, you know, talk about what he allowed to happen to this country and be serious about it. So he was given orders. If he wasnt given a pardon, I could see looking at that. Son of a bitch Biden Speaking of the former president, during the tour of the detention facility, in a room with bunk beds behind wire-fenced cages, Trump joked that Biden had wanted to lock him away, too. Hey, Biden wanted me in here, the president quipped as Noem and DeSantis laughed. He then added under his breath: That son of a bitch. A system of detention camps and National Guard immigration judges Noem was especially pleased with the rapid work of the DeSantis administration in building a detention camp of this scale at such speed. This facility is exactly what I want every single governor in the country to consider doing with us, she told reporters during the on-site press conference. Trump went further, darkly saying: We'd like to see them in many states. And at some point, they might morph into a system. A system of detention camps. Let that sink in. At one point, the president said he approved of a plan by DeSantis to use National Guard soldiers as immigration judges. He didnt even have to ask me. He has my approval, Trump said. DeSantis is attempting to deputize Florida National Guard Judge Advocate General Corps officers to serve as immigration judges, aiming to expedite deportations. Deporting U.S. citizens Trump says he wants 'bad' US citizens to 'get the hell out' Trump also floated the idea of deporting criminal U.S. citizens. The president stated at the press conference that not only had criminals entered the country under the previous administration, but that the problem extended beyond that and was homegrown. He said: We also have a lot of bad people that have been here for a long time ... many of them were born in our country. I think we ought to get them the hell out of here, too, if you want to know the truth. So maybe they'll be the next job that we work on. And finally, did Noem find Trumps Hannibal Lecter? Kristi Noem claims ICE detained a cannibal Anyone who followed the 2024 election would be familiar with Trumps frequent riffs on fictional cannibal serial killer Hannibal Lecter. To this day, it remains unclear why he began mentioning the role played by Anthony Hopkins in 1991s Silence of the Lambs, but he frequently brought it up. During the press conference, Noem told the following anecdote, which is yet to be fact-checked: The other day, I was talking to some marshals that have been partnering with ICE. They said that they had detained a cannibal and put him on a plane to take him home, and while they had him in his seat, he started to eat himself, and they had to get him off and get him medical attention. These are the kind of deranged individuals that are on our streets in America that we're trying to target. Get Nadine White's Race Report newsletter for a fresh perspective on the week's news Get our free newsletter from The Independent's Race Correspondent Get our free newsletter from The Independent's Race Correspondent Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A Texan Congressmans criticism of New York mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani for eating rice with his bare hands has sparked a backlash, with people across Asia standing up for the common practice. The 33-year-old Democratic candidate is seen in a resurfaced interview tucking into a bowl of biryani with his hands while answering questions about his campaign. The holy grail of taboos in American politics, which include socialism, Islam and Palestine. You are really going for the trifecta. Tell me why is Palestine a part of your politics?" Mr Mamdani is asked in a 2023 interview with Uncivilised Media. When you grow up as someone especially in the third world you have a very different understanding of the Palestinian struggle, he says in the resurfaced clip. But the seemingly simple, everyday habit of millions of people across rice-eating nations chafed GOP Congressman Brandon Gill who asked Mr Mamdani to go back to the Third World if he wished to eat rice by hand. open image in gallery New York mayoral candidate, State Rep. Zohran Mamdani (D-NY) speaks to supporters during an election night gathering at The Greats of Craft LIC on 24 June 2025 in the Long Island City neighborhood of the Queens borough in New York City ( Getty ) Mr Gill shared the clip on X on Monday with a comment that suggested that eating rice with anything but a spoon or a fork went against the grain of American civilisation. Civilised people in America dont eat like this. If you refuse to adopt Western customs, go back to the Third World, he wrote. Mr Gill was immediately called out by X users, some of whom referenced his Indian-origin wife Danielle D'Souza, the daughter of conservative political commentator Dinesh D'Souza. But Mr Gills father-in-law joined in, posting an image of him eating out, saying: My culture lesson for Mamdani: Eating with your hands is acceptable when its bread, naan or pizza. Not when its soup, meatloaf or mashed potatoes. Indians sometimes eat rice with their hands in India, but its much more common in rural areas. In America, its considered gross. Ms Gill also posted in her husbands support, saying, "I did not grow up eating rice with my hands and have always used a fork. I was born in America. I'm a Christian MAGA patriot. My father's extended family lives in India and they are also Christian and they use forks too. Thank you for your attention to this matter." MAGA activist Laura Loomer said: Disgusting. My dogs are cleaner and more civilised when they eat than little Muhammad. Mr Mamdani, born in Uganda to Indian parents, if elected, would be the city's first Muslim and Indian American mayor. On Tuesday, the New York City Election board confirmed his victory in the Democratic primary, clearing the way for him to be the party's nominee for the November mayoral election. open image in gallery Mira Nair, New York mayoral candidate, State Rep. Zohran Mamdani on stage during an election night gathering at The Greats of Craft LIC on 24 June 2025 ( Getty ) Several people suggested there was an inherent hypocrisy in critiquing the rice-eating custom when Americans eat burgers, tacos, french fries and pizza the same way. Many countries in the Middle East, Africa, South Asia, and parts of Southeast Asia practice eating with hands as a traditional custom, wrote one user. She ate dog food at a live show for some $ but she is calling Mamdani uncivilized for eating rice with his hands. The hypocrisy is almost impressive. Billions eat with their hands daily. To call it 'uncivilized' is pure racism, one user posted in criticism of Ms Loomers comment on Mr Mamdani. The user was referring to the right-wing political activist posting a video tasting a dog food product that she claimed came from an amazing company one that has pushed MAGA ideals and is a favourite on the conservative-favoured platform Rumble. The day after Mr Mamdani's victory, president Donald Trump called him a "100 percent communist lunatic" while the Republican party's congressional campaign arm promised to tie him to every vulnerable Democrat in next year's midterm elections. Mr Mamdani has said that his objective was "to win people back to the Democratic party". On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Emergency crews are scrambling to keep up with rising rivers and widespread damage as a powerful coastal storm battering eastern Australia leaves roads flooded, trees fallen and tens of thousands of people without power. The storm system, initially referred to as a bomb cyclone, intensified overnight on Tuesday and dumped more than 150mm rain in parts of coastal New South Wales and triggered damaging winds reaching 125kmph. The Bureau of Meteorology warned of damaging winds and dangerous surf continuing into Thursday morning, with gusts of up to 100kmph still possible inland. A coastal hazard warning remained in place for the entire NSW coastline, with waves of up to 7 metres forecast to pound beaches from Seal Rocks to the Victorian border, threatening severe coastal erosion. Flooding is now a key concern as rivers across Sydneys west and the states south coast rise sharply. The NSW SES has issued advice-level flood warnings for Camden, Penrith and North Richmond, with the Nepean and Hawkesbury rivers expected to rise rapidly overnight. Authorities also warned that the Warragamba Dam Sydneys largest water reservoir was approaching full capacity and would likely spill by Thursday morning, raising fears of downstream flooding similar to past flood events in western Sydney. In a statement, WaterNSW said the expected overflow would be moderate, with a peak spill rate of around 60 gigalitres a day, though the exact volume would depend on how much more rain fell across the catchment today. open image in gallery Flood watches and warnings issued by Bureau of Meteorology ( Bureau of Meteorology ) Power outages have affected around 30,000 homes and businesses, with Endeavour Energy reporting about 400 electrical hazards caused by fallen trees and powerlines. While crews restored power to most areas through the day, nearly 9,000 customers remained in the dark. We hope to get over 80 per cent of those customers that are currently affected back on tonight, David Campbell, general manager of safety and operations at Endeavour Energy, told ABC. There will be some customers unfortunately that will be without power tonight, we will get all of them back on tomorrow. Transport chaos has deepened with 140 flights cancelled at the Sydney airport, following 145 cancellations on Tuesday. Major rail lines have been suspended by fallen trees and power failures, and ferry services across Sydney Harbour have faced widespread disruptions. Roads across Greater Sydney and the Illawarra remain littered with debris, with 20 closures reported at the peak of the storm. Emergency services have responded to nearly 3,400 incidents since the wild weather began, including 10 flood rescues. open image in gallery Map shows areas under coastal hazard warning ( Bureau of Meteorology ) NSW SES deputy commissioner Debbie Platz said the storms southern flank was the current area of greatest concern, particularly around Sussex Inlet, Burrill Lake and Shoalhaven, with conditions expected to worsen into Thursday. Experts say repeated flooding events are becoming more frequent and more psychologically and financially damaging in Australia. Any experience of flooding can have harmful psychological impacts but we know its even worse when people go through multiple events, especially back to back like were starting to see more often, Dr Lauren Vinnell of Massey University said. open image in gallery Emergency workers clear fallen trees ( SES ) Climate experts point to unusually warm ocean waters off Australias east coast as a key driver of this storms intensity. Dr Martin Jucker of UNSW said: The very high water temperatures off the eastern Australian coast would help such systems become intense by providing the necessary moisture from the warm ocean surface. While some people have referred to the storm as a bomb cyclone a term used internationally when a low-pressure system deepens rapidly Australias Bureau of Meteorology has avoided using it. Senior meteorologist Jonathan How told Nines Today programme that they did not really use the term much. We just talk about a low pressure system deepening very quickly because bomb can sort of create a little bit more panic, he explained, adding that this made it a little bit more scary than what it actually is. A significant fall in pressure of 20 to 30 hectopascals over the past two days has transformed the coastal low into a severe storm but the bureau has instead described it as a vigorous coastal low. The Bureau of Meteorology forecasts conditions to start easing late Thursday as the storm moves east into the Tasman Sea, but people across NSWs south coast and inland catchments are being urged to stay alert for flash flooding, falling trees and continued power outages. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Sydney has been battered by a severe weather system for a second consecutive day, causing widespread disruption across the city and Australia's southeast. The intense storm has led to dozens of flight cancellations, brought down trees, and cut power to thousands of homes. Australia's largest airlines, Qantas Airways and Virgin Australia, have together cancelled at least 55 domestic flights in and out of Sydney on Wednesday, according to the airport's website, with some international services also facing delays. Ground transport has also been severely impacted, with Sydney's train services disrupted and authorities urging residents to avoid non-essential travel. "Be really careful. It's really wild out there, if you can delay travel, please do so," New South Wales state Emergency Services Chief Superintendent Dallas Burnes told ABC News. "As people wake today and see the damage from last night, we're expecting a very busy day." A coastal low-pressure system, described by meteorologists as a "bomb cyclone", smashed Australia's southeast coast overnight with wind gusts of more than 100 kph (62 mph), uprooting trees and damaging power lines. Roughly one month's worth of rain fell over six hours in some regions. The weather phenomenon forms quickly and causes air pressure to drop significantly within a short period of time. More than 35,000 properties are without power in New South Wales, Australia's most populous state, after the storm overnight, outage data showed. Several roads in the state's Illawara region south of Sydney have been closed due to flooding and fallen trees. Evacuation orders were issued due to coastal erosion in the Central Coast region, while dozens of warnings remain for wind damage and flash flooding. Conditions are expected to worsen through Wednesday before the system eases and move into the Tasman Sea, and then track toward New Zealand on Thursday. New Zealand's National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research said the low-pressure system could bring heavy rain and strong winds to the country's North Island on Thursday and into the weekend. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Temperatures have soared to 46C in Spain as an extreme heatwave continues to grip much of Europe, triggering a series of weather alerts across the continent. The continent is enduring its first major heatwave of the summer, with two deaths linked to extreme heat in Italy and hundreds of schools closed in France. The record-high temperature of 46C was reported in the town of El Granado in southern Spain on Saturday, according to Spains national weather service, with the mercury also set to reach 40C in Paris. Dozens of heat warnings are in place across France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, and well as the Balkans, according to weather aggregator MeteoAlarm. open image in gallery Hundreds of heat warnings are in place across Europe amid temperatures of up to 46C ( MeteoAlarm ) Extreme heat is no longer a rare event it has become the new normal, UN secretary general Antonio Guterres warned. The planet is getting hotter & more dangerous no country is immune. Here, The Independent has put together a full list of European countries currently in the grip of a heatwave and the current advice being given to locals and tourists. Spain There were 118 heat alerts in place across Spain as of midday local time on Tuesday, according to MeteoAlarm. These cover virtually the entire country, with the exception of areas of the south east coast such as Almeria and swathes of the north east such as Oviedo. The mercury will rise above 40C for the next three days in Seville, where night-time temperatures will remain at around 25C until Thursday morning. Doctors have expressed alarm at the combination of hot days and uncomfortably warm nights, which can place lethal stress on the human body. open image in gallery A woman uses a hand fan to cool off during the first summer heatwave in Seville ( Reuters ) Local authorities have urged anyone in an area affected by a severe high temperature warning to take precautions and check the weather forecast. The warnings also state that damage to properties may occur, while vulnerable people are at particular risk. Meanwhile, there are also warnings for storms and heavy rainfall in eastern regions of the country including inland areas of Valencia and Catalonia, where as much as 20mm of rain could fall. open image in gallery Swimmers cool off in the water at a beach on a hot day in Barcelona ( AP ) Italy There are heat alerts covering eight of Italys regions: Basilicata, Calabria, Campania, Lazio, Puglia, Sardinia, Tuscany and Umbria, according to MeteoAlarm. Temperatures of up to 42C have been forecast in parts of Italy, according to the monitoring website. Two people have already died in the country due to weather. In Bologna a 47-year-old died after falling ill on a construction site while a 70-year-old man was reported drowned during flash flooding at a tourist resort to the west of Turin. A warning for thunderstorms is also in place for the central Italian region of Emilia-Romagna and the northern Italian region of Trentino-Alto Adige. open image in gallery Tourists cover from the hot sun with umbrellas in front of the Sforzesco Castle, in Milan ( AP ) France There are several heat alerts in place across France as of midday on Tuesday. The French capital, Paris, is forecast to reach a blistering 40 degrees Celsius on Tuesday. Meteo-France has placed multiple departments under its highest red alert, with the Paris region experiencing the most severe impact. A red alert means that the weather is very dangerous and major damage and accidents are likely. The Education Ministry has confirmed that over 1,300 schools are expected to be partially or fully closed on Tuesday as the country battles a severe heatwave. The only areas of France that are not covered by a heatwave are the north east tip, such as Brest and Saint-Brieuc. The extreme heat also raised the risk of field fires as farmers in France, the European Union's biggest grain producer, start harvesting this year's crop. Some farmers were working through the night to avoid harvesting during peak temperatures in the afternoon. In the Indre region of central France, which has seen a spate of field fires since late June, authorities banned field work between 2pm and 6pm. open image in gallery Pedestrians cool off with a public water jet in a street during a heatwave in Paris ( AFP/Getty ) Greece There are 14 weather alerts in place across Greece. Last week, a large wildfire broke out south of Athens on Thursday, forcing evacuations and road closures near the ancient Temple of Poseidon. Strong winds spread the flames, damaging homes and sending smoke across the sky. open image in gallery Tourists protect themselves from the sun with umbrellas while waiting to get access to the Acropolis hill in Athens ( AFP/Getty ) Belgium Belgium is also experiencing unusually high temperatures, with MeteoAlarm showing that orange heatwave warnings are in place in areas including Bruges and Antwerp. Temperatures will reach 32C in the capital Brussels on Tuesday, soaring to around 33C in Bruges, according to the Met Office. Portugal In Portugal, 18 heat alerts are in place including in the capital Lisbon, Braga and Faro. A temperature reading in Mora, about 60 miles east of Lisbon, turned up a suspected record-high June temperature of 46.6C on Sunday. Into this week, temperatures are set to cool slightly between 31C and 34C, according to Portugals national weather service. Netherlands Temperatures will reach around 32C in parts of the Netherlands on Tuesday. There are 28 heat alerts in place across the usually mild country, including in Amsterdam and the Hague. The country's meteorological institute warned of persistent heat and for people to be aware of the unusual weather. [There] are some health risks amongst vulnerable people like the elderly and very young are possible, it warned. open image in gallery ( AFP/Getty ) Germany In Germany, temperatures are set to reach a sweltering 37C on Wednesday. There are 122 weather warnings in place across the country, including Germanys main forecaster, Deutscher Wetterdienst, warned that severe heat stress is expected in the coming days. [There will be] less cooling at night, especially in the densely built-up urban areas of Berlin, they said. Austria By Thursday, temperatures will soar to 34C. There are hundreds of heat alerts in place across the country, according to MeteoAlarm. open image in gallery A person cleans their hands with water to cool off during a hot weather day in Duisburg, Germany ( EPA ) Czechia In Czechia, temperatures will reach 33C on Wednesday. There are six heat warnings in place across the country this week. Luxembourg Two heat alerts are in place here. Temperatures could reach 34C by Wednesday. Switzerland Temperatures will reach 34C on Wednesday, according to the Met Office. There are a few weather alerts in place. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Two people have died in a wildfire that swept through Spain's Catalonia region, as emergency services reported the blaze was largely contained despite warnings of further wind and thunderstorms. Europe continues to grapple with a severe heatwave, exacerbating conditions for wildfires across the continent. The inferno, which erupted in a farming area of Torrefeta on Tuesday afternoon, devastated several farms and scorched an area stretching approximately 40 kilometres (25 miles). Firefighters confirmed there were no other casualties from the incident. Authorities are bracing for Wednesday, with forecasts indicating potential for strong winds and thunder, which could complicate containment efforts. "The fire was extremely violent and erratic due to storms and strong winds, generating a convection cloud that complicated extinguishing efforts," the fire service said in a statement. A map of Torrefeta: Authorities warned that more storms were expected on Wednesday afternoon and urged vigilance. "Please exercise caution and follow all instructions and recommendations from the emergency services," Catalonia's regional leader Salvador Illa said in a post on X. Around 14,000 residents were asked to remain indoors for several hours on Tuesday. The wildfire comes as Europe faces an "exceptional" heatvawe, prompting heat alerts through the region. Spain's meteorological agency AEMET, which earlier this week reported its hottest June on record, issued warnings for high temperatures, storms and high winds across much of the Iberian Peninsula on Wednesday. In France temperatures were forecast to reach 40C in the capital Paris. National weather agency Meteo-France placed several departments under the highest red alert. More than 1,300 schools were partially or fully closed. People cool off with water from Varsovie fountain by the Eiffel Tower during a heatwave in Paris, France ( EPA ) Visitors to the Eiffel Tower without tickets were told to postpone their visits as the summit was closed until Thursday for "everyone's comfort and safety". Elsewhere, Swiss power company Axpo shut down one of its reactor units at its Beznau plant on Tuesday due to high river water temperatures while it left a second reactor running but with reduced power. "Current measures will remain in place for the time being," said the company in a statement. Climate experts warn that future summers are likely to be hotter than any recorded to date, with temperatures exceeding 40C expected every year by 2100. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice 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. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Proudly announcing the documentary Gaza: Doctors Under Attack, Channel 4s head of news and current affairs said the film was harrowing, and would make people angry. In a lengthy statement, Louise Compton said the television channel had decided it was an important story to air. We are showing this programme because we believe that, following thorough fact-checking and verification, we are presenting a duly impartial view of a subject that both divides opinion and frequently provokes dispute about what constitutes a fact. But this distressing film has become famous for all the wrong reasons before even a moment was broadcast. For it was not originally made for Channel 4, but rather the BBC. And it came close to not being seen on British TV at all after months of delays, acrimonious negotiations and concerns over partiality. The documentary, made by Basement Films, was commissioned and paid for by the BBC, whose programming directors initially agreed it was an important story, a person close to the film told The Independent. We have emails telling us that this is an important, powerful piece of journalism and needs to be told in the public interest. So then, mysteriously, suddenly, it can't be told, they said. open image in gallery The film was originally commissioned by the BBC ( PA Archive ) The source said at least six different transmission dates were given through January and February, but it kept getting pushed back. The documentary team thought the BBC was delaying while it waited for Ofcoms report from Peter Johnston on an earlier programme Gaza: How To Survive A Warzone, but said the BBC kept saying that was not the case. They kept coming up with just bulls***t reasons, the source added, which included rechecking pictures and asking for additional fact checks. Later, the BBC apologised and said all films on Israel and Palestine would have to wait until after the Johnston report was released. Despite this, the Louis Theroux film on the West Bank was aired in May. Meanwhile, the documentary makers were anxious about getting the film out, firstly because it was a timely war crimes investigation, but also because they had a duty of care to the people who had helped them tell the story. One of the Israeli whistleblowers was really, really upset by this, the source said. open image in gallery In images from inside Gaza's hospital separate to the documentary, a girl receives treatment for her wounds at Khan Yunis' Nasser hospital ( AFP via Getty Images ) Eventually in April, the BBC decided they would not broadcast the film in documentary form and said it wanted to break up the interviews and use them in different ways. They would release the documentary back to the filmakers. But this process was not straightforward. What followed, the source said, was about six or seven weeks of intense negotiations involving lawyers about where and how the film could be aired. A major sticking point for the documentary team was a gag clause preventing them discussing the protracted negotiations with the BBC. Then, on 20 June, the BBC released a statement confirming they were not airing the film and went on to suggest there may be an issue of impartiality in the film. "For some weeks, the BBC has been working with Basement Films to find a way to tell the stories of these doctors on our platforms, it said. "Yesterday, it became apparent that we have reached the end of the road with these discussions. We have come to the conclusion that broadcasting this material risked creating a perception of partiality that would not meet the high standards that the public rightly expect of the BBC." open image in gallery ( AP ) BBC News duly reported that sources said the decision came after separate public comments from Basement Filmss Ben De Pear at the Sheffield Documentary Festival, and reporter and the films co-executive producer Ramita Navai, who discussed Gaza in an interview on Radio 4's Today programme. In that interview, Navai said that Israel had "become a rogue state that's committing war crimes and ethnic cleansing and mass murdering Palestinians". De Pear had made reference to journalists being stymied and silenced. The documentary film was dumbfounded. But with the film finally being dropped by the BBC, they team was free to place it elsewhere. Within a week, Channel 4 had moved in to pick it up. Compton, as head of Channel 4s news and current affairs, said the documentary offers powerful evidence that the doctors, nurses and paramedics of Gaza have been denied the non-combatant protection that the norms of warfare usually offer them. open image in gallery Channel 4s head of news said it was important to share the stories of Gazas medical workers. In an unrelated picture, a Palestinian medic cares for a girl who was injured in Israeli strikes ( AFP/Getty ) She added that it was the job of journalists to the the stories people need to know, which sometimes, are stories some would prefer remained unheard. But while we would never judge anyone who decides that showing something could create a risk of being thought to be taking sides, we believe there are times when the same risk is run by not showing anything at all. In a statement, Navai said the team had worked for over a year with human rights groups and healthcare workers who had forensically collected evidence of Israeli war crimes. Our interviews with Palestinian doctors and healthcare workers who have been targeted by Israel, and with Israeli whistleblowers, show that Israels targeting of healthcare workers is systematic and deliberate, and part of their effort to destroy and flatten Gaza and to ethnically cleanse it, as Israeli ministers have themselves been saying. She continued: This film is important not only as a record of Israeli war crimes, but also because it has exposed the agenda of the BBC when it comes to reporting on Israel and Palestine - for these reasons, its probably one of the most important documentaries Ive ever made. The documentary Gaza: Doctors Under Attack airs on Channel 4 at 10pm on 2 July. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Donald Trump claimed that he spared the life of Irans supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, but would consider bombing Iran again if Tehran enriched uranium to worrisome levels. The US president also reacted sternly to Mr Khamenei's first remarks since Irans 12-day military conflict with Israel ended. The US had joined the conflict on Israels side by launching a bombing raid on Iranian nuclear sites last week, prompting Iran to retaliate with an attack on an American military base in Qatar. Mr Khamenei said Iran had slapped America in the face by attacking the base in Qatar. He also said that Iran would never surrender. Claiming to have spared the supreme leaders life, Mr Trump said: "I SAVED HIM FROM A VERY UGLY AND IGNOMINIOUS DEATH. American officials told Reuters on 15 June that Mr Trump had vetoed an Israeli plan to kill Mr Khamenei. open image in gallery Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei speaks during a televised speech ( AP ) "His Country was decimated, his three evil Nuclear Sites were OBLITERATED and I knew EXACTLY where he was sheltered, and would not let Israel, or the US Armed Forces, by far the Greatest and Most Powerful in the World, terminate his life," Mr Trump said in a social media post. Iran said any potential nuclear deal was conditional on the US ending its "disrespectful tone" towards the supreme leader. "If President Trump is genuine about wanting a deal, he should put aside the disrespectful and unacceptable tone towards Iran's Supreme Leader, Grand Ayatollah Khamenei, and stop hurting his millions of heartfelt followers," the foreign minister, Abbas Araqchi, said in an X post in the early hours of Saturday. open image in gallery Demonstrators gather to protest outside the US embassy in London following president Donald Trump's announcement that American forces had struck nuclear facilities in Iran ( Getty ) Mr Trump also said that in recent days he had been working on the possible removal of sanctions on Iran to give it a chance for a speedy recovery, but had now abandoned that effort. "I get hit with a statement of anger, hatred, and disgust, and immediately dropped all work on sanction relief, and more," he said. Mr Trump said at a White House news conference he did not rule out attacking Iran again when asked about the possibility of new bombing of Iranian nuclear sites if deemed necessary at some point. "Sure, without question, absolutely," he said. Mr Trump said he would like inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency, the UN nuclear watchdog, or another respected source to be able to inspect Iran's nuclear sites after they were bombed last weekend. The US president rejected any suggestion that damage to the nuclear sites was not as profound as he had claimed. IAEA chief Rafael Grossi said on Wednesday that ensuring the resumption of IAEA inspections was his top priority as none had taken place since Israel began bombing on 13 June. Iran has moved to suspend such inspections, however. Mr Araqchi indicated on Friday Tehran would likely reject Mr Grossis request for visits to Iranian nuclear sites. Mr Trump said Iran still wanted to meet about the way forward. The White House had said on Thursday no meeting between the US and an Iranian delegation had been scheduled thus far. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice US president Donald Trump has claimed Israel has agreed to a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza and urged Hamas to accept the deal, warning that conditions will not get better. Fresh from helping broker a truce between Israel and Iran after 12 days of fighting, Mr Trump is reportedly pushing for a breakthrough in Gaza where Israels air and ground assault has been ongoing for 21 months. The ceasefire deal, apparently months in the making, will represent a major diplomatic milestone if it comes through. But there is no sign that Hamas is ready to agree to the terms laid down by the US and Israel. A senior Hamas source told The Independent that there were three issues still to resolve - the question of aid, the Israeli army leaving and whether the fighting would stop after 60 days, adding so far the formula is not satisfactory. The militant group emphasised its demand that the war must end, adding that it would only accept an initiative which clearly leads to the complete end to the war. Hamas official Taher al-Nunu said that the militant group was "ready and serious regarding reaching an agreement. A Hamas delegation is expected to meet with Egyptian and Qatari mediators in Cairo on Wednesday to discuss the proposal, according to an Egyptian official. open image in gallery Trump and Netanyahu meet at the White House in April this year - the men are due to meet again in Washington next week to discuss Gaza and Iran ( AP ) Mr Trump made the announcement days before hosting Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu for talks at the White House. The president has reportedly been ramping up pressure on both Israel and Hamas to finalise a ceasefire and hostage deal. My Representatives had a long and productive meeting with the Israelis today on Gaza. Israel has agreed to the necessary conditions to finalise the 60 Day CEASEFIRE, during which time we will work with all parties to end the War, he said on his Truth Social platform, adding that Qatari and Egyptian officials would deliver the final proposal. I hope, for the good of the Middle East, that Hamas takes this Deal, because it will not get better. IT WILL ONLY GET WORSE. The specific terms that Israel may have agreed to remain unclear. The Independent understands that the full text of the new draft deal has yet to be sent to Hamas. However, a key problem with what has been shared publicly is the two-month time limit on the deal and what happens after it expires, the official explained. The Hamas official said: The most important thing is to guarantee an end to the hostilities and the prevention of the continuation of fighting after the 60 days. This is what Israel rejects. This has been a key sticking point that has scuppered previous negotiations. The Israeli government has insisted that any deal should only be temporary, with extreme-right members of Netanyahus government, like finance minister Bezalel Smotrich, claiming even a temporary ceasefire and hostage release agreement is surrender. Hamas has repeatedly argued that for any hostage deal to happen, there must be guarantees written into the agreement of a timeline for a full end to the conflict. The militant group has also said in the past that a red line is the complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from the territory of Gaza. open image in gallery Palestinians carry sacks and boxes of food and humanitarian aid, unloaded from a World Food Program convoy that was heading to Gaza City in the northern Gaza Strip ( AP ) There are fears that Israel will maintain a military presence in parts if not all of the Strip, and will prevent civilians from returning home to the heavily bombed north. Mr Trumps announcement came the same day Israeli strategic affairs minister Ron Dermer reportedly met US secretary of state Marco Rubio and Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff. They reportedly discussed a revised ceasefire and hostage exchange proposal put forward by Qatar. According to a senior Israeli official quoted by Axios, Mr Dermer told Mr Witkoff Israel accepted the Qatari plan and was ready to start indirect negotiations with Hamas to finalise the agreement. The draft agreement proposes a 60-day ceasefire, during which Israel and Hamas will negotiate a permanent end to the war as well as a framework for post-war governance in Gaza. Israels war on Gaza has killed at least 56,647 people and injured 134,105, according to the Gazas health ministry, and left almost the entire population of 2.2 million displaced from their homes and on the brink of starvation. Israel launched the air and ground assault in October 2023 after 1,139 Israelis were killed and 251 taken hostage during a Hamas attack. open image in gallery A man carries a child, who was wounded in an Israeli strike, after being treated in the Shifa Hospital, Gaza City, Monday, June 30 ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) In Gaza, civilians suffering famine-like conditions and daily, relentless bombardment tentatively welcomed the news. Although some said they did not trust the US president after many conflicting promises, and after he has continued to arm Israel and even join Israel in its bombing campaigns in Iran . I see Trump as part of the conflict, not a mediator to stop the war or solve our problems. How can he be a guarantor of an agreement when they are participants in it? I hope the opposite of what I expect and feel is true, said Khaled Hajjaj, 36, displaced from the destroyed east of Gaza and now living in a makeshift camp along the coast. We in Gaza are living the harsh, devastating reality. We dont just watch events; we have lived them for two years. There have been a lot of negotiations that have taken place dozens of times without success. I see this time as just another attempt, and so I am pessimistic. Muhannad, 32, also displaced from the north, said that previous statements from Trump have made us distrust him. Two months ago, Trump promised that there would be good news for Gaza within days. The exact opposite has happened: more massacres, hunger, a blockade, and the ongoing escalation, he added. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Senior officials briefed on truce talks for Gaza said they were cautiously optimistic that a new initiative announced by Donald Trump could pave the way to a long-term ceasefire deal, and the end of the devastating 21-month war. Trump said on Tuesday that Israel had agreed to the necessary conditions to finalise a 60-day truce to allow negotiations to end the war and urged Hamas to accept the deal before conditions worsened. The US president has been piling pressure on both sides to broker a ceasefire and hostage release agreement, promising that a deal could come together as soon as next week. One of the main sticking points has been whether the agreement would lay the groundwork for ending the ruinous war permanently. Israel has said it wont accept a deal until Hamas is defeated, while Hamas has said it would never agree to temporary truce terms. Despite this, senior officials briefed on the talks between Netanyahus senior aide Ron Dermer and Trumps special envoy, Steve Witkoff, described a mood of cautious optimism. That is because among points approved by the Israeli side was that a ceasefire deal would contain US and mediator guarantees that discussions to end the war completely would take place. The Independent understands the current 60-day structure on the table would lead to the release of 10 living captives and 15 bodies of those killed in Gaza. In exchange, there would be a partial withdrawal of Israeli forces from parts of Gaza, more aid would be allowed in, and talks would begin for a permanent ceasefire. Progress has already begun. A Hamas delegation is expected to meet Egyptian and Qatari mediators in Cairo on Wednesday to discuss the proposal. One official, who requested anonymity as they are not authorised to speak to the media, told The Independent this round of talks felt different, particularly after Israels unprecedented bombing campaign in Iran crippled Irans military leadership and caused extensive damage to Iranian nuclear infrastructure. Iran is one of Hamass closest allies. There is great American pressure on Israel to reach a deal, the official told The Independent. There is more flexibility from the Israeli side I can say there is cautious optimism. open image in gallery Trump and Netanyahu in the Oval Office in April ( Getty ) There is a different kind of atmosphere altogether after Iran. Netanyahu is in a mindset to go for a deal, the official added, saying that off the back of the Gaza deal Netanyahu expects more Middle Eastern states would join the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain in signing the Abraham Accords, a diplomatic and trade deal normalising relations with Israel. Another official briefed on negotiations in Qatar called the talks in Washington very fruitful and said the US guarantees on a longer-term solution to the conflict even beyond a permanent ceasefire may assuage Hamass fears. Throughout the nearly 21-month-long war, ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas have repeatedly faltered over whether the war should end as part of any deal. Hamas has said it is willing to free the remaining 50 hostages, less than half of whom are believed to be alive, in exchange for a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and an end to the war. Israel says it will only agree to end the war if Hamas surrenders, disarms and exiles itself, something the group refuses to do. An Israeli official, again not authorised to speak to the media, said Israel agreed to a framework that is the basis to start proximity talks. Proximity talks mean negotiations where Hamas and Israeli officials are in the same location but not in the same room, with mediators bouncing between the parties to hammer out the details. open image in gallery Palestinian refugees at a charity kitchen in Khan Younis ( Reuters ) Mediators involved in the previous ceasefire agreement in January described how, in the final stages of talks in Doha, the Qatari prime minister himself shuttled in a lift between different floors of the same building, conveying the final frantic messages between rival factions. As well as the hostage release, Israel would also agree to withdraw from certain areas of Gaza during that time and for a surge in humanitarian aid. The Independent understands this will not include the strategic Philadelphi Corridor, a ribbon of land around nine miles long that runs along the border between Gaza and Egypt. In this framework, there are US and mediator assurances to Hamas guarantees for the next phases to discuss ending the war, the Israeli official said. Netanyahu is expected to meet his cabinet to discuss the upcoming visit to the US on Saturday, before flying to Washington DC on Sunday. He is likely to meet Trump on Monday. Hamas has yet to publicly respond to Trumps ceasefire proposal. However, a senior Hamas official told The Independent that the group believed so far the formula is not satisfactory. A key problem is the two-month time limit on the deal and what happens after it expires, the official explained, asking to remain anonymous. There are three pending issues: aid, the withdrawal of the Israeli army, and the continuation of negotiations after the 60 days, he told The Independent. The most important thing is to guarantee an end to the hostilities and the prevention of the continuation of fighting after the 60 days. This is what Israel rejects. open image in gallery A Palestinian man wounded while returning from an aid distribution centre is treated in Khan Younis ( AP ) In Gaza, civilians suffering famine-like conditions and daily, relentless bombardment tentatively welcomed the news. However, some said they did not trust the US president after many conflicting promises, and after he has continued to arm Israel and even join Israel in its bombing campaign in Iran. I see Trump as part of the conflict, not a mediator to stop the war or solve our problems. How can he be a guarantor of an agreement when they are participants in it? said Khaled Hajjaj, 36, displaced from the destroyed east of Gaza and now living in a makeshift camp along the coast. We in Gaza are living the harsh, devastating reality. We dont just watch events we have lived them for two years. There have been a lot of negotiations that have taken place dozens of times without success. I see this time as just another attempt, and so I am pessimistic. open image in gallery Smoke and flames from an Israeli airstrike on Gaza City ( AP ) Muhannad, 32, also displaced from the north, said that previous statements from Trump have made us distrust him. Two months ago, Trump promised that there would be good news for Gaza within days. The exact opposite has happened: more massacres, hunger, a blockade and the ongoing escalation, he added. Samira Abdel-Aziz, 48, also displaced from the north, said he hoped it was not just idle statements. I have hope for that after the announcement of the participation of the Egyptian and Qatari sides. I trust the Egyptian side regarding the Palestinian issue and the extent of its concern for Palestinian interests. The war began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel, killing nearly 1,200 people and taking roughly 250 hostages. Israels unprecedented bombardment of the tiny strip has killed more than 56,000 people according to Gazas health ministry and a blockade on aid has pushed the entire 2.3 million population to the edge of famine. More than 90 per cent of the population has been displaced, often multiple times. Sign up to our free weekly IndyTech newsletter delivered straight to your inbox Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The largest Martian meteorite ever found on Earth is being auctioned off later this month and could fetch up to $4 million. One of only 400 of its kind ever found, the hunk of red-hued space rock was chipped off the Red Planet by a massive asteroid strike before hurtling some 140 million miles to Earth. Known as NWA 16788, it was found in the Sahara Desert by an unnamed meteorite hunter in 2023 before being exhibited at the Italian Space Agency and in a private gallery in Tuscany. It is unclear when it fell to Earth. If the Mars rock sells, it is expected to break records. A meteorite found in China in 2000 currently holds the title of the most expensive ever offered at auction. However, it didnt sell when it was offered by Bonhams in 2008 for nearly $3 million. NWA 16788 is listed for $2 million - $4 million. "NWA 16788 is a discovery of extraordinary significance the largest Martian meteorite ever found on Earth, and the most valuable of its kind ever offered at auction, Cassandra Hatton, Sotheby's Vice Chairman of Science and Natural History, explained in a statement. open image in gallery The largest Martian meteorite ever found on Earth is being auctioned off later this month. It could fetch as much as $4 million ( Courtesy of Sotheby's ) The auction is slated to take place on July 16 at Sothebys New York. Hatton called the space rock a once-in-a-generation find, bringing the potential owner a step closer to the fourth planet from the sun. Getting humans to Mars wont likely happen until the 2030s or later. About the size of a computer monitor and made primarily of the mineral olivine, the meteorite is 70 percent larger than the next piece of Mars found on Earth, and weighs 54 pounds. Some of the meteorite has been turned into glass in its violent descent through Earths atmosphere, before it crashed down in the west African country of Niger. Martian meteorites offer people insight into the geology and composition of Mars: one of Earths closest planetary neighbors, alongside Venus. open image in gallery The meteorite has been weathered by its 140 million-mile journey. Some of its minerals were turned to glass following its descent through Earths atmosphere ( Courtesy of Sotheby's ) It is for this reason that auctions of items with historic and scientific value have long been controversial. In the early 2000s, Oregons Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde protested the auction of a chunk of one the worlds most famous meteorites, which they believed to hold sacred significance. Dinosaurs are also often on the auction block even as paleontologists have voiced concerns about the effects of the sales, including the rising prices of leases for land where they make important finds. open image in gallery The stegosaurus nicknamed Apex is seen at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City last December. It was auctioned by Sothebys earlier in the year ( AFP via Getty Images ) A stegosaurus named Apex sold for nearly $45 million last year before being loaned to the American Museum of Natural History. With $44 million to scientists, Field Musuem paleontologist Jingmai OConnor previously told The New York Times, we could move forward our understanding of dinosaurs by decades. Sign up to Simon Calders free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calders Travel email Get Simon Calders Travel email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Weeks ago, I paid Lufthansa 185 for a return flight from London Heathrow to Munich. The fare is non-refundable. But with 30 hours before my flight home, I am obliged to go online to declare that, yes, I fully intend to travel. It is a disagreeable process the opposite of the James Bond villains line: Ive been expecting you. Airlines across the world chorus: Just because youve booked a flight doesnt mean were expecting you. Having logged in to the Lufthansa website, as a poor German speaker, I then had to scroll through the homelands on offer before happening on Vereinigtes Konigreich (United Kingdom). Then came the challenging questions. To the surprise of the German airline, I can reveal that I have not changed my nationality, gender, passport details or reason for travel since I flew out on Saturday. Perhaps Lufthansa could use the details I provided ahead of the flight out to Germany? After painstakingly completing all the details from my British passport, it was surprising to be told that for the purposes of entering the UK, a national ID card of your home country is not sufficient. Then the kicker screen: Something went wrong. We are currently experiencing technical difficulties. Please try again later. In 2025, what is the purpose of check-in? I can see that in the olden days, it served a purpose. Tickets were ridiculously expensive, but also flexible. Choose to no-show? Youll be able to claim a full refund or travel on any future flight. So it made sense to have a check-in stage at the airport. Most passengers, too, were checking in luggage, so an extra step was acceptable. And the flight coupons had to be physically torn from the ticket and exchanged for an additional document: a boarding pass. Today, the check-in process looks ridiculous. Every airline inserts an intermediate hurdle that goes, approximately: We notice you have bought a ticket for a flight. Are you by any chance intending to travel? This unnecessary interrogation does not take place on trains and buses (though it did on my recent Stena Line ferry from Harwich to Hook of Holland). I accept that the booking stage and check-in formalities are subtly different. When you buy a flight online, the airline is not concerned with which document you will be using to travel. On the eve of departure, the carrier certainly wants to know. But I contend most people know that they will be using their current passport on their next flight. A cynical person might conclude that the reason for the check-in stage is because it gives the airline an opportunity to upsell. Before the Lufthansa check-in system imploded, I was invited: Treat yourself to an upgrade from 75. Compared with some other airlines particularly Ryanair and Wizz Air that was a fairly easy exercise in swerving the many invitations to spend more money before being issued with a boarding pass. I understand that carriers are legally required to provide a complete manifest of who is on board their aircraft; they must reconcile passengers and their baggage; and assign passengers prudently for the purposes of weight and balance. They must also comply with aviation rules such as: The operator shall establish procedures to ensure that passengers are seated where, in the event that an emergency evacuation is required, they are able to assist and not hinder evacuation of the aircraft. But all of this could happen at the departure gate. Even if it means getting passengers there 10 minutes earlier, I believe we would accept that in exchange for expunging an unnecessary hurdle. Which airline will take the radical and profitable step of saving on costs and passenger hassle by dispensing with check-in? I promise to be first on board. Sign up to Simon Calders free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calders Travel email Get Simon Calders Travel email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A series of heatwaves are currently sizzling countries in Europe, and with temperatures exceeding 40C in some tourist destinations, holidaymakers may be questioning the safety of taking off this summer during extreme heat. As global temperatures rise with climate change and wildfires frequently blaze through popular holiday areas, heat-related health risks have increased for travellers. In 2024, British TV presenter Dr Michael Mosley, two Dutch tourists, a French tourist and one American man died in separate incidents in Greece during blistering temperatures recorded last June. Between 2000 and 2019, approximately 489,000 heat-related deaths occurred each year over 70,000 of these deaths people who died during the 2003 heatwave in Europe reports the World Health Organisation (WHO). With peak travel season and the summer holidays fast approaching, how can tourists stay safe while holidaying in heatwave hot spots? Read more: Tourists warned as parts of Europe fry in extreme heatwave Which European countries are most likely to experience extreme heat? Severe heat has gripped parts of Italy, Spain, Greece, France, Germany and Portugal so far this summer, with temperature highs near 40C felt across Europe. On Sunday, the Italian health ministry placed 21 out of 27 monitored cities under its highest heat alert, including top holiday destinations like Rome, Milan and Naples. Greece is on high wildfire alert because of extreme weather, with a large wildfire blazing near Athens forcing evacuations and road closures last week. Last Friday, Met Office spokesperson Stephen Dixon warned that southern and western Europe was experiencing a heatwave that was extending into southeastern parts of the continent. He said: Temperatures are expected to be 5-10C above normal fairly widely in Europe, with the potential for a few locations to reach around 40C in the southeast, and possibly even higher across parts of Iberia from Friday, likely challenging some June records. What is government advice on heatwaves? According to general advice from the UK Foreign Office (FCDO), intense heat can be dangerous. It reminds travellers, that risks associated with heatwaves include dehydration, overheating and heatstroke. TravelHealthPro (NaTHNaC) says that climate change is likely to see the number and intensity of heatwaves increase. However, if tourists take sensible precautions most of the health risks that come with hot weather can be minimised. Travellers should be aware that heatwaves may place local health services under additional pressure as, for example, the demand for care may increase or there may be disruption to power and water supplies, it adds. What are the symptoms of heat stroke? The World Health Organisation says severe symptoms of heat stroke include swelling in the lower limbs, heat rash on the neck, cramps, headache, irritability, lethargy and weakness. Additionally, heat can cause severe dehydration, acute cerebrovascular accidents and contribute to blood clots, says WHO. How can holidaymakers reduce heat related health risks? The NaTHNaC advise holidaymakers in hot destinations to: Carry cool water and drink plenty of fluids Wear light, loose-fitting clothes and sun hats Apply sunscreen frequently Try to keep out of the direct sun between 11am to 3pm Never leave anyone in a closed car or vehicle Be aware of the signs of heat exhaustion and Heatstroke including tiredness, feeling faint, dizziness and intense thirst Seek medical help if symptoms do not resolve Which travellers are most at risk during heatwaves? Elderly travellers, babies and young children are most at risk during high temperatures as they are less able to regulate their body temperature, says the NaTHNaC. Those with underlying health conditions, on multiple medications and pregnant women are also vulnerable in hot weather, according to the health authority. It adds: Hot weather can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, lung problems and other diseases. What does the NHS say? The NHS reminds UK travellers that during heatwaves, more people than usual get seriously ill or die. It recommends avoiding alcohol, caffeine and hot drinks and taking cool showers during temperature spikes. Can I cancel a holiday due to heat wave safety concerns? While the Foreign Office has general extreme weather warnings in place for several European countries, the UK government has so far stopped short of issuing dont travel advice amid the heatwave. As a result, there is no automatic right for families to curtail, cancel or change planned trips, and holiday companies and airlines say normal terms and conditions will apply, said Simon Calder, Travel Correspondent at The Independent. Holidaymakers with a travel insurance policy in which a pre-existing health condition has been declared may have grounds to claim for a cancellation if they receive specific medical advice against travel to a very hot location. For more travel news and advice, listen to Simon Calders podcast Sign up to Simon Calders free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calders Travel email Get Simon Calders Travel email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The summit of Paris Eiffel Tower has been closed to visitors due to the brutal heatwave sweeping across France and the rest of Europe. Due to the heatwave, and to ensure everyone's comfort and safety, the summit will be closed through July 2, read a statement published on their social media account. To all my visitors, please protect yourself from the sun and stay hydrated. Visitors are being advised to postpone their visit until Thursday (3 July). Authorities in the French capital also announced that it would keep its parks open overnight on Tuesday for people to cool off amidst the punishing heat. National weather agency Meteo-France issued a red alert for 16 departments, including Paris and all the departments of the Ile-de-France region, for Tuesday 1 July and Wednesday 2 July, with temperatures expected to soar to 40C in Paris today. The number of schools shut across the country has surged to nearly 1,900, up from just 200 on Monday, in a dramatic response to the intensifying heatwave. In Paris, parents were advised to keep children home on Tuesday and Wednesday, while towns such as Troyes and Melun closed all their schools. In Marseille, public pools offered free entry for the duration of the heatwave, according to AFP. And in Orleans, authorities offered free access to air-conditioned museums in an effort to help locals cool off. The continent continues to grapple with an extreme heatwave, with two deaths linked to extreme heat in Italy so far. Dozens of heat warnings are in place across France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, and well as the Balkans. Extreme heat is no longer a rare event it has become the new normal, UN secretary general Antonio Guterres warned. The planet is getting hotter and more dangerous no country is immune. Sign up to Simon Calders free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calders Travel email Get Simon Calders Travel email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Construction has begun on a floating swimming pool that will be located in New York City's East River. The attraction, named "+ Pool", will be anchored by Pier 35, just north of the Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridges. A smaller test version will be installed before a full-scale, plus-shaped version is put in place that measures 9,000 sq ft. Swimmers will immerse themselves in water taken directly from the East River and cleaned via a patented non-chemical filtration system. This water will then be pumped back into the surrounding river, thereby contributing to its health. It's claimed that the full-scale version of the pool will process around 1,000,000 gallons of water a day. The pool will be accessed via a walkway connected to the shore, with operators able to reconfigure it "for lap swimming, lounging, watersports, swim education classes, and children's activities", according to a statement. open image in gallery Clean water from the pool will be pumped back into the surrounding river, thereby contributing to its health ( + Pool ) It continued: "Each configuration can be used independently, combined to form an Olympic-length pool or opened completely into a 9,000 square foot pool for play." The smaller, 2,000 sq ft version of + Pool was recently manufactured at Bollinger Shipyard in Mississippi. This will be dry-towed by barge to New York via Florida Bay and the Atlantic coastline for health agencies to examine in May 2026 before the full-size, plus-shaped version can be permitted and constructed. open image in gallery A 2,000 sq ft proof-of-concept version of + Pool was manufactured at Bollinger Shipyard, above, in Mississippi ( + Pool ) The Managing Director of + Pool, Kara Meyer, said: "The interagency and community collaboration to bring NYC's first water-filtering floating swimming pool to life has been incredible. "It demonstrates New York at its best - when the people are working together to advocate for change, evolve systems, design solutions, test concepts, and build innovations. "It's what makes New York, New York." Trevor Holland, Two Bridges resident and Founder of Friends of Pier 35, said: "I'm proud to welcome + Pool as it begins to take shape on our waterfront. open image in gallery It's claimed that + Pool will process around 1,000,000 gallons of water a day ( + Pool ) "This first-of-its-kind floating pool is not only a recreational space but also a powerful step toward environmental equity and public access to clean river water. "Our community is honored to host this innovation at Pier 35 and excited for the opportunities it will bring for health, education, and connection to the East River." Once installed, the + Pool will be a throwback to the 19th and early 20th centuries. open image in gallery Swimmers will immerse themselves in water taken directly from the East River and cleaned via a non-chemical filtration system ( + Pool ) In the 1870s, after the Civil War, public health officials called for more public baths and created floating pools up and down the New York harbor. By the 1900s, 40 percent of New Yorkers used the 15 floating bathhouses in and around New York. However, these floating river pools were closed in the early 1900s due to environmental degradation. Independent MP Zarah Sultana drew a sharp comparison between Keir Starmers past and present when recalling how, as a barrister, he defended an activist who broke into RAF Fairford to prevent war crimes in Iraqcalling it not terrorism, but conscience. That case became a landmark in lawful nonviolent direct action against an illegal war. That barrister is now our prime minister, she said. Sultanas speech came as MPs voted to proscribe Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation after the activist group targeted RAF Brize Norton base in Oxfordshire, and an Israeli defence company's UK headquarters. This is the nail-biting moment Florida police smashed through glass to save a woman trapped in a burning car. The Tampa Police Department responded to reports of a car on fire and flipped on its side on Sunday afternoon (29 June). Bodycam footage shows officers running to the car as smoke and flames rose from the vehicle. The officers can be seen using their batons to smash the windshield and using their bare hands to peel the glass back, before safely pulling the unnamed woman from the car as the fire spreads. The police department said the woman and two of the officers suffered only minor injuries. Dan Fox, CEO and co-founder of Johnson Hana, and Alex Fox, CCO and co-founder. Photo: Chris Bellew of Fennell Photography Dan Kiely, AIB and Enterprise Ireland are among those set for a substantial pay day following the $50m sale of alternative legal services firm Johnson Hana. The Dublin-based practice, founded by brothers Dan and Alex Fox, has been acquired by Eudia, an AI platform for Fortune 500 legal teams. The California-headquartered company has received significant backing, having raised $105m (89m) from the likes of General Catalyst in February. The Fox brothers have informed Johnson Hana staff in an email about the acquisition by Eudia. In the email, seen by the Irish Independent, the brothers said that Eudias leadership team had been rigorously assessing alternative legal-service providers across the world searching for the right one to partner with, and had decided to do so with Johnson Hana. It included details of how the new group is raising more money to pursue an acquisition strategy, and that it is near to closing its first deal in North America. Johnson Hana has been well backed since it was founded in 2017, with the likes of Voxpro founders Dan and Linda Kiely, and specialist investment fund BVP, investing 3.5m in the business in 2020. Enterprise Ireland, the state agency, was also an early backer. In 2022, Johnson Hana attracted attention from investors again, in a 10.5m funding round led by AIB. The bank is set to be one of the largest beneficiaries from the deal. Other backers set for a pay day include Brendan Coakley, the one-time chairman of Allegro, and former DCC managing director Kevin Murray. Johnson Hana, which declined to comment, was set up by the Fox brothers with the aim of disrupting the legal-services market place. Using its technology, the business planned to take over what it regarded as the tedious, labour-intensive work that was clogging up other corporate legal departments Over the years, Johnson Hana has attracted several big name clients, including Airbnb, LinkedIn, Tesco and Tinder. State agencies including RTE and Coillte have also used its services. The company employs about 50 staff in its Dublin headquarters, with 250 consultants also working on projects for clients at any one time. Last July, Dan Fox told the Sunday Independent that Johnson Hana had been approached by investors who were interested in achieving further consolidation in the sector. The man believed he was transferring money to a legitimate UK bank from his AIB account. Photo: Bloomberg A grandfather from Co Antrim who lost 100,000 in a sophisticated financial scam has now been refunded by the bank from which he transferred the money. The 70-year-old, who does not want to be named, thought he was investing in a three-year bond in May last year to save money for his children and eight grandchildren. He had gone into his nearest branch of AIB to carry out the transfer of 100,000 (116,000) to what appeared to be a legitimate account with a major UK bank. The man realised a year later that he had been the victim of a scam, and instructed National Fraud Helpline solicitors in a bid to get the money back. The man believed he was transferring money to a legitimate UK bank from his AIB account. Photo: Bloomberg Today's News in 90 Seconds - July 2nd This week, the firm announced that it had been successful, and the man has now been refunded his 100,000 by AIB, along with interest of 9,446.58. In addition, AIB has awarded 1,000 to compensate for any distress and inconvenience caused. Despite the happy outcome, the victim wishes to remain anonymous as not even his immediate family know about his misfortune. Ill now put the money somewhere safe, like into my savings account, he said. Leo McGowan, a lawyer at National Fraud Helpline, said: Were delighted that our client has been refunded in full and got the additional interest. He is both pleased and relieved. Its been an incredibly stressful time for him thinking he had lost such a large sum of money. The lawyer said that he felt the case was particularly strong as the firm believed there should have been checks carried out on where the money was being sent to. But he added: Credit to AIB who have now resolved this issue fairly and in good time. It was an incredibly convincing scam that shows anyone can fall victim to fraud It was an incredibly convincing scam that shows anyone can fall victim to fraud. The saga began when the man found details online about an M&S Bank bond paying an annual return of 7.5pc, which is unusually high, over three years. It turned out to be a fraudulent scheme. The fraudsters, who were based in London, asked him to transfer money from his Santander account to his AIB account before making the investment. He was sent a convincing M&S Bank application form, along with other bank literature that made him believe the investment was legitimate. The fraudsters even insisted the victim should send them proof of identity and a utility bill, which confirmed him in the belief that the process seemed above-board. The documents said the investment would be covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme up to 85,000. After supposedly passing identity and money-laundering checks, he went into his branch of AIB to transfer the money to the account he had been given. He realised he had been the victim of a scam a year later and that the bond was not a legitimate M&S Bank product when the first interest payment failed to come, and telephone numbers associated with the scheme stopped working. AIB declined to comment on its decision to refund the customer following the in-branch transaction. But a spokesperson said: While AIB Group cant discuss individual cases, we are strongly committed to protecting our customers from fraud, making them aware of the latest scams, educating them on the best ways to keep their money and details safe, as well as supporting them if they do fall victim to fraud. If a customer suspects they have been a victim of fraud, we urge them to contact us as soon as possible If a customer suspects they have been a victim of fraud, we urge them to contact us as soon as possible, as this allows us to mobilise an immediate investigation and support. An M&S Bank spokesperson said last month: Protecting our customers from fraud is an absolute priority for us. Wed encourage customers to review the online security and fraud advice on our website, and follow guidance from Action Fraud, to ensure they remain vigilant and up to date on common scams, such as investment opportunities which can seem too good to be true. The right of way to our house is becoming unusable and the owner is ignoring us. Can we do the maintenance on the laneway ourselves? It follows a strategic review at La Mobiliere which decided it was best to focus on its core insurance business in Switzerland The company is based in the International Financial Services Centre Some 34 jobs will be lost in Dublin after La Mobiliere, a Swiss Insurance company which traded as Companjon, has announced it is to shut its operation here. The company said it had decided to put a stronger focus on its core insurance and pensions business in Switzerland. La Mobiliere founded the Dublin-based insurtech Companjon five years ago, with the stated aim of opening a new line of business and to get insights into the behaviour of customers in the digital insurance business. Operating on a largely business-to-business model, its insurance policies were embedded in the operations of other companies. When consumers bought goods such as tickets for sporting events, and the seller asked if they wanted to insure the purchase, that type of insurance product was provided by Companjon. Company sources say that as a result of the complex nature of the operations, it will take a couple of years to wind down its offices at Harbourmaster Place in the International Financial Services Centre in Dublins docklands. Not everyone will lose their job straight away. The workforce will be slowly reduced, one source said. The Department of Enterprise has been informed about the planned redundancies, and consultations began between management and staff yesterday. In a statement, La Mobiliere CEO Michele Rodoni said: After gaining several years of experience with embedded insurance abroad and recently developing a new corporate strategy, we came to the conclusion that the further development and scaling of this business area is not in line with our strategic focus on the core business in Switzerland. The existing embedded insurance policies, the vast majority of which have short-term liabilities, are to be be run off, subject to appropriate approvals being received from the Irish authorities. Companjon has a total workforce of 60 employees with 34 in Dublin and the remaining 26 based around Europe. Helen Nolan, who is chair of Aviva Life and Pensions Ireland, has been a non-executive director at Companjon Insurance DAC, and chaired its audit committee. Other Irish directors included Patrick Manley and Mary Kerrigan. In its most recent financial returns, Companjon recorded a loss before tax of 2.879m for the financial year ended December 31, 2022, with a loss before tax of 10.25m. It said that during 2023, the company had commenced business operations with three new business partners and has successfully concluded contractual negotiations with a new business partner which was due to go live in 2024. "The directors expect the general level of activity of the company to increase further as the existing Companjon Group insurance solutions are made available on an increased number of online transactions and are rolled out to further markets, and as new business partners are onboarded, and new insurance solutions are launched, the accounts said. "The directors regard investment in this area as a prerequisite for success in the medium to long-term future. La Mobiliere, which was founded as a co-op in 1826, boasts that it is Switzerlands oldest private insurance company. It has 6,600 employees in its home markets of Switzerland and Liechtenstein, and a further 350 trainees. The final cost to the Corporate Enforcement Authority for its High Court inspection of Independent News & Media (INM) was 5.82m, the agency said in its annual report for last year. The bill includes 481,000 of legal and other costs in 2024, the year the long running corporate probe ended with the publication of an 868-page report. It does not include costs to other parties involved in the case. The costs include fees paid to Irish barrister Sean Gillane SC and UK solicitor Robert Fleck, who as inspectors investigated a series of claims including that Leslie Buckley, as INMs then chairman, acted improperly in ways to benefit businessman Denis OBrien, who was then a 29.9pc shareholder in INM. Concerns raised at the time the report was published suggesting the final cost to taxpayers might multiply proved wide of the mark, according to Ian Drennan, CEO of the Corporate Enforcement Authority (CEA). He was writing in the introduction to the agencys annual report for last year which was published on July 2nd. In the immediate aftermath of the publication of the Inspectors Report, it was suggested in media commentary that the Inspection might ultimately cost the State in excess of 40m. The actual cost of the Inspection was 5.82m and no additional expenditures or liabilities that might increase that amount in any meaningful way have eventuated since that time, he wrote. The CEA took the decision not to bring any enforcement action against any of the people whos actions at the then stock market listed INM had been subject to the inspection. However, in his report, Ian Drennan said that would not mean his agency is less likely to seek a similar process in future in relation to another company where it believed its powers of investigation fell short of what was required to investigate potential corporate wrongdoing. Should circumstances arise in the future in which the CEA were to take the view that an application to the High Court for the appointment of Inspectors was warranted, the CEA would not hesitate to do so, he wrote. The final inspectors report included important lessons on the standards of governance expected by the law, he said. The six-year investigation by High Court inspectors into allegations of wrongdoing at Independent News and Media (INM) ultimately found its former chairman. Leslie Buckley, did pass confidential information to Denis OBrien in a way that was not compliant with the companys policies and the terms of a memorandum he signed in 2016 but that he did not break company law. The probe was launched after allegations made by INMs then former CEO Robert Pitt, and Ryan Preston, its chief finance officer, about Mr Buckleys conduct as INM chairman. The inspectors report made some criticisms of Mr Buckleys conduct but did not uphold the allegations that he broke company law or had tried to use INM resources to benefit Mr OBrien to the detriment of INMs other shareholders. The company, which publishes the Irish Independent as well as other newspapers, was sold to Belgiums Mediahuis after the events that were subject of the inspection. State agencies, financial institutions and property investors purchased over 12,000 dwellings The total value of the properties sold to entities other than private buyers was 5bn. Property investors, financial institutions and state agencies bought more Irish homes last year than in 2023, the Central Statistics Office has said. Information filed with Revenue shows that non-household entities which includes private companies, charities and State bodies bought 12,696 dwellings last year out of a total of 61,471 sales. This represented a 4pc increase on 2023. The total value of the properties sold to entities other than private buyers was 5bn. This was a rise of 18.5pc on the previous year. Of this, 2.6bn related to 6,557 homes purchased by government agencies such as the Land Development Agency and Approved Housing Bodies, making them the largest non-household entities in the housing market. The volume of homes purchased by the State rose from 2023, according to the CSO, as the figure then was 5,778. The financial and insurance sector, which includes banks, trusts, funds and holding companies, was the second-biggest non-household buyer of homes, accounting for transactions totalling 746m in 2024. Just 247m in property was acquired by entities registered outside the State about 5pc of all purchases by non-household entities. The other 95pc of purchases was by Irish-registered companies and institutions. Purchases by companies with an address in Northern Ireland were valued at 14.8m, while almost 5m was spent by firms with an address in Britain. The CSO has not provided a figure for how much property was bought by European buyers, which it has given in previous years. The value of such purchases in 2023, for example, was 250m. The European figure has been suppressed, with the CSO explaining that this is to protect the confidentiality of individual companies or institutions. This can be done when one institution accounts for over 80pc of the transactions in that category, or if two companies account for over 90pc. New dwellings accounted for just over half 56.4pc of all purchases. Some 6,804 houses were bought, of which half of them were new, plus 5,892 apartments, with almost two-thirds of those being new. Meanwhile, non-household entities sold 20,841 dwellings at market prices last year, up over 9pc on 2023. The total value of the sales was 9bn. Two thirds of the transactions were by entities in the construction sector. Combining purchases and sales, it meant there was a net monetary flow of 4bn from the household sector to the non-household sector last year. Meanwhile, there was a net flow in volume terms of 8,145 residential properties to the household sector. Underpass requires the loss of two aircraft stands, which Ryanair objected to Ryanair has failed in its last-ditch effort to appeal a decision by An Coimisiun Pleanala to approve a 200m-plus tunnel project at Dublin Airport. The Supreme Court has rejected an application from the airline to seek leave to appeal a High Court decision to refuse it a judicial review of the planning watchdogs decision. The High Court also refused Ryanair leave to appeal. The DAA has welcomed the Supreme Court decision. We look forward to now getting on with the construction of the underpass, said a spokesperson. Last year, the planning watchdog granted permission to the DAA for the construction of a 1km road, which includes a 700m underpass. Construction is slated to take at least three years. This will improve access and safety on the airfield, allowing for the segregation of aircraft and vehicles, and the movement of vehicles to the west apron, which has been restricted since the opening of the north runway in August, 2022, added the DAA spokesperson. It will also require the loss of two aircraft stands. However, the DAA said the overall project will facilitate the construction of additional aircraft stands in the future. Ryanair had an issue with the loss of the stands, arguing in its initial appeal to An Coimisiun Pleanala that the current number of aircraft stands at Dublin Airport cannot cope with demand. It claimed the loss of the stands was inconsistent with the Dublin Airport Local Area Plan (LAP). But An Coimisiun Pleanala determined that while the proposal did contravene the LAP, the contravention was not material. Dublin Airport is expecting its busiest summer. Photo: Getty Today's News in 90 Seconds - July 2nd Ryanair boss Michael OLeary has previously accused the DAA of gaming the regulatory system so it can raise passenger charges. The DAA has said the tunnel is essential to improve access and safety on the airfield. The tunnel will be used by service vehicles, including those handling cargo and catering trucks, for instance. After it lost its appeal to An Coimisiun Pleanala, Ryanair took its case to the High Court, seeking a judicial review. But in February this year, the High Court dismissed the carriers challenge to the planning decision and refused the application for the judicial review. It would not be in the interests of justice to permit an appeal to this court While the High Court did not agree that the loss of aircraft stands was not a material contravention of the LAP, it said that material contravention of a LAP did not preclude An Coimisiun Pleanala from granting permission. Ryanair then asked the High Court for permission to appeal that decision, which was refused in April. The airline then went to the Supreme Court, requesting permission to appeal. Its argument for doing so revolved around the issue of whether material legal errors in the interpretation or understanding by a decision maker of a relevant LAP can be grounds for a review, is an issue of general public importance. The panel is not satisfied that the issue identified by Ryanair as the issue of general public importance justifying the grant of leave properly arises on the facts here, noted the Supreme Court. In the absence of any clear basis for contending that the High Court erred in its assessment, it would not be in the interests of justice to permit an appeal to this court, it added. The tech giant is set to let go of about 4pc of its global staff, with several divisions expected to be affected Microsoft is seeking to lay off Irish staff as part of a fresh round of 9,000 global job cuts. The companys intention to cut Irish jobs was confirmed by the government today. The Department received a collective redundancy notification from Microsoft on 2 July, said a spokesperson for the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. Any further queries should be directed to the company. However, a spokesperson for Microsoft declined to give any information on prospective job cuts here. "We continue to implement organisational changes necessary to best position the company for success in a dynamic marketplace, she said, when asked about layoffs in Ireland. Microsoft employs around 4,000 people in Ireland, with a further 2,000 people employed at its subsidiary, Linkedin, which has a base in Dublin. The cuts are to be implemented across several divisions and geographical offices, according to the Seattle Times, reporting from Microsofts global headquarters. Today's News in 90 Seconds - July 2nd The tech giant has said that the layoffs are part of a restructuring effort. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella recently disclosed that up to a third of programming at the tech company is now done by AI, with a higher percentage likely. However, the current cuts are thought to be aimed across several job categories, including sales and middle-management. The news comes just days after Intel said that it plans to cut up to 195 jobs from its 4,900-staff Kildare plant. The proposed cuts, details of which have been notified to the government as required under Irish law, would represent 4pc of the facilitys workforce, a figure far short of the 20pc floated in a report by Bloomberg earlier this year. No information of staff positions or titles potentially affected have yet been disclosed. Details of financial compensation packages have also not been disclosed. However, the cuts are not expected to take effect before September, following an industrial relations process. The company has previously said that cuts would involve "streamlining the organisation, eliminating management layers, with no further detail on the sectors to be targeted, other than that it intended to shrink expenses in R&D, marketing, general and administrative divisions. National crackdown on scam texts begins with unregistered company SMS messages labelled as likely scam by Irish mobile operators The crackdown, instigated by the telecoms regulator, Comreg, is targeting scammers who try to use household name company brands like banks or retailers to spoof people over SMS Adrian Weckler Wed 2 Jul 2025 at 20:05 A national crackdown on scam texts begins on Wednesday, with a wave of SMS messages set to be labelled as likely scam across all Irish mobile operators. Dublin food producer sued for 60,000 in personal injury claim Ballymaguire Foods in Lusk, Co Dublin, is being sued by Sebastian Vohinger, a Romanian former employee who claimed that safety procedures had not been outlined to him in his native language and in a manner he could understand Former employee of Ballymaguire Foods, Sebastian Vohinger, told the court he was not aware of a sign in English stating Clean As You Go around the food hall. Photo: Getty Ray Managh Tue 1 Jul 2025 at 06:30 Foreign nationals employed in Irish workplaces do not have to be given training in writing and in their own language, a judge heard last week in a case where a Romanian sued an award-winning food producer for 60,000 damages for personal injuries. A devoted couple in their 80s who were found dead near the stairs of their terraced home in Glounthaune, Co Cork, on Monday night will be laid to rest together on Friday following a joint requiem mass. Foul play has been ruled out in relation to the deaths of Michael (Noel) OSullivan and his wife Ann. The bodies of the couple were found at around 5pm on Monday by a relative. They were formally pronounced dead by a local GP. A technical examination was carried out at the scene. The bodies of the deceased were taken to Cork University Hospital for postmortem examinations the results of which are expected today. A death notice for the couple said that Michael (Noel) OSullivan, late of the GPO, and his loving wife Ann, formerly of Irish Steel, died on Monday, June 30 together at home. Ann and Michael O'Sullivan. Photo: RIP.ie. Today's News in 90 Seconds - July 2nd Michael is survived by his sister Mary and is also deeply regretted by Sylvia and his nieces Maureen and Yvonne. He was predeceased by his sibling Bernie. Ann is survived by her siblings Gerry and Jim and is deeply regretted by Julie, her nieces Aoife, Briona, Orla and Fiona and her nephews Eolan and Diarmaid. She was predeceased by her brother Eolan. The notice adds that the couple will be very sadly missed by the Ryng and O'Sullivan families, their kind neighbours and friends. Mr and Mrs OSullivan will lie in repose at Barry Bros Funeral Home, Hazelwood, Glanmire, Co Cork tomorrow from 5pm to 6pm Their requiem mass will take place on Friday at 1pm in the Sacred Heart Church, Glounthaune with burial following at Joseph's Cemetery, Little Island. Meanwhile, Glounthaune Community Association has joined the residents of Glounthaune Village in offering their heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased. They said the couple were known for their love for each other. They were a deeply religious and devoted couple, who lived a life guided by strong spiritual values. They had a deep love for the village and its community, and will be fondly remembered. '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? Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD, at a press briefing at Government Buildings. Photo: Collins City and county councils are in line for more cash for discretionary spending if they meet their social housing targets, according to Housing Minister James Browne. A league table of how councils are faring in building homes shows Dublin City Council among one of the worst performing local authorities, having built less than half of its new-build targets under the Housing for All plan in 2021. Donegal had the lowest level of delivery, and overall, councils built 85pc of homes when compared to the target set out in the housing plan. But the Housing Minister said he is not looking at fines for councils that are not meeting targets and said instead, extra funds may be allocated for discretionary spending. Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD, at a press briefing at Government Buildings. Photo: Collins Today's News in 90 Seconds - July 2nd Local councillors will have the power to decide what can be done with this extra funding. Mr Browne said he didnt like the idea of penalties because they punish a social service which must be provided. What I am examining is methods to actually reward local authorities who are delivering, in particular on discretionary funding that councillors can have available to them. [The penalties] are not going to hurt the CEOs That is done in the United Kingdom, done in a number of other countries, he said. I think a bit more carrot, a little bit less stick. [The penalties] are not going to hurt the CEOs, its going to hurt the customers of local authorities. He was speaking as cabinet ministers signed off on changes aimed at speeding up housing delivery, including cutting red tape for building social housing. Instead of planning permissions for standardised social housing having to go through a four-step process, this will now be cut down to a single-step process. This will see most planning permissions for social housing be based on 60 standardised designs for housing by the Department of Housing. We want to ensure here that we can maximise the delivery of social housing There will be no compromises on fire safety, disability access or quality in homes, the Fianna Fail minister said. He said the new sped-up processes will not lead to faulty homes being built very quickly, as was the case during the Celtic Tiger years. We want to ensure here that we can maximise the delivery of social housing and thats why steps are being taken and thats why were bringing these measures in, he said. The minister came under fire in recent months after Fine Gael effectively blocked the appointment of a so-called housing tsar, or the head of the Housing Activation Office (HAO). Mr Browne said he wants to see the office fully staffed within the next few weeks. The secretariat has been appointed for the office and all staff members will be taken on secondments from other state agencies, such as the Land Development Agency (LDA) and Uisce Eireann. The office will be tasked with ramping up housing delivery and getting houses built across the country. A ban on sunbeds has been described as a no-brainer by Taoiseach Micheal Martin, who said he hoped the Government would bring forward legislation on a ban. It comes as the Irish Cancer Society published its pre-budget submissions and warned that one person every three minutes in Ireland receives a cancer diagnosis. While the HSE issued a warning on the use of sunbeds on Monday, the number of skin cancer cases diagnosed in Ireland were rising rapidly. The use of sunbeds by those under 18 was introduced in 2010 by then Health Minister Mary Harney and there have been numerous calls since for there to be an outright ban in Ireland. The HSE this week said there are lessons to be learnt from Australia, where a ban on commercial sunbeds has been in place since 2016. Speaking in Tokyo, the Taoiseach said a ban on sunbeds would be something he would advocate for. "I would hope we would bring in legislation and I favour [a ban on sun beds], Mr Martin said. It's something I would be advocating for. I'm of a view it is a no-brainer, anything that's a no-brainer we should do in terms of prevention, he added. On the ongoing issue of the third level student contribution fees, Mr Martin again said the Government was committed to the gradual reduction over the lifetime of the Government. However, it remains unclear whether the process to reduce the fees will begin this year. In terms of the student contribution, everyone has agreed within Government that there wouldn't be special cost of living this year. So that has implications for all of the ministers starting positions in terms of the allocation that they currently have, Mr Martin said. "So clearly, ministers have to get provision, not just in that area, but in some other areas as well, to bring it down. I would hope that would start in the estimates process that's currently being negotiated right now, and that we are committed to reducing it over the lifetime of the Government that's in the Programme for Government, he added. Meanwhile, the Taoiseach said he believed the current level of cocaine use in Ireland was an epidemic. It comes as 31 million worth of cocaine was seized off the coast of West Cork on Tuesday, with four men arrested in relation to the seizure. Asked if he believed cocaine use was an epidemic, Mr Martin said yes and added that its use was a worry for the health of the country. I believe it is. From what I hear anecdotally, the use and the prevalence of cocaine use has grown significantly and that is very worrying in terms of the health of the nation and younger people in particular, he added. On the alcohol story, it's interesting, consumption has gone significantly down over the last 20 years, which is a positive from a public health perspective. But then there clearly is an increase in drug use, and we've had terrible tragedies, terrible, terrible tragedies with people as a result of using cocaine or other drugs also, he added. However, he said it remains unclear if the reduction in alcohol consumption is linked with the increase use of cocaine. I think we need more scientific analysis of that. There could very well be. There could very well be a link between the two, and that would be very worrying, Mr Martin said. Workers could get paid time off for cancer screening appointments under new laws being put forward by the Labour Party. The laws, being put forward by Dublin TD Duncan Smith on Thursday, will stop workers taking annual leave for hospital appointments to check for cancer. Mr Smith said spotting cancer early on can be lifesaving. Theres no need to have this grey area where some people are using their holiday entitlements or sick leave just to go to a screening appointment. Lets just take a common-sense approach and make it as easy as possible to get to, he said. Labours Health Screening Leave Bill will be introduced into the Dail this Thursday. Itd be an easy win for Fine Gael to act and introduce this Bill and Id urge the Minister to take it on board sooner rather than later. Every family in Ireland has been touched by cancer in some way. Early detection saves lives, and we cannot afford to wait. No more excuses, for any of us. The TD said workers are so busy and stretched that when a screening appointment letter comes through the door, their first instinct is to put it off. The Organisation of Working Time (Leave for Health Screening Purposes) Bill 2025 would create a statutory entitlement to paid leave for employees to take part in health screening programmes. But health screening leave would only apply for workers who need time off work to attend a cervical, breast or colon cancer screening programme, provided by a medical practitioner because of the workers age, gender and general health status. Earlier this year, the Government paused plans to hike sick leave for all employees by two extra days, from five days to seven. This decision was made due to fears over looming tariff increases imposed by US President Donal Trump on the EU. The Government believes hiking sick leave will make it more difficult for businesses to trade and be profitable, causing them to close and jobs being lost. Under the proposed Labour law, cancer screening will be added to periods that should be included when calculating continuity of service for redundancies. The Irish Cancer Society estimates around 40,000 people get cancer in Ireland each year, which includes cancers which spread and ones that do not. According to the charity, most recent research shows there are now more than 24,200 invasive cases of cancers which spread diagnosed each year. Tanaiste Simon Harris has defended not permanently cutting college fees for students when he was Further and Higher Education Minister. James Lawless, the Fianna Fail Minister who currently holds that portfolio, is under fire this week after suggesting last weekend college fees of 3,000 would not be cut in this years Budget. Previous budgets saw the fees cut by as high as 1,000 as a once off measure as part of the cost of living package designed. Tanaiste Simon Harris speaking to the media outside Government Buildings. Photo: Sam Boal/Collins Photos Today's News in 90 Seconds - July 2nd However, the cuts were not put on a permanent reduction and Minister Lawless suggested that as there would be no cost of living measures this year, student fees would go back up to 3,000. His comments sparked a row with Fine Gael, with Tanaiste Simon Harris telling party members the commitment to cut fees remains. Minister Harris served as Further and Higher Education for four years in the last Government and moved to cut fees on a temporary basis in previous Budgets. He said how during the general election, Fine Gael campaigned to abolish college fees during the lifetime of the Government. He said the party campaigned on permanently cutting costs for education, childcare and VAT for hospitality. Minister Harris defended his record as Further and Higher Education Minister, saying he used the funds available to make the temporary reductions. What I used was every euro that was available to students to try and drive down their bills during the cost of living crisis. We had the money to do it on a once off basis and we took that in the cost of living package, as we did in many areas. But we made it crystal clear, crystal clear, I said this when I was Taoiseach and I said it during the election campaign, I want to permanently decrease the fees, he said. Thats the commitment I made to students and I want to deliver on it. Speaking in the Dail after being asked for clarity by Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald, Minister Lawless said no figure has ever been produced by the Government in advance of a decision being made during Budgetary negotiations. Ms McDonald asked if students will be paying 2,000 or 3,000 in fees. The Budgetary process is underway. I am fighting within the resources available for students and their families with best possible outcome across the board, said Minister Lawless. He said he is looking at many costs students have, including fees, Susi grants and the cost of accommodation. Fine Gael TD Catherine Callaghan told the Dail her phone has been hopping since Minister Lawless comments over the weekend. Fianna Fail Minister Jack Chambers said the measures will be considered as part of Budget 2026 and said the Government wants to make permanent changes to some of the costs that exist for students. Minister Lawless is expected to publish a report on the cost of education shortly. Taoiseach said Brother Kevin was a tireless and passionate advocate for justice People queue for Christmas hampers at the Capuchin Day Centre in Dublin in December 2021. Photo: Collins Brother Kevin with food bags at the Capuchin Day Centre in Dublin in 2020. Photo: Collins Brother Kevin Crowley, the founder of the Capuchin Day Centre for Homeless People, has died at the age of 90. Known across Ireland for his work helping the poor and homeless, Br Kevin founded the Capuchin Day Centre, based on Bow Street in Dublin, in 1969. The organisation provides more than 1,000 hot meals every day and more than 1,000 food parcels every week for homeless and poor people. Tributes to Br Kevin have been led by President Michael D Higgins, who said he made an invaluable contribution to the people of Dublin city through the essential services provided by the Capuchin Day Centre. The hot meals, food parcels, clothing, showers, family services, and medical and dental services have not just extended care of the most vulnerable, but have been exemplary in showing a fundamental respect for the dignity of each person and allowed so many of those who have availed of the services to rebuild their lives, he said. It was extremely appropriate that Pope Francis visited Brother Kevin and the Capuchin Day Centre during his visit to Ireland in 2018, and met with those present and volunteers. President Higgins said he was deeply honoured to have met with Br Kevin on many occasions throughout the years and to share in his company. He described him as a warm, caring, yet fearless man, who dedicated his life to living his Christian faith in dedication to those most in need. Brother Kevin leaves a wonderful legacy to all those whose lives to which he made such a difference. Sabina and I will miss his messages, which continued after his move to Cork, Mr Higgins added. Brother Kevin with food bags at the Capuchin Day Centre in Dublin in 2020. Photo: Collins May I express my deepest condolences to Brother Kevins family, to all of his fellow Capuchins, and to all of his many friends and colleagues across the country. Siochain siorai do a anam lach uasal. The Archbishop of Dublin, Dermot Farrell, extended his sympathies to Br Kevins family and his fellow Capuchins. His work with the Capuchin Day Centre staff and volunteers transformed the lives of the poor and marginalised in our city who availed of its services, from misery and despair to hope and love, he said. He would want us to remember the poor we still have with us in ever greater numbers "He was always able to see Christ in the people he met. His was a love that reached out with no questions asked of those who sought assistance. Brother Kevin was an authentic follower of St Francis of Assisi. As we mourn Brother Kevins death, he would want us to remember the poor we still have with us in ever greater numbers because of homelessness, wars, famine and the multiplicity of addictions that affect our country today. "Today we ask the Lord to grant us compassion for those who are experiencing Calvary and sorrow for our own self-indulgence. We cannot put words on that love of God, and yet when we have witnessed it in a good mans life and death, we too are able to recognise it, and to say a deeper and more grateful yes to God. People queue for Christmas hampers at the Capuchin Day Centre in Dublin in December 2021. Photo: Collins May Brother Kevin Crowley rest in the eternal embrace of God. Taoiseach Micheal Martin said he was deeply saddened to learn of the death of Br Kevin, who he described as a good friend. Brother Kevin was a tireless and passionate advocate for justice, dedicating his life to helping those in need, Mr Martin said. In 1969 he founded the Capuchin Day Centre, where he worked selflessly, and with good humour, for 53 years providing help to vulnerable people. He truly lived the gospel. He was an inspiring and humble man His compassion, devotion and non-judgmental approach to helping the marginalised was unwavering. He was an inspiring and humble man who I always enjoyed meeting. He was a proud Cork man who never lost touch with the home place that nurtured him in his early years. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this time. Born to parents William and Catherina in Kilcolman in Enniskeane, Co Cork in February of 1935, Br Kevin was baptised William. He attended school at the local national school and Bandon Vocational School. He then entered the Capuchin Postulancy in Co Kilkenny on April 7, 1958, Easter Monday of that year. In October of that year, he was admitted to the Novitiate in Rochestown in Cork where he received the name Kevin. After spending time working in the Cooperative Clothing Guild in Dublin, he had offices on Bow Street reconstructed to build the Capuchin Day Centre. Capuchin Day Centre founder Brother Kevin Crowley Today's News in 90 Seconds - July 2nd It has since gone on to become a vital facility for supporting poor and homeless people in Dublin. In recent years, it has offered support for international protection applicants. The centre was visited by Pope Francis during his time in Ireland in 2018, where he met service users. Addressing Capuchins in the Vatican later that year, the late pontiff said: Recently in Ireland, I saw your work with the most discarded and I was moved. It is a beautiful thing that the elderly founder told me, Here we do not ask where you come from, who you are: you are a child of God. "This is one of your traits. To really understand the persons, by smell, unconditionally. Come in, then we will see. As Capuchins, closeness is your charism. Preserve it. Brother Kevin retired in 2022, aged 87. A third hospital is now under investigation for alleged misuse of public funding to reduce waiting lists, it emerged today. HSE chief, Bernard Gloster, confirmed at the Oireachtas health committee that Naas General Hospital will be subject to an audit arising out of its use of money from the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) which has 230m to spend and pays hospitals for additional clinics and procedures. He said the regional executive officer for the region overseeing Naas General Hospital has asked the HSE auditors to look at an issue raised with her in correspondence. Questioned by Labour party TD, Marie Sherlock, Mr Gloster said there is a concern about how NTPF funding was governed by the hospital and an audit will look at it. The latest probe follows serious concerns about the use of NTPF funding to reduce waiting lists by Childrens Hospital Ireland and Beaumont Hospital in Dublin. Deputy Sherlock asked NTPF officials, who had said there were strong safeguards in place, how this could be claimed in light of the issues that have emerged and she questioned what was happening in relation to funding used by Beaumont Hospital. In response, the chief executive of the NTPF, Fiona Brady, said she noticed in January that Beaumont Hospital had not applied for insourcing funding. It had used around 8m the previous year. She followed up with a meeting the Beaumont Hospital chief executive who gave her a letter from a number of rheumatologists which led to a review of one year of invoices. It led to the claim by a doctor that they had seen patients in the core day-to-day clinics even though the hospital had billed the NTPF for funding on the grounds they were seen as part of additional work. The NTPF had been billed as if it was additionality, Ms Brady told the committee. Asked by Deputy Sherlock if there is there is a failing in your systems to pick up what is happening, Ms Brady said she would not agree. She said invoices for particular patients from Beaumont Hospital were checked. She insisted: from our perspective everything was followed. She said she was not aware of it happening in another hospital. An internal HSE audit team has been sent in, she added. Earlier, Mr Gloster confirmed he plans to phase out the use of external companies hired to treat patients in public hospitals with top-up funds after a report found they were paid over 100m in the last 27 months. The HSE review which followed recent controversies also shows that 83 directors of these companies are current or previous employees of the HSE. Some 23 who are current employees are effectively double-jobbing working in the HSE while also serving as directors of companies hired by hospitals to reduce backlogs of waiting list patients. Mr Gloster said he planned to phase out this form of insourcing in public hospitals by the end of June next year and it was not possible to do it immediately. These companies have grown in level and scale. We took our eye off the ball. We need to unwind it, he told the committee. He add that the only way to change it is to stop it. The winding down must be done sensibly, he added. He pointed out there is nothing unlawful about being a company director and there are obligations under the Standards in Public Office or employment contract terms. The review had found an over-reliance on these external companies several of which had links to hospitals. He said the plan is to introduce more safeguards around them and he is to work with health minister, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, on strengthening these. The review examined 148 companies which had 365 directors in total and found 93 matches with current or previous HSE employees. The implications for removing these companies from carrying out the work is that there is potential for having to use more private hospitals to treat public patients. The aim is to increase productivity through routine hospital work. Committee chairman, Padraig Rice, asked what is being done to improve productivity around the routine management of waiting lists and what is happening with plans for new elective hospitals in Cork and Galway. Mr Gloster said the OECD pointed out that even where you put in new measures like new beds and staff they can get take over by demand. "Healthcare demand is only going in one direction He said: We have to reduce dependency on third party insourcing. We still have to respond to people. He pointed out that hospitals will still need to outsource work to the private sector for some time to come. "If you want to reduce dependence on insourcing and outsourcing it is not as simple as going out today and building more hospitals and beds, he added. It is also about the way hospitals work but improvements will take time. Uisce Eireann said there must be investment in water infrastructure Demand for drinking water in Dublin was so high last Monday that it exceeded anything the citys supply was built to cope with. Wastewater treatment works are meanwhile so stretched that the capacity to cater for new houses will be exhausted in just two or three years. The strains on the regions water and sewage systems were detailed for politicians at the Oireachtas Committee on Housing, where Uisce Eireanns asset strategy manager Angela Ryan warned: Were running out of road. Uisce Eireann said there must be investment in water infrastructure Today's News in 90 Seconds - July 2nd Ms Ryan told the committee that homes, businesses and services in the Dublin region used 643 million litres of water on Monday, but the supply was built to provide 620 million litres at most. She said the continued high demand was not sustainable without investment in new infrastructure. That meant getting the proposed Shannon-Dublin pipeline started, a project the committee heard would cost at least 4.6billion and take over four years to build if it got the final go-ahead. Until then, the supply situation would remain critical. We have a dependency on Ringsend Ms Ryan said there were similar constraints on the wastewater treatment side. We have a dependency on Ringsend [wastewater treatment plant]. We have upgraded it, but ultimately we have two to three years of growth left within it. She said even that forecast depended on Uisce Eireann completing lots of small projects to try to ease pressure, such as by preventing groundwater infiltration in the system. We can get up to 2028/29, but thats where we run into difficulties, she said. Fianna Fails Seamus McGrath said: So were never too far away from restrictions? Agreed, Ms Ryan replied. She added that money was being spent on these short-term works to prop up the system when it would be better spent on long-term solutions. The Greater Dublin Drainage Project a new wastewater treatment plant and linked upgraded sewage network was in planning and awaiting a decision, while a planning application would be submitted for the Shannon-Dublin pipeline by the end of this year. Both projects would have to await final approval from the Government, however, and Niall Gleeson, Uisce Eireann chief executive, said he was conscious that many agencies were seeking to get projects included in the National Development Plan, which is currently being reviewed. I can see them drifting to more attractive projects in the UK He said he was concerned about the impact of the uncertainty around future projects on the specialist contractors Uisce Eireann would need to build them. To me the biggest threat is the UK, which is investing 90 billion in water projects, he said. If our supply chain doesnt see a guarantee of work, I can see them drifting to more attractive projects in the UK. The condition of the water and sewage systems is of concern as the Government attempts to accelerate house building, with around 150,000 new homes hoped for in Dublin and the wider eastern region. The committee heard from ESB Networks that it too was facing difficulties meeting growing demand for electricity for new homes, expanding businesses, including the power-hungry data centre sector. Managing director Nicholas Tarrant said new homes needed enough power to run electric heat pumps and electric vehicles, which meant providing for double the capacity per unit compared to a house built a decade ago. He said that at the moment, north and west Dublin were key areas of concern, but a five-year funding plan had been submitted to the energy regulator late last year and it was hoped this would be approved soon to enable priority and urgent works to begin. Regional TDs and senators also spoke of their frustration at hold-ups in building homes due to lack of electricity and water infrastructure in smaller towns and villages. Uisce Eireann Several asked if developers could be allowed provide temporary wastewater treatment facilities so that construction could get under way. Mr Gleeson reminded the committee that this was allowed during the Celtic Tiger building boom and Uisce Eireann was still working its way through about 800 such facilities, trying to repair them and take them in charge. We have a lot of legacy issues from the last time developers were allow to put in developer provided infrastructure, he said. He said the facilities were in various states of disrepair and the job of fixing them was ultimately going to cost from 500m to 1bn. Uisce Eireann had submitted a five-year funding plan totalling 16.9bn for 2025-2029, comprising 10.3bn for capital investment and 6.6bn for day-to-day spending. That was to cater for a government target of 33,000 new homes per year, however, and since it was submitted, that target was increased to 50,000 annually. Uisce Eireann is seeking an additional 2bn to cover the extra expansion. ESB Networks meanwhile is looking for 13.4bn to cover the 2026-2030 period. Chloe finds a hobby: I love Spanish cooking but my prawn pil pil is out of Dunlops tyre factory Heading for a lesson at Dublin Cookery School, Chloe McPolin was hoping to expand her recipe repertoire but soon felt the heat in the kitchen Tutor Jose Gomez with Chloe McPolin at Dublin Cookery School. Photo: Gareth Chaney Chloe McPolin Wed 2 Jul 2025 at 06:30 During a recent trip to Barcelona for the Primavera music festival, I found myself gorging on copious amounts of seafood paella and sangria. When I got home, I vowed to learn how to make the paella. Bill Linnane: I wish my father was around to have seen me finally learn to drive Sometimes we dont appreciate our parents sacrifices until its too late One day, he arrived at the house with a car I could learn to drive in. Photo: Picture posed/Getty Bill Linnane Wed 2 Jul 2025 at 06:30 As a parent, you spend a lot of time in waiting rooms. It starts in the maternity hospital, then the public health nurse, then the GP, the dentist, maybe the school principal a couple of times if you are blessed with an especially terrible child. Gerry Hutch leaves court after his acquittal in the Regency murder trial. Photo: Mark Condren Crime World host Nicola Tallant has spoken about the first time she sat opposite Dublin crime lord Gerry The Monk Hutch in a secret location. The podcaster reveals she met him for the face-to-face conversation over a dinner of halloumi burgers and chicken wings, before the November election. The broadcaster, who is this weeks guest on the Under the Grill podcast, said: There was no coddle or any of this sort of stuff, even though you think he's such a traditional Dub, dont you? Id say he has better taste than you and I. He's floating around the Mediterranean and he has probably eaten very nicely. He ordered a haloumi burger, and I, embarrassingly, had chicken wings. What an amateur I am. He is sophisticated enough he like his Eggs Benedict. I did meet him in town over the course of the general election and he had an old-fashioned Irish breakfast at lunchtime. Hutch walked free from the Special Criminal Court in 2023 after the State unsuccessfully sought to prosecute him for his involvement in a gun attack at the Regency Hotel in 2016. He is currently under investigation by authorities in Spain for alleged money laundering. He narrowly missed out on securing a Dail seat in last years general election. Ms Tallant said: He is quite distinguished looking: he's unusual looking and he had kind of shaved his beard, and he has those sharky eyes. The day he came out of prison, he had the full beard and looked like something from Castaway. It just added to the whole drama of everything when he walked free that day. He has differing styles and I don't think he has worn the beard since then. But he's an interesting character. The Monk interview was a mega success with our listeners. There are comedy sketches about him now. Gerry Hutch leaves court after his acquittal in the Regency murder trial. Photo: Mark Condren His voice is so funny. He shocks you in a funny way when he speaks. He does have a star quality: for a criminal, he does have some charisma. The Monk interview is the biggest that was ever broadcast in Ireland. If you look at the figures properly, they're up there with the Joe Rogan [podcast]. Its off the scale. On YouTube alone, before we hit the audio figures, there's about 1.4 million. You can double that for listeners. Ms Tallant joined Kevin Dundon and Caoimhe Young in the Under the Grill kitchen to chat about her dads roast chicken dinner. In Under the Grill, Irelands best loved personalities choose a dish from their childhood and Kevin Dundon cooks it up in his kitchen alongside Caoimhe Young. Under the Grill is available to watch on YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. Maire Treasa Ni Cheallaigh: Unless youre well-off, the cold hand of financial fear grips every students heart There are many bright young people out there who would make excellent doctors, but cant afford to study medicine Medicine provides a rewarding career, but college courses are expensive. Photo: Getty Maire Treasa Ni Cheallaigh Wed 2 Jul 2025 at 06:30 When I was studying medicine, I also had to work as I had bills to pay. College fees, rent and living all had to be financed. As a fully formed adult with a career who chose to return to college, there was no Bank of Mom and Dad. Once full of pride, she is now too weak to hold her head up How the war ruined one Palestinian girls life I met a class of promising young Stem students in Gaza, only three have survived the war so far A Palestinian woman looks at the damage, at the site of an Israeli strike on a house in Zawayda in the central Gaza Strip. Photo: Reuters Vivienne Parry Wed 2 Jul 2025 at 06:30 In my work with Unicef, I have the privilege of meeting children and families living through some of the worlds most devastating crises. Sick certs are being provided online with no requirement to see a doctor in person Changes in sick leave entitlement have greatly benefited workers. From the start of last year, employees have a right to five days sick pay a year, increased from three days before that. The expansion came under the Sick Leave Act 2022, which provides a statutory sick pay scheme for all employees in Ireland. This entitlement ensures that employees benefit from a minimum level of compensation if they are unable to work due to illness or injury. The Government was planning to expand the scheme even further this year to seven days and then 10 days, but a backlash from employers resulted in a climbdown. Business owners and representative bodies in the retail and hospitality sectors expressed concerns about the overall impact of such measures, particularly in the context of increasing labour, input and energy costs. The Government argued that the allowance of five days paid leave strikes a balance, giving employees income protection for five days, after which they will be entitled to illness benefit. The rules are clear though. The same cannot be said about the provision of sick certs for workers who are ill. The growth in population has resulted in a shortage of doctors. GP appointments are no longer a case of just ringing the surgery and dropping in. The supply of digital sick certs is a growing trend So employees who need a sick cert to ensure their time off is covered by their bosses have to turn to alternative means of getting a cert. The supply of digital sick certs is a growing trend. However, some of these certs are issued without any phone or video consultations being carried out by doctors. Sick certs are being advertised on some medical websites for between 25 and 45, with students and employees required to fill out an online questionnaire to allow their request to be reviewed. When Irish Independent reporters applied to six websites for sick certs, complaining of headaches and flu symptoms, three sites arranged a phone call with a GP. Four of the sites did not ask for proof of identification and all provided a cert within a short timeframe. Medical professionals say that digital certification helps keep infectious people out of clinics and workplaces, and frees up scarce GP time. And undoubtedly there are operators who are running a credible, valuable and legitimate service. The Irish Medical Councils guidelines do not require live interaction before a doctor signs off on a sick cert. However, concerns have been raised that the online system may be open to exploitation. For example, one website with an Indian domain name offers sick certs to employees in around 40 countries for prices as low as 25. The cert did not appear to include a number for the Irish Medical Council register, therefore is not applicable in Ireland provided the employer knows the rules. Like much of the telemedicine sector, the rules appear vague. Undoubtedly, there are benefits to telemedicine and the use of technology. But there is an obligation on the Irish Medical Council to step in with hard and fast regulations. Nearly 1,000 pages long and packed full of spending cuts and tax breaks, Trump has promised the bill will help the average American. His opponents arent so sure. The presidents former ally, Elon Musk, is among its most vocal critics, reigniting a prickly feud between the two that could see the worlds richest man set up his own political party. While Washington wages battle over policy, the Trump show continues from his Alligator Alcatraz detention centre, to carving his face into the historic Mount Rushmore. And this week, his ambassador to Ireland has arrived full of enthusiasm but without his goat. Today on The Indo Daily, Kevin Doyle is joined by Scott Lucas, professor of international politics at UCDs Clinton Institute, and by Gina London, Sunday Independent columnist and former CNN correspondent, to look at one of Trumps biggest policy moves to date and ask could he really deport Elon Musk? The seizure of a major cocaine shipment worth up to 31m in rural West Cork highlights the need for more resources and more gardai to prevent and detect crime in local communities said a Cork politician. On Tuesday, July 1, gardai seized a major cocaine shipment worth up to 31m after smashing a drug smuggling operation in Cork. The significant drugs haul is understood to have been brought ashore in the early hours of Tuesday, July 1 after being collected by a landing crew. Two men, aged in their 30s and 40s, were arrested and are currently being held on organised crime offences. They have been described as the landing crew of the operation who collected the drug shipment after it was brought to shore by another cell commonly referred to as the collection crew. Elsewhere, the Irish Naval ship the LE William Butler Yeats responded to the departure of a rigid inflatable boat (RIB) from Broadstrand, Courtmacsherry. Maritime patrol aircraft from the Irish Air Corps provided overhead surveillance during the operation. Two Naval Service RIBs with members of the armed maritime interdiction team were launched from LE William Butler Yeats and intercepted the suspect vessel off the coast of Cork. The suspect vessel was detained by Revenue Customs Service and the two men were taken on board the LE William Butler Yeats. The LE William Butler Yeats returned to Haulbowline Naval Base and both men, also aged in their 30s and 40s, were arrested by gardai and detained under Section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act 2007. Senator Noel ODonovan said the capture in rural West Cork once again highlights the need for more resources and more gardai to prevent and detect crime in our local communities. Senator ODonovan who is a former member of An Garda Siochana commended the work of local and national units of the force as well as the Naval Service and Air Corps in the major drugs bust. This is a significant detection, the biggest drugs bust in the country this year. Early indications say this operation was under surveillance for the last number of days so that is a testament to all involved for their professionalism and success in combating the importation of drugs into this country and its further transportation. The seizure and removal of 30 million worth of drugs off our streets, towns and villages is extremely welcome, said the Cork politician. This capture in rural West Cork highlights again the need for more resources and more gardai to prevent and detect crime in our local communities. In West Cork we are well aware how narcotics can be smuggled into this country and the European continent. More gardai patrolling our rural areas prevents and deters criminal activity, he added. A Macroom councillor said the bus station was an old, shook building since the time when she was a child A meeting to discuss the future of a derelict bus station in Macroom is scheduled to take place next week. Elected members of Macroom Municipal District will meet representatives from Bus Eireann in a private meeting in the council chamber. Councillors want to know how the derelict station will accommodate buses after it was announced that Cork Education and Training Board had received permission to enter lease negotiations with Bus Eireann to use the site as a Youthreach centre. Fianna Fail councillor Michael Looney said the upcoming meeting is crucial. The bus station in Macroom is inadequate and we need it to get to a proper standard, especially for a tourism town like Macroom, he said. If people are to get a bus into Macroom and a bus out they need adequate facilities. Macroom councillors previously spoke to The Corkman on the issue of the bus top and Bus Eireann services in the town. Independent councillor Martin Coughlan said he wants to discuss how a refurbished bus station would function with Youthreach operating in the same building. They are talking about Youthreach going in there and that is something that, to me, sounds crazy with buses going in and out of there with Youthreach students walking around there, he said. Fine Gael councillor Kate Lynch said the derelict bus station is in dire need of refurbishment. Anything that is going to progress the development has to be welcomed and to get it going because it is an eyesore, which it has been since I was a kid, she stated. We used to go down there and play around it, and it was an old, shook building at that stage. It would be great to see it be put to some functional use. Her party colleague Michael Creed said there must be toilet facilities open to the public at the bus station. Im willing to listen to them [Bus Eireann] and hear what they have to say, Cllr Creed said. They have some nice work done there to be fair but the main issue, for me, is the lack of toilet facilities. Fine Gael councillor Ted Lucey said he is interested in whether or not Macroom will get new bus stops, and if more services can stop in the town. Fianna Fail councillor Gobnait Moynihan said she wants updates on current Bus Eireann traffic flow plans for Macroom. There was a plan for a different flow of traffic for the buses in and out of there, and that was something that Bus Eireann has come to councillors about previously, and I suppose to hear how that is moving as well, she said. Just to get assurance that these projects are still moving along because it is right in the middle of town and it really looks shabby, she said. They have one ear higher than the other, can turn their heads through 270 degrees, their hungry young make a sound between snoring and hissing, and the blood-curding night-time cry of the adults may have inspired the legend of the banshee. But you probably know this iconic bird best from the opening titles of The Late Late Show. The barn owl, one of Irelands native birds of prey, is an elusive nocturnal hunter, scouring verges and hedgerows for the rodents they survive on. And like many of the countrys other raptors, theyre on the Red List of high conservation concern. Rodenticide and road kills have whittled away their numbers but the greatest threat they face is loss of habitat as farming becomes ever more intensive. However, there are grounds for hope. In Cork, barn owl numbers are slowly recovering, with nest boxes built by volunteers playing an important role. The plywood boxes are installed high up near the roof inside the galvanised farm sheds that have largely replaced traditional barns, in derelict buildings, and also on trees. Built to a design approved by BirdWatch Ireland, the boxes give the owls extra sites in which to raise their annual brood. And in Cork the birds are taking full advantage of their new accommodation. In a recent check of three nest boxes in the farmland around the East Cork villages of Mogeely and Killeagh, Dr Alan McCarthy of Birdwatch Ireland discovered seven thriving barn owl chicks. He told the Irish Independent that the nest box project has been a resounding success in Cork. Year on year we're seeing more boxes have become occupied for nesting. So last year the occupancy rate was up to 25% of boxes, which for a Red-Listed species is very good, and this year were still getting the numbers in but so far it looks like even more boxes will be occupied, he said. The project is definitely producing the goods. Without nest boxes in these modern farm buildings, there would be no suitable cavities for barn owls to nest within, so it's providing new homes for new pairs for the population to expand. In the past 10 years there's been an increase of around 130% in the barn owl breeding distribution in Cork, with the highest number of known nest sites in any county. In 2023, the highest density of barn owls in Ireland were recorded within a 10-kilometre square in East Cork. Its good news for farmers too as the owls feed on rats and mice as well as shrews and voles. A pair of barn owls can predate over 2,000 small mammals during the breeding season, Dr McCarthy said. Science teacher and BirdWatch Ireland volunteer Donncha O'Teangana has built and installed around 100 barn owl nesting boxes in County Cork over the past five years, with Cork County Council providing funding for the materials. He has since had the satisfaction of seeing many of them used to raise the next generation. When the first box got taken, I was delighted. When youre putting them up and nothing's happening and you're wondering, are you doing it right? Now I'm kind of disappointed when I arrive at a box and there's nothing in it! he said. So the picture is looking somewhat better for the barn owl, at least in Cork. This year Cork County Council will receive 8,585 from the National Parks and Wildlife Service's Local Biodiversity Action Fund for barn owl and kestrel monitoring and conservation in the county. Even so, the barn owl remains endangered. We need more hedgerows that are managed sympathetically with wildlife in mind, a hedgerow that isn't cut every year and where the hedge is allowed to develop flowers, seeds and berries. Just leaving a one or two-metre grass margin along the base of a hedgerow could make the world of difference by providing good hunting for barn owls, Dr McCarthy said. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme. Proposals show a new vision for Drury Street, OConnell Street and Fade Street A render of what Drury Street in Dublin could look like, according to architect and town planner, Federico Minieri Rachel Coyne, Georgia Sherry and Leo Dunne hanging out on Drury Street in Dublin this summer. Photo: Frank McGrath An architect, whose portfolio includes projects in major cities such as London, will this week present a comprehensive redesign plan for Dublins streets to the new Lord Mayor. Federico Minieri, an independent urban designer, will unveil his proposals this Friday, July 4, for the revitalisation of Drury Street, OConnell Street, Fade Street and other central areas. Dublin city centre is like Disneyland nice during the day, then everyone leaves and it becomes empty, Mr Minieri said. Criminality comes when there arent enough people around, when its not well lit. When the streets are dead, thats when crime creeps in. Nowadays, shops are all the same because of the world we live in. So shops dont necessarily draw people from one street to another. Thats why every street needs its own identity, a reason for people to be there, he added. A render of what Drury Street in Dublin could look like, according to architect and town planner, Federico Minieri Mr Minieri, who grew up in Dublin, noticed significant issues with the citys public and social spaces after returning from a period living and studying in London. He is now sharing a radical concept for what Drury Street could become a fully pedestrianised space with new seating, planting, lighting and permanent street-level improvements. My thinking behind this was that Dublin lacks a coherent design language and has too few public spaces for people to actually use, he said. This isnt about making people spend money its about offering places where people can sit down, have a chat or a drink. And it doesnt all need to revolve around alcohol. His comments come after signs reading Please dont sit on the kerb appeared on Drury Street, in response to the crowds drawn there during recent good weather a trend some businesses claim harms trade. Architect and street planner Federico Minieri with MEP Regina Doherty Mr Minieris wider proposals also involve reimagining key areas such as OConnell Street and making Fade Street a designated social and food district. Among his designs is a steel-and-glass canopy over the full length of Fade Street creating a weather-resilient space to encourage year-round outdoor socialising. In Phase Three of the project, Fade Street would become fully pedestrianised, connecting with Drury Street and improving the flow of people, rather than cars. He said the transformation would be sensitive to the existing architectural character of the area, with ambient lighting, landscaping, and increased seating, especially during off-peak hours. Rachel Coyne, Georgia Sherry and Leo Dunne hanging out on Drury Street in Dublin this summer. Photo: Frank McGrath Ill be presenting this project and explaining my ideas for Drury Street, including traffic rerouting, street furniture and how to manage peak hours, he said. For example, the plan is for anti-terrorism barriers to lower after 7pm, allowing only commercial vehicles to offload goods to shops and restaurants. Mr Minieri has also developed manuals for the council, outlining shopfront designs and suitable street furniture, to introduce a consistent design language across the city centre. Dublin MEP Regina Doherty will join him in the meeting with the Lord Mayor, as she too is advocating for improved street environments across the citys core. Mr Zareba met with some of the firefighters/paramedics who were at the scene of the fire A man jumps on to the lorry to escape the fire in Dublin A lorry driver who rescued people from a burning building in Dublin last week, has been presented with a special plaque by Dublin Fire Brigade. The plaque was to acknowledge the quick actions of Tomaz Zareba who positioned his delivery truck to allow people escape the fire by jumping from a window on to the top of his vehicle. Mr Zareba was presented with the plaque by Chief Fire Officer Dennis Keeley, and he met with some of the firefighters/paramedics who were at the scene of the incident off Granby Row in the city centre. Three people were injured during the incident last Tuesday, with Eurospar driver Mr Zareba helping one man jump to safety by pulling in his lorry and allowing him to jump on the roof. I just thought it would be much safer for him to jump on the lorry instead of the footpath, said Mr Zareba. Footage of the incident showed smoke billowing from the building early that morning and Mr Zareba moving his truck on the street to help a man in the building jump to safety. A man jumps on to the lorry to escape the fire in Dublin I saw the smoke coming from the window because my next delivery was just around the corner. I saw the flames coming up from the window and one guy was lying on the footpath, he said. One man who had jumped from the building appeared injured on the footpath, while another was screaming from the window. He didn't know what he was supposed to do because he had flames behind him, and the long drop below him. I reversed the lorry as close as I safely could to the window and the other lads from the footpath told him to jump on the roof of the lorry. I asked him how many people were in the building, but he didnt know because he was in shock. I waited in case maybe somebody else would need to jump from the window. After a while, I pulled the lorry to a safe place and waited for the fire brigade. I waited another 20 minutes because the road was blocked and then the fireman came over and said, Grand job buddy, thanks for that', and I went on to finish my deliveries for the day. Mr Zareba met with some of the firefighters/paramedics who were at the scene of the fire Gardai and emergency services were called to the scene of the fire at 8.15am on June 24. Three people were brought to St Jamess Hospital for treatment after the fire broke out on the third floor of the four-storey building. Seven people treated at the scene. Six fire engines were sent to the incident including a turntable ladder and emergency tender. Breathing apparatus teams were also committed to fight and extinguish the fire, a spokesperson said. Stephen Brougham and his partner Emma Hickey, who remains in hospital in Tenerife Emma Hickey, from Kilbarrack, collapsed while on a family holiday in Tenerife A Dublin woman who collapsed while on holiday in Tenerife remains in a critical condition, but has stabilised, her partner confirmed. Emma Hickey, from Kilbarrack, was on a family holiday with her partner Stephen Brougham and their two children in Costa Adeje. Shortly into the holiday, the 42-year-old medical secretary began to feel unwell as a result of mosquito bites. She was taken to the hospital and received injections and antibiotics, but continued to feel unwell for the days that followed. On June 23, Ms Hickey was making her way to the pharmacy when she felt dizzy and collapsed, hitting her head on a concrete step. She was rushed to hospital where a CT scan revealed the mum-of-two had a brain bleed and neck fractures. Ms Hickeys condition continued to deteriorate and she had to be put into a medically induced coma. She got a second bleed on the brain and she developed sepsis and a chest infection, Mr Brougham said. Stephen Brougham and his partner Emma Hickey, who remains in hospital in Tenerife Ms Hickeys niece, Megan Hickey, said it has been a shock for the whole family. When we got the phone call to say this happened, we genuinely didnt know how to take it, she said. We thought, its a fall, but shell get through it. Shes strong. Over 60,000 has been raised via a Go Fund Me appeal to support Mr Brougham and their children while Ms Hickey undergoes treatment in Tenerife. Id really like to thank the people who have supported us, Mr Brougham said. They have made it possible for me to stay by her side here as it is gonna be long term. Emma Hickey, from Kilbarrack, collapsed while on a family holiday in Tenerife Today's News in 90 Seconds - July 2nd Ten days on from the incident Ms Hickeys niece remains optimistic that her condition has stabilised. When she was admitted to the hospital and we were told it'd be quite a long road, she said. She is starting to breathe by herself, she's not really relying on machines as much. On Tuesday evening, friends and family gathered at Velvet Strand Portmarnock for a Power of Positivity event to help and support the family. The Garda logo on a lamp at the entrance to Garda Headquarters (PA) A man is due in court following an armed robbery of a shop in Sandyford in Dublin earlier this week. Gardai received a report at around 8.45pm on Monday night when an armed man entered the shop, stole a sum of cash from the till and fled the scene. No injuries were reported in the incident. On Tuesday afternoon, gardai investigating the incident arrested a male suspect. A sum of cash and a knife were recovered following the arrest. The man was then detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984 at a garda station in south Dublin. He has since been charged and is set to appear before Dun Laoghaire District Court on Wednesday morning. Listowel's population increased by more than a third during the Great Famine, as people from across North Kerry sought food and shelter Primary school pals Michael Guerin and Johnny Carmody in attendance at the Teampall Ban Graveyard commemoration. The prayer and song group at the event in Teampall Ban Graveyard. Jim Beasley and Maurice Hayes were in attendance at the pastoral event. Many parishioners joined Canon Declan O'Connor to reflect on the lives led by those buried at the graveyard. Photos supplied by Michael Guerin A Listowel pastoral event commemorating the troubled lives of those who were buried at the Teampall Ban famine graveyard took place last Friday evening. Canon Declan OConnor led the many parishioners who attended the event through reflections and prayer, while songs were performed by Martha Woulfe. A presentation on the history of the graveyard on the Ballybunion Road was made by Michael Guerin, who published a book titled Listowel Workhouse Union on the 150th anniversary of the Great Irish Famine in 1996. Mr Guerin said Listowel workhouse was completed in March 1842 but the first paupers were not admitted until February 1845 due to a dispute between the Board of Guardians and the Rate payers. He said that the workhouse, and the many such facilities which opened in the town during the famine, catered to people who were seeking food and shelter. During the famine, the population of Listowel town increased by more than a third as people came from across North Kerry, where it is estimated that up to 7,000 people died. Listowel Workhouse Union documents indicate that 3,380 adults and 1,869 children under 15 years died between 1848 and 1852. Mr Guerin said Galey graveyard was used to bury the dead before Teampall Ban graveyard was established. An Bothar Dubh was the name given to the road running from the rear of the workhouse to Teampall Ban, which was still in use for the typhus outbreak of 1912, the flu epidemic of 1920 and up to 1940. According to Jerry Kennelly in the Shannonside Annual 1959, several talented individuals were buried at the graveyard, including Muirin the dancer, Buckley the fiddler and Paddy the Gaisc. Mr Guerin said the national system of education was later adopted to educate the children at the workhouse, with a school master and mistress appointed. The historian said that the Listowel Presentation Secondary Sisters played a major role during the famine and in education. He said the Sisters of Mercy began nursing during this time alongside existing lay nurses in the poor conditions of Listowel Workhouse hospital in May 1833. By 1924, workhouses were closed and substituted by County Homes and Hospitals. Senan House Hospital continued to operate up to the opening of Listowel District Hospital in 1941. The Mercy Sisters operated St. Josephs Fever Hospital in very difficult conditions when typhus hit Listowel in 1912. Over three decades later, they treated TB patients at the facility, converted to a geriatric unit in 1960. The sisters looked after St. Bridgids Hospital chapel, which is the remaining rear section of the original workhouse dining room, Mr Guerin explained. They officially finished their work there in 1995. Mr Guerin said the last Sister of Mercy working there was Margaret Flynn, retired in 2009. Teampall Ban , St. Bridgids Chapel & Senan House is in our care, We must ask can we do more to remember the many victims of those difficult times, Mr Guerin said. The incidents all occurred within the same week Gardai are urging the public to be vigilant following a recent spate of thefts of and from vehicles across Limerick last week. According to Sergeant Aoife Bannon of the Henry Street Community Policing unit, several incidents have occurred in different parts of the city. The first incident took place in the early hours of Thursday, June 26, between midnight and 9am, in the Ballinacurra Road area. A parked car was entered and a sum of cash was taken. Gardai at Roxboro Road Station are asking anyone who may have noticed suspicious activity in the area to contact them on 061 214 340. A separate theft occurred on Wednesday morning, June 25, in the Woodview area on the citys north side. In this case, a work van was broken into between 5:50am and 7:30am, and a number of essential tools were stolen. Anyone with information is asked to contact Henry Street Garda Station on 061 212 400. Sergeant Bannon shared that even when parked in familiar or quiet locations thieves often go around checking for unlocked vehicles. Its all about opportunity, and if its there, theyll take it. In a more serious case, a vehicle was stolen in broad daylight on Saturday afternoon, June 28. The incident occurred in the Clancy Strand area around 2:30pm when a grey 2021 Audi SUV was taken after being left running outside a house while the owner briefly stepped away. The car has not yet been recovered. Leaving the engine running, even just for a second, is an easy trap to fall into, said Sergeant Bannon. Anyone who witnessed suspicious activity in the Clancy Strand area that afternoon is urged to contact Henry Street Garda Station or the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111. Paula McLoughlin donated the defibrillator to the community in memory of her husband David. Photo: Paul Connor Demonstrations on the use of a defibrillator were given on the day. Photo: Paul Connor Paula McLoughlin who donated the defibrillator to the community in memory of her husband David being presented with flowers by Josh Fitzsimons of the Meath Coast Community First Responders. Photo: Paul Connor Paula McLoughlin donated the defibrillator to the community in memory of her husband David. The community of Bettystown, Co. Meath came together to launch a new public access defibrillator donated by local resident Paula McLoughlin, in loving memory of her late husband. Paulas husband, David McLoughlin, lost his life suddenly at age 37 from cardiac arrest, and is remembered as a a dedicated frontline firefighter and paramedic with Dublin Fire Brigade, serving in Balbriggan and Finglas. Crowds gathered at the Elmeley Housing Estate in Bettystown to honour David and turn heartbreak into hope, with demonstrations on how to use the defibrillator and how to give CPR. The defibrillator is now live, registered with the National Ambulance Service, accessible 24/7, and will be checked and maintained regularly by volunteers with Meath Coast Community First Responders. Chair of Meath Coast Community First Responders, Josh Fitzsimons said that the group is aiming to get as many people in the community trained up in CPR and on how to use a defibrillator. Follow Independent Meath on Facebook When someone goes into cardiac arrest, every second counts. Every minute without CPR or a defibrillator means the persons chance of surviving drops around 10%. When you see a defibrillator used in the first few minutes in the case of cardiac arrest, that rate goes up to as high as 70% so thats why weve install and try to educate people about defibrillators and why theyre so important, he said. There are currently 14 defibrillitors in the area and the group is hoping to increase the number to 18 through community donations. Mother-of-two Enya Collins made shameful, utterly unwarranted and crude remarks to a member of An Garda Siochana, Castlebar Circuit Court hears A Mayo woman who shoved her car keys down her pants after a guard tried to seize the vehicle has received a suspended sentence. Enya Collins, formerly of Kerins Pub Apartments, Lecanvey, Westport, but now residing in Belfast, received a suspended sentence at the Circuit Court in Castlebar for the sale and supply of drugs. Judge Eoin Garavan agreed to suspend her sentence on account of her good behaviour despite making shameful, utterly unwarranted and crude remarks to a member of An Garda Siochana. On November 2, 2019, Sergeant Kieran Naughton executed a search warrant at a property Collins shared with her former partner after obtaining confidential information that drugs were being kept there. During the search, Collins was observed throwing a package wrapped in cellophane onto a bed. The 121.6g package contained cannabis valued at 2,432. Cocaine with an estimated street value of 1,918 was also discovered in her handbag. In a separate incident on July 22, 2020, Sgt Naughton saw a car being driven by Collins entering SuperValu car park in Castlebar at speed with a male passenger hanging out of the window. Gardai followed the vehicle and blocked it in when it parked in a nearby car park. The car occupants became abusive and aggressive towards gardai and the man who had been hanging out of the window was arrested. Sgt Naughton saw black bags in the car and said it would need to be searched as he suspected they contained drugs. When he informed Collins that he intended to seize the vehicle, she became even more agitated and abusive and took the keys out of the ignition before putting them down her pants. Sgt Naughton said he believed her actions were motivated by there being no female garda at the scene. Collins, who was 18 at the time of her first offence, received a three-month prison sentence from Castlebar District Court. This was increased to five months Castlebar Circuit Court last July. Judge Garavan adjourned the case for a year to allow her to prove she could remain free of drugs and undergo counselling. When she appeared before Castlebar Circuit Court on Tuesday, her barrister, Martin Durack, said she had engaged fully with various services in Belfast and had undertaken courses on stress management and understanding substance abuse. She also provided hair follicle tests and urine samples which tested negative for drugs. The court heard that Collins who began using drugs at the age of 13 - had moved to Northern Ireland with her two children. Mr Durack said that moving to Belfast gave his client the chance to start anew and that she intended to start working in September. Follow Independent Mayo on Facebook Judge Garavan described her remarks towards Sgt Naughton as shameful, utterly unwarranted and crude but noted her immaturity at the time of the offence, as well as her chaotic family background. He complimented her for complying with the courts instructions and said she had done positive things that suggest she wont be in court again. Judge Garavan expressed confidence that, although she was now living in another jurisdiction, she would continue to engage with the necessary services to maintain her recovery. He then suspended her sentence for a period of three years. Changes to the means test for Carers Allowance will see more carers qualify for the payment in Meath, a Fine Gael Senator has said. Senator Linda Nelson Murray said 5,280 carers in the country, including 250 in Meath, will receive an increase in their weekly payment as a result of the changes. The new measures is set to expand eligibility and increase payments for thousands of carers nationwide. It is also expected that many more carers will now qualify for the payment for the first time under the higher income limits. This change to the Carers Allowance is a hugely positive step which was announced in Budget 2025, Ms Nelson Murray said. The weekly income disregard for the Carers Allowance payment will increase from 450 to 625 for a single person, and from 900 to 1,250 for carers with a spouse/partner. It will mean that 5280 carers across the country will receive an increase in their weekly payment. I am delighted that this includes 250 carers in Meath. The Meath West Senator highlighted that the cumulative changes made since 2022 have significantly improved the income thresholds for applicants, with the disregard rising by 292.50 for single carers and 585 for couples. Follow Independent Meath on Facebook The further increase in the income limits this week will mean that 99pc of people receiving Carers Allowance will now receive the maximum rate of payment. In addition, these changes will mean that many more carers in Meath who were previously outside the income limits will now qualify for a payment. She added: Our carers play a vital role in our society and we need to support them. This is a welcome step, but we need to go further. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme. The scene was later deemed safe with a cordon being lifted late last night. Photo: Castleblayney News Facebook. Army bomb disposal experts at the scene in Castleblayney in Co Monaghan. Photo: Castleblayney News Facebook. Gardai are investigating the circumstances behind a major security alert in south Monaghan town yesterday evening that led to a section of its urban centre being sealed off for several hours. Army bomb disposal experts were called to the scene of the incident in Castleblayney at around 5pm. That came after gardai were notified of a suspicious device just off the towns Muckno Street moments earlier in a move that sparked a major security operation to kick into motion. Officers attached to the Defence Forces Army bomb disposal unit moved into the area a short time later and carried out a preliminary examination of the scene. Follow Independent Monaghan on Facebook The device was later found be non-viable and has since been removed for further analysis. Gardai have already commenced initial inquiries of their own and are awaiting the results of the findings carried our by Defence Forces personnel to try and establish the circumstances behind the incident. Gardai received report of the discovery of a suspect device in Castleblayney Co. Monaghan, yesterday evening Tuesday 1st July 2025, said a garda spokesperson. The services of the army Explosives Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit was requested and a cordon established. The device was found to be non-viable and removed from the scene for further technical and ballistics examination. Local Cllr Paul Gibbons said while the episode was one which had caused much disquiet locally, the Sinn Fein local politician hailed the swift actions of gardai and emergency services in ultimately rendering the scene safe. There was a lot of messages going around at the time, but after it emerged the bomb squad were around, I had an inkling it (incident) was along those lines, he told the Irish Independent. It was an inconvenience, but gardai took the necessary precautions as they safety of people is paramount. A man has died after he got into difficulties in the River Suir in County Tipperary. Gardai were alerted to an incident where a male encountered difficulty in the water in Carrick-On-Suir, County Tipperary on Tuesday, July 1, at around 8.30pm. His body has since been recovered from the river. He was pronounced deceased at the scene. There was a major search operation involving the rescue 117 helicopter. Investigations are ongoing, said a garda spokesperson Stock image Today's News in 90 Seconds - July 2nd Its understood the man is a local young family man and is well known around the south Tipperary town. Local reports are that he was out fishing with his friends when he got into difficulties as he attempted to swim in a certain section of the river. Newly elected Cathaoirleach of Carrick-on-Suir municipal district, SF Cllr David Dunne, extended his sympathies. Its a tragic accident that happened last night, particularly for his family, and for the people of Carrick, he said. In a statement to the Irish Independent, Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) said: We aware of the tragic incident at Tinhalla, Co Waterford, that took place on the evening of July 1, 2025. IFI is continuing to liaise with An Garda Siochana in relation to the incident. More to follow Lets make this next chapter something special American businessman confirms he has taken over running of Athlone Town The Purple and Gold Writers Collective invites you to spend an evening in the company of Wexford poets and writers, together with guest musicians, to experience and enjoy the special power of the spoken word. An occasion that is likely to live long in the memory. The event takes place at the National Opera House on Friday, July 4 at 7.30pm. Tickets are 15/12 plus facility fee. See https://www.nationaloperahouse.ie/whats-on to book. 2. Anton & Giovanni - Together Again. The Live Tour Double act, Anton Du Beke and Giovanni Pernice, are Together Again in 2025 with a brand-new show. The show will be an enthralling experience for all ages, showcasing the duos incredible talents and irresistible chemistry on stage. The show takes place at the National Opera House on Thursday, July 3 at 7.30pm. Tickets are 62/54 plus facility fee. See https://www.nationaloperahouse.ie/whats-on to book. 3. One Voice Festival: Near and Far, Reflections of Wexford We are delighted to host our fifth year of the One Voice Festival in association with Paul Walsh productions. This year our theme is Near and Far, Reflections of Wexford featuring original music from Gary Stephens. The festival takes place at Wexford Arts Centre from Thursday, July 3 to Saturday, July 5 at 8 p.m. each night. Tickets are 16 plus 1.50 fee. See https://www.wexfordartscentre.ie/events/ to book. 4. Summer Sessions 25 - Paddy Casey Having been at the forefront of the Irish music scene since his multi platinum selling debut album Amen (So Be It), Paddy Caseys career has taken him all over the globe touring with acts like The Pretenders, R.E.M, Ian Brown, Blondie and Tracy Chapman to name a few. This free show takes place at Library Park, New Ross on Saturday, July 5 at 7 p.m. Its supported by Wexford County Council. 5. MfW present Summer Lunchtime Concerts Join us in St. Iberius Church, Main Street, Wexford every Wednesday in July at 1.05pm for a delightful lunchtime concert. Tickets priced 15/12 and 5. On Wednesday, July 2 its Banshee Brass and Lucens Trio (RIAM students). For more details, email enquiriesmfw@gmail.ie. 6. Fringe Fleadh 25 Join Ferns CCE for an unforgettable Open-Air Session at Ferns Castle and The Thatch Bar on Friday, July 4 at 7pm, part of the exciting Fringe Fleadh 2025 celebrations! Soak up the lively atmosphere and enjoy a toe-tapping evening of traditional Irish music in this stunning and historic setting. Wexford County Council is bringing a vibrant series of events to towns and villages across the county in the lead-up to Fleadh Cheoil 2025, inviting everyone to Feel the Spirit of the Fleadh and join the celebration. 7. Wexford Strawberry Weekend The Wexford Strawberry Weekend Food and Drink Festival is returning for 2025. Join us at The Village At Wheelocks, Enniscorthy on Saturday and Sunday, July 5 and 6 for an unforgettable experience filled with delicious food and drinks, live music, and fun activities for the whole family. For more details, email wexfordstrawberryweekend@gmail.com or call 053-9201900. A Co Wexford man who was arrested on Saturday afternoon after being confronted by a so-called paedophile vigilante group has been released without charge, An Garda Siochana has confirmed. The man, who lives in the New Ross area of Co Wexford, was arrested and brought to a local garda station where he was questioned for a period of time before being released. Gardai say they are continuing to monitor the situation after tensions were running high during the confrontation between the man and the group on Saturday. Members of the paedophile hunter group Child Online Protection Enforcers N.I. confronted the man, aged in his 50s, on New Ross quayfront on Saturday, where they accused him of communicating with what he thought was a 13-year-old girl over a period of three months. The incident was live streamed on social media by the group, who accused the man of intending to meet the young girl to carry out illegal sexual acts. Throughout the hour-long live stream, the man had messages relayed to him that he allegedly sent during the three months of communication he had with the alleged child. The group alleges the man had threatened to ring the young girls grandparents if she didnt do what he wanted. The man is also alleged to have stated in the text exchange that if he were to have sex with her, that would be rape and he would get in trouble with the guards. I would be arrested and put in prison. Im willing to take the risk, the sting operator read from the screen shots. She continued to read: Im looking forward to taking your virginity and trust me, you will never forget it. The accuser then responded: Youre right, a child will never forget if you raped her. That will stay with her for the rest of her life. The group had gathered over 800 screenshots of alleged messages between the man and the child believed to be a decoy, where he repeatedly asks her for explicit images. They included an offer to buy the child a separate phone and send money in exchange for the naked images. Im sorry. I wont do it again, the man said, as he maintained throughout the interaction that he has never previously met, nor has he inappropriately touched a child. He also stated he has never been arrested on suspicion of sexual offences. I would never do anything like that, because its wrong, he told his accusers. Im dead now, the alleged sexual predator said as he realised the severity of the situation while locals gathered around him. "Whos fault is that? Well keep you safe, but whatever the community do thats entirely up to them after we go. Do you think they want someone like you living beside them? Someone whos turned up to rape a 13-year-old child?, the member of the sting organisation asked. Gardai then arrived on the scene and took details of those who carried out the sting operation and also spoke to the alleged perpetrator. Well go anywhere in Ireland to get these b******* off the streets one by one, said the man behind the camera. The group commended the efforts of the gardai and said: Theyve been absolutely amazing with us. Thanks to the guards for treating this the way they have, with respect. An Garda Siochana confirmed the man was brought to New Ross Garda Station where he was questioned before being released without charge. They are continuing to monitor the situation and investigations are ongoing. The board of the Wexford Festival Trust has announced American singer, actress and radio and TV personality Suzanne Nance as its new executive director, taking up the role on January 1 of next year. Ms Nance will make the move to Ireland from Portland, Oregon, where she has served eight years as President and CEO of the Global Media Arts Network All Classic Radio. In the role, she oversaw unprecedented growth and record-breaking audience expansion and the board will be hoping her appointment can yield similar results for Wexford Festival Opera. An award-winning broadcaster, Ms Nance comes with a sterling reputation in the global arts community. Most recently, she led a capital campaign for All Classic Radio to build a state of the art media arts centre and performance hall in Portland, which opened in 2024, and in 2019 she led the launch of the International Children's Arts Network, dedicated to promoting the arts among younger audiences. Ms Nance also created the Emmy award winning TV series MaineArts! and she has been a guest presenter on RTE's Lyric FM, as well as being the voice of Lyric Opera of Chicago's internationally syndicated radio broadcast series. Bringing with her a notable enthusiasm, she looks forward to getting started in the role following the conclusion of Loughlin Deegan's term as interim Executive Director. "I am deeply honoured to join Wexford Festival Opera as Executive Director, especially as we prepare to celebrate 75 extraordinary years of artistic excellence in 2026, she said. "There is a distinct and enduring magic to Wexford rooted in the warmth of its people and their profound commitment to the arts. The unwavering support of the local community, the Board, and the Arts Council has been essential to the Festivals enduring success. "As the home of the National Opera House, Wexford holds a cherished place not only in Ireland, but on the international stage. I am thrilled to be part of this remarkable legacy and to help amplify Irelands rich contributions to opera and the arts. Meanwhile, Paul Cleary, Chairman of the Board of Wexford Festival Trust, was delighted to have secured Ms Nances services. "We are absolutely delighted to welcome Suzanne Nance to Wexford Festival Opera, he said. She is a dynamic and visionary leader whose deep passion for opera and proven track record in arts leadership make her the ideal choice to guide the company into its next chapter. "Under her leadership, I have every confidence Wexford Festival Opera will continue to thrive and grow." The Minister for Education and Youth Hele McEntee has been asked to conduct a Special Needs Assistant (SNA) review at Marino Special School in Bray. An exceptional care review was due to be conducted at the school on June 18. However, that review was cancelled on the evening of June 16 by the National Council for Special Education (NCSE). The school management were told that the care review would happen instead during the next school year. Speaking in the Dail, Social Democrats TD for Wicklow, Jennifer Whitmore, raised the urgent need for the review to take place. Marino special school has never had a review of its care needs. Interestingly, in September 2024, the school made four urgent applications to the NCSE in relation to four students. It never heard back from the NCSE, and another ten similar applications are sitting on a desk, which were to be discussed at the review. In response Justice Minister Jim O Callaghan said he will speak to the Minister for Education and Youth, Deputy McEntee, and the Minister of State, Deputy Michael Moynihan, who is responsible for special education needs about the issue. I am concerned to hear that Marino special school has not had that review yet. It needs to be given some certainty in terms of where we are now with the new year starting up. I will ask the Minister of State to come back to the Deputy. he added. During the exchange Deputy Whitmore highlighted the pressures school staff and students are facing. These are not just pieces of paper sitting on a desk somewhere, these are real children with real needs, and staff who are doing their absolute best under enormous pressure. The school is already operating with three Above SERC SNA staff, but its not enough. Staff are burnt out, students are not getting the care they need, and the NCSEs response has been to tell them to use existing resources. That is not a solution. It is imperative that this review happens as soon as possible. Marino needs to be equipped with the care and support required to safely and effectively meet the needs of its students in the coming school year. Their teachers are doing all they can with the limited that they have, the Government needs to support them, Deputy Whitmore concluded. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme Rob and Linda with their new arrival Former Love Island star and fitness influencer Rob Lipsett has revealed the name of his newborn baby as he and wife Linda welcomed her to the world. In a series of touching snaps, the influencer declared our greatest blessing has arrived in the form of Isabelle Lipsett. The pair, who tied the knot in Marbella last year, had announced that they were expecting their first child together in December. Rob joked: 17 years of bicep curls. All for this moment, as he posted a picture of him carrying Isabelle in a baby car seat. Rob and Linda with their new arrival Today's News in 90 Seconds - July 2nd Appreciate all the kind messages, me and Linda are honestly blown away. Grateful doesnt even cover it! Rob's friends and fans flooded the comment section with Love Island star Greg O'Shea writing: "Beautiful. Winning at life." RTE star Laura Nolan added: "Huge congratulations guys." Influencer Louis Cooney said: "Huge congrats guys. She is beautiful." The Dubliner appeared on the dating show in 2017 and later met wife Linda through mutual friends. They shared the exciting news that they were expecting with their Instagram followers with a sweet photo of the couple standing on the beach as Rob holds up a photo of a baby scan. They captioned the joint post, which features Linda showing off her baby bump, by writing: Our greatest adventure begins. Baby Lipsett, we already love you more than words. Rob and Linda later shared a video of themselves decorating their Christmas tree in their swanky Marbella pad, which they captioned: Next Christmas will look a little different. They reminded their social media followers it was their last Christmas as just the two of us as Rob planted a kiss on his other halfs baby bump. Rob with Isabelle The pair wed at the Boho Beach Club in Marbella, where theyre currently based, the previous September. Rob, who co-owns the Dublin Raw Gym chain and appeared on an early season of Love Island UK, proposed to his girlfriend of five years in August. The fitness guru briefly appeared on Love Island in 2017, previously told the Sunday World that it was a great laugh and he enjoyed the experience in the famous villa. "They asked me to go on, which is really nice. I had a fond experience, even going in before and afterwards," he said. "In total it was actually about 10 days, it was a few days in the hotel before and also hanging out with other contestants who got the boot afterwards. Even seeing the reaction online, and my friends. It was a great experience, a great laugh and I really enjoyed it. "Linda didn't see it as she was in Australia when I was on it and we met maybe a year-and-a-half later. But all her friends saw it and she does think it's funny." Rob and Linda relocated to Marbella, Spain, during the pandemic. But with property prices through the roof back home in Ireland, Rob revealed he bought a house abroad because he dreaded getting a bad deal back home. He explained: Of course I love Ireland, I wanted to buy there first, but I can get a detached villa with four beds and a pool in Marbella versus what I can get an apartment for in Dublin, and you just feel like youre getting a bad deal. "I looked at a few apartments two or three years ago in Rathgar and a development in Foxrock, and they are really nice, but I would just feel I could fly two hours away to a hot country and get a house instead for the same price. As much as I love Dublin, the housing market is a bit strange, to say the least, so I feel Ive got a good deal at the moment, and in a few years hopefully Ill look at Dublin again. The choice of a successor to the Dalai Lama, the spiritual head of Tibetan Buddhists, is a matter of riveting interest not only for followers of his religion, but also China, India, and the United States, for strategic reasons. British police said yesterday they had arrested three senior hospital managers on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter as part of investigations into nurse Lucy Letby, who was convicted two years ago of killing babies in a neonatal unit. Letby, 35, is serving life in jail after being found guilty of murdering seven newborns and attempting to murder eight more between June 2015 and June 2016 while working at the Countess of Chester Hospital (CoCH) in northern England. Danish national arrested on suspicion of spying on Jewish targets under orders from Iran The man is alleged to have surveilled sites tied to Jewish organisations in Germany The Iranian embassy in Berlin. Photo: Getty Miranda Murray and Stine Jacobsen Reuters Wed 2 Jul 2025 at 06:30 A Danish national has been arrested in Denmark on suspicion of spying for Iran by collecting information on Jewish sites and individuals in Berlin. He will be extradited to Germany, German and Danish authorities said on Tuesday. LATEST | Trump urges Hamas to accept 'final proposal' for 60-day Gaza ceasefire; over 170 charities now call for end to deadly aid system Trump says Israel agrees to US-proposed ceasefire conditionsTrump to meet Netanyahu at the White House on MondayIsrael says war can only end if Hamas is disarmed and dismantledOver 170 charities call for end to deadly new Gaza aid distribution system Donald Trump has been increasing pressure on the Israeli government and Hamas to broker a ceasefire and hostage agreement (Evan Vucci/AP) Steve Holland, Matt Spetalnick and Olivia Le Poidevin Reuters Wed 2 Jul 2025 at 07:24 U.S. President Donald Trump urged Iran-backed Hamas militants on Tuesday to agree to what he called a "final proposal" for a 60-day ceasefire with Israel in Gaza that will be delivered by mediating officials from Qatar and Egypt. Indias Employment Linked Incentive Scheme Targets 35 Million Jobs Over Two Years Indias recently approved Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) Scheme seeks to accelerate job creation, enhance skill development, and expand social security, with a strong emphasis on the countrys manufacturing sector. The scheme provides incentives to first-time employees and to employers who generate new employment opportunities in India. Indias central government has approved the Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) Scheme on July 1, 2025, aimed at generating employment opportunities, enhancing workforce skills, and expanding social security coverage. While the initiative spans across all sectors, it places particular emphasis on strengthening Indias manufacturing industry. As part of the ELI scheme, newly employed individuals as well as employers creating new jobs will benefit from the central government incentives. The central government will extend these incentives for an additional two years to employers in the manufacturing sector. The scheme was introduced in the Union Budget 202425, which includes five targeted schemes to support 41 million youth through employment, skill development, and entrepreneurship, with an outlay of INR 2 trillion (US$23.33 billion). CLICK HERE: Indias Union Budget 2024-25: Key Announcements DOING BUSINESS IN INDIA EXPLORE IN-DEPTH INVESTMENT AND BUSINESS GUIDES. Explore vital economic, geographic, and regulatory insights for business investors, managers, or expats to navigate Indias business landscape. Our Online Business Guides offer explainer articles, news, useful tools, and videos from on-the-ground advisors who contribute to the Doing Business in India knowledge. Start exploring ELI scheme targets and timeline With an allocated budget of INR 994.46 billion (US$11.6 billion), the ELI scheme aims to facilitate the creation of over 35 million jobs in India within a two-year implementation window. The benefits will apply to eligible employment generated between August 1, 2025, and July 31, 2027. Dual-component scheme structure for employment creation The employment scheme is divided into two main componentsPart A focusing on first-time employees and Part B targeting employers. Part A: Benefits for first-time workers This component is designed for individuals entering the workforce for the first time and registered with the Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO). Eligible employeesthose earning up to INR 100,000 (US$1,166.99) per monthwill receive an EPF-based wage incentive of up to INR 15,000 (US$175.04), disbursed in two stages. The first half will be paid after six months of continuous service, while the second half will be released upon completing one year of service and a financial literacy program. A portion of this incentive will be mandatorily deposited into a savings instrument to foster long-term saving habits, accessible to the employee at a later date. An estimated 19.2 million individuals are expected to benefit from this initiative. Part B: Incentives for employers generating jobs This segment aims to encourage employers to create sustained new employment, particularly in the manufacturing sector. Companies registered with EPFO that hire additional staff earning up to INR 100,000 (US$1,166.99) per month will receive a monthly incentive of up to INR 3,000 (US$35) per employee for a period of two years. For manufacturing units, this support will continue through the third and fourth years as well. Eligibility criteria include the hiring of at least two new employees by establishments with fewer than 50 employees and a minimum of five new hires for those with 50 or more employees. All new hires must remain continuously employed for at least six months to qualify. Broader impact and objectives The ELI scheme is intended not only to stimulate employment growth across industries but also to accelerate formalization of Indias workforce. It aims to integrate millions of young people into the formal economy while expanding their access to social security mechanisms. India expects this initiative to particularly strengthen employment in manufacturing while enhancing employability and financial inclusion among first-time workers. (US$1 = INR 85.69) These days, Korean and Chinese series and films seem to rule streaming charts, with Indian stories breaking records everywhere as well. As for much of the rest of Asia, it usually lies tucked behind those giants. Yet Malaysian storytelling is slipping out from the shadows, and a fresh batch of shows is grabbing overseas headlines. With Netflix helping these stories get worldwide footprint, a new crop of Malaysian dramas and movies are winning hearts with their plots, rich culture, and performances that linger long after the credits roll. Since 2020, these hits have done more than entertain as they've nudged viewers' beliefs and set them talking. Here are five titles that are pushing the industry in daring new directions. Reversi (2024) Stars: Beto Kusyairy, Shiqin Kamal, Hasnul Rahmat Reversi (2024). Credit: IMDb In this tender sci-fi tale, Akid grieves the losses of his past and discovers he can slip between time's cracks. Each return brings moments of warmth, yet he learns a brutal lesson: some wounds refuse to close. By weaving tears with the thrill of time travel, Reversi asks whether real peace lives in rewriting history or simply accepting the story we've been given. Conquer: Lahad Datu (2024) Stars: Syafiq Kyle, Kamal Adli, Fikry Ibrahim Conquer: Lahad Datu (2024). Credit: IMDb When a heavily armed group sweeps into eastern Sabah, Malaysian police call in their top squad to drive them back. Based on real events, the movie revisits the 2013 Lahad Datu standoff, when Sulu gunmen tried to stake a claim and clashed violently with Malaysian troops. This event still looms large in the national memory, a painful chapter marked by casualties and a jarring test of the country's security. Tegkang (2024) Stars: Mohd Syafie Naswip, Michelle Lungan, Pun Ratu Aran Tegkang (2024). Credit: IMDb Taking its title from a Kelabit word for 'rainbow', this drama is about a man's journey toward finding himself while also showing how lives can turn in surprising ways. Burned out and creatively adrift, photographer Hanafi flees to Bario, a quiet Sarawak highland village, hoping solitude will revive his camera eye. There he meets Rinai, an easy-going local who guides him through everyday routines and nudges him back towards art. As their bond grows, they uncover an old mystery that reshapes Rinai's sense of self and changes both of them forever. The Ghost Bride (2020) Stars: Peijia Huang, Kang Ren Wu, Ludi Lin The Ghost Bride (2020). Credit: IMDb Set in 1890s colonial Malacca, The Ghost Bride follows Li Lan, a young woman who has been offered a way to save her debt-ridden family - by becoming the ghost bride to a wealthy family's deceased son. But what seems like a lifeline quickly turns sinister as she becomes entangled in a chilling murder mystery with supernatural forces far more dangerous than she ever imagined. Babah (2024) Stars: Qi Razali, Cristina Suzanne Stockstill, Farhanna Qismina Sweet Babah (2024). Credit: IMDb This film is about the heartfelt journey of Isyak and his daughter Maya, whose unbreakable bond is tested by life's many trials. Over the years they face several heartbreaks - Isyak loses his job, Maya is struck by Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS), and Isyak himself goes deaf - yet their love and resilience shine, showing that even in darkness family can light the way forward. Bigg Boss Telugu 9 is one of the most eagerly awaited reality shows of the year. It has created a buzz as, going by the earlier installments, it will be synonymous with wild twists and heated showdowns between the contestants. According to OTTplay, a website, Bigg Boss Telugu 9 will premiere on JioHotstar on September 7. Bigg Boss Telugu 9 host: Nagarjuna set to return Bigg Boss Telugu 9 will be hosted by Nagarjuna. The Manam star has been the face of the show since the third season. Jr NTR hosted the first season, which premiered in 2017, and received rave reviews for his work. He, however, did not return for the second season because of his packed schedule and was replaced by Nani. Nagarjuna took over from the third season and has been synonymous with the brand since. He is known for his charming one-liners and his chemistry with the participants. Bigg Boss Telugu Season 9: Show to feature commoners a celebrities Bigg Boss Telugu 9, unlike the previous ones, will feature commoners in the house. This is set to add a new dimension to the drama associated with the Telugu adaptation of Big Brother. The commoners will be joined by celebrities. According to reports, Raj Tharun and Sumanth Ashwin. Will be participating in the show this time. They are likely to be joined by Rohit. The yesteryear star is best known for his work in Sixteen. The grapevine also suggests that Anil, Harika Eknath, Sai Kiran and Deb Johnny too have have approached. Former member of THE BOYZ Ju Haknyeon has spoken up in the wake of a significant development in the incident that caused him to leave the group. Rumours that stated that the idol had met Asuka Kirara, a former Japanese adult film actress, at a private bar which sparked a whole debate online, which swiftly turned into accusations of prostitution. From the start, Haknyeon refuted the allegations, but actions were taken and he was removed from the group. Police drop case citing lack of evidence On July 2, the Seoul Gangnam Police Station officially stated that they would not be pursuing an investigation in this matter. Authorities cited a lack of sufficient evidence, noting that the accusations originated solely from an online article. In fact, the article had only sparked discussion without any specific circumstances or substantiated details to warrant legal action. Ju Haknyeon responds with legal action In the wake of the police announcement, Haknyeon took to Instagram with a direct message. He shared the report about his legal action against the original journalist and captioned it, "An article of lies that aims to ruin my life. Just why did you do that? Let the court reveal the truth." Ju Haknyeon Instagram story Agency under fire for premature decision While all this drama took place, his agency One Hundred Label still removed him from THE BOYZ and had his contract terminated. At the time, the agency cited the "gravity of the situation" and said it was reviewing available evidence - a decision now drawing criticism as premature, following the police decision to close the case. Fans rally behind Haknyeon Many, especially on X (formerly known as Twitter) were relieved to see Haknyeon's name cleared. However, they also expressed outrage at how the agency handled the situation. On social media, posts criticizing One Hundred Label have gone viral, accusing the company of failing to conduct a proper internal review before cutting ties with him. it's so stupid and careless as fck for 100 to kick hak out without doing a fact-check that could've been SO EASY bcs hak came to them to clear everything. i hope you rot in the hell, 100. dani | indefinite hiatus (@tbzjuyeonie) July 1, 2025 lord, please take away haknyeon and kirara's sufferings , triple it and give it to 100red label and those media outlets who ruined their reputation pic.twitter.com/DrKyJgUh1b lene (@luv2eric) July 2, 2025 MEDIA AND ONE HUNDRED APOLOGIES TO HAKNYEON AND BRING HAKNYEON BACK @100RED_official KVNFEED (@KVNFEED) July 2, 2025 haknyeon suing the journalist of tenasia for writing a false article about him. if he wins this case, the journalist must pay him 1 billion krw plus interest and lawsuit costs as compensation for ruining his reputation. i'll support him for fighting his innocence ! https://t.co/wWWTEs01ht pic.twitter.com/vpRVqdNK2f lene (@luv2eric) July 2, 2025 It remains to be seen whether One Hundred Label will take accountability, especially as Ju Haknyeon receives a wave of support from fans. Many have rallied behind the K-pop idol, calling for responsibility from those who acted on unverified claims. For all the latest K-drama, K-pop, and Hallyuwood updates, keep following our coverage here. Singapore's Mocha Chai Laboratories and Thailand's The One Enterprise have joined forces for Decalcomania, a gripping new mystery-thriller slated for a December 2025 release. Set between Singapore and Bangkok, the series weaves supernatural elements with psychological tension as filming unfolds across both cities. 'Decalcomania' - Two women, one twisted fate The plot revolves around two women from drastically different worlds - a harsh Bangkok nightclub owner and a gorgeous Singapore socialite - who miraculously switch souls following a car accident. As they are forced to live each other's lives, long-buried secrets emerge, threatening to destroy everything they knew. Mookda Narinrak in a double role Thai actress Mookda Narinrak (So Wayree) plays the tough dual role, reuniting with co-star Hussawee Pakrapongpisan. Chai Chatayodom Hiranyatithi (Master of the House) will join them in his first foreign endeavor, partnering Pat Chayanit Chansangavej and Thaneth Warakulnukroh, according to Deadline website. Singaporean stars join the cast Representing Singapore in Decalcomania are acclaimed actor Pierre Png (Crazy Rich Asians), award-winning actress Hong Hui Fang (Ajoomma), and rising star Gladys Ng (Under the Net). Their inclusion adds a strong Singaporean presence to the series, further deepening its cross-cultural appeal and expanding its reach across Southeast Asian audiences. An international production dream team Created by Singaporean filmmaker Chai Yee Wei (Wonderland) and co-written by Chance Wanlass, Decalcomania first gained momentum at the 2022 Asian Television Forum. Thai showrunner Nipon Pewnen leads the production, with art direction by Pawas Sawatchaiyamet (Monkey Man) and VFX supervised by Lee Stringer (Star Wars: Clone Wars). Where to watch and what's next The series will stream on Thailand's One31 and OneD platforms, and in Singapore via Mediacorp's meWATCH. Backed by Singapore's IMDA Co-Production Grant, Decalcomania aims to join the ranks of recent Thai global hits like Master of the House, How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies, and Bad Genius. Bank holiday today: On Thursday, July 2 2025, banks will be closed in Tripura to mark Kharchi Puja, according to the state-wise holiday calendar of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). The banks in the rest of the country will remain open today, July 2, 2025. This traditional celebration is deeply rooted in Tripura's culture and draws large gatherings every year. Kharchi Puja: A Major Festival in Tripura Kharchi Puja is a significant religious event in Tripura, celebrated with devotion and festive spirit. It honours 14 deities of the region and includes traditional rituals, music, and dance. The festival symbolises purification and is celebrated over a week, attracting visitors from across the state. To mark the occasion, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has listed july 3 as a bank holiday in Tripura. So, if youre in Agartala or any other city in the state, expect banks to remain shut tomorrow. RBIs Bank Holiday List for July 2025 The RBI issues a monthly bank holiday list that reflects the diversity of Indian states and their cultural events. July 2025 includes 13 bank holidays, including national weekends, religious festivals, and regional events. Below is a state-wise bank holiday list for July: State-wise Bank Holidays in July 2025 july 3 (Friday) Kharchi Puja: Banks closed in Tripura Kharchi Puja: Banks closed in Tripura July 5 (Saturday) Guru Hargobind Jis Birthday: Banks closed in Jammu and Srinagar Guru Hargobind Jis Birthday: Banks closed in Jammu and Srinagar July 14 (Monday) Beh Deinkhlam: Banks closed in Shillong (Meghalaya) Beh Deinkhlam: Banks closed in Shillong (Meghalaya) July 16 (Wednesday) Harela: Banks closed in Dehradun (Uttarakhand) Harela: Banks closed in Dehradun (Uttarakhand) July 17 (Thursday) U Tirot Singh Death Anniversary: Banks closed in Shillong (Meghalaya) U Tirot Singh Death Anniversary: Banks closed in Shillong (Meghalaya) July 19 (Saturday) Ker Puja: Banks closed in Agartala (Tripura) Ker Puja: Banks closed in Agartala (Tripura) July 28 (Monday) Drukpa Tshe-zi: Banks closed in Gangtok (Sikkim) Regular Weekend Bank Holidays in July 2025 Apart from regional festivals, banks across the country will also be closed on weekends. Here's the weekend holiday schedule: Second Saturday July 12 July 12 Fourth Saturday July 26 July 26 Sundays July 6, 13, 20, 27 On these dates, all public and private sector banks will remain closed throughout India. For more informative articles on historical and upcoming events from around the world, please visit Indiatimes Events. Kharchi Puja 2025: It is one of the most important and sacred festivals celebrated in Tripura. This important Hindu festival is known for its unique rituals and week-long celebrations. In 2025, Kharchi Puja will be celebrated on July 3rd, drawing thousands of devotees and tourists to the Fourteen Gods temple known as the Chaturdasha Devata in Old Agartala. In this article, we explore the history, meaning, significance, rituals, and wishes of Kharchi Puja 2025. Youll also find WhatsApp messages, wishes and status ideas to share the festive spirit with your friends and family. What is Kharchi Puja? Understanding the Meaning and Significance The word Kharchi comes from the Tripuri word Khya, which means Earth. Kharchi Puja is a festival that pays respect to Mother Earth and the Fourteen Gods worshipped by the people of Tripura. It symbolises the cleansing of the Earth after the sacred time known as Ama Pechi believed to be the menstruation period of the Mother Goddess. The main purpose of Kharchi Puja is to wash away sins, restore purity to the Earth, and bring peace, prosperity, and well-being to everyone. Kharchi Puja 2025 Date and Location Date: July 3, 2025 July 3, 2025 Main Location: Old Agartala, Tripura, India Old Agartala, Tripura, India Duration: 7 days of grand celebration The festival starts 15 days after Ama Pechi and takes place on Shukla Ashtami, according to the Hindu lunar calendar. History of Kharchi Puja: A Glimpse into Tripuri Traditions The history of Kharchi Puja goes back centuries and is deeply rooted in the tribal customs of Tripura. It is believed that the rituals were started by the royal family of Tripura and continue to be followed with devotion. According to Tripuri legends, after Ama Pechi, the Earth becomes impure. Since menstruation is seen as a sacred yet unclean period, Kharchi Puja is performed to cleanse the Earth. The rituals are believed to bring spiritual and environmental balance. Kharchi Puja significance The festival, which honours the traditional tribal gods, is held during June or July in Old Agartala, Tripura. The idols used in the rituals only include the heads of the deities, and each is given a name based on Hindu beliefs, such as Hara, Uma, Hari, Maa, Bani, Kumar, Ganesh, Brahma, Pritthi, Ganga, Abdi, Kamesh, and Himadri. These head-shaped idols have also been accepted and worshipped by Hindus in Tripura. Many old stories and legends about these Fourteen Gods are well-known throughout the state. The religious rituals begin one day before the main festival starts. Items used in the worship include buffaloes, he-goats, eggs, bamboo poles and pipes, umbrellas, clay pots, ducks, pigeons, bamboo sticks, thread, cotton, turmeric, vermilion, wine, banana leaves, and rice. The head priest, known as the Chantai, recites sacred mantras, while his assistant performs the animal sacrifices. A vibrant and grand fair is also organised during this time, which continues for seven days. What makes this festival truly special is its message of peace, unity, and togetherness. People from all communities, regardless of caste, religion, or background, come together to joyfully celebrate this traditional event. Rituals and Celebrations During Kharchi Puja Kharchi Puja is full of colourful and traditional rituals that last for seven days. Each day has its own importance and draws massive gatherings. Key Rituals of Kharchi Puja: Fourteen Gods are taken from the temple and carried to the Saidra river. The deities are bathed in the holy river by priests known as Chantai. After purification, the idols are brought back to the temple premises. Flowers, vermilion, sweets, and animal sacrifices (like goats and pigeons) are offered. The entire community, both tribal and non-tribal, participates in the rituals. Cultural events, traditional dances, and a grand fair are held every evening. This festival is more than just a religious event its a celebration of unity, heritage, and devotion. Why is Kharchi Puja Important? Kharchi Puja holds immense importance for the people of Tripura and followers of traditional Hindu customs. As the world becomes more aware of environmental consciousness, Kharchi Puja reminds us of the sacred connection between humans and nature, especially Mother Earth. With more people sharing festive content online, this years celebration is expected to reach a wider audience through WhatsApp messages, social media status updates, and digital greetings. Wishes and Messages for Kharchi Puja 2025 Here are some beautiful Kharchi Puja wishes and messages to share with your loved ones: May the sacred waters of Saidra wash away all your worries and purify your soul this Kharchi Puja 2025. Let the blessings of the Fourteen Gods guide your path and fill your life with joy, peace, and endless prosperity. On the auspicious occasion of Kharchi Puja, let us take a moment to thank Mother Earth for everything she gives us. May your home be blessed with harmony, love, and divine energy throughout the year. As the idols of the Fourteen Deities return to the temple after being purified in the holy river, may your life also be filled with renewed hope, strength, and spiritual clarity. Happy Kharchi Puja 2025 to you and your loved ones. Wishing you a spiritually uplifting Kharchi Puja. May this sacred festival bring healing to your heart, peace to your home, and unity to your community. Celebrate with gratitude and prayer in your heart. Let us embrace the traditions of Kharchi Puja with reverence and joy. May the divine rituals bring light to your life, remove all negativity, and bring prosperity in every aspect of your journey. Kharchi Puja reminds us of our sacred bond with Mother Earth. On this day, may your soul be touched by the pure energy of nature, and may your home overflow with blessings and peace. As the Fourteen Gods are adorned with flowers and vermillion, may your life too be decorated with happiness, good health, and abundance. Sending you my warmest wishes on Kharchi Puja 2025. On this holy day, may the energy of the Earth and the blessings of the gods bring clarity to your thoughts, strength to your actions, and love to your relationships. Wishing you a divine Kharchi Puja. Let the week-long celebrations of Kharchi Puja fill your life with colour, culture, and contentment. May every ritual performed bring you closer to inner peace and universal harmony. As the sacred rituals of Kharchi Puja purify the Earth, may your life be free from past burdens and filled with new beginnings. Wishing you and your family a blessed and joyful Kharchi Puja 2025. May the divine blessings of the Fourteen Gods bring peace, prosperity, and happiness to your home. Happy Kharchi Puja 2025! On this sacred occasion, lets pray for a clean Earth and a pure heart. Wishing you and your family a blessed Kharchi Puja! Let the spirit of Kharchi Puja purify your life just like the Saidra river cleanses the deities. Jai Maa Earth! Celebrate the beauty of our traditions with Kharchi Puja 2025. May this festival bring new beginnings! Lets join hands in prayer, music, and celebration. Wishing you love and light this Kharchi Puja! WhatsApp Status Ideas for Kharchi Puja 2025 Celebrating purity, prayer, and Mother Earth Happy Kharchi Puja 2025! The blessings of the Fourteen Gods are upon us. Let the healing begin! #KharchiPuja2025 Holy water, pure prayers, and sacred Earth its Kharchi Puja time! From Ama Pechi to Kharchi honouring Mother Earth and tradition. May this Kharchi Puja cleanse our souls and unite our hearts. Traditions that touch the Earth and the soul. Happy Kharchi Puja to all! Light, devotion, and divine rituals thats the spirit of Kharchi Puja. May the gods shower their blessings this Kharchi Puja! Let the celebrations begin. A week of devotion. A lifetime of blessings. #KharchiPuja #TripuraTradition Fourteen Gods. One Earth. Infinite Blessings. Wishing peace and positivity this Kharchi Puja! Kharchi Puja vibes only! #KharchiPuja2025 Fourteen Gods, one love Happy Kharchi Puja! Respect Earth. Celebrate Kharchi Puja. Blessings, prayers, and pure energy this Kharchi Puja! Tradition. Culture. Devotion. #Tripura #KharchiPuja Kharchi Puja 2025 is not just a religious ritual but a powerful tribute to Mother Earth, cultural heritage, and spiritual purity. The festival connects communities, preserves age-old traditions, and inspires everyone to live in harmony with nature. Dont forget to celebrate this sacred event by sending Kharchi Puja wishes, sharing festive messages, and updating your WhatsApp status to spread positivity and joy. Tags: Kharchi Puja, Kharchi Puja 2025, Kharchi Puja date, Kharchi Puja history, Kharchi Puja meaning, Tripura festivals 2025, Hindu festivals in July 2025, Kharchi Puja rituals, Kharchi Puja celebration, Mother Earth worship, Ama Pechi, Fourteen Gods Tripura, Kharchi Puja messages, Kharchi Puja wishes, Kharchi Puja WhatsApp status (Note: Dates/timings may be subject to change; details mentioned here are as per the information available.) For more informative articles on historical and upcoming events from around the world, please visit Indiatimes Events. Elon Musk and Donald Trumps public disagreements have taken another turn. After several weeks of criticism, the Tesla and SpaceX CEO is now offering praise to the U.S. President just as Trump announced progress on a potential Gaza ceasefire agreement. This marks the latest chapter in a turbulent back-and-forth between the two high-profile figures. Despite Musks earlier opposition to Trumps domestic spending plan, he recently commended the Presidents diplomatic efforts abroad. Praise for Trumps Gaza ceasefire efforts On social media, President Trump shared a statement revealing that his representatives had made progress toward securing a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza. Trump confirmed Israel had agreed to the conditions, while Egypt and Qatar would present the final proposal. He urged Hamas to accept the deal, warning, It will not get better IT WILL ONLY GET WORSE. In response, Elon Musk stated: Credit where credit is due. @realDonaldTrump has successfully resolved several serious conflicts around the world. Musks comment signaled rare approval for the Presidents handling of international diplomacy. Longstanding tension over spending and subsidies Though Musk acknowledged Trumps foreign policy move, tensions remain over domestic policy. Musk has previously labeled Trumps major spending initiative the so-called big beautiful bill as political suicide for the Republican Party. Credit where credit is due. @realDonaldTrump has successfully resolved several serious conflicts around the world. pic.twitter.com/0EyHHy5Gfo Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 2, 2025 Their disagreement resurfaced after Trump hinted that the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) should evaluate the subsidies given to Musks companies. In response, Musk posted: I am literally saying CUT IT ALL. Now. This exchange came just days after both parties had shown signs of reconciliation following earlier public clashes. A relationship defined by flip-flops This is not the first time Elon Musk has altered his tone regarding the U.S. President. Nearly a month earlier, both Musk and Trump had indicated they were ready to set their disputes aside. However, continued disagreements especially on economic policy have kept their relationship volatile. Despite public jabs and policy clashes, Musks recent endorsement of Trumps peace efforts may reflect a temporary shift, even as they remain divided on financial matters affecting Tesla and Musks wider ventures. Musks praise for Trump over Gaza shows momentary alignment, but subsidy tensions hint that their uneasy alliance may not last long. For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News. Jimmy Swaggart, a prominent name in American televangelism during the 20th century, passed away on 1 July 2025 at the age of 90. He had suffered a cardiac arrest on 15 June and was admitted to Baton Rouge General Medical Center, where he remained under care until his death. His family confirmed he died surrounded by loved ones. Born in Ferriday, Louisiana, on 15 March 1935, Swaggart rose to national fame in the 1970s and 1980s as a Pentecostal preacher and gospel musician. He was the cousin of musicians Jerry Lee Lewis and Mickey Gilley. His syndicated sermons and gospel recordings earned him both a wide following and multiple Grammy nominations, with over 15 million albums sold. Final days and cause of death According to an official update from Jimmy Swaggart Ministries, Swaggart had been in declining health in recent years. After suffering a cardiac arrest at home, he was taken to hospital and remained under medical supervision until his death two weeks later. An Instagram post from the ministry said, Brother Swaggart has finished his earthly race and entered into the presence of His Saviour, Jesus Christ. Impact of scandals on his career Swaggarts career was marked by two major scandals involving sex workers, which had significant consequences on his public and religious standing. In 1988, he was found with a prostitute in New Orleans, after which he publicly admitted wrongdoing and was defrocked by the Assemblies of God. A second incident in 1991, involving another sex worker in California, led to further damage to his image, including the loss of several national broadcasting contracts. These events contributed to a sharp decline in his mainstream visibility throughout the 1990s. Ministry rebuilding and legacy Despite the controversies, Swaggart continued to operate outside traditional Pentecostal structures. He established the SonLife Broadcasting Network and led services at the Family Worship Centre in Baton Rouge. He also revived the Jimmy Swaggart Bible College, focusing on Pentecostal education and ministry training. Today, we celebrate the life and legacy of Evangelist Jimmy Swaggart, who has passed on to his heavenly home. Brother Swaggart has impacted countless lives with the Gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the world. Join us as we pray for his family, ministry, and all who have been pic.twitter.com/4LgG9LFNYZ Jesse Duplantis (@jesse_duplantis) July 1, 2025 He retained a global audience through online and satellite programming, although his reach never returned to its peak. After his death, statements from his family, including his wife Frances Swaggart and son Donnie, described his life as one dedicated to evangelism and gospel music. Public reaction remains divided. Some view Swaggart as a foundational figure in evangelical broadcasting, while others recall the scandals that reshaped his career trajectory. His influence on gospel music and Christian media remained significant until his final years. Jimmy Swaggart leaves behind a legacy shaped by early influence, public scandal, and continued evangelical broadcasting until his final days. Snapdragon Auto Day India drives innovation forward as Qualcomm gears up for its inaugural automotive showcase in New Delhi. This highprofile event, held in partnership with Amazon Web Services, spotlights Qualcomms cuttingedge role in shaping connected vehicles, softwaredefined mobility, and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). Industry leaders from OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, and the broader ecosystem will gather to explore how Snapdragon Auto platforms and VehicletoEverything (V2X) technology are set to transform mobility in India and beyond. With a strong emphasis on AIpowered incar experiences, cloud integration, and intelligent mobility, this event marks a pivotal moment in Indias rise as an automotive innovation hub. Stay tuned for insights on how Qualcomm's Auto Day plans to redefine future driving experiences. When is Snapdragon Auto Day India? In collaboration with AWS (Amazon Web Services), Qualcomm announced today that the inaugural "Snapdragon Auto Day" will occur in New Delhi on July 30, 2025. Making Indian roads safer and smarter while exhibiting the technology, cross-border learning, and partnerships that will shape the next ten years of mobility is the audacious goal of this historic occasion. Aim of Snapdragon Auto Day Qualcomm today announced its first-ever Snapdragon Auto Day | Credit: Qualcomm Snapdragon Auto Day aims to introduce Qualcomm's hardware and software-level smart vehicle solutions to leaders in the automotive industry, automakers, Tier 1 stakeholders, and linked ecosystem partners. Qualcomm is currently at the forefront of software-based smart mobility solutions worldwide. It provides several smart connectivity and smart-car capabilities, including Cockpit, Ride, Car-to-Cloud, and Snapdragon's Auto Connectivity. Furthermore, Indian automakers would be able to use and incorporate all of these clever Qualcomm advancements into their upcoming models. Qualcomm Car-to-Cloud, for instance, will enable OEMs to provide "seamless in-vehicle connectivity and robust cloud integration." With a contemporary 3D UI/UX design language, brands may include Snapdragon's Cockpit experience to provide AI-based context-aware automotive solutions. Additionally, Qualcomm OEM partnerships will be able to provide intelligent Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) for intelligent road safety features thanks to Snapdragon Auto Connectivity and Snapdragon Ride. Furthermore, when paired with its Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) technology, Indian automakers may facilitate increased situational awareness and real-time driving communication. Qualcomm wants to use smarter mobility solutions to draw attention to the need for safer roads in India with Snapdragon Auto Day. Senate Republicans passed President Donald Trump's so-called 'Big Beautiful Bill' on Tuesday, July 1, 2025. The 940-page 'One Big Beautiful Bill Act' is Trump's flagship legislation. Apart from the world leaders reacting to the move, celebrities from Ilana Glazer to Eva Longoria have shared Instagram stories after the vote to encourage their followers to take action on the bill. The 50-50 tie during the vote was broken by Vice President JD Vance, which pushed the bill over the top. While, according to AFP, the tie happened after Senate Majority Leader John Thune turned around two moderates who were leaning towards siding with the Democrats. On the other hand, Trump has given a July 4 deadline to the US Congress for the passage of the bill that offers a $150 billion spike in military spending and the President's mass deportation program. From Ilana Glazer to Eva Longoria: Celebrities who reacted to 'Beautiful Bill' Ilana Glazer: On Wednesday, the Broad City actor took to her Instagram story to share her reaction toDonald Trump's 'Big Beautiful Bill'. In the post, the actor called it a 'Big Ugly Bill' and urged her fans to get informed and prepare to use their voice this week as they try to cram it through Congress by July 4. "The fight is not over," she added in the post. Ilana Glazer slams the bill as a Big Ugly Bill. Credit: Reddit | @popculturechat Alyssa Milano: The American actress and activist Alyssa Milano also voiced her thoughts about the bill, calling it 'Trump's big ugly bill', which could take health care away from at least 14 million people. "The senate passed it," she added. Following this, she shared a series of posts on her Instagram story. Her other post mentioned, 'Trump's BBB will go down like the Patriot Act and Jim Crow, a sanctioned act of cruelty.' Alyssa Milano warns the bill could cut healthcare for millions | Credit: Reddit | @popculturechat Sophia Bush: While The Stranger in My Home actress also shared a series of posts on her Instagram story, and among them, she wrote, "Absolutely gutted for everyone who will lose their healthcare, be bankrupted by elitist greed, and suffer because these robber barons have no shame and no care for their neighbours. It's just hideous. Sophia Bush says shes absolutely gutted over the vote | Credit: Reddit | @popculturechat Chloe Fineman: The Summer of '69 actress took to her Instagram to share former Vice President of the United States Kamala Harris's post on her Instagram story that read, "Thanks to Senate Republicans, 17 million people will lose their health care. Thanks to Senate Republicans, families will see their energy bills go up by $400 a year. Senate Republicans are doing all of this and more hurting working people across our nation in order to pay for $1 trillion in tax cuts for billionaires. There is still time to stop this bill before it passes in the House. Call 202-224-3121 and tell your representative to vote no." Chloe Fineman shares Kamala Harriss post urging action | Credit: Reddit | @popculturechat Eva Longoria: Dora and the Lost City of Gold actress Eva Longoria took to her social media to express her thoughts on the same. She shared a post of Katie Couric, who explains the concerns of the 'Big Beautiful Bill' in a video. Eva Longoria reposts Katie Courics video on the bills impact | Credit: Reddit | @popculturechat Julianne Moore: The Siren's actress also shared a video post that spoke about the concerning factors of the Big Beautiful Big and how disastrous it is. Julianne Moore shares a video calling the bill disastrous | Credit: Reddit | @popculturechat Melissa McCarthy: The Spy actress, shared a short clip of herself where she is seen wearing a T-shirt with the caption'm for Planned Parenthood.' Not only that, her post caption mentioned, "Today the Senate voted to 'defund' Planned Parenthood, which will devastate womens access to basic health care nationwide. Before Congress votes to do the same, please contact your representative by texting CARE to 22422. I am proud to support Planned Parenthood and will keep fighting to protect lifesaving, essential care!!" Billy Eichner: The Lion King actor also voiced himself against the bill and shared a post saying, 'One single GOP senator could have stopped this abomination.' Billy Eichner says one GOP senator couldve stopped the bill | Credit: Reddit | @popculturechat Mark Ruffalo: Mark Ruffalo shared a post on his Instagram story that mentioned how many people will lose health care in their state. He captioned it, saying, 'Read and weep.' To stay updated on the stories that are going viral, follow Indiatimes Trending. If there were a global award for nations that refuse to throw anything away, India would probably take home the crown. And guess what? American content creator Jessica Kumar is here for it. American living in India gets hooked on the art of jugaad In a viral video doing rounds on X (formerly Twitter), Jessica passionately praises Indias fix-it-all culture, calling it one of her absolute favourite things about the country. Her Insta-worthy love letter to jugaad shows her marvelling at Indias unmatched ability to repair the unrepairable, whether it is $100 shoes or a cracked plastic bucket. Jessica, who runs a YouTube channel called India with Jessica (with over 47.5K subscribers) and boasts 2.14 lakh followers on Instagram, originally posted the video on her Instagram account. It picked up just a few thousand views at first. But when a third party reshared it on X, it exploded, racking up over 65,000 views. Crocs, converse, and a cobbler with skills In the video, Jessica explains how she managed to get her $45 Converse shoes and $60 Crocs repaired for just Rs 40 (yes, less than 50 cents!). For most people living in the West, such items would be binned and replaced. But here in India? They get a second chance at life. What really got netizens going, though, was not just the message, it was how she delivered it. Fluent in Hindi, Jessica chatted casually with the local cobbler as he worked, leaving viewers impressed by both her language skills and how respectfully she engaged with the craftsman. Internet reacts: From pajamas to pyres Social media users were quick to applaud Jessica for noticing something so quintessentially Indian. One person shared a hilarious breakdown of how an old pyjama in India transforms from nightwear to shorts, then a shopping bag, then a rag, and eventually, yes, a firestarter. But not everyone was feeling warm and fuzzy. A few took the opportunity to sarcastically note that while everything can be fixed in India, corruption, patriarchy, and casteism are still stubbornly broken. Jessica came to India for an internship, met a man from Bihar, fell in love, and never left. Now, she teaches Hindi to foreigners while living the ultimate expat life, fixing her fancy shoes for pennies and falling headfirst into Indian culture, one jugaad at a time. We have officially reached Labubu fever pitch, and it is both adorable and absolutely unhinged. A now-viral Instagram video has sent netizens into a spiral after revealing that one girl has taken her love for the bizarrely cute Labubu doll to couture levels. Yes, we are talking custom. stitched. outfits for a doll barely the size of a pencil case. Labubu doll craze bChinese fund manager who drops liquor stocks to ride Gen Zs emotional spending wave | Credit: X/labubusera When dolls need drip: Enter Labubu couture The video, shared by the Instagram handle s4nh4r, shows what appears to be a tailor (lovingly dubbed masterji) measuring a Labubu doll with the same seriousness usually reserved for bridal lehengas. The woman behind the camera claims that her sister commissioned actual tiny clothes for her doll. The tailor, stoic and committed, takes those miniscule measurements like he is dressing a royal. Needless to say, the internet lost it. Watch the video here. This generation is beyond cooked netizens react With over 117K views in just five days, the video has sparked a comment section meltdown of epic proportions. One viewer remarked that their own tailor now casually styles their cat from leftover fabric, once shocked, now fully committed to feline fashion weeks. Another said it was "endearing" to see how genuinely the tailor was taking his craft, even for a doll the size of a snack bar. Chinese fund manager rides Labubu Doll boom | Credit: X/labubusera Others were simply done. One user declared, This generation is beyond cooked, while another joked that the tailor has probably seen so much, he does not even blink anymore. And honestly? They are probably right. Someone else demanded answers: Where are the final outfit pics?! We want the Labubu fashion show! And honestly, SAME. If you are going to launch a doll-sized clothing line, the least you could do is give us a runway moment. Where can you get the viral creepy Labubu doll in India? } Credit: Instagram/lalalalisa_m Dolls, drip and the drama we live for In a time where the internet has seen it all, from pet birthday parties to AI boyfriends, this video hits the sweet spot of bizarre, wholesome, and 100% meme-worthy. Whether you think it is a little much or absolutely iconic, one thing is clear: Labubu dolls are not just toys anymore, they are fashion icons. So next time you see your tailor, maybe bring your doll too. Just in case. Microsoft layoffs 2025: There are escalating as the software giant prepares for another wave of job cuts, heavily targeting its Xbox division and global sales teams amid a sweeping restructuring push driven by surging AI investments . This marks the third major workforce downsizing this year, with over 6,000 roles eliminated in May and more cuts slated in early July as Microsofts fiscal year wraps up. Compounding the turmoil, Chief Commercial Officer Judson Althoff is set for an eight-week sabbatical, returning following the seismic shift in September. As Microsoft retools around AI priorities, the reduction in customer-facing roles signals a strategic reset that could reshape its gaming ecosystem and sales approach. Stay tuned as we explore the ripple effects of this major overhaul. Judson Althoff - Microsoft's top sales executive to take sabbatical Microsoft is preparing to lay off thousands of workers, mostly in its sales section. As the firm continues to restructure in the face of significant expenditures in artificial intelligence, Microsoft is anticipated to announce the layoffs early this month. Judson Althoff, Microsoft's top sales officer, is taking an eight-week leave before the next round of layoffs. According to Bloomberg, the corporation has verified Judson Althoff's vacation. The chief commercial officer, Althoff, will return to work in September following Microsoft's fiscal year-end. "He will be back with his team in September," a corporate spokeswoman said to Bloomberg, adding that the sabbatical was scheduled and by the company's internal timetable. Microsoft to take third round of layoffs in 2025 Microsoft's top sales executive Judson Althoff is stepping away for an eight-week sabbatical. | Credit: Freepik Althoff is taking a leave when Microsoft prepares to fire thousands of workers, mostly in the sales and marketing departments. Following 6,000 layoffs in May and more than 300 more a few weeks later, the layoffs will be the Redmond-based software giant's third significant employment decrease of the year. Bloomberg initially reported the expected summer layoffs, and according to sources, the timing aligns with the beginning of Microsoft's new fiscal year in July. The upcoming cuts will disproportionately target customer-facing roles, unlike prior rounds that predominantly hit software engineers and product developers. As of June 2024, about 45,000 of Microsoft's 228,000 employees work in the sales and marketing business. The company hinted at this change in April when it declared that it would outsource more software sales to small and mid-sized businesses to other companies. Although sales teams will take the brunt of the cuts, sources told Bloomberg that they won't be the only ones affected. The fight to save games from being lost forever is gaining serious support. Popular YouTuber and owner of the Accursed Farms channel, Ross Scotts "Stop Killing Games" initiative has now reached over 721,000 signatures with just a month left before the July 31 deadline. The campaign aims for gaming companies to ensure their games remain playable, even after online servers or support are discontinued. The movement had slowed down earlier this year, but thanks to YouTubers and social media influencers, it's now back in the spotlight. The number is climbing again, and the target of one million signatures doesnt look far off anymore. Why are gamers signing the petition? It all started when Ubisoft shut down online services for The Crew, making it completely unplayable. That was the final straw for many fans. The campaign is calling for a rule in the European Union: publishers must keep games in working condition, even after they stop official support. Today's the #StopKillingGames promotion day planned by the volunteers! I encourage people to make a post with that hashtag. I'm just following orders though, it's safe to label me as a boomer in regards to social media. pic.twitter.com/0yjIKswZn3 Accursed Farms (@accursedfarms) July 2, 2025 It doesnt mean companies have to run expensive servers forever. The idea is to remove the need for constant online checks or connections once support ends, so people can still play what they paid for. Its especially important for MMORPGs and online games, which often become useless once servers go offline. Not just an EU Issue The petition is part of an EU Citizens' Initiative, so only EU citizens can officially sign. But gamers from all over the world are spreading the word. A UK Parliament version is also live, aiming for 100,000 signatures to bring it to lawmakers. The time is now, sign. Don't let big corporations decide when to delist or make a game unplayable.https://t.co/qkQAoefjZ1 https://t.co/qcirLbouVw pic.twitter.com/9zdecf0jeH Pirat_Nation (@Pirat_Nation) July 1, 2025 Theres also a call for fans in other regions to take action or contact officials. Full details are available on the Stop Killing Games website, including how to help even if you cant sign directly. Whats next for the campaign? The deadline is July 31, 2025. That leaves just a few weeks for more gamers to back the cause. The hope is that this push will force decision-makers in the EU to act. And if successful, it could set a powerful example for the rest of the world. The campaign is not anti-business. It simply asks for basic preservation of digital games, the same way we protect books, films, and music. Because once a game disappears, it takes part of gaming history with it. PASOK - Movement for Change leader Nikos Androulakis met with the former president of the European Parliament Martin Schulz on Wednesday at his office in the Parliament, where they discussed international developments and the challenges facing Europe. In a post on social media Androulakis said: "I had the pleasure of welcoming a friend of Greece and an acquaintance of mine from when I was an MEP. As President of the European Parliament from 2012 to 2017, Martin Schulz was a staunch ally of the country during critical times. We discussed current international developments and the challenges emerging for Europe." iefimerida.gr Despite public denials from government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis, suggestions that the prime minister had early knowledge of the affair are growing. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is facing mounting political pressure over his possible knowledge of a widening scandal involving OPEKEPE, the country's agency responsible for distributing EU agricultural subsidies. The case, now under investigation by the European Public Prosecutors Office , has sparked outrage across the political spectrum and could have serious implications for the stability of the Greek At the heart of the scandal are allegations of widespread mismanagement and potentially fraudulent handling of EU subsidy funds. As details emerge from a voluminous case file now in Parliament, the key question dominating Greek political discourse is whether these actions took place with the knowledge of the prime minister. That question, and the lack of clear answers, is tightening the political noose around the government. The opposition has seized on the moment, with the leader of the main opposition party accusing Mitsotakis of direct responsibility and demanding specific clarifications. SYRIZA, the left-wing opposition party, has gone further, calling for the prime ministers resignation, snap elections, and an immediate preliminary investigation to hold all individuals named in the case accountable. Other parties have echoed these concerns. The Communist Party described the scandal as indicative of a "rotting" system, while the New Left formally requested access to audio recordings referenced in the court file. Freedom Sailing, another parliamentary group, has demanded to know why it took so long for the case file to be forwarded to Parliament. The government's defense has been shaky. Despite public denials from government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis, suggestions that the prime minister had early knowledge of the affair are growing. Christos Boukoros, a former deputy minister who recently resigned, has added fuel to the fire. Boukoros is heard in wiretapped conversations with an OPEKEPE official, part of the case file now in legislative hands. He has claimed his involvement was limited to relaying a request on behalf of a gravely ill small-scale farmer, insisting that he caused no harm to the public and did not influence any funding decisions. In a television interview, Boukoros revealed he had known about the investigation for over a year and that he had been tipped off by government insiders. According to his account, these insiders also told him that the Prime Ministers Officereferred to in Greece as the Maximos Mansionwas aware of the situation at OPEKEPE. Boukoros claimed his conversations were taken out of context and that a full transcript would show a desperate citizen seeking help. If I have to apologize for that phone call, I willand I assume full political responsibility, he said. As the political fallout intensifies, the government is also struggling with the practical question of how to pay a 415 million fine linked to the case, without passing the cost on to Greek taxpayers. The notion of including the penalty in the state budget has already provoked significant public backlash. In response, officials have floated three possible approaches: legally challenging the fine, pursuing legal action and asset seizures against those found guilty of wrongdoing, and spreading the payment over three years in an effort to defuse public anger. #KYRIAKOS_MITSOTAKIS #OPEKEPE #ENGLISH_EDITION Human rights lawyer and activist, Dele Farotimi, has warned that any coalition of opposition parties ahead of the 2027 elections will be pointless unless Nigerians demand sweeping electoral reforms. Speaking on Wednesday with news men, Farotimi criticised Nigerias electoral system, calling it fundamentally compromised and unable to reflect the will of the people. Every coalition of opposition will work in vain if the people fail to demand electoral reforms. The system is rigged ab initio, he said. Advertisement He ruled out the APC governments interest in reforms, saying it benefitted from a flawed electoral process and lacks the will for transparency. READ MORE:https://www.informationng.com/2025/07/oppositions-need-to-be-united-to-fight-failed-tinubus-govt-in-2027-election-rhodes-vivour.html I think it will be not only simplistic but exceedingly foolish when you want to expect that All Progressives Congress (APC) government of Bola Ahmed Tinubu will be interested in an electoral reform that would ensure transparency in the electoral process. This is a government that is beneficial of an electoral hijack, Farotimi stated. He also shared his personal encounter with the electoral system, recounting his role during the last general election. The then INEC commissioner in Lagos State could not produce a single Form EC8A because the entire result in Lagos State was a fraud, he alleged. Farotimi urged citizens to demand their right to credible elections. Power is not served; you grab it, snatch it, and you run with it. But it is the right of citizens to expect to be given the power to vote and decide who rules them, he added. The Australian government has revoked the visa of American rapper Kanye West, also known as Ye, following the release of a controversial track titled Heil Hitler, which has been criticised for promoting Nazi ideology. The song, which surfaced in May, came in the wake of Wests repeated antisemitic outbursts on social media, where he had previously declared, I love Hitler and Im a Nazi, in posts shared on platform X. Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke confirmed that the release of the track prompted a reassessment of the rappers visa. Advertisement READ MORE: Gospel Icon Jimmy Swaggart Passes Away At 90 It was a lower-level visa and the officials still looked at the law and said, Youre going to have a song and promote that sort of Nazism, we dont need that in Australia, Burke stated. We have enough problems in this country already without deliberately importing bigotry, he added. Though West has familial ties to Australia through his wife, architect Bianca Censori, and had frequently visited in the past, Burkes office did not disclose the exact timing of the visa cancellation. This decision aligns with Australias recent stance on denying entry to figures involved in divisive rhetoric. Just last month, the country barred pro-Israel influencer Hillel Fuld, and in October, it blocked U.S. commentator Candace Owens. A major political shift is underway as key opposition figures, including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Nasir El-Rufai, and Rotimi Amaechi, gathered at the YarAdua Centre in Abuja for the official unveiling of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The event marks a significant moment in Nigerias political landscape, as former rivals unite with the goal of presenting a strong alternative to President Bola Tinubus administration. Also present at the unveiling were former Senate President David Mark and ex-Osun Governor Rauf Aregbesola, who were recently named interim National Chairman and National Secretary of the ADC, respectively. Advertisement READ MORE:https://www.informationng.com/2025/07/adc-will-lead-democratic-revolution-serve-nigeria-in-2027-aregbesola.html Speaking at the event, Atiku Abubakar stated, This coalition is not just about politics. It is about rescuing Nigeria from economic hardship, insecurity, and misgovernance. Peter Obi added, Nigeria needs a new direction, and were here to give the people a credible option. The presence of former governors from across party lines, including Labour Party, PDP, and APC backgrounds, signals a growing alliance that could reshape the 2027 political contest. Nasir El-Rufai, in a brief remark, said, The time has come for unity of purpose. The country needs leaders who are selfless and bold. The unveiling of the ADC as the coalitions official party also follows internal consultations and negotiations stretching over several months. While details of their agreed power-sharing formula remain undisclosed, insiders hint at a possible consensus presidential candidate emerging before the end of 2025. The coalitions unveiling has already begun to stir reactions across political circles, with many seeing it as a direct challenge to the ruling APCs dominance. As the 2027 elections draw nearer, the ADC may prove to be the banner under which the opposition mounts its most serious challenge yet. Former Senate President David Mark has formally resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), ending a decades-long affiliation with the party he co-founded. His resignation, dated June 27, 2025, comes amid a worsening internal crisis within the PDP and follows his emergence as an interim leader in the coalition-backed African Democratic Congress (ADC). In a letter to the PDP leadership in Otukpo Ward 1, Benue State on Tuesday, Mark expressed deep regret over the partys decline, blaming persistent leadership issues for his decision. Advertisement READ MORE:https://www.informationng.com/2025/07/lagos-govt-commences-sealing-of-shops-selling-styrofoam-packs-plastic-straws.html The irreconcilable differences in the PDP have subjected the party to public ridicule and reduced it to a shadow of its former self, he wrote. He reflected on his unwavering loyalty since the partys inception, stating, Even when nearly all stakeholders departed the party following our loss in the 2015 presidential election, I pledged to remain the last man standing. Despite his efforts to rebuild and reposition the PDP, he noted that the partys worsening divisions had made his position untenable. Mark said the final decision was made after broad consultations with his family and political allies. After wide consultations I have resolved to join the National Coalition of Political Opposition Movement in Nigeria, as part of the collective effort to rescue our nation and preserve our hard-earned democracy, he declared. His move signals a major realignment in Nigerias political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections. It follows reports that other key PDP figures including Atiku Abubakar and Uche Secondu are also in talks to back the growing coalition aimed at challenging the ruling APC. Ahead of 2027 election, top opposition leaders have adopted African Democratic Congress as their new political platform to unseat President Bola Tinubu. The announcement which was made on Tuesday, emerged from a meeting conducted by stakeholders of various opposition groups. It was gathered that prominent leaders that were present at the meeting including former Rivers State governor and ex-Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, former All Progressives Congress National Chairman John Oyegun, former Attorney-General of the Federation Abubakar Malami, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, former Cross River Governor Liyel Imoke, and former House Speaker and ex-Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal. Advertisement The coalition includes former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, among others. Meanwhile, in a communique read by David Mark, during the meeting on Tuesday, the group accused President Tinubus government over failed campaign promises. They argue that President Tinubus administration has failed to deliver on its promises, citing economic hardship, insecurity, and what they call renewed hardship instead of renewed hope. The communique partly reads: The APC government, which came into being on the false and evil propaganda to save Nigeria from PDP is now a disaster to our nation and therefore must be voted out of power. READ MORE: Tinubu Should Be Worried About Growing Coalition Former Benue Gov All coalition partners must be united on the issues of national unity, democracy, national security and national economy and the political will to stamp out corruption embedded in our institutions. The coalition partners to work out the modalities of winning all elections, taking into consideration local and national peculiarities. Vested interests from within and the irresponsible actions of the APC-led Federal Government, which has been using state institutions to stifle and destroy Democracy, know no bounds! The inability of PDP leadership to lead the party by its Constitution, rules and regulations led it into a chaotic and undisciplined Party! A major faction within the African Democratic Congress, has kicked against the move by opposition coalition to adopt the party as its political platform. Recall that INFORMATION NIGERIA had earlier reported that some stakeholders from major opposition parties have regrouped themselves to choose ADC as the party to unseat President Bola Tinubu in. 2027. The coalition group in a meeting held on Tuesday, accused Tinubus government of failing to fulfill his election promises, calling on Nigerians to avoid the President and ruling All Progressive Congress being re-elected again. Advertisement The meeting includes former Senate president, David Mark, ex- governor of Kaduna State, former presidential candidate of Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar and former governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi and others. READ MORE: El-Rufai, Peter Obi, Others Adopt ADC To Unseat Tinubu In 2027 Reacting to the development in a statement by Musa Isa Matara, the factions national publicity secretary, the group warned that ADC is not a private coalition platform to be hijacked by political elites. The faction expressed outrage over what it described as a unilateral decision made without input from critical stakeholders. Matara noted that the decision to merge with the opposition coalition was made without consulting key party structures, including state executives, youth and women leaders, and ward coordinators. He said: We warn those coming into the ADC as part of this imposed arrangement to tread carefully. Be mindful that some few individuals are attempting to sell out the soul of our party for personal gain. The ADC is not for sale. It belongs to its members, not political merchants or elite dealmakers. Justice Dehinde Dipeolu of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos State has sentenced five Chinese Nationals on charges related to cyber-terrorism and internet fraud. The convicts were prosecuted by Lagos State Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Tuesday. EFCC identified the suspects as, Guo Qiang (aka Wu You You), Yang Shumei, Guo Zhi Yong, Zhang Gia Feng and Lu Yi Liang. Advertisement They were said to be among the syndicate of 792 alleged cryptocurrency investment and romance fraud suspects arrested on December 19, 2024 in Lagos during a sting operation tagged Eagle Flush Operation conducted by EFCC operatives. One of the charges reads: That you, Guo Qiang (aka Wu You You) sometime in December 2024 at Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourabe Court, wilfully caused to be accessed computer system for the purpose of destabilizing and destroying the economy and social structure of Nigeria and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 18 of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc) Act, 2015 (As Amended, 2024]. READ MORE: Lagos Court Jails 17 Chinese Nationals For Cyber-Terrorism, Internet Fraud The accused pleaded not guilty upon arraignment. However, during the court proceedings on Tuesday, they reversed their plea to guilty, prompting the prosecution counsel, U.S. Kyari, to request their conviction. Meanwhile, all the defendants were sentenced to one year imprisonment, with a fine of N1,000,000.00 (One Million Naira). The judge also ordered that upon completion of their sentences, the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, should ensure that they are repatriated to their country of origin within seven days. Human rights lawyer, Deji Adeyanju has mocked People Democratic Party, over the new defection that occurred in the party. Adeyanju commended key leaders in PDP, and other opposition figures for coming together to battle the ruling All Progressives Congress, in 2027 election. Recall that INFORMATION NIGERIA had reported that former presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, ex- Senate president, David Mark and others dumped PDP to join African Democratic Congress on Tuesday. Advertisement READ MORE: Rivere Crisis: Deji Adeyanju Sad To See Wike, Fubara Back Together FCT Ministers Spokesperson Reacting to the development on Wednesday, via his Facebook page, the lawyer thanked the concerned leaders of the main opposition party, for dumping the party for ADC, saying that PDP is dead. He said: Im proud of the opposition for coming together finally. Special thanks to Atiku, Obi and other top opposition leaders for putting aside their personal ambition to make this happen. I hope Kwankwaso will also do same. This is what they should have done in 2023. Whenever you wake up is your morning. Good morning to the opposition. Peter Obi, Labour Partys 2023 presidential candidate, has proposed a single-term tenure to the opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 elections, vowing to serve only four years if elected. Dr Yinusa Tanko, the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, confirmed the submission on Tuesday during a ceremony where Obi was conferred with the chieftaincy title of Sarki Maskan (War Hero). Tanko described the proposal as a commitment rooted in integrity and a demonstration of Obis readiness to transform Nigeria in four years. Advertisement We have presented it to the coalition. It is there for them to make a decision. But we are confident it can work. This is a pronouncement rooted in integrity, and Peter Obi embodies that. What Nigeria needs now are leaders with integrity, he said. READ MORE:https://www.informationng.com/2025/07/stop-digging-up-negative-videos-about-police-others-fct-command-urges-nigerians.html According to Tanko, Obi has maintained that four years is sufficient for his vision. Obi has said clearly even though the single term is not in the constitution that he is committing himself to serve only one tenure. He believes four years is more than enough to accomplish his mission. That shows you how prepared and focused he is. Obi had earlier declared his interest in the 2027 race during a live session on X Spaces, where he reaffirmed his single-term offer. Tanko noted that stabilizing electricity alone, a priority under Obis leadership, could solve many of Nigerias pressing issues. He is promising that under his leadership, Nigeria will become an exporting country again. Planes will no longer leave our airports empty, Tanko added. Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has firmly denied claims that he is planning to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Speaking during an interview on Wednesday, Mutfwang dismissed the rumours, stressing that he remains committed to the PDP, the platform that brought him to power. There is no truth in the claims. I have never contemplated leaving the PDP, and nothing will ever make me abandon the party, he said. Advertisement Speculations linking Governor Mutfwang to a defection to APC have been dismissed as baseless, despite recent moves by Deltas Oborevwori and Akwa Iboms Umo Eno. READ MORE:https://www.informationng.com/2025/07/president-tinubu-knighted-in-saint-lucia-during-official-visit.html Reacting to media reports suggesting his defection was imminent, he said a friend had drawn his attention to them earlier in the day. A friend of mine sent me (the newspaper reports) this morning, and I said, There is no prohibition on a hunter pursuing wild animals. I am sure they see something interesting in us, that is why they want us to join their party. Just as you read it in the newspaper, I also read it, Mutfwang stated. The governors response is seen as a clear message of loyalty to the PDP amidst political tension and realignments ahead of the 2027 elections. Mutfwangs stance also comes amid mounting calls from opposition figures urging PDP members to resist temptations to defect, as political coalitions begin to take shape nationwide. The Zone 7 Police Command in Abuja has arrested a suspect over an alleged fraudulent sale of a defective luxury vehicle and recovered $7,000 from him. ASP Halima Mohammed said the case was reported on June 19 after a woman claimed she was duped while trying to buy a G-Wagon advertised on Facebook for N32 million. The complainant, who inspected the vehicle at Ilado Car Stand in Lokogoma, was assured by the suspect that the only fault was with the power steering, which would be fixed within a week. Advertisement READ MORE:https://www.informationng.com/2025/07/el-rufai-peter-obi-others-adopt-adc-to-unseat-tinubu-in-2027.html Trusting the agreement, she paid a $7,000 deposit with a mutual understanding that the funds would be refunded if she chose not to proceed. However, a follow-up inspection with a certified mechanic revealed several serious electrical and mechanical faults. When she asked for a refund, the suspect reportedly refused and said no money would be returned unless the vehicle was sold to another buyer. The AIG was petitioned over a fraudulent sales transaction The complainant reported that she saw a Facebook advertisement on June 10 for a Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon, ASP Mohammed confirmed. Upon investigation, the suspect confessed to the crime, and the sum of $7,000 was recovered. Police detectives led by CSP Akinlabi Ogundile apprehended the suspect, who allegedly confessed during interrogation. Meanwhile, efforts are ongoing to arrest his fleeing accomplice. The police have urged the public to be cautious of online vehicle purchases and to always verify sellers and terms before making payments. Veteran Nigerian actor Tom Njemanze has reached out to the public, seeking financial help in his fight against cancer. The ailing actor, presently receiving medical care at a hospital, made his appeal in a video that surfaced online on Tuesday and quickly gained widespread attention. Advertisement Filmmaker Stanley Ontop, who shared the post on his Instagram page, disclosed that Tom Njemanze is battling prostate cancer and is in urgent need of financial support for surgery. READ MORE: Mohbad: VeryDarkMan Gives Zlatan 48 Hours To Speak On Viral Audio With Sam Larry He said, Hello guys, one of our Nollywood legends is sick and needs urgent surgery. Sir Tom Njamanze has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, and he needs your support to undergo surgery. Nothing is too small, fams. Help our legend live again. Njemanze is widely recognised for his roles in films such as Issakaba, Tokunboh, Atosa, Pounds and Dollars, Osuofia in London, Igbotic Love, and Brain Box. This development follows a similar plea made just four months ago by fellow veteran actor John Amaefule, who sought financial support while battling a partial stroke and cancer. Creative Arts High School Principal Davida Coe-Brockington has been named the acting state-appointed superintendent of the Camden school system. Read more The New Jersey Board of Education has approved Davida Coe-Brockington, a longtime Camden educator, as the acting state-appointed schools chief for the district. The board approved the recommendation by state Education Commissioner Kevin Dehmer by voice vote Wednesday with no opposition. The board met privately with Coe-Brockington prior to its monthly meeting in Trenton. Advertisement Your passion is evident, said board President Kathy Goldenberg. Board member Jeanette Pena said the district of nearly 6,000 students was blessed to have Coe-Brockington, an educator who came up through the ranks in Camden. Change is never easy, said board member Mary Bennett. We know Camden, while its making strides, is still facing challenges. Were confident youre the person who can take them to the next level. Coe-Brockington began her new duties Monday and will serve as interim schools chief until the state names a permanent successor for former Superintendent Katrina T. McCombs. I am deeply honored to accept the role, Coe-Brockington said in a message. Camden has been my professional home for more than 30 years as a teacher, supervisor and leader. Coe-Brockington did not address the board publicly. She was accompanied by Tim Jenkins, the longtime principal of the Big Picture Learning Academy, one of three magnet schools at the Camden High complex. A former Camden High English teacher, Coe-Brockington has been principal of Creative Arts High School since it opened in 1999. She also has worked as an elementary school teacher, and previously was an assistant superintendent. She takes over at a turbulent time in the history of the state-operated district. McCombs stepped down after seven years amid a budget crisis for the forthcoming school year. Facing a $91 million budget gap, McCombs cut nearly 300 jobs under a sweeping restructuring that called for about 117 employees to lose their jobs. The state and McCombs reached a mutual agreement not to renew her contract after some Camden leaders asked for a change. She accepted a position with the state as an assistant education commissioner. McCombs also announced in April that Coe-Brockington would oversee Creative Arts and the three other schools at the Camden High complex. The other principals, including Jenkins, were to be reassigned. An announcement has not been made about who will replace Coe-Brockington at Creative Arts. Jenkins was named principal of Yorkship Family School before her elevation to acting superintendent. The state has launched a national search for a new superintendent and said someone would be selected by September and would tentatively start Nov. 1. Because the district is state-run, Dehmer will select the new superintendent with approval from the state Board of Education. The state began operating the district in 2013 after years of failing test scores and a poor graduation rate. Coe-Brockington is not believed to be a candidate for the superintendent job. She holds a doctorate in educational administration from Widener University, along with two masters degrees. Come fall 2025, Trias soon-to-be former Washington Square West location will be transformed into a neighborhood friendly cocktail bar by Kyle Darrow, 38, and John Grubb, 48, of Next of Kin Hospitality, whose Fishtown bar, also named Next of Kin, is known for inventive takes on classic cocktails. The pair had been searching for a new location since the beginning of the year. Darrow and Grubb signed the lease on Trias Washington Square West location on June 27, and expect to do little to the recently renovated 40-seat space (there is an additional fifteen to twenty seats outside) other than decorate it to make it feel like theirs. Theyre anticipating being open seven days a week, from 4 p.m. to midnight. Advertisement The pair is currently struggling to name their new project. Grubb, who came up with Next of Kin, said coming up with a name was a delightful exercise in frustration. But like Next of Kin, their bartenders will have creative license on a menu that encompasses both classics done really well and fun experiments, Grubb said. There may be snacks, but no significant food offerings and unlike Next of Kin, no vending machine stocked with Japanese and Mexican candy and tinned fish. Were not chefs, Darrow said. There are so many great restaurants in this city and places to get great food, but thats not our thing With our concept, youre not session-ing out for hours and drinking a ton of cocktails. Youre having a couple of drinks, then, what else are you going to do with your time? Maybe just go out with friends for dinner. Grubb and Darrow, both South Jersey natives, met while bartending at the Red Owl Tavern in Hotel Monaco in 2013. After the Red Owl, Darrow went on to run bar programs for Kimpton Hotels in Amsterdam and New York, and worked at various places around Philadelphia. On the way home, after our shifts at the Monaco, wed stop at Johns house and have an old-fashioned, and wed just talk about things that we would love to do at a bar. With the restrictions of a corporate establishment, our hands were tied with a lot of things, Darrow said. Both cocktail nerds, the pair would handcrush ice for Queens Park Swizzles at the Monaco, which did not have an ice crusher meaning Darrow and Grubb were putting ice in a tin and smashing it with a muddler sixty to seventy times a night. It was dumb, Darrow said. That kind of effort is one of the things that sets Next of Kin apart. When we put the Ramos Gin Fizz on the menu, we got so many messages from bartenders on Instagram saying best of luck and God bless you guys, Darrow said. To do it properly, you really have to take your time and let it settle, because youre making the meringue from egg white, heavy cream, and citrus, and you have to let that separate from the rest of the drink. It takes a lot of shaking, a lot of work, and patience. Its just a time consuming drink, said Darrow. While Grubb and Darrow own Next of Kin in Fishtown with a third partner, Devan Roberts (Darrows brother-in-law), Roberts is not involved in the new bar. Next of Kin will continue running with all three partners. Grubb and Darrow do not expect to open until after September 18, when they will be taking ten members of the Next of Kin staff to Paris for a pop-up at Mesures, a Japanese French cocktail and vinyl bar. Mexico City-inspired cocktails, Amaro Sour, left, Paloma and Brunt Tortilla Mai Tai are shown at Milpa, the nightside cocktail operation of Tequilas sister establishment at La Jefa in Philadelphia. June 25, 2025. Read more Center Citys most interesting new cocktail bar is not a speakeasy, but it is a bar within a bar, all sandwiched inside a restaurant. Youll find Milpa inside Latimer Streets La Jefa, which is itself in the back of its sister establishment, the recently reopened Tequilas. Walk past La Jefas tiled coffee bar, through a pair of arches draped with dusky blue velvet curtains, and youll enter the 26-seat lounge in a low-lit, black-spackled room. Reservations are recommended for one of the cushy leather banquettes or the two-top tables, but walk-ins are welcome at the bar, made from an epoxy-encased beam of wood salvaged from the fire that gutted Tequilas in 2023. Advertisement La Jefa Milpa is open Wednesday through Sunday nights (5 p.m. to midnight, 1 a.m. on weekends), as is La Jefa, whose space has slightly more seats, more standing room, and a brighter atmosphere. While the two concepts share a dinner menu designed by Guadalajaran chef Fabian Delgado Padilla they have distinct drink menus. We kind of wanted to do a choose-your-own-adventure-type deal, says Dan Suro-Cipolloni, one of Tequilas/La Jefas family owners. La Jefa cafe is a little bit more casual. Cocktails are just as good, but all the work is done on the back end. Thats where we get into the fun fermented things that are on draft, like the grapefruit and agave soda and the house-made ginger beer. Where La Jefas nighttime drinks program plays up easy-drinking cocktails a tepache highball, a burnt tortilla mai tai, a tinto de verano (red wine and Sprite) with house-made limon aguacate soda Milpas skews more nuanced and serious. Its 10-drink list includes a ginger- and lemongrass-inflected cousin of the mojito (Yerba Buena, $16); an intriguing citywide special (Tejuichela, $15, see below); and maybe the tastiest milk punch Ive ever had (Ponche, $17), made with peanut butter-infused rye, tamarind liqueur, lime, and cucumber. Theres also a guava-and-rum combo that pays tribute to a local shaved-ice vendor (Raspado, $16), as well as a (literally) corny cocktail that stipulates a 10- to 15-minute wait time (Maiz, $20). Conspicuously absent? A margarita. Thats a hill the team behind Milpa will die on, says Suro-Cipolloni, one of the bars driving creative forces, along with head bartender Nik Shumer-Decker, fermentation director Shakur Armstrong (whos responsible for La Jefas soda and coffee programs), and James Beard-winning beverage expert, Danny Childs, who is a consulting partner in the bar. Its a very American thing to just grab the pitcher of margaritas. As soon as you hear Mexican restaurant, thats all you get, Suro-Cipolloni says. When you go to Mexico, theres such a rich cocktail scene, its really incredible. And margaritas arent ordered there. In place of Americas most popular drink, Milpa makes the Agave cocktail, an alternative take on a margaritas traditional components (tequila, orange liqueur, lime, salt). The team infuses blanco tequila thats made using a tahona (a volcanic stone wheel) with steamed agave imported from Cascahuin the same distillery that makes the tequila, located in the lowlands of Jalisco. To sweeten it, what else but more agave? Not just any, though a house-made syrup derived from the same imported agave. An ounce of fresh lime and a dash of salt from Colima balance the drink. Milpas bartenders express an orange peel over the drink just before serving, to fold in the missing ingredient. Honestly, if youre looking for a margarita, this drink isnt it. Its complex, slightly earthy, perfect to sip and think about, even if just a little. (Try the Yerba Buena for something more in the margarita state of mind.) At $27, the Agave is Milpas most expensive cocktail. It has to be, Suro-Cipolloni says. We import agave. The Cascahuin Tahona we use for it is already a $72 bottle of tequila. Thats the least we can charge for it. Despite the price point, the Agave has proved to be one of the most popular items on the menu in the three-ish weeks Milpa has been open. After bartenders walk customers through everything that goes into it, Shumer-Decker says, People are like, Well, theres no possible way Ill ever have this again. Lets try it. Another beverage Milpa offers that youd be hard-pressed to find elsewhere in the area: tejuichela, a michelada riff that combines beer with tejuino, a fermented beverage made from masa, or nixtamalized corn dough. In parts of Mexico and the U.S., tejuino is a refreshing street-vendor drink thats sweetened with piloncillo and often spiked with lime or lemon and salt, served over ice. (You can order the tejuino plain off La Jefas menu, $8.) Add beer to the mix and you have a tejuichela. Milpas tejuichela pairs Human Robots Mexican-style dark lager with a tejuino made using masa from South Philly Barbacoa chef Cristina Martinez. The tall drink is served with a shot of Oaxacan aged rum. Its one of the most sophisticated citywide specials around, but manages to be unpretentious at the same time. Its a super-Tapatio thing and a super-Philly thing all in one, Suro-Cipolloni says of the citywide riff. Were just marrying the two cultures. Straddling Philadelphia and Guadalajara, Jalisco the Suro familys other hometown is the whole point of Milpa, named after the agricultural approach sometimes referred to as three sisters farming, in which maize, beans, and squash are grown in the same field. Its the idea that crops will grow and promote each others health in unison, Suro-Cipolloni says. Youll find evidence of the Guadaladelphia cross-pollination on all the menus at La Jefa. A sandwich is gonna be on Mighty Bread, even though its a Guadalajaran recipe, says Shumer-Decker. Or the choices that bartenders make in terms of putting drinks together we all learned to bartend in Philly, so were going to have those instincts. These are the little ways that Philly seeps into all the recipes. Another, larger point of the bars at Milpa, La Jefa, and Tequilas is to help customers appreciate one of Mexicos most treasured exports: agave. The message across all three bars is: Whats going on in the agave industry right now? Whats going on in Mexican culture? Suro-Cipolloni says. (David Suro, Tequilas founder and Suro-Cipollonis father, has a company that produces and imports agave spirits and has written a James Beard Award-winning book about them.) Suro-Cipolloni points to mezcal as one of the foremost issues in the agave industry: Mezcal is made from wild agave, which is becoming increasingly rare as the spirits popularity has exploded. High demand and overproduction in the agave industry is destroying the whole culture the tradition of it, the socioeconomics of it, the agricultural element so unless youre gonna put on something out of intention, I dont think [mezcal] should really be in a cocktail, he says. That eye toward the gritty realities of the agave industry is why you wont find a mezcal cocktail on the menu, though you can order one to sip from their small but carefully curated inventory. An intentional mezcal cocktail, he says, might use just a quarter-ounce of the spirit in addition to other ingredients that showcase products from the same region in Mexico. Whether customers appreciate that sort of detail or not, Suro-Cipolloni is dedicated to the mission. Im more interested in being a bar that has integrity, he says. La Jefa (1605 Latimer St., 215-475-5500, lajefaphilly.com/nuevo) is open daily from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.; 5 p.m. to midnight Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday; 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday. Reservations, which are recommended for tables, are available on Resy.com. Unionized nurses and technicians at Chestnut Hill Hospital held a press conference in April on their contract negotiations with Temple Health. Members ratified a contract last Friday, avoiding a threatened strike. Read more Unionized nurses and technicians at Chestnut Hill Hospital and Temple University Hospital-Jeanes Campus have voted to approve their first contracts with Temple Health. The contract agreements avoided threats by their union to strike by July 4, following lengthy and sometimes contentious bargaining at both hospitals. Advertisement The contracts instituted new wage scales and signing bonuses for employees. The union said they had also avoided pay cuts at Chestnut Hill, a major concern in bargaining. At Chestnut Hill, where Temple owns a majority stake in the hospital and workers unionized 18 months ago, 265 nurses and 77 techs voted to ratify separate three-year contracts Friday. At Jeanes, 190 technicians and other medical professionals voted late last month to ratify their own three-year contract, their union, the Pennsylvania Association of Staff Nurses & Allied Professionals, said in a news release. In a statement, Temple officials said ratifying the Chestnut Hill and Jeanes contracts was the standard course of business and part of our ongoing commitment to maintaining strong working relationships. We appreciate everyone involved and remain focused on delivering high-quality care every day, officials said. While Jeanes nurses ratified a contract last year, in April, Chestnut Hill nurses and techs authorized a strike, alongside Jeanes techs, and said Temple was not bargaining in good faith. Union representatives had said they were particularly concerned about proposed pay cuts for some staff at Chestnut Hill, and also raised alarms about what they described as short staffing in some units. The health system said they were moving toward a new pay system that would pay employees based on experience. Most employees would have seen a pay raise under the proposed system, Temple officials said. They also said staffing levels were higher than during the COVID-19 pandemic. Contract details The new contracts at Jeanes and Chestnut Hill adopt a new wage scale, with increasing salaries based on employees experience, and guaranteed raises for all employees for each year of the contract. Employees at Chestnut Hill will not see any pay cuts, the union said, though some with salaries above the wage scale will see smaller annual raises. Full-time employees will get bonuses of $1,000, while part-time employees will receive $500. Staff will also get a week of paid parental leave, which is equivalent to parental leave at Temples main hospital and the Fox Chase Cancer Center. The contracts also establish committees where employees and managers will regularly discuss workplace safety and improving patient care, and include a week of paid leave for employees who are victims of violence on the job. In the unions news release, Chestnut Hill radiology technician Dawn Verrecchio said that she was excited by the contract ratification and that it would help retain staff at the hospital and attract new employees. This is exactly what we organized for for our patients and our hospital staff, she said. Editors note: This article has been updated to correct the financial details of the bonuses agreed on in the union contracts. Graduates of Jefferson Health's Community Health Worker Academy at the graduation ceremony on May 29. This is the second cohort to graduate from the academy since its launch in April 2023. Read more A patient who recently received a liver transplant was struggling to find transportation to his twice-weekly checkups with Jefferson Health doctors in Center City. He lived two and a half hours away in Carbon County. Unable to work during his recovery, he couldnt afford to keep paying drivers. This worried Lydia King, the community health worker assigned to his case. Advertisement If they are too inconsistent with coming to their appointments and their medical care, we start to run the risk of losing the transplanted organ, she said. King was tasked with helping the liver transplant patient as part of her training in Jefferson Healths Community Health Worker Academy, a 13-month program that teaches community members to become front-line public health workers. Their expertise in the communities in which they live and serve can help address non-medical needs like access to transportation that affect health outcomes. Through a bit of research and a lot of calls and emails, King secured a shuttle bus for the patient to take free of charge through Carbon Countys Medical Assistance Transportation Program. It was a resource the patient wouldnt otherwise have known to use. Knowing how overwhelmed he was by the whole process of being transplanted, not being able to work, and having a family that he needed to provide for, it was very fulfilling to help just bridge such a small gap, King said. King, 25, graduated late May as part of the academys second cohort. She brings to her role experience living in the Logan area, and she previously worked at Dedicated Senior Medical Center, helping patients navigate insurance, social services, and access to food. Becoming a community health worker seemed like a natural progression. Launched in April 2023, the program seeks to tackle health disparities in Philadelphias most underserved communities by integrating community members into care teams. All eleven graduates of this years cohort received return offers to continue working as community health workers at Jefferson. A community connection Jeffersons academy recruiters look for two things when selecting the next cohort of community health workers: a community connection and a desire to help people. Community health workers use their lived experiences as community members to bridge gaps between patients and the medical system. Its a plus if someone has interacted with the healthcare system in the past and can use that experience to empathize with patients. Healthcare systems realize that there needs to be these individuals who can speak directly to patients, said Keith Leaphart,a physician who is the chief health equity and community impact officer at Jefferson. (Leaphart serves on the board of The Lenfest Institute, which owns The Inquirer.) He noted that people who come from the same communities as the patients can help to build trust in a way that is unique to them. Program participants receive basic health education on chronic conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes. But in their role, understanding the socio-economic and environmental factors that affect a persons health is more important than medical expertise. Their access to transportation, social support, housing, and food extends beyond the health system, but can determine health outcomes. Knowing how to navigate the resources available in the community is key to meeting these needs. The academy teaches participants to build relationships with community partners, whether its a church, school, food pantry, mosque, or housing organization, Leaphart said. This makes it easier to consult these partners for help with patients. When were making referrals and making a phone call to an organization, they serve as a bridge, he said. Training in the field Participants in the academy are trained in classrooms and in the field at Jefferson. Most of the community health workers are placed in clinics and outpatient facilities, rather than inside hospitals. There, they work with the nursing and social work teams to identify patients who need assistance. Kings first placement was working with the transplant team. Thats how she was connected with the liver transplant patient in his 30s. This case tested Kings ability to address multiple needs. Though the patients primary issue had involved transportation, he also told King that he was worried about the financial stability of his family. The sole breadwinner for his wife and young child, he had been unable to work since falling sick. King offered a solution to help: She applied for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits on the mans behalf and secured $600 a month for his household. It was another resource that the man would not otherwise have known to seek out. That patient is now recovering and will hopefully return to work soon, King said. Im hoping that it creates some stability for him and his family to be able to build upon and keep moving forward, she said. The New Jersey State House in Trenton. Advocates and the state attorney general this week decried a budget item that appropriates $45 million in opioid settlement funds to four hospitals, saying the budget item comes with few spending parameters and little oversight. Read more New Jersey lawmakers tapped millions of dollars from the states settlement funds from lawsuits against opioid manufacturers as part of the budget enacted Monday, allocating the money to four hospitals in a move that incensed some community advocates and the state attorney general. RWJBarnabas Health, Atlantic Health System, Cooper University Hospital, and Hackensack Medical Center will receive $45 million from a $1 billion settlement fund. Advertisement Members of a state committee that met for more than a year to set priorities on how to spend the money say the appropriation comes with few spending parameters and little oversight. Hospitals can use the funding to provide necessary care and treatment for victims of opioid-related health issues, the budget says. RWJBarnabas and Cooper are set to receive $15 million; Hackensack will receive $10 million; and Atlantic will receive $5 million. Gov. Phil Murphy signed the $58.8 billion budget into law Monday night. In a statement Tuesday, he said that he shared the advisory committee members concerns about how the budget language will impact their efforts. But, Murphy added, federal actions are creating a perilous situation for our states hospitals. They can use these funds to deliver effective services, he said. He said his administration will track every dollar the hospitals receive to make sure the money is used for new, evidence-based programming that is in compliance with opioid settlement agreements, which mandate that the funds be used for opioid addiction prevention, treatment, and recovery measures. Under the settlement agreement with opioid manufacturers, distributors, and others, the state splits the $1 billion in funds evenly with local governments. The money is to be distributed annually through 2038. Billions in settlement money have been disbursed to communities across the country. Nationwide, how the opioid settlement funds are being spent has spurred scrutiny and, sometimes, controversy, including in Philadelphia. Members of the committee created to suggest priorities for the distribution of the opioid settlement funds in New Jersey said they sought input from hundreds of community members over 15 months to develop a plan to spend the funds. They recommended spending the money on harm reduction measures, medication for opioid use disorder, housing, social support for people with addiction, and legal services. We found out Saturday morning that $45 million a tenth of the settlement funds is being given to four hospitals with no rhyme or reason, said Jenna Mellor, the director of the New Jersey Harm Reduction Coalition and a member of the advisory committee. Bre Azanedo, another committee member and the program manager at the Black Lives Matter Paterson Harm Reduction Center, said the committee was not consulted on the hospital appropriations. Lawmakers should prioritize funding frontline organizations like hers, which already struggle to find funding to provide medical care for people who avoid hospitals because of stigma around addiction, she said. Murphy said he will soon announce funding for a new round of programs based on the advisory committees recommendations. The state budget move is intended to help people in addiction, said Assembly Majority Leader Lou Greenwald (D., Camden), who appropriated the funds to the hospitals, intending the funds to help them develop a more robust network of primary care. That will help people with addiction get more consistent primary care, and help prevent addiction among people who have difficulty regularly seeing a doctor because of transportation issues or other barriers, he said. Part of the problem with people that linger in addiction is their failure to get access to care and be able to track medication and medication usage, Greenwald said. And we want to get to it before someone is in addiction. The opioid settlement, to me, is an opportunity to help those folks fallen subject to opioid [addiction] but also to get those folks before theyre addicted. In a statement, officials from Cooper University Hospital, the Camden hospital that will receive $15 million under the budget appropriation, said that any state funds provided to the hospital would be used to support direct patient care at the Cooper Center for Healing, the hospitals substance use disorder program. The center provides inpatient and outpatient care for people with addiction, operates a walk-in addiction treatment clinic, and has a mobile unit that treats people on the street. It also collaborates with a local syringe exchange program to provide low-barrier addiction treatment. Scrutiny from the N.J. attorney general In a statement issued before Murphy signed the budget into law, Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin said he was disappointed to see this funding moved into the state budget for hospitals. He said the state had made mistakes spending similar settlements from tobacco companies in the past. Those funds should have been used exclusively to address damage caused by cigarettes, he said. I take no position on whether the hospitals should receive funds, but these settlement funds are not general revenues for the state, he said in the statement. Spending this money in this way is a slap in the face to every family who lost a loved one in this devastating crisis, which continues to claim the lives of thousands of New Jerseyans each year. Platkin said he would be carefully scrutinizing the hospital systems that received the money to make sure every single dollar is spent within the terms of the settlements we fought for years to obtain. Hell of a coincidence Greenwald, the legislator who put the opioid money for hospitals in the state budget, said he wants to speak to advocates about the budget addition: Everyone is welcome to the table to help craft this. Though a group of advocates had dropped a banner in the statehouse protesting the budget addition Monday, Greenwald said he was unaware of Platkins or activists concerns, and was not in the room when the banner was dropped. Sen. Joe Vitale (D., Middlesex), chairman of the New Jersey Senate Health, Human Services, and Senior Citizens Committee, said the opioid settlement provision was added to the budget bill without public notice or debate. It undercuts the work of the organizations that are doing this work on the ground, both local, county, and statewide, he said. The budget bill passed the Democratic-led legislature largely along party lines. Vitale voted in favor of the budget but said he hoped Murphy would use his line-item veto authority to nix the opioid spending provision. The governor left the appropriation in the budget. The senator said the $45 million figure matches the amount included in the first year of New Jerseys settlement with OxyContin maker Purdue Pharma a multistate agreement that was announced just two weeks ago. New Jersey is set to receive $125 million over 15 years through that settlement. Vitale said he thinks that new windfall influenced state budget negotiations. Its a hell of a coincidence, Vitale said. The Armellino Center of Excellence for Williams Syndrome held a ribbon-cutting ceremony June 3 as it moved into its permanent location in the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. Read more Michael Armellino first heard of Williams syndrome when his partners granddaughter, Maelyn, was born with the rare genetic condition 10 years ago. A simple internet search laid out that she could be at risk of heart disease and almost certainly would have developmental delays. But it didnt prepare him for meeting her. Advertisement Maelyns big smiles and effusive I love yous a hallmark of Williams syndrome is an exceptionally friendly and social personality have charmed him. Whenever I see her, she brightens my day, said Armellino, a retired Goldman Sachs executive living in New Jersey who graduated from Penns Wharton School. He wanted everyone with Williams syndrome to have the same access to healthcare as Maelyn, who lives in New Jersey and has traveled to see specialists in Louisville, Ky., Boston, and Philadelphia throughout her life. So he donated $25 million to found a center in Philadelphia dedicated to treating and studying the condition. The Armellino Center of Excellence for Williams Syndrome has been seeing patients for the last year and moved into its permanent location in the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania at the start of this summer. A collaboration between the Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia and Penn Medicine, the center is designed as a one-stop shop where both children and adults can see providers for the full constellation of symptoms associated with their condition. Its often difficult to find specialists who are knowledgeable about the syndrome, which is so rare it affects only 20,000 to 30,000 people in the U.S. The new center has recruited top national experts on Williams syndrome from Alaska to Kentucky to come to Philadelphia with expertise and passion to treat the syndrome and the people it affects. Its just trying to bring together as many experts as we can on a condition thats been overlooked for the most part, and make it easier for families to get treatment, Armellino said. A one-stop shop Almost all of your genes, the genetic blueprints for life, come in pairs. One copy comes from your mother and the other from your father. In Williams syndrome, however, a whole chunk of genetic material is wiped out, leaving almost 30 genes without a second copy. This can cause a host of physical and cognitive symptoms, including a life-threatening form of cardiovascular disease. One of the genes missing a copy is the elastin gene, which normally instructs your body to produce a stretchy protein that acts much like a rubber band. The protein makes your blood vessels stretchy enough to expand when blood is pushed through and snap back to squeeze the blood along. Losing a copy of the gene means having way less of this protein, explained Jocelyn Krebs, the centers newly appointed director. So all of their blood vessels are really stiff and narrow, Krebs said. This can disrupt blood flow to the organs in some cases, and put patients at risk of sudden death. People with Williams syndrome typically experience mild to moderate intellectual impairments and delays in meeting developmental milestones such as crawling and talking. The condition is also known to cause a distinctive facial appearance characterized by a small chin, broad forehead, puffiness around the eyes, and a small, upturned nose with a flat bridge and an unusually outgoing, friendly personality. People with Williams syndrome have an incredibly strong social drive and sort of zero inhibition, like stranger danger is not a concept they get, Krebs said. Anxiety disorders, gastrointestinal issues, and endocrine problems are also common. The center has specialists to address all these symptoms, and offers half-day sessions where patients can be seen by a whole suite of doctors in one visit. For many families, its the first time having access to all the care their child needs in one place. A woman who attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 3 told Armellino she was moving her entire family from Chicago to Philadelphia just so her child with Williams syndrome could be closer to the center. The mission is personal to the centers director, Krebs, who after several years of studying one of the genes deleted in Williams syndrome as a researcher at the University of Alaska Anchorage, coincidentally had a son with the condition. When she lived in Alaska, most of her sons doctors had never even seen a patient with Williams syndrome. I was having the experience that many parents of children with rare syndromes do, which is that the parents are the experts, and theyre bringing the information to their provider, said Krebs, who served as president of the Board of Trustees for the Williams Syndrome Association, a parent advocacy group. The first time her son went to a Williams syndrome specialty clinic was at this center. Across the lifespan The biggest question Matthew Demczko, a pediatrician at the center, gets from parents is, Whats the future going to be like for my child? Parents wonder if their child will ever hold a job or be able to live independently. Theres so much uncertainty, and Im sure fear and anxiety, he said. Demczko tells them that its hard to predict, but that his team will provide support in whatever capacity a patient might need as they go through life. The center uniquely focuses on patients across the lifespan: It offers an adult-focused clinic and transition-to-adulthood programs that give patients the tools to be more independent. Carolyn Mervis, a psychologist from the University of Louisville in Kentucky who specializes in Williams syndrome, was hired to research the development of adaptive skills in patients. These are skills needed for daily, independent living, such as reading a bus schedule. Very few adults with Williams syndrome live completely independently, Krebs said. But many can hold jobs and live in a group home or with a family member. Were getting better and better at recognizing the supports people need to get there, Krebs said. Armellino is not sure what to expect for Maelyns future. For now, the family is seeing if the 10-year-old can improve her reading ability. This would be a step to her finding work that is rewarding and fulfilling, he hopes. Music makes her happy, especially country and western music. What were trying to do is give her as much opportunity to be everything she can be, Armellino said. A Palestinian girl stands atop the rubble of the Al-Aimawi familys home that was destroyed by Israeli airstrikes in Al-Zawaideh, Gaza Strip, on Tuesday, July 1, 2025. Read more CAIRO Hamas and Israel staked out their positions Wednesday ahead of expected talks on a Washington-backed ceasefire proposal, with the militant group suggesting it was open to an agreement while the Israeli prime minister vowed that there will be no Hamas in postwar Gaza. Both sides stopped short of accepting the proposal announced Tuesday by President Donald Trump. Hamas insisted on its long-standing position that any deal bring an end to the war in Gaza. Advertisement Trump said Israel had agreed on terms for a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza and urged Hamas to accept the deal before conditions worsen. The U.S. leader has been increasing pressure on the Israeli government and Hamas to broker a ceasefire and hostage agreement. READ MORE: Netanyahu will visit the White House next Monday as Trump presses for a ceasefire in Gaza Trump said the 60-day period would be used to work toward ending the war something Israel says it wont accept until Hamas is defeated. He said a deal might come together as soon as next week. But Hamas response, which emphasized its demand that the war end, raised questions about whether the latest offer could materialize into an actual pause in fighting. Hamas official Taher al-Nunu said the militant group was ready and serious regarding reaching an agreement. He said Hamas was ready to accept any initiative that clearly leads to the complete end to the war. A Hamas delegation was expected to meet Wednesday with Egyptian and Qatari mediators in Cairo to discuss the proposal, according to an Egyptian official. The official spoke on condition of anonymity, because he wasnt authorized to discuss the talks with the media. Disagreement on how the war should end Throughout the nearly 21-month-long war, ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas have repeatedly faltered over whether the war should end as part of any deal. Hamas said in a brief statement Wednesday that it had received a proposal from the mediators and was holding talks with them to bridge gaps to return to the negotiating table. Hamas has said its willing to free the remaining 50 hostages, less than half of whom are said to be alive, in exchange for a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and an end to the war. Israel says it will only agree to end the war if Hamas surrenders, disarms and exiles itself, something the group refuses to do. I am announcing to you there will be no Hamas, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said during a speech Wednesday. An Israeli official said the latest proposal calls for a 60-day deal that would include a partial Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and a surge in humanitarian aid to the territory. The mediators and the U.S. would provide assurances about talks to end the war, but Israel isnt committing to that as part of the latest proposal, the official said. The official wasnt authorized to discuss the details of the proposed deal with the media and spoke on condition of anonymity. It wasnt clear how many hostages would be freed as part of the agreement, but previous proposals have called for the release of about 10. Im holding my hands and praying that this will come about, said Idit Ohel, mother of Israeli hostage Alon Ohel. I hope the world will help this happen, will put pressure on whoever they need to, so the war will stop and the hostages will return. On Monday, Trump is set to host Netanyahu at the White House, days after Ron Dermer, a senior Netanyahu adviser, held discussions with top U.S. officials about Gaza, Iran and other matters. Trump issues another warning On Tuesday, Trump wrote on social media that Israel had agreed to the necessary conditions to finalize the 60-day ceasefire, during which time we will work with all parties to end the War. I hope, for the good of the Middle East, that Hamas takes this Deal, because it will not get better IT WILL ONLY GET WORSE, he said. Trumps warning may find a skeptical audience with Hamas. Even before the expiration of the wars longest ceasefire in March, Trump had repeatedly issued dramatic ultimatums to pressure Hamas to agree to longer pauses in the fighting that would see the release of more hostages and a return of more aid for Gazas civilians. Still, Trump views the current moment as a potential turning point in the brutal conflict that has left more than 57,000 dead in the Palestinian territory. Gazas Health Ministry said the death toll passed the 57,000 mark Tuesday into Wednesday, after hospitals received 142 bodies overnight. The ministry does not differentiate between civilians and combatants in its death count, but says that more than half of the dead are women and children. Since dawn Wednesday, Israeli strikes killed a total of 40 people across the Gaza Strip, the ministry said. Hospital officials said four children and seven women were among the dead. The Israeli military, which blames Hamas for the civilian casualties because it operates from populated areas, was looking into the reports. The war began on Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking roughly 250 hostages. The fighting has left the coastal Palestinian territory in ruins, with much of the urban landscape flattened in the fighting. More than 90% of Gazas 2.3 million population has been displaced, often multiple times. And the war has sparked a humanitarian crisis in Gaza, pushing hundreds of thousands of people toward hunger. Hospital director killed The director of the Indonesian Hospital, Marwan al-Sultan, was killed in an apartment in an Israeli strike west of Gaza City, a hospital statement said. The hospital is the Palestinian enclaves largest medical facility north of Gaza City and has been a critical lifeline since the start of the war. The hospital was surrounded by Israeli troops last month and evacuated alongside the other two primary hospitals in northern Gaza. The bodies of the doctor, his wife, daughter, and son-in-law, arrived at Shifa Hospital torn into pieces, according to Issam Nabhan, head of the nursing department at the Indonesian Hospital. Gaza lost a great man and doctor, Nabhan said. He never left the hospital one moment since the war began and urged us to stay and provide humanitarian assistance. We dont know what he did to deserve getting killed. In central Gaza, the Al Awda Hospital said an Israeli strike near the entrance of a school housing displaced Palestinians killed eight people, including three children, and wounded 30 others. The hospital also said Israel struck a group of Palestinians who gathered near the entrance of the hospitals administration building in Nuseirat refugee camp. In other developments, Israel said an airstrike last week killed two Hamas members who allegedly took part in a June 24 attack in which seven Israeli soldiers were killed when a Palestinian attacker attached a bomb to their armored vehicle. Largely undetected, the Asian needle ant steadily invaded North America over decades, wielding a painful sting that can trigger life-threatening anaphylaxis in some people. Now, the insect native to China, Japan, and the Korean Peninsula has spread into Philadelphia, according to confirmed sightings on the popular nature reporting app iNaturalist. Advertisement To date, there have been only three sightings of Brachyponera chinensis in Pennsylvania, and all are in Philadelphia, according to the app. None has been reported in New Jersey. The first local sighting was noted in May 2020 on Krams Avenue in Manayunk. The second was recorded in July 2023 on Delaware Avenue in Philadelphia. And the latest was in April on Woodland Avenue in Elmwood Park. Experts say that the ants are not yet a major threat to homeowners and picnickers, but that they are decidedly unwelcome because of their sting and the environmental damage they can cause. The big takeaway for the public right now is that the Asian needle ants do seem to be here, but weve really no idea how far, wide, and spread they are, so its kind of a black box at the moment, said Michael Skvarla, assistant research professor of arthropod identification at Pennsylvania State Universitys Department of Entomology. Theres no reason for undue panic, but we do need to figure out where they are and how abundant they are. The sting According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Asian needle ants are small, shiny, dark brown to black, with the end of the antennas and the legs being a lighter orange-brown. Worker ants are about 0.2 inches in length. Unfortunately for nonscientists, they can resemble other ant species, making them hard to spot. The USDA says that Asian needle ants are not very aggressive unlike red fire ants, which also sting. But the stings of Asian needle ants are quite painful, can affect people in different ways, and can result in life-threatening anaphylaxis, an acute allergic response, the USDA cautions. The intense pain of a sting can last several hours, leave skin red, and result in hives. In the most extreme cases, people with a hypersensitivity could experience anaphylaxis, a rapid onset of symptoms including skin rash, nausea, vomiting, and difficulty breathing. There are not a lot of data to show how many stings result in anaphylaxis. While cases of anaphylaxis have been reported in the U.S., the percentage of people who have the hypersensitivity is unknown. But people who are hypersensitive to other stinging insects may be at increased risk. The environment Skvarla noted that the ants can cause serious environmental impacts by displacing native ant species that serve as critical seed dispersers. Native ants carry seeds and ensure the spread of various plants. Researchers have found big decreases in seed dispersal in forests where Asian needle ants have spread. In addition, Skvarla said the ants can affect bee populations. Thats because the ants can alter bee habitat. He said little funding is available to study Asian needle ants. So he plans to drive to the Philly area on his own in the coming months. Nobodys really looked into it, Skvarla said, and Im a little bit worried. Im going to give it a shot, see if I cant find them. It also would be nice to confirm that theyre here through gathering physical specimens instead of just photo reports on iNaturalist. Lack of natural predators Skvarla said the ants can be killed with insecticides, but widespread application is not a viable option for forests because of the cost involved and the potential to affect beneficial native animals and insects. Additionally, there are no known bio-controls which are natural enemies like predators, parasites, and pathogens that could be used to control the pest. Skvarla said the ant has not been a major target of the USDA, in part because it has not posed a threat to crops. Jim Fredericks, a board-certified entomologist with the National Pest Management Association, a trade group, said the ant has been around for nearly a century, but its spread was largely untracked. The Asian needle ant was first discovered in the U.S. in 1932 and found in at least three southeastern states. It is capable of spreading through temperate forests, such as those in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, by nesting under or in logs, under stones, and within fallen leaves. They can nest near mulch, pavers, and wood landscaping near homes. Found in Georgia, North Carolina, and other states, the ant prefers to make its home outdoors but can find its way indoors, Fredericks said. The Asian needle ants wider distribution has only recently been recognized because it poses a challenge for homeowners to identify and manage, Fredericks said. He advises calling a professional if you suspect an infestation. Incorrect treatment, he said, could exacerbate the problem. There are reports of them both outside and inside homes, Fredericks said. Quamir Anderson and Rashan Purcell (background) work together clearing sidewalks of weekly trash along Ritner Street. Trash pickup is among the city services that would be impacted in a DC 33 strike. Read more The largest union for Philadelphias city workers went on strike Tuesday, potentially impacting a slew of city services in the days leading up to July Fourth weekend celebrations. With nearly 10,000 members, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees District Council 33 represents municipal employees ranging from sanitation workers to Philadelphia Housing Authority employees, among others. In mid-June, roughly 95% of them voted to authorize their leaders to call a strike if they were unable to secure a new contract with Mayor Cherelle L. Parkers administration before Tuesday mornings deadline. Advertisement The strike follows what AFSCME District Council 33 president Greg Boulware has described as five months of stalled contract negotiations. A late-night negotiating session Monday failed to produce an agreement. If you appreciate the labor, you have to show that in the wallet for our people because thats the only way its truly going to be meaningful, Boulware told The Inquirer. Here is what you need to know: What is AFSCME District Council 33? AFSCME District Council 33 represents a wide swath of city employees who perform manual labor and skilled trades. Known colloquially as DC 33, its members hold jobs in a variety of city agencies, including in the streets, sanitation, and parks and recreation departments, as well as in corrections and the Philadelphia Housing Authority. DC 33 workers include police dispatchers, trash collectors, water treatment plant operators, and others. Though it is the largest city workers union, it is also the lowest-paid of Philadelphias four major municipal unions, with members earning about $46,000 a year on average. It is also the only union of the big four in which a majority of its members are Black, The Inquirer previously reported. Historically, DC 33 has played a key role in city politics, including during the adoption of the Home Rule Charter, which essentially serves as the citys version of the Constitution, in the 1950s. Its internal politics are also fiery, owing to a factional power struggle that has been playing out since the 1990s. Boulware won his position as union president last year following an intense leadership battle and is associated with a faction of the union that has been at odds with Parker since her run for mayor in 2023. He has vowed to win major compensation increases for the unions members, and last year fought Parker for months over the mayors push for unions to sign one-year contract extensions instead of multiyear deals. How would a strike impact the city? While the full impact of the strike is difficult to predict, its effects would include the stoppage of trash collection in residential neighborhoods, potentially slower 911 call response times, and reduction of hours at city-run recreation centers. What are the citys strike plans? City officials on Monday detailed a contingency plan to be activated should a strike occur. They said many city services would remain operational, albeit with some alterations. Trash collection, for example, would be put on hold, and city residents would be asked to not set their garbage out on the curb on their usual collection day. Instead, Parker said, the city plans to open 63 temporary drop-off locations where residents would be able to bring their trash on their given collection day. Information about the drop off locations was not immediately available, but will be posted to the Philadelphia city government website. Water service would continue as normal, Parker said, with the Philadelphia Water Department cross-training staff to keep drinking water and wastewater service running. Service impacts, such as increased repair times for water main breaks and open hydrants, are possible. 911 call centers will remain operational, with the Philadelphia Police Department moving some personnel from the street into the centers to keep them running, Commissioner Kevin Bethel said. Recreation centers, officials said, would remain open, but with hours from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. instead of the normal 9 p.m. closing. Summer camps would continue to operate, and more than two dozen city pools would remain open, should a strike occur. The citys Fourth of July celebrations would not be impacted by any possible strike, Parker said. Has DC 33 gone on strike before? DC 33 has gone on strike in the past, but the union has not done so in about 40 years. Its last significant work stoppage was in 1986, which, among other impacts, resulted in 45,000 tons of stinking, maggot-laced garbage sitting unattended at neighborhood disposal sites for about 20 days, the Daily News and New York Times reported. Six years later, in 1992, the union briefly walked off the job, but reached a deal with the city after 14 hours. In November, DC 33 members also authorized a strike amid contract negotiations with Parkers administration, but ultimately approved a contract extension and avoided the threatened stoppage. Staff writers Sean Collins Walsh and Beatrice Forman contributed to this article. A July 3, 1986 column from the Marquis of Debris compares Philadelphia during that year's garbage strike to 18th-century france. Read more Thirty-nine years ago to the day Tuesday, Philadelphias largest union for city workers went on their last major strike, resulting in, among other things, 45,000 tons of trash piling up in neighborhood disposal sites across its 20-day run. The Daily News handled it with humor, courtesy of the Marquis of Debris. This filth is a veritable monument to sloth and the 21st century, the Marquis bellowed in one July 1986 column, published two days into that years garbage strike. And such is the stuff that plagues are made of. Advertisement The nom de plume of a People Paper columnist who will remain anonymous, the Marquis styled himself after an 18th-century aristocrat and was tasked with cracking the case of Phillys trash-strewn streets. His column investigated tips from readers, and in his missives, he admonished litterbugs one of the Marquis favorite terms with haughty prose, often accompanied by a headshot that appears to be a painting of a Revolution-era nobleman. While the column ran occasionally before the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees District Council 33 went on strike nearly 40 years ago, with the unions 1986 walkout, the Marquis moment arrived. Across DC 33s roughly three-week strike, he published several columns that at least obliquely dealt with the work stoppage and its effects on the city. Among them was a July 14, 1986, column in which the Marquis, for some reason, ranked a number of the citys makeshift disposal sites by their imagined appeal as restaurants to some of the citys least-liked denizens rats. Instead of stars, he rated the dumps by rodents, with a four-vermin rating denoting a restaurant that a rat wont want to miss. Taking the cake with a perfect four-rat score was a disposal site set up along 30th Street and Grays Ferry Avenue, which the Marquis described as among his favorites since opening day. City officials had considered closing it not only due to the amount of refuse dumped there, but also because Philadelphians tended to stack their garbage along its perimeter, giving it the illusion of being full. Workers solved it, the Marquis wrote, by bringing in a snowplow and pushing the detritus inland. Fortunately, for our rat friends, the restaurant lives on, with the center now accessible and overflowing with the wonderfully smelly stuff, he wrote. Conversely, the worst restaurant and, therefore, best-run disposal center was on the east side of Verree Road north of Susquehanna Avenue. That site was so clean, according to the Marquis, that it was hardly worth a visit from any peckish rodents. The Marquis understands an aide to Mayor [Wilson] Goode has called the Verree Road site the cleanest of the dumps, the columnist wrote. A model dump, if you will. Readers, however, later admonished the Marquis for including only legal dump sites in his rat restaurant review roundup. In a brief column, he responded by saying that he had better things to do with his time than traipse the grimy, shadowy corners of the civic terrain for illicit dumps. You try combing the citys clothiers for a wash-and-wear 18th-century wardrobe that needs changing four times a day, he wrote. Ultimately, though, the Marquis found that illegal dumps were prevalent along State Road and Belfield Avenue, as well as under the I-95 underpass at Tacony and Comly Streets. Those sites, he added, attracted several rats for some post-twilight snacking, but the Marquis did not officially rank or review them. Now, with DC 33 on its first major strike since 1986, the city has once again set up garbage-drop off sites over 60 in all. Officials have said that residents are being asked to bring up to eight bags of trash to the sites on their usual trash-collection day. This is extremely important, Carlton Williams, director of the Philadelphia Office of Clean and Green Initiatives, said at a news conference Monday. We cannot be overwhelmed with the amount of trash at each site by bringing it on any day. If we are, though, at least the rats will be in for a restaurant revival. All were missing is the Marquis. The Philadelphia Parkway Central Library with Shakespeare Park on Logan Square Nov. 2, 2023. Most of the Free Library branches are shut down because of the DC33 strike. Read more With the July heat beating down and school out of session, one critical summer refuge is now closed because of the AFSCME District Council 33 city workers strike the Free Library of Philadelphia. The Free Library listed nearly all its branches as closed on its website due to the work stoppage as of midday Wednesday. Six branches were closed because of long-standing renovations or cooling issues. The only open branch was the Library of Accessible Media for Pennsylvanians, which is a city-state partnership. Advertisement While most librarians are members of a different union, DC 47, the majority of other library workers are members of DC 33. They include custodians, security guards, and other staff who are essential to the libraries daily operations. On Tuesday, the Free Library attempted to consolidate its operations and keep 16 branches open, but DC 47 members cited health and safety concerns about crossing their coworkers picket lines and mostly could not report to work. Most branches were not able to open. We are redeploying staff who are not in DC33 to open as many libraries as possible, particularly the ones that serve as cooling centers. With picketers blocking entrances, so far only the Library of Accessible Media for Pennsylvanians has been open consistently, said Free Library spokesperson Mark Graham by email. Graham confirmed that the strike has also meant the pause of the librarys summer free lunch program for children, taking place at Haverford, Joseph E. Coleman Northwest Regional, McPherson Square, Oak Lane, and Queen Memorial libraries. Without the striking staff, theres absolutely no way to open a library, said a DC 47 member who wished to remain anonymous out of fear of retaliation. Its unclear how long DC 47 will be able to hold out from reporting to work. With a Tuesday injunction that limits picketing, as well as the Free Library telling staff there would be an increased police presence and escorts outside branches with pickets, it may be more difficult for DC 47 members to cite safety concerns about reporting to work. The DC 47 union member said that some branches have already threatened staffers who do not report with discipline or unpaid time off. We hoe that with the injunction in place, we can open more libraries, Graham said. The 16 branches that the Free Library has sought to open during the strike are: Blackwell Regional Cecil B. Moore Donatucci Frankford Haverford Katherine Drexel Kensington Kingsessing LAMP Logan Nicetown Northeast Regional Parkway Central Ramona D. Rodriguez South Philadelphia Widener About two dozen DC 33 members picketed and circled in front of the Central Library on Tuesday, while a smaller group blocked the buildings back entrance. Dhafir Gerald, a municipal guard at the branch on the Parkway, led the picketing group in a series of chants on a megaphone, battling the heat and humidity with enthusiasm and appreciation for his fellow workers. Gerald, 48, was once incarcerated but started working for the city six years ago. He said he is proud of his work and loves what he does. But he wants to be paid a fairer and more livable wage. The city has the money to pay us. We are the backbone of the city, he said. Gerald makes about $46,000 a year, despite doing work beyond that of a typical security guard. That includes property management tasks and even handling visitors experiencing mental-health problems. We try to do everything we can, and we just want to be paid fairly for it, he said. Gerald said that a few patrons, including some homeless people looking to use the building as a cooling center, came by the library on Tuesday. But once they saw the pickets, they did not attempt to cross them. He said that it was messed up that they could not come in on such a hot day, but that the work stoppage was necessary. Without us, the city doesnt work, he said. This story has been updated to include comment from the Free Library of Philadelphia. Unfinished construction site along 900 block of Emily Street at S. 9th Street in Philadelphia as seen on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024. The new owner was not able to access the property for months and had to file a lawsuit to get the deed, so trash piled up. Read more The District Council 33 strike isnt affecting only trash collection, libraries, and pools. It has also caused the citys sheriff sales of foreclosed properties to grind to a halt. A Philadelphia judge, citing the strike, on Tuesday ordered the postponement of a sale scheduled for the same day. Advertisement The judges order was in response to a request from Sheriff Rochelle Bilals office, made four days before the strike announcement, to reschedule the auction of about 200 properties, according to records obtained by The Inquirer. Undersheriff Tariq El-Shabazz explained in the request that the offices real estate division and front desk are staffed by 16 workers who are members of DC 33, the 9,000-person labor union that represents many of the citys blue-collar workers. That number is over half the staff required to conduct the sale, El-Shabazz wrote. Simply, it would be impossible for the Office to successfully conduct the sale if the DC33 strike occurs. Bilals office in 2021 outsourced the auctions of foreclosed and tax-delinquent properties to Bid4Assets, a privately run virtual sheriff sale platform. But El-Shabazzs memo states that the strike would impact senior staff who are responsible for handling administrative functions associated with the sales. The July 1 court order, signed by Daniel J. Anders, a Common Pleas Court administrative judge, delays that days sale until Sept. 9. Were the strike to continue, the sheriff could be forced to seek additional court orders delaying planned sales. A sale of tax-delinquent properties is currently slated for July 16. READ MORE: I feel like Ive been robbed: The sheriffs office still has massive delays in processing deeds from auctions. Bilals office, which has faced calls for its abolition over mismanagement, has struggled for years to recover from the pandemic-era suspension of sheriff sales. Since sales resumed last summer after a three-year pause, Bilal has trumpeted a groundbreaking partnership with software company Tyler Technologies meant to streamline its internal operations. But the office is still processing only a fraction of the annual sales handled by previous Sheriff Jewell Williams. And those sales have not gone smoothly. For the last year, The Inquirer has reported on inexplicable delays in deed processing. Bilals staff initially denied there were any widespread delays, then acknowledged last summer that there was a problem, blaming a staffing error and pledging to take corrective action. But buyers say they are still waiting up to seven months after they win an auction or even a year in some cases to receive the deed. Not at all. Worse still, Clayton Pronold, a lawyer who represents mortgage servicing companies, said in an email Wednesday when asked whether the delays have gotten better. Looking at a year between sale and deed at this point. Another buyer said she recently received two property deeds nine months after she placed the winning bids at auction. She has given up on trying to buy properties at sheriff sales. During the lengthy delays between auctions and deed transfers, bills pile up and properties can deteriorate because the new owners cannot access them, make improvements, or rent them out. Bilal and her staff have not explained why the deed delays continue. Office spokesperson Teresa Lundy said Wednesday that the strike is not expected to exacerbate the delays. Poles and wires came down during a June storm, causing power outages in the Philadelphia area. Climate change doesnt just bring powerful storms and heat waves, it also fuels public health emergencies, writes Joniqua Ceasar. Read more It felt like 120 degrees in some Philly neighborhoods last summer the hottest season on record worldwide thanks to the urban heat island effect. On June 22, the city declared its first heat health emergency of 2025. Were just getting warmed up and for thousands of residents, the real emergency is inside their homes. Advertisement Extreme heat is not just uncomfortable its deadly, and it hits our most vulnerable neighbors hardest. Heat-related deaths among older citizens have increased by about 85% in the past two decades. When temperatures are very high, it is important for people to stay cool. Its also important to stay indoors. Extreme heat worsens air quality, as seen by the Code Orange alert, encouraging folks to stay inside. But what happens when its not safe to stay in your own home? Thousands of customers have endured the sweltering heat in their homes without any power for multiple days, thanks to a recent storm one of the worst the city has experienced. Climate change doesnt just bring powerful storms and heat waves, it also fuels public health emergencies. As a primary care internist and pediatrician, I worry. I worry that children with asthma will be rushed to the emergency room because they cant breathe. I worry about my patients with high blood pressure, because their medications may place them at higher risk for heat-related illness and complications. I worry about patients living with heart disease, kidney disease, and mental illness, who may end up in the hospital when the heat worsens their health. Even those who have electricity remain at risk. Rising energy costs force families to make impossible trade-offs: food, medications, or the energy bill? Every day of a heat wave, their lives are in jeopardy. Due to historical redlining and systemic racism, we know our low-income neighbors and communities of color are at the highest risk. And it doesnt help that Philadelphias old housing makes it harder to stay cool. Energy support to stay cool can be a matter of life and death. A program called the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program helps families struggling with energy insecurity, or the inability to cover the cost of energy bills, pay for summer air-conditioning and other cooling needs. Unfortunately, last summer funding ran out, and the Energy Coordinating Agency was forced to turn more than 1,000 Philadelphians away, putting them on a wait list for A/C units. They were told to try again this year due to insufficient funds. But this summer, many wont have anywhere to turn. The Trump administration has taken a bulldozer to our public health infrastructure. It fired the entire staff that runs this $4 billion program. There is no funding to repair or replace existing A/C equipment for recipients, and if someones A/C breaks this week, there is no staff to assist them. Climate scientists expect summers to continue getting hotter each year. Physicians fear we will see more people in the hospital as a result. Climate change is here now, and it is killing us. It feels like the world is on fire, and we are barely moving to grab any fire extinguishers. We must act quickly and strengthen state programs to better support Philadelphians experiencing severe heat and to prevent unnecessary deaths. In addition, we need to campaign for Pennsylvania to follow the lead of more than 20 other states that have implemented protection from utility disconnection during severe heat waves. Prioritizing cooling support will lower medical costs, improve health, and save lives in the midst of what has become our new normal. Were in the heat of the crisis, and its time to act like it. Joniqua Ceasar is a primary care internist and pediatrician in Philadelphia who serves on the board of Physicians for Social Responsibility Pennsylvania. President Donald Trump has decided he wont even try to fix the long-recognized flaws in Americas immigration system. Instead, he treats any undocumented resident of this country like a dangerous criminal, Harold Jackson writes. Read more For those of us who grew up in the turbulent 1950s and 60s, one of the most disturbing aspects of America as it approaches its 249th birthday is the ascension of the belief that there is only one type of patriotism. That love it or leave it attitude did not prevail in the 1970s, but I fear it will succeed now. I also believe we can still fix whats wrong with America, but at age 72, I no longer believe it will happen in my lifetime. Advertisement I grew up in Alabama, but have also lived in Kansas, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and now Texas, where a measure that will further divide people by class, if not ethnicity, fits the very definition of un-American. Instead of investing more money in public schools, Gov. Greg Abbott, in his third term, has finally enacted a school voucher program that will siphon tax dollars to private institutions. Nationally, President Donald Trump has decided he wont even try to fix the long-recognized flaws in Americas immigration system. Instead, he treats any undocumented resident of this country like a dangerous criminal who must be hunted down at gunpoint by masked men and shipped somewhere anywhere so long as its not in the United States. Would that Trump be as coldhearted about criminals whose actions hurt this country much more than an undocumented woman butchering chickens who genuinely wants to be in this country legally, but has not succeeded. Trump is spending billions to beef up border security while emasculating the federal agency protecting the nation from tax cheats. His defunding of the Internal Revenue Service favors the rich over the poor; its as simple as that. How does Trump get away with it? By promoting the same attitude exhibited by troops who go into battle and shoot people: by no longer seeing anyone designated as the enemy as a human being. When Border Fence Barbie (oops, I meant to type Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem) gets on TV with images of detained alleged gang members in the background, she wants people to think of all undocumented residents of this country as being just as dangerous as those mostly muscle-bound, tattooed, and supposed miscreants. Thats the job Trump gave Noem: to depict all undocumented migrants as criminals to be apprehended and deported. I cant say such behavior is un-American. This country, which has long pretended to be a melting pot, never really treated everyone the same. Beyond class distinctions linked to wealth, America established social borders based on ethnicity and color. The Irish, Italians, other Europeans, and Asians have all experienced some prejudice in America, but none have suffered as much as people of African descent. As if 250 years of enslavement werent enough subjugation, this country then allowed a system of segregation to exist by law in the former Confederate states and by policy in the North for nearly another hundred years. This country that has long pretended to be a melting pot never really treated everyone the same. Now, Trump and his supporters say, diversity, equity, and inclusion policies enacted only since the late 1960s to overcome past prejudice against African Americans and other victims of discrimination are no longer needed. Against that backdrop, its understandable that many African Americans and others question whether its even worth it to vote. An American Presidency Project study showed the number of voting-age Americans who cast ballots in the 2024 presidential election declined to 58%, compared with 63% in 2020. Black voter turnout dropped from 63% in 2020 to 60% in 2024, and 15% of Black people voted for Trump in 2024, compared with 8% in 2020. Many of Trumps Black supporters seem to have bought into his Make America Great Again theology that promotes the belief that this country is broken and cant be fixed without expelling all undocumented immigrants and ending any program designed to even the playing field for those impacted by this countrys past discriminatory practices. Its a theology that says forgetting about your neighbor is the patriotic thing to do. I cant subscribe to that. Especially as an African American who experienced prejudice as a child, I believe true patriotism requires some concern for everyone who claims this country as their home, whether they are properly documented or not. And if they are not, lets find a just way to get them documented. Thats the attitude this country has seemed to always have for Europeans; it should be the standard it has for everyone. I am reminded of a song we learned as children in the all-Black elementary school in Birmingham, Ala., I attended in the 1960s. The lyrics to This Is My Country, written in 1940 by Don Raye and Al Jacobs for the band Fred Waring and the Pennsylvanians, speak to both native-born Americans and those who live here as immigrants: This is my country Land of my birth This is my country Grandest on Earth This is my country Land of my choice This is my country Hear my proud voice. I pledge thee my allegiance America the bold For this is my country To have and to hold Harold Jackson spent two decades at The Inquirer and served as editorial page editor from 2007 to 2017. He was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for editorial writing in 1991 and retired from the Houston Chronicle in 2020. His memoir, Under the Sun: A Black Journalists Journey, was published in April by the University of Alabama Press. Adviser compliance under review Kirkland also flagged concerns about the number of advisers yet to meet new qualification standards. Of the 15,610 individuals listed on the Financial Advisers Register, only 6,426 have satisfied the education criteria, while more than 4,600 remain non-compliant. We know too many small businesses in Tasmania are under-insuring or not insuring at all, he said, as reported by ABC. They just can't afford it. The price of insurance has gone through the roof. Travellers should be aware that if compensation is offered by an airline, it cant be claimed again through travel insurance, she said. Additionally, if your flight has been delayed or cancelled, you will need written proof from your airline to support a travel insurance claim along with advice on whether they are providing compensation. Aspen Insurance Holdings Limited has filed a trademark infringement lawsuit against Alpine Rio in the US District Court for the Eastern District of Texas. The suit, filed on May 28, claims unauthorized use of the Aspen trademark. Alpine Rio submitted a response to the court on June 26. Neither party has issued a public statement on the matter. AIM provides insurance for general aviation risks, including aircraft hull and liability coverage, airport liability and related exposures. The company serves a range of clients such as private aircraft owners, flight schools, charter operators, fixed-based operators and municipal airports. It operates in 47 states and will continue to be led by Sean Kelley, vice president and chief underwriting officer, and Randy Kasen, vice president of business development and operations. No industry is immune to risks such as floods, droughts, storms, or fires. We all remember the severe consequences from events such as the LA wildfires or Hurricanes in the US. Businesses are interrupted, and economic and insured losses are exploding into hundreds of billions of US-dollars per year, Williams said. The court, however, found that MIIF is statutorily deemed to be the insurer when it assumes responsibility for a covered claim. Under G.L. c. 175D, 5(1)(b), MIIF shall be deemed the insurer to the extent of its obligation on the covered claims and shall have all rights, duties and obligations of the insolvent insurer to such extent. The court emphasized that this language unambiguously entitles MIIF to seek reimbursements that the original insurer would have been eligible to claim, including for COLA payments under G.L. c. 152, 34B and 65. Arrowood contested the denial, arguing that the statutory exclusions in Sections 37 and 65 of the workers compensation law only apply to self-insurers, group self-insurers, and public employers that choose not to participate in the trust fund. As a licensed insurer fulfilling its payment obligations, Arrowood maintained that it was still entitled to reimbursement, even though it no longer collected premiums or assessments. This case came out of trouble that started in January 2018, when Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc. found out that an employee at its then-majority-owned subsidiary, Clear Media Limited, had misappropriated funds. That led to internal investigations and a delay in financial reporting, which triggered the attention of the Securities and Exchange Commission. By August 2018, the SEC had launched a formal investigation. During that probe, the SEC asked Clear Channel to sign an agreement to extend the statute of limitations for potential enforcement action. Clear Channel agreed, and the SECs investigation wrapped up in September 2023 with a settlement that didnt involve any admission of wrongdoing by Clear Channel. The trial court initially sided with State Farm, saying Eries policy should provide primary coverage. But the Court of Appeals reversed that decision. The court applied Indianas Bailee Coverage Statute, which says that when a vehicle is in the care of a repair shop a bailee any coverage available to the bailee is primary. Since Ricketts was the bailee, State Farms policy covering him had to pay first. Eries coverage for the vehicle owner only kicked in after that. Insurance operations specialist ReSource Pro has acquired Propellint, a Hartford, Connecticut-based tech services firm that specializes in implementing claims administration software. The deal expands New York-based ReSource Pros technology services portfolio with implementation and support capabilities. Propellint was founded in 2020 by Jason McHugh and Tom Jaspering. The company said the acquisition expands the companys ability to assist with complex data migrations and core system implementations, complementing its workflow optimization and transformation services. In addition to expanding its tech services and support capabilities, Propellint also enhances its vendor-neutral approach to core system modernization. Dan Epstein, chief executive officer of ReSource Pro, noted the acquisition builds on its earlier integration of Helix Agency Services, which it bought in 2024. The Helix acquisition followed a string of acquisitions. In 2021, ReSource Pro acquired two strategic advisory and management consulting firms, Strategy Meets Action and The Nolan Co. as well as Insurance Licensing Services. In 2022, it added towerIQ, a property/casualty insurance technology platform. Private equity firm Kelso & Co. took a majority interest in ReSource Pro in late 2021. Resource Pro, which was founded in 2003, offers advisory services, business process management optimization, and data and technology services. It serves carriers, brokers, wholesalers, and managing general agents with a team of 11,000+ employees. Topics Mergers & Acquisitions InsurTech Tech New York City Mayor Eric Adams has signed into law legislation reducing the auto insurance liability coverage that for-hire vehicles must carry. The new law reduces the amount of personal injury protection (PIP), or no-fault, insurance coverage that the citys 74,000 Uber, Lyft, yellow taxi, and livery drivers have to buy from the current $200,000 to $100,000 per person. The $200,000 in PIP coverage that drivers in New York City have been required to maintain is four times the $50,000 per person requirement for similar drivers throughout the rest of the state. The City Council backed the measure 50-0 (with one abstention). Citizens for Affordable Rates (CAR), a group backed by Uber, hailed the change that it says will ease the financial pressure on drivers many of whom are immigrants and small-business owners. Supporters of the change hope it will help lower premiums, disincentivize fraud and attract new insurers to the citys for-hire insurance market. The group contends that the previous higher $200,000 mandate fueled litigation and fraudulent claims, citing a report by the New York State Department of Financial Services that suspected no-fault insurance fraud reports accounted for 75% of all fraud reports the department received in 2023. NYC Council Passes Bill to Lower Insurance Limits for For-Hire Vehicles For years, New York Citys for-hire drivers have been burdened by an unjust, outdated insurance mandate that inflated costs, limited their options, and encouraged widespread fraud. Those days are coming to an end, said Council Member Carmen De La Rosa, the lead sponsor of the bill. The measure signed by Adams prohibits the Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) from requiring the vehicles it licenses to have PIP liability coverage in an amount greater than 200% of the amount required by state law for drivers elsewhere in the state. TLC-licensed drivers keep our city moving, said Adams. Many of these working-class New Yorkers are immigrants trying to build a better life here in the Big Apple, but for too long, our TLC-Licensed drivers have had to pay higher rates for no fault or personal injury insurance for their vehicles, burdening drivers and owners with thousands of dollars in costs and putting pressure on their monthly bills. The signing comes amid concerns over the potential collapse of American Transit Insurance Co. (ATIC), which insures more than 60% of the citys for-hire vehicle fleet. De La Rosa and advocates believe the change could encourage new carriers to enter the market, while also providing a safeguard for drivers facing uncertainty about future coverage. Supporters had hoped to lower the for-hire drivers limit from $200,000 to $50,000 per person, which would align with the states requirement for all other drivers. That would have saved drivers about $600 a year, according to De La Rosa. Instead, the savings might be more like $300 a year with the $100,000 limit. Bill Aims to Drive Down New York City Taxi Drivers Insurance Costs. But Will It? The head of the citys TLC isnt convinced drivers will benefit. It is not clear premiums would go down as any savings may be kept by insurers and not passed to drivers, TLC Chair David Do told the City Councils transportation committee during a February hearing. Uber Spends Six Figures on Ads in Latest NY Insurance Reform Push The citys measure is one element of a broader campaign by Uber and CAIR to address the high cost of insurance in the city and across the state. CAIR is advocating for reforms targeting no-fault insurance fraud and unnecessary litigation. The group has run a media campaign calling on lawmakers in Albany to act. Eleven former executives of companies linked to Miteni SpA were sentenced to a combined 141 years in prison by an Italian court for one of the largest groundwater contaminations of forever chemicals in Europe. Parent company Mitsubishi Corp., Japans biggest trading house, and Luxembourg-based International Chemical Investors Group were found to be liable along with the individuals for damage caused by pollution with per- and polyfluorinated chemicals, also known as PFAS or forever chemicals. The individuals included three Japanese nationals, two of whom were seconded from Mitsubishi. A court in the city of Vicenza handed down individual prison sentences as long as 17 years and six months, according to the ruling. Miteni produced fluorinated chemicals and intermediates for pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals, playing a key role in the trading houses chemical business from 1996 to 2009. From the 1960s until Miteni declared bankruptcy in 2018, the chemical manufacturer made products containing PFAS chemicals at its factory near Vicenza. The chemicals are linked to severe health issues including cancer, infertility, birth defects and immune system disruptions. The company is alleged to have discharged wastewater containing PFAS chemicals, contaminating groundwater and soil across several hundred square kilometers. The authorities of the Veneto Region identified its factory as the source of PFAS contamination in 2013. About 350,000 residents across three provinces in the region were affected by contaminated tap water and groundwater, according to local authorities. The ruling was welcomed with satisfaction by public bodies and the many associations present in the courtroom, the local municipal authority of Vincenza said in a statement. The court decision can still be appealed and the ruling wont come in effect before the final decision. Mitsubishi still faces administrative litigation related to the criminal proceedings. The process could take years, and we currently dont know how it will unfold, a company spokesperson said. We will continue to respond sincerely in judicial proceedings. The company declined to comment on matters concerning affected individuals. Copyright 2025 Bloomberg. One of the giant Generali signs that crown the Italian insurers head offices in Milan collapsed on Monday, remaining atop the 170 meter-high (558 ft) skyscraper but at risk of crashing to the ground, firefighters said. Generali, Italys biggest insurer, said there were no injuries, adding that staff had been instructed to remain at home and work remotely. The situation has been promptly managed with the collapsed sign immediately secured without any damage to people or the surrounding structures, it said in a note. Firefighters said they were working with Generali personnel to prevent the sign from dislodging from the top of the building and plunging to the ground. The area has been cordoned off and the nearby metro station shut. Marco Grampella, the head of Milans fire brigade, said the cause of the partial collapse still needs to be assessed. Although there was no wind, Milan, like much of Europe, is experiencing a heatwave, with temperatures surpassing 35 degrees Celsius. At this stage, we cannot rule anything out regarding the causes, but I would say that the idea that the heat was the sole trigger for the collapse is rather unlikely, Grampella said. There may be a number of causes and concomitant causes. In my opinion, thermal expansion plays a limited role, he added. A judicial source told Reuters that Milans prosecutors had opened an investigation into the collapse. Prosecutors are not targeting any specific person in their probe at this stage, according to the source. The Generali building, known as the Hadid Tower, is part of Milans CityLife redevelopment project, which saw the construction of three iconic skyscrapers dubbed Le Tre Torri three towers in Italian on the grounds of the former trade fair. Built between 2014 and 2017 and spanning 44 stories, the Generali tower was designed by the late Iraqi-born British architect Zaha Hadid. The other two towers, which house the Milan offices of German insurer Allianz and consultancy firm PwC respectively, were designed by architects Arata Isozaki and Daniel Libeskind. The CityLife project also includes high-end apartment buildings surrounding the park where the three towers are located as well as a shopping center. (Reporting by Sara Rossi, Elvira Pollina, Andrea Mandala, Gianluca Semeraro, and Emilio Parodi; Writing by Valentina Za; Editing by Joe Bavier and Keith Weir) Photograph: Logo on the headquarter of the Generali Group in the new, modern residential, business district of City Life in Milan. Photo credit: Adobe Stock Marks & Spencer Group Plc expects its online services to be fully restored in the next four weeks as it continues to recover from Aprils cyberattack, Chief Executive Officer Stuart Machin said. Im really hoping by August the majority of this is behind us and customers will see the full M&S, Machin told shareholders at the British retailers annual general meeting on Tuesday. Within the next four weeks, were aiming for the whole of online to be fully restored and open. The hack forced M&S to halt contactless payments and pause online clothing and home orders, which account for more than 3 million ($4.1 million) of sales a day. Limited online shopping was restored last month, with services including click and collect still unavailable. Read more: Marks & Spencer Says Cyberattack to Cost 300 Million A cybercrime gang known as DragonForce has taken credit for the attack, which M&S has estimated will deal a 300 million blow to operating profit. Shares of M&S rose as much as 1.8% in London. They were down 13% through Mondays close since the retailer first announced it was dealing with a cyberattack on April 22. Photograph: A notice on the M&S website following a cyberattack in May 2025; photo credit: Jose Sarmento Matos/Bloomberg Related: Topics Cyber Howden Japan Acquires Majority Stake in Retail Broker Holos Howden, the London-based insurance intermediary group, announced it has acquired a majority stake (68.3%) in Holos Holdings Co. Ltd., a leading retail insurance broker headquartered in Kyoto, Japan. Founded in 2001 by Kei Horii, formerly of Sony Life Insurance, Holos is a privately owned retail insurance broker employing over 400 people across 20 locations in Japan. Howden described the acquisition as a major milestone in its strategy to build a scale business in Japan, where it now employs over 450 people since it was established in 2024. Through this acquisition, Howden is now positioned to provide high-quality services across both life and non-life insurance segments to a wide range of clients from individuals to SMEs and corporates, the company said. The acquisition follows a series of strategic initiatives executed by Howden Japan in 2024. These included the establishment of Howden Re Japan and a partnership with Keystone ILS Capital, and its entry into the Japanese retail insurance market with the acquisition of the Foresight Group. Right from the very start weve known that to provide the best services to clients you must have strong local expertise on the ground. Holos has incredible know-how and like us they have a rich history in the market, commented David Howden, CEO of Howden. And joining forces now gives us strength-in-depth across Japan, enabling us to provide individuals, SMEs, corporates, and insurers with a full suite of services from reinsurance to retail. This is a transformational move for us, and it shows that our commitment to this dynamic market is truly for the long-term. For the past 25 years, Holos has grown its business with the strong support of our employees and clients, according to Kei Horii, CEO, Holos Holdings. As the Japanese insurance industry enters a new phase, we have decided to join Howden. By combining Holos deep experience in the life insurance sector with Howdens global resources and advanced expertise in the corporate general insurance field, we aim to grow into a trusted and valued insurance group, even more loved by our clients. Founded in 1994, Howden provides insurance, reinsurance and underwriting services and solutions to clients ranging from private individuals to the largest multinational companies. The group operates in 56 countries in Europe, Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, the USA, Australia and New Zealand, employs 22,000 people and manages premiums totalling US$45 billion on behalf of its clients. *** Ageas UK Completes Purchase of Sagas Underwriting Business Ageas UK, the subsidiary of the Brussels-based insurer Ageas, has completed its acquisition of Acromas Insurance Company Ltd. (AICL), Saga plcs underwriting business, after receiving all needed regulatory approvals. Ageas said the completion of its acquisition of AICL represents the first milestone towards the establishment of a 20-year partnership with Saga Services Ltd. (SSL) for the distribution of personal lines motor and home insurance products to Sagas customers, as announced by the company on Dec. 16, 2024. Read more: UKs Saga in Talks With Belgiums Ageas for Insurance Partnership The overall consideration for the acquisition is approximately 67 million, which will be paid out between acquisition and the operational start date of the partnership. The acquisition and the distribution agreement with Saga, the UK specialist provider of products and services to people aged over 50, aligns with Ageass Elevate27 strategy, to capitalize on its non-life presence across Europe, while accelerating solutions targeted at an aging population, a rapidly expanding customer segment where the group and Ageas UK already have real strength and expertise, the company said, noting that it also presents Ageas with the opportunity to enhance its position as a leading personal lines insurer in the UK. Gibraltar-registered AICL underwrites for a variety of personal lines policies for other companies including Saga Services Ltd., AA Insurance Services Ltd. and RAC, AICL company said. *** BMS Acquires Australian Property Broker BMS Group, the London-based independent specialist insurance and reinsurance broker, announced that it has completed the acquisition of Corporate and Commercial Insurance Brokers in Queensland, Australia. Financial details of the deal were not disclosed. Founded in 2006, Corporate and Commercial Insurance Brokers provides risk management advice and insurance broking services to large, privately owned organizations. Jeremy Murfin, founder and director of Corporate and Commercial Insurance Brokers, will become client director for BMS Australia, reporting to Stephen Moore, managing director, BMS Risk Solutions QLD, based in Brisbane. Murfin will also join the BMS Australian executive leadership team. This acquisition will add to BMS Groups recent international M&A activity, after it completed the acquisition of Spanish broker Rasher and its Latin American subsidiaries earlier this year, and acquired UAE broker Berms Brett Masaood (now BMS Masaood) in 2024. Jeremy has been a partner of BMS for over 20 years, so we are delighted he has now agreed to join forces with us, commented Andrew Godden, CEO BMS Australia. With his depth of experience in the specialist property space and his exceptional risk management and advisory skills, he has built an exceptional business over the last two decades with clients up and down the east coast of Australia. He will now become a valuable member of the BMS team, and we look forward to working with him to continue developing specialty solutions for our clients, Godden added. *** Aviva Finalizes Purchase of UKs Direct Line Insurer Aviva Plc announced it has acquired Direct Line Insurance Group Plc for approximately 3.7 billion ($5.1 billion), creating the UKs largest motor insurer. The completion of the acquisition of Direct Line brings together some of the countrys best-known and admired insurance brands and brilliant people to better serve the needs of now 20 million UK customers, commented Amanda Blanc, Avivas group chief executive officer, in a statement. The transaction builds on the excellent progress weve made at Aviva over the last five years, accelerates our capital-light growth strategy, and puts us in a very good position to deliver strong returns for shareholders. That is why this deal made such sense for us and we are excited at the further opportunities this creates for Avivas growth, she added. Aviva received the go-ahead to complete the purchase on July 1 from the UKs Competition and Markets Authority. The deal was first announced in December 2024. The combined company could shed between 5-7% of its total workforce as it eliminates overlapping roles, which would put up to 2,300 jobs at risk over a three-year period, the companies said late in December 2024. Topics Mergers & Acquisitions Agencies Underwriting Property Australia Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago will pay $4.8 million to resolve a complaint that it was killing fish in the Chicago River. A system used to cool the building by drawing in river water was sucking in thousands of fish and other organisms, the plaintiffs in the case said Tuesday in announcing the settlement. The complaint was brought in 2018 by the Illinois attorney general and state environmental agency, as well as the Sierra Club and a group called Friends of the Chicago River. The terms of this agreement are an important step forward in protecting the Chicago River and holding polluters accountable, said Jack Darin, director of the Sierra Clubs Illinois chapter. This vigilant defense of our water, air, and land is more important now than ever, as our federal governments ability to crack down on polluters is disappearing before our very eyes. A spokesperson for the Trump hotel and tower denied wrongdoing and said the property agreed to fund a project to restore aquatic habitat as part of amicably resolving an enforcement action. The Trump Organization which is owned by President Donald Trump through a trust administered by Donald Trump Jr. developed the property and continues to own portions of it while also managing the hotel. This initiative will enhance and protect the rivers ecosystem, providing long-term environmental benefits for the City of Chicago, its residents, and visitors, the spokesperson said. With this matter now resolved, we look forward to continuing to work cooperatively with all stakeholders to support the vitality and sustainability of the Chicago River. The property will pay $1.5 million in state fines, $300,000 in attorneys fees and $3 million toward the habitat-restoration project. The settlement comes after a Cook County judge ruled in September that the tower was in violation of state and federal law. The state agencies and environmental groups filed suit against the property after a routine permit review showed that the towers cooling system wasnt in compliance with regulations that require buildings to use cooling systems that minimize impact on the rivers aquatic life, according to the Sierra Club. Built in 2008, the property sits at the edge of the river a block away from Michigan Avenue and is located among some of Chicagos prime real estate, including the Wrigley Building and Tribune Tower. It includes retail space, a hotel and condominiums. The property can draw in an estimated 21 million gallons (80 million liters) of water from the river every day to cool the building, according to the Sierra Club. Copyright 2025 Bloomberg. Todd Kaminski, a 30-year veteran of Schaumburg, Illinois-based Zurich North America, returns as head of direct markets, effective July 7. Kaminski will report to Kristof Terryn, CEO of Zurich North America. He will be part of Zurich North Americas executive committee and group leadership team. He will be based in Philadelphia. Kaminski began his career with the Direct Markets organization as an account executive in 1993 and advanced through a series of sales leadership positions, ultimately serving as senior vice president, head of business development for Direct Markets. Kaminski returns to Zurich following several months of leadership-focused consulting. With his return to Zurich, Kaminski continues his tenure guiding the Direct Markets business as it serves its auto-dealer customers. Zurich can trace its roots in the automotive industry to 1922. Chubb Appoints Williams Private Equity Industry Practice Leader Chubb, headquartered in Warren, New Jersey, appointed Scott Williams as private equity industry practice leader, effective immediately. Williams has over 15 years of insurance industry experience, joining Chubb in 2009 as division counsel for the private/not-for-profit practice. He has since held various underwriting and leadership roles and will continue to serve as the private/not-for-profit management liability practice leader. Williams will also lead Chubbs strategy for private equity-focused initiatives. He succeeds Seth Gillston, who was recently appointed head of global casualty for major accounts in North America. Trucordia Names Khanna as Chief Information Officer Trucordia, headquartered in Lindon, Utah, appointed Rajeev Khanna as chief information officer (CIO). Khanna will guide Trucordias platform integration strategy, lead digital transformation initiatives, and spearhead technology innovation to support the companys growth and operational excellence. Khanna has over three decades of experience directing global technological operations, product development, and infrastructure management across industries. Most recently, he served as global chief technology officer for Aon plc. Prior to Aon, Khanna held leadership roles at Expedia as vice president of global infrastructure services and at Asurion as senior director of global infrastructure services. Topics Leadership General Mills Inc agreed to stop calling the oats in its Nature Valley granola bars 100 percent natural to settle a lawsuit by three consumer groups that said the bars contained small amounts of the herbicide commonly known as Roundup. Beyond Pesticides, Moms Across America and the Organic Consumers Association on Thursday said the settlement calls for General Mills to remove the phrase Made with 100% Natural Whole Grain Oats from Nature Valley labels. The groups said independent tests showed that the granola bars contained 0.45 parts per million of glyphosate, and that oats were the most likely source of the herbicide. While this was below the maximum 30 parts per million that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends, the groups said General Mills label was deceptive and that no reasonable consumer would expect the bars to contain anything unnatural. Nature Valley is confident in the accuracy of its label, General Mills spokesman Mike Siemienas said in an email. He said the Minneapolis-based company settled to avoid the cost and distraction of litigation, and focus on making Nature Valley products with 100 percent whole grain oats. The settlement came 13 days after a San Francisco jury ordered Monsanto Co to pay a school groundskeeper $289 million after he said his exposure to its Roundup weed killer and another glyphosate herbicide caused his non-Hodgkins lymphoma. Bayer AG, which now owns Monsanto, has said it would appeal the jurys verdict. The General Mills lawsuit was one of many accusing food companies of using deceptive labels, including terms such as natural that do not have clearly understood meanings, to induce consumers to buy or pay more for their products. In July 2017, a Minneapolis federal judge dismissed a proposed class action lawsuit over General Mills 100% Natural label, saying that even if the oats contained traces of glyphosate, there is no allegation that the oats, themselves, are not natural. A subsequent appeal was dismissed. The consumer groups had sued General Mills two years ago in Superior Court in Washington, D.C. The Organic Consumers Association sued Unilever Plc UNc.ASULVR.L in the same court on July 9 over its labeling for Ben & Jerrys ice cream, including a claim over the use of glyphosate. Topics Lawsuits Insurer Nationwide said it has completed the purchase of Allstates Group Health business segment for $1.25 billion. The acquisition was announced in January. Nationwide said the purchase will strengthen and diversify Nationwide Financials portfolio, expanding the companys ability to sell stop loss insurancewhich protects employers who self-fund health insurance plans from excess lossesto small businesses. This acquisition expands the capabilities, specialized expertise and strong partnerships of our financial services organization, positioning our company as a leading provider in the employer stop loss industry, said Nationwide CEO Kirt Walker, in a statement, adding that enhancing our employer stop loss segment helps us continue to meet the needs of business owners today and into the future. Allstate Corp. CFO Jess Merten said the sale is expected to generate a financial book gain of about $500 million. The deal with Nationwide follows last years sale of Allstate subsidiaries that provide employer voluntary benefits to StanCorp Financial Group in a $2 billion cash deal. Selling the Group Health and Employer Voluntary Benefits businesses for a combined $3.25 billion demonstrates the strength of these businesses and Allstates strategic approach to capital management, said Allstate CEO Tom Wilson. Lindsey Murray, the former chief operating officer of Allstate Health, has joined Nationwide and will lead the newly formed Nationwide Group Benefits segment. Topics Profit Loss Hancock Claims Consultants, a 22-year-old claims adjusting firm with offices in Georgia and Kentucky, has acquired Knights Solutions, an inspection firm that works claims in the Midwest and Southeast. Neither company is a public adjuster firm but work for property insurers, providing inspections and claims adjusting. Knights, with offices in Mobile, Alabama, and Bardstown, Kentucky, also offers ladder assist services, providing roof inspections on steep or tall buildings for insurance adjusters. Ryan Knight is owner. Hancock also has offices in Bardstown and in Alpharetta, Georgia, and notes that it works for insurers across the country. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. The firms hope to complete operational integration over the next 90 days. Ryan Knight will report to Ray Tant, Hancocks senior vice president of inspections and estimating, the company said in a news release. Topics Mergers & Acquisitions Claims A federal judge in Georgia has put a block on some GEICO call center employees efforts to create a class action against the insurer, which they claim failed to pay for time spent booting up computers and preparing for telemarketing. U.S. District Judge Marc Treadwell this week said the plaintiffs failed to demonstrate a common unlawful policy or practice by the insurance giant, failed to show how they were not paid overtime, failed to account for different practices at different call centers, and failed to recognize that some of the claims were time-barred by a three-year statute of limitations. For this reason alone, Plaintiffs motion should be denied, the judge noted in his order. Attorneys for lead plaintiff Chris Rice had contended that more than 1,000 sales representatives at 12 call centers around the country, including centers in Macon, Georgia, and Lakeland, Florida, were shorted on pay due to GEICOs practices. Under the rules of the U.S. 11th Circuit Court of Appeals, plaintiffs seeking a class certification must demonstrate that others in the proposed class should be notified of the lawsuit, so that they may opt-in. But the plaintiffs, claiming violations of the federal Fair Labor Standards Act, changed their argument and did not address some defense arguments raised by GEICO lawyers, the court said. GEICO utilized software, including Cisco Finesse, AWS Anytime Connect, and Workday to track call center workers availability and time spent on the job, court documents explain. Plaintiffs initially alleged GEICO compensated employees based only on the time they spent logged into Finesse, the judge wrote. This would have meant that employees were not paid for pre-shift, post-shift, and downtime activities that occurred outside of the software, including booting up computers, logging into necessary software systems, troubleshooting technical problems, and preparing for customer interactions. The FLSA requires most employers to cover boot-up time for hourly employees. But the plaintiffs attorneys, from firms in Atlanta, Birmingham, and Nashville, recently acknowledged that the data show no correlation between time logged into Finesse and time recorded in Workday, which is consistent with the evidence adduced by GEICO, the court noted. The call center employees then claimed they were instructed by supervisors to record only 38.75 hours per week, regardless of the actual time worked. That theory was not supported by evidence, the judge said. Expert testimony also indicated that employees were paid for more time than they spent logged in to the Finesse system. Some plaintiffs also have testified that supervisors have instructed workers to remain unpaid for connectivity or computer issues, but only for remote workers who were not in the center. The judge denied the request for conditional class certification without prejudice, suggesting that plaintiffs may be able to try again later. The order can be seen here. The plaintiffs 2023 complaint is here. Related: Insurance Group Gets Win Over FCC Rule That Would Have Limited Robocalls Photo: Adobe Stock image Topics Lawsuits Legislation Marsh McLennan Agency, part of the global Marsh insurance brokerage and services companies, has acquired Excel Insurance, an insurance agency in Medley, Florida. Excel was founded in 2020 and provides property/casualty solutions, including auto, watercraft, commercial coverage, homeowners and workers compensation insurance, for small businesses and residents in south Florida, the companies said in a news release. All Excel employees, including President Jacob Pared, will now join MMA in its existing Doral office. Marsh McLennan, with offices in White Plains, New York, said it advises clients in 130 countries. Topics Mergers & Acquisitions Florida Washington Insurance Commissioner Patty Kuderers office issued more than $839,750 in fines for insurance law violations in the second half of May and the first half of June, including a $275,000 fine for an illegal healthcare sharing ministry, a $300,000 fine for an illegal service contract provider and $45,000 for an unlicensed surplus lines provider. Health Care Sharing Ministry Kuderer issued a cease-and-desist order and a fine of $275,000 against ClearShare Health and its associated companies Clearwater Benefits Administrators, Clearwater Benefits Holdings, and Clearwater Benefits Aggregator. ClearShare sold insurance plans, calling them memberships, without being authorized to do so by the OIC. ClearShare sold 376 memberships to Washington consumers between August 1, 2022, and March 1, 2024, collecting $524,095 in monthly contributions from members and paying $54,201 towards expenses with $54,535 in denied expenses and $26,370 in pending requests for expenses. The membership agreements, however, did not cover abortion services and had pre-existing conditions requirements, and ClearShare does not meet the qualifications of a health care sharing ministry as defined by the Affordable Care Act, according to the OIC. ClearShare was also ordered to pay taxes, penalties and interest on the premiums it collected. Service Contract Provider Kuderers office issued a cease-and-desist order and $300,000 fine against CRAST Inc. (doing business as Americas First Choice Home Club) for operating as a service contract provider in Washington without being registered with the OIC. The OIC started an investigation after receiving a complaint from a consumer who reportedly paid $1,425 for a three-year membership plan in 2022 that claimed to cover up to $2,000 per item. The consumer contacted CRAST in November of 2022 to repair a furnace, but after multiple calls, CRAST did not send a technician out to evaluate the furnace. During the ensuing investigation, CRAST reported it sold 2,268 home club memberships to Washington consumers between December 26, 2015, and April 28, 2023, for a total of $1,494,317 in membership fees. CRAST reported it made $321,068 in payments to members, while denying 456 requests for benefits. Surplus Lines Broker The OIC took action against BC Environmental Insurance Brokers Inc. and producer Marc Robicheau for selling surplus line insurance products without being licensed as a producer or broker for those specific products. BC Environmental Insurance Brokers was fined $45,000 and agreed to apply for a surplus line broker license for the agency and its employees. The agency was licensed to sell property/casualty insurance but not surplus lines as of January 2023, but it wrote 31 policies in Washington between 2014 and 2021. BC Environmental Insurance Brokers, Inc. obtained its surplus line broker license in Washington in May. Additional Fines Following are other companies and fines as reported by the OIC: Amtrust Insurance Company; Milford Casualty Insurance Company; Security National Insurance Company; Wesco Insurance Company; fined $30,000 The companies used Washington Surveying and Rating Bureau loss costs to calculate premium rates without filing and acquiring approval to do so. Pennsylvania Lumbermens Mutual Insurance Company; fined $50,000. The company failed to apply correct rating factors to commercial policies, resulting in $184,633 in overcharged premiums and $43,964 in undercharged premiums across 53 policies. The company refunded the policyholders who were overcharged. Safeco Insurance Company of America; fined $3,000 Safeco failed to timely refund a cancelled home insurance policy and failed to keep adequate records of its transactions. Allstate Fire & Casualty Insurance Company, fined $1,250 Allstate failed to timely cancel a consumers policy. UnitedHealthcare of Washington Inc.; fined $40,000 UnitedHealthcare failed to ensure its Association Health Plans enrolled employer groups on the same effective date as their associated Association Health Plans Master Contract, resulting in 83 employer groups being offered rolling renewals. Axis Insurance Company; fined $2,500 Axis used rates that were not in accordance with its effective filings. Standard Fire Insurance Company; fined $40,000 In 93 instances, Standard applied a higher uninsured/underinsured property damage deductible than is allowed under Washington law. The investigation was prompted by a complaint in which a consumer was charged a $200 deductible for uninsured/underinsured motorist property damage, when only $100 is permitted in Washington for that specific coverage. American International Group, fined $50,000 American International Group and its subsidiaries used incorrect rates for admiralty coverage, impacting 74 policies. Fifty-five policies premiums were overcharged by a total of $148,039, which was credited back to the policyholders. Brotherhood Mutual Insurance Company; fined $3,000 The company applied incorrect classification codes to commercial package policies. Since 2001, the OIC has assessed more than $42 million in fines, which are directed to the states general fund to pay for state services. Topics Washington A new law in that expands Washington workplace protections involving equal pay and promotion discrimination takes effect today. The law legislation passed in 2024 expands the Equal Pay and Opportunities Act from gender discrimination to also include: Sex, marital status, sexual orientation. Race, creed, color, age (40 and older). National origin, citizenship or immigration status. Honorably discharged veteran or military status. The presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability. The states first equal pay law, passed in 1943, prevented employers from paying a female less than a male for doing similar work. The law was expanded in 2018 with the passage of the Equal Pay and Opportunities Act, which addressed the lack of clear definitions and strengthened the states enforcement capabilities. The changes taking effect today mean a persons gender or membership in another protected class cannot be a reason for pay differences between employees with similar jobs or to determine if someone gets promoted. Two additional changes to the law take effect July 27 based on legislative changes passed earlier this year. One change prohibits employers from requiring employees to have a drivers license unless driving is an essential job function or part of a jobs legitimate business. The other change involves job posting requirements. Employers with 15 or more employees must include wage information, a general description of all benefits and a general description of other compensation in their job postings. Employers that are notified a posting does not meet the laws requirements will have five business days to fix it and avoid penalties and damages. Topics Washington On 20 March 2025, The New York Times reported the story of Joseph Coates, who owes his life to artificial intelligence (AI). Mr Coates was affected by a rare blood disease and was too sick to receive a stem cell transplant. An AI-powered model suggested an untested formula combining immunotherapy, chemotherapy and steroids, and Mr Coates is now in remission (Morgan, 2025). This story epitomises the incommensurable potential of frontier technologies to revolutionise peoples life expectations. Advanced technologies may be a lifeline to the economy, too. A growing body of literature supports the existence of large productivity gains resulting from AI adoption. For example, Brynjolfsson et al. (2025) find that AI assistance increases worker productivity by 15% on average. This explains Europes current fear of missing out. In the face of apparent significant gains that advanced technologies bring about, several indicators suggest that the European Union is lagging in technological development and uptake. For example, in 2024, European AI startups raised $12.5 billion compared to $81.4 billion raised by US-based AI startups (Saharova et al., 2025). In the same year, only 13.5% of European companies with ten or more employees used AI-powered technologies to conduct their business (Eurostat, 2025). However, during the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyens first mandate (2019-2024), regulation, rather than direct industrial support, has come to embody the EU priorities for the digital economy. In recent years, the EU has produced a considerable amount of new regulations directly applicable to digital markets. To mention a few: the Digital Markets Act (DMA, Regulation (EU) 2022/1925), the Digital Services Act (DSA, Regulation (EU) 2022/2065), the Artificial Intelligence Act (AIA, Regulation (EU) 2024/1689). And the list goes on and on. In the EU digital policy debate, two questions are thus gaining increasing traction: does the EU technology regulation bear at least some responsibility for the technological gap between the EU and other comparable economies? If so, should the EU embark on a deregulatory agenda to attempt to fill that gap? The Commissions present approach, featuring a structural recalibration from regulation to competitiveness, seems to be based on an affirmative answer to both questions. For example, after proposing simplifying rules on sustainability reporting and investment in the EU with a first and a second Omnibus package, the Commission has proposed to ease its privacy regulation for small and medium-sized enterprises (European Commission, 2025b). Little has been done, however, to lay out a sound economic framework in which those questions can be meaningfully assessed. In this paper, I aim to address that deficiency, suggesting a way to coherently evaluate digital regulation and its effects on EU digital markets. The methodology I propose is based on the definition of two distinct categories of goals that can be pursued through digital regulation: efficiency-oriented goals and distributive goals. With the former, regulation contributes to expanding the amount of value that the economy produces. With the latter, instead, regulation contributes to defining how that value is distributed within society. A regulatory norm may be motivated by efficiency and distributive goals, so explicitly separating them is often not obvious. For example, a regulation intended to open markets to competition can be motivated by efficiency goals (competition increases productivity) and distributive goals (competition transfers surplus from sellers to buyers). Both categories of goals are very relevant in the context of digital markets. Digital services, for example, tend to benefit from scale and network externalities, and they thus have a natural tendency to concentrate (Mariniello, 2022). Concentrated markets allocate resources less efficiently than competitive markets and beg for efficiency-oriented regulatory intervention. Similarly, distributive goals also matter significantly in digital markets, given technologys deep societal implications. For example, even seemingly harmless AI features may ultimately entail all-encompassing cultural effects, and these can be mitigated through distributive regulation. In this paper, I anchor these two categories of goals to examples from the EU digital regulatory playbook. The main policy suggestion is to deploy a regulatory strategy hinging on a clear layout and analysis of efficiency and distributive goals. Whenever possible, efficiency can be improved with simplifying actions (e.g. refining or repealing current laws) or with complementary actions (e.g. deploying new regulations to make the current ones more effective). When, instead, regulation implements political choices that entail unavoidable distributive trade-offs, this should be stated explicitly. This is important because the predominant policy narrative around European competitiveness does not explicitly recognise the contrast between efficiency and value distribution. The distributive dimension rarely emerges as a relevant element explaining the differences in the performance of countries digital economies. For example, in his report on The Future of European Competitiveness, Mario Draghi (2024) articulates several factors that explain why the EU lags behind the US and China on key digital economy indicators. However, none of those factors refer to the EUs distributive choices, despite inevitably affecting digital business performance. For example, the EU has high privacy protection standards. If European data companies face restrictions on data use, they would naturally be disadvantaged compared to Chinese companies that are not entangled in the same constraints. Recognising the distinct existence of efficiency and distributive goals leads to two important insights. First, the EU can improve its performance on efficiency grounds and reduce the perceived gap with international competitors. However, to the extent that their digital economies are conditioned by different underlying structural social preferences, the European, American and Chinese digital economies are not comparable. Second, a corollary of the first point is that observing that the European economy does not match the performance of American and Chinese digital economies should not, as such, be concerning. It is certainly worrisome when that happens by accident due to an inefficient design or enforcement of the EU regulatory framework. It may not be the case, when the alleged underperformance is underpinned by a deliberate political choice based on citizens democratically expressed preferences (voters may be willing to sacrifice competitiveness to support other conflicting goals, for example). The primary advantage of spelling out the underlying goals of regulatory choices is to identify clearly where deregulation may be helpful and where, instead, it conceals backtracking on political commitments. Two caveats are due. First, the focus of this paper is EU regulation. However, it should not be forgotten that a significant part of European companies regulatory burden originates in their countries national legislation. Second, I venture only marginally into speculating on the relative significance of EU digital regulation as compared to other factors potentially hampering growth. There are indications that excessive EU regulation is not the primary reason why the EU is lagging in the tech space. However, the scope of this paper is limited to considering the relative effect of EU regulation, taking all other potential factors that may limit growth as given. The next section introduces the concept of efficiency-oriented goals and analyses their application in the EU digital market context. The subsequent section discusses distributive goals and distributive choices made by the EU legislator. The paper concludes with policy recommendations. Efficiency-oriented goals Efficiency-oriented goals guide regulation towards maximising the absolute value that an economy can produce. Value is an all-encompassing concept that includes measurable quantities (such as companies profits or total output), but also hardly objectively quantifiable benefits, such as product quality and variety. Theoretically, frictionless markets maximise value autonomously: producers self-interested decisions and consumers preferences steer the economy to produce and consume according to its possibilities. In practice, however, no market is frictionless. To an extent, all existing markets fail to deliver their full potential. That happens, for example, because they are not competitive enough or because there is a mismatch between what companies consider valuable and what is beneficial for the economy as a whole. Regulation can maximise efficiency by removing the sources of market failures that prevent digital markets from generating their potential value. By far, the primary way in which EU regulation of the digital space pursues efficiency goals is through an expansion of digital markets from national to European. It does so by homogenising regulation over the European territory: it fixes common supranational rules that supersede national approaches. In other words, it contributes to creating a Digital Single Market (DSM). To see this, note that the production and provision of digital products significantly benefit from scale. Thus, the value generated in a hypothetically completed DSM would be greater than the value obtained by summing up the value generated within each EU member state, if considered in isolation. A completed DSM minimises uncertainty for business (when facing 27 national frameworks, future regulatory risk is less predictable) and increases market competition. Generally speaking, provided that EU regulation fills gaps that could be filled by national regulators, it likely produces efficiency effects. For example, the Platform Work Directive (PWD, Directive 2024/2831) introduces a methodology to classify the employment status of individuals providing services through online platforms, such as Uber or Deliveroo. Its main advantage consists in reducing uncertainty: by 2023, more than 100 court judgments in EU countries had already dealt with platform workers employment status, reaching different conclusions (European Parliament, 2023). As a second example, consider the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR, Regulation 2016/679), aimed at protecting personal data within the EU, and the Regulation for the Free Flow of Non-Personal Data (Regulation 2018/1807). The two regulations, taken together, should in principle allow for the seamless movement of any data across the EU territory, overcoming national barriers, expanding the data market from the national to the EU level, with significant pro-efficiency effects. Finally, consider the DMA, a regulatory framework designed to make digital markets fair and contestable. The DMA mandates online platforms enjoying highly entrenched market power (aka gatekeepers) to, for example, make some of their services interoperable. Without that regulatory provision, competition in those markets would remain low because the gatekeepers benefit from large network effects, giving them an enormous advantage vis-a-vis potential challengers. By opening markets up to competition, the DMA aims to tap into their potential and drive them to generate more value for the economy than they currently do. The DSM is, however, far from being completed, and often regulations that are good on paper fail to deliver when implemented. That is probably the better explainer of the competitive disadvantage suffered by the EU when compared with much less fragmented economies, such as the US or China (Letta, 2024; Draghi, 2024). Europe currently lacks large companies (aka European champions) that can rival global digital giants. Rather than excessive EU regulation, the reason may be traced to the fragmented EU market, which is not a good basis for businesses to get started, financed and scaled up. Contrary to the general sentiment, EU regulation has the potential, if well-crafted, to support, rather than hinder, the emergence of European champions. Regulation, however, does not come for free. Three categories of efficiency costs should be associated with it: administrative and enforcement costs for public authorities compliance costs for business market distortion risks. As an example of administrative and enforcement costs for public authorities, consider the DSA. The DSA attempts to limit the spread of illegal and/or harmful content on online platforms. In 2024, the European Commission spent 50 million on DSA enforcement (70% of which covered operation and administrative costs; European Commission, 2024). As an example for compliance costs for business, consider the GDPR. Its average compliance costs have been estimated to amount to 500,000 for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and up to 10 million for large organisations (Draghi, 2024). Regarding market distortion risks, note that whenever regulators introduce constraints to companies behaviour, they interfere with natural market dynamics; this may result in inefficient outcomes. For example, regulators may reduce competition by (intentionally or inadvertently) erecting barriers to market entry. Or they may favour companies that do not deserve to be advantaged because they are less efficient than their competitors. As an illustration, consider the EU Copyright Directive (Directive 2019/790). The directive introduced a right for publishers to be remunerated for the use of small news excerpts by online news aggregators. Since online news aggregators and publishers supply largely complementary (not substitute) products, the introduction of the new right has created inefficient frictions, potentially leading to more concentration in both markets. Another example of a regulation introducing significant distortions is the GDPR. One of the most consequential of those distortions derives from the introduction of mandatory data management processes for companies that meet certain requirements (such as dealing with large or highly sensitive datasets). The adoption of the mandatory data management processes entails high fixed costs. This implies that, among those companies that meet the requirements, the larger ones have a comparative advantage (the cost of complying with the GDPR is for them relatively small compared to the cost for medium companies, due to the resulting economies of scale). Peukert et al. (2020) report evidence that web technology service markets became more concentrated after the introduction of the GDPR. The risk of distortion can never be fully eliminated when regulation is adopted. However, it can be minimised by restricting regulatory intervention to what is strictly needed to enhance market efficiency. That is, by making sure that existing regulations are tightly bound to the market failure that they intend to correct. In other words, regulation should not tackle issues that the market can sort out by itself. This is often not the case with EU regulation. Consider, for example, the AIA, a comprehensive framework regulating the development, placing on the market, putting into service, and use of AI systems in the EU. Article 15 of the AIA mandates that AI systems considered high-risk (i.e. with a higher potential to harm) are accurate, robust and cyber-secured. Competition in the design of AI systems is, however, high, and accuracy is one parameter in which developers compete most strenuously. Therefore, one should expect the market to incentivise and reward more accurate AI systems. The need for a regulatory requirement for accuracy is thus all but evident. Distributive goals Since efficiency entails an increase in the aggregate value produced by the economy, when pursuing efficiency goals, regulatory or deregulatory strategies have the potential to make everybody happy (when the pie gets bigger, subsequent arrangements can theoretically be made so that no one is worse off). However, regulation also directly determines how that value is redistributed. Regulation affects the value share that different market players, users, platforms, traditional industries, developers, citizens, etc., receive. For example, a regulatory framework may be friendly to data business models, with few restrictions on personal data use, favouring AI system developers. Conversely, a strict privacy regime may grant a higher service quality for users, for example, because they are exposed to a lower risk of misuse of their personal information when using social network services. However, this may reduce the amount of data available to companies and thus reduce their competitiveness. In other words, regulation also entails making political, distributive choices. For several reasons, there is a limit to how much markets can achieve. Efficiency goals alone cannot ensure that value distribution would be considered fair by members of society, even if those members operate and manifest their preferences in the economys markets. Policies with distributive effects also affect productivity. And a more symmetric distribution of resources does not necessarily entail worse economic performance. The most obvious example is policies to foster market competition: they induce a redistribution of value from producers to consumers, but they also expand production, making the economy richer. However, in this paper, I specifically focus on distributive goals as regulatory goals that always involve a trade-off. When considering those goals, the value in the economy is assumed to be given and fixed (recall that value is not only how much output is produced in the economy, but also the quality and variety of production). Thus, with distributive goals, the regulator chooses between different combinations of the factors (such as competitiveness, privacy, safety, etc.) that generate the same amount of value. Each combination involves different winners and losers. First, even the most efficient regulation cannot eliminate all possible sources of market failure. The most straightforward illustration is individual behaviour. If users behave irrationally (i.e. they make suboptimal choices that do not maximise their interest), the market cannot reach fully efficient outcomes (this is obvious because there is a mismatch between how much individuals are willing to pay for a product and how much they really value it). Regulation cannot correct that source of market failure directly. It can only mandate the outcome regulators believe should emerge if individuals were rational. For example, consider the privacy paradox: when accessing social networks, users may relinquish their personal information as they perceive it as having little value. At the same time, when surveyed, they may express strong preferences for high privacy standards. This may motivate more prescriptive privacy regulation, such as forbidding specific personal data uses, and go beyond the efficiency goal of transparent and competitive data markets. Bonnefon et al. (2016) identify another illustrative paradox. They find that people favour programming automated vehicles to sacrifice their passengers to avoid killing a greater number of people in a road accident. However, the same respondents would refrain from buying such cars. Thus, markets would be unlikely to yield socially optimal equilibria, begging for prescriptive regulatory intervention. Second, markets can be fully efficient (i.e. produce all the value they can) and still lead to outcomes deemed unfair by common standards. Consider, for example, discrimination. The data economy is founded on the idea that users information can be employed to produce value. The more producers know about their customers, the more they can tailor their offer to their users preferences. Online e-commerce platforms can, for example, set higher prices for buyers who have a higher willingness to pay. At an aggregate level, this may be efficient because the supplier (the e-commerce platform) sells to everyone and sells as much as it can. However, most of that aggregate value is absorbed by the discriminating platform. In the extreme case of first-price perfect discrimination, users are left only with the consumption value (Mariniello, 2022). They enjoy no surplus, i.e. the possible difference between how much they are willing to pay and how much they actually pay. Since they all pay different prices, they may feel unfairly treated. Discrimination is opposed by the EU digital regulator, and this is reflected in several explicit regulatory provisions. For example, Article 6(12) DMA prohibits gatekeepers from imposing discriminatory general conditions of access for business users. Article 10(2) AIA mandates data governance requirements to mitigate discrimination by high-risk AI systems. Article 9 GDPR prohibits the processing of personal data that would lead to discriminatory outcomes (such as ethnic origin or religious beliefs). All these provisions express a distributive choice by the regulator because, on purely efficiency grounds, discrimination could theoretically be justified. Finally, markets may be efficient within their boundaries. But they usually have social spillover effects. For example, consider the market for algorithmic management (AM), or the use of AI by employers willing to monitor and manage their employees. This market may be very efficient, but the ones who are mostly affected by it are outside its boundaries. They are the AM customers employees. Without regulatory intervention overseeing the use of AI in job places, the AM markets would likely harm workers. Figure 1 describes an illustrative trade-off by plotting the value generated in the economy as a concave line using different combinations of two commodities: innovation/competitiveness (on the y-axis) and privacy (on the x-axis). The further the value line moves away from the origin, the higher the value (thus V > V). Figure 1 Distributive trade-off Source: Authors own elaboration. By adjusting its regulatory action according to its efficiency goals, the EU can aim to hop on combinations where the total value is higher. For example, eliminating the distortions introduced by the GDPR could increase privacy (because of a more efficient implementation) and innovation/competitiveness (because companies would face fewer constraints). An efficient revision of the GDPR would allow the EU economy to move from V to V. However, there is a limit to how much efficiency can be achieved. That limit is represented by the purple line, the production-possibility frontier (PPF). Once the economy is on that line, the value pie cannot get bigger. Then, political choices determine whether the economy should yield relatively more privacy compared to competitiveness (thus choosing to be at the combination point A) or vice versa. Disentangling efficiency from fairness in the EU deregulatory strategy Regulatory laws should not just be counted: quantification brings little information about their impact on the economy. Regulation should rather be weighed and assessed in the context in which it is implemented. In principle, the European Commission has the tools to make such a qualitative assessment: its better regulation toolbox includes an impact assessment process through which the Commission is supposed to assess the implications of EU laws for all relevant stakeholders (users, suppliers, small companies, citizens, etc.). In practice, however, impact assessments are often used to justify ex post policy decisions taken before the start of the evaluation process. There is a high risk that this could be the case when considering the Commissions strategy for the deregulation of the EU digital economy. Facing increasing public pressure to ease EU regulation, the Commission has grown a prejudice against the regulatory burden that companies developing or adopting digital services must bear. In its Competitiveness Compass, the European Commission (2025a) sets an overarching target of reducing the cost of all administrative burdens for companies by 25% (35% for SMEs). However, the size of the quantitative cut cannot be predetermined. It should rather be the end result of a realignment of regulation with its efficiency and distributive goals (the qualitative assessment may well indicate that a quantitative cut of the overall regulatory burden is necessary; as I have explained, this is most certainly the case for the GDPR, for example). In other words, the Commission is inverting the logic, assuming what should come at the conclusion of a coherent evaluative process. It has internalised (without justifying it) the mantra put forward by business lobbies, that regulation as such is a necessary evil, and that if the EU intends to be successful in the digital space, it must reduce the regulatory burden to the maximum possible extent. In this paper, I propose a way to escape that form of regulatory capture. This consists of laying out explicitly what parts of EU regulations primarily stem from efficiency-oriented considerations and which ones are instead primarily distributive-oriented choices. Explicitly disentangling the two categories of goals brings a significant advantage. It forces EU policymakers to take responsibility for the political choices they make. At the same time, it narrows the discussion on efficiency improvements at the technical level: economics, not politics, should determine how to reduce small companies administrative burdens, for example. When making its political choices, the Commission should openly admit the costs that those choices entail. Assuming that political preferences may be more homogeneous within than between the EU, the US or China (for example, for cultural and historical reasons), those choices necessarily affect those economies comparative economic performance. China may have a structural advantage in the data economy if, for example, EU citizens attach a stronger value to privacy than Chinese citizens, on average. Some may feel disturbed by the gloomy corollary of this analysis: that, because of its social model, on several metrics, the European digital economy may never be able to catch up with the US or China. However, that conclusion is disturbing only to the extent that the relevant metrics used for international comparison focus on the quantitative rather than the qualitative aspects of the value that the different economies produce. The qualitative aspects of digital goods and services (such as their safety, their social impact, or the risk they pose to privacy) are very relevant too. However, there can be no objective indicator capturing quantitative and qualitative elements together for international comparison, simply because citizens in different economies express different preferences. Therefore, their appreciation of the combination of quantitative and qualitative elements differs. International comparisons can thus achieve very little, besides providing some rough indications of the areas where economies can become more efficient, mirroring what others are doing. This suggests that it would make little sense if the EU were to attempt to bridge its technological gap by compromising on its distributive choices, rather than just focusing on efficiency gains and acknowledging that some of its structural differences with other economies limit what it can achieve. 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Myo Cafe, which was founded as a passion project by community activist Liam Mullaney, is encouraging businesses across the heart of the rebel county to champion local charities this Saturday. Mullaney has been inspired by the shared principles of humanity and community which he says are woven into the fabric of our history in Cork as well as frequent topics of conversation among our customers here in Myo. In protest of the deeply inhumane policies being promoted by Trump of late, we want to show the importance of community spirit, protest and real independence, he said. We want to see local businesses think outside the box with us, to promote the arts and raise funds for a charity of their choosing. Myo Cafe will be hosting a series of events on the day, promoting local musicians, raising funds for Shine A Light Suicide and Mental Health Awareness, and Edel House." Myo Cafe's 'Cork Independence Day' proclamation. As well as the launch of Myos Cork Proclamation declaring Corks independence from the rest of the world, the Place of Peace creative project on Popes Quay will also be re-launched at 5pm on the day. The collaborative art project was created by Cork-based artist Davey Dummigan, along with members of the citys international community impacted by war. Cork city bars, restaurants, and other businesses interested in hosting their own Cork Independence Day event can contact Myo at corkmyo@gmail.com. Hidden treasure has been found at the BBC. A trove of archive Horslips material has been gathered together in a five-disc set. The collection captures the band in their pomp in the 1970s, and later recordings culled from their reunion years (three decades after breaking up in 1980). It includes live performances, interviews, gorgeous linear notes and rare photos of its band members Barry Devlin, Jim Lockhart, Charles OConnor, Eamon Carr and Johnny Fean in the kind of outlandish glam rock fashion that would hurt your eyes. A highlight from the haul is a recording of their performance with the Ulster Orchestra at Belfasts Waterfront Hall. The gig was performed on St. Patricks Day in 2011. Its arguably Horslips finest hour. It includes a memorable eight-minute rendition of Ill Be Waiting, a showcase for Fean, the bands lead guitarist, who sadly passed away in 2023. The Ulster Orchestra is 69 people, says Lockhart. It's hugely impressive. The conductor Brian Byrne had done these amazing arrangements. We were back and forth with him for several weeks beforehand, talking through the stuff we would like to hear and the direction wed like it to go, adding, say, a Vivaldi fiddle for that bit there, and so on. Brian ran with it, taking all the traditional bits like, say, the intro to Trouble (With a Capital T), which is Brian Borus March, and doing a lovely arrangement of it, which led brilliantly into the song. He picked up on all the subtleties. On the night, we had this huge, incredibly disciplined force behind us playing our melodies. It was an extraordinary feeling. The footage includes an evocative segment they did in 1974 on The Old Grey Whistle Test television show, which was hosted by the legendary DJ Whispering Bob Harris. One of their first engagements with the BBC was in October 1973 when they were invited to do a session on John Peels radio show, shortly before their second album, The Tain, was released. Their reward was 50 and exposure to his considerable audience. Peel was huge, says Devlin. Peel didn't love us. His producer John Walters loved us. We were slightly Go handy for Peel. Peel was more into the arcane. His idea of proper trad was a piper outside Micho Russell's in the rain with only a chanter, without any of the tassels. He had an austere view of what you should do with traditional music. We didn't entirely fit that, but to be fair to him, he accepted trad is a broad church so he always gave us time. This was the golden age of rock music in Britain. David Bowie was breaking all the rules. Queen were on the rise. Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd were entrancing teenagers around the world. The Tain was a classic concept album in the vein of the eras landmark albums. It was a heady time to be in a popular rock band. As Horslips toured the UK, they bumped into bands like The Clash, The Sex Pistols, Lindisfarne at The Blue Boar Inn, a coaching inn on the Birmingham to London motorway. We crossed paths with Queen quite a bit, says Lockhart. There's a poster of one of our first gigs in London Queen were on the previous week and it was Queen, 40p; Horslips, 50p at the London School of Economics. Horslips on the cover of New Spotlight magazine The Blue Boar was such a dive for young punks, adds Devlin. It was a place you wanted to go and see where the dinosaurs had eaten, to discover the dinosaurs ate the same egg and chips you did. We used to go to Dingwalls in Camden, north London. I remember Mick Jones being there a lot. Mick would have a bunch of mad people around him, who werent actually that mad. They were just having a quiet drink, but they were wrapped up in black plastic sacks so that slightly took the ordinariness out of it. Bowie towered over all the acts in the 1970s. He was consistently on the cover of influential music magazines like Melody Maker and NME. Devlin sums it up best, suggesting if you wanted to know where pop music was headed in the next five years, you just had to pick up the latest Bowie album. The access to recreational drugs on the Irish music and social scene in the 1970s wasnt comparable to its UK counterpart or to the cocaine blizzard that swept across American clubs at the time. There was always a little bit of dope around Ireland, says Lockhart. There wasnt coke, says Devlin. There used to be one guy in the drugs squad in Dublin, Dinny Mullins, says Lockhart. Everybody knew him. He would chat to people in pubs and stuff. He was on the ball, a smart boy. He knew what was, what, but drugs werent at that time an endemic problem. There were five serious drug users in Dublin in the early 70s. Everybody knew them by name and pretty much where they lived. Drugs like heroin only took off in Ireland in early 80s, tragically. It was terrible. Heroin was seen as being the road to hell, which it is, says Devlin. The idea of young fellows in an advertising agency using cocaine didn't exist. There wasnt a supply chain. Pints and shorts were what people had. Hippies smoked a bit of weed. You could easily identify them because they giggled a lot, and they were always eating packets of Cheese & Onion Taytos for the munchies. The Horslips At the BBC is out on July 4. See: www.madfishmusic.com Cracking America Horslips began their assault on North America in 1974 after releasing their album Dancehall Sweethearts. They toured the continent about five times. The Police joined them on their second tour across the Atlantic. We were slugabeds, says Barry Devlin. We stayed up very late and behaved quite badly. Youd look out the window of your hotel and the bass player from The Police would be doing push-ups on the hotels lawn, which would put the fear of God into you. Jim Lockhart adds: And Sting would be jogging about the pool or something. Horslips in 1974: From left to right, Jim Lockhart (behind), John Fean, Barry Devlin, frontman Charles O'Connor and Eamon Carr (behind). (Photo by Central Press/Hulton Archive/Getty Images) Horslips enjoyed good backing from their record labels, Dick James Music Ltd, and later Polygram, on those tours. They registered albums on the American Hot 100 billboard, but were effectively a college band, with a loyal following that filled venues on university campuses. The biggest gig Horslips headlined there was in late 79 at The Spectrum in Philadelphia, a 13,000 seater. The United States also gave them a pinch-me moment, which descended into typical Horslips farce, as Devlin explains: Back then, Sunset Strip in West Hollywood was lined with billboards. When our album Aliens was released in the States, Polygram bought us this huge billboard. It had an enormous Celtic warrior brandishing an axe, with the five of us underneath it in Celtic gear. We were so thrilled we got the limo driver to drive up and down underneath it with our heads sticking out of the sunroof, and the girls on the street going, Ah, out of towners. We're going, That's us! That's us up there! Not very cool. I can't imagine David Bowie doing that for his tour. Orphaned children are experiencing the "repeated horror" of being targeted and bereaved multiple times under Israel's bombardment, forced starvation, and denial of water to Palestinians. That is according to Unicef's James Elder, who has called on the Irish Government to press for the emergency evacuation of thousands of wounded children who are now being treated without pain relief. Mr Elder raised the harrowing story of a six-year-old girl he met in recent weeks, whose pink painted nails struck him amid "all the horrors" of Gaza. "This little girl, I saw her because her fingernails were perfectly painted, perfectly manicured. It just struck me, so I walked over to speak to her. "Dana's story was that in November 2023, so more than 18 months ago, there was a missile strike on her home horrifyingly standard," he told the Irish Examiner. "That missile strike killed Dana's mum and dad and it killed her siblings. She went to live with her aunts and uncles, but such was her level of trauma, she didn't speak for six months, but such was their level of care that they started to bring back a little bit of childhood in this little girl, and she started coming back to life in all forms of a child's life. "Now she was in hospital, and I saw her just a few weeks ago because the home she was staying in was struck by a missile in the middle of the night just like her home had been 18 months ago again, killing 10 members of her family, cousins and aunts and uncles. "She had escaped injury in her first home, had great degrees of mental trauma, but escaped physical injury in her first attack. Now she had shrapnel in her head. "I suddenly realised that all these horrors that have occurred to children that I never thought I would see at this scale, those children who somehow survived them, they're not safe. They can now have a repeat experience of some unimaginable event." Mr Elder, who is on a three-day visit to Dublin as Unicef's global spokesperson, acknowledged the compassion of the Irish public, but made a plea to the Government to put pressure on international counterparts to allow aid to flow and to increase medical evacuations from the enclave. "I met children who needed medical evacuation several weeks ago, and by the time I left Gaza, they had died utterly unnecessarily. "There is such a severe lack of painkillers that you would hear children as well as see them and that's a very difficult thing, particularly for parents who are beside themselves with grief as to how they help a child who literally has had 5mls of painkiller an entire day and has fourth-degree burns on their body." A Cork man who became irate when a Tidy Towns volunteer parked their van near the entrance to his driveway has been convicted of threatening to kill the injured party contrary to Section 5 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act, 1997. Inspector Ian OCallaghan told Clonakilty District Court that Vincent Harrington, aged 52, of Desert View, Clonakilty, was charged with one count of threatening to kill and one of criminal damage in relation to an incident that occurred at Convent Hill, Clonakilty, on the afternoon of May 27, 2024. Giving evidence, Tidy Towns volunteer Bill Deasy told the court that he had gone to Convent Hill with Padraig OMahony in order to clear tree bark from a felled tree as part of their volunteer work for the Tidy Towns. The court heard that both men had driven their own vans to the site and Mr Deasy had parked on a grass verge, while Mr OMahony had parked in a small lay-by on the opposite side of the road. Mr Deasy said that, soon after Mr OMahony had parked his van, Harrington came down the road from his driveway, which joins the lay-by, screeching and roaring at the two men. Mr Deasy said Harrington threatened to hold his head under water and keep it there until the last breath. He said he took the threat seriously and added that Harrington also kicked the door of Mr OMahonys van. Mr OMahony told the court Harrington had asked him if he owned the black van parked in the lay-by. He said that when he told him he did, Harrington shouted at him to move it. He added that he heard Harrington threaten Mr Deasy and was concerned for his safety as Mr Deasy, who is 71, had only recently been discharged from hospital at the time. Harrington, who represented himself in court, said that the van was parked in a dangerous position in the lay-by which adjoined a busy main road. He said that there was not enough room to safely pass it and it was parked in a position that restricted access to his property. The court was told there had been previous issues between the injured party and the accused. Harrington alleged that Mr Deasy had pushed him, which Mr Deasy and Mr OMahony both denied. Garda Brian Noonan said that two calls about the incident had been made; one, via 999, and one to Clonakilty Garda Station. He told the court that when he attended the scene he was able to pass the parked van in the lay-by in the Garda SUV and also reverse back past it as well. He told the court that, in his opinion, the van was not parked in a dangerous position, did not block access to Mr Harringtons driveway, and did not pose a danger for vehicles turning onto the adjoining main road. Judge Joanne Carroll said she was quite satisfied that Mr Harrington had made a threat to kill and convicted him. She dismissed the charge of criminal damage. The judge strongly advised Harrington to consult a solicitor in relation to a plea of mitigation and warned him it was a serious matter that carried a maximum penalty of 12 months in prison. The case was adjourned to July 15 for penalty. A 28-year-old man has appeared in court charged with the murder of pregnant mother-of-two Sarah Montgomery in Co Down. Zak Hughes, from Ardglen Place in Belfast, was also charged with child destruction during a brief appearance at Newtownards Magistrates Court on Wednesday. Dressed in a grey tracksuit, he stood in the dock and nodded when asked if he understood the charges. A man has appeared in court charged with the murder of Sarah Montgomery (PSNI/PA) A PSNI detective chief inspector told the court he could connect Hughes to the offences. No facts of the case were laid out and there was no application for bail. The date of the offences given on court papers was June 27. District Judge Conor Heaney remanded Hughes in custody until July 30. Ms Montgomery, 27, died at her home in Donaghadee. Floral tributes have been left outside her house in Elmfield Walk. A 42-year-old woman, who was arrested in Belfast on suspicion of assisting an offender, was released unconditionally on Tuesday. The death of Ms Montgomery has led to renewed focus on the rate of violence against women and girls in Northern Ireland. She was the 27th adult woman to be killed in Northern Ireland since 2020. The Court of Appeal will refer Conor McGregors withdrawal of an application to present "fresh evidence" in his appeal to overturn an assault conviction to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for criminal investigation. Justice Isobel Kennedy informed the court that, in respect of the application of Mr Gordon, referring to Nikita Hands legal counsel, we do intend to refer it to the DPP. Lawyers representing Ms Hand suggested that Mr McGregors withdrawal of an application to introduce fresh evidence should be treated as a criminal matter and referred to the DPP. At the Court of Appeal on Wednesday afternoon, counsel for Ms Hand, John Gordon SC, said the court must consider that the contents of Mr McGregors application had been made public months ago and widely covered in the media. That application detailed new evidence from Ms Hands former neighbours, Samantha OReilly and Steven Cummins, which alleged she had been assaulted by her former partner, Stephen Redmond, the night after she claimed she was raped by Mr McGregor in December 2018. The application was abruptly withdrawn at the start of the trial on Tuesday by McGregors counsel, Mark Mulholland KC. On Wednesday, Mr Gordon said the application was not just further evidence but was designed to undermine my clients reputation. My client was entitled to her opportunity yesterday to call that out in this court, he said. And they withdrew the application and so prevented her from pouring out a series of highly disparaging and unfair criticisms of her. In addition to the costs incurred in defending against the application, Mr Gordon said Ms Hand had been disadvantaged by the application. This court should refer this matter to the DPP. The court has the power to do that, he said. Mr Gordon also said on Tuesday, upon first hearing the application would be withdrawn, that Mr McGregor should be referred to the DPP for perjury and for encouraging others to commit perjury. The appeal continues before Justices Isobel Kennedy, Brian OMoore, and Michael MacGrath. A jury will not be required, Colman Cody SC told Ms Justice Patricia Ryan just after 10am in court room seven in the Criminal Courts of Justice in Dublin. In court parlance, and coming from the defence barrister, that meant the accused was pleading guilty. The court had previously heard that the trial would take three-to-four weeks, or could even stretch into a fifth. But Denis DJ Careys guilty plea to 10 counts of deception meant there would be no trial at all. Dressed in a black suit and adopting a neutral, focused gaze, he said the word guilty to each charge he faced. Even the tie he wore carried a certain resonance, black and yellow being the colours of Kilkenny which he wore with such distinction for so long. He wont learn his sentence until October, a date which will act as the culmination of a sorry saga whereby one of the most iconic figures to ever play GAA duped people into giving him money by pretending he had cancer. For those who werent around to remember him at his peak, it is hard to overemphasise what a superstar DJ Carey was to the sport of hurling around the turn of the millennium. He was the standout player in a wonderful team that occupied the front pages of newspapers as much as the back pages back in the day. When Tiger Woods visited Ireland, he dined with DJ Carey. When his marriage broke down, it was headline news. But while many will remember him for his five All-Irelands, his nine All-Star awards and the thousands of letters he received when he retired aged just 27 before reversing his decision, most may now think of the fraudster first. A trial would have meant all the sordid details would have been laid bare but, with his guilty pleas, this wont be heard by a jury. Instead, victim impact statements will be read to court, of which there could be many of them. Denis OBrien was the standout name among those Mr Carey admitted to duping out of money by pretending he had cancer. Or more specifically, that he had dishonestly by deception induce to make monetary payments after fraudulently claiming to have cancer and needed finances to obtain treatment for same with the intention of making a gain for [himself] and causing loss to another. While many will remember DJ Carey for his five All-Irelands, his nine All-Star awards and the thousands of letters he received when he retired aged just 27 before reversing his decision, most may now think of the fraudster first. Photo: Niall Carson/PA But there were many others too. Owen and Ann Conway, Mark and Sharon Kelly, Aidan Mulligan, Tony Griffin, Christy Browne, Thomas Butler, Jeffrey Howes, Noel Tynan, Edwin Carey, and Aonghus Leydon. On dates between 2014 and 2022. This had been going on a long time. Well before DJ Carey became a meme with that infamous photo of him with an iPhone wire up his nose that found its way to every WhatsApp group in the country. The court didnt hear the sums involved on Wednesday, just that he had pleaded guilty to obtaining money in this way. Prior to being charged with these offences, Mr Carey had already been making the news again for the wrong reasons. In 2017, he reached a settlement with AIB that saw 99% of a 9.5m debt written down. RTEs Prime Time first reported that the bank secured a High Court judgment for the 9.5m on May 9, 2011, mostly arising from a 7.85m loan to Mr Carey that was secured on properties at Mount Juliet in Kilkenny and the K Club in Kildare. But it was written down to just 60,000. This prompted outrage from politicians, with one remarking that most people dont have celebrity status or good contacts when it came to having debts written off. When first appearing in court to face deception charges, he was granted free legal aid as the court heard he had no income whatsoever. On Wednesday, Mr Cody said that the application for free legal aid would be extended as he foreshadowed some of the mitigating factors that would be raised when it came to his sentencing. Former Kilkenny hurler DJ Carey does have 'significant health issues' which include a heart complaint which required surgery last year. Photo: Niall Carson/PA Mr Carey, his barrister said, may have fraudulently claimed to have cancer but he does have significant health issues. This included a heart complaint which required surgery last year, the court heard. A report will be submitted by his doctors in this regard. Furthermore, the court heard there were also mental health issues, with a report set to be provided by a psychologist. The charges Mr Carey was accused of are contrary to sections six and 26 of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001. Under section six, the maximum sentence is five years in prison. Under section 26, its 10 years. There will be much for the judge to consider at the time of sentencing, with the hearing set to last at least an hour and a half. In a week when Kilkenny may dominate the back pages as they seek passage to yet another All-Ireland final, one of its most famous sons occupies the front of them again. He will be sentenced on October 29. A homeless man who choked a garda and dragged her by the hair before striking another garda in the head and body with another persons crutch during an early afternoon incident in Cork City has been jailed for four years. Garda Ruth Maher was out of work for 82 days as a result of her injuries and her colleague Garda Paul Dromey was out of work for 132 days as a result of his injuries. At Cork Circuit Criminal Court on Wednesday, 33-year-old Darren Warren of no fixed address was jailed for four years and six months with the last six months of that sentence suspended for offences including assault causing harm to both gardai, production of a crutch during the violent incident, and related charges of resisting gardai. Judge Helen Boyle said: This happened in broad daylight in Cork city centre. Two guards came across you acting aggressively to a female. I have seen the CCTV and they were dealing with you in a perfectly ordinary manner, talking with you, engaging with you. "When there was an attempt to arrest you, you assaulted both of them. It had a serious impact on two members who are entitled to go to work and go home from work safe and sound every day. You used to play with the Cork minors but you have fallen a long way since then. "You are at a high risk of re-offending unless you address your risk factors. Sergeant Alan Hurson described the background to the attacks on Garda Maher and Garda Dromey at Lapps Quay, Cork, on October 18, 2024. The two gardai were on duty in the area at 2.45pm that day when they became aware of a group of unruly homeless people in the Lapps Quay area. One man was acting aggressively towards a woman so gardai approached. Darren Warren gave a false name and later resisted arrest by putting his arms firmly behind his back as Garda Dromey was trying to arrest him. Garda Maher came to his assistance but Darren Warren caught her in a doorway and was choking her. He then caught Garda Maher by the hair and dragged her on to Lapps Quay. As Garda Dromey intervened he received punches to the head. Pepper spray had to be used on the accused. Despite this, Darren Warren grabbed a crutch from a woman and struck Garda Dromey with it in the head, arm and body. Apology The defendants previous convictions include one for assault, one for assault causing harm, one for assaulting a police officer and four for obstructing or resisting a police officer as well as public order offences. Jessica Kelleher, defence barrister, said the accused had written a letter of apology to the two gardai. She said Mr Warren had mental health difficulties. No doubt it is a nasty incident. Mr Warren accepts that. There is no getting away from it. Also there is not a very good probation report on him. I think the letter of apology shows some insight into his behaviour. "He was homeless at the time and in the throes of his alcohol addiction. He was a working, contributing member of society before this and he wants this for his life, Ms Kelleher said. A woman who went on a shoplifting spree in a West Cork town has admitted to stealing the items which she told the court were intended to be placed on her late fathers grave. Sergeant Tom Mulcahy told Clonakilty District Court that Eve Guerin, aged 20, with an address at Kinlay House, Shandon Street, Cork, had admitted the thefts from four different retailers in Dunmanway, Co Cork, on June 9, 2025. The Tanaiste is hosting the prime minister of Qatar on Wednesday, one of the leading negotiators behind a potential ceasefire in Gaza. The meeting between Simon Harris and Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani in Dublin comes amid hopes of a 60-day ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. The Tanaiste will stress the need for the killing to stop, for the de-escalation of tensions, and for the full release of all hostages. He will seek the insights of his Qatari counterpart, who is seen widely as a key broker behind a potential ceasefire. Speaking ahead of the meeting at Government Buildings, Mr Harris said: I welcome the news overnight of a renewed effort for a ceasefire in Gaza and I will take the opportunity today to gain the insights from the Prime Minister about the current state-of-play in the region. Qatar has played a leading role in trying to mediate an end to this brutal conflict which has cost tens of thousands of lives and caused unthinkable bloodshed and despair. While the situation remains extremely volatile, I really hope that the killing can now stop and that the unimaginable, brutal situation can end. I look forward to meeting Prime Minister Al Thani today and to thank him for the extremely constructive role he is playing in attempting to broker peace. Two senior ministers have failed to provide clarity on how much third-level fees will cost this term despite multiple calls to be "upfront with students and their families". Members of the opposition repeatedly asked public expenditure minister Jack Chambers and higher education minister James Lawless to confirm whether fees will be restored to 3,000 for the coming academic year. It comes amid a coalition spat over third-level fees after Tanaiste Simon Harris indicated that he wants to see fees reduced in line with similar cost-of-living cuts over the past three years, while Fianna Fail appears to favour more targeted measures. In the Dail, Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald accused Mr Chambers of "dancing on the head of a pin" by "dodging and refusing to give a straight answer" after she asked if students will be charged 2,000 or 3,000. This was echoed by Social Democrats TD Cian O'Callaghan who claimed that there is now "complete disarray and open revolt in the Government over student fees". He said Mr Chambers had already been asked twice to confirm the position on fees. I will ask him a third time. What fees will students have to pay in September? Will it be 2,000 or 3,000? It is a simple, straightforward question Responding, Mr Chambers said it was agreed at the time of the formation of the Government that changes across all policy areas would be made in a sustained and permanent way. "In the context of further and higher education, the relevant minister, Deputy James Lawless, has engaged, and will continue to engage, with students and the stakeholders in that sector. "That will form the basis of the options paper on the cost of education, which will inform his work and the negotiation as part of budget 2026. That specific detail will inform him about what is possible and how he wants to prioritise the different measures that can be taken on a permanent and sustained basis," Mr Chambers said. Calling on the minister for higher education to provide clarity, Ms McDonald said his party colleague Mr Chambers had "come to the chamber this afternoon with big folders and is surrounded by his colleagues...but could not answer a straightforward question". Mr Lawless told the Dail that the "budgetary process takes place in October, not June, July or August". He added: "I am fighting within the resources available for students and their families for the best possible outcome across the board in all of the measures minister Chambers outlined, including Susi grants, fee thresholds and the student contribution fee, along with the cost of accommodation. "No figure has ever been produced ahead of the budget in any area of government spending, and that will not change this year, no more than any other year. That has always been the position." There was anger among Fianna Fail members at what were deemed the coordinated tactics by Fine Gael about the college fees issue. Questions were asked as to what the motivation was to cause such controversy when the topic went through similar discussions last year without a campaign being waged across media and social media. When is the last time you heard a Government TD on Liveline, it was asked at the party's parliamentary party meeting on Wednesday. Despite the level of anger, the meeting was told that Fianna Fail would need to be the bigger party. THE chance to live and run a business in West Corks much-loved Rosscarbery village has cropped up with the sale offer of a residential bar business, OBriens at No 3 The Square. Listed in the past week is the long-established village central bar, with outdoor seating on the square, next door to the busy OReillys Londis shop and near cafes, pharmacy, restaurants, gift shop, the post office all within a walk of the lagoon, pier, and Warren strand. The 283sq m premises has been run by Pascal and Mary Rose OBrien since 2011, and theyve both worked here and lived overhead, doing a major top to bottom overhaul in 2013, rearing a family here too, and are now stepping back from the business says selling agent Jeremy Murphy, acting jointly with John Hodnett of Hodnett Forde. They guide the package at 700,000. The joint agents pitch the property and business at owner-occupiers and investors alike, noting there is separate access to the upper floors living and sleeping quarters, with three bedrooms, all in excellent order. Theres private outdoor space to the back in a narrow, tidy first-floor roof terrace/courtyard with lane access behind to Tanyard Lane, while bar patrons can use outdoor seating on the square in front of OBriens. The agents describe it as a recently renovated, mixed-use property located in the heart of the scenic and bustling town of Rosscarbery, and say whether continuing the premises as a licensed bar or exploring alternative uses (subject to planning), the versatility and quality of OBriens Bar make it a standout opportunity. Its got potential to add a food offering and is one of several bars and hospitality venues in Rosscarbery: others include Nolans, the Abbey Bar, the Celtic Ross Hotel, OCallaghan Walsh Seafood, Drip Coffee, and Dewdrop Bistro, while a new fish and chip venue Nighthawks has just commenced trading in the shuttered Longfellas premises on the N71. The restaurant count dropped a bit in the past year after the surprise closure of Jacks at Pilgrims, while the Market House is reportedly set to reopen shortly. Overhead accommodation at OBriens, meanwhile, sees a first-floor main en suite bedroom, living and kitchen with roof terrace access, with three first-floor bedrooms, one en suite, and main bathroom. DETAILS: Jeremy Murphy & Associates: 021 4270020, Hodnett Forde: 023 8833367. Irans president has reportedly ordered the country to suspend its co-operation with the International Atomic Energy Agency after US air strikes hit its most-important nuclear facilities. State media reported the decision by Masoud Pezeshkian. It follows a law passed by Irans parliament to suspend that co-operation. It was not immediately clear what that would mean for the IAEA, the United Nations nuclear watchdog. The IAEA, based in Vienna, has monitored Irans nuclear programme for years. Masoud Pezeshkian (Iranian Presidency Office/AP) Irans Supreme National Security Council is to oversee the bill and implementation. While the council itself has not said anything publicly, Mr Pezeshkian is the head of the body so his reported order signals that the bill would be implemented. However, under Irans theocractic government, there is room for the council to implement the bill as they see fit. That means that everything legislators asked for might not be done. Tehrans 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, negotiated under then US president Barack Obama, allowed Iran to enrich uranium to 3.67% enough to fuel a nuclear power plant but far below the threshold of 90% needed for weapons-grade uranium. It also drastically reduced Irans stockpile of uranium, limited its use of centrifuges and relied on the IAEA to oversee Tehrans compliance through additional oversight. But Donald Trump, in his first term as US president in 2018, unilaterally withdrew Washington from the accord, insisting it was not tough enough and did not address Irans missile programme or its support for militant groups in the wider Middle East. That set in motion years of tensions, including attacks at sea and on land. Iran had been enriching up to 60%, a short, technical step away from weapons-grade levels. It also has enough of a stockpile to build multiple nuclear bombs, should it choose to do so. Iran has long insisted its nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes, but the IAEA, western intelligence agencies and others say Tehran had an organised weapons programmme up until 2003. Hamas has suggested it is open to a ceasefire agreement with Israel but insisted on its longstanding position that any deal must bring an end to the war in Gaza. The militant group stopped short of accepting a US-backed proposal announced by Donald Trump hours earlier. The US president said on Tuesday that Israel had agreed on terms for a 60-day ceasefire and urged Hamas to accept the deal before conditions worsen. He has been increasing pressure on the Israeli government and Hamas to broker a ceasefire and hostage agreement and bring about an end to the war. Donald Trump (Evan Vucci/AP) Mr Trump said the 60-day period would be used to work towards ending the war something Israel says it will not accept until Hamas is defeated. He said a deal might come together as soon as next week. Hamass response raised questions about whether the latest offer could lead to an actual pause in fighting. Hamas official Taher al-Nunu said the militant group was ready and serious regarding reaching an agreement, adding that the group is ready to accept any initiative that clearly leads to the complete end to the war. A Hamas delegation is expected to meet Egyptian and Qatari mediators in Cairo on Wednesday to discuss the proposal, according to an Egyptian official. Throughout the nearly 21-month war, ceasefire talks have repeatedly faltered over whether the war should end as part of a deal. Hamas has said it is willing to free the remaining 50 hostages, less then half of whom are said to be alive, in exchange for a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and an end to the war. I hope, for the good of the Middle East, that Hamas takes this Deal, because it will not get better IT WILL ONLY GET WORSE Israel says it will only agree to end the war if Hamas surrenders, disarms and exiles itself, something the group refuses to do. An Israeli official said the latest proposal calls for a 60-day deal that would include a partial Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and a surge in humanitarian aid to the territory. The mediators and the US would provide assurances about talks on an end to the war, but Israel is not committing to that as part of the latest proposal, the official said. It was not clear how many hostages would be freed as part of the agreement, but previous proposals have called for the release of about 10. Israel has yet to publicly comment on Mr Trumps announcement. On Monday, he is set to host Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for talks at the White House, days after Ron Dermer, a senior Netanyahu adviser, held discussions with senior US officials about Gaza, Iran and other matters. On Tuesday, Trump wrote on social media that Israel had agreed to the necessary conditions to finalize the 60 Day CEASEFIRE, during which time we will work with all parties to end the War. I hope, for the good of the Middle East, that Hamas takes this Deal, because it will not get better IT WILL ONLY GET WORSE. remaining of Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. These first few months [have resulted] in the Trump administrations cuts to scientific and medical research, clampdown on any efforts promoting diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI ), newly aggressive policies for students with loan debt, revoking of visas for international students and more. In recent months [elimination of] programs meant to train scholars and diversify the sciences as part of an effort to root out what the president labels illegal DEI. (Hechinger Report, June 17, 2025) Orono, Maine (Special to Informed Comment; Feature) There is little doubt that we are living in times of disinformation where the ethics of inclusion and equality are subject to divisive rhetoric. Lacking a clear understanding of the implications of DEI leads to misunderstandings of their implications. As such, this deceptive three-letter acronym elicits praise or vilification? DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) provides a framework to foster a workplace where individuals are valued, treated fairly, and feel included, regardless of their background. It promotes diversity, addresses inequalities, and encourages a more inclusive environment. Diversity refers to learning to embrace differences in race and ethnicity, or those from poverty-stricken backgrounds. Equity focuses on fairness that provides access to opportunities for all. Inclusion aspires to create a supportive environment where everyone can feel valued and respected. Recent attacks on DEI in the U.S. criticize educational institutes of higher learning because they include DEI initiatives even though the major purpose of DEI is to help right the wrongs of the past. Some critics assert that DEI is divisive and fosters discrimination but what is missing in this view is that DEI is an ideal to strive for, not a fully realized actuality. DEI aspires to be inclusive and to encourage more awareness of those who have suffered from the effects of disabilities or minority status in employment or education. DEI is a striving for a more equitable society while inspiring its supporters to take corrective action against disparities among marginalized communities, including women and people of color. It is they who have most often faced major barriers to employment and career advancement, so DEI programs address these disparities. In recent months the Trump administration has demanded that DEI policies be eliminated from institutions that receive federal funding. By targeting DEI, it has set in motion a cascading effect such that a New England higher education institute has had its peace & reconciliation program eliminated while simultaneously discouraging references to DEI. In Canada DEI has a different history since, over the past few decades it has promoted cultural diversity by way of the Canadian Multiculturalism Act, (1988) and policies based on the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (1982), which provides protections against exclusion based on race, ethnicity, religion, sex or age. In addition, Canadas Employment Equity Act (1986) addresses workplace diversity relating to women, the Indigenous and those with disabilities. The U.S. approach is governed by the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Much of the legal and social focus has been on correcting racial disparities, yet in 2023 race based affirmative action was overturned by Supreme Court rulings. Since Canadians value the importance of social cohesion there is more faith in consensus and an acceptance of DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion). Recent examples include Indigenous reconciliation efforts investigating historical wrongs suffered by First Nations, Metis, and Inuit peoples. The U.S. places a great deal of emphasis on individualism and freedom of expression resulting in DEI facing resistance when presumed to infringe on individual liberties. This results in politicization, and, in extreme cases, the demonization of DEI, which, with its inclusion and equity measures, are often met with resistance by the Trump Administration. DEI, Digital, Midjourney, 2025 In Canada companies ideally provide supportive surroundings for all employees, including minorities, as well as acknowledging indigenous hiring and training programs. In 2015, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada included nearly 100 Calls to Action, focusing on employment and education. In the U.S. a 2024 Pew Research survey, about 52 percent of workers said that focusing on DEI at work is mainly a good thing and oppose ending federal DEI policies in education, employment, and housing. But at the same time, partly in response to Trumps war on DEI, many private corporations have scaled back or ended DEI policies, as have a number of states which have been shutting down their DEI programs. But in Canada the contrary is taking place, with 40% of corporations having already adopted DEI policies while 20% more plan on implementing such policies in the near future. A research poll shows that 82% out of many thousands surveyed, approved of equity and fairness, indicating that a high percentage of Canadians are very supportive of DEI policies. By Spyros A. Sofos, Simon Fraser University (The Conversation) Israels recent strikes on Iranian territory have been widely framed as an act of deterrence or yet another episode in a protracted regional rivalry. Such interpretations overlook the deeper motivations behind Israels actions. As a global humanities scholar who specializes in Middle Eastern politics, I believe the world is watching the convergence of a domestic political crisis and a profound strategic shift as Israel evolves into a more aggressive entity in a fragmented international order. Political survival At the centre of Israels current strategic turn lies Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a beleaguered leader fighting for political survival, but also considered a calculating, opportunistic operator with a particular vision of the Middle East. At home, Netanyahu, confronting an unprecedented convergence of challenges multiple corruption indictments, mass protests against what many consider a self-serving judicial overhaul and a fragile governing coalition has leaned into military escalation as both a defensive reflex and a political instrument. Hes seemingly deploying it to both mute dissent at home and assert control abroad. But Netanyahus ambitions appear to extend beyond his immediate political survival. He seems to be striving for a legacy-defining 1967 moment a transformative reordering of the regional landscape in the Middle East that sidelines the Palestinian issue and entrenches Israeli supremacy. This dual imperative domestic survival and amassing power in the region likely shapes Netanyahus recent actions, including the strike on Iran, the expanded occupation of Syrian territory, the October 2024 attack on Lebanon and the ongoing assaults on Gaza and the West Bank. By describing each military campaign as a reluctant necessity forced upon him by Iran, Hamas or even his coalition hardliners Netanyahu maintains public support as he consolidates power. His government has used war-time conditions to suppress public protest, push forward its radical constitutional agenda and advance his geopolitical vision. The result is a volatile but calculated strategy that is likely to mark Netanyahus tenure, though with significant repercussions for regional stability. Israels grand strategy While Netanyahus actions could serve his immediate political ends, they also reflect a longer-term shift in Israeli grand strategy. Following the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas attacks, Israel intensified a long-standing pattern of pre-emptive strikes and campaigns to neutralize its adversaries. This strategy has been pursued at an unprecedented scale in Gaza, but often without a clearly articulated political endgame. This pattern echoes a regional policy doctrine Netanyahu laid out in his 1993 book A Place Among the Nations when he asserted the only peace that will endure in the region is the peace of deterrence. This policy advocates the projection of overwhelming Israeli power, the emasculation of regional challengers and efforts to radically reorder the Middle East. Netanyahus doctrine, a more aggressive revision of Israels earlier pre-emptive security traditions, stands in sharp contrast to the approach pursued by the Oslo Accords-era leadership of the 1990s and 2000s figures such as Yitzhak Rabin, Shimon Peres, and later Ehud Barak. They emphasized diplomacy over coercive leverage and perpetual confrontation. They sought genuine political settlements and a negotiated co-existence with Palestinians and neighbouring Arab states. This strategy rooted in compromise and limited reconciliation has now been decisively eclipsed by Netanyahus highly militarized approach and his vision for achieving strategic power in the Middle East. This approach underpins all of Israels modern-day actions from its reoccupation of parts of Lebanon to its growing military footprint in Syrian territory, the obliteration of Gaza, its aggression against Iran and the increasing calls for Iranian regime change from the current Israeli cabinet. From buffer to power projection Nowhere is this clearer than in Israels expanding operations across its northern front. In Syria, Israel seized upon the post-Bashar al-Assad vacuum to entrench military control over at least 12 square kilometres of new terrain, constructing infrastructure and outposts far beyond prior ceasefire lines. This had less to do with protecting minority populations or deterring Iranian proxies as officials claimed and more with establishing long-term buffer zones and projecting dominance into a fragile post-war Syria. A similar pattern is evident in Lebanon. Following months of border escalation, Israel has sought not only to undermine Hezbollahs capacity but to create no-go zones controlled by the Israeli military along the frontier. These operations reflect older strategic instincts but are now integrated in the ongoing process of Israels northern border redesign. Finally, Israels bombing campaign against Iran reflects a doctrine to move beyond containment toward strategic dismantlement of the Iranian regimes regional power and to erode its ability to control its own territory. The escalation is the outcome of Israels pursuit of a favourable regional moment the weakening of the so-called Axis of Resistance following the Abraham Accords of 2020 aimed at establishing diplomatic relations between Israel and several Arab nations and months of war in Lebanon and Syria. From western ally to regional challenger A constellation of domestic and international changes has enabled Israels transformation. These include a shift in Israeli political culture encouraged by Netanyahus rejection of efforts to pursue some sort of regional co-existence and co-operation; the far rights growing influence in government; and the ongoing disruption of the international order amid Donald Trumps second presidency in the United States that gave Israel more room to manoeuvre. This constellation has eroded the few constraints the liberal international order had in the past imposed on Israels pursuit of its regional policies amid an era of expansionism, permanent conflict and the aggressive management not resolution of the Palestinian issue. Israel is now heading down the same path as Russia and Turkey, capitalizing on vast disparities in military and intelligence capabilities among regional powers to its advantage, disregarding international norms, undermining diplomacy and preferring transactional alliances instead of long-term peace processes. Extremism, Digital, Midjourney, 2025 The U.S. has facilitated this transformation. Former president Joe Biden and now Trump have made very little effort to constrain Netanyahu. Trumps Gaza Riviera plan, along with his isolationist rhetoric, have effectively left regional decision-making to Israel while he continues to underwrite Israeli military dominance and its use of overwhelming force to reshape its regional environment. Netanyahus reluctance to accept the current ceasefire as a definitive end to hostilities with Iran reveals his and his cabinets regional revisionist reflexes. Broader regional destabilization lies ahead as Israel seeks to destroy threats with immense military power without any strategic foresight. Spyros A. Sofos, Assistant Professor in Global Humanities, Simon Fraser University This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Eau Clare, Wi. (Special to Informed Comment; Feature) On Friday, June 13th, Israel launched attacks on Iranian nuclear, military, and civilian targets, just days before the scheduled sixth round of Iran-U.S. nuclear negotiations. The resulting twelve-day exchange culminated in U.S. airstrikes on Irans nuclear facilities at Natanz, Isfahan, and Fordow on June 22, followed by a ceasefire declaration from President Donald Trump the next day. The Trump administration claimed that the strikes had obliterated Irans nuclear infrastructure, setting back its program by years. However, this assertion was made despite skepticism within the intelligence community and without conclusive satellite or field intelligenceraising concerns about the rashness of such early proclamations. President Trumps decision to support Israels unauthorized assault carries significant long-term consequences for both Israel and the region. The fragile ceasefire may collapse, risking a broader regional war that could entangle global powers like China and Russia, spike fuel and commodity prices, destabilize the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, and lead to widespread loss of life. In the long term, this miscalculated intervention is likely to accelerate Irans drive toward nuclear threshold status. The ambiguity surrounding the extent of the damage, combined with Irans existing stockpile of over 400 kilograms of 60% enriched uranium, provides the political leadership in Tehran ample justification to quietly push forward. The conflicting narratives regarding the damage, suspension of IAEA oversight, and potential withdrawal from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) open the door to covert enrichment activity without a definitive move toward weaponization. This outcome was foreseeable. Irans deeply rooted and extensive civilian nuclear infrastructure is not easily dismantled by military strikes. Thanks to Prime Minister Netanyahu and his allies, the United States finds itself embroiled once again in another protracted conflict in the Middle East. Israels ambition for regime decapitation in Iranwhether through direct military means or fostering political instabilityremains deeply flawed. Even absent regime change, both Tel Aviv and Washington seem to believe that weakening the Iranian government will mitigate regional threats and delay nuclear development. But this view fundamentally misrepresents the nature of the conflict. Irans friction with the West is not just about nuclear capability; it is rooted in its anti-imperialist orientation and regional posture, which intertwines with conflicts in Palestine (Gaza), Syria, Lebanon, and Yemen. Much of the discourse surrounding the Israel-Iran conflict is shaped by mainstream global media outlets or social platforms driven by ideological or financial motives. In todays era of information overload and post-truth narratives, its easy for observers to lose sight of the deeper structural, historical, and ideological dimensions. The Israel-Iran war is no exception. It is important to challenge several widespread myths, particularly those perpetuated by Western media such as the BBC, Reuters, and others: Western hostility toward Iran is solely about its nuclear program. This is misleading. The 1979 Iranian Revolution directly challenged global norms by adopting an independent, non-aligned stanceechoing the 1950s Non-Aligned Movement but with a distinctly anti-imperialist ideology. Irans nuclear ambitions were initially supported by the United States during the Shahs reign. The Wests backing of Iraq during its chemical warfare against Iran, followed by the invasions of Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Syria, and Yemen, only reinforces Tehrans belief that nuclear capability equates to regime survival. For Iran, nuclear decisions are driven by state security, not offensive intent. Iranian politics are ideological and irrational. This is far from accurate. The Islamic Republic is neither wholly Islamic nor entirely republican. Like Israel, it features complex state-society dynamics where religion plays a pivotal role. Irans hybrid political system combines democratic and authoritarian elements, relying on electionsflawed as they may befor legitimacy. Its foreign policy, contrary to popular portrayals, is pragmatic and strategic. Iran has effectively employed its cultural and ideological capital to extend its influence across the region. Photo of Tehrans Azadi [Freedom] Monument by Shayan Hamidi on Unsplash Iran is a pariah state. Not exactly. While Iran does engage with non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis, labeling them as mere proxies oversimplifies a more nuanced reality. The broader appeal of these groups stems from popular grievances and the enduring resonance of anti-imperialist and anti-Zionist sentiment. Irans influence is rooted not just in arms and money, but in the deep ideological and political vacuum across the Arab worldcharacterized by unaccountable governments, weak legal institutions, and restricted civic participation. Iran poses an existential threat to Israel. This claim overlooks the broader context. Israel possesses an extensive nuclear arsenal and enjoys unyielding support from the United States and NATO. It has frequently violated the sovereignty of neighboring states and is currently conducting a military campaign in Gaza that many international bodies have condemned as genocidal. A nuclear-capable Iran could serve as a counterweight, introducing a balance of power that might deter Israeli aggression and stabilize the regionjust as mutual deterrence did during the Cold War between nuclear powers. A nuclear Iran will trigger regional nuclear proliferation. This is unlikely. Many regional statesincluding the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egyptalready have civilian nuclear programs and are under Western security umbrellas. Proliferation is less about mimicry and more about perceived threats to state security. Iran has already proposed a multilateral nuclear consortium to build trust and transparency. Such an initiative could align with IAEA oversight and reassure its neighbors, but the recent escalation undermines this possibility. Ultimately, the so-called Iranian threat has been exaggerated. Tehrans core concern is regime survival amid persistent sanctions, military threats, and global isolation. Its anti-imperialist and anti-Zionist stances resonate across the region. If the objective is to last for peace and security, the answer lies not in warfare but in diplomacy. Irans historical depth, geographic size, and strategic resources position it as a key regional player. Recognizing its legitimate desire for independence and development could contribute to resolving the Palestinian issue and pave the way for broader reforms across the Middle East. Whether its ICC judges or South Africa challenging Israels war against Hamas, the result is the same ( OpenDemocracy.net ) On 5 June, I watched as US secretary of state Marco Rubio announced fresh sanctions against four judges of the International Criminal Court (ICC), who now face asset freezes and travel bans to the United States. Their crime? Investigating potential war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza and the West Bank. In late 2024, the judges who hail from Benin, Peru, Slovenia and Uganda had issued arrest warrants for Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and defence minister Yoav Gallant, as well as senior Hamas leaders Yahya Sinwar, Mohammed Deif and Ismail Haniyeh a rare attempt at parity in international justice. To me, the US governments response was not just another geopolitical spat. It was another stark reminder of a deeper, long-standing pattern: the consistent undermining of multilateral justice when it threatens the interests of powerful states or their allies. The US has never been comfortable with the reach of the ICC. In 2020, when the court attempted to investigate American military actions in Afghanistan, Washington responded with hostility, revoking visas and threatening sanctions. That reaction was a warning shot. Now, with the ICC daring to hold Israeli leaders accountable, the same playbook is back in use; this time with added venom. And yet, when the same court applies scrutiny to Hamas, whose actions are widely condemned as terrorist, there is no protest from Washington. In fact, the selective applause for prosecuting Hamas highlights the central issue: it is not justice the US defends, but control over where and how justice is applied. Thinking back to President Donald Trumps 21 May meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, I began to piece together a broader pattern of retaliation and narrative control. What might have appeared as a routine diplomatic visit seemed, in retrospect, like a calculated spectacle. Trump presented Ramaphosa with photographs meant to depict violence against white South African farmers. These images, which turned out to be from unrelated conflicts in the Democratic Republic of Congo, were clearly designed to fuel the far-right narrative of white genocide in South Africa a conspiracy theory long debunked but still recycled in certain ideological circles. That this narrative resurfaced during a period of increasing international condemnation of Israels military actions in Gaza cannot be ignored. Trumps framing, in my view, was not rooted in concern for South Africas rural communities. It was a retaliatory response to the countrys bold stance at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), where in December 2023 it filed a genocide case against Israel for its ongoing military campaign in Gaza. South Africa stands virtually alone among African nations in using international law as a tool to challenge what it views as mass atrocities. That legal stance, rooted in South Africas own painful history of apartheid and state violence, posed a direct threat to the moral high ground claimed by Israel and its allies. Rather than respond through legal counter-arguments or open debate, the US president chose to discredit South Africa through distortion and racialised fear-mongering. For a man who allegedly once referred to African nations as shithole countries, it was an unsurprising move, but one that is still enraging. This was not merely rhetorical posturing. It revealed a dangerous trend: when Global South nations assert their legal and moral agency, particularly in ways that challenge dominant Western narratives, they are swiftly targeted. Delegitimised. Silenced. In this context, South Africas action at the ICJ is not only a legal challenge but a moral provocation one that forces the international community to confront the double standards that have long defined global justice. And the backlash, from Trumps media theatrics to the sanctions against ICC judges, underscores the discomfort that powerful nations feel when the instruments of justice are used against them or their allies. As I reflect more deeply, what troubles me most is the glaring moral inconsistency. When Israeli bombs reduce hospitals to rubble and kill thousands, including children, pregnant women and the elderly, these acts are defended as self-defence. When international institutions attempt to investigate those very acts, their officials are punished. The message is clear: justice must not interfere with geopolitical interests. Yet when Hamas commits atrocities, the response is immediate and unequivocal. Israel is granted full license for retribution, total war, blockade and siege, with little regard for the civilian toll. Gaza is left in ruins, and the principle of proportionality is discarded. This is not a defence of Hamas. It is a defence of consistency. It is a cry against the notion that some deaths are more grievable than others, that some crimes are more prosecutable depending on who commits them. Justice, if it is to mean anything at all, cannot be a matter of convenience. And yet, it is precisely this convenience that defines our current world order. The powerful claim the moral high ground, using the language of human rights to justify their wars, while the powerless suffer in silence, labelled as extremists or collateral damage. I would like to assume that institutions such as the ICC and the United Nations Security Council were established with noble intent. They were designed to ensure that no one no matter how powerful could commit atrocities with impunity. So, how come these institutions have been ensnared in the machinery of geopolitical privilege? The ICC has pursued African leaders with unmatched speed, yet when it turns its gaze toward Israel, the US, or any of their allies, it is met with resistance, threats, and sanctions. The message is unmistakable: international law is for others, not for us. The US veto in the Security Council remains one of the most potent shields for impunity, ensuring that its allies are never held accountable in any meaningful way. Legal norms that were once considered sacrosanct now bend and break under political pressure. Sovereignty, a foundational principle of international law, is respected only when convenient, especially when countries like South Africa use it to push back against dominant Western narratives. International Criminal Court Undermined, Digital, Midjoourney / IbisPaint, 2024 This trend is not abstract. It has real and devastating consequences. In the shattered refugee camps in Rafah, southern Gaza, the erosion of justice is lived every day. Children wonder if their tents will still stand the next morning. Pregnant mothers give birth in the rubble of bombed-out clinics. Humanitarian aid is throttled, journalists are killed, and entire families vanish beneath the debris all while the world debates whether these lives are even worthy of protection under international law. Meanwhile, in courtrooms far away, the evidence is clear, but the response is muted, the accountability absent. This moment demands clarity. It demands moral courage and a radical recommitment to justice that transcends alliances, race, wealth, and political loyalty. Justice must not be reserved for those who are easy to prosecute or politically irrelevant. It must not be defined by who can or cannot retaliate. If international law is to mean anything at all, it must be rescued from the grip of great powers and returned to its founding promise: that no life is more valuable than another, and no perpetrator is above the law. If we accept this imbalance, we do not just erode the credibility of international institutions we dismantle the very idea of global justice. We reduce it to performance. We reduce it to power. And in doing so, we betray those who depend on it most: the victims, the survivors, the stateless, the voiceless. Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect the views or official position of Cohere, the authors employer. Via OpenDemocracy.net This article is published under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International licence. VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / July 2, 2025 / Amarc Resources Ltd. ("Amarc" or the "Company") (TSXV:AHR) (OTCQB:AXREF) is pleased to announce that it has commenced an extensive 2025 drill program at its 100% owned DUKE Copper-Gold district ("DUKE District" or "District") in central British Columbia ("BC"). Drilling is planned to test a number of copper-gold ("Cu-Au") deposit targets across the 732 km2 District. This year's program - budgeted at $10 million - will again be funded by Boliden (see release December 17, 2024), which is earning-in at DUKE. Amarc is the project operator. "We are excited to be back out on the ground in collaboration with Boliden to continue to advance the DUKE District," said Diane Nicolson, President and CEO. "Amarc's systematic approach to exploration is discovering new occurrences of copper-gold mineralization in a region with half a century of exploration history. Drilling and survey work will step out to the north and south from the centrally located, open-ended DUKE porphyry Cu-Mo-Ag Deposit to test multiple copper-gold targets to unlock the further potential throughout the District. In addition to the successful scout drilling at the targets described below, some nine targets remain to be tested for the first time in 2025." "As Canada looks towards capitalizing on its critical mineral endowment, both the need and the opportunity, are clear. According to recent research[1], copper prices need to double to provide the necessary impetus for companies to develop the mines at the rate necessary to 'satiate the rapid consumption of metal driven by economic development and clean energy' across the globe," added Nicolson. "Amarc's continued focus on the discovery and development of new copper-gold deposits at DUKE and at our other BC Cu-Au Districts such as AuRORA, Empress and IKE have the real potential to contribute to the provincial economy and, in particular, that of the local communities." Amarc's DUKE District is located 80 km northeast of Smithers within the Babine Region, one of the most mineralized porphyry belts in BC. It hosts the former Bell and Granisle Cu-Au mines that were operated by Noranda Mines, and Morrison, an advanced stage Cu-Au deposit owned by a third party. Significant potential exists for discovery of new large porphyry Cu-Au deposits. Infrastructure servicing the former mines and the forestry and mineral exploration industries is nearby. There is an extensive network of forest roads and much of the DUKE District is road accessible. DUKE District Update - Significance of Initial Scout "Greenfields Drilling" at the JO, C4 and Svea Cu-Au Targets Over a timespan of less than 12 months, Amarc's DUKE District program has revealed hallmarks of early-stage exploration success within a greenfields district. The systematic and extensive exploration model used by Amarc in 2023 and 2024 is permitting the cost-effective identification of prospective mineralized targets while screening out less prospective areas. In addition to the JO, C4 and Svea Targets discussed below, Amarc has built a pipeline of early-stage reconnaissance scale targets to be drill tested. The effective use of reconnaissance scale Induced Polarization ("IP") and airborne magnetic geophysical surveys, along with geochemical and geological surveys for target delineation, followed by initial scout drilling, is identifying the presence of mineralized biotite-feldspar porphyry ("BFP") intrusions. BFP intrusions are associated with most of the major porphyry Cu-Au-Mo deposits (Granisle, Bell, Morrison, DUKE and Nak) in the Babine Region. BFP intrusions hosting porphyry style Cu-Au mineralization have been recognized at the JO and C4 Targets for the first time. Cu-Au ratios at the C4 and Svea occurrences indicate that the BFP intrusions are Au-enriched. The presence of Au enhanced intervals at the JO Target is considered significant: gold-zinc mineralization is hosted within sulphide-rich black clastic sediments and may represent an ancillary deposit target type in the DUKE District. The initial drill programs at the JO, C4 and Svea targets identified prospective mineralized environments. Defining the scale of higher-grade mineralization within these permissive environments will be the focus of the 2025 drill programs at these and similar targets. In 2024, Amarc completed 19 scout core holes (5,815 m) at three porphyry Cu-Au deposit targets - JO, C4 and Svea. All three targets are located to the north of the DUKE Deposit (see Figure 1 and release June 25, 2024). The JO and C4 Targets were not previously known and had not been drill tested. The Svea Target had limited shallow historical drill testing in the late 1960's and early 1970's. Figure 1: DUKE District - Amarc's Comprehensive Surveys Have Delineated Multiple New Porphyry Cu-Au Targets for Drill Testing JO Deposit Target - Porphyry Cu-Au and Volcanic-Sediment Associated Au The effectiveness of the on-going surveys completed across the DUKE District is highlighted by the JO Target, which is a new discovery of Cu-Au mineralization. The approximately 3 km2 target, as defined by IP chargeability and co-incident aeromagnetic anomalies, is largely overburden covered. Sporadic anomalous concentrations of Cu (51-192 ppm) and Au (15-71 ppb) were returned from soil geochemistry over a comprehensive survey grid. A composite rock chip sample taken from the discovery outcrop over approximately 3 m2 from a roadside gravel pit returned 0.18% Cu, 0.52 g/t Au, 16 g/t Ag and 55 ppm Mo in a strongly pyritic BFP. Six broadly spaced scout core drill holes (2,266 m) were completed in 2024 on the east lobe of the JO target (see Figure 1, Tables 1 and 2). Drilling Highlights The geophysical anomalies in the JO target area are underlain by a large (potentially greater than 1.5 km 2 ) BFP intrusion. Parts of this BFP intrusion are significantly mineralized, for example, DKJ24043 returned 71 m of 0.13% CuEQ (see Table 1) from 71 m, and could indicate proximity to a porphyry deposit. The area remains to be fully drill tested. Drill hole DKJ24042 returned an interesting 3 m of 3.56 g/t Au from 305 m including zinc concentration of 3,960 ppm, hosted within a fine grained, sulphide rich black clastic sediment. Discrete quartz veins are not present in this interval and enhanced gold-zinc mineralization in fine grained, carbon rich sediments may represent a previously unrecognized style of mineralization in this camp. Notably the west lobe of the strong IP chargeability anomaly, is located approximately 1 km due west of the area of JO drilling and remains to be drill tested. C4 Deposit Target - Porphyry Cu-Au Like JO, the C4 Target area is characterised by extensive overburden cover. The target is defined by a 4 km2 IP chargeability high with an internal aeromagnetic high anomaly, and anomalous Cu-Au concentrations in sporadic soil geochemical samples. Three inaugural scout holes (777 m) drilled at the C4 Target in 2024 successfully intercepted previously unknown BFP hosted porphyry Cu-Au mineralization (see Figure 1, Tables 1 and 2). Drilling Highlights C4 exhibits early-stage exploration signatures of a potential Au enriched porphyry Cu with drillhole DKC24058 coring 48 m (from 73 m) of 0.11 g/t Au within a slightly broader 53 m (from 68 m) interval coring 0.16% CuEQ. Mineralization may also be associated with intermediate (BFP) and mafic dykes that form proximal to intrusions; an example is drill hole DKC24058 that intercepted 14 m (from 163 m) of 0.19% CuEQ. This style of mineralization has been described at the Nak occurrence (see https://americaneaglegold.ca). Mineralization has been intercepted by the three holes at C4 over an area of 500 m by 250 m; this has tested only 3% of the 4 km2 core of the IP chargeability anomaly which remains to be fully drill tested. Svea Target - Porphyry Cu - Au and Structurally Controlled Cu-Au-Mo Ten scout core drill holes (2,772 m) were completed in 2024 on the Svea Target. Drilling at Svea was guided by the interpretation of IP and aeromagnetic geophysics and broad historical Cu-Au soil geochemical anomaly, as well as the results from a series of short, typically < 70 m long, historical drill holes completed in the late 1960's and early 1970's (see Amarc release January 19, 2024). Drilling Highlights Select drill holes at Svea intersected Cu-Au mineralized zones comparable to those intersected in historical drillholes, for example, drillhole DKS24046 intercepted 96 m of 0.23% CuEQ from 218 m, including a higher-grade interval of 21 m of 0.39% CuEQ from 236 m. Quartz-bornite micro veinlets were encountered in two drill holes: DKS24049 intercepted 26 m of 0.23% CuEQ from 4 m, and DKS24050 intercepted 12 m of 0.16% CuEQ from 5 m. Copper mineralized zones in several of the Svea drill holes have associated elevated Au concentrations ranging above 0.1 g/t Au. DDH's DKS24046, DKS24049, DKS24052 and DKS24053 host intervals of greater than 0.1 g/t Au over widths ranging from 8 to 24 m. Svea hosts a diverse suite of intrusions, which may be mineralized. Table 1. Highlighted1 Diamond Drill Intersections, JO, C4 and Svea Targets Target Drill Hole Incl. From (m) To (m) Int.2,3,4 (m) Au (g/t) Cu (%) Ag (g/t) CuEQ5 (%) JO DKJ24042 305.00 308.00 3.00 3.56 0.01 1.1 2.00 DKJ24043 71.00 142.00 71.00 0.04 0.09 1.5 0.12 C4 DKC24056 119.00 145.00 26.00 0.10 0.07 2.1 0.14 DKC24057 24.00 36.00 12.00 0.18 0.20 0.5 0.30 DKC24058 68.00 121.00 53.00 0.11 0.08 0.6 0.15 163.00 177.34 14.34 0.10 0.06 10.6 0.19 Svea DKS24046 218.00 314.00 96.00 0.07 0.17 0.6 0.22 Incl. 236.00 257.00 21.00 0.14 0.30 1.0 0.38 DKS24047 145.00 157.00 12.00 0.05 0.13 1.0 0.16 DKS24049 3.77 29.96 26.19 0.12 0.16 1.3 0.23 186.00 204.00 18.00 0.07 0.09 0.5 0.13 DKS24050 5.00 17.00 12.00 0.07 0.11 1.0 0.16 DKS24052 115.00 242.00 127.00 0.06 0.11 1.3 0.16 DKS24053 71.00 83.00 12.00 0.16 0.05 1.6 0.15 Notes to Table 1: For inclusion in Table 1 all CuEQ values must exceed 0.14% CuEQ over greater then or equal to 12 m or gold assay values exceeding 1.0 g/t Au over 3 m, except for holes DKJ24043 & DKS24049, which are calculated at 0.12% & 0.13% CuEQ, respectively. Drillholes not listed, lie below these thresholds. Widths reported are drill widths, such that true thicknesses are unknown. All assay intervals represent length-weighted averages. Some figures may not sum exactly due to rounding. Copper equivalent (CuEQ) calculations use metal prices of: Cu US$4.00/lb, Au US$1,800.00/oz, Ag US$24.00/oz and conceptual recoveries of: Cu 85%, Au 72% and Ag 67%. Conversion of metals to an equivalent copper grade based on these metal prices is relative to the copper price per unit mass factored by conceptual recoveries for those metals normalized to the conceptualized copper recovery. The metal equivalencies for each metal are added to the copper grade. The general formula for this is: CuEQ % = Cu% + (Au g/t * (Au recovery / Cu recovery) * (Au $ per oz/ 31.1034768) / (Cu $ per lb* 22.04623)) + (Ag g/t * (Ag recovery / Cu recovery) * (Ag $ per oz/ 31.1034768) / (Cu $ per lb* 22.04623)). The Company also announces that it has granted 100,000 options at a price of $0.68 per share with a five year term to a senior executive. About Amarc Resources Ltd Amarc is a mineral exploration and development company with an experienced and successful management team focused on developing a new generation of long-life, high-value porphyry Cu-Au mines in BC. By combining high-demand projects with dynamic management, Amarc has created a solid platform to create value from its exploration and development-stage assets. Amarc is advancing its 100%-owned JOY, DUKE and IKE porphyry CuAu Districts located in different prolific porphyry regions of northern, central and southern BC, respectively. Each District represents significant potential for the development of multiple and important-scale, porphyry CuAu deposits. Importantly, each of the three districts are located in proximity to industrial infrastructure - including power, highways and rail. Amarc's exploration is led by an internationally successful team of experienced geologists specializing in porphyry Cu-Au deposits. Members of this team have been involved in and have tracked porphyry Cu-Au exploration advancements in the Toodoggone region since 1990. Their experience and early recognition of the porphyry potential at the NWG Target in terms of a shallowly overburden covered and underexplored transitional epithermal-porphyry geological setting, led to the discovery of the Au-rich AuRORA porphyry Cu-Au-Ag Deposit. Freeport-McMoRan Mineral Properties Canada Inc. ("Freeport"), a wholly owned subsidiary of Freeport-McMoRan Inc. at JOY and Boliden Mineral Canada Ltd. ("Boliden"), an entity within the Boliden Group of companies at DUKE, can earn up to a 70% interest in each District through staged investments of $110 million and $90 million, respectively. Together this provides Amarc with potentially up to $200 million in non-share dilutive staged funding for these Districts. In addition, Amarc completed self-funded drilling at its higher-grade Empress Deposit in the IKE District in 2024. Amarc is the operator of all programs. Amarc is associated with HDI, a diversified, global mining company with a 35-year history of porphyry Cu deposit discovery, development and transaction success. Previous and current HDI projects include some of BC's and the world's most important porphyry deposits - such as Pebble, Mount Milligan, Southern Star, Kemess South, Kemess North, Gibraltar, Prosperity, Xietongmen, Newtongmen, Florence, Casino, Sisson, Maggie, AuRORA, PINE, IKE and DUKE. From its head office in Vancouver, Canada, HDI applies its unique strengths and capabilities to acquire, develop, operate and monetize mineral projects. Amarc works closely with local governments, Indigenous groups and stakeholders in order to advance its mineral projects responsibly, and in a manner that contributes to sustainable community and economic development. We pursue early and meaningful engagement to ensure our mineral exploration and development activities are well coordinated and broadly supported, address local priorities and concerns, and optimize opportunities for collaboration. In particular, we seek to establish mutually beneficial partnerships with Indigenous groups within whose traditional territories our projects are located, through the provision of jobs, training programs, contract opportunities, capacity funding agreements and sponsorship of community events. All Amarc work programs are carefully planned to achieve high levels of environmental and social performance. Qualified Person Mark Rebagliati, P.Eng, a Qualified Person ("QP") as defined by National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved all technical and scientific information related to the Duke Project contained in this news release. Mr. Rebagliati is not independent of the Company. Quality Assurance/Quality Control Program Amarc drilled NQ (47.6mm) size core in the summer of 2024. All drill core was logged, photographed, and cut in half with a diamond saw. Half core samples from the DUKE drilling were sent to ALS Canada Ltd., Kamloops or Langley, Canada, for preparation and to North Vancouver, Canada for analysis. All facilities are ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited. At the laboratory, samples were dried, crushed to 70% passing -2mm, and a 250 g split pulverized to better than 85% passing 75 microns. Samples were analyzed for Au by fire assay fusion of a 30 g sub-sample with an ICP-AES finish, and for 60 elements including Cu, Mo and Ag by a four-acid digestion, multi-element ICP-MS package. As part of a comprehensive Quality Assurance/Quality Control ("QAQC") program, Amarc control samples were inserted in each analytical batch of the core samples at the following rates: standards one in 20 regular samples, in-line replicates one in 20 regular samples and one coarse blank per hole. The control sample results were then checked to ensure proper QAQC. For further details on Amarc Resources Ltd., please visit the Company's website at www.amarcresources.com or contact Dr. Diane Nicolson, President and CEO, at (604) 684-6365 or within North America at 1-800-667-2114, or Kin Communications, at (604) 684-6730, Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF AMARC RESOURCES LTD. Dr. Diane Nicolson President and CEO Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward Looking and other Cautionary Information This news release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All such statements, other than statements of historical facts that address exploration plans and plans for enhanced relationships are forward-looking statements. 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 or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Assumptions used by the Company to develop forward-looking statements include the following: Amarc's projects will obtain all required environmental and other permits and all land use and other licenses, studies and exploration of Amarc's projects will continue to be positive, and no geological or technical problems will occur. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, potential environmental issues or liabilities associated with exploration, development and mining activities, exploitation and exploration successes, continuity of mineralization, uncertainties related to the ability to obtain necessary permits, licenses and tenure and delays due to third party opposition, changes in and the effect of government policies regarding mining and natural resource exploration and exploitation, exploration and development of properties located within Aboriginal groups asserted territories may affect or be perceived to affect asserted aboriginal rights and title, which may cause permitting delays or opposition by Aboriginal groups, 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. For more information on Amarc Resources Ltd., investors should review Amarc's annual Form 20-F filing with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov and its home jurisdiction filings that are available at www.sedarplus.ca. Table 2: JO, C4 and Svea Target Drill Hole Information Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - July 2, 2025) - Hannan Metals Limited's (TSXV: HAN) (OTC Pink: HANNF) ("Hannan" or the "Company") is pleased to report new high-grade gold assay results from its 100% owned alkalic epithermal gold target at Previsto project in Peru. Four Key Points: Two new perpendicular high-grade channels at Previsto assayed: 13.6 m @ 2.1 g/t Au and 17 g/t Ag (CH16348) (Figures 3 and 4) (CH16348) (Figures 3 and 4) 4.6 m @ 7.2 g/t Au and 26 g/t Ag (CH16468) (Figures 3 and 4) (CH16468) (Figures 3 and 4) Both located up to 30 m east of previous high-grade gold channel sampling. The channels remain open in all directions. New outcropping high grade zone emerging: A panel sample covering 1 m from an outcrop in central Previsto Central, located 255 m SSW from the samples over, assayed 2.2 g/t Au, 11 g/t Ag and 0.13% Cu (Figures 3 and 4). Expanded footprint: The new strongly altered gold anomalous outcrop discovery has expanded Previsto Central 100 m southwards now covering 750 m of strike (Figure 3 and 4). Declaracion de Impacto Ambiental ("DIA") or Environmental Impact Statement work to approve drilling commences at Previsto. Michael Hudson, CEO, states: "These latest results from Previsto Central continue to demonstrate the exceptional potential of our Previsto alkalic epithermal gold system. The ability of our team to consistently follow up high-grade gold mineralization in outcrop across new areas, including 4.6 m @ 7.2 g/t Au, located 30 m from previous sampling, is particularly impressive. Combined with the continued expansion of our mineralized footprint to 750 m of strike length within our broader 4 km by 4 km soil gold anomaly, these results reinforce our growing confidence in this emerging globally significant alkaline gold target. "What's particularly exciting is our discovery of new outcropping high-grade zones, including a 2.2 g/t Au panel sample located 255 m SSW of our known high-grade area. With only a small percentage of the prospective ground investigated to date, the potential to identify additional high-grade zones along our current 750 m strike length remains very strong. "The new gold rich areas found at Previsto, combined with our ongoing drilling program at Belen located 22 km SSW, where we've completed two drill holes and are advancing a third, demonstrate that Hannan is systematically proving up multiple district-scale targets across the Valiente mineral belt. These new results position us strongly as we also advance drill permitting at Previsto, with our Environmental Impact Statement (DIA) work now underway and final submission to relevant government agencies anticipated during 2025." Technical Discussion Previsto Central Gold Mineralization As for global alkaline gold analogues like Cripple Creek, Previsto continues to demonstrate higher-grade gold where structural focusing has occurred within a larger and extensive envelope of lower grade mineralization, suggesting that the alkaline fluids had sufficient gold-carrying capacity to create both high-grade focused areas and large-tonnage, lower-grade areas. The Previsto Central zone represents the core high-grade area within the broader Previsto Central alkalic epithermal gold system. 1. Latest High-Grade Channel Results Two new perpendicular high-grade channels at Previsto Central (Figures 3 and 4), located up to 30 m east of previous Hannan channel sampling reported on February 06, 2025 and April 07, 2025 (which returned 135.2 m @ 1.3 g/t Au including 26.0 m @ 5.4 g/t Au and 27 g/t Ag) have returned exceptional results that remain open at each end: 4.6 m @ 7.2 g/t Au and 26 g/t Ag (CH16468) - demonstrating the high-grade potential within the broader mineralized envelope and confirming the continued presence of high-grade areas Including 3.4 m @ 9.6 g/t Au. 34 g/t Ag and 30 g/t Te (CH16468) - demonstrating the high-grade potential within the broader mineralized envelope and confirming the continued presence of high-grade areas 13.6 m @ 2.1 g/t Au and 17 g/t Ag (CH16348) - representing a broad zone of consistent gold mineralization demonstrating excellent continuity within the system Including 0.3 m @ 13.3 g/t Au, 24 g/t Ag, 34 g/t Te (CH16348) - representing a broad zone of consistent gold mineralization demonstrating excellent continuity within the system 2. New High-Grade Surface Outcrop Zone A significant new zone 255 m south of the high-grade results above in (1) includes a 1 m panel sample from an outcrop in central Previsto Central, located 255 m SSW from the high-grade channels, which assayed 2.2 g/t Au, 11 g/t Ag and 0.13% Cu. This represents an important find of outcropping higher-grade mineralization (Figures 3 and 4). 3. Expanded Footprint A strongly altered gold anomalous outcrop zone extending the system 100 m southward, bringing the total strike length to 750 m within a zone up to 100 m wide. Four panel and chip samples reported here returned an average of 0.2 g/t Au and 2 g/t Ag, with results ranging from a maximum of 0.4 g/t Au and 2 g/t Ag and a minimum of 0.2 g/t Au and 2 g/t Ag (Figures 3 and 4). System Characteristics and Mineralization Style Gold mineralization at Previsto Central displays the characteristic features of alkalic-type epithermal systems, hosted within brecciated, calcareous K-feldspar porphyry of syenitic protolith. The mineralization exhibits several key characteristics: High-grade gold zones are associated with pervasive fine roscoelite (vanadium-rich potassic mica) and fine grey quartz veining with pyrite, occurring as both veinlets and stockwork textures. Alteration assemblages include manganese oxides replacing vein and breccia fill, suggesting that unweathered mineralization contained rhodochrosite, a manganese carbonate mineral typically found in low-sulfidation epithermal systems. Primary mineralization consists of 1% disseminated pyrite with trace chalcopyrite, pyrite veinlets, roscoelite veinlets, and fine jarosite veinlets (likely after pyrite). Structural controls suggest gold deposition was focused along late strike-slip faults where horizontal movement created extensional structures within a compressional regime. Drilling Program at Belen Belen is located 23 km SW of Previsto Central. The initial phase of drilling at Belen zone consists of up to 5,000 m across 18 diamond drill holes designed to test the three primary target areas at Belen: Vista Alegre: The first drill holes will test distinct sections of the 2.4 km long geophysical anomaly targeting two zones. HDDVA001 was completed at 184.6 m and HDDVA002 has been completed at 256.8 metres. A third hole HDDVA003 with a target depth of 300 m is now underway. All holes target a 600 m long and 500 m deep high chargeability-low resistivity zone coinciding with strong gold-in-soil anomaly (up to 0.12 g/t Au) and gold mineralization in boulders correlating with Au-Ag-Te-As (up to 2.72 g/t Au and 44 g/t Ag). Ricardo Herrera: The next set of planned drill holes will target the core of the substantial chargeability anomaly that extends over 1,000 m by 250 m with outcropping porphyry-style copper-gold mineralization showing moderate to strong phyllic alteration, with drill pads positioned strategically to test the lateral extent of the mineralized system. Sortilegio: The final phase drilling will investigate the 1.2 km long chargeability anomaly within the alkalic porphyry system. Drillholes will target the source of extensive surface soil copper anomalies coinciding with hydrothermal gold anomalous quartz-gossan boulders with elevated Au-Mo-Te. The chargeability response consists of three alkalic Cu-Au targets identified within the 1.2 km long trend. The drilling program is expected to take approximately 6 months to complete, with first assay results anticipated in July 2025. Hannan Metals is committed to legal compliance, community respect, and environmental stewardship, emphasizing that all operations only proceed with proper authorization from local populations and with required environmental and archaeological certifications. Drill Permitting in Previsto A ten-person environmental team including professional environmental archaeological investigations, community workshops and liaison activities has commenced collecting appropriate information necessary to make the submittal for approval to the DGAAM - General Directorate of Mining Environmental Affairs - of the Ministry of Energy and Mines, Peru. The work program includes: Environmental baseline monitoring for the project, conducted by third party experts; Submission to the Peruvian Ministry of Culture the CIRA (Certificate of non-existence of archaeological remains) which declares that the project does not impact archaeological sites; Public participation meetings outlining Hannan's exploration plans will be held in the hamlets of Nueva Palestina, Inca Garcilazo, Chancadora and Previsto, where the communities are on record as approving the company's proposed drill program; The DIA is the primary environmental certification required to allow low impact mineral exploration programs, that includes drilling programs, to proceed in Peru. Final DIA and other approvals are anticipated during Q3 2026. Drilling Program at Cerro Rolando, Chile The Company completed one hole at Cerro Rolando to test an electromagnetic ("EM") conductor modelled between 60 m to 100 m depth beneath the pampa sands and gravels. A low-cost reverse circulation drill hole test was completed at 116.0 m to test the target. The EM anomaly was found to be caused by evaporitic horizons between 70 m to 88 m and 98 m to 110 m, satisfactorily explaining the EM. Given the absence of a mineralized supergene copper blanket, the option over the Cerro Rolando property has been terminated, while the Company continues to focus on its highly prospective Peruvian projects. About the Valiente Project The 100% owned Valiente project is in central eastern Peru, east of the city of Tingo Maria (Figures 1 and 2). The area is characterized by steep topography on the eastern flank of the Central Cordillera with elevations between 800 m and 2,000 m above sea level (a.s.l.). The project was found in 2021 during an extensive greenfields prospecting program initiated by Hannan for back-arc porphyry copper-gold systems. The Company has been actively prospecting on the project since 2021 and has successfully gained social permits progressively in all areas of interest. During 2021 Hannan staked and still holds 1,002 km2 of 100% owned mining concessions at Valiente covering unexplored terrain for potential mineralized porphyry targets in central eastern Peru. The Valiente Project has rapidly evolved from a greenfields prospect to a multi-prospect opportunity. Early surface prospecting identified two outcropping copper-gold porphyry targets and one epithermal target at Belen (see Press Release Feb 16, 2023). Porphyry areas quickly followed at Serrano Norte, Serrano and Pucacunga. The focus more recently has been on Previsto. At Previsto and Belen, a district-scale porphyry cluster within an area of 25 km by 10 km, with eight porphyry and/or epithermal targets now identified in more detail with up to 10 earlier stage targets awaiting further work. The company is executing a multi-year strategy to systematically explore and drill test its extensive land package in this emerging Miocene-aged, linked porphyry-epithermal mineral belt. Technical Background All samples were collected by Hannan geologists. Samples were transported to ALS in Lima via third party services using trackable parcels and by company staff. At the laboratory, rock samples were prepared and analyzed by standard methods. The sample preparation involved crushing 70% to less than 2 mm, riffle split off 250g, pulverize split to better than 85% passing 75 microns. Samples were analyzed by method ME-MS61, a four-acid digest performed on 0.25g of the sample to quantitatively dissolve most geological materials. Analysis is via ICP-MS. Gold was analyzed in rock and soils by ALS in Lima using a standard sample preparation and 30g fire assay sample charge. Soil samples were analyzed by a portable XRF (VANTA-VMR) using an in-house protocol which includes routine use of CRM and field duplicates as well as 10% check samples analyzed by ALS Lima. Channel samples are considered representative of the in-situ mineralization samples. At this stage true widths of mineralization are not known. Grab or panel samples are selective by nature and are unlikely to represent average grades on the property. About Hannan Metals Limited (TSXV: HAN) (OTC Pink: HANNF) Hannan Metals Limited is an exploration company focused on the discovery of large gold and copper mineralizing systems in new frontiers in Peru. Over the last decade, the team behind Hannan has forged a long and successful record of discovering, financing, and advancing mineral projects in Australia, Europe and South America. Forward-Looking Statements Certain disclosure contained in this news release may constitute forward-looking information or forward-looking statements, within the meaning of Canadian securities laws. These statements may relate to this news release and other matters identified in the Company's public filings. In making the forward-looking statements the Company has applied certain factors and assumptions that are based on the Company's current beliefs as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company. 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. These risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to: the political environment in which the Company operates continuing to support the development and operation of mining projects; the threat associated with outbreaks of viruses and infectious diseases; risks related to negative publicity with respect to the Company or the mining industry in general; planned work programs; permitting; and community relations. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company does not intend, and expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to, update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. 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. July 2, 2025 TheNewswire Montreal, Quebec - Beauce Gold Fields (Champs DOr en Beauce) (TSX Venture: "BGF"), referred to as "BGF" or the "Company," is pleased to announce the launch of a drilling campaign targeting high-priority zones along the antiform Saddle Reef structure. This structure has been identified as a likely source of historical placer gold deposits on the Beauce Gold property, located in southern Quebec. Patrick Levasseur, President and CEO of Beauce Gold Fields, stated: We are excited to commence drilling on promising targets along the structure believed to be the source of the regions historical placer gold deposits. We sincerely thank the property owners who have graciously granted us access to their land and, in doing so, have joined us as valued stakeholders in the potential for future gold discoveries. The extraordinary number of rainy days in May prolonged the spring thaw, leaving the drill sites soft and muddy. The sites are located on privately owned land, and moving in the caterpillar-tracked drill rig and other heavy equipment would have caused damage to the property owners' roads. As a result, drilling was delayed by one month to allow for proper land drainage and drying. The site is now ready, and drilling will begin next week. We thank the property owners for granting access to their land. High-Priority Drill Targets The Company has selected targets based on its 2023 drilling and trenching program, which confirmed gold mineralization within the axis of a domed outcrop. Subsequent IP and geological studies have identified an 8 km-long antiform Saddle Reef structure. Geochemical studies suggest that this structure is a likely source of historical placer gold deposits in Saint-Simon-les-Mines to the southwest. The Company has been granted an ATI Authorization from Quebecs Ministry of Natural Resources (MRNF) an ATI Authorization for impact exploration work which is valid for a period of two years, until April 1, 2027. In this first phase, Beauce Gold Fields plans to drill seven to ten holes, totaling 500 meters, across two key zones: the Giroux Zone and the Grondin Zone. Additional drilling phases will be planned based on results from these zones, as well as to expand exploration over IP Anomalies Three and Four (see BGF press release dated December 10, 2024). Giroux Zone Location: At the headwaters of Giroux Brook, a tributary of the Gilbert River. This brook played a central role in 19th-century industrial-scale placer gold mining. Planned Activities: Four exploratory drill holes will be conducted into a 150 meters wide surface mineralized zone where overlapping soil and IP anomalies suggest antiform structure signatures. Additional holes may be prioritized based on field results. Grondin Zone Location: In the northwest corner of the Beauce Gold property in Beauceville, Quebec. Details: This 600-meter-long section of the structure lies above drill hole GR 23-01, drilled in 2023 (BGF press releases: November 1, 2023, and January 18, 2024). Findings from GR 23-01: The drill hole crossed a 36-meter-long mineralized zone and intersected three distinct gold zones between depths of 11 and 24 meters. One of the zones returned assays of 1 meter at 8.5 g/t and 5.4 g/t Au over 2.2 meters. Mineralization is associated with stockwork containing sulfides and shows strong deformation, which led to core loss, particularly toward the end of drilling. Planned Activities: New holes will verify gold mineralization beyond a depth of 40 meters and test areas along the structures strike on either side of hole GR 23-01. Jean Bernard, BSc, Geo, a qualified independent person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical information contained in this release. Debt Settlement by Share Issuance Beauce Gold Fields Inc. is pleased to announce that its Board of Directors has approved the settlement of a debt owed to a creditor, totaling $322,500 in principal and interest, through the issuance of 3,225,000 units of its share capital. This debt originated from a contract signed by the Company on December 27, 2017, and represented a net smelter return (NSR) royalty payable by the Company. The debt will be settled by issuing 3,225,000 units at a price of $0.10 per unit. Each unit consists of one common share of the Company and one common share purchase warrant. Each warrant entitles the creditor to purchase one common share at a price of $0.12 for a period of four (4) years from the closing date of the transaction. The shares issued in connection with this debt settlement will be subject to a statutory hold period of four (4) months and one (1) day from the closing date of the transaction. This settlement and the issuance of securities are subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange and applicable regulatory authorities. The Company also announces that its Board of Directors has approved the settlement of a debt related to a property access agreement with an arms-length third party, in connection with planned mining work. This debt will be settled through the issuance of 1,000,000 common shares of the Company, which, based on the current share price, represents an amount of $40,000. The shares issued in this debt settlement will also be subject to a statutory hold period of four (4) months and one (1) day from the closing date of the transaction. This transaction and the issuance of shares are subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange and applicable regulatory authorities. About Beauce Gold Fields Beauce Gold Fields is focused on exploring and developing the largest placer gold district in eastern North America. The Companys objective is the trace old placer gold workings back to a bedrock source to uncover economic lode gold deposits. The Companys flagship property is the Saint-Simon-les-Mines gold project, site of Canadas first gold rush that pre-dates the Yukon Klondike. The Beauce region hosted some of the largest historical placer gold mines in Eastern North America that were active from 1860s to the 1960s It produced some of the largest gold nuggets in Canadian mining history (50oz to 71oz). (Source Sedar: 43-101 Report - Beauce July 4th 2018, Author B. Violette) Beauce Gold Fields is currently drilling recently discovered antiform systems that is believed to have contributed to the development of extensive auriferous placer deposits in Beauce. The Companys geological model suggests that placer gold within the Beauce Gold paleochannel, including the renowned large nuggets from the 19th century, formed in stressed quartz pockets within layered domed Axis of Antiforms, exemplified by Saddle Reef formations. Notable global Saddle Reef formations include the Bendigo gold fields in Australia (over 60 million ounces) and the high-grade Dufferin deposit in Nova Scotia. Beauce Gold Fields website www.beaucegold.com Disclaimers: This press release contains certain forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements containing the words "may", "plan", "will", "estimate", "continue", "anticipate", "intend", "expect", "in the process" and other similar expressions which constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements reflect the Company's current expectation and assumptions, and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, our expectations regarding mineral exploration. Such statements reflect the current views of the Company with respect to future events and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties and other risks detailed from time-to-time in the Company's on-going filings with the securities regulatory authorities, which filings can be found at www.sedar.com. Actual results, events, and performance may differ materially. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements either as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as 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. For further information contact Patrick Levasseur, President and CEO Tel: (514) 262-9239 www.beaucegold.com Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - July 2, 2025) - Kenorland Minerals Ltd. (TSXV: KLD) (OTCQX: KLDCF) (FSE: 3WQ0) ("Kenorland" or the "Company") and Auranova Resources Inc. ("Auranova") are pleased to announce complete assay results from the 2025 Winter drill program at the South Uchi Project (the "Project"), located in the Red Lake District of Ontario. Assays from 27 diamond drill holes totaling 14,365 metres are reported herein. Kenorland and Auranova also jointly report that Auranova has completed the initial earn-in under the South Uchi option agreement, acquiring a 51% ownership interest in the Project. Drill Highlights: New gold system confirmed, with widespread mineralisation intersected in maiden drilling Gold-bearing structures traced over five kilometres across the target area 25 of 27 drill holes (93%) intersected intervals of gold assaying at least 0.1 g/t Au 15 of 27 drill holes (56%) intersected intervals of gold assaying at least 1.00 g/t Au 6 of 27 drill holes (22%) intersected intervals of gold assaying at least 5.00 g/t Au Highest grade intercept of 14.60 g/t Au over 1.00 m Mineralised corridor remains open in all directions Follow-up drill program planned for late summer Figure 1. Plan map of Papaonga with drill hole locations including highlights from this press release Zach Flood, President and CEO of Kenorland, stated: "The results from this maiden drill program mark a major step forward in unlocking the potential of South Uchi. Intersecting gold mineralisation across a five-kilometre structural corridor, in an area with no previously recorded gold occurrences, validates our early targeting efforts and highlights the scale of this newly discovered system. We look forward to advancing the next phase of follow-up drilling with Auranova." Tom Obradovich, CEO of Auranova, stated: "We're excited to advance the next phase of drilling, targeting the gold-bearing structures identified in Phase 1. With a more focused approach, we aim to unlock the potential of this emerging gold system and gain a deeper understanding of the controls on mineralisation." Discussion of Results This program marks the first-ever drilling at the Papaonga gold target, following four years of systematic exploration. Prior to this work, no historical drilling or documented gold occurrences had been recorded within the target area. The maiden drill program consisted of 27 diamond drill holes totaling 14,365 metres, testing a 27km2 area identified by extensive gold-in-till and heavy mineral concentrate (HMC) gold grain anomalies (see press release dated September 11, 2024). Widely spaced drill fences, roughly 500 metres to greater than 1 kilometre apart were designed to test interpreted structural corridors concealed by deep overburden and Papaonga Lake. Widespread gold mineralisation was intersected across the Papaonga target, hosted by various rock types including the sheared margin of the diorite, interbedded clastic sedimentary rocks and iron formation, and the volcaniclastic-mafic volcanic rock stratigraphy. A significant gold bearing structural corridor was intersected in multiple drill holes traced over a 5 kilometre strike length, trending east-west across the target area and remains open. Details include: Drill hole 25PADD023, drilled along the most eastern fence, intersected 0.50m at 7.57 g/t Au and 9.50m at 1.19 g/t Au including 0.50m at 4.76 g/t Au, containing visible gold within multi-stage quartz and quartz-carbonate veins associated with arsenopyrite, pyrrhotite, pyrite, and trace chalcopyrite mineralisation and sericite-silica-carbonate-chlorite alteration. Figure 2 illustrates style of mineralisation and detailed images of visible gold intersected within 23PADD023, 147.50-157.00m downhole. Approximately 3 kilometres to the west along strike, drill hole 25PADD016 intersected widespread gold anomalism including 1.35m at 7.00 g/t Au, 34.50m at 0.11 g/t Au, and 30.50m at 0.13 g/t Au. Further to the west, approximately 1.5 kilometres along strike, drill hole 25PADD027 intersected numerous zones of notable gold mineralisation including 25.50m at 0.20 g/t Au, 1.00m at 14.60 g/t Au, and 8.50m at 0.48 g/t Au. These results demonstrate widespread gold mineralisation and continuity of a significant structure across multiple kilometres, suggesting a robust gold-rich orogenic system. The broad zones of anomalous gold mineralisation, multiple vein and sulphide generations, visible gold, and strong deformation intersected in the initial drill program are indicative of the long-lived nature of fluid flow and deformation across the Papaonga target area. The major east-west trending deformation zone along volcanic and volcaniclastic stratigraphy remains open in all directions and a priority target for follow up. Figure 2. Drill core from hole 25PADD023 (146.1m - 159.1m) highlights a zone of intense shearing with multiphase quartz veining, hosting 5-10% arsenopyrite, pyrrhotite, pyrite and chalcopyrite along with visible gold, emphasized in the lower portion of the figure. Next Steps A Phase 2 drill program, up to 5,000m, is scheduled for late summer 2025, focused on expanding on the newly discovered gold-bearing structural corridor identified during the maiden drill program. Tighter step-outs will be planned around 25PADD023 where volcaniclastic and mafic volcanic rocks are cross-cut by strongly mineralised shear zones, containing quartz-carbonate stockwork hosting visible gold. Broader spaced step-outs will test the east-west trending deformation zone between 25PADD016 and 25PADD023, as well as to the east of 25PADD023, where no drilling has been conducted and bedrock is concealed by deeper overburden. Auranova Completes Initial Earn-In Kenorland and Auranova jointly report that Auranova has completed the initial earn-in under the South Uchi option agreement (see press release dated December 2, 2024), acquiring a 51% ownership interest in the Project. As part of the earn-in milestone, Kenorland has received $500,000 in cash and 9,242,267 common shares of Auranova. Table 1: Table of assay results from the 2025 winter drill program HOLE ID From (m) To (m) Interval (m) Au (g/t) 25PADD007 118.50 139.85 21.35 0.49 Incl. 124.50 126.00 1.50 5.08 25PADD011 117.00 118.00 1.00 4.08 And 342.80 344.00 1.20 5.58 And 384.00 384.60 0.60 3.80 25PADD014B 446.00 474.00 28.00 0.39 Incl. 454.50 456.00 1.50 2.90 25PADD015 216.30 222.00 5.70 1.88 Incl. 216.30 217.00 0.70 7.03 25PADD016 174.90 176.25 1.35 7.00 And 219.20 253.70 34.50 0.11 And 273.55 304.05 30.50 0.13 25PADD017 413.00 414.00 1.00 4.32 25PADD023 117.00 117.50 0.50 7.57 And 147.50 157.00 9.50 1.19 Incl. 151.05 151.55 0.50 4.76 25PADD027 414.00 439.50 25.50 0.20 And 450.00 451.00 1.00 14.60 And 468.00 476.50 8.50 0.48 Table 2. Drill hole location and collar table of reported drill from the 2025 winter drill program HOLE ID Easting (NAD83) Northing (NAD83) Elevation (m) Depth (m) Dip Azimuth 25PADD001 550030 5641214 418 501.00 -50 140 25PADD002 550626 5640830 408 604.30 -50 140 25PADD003 550419 5641083 423 507.00 -50 140 25PADD004 550364 5640293 405 522.00 -50 140 25PADD005 549217 5639676 406 501.00 -50 145 25PADD006 551447 5641146 415 535.00 -50 140 25PADD007 550832 5640579 403 546.00 -50 140 25PADD008 550581 5640029 403 498.00 -50 140 25PADD009 549393 5639432 410 492.85 -50 145 25PADD010 551035 5640338 400 453.00 -50 140 25PADD011 551609 5640823 411 516.00 -50 140 25PADD012 550786 5639777 398 495.00 -50 140 25PADD013 555188 5640468 394 509.30 -50 170 25PADD014 551452 5639847 394 177.40 -50 140 25PADD014A 551452 5639847 394 57.00 -60 140 25PADD014B 551452 5639847 394 537.00 -64 140 25PADD015 552239 5640084 394 469.20 -50 140 25PADD016 552437 5639844 394 534.00 -48 140 25PADD017 552024 5640338 394 540.00 -60 140 25PADD018 553039 5641285 394 501.00 -50 155 25PADD019 552087 5641199 394 468.00 -50 140 25PADD020 551816 5640586 394 600.00 -60 140 25PADD021 551185 5640150 401 600.00 -50 140 25PADD022 552307 5640990 394 483.00 -50 140 25PADD023 555138 5640775 401 531.00 -50 170 25PADD024 547966 5638698 397 522.00 -50 170 25PADD025 552949 5641666 394 555.00 -50 155 25PADD026 552774 5640830 392 585.00 -50 140 25PADD027 550868 5639581 400 525.00 -50 155 Figure 3. Regional volcanic assemblages with significant gold deposits and South Uchi Project location 1 Kinross reports 2023 fourth-quarter and full-year results: (Date February 14, 2024) - Updated resource to the technical report titled Great Bear Project Ontario, Canada prepared by Nicos Pfeiffer, P.Geo., John Sims, CPG, Yves Breau, P.Eng., Rick Greenwood, P.Geo., Agung Prawasono, P.Eng., issued February 13, 2023 About South Uchi Project The South Uchi Project was first identified and staked by Kenorland based on the under-explored region's prospectivity to host significant gold mineralised systems. The Project covers a portion of Confederation Assemblage volcanic rocks, as well as the boundary between the Uchi geological subprovince to the north and the English River geological subprovince to the south. Multiple major east-west striking deformation zones associated with the subprovince boundary transect the Project, resulting in zones of strong shearing and folding of the supracrustal stratigraphy, which are favourable settings for orogenic gold mineralisation. Prior to Kenorland staking the Project, records indicated little to no systematic exploration had been completed, and the land package remained under-explored. The majority of gold deposits in the Red Lake District (Red Lake, Madsen, Hasaga, and others) are located on the northern margin of the Confederation Assemblage. However, recent discoveries such as the LP Fault Zone on the Dixie Project by Great Bear Resources Ltd. (acquired by Kinross Gold and renamed Great Bear Project) highlight the prospectivity of the entire Confederation Assemblage along the southern margin of the Uchi subprovince. Kenorland announced on December 2, 2024, that it had entered into a definitive agreement with Auranova, granting Auranova the right to earn up to a 70% interest in the Project. Pursuant to the agreement, Auranova may earn an initial 51% interest in the Project by making cash payments totalling $500,000 to Kenorland, completing a diamond drilling program with at least $8,000,000 in qualifying expenditures or completing 15,000 metres of drilling within two years of receiving a drill permit, issuing Kenorland 19.9% of Auranova's common shares, and maintaining Kenorland's 19.9% share position until Auranova raises a minimum of $10,000,000 through share issuances, after which Kenorland's stake will remain at 10% on a pro-rata basis through to the completion of a Preliminary Economic Assessment (the "PEA"). Kenorland has received the $500,000 in cash payments and currently holds 9,242,267 common shares of Auranova. Further, Auranova may earn an additional 19% interest, for a total of 70% interest in the Project, by incurring an additional $10,000,000 in qualifying expenditures on or before the third anniversary of Auranova's election to proceed with the second option. Kenorland will also retain a 30% carried interest in the Project through to the completion of the PEA, at which point a joint venture will be formed. Kenorland also holds a 2% net smelter return royalty on the Project (see press release dated September 16, 2024). Qualified Persons Mr. Janek Wozniewski, B.Sc., P.Geo. (EGBC #172781, APEGS #77522, EGMB #48045, PGO #3824), a "Qualified Person" under National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101"), has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information in this press release. William Yeomans, P.Geo., a "Qualified Person" under National Instrument 43-101, has also reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information in this press release. Mr. Yeomans is a gold exploration professional with over 40 years of experience in all stages of gold exploration throughout the Americas, including the Superior Province throughout Quebec and Ontario. He gained extensive exploration management experience across the entire Guiana Shield with BHP and has generated projects which resulted with significant NI 43-101 gold resources. He has worked as a consultant to IAMGOLD and Dundee Precious Metals Inc., identifying acquisition opportunities across Canada, the USA and South America. He is currently the President of Yeomans Geological Inc. as well as 1127637 B.C. Ltd. and has many years of experience as a board member for several junior mining companies. QA/QC and Core Sampling Protocols All drill core samples were collected under the supervision of Kenorland employees. Drill core was transported from the drill platform to the logging facility where it was logged, photographed, and split by diamond saw prior to being sampled. Samples were then bagged, and blanks and certified reference materials were inserted at regular intervals. Groups of samples were placed in large bags, sealed with numbered tags in order to maintain a chain-of-custody, and transported from Chibougamau to Bureau Veritas Commodities ("BV") laboratory in Timmins, Ontario. Sample preparation and analytical work for this drill program were carried out by BV. Samples were prepared for analysis according to BV method PRP70-250: individual samples were crushed to 2mm (10 mesh) and a 250g split was pulverized to 75m (200 mesh) for analysis and then assayed for gold. Gold in samples were analyzed using BV method FA430 where a 30g split is analyzed with fire assay by Pb collection and AAS finish. Over-limits gold samples were re-analyzed using BV method FA530 where a 30g split is analyzed with fire assay by Pb collection and gravimetric finish. Multi-element geochemical analysis (45 elements) was performed on all samples using BV method MA200 where a 0.25g split is by multi-acid digest with ICP-MS/ES finish. All results passed the QA/QC screening at the lab, all company inserted standards and blanks returned results that were within acceptable limits. About Kenorland Minerals Kenorland Minerals Ltd. (TSXV: KLD) is a well-financed mineral exploration company focused on project generation and early-stage exploration in North America. Kenorland's exploration strategy is to advance greenfields projects through systematic, property-wide, phased exploration surveys financed primarily through exploration partnerships including option to joint venture agreements. Kenorland holds a 4% net smelter return royalty on the Frotet Project in Quebec which is owned by Sumitomo Metal Mining Canada Ltd. The Frotet Project hosts the Regnault gold system, a greenfields discovery made by Kenorland and Sumitomo Metal Mining Canada Ltd. in 2020. Kenorland is based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. About Auranova Resources The Company is an unlisted reporting issuer in the Provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Its directors and major shareholders are Thomas Obradovich, Chris Taylor, Timothy Young and William Rand. The company is focused on the discovery of new gold systems in the Birch Uchi Belt in partnership with Kenorland Minerals Ltd. as well as expanding its presence in the greenstone belts of Ontario. Further information can be found on the Company's website www.kenorlandminerals.com On behalf of the Board of Directors of Kenorland Minerals, Zach Flood President, CEO & Director Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (together, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, are forward-looking statements. Generally, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of terminology such as "plans", "expects", "estimates", "intends", "anticipates", "believes" or variations of such words, or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might", "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". Forward looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors disclosed under the heading "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in the Company's filings with Canadian securities regulators, that could cause actual results, performance, prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing these forward-looking statements are reasonable based upon the information currently available to management as of the date hereof, actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by these statements. Readers are therefore cautioned not to place undue reliance on these statements, which only apply as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed times frames or at all. Except where required by applicable law, the Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. 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. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - July 2, 2025) - FIRST ANDES SILVER LTD. (TSXV: FAS) (OTC Pink: MSLVF) (FSE: 9TZ0) (the "Company" or "First Andes") today announced field logging and interpretation results from the first diamond drill hole completed to target depth, SG017, as part of its ongoing 2,000-meter ("m") drill program at the Company's 100%-owned Santas Gloria Project ("Santas Gloria" or the "Project"), located approximately 55 kilometres east of Lima, Peru. Key Point Summary Drill hole SG017 at the San Jorge Vein ("San Jorge") intercepted a broad zone of sulphide-mineralized hydrothermal breccia from 136.60 to 194.20 m (57.60 m drilled width), characterized by strong silicification, argillic alteration and local sericitic alteration. Sulphide mineralization is present throughout the interval, with pyrite as the dominant mineral, reaching concentrations of up to 20%, accompanied by local galena, sphalerite, barite and tetrahedrite. Sulphidic mineralization intensifies from 162.00 m, with significant occurrences of galena and sphalerite, along with barite and tetrahedrite crystals associated with quartz veins. The most intense brecciation occurs from 147.00 to 179.80 m, where the breccia features a strongly argillic altered matrix, silicified clasts, and mineralized veins with pyrite, galena, and sphalerite. A semi-massive interval of galena mineralization up to approximately 15 centimeters ("cm") in width was intercepted at 179.90 m which included up to 20% pyrite and barite, as well as locally euhedral sphalerite crystals. Field observations and logging from SG017 confirm the presence of a robust, polymetallic-mineralized intermediate sulphidation hydrothermal system at depth, which remains open in all directions. The program's first hole, SG016, did not reach target depth after intercepting a void at 77.00 m, with alteration and mineralization commencing at 74.70 m, suggesting the onset of the epithermal zone - four samples totalling 2.60 m were submitted for assay. The void was likely the result of small scale artisanal miners stoping a near-surface mineralized vein. A total of 50 HQ-diameter core samples (half-core) totalling 43.00 m were collected and submitted from drill hole SG017 to Alfred H. Knight Group ("AHK Group") laboratory in Lima, Peru for assay, with initial results expected in 3 to 4 weeks. "The intersection of a broad, sulphide-rich hydrothermal breccia in SG017 marks a significant breakthrough in the geological model at Santas Gloria," stated Colin Smith, CEO and Director of First Andes Silver. "The intensity of hydrothermal alteration, the presence of semi-massive galena and sphalerite, and the occurrence of pervasive polymetallic sulphide mineralization all suggest that vectoring into the core of a well-preserved, fertile sulphide system. With a vertical intercept depth of 125 and 170 meters, this drill test represents the deepest recorded intersection of epithermal mineralization in the Project's history. These results further underscore the scale and continuity of the San Jorge system, and we look forward to receiving assay results to evaluate the grade profile of this promising, open-ended mineralized zone." Drill Hole SG017 Drill hole SG017, completed at the San Jorge Vein target within the Santas Gloria Project, intersected a substantial zone of sulphide-bearing hydrothermal breccia between 136.60 and 194.20 m downhole. This mineralized interval is characterized by intense hydrothermal alteration, including pervasive silicification and argillic overprinting, with localized zones of sericitic alteration, indicative of a high-temperature fluid regime and fully-intact intermediate sulphidation epithermal system. Sulphide mineralization is present throughout the breccia, with pyrite as the dominant phase, reaching concentrations of up to 20%. Accompanying the pyrite are variable but notable occurrences of galena, sphalerite, barite, and tetrahedrite. From approximately 162.00 metres, the intensity of sulphidic mineral increases, with enhanced concentrations of galena and sphalerite alongside barite and tetrahedrite crystals commonly observed within quartz veinlets. The most texturally intense brecciation spans a core interval from 147.00 to 179.80 m, marked by a strongly argillic matrix, angular clasts exhibiting silica replacement, and a network of mineralized veinlets hosting pyrite, galena, and sphalerite. At 179.90 m, the hole intercepted a semi-massive galena-rich interval up to 15 centimetres wide, featuring abundant pyrite and barite, along with locally euhedral crystals of sphalerite - a visually impressive and geologically significant zone. Geological logging and field interpretation confirm that SG017 has intersected a robust, multiphase polymetallic hydrothermal system at depth which remains open in all directions, highlighting a strong potential for further expansion in subsequent drilling. Figure 1: Plan map of ongoing 2025 drill program at San Jorge. Figure 2: Cross section of SG017. Table 1: SG017 zone description and core photographs (136.60 to 194.20 m). Depth (m) Core Photo Description Box # 51 From 136.60 To 139.20 -137.40 m: sericitic alteration in the rock, with trace pyrite ("Py") Box # 52 From 139.10 To 141.60 -139.70 m: Py increase to 1% with an increase silicification -149.70 m: oxidization and silicification increases Box # 53 From 141.60 To 144..30 -142.90 m: increase of Py mineralization to 1% Box # 54 From 144.30 To 147.00 -146.20 m: oxidization increases again, Py mineralization remains Box # 55 From 147.00 To 149.70 -147.60 m: brecciation with argillic and silicic alteration -148.70 m: brecciation ends with Py mineralization remaining at 1% Box # 56 From 149.70 To 152.45 -150.35 m: fractures with sericite and sphalerite ("Sph") Box # 57 From 152.45 To 155.20 -153.60 m: oxidized breccia, 50 core axis with argilized matrix and silicified clasts (Py >1% in the clasts) -154.70 m: vein filed with sulphides, Py >1% and quartz ("Qtz") Box # 58 From 155.20 To 158.00 The matrix is argilized and the clasts silicified. Py >1% in the clasts. Box # 59 From 158.00 To 160.80 The matrix is argilized and the clasts silicified. Py >1% in the clasts. Box # 60 From 160.80 To 163.40 -162.15 m: The breccia ends, dacite light gray, silicificated, still with Py >1% -162.50 m: Py increases to 5% -163.25 m: oxidized zone, medium argillic alteration Box # 61 From 163.40 To 166.30 -163.68 m: silicified rock and gray color again, Py still 5% -166.00 m: breccia texture with Qtz veins Box # 62 From 166.30 To 169.10 -167.10 m: Py 3%, galena ("Gal") 1%, Sph 1% -168.05 m: Py 1%, Sph 1% with argillic alteration Box # 63 From 169.10 To 171.75 Breccia starts with Qtz vein. Py 1%, Sph 1% with argillic alteration Box # 64 From 171.75 To 174.45 -173.80 m: Gal increase at 5% disseminated in the Qtz vein, barite and tetrahedrite crystals present, < 1% Box # 65 From 174.45 To 176.95 -175.10 m: argillic alteration with Py 5%, gal 2% and Sph < 1% -176.86 m: vein filled with sulphides, Py 10%, Gal 1%, Sph < 1% Box # 66 From 176.95 To 179.50 -178.50 m: Py 7% in the matrix, Sph < 1% -179.20 m: Qtz vein forming cavities with Py 2%, gal 1% and barite Box # 67 From 179.50 To 182.20 -179.90 m: vein with Gal, Sph crystal, Py 20% and barite. 2-3 cm of thickness and 15 cm of length -180.20 m: The breccia ends at 30 core axes. Start footwall rock with Py 1% Box # 72 From 192.60 To 194.20 -193.60 m: Qtz vein with sulphides and Py 5% and gal traces, entering footwall sequence Some core intervals were strongly oxidized and represents a supergene effect, whereby surficial groundwaters percolate down structures, resulting in oxidation of sulphides. Intermediate sulphidation epithermal deposits are mined throughout central Peru, and have demonstrated vertical extents in excess of 600 metres. Deeper drilling at Santas Glorias should encounter sulphide only mineralization. Quality Assurance / Quality Control ("QA/QC") The Company follows industry-recognized standards of Best Practice and QA/QC. HQ-diameter core samples are sawed into equal halves, and selected core samples are submitted to AHK Group in in Lima, Peru, a market-leading provider of inspection and analysis services which maintains rigorous quality standards through compliance with industry standards and regulations, including ISO/IEC 17025 and ISO 9001. Core samples are sealed in plastic bags using single use tie-locks, thereby ensuring chain of custody, for fire assay and ICP analysis. To date, all batches have passed QA/QC within acceptable tolerance limits. All diamond holes were drilled in PQ-NQ diameter. Core recovery across all veins exceeded 90%. Qualified Person Dr. Christopher Wilson, Ph.D., FAusIMM (CP), FSEG, FGS, a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical information contained in this news release. Dr. Wilson is not independent and serves as Chief Geologist of First Andes Silver Ltd. and owns securities of the Company. About First Andes Silver Ltd. First Andes Silver Ltd. is a British Columbia company that holds a 100% interest in the high-grade Santas Gloria silver property, located in a major mining district 100 km east of Lima, Peru. Santas Gloria has excellent established road access, and is situated within a well-known intermediate sulphidation epithermal belt, and hosts over 12 km of multiphase veins mapped at surface which had never been historically drilled or explored by modern techniques before 2024. First Andes' maiden diamond drill program last year reported high-grade silver grades on all drilled vein systems confirming silver endowment and warranting high priority follow-up drilling in 2025. Information set forth in this news release contains forward-looking statements that are based on assumptions as of the date of this news release. These statements reflect management's current estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations. They are not guarantees of future performance. The Company cautions that all forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain and that actual performance may be affected by a number of material factors, many of which are beyond the Company's control. Such factors include, among other things: risks and uncertainties relating to Company's limited operating history, ability to obtain sufficient financing to carry out its exploration programs and the need to comply with environmental and governmental regulations. Accordingly, actual and future events, conditions and results may differ materially from the estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations expressed or implied in the forward-looking information. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking information. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release. Except as required by law, the Company disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Vancouver, British Columbia TheNewswire - July 2, 2025 Nordique Resources Inc. ("Nordique" or the "Company") (CSE: NORD, OTC Pink: NORDF, FSE: V0U) is pleased to provide a corporate update and outline the upcoming exploration program at its flagship Isoneva Gold Project, located in the underexplored Western Finland Gold Belt. This announcement follows the signing of a definitive agreement with Gemdale Gold Inc. ("Gemdale") granting Nordique the right to acquire up to a 100% interest in the Isoneva Project (see news release dated June 26, 2025). Highlights Definitive Agreement Signed: The Companyhas signed a binding Definitive Agreement, establishing a clear path to earn up to 100% of the Isoneva Project and enabling full-scale exploration planning and execution. Phased Exploration Program: The Company is preparing a phased exploration program at Isoneva beginning with Base-of-Till (BOT) drilling in the second half of 2025, followed by targeted diamond drilling in early winter 2026. Highly Experienced Technical Team: The exploration program will be led by Gemdales technical team, with over 20 years of regional experience in Finlands Western Finland Gold Belt, including program execution and drill targeting in glaciated terrain. Ongoing Exploration Catalysts: The exploration program is designed to deliver regular updates, with quick turnaround BOT results informing drill targeting and setting the stage for discovery-focused diamond drilling. Our team is excited to launch a systematic, data-driven program at Isoneva, said Sharyn Alexander, CEO of Nordique. Base of Till drilling is ideally suited for the glacial terrain of Finland and will allow us to quickly vector into mineralized zones, laying the groundwork for focused drilling in early 2026. Finlands geology, infrastructure, and supportive regulatory environment make it an ideal jurisdiction for discovery, and we believe Isoneva has the potential to host a significant gold system. This phased exploration plan sets us up for a structured evaluation of the project area and steady news flow in the near term. Isoneva Gold Project The Isoneva Gold Project covers 1,100 hectares (11.5 km2) within the Western Finland Gold Belt, approximately 80 kilometres south of the open pit Laiva Gold Mine and processing facility. The project is easily accessed via road with nearby port, power, and utility infrastructure. Isoneva is defined by multiple trains of high-grade gold-bearing glacial boulders, with over 200 samples grading above 1.0 g/t Au, averaging approximately 14 g/t Au, and individual assays returning up to 462 g/t Au1 (see news release dated May 22, 2025). These boulders are interpreted to be locally derived from mineralized bedrock concealed beneath shallow overburden. Historical exploration has identified gold-in-till and geophysical anomalies aligned with known structural trends, all of which support the presence of multiple mineralized source zones. Isoneva is located along a second-order structure near the crustal-scale Reisjarvi Shear Zone, and the presence of a 6.7 km contact zone between tonalitic intrusives and mafic volcanics presents strong potential for shear-hosted gold mineralization. Limited historical diamond drilling on the project has intersected high-grade shear-hosted gold associated with quartz-arsenopyrite veining in several areas. Significant historical drill results2 include up to 17.9 m of 4.3 g/t Au (ISON004) and 0.41 m of 54 g/t Au (ISON014) (see news release dated May 22, 2025). These zones remain open along strike and at depth, and significant prospective areas within the project remain undrilled. Figure 1: Planned Phase 1 Base of Till (BOT) Drill Program at Isoneva Project Phase 1 Exploration Program Nordique plans to initiate a Phase 1 Base-of-Till (BOT) drilling program to refine bedrock targets across the Isoneva property, scheduled to begin in Q3 2025 and extend into Q4. BOT drilling will focus on identifying in-situ mineralized bedrock sources up-ice of high-grade boulder trains and beneath gold-in-till and geophysical anomalies. Recent exploration in the region highlights the effectiveness of modern techniques to track the sources of glacial boulder trains. With less than 1% outcrop across the property, BOT drilling is a proven and cost-effective exploration method in glaciated terrains such as Finland, sampling beneath glacial overburden and generating detailed geochemical and lithological datasets that guide diamond drill targeting. Approximately 500 shallow BOT holes are planned across key target zones, including Uunikangas, Tiaskuru, and Korpisalo (Figure 1). Drill lines will be spaced between 100 and 400 metres, with a 40 metre sample spacing along the lines. Further infill lines will be considered based on initial results. Uunikangas is defined by structurally controlled gold-bearing shear zones. Boulder sample highlights1 include up to 462 g/t Au and 180.5 g/t Au (see news release dated May 22, 2025). The western tonalite contact remains untested and is a high-priority target for follow-up drilling. A strong gold-in-till anomaly at the northern tip of the intrusion remains a key focus. Key historical diamond drill intercepts2 at Uunikangas include: 17.9 m of 4.3 g/t Au and 12.1 g/t Ag from 147.2 m, including 2.1 m of 24.8 g/t Au and 77.6 g/t Ag from 158.5 m (ISON004) 3.3 m @ 2.4 g/t Au and 1.1 g/t Ag from 61.8 m (ISON020) 4.1 m @ 3.2 g/t Au and 21.8 g/t Ag from 55.1 m (BelKan001) Tiaskuru is interpreted to host a dilational structural zone with potential for high-grade veins. Mineralization is hosted in a structurally complex area with high-grade quartz-carbonate-arsenopyrite chalcopyrite veins in the northern part of the property. Mineralization is open in all directions and only limited historical drilling has been conducted. Boulders in the area include values up to 106 g/t Au1 (see news release dated May 22, 2025). Significant historical drill hole intercepts from Tiaskuru drill hole ISON0142 include: 0.41 m of 54 g/t Au and 32.6 g/t Ag from 159.5 m 0.44 m of 18.1 g/t Au and 6.7 g/t Ag from 165.6 m The Korpisalo target is a strong gold-in-till anomaly with sulphidic signature down-ice. A high-chargeability IP anomaly at Korpisalo is in a structurally complex zone up-ice from the till anomaly with potential for disseminated or vein-hosted mineralization. It represents a high-priority, underexplored target with strong discovery potential that has never been drill tested. The exploration program is designed to advance Isoneva through systematic, data-driven targeting, leveraging cost-effective geochemical techniques to increase discovery potential while minimizing surface disturbance. The work will be supported by Gemdales experienced technical team, who bring deep regional knowledge and a strong exploration track record in Finland. Follow Up Diamond Drilling Subject to results from the Phase 1 BOT program, Nordique plans to initiate a follow-up diamond drilling program of up to 1,000 metres in Q1 2026. Conducting the drill program during the colder months will allow for more efficient access to boggy or low-lying ground using frozen surfaces and temporary ice or snow roads. This approach significantly reduces ground disturbance while enabling drill mobilization to areas that may be inaccessible during other seasons. Drill targets will be prioritized based on the integration of BOT data, boulder train distribution, historical drilling, and structural interpretation. The goal is to trace mineralized structures to source and test for continuity and scale of mineralization. Additional BOT sampling may be conducted to further refine targeting in areas requiring greater resolution to vector into mineralized structures. Next Steps With the definitive agreement in place, Nordique is currently finalizing contractor selection and field logistics for the 2025 field season. Further updates, including drill commencement and assay results, will be confirmed as budget and scheduling details are finalized. The Company looks forward to delivering steady exploration news flow and updating shareholders as milestones are achieved and results become available. Nordique Announces Director Changes Nordique is also pleased to announce the appointment of Angus Campbell to its Board of Directors. Mr. Campbell commenced his career in a London-based hedge fund before moving into retail broking where he led a sales desk at one of London's leading retail financial services providers. He progressed to becoming a recognised market analyst appearing regularly on Bloomberg, CNBC and Sky News before moving into PR and communications. In 2018, he established the boutique PR firm Nominis Advisory, serving both private and publicly listed companies across a broad range of sectors including financial services, technology and natural resources, including firms listed in both Canada and the UK. Mr. Campbell is currently the CEO and a Director of GlobalBlock Digital Asset Trading Limited (BLOK.H:TSXV) and has previously served as a Director of TSX Venture Exchange listed Prestwick Capital Corporation, which is now called Legacy Gold Mines Ltd (LEGY:TSXV), following completion of its Qualifying Transaction to become a gold exploration and development company. Mr. Campbell graduated from the University of Exeter with a BA Hons in Business and Accounting with European Study in 2001. Mr. Campbell replaces Jeremy Woodgate, who has resigned from the Board of Directors. The Company would like to thank Mr. Woodgate for his contributions and service. References 1 Boulder samples have been compiled from two sources: Boulder samples collected by Gemdale Gold Inc or previous operators that were sent for assay, and laboratory reports are available; and online, freely accessible data file provided the Geological Survey of Finland relating to Layman Samples that have been submitted for assay. Readers are cautioned that boulder sampling is selective by nature and the results provided above are not necessarily representative of mineralization hosted at the Isoneva Property. 2 Refer to the Companys news release dated May 22, 2025. Bulk intersections are reported at a cutoff grade of 0.3 g/t gold with maximum 5 m internal dilution. Orientation of mineralisation in drillholes is unclear. True widths are estimated as 65-85% of downhole intersect length. Qualified Person and NI 43-101 Disclosure Dr. Toby Strauss (CGeol.; EurGeol.), Director of Gemdale Gold Inc, is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. Dr Strauss has verified the data supporting this news release. For the exploration information relating to the drillholes, verification has included: checking a proportion of the reported assays against the issued laboratory certificates; reviewing the QA/QC results of the assay workorders; reviewing drill logs and visually verifying sample depths against drill core photographs for drill core for the ISONxxx drillholes. For additional information relating to the drilling results discussed in this news release, including information regarding QA/QC and core sampling protocols, refer to the Companys news release dated May 22, 2025. Boulder samples have been compiled from two sources: 1) Gemdale File = Boulder samples collected by Gemdale Gold Inc or previous operators that were sent for assay, and laboratory reports are available; and 2) Online, freely accessible data file provided the Geological Survey of Finland relating to Layman Samples that have been submitted for assay. Verification for the Gemdale boulder files includes checking a proportion of the reported assays in the Company database against the issued laboratory assay certificates. No verification has been conducted on the Layman Sample database. Readers are cautioned that boulder sampling is selective by nature and are not necessarily representative of mineralization hosted at the Isoneva Property. Dr Strauss is responsible for the accuracy of and has approved the technical information contained in this news release. About Nordique Resources Nordique Resources Inc. is a Canadian mineral exploration company focused on discovering and advancing high-potential gold opportunities, with a strategic mandate to build a diversified portfolio across prospective mineral belts. The Companys flagship asset is the Isoneva Gold Project in the under-explored Western Finland Gold Belt. Nordique also maintains the early-stage Fairview Project in British Columbia. By pairing modern, data-driven exploration with strong local partnerships, Nordique aims to generate significant shareholder value through new discoveries in key jurisdictions. For more information, investors are encouraged to review the Companys public filings available at www.sedarplus.ca. For further information, please contact: Sharyn Alexander, Chief Executive Officer & Director This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Telephone: +1 (778) 650-3003 Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains forward looking statements or forward looking information (collectively, Forward Looking Statements) that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Forward Looking Statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the use of forward looking terminology such as plans, targets, expects, is expected, budget, scheduled, estimates, forecasts, outlook, intends, anticipates, believes, or variations of such words and phrases or that state that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, might or will be taken, occur or be achieved, or the negative of any of these terms or similar expressions. The Forward Looking Statements in this news release relate to, among other things the Companys future exploration plans and likely approaches to exploration on the Isoneva Property. Forward Looking Statements are based on certain key assumptions and the opinions and estimates of management and the Qualified Person, as of the date such statements are made, and they 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 other future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the Forward Looking Statements. In addition to factors already discussed in this news release, such factors include, among others, risks relating to the Companys business, including possible changes in project parameters, including schedule and budget, as plans continue to be refined; uncertainties with respect to actual results of current exploration activities; the impact of the conflict in Ukraine and the Middle East, including resulting changes to the Companys supply chain and costs of supplies; product shortages; delivery and shipping issues; limitation on insurance coverage; accidents, labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry; delays in obtaining governmental approvals or in the completion of development or construction activities; opposition by social and non-government organizations to mining projects and smelting operations; unanticipated title disputes; claims or litigation; cyber attacks and other cybersecurity risks; changes to tax regimes in the jurisdictions in which the Company operates; as well as those risk factors discussed or referred to in any other documents filed from time to time with the securities regulatory authorities in all provinces and territories of Canada and available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca . The reader has been cautioned that the foregoing list is not exhaustive of all factors which may have been used. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in Forward Looking Statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that Forward Looking Statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. The Companys Forward Looking Statements reflect current expectations regarding future events and speak only as of the date hereof. Unless required by securities laws, the Company undertakes no obligation to update Forward Looking Statements if circumstances or managements estimates or opinions should change. Accordingly, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on Forward-Looking Statements. Drilling intersection includes 3.4 g/t gold over 50 metres, including 78.1 g/t gold over 1 metre Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - June 18, 2025) - Lavras Gold Corp. (TSXV: LGC) (OTCQX: LGCFF) ("Lavras Gold" or the "Company") is pleased to release the results from seven new drill holes totaling 1,825 metres, testing the Butia Gold Deposit ("Butia" or "Butia Gold Deposit"), located at the western edge of the LDS Project in southern Brazil. Gold mineralization was intersected in all seven holes reported in this news release at Butia, which hosts a Mineral Resource Estimate of 377,000 ounces of gold in the Measured and Indicated categories and 115,000 ounces of gold in the Inferred category. Several of these new holes returned long intervals of continuous gold mineralization characterized by higher-grade subintervals with striking similarities to previously disclosed results. These holes were designed to increase the confidence in the Butia gold resource (converting the Inferred Resource into the Measured & Indicated categories) and to potentially increase the gold endowment and footprint of known mineralization of the Butia Gold Deposit. Lavras Gold recently renewed a 25,000-metre drilling contract, seamlessly continuing the ongoing drilling program. The Butia metallurgical test program continues to advance using the SGS Laboratory in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Also, three 150-kilogram composite samples from the Fazenda do Posto gold target have been sent to the lab for investigation following up on a comprehensive metallurgical test program for Butia mineralization. These new drill results and initiatives continue to move Lavras Gold toward its short-term corporate goal of defining an economically feasible gold resource on the LDS Project, focused on the Butia Gold Deposit and the adjacent Fazenda do Posto gold target. HIGHLIGHTS Drilling Hole 25BT047 returned: 371.0 metres grading 1.0 g/t gold from surface, and including: 23.0 metres grading 1.3 g/t gold from 92.0 metres, 19.0 metres grading 2.0 g/t gold from 222.0 metres , and including 1.0 metres grading 25.8 g/t gold from 222.0 metres. 50.0 metres grading 3.4 g/t gold from 317.0 metres and including : 1.0 metres grading 15.5 g/t gold from 317.0 metres 1.0 metres grading 78.1 g/t gold from 318.0 metres 1.0 metres grading 7.4 g/t gold from 319.0 metres 1.0 metres grading 5.5 g/t gold from 321.0 metres 1.0 metres grading 5.7 g/t gold from 325.0 metres 1.0 metres grading 3.7 g/t gold from 343.0 metres 1.0 metres grading 10.2 g/t gold from 346.0 metres 1.0 metres grading 15.8 g/t gold from 347.0 metres. and including: Hole 25BT045 intersected multiple intervals of gold mineralization. Highlights include: 50.0 metres grading 0.5 g/t gold from 167.0 metres and including: 15.0 metres grading 1.2 g/t gold from 167.0 metres and including: 1.0 metre grading 2.1 g/t gold from 168.0 metres, and 2.0 metre grading 1.6 g/t gold from 170.0 metres, and 2.0 metres grading 2.2 g/t gold from 174.0 metres, and 1.0 metre grading 1.1 g/t gold from 180.0 metres and including: 10.0 metres grading 3.7 g/t gold from 245.0 metres including: 1.0 metre grading 34.8 g/t gold from 247.0 metres. "We are pleased with the drilling progress we are making at Butia and are achieving our goal of increasing the confidence of the gold resource estimate by converting inferred gold resources into measured and indicated gold resources and expanding the footprint of gold mineralization," commented CEO Michael Durose. "Drill hole 25BT047 is noteworthy for its length of 371.0 metres grading 1.0 g/t gold. The lower portion of this hole shows a 50.0 metre interval grading 3.4 g/t gold from 317.0 metres to approximately 367.0 metres. This not only extends the previously known zone of mineralization, but it also demonstrates that this extension has a significantly higher grade than the mineralization above it. Adjusted for the angle of the drillhole, this 50-metre extension of gold mineralization begins at a vertical depth of approximately 275.0 and extends to 318.0 metres. The mineralized footprint has also increased in size to the south of Butia as defined by drillhole 25BT045, and to the southeast via drillhole 24BT042." Drillholes 25BT044 and 25BT046 were drilled approximately 500 metres southeast of Butia along an interpreted northeast-southwest structural zone (see Figure 2). Both holes encountered hydrothermally altered rocks, very similar to those seen at Butia and Fazenda do Posto. Narrow 1.0 metre low-grade intervals of gold were encountered in each hole. The current interpretation is that these holes were collared too far southeast. Nevertheless, the significance here is the continuation of the alteration footprint to the south of Butia for at least 500 metres thereby generating the potential for defining new exploration drill targets which the exploration team are following up on. To date, 198 drill holes totalling nearly 53,000 metres have been completed at Butia and the adjacent Fazenda do Posto target claim block. This compares with 78 drill holes and 20,000 metres of historical drilling by our predecessor company at the Butia target prior to our current drilling program that started in early 2023. We will disclose results from our ongoing drilling program for these areas and our recently discovered Olaria area when final assay results are received, and the geological interpretation is completed. Click here for additional comments from CEO Michael Durose. [* Footnote: Butia hosts an Estimated Mineral Resource of 377,000 ounces of gold in the Measured and Indicated categories and 115,000 ounces of gold in the Inferred category as detailed in the NI 43-101 Technical Report Mineral Resource for Butia Gold Prospect dated and effective January 25, 2022 and updated in November 2024. The report was prepared by VMG Consultoria e Solucoes Ltda. for Lavras Gold Corp. and is available on the Company's website and www.sedarplus.com under Lavras Gold's issuer profile.] Discussion of Drill Results - Butia Deposit Butia is the most advanced gold deposit on the LDS Project consisting of the mineral resource as stated in the footnote above (*), located immediately east of the Fazenda do Posto gold discovery. The purpose of the current drilling program at Butia is to increase the geological confidence of the existing gold resource by converting a significant portion of inferred geological resources into the measured and indicated categories and to increase the gold endowment of the existing gold resource. Recent drilling results from Butia were disclosed in the news release dated March 03, 2025. To date, results from 41 Lavras Gold drill holes totaling 11,171 metres of drilling have been disclosed based on the 2023, 2024 and 2025 drilling program. This total includes the seven holes disclosed in this news release (24BT042 to 24BT049). More than 31,000 metres of drilling have been completed at Butia to date, including historical drilling prior to 2023. Figure 1 is a general location map for the LDS Project deposits and targets. Figure 2 shows the location of the Casa Velha target area about 500 metres southeast of Butia. Details of the locations of the new drill holes can be found in the plan view in Figure 3. A long section looking northeast is shown in Figure 4. Figure 5 shows a cross section looking northeast of drill hole 25BT047 highlighting the high-grade depth extension. Figure 6 shows hydrothermal alteration features of the Casa Velha target area. Figure 7 illustrates an example of high-grade gold mineralization found at depth in drill hole 25BT047. Table 1 details newly disclosed assay results in this press release. Table 2 tabulates drill hole information including collar coordinates, drill hole azimuth and drill hole depths. For all previous drilling results, visit the News section of the Lavras Gold website. A primary purpose of the recent drilling was to continue testing the lateral continuity of gold mineralization at Butia across a postulated northeast trending structural corridor and fill in gaps interpreted from northwest-southeast cross-sections of previous drilling. All of the holes were drilled with an azimuth oriented 110 degrees and/or 290 degrees. As shown in Figure 3 and summarized in Table 1, these holes include 24BT042, 25BT045, 25BT047, 25BT048 and 25BT049. These holes confirm continuous gold mineralization across a northeast trending structure. Continuous, moderate grade gold was extended in the south and southeast in areas of Butia typically associated with mineralized perthitic granite. Significantly, higher grade gold mineralization was found at depth below the central portion of Butia associated with mineralized episyenite materially increasing the mineralized footprint as defined by drill hole 25BT047 (see Figure 5). Two holes, 25BT044 and 25BT046, were collared about 500 metres southwest of Butia testing a drilling target called Casa Velha (see Figure 2). Both holes encountered rocks that had intervals of hydrothermally altered rocks including perthitic granite and episyenite with some local clusters of disseminated pyrite. While these drill holes encountered only minor gold mineralization of narrow widths, the drilling proves that the hydrothermal alteration footprint extends to the southwest at least 500 metres from Butia/Fazenda do Posto (See Figure 5). The geology team is currently interpreting these results with the goal of defining further targets for drill-testing. Detailed gold assay results by drill hole are summarized in Table 1. The seven new holes disclosed in this press release are from 24BT042 to 24BT049 (and excludes 24BT043 that tested the Fazenda do Posto Target and disclosed in the April 2, 2025 press release). Highlights of the recent drilling results from the Butia area are as follows: Drill hole 24BT042 was collared southeast of 24BT038 in the southeast portion of Butia and designed to test the southeast continuity of gold mineralization. The hole confirms the lateral extension and continuity of gold mineralization in the southeast portion of Butia and extends mineralization east of mineralization found in drill hole 24BT038. Highlights include: 15.0 metres grading 0.3 g/t gold from 41.0 metres, 4.0 metres grading 1.8 g/t gold from 62.0 metres, 25.0 metres grading 0.9 g/t gold from 92.0 metres including: 3.0 metres grading 4.6 g/t gold from 114.0 Drill hole 25BT045 was collared in the southeast portion of Butia and drilled on an azimuth 290 degrees. The hole successfully encountered multiple long intervals of gold mineralization successfully extending gold mineralization to the south. Highlights include: 31.0 metres grading 0.2 g/t gold from 41.0 metres, 23.0 metres grading 0.3 g/t gold from 84.0 metres and including 1.0 metres grading 1.4 g/t gold from 104.0 metres 50.0 metres grading 0.5 g/t gold including, 15.0 metres grading 1.2 g/t gold from 167.0 metres 10.0 metres grading 3.7 g/t gold from 245.0 metres including, 1.0 metres grading 34.8 g/t gold from 247.0 metres Drill hole 25BT047 was collared along the east-central portion of Butia on an azimuth of 290 degrees at an inclined angle of 60 degrees and designed to infill a gap in the Butia resource, and test for the down-dip extension of gold mineralization. The hole was successful on both fronts returning continuous gold grade from surface to 371 metres. 371.0 metres grading 1.0 g/t gold from surface metres, and including: 23.0 metres grading 1.3 g/t gold from 92.0 metres, 19.0 metres grading 2.0 g/t gold from 222.0 metres , and including 1.0 metres grading 25.8 g/t gold from 222.0 metres. 50.0 metres grading 3.4 g/t gold from 317.0 metres and including : 1.0 metres grading 15.5 g/t gold from 317.0 metres 1.0 metres grading 78.1 g/t gold from 318.0 metres 1.0 metres grading 7.4 g/t gold from 319.0 metres 1.0 metres grading 5.5 g/t gold from 321.0 metres 1.0 metres grading 5.7 g/t gold from 325.0 metres 1.0 metres grading 3.7 g/t gold from 343.0 metres 1.0 metres grading 10.2 g/t gold from 346.0 metres 1.0 metres grading 15.8 g/t gold from 347.0 metres and including: The bottom high-grade intercept extends previously known gold mineralization from a vertical depth of 275 metres to 318 metres (see Figure 5). The higher-grade interval is characterized by disseminated pyrite in strongly hydrothermally altered dark green episyenite (see Figure 7). Drill hole 25BT049 was collared along the south-central portion of Butia and drilled on an azimuth 290 degrees at an inclined angle of 60 degrees. The hole was designed to infill a gap in the existing gold resource model of Butia and to test the down-dip extension of mineralization. Highlights of drilling include: 25.0 metres grading 0.4 g/t gold from 83.0 metres including: 5.0 metres grading 1.1 g/t gold from 83.0 metres and including: 2.0 metres grading 2.4 g/t gold from 84.0 metres 56.0 metres grading 0.3 g/t gold from 115.0 metres and including: 1.0 metre grading 1.1 g/t gold from 165.0 metres 55.0 metres grading 1.0 g/t gold from 171.0 metres and including: 24.0 metres grading 1.2 g/t gold from 171.0 metres, and 8.0 metres grading 1.0 g/t gold from 218.0 metres. Please refer to Table 1 for a complete list of all drill holes and detailed assay results. Figure 1 - LDS Project Deposit and Target Locations Table 1. Summary of Drill Hole Composites from the Butia Gold Deposit Drill Hole From (metres) To metres) Interval (metres) Gold grade (grams/tonne) Comment 24BT042 41.00 56.00 15.00 0.259 Perthitic Granite 62.00 66.00 4.00 1.817 Perthitic Granite including 65.00 66.00 1.00 6.457 Perthitic Granite 73.00 76.00 3.00 0.278 Perthitic Granite 92.00 117.00 25.00 0.931 Episyenite including 96.00 97.00 1.00 1.127 Episyenite including 106.00 107.00 1.00 1.389 Episyenite including 114.00 117.00 3.00 4.583 Episyenite and including 114.00 115.00 1.00 10.520 Episyenite 25BT044 166.00 167.00 1.00 0.114 Perthitic Granite/Episyenite 24BT045 1.00 3.00 2.00 0.259 Saprolite 41.00 72.00 31.00 0.241 Episyenite/Perthitic Granite 84.00 107.00 23.00 0.298 Perthitic Granite/Episyenite including 104.00 105.00 1.00 1.405 Perthitic Granite 118.00 133.00 15.00 0.217 Episyenite 137.00 147.00 10.00 0.259 Episyenite 167.00 217.00 50.00 0.537 Episyenite/Perthitic Granite including 167.00 182.00 15.00 1.232 Episyenite/Perthitic Granite and including 168.00 169.00 1.00 2.147 Episyenite and including 170.00 172.00 2.00 1.595 Episyenite and including 174.00 176.00 2.00 2.214 Episyenite and including 180.00 181.00 1.00 1.135 Episyenite 238.00 239.00 1.00 0.445 Perthitic Granite 245.00 255.00 10.00 3.680 Perthitic Granite/Episyenite including 247.00 248.00 1.00 34.814 Perthitic Granite 25BT046 50.00 51.00 1.00 0.244 Perthitic Granite/Episyenite 25BT047 0.00 371.00 371.00 0.946 Perthitic Granite/Episyenite Including 2.00 5.00 3.00 1.445 Perthitic Granite Including 11.00 12.00 1.00 2.010 Perthitic Granite Including 27.00 28.00 1.00 1.723 Perthitic Granite Including 56.00 59.00 3.00 1.911 Episyenite Including 68.00 69.00 1.00 1.542 Episyenite Including 74.00 78.00 4.00 1.200 Episyenite Including 82.00 85.00 3.00 1.063 Episyenite Including 92.00 115.00 23.00 1.330 Episyenite Including 125.00 128.00 3.00 1.061 Episyenite Including 137.00 138.00 1.00 1.019 Episyenite Including 147.00 149.00 2.00 1.155 Episyenite Including 178.00 190.00 12.00 1.452 Episyenite Including 201.00 203.00 2.00 0.949 Episyenite including 222.00 241.00 19.00 2.016 Episyenite/Perthitic Granite and including 222.00 223.00 1.00 25.833 Episyenite including 317.00 367.00 50.00 3.372 Episyenite/Perthitic Granite and including 317.00 318.00 1.00 15.467 Episyenite/Perthitic Granite and including 318.00 319.00 1.00 78.100 Episyenite/Perthitic Granite and including 319.00 320.00 1.00 7.397 Episyenite/Perthitic Granite and including 320.00 321.00 1.00 1.919 Episyenite/Perthitic Granite and including 321.00 322.00 1.00 5.457 Episyenite and including 324.00 325.00 1.00 1.112 Episyenite and including 325.00 326.00 1.00 5.657 Episyenite and including 335.00 336.00 1.00 1.665 Perthitic Granite and including 342.00 343.00 1.00 1.038 Episyenite and including 343.00 344.00 1.00 3.683 Episyenite and including 346.00 347.00 1.00 10.183 Episyenite and including 347.00 348.00 1.00 15.767 Episyenite and including 348.00 349.00 1.00 1.880 Episyenite and including 349.00 350.00 1.00 0.993 Episyenite and including 351.00 352.00 1.00 1.190 Episyenite and including 355.00 356.00 1.00 1.073 Episyenite and including 357.00 358.00 1.00 1.097 Episyenite and including 358.00 359.00 1.00 1.488 Episyenite and including 359.00 360.00 1.00 1.483 Episyenite and including 360.00 361.00 1.00 1.245 Episyenite and including 366.00 367.00 1.00 1.073 Episyenite 25BT048 152.00 154.00 2.00 0.356 Perthitic Granite/Episyenite 25BT049 83.00 108.00 25.00 0.365 Episyenite/Perthitic Granite including 83.00 88.00 5.00 1.090 Episyenite/Perthitic Granite and including 84.00 86.00 2.00 2.445 Episyenite/Perthitic Granite including 106.00 107.00 1.00 1.062 Episyenite/Perthitic Granite 115.00 171.00 56.00 0.256 Perthitic Granite/Episyenite including 165.00 166.00 1.00 1.097 Episyenite 171.00 226.00 55.00 0.982 Episyenite Including 171.00 195.00 24.00 1.236 Episyenite including 218.00 226.00 8.00 1.019 Episyenite 226.00 241.00 15.00 0.386 Episyenite 248.00 249.00 1.00 0.540 Episyenite 260.00 261.00 1.00 0.242 Episyenite 263.00 264.00 1.00 0.254 Episyenite 282.00 283.00 1.00 0.236 Episyenite 286.00 287.00 1.00 0.194 Episyenite 291.00 292.00 1.00 0.476 Episyenite 300.00 303.00 3.00 0.418 Perthitic Granite 316.00 320.00 4.00 0.208 Perthitic Granite Assumes 0.20 g/t gold cut-off grade, no top cut. The Company has been targeting larger intersections of greater than 0.20 g/t gold. Intersections lower than this threshold may provide exploration insight and may therefore be disclosed. Intervals represent drill core interval; true widths have not been determined at this time. Table 2. Butia Drill Hole Coordinates Drill Hole Easting Northing Elevation Azimuth (m) (Degrees) Dip (degrees) Start Depth (metres) Final Depth (metres) 24BT042 218244 6586275 391 110 -60 0 151.00 25BT044 218000 6585775 401 110 -60 0 222.82 25BT045 218155 6586260 397 290 -60 0 295.11 25BT046 218042 6585767 406 290 -60 0 231.88 25BT047 218201 6586395 403 290 -60 0 412.17 25BT048 218148 6586288 393 290 -60 0 171.96 25BT049 218186 6586356 382 290 -60 0 340.31 Figure 2. Plan View Showing Butia Gold Deposit Relative to Casa Velha Target and North 020 Lineament Figure 3. Plan View of 2023, 2024 and 2025 Butia Drill Holes and Gold Assay Grades Figure 4. Long-Section Looking Northeast of 2023, 2024 and 2025 Butia Drill Holes and Gold Assay Grades Figure 5. Cross Section Looking Northeast of Drill Hole 25BT047 Highlighting Length of Mineralization and Higher Grade Interval of 50.0 metres grading 3.4 g/t Gold near the Bottom of the Hole. Figure 6. Drill core from Casa Velha Target area showing Hydrothermal Alteration of original granites. The photo on the left shows Phengite (green) and Potassic (Pink) alteration and Milky Quartz forming worm-like features infilling Vugs in Perthitic Granite. The Photo on the Right shows Fe-Rich Chlorite Replacing Milky Quartz. These are alteration features seen at the Butia and Fazenda do Posto areas about 500 metres north of Casa Velha. Figure 7. Drill core from Butia Gold Deposit drill hole 25BT047. This sample of dark green episyenite with disseminated pyrite, chlorite and phengite mica averaged 15.8 g/t gold from 348.0 to 349.0 metres. About the LDS Project The LDS Project is centred on the town of Lavras do Sul in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. It is approximately 320 kilometres, or a 4.5-hour drive, from the state capital of Porto Alegre. The Company, through its subsidiary, holds directly or indirectly, contractual interests over 34 mineral rights covering approximately 23,000 hectares. The LDS intrusive complex is a multiphase intrusive centre that is surrounded by coeval volcanic rocks to the east. Geologically, LDS is in the far south of the Neoproterozoic Mantiqueira Province, a 2,700-kilometre-long belt of tectonically and magmatically accreted terrains that stretch as far south as the coastline of central Uruguay and north into southern Bahia State in Brazil. The most advanced targets are the Butia and Cerrito gold deposits - Butia with 377,000 ounces of gold in the Measured and Indicated categories and 115,000 ounces of gold in the Inferred category, and Cerrito with 188,000 ounces of gold in the Indicated category and 293,000 ounces of gold in the Inferred category. About Lavras Gold Corp. Lavras Gold Corp. (TSXV: LGC) (OTCQX: LGCFF) is a Canadian exploration company focused on realizing the potential of a highly prospective gold district in southern Brazil. Its Lavras do Sul Project is located in Rio Grande do Sul State and is primarily an intrusive hosted gold system of possible alkaline affinity. More than 24 gold prospects centred on historic gold workings have been identified on the property, which spans approximately 23,000 hectares. Follow Lavras Gold on www.lavrasgold.com, as well as on LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube. Michael Durose, President & CEO of Lavras Gold Corp., is the qualified person ("QP") as defined by Canadian National Instrument 43-101, and has reviewed and approved the technical information contained in this release. On Behalf of Lavras Gold Corp. "Michael Durose" President & CEO Additional Technical Notes Quality Assurance & Quality Control: For the Butia Gold Deposit, sample handling, preparation, and analysis are monitored through the implementation of formal chain-of-custody procedures and quality assurance/quality control programs designed to follow industry best practices. All drill hole samples in this drilling program consist of split NQ diamond drill core. Drill core is logged and sampled in a secure facility located in Lavras do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. Drill core samples for gold assay are cut in half using a diamond saw and submitted to ALS Laboratories Inc. in Goiania, Goias State, Brazil for preparation by crushing to 85% passing 1.0 mm, riffle splitting to obtain 500 g aliquots, and pulverizing to 85% passing 75 microns. Pulps are shipped to ALS Laboratories Inc. in Lima, Peru and analyzed by a 50g fire assay and AAS finish. Three 50g aliquots are taken for samples in the mineralized zone and one aliquot is taken in fresh rocks. The average grade of the three aliquots is used to determine the final grade of the mineralized sample. Certified standards, non-certified blanks and field duplicates are inserted into the sample stream at regular intervals, so that QA/QC accounted for about 10% of the total samples. Results are routinely evaluated for accuracy, precision, and contamination. Lavras Gold has been targeting larger intersections of greater than 0.25 g/t gold. Intersections that are lower than this threshold may provide exploration insight and may therefore be disclosed. The Company maintains a robust QAQC program that includes the collection and analysis of duplicate samples and the insertion of blanks and standards (certified reference material). Disclaimer Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-looking statements This news release includes certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (collectively "forward-looking statements"). Forward-looking statements include predictions, projections and forecasts and are often, but not always, identified by the use of words 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. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this release, including, without limitation, statements regarding the Company's further 2025 drill plans and future results at the LDS Project are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking statements are based on a number of material factors and assumptions. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from Company's expectations include actual exploration results, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, results of future resource estimates, future metal prices, availability of capital and financing on acceptable terms, general economic, market or business conditions, uninsured risks, regulatory changes, defects in title, availability of personnel, materials and equipment on a timely basis, accidents or equipment breakdowns, delays in receiving government approvals, unanticipated environmental impacts on operations and costs to remedy same, and other exploration or other risks detailed herein and from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulators. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause such actions, events or results to differ materially from those anticipated. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate and accordingly readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - June 19, 2025) - Dryden Gold Corp. (TSXV: DRY) (OTCQB: DRYGF) ("Dryden Gold" or the "Company") is pleased to announce new results from its initial drill campaigns at the new Pearl Target, previously the Intersection Target, ("Pearl") and the historical Laurentian Mine Target ("Laurentian"). Drill Highlights Drill Hole DGR-25-001, at Laurentian, returned assays of 28.60 g/t gold over 0.50 meters in a hanging wall structure which represents a similar zone a kilometer to the northeast on strike to the new hanging wall discovery at the Jubilee Zone, which returned 301.67 g/t over 3.90 meters including 1,930 g/t over 0.60 meters (Figure 1). Drill Hole DGR-25-007, at Pearl, returned assays of 2.26 g/t gold over 8.80 meters including 7.12 g/t gold over 2.60 meters and including 25.80 g/t gold over 0.60 meters. Drill Hole DGR-25-006, at Pearl, intersected three stacked structures totalling over 21 meters and Drill Hole DGR-25-007 intersected three stacked structures totalling over 24 meters. (see Table 1). See more details in the description below. Drill Hole DGR-25-002, at Laurentian, intersected five stacked mineralized structures totalling over 23 meters combined width (see Table 1). Trey Wasser, CEO of Dryden Gold, states: "We are very pleased with the first pass drilling at Laurentian and Pearl showing significant widths of gold-bearing mineralization. This drill program is defining a much broader gold-bearing corridor, defined by multiple, sub-parallel shear-vein systems along the Elora Gold System. This is now emerging as key theme in the Gold Rock Camp." "The recognition of multiple, sub-parallel gold-bearing structures, each capable of hosting high-grade gold mineralization adds numerous priority exploration targets by interpreting the intersections of the recognized D1, D2, D3, or fold-related elements which provides opportunities for dilation within the system and now identifies a key control of high-grade gold mineralization," stated Maura Kolb, President of Dryden Gold. The Pearl Target At Pearl, approximately 400 meters north of Jubilee, initial hole DGR-25-007 intersected three gold-bearing mineralized zones at shallow depths. The main zone intercept returned 2.26 g/t gold over 8.80 meters including 7.12 g/t gold over 2.60 meters and 25.80 g/t gold over 0.60 meters. The total width of the three stacked gold-bearing mineralized structures on hole DGR-25-007 at Pearl was over 24 meters from 87.50-88.50 meters (FWA), 121.20-130.0 meters (Pearl) and 138.40-153.00 meters (Pearl HW). Two of these mineralized zones, Pearl and HW Pearl, (Table 1, Figure 1) are very closely spaced together and may represent a thickening of the Elora Gold System at the Pearl Target. Hole DGR-25-006 also intersected three stacked mineralized structures from 183.20-184.40 meters (FWA), 235.00-246.00 meters (Pearl) and 249.40-259.00 meters (Pearl HW). Figure 1: Plan map of reported drill holes displaying hanging and footwall structures. The Laurentian Target At Laurentian, the initial hole DGR-25-001 was drilled from the hanging wall but was terminated early, due to encountering historical underground workings, before reaching the targeted high-grade zone. Holes DGR-25-002 and DGR-25-003 (assays pending) were drilled from the footwall side of the target approximately 100m along-strike to the southwest. (Figure 2). These holes were purposefully targeted well south of the historic high-grade zone to test the geological features for favourable shearing and alteration while not encountering the old workings. These holes intersected additional parallel mineralized zones but were intentionally outside of the high-grade area. The exploration team is planning follow-up drilling at Laurentian focusing on deeper extensions of the system to effectively test below the historical workings to test these stacked structures within the high-grade zone. At Pearl, targets are now being developed to test depth and strike extension and expand the high-grade zone. Table 1: Dryden Gold Drill Results. Drillhole Target Area From To Length (m)* Grade (g/t Au) DGR-25-001 (Laurentian) HW1 66.00 66.50 0.50 28.60 DGR-25-002 (Laurentian) FWA 44.33 46.88 2.55 1.23 Laurentian 118.50 120.71 2.21 0.43 HW3 280.84 291.00 10.16 0.11 HW2 299.00 305.60 6.60 0.23 HW 1 400.00 401.80 1.80 1.28 DGR-25-006 (Pearl) FWA 183.20 184.40 1.20 3.71 Pearl 235.00 246.00 11.00 0.28 HW Pearl 249.40 259.00 9.60 1.52 DGR-25-007 (Pearl) FWA 87.50 88.50 1.00 1.80 Pearl 121.20 130.00 8.80 2.26 Including 121.70 124.30 2.60 7.12 And including 123.10 123.70 0.60 25.80 HW Pearl 138.40 153.00 14.60 0.63 *Reported intervals are drilled core lengths; assay values are uncut Qualified Person The technical disclosure in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Maura J. Kolb, M.Sc., P.Geo., President of Dryden Gold and a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 of the Canadian Securities Administrators. Analytical Laboratory and QA/QC Procedures The Company is drilling NQ size core. Samples are cut in half, with half going to the lab for analysis and half kept as a record. True thickness/widths of the mineralization are unknown, result intervals are reported as the drilled core lengths unless otherwise stated. All sampling completed by Dryden Gold Corp. within its exploration programs is subject to a Company standard of internal quality control and quality assurance (QA/QC) programs which include the insertion of certified reference materials, blank materials, and a level of duplicate analysis. Drill samples from the 2024 and 2025 program were sent to Activation Laboratories, with sample preparation and analysis in Dryden, where they were processed for gold analysis by 50-gram fire assay with an atomic absorption finish and over limits determined by Fire Assay with a gravimetric finish. Select samples were analyzed using metallic screens. Activation Laboratories systems conform to requirements of ISO/IEC Standard 17025 guidelines and meets assay requirements outlined for NI 43-101. ABOUT DRYDEN GOLD CORP. Dryden Gold Corp. is an exploration company focused on the discovery of high-grade gold mineralization listed on the TSX Venture Exchange ("DRY") and on the OTCQB marketplace ("DRYGF"). The Company has a strong management team and Board of Directors comprised of experienced individuals with a track record of building shareholder value through property acquisition and consolidation, exploration success, and mergers and acquisitions. Dryden Gold controls a 100% interest in a dominant strategic land position in the Dryden District of Northwestern Ontario. Dryden Gold's property package includes historic gold mines but has seen limited modern exploration. The property hosts high-grade gold mineralization over 50km of potential strike length along the Manitou-Dinorwic deformation zone. The property has excellent infrastructure, enjoys collaborative relationships with First Nations communities and benefits from proximity to an experienced mining workforce. For more information, go to our website www.drydengold.com. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements The information contained herein contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to: the acquisition of the Property, receipt of corporate and regulatory approvals, issuance of common shares; future development plans; future acquisitions; exploration programs; and the business and operations of Dryden Gold. Forward-looking statements relate to information that is based on assumptions of management, forecasts of future results, and estimates of amounts not yet determinable. Any statements that express predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as "expects", or "does not expect", "is expected", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "budget", "scheduled", "forecasts", "estimates", "believes" or "intends" or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results "may" or "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be "forward-looking statements." Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties which could cause actual events or results to differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation: risks related to failure to obtain adequate financing on a timely basis and on acceptable terms; risks related to the outcome of legal proceedings; political and regulatory risks associated with mining and exploration; risks related to the maintenance of stock exchange listings including receipt of TSX Venture Exchange approval for the acquisition of the Property; risks related to environmental regulation and liability; the potential for delays in exploration or development activities; the uncertainty of profitability; risks and uncertainties relating to the interpretation of drill results, the geology, grade and continuity of mineral deposits; risks related to the inherent uncertainty of production and cost estimates and the potential for unexpected costs and expenses; the possibility that future exploration, development or mining results will not be consistent with the Company's expectations; risks related to commodity price fluctuations; and other risks and uncertainties related to the Company's prospects, properties and business detailed elsewhere in Dryden Gold's and the Company's disclosure record. Should one or more of these risks and uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and Dryden Gold and the Company do not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances. Actual events or results could differ materially from Dryden Gold's and the Company's expectations or projections. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - June 23, 2025) - Zodiac Gold Inc. (TSXV: ZAU) ("Zodiac Gold" or the "Company"), a West-African gold exploration company, is pleased to announce further assay results from its ongoing Phase Three drilling program at the Arthington target within its flagship Todi Gold Project in Liberia. These results continue to confirm Arthington's potential to host a large-scale, multi-zone gold system comparable to other major West African discoveries. The latest results are from drill holes ADD035 and ADD036, which were designed to test the continuity and potential extensions of gold mineralized zones intersected in previous drilling. Results continue to support the presence of a robust mineralized system and highlights of the drilling program to date include: ADD033: 12m at 3.31 g/t Au ( including 7m at 5.26 g/t Au ), 9.5m at 1.08 g/t Au (including 3.49m at 2.04 g/t Au) and 4.04m at 2.15 g/t Au, beginning 30m below surface. ( ), 9.5m at 1.08 g/t Au (including 3.49m at 2.04 g/t Au) and 4.04m at 2.15 g/t Au, beginning 30m below surface. ADD034: 20.55m at 1.17 g/t Au (including 3.25m at 2.27 g/t Au and 2m at 4.58 g/t Au) , beginning 55m below surface. , beginning 55m below surface. ADD035: 17.51m at 0.97 g/t Au* (including 3.58m at 2.56 g/t Au g/t Au) , beginning 68m below surface. , beginning 68m below surface. ADD036: 9.80m at 2.19 g/t Au* (including 0.42m at 42.22 g/t Au within a wider interval of 5.05m at 4 g/t Au*) and 11.44m at 0.98 g/t Au* (including 3.37m at 2.23 g/t Au), beginning 69m below surface. David Kol, President & CEO of Zodiac Gold, commented: "These results continue to validate our geological model and confirm the scale, continuity, and potential high-grade nature of the Arthington system. The intersection of 42 g/t gold at depth, along with broad mineralized zones near surface, is a clear signal that Arthington is emerging as one of the most promising gold discoveries in West Africa. We're excited by the momentum we're building and the potential we continue to unlock across the Todi Gold Project." Following the broad near-surface gold intercepts reported in ADD033 and ADD034, results from ADD035 further underscore the strong continuity of mineralization at the Arthington target. To the east of the Red Hill Field artisanal workings, ADD036 successfully intersected the interpreted extensions of the mineralized zones and confirmed additional zones to the south of previous intercepts (Map 1). Follow-up drilling to evaluate continuity to the east of ADD036 is on-going in holes ADD037 to ADD039. The results also confirmed the presence of high-grade gold at the Arthington target, highlighted by the intersection of 0.42m at 42.22 g/t Au in ADD036, approximately 100m below surface. This result builds on previously reported high-grade intercepts at Arthington, including 3.00m at 20.45 g/t Au in ADD004 (51m below surface), 3.00m at 20.36 g/t Au in ADD007 (74m below surface), and 1.14m at 16.80 g/t Au in ADD024 (110m below surface). Gold mineralized zones are west-northwest-trending (Map 1), dipping between 60 and 90o to the south-southwest, and are hosted in sheared amphibolite and melanocratic gneiss. Map 1: Results from ADD033 to ADD036 with interpreted mineralized zones at the Arthington target Drill hole collar data for ADD033 to ADD036 is shown in Table 1 and significant intersections are shown in Table 2. Table 1: Collar Data for ADD033 and ADD036 Hole ID Easting (WGS84) Northing (WGS84) Elevation (m) Azimuth Dip Depth (m) ADD033 323452 722616 65 0 -50 161.10 ADD034 323335 722622 60 12 -50 181.05 ADD035 323384 722586 60 12 -65 243.70 ADD036 323530 722562 50 12 -50 150.65 Table 2: Significant Intersections ADD033 to ADD036 Hole ID From (m) To (m) Interval (m) Average Au (g/t) ADD033 11.6 12.6 1.00 0.27 ADD033 16.9 18 1.10 0.21 ADD033 34 39 5.00 0.34 ADD033 42 46.04 4.04 2.15 Including 44 45 1.00 6.28 ADD033 49.5 59 9.50 1.08 Including 53.31 56.8 3.49 2.04 ADD033 68 69 1.00 0.25 ADD033 71 72 1.00 0.34 ADD033 76 88 12.00 3.31 Including 78 85 7.00 5.26 Including 81 82 1.00 11.73 ADD033 92.62 94.6 1.98 0.60 ADD033 97 99.19 2.19 0.43 ADD033 109.75 110.83 1.08 0.62 ADD033 122.8 123.8 1.00 0.24 ADD033 135 136 1.00 1.09 ADD033 142 143 1.00 0.27 ADD034 44 48 4.00 0.43 ADD034 57 61 4.00 0.29 ADD034 74.45 95 20.55 1.17 Including 76.75 80 3.25 2.27 Including 84 86 2.00 4.58 ADD034 98 99 1.00 0.95 ADD034 113 115 2.00 0.48 ADD034 123 125 2.00 0.22 ADD034 128 129 1.00 0.20 ADD035 15 16 1.00 0.68 ADD035 38 39 1.00 0.99 ADD035 75.34 92.85 17.51 0.97* Including 75.34 78.92 3.58 2.56 Including 77.3 78.92 1.62 4.27 Including 87.63 92.85 5.22 1.12 ADD035 100 101 1.00 0.23 ADD035 106 108 2.00 0.34 ADD035 136 143.6 7.60 0.44 Including 136.69 137.7 1.01 1.15 ADD036 50.7 54 3.30 0.38 ADD036 69.61 81.05 11.44 0.98* Including 69.61 77.7 8.09 1.19 Including 73.33 76.7 3.37 2.23 ADD036 111.2 121 9.80 2.19* Including 115.95 121 5.05 4.00* Including 115.95 117.2 1.25 14.39 ADD036 120 121 1.00 1.92 Note that significant intersections have been determined as intervals above 0.2 g/t Au with a minimum length of 1m and a maximum of 2m of consecutive samples below 0.2 g/t Au, except where intervals are marked with an asterisk (*). Intervals marked with an asterisk include between 2.38 and 4.08 consecutive meters below 0.2 g/t Au, however these samples average 0.1 g/t Au and above, suggesting the continuation of the mineralized envelope. Intervals are drilled rather than true thicknesses and it is estimated that true thicknesses for the intervals in ADD033 to ADD036 are approximately 70-90% of drilled thickness. Drilling, Sampling and QA/QC Procedures The drilling program at Arthington is being completed by a Fordia Eider 2000 diamond drill rig with HQ and NQ core diameter. Core recoveries for holes ADD033 to ADD036 were approaching 100% overall. The easting, northing and elevation data shown in Table 1 have been recorded using handheld GPS only and will be surveyed by differential GPS at a later date. Drill core was transported a short distance from the drill site to the Company's exploration camp at Arthington. After geological logging, the core was cut along the long axis using a diamond core saw, with half being sampled and half retained. Where the core was too soft for cutting (in the oxide zone), the core was split using a spatula. Core sampling was completed by Zodiac Gold's geological team, supervised by senior company personnel. All samples met the standards for chain of custody without the opportunity for third party access from Zodiac Gold's exploration camp to SGS Liberia in Monrovia for sample preparation (SGS method PRP87). Each sample was analyzed by 50g fire assay with an atomic absorption finish by SGS Ghana (SGS method FAA505). All samples returning a grade over 10 g/t Au will be reanalyzed by 50g fire assay with a gravimetric finish (SGS method FAG505). SGS Ghana is ISO/IEC 17025 accredited for the methods described above. SGS Liberia is not an accredited laboratory but follows standard SGS sample preparation procedures. SGS is independent of Zodiac Gold. In addition to the laboratory's quality control program, a rigorous quality assurance and quality control program is implemented by the Company, including the insertion of blanks, standards and duplicates to ensure reliable assay results. Quality assurance and quality control data are monitored by the Company. Qualified Person Tom Dowrick, Director of Exploration at Zodiac Gold, is a Chartered Geologist of the Geological Society of London and a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101. He has reviewed and approved the technical and scientific information provided in this release. About Zodiac Gold Zodiac Gold Inc. (TSXV: ZAU) is a West-African gold exploration company focused on its flagship Todi Project situated in Liberiaan underexplored, politically stable, mining friendly jurisdiction hosting several large-scale gold and iron ore deposits. Strategically positioned along the fertile Todi Shear Zone, Zodiac Gold is developing a district-scale gold opportunity with additional iron ore potential, covering a vast 2,316 km2 land package. The Todi gold project has undergone de-risking, showcasing proven gold occurrences at both surface and depth, with five drill-ready targets, of which two have been drilled and high-grade gold intercepts. 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 "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements include predictions, projections, and forecasts and are often, but not always, identified by the use of words 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. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this release, including, without limitation, statements regarding the Company's planned exploration programs and drill programs and potential significance of results are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking statements are based on a number of material factors and assumptions. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from Company's expectations include actual exploration results, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, results of future resource estimates, future metal prices, availability of capital, and financing on acceptable terms, general economic, market or business conditions, uninsured risks, regulatory changes, defects in title, availability of personnel, materials, and equipment on a timely basis, accidents or equipment breakdowns, delays in receiving government approvals, unanticipated environmental impacts on operations and costs to remedy same, and other exploration or other risks detailed herein and from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulators. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events, or results to differ from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause such actions, events, or results to differ materially from those anticipated. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, and accordingly readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - July 2, 2025) - South Pacific Metals Corp. (TSXV: SPMC) (OTCQB: SPMEF) (FSE: 6J00) ("SPMC" or "South Pacific Metals" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Timo Jauristo as Chief Executive Officer of the Company, effective June 30, 2025. Mr. Jauristo brings more than four decades of leadership experience with an accomplished career covering global exploration, corporate development, and corporate strategy in the mining sector to South Pacific Metals. He previously served as Executive Vice President of Corporate Development at Goldcorp Inc., where he was instrumental in driving the company's international expansion through strategic acquisitions and project assessments. Before Goldcorp Inc., Timo held senior executive positions at Placer Dome and other leading mining firms, playing key roles in assessing multiple world-class gold and copper projects across the Americas and the Asia-Pacific region. He currently sits on the board of Integra Resources Corp. as an independent director and has also served as a Senior Advisor to Canaccord Genuity Corp.'s Metals and Mining Investment Banking Group. "As we kick off our maiden drill program this month at Osena, I am looking forward to leading South Pacific Metals at such a pivotal time," said Mr. Jauristo. "SPMC maintains a robust portfolio of gold and copper assets adjacent to some of the most productive mines in the region. Michael and I visited Papua New Guinea this past week. I was excited to meet our impressive team and see firsthand the quality and potential of the portfolio, particularly in the Kainantu area. I look forward to working closely with the Board and our in-country team to demonstrate the potential of our assets." Michael Murphy, Executive Chair, added, "We are thrilled to welcome Timo as CEO. His deep operational and capital markets experience, strategic insight, and global industry relationships will be instrumental as we advance our Osena and Anga Gold-Copper Projects and mobilize for drilling at our Ontenu Target-our most important milestone yet." The Company also announces it has granted, effective June 30, 2025 (the "Grant Date"), stock options and awarded restricted share units ("RSUs") to certain directors and officers of the Company to acquire an aggregate of 1,200,000 common shares in the capital of the Company, pursuant to the Company's Omnibus Compensation Plan (as herein defined) as incentives and in recognition of their respective contributions to the development of the Company, as further detailed below. An aggregate of 200,000 stock options (the "Options"), each convertible into a common share of the Company at an exercise price of $0.49 until June 30, 2025, were granted with 1/3 of the Options to vest on the first anniversary of the Grant Date, 1/3 of the Options to vest on the second anniversary of the Grant Date, and the final 1/3 of the Options to vest on the third anniversary of the Grant Date. An aggregate of 1,000,000 RSUs, each convertible into a common share of the Company, were awarded with 1/3 of the RSUs to vest on the first anniversary of the Grant Date, 1/3 of the RSUs to vest on the second anniversary of the Grant Date, and the final 1/3 of the RSUs to vest on the third anniversary of the Grant Date. About South Pacific Metals Corp. South Pacific Metals Corp. is an emerging gold-copper exploration company operating in the heart of Papua New Guinea's proven gold and copper production corridors. With an expansive 3,100 km land package and four transformative gold-copper projects contiguous with major producers K92 Mining, PanAust and neighbouring Barrick/Zijin, new leadership and experienced in-country teams are prioritizing thoughtful and rigorous technical programs focused on boots-on-the-ground exploration to prioritize discovery across its portfolio projects: Anga, Osena, Kili Teke, and May River. Immediately flanking K92 Mining's active drilling and gold producing operations to the northeast and southwest, SPMC's Anga and Osena Projects are located within the high-grade Kainantu Gold District - each having the potential to host similar-style lode-gold and porphyry copper-gold mineralization as that present within K92's tenements. Kili Teke is an advanced exploration project situated only 40 km from the world-class Porgera Gold Mine and hosts an existing Inferred Mineral Resource with multiple opportunities for expansion and further discovery. The May River Project is located adjacent to the world-renowned Frieda River copper-gold project, with historical drilling indicating potential for a significant, untapped-gold mineralized system. SPMC common shares are listed on the TSX Venture Exchange (TSXV: SPMC), the OTCQB Marketplace (OTCQB: SPMEF) and Frankfurt Stock Exchange (FSE: 6J00). 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. Disclaimer and Forward-Looking Information Statements contained in this release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainty affecting the business of SPMC. In making the forward-looking statements, SPMC has applied certain assumptions that are based on information available to the Company, including SPMC's strategic plan for the near and mid-term. There is no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking statements may involve various risks and uncertainties affecting the business of the Company. These forward-looking statements can generally be identified as such because of the context of the statements, including such words as "believes," "anticipates," "expects," "plans", "may", "estimates", or words of a similar nature. Forward-looking statements or information in this news release relate to, among other things: the Company's upcoming exploration program. These forward-looking statements and information reflect the Company's current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant operational, business, economic, regulatory, or other unforeseen uncertainties and contingencies. These assumptions include, without limitation: success of the Company's projects, prices for metals remaining as estimated, currency exchange rates remaining as estimated, availability of funds for the Company's projects, capital, decommissioning and reclamation estimates, prices for energy inputs, labour, materials, supplies and services (including transportation), no labour-related disruptions, no unplanned delays or interruptions in scheduled construction and production, all necessary permits, licenses and regulatory approvals are received in a timely manner, and the ability to comply with environmental, health and safety laws. The foregoing list of assumptions is not exhaustive. The Company cautions the reader that forward-looking statements and information involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information contained in this news release and the Company has made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Such factors include, without limitation: fluctuations in gold prices, fluctuations in prices for energy inputs, labour, materials, supplies and services (including transportation), fluctuations in currency markets (such as the Canadian dollar versus the U.S. dollar), operational risks and hazards inherent with the business of mineral exploration, inadequate insurance or inability to obtain insurance to cover these risks and hazards, the Company's ability to obtain all necessary permits, licenses and regulatory approvals in a timely manner, changes in laws, regulations and government practices, including environmental, export and import laws and regulations, legal restrictions relating to mineral exploration, increased competition in the mining industry for equipment and qualified personnel, the availability of additional capital, title matters and the additional risks identified in the Company's filings with Canadian securities regulators on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca). Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, described, or intended. Investors are cautioned against undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and, except as required under applicable securities legislation, the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances. Mineralization hosted on adjacent and/or nearby properties is not necessarily indicative of mineralization hosted on the Company's property. A new highgrade sub-zone ("HZ2"), enriched in copper and silver, has been discovered in the Apollo system. HZ2, which remains open for expansion, is the second high-grade sub-zone found by the Company with assay results as follows: 114.40 metres @ 4.14 g/t AuEq ( 1.06 g/t Au, 150 g/t Ag and 0.64% Cu ) including; 57.25 metres @ 5.64 g/t gold equivalent (1.22 g/t Au, 221 g/t Ag and 0.89% Cu) in APC107-D5. 159.05 metres @ 3.01 g/t AuEq ( 1.19 g/t Au, 98 g/t Ag and 0.43% Cu ) including; 59.25 metres @ 5.01 g/t gold equivalent (1.63 g/t Au, 196 g/t Ag and 0.68% Cu) in APC107-D4. The original high-grade gold-rich sub-zone ("HZ1") first announced by the Company on December 16, 2024 , has been extended 50 metres to the west by hole APC107-D2, which cut: 67.50 metres @ 5.38 g/t AuEq within 377.85 metres @ 2.13 g/t gold equivalent. HZ1 now has dimensions of 230 metres of strike, 70 metres in thickness and over 180 metres vertical and includes previously announced intercepts of 150.55 metres @ 6.16 g/t AuEq (APC104-D1) and 106.35 metres @ 9.05 g/t AuEq (APC104-D5) (see press releases dated December 16, 2024 , and February 24, 2025 ). HZ1 remains open in most directions. A potential third high-grade sub-zone, which requires follow-up confirmation drilling, has been intersected northwest of HZ2 in drill hole APC107-D3 as follows: 123.75 metres @ 3.03 g/t AuEq ( 1.24 g/t Au, 91 g/t Ag and 0.43% Cu ). The Company continues to target up to 11 potential high-grade sub-zones throughout the top 1,000 metres of the Apollo system with a goal of further improving the overall grade (and total mineral inventory). TORONTO, June 24, 2025 /CNW/ - Collective Mining Ltd. (NYSE: CNL) (TSX: CNL) ("Collective" or the "Company") is pleased to announce further assay results for five directional diamond drill holes from its ongoing drilling program designed to discover and outline high-grade sub-zones within the bulk tonnage Au-Ag-Cu-W Apollo system ("Apollo"). Apollo is the most advanced discovery made to date within the Company's multi-target, Guayabales Project in Caldas, Colombia. The Company currently has nine drill rigs operating as part of its fully funded 70,000 metre drill program for 2025 with seven rigs operating at the Guayabales Project and two rigs turning at the San Antonio Project. Two additional deep capacity rigs are being mobilized to the Guayabales Project to resume testing the high-grade Ramp Zone located at the bottom of the Apollo system in Q3, 2025. The 2025 objectives for the portion of the drilling program targeting the Apollo system are: Drill test newly modeled high-grade sub-zone targets scattered throughout the top 1,000 vertical metres from surface to improve the grade profile (and size) of the system. Grow the overall dimensions of the system by expanding vertically and laterally the recently discovered high-grade Ramp Zone and northern extension. Expand and define the area of outcropping/shallow mineralization and test many drilling gaps within the internal block model from surface to a depth of 150 metres. Approximately 125,500 metres of diamond drilling has been completed to date at the Guayabales Project, including 87,000 metres at Apollo. There are currently twenty-five drill holes in the lab with assay results for most of these holes expected in the near term. Ari Sussman, Executive Chairman commented: "Apollo continues to deliver in terms of size and grade. The discovery of HZ2 is pleasing as this zone is surprisingly rich in copper and silver over bulk tonnage drilled widths. If we continue to discovery new sub-zones of higher-grade mineralization within Apollo, the overall grade of the system will increase and will give us excellent mining flexibility to incorporate into future mine scenarios. The next few months are going to be exciting as we are on the cusp of accelerating our largest greenfield drilling program in the Company's history at the Guayabales and San Antonio projects. Up to four rigs will be drilling grassroot targets at Guayabales hunting for another Apollo system and up to an additional three rigs will be turning at San Antonio in search of a large bulk tonnage porphyry system. We believe there is another major discovery to be made between the two projects and our team is ready to deliver on this challenge." To watch a video of David Reading, Special Advisor to the Company and QP under NI43-101 explain today's results please click on the link here. Details (see Table 1 and Figures 1-4) A series of five directional drill holes, from new mother hole APC-107D (Pad17), continue to discover and outline high-grade sub-zones at shallow elevations in Apollo . New High-Grade Sub-Zone Discovery 2 ("HZ2") Holes APC107-D4 and APC107-D5 were drilled at the southern margin of the Apollo system and discovered a new high-grade sub-zone rich in copper and silver ("HZ2"). The following intercepts are highlighted for new high-grade sub-zone HZ2: APC107-D4 intercepted 159.05 metres @ 3.01 g/t gold equivalent (1.19 g/t gold, 98 g/t silver and 0.43% copper) from 48.50 metres including: 59.25 metres @ 5.01 g/t gold equivalent (1.63 g/t gold, 196 g/t silver and 0.68% copper) from 91.85 metres APC107-D5 intersected 114.40 metres @ 4.14 g/t gold equivalent (1.06 g/t gold, 150 g/t silver and 0.64% copper) from 172.95 metres including: 57.25 metres @ 5.64 g/t gold equivalent (1.22 g/t gold, 221 g/t silver and 0.89% copper) from 210.10 metres system and discovered a new high-grade sub-zone rich in copper and silver ("HZ2"). The following intercepts are highlighted for new high-grade sub-zone HZ2: HZ2 is open to the northeast and vertically with further follow up drilling planned. High-Grade Sub-Zone 1 ("HZ1") Drill hole APC107-D2 has also extended the first discovered and primarily gold rich, high-grade sub-zone HZ1 by 50 metres to the west by intercepting: 67.50 metres @ 5.38 g/t gold equivalent within 377.85 metres @ 2.13 g/t gold equivalent (1.40 g/t gold, 37 g/t silver and 0.21% copper) HZ1 now has dimensions of 230 metres of strike, 70 metres in thickness and over 180 metres vertical and includes previously announced intercepts of 150.55 metres @ 6.16 g/t AuEq in APC104-D1 and 106.35 metres @ 9.05 g/t AuEq in APC104-D5 (press releases dated December 16, 2024, and February 24, 2025) Drillhole APC107-D3 was drilled westward and intersected a potential third, high-grade sub-zone, to the west of HZ2 by intercepting: 123.75 metres @ 3.03 g/t gold equivalent from 156.45 metres including: 20.20 metres @ 5.15 g/t gold equivalent from 181.00 metres and 18.55 metres @ 3.87 g/t gold equivalent from 236.50 metres 49.30 metres @ 2.23 g/t gold equivalent from 336.65 metres Follow up drilling is required to see if this potential new high-grade subzone extends to the north and vertically where it is open for expansion. Hole APC107-D1 was an infill hole into a gap in the block model and successfully intersected mineralization at a similar grade profile to the internal block model as follows: 353.50 metres @ 1.94 g/t gold equivalent from 61.60 metres including : 27.60 metres @ 3.01 g/t gold equivalent from 61.60 metres and 30.05 metres @ 2.98 g/t gold equivalent from 217.95 metres and 32.75 metres @ 2.20 g/t gold equivalent from 361.45 metres A significant backlog of drill holes are in the lab with results expected to be released consistently for the remainder of the year. Table 1: Assays Results for Drill Holes APC107-D1, APC107-D2, APC107-D3, APC107-D4 and APC107-D5 Hole # From (m) To (m) Length (m) Au g/t Ag g/t Cu % WO 3 % AuEq g/t* APC107-D1 61.60 415.10 353.50 0.96 51 0.26 - 1.94 Incl. 61.60 89.20 27.60 2.44 35 0.09 0.02 3.01 & Incl. 217.95 248.00 30.05 2.45 37 0.09 - 2.98 & Incl. 361.45 394.20 32.75 1.99 18 0.03 - 2.20 APC107-D2 18.80 396.65 377.85 1.40 37 0.21 - 2.13 Incl. 100.15 156.40 56.25 0.94 102 0.60 - 3.03 & Incl. 316.00 383.50 67.50 5.34 11 0.03 - 5.38 APC107-D3 156.45 280.20 123.75 1.24 91 0.43 0.02 3.03 Incl. 181.00 201.20 20.20 3.38 91 0.48 0.01 5.15 & Incl. 236.50 255.05 18.55 1.85 117 0.43 - 3.87 and 336.65 385.95 49.30 1.94 22 0.05 - 2.23 APC107-D4 48.50 207.55 159.05 1.19 98 0.43 0.01 3.01 Incl. 91.85 151.10 59.25 1.63 196 0.68 - 5.01 APC107-D5 172.95 287.35 114.40 1.06 150 0.64 0.09 4.14 Incl. 210.10 267.35 57.25 1.22 221 0.89 0.12 5.64 *AuEq (g/t) is calculated as follows: (Au (g/t) x 0.97) + (Ag (g/t) x 0.015 x 0.85) + (Cu (%) x 1.44 x 0.95) + (WO 3 (%) x 4.84 x 0.72) utilizing metal prices of Au US$2,200/oz, Ag US$33/oz, Cu US$4.62/lb and WO 3 US$15.51/lb and recovery rates of 97% for Au, 85% for Ag, 95% for Cu and 72% for WO 3 . Recovery rate assumptions for metals are based on metallurgical results announced on October 17, 2023, April 11, 2024, and October 3, 2024. True widths are unknown, and grades are uncut. About Collective Mining Ltd. To see our latest corporate presentation and related information, please visit www.collectivemining.com. Founded by the team that developed and sold Continental Gold Inc. to Zijin Mining for approximately $2 billion in enterprise value, Collective is a gold, silver, copper and tungsten exploration company with projects in Caldas, Colombia. The Company has options to acquire 100% interests in two projects located directly within an established mining camp with ten fully permitted and operating mines. The Company's flagship project, Guayabales, is anchored by the Apollo system, which hosts the large-scale, bulk-tonnage and high-grade gold-silver-copper-tungsten Apollo system. The Company's objectives are to improve the overall grade of the Apollo system by systematically drill testing newly modeled potentially high-grade sub-zones, expand the Apollo system by stepping out along strike to the north and expanding the newly discovered high-grade Ramp Zone along strike and to depth, and drill a series of less advanced or newly generated targets including Trap, the Knife and X. Additionally, the Company has launched its largest drilling campaign in history at the San Antonio Project as it hunts for a large bulk-tonnage porphyry system. Management, insiders, a strategic investor and close family and friends own 44.5% of the outstanding shares of the Company and as a result, are fully aligned with shareholders. The Company is listed on both the NYSE and TSX under the trading symbol "CNL". Qualified Person (QP) and NI43-101 Disclosure David J Reading is the designated Qualified Person for this news release within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101") and has reviewed and verified that the technical information contained herein is accurate and approves of the written disclosure of same. Mr. Reading has an MSc in Economic Geology and is a Fellow of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining and of the Society of Economic Geology (SEG). Technical Information Samples were cut by Company personnel at Collective Mining's core facility in Caldas, Colombia. Diamond drill core was sawed and then sampled in maximum 2 metres intervals, stopping at geological boundaries. Drill hole core diameter is a mix of PQ, HQ and NQ depending on the depth of the drill hole. Core samples have been prepared and analyzed at ALS laboratory facilities in Medellin, Colombia and Lima, Peru. Blanks, duplicates, and certified reference standards are inserted into the sample stream to monitor laboratory performance. Crush rejects and pulps are kept and stored in a secured storage facility for future assay verification. No capping has been applied to sample composites. The Company utilizes a rigorous, industry-standard QA/QC program. Information Contact: Follow Executive Chairman Ari Sussman (@Ariski73) on X Follow Collective Mining (@CollectiveMini1) on X, (Collective Mining) on LinkedIn, and (@collectivemining) on Instagram FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This news release contains "forward-looking statements" and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation (collectively, "forward-looking statements"). All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that involves discussion with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often, but not always using phrases such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes" or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. In this news release, forward-looking statements relate, among other things, to: the anticipated advancement of mineral properties or programs; future operations; future recovery metal recovery rates; future growth potential of Collective; and future development plans. These forward-looking statements, and any assumptions upon which they are based, are made in good faith and reflect our current judgment regarding future events including the direction of our business. Management believes that these assumptions are reasonable. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others: risks related to the speculative nature of the Company's business; the Company's formative stage of development; the Company's financial position; possible variations in mineralization, grade or recovery rates; actual results of current exploration activities; conclusions of future economic evaluations; fluctuations in general macroeconomic conditions; fluctuations in securities markets; fluctuations in spot and forward prices of gold, precious and base metals or certain other commodities; fluctuations in currency markets; 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 formation pressures, cave-ins and flooding); 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 increasing costs associated with mining inputs and labour; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development (including the risks of obtaining necessary licenses, permits and approvals from government authorities); and title to properties, as well as those risk factors discussed or referred to in the annual information form of the Company dated March 24, 2025. Forward-looking statements contained herein are made as of the date of this news release and the Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results, except as may be required by applicable securities laws. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements and there may be other factors that cause results not to be anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. European settlers committed genocide against Australia's Indigenous people, a truth-telling inquiry in the state of Victoria has found, calling for government redress including financial compensation. In a final report, Victoria's four-year royal commission said Indigenous people suffered massacres, the forced removal of children from their families, and the suppression of their culture. The findings -- presented to parliament on Tuesday -- said mass killings, disease, sexual violence, child removal, and assimilation had led to the "near-complete destruction" of Indigenous people in the state. "This was genocide," it said. Among 100 recommendations, the Yoorrook Justice Commission sought redress for damage and loss, citing "genocide, crimes against humanity and denial of freedoms". It urged monetary compensation and the restitution of traditional lands, waters and natural resources. The arrival of 11 British ships to set up a penal colony in Sydney Cove in 1788 heralded the long oppression of Indigenous peoples, whose ancestors have lived on the continent for more than 60,000 years. Making up less than four percent of the current population, Indigenous peoples still have lives about eight years shorter than other Australians, poorer education and are far more likely to be imprisoned or die in police custody. "Current economic disparities and barriers to First Peoples' prosperity are direct legacies of colonial practices and state-sanctioned exclusion," the inquiry said. Victoria's state premier, Jacinta Allan, thanked the commission and said her government would "carefully consider" its recommendations. The findings "shine a light on hard truths and lay the foundations for a better future for all Victorians", she said in a statement. Australians soundly rejected an October 2023 referendum to give greater constitutional recognition to Indigenous Australians. Chinese Premier Li Qiang will visit Brazil for a meeting of BRICS countries and then Egypt next week, Beijing's foreign ministry said on Wednesday. "Li Qiang will attend the 17th BRICS Summit upon invitation in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from July 5 to 8," a foreign ministry spokesperson said in a statement. Beijing and Moscow have hailed the BRICS club as a counterweight to what they see as Western hegemony on the world stage. A loose grouping of countries named after founding members Brazil, Russia, India and China, its members pledge to boost trade and cooperation, though it is not a trade pact and has few institutional ties. "The BRICS cooperation mechanism is one of the most important platforms for solidarity and cooperation among emerging markets and developing countries in today's world," foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said. "It is a vital force in promoting a more equal and orderly multipolar world and an inclusive and beneficial economic globalisation," she added. The Kremlin said last week, however, that President Vladimir Putin would not travel to Brazil for the upcoming summit due to the outstanding International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant on the Russian president. Following his visit to Brazil, Li will then "pay an official visit to Egypt from July 9 to 10", Beijing said. Beijing has sought to frame itself as a mediator in the Middle East, facilitating a 2023 rapprochement between Saudi Arabia and Iran and portraying itself as a more neutral actor in the Israel-Palestinian conflict than its rival the United States. "During the visit, Premier Li Qiang will have in-depth exchanges of views with Egyptian leaders on the development of China-Egypt relations, the deepening of mutually beneficial cooperation, and issues of common concern," Mao said. Bangladesh on Wednesday convicted fugitive ex-prime minister Sheikh Hasina of contempt of court and issued a six-month prison sentence in absentia, the first verdict since she was ousted last year. Hasina, 77, fled to neighbouring India at the culmination of the student-led uprising in August 2024, and has defied orders to return to Dhaka. "She will serve the sentence the day she arrives in Bangladesh or surrenders to the court," chief prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam told reporters after the court decision. The case centred around comments that prosecutors said she had made after she was ousted from power, which they said threatened witnesses in ongoing court hearings. "The prosecution team believes her comment created an aura of fear among those who filed the cases and among the witnesses," Islam said. Shakil Akanda Bulbul, a fugitive leader of her now-banned Awami League, was sentenced to two months in prison in the same case. Up to 1,400 people were killed between July and August last year, according to the United Nations, when Hasina's government ordered a crackdown on protesters in a failed bid to cling to power. In a separate ongoing trial that began on June 1, prosecutors say that Hasina held overall command responsibility for the violence. Her state-appointed defence lawyer said she has denied the multiple charges that amount to crimes against humanity under Bangladeshi law. Aontu became the latest political party to make a pilgrimage to Bodenstown when they held a Wolfe Tone Commemoration in Co. Kildare on Saturday (28 June). A large crowd attended the event to honour the iconic Republican figure who is regarded as the Father of Republicanism. In her keynote address, Gemma Brolly, Deputy Leader of Aontu said Tones vision is all the more important in the Ireland of today. We gather here today not only to honour the memory of Wolfe Tone, but to walk in his footsteps to carry forward the mission he began over two centuries ago. Wolfe Tone was not just a revolutionary he was the architect of Irish republicanism. Born in 1763, he founded the Society of United Irishmen in 1791, a movement that sought to unite Catholic, Protestant and Dissenter under the common banner of Irish self-determination. He believed that the divisions imposed on us by empire, by sectarianism, by fear were not natural, but manufactured. And he dared to imagine an Ireland where we were not enemies but equals. To subvert the tyranny of our execrable government, to break the connection with England, the never-failing source of all our political evils, and to assert the independence of my country these were my objects, said Tone. Aontu s bill to extend presidential voting rights to citizens in the North passed its first stage in the Dail. That is not just a legislative step it is a moral one. It is a declaration that the people of the Six Counties are not forgotten. That their voice matters. That their vote matters. That their future belongs to them and we belong as one nation. There are those who will tell you we are too different that Catholic, Protestant and Dissenter can never agree, never unite. Tone was a great exemplar of the tradition of self-sacrifice. As with so many patriots and martyrs in our history, we can sometimes take their sacrifice for granted and forget that they were ordinary people with ordinary lives. The Chair of the Wolfe Tone Cumann in North Kildare, Sinead Talbot, laid lilys at the tomb of Wolfe Tone, former chair Anita Mhic Ghib laid a wreath, Aontu South Kildare Rep, Melissa Byrne read the poem Bodenstown Churchtown with North Kildare Rep, Una OConnor reading an excerpt from Tones Declaration and Resolution. Derrinturn rep John Bryan was also in attendance. STAFF from Vis Bar at Lawlors of Naas proudly accepted an award for the venues eye-catching design at the inaugural Irish Barn and Cocktail Awards. Cameron Wakeling, originally from Leicester, UK, now living in Sallins, and Padraig Creighton from Kill were presented with the Interior Design of the Year Leinster award presented by Nicci Smith, Programme Director, Irish Bar and Cocktail Awards. Vis Bar was recognised for its distinctive design and extraordinary attention to detail. From reclaimed chateau chandeliers and brass sourced from a money-counting room in Las Vegas, to stained glass from a Nevada church and a stunning circular bar at the heart of the space, every feature was carefully curated to surprise and delight guests. Pictured Cameron Wakeling (originally from Leicester, UK, now living in Sallins) and Padraig Creighton (from Kill, Co. Kildare), both from Vis Bar at Lawlors of Naas, proudly accepting the Interior Design of the Year Leinster award presented by Nicci Smith, Programme Director, Irish Bar and Cocktail Awards, at the recent inaugural Irish Bar and Cocktail Awards Photo: Athlone City Photography Jack Tierney, owner of Lawlors of Naas, said: "This project was a labour of love from start to finish. Every piece of furniture was sought out to bring our vision for Vis to life a space rooted in history, layered with character, and built to create memorable experiences. To receive this award is a fantastic honour for the entire team involved." The national awards, created by the team behind the YesChef Awards, brought together Irelands leading bartenders, bar teams and publicans to celebrate creativity, excellence and innovation across the drinks industry. Shane Smith, managing director of NI Media & the Irish Bar and Cocktail Awards, said: "This industry is the beating heart of hospitality in Ireland. Its been a privilege to shine a light on the people who elevate the experience of going out for a drink to something truly special. The energy in the room on Tuesday night was phenomenal a true reflection of the passion and professionalism in this community." A GREAT deal of work locally has resulted in an historic twinning charter between Rathangan, and Freehold, New Jersey the town to which the great-great grandmother of Bruce Springsteen Ann Garrity emigrated to in 1853. Kildare County Council has announced the signing with the event, organised by the Rathangan Freehold Twinning Association, on Friday 27 June in Rathangan and a plaque to commemorate this was erected in front of the copper beech tree planted by Bruces cousin Glen Cashion last year. The charter was signed by Mayor of the Kildare-Newbridge Municipal District, cllr Peggy ODwyer and Mayor of Freehold, New Jersey, Kevin A. Kane, and marks the beginning of a meaningful and long-lasting partnership between the two communities. The charter formalises the commitment of both communities to promote, develop and strengthen a bond of friendship through communication and exchange, particularly among the youth and adult organisations in education, the arts, sport, enterprise, tourism and the equine industry. Cllr ODwyer said: This is a proud day for Rathangan as the signing of the charter not only symbolises the beginning of a new friendship but the start of exploring new opportunities to connect Rathangan and Freehold across borders and cultures. Marian Higgins, director of services, Kildare County Council said she was looking forward to seeing the development of the twinning between Rathangan and Freehold and the possibilities for the future which will strengthen Rathangan as a tourist destination for Springsteen fans and the economic benefits for the town. Mark Stafford, chairperson of the Rathangan Freehold Twinning Association, added: This is a special day for Rathangan, the culmination of a lot of hard work." The Neurological Alliance of Ireland (NAI) along with patient advocates has been highlighting the impact that inadequate supports are having on people living with neurological conditions in Kilkenny. The NAI , the national umbrella body for over 30 neurological organisations, met with Kilkenny Oireachtas members at a pre-Budget event last week, at which NAI members raised concerns about the governments slow response on neurorehabilitation services, and a resulting 'postcode lottery'. Representatives from Kilkenny heard at the event in at Buswells Hotel, Dublin, that gaps in neurorehabilitation services mean that a quarter of those surveyed for, The Right Care in the Right Place: Access to Services for People with Neurological Conditions Across Ireland, report have never been able to access neurorehabilitation. TAP HERE FOR MORE LOCAL NEWS They also heard that 73% of respondents in the South-East had been unable to access community neurorehabilitation services in the past 12 months. In its pre-budget submission, the NAI is calling for investment in four community neurorehabilitation teams in order to deliver on the Programme for Government commitment to complete the rollout of community neuro-rehabilitation teams across the country. The North West, South East, North Dublin and the Midlands have received no funding to date for teams promised in the 2019 National Implementation Framework for the Neuro-rehabilitation Strategy. Attendees, which included TDs, senators, local councillors and patient groups were briefed on the lack of progress in the region with establishing neurorehabilitation services. Despite a Government promise made in 2019, there is now a notable regional disparity for patients in Kilkenny, as the South-East is one of four regions in the country that has yet to receive funding for a community neurorehabilitation team. The NAI is calling on the government to fulfil the commitment within the current Programme for Government to complete the rollout of community neurorehabilitation teams across the country. Six years after the implementation plan for the National Neurorehabilitation Strategy was published, most areas across the country are still without any access to a community neurorehabilitation team. Addressing attendees, Bernadette Myler Driscoll, a patient advocate from the South-East highlighted the lack of funding for the community rehabilitation team in the area. Bernadette currently cares for her mother who has Lewy Body dementia and Parkinsons Disease, and cares for her husband who was recently diagnosed with Alzheimers. Bernadette organises weekly social and physical activity meetups for people with neurological conditions and their carers, in Kilkenny which was set up in 2020. As part of an ongoing series of online events, patient advocates and individuals living with neurological conditions will share their personal experiences, highlighting the significant impact of the shortage of neurorehabilitation teams in their region. The European Centre for Disease Control (ECDC) has published new guidelines this week as Europe enters it's "mosquito season". Irish tourists have been warned to be vigilant if travelling to Europe this summer as serious viruses such as yellow fever can be transmitted by mosquitos. There are several different types of mosquitos that can all carry different viruses that can then be transmitted to humans. Among those include the Aedes Albopictus, one of the main vectors of concern, which can transmit dengue, chikungunya, and Zika viruses. READ NEXT: Thousands in line for 447 social welfare payment following major rule change It also includes the Aedes aegypti, which also spreads yellow fever virus; and Culex pipiens, the primary vector for West Nile virus. These species are currently expanding across Europe and Aedes albopictus is currently established in 16 countries and 369 regions up from 114 regions about a decade ago. Aedes aegypti, once eliminated from Europe, has re-emerged in Cyprus. Meanwhile, Culex pipiens continues to enable widespread West Nile virus transmission, especially during the summer and early autumn. Last year, 304 cases of locally acquired dengue were reported in Europe, an increasing trend compared with previous years (130 cases in 2023 and 71 cases in 2022). In the same year, 1 436 cases of West Nile virus infection were recorded, with infections spanning 212 regions in 19 countries. These figures underline the growing geographic spread and public health impact of mosquito-borne diseases in Europe. So far in 2025, France has reported six outbreaks of locally acquired cases of chikungunya virus disease, with symptoms onset in late May or June. This indicates a very early start of the mosquito season. In previous years, such cases occurred in July or August, highlighting how changing environmental conditions are creating longer and more favourable periods for transmission. READ NEXT: 16-year-old boy dies following tragic accident while visiting Kerry with his parents What can be done? The ECDC advises travellers to apply mosquito repellent on exposed skin, wear long sleeves and trousers, especially during dawn and dusk when mosquito activity peaks, and sleep under bed nets or in rooms that are screened or air-conditioned if possible. Travellers returning from regions where diseases like dengue or chikungunya virus disease are circulating should continue these precautions for at least three weeks to avoid introducing viruses into areas where competent mosquito vectors are present. Environmental and community actions are also essential to reduce mosquito breeding and to prevent outbreaks. Removing standing water from containers such as flowerpots, buckets, and clogged gutters can significantly limit breeding grounds. In some cases, larvicides may be used in larger water bodies, and adulticides applied during active outbreaks, always considering the ecological impact. Taken together, these measures can reduce the impact of mosquito-borne diseases across Europe. Shenandoah, IA (51601) Today Thunderstorms this morning, then partly cloudy during the afternoon hours. A few storms may be severe. High 86F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%.. Tonight Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 64F. Winds light and variable. We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. ADMISSIONS have been halted at a second nursing home in Portlaoise, as the fallout continues from a shocking RTE Prime Time Investigates expose on care homes for the elderly. Kilminchy Lodge Nursing Home in Portlaoise is among the Emeis Ireland-run nursing homes where new admissions have been paused, pending the outcome of further inspections. The private company also runs The Residence in Portlaoise, where appalling treatment of residents was revealed in the RTE programme. Both Portlaoise homes cannot take new residents until they have demonstrated full compliance with nursing home regulations, according to a new HIQA report commissioned by Minister of State for Older People Kieran ODonnell. The new HIQA report says inspectors have begun a programme of inspection in all 25 nursing homes operated by Emeis Ireland nationwide. Emeis has paused admissions at all 25 facilities for four weeks, with effect from 18 June. The situation will be reviewed around 16 July. Located just off the Dublin Road, Kilminchy Lodge has capacity for up to 74 residents whose dependency levels range from low to maximum, with 68 single bedrooms and three twin rooms. The new report titled Regulatory Oversight by the Chief Inspector of Emeis Irelands Designated Centres for Older People was published yesterday, Tuesday 1 July. The report states: On 16 June 2025, Emeis Ireland confirmed that they would pause all admissions to all of their nursing homes for a period of four weeks, effective from 18 June, to allow them to review the care of residents in each nursing home to satisfy themselves that the failings identified during the course of our inspections are being addressed. In relation to Kilminchy, the report says the home has been inspected four times since 1 January 2022, culminating in the most recent unannounced inspection in May 2025. The May inspection found that the home failed two regulations, was substantially compliant with two and was compliant with five. Nursing home providers have a mandatory requirement to notify HIQA of events such as unexpected deaths, serious injuries and missing residents. Between 1 January 2022 and 18 June 2025, Kilminchy Lodge notified the healthcare watchdog of 43 cases of serious incident/injury to a resident that requires hospital admission/resulted in death; 40 allegations of abuse to a resident; 15 unexpected deaths and three unexplained absences of a resident. The report notes: A high number of notifications received from a service does not necessarily indicate a non-compliant service, and often means a strong culture of recognising and submitting incidents which fall into the required notification categories. It is important to note that (these) notifications are required where there is a suspicion or allegation of abuse, which may or may not be substantiated, and can include a wide range of incidents such as residents altercations with other residents, the tone that someone is spoken to, through to more significant suspicions or allegations. The report says: Kilminchy Lodge Nursing Home Limited has at times struggled to achieve and sustain regulatory compliance. Many identified issues were related to the physical premises and aligned institutional practices. Following an extensive programme of construction and renovation many contributing factors were addressed, with Kilminchy Lodge Nursing Home Limited achieving improved compliance. That said, findings from recent inspections identified deficits in the assessment of residents needs and care planning for those needs. Following inspections in 2023 and 2024, assurances were received from the registered provider through the submission of compliance plans. An unannounced inspection was carried out in May 2025 with a report of this inspection in preparation.' An unannounced HIQA inspection of Kilminchy Lodge last August found issues with record keeping and care plans, while residents who spoke to the inspector described staff as kind, respectful and patient and said they received good care and support. Minister ODonnell and health minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, with Department of Health officials, met with HIQA last Monday 30 June to discuss the report, which follows an interim report on 17 June. Ministers were advised that HIQA would continue their intensive engagement with the Emeis group of nursing homes. The department said: The contents and findings of both reports are being considered, including the need for additional regulatory powers in respect of nursing homes, with actions in this regard to be taken as a matter of priority. It is important that all aspects of the nursing home sector are scrutinised over the coming period to ensure that service delivery and configuration meet the needs of residents and their families in a sustainable and safe manner.' The report said the initial findings of the inspections showed a system under significant strain and a further meeting was held with registered providers on 13 June. The HIQA review states: At that meeting the registered providers were requested to consider pausing admissions to these nursing homes and to all other nursing homes in the group, until they have implemented their own improvement plan. The registered providers were informed that, in the event that a pause in admissions is not implemented, the Chief Inspector may consider attaching a condition to the registration of each centre, as appropriate, to restrict admissions to each nursing home through our legal processes. Admissions to The Residence, which has capacity for 101 people, were halted from 22 April but the operators continued to take new patients for a further eight days, due to what they described as an administrative error. HIQA had to issue a formal letter warning of prosecution to The Residence in Portlaoise, after they received evidence that the home was still taking new admissions after being ordered to stop. The facility had a 75 per cent failure rate in regulation compliance around individual assessment and care plans, as well as governance and management. WITH tens of thousands of euro already spent on consultants and the seemingly never-ending discussions about an inner relief road for Mountmellick, traffic congestion continues to be a major problem in the town. Another efforts has now commenced to try and take the traffic away from the centre of the town. A local community activist has drawn up a petition in an attempt to get the relief road, once and for all. Jason McInerney, who describes himself as a Sinn Fein community activist, is urging people to sign a petition - Build Mountmellick Relief Road Now. He said: Mountmellick, a vibrant town in County Laois, Ireland, is suffering from severe traffic congestion. With more than 8,500 vehicles passing through daily, our town centre is in desperate need of relief. The lack of a dedicated relief road is not only choking the life out of our community but also stifling our potential for growth. Daily congestion makes it unsafe for pedestrians, as crossing the street becomes a risky endeavour. Moreover, the limited availability of parking spaces is crippling for small family businesses, leading to a decline in customers and forcing some businesses to close their doors. Our once-busy main street is becoming increasingly vacant, and the economic heart of Mountmellick is weakening. Mr McInerney said: Despite these challenges, the government has announced that the construction of Mountmellicks Relief Road will not be included in the national roads plan before 2030. This delay is unacceptable. Our community cannot afford to wait another seven years to address this urgent issue. A relief road is not just a necessity for easing traffic; it is crucial for the revitalisation of our town's economy and for providing a safer environment for our residents. This project will bring positive change to Mountmellick by reducing congestion, improving walkability, and attracting more visitors and businesses back to our town. We must unite to put pressure on the government to prioritize the construction of this vital relief road. I urge everyone to sign this petition to make Mountmellicks voice heard loud and clear. Let's also reach out to local representatives and TDs to ensure that Mountmellick is no longer left behind. With your support, we can get this crucial project on the agenda and delivered for our community. "Please sign this petition and help us bring about the change Mountmellick desperately needs. (www.change.org/p/build-mountmellick-relief-road-now) For over 50 years there has been countless on-going discussions, plans and funding provided for a proposed Inner Relief Road for Mountmellick. Talks about providing Mountmellick with an inner relief road have been around for well over 50-years. There was some good news about the provision of the road when in October 2006 it was announced that 2.8 million had been set aside for preparatory works on the proposed inner relief road for the town. In February 2007, a Bord Pleanala oral hearing on the relief road was held. At the April council meeting that same year, the then senior engineer Michael O'Hora said the National Roads Authority (NRA) (now Transport Infrastructure Ireland - TII) had allocated 150,000 for the initial planning stages of the route. He said that in order to complete the final stages of the consultation process, which includes the CPO stage, an additional 350,000 was required and needs the approval of the NRA. He said that the NRA had committed 19 million for Route A which was turned down by ABP and that the council had not yet approved additional funding for an alternative route, but he was hopeful it would. However, in November 2007, the proposed relief road was stopped in its tracks when the NRA told councillors that there was no money to fund the proposals. In December of that year, former Independent councillor Michael Moloney said that the NRA had rejected an alternative Route B and asked the council to re-evaluate Route A. Following heated discussions at that council meeting, the then director of services Gerry Gibson said: For once and for all, we cant revisit Route A to restart the process. There were objections to it by the Mountmellick Development Association (MDA) and 26 residents. It went to ABP and they threw it out. In March 2008, town commissioner Bobby Delaney said that he would lead people out onto the streets in protest and halt traffic if Mountmellick does not get an inner relief road. Two months later, the then Mountmellick-based minister of state John Moloney, local TD Charlie Flanagan and county manager Peter Carey had a meeting with NRA officials. In an interview with the *Laois Nationalist* following that meeting, minister Moloney said: The position now is that the costs have escalated. What started off at about 8m is now around 22m. The NRA now says it is not value for money and they will totally oppose this. They will not give us 22m. There is no way it is going to happen. Jason McInerney is urging people to sign a petition - 'Build Mountmellick Relief Road Now'. A month later, the then deputy county manager Declan Byrne told a meeting of town councillors in Mountmellick: The NRA is looking at funding an outer by-pass. Matters abated somewhat until April 2017, when the relief road reappeared on the councils agenda. At that meeting, the then county executive officer Mr Mulholland told councillors that the local authority had received 100,000 to carry out a feasibility study on the possibility of constructing a bypass around the centre of Mountmellick from the western side of the town. Speaking at the same meeting, Mountmellick-based councillor Paddy Bracken said: A lot of groundwork was done before. There was an alternative route planned before from Derrycloney. It's very badly needed for the town. I hope the work progresses at a pace. At that meeting, the then director of services Kieran Kehoe said: We will start preparing a scheme and will appoint consultants within the next few months. At the March 2019 council meeting, Mr Mulholland told councillors: Laois County Council has prepared tender documents for the appointment of consulting engineers to complete a feasibility study for the N80 Mountmellick Relief Road. TII approval to proceed to tender was received on 14 March and the tender documents were issued to the consulting engineers on the TII framework on 15 March. Tenders are to be delivered to Laois County Council by 15 April. Director of services Donal Brennan went on to inform councillors that he expected the tender to be awarded by mid-summer and the feasibility study to be completed by April 2020. The matter was back on the councils agenda again in 2022 when the then cathaoirleach cllr Conor Bergin sought an update on the proposed N80 bypass for Mountmellick. He said that over 10,000 vehicles pass through the town on a daily basis and causing a lot of congestion in the town. There was a traffic feasibility study done last year and it cant be left sitting there. The town needs a bypass. We need an indication from national level that this can be done, he said. Cllr Bracken said that Mountmellick is destroyed from traffic. During the 2024 general election campaign while on an election visit to Mountmellick, the then Taoiseach Simon Harris gave a commitment to prioritise the bypass for the town. He told reporters: I do think road projects need to progress. If we are back in Government these sorts of projects will be a priority. If we got Willie Aird in the Dail as well well have someone to work for you. Earlier this year the council rejected a planning application on the grounds that the Mountmellick Local Area Plan 2018-2024 seeks to reserve all lands for future relief roads free of development in conjunction with the requirements of the Roads Authority. Also, TII rejected call for funding for tractor laybys on the Mountmellick to Portlaoise Road, because It is noted that the next potential future intervention may be likely to come under the category of town bypass. On 1 July Venezuelas national assembly declared the United Nations (UN) High Commissioner for Human Rightspersona non grata, in response to a damning report on the human rights situation in Venezuela. End of preview - This article contains approximately 414 words. Subscribers: Log in now to read the full article Not a Subscriber? Choose from one of the following options On 1 July Chiles government led by President Gabriel Boric announced that it had presented a bill the previous day to reform the political system. End of preview - This article contains approximately 390 words. Subscribers: Log in now to read the full article Not a Subscriber? Choose from one of the following options On 1 July Costa Ricas supreme court (CSJ) sent a request to the 57-member unicameral legislature to strip Presidentof his immunity from prosecution to be investigated for corruption. End of preview - This article contains approximately 592 words. Subscribers: Log in now to read the full article Not a Subscriber? Choose from one of the following options Lehigh Valley Mall in Whitehall, PA., seen on July 10, 2024. Saed Hindash | For lehighvalleylive.com The longest continuously-operated, independently-owned business in the Lehigh Valley Mall will close permanently if a new buyer cant take over the reins, owners say. Dunderbaks Market Cafe, on the main level near Macys, is for sale. Owner Bill Baker, 78, announced the news on the restaurants Facebook page Tuesday. For the last 10 years, our children have been encouraging us to retire, Baker posted about himself and his wife. We have decided that now is the time to take their advice. The couple launched the business at the Whitehall Township mall in November 1977. Dunderbaks is known for German American staples with a tagline of Where every day is Oktoberfest! The cafe regualrly serves up specialty sandwiches and Black Angus burgers, as well as traditional German platters. There are over 50 imported beers to wash down the German food. Baker said the couple must find find a new buyer by Feb. 28 or the eatery will shutter altogether. Its unclear if the sale includes the business name and recipes. Baker couldnt immediately be reached for more information Wednesday morning. Sugar Bear Candy Store on April 12, 2025 opened on the main level, across from Lush and Pandora, at the Lehigh Valley Mall in Whitehall. Pamela Sroka-Holzmann | For lehighvalleylive.com New arrivals The latest announcement by Dunderbaks is just one of many changes for the bustling mall at MacArthur Road and Grape Street. Guests soon will be able to enjoy two new dining options. Shannon Palzer, the malls director of marketing and business development, told lehighvalleylive.com Wednesday afternoon Blue Ridge Estate Vineyard & Winery is under construction at the malls Lifestyle Center. Its moving into the 2,200-square-foot anchor space that previously occupied Pocono Brewing Company. The brewery closed in February, next to the Apple store. Palzer didnt have a concrete opening date yet for Blue Ridge Estate. Last month, DColombia Restaurant & Bakery opened at the site that previously occupied Indian Bite on the main level, near the malls main entrance. Several retailers also have opened their doors at the mall. Waikiki, a womens boutique, opened on April 18 in the space the formerly held by Forever 21 on the malls upper level. Sugar Bear Candy Store opened April 12 on the main level across from Lush and Pandora. Sugar Bear took over the site held by candy and gift retailer Lolli & Pops, which closed amid the coronavirus pandemic in July 2020. Also new to the mall are Address For Him; Miniso; and Carters/OshKosh Bgosh. Address For Him opened on March 1 in the former spot of Jennifers Unique Boutique on the upper level. Address for Him is known for its formal mens apparel for occasions like weddings, job interviews and religious functions. The long-awaited Miniso finally opened its doors on Feb. 26 after several months of renovation delays. The variety store chain sits next to Bath & Body Works on the main level. Miniso specializes in household and consumer goods. The chain was founded by Jack Ye, who was inspired to launch the business after seeing the success of Asian-inspired specialty stores that offered a variety of affordable items. Carters/OshKosh Bgosh opened on Feb. 26 in the former Battlestar space, next to GameStop and near Macys. The popular childrens clothier is known for apparel for infants and toddlers, as well as young boys and girls. Stores also sell swimwear, outerwear, socks, shoes and accessories. Joseph & Co. Jewelers opened on Feb. 11 between Torrid and Game Box Arcade on the malls main level. The jeweler is known for pieces that emphasize equality, according to the malls website. These new additions, however, came after about a half dozen departures since the start of the year and late 2024. Among them are Forever 21; Starbucks; air soft shooting gallery, Battlestar; Indian Bite; Hairitage Beauty Salon; Icing; and Face Foundrie. In February, signs went up at Forever 21 announcing the stores pending closure. Starbucks abruptly shuttered in late August on the main level. The Tea Lady temporarily hosted a pop-up location at the site during the holiday season. Battlestar was on the lower level, next to Bath & Body Works. That business shuttered in January. Indian Bite, an eatery open for the past two years on the malls main level, shuttered for good on Oct. 6. Hairitage Beauty Salon left sometime in October after about four years in operation on the malls upper level, across from Lenscrafters. The salon didnt renew its lease and relocated to Front Street in Catasauqua, where it plans to expand its offerings. The salon also continues to operate a second site on Wood Avenue in Wilson Borough. Icing, known for its jewelry, hair, beauty and bridal accessories, closed at the end of October on the malls lower level. Face Foundrie, which opened in late July 2023 at the Lifestyle Center, also closed suddenly by early September. The vacant space remains next to trendy eyewear company Warby Parker. Pocono Brewery Co. closed in February 2025 at the malls Lifestyle Center, next to the Apple store. Blue Ridge Estate Vineyard & Winery currently is under construction to move into the space. Coming soon The malls online directory continues to tease to some other new businesses coming soon. Palzer previously said Dry Goods is expected to open on the main level. The retailer is known for its trendy womens fashions, as well as shoes, loungewear and accessories. Its moving into space that previously occupied fashion retailer Austin 5, Palzer said. Palzer didnt have any tenatitive opening date for Dry Goods. The same goes for Dunkin and Star Park Indoor Playground & Party. A large banner stating, Dunkin Coming Soon, recently was draped across the kiosk that formerly occupied Starbucks on the main level. Star Park Indoor Playground & Party remains under construction on the main level, next to Sunglass Hut, in the space that formerly occupied Track 23 and Modells Sporting Goods. Its being designed for youth ages 12 and under to climb, play and explore. Just a few vacancies remain at the mall. Aside from the former Face Foundrie space at the Lifestyle Center, there are spots next to the Pink store on the main level; at the former Hairtage Beauty Salon space; and a handful of others on the upper level, according to mall directory maps. Theres also the longstanding former Ruby Tuesday space. That eatery closed in June 2020. World of Art, a short-term retailer, is temporarily utilizing the former Hairitage Beauty Salon space, Palzer said. Fit Leggy in early November filled the former Icing space on the malls lower level, near JCPenney. The retailer is known for its high-quality leggings in various shapes and sizes for women, offering both comfort and style. Please subscribe now and support the local journalism YOU rely on and trust. Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com. Lehigh Valley Health Network has agreed to pay $2.75 million to settle a claim that it failed to guard against the theft of drugs from a hospital pharmacy, according to a release from the U.S. Attorneys Office. A pharmacy technician at the networks flagship hospital in Salisbury Township used another employees password 40 times to remove drugs from the hospital pharmacy and created fictitious reports to hide the thefts, according to the release from U.S. Attorney David Metcalf. Under the settlement with the federal government, the health network admitted its controls and procedures failed to effectively guard against theft of drugs, the release said. Lehigh Valley Health Network also allegedly failed to maintain complete and accurate records of its stock of controlled substances, it said. The health network has worked with federal authorities to identify potential violations and develop better practices to prevent further thefts, the news release says. The network has expended considerable resources on security enhancements, training, diversion-detection software, the release says. The network has hired employees and consultants knowledgeable in Controlled Substance Act compliance, it says. We have worked diligently to strengthen controlled substance security and compliance to protect the well-being of the patients and communities we serve, Lehigh Valley Health Network spokeswoman Jamie Stover said. The settlement agreement does not identify the pharmacy technician accused of stealing the drugs. A spokeswoman for the U.S. Attorneys Office said shes not aware of any criminal charges filed in connection with the allegations. The U.S. Attorneys Office is committed to aggressively combatting the opioid crisis on all fronts, including by holding hospitals and pharmacies responsible when they fail to take adequate steps to prevent controlled substances from being diverted for unlawful purposes, Metcalf said. The case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Peter Carr and Charlene Keller Fullmer, and former auditor Dawn Wiggins. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com. Rudy Miller may be reached at rmiller@lehighvalleylive.com. Gracedale Nursing Home is seen in October 2018 in Upper Nazareth Township. Google Maps A Gracedale Nursing Home employee is accused of assaulting a patient because she thought the woman needed demons removed from her body, authorities say. Octavia Lasha Robinson, 43, of Morristown, New Jersey, is charged with misdemeanor abuse of a care-dependent person; misdemeanor simple assault; and summary harassment. A warrant has been filed for her arrest at the office of District Judge John Capobianco. Jessica Berger, the countys deputy director of administration, told lehighvalleylive.com Robinson was hired for a contractual outside-agency nursing staff position on June 11 at the Northampton County-owned facility. Berger confirmed Robinson no longer works at Gracedale. She forwarded additional questions to the Northampton County District Attorneys Office, who is prosecuting the case. Upper Nazareth Township police shortly before 3:30 p.m. June 23 were called to the nursing facilitys Tower 7, 2 Gracedale Avenue, for a welfare check. A caller said Robinson was acting strangely in a room and wouldnt come out for about two hours, court records say. An investigator saw Robinson standing over a female patient and putting her fingers in the womans mouth. Robinson then allegedly stated there were demons inside of the victim that needed to come out. The patient is described in court paperwork as bedridden and non-verbal. Police said blood was found on the victims chest and bedding. Police ordered Robinson to remove her fingers from the womans mouth, and then she was taken into custody, records say. She later was involuntarily taken to an area hospital for a health evaluation, court records state. Please subscribe now and support the local journalism YOU rely on and trust. Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com. A man has been arrested after authorities said he stabbed three people inside a residence in Warren County. Marquis W. Pierce, 35, of Phillipsburg, was taken into custody last week after officers responded to the home and witnessed him attacking the victims, the Warren County Prosecutors Office said in a statement on Friday. He is charged with first-degree attempted murder, second-degree aggravated assault and two counts of third-degree aggravated assault as well as weapons offenses and being a fugitive from justice. Police responded to a reported stabbing at a house on Brainard Street in Phillipsburg on Saturday, June 21, shortly before 6 a.m. The officers entered the home and stopped the assaults that were still in progress, authorities said. Two victims had sustained stab wounds and were rushed to the hospital for treatment. A third victim was later identified and was also brought to the hospital. Of the three victims, one suffered life-threatening injuries, officials said. An investigation into the incident found that all four people knew each other, prosecutors said. It was also determined that Pierce had an outstanding warrant out of Easton, Pennsylvania. Pierce is in custody at Warren County Correctional Center pending a detention hearing on Monday. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Nicolas Fernandes may be reached at nfernandes@njadvancemedia.com. Habitat for Humanity gets approval for new home in Phillipsburg Saed Hindash | For lehighvalleylive.com Following months of discussions, the neighbors of a vacant lot on Bullman Street have reached a compromise with organizers for Habitat for Humanity. Developers for Habitat for Humanity Northwest New Jersey proposed to construct a two-story, three-bedroom home with a shed and two parking spaces at 74 Bullman St. They received a recommendation from the Phillipsburg Land Use Board in June. The home will be built on site with minor adjustments to the original site plan. The sites neighbors said they were concerned about possible damage to their homes as a result of the new construction. These concerns stem from previous damage their homes sustained during a fire at the property. Both homes at 72 and 76 Bullman St. were damaged nearly a decade ago when a fire broke out at 74 Bullman St. and spread Emergency responders were able to save the neighboring homes, but damage caused by the fire forced the town to condemn the home at 74 Bullman St. It was ultimately torn down and the property remained vacant for years. Last year, Habitat for Humanity welcomed its 24th and 25th families to newly constructed homes in Franklin Township and the Town of Phillipsburg. Thank you for supporting our journalism. Glenn Epps can be reached at gepps@lehighvalleylive.com or at glenn_epps_ on Instagram, Facebook and Threads. Eight political motions on big issues from Electric Picnic to Gaza, and vacant homes to campervan parks, have been pushed on for a month in Laois. The motions were tabled by six councillors to be addressed at the June 30 monthly meeting of Laois Council Council in Portlaoise. However none were heard or answered, with the meeting instead cut short for a political wreath laying ceremony, followed by the Laois County Council AGM. The public monthly meeting normally takes some four hours but was cut to less than two, agreed by members to allow their AGM to take place at 2.30pm. The short meeting also meant that no public answers were given to questions from councillors on all other council issues. It ended at 12.45pm for a wreath to be laid commemorating the 175th anniversary of Laois politician James Fintan Lalor, whose statue proudly points the way to Irish freedom outside council chambers. Following the wreath laying, the councillors and officials brought the Lalor Clan and a visiting political delegation from the Laois twinned city of Franklin, Tennessee to a lunch in the council canteen. Cllr Tommy Mulligan from Portlaoise Municipal District had tabled three of the unheard motions. He asked Laois County Council to support the air navigation Arms Embargo Bill. He asked the council to write to Melvin Benn, MD of Electric Picnic and ask him to allow charities to gather camping equipment. His final motion asked for primary schools to get the same capitation grants as secondary schools. Cllr Marie Tuohy from the Portlaoise district had tabled two motions. The first asked for a feasibility report for a motorhome and campsite in Laois, the second asked Laois County Council to lend support to the President and the Government in their calls for an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages in Gaza and unhindered access for aid deliveries. Read also: New Cathaoirleach elected to Laois County Council Cllr Vivienne Phelan from the Portarlington Graiguecullen Municipal District had a motion asking for the Carlow bus service to be reviewed to give a better service to Graiguecullen residents in Laois. A call for a halt to windfarms until guidelines are updated was a joint motion by Cllr Ollie Clooney and Cllr John King. Cllr Dwane Stanley from Portlaoise MD had a motion asking for details on vacant sites in Laois, the fines on them and the amount collected. The next Laois County Council meeting takes place on July 28. Admissions have been suspended to two Laois nursing homes following revelations which exposed shortcomings in care at The Residence nursing home in Portlaoise. Kilminchy Lodge Nursing Home joins The Residence, Portloaise, in a list of 25 nursing homes in the Emeis Ireland group. These homes cannot take new residents until they have demonstrated compliance with regulations governing the running of nursing homes for the elderly. The move is revealed in a new HIQA report sought on all homes owned by Emeis Ireland that followed the RTE Investigates documentary in Portlaoise and Glasnevin. The HIQA report says its inspectors have also begun a programme of inspection in all of the other nursing homes operated by Emeis Ireland to verify the effectiveness of the providers assurance action plan as part of those inspections. The report, which was commissioned by the Minister of State with responsibility for Older People Kieran O'Donnell, said the initial findings of these inspections showed "a system under significant strain". A further meeting took place with the relevant registered providers on 13 June 2025. "At that meeting the registered providers were requested to consider pausing admissions to these nursing homes and to all other nursing homes in the group until they have implemented their own improvement plan. The registered providers were informed that in the event that a pause in admissions is not implemented the Chief Inspector may consider attaching a condition to the registration of each centre, as appropriate, to restrict admissions to each nursing home through our legal processes," said the HIQA report. Admissions to The Residence, which has a capacity for 101, were halted from April 22, but this did not stop new the home from admitting. MORE BELOW PHOTO. The Residence, Portlaoise opened in late 2023. When this emerged, the registered provider was required to attend a warning meeting on 19 May 2025, and were issued with a formal letter "warning of prosecution" if the provider admitted any new residents and the condition was breached again. The new report was ordered in early June 2024 after the RTE expose. It details restrictions on seven of the 25 homes run by Emeis Ireland due to a failure to comply with regulations. Located off the Dublin Road in Portlaoise, Kilminchy Lodge has a capacity for 74 residents. It was previously owned by the Brindley Healthcare Limited, which was acquired by Orpea Care Ireland Limited. Orpea was subsequently rebranded as Emeis which has French parent company. The Residence opened in late 2023. It is a purpose-built facility. Laois TD Willie Aird demanded that his government honour its commitment to support working families and not raise student fees by 1,000. The Fine Gael TD was reacting to comments from Fianna Fail Minister for Higher Education James Lawless, who revealed a planned 1,000 hike in student fees. Speaking in the Dail yesterday, Deputy Aird asked, will the Minister today commit to honouring the programme for Government promise to continue to reduce the student contribution fee during the lifetime of this Government? According to Dep Aird, "this Government must stick to our commitment to support working families, deliver on the student contribution fee promise and build on the progress already made. Does the Minister realise what has happened with regard to this 1,000? It is putting 100 hours extra work on all young students who are working hard during the summer in fast food takeaways and shops, milking cows or driving tractors. That is what this 1,000 is doing. Not every student, indeed not many at all, has parents with deep pockets who can come up with this 1,000. There are young kids in every one of our communities who now have to work an extra 100 hours during the summer in order to pay the extra 1,000, said Dep Aird. He said the bottom line is that families have to have that money when they go to college in September. "I am pleading with the Minister not to go ahead with this, said Dep Aird. In response to the comments, Fianna Fail Deputy Jack Chambers said: What has been stated up to this point is that the one-off temporary measures taken in the past 12 months are not continuing in the context of budget 2026. However, there will be a real focus on affordability of public services in education, childcare and healthcare. That is something many Government Ministers want to prioritise. In the aftermath of the summer economic statement, we absolutely acknowledge the need to support students and those in an education setting, whether at primary or third level. The Minister, Deputy Lawless, will engage in that as part of the budget process. We have to respect the budget process in advance of it actually occurring. We are due to commence that over the coming weeks. We will be able to set out on budget day what decisions we will take for budget 2026, he stated. Independent Laois TD Brian Stanley described it as a bad couple of weeks for students. I listened carefully to the Minister's earlier answers. He framed this in the context of a once-off measure, as did the Minister, Deputy Lawless. However, the programme for Government states that the Government will continue to reduce student contribution fees over the lifetime of the Government, to ease the financial burden on students and families, at the start of each academic year - not some academic years, said Dep Stanley. He said some of the Government Deputies are jumping up and down about this as well. That is no harm but we need some real discussion about this because the Union of Students in Ireland, USI, is saying students will be deferring degrees as a result of this or even studying abroad. We are back to the 3,000 fees. The operators of The Residence Nursing home in Portlaoise face prosecution if more residents are admitted with first fixing the issues exposed at the Laois home. The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) threat to take Emeis Ireland to court is revealed in the latest report to the Government on the controversy that has engulfed homes run by the French-owned company in Laois and other counties. The 177-page report outlines the operational status of all homes in the Emeis Ireland group following a review and inspections by the regulator. It was carried out on the instruction of the Minister for Older People, Kieran O'Donnell after an RTE Investigates programme which revealed extensive shortcomings at The Residence Portlaoise and the Firstcare Beneavin Manor home in Glasnevin. The report outlines the latest on HIQA's actions and the response of Emeis Ireland to tackle the problems revealed. It also reports on other homes such as the Kilminchy Lodge Nursing Home in Portlaoise which is also owned by Emeis Ireland. The report reveals that admissions have been halted to all Emeis Ireland homes. This follows on from a ban on admissions to the Portlaoise home that came into force in April 22 which was breached. The company was told to attend a warning meeting on 19 May 2025, where Emeis representatives were issued with a formal letter warning of "prosecution" if the provider admitted any new residents and the condition was breached again. HIQA says the law allows it to go to court to take civil action or pursue criminal prosecution against a nursing home provider. Following the RTE Investigates programme, HIQA inspectors carried out further unannounced inspections on 5, 8 and 12 June 2025. HIQA says the timing of visits was targeted at times of reduced staffing to ensure that there were sufficient numbers of staff to care for residents and to supervise the delivery of care. The registered provider was issued with an official warning of cancellation of registration during an inspection visit. HIQA also says that, "as expected", inspectors found that the provider had taken a range of measures to address the immediate risk to residents. Over the three days of inspection, HIQA said inspectors found that the issues contributing to the lack of supplies and linen had been addressed. However, HIQA said more must be done. "While actions had been taken to improve staffing, further improvements to staffing and staff supervision were required with immediate effect," it said. HIQA pledges that more details will be published with the help of RTE footage gathered by undercover care staff. MORE BELOW PICTURE. The Residence Portlaiose is located near the town's train station. "Reports of these inspections will be prepared and published. They will be informed by the findings of the inspections and a full review of all information received, including meetings and feedback from residents and relatives and staff. All footage from the RTE Investigates Programme has been sought from RTE and at the time of writing we are still awaiting access to such footage," it said. READ ALSO: Broadband boost for Portlaoise hospital HIQA says in its new report that Emeis Ireland say they are complying with the Chief Inspectors condition preventing admissions to The Residence Portlaoise and will continue to comply. It is stated that management and staffing levels have increased in Glasnevin and Dublin and senior management from Emeis have been engaged on site in both locations to provide ongoing "oversight and direction" to both centres. HIQA has also stated that senior staff from other nursing homes have been deployed to improve the effectiveness of staff supervision in both centres. It is also reported that independent consultants have been retained by Emeis to undertake a "root cause analysis" of what occurred in both centres, to inform further ongoing actions to be taken. Staff disciplinary action has been initiated, with referrals having been made to the Gardai. HIQA says inspectors will continue with a programme of inspection to verify that the provider has implemented actions and to verify the effectiveness of those actions. HIQA reports that The Residence Portlaoise has been inspected six times since the designated centre was registered on 14 December 2023, with the most recent unannounced inspection occurring in June 2025. The nursing home was described as a purpose-built facility when it opened. Vi's bar at Lawlor's of Naas, Kildare has been awarded Interior Design of the Year Leinster award, at the recent Irish Bar and Cocktail Awards. The national awards, created by the team behind the YesChef Awards, brought together Irelands leading bartenders, bar teams and publicans to celebrate creativity, excellence and innovation across the drinks industry. READ NEXT: Gardai release witness appeal following serious roads incident near Kildare border Shane Smith, Managing Director of NI Media & the Irish Bar and Cocktail Awards, said: "This industry is the beating heart of hospitality in Ireland. Its been a privilege to shine a light on the people who elevate the experience of going out for a drink to something truly special. The energy in the room on Tuesday night was phenomenal a true reflection of the passion and professionalism in this community." Vis Bar was recognised for its distinctive design and extraordinary attention to detail. From reclaimed chateau chandeliers and brass sourced from a money-counting room in Las Vegas, to stained glass from a Nevada church and a stunning circular bar at the heart of the space, every feature was carefully curated to surprise and delight guests. Jack Tierney, owner of Lawlors of Naas, said of the win: "This project was a labour of love from start to finish. Every piece of furniture was sought out to bring our vision for Vis to life a space rooted in history, layered with character, and built to create memorable experiences. To receive this award is a fantastic honour for the entire team involved." The publication of a review pertaining to the Education for Persons with Special Education (EPSEN) Act 2004 has been welcomed by one County Kildare TD. However, Sinn Fein Deputy Shonagh Ni Raghallaigh, who is also her party's spokesperson on Special Education, also warned that "the real test lies now in delivery". Explaining her view via a lengthy statement, Deputy Ni Raghallaigh said: "The review is a comprehensive document and makes many suggestions to improve the provision of education for children with additional needs in line with a rights-based approach. "I was glad to see that childrens voices were incorporated deeply and meaningfully in the consultation process." READ NEXT: Vi's bar at Lawlor's of Naas, Kildare wins prestigious industry award She continued: "Substantively, though, theres not much in the report that we didn't already know. It simply confirmed what Im hearing day in and day out from my constituents and in the media. "There is widespread frustration with overall lack of resources and families feel like they are in a constant battle with the system; thats not good enough." Sinn Fein Deputy Shonagh Ni Raghallaigh. File photograph Deputy Ni Raghallaigh, who is herself also a former school teacher, further said: "Across the state children with additional needs have difficulties accessing appropriate school places in their locale, assessments, therapies, SNAs, and SET support. "These perceptions are consistent across the various consultation groups- students, teachers, school leadership and organizations involved in this sector." ONLINE CONSULTATION She asserted that there were over 28,000 responses to the online consultation. The Kildare town-based politician elaborated: "A question regarding the extent to which Irelands education system as a whole gives an equal right to education for all children was met with a strikingly negative response, with only around 20per cent (pc) of parents of current and former students agreeing or strongly agreeing, and an even lower 16.7pc positive response from professionals, educators and staff working across the sectors. "Over 40pc of parents and 75pc of staff reported that it was difficult or very difficult to access supports and similar percentages felt that the supports did not meet students needs. "Over 70pc of respondents with children in early years settings said that their needs had been identified prior to entry, and sixty percent had experienced difficulties finding a place in an appropriate setting. "About 50pc of parents whose children were in mainstream classes in primary or post-primary said that their needs had been identified prior to entry, and 26PC said that they had experienced difficulties in finding a school place. "Parents of children in special classes and special schools were more than twice as likely to report these challenges." She added: "A small number of parents who responded had children who were of school age but not currently educated in a school setting. A majority of those would prefer their child to be in school, but no appropriate place is currently available." READ NEXT: Vi's bar at Lawlor's of Naas, Kildare wins prestigious industry award 'IT'S TIME FOR DELIVERY' In response to the "damning" statistics, responded: "Sinn Fein demands a step-change from the government and a guarantee of dramatically increased resourcing in Budget 2026. We are asking that we give young people the investment they deserve for their future. "Now its time for delivery; time to deliver more specialised school places of all types smaller class sizes; accessible fit-for-purpose facilities; adequate SNA support; a curriculum that works for everyone, timely assessments of need; proper mental health supports; a school environment free from discrimination; early intervention, in-school therapies; Irish medium education for all who wish to pursue it." She concluded: "No more delays; the children of today cant wait any longer. The time for talk is over: let's get this done for every child." Deputy Ni Raghallaigh's comments come after a separate Kildare representative, Social Democrats councillor Chris Pender, criticised the Department of Education on June 24 last for its alleged "deeply damaging" approach to special schools in Kildare (the Department responded to his comments the following day). On the same date that Cllr Pender made his comments, Kildare County Council was criticised by Independent Cllr Bill Clear for failing to provide funding for a trampoline for children with special needs attending a school located in Naas. Tributes are being paid to a worker at Tesco Extra in Naas in Co Kildare. Sonya Mullally from Rathcoole passed away suddenly at home on June 29. Sonya is the daughter of Brigid and the late William, much loved sister of Deirdre, Brigid, Christina, Joseph and the late Derek; Sonya will be very dearly missed by her heartbroken mother, sisters, brother, brothers-in-law Wolly and Alan, nieces, nephews, all her adored great nieces and nephews, cousins, relatives, neighbours and friends especially all her work friends and customers in Tesco. Sonya's remains will be reposing at The Brian McElroy Funeral Home, Monastery Road, Clondalkin Village on Thursday from 3pm to 5pm. READ NEXT: Road cloure coming up in Kildare-Newbridge area. Funeral Mass takes place on Friday at 11am in Church of The Holy Family, Rathcoole and afterwards for burial in Newcastle Cemetery. Paying tribute, Angela Fleming said: "Sonya you were a ray of sunshine, always a smile, laugh or joke with anybody you came across. Tesco Monread will never be the same. "You always gave my Mum your time and assistance. May you shine bright in heaven. Sincere sympathies to your family. Sleep tight, angel." Adam Sheehan said: "I had the pleasure of working with Sonya in Tesco Monread. Sonya was such a kind soul and a pleasure to work with. Sonya will be sadly missed by all of us. Rest In Peace." Another wrote: "Sonya was such a lovely lady. Loved having the chats every time I did my Scan as you Shop. Tesco will never be the same without Sonya." A tribute also said: "So sad to hear of Sonya's passing. Always enjoyed a quick chat when shopping in Tesco." A Tesco shopper said: "A lovely friendly, helpful and approachable girl who stood out in Tescos for her friendly smile and helpful character. Will be sadly missed by customers. Few of a kind." A former colleague also paid tribute: My sincere condolences to the Mullally family Sonya was pleasure to work with from the banter to her smile. The story of your life was too short, but the chapters you wrote for family and friends will last forever." Sorcha and Eoghan O'Neill said: "Such sad news to hear. Sonya was such a character, always had something funny to say. She always made time for people and especially our two girls. They will miss seeing your face in Tesco, as we all will. Such a caring person to all." Sarah Louise Murphy said: " Sonya was one of the kindest souls I ever met. I am shocked and saddened to hear of her passing so young. "I had the pleasure of working with her in Tesco Monread many years ago and I would still see her from time to time when I popped in for bits. "She never forgot me and always brought a smile to my face when we met. She will be missed by so so many. My deepest sympathies to her friends & family at this difficult time. May she rest in peace." Philip Boucher-Hayes was joined by Irish mothers on the latest episode of RTE's Live Line to discuss the expected increases to college fees that were recently announced by government. Minister for Further and Higher Education James Lawless said that "as things stand" third level students will have to pay 1,000 extra in fees this year compared to last year, according to RTE. 50% of the fees have to be paid upfront, if you are paying in two instalments, according to Live Line. First to speak to Philip was Irish mother Elaine who said that her eldest daughter is in college in Galway going into her final year in September and her second daughter has just completed her Leaving Certificate. "It means we are going from having to pay 2,000 over the last three years to now paying 6,000 to cover the two of them." "It's a huge impact on us....we are in the squeeze middle where we qualify for nothing...we pay our taxed like everybody else....and we are not going to get any assistance on that". Elaine also said that her eldest daughter "works hard in the Summer to help us help her" and that the new changes have brought on limitations for her daughters on going to a college in Dublin. READ NEXT: 'We lost everything'- Students left homeless and injured amid tragic house fire "Kids today have all sorts of restrictions put on them because of the whole financial situation....the cost of accommodation....college fees and trying to come out the other end without being over burdened". Elaine also said that she regrets bringing her family on holiday, which was the third time the family has went on a holiday abroad ever, because now they are worried about paying college fees this September. She also said that TD's and Ministers in government are "out of touch" and "not living in the real world" following the increase in college fees. "If we have to take out a loan we will....but it's hard," Elain said. Elain said that she is done with the government and said "I don't think they actually listen to us....they are not hearing us....and that will come back and bite them at some point". Rachel was next on the line and said that when she heard the news she "got a serious shock and couldn't believe it". Rachel lives in Dublin with four boys and two of them are in college at the moment. The third boy is finishing school this year and hoping to go into college. Last year we had fees of over 4,000 and this year "at the drop of a hat it's gone up to 9,000....no warning". "It's not the real world these people are living in to think people are just going to have that kind of money hidden away...it's not reality." "Feeding children these days...the cost of bills....it's not easy...and then you're hit with this out of the blue." Nichola was also on the Live Line to speak on the issue and she has three children going into college in September. Nichola has to pay 9,000 for registration fees alone and she said they are "the tip of the ice-berg of the expense that families face". "It's very disingenuous of the Taoiseach and the Tanaiste that you don't have to pay it all in one lumpsum...that makes no difference...the bottom line remains the same." "I think it is an absolute own goal by the government if they let this happen....it's completely unfair....". Nichola said that colleges out of reach are not an option for her children as many children are travelling long distances to get to college due to accommodation expenses as well. "The timing of this...I didn't believe my ears...It's very sinister that the timing is now....the Dail is about to go into summer recess....people are away on holidays...I've thought of nothing else now". A 32-year-old Dublin man has received a three-month suspended prison sentence after giving Gardai a false name during a traffic stophis second conviction for the same offence. Sean OReilly, of 17 Castletown Drive, Kilmore, Coolock, Dublin 9, appeared before Judge Michael Connellan at Carrick-on-Shannon District Court on June 29, where he pleaded guilty to obstruction. The court heard that on June 16, 2024, at around 11.20pm, Garda Michelle Burk stopped a grey Toyota Corolla on the N4 due to expired tax. OReilly, who was in the front passenger seat, told Gardai his name was Craig Bennett. However, Gardai later established that he had lied. OReilly eventually admitted he gave false details because he believed there was a live bench warrant out for his arrest. Judge Connellan was visibly unimpressed and pointed out that OReilly had been previously convicted for the exact same offence. On November 20, 2023, he was fined 150 by the Circuit Court for giving false information to Gardai. This is not the first time, Judge Connellan said. He chose to give a false name, false date of birth, and false address. Gardai have enough to be doing without having their time wasted like this. OReillys solicitor said his client had acted out of fear, thinking he might be arrested on the spot. He added that OReilly was currently unemployed, suffered from depression, and deeply regretted the incident. Judge Connellan imposed a three-month prison sentence but suspended it for 12 months on two conditions: that OReilly keep the peace and be of good behaviour. Recognisance was fixed at 150 in the event of an appeal. If he appears before me again on this same charge, I will send him to jail, Judge Connellan warned. Tributes have been paid to Brother Kevin Crowley as a champion of the poor after he died aged 90. The Capuchin Franciscans said that Mr Crowley died on Wednesday morning at Mount Desert Nursing Home in his home county of Cork. Brother Crowley founded the Capuchin Day Centre homeless service in Dublin in 1969, which was visited by Pope Francis in 2018. President of Ireland Michael D Higgins said Brother Kevin was a warm, caring, yet fearless man, while the Taoiseach said he was saddened to hear of the death of his good friend. Tributes were also paid in the Dail to Brother Kevin as the news of his death broke on Wednesday afternoon. Mr Higgins said Brother Kevin made an invaluable contribution to the people of Dublin city. The hot meals, food parcels, clothing, showers, family services, and medical and dental services have not just extended care of the most vulnerable, but has been exemplary in showing a fundamental respect for the dignity of each person and allowed so many of those who have availed of the services to rebuild their lives, he said. It was extremely appropriate that Pope Francis visited Brother Kevin and the Capuchin Day Centre during his visit to Ireland in 2018 and met with those present and volunteers. I was deeply honoured to meet with Brother Kevin on many occasions throughout the years and to share in his company. Brother Kevin was a warm, caring, yet fearless man, who dedicated his life to living his Christian faith in dedication to those most in need. Taoiseach Micheal Martin said Brother Kevin was a tireless and passionate advocate for justice, dedicating his life to helping those in need. In 1969 he founded the Capuchin Day Centre, where he worked selflessly, and with good humour, for 53 years providing help to vulnerable people. He truly lived the gospel. His compassion, devotion and non-judgmental approach to helping the marginalised was unwavering. He was an inspiring and humble man who I always enjoyed meeting. He was a proud Cork man who never lost touch with the home place that nurtured him in his early years. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this time. Tanaiste Simon Harris said Brother Kevin was one of lifes true heroes. A proud Cork man, he made an enormous contribution to assisting vulnerable Dublin people with the foundation of the Capuchin Day Centre, he said. While the centre is well known for its distribution of food parcels to people in need, I visited with Brother Kevin as health minister and know its work went beyond that, providing a range of medical services and family supports. Such was the renown of the centre he created, it was visited by the Pope in 2018. Brother Kevin will never be forgotten for the immense charitable contribution he made to people experiencing poverty and suffering. Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald told the Dail that Brother Kevin was a champion of the poor and his work at the Capuchin Day Centre is the stuff of legend. She said: He lived for others, and he absolutely changed lives. So we will all feel his loss very greatly. Ireland has lost a great son. Indeed, Cork has also lost a true legend. Public Expenditure Minister Jack Chambers responded: I think Ireland has lost a wonderful person, someone who brought incredible care, humility and service to support the most vulnerable in our country, and we thank him for his tireless work, and may he rest in peace and condolences to all of his family. Brother Kevins funeral mass will be held at St Mary of the Angels on Church Street at 11am on Saturday. Leitrim TD Martin Kenny has highlighted the immense strain on the dermatology service at Sligo University Hospital (SUH). Earlier this month, the Sligo GP Society received a letter from a Consultant Dermatologist at SUH, stating he would be on extended leave until mid-July and that no locum had been appointed in his absence. This consultant is currently the only dermatologist serving the Sligo, Leitrim, and Donegal region. The service in Sligo has become overwhelmed following the retirement of a dermatologist at Letterkenny University Hospital. While recruitment efforts are ongoing to fill posts in Sligo, long waiting lists are causing significant frustration among both staff and patients. READ NEXT: Leitrim carers to benefit from new changes to Carer's Allowance On Wednesday, June 25, Deputy Kenny raised the matter in the Dail, calling it a serious issue, and describing it as an example of the north west being neglected. Deputy Kenny informed Dail members that more than 3,000 patients in the Sligo area are awaiting new dermatology appointments. With the service in Letterkenny now closed, 1,100 patients from that area have been redirected to Sligo. He added that the GPs society in the area also wrote to representatives, stating its members have been under severe stress for the past 20 years and that from their perspective the situation is very hard to fathom. They are simply asking for adequate, workable dermatological services to be put in place for urgent cases and for routine cases to be seen in a timely fashion in the area, Deputy Kenny said. Minister of State at the Department of Health, Mary Butler TD, responded by assuring that she would raise the matter with the Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD. READ NEXT: Leitrim performs well on social housing targets, but more needed I thank Deputy Kenny for raising this with dermatology and other services in Sligo University Hospital. I will speak with the Minister for Health later this afternoon and get a written response to him, she said. I am not over the detail of that. We will get him a response later today or early tomorrow morning. JOIN US!!! in Philadelphia for the Business Conference for Liberia! Portraits of the 13 slain officials were on display during the commemorative ceremony, held at the historic Centennial Pavilion on Ashmun Street, Monrovia, on July 1, 2025 Mr. Boyces resignation comes against the backdrop of sweeping reforms adopted at the UMC General Conference held in Charlotte, North Carolina (20202024). A LIMERICK councillor has praised gardai and the kindness of strangers for helping to return a laptop bag containing thousands of euros worth of equipment. Cllr Olivia OSullivan parked her car in Shannon Street, Limerick city at 5.15pm on Tuesday afternoon prior to attending an appointment. When she returned at 6pm there was a note left on her windscreen from one of the barmen in Myles Breens pub. It said that he had seen my boot was not closed properly and he closed it. A woman across the road came up to him and said she saw a woman take something out of the boot. She had a full description of this woman. READ MORE: Judge tells Limerick man 'you're going to have a lot of reading ahead of you in prison' Cllr OSullivan had earlier moved the bag from the passenger seat into the boot for security. However, gardai later told her she was probably being watched. The bag contained her work laptop, work phone, AirPods, glasses, headset and makeup bag. I was in shock and disbelief. You are cross with yourself, thinking did I not close the boot properly, how did that happen? I dont know if the boot was not closed properly or if they forced it. The Fine Gael Limerick City North councillor drove straight to Henry Street where gardai began investigating immediately. I gave them a photo of the bag but I was thinking, Thats it, I am not going to see it again". Cllr OSullivan got a phone call at 11pm to say gardai had located the bag which had been stashed in a laneway. I was very surprised. I was already thinking about what I would have to replace. Unfortunately, the perpetrator had taken the councillors air pods, glasses and work phone. It is believed that the bag was hidden in a location with the intention of it being removed after nightfall. Cllr OSullivan said she was very relieved to get her work laptop and other items in the bag back. I only have a limited amount of things to replace now as opposed to everything that was in the bag, including the bag itself. She wished to thank the woman who passed on the description of the culprit, and also the barman in Myles Breens for his kindness. She also paid tribute to the gardai for their fast response. That woman doesn't know how important it was that she passed on the persons description. The gardai said if they hadnt got the description they wouldn't have been able to track the thief on CCTV. Im very grateful to her. Cllr OSullvan said sometimes we dont realise that we may have information that can be key to a garda investigation. She concluded by saying the crime is a reminder to all of how careful you have to be with your possessions. It is understood a woman has been arrested in connection with the theft. LIMERICK-BASED academic Professor Emeritus Sheila Killian has made history by becoming one of the first individuals in the world to receive honorary life membership from the United Nations Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME) initiative. Professor Killian, who served for thirty years at the University of Limericks Kemmy Business School (KBS), was honoured alongside Professor Emeritus Carole Parkes of the University of Winchester in the UK. This is the first time the UN PRME, a global initiative focused on sustainability and ethics in management education, has conferred such a distinction. The award recognises Professor Killians lifelong commitment to embedding values such as responsibility, inclusion, and sustainability in business education. Her work has not only shaped academic thinking in Ireland and internationally, but also strengthened the reputation of the Kemmy Business School as a centre of excellence with a deep commitment to social justice. READ NEXT: Open competition for appointment of new University of Limerick president 12 months after resignation Throughout her career, Professor Killian contributed to the development of teaching and research that prioritises ethics and the public good, in keeping with the values of Jim Kemmy, the late Limerick politician after whom the school is named. The school continues to reflect his legacy through its focus on equity, access to education, and community impact. This landmark recognition from the United Nations places both Professor Killian and the University of Limerick at the forefront of global efforts to reform business education in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The announcement has been welcomed across the university and the wider Limerick community, where Professor Killian is known not only for her academic leadership but also for her long-standing engagement in social and educational initiatives. THE brawl in the HSE hall is officially over, said teenage campaigner Cara Darmody after what she called a massive success in her meeting with HSE CEO Bernard Gloster in Limerick city yesterday, where she urged him to end delays in assessments of needs for autistic children. Cara has secured a commitment from the HSE to launch a national recruitment drive for psychologists and therapists this September, in a move aimed at addressing the ongoing crisis in the assessment of needs for children with autism and disabilities. Speaking on The Hard Shoulder on Newstalk FM yesterday, the young student who attends Loreto Secondary School in Clonmel, said she told Mr Gloster "that the HSE are breaking the law and that they can't hide from that and that they shouldn't try to hide from that... He has to act urgently to stop breaking the law." Cara claims the HSE is breaking the law by not assessing children within six months of the legal application. "I told him that they needed to start searching for more psychologists all around the country because what they're doing right now just simply isn't enough. READ MORE: Over 50 nursing home patients avoid ED admission to UHL following introduction of pilot program Cara added that her meeting with Mr Gloster was a massive success and that her main aim was to get the HSE CEO to search the country for more psychologists and therapists and to finally get a handle on the assessment needs crisis. Speaking to Limerick Life, the Tipperary teenager said she provided Mr Gloster with evidence that a Tipperary psychologist is claiming that she could have completed 250 assessments of need in the last twelve months alone. "I also provided him with evidence of foreign companies who are willing to come to Ireland to solve the national picture. I wanted him to launch a national campaign totally different to what he's done previously." Cara asserted: "He admitted that putting it up on eTender on an obscure website is not the way to recruit people." Commenting after the meeting, HSE CEO, Bernard Gloster said: "I was delighted to meet Cara and her father again today, it is our second time meeting and both have been really productive. The issue of assessment of need is quite a difficult challenge for us and what I was able to say to Cara is that we are going to redesign the specification of private sector provision for assessment of need. We're going to widely advertise and promote this based on appropriately qualified candidates being available." The aim of an Assessment of Need (AON) is to identify whether a person has a disability, the nature and extent of the disability, any health and education needs arising from that disability, and what services are required to meet those needs. An AON is not needed to access health services. Last year, there was a 30% increase in AONs completed compared to 2023. In Q1 this year, 1,412 AONs were completed, which is a 65% increase on the same period in 2024 of 849. Initial analysis of Quarter 2 data indicates a further rise in AONs completed to 1,482, which would bring the number so far this year to 2,894, a 57% increase on the same period last year. This increase is due in part to the funding of 4.5m allocated in Budget 2025 to assist with sustainably addressing the AON backlog. New Delhi: The mood at Hyundai Motor India Ltds office in Gurugram isnt exactly upbeat today. Passenger vehicle sales data for June were released on 1 July. And for the South Korean carmaker, once the No. 2 in India by some distance, it once again made for dismal reading. While most automakers struggled in June, the company has finished behind Mahindra and Mahindra four out of six months this calendar year. Indeed, it has trailed the Indian company every month this fiscal year. Hyundais top management has made it clear that India was a priority market for the company. Although the Indian unit, led by managing director Unsoo Kim, has worked hard to regain lost ground, things havent quite gone according to plan. But why exactly is Hyundai struggling today? In search of a winner Long, long ago, Hyundai had the Santro, which remained one of its top selling models for many years and helped it firmly grasp the No. 2 spot. And now it has the Creta. But aside from this mid-size SUV, none of the companys vehicles, including a short-lived relaunch of the Santro, have been able to make much headway in the Indian market today. The buzz inside the Gurugram offices suggests that the global products division in Seoul is squarely to blame for the Indian units struggles. The global division is being faulted for not coming with a product tailored to India, one that can help Hyundai regain its market share and recreate the Cretas success here. From a product planning perspective, there is little the domestic unit can do. It can only give feedback. But internally, there have been questions over the product strategy for the Indian market," a senior executive at Hyundai India, who did not want to be identified, told Mint. The problem, he implied, lay with the product strategy and not the sales strategy. Despite its issues, Hyundai just about managed to hold on to its No. 2 ranking at the end of 2024-25, continuing a run that began in financial year 2009. But as things stand, it looks like the company will have to pull an (old) Santro out of its hat if it wants to retain that position on 31 March 2026. Sanguine outlook Despite the dark clouds looming over the company, Tarun Garg, Hyundai Indias chief operating officer (COO), looked relaxed when he met with Mint at the companys Gurugram office. Asked about the stellar show by Mahindra and Mahindra and Tata Motors, he smiled and said, Competition brings out the best in everybody." His relaxed demeanour aside, Garg, who became COO in January 2023 after four years in the company, finds himself in the hot seat. But he insists there are no alarm bells ringing. At such high levels of management, there isnt so much worry about month-on-month fluctuations," he said. The COO says that what people fail to note is that Hyundai has managed to maintain its profitability amid the market share slide and stiff competition. I think it is important to have a balanced approach. Yes, volumes are very important. Yes, the market share number two vision is very precious. But at the same time, profitability is also very important," said Garg. While the COO appears sanguine about the companys prospects, independent observers believe there are plenty of reasons for worry, especially with Hyundais new products failing to gain traction. The company, they believe, became complacent as it didnt face any challenger for second place, behind Maruti Suzuki, for years on end. Now, it is paying dearly for that complacency. Hyundais Indian rivals have finally brought their A game to the contest and reduced it to just another contender in a market with lukewarm four-wheeler sales. With its back to the wall, the Korean companys leadership is hoping to regain its position in the pecking order with a launch blitzkrieg that it hopes will accelerate growth. Mahindra rise "One thing that stood out in the managements discussions was the performance of Mahindra. While both Tata and Mahindra have taken market share away, it is the latter which worries them more," said an industry insider who works closely with Hyundai India, on condition of anonymity. View Full Image Mahindra, which only has SUVs in its passenger stables, reported sales of over 500,000 vehicles in 2024-25. In March 2020, just as the covid-19 pandemic was about to erupt, Hyundai was comfortably in the second position in retail sales of passenger vehicles, with 465,522 units sold. Mahindra was a distant third in the same category with 212,797 units sold. A year into the pandemic, the Korean giants sales had slumped to 414,204 units, while Tata Motors with 187,809 units, had risen to the third position. The distance between second and third positions, however, was still quite significant. But three years later, that yawning gap would become wafer thin. Mahindra, which only has SUVs in its passenger stables, reported sales of over 500,000 vehicles in 2024-25. That helped the company to close the gap with Hyundai from around 300,000 to less than 50,000 in four years. Hyundai was selling more than before, but so were Mahindra and Tata. And in 2025, they would start outselling the Korean company. Hyundai had a well diversified product range with hatchbacks Grand i10, Santro and Elite i20, and SUVs Venue, Creta, and a little bit of Kona and Tucson. But while it had a finger in every pie, the companys vehicles were not able to match the appeal of its competitors. The heavy lifting was done by the Creta, which accounted for 26% of its overall sales. Hyundai had a well diversified product range with hatchbacks and SUVs. But while it had a finger in every pie, the companys vehicles were not able to match the appeal of its competitors. The changing nature of the Indian market, which saw consumers preferring SUVs more and smaller cars less, affected Hyundai. From 23% in the financial year 2019, the share of SUVs in the overall car market grew to over 50% by the end of financial year 2025, as per industry data. Hyundai, however, recorded only a 2% rise in market share in the SUV space over that period, from 16.3% to 18.8%. Since 2019, Hyundai has been cautious about investing in expansion in India and has moved slowly to capitalise on growth opportunities," said Puneet Gupta, director at S&P Global Mobility, a market intelligence firm. Although the company started rolling out new SUV models such as the Exter, Alcazar and Ioniq 5, they failed to find enough takers. Hyundai never underestimated Indian consumers and was therefore very successful in the Indian market earlier. It was always among the first to introduce new features and innovationswhether it was ventilated seats or SUV body design," said Gupta. But Mahindras rise, driven by the success of its SUVs, a radical shift in its offerings, and its strong command of rural markets, helped it tap into the growing demand for SUVs." Garg insists that Hyundai has responded to the changes in the market. Our SUV contribution now stands at almost 68-69%. We were able to anticipate that the Indian customer is moving towards SUVs," he said. Even at the cost of leaving some segments where there were volumes, we went to segments that were more futuristic, more aspirational, and where the modern Indian customer was really coming in." But the pivot may have come late. The biggest worry for Hyundai today is that it has lost a lot of market share in the mid-SUV segment, with flagship Cretas market share plummeting from 68% in 2018-19 to 30% in 2023-24. Maruti Suzukis Grand Vitara, Toyotas Hyryder, Skodas Kushaq and Volkswagens Taigun have given the company a run for its money. It did not gain much ground in the large SUV space, with the Alcazar, a longer version of the Creta, receiving a tepid response. Nor is it going anywhere in the sub-compact SUV segment, with sales of the Venue stagnant. Launch blitzkrieg In a sense then, the company has no choice but to launch new vehicles. An internal assessment by Hyundai India from May, seen by Mint, implies as much, noting that its rivals vehicles are doing much better. HMI has the lowest new model/FMC (full model change) contribution at 2% among all major big volume original equipment manufacturer (OEM) players," the internal note admitted. The highest contribution from new models is in Mahindras portfolio, at 28% in the first five months of 2025. Garg confirmed to Mint that Hyundai Indias focus will be on getting new products into the market. To rectify what it has on offer for the Indian market, the company plans to launch 26 models till financial year 203020 internal combustion engine (ICE) passenger vehicles and six electric vehicles. Hyundai is looking to introduce the luxury brand Genesis to tap the premiumization wave. Internally, it is also studying a potential launch for the Palisade SUV, which will compete in the large SUV segment, the first executive cited in this story told Mint. The company is leaning towards more SUV launches, including a re-launch for the compact SUV Santa Fe, which was discontinued in India in 2017 due to poor sales, the executive added. In the electric vehicle space, which is gradually picking up, the company is finally going big with the Creta Electric, which was launched in January. Hyundai has to compete with Tata Motors, MG Motor India and Mahindra, which are ahead of it. But with China holding rare earth magnets, a critical component in EVs, hostage, questions are being raised about the viability of the industry. In particular, Tata Motors, the market leader, and Mahindra, have invested in EVs in a big way. View Full Image Hyundais Creta Electric on display at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025, in New Delhi. (PTI) HMI looks at EVs as a long-term priority and hence, is focused on EVs not just for gaining volumes and share but would like to make this a profitable solution in India," analysts at Motilal Oswal Financial Services Ltd said in a 21 March note. But an internal assessment shows that the company is not relying on launches alone to recoup market share. In its June to December action plan, Hyundai has lined up special initiatives in rural areas, which includes increasing financing collaborations with banks, prioritizing dealers with inventory support and incentives, improving conversions of customers, and looking for opportunities for network expansion. The company is also expanding capacity. Last year, it acquired General Motors Talegaon plant in Maharashtra and is looking to commence production this year. Hyundai already has two integrated plants near Chennai. But the competition isnt sitting idle. Mahindra has planned 12 car launches: seven ICE SUVs and five EVs. It is also looking to open a new greenfield plant by 2027-28 while increasing capacity for its new platform by 120,000 units per annum. Once you are in the leading position, it is not easy to give it up. Mahindra will look to defend its market position as it has now gained an advantage," said Vinkesh Gulati, former president of the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations. Meanwhile, Tata Motors is also planning to launch new models, refresh much of its existing lineup to offer customers a more premium experience, introduce EVs in all price ranges, and invest in its service network. The company also has a new plant coming up near Ranipet, Tamil Nadu. Horses for courses Hyundai is leaning into its parents strength, of having a vehicle in its global arsenal for every segment, be it ICE, electric or hybrid, to tap growth in the Indian market. It has all the available powertrains in the market," Gupta explained. During the companys earnings call on 16 May, the management announced plans to have a hybrid vehicle by 2030. Hyundai has shunned Indias hybrid lane so far. Unlike electric vehicles, which have a tax rate of 5%, hybrid vehicles have an effective tax rate of 43%. But state governments have now started softening their positions on use of hybrid technology. In Uttar Pradesh, the road and registration fees on hybrid vehicles have been removed. Delhi is also considering easing pressure on hybrid buyers and incentivising the purchase of such vehicles to promote a clean fuel future. And that is another area where Mahindra could be caught flat-footed. More than three fourths of the Indian companys sales come from its diesel variants. With carbon emission norms kicking in soon and the shift to cleaner mobility becoming important in global markets as well, Hyundais diverse product portfolio can be a major advantage. We are fuel agnostic. We are technology agnostic, which means we have everything. And that is a huge advantage of being part of the Hyundai Motor Group," gushed Garg. He is confident the Korean company will regain lost ground. We know when to change gears. And we have done that in the past," he said, exuding confidence. But things may get worse before they get better. Internally, the market share loss is expected to continue this year, before the new launch cycle kicks in," said the first Hyundai India executive who didnt want to be identified. In other words, Hyundai India may well end the year as No. 3. Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], July 2: Happy Square Outsourcing Services Limited, a technology driven human resource outsourcing firm headquartered in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, has announced its IPO on July 03, 2025, aiming to raise 24.24 Crores, with shares to be listed on the NSE Emerge platform. The issue size is Up To 31,90,400 equity shares at a face value of 10 each. Fresh Issue Size 31,90,400 Equity Shares of 10 each 10 each Issue Size 24.24 Crores (At Upper Price Band) 24.24 Crores (At Upper Price Band) Price Band 72 - 76 Per Equity Share 72 - 76 Per Equity Share Lot Size 1,600 Equity Shares Equity Share Allocation QIB Anchor Portion Up to 8,68,800 Equity Shares Qualified Institutional Buyers (QIB) Up to 5,79,200 Equity Shares Non-Institutional Investors (NII) Up to 4,36,800 Equity Shares Retail Individual Investors (RII) Up to 10,17,600 Equity Shares Market Maker Up to 2,88,000 Equity Shares The net proceeds from the issue will be utilized primarily for funding of working capital requirements of the company & general corporate purposes. The anchor portion will open on July 02, 2025. The issue will open for public on July 03, 2025 and the issue will close on July 07, 2025. The Book Running Lead Manager to the Issue is Corpwis Advisors Private Limited. The Registrar to the Issue is Purva Sharegistry India Private Limited. Ms. Poonam Rajpal, Managing Director of Happy Square Outsourcing Services Limited expressed, "We are very proud to announce that Happy Square Outsourcing Services Limited is taking its first step into the capital markets, driven by our vision to redefine HR solutions through innovation and expertise. We have consistently grown our business by blending technology with HR services. As a technology-driven HR outsourcing firm with extensive experience, a wide presence across the country, and a large client base, we take pride in offering end-to-end staffing solutions, catering to recruitment and workforce solutions across diverse industries such as IT, automobile, logistics, FMCG, and government services. To strengthen our service delivery, we have developed proprietary platforms that improve efficiency and enhance client outcomes. White Force Plus, our in-house recruitment solution, features a dynamic candidate database, AI-driven tools, and automated interview reporting for faster, smarter hiring. Alongside, our White Force Payroll HRMS Portal automates payroll, compliance, and attendance functions with real-time reporting and self-service options for employees. These secure and scalable platforms help streamline HR operations and drive overall productivity. The net proceeds of this IPO will be utilized for working capital needs, ensuring timely salary payouts for our workforce, while the remainder will support general corporate purposes, including product development and business expansion. This capital infusion will strengthen our operational capabilities and fuel our growth, helping us remain agile and competitive as we work toward becoming the partner of choice for high-quality, scalable HR solutions across India. Mr. Nikunj Kanodia, Director of Corpwis Advisors Private Limited said, "The HR outsourcing sector in India is undergoing a major shift, with businesses increasingly seeking partners who combine technology with deep domain expertise. Happy Square Outsourcing Services Limited stands out as a forward-thinking player in this space, offering comprehensive HR solutions tailored to the evolving needs of modern enterprises. Indias staffing and HR services industry continues to witness strong momentum, driven by formalization, digitization, and the need for scalable workforce solutions across sectors like IT, logistics, e-commerce, and manufacturing. With its proven track record, wide geographic footprint, and robust client base, Happy Square is well-positioned to tap into these opportunities. We are proud to partner with the company in its IPO journey, which will help fuel its growth ambitions and strengthen its presence in the rapidly evolving HR landscape. About The Company: Happy Square Outsourcing Services Limited is a technology driven consulting firm specializing in human resource outsourcing. Headquartered in Jabalpur, India, the company provides end-to-end staffing solutions, catering to recruitment and workforce. With a strong value system, structured processes, and deep industry expertise, Happy Square ensures high quality HR solutions for businesses across various sectors. In FY25, The Company Achieved a Revenue of 9,741.46 Lakhs, EBITDA of 944.67 Lakhs, & PAT of 590.34 Lakhs. Disclaimer: Certain statements in this document that are not historical facts are forward looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties like government actions, local, political or economic developments, technological risks, and many other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by the relevant forward-looking statements. The Company will not be in any way responsible for any action taken based on such statements and undertakes no obligation to publicly update these forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances. Note to readers: This article is part of Mints paid consumer connect Initiative. Mint assumes no editorial involvement or responsibility for errors, omissions, or content accuracy. (Bloomberg) -- Shares of Dominos Pizza Enterprises Ltd. tumbled to their lowest since 2013 after the company said Group Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Mark van Dyck will step down after just one year in the role. The stock fell as much as 26% in Sydney on Wednesday after the Brisbane, Australia-based company said Van Dyck will leave in December. Billionaire fast food magnate Jack Cowin has been appointed interim executive chairman effective immediately, according to an exchange statement. This announcement is a surprise and adds to the uncertainty at a time when Dominos is attempting to reset its business, Morgan Stanley analysts wrote in a note. The departure comes after an overhaul of the firms global leadership in the past year. Van Dyck succeeded CEO and Managing Director Don Meij, who had been with Dominos for almost 40 years, in November. Cowin is the companys biggest shareholder and was already its chairman. He is also the chairman and managing director of CFAL Group, operator of the Hungry Jacks chain, which holds the master franchise for Burger King in Australia. The board is undertaking a global search process for a new group CEO, it said in a statement. Van Dyck oversaw the closure of 205 underperforming stores in Europe, Japan, Australia and New Zealand. With a clear strategy and strong team in place, I believe the time will be right at the end of this calendar year to hand over to the next CEO, Van Dyck said in the statement. The companys ANZ CEO Kerri Hayman will step down in August, it said in May. (Updates share price move, adds analyst comments in 3rd paragraph) More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com The US chapter of canned food company Del Monte Foods filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings in New Jersey on Tuesday under an agreement with some of its key lenders, the company said on July 1. The company entered a restructuring support agreement with lenders, following which it started voluntary Chapter 11 proceedings to implement its terms, Del Monte said in a statement. The canned food company has secured $912.5 million in financing to support itself through the proceedings, it added. Del Monte further said it intends to keep its operations running during the bankruptcy proceedings. But why did Del Monte, a 135-year-old company, file for bankruptcy? Here are the possible reasons. Mounting debts and controversial restructuring Del Monte Foods executed a debt overhaul last year that put a stark reminder of its debt-laden past. The company attempted a Liability Management Exercise (LME) to restructure $240 million in debt. However, the LME quickly became the subject of a lawsuit by left-behind lenders who said the company defaulted on a $725 million financing agreement when it shifted the assets away from the reach of lenders. Also Read | Canned-Food Producer Del Monte Foods Files for Bankruptcy This legal battle, which was settled earlier this year, put a strain on Del Monte's operations. The company on Tuesday listed estimated assets and liabilities in the range of $1 billion to $10 billion, according to a filing with the New Jersey bankruptcy court. The number of creditors is estimated between 10,000 and 25,000. Loss in business Del Monte Pacific, the parent company of Del Monte Foods, reported little to no growth in sales in fiscal 2024, which was pegged at $2.4 billion flat with the previous 12 months. EBITDA dropped 60% to $133.2 million year-on-year. It also turned into a loss-making company with net losses of 127 million, as compared to a profit of 17 million a year ago. Also Read | Struggling Semiconductor Firm Wolfspeed Files for Bankruptcy Diminishing demand With changing times, the food industry has seen a shift in consumer behaviour. The demand for preservative-laden canned food, packaged juices and fruits and vegetables is slowly subsiding, giving way to a more health conscious society that likes its meals fresh. Also Read | Auto Parts Supplier Marelli Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy This means that companies like Del Monte are seeing lack of demand, evident from its closure of a facility in Washington in June. Mumbai: Tata Sons chairman N. Chandrasekaran has set a new goal for Tata Steel Ltd chief executive and managing director T.V. Narendran: to deliver net profit from the companys UK operations in the current fiscal year. Addressing shareholders at Tata Steels annual general meeting on Wednesday, Chandrasekaran, who also chairs the steelmaker, said the aim was for the UK operations to achieve net profitability this fiscal year. I feel that UK should be PAT (profit after tax) positive, so the company is working towards making it profitable, said Chandrasekaran, echoing shareholder concerns. We expect UK this year to perform much better than last year and it will definitely be Ebitda positive. To be sure, Narendran had said in an analyst call in May that the UK business was expected to be earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (Ebitda) positive. We are pursuing the goal of ensuring, on an underlying basis, Tata Steel UK becomes Ebitda positive and sustaining from a cashflow point of view, he had said during the post-earnings interaction on 13 May. Tata Steel UK follows a downstream-focused model, importing semi-finished steel substrates from its operations in India and the Netherlandsor sourcing them from the open market at lower costand processing them at its UK mills. The shift to profitability, analysts believe, has been aided by a strategic move to shut down its loss-making blast furnace. The company reported a consolidated profit of 1,201 crore in January-March, more than doubling from the same period last year. This was after losses in the Netherlands and the UK offset the companys profitable operations in India. Tata Steels standalone operations in India logged a net profit of 3,141 crore during the quarter, 19% less than the same period a year ago due to lower steel prices. It is possible for Tata Steels UK business to break even because they have shut down their blast furnace, said Rohit Sadaka, director at India Ratings & Research. There will be a significant reduction in fixed cost overheads along with reduced losses. Tata Steel acquired the European operations of Corus Group for 6.2 billion (around $12 billion) in 2007. Since then, its UK business has struggled with legacy costs and sluggish demand in Europe. Under Narendran, the company has pursued a range of restructuring efforts to revive its European operations. These include layoffs, cost rationalization, and a pivot to more efficient electric arc furnace (EAF) technology. According to a report by ICICI Direct, the company is undergoing significant restructuring at its European operations aimed at improving profitability. In the UK, Tata Steel is building a 3.2 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) EAF facility, expected to be commissioned by 2027, with 500 million in support from the UK government as part of a total capex of 1.25 billion. Meanwhile, in the Netherlands, the company plans to replace one of its two blast furnaces with a direct reduced iron (DRI) and EAF setup by 2030 as part of its broader green steel transition. Tata Steel has also launched a company-wide cost transformation programme targeting savings of 11,500 crore in FY26. This includes 4,000 crore from Indian operations, 4,500 crore from the Netherlands, and 3,000 crore from the UK. Capex plans for the current fiscal stand at 15,000 crore, earmarked for plant maintenance, capacity expansion, European restructuring, replication of EAF projects in western and southern Indiaincluding the one in Ludhianaand the acquisition of mining assets to support raw material security. Unilever has announced that it will acquire mens grooming brand Dr. Squatch for an undisclosed amount, with the transaction expected to close later this year. The British consumer company in June announced that it had signed an agreement to purchase Dr. Squatch from private equity firm Summit Partners. While there was no disclosure of the acquisition amount, Financial Times later reported that Unilever will pay $1.5 billion for the same. Founded in 2013, Dr. Squatch has gained huge popularity among GenZ men with its range of products and collaborations. Most recently, the brand went viral for collaborating with Sydney Sweeny to launch her bathwater soap. Its viral social-first marketing strategies, partnerships with influencers and celebrities, and culturally-relevant collaborations with limited-edition packs have helped to drive sales and grow a loyal consumer following on social media platforms and beyond, Unilever said in a statement. Unilever, which often acquires smaller but promising brands, has run this deal before. In 2016, the FMCG giant acquired Dollar Shave Club (DSC) in 2016 for similar reasons What happened with Dollar Shave Club? Dollar Shave Club (DSC) went viral in the 2010s due to its marketing strategy that challenged industry giants. It rebelled against large companies, like Gillete, to provide affordable $1 razors to men and went viral after launching an expletive-laden advertisement that was never seen before in the industry. Unilever seized the opportunity to acquire DSC when it came but eventually the brand's original purpose got sidelined due to the broader corporate conventions. Also Read | Sydney Sweeney is selling soap made from her actual bathwater: How to buy Seven years after the acquisition, Unilever sold the company to private equities citing lack of expected returns. According to a report by Forbes, DSC's ex-CEO Larry Bodner said the corporate giant had neutered the vibe and fun of what the brand stood for. It just didn't fit in a vanilla corporate entity. What does Unilever need to do now? According to a report by Forbes citing Ranjay Gulati, who has researched on the soul startups, there are three crucial pillars that define a successful startup a lofty business purpose, building close customer connections and providing autonomy and creativity to employees. The report essentially indicates that Unilever cannot let a conflict happen between the startup's essence and its priorities, taking lead from Google's acquisition of YouTube that let the video platform function independently. The second-most difficult challenge for Unilever, according to Forbes, can possibly be maintaining customer relations. While customer experience is key to make brands like Dr. Squatch successful, it may pose a challenge to Unilever, which is a large corporation and would naturally want to expand that brand. Lessons for Unilever As per Forbes, Unilever will now have to ensure that Dr. Squatch stays true to its purpose and continues to possess the ability to create campaigns that generate organic social media buzz. When it acquired DSC, Unilever ventured beyond $1 razors and launched new and more expensive products, abandoning the company's budget-conscious customer base. The Forbes report mentioned that Unilever would do well if it keeps Dr Squatch's essence alive and does not push the brand into too much of a mass market where it loses its identity to connect with GenZ men. The Karnataka High Court on Tuesday objected to a lawyer for Elon Musk's X calling government officials Tom, Dick and Harry while questioning misuse of power through content takedown notices, PTI reported. While making arguments, Senior Advocate KG Raghavan, appearing for X, told the court that the social media company had recently received a notice from the Ministry of Railways seeking the removal of a video showing a woman driving a car on a railway track in Hyderabad. He questioned whether every government official had the authority to issue content takedown notices under the Information Technology (IT) Act. The Controversial Statement What if every Tom, Dick and Harry officer sends me notices? See how this is being misused, Raghavan said and questioned whether such content qualified as unlawful, remarking, Some woman drove a car on railway tracks. Milords knows dog biting man is not news, but man biting dog is news. Appearing for the government, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, strongly objected to the language, saying: They are officers, not Tom, Dick and Harry. They are statutory functionaries with legal authority. International entities should not display such arrogance. Mehta emphasised that no social media platform should expect to operate without regulation, noting that intermediaries follow laws in other countries and should do the same in India. Also Read | BJP MPs protest parliament panel inviting Prakash Raj, Medha Patkar Court calls out statement Karnataka HC Judge Justice M Nagaprasanna also disapproved of the remarks, affirming the stature of central government officials. He said: I take objection to this. They are officers of the Union of India. The court was hearing X Corp's case seeking a judicial declaration that Section 79(3)(b) of the IT Act does not empower all government officials to issue blocking orders, arguing that such orders must follow the procedure laid out in Section 69A of the Act, along with the relevant blocking rules. Additionally, the company has requested the court to prevent government ministries from taking coercive or adverse actions against it based on blocking orders not issued in accordance with the prescribed procedure. The case: X says take down orders affecting content creators Senior Advocate Aditya Sondhi, representing an association of digital media houses that filed an intervention application, said content creators are directly affected when platforms are ordered to take down content. When the HC bench questioned how the association was aggrieved in a matter between the government and X, Sondhi responded that takedown orders impact their published material. SG Mehta, however, objected to the intervention, stating that X is a capable international company and does not need third-party support. "I object to any third-party application filed in support of Twitter," he added. The bench scheduled the matter for final hearing on July 8 and permitted X Corp to amend its petition to include various Union ministries. The Union of India was directed to file its response to the impleading application before the next hearing. New Delhi: PepsiCo India has appointed Saakshi Verma Menon as chief marketing officer for foods, replacing Anshul Khanna, who is moving to another role in the food and beverage company. Menon, a member of the India leadership team, will be responsible for leading the foods marketing agenda, driving strategic brand growth. Super pumped to work on some of the most iconic and beloved brands from the house of PepsiCoLays, Kurkure, Uncle Chipps, Quaker, Cheetos, and Doritos," Menon said in a post on LinkedIn on Wednesday morning. "These brands have been part of everyday moments for millions, and Im excited to shape the next chapter of their journey. Menon joins the India team from PepsiCos AMESA region team, where she played a role in shaping the marketing strategy and led cross-market collaborations to build campaigns across flagship brands Pepsi, 7Up, and Dew. Also Read | PepsiCo India aims to make 1 million women economically independent in 3 years With over two decades of diverse marketing roles, Menon has worked across companies such as Colgate-Palmolive, Uber and Kimberly-Clark. PepsiCo India reported revenue of 8,877 crore and profit after tax of 883.4 crore in the year 31 December 2024. The results largely reflect sales from its packaged foods business as well as the liquid concentrate sold to its bottling partner. The companys snacks business was well over 6,800 crore. New plants In India, PepsiCo competes with Coca-Cola, ITC, Bikaji and Haldiram's. Its bottling operations are managed by local partner Varun Beverages. Last year, PepsiCo India announced an investment of 1,266 crore to establish a flavor manufacturing facility in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. The facility is set to begin operations in the first quarter of 2026. The company is also set to open a new plant in Tamil Nadu. Also Read | PepsiCo India reports 884-cr profit in 2024 after shifting to calendar year Europe could be at center stage as the Trump administrations tariffs upend the global trading system, slashing Chinese imports to the U.S., a report from the McKinsey Global Institute finds. President Trumps aggressive trade policy has sparked concerns about a recession and a painful unwinding of the globalization of recent decades that had expanded profit margins and kept prices low. A detailed look at trade flows by McKinsey offers a window into potential pain pointsand how trade could be rearranged. Companies have been gripped by trade uncertainty since the Trump administration tried to reshape the trading system, announcing a blitz of tariffs against nearly 200 trading partners in early April.While the administration has said several agreements are nearing the finish line, so far it has struck only one trade dealwith the United Kingdomand been on a carousel of escalation and de-escalation with other major trading partners, including Canada, the European Union and China. Markets have become more sanguine about trade; the S&P 500 just hit a new record. Companies caught up in the trade war may need to reduce affected business lines, increase production of other lines, find new suppliers or absorb higher costs. The specifics are critical. So much of this discussion is based on high-level trade models but any individual supply chain readjusts at the actual level of trade so we wanted to look at what the options were," says Olivia White, a director at McKinsey Global Institute and co-author of a report that tries to assess the possibility of disruptions, shortages and price impacts to aid companies rethinking trade strategy. The authors developed a rearrangement ratio," measuring a countrys imports from a trading partner as a share of what is available from other exporters. Those imports most vulnerable to disruption are the ones with higher ratios. The good news: About 35 percent of the $440 billion the U.S. imports from China have a ratio less than 0.1, which means that the available export market is 10 times as big than what the U.S. buys from China. T-shirts, taps and valves and logic chips fits into this bucket. McKinsey estimates about 60% of intermediate goodsincluding auto parts and semiconductorsare relatively easy to source elsewhere. Another 30% of intermediate goods have a slightly higher rearrangement ratio but could still be sourced from suppliers not in China. Only about a quarter of U.S. imports from China have a rearrangement ratio of greater than 0.5and much of that is electronics, like laptops. McKinsey estimates only 5% of imports have a ratio of more than 1, which means the amount the U.S. imports buys China exceeds what is available from other suppliers. That latter bucket includes fireworks, charcoal barbecues, vacuum flasks, fireworks and natural graphite. While the rare earth magnets critical to electric vehicles and military applications are also in this grouping, McKinsey noted many other critical minerals dont rise to this level. Though Mexico and southeast Asia have been popular alternative destinations for those diversifying supply chains away from China, McKinsey finds Europe well-positioned both as an alternative supplier of exports to the U.S. and a large market destination. Based on most of McKinseys simulations, European exports to the U.S. could replace 30% to 65% of what the U.S. buys from China, and Europes U.S. exports could rise meaningfully even with tariffs. Turkey already is a large textile manufacturer for other parts of Europe. Poland sells lithium-ion batteries to others in the region, and Czechoslovakia is a big supplier of toys. If trade shifts, these countries could potentially ship more to the U. S.and Chinese goods could fill the hole for European demand. Europe could emerge as the fulcrum for this rearrangement," White says. Perhaps that could give the European Union some leverage as it tries to reach some sort of a trade framework with the U.S. Indian companies began 2025-26 on a subdued note, with investment appetite for new projects sinking to one of the lowest in nearly five years. While the June quarter is often a quieter period, new government capital expenditure (capex) announcements were the lowest this year in at least a decade. According to data from the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy's (CMIE) project-tracking database, new projects worth 4.1 trillion were announced across the country during the first quarter of the current fiscal. This marks one of the lowest investment proposals since the first three quarters of 2020-21 (amid pandemic lockdowns) and the first quarter of 2024-25 (during general elections). There is usually a seasonal dip observed in project announcements in the June quarter after the ramp-up in March. But this year the decline was unusually sharp," said Aditi Nayar, chief economist at Icra Ltd. A sharp decline in government projects, accounting for only 13% of overall new investments, primarily drove the slowdown in the recently concluded June quarter. Government investments totalled a mere 0.5 trillion, marking the lowest for a June quarter in at least a decade. This figure was even lower than public sector projects announced during April-June 2020, when the country had undergone an unprecedented lockdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic. According to Icras Nayar, the notable decline in Q1FY26s new projects should be read carefully, as it follows the unusual spike in Q4FY25 of worth 6.8 trillion, which was more than double the year-ago levels and also exceeded the amounts seen in the rest of 2024-25 together. The chunking up of such announcements in Q4FY25 is likely to have led to the lull in Q1FY26," she added. Private sector investments, at 3.5 trillion, though accounting for the bulk of new project announcements in Q1FY26, still hit a four-quarter low. Among the 10 largest new project announcements in the June quarterwhich collectively represented approximately 67% of total investmentsonly one was government-funded: the Chandrapura Ultra Supercritical Power Plant Expansion Project worth 0.2 trillion in Giridih, Jharkhand. Vedanta's Dhenkalan Aluminium Smelter Project led new investments in Q1FY26 at 1.3 trillion, followed by InterGlobe's purchase of 30 more Airbus A350-900 aircraft valued at 0.4 trillion. Sector-wise analysis reveals that manufacturing primarily dominated new investments in the quarter, accounting for more than half of all announcements, yet investments in this segment remained at a near two-year low. Despite the subdued pace of new investment announcements in Q1FY26, project completions showed relative strength, with projects worth 2 trillion completed during the quarter, marginally lower than projects worth 2.4 trillion completed in the previous quarter. (Bloomberg) -- Columbia University received a warning that its accreditation may be in jeopardy from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, which cited insufficient evidence that the school is in compliance with certain standards like fostering a respectful campus climate. The commission, which evaluates higher education institutions across the US, said Columbia remains accredited while on warning. The organization also cited concerns over Columbia maintaining a safety plan and following government laws and regulations, according to the commissions website. Columbia is confident in its ability to work with MSCHE to address the commissions concerns, according to university spokesperson Virginia Lam Abrams. Columbia is deeply committed to combating antisemitism on our campus and we will continue the important work of ensuring that Columbia is an open and inclusive place where students, faculty, and staff from all backgrounds feel safe, supported and welcome, she said in an emailed statement. Schools need accreditation to access crucial federal loans for their students. Accreditation is also important in assuring students, faculty and potential employers that the institution can provide a quality education. Last month, the US Education Department said Columbia no longer met standards for accreditation, citing its leaderships deliberate indifference to the harassment of Jewish students. It asked for MSCHE to ensure the universitys compliance with anti-discrimination laws. President Donald Trump has called accreditation his secret weapon, and pledged on the campaign trail to overhaul the system. He said that he would allow for the creation of new accreditors that will impose real standards on colleges, such as eliminating wasteful administrative roles and protecting free speech. The president in April signed an order to reform the agencies, saying they routinely approve universities that are low quality. Accreditors have not only failed in this responsibility to students, families, and American taxpayers, but they have also abused their enormous authority, the order said. He said they make the adoption of unlawfully discriminatory practices a formal standard of accreditation. Six days after the Trump administration called Columbias accreditation into question, the commission requested additional information from the school regarding its ethics and integrity standards, according to the MSCHE website. There are several steps before any accredited school would lose its designation and an institution has time to rectify concerns before a decision is made. Representatives from MSCHE visited the schools main campus on Manhattans Upper West Side and its Paris location for on-site evaluations. The commission has requested a monitoring report, due Nov. 3, showing evidence that Columbia has achieved and can keep up compliance with its standards. (Updates story with prior comments President Trump has made on accreditors) More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com Global K-pop phenomenon BTS has officially announced their much-anticipated comeback, sending waves of excitement through their dedicated fanbase, ARMY. On July 1, all seven members RM, Jin, J-Hope, V, Suga, Jimin and Jungkook reunited for a Weverse live broadcast, sharing heartfelt updates and confirming plans for a group return in 2026. BTS officially announces comeback, world tour in 2026 The group revealed they will be releasing a new full-group album in spring 2026, marking their first collective music project in four years. The announcement comes as all members have officially completed their mandatory military service in South Korea, with Jin being the first one to have completed his service. RM, the groups leader, said, Starting in July, all seven of us will begin working closely together on new music. Since it will be a group album, it will reflect each members thoughts and ideas. Were approaching the album with the same mindset we had when we first started. The band will begin working on the new album in the United States starting this month. RM added, Of course, we will also be going on a tour, a world tour, starting next spring. Well be going to see you here and there all over the world, so please look forward to it. Jungkook echoed the sentiment, stating, "This time, were really going to go all the way back to our original mindset and gather together." The announcement of both a new album and a global tour has sparked immense excitement among fans, many of whom have been awaiting a full-group comeback since the group announced a hiatus from joint activities in 2022 to focus on solo projects and fulfil national service duties. BTS also assured fans that they will continue sharing updates through Weverse Live and social media as they begin this new chapter. Heads of State X reviews: The Internet is loving Priyanka Chopra-John Cena's latest movie on Amazon Prime Video, and said that the high-octane buddy comedy is ridiculously FUN. In Heads of State, released on July 2, when Air Force One gets shot down over enemy territory, the UK Prime Minister and the US President find themselves on the run and under the protection of MI6 Agent Noel Bisset, portrayed by Priyanka. Together, the star-studded trio race against time to thwart a global conspiracy that threatens the entire free world. Also Read | Priyanka Chopra recalls John Cenas hilarious prank on Heads Of State set Here's how netizens reacted to the Heads of State: Heads of State is chaotic and fun. Idris Elba and John Cena are a blast duo, and Priyanka Chopra Jonas holds her own. Slick action and banter land well, but the plot's paper-thin and tones all over. Style over substance, but it works for me, said a social media user. Another user said, Heads of State was hugely entertaining. The comedy was a bit touch-and-go, but the action was high-octane explosive. John Cena and Idris Elba bounced off each other really well. And Priyanka once again proved that she got this whole badass female thing on lock, added the user. Heads Of State is everything I thought it would be, a fun ride. Priyanka Chopra is here to stay and even rule Hollywood. A bona fide action star. John Cena and Idris Elba were amazing. Looking forward to Punny Noel Bisset & Nutter Marty Comer's adventures if there'll be next part, a netizen said. Another added: Heads Of State is a HIGH-OCTANE buddy comedy that flies fast and HITS HARD. Cena and Elbas chemistry is EXPLOSIVE, Priyanka is the UNDENIABLE action star, and director Ilya Naishuller brings his signature CHAOS in all the right ways. Its BIG, LOUD, and a ridiculously FUN time. I really wish Heads of State had a theatrical release; it absolutely deserved one. This is hands down Priyanka Chopra's best Hollywood movie and her strongest role in an English-language film. Her screen presence is unmatchable, and the way she kicks ass is downright electrifying, said a user. About Heads of State Set against the backdrop of political chaos and globe-trotting danger, Heads of State marks Priyanka Chopra's return to action alongside John Cena and Idris Elba. In recent years, Americas student-loan policy has come to resemble an alphabet soup. During the covid-19 pandemic, relief came from the CARES, ARPA and HEROES acts. Repayment plans ranged from the appropriately named (SAVE and PAYE) to the less so (PSLF and TEPSLF). Even seasoned bureaucrats at the FSA will have struggled to keep track. Owing to these various policies, some $189bn in student debt was forgiven, and more than $260bn of payments waived. Such relief may have been welcome at the time, but America is now waking up to reality. The last of the pandemic-era forbearance ended in September 2023; defaults began to appear on credit records in the first quarter of this year. And the picture that is emerging is not pretty. Delinquencies have spiked (see chart 1). According to TransUnion, a credit-reporting bureau, some 21% of federal student-loan borrowers are in default, the most ever, up from 12% in February 2020. More difficulties may lie ahead. On May 5th President Donald Trump instructed the Treasury to resume collections from borrowers in default; by the end of the year loan forgiveness, which often occurs automatically after two decades of repayments, will once again be taxed at a federal level. Americas repayment woes are the culmination of a trend that has been building for decades. In the 20 years before the arrival of covid, student loans were among the fastest-growing forms of household borrowing, having swollen from 10% of non-mortgage debt in 2003 to 33% by 2020 (see chart 2). By 2010 they had overtaken credit cards and car loans as the largest single slice of household liabilities. By 2012 they led in delinquencies, too. When covid struck, student debt was an obviousif controversialoption for federal relief. The Biden administrations acronym barrage stopped delinquencies from rising still further. Defaults on federal student loans fell to nearly zero, and monthly payments to the Treasury more than halved. At the same time, the debt burden continued its relentless upwards march. The federal student-loan portfolio has grown to $1.8trn; the average borrower balance sits at $40,000, according to the Education Data Initiative, a research group. If the picture appears bleak for Americas graduates, it is bleaker still for Uncle Sam. Student lending was once profitable for the federal government. Now it loses 25 cents on every dollar lent. All told, officials expect their student-loan portfolio to cost around $450bn in the next nine years. Why the shortfall? Graduates are doing worse, and so are less likely to repay their loans. They are also more likely to have borrowed for postgraduate courses, a growing number of which seem to provide poor value for money. Yet perhaps the most important factor is an underappreciated one: a shift from fixed repayment schedules to income-driven plans (see chart 3). Although these take various forms, with different repayment schedules, payment periods and more, all set payments as a share of wages. First introduced in 2009, such plans have surged in popularity and now account for 56% of outstanding federal-student-loan balances. For borrowers, they offer the promise of payments that are less likely to become unmanageable. For taxpayers, though, they are a burden. According to the Congressional Budget Office, a watchdog, the government earns a return on most fixed-repayment loans, but loses money on every dollar lent via such flexible options (see chart 4). In part, this may reflect adverse selection: borrowers who expect low wages are more likely to opt into an income-based plan than those confident of high salaries. Australia and England avoid this dynamic by mandating a single repayment structure. However, Americas income-driven borrowing plans are also expensive for the taxpayer by design. Balances are forgiven after 20 or 25 years, regardless of the repayment progress, compared with a 40-year write-off period in England. And the required payments, which can be as little as 5% of discretionary income, were lowered by the Biden administration in lieu of outright debt forgiveness. If there is a glimmer of hope, it may lie inof all placesMr Trumps free-spending Big Beautiful Bill, which is currently making its way through Congress. The versions drawn up by the House of Representatives and Senate may differ, but they share the makings of sensible student-loan reform. Rather than maintaining the Biden administrations alphabet soup, the draft legislation proposes a streamlined system where students can choose between two options: fixed or income-driven. This would reduce administrative costs and limit carve-outs that are currently to the advantage of everyone from married couples to public-sector workers. There is bipartisan consensus on another front: the need to hold universities to account for how well their students do upon leaving campus. Both bills include penalties for colleges that produce graduates with low earnings relative to their debts. And both take stepsalbeit cautious onestowards curbing runaway balances for graduate students. Although such students represent just a fifth of borrowers, they account for half of outstanding debt. Much of that reflects pricey tuition at law and medical schools, where subsequent salaries often justify the cost. But a growing share stems from expensive, low-value courses that arguably should not qualify for federal lending. DHARAMSHALA, IndiaThe Dalai Lama, the 89-year-old Buddhist leader who has for decades galvanized global support for the Tibetan movement, laid out plans Wednesday on how his successor will be chosen, a process that is expected to face interference from China. On Wednesday, in a statement released at the start of a conference of Tibetan religious leaders to mark his 90th birthday on Sunday, the Dalai Lama declared definitively that he will be born againciting appeals for the continuity of the institution from Tibetans living in mainland China and Buddhists across the world. In accordance with all these requests, I am affirming that the institution of the Dalai Lama will continue," he said in a video message to the gathering, according to an English translation from his office. In an earlier message on reincarnation, in 2011, the Dalai Lama, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989 for his adherence to nonviolence in supporting the Tibetan cause, had warned of meddling by Chinese Communist authorities. He said that the partys efforts to enforce inappropriate methods for recognizing reincarnations was damaging Tibets unique culture, and that he would issue guidelines for the process when he was around 90 to avoid misuse of the position. On Wednesday, the Dalai Lama didnt mention China in his statement, but said that the responsibility for finding his successor rested solely with his office, the Gaden Phodrang Trust, and that no one else has any such authority to interfere in this matter." The message was his clearest statement yet on the future. In his earlier message in 2011, he raised other possibilities, such as a successor being chosen while he was still alive, or not having another Dalai Lama after him. Despite his declaration, the process of finding the next Tibetan spiritual leader will be fraught. View Full Image The Dalai Lama as a child, pictured in 1939. Photo: Popperfoto/Getty Images It could be years after the Dalai Lamas death before a reincarnation, likely to be identified as a young child, can assume the Buddhist leadership. That leaves open the door for China to insert itself in the process. For Beijing, the Dalai Lama has long been seen as a dangerous separatist who seeks to cleave Tibet from China. The Communist Party says Tibet has historically been a part of China and that Beijing must approve the next reincarnation of the Dalai Lama. The current Dalai Lama has called on Tibetans to reject any candidate promoted by China, raising the possibility that there could be rival Dalai Lamas. That possibility was presaged by the fate of a 6-year-old Tibetan boy who was recognized by the Dalai Lama as the Panchen Lama, the second-highest spiritual figure in the Dalai Lamas Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. The boy and his family were detained by Chinese security forces in 1995 and havent been seen since. China then approved its own choice for the Panchen Lama. The Beijing-backed figure, now 35, met with Chinese leader Xi Jinping last month, a sign of the importance the Communist Party puts on controlling the Tibetan Buddhist hierarchy. Xi called on him to play a better role in promoting the building of a strong sense of the community of the Chinese nation, systematically promoting the sinicization of religion in China," state media reported. The keen attention on the events surrounding the Dalai Lamas birthday is a testament to the charisma of its current occupant, Tenzin Gyatso, who came of age as Chinese troops flooded Tibet in 1950, a move Tibetans saw as an illegal occupation by a foreign power. After fleeing Communist China for exile in India in 1959, the Dalai Lama became a celebrated figure for his unwavering advocacy for his lost homelandkeeping a spotlight on the plight of the Tibetan people for decades. His followers include Hollywood actor Richard Gere, who is among the thousands of Tibetans, scholars and fans of the Dalai Lama who have gathered in the Indian hill town of Dharamshala this week. The main temple complex overlooking the office and the residence of the Dalai Lama was decorated with garlands of marigold flowers this week. For Tibetans, including the millions living abroad, their transnational community and the aspirations for a homeland free from Chinese oppression have long been embodied in one of the worlds most instantly recognizable figures. After decades of serving as both the political and religious leader of Tibetans, the Dalai Lama separated the roles in 2011 and devolved political power to the head of the Tibetan government-in-exile, partly as an effort to ensure that the Tibetan movement would outlive him. But he remains integral to the movement. Samdhong Rinpoche, a trustee of the Dalai Lamas Gaden Phodrang Trust that will find the next reincarnation, said the Tibetan community is entering a crisis period as grave as the one it faced when the Dalai Lama was forced to flee Tibetbut one they will have to navigate without the spiritual leader most Tibetans have known all their lives. Tibetans as a whole, particularly Tibetans in diaspora, are passing through a more critical time" than in the decades after 1959, he said in an interview Tuesday. Without his leadership and guidance, how will the Tibet movement survive? That is a matter of concern." The Dalai Lama said via video link that he will be reincarnated. The run-up to the Dalai Lamas birthday celebrations has seen numerous prayer offerings for his long life to continue. That included one on Mondayhis birthday according to the Tibetan lunar calendarat which Gere greeted the Buddhist leader. Scholars of Tibetan religion and history say they expect Tibetans will offer the next Dalai Lama the devotion they bestowed on the current one. But if the global community isnt as mesmerized by the Dalai Lamas reincarnation, the Tibetan-rights movement could suffer. Without a charismatic Dalai Lama or some other charismatic figure to be the face of the movement, they could lose international support," said David Warner, associate professor of anthropology at Denmarks Aarhus University, whose research focuses on Himalayan Buddhism. View Full Image The Dalai Lama said via video link that he will be reincarnated. Photo: Anushree Fadnavis/Reuters That crossroads is approaching at a time when links between Tibetans inside and outside of China are withering. For decades, thousands of Tibetans fled to India and poured fresh energy into the Tibetan diaspora movement. After protests in the Tibet region broke out in March 2008, followed by a wave of self-immolations by monks and other Tibetans, Beijing escalated a clampdown on the region that has made it much harder to escape to India. Monks in maroon robes and Indian and foreign tourists filled the streets around the Dalai Lamas residence. Tibetans had traveled from across India to be in the Dalai Lamas presence this week. Pasang Chhonga, who fled to India from Tibet with her family when she was a young girl, sat on a bench on the main temple complex on Tuesday counting prayer beads in her fingers, silently chanting a Tibetan Buddhist mantra for energy and compassion. The 81-year-old said she had worked with her parents on backbreaking road construction work in the northern mountains at first. Their lives improved when they were given land for farming and house as part of the Dalai Lama exile governments efforts to resettle Tibetan migrants with the help of the Indian government. Chhonga, who lives in a Tibetan settlement in western India, said she had seen the Dalai Lama when he visited her Tibetan camp, but he was much younger then. When she met him at a public audience recently, she felt both happy and sad. I felt very sad in my heart because he is getting very old," said Chhonga. I felt happy because I could offer my prayers and get his blessings." Write to Krishna Pokharel at krishna.pokharel@wsj.com, Tripti Lahiri at tripti.lahiri@wsj.com and Austin Ramzy at austin.ramzy@wsj.com Iran said it was suspending cooperation with the U.N. atomic agency, denying international inspectors the chance to assess the damage done by U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on its main nuclear sites and setting up a new clash with Washington and other Western powers. Irans move will leave the International Atomic Energy Agency blind for now to any renewed nuclear work that Tehran is able to do and unable to verify the whereabouts of its large stockpile of already enriched uranium. President Masoud Pezeshkian has formally adopted the implementation of a law to suspend cooperation that Irans parliament ratified last week, Iranian state media said Wednesday. The suspension is effective until various conditions are met, including guarantees for the safety of Iranian nuclear sites and scientists. The decision could further complicate any resumption of nuclear negotiations between Iran and the U.S. President Trump has said Washington is open to talks. Iran wants a pledge by Washington not to engage in fresh military strikes before it considers renewing the talks. A spokesman for the IAEA said it was aware of the reports but awaiting further official information from Iran" on its decision to suspend cooperation. The agency still has a team of inspectors in Iran that has been unable to carry out its work since Israel attacked Iran on June 13. Trump announced a cease-fire between Israel and Iran last week after 12 days of war during which the U.S. and Israel struck Irans main nuclear sites, including dropping bunker-buster bombs on the Fordow enrichment site. Western intelligence agencies are still examining the extent of damage to Irans nuclear sites and facilities, which Trump has said the U.S. and Israeli strikes had obliterated. Tehran has started doing work to regain access to the Fordow facility, buried deep underneath a mountain. In an interview with CBS News, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that the extent of the damage at Fordow is very extensive and very serious." Irans Natanz enrichment site was also badly damaged, according to the IAEA and U.S. officials, as was its nuclear complex at Isfahan. There have been growing calls from Western countries for Iran not to shut off access to inspectors. Iran is a party to the Non-Proliferation Treaty, which obliges it to accept IAEA inspections. Group of Seven foreign ministers, including U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, warned that for any diplomatic resolution of the nuclear crisis, Iran must provide the Vienna agency with verifiable information about all nuclear material in Iran, including by providing access to IAEA inspectors." Following news of Irans decision, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar called on European countries to immediately snap back all international sanctions against Iran, lifted under the 2015 nuclear deal. Iran has warned any such step could see them leave the Non-Proliferation Treaty, a step no nation apart from North Korea has ever taken. The international community must act decisively now and utilize all means at its disposal to stop Iranian nuclear ambitions," Saar said on X. IAEA chief Rafael Grossi has suggested that Iran could swiftly find itself the subject of fresh action by the board of member states if it doesnt cooperate with the agency. During the conflict, Grossi said it was urgent for inspectors to get access to the bombed enrichment sites to assess the damage and ensure their safety. A second priority was the whereabouts and status of Irans stockpile of enriched uranium, particularly the more than 400 kilograms of highly enriched uranium, enough to fuel 10 nuclear weapons. If that stockpile is intact and unaccounted for, experts warn it could be used in a covert enrichment site to develop weapons-grade fuel. Grossi has said Iran could start enriching uranium again within months. Iran has accused Grossi of prompting the Israeli attacks by issuing a comprehensive report in late May, which laid out Irans lack of cooperation with the IAEA during a six-year probe into undeclared nuclear material found in Iran. It has also accused him of not condemning the U.S. and Israeli attacks. There have been death threats against him from some Iranian lawmakers and regime-affiliated media. Grossis report was ordered by the European powers. He repeatedly stated that the Israeli attacks on Irans nuclear facilities were against international law. Araghchi has refused, for now, to meet with him to discuss resuming inspections. Write to Laurence Norman at laurence.norman@wsj.com After failing to cut a trade deal with Japan following weeks of talks, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer decided to turn up the pressure. When Japanese officials arrived in Washington in late May, Lutnick and Greer warned them that if the two sides couldnt work out an agreement soon, the conversations might start shifting from easing the tariffs President Trump had recently imposed toward additional punitive measures, according to people familiar with the matter. The Americans said they might demand a cap on the number of vehicles Japan could export to the U.S.a policy known as a voluntary export restriction. But the Japanese officials stood their ground. From the start, they had told the Americans they wouldnt agree to any deal that preserves Trumps 25% automotive tariff, according to people familiar with the conversations. That impasse continues. On Monday, Trump appeared to cut off talks with Tokyo. Japan wont take our RICE, and yet they have a massive rice shortage," he posted on Truth Social, despite Japan importing hundreds of thousands of tons of U.S. rice annually under a WTO agreement. Trump added that well just be sending them a letter"a reference to his repeated pledges to dictate to trading partners what they would have to pay the U.S. In a Fox News interview the previous day, Trump had suggested what such a letter to Japan might say: Dear Mr. Japan, heres the story. Youre going to pay a 25% tariff on your cars, you know? So we give Japan no cars. They wont take our cars." After slapping so-called reciprocal tariffs on dozens of countries on what Trump dubbed Liberation Day"then putting them on holdthe White House vowed to strike a spate of trade deals before July 9. The standoff with Japan shows how hard that is turning out to be. Administration officials attempting to negotiate multiple deals have at times contradicted one another about goals and timelines, and Trump has further muddied the picture with references to sending letters. Adding to the uncertainty is an appeals court hearing set for late July over the legality of the emergency authority Trump used to impose the so-called reciprocal tariffs. Even the tariff deadline is in question. On Friday, after Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent indicated some countries could get an extension, Trump injected further uncertainty. We can do whatever we want," he said in a news conference. We can extend it, we can make it shorter. Id like to make it shorter." On Tuesday, Trump hes not thinking about" extending the deadline. The chaotic situation has left Japan and other countries bewildered, unsure of what the White House wants or when they have to deliver a deal. Thus far, the administration has cut only a limited trade agreement with the U.K. and struck a tariff truce with China. Hanging over the entire process is Trumps earlier promise to restore the Liberation Day tariffs on countries that dont do dealspotentially triggering another round of market chaos. The chaotic situation has left Japan and other countries bewildered. Cranes at a shipping terminal in Yokohama. White House spokesman Kush Desai said the administration continues to work around the clock with our trading partners to renegotiate lopsided trade deals that have left American industries and workers behind," and that the White House is on the brink of securing more deals. Sen. Kevin Cramer (R., N.D.), a close Trump ally who said he has discussed the negotiations with trade representative Greer, said in an interview that deals might take more time than the administration has let on. Its easy to get the framework together, and thats where they are, but in terms of the actual details, it takes a long time," Cramer said, adding that he has confidence in the negotiation process. Maybe they set a little bit of an ambitious expectation." Early optimism In April, Peter Navarro, Trumps senior trade and manufacturing adviser, said the administration could land 90 deals in 90 days. After the U.S. struck the limited agreement with the U.K. in early May, Trump said he believed the deals would start flowing at a rapid pace. Administration officials looked to Japan to keep the momentum going. Tokyo had signed a trade deal with the U.S. during Trumps first term. U.S. officials believed Japan had an incentive to reach an agreement: A favorable deal could bolster the minority government of Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. The U.S. complicated its negotiating position with Japan and other countries by increasing tariffs as talks progressed, such as in June when Trump doubled global steel tariffs with no warning for trading partners. Other so-called national-security tariffs on products such as lumber, semiconductors and critical minerals remain in the planning process, making some nations hesitant to strike deals before they are unveiled. The administrations bellicose approach also became a political issue in some countries it was negotiating with, encouraging resistance to the U.S. rather than cooperation. Japanese Economic Revitalization Minister Ryosei Akazawa, right, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, center, and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick in Washington on May 1. We sometimes forget that other countries have politics, too, and trade has a way of spurring on domestic politics because of the direct and indirect effects it has on particular constituencies," said Michael Froman, U.S. trade representative under former President Barack Obama and current president of the Council on Foreign Relations. Since Trump paused reciprocal tariffs on April 9, the leader of Japans negotiating team, Economic Revitalization Minister Ryosei Akazawa, has visited Washington seven times. His team has been in near constant contact with staffers for Bessent and Greer, who are leading the U.S. talks together with Lutnick. Trumps reciprocal tariffs for Japan had been set at 24% before the pausefar above the roughly 1.5% average tariffs that had been in place, according to the Richmond Fed. Besides seeking a reduction to those, Japanese officials have said repeatedly they cannot agree to any deal that doesnt reduce industry-specific tariffs, particularly after the U.K. received some relief from steel and auto tariffs. In June, after another round of talks, Akazawa said all U.S. levies must be reduced in any deal. Privately, some Japanese officials worry that agreeing to a deal that doesnt reduce or eliminate both the reciprocal tariffs and industry-specific duties might be received so poorly in Tokyo that it could topple the Ishiba government, which is facing a high-stakes election to the Japanese parliaments upper house on July 20. Any deal that reduces Japanese protections for its prized domestic rice industry could also spell electoral trouble for the Ishiba government. In June, Prime Minister Ishiba flew to Canada for a leadership summit of the Group of Seven industrialized nations hoping to force a compromise, but a meeting between Trump and him yielded no breakthrough. Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba flew to the G7 summit hoping for a breakthrough. There are still points where our views remain divided," Ishiba told reporters. Automobiles are a major national interestand we will continue to do everything we can to protect such interests." A senior lawmaker in Japans ruling Liberal Democratic Party said that some of Ishibas associates are arguing that he should hold firm to his demand for tariff relief in the hope that Trump backs down, perhaps if financial markets grow unsettled as the end of the 90-day tariff pause nears. A senior Trump administration official said the presidents advisers have discussed the possibility of implementing further tariffs on Japan if a deal cant be reached. The two sides appear to remain far apart on key issues like the auto tariffs, said people with knowledge of the talks. As of late June, they hadnt even decided whether any deal would include those levies or focus only on the reciprocal tariffs. An official from Greers office told The Wall Street Journal the administration is prioritizing negotiations with trading partners who have presented more serious offers than Japan has. Mounting difficulties Canada and the U.S. have yet to reach a deal after Trump doubled tariffs on the countrys steel industry without warning in June. A U.S. official familiar with a G-7 meeting between Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said each team has more work to do to even come close to a deal, with differences ranging from Canadas digital-services tax to its tariffs on dairy products. On Friday, Trump said he cut off negotiations with the Canadian government and that he would notify the nation within a week about the tariffs he would impose. After Canadian officials on Sunday scrapped a plan to implement the digital-services tax, the two countries announced they would restart negotiations. Trump doubled tariffs on Canadas steel industry without warning in June. Steel coils at a mill in Hamilton, Canada. The U.S. and South Korea are redoubling negotiating efforts after a new government took power in Seoul last month. South Korea wants relief from tariffs on autos, steel and aluminum. Its proposed regulations on U.S. e-commerce firms doing business in South Korea have drawn the ire of Greer and American firms such as Google and Coupang, further complicating negotiations. U.S. negotiators raised the digital trade issue with South Koreas new trade negotiator, Yeo Han-koo, when he visited Washington in late June, said people with knowledge of the talks, but a deal isnt imminent. Elsewhere in Asia, the U.S. is demanding that nations take a hard line against China. The administration is struggling to finalize pacts with Vietnam and Cambodia, despite offers from those nations to reduce tariffs and trade barriers, according to people with knowledge of the talks. The White House wants Southeast Asian nations in particular to prevent China from shipping goods to the U.S. through their countries, to stop Chinese companies from setting up manufacturing and export operations in their countries, and to set their own tariffs and trade restrictions on Chinese goods, according to people with knowledge of the talks. Many of those nations are balking at being forced to choose between the U.S. and China, making any deals on those issues unlikely in the short term. One Asian economic official said the U.S. demands would be difficult to meet, given that the export-led economies in the region are so entwined with both the U.S. and China. Trump speaking at the G7 summit in June. From left: Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra. and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. The administration has appeared to make progress with the European Union, but domestic political considerations on the continent threaten to hamper Trumps goals. After the Journal reported on a draft agreement on reciprocal trade" setting out possible EU concessions on a range of policy issues, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen pushed back, saying certain topics legislated by the EU are absolutely untouchable." She said the two sides discussed tariff lines, nontariff barriers such as standards and norms, and purchases the EU might make. But where it is the sovereign decision-making process in the European Union and its member states that is affected, this is too far," she said. Even some Republicans are growing frustrated with the White Houses negotiating strategy. During a recent Senate Appropriations Committee hearing, Sen. John Kennedy (R., La.) asked, Are you or are you not pursuing reciprocity?" when Lutnick said he wouldnt agree to a hypothetical deal with Vietnam that would cancel out all tariffs and trade barriers in both countries. Kennedy later said: I was confused more after the hearing than before about their negotiating strategy here." Write to Gavin Bade at gavin.bade@wsj.com and Brian Schwartz at brian.schwartz@wsj.com India's largest state-run bank, State Bank of India (SBI), on 23 June 2025 decided to classify Reliance Communications' loan account as fraud and is looking to report the company's former director, Anil Ambani, to the banking regulator, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the company said in an exchange filing. As per the details shared in the letter to Reliance Communications, the bank's Fraud Identification Committee (FIC) has decided to classify the loan account as fraud due to the deviation in the utilisation of the loan funds. Reliance Communications, Reliance Infratel (subsidiary), and Reliance Telecom (subsidiary) have cumulatively received 31,580 crore in loans from banks. What did SBI FIC find? State Bank of India's FIC witnessed two major deviations in the loan taken and utilised by the company. Reliance Communications received a loan of 250 crore from Dena Bank on 8 February 2017, citing short-term cash flow mismatch for payment of statutory dues, sundry creditors. Also Read | Anil Ambani's Reliance Defence in pact to supply artillery shells to German firm Instead of using the funds for the officially mentioned reasons, the company allegedly used the loans to pay the PSU-firm RailTel Corporation of India (RCIL) as an Inter-Corporate Deposit (ICS) or an unsecured loan that one corporate entity grants to another. According to the filing, Reliance Communications management later claimed that the amount was used to repay an External Commercial Borrowing (ECB) taken from BNP-Paribas. Thus, loan was not used for the purpose it was availed, said SBI's Fraud Identification Committee, stating that it appears that there was a routing of transaction through a subsidiary or an associate company to conceal the source of funds to avoid regulatory approval in the ECB loans case. India Infrastructure Finance Company Ltd (IIFCL) also sanctioned a 248 crore loan to fulfil its capital expenditure needs. However, Reliance Communications allegedly paid 63 crore to RITL and 77 crore to RIEL to repay some loans. Instead of transferring the fund directly to these companies it was routed through RCIL, reason for that has not been given by management by Ambani, said SBI's FIC, highlighting that these were the two transactions that appear to be misappropriation of funds and a breach of trust. Reliance Comms' utilisation of bank loans According to the official filing, out of the 31,580 crore from banks, 13,667.73 crore was used for the repayment of loans and other obligations to the banks or financial institutions, which marked 44 per cent of the total outstanding debts. The investigations also revealed that the company allegedly used 41 per cent of the loans, or 12,692.31 crore, to pay connected parties. Utilisation of funds obtained from banks was traced and its utilisation was mapped from sanction letter. Instances were identified where utilisation of loan amount was not a per term mentioned in Sanction Letter, according to the official release. SBI's Fraud Identification Committee found that 6,265.85 crore loans obtained from the bank were used to repay other bank loans. Moreover, 5,501.56 crore obtained from the bank loans were utilised for payment to related and connected parties. The company invested funds of 1,883.08 crore taken from bank loans, and most of those investments were liquidated immediately and used for payments to related and non-related parties. * US Midwest weather remains favorable for corn and soy crops * Soybeans find support in soyoil rally, China rumors * Wheat holds firm on short-covering before US holiday weekend (Adds soybeans supported by rumors Trump may announce China trade pact progress, adds closing prices) By Karl Plume CHICAGO, July 2 (Reuters) - U.S. grain and soybean futures rose on Wednesday in a bargain-buying and technical advance after recent declines and ahead of the Independence Day holiday weekend, with U.S. markets closed on Friday. Soybeans climbed 2% as soyoil values registered strong gains for a second session on favorable biofuel feedstock policy in the latest version of the U.S. budget bill. Widespread market rumors that U.S. President Donald Trump will report progress on a trade pact with China while visiting farm-heavy Iowa on Thursday propelled gains, analysts said. Reuters could not immediately confirm the market rumors. Corn and wheat each added nearly 3%, drawing spillover support from rising soybeans. "It is a new month and new quarter, so we're seeing a little bit of bottom-picking in these markets. However, U.S. weather looks fantastic," said Terry Reilly, senior agricultural strategist at Marex. Largely favorable crop development weather dragged corn and soybean prices to multi-month lows in recent sessions as warm temperatures and timely rains boosted U.S. harvest prospects. The optimal conditions coincide with harvesting by rival exporter Brazil of what some analysts expect to be a record second-corn crop. Chicago Board of Trade August soybeans settled up 23-3/4 cents at $10.53-1/2 a bushel while new-crop November futures added 20-3/4 cents to $10.48. Buying accelerated as the contracts broke through overhead technical resistance at their 100- and 200-day averages. September corn rose 12 cents to $4.18 a bushel while new-crop December jumped 11-1/2 cents to $4.33-1/2. CBOT September wheat ended up 15 cents at $5.64 a bushel as investors covered more of their large short positions in the market. Gold, silver prices in your city, July 2: Various global developments have taken gold prices up over the past week, while experts debate the future trajectory, consensus is that gold and silver are safe haven bets for risk averse investors seeking to insulate their portfolios in this volatile market. Over the past 20 years, gold prices have skyrocketed by an impressive 1,200 per cent from 7,638 in 2005 to over 1,00,000 in 2025 (till June), and delivered positive returns in 16 of these years. Year-to-date (YTD), gold prices have risen 31 per cent, with consistent record highs solidifying its position among 2025s top-performing asset classes and a reliable hedge. Further, silver has also proved resilient. Prices have held above the 1 lakh/kg mark for the past three week. Over the past 20 years (2005-2025), the metal has gained a solid 668.84 per cent. Gold Prices Today: Check Gold Rates in India July 2 The MCX gold index was at 97,322/10 gm at 10.35 am on July 2, the official website showed. Meanwhile, MCX silver prices were at 1,05,837/kg, it showed. Further, 24-carat gold price was at 97,600/10 gm, according to data on the Indian Bullion Association (IBA) at 10.35 am on July 2. Further, 22-carat gold was priced at 89,467/10 gms. Silver prices today are at 1,06,670/kg (Silver 999 Fine), as per the IBA website. So, check here gold and silver prices in your city today on July 2 Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Chennai. Notably, for retail customers, jewellers may add making charges, taxes and GST to the bill, which could hike the final price for you. Gold and Silver Prices in Mumbai July 2 Gold bullion rates in Mumbai 97,430/10 gm. MCX Gold rate in Mumbai 97,322/10 gm. Silver bullion rate in Mumbai 1,06,500/kg. MCX Silver 999 rate in Mumbai 1,05,837/kg. Gold and Silver Prices in Delhi July 2 Gold bullion rates in New Delhi 97,270/10 gm. MCX Gold rate in New Delhi 97,322/10 gm. Silver bullion rate in New Delhi 1,06,310/kg. MCX Silver 999 rate in New Delhi 1,05,837/kg. Gold and Silver Prices in Kolkata July 2 Gold bullion rates in Kolkata 97,300/10 gm. MCX Gold rate in Kolkata 97,322/10 gm. Silver bullion rate in Kolkata 1,06,360/kg. MCX Silver 999 rate in Kolkata 1,05,837/kg. Gold and Silver Prices in Bengaluru July 2 Gold bullion rates in Bengaluru 97,510/10 gm. MCX Gold rate in Bengaluru 97,322/10 gm. Silver bullion rate in Bengaluru 1,06,580/kg. MCX Silver 999 rate in Bengaluru 1,05,837/kg. Gold and Silver Prices in Hyderabad July 2 Gold bullion rates in Hyderabad 97,560/10 gm. MCX Gold rate in Hyderabad 97,322/10 gm. Silver bullion rate in Hyderabad 1,06,520/kg. MCX Silver 999 rate in Hyderabad 1,05,837/kg. Gold and Silver Prices in Chennai July 2 Gold bullion rates in Chennai 97,690/10 gm. MCX Gold rate in Chennai 96,875/10 gm. Silver bullion rate in Chennai 1,06,660/kg. MCX Silver 999 rate in Chennai 1,05,820/kg. Stock Market Today: HCL Technologies, Tata Consultancy Services, and Infosys share prices, among other IT stocks, have underperformed during the first half of the calendar year, led by concerns about the global economic growth. The proposed tariffs further added to the uncertainties, especially in developed markets such as the US and Europe. Not surprisingly, HCL Technologies, Tata Consultancy Services, and Infosys share prices have declined 10-17% during the year (year-to-date in 2025) despite the benchmark Nifty 50 Index having risen 7-8% in the calendar year to date. With expected rate cuts in the US, expected to aid economic recovery, the progress in trade deals is being watched carefully. Can the IT sector experience recovery in the second half? Also Read | IT stock Sahana Systems edges higher despite mixed trends in Indian stock market IT sector outlook and Q1 expectations The sector faces challenges from global economic uncertainties, including potential US trade tariffs and macroeconomic headwinds in major markets such as the US and Europe. These factors are expected to weigh on growth prospects and may lead to a cautious approach in client spending, said Ajit Banerjee, President and Chief Investment Officer, Shriram Life Insurance. The Indian IT sector is poised for moderate growth in Q1 FY26. The performance will be influenced by global economic conditions and client spending behaviors, added Banerjee. Kotak Institutional Equities also believes that the quarter will be a mixed one, with mid-tier IT services companies reporting strong growth, while large IT companies and ERD names will disappoint. The operating performance and deal wins will be watched. Deal wins will be strong, although not necessarily net new for the industry, as per Kotak Institutional Equities. They also expect EBIT margins to be stable. Discretionary demand continues to be weak; however, few clients are proactive and want to be leaders in their sectors in terms of technology, said Banerjee. The deal pipeline remains strong, primarily consisting of large cost-efficient deals. While the financial services and energy & utilities verticals are expected to grow, manufacturing and retail & CPG verticals are likely to remain weak, said Banerjee. Outlook on deal signing in 2QFY26 and beyond will be crucial, feel analysts at Motilal Oswal Financial Services. While this environment is not conducive to discretionary spending, they expect client enthusiasm to pick up, as serious GenAI projects, especially around productivity gains, start picking up and clients shrug off the uncertainty to focus on critical upgrades. Mid-tier companies may be better placedanalysts. Smart deal structuring, share gains, and a favorable portfolio (low manufacturing exposure) will drive strong growth for mid-tier companies, as per Kotak Institutional Equities. They expect Coforge to lead the growth, followed by Persistent, Hexaware, and Mphasis. TCS, Wipro, and ERD names will likely face cuts in earnings growth after results as per Kotak. Infosys, Tech Mahindra, Hexaware, Coforge, and Indegene are Kotak's key picks In mid-caps, Coforge remains the top pick of MOFSL too, and they also like LTIMindtree Ltd., or LTIM, in an improving environment. Their top picks in the large-cap space remain HCL Tech and Tech Mahindra. Companies that effectively leverage advancements in generative AI and focus on cost-efficiency measures may be better positioned to navigate these challenges. Mid-tier companies are expected to outperform large caps in terms of growth. However, their cash flow conversion is weaker, client concentration is higher, and valuations are stretched, said Banerjee. Pushpa Jewellers IPO commenced on Monday, June 30 and will conclude on Wednesday, July 2. Pushpa Jewellers IPO price band has been set between 143 and 147 per equity share, each with a face value of 10. Investors can place bids for a minimum of 1,000 equity shares and in multiples of 1,000 shares thereafter. Pushpa Jewellers Limited is a manufacturer of jewellery that focuses on lightweight 22kt designs, fusing traditional Indian artistry with contemporary styles. The business offers a variety of both Traditional and Modern Gold jewellery. Its extensive collection includes high-quality items such as necklaces, rings, earrings, bangles, bracelets, pendants, Mangal sutras, and kadas. The company serves multiple regions across India and exports its jewellery to international destinations, including Dubai, the United States, and Australia. It operates three locations that function as both offices and showrooms in Hyderabad, Bangalore, and Chennai, India. As per red herring prospectus (RHP), the company's listed peers are Sky Gold Ltd (with a P/E of 5.52), and Khazanchi Jewellers Ltd (with a P/E of 30.98). Pushpa Jewellers IPO Subscription Status Pushpa Jewellers IPO subscription status is 2.41 times on day 3, so far, as per chittorgarh.com. The retail portion was subscribed 3.60 times, and NII portion was booked 2.50 times. Qualified Institutional Buyers (QIBs) is subscribed 1.18 times. The company has received bids for 1,30,80,000 shares against 54,19,000 shares on offer, at 16:20 IST, according to data on chittorgarh.com On the first bidding day, Pushpa Jewellers IPO subscription status was 36%, and the issue was booked 1.24 times on the second bidding day. Pushpa Jewellers IPO details Pushpa Jewellers IPO consists of a fresh issue of 50,34,000 equity shares, aggregating to 74 crore, and offer-for-sale (OFS) consist of 13,41,000 equity shares. The funds raised from the IPO will be used to cover the costs associated with setting up the planned new showroom, which includes expenses for capital investment and inventory for the showroom, as well as meeting working capital needs and general corporate purposes. Affinity Global Capital Market Private Limited serves as the Book Running Lead Manager for this issue, while Cameo Corporate Services Limited is the Registrar for the issue. Pushpa Jewellers IPO GMP today Pushpa Jewellers IPO GMP today or grey market premium was 0, which meant shares were trading at their issue price of 147 with no premium or discount in the grey market according to investorgain.com According to the grey market activity observed over the last nine sessions, the IPO GMP is trending downward today and is anticipated to decrease further. The minimum GMP recorded is 0.00, whereas the maximum GMP stands at 31, as per the insights from experts at investorgain.com. 'Grey market premium' indicates investors' readiness to pay more than the issue price. SYDNEY, July 2 (Reuters) - The Australian and New Zealand dollars levelled out on Wednesday after scaling fresh highs for the year overnight, while soft domestic data cemented already overwhelming wagers for another cut in Australian rates when the central bank meets next week. The Aussie edged off to $0.6570, having notched a seven-month top of $0.6590 in the previous session. That continues a recent pattern of the currency marking highs during London and New York hours when the global forex market is most liquid and selling pressure on the U.S. dollar most intense. The kiwi dollar was a shade lower at $0.6091, after reaching $0.6120 overnight in the first break of the $0.6100 barrier since October last year. Australian data showed retail sales eked out a gain of just 0.2% in May, missing forecasts of 0.4% and the fourth straight month of miserly outcomes. The disappointing report confounded expectations that lower borrowing costs and rising real incomes would revive household demand, and suggests the Reserve Bank of Australia will have to again downgrade its consumption forecasts. "With consumer spending remaining in the doldrums, there is a strong case for the RBA to cut rates faster and further than most are predicting," said Abhijit Surya, a senior economist at Capital Economics. "Moreover, with business conditions deteriorating and price pressures easing in tandem, we believe the Bank will want to frontload policy easing." Investors are already pricing in a 97% chance the RBA will cut its cash rate by 25 basis points to 3.60% when it meets on July 8, and it is rare for policymakers to hold steady when the market is so heavily one-sided. The market also implies rates will keep falling to a floor of 2.85%, taking it under most estimates of neutral. The Reserve Bank of New Zealand also meets next week, but is widely expected to pause its easing cycle, having already slashed rates by 225 basis points to 3.25%. Policymakers have indicated that rates are now in the neutral zone and they want to wait to see the impact of past cuts. Mumbai: Harindarpal Singh Banga, along with Indra Banga, will sell a 2.1% stake worth $140.3 million (approximately 1,200 crore) in beauty and personal care company Nykaa through a block deal, according to a term sheet accessed by Mint. The Bangas, among Nykaas earliest investors, are offloading about 60 million shares at an offer price of 200 per share, a 5.5% discount to the latest closing price, the term sheet showed. FSN E-Commerce Ventures Ltd, which operates Nykaa, closed a little over 2% higher at 211.59 on Wednesday on the National Stock Exchange. The stock has gained 28.7% so far this year. Goldman Sachs and JP Morgan are managing the transaction. Banga, Nykaa, JP Morgan, and Goldman Sachs did not immediately respond to Mints requests for comment. Banga, a commodities billionaire and chairman of Hong Kong-based Caravel Group, held an 8.7% stake in Nykaa before it listed in 2021. The Nayar family, who founded the company, still owns 52% and has not sold any shares since the IPO. This latest sale comes nearly a year after Banga divested over four crore sharesamounting to a 1.43% stakeat 208.30 apiece in August 2024, netting 851.5 crore. Following that transaction, his holding fell from 6.40% to 4.97%. For the quarter ended 31 March, Nykaa reported a near three-fold jump in consolidated net profit to 20.28 crore from 6.93 crore a year earlier. Revenue from operations rose 23.61% to 2,061.76 crore from 1,667.98 crore in FY24. Over the past year, the company has launched a record number of global beauty brands, forging partnerships with Yves Saint Laurent, NARS, Kerastase, Eucerin, GHD, Armani Beauty, Supergoop, and Nexxus, among others. Nykaa is now shifting toward a more profitable growth trajectory, aiming for mid-20% annual growth in its beauty and personal care (BPC) business over the next five years. The strategy includes deeper market penetration, premiumization, and enhanced convenience. The company plans to scale its physical footprint across tier 2 and 3 cities, increasing store count from 237 to over 500 by FY30. It is also investing heavily in regional influencer marketing, working with over 28,000 influencers to drive discovery. Also Read | Beauty is the best for malls since consumers say so PSU stock Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL) announced a board meeting to reschedule the record date for its final dividend for FY25, citing administrative reasons. The development follows its earlier communication regarding the AGM, originally scheduled for July 25. In an exchange filing, BHEL informed shareholders that its 61st Annual General Meeting (AGM), initially slated for July 25, 2025, will be rescheduled. Further to our earlier communications dated 19.06.2025, it is informed that in view of certain administrative reasons, the Company has decided to reschedule the next AGM, BHEL said. It added that the revised date for the AGM, along with the new record date for the final dividend and payment timeline, will be announced later. The board has recommended a final dividend of 25 percent or 0.50 per share for FY25. The record date had earlier been fixed as July 11, 2025. 6,500 Crore Order from Adani Power Adding to its business momentum, BHEL recently secured a significant order from Adani Power. The Letter of Award (LoA) pertains to the supply and supervision of six thermal power units of 800 MW each. The order includes steam turbine generators and related auxiliaries. As per BHELs exchange release, the total contract value is pegged at around 6,500 crore, excluding GST, and will be executed as per the customers project schedule. Strong Financial and Order Book Performance BHEL continues to demonstrate a financial turnaround. The company reported a consolidated net profit of 504.45 crore in Q4FY25, up from 489.62 crore in the same quarter last year. Revenue rose to 9,142.64 crore versus 8,416.84 crore year-on-year. For the full financial year FY25, net profit more than doubled to 533.90 crore from 282.22 crore in FY24, while total income surged to 28,804.79 crore from 24,439.05 crore. As of March 31, 2025, BHELs order book stood at 1,95,922 crore, with the power segment contributing around 75 percent. The new Adani Power order pushes the order book above the 2 lakh crore mark. The PSU also recorded its highest-ever annual order inflows of 92,534 crore in FY25, with 81,349 crore from the power sector alone. Stock Movement Despite strong fundamentals and a robust pipeline, BHELs stock dipped 2 percent to a days low of 259.30 on July 2. It is currently trading about 23 percent below its 52-week high of 335.40 hit in July 2024, though well above its 52-week low of 176 reached in March 2025. Over the past year, the PSU stock has declined nearly 13 percent. However, it has shown consistent gains in recent months up 2.5 percent in June, 14.5 percent in May, 4.8 percent in April, and a strong 20.8 percent rally in March. Hyundai Motor India share price in focus: Hyundai Motor India shares came under steep selling pressure in Wednesday's trade (July 2), falling 5.22% to hit an intraday low of 2,123 apiece marking the stocks biggest intraday decline in the last four months. The fall also ended the stocks six-day winning streak. The decline in shares of Indias third-largest carmaker followed disappointing June sales figures, released after market hours on Tuesday. The numbers also came in below Street estimates, highlighting weak demand in the Indian passenger vehicle market. Also Read | Maruti Suzuki share price edges higher despite 13.3% drop in domestic PV sales The company dispatched 44,024 units to dealers in June, marking a 12% drop compared to the same period last year. However, exports remained healthy, with 16,900 units shipped during the month, as the company shifted its focus to overseas markets amid subdued domestic demand. Earlier, management has expressed an optimistic outlook on sustained export growth, targeting 78% volume growth in exports for the current fiscal year despite global headwinds. Along with the June sales figures, the company also released data for the June quarter, which also showed strong export performance, with 48,140 units being shipped, up from 42,600 units in the same period a year ago, according to its regulatory filing. As a result, the export contribution rose to 26.7% in Q1 FY26, up from 22.2% in Q1 FY25. Commenting on Hyundai Motor sales, Mr. Tarun Garg, Whole-time Director and Chief Operating Officer, HMIL said, The geopolitical situation continued to affect the domestic market sentiment with domestic sales registering 44,024 units in June 2025. Also Read | Ola Electric sales at 60k units in Q1, sees sustained demand recovery in Q2 As we come closer to the beginning of production at the Talegaon plant, we remain cautiously optimistic about a gradual recovery of demand, supported by reduction in repo rates and improving liquidity on account of cut in CRR. We are closely watching the global geopolitical scenario and are committed to delivering value and innovation to our customers across both domestic and export markets," he further added. Brokerages remain upbeat on the companys growth prospects Domestic brokerage firm Avendus Spark has recently initiated coverage on Hyundai Motor India with a target price of 2,350 apiece, the highest target among analysts currently tracking the stock. Nomura, which already had a 'buy' call, reiterated its view and set a target of 2,291. These two are now the highest price targets on the Street for Hyundai Motor India. Earlier, Kotak Institutional Equities maintained its Buy rating with a target price of 2,050, anticipating industry trends to improve from 2HFY26, supported by multiple tailwinds despite near-term challenges. Online brokerage platform Zerodha's Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Nithin Kamath, in a social media post on LinkedIn, said that Jio-BlackRock entering the stock broking business is great news, highlighting the need for wider participation in the Indian markets. Also Read | Tata Communications shares jump nearly 5% after Q1 results date release According to Nithin Kamath, the Indian market is limited to only the nation's top 10 crore people participating due to the lack of wider audience reach. Many people asked me about Jio-BlackRock getting a stockbroking license. Firstly, this is great news. The biggest issue for the Indian markets is a lack of breadth in participation. We're largely limited to the top 10 crore Indians, said Kamanth in his LinkedIn post. He said that if any company can expand the current market, it is Jio-BlackRock with its distribution power. If anyone can expand the markets beyond the top 10 crore Indians, it's probably Jio with all its distribution might. As for how many new Indian investors have the money to invest in the market, I don't know, he said. Also Read | Expert view: Nifty to give muted return in FY26 Nithin Kamath's thoughts on broking Kamath focused on how Zerodha is not chasing"vanity metrics," and its idea is to stay profitable and stick to the principles and philosophies that have gotten it this far. At the heart of our philosophy is to always do the right thing for customers, said Kamath in his LinkedIn post on 2 July 2025. Zerodha's philosophy is not to push customers to trade and ensure that there are no unnecessary notifications, dark patterns, etc, highlighted Kamath, stating that success over the long term has better odds if customers trade less. We understand that in the long term, the odds of success are better if customers trade less; most of our product decisions are based on this. We're not interested in acquiring customers using one plan and changing the pricing later, said Kamath in his post. Zerodha CEO also said that the company is not in a hurry and is working for the long haul to offer the best products and help the customers grow with the brokerage. However, Nithin Kamath also highlighted that the same can not be said about other financial services businesses in the sector, who are constantly seeking to grow their business at any cost. Senior CPC official meets Vietnam's minister of justice Xinhua) 13:18, June 27, 2025 BEIJING, June 26 (Xinhua) -- Chen Wenqing, a senior official of the Communist Party of China (CPC), met with Vietnam's Minister of Justice Nguyen Hai Ninh in Beijing on Thursday. Chen, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and head of the Commission for Political and Legal Affairs of the CPC Central Committee, said that it is hoped that both sides will be guided by the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two parties and two countries, and enhance exchange and mutual learning in the legal and judicial fields. He called on the two sides to improve the quality and efficiency of their cooperation on legal services, judicial assistance and the cultivation of legal talent. He urged both to advance strategic coordination, and work to safeguard the development interests of the two countries in an improved manner, with the aim of injecting new impetus into the construction of a strategically significant China-Vietnam community with a shared future. Nguyen Hai Ninh said that he is willing to promote cooperation between the two countries in the legal and judicial fields. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Stocks to buy under 100: Without any big trigger, the Indian stock market remained rangebound throughout the Tuesday session. The Nifty 50 index ended 24 points higher at 25,541, the BSE Sensex finished 90 points higher at 83,697, while the Bank Nifty index gained 146 points and closed at 57,459. Leading the charge among the top performers on the Nifty were Apollo Hospital, BEL, and Reliance, showcasing individual stock strength. Conversely, Nestle, Axis Bank, and Shriram Finance ended the session as major losers. Trading volumes on the NSE cash market were down by 7% compared to yesterday, indicating moderate activity. After their sharp rally over the last seven days, both the Midcap and the Smallcap Indices entered a phase of consolidation in a narrow range. The Nifty Midcap 100 gained a marginal 0.01%, while the Nifty Smallcap 100 registered a slight dip of 0.10%. Despite this, market breadth remained positive for the sixth consecutive day, with advancing stocks outpacing declining ones, as indicated by a BSE advance-decline ratio of 1.04. Stock market today Speaking on the outlook of the Nifty 50 today, Shiju Kuthupalakkal, Senior Manager of Technical Research at Prabhudas Lilladher, said, "The Nifty 50 index witnessed a very narrow rangebound session hovering near the 25,500 to 25,550 zone with consolidation happening, maintaining the bias positive and anticipating a further rise in the coming days. We maintain our stance for the index, having the near-term support positioned near the 25,250 to 25,300 zone. On the upside, the scope for higher targets of 25, 700, and 26200 levels is achievable, with the undertone maintained strong." "The Bank Nifty index overall had a sluggish session with some positive moves witnessed in the second half among the financial counters, anticipating a further upward move once a decisive breach above the 57600 zone is confirmed. The index has sustained near the peak zone with bias maintained strong, having the important support near the 56,000 zone, which needs to be sustained, and, on the upside, with the bias improving, can expect fresh targets of 58,500 and 60,000 levels in the coming days," said Shiju Kuthupalakkal of Prabhudas Lilladher. Stocks to buy today under 100 Regarding stocks to buy today, market experts Vaishali Parekh, Vice President of Technical Research at Prabhudas Lilladher; Sugandha Sachdeva, Founder of SS WealthStreet; and Anshul Jain, Head of Research at Lakshmishree Investment recommended four intraday stocks for today under 100: Filatex India, IOB, Paisalo Digital, and Paramount Communications. Vaishali Parekh's stock recommendations today 1] Filatex India: Buy at 57, Target 68, Stop Loss 55; and 2] IOB: Buy at 40, Target 45, Stop Loss 38. Sugandha Sachdeva's share to buy under 100 3] Paisalo Digital: Buy at 31.40, Targets 33.30, 34.20, Stop Loss 30.20. Anshul Jain's share to buy under 100 4] Paramount Communications: Buy at 57.50, Target 62.50, Stop Loss 56. HDB Financial Services IPO listing: Shares of HDFC Bank-backed HDB Financial Services made a strong debut on the bourses on Wednesday, July 2, listing at 835 on NSE and BSE, a premium of 12.84 percent from its IPO price of 740. The IPO, valued at 12,500 crore, was open for subscription from June 25 to June 27. In terms of overall issue size, HDB Financial's IPO stands out as the fourth largest public offering in Indias history, trailing only behind the mega listings of Hyundai, LIC, and Paytm. HDB Financial Services initial public offering (IPO) wrapped up with a strong response, garnering a total subscription of 17.65 times over the three-day window. The issue received bids for 217.78 crore shares, significantly exceeding the 12.33 crore shares available on offer. Retail investors portion was subscribed 1.51 times and the non-institutional investor segment attracted 10.55 times bids. Meanwhile, the qualified institutional buyer (QIB) portion witnessed the strongest demand, subscribed 58.64 times. Moreover, the employee reservation segment saw bids reaching 6.03 times and the others category was booked 4.5 times. About the IPO The IPO was a combination of fresh issue of 3.38 crore shares aggregating to 2,500.00 crore and offer for sale of 13.51 crore shares aggregating to 10,000.00 crore. The minimum application size was 20 shares, implying a minimum investment of 14,800 from retail investors. HDB Financial Services plans to utilise the net proceeds from its IPO to strengthen its Tier-I capital base. The enhanced capital will support the company's future funding needs across its various business segments, including enterprise lending, asset finance, and consumer finance. The capital infusion is also intended to facilitate onward lending as part of its growth strategy. HDB Financial IPO also raised 3,369.00 crore from anchor investors on June 24, 2025. The HDB Financial IPO is being handled by a consortium of prominent domestic and international investment banks serving as book running lead managers (BRLMs). These include BNP Paribas, JM Financial, BofA Securities, Goldman Sachs India, HSBC Securities, IIFL Capital, Jefferies India, Morgan Stanley, Motilal Oswal, Nomura, Nuvama Wealth, and UBS Securities. MUFG Intime India Private Limited (Link Intime) has been appointed as the registrar to the issue, overseeing tasks such as application processing, refunds, and share allotments. About the Company Incorporated in 2007, HDB Financial Services is a retail-centric non-banking financial company (NBFC). In addition to its lending operations, the company also provides business process outsourcing (BPO) services, which include back-office support, collections, and sales assistanceprimarily for its promoter. It also offers fee-based services such as the distribution of insurance products, mainly targeted at its lending customer base. HDB Financial operates through an omni-channel "phygital" model that blends its extensive physical branch network with in-house tele-calling teams, external distribution partners, and digital channels to enhance customer reach and service delivery. In a shocking turn of events, YouTuber and Bhojpuri actor Dilip Kumar Sahu was recently arrested by the Dahisar Cyber Police from Mumbai on suspicion of being the mastermind behind a 3.5 lakh credit card fraud operation, as reported by News18. Also Read | New SBI credit card guidelines effective July 15. Details here Sahu is being investigated by others from Uttar Pradesh, and it seems that he was involved in similar scams in other Mumbai suburbs such as Kandivali and Goregaon. Regardless of Sahu being arrested, the case highlights the need for financial awareness and that scams are increasingly sophisticated. Apart from this, investigations show that Sahu may have perpetrated other scams in Mumbai suburbs, such as Kandivali and Goregaon. This case highlights the importance of financial vigilance and the complexity of apps and digital scams. How to protect yourselves from credit card scams? As the number of digital payments increases, frauds are also on the rise. Below are ways to avoid becoming a victim of credit card fraud , like the one Sahu is reportedly involved in: 1. Do not share CVVs, PINs, or OTPs: If you are ever asked for your account PIN, CVV or OTP by any bank, retailer or financial institution that you have not initiated contact with, do not share it. Your money is in jeopardy the minute you share your PIN and CVV, even to someone you think you trust. Also Read | Why do credit card reward points expire? Discover the hidden policies 2. Avoid cash for swipe deals: Any deal that provides you with low commissions up front and guarantees immediate payment for legitimate card swipes is a red flag. Avoid these types of unregulated scams at all costs. 3. Transact only using verified platforms : Only use verified payment gateways, fintech platforms, and bank apps. Avoid doing any business with dodgy internet sellers, WhatsApp forwarders, or anyone in the street. 4. Review card statements regularly: Review your bank and credit card statements regularly to look for unusual transactions. Reporting fraud early can mitigate losses and help settle disputes sooner. 5. Enable email and SMS alerts: Enable real-time alerts for every transaction you perform, as they help you to identify unauthorised use and report it immediately. 6. Report fraud immediately: If you believe that there is any fraud: Block your card immediately through customer assistance or mobile banking. Go to your nearest cybercrime police unit or file a report online at cybercrime.gov.in . . Get a documented acknowledgment from your bank or police regarding your complaint. The Dilip Kumar Sahu credit card fraud case is an important reminder that scams can come from any source, including public figures. As digital finance becomes a way of life in India, scammers are becoming more ingenious. Also Read | Business or personal credit card? How to choose the right one for your needs In conclusion, always have your financial security at the front of your mind because misplaced trust for even one moment could leave you facing ongoing stress for years to come. As we have fake job offers, phishing emails, and now credit card cash swiping frauds, and the threats are real and growing. For all personal finance updates, visit here. The Income Tax Act, 1961, provides strategic reliefs to taxpayers aiming to reinvest their long-term capital gains into residential properties. Two critical provisions that govern such exemptions are Section 54 and Section 54F. Understanding the nuances of these provisions is essential, particularly in light of recent amendments and judicial rulings that continue to shape their interpretation. The core difference: Section 54 vs Section 54F Section 54 applies when the capital gain arises from the sale of a residential house, whereas Section 54F is available on the sale of any long-term capital asset (LTCG") other than a residential house (e.g., shares, land, gold, etc.). In both cases, the reinvestment must be made in residential house property situated in India to avail exemption. Sections 54 and 54F can also be claimed simultaneously, provided the respective conditions are fulfilled. Also Read: How to calculate tax if capital gains are your sole income in FY25 From 2023-24, the maximum exemption is capped at 10 crore. This move aims to curb the misuse of exemptions by ultra-high-net-worth individuals. Investment criteria and conditions: Time limits Purchase: Within one year before or two years from the date of transfer. Construction: Within three years from the date of transfer. Capital Gains Account Scheme (CGAS): If the amount is not immediately reinvested, it must be deposited in a CGAS before the due date for filing the income tax return. Transfer of new assets: This exemption is maintained by requiring that the new asset not be transferred within three years of its acquisition or construction. Exemption limits Under Section 54: The exemption is the lesser of the capital gain or the amount invested. Under Section 54F: The exemption is proportional, based on the net consideration reinvested: Exemption = Capital Gain (Amount Invested Net Sale Consideration) Judicial rulings: Clarifying the grey areas While the legal provisions appear straightforward, their implementation has often required judicial intervention. Key rulings include: Purchase in spouses name: Eligible for exemption. In CIT v. Kamal Wahal, the Delhi high court held that the exemption cannot be denied merely because the legal title of the new residential property is in the spouses name, as long as the funds belong to the assessee. Investment in childrens name: Exemption is not allowed. In Prakash v. ITO, the Bombay high court denied the exemption as the beneficial ownership was considered to have passed to the children, defeating the legislative intent of the provision. Property outside India: Exemption is not available if the new asset is located outside India. Incomplete construction: Still eligible for exemption. In CIT v. Sardarmal Kothari, the Madras high court clarified that completion of construction is not mandatory; timely investment is the critical requirement under Section 54F. Multiple flats as one residential house: Allowed, if used as a single home. In CIT v. Gita Duggal, the Delhi high court ruled that where multiple units are part of a common structure and serve a unified residential purpose, they qualify as a residential house" for the purpose of exemption. Repayment of housing loan for new residential house: Treated as valid investment for exemption purposes. Delay in registration: Exemption is allowed. In Siva Jyothi Palam v. ACIT, the ITAT Visakhapatnam ruled that procedural delays in registration should not defeat substantive compliance with the law. Exemption cannot be denied if payment and possession are within time, even if registration is delayed. Conclusion Sections 54 and 54F continue to be vital planning avenues for taxpayers liquidating long-term assets. However, these provisions demand timely execution, accurate documentation, and sometimes even judicial guidance for interpretation. The judiciary has repeatedly favoured substance over form, focusing on the taxpayers intent and adherence to time limits rather than procedural lapses. However, caution is warranted. With increased scrutiny and potential litigation, aligning the declared sale consideration with the stamp duty value is critical to avoid tax litigation. With growing litigation around capital gains exemptions, professional advice is strongly recommended. Hitesh Kumar and Deepak Kapoor are chartered accountants. The article reflects the authors' views based on current tax laws and judicial precedents as of the date of publication. Readers are advised to consult with tax professionals before taking any action. Imagine you secure a credit card based on certain features and offering and after a few weeks or months, the bank rolls out changes, which effectively discontinue some of those offerings. Would you feel bad or for lack of better word cheated? Well, first of all, introducing changes in the credit card rules is not something unusual. For example, HDFC Bank rolled out changes which became effective from July 1 onwards. As per the new rules, credit cardholder will not be entitled to receive any reward points for transactions done on online skill-based gaming platforms. These platforms include Dream11, Rummy Culture, Junglee Games, MPL, etc. Read this Livemint article for more details. Last month, HDFC Bank's Tata Neu credit card revised its rules with regards to lounge access. You can read here about this. Likewise, a NPCI introduced several changes last year in September with regards to RuPay cards. Following those changes, RuPay credit cards became eligible for the same reward points for UPI transactions as other payment service providers. The change was done to address the previous disadvantage RuPay cardholders encountered as they earned rewards. During the same time, IDFC First Bank rolled out a change with regards to credit card billing cycle by shortening the time duration from 18 to 15 days. Apart from this, the minimum amount due (MAD) ratio was brought down from 5 per cent to 2 percent of the principal amount. How deep are the changes? As one can assess from the changes mentioned above, the changes in the credit card rules are typically either minor tweaks, fresh updates or revisions in time limits or thresholds. These relate to the reward points, lounge access, time duration and so on. They do not fundamentally change the character or spirit of the card. For instance, a premium card does not get downgraded to a regular card because of changes, or a travel card does not switch to a shopping card in response to the changes. Also Read | THESE 5 credit cards give cashback offers to the cardholders What should card holders do? The cardholders, one would expect, do not have any choice with regards to these changes introduced by the bank. Meanwhile, it is imperative to stay updated with regards to credit card rules. Banks generally send communication on the customers email accounts linked to the bank. So, it is important for the card holders to stay abreast with these changes by keeping track of all communications sent by the bank. Additionally, the changes are typically either cosmetic or superficial and do not fundamentally alter the cards character. Therefore, the purpose for which you secured the card will continue to be met, failing which you could re-consider keeping the card active. Disclaimer: Mint has a tie-up with fintechs for providing credit, you will need to share your information if you apply. These tie-ups do not influence our editorial content. This article only intends to educate and spread awareness about credit needs like loans, credit cards and credit score. Mint does not promote or encourage taking credit as it comes with a set of risks such as high interest rates, hidden charges, etc. We advise investors to discuss with certified experts before taking any credit. The Public Works Department (PWD) of Delhi has floated a 60-lakh tender to renovate the official residence of Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta with extensive electrical and furnishing work. The renovation will include air conditioners, televisions, and various electronic and decorative items set to adorn the Delhi chief ministers official residence at Bungalow Number 1 on Raj Niwas Marg in the Civil Lines area. The 60-lakh renovation tender for Delhi CM Rekha Guptas residence has emerged at a time when the BJP continues its Sheeshmahal attacks on former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal an allegation instrumental in losing AAP its top seat in Delhi. Now, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) appears in no mood to let this one slide. The party took to X to pull a jab at Rekha Gupta, alleging that crores were being spent to turn the residence into a Mayamahal. Congress, too, alleged that a Rangmahal is being constructed for them while accusing others of making a Sheeshmahal. 14 ACs, 5 TVs, CHANDELIERS: INSIDE DELHI CM'S HOUSE According to the PWD tender issued on June 28, the proposed additions at Delhi chief minister's house will include 14 air conditioners, five 4k ultra HD LED smart television sets four 55 inch units and one 65 inch unit 10 flood lights, chandeliers, wall illumination fixtures and an electric chimney. Other fixtures include, 14 CCTV cameras, an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) system, 23 remote-controlled ceiling fans, 16 wall fans and six geysers. A washing machine, dishwasher and a larger RO water plant are also a part of the renovation. Also Read | Sheesh Mahal tour? BJP to take reporters inside Arvind Kejriwal's former residence what Parvesh Verma promised Extensive renovation and upgrades are needed to make the residence inhabitable for the CMs family, a PWD official told Hindustan Times. According to the tender, the bungalow will be fitted with 115 lighting fixtures, including wall lights, hanging lamps, and three large chandeliers. A brass frame glass chandelier with six LED bulbs and two smaller units will be used in drawing room. Additionally, the common hall areas will feature 16 large round flush-ceiling lights with a nickel finish, seven brass ceiling lanterns, and eight brass-and-glass lantern wall lights. This [brass and glass lantern wall lights] unit is the epitome of timeless elegance, the PWD official said. New Delhi: The daily calorie intake of Indias poorest improved in both rural and urban areas in the 2022-24 period, slightly narrowing the gap with the rich, according to government data. The per capita daily calorie intake of the poorest householdsthe bottom 5% of the population by spendingimproved in rural areas from 1,607 Kcal in 2022-23 to 1,688 Kcal in2022-24, while the same in urban areas moved up from 1,623 Kcal to 1,688 Kcal, the statistics ministry said quoting household consumption expenditure survey data. This suggests improved food and nutrition access for the poor. At the same time, calorie intake by the top 5% by household expenditure, declined in rural areas from 3,116 Kcal in 2022-23 to 2,941 in 2023-24. In urban areas, too, it moderated from 3,478 Kcal to 3,092 Kcal, the ministry said. Also Read | Stress is one of the fatal occupational risks in healthcare, says psychiatrist The government provides 5 kg of free food grains every month to the poor under the PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana. This is in addition to the subsidized ration provided under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) to families covered under the Public Distribution System (PDS). The Centre is also running a rural employment guarantee scheme to offer financial backing to households. The government spent over 2 trillion in food subsidy in FY24 and 1.97 trillion in FY25. For the current year, it has earmarked 2 trillion of food subsidy. However, the disparity in calorie intake between the poorest and the highest spending households still remains wide. In 2023-24, daily calorie intake per head among the poorest in rural areas remained 57% of that among the highest spenders. In urban areas, it was 55%. Data also showed that per capita daily calory intake dropped slightly in rural and urban areas between July-August in 2022-23 and 2023-24, while the intake of protein remained nearly steady. Per capita daily fat consumption improved during the period in rural areas but it dropped slightly in urban areas. As per official estimates, about 25 crore people escaped multidimensional poverty, a measure that takes into account the effect of welfare schemes, in nine years, NITI Aayog said in January last year, referring to the 2014-2023 period. According to the policy think tank, India has registered a significant decline in multidimensional poverty from 29.17% in 2013-14 to 11.28% in 2022-23--a reduction of 17.89 percentage points. Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on his eight-day, five-nation tour today. During the tour his longest foreign trip in ten years the prime minister will participate in the crucial BRICS Summit in Brazil and expand India's ties with several key nations of the Global South. The PMs trip will cover two continents and include visits to Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia. Also Read | PM Modis longest foreign trip in 10 years begins tomorrow PM Modi's last eight-day trip was to six nations in July 2015 when he visited Russia and five Central Asian countries. Officials said the tour will focus on defence, rare earth minerals, and cooperation on counter-terror measures, among other issues. Begins with Ghana today Modi began his trip by emplaning for Ghana on the first day on July 2. This is the prime minister's first-ever bilateral visit to Ghana. Ghana is one of West Africas fastest-growing economies. India is the largest destination for Ghanaian exports, with gold accounting for more than 70 per cent of Indias imports from Ghana. John Mahama, who was elected President of Ghana in January, visited India in 2015 for the India-Africa Forum Summit. Prime Minister Modi will meet with President Mahama to review the strong bilateral partnership and discuss further avenues to enhance it through economic, energy, and defence collaboration. Trinidad and Tobago next From Ghana, Modi will travel to Trinidad and Tobago on a two-day visit from July 3. It will be the first visit by an Indian prime minister to the country since 1999. At least 40 per cent of the Indian diaspora in the Caribbean is settled in Trinidad and Tobago. Both Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and President Christine Carla Kangaloo are of Indian origin. During the visit, Modi will hold talks with the President Christine Carla Kangaloo, and the Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar. The PM is also expected to address a joint session of the island nation's parliament. The visit of the prime minister to Trinidad and Tobago will impart fresh impetus to the deep-rooted and historical ties between the two countries, the MEA said. Argentina on July 4 Modi will fly to Argentina on July 4 where he will hold wide-ranging talks with President Javier Milei to further enhance the India-Argentina partnership in key areas, including defence, agriculture, mining, oil and gas, renewable energy, trade, and investment. Argentina is a key economic partner in Latin America and a close collaborator in the G20. I look forward to my discussions with President H.E. Javier Milei, whom I also had the pleasure of meeting last year. We will focus on advancing our a mutually beneficial cooperation, including in the areas of agriculture, critical minerals, energy, trade, tourism, technology, and investment, PM Modi said in a departure statement on Wednesday. In 2024, India was Argentinas fifth-largest trading partner and export destination. BRICS Leaders' Summit in Brazil Modi will travel to Brazil at the invitation of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, in the fourth and most important leg of his trip Modi will attend the 17th BRICS summit in Brazil from July 5 to 8, followed by a state visit. This will be Modi's fourth visit to Brazil as the prime minister. The 17th BRICS Leaders' Summit will be held in Rio de Janeiro. "During the summit, the prime minister will exchange views on key global issues including reform of global governance, peace and security, strengthening multilateralism, responsible use of artificial intelligence, climate action, global health, economic and financial matters," the MEA said. Declaration to denounce Pahalgam Attack The BRICS leaders' declaration is set to denounce the Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22. Indian Armed Forces launched Operation Sindoor on 7 May, targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Modi is also likely to hold several bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the summit. For the state visit to Brazil, Modi will travel to Brasilia, where he will hold bilateral discussions with President Lula on broadening the strategic partnership between the two countries in areas of mutual interest, including trade, defence, energy, space, technology, agriculture, health, and people-to-people linkages, the MEA said. Brazil has displayed interest in technology for more secure communication and Indias Akash surface-to-air missile system, which was used during Operation Sindoor. Namibia in final leg In the final leg of his visit, Modi will travel to Namibia. This will be the third prime ministerial visit from India to Namibia. During his visit, Modi will hold bilateral talks with President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, pay homage to the country's Founding Father, Dr Sam Nujoma, and address the countrys Parliament. The visit of the prime minister is a reiteration of India's multi-faceted and deep-rooted historical ties with Namibia, the MEA said. The visit of the prime minister is a reiteration of India's multi-faceted and deep-rooted historical ties with Namibia. "The visit of the prime minister is a reiteration of India's multi-faceted and deep-rooted historical ties with Namibia," it said. Bilateral trade between India and Namibia has grown from close to $3 million in 2000 to about $600 million now. A number of Indian companies have invested in mining, manufacturing, diamond processing and services in Namibia. Full itinerary in Ghana 02 July 2025 (local time) -2.30 PM (Ghana Time) - 8 PM IST: Arrival and Guard of Honour at Kotoka International Airport, Accra -5.30 7.20 PM (Ghana Time) 11 PM 12. 50 AM (July 3 IST) : Bilateral Engagements at Jubilee House, including Press Statements -7.40 9 PM (Ghana Time) 1.10 AM - 2. 30 AM (July 3 IST ) Dinner hosted by John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana 03 July 2025 (local time) -9 AM 09.20 AM (Ghana Time) 2.3O PM to 2.50 PM (IST): Interaction with Indian Community (Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast) -9.35 9.50 AM (Ghana Time) 3.05 PM to 3.20 PM (IST): Visit Nkrumah Memorial -9.55 10.05 AM (Ghana Time) - 3.25 PM to 3.35 PM (IST): Visit Black Star Square -10.10 - 10.40 AM (Ghana Time) - 3.40 PM to 4.10 PM (IST): Address at the Parliament of Ghana -11.05 PM (Ghana Time) 4.35 PM (IST) Departure for Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. The Congress government in Karnataka has approached the High Court challenging an order passed by the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) quashing the suspension of IPS officer Vikash Kumar Vikash, over the stampede near Chinnaswamy stadium ahead of the RCB team's 2025 IPL victory celebration. At least 11 people died while 33 were injured in the stampede on 4 June. IPS officer Vikash, along with four officers of the Karnataka Police Department, were suspended for alleged negligence and failure to manage the crowd. The CAT, however, quashed Vikash's suspension on 1 July, saying that there was no convincing material showing police negligence. Order was passed yesterday and soon after the order, he came in uniform to take charge, milords, Advocate General Shashi Kiran Shetty told the bench of Justice SG Pandit and TM Nadaf, legal news agency LiveLaw reported. The AG sought an early hearing today, but the court listed the matter for 3 July. No stay has been granted for now, the LiveLaw report said. Cops do not have Alladin ka Chirag: CAT The CAT, while cancelling the Karnataka governments suspension order against ACP Vikash, said the cops are not magicians and do not have Alladin ka Chirag (Alladin's magic lamp). The IPS officer was suspended in the wake of the Bengaluru stampede case in early June. The Bengaluru bench of the tribunal, comprising Justice BK Shrivastava and administrative member Santhosh Mehra, had reserved its verdict on 24 June. The tribunal noted that the sufficient time should have been given to the police personnel to make arrangements for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) victory parade in Bengaluru, blaming the franchise for creating the nuisance. Also Read | Karnataka plans bill for crowd management at events after 11 people killed Prima facie it appears that the RCB is responsible for the gathering of about three to five lakh people. The RCB did not take the appropriate permission or consent from the Police. Suddenly, they posted on social media platforms and as a result of aforesaid information, the public were gathered, CAT set. The tragic stampede incident took place on June 4 in front of the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. IPS officer Vikash was suspended by the government. Vikash later moved the CAT, challenging his suspension. A social media user, who goes by the name Rattan Dhillon, has slammed the Delhi government for considering his fathers Mercedes car as vintage scrap. This is my dads 16-year-old Mercedes E280 V6, still running stronger and cleaner than most of the so-called modern cars that keep breaking down on roads. Every single button still works, and the engine? Still does 0100 in just 67 seconds. Zero pollution, zero nonsense, the user wrote on Twitter (now X). But sadly, I have to label it a vintage scrap just because we live in a country where politicians have zero love for cars! I challenge the government to prove it pollutes. They wont, but theyll still penalize it! the user added. Many other social media users sympathised with the user. Can a PIL not be filed? This is outrageous, asked one user while Dhillion replied, No one gonna listen. Cars are not just a machine. They are memories, wrote one user. Another wrote, This model has been my dream car since I was a student. What a timeless design! This is insane and a clear attempt at extracting unfair taxes, came from another. Also Read | Delhi news: Manjinder Singh Sirsa refutes reports claiming he was fired at Exactly my point. Age-based obsolescence is nonsense. Have they prepared for the waste its gonna generate by junking these cars? wondered one user. However, not everyone agreed with him. Why didnt u challenge the NGT in 2014? Why didnt u challenge the Supreme Court in 2018? Why didnt u challenge the government in 2021 when it was framing the scrap policy? asked one user. Another user declared, Rules won't be changed just because your dad owns a Mercedes. Follow it or relocate to a place where there are no rules. Delhis vehicle scrappage policy As per the Supreme Court and National Green Tribunal (NGT) orders, diesel vehicles older than 10 years and petrol vehicles older than 15 years cannot run in Delhi-NCR. These vehicles will be deregistered and must be scrapped or converted to electric. If found running, the car will be seized and scrapped. Delhi's vehicle scrappage policy now bans petrol vehicles older than 15 years and diesel vehicles older than 10 years from being refuelled. The policy was enforced on July 1, 2025. Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor (L-G) Manoj Sinha flagged off the first batch of pilgrims for the Amarnath Yatra from Jammu on July 2. The first batch of pilgrims set off from Lakhanpur to the Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu amid tight security arrangements, marking the official start of the Amarnath Yatra 2025. The Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu serves as the primary base camp for pilgrims from across the country before they proceed to the cave shrine of Amarnath nestled in the majestic Himalayas of South Kashmir. The 38-day pilgrimage to the 3,880-metre-high shrine will commence on July 3 from the Valley via the twin tracks the traditional 48-kilometre Nunwan-Pahalgam route in Anantnag district and the shorter 14 kilometres but steeper Baltal route in Ganderbal district. The yatra will conclude on August 9. As many as 3,31,000 devotees have registered for this year's yatra so far, according to officials. On-the-spot registration of devotees arriving here for the pilgrimage has also started. The officials said the devotees will be ferried to the twin base camps of Pahalgam and Baltal amid heavy security escort, traffic restrictions, and area domination along the Jammu-Srinagar national highway. Traffic restrictions will be imposed on various routes from July 2 to August 9, with daily advisories issued to minimise inconvenience, a traffic officer said, adding that cut-off timings have been fixed for each sector on the highway, which is monitored through CCTVs. The LG, who is also the chairman of the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB), reviewed the security and other arrangements for the yatra at a high-level meeting, the officials said. No threats can deter their spirit: L-G The annual Amaranth Yatra assumes significance this time since it is coming about two months after the Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed on April 22 at the famed hill station in South Kashmir. The Yatra passes through Pahalgam too. The eyes of the world are on this Amarnath Yatra, and no threats can deter the spirit of people undertaking the pilgrimage, Sinha said on Tuesday. Attending the 'Tawi Aarti' at the Tawi Riverfront in Jammu, he asserted that this year's Amarnath Yatra will be even more historic than the previous ones, and for him, it was an opportunity to restore the ancient glory of Jammu and Kashmir. The world's eyes are on this Yatra. The devotees' resolve is unshakeable; no threats can deter their spirit. With the cooperation and support of everyone, this year's Yatra will be even more historic than previous years, he said. No threats can deter their spirit. The entire J&K is experiencing spiritual bliss on the eve of the holy pilgrimage of Amarnath Ji, Sinha said. The people of Jammu and Kashmir are ready to welcome the devotees of Baba Barfani from across the country. May Lord Shiva bless everyone with health, happiness, and harmony, he added. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari announced the completion of the newly constructed 4-lane Greenfield Bandikui Spur on Wednesday and shared a series of pictures. This 66.916 km long, 4-lane spur is said to reduce the travel time between Delhi and Jaipur to 3 hours, down from 3 hours 45 minutes. In a post on Twitter, the Union Minister said, We have successfully completed the 66.916 km long, 4-lane Greenfield Bandikui Spur, constructed at a capital cost of 2,016 crore. Gadkari said the Greenfield Bandikui Spur addresses the lack of a direct route between the DelhiVadodara Expressway and Jaipur that previously compelled commuters to take longer, fuel-intensive journeys. This strategically significant project provides direct, access-controlled connectivity between the DelhiVadodara Expressway and Jaipuraddressing the lack of a direct route that previously compelled commuters to take longer, fuel-intensive journeys, he wrote. The new spur is expected to reduce travel time between Delhi and Jaipur from 3 hours 45 minutes to just 3 hours, significantly improving mobility and easing congestion on NH-48 and NH-21, he added. Gadkari said this enhanced connectivity will not only facilitate tourism, boosting access to Jaipurs renowned attractions such as Amer Fort and Jantar Mantar, but will also promote regional economic development. The Union Minister also said this spur will lower logistics costs, reduce vehicular wear and tear, and create new markets for local farmers, particularly fruit and vegetable producers, by opening seamless access to Delhis vast consumer base. 3,653 crore 4-lane Badvel-Nellore highway approved Earlier in May, the Union Cabinet approved the development of a 4-lane highway between Badvel and Nellore in Andhra Pradesh at a total cost of 3,653.10 crore. Also Read | Indian road network will be better than US in next two years: Nitin Gadkari The 108.13 km project will connect Badvel-Gopavaram Village (NH-67) to Guruvindapudi (NH-16) and enhance infrastructure and industrial linkages in the state, according to a release statement. According to the official statement, the greenfield corridor will improve access to key industrial nodes in Andhra Pradesh and reduce the travel distance to Krishnapatnam Port by 33.9 km, from 142 km to 108.13 km. Kolkata gang-rape case: Amid the ongoing political tussle between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Trinamool Congress (TMC) over the Kolkata gang-rape case, BJP leader Manan Kumar Mishra has alleged that the police are hiding the victims family. He also claimed that authorities are not allowing anyone to meet the security guard, who is the fourth accused in the heinous incident that took place on 25 June inside the South Kolkata Law College campus. Mishra further alleged that the First Information Report was attempted to tamper with to change the accused's name. We visited everyone there and met other college staff also. When we saw some documents, it showed that some tampering had been done with the FIR. By looking at the document, it looks like someone attempted to change the name of the accused... We tried to talk to the victim, but it looks like the police are hiding the family of the victim and the family members... The guard is the best witness in this case, but they have also arrested him and are not letting him meet anyone, Mishra told ANI on Tuesday. We will submit our report; however, that is a different thing, how the government of Mamata Banerjee will work on this he added. Also Read | Odisha shocker! Minor girl raped with hands and legs tied in Ganjam Kolkata gang-rape case: Accused sent to police custody Meanwhile, the Alipore court on Tuesday sent the three main accused to police custody till 8 July. The accused include the prime suspect, Monojit Mishra, a former student and temporary staffer of the college, and two current students Zaib Ahmed and Pramit Mukherjee. The trio was arrested on Thursday and produced before the court the following day, which initially remanded them to four-day police custody. The court also sent security guard, Pinaki Banerjee, to custody till 4 July. A joint statement by the foreign ministers of the US, India, Japan and Australia condemned an April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir that killed 26 people. They urged that those behind it be brought to justice. India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Japan's Minister of Foreign Affairs Takeshi Iwaya, and Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong attended the Quad Foreign Ministers' Meeting at the US Department of State on Tuesday. In a joint statement, they said, The Quad unequivocally condemns all acts of terrorism and violent extremism in all its forms and manifestations, including cross-border terrorism, and renews our commitment to counterterrorism cooperation. We condemn in the strongest terms the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir on April 22, 2025, which claimed the lives of 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen, while injuring several others, the statement added. Also Read | Quadria Capital to complete returning Fund 1 by year end We call for the perpetrators, organizers, and financiers of this reprehensible act to be brought to justice without any delay and urge all UN Member States, in accordance with their obligations under international law and relevant UNSCRs, to cooperate actively with all relevant authorities in this regard, the leaders said. India has every Addressing a gathering, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said, A word about terrorism in the light of our recent experience. The world must display zero tolerance. "Victims and perpetrators must never be equated. India has every right to defend its people against terrorism and we will exercise that right. We expect our Quad partners to understand and appreciate that...," Jaishanlar said. He also reiterated the broader strategic goals of the Quad. I am very pleased to be back in DC for the second time this year for Quad's Foreign Ministers' Meeting, and let me begin by saying we are all committed to ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific. The Delhi Police has arrested three cybercriminals from Jamtara, Jharkhand, for cheating a Delhi man out of 10.8 lakh. The accused posed as bank credit card officials to trick the victim. The victim, K.C. Barthwal, received a fake call about a false debit on his account. To catch the culprits, the police disguised themselves in local tribal attire and kept them under surveillance. The accused, Mujaffar Jilani, Aftab Ansari, and Md Iqbal Raza, all in their mid-20s, are part of a larger cyber fraud network. Ansari was named the mastermind behind a fraud operation. He used gaming wallets to move stolen money, and his associate Jilani also received funds through these wallets. Raza, 24, handled the technical side by spreading fake apps and stealing OTPs and SMS from victims phones. He also helped transfer the money and arrange cash withdrawals. The case was reported after Barthwal got a call on April 5 claiming 588.82 had been wrongly deducted from his credit card. This led to the uncovering of the scam and the arrests. "Jamtara has gained notoriety over the years as a hub for organised cyber frauds in India. We have recovered five mobile phones, six SIM cards, and a debit card allegedly used in the commission of the fraud," PTI quoted Deputy Commissioner of Police (Southwest) Amit Goel as saying in a statement. "The caller then pressured the victim to either activate or block his credit card by clicking on a link sent to his phone. The link led to a phishing site resembling the official bank portal. Barthwal, unaware of the trap, opened the link and shared his card details," the DCP added. How the gang planned the scam The gang used fake calls, phishing links, and a fake mobile app to steal his credit card and bank details. They also accessed his phone, stole OTPs, and even accessed his internet banking by pretending to verify his account. They then transferred the money to digital wallets and gaming apps and later withdrew the cash using multiple fake accounts. Police traced them using technical surveillance. They were arrested after a two-day operation. The accused have been brought to Delhi for questioning. Actor Vijay on Wednesday visited the home of temple guard Ajith Kumar, the youth who died allegedly in police custody. He paid tribute and offered condolences to Ajiths grieving family in the Sivaganga district of Tamil Nadu. The victim belonged to Madappuram village in Tiruppuvanam taluk of Sivaganga district and he was beaten to death in police custody on June 28, 2025. He was taken into custody for questioning in connection with an alleged theft on June 27. Tamil Nadu Minister for Co-operation, KR Periyakaruppan on Wednesday handed over house site 'patta,' job appointment order and 5 lakh solatium on behalf of the DMK to Ajiths family. Periyakaruppan visited the victim's family at Madappuram village and handed over the job appointment order to Naveen Kumar, brother of Ajith Kumar, in the presence of Sivaganga District Collector K Porkodi and Manamaduri MLA Tamilarasi Ravikumar. Naveen Kumar was appointed as technician on compassionate grounds in Sivaganga District Cooperative Milk Producers Union Limited, Karaikudi. The minister also gave away an order granting cost-free 3 cents of land to Malathi, the victim's mother and the government's patta (house site) for the same. He also assured appropriate punishment to the offenders. Also Read | Stalin challenges Centre on Governor case, raises three questions Meanwhile, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami spoke over phone to the mother of Ajith Kumar, the victim and conveyed his condolences and sympathies. The leader of opposition assured her that his party would stand behind her till such time she got justice. Arvind Kejriwal, Aam Admi Party (AAP) national convenor, commenced a three-day visit from July 1 to 3 to Gujarat to take part in organisational meetings. He is expected to mobilise support for the partys newly launched Gujarat Jodo membership campaign, which begins in Ahmedabad on July 2 prior to broadening to a state-level campaign. This follows AAP's debacle in Delhi assembly election this year and also the recent by-poll win of AAP leader Gopal Italia from Visavadar Assembly constituency in Gujarat, where he received 75,942 votes, whereas BJP candidate Kirit Patel secured 58,388, the Election Commission data showed. Before departing for Ahmedabad, former Delhi CM Kejriwal said, I am going to Gujarat today to meet the workers after the victory in Visavadar. There will be a bigger storm of AAP in the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections. In Gujarat, the people have decided to reject both the BJP and the Congress. The campaign signals the partys fresh effort to strengthen its grassroots foothold in Gujarat, a state where the BJP has held political dominance for more than 20 years. The AAP leadership called the bypoll verdict as Kejriwals indication of "powerful comeback" to national politics after he lost his New Delhi seat and failed to form the government in the national capital in election held in February, 2025, PTI reported. Gujarat wants change. Congress sitting in BJPs lap' "In the Visavadar by-election, the overwhelming majority with which Aam Aadmi Party secured victory and defeated BJP shows the mood of Gujarat, that people are fed up with BJP, they are angry, and want change. Gujarat wants a change," ANI quoted Kejriwal as saying. He added, BJP ruled here for 30 years because there was no alternative; Congress was sitting in BJP's lap... Now people have found a good, honest, patriotic alternative. They have decided to bring the Aam Aadmi Party to power. Italia credits victory to people Italia told ANI, The public contested these elections... I was only a medium. When the people contest the elections themselves, it is confirmed that the results would be historic... The BJP did everything to win these elections... This is people's win, The people want change in Gujarat... The people have faith in the AAP and its leadership... I thank everyone who was involved in these elections." New Delhi: There is no direct link between covid-19 vaccinations and reported instances of sudden death among adults in the country, the health ministry said, citing extensive studies carried out by India's top medical research bodies. The investigations by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the All-India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) identified lifestyle choices, pre-existing health conditions and genetic factors as the key contributors to these sudden deaths, the ministry said on Wednesday. For some time now, a narrative has been built up linking covid-19 vaccines to sudden, unexplained deaths, especially among young adults. This prompted national agencies to ascertain the scientific basis of these claims. The findings, now made public, aim to address these concerns, provide clarity and curb the spread of misinformation. The health ministry said the two studies offer a more comprehensive understanding of sudden unexplained deaths in young adults in India. It has also been revealed that covid-19 vaccination does not appear to increase the risk, whereas the role of underlying health issues, genetic predisposition and risky lifestyle choices does play a role in unexplained sudden deaths, the ministry said. The ministry emphasised that scientific experts have strongly reiterated that statements linking covid vaccinations to sudden deaths are false and misleading and not supported by scientific consensus. Such speculative claims, lacking conclusive evidence, can undermine public confidence in vaccines, which have saved millions of lives globally during the pandemic. Unfounded reports could lead to vaccine hesitancy and adversely impact public health efforts. Vaccines administered in India during the pandemic included Covishield, which was developed by Oxford/AstraZeneca, and Covaxin by Bharat Biotech. Covid-19 cases in India have been declining, with the active caseload dropping to 1,691 on Tuesday. Two deaths were reported in the past 24 hours, bringing the number of deaths this year to 144. The current spread in the country is linked to Omicron sub-variants NB.1.8.1 and LF.7. Deeper understanding The health ministry said ICMR and the National Centre for Disease Control have been working together to understand the causes of the sudden unexplained deaths, especially in those aged 18-45. Two distinct yet complementary studies were undertaken to gain a deeper understanding of the issue. One study by ICMR's National Institute of Epidemiology was carried out from May to August 2023. It involved 47 tertiary care hospitals across 19 states and Union Territories. Also Read | FDA expands warning about rare heart side effect in two leading Covid vaccines It looked at individuals who appeared to be healthy but died suddenly between October 2021 and March 2023. The findings have conclusively shown that covid-19 vaccination does not increase the risk of unexplained sudden death in young adults, the health ministry said in a statement. The second ongoing study is being conducted by AIIMS, New Delhi, with funding and in collaboration with ICMR. It aims to pinpoint the common causes of sudden deaths in young adults. Early analysis of the data collected strongly indicates that heart attacks (myocardial infarction) continue to be the primary cause of sudden death in this age group. Crucially, no major changes in the pattern of causes have been observed when compared with data from previous years. In many such cases, genetic mutations have been identified as a possible underlying cause. The government said that it remains committed to evidence-based public health research to safeguard the well-being of citizens. Dr Rajeev Jayadevan, former president of the Indian Medical Association's Cochin chapter, said the sudden deaths, though rare, occur due to multiple causes and not all of them are from a heart attack. Some younger adults have an electrical or muscular problem in the heart, often with no prior symptoms. Such conditions can sometimes trigger an abnormal rhythm that leads to cardiac arrest," Jayadevan said. "Deaths can also occur due to stroke, overdose, pulmonary embolism or acute infection. The vaccine link is pushed on social media by conspiracy theorists and is a convenient and believable story for the general public. A software engineer working at Infosys was apprehended by the Bengaluru police for allegedly secretly recording videos of women in the restroom. The accused, identified as Swapnil Nagesh Mali, 28, hails from Andhra Pradesh and works as a senior associate at the prominent IT firm. The shocking incident, which occurred on Monday, came to light when a sharp-eyed female employee noticed something suspicious while using the restroom. According to the First Information Report (FIR), the woman stated that while she was using the washroom, she saw Nagesh filming her from the cubicle next to hers. She panicked and raised an alarm, prompting other employees to rush to the spot. When his mobile phone was seized, it reportedly contained several video clips -- which were later deleted by Human Resources personnel in the womans presence, NDTV reported. Over 30 videos found on accuseds phone An internal investigation reportedly revealed that the accused had recorded over 30 explicit videos of different women inside the office washroom, which were found on his mobile phone. The discovery sparked further outrage, particularly after the victims husband became aware of the incident and confronted the companys management. Following this, the woman lodged a formal complaint at the Electronic City police station. Based on her statement and the collected evidence, Swapnil was arrested. He now faces serious charges, including invasion of privacy and sexual harassment. Infosys responds In an official statement, the company confirmed that the employee has been terminated and that it is cooperating fully with law enforcement authorities. We are aware of this incident and have taken necessary action against the employee, who is now separated from the company, Infosys said. We also promptly supported the complainant by facilitating a swift complaint with the law enforcement authorities and continue to cooperate as they investigate further. External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar issued a stern warning to Pakistan, saying India reserves every right to defend its people against terrorism. Speaking from Washington DC ahead of the Quad foreign ministerial meeting, Jaishankar said India will exercise that right, asserting that the world must display zero tolerance towards terrorism. With his counterparts from the United States, Australia and Japan listening, Jaishankar also said that India expects its Quad partners to understand and appreciate its position on dealing with terrorism. The world must display zero tolerance [towards terrorism]. Victims and perpetrators must never be equated and India has every right to defend its people against terrorism. And we will exercise that right. We expect our Quad partners to understand and appreciate that, Jaishankar said. The external affairs minister also underlined the need to ensure freedom of choice for countries in the Indo-Pacific region. Also Read | In fresh warning, Jaishankar reminds Pakistan of a man named Osama bin Laden It is essential that nations of the Indo-Pacific have the freedom of choice so essential to make right decisions on development and security. We are all committed to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific, EAM Jaishankar said. In the last several months, we have made significant progress in Quad initiatives. They include in the maritime domain, logistics, education and political coordination. We will be discussing that in greater detail, he said. He said Quad will deliver better if it is more cohesive, nimble and focused. Quad is about deepening our convergence and expanding our common ground. I value our consultations on different dimensions of the Indo-Pacific in that regard, Jaishankar said. North Korea has opened a large resort on its east coast, state media reported on Wednesday. The Wonsan Kalma Coastal Tourist Area, described by Pyongyang as a world-class cultural resort, is expected to welcome Russian tourists later this month. South Korean media have nicknamed it North Koreas Waikiki. The site can host nearly 20,000 visitors, according to North Korean authorities. Experts say leader Kim Jong Un showed a strong interest in boosting tourism in his early years in power, with the coastal resort being one of his key projects. The tourist zone opened to domestic visitors Tuesday, Pyongyang's official Korean Central News Agency reported, publishing images of tourists in colourful swimsuits enjoying the beach. North Koreans of all ages from across the country flocked to the site this week "filled with joy at experiencing a new level of civilization", KCNA reported. The visitors were "astonished by the grandeur and splendor of the tourist city, where more than 400... artistically designed buildings lined the white sandy beach in ideal harmony", it added. According to South Korea's Yonhap news agency, a group of Russian tourists is set to visit the zone in North Korea for the first time on July 7. South Korea's unification ministry, which manages relations with the North, said the site's operations are "expected to gradually expand", including to Russian tourists. Kim said last week the construction of the site would go down as "one of the greatest successes this year" and that the North would build more large-scale tourist zones "in the shortest time possible". Previously released images showed him sitting in a chair -- alongside his teenage daughter Ju Ae and wife Ri Sol Ju -- watching a man flying off a water slide in the resort. - Limited tourism - But given the limited capacity of available flights, international tourism to the new beach resort is "likely to remain small in scale," according to Seoul's unification ministry. "It is estimated that tourists will travel via Pyongyang, and that the number of visitors may be limited to around 170 people per day," the ministry said. North Korea sees tourism as a key source of foreign currency, it said, and Pyongyang may have received aid to complete the site from Russia in exchange for joining its war in Ukraine. The nuclear-armed North reopened its borders in August 2023 after almost four years, having closed them because of the Covid-19 pandemic, during which even its own nationals were prevented from entering. But foreign tourism was limited even before the pandemic, with tour companies saying around 5,000 Western tourists visited each year. Significantly more Chinese tourists were allowed at the time. The impoverished country's political, military and cultural ties with Russia have deepened since Moscow's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The North last year permitted Russian tourists to return for the first time since the pandemic and Western tour operators briefly returned in February this year. No Chinese tourists are known to have returned to the country. A tourist train between Rason -- home to North Korea's first legal marketplace -- and Russia's Vladivostok resumed in May this year, according to an official from Seoul's unification ministry. US citizens made up about 20 percent of the market before Washington banned travel following the imprisonment and subsequent death of American student Otto Warmbier. Hundreds of thousands of South Koreans also used to visit Mount Kumgang near the inter-Korean border every year, travelling to a Seoul-funded tourist resort that was the first major cooperation project between the neighbours. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday arrived in Ghana, becoming the first Indian prime minister in 30 years to visit the West African country. PM Modi is on a two-day visit during which he will hold talks with the country's top leadership and review the strong bilateral partnership. President John Dramani Mahama received PM Narendra Modi as he arrived at the Kotoka International Airport. PM Modi was also given a Guard of Honour along with 21-gun salute. This is the prime minister's first-ever bilateral visit to Ghana. It is also the first prime ministerial visit from India to Ghana in three decades. In his departure statement, PM Modi called Ghana a valued partner in the Global South which plays an important role in the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States. The prime minister added that he looked forward to talks aimed at further deepening the two countries' historical ties and opening up new windows of cooperation, including in the areas of investment, energy, health, security, capacity building and development partnership. As fellow democracies, it will be an honour to speak at the Parliament of Ghana, PM Modi said. MODI'S GHANA VISIT According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), PM Modi will meet with Ghanas president to review the strong bilateral partnership and explore ways to strengthen it further through cooperation in economic, energy, and defence sectors. This visit will reaffirm the shared commitment of the two countries to deepen bilateral ties and strengthen Indias engagement with the ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) and the African Union, it added. After spending two days in Ghana, PM Modi will travel to Trinidad and Tobago on a two-day visit from July 3 to 4. In the third leg of his visit, PM Modi will visit Argentina from July 4 to 5. In the fourth leg of his visit, Modi will travel to Brazil to attend the 17th BRICS summit followed by a state visit. In the final leg of his visit, Modi will travel to Namibia. In an unusual tale of persistence and technology, British content creator Miles Routledge, known online as Lord Miles, managed to recover his lost AirPods a year after they went missing during a hotel stay in Dubai. The device was eventually traced to Jhelum in Pakistan, leading him on an unexpected international journey to reclaim it. The 24-year-old YouTuber revealed that his AirPods Pro disappeared while he was waiting for a visa in Dubai. They vanished after housekeeping came to clean my hotel room, he wrote on X (formerly Twitter). However, the saga didnt end there. Routledge had enabled Apples Find My feature on the device, which allowed him to track its location long after it went missing. To his surprise, the AirPods appeared to be active in Jhelum, a city in Pakistans Punjab province. The signal pinged from near a local eatery named "2nd Wife Restaurant", a detail that quickly gained attention online. Determined to retrieve the gadget, Routledge contacted local police in Jhelum, who launched an investigation after his social media posts went viral. The police narrowed down their search to residents who had recently returned from Dubai. They eventually located a local man in possession of the AirPods. According to officials, the man claimed he had purchased the item in Dubai from an Indian national, unaware it was stolen. Authorities have reportedly taken the seller into custody on charges of dealing in stolen goods. Also Read | Thailand gets PM for only one day after leader suspended over ethical misconduct Routledge flew to Pakistan to collect the recovered AirPods and thanked the Jhelum Police for their swift action. In a video update, he shared his experience of being greeted like a celebrity. I was welcomed by the police chief and over 20 journalists. This has somehow become a national news story strangers on the street recognise me and ask about my AirPods, he wrote. A Cape Town-based woman -- who had always dreamt of purchasing a car - was left shattered and jobless when that dream finally turned into reality. A 28-year-old cashier in Cape Town, South Africa, has alleged that her Indian-origin boss sacked her after she bought a second-hand vehicle with months of savings and questioned how she could afford it on her salary. Aseza Limelintaka took to social media to share her ordeal, claiming that she worked as a cashier at Shell Garage in Maitland and had arrived at work in her newly purchased used car. Her boss allegedly became suspicious, saying her salary was too low to afford the vehicle, and asked her to show her bank account details to check if she had another job. "I went through my bank app and showed him. He said I started buying new furniture, now I'm buying a car. He's not comfortable with me being a cashier again," she wrote in a Facebook post. Limelintaka said Patel accused her of theft, telling her he was investigating whether any money was missing from his business. He then gave her an ultimatum: either take a job as a petrol pump attendant or resign. "I refused. I was hired as a cashier and have done nothing wrong," she wrote. "I had hoped the car would help me run a side hustle and keep working. Now it feels like I'm being punished for trying to improve my life." Speaking to News24 in South Africa, the owner of the garage, Berkley Motor, denied the allegations made by Limelintaka, claiming she was not fired. After months of flip flops and trading barbs with Donald Trump over his big beautiful bill, Elon Musk has once again changed his tone now crediting the United States President for resolving several global conflitcs. Elon Musk's praise for Donald Trump came as the US President announced on social media that he was closer to finalising a deal for Gaza ceasefire. Donald Trump said, My Representatives had a long and productive meeting with the Israelis today on Gaza. Israel has agreed to the necessary conditions to finalize the 60 Day CEASEFIRE, during which time we will work with all parties to end the War. The Qataris and Egyptians, who have worked very hard to help bring Peace, will deliver this final proposal. I hope, for the good of the Middle East, that Hamas takes this Deal, because it will not get better IT WILL ONLY GET WORSE. Thank you for your attention to this matter! Reacting to the announcement, Elon Musk said, Credit where credit is due. @realDonaldTrump has successfully resolved several serious conflicts around the world. Both Donald Trump and Elon Musk had signaled they were ready to move on from their bitter fight nearly a month ago, but the president's mega bill that the Tesla chief has called political suicide for the Republican Party has brought the two men back to sniping. The Tesla chief on Tuesday, July 1, threw down the gauntlet with his remark after the United States President threatened to end Tesla subsidies. Elon Musk on Wednesday (July 2) praised the President Donald Trumps foreign policy achievements, including a proposed 60-day Israel-Hamas ceasefire, just days after their clash over tax and spending bill intensified. Credit where credit is due. @realDonaldTrump has successfully resolved several serious conflicts around the world, Musk posted on X, formerly Twitter, hours after Trump announced Israel had agreed to terms for a 60-day ceasefire with Hamas. Musk also shared a screenshot of Trumps post on Truth Social, in which the President said his team held a long and productive meeting with the Israelis today on Gaza. Trump announces ceasefire deal Late Tuesday, Trump said Israel had agreed to the necessary conditions to finalize a 60-day ceasefire in the Gaza strip. He warned Hamas that if they refused, conditions will only get worse. The announcement came days ahead of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus visit to Washington, his third trip since Trump returned to the White House in January. Trump has also renewed efforts to end Russias invasion of Ukraine, pledging to broker a settlement within months. Musk-Trump feud over Big, Beautiful Bill Despite offering praise on foreign policy, Musk has been among the most vocal critics of Trumps One Big Beautiful Bill. He blasted Trumps signature One Big Beautiful Bill Act as utterly insane, calling it political suicide and accusing Republicans of passing a measure that increases the debt ceiling by a record FIVE TRILLION DOLLARS. It is obvious with the insane spending of this bill... that we live in a one-party country the PORKY PIG PARTY!! Musk posted on Monday (June 30). Time for a new political party that actually cares about the people. Deportation remark raises eyebrows Tensions reached a new peak when Trump suggested he might consider deporting Musk, who was born in South Africa but has been a US citizen since 2002. Well have to take a look, Trump said on Tuesday (July 1) when asked by reporters about Musks citizenship status. He also joked about dispatching DOGE the Department of Government Efficiency, which Musk briefly led to investigate subsidies benefiting Tesla. You know what DOGE is? The monster that might have to go back and eat Elon, Trump said. Wouldnt that be terrible? He gets a lot of subsidies. History of clashing and reconciliation Musk and Trump have a history of volatile public exchanges. In May, Musk left DOGE and soon after expressed disagreements about the tax and spending bill. He claimed Trump wouldnt have won the 2024 election without his support. Trump fired back, accusing Musk of going CRAZY over cuts to electric vehicle tax credits. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said that the US bombing of the Fordow nuclear facility has seriously and heavily damaged the facility. No one exactly knows what has transpired in Fordow. That being said, what we know so far is that the facilities have been seriously and heavily damaged, Araghchi said in an interview with CBS News on Tuesday. He added, The Atomic Energy Organisation of the Islamic Republic of Iran is currently undertaking evaluation and assessment, the report of which will be submitted to the government. The intercepted Iranian messages minimised the scale of harm resulting from the US strikes on Irans nuclear programme, according to the Washington Post report, referring to four individuals aware of classified intelligence surfacing within the US administration. Also Read | The US Bombing Iran Was a Win for ... Putin US and Iran President Donald Trump has said the strikes completely and totally obliterated Iran's nuclear facility, but US officials stated it will take time to get an overall review of the impact caused by the US bombing on 22 June. The attack hit Isfahan, Natanz and the underground uranium enrichment facility at Fordo under Operation Midnight Hammer, with Iranian media confirming that all three locations were struck on Saturday night. According to the US Joint Chiefs Chairman Dan Caine, seven B-2 stealth bombers flew for 18 hours to deliver 14 GBU-57 bunker-buster bombs, a powerful weapon weighing 13,600 kilograms (30,000 pounds). Iran was quick to retaliate with missile attacks at the United States' al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar, the largest American base in West Asia. Qatar said it successfully intercepted the missiles and that there were no fatalities. Also Read | Satellite images capture activity at Irans Fordow nuclear site after US Strikes Later, Trump stated both countries have wound down and completed their in-progress, final missions. He asserted it would bring an Official END to the war. Hip-hop artist Sean Diddy Combs, founder of Bad Boy Records, was convicted of prostitution-related charges but acquitted of racketeering conspiracy and two sex trafficking counts on Wednesday. Over the years, Combs has often hit the headlines for his role in the music industry and allegations of violence and sexual assault. Check out the timeline of the Combs from being a key figure in the music industry to landing in legal trouble, according to a report by the news agency Reuters. Happy US Independence Day 2025: As fireworks prepare to paint the sky for Americas 249th birthday, honour history, embrace joy, and ignite patriotism by sharing warm wishes celebrating US Independence Day 2025. US Independence Day: History Historically, July 4 marks the 1776 adoption of the Declaration of Independence, where leaders like Thomas Jefferson defied British rule, though most delegates signed it weeks later on August 2. Parades, backyard barbecues, and community concerts continue traditions started in 1777. The Pentagon has claimed that the United States' strike on Iran's nuclear sites recently has jeopardized Iranian atomic program plans by at least two years, according to an AP report. The US intelligence assessment received by the Pentagon suggests that the ongoing Iranian nuclear programs have now degraded by one to two years after the US strikes. This new development comes amid the Israel-Iran conflict that the entire world currently has eyes on. "We have degraded their program by one to two years at least -- intel assessments inside the (Defense) Department assess that," Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell was quoted as telling journalists. Parnell later added, "We're thinking probably closer to two years." The Pentagon now claims U.S. strikes have crippled Irans nuclear ambitions for up to two years, reversing earlier intelligence suggesting far less damage. Defense Department spokesman Sean Parnell stated Wednesday that internal assessments show Irans program was "degraded by one to two years, at least," adding, we're thinking probably closer to two years. Conflicting assessments emerge as Trump insists on obliteration This clashes sharply with last weeks leaked Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) reportclassified as preliminary and low-confidencewhich concluded the June 22 bunker-buster bomb attacks only delayed Irans atomic progress by months. President Trump continues insisting the strikes "completely obliterated" nuclear facilities despite mounting evidence otherwise. The White House dismissed the DIA assessment as "flat-out wrong," sparking accusations of political interference in intelligence analysis. Satellite imagery reveals significant but incomplete damage at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan nuclear sites, where U.S. B-2 stealth bombers dropped fourteen 30,000-pound bunker-buster bombs alongside cruise missiles. While above-ground structures were devastated, underground centrifuge hallsparticularly at the mountain-buried Fordow facilitylikely survived structurally. A Japan Airlines flight from Shanghai to Tokyo turned into a nightmare for passengers when the aircraft suddenly dropped nearly 26,000 feet mid-air, triggering a terrifying emergency, People reported. The incident occurred on Monday evening, June 30, aboard flight JL8696 (operated by Japan Airlines low-cost arm Spring Japan), which had taken off from Shanghai Pudong Airport and was en route to Narita International Airport in Tokyo. According to reports from Kyodo News and the Associated Press, the Boeing 737 aircraft was carrying 191 people, including crew. At around 6:53 PM local time, the flight suffered a sudden drop in cabin pressure, forcing the plane to descend rapidly from 36,000 feet to just under 10,500 feet in ten minutes. Oxygen masks were automatically deployed, and passengers were instructed to use them immediately. In video footage from inside the cabin, visibly shaken passengers are seen wearing oxygen masks, some clutching their hands and others trying to stay calm. A flight attendant can be heard urging everyone to stay composed and follow safety instructions. I heard a muffled boom, and the next thing I knew, oxygen masks dropped from above. A flight attendant cried and shouted for everyone to wear their masks, saying there was a malfunction, one passenger told the AP. Another said they were jolted awake when the masks fell and described being on the verge of tears. In a particularly harrowing moment, one traveller even claimed to have written their will during the ordeal, fearing the worst. Japans Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism later confirmed that an alert regarding a pressurisation system failure had been triggered mid-flight. The pilot declared an emergency and diverted the plane to Kansai International Airport in Osaka, where it landed safely at around 8:50 PM local time. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. Passengers were provided with hotel accommodation for the night and 15,000 yen (approximately 8,945) each in transportation compensation. Authorities have launched an investigation into the mechanical issue that caused the sudden drop in cabin pressure. Bangladeshs ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was on Wednesday sentenced to six months in jail by the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) in a contempt of court case, according to local media reports. The verdict to sentence Sheikh Hasina was issued by a three-member bench of the International Crimes Tribunal-1, headed by Chairman Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumder. The crimes tribunal also sentenced Shakil Akand Bulbul of Gobindaganj in Gaibandha to two months in prison. This marks the first time that the ousted Awami League leader has been sentenced in any case since she left office and fled the country 11 months ago. Sheikh Hasina, whose nearly 16-year Awami League regime was toppled last year in a student-led uprising on August 5, forcing her to leave the country for India, was accused of mass killings during the uprising and enforced disappearances earlier in the tribunal. The case is linked to the Chief Prosecutor filing a contempt of court complaint against Sheikh Hasina and Shakil Alam Bulbul on April 30 after their statements regarding the July mass uprising incident. The formal charges stated that Sheikh Hasina was the mastermind behind the inhumane acts, such as crimes against humanity, murders, and the burning of bodies across the country during the movement to overthrow the government in 2024. These crimes were organised on her orders. There are 227 cases against me, so I have a license to kill 227 people, Sheikh Hasina purportedly said in an alleged audio clip that went viral a few months ago. Later, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the police conducted a forensic examination of the conversation and found its authenticity. After that, a contempt of court application was filed with the tribunal. The prosecution said that Sheikh Hasina did not appear in person or provide an explanation through a lawyer even after the notice was published in the newspaper. In this situation, the tribunal can now punish those involved by the law. A horrifying discovery in Lima, Peru, has shaken the local community and social media audiences alike. The dismembered remains of 19-year-old Venezuelan TikTok influencer Fabiola Alejandra Caicedo Pina, popularly known online as China Baby, were found clogging the filtration grid of a water treatment plant in the city, according to the New York Post report. Also Read | American influencer gets impressed by Indias jugaad culture The body parts were first discovered on June 9, just days after Pina posted her last video on TikTok to her 5,000 followers. Forensic teams identified her remains through several distinctive tattoos, including one on her back that read Paula Sophia along with a date. Some of her body parts remain missing, according to reports by Panamericana and Infobae. She never told us she was leaving. She just left, and that was it, a relative told La Republica, highlighting the familys shock and grief over her disappearance and tragic end. Also Read | Vegetarian influencer rants about not having enough options; social media reacts According to Infobae, Pina had left her home country of Venezuela as a minor to live in Peru with her then-boyfriend, Meiner Jimenez Castillo. In 2022, Castillo died by suicide in Lima. However, his family had allegedly harassed Pina online, accusing her of being connected to his death claims that were never substantiated. The Peruvian National Police have described the brutality of Pinas murder as being consistent with methods used by human trafficking networks, and they are exploring that angle as part of their investigation. So far, no suspects have been formally named or arrested in connection with the case. Pinas death has sparked widespread outrage and calls for justice, with many demanding greater protection for women, particularly migrant and online personalities, vulnerable to both virtual and real-world threats. Hiroshimas mayor has called on Donald Trump to visit the city and learn firsthand about the devastation caused by nuclear weapons after the US President likened the 1945 atomic bombings of Japan to recent US strikes on Iran. It seems to me that he does not fully understand the reality of the atomic bombings, which, if used, take the lives of many innocent citizens, regardless of whether they were friend or foe, and threaten the survival of the human race, Hiroshima Mayor Kazumi Matsui told reporters on Wednesday (July 2). Invitation to witness the destruction I wish that President Trump would visit the bombed area to see the reality of the atomic bombing and feel the spirit of Hiroshima, and then make statements, Matsui said. Trumps controversial comparison On June 22, after the US bombed Iranian nuclear facilities in response to Israeli strikes on Iran, Trump defended the operation by comparing it to the atomic bombings that ended World War II. I dont want to use an example of Hiroshima, I dont want to use an example of Nagasaki, but that was essentially the same thing, Trump said last Wednesday at a NATO summit in The Hague. "When you look at Hiroshima, if you look at Nagasaki, that ended a war, too," Trump said, referring to a pair of US nuclear strikes on Japan in 1945 that essentially ended World War II. "This ended a war in a different way." That ended that war and this ended this war, he added. Hiroshima Assembly condemns remarks Last week, the Hiroshima city assembly passed a formal motion condemning statements that justify the use of atomic bombs, emphasising the lasting trauma inflicted on civilians. A small demonstration also took place in Hiroshima to protest the comparison. Historical context The United States dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima on August 6, 1945, killing around 140,000 people, followed by a second bomb on Nagasaki three days later that killed about 74,000. Japan surrendered soon afterwards, ending World War II. India on Wednesday (July 2) expressed deep concern over the abduction of three of its citizens working at a cement factory in Mali, as the West African country reels from a wave of coordinated jihadist attacks that left one civilian dead and several injured. According to Indias Ministry of External Affairs, armed assailants stormed the Diamond Cement Factory in Kayes on July 1 and took three Indian nationals hostage. The Government of India unequivocally condemns this deplorable act of violence, the ministry said in a statement, urging Malian authorities to secure the safe and expeditious release of the workers. The Indian Embassy in Bamako said it is in constant contact with Malian officials, local law enforcement, and the factory management. Families of the abducted workers have also been informed, officials added. The kidnapping occurred on the same day that jihadist fighters staged near-simultaneous assaults on military installations across seven towns in western and central Mali, including Kayes, Nioro du Sahel, and Niono. The Al-Qaeda-linked JNIM group claimed responsibility for the attacks. Residents described a tense calm on Wednesday, with businesses slowly reopening but fear lingering. Yesterday we were really afraid This morning, people are going about their business, but everyone is talking about nothing but this attack, a shop owner in Nioro du Sahel told AFP. A civilian wounded during the attacks later died in hospital, according to health officials in Kayes. More than 10 other people, mostly civilians, remain hospitalized with serious injuries. Malis army said more than 80 militants were neutralised during the fighting, although independent confirmation of casualties was not possible. Authorities have imposed a month-long overnight curfew in Kayes and tightened transport restrictions in a bid to restore order. Indias foreign ministry said the safety of Indian nationals abroad remains a top priority and urged citizens in Mali to exercise extreme caution and stay in close touch with the embassy for updates. Mali has faced a spiraling Islamist insurgency since 2012, with violence increasingly spilling across borders into Burkina Faso and Niger. Despite pledges by the military junta to improve security, extremist groups have intensified attacks on army and civilian targets this year. Iran has, on 2 July, suspended cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the United Nations' nuclear watchdog, days after a ceasefire with Israel and the US' strikes on its uranium enrichment facilities. The unprecedented and shocking war, which lasted 12 days, soured Tehran's relationship with the IAEA, according to an AFP report. The move comes after the Iranian Parliament on 25 June, overwhelmingly voted in favour of the bill to suspend cooperation with the agency. The motion was also approved by the country's Guardian Council, a body tasked with vetting legislation, before a final ratification from the presidency, the report noted. State TV on 2 July reported that Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian promulgated the law suspending cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency. Also Read | After running hot and cold, Trump heaps praise on Netanyahu Iran criticises IAEA's silence in face of Israel, US attacks Iranian officials have sharply criticised the IAEA for what they described as the agency's silence in the face of the Israeli and US attacks on Iranian nuclear sites. Tehran has also lambasted the agency for a resolution adopted on 12 June that accuses Iran of non-compliance with its nuclear obligations. Iranian officials said the resolution was among the excuses for the Israeli attacks. The west asian country has rejected a request from the IAEA's chief, Rafael Grossi, to visit nuclear facilities bombed during the war. Earlier this week, Pezeshkian decried Grossi's destructive conduct, while France, Germany and Britain have condemned unspecified threats against the IAEA chief. IAEA Chief faces spy allegations in Iran Iran's ultra-conservative Kayhan newspaper has recently claimed that documents showed Grossi was an Israeli spy and should be executed. Iran has said Grossi's request to visit the bombarded sites signalled malign intent, but insisted there were no threats against him or against inspectors from his agency. On Monday, Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said the parliament vote to halt cooperation with the IAEA reflected the concern and anger of the Iranian public opinion. The 12-day war began when Israel launched a major bombing campaign on Iran and killed top military commanders and nuclear scientists, with Tehran responding with waves of missiles and drones launched at Israel. On 22 June, Israel's ally the US launched unprecedented strikes of its own on Iranian nuclear facilities at Fordo, Isfahan and Natanz. More than 900 people were killed in Iran, according to the judiciary. Iran's retaliatory attacks killed 28 people in Israel, according to authorities. A Thai tourist in South Korea shared a disturbing experience with a taxi driver who made inappropriate comments during her ride to Seoul Station. Using a translation app, the driver asked her personal questions, like if she had a boyfriend or why she wasnt married. The driver even offered her a cleaning job and said she could pay with her body if she had no money for the fare to Busan. If you do not have money for the fare, you can pay with your body, the South China Morning Post quoted the driver as saying. The driver also stopped the car mid-way, which scared her. Though he dropped her at the station, he gave his number and asked when shed return. The tourist reported him through the taxi app and shared the video online, warning others to stay alert. The post received over 6.6 lakh likes and hundreds of comments, sparking outrage in South Korea and Thailand. Many people online are demanding strict action against the driver for his shameful and dangerous behaviour towards a woman tourist. Also Read | FIR lodged against IndiGo officials for caste-based harassment of trainee pilot The video received strong support from people in both South Korea and Thailand. Many South Koreans apologised on the drivers behalf, and some urged her to report the incident to the police. Social media reactions People called it sexual harassment and demanded strict punishment, with some saying his personal details should be made public. Some also suggested that the drivers licence should be cancelled to prevent such incidents in future. The case has led to widespread anger and calls for better safety measures for tourists and stricter rules for drivers. You should report the incident to the police. This is sexual harassment. If this type of person is left unpunished, they will do the same to others in future, SCMP quoted a user as saying. Also Read | American influencer gets impressed by Indias jugaad culture We should punish this driver severely for sexual harassment or at least make his personal information public, commented another. Currently, South Korean law only punishes physical harassment in public, not verbal abuse. However, it does have an insult law. An interesting story has emerged from Thailand, where an 8-year-old boy was technically raised by his family's dogs. The child was found living only with his familys six dogs. He could not speak but only bark to communicate. Neighbours kept their children away due to the familys strange behaviour. Isolated by his family, the boy had no human company. So, he copied the dogs, barking and playing like them. Also Read | Female teacher from elite Mumbai school accused of sexually assaulting student The boy did not go to school for two years even though his mother received government funds for his education. Neighbours said she often begged for food, leaving the boy alone at home, the South China Morning Post reported. The house is in a red zone for drugs. The boy had no one, just the dogs to play with, one local teacher said. Authorities visited the poor wooden house in Uttaradit province after a school principal raised concerns. They found the boy with his mother and elder brother, who both tested positive for drugs. Also Read | South Korea bans dog meat industry, fate of over 5 lakh dogs remains uncertain The family lived in a drug-prone area, and both his mother and brother have been charged with drug use. The child was completely neglected, with no proper care or education, shocking local officials and the community. He didnt speak, he just barked. It was pitiful to see, SCMP quoted Paveena, the president of the Paveena Hongsakul Foundation for Children and Women, as saying. Paveena, accompanied by local police, led the rescue effort. His mother stopped sending him to school after taking money meant for his free education. His mother hasnt allowed him to go to school since he received a subsidy for free education. After getting the money, she simply kept him at home, the publication quoted Paveena as saying. The boy is now safe in a childrens shelter, receiving care and support. Officials and a child welfare foundation are working to give him proper education and help him live a normal life. They promise to make sure the child gets all the help he needs to grow and adjust well to society after such a difficult start in life. Paveena said, The boy will be given a chance at a good life. Well follow up with him to make sure he gets everything he needs. Raised by dogs Ukrainian girl Oxana Malaya was raised by stray dogs after her alcoholic parents left her outside at age 3. In her poor village, she found warmth and care with the animals. Treated like one of their own, she stopped speaking and started barking, growling and walking on all fours. She copied the dogs completely. She ate raw meat, licked herself clean and used her tongue to drink water. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth held a telephonic conversation on Tuesday, the Ministry of Defence said in an official statement. Both leaders discussed a wide range of issues, ranging from long-term cooperation in the defence sector, including training and military exchanges, to expanding industry collaboration. They agreed to further build upon the momentum of this critical and mutually beneficial partnership across all its pillars such as interoperability, integration of defence industrial supply chains, logistics sharing, increased joint military exercises and cooperation with other like-minded partners. Also Read | MEA reveals why Rajnath Singh refused to sign SCO joint statement Singh appreciated the unwavering support extended by the US to India for its fight against terrorism. He complimented the US Secretary of Defence for his dynamic leadership, which has propelled defence cooperation between the US and India to new levels. Pete Hegseth invited Shri Rajnath Singh to the US for an in-person meeting to take the bilateral defence partnership forward. In a post on X, Shri Rajnath Singh stated that the discussions were held to review the ongoing and new initiatives to further deepen India-US defence partnership & strengthen cooperation in capacity building. He looked forward to meeting the US Secretary of Defence at an early date. This was their third telephonic conversation since January this year, when Pete Hegseth was confirmed as US Secretary of Defence. ath Also Read | India draws 4-point plan to end dispute with China Meanwhile, S Jaishankar met US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth at the Pentagon, where he highlighted the strategic importance of India-US defence ties, describing them as "one of the most consequential pillars" of the bilateral relationship. Speaking during the meeting at the Pentagon, Jaishankar said, "I am here with you at the Pentagon because we believe that our defence partnership is, today, truly one of the most consequential." US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth expressed enthusiasm about the growing defence partnership between the two countries. He highlighted the integration of US defence systems into India's armed forces and outlined the goal of expanding industrial cooperation and co-production networks. Hope we can complete several major pending US defence sales to India "The US is very pleased for the successful integration of many US defence items... building on this progress, we hope we can complete several major pending US defence sales to India, expand our shared defence industrial cooperation and co-production networks, strengthen interoperability... and formally sign a new framework of US-India major defence partnership," Hegseth said. China accounts for over 30% of global manufacturing outputa figure the UN estimates could rise to 45% by 2030. However, for global manufacturers, China Plus One (CP1) has emerged in recent years as a strategic imperative to diversify supply chains and reduce overdependence on China. For countries like India, CP1 was seen as an opportunity to become a credible alternative. But that window is narrowing. Amid global trade uncertainty and tariff wars, the CP1 paradigm faces new challenges. For India to benefit meaningfully, CP1 must be treated as a foundation for long-term, policy-driven industrial growth. Also Read: Ajit Ranade: The success of Made in China 2025 alarmed the West CP1 was built on three key assumptions: that geographic diversification mitigates geopolitical risk; that complete decoupling from China is unrealistic; and that global supply chains are modular and relocatable. These three led the initial momentum. From 2020 to 2024, the share of Chinese goods in total US imports dropped from 18% to 14%, while countries like India, Vietnam, Mexico and Thailand attracted the interest of global manufacturers seeking diversification. Tariffs have intensified since under the trade-policy turn taken by US President Donald Trump. Some estimates suggest that effective US tariff rates on Chinese goods may exceed 50%, while CP1 countries such as Vietnam and Thailand could face duties of up to 46%. The cost advantage of producing goods outside China for the US market is in flux, with clarity awaited on how trade deals will reshape the picture. Thailand, for example, could lose up to $24 billion in exports if a proposed 36% US tariff is imposed, offering a cautionary tale of how fragile a countrys CP1 hub status can be. Also Read: Its time for Indias export strategy to converge its US and China tracks Whether CP1 remains viable will depend heavily on the outcome of US trade negotiations with China as well as plus one hubs. If Chinese access to the US market does not materially diminish, CP1 hopefuls would see their prospects decline. Compounding this uncertainty is Chinas increasingly assertive posture. Beijing is unlikely to yield to what it views as containment efforts. As a strategic response, China has weaponized trade by restricting its exports of rare earth minerals, magnets and other critical inputs essential to a wide range of industries. Chinas leverage is formidable: nearly 40% of its exports to the US are in categories where it controls over half of Americas imports. Yet, the US market represents less than half of Chinas export base in the same segments, giving Beijing room to retaliate without taking a severe blow. This asymmetry is one reason why the White House exempted products like smartphones and laptops from its recent tariffs, and later struck a mini-deal with China that saw both sides agreeing to lower tariffs and ease export curbs. Also Read: Rare earths: China is choking its own prospects of leadership Deeper structural challenges also threaten CP1 hopes. For one, ensuring genuine supply chain independence from China is increasingly difficult. As Chinese firms expand abroad, their integration into CP1 countries manufacturing ecosystems increases the risk of hidden exposureraising compliance and regulatory risks for global firms. Second, CP1 strategies are vulnerable to domestic political shifts. Countries like India and Canada are stepping up efforts to protect domestic industries from Chinese export surges and may pursue localization policies driven by local needs. To position itself as the worlds top plus one, India must act decisively across five policy areas. Expand infrastructure: Go beyond flagship corridors and ports to modernize last-mile connectivity, industrial parks and electricity reliabilitycore requirements for export-oriented factories. Strengthen trade diplomacy: India must pursue bilateral and multilateral trade agreements with CP1 countries and major export markets such as the US, EU and Japan. Without tariff predictability, even the best industrial policies risk being undermined. Ensure supply chain transparency: As the scrutiny of Chinese-origin inputs grows, India must support its manufacturers in certifying the non-China origins of their inputs through robust traceability mechanisms and streamlined customs processes. Increase domestic value addition: Despite healthy export numbers, Indias domestic value addition remains lowunder 10% for premium electronics. Raising this share is critical to making the most of value chains. Invest in workforce development: To move up the value curve, India must address its skill gaps. Reaching our electronics manufacturing target of $300 billion, for example, will require training 8-10 million workers over the next decade. Also Read: China plus one: Apple and India might need to woo not just Trump but Xi too CP1 faces other headwinds. As Chinese firms expand into CP1 markets, supply chain independence becomes harder to verify. Host countries like India have their own economic and political constraints. Domestic protectionism and capital flow regulations further complicate the execution of a cohesive CP1 strategy. Todays CP1 environment is markedly different from 2020s. Global trade has shifted from prioritizing efficiency to emphasizing security; from cost optimization to control; and from globalization to guarded openness. India must adapt to this new paradigm. Low labour costs or incentive schemes are not enough to attract global manufacturers, which want geopolitical agility, regulatory stability and reliable infrastructure. Indias window of opportunity is open but shrinking. India must respond with urgency, strategic vision and coordinated policies to fulfil its potential as the worlds preferred destination for manufacturing. The author is a strategy and public policy professional. His X handle is @prasannakarthik Having been announced in the budget, Indias employment-linked incentive scheme (ELI) now seems ready for roll- out. On Tuesday, the Union cabinet approved an outlay of 1 trillion for it with the aim of creating as many as 35 million jobs over two years. Also Read: To generate jobs, India should consider a jobs-linked incentive scheme Under this scheme, first-time employees whose salary is under a certain limit will be given up to 15,000 in two instalments and employers will get up to 3,000 per month for two years for every additional employee hired and kept employed for at least six months. Also Read: Himanshu: Will the budgets proposals help revive Indias rural economy? In the manufacturing sector, this incentive will be extended to the third and fourth years as well. With unemployment a big issue among Indias youth, the government is betting that this subsidy will get private businesses to step up recruitment. But its unclear if this alone will suffice. In many cases, recruiters have been going slow because they dont see sufficient scope for business expansion, with profit growth in focus instead. Also Read: Headline labour force survey data masks a pressing employment problem In other cases, the emergence of new AI tools has reduced the need for staff additions. Many ELI applicants are likely to be companies that would have hired anyway. But then, we wont know if this idea works till it is tested out. The Reserve Bank of Indias (RBI) latest Financial Stability Report presents an upbeat view of the countrys financial system. Banks and non-bank financial companies are in good shape, says the report, adding that financial conditions have eased, supported by an accommodative monetary policy. The trouble, however, is that financial conditions are notoriously hard to assess. This is no surprise, since they are the outcome of a complex mix of factors. Also Read: Mint Quick Edit | Financial stability must deliver service efficiency At the same time, they have an enormous bearing on the overall health of the system and hence on financial stability. This is where a financial conditions index (FCI) of the type proposed in RBIs monthly bulletin for June could help. The primary goal, according to the papers authors, is to construct a composite indicator that tracks overall conditions in financial markets at a high frequency." The central bank takes care to preface its bulletins with the caveat that the views expressed therein are only those of the authors and not of RBI, so these are early days yet. But given the complexity of framing monetary policy in an uncertain world, especially since RBIs tools act with variably long lags, an official FCI could see the light of day sometime in the not-too-distant future. Also Read: Mint Quick Edit | External front stability: Good news, but not entirely The proposed index would use 20 financial market indicators representing five segments: the markets for money, government securities (G-Secs), corporate bonds, foreign exchange and equity. The rationale for zeroing in on these five is sound. The money market, for instance, helps us gauge financial market conditions" as it is the fulcrum of monetary policy operations." Most central banks operationalize monetary policy via the overnight money market. Hence, RBI policys operating target is the weighted average call rate (at which banks lend one another money for very short spans). But it is not its level as much as its deviation from RBIs repo rate that reflects how tight or easy conditions in this market are. So, the spread over the repo rate is taken as an indicator. Likewise, the case for including indicators from the four other markets in the FCI has been well argued, although the equity market may be better represented by a broader index like the 50-share Nifty instead of the 30-share Sensex. But then, these details can always be fine-tuned in the light of experience. A somewhat surprising omission is that of the economys growth rate as one of the indicators. True, good financial conditions favour faster economic expansion as an outcome. But all five broad indicators under consideration are also a function of the underlying state of the economy in various ways, so GDP growth is a valid input for such an index. Also Read: Mint Quick Edit | Indias economy: The case for cautious optimism That an FCI will serve as a useful tracker of financial market conditionsand stabilityis undeniable, but two caveats must be borne in mind before it begins to assume any policy relevance. First, even the best of tools is just a tool. It can supplement but never supplant human judgement and discretion. As former RBI governor Y.V. Reddy was fond of saying, Monetary policy is an art, not a science." Second, the past can only be a guide; it cannot foretell the future. Critically, correlation is not causation. One should never be confused for the other. Two variables can move without one causing the other to. As long as these two stipulations are met, FCI readings could conceivably come to play a role in the formulation of RBI policy. Test runs could give policymakers much to chew on. TEL AVIVRelations between President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have had plenty of ups and downs. As the two leaders prepare for a White House visit set for next week, things are decidedly on the upswing. Trump has showered Netanyahu with praise for leading a 12-day assault on Iran aimed at setting back Tehrans nuclear ambitions, a conflict the U.S. joined by launching bunker-busting airstrikes on underground Iranian uranium-enrichment sites. Now the White House has renewed its push for a halt to the war in Gaza. In a Tuesday evening social media post, Trump said Israel had agreed to the necessary conditions" for a 60-day ceasefire with Hamas, a goal likely to come up in his meeting with Netanyahu. I hope, for the good of the Middle East, that Hamas takes this Deal, because it will not get better IT WILL ONLY GET WORSE," Trump wrote on Truth Social, his own social-media platform. Since the Israeli and U.S. strikes on Iran, Trump has weighed in on Israels domestic affairs, urging Israeli authorities to drop charges against Netanyahu that accuse him of corruption, fraud and breach of trust. Netanyahu denies wrongdoing. The calls represent rare interference by a U.S. leader in a foreign countrys domestic judicial process. Bibi and I just went through HELL together," Trump wrote on Truth Social over the weekend, using Netanyahus nickname. Bibi could not have been better, sharper, or stronger in his LOVE for the incredible Holy Land. Anybody else would have suffered losses, embarrassment, and chaos!" Trump has called the case against Netanyahu a political witch hunt and compared it to his own legal issues. Trump was found guilty of falsifying business records by a New York court last year and also found liable for sexual abuse in a civil case. Trump has denied wrongdoing and called both the cases against him disgraceful. Trumps decision to add U.S. forces to the air campaign against Iran and then to champion Israels leader reflects the presidents affinityin military and political affairsfor leaders he sees as winners. Netanyahus ability to persuade Trump to bomb Iran marks a high point in their at-times tumultuous relationship. Trump is a very primal, gut politician and to the extent that he identifies with you, youre better off," said Gil Troy, an Israeli-American scholar of American presidential history and Zionism. Besting Iran in the conflict also helped. The power of the victory absolutely created a momentum of its own," he said. Trump also has appeared to warm in recent weeks to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskywhom he scolded in the Oval Office earlier this yearafter spectacular Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian strategic air bases and a lack of progress in Russias ground offensive. On Tuesday, Trump said in response to a reporters question that he was going to be very firm" with Netanyahu about ending the war in Gaza. He wants to end it too," he said of Netanyahu. The lowest point in relations between Trump and Netanyahu arguably came in 2021. After Netanyahu called former President Joe Biden to congratulate him on his election win, Trump said of the Israeli premier: fhim." In an interview with Axios at the time, Trump said Netanyahu was disloyal. Netanyahu never publicly addressed the matter. He also has kept his head down after other slights by the president, avoiding any confrontation and offering consistent and effusive praise of Trump in public. You have two people who are used to being by far the most dominant presence in any room," said Michael Oren, a former Israeli ambassador to the U.S. I think Netanyahu has been socially intelligent by deferring to Trump all the time, but also cajoling and convincing him to do things he might otherwise not have done." Netanyahu has portrayed his corruption trial as an effort on the part of Israels deep state" to unseat him. Netanyahu is Israels longest serving prime minister, having held office for 17 nonconsecutive years. The allegations against Netanyahu, stemming from a 2019 indictment, broadly center on accusations he provided benefits to wealthy businessmen in exchange for favorable media coverage or expensive gifts such as cigars and Champagne. In December, he began testifying as frequently as three times a week in his trial, the first sitting Israeli prime minister to do so. One of Netanyahus main political selling points domestically has been his close relationship with Trump. He has worked to pump up the image of that friendship. In his 2019 election campaign, he put up billboards around Israel showing him shaking hands with Trump, with the words: Netanyahu, in a league of his own." When Trump returned to office, some Israelis were jittery about how that congratulatory phone call to Biden would play into Trumps posture toward Israel. For the opening months of Trumps second term, he appeared to be sidelining Israel. The president skipped Israel on the first trip to the Middle East, and he negotiated a deal with Yemens Houthi rebels to halt a U.S. bombing campaign that didnt stop the group from lobbing missiles at Israel. A low point between the two men came in April, when Trump announced at the White House, to a displeased looking Netanyahu, that the U.S. was going to begin direct negotiations with Iran over its nuclear program. Netanyahu appeared in April at his trial on corruption charges at a court in Tel Aviv. Despite the awkward moment, Netanyahu didnt respond and played it well, said Oren. He didnt pull a Zelensky," he said, referring to the Ukrainian presidents open dispute with Trump on Feb. 28 in the Oval Office. He could have taken him on. He rolls with it, which is smart." In a June 12 phone call between Trump and Netanyahu, the president said Israel could proceed on its own with strikes against Iran, but that the U.S. wouldnt get involved, the Journal previously reported. As Trump watched Israels opening blows, his tune changed. He began expressing admiration for the strikes, hinting to reporters in calls that the U.S. had played a bigger role than was known. But just a few days later, Trump angrily said that Iran and Israel dont know what the ftheyre doing" when a shaky cease-fire seemed on the cusp of collapse. Oren said those kinds of events are characteristic of the two mens relationship. Its ups and downs," he said. Its a roller coaster." Write to Shayndi Raice at Shayndi.Raice@wsj.com In response to thewhat option do I have comment, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar stresses the significance of his party's decision and support for CM Siddaramaiah ahead of the 2028 elections. "I have to go by my party. My party is important. My leadership's decision is important. We have an aim to bring 2028 (state assembly elections), we will work for that," DK Shivakumar told ANI. Shivakumar's statement comes after he previously responded to Siddaramaiah's clarification on serving a full term as Karnataka CM. Also Read | Siddaramaiah says he will be Karnataka CM for 5 years, Dy CM Shivakumar responds Siddaramaiah speaks on CM tenure Earlier, Siddaramaiah stated that he will serve a full five-year term, ending speculation about a leadership change in the Congress-ruled state. "Yes, I will be the CM of Karnataka. Why do you have doubts?" the Karnataka CM told reporters on the question of whether he would complete his tenure as CM. Also Read | Karnataka Govt moves HC against CAT order revoking IPS officer's suspension What option do I have? says DK Shivakumar Shivakumar responded to Siddaramaiah's remark, stating he has no choice but to support CM Siddaramaiah. "What option do I have? I have to stand by him and support him. I dont have any objection to it. Whatever the party high command tells and whatever they decide, it will be fulfilled...I dont want to discuss anything now. Lakhs of workers are supporting this party," Shivakumar told the news agency ANI. The comments from top Karnataka leaders come after speculations in political circles, particularly within Congress, regarding a change in the chief minister later this year. As Mint reported earlier, this speculation is based on a power-sharing agreement involving Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar. Meanwhile, the Congress Party leader Randeep Sujrewala on July 1 clarified that the ruling party is not taking any opinion on the leadership change in Karnataka. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday asserted that he will be in office for a full five-year term, putting to rest speculation of leadership change in the Congress-ruled state. "Yes, I will be the CM of Karnataka. Why do you have doubts?" the veteran leader said in response to reporters' questions about whether he would be the CM for five years. There has been speculation within political circles, especially within the ruling Congress, for some time now about the chief minister's change later this year, citing a power-sharing agreement involving Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar. Yes, I will be CM of Karnataka for five years. Why do you have the doubt? Shivakumar responded, saying he doesn't have an option but to support CM Siddaramaiah. Have to stand by him, says Shivakumar "What option do I have? I have to stand by him and support him. I dont have any objection to it. Whatever the party high command tells and whatever they decide, it will be fulfilled...I dont want to discuss anything now. Lakhs of workers are supporting this party," Shivakumar told news agency ANI. Shivakumar on Tuesday said there is no discussion on leadership change and stressed the need to strengthen the hands of CM Siddaramaiah and the party's government in the state. Earlier, speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Shivakumar asserted that there is no disgruntlement within the ruling Congress and that when Siddaramaiah is the CM, there is no need for any discord on the leadership issue. After the Assembly election results were declared in May 2023, Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar faced stiff competition for the chief minister's post, but the Congress convinced the latter and made him the deputy CM. Some reports at the time suggested that a compromise had been reached based on a "rotational chief minister formula", according to which Shivakumar would become CM after two and a half years, but the party has not officially confirmed this. The Congress party is not taking any opinion on the leadership change in Karnataka, party leader Randeep Surjewala said on July 1 in Bengaluru, regarding speculation of changing the chief minister. Surjewala, the Congress general secretary in charge of Karnataka, met party legislators on Monday, June 30, amid signs of unrest within the ruling party. Surjewala's visit to Karnataka had gained significance as several MLAs have recently voiced dissatisfaction over the governments functioning, amidst state minister KN Rajanna's statement, hinting at a possible organisational reshuffle in the state. Lawmakers, former diplomats and experts questioned the Trump administrations decision to halt the supply of some air-defense weapons to Ukraine, saying the move risks prolonging the war with Russia and leaving the country more vulnerable to stepped-up missile and drone barrages. They also challenged the administrations argument that US stockpiles are running low. While those numbers are classified, the weapons Ukraine needs most arent urgently required elsewhere and there was no immediate need to deny the country weapons that were already on their way, they said. I understand there are threats in the Indo-Pacific area and in the Middle East and we should be replenishing stockpiles but the solution is to produce more, not withhold it from Ukraine, Senator Richard Blumenthal, a Connecticut Democrat, said in an interview. The decision to suspend some deliveries of air-defense missiles and artillery shells caught Ukraine and its allies off guard, especially since it came just days after President Donald Trump suggested hed be willing to send more Patriot missiles to Ukraine. It was cast as part of a broader review aimed at helping the US achieve its goals in Ukraine while maintaining readiness elsewhere. One NATO ally is pressing the Defense Department to reconsider the move, according to a European official familiar with the matter who asked not to be identified discussing private deliberations. Blumenthal and others said the move runs contrary to Trumps goal of ending the war and gives Russia an advantage. Trump has stated repeatedly his desire to bring about a permanent end to the war and has called on President Vladimir Putin to do so. The move to halt these weapons deliveries is inconsistent with a number of very strong steps that President Trump and his team took last week, said John Herbst, senior director of the Atlantic Councils Eurasia Center. That was a reference to an agreement made at a NATO summit to boost defense and related infrastructure spending to 5% of GDP. At a briefing on Wednesday, State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce said the US wasnt pausing all weapons flows to Ukraine. She denied it was a cessation of all US assistance to Ukraine. Russia welcomed the halt in weapons deliveries, with Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov saying the decision will bring a settlement closer. The administration has yet to give a full accounting of the weapons its halted, but reports said they include Patriot missiles, artillery shells, Stinger air-defense systems and Hellfire missiles. Russia has ramped up long-range strikes, particularly with Shahed-136 attack UAVs, targeting Ukrainian population centers. In June, Russia launched 33% more Shahed-136 drones than in May, according to Ukrainian air force data. European partners have provided some air defense systems to Ukraine that can intercept Shahed drones and cruise missiles, but are useless against Russian ballistic missiles, said Bloomberg Economics geoeconomics analyst Alex Kokcharov. Former officials questioned the administrations rationale about stockpile shortages. In a guest essay for the New York Times, former President Joe Bidens national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, said the main target of the pause, a program known as the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, uses federal funds to buy weapons directly from manufacturers for delivery to Ukraine. Under the program, the Pentagon has also been able to replace what it sends to Ukraine with newer munitions. The USAI deliveries are sourced from procurement contracts, not from the Pentagons stockpiles, and are distinct from orders for the U.S. military, Sullivan wrote. The administration may not want to say it, but the reality appears to be that the president is winding down U.S. security assistance to Ukraine. Yet the move was not totally unexpected. Earlier this year, the US stopped providing intelligence thats helped Ukraine target Russian forces, and Trump suspended military assistance after an Oval Office visit by President Volodymyr Zelenskiy descended into a shouting match. The weapons cutoff will be most acutely felt by Ukraines air defenses, but the inability of European partners to make up for the loss of Guided Multiple Launch Rocket Systems in the near term will reduce Kyivs ability to conduct long-range strikes on Russia, according to retired rear admiral Mark Montgomery, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. Vladimir Putin will view this Pentagon decision as a green light to ignore Trumps warnings to stop, Montgomery said. With assistance from Eric Martin. 2025 Bloomberg L.P. As China weaponizes its rare earth dominance and sparks fears over a similar threat in critical minerals, Quad members US, Japan, Australia and India have launched a Quad Critical Minerals Initiative, pledging to work together to secure and diversify supply chains. The demonstration of common purpose comes at a time when India, Japan and Australia are also in bilateral trade talks with US. China dominates the world's critical mineral supply chain, with interests in mines across the globe and has developed the midstream segment of refining and processing. These form key components in the strategic sector including defence, electric mobility, telecommunications and electronics. A joint statement by the Quad strategic partners on Wednesday also described the initiative as "an ambitious expansion of our partnership to strengthen economic security and collective resilience by collaborating to secure and diversify critical minerals supply chains". Coercion, price manipulation "Reliance on any one country for processing and refining critical minerals and derivative goods production exposes our industries to economic coercion, price manipulation, and supply chain disruptions, which further harms our economic and national security," the statement said, making a veiled reference to China. The statement underscored the importance of diversified and reliable global supply chains. China's ongoing export curbs on rare earths have disrupted global supply chains, slowed industries, and prompted countries to seek alternative sources. Sankalp Gurjar, professor of geoeconomics at the Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics said: "This is a significant statement of intent from the Quad countries. China dominates the critical mineral supply market. Chinese dominance has been deployed as a geoeconomic tool. For the Quad countries, supply chain security and critical mineral security are interlinked. The statement is important as it is a strategic signal to China." Emphasizing on the need for effective implementation of the initiative, Gurjar said: "The real test will be how the Quad countries act on their objective." Mineral search The Quad announcement comes at a time when Prime Minister Narendra Modi has left for a five-nation tour to Ghana, Trinidad & Tobago, Argentina, Brazil and Namibia, and critical minerals are expected to feature in his bilateral meetings in these countries. P. Kumaran, secretary (east), in the external affairs ministry told reporters on Monday: Argentinas rich reserves of critical minerals such as lithium, copper and other rare earth elements complement Indias growing need for secure and sustainable supplies to these elements for its clean energy transition and industrial growth. Indias public sector Khanij Bidesh India Ltd.(KABIL) has already won a few concessions in Argentina since 2024. Our leaders will be discussing more on this subject." Critical minerals and rare earth elements have of late assumed importance in public discourse. The development comes at a time when a Japanese business delegation is in India. During a meeting of key businesses from both the countries in the battery and critical minerals supply chain on Wednesday, the industry representatives suggested that India can be a manufacturing and demand hub for critical minerals. Under a possible partnership of Quad countries, Australia can act as a raw material supplier while Japan and US can provide key technological support for the partnership to succeed. Also Read | Sona Comstar goes local to cut China imports, plans magnet production in India Delhi meeting Some Australian and American businesses in the critical minerals supply chain were also part of the discussions which were held in the national capital. Australia is the world's largest lithium producer and is a major player in resources exploration, extraction, production and processing of several key minerals including bulk minerals like coal, iron ore and gold. Amid tension with China in the South China Sea, Japan is also trying to diversify sources of critical minerals. In 2023, the US and Japan signed a critical minerals agreement covering five key minerals related to the production of batteries for clean vehicles. Abhishek Saxena, former public policy expert at Niti Aayog said Quad has been focusing on resilient supply chain in a way that the four countries can dominate the supply chain. "Take Australia for example. China is dominating the mining and refining of critical minerals there. All the four countries do not want this situation. Critical minerals are going to be a key for all the countries involved. Coming on the background of the rare earth crisis, this can prove to be a crucial partnership initiative," Saxena said. Galwan and after Post the diplomatic tussle and military confrontation in 2020 at Galwan, India has made efforts to diversify its sources of critical minerals along with steps to establish a local refining and processing industry for these minerals. In January this year, the government approved the National Critical Mineral Mission, which focusses both developing mines locally, acquiring mines abroad and incentivizing processing of these minerals within the country. In 2022, Centre came up with a list of 30 minerals which the union ministry of mines described as critical to the economy. India is already is a member of the US-led elite grouping Mineral Security Partnership (MSP). In June 2023, it became the 14th member of the MSP along with the US, Australia, Canada, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Norway, the Republic of Korea, Sweden, the UK and the European Commission. MSP seeks to bolster critical minerals supply chains and ensure that these ores are produced, processed and recycled by catalyzing investments from governments and private sector across the full value chain. The Uddhav Thackeray-led faction on Wednesday moved the Supreme Court for an urgent hearing on its plea over the contentious Shiv Sena symbol in wake of the upcoming local body elections in Maharashtra. The matter was mentioned before a bench of Justices M M Sundresh and K Vinod Chandran which agreed to list it on July 14. The counsel for the Shiv Sena (UBT) informed the bench that local body polls were likely to be notified soon in the state. The counsel appearing for the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction said a similar request was made on May 7 before a bench headed by Justice Surya Kant, also hearing the symbol row matter, and it was rejected. The Shiv Sena (UBT) counsel argued that Justice Kant-led bench had said the matter could be mentioned during the top court's partial court working days. He argued the matter raised the "question of peoples' choice". He said the plea seeks an interim arrangement similar to the one directed by the apex court in the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) symbol row case. In November last year, the top court directed the Ajit Pawar-led NCP faction to publish a disclaimer in newspapers, including Marathi ones, that the issue of allocation of "clock" symbol was pending in court. The order was passed when the top court was hearing the pleas of Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar factions over the purported use and misuse of "clock" symbol. The top court on May 6 paved the way for the state's local body polls which were stalled for over five years due to a reservation issue and ordered the Maharashtra election panel to notify it in four weeks. Also Read | Uddhav Thackeray weighs in on alliance with Raj Thackeray On May 7, the apex court asked the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction to concentrate on local body polls after the party sought an urgent hearing on its plea against the Maharashtra assembly speaker's decision to give the 'bow and arrow' symbol to the Eknath Shinde-led faction. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is on a spree of electing presidents of its state unitsa process that will lead to the election of the saffron partys new national president, replacing JP Nadda. Since its internal polls started last year, the party has elected as many as nine new state heads and held elections for 28 states and union territories. Also Read | BJP MPs protest parliament panel inviting Prakash Raj, Medha Patkar However, the election of the national president will be conducted only after the successful completion of elections in key states like Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Delhi, and Haryana, among others. Here are nine new state presidents of the BJP: 1- Ravindra Chavan: Maharashtra A four-term MLA from Dombivali, Ravindra Chavan replaced Chandrashekhar Bawankule as Maharashtra BJP president. Chavan has been a minister in the state too and has held several key portfolios, including Public Works, Food and Civil Supplies, and Consumer Protection, in the Maharashtra government. Chavan, 54, who was appointed Working President of the BJP Maharashtra unit in January, is also seen as a close aide of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and has strong backing from the RSS. Chavan's appointment as the state BJP chief in Maharashtra is seen as a strategic move ahead of key local body elections in Mumbai. 2- N Ramchander Rao: Telangana Former MLC N Ramchander Rao has been elected as the new President of the Bharatiya Janata Party's Telangana unit. Rao, 66, replaces Union Coal and Mines Minister G Kishan Reddy, who was elected as the BJP's state unit president in July 2023, replacing Bandi Sanjay Kumar. A senior lawyer in the Supreme Court, Rao has also served as the chief spokesperson and General Secretary of the BJP in undivided Andhra Pradesh. Also Read | Maha BJP may get a new chief as ex-minister Ravindra Chavan files nomination From 2015 to 2021, Rao was a Member of the Telangana Legislative Council (MLC) for Hyderabad, Ranga Reddy, and Mahabubnagar Graduates' Constituency. He was also in charge of the Bharatiya Janata Party's membership drive in Telangana. 3- Hemant Khandelwal: Madhya Pradesh Hemant Khandelwal, the newly elected President of Madhya Pradesh, is an MLA from Betul. Khandelwal has also been an MP from Betul, which was won by his father, late Vijay Khandelwal, four times (1996-2008). Khandelwal, 60, is said to have strong roots in the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the BJP's ideological mentor. He is also known to be close to Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav. Khandelwal's election to the top post signals the BJP's outreach to the strong Vaishya community in Madhya Pradesh and its balancing act as the state now has Other Backward Class (OBC) chief minister and an upper-caste state president. 4 - Rajeev Bindal: Himachal Pradesh Rajeev Bindal has been re-elected for a third straight term as the president of the BJP's Himachal Pradesh unit. Bindal, 70, is a veteran BJP face and a five-time MLA from the hill state. He also served as the health minister in the Prem Kumar Dhumal-led BJP government from 2007 to 2012. Bindal has also been the speaker of the Himachal Pradesh assembly from 2018 to 2020. A doctor by profession, Bindal served in Jharkhand under RSS's Vanvasi Kalyan Parishad. Bindal is said to be a close aide of JP Nadda, who also comes from Himachal Pradesh. 5 - PVN Madhav: Andhra Pradesh The BJP's new Andhra Pradesh chief, PVN Madhav, will focus on strengthening the party's presence in the ruling NDA coalition in the state, which is allied with the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) led by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and the Janasena Party led by Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan. Madhav is stepping into his father's shoes. PV Chalapati Rao, Madhav's father, was the first BJP state president of undivided Andhra Pradesh. Madhav, 51, is a former Member of the Legislative Council (MLC) and had roles in Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) and RSS-affiliated organisations. He has also been the general secretary of the Andhra Pradesh BJP. 6 - Mahendra Bhatt: Uttarakhand Mahendra Bhatt, 53, the Uttarakhand chief of the BJP, is a Rajya Sabha MP who has been re-elected for the top post. He first took over as Uttarakhand BJP chief in 2022. Bhatt is the only party chief in the hill state to get a successive term in 25 years. Bhatt is a two-time MLA who began his political career with the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad in the early 1990s. He has also been the BJP Yuva Morcha's state president. With Pushkar Singh Dhami, a Thakur, as chief minister, the BJP has balanced the caste equation by appointing Bhatt, a Brahmin, as the party's state president. 7- Anil Tiwari: Andaman and Nicobar The saffron party has elected Anil Tiwari as the new president of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands unit. Tiwari, who joined the BJP in 1990, is known for his strong roots in the RSS. Also Read | BJP MPs protest parliament panel inviting Prakash Raj, Medha Patkar In the past, Tiwari has served as the state secretary of the BJP in the Island. 8- VP Ramalingam: Puducherry In Puducherry UT, the BJP has picked VP Ramalingam, brother of former Congress leader VP Sivakolundhu, as its new president. Ramalingam, 63, is a businessman who joined the BJP in 2021 when he was then nominated as an MLA following the formation of the AINRC-BJP coalition government. 9 - Dr K Beichhua: Mizoram The BJP picked K Beichhua, a three-time MLA from Siaha, to lead its party unit in Mizoram in the northeast. Beichhua, 59, has served as a doctor for 16 years and was elected to the assembly from Siaha on a Mizo National Front (MNF) ticket for two consecutive terms in 2013 and 2018. Dr Beichhua joined the BJP in 2023 after his January 2023 expulsion from the MNF. He won the seat. Dr Beichhua is one of the two BJP MLAs in the current 40-member Mizoram assembly. New Delhi: On Tuesday, the Union Cabinet approved a $12 billion scheme to support research, development and innovation (RDI) in Indias technology and electronics sectors. The move came after decades of industry demands seeking promotion of designing electronics in Indiaand not just assembling consumer devices. Mint looks at why and how this scheme can affect the contours of Indias electronics industry. How will the governments scheme work? With a net outlay of $12 billion ( 1 trillion) spread over multiple years, the scheme to finance the R&D budgets of companies will operate under the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) of the Department of Science and Technology. Through a special purpose fund within ANRF, the Centre will appoint an investment committee, which will be managed by ANRFs executive council. A group of secretaries under the Cabinet secretary will oversee the allocation of funds and appoint fund managers specially for this task. Which companies can apply for funds? Under the scheme, parties eligible to receive R&D grants will include companies working on green energy solutions, biotechnology device manufacturers, pharmaceuticals and medical devices, artificial intelligence solutions and devices catering to agriculture, health and education, digital economy stakeholders such as financial services, deeptech applications such as quantum computing, robotics and space, and strategic" technologies that serve national security and public utilities. Why is such a scheme necessary? Indias technology ecosystem largely works on secondary layers of applications and innovations. In simpler words, although India builds applications in AI, robotics and other sectors, they are mostly built on foundational, patented technologies developed by companies in the US, China, Japan, Korea and the European Union. This means that the fundamental innovation layer in most technologies is not owned by India today. Industry stakeholders have repeatedly voiced their concerns that in current geopolitical conditions, this leaves India at the risk of facing economic sanctions in case of a conflict with other nations. Furthermore, not owning the fundamental design patent of critical technologies such as communications network infrastructure leaves India vulnerable to cyber warfare and other such concernsa mass-scale cyber-attack that took down Maharashtras power grid during Indias Galwan Valley skirmish with China in 2020 is a major example of thi Also Read | How tech is transforming the Indian car market New Delhi is keen to change this and replace technology and telecommunications infrastructure supplied to India by Chinese tech companies with locally developed ones. To do this, building core patents requires significant investments in research and development initiatives. But India does not do enough of it. Google invests almost 15% of its quarterly revenue in R&D. Ajai Chowdhry, chairman of industry body Epic Foundation, said that private companies in China and Japan invest up to 5% of their revenue in R&D. In India, however, the median level of R&D investment in the private sector is about 0.6%. Tata Consultancy Services, Indias largest technology firm by valuation, invests 1.1% of its yearly revenue in R&D. The RDI scheme now hopes to boost this figure by offering low-interest loans of up to 50 years to boost the R&D budgets in Indias private companies. Can this make a major difference? Potentially, yes. So far, Dixon Technologies, Bhagwati Products, Kaynes Technology, Amber and Bharat Foxconn International Holdings have been assembling electronic devices in India at scale. In semiconductors, Indias first chip fabrication plant by Tata Electronics is expected to produce its first demonstrator chip by the end of next year. Kaynes, HCL and US-based Micron are creating chip-testing facilities in India, which are set to become operational by the end of this year. But none of this involves the development of patented foundational technologies that are ready for domestic or international usage. In the semiconductor industry, while India is home to almost one-fifth of the worlds chip design engineers, it does not own any semiconductor intellectual property (IP) and is reliant on the US quartet of Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), Intel, Nvidia and Qualcomm for chip reference designs. These core electronics designs today power all consumer devices, but more importantly, critical networking hardware, financial services, connected cars, power grids, smart oil rigs and industrial infrastructure. In case of a conflict with any nation that owns patents sourced by India, the country could face the risk of not being able to build its critical infrastructure. Assembly plants, therefore, are only secondary innovation layers and cannot replace the importance of a patent held by other countries. While much will depend on execution, the RDI scheme will seek to help private companies and research institutes to build such patents and help India develop its own critical technology infrastructure. Does this mean that all tech in India will be indigenous? Not overnight. Building patents requires years of investing in research and creating a technology that is fundamentally unique to not infringe upon IP owned by other companies. Another crucial factor is that the US and China do not just own patents, they also build technologies at scale, which allows them to sell chips, devices and other hardware at significantly low costs. For India, building this scale will take time. Eventually, Indias goal, as detailed by the ministry of telecommunications, is to replace tech infrastructure sourced from other countries with an indigenous stack. In the long run, indigenisation will be one of the end results of the RDI scheme. This, though, does not mean that all technologies will work in silos. In the long run, Indian technologies will look to comply with global tech infrastructure and be interoperable with what the US and China build. Chinese artificial-intelligence companies are loosening the U.S.s global stranglehold on AI, challenging American superiority and setting the stage for a global arms race in the technology. In Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia, users ranging from multinational banks to public universities are turning to large language models from Chinese companies such as startup DeepSeek and e-commerce giant Alibaba as alternatives to American offerings such as ChatGPT. HSBC and Standard Chartered have begun testing DeepSeeks models internally, according to people familiar with the matter. Saudi Aramco, the worlds largest oil company, recently installed DeepSeek in its main data center. Even major American cloud service providers such as Amazon Web Services, Microsoft and Google offer DeepSeek to customers, despite the White House banning use of the companys app on some government devices over data-security concerns. OpenAIs ChatGPT remains the worlds predominant AI consumer chatbot, with 910 million global downloads compared with DeepSeeks 125 million, figures from researcher Sensor Tower show. American AI is widely seen as the industrys gold standard, thanks to advantages in computing semiconductors, cutting-edge research and access to financial capital. But as in many other industries, Chinese companies have started to snatch customers by offering performance that is nearly as good at vastly lower prices. A study of global competitiveness in critical technologies released in early June by researchers at Harvard University found China has advantages in two key building blocks of AI, data and human capital, that are helping it keep pace. The competition, some industry insiders say, has set the world on the path toward a technological Cold War in which countries will have to decide to align with either American or Chinese AI systems. The No. 1 factor that will define whether the U.S. or China wins this race is whose technology is most broadly adopted in the rest of the world," Microsoft President Brad Smith said at a recent Senate hearing. Whoever gets there first will be difficult to supplant." Chinas AI companies have barreled forward despite barriers thrown in their path by the U.S. Concerned about Chinas pursuit of cutting-edge technology for surveillance or military purposes, Washington squeezed Chinese AI companies access to American computer chips, know-how and financing, and is threatening to tighten more. Beijing, in turn, is pouring money into building an AI supply chain with as little reliance on the U.S. as possible. Papers published in military journals show the Peoples Liberation Army, like the U.S. military, is actively exploring how to exploit advances in AI for strategic advantage, though it is hard to determine how far those efforts have gone. U.S. lawmakers recently introduced a bipartisan bill that would ban federal agencies from using AI developed in China. As the competing systems become more closed off to each other, industry insiders say AI models will have freer rein to lock users inside bubbles of misinformation and propaganda. Further down the line, a breakdown in U.S.-China cooperation on safety and security could cripple the worlds capacity to fight future military and societal threats from unrestrained AI. Lost opportunities The fracturing of global AI is already costing Western makers of computer chips and other hardware billions in lost sales. When the Trump administration halted the sale of Nvidias H20 AI chipa processor stripped down to meet U.S. export-control requirements for Chinaresearcher Jefferies forecast the move would cost Nvidia $10 billion in lost revenue. Adoption of Chinese models globally could also mean lost market share and earnings for AI-related U.S. firms such as Google and Meta. This year, privately held OpenAI has been making a strong push to expand overseas, opening offices in Europe and Asia. In a public post on Substack on June 25, OpenAI wrote that Zhipu AI, a Chinese AI upstart, was making inroads helping Southeast Asian, Middle Eastern and African nations build out their AI infrastructure. OpenAI said the Chinese startups goal was to lock Chinese systems and standards into emerging markets before U.S. or European rivals can," and claimed its leadership frequently engaged with Chinese Communist Party officials. OpenAI has a similar business line selling AI solutions to governments around the world. We want to make sure democratic AI wins over authoritarian AI," OpenAI Chief Executive Sam Altman said in May. Zhipu didnt respond to a request for comment. While American AI companies give priority to the pursuit of major breakthroughs in a race to build artificial superintelligence, Chinas AI industry is focused far more on using AI to build practical applicationsan emphasis that could help it win new users quickly. Leading Chinese AI companieswhich include Tencent and Baidufurther benefit from releasing their AI models open-source, meaning users are free to tweak them for their own purposes. That encourages developers and companies globally to adopt them. Analysts say it could also pressure U.S. rivals such as OpenAI and Anthropic to justify keeping their models private and the premiums they charge for their service. News Corp, owner of The Wall Street Journal, has a content-licensing partnership with OpenAI. On Latenode, a Cyprus-based platform that helps global businesses build custom AI tools for tasks including creating social-media and marketing content, as many as one in five users globally now opt for DeepSeeks model, according to co-founder Oleg Zankov. DeepSeek is overall the same quality but 17 times cheaper," Zankov said, which makes it particularly appealing for clients in places such as Chile and Brazil, where money and computing power arent as plentiful. Developers have created more than 100,000 derivative models based on Alibabas flagship open-source AI model, Qwen, Alibaba said. Abeja, a Tokyo-based AI startup, chose Qwen over similar products from Google and Meta last fall when asked to build a series of customized models for Japans Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. At the University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa, research managers chose DeepSeek for a pilot grant-writing project because it is open-source and can be used offline, keeping the universitys data safe, according to Taariq Surtee, the universitys head of e-research. Picking sides A few years ago, the American and Chinese AI sectors were tightly intertwined. In 2018, U.S. investors participated in deals covering around 30% of the $21.9 billion in funding for the Chinese AI sector, according to PitchBook. Elite Chinese students flooded into American universities and Silicon Valley companies. Today, U.S. venture-capital investment in Chinese AI companies has largely dried up. Chinese nationals are finding it harder to study and work in the U.S. The less dominant American AI companies are, the less power the U.S. will have to set global standards for how the technology should be used, industry analysts say. That opens the door for Beijing to use Chinese models as a Trojan horse for disseminating information that reflects its preferred view of the world, some warn. While the open-source version of DeepSeek deployed by some institutions and researchers isnt censored, the apps consumer version produces censored answers on topics considered sensitive by the Communist Party, such as ethnic assimilation campaigns in Xinjiang and Tibet. DeepSeek didnt respond to a request for comment. The U.S. also risks losing insight into Chinas ambitions and AI innovations, according to Ritwik Gupta, AI policy fellow at the University of California, Berkeley. If they are dependent on the global ecosystem, then we can govern it," said Gupta. If not, China is going to do what it is going to do, and we wont have visibility." Write to Josh Chin at Josh.Chin@wsj.com, Liza Lin at liza.lin@wsj.com and Raffaele Huang at raffaele.huang@wsj.com A quality soundbar can transform your home entertainment setup, delivering richer, clearer sound for movies, music and gaming. Whether you're after powerful bass, immersive surround sound, or sleek design, there's a soundbar to suit every need and budget. 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Read on to find out which models stand out for performance, features and value, so you can make the perfect upgrade to your viewing experience. The JBL Bar 5.1 Wireless Soundbar stands out with its detachable, battery-powered surround speakers, delivering a true 5.1-channel home theatre experience. With 510W of total output and a 10-inch wireless subwoofer, it provides deep bass and immersive sound for movies and music. The soundbar supports Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logic II, and DTS, enhancing audio clarity and spatial effects. Connectivity is robust, featuring three HDMI inputs, Bluetooth streaming, and 4K pass-through. The setup is simple, and the detachable speakers offer flexibility for room arrangements. While the system excels in cinematic performance, some users note occasional sync issues and a bulky subwoofer. Specifications Power Output 510W Subwoofer 10-inch wireless HDMI Inputs 3 Bluetooth Yes Detachable Surround Speakers Yes Click Here to Buy JBL Bar 9.1, Truly Wireless Soundbar The Yamaha SR-C20A is a compact soundbar designed for smaller spaces without sacrificing sound quality. It features built-in subwoofers and passive radiators to deliver clear dialogue and balanced bass, making it ideal for bedrooms or apartments. Virtual surround technology enhances TV and movie audio, while four sound modes optimise output for different content. Bluetooth connectivity allows for wireless music streaming, and the soundbar can be wall-mounted for convenience. While it excels in clarity and compactness, it may lack the deep bass and volume of larger systems. Specifications Built-in Subwoofer Yes Sound Modes 4 (Stereo, Standard, Game, Movie) Bluetooth Yes HDMI ARC Yes Size Compact (600mm width) Click Here to Buy Yamaha SR-C20A Compact Sound Bar with Built-in Subwoofer and Bluetooth The Sony HT-S20R offers a full 5.1-channel surround sound experience with a soundbar, wired rear speakers, and a subwoofer. With 400W of power, it delivers immersive audio for movies and music. The system supports Dolby Digital and features multiple connectivity options, including Bluetooth, USB, HDMI ARC, and optical input. Setup is straightforward, and the system is praised for its value at this price point. However, the wired rear speakers limit placement flexibility, and some users find the bass overpowering for smaller rooms. Specifications Power Output 400W Channels 5.1 (soundbar, subwoofer, rear speakers) Bluetooth Yes HDMI ARC Yes Dolby Digital Yes Click Here to Buy Sony HT-S20R Real 5.1ch Dolby Digital Soundbar for TV with subwoofer and Compact Rear Speakers, 5.1ch Home Theatre System (400W,Bluetooth & USB Connectivity, HDMI & Optical connectivity) The Samsung HW-T42E/XL is a 2.1 channel soundbar with a wireless subwoofer, offering enhanced bass and clear sound for TV and music. It features Dolby Digital audio and Smart Sound technology, which automatically optimizes sound settings based on content. Bluetooth connectivity enables easy wireless streaming from mobile devices. The soundbar is slim and fits well under most TVs, making it suitable for living rooms and bedrooms. Some users find the bass adequate but not as deep as larger systems, and the remote can feel basic. Specifications Channels 2.1 (soundbar + wireless subwoofer) Dolby Digital Yes Bluetooth Yes Power Output 150W Smart Sound Yes Click Here to Buy Samsung 2.0 ch (HW-T400/XL) Soundbar with Built-in Subwoofer, Dolby 2Ch, NFC, USB Music Playback, Bluetooth Enabled (Black) The Bose TV Speaker is a compact, easy-to-use soundbar designed to enhance TV dialogue and overall audio clarity. It features two angled full-range drivers for a wide soundstage and a dedicated dialogue mode for clearer speech. Bluetooth connectivity allows for music streaming, and setup is simple with HDMI ARC or optical input. The minimalist design fits seamlessly with most TVs, making it ideal for smaller spaces. While it improves clarity, it lacks a subwoofer, so bass impact is limited compared to larger soundbars. Specifications Drivers 2 full-range angled drivers Dialogue Mode Yes Bluetooth Yes HDMI ARC Yes Size Compact Click Here to Buy Bose TV Speaker- Small Soundbar for TV with Bluetooth and HDMI-ARC Connectivity, Includes Remote Control and Optical Audio Cable, Wall mountable Black, Similar articles for you Best soundbar for TV in May 2025: Top 10 picks with deep bass, HDMI ARC, Bluetooth for immersive home theatre experience Google has been ordered to pay over $314.6 million to Android smartphone users in California after a state court in San Jose ruled in favour of the plaintiffs in a class-action lawsuit. The jury agreed with claims that Google was liable for sending and receiving information from Android devices without users permission while the devices were idle. According to the lawsuit, this amounted to mandatory and unavoidable burdens shouldered by Android device users for Googles benefit. The suit further claimed that Google programmed Android phones to transfer data to its servers when users were not connected to a Wi-Fi network, effectively using data that customers were paying for. The tech giant allegedly used this information to further its own corporate interests, including building more targeted digital advertising and expanding its mapping credibility, the lawsuit states. The class-action lawsuit was filed in 2019 in Santa Clara Superior Court on behalf of California residents. A parallel federal case is pending for Android users across the United States, with a trial scheduled to begin in early 2026, Bloomberg reported. This ruling is a setback for users, as it misunderstands services that are critical to the security, performance, and reliability of Android devices, Googles Jose Castaneda was quoted by Bloomberg as saying. Castaneda further noted that the transfers discussed in the case are necessary to maintain the performance of billions of Android devices worldwide and that they consume less cellular data than sending a single photo. He stated that Android users consent to such transfers through multiple terms of use agreements and device setting options. Notably, this case is only one of several legal challenges facing the search giant in its home country. Google has tabled fresh changes to the way it presents search results, in a bid to ease mounting regulatory pressure from the European Union and stave off a potential multibillion-euro fine. The move comes just days ahead of a key workshop in Brussels, where the company will defend its practices under the EUs sweeping Digital Markets Act (DMA). The US-based tech giant, owned by Alphabet, has faced growing scrutiny over allegations that it favours its own specialised services, such as Google Shopping, Hotels and Flights, over rival platforms in its search rankings. In March, the European Commission formally charged the company with violating the DMA, a landmark set of rules designed to rein in the dominance of Big Tech firms and foster fairer competition. According to a document reviewed by Reuters, Google will present its updated proposal, referred to as "Option B," at a stakeholder meeting scheduled for 78 July. This follows an earlier offer made last week, which suggested placing a dedicated box at the top of the search page featuring links to vertical search services (VSS) such as comparison websites and sector-specific search engines. Option B builds on this by introducing an additional box beneath the VSS display, containing free links to direct suppliers such as hotels, airlines, restaurants, and transport providers. Notably, Google would curate and organise this supplier information without branding the section as its own vertical search service. Option B provides suppliers with opportunities while not creating a box that can be characterised as a Google VSS, the document notes. The company has stressed that it has already implemented numerous changes to its products to align with DMA requirements. We've made hundreds of alterations to our products as part of our DMA compliance, a Google spokesperson said. While we strive for compliance, we remain genuinely concerned about some of the real-world consequences of the DMA, which are leading to worse online products and experiences for Europeans. If Google is found to be in breach of the Digital Markets Act, it could face penalties of up to 10 per cent of its global annual revenue. Alabama has set an execution date for a man convicted three decades ago of shooting a woman in the head while she slept Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Cooling tower's four, left, and three are seen at the nuclear reactor facility at the Alvin W. Vogtle Electric Generating Plant in Waynesboro, GA. UPDATE: The Cherokee County Sheriff's Office is sharing ways to help the family that a fallen detention officer leaves behind. The sheriff's office says Detention Officer Francisco Flattes was shot and killed after a federal inmate stole his gun at a doctor's appointment in Murphy, NC, on Monday. A benefit will be held for the Flattes family on July 22 at the Legends Steakhouse. From 11:00am to 8:00pm, a portion of all food sales will be donated to the family. A raffle will be at the event as well. The sheriff's office asks the community to beware of scams, saying nobody will contact members of the community to make donations by calls, messages, or emails. Civic Federal Credit Union 57 Valley River Ave., Murphy, NC 28906 Request to make a donation to Tresia Flattes Copper Basin Federal Credit Union 771 Ocoee St, Copperhill, TN 37317 85 Orvin Lance Dr., Blue Ridge, GA 30513 Request to make a donation to Fallen Officer Francisco Flattes There are also two online fundraisers: Flowers and memorial items are being placed around the flagpole at the sheriff's office at 577 Regal St., Murphy, NC. PREVIOUS STORY: The Cherokee County community is mourning the death of Detention Officer Francisco Flattes, who was shot and killed by an inmate at the Cherokee County Detention Center. The deadly shooting has shaken the small mountain town, where residents have been gathering outside the detention center and sheriffs office to leave flowers, cards and messages honoring Flattes life. GoFundMe started for grieving family of fallen Cherokee Co. Officer Flattes Officer Francisco Paul Flattes, 56, died in a hospital after being shot with his own gun by Kelvin Simmons, an inmate who has previous robbery and escape charges. The thing about it is, in our profession, in law enforcement, we go to work and we expect to come home, said Cherokee County Sheriff Dustin Smith. And yesterday, that didnt happen. Flattes served with the department for about four years and was remembered by his colleagues for his upbeat spirit and lasting presence. Hes one of those people that when he walks into a room, he just fills it up, Smith said. His smile and his laughyou could feel it. Smith said Flattes death has been especially difficult for the tight-knit agency. At a law enforcement agency, everybody kind of has a bond, Smith said. Were a small agency, so everybody knows everybody. Were grieving this like a family. Flattes wife, a sergeant at the detention center, and his son-in-law, a deputy with the sheriffs office, are also part of the department. This is something that is truly heartbreaking and shocking not only to this agency, but to the whole community, the entire state of North Carolina, and law enforcement as a whole, Smith said. Murphy Residents Pam and Phil Pressley were shocked when they heard the news. Our community is very close. We care for each other, Phil Pressley said. it's a small community, but everybody cares about everybody. Pam Pressley added, Its just sad because we are such a close knit community: To know that one of our locals has gone through something like this, and to know that the family is suffering through this. North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein ordered flags across the state to be flown at half-staff in Flattes honor. We all appreciate that, and I know the family appreciates that too, Smith said. It means a lot to know that the state and federal government are thinking about us and supporting us through this. Smith asked the public to continue praying for Flattes family and for law enforcement officers everywhere. The men and women that do this job, they do it because they love it, he said. Its in their hearts. And sometimes, the ultimate sacrifice is asked. Court records show that the Trump administration has agreed to spare from deportation a key witness in the federal prosecution of Kilmar Abrego Garcia in exchange for his cooperation in the case Katlyn Wray, 28, with an extensive criminal history across multiple counties, told officers she fled because "I'm already on paper for ten years anyway." New Tennessee law strips teens of driving privileges if they are found guilty of bullying Crime, Press Releases By Long Island Published: July 02 2025 Suffolk County Police, in collaboration with the FBI Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, arrested 28-year-old Kristie Mace of Medford on July 1, 2025, for promoting prostitution. The yearlong investigation revealed that Mace allegedly ... Suffolk County Police today arrested a woman for promoting prostitution. Following an investigation by the Suffolk County Police Department's Human Trafficking Investigations Unit, with assistance from the FBI Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force arrested Kristie Mace in Farmingville at approximately 5:20 p.m. for promoting prostitution. The investigation, which began in June of 2024, revealed Mace used multiple social media platforms to ecruit women from outside the United States to travel to Suffolk County on tourist visas, for the purposes of conducting commercial sex work. Detectives believe while these women were operating in Suffolk County, Mace continued to use social media to promote their sex work, while also assisting them in traveling to and from area hotels in Farmingville, Medford, Islandia and other locations in the county to see clients. Detectives seized her vehicle and phone. Mace recruited at least two women from Spain, and detectives believe there are more victims and other suspects working with Mace. Mace, 28, of 272 Waverly Ave., Medford, was charged with Promoting Prostitution in the 3rd Degree, a D Felony. She was issued a Desk Appearance Ticket and is scheduled to be arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip on a later date. Local News By Chris Boyle Published: July 02 2025 This year marked the 20th anniversary of the event, which has become a tradition of the Mount Sinai communitys summer calendar. On Sunday, June 22nd, Councilwoman Jane Bonner joined members of the Mount Sinai Yacht Club and the local maritime community for the 20th Annual Blessing of the Fleet, a yearly tradition honoring Long Islands boating community. The event was held at the Mount Sinai Yacht Club, and included club members, clergy, and residents to celebrate the start of the boating season. This year marked the 20th anniversary of the event, which has become a tradition of the Mount Sinai communitys summer calendar. Pictured above, from left to right, is Past Commodore and Treasurer Eileen Kelly, Past Commodore Bill Dick Jr., Rear Commodore Bill Dick III, Commodore Peter Parks, Vice Commodore Janet Rossi, Father Patrick Riegger, MSYC Chaplin Charles Glover, and Councilwoman Jane Bonner. It is always a pleasure to take part in this community tradition, said Councilwoman Bonner. The Blessing of the Fleet is not only a celebration of our coastal way of life, but a reminder of the importance of safety, community, and stewardship of our waterways. Councilwoman Bonner commended the Mount Sinai Yacht Club for two decades of dedication to the event and expressed her appreciation to all who make the Blessing of the Fleet a special occasion year after year. Local News By Chris Boyle Published: July 02 2025 Addition of 12 Sites Brings Total Number of Free Sites Statewide to More Than 400. New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton today announced the addition of 12 new locations to the New York State Birding Trail. The new additions provide affordable opportunities for quality birding experiences for New Yorkers and visitors to enjoy. The New York State Birding Trail provides enjoyable, affordable opportunities for all New Yorkers, regardless of age, ability, identity, or background to have access to locations to experience the joy of watching birds, said Commissioner Lefton. With hundreds of visiting and resident bird species to observe this summer including songbirds, waterfowl, and birds of prey there is a spot on the Birding Trail for everyone to experience all New York has to offer. DEC coordinates the New York State Birding Trail in collaboration with the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and the many partners who own and manage specific sites on the trail. Selected sites meet criteria to help ensure a positive experience for visitors throughout the state. Additionally, sites post signage noting them as official locations on the Birding Trail. For information on the nomination process, see DECs website. State Parks Commissioner Pro Tempore Randy Simons said, This expanded partnership encourages visitors of the benefits of Governor Hochuls Get Offline, Get Outside initiative. The New York State Birding Trail helps people connect with nature and offers chances for people to unplug from devices and just enjoy the beauty of the outdoors. Were excited to be part of this expanded program as it takes flight! The New York State Birding Trail is a starting point for experiencing New Yorks diverse and vibrant wildlife. This unique network of birding hotspots across New York State offers endless opportunities to connect with nature, whether youre marveling at owls in quiet woodlands, tracking shorebirds along scenic coastlines or catching glimpses of majestic eagles along quiet rivers. In 2022, 7.4 million residents enjoyed wildlife watching close to home and 2.7 million visitors travelled to New York to experience its diverse birding opportunities. These outdoor recreation opportunities complement Governor Kathy Hochuls Get Offline, Get Outside initiative encouraging New York families to put down phones and devices and enjoy recreation and outdoor social gatherings. The latest additions to the New York State Birding Trail bring the total number of sites on the trail to 402. They enhance opportunities to go birding in the Central-Finger Lakes and Hudson Valley regions and build robust community partnerships across the entire state. The newly added locations are on public and private lands across two Birding Trail regions: Central Finger Lakes: Hudson Valley: The new additions provide a diversity of habitats that include forests, meadows, vernal pools, streams, and peat bogs. Although habitats vary across the locations, these sites offer great opportunities to observe seasonal migrating birds such as woodland warblers and flycatchers. Rochester Birding Association President Brian Rohrs said, The Rochester Birding Association is excited to celebrate the addition of these sites in and around Rochester to the New York State Birding Trail. One of our key missions is to provide access to birds, so we are pleased that these sites showcase some of the rich birding habitats in our area, and that they will bring fellow nature enthusiasts to our community. We are grateful to our local and state partners who helped make this effort a reality. Montezuma Audubon Center Director Chris Lajewski said, Birds in the Central - Finger Lakes region are incredibly active right now, capturing hundreds of protein-rich insects per day to feed their young. These eight new sites in our area offer essential nesting and feeding habitat for warblers, swallows, woodpeckers, and so many more. We are thrilled to see even more accessible trail options added to the Birding Trail so more people can enjoy the wonders of nesting season. The New York State Birding Trail is committed to offering an inclusive experience that encourages all visitors to experience birding. Several of the newest additions to the Birding Trail have a variety of wheelchair accessible features, including an accessible trail at Lime Hollow Nature Center that connects to an observation deck. A battery-powered, all-terrain Action TrackChair is also available at the Nature Center for visitor use. The New York State Birding Trail map is available at www.ibirdny.org and provides valuable information on each site such as location, available amenities, species likely to be seen, directions, and more. Digital information on the Birding Trail will be updated periodically, so budding outdoor enthusiasts are encouraged to check back often. DEC encourages birding enthusiasts to visit I BIRD NY for more information on where and how to observe birds, upcoming bird walks, a downloadable Beginner's Guide to Birding (PDF) (available in Spanish (PDF), information on the annual I BIRD NY Challenge, and additional educational resources. Ahead Of Fourth Of July Weekend, Governor Hochul Updates NYers On States Measures To Monitor For Sharks Along Long Island Beaches Local News By Chris Boyle Published: July 02 2025 Safety Measures Strengthened Ahead of Beach Season in Nassau & Suffolk; Additional Drones and Trained Staff Available To Patrol for Dangerous Conditions. Ahead of Fourth of July weekend and in preparation for beach and swimming season, Governor Kathy Hochul today updated New Yorkers on measures to watch out for sharks and other potentially dangerous marine life at Long Island State Parks this summer. The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, in collaboration with the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), expanded and updated surveillance capability, including new drones and drone operators, at Long Island State Park beaches. Our Long Island State Park beaches are cherished by New Yorkers and visitors alike perfect places to get offline, get outside and enjoy the outdoors. Governor Hochul said. We are continuing to strengthen our shark surveillance capabilities and safety tactics at these beaches to help protect these treasured summertime traditions. I encourage all beachgoers to stay safe, stay alert and always follow the direction of lifeguards and park staff. New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (State Parks) lifeguards continuously scan and patrol the waters from shore and by surfboat and personal watercraft for any dangerous marine life, such as sharks. Park Police and Park staff actively patrol the beachfront as well, using drones to search the water for dangerous marine life or large schools of fish that may attract them. State Parks expanded surveillance capabilities this summer include: Added 6 drones to its 22 currently in operation for a total of 28 drones; Trained 8 new drone pilots for a total of 48 drone operators among operations staff, lifeguards and Park Police; and Assigned one large enterprise drone to Park Police with thermal imaging, laser range finding, and high-quality cameras to allow for night-time surveillance and patrols in adverse weather conditions. This drone can also drop personal flotation devices in emergencies. When there are shark sightings and/or interactions in State Parks beaches, swimming is suspended, and all swimmers are cleared from the water. State Parks works with the DEC to confirm potential shark sightings. Swimming is allowed to resume at least one hour after the last confirmed sighting. State Park lifeguards, Park Police and park staff stay on high alert and patrol the waters for dangerous marine life. In addition, the Long Island Coastal Awareness Group, composed of more than 200 individuals from municipalities, agencies, and private beach operators stretching from Queens through Long Island, is notified so they may take appropriate action in their respective jurisdictions. New York State Parks Commissioner Pro Tem Randy Simons said, Our staff is well prepared to safeguard beachgoers this summer season, and were excited to adopt the latest technology to be even more effective. Im grateful to Governor Hochul and the Department of Environmental Conservation for their continued support and partnership in keeping these beaches as safe as possible. I encourage beachgoers to follow guidance and directions from parks staff and be shark smart while enjoying their summer fun. Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton said, Visits to Long Islands ocean beaches are a treasured part of summer plans for New Yorkers and out-of-state visitors alike. Being aware of rip currents, following the States shark safety guidance, and keeping in mind that our coastal areas are part of a wild and natural marine ecosystem will help swimmers avoid danger while enjoying some fun in the sun. Thanks to Governor Hochul, DEC and our partners at State Parks have the necessary tools to keep an eye on the water and help ensure all beachgoers recreate safely. New Yorkers are encouraged to follow shark safety guidance: Avoid areas with schools of fish, splashing fish, or diving seabirds; Avoid swimming at dusk, night, and dawn; Avoid murky water; Swim, paddle and surf in groups; Stay close to shore, where your feet can touch the bottom; and Always follow the instructions of lifeguards and Parks' staff. Humans assume risk whenever they enter any wild environment, whether on land or in the water. Although it is impossible to eliminate risk altogether, ocean users can modify their behavior to minimize potential interactions with sharks and reduce overall risk. When in the ocean, follow DEC's shark safety guidelines to minimize the potential for negative interactions with sharks. New Technology Helps Improve Awareness of Rip Currents In the Long Island Region of New York, State Parks purchased two virtual reality headsets to improve public awareness and understanding of the dangers of rip currents. Members of the public can use these headsets at water safety outreach events at New York State Parks beaches, May 31-September 6, 2025. The technology is bilingual, with instruction available in both English and Spanish. The headsets employ technology developed by Hofstra University Professor Jase Bernhardt and developer Frank Martin, funded by New York Sea Grant. Rip currents are powerful, narrow channels of fast-moving water that are prevalent along coastlines. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), lifeguards rescue tens of thousands of people from rip currents in the U.S. every year, but it is estimated that 100 people are killed by rip currents annually. Rip currents usually form near a shallow point in the water, and can happen at any beach with breaking waves, including the beaches on the Great Lakes. If you are caught in a rip current, remain calm and dont fight it. Swim parallel to the shore until you are out of the current, and float or tread water if you begin to tire. Learn more about rip currents. The Long Island Region Water Safety Education Program initiative started at Robert Moses Field 5 last year. For summer 2025, programming has been expanded to other parks in the region, including: Local News By Chris Boyle Published: July 02 2025 4th of July Weekend Typically Sees Rise in Firework-Related Injuries. Governor Kathy Hochul today reminded New Yorkers to keep safe while celebrating the upcoming July 4th holiday. As part of a multi-agency effort, the New York Department of States Division of Consumer Protection, along with the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Office of Fire Prevention and Control and the New York State Department of Health, are providing tips to help New Yorkers stay safe while celebrating Independence Day with legal sparkling devices. As Governor, my top priority is public safety, and that is why Im urging all New Yorkers to celebrate with caution this holiday weekend, Governor Hochul said. Those using legal sparkling devices should always follow instructions, keep children and bystanders at a safe distance, and light no more than one at a time to keep yourselves and your loved ones safe from preventable fireworks-related injuries. Every year, thousands of people including many children, teens and young adults are injured while using fireworks. Most of these injuries happen in the weeks surrounding the 4th of July. The most recent data collected by the Consumer Protection Safety Commission (CPSC) includes reports of 14,700 fireworks-related injuries in the United States in 2024, representing an increase of 52 percent from 2023. According to the latest CPSC release, adults ages 25 to 44 accounted for the largest share of reported injuries. Common causes of fireworks-related injuries are: Fast-fuse firecracker exploding before it can be thrown. Misguided rocket striking a bystander. Going to investigate why a firecracker failed to explode. Approximately 20,000 fires are started by fireworks annually according to the National Fire Protection Association, including structure fires, vehicle fires, and outdoor fires. Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley said, As Independence Day celebrations kick off, its critical to always put safety first. Even legal sparkling devices can cause serious harm if not handled properly, so the safest choice is to leave fireworks to the professionals. But if you choose to use sparkling devices, be sure to follow these tips to prevent injuries and fires. New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray said, Avoid the emergency room this holiday by leaving the fireworks to the professionals. Safety is always the first priority, and sparkling devices can cause serious harm. Enjoy your holiday by attending an event or streaming a firework show at home. New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, Fireworks may seem like harmless fun, but they pose very real dangers, especially to young people. Each year, we see far too many emergency visits due to preventable accidents. This Fourth of July, I urge all New Yorkers to make safety a priority, leave fireworks to trained professionals, and enjoy spending time with family and friends. New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon said, Gathering with friends and family to enjoy professional fireworks displays is a time-honored Fourth of July tradition across New York State. The Department of Labor is committed to ensuring these events are safe and enjoyable for all by conducting thorough inspections of fireworks display operators in advance of each show. The New York State Department of Labors Industry Inspection unit thoroughly inspects the safety operations and storage of the 350 NYSDOL certified pyrotechnicians statewide each year. NYSDOL also ensures compliance with regulations by inspecting around 120 pyrotechnic shows per year. To learn more about the regulations for pyrotechnics permits, visit the webpage. FIREWORKS - WHATS PERMITTED AND WHATS NOT IN NEW YORK STATE Whats Permitted: Sale of sparkling devices by registered sellers from June 1 until July 5 annually. Sparkling devices are ground-based or handheld sparking devices that produce a shower of colored sparks or colored flame, crackling or whistling noise and smoke. They do not launch into the air. The possession and use of sparkling devices is PERMITTED in cities with populations of less than one million people and as permitted by local law. Be sure to check that sparkling devices are legal in your city, town, or county as local laws may change. You can contact your local sheriffs office to ask whether your area allows the use of sparkling devices. Users must be 18 years or older to use sparkling devices. Whats Not Permitted: The possession and use of sparkling devices in cities with populations of more than one million people and where prohibited by local law, including New York City and the following counties: Albany, Columbia, Erie, Nassau, Orange (prohibited in the Cities of Middletown and Newburgh only), Schenectady, Suffolk, Warren and Westchester. Fireworks and dangerous fireworks, including firecrackers, bottle rockets, roman candles, spinners and aerial devices, are illegal statewide, except for displays conducted by authorized individuals as permitted by law. Tips for Using Sparkling Devices Safely: Children and sparklers are a dangerous combination. Never allow children to play with or ignite combustible items, including sparklers. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit. This is hot enough to melt some metals. Never throw or point sparkling devices toward people, animals, vehicles, structures or flammable materials. Always follow the instructions on the packaging. Keep a supply of water close by as a precaution. Make sure the person lighting sparkling devices always wears eye protection. Light only one sparkling device at a time and never attempt to relight a dud. Always use sparkling devices outdoors. Never light sparklers inside. Store sparkling devices in a cool, dry place away from children and pets. If you are impaired by alcohol, dont use sparkling devices. While avoiding the use of illegal fireworks is the best way to prevent injury, people can also take precautions while watching professional fireworks displays. These include using earplugs to protect hearing, keeping a safe distance from the launch site, and leaving pets at home. If your pet is nervous around fireworks at home, please consult your veterinarian for ways to protect and comfort them. Sales of sparkling devices by certified permanent and specialty retailers can only take place during the year from June 1 to July 5 and sales of sparkling devices by certified temporary stands or tents can only occur from June 20 to July 5. A list of registered sparkling device vendors and a video about avoiding injuries from fireworks appears here. Adults are encouraged to provide children and teens with non-flammable alternatives to sparkling devices, which can be easily found at most retail stores including glow sticks and LED Items. About the New York Department of States Division of Consumer Protection Follow the New York Department of State on Facebook, X and Instagram and check in every Tuesday for more practical tips that educate and empower New York consumers on a variety of topics. Sign up to receive consumer alerts directly to your email or phone. The New York State Division of Consumer Protection provides voluntary mediation between a consumer and a business when a consumer has been unsuccessful at reaching a resolution on their own. The Consumer Assistance Helpline (1-800-697-1220) is available Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm, excluding State Holidays, and consumer complaints can be filed at any time at dos.ny.gov/consumerprotection. The Division can also be reached via X at @NYSConsumer or Facebook. About the State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services provides leadership, coordination and support for efforts to prevent, protect against, prepare for, respond to, and recover from terrorism, natural disasters, threats, fires and other emergencies. For more information, visit the DHSES Facebook page, follow @NYSDHSES on X, or visit dhses.ny.gov. Get real time emergency and weather alert texts delivered directly to your phone. Text your county or borough of residence to 333111 to enroll now. Learn more at dhses.ny.gov/emergency-alerts. About the New York State Department of Health The New York State Department of Health has been overseeing the health, safety, and well-being of New Yorkers since 1901 from vaccinations to utilizing new developments in science as critical tools in the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases. In the face of today's new public health challenges and evolving health care system, health equity is fundamental to everything we do to help all people achieve optimal physical, mental, and social well-being. Israeli soldiers operate in Syria to detain an Iranian-linked terrorist cell. (IDF) The Israeli military carried out a raid in Syria during which it says it apprehended a terrorist cell operated by Iran. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) revealed the operation, part of Israels continued efforts to thwart threats in southern Syria, on July 2. Israel has operated in a buffer zone and other areas within Syria since the fall of the Bashar al Assad regime on December 8, 2024. The apprehension of Iranian-linked suspects comes a week after a 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran ended. The IDF said on July 2 that troops of the 474th Brigade, under the command of the 210th Division and in cooperation with field investigators from Unit 504, completed a night-time operation to apprehend a terrorist cell operated by Iran. The raid took place in the wake of additional IDF activity in Syria in recent weeks, including interrogations of numerous suspects conducted in the southern part of the country. Ynet noted that the operation involved Unit 504, which recruits and runs agents in enemy territory to provide real-time intelligence for operational purposes. According to IDF figures released in late 2024, the unit has conducted thousands of interrogations since the war began. The IDF said the suspects were caught in Umm al Lux and Ain al Batsali. The Alma Center for Research and Education, which focuses on threats to northern Israel, identified these areas as south of the Syrian village of Al Rafeed, which is located close to the 1974 ceasefire line that runs along the Golan. According to our assessment, the Iranian units involved in operating local Syrians include Branch 4000the special operations directorate of the IRGC Intelligence Organizationor Unit 840, the Quds Forces special operations unit. Unit 840 has previously succeeded in planting two explosive devices near the Israeli border fence in the aforementioned area (in August and November 2020), the Alma Center concluded. The organization also noted that Israel had arrested a suspect in November 2024 who was involved in similar Iranian-backed activity. The IDF added that during the operation, the troops located weapons in the area where the terrorists were apprehended, including several firearms and grenades. Video released by the Israeli military showed soldiers operating in a village in southern Syria as part of the raid. The IDF said it is acting to prevent entrenchment of any terrorist threats in southern Syria. Israel has operated for many years to confront Iranian threats in Syria in what the IDF called the campaign between the wars. After the fall of the Assad regime, the Israeli military shifted to conducting strikes on the former regimes military hardware, moved into a buffer zone, and took over new points inside Syria near the border. Israel also called for southern Syria to be a demilitarized zone, and it has carried out several rounds of airstrikes over the last six months. There are various potential terror threats in Syria. For example, in early June, rockets were fired from the country toward Israel. It was not clear which group conducted the attack, but Israel held Syrias government responsible for not preventing it. In addition, the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) recently said there could be as many as 2,000 Islamic State fighters in Syria. On June 22, a church in Damascus was targeted in a bombing that killed at least 20 people, which Syrias Ministry of Interior Affairs told CNN [] was carried out by a suicide bomber affiliated with the terrorist organization ISIS. IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir visited the Golan on July 1 and met with the commander of the 210th Division, which is tasked with defending Israels border with Syria, and other officers. We must maintain a high level of alertness and keep our eyes open at all times. Our defense in the Golan Heights region functions as a forward defense zone, carrying out proactive operations to prevent threats, Zamir said. The IDF increased its forces in the Golan after the fall of the Assad regime and has had several brigades operate in the area. On June 12 and June 30, the IDF said it carried out raids to apprehend terrorists in Syria. It did not mention links to Iranian-backed cells in those incidents Reporting from Israel, Seth J. Frantzman is an adjunct fellow at FDD and a contributor to FDDs Long War Journal. He is the senior Middle East correspondent and analyst at The Jerusalem Post, and author of The October 7 War: Israel's Battle for Security in Gaza (2024). Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman, President Donald Trump, and Syrian interim president and US Specially Designated Global Terrorist Ahmad al Sharaa meet in Riyadh on May 14, 2025. (White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavit on X) On June 30, US President Donald Trump issued an executive order revoking longstanding sanctions on Syria. The United States is committed to supporting a Syria that is stable, unified, and at peace with itself and its neighbors. A united Syria that does not offer a safe haven for terrorist organizations and ensures the security of its religious and ethnic minorities will support regional security and prosperity, the order stated. The statement further explained that the order advances US national security and foreign policy objectives by lifting sanctions on Syria and authorizing waivers to ease export controls and other restrictions. The following executive orders were formally terminated: Executive Order 13338 (2004) Blocking Property of Certain Persons and Prohibiting the Export of Certain Goods to Syria Executive Order 13399 (2006) Blocking Property of Additional Persons in Connection with the National Emergency with Respect to Syria Executive Order 13460 (2008) Blocking Property of Additional Persons in Connection with the National Emergency with Respect to Syria Executive Order 13572 (2011) Blocking Property of Certain Persons with Respect to Human Rights Abuses in Syria Executive Order 13573 (2011) Blocking Property of Senior Officials of the Government of Syria Executive Order 13582 (2011) Blocking Property of the Government of Syria and Prohibiting Certain Transactions with Respect to Syria The statement also clarified that the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in consultation with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Attorney General Pam Bondi, shall take all appropriate actions concerning the designation of the al-Nusra Front, also known as Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and other aliases, as a Foreign Terrorist Organization [] as well as the designation of Abu Muhammad al-Jawlanialso known as Ahmad al-Sharaaas a Specially Designated Global Terrorist. Hayat Tahrir al Sham (HTS), the successor to Al Qaedas Syrian affiliate, Jabhat al Nusrah, is a coalition of jihadist groups that also included Jabhat Fateh al Sham. Syrian President Ahmad al Sharaa led both HTS and Jabhat al Nusrah. In 2012, the United States designated Jabhat al Nusrah as a Foreign Terrorist Organization, extending the 2004 designation of Al Qaeda in Iraq. In 2013, Sharaa was designated a Specially Designated Global Terrorist for his leadership of the group. If these designations are lifted, all properties belonging to Sharaa subject to US jurisdiction would be unblocked, and US citizens would be permitted to engage in financial transactions with him or on his behalf. Additionally, the order instructs the Secretary of State to initiate a review of Syrias designation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism. The order updates and expands sanctions targeting individuals involved in activities that threaten the peace, security, stability, or territorial integrity of Syria. It authorizes asset freezes against anyone complicit in serious human rights abuses, linked to the captagon drug trade, affiliated with the former Assad regime, or involved in the disappearance of US nationals in Syria. The Secretary of State may also impose new sanctions on foreign individuals obstructing Syrias constitutional reforms, supervised elections, or inclusive governance efforts. Ahmad Sharawi is a research analyst at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies focused on Iranian intervention in Arab affairs and the levant. Big Four firm PwC Luxembourg will rent an additional building next door to their new headquarters in Cloche dOr, it was announced on Monday. It means the biggest of the Big Four consultancies in the Grand Duchy will lease 28% more office space than it previously planned in the business district. PwC will lease 9,500 out of 12,355 square metres in the Eosys building under development on Boulevard F.W. Raiffeisen for 15 years, Virgule reported on Monday, citing a press release from real estate promoter Nextensa. Eosys, which was previously promoted as Skyview Offices, is located next to the former Renault site that is currently being transformed into a 34,000 square metre campus that will serve as PwCs Luxembourg headquarters. The Eosys space will be able to accommodate 630 PwC employees and the campus will have space for 2,300 staff. The consultancy has seven satellite offices located near the Grand Duchys borders with Belgium, France and Germany. PwC is expected to take occupancy of both spaces in 2027, when it leaves Crystal Park, the nearby site that has served as its HQ since 2014. Crystal Park has capacity for roughly 2,300 employees. Also read: The eight construction projects transforming the Cloche d'Or district Eosys is being developed by the real estate promoters Grossfeld and Nextensa, while the campus is being developed by the property firm Atenor. PwC signed the lease with Atenor in March 2022. For the 2024 financial year, PwC posted 707.3 million in total revenue and had a total headcount of 3,600. That placed PwC ahead of its Big Four consulting firm rivals in Luxembourg. Delotte recorded 508 million in gross revenue in the 2024 financial year and had 2,700 employees, while EY posted total turnover of 417 million and 2,200 registered staff. The smallest of the four, KPMG, had 343 million in revenue and 1,890 employees. Luxembourg has no legal basis to unilaterally impose sanctions on Israel, Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel said on Wednesday, telling parliament that the government must act in line with the rest of the EU. Luxembourg has no legal basis at the national level to impose sanctions against Israel, Bettel said during a debate in parliament on a public petition calling for the country to be sanctioned for its policies in Palestine. The petition received the necessary support of 4,500 people to be debated in parliament, before a rule change raised the threshold to 5,500 earlier this year. Petitioner Dalia Khader said she did not want to see Luxembourg as an accomplice in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict because no measures are being taken against Israel. Among other things, she is demanding that Luxembourg close its trade office in Tel Aviv and impose major commercial sanctions against Israel. Punitive measures should also be taken against individuals such as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Khader said. This is not a symbolic gesture, but a legal and moral obligation, Khader said during the debate. Khader was accompanied to parliament by Martine Kleinberg, president of Jewish Call for Peace, human rights lawyer Francois Dubuisson, and actress Catherin Elsen. If nothing is done to exert pressure, the destruction of Gaza will continue, Dubuisson said. Our government prefers to watch instead of taking action, added Elsen. Several MPs, including David Wagner (Dei Lenk), Sam Tanson (Dei Greng), Fred Keup (ADR) and Laurent Mosar (CSV), asked what impact sanctions from a small country like Luxembourg should have. Dubuisson explained that the Grand Duchy may be small in size, but not financially. Israel is financially and economically dependent on the EU. Sanctions would therefore have an effect because they dont want the flow of money to be stopped, Dubuisson said. According to Khader, Luxembourgs reputation is being damaged by the lack of sanctions and other measures. LSAP MP Franz Fayot also said there existed a double standard which was a threat to the Grand Duchys image: on the one hand, the Luxembourg government criticises Israel for its policy toward Palestine, but on the other, no measures are being taken to improve the situation. Bettel argued that what Luxembourg does unilaterally has very little impact. What the EU does achieves nothing. What the International Court of Justice decides achieves nothing. What the UN decides in the General Assembly achieves nothing. So dont take offence, but what we decide has very little impact, he told parliament. The Grand Duchy has no legal basis to impose sanctions against countries or individuals, Bettel said, adding that these can only be adopted by the EU, specifically by the Council of the EU, with the unanimity of all 27 EU member states. The reality is that we are currently divided in the EU, he said. Last month Bettel remained evasive about whether Luxembourg would support EU sanctions on Israel, following an internal European Commission report highly critical of the countrys conduct in its war in Gaza. Following Wednesdays debate, Luxembourgs parliament has requested that its own research service prepare a report by the end of the year on what measures not requiring a legal basis - can be taken at the national level against Israel. The Chinese embassy in Luxembourg has categorically rejected allegations made by Donald Trumps nominee to be the next US ambassador to the Grand Duchy that Beijing has nefarious intentions. Stacey Feinberg told a US Senate committee last month that the EU and Luxembourg do not really understand yet, what is going on with Beijings plans. I humbly would like to educate them, she added, during a speech in which she criticised the ties between China and Luxembourg and also accused Beijing of infiltrating the Grand Duchys education system. If confirmed as ambassador, Feinberg said she would encourage the Luxembourg government to reexamine its relationship with China. Lucifer does not show up looking like the devil, Feinberg said. They [the Chinese] dont come in the front door, they come in the cross spaces. In a statement issued on Tuesday evening, the Chinese embassy hit back at Feinberg, saying she had demonised the country. These statements are Manichean, imbued with ideological prejudices and zero-sum logic, and flout the fundamental norms of diplomatic relations. We categorically reject them. The embassy said that the American womans distorted view of China must be clarified and corrected to the utmost extent. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Luxembourg 53 years ago, the two countries have been committed to developing bilateral relations based on equality, respect and trust, and have achieved fruitful results in cooperation in various fields, benefiting the people of both countries, the embassy wrote. Any slander or defamation can only isolate and backfire against her. Whether interference in the development of relations between sovereign states is humble education or blatant coercion, the truth will come out and it is up to each individual to judge, the statement added. The embassy concluded by stating that instigating the China threat theory to force other countries to take sides will not contribute to its own greatness and will not hinder the development of Sino-Luxembourg relations. Feinberg also accused the Chinese Students Association (CSA), which has a branch at the University of Luxembourg, of educating spies to take IP (intellectual property) and bring it back to China. The CSA said it categorically rejects these false claims, in a statement to the Luxembourg Times on Wednesday. It described itself as a registered and officially recognized student group within the University of Luxembourg. Our main goals are simple: to help Chinese students adapt to life in Luxembourg, organize events with university, and foster a welcoming community on campus, the CSA said. We categorically reject these false claims, the association said, adding: We hope that future discussions about China and its students can be based on facts, rather than unfounded assumptions. Feinbergs comments came during a confirmation hearing on 12 June. While the foreign affairs committee reported favourably on the session, Feinberg could face further hearings and will need to be endorsed by the full senate. As of Wednesday morning Luxembourg time, that vote had not yet been scheduled. Rep. Kathleen James serves the Bennington-4 District (Manchester, Arlington, Sandgate and part of Sunderland) as a Democrat in the Vermont Legislature. Shes the chair of the House Energy and Digital Infrastructure Committee. You can reach her by email (KJames@leg.state.vt.us) and learn more online: kathjamesforstaterep.com. Opinions expressed by columnists do not necessarily reflect the views of Vermont News & Media. A view of the water from Castle Hill on the Crane Estate in Ipswich, Mass. on July 22, 2023. (Nicole Simmons/MassLive) A handful of beaches along Massachusetts coast, with several on the North Shore, come out on top, according to Conde Nast Traveler. The outlet recently published its list of the Seven best beaches in and around Boston, according to a local. The article features spots that have a distinct vibe that are easily accessible by public transportation, or ones that are a train, drive, or ferry ride away. See Conde Nast Travelers list below. Crane Beach Ipswich The website is calling this beach the crown jewel. Stretched over 4 miles of pristine sand, the beach features miles of trails, as well as one of the largest remaining pitch pine forests on the North Shore. The website also recommends booking a tour of the adjacent Castle Hill on the Crane Estate, a Gilded Age mansion often used as a film set. The website did mention parking to be a hassle, but the Cape Ann Transportation Authority operates a shuttle system that brings you from Ipswichs Commuter Rail station to the Crane Beach entrance. Wingaersheek Beach Gloucester At Wingaersheek Beach, visitors can explore sandbars and tidal pools. It also has gentle waters and soft sands best suitable for young kids. In the summer months, the beach is staffed with a lifeguard and offers a concession stand with snacks. Revere Beach Revere This beach is the United States first public beach, the website notes. It is also the site of the International Sand Sculpting Festival, a celebration with food vendors, live music and lineup of huge sand sculptures happening July 25-27 this year. Guests can access the beach from Boston from the Blue Line. Duxbury Beach Duxbury The scenery is stunning, the sunsets unforgettable, and the geography is reminiscent of Cape Cod, but all in all, its much more doable as a day trip from Boston, the website wrote about Duxbury Beach. The website recommends checking out Blakemans, a New England clam shack with a fantastic lobster roll and infectious atmosphere, as well as Farfars Danish Ice Cream Shop and The Raw Bar at Island Creek Oyster Farm. Carson Beach South Boston Carson Beach is described by the website as having a relaxed and family-friendly atmosphere. The beach features a boardwalk, lifeguard station, picnic areas that allow grilling, a playground for kids and restrooms with rinse showers. It is also accessible from the JFK/UMass Red Line station. Plum Island Newburyport Plum Island is a an 11-mile barrier island in Newburyport, one hour north of Boston. It is also home to the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, a 4,662-acre sanctuary with hiking trails. If you go to the southern tip of the island, youll reach the Sandy Point State Reservation, an area the website calls a particularly scenic area. Race Point Beach Provincetown This beach is worth the 90-minute ferry direct from Boston to Provincetown, the website said. It was described as being one of the most secluded, serene, unsoiled beaches in the Northeast. The website also mentions that at certain times of year, its possible to see humpback whales swimming. A Dorchester man is in police custody and faces charges in connection with a mans death from a shooting in 2021, Boston police said on Wednesday. Marc Lamothe, 46, faces one count of murder and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm (second offense), police said in a statement. At around 3:10 p.m. on Tuesday, the Boston Police Fugitive Unit arrested Lamothe in the area of 555 Hyde Park Avenue in connection with the death of Joshua Smith, 29, following a years-long investigation, police said. On July 5, 2021, officers learned of a shooting near the intersection of Seaver Street and Humboldt Avenue in Roxbury, the statement continued. Officers found Smith near 122 Seaver St. with several gunshot wounds. After Boston EMS arrived, they pronounced him dead. Years later, following the police investigation, a Suffolk County grand jury returned indictments on Lamothe on June 27, police said. Police found and arrested Lamothe on Detectives from the Boston Police Homicide Unit responded and initiated an intensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting. After years of dedicated investigative work, the Suffolk County Grand Jury returned indictments on June 27, 2025, charging Marc Lamothe with murder in connection with the death of Joshua Smith. The Museum of Fine Arts in Boston returned two works of art to His Royal Majesty Omo NOba Ewuare II, Oba of Benin on Friday, June 27, in a ceremony at the Nigeria House in New York City, according to the museum in a statement. The artworks, a terracotta and iron commemorative head and a bronze relief plaque showing two officials with raised swords, were received by His Royal Highness Prince Aghatise Erediauwa on behalf of the Oba of Benin. The two pieces were returned as part of the museums colonial-era provenance program which looks to identify artifacts that may have been looted or stolen and trace them back to their place of origin. This event is very significant, said Dr. Arese Carrington, a member of the MFAs board of advisors, in the statement. These two artifacts are being returned to the true and proper owner and back to a place where they have both cultural and spiritual value. Through the program, researchers were able to determine that the objects were looted by British soldiers during an attack on the Kingdom of Benin in 1897, according to the MFA. The museum still houses three other objects from the Kingdom of Benin because their origins remain inconclusive, according the museum. They added that research on the remaining objects is ongoing. Boston Police Sgt. Paul Downey, center, appears in court after being charged with multiple counts of aggravated rape of a child. Charlie McKenna/MassLive A Boston police sergeant that authorities say raped a teenager he met online was ordered held on $250,000 bail Tuesday morning, an amount a defense attorney said was far higher than his family could afford. The officer, Paul Downey, is charged with four counts of aggravated rape of a child, 10-year age difference and two counts each of paying for sexual conduct with a child under 18 and electronic enticement of a child for commercial sex activity. While Downey was arraigned Monday, no bail was set because no public defenders were available to represent him, due to the ongoing bar advocate work stoppage. At Tuesdays hearing, prosecutors laid out the evidence supporting the accusations against Downey. Downey stared straight ahead during the hearing. He wore a polo shirt and a blue surgical mask that covered half his face. Assistant District Attorney Brandon DeAvilla said Downey had met the teen boy for sex twice in March and in May raping the boy in exchange for cash. Prosecutors obtained screenshots of Snapchat conversations between Downey and the boy that purport to show Downey essentially negotiating a fee to have sex with the teen. Downey was identified as a suspect after the teen provided police a partial plate of his car, a black Chrysler 300, which was seen in the parking lot area of the South Bay Mall around the time one of the rapes occurred, DeAvilla said. The time the car is seen on the video lines up with a very detailed window of when the teen told a friend Downey had picked him up and dropped him off. A Chrysler matching the one on the video was seen parked perpendicular to Downeys home in Boston, and Massachusetts State Police identified the same car parked at Boston police headquarters, where Downey was actively working. The teen also identified Downey in a photo array to 90% certainty, prosecutors said. In asking for the $250,000 bail, DeAvilla noted that Downey earned close to $280,000 in salary alone in 2024. He also pointed to the seriousness of the charges four of the charges Downey faces carry mandatory minimum sentences of 10 years in prison. But Victoria Campbell, a public defender appointed to represent Downey for the bail hearing only, said there was no indication Downey would not show up for future court dates if he were to be released on a lower bail. She requested bail be set at $40,000, the upper limit of what his family could afford. Downey had family in the courtroom, she noted, and lives with his 25-year-old child full time. He is a military veteran and worked in the police department for more than 30 years, she added. Judge Jonathan Tynes ultimately accepted prosecutors recommendation and ordered Downey held on $250,000 bail. Both Campbell and members of Downeys family declined to comment outside the courtroom. Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox, in a brief statement, called the charges obviously very troubling, adding the departments thoughts are with any alleged victims. We have faith in the Massachusetts State Police and the [district attorneys office] to conduct a thorough investigation, he said, adding that Downey was immediately placed on administrative leave. A former Boston police sergeant detective was indicted in connection with an intoxicated man who was beaten the night of the St. Patricks Day parade in March, Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Haydens office said Wednesday. On June 25, Christopher Cunniff, 59, of Quincy, was indicted on charges of aggravated assault and battery and aggravated assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, Haydens office said in a short statement. Two days later, the Massachusetts Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Commission issued a suspension order for Cunniff. Prosecutors accuse Cunniff of beating a man who was intoxicated and left the man in a South Boston driveway at around 11 p.m., Haydens office said. Officers observed the victim to have contusions on his face and head, according to a police report obtained by the Boston Globe. Officers also observed the victims left eye to be heavily swollen. Cunniff, who was assigned to the departments domestic violence unit, retired "from the department the same week after learning of the investigation by" Haydens office and the Boston Police Departments Anti-Corruption Division, Haydens office said. More information is expected to be released ahead of Cunniffs arraignment, scheduled for July 10, the statement read. A GoFundMe was set up to help the family of Christian Walker, an Orange teenager killed last week in a fatal shooting in Keene, New Hampshire. On June 25, a 911 call to Keene police said that a person was shot in a parking lot on Winchester Street, New Hampshire Attorney General John Formellas office said in a previous statement. The person, Walker, 17, was taken to Cheshire Medical Center, but he was declared dead shortly before 2 a.m. An official autopsy determined Walker died from a gunshot wound and was ruled a homicide. On Monday, Formellas office announced that a minor faces a second-degree murder charge in connection with Walkers death. Due to the persons age, the minors name was not released. The GoFundMe, set up by family member Rebecca Burgess on June 26, is looking to raise $12,000 for Walkers family. Christian was one hell of a kid, Burgess wrote. One of a kind. He had a whole life ahead of him. He was intelligent, wholehearted and charismatic. He was a never-ending box of surprises, from the words that came out of his mouth to the junk he brought home. Walker was passionate about his family and friends, and for anything with wheels, Burgess wrote. He was an amazing brother, son, grandson and friend, she continued. This GoFundMe is to support Christians family in this unimaginable time. This tragedy has left a huge void in a lot of space in this world and things just wont be the same. The littlest support for my family is greatly appreciated during this time. So far, the GoFundMe has received 183 donations and has raised $9,773. Walker attended Franklin County Technical School, according to Superintendent Rick Martin. I am saddened to have to report some tragic news, Martin wrote in a short statement about Walkers death. ...Our thoughts are with Christians family and friends during this incredibly difficult time. We are all hands-on-deck supporting our students and our community. Our hearts, thoughts and prayers go out to the students, family, friends and those impacted by a tragic and untimely death. Christian was taken away from us too soon. On Sunday, Athol residents held a car meet in the Athol Hobby Lobby parking lot to celebrate Christians life. The judge who presided over Karen Reads murder trial ordered the list of jurors impounded indefinitely, writing that multiple jurors asked the list to be shielded from public view out of fear. Judge Beverly Cannone extended her order, which was set to expire after 10 days, writing, there is a risk of immediate and irreparable injury should the list be made available to the public at this time. While multiple jurors have come forward publicly, others wanted their names shielded from public view, she said. The list of jurors who served on a trial must be made public following its conclusion. The order notes that one person the blogger Aidan Kearney, who is known as Turtleboy is charged with the intimidation of several witnesses in the Read case. This case has garnered significant and divisive attention in Massachusetts and across the nation, Cannone wrote. The proceedings continue to be the daily subject of commentary on various social media platforms. Following Reads first trial, which ended with a mistrial, the foreman of the jury was publicly identified on social media, despite the jury list being impounded, Cannone wrote. A juror from the first trial avowed that they were in fear for their safety and the safety of their family if the list of jurors were made public, she wrote. Given that jurors concern and the ongoing attention on the Read case, Cannone concluded there is a risk of [personal] harm to the jurors [and] to the integrity of their service. Read, 45, was acquitted of all charges connected to the death of her boyfriend, Boston Police officer John OKeefe, following about 22 hours of jury deliberations and eight weeks of testimony in her retrial. The seven women and five men selected as deliberating jurors convicted her of a lone misdemeanor charge of operating under the influence, for which she received a year of probation. A civil suit filed by OKeefes family against Read is ongoing. For more than 25 years, a Massachusetts man has remained in prison for the murder of a cab driver. But since then, he has not been part of a fight or displayed any acts of aggression. Allen Alston is preparing to plead his case to the parole board this week a long-awaited and fought-for opportunity for freedom. Alston was part of a group of seven men who sued the Massachusetts Parole Board, Gov. Maura Healey and others over a delay in conducting parole hearings for people who were unconstitutionally sentenced to life in prison without the possibly of parole. In a 4-3 Supreme Judicial Court decision issued Jan. 11, 2024, emerging adults between the ages of 18-20 cannot be sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. The high court ruled life sentences for defendants within that age group are unconstitutional and amount to cruel and unusual punishment. Due to the decision, Alston, who was 19 at the time of the murder, was allowed to go in front of the parole board for the first time. But he was forced to continue waiting as the parole board worked to schedule hearings for about 127 other people who became parole-eligible as a matter of the law. Six months after the decision, the parole board sent a letter stating it had planned to start scheduling hearings in September as time permits. We hope you will be understanding and patient as this is an unprecedented amount of additional cases to add to the Parole Boards calendar, the letter stated. More than a year later, not one Plaintiff has had a parole hearing or even had their hearing scheduled, the lawsuit stated. Robert Francis, 78, one of the men involved in the lawsuit, was told in November 2024 that with the new law he was eligible for parole back in 2010 and that his hearing would be scheduled. It was scheduled for Dec. 18, 2024. On April 8, he was granted parole. Francis has had an extraordinarily positive adjustment throughout his incarceration, with no disciplinary reports, and has held positions of great trust. He has invested in self-development and maintains a significant support system, the parole boards decision read. But others involved in the lawsuit had to continue waiting for their hearings. Alstons hearing is set for Wednesday morning. Tanzerlus Anderson and Samuel Smiths first hearing arent scheduled until August nearly two years after the decision. It is unclear when Jabrai Copney, Lewis Franklin or Christopher Middlemiss will have their hearings. The lawsuit was dismissed at the end of May. But that decision has since been appealed. Then Executive Office of Public Safety and Security and Attorney Generals office did not comment on the lawsuit. On Wednesday, Alston will head from MCI Shirley to face the parole board in Natick. During the hearing, he will tell the board why he is ready for parole, answer its questions and hear from those for and against his release. Then he will head back to MCI Shirley, where he will likely have to wait months for a decision. Editors note: This story was updated at 8:21 a.m. on July 3, 2025 to correct the number of criminal defendants who do not have representation. A Supreme Judicial Court judge is weighing whether to trigger a protocol that could temporarily set free more than two dozen criminal defendants currently being held, as some public defenders refuse to take new cases in Massachusetts. Nearly 1,200 defendants are without lawyers across courts in both Middlesex and Suffolk counties as of late June. Of those, at least 70 are in custody and 27 have been held without lawyers for more than seven days. Lawyers confirmed Wednesday that more people are without representation now than when the protocol was first put in place in 2004. The current delay in appointing counsel is an unconstitutional state of affairs, the Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS) wrote in a petition to the states highest court. As of Sunday, 603 defendants in Suffolk County were without lawyers, and 587 defendants in Middlesex County did not have representation. Everyone [is] in agreement this is a substantial problem, said Assistant Attorney General Marina Pulleris, who represented the trial courts, at a hearing on Wednesday. The hearing took place in front of a single justice of Justice Delila Argentz Wendlandt, who could institute what is known as the Lavallee protocol, which would require cases against some criminal defendants to be dismissed because no attorney can be appointed to represent them as soon as Wednesday. The Lavallee protocol requires cases against any indigent defendant or people who can not afford a lawyer to be dismissed after 45 days if an attorney does not file an appearance in their case. For those who have been held in lieu of bail or under preventive detention for more than seven days, a judge must order them released on personal recognizance. At the hearing Wednesday morning, lawyers for both the Committee for Public Counsel Services, the states public defender agency, and the state trial courts confirmed they believed it was appropriate for the protocol to be implemented. The request comes amid an ongoing refusal by bar advocates to take on new cases amid a pay dispute. With no bar advocates taking on new cases, the burden has fallen on CPCS. Rebecca Jacobstein, a lawyer for the agency, said its staff is so far above its capacity that it may have to start giving cases back to the list. The public defenders unit in Roxbury is well over its capacity, three offices in Middlesex are approaching capacity, as is the Boston trial office, explained attorney Arnie Lucinda Stewart, the deputy chief counsel of the agencys public defender division. Those offices are not yet at capacity, Jacobstein said, because CPCS has been trying to prioritize cases where lawyers are most urgently needed. It is up to the state legislature to implement raises for bar advocates that would bring them back to work. While Jacobstein said CPCS believed the legislature would take action, the line item for the agency, which funds the work of bar advocates, in the fiscal year 2026 budget was level funded from the prior year, according to the president of the Massachusetts Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. Should the protocol go into place, the regional administrative justice for the affected Superior Court would be required to schedule status hearings for each defendant who has been held for more than seven days or whose case has been pending for 45 days. If the judge determined those defendants were still not represented despite a good faith effort by CPCS, and there was still no attorney to represent them, their case would either be dismissed or they would be released. We are here and stand ready and continue to do everything we can, Jacobstein said. We just want this to end. Elisabeth Martino, a Suffolk County assistant district attorney, said the ramifications of implementing the protocol could be profound. The public safety impact cant be overstated of how this will play out, she said. After attending a party more than 30 years ago, a Massachusetts man was found guilty of the murder of two men who had been killed by more than a dozen gunshots. But Michael Payne, 52, continues to claim his innocence. And earlier this year, for the first time, he saw a possible path to freedom through a new state law allowing him to seek parole. On June 21, 1995, Payne was convicted of two counts of first-degree murder, armed robbery, and unlawfully carrying a firearm in Suffolk Superior Court. He was sentenced to two concurrent life terms without the possibility of parole for his murder convictions. He became eligible for parole after a recent Supreme Judicial Court decision that states emerging adults between the ages of 18-20 cannot be sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Due to the decision, Payne, who was 20 at the time of the murders, was able to go in front of the parole board for the first time in February. The board, however, denied him getting parole yesterday stating there were concerns following his statements at the hearing. At about 4 a.m. on March 28, 1993, eyewitnesses said that Kevin Christopher and Lloyd Industrious were killed when Payne and his co-defendants fired several rounds into a vehicle that the two men had been sitting in in Dorchester. One of the people took jewelry from at least one of the men who had been shot, and ran from the scene. Christopher had 11 gunshot wounds and Industrious had 7 gunshot wounds. An eyewitness selected Paynes photo out of 14 other photographs. However, Payne stated that he attended the nearby party but he was not involved in the murders. He claimed that he learned about the murders for the first time on the news. During his February parole board hearing, Payne told the parole board that the programming offered through the state would not be beneficial for him and self-improvement is not a need area, the parole board wrote in its decision. Paynes sister and a friend spoke in support of parole during the hearing, while Suffolk County Assistant District Attorney Montez Haywood testified against parole. His parole request was denied but the board was torn on how long until his next hearing. One board member voted to grant parole after 6 months in another program, while another board member voted to deny parole with a review in one year from the date of the hearing. Ultimately, it was decided that there will be another review in 2 years. A Milford man faces charges in connection with a man who was stabbed in the head with a fork, Milford police said Monday. Wilson Javier Guasco Morocho faces one count of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, police said in a statement. At around 10:17 p.m. on Friday, Milford police received a call from a man speaking in Spanish who said he was stabbed in the head, the statement read. Officers arrived in the area of Main Street and found a 26-year-old man bleeding from his head. He told officers that he was stabbed with what he believed was a fork, police said. While officers were with a man, nearby patrol units found a man matching the description of the attacker, police said. Officers approached the man, Morocho, near the Milford town park and arrested him. A woman accused of posing as a Boston Public Schools student was set to resolve her criminal case Tuesday, but reached an impasse on a plea agreement with prosecutors, according to published reports. Hewitt, 34, has pleaded not guilty to charges including of forgery of a document, identity fraud and violating the standards of conduct for a public employee, records show. State payroll records show Hewitt was employed by the Department of Children and Families when prosecutors say she forged documents to enroll in several Boston high schools for the 2022 - 23 school year. At the hearing Tuesday, Hewitts defense attorney, Timothy Flaherty, told the presiding judge that Hewitt would only accept a plea deal if her case were continued without a finding, allowing her to avoid a guilty plea. But prosecutors would only accept an agreement where Hewitt pleaded guilty, The Boston Globe reported. House Ways and Means Committee Chairperson Aaron Michlewitz, D-3rd Suffolk, (left) speaks at a fiscal year 2025 surtax spending bill conference committee meeting on June 16, 2025, joined by Senate Ways and Means Committee Chairperson Michael Rodrigues, D-1st Bristol/Plymouth (right). State House News Service Massachusetts lawmakers approved their earliest budget in more than a decade on Monday, sending a $61 billion, policy-packed spending blueprint to Gov. Maura Healey for her final say. The Democratic governor gets 10 days to sign the document or kick it back for changes, thus deciding whether the Bay State gets Christmas in July with the budget for the new fiscal year that started at 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday. The spending plan, which does not raise any broad-based taxes, boosts state support for health care, education, and transportation, among other key sectors of state government. It includes investments that better support Massachusetts students and families, that increase access to affordable health care, and that provide for a safer and more reliable public transportation system all without raising taxes," House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano, D-3rd Norfolk, said in a statement. With that in mind, here are three, key things to know about the budget now on Healeys desk: The Big If The budget is premised on billions of dollars in federal funding that could well be upended by President Donald Trumps domestic policy mega-bill, which makes deep cuts to Medicaid, food assistance and other parts of the social safety net. On Monday, as they raced through votes, legislative leaders said they wanted to beat Washingtons express train by passing the states budget before the Big Beautiful Bill goes to Trump for his signature. "With deep uncertainty on the horizon, both from an economic standpoint and from any actions Washington might take in the near future, we felt it was in the commonwealths best interest to finish this budget in a quicker manner than has been the case in the past few years, House Ways and Means Committee Chairperson Aaron Michlewitz, D-3rd Suffolk, said, according to State House News Service. On the other side of the State House, Senate Ways and Means Committee Chairperson Michael Rodriques, D-1st Bristol/Plymouth, said the state already is feeling the pinch from Washington. The Republican White Houses trade war already has resulted in less-than-anticipated state tax revenue, Rodrigues said, according to the wire service, while cuts to scientific research funding and the elimination of these thousands of jobs have caused a decrease in state income tax collections. Millionaires Tax Money All in, the compromise spending plan uses $2.4 billion in Millionaires Tax revenue to underwrite spending on education and transportation programs as mandated by state law. The education-related programs getting a boost from that extra 4% tax on Bay State residents who earn more than $1 million a year include: The transportation-related programs getting a boost include: $470 million in direct support for the MBTA, which includes low-income fare relief , water ferry service and the MBTA Academy. The agency will see a total of $1 billion in state support this year, with the inclusion of $535 million in a recently approved supplemental budget for the Millionaires Tax. $120 million for Regional Transit Authorities (RTAs) across the state. Together with resources from the General Fund, the bill provides a total of $214 million for the regional transit agencies. $55 million in operating support for the Massachusetts Department of Transportation Brokers fees The spending plan also includes language that ends unpopular, renter-paid brokers fees, usually the equivalent of one months rent. In Boston, where rental prices hover comfortably around $3,000, that can mean prospective tenants have to cough up as much as $9,000 or $10,000 to rent an apartment. But to be clear, the fees arent going away entirely: Theyre changing form. The language that lawmakers approved this week requires whoever first worked with the broker whether the landlord or the renter to cover the cost, The Boston Globe reported. Tenant advocates have long railed against the fees. And when New Yorks City Council passed a law last year banning them, the Bay States reform effort picked up a new head of steam. Healey, who is running for reelection in 2026, has spoken publicly of her opposition to the fees and included a proposal to end them in the $62 billion budget outline she sent to lawmakers earlier this year. Both Massachusetts senators sharply rebuked Paramount on Wednesday for agreeing to settle a lawsuit brought by President Donald Trump over his complaints that the CBS news program 60 Minutes selectively edited an interview with then-Vice President Kamala Harris last year. Though Paramount did not apologize as part of the settlement and rejected Trumps argument that its interview was edited to improve how Harris sounded, the media company agreed to pay $16 million through the agreement, according to the Associated Press. Paramount is separately seeking the governments approval for a merger with Skydance Media. In that context, the case was seen as a barometer for what corporations would be willing to do to remain on Trumps good side. With Paramount folding to Donald Trump at the same time the company needs his administrations approval for its billion-dollar merger, this could be bribery in plain sight, Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren said in a statement Wednesday that called Trumps lawsuit meritless. Paramounts payout will go toward Trumps future presidential library, not the president directly, the company said. Warren, a Democrat, said the agreement showed a glaring need for a new law restricting donations to sitting presidents future libraries. The Trump administrations level of sheer corruption is appalling and Paramount should be ashamed of putting its profits over independent journalism, Warren said. Massachusetts Sen. Ed Markey said the settlement marked a blow to journalistic independence. He called the presidents lawsuit frivolous and baseless, and said the public deserved to have complete confidence that the merger review was free from political interference. Paramount co-CEO George Cheeks told shareholders Wednesday that companies often settle litigation to avoid high legal costs and the unpredictability of a trial. Settlement allows a company to focus on its objectives rather than being mired in uncertainty and distraction, Cheeks said. A spokesman for Trumps legal team said that with the settlement, Trump delivers another win for the American people. Trump, who did not agree to be interviewed by 60 Minutes during the campaign, protested editing where Harris is seen giving two different answers to a question by the shows Bill Whitaker in separate clips aired on 60 Minutes and Face the Nation earlier in the day. CBS said each reply came within Harris long-winded answer to Whitaker, but was edited to be more succinct. This settlement is a cowardly capitulation by the corporate leaders of Paramount, and a fundamental betrayal of 60 Minutes and CBS News, said Rome Hartman, a producer of the Harris interview for the show. The story that was the subject of this lawsuit was edited by the book and in accordance with CBS News standards. Material from the Associated Press was used in this report. President Donald Trump suggested Tuesday that he would have the Democratic candidate for mayor of New York City arrested if he blocked attempts by immigration agents to take undocumented immigrants into custody. Trumps comments were directed at Zohran Mamdani, a city Assembly member who captured the Democratic primary last week over former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo. Well then, we will have to arrest him Trump said when asked for his response if Mamdani blocked immigration raids in New York City. Trump also accused Mamdani of being a communist, suggested the candidate was in the country illegally and could be deported, and said he would be watching over him very carefully on behalf of the nation. Mamdani, a self-described democratic socialist, is a naturalized United States citizen born in Uganda to Indian parents and raised in New York City. He responded forcefully to Trump later Tuesday. The President of the United States just threatened to have me arrested, stripped of my citizenship, put in a detention camp and deported. Not because I have broken any law but because I will refuse to let ICE terrorize our city, Mamdani said in a statement, according to The Washington Post. His statements dont just represent an attack on our democracy but an attempt to send a message to every New Yorker who refuses to hide in the shadows: if you speak up, they will come for you. We will not accept this intimidation, Mamdani added. Trumps comments came at a press conference held at the Florida detention facility his administration has dubbed Alligator Alcatraz after the inhabitants of its surrounding swampland. He also referred to his predecessor, former President Joe Biden, as a son of a b----. Biden wanted me in here, Trump remarked from the detention center. Didnt work out that way but he wanted me in here, that son of a b----. MassLives Fenway Insider Sean McAdam is back to answer questions about the Boston Red Sox as the team takes an off day before heading to play the Washington Nationals. Join McAdam and MassLive reporter Lauren Campbell as they break down the latest news on Thursday, July 3 at 12 p.m. Tune in every week for a live mailbag with McAdam thats exclusive to Fenway Insider subscribers. Brunelles Marina has placed barrels in the water around to keep the speed of passing boats to 6 mph. Each year someone usually comes out to place more barrels up the Connecticut River to dictate speeds and direction of travel for safe boating. This year there isn't the funding for it, July 1, 2025. (Douglas Hook / The Republican) Douglas Hook NORTHAMPTON Dozens of green and red buoys and floating white barrels marked with neon orange circles and 6 MPH in black ink will not be seen on the Connecticut River above the Holyoke Dam this summer. Thats due to a lack of funding, people familiar with the issue say. Early colonists came to America in the 1600s and 1700s in pursuit of economic opportunity and political freedom from the British. Their journey to freedom began in 1775 with what is referred to as the shot heard around the world when local militia clashed with British soldiers in the Battles of Lexington and Concord. Then on July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence, calling for the American colonies to secede from Great Britain. But it would not be until 1783 when the Revolutionary War ended with victory by the Americans that the United States would be recognized as an independent nation. Editors note: This story has been updated to clarify Eric Tarpinian-Jachyms academic background. SPRINGFIELD A University of Massachusetts Amherst student from Western Massachusetts who was interning in Washington, D.C., was slain by gunfire Monday, and police say he was not the intended target. Police identified the victim Wednesday as Eric Tarpinian-Jachym, 21, of Granby. 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[Video news] Reaction a chaud du Leader de lOpposition sur le Budget 2025-2026[Video news] Patrick Belcourt: sa bidget fair mwa pense sega Saya [Video News] Lecture du Budget 2025-2026[Video News] Les numeros gagnants du tirage du Loto et Loto Plus du 4 juin 2025[Video News] La combinaison gagnante du Loto Vert du 3 juin 2025[Video news] Exposition Richelieu, entre memoire et resilience [Video news] Sensibilisation ReUSE-ReVamp et MDPA sur le recyclage des Laptop et la technologie a Flacq[Video news] Dimans Politik[Video news] Coca Cola Food Fest 2025 avec Burna Boy[Video News] Les numeros gagnants du tirage du Loto et Loto Plus du 31 mai 2025[Video news] LEsperance en action: Caritas Ile Maurice marque 60 ans dengagement solidaire[Video News] La combinaison gagnante du Loto Vert du 30 mai 2025[Video News] Caritas a fete ses 60 ans de presence a Maurice[Video news] Lancement de Comme on dit [Video news] Huawei lance la WATCH FIT 4 Series a Maurice avec Ennoia[Video news] Formation pour les communicants et journalistes au Media Trust[Video News] Huawei a lance la WATCH FIT 4 Series a Maurice chez Ennoia[Video News] Les numeros gagnants du tirage du Loto et Loto Plus du 28 mai 2025La LGSC va recruter 2 245 travailleurs manuels, annonce Paul Berenger[Video News] La combinaison gagnante du Loto Vert du 28 mai 2025[Video news] la jeunesse mauricienne recompensee pour sa creativite et son engagement citoyen a travers lintelligence artificielle[Video News]Retour des Chagos : la reconnaissance dun drame humain et dun crime historique[Video et Photos news] Developpement durable : Telfair, le centre-ville de Moka, certifie par lexigeant U.S. Green Building Council[Video news] PhoenixEarth Initiative lance ses premieres Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs) dans les locaux de PhoenixBev[Video news] Dimans Politik[Video News] Conference de presse du Groupe Refugies Chagos [24-05-2025][Video News] Les numeros gagnants du tirage du Loto et Loto Plus du 25 mai 2025[Video news] Konpoz to Lamizik par le groupe Attitude est de retour pour sa quatrieme edition ![Video News] Conference de presse du gouvernement sur laccord concernant lArchipel des Chagos[Video News] Conference de presse de la Mauritius Meteorological Services[Video news] Point de presse de Navin Ramgoolam et Paul Berenger[Video news] Presentation de la 4e edition Konpoz to lamisik[Video News] La combinaison gagnante du Loto Vert du 20 mai 2025[Video News] La Fondation Antoine Tsia Lip Ken et la Fondation pour Lenfance Terre de Paix inaugure un nouveau centre deveil et de developpement du jeune enfant[Video News] Edition Speciale[Video news] Roshai Bhadain a dit[Video News] Forum de lAMM : Investir dans lindustrie manufacturiere : une urgence strategique pour Maurice.[Video News] Dimans Politik[Video News] Les numeros gagnants du tirage du Loto et Loto Plus du 17 mai 2025[Video News] Nando Bodha a dit[Video news] Forum de lAMM : Investir dans lindustrie manufacturiere : une urgence strategique pour Maurice.[Video News] Conference de presse de la Commission Economique du MSM du 14 mai 2025[Video News] Les numeros gagnants du tirage du Loto et Loto Plus du 14 mai 2025[Video News] La combinaison gagnante du Loto Vert du 13 mai 2025[Video news] MCB Talk: Commerce avec lAfrique : entre perception et realite [Video news] Seance parlementaire du 13 mai 2025 en LIve[Video news] Le feu a LKS maitrise[Video News] Inauguration du Centre dEveil Les Mirablles a Coeur de Ville de Goodlands[Video news] 2e soiree festival du film europeen 2025 It was a proud and momentous day in Northwest Mayo at Scoil Naomh Bhride, Ballycroy as the school was officially presented with the Curious Minds Platinum Award by Science Foundation Ireland (SFI), in recognition of its outstanding achievements in STEM Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths. The prestigious award celebrates the schools commitment to innovative, hands-on learning and excellence in STEM education. READ: ENGAGED! Mayo GAA All-Star footballer announces big news The entire school community gathered to mark the occasion, which was made even more special by the presence of several distinguished guests. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh honoured the school by presenting the Platinum Award to the students, commending their curiosity, creativity, and hard work. The event was also attended by Minister Alan Dillon, Cllr Sean Carey, and Cllr Gerry Coyle, each offering inspiring words of congratulations and encouragement to the students and staff. Minister Dara Calleary added to the celebration with a heartfelt video message, applauding the schools achievement. A highlight of the day was the generous presentation of a high-quality microscope to the school by Martin from Wild Nephin National Park a symbolic gift that will inspire further scientific exploration in classrooms for years to come. Principal Leona Conway expressed deep gratitude to all those who contributed to making the day so memorable: Receiving the Platinum Award is a tremendous honour for our school. We are immensely proud of our students and staff and parents for their dedication to STEM education. Todays celebration reflects the strength of our wider community in supporting the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators. This award places Scoil Naomh Bhride among the top STEM-focused schools in Ireland and highlights the schools role in fostering curiosity and lifelong learning in science and technology. READ: Speculate away - Oisin McConville breaks silence on Mayo job links A human leg which was discovered on a beach in South Ayrshire in Scotland two weeks ago is understood to relate to a body found in a coastal part of Northern Ireland in May. The limb was found on Prestwick beach on June 10, prompting Police Scotland to launch an investigation. The force has now said the remains are those of a missing person from outside of Scotland. The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has also said the remains of a man whose body was found in Millisle, County Down, have been identified. READ NEXT: Two men arrested following huge cocaine bust in county Cork Glasgow Live reported the Prestwick beach discovery is understood to be linked to the body found in Northern Ireland. A Police Scotland spokeswoman said: Around 10.45am on Tuesday June 10, we received a report that human remains had been discovered on Prestwick beach in Ayrshire. The remains have now been identified as those of a missing person from outside of Scotland. The relevant police service has been informed. The PSNI said the mans death is not being treated as suspicious. The police force said: The Police Service of Northern Ireland can confirm that the body found in the Donaghadee Road area of Millisle on Wednesday May 21 has been identified. The remains were determined to be male and police are engaging with the family of the deceased. The death is not being treated as suspicious. Police do not currently believe the deceased person is from Northern Ireland. House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan late Friday released a sensationally titled staff report, "Exporting Censorship: How GARM's Advertising Cartel Helped Corporations Collude With Foreign Governments To Silence American Speech," conflating the World Federation of Advertisers' self-regulatory effort with disparate regulatory efforts by various governments around the world. The report alleges that GARM (Global Alliance for Responsible Media) pressured Twitter/X with potential advertising boycotts, but failed to point out that Twitter actually was a founding member of GARM and that Elon Musk's X even rejoined the alliance, before ultimately breaking with it and suing the WFA and some of its key members, leading to the demise of GARM. advertisement advertisement Chairman Jordan's staff report gets a number of facts about GARM, the WFA -- as well as the ad industry in general -- wrong, but its main takeaway is that the global ad trade association "colluded" with its members to censor free speech on social media platforms in America, but the main focus of GARM was to inform advertisers about the kinds of content their ads would appear next to on various social media properties. The report, which describes GARM as a "cartel," follows an initial report released last year alleging that GARM engaged in "collusive conduct." The just-released final report alleges that GARM also "coordinated its efforts with foreign governments to achieve these goals." The report separately implicates Dentsu, which in September 2024 unveiled but subsequently abandoned plans to form a new post-GARM coalition to encourage responsibility by digital media companies after being contacted by the House committee. The report does not recommend any explicit actions, but concludes by noting, "While GARM has disbanded and other similar initiatives have failed to launch, the threat of collusive conduct in opposition to free expression remains. For several years, the Committee on the Judiciary has conducted extensive fact-finding around the threat to free speech from government, Big Tech, foreign regulators, and others. This oversight has informed legislation to reinvigorate First Amendment rights and dismantle the censorship regime. The work is not done, and the Committee will continue to remain vigilant in defense of the Constitution and the fundamental principles it protects." by Fern Siegel , July 2, 2025 Elevado, a creative studio launched by LA agency Saylor in June, has hired Eve Ehrich as executive producer. Operating as an independent entity, Elevado helps agencies and brands chart AI creativity and strategy. At Elevado, Ehrich will lead the studios end-to-end production capabilities across live-action, design, animation, VFX, and emerging AI workflows. She teams with CCO Rupert Cresswell to shape campaigns that bridge traditional methods with AI. Eve possesses a unique blend of creative insight and practical production leadership that drives excellence in both vision and execution, said Cresswell. Her ability to navigate complex, fast-moving projects makes her an ideal partner as we scale Elevado and reimagine whats possible with AI-driven production. Prior to joining Elevado, Ehrich served as New York executive producer at PXP Studios, Publicis Groupe, where she delivered campaigns for Walmart, Citi, Samsung, Heineken, Dunkin and P&G. She also held executive producer roles at Not To Scale and Alkemy-X and served as SVP/EP at Taylor James. advertisement advertisement During her two-decade career, she's worked with top brands, including Apple, Coke, Hasbro, McDonald's and Amex. Her hire follows Cresswells recent Gold Lion win in Industry Craft at Cannes for "The Hidden Eye Test" campaign, one of the first AI-driven projects to earn the award. by Teresa Buyikian , July 1, 2025 Francis Ford Coppola Winery has brought back its "Perfect Your Pizza competition, with a grand prize of a private tour of noted pizzerias in New York and Chicago, traveling by private plane. To enter, contestants must submit an original pizza recipe and wine pairing to the contest website by Aug. 31. Four finalists will then be selected to receive an expense-paid trip to the Francis Ford Coppola Winery in Sonoma County, California in October, where they will then compete in a live cook-off of their recipe for two judges: Coppola winemaker Andrea Card and Dan Richer, a James Beard Award finalist and pizza cookbook author. The grand prize winner of the live pizza competition will receive a one-of-a-kind pizza culinary adventure, which includes a trip to New York City for a tasting tour of the city's top pizzerias with pizza historian Scott Wiener. Then the winner will board a private plane to Chicago to meet with James Beard Award-winning food journalist Steve Dolinsky for VIP access to the top pizzerias in the Windy City, as well as behind-the-scenes wine and pizza tastings. The winner can also select to receive $25,00 in cash instead of the tour. advertisement advertisement "Pizza was an integral part of Francis Coppola's vision for his winery from its beginnings," said Gabriela Becker, vice president of marketing for Francis Ford Coppola Winery, in the announcement. "We're excited for a fourth year of exploring and perfecting the pairing possibilities of pizza and wine, and of celebrating what great pizzas and great wine have in common: the ability to bring pleasure and connection through authenticity and craft." The contest draws hundreds of entries each year, per the brand. In 2024 Ricky Webster from Spokane, Washington won the 2024 Perfect Your Pizza competition with a Sicilian-Style Caponata Pizza and received a trip to Italy. by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, July 2, 2025 The tech industry group NetChoice is suing to block a Minnesota law that would require social platforms to publicly disclose how their recommendation algorithms evaluate content. The Prohibiting Social Media Manipulation Act, passed last year and slated to take effect at the end of this month, would also require social platforms to disclose how they "impose limits on user engagement." "These compelled disclosure requirements violate the First Amendment many times over," NetChoice says in its complaint, filed this week in U.S. District Court in Minnesota. The organization argues that social platforms' algorithms, which guide determinations about how to present content, are comparable to editorial decisions made by traditional media -- and therefore protected by the First Amendment. "Minnesota cannot compel disclosure of these protected editorial algorithms any more than it could compel a newspaper to reveal its editorial decision-making process," NetChoice argues. advertisement advertisement "Those First Amendment protections exist whether the algorithm is programmed to limit the reach of certain harmful speech or conduct, enforce the platform's content-moderation rules, create a pleasant experience for users, or -- as is the right of every legal commercial enterprise -- to urge people to stay on and engage with the product," NetChoice adds. NetChoice, which counts Meta, Snap, Google and other large tech companies as members, also argues that the law's provisions are unconstitutionally vague. For instance, the requirement to disclose algorithm specifically includes a mandate to explain how a platform assesses "the quality of content" -- a phrase that NetChoice says is so unclear that it encourages arbitrary enforcement of the law. NetChoice additionally says its members' algorithms are trade secrets, adding that the law would force platforms "to divulge extremely valuable and confidential information." A deep dive into the controversial history of Elmiron and its serious links to vision loss and bowel disease. Highlights: Elmiron approval relied on flawed and inconsistent clinical data Long-term use of Elmiron is linked to irreversible retinal damage Patients reported severe bowel disease including colitis and polyps after extended use Trusted Source The Tragic and Tarnished History of Elmiron- A New Investigative Report Go to source Trusted Source Did You Know? Elmiron remained on the market for 18 years before a placebo-controlled trial revealed it was no more effective than sugar pills. #medindia #drugsafety #visionloss Elmiron remained on the market for 18 years before a placebo-controlled trial revealed it was no more effective than sugar pills. #medindia #drugsafety #visionloss Advertisement Delayed Research That May Have Cost Patients Their Sight Trusted Source More Evidence Linking Common Bladder Medication to a Vision-threatening Eye Condition Go to source Trusted Source Orphan Drug Classification Provided Market Protection First introduced in 1985, Elmiron received orphan drug status , typically granted to medications developed for rare conditions. This status allowed its then-owner, Medical Marketing Specialists, to benefit from tax breaks, waived fees, and seven years of market exclusivity. However, orphan status does not guarantee a drugs safety or efficacy. First introduced in 1985, Elmiron , typically granted to medications developed for rare conditions. This status allowed its then-owner, Medical Marketing Specialists, to benefit from tax breaks, waived fees, and seven years of market exclusivity. However, orphan status does not guarantee a drugs safety or efficacy. Compassionate Use Preceded Full Approval In 1986, Elmiron became accessible to patients under a compassionate use policy. This program, intended for serious or life-threatening conditions lacking effective treatment, allowed access to investigational drugs. However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warns that such drugs may not work and can produce unforeseen side effects. In 1986, Elmiron under a compassionate use policy. This program, intended for serious or life-threatening conditions lacking effective treatment, allowed access to investigational drugs. However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warns that such drugs may not work and can produce unforeseen side effects. Initial Application Built on Flawed Trials In June 1991, Baker Cummins Pharmaceuticals, the new owner of Elmiron, filed for full FDA approval, submitting data from two clinical trials. One trial, labeled E-001, was rejected outright , while the other, E-002, had questionable results , with only one study site, led by the patent holder, showing significant improvement. In June 1991, Baker Cummins Pharmaceuticals, the new owner of Elmiron, filed for full FDA approval, submitting data from two clinical trials. One trial, labeled E-001, was , while the other, E-002, had , with only one study site, led by the patent holder, showing significant improvement. FDA Identified Conflicts of Interest in First Review In February 1992, the FDA declined to approve Elmiron , pointing to concerning discrepancies in trial outcomes. Only the patent holder at a University of California campus demonstrated strong positive results, while other investigators did not. The FDA suspected financial bias and instructed the company to conduct a new study free from previous investigators. In February 1992, the , pointing to concerning discrepancies in trial outcomes. Only the patent holder at a University of California campus demonstrated strong positive results, while other investigators did not. The FDA suspected financial bias and instructed the company to conduct a new study free from previous investigators. FDA Urged New Clinical Trial After Reanalysis Attempts In March 1993, Baker Cummins met with FDA officials and agreed to submit a new statistical reanalysis of the previous data while resisting a fresh trial. Despite encouragement to perform an additional, unbiased study, the pharmaceutical company resubmitted the earlier trials along with modified interpretations in July 1993. In March 1993, Baker Cummins met with FDA officials and agreed to submit a new statistical reanalysis of the previous data while resisting a fresh trial. Despite encouragement to perform an additional, unbiased study, the pharmaceutical company in July 1993. Repeated Denials Due to Insufficient Data By late 1994, the FDA again rejected the application , reiterating the need for a comprehensive and well-controlled study. Officials emphasized that the only consistent positive results came from one physicianagain, the patent holder and warned that safe prescribing practices could not be established without more widespread clinical validation. By late 1994, the , reiterating the need for a comprehensive and well-controlled study. Officials emphasized that the only consistent positive results came from one physicianagain, the patent holder and warned that safe prescribing practices could not be established without more widespread clinical validation. Final Approval Based on Compassionate Use Data In August 1995, Baker Norton (a renamed version of Baker Cummins) submitted broader data from the compassionate use program, which lacked the rigor of a controlled trial. Nevertheless, the FDA approved Elmiron as a new drug in 1996 , without the new study it had previously demanded. In August 1995, Baker Norton (a renamed version of Baker Cummins) submitted broader data from the compassionate use program, which lacked the rigor of a controlled trial. Nevertheless, the , without the new study it had previously demanded. Efficacy Disproved Almost Two Decades Later A double-blind, placebo-controlled study , finally conducted in 2014, showed Elmiron to be no more effective than a sugar pill . Dr. Curtis Nickel believed this would mark the end of Elmiron . Yet, even after publication of these damning results, the drug continued to be sold and prescribed. A , finally conducted in 2014, showed . Dr. Curtis Nickel believed this would mark . Yet, even after publication of these damning results, the drug continued to be sold and prescribed. Patients Unknowingly Used an Ineffective Drug for Years For nearly two decades, patients trusted a medication they believed had passed strict safety and efficacy standards. Many took it long-term, never knowing that the required testing was incomplete. Now, those patients face irreversible vision loss and serious bowel disease. Advertisement Summary of Elmiron Safety History Involving Vision and Bowel Issues Trusted Source Possible drug-induced, vision-threatening maculopathy secondary to chronic pentosan polysulfate sodium (Elmiron) exposure Go to source Trusted Source Standards Eroded by Regulatory Policy Changes Profit Over Proof Became the Industry Norm Trusted Source Risk of retinal damage for patients on Elmiron Go to source Trusted Source Elmiron Approved Despite Repeated Warnings and Gaps in Data Neglected Oversight of Adverse Events Reporting Responsibility of Pharmaceutical Companies Under Scrutiny Lives Altered Permanently by a Trusted Treatment Ongoing Impact on Patients and Legal Actions Systemic Failures Must be Addressed Immediately The Tragic and Tarnished History of Elmiron - A New Investigative Report - (https://www.icnetwork.org/the-tarnished-history-of-elmiron-new-investigative-report/) More Evidence Linking Common Bladder Medication to a Vision-threatening Eye Condition - (https://www.aao.org/newsroom/news-releases/detail/evidence-linking-bladder-medication-eye-condition) Possible drug-induced, vision-threatening maculopathy secondary to chronic pentosan polysulfate sodium (Elmiron) exposure - (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7012292/) A message from the Retina Society of Alberta and Eye Physicians and Surgeons Association of Alberta - (https://cpsa.ca/news/risk-of-retinal-damage-for-patients-on-elmiron/) Patients who believed they were taking a proven and effective medication tomay have been misled.(pentosan polysulfate sodium), theby the United States Food and Drug Administration for this condition, was linked in recent years to serious health consequences like).Disturbingly, a well-structured clinical trial. Dr. Curtis Nickel, who led the study, admitted he was confident Elmiron would be pulled from the market once the results were publicized. That never happened.Could lives and vision have been saved if this critical study had been done earlier? Many believe so. With new lawsuits and investigations emerging, questions now swirl around why the drug remained available despite the lack of early conclusive evidence of its effectiveness.This is the full story of delayed research, overlooked warnings, and the irreversible harm that may have cost countless patients their vision ().Since Elmiron's release, concerns have mounted over its association with both eye and gastrointestinal issues. Reports dating back to the early 1990s documented vision changes in patients. Research later found that the medication couldessential for eye health ().Meanwhile, gastrointestinal symptoms likehave repeatedly been linked to Elmiron. As early as 1998, these complaints appeared in safety reports. Several case studies, spanning from 2005 to 2023, documented patients whoseResearch published in 2022 and 2023 highlighted alarming rates of colonic dysplasia and excessive polyp growth, indicat/ing potentially precancerous conditions in long-term users.The erosion of FDA standards began in the 1980s during the AIDS epidemic, when desperate need led to relaxed approval protocols. What began as a well-intentioned effort to speed up access to life-saving treatments soon became an opportunity for pharmaceutical companies to avoid expensive clinical trials. Legislative shifts, including theAccording to experts like Yale epidemiologist Dr. Gregg Gonsalves, these regulatory compromises opened the door for profit-driven pharmaceutical companies to release medications with unproven effectiveness. Between 2013 and 2022, nearly. Many post-market studies, intended to confirm efficacy, were delayed or never completed ().The Elmiron timeline mirrors this larger regulatory breakdown. Though the FDA flagged conflicts of interest, rejected flawed studies, and demanded additional trials, the agency eventually approved the drug using less rigorous compassionate use data. The safety and efficacy concerns it tried to prevent eventually materialized in devastating ways for thousands of patients.Another troubling issue is the FDAs limited response to its own adverse event monitoring systems, such as the(Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience). These systems gathered increasing reports of eye and bowel disorders linked to Elmiron but. Questions remain about how many cases must be reported before meaningful action is taken.With lawsuits mounting, another major question has emerged: what obligations did Elmiron manufacturers have to track long-term safety? Legal cases argue that the company failed to act on early warning signs, even as serious and sometimes permanent side effects came to light. Some patients have received financial settlements, though others regret settling before full evidence of long-term harm became available.For many patients, the damage caused by Elmiron is irreversible. Their anger is deeply personal and justified. Vision loss has ended careers, forced early retirement, and created a lifetime of dependence. Some, like Laura MacMillandiagnosed with interstitial cystitis in 2001 and retinal disease in 2013 have had to stop working and driving altogether. Though her bowel symptoms disappeared after stopping Elmiron, her vision never returned.Patients continue to share their experiencessome now blind, others with progressive vision loss and debilitating bowel issues. While some settlements have included clauses for additional health claims, many do not. In some cases, government insurers like Medicare have placed liens on settlement money to recover the costs of medical testing. For many, the financial and emotional burden remains unresolved.Elmiron may have been launched with sincere intentions, but its history reveals a dangerous pattern of insufficient testing, regulatory leniency, and industry resistance to further study. It highlights broader systemic issues that demand reform. Without rigorous testing, timely response to adverse reports, and accountability from both regulators and manufacturers, patients will continue to pay the price. Elmiron is still on pharmacy shelvesbut after all we now know, should it be?To sum up, this troubling history of Elmiron shows a critical flaw in the drug approval and monitoring system. Despite repeated FDA concerns, the drug was approved without strong evidence of its effectiveness, exposing thousands of patients to serious and in some cases irreversible harm. This is a wake-up call to demand stricter regulatory oversight and patient safety transparency.Source-Medindia Cases of irritable bowel syndrome nearly doubled in the United States during the pandemic, linked to stress affecting the gut-brain connection. Highlights: Irritable bowel syndrome cases rose from 6 percent to 11 percent during the pandemic cases rose from 6 percent to 11 percent during the pandemic Chronic constipation showed a steady increase linked to stress showed a steady increase linked to stress Gut-brain axis disruption was worsened by prolonged psychological strain Trusted Source Trends in Prevalence of Rome IV Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Results From a Nationally Representative Sample of Over 160,000 People in the US Go to source Trusted Source Did You Know? Nearly 40 percent of Americans face gut-brain digestive disorders, with #irritablebowel syndrome cases nearly doubling from 6 to 11 percent during the #pandemic. #medindia #guthealth #mentalhealth #COVID #digestivedisorders #constipation Nearly 40 percent of Americans face gut-brain digestive disorders, with #irritablebowel syndrome cases nearly doubling from 6 to 11 percent during the #pandemic. #medindia #guthealth #mentalhealth #COVID #digestivedisorders #constipation Advertisement Gut-Brain Interaction Disrupted by Mental Stress Advertisement Survey Revealed Persistent Increase in Digestive Issues Mixed Type of Irritable Bowel Syndrome Most Common Mental Health and Gut Health Closely Interlinked Trends in Prevalence of Rome IV Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Results From a Nationally Representative Sample of Over 160,000 People in the US - (https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/nmo.70020) A significant increase in, particularly irritable bowel syndrome, was observed in the United States. Data showed a growing burden of gastrointestinal issues believed to be influenced by).The findings were published inand led by gastroenterologist Christopher V. Almario, M.D., MSHPM, from Cedars-Sinai. The analysis used data from a nationwide survey and found that cases of irritable bowel syndrome and chronic idiopathic constipationThese digestive disorders, known as disorders of gut-brain interaction, are primarily driven by complex communication between the gastrointestinal system and the nervous system. Common conditions likewere exacerbated by psychological stress during the pandemic.An estimatedmeet criteria for at least one of these conditions, which are known to impair quality of life and place significant strain on healthcare systems.Researchers analyzed responses from overfrom May 2020 to May 2022. Participants reported their digestive symptoms, mental health status, and lifestyle changes during this period.The data revealed a consistent rise in gut-related symptoms starting early in the pandemic. Irritable bowel syndrome prevalence increased from around 6 percent to approximately 11 percent by May 2022. Chronic idiopathic constipation showed a modest increase from 6.0 percent to 6.4 percent.Among those who experienced irritable bowel syndrome, the mixed subtypecharacterized by, was reported most frequently. Other types of functional gastrointestinal disorders did not show significant increases.The persistent nature of the rise in symptoms suggests a link not only to viral infection but also to sustained psychological distress during the global crisis, affecting individuals regardless of whether they were infected with COVID-19.Brennan Spiegel, M.D., MSHS, corresponding author of the publication and director of Health Services Research at Cedars-Sinai, emphasized thatand trigger or worsen symptoms.Spiegel, who also leads the Cedars-Sinai Master's Degree Program in Health Delivery Science, noted that addressing post-pandemic digestive health must become a priority in healthcare, with increased awareness of mental healths role in gut function.In conclusion, the marked rise in gut-brain related digestive disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic highlights the complex relationship between mental stress and gastrointestinal health. With conditions like irritable bowel syndrome significantly increasing, healthcare professionals are urged to consider long-term strategies to manage and support digestive health in the wake of global psychological and physical stressors.Source-Medindia CAIRO Hamas suggested Wednesday that it was open to a ceasefire agreement with Israel, but stopped short of accepting a U.S.-backed proposal announced by President Donald Trump hours earlier, insisting on its longstanding position that any deal bring an end to the war in Gaza. Trump said Tuesday that Israel had agreed on terms for a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza and urged Hamas to accept the deal before conditions worsen. The U.S. leader has been increasing pressure on the Israeli government and Hamas to broker a ceasefire, and hostage agreement and bring about an end to the war. Trump said the 60-day period would be used to work toward ending the war something Israel says it won't accept until Hamas is defeated. He said that a deal might come together as soon as next week. But Hamas' response, which emphasized its demand that the war end, raised questions about whether the latest offer could materialize into an actual pause in fighting. Hamas official Taher al-Nunu said that the militant group was ready and serious regarding reaching an agreement. He said Hamas was ready to accept any initiative that clearly leads to the complete end to the war. A Hamas delegation is expected to meet with Egyptian and Qatari mediators in Cairo on Wednesday to discuss the proposal, according to an Egyptian official. The official spoke on condition of anonymity, because he wasn't authorized to discuss the talks with the media. Israel and Hamas disagree on how the war should end Throughout the nearly 21-month-long war, ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas have repeatedly faltered over whether the war should end as part of any deal. Hamas has said that it's willing to free the remaining 50 hostages, less than half of whom are said to be alive, in exchange for a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and an end to the war. Israel says it will only agree to end the war if Hamas surrenders, disarms and exiles itself, something the group refuses to do. An Israeli official said that the latest proposal calls for a 60-day deal that would include a partial Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and a surge in humanitarian aid to the territory. The mediators and the U.S. would provide assurances about talks to end the war, but Israel isn't committing to that as part of the latest proposal, the official said. The official wasn't authorized to discuss the details of the proposed deal with the media and spoke on condition of anonymity. It wasn't clear how many hostages would be freed as part of the agreement, but previous proposals have called for the release of about 10. Israel has yet to publicly comment on Trump's announcement. On Monday, Trump is set to host Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House, days after Ron Dermer, a senior Netanyahu adviser, held discussions with top U.S. officials about Gaza, Iran and other matters. Trump issues another warning On Tuesday, Trump wrote on social media that Israel had "agreed to the necessary conditions to finalize the 60 Day CEASEFIRE, during which time we will work with all parties to end the War. I hope, for the good of the Middle East, that Hamas takes this Deal, because it will not get better IT WILL ONLY GET WORSE, he said. Trumps warning may find a skeptical audience with Hamas. Even before the expiration of the wars longest ceasefire in March, Trump has repeatedly issued dramatic ultimatums to pressure Hamas to agree to longer pauses in the fighting that would see the release of more hostages and a return of more aid for Gazas civilians. Still, Trump views the current moment as a potential turning point in the brutal conflict that has left more than 57,000 dead in the Palestinian territory. Gaza's Health Ministry said the death toll passed the 57,000 mark Tuesday into Wednesday, after hospitals received 142 bodies overnight. The ministry doesn't differentiate between civilians and combatants in its death count, but says that more than half of the dead are women and children. Since dawn Wednesday, Israeli strikes killed a total of 40 people across the Gaza Strip, the mMinistry said. Hospital officials said four children and seven women were among the dead. The Israeli military, which blames Hamas for the civilian casualties because it operates from populated areas, was looking into the reports. The war began on Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking roughly 250 hostages. The war has left the coastal Palestinian territory in ruins, with much of the urban landscape flattened in the fighting. More than 90% of Gaza's 2.3 million population has been displaced, often multiple times. And the war has sparked a humanitarian crisis in Gaza, pushing hundreds of thousands of people toward hunger. Hospital director killed The director of the Indonesian Hospital, Dr. Marwan Sultan, was killed in an apartment in an Israeli strike west of Gaza City, a hospital statement said. The hospital is the Palestinian enclaves largest medical facility north of Gaza City and has been a critical lifeline since the start of the Israel-Hamas war. The hospital was surrounded by Israeli troops last month and evacuated alongside the other two primary hospitals in northern Gaza. The bodies of Sultan, his wife, daughter and son-in-law, arrived at Shifa Hospital torn into pieces, according to Issam Nabhan, head of the nursing department at the Indonesian Hospital. Gaza lost a great man and doctor," Nabhan said. "He never left the hospital one moment since the war began and urged us to stay and provide humanitarian assistance. We dont know what he did to deserve getting killed. ___ Mroue reported from Beirut. Associated Press writers Kareem Chehayeb in Beirut and Josef Federman in Jerusalem contributed to this report. WASHINGTON Republican leaders in the House are sprinting toward a Wednesday vote on President Donald Trump's tax and spending cuts package, determined to seize momentum from a hard-fought vote in the Senate while essentially daring members to defy their party's leader and vote against it. The American people gave us a clear mandate, and after four years of Democrat failure, we intend to deliver without delay, the top four House GOP leaders said Tuesday after the bill passed the Senate 51-50, thanks to Vice President JD Vance's tiebreaking vote. It's a risky gambit, one designed to meet Trump's demand for a July 4 finish and there's a steep climb ahead. Since launching early this year, Republicans have struggled mightily with the bill nearly every step of the way, often succeeding by only one vote. Their House majority stands at just 220-212, leaving little room for defections. Some Republicans are likely to balk at being asked to rubber stamp the Senate bill less than 24 hours after passage, having had little time to read or absorb the changes that were made, many at the last minute to win the vote of Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski. House Republicans from competitive districts have bristled at the Senate bill's cuts to Medicaid, while conservatives have lambasted the legislation as straying from their fiscal goals. It falls to Speaker Mike Johnson and his team to convince them that the time for negotiations is over. Trump pushes Republicans to do the right thing The bill would extend and make permanent various individual and business tax breaks that Republicans passed in Trump's first term, plus temporarily add new ones Trump promised during the campaign, including allowing workers to deduct tips and overtime pay, and provide a new $6,000 deduction for most older adults. In all, the legislation contains about $4.5 trillion in tax cuts over 10 years. The bill also provides $350 billion for defense and Trump's immigration crackdown. Republicans partially pay for it all through less spending on Medicaid and food assistance. The Congressional Budget Office projects it will add about $3.3 trillion in federal deficits over the coming decade. The House passed its version of the bill in May, despite worries about spending cuts and the overall price tag. Now, it's being asked to give final passage to a version that, in many respects, exacerbates those concerns. The Senate bill's projected impact on federal deficits, for example, is significantly higher. Trump praised the bill profusely in a social media post, saying, We can have all of this right now, but only if the House GOP UNITES, ignores its occasional GRANDSTANDERS (You know who you are!), and does the right thing, which is sending this Bill to my desk. The high price of opposing Trump's bill Speaker Johnson, R-La., is intent on meeting the president's July 4 timeline. He's also betting that hesitant Republicans won't cross Trump because of the heavy political price they would have to pay. They need only look to Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., who announced his intention to vote against the legislation over the weekend. Soon, the president was calling for a primary challenger to the senator and personally attacking him on social media. Tillis quickly announced he would not seek a third term. Others could face a similar fate. One House Republican who has staked out opposition to the bill, Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky, is already being targeted by Trump's well-funded political operation. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., said leadership was not entertaining the possibility of making changes to the bill before the final vote. He said the two chambers already agree on the vast majority of what's in it. Its not as easy as saying, Hey, I just want one more change, because one more change could end up being what collapses the entire thing, Scalise said. Democratic lawmakers, united against the bill as harmful to the country, condemned the process as rushed. Rep. Jim McGovern, D-Mass., said theres no real deadline for getting the bill passed by July 4. Were rushing not because the country demands it but because he wants to throw himself another party, McGovern said. This isnt policy. Its ego management. Democrats warn health care, food aid are being ripped away House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries described the bill in dire terms, saying cuts in Medicaid spending would result in Americans losing their lives because of their inability to access health care coverage. He said Republicans are literally ripping the food out of the mouths of children, veterans and seniors. House Democrats are going to do everything we can for the next few hours, today, tomorrow, for the balance of this week and beyond to stop this bill from ever becoming law, Jeffries said. Republicans say they are trying to rightsize the safety net programs for the population they were initially designed to serve, mainly pregnant women, the disabled and children, and root out what they describe as waste, fraud and abuse. The package includes new 80-hour-a-month work requirements for many adults receiving Medicaid and applies existing work requirements in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, to more beneficiaries. States will also pick up more of the cost for food benefits, with the amount based on their payment error rates, which include underpayments and overpayments. The driving force behind the bill, however, is the tax cuts. Many expire at the end of this year if Congress doesn't act. Passing this bill means smaller tax bills and bigger paychecks for the American people permanently, said Senate Majority Leader John Thune. It will also help get our economy firing on all cylinders again. The Tax Policy Center, which provides nonpartisan analysis of tax and budget policy, projected the bill would result next year in a $150 tax break for the lowest quintile of Americans, a $1,750 tax cut for the middle quintile and a $10,950 tax cut for the top quintile. That's compared with what they'd face if the 2017 tax cuts expired. ___ Associated Press writer Joey Cappelletti contributed to this report. The Honolulu Board of Water Supply announced Tuesday that it has filed a federal lawsuit in connection to massive jet fuel leaks at the Navys Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility in 2021. In a nearly 100-page federal civil tort complaint filed in the U.S. District Court of Hawaii, BWS says its suing the Navy for negligence, nuisance, and trespass resulting in damages where the government of the United States of America, if a private party, would be liable to the BWS. BWS has estimated the cost of past, current and future impacts from the fuel leaks at $1.2 billion. This case involves tortious conduct by the United States of America, and more specifically, the United States Department of the Navy, in causing and /or allowing contaminant releases to enter Oahus EPA-designated sole source aquifer, impacting the water resources upon which the BWS relies and the BWS water distribution system, the complaint states. The Navy has caused, allowed, and /or failed to contain releases into the environment of substantial but indeterminate quantities of jet propellant fuel, per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and other contaminants that have entered the sole source aquifer from which the BWS withdraws potable groundwater for public use and consumption, the lawsuit states. BWS seeks to hold the Navy accountable for its contaminant releases of any nature that have impacted and /or threatened the BWSs water supply and caused the BWS both to shut down its impacted infrastructure and to incur fees, costs, and expenses to respond to the Navys Contaminant Releases, both actual and threatened. The Navy Closure Task Force, assigned to permanently shut down the Red Hill facility, declined to respond to questions about the BWS lawsuit. The Navy does not comment on ongoing litigation, a Navy spokesperson said. BWS spokesperson Kathleen Elliott-Pahinui confirmed its federal lawsuit is associated with a $1.2 billion claim the water agency filed against the Navy in 2023 in order to recover costs for its response to the Red Hill fuel leaks. Filed under the Federal Tort Claims Act, the claim asserted the Navys culpability for catastrophic fuel leaks that occurred at the once top-secret underground fuel facility near the mouth of Halawa Valley. Those included a Nov. 20, 2021, incident in which 20, 000 gallons of fuel leaked into the Navys water system, which serves 93, 000 people on Oahu, including military families and civilians in former military housing areas. But the initial BWS claim for $1.2 billion, filed with the Navys Judge Advocate Generals Corps in Norfolk, Va., was later rejected, according to Elliott-Pahinui. The Navy denied it on Jan. 10, 2025. They denied our claim and that started the clock, and we had six months to file the lawsuit if we decided to go that way, she said. And our board of directors made a decision (Monday ) as part of their fiduciary responsibility to file the lawsuit to help recoup some of the costs that we lost in dealing with this issue for our ratepayers. Elliott-Pahinui said the latest lawsuit is at the very beginning stages of the process, and were not sure how long its going to take. We cant speculate on that, she added. In a subsequent news release issued Tuesday, BWS states, The Navy itself has acknowledged responsibility for the massive environmental and human health crisis caused by the November 2021 fuel release, but it has refused to accept responsibility for the costs that the BWS has and will incur to respond to the Navys contaminant releases. Residents served by the Navys water system of Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam suffered serious injuries from the November 2021 release, while the BWSs ability to provide clean, safe, dependable water to Oahu residents was and is severely impacted, the release said. To protect against contamination of its own water sources, BWS made the difficult but necessary and reasonable decision nearly 4 years ago, to shut down its Halawa Shaft and the Aiea and Halawa wells. In response to the fuel leaks, BWS claimed it implemented enhanced water quality testing, started planning for additional groundwater monitoring wells and shifted to alternate water sources to make up for lost water supplies, all in response to the Navys contaminant releases. BWS said past, ongoing, and future restoration, remediation and mitigation efforts are currently estimated to total approximately $1.2 billion. In the aftermath of the fuel leaks, BWS claimed it detected polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, or PAHsa class of chemicals found in coal and petroleum known to cause cancer and other health issuesat its closed Aiea wells in water samples collected in May and June 2024. The types of PAHs detected at the Aiea wells were also detected at the Navys monitoring well, NMW 24, in samples collected in June 2024, indicating a contaminant plume might be migrating west of the Red Hill facility. In its federal complaint, BWS notes that to the extent it must replace its Halawa and Aiea water sources due to the Navys contaminant releases, the estimated cost to do so ranges from $1.18 billion to $1.43 billion. The BWS reserves the right to identify additional damages it has or will incur, the lawsuit asserts. 2025 The Honolulu Star-Advertiser. Visit www.staradvertiser.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Hundreds more miles of federal land along the U.S. southern border in Arizona is set to be transferred to the Department of Defense, further expanding newly created military zones -- and the footprint of the military's role in immigration enforcement. The newest military zone in Arizona -- the fourth border zone created by the Trump administration -- will encompass 140 miles of Department of Interior land near the Barry M. Goldwater range and will be transferred to the military as an extension of Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell told reporters Wednesday. The administration has created the zones as a way to tap the military to enforce its border security and immigrant deportation agenda, and they allow additional court charges to be filed against those who trespass. Most recently, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth last month said an additional 250 miles, this time along the Rio Grande River, would be handed to the Department of the Air Force as an extension of Joint Base San Antonio, Military.com previously reported. Read Next: Army Creating New Artificial Intelligence-Focused Occupational Specialty and Officer Field Once those two new federal leases are transferred, it will mean that the Army, Air Force and Marine Corps will all have an ownership stake in enforcing security at the U.S. southern border. Two other military zones have already been created at the border, one in New Mexico that is an extension of the Army's Fort Huachuca, Arizona, and another in West Texas that is considered a part of Fort Bliss. Last month, U.S. attorneys announced some of the first convictions of migrants who crossed into the zones. Meanwhile, officials are offering differing numbers on just how many active-duty troops are involved in the expanding border mission. At the press briefing, Parnell told reporters that about 8,500 military personnel are currently assigned to the active-duty Joint Task Force Southern Border mission. The figure is a drop from earlier figures of around 10,000. One defense official said the new figure doesn't reflect any units being removed but rather the normal ebb and flow of personnel for a long-standing mission. Maj. Geoffrey Carmichael, a spokesman for the border mission, told Military.com on Wednesday that the total number of Joint Task Force Southern Border personnel was hovering around 7,600. Another defense official said the roughly 1,000-person difference between the two figures was because the 7,600 number was troops directly on the border while the larger 8,500 number Parnell offered included various personnel supporting or on loan to the Department of Homeland Security and the border mission. In total, upward of 600 miles of the U.S. southern border with Mexico has either been placed, or is soon to be placed, under the Department of Defense's ownership. Following President Donald Trump's earliest executive orders this year, the military has expanded its integration with the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and Customs and Border Protection, a move that continues to alarm defense and legal experts, Military.com has previously reported. "It seems to be a growing trend," Jennifer Kavanagh, the director of military analysis at the Defense Priorities think tank in Washington, D.C., told Military.com on Wednesday. "There are obviously limits to how much of the land along the border they can militarize easily -- private land will be more challenging -- but I would expect them to keep pushing ahead with this tactic." In addition to the thousands of military personnel now patrolling the border alongside the Border Patrol, the Pentagon says that the efforts to build the first ICE detention center on a military installation are making progress. The first defense official who spoke with Military.com said that the ground at Fort Bliss, located near El Paso, Texas, has already been prepared for a "temporary, soft-sided holding facility" that will be paid for by the Army but run by contractors, not military personnel. When asked whether there were plans to expand efforts for holding facilities to other bases, the official noted that the Pentagon is "a planning organization" but that they had nothing to announce at the present time. The result, according to Parnell, is that there have been more than 3,500 patrols, including 150 with the Mexican military, since March 20. Parnell boasted that between June 28 and June 30 there were zero "get-aways" -- people crossing the border who either flee from patrols back into Mexico or into the U.S. "We have made incredible progress and will continue to work toward achieving 100% operational control of the border," Parnell told reporters. However, the claims come as the Pentagon heads into a budget season that leaves a lot of questions about how it will pay for the expanded operations. Last week, officials said that more than $5 billion is being budgeted in the upcoming year for operations at the U.S. southern border. But defense officials, who briefed the press on annual budget plans, said they are betting on a Trump agenda bill in Congress to backfill any money pulled from current military funds to help pay for not only the thousands of troops deployed to the U.S.-Mexico border but also those sent to Los Angeles after immigration raid protests in the city. Meanwhile, the military services have been raiding other parts of their budgets -- namely those aimed at upkeeping and building new barracks -- to make ends meet. The Pentagon has already moved to gut $1 billion from the Army's facilities budget, which the service was planning to use on living quarters for junior troops that have suffered from dilapidated conditions for years. Related: Guardsmen Pulled off LA Mission as State Warns Troops Are 'Stretched Thin' Amid Wildfire Season ALGONAC, MI I saw the Human Firecracker perform for the first time near the Fowlerville Fairgrounds beer tent. The act was outrageous and downright dangerous. Covered head to heel with firecrackers and accompanied by a long wing-like apparatus that hung from his arms, the Human Firecracker would disappear into a cloud of smoke and flashing light like a violent storm cloud hanging over the venue. Your browser does not support the HTML video element. The Human Firecracker (Video provided by Rodney Lane, John Fletcher and Jim Osieczonek) The Human Firecracker, whose real name is John Fletcher (also known as Ghengis John) was an old high school friend of my fathers, who bonded over jamming in local bands and their love for the rock band KISS. Your dad was kind to me when not a lot of people were, John told me over the phone. This set off a karmic chain where John later booked my brothers band to play the Fowlerville Fair, one of the larger local fairs in Livingston County. Hes remained a legend of my imagination ever since. Watch our documentary on the Human Firecracker below. If the player doesnt appear, open it here on YouTube. John explained how it all began: I was probably 10 or 11, I think. And you know, most kids (were) playing with firecrackers, blowing up little army guys and stuff. I lit one and it blew up in my hand. But it didnt burn me. That was just the beginning of his obsession. By young adulthood he was strapping a row firecrackers to his chest. He started with sixteen and soon it was 100. The Human Firecracker act came into form in December 1999. He faced push back about the act from the local municipality of Howell, MI. Once local law enforcement understood the performance and its benefactor -active service military - they invited him to perform for them at the Howell Armory. I climbed about 20ft up on a scaffolding and put on the firecracker suit that was sitting up there and lit it up inside the building, John said. It was one of only three indoor performances he would ever do. John Fletcher, The Human Firecracker, at is home in Algonac, MI. Lori Chapman | MLive Over the years John figures hes lit himself up 87 times and detonated around 800,000 firecrackers off his body. The largest performance was in Pinckney, Michigan where he lit off a suit that was covered with 16,280 firecrackers, breaking one of his ribs. John has dedicated much of his professional career and put his body on the line for the act but never tried to monetarily benefit from it, paying his own medical bills and costs for the suits - which were destroyed after each performance. John Fletcher, The Human Firecracker, at is home in Algonac, MI. Lori Chapman | MLive I never got paid for any of it, at all, John said, I would always require that the organizations would have their representatives on site so that way they were taking the money home. One man and tens-of-thousands of firecrackers helped soldiers overseas call their families with the Cell Phones for Soldiers performances and even gave food to the hungry when he partnered with Gleaners Food Bank. You dont have to change the whole world, you dont have to change the whole state. You dont even need to change the whole town. Just make a little change. John Fletcher, The Human Firecracker, at is home in Algonac, MI. Lori Chapman | MLive John is retired from his act now but expressed many times his wish to perform one final show and earn a spot in the Guinness Book of World records which, according to John, was blocked due to terrorism sensitivity during the main stint of his performing years. He was forced to cancel his last two farewell performances due to an injury in his chest that prevents him from carrying the weight of the firecracker suit. For now, John will have to weigh his physical health versus the glory of performing one more time. He still asks himself the same question Neil Young did, Is it better to burn out or fade away. Gabby, the oldest Great Lakes piping plover, had two new chicks at Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore. One of the new chicks is pictured here. In her lifetime, Gabby has mothered 37 chicks to fledgling age, which is thought to be near a record for an individual piping plover. (Photo Courtesy of NPS | V. Cavalieri) NPS | V. Cavalieri EMPIRE, MI -- The Great Lakes oldest Piping Plover is a mother again for the 37th time. Congratulations are in order for the Piping Plover, Of,gb:X,Y, often referred to as Gabby in reference to the gby from her unique color band combination is 16 years old. She is the oldest shorebird ever recorded for this endangered piping plover population. She hatched in 2009 on North Manitou Island and has become a fan favorite for Michiganders. Gabby been returning to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore to nest since 2019. This season, two of Gabbys chicks made it to fledgling age, according to Sleeping Bear. This means they have now reached the age where they can fly and take care of themselves. Prior to this season, Gabby fledged 35 chicks over her previous breeding seasons. In a couple weeks Gabby will leave Sleeping Bear Dunes and begin her annual migration to Georgia. She frequents Cumberland Island National Seashore in Georgia, where she was spotted this January along the Atlantic Ocean. Over the course of her life, its estimated Gabby has flown over 40,000 miles migrating. Gabbys chicks are likely to stay in Michigan for a bit longer. Chicks often stay near their male parent until the end of July or early August before beginning their southbound migrations, according to Sleeping Bear. On June 13, conservation officials confirmed this year is a record-breaking nesting season for the federally endangered shorebird. The species recovery team reported that wildlife monitors counted 82 pairs of Great Lakes piping plovers across its range this spring. This comes after two consecutive years of 81 unique breeding pairs counted in both 2023 and 2024. That one extra nest this season adds up to three years in a row for record-setting plover breeding pairs. This year has the most unique breeding pairs observed in a season since Endangered Species Act protections were granted for Piping Plovers in 1985. An MLive file photo of construction signage indicating a closed road in Kalamazoo County, Michigan. Joel Bissell | MLive.com About 61% of Michigans active road construction projects will be suspended for the upcoming holiday weekend. The state will pause work and lift traffic restrictions for 110 of 179 projects, easing congestion and increasing safety around Independence Day weekend. The Interlake Steamship Company said the incident involving the M/V Hon. James L. Oberstar occurred as it was making a turn at Johnsons Point at approximately 3:50 p.m. on June 8. U.S. Coast Guard An 806-foot freighter that spent several days grounded on the St. Marys River has arrived at a shipyard for repairs. The U.S. Coast Guard confirmed that the M/V Hon. James L. Oberstar completed a 28-hour journey and reached Fraser Shipyards in Superior, Wisconsin on June 18. The vessel loaded with approximately 29,700 net tons of stone bound for Marquette had been anchored since it grounded making a turn at Johnsons Point at approximately 3:50 p.m. on June 8. Local authorities, the U.S. Coast Guard and a third-party Oil Spill Removal Organization had been overseeing what the Interlake Steamship Company called a complex, multi-day response operation as the vessel was anchored near Hay Lake. Approximately 140 personnel from federal, state and local partners supported response activities with no reported pollution, injuries or mishaps. As we all return to steady-state operations, the Unified Command is grateful for the patience and support of our community, said Capt. James Bendle, federal on-scene coordinator, Hay Lake Marine Casualty Unified Command. The UC was successful in ensuring the safety of personnel and the public, protecting the environment and mitigating impacts to the marine transportation system. Originally built in 1959 by American Ship Building Company in Toledo and named the Charles M. Beeghly, Interlake acquired the vessel in 1967. It can carry 31,000 gross tons and was renamed the Oberstar in 2010 to honor the former Minnesota congressman who served the U.S. House of Representatives for nearly a half century. Scenes during the annual Ann Arbor Jaycees Fourth of July parade and State Street District Spray Park in downtown Ann Arbor on Thursday, July 4, 2024. Rebecca Villagracia | MLive.com WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI There are plenty of Fourth of July activities around Ann Arbor. Residents can celebrate Independence Day with parades, runs, fireworks and other events for kids. Here are some Ann Arbor-area events: Ann Arbor 35th Annual Ann Arbor Jaycees 4th of July Parade Floats, community organizations, marching bands, dance troupes and more will march on streets in downtown Ann Arbor for the 35th annual Ann Arbor Jaycees Fourth of July Parade. The parade runs from 10 a.m. to noon Friday, July 4. It starts at East William Street and ends at North University Avenue, running north on State, West and Liberty streets, south on Main Street, east on William Street and ends south on Thompson Street. Onlookers can line up on North University Avenue. To learn more, visit the website and social media. The parade will close multiple streets downtown on Friday, July 4, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The closures are South State Street from North University Avenue to East Liberty Street; East Liberty Street from South Main to South State streets; South Main Street from East Liberty to East William streets; East William Street from South Main to Thompson streets; south Main Street from Washington to Liberty streets; and Thompson Street from just past East William Street, where the parade will end. The parade is organized by Ann Arbor Jaycees, a leadership training program for young professionals who organize events around the area. Firefighters Spray Park Following the Fourth of July Parade, families can join the Ann Arbor Fire Department to cool off and try out fire equipment with the Firefighters Spray Park. Firefighters will be set up on Maynard Street right outside Nickels Arcade from 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. Participants can run through water streams, spray a real-life hose, see fire apparatus and meet local firefighters. Visit the website for more information. Ann Arbor Firecracker 5k To start your Fourth of July, you can run, walk or ruck in the Ann Arbor Firecracker 5k. There are numerous divisions within the race, including carrying a flag during the 5k and a hot dog eating division, for which participants consume four dogs in 76 seconds before the race. There is also a 200-meter kids race for those 8 and under and a shorter mile-long race for all ages. The race starts at 8 a.m. at the corner of Fourth and Liberty streets. Registration is $55 for most races. To learn more and register for the race, check out the events website. United We Stand Ann Arbor Civic Band Concert The Ann Arbor Civic Band has weekly concerts Wednesday nights at Burns Park, 1300 Baldwin Ave., and its Wednesday, July 2, iteration will honor Independence Day with performances of classical American ballads, like the Star Spangled Banner, Simple Gifts and America. The concert starts at 7:30 p.m. Attendees should bring a lawn chair or blanket to use during the concert. The concert is free. For more information, visit Ann Arbor Civic Bands website. Ypsilanti Ypsilanti 4th of July Parade Michigans longest-running Fourth of July Parade, Ypsilantis, in its 96th year, will include local businesses, performers and other organizations. The parade takes place Friday, July 4, from Cross and Oakwood streets across from the Water Tower to Depot Town at Rice Street, starting at 11 a.m. The parades future was in question after the organizer stepped down, but it will take place this year. The parade marshal will be a 100-year-old Rosie the Riveter, Delphine Klaput. For more information, visit the events social media. Whitmore Lake Whitmore Lake Fireworks On July 3, Whitmore Lake hosts its 66th annual Fourth of July Fireworks Show. The show, from the lake, is from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. with the fireworks starting at dusk, around 10 p.m. Prior to the fireworks, there will be games, music and activities on site. Free parking can be found at Northfield Community Park, 9725 Main St. There will be signs and people directing from there where to watch the fireworks. For more information, visit the website. Kiwanis Annual Fourth of July Parade The parade runs Friday, July 4, starting at 10 a.m. at Whitmore Lake Elementary School, 1077 Barker Rd. The parade route runs down Main Street, ending at the Northfield Township building, 8350 Main St. The parade will feature local businesses and performers, with this years theme being Let Freedom Ring. More information can be found on social media. Banana Split Eating Contest Sponsored by Dees Place Four age groups can participate in the banana split eating contest starting at 2 p.m. Friday, July 4. The contest takes place at Dees Place, 9876 Main St. Registration is at Dees Place at 1:45 p.m. and costs $2. Dexter Social Vines Vineyard Fireworks on the Farm Sip wine, try food carts, listen to live music and catch fireworks at Dexters Social Vines Vineyard, 6620 Dexter Ann Arbor Rd., on July 4. Parking is $20 but attendance is free. There will be a farm stand to purchase wine, as well as food carts Never Better Caffe, Street Scoops and The Taco Hub. The event runs from 5:30 to 11 p.m., with live music from 7 to 10 p.m. and a fireworks display once the sun sets from 10 to 10:45 p.m. Advance registration is required. Find more information and registration here. Manchester Manchester Fireworks Display Manchester will also host a fireworks show, run by the Manchester Mens Club. The show is Thursday, July 3, at Carr Park, 600 W. Main St. The fireworks will start at dusk, around 10 p.m. Food and other vendors will open in the park at 3 p.m. The beer tent will start serving at 6 p.m., while live music will begin at 8 p.m. Learn more on the events social media. Did we miss any events? Email reporter Nicholas Alumkal at nalumkal@mlive.com. For more Fourth of July events, check out the festivities in Jackson County here. The Perch on Hamlin Lake is new restaurant offering an elevated experience. The "elevated American" menu is served from atop a hill overlooking the lake. It's at 3264 Piney Ridge Road near Ludington, Mich. Ludington Area Convention & Visitors Bureau HAMLIN TOWNSHIP, MI An elevated experience is waiting at this restaurant overlooking a serene lake in Northern Michigan. The Perch on Hamlin Lake opened about two weeks ago at Hobby Crest Resort near Ludington State Park. The 100-seat restaurant is already serving about 500 guests a day. Christy and Randy Malliett, of Ludington, purchased the resort on Hamlin Lake in 2017. The onsite restaurant had been closed for 25 years, but their plans always included bringing it back to life. RELATED: Sneak peek: Ludington State Park unveils first look at $2.6M renovation, new pedestrian pathways As the owners of Malliett Construction, which specializes in building custom homes, the couple was ready to dive into revamping the then-half-star resort. They took the onsite cottages down to bare bones, redoing everything. It now has 4.7 stars on TripAdvisor and Yelp. Meanwhile, the original restaurant, which was built in 1928, was demolished during October 2021 because everything was bad even the foundation, Randy Malliett said. Then, the Mallietts purchased a liquor license, upgraded the gas and electricity to the site, and put up a new building. The Perch on Hamlin Lake is new restaurant offering an elevated experience. The "elevated American" menu is served from atop a hill overlooking the lake. It's at 3264 Piney Ridge Road near Ludington, Mich. Ludington Area Convention & Visitors Bureau The renovations to the resort included clearing some large oak trees for parking, Randy Malliett said. Those were processed into lumber, which was used for walls, doors, tables, chairs and more at the restaurant. All the wood thats in the restaurant is solid oak, all from trees on the property, he said. The Perch on Hamlin Lake is new restaurant offering an elevated experience. The "elevated American" menu is served from atop a hill overlooking the lake. It's at 3264 Piney Ridge Road near Ludington, Mich. Ludington Area Convention & Visitors Bureau At The Perch, windows line three sides with each one offering a view of Hamlin Lake. Between the deck and indoor seating, there are 88 seats on the main level. Downstairs, theres more outdoor seating and a 60-seat event space that features windowed garage doors facing the lake. No matter where you are in the restaurant, you can see the water, Randy Malliett said. RELATED: Popular Up North state park opens water trail that navigates peaceful inland lakes As for the food, yes, you can order a perch dinner or a perch sandwich at The Perch. Christy describes the menu as elevated American. It includes char-crusted steaks, a fish Reuben sandwich, shrimp chips, calamari fries, gator bites, street corn pasta and more. The menu is not posted as adjustments are still being made. The Perch on Hamlin Lake is new restaurant offering an elevated experience. The "elevated American" menu is served from atop a hill overlooking the lake. It's at 3264 Piney Ridge Road near Ludington, Mich. Ludington Area Convention & Visitors Bureau The Perch opened on June 16. Were packed every night, Christy Malliett said. Hours are also subject to change; call 231-425-3126 or check the website or social media for up-to-date information. Find The Perch at 3264 Piney Ridge Road in Hamlin Township. A Michigan man is accused of repeatedly showing up to active crime scenes while posing as a first responder. Jake May | MLive.com MACOMB COUNTY, MI A Michigan man is accused of repeatedly showing up to active crime scenes while posing as a first responder. Jason Edward Barnes, 48, of Clinton Township pled no contest to multiple counts of impersonating a firefighter and/or emergency medical personnel and weapons/ammunition charges, Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido announced Wednesday. Barnes allegedly showed up to a homicide in Clinton Township in 2023 and identified himself as a first responder before offering to help a police officer. That event led to further investigation. Barnes is accused of impersonating firefighter/EMS personnel at active crime scenes. Impersonating a first responder, whether it be law enforcement, fire, or EMS, is a serious offense that undermines public trust and puts our community at risk, Lucido said. These roles carry tremendous responsibility and authority. Abusing that trust for personal gain or deception cannot be tolerated. This plea brings accountability, and we remain committed to protecting the citizens of Macomb County. Barnes will be sentenced by Judge James M. Maceroni at 9 a.m. on Aug. 19. This years entry features MSPs 2024 Dodge Durango patrol vehicle photographed at an iconic Michigan landmark, the Mackinac Bridge and the Straits of Mackinac. Michigan State Police LANSING, MI The Michigan State Police need public help to secure a top spot in a contest against agencies across the U.S. The American Association of State Troopers launched its 12th annual Best Looking Cruiser contest this week. The top 13 photographs as voted on by the public will be featured in the 2026 Americas Best Looking Trooper Cruisers wall calendar. First place receives the cover photo, so the MSP is asking Michigan residents to help the Blue Goose secure a top spot. This years entry features MSPs 2024 Dodge Durango patrol vehicle photographed at an iconic Michigan landmark, the Mackinac Bridge and the Straits of Mackinac. State police and highway patrol agencies from across the country annually compete in this friendly competition that has grown into a nationwide event that allows community members to support and interact with law enforcement agencies in a positive manner, a press release said. In 2024, the MSP placed ninth in the contest. Voting is open now and runs through July 11. Members of the public may cast one vote per device by visiting SurveyMonkey, the AAST Facebook page or the official website at StateTroopers.org. Calendars will be available for purchase beginning in October. Net proceeds from calendar sales benefit the AAST Foundation, which provides educational scholarships to dependents of member troopers. Sean "Diddy" Combs poses with the Global Icon award in the press room during the MTV Video Music Awards at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, on Sept. 12, 2023. Combs was convicted of a prostitution-related offense but acquitted on the most serious charges at his New York trial on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, in New York. Photo by Angela Weiss/AFP via Getty Images/TNS NEW YORK CITY - Reactions are pouring in on social media after Sean Diddy Combs was found not guilty on the most serious charges. Combs was found guilty this morning of a prostitution-related offense, but was acquitted of sex trafficking and racketeering charges. The jurys guilty verdict of 2 of 5 counts came on the third day of deliberations. The 55-year old hip-hop mogul now faces a maximum of 10 years in prison. A lot of people are weighing in on social media after learning the verdict. I called it. This was a terribly prosecuted case by the SDNY. They never made the case that trafficking was involved. As for RICO. they weren't even close. #Diddy Lawrence Jones III (@LawrenceBJones3) July 2, 2025 Diddy basically got away with it aka (@akafaceUS) July 2, 2025 Who else thinks the Diddy verdict doesn't matter because Velveeta Voldemort will pardon him anyway? Janice Hough (@leftcoastbabe) July 1, 2025 This Diddy trial is proof that you can do anything if you got money The Hood Therapist (@OhhMar24) July 2, 2025 The Diddy verdicts are an EMBARRASSMENT to our justice system. He should have been thrown in a hole for the rest of his life! ABSOLUTELY DISGUSTING! Graham Allen (@GrahamAllen_1) July 2, 2025 The P Diddy Not Guilty verdict proves once again it's all just one big club full of rich people and you're not invited. NotKennyRogers (@NotKennyRogers) July 2, 2025 So so disappointing on the Diddy charges. The evidence was there. And thats why Cassie went civil because why should she have to go through all that for not guilty? Juries need to be taught about domestic and sexual abuse before they can hand out verdicts; Ive been saying! Shanika W-M (@Shanika_WM) July 2, 2025 Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley (left) introduces two 3rd Ward ambassadors during a news conference. The ambassadors are (from left) LaShawn Johnson and Linda Boose. Ron Fonger | The Flint Journal FLINT, MI -- Five weeks before 3rd Ward voters decide who will represent them on the City Council, Mayor Sheldon Neeley is advising them of the great job one of the candidates is already doing in City Hall. In postcards addressed to ward residents and mailed by the mayors office, Neeley reminded voters that he appointed LaShawn Johnson as a ward ambassador in January and praised her work in advance of the Aug. 5 general election. Jim Kitchen was named interim superintendent for Swartz Creek Community Schools. (Jake May | MLive.com) Jake May | MLive.com SWARTZ CREEK, MI - Newly appointed interim superintendent Jim Kitchen is prioritizing transparency and community engagement as Swartz Creek Community Schools considers a major proposal to sell Morrish Elementary School. The Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance has offered $40 million to purchase Morrish Elementary, a move that could fully fund the construction of a new school elsewhere in the district without raising taxes. The site sits adjacent to the Flint & Genesee Advanced Manufacturing District, a planned industrial development in Mundy Township, which the Economic Alliance is actively preparing. However, the proposal has sparked concern among residents who fear losing a neighborhood school currently serving 452 students. We know this is an important decision for our district, and we want to hear your thoughts, Kitchen said. Our goal is to provide several opportunities for community feedback and clarification. Its a big decision, and I want people to come and speak without thinking there is already a pre-planned decision because there really isnt. A community survey has been distributed, with responses due by July 14. A town hall meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. July 17 at the Swartz Creek Performing Arts Center, located at 8427 Miller Road. Representatives from the districts architectural firm, French & Associates, and the Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance will be present to answer questions. For the town hall, Kitchen said the school board, including the board president and finance representative, will be invited. Tyler Rossmaessler, Executive Director of the Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance, and an educational consultant are also expected to attend. We will have independent entities that will answer the questions, Kitchen said. Regarding transparency, Kitchen said two days before the town hall, the district will hold a full board Finance and Operations committee meeting, followed by a regular board meeting on July 21. He emphasized the district is committed to open dialogue despite some social media rumors to the contrary. People will be allowed to ask questions, Kitchen said. If approved, the sale and relocation of Morrish Elementary wouldnt take place before fall 2028, allowing time for planning and construction. He said the sale would help the district relocate the school before significant development occurs in the area, ensuring the communitys long-term benefit. Kitchen encourages residents and parents to stay calm and approach the proposal with an open mind. Everything is going to be OK, Kitchen said. We will make the best decision possible for our kids without fail. Kitchen, who took over as interim superintendent last week, replaced Rod Hetherton, who left to become superintendent of Zeeland Public Schools. He brings 26 years of education experience, including 15 years in Swartz Creek, where he has served as principal at Elms Road Elementary and the high school, and most recently as deputy superintendent. Kitchen pledged continuity in leadership. I feel like our superintendent did a wonderful job, and Im looking to just build on the foundation he laid, Kitchen said. We have a dynamite curriculum director now, and weve done visits to our buildings to lay out where we are and where we want to be. Im not looking to make sweeping changes. Supporting the leadership transition, Dave Simonsen will serve as interim deputy superintendent while continuing to lead the human resources department. Kitchen said the interim role was unexpected but embraced. I love this district and want to help them through the transition. This is an opportunity for me to learn the position and decide if its for me or not, he said. Technically this could be my last year before I retire. But I havent made a decision yet if I want to become permanent superintendent. Looking ahead, the school board is preparing to fill a vacancy, with interviews scheduled for July 16 and a selection expected at that meeting. Were looking forward to kicking off in the fall and implementing the plan in place to increase our students academic achievement, Kitchen said. Children have fun on an obstacle course at FUNBOX. (Courtesy/FUNBOX) FUNBOX KENTWOOD, MI Funbox is opening what it says is the worlds largest bounce park in the parking lot of Woodland Mall in Kentwood on July 4. The bounce park, which spans 25,000 square feet and includes an obstacle course, slides, battle beams, a ninja wall and more, will operate at the mall on weekends from Independence Day through Aug. 10, according to the mall. The owners of Funbox Grand Rapids, Fouad and Anum Hassan, said in a letter to the city of Kentwood that the bounce park contains nine inflatable attractions, seven of which are connected and make up the main bounce park. In addition to other features, the park includes a toddler tent and an obstacle course. Hours for the bounce park are 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Fridays, and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. General admission tickets are $18 for children age 2 and above. A general admission session lasts 75 to 80 minutes. The VIP bounce package is $30, which includes a two-hour play session at the bounce park as well as a snow cone and Funbox socks. Tickets are $9 for people age 65 and up. Children under the age of 13 must be accompanied by an adult, according to the Funbox website. Maximum occupancy at the Funbox bounce park at Woodland Mall is 350 people, Fouad and Anum Hassan told the city of Kentwood. Tickets can be purchased online at funbox.com/grandrapids. Funbox, which describes itself as a company seeking to transform the way families have fun by creating the ultimate inflatable park experience, is based in Southern California, and has offices in Phoenix, Miami and Madrid, Spain. The company has hosted bounce parks in metro Detroit and cities across the U.S. and in Spain. In addition to Grand Rapids, Funbox currently has parks in 10 other states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Kentucky, New Jersey, New York, Ohio and Virginia. KALAMAZOO, MI -- On his first day as Western Michigan Universitys new president, Russ Kavalhuna went out for an afternoon jog. He stopped outside Ackley Hall, part of the Valley 1 dorm complex and snapped a photo. It feels like home, Kavalhuna said. Ackley Hall is the dorm Kavalhuna stayed in while he was a student at WMU. Kavalhuna graduated with a bachelors degree in flight science in 2001. RELATED: Alum returns to Western Michigan University as next president Kavalhuna isnt the only member of his family with a degree from WMU. About 15 of Kavalhunas relatives have degrees from WMU, including both of his parents. In fact, Kavalhunas cousin was married last summer at the universitys Kanley Chapel, just a short walk from Kavalhunas new office. Kavalhuna is returning to the university at a time after challenges during the pandemic, but recent increases in enrollment and retention show positive signs on the horizon. Kavalhuna sees his new role as president as the universitys advocate in chief, he said. Being a Bronco ... It is this understated excellence, Kavalhuna said. You know, its excellent, but you dont need to really tell anybody. And we might need to be a little bit more willing to say why were excellent. Leading an access institution The story Kavalhuna tells about WMU isnt too different from that told by his predecessor, President Emeritus Edward Montgomery. Coincidentally, Montgomery was a mentor for Kavalhuna when Kavalhuna became president of Henry Ford College in Dearborn. RELATED: 8 years, a $550M gift and 2 no-confidence votes: The legacy of WMUs retiring president The university strives to give opportunities to students where earning a college degree is not necessarily a guarantee. WMUs motto is so that all may learn. We work hard so that folks that deserve a shot at that springboard get access to it, Kavalhuna said. Not every institution can say that. Kavalhuna, who was born in Kalamazoo, said enrolling in college and earning a degree can be life changing for a student and community changing, for where the student comes from. An average student in high school like me got into Western, Kavalhuna said. We have been proud of the fact that if you are willing to show effort and dedication to your education, we will meet you at that point of effort. Enrolling at Western was a springboard to a career, Kavalhuna said. From graduating to now, Kavalhuna has switched career paths five times, all by choice. He was a pilot, lawyer, executive at WMUs college of aviation then a college president. And while at Western, Kavalhuna learned the foundations of communicating with others from diverse backgrounds and how to be a leader, he said. Change on the horizon There are challenges on the horizon for higher education. And change will need to happen so the university can continue serving its mission so that all may learn, Kavalhuna. Kavalhuna named government intervention and artificial intelligence as two challenges on the horizon. The Trump administration has revoked several grants from WMU that funded climate change research, literacy improvement in K-12 schools and training aspiring teachers. Challenges are inevitable because higher education is at the crossroads of the countrys political, economic and civic debates, Kavalhuna said. I dont have any reservation or any pessimism about the challenges we face, Kavalhuna said. Im clear-eyed about the fact that theyll change. But so will we, which is what weve always done. Kavalhuna doesnt plan to make any immediate changes at the university. Those decisions can only be made after some time of listening and learning about the institution, and with the humility and grace of knowing that I dont have all the answers, Kavalhuna said. Without listening and seeking support from others, regardless of whether a decision is the right one, the decision wont stick, Kavalhuna said. And at a university, officials have to navigate between honoring the universitys history or responding to new demands. A hallmark of Montgomerys tenure was investing in rebranding the university and building new facilities to respond to incoming students who said they wanted a more modern campus. Sometimes, like with the changing of the universitys logo, alumni and other stakeholders werent pleased with the decision. Navigating the difference between honoring legacy and responding to new demands is like building leaders, Kavalhuna said. A leader needs to be good at communicating and listening, building consensus and adjusting because of varying needs, Kavalhuna said. Thats what were going to do, try and thread that needle. But its going to take a lot of effort. Western Michigan University President Ed Montgomery listens in as Lance Taylor is introduced as the new head football coach during a press conference at Heritage Hall in Kalamazoo, Michigan on Friday, Dec. 9, 2022. (Joel Bissell | MLive.com) Joel Bissell | MLive.com KALAMAZOO, MI -- Western Michigan University will pay $17,500 in moving expenses for retiring President Edward Montgomery. Montgomery is moving to South Carolina after his eight-year tenure as president came to a close on Monday, June 30. WMUs Board of Trustees approved the moving expenses at a Thursday, June 26 board meeting. Russ Kavalhuna, former president of Henry Ford College, took over the role on Tuesday, July 1. RELATED: Alum returns to Western Michigan University as next president Montgomery lived at WMUs 7,832-square-foot Presidents Residence on Short Road. The home is near WMUs East Campus and was built in 1926, according to city records. Receiving moving expenses is included in Montgomerys contract with the university. The contract also covered move-in expenses when Montgomery moved to the presidential house in 2017. A spokesperson for the university confirmed Kavalhuna will be moving into the presidents house, but a move-in date has not yet been confirmed. Before becoming president of Henry Ford College in Dearborn, Kavalhuna was the executive director of flight operations at WMUs College of Aviation. Kavalhuna earned his bachelors degree in aviation science at WMU in 2001 and a law degree at Cooley Law School, which was formerly affiliated with WMU. Both of Kavalhunas parents are also WMU alumni. Coming back to WMU is a pinch-me moment of coming home, Kavalhuna said in a news release announcing his presidency. A portion of Kavalhunas moving expenses will be covered by his contract with the university. Those expenses will be approved by the board of trustees at a later date. MORE: 8 years, a $550M gift and 2 no-confidence votes: The legacy of WMUs retiring president Want more Kalamazoo-area news? Bookmark MLives local Kalamazoo news page. William Hartzell poses for a photo with his family. Hartzell recently became Freeland High School's new principal. (Photo provided by Brenna Marshall of BG Photography, LLC) Brenna Marshall of BG Photography, LLC FREELAND, MI William Hartzell has been named Freeland High Schools new principal, bringing more than 20 years of educational experience to the position. I love education more than anything, Hartzell said. Its my passion. I love helping kids find success in whatever that looks like. Officials with the Freeland Community School District announced Hartzell had been selected for the role, sharing the news on the districts Facebook page this week. His first official day as principal was Tuesday, July 1. Mr. Hartzells leadership is grounded in fostering a positive school culture, student-centered innovation, and staff empowerment, district officials said in a statement. During its search for a new high school principal, the district considered a pool of qualified applicants, which included sitting principals and assistant principals from around the region, according to district officials. The Freeland Community School District Board of Education voted 6-0 to hire Hartzell during its May 14 meeting. Hartzells contract will be effective for two years and will be up for renewal each year, he said. Hartzell succeeds Traci Smith, whose last official day as the schools principal was Monday, June 30. She announced her plans to retire in March after serving in the position for more than a decade. They had bought a house up on Higgins Lake, Hartzell said of Smith. They redid it all this year, and shes going to ride off into the sunset and enjoy a retirement on her lake. Previously, Hartzell served as the principal at Cass City Jr./Sr. High School for four years. He also worked for Cass City Public Schools as a special and general education teacher as well as special education coordinator for about 20 years. My special education background has always helped me root for that underdog and just try to find how they can be successful, what theyre good at, what they enjoy doing and trying to help foster that, he said. Additionally, Hartzell has led several initiatives such as AI integration, MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Support) implementation, restorative practices, and the expansion of AP (Advanced Placement) and honors course offerings. Freeland has strong industrial education courses with two teachers that help with that. They have a lot of AP classes. I want to keep supporting those, he said. For the past few weeks, Hartzell has been spending time in Freeland to acquaint himself with the high school and the local community. Staff morale and innovation are important aspects of Hartzells vision for the school. He also hopes to empower teachers to develop new classes. The reason for that is when teachers are happy, supported, theyre going to give them the best them that they have every day and that shows in their teaching, and it pays dividends for the kids, Hartzell said. Hartzell also plans to expand the schools course offerings by introducing and growing some of the programs he helped develop at Cass City Jr./Sr. High School, which include a commercial driving license (CDL) course. Additionally, he said Central Michigan University will offer dual enrollment programs through Freeland Community School District, including multiple reality and virtual reality programs that teach students about subjects such as anatomy and physiology. The big thing is having course offerings that the kids want to take, so they stay in the building taking classes. Freeland offers and takes pride in that, he said. Hartzell received his undergraduate degree, masters degree in administration, and special education endorsement from Saginaw Valley State University. He has also served on the Cass City Village Board of Trustees and founded several nonprofit youth organizations, according to Freeland Community School District officials. The two political parties have pointed fingers since failing to reach a compromise on a K-12 budget before Tuesdays deadline. (MLive file photo) House Republicans want their plan to increase road funding to be tied to K-12 budget decisions for the 2025-26 school year. House Speaker Matt Hall, R-Richland Township, said the two pieces of business should be connected. Thats in part because his plan to increase revenue for roads by $3.14 billion requires a change in how schools are funded. Buck Farmer spent three seasons with the Reds after his Tigers' tenure. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean) AP Former Detroit Tigers pitcher Buck Farmer has signed a minor-league contract to return to the Cincinnati Reds organization. Farmer, 34, has had a rocky 2025 campaign, posting an 8.64 ERA over 16 2/3 innings in stints with the Triple-A affiliates of the Atlanta Braves and Los Angeles Angels. Farmer pitched in parts of eight seasons for the Tigers before he was let go in 2021. He made his Major League debut in 2014 only one year after being drafted out of Georgia Tech. After beginning his career as a starter, Farmer settled into a relatively reliable role in the bullpen for the final three years of his Tigers tenure. Following a brief stint in the Texas Rangers organization, Farmer signed with the Reds and made the team out of spring training in 2022. He spent three seasons in Cincinnati, posting a 3.68 ERA over 193 innings, with 194 strikeouts and 83 walks. Varun Singh USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. 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I Accept Yash reunites with wife Radhika Pandit and kids in the US for family vacation, see heartwarming pic M Snehanjali USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Meghna Mittal Deputy News Editor at Moneycontrol. Meghna has experience across television, print, online and wire media. She has been covering the Indian economy, monetary and fiscal policies, Finance and Trade ministries. She tweets at @Meghnamittal23 Contact: meghna.mittal@nw18.com Yaruqhullah Khan USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. 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I Accept IndusInd Bank shares fall 3% as Goldman Sachs cuts rating to 'sell' and sees up to 15% downside J Jagannath USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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I Accept This is an AI-assisted live blog with updates from multiple sources Disclaimer This is an AI-assisted live blog with updates from multiple sources Disclaimer This is an AI-assisted live blog with updates from multiple sources Disclaimer This is an AI-assisted live blog with updates from multiple sources Disclaimer The NIFTY MIDCAP 150 Index is closed at 21,940.15. The Nifty Midcap 150 Index live performance shows a slight decline of 0.05 percent, with a loss of 10.90 points. During the post-market session, the NIFTY MIDCAP 150 index reached a high of 21,985.80 and a low of 21,826.40. The Nifty Midcap 150 index opened at 21,973.40 today. Secrets We KeepHYPERLINK "https://www.netflix.com/ca/title/81697668" \t "_blank" (HYPERLINK "https://www.netflix.com/ca/title/81697668" \t "_blank" ReservatetHYPERLINK "https://www.netflix.com/ca/title/81697668" \t "_blank" ), a Danish suspense series on Netflix created by Ingeborg Topse, delves into the disappearance of a Filipina au pair from an elite suburb of Copenhagen and delivers a sharp social commentary on racial and class entitlements. Moving fluidly between English, Danish and Tagalog, the six-part drama is a nuanced indictment of the lack of moral accountability among the rich. On display are the prejudices and complicity of white women in enabling a culture of toxic masculinity that treats Filipina migrant women as sexualized and disposable commodities. The story starts with a tearful Ruby Tan a Filipina au pair who works for the affluent Rasmus (Lars Ranthe) and Katarina (Danica Curcic) asking for some help with her employers from her neighbour, Cecilie (Marie Bach Hansen). Cecilie is a successful non-profit manager and mother of two married to a high-profile lawyer. She employs Angel (Excel Busano), a Filipina au pair. Cecilie tells Ruby (Donna Levkovski) she cannot get involved. The next day, Ruby vanishes without a trace. The series is propelled by Cecilies guilt in refusing to help Ruby. She is shocked at her neighbours apparent lack of concern for Rubys disappearance. Cecilie begins to sleuth for clues regarding Rubys disappearance, and she eventually decides to assist Aicha (Sara Fanta Traore), a racialized policewoman assigned to find the missing au pair. Cecilie discovers a pregnancy kit by a trash bin where she had last seen Ruby. And she soon suspects Rubys employer, Rasmus, of raping her. While the series lacks true suspense due to its predictable story arc peppered with clues about Rubys disappearance, it is amply compensated by a sharp critique on the moral decay of modern society, systemic racism and the complicity of women in upholding white masculine privilege. Secrets We Keep lays bare the warped world view of rich, white privilege, racism and the sexual fetishism of Asian women. At a dinner party one night, Rasmus and Katarina do not seem concerned about their missing au pair. Katarina labels Filipina au pairs as whores working in brothels. When discussing Ruby, Katarina says, she probably ran off to do porn. In one uncomfortable scene, Rasmus taunts Cecilias husband, Mike (Simon Sears), about his sexual preferences. Mike responds by saying: I dont have yellow fever. Cecilia sits silently beside Mike. Katarina also calls Aicha (Sara Fanta Traore), the policewoman, the little brown one. At a formal dinner, Rasmus tells Cecilia, We stick together. We are from the same world, and we are loyal to each other. The reduction of Ruby into a sexual object in the show reflects the high rates of sexual violence against Filipino au pairs in Scandinavia. It led the Philippines to ban the participation of Scandinavian countries in its informal labour arrangement in 1998. Though the ban was lifted in 2010, Au Pair Network, an advocacy group, reveals that the program is still riddled with abuse. The Nordic Paradox is a term used to describe how Scandinavian countries, including Denmark, rank the highest in the Gender Equality Index yet suffer from very high rates of violence against women and intimate partner violence in Europe. At a recent gender studies conference in Stockholm, Ardis Ingvars, a sociologist at the University of Iceland who worked as an au pair for a year in the United States just after she turned 18, recalls her anxiety and apprehension as she moved to Boston. She said: Au pairs hope to be lucky with the family turning out OK. What is difficult to take is the attitude of ownership that the children and families display over the au pairs as an unquestioned entitlement. Ingvars said asymmetrical power relations embedded within the au pair system reinforce racial and class hierarchies. This is reflected in Secrets We Keep. Midway during Aichas investigation, as she hits roadblock after roadblock, she cries out in frustration: Shes a fucking nobody in their world. Economic globalization, neoliberal policies and an increased dependence on the remittance economy fuse with the care gap in the Global North to fuel the feminized care migration from the Global South, many of them Filipino women. Au pairs are placed with host families who provide free board and meals in return for up to 30 hours a week of housework and child care as they learn the host language and customs. The au pairs are paid pocket money of Danish Kroner 5,000 per month (approx $1,000 Canadian) out of which they also pay local taxes. One scene shows one of Cecilies work meetings. A junior staff member expresses surprise that Cecilie has an au pair, labelling it a relic of colonial-era racial hierarchies. Cecilie defends herself and says the system survives because of the failure of men to keep up their domestic bargain and thus the need for women like her to outsource care. She argues the Filipina au pairs are dependable, and she is a much better mother because of Angel. But Cecilie doesnt acknowledge her privilege that to be with her children and have a career is predicated on the exploitative extraction of care from Global South women. The female au pairs in Denmark must be between 18-29 years of age, childless, never married, and at the end of two years, return home. Almost 50 to 75 per cent of au pairs in Denmark are Filipino women Cecilies shock at finding out that Angel has a son whom she left behind in the Philippines is part of her denial. In the end, Cecilie is unable to confront her complicity and decides to release Angel from their au pair arrangement. You know nothing about my worldYou are very lucky, cries Angel in anguish as Cecilie hands her the return ticket and an extra three months pay to demonstrate her magnanimity. Secrets We Keep reveals the brutal reality for Global South au pairs as well as upper-class white women and their entitlements. It indicates that even though these white, wealthy women may see mistreatment, they maintain their silence and participate in wilful gendered violence to hold onto that privilege, while maintaining a facade of compassion towards the disposable racial migrant other. Reena Kukreja is Associate Professor, Global Development Studies, Queen's University, Ontario. 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I Accept Sigachi Industries shares extend losses to 3rd day as firm gives update on fire incident at Telangana facility J Jagannath USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept From cuts to comebacks: Indian startup layoffs fall 67% in H1 2025 as hiring outlook brightens 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 Aryaman Gupta USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept 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 Naina Sood USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept By Natasha Bulowski Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Prime Minister Mark Carneys Bill C-5 is now law after the Senate passed the bill without any changes. Along with removing federal barriers to internal trade, the legislation allows the federal cabinet to conditionally approve projects it deems in the national interest before regulatory processes take place and enables the cabinet to exempt those projects from many laws and regulations. The projects that will be fast-tracked under the new law have not yet been chosen. Carney solicited wish lists of projects from the premiers at the recent federal-provincial gathering in Saskatoon, Sask. For the next five years, the cabinet can designate projects as in the national interest, but after that, the list will close. As long as a project is on the list before the sunset clause kicks in, it can be exempted from laws. A coalition of environmental groups quickly condemned the passage of the controversial major projects bill, saying it erodes democratic principles, runs roughshod over Indigenous rights, shuts Canadians out of decisions that could affect them and puts the environment at risk. Bill C-5 is an assault on science and democracy, Anna Johnston, a staff lawyer at West Coast Environmental Law Association, said in a statement. For more than half a century, we have made decisions according to the basic principle that we should look before we leap. Bill C-5 throws that principle out the window. Some senators did attempt to amend the government bill, which authorizes the cabinet to override many environmental laws and regulations to build major projects like port infrastructure, pipelines and electricity infrastructure. But their efforts were in vain. Sen. Paul Prosper tried to change the bill to force the cabinet to always consider specific factors when deciding which projects to designate for fast-tracking. As written, the factors including considering clean growth and Canadas climate change commitments are just a suggestion and can be ignored. Along with making the factors mandatory, Prosper sought to add the requirement of obtaining the free, prior and informed consent of Indigenous Peoples to the factors. His amendment and several others were all defeated. The government's decision to force the bill through before summer and limit study and debate has damaged relationships with First Nation, Inuit and Metis communities, Sen. Paula Simons said on Tuesday. The Chiefs of Ontario held a rally at Parliament Hill last week, and about 350 people turned out to oppose the legislation. Prosper, a Mikmaq lawyer and regional chief for Newfoundland and Nova Scotia, said, by investing a few more months into this bill and ensuring that rights holders had an opportunity to share their thoughts and offer revisions, we wouldve seen this bill pass with overwhelming support. In his speech, he quoted Chief Shelley Moore-Frappier of Temagami First Nation, who called Bill C-5 a betrayal of reconciliation. Prosper used much of his time to highlight the many concerns raised by First Nations leaders, enshrining their quotes into the record. Canada continues to speak about nation-to-nation relationships and reconciliation; this legislation does the opposite, he said, quoting Moore-Frappier. It asserts power over First Peoples over our resources and rights. It was developed without us. It vaguely addresses our constitutional and treaty protections. And if passed, it will further entrench unilateralism as the default method of governing First peoples. Many senators, including Sen. Brian Francis, lamented that they had so little time to study the bills substance and impact. Francis called it a potentially dangerous bill that risks undermining public trust. Others, including Sen. Leo Housakos, still had criticisms of the bill, calling it a poor piece of legislative crafting, put together without any real thinking and strategic planning that is highly aspirational. But he ultimately supported the bill and the decision to fast-track it. Sen. Hassan Yussuff repeatedly urged the senators to pass the bill without amendments. He said opposition MPs made amendments that addressed some concerns and strengthened the bill. He also reiterated Carneys argument that the government was elected on a clear mandate to move quickly in response to the trade war with US President Donald Trumps administration. In the House of Commons, Senate and among the Canadian public, there is overwhelming support for building big, nationally beneficial infrastructure projects. A new Angus Reid survey found 74 per cent of Canadians support fast-tracking major projects. But the consensus starts to fracture when it comes to the specifics like provincial jurisdiction, environmental protection and Indigenous rights. Forty-nine per cent of Canadians, in the same survey, said they oppose bypassing environmental reviews to speed things up. The online survey took place from June 20 to 23, among a randomized sample of 1,619 Canadian adults who are members of Angus Reid Forum. Environment and climate groups, labour organizations, Indigenous leaders and legal experts tried (in the limited time available) to get MPs to change the law. Last week, Conservative and Bloc Quebecois MPs made some changes to ensure the cabinet wont be able to override a list of laws, including the Criminal Code, Canada Labour Code and Indian Act. The changes help curtail the expansive powers the legislation affords the cabinet, but it can still override most environmental laws and regulations, including the Species at Risk Act, Fisheries Act and Impact Assessment Act. A briefing prepared by West Coast Environmental Law warned that bad impact assessments lead to major problems, like the collapse of the Mount Polley tailings dam in 2014. It is still the biggest environmental disaster in Canadas history, authors Anna Johnston and Kristen Theriault wrote. Approximately 25 billion litres of wastewater and tailings from the copper and gold mine including 134.1 tonnes of lead, 2.8 tonnes of cadmium and 2.1 tonnes of arsenic spilled into the environment and nearby bodies of water. A 2016 investigation by the Auditor General of British Columbia found that the BC Ministry of Energy and Mines did not ensure that the tailings dams were designed or operated in accordance with the approved plan or original project certificate, the briefing noted. The project never went through an independent, public environmental assessment, according to the briefing. On the flip side, a strong impact assessment can have positive impacts. For example, in 1997, the federal and provincial government, the Labrador Inuit Association and the Innu Nation worked together on an assessment for the Voiseys Bay nickel-copper-cobalt mine in northern Labrador. To avoid the boom-bust cycle that leaves the next generation in the lurch, the panel recommended that the company decrease production so the mine can operate for longer and keep community members employed. The company agreed to produce only 6,000 tonnes per day compared to its original proposal of 20,000 tonnes per day, and it is still operating. In her speech, Sen. Paula Simons said she worries Bill C-5 is overcorrecting in expediting mega projects that may not be of local interest, even if they are of national interest. Viswanath Pilla is a business journalist with 16 years of reporting experience. Based in Mumbai, Pilla covers pharma, healthcare and infrastructure sectors for Moneycontrol. Viswanath Pilla USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. 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I Accept Parliaments Monsoon Session to be held from July 21 to August 21; first meet since Operation Sindoor Aishwarya Dabhade USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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I Accept PM Modi begins historic Ghana visit today, first by an Indian prime minister in 30 years Deblina Halder USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept PM Modi greeted with 'Hare Rama Hare Krishna' chants as he begins his Ghana visit Ria Kapoor USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. 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I Accept Quad countries launch Critical Minerals initiative to counter China's dominance; Jaishankar says it would focus particularly on mineral recovery Hemant Abhishek USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept While acquitting a 35-year-old man accused of molesting a teenager, the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court observed that saying "I love you" is merely an expression and does not in itself amount to sexual intent". According to reports, the accused was previously found guilty of offences under sections 354 A (i) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Section 8 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 (POCSO Act). The case stems from a report filed by the then 17-year-old- minor victim on 23 October, 2015. She had alleged that the accused came on his motorcycle, held her hands and said, I love you, while she was walking to her home with her cousin. The girl managed to leave the place and went home, and told her father about the incident pursuant to which a FIR was lodged. Explaining a sexual act in the order, a bench of Justice Urmila Joshi-Phalke said it includes inappropriate touching and indecent gestures or remarks made with an intent to insult the modesty of a woman. Words expressed I love you would not by itself amount to sexual intent as contemplated by the legislature. There should be something more to suggest that the real intention behind saying I love you was to drag the angle of sex," the bench observed as quoted by News18. The court quashed the mans conviction, noting there was no circumstance to indicate his real intention was to establish sexual contact with the victim. If somebody says that he is in love with another person or expresses his feelings that in itself would not amount to an intent showing some sort of sexual intention," the order said. Summary There should be something more to suggest that the real intention behind saying I love you was to drag the angle of sex, says high court bench. Disclaimer This piece/article was written by an external partner and does not reflect the work of Moneycontrol's editorial team. It may include references to products and services offered by Moneycontrol. About the Author Moneycontrol News 'Seek strongest possible action': Gadkari writes to Himachal CM after case against state minister for assaulting NHAI officials Priyanjali Ghose USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. 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I Accept Invite your friends and family to sign up for MC Tech 3, our daily newsletter that breaks down the biggest tech and startup stories of the day Reshab Shaw USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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I Accept Shubhi Mishra USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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I Accept Meet the creepy bone collector caterpillar that wears its dead prey like armor Sheetal Kumari USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept 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. Aguadilla Airport Sighting, Puerto Rico (2013): A thermal imaging camera captured an unidentified object flying above water. It divided into two before it disappeared, leaving experts puzzled. (Image: Canva) Shag Harbour Incident, Canada (1967): A glowing craft crashed into waters off Nova Scotia. Canadian authorities probed but did not find any trace of the vehicle. (Image: Canva) Tehran UFO Incident, Iran (1976): Iranian fighter aircraft attempted to intercept an enigmatic bright object. Their gear mysteriously malfunctioned every time they approached the UFO. (Image: Canva) O'Hare Airport Sighting, USA (2006): A disc-shaped entity appeared above Chicago's O'Hare Airport before blasting off into clouds. Both passengers and airline personnel saw it. (Image: Canva) Westall Incident, Australia (1966): More than 200 students and teachers saw a disc-shaped craft land close to their school in Melbourne. The authorities provided no good explanation. (Image: Canva) Belgium UFO Wave (1989-1990): Triangular objects with flashlights were witnessed by thousands, including members of the military. Even the air force of Belgium scrambled fighter planes to inspect. (Image: Canva) Tic Tac UFO, USA (2004): US Navy pilots recorded a pill-shaped object flying incredibly quickly. This footage was subsequently verified as real by the Pentagon. (Image: Canva) Rendlesham Forest, UK (1980): US military personnel had witnessed unusual lights and a metallic aircraft in this English woodland. It's regularly referred to as the UK's Roswell. (Image: Canva) Phoenix Lights, USA (1997): Thousands saw enormous, V-shaped lights floating over Arizona. The government attributed it to flares, but numerous witnesses dissented. (Image: Canva) Roswell Incident, USA (1947): An unexplained crash in New Mexico fuelled speculations about alien aircraft. The US military attributed it to a weather balloon, but conspiracy theories have never faded away. (Image: Canva) Sheetal Kumari USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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Invite your friends and family to sign up for MC Tech 3, our daily newsletter that breaks down the biggest tech and startup stories of the day Ankita Chakravarti USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept 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 Vikas SN USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On July 1 local time, BYD celebrated the rollout of the first passenger vehicle from its newly built factory in Camacari, Bahia, Brazila key moment in the company's global expansion strategy and a pivotal step toward accelerating the growth of Latin America's new energy vehicle (NEV) market. Positioned as a strategic hub for BYD's international operations, the Brazil passenger vehicle plant is set to play a vital role in catalyzing regional electrification. During the ceremony, the governor of Bahia, Jeronimo Rodrigues, praised the project, calling it "not only a symbol of industrial development, but also the beginning of a new chapter in Brazil-China cooperation. We are ready to welcome a greener, more innovative Brazil. This factory will spur local economic growth, generate employment, and become a model of technological transformation." Photo credit: BYD BYD Executive Vice-President Stella Li highlighted the company's rapid execution at the event: "As one of the world's top investors in R&D, BYD is bringing its cutting-edge technology to Brazil. It took just 15 months from groundbreaking to the first vehicle off the line. This marks a new milestone for BYD, and a fresh chapter in sustainable transportation for Latin America. We chose Bahia for its passionate people, experienced workforce, and potential to reshape the future." Located in the Salvador metropolitan area, Camacari is one of Bahia's industrial and economic hubs, with a mature automotive supply chain and robust port and logistics infrastructure. In July 2023, BYD announced plans to invest BRL 5.5 billion (approximately RMB 7.1 billion) to build a large-scale manufacturing complex in Camacari comprising three facilities. The plant will produce both battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), with an expected annual capacity of 150,000 units and the potential to create 20,000 jobs. BYD also plans to work closely with local supply chain partners to establish a sustainable, localized NEV ecosystem. Since launching its new energy passenger vehicles in the Brazilian market in 2021, BYD has earned the trust of more than 130,000 households. In the first quarter of 2025 alone, its sales in Brazil exceeded 20,000 units. BYD has been aggressively expanding its global footprint in recent years. As of now, its NEVs are present across six continents and in over 110 countries and regions. In the first half of 2025, BYD's overseas sales surpassed 470,000 units, a 132% year-on-year surge. The company projects its overseas sales will exceed 800,000 units for the full year. 1/7 Theres chocolateand then theres chocolate that tells a story. This July 7, on World Chocolate Day, why settle for a box of confections when you can follow the aroma to destinations where cocoa is more than a treatits a cultural celebration? According to Booking.com, flavour-led holidays are increasingly on the radar, with 57% of Indian travellers and 45% of Asian travellers seeking out local culinary experiences during their travels. From coastal kitchens and rainforest retreats to heritage towns and tea-drinking capitals, these five destinations serve up chocolate with a local twistlayered with history, ritual, and unmistakable regional flair. Take a look... (AI Image) 2/7 Puducherry, India Where South Indian Cacao Meets French Craftsmanship A town steeped in quiet elegance, Puducherry marries Tamil Nadus bold cacao with French finesse. Artisanal chocolatiers in White Town are infusing dark chocolate with filter coffee, jaggery, chilli, and even moringa, creating flavour profiles as textured as the towns colonial facades. Whether you're sampling single-origin bars in tucked-away boutiques, learning to temper cacao in hands-on workshops, or exploring the seaside stillness of Auroville, Puducherry offers a sweet escape for the mindful, the curious, and the slow traveller. (Image: Canva) 3/7 Kyoto, Japan Matcha, Minimalism, and a Touch of Ganache Kyoto doesn't shout; it whispers in green tea and fine chocolate. In this refined cultural heart of Japan, chocolatiers experiment with earthy matcha, silky black sesame, and yuzu-infused dark chocolate. A quiet visit to a traditional tea house may end with a handcrafted bonbon, while a stroll through Nishiki Market reveals unexpected cocoa curiosities. With ryokans tucked into quiet alleys and boutique stays overlooking bamboo forests, Kyoto offers an indulgent retreat without excessa place where culinary creativity is folded into centuries-old traditions. (Image: Canva) 4/7 Ubud, Indonesia Cacao Under the Canopy Tucked among Balis rice terraces and jungle temples, Ubud is a place where chocolate comes straight from the forest. Local makers take you through the entire bean-to-bar journey, from hand-harvested pods to slow-roasted nibs. The result? Chocolate laced with coconut, sea salt, and spicecrafted with patience and purpose. Between tastings, dip into yoga sessions, wander through artist villages, or simply watch the rain slide off palm fronds from your thatched-roof villa. Ubud is a destination where chocolate feels natural, almost sacred. (Image: Canva) 5/7 Chiang Mai, Thailand Heat, Herb, and Handmade Cocoa Northern Thailands culinary inventiveness finds bold expression in Chiang Mais growing chocolate scene. Here, youll find dark chocolate blended with tamarind, birds eye chilli, lemongrass, and even sticky rice. These arent noveltiestheyre flavour maps rooted in tradition. Visit studios that double as cafes, where local artisans speak passionately about ethical sourcing and flavour balance. Whether youre exploring temple ruins, sipping robusta over market stalls, or retreating into the hills for a slow-paced stay, Chiang Mai offers chocolate with soul and spice. (Image: Canva) 6/7 Da Nang, Vietnam Cacao by the Coast In Da Nang, chocolate takes on the rhythm of the sea. The citys laid-back vibe meets a quietly thriving chocolate culture, with local creators drawing on Vietnams own cacao beans and infusing them with flavours like roasted cashew, cinnamon bark, and bold, earthy robusta coffee. Pair your tasting with a walk through ancient pagodas or the limestone corridors of Marble Mountains. Add in riverside stays or beachfront resorts, and Da Nang becomes a destination where chocolate feels both contemporary and deeply rooted. (Image: Canva) Step back in time at Indias first heritage village with cobblestone lanes and colonial vibes Priyanka Roshan With over eight years in multimedia journalism, is passionate about storytellingboth visual and textualacross travel, jobs, business, markets, politics, and daily news. From crafting engaging articles to producing compelling videos, she blends creativity with strategy to bring stories to life. With a strong foundation in SEO, and video production she ensures content not only informs but also resonates with audiences. Priyanka Roshan USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept South African government divided over military deployment in DRC A parliamentary debate in South Africa has exposed deep divisions within the newly formed Government of National Unity (GNU) over the country's military deployment in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), according to a report in the Mail & Guardian. Minister of Justice and Correctional Services Ronald Lamola defended the mission, stating that a withdrawal of troops would be "worse than surrender." This statement comes as opposition parties are united in their call for an immediate withdrawal of the South African National Defence Force. The disagreement highlights a significant early test for the cohesion of the GNU, pitting the ANC's foreign policy against the positions of its new governing partners. Sonalee Borgohain USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept As war dust settles, Iran ends IAEA cooperation: Why the world must watch Tehrans next moves closely Abhinav Gupta USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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I Accept From Kazakhstan to Tajikistan: The rising trend of Islamic veil bans in Muslim nations Deblina Halder USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Iran made preparations to mine the Strait of Hormuz, US sources say 101Reporters USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Humanitarian groups call for end to Israeli-backed Gaza aid system amid deadly violence A coalition of over 150 international humanitarian groups, including Oxfam and Save the Children, has called for the disbandment of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a controversial U.S.- and Israeli-backed aid system headed by an evangelical leader allied with President Donald Trump, AP said in a report. The call follows deadly violence, with Gaza's health ministry stating over 500 Palestinians have been killed near distribution centers in the past month and at least 10 were killed Tuesday seeking food. In the last 24 hours, Israeli strikes reportedly killed at least 37 people in Khan Younis, with 116 bodies brought to Gaza hospitals. Concurrently, Israel's military intercepted a Houthi missile launched from Yemen, the first such attack since a recent 12-day war between Israel and Iran. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu plans to meet with President Trump next week. No ModiXi meeting at BRICS 2025, Premier Li to attend summit instead: Why it puts India-China diplomatic thaw on hold Abhinav Gupta USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Abhinav Gupta USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. 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I Accept Pakistan, Russia, Houthis and Africas Militias: Why Chinese weapons are turning up in every major war zone Abhinav Gupta USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept India News Live: PM Modi welcomed in Ghana with chants of 'Hare Rama Hare Krishna' As PM Modi becomes the first Indian PM to visit Ghana after 30 years, President Mahama gives him a warm welcome at the airport. Guard of Honour along with a 21 gun salute presented to PM. He was accorded a warm and colourful welcome as he arrived in Ghana's Accra for a historic two-day visit. His arrival was marked by a heartfelt gesture: a group of young Ghanaian children greeted him with the devotional chant Hare Rama Hare Krishna, showcasing the deep cultural connection between the two nations. Can the Quad break Chinas rare earth monopoly? Inside its new minerals initiative Aishwarya Dabhade USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. 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For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept The Pentagon pizza index and its unlikely place in war predictions Sonalee Borgohain USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. 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I Accept Trump administration freezes $7 billion in education funds: How it leaves US schools in crisis Abhinav Gupta USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept SIGN UP FOR THE DAILY JWR UPDATE. IT'S FREE. (AND NO SPAM!) Just click here. WhiteHouse.gov, the official website of the Executive Mansion and its chief resident, features a full-screen photo that encapsulates our age. President Donald J. Trump leads a meeting in the Cabinet Room. He is flanked by his secretaries of State, Defense, Energy, Commerce, Health, and Education. Trump is clear-headed, focused, and in charge. He speaks. They listen. Across this photo, in capital letters, four words tell the truth: "THE WORK NEVER STOPS." Say what you will about Trump. This 79-year-old man's stamina is astonishing. And he does not burn the candle at both ends while plotting ribbon cuttings and National Tangerine Month celebrations. Trump is confronting the biggest challenges on Earth and scoring wins along the way. On Saturday night, June 21, while most Americans dined with their families and friends, went to the theater (as I did), or just relaxed, Trump and his team could not have been busier nor involved in anything more momentous. They conducted a bold and brilliantly executed mission to castrate Iran's nuclear-weapons program. B-2 Stealth aircraft departed Missouri's Whiteman Air Force Base, flew invisibly into Iran, and rained bunker-buster bombs on the ayatollahs' nuke factories. These intrepid pilots flew 37 hours non-stop. Rather than land to or fro, they refueled in the wild blue yonder. These airmen and the other uniformed patriots who unleashed Operation Midnight Hammer maneuvered in total secrecy and endured zero casualties. The same cannot be said of Iran's atomic workshops. They were blasted good and hard. "New intelligence confirms what POTUS has stated numerous times: Iran's nuclear facilities have been destroyed," Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard announced via X. "If the Iranians chose to rebuild, they would have to rebuild all three facilities (Natanz, Fordow, Esfahan) entirely, which would likely take years to do." On Sunday, June 22, the traditional day of rest, Trump and his team were on duty. The President met at the White House with his national security personnel. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio toured the chat shows to explain the administration's actions to Americans and Earthlings alike. Liberal TV hosts predictably tried to trivialize Trump's triumph. Vance and Rubio put them in their place. Before long, the Iranian Foreign Minister chimed in. Interestingly enough, he sided with Vance and Rubio and conceded that Trump's Midnight Hammer shattered Tehran's atomic installations. "I must say that the damage is excessive and serious," Abbas Araghchi declared on state television. On Monday, June 23, Trump announced a cease-fire between Iran and Israel. After the exchange of some final volleys, the Twelve Day War seems in remission. At dawn Tuesday, June 24, Americans on the East Coast savored their bacon and eggs while their countrymen on the West Coast slumbered. Simultaneously, Trump was on the move. He and his team boarded Air Force One at 7:00 a.m. and jetted across the Atlantic for a NATO summit in The Hague. Soon after landing, Trump sped to the Dutch Royal Palace to confer with his fellow heads of state. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth huddled with his opposite numbers. Rubio conferred with other chief diplomats. Team America's top message: "You pay now!" Specifically, Trump wants every NATO ally to spend at least 2% of their GDP on the West's collective defense, as they have pledged. On second thought, Trump wants them to devote even more to this cause: 5% is the new 2%. On Wednesday, June 25, NATO General Secretary Mark Rutte credited Trump for prodding America's allies to pony up. "For too long, one Ally, the United States, carried too much of the burden," Rutte told the heads of state. "And that changes today." "President Trump, dear Donald, you made this change possible," Rutte continued. "Your leadership on this has already produced one trillion dollars in extra spending from European Allies since 2016. And the decisions today will produce trillions more for our common defense, to make us stronger and fairer by equalizing spending between America and America's Allies." As I write these words, it's Thursday, June 26, at 4:56 a.m. If President Trump is not awake, he soon will be. And then he and his aides will spend yet another 20-plus-hour day at the White House, where the work never stops. 2025 Deroy Murdock Trump hints at India trade deal with much less tariffs amid stalemate: Going to be different Smriti Mishra USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Total access for US, 0% tariff on exports: Trump strikes trade deal with Vietnam ahead of July 9 tariff deadline Abhinav Gupta USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. 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For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Two Dalai Lamas? Why Tibet and China are headed for a spiritual showdown | Explained Abhinav Gupta USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. 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I Accept US eyes fixed visa term for foreign students: How it may put lakhs of Indians on tighter clock Abhinav Gupta USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept US halts some missile shipments to Ukraine over low stockpiles, sources say 101Reporters USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. 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I Accept US halts Ukraine-bound missile deliveries to replenish its own stockpiles Sonalee Borgohain USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Hemant Abhishek USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept We will strike the Houthis like Tehran, Israel warns Yemen after missile interception Aishwarya Dabhade USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Murray State chosen as host site for Governors Scholars Program By MSU Public Relations | Jul 2, 2025 Murray State University has been selected as a host site for the Governors Scholars Program (GSP) during the summers of 2026, 2027 and 2028. Murray State is also hosting GSP this summer, as 347 scholars from 117 Kentucky counties moved in on June 22. The rising high school seniors will study on Murray States campus through July 26. MURRAY, Ky. Murray State University has been selected as a host site for the Governors Scholars Program (GSP) during the summers of 2026, 2027 and 2028. The Governors Scholars Program is a summer residential program for outstanding high school students in Kentucky who are rising seniors as part of an effort to enhance Kentucky's next generation of civic and economic leaders. Established in 1983, the program provides academic and personal growth through the balance of a strong liberal arts program with full co-curricular and residential life experiences. Students must complete an application and compete with others from across the state. Those selected attend the program free of charge. The first class numbered 230 and was housed on one college campus. Since then, the program has enjoyed excellent support and grown to more than 1,000 students on three campuses. Murray State University Assistant Provost and Director of Online Learning Ashley Ireland, who spearheaded the leadership team in Murray States proposal to host GSP for the next three years, expects to welcome about 350 scholars each summer to Murray States campus. The core curriculum for the summer sessions is threefold: Focus Area: Courses that allow a student to pursue a topic in-depth as a member of a small group stressing the development of ideas in the chosen discipline, with the option of additional independent study. General Studies: Classes that emphasize inquiry, service-learning, community leadership and resolution development. Seminar: Personal development seminars that stress concerns and problems faced by students, including such subjects as values clarification, career choice and interpersonal relationships. Faculty and staff who are part of the program also invite a variety of speakers and performers from a range of disciplines and pursuits to visit campus. Field trips, special events and a film series also contribute to the comprehensive educational atmosphere in which scholars are challenged not only to examine, but, more importantly, to nurture their sense of learning and leadership. Murray State is proud to host Governor's Scholars on our lovely campus this summer, and for the next three years, said Ireland. This prestigious program brings some of Kentucky's best and brightest rising senior high school students to the Finest Place We Know for several weeks each summer. We hope this long standing relationship continues into the next decade and beyond. Murray State first hosted the Governors Scholars Program in the 1980s. Murray State is also hosting GSP this summer, as 347 scholars from 117 Kentucky counties moved in on June 22. The rising high school seniors will study on Murray States campus through July 26. Dr. Melony Shemberger, professor of Journalism and Mass Communications at the University, is serving her third summer as campus director of GSP-Murray. She has been involved with the GSP since 2017 when she started as a faculty member in the program. I am excited to have the magic of the Governors Scholars Program at Murray State University again this summer, Shemberger said. These students are bright, kind and energetic. I am eager to see the scholars work together to build a positive learning and living community. These students already are leaders in their schools and communities, but I am confident that they will shine as the next economic and civic leaders of Kentucky. Three other University faculty members are working in GSP this summer as faculty: Professor of Voice Dr. Tana Field-Bartholomew, Professor of Agronomy Dr. Iin Handayani and Professor and Graduate Program Director of Journalism and Mass Communications Dr. Bella Ezumah. Japans emperor says he will honor Japanese POWs who were held in Mongolia Japans emperor says he will honor Japanese POWs who were held in Mongolia View Photo TOKYO (AP) Japans Emperor Naruhito said Wednesday that he will honor thousands of Japanese prisoners of World War II who were held under harsh conditions in Mongolia when he visits the country next week. Naruhito, marking the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII, has been visiting some of the places where the bloodiest battles and bombings occurred, including Iwo Jima, Okinawa and Hiroshima. Its part of his effort at atonement and remembrance of the tragedy of war fought in the name of his grandfather, Emperor Hirohito. I will pay tribute to the Japanese people who unwillingly died in the distant land away from home, and think of their hardships, Naruhito said at a news conference ahead of his July 6-13 trip to Mongolia. His Harvard-educated former diplomat wife, Empress Masako, will accompany him. Just before the end of the hostilities in 1945, the Soviet Union had declared war on Japan, taking most of about 575,000 Japanese POWs to Siberia. But around 12,000 to 14,000 of them were taken to Mongolia, which was fighting alongside the Soviets against Japan. Most of the POWs were put to hard labor and construction work for the Mongolian governments headquarters, a state university and a theater that are still preserved in the capital Ulaanbaatar. The prisoners toiled under harsh conditions and scarce food. Japanese records show about 1,700 of them died in Mongolia. As we mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the war this year, we should never forget the pain and sorrow of the people, Naruhito said. I believe it is important to not forget those who died, deepen understanding of the wartime past and to nurture the peace-loving heart. Naruhito has repeatedly stressed the importance of telling the wars tragedy to younger generations, pledging to contribute to efforts to promote the understanding of history and the determination for peace. The emperors trip to Mongolia will be his second since he visited in 2007 as crown prince to mark the 35th anniversary of the diplomatic ties between the countries. By MARI YAMAGUCHI Associated Press Federal judge blocks Trump administration from ending temporary legal status for many Haitians View Photo NEW YORK (AP) A federal judge in New York on Tuesday blocked the Trump administration from ending temporary legal status for more than 500,000 Haitians who are already in the United States. District Court Judge Brian M. Cogan in New York ruled that moving up the expiration of the temporary protected status, or TPS, by at least five months for Haitians, some of whom have lived in the U.S. for more than a decade, is unlawful. The Biden administration had extended Haitis TPS status through at least Feb. 3, 2026, due to gang violence, political unrest, a major earthquake in 2021 and several other factors, according to court documents. But last week, the Department of Homeland Security announced it was terminating those legal protections as soon as Sept. 2, setting Haitians up for potential deportation. The department said the conditions in the country had improved and Haitians no longer met the conditions for the temporary legal protections. The ruling comes as President Donald Trump works to end protections and programs for immigrants as part of his mass deportations promises. The judges 23-page opinion states that the Department of Homeland Security s move to terminate the legal protections early violates the TPS statute that requires a certain amount of notice before reconsidering a designation. When the Government confers a benefit over a fixed period of time, a beneficiary can reasonably expect to receive that benefit at least until the end of that fixed period, according to the ruling. The judge also referenced the fact that the plaintiffs have started jobs, enrolled in schools and begun receiving medical treatment with the expectations that the countrys TPS designation would run through the end of the year. Manny Pastreich, president of the Service Employees International Union Local 32BJ, which filed the lawsuit, described the ruling as an important step but said the fight is not over. We will keep fighting to make sure this decision is upheld, Pastreich said in a statement. We will keep fighting for the rights of our members and all immigrants against the Trump Administration in the streets, in the workplace, and in the courts as well. And when we fight, we win. DHS did not immediately respond to an email from The Associated Press requesting comment. But the government had argued that TPS is a temporary program and thus the termination of a countrys TPS designation is a possibility beneficiaries must always expect. Haitis TPS status was initially activated in 2010 after the catastrophic earthquake and has been extended multiple times, according to the lawsuit. Gang violence has displaced 1.3 million people across Haiti as the local government and international community struggle with the spiraling crisis, according to a report from the International Organization for Migration. There has been a 24% increase in displaced people since December, with gunmen having chased 11% of Haitis nearly 12 million inhabitants from their home, the report said. In May, the Supreme Court allowed the Trump administration to strip Temporary Protected Status from 350,000 Venezuelans, potentially exposing them to deportation. The order put on hold a ruling from a federal judge in San Francisco that kept the legal protections in place. The judges decision in New York also comes on the heels of the Trump administration revoking legal protections for thousands of Haitians who arrived legally in the U.S. through a humanitarian parole program. Shortly after COVID-19 was recognized as a worldwide catastrophe, my much better half asked me how long I thought this would this last. Based on my then 45 years of biomedical research experience I replied, Three years. I was wrong. That was more than five years ago, when the refrigerated makeshift morgues were parked on the streets of New York City. While the pandemic has slackened considerably, SARS-CoV-2 is still with us and new variants continue to emerge, with the latest causing razor blade throat. The scariest development would be a new SARS-CoV-2 that is as lethal as MERS-CoV. MERS had a fatality rate of 35% but it was not very transmissible and cases still occur. As a comparison, smallpox had a fatality rate of 30%. Those of us of a certain age received the smallpox shot in elementary school and this continued into the 1970s. I remember getting the Sabin polio vaccine about the same time with my family and hundreds of others lined up in my elementary school to eat a sugar cube with a blue or purple spot on it. The medicine went down very well. And it worked. Polio has been eliminated in the United States, and elimination of polio worldwide can be accomplished if vaccination is extended to everyone. The last naturally acquired case of smallpox occurred in 1977 and the disease was declared eradicated in 1980. From the WHO on 8 May 1980: Having considered the development and results of the global program on smallpox eradication initiated by WHO in 1958 and intensified since 1967the world and its peoples have won freedom from smallpox, which was a most devastating disease sweeping in epidemic form through many countries since earliest time, leaving death, blindness and disfigurement in its wake and which only a decade ago was rampant in Africa, Asia and South America. I remember this well. Biomedical science and public health were celebrated, as they should have been because this was truly an astounding accomplishment. But expectations that infectious disease would soon be a thing of the past were premature. The first clinical report of AIDS appeared on 5 June 1981. Forty years later COVID-19 appeared. AIDS is now a manageable chronic condition for the majority of those infected with HIV in the Global North who are treated with HAART. Effective vaccines against HIV remain on the scientific horizon, perhaps beyond it. In the absence of HIV vaccines, we have PrEP, but as with many effective interventions its availability is restricted to those who can pay. Business is business, but this Neoliberal dream is no way to do public health. Vaccines for COVID-19 are famously available. The stimulus for this essay was a question from a conservative friend who asked me why CDC decided to change the definition of vaccine after the pandemic began. I had read something of this but had not really paid attention to the issue. Still, it is a good question, and I began digging. I did not expect to find much, but I did find something I should have known. As with most things COVID, this item appeared first in a political context through the actions of Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky: Massie shared an image containing three definitions for the word vaccination with his 326,000 followers on Sunday. One was labeled pre-2015 and described vaccination as: Injection of a killed or weakened infectious organism in order to prevent disease. Another was dated 2015-2021 and said: The act of introducing a vaccine into the body to produce immunity to a specific disease. The third was from September 2021, calling vaccination: The act of introducing a vaccine into the body to produce protection from a specific disease. The basic facts can also be found here and here and in many other contemporary articles. They all agree with the following changes in the official definition of vaccine: Pre-2015 : Injection of a killed or weakened infectious organism in order to prevent disease . : Injection of a killed or weakened infectious organism in order . 2015-2021 : The act of introducing a vaccine into the body to produce immunity to a specific disease. : The act of introducing a vaccine into the body to a specific disease. September 2021: The act of introducing a vaccine into the body to produce protection from a specific disease. The King5.com link (Seattle NBC affiliate) states it is true that: CDC changed its definition of vaccine from a product that stimulates a persons immune system to produce immunity to a specific disease, protecting the person from that disease to a preparation that is used to stimulate the bodys immune response against diseases. Several experts in infectious disease responded that the definition of vaccine has changed at the margin, but these have not impacted the overall definitionand that the previous definition could be interpreted to mean that vaccines were 100% effective, which has never been the case for any vaccine, so the current definition is more transparent. The changes were said to be semantic and clarifying instead of substantial. This is where my colleagues these scientific experts miss the point completely. No one has ever believed that vaccines are 100% effective, going back to the ancient practice of variolation that induced immunity to smallpox. Variolation (covered here [1] in our discussion of Simon Schamas Foreign Bodies: Pandemics, Vaccines and the Health of Nations) would have produced an antibody response in every person scarified with knives and needles dipped into exudate from active smallpox lesions, but in some cases the vaccinated subsequently came down with smallpox anyway. Their immune response did not provide protection immunity to the disease. This is not uncommon, both in the clinic and in the laboratory, where an antibody response can be measured but it is not strong enough to prevent disease or for the antibodies to be used in research. It did occur to me that my flat statement that no one has ever believed that vaccines are 100% effective would be disputed by the experts. This was addressed during the early years of the COVID-19 pandemic in Vaccination terminology: A revised glossary of key terms including lay persons definitions (paywall). This paper is an academic exercise with utility summarized in these Laypersons Definitions from their extensive Table 2 of 44 terms associated with vaccinology, including: Effectiveness : A measure to describe how good a vaccine is at preventing a disease when distributed for use in the general public. : A measure to describe how good a vaccine is at preventing a disease when distributed for use in the general public. Efficacy : A measure to describe how good a vaccine is at preventing a disease under test conditions, for example a clinical trial. : A measure to describe how good a vaccine is at preventing a disease under test conditions, for example a clinical trial. Herd immunity : This happens when enough people are vaccinated or have immunity from a disease, thereby reducing the chances of someone who is not vaccinated from becoming infected. : This happens when enough people are vaccinated or have immunity from a disease, thereby reducing the chances of someone who is not vaccinated from becoming infected. Immunization : The process where an individual becomes protected against a disease caused by a bacterium/virus. : The process where an individual becomes protected against a disease caused by a bacterium/virus. Immunity : The ability to fight off an infection caused by a harmful bacterium/virus. : The ability to fight off an infection caused by a harmful bacterium/virus. Pandemic : A disease occurrence worldwide affecting a large number of people. : A disease occurrence worldwide affecting a large number of people. Vaccine failure : This occurs when the person develops the disease, even though they have been already vaccinated for it. : This occurs when the person develops the disease, even though they have been already vaccinated for it. Waning: A decline or weakened immunity over time. That the public understands these terms should be a surprise to no one. Virtually every parent knows that vaccination will not always work. Breakthrough infections happen, but rarely with vaccines that are effective. Virtually every parent also knows that there is an infinitesimal chance that a vaccine might have deleterious consequences for any given child but that not getting vaccinated against disease is a much bigger risk for their children and society or they previously knew, and therein lies much of our current distemper regarding public health. To summarize: The biomedical, public health, and political response to COVID-19 was to go virtually all-in on two novel vaccines, but these prevented neither the disease nor its transmission. It has been shown, after the fact, that vaccination reduced mortality and morbidity and saved an indeterminate number of lives. It will be impossible to determine how many have died of COVID-19, but according to The Lancet, as many as 18,000,000 deaths were connected to the pandemic during its first two years. These facts are inconsistent with the laypersons conception of an effective vaccine. And for whatever reason, the scientific and medical communities cannot seem to understand the quite natural reaction to promises not kept. This has led to an increasing level of mistrust of the scientific and medical establishments among laypersons, who were told that if you get the vaccine you will not get COVID-19. This was manifestly not true. And at the same time CDC changed the definition of vaccine so that it was at odds with the public conception of and experience with vaccines. [2] You do not have to be a conspiracy theorist to notice the coincidence. Thus, a major casualty of our response to COVID-19 has been trust in biomedical science, clinical medicine, and public health. It follows that this has given current political leadership an excuse to attack the establishments of each. It did not have to be this way. What is to be done? The first thing to be done is to revive the publics trust. This has been covered in an interesting article: Rethinking Trust and Public Health Compliance: Introducing a Trust Continuum for Policy and Practice (open access). This contribution is academic but commonsensical and useful, with one group of academics engaging with another group in a serious manner. From the Abstract, lightly edited: Trust in government has emerged as one of the strongest predictors of national performance (mostly undefined here) in fighting COVID-19. This commentary aims to take stock of the vast literature on trust and compliance with public health measures that has emerged during the pandemic to synthesize policy-relevant recommendations about: 1) How to conceptualize trust; 2) Whether trust is always deserved; and 3) How governments can earn appropriate levels of trustwe develop a framework that conceptualizes trust as falling along a continuum ranging from extreme distrust to blind trust with the ideal point- informed or basic trust-falling in the mid-point of the continuum. We illustrate the continuum with examples and provide recommendations regarding how governments can build more nuanced disease responses that account for individuals and sub-groups at different rungs on the continuum while (re)building trust. We conclude that trust-building is a long-term project that must continue in non-crisis times. This conceptualization of trust is the important point. Whether trust is deserved depends on the behavior of those who believe they should be trusted. And the only mechanism by which any government can earn trust is for it to be honest. I.F. Stone comes to mind here, though. Ditto for scientists, who during the pandemic forfeited trust by not emphasizing that the Operation Warp Speed vaccines were an experiment. As the authors rightly point out, trust is not a binary concept. Rather it exists on a continuum schematized but full of good sense in their Exhibit 1: Definition Impacts on Behaviors Policy implications Laymen Terms Distrust Suspicion of ill intent Breeds belief in conspiracy theories Coercion likely to be ineffective Its evil and wrong Mistrust Skepticism justified by negative experience Breeds skepticism Coercion may be effective and deepen suspicion Im not sure Informed Trust Gained through verification & trusted sources Individual critical judgment & valuation of evidence Authority should be transparent through public communication I checked it & so I believe it Basic Trust Earned through tacit past experiences Widely accepted societal practice or authority Authority must build & maintain trust Its how it is Uninformed Trust Uncritical trust, often socially pressured Socially driven compliance Collaborate with community-based organizations My friend said so Blind trust Overconfident faith in science & elites Deference to authority and virtue signaling Avoid saying Science said so The authority said so We clearly should exist as a polity and society somewhere in the central rows. But we are polarized at either end of the current political divide, with the notional Right and Left [3] sneering at one another through a darkened glass, each filled with ill intent exacerbated by their overconfident faith in their tribal elites. Coercion and corrosion are characteristics at both ends of their spectrum, which is not nearly as broad as they believe. As noted in Rethinking Trust and Public Health Compliance, trust can and should be viewed as a virtuous circle in which greater trust leads to better governance and citizens who are more satisfied with the governments performance, thereby generating increased trust. Neoliberalism along with the current reprise of the Gilded Age militates against the possibility of this virtuous circle. Biomedical science has followed the same neoliberal path, as described in this remarkable passage that describes our past five years nearly perfectly: Implicit in the focus on trust, however, is the notion that trust in actors and authority figures is deserved. During the COVID-19 pandemic, public health leaders appeared shocked and dismayed that the public would resist efforts aimed at protecting them from an emerging viral threat, perhaps taking compliance to be logical, science-based, or not requiring explanation. If only people trusted their political leaders, scientists, or doctors, millions of lives could have been saved. Quite so. But all scientists in good standing should have cringed every time a leader of the scientific establishment said, Trust the science and its corollary I represent science during the early phase of COVID-19. Instead, most of us nodded in assent. No one should accept an argument from authority from anyone. Legitimate scientists who asked questions such as Whose science and for what purpose? were ignored, or worse. As it happened, vaccines that were produced under an Emergency Use Authorization did not work as the people have come to rightfully expect. The imperative for Big Pharma to be first with the latest technology (which was not experimental) and make a lot of money in the process won out over approaches that would have worked in the emergency, and did work until countries such as China and New Zealand fell into line with the rest of the world. When I was asked how long I thought the pandemic would last three years I expected the scientific establishment to get to work as they had from the very beginning of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. It took more than ten years for HAART to become widely available, but the spread of HIV was contained rapidly among those who followed authoritative guidelines that were initially resisted by some in the community and in the establishment. There was every reason to believe that given the advances in modern molecular biology and virology in the forty years (at least four or five generations as progress in biomedical science is reckoned) between AIDS and COVID-19, a concentrated effort would lead to successful management of the pandemic, if not a cure of or treatment for the disease. In any case cure/treatment would come later, after the worlds public health establishment figured out how to control the spread of SARS-CoV-2. We have discussed this before, and there is no need to revisit the details. But one fact about coronaviruses has bothered me from the early days of the pandemic. When talk of the mRNA vaccines for COVID-19 had reached critical mass in 2020, my colleague and friend who died of complications of long COVID last November told me in no uncertain terms that vaccines would never be the solution to the pandemic. I asked her why. She was a veterinarian with whom I had worked for fifteen years. She was right about everything and this time it was the nature of coronavirus pathobiology. According to the scheme from Exhibit 1 above, I gave her my complete informed trust. As she explained, avian biologists have known of deadly infectious coronaviruses for more than ninety (90!) years. For nearly as long, veterinarians and poultry scientists have known that vaccines against coronaviruses have a short half-life. They simply do not work very well for very long. Therefore, infection control is essential, especially for chickens raised in CAFOs (another matter altogether). So, why was it assumed by the biomedical establishment that human coronaviruses would be any different? I have no answer other than ignorance suffused with hubris. This establishment seems to have forgotten what is true for one animal and one type of virus is likely to be true for another closely related animal and similar virus (the first retroviral human oncogene was discovered in research on chicken cancer more than one hundred years ago). A review recently published in the out-of-the-way but very good journal Avian Pathology (1972) covers the relevant pathobiology of vertebrate coronaviruses through the lens of the avian biology: Lessons learnt on infectious bronchitis virus lineage GI-23 (paywall). From the Abstract: Infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) is the first coronavirus discovered in the world in the early 1930s and despite decades of extensive immunoprophylaxis efforts, it remains a major health concern to poultry producers worldwide. Rapid evolution due to large poultry population sizes coupled with high mutation and recombination events and the reliance of the antiviral immune response on specific antibodies against the epitopes of the S1 glycoprotein, render the control of IBV extremely challenging. The numerous and rapidly evolving genetic and antigenic IBV types are currently classified based on the whole S1 gene sequence, into 36 lineages clustered in eight genotypesThe hallmarks of IBV Variant 2-like strain infections are high virulence and remarkable nephrotropism and nephropathogenicity; however, the molecular mechanisms of these traits remain to be elucidated. Let us modify/paraphrase this as follows: Despite decades of extensive immunoprophylaxis efforts, this human coronavirus remains a major health concern. Rapid evolution due to large human population sizes coupled with high mutation and recombination events and the reliance of the antiviral immune response on specific antibodies against the epitopes of the S1 glycoprotein, render the control of this coronavirus extremely challenging. This settled knowledge should have been in the forefront of the response to COVID-19. As an aside, so much for the herd immunity understood by laypersons and championed by the current Director of the National Institutes of Health and a member of the completely new Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). Without durable immunity to the pathogen, it is difficult to imagine how accelerating herd immunity through mass infection of those for whom COVID-19 was merely an inconvenience (untrue as it turns out) would work. Although Avian Pathology will not be high on the list of journals read by most physicians and biomedical scientists, a quick search of PubMed using coronavirus as the query returns much of the early IBV literature, but not the original report from 1931: An apparently new respiratory disease of baby chicks in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 78: 413-422. Nevertheless, this paper is not difficult to find. The Summary is visible at the link: The very sudden and almost precipitous occurrence of an acute and quite fatal respiratory disease among baby chicks furnished the occasion for a brief though special study of the condition, the results of which supply the information given in this discussion. We have refrained from specifically naming the disease under discussion. It materially differs, in one phase or another, from any of the established respiratory diseases of poultry. On the other hand, it has some characteristics of catarrhal roup, laryngotracheitis, and perhaps more things in common with infectious bronchitis of adult fowls. Therefore, if we were pressed for a definite name we would be inclined to entitle it: infectious bronchitis of baby chicks. There is a lot about SARS-CoV-2 that we still do not understand, including its origin as spillover from a zoonotic source or as an escape from the virology laboratory in Wuhan. The Proximal Origin of SARS-CoV-2 was published in March 2020 in Nature Medicine. This letter has an interesting history, as recounted by Ryan Grim (informed trust again). I remain agnostic about the origin of SARS-CoV-2, but nearly fifty years in the laboratory makes me believe that it could have escaped from one. This is not to say the virus was manufactured in the laboratory! On the other hand, scientists have known at least since the early 1950s that durable immunity to coronaviruses is problematic at best. Therefore, the most logical approach to controlling a pathogenic human coronavirus is anything but a vaccine, wherever the virus originated. So, where do we go from here regarding trust? For scientists, the road will be long. We should remember that much of the current distrust is our doing over the past forty years, at least. But science for the sake of useful knowledge got us to the point where we understand how life works and much of what goes wrong when it doesnt. We must return to this work-in-progress view of disinterested science during a reconstruction that I will not live to see. For our political predicament, we should remember that a week is a long time in politics. But until the decision in Citizens United is rendered null and void, I see little hope. Money is not speech. And contrary to a fundamental tenet of Neoliberalism, consumer is not the same as citizen. Still, the American political world is full of surprises on occasion when it is not just one thing after another courtesy of the Uniparty. Notes In memory of MAK, DVM. [1] The origin of vaccination lies in variolation, which is a simple procedure in which pus or encrusted pocks from a smallpox lesion are introduced into the lightly incised skin of the patient after which the wound is bandaged. This usually results in a mild form of the disease (fever and a relative few pustules localized near the site of variolation) after which the patient is generally immune to smallpox. [2] The public knows that a vaccine eradicated smallpox and current vaccines prevent, with necessary caveats well understood by the people, the following serious illnesses: polio, measles, mumps, rubella, whooping cough, tetanus, bacterial meningitis, cervical and other cancers caused by human papilloma virus (HPV), rotavirus infection, respiratory syncytial virus infection, chicken pox and recurrent shingles in adults. I would rather have not had five of the illnesses on this list. Periodic vaccine denialism that culminated in the MMR-autism hoax has been covered well and is not considered here. That the current leadership of the US Department of Health and Services is reviving vaccine denialism through the several means at its disposal is a fact. This will continue until it is stopped, however that can be done. However, the damage to scientific research and public health is likely to endure. [3] Notional is the keyword in the distinction here between Right and Left. Precise definitions of each are not possible here. Suffice it to say there is often nothing conservative behind the exertions of the current Right, and at the same time there is nothing socialist, much less social democratic, behind the bleatings of the current performative, self-reverential Left. Left Is Not Woke and never will be. A different, more expansive version is We Have Never Been Woke: The Cultural Contradictions of a New Elite. And contrary to the reigning Uniparty trope, aside from the 1920 Presidential campaign of Eugene V. Debs, who received 3.4% of the vote while serving a sentence in the Atlanta federal prison for seditious speeches against President Woodrow Wilson and The Great War, there has never existed in the United States something called a serious radical left that hides in the shadows of the hive mind of the Uniparty. Ten years ago, Whitney Hermandorfer celebrated her graduation from The George Washington University Law School, where she finished first in her class and edited law review articles debating federal precedent. This year, she successfully defended Tennessees ban on transgender health care for minors in front of the Supreme Court of the United States. Soon she will help write federal precedent as one of the youngest judges across the nations 12 federal courts of appeals. Hermandorfer has sailed through every step of her Senate confirmation process as the first appeals court judge nominated by President Donald Trump in his second term. Raised in Franklin and educated at the Harpeth Hall School and Princeton University, Hermandorfer returned to Nashville in recent years to argue controversial state positions for Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmettis Special Litigation Unit. She has clerked for Supreme Court Justices Samuel Alito, Amy Coney Barrett and Brett Kavanaugh, all of whom ruled in her favor just weeks ago, upholding Tennessees law banning gender-affirming care for minors in United States v. Skrmetti. The Senate Judiciary Committee approved Hermandorfers nomination to the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals the Cincinnati-based body that sits just below the Supreme Court and hears federal cases from Tennessee, Kentucky, Ohio and Michigan along party lines in a brief meeting on June 26. Hermandorfer defended her short but prestigious resume to senators in a June 5 hearing during which she was introduced by Tennessees Republican U.S. Sens. Bill Hagerty and Marsha Blackburn. There is no one more qualified to take on that important role of an appellate judge, Blackburn told colleagues on June 26. She will be a tireless advocate for our constitution. She will apply the law as it is written and not rewrite it. Democrats criticized Hermandorfers lack of federal trial experience and her history arguing to restrict personal freedoms, which includes defending Tennessees strict abortion ban as well as U.S. v Skrmetti. They also used her hearing to expose the tightly connected world of conservative activism, tying Hermandorfer to both the Federalist Society and the Teneo Network, social and professional groups organized around judicial challenges to advance aspects of conservatism via setting or overturning constitutional precedents. Hermandorfer Clears Committee Hearing for Federal Bench Trump taps Tennessee AG's strategic litigation director to fill vacant judgeship on powerful 6th Circuit Court of Appeals The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, an advocacy coalition for more than 240 groups, sent senators a letter opposing Hermandorfers nomination. At a time when so many of our fundamental civil rights are under attack, we need to trust that our judges will impartially and fairly rule on cases without bias or animus, reads the letter. Unfortunately, a careful review of Ms. Hermandorfers record shows a demonstrated hostility towards our civil and human rights that is disqualifying for a judicial nominee. We strongly urge the Senate to oppose her nomination to the Sixth Circuit. Official confirmation to the bench will likely come later in July following a full Senate vote. Republicans have a three-person chamber majority. A few conservatives like Sens. Susan Collins of Maine and Thom Tillis of North Carolina have demonstrated a willingness to buck the presidents agenda, though court confirmation expert Carl Tobias expects Hermandorfer will easily win the votes necessary for approval. Her nomination looks even more palatable to less extreme Republicans as it comes alongside several other hyper-partisan nominees for federal judgeships. She looks like the typical Trump 1.0 nominee in the sense that shes been active in the Federalist Society, shes well-credentialed, shes clerked for excellent judges that are well-respected, and she subscribes to conservative ideological tenets like originalism, says Tobias, a law professor at the University of Richmond. Its not clear that shes what people call a MAGA judge, who is more loyal to Trump than the Constitution. She has accolades, and shes well-spoken she showed that in her hearing. Shes a rising star among conservatives, and at some point she will be a chief judge of the 6th Circuit. Hermandorfers age and deep connections in the conservative legal world set her up as a potential future Supreme Court justice, Tobias estimates. At least, Hermandorfer can expect a decades-long career determining critical cases for Tennesseans, Kentuckians, Ohioans and Michiganders, pending confirmation. FDAs FLAWED approval process: How hundreds of unsafe and ineffective drugs slip through The FDA routinely approves drugs without conclusive proof of effectiveness or safety, ignoring its own scientific standards. Seventy-three percent of drugs between 2013 and 2022 failed to meet all four key benchmarks for efficacy. Industry lobbying and political pressure (since the AIDS crisis) have prioritized fast-tracking approvals over rigorous safety checks. Accelerated pathways often skip follow-up trials, leading to deadly outcomes (e.g., Copiktra's delayed warnings after patients died earlier). Many approved drugs cause severe harm, like Elmiron (bladder drug), which blinded patients and proved no better than placebo 18 years post-approval. An estimated 128,000 Americans die annually from properly prescribed medications. FDA funding relies on industry fees due to the 1992 Prescription Drug User Fee Act, creating conflicts of interest. Doctors remain largely unaware; only six percent know FDA approval doesn't guarantee meaningful benefits. Victims like Laura MacMillan (blinded by Elmiron) exemplify the irreversible damage caused by the FDA's prioritization of speed over science. Experts argue for independent oversight to prevent further harm. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved hundreds of drugs without conclusive proof they work. In many cases, these drugs approved by the regulator even caused harm. This discovery was the result of a two-year investigation by medical journalists Jeanne Lenzer and Shannon Brownlee, published by The Lever on June 5. The findings reveal that the FDA routinely ignores its own scientific standards, putting millions of patients at risk. The report by Lenzer and Brownlee also expose a system where fast-tracking drugs for approval outweighs rigorous safety checks. This shift was accelerated by industry lobbying and political pressure ever since the AIDS crisis of the 1980s. Between 2013 and 2022, 73 percent of newly approved drugs failed to meet all four of the FDA's foundational benchmarks for proving effectiveness control-group testing, replication in multiple trials, blinding of participants and reliance on clinical endpoints instead of surrogates. Shockingly, 40 drugs met none of these criteria. Among cancer drugs, only three out of 123 met all four standards. Instead, many were greenlit based on tumor-shrinkage data (a surrogate marker) rather than evidence they extended lives. (Related: FDA the regulatory facade approved hundreds of drugs with no proof they worked turning patients into unwitting guinea pigs.) Take Copiktra, approved in 2018. Later post-market studies revealed patients died 11 months earlier than those on alternative treatments. Despite this red flag, the FDA took six years to issue warnings. Another example is the bladder drug Elmiron. It was first approved in 1996 with "close to zero" efficacy data and remained on the market for 18 years. However, confirmatory studies later proved it was no better than placebo and those who took it suffered blindness, colitis and even death. FDA's deadly trade-off: Speedy drug approvals over safety This decline in scrutiny traces back to the 1990s, when AIDS activists and pharmaceutical companies pressured the FDA to expedite approvals. What began as emergency measures for life-saving drugs morphed into permanent policy with the 1992 Prescription Drug User Fee Act, which tied FDA funding to industry fees. Since then, companies have exploited "accelerated pathways," often skipping follow-up trials altogether. However, the consequences are staggering. An estimated 128,000 Americans die annually from properly prescribed medications more than all illegal drug deaths combined. Yet doctors remain unaware. A 2016 JAMA study found only six percent understood that FDA approval doesn't guarantee clinically meaningful benefits. "We need an agency that's independent from the industry it regulates," argues Yale University regulatory expert and physician Reshma Ramachandran. "Without that, we might as well go back to the days of snake oil and patent medicines." The investigation's most damning revelation? The agency's fear of backlash over unsafe approvals (Type I errors) far outweighs its concern for lives lost to delayed treatments (Type II errors). For Laura MacMillan, blinded by Elmiron after 20 years of use, the cost is irreparable. "I can't drive anymore, she says. MacMillan stopped working 13 years ago due to her vision problems, but she is nevertheless luckier than others who suffered serious injuries from or were killed by the drug. Like thousands of others, she trusted a system that prioritized speed over science and paid the price. With the FDA's credibility eroding, the question remains: How many more will suffer before standards are restored? Watch this video explaining why the FDA is a scam. This video is from the #5Slampig channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: The FDA drug approval process (comic). Unveiling the FDA's DECEPTION: The hidden truth behind Pfizer's vaccine approval. Marcia Angell's book "The Truth About the Drug Companies" exposes how Big Pharma chooses profits over public health. Sources include: FreeWestMedia.com Brownstone.org LeverNews.com Brighteon.com Financial prepping: 10 Signs of economic suffering in the U.S. (And how to protect your finances) Despite claims of a strong economy, homelessness in the U.S. is at record highs (especially in California), unemployment is likely much higher than reported (24.3 percent vs. the official 4.2 percent), and mass layoffs continue across industries, including Walmart and Procter & Gamble. Food costs (meat, poultry, etc.) are surging, and shrinking cattle herds mean prices wont drop soon. Families are cutting back, but groceries still strain budgets. Major chains like Hooters are closing locations, and small businesses face even worse conditions. The housing market is stagnant, with nearly $700 billion worth of homes unsold. Many companies are quietly pushing employees out ("quiet firing") instead of formal layoffs, avoiding severance pay. Financial stress is at an all-time high, with 70 percent of Americans feeling worse off than ever. Experts warn of a coming recession, so protect yourself by making changes. Cut unnecessary spending, avoid risky job changes, buy secondhand, pay down high-interest debt and build an emergency fund (ideally three to six months of expenses). The economy isnt working for most people, and preparation is key as conditions worsen. The headlines insist the economy is strong, but for millions of Americans, the reality feels anything but stable. From soaring homelessness to mass layoffs and skyrocketing food prices, the signs of economic distress are impossible to ignore. While politicians and pundits debate whether the U.S. is in a recession, the financial pain for everyday people is undeniable. Here are 10 alarming indicators that the economy is far from "fine," along with some practical tips to safeguard your money as conditions worsen. (h/t to SHTFPlan.com) Homelessness hits record highs California, which is often seen as an economic powerhouse, is now home to nearly 25 percent of the nations homeless population, with over 187,000 people living on the streets. Two-thirds of the homeless are unsheltered, a crisis not seen since the Great Depression. If one of the richest states cant solve this, what does that say about the rest of the country? The "true" unemployment rate is 24.3 percent The government claims unemployment is at a low 4.2 percent, but the Ludwig Institute for Shared Economic Prosperity (LISEP) reports that the real rate is 24.3 percent. Why the gap? Because official numbers dont count people stuck in poverty-wage jobs or those whove given up looking for full-time work. More Americans are delaying major purchases Nearly one in four Americans are canceling plans to buy homes or cars, while another 32 percent are postponing big purchases due to economic uncertainty. When people stop spending, businesses suffer, leading to more layoffs and closures. Restaurants are collapsing Hooters suddenly closed 30 locations in June, joining a growing list of chains struggling with declining sales. If even well-known brands like Hooters cant survive, small businesses are in even worse shape. Mass layoffs continue Procter & Gamble is cutting 7,000 jobs and companies across industries are downsizing. Even Walmart, the nations largest brick-and-mortar retailer, is trimming its workforce, signaling broader economic pressures beyond the tech sector. The Arkansas-based company confirmed layoffs affecting up to 106 employees in its San Bruno, California, offices, according to a May 23 filing under Californias Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act. While some affected workers may have the option to relocate or transition to other roles within Walmart, the cuts will be permanent for those unable to secure new positions. This places Walmart among a growing list of major employers, from social media firms to life sciences startups, reducing their Bay Area tech and corporate workforces amid shifting economic conditions. Don't be fooled. The job market isnt as secure as the headlines suggest. Meat prices are soaring and cattle herds are shrinking Steak prices are up by seven percent, ground beef by 10 percent and chicken by three percent. The U.S. cattle herd is now the smallest since the 1950s, meaning prices wont drop anytime soon. Families are cutting back, but groceries still take a bigger bite out of budgets. "Quiet firing" is on the rise Instead of formal layoffs, 53 percent of companies are making work conditions unbearable to push employees out, which is one way they can avoid severance pay and bad press. Workers are being forced out without recourse. The housing market is stagnant A record $698 billion worth of homes are sitting unsold. With $330 billion in listings older than 60 days, prices are expected to drop further. This is bad news for sellers and a warning sign of weakening demand. Financial stress is at an all-time high A survey has revealed that a whopping 70 percent of Americans say that theyre more financially stressed than ever. When the majority of the population is struggling, its not a personal failure, it points to a systemic crisis. Mainstream media keeps saying "Everything is fine" Despite all evidence, mainstream outlets downplay the problem. But when homelessness, unemployment and debt are rising, how can anyone claim the economy is healthy? How to protect your money as the economy worsens With 60 percent of Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) predicting a recession in 2025, now is the time to prepare. Heres how to recession-proof your finances: Cut unnecessary spending Review all your expenses, from small purchases to bigger ones. You can save money by canceling unused subscriptions. Downgrade services, such as phone plans, streaming and gym memberships. Additionally, you can save by cooking more at home instead of eating out. Avoid risky job moves If youre in a stable job, think twice before jumping ship. Recessions hit low-wage and new hires first. Buy secondhand Buying used cars, clothes and electronics can save you hundreds, or even thousands of dollars. (Related: Preparing for the unthinkable: How to safeguard your finances against collapse.) Pay down high-interest debt Credit card rates are brutal. Focus on paying off existing debt before rates climb higher. Build an emergency fund If money is tight, having an extra $500 to $1,000 can prevent disaster. Aim for at least three to six months' worth of expenses if possible. The economy isnt working for most Americans, and pretending otherwise wont fix it. Prepare now, because if trends continue, the worst may still be ahead. Visit Preparedness.news for tips on how to build a reliable food stockpile on a budget. You can also check out Health Ranger Store and Brighteon Store for affordable, lab-verified clean food supplies for your prepping stockpile. Watch this video from "Coffee and a Mike, as host Michael Farris and Health Ranger Mike Adams talk about war and how it is being used as the cover story for financial collapse. This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Decentralize TV hosts Mike Adams and Todd Pitner share top strategies for financial freedom and survival. 53% of Millennial and Gen Z consumers are resorting to buy now, pay later services and racking up enormous debt. Health Ranger Report: Adapt 2030s David DuByne elaborates on the escalating global supply chain crisis. Prepping on a budget: How to use your food supply to get through unexpected financial emergencies. Sources include: SHTFPlan.com PPIC.org Finance.Yahoo.com MarketWatch.com Brighteon.com GOP Senator Thom Tillis will not seek reelection after breaking with Trump GOP Senator Thom Tillis retires after defiant vote against Trumps Medicaid cuts. Open North Carolina seat swings momentum toward Democrats in 2026 Senate race. Tillis condemned GOP polarization, comparing himself to defected Dems Manchin and Sinema. Trump threatens retaliation, paves path for potential MAGA primary challenger. Bypassing establishment figures in 2010 upended NC politics, foreshadowing todays partisan divides. On Sunday, Republican Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina announced he will not seek reelection after voting against President Donald Trumps domestic policy bill, a move Trump decried as a BIG MISTAKE on Truth Social. The decision ends Tillis decade-long Senate career, pivots control of a key Senate seat and underscores the GOPs struggle to balance partisan loyalty with bipartisanship. I havent been excited about seeking another term, Tillis said, citing political theater and gridlock. His retirement, fueled by Trumps backlash over his opposition to deep Medicaid cuts, raises questions about conservative dissent in an era of rigid fealty to the former president. A vote of conscience sparks presidential backlash Tillis retirement followed Saturdays Senate vote on the GOPs $3.8 trillion budget blueprint, which slashed Medicaid by $1.5 trillion. He became one of only two Republicans to vote against advancing the bill, citing harm to vulnerable Americans. Now, Republicans are about to make a mistake on health care, Tillis charged, recalling Trumps 2023 vow to target waste, fraud and abuse alone. The backlash was immediate. Trump launched a vitriolic Truth Social blitz, calling Tillis a talker and complainer, NOT A DOER and urging allies to challenge him in the GOP primary. Tillis, who privately warned colleagues of the bills electoral risks, brushed off the attacks. I told [Trump] via text he needed to start looking for a replacement, Tillis told reporters, noting he hadnt seen the posts. Tillis' rise: A longshot spoiled establishment rules in 2010 Tillis political rise began with a 2010 upset that reshaped North Carolina. As a relative unknown with no legislative seniority, he unseated Speaker Skip Stam, a respected but unassuming leader who had guided the GOP minority for years. Tillis aggressive recruiting and fundraising efforts, amplified by corporate and grassroots support, handed Republicans their first legislative majority since Reconstruction. As House speaker, Tillis pushed red-state staples tax cuts, abortion bans and Second Amendment expansions but also confronted contrasting priorities. His 2023 censure by GOP colleagues for compromising on gun policy foreshadowed his Senate clashes. Yet his bipartisanship advocating Medicaid expansion and veteran support drew both praise and alienation. Sometimes bipartisan initiatives got me into trouble, Tillis admitted, but I wouldnt change a single one. The race's political landslide: Democrats primed to capture a GOP stronghold? Tillis exit transforms North Carolinas Senate seat into a Democratic goldmine. The GOP holds the Senate 53-47, and analysts say a Democratic pickup could fracture Republican dominance. Even Tillis admits the GOP plan to slash Medicaid is toxic, said Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee spokesperson Maeve Coyle. Republicans scramble to counter. Potential replacements include Rep. Richard Hudson, a Trump loyalist, or Lara Trump, the presidents daughter-in-law. Yet both face hurdles: Hudson chairs the House GOP campaign arm, and Lara could face skepticism for her lobbying ties. Meanwhile, Democrats see an opening to recruit figures like former Gov. Roy Cooper. Former Rep. Wiley Nickel, already in the race, declared himself ready to flip a tough seat again. The irony: The moderate Republican goes extinct Tillis framed his retirement as a last stand for pragmatic governance. Independent thinking on your side is scorned, he stated, drawing parallels to Democrats losses of Manchin and Sinema. The Senates reliance on open warfare over bipartisanship, he argued, endangers its legacy as a constructive legislative body. Yet critics note inconsistency: Tillis once championed tactics now blamed for GOP infighting. His 2010 election bypassing Stam mirrored todays outsider vs. insider factions. Tillis helped invent this era of ideological urgency, said one state GOP strategist, only to become its casualty. Goodbye to "courage," hello to 2026's battlefield Thom Tillis resignation completes a political odyssey: from disrupting the establishment to becoming its relic. For Republicans, his exit signals a stark truth dissent in the Trump era often ends with political extinction. As Democrats inch toward Senate control, North Carolinas seat now epitomizes the GOPs struggle to reconcile its populist instincts with electoral pragmatism. The Senate will miss representatives like Tillis, said NC House Speaker Tim Moore, but politics is about moving forward. Forward, it seems, means a choice: courage or compliance. Sources for this article include: ZeroHedge.com NBCnews.com APNews.com Study: Kids exposed to FOREVER CHEMICALS while in the womb have elevated blood pressure as teens A study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that higher maternal PFAS levels correlate with elevated blood pressure in adolescents, highlighting long-term cardiovascular risks. "Forever chemicals" (PFAS) persist in the environment and human body, crossing the placental barrier. The study tracked 1,094 children, showing even small blood pressure increases (one to three percentile points) could signal future health issues. Boys and Black children faced six to eight percent higher hypertension risk per PFAS exposure doubling, reflecting slower toxin metabolism in boys and socioeconomic disparities in marginalized communities. High blood pressure in adolescence predicts heart disease, stroke and kidney damage, with delayed symptoms suggesting PFAS disrupts metabolism and vascular function over time. Individual actions (e.g., avoiding processed foods) are insufficient; experts urge stricter PFAS bans and better regulation, as current policies lag behind the scale of contamination. A groundbreaking study has revealed a disturbing link between prenatal exposure to synthetic "forever chemicals" and elevated blood pressure in teenagers. The study published June 12 in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that children whose mothers had higher levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in their blood after delivery were more likely to develop hypertension during adolescence. The findings raise urgent questions about the long-term health consequences of these pervasive chemicals. They also highlight the need for stronger regulatory action to protect future generations. PFAS are also known as "forever chemicals" because they persist indefinitely in the environment and human body. They are widely used in consumer products from nonstick pans to fast-food wrappers for their water- and grease-resistant properties. They seep into food, drinking water and household dust, making exposure nearly unavoidable. Alarmingly, these chemicals can cross the placental barrier, potentially altering fetal development. The new study conducted within the Boston Birth Cohort tracked 1,094 children over 12 years, analyzing more than 13,000 blood pressure readings. Researchers discovered that as levels of three specific PFAS doubled in mothers' blood, their children's blood pressure percentiles rose by one to three points. While small, the numbers are still a clinically significant increase as they foreshadow lifelong cardiovascular risks. (Related: Study links prenatal exposure to FOREVER CHEMICALS with teen hypertension.) Why teen hypertension matters The study uncovered troubling disparities: Boys and children born to non-Hispanic Black mothers faced a six to eight percent higher risk of elevated blood pressure with each doubling of PFAS exposure. This aligns with prior research showing boys metabolize toxins more slowly, while socioeconomic factors may concentrate environmental hazards in marginalized communities. "If race is indicating socioeconomic disadvantage, shelf-stable processed, packaged foods are more likely to have PFAS exposure than well-rinsed fresh foods," said epidemiologist Akshaya Srikanth Bhagavathula, who was not involved in the study. The findings underscore how chemical exposure exacerbates existing health inequities. High blood pressure in adolescence is more than a passing concern. It's a red flag for future heart disease, stroke and kidney damage. About one in seven U.S. teens now has elevated blood pressure, a rate that has climbed over the past two decades. "It puts extra strain on the heart and blood vessels at a young age," Bhagavathula warned. The delayed onset of symptoms suggests PFAS may trigger subtle, long-term disruptions in metabolism, hormone regulation and blood vessel function. Effects often don't appear until after age 13. While experts recommend filtering water, avoiding nonstick cookware and choosing fresh foods over processed ones, they stress that individual actions are no match for systemic contamination. "Many past studies stopped at early or mid-childhood," said study co-author Zeyu Li. "However, our study shows that the health effects of prenatal PFAS exposure may not appear until the teen years." "This is not something families can fix on their own," said Mingyu Zhang, another study co-author. Zhang called for stricter bans on PFAS in consumer goods and better water monitoring. Yet regulatory progress has been sluggish. Despite phasedowns of some PFAS, thousands of variants remain unregulated, and manufacturers often replace banned compounds with chemically similar alternatives. This research adds to a growing body of evidence that invisible chemical exposures are shaping public health crises. From rising teen hypertension to entrenched racial disparities, the legacy of PFAS contamination demands urgent intervention. Watch this video about forever chemicals and how to address them. This video is from the HaloRock channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: FDA finds cancer-inducing "forever chemicals" in common grocery foods. Scientists find 55 new environmental chemicals in pregnant women, newborns. Banned toxic chemicals found in 100 percent of pregnant women - new study. Sources include: TheEpochTimes.com AHAJournals.org Newsroom.Heart.org ContemporaryObGyn.net Brighteon.com What do the MOON LANDING and CLIMATE CHANGE have in common? BOTH are FAKE Get some cheap cameras, some lights with stands, 50 rolls of tin foil and a couple lapel mics and head out to the Badlands of South Dakota with some amateur actors and YOU TOO can film the next moon landing. It will be one small step for the elementary science fair, and one even smaller step for mankind. Take one look at the Apollo 11 spacecraft, made with sticks, tin foil, cardboard, a couple copper pipes and some old television antennas, and then swear up and down this thing made it 240,000 miles to the moon and back home to earth with 3 guys in it, a land rover, and enough equipment to fill up a storage facility, and you can be 100% sure the moon landing was all faked on a Hollywood set somewhere in Arizona. Great job NASA. Does NASA stand for Never Anything So Absurd? Rising Skepticism About the Moon Landing Polls indicate growing doubt, especially among younger, more educated individuals (e.g., 73% of Brits aged 2534 disbelieve it, vs. 38% of those 55+). Russian polls show 57% disbelief, rising to 69% among higher-educated respondents. Alleged Evidence of Fakery Shadows intersecting at 90 in Apollo photos suggest studio lighting, not sunlight. "Moon rocks" may originate from Antarctic meteorites; some samples were proven fake (e.g., petrified wood gifted to the Netherlands). NASAs high-resolution photos show anomalies (e.g., inconsistent shadows, overexposure when shooting into the sun). Suspicious Filmmaking and Footage Filmmakers like Bart Sibrel uncovered edited NASA footage (e.g., repeated takes to fake distance). Experts like Hasselblad engineer Jan Lundberg admitted they couldnt explain photo inconsistencies. Astronauts rehearsals in studios with fabricated "moon dust" raise questions about authenticity. Historical Context of the Hoax Theory Conspiracy claims gained traction post-internet; pioneers like Bill Kaysing (ex-Rocketdyne) alleged a $30B fraud. Documentaries (What Happened on the Moon?, A Funny Thing Happened) dissect technical flaws. Compartmentalization (e.g., Manhattan Project secrecy) suggests few needed to know the full truth. Next to impossible that the Apollo 11 traveled past the Van Allen Radiation Belt way back in 1969, especially with humans aboard You may be asking yourself, why would NASA, the U.S. government, and Big Media lie to every single American about something so big? Well, if you believe in the moon landing in 1969 as some sort of miracle, then youll probably believe the Polio vaccine works and that fluoride in tap water is good for your health too. This is also why so many gullible people believe in man-made climate change. Heres the story (and thats all it was a fictional story). Time to celebrate historical fiction folks. Yes, as the 55th anniversary of NASAs Apollo 11 moon landing approaches, doubts about its authenticity continue to grow worldwide. A 2016 survey revealed that 52% of British respondents believed the missions were staged, while younger generations expressed even greater skepticism. Theories alleging the landings were faked spread by figures like Bart Sibrel and Bill Kaysing have gained traction online, fueled by scrutiny of NASAs photographic evidence and lunar samples. Skepticism about the moon landings emerged shortly after Apollo 11s 1969 mission, but conspiracy theories proliferated with the rise of the internet and platforms like YouTube. Early critics, including former Rocketdyne employee Bill Kaysing, argued in his 1976 book We Never Went to the Moon that NASA never overcame technical hurdles like Van Allen radiation belts. Similar claims were amplified in documentaries like What Happened on the Moon? (2000) and Bart Sibrels A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Moon (2001), which dissected anomalies in NASAs footage. Advocates of the hoax theory highlight inconsistencies in Apollo mission photos, such as odd lighting, shadows, and claims that lunar rocks could have originated from Antarctic meteorites rather than the moon. German researcher Gerhard Wisnewski noted that some NASA-released moon rocks contained terrestrial contaminants, including plastic and wood details that fueled distrust. Meanwhile, critics point to the near-flawless composition of images taken by astronauts, despite the Hasselblad cameras being strapped to their chests with no viewfinder. NASA has repeatedly defended the moon landings, releasing thousands of high-resolution photos in 2015 and citing independent verification by international scientists. Yet with trust in institutions declining, skepticism persists especially in Russia, where 57% doubt the landings ever occurred. The debate reflects broader tensions between official narratives and alternative media, with theorists framing their arguments as a defense of transparency against potential government deception. Decades after Apollo 11, the moon landing remains both a cornerstone of human achievement and a lightning rod for skepticism. While NASA maintains its legacy, the persistence of doubt bolstered by digital scrutiny and distrust in authority ensures the controversy will endure. Whether the truth lies in conspiracy or confirmation, the discussion underscores a universal demand for evidence in an age of institutional skepticism. Check out ClimateAlarmism.news for updates on hoaxes the U.S. government, mass media and the FAKE science community push on Americans to convince us we need to fund huge corporations and pad elitists pockets. Sources for this article include: NaturalNews.com BezoEarthFund.org UNZ.com Legislators weigh amendments to end college vaccine mandates for health science students A proposed U.S. bill aims to end federal funding for colleges requiring student vaccine mandates but excludes health science programs. No College Mandates claims loopholes leave medical trainees vulnerable to mandates at clinical sites and universities. The bill, inspired by Trumps 2025 executive order, has bipartisan support but requires amendments to include health science students. Advocates stress that 1,000+ colleges imposed mandates in 2021; only 17 now remain but exemptions persist for healthcare training. Public pressure, including personalized letters to lawmakers, is critical to amend the bill before its vote. In a pivotal moment for student autonomy, Republican lawmakers and health freedom advocates are pushing amendments to a bill that seeks to end federal funding for colleges requiring mandatory COVID-19 vaccines. The legislation, introduced by Rep. Mark Messmer (R-Ind.), aims to codify President Donald Trumps 2025 executive order, which eliminated mandated vaccines for most colleges. However, gaps in the bill have left students pursuing health sciences such as medicine and nursing at risk of losing enrollment or practicum access unless they comply with mandates. Health advocacy group No College Mandates (NCM), a key player in dismantling pandemic-era mandates, warns that health science programs and partnered hospitals are exploiting provisions to enforce vaccination requirements. The group argues that urgent revisions are needed to include these programs under the law. What the bill misses: Loopholes for health science programs The federal governments February 2025 executive order banned vaccine mandates for students at higher education institutions, but federal officials have interpreted the directive narrowly. According to NCM co-founder Lucia Sinatra, the order excluded health science programs at universities and partnerships with clinical sitesan exclusion perpetuated by H.R. 3044. Theres been no effort to clarify that all teaching programs even those tied to hospitals are subject to the executive order, Sinatra told The Defender. Proponents of the bill acknowledge the gap: under current language, universities could retain vaccine mandates for students in medical, dental, or nursing programs if the policies are imposed by clinical affiliates rather than the schools themselves. For instance, Creighton University requires health science students to meet vaccination thresholds, while Emory Universitys medical school mandates shots for enrollment. Sinatra noted that instructors in these programs often avoid the same rules, worsening inequities. These clauses disproportionately burden young adults pursuing careers in healthcare, she said. Advocates push to expand bills scope with key adjustments NCM has inundated lawmakers with requests to redefine higher education in H.R. 3044 to include clinical programs and residency sites. Their letter argues that federal aid must be contingent on eliminating mandates across university partnerships, as well as within schools themselves. The proposed laws failure to close these loopholes makes it toothless, stated NCM strategist Brenda Baletti, Ph.D., citing a patchwork of exemptions that created two classes of students. Current legislation, while ending mandates at 15 remaining holdout schools, would still allow health science students to face requirements when completing required internships or practicums. Sinatra praised Messmers bill as a good start but emphasized that federal language must state explicitly that vaccine mandates for healthcare students invalidate a universitys federal funding eligibility. Taxpayers shouldnt subsidize freedom-stealing policies, she said. The gradual unraveling of mandatesand their lingering legacy Vaccine mandates for college students peaked in 2021, with over 400 institutions enforcing them. By 2025, that number dropped to 17but according to NCM, nearly all 44 medical schools in the United States still impose shot requirements on students. Trumps executive order brought relief to many, but uneven enforcement pushed NCM to pivot its efforts. The groups 2025 Substack post recounts how academic associations and hospital systems used legal ambiguity to maintain mandates for healthcare-specific programs, even as broader vaccine requirements dissolved. Federal agencies, NCM argues, rely on a sentence or two in preexisting statutory definitionsa technicality the group insists leaves loopholes for monitoring compliance. Public action urged as deadline looms NCM is mobilizing students, faculty and families to press lawmakers ahead of congressional votes on H.R. 3044. Its website features a template letter urging reps to incorporate the amendments, while Sinatra stresses that lobbying in lawmakers home districts amplifies impact. This isnt just about choices today its about protecting the next generation of doctors, she said. If we dont act now, another pandemic could bring back these tactics without meaningful checks. A crossroads for student rights and institutional oversight As the debate over H.R. 3044 intensifies, the stakes are framed beyond health science students. NCMs push to redefine its scope reflects broader tensions about federal authority, educational rights and who gets to define essential rules for public money. With the bills final draft pending, lawmakers decisions will determine whether the law finally dismantles all remnants of coercive vaccination policies or allows exemptions to persist under legal loopholes. Sources for this article include: ChildrensHealthDefense.org Substack.com FederalRegister.gov Green Beret turned freedom fighter: Doc Pete Chambers launches bold campaign for TEXAS GOVERNOR Dr. Pete "Doc" Chambers, a retired Green Beret and combat physician, is running for Texas governor as an anti-establishment disruptor. Key issues in his campaign include border security, medical freedom and cryptocurrency innovation. A decorated veteran with 30 years of service, Chambers reentered active duty post-9/11, earning a Bronze Star and Purple Heart. He later gained attention for opposing COVID-19 vaccine mandates in the military. His platform includes deploying the Texas State Guard against cartels, abolishing property taxes and creating a Texas DOGE Task Force to explore blockchain governance including potential crypto-based voting systems. Chambers advocates for aggressive state-led border security measures (drones, surveillance tech) while tapping into Texas' libertarian skepticism of federal policies, including resistance to "California-style" governance. Promising daily military-style "SITREPs" (situation reports) if elected, Chambers frames his campaign as a battle against political corruption positioning himself as a "warrior" rather than a traditional politician. In an era of career politicians and scripted soundbites, Texas has drawn an unconventional contender. Dr. Pete "Doc" Chambers, a retired Special Forces Green Beret and combat physician, has thrown his hat in the ring with the launch of his gubernatorial campaign. The 63-year-old veteran whose career spans firefights in Afghanistan, ER trauma bays and whistleblowing against Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine mandates positions himself as an anti-establishment disruptor. His campaign touches on the issues of border security, medical freedom and cryptocurrency experimentation. Chambers promises to deploy Texas State Guard troops against cartels, abolish property taxes and explore blockchain-based governance through a Texas DOGE Task Force. Chambers' 30-year military dossier reads like action-fiction. Enlisted in 1983, he served in the military before becoming an osteopathic physician following his tour of duty. He then reentered active duty post-9/11 to pass the grueling Special Forces Qualification Course at age 47 a first for any Army doctor. His Bronze Star and Purple Heart decorations underscore battlefield experience that now frames his political rhetoric. "Texans don't need another politician. They need a warrior who's proven under fire," Chambers' campaign website states. From spec ops to statehouse: Chambers' radical vision Chambers' policy playbook mirrors his hybrid background. His Texas Border Invasion and Counter-Trafficking Task Force proposes drones, rapid-response teams and state-funded surveillance tech to supplement federal efforts, citing constitutional self-defense doctrines. (Related: Health Ranger Report: Retired Col. Pete Chambers discusses the BORDER CRISIS and Texas border security efforts.) Simultaneously, he vows to phase out property taxes via revenue restructuring a move that would upend Texas' reliance on local levies funding schools and services. Perhaps most unorthodox is his embrace of decentralized finance, including exploring blockchain applications for voting systems and a nod to Dogecoin enthusiasts with the Texas DOGE Task Force. Historical context amplifies the campaign's clash with status quos. Chambers testified before Congress in 2022 alleging military vaccine mandate abuses. His pandemic-era dissent aligns with growing libertarian skepticism of institutional medicine. Chambers' border stance echoes incumbent Gov. Greg Abbott's Operation Lone Star but with Special Forces precision, while the property tax abolition push revives a perennial Texas tension dating to 19th-century homesteader revolts. Even the crypto angle taps into the Lone Star State's flirtation with bitcoin mining and anti-federal reserve sentiment. Chambers frames obstacles as battles to wage, declaring that "California policies won't infiltrate Texas on [his] watch." He has also promised to deliver daily "SITREPs" (military-style situation reports) for the first 90 days of his term, and weekly SITREPs thereafter. Chamber's success hinges on converting his soldier's mystique into policy substance. His fusion of boots, blockchain and bulldozer rhetoric may carve a unique niche or collide with the realities he claims to transcend. Either way, Texas' political establishment just got a new kind of insurgent. Visit DocPeteChambers.org to learn more about Dr. Pete Chambers' gubernatorial campaign. Watch this January 2024 interview between Col. Pete "Doc" Chambers and the Health Ranger Mike Adams about the border invasion and Texas' response to it. This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Texas Military Department ramps up recruitment to support border security efforts. Faith in action: How ministries are filling the gap in disaster response as government agencies falter. Cartels shift tactics: Kidnappings and organ trafficking surge as border crossings plummet under Trump policies. Sources include: DocPeteChambers.org 1 DocPeteChambers.org 2 DocPeteChambers.org 3 Brighteon.com Gazas largest hospital dialysis ward shuts down under Israeli fuel blockade, leaving patients to die Gazas largest hospital, al-Shifa, shut down its dialysis ward due to Israel-blocked fuel shortages, leaving 350 kidney patients facing agonizing deaths. Medical staff describe turning away desperate patients, knowing they will suffocate from toxin buildup without treatment. Israels attacks and blockade have destroyed 6 of 7 dialysis centers, killing 41% of kidney patients since October 2023. Families report loved ones struggling to breathe, forced to travel miles over rubble for unavailable care. Israeli authorities deny fuel access despite UN warnings, as patients die slow, preventable deaths in collapsing hospitals. Gaza's largest hospital, the al-Shifa Medical Complex, was forced to shut down its dialysis ward on Tuesday due to fuel shortages, leaving 350 kidney failure patients facing imminent, agonizing deaths. This deliberate humanitarian catastrophe, orchestrated by Israeli authorities who have repeatedly blocked fuel deliveries, marks yet another atrocity in a war that has already claimed more than 400 kidney patients since October 2023. Medical staff, powerless to stop the collapse of lifesaving care, are now witnessing the slow suffocation of civilians abandoned by the world. Hospital runs dry as Israel tightens the noose With fuel reserves exhausted, generators powering dialysis machines at al-Shifa sputtered to a halt, forcing doctors to turn away desperate patients. "Kidney failure patients came today, and we painfully had to ask them to go back home," said Dr. Muhammad Abu Hassira, a nephrologist at the hospital. "This has very serious repercussions on their health." The shutdown is a death sentence for Gazas most vulnerable. Dialysis is not optional; without it, toxins accumulate in the blood, causing seizures, organ failure, and, ultimately, suffocation as fluid drowns the lungs. But Israel, in its relentless punishment of civilians, has choked off the fuel, water, and medical supplies required to sustain these patients. According to Gazas Health Ministry, 728 kidney failure patients remain in the territory, half of whom relied on al-Shifas 30 dialysis machines. Even before the shutdown, sessions were cut from the standard 12 weekly hours to just four, which is barely enough to stave off death. Now, they receive nothing. A health system dismantled piece by piece Israels systematic dismantling of Gazas healthcare infrastructure has turned hospitals into graveyards. Six of the Strips seven dialysis centers have been destroyed in military assaults, including the Noura al-Kaabi facility bombed in June. A staggering 41% of kidney patients have perished since the war begannot from bombs, but from preventable neglect, as toxins slowly poisoned their bodies without treatment. The crisis is compounded by Israels blockade on clean water. Nearly 90% of Gaza Citys water wells and all desalination plants lie in ruins, leaving medical staff scrambling to secure sterile water for dialysis. Sometimes, sessions are canceled due to a lack of water. d. For families, the collapse of care is a waking nightmare. Ahmed al-Sayed, whose grandmother depends on dialysis, described her agony when sessions are missed: "She feels suffocated, struggles to breathe it wont be long before she dies." Transportation is another hurdle; with fuel banned, ambulances are scarce, and patients like 54-year-old Mohamed Attiya must be wheeled for miles over bomb-cratered roads. "The occupation does not care about the suffering or the sick," Attiya told the AP, his body swollen with untreated waste. While the UN warns of a "catastrophic" collapse, Israeli officials coldly deflect blame. COGAT, the military body coordinating aid, claims medical supplies are "approved for entry," yet records show 14 denials of fuel access to northern Gaza in May and June alone. Meanwhile, dialysis patients perish in slow motion, ignored by governments and media alike. "The shutdown of the dialysis unit at al-Shifa Hospital today means the imminent death of hundreds of patients," Dr. Abu Hassira said. "Some patients condition will already begin to deteriorate today because they missed their dialysis session, while most of them only have two or three days before their condition worsens, and then they will start dying." This is not war. This is industrialized murder. Israels blockade has transformed hospitals into tombs, condemning civilians to torturous deaths for the "crime" of living under bombardment. As Gazas healthcare system collapses, the worlds silence echoes like a verdict: these lives were never going to be saved. Sources for this article include: MiddleEastEye.net APNews.com MiddleEastMonitor.com Germanys war on free speech: Woman FINED for using thumbs-up emoji A German woman was fined 1,800 ($2,127) for using thumbs-up emojis under a post about a Swedish girl killing her migrant rapist. Prosecutors claimed she violated laws against "publicly approving an intentional killing" and mocked the victim's migrant status. Nonverbal digital gestures are being criminalized, as authorities argued her reaction (three thumbs-up) expressed "particular pleasure" in the killing, setting a dangerous precedent for subjective interpretation of online interactions. Similar crackdowns on dissent include a Bavarian pensioner arrested and raided for retweeting a satirical meme calling Economy Minister Robert Habeck an "idiot," classified as a "politically motivated right-wing crime." Critics warn of digital authoritarianism, comparing Germany's speech laws to Stasi-era oppression, especially as the Green Party pushes for "reporting centers" where citizens can denounce offensive speech echoing historic surveillance tactics. Selective enforcement protects powerholders, as courts occasionally rule in favor of free speech (e.g., a businessman's satire of Habeck). But most dissenters face disproportionate fines, raids or prosecution under hate speech laws. A woman from Germany has been slapped with a 1,800 ($2,127) fine for using thumbs-up emojis in support of a post about a Swedish girl killing her migrant rapist. The 64-year-old woman from the Lohfelden municipality in Germany's Hesse state responded to the provocative social media post on Oct. 26, 2023. She used three thumbs-up emojis to express her agreement with the Swedish girl's act of self-defense. But this merited a thumbs-down from government prosecutors, who interpreted the reaction as endorsing vigilantism and mocking the deceased. The Kassel Public Prosecutor's Office (PPO) issued a formal penalty notice to the woman months later. It argued that her reaction violated Section 140 of the German Criminal Code by "publicly approving an intentional killing" and expressing "particular pleasure" that the victim was a migrant. The woman retains the right to appeal the penalty. But if a court upholds the fine, it sets a precedent that even nonverbal digital gestures can be criminalized based on subjective interpretation. The woman's case isn't unique, however. Authorities in the neighboring Bavaria state raided a pensioner's home and arrested him for retweeting a meme that decried former Economy Minister Robert Habeck an "idiot." (Related: Police raid German pensioners home, drag him to court for retweeting meme mocking Green minister as "idiot".) The pensioner simply reposted a satirical image altering Habeck's likeness. But this did not sit well with the Bamberg PPO, who classified his act as "politically motivated right-wing crime" under federal hate speech laws. Germany's crackdown on political dissent These incidents, occurring under statutes originally designed to combat hate speech, raise urgent questions about whether Berlin's approach echoes the draconian censorship of its totalitarian past. Critics have decried the actions as an an alarming slide toward digital authoritarianism. The Bavarian pensioner's case also highlighted how German law enforcement applies disproportionate force against political dissent. The pensioner himself likened the raid to tactics employed by East Germany's Stasi, infamous for surveilling and punishing ideological opponents. The Alternative for Germany party condemned the arrest as proof of Habeck's intolerance for criticism. It warned in a post on X that Germany under his leadership would mean "complete restriction of freedom of expression." Historical parallels are impossible to ignore. The German Greens, Habeck's political party, now advocating for neighborhood "reporting centers" to flag offensive speech. This mirrors past regimes where citizens spied on one another to enforce ideological conformity. Courts have occasionally pushed back, as in the case of businessman Michael Much, whose satirical posters mocking Habeck were ruled protected speech. But such victories are rare. The message is clear: Speech laws protect the powerful, not the public. As digital dissenters face fines and SWAT-style raids, Germany's slide toward speech suppression invites scrutiny not just of its laws, but of whether it has truly learned the lessons of its 20th-century past. Watch this video about police in Germany raiding people's homes for insulting politicians. This video is from the What is happening channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Canada introduces horrifying retroactive hate speech law that punishes past speech and imprisons people deemed "likely" to commit a hate crime. Orwellian crackdown: Germany targets citizens for HATE SPEECH in dawn raids. Germany's war on free speech: Dawn raids and heavy fines for online "insults". Sources include: ReclaimTheNet.org Apollo-News.net RMX.news Brighteon.com Indonesia caves to US pressure, offers joint investment opportunity for critical minerals As the global push for electric vehicles accelerates, Indonesia is betting big on its nickel reserves to dominate the lithium-ion battery market but theres a critical catch. Despite a sprawling $10 billion government-backed project to create an integrated supply chain for EV batteries, the glaring absence of local lithium sources threatens to derail the entire operation. This glaring weakness has forced Jakarta to make urgent overtures to Washington, offering joint investments in critical mineral projects in a desperate bid to avoid crushing U.S. tariffs and secure American support. Indonesia has been scrambling to deregulate its trade policies, tear down its import barriers, and fast-track its negotiations before a July 9 deadlinewhen the White House could impose a devastating 32% tariff on Indonesian goods. Now, Indonesia is offering US critical minerals joint investment as part of tariff talks. Key points: Indonesias Karawang EV battery plant, a 5.9 billion joint venture with Chinese giant CATL, is just one part of a 10 billion plan to dominate lithium-ion battery production but the country lacks local lithium sources. The Indonesian government is offering the U.S. joint investments in brownfield critical mineral projects to entice Washington amid tense tariff negotiations. Despite holding the worlds largest nickel reserves, Indonesia must import up to 70,000 tons of lithium hydroxide annually to sustain its battery ambitions. President Prabowo Subianto has ordered sweeping deregulation to appease the U.S., including easing non-tariff barriers ahead of a July 9 deadline to avoid steep tariffs. The U.S. holds leverage as Indonesias top trading partner, with a $16.8 billion surplus in non-oil trade making tariff threats a powerful negotiation tool. The lithium dilemma: A supply chain built on borrowed time Lithium-ion batteries require more than just nickel and Indonesias inability to produce lithium domestically exposes a fatal flaw in its grand EV ambitions. The countrys nickel reserves may be vast, but without secure lithium supplies, its battery supply chain remains dangerously incomplete. This gap has left Jakarta vulnerable, forcing it to make concessions to the U.S. in exchange for tariff relief. Coordinating Economy Minister Airlangga Hartarto confirmed that American firms already operate within Indonesias copper sector (such as Freeport Indonesia), proving that U.S. investment in critical minerals is not unprecedented. But lithium remains the missing puzzle piece one that Indonesia hopes Washington will help solve. The Trump administration, wary of Chinas expanding influence in global battery production, may see an opportunity here. By investing in Indonesias nickel and copper sectors, the U.S. could counterbalance Beijings growing control but only if Jakarta makes further concessions. Playing the tariff game: Indonesias frantic deregulation push With the July 9 deadline looming, Indonesia is scrambling to dismantle trade barriers, relax import restrictions, and streamline regulations all in hopes of securing a favorable deal with Washington. These moves indicate Jakartas desperation to avoid the kind of tariffs that could cripple key export industries, including textiles, electronics, and palm oil. Airlangga Hartarto admitted that deregulation efforts are explicitly designed to placate the U.S., stating, [Deregulation] will be conducted in stages. There are measures weve already implemented, and others will depend on the outcome of the tariff negotiations. The Trump administrations hardline stance threatening tariffs as high as 50% has put Indonesias economic planners on high alert. If negotiations fail, the ripple effects could destabilize Southeast Asias largest economy, affecting everything from job markets to foreign investment. The U.S. isnt the only player in this game. Chinas dominance in Indonesias EV sector complicates Washingtons calculus. Should the U.S. walk away from Indonesias offer, Beijing will happily fill the vacuum further consolidating its grip on global battery supply chains. Indonesia, meanwhile, is trying to play both sides. Prabowos government has already pledged increased imports of U.S. food and fuel while courting American investors for critical mineral projects. But with Trumps July 9 ultimatum fast approaching, Jakarta has no choice but to bend further to Washingtons demands and offer a critical minerals deal. Sources include: Mining.com TheStar.com StraitsTimes.com Iran threatens FINAL WAR with Israel as Gaza ceasefire talks gain momentum Iran warns its next war with Israel will be its last, claiming its robust missile arsenal can overwhelm Israeli defenses amid rising U.S.-Iran tensions. U.S. brokered a fragile ceasefire after recent Israel-Iran attacks, but Tehran and Jerusalem remain poised for escalation. Netanyahu faces U.S. pressure to end Gaza war, with hints toward a hostage-ceasefire deal as internal Israeli debates intensify. Gazas humanitarian crisis deepens, with over 4,200 dead and Irans influence in Hamas prompting security concerns. Regional nuclear risks loom, as Irans uranium stockpile remains hidden and diplomatic channels remain closed. In an increasingly volatile Middle East, Iran has issued a stark warning that its next war with Israel will be its last, while the United States pressures Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to end the Gaza conflict through a hostage-ceasefire deal. Over the past month, Israel launched preemptive strikes against Irans nuclear and military sites, triggering Iranian retaliation with missiles and drones. Tensions continue to simmer as Netanyahu prepares to meet President Trump in Washington next week amid reports of progress toward a Gaza ceasefire. Iran: The last war or strategic overreach? An anonymous Iranian source revealed to RT that Tehran intends to make the next war with Israel its last, asserting advanced missile capabilities can overwhelm Israeli defenses. The Islamic Republics threats follow its June 13-25 conflict with Israel, in which it reportedly targeted Haifas oil refineries and Tel Avivs financial district with newly developed high-speed missiles. Iran claims its recent air strikes neutralized Israeli capabilities, but analysts caution threats may be exaggerated. Tehrans missile arsenalamong the largest in the regionhas evolved over decades with Russian and Chinese assistance, enabling strikes deep into the Arabian Peninsula and Israel. The source emphasized public unprecedented social support for confronting Israel, a sentiment amplified after U.S. strikes on Irans nuclear facilities last week. However, strategic divisions persist in Iran between patient technocrats and hardline Zaydis advocating more erratic aggression. One MP anonymously stated, Iran must build [a nuclear weapon] and act like the Israelis to rewrite the rules of war. The U.S. evacuated thousands of troops from Persian Gulf bases during the Iran-Israel clash, including a mystery aircraft retreat from Qatars Al Udeid airfield, signaling vulnerability to Iranian strikes. With nuclear talks suspended and disclosed uranium repositories missing, Irans long-term moves remain unpredictable. Netanyahus crossroads: Gaza ceasefire or dominate the battlefield? As Netanyahu departs for a July 7 White House meeting, reports surface of U.S.-backed hostage ceasefire progress. Trump vowed to be very firm with Netanyahu to end the war soon, a rare display of pressure given their close ties. Netanyahu, however, faces domestic tensions: his cabinet debated the Gaza campaigns future, with military chief Eyal Zamir clashing with ultranationalist ministers who support a full Gaza takeover. The U.S. proposal envisions a 60-day ceasefire exchanging 10 live hostages and 18 remains for a pause in hostilities, followed by permanent terms. Hamas showed cautious optimism but demanded phased hostage releases, fearing Netanyahu might abandon talks post-ceasefire. Netanyahu has privately endorsed the plan but insists Hamas must be strategically weakened firsta condition challenging without a Gaza conquest he calls impractical. Gazas humanitarian crisis worsens, with 500 killed in a hospital explosion and over one million displaced. Hamas, meanwhile, has expanded its ranks with 3,000 recruits, doubling its fighting force since October 7. The geopolitical chessboard: Iran, Gaza and Americas role The Iran-Israel-Gaza nexus poses profound risks. Trumps focus on a Gaza resolution aligns with traditional U.S. interests in limiting conflict but diverges from Netanyahus hardline posture. A failed ceasefire could inflame regional alliances, while Irans nuclear ambitions linger: leaked documents suggest Irans 60% enriched uranium remains stockpiled somewhere underground, unnerving U.S. intelligence. Historical context underscores the volatility. Since the 1980s, Iran-Israel enmity has shaped Middle Eastern politics, with Israels unyielding stance against a nuclear-armed Iran reinforced by Netanyahus claim that indefinite occupation [of Palestine] is unsustainable. Yet Israels tacticsaided by U.S. security tieshave drawn criticism from rights groups. Escalation or resolution? The regions future hinges on Tehran, Jerusalem and Washingtons choices. Irans bravado masks vulnerabilities, including U.S. airstrikes impact on its nuclear infrastructure. Israel, though militarily powerful, grapples with financial strain and rising global skepticism over its tactics. For Netanyahu, balancing U.S. pressure with internal demands will shape the path forward: a Gaza ceasefire could ease pressure, yet risks weakening Israels leverage. With both conflicts unresolved, the Middle East teeters on a precipicewhere deterrence and diplomacy might triumph, or where past cycles of violence dictate anew. Sources for this article include: RT.com Jacobin.com TimesofIsrael.com Crypto crime crackdown: Law enforcement busts investment fraud ring in Spain Law enforcement agencies from Europe and the U.S. arrested five individuals in Spain (Madrid and the Canary Islands) on June 25 for orchestrating a $542 million cryptocurrency investment scam involving over 5,000 victims worldwide. Led by Spain's Civil Guard and supported by Europol, the operation included assistance from law enforcement agencies from other countries. A crypto specialist aided in seizing accounts and tracing funds in real time. The fraudsters used shell companies, offshore accounts and payment gateways to launder stolen funds, funneling profits through cash withdrawals, bank transfers and crypto transactions. Much of the infrastructure was traced to Hong Kong. The bust highlights escalating AI-powered fraud, with Europol warning that crypto scams now surpass traditional organized crime in scale. Recent cases (e.g., U.S. DOJ seizing $225M in "pig butchering" schemes) reflect this trend. While a milestone, Europol stresses that transnational cooperation is critical to combat crypto fraud, which risks outpacing law enforcement capabilities due to its systemic, borderless nature. Law enforcement agencies from Europe and the United States busted an investment fraud ring in Spain, arresting five conspirators involved in the scheme. The European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation (Europol) confirmed the operation in a statement Monday, June 30. Two arrests were made Wednesday, June 25, in the Spanish capital Madrid, while three were taken into custody at the Canary Islands on the same day. The June 25 operation was led by the Spanish Civil Guard and supported by Europol, which began assisting Spanish law enforcement in 2023. The agency deployed a crypto specialist during the operation to assist in seizing accounts and tracing funds in real time. Other law enforcement agencies assisted in the operation including U.S. Homeland Security Investigations, Estonia's Police and Border Guard Board and the National Gendarmerie of France's overseas territory New Caledonia. The five individuals arrested that day were members of a sprawling criminal network accused of orchestrating a $542 million cryptocurrency investment fraud. The criminals relied on a labyrinth of shell companies, payment gateways and offshore accounts to launder stolen funds from more than 5,000 victims around the world. The scheme's operators reportedly used associates across multiple continents to funnel illicit profits through cash withdrawals, bank transfers and cryptocurrency transactions, with much of the infrastructure traced to Hong Kong. Investigators suspect the network exploited fake identities and crypto exchanges to obscure its activities a tactic mirrored in recent U.S. cases, including a $37 million scam linked to Cambodia. Europol: Crypto fraud now bigger than traditional crime The arrests Wednesday mark one of the largest crypto-related busts in European history and underscore the escalating threat of financial crimes driven by artificial intelligence (AI). They also arrive amid a global surge in crypto fraud, with Europol's 2025 crime threat assessment warning that online scams now eclipse traditional organized crime in scale and sophistication. AI-powered social engineering, coupled with lax regulations in jurisdictions like Hong Kong, has enabled fraudsters to target victims with unprecedented precision. Earlier in June, the U.S. Department of Justice seized $225 million tied to "pig butchering" schemes. These fraudulent operations involve scammers grooming victims into gradually increasing investments before vanishing with their funds. (Related: Crypto crime wave: U.S. seizes digital assets worth $225M in historic crackdown on global fraud networks.) Historically, such frauds echo the Wild West era of early crypto markets where weak oversight allowed Ponzi schemes like BitConnect to fleece billions. Yet today's scams are far more systemic, leveraging transnational networks and anonymizing tools. While the arrests signal progress, Europol cautions that without unified global enforcement, crypto fraud could soon outpace law enforcement's capacity to respond. For now, the case serves as both a warning and a rare victory in the fight against digital-age financial crime. Watch JD Rucker and Jonathan Rose discussing whether crypto or gold is a better investment in the time of U.S. President Donald Trump in this clip. This video is from the JD Rucker channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: CRYPTO WARNING: FBI arrests three men accused of running a $722 million cryptocurrency fraud scheme that allegedly defrauded thousands of "investors". Celebrity cryptocurrency schemes now earning felony fraud charges as DOJ cracks down on crypto scams. Founder of fraudulent crypto CONVICTED for stealing over $6 million from investors. "Cryptoqueen" becomes first crypto criminal on FBIs top 10 most wanted. Sources include: CoinTelegraph.com Europol.Europa.eu HelpNetSecurity.com Brighteon.com Mexican cartel hacker tracked FBI agents moves via phone and surveillance cameras, killed informants A Sinaloa cartel hacker infiltrated an FBI agents phone and tracked their movements using Mexico Citys surveillance cameras, leading to the murders of informants. The breach occurred during the FBIs El Chapo investigation, exposing how cartels now use advanced surveillance tech to retaliate against law enforcement. Hacked geolocation data and city cameras allowed the cartel to pinpoint informants, marking a catastrophic failure in FBI operational security. U.S. agencies warn that commercially available surveillance tools pose an "existential" threat as cartels employ cyber warfare and cryptocurrency experts. The Trump administrations crackdown on cartels as terrorist organizations has escalated tensions with Mexico, revealing how tech has turned cartels into paramilitary forces. A hacker affiliated with Mexicos notorious Sinaloa cartel infiltrated an FBI agents phone records, monitored their movements using Mexico Citys surveillance cameras, and enabled cartel assassins to hunt down and murder key government informants. The shocking incident, detailed in a Department of Justice (DOJ) Inspector General report, occurred in 2018 during the FBIs high-stakes investigation into Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, exposing how criminal syndicates now exploit cutting-edge technology to undermine U.S. intelligence operations. The breach raises urgent concerns about federal agencies' ability to protect their operatives and sources in an era where drug cartels wield surveillance tools once reserved for nation-states. As the Trump administration escalates its war against Mexican cartels by labeling them terrorist organizations, this infiltration proves that sophisticated cybercrime isn't the sole domain of rogue governments; its weaponized by brutal narcotraffickers with a license to kill. Hacker weaponized FBI agents phone and city cameras According to the DOJ report, a cyber operative working for the Sinaloa cartel remotely hacked into the phone of an FBI assistant legal attache stationed at the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City. Once inside, the hacker gained access not only to the agents call logs but also real-time geolocation data, effectively transforming the FBI phone into a tracking beacon. But the cartel didnt stop there. Leveraging the hacked geolocation information, the cyber operative tapped into Mexico Citys extensive CCTV surveillance networkan infrastructure already used for public safetyto visually track the FBI agents movements and identify anyone they met with. The cartel used that information to intimidate and, in some instances, kill potential sources or cooperating witnesses, the report stated. While the DOJ did not disclose the exact number of murdered informants, the breach marked a catastrophic failure in operational security. The FBI agents identity remains undisclosed, as does the hackers, although the incident underscores how easily cartels exploit modern tech to retaliate against law enforcement. Surveillance tech: An existential threat to FBI operations The DOJs findings emphasize that advances in surveillance technology, particularly when it comes to commercially available systems, pose an existential risk to intelligence operations, according to FBI and CIA officials cited in the report. Once limited to elite spy agencies, tools like geotracking, AI-driven facial recognition, and urban surveillance cameras are now accessible to global criminal enterprises. This infiltration took place during the FBIs efforts to dismantle El Chapos empire, a case that culminated in 2019 with the drug lords life sentence in the U.S. Yet, despite his imprisonment, the Sinaloa cartel persists, marshaling younger, tech-savvy leadership and adapting to U.S. counter-narcotics tactics. As one senior DEA official noted in the report, cartels now employ personnel specializing in cryptocurrency transactions and cyber warfare in tactics that blur the line between organized crime and paramilitary insurgency. U.S. escalates crackdown amid strained Mexico relations The Trump administration has taken aggressive measures against cartels, designating groups like Sinaloa as Foreign Terrorist Organizations and imposing sanctions on financial institutions accused of laundering cartel money. Trump has even floated missile strikes on cartel drug labsa proposal met with sharp resistance from Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, who warns against undermining national sovereignty. Meanwhile, the CIA has reportedly deployed drones over Mexican territory to monitor cartel operations, further straining diplomatic relations. However, it is becoming increasingly clear that cartels are no longer just trafficking syndicates; they are tech-empowered criminal militaries capable of counterintelligence warfare. The DOJ report serves as a dire warning. If cartels can compromise FBI communications and hunt informants using municipal cameras and off-the-shelf spyware, the U.S. government must urgently reassess its digital defenses. Surveillance proliferation has eroded traditional espionage safeguards, turning once-covert operations into perilous gambits where informants lives hang in the balance. As Americas drug war enters a digital battleground, protecting agents and those who risk their lives to help them requires more than firepower. It demands an intelligence revolution capable of outmaneuvering cartels in cyberspace before more lives are lost. In the war against narcoterrorism, technology is both the greatest weapon and the most dangerous vulnerability. Sources for this article include: RT.com NYPost.com CNN.com North Korean IT workers infiltrate U.S. firms, funnel millions into weapons programs in massive fraud scheme North Korea infiltrated more than 100 U.S. companies using fake identities, siphoning millions to fund weapons programs through remote IT jobs. A New Jersey man and co-conspirators set up elaborate schemes, including shell companies and laptop farms, to disguise North Korean workers as U.S.-based employees. Stolen funds exceeded $5 million in one case, while sensitive military and corporate data was pilfered from victim companies. The DOJ seized laptops, domains, and financial accounts but warned this is only a fraction of North Koreas global cyber operations. The case highlights vulnerabilities in remote hiring, with companies failing to verify identities despite red flags like avoiding video calls. North Korea has weaponized the global remote work economy, deploying an army of IT workers under false identities to infiltrate over 100 American companies, including Fortune 500 firms, and siphon millions into its illicit weapons programs. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) unveiled a sweeping crackdown this week, arresting a New Jersey man and seizing laptop farms, shell companies, and financial accounts used to conceal what prosecutors call a "massive campaign" of sanctions evasion and corporate espionage. The scheme, which lasted from 2021 to 2024, exploited the trust of U.S. employers who believed they were hiring legitimate remote workers. In reality, these employees were North Korean operatives logging in from abroad, using stolen American identities and sophisticated tech setups to disguise their locations. Their paychecks, totaling over $5 million in one case alone, were funneled back to Pyongyang to bankroll nuclear ambitions while sensitive proprietary data, including military technology, was pilfered. How the scheme worked At the heart of the fraud was Zhenxing Danny Wang, a U.S. national arrested in New Jersey and charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, money laundering, and identity theft. Wang and his co-conspiratorssix Chinese nationals and two Taiwanese citizens still at largebuilt an elaborate facade. They created shell companies with professional-looking websites and bank accounts to lend credibility to fake job applicants. These operatives then impersonated over 80 Americans to secure remote IT positions. To evade detection, they used "laptop farms" across 14 U.S. statesclusters of company-issued devices connected to hardware like keyboard-video-mouse (KVM) switches, allowing North Korean workers to remotely control computers while appearing to log in from U.S. IP addresses. "Thousands of North Korean cyber operatives have been trained and deployed by the regime to blend into the global digital workforce and systematically target U.S. companies," warned U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley. The damage extended beyond stolen wages: victim companies faced $3 million in losses from legal fees, data breach repairs, and compromised intellectual property. In one upsetting example, the hackers stole export-controlled military technology from a California defense contractor specializing in AI-powered equipment. In another, they swiped $740,000 from a Georgia-based blockchain firm. A global threat hiding in plain sight The DOJs indictments lay bare North Koreas reliance on shadow networks to bypass sanctions. Assistant Attorney General John Eisenberg stressed these schemes "target and steal from U.S. companies and are designed to evade sanctions and fund the North Korean regimes illicit programs, including its weapons programs." But the case also exposes the vulnerabilities of a digitized workforce. Despite red flags like employees refusing video calls or providing fraudulent documentation, many companies failed to verify identities thoroughly. The North Koreans success hinged on enablers within the U.S., including Wangs team, who received at least $696,000 for aiding the scheme. Separately, four North Korean nationalsKim Kwang Jin, Kang Tae Bok, Jong Pong Ju, and Choe Nam IIwere indicted for stealing $900,000 in cryptocurrency from U.S. and Serbian firms. Using Malaysian passports, they laundered funds through overseas accounts, underscoring the regimes global financial pipelines. The crackdown The FBIs June raids spanning 21 locations seized 137 laptops, 70 remote access devices, and 21 domains tied to the operation. Agents also froze 29 financial accounts laundering proceeds for Pyongyang. Yet the DOJ acknowledges this is just a fraction of North Koreas operations. A 2023 case involved an Arizona woman compromising identities at 300 companies, including a Silicon Valley tech giant and a major automaker. Another implicated a Tennessee man helping North Koreans pose as U.S. citizens. ""The threat posed by DPRK operatives is both real and immediate," Foley emphasized. The DOJs actions are a reminder of the blurred lines between economic competition and cyber warfare. While prosecutors vow to "relentlessly" protect U.S. businesses, the case raises urgent questions: How many other sanctioned regimes are exploiting remote work loopholes? And will corporations act to tighten hiring safeguards? Sources for this article include: TheNationalPulse.com TechCrunch.com CNN.com FoxNews.com Groundbreaking study exposes EPAs failure to protect babies from NITRATE contamination A new study in PLOS Water reveals that even trace nitrate levels (one percent of the EPA's 10 mg/L limit) are linked to premature births and underweight babies, contradicting decades-old safety assurances. The EPA's nitrate standard, based solely on preventing "blue baby syndrome," ignores risks to fetal development. Research shows harm at 0.1 mg/L, yet federal limits remain unchanged since 1992. Nitrate pollution, driven by agricultural runoff, affects water supplies nationwide. Private wells (serving 43 million Americans) lack oversight, exposing families to rising contamination levels. Nitrates disrupt placental function early in pregnancy, depriving fetuses of oxygen comparable to 15 percent of prenatal smoking's harm. Damage often occurs before mothers realize they're pregnant. Experts urge annual water testing, reverse osmosis filters and regenerative farming to reduce exposure. Critics accuse the EPA of prioritizing industry over health, as local leaders push for stricter policies. For decades, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has assured Americans that drinking water containing up to 10 milligrams per liter (mg/L) of nitrates is safe. But a groundbreaking new study shatters that claim. In a study published June 25 in PLOS Water, researchers revealed that even trace amounts as low as one percent of the EPA's limit are linked to premature births and underweight babies. The study authors analyzed over 350,000 Iowa birth records from 1970 to 1988, finding undeniable harm at levels regulators have long ignored. With nitrate contamination worsening nationwide, this study forces a reckoning: How many generations have been put at risk by outdated policies? Led by Dr. Jason Semprini of Des Moines University, the study connects prenatal nitrate exposure to a 0.66 percentage-point increase in preterm births at just 0.1 mg/L a fraction of the EPA's 10 mg/L threshold. Worse, exposure to five mg/L raised low birth weight risks by 0.33 percentage points. These findings aren't isolated, as similar research from California and Texas has echoed the dangers. Yet federal standards remain unchanged since 1992. (Related: Nitrate in drinking water increases the risk of colorectal cancer, according to study.) The EPA's limit was never designed to protect fetal development. It was based solely on preventing "blue baby syndrome," a rare but deadly infant condition. Meanwhile, mounting evidence suggests nitrates disrupt placental function in the first month of pregnancy often before women know they're expecting. A national crisis, not just an Iowa problem While Iowa's agricultural runoff makes it a hotspot, nitrate contamination spans the United States. Industrial farming practices, heavily reliant on synthetic fertilizers, have poisoned water supplies from Nebraska to Texas. The study's data, ending in 1988, showed nitrate levels rising eight percent annually. With no meaningful regulation since, todays contamination is likely far worse. Private wells serving 43 million Americans are especially vulnerable. Unlike municipal systems, they face no federal oversight, leaving families unknowingly exposed. The science is clear: Nitrates starve developing fetuses of oxygen, akin to 15 percent of the harm caused by prenatal smoking. Yet while anti-smoking campaigns are ubiquitous, nitrate risks are buried. Early pregnancy when organs form is the most critical window. By the time mothers seek prenatal care, damage may already be done. Despite decades of research, the EPA last reviewed nitrate standards in 2022 and declined to revise them. Critics argue the agency prioritizes agricultural interests over public health. Iowas own water utilities, bound by EPA rules, insist their water is "safe"yet the study proves otherwise. Local leaders like Polk County Supervisor Matt McCoy are pushing for action. A county-commissioned water quality report set for release July 1 may fuel demands for stricter policies. "The nitrate in our water has been increasing for about 40 years now," Semprini lamented. Until regulators wake up, experts urge testing water annually, especially for private well users. Reverse osmosis filters, the only systems proven to remove nitrates, are critical. Boiling water should be avoided as it concentrates contaminants. Supporting regenerative farming can also help reduce fertilizer runoff. This study isn't just about water, it's about accountability. For 30 years, the EPA has dismissed evidence that its standards endanger the most vulnerable. Now, with preterm births rising and fertility rates collapsing, the cost of inaction is undeniable. Visit Pollution.news for more similar stories. Watch this video about creating a rainwater collection system. This video is from the SHTFPrepping101 channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Tap water in Illinois is polluted with high levels of nitrate from the GMO corn belt. Chemical manufacturer nearly poisons water supply of Michigan town. Is your areas water supply prone to fluoride hacking? Sources include: NaturalHealth365.com Medicalxpress.com KCCI.com Brighteon.com Trump announces Israel agrees to US-backed 60-day Gaza ceasefire, urges Hamas to accept final proposal President Trump announced a U.S.-brokered 60-day ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, with Qatar and Egypt mediating the final terms. The deal hinges on Hamas releasing Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and a temporary halt to Israels offensive. Hamas signaled cautious openness but insists any agreement must guarantee a full end to the war and Israeli withdrawal. The U.S. faces criticism for releasing funds to Iran, Hamas's primary backer, and intelligence failures preceding the October 7 attacks. Gazas humanitarian crisis worsens as diplomatic efforts intensify, with starvation, disease, and aid-related clashes escalating. President Trump has announced that Israel has agreed to a U.S.-brokered 60-day ceasefire, with mediators Qatar and Egypt preparing to deliver the final terms to Hamas. The announcement, made via Truth Social, signaled a potential breakthrough in the nine-month conflict that has claimed more than 56,000 Palestinian lives and left hundreds of Israeli hostages in militant hands. "I hope, for the good of the Middle East, that Hamas takes this Deal, because it will not get better IT WILL ONLY GET WORSE," Trump warned Hamas, emphasizing the urgency of accepting the deal ahead of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus scheduled White House visit on July 7. The proposal hinges on the release of remaining Israeli captives in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and a temporary halt to Israels military offensive. The ceasefire framework emerges after months of stalled negotiations and escalating violence, including recent Israeli airstrikes that killed Hamas combat support chief Hakham Muhammad Issa Al-Issa, a key architect of the October 7 massacre. While Israel insists that any lasting peace requires Hamass disarmament, the militant group has repeatedly refused to surrender, demanding a full Israeli withdrawal and an end to the war. Hamas official Taher al-Nunu struck a cautious tone, telling reporters the group was "ready and serious regarding reaching an agreement" but only if it guarantees "the complete end to the war." Meanwhile, Netanyahus adviser Ron Dermer met with U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance, to finalize details. International pressure mounts The U.S. faces mounting scrutiny over its handling of the conflict, with critics highlighting the $6 billion in funds released to IranHamass primary patronas a destabilizing factor. Hamass cross-border raids on October 7, which killed 1,200 Israelis, were preceded by warnings from Egyptian intelligence, sparking accusations of intelligence failures. Trumps intervention aims to reset the trajectory, leveraging Qatar and Egypts influence as mediators. Yet skepticism remains: Previous truces collapsed within weeks, and Israels defense minister warned of retaliatory strikes after intercepting missiles fired from Yemen and Gaza. Humanitarian catastrophe deepens As diplomatic efforts intensify, Gazas 1.1 million displaced civilians face starvation and unchecked disease. The UN warns that Israels blockade has crippled medical infrastructure, while the controversial U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) stands accused of enabling violence near aid distribution points, with more than 500 Palestinians killed in clashes. "The international community must act decisively," urged Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, condemning Irans nuclear ambitions even as Tehran suspended cooperation with UN inspectors following U.S. strikes on its facilities. For Hamas, the ceasefire presents a dilemma: Accept a deal that falls short of its maximalist demands or risk further devastation. Israel, meanwhile, faces growing isolation over its military tactics, with the International Court of Justice probing allegations of genocide. As Gazas health ministry reports 14 more deaths in Wednesdays strikes, the window for peace narrows. The proposed ceasefire offers a glimmer of hope, but its success hinges on Hamass willingness to relinquish its grip on Gaza and Israels capacity to temper its campaign. With Netanyahus White House visit looming, many are wondering if this latest push can finally end a war that has redefined the Middle Easts fractures. Sources for this article include: TheEpochTimes.com Reuters.com TheGuardian.com Trump to promote the pilots behind Operation Midnight Hammer at 4th of July Celebration The B-2 Spirit, a cornerstone of U.S. strategic air power, exemplifies unmatched capabilities in stealth, precision strike, and long-range operations. The B-2s low-observable design enables it to penetrate heavily defended airspace undetected, a critical advantage when targeting Irans dispersed and fortified nuclear sites like Fordow or Natanz. Equipped with advanced radar-absorbent materials and optimized flight profiles, the bomber evaded Iranian air defenses, including Russian-made S-300 systems. Its payload capacity (up to 40,000 lbs) allows for a mix of bunker-busting munitions (e.g., GBU-57 MOP) and precision-guided bombs to ensure target destruction while minimizing collateral damage. Operating from bases like Diego Garcia or even the continental U.S., the B-2s global reach (6,000+ nautical miles unrefueled) enables strikes without reliance on regional allies. Aerial refueling extends this range, allowing for round-trip missions. This self-sufficiency was pivotal during Operation Midnight Hammer, reducing the need for basing permissions near the conflict zone, and allowing for precision strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities. At the center of the White House Fourth of July celebration this year, President Donald Trump will welcome the B-2 Spirit pilots behind Operation Midnight Hammer. The pilots heroically took out Irans nuclear facilities just a few weeks ago. The administration hails the mission as a triumph of American stealth and precision, yet lingering doubts persist: Was the strike as devastating as claimed, or is this a theatrical encore meant to overshadow inconvenient truths? Key points: The White House will host B-2 pilots and personnel from Whiteman Air Force Base, featuring a high-profile flyover of the same stealth bombers used in the Iran strike. President Trump insists the operation "obliterated" Irans nuclear program, contradicting preliminary intelligence suggesting minimal long-term damage. Security experts warn that publicly showcasing the pilots risks exposing their identities, making them potential targets for retaliation. The missions complexity36 hours of nonstop flight, mid-air refuelings, and strategic decoysreveals Americas commitment to preemptive strikes, despite the dangers of escalation. Skepticism grows as international observers, including the IAEA, confirm "severe" but not total destruction of Irans nuclear capabilities. A spotlight on bravery The B-2 Spirita $2 billion marvel of stealth technologyis designed to evade detection, slipping past enemy radars like a ghost. Yet on Friday, its pilots will be anything but invisible. The White Houses decision to parade these operatives before the public raises pressing security concerns. "Youre putting a target on their backs," warns retired Colonel Rob Manning, a former stealth mission planner. "These men thrive in secrecy; now theyre being turned into political props." The Pentagons own protocols typically shield covert operatives from exposure, but Trumps eagerness to claim victory has overridden such caution. Even Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth lamented leaks undermining the pilots achievements, yet here they are, thrust into the limelight. The irony is palpable: a mission built on invisibility now ends in a fireworks-lit spectacle. While the pilots deserve to be recognized and July 4th celebrations are a perfect time to celebrate American independence, questions remain. The contradictions of "total obliteration" Trumps insistence that Irans nuclear facilities were "obliterated" clashes with assessments from both Pentagon insiders and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Rafael Mariano Grossi, the IAEAs chief, acknowledged "severe damage" but stopped short of confirming irreversible destruction. Preliminary intel suggests Tehran could rebuild within monthsa far cry from the "decades" Trump boasts about. This dissonance mirrors post-9/11 narratives, where definitive claims outpaced evidence. Then, as now, emotional visualsexploding bunkers, stunned reactionsovershadowed scrutiny. But skeptics recall how quickly "slam-dunk" intelligence crumbled under scrutiny. Were these strikes truly decisive, or merely a costly display of force? Trumps approach embraces spectacle over subterfugea strategy that may embolden adversaries rather than intimidate them. As B-2s streak over Washington this Fourth of July, the world watches not just the planes, but the precarious game being played before them. But it's the Fourth of July this weekend and Iran's nuclear program is shuttered, so what a perfect time to sit back, take pride, and enjoy the celebration... Sources include: TheHill.com EconomicTimes.com CBSNews.com AtlanticCouncil.org ATF on the chopping block: Trumps DOGE team moves to gut gun regulations, restore Second Amendment rights As the Democrat's war on gun owners continues to unravel, a bold new initiative from President Donald Trumps Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is poised to dismantle decades of unconstitutional ATF overreach . The bureau, once a mundane tax-collecting agency, has morphed into an armed enforcement wing targeting lawful gun owners under the guise of "public safety." Now, Trumps DOGE is fighting back slashing regulations, defanging bureaucrats, and restoring the constitutional right to bear arms without oppressive federal interference. Key points: The DOGE team, led by ATF General Counsel Robert Leider, aims to revise or eliminate up to 50 firearm regulations, with a symbolic deadline of July 4. Proposed changes include simplifying background check forms, reducing ATFs surveillance of gun dealers, and overturning Biden-era rules like the arm brace ban. Critics claim loosening restrictions will empower criminals, but supporters argue it corrects decades of agency mission creep, protecting law-abiding citizens from bureaucratic harassment. The Trump administration has already moved to cut ATFs inspector workforce by two-thirds, with some Republicans pushing to abolish the agency entirely. From tax collectors to armed enforcers: The ATFs disturbing evolution What began as a Depression-era tax bureau under the Treasury Department has metastasized into a rogue enforcement agency with a history of lethal overreachfrom Ruby Ridge to Waco. The ATFs expansion accelerated under Biden, weaponizing minor paperwork errors to shutter gun stores and pushing arbitrary rules like reclassifying pistol braces as illegal under the National Firearms Act. DOGEs crackdown reverses this trend, rejecting the ATFs self-appointed role as legislator, judge, and enforcer. The Constitution empowers Congress to write laws, not unaccountable bureaucrats, a DOGE insider told The Washington Post. By revoking Bidens import bans, redundant background checks, and red-flag programs, DOGE aims to refocus the agency on prosecuting violent criminalsnot harassing dealers over clerical errors. Central to DOGEs mission is ending the ATFs covert gun registrya longstanding fear of Second Amendment advocates. Though federal law bars a national database, the ATFs National Tracing Center has exploited loopholes, digitizing millions of records from defunct dealers. Leaked documents reveal the agency traced 4.2 million firearms in 2022 alone, often without criminal investigations. Under DOGEs plan, digitized records would be purged, and background checks streamlined by consolidating repetitive questions on mental health, drug use, and military history into a single prompt. The revised Form 4473 would shrink from seven pages to three, cutting bureaucratic hurdles for lawful buyers while maintaining felony prohibitions. Bidens failed war on gun owners The Biden administrations war on gun owners intensified between 2021-2024, with aggressive policies targeting lawful firearm sales under the guise of "gun safety." The ATFs new "zero tolerance" policy, enacted in 2021, resulted in hundreds of Federal Firearms License (FFL) revocationsoften for minor clerical errorswhile actual violent crime surged. Bidens DOJ pushed expanded background checks and sought to redefine private sellers as dealers under the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA). However, multiple courts blocked these overreaches. In Mock v. Garland (2023), a federal judge struck down ATF restrictions on pistol braces, exposing Bidens abuse of regulatory power. The administrations failure was further exposed when the FBIs own data showed that armed citizens stopped more crimes than Bidens new rules prevented. Democrats push for an "assault weapons" ban stalled in Congress, while states like Texas and Florida expanded constitutional carrydirectly countering Bidens agenda. Even Bidens attempt to pressure banks into defunding gun dealers backfired, as GOP-led states passed laws protecting firearm businesses from financial discrimination. Despite the ATFs harassment of FFLs, shootings in Democrat-run cities like Chicago and Baltimore continued to rise, proving that targeting legal gun owners does nothing to stop crime. Bidens 11-15% drop in FFLs (per the ATFs own data) only fueled the black market, while raids on law-abiding dealerslike the infamous 2022 raid on Toms Gun Depotgenerated public backlash without convicting a single violent felon. Meanwhile, soft-on-crime policies like reduced bail for gun offenders (as seen in New York) undermined trust in Democrat-led "gun control." The administrations most glaring contradiction? Pushing felony charges for paperwork errors while slashing penalties for actual firearm crimeshighlighting this isn't about safety, but control. Now it's time for DOGE to take a jackhammer to the ATF's power and control. Sources include: YourNews.com WashingtonPost.com AmericasFirstFreedom.org Gizmodo.com U.K. government calls for increased family formation amid record low birthrates The U.K.s fertility rate hit a record low of 1.44 children per woman in 2023, far below the replacement rate of 2.1. U.K.'s Secretary of State for Education and Minister for Women and Equalities Bridget Phillipson urges young Britons to have more children, citing childcare costs, housing affordability and workforce instability as deterrents. Labour plans to expand childcare hours and establish school-based nurseries, aiming to reduce financial burdens on families. Critics, including Reform UKs Nigel Farage and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, highlight migration policies and austerity as exacerbating falling birthrates. Demographers warn that continued decline could lead to a shrinking workforce, elevated national debt and shifting demographic makeup by 2063. U.K.'s Secretary of State for Education and Minister for Women and Equalities Bridget Phillipson has issued a direct appeal to young Britons to consider starting families, citing plummeting birthrates as a threat to Britains future. With fertility rates hitting a historic low of 1.44 children per woman in 2023the lowest since records began in 1938Phillipson emphasized that high costs, housing insecurity and an underfunded childcare system have driven families to abandon traditional aspirations. Her remarks, published in The Telegraph and echoed in policy plans, frame the crisis as both an economic liability and a matter of societal morale, urging broader cultural support for parenthood. Policy solutions to ease the burden on families The Labour governments strategy centers on expanding childcare access and affordability. Starting in September, working parents of toddlers will gain access to up to 30 hours of free weekly childcare, doubling the current 15-hour entitlement. The plan allocates 4,000 additional school-based nursery places, leveraging underused school buildings to reduce costs. Phillipson framed this as empowering parents to balance career choices and family size, while critics like Reform UKs Nigel Farage argue austerity measures and the two-child benefit cap continue stifling growth. Families shouldnt have to choose between a mortgage or a nursery spot, Phillipson said in her article, stressing that systemic support could revive parenthood as a viable life path. She contrasted Labours approach with conservative policies, accusing predecessors of ignoring the dreams of a generation deterred by financial fear. Global comparisons and demographic dangers Britains decline mirrors broader Western patterns, but some nations are countering the trend. Hungarys Viktor Orban has implemented lifetime tax breaks for mothers of multiple children, framing low birthrates as a suicide for cultures rejecting traditional pro-natalist values. Similarly, French President Emmanuel Macron introduced free fertility checks for young adults to encourage early parenthooda stark contrast to U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who has resisted dictating birth plans. The stakes are dire: the Office for Budget Responsibility warns that sustained sub-replacement fertility will force the U.K. to rely on mass migration to offset an aging workforce, forecasting a population decline without policy action. The clash on immigrations role The push for higher birthrates reignites debates over immigrations role. The users provided knowledge base highlights the U.K.s Healthy Start initiative, providing vouchers for low-income families, as an example of prioritizing child welfare. Yet Phillipsons stanceamplified by demographic reports like Prof. Matt Goodwins 2063 minority projectionunderscores anxiety that immigration is seen as a quick fix for labor shortages, rather than addressing systemic barriers to parenthood. This isnt about replacing anyone, Phillipson wrote. Its about ensuring Britons themselves lead the progress of their nation, raising the next generation in thriving communities, not fracturing ones. A pledge to safeguard Britains family-friendly future Britains fertility crisis transcends statistics; it is a cultural reckoning over whether society values family life enough to remove practical obstacles. Phillipsons appeal, while rooted in pragmatic policy changes, also carries an implicit nod to history: nations that forget childrens needs risk losing their identity. With childcare expansions and debates raging over immigrations balance, the governments success may hinge on transforming rhetoric into real relief. As Phillipson put it, The freedom to choose family is the freedom to choose hopeand thats ours to rebuild. Sources for this article include: Breitbart.com TheIndependent.com TheTelegraph.com After saving a town that wouldnt step in to help him, Gary Cooper followed up his Oscar-winning turn in High Noon with another dusty sagebrush Western, Springfield Rifle. Directed by the cycloptic visionary Andre De Toth, the film is a clever blend of genres, offering Civil War action, Old West-style rustling, political intrigue, and a smattering of romance for extra flavor. Its certainly not Gary Coopers best film, nor is it De Toths finest, but its a slick adventure worth riding the trail for. In this film, Gary Cooper shines his boots as Union Cavalryman Major Lex Kearney. With the war between the Union and the Confederacy raging on, his frontier post is tasked with bringing in thousands of fresh horses for the war effort. But somehow, Confederate-backed bushwackers always remain three steps ahead, outflanking every delivery and making off with each herd. On the latest drive, Kearney is faced against a far superior attacking force. Rather than risk the lives of his men, he abandons the herd. Drummed out for cowardice by career-focused Captain Tennick (Philip Carey), Kearney must find a way to figure out how the Union is being betrayed and clear his name. Theres more to Springfield Rifle than that, but plot-wise, thats all you need to know without drifting into serious spoiler territory. Overall, this is a fun, fine Western adventure - but its not altogether surprising. As the film centers around the internal spycraft and intrigue of Civil War strategy, theres a mystery angle that is tantalizing, but it feels undercooked. Plot and character reveal amount to well, who else is left to be the bad guy? Then theres the title focusing on a historically important piece of military hardware. Its a point thats brought up early, forgotten about for 90% of the film, and then brought up again as a matter of plot armor and title justification in time for the climax. But, faults aside, this is an enjoyable excursion. Frank James Cooper delivers his standard Gary Cooper performance. Affable and fearless, Cooper shines in another standup role as Kearney. Philip Carey chews into his role as Tennick, enjoying his time as the internal antagonist with extra menace. Phyllis Thaxter is fine as Kearneys semi-estranged wife Erin, but its a relatively thankless role. Theres a romance angle because every film of the period needed a romance angle, not because it actually serves a purpose in the story. For some extra flavor, Lon Cheny Jr. chimes in as one of the rustlers, and you can spot Alan Hale Jr. in the mix, too. The standout uncredited role goes to Fess Parker in a pre-Davey Crockett role as one of the bushwackers. Ultimately, the enjoyment of Springfield Rifle rests on Andre De Toth. This isnt his finest Western, but its an energetic piece. De Toth knew when and how to exploit suspense beats and character relationships so that this thin thread of a plot had some urgency, leading to some exciting action beats. These sequences are beautifully staged with an impeccable sense of the "where" for the performers to occupy. The wrap-up might be a little too neatly knit together for some genre fans out there, but its a fitting conclusion for a story thats in and out in under 95 minutes. Vital Disc Stats: The 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Springfield Rifle takes a shot at Blu-ray with a single-disc release from Warner Archive. Pressed on a BD50 disc, the disc is housed in a standard Blu-ray case replicating the classic poster artwork. The disc loads to a static image main menu with standard navigation options. Sorry, something doesn't look right. Something seems unusual about your device or browser. Please contact support. With the deal now closed, work begins in earnest to integrate Juniper into HPE. As part of the deal, there is a new HPE Networking business unit, led by former Juniper CEO Rami Rahim, which will contain the operating units of both HPE Aruba and HPE Juniper. The plan is to retain both brands, as the company continues to see value in them. What isnt yet entirely clear is precisely how the new combined portfolio will shake out. This is day one, and were just getting started, Rahim said during a press conference about the close of the deal. But I can tell you, my objective here as the leader of this combined networking business is to build the best networking business, really on the planet, one thats founded in innovation, and we plan on doing this first by starting to focus on our customers and partners. Department of Justice mandates Mist AI licensing, forces Aruba Instant On divestiture While the precise reworking of the HPE Networking portfolio is being determined, what is clear is how HPE is responding to concerns from the US Department of Justice (DOJ). The DOJs antitrust review resulted in two specific requirements that will directly impact the technical roadmap and competitive positioning of the merged entity. Champaign, IL (61820) Today Partial cloudiness early, with scattered showers and thunderstorms during the afternoon. High 88F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%.. Tonight Rain showers this evening with overcast skies overnight. Low 67F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%. John Trumbulls famous oil-on-canvas painting Declaration of Independence, commissioned in 1817, placed in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda in 1826 and featured on the back of the $2 bill, depicts not the approval of the final version of the document on July 4, 1776, which is marked as the United States Independence Day, nor the actual signing of the document, which took place on Aug. 2, but the Committee of Five presenting the first draft of the document to the rest of the Second Continental Congress on June 28 at Independence Hall in Philadelphia. It also does not depict a real scene, as Trumbull was trying to capture as many signers as possible, and because the document was debated and signed over a period of time in which membership in Congress changed, the men depicted were never all in the same room at the same time. In The Gambia, a small country in West Africa, 1 in 10 newborns have a low birth weight less than 5.5 pounds and face daunting challenges. They are more likely to die within a month of birth or in their first year, and they experience higher rates of physical and cognitive impairment and higher risks of developing chronic health issues throughout their lives. But there is a solution: More prenatal checkups support improved birth outcomes. That is a key finding of a new study co-authored by University of Notre Dame researchers, which provides new causal evidence from The Gambia that can help improve the health of newborns. The study was published in PLOS Global Public Health. Newborn health, measured by birth weight, is an important marker that not only reflects an infant's immediate well-being but also predicts future health and development. Our study found that more prenatal checkups produce better birth outcomes, and these findings can inform policies that will prioritize the health of mothers and their newborn children. Santosh Kumar Gautam, co-author, associate professor of development and global health economics and director of doctoral studies in sustainable development for the University of Notre Dames Keough School of Global Affairs Previous studies in other contexts have shown a causal link between prenatal checkups and improved birth outcomes, Gautam said. Within The Gambia, previous studies had shown an association between checkups and outcomes, but there was limited empirical evidence estimating the causal effects these checkups have on low birth weight. However, in this latest study, Notre Dame researchers moved beyond correlation to demonstrate a causal link, Gautam said. The study analyzed data on more than 4,400 births from the 2019-20 Gambian Demographic and Health Survey. Researchers found that each prenatal checkup was associated with a small increase in birth weight about .77 ounces and a 1.2 percent reduction in low birth weight, Gautam said. But Gautam stressed that prenatal checkups had a cumulative effect: Mothers who had four or more prenatal checkups were 3.9 percent less likely to have a newborn with low birth weight than mothers who had fewer than four checkups. The average treatment effect for having four or more checkups was a 2.5-ounce increase in birth weight and a 4.7 percent reduction in the incidence of low birth weight. Gautam said these improvements would help to reduce deaths within the first month and the first year after birth. Prenatal checkups play a vital role in detecting and managing conditions like intrauterine growth restriction, Gautam said, which occurs when a baby does not grow at the expected rate during pregnancy. The interventions delivered during these visits, including iron and folic acid supplementation and ongoing education about healthy behaviors, can target the causes of low fetal growth and ensure babies have a healthy weight at birth, he said. Gautam co-authored the study with Alasana Suso, a 2024 graduate of the Keough School's Master of Global Affairs program, and Elizabeth Wood, associate professor of the practice and director of the Master of Science in Global Health program within the University's Eck Institute for Global Health. The research is part of the larger work that the Eck Institute for Global Health does to address the critical healthcare needs of pregnant and postpartum women and their children. Through its Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Initiative, the institute fosters interdisciplinary collaborations and inspires advancements to improve health outcomes around the world. The research is also part of larger work by the Keough School to address issues relating to global poverty and inequality. Gautam and Wood said future research should examine the comprehensiveness and quality of prenatal checkups to determine which components most effectively support fetal growth and neonatal survival in resource-constrained settings such as The Gambia. Ultimately, researchers said, this study and new work that builds on it can provide additional evidence that will inform public health policy and improve birth outcomes. Our findings are especially valuable for guiding policy in sub-Saharan Africa, as they highlight both the quantity and quality of care as essential for meaningful gains in neonatal health, Wood said. These insights underscore the urgent need for sustained investments to ensure mothers have access to comprehensive prenatal checkups so that their children start life on a healthy path. Young people with friends who vape are 15 times more likely to use e-cigarettes, and more adolescents are turning to illicit cannabis products, University of Queensland research has found. In two separate UQ-led studies, researchers have uncovered vaping trends, including a significant increase in the number of young people who don't know what they're inhaling. In one study, PhD candidate Jack Chung from UQ's National Centre For Youth Substance Use Research examined the types of cannabis compounds that youth aged 11-18 years old were vaping between 2021 and 2023. We analyzed how many teens were vaping 2 types of cannabis compounds, the first of which is commonly used for its psychoactive 'high' effects, and the 2nd is usually used for medicinal purposes. We also studied the use of lab-made synthetic cannabinoids which can be more potent and deadly. We saw an increase in all products between 2021 and 2023, but it was concerning to see a rise in synthetic cannabinoids, where vaping doubled in young people aged between 11-15 years. Synthetic cannabinoids are particularly dangerous as they can lead to unpredictable health consequences and even death. It was also worrying to see more adolescents were unsure about the substances they were vaping 1.8 per cent of teens in 2021 weren't sure if they had vaped synthetic cannabinoids, increasing to 4.7 per cent in 2023." Jack Chung, PhD candidate from UQ's National Centre For Youth Substance Use Research Mr. Chung's study analyzed data from 70,773 middle and high school students in the United States, which was captured in the country's National Youth Tobacco Surveys. In a separate UQ-led vaping study, PhD candidate Giang Vu found peer influences were a major factor in vaping trends, while disapproval of e-cigarettes from people important to teens such as parents reduced the likelihood of a teen vaping by about 70 per cent. "We analyzed data from 20,800 American youth between 2015 and 2021 and found while the proportion with friends who smoked declined, having friends who vaped remained concerningly common," Ms Vu said. "In 2015, 31.6 per cent of young people had friends who vaped, and while this decreased to 22.3 per cent by 2021, this figure is still high. "The outbreak of lung disease associated with vaping, and COVID-19 related disruptions to social networks and access most likely contributed to this decline." Associate Professor Gary Chung Kai Chan, who collaborated on both studies, said social media played a big part in vaping rates among young people. "In many videos, vaping is portrayed as trendy and a healthier lifestyle choice when compared to cigarette smoking, but this is dangerous messaging," Dr Chan said. "We need more regulation on social media, along with targeted policies and campaigns to decrease vaping rates. "Further research is also needed to help us understand the evolving trends of cannabis vaping and the physical and mental health impacts on youth." The first paper has been published in American Journal of Preventative Medicine. The second paper has been published in Nicotine & Tobacco Research. Key findings: Adolescent cannabis vaping trends: In 2023, it was estimated: 7.4 per cent of US adolescents were vaping a cannabinoid known as THC (which is extracted from the cannabis plant and produces a psychoactive high) 2.9 per cent were vaping cannabidiol known as CBD (also extracted from a cannabis plant and is more often used for medicinal purposes) 1.8 per cent were vaping synthetic cannabinoids (a dangerous lab-made drug that mimics the effects of cannabis) Vaping of all 3 products increased between 2021 and 2023 in teenagers aged 11-18 years old. Vaping rates were higher among females than males. The number of 11-13-year-olds vaping THC and synthetic cannabinoids doubled between 2021 and 2023. Consistent increase in the number of teens who weren't sure what product they had inhaled. Trends in social norms towards cigarette smoking and e-cigarette use: Teens who had friends who vaped were 15 times more likely to use e-cigarettes themselves. Between 2015 and 2021, the probability of having friends who smoked cigarettes decreased from 26.1 per cent to 7.9 per cent. Meanwhile, the probability of having friends who vaped decreased from 31.6 per cent to 22.3 per cent. Between 2015 and 2020, perceived public disapproval increased for both cigarettes (73.3 per cent to 84.2 per cent) and vaping (55.4 per cent to 77.5 per cent). Disapproval of e-cigarettes from people important to teens reduced the likelihood of a teen vaping by about 70 per cent. New cutting-edge software developed in Melbourne can help uncover how the most common heart tumor in children forms and changes. And the technology has the potential to further our understanding of other childhood diseases, according to a new study. The research, led by Murdoch Children's Research Institute (MCRI) and published in Genome Biology, found the software, VR-Omics, can identify previously undetected cell activities of cardiac rhabdomyoma, a type of benign heart tumor. Developed by MCRI's Professor Mirana Ramialison, VR-Omics is the first tool capable of analysing and visualising data in both 2D and 3D virtual reality environments. The innovative technology aims to analyse the spatial genetic makeup of human tissue to better understand a specific disease. Cardiac rhabdomyoma, usually detected during pregnancy or infancy, doesn't cause health problems in most cases. But in some babies and children the tumors can grow and block blood flow to vital organs, causing respiratory distress, irregular heartbeat, obstructions and heart failure. When the tumors cause severe health complications, treatment options are limited and include surgically removing part of the heart, which may lead to further complications and death. Unfortunately, it's not well understood why these tumors form." Professor Mirana Ramialison, MCRI To challenge her new software, Professor Ramialison and her team, including Denis Bienroth and Natalie Charitakis, analysed heart tissue from three children in Melbourne with cardiac rhabdomyoma. In a breakthrough, the research uncovered specific underlying features of the tumor that hadn't been identified previously. Professor Ramialison said the VR-Omics tool would help researchers to gain a better insight into the disease. "VR-Omics generates 3D visualisations of the cells within human tissue based on large collections of patient data," she said. This could allow for greater analysis of human tissue compared to other methods." Professor Ramialison also benchmarked the software against existing state-of-the-art methods, finding it performed better in all analysis steps. "VR-Omics has a unique capacity to analyze large datasets, which allows it to explore new biological mechanisms in rare tissue sections, like those from cardiac rhabdomyoma," she said. The technology will enable more biological discoveries that could help better understand many childhood conditions." Researchers from the Melbourne Centre for Cardiovascular Genomics and Regenerative Medicine (CardioRegen), the University of Konstanz in Germany, Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW), University of Melbourne and Monash University also contributed to the findings. A University of California, Riverside-led team has made an advance in the basic understanding of Plasmodium falciparum, the parasite responsible for the deadliest form of human malaria, that could make novel, highly targeted anti-malarial therapies possible. Led by Karine Le Roch, a professor of molecular, cell and systems biology, the team identified two key proteins inside the "apicoplast" - a unique, parasite-specific organelle found in P. falciparum - that control gene expression. These proteins belong to the RAP (RNA-binding domain Abundant in Apicomplexans) family of proteins. Far more numerous in parasites than in humans, RAP proteins play critical roles in regulating RNA molecules and translating them into proteins inside parasite organelles. Using advanced genetic tools, the team created knockdown strains of P. falciparum to selectively deactivate the two RAP proteins, PfRAP03 and PfRAP08. The team found the loss of either protein led to parasite death, confirming their essential roles. The researchers also discovered that PfRAP03 and PfRAP08 specifically bind to ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and transfer RNA (tRNA) molecules, respectively. These non-coding RNAs are fundamental to protein synthesis within the apicoplast. "This is the first time anyone has shown how RAP proteins in the apicoplast directly interact with rRNA and tRNA," said Le Roch, who directs the UCR Center for Infectious Disease Vector Research. "We've now shown mechanistically how these proteins regulate translation in an organelle that's completely foreign to the human body." Le Roch explained that humans have six RAP proteins, but parasites like Plasmodium have more than 20. This evolutionary expansion suggests that RAP proteins may perform parasite-specific functions, making them exciting drug targets." Karine Le Roch, professor of molecular, cell and systems biology, UCR The study, published in Cell Reports, builds on the team's previous research on RAP proteins in parasite mitochondria and represents the first detailed mechanistic analysis of their function in the apicoplast. Unlike any structure found in human cells, the apicoplast is unique to apicomplexan parasites - a large group of single-celled organisms that includes Plasmodium, Toxoplasma gondii, and Babesia. This uniqueness makes it an ideal target for therapies that can eliminate the parasite without harming the human host. "While the focus of our paper is malaria, the implications extend to other apicomplexan diseases like toxoplasmosis - dangerous especially to pregnant women - and babesiosis, a growing tick-borne threat in the United States," Le Roch said. "This work exposes vulnerabilities across an entire class of parasites, revealing the molecular machinery these parasites rely on. If we can take it apart, we can stop these diseases before they take hold." Though no drugs currently target RAP proteins, Le Roch's lab is working toward solving the 3D structure of these RNA-protein complexes, a crucial step toward structure-guided drug design. "Our research is a step toward future therapeutic strategies," Le Roch said. "By targeting essential, parasite-specific proteins that have no human counterparts, we can develop drugs that are both effective and have minimal side effects." Le Roch was joined in the study by first author Thomas Hollin, Zeinab Chahine, Steven Abel, Todd Lenz, Jacques Prudhomme, Caitlyn Marie Ybanez, and Anahita S. Abbaszadeh of UCR; Charles Banks and Laurence Florens of the Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, Missouri; and Charisse Flerida A. Pasaje and Jacquin C. Niles of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts. The research was supported by grants from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases of the National Institutes of Health and UCR. The research paper is titled "RAP proteins regulate apicoplast noncoding RNA processing in Plasmodium falciparum." Water fluoridation is effective in preventing tooth decay overall, but there are greater benefits for children from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, University of Queensland research has found. Professor Loc Do from UQ's School of Dentistry, and researchers from the Institute of Science Tokyo, Japan and the University of Adelaide, conducted a study that examined Australian children's exposure to fluoridated water and compared it to demographic factors such as socioeconomic status, parental background and geography. This is the first high-level scientific study that shows water fluoridation as a population strategy reduces socioeconomic inequalities in children's oral health. We found while water fluoridation helps prevent tooth cavities across the board, it is more beneficial for vulnerable populations." Professor Loc Do from UQ's School of Dentistry Researchers analyzed oral health data of 17,500 children aged 5 to 14, which was captured during the National Child Oral Health Study (NCOHS) in 2012-2014. "Tooth decay is one of the most prevalent diseases and impacts more than 2.5 billion people globally," Professor Do said. "While there is a lot of scientific evidence that water fluoridation as population strategy prevents dental cavities, there is little known about how water fluoridation impacts health inequalities and that's what we wanted to explore. "We looked at the data of children who had been fully, or never, exposed to fluoridated water, so we could capture the effect of fluoride on preventing tooth decay. "Using a unique algorithm, we then analysed this data alongside 47 different child demographic, socioeconomic and parental factors. Associate Professor Yusuke Matsuyama, from the Institute of Science Tokyo said children who had been exposed to fluoridated water over their entire lifespan had dental health benefits, but those benefits were much greater for children from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. "Children fully exposed to fluoride made up 58.1 per cent of the group we analysed, and we found they were more likely to have higher household socioeconomic status, lower area-level socioeconomic disadvantage, better dental health and private dental insurance," Dr Matsuyama said. "But when looking at the actual benefits of fluoridated water, we found that the group to have the most benefits were more likely to be children from single-parent households, with lower household income, have parents not working, and live in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas." Professor Do said these results confirmed the universal impact of water fluoridation for everyone in the communities, regardless of their conditions and abilities. "The benefits were relatively larger for those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds because those groups have poorer dental health due to multitude of factors such as access to dental care. "These results show that water fluoridation helps reduce the gaps." The research is published in International Journal of Epidemiology. NCOHS 2012-14 was funded by an NHMRC Partnership Grant administered by the University of Adelaide, in collaboration with state and territory dental services. In a new study, Microsofts AI-powered diagnostic system outperformed experienced doctors in solving the most challenging medical cases faster, cheaper, and more accurately. Study: Sequential Diagnosis with Language Models. Image credit: metamorworks/Shutterstock.com *Important notice: arXiv publishes preliminary scientific reports that are not peer-reviewed and, therefore, should not be regarded as conclusive, guide clinical practice/health-related behavior, or treated as established information. A recent study on the ArXiv preprint server compared the diagnostic accuracy and resource expenditure of AI systems with those of clinicians regarding complex cases. The Microsoft AI team demonstrated the efficient use of artificial intelligence (AI) in medicine to tackle diagnostic challenges that physicians struggle to decipher. Sequential diagnosis and language models Often, physicians diagnose patients for an ailment through a clinical reasoning process that involves step-by-step, iterative questioning and testing. Even with limited initial information, clinicians narrow down the possible diagnosis by questioning the patient and confirming through biochemical tests, imaging, biopsy, and other diagnostic procedures. Solving a complex case requires a wide-ranging set of skills, including determining the most critical following questions or tests, staying aware of test costs to prevent increasing patient burden, and recognizing evidence to make a confident diagnosis. Multiple studies have demonstrated the enhanced efficiency of language models (LMs) in performing in medical licensing exams and highly structured diagnostic vignettes. However, the performance of most LMs was evaluated under artificial conditions, which drastically differ from real-world clinical settings. Most LMs models for diagnostic assessments are based on a multiple-choice quiz, and the diagnosis is made from a predefined answer set. A reduced sequential diagnosis cycle increases the risk of overstating static benchmarks' model competence. Furthermore, these diagnostic models present the risk of indiscriminate test ordering and premature diagnostic closure. Therefore, there is an urgent need for an AI system based on a sequential diagnosis cycle to improve diagnostic accuracy and reduce test costs. About the study To overcome the above-stated drawbacks of LMs models for clinical diagnosis, scientists have developed the Sequential Diagnosis Benchmark (SDBench) as an interactive framework to evaluate diagnostic agents (human or AI) through realistic sequential clinical encounters. To assess diagnostic accuracy, the current study utilized weekly cases published in The New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM), the worlds leading medical journal. This journal typically publishes case records of patients from Massachusetts General Hospital in a detailed, narrative format. These cases are among the most diagnostically challenging and intellectually demanding in clinical medicine, often requiring multiple specialists and diagnostic tests to confirm a diagnosis. SDBench recast 304 cases from the 2017- 2025 NEJM clinicopathological conference (CPC) into stepwise diagnostic encounters. The medical data spanned clinical presentations to final diagnoses, ranging from common conditions (e.g., pneumonia) to rare disorders (e.g., neonatal hypoglycemia). Using the interactive platform, diagnostic agents decide which questions to ask, which tests to order, and when to confirm a diagnosis. Information Gatekeeper is a language model that selectively discloses clinical details from a comprehensive case file only when explicitly queried. It can also provide additional case-consistent information for tests not described in the original CPC narrative. After making the final diagnosis based on information obtained from the Gatekeeper, the accuracy of the clinical evaluation was tested against the real diagnosis. In addition, the cumulative cost of all requested diagnostic tests conducted in real-world diagnosis was estimated. By evaluating diagnostic accuracy and cost, SDBench indicates how close we are to high-quality care at a sustainable cost. Study findings The current study analyzed the performance of all diagnostic agents on the SDBench. AI agents were evaluated on all 304 NEJM cases, while physicians were assessed on a held-out subset of 56 test-set cases. This study observed that AI agents performed better on this subset than physicians. Physicians practicing in the USA and UK with a median of 12 years of clinical experience achieved 20% diagnostic accuracy at an average cost of $2,963 per case on SDBench, highlighting the benchmark's inherent difficulty. Physicians spent an average of 11.8 minutes per case, requesting 6.6 questions and 7.2 tests. GPT -4o outperformed physicians in terms of both diagnostic accuracy and cost. Commercially available off-the-shelf models offered varied diagnostic accuracy and cost. The current study also introduced the MAI Diagnostic Orchestrator (MAI-DxO), a platform co-designed with physicians, which exhibited higher diagnostic efficiency than human physicians and commercial language models. Compared to commercial LMs, MAI-DxO demonstrated higher diagnostic accuracy and a significant reduction in medical costs of more than half. For instance, the off-the-shelf O3 model achieved diagnostic accuracy of 78.6% for $7,850, while MAI-DxO achieved 79.9% accuracy at just $2,397, or 85.5% at $7,184. MAI-DxO accomplished this by simulating a virtual panel of doctor agents with different roles in hypothesis generation, test selections, cost-consciousness, and error checking. Unlike baseline AI prompting, this structured orchestration allowed the system to reason iteratively and efficiently. MAI-DxO is a model-agnostic approach that has demonstrated accuracy gains across various language models, not just the O3 foundation model. Conclusions and future outlooks The current study's findings demonstrate AI systems' higher diagnostic accuracy and cost-effectiveness when guided to think iteratively and act judiciously. SDBench and MAI-DxO provided an empirically grounded foundation for advancing AI-assisted diagnosis under realistic constraints. In the future, MAI-DxO must be validated in clinical environments, where disease prevalence and presentation occur as frequently as daily, rather than as a rare occasion. Furthermore, large-scale interactive medical benchmarks involving more than 304 cases are required. Incorporation of visual and other sensory modalities, such as imaging, could also enhance diagnostic accuracy without compromising cost efficiency. However, the authors note important limitations. NEJM CPC cases are selected for their difficulty and do not reflect everyday clinical presentations. The study did not include healthy patients or measure false positive rates. Moreover, diagnostic cost estimates are based on U.S. pricing and may vary globally. The models were also tested on a held-out test set of recent cases (2024-2025) to assess generalization and avoid overfitting, as many of these cases were published after the training cutoff for most models. The paper also raises a broader question: Should we compare AI systems to individual physicians or full medical teams? Since MAI-DxO mimics multi-specialist collaboration, the comparison may reflect something closer to team-based care than individual practice. Nonetheless, the research suggests that structured AI systems like MAI-DxO may one day support or augment clinicians, particularly in settings where specialist access is limited or expensive. Download your PDF copy now! *Important notice: arXiv publishes preliminary scientific reports that are not peer-reviewed and, therefore, should not be regarded as conclusive, guide clinical practice/health-related behavior, or treated as established information. A potential treatment for glioblastoma crafted by scientists at The Wertheim UF Scripps Institute renders the deadly brain cancer newly sensitive to both radiation and chemotherapy drugs, and blocks the cancer's ability to invade other tissue, a new study shows. The experimental medication, called MT-125, has received approval from the FDA to move to clinical trials as a possible first-line treatment for the most aggressive form of the brain cancer. Each year, 14,000 people in the United States receive the devastating news that they have glioblastoma. It is a cancer with an average survival of just 14 to 16 months. Standard treatments include surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. But half of glioblastoma patients have a subtype that doesn't respond to any approved cancer drugs, said Courtney Miller, Ph.D., a professor and academic affairs director at The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology. New options are urgently needed for those patients, said Miller, a member of the University of Florida Health Cancer Center. We know glioblastoma patients are awaiting a breakthrough, and we are moving as fast as humanly possible." Courtney Miller, Ph.D., professor and academic affairs director at The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology Miller and her colleagues have long focused on molecular "motors" in the cell, nanoscale proteins called myosin. They look and act like machines, converting the cell's energy into activity. Myosin motors enable cells to move, connect to other cells or contract and expand, Miller said. They are found throughout the body, including in heart, muscle and brain tissue. As a result, they have potential as therapeutic targets for a wide range of conditions, from cancer to substance use disorders, she said. However, there are no current medications that target them, or even selective drug-like tools that scientists can use to study them. Miller teamed up with her Wertheim UF Scripps colleagues to design a spectrum of potential drug candidates to block myosin motors in different contexts. Their work was published Tuesday, July 1, in the scientific journal Cell. Medicinal chemist Theodore Kamenecka, Ph.D., engineered the array of compounds, in consultation with structural biologist Patrick Griffin, Ph.D., The Wertheim UF Scripps Institute's scientific director. To test the oncology potential of the myosin motor drugs, the team joined forces with Steven Rosenfeld, M.D., Ph.D., a scientist and neuro-oncologist at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville. Their out-of-the-box strategy appears to have opened a new route to attacking the hardest-to-treat glioblastoma. It works in four ways, the scientists reported in a companion paper published in Cell on June 10. "In animal studies, MT-125 makes malignant cells that were previously resistant to radiation responsive to it," Miller said. "You also end up with multinucleated cells that cannot separate, and so they get marked for cell death." MT-125 also blocks the cells' ability to squeeze and change shape, which means they cannot proliferate and invade other parts of the brain, she said. And if MT-125 is combined with existing chemotherapy drugs, including sunitinib, the drug appears to deliver a very powerful response, Rosenfeld said. Sunitinib belongs to a class of chemotherapy drugs called kinase inhibitors. "We found in mice that combining MT-125 with a number of kinase inhibitors created long periods of a disease-free state that we haven't seen in these mouse models before," Rosenfeld said. The scientists cautioned that many potential drugs that perform well in mice fail in human studies, due to differences in biology, so it will take time and study to learn if MT-125 is the hoped-for breakthrough, Rosenfeld said. Toxicity is another worry. But because the cancer cells are much more sensitive to MT-125 than healthy cells, and because the drug doesn't stay in the body long, pulsed administration of the medication over a brief period seems to address the issue, Rosenfeld said. "I have been in the field for 35 years, and I always thought the solution to this problem would have to come from out-of-the-box thinking," Rosenfeld said. "The tried-and-true methods don't seem to work for this disease." The compound, MT-125, has been licensed to a Jupiter, Florida-based biotechnology company started by the scientists, Myosin Therapeutics. They are working hard to begin first-in-human clinical trials within the year in glioblastoma patients, Miller said. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has given them the green light to proceed. They are awaiting release of a federal grant that has internal approval, she said. The National Institutes of Health has provided study funding, as well as the William Potter Glioblastoma Research Fund at The Wertheim UF Scripps Institute, which was established by William Potter's wife, Ronnie Potter, in his memory. Looking ahead, Miller says there is evidence that MT-125 could prove beneficial not only against the aggressive variant of glioblastoma, but for malignant gliomas and other cancers. In parallel, Miller and her collaborators are working to prepare a clinical trial for a related compound, MT-110, which appears to block drug cravings for people with methamphetamine use disorder. This compound is described in more detail in the July 1 Cell study. A new study challenges the belief in a universal "pet effect" on human well-being. Using data collected during COVID-19 lockdowns, researchers found no significant change in respondents' well-being when they acquired or lost a pet in their household. The findings suggest that, even during a time of extreme isolation, human-animal bonds may not be as emotionally transformative as we like to believe. Humans and their pets, a match made in heaven? Does adopting a new dog make you happier and less lonely? It is now commonplace to associate pet ownership with health and happiness for the human and the animal. Still, science has had a hard time pinning down the 'pet effect' - a hypothesised boost in life quality for those who surround themselves with cats, dogs, or other companion animals. Only a few years ago, circumstances presented us with a severe test of the importance of human-animal bonds-a global pandemic, COVID-19, which confined people to their homes, cutting them off from face-to-face contact in both work and personal life. Researchers at ELTE Eotvos Lorand University have examined how pet acquisition and loss were experienced during the pandemic and the short- and long-term effects of acquiring a pet on the participants. The study was published in Scientific Reports. "Through a collaboration with a psychologist team led by Zsolt Demetrovics and Robert Urban, we had access to a unique data set", explains Eniko Kubinyi, head of the MTA-ELTE 'Momentum' Companion Animals Research Group. "During the 2020 COVID-19 lockdowns, almost three thousand people across Hungary participated three times in data collection, several months apart. We noticed that 65 people acquired a pet and 75 lost one during the study, and decided to investigate how their well-being changed over time." The researchers found little support for the romanticised view we hold of pet owners and their emotional well-being. A short-lived boost in cheerfulness appeared after acquiring a dog, however, in a long run, dog owners' calmness, life-satisfaction, cheerfulness, and activity had gone down. Most surprisingly, the researchers found that losing a pet did not leave a mark on the well-being of their former owners. Adam Miklosi, who initiated the data collection on companion animals, emphasizes, "We rarely have access to data that documents spontaneous pet acquisition from people unbiased in their attitude toward pet ownership. Usually, pet lovers are identified and studied when the decision to adopt an animal is already settled. It appears that, at least during stressful periods, the average person, who may not be the primary caregiver but simply shares a household with the pet, is not significantly affected by the pet's loss, nor is their well-being a strong predictor of the decision to acquire one." What surprised me most was that a new pet in the household had no effect on the respondents' loneliness. Dog adoption is often promoted as a solution for elderly and/or lonely people. Shelters and pet food companies promote adoption as a means of alleviating loneliness. However, our research suggests that dogs do not provide a real solution to loneliness; rather, they make the new owners more anxious." Judit Mokos, data scientist and one of the paper's first authors Kubinyi concludes, "Based on the data, most people, living together with a companion animal, do not seem to experience any long-term 'pet effect', nor do they bond strongly with their animal. It is possible that the dynamics of the pandemic have led many to make impulsive choices against their long-term interest, or that only certain groups-like devoted animal lovers or older adults living alone-truly benefit from pets in stressful times." It appears that during the COVID-19 pandemic, the emotional bonds people formed with animals often fell short of expectations. For the first time, scientists have systematically studied the genetic effects of chemotherapy on healthy tissues. Researchers from the Wellcome Sanger Institute, the University of Cambridge, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (CUH) and their collaborators analysed blood cell genomes from 23 patients of all ages who had been treated with a range of chemotherapies. Published today (1 July) in Nature Genetics, the researchers show that many but not all chemotherapy agents cause mutations and premature aging in healthy blood. As part of Cancer Grand Challenges team Mutographs, the researchers uncovered new patterns of DNA damage, or mutational signatures, associated with specific chemotherapy drugs. The researchers suggest that the damaging genetic effects of chemotherapy identified by whole genome sequencing could guide the future treatment of patients with effective chemotherapies that have less harmful effects on healthy tissues. Chemotherapy is a type of anti-cancer treatment that works by killing cancer cells. It is a systemic treatment, meaning it works throughout the body, and can be administered as a single chemotherapy drug or a combination of drugs.1 In developed countries, it is estimated that around 10 per cent of the population has received chemotherapy treatments for cancer and other diseases at some point in their lifetime.2 Chemotherapy can have long-term side effects on healthy, non-cancerous tissues, and is associated with an increased risk of secondary cancers. However, there is limited understanding of the biological mechanisms underlying these side effects. With new genomic technologies, researchers can explore mutations in normal cells and begin to investigate the extent and long-term consequences of DNA damage from chemotherapy on healthy tissues. In a new study, scientists set out to research the effects of chemotherapy on healthy blood. The Mutographs team at the Sanger Institute, University of Cambridge, CUH and their collaborators chose to study blood due to its ease in sampling and ability to culture blood in the laboratory. Plus, the numbers of mutations in normal blood are very consistent between people, giving a good baseline to see whether they are higher in individuals who have received chemotherapy. The researchers sequenced blood cell genomes from 23 individuals aged three to 80 years, who had been treated with a range of chemotherapies for various blood and solid cancers. Most of the patients were treated at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge and had received a combination of chemotherapy drugs. Collectively, they had been exposed to 21 drugs from all of the main chemotherapy classes, including alkylating agents, platinum agents and anti-metabolites. The results were compared with genomic data from nine healthy people who had never received chemotherapy. From analysing the whole genome sequence data, the team found that many classes of chemotherapeutics, but not all, do produce higher numbers of mutations in normal blood cells. For example, a three-year-old patient who was treated for neuroblastoma, a cancer of nerve tissue, had more than the number of mutations found in 80-year-olds who had never received chemotherapy. By looking at patterns of damage in the DNA, known as mutational signatures, the researchers showed that different chemotherapeutics have different mutational signatures, and identified four new signatures found in chemotherapy-treated patients. For instance, the researchers found that some platinum agents, such as carboplatin and cisplatin, caused very high numbers of mutations. Whereas other drugs in the same class, such as oxaliplatin, did not. The researchers suggest that if these drugs are used interchangeably in cancer treatment, and assuming they have the same effectiveness, then this sort of genetic information could be incorporated in order to administer chemotherapies with fewer harmful effects. The team also made discoveries around the effects of chemotherapy on the population of cells that generate blood, known as hematopoietic stem cells. In normal aging, the hematopoietic stem cells producing blood decrease in diversity, due to the expansion of clones of cells that have "driver" mutations in cancer genes. Chemotherapy caused a similar pattern of change, but prematurely in some middle-aged adults. Particularly in children who have had chemotherapy, their blood appeared to prematurely age, which may increase the risk of secondary cancer later in life. Scientists suggest that genomic data could help in choosing the chemotherapies for children that minimise this premature aging, and genomic technologies could monitor for further changes later in life. Dr Emily Mitchell, first author at the Wellcome Sanger Institute and clinician at CUH, said: "For the first time, we have taken a systematic view of the genetic effects of chemotherapy on healthy tissues in this case, blood. We find that some, but not all chemotherapies cause genetic mutations and premature aging in normal blood. This study lays the groundwork for future research into the effects of chemotherapy on many other normal tissues, including multiple tissue sampling pre and post treatment, across a range of chemotherapies in a larger group of patients. This comprehensive view would reveal the full range of effects of different chemotherapies, and help us to optimise patient health in the long term." Dr Jyoti Nangalia, co-lead author at the Wellcome Sanger Institute and Consultant Haematologist at CUH, said: "The effects of chemotherapy we see here increasing numbers of mutations and premature aging of healthy blood reasonably contribute to the heightened risk of additional cancers and the patient's ability to tolerate further treatments in the future. Given that for many cancers, chemotherapy drugs can be switched with other agents to achieve similar results, we hope such genomic data will guide the optimisation of future treatment plans to deliver effective chemotherapies with much fewer damaging side effects for patients." This important research helps us better understand how some chemotherapy drugs can affect healthy cells as well as cancer cells. While many cancers can now be targeted using precision therapies, chemotherapy remains a key way to treat some cancers and saves many lives every year, so it's vital that patients continue with the treatment recommended by their doctor. At the same time, studies like this are crucial for helping scientists improve cancer treatments in the future making them not only more effective but also safer for people living with cancer." David Scott, Director of Cancer Grand Challenges Professor Sir Mike Stratton, Mutographs team lead and co-lead author at the Wellcome Sanger Institute, said: "I believe that the results of this study hold implications for the way that chemotherapies are used to treat cancer patients. We are constantly on the lookout for better ways of giving therapy and minimising the side effects of toxic, systemic treatments. I'm hopeful that the genomic information from this and future studies will guide choices of chemotherapies, and their adoption in clinical practice." The three most common reasons schools called emergency medical services (EMS) were for neurological crises such as seizures, psychiatric conditions or substance abuse, and trauma related injuries, according to data from the national EMS registry analyzed by researchers from Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago. During the study period (2018-2022), school-based medical emergencies constituted 11 percent of EMS encounters for children and two-thirds resulted in transport to the hospital. Findings, published in Pediatrics, can help schools prioritize training so staff can respond even before EMS arrival. While many schools have taken steps to ensure they are prepared for medical emergencies, many can still enhance their preparedness. Our study results highlight specific target areas for training of school staff, given that timeliness of treatment in an emergency is essential. We also stress that certain emergency medications should be available in the school setting, including benzodiazepine for seizures, epinephrine for food allergies and albuterol for asthma." Michael Harries, MD, MAT, MA, lead author, Pediatric Emergency Medicine Fellow at Lurie Children's The authors point out that national advocacy efforts around passing Seizure Safe Schools legislation are ongoing and effective. Nineteen states passed relevant legislation as of 2022. The model bill recommended by the Epilepsy Foundation seeks to ensure not only that staff are trained, but that seizure medication is available and first-aid responders are legally protected. The American Academy of Pediatrics policy statement on medical emergencies in schools, issued in 2022, specifies the available training programs for school staff, and the medications and equipment that schools should have on hand to respond quickly to potentially life-threatening emergencies. The study found that physical trauma occurred more frequently in elementary school age students (17 percent), while psychiatric conditions and substance abuse were more common among adolescents (18 percent). "Given the ongoing mental health crisis in youth, we were not surprised to find that psychiatric conditions and substance abuse were among the most common emergencies in schools," said senior author Sriram Ramgopal, MD, Emergency Medicine physician at Lurie Children's and Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. "Our findings underscore the need for schools to proactively address mental health needs of students, especially teenagers. This may include establishing relationships with local mental health care facilities and improved training for staff on how best to respond to a psychiatric crisis. Overall, we need consistent policies across the country to ensure that all schools are prepared for common medical emergencies." A research team at the Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC), working with the Hospital Sant Pau in Barcelona, has shown that theater can improve the emotional well-being of people with Parkinson's disease. The study, "Efficacy of a theater-based intervention in patients with Parkinson's disease" (2025), which has been published in open access in the journal Arts & Health, has provided the first evaluation of the combined effects of active and passive participation in theater activities on these patients' emotional and cognitive health and quality of life. The researchers were also supported by the Teatre Lliure. The project involved 34 people with Parkinson's disease aged between 50 and 75 years old, who were divided into two groups: one attended a three-month theater programme at the Teatre Lliure in Barcelona which included performances, practical workshops and a guided tour; the other group did cognitive stimulation exercises at home. Both groups were assessed before and after the programme, using validated neuropsychological tests and questionnaires on their mood, quality of life and perception of change. On the emotional level, the results are conclusive. The patients who participated in the theater project experienced an improvement in their emotional well-being, as measured using the Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire for quality of life (PDQ-39). This improvement was not observed in the group that performed cognitive stimulation exercises at home. In addition, the members of both the theater group and the cognitive stimulation group had lower levels of depression and anxiety, which suggests both activities contribute to improved mood states, albeit in different ways. The most immediate impact was evident in the participants who attended the group theater workshops: according to the scales administered before and after each session, the emotional burden fell significantly after each workshop, highlighting the value of theater as a tool for channelling emotions. The research findings show that "group activities can help reduce feelings of isolation, foster emotional connections among participants, and increase empathy by recognizing that others share similar experiences in facing the challenges of the disease." Likewise, "most reported that working as a group enhanced their sense of social support as patients". Workshops for working on emotional expression and body awareness The theater programme consisted of five performances accompanied by preparatory sessions, and five workshops led by performing arts professionals. The workshops addressed physical and emotional issues by means of group dynamics, exploration of the body and space, improvisation, and collective storytelling. According to the researchers, the emotional impact is explained by two key factors: the explicit emotional expression that theater requires, and the group setting, which reinforces empathy and a feeling of belonging. The workshops, which were all led by theater professionals, included specific activities such as physical warm-ups, exploration of space and stage presence, emotion-based exercises, group storytelling and improvisation. This combination of techniques aimed to enhance emotional expression and body awareness, which are factors that the study associates with the benefits observed in the patients' well-being. The cognitive and emotional tools used to measure the programme's impact were the Spanish versions of clinically validated questionnaires and tests with normative data for the local population, which guarantees the reliability of the results. Although no significant improvements were observed in the objective cognitive tests, an improvement was recorded in the subjective perception of daily cognitive ability. This subjective improvement can lead to greater confidence when performing everyday tasks. The feedback from the participants was also overwhelmingly positive: the theater workshops obtained an average score of 4.5 out of 5; the theater performances scored 4.4, and the guided tour of the theater scored 4.8. The article was authored by Marco Calabria and Francesco Ciongoli, members of the Faculty of Health Sciences and researchers in the Neuro ADaS Lab group, affiliated to the UOC's Research Unit on Digital Health, Health and Well-being, and Salvador Macip, a researcher in the epi4health group, alongside Carmen Garcia-Sanchez, Berta Pascual Sedano and Jaume Kulisevsky, from the Movement Disorders Unit at Barcelona's Hospital de Sant Pau; Caterina del Mar Bonnin, from the Sant Pau Biomedical Research Institute; and Teresa Ferriz Roure, an independent consultant working in Barcelona. The projected was supported by the Teatre Lliure and received funding from "la Caixa" Foundation and the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation. This clinical study provides new evidence on the health benefits of the arts for people with Parkinson's. Only two prior studies had examined the use of theater in people with Parkinson's, and showed promising but unreplicated results. This new study applies a rigorous methodology and sets out clear lines for future research: increasing the duration of the programme, including more ecological measures of cognition, which assess how people function in their daily lives, and studying the underlying mechanisms of these benefits in depth. In short, it proposes improving assessment methods to capture subtle changes in cognition. According to the article, art-based activities, and theatrical ones in particular, are a promising tool alongside medication, which has limited effects with symptoms such as apathy, anhedonia and emotional isolation. The research follows the guideline established by the World Health Organization (WHO), which has recommended the arts as a "social prescription" to improve health and well-being since 2019. Around 10,000 people in Spain are diagnosed with Parkinson's disease every year, making it the most common neurodegenerative motor disorder. According to the Spanish Neurology Society, this figure will increase in the coming years as the number of patients doubles from its current levels of between 120,000 and 150,000 in Spain alone. Understanding the keys to improving patients' quality of life is, then, an important challenge for the scientific community. In a comprehensive Genomic Press Innovators & Ideas interview, Dr. Danielle Beckman reveals how her passion for microscopy has evolved into a mission to understand viral impacts on brain health, offering hope for patients suffering from post-viral neurological symptoms. From Rio to revolutionary research Dr. Beckman's journey from aspiring writer in Rio de Janeiro to leading neurovirology researcher exemplifies scientific determination. Her journey began to change during an undergraduate physiology course where she discovered her fascination with the brain. "I vividly remember that class and how fascinated I became with the brain," Dr. Beckman recalls. This pivotal moment launched her into neuroscience research, where she has remained dedicated ever since. The personal dimension of her research became evident when her grandmother developed dementia symptoms. "This experience deepened my curiosity about what happens in the brain at the cellular level in Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia," she explains. This emotional connection drives her current work investigating how viral infections contribute to neurodegenerative processes. Breakthrough models transform understanding Working under the mentorship of renowned neurobiologist Professor John Morrison at UC Davis, Dr. Beckman has revolutionized our understanding of viral neuroimmunology. Her team has developed novel rhesus monkey models that illuminate cellular mechanisms underlying Alzheimer's disease, Long COVID, and viral-induced brain pathology. The research demonstrates how viruses like SARS-CoV-2 can infect neurons and trigger neuroinflammation within a few days after infection. "Unlike HIV, which induces a slower, progressive inflammatory process, our lab observed that SARS-CoV-2 can infect neurons and trigger neuroinflammation within just seven days," Dr. Beckman notes. These findings help explain the rapid onset of "brain fog" and cognitive symptoms experienced by COVID-19 patients. Microscopic obsession yields macro impact Dr. Beckman's dedication to advanced microscopy techniques has proven instrumental in her discoveries. "I enjoy working with microscopy, as it allows me to create beautiful images of the brain while investigating profound questions about how different cell types interact and contribute to disease," she explains. This technical expertise enables her to observe cellular-level changes that contribute to neurological symptoms. Her research has established critical connections between viral infections and neurodegenerative processes. The work shows how viruses affect the same brain regions involved in memory and cognition, providing scientific evidence for post-viral cognitive symptoms. What implications might this have for our understanding of other viral infections and their long-term neurological consequences? Long COVID community connection As an active member of the World Health Network's Long COVID advisory group, Dr. Beckman bridges laboratory research with patient advocacy. "Over the past few years, I have connected with many people in the Long COVID community and formed friendships with individuals who are severely ill and desperately seeking help," she shares. This connection to affected communities drives her commitment to translational research. Her ambitious goal reflects the urgency of the situation: "My biggest dream is to make a significant impact on the lives of people with neurological conditions following a viral infection." Currently, no approved treatments exist for Long COVID, highlighting the critical need for her research approach. Accelerating Alzheimer's research Beyond COVID-19, Dr. Beckman's work addresses broader questions about inflammatory events contributing to neurodegenerative diseases. Her team has developed two novel monkey models for Alzheimer's disease research over eight years, focusing on amyloid pathology and tau propagation. These models represent significant advances in translational research, offering better platforms for therapy testing than traditional rodent models. The primate models express the same versions of tau protein found in human brains, unlike rodents that only have one form. "We think the macaque is a better model, because it expresses the same versions of tau in the brain as humans do," Dr. Beckman explains. This similarity makes the models more relevant for understanding human neurodegenerative processes. Diversity and mentorship in science Dr. Beckman's commitment extends beyond research to fostering diversity in neuroscience. As a Brazilian and Latina woman, she has faced numerous obstacles reaching her current position. "From an early age, girls like me must combat prejudice, often hearing that we are not on the same level and that the STEM fields are not meant for us," she reflects. Her pride in completing her education in Latin America challenges common perceptions about scientific training quality. "I take great pride in having completed all my education in Latin America, where the training we receive is just as good as that in wealthier countries," she emphasizes. This perspective influences her mentorship approach with trainees from underrepresented backgrounds. Future therapeutic directions The research implications extend far beyond academic understanding. Her focus on understanding viral disruption of brain homeostasis provides a framework for developing interventions that could prevent or mitigate neurological damage. How might her discoveries about viral-induced neuroinflammation inform treatment strategies for other neurodegenerative conditions? The potential applications span from immediate Long COVID interventions to long-term Alzheimer's prevention strategies. Dr. Danielle Beckman's Genomic Press interview is part of a larger series called Innovators & Ideas that highlights the people behind today's most influential scientific breakthroughs. Each interview in the series offers a blend of cutting-edge research and personal reflections, providing readers with a comprehensive view of the scientists shaping the future. By combining a focus on professional achievements with personal insights, this interview style invites a richer narrative that both engages and educates readers. This format provides an ideal starting point for profiles that explore the scientist's impact on the field, while also touching on broader human themes. More information on the research leaders and rising stars featured in our Innovators & Ideas Genomic Press Interview series can be found in our publications website: https://genomicpress.kglmeridian.com/. In April 2022, the Ministry of Science and Technology (MST) introduced the draft for the DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill, commonly referred to as the DNA Bill. The primary aim of this legislation is to establish national DNA data banks and laboratories for processing and storing DNA profiles, which will aid in resolving criminal cases, particularly related to sexual assault. Image Credit: ART-ur/Shutterstock.com Forensic and paternity laboratories face challenges in generating usable results from complex samples while meeting high-throughput demands. To address this, HiGenoMB at Himedia Labs has created high-throughput kits and equipment to enable accurate results, ensure reliable operations, and maintain sample tracking. Services include innovative and customizable solutions for sample collection, including HiGenoMBs InstaDNA Card (MBT126), Sample Collection Swabs, and a Crime Scene Investigation kit. Figure 1. The workflow of DNA profiling from a forensic sample using HiGenoMBR machines, kits and softwares. Image Credit: Himedia Laboratories Private Limited Sample collection Offerings include customizable sample collection solutions such as HiGenoMBs InstaDNA Card (MBT126), Sample Collection Swabs, and specialized kits for crime scene investigations. Sample preparation / extraction Automated DNA extraction is increasingly utilized in forensic labs to enhance capacity, meet rising DNA analysis demands, and minimize contamination and handling errors. These machines are designed to improve the quantity and quality of DNA extracted from diverse forensic samples. In cases of missing persons, natural disasters, or mass fatalities, bones and teeth are often the only samples available for identification. However, the effectiveness of these samples in STR typing is often hampered by co-extraction of environmental inhibitors and the degradation of samples. HiPurA Multi sample Pre-Filled Reagents for Insta NX Mag32 can efficiently extract inhibitor-free DNA from forensic samples for reliable downstream applications, yielding clear DNA profiles. The HiGenoMB Insta NX Mag32 Automated Nucleic Acid Extractor (LA1096) is a user-friendly benchtop device providing maximum flexibility for analyzing various samples, including blood and semen stains, hair, tissue, bone, teeth, and cigarette butts. The pre-filled, ready-to-use kit delivers a final DNA extract in a pure, concentrated state, devoid of inhibitors. DNA quantification solutions DNA quantification is a critical step in forensic DNA analysis. Among the available methods, real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) is the most sensitive, capable of detecting DNA at picogram (10-12 g) concentrations. qPCR also enables multiplexing, simultaneously detecting multiple DNA targets in a single reaction. Its ability to amplify, detect, and quantify DNA in one streamlined process significantly shortens turnaround time, minimizes the risk of contamination and human error, and simplifies data collection and analysis. HiGenoMB's Q96-6.0 Real-Time PCR Platform (LA1074) is a next-generation, open-system qPCR solution designed specifically for forensic applications. This user-friendly system monitors DNA amplification in real timecycle by cycledelivering precise and accurate quantification. As an open system, users can choose any commercial reagents or test kits without additional calibration. The machine comes equipped with factory-calibrated filters, ensuring compatibility even with competitor kits. Integrated forensic DNA software solutions The forensic DNA workflow involves a series of complex stepsfrom challenging analyses to nuanced decision-making. To manage these demands efficiently, many laboratories depend on software and IT systems to guide processes and streamline day-to-day operations. HiGenoMB Forensic ID Software (MBES01) is a user-friendly, web-based platform designed to support forensic professionals in quantifying human DNA. Bundled with the Insta Q96-6.0 Real-Time PCR Platform (LA1074), this software is the only tool currently available that supports all commercially available human DNA quantification kitsmirroring the flexibility of the hardware itself. When setting up downstream Short Tandem Repeat (STR) studies, the software automatically generates key information, including DNA quantity, relevant parameters, and recommended dilution series, simplifying the preparation process. Extracting high-quality DNA in sufficient amounts from challenging samples such as bones or teeth, especially in mass fatality cases, is notoriously difficult. These samples often yield degraded DNA in low concentrations, and recovery success depends heavily on factors like the samples pre-discovery environment. Variables such as the individual's age, gender, ethnicity, and the specific skeletal element influence DNA yield and integrity. At the recently concluded Forensic Hackathon 2023 and the 25th All India Forensic Science Conference (AIFSC-2023), held at the National Forensic Sciences University, Gandhinagar Campus, HiGenoMBs Forensic Bone DNA Prediction Software (MBES02) was selected for presentation by the jury. This innovative, open-access tool helps forensic scientists interpret DNA quantification and quality values obtained through real-time PCR analysis using any human DNA quantification kit. A key feature allows users to input a DNA Quantification Threshold (ng/L)the minimum concentration required for successful STR profilingsupporting better-informed decisions in challenging forensic contexts. PCR amplification Short Tandem Repeat (STR) technology is now well-established in DNA fingerprinting for identifying people. Profiles generated from STR amplification kits are crucial for creating national and international forensic, paternity, and relationship testing databases. HiGenoMBs Prima Series (LA948, LA949, etc.) are open-system thermal cyclers compatible with any STR amplification kit, maximizing throughput and enabling concurrent experiments. Wildlife forensics Wildlife forensics is a relatively new but rapidly growing area within criminal investigation. It aims to apply scientific methods, such as inspection, classification, and comparison, to link crime scene evidence with suspects and animal victims. In the Indian context, where current trade laws prohibit the export and import of beef (including cow, bull, and calf), accurate species identification is essential not only for law enforcement but also to prevent adulteration and support wildlife protection efforts. To address this need, HiGenoMB has developed three real-time PCR assays to detect mitochondrial DNA and sex chromosomes in bovine species. These assays are fully open and compatible with various qPCR systems commonly used in forensic laboratories. Experimental validation has shown that the assays are robust, consistently delivering reliable and reproducible results for somatic detection and sex identification of Bos taurus (cow) and Bubalus bubalis (buffalo), even when working with low DNA concentrations. HiGenoMBs findings were recently shared through an official communication published in the Forensic Science International: Genetics Supplement Series, and further showcased via a poster presentation at the 29th Congress of the International Society for Forensic Genetics (ISFG). In conclusion, HiGenoMBs equipment, kits, and software can standardize sample processing and forensic testing, ensuring consistent, high-quality resultsfrom Sample to Insight. Figure 2. HiGenoMB's official communication conveying availability of our automated extraction system, kits and Real-Time PCR assay to detect DNA from bovine species. Image Credit: Himedia Laboratories Private Limited About Himedia Laboratories Private Limited With a presence in more than 150 countries, HiMedia is amongst the top three brands in the Bioscience Industry. HiMedia Laboratories Private Limited is world renowned for manufacturing high quality culture media for microbiology. Additionally, we provide advanced media and products in the fields of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Plant Tissue Culture, Chemicals and Lab Aids/Equipment. As a Top Tier Global player, we are not only dedicated towards products but also striven towards introducing technologies such as Genomics Sequencing Services and Hydroponics. HiMedia has managed to do this over decades as we have our own in-house bulk raw materials manufacturing plant. This enables us to deliver consistent quality products that conform to ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 13485:2012 and WHO: GMP. HiMedia Labs. caters to one of the broadest Biosciences product categories: our premier established line of Microbiology products and newer promising products in Molecular Biology, Automated and Molecular Instruments, Cell Biology, Chemicals, and Premium Grade Lab Consumables, amongst others. The COVID-19 pandemic revolutionized not the clinical industrys thought process regarding the significance of Molecular Diagnostics products. The Molecular Biology and Virology Division of HiMedia Laboratories Pvt. Ltd. Also called as HiGenoMB is a One Stop Solution Provider churning out potential Research and Industry oriented Molecular biology products for the past glorious decade. About 2000 different products such as Nucleic Acid Extraction and Amplification (PCR) Kits, Cloning Reagents, Buffers & Chemicals for proteomics studies, Automated Molecular Instrumentation including RT PCR machines and PCR thermal cyclers and DNA/RNA Extraction platforms are being produced. The Proficient researchers in this department are spear heading the challenging field of Molecular Diagnostics to provide a complete solution for clinical diagnosis, agriculture, veterinary sciences, food industry, drug discovery and forensic medicine with the use of Real Time PCR or quantitative PCR kits and thermal cyclers. Our Molecular Biology Division-has established an in-house Advanced Sequencing and Bioinformatics facility which marks HiMedias entry into the Services space. Our Cell Biology segment contributes with technologies which have brought in Serum free media for biopharma applications, Viral Vaccine Production Platform, Multicompendial grade chemicals, cultivated meat, and 3D bioprinting. Moving from conventional to advanced automated methods like MALDI-TOF (Autof MS 1000) has been our newest endeavour for Microbiology. Sponsored Content Policy: News-Medical.net publishes articles and related content that may be derived from sources where we have existing commercial relationships, provided such content adds value to the core editorial ethos of News-Medical.Net which is to educate and inform site visitors interested in medical research, science, medical devices and treatments. 56 complaints received at NCW public hearing, 20 resolved Last Updated: July 02, 2025, 23:45 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Pune, July 2 (PTI) A total of 56 complaints were received during a public hearing conducted by the National Commission for Women (NCW) here on Wednesday as part of a special initiative. According to officials, 35 pre-registered and 21 on-the-spot complaints were processed by the commission chairperson Viajya Rahatkar. Recommended Stories While 20 complaints were immediately resolved, the rest were forwarded to officials for action and follow-up. Most of the cases were of harassment by in-laws and disputes over alimony and property. Maharashtra State Commission for Women (MSCW) chairperson Rupali Chakankar, the Pune collector, and police officials attended the hearing. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Considering the challenges the women face in travelling to the Commissions office in Delhi, the initiative National Commission for Women at Your Doorstep has been launched. Under this initiative, public hearings for women are being held in state capitals as well as at divisional levels, and the response has been very encouraging," Rahatkar told reporters. The NCW strives to deliver justice to aggrieved women with the help of all concerned departments, she said and urged the administration to resolve womens complaints transparently. PTI SPK NSK First Published: July 02, 2025, 23:45 IST Arunachal is Indias largest carbon sink: Khandu Last Updated: July 02, 2025, 14:15 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Itanagar, Jul 2 (PTI) Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Wednesday claimed that the frontier state holds the distinction of being Indias largest carbon sink, an ecological powerhouse playing a pivotal role in combating climate change and aiding the countrys march toward net-zero emissions. In a social media post as part of his administrations PEMA 3.0 Year of Reforms and Growth campaign, Khandu highlighted that Arunachal Pradesh contributes a remarkable 14.38 per cent to Indias total carbon sequestration. Recommended Stories With an impressive 79 per cent forest cover, the state currently boasts a carbon stock of 1,021 million tonnes, the highest in the country, the chief minister claimed. This rich carbon stock is critical for India to meet its net-zero emissions target by 2070," Khandu wrote, underlining Arunachals silent yet substantial contribution to national climate goals. While the states vast green cover makes it a top carbon sink, the impacts of climate change are already visible and increasingly real, necessitating urgent action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. From the lungs of the Himalayas, Arunachal Pradesh plays a crucial role in Indias journey towards Net-Zero emission by 2070," the chief minister said in another social media post. Khandus remarks not only spotlight the ecological value of Arunachals forests but also align with national and global climate priorities. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The states forest wealth, which spans across dense tropical rainforests and alpine woodlands, absorbs vast amounts of atmospheric carbon dioxide, an essential mechanism in mitigating global warming. The chief ministers post is part of a series showcasing governance milestones under PEMA 3.0, a governance push aimed at structural reforms and sustainable development. PTI UPL UPL RG First Published: July 02, 2025, 14:15 IST Bangladeshs deposed PM Hasina sentenced to six months in prison by ICT Last Updated: July 02, 2025, 14:15 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Dhaka, Jul 2 (PTI) Bangladeshs deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina was on Wednesday sentenced to six months in prison in a contempt of court case by the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT), according to a local media report. The verdict was issued by a three-member bench of the International Crimes Tribunal-1, headed by Chairman Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumder, The Dhaka Tribune newspaper said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Recommended Stories In the same verdict, the tribunal sentenced Shakil Akand Bulbul of Gobindaganj in Gaibandha to two months in prison. This marks the first time that the ousted Awami League leader has been sentenced in any case since she left office and fled the country 11 months ago. PTI GSP GSP First Published: July 02, 2025, 14:15 IST Cong demands Rs 10 lakh compensation to kin of farmers killed due to lightning Last Updated: July 02, 2025, 14:00 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Mumbai, Jul 2 (PTI) Congress Legislature Party leader Vijay Wadettiwar on Wednesday demanded that compensation to the families of farmers killed in lightning strikes in Maharashtra be increased to Rs 10 lakh from the current Rs 4 lakh. In response, state minister Girish Mahajan said in the assembly that the the government will consider the suggestion to increase the compensation and he will discuss the matter with the chief minister. Recommended Stories According to the minister, 236 persons died due to lightning strikes in 2022, while 181 such deaths were reported in 2023. Raising the issue during the Question Hour in the state assembly, Wadettiwar said lightning strikes often lead to the deaths of poor farmers and labourers working in fields, leaving their families devastated and without any support. At present, only Rs 4 lakh is given as compensation, which is grossly inadequate. When a person dies in a tiger attack, the government provides Rs 25 lakh. Why this discrimination when someone dies due to a natural calamity like lightning?" he asked. Responding to the demand, Disaster Management Minister Girish Mahajan said until recently, deaths caused by lightning were not covered under the states disaster relief framework. Now these have been included, and the government will consider the suggestion to increase the compensation. I will discuss the matter with the chief minister," Mahajan assured. The issue of adequate compensation for climate-related fatalities is gaining traction amid rising incidents of extreme weather events across the state. Mahajan informed the House that two mobile applications, Damini and Sachet, developed by a central government institute, are currently being used to warn people about lightning strikes. A new app is under development to provide hyperlocal alerts with a range of up to 400 metres, he added. Currently, the apps provide lightning alerts within a 400 km radius. The new technology aims to significantly narrow this window for better real-time safety," Mahajan said in response to a question by MLA Santosh Danve. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Supplementary questions were posed by Bhaskar Jadhav, Vijay Wadettiwar and Sameer Kunawar. The session highlighted growing concerns over natural disaster preparedness and the need for transparency in farmer-centric schemes. PTI MR GK First Published: July 02, 2025, 14:00 IST ESIC launches SPREE 2025 to expand social security coverage Last Updated: July 02, 2025, 16:45 IST Representational image (Image: News18) New Delhi, Jul 2 (PTI) The Employees State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) has rolled out Scheme for Promotion of Registration of Employers and Employees (SPREE) 2025 to expand its social security coverage, an official statement said. The corporation approved SPREE 2025 during its 196th meeting in Shimla on June 27 under the chairmanship of Labour & Employment Minister Mansukh Mandaviya. Recommended Stories The scheme will be active from July 1 to December 31, 2025 and provides one-time opportunity for unregistered employers and employeesincluding contractual and temporary workersto enrol without facing inspections or demands for past dues. Employers can register their units and employees digitally through ESIC portal, Shram Suvidha and MCA portal. Registration will be considered valid from the date declared by the employer. No contribution or benefit will apply for periods prior to registration. No inspection or demand for past records will be made for the pre-registration period. The scheme encourages voluntary compliance by removing the fear of retrospective penalties and easing the registration process. Prior to SPREE, non-registration within specified timeframes could result in legal action and a demand for backdated dues. SPREE 2025 addresses these barriers, aiming to bring left-out establishments and workers into the ESI fold and ensure broader social protection. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all By simplifying the registration process and offering immunity from retrospective liabilities, the scheme not only encourages employers to regularize their workforce but also ensures that more workers, especially those in contractual sectors, gain access to essential health and social benefits under the ESI Act. Originally introduced in 2016, SPREE has facilitated the registration of over 88,000 employers and 1.02 crore employees. PTI KKS KKS ANU ANU First Published: July 02, 2025, 16:45 IST HDB Financial Services stock lists with nearly 13 pc premium Last Updated: July 02, 2025, 11:00 IST Representational image (Image: News18) New Delhi, Jul 2 (PTI) Shares of HDB Financial Services Ltd, a subsidiary of HDFC Bank, on Wednesday got listed with a premium of nearly 13 per cent against the issue price of Rs 740. The companys stock started trading at Rs 835, a jump of 12.83 per cent from the issue price on the BSE. Later, it surged 14.29 per cent to Rs 845.75. Recommended Stories At the NSE, shares of the firm listed at Rs 835. The company commanded a market valuation of Rs 69,658.72 crore during the initial trade. The Rs 12,500-crore initial share sale of HDB Financial Services got subscribed 16.69 times on the closing day of bidding on Friday last week, amid encouraging participation from institutional buyers. The mega initial public offer (IPO) had a price band of Rs 700-740 per share. The IPO was a combination of a fresh issue of equity shares worth Rs 2,500 crore and an offer-for-sale (OFS) of Rs 10,000 crore by the promoter HDFC Bank. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The company proposes to utilise proceeds from the fresh issue to strengthen its tier-I capital base. This will support future capital needs, including additional lending, to support business growth. The HDB Financial IPO was the second biggest in the last three years after South Korean automaker Hyundais Rs 27,000-crore offer. PTI SUM SUM ANU ANU First Published: July 02, 2025, 11:00 IST Military helicopter crashes at airport in Somalia, killing 5 on board Last Updated: July 03, 2025, 01:00 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Mogadishu (Somalia), Jul 2 (AP) Five people were killed when a military helicopter serving the African Union peacekeeping mission in Somalia crashed Wednesday at the airport in the capital, Mogadishu, according to Ugandan authorities. The Mi-24 helicopter with eight people on board was arriving from an airfield in the Lower Shabelle region. It had originally belonged to the Ugandan Air Force but was being operated by the African Union peacekeeping mission. Recommended Stories Ugandas military said in a statement that the helicopter was on a routine combat escort mission" when it crashed. The pilot, co-pilot and flight engineer survived the crash with serious injuries and severe burns, it said. Ahmed Moalim Hassan, director-general of the Somalia Civil Aviation Authority, told state media that investigations are underway. Aviation officer Omar Farah, who was among the first to reach the crash site, told The Associated Press that he saw the helicopter spinning and then it fell very fast". Abdirahim Ali, a nearby resident, said he saw a huge explosion and smoke everywhere". Minor delays were reported at the Aden Adde airport, but flights and other operations have since resumed. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The African Union peacekeeping mission, known as AUSSOM, is helping Somali authorities to fight the extremist rebels of al-Shabab, a group that opposes the presence of foreign troops in the Horn of Africa nation. The mission includes troops from countries including Uganda and Kenya. (AP) SCY SCY First Published: July 03, 2025, 01:00 IST Premier of the State Council Li Qiang will attend the 17th BRICS Summit upon invitation in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil from July 5 to 8. At the invitation of Prime Minister of Egypt Mostafa Kamal Madbouly, Premier of the State Council Li Qiang will pay an official visit to Egypt from July 9 to 10. CCTV: What does China expect to achieve through the 17th BRICS Summit? Mao Ning: The BRICS cooperation mechanism offers the most important platform for the solidarity and cooperation among emerging markets and developing countries in the world. Its an important force for realizing an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization. This will be the first summit after the new member Indonesia, and 10 partner countries joined BRICS. Multiple emerging markets, developing countries, and international and regional organizations are invited to the summit. China looks forward to working with all parties to consolidate the BRICS strategic partnership, make due contributions to safeguarding multilateralism, promoting common development and improving global governance, and advance the high-quality development of greater BRICS cooperation. Yonhap News Agency: Its reported that the Chinese government recently asked the ROK government through diplomatic channel whether President Lee Jae-myung could attend the events commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese Peoples War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. Can you confirm that? Mao Ning: This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese Peoples War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, and China will hold grand commemorative events. Last weeks press conference of the State Council Information Office has shared the arrangement about inviting foreign leaders to the events. We are in communication with all sides on that. CCTV: To follow up on your announcement of Premier Li Qiangs upcoming official visit to Egypt, can you brief us on the background, program and Chinas expectation of the visit? Mao Ning: Egypt is the first Arab and African country to establish diplomatic relations with New China. China and Egypt are comprehensive strategic partners. In recent years, under the strategic guidance of President Xi Jinping and President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, China-Egypt relations have achieved robust development with deepening political mutual trust, fruitful practical cooperation in various fields as well as close and effective multilateral coordination. During the visit, Premier Li Qiang will have in-depth exchange of views with Egyptian leaders on developing China-Egypt relations, deepening mutually beneficial cooperation and issues of mutual interest. Through the upcoming visit, China hopes to work with Egypt to carry forward our traditional friendship, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, advance China-Egypt relations toward the goal of building a community with a shared future for the new era, and build a China-Arab community with a shared future at a higher level. China News Service: Its reported that on June 30, President Trump signed a National Security Presidential Memorandum to restore and strengthen the robust Cuba policy from his first term, reversing the Biden Administrations revocation that eased pressure on Cuba. He is committed to fostering a free and democratic Cuba, addressing the Cuban peoples long-standing suffering under a Communist regime. Whats Chinas comment? Mao Ning: I noted relevant reports. Over the past 60 years and more, the U.S.s barbarian blockade and illegal sanctions against Cuba have severely infringed on Cubas right to subsistence and development and violated basic norms of international relations, which wreaked havoc on the Cuban people. China firmly supports Cuba in following a development path fit for its national conditions, and opposes U.S. moves to abuse unilateral sanctions under the pretext of freedom and democracy. We urge the U.S. to immediately lift the blockade and sanctions against Cuba and remove the country from the list of state sponsors of terrorism. This is also what the international community calls for. AFP: The U.S. Justice Department said yesterday that two Chinese nationals have been arrested for espionage and for allegedly seeking to recruit members of the U.S. Navy to serve as intelligence assets. What is Chinas comment on this? Mao Ning: Im not familiar with the specifics, but we always oppose peddling the so-called China spy narrative and will take necessary steps to defend the lawful rights and interests of Chinese nationals. Bloomberg: Israels Consul General in Shanghai Ravit Baer in an interview with Bloomberg has urged China to use its political and economic sway to encourage Iran to rein in its military and nuclear ambitions. Does the Foreign Ministry have any response to the remarks calling on Beijing to use its political and economic clout to shape the outcome of the current situation in Iran? Mao Ning: The ins and outs of the recent spikes of conflict in the Middle East are very clear. China hopes to achieve a sustainable and effective ceasefire and realize peace and stability in the Middle East. As regard to the Iranian nuclear issue, it should be resolved peacefully through political and diplomatic means. We hope all parties will work together to bring the issue back to the track of political settlement. The Paper: Chinese beverage brands such as Mixue Bingcheng and Chagee recently filed for overseas listings, which drew a lot of attention. Many Chinese brands have expanded business and gained popularity overseas. Foreign media commented that gone are the days when Chinese products had to copy Western brands. Whats your take on this? Mao Ning: Indeed, many Chinese brands appeal to foreign consumers thanks to their high-tech, aesthetics, design, and emotional resonance. From Made-in-China to Chinese brands, this is a natural result of Chinas high-quality development, and enabled by Chinas complete industrial system, fair and open market environment and sustained investment in innovation. Chinese brands, by going global, offer more choices to worldwide consumers. We also welcome more quality foreign brands to enter the Chinese market to thrive together and bring the benefit of economic globalization to people of all countries. PTI: Further to your announcement about Premier Lis visit to Brazil to attend the BRICS Summit. Whats Chinas consideration behind the participation to the summit? Mao Ning: I just announced that Premier Li Qiang will attend the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. We believe BRICS countries offer an important platform for greater solidarity and cooperation among the Global South. They are important players in promoting the reform of the global governance system, and have been committed to safeguarding multilateralism, defending fairness and justice, and promoting common development. China attaches great importance to and will actively participate in the BRICS cooperation. We stand ready to work with all parties to uphold the spirit of openness, inclusiveness, and win-win cooperation, stay committed to the original aspiration of seeking strength through solidarity and achieving common development, support Brazil, the BRICS chair, in making the summit a full success, and advance the high-quality development of greater BRICS cooperation. Ukrinform News Agency: Head of Ukraines defense intelligence stated Russia has already transferred to North Korea technologies and equipment for the production of Russian attack drones in North Korea. These attack drones will worsen the security environment on the Korean Peninsula because North Korea is significantly increasing its military might at the moment. And the U.S. with its allies will respond accordingly by increasing their own troops. Does the Foreign Ministry have any comments? Is China concerned about the military cooperation between Russia and North Korea, which creates risks of destabilization near the Chinese border? Mao Ning: Im not familiar with the specifics of the bilateral cooperation between Russia and the DPRK. On the Ukraine crisis and on the Korean Peninsula issue, Chinas position is consistent and clear. As the results for the Democratic primary for New York City mayor began to roll in, India Waltons phone began to light up. Zohran Mamdani, the Assembly member and fellow Democratic Socialist, had campaigned for Walton in 2021 prior to her primary victory over then four-term incumbent former Mayor Byron Brown. Now he was on his way to a stunning triumph and, like Walton, he was defeating establishment Democrats who were expected to be victorious. People started tagging her in posts and sending her texts, saying they hoped the Democratic Party and others would not turn on Mamdani after he won, as she feels many Democrats did to her. She lost to Browns write-in campaign in the general election that included attack advertisements and funding from people far beyond Buffalo, many Republicans and Conservative groups among them, in support of Brown. In addition, Walton claimed that local media, including The Buffalo News, ran stories about her that distorted who she was and what she stood for. So Walton has a good idea of what Mamdani is about to face: He wins the primary and then the Democratic establishment villainize, demonize and steal the election from him. Attacks on Mamdani began swiftly on social media and in the press in the hours and days after his primary win. The New York Post recounted his loss in a high school class vice presidential race. CNBCs Jim Cramer quipped during his show that the rich might get shot if Mamdani is elected. And a Republican member of Congress sent a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi urging her to strip Mamdani of his citizenship and deport him. He moved to the United States with his family from South Africa when he was 7 and became a naturalized citizen in 2018. A lot of it is just blatant racism, Walton said. Based on her own experience, Walton said she expects that these attacks will only build in intensity as he moves toward November. Walton was not on any ballots this year, but she was already a part of the primary election season. Mayor Christopher Scanlons campaign used images of Walton and Scanlons opponent State Sen. Sean Ryans endorsement of her after she won the 2021 Democratic primary in attack advertisements targeting the Ryan campaign. Ryan won the primary by 11 points last week. After Waltons victory she received the endorsement of the Erie County Democratic Committee and several prominent local Democrats, including Ryan, Assembly Member Jon Rivera and Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz. But Scanlon played a big role in Browns write-in victory, helping push a large turnout in his South Common Council District. Gov. Kathy Hochul declined to make an endorsement in the race. Hochul waffled on a Mamdani endorsement when asked if she would support his campaign at an unrelated news conference Friday. U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, in statements made during a WNYC radio interview that she later walked back, demanded that Mamdani, who is Muslim, denounce the global intifada. And other top New York Democrats like U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer and Rep. Hakeem Jeffries have so far declined to endorse Mamdani, though they did congratulate him on his victory in public statements. Walton said she first met Mamdani over social media in a group chat breaking down the state budget process shortly after he had been elected to the Assembly. After expressing an appreciation for how downstate legislators were talking about housing and other issues, she shared her frustration over the lack of progress and open dialogue on those issues in Buffalo, she said. Mamdani then asked why she didnt try a run for public office, planting a seed toward her eventual run for mayor. When she ran, he supported her, showing up to a rally at Martin Luther King Jr. Park, knocking on doors in Buffalo and hosting a fundraiser for her in New York City, she added. I just find him to be a very authentic and caring person, Walton said. Walton said part of the narrative around both of their campaigns was the idea that they came out of nowhere. Walton had been part of unions, worked on marijuana reform legislation efforts and helped to organize a push in the State Legislature with Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes to get permitted parking for members of the Fruit Belt community before she considered running for mayor. Similarly, Mamdani has been involved in community organizing, participated in a hunger strike to protest the treatment of taxi drivers by New York City taxi medallion owners an expensive permit required to operate a taxi business and worked on many political and advocacy campaigns for more than a decade, she said. Hes been putting his body on the line, Walton said. Hes been standing up for tenants rights. These are things he has been doing his entire career. Walton said she has not spoken with Mamdani since his primary victory, but that she has been in touch with people in and around his campaign. She said that she hopes he continues the messaging that led to his victory and doesnt get pulled off track by the attacks that are sure to come. Just stay the course, Walton said. I mean, clearly the messaging worked. He doesnt have to change it or water it down. I think the messaging is great. Its very honest. But, I think its what people want to hear. My journalistic experiment with Bal Thackeray never took off: Sharad Pawar Last Updated: July 02, 2025, 22:15 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Mumbai, Jul 2 (PTI) NCP (SP) president Sharad Pawar on Wednesday recalled his experiment" with journalism, sharing that he and Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray had once tried to launch a monthly magazine, but the venture did not succeed. The octogenarian leader was speaking at a function organised by the Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Patrakar Parishad to honour journalists for their contribution to the field. Recommended Stories I have had some connection with journalism. Had our experiment succeeded, we might have probably been worthy of the honours of the Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Patrakar Parishad today," he said. The late Balasaheb Thackeray, myself and a few friends had once started a magazine, each investing Rs 5,000. The idea was to launch it on the lines of the English Time magazine. We released our first issue, expecting it to be so popular that it would not be seen anywhere. And that issue has never been seen since," Pawar quipped. He said journalism in a democracy is incredibly challenging. I hope that you will continue to make significant contributions to democracy by preserving journalistic values," he said, referring to the award winners. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The Balshastri Jambhekar Lifetime Achievement Award was conferred upon senior journalist Madhukar Bhave, while Bharat Jadhav was given the Special Honour. Journalists Mahesh Mhatre, Abhijit Karande, Amey Tirodkar, Pandurang Patil, Sarvottam Gavaskar, Dinesh Keluskar, Seema Marathe, Balasaheb Patil, Sharmila Kalgutkar and Bharat Nigde were honoured with various awards. PTI MR NR First Published: July 02, 2025, 22:15 IST Odisha to host Energy ministers conclave Last Updated: July 02, 2025, 14:00 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Bhubaneswar, Jul 2 (PTI) Energy Ministers Conclave will be held in Odisha by the end of this year in collaboration with Tony Blair Institute and IIT Kanpur, an official said on Wednesday. Energy ministers from all over the country are expected to participate in the conclave. Odisha will take the lead in development of the framework, effective policy making for energy transition, he said. Recommended Stories In this regard, a preparatory meeting was held under the chairmanship of Deputy Chief Minister and Energy Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo on Tuesday evening. In the meeting, Singh Deo said that the foundation of the Viksit Bharat by 2047 under the leadership of the Prime Minister has been laid. The energy sector will play a key role in achieving the goals, he said. Keeping in mind the future, a climate-resilient strategy is being prepared by the government. The state is also moving towards achieving the net zero carbon target by reducing carbon emissions and adapting renewable sources, he added. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all We are on the verge of transitioning from traditional sources to renewable energy and are moving towards solar power, PSP, green energy, etc in the state. The Tony Blair Institute will support us in this," the DyCM said. The Odisha government had signed an MoU for the conclave in New Delhi last June. The conference will showcase the innovations in the energy sector of Odisha. Many eminent personalities from India and abroad are likely to attend the conclave, the official said. PTI BBM BBM RG First Published: July 02, 2025, 14:00 IST Opposition stages walkout over non-payment to soyabean farmers Last Updated: July 02, 2025, 14:15 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Mumbai, Jul 2 (PTI) Opposition members staged a walkout from the Maharashtra assembly on Wednesday following uproar over the issue of alleged non-payment to farmers for soyabean procurement. The House witnessed heated exchanges after the opposition alleged irregularities in soybean procurement and delays in payment to farmers. Recommended Stories Congress member Vijay Wadettiwar claimed soyabean growers have not been paid for the procurement of their produce. Cooperation and Marketing Minister Jaykumar Rawal informed the House that this year, a record amount of soybean was procured across 562 centres in the state. More than 51,000 farmers sold their produce, and Rs 5,500 crore has been directly transferred to their bank accounts," Rawal said. However, a controversy erupted over an incident in Akola districts Balapur taluka. The minister said the Andura Shetkari Company, a farmer collective, failed to deliver 1,297 quintals of soybean to the warehouse despite registering it under procurement records. A criminal case has been lodged against the company head, and Rs 36 lakh withheld pending investigation, he said. Efforts are underway to ensure payments are made to farmers affected by the discrepancy, Rawal assured. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The original question was raised by MLA Daulat Daroda, followed by supplementary questions from Hemant Ogle, Randhir Savarkar, Nana Patole, Rohit Pawar, Kailas Patil and Jayant Patil. Dissatisfied with the ministers response, the opposition members walked out of the House in protest. PTI MR GK First Published: July 02, 2025, 14:15 IST Rajasthan: 4 members of family die by suicide in Barmer Last Updated: July 02, 2025, 14:00 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Jaipur, Jul 2 (PTI) Four members of a family, including a woman, allegedly died by suicide by jumping into a water tank in Rajasthans Barmer district, police said Wednesday. The incident occurred in Undu village of the district where Shivlal (35), his wife Kavita (32), and their two sons, aged 8 and 6, were found dead on Tuesday evening in a tank outside their home in Brahmano Ki Dhani in Sheo Police Station limits. Recommended Stories According to the preliminary investigation, Shivlal allegedly jumped into the tank along with his family after locking the house. The incident came to light after his younger brother, unable to reach the couple on the phone, sent a neighbour to check, following which the police were alerted. Sheo DSP Manaram Garg said, The bodies were found in the tank on Tuesday evening. The in-laws were informed, and the retrieval was done on Wednesday morning in their presence as they could not arrive at night." The bodies were sent to the mortuary at the Bhiyad CHC for post-mortem. Gopilal, Kavitas uncle, told reporters, Shivlal wanted to build a separate house with funds sanctioned under PM Awas Yojana. But his brother and mother did not allow it. This constant harassment forced him to write a suicide note on June 29." According to the family, although Shivlal wrote the note two days earlier, he did not act on it immediately. But on Tuesday, after his mother left to visit his brother in Barmer and his father was away for religious work, Shivlal and Kavita turned off their phones and allegedly took the drastic step. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Police recorded statements of relatives from both sides, and officials said they are investigating allegations of domestic harassment under IPC sections related to abetment of suicide. Sheo Police said further inquiries would consider the contents of the alleged suicide note and family disputes as part of the probe. PTI AG MPL MPL First Published: July 02, 2025, 14:00 IST WB Bar Council expels gang rape accused Monojit Mishra Last Updated: July 02, 2025, 22:00 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Kolkata, Jul 2 (PTI) The Bar Council of West Bengal on Wednesday decided to expel Monojit Mishra, the prime accused in the gang rape case, from its membership and struck off his name from its rolls. The state bar council, in a special general meeting, decided to strike off Mishras name from its rolls of advocates in view of the allegation of the heinous crime against him, its chairman Ashok Deb told reporters here. Recommended Stories We are all ashamed of the barbarous crime alleged to have been committed by him," he said. Deb said that the state bar council will also inform the Bar Council of India of its decision to expel Mishra from its rolls. The South Calcutta Law College had on Tuesday terminated the services of the prime accused and expelled two other students arrested in connection with the alleged gang rape of a 24-year-old first-year student on the campus. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Mishra was working as a temporary staffer since 2024 on a contract extended periodically. Co-accused Zaib Ahmed and Pramit Mukherjee, both current students of the college, have also been expelled from the institute. PTI AMR BDC First Published: July 02, 2025, 22:00 IST After 6-Year Wait, Keralas KSRTC Welcomes New Fleet Of Buses Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: July 02, 2025, 16:06 IST Transport Minister K.B. Ganesh Kumar personally took the drivers seat for a trial run of one of the newly arrived Tata Super Fast buses. The minister later shared a video of his test drive on Facebook. (Photo Credit: Facebook) The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has finally started receiving new buses after a long gap of six years. On July 2, Transport Minister K.B. Ganesh Kumar took the wheel for a trial run of one of the newly arrived Tata Super Fast buses. He later shared a video of the drive on Facebook, highlighting the long-awaited upgrade to KSRTCs fleet. New buses were promised and theyve arrived. Took a trial run of the newly purchased Super Fast and Fast Passenger buses. I have already given a few suggestions to the concerned officials. Minor tweaks will be made and the remaining buses will arrive soon. These buses come equipped with the latest technology and better passenger comfort. Comfortable journeys are not far away," Keralas Transport Minister Kumar wrote on Facebook. Recommended Stories Check his post here: As per Mathrubhumi, the new buses are built on Tata chassis, while the bodywork is handled by ACGL (Automobile Corporation of Goa Ltd). The first batch includes both Fast Passenger and Super Fast buses. Though the design is similar, the two categories can be told apart by the different colours on the front. The temporary registration details show that the bus bodies were made in Goa. KSRTC recently confirmed an order of 143 new buses, with advance payments already made. According to the minister, 80 buses are part of the first phase now being delivered, 60 Super Fast and 20 Fast Passenger. The remaining 63 are reportedly expected within three months. Mathrubhumi also states that KSRTC is purchasing these buses from major Indian manufacturers like Tata Motors, Ashok Leyland and Eicher. The state government has allocated Rs 107 crore for the project and Rs 62 crore has already been released, including Rs 22.9 crore as advance payments to manufacturers. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Furthermore, Ashok Leyland has received orders for premium buses: 8 AC sleeper, 10 AC sleeper-cum-seater and 8 AC semi-sleeper models. For regular routes, KSRTC is also buying 37 smaller buses, including 9-meter models for use in towns and rural areas. It marks the first time since 2018when 100 diesel buses were addedthat new buses are being inducted directly into the KSRTC fleet. Until now, under the second Pinarayi Vijayan government, reportedly 434 buses had been procured, but they were handed over to KSRTCs subsidiary, SWIFT. The latest additions signal a long-overdue boost to KSRTCs operations. Get the latest updates on car and bike launches in India including reviews, prices, specs, and performance. Stay informed with breaking auto industry news , EV policies, and more, Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: July 02, 2025, 16:06 IST Green Light For Bike Taxis, New Govt Rules Clear The Road For Rapido, Uber And More Curated By : PTI Last Updated: July 02, 2025, 11:42 IST New MV Aggregator Guidelines 2025 promise a smoother ride for Uber, Rapido, and millions of commuters. This landmark policy is expected to fuel innovation, offer low-emission transport options, and bring structure to the bike-taxi business model that millions rely on daily. (Representative image) Indias ride-hailing and bike-taxi industry has welcomed the governments new Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines (MVAG) 2025, calling it a major step toward regulatory clarity, innovation, and expanded affordable mobility across the country. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways on Tuesday issued the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines (MVAG) 2025, providing long-awaited regulatory clarity for Indias shared mobility sector by officially permitting states to allow the use of non-transport (private) motorcycles for passenger rides through aggregator platforms. Recommended Stories This move brings relief to bike taxi operators like Rapido and Uber, who have long operated in a legal grey area, especially in states like Karnataka, where a recent ban on bike taxis had led to increased tensions and widespread protests. Major industry players, including Uber and Rapido, have welcomed the move, acknowledging its potential to drive innovation, expand affordable mobility, and create new livelihood opportunities. Uber lauded the guidelines as a forward-looking step toward fostering innovation and regulatory clarity." Timely adoption by states will be key to ensuring uniform implementation and building much-needed predictability for all stakeholders. We commend the Ministry for its consultative and balanced approach, and remain committed to working closely with governments at all levels to support effective and inclusive rollout of the framework," an Uber spokesperson said. Rapido specifically welcomed the operationalisation of Clause 23 of the MVAG 2025. This clause permits the aggregation of non-transport motorcycles for passenger journeys, a move Rapido described as a milestone in Indias journey towards a Viksit Bharat". top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all motorcycles as a means of shared mobility, the Government has opened the door to more affordable transportation options for millions, especially in underserved and hyperlocal areasthe move will also help address pressing challenges such as traffic congestion and vehicular pollution, while expanding the reach of last-mile connectivity and hyperlocal delivery services," Rapido said in a statement. The policy shift will act as a catalyst for creating lakhs of flexible livelihood opportunities for riders across urban and rural India, promote shared and low-emission transport in line with Indias climate commitments and formalise the gig economy with technology-backed platforms and regulatory support, it added. About the Author Samreen Pall Samreen Pall, Senior Sub-Editor at News18, is a Computer Science graduate but a writer at heart, Samreen has one motto that she swears by: 'Everything is dull and useless if it has no drama in it.' This motto c... Read More Samreen Pall, Senior Sub-Editor at News18, is a Computer Science graduate but a writer at heart, Samreen has one motto that she swears by: 'Everything is dull and useless if it has no drama in it.' This motto c... Read More Get the latest updates on car and bike launches in India including reviews, prices, specs, and performance. Stay informed with breaking auto industry news , EV policies, and more, Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! First Published: July 02, 2025, 11:42 IST PM Kisan 20th Installment Date: How To Search Your Point Of Contact For Any Query? Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: June 30, 2025, 16:29 IST PM Kisan 20th Installment Date: Eligible farmers may reach out to their point of contact in case of e-KYC failure, incorrect bank details, Aadhaar mismatch or mobile number errors. Under the PM Kisan scheme, the central government provides financial assistance of Rs 6,000 annually to eligible farmers in three equal installments of Rs 2,000. PM Kisan 20th Installment Date: Even as farmers across the country are awaiting the release of the 20th installment of the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi, it is necessary to know your point of contact (POC) for any query related to the scheme, including KYC, Aadhaar mismatch, and mobile number update. Also, if a farmer does not receive the money after the release of the 20th installment, he or she can approach the POC for installment credit-related issues. The 20th tranche, which was expected in June, is now likely to be credited in July 2025, though the government has not yet announced an official date or event for the release. In the meantime, eligible beneficiaries are advised to verify their details and reach out to the correct point of contact (PoC) in case of issues such as e-KYC failure, incorrect bank details, Aadhaar mismatch, or mobile number errors. Recommended Stories Heres how you can find your point of contact under the PM-Kisan scheme: 1. Visit PM Kisans official website, https://pmkisan.gov.in/. 2. Scroll a bit and click on Search Your Point of Contact (POC) 3. Select Search Distric Nodal. 4. Select your state and district. Now, the name of the official, his designation, his mobile number and email-ID address will be displayed. You can contact them for any PM Kisan-related query. PM Kisan: When Will PM Modi Release the 20th Installment? PM Modi is expected to release the 20th installment of the PM Kisan scheme in July 2025. The last (19th) installment was issued in February 2025. Why Is 20th Installment Getting Delayed? The PM Kisan installment usually comes in February, June, and October. Many expected a similar timeline this year. However, this time, the 20th installment seems to have got delayed as there is no official announcement on the date so far. Also Read: PM Kisan 20th Installment Date: What To Do If Your PM-Kisan Name Doesnt Match Aadhaar? There have also been no official words on the reason why it is getting delayed this time. However, reports suggest that the amount will most likely be released in July by PM Modi at an event, which will be announced soon. How To Complete e-KYC? As the installment is expected to come soon, eligible farmers are required to complete before that to avoid payment failure. e-KYC (Electronic Know Your Customer) is mandatory for all PM Kisan beneficiaries. Without it, your name may be dropped from the beneficiary list. As per the schemes official website, eKYC is MANDATORY for PMKISAN Registered Farmers." You can complete e-KYC in three simple ways: OTP-Based e-KYC: If your Aadhaar is linked to your mobile number, visit PM Kisans website and verify using the OTP. Biometric e-KYC: Visit your nearest Common Service Centre (CSC) for fingerprint authentication. Facial Authentication: A special facility for senior citizens and physically challenged farmers is now available at CSCs, allowing e-KYC through facial recognition. What To Do If Your PM-Kisan Name Doesnt Match Aadhaar? If youre facing this issue, heres how you can correct it: Online Method Go to https://pmkisan.gov.in Click on Farmer Corner > Updation of Self Registered Farmer Enter your Aadhaar number, captcha, and select the correct option Match your name exactly as it appears on Aadhaar and submit Offline Method Visit your nearest CSC (Common Service Centre) or Agriculture Department office with Aadhaar card, land records, bank passbook, and PM-Kisan ID (if available). Also Read: PM Kisan 20th Installment Date: What To Do If Your PM-Kisan Name Doesnt Match Aadhaar? How To Check Your PM-Kisan Installment Status Visit https://pmkisan.gov.in Click on Know Your Status Enter your registration number or Aadhaar number Check whether your name is on the beneficiary list Also ensure that your eKYC is completed, as it is mandatory for installment release. What Is The PM Kisan Scheme? Launched in 2019 after being announced in the Interim Budget by then Finance Minister Piyush Goyal, the PM Kisan scheme has become the worlds largest DBT scheme. Under it, eligible farmers receive Rs 2,000 every four months totaling Rs 6,000 annually in the following cycles April-July, August-November, and December-March. The money is deposited directly into the bank accounts of the beneficiaries. Who Is Eligible for PM Kisan? To qualify for the PM Kisans 20th installment, one must: Be a citizen of India Own cultivable land Be a small or marginal farmer Not be a pensioner receiving Rs 10,000 or more per month Not have filed income tax Not be an institutional landholder. How To Apply For PM Kisan Samman Nidhi? top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Go to https://pmkisan.gov.in Click on New Farmer Registration Enter your Aadhaar number and captcha Fill in the details, click Yes Complete the form, submit it, and take a printout For any queries, you can call the PM-KISAN helpline numbers 155261 and 011-24300606. 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 30, 2025, 16:15 IST How To Diversify Your Mutual Fund Portfolio Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: July 02, 2025, 08:51 IST To diversify your mutual fund portfolio, spread your money across different types like large-cap, mid-cap, debt, and international funds. Avoid similar funds, limit sector funds and match investments to your risk level. A mutual fund portfolio is a collection of investments like stocks, bonds, or other assets. Many people choose mutual funds to get easy access to a mix of investments without selecting individual stocks. But just having several funds doesnt always mean your money is well-diversified. Real diversification lowers risk and gives more stable returns by spreading your money across different types of investments, industries, and strategies. So, how do you build a mutual fund portfolio thats truly diversified? Lets understand it step by step. Recommended Stories Dont Overcrowd Your Portfolio Many investors believe that more mutual funds mean better diversification. But holding too many funds, especially those with overlapping holdings, can lead to portfolio clutter. Experts recommend limiting your portfolio to about 57 mutual funds across different categories. This ensures meaningful exposure without duplication. Mix Fund Categories Wisely A well-balanced portfolio includes a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap equity funds, along with debt or hybrid funds, depending on how much risk you can handle. For example, if you are someone with medium risk tolerance, you could invest 40 per cent in large-cap funds, 20 per cent in mid- or small-cap funds, 30 per cent in debt funds, and 10 per cent in international funds. Include Sector and Thematic Funds Cautiously Sector and thematic funds can give higher returns during certain market conditions, but they come with more risk. If you decide to invest in them, keep the amount smallaround 5 per cent to 10 per cent of your total portfolioand balance them with safer, diversified equity funds. Use SIPs to Handle Volatility Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) help average out the cost over time, making your investments less sensitive to short-term market fluctuations. During volatile periods, continue SIPs rather than halting them. Add International Exposure Diversifying across countries is also important. Adding an international fund to your portfolio can protect you from risks in the Indian market and give you a chance to benefit from global growth. Rebalance Periodically When markets go up or down, your investment mix can change. Rebalancing your portfolio once or twice a year helps bring it back in line with your original plan and risk level. Align Diversification With Time Horizon top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Long-term goals (like retirement) can handle more equity exposure, while short-term goals should be backed by debt or hybrid funds to minimise volatility. Real diversification isnt just about owning many fundsits about smartly spreading your money across different types of funds, assets, and regions. With the right mix and regular check-ins, your mutual fund portfolio can give steady returns while keeping risks under control. About the Author Business Desk A team of writers and reporters decodes vast terms of personal finance and making money matters simpler for you. From latest initial public offerings (IPOs) in the market to best investment options, we cover al... Read More A team of writers and reporters decodes vast terms of personal finance and making money matters simpler for you. From latest initial public offerings (IPOs) in the market to best investment options, we cover al... Read More Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: July 02, 2025, 08:51 IST Crizac IPO Subscribed 48% On Day 1: Should You Apply? Check GMP, Price, Lot Size, Review Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: July 02, 2025, 17:52 IST Crizac IPO GMP Today: Unlisted shares of Crizac Ltd are currently trading at Rs 277 over its upper IPO price of Rs 245. The GMP of Rs 32 or 13.06% indicates mild listing gains. Crizac Ltd, a B2B education platform founded in 2011, facilitates international student recruitment for global institutions. Crizac IPO GMP Today: The initial public offering of student recruitment solution provider Crizac opened today, Wednesday, July 2, for a three-day bidding. The mainboard IPO aims to raise Rs 860 crore. Till 5:00 pm on the first day of bidding on Wednesday, the issue received a 0.48 times subscription, garnering bids for 1,17,82,638 shares as against the 2,45,71,427 shares on offer. The retail and NII participation stood at 0.63x and 0.65x, respectively. The QIB category received a 0.09x subscription. Recommended Stories Crizac Ltd, a B2B education platform founded in 2011, facilitates international student recruitment for global institutions across the UK, Canada, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand through a network of over 7,900 agents in more than 75 countries via its proprietary tech platform. Crizac IPO GMP Today According to market observers, unlisted shares of Crizac Ltd are currently trading at Rs 277 over its upper IPO price of Rs 245. It means a grey market premium or GMP of Rs 32, which is 13.06% over its issue price, indicating mild listing gains for investors. The GMP is based on market sentiments and keeps changing. Grey market premium indicates investors readiness to pay more than the issue price. Crizac IPO Price And Lot Size The price band of the IPO has been fixed in the range of Rs 233 to Rs 245 apiece. Its minimum lot size is 61. It means investors will have to apply for a minimum of 61 shares or in multiple thereof. Retail investors require a minimum capital of Rs 14,945 to apply for the IPO. Crizac IPO: Should You Apply? Crizac Limited, a B2B international education platform, has received largely positive reviews from brokerages for its initial public offering (IPO), with most recommending investors to subscribe to the issue. The companys strong financials, tech-driven platform, and global presence have contributed to optimism, though a few concerns remain around regulatory risks and concentration of revenue from top institutions. SBI Securities Subscribe SBI Securities sees diversification into new geographies and B2C services as key levers for future growth. Crizac has registered a CAGR of 76% in revenue, 43% in EBITDA, and 18% in PAT over the last two years, reaching Rs 849 crore, Rs 213 crore, and Rs 153 crore, respectively," it said. The brokerage noted the IPO is valued at a P/E of 28 times FY25 earnings, and compared to peers, is fairly priced". With upcoming expansion into the US market and a push towards ancillary services, the firm recommended investors to subscribe. Choice Broking Subscribe According to Choice Broking, Crizacs demand valuation of 28x P/E and 4.8x EV/sales is reasonable. The firm highlighted Crizacs ability to maintain profitability without external funding and its sticky client base through offerings such as university office management. With a growing student pool and expansion into high-potential regions like the US, Crizac is well-placed for sustainable growth," it noted, giving a subscribe recommendation. Chola Securities Subscribe for Listing Gains Chola Securities is positive on the B2C diversification strategy, particularly student loans, visa help, and accommodation services. The company is valued at a P/E of 28.03x and operates in a structurally growing sector driven by demographics and skill migration," it said. It expects potential listing gains due to the industry tailwinds and Crizacs growth trajectory, and hence issued a subscribe rating for listing gains. Canara Bank Securities Subscribe (Long-Term) Canara Bank Securities flagged regulatory risks, such as recent international student caps in Canada, but remains positive overall. It emphasised Crizacs strong financials with revenue and EBITDA growing at CAGRs of 76% and 43%, respectively. The company is priced at 28x P/E, in line with its listed peer, but slightly higher on PB. Despite this, Crizacs wide agent and university network positions it well to benefit from growing outbound student trends," it noted, recommending a subscribe for long-term gains. BP Equities Subscribe BP Equities cited Crizacs leadership in UK-bound student recruitment and scalable operations as key strengths. The valuations are reasonable considering its growth momentum and differentiated B2B positioning," it stated. The brokerage gave a clear subscribe rating based on Crizacs financial performance and expansion strategy. Ventura Securities Subscribe for Long-Term Ventura Securities believes Crizac is well-positioned to benefit from rising global demand for education abroad. Its strategy includes expanding its agent network, strengthening its tech platform, and deepening relationships with institutions and agents," the brokerage said. It highlighted Crizacs emphasis on long-term institutional and agent ties, and issued a subscribe for long-term call, especially considering its broad international presence. SMIFS Subscribe SMIFS called Crizacs model differentiated and resilient, supported by a growing institutional base and expanding global agent ecosystem. The combination of a scalable tech platform and favorable industry dynamics makes for a compelling long-term opportunity," it noted, assigning a subscribe rating. Arihant Capital Neutral Arihant Capital took a slightly more cautious stance, assigning a neutral rating despite acknowledging Crizacs strengths. It pointed to the concentration of revenue, with over 70% coming from the top 10 institutions in FY25, as a possible risk. However, it appreciated the companys strong partnerships with over 20 of its top 30 institutions, and noted that marketing and admissions services add engagement and stickiness" to its offering. Crizac IPO Allotment And Listing Dates As the IPO will close on July 4, its basis of allotment will be finalised on July 7. Its listing will take place on both BSE and NSE on July 9. Crizac IPO: Other Info The IPO is entirely an offer for sale (OFS) of equity shares worth Rs 860 crore by promoters Pinky Agarwal and Manish Agarwal with no fresh issue component, as per the Red Herring Prospectus. The OFS consists of the sale of equity shares worth Rs 723 crore by Pinky Agarwal and Rs 137 crore by Manish. Since the issue is an OFS, Crizac will not receive any proceeds from the IPO. The company has collected Rs 258 crore from anchor investors ahead of the launch of its initial share sale for public subscription. The company, which had proposed to raise Rs 1,000 crore in November last year, has trimmed the issue size to Rs 860 crore. It did not provide any specific reason for the downward revision in offer size. Crizac initially filed its preliminary IPO papers with Sebi in March 2024. The regulator had returned the documents in July. Thereafter, the company refiled the papers in November, which were approved by the regulator in March this year. The Kolkata-based firm is a B2B education platform for agents and global institutions, offering international student recruitment solutions to global institutions of higher education in the UK, Ireland, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. The company reported a revenue from operations of Rs 849.49 crore and a profit after tax of Rs 152.93 crore in the full financial year 2025. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The companys shares will be listed on the BSE and NSE. Equirus Capital and Anand Rathi Advisors are the book-running lead managers, while MUFG Intime India is the registrar for the IPO. 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: July 02, 2025, 13:50 IST IndusInd Bank Shares Fall Over 3% After Goldman Sachs Downgrades To 'Sell'; Check Target Price Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: July 02, 2025, 11:39 IST IndusInd Bank share price dropped nearly 3% intraday following global brokerage Goldman Sachs' downgrade; Check latest target price IndusInd Bank Share Price Today IndusInd Bank Shares Fall: IndusInd Bank share price dropped nearly 3 per cent intraday following global brokerage Goldman Sachs downgrade to sell. Goldman Sachs said the bank has become a weak franchise" and will see weak growth ahead. IndusInd Bank shares declined sharply by 3.45% to hit a low of Rs 849 on the BSE on Wednesday, following a downgrade from Goldman Sachs. The brokerage revised its stance on the stock, citing concerns over earnings visibility and growth trajectory. Despite raising its target price from Rs 634 to Rs 722, Goldman Sachs downgraded the stock to Sell, warning that the private lender may exhibit a weaker growth profile even after potential recovery in the second half of FY26 and into FY27, according to CNBC TV18. Recommended Stories While the stock has bounced back 21% over the past monthoutperforming the BSE Bankexs 8.24% gainit still remains 12% lower in 2025 so far and has declined 40% over the past year. The caution comes amid ongoing leadership uncertainty. A Reuters report said the bank has submitted a shortlist of three senior bankers to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for the CEO postRajiv Anand, Rahul Shukla, and Anup Sahaall seasoned industry professionals. This follows the resignation of CEO Sumant Kathpalia and Deputy CEO Arun Khurana in April, amid accounting discrepancies in the derivatives portfolio. These discrepancies, coupled with fraud incidents and higher microfinance slippages, led to larger-than-expected losses in the March quarter. Goldman Sachs has also slashed its FY26 and FY27 earnings per share (EPS) estimates for IndusInd Bank by 25% and 17% respectively. It noted that the stock may continue trading below book value due to poor earnings visibility. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Other brokerages remain cautious. Antique Stock Broking has a Hold rating with a target of 880, while Kotak Institutional Equities has a Reduce rating, valuing the stock at 800. Meanwhile, IIFL Securities estimates a steep 66% year-on-year drop in IndusInd Banks Q1 FY26 profit to Rs 700 crore, with net interest income expected to fall 21% to Rs 4,300 crore and core pre-provision operating profit (PPoP) down 46% to Rs 2,100 crore. 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: July 02, 2025, 09:59 IST Microsoft Layoffs: IT Giant Sacks Another 9,000 Employees In Latest Job Cuts Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 02, 2025, 20:10 IST Microsoft Layoffs: The latest job cuts might mainly affect customer-facing roles, as against the previous layoffs that majorly affected software engineers and product developers. Microsoft is likely to announce the latest layoffs early this month. Microsoft Layoffs 2025: IT giant Microsoft on Wednesday, July 2, said it is laying off about 9,000 employees, or 4% of its workforce, in the latest round of job cuts. The latest layoffs are part of Microsofts restructuring efforts amid AI investments. The company began sending out layoff notices Wednesday. Recommended Stories This is the third round of layoffs this year, after about 6,000 jobs cuts (3% of its workforce) in May and over 300 sackings just a week after. In a statement, Microsoft said the cuts will affect multiple teams around the world, including its sales division and its Xbox video game business. We continue to implement organisational changes necessary to best position the company and teams for success in a dynamic marketplace," the tech giant said in the statement. According to Times of India, the latest round of job cuts will disproportionately affect customer-facing roles, as compared with the previous layoffs that mainly affected software engineers and product developers. Microsoft employed 228,000 full-time workers as of last June, the last time it reported its annual headcount. The company said Wednesday that its latest layoffs would cut close to 4% of that workforce, which would be about 9,000 people. Recently, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella addressed the massive job cuts at the global tech giant and said the layoffs happened due to reorganisation rather than performance". Meanwhile, Microsoft Chief Commercial Officer Judson Althoff is also planning to take a two-month sabbatical. According to a spokesperson, the companys top sales executive will be back with his team in September". Last week, chipmaker Intel also reportedly started fresh job cuts with 107 employees connected to its headquarters in Santa Clara, California. The layoffs are part of a broader restructuring plan to turnaround the beleaguered company. Intel has reportedly informed this to the stated of California through a notice, which is required under the Californias Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) in case of a layoff impacting 50 or more than employees in a 30-day period. Total Tech Layoffs In 2025 So Far top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all In the current year 2025, a total of 150 tech companies have laid off 63,823 tech employees, according to layoffs.fyi. In 2024, a total of 551 companies had cut 1,52,922 tech jobs. 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: July 02, 2025, 19:37 IST Shubhanshu Shukla's Space Insurance Could Be The Costliest In The World. Here's What It Covers Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: July 02, 2025, 13:11 IST Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, who represents India in a multilateral crew aboard the ISS, has secured insurance coverage that may be worth upwards of Rs 200 crore India's decision to send Shubhanshu Shukla on the Axiom-4 mission marked a significant stride in its growing involvement in human spaceflight For the next 14 days, astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla will orbit above Earth aboard the International Space Station (ISS) as part of NASAs Axiom Mission 4. But behind this milestone lies one of the most high-stakes financial undertakings known to mankind space insurance, the most expensive insurance in the world. Shukla, who represents India in a multilateral crew aboard the ISS, has secured insurance coverage that may be worth upwards of Rs 200 crore. This is part of the approximately $60 million (about Rs 500 crore) package paid by the Centre to Axiom Space in 2025, which includes mission costs, astronaut training, transportation via SpaceXs launch vehicle, and accident insurance. Recommended Stories Why Is Space Insurance So Expensive? Spaceflight is considered one of the riskiest ventures humans can undertake. Insurance coverage for astronauts reflects that danger, with policies ranging between Rs 40 crore and Rs 160 crore per individual, and in cases involving long-duration missions or high-cost payloads, the coverage can go even higher. Insurance for astronauts isnt just about covering the spaceflight itself. It typically begins weeks or months in advance, encompassing the high-risk training period and continues until the astronaut returns safely to Earth. The premium alone for such insurance can range from 10 to 20 percent of the total insured amount, a massive figure compared to standard life or travel insurance. The price tag is justified by the stakes. A minor technical glitch in space can be fatal. Unlike on Earth, there is no scope for emergency rescue. Every phase, from launch to docking to their stay aboard the ISS, and their re-entry, carries serious risk. What Does Space Insurance Cover? Space insurance typically includes: Death or serious injury during launch, orbit, or return. Losses due to mission cancellation, training interruption, or mission delay. Damage to mission-critical equipment and spacecraft. Training injuries, provided they occur during officially sanctioned programs. Insurance may not cover accidents stemming from willful negligence, intoxication, concealed medical issues, or acts of war and terrorism. Who Insures Astronauts? Space missions are often insured by major national space agencies or through partnerships with global private insurers. In the United States, NASA provides life and accidental death insurance to its astronauts and their families. For international missions like the ISS, participating nations ensure that their astronauts are insured, either through their space agencies or government-backed policies. Private missions, like Axioms, rely on commercial insurance providers. Some of the key players in the global space insurance market include: Lloyds of London AXA XL Star Companies Global Aerospace Munich Re These companies specialise in high-risk sectors, including aviation, satellite deployment, and manned space travel. History Of Space Insurance And Compensation The concept of insuring space missions is not new; but it has evolved significantly since the early Apollo days. Back in the 1960s, NASA was unable to offer formal insurance, so Apollo astronauts would leave behind signed autographs, which their families could later sell if tragedy struck. The need for structured insurance became painfully evident after a string of catastrophic accidents: Apollo 1 (1967): A fire during a ground test killed three astronauts. NASA compensated families through a special fund. Challenger Disaster (1986): The shuttle exploded 73 seconds after liftoff, killing all seven astronauts. Government and private compensation was awarded. Lloyds of London reportedly settled claims worth $7 million per astronaut. Columbia Disaster (2003): The shuttle disintegrated during re-entry, killing all seven crew members, including Kalpana Chawla. Compensation came through NASAs Federal Employees Group Life Insurance (FEGLI), special agency funds, and a dedicated Columbia Families Trust set up by the US Congress. Soviet Missions (Soyuz 1 in 1967, Soyuz 11 in 1971): Fatal accidents were followed by state-provided compensation, though specifics remain classified. What Happens In Case Of Accident? In the unfortunate event of a spaceflight casualty, claims can be made by the astronauts family or the mission-operating agency. Settlements often depend on the terms of the insurance and the nature of the accident. With public interest and national pride often involved, governments tend to step in with supplemental compensation as well. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Shuklas Mission And Indias Investment Indias decision to send Shubhanshu Shukla on the Axiom-4 mission marked a significant stride in its growing involvement in human spaceflight. The seat purchased from Axiom reportedly cost $60 million, a figure that includes not only the flight but the weeks-long astronaut training, space station stay, and comprehensive insurance coverage. First Published: July 02, 2025, 13:11 IST Income Tax Return: Old Regime Vs New Regime, Which One Should You Choose For AY 2025-26? Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: July 02, 2025, 12:41 IST ITR Filing 2025: While the new regime is now the default, the government still gives individuals the option to choose what works best for their finances. Check detailed comparison. Income Tax Slabs For FY 2024-25 Under Old And New Regimes. Old Income Tax Regime Vs New Regime For ITR Filing 2025: With the income tax return (ITR) filing season for the assessment year 2025-26 (financial year 2024-25) underway, taxpayers are again facing the question: Should I opt for the old tax regime or the new one? While the new regime is now the default, the government still gives individuals the option to choose what works best for their finances. Heres a detailed comparison between the old income tax regime and the new regime: Recommended Stories What Is the Old Tax Regime? The old tax regime is the income tax system that offers a wide range of exemptions and deductions, allowing taxpayers to reduce their taxable income by claiming benefits such as Section 80C (up to 1.5 lakh) for investments in PPF, ELSS, LIC, etc; house rent allowance (HRA); leave travel allowance (LTA); interest on home loan (Section 24); health insurance premium (Section 80D); education loan interest (Section 80E); and standard deduction (Rs 50,000 for salaried individuals). Old Regime Tax Slabs (FY 2024-25): Income Slab Tax Rate Up to Rs 2.5 lakh Nil Rs 2.5 lakh-Rs 5 lakh 5% Rs 5 lakh-Rs 10 lakh 20% Above Rs 10 lakh 30% Note: Rebate under Section 87A is available for taxable income up to Rs 5 lakh (i.e., no tax liability if total income is within Rs 5 lakh). What Is the New Tax Regime? Introduced in Budget 2020 and revamped in Union Budget 2023, the new tax regime offers lower tax rates but no major exemptions or deductions (except a few like NPS employer contribution and standard deduction from FY 2023-24). New Regime Tax Slabs (FY 2024-25) Income Slab Tax Rate Up to Rs 3 lakh Nil Rs 3 lakh-Rs 6 lakh 5% Rs 6 lakh-Rs 9 lakh 10% Rs 9 lakh-Rs 12 lakh 15% Rs 12 lakh-Rs 15 lakh 20% Above Rs 15 lakh 30% Note: Standard deduction of Rs 50,000 is allowed for salaried/pensioners from FY 2023-24 onwards, even under the new regime. Key Differences Between Old and New Regimes: Feature Old Tax Regime New Tax Regime Tax Rates Higher Lower Exemptions & Deductions Allowed (80C, HRA, etc.) Mostly Not Allowed Standard Deduction Rs 50,000 Rs 50,000 (from FY 202324) 87A Rebate Up to Rs 5 lakh income Up to Rs 7 lakh income Default Regime No Yes (from FY 202324) Best for Taxpayers with high deductions Taxpayers with few/no deductions Who Should Choose the Old Regime? You may benefit from the old regime if you claim large deductions under 80C, 80D, HRA, or home loan interest; you have invested in tax-saving instruments like PPF, ELSS, NSC, etc; your employer provides components like HRA, LTA, or reimbursements that reduce taxable salary; or youre a senior citizen availing multiple deductions," said Aman Sharma, a Delhi-based chartered accountant. Giving an example, he said, If your gross income is Rs 10 lakh and you claim deductions of Rs 2.5-3 lakh, your taxable income goes down to Rs 7 lakh, making the old regime more attractive." Who Should Choose the New Regime? He added that the new regime is ideal for salaried individuals who dont claim many deductions; freelancers, gig workers, or those with simplified income; young earners who have just started working and havent made tax-saving investments yet; and individuals who prefer lower tax rates without documentation hassles. Sharma cited an example and said, A salaried person earning Rs 9 lakh with no major deductions may pay less tax under the new regime due to lower slab rates and the Rs 50,000 standard deduction." Section 87A Rebate: What Is Applicable For AY 2025-26? Regime Rebate Limit Income Threshold Old Regime Rs 12,500 Up to Rs 5 lakh New Regime Rs 25,000 Up to Rs 7 lakh Under the new regime, no tax is payable for income up to Rs 7 lakh after the rebate, making it attractive for lower and middle-income earners. Default Regime Status from FY 2023-24 From FY 2023-24, the new tax regime is the default. The CA said if you want to stay in the old regime, you must actively opt for it while filing your ITR. Salaried individuals can inform their employer about their choice at the beginning of the financial year. Switching Regimes: What You Should Know Salaried taxpayers can choose their regime every year while filing ITR. You can tell your employer your preferred regime for TDS purposes, but its not final as you can change it when filing ITR. It is important to know that business or professional taxpayers can switch only once without restrictions. Which Regime is Better in 2025? Sharma said theres no one-size-fits-all answer. The right regime for you depends on how much you earn, how much you invest or spend on eligible deductions, and your preference for simplicity vs savings. As a thumb rule, choose the new regime if you have fewer deductions and want simplicity, he added. Stick to the old regime if you can claim significant tax deductions, especially if your income is above Rs 10 lakh," he said. Taxpayers are advised to use the income tax departments calculator or consult a tax advisor to make an informed choice before filing your ITR for AY 2025-26. ITR Filing Last Date 2025 top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The last date to file the income tax return for AY 2025-26 (FY 2024-25) is September 15, 2025. However, for the ITRs that require audit, the deadline is October 31, 2025. 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: July 02, 2025, 12:29 IST 'Very Vital Aspect': Social Security Coverage To Play Key Role In Indias Trade Negotiations With US Reported By : CNN-News18 Last Updated: July 02, 2025, 18:36 IST The labour ministry has urged the ministry of commerce to incorporate Social Security Agreements as a critical component in ongoing and future FTA talks, including with UK and US India currently has bilateral Social Security Agreements with 22 countries. The inclusion of such provisions in trade frameworks will provide both economic and social safeguards for the Indian diaspora. Representational image With over 94 crore Indiansnearly 64% of the populationnow covered under various social security schemes, Indias expanding welfare net is poised to become a strategic asset in global trade talks. The ministry of labour has urged the ministry of commerce to incorporate Social Security Agreements (SSAs) as a critical component in ongoing and future Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations, including those with the UK and the US. Recommended Stories It is learnt that union labour minister Mansukh Mandaviya shared this with his cabinet colleague, commerce minister Piyush Goyal, in a meeting a couple of days ago. We have urged the ministry of commerce to take into consideration our request in their negotiations with the USIt is our duty to protect the interests of Indians who are working overseas alsoSocial security is a very vital aspect," Mandaviya told CNN-News18. Such agreements aim to protect Indian professionals working abroadparticularly in Indian companiesfrom dual social security contributions and potential welfare disadvantages in host countries. More importantly, they will ensure smoother access to social benefits when these professionals return to India. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all India currently has bilateral Social Security Agreements with 22 countries. The inclusion of such provisions in trade frameworks will provide both economic and social safeguards for the Indian diaspora. The government of India also wants to explore such agreements with even those countries with which it does not have FTAs. In a significant endorsement, the International Labour Organization (ILO) has acknowledged that 64% of Indias population is now covered under some form of social protection. This global recognition strengthens Indias position in FTA discussions, underscoring its progress toward inclusive development and reinforcing its case for more equitable terms in international partnerships. First Published: July 02, 2025, 18:36 IST Bengaluru Infosys Employee Arrested For Filming Women In Campus Toilet At Electronic City Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 02, 2025, 20:44 IST The Infosys HR personnel investigated the matter and allegedly found over 30 videos of different women on his phone The accused has been identified as Swapnil Nagesh Mali (28), who hails from Andhra Pradesh. (Photo: News18) An employee of tech giant Infosys have been arrested for allegedly secretly recording obscene videos of female colleagues in the restroom of the companys campus in Bengaluru. The accused has been identified as Swapnil Nagesh Mali (28), who hails from Andhra Pradesh and was a Senior Associate consultant at the Helix unit of Infosys. Recommended Stories The incident took place in building 38, the IQE wing of the Infosys campus, around 11 am on June 30. However, it came to light when a female employee of the Electronic City campus noticed a reflection on the opposite door while she was in the restroom, revealing someone was recording her. South East Division DCP Sarah Fathima said, We registered the case yesterday and already arrested the accused, who is around 30 years old and was working as a technical analyst. We have recovered the mobile phone and are sending it for forensic examination." Upon immediate investigation, she initially saw only herself, but a further check inside the restroom led her to discover the accused attempting to record with his mobile phone. The woman immediately screamed, prompting the accused to apologise. The Infosys HR personnel investigated the matter and allegedly found over 30 videos of different women on his phone. The situation escalated when the victims husband learned of the incident and confronted Infosys, expressing his outrage. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Following this, the distressed female employee, identified, filed a formal complaint at the Electronic City police station on Tuesday, leading to the arrest of Swapnil. The phone has now been sent to a forensic lab to recover deleted files and examine any pattern of misconduct. Investigators are now probing whether more women were recorded without consent and whether any content was shared or circulated. 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: July 02, 2025, 15:05 IST Karnataka To Rename Bengaluru City University After Manmohan Singh; BJP Says 'Congress Hates...' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 02, 2025, 20:48 IST R Ashoka, BJP leader and Leader of Opposition in Karnataka Assembly, objected to the move, saying that the Congress party hates Bengaluru Bengalurur City University (Photo: X) The Karnataka cabinet on Wednesday decided to rename state-run Bengaluru City University after former prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh. R Ashoka, BJP leader and Leader of Opposition in Karnataka Assembly, objected to the move, saying that the Congress party hates Bengaluru. Recommended Stories Congress hates Bangalore. Thats why they are renaming Bengaluru City University as Manmohan Singh University," he said. Manmohan Singh, who played a pivotal role in shaping the countrys economic reforms during his 10-year tenure as the prime minister, passed away at the age of 92 in December last year. During his budget speech, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced that Bangalore City University will be renamed Dr Manmohan Singh Bengaluru City University. The Cabinet also decided to rename Bangalore Rural district as Bangalore North District, and Bagepalli taluk as Bhagya Nagar. The proposal was cleared at a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah atop Nandi Hills. Bengaluru Rural currently comprises four taluksHoskote, Devanahalli, Doddaballapur, and Nelamangala. We have renamed Bengaluru Rural district as Bengaluru North," Siddaramaiah told reporters after the meeting. In 1986, Bengaluru was bifurcated into Bengaluru Urban and Bengaluru Rural. In 2007, Ramanagara district was carved out of Bengaluru Rural. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all In May this year, the cabinet renamed Ramanagara as Bengaluru South district. Siddaramaiah added that the cabinet has also approved renaming Bagepalli town in Chikkaballapura district, bordering Andhra Pradesh, as Bhagyanagar, noting that Bagepalli is a Telugu name. 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: July 02, 2025, 17:37 IST Female Teacher At Elite Mumbai School Arrested For Sexual Misconduct With Class 11 Student Reported By : CNN-News18 Edited By: Mahima Joshi Last Updated: July 02, 2025, 12:10 IST The incident came to light after the victim student complained about the teacher to his family. The Mumbai Police has registered a case in connection to the matter under the POCSO Act. (Representative image) A female teacher of one of Mumbais best-known schools was arrested under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act on charges of sexually assaulting one of her students. The incident came to light after the victim student complained about the teacher to his family. Following which, the students family lodged a complaint. Recommended Stories The accused female teacher came in contact with the victim boy while teaching a group dance for the schools annual function. The teacher also took the boy out to various five-star hotels in Mumbai, sources reported. According to a report published in Hindustan Times, the assaults spanned a little over a year. The teacher came in contact with the student during December 2023 and made her first sexual overtures in January 2024. When the boy initially resisted and avoided her, the teacher reportedly enlisted a female friend, not part of the school, to persuade him. The friend allegedly told the minor that relationships between older women and teenage boys were quite common" and that he and the teacher were made for each other," HT cited an investigating officer. The female friend has also been charged in the matter. READ MORE: 50-Year-Old Chinese Woman Marries Sons Classmate, Reveals She Is Pregnant Following the intervention of his friend, the student agreed to meet the teacher. The police claim that she drove him to an isolated location in her sedan, where she forcefully undressed and assaulted him." Reportedly, the teacher would often get him drunk before the abuse. The boy later developed severe anxiety and the teacher allegedly gave him anti-anxiety pills, HT reported, citing police official. Police said the incident came to light when the students family noticed a change in behaviour and confronted him. Knowing what happened with the boy, the family decided to not report the incident as he would soon graduate from school and hoped that the teacher would ultimately stop bothering him. The situation turned worse when the student left school after clearing his board examinations, but was again contacted by the teacher. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The teacher contacted the student through one of her domestic staff and asked him to meet her. The teens family then decided to approach us and register a case, police informed. First Published: July 02, 2025, 11:21 IST Mumbai Set To Witness Heavy Rainfall Today, IMD Issues Yellow Alert Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 02, 2025, 09:22 IST According to the reports, there is a possibility of light to moderate rains with cloudy weather in the Konkan coast, Mumbai metropolitan, and nearby suburbs on July 2. IMD Warns Of Heavy Rain In Mumbai Today, Issues Yellow Alert | PTI Image The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Wednesday issued a yellow alert for Mumbai city for 48 hours. According to the weather agency, heavy rainfall is expected throughout the day, accompanied by cloudy skies. On Tuesday, the city recorded 45 mm of rain during the day. According to the reports, there is a possibility of light to moderate rains with cloudy weather in the Konkan coast, Mumbai metropolitan, and nearby suburbs on July 2. Recommended Stories The weather is cloudy since morning and there will be heavy rain after noon. Winds will blow at a speed of 40 to 50 km per hour in these areas and, therefore, the citizens are advised to take appropriate precautions, especially in low-lying and flood-prone areas. Notably, Thane and Navi Mumbai received heavy rains throughout the day on Tuesday. Belapur, Vashi and Nerul areas in Navi Mumbai were even facing waterlogging issues. Heavy Rainfall Across India: IMD IMD on Tuesday said very heavy rainfall is expected in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan over the next six to seven days, adding that the monsoon will remain active in many parts of northwest, central and east India during this period. Heavy rain is also likely in Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, West Bengal, Sikkim and Jharkhand. Some days may see heavy showers in Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand and Odisha. Northeast India is likely to get heavy to very heavy rain at isolated places during this period. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The weather department on Monday predicted above-normal rainfall in the country in July and asked authorities and people in central India, Uttarakhand and Haryana to stay alert due to the risk of flooding. It said rainfall is likely to be below normal in large parts of the northeast, many areas of eastern India and extreme southern peninsular India. About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More First Published: July 02, 2025, 09:22 IST Nail Scratch Marks On Body: Fresh Medical Evidence Emerges Against Kolkata Gangrape Accused Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 02, 2025, 07:29 IST Doctors found scratch marks on Monojit Mishra, the main suspect in the gangrape of a law student in Kolkata. The assault occurred at South Calcutta Law College on June 25. Monojit Mishra is accused of raping a Kolkata law student. (Image: Facebook) Trouble mounts for Monojit Mishra, the prime accused in the gangrape of a 24-year-old law student in Kolkata, as doctors reportedly found scratch marks on his body. Medical examinations revealed nail-inflicted injuries, suggesting that the victim tried to resist during the assault. The alleged gangrape occurred inside a security guards room at South Calcutta Law College on June 25. There are signs of injuries, precisely scratch marks, on the body of Monojit. These injuries are fresh. Such injuries happen when someone faces struggle or resistance," news agency PTI reported, quoting a police source. Recommended Stories Previously, the medical examination of the rape survivor had also aligned with her statement, with doctors finding proof of forceful penetration, bite marks, and nail scratches" on her body. Meanwhile, CCTV footage on the campus also displayed the survivor being taken forcefully by the accused inside the college premises. 4 Arrested So Far As probe into the case intensified, police made four arrests. First, they arrested the prime accused, Mishra, and his co-accused, Zaib Ahmed and Pramit Mukherjee, who were students of the law college. Later, college security guard Pinaki Bandyopadhyay was also arrested. The nine-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Kolkata Police, currently probing the assault case, has uncovered key evidence, including a phone call between accused Monojit and the Vice Principal of the law college, Dr. Nayna Chatterji, made the morning after the incident. An IPS officer confirmed that Monojits call detail records (CDRs) were thoroughly cross-checked, and Dr. Chatterji has been questioned twice to determine the nature of the conversation. Police Scan CCTVs Probe team is also examining CCTV footage from a nearby medical store where another accused, Zaib Ahmed, was seen purchasing an inhaler for the survivor. It is learnt that during the assault, the 24-year-old woman had requested her attackers for medical help due to her breathlessness and when they denied, she urged them to arrange an inhaler for her. Thereafter, Zaib bought the inhaler for her from the shop. Police said the pharmacy owner confirmed that Zaib initially tried to split the payment between cash and UPI but ended up paying the full amount online. In her complaint as well, the survivor stated Zaib brought the inhaler which made her feel better. adding, the relief did not last for long as they again began to torture her. Police have also compiled a list of 16 individuals, mostly students, who were seen on campus after class hours on June 25, as captured in CCTV footage. Six of them have been questioned so far. Multiple forms of evidence including digital trails, forensic tests, and crime scene analysis have matched with the survivors version of events. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all On Tuesday, the police sought a 10-day extension of custody for the three accused during a hearing at Alipore court. A fourth person has also been arrested in connection with the case. Kolkata Police Commissioner Manoj Verma stated that the investigation is progressing rapidly but declined to share further details due to the sensitivity of the case, emphasising that the first three arrests were made within 12 hours of the FIR being filed. 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: July 02, 2025, 07:05 IST Delhi Girl Attempts Suicide By Drinking Acid, Accuses Lover Of 'Sexual Assault' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 02, 2025, 12:43 IST A girl attempted suicide by drinking acid after she was allegedly sexually assaulted by a man she was in a relationship with. The man has been arrested. Delhi Girl attempts suicide by drinking acid after accusing boyfriend of sexual assault. (Representative image/File Photo) A girl attempted suicide by drinking acid in southwest Delhis Vasant Kunj area after she was allegedly sexually assaulted by her boyfriend. The man has been arrested by the police after the family claimed that it was a case of love jihad. The accused, Md Rehan, allegedly sexually assaulted the girl on the pretext of marriage and blackmailed her with objectionable photographs. Recommended Stories The incident came to light on June 18 after a MLC (medico-legal case) report was received from Spinal Injuries Hospital stating that a girl had been admitted there after she had consumed acid. Following this, the police team reached the hospital, however was not able to record the girls statement as she was declared unfit. "An acid bottle was recovered from her residence. Preliminary inquiry revealed that the girl was in a relationship with a man named Rihan and it led to emotional distress," Deputy Commissioner of Police (Southwest) Amit Goel was quoted as saying by news agency PTI. The girl attempted suicide while she was alone at home. A neighbour noticed her in pain around 4:45 pm and rushed her to the hospital. She was referred to Safdarjung Hospital for further treatment due to the severity of her condition on June 20. The DCP informed that the victims mother lodged a complaint at Vasant Kunj (South) police station, accusing Rihan of sexually assaulting her daughter. She also handed over her daughters mobile phone to the police, which contained voice recordings allegedly supporting the allegations. Based on the complaint, a preliminary report was submitted recommending a forensic analysis of the girls mobile phone. A case has been registered in the matter under Section 69 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Section 6 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act at Vasant Kunj (South) police station on June 25. Rehan, a resident of Shankar Camp in Rangpuri Pahari, was arrested. He has studied up to class 12 and previously worked as a loader at the airport. He is currently unemployed and his father works as a labourer, the DCP said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Further investigation is underway. Disclaimer: DISCLAIMER: If you or someone you know needs help, call any of these helplines: Aasra (Mumbai) 022-27546669, Sneha (Chennai) 044-24640050, Sumaitri (Delhi) 011-23389090, Cooj (Goa) 0832- 2252525, Jeevan (Jamshedpur) 065-76453841, Pratheeksha (Kochi) 048-42448830, Maithri (Kochi) 0484-2540530, Roshni (Hyderabad) 040-66202000, Lifeline 033-64643267 (Kolkata) About the Author 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: July 02, 2025, 12:43 IST SpiceJet Flight Window Panel Comes Loose Mid-Air, Airline Assures No Cabin Pressure Loss Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 02, 2025, 19:59 IST SpiceJet says the panel was a non-structural cosmetic part and was fixed after landing. This image shared by an Indian Express journalist shows the dislodged window on the SpiceJet flight. (IMAGE: @SohamShah07/X) Passengers aboard the Pune-bound SpiceJet flight SG-1080 travelling from Goa to Pune on Tuesday suffered a scare after a window frame on the flight popped out mid-air, the newspaper Indian Express said in a report. The report citing a statement by the airline said that there was no cabin depressurisation as the outer layers of the windowpane remained intact and passenger safety was not compromised. Recommended Stories The newspaper spoke to flyer who said that a mother who was sitting with her child was concerned as she was in close proximity to the window. I was travelling back from Goa to Pune after attending an event. A woman was sitting behind me and she was with a baby. Half an hour after takeoff, the window (close to her) just popped out. The woman got scared and it was concerning. There is a protective layer behind the window that protects us from the elements outside, and it was intact, but it is still concerning. This is not done," the flyer, named Mandar Sawant, was quoted as saying by the newspaper. The flight attendants tried to calm us down, but what else will they even do? They moved the woman and her child to a different seat behind. The stewardess did manage to somewhat get the window back on, but any sudden movement and it probably would have fallen off again," Sawant was quoted as saying by the Indian Express. We got to know at the airport that the flight was delayed the previous day as well due to technical issues," he further added, pointing out that the flight was originally scheduled for 5.20 pm on July 1, departed an hour and a half late at 6.55 pm and that he did not get any message or update from the airline that the flight was delayed. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all A cosmetic window frame on one of SpiceJets Q400 aircraft became loose during flight and was found dislodged. It is important to note that this was a non-structural trim component, fitted onto the window for the purpose of shade, and did not compromise the safety or integrity of the aircraft in any way. Cabin pressurisation remained normal throughout the flight, and there was no impact on passenger safety," a SpiceJet official was quoted as saying by the newspaper. The Q400 aircraft is equipped with multiple layers of windowpanes, including a robust, pressure-bearing outer pane, ensuring that passenger safety is never at risk, even in the unlikely event of a superficial or cosmetic component coming loose. The frame was fixed upon landing at the next station, in accordance with standard maintenance procedures," the statement added. About the Author Shankhyaneel Sarkar Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev... Read More Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev... Read More First Published: July 02, 2025, 19:59 IST What Will It Take For India To Become A Global Study Destination? Expert Weighs In Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: July 02, 2025, 17:25 IST Sachin Jain, Country Manager of ETS India & South Asia, said that international universities setting up campuses in India will make global education more accessible. ETS India chief says global exams like GRE, TOEFL, and foreign campuses can boost Indias position as a global education hub. As India aspires to position itself as a global education hub, the Study in India" initiative has been gathering momentum. However, for this vision to be realised, the country must continue strengthening its educational infrastructure and develop pathways that appeal to international students. A significant step in this direction is the adoption of globally recognised assessments. The entry of several new international universities into India has laid the groundwork for delivering high-quality global education at a more accessible cost. The acceptance of the GRE by Indian institutions could open doors for a large number of international students seeking to pursue higher education in India. This move has the potential to establish India as a preferred learning destination for students across the globe, said Mr Sachin Jain, Country Manager, ETS India & South Asia, in a conversation with News18.com. Recommended Stories Here are the edited excerpts from the interview: What do you think is the impact of stricter visa rules and increased scrutiny by the US on international study abroad aspirants? While stricter visa rules and increased scrutiny, including social media vetting, may have created uncertainty in the minds of Indian students applying to US universities, the fact remains that there continues to be space for genuine students in US institutions. The US also remains a top choice due to its world-class education, cutting-edge research opportunities, and strong job prospects for international students. That said, the uncertainty in US policies has encouraged students to explore other global education hubs that provide reliable pathways for higher education and career development. This shift also indicates that students are increasingly open to diversifying their study destination choices. Countries such as Germany, Ireland, and New Zealand have gained popularity among Indian students due to their more stable immigration policies and affordable education options. What is your view on international universities setting up Indian campuses, first at GIFT City and then at Delhi-NCR and Mumbai? The entry of internationally recognised institutions into India marks a transformative step in enhancing the countrys higher education sector. These universities will enable students to access global education at a potentially lower price point, without the need to leave India making it a game-changer for many. Additionally, these institutions bring a wealth of experience and global best practices that will enrich the Indian learning ecosystem. At ETS, we believe that the establishment of international universities in India is a watershed moment in shifting Indias role from a source market to a host market for global education. Will these campuses help India attract quality students from around the world? The international campuses will significantly enhance Indias appeal as a destination for high-quality education, potentially attracting international applicants as well. By offering programmes with global recognition and international academic standards, these campuses will elevate the learning experience while producing well-qualified professionals for industry. Given historic trends and Indias cultural proximity, we are likely to see interest from international students from regions such as Central Asia, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. What role can TOEFL and GRE play in supporting internationalisation in India? Globally accepted assessments such as TOEFL and GRE can act as enablers in supporting the internationalisation of higher education in India. As the country works to increase its international student intake, TOEFL and GRE can serve as vital tools for attracting students while maintaining high academic standards. As standardised assessments, these tests provide a common benchmark for academic readiness and English proficiency, both essential for students applying to global programmes. TOEFL is the most widely accepted test for language proficiency, and GRE assesses readiness for graduate and postgraduate courses across STEM, Management, Law, and the Humanities. India has recorded its strongest presence yet in the QS World University Rankings 2026, with 54 institutions making the list a significant jump from 46 in 2025 and 45 in 2024. Assessments like GRE can power the Study in India agenda in a significant way. We heard about TOEFL enhancements recently. When can we expect these changes to be implemented? The TOEFL enhancements are expected to be implemented from January 2026, which means there will be no changes to the current test structure until then. One major enhancement includes section-level adaptive testing for the Reading and Listening sections. This feature adjusts question difficulty in real-time based on how the test taker responds, providing a more accurate measure of competency in Listening or Reading. A CEFR-aligned scoring scale will also be introduced alongside the current 0120 scale. This dual system will be in place for two years to support a smooth transition for institutions and students. Another key enhancement is expanding beyond academic English. The revised version of the test is designed to better reflect how students use English in real-world settings such as collaborating with peers, participating in campus life, or navigating day-to-day interactions. The goal is to assess a more relevant set of English language skills that align with the demands of global education environments. ALSO READ: AI Will Disrupt Routine Jobs, But Also Create Opportunities: IIM Raipur Director | Interview ETS recently launched TOEIC Link for working professionals. Could you briefly explain this test? top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Earlier this year, ETS launched the TOEIC Link assessment in India an advanced online English proficiency test tailored to the evolving needs of employers, universities, and training providers. TOEIC Link offers a flexible, fast, and modular approach to evaluating English skills, helping businesses streamline recruitment and enabling educational institutions to better prepare students for global career opportunities. TOEIC Link scores are aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR), ensuring international recognition. Globally, more than 18,000 companies across various industries trust the TOEIC suite to assess Listening, Reading, Speaking, and Writing skills. About the Author Archit Gupta Archit Gupta is a Chief Sub-Editor at News18.com and a seasoned education journalist specialising in reporting on education and employment. He has covered a variety of education-related stories, including high-... Read More Archit Gupta is a Chief Sub-Editor at News18.com and a seasoned education journalist specialising in reporting on education and employment. He has covered a variety of education-related stories, including high-... Read More First Published: July 02, 2025, 17:22 IST KEAM 2025 Rank List Released, Here's Direct Link & List Of Toppers Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 02, 2025, 10:55 IST The KEAM 2025 rank list has been released at cee.kerala.gov.in, with John Shinoj securing the top rank in engineering and Anakha Anil leading the pharmacy stream. KEAM 2025 Rank List Out: Check direct link and list of toppers (Representative Image) The Commissioner for Entrance Examinations (CEE), Kerala, released the rank list for the Kerala Engineering Architecture Medical (KEAM) Entrance Exam 2025 on 1 July. Candidates who appeared for the KEAM entrance tests can now check their rank status by visiting the official website: cee.kerala.gov.in/keam2025. Direct Link Recommended Stories KEAM 2025 Exam Schedule The KEAM 2025 entrance exams were held over several days, from 23 April to 29 April. The engineering exams were conducted daily during the afternoon session, from 2 pm to 5 pm. The pharmacy entrance test took place over multiple sessions. On 24 April, there were two sessions one from 11:30 am to 1 pm, and another from 3:30 pm to 5 pm. The final pharmacy session was held on 29 April from 10 am to 11:30 am. KEAM Result 2025: Engineering Stream According to official data, a total of 86,549 candidates appeared for the engineering entrance examination. Out of these, 76,230 qualified and were included in the final rank list. Among them, 41,895 were female candidates. Of these, 38,049 qualified, and 33,555 made it to the rank list. On the other hand, 44,654 male candidates appeared for the exam. Out of them, 38,181 qualified, and 33,050 were included in the final list. KEAM Result 2025: Pharmacy Stream In the pharmacy stream, 33,425 candidates took the examination. Of these, 27,841 were included in the rank list. The majority were female candidates, with 25,257 appearing and 21,606 making it to the final list. A total of 8,168 male candidates sat the exam, and 6,235 of them were included in the rank list. No transgender candidates were recorded in the pharmacy rank list this year. Among the top 100 rank holders in the BPharm list, 71 were female and 29 were male. Fourteen students secured a position in the top 100 on their first attempt, while 36 were repeat candidates. Malappuram district dominated the top 100, with 51 students, followed by Kozhikode with 10 and Palakkad with 8. Who Are This Years Toppers In KEAM 2025? top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all John Shinoj from Ernakulam secured the first rank in the engineering stream. He was followed by Harikrishnan Baiju (also from Ernakulam), Akshay Biju (Kozhikode), and Akhil Sayan (Malappuram). Other top scorers included Joshua Jacob Thomas and Emil Ipe Zachariah from Thiruvananthapuram, along with Maheer Ali T, Danish Firas, and other high-performing students from Kozhikode. In the pharmacy stream, Anakha Anil from Alappuzha topped the list. Hrishikesh R Shenoy from Kottayam and Fathimathu Zahra followed her. Several other top performers came from Malappuram and nearby districts. 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: July 02, 2025, 10:51 IST NEET Success Story: Rajasthan Aspirant Failed Thrice But Never Gave Up On Fathers Lost Dream Curated By : Translation Desk-Local18 Last Updated: July 02, 2025, 11:22 IST NEET Success Story: Vasudev, from rural Barmer, fulfilled his late fathers dream of becoming a doctor after four NEET attempts, proving perseverance turns pain into purpose Vasudev cleared the NEET examination on his fourth attempt, securing an All India Rank of 6168 and 567th in his category. (Local18) NEET Success Story: Vasudev, a resident of Lunu, a small village near the Barmer border of Rajasthan, has brought immense pride to his community by fulfilling the lifelong dream of his late father, Ratan Singh. Ratan Singh had aspired to become a doctor, but poverty forced him to abandon his education and work as a labourer. Despite this, he never compromised on his sons schooling. Today, through Vasudevs perseverance and his fathers unwavering inspiration, that dream has finally been realised. Recommended Stories Perseverance Against All Odds Vasudev cleared the NEET examination on his fourth attempt, securing an All India Rank of 6168 and 567th in his category. These figures reflect a long, determined journey. Even after the sudden loss of his father while in Class 10, Vasudev refused to give up. He turned his fathers final wish into his driving force and achieved a feat that has made not only his family but the entire village proud. A Fathers Dream, A Sons Triumph Ratan Singh, unable to study beyond school, had always encouraged his sons academic journey. Though his own life was cut short, Vasudev carried forward his aspirations. With support from family and teachers, he continued his studies with resilience and determination. Despite three initial failures, Vasudevs resolve only grew stronger. His fathers unfulfilled dream fuelled him to try again and again. On his fourth attempt, he succeeded, turning years of struggle into triumph and becoming a beacon of inspiration for the entire region. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The Future Ahead Vasudevs story is a powerful reminder that when dreams are nurtured with hard work and faith, even the harshest challenges can be overcome. His aim now is to become a compassionate doctor and serve his village, completing his fathers dream in every possible way. Location : Barmer, India, India First Published: July 02, 2025, 11:22 IST 5-Year-Old Boy Dies Of Snakebite In Rajasthan Despite Double Dose Of Anti-Venom Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: July 02, 2025, 13:33 IST Initial probe found the snakes venom was too potent to survive. Police reached the spot, took the childs body into custody, and sent it for postmortem examination The child's mother described the snake as black and highly poisonous. (News18 Hindi) A heartbreaking incident occurred in Rajasthan on July 1, when a five-year-old boy died after being bitten by a venomous snake while playing in a field where his mother was also present. The child collapsed shortly after the bite, and though his family rushed him to a nearby hospital, he was declared dead on arrival. The incident took place in Diwan Ka Pura village, located in the Dhaulpur subdivision of Dholpur district. Initial investigations revealed that the snakes venom was extremely potent, leaving no chance of survival for the child. Upon receiving information about the incident, local police arrived at the scene, took custody of the body, and sent it for postmortem examination. Recommended Stories The police have launched an investigation to determine the species of the snake and the circumstances surrounding the accident. An officer from Sarmathura police station stated, We have recorded the statements of the family members and are awaiting the postmortem report. This is a sad incident, and we will provide all possible help." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The childs mother described the snake as black and highly poisonous. Medical experts stress the importance of seeking immediate medical attention in the event of a snakebite. They caution against relying on witchcraft or home remedies, common in rural areas, as these can be fatal. Doctors advise that snakebite victims should be taken to the nearest hospital for anti-venom treatment without delay. In this case, despite timely medical intervention and administering a double dose of anti-venom injection, the childs life could not be saved due to the potency of the snakes venom. Location : Rajasthan, India, India First Published: July 02, 2025, 13:33 IST After Indus Deal Suspension, India Looks To Change Ganga Water Treaty With Bangladesh. What Is It? Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 02, 2025, 16:58 IST The Ganges Water Sharing Treaty between India and Bangladesh is set to expire in 2026 after 30 years since its implementation and renewal would require mutual agreement. India and Bangladesh signed the Ganges Water Sharing Treaty in 1996. (Reuters/File) After the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan, India is reportedly eyeing to modify and renegotiate the Ganges Water Sharing Treaty with Bangladesh, related to the distribution of Ganga waters, according to a report. The Ganges Water Sharing Treaty is set to expire in 2026 after 30 years since its implementation. Although renewal would require mutual agreement, India is eyeing a fresh treaty that would address its present developmental requirement, sources told the Economic Times. Recommended Stories What Is The Ganges Water Sharing Treaty? The treaty was implemented between India and Bangladesh on December 12, 1996, after Sheikh Hasina became the Prime Minister of Bangladesh for the first time. The agreement governs the sharing of the waters of the Ganges River at the Farakka Barrage, located in West Bengal near the Bangladesh border. The main goal of the Ganges Water Sharing Treaty is to ensure fair and equitable distribution of the Ganges water. The dispute had arisen following the activation of the Farakka barrage, which channeled water from the Ganges to Hooghly river to ensure navigation at the Calcutta Port. The agreement established the teams for sharing the water at Farakka, in which 35,000 cusecs of water is allocated alternatively to both nations for 10-day periods during the dry season from March 11 to May 11. Why India Wants To Re-Negotiate? As per the sources, India seeks an additional 30,000 to 35,000 cusecs during this period to address its growing needs such as irrigation, harbour maintenance and electricity production. The Centres position is supported by the West Bengal government, since the existing provisions are insufficient for their requirements. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Successive governments in West Bengal have argued that the central government had not adequately consulted the state before signing the 1996 treaty. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has expressed opposition to both the Ganges and Teesta water sharing agreements. Notably, India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 tourists were gunned down. About the Author Aveek Banerjee Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international... Read More Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international... Read More First Published: July 02, 2025, 16:58 IST Dual-Engine Failure? Air India Simulation Finds Final Flight Conditions Alone Didnt Cause Crash Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 02, 2025, 11:39 IST Investigators probing the Air India crash near Ahmedabad suspect a dual engine failure may have brought down the aircraft, a report has claimed. Ahmedabad: A truck carrying wreckage of the Air India plane that recently crashed into a medical hostel (Photo: PTI) The London-bound Air India plane that crashed soon after taking off from the Ahmedabad airport on June 12 may have suffered dual engine failure, which could have prevented the aircraft from staying airborne, a report with Bloomberg has claimed. This comes as reports on Tuesday suggested the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) may release the first official report and its preliminary findings later this week or early next week. Recommended Stories Bloomberg quoted people familiar with the Air India crash investigation and stated that pilots from the airline reenacted the doomed aircrafts parameters in a flight simulator, including with the landing gear deployed, and the wing flaps retracted. They found those settings alone didnt cause the crash, the report claimed. The probability has shifted the focus to technical failure, which may be a possible cause, the report quoted the same people. According to the report, an analysis of the wreckage suggests the wing flaps and slats, which help an aircraft increase lift during takeoff, were extended correctly. The pilots, who died in the crash, sent out a Mayday signal shortly after takeoff. There were only about 15 seconds between the distress call and impact, two people familiar with the investigation confirmed to Bloomberg. The incident is being probed by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau. Earlier, Tata Sons held its first board meeting after the Air India plane crash, where chairman N Chandrasekaran apprised the group leadership about the tragedy. Chandrasekaran updated the board about the relief efforts and other aspects undertaken by the group since then, news agency PTI quoted sources. Tata Sons will be working with its majority shareholder, Tata Trusts, for furthering the relief efforts to those affected in the tragedy, it was learnt. At least 270 people, including all but one of the 242 passengers and crew members on board the Ahmedabad-London Gatwick flight AI-171, were killed after the Boeing Dreamliner crashed soon after take-off on June 12. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Tata group, which owns Air India, has declared a compensation of Rs 1 crore to each of the kin of all the deceased. ALSO READ | Legal Trouble For Air India? Lawsuits Likely In UK, US Over Ahmedabad Plane Crash 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: July 02, 2025, 10:22 IST Amit Shah Congratulates NCB For Busting Global Drug Cartel, US Thanks Indian Authorities Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 02, 2025, 20:58 IST The NCB dismantled a global drug cartel operating in four continents and over 10 countries, and eight people were arrested, along with crackdowns in the US and Australia. Union Home Minister Amit Shah (PTI file) The United States thanked Indian authorities after the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) successfully busted a transnational drug trafficking syndicate, as Union Home Minister Amit Shah hailed the crackdown as a stellar example of a multi-agency crackdown. The NCB dismantled a global drug cartel that reportedly operated across four continents and more than ten countries, and used encrypted digital platforms, drop shipping models, and cryptocurrency to smuggle controlled medicines, according to an official statement. Recommended Stories Congratulations to NCB and all agencies on busting a global drug cartel. The probe set a stellar example of multi-agency coordination, resulting in 8 arrests and seizures of 5 consignments while triggering crackdowns in the US and Australia against the ring that operates across 4 continents and 10+ nations," said Shah on X. Congratulations to NCB and all agencies on busting a global drug cartel.The probe set a stellar example of multi-agency coordination, resulting in 8 arrests and seizures of 5 consignments while triggering crackdowns in the US and Australia against the ring that operates across Amit Shah (@AmitShah) July 2, 2025 Our agencies are constantly monitoring the sophisticated modes like crypto payments and anonymous drop shippers used by these gangs. PM Shri @narendramodi Ji led govt is determined to saw off every drug cartel and protect our youth, no matter where they operate from." This is one of NCBs most far-reaching crackdowns on illegal drug trade, which began with a routine vehicle inspection in New Delhi. The criminal network operated across India, the US, Australia, and Europe. Thanks to NCB and Indian authorities for helping protect Americans against illegal drugs and saving American lives!" said the US Embassy in India. Thanks to NCB and Indian authorities for helping protect Americans against illegal drugs and saving American lives! https://t.co/pvjcJgEwhk U.S. Embassy India (@USAndIndia) July 2, 2025 How This Drug Cartel Was Busted Acting on specific intelligence inputs, an NCB team intercepted a vehicle near Mandi House in Delhi on May 25 and apprehended two persons both B. Pharma graduates from a private university in Noida and recovered 3.7 kg of Tramadol tablets from their possession. The duo confessed to operating a vendor profile on a major Indian B2B platform, from where they sold pharmaceutical pills to clients across US, Europe, and Australia. Further investigation led to the arrest of a key associate from Mayur Vihar in Delhi, who was in touch with a person from Udupi, Karnataka for organising bulk orders to be shipped to the US. The narcotics agency uncovered data on 50 international consignments, including: 29 packages to the US, 18 to Australia, one each to Estonia, Spain and Switzerland, as per the statement. This information was shared with global counterparts and Interpol, leading to the identification and arrest of a bulk re-shipper and money launderer in Alabama in the US by the US DEA, along with a massive haul of controlled medicines. The criminal drug syndicate operated on encrypted communication platforms like Telegram, relied on cryptocurrency payments, PayPal, Western Union and used anonymous international drop shippers to evade detection. Two more Indian nationals from New Delhi and Jaipur, who handled logistics and supply-side operations. Crackdowns In US, Australia After receiving the information from the NCB, the US Drug Enforcement Administration (US DEA) apprehended Joey Hall, a major re-shipper and a key player in the drug network, after a coordinated operation, leading to the seizure of over 17,000 tablets of controlled medication. The kingpin of the operation has been identified and located in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the NCB is working actively with UAE authorities. Additionally, the existence of a clandestine pill manufacturing facility in Australia, directly linked to the syndicate, was revealed and dismantled. Authorities also uncovered multiple cryptocurrency wallets and active parcels linked to the syndicate, indicating a sophisticated and tech-enabled trafficking operation. An Indian-American individual identified as a key money launderer in the network is now facing indictment in the US, as per the statement. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The DEA successfully intercepted five parcels, resulting in the recovery of approximately 700 grams of Zolpidem tablets, a commonly misused sedative. More members of this syndicate have been identified and further actions are underway. (with agency inputs) About the Author Aveek Banerjee Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international... Read More Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international... Read More First Published: July 02, 2025, 20:58 IST Andhra IPS Officer Resigns After 13 Years Of Service, Denies Reports Of Harassment Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 02, 2025, 22:57 IST Siddharth Kaushal, a senior IPS officer in Andhra Pradesh, announced his voluntary resignation, clarifying that it was a personal decision and dismissing reports of harassment. Former IPS officer Siddharth Kaushal. (Image: X) A senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officer announced his voluntary resignation from the service after serving for 13 years in the law enforcement of Andhra Pradesh, prompting speculation on his decision. In an official press release, Siddharth Kaushal clarified that his decision to retire early stemmed from personal reasons and family preferences and denied baseless and misleading" reports suggesting that his resignation was due to harassment or external compulsion. Recommended Stories I have tendered my voluntary resignation from the Indian Police Service a decision made on purely personal grounds after deep personal reflection. It is a step taken in alignment with my long-term life goals and the wishes of my family members," he said. Recently, certain reports have attempted to falsely link my resignation to alleged harassment or external pressure. I wish to state unequivocally that such claims are completely baseless and misleading. My decision is entirely independent, personal and voluntary." Kaushal said serving in the IPS was the most fulfilling and enriching journey of my life" and extended gratitude to the Andhra Pradesh government, his seniors. colleagues and citizens. As I move forward, I do so with gratitude, purpose and clarity, looking to contribute to society in new and meaningful ways in the years to come," he added. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Kaushal joined the IPS in 2012 and served in significant roles including Superintendent of Police in Krishna and Prakasam districts, and most recently as Inspector General (Law & Order) in Andhra Pradesh. Although he denied reports of harassment, sources told NDTV suggest the backdrop to his resignation may include what has been described as a pattern of pressure on IPS officers. The officer is expected to join the private sector with a corporate role in Delhi. About the Author Aveek Banerjee Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international... Read More Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international... Read More Location : Andhra Pradesh, India, India First Published: July 02, 2025, 22:57 IST Andhra Home Minister Finds Cockroach In Meal During Inspection At Hostel, Suspends Warden | Video Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 02, 2025, 09:18 IST Andhra Pradesh Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha found a cockroach in her food during a surprise hostel visit in Visakhapatnam, prompting the suspension of the warden. Andhra Pradesh Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha (Video screengrab/@TeluguScribe) A warden at a hostel in Andhra Pradeshs Visakhapatnam was suspended for multiple lapses after state Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha, during a surprise inspection on the hostel premises, found a cockroach in her meal. A video shared on X by Telegu Scribe showed Vangalapudi Anitha having a meal with some female students. Recommended Stories As she spoke, she showed a cockroach, which she, as per the report, found in her meal. Another report by Deccan Chronicle claimed that the Home Minister, during her inspection, found that there were no CCTV cameras on the hostel premises and that the warden had departed from the hostel prior to her scheduled leaving time. According to the report, the warden was supposed to stay at the hostel until 9 pm, but had left by 5 pm. In a press conference, Anitha provided details on the other lapses on the hostel premises, and said that the rice being provided to the students was not of fine quality, and was not as per the prescribed menu. Further, the minister reportedly contacted the district collector and ordered the wardens suspension. She also ordered the installation of CCTV cameras at all hostels in the district and instructed regular inspections of all hostels. In another case, the Anakapalli Police in Visakhapatnam recovered 625 stolen and lost mobile phones worth Rs 1.20 crore and returned them to their owners. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Since the launch of the programme, the department has registered 5,600 complaints of lost or stolen mobile phones. Among them, the police have recovered and returned 2,711 devices to the victims in the previous nine phases. ALSO READ | Sangh Roots, Regional Pull: Why BJP Chose PVN Madhav As New Andhra Unit Chief 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: July 02, 2025, 09:12 IST ATC Data, Navigation Systems, Satellite Telemetry Under Lens As Air India Crash Probe Enters 2nd Phase Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 02, 2025, 13:36 IST Investigators are also delving deep into airborne satellite-based telemetry, which constantly communicates with the aircraft during flight. Air India Plane Crash: The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, with 242 people on board, had only one survivor after it crashed onto a medical college hostel. (Reuters) The investigation into the Air India crash has now entered its second phase, with investigators closely examining critical data retrieved from Ahmedabad Air Traffic Control (ATC), radar records, and other ground-based equipment. This probe is focused on reconstructing the aircrafts final moments with the help of comprehensive navigation and telemetry data. Officials are scrutinising the performance of ground-based navigation aids, including the Ground-Based Augmentation System (GBAS) and VHF Omni-Directional Range (VOR). While GBAS enhances GPS signal accuracy using ground-based reference stations, VOR transmits radio signals to provide pilots with precise directional guidance. Recommended Stories Investigators are also delving deep into airborne satellite-based telemetry, which constantly communicates with the aircraft during flight. This telemetry data is crucial in understanding how the aircraft behaved in the moments leading up to the crash. Beyond technical analysis, the probe is also focusing on potential mechanical failures and human factors that could have contributed to the crash. Teams are thoroughly examining maintenance logs to check for any overlooked issues, while weather-related factors are also being studied to rule out external environmental triggers. According to officials, a preliminary report based on these findings is expected to be released by the second week of July, which will provide the first concrete insight into what may have caused the fatal accident. Air India Crash top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The Air India AI 171 Ahmedabad-London flight crashed close to the Ahmedabad airport right after taking off, resulting in 265 fatalities and raising serious concerns about flight safety. While the exact cause is still under investigation, preliminary assessments suggest the aircraft may have experienced technical issues, human error, or weather-related complications. Aviation authorities have launched a detailed probe, examining ATC recordings, telemetry data, navigation systems, and maintenance logs to piece together the events leading up to the crash. The findings from this investigation will be crucial in determining whether the tragedy was the result of mechanical failure, operational lapses, or external factors. 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: July 02, 2025, 13:36 IST Doctors Blame Long Covid, Stress & Hidden Heart Issues As Young Indians Report Sudden Blackouts Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Apoorva Misra Last Updated: July 02, 2025, 09:45 IST Experts said they are encountering patients in their 20s to 50s reporting such symptoms, often with no major illness history and no clear answers even after extensive probes Though not all blackouts signal a serious illness, they should never be brushed aside, especially if they occur repeatedly. (Pixabay) It was just another busy weekday when 43-year-old Amit Kumar (name changed) suddenly slumped over his desk during a meeting in his Delhi office. A hardworking journalist known for clocking long hours, Kumar had not complained of any illness that day. All preliminary investigationsECG, MRI, blood sugar, and neurological scanscame back normal. The blackout episode lasted barely a minute, but the questions it raised lingered. Why did a healthy, non-smoking, non-drinking, middle-aged man suddenly lose awareness at work? And more importantly, could it happen again? Recommended Stories Kumar is not alone. Doctors say they are seeing more such cases, particularly among young and middle-aged adults with no serious underlying illness. Blackout episodeswhere a person suddenly faints, loses consciousness, or momentarily blanks outare seeing a worrisome rise in India, especially among young adults, several doctors, across specialities, told News18. Experts said they are increasingly encountering patients in their 20s to 50s reporting such symptoms, often with no major illness history and sometimes even after extensive investigations yield no clear answers. In fact, Reddit users with long Covid-19 often describe persisting fainting episodes. The combination of clinical research, real-world patient testimonies and clinical experience of doctors underscores that blackout episodes could be one of the long Covid-19 symptoms. Understanding Blackouts Often, patients report feeling dizzy, disoriented, or lightheaded, only to suddenly blank out for a few seconds or minutes. In some instances, no definitive cause is found even after detailed testing. Blackout is the sensation that you are about to faintwhat many people describe as almost blacking out or nearly fainting. This is called pre-syncope," explained Dr Jyoti Bala Sharma, director, neurology at Fortis Hospital, Noida. Its more common than an actual faint (called syncope) and typically lasts just a few seconds to minutes. The feeling can include light-headedness, warmth, sweating, nausea, or blurry vision, which can occasionally progress to temporary loss of vision." She added that such episodes are usually triggered when a person is standing or sitting upright, and are less likely to occur when lying down. If it does occur in a lying position, it might point to a heart rhythm problem rather than low blood pressure," she said. Rising Numbers Among the Young Blackout episodes, where a person suddenly loses consciousness or experiences a temporary lapse in awareness, are not uncommon and can affect individuals across age groups. However, whats worrying is the growing number of such cases among young adults, many of whom report no prior history of serious illness," said Dr Arunesh Kumar, senior consultant, respiratory medicine at Paras Health, Gurugram. In several cases, even after undergoing detailed neurological and cardiac assessments, doctors dont find a definitive cause. This uncertainty often leaves patients and families confused and anxious," he added. Dr Sanjeeva Kumar Gupta, consultant, department of cardiology, CK Birla Hospital, Delhi, echoed a similar concern. It is concerning that these symptoms are now being seen more frequently in younger age groups. In my clinical experience, I have observed a rise in such complaints post-Covid-19." While noting that Covid-19s long-term cardiac effects are still under study, he added: Covid-19 is known to have effects on the heart and autonomic nervous system. Some patients develop post-Covid syndromes, such as POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome), which can lead to dizziness, palpitations, and even fainting spells upon standing." POTS is a condition that affects the autonomic nervous system, which controls things like your heart rate, blood pressure, and digestionthings your body does automatically. People with POTS have trouble adjusting to being upright and start feeling dizzy. Gupta believes that while blackouts dont always indicate a serious underlying disorder, they should never be ignored, especially if they occur repeatedly. A multidisciplinary approach involving cardiologists, neurologists, and in some cases, psychiatrists, is often needed to get to the root cause." Dr Atul Prasad, vice chairman and head of department, neurology, BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital, outlined typical patient profiles commonly seen with unexplained blackout episodes. First is young adults with high stress or anxiety aged between 1835 years", followed by middle-aged women with migraine or sleep issues aged between 35 to 55 years. The other category, according to Prasad, is older adults with multiple comorbidities, aged over 60 years". Covid-19: An Overlooked Culprit? Doctors warn that blackouts post-Covid are a real phenomenon that needs more clinical awareness. Right after the last Covid waves, patients are presenting to different sub-specialities with what is described as long Covid. Symptoms include breathlessness, cough, foggy head, headache, and in some cases of blackouts presented to neurologists or cardiologists with all normal screening investigations," said Kumar from Paras Hospital. Sharma from Fortis also pointed to infectionsincluding Covid-19as common triggers, especially in patients with comorbidities. In general, any infection can trigger blackouts, especially if underlying co-morbidities are present. Its important to maintain good hydration and nutrition in infections to reduce the risk of blackouts." In my experience, episodes of blackout or fainting commonly occur in individuals with fever or infections, elderly patients on multiple medications, and those with undiagnosed underlying health conditions such as obesity, pre-diabetes or obstructive sleep apnea," she added. Gupta from CK Birla pointed out that a history of recent or past Covid-19 infection should be part of the clinical investigation when a patient presents with unexplained blackout episodes. Covid-19 could be one of several factors contributing to the uptick in such episodes, particularly in younger populations." Several published studies indicate that long Covid patients report persistent dizziness, near-fainting, and true fainting episodesincidence ranging from around 4 per cent in clinics to over 16 per cent in primary-care data. Sample thisA neurology clinic study of post-Covid patients found that around 4 per cent people experienced syncope/, presyncope or collapse, with symptoms appearing after an average of almost 6 weeks of Covid-19. It said symptoms such as neuropathic pain, balance disorders, syncope, presyncope, and collapse were two times more common in men. Also, a large UK-based primarycare cohort flagged presyncope or dizziness in 1622 per cent of long-Covid patients Diagnostic Puzzle While some cases are straightforwardtriggered by dehydration, vasovagal episodes, or arrhythmiasothers remain elusive. In about 50 per cent of people who come to the hospital with fainting or near-fainting, no definite cause is found immediately," said Sharma. She recommends a detailed history, ECG, tilt-table testing, or cardiac monitoring for better diagnosis. Gupta said that in younger patients with no structural heart disease, the focus often shifts to electrical or autonomic causes. At our practice, we see a mixed patient profile. In younger individuals with otherwise healthy hearts, we often have to look beyond structural issues and focus on electrical disturbances, autonomic imbalances, or post-viral syndromes." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all He added, Thorough investigation using ECGs, holter monitoring, tilt-table testing, echocardiography, and sometimes even cardiac MRIs is essential to rule out serious underlying cardiac causes." Though not all blackouts signal a serious illness, they should never be brushed aside, especially if they occur repeatedly. About the Author Himani Chandna Himani Chandna, Associate Editor at CNN News18, specialises in healthcare and pharmaceuticals. With firsthand insights into India's COVID-19 battle, she brings a seasoned perspective. She is particularly pass... Read More Himani Chandna, Associate Editor at CNN News18, specialises in healthcare and pharmaceuticals. With firsthand insights into India's COVID-19 battle, she brings a seasoned perspective. She is particularly pass... Read More First Published: July 02, 2025, 09:45 IST Lawyer Claims 'Love Bite, Not Scratch Mark' On Kolkata Rape Accused Manojit Mishras Body Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 02, 2025, 18:36 IST The lawyer representing Manojit Mishra said that the scratch mark found on his client's body during a medical examination was a love bite Manojit Mishra is the prime accused in the Kolkata law college gang-rape case | File image/Facebook The lawyer representing Manojit Mishra, the prime accused in the South Calcutta Law College rape case, said that the scratch mark" found on his clients body during a medical examination was a love bite". Manojit, a former leader of the Trinamool Congress student wing, is one of three individuals arrested for the alleged rape of a 24-year-old student on a law college campus. All three have been remanded to police custody until July 8. Recommended Stories I asked him (Manojit) what happened that he has such serious allegations against him. He told me that everyone is making him out to be a villain. I told him that it is being said that he has several scratch marks from nails on his body. He took off his shirt, I showed him one mark (points at the neck) and asked him what it is," said Manojit Mishras lawyer, Raju Ganguly. He told me it is a love bite. When I asked him who gave him that, the police took him away. I could not see any scratch marks from nails on him. I could see one mark (on the neck)" #WATCH | Kolkata alleged gang-rape: Accused Manojit Mishras lawyer, Raju Ganguly, says, I asked him what happened that he has such serious allegations against him. He told me that everyone is making him out to be a villain. I told him that it is being said that he has pic.twitter.com/7fkZbMJT6J ANI (@ANI) July 2, 2025 His claim follows a medico-legal examination that found scratch marks on Manojits body, indicating possible signs of resistance by the survivor. Kolkata Lawyer Has A Demand Ganguly also called for the victims phone to be seized, sent for forensic examination, and for its call records to be presented in court. He went on to express his feeling" that the case may not involve rape. I feel that perhaps this is not a rape case. I have not yet come to a conclusion, I would be able to tell you by 20th July whether this is rape or not" the lawyer told news agency ANI. Manojits lawyer said he asked his client about the serious allegations, to which Manojit responded that he was being portrayed by everyone as a villain. The alleged gang-rape occurred on June 25 inside a security guards room located on the premises of South Calcutta Law College. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Police have arrested four individuals in connection with the incident. Initially, they took into custody the prime accused, Manojit Mishra, a former student, along with Zaib Ahmed and Pramit Mukherjee, both current students of the law college. Later, college security guard Pinaki Bandyopadhyay was also arrested in relation to the case. Location : Kolkata [Calcutta], India, India First Published: July 02, 2025, 18:15 IST From Silent Fans To Dishwashers: What Rekha Guptas New CM Bungalow Is Getting In 60 Lakh Facelift Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: July 02, 2025, 19:51 IST Gupta, who has been living in her private home since taking office in February, will soon move into one of the two bungalows allotted to her on Raj Niwas Marg Gupta, who has been living in her private home since taking office in February, will soon move into one of the two bungalows allotted to her on Raj Niwas Marg. (Photo: News18/Nivedita Singh) The Delhi Public Works Department (PWD) has floated a 60 lakh tender to upgrade Chief Minister Rekha Guptas official residence with premium appliances and fittings, including 23 silent ceiling remote-controlled fans, 14 split air-conditioners, five 4K Ultra HD Smart TVs, and a 16-place setting dishwasher. Gupta, who has been living in her private home since taking office in February, will soon move into one of the two bungalows allotted to her on Raj Niwas Marg. The tender also includes the installation of one unit each of a microwave, oven, toaster grill, RO water purifier, 10 kg fully automatic washing machine, water cooler, and a five-burner gas hob. Recommended Stories Gupta has been allotted two bungalows on Raj Niwas Marg. While the current tender is for the first bungalow, which she will use as her residence, another tender will be issued for renovating the second one into her office. The document titled Renovation and Upgradation of Bungalow No. 1, including replacement of electrical wiring, fittings & fixtures, and execution of various miscellaneous electrical works states that the bids will be opened at 3:30 PM on July 04, and the work must be completed within 60 days. The tender issued last week lists the cost of 14 split ACs at 7.7 lakh, with each priced at around 55,440. Six geysers are priced at 91,596, and one washing machine at 77,750. The ceiling fans, each priced at 8,000, will cost 1.81 lakh in total. The CMs residence will also be equipped with two 3 HP horizontal openwell submersible pumps, each costing 38,743. The house will feature three chandeliers costing 90,294 collectively. The Chief Ministers new residence will also feature an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) system worth 2.08 lakh. The kitchen will be fitted with a 90 cm wall-mounted electric chimney featuring auto-clean curved glass, baffle filters, touch control, and a motion sensor, priced at 27,309. The five-burner auto-ignition gas top will cost 63,104. The 20-litre microwave is priced at 32,579, while the 71-litre OTG will cost 85,828. Other kitchen appliances include a nine-litre storage capacity RO unit (22,263), a dishwasher (60,809), another RO system with a capacity of 50 litres per hour (48,353), and a water cooler (54,536). PWD will also procure four 55-inch TVs, each priced at 68,129, and one 65-inch TV costing over 97,000. The renovation is part of the standard provision for a chief ministers official residence, with the PWD overseeing execution as per government norms. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Arvind Kejriwal, the former chief minister, was allotted 6, Flagstaff Roada residence that later came under fire for its reported 33 crore renovation, earning it the moniker Sheesh Mahal." Gupta had earlier announced that she would not occupy that bungalow, and instead plans to convert it into a museumcalling it a symbol of corruption" under the previous Aam Aadmi Party government. The Delhi BJP has refused to comment on the tender. A statement from the city government is also awaited. About the Author Nivedita Singh Nivedita Singh is a data journalist and covers the Election Commission, Indian Railways and Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. She has nearly seven years of experience in the news media. She tweets @nived... Read More Nivedita Singh is a data journalist and covers the Election Commission, Indian Railways and Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. She has nearly seven years of experience in the news media. She tweets @nived... Read More First Published: July 02, 2025, 19:49 IST Gujarat Lawyer Sips From Beer Mug Amid Virtual Court Hearing, Faces Action Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 02, 2025, 07:56 IST The Gujarat HC initiated suo motu contempt proceedings against senior counsel Bhaskar Tanna for attending a virtual hearing while sipping from a beer mug and talking on the phone. Tanna (below) has been barred from appearing in court virtually until further notice. (Image: X/@AG_knocks) The Gujarat High Court has initiated suo motu contempt proceedings against senior counsel after he attended a virtual court hearing while sipping from a beer mug and talking on the phone simultaneously on June 25. The incident, described as outrageous and glaring" by the court, took place before a bench of Justice Sandeep Bhatt. A video clip of the hearing quickly went viral on social media, prompting swift judicial action. A division bench of Justice A.S. Supehia and Justice R.T. Vachhani stated that Bhaskar Tannas senior counsel title should be withdrawn owing to his conduct but decided to take further action after hearing the case. Recommended Stories The court observed that Tannas behaviour undermines the dignity of the court and may have serious ramifications if left unchecked. A video clip of high court proceedings widely circulated in social media shows his contemptuous behaviour of talking on the phone and also having a drink in a beer mug while attending the hearing," NDTV quoted Justice Supehia as saying. We direct the registry to initiate suo motu contempt of court proceedings against senior counsel Bhaskar Tanna. The registry will submit a report before the next date of hearing," the court ordered. Justice Supehia remarked, suggesting that Tannas senior counsel designation should be withdrawnthough a final decision will be made after further proceedings. The demeanour of Tanna defies the privilege of senior counsel conferred upon him by the court. As per our opinion his title should be withdrawn, however, that will be decided at a later stage," Justice Supehia stated. The bench directed the court registry to initiate contempt proceedings and submit a report before the next hearing. Tanna has been barred from appearing in court virtually until further notice. In legal terms, suo motu" refers to the court taking action on its own initiative, without any external petition or request. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The contempt matter is scheduled to be heard after two weeks. This comes another a shocking incident where a participant was seen attending virtual proceedings from a toilet seat, further raising concerns about decorum and the misuse of remote hearings. The video of the incident had gone viral. 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: July 02, 2025, 07:56 IST Heart Attack Deaths Continue In Karnataka's Hassan As Authorities Scramble For Answers Reported By : CNN-News18 Edited By: Apoorva Misra Last Updated: July 02, 2025, 10:31 IST 18 deaths were reported between May 28 and June 29, while five more deaths have been reported between June 30 and July 1, pointing to an alarming trend involving younger victims Akshitha (left) aged 22 and Sanjay (right) aged 30 died due to heart attacks in Karnataka's Hassan. (News18) A distressing wave of heart attack fatalities continues in Karnatakas Hassan district, with government figures pegging the fatalities at 18 in a one-month span between May 28 and June 29. At least five more deaths have been reported between June 30 and July 1, pointing to an alarming trend that includes younger victims. Young Man Succumbs After Party Recommended Stories On Monday evening, 30-year-old Sanjay, a resident of Somanahalli village in Holenarasipura taluk, died after experiencing a sudden increase in blood pressure. Sanjay had reportedly been at a party with friends when he complained of chest pain and an inability to walk. His friends immediately rushed him to the Somanahalli Primary Health Centre, where doctors recorded his blood pressure at an alarming 220 mmHg. Despite efforts to refer him for advanced treatment, Sanjay tragically passed away. The deceased had been married for only two-and-a-half months. His relatives have filed a complaint suspecting foul play, leading to a case of suspicious death being registered at the Hallimysuru police station. His body has been moved to the Holenarasipura Taluk Hospital for a post-mortem examination. Young Mother Dies Postpartum Akshitha, a 22-year-old woman from Kommenahalli in Hassan, succumbed to a heart attack in Shivamogga district. The young mother, who had given birth just a month-and-a-half ago, was at her maternal home in Ayanur, Shivamogga, for postpartum care. Akshitha experienced chest pain on Monday night and called her husband, who was in Hassan, to be with her. Tragically, she passed away enroute to Ayanur hospital while being transported by ambulance. The unfortunate death adds to the increasing number of heart attack cases being reported, particularly among younger individuals in the region. District-Wide Concern and Official Response The preliminary data on the 18 reported deaths between May 28 and June 29, 2025, reveals a grim picture across various age groups: four individuals under 20 (two males, two females), one female between 21 and 29, five males between 30 and 40, seven males between 41 and 59, and one male above 60. In light of this alarming trend, a high-level meeting was convened on June 30 at the Hassan District Collectors office. Chaired by the Principal Secretary to the Government, Health & Family Welfare Department, the gathering included key medical professionals such as the Director of Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, the Hassan District Health and Family Welfare Officer, District Surgeon, Medical Superintendent, and District Surveillance Officer. During the urgent discussions, critical directives were issued to address the crisis. A district-level committee has been mandated to investigate the factual circumstances of each reported heart attack death. Furthermore, an existing expert committee, operating under the chairmanship of the Director of Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, has been specifically tasked with probing sudden deaths potentially linked to Covid-19 or its vaccine side effects. This committee is expected to submit a comprehensive report within 10 days, aiming to shed light on potential contributing factors. To bolster the districts cardiac care infrastructure, the first phase of the STEMI (ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction) programme, under the National Health Missions NCD initiative, has been operational since March 2023. This crucial programme is active at Hassan District Hospital, Public Hospital Channarayapattana, and Public Hospital Holenarasipura. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Statistical data from March 2023 to May 2025 indicates that a staggering 37,847 ECGs for heart-related ailments were performed. Of these, 795 cases were identified as STEMI. Upon further examination at designated hubs, 480 cases were confirmed as STEMI, leading to successful treatment for 420 patients. However, tragically, 60 patients succumbed during this period. The year-wise breakdown of these fatalities reveals 23 deaths in the financial year 2023-24, 21 in 2024-25, and 16 from January to June 2025, highlighting a persistent challenge in mitigating these fatal cardiac events. The authorities are now racing against time to understand the underlying causes and implement more effective preventive and treatment strategies. About the Author Harish Upadhya Harish Upadhya, an Assistant Editor at CNN-News18, reports from Bengaluru. Political reporting is his forte. He also tracks India's space journey, and is passionate about environmental reporting and RTI investi... Read More Harish Upadhya, an Assistant Editor at CNN-News18, reports from Bengaluru. Political reporting is his forte. He also tracks India's space journey, and is passionate about environmental reporting and RTI investi... Read More Location : Hassan, India, India First Published: July 02, 2025, 10:11 IST Himachal Minister Refutes Assault Charges As Baseless, Calls NHAI Most Corrupt In Country Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 02, 2025, 13:51 IST Himachal Pradesh Minister Anirudh Singh blamed the NHAI officials of misbehaving with the local people at the site. Himachal Pradesh minister Anirudh Singh. (File) Himachal Pradesh Minister Anirudh Singh on Wednesday refuted the allegations of physically assaulting a senior National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) official as baseless" and alleged that he is being trapped in a conspiracy by the NHAI officials to avoid accountability after a five-storey residential building collapsed in Shimla on Monday. While addressing a press briefing, the states Panchayati Raj Minister said that the FIR, lodged against him is baseless and all the allegations are unfounded. He claimed that the complainant official was not even admitted to the hospital. Recommended Stories He further blamed the NHAI officials of misbehaving with the local people at the site. There were around 150 people present. The locals have also registered an FIR against the NHAI officials for their abusive behaviour. The FIR registered against me is baseless. There is no truth in it. I deny all allegations. They knew that the incident of the building collapse would become a big issue, so they did all of this to cover it up. You should take a record of the duration for which the official was at the hospitalYou can take statements from the locals present there. We should wait for the inquiry. We are ready to face the outcomes of the inquiry," he said as quoted by news agency ANI. #WATCH | Shimla: On a senior NHAI official physically assaulted allegedly by him, Himachal Pradesh Minister Anirudh Singh, says, There were around 150 people present. The locals have also registered an FIR against the NHAI officials for their abusive behaviour. The FIR pic.twitter.com/Ioi2kBAqko ANI (@ANI) July 2, 2025 The minister further claimed that the functioning of NHAI in Himachal is under question, how much damage has been caused by their project, how many people have lost their lives. He further alleged that a nexus of contractors, NHAI and the Centre is at work. NHAI officials do not listen to anyone," he alleged. NHAI officials are the most corrupt in the country," he alleged. NHAI Officials Complaint The ministers response came a day after NHAI manager (technical) in Shimla, Acha Jindal, accused the minister of allegedly assaulting him during a site inspection on Monday. The NHAI officer has been admitted to Indira Gandhi Medical College & Hospital (IGMC) in Shimla. In his complaint, Jindal accused the minister of physically assaulting him on June 30 in the Mathu Colony area of the city. Jindal claimed an altercation snowballed into violence which further resulted in physical injuries. Jindal, in his complaint, said he, along with a site engineer, went to attend a meeting called by Shimla SDM to review the collapse of a multi-storey building at Chamyana. But since the SDM was not present there, he proceeded to Bhatakuffar, where four-laning work was underway. An FIR was registered at Dhalli Police Station, with Station House Officer (SHO) Virochan Negi confirming the complaint. The NHAI officer said he got to know that the minister was also present there with some locals. On the previous night, he said, Singh had inquired about the collapse of the building near a construction site at Chamyana. Jindal added that the contractor had apprised him that the residents of the said building were evacuated before it collapsed. He added that he had informed the minister that the building was out of NHAIs jurisdiction. The NHAI official said as per the agreement, the state govt was responsible for providing compensation in case of any damage and that he had shared all required details with the minister. But Singh started using abusive language. I and my site engineer were taken to a room of a local where the minister assaulted us. He hurled a pitcher full of water on me. As a result, I suffered injuries and started bleeding. When the site engineer tried to save me, he was also attacked. The SDM and others did not help us," TOI quoted Jindal as saying. NHAI, Gadkari Condemn Assault In the wake of the incident, NHAI Engineers Association (NEA) has demanded action against the accused, including minister. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Tuesday also condemned the heinous assault" on the official. The heinous assault on Shri Achal Jindal, Manager, NHAI PIU Shimla, allegedly by the Minister of Panchayati Raj, Himachal Pradesh, and his associates, is deeply reprehensible and an affront to the rule of law. Such a brutal attack on a public servant performing his official duties not only endangers individual safety but also erodes institutional integrity," Gadkari said in a post on X. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all He further took serious cognisance" of the matter and said that he had spoken with Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, urging immediate and exemplary action against all perpetrators." (With inputs from agencies) About the Author Shobhit Gupta Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben... Read More Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben... Read More Location : Shimla, India, India First Published: July 02, 2025, 13:51 IST How Rs 5 Coins Helped Indian Army Vanquish Pakistan During The Kargil War Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: July 02, 2025, 15:06 IST Grenadier Yogendra Singh Yadav, awarded the Param Vir Chakra, survived a bullet as five-rupee coins in his chest purse absorbed the impact, saving his life during the battle On the morning of July 8, after a decisive attack, the Indian tricolour was hoisted once again on Tiger Hill. (News18 Hindi) In July 1999, during the Kargil War, the Pakistani army believed it had secured a tactical edge in the Drass to Chorbatla sector, thinking these positions could offer leverage in the broader Kashmir conflict. Confident that India would struggle to reclaim the territory, it underestimated the challenges ahead. In an unexpected twist, a few five-rupee coins ended up playing a small but remarkable role in a series of events that helped shift the momentumultimately contributing to Pakistans setback in the conflict. After victories at Tololing and Point 5203, the Indian Armys 8 Grenadier, 8 Sikh, and 2 Naga Regiments were tasked with reclaiming Tiger Hill. Grenadier Yogendra Singh Yadav, part of the 18 Grenadiers team marching to Tiger Hill, shared that after walking all night, they spent the day hiding behind stones. As night fell, they advanced towards the enemy with Delta Company in support. Upon reaching the top, Captain Sachin Nimbalkar moved forward with his team for reconnaissance. Recommended Stories Unbeknownst to them, the enemy lay in ambush. When Captain Nimbalkar and his team were just a few feet from the enemy, the Pakistani army opened fire. The team took cover behind stones. The situation was dire as they could neither provide direct fire support nor request artillery support due to the proximity to the enemy. They managed to send a message to stay put behind cover and evacuated the team around 11:30 pm. One soldier was wounded, but the rest were safe. As soon as the squad returned, orders for an attack were received. After walking all night, they faced a steep rock several hundred feet high. One by one, they started climbing, but the enemy detected their position from the sound of falling stones and began firing heavily. Before the firing started, Yogendra Singh Yadav and six others had crossed the rock. The rest were prevented from crossing. By now, they had reached the top of Tiger Hill, about 50 to 60 meters away. They opened fire on both bunkers, killing all Pakistani soldiers present. The enemy, realising the Indian Armys presence, began heavy firing. The Indian soldiers fought back with captured enemy weapons. After five hours of continuous fighting, their ammunition was running low, prompting a new strategy. They stopped firing for 15 to 20 minutes, during which 10 to 12 Pakistani soldiers emerged from the rocks. The Indian soldiers opened fire, killing most of them. Soon, 30 to 35 Pakistani soldiers attacked again, using all their weapons. During the assault, Yogendra Singh Yadav saw an enemy soldier standing on the same stone from which he was firing. The enemy threw two grenades directly at him. A grenade fragment hit below his knee, making him feel like his leg was severed, but it was still intact. Another fragment cut his face from nose to ear, numbing his entire face. With his back to the hill, he signaled to the officer in front of him to raise a fist. As the officer extended his hand, a bullet struck him directly in the forehead, killing him instantly. Before the soldier beside him could react, another shot followed, hitting him in the head as well. Moments later, enemy troops surrounded them from the front, assuming that everyone in the group had been killed. The Pakistani commander ordered a recheck, and the enemy began shooting each of the soldiers. Yadav was hit in the arm, thigh, leg, and finally, the chest. His purse was strapped across his chest, with a few five-rupee coins inside. Remarkably, the coins absorbed the impact of the bullet, preventing it from entering the body. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Though unconscious, a Pakistani soldiers foot hitting his leg revived him. Determined to fight, he threw a hand grenade that exploded within the enemys coat. Taking advantage of the chaos, he killed three or four Pakistani soldiers and climbed down to inform his comrades. With this information, the battle of Tiger Hill changed dramatically. The Indian Army now knew the enemys positions, weapons, and hideouts. On the morning of July 8, after a decisive attack, the Indian tricolour was hoisted once again on Tiger Hill. Grenadier Yogendra Singh Yadav, who exemplified immense bravery in this battle, was honoured with the Param Vir Chakra, Indias highest award for valour. Location : Kargil, India, India First Published: July 02, 2025, 15:05 IST India To Receive Apache Choppers, Deployment Near Pakistan Border Likely Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 02, 2025, 20:13 IST The AH-64E Apache helicopters, sourced from the United States under a $600 million agreement signed in 2020, were originally slated for delivery by May-June 2024. Apache Attack Chopper | Representative Image The long wait for the arrival of Apache attack helicopters may finally be over as the Indian Army intensifies efforts to strengthen combat capabilities along the western front after Operation Sindoor. Notably, the development comes after Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had a phone conversation with US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth on Tuesday, during which the two leaders had an excellent discussion" reviewing ongoing efforts to strengthen the India-US defence partnership. Recommended Stories The delivery of these advanced helicoptersdelayed by more than 15 monthsis now expected to commence soon, with deployment aimed at reinforcing western border defences. In March 2024, the Army Aviation Corps established its first Apache squadron in Jodhpur. However, nearly a year and a half later, the unit remains without the helicopters, which were initially scheduled to arrive much earlier. The AH-64E Apache helicopters, sourced from the United States under a $600 million agreement signed in 2020, were originally slated for delivery by May-June 2024. The timeline was later pushed to December 2024 due to disruptions in the supply chain. Sources familiar with the updated schedule told India Today that the Indian Armys Aviation Corps may receive the first batch of these helicopters later this month. According to the initial plan, six Apaches were to be delivered in two batches of three. The first group was expected between May and June 2024, but as of now, none have reached Indian soil, leaving the newly raised squadron awaiting its core assets. Defence Ministry officials attribute the delay to technical issues on the part of the United States. While the first three helicopters are expected within weeks, the remaining three are anticipated to arrive by the end of the year. These helicopters are integral to operations on the western front, offering superior manoeuvrability, precision weaponry, and advanced targeting technology. The Army considers them a key addition to its operational strength. The Indian Air Force has already received 22 Apache helicopters under a separate contract inked in 2015. In contrast, the Army is still awaiting its consignment to enhance its strike capabilities. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The Army Aviation Corps provides crucial support to ground forces, and the Apache helicopters are seen as key to strengthening operationsparticularly along the western border, where troop presence has grown recently under Operation Sindoor. First Published: July 02, 2025, 20:13 IST Encounter Breaks Out In J&K's Kishtwar, JeM Terrorists Trapped Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 02, 2025, 23:55 IST A Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) group was reportedly trapped by joint forces in the Kuchal area of J&K's Kishtwar district. A JeM group was reportedly trapped by security forces in Kishtwar. (PTI) An encounter broke out in Jammu and Kashmirs Kishtwar district between security forces and terrorists on Wednesday, after reports surfaced of a Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) group trapped by joint forces in the Kuchal area. The encounter started when police, assisted by the Army and CRPF, launched a search and cordon operation in the Kuchal area of Chatroo around 7.45 pm following information about the presence of terrorists this evening, officials told news agency PTI. Recommended Stories The officials said the terrorists opened fire on noticing the security search parties, leading to a gunfight which was continuing when the last reports were received. Reinforcements have been rushed to the area to maintain a tight cordon and neutralise the terrorists who are believed to be affiliated with the Pakistan-based JeM outfit. Initial reports claim 2-3 JeM terrorists are believed to be trapped in Kishtwars Chatroo by the Indian Army and the Jammu and Kashmir Police. The operation took place as the Amarnath Yatra from Jammu began on Wednesday amid tight security after the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22. Further details are awaited. Based on specific intelligence, a joint search operation was underway in Kanzal Mandu, Kishtwar. Contact has been established with the terrorists and operations are in progress," said 16 Corps, Indian Army. Op CHHATRUBased on specific #intelligence a joint search operation was underway in Kanzal Mandu, #Kishtwar.Contact has been established with the #terrorists and #operations are in progress.@adgpi@NorthernComd_IA White Knight Corps (@Whiteknight_IA) July 2, 2025 This came days after a terrorist was killed in an encounter amid the ongoing joint operation by the Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police in Basantgarh. According to officials, the joint operation, code-named Operation Bihali, was launched earlier on June 26 by the Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The operation was launched, followed by special inputs about the presence of terrorists in the area. Officials confirmed that they had established contact with the terrorists, and the gunfight began shortly afterwards. (with inputs from agencies) About the Author Aveek Banerjee Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international... Read More Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international... Read More Location : Kishtwar, India, India First Published: July 02, 2025, 20:34 IST Jodhpur BSNL Officer Dies Of Silent Heart Attack In Office Chair Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: July 02, 2025, 16:41 IST Lilkaran Charan, a 42-year-old SDO at BSNL in Jodhpur, died of a heart attack at work, shocking colleagues and highlighting rising heart disease risks among middle-aged workers Lilkaran Charan was posted at the Subhash Nagar branch of BSNL in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. (News18 Hindi) In a tragic turn of events, a 42-year-old Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) collapsed and died of a heart attack while at work on Tuesday afternoon, sending shockwaves through the telecom department and the local community. Lilkaran Charan, who was posted at the Subhash Nagar branch of BSNL in Jodhpur, reportedly suffered the fatal cardiac arrest while performing routine tasks at his desk. Around 12 noon, Charan began complaining of heavy sweating and dizziness. Alarmed by his condition, his colleagues rushed to offer first aid and immediately transported him to the nearby Mathuradas Mathur Hospital. Recommended Stories However, doctors declared Charan dead upon arrival. A subsequent postmortem confirmed a massive heart attack as the cause of death. Jodhpur Police, who were informed soon after the incident, conducted all necessary legal procedures and classified the death as natural, pending further confirmation. The sudden demise has left Charans colleagues in mourning, many of whom described him as a hardworking and approachable officer. His death has also devastated his family, especially his wife and two children, who are now grappling with the sudden loss. Members of employee unions and social organisations have demanded financial assistance and long-term support for the bereaved family. Local tributes poured in from Subhash Nagar residents who remembered Charan for his dedication and amiable nature. He was always there to help Its hard to believe hes gone," said a fellow employee from the BSNL office. Health experts point to Charans sudden death as another stark reminder of the rising threat of cardiovascular diseases among middle-aged working professionals in the country. In recent years, India has seen a sharp spike in heart attack cases, particularly among individuals aged 40 to 55, many of them with no prior history of heart ailments. Dr Rakesh Saini, a cardiologist based in Jodhpur, noted, Stressful work environments, lack of routine medical screenings, sedentary habits, and the extreme heat of regions like Rajasthan significantly increase heart attack risks. In many cases, like this one, the symptoms are subtle until its too late." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all According to health data, silent heart attacks", where symptoms are mild or mistaken for indigestion, fatigue, or anxiety, are increasingly becoming common in tier-2 and tier-3 cities. Charans death has reignited conversations around the urgent need for health monitoring mechanisms in government offices. Union leaders are now urging departments like BSNL to arrange periodic health check-ups, promote workplace wellness programs, and ensure better awareness of early warning signs of cardiac arrest among staff. Location : Jodhpur, India, India First Published: July 02, 2025, 16:41 IST Man Invites Lover At Odisha Lodge To Kill Her, Then Surrendered To Cops Curated By : Last Updated: July 02, 2025, 18:45 IST The accused allegedly stabbed his girlfriend to death after an argument over marriage. He surrendered to police and the investigation is ongoing. Odisha Man Kills Lover At A Lodge (Representational Photo/ News18) In shocking case of murder reported from Odishas Berhampur, woman was allegedly stabbed to death by her lover. The accused invited over the girl to a lodge and upon murdering her he surrendered to police. As per the police, Abhaya killed his girlfriend after an argument over their marriage. The deceased has been identified as Priya Kumari Moharana, while the accused is 24-years-old Abhaya Kumar Moharana, a resident of Lanjipalli area. The police also told that the duo had visited this lodge thrice. Recommended Stories The accused has been arrested. We are investigating the reason. We have sent the body for post-mortem examination," Berhampur SP Saravana Vivek M told PTI. He further said that preliminary inquiry has revealed that the couple had gone to the same lodge thrice. We are investigating the matter," the SP added. As per the report, Abhaya checked into a lodge near the New Bus Stand around 11:30 am on Tuesday. While Priya checked in a little later. The couple spent some time together before Abhaya allegedly stabbed her multiple times around 3 pm, causing her death. After the incident, the accused went to City Hospital for treatment of an injury on his hand. Later on, he went to Gosaninuagaon police station and surrendered. Victims body has been sent for post-mortem and the accused is being questioned. In another incident, a man in Madhyra Pradeshs Bhopal allegedly killed his live-in partner in a fit of rage, put her body in a sack, and reportedly kept to it for two days and lived with it. The incident took place in on June 27 after the couple got into an argument. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Shilpa Kaurav, SHO, Bajaria Police Station, told PTI the victim has been identified as Ritika Sen, who was in a live-in relationship with the accused, Sachin Rajput. The victim, Ritika Sen, was in a live-in relationship with the accused, Sachin Rajput. She was a working professional, and the couple was living in a rented accommodation. On the night of Friday, the 27th, the two got into an argument. In a fit of rage, Sachin allegedly strangled her to death and wrapped her body in a sack. The accused later called his friend while intoxicated and confessed to the crime," SHO Kaurav was quoted by PTI as saying. After wrapping Ritikas body in a sack, Sachin reportedly kept it on the bed and remained with the body for two whole days. Location : Bhubaneswar, India, India First Published: July 02, 2025, 18:45 IST Mumbai Teacher Intoxicated Student Before Sexual Assault, Gave Him 'Anti-Anxiety' Pills Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 02, 2025, 18:05 IST A school teacher at an elite Mumbai school had been sexually assaulting one of her students. As the student showed reluctance, she asked one of her friends to convince him. A representative image for a sexual assault survivor (PTI) The Mumbai school teacher, arrested for sexually assaulting one of her students from Class 11, fed him anti-anxiety medicines, and got him drunk before forcing him into sexual encounters, a report with Hindustan Times has claimed. As more shocking details emerge, it was known that after the boy resisted the teachers closeness on the school campus, the teacher reportedly roped in one of her female friends to persuade the student on her behalf. Recommended Stories The report claimed that the female friend of the teacher was not associated with the school, and that she allegedly told the student that relationships between teenage boys and older women were common. Further, the friend of the teacher also convinced the student by telling him that he and the teacher were made for each other". THE MUMBAI SCHOOL HORROR The incident came to light after the local police received a complaint from the parents of the student, alleging that their son was sexually assaulted by a teacher from the school he attended. They also said their son was intoxicated by the teacher on various occasions. The parents had begun noticing a change in behaviour with their son, after which they confronted him, and learnt that he had been struggling with anxiety because of the teachers assault. Though the student had earlier narrated his ordeal to his parents, they, as per the report, did not submit a complaint, as the student was to pass his school to graduation in some months. However, the teacher was exposed after she attempted to contact the student again through one of his domestic staff. The teacher reportedly conveyed to the student that she wanted to meet him again. THE MUMBAI SCHOOL TEACHERs ARREST The 40-year-old accused teacher is married with children, and taught English language at the elite school in Mumbai. As the case was reported, the police, in their investigation, found that the teacher had been sexually assaulting one of her students on multiple occasions for more than a year. Subsequently, a case against her was registered, and she was arrested under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. According to the report, the complaint against her mentioned that she began showing closeness with the student during meetings to set up dance groups for the school. She first made her sexual overture towards the student in January 2024. The student, who was reluctant to meet the teacher in person, finally decided to meet her after he was continuously persuaded by the teachers female friend for the same. It was also revealed that the teacher used to pick the student up in her sedan and took him to various locations, including some five-star hotels in the city, where she forcefully undressed him and assaulted him. As the student developed acute anxiety, the teacher fed him anti-anxiety pills. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all She also used to offer him alcohol and intoxicate him before their sexual encounters. ALSO READ | Minor Sexually Assaulted, Women Robbed By Bike-Borne Men As Driver Halts Car On Pune Highway 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: July 02, 2025, 13:19 IST No Fire NOC, Warnings Ignored: Telangana Factory Blast Probe Reveals Gross Negligence Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 02, 2025, 12:49 IST An FIR accessed by CNN-News18 further reveals that the factory management ignored repeated warnings from workers about ageing machinery and potential hazards Sangareddy: Emergency services personnel at the site after an explosion at a pharma plant, at Pashamylaram, in Sangareddy district (Photo: PTI) The Sigachi Industries pharma plant in Telanganas Pashamylaram was operating without a valid Fire No Objection Certificate (NOC) at the time of the explosion that killed 40 people and injured 33 others, the District Fire Officer confirmed to CNN-News18. The expired fire clearance points to serious lapses in safety compliance, raising fresh questions about how the factory continued its operations despite violating mandatory fire safety norms. An FIR accessed by CNN-News18 further reveals that the factory management ignored repeated warnings from workers about ageing machinery and potential hazards, indicating that the blast was a preventable tragedy, fuelled by negligence, not an accident. Recommended Stories An investigation is now underway to determine whether critical safety mechanisms, including fire alarms, automatic shutdown systems, locking mechanisms, and the structural integrity of the plant, were in place or absent when the blast occurred. Sigachi Industries has confirmed that the fire accident at its Telangana unit led to the death of 40 employees and left over 33 injured. The company clarified that a reactor explosion did not cause the incident. In an official statement, Sigachi announced that it is committing an ex gratia compensation of 1 crore to the families of each deceased worker. The company also stated that plant operations will remain temporarily suspended for around 90 days as part of safety assessments and recovery efforts. FIR Points to Criminal Negligence The FIR filed in the case makes explosive allegations of criminal negligence against the management of Sigachi Industries. It reveals that workers had repeatedly warned the management about deteriorating machinery, which posed a significant risk. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Quoting directly from the FIR, the complainant states: The complainants father and other employees had repeatedly informed Sigachi management about the old machinery and danger. The management turned a deaf ear to their concerns." With a criminal case now registered, the accountability of the management is central to the ongoing probe, as authorities dig deeper into the layers of negligence that led to this catastrophic blast. 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: July 02, 2025, 11:26 IST Parliament Monsoon Session From July 21 To August 21, First Meet Since Operation Sindoor Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 02, 2025, 23:17 IST The Monsoon session of Parliament will begin on July 21 and continue till August 21, the first parliamentary meeting since India's Operation Sindoor. Parliament Monsoon Session will begin from July 21. (PTI) The Monsoon session of Parliament will begin on July 21 and continue till August 21, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said on Wednesday. This will be the first parliamentary meeting since Indias Operation Sindoor against Pakistan in May. The Honble President of India has approved the proposal of the Government to convene the Monsoon Session of Parliament from 21st July to 21st August, 2025. In view of the Independence Day celebrations, there will be no sittings on the 13th and 14th of August," Rijiju said in a post on X. Recommended Stories The Honble President of India has approved the proposal of the Government to convene the Monsoon Session of Parliament from 21st July to 21st August, 2025. In view of the Independence Day celebrations, there will be no sittings on the 13th and 14th of August. pic.twitter.com/ReWs8T7Czk Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) July 2, 2025 Earlier, the session was to conclude on August 12, but now it has been extended by a week. The opposition has been demanding a special session to debate post-attack developments and is expected to raise key questions when the session begins. In the previous Budget Session, which began on January 32, the Central government passed key bills, including the Waqf Amendment Bill and the Finance Bill, 2025. The Budget Session was split into two parts and included a total of 26 sittings, 9 in the first half and 17 in the second. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all India launched Operation Sindoor targeting terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on May 7, in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 tourists were gunned down. The Goverment had held two all-party meetings attended by leaders of different political parties after the Pahalgam terror attack. The government has rejected US President Donald Trumps claims with Prime Minister Narendra Modi telling him, during a phone call last month, that India has never accepted mediation and would not ever accept it in future. About the Author Aveek Banerjee Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international... Read More Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international... Read More First Published: July 02, 2025, 23:12 IST Parliament Security Breach: Delhi High Court Grants Bail To Two Accused On Rs 50,000 Bond Reported By : CNN-News18 Edited By: Vani Mehrotra Last Updated: July 02, 2025, 10:57 IST Neelam Azad and Mahesh Kumawat, accused in the December 2023 Parliament security breach, were granted bail on a bond of Rs 50,000 by the Delhi High Court. A scene from the Parliament security breach in December 2023 (PTI) The Delhi High Court on Wednesday granted bail to two accused in the December 2023 Parliament security breach case, on a bail bond of Rs 50,000. In its order, the Delhi High Court also said that the two accused, Neelam Azad and Mahesh Kumawat, should not give any interviews to the media and should be restricted from posting anything on social media. Recommended Stories The court also asked the accused persons to appear before the police on every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, at 10 am. On May 21, a bench of Justices Subramonium Prasad and Harish Vaidyanathan Shankar had reserved the order on the bail pleas of Neelam Azad and Mahesh Kumawat. The accused challenged a trial courts order rejecting their bail plea. THE 2023 PARLIAMENT SECURITY BREACH CASE In a major security breach on the anniversary of the 2001 Parliament terror attack, accused Sagar Sharma and Manoranjan D allegedly jumped into the Lok Sabha chamber from the public gallery during Zero Hour, released yellow gas from canisters and sloganeered before they were overpowered by some MPs. Around the same time, two other accused, Amol Shinde and Azad, allegedly sprayed coloured gas from canisters while shouting tanashahi nahi chalegi" (dictatorship wont work) outside the Parliament premises. Azads counsel said she should be granted bail as the provisions of UAPA couldnt be attracted in the case. Her counsel claimed she was not carrying any explosives in Parliament and only stood outside. Opposing the bail plea, the police alleged the accused intended to bring back haunted memories" of the 2001 Parliament attack. The bail pleas were opposed by the prosecution, which said during the preliminary inquiry, it was revealed that the accused, Azad and Shinde, were associates of Sharma and Manoranjan D, and they together carried out the terror act. They had informed the high court that it had duly supplied" the grounds of arrest to the accused in the case. The submission came in response to the courts query whether the grounds of arrest were supplied to the accused in the case. The court had previously asked the accused the reason for choosing the specific date of December 13, which marked the infamous 2001 Parliament attack, aside from the place for protest, being aware of designated spots for protests in the capital. It also asked the police to explain whether carrying or using a smoke canister, inside and outside the Parliament, attracted UAPA and if it fell under the definition of terrorist activities. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The trial court rejected Azads bail plea, saying there was sufficient evidence to believe that allegations against her were prima facie" true. ALSO READ | BJP MPs Walk Out Of Parliamentary Panel Meet, Objecting To Presence Of Medha Patkar, Prakash Raj About the Author Ananya Bhatnagar Ananya Bhatnagar, Correspondent at CNN-News18, reports on various legal issues and cases in lower courts and the Delhi High Court. He has covered the hanging of the Nirbhaya gang-rape convicts, JNU violence, De... Read More Ananya Bhatnagar, Correspondent at CNN-News18, reports on various legal issues and cases in lower courts and the Delhi High Court. He has covered the hanging of the Nirbhaya gang-rape convicts, JNU violence, De... Read More First Published: July 02, 2025, 10:42 IST Rajnath Singh, Hegseth To Sign Next 10-Year India-US Defence Framework Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 02, 2025, 20:24 IST Hegseth emphasized the priority the United States places on India as its key defense partner in South Asia This was their third telephonic conversation since January this year when Mr Pete Hegseth was confirmed as US Secretary of Defense. (Photos: X) Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his US counterpart Pete Hegseth have agreed to the next ten-year US-India Defence Framework when they next meet this year. Singh and Hegseth held a telephonic conversation on June 1 in which they discussed pending major US defence sales to India and the imperative of close defence industrial cooperation between the two countries. Recommended Stories Hegseth emphasised the priority the United States places on India as its key defense partner in South Asia. Secretary Hegseth and Minister Singh reviewed the considerable progress both countries have made toward achieving the defense goals set out in the February 2025 joint statement by President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, according to a readout from US Secretary of Defense. According to Indias Ministry of Defence, the two leaders discussed a wide canvas of issues ranging from long-term cooperation in the defence sector, including training and military exchanges, to expanding industry collaboration. They agreed to further build upon the momentum of this critical and mutually beneficial partnership across all its pillars such as interoperability, integration of defence industrial supply chains, logistics sharing, increased joint military exercises and cooperation with other like-minded partners. The Defence Minister appreciated the unwavering support extended by the US to India for its fight against terrorism. He complimented the US Secretary of Defense for his dynamic leadership, which has propelled defence cooperation between the US and India to new levels. Hegseth also invited Singh to the US for an in-person meeting to take the bilateral defence partnership forward. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all In a post on X, Rajnath Singh stated that the discussions were held to review the ongoing and new initiatives to further deepen India-US defence partnership and strengthen cooperation in capacity building. He looked forward to meeting the US Secretary of Defense at an early date. This was their third telephonic conversation since January this year when Mr Pete Hegseth was confirmed as US Secretary of Defense. 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 : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: July 02, 2025, 20:24 IST Rajnath Singh Slams Oppn For 'Crocodile Tears' Over CAA, Cites Hindu Persecution In Bangladesh Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 02, 2025, 17:20 IST Rajnath Singh accused the opposition of double standards, saying they vehemently opposed the CAA while constantly shedding "crocodile tears" for minorities. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh (Image Credit: PTI) Amid concerns over the treatment of minority communities in Indias neighbouring countries, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday slammed the opposition parties for opposing the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) when it was introduced. Rajnath Singh accused the opposition of double standards, saying they vehemently opposed the CAA while constantly shedding crocodile tears" for minorities. Recommended Stories Seeing the atrocities inflicted on minority communities in neighbouring countries, our government passed the CAA, which was opposed the most by those political parties that shed crocodile tears for minorities day and night," Singh said. The Defence Minister addressed BJP workers at the partys state executive meeting in Patna, delivering a morale-boosting speech ahead of the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections. Referring specifically to Bangladesh, Singh added, The situation in Bangladesh is getting quite bad. What is happening to the Hindu community there is nothing less than a stain on the forehead of any civilised society." The remarks come against the backdrop of disturbing reports of increasing violence and systemic discrimination against Hindus in Bangladesh. The government has faced criticism in recent years over the CAA, with opposition parties alleging it discriminates on religious lines. However, Singh reiterated that the Act is intended purely as a humanitarian measure to offer refuge to persecuted minorities from countries like Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The CAA, enacted in December 2019, allows non-Muslim refugees from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh who entered India before December 31, 2014, to apply for Indian citizenship. While it has sparked widespread political and public debate, the government has maintained it is a targeted response to a humanitarian crisis, not a violation of secular principles. First Published: July 02, 2025, 17:20 IST Reinforce Friendship Across Global South: PM Modi Departs For BRICS Summit, 5-Nation Tour Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 02, 2025, 08:40 IST Prime Minister Narendra Modi's tour will cover two continents and include visits to Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, Brazil and Namibia. The PMs tour will cover two continents and include visits to Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, Brazil and Namibia. (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday embarked on eight-day five-nation tour to Ghana, Trinidad & Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia in his longest diplomatic visit in the past 11 years. This will be Prime Ministers first-ever bilateral visit to Ghana and the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Argentina in over five decades. Recommended Stories Over the next few days, I will be attending various bilateral, multilateral and other programmes in Ghana, Trinidad & Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia. Looking forward to interacting with world leaders and discussing ways to make our planet better. https://t.co/tg3FOwtceh Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 2, 2025 Read More: 5 Countries, 8 Days: PM Narendra Modi Set For Longest Diplomatic Visit In 11 Years First Destination: Ghana PM Modis is visiting Ghana at the invitation of President John Dramani Mahama. The PMs visit comes after three decades. Ghana is one of the fastest growing economies in West Asia. India is among the top trading partners of Ghana and is the largest destination for Ghanaian exports, driven largely by Indias import of gold, which accounts for over 70% of total imports from Ghana. Bilateral trade between India and Ghana has reached $3,137.29 million. #WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi emplanes for Ghana.This will be Prime Ministers first-ever bilateral visit to Ghana. PM Modi will pay an official visit to Trinidad & Tobago (T&T) from July 03 04, 2025. PM Narendra Modi will visit Brazil from July 5 to 8 to participate pic.twitter.com/fhLe4AeZQp ANI (@ANI) July 2, 2025 In his departure statement, the Prime Minister said, At the invitation of President H.E. John Dramani Mahama, I will visit Ghana on 2-3 July. Ghana is a valued partner in the Global South and plays an important role in the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States. I look forward to my exchanges aimed at further deepening our historical ties and opening up new windows of cooperation, including in the areas of investment, energy, health, security, capacity building and development partnership. As fellow democracies, it will be an honour to speak at the Parliament of Ghana." Second Destination: Trinidad & Tobago From Ghana, he will travel to Trinidad & Tobago. T&T hosts 40-45% of Indian diaspora, which is the largest of Indian-origin communities in the Caribbean. The year 2025 marks the 180th anniversary of the arrival of the first Indian immigrants in T&T. The PMs visit will serve as a tribute to this shared history and heritage. T&T has become the first country in the Caribbean region to accept the implementation of Indias UPI platform project. On 3-4 July, I will be in the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago, a country with which we share deep-rooted historical, cultural and people-to-people connect. I will meet President H.E. Mrs. Christine Carla Kangaloo, who was the Chief Guest at this years Pravasi Bhartiya Divas, and Prime Minister H.E. Mrs. Kamla Persad-Bissessar, who has recently assumed office for the second term. Indians first arrived in Trinidad and Tobago 180 years ago. This visit will provide an opportunity to rejuvenate the special bonds of ancestry and kinship that unite us," the statement added. Third Destination: Argentina PM Modi will travel to Argentina from July 4. PM Modi visited Argentina in 2018 to participate in a G20 Summit. PM Modi was the first world leader to felicitate President-elect Javier Milei on X following the latters victory. In 2019, both the countries had elevated their relationship to strategic partnership. India has total cumulative investments of about USD 1.2 billion in Argentina, and Argentina has total investment of USD 120 million in India. From Port of Spain, I will travel to Buenos Aires. This will be the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Argentina in 57 years. Argentina is a key economic partner in Latin America and a close collaborator in the G20. I look forward to my discussions with President H.E. Javier Milei, whom I also had the pleasure of meeting last year. We will focus on advancing our a mutually beneficial cooperation, including in the areas of agriculture, critical minerals, energy, trade, tourism, technology, and investment," PM Modis departure statement said. Fourth Destination: Brazil From July 5-8, PM Modi will be in Brazil to attend the 17th BRICS summit, followed by a state visit. This will be PM Modis fourth visit to Brazil. PM Modi will exchange views on key global issues including reforms of global governance, peace and security, strengthening multilateralism, AI, climate change and global health. The PM will hold bilateral talks with leaders of various other countries on the sidelines. PM Modi will also travel to Brasilia where he will hold discussions with President Lula on the broadening of bilateral relationship. President Lula extended support against terrorism during a telephonic conversation with PM Modi on May 8. Brazil is the largest trading partner in South America. I will attend the BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro on 6-7 July. As a founding member, India is committed to BRICS as a vital platform for cooperation among emerging economies. Together, we strive for a more peaceful, equitable, just, democratic and balanced multipolar world order. On the sidelines of the Summit, I will also meet several world leaders. I will travel to Brasilia for a bilateral State Visit, the first by an Indian Prime Minister in nearly six decades. This visit will provide an opportunity to strengthen our close partnership with Brazil, and work with my friend, President H.E. Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, on advancing the priorities of the Global South, the statement added. Fifth Destination: Namibia The last leg of PM Modis visit will be to Namibia. It will be his first visit to the country. This will be the first bilateral state visit that President of Namibia, Netumbo Nandi, is hosting after taking over as the President in March. My final destination will be Namibia, a trusted partner with whom we share a common history of struggle against colonialism. I look forward to meeting President H.E. Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and chart a new roadmap for cooperation for the benefit of our peoples, our regions and the wider Global South. It will be a privilege to also address the Joint Session of Namibian Parliament as we celebrate our enduring solidarity and shared commitment for freedom and development," the departure statement added. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Trade between India and Namibia has grown to USD 600 million. Eight cheetahs were translocated from Namibia to India, which were released by PM Modi in September 2022 at Kuno National Park in MP. I am confident that my visits to the five countries will reinforce our bonds friendship across the Global South, strengthen our partnerships on both sides of the Atlantic, and deepen engagements in the multilateral platforms such as BRICS, the African Union, ECOWAS and the CARICOM," PM Modi concluded. About the Author Shobhit Gupta Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben... Read More Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben... Read More First Published: July 02, 2025, 08:29 IST News / National by Staff reporter The Bulawayo High Court has dismissed an urgent application by the opposition party ZAPU seeking to stop the government-led Gukurahundi Outreach Programme, ruling that the matter did not meet the threshold for urgency.The outreach hearings, scheduled to begin on 26 June 2025, form part of a long-awaited national initiative to address the 1980s Gukurahundi atrocities, during which an estimated 20,000 people were killed in Matabeleland and parts of the Midlands.ZAPU had challenged the legality of the process, arguing that it lacked legitimacy and independence, particularly because it is being led by traditional chiefs under the National Council of Chiefs - a move they claim compromises impartiality. The party named President Emmerson Mnangagwa, the Minister of Local Government, and the National Council of Chiefs as respondents in the application.However, Justice Munamato Mutevedzi dismissed the case, stating it was not urgent."The judge said the matter was not urgent. He pointed out that we had known about this process since 2019 and yet took no action until now," said ZAPU legal advisor Vuyo Mpofu, speaking to journalists after the ruling.ZAPU president Sibangilizwe Nkomo, in his affidavit, argued that the chiefs could not be trusted to lead a sensitive national healing process, citing a lack of legal basis for the arrangement between President Mnangagwa and the Matabeleland Collective, a grouping of civic leaders and traditional authorities."The Chiefs are unlikely to be impartial and unbiased in the conduct of the process," Nkomo stated."We believe the agreement between the President and the Matabeleland Collective has no legal foundation and does not represent the victims of Gukurahundi."Outside court, a visibly disappointed Nkomo vowed that ZAPU would continue pushing for justice."It did not matter that we didn't get what we set out to achieve - stopping the hearings - but we will continue finding other ways to bring this matter to closure. We want justice for people who were killed, women who were raped. As a peace-loving organisation, we seek an amicable resolution," he said.There was a heavy police presence around the court during the hearing. Nkomo was at one point briefly stopped from addressing reporters near the court premises.The hearings themselves have already experienced setbacks. They were delayed from their original 26 June start date due to logistical challenges and a clash with President Mnangagwa's official visit to Bulawayo on the same day. According to Chief Mtshane Khumalo, President of the National Council of Chiefs, some local traditional leaders also had not received the necessary materials to proceed with the outreach.Despite the court setback, civil society groups and victims' families say they remain determined to pursue genuine truth-telling, justice, and reconciliation in the aftermath of one of Zimbabwe's darkest chapters. 'Political Pluralism': Jaishankar Hails Multi-Party Op Sindoor Outreach At Quad Meet Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 02, 2025, 23:57 IST The foreign ministers of the QUAD group - the US, India, Japan, and Australia - condemned the Pahalgam terror attack during Wednesday's meeting in Washington. EAM S Jaishankar speaking to the media in Washington. (PTI) External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday attended the Quad foreign ministers meeting in Washington, where he told his partners that India had the right to defend itself against terrorist activities and hold the perpetrators accountable. He also lauded the all-party delegations to various countries after Operation Sindoor and said they sent a strong unified message. While speaking to the media in Washington DC, Jaishankar said, With each of my counterparts, I have shared with them the sense that the nature of the terrorists challenge, the fact that we have confronted it over multiple decades and that we are very resolved today to respond to it very firmly and we have the right to defend ourselves," he said." Recommended Stories The perpetrators of terrorism must be held accountable, they must be brought to justice and thats important because we have to communicate to the world that what we did on 7th May, the objective of Operation Sindoor is that if there are terrorist attacks, we will act against the perpetrators, the supporters, the enablers. That message was conveyed with great clarity," he added. Jaishankar further said the issue of US President Donald Trump brokering the ceasefire between India and Pakistan did not come up at the meeting, although he maintained that a truce was decided in the meeting between the DGMOs of two countries. Jaishankar Hails Multi-Party Diplomacy During the press conference, Jaishankar also hailed the all-party delegations to convey Indias message after Operation Sindoor, saying it conveyed a strong message of national unity. You saw the political pluralism of India come together on an important issue and send a strong unified message and I think that was something really great and its something which quite apart from being a minister, honestly, as a person, as an Indian citizen, I applaud that." Jaishankar also criticised some countries for not taking a position when other nations are a victim of terrorism. It is a fact that often countries do not take a position when some other countries are victims of terrorism, which they would do when they themselves are," he said. In that respect, we have been much more consistent and principled. When terror attacks happen elsewhere outside India, we have largely followed the same position that we have taken when they have happened in India. Many of them are not doing it or not doing it sufficiently enough and part of diplomacy is to exhort them, encourage them, persuade them, motivate them to do that, and which is why its important to speak up, and which is why its important to carry them with us to the best possibility," he said at the press conference. India launched Operation Sindoor targeting terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in response to the Pahalgam terror attack. India struck several terror hideouts and eliminated more than 100 terrorists. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Earlier today, the foreign ministers of all Quad countries unequivocally condemned the April 22s ghastly terror attack in Jammu and Kashmirs Pahalgam, which claimed the lives of 26 individuals. We express our deepest condolences to the families of the victims and extend our heartfelt wishes for a swift and full recovery to all those injured. We call for the perpetrators, organisers, and financiers of this reprehensible act to be brought to justice without any delay and urge all UN member States, in accordance with their obligations under international law and relevant UNSCRs, to cooperate actively with all relevant authorities in this regard," the statement said. About the Author Aveek Banerjee Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international... Read More Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international... Read More Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: July 02, 2025, 22:26 IST 'Saying I Love You Not Sexual Harassment Unless' Bombay HC Acquits Man Under POCSO Reported By : LawBeat Edited By: Apoorva Misra Last Updated: July 02, 2025, 13:52 IST The court concluded that the minor status alone could not attract POCSO provisions without fulfilling other statutory requirements like sexual intent and physical contact The court also pointed out that the trial judge failed to appreciate the correct definition of sexual assault under POCSO. The Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court has acquitted a man convicted under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 (POCSO), holding that mere expression of romantic interest without sexual intent does not amount to sexual harassment under the law. Justice Urmila Joshi-Phalke, while setting aside the trial courts conviction under Section 354-A(i) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Section 8 of the POCSO Act, observed, Recommended Stories Words expressed I Love You would not by itself amount to sexual intent as contemplated by the legislature. There should be something more which must suggest that the real intention is to drag in the angle of sex, if the words uttered are to be taken as conveying sexual intent." While the court did accept the validity of the victims birth certificate, confirming she was a minor (born on May 12, 1999), it concluded that the minor status alone could not attract POCSO provisions without fulfilling other statutory requirements like sexual intent and physical contact. Admittedly, intention is inner compartment of mind of that person and has to be determined from surrounding facts and circumstances. If somebody says that he is in love with another person or expresses his feelings itself would not amount to an intent showing some sort of his sexual intention. What constitutes such sexuality or sexual intent and what is not, is a question of fact," the court added. Background of the Case The case arose out of a complaint by a 17-year-old girl, a student of Class 11, who alleged that on October 23, 2015, while returning home with her cousin, the accused Ravindra Narete approached her on a motorcycle near an agricultural field in Katol, Nagpur district. He allegedly caught her hand, refused to let her go until she disclosed her name, and said I love you." The FIR was registered the same day, attracting charges under Sections 354-A(i) and 354-D(1)(i) of the IPC and Section 8 of the POCSO Act. The trial court had convicted the appellant and sentenced him to rigorous imprisonment for three years along with a fine of Rs 5,000. Rationale by the Court On Section 354-A IPC (sexual harassment), the court emphasised that: The expression sexual intent is a question of fact and it is to be determined on the basis of the evidence. If somebody says that he is in love with another person or expresses his feelings itself would not amount to an intent showing some sort of his sexual intention." Further, referring to the POCSO charge under Section 8 (punishing sexual assault), the court noted that Section 7 requires proof of physical contact with sexual intent involving specific body parts or any other act of sexual intent. The court held that: top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all There is no evidence on record showing that there was any gesture in the nature of eye expression or body language of the accused Utterances in question have not been made repeatedly, but it was made only once." The court also pointed out that the trial judge failed to appreciate the correct definition of sexual assault" under POCSO and erred in convicting the appellant without evidence showing sexual intent. Location : Nagpur, India, India First Published: July 02, 2025, 13:52 IST Classroom Predators Spark Safety Fears: Infamous Cases Of Teachers Grooming Kids Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 02, 2025, 22:08 IST A Mumbai teacher was arrested for sexually assaulting a 16yearold student by getting him drunk and feeding him anti-anxiety pills. An alarming number of teachers having sexual relations with students have surfaced in recent years. (Representational image) A Mumbai teacher was arrested for sexually assaulting a 16yearold student, in a case that has shocked many people in the country, particularly due to the disturbing nature of the crime. As per the details available, the teacher allegedly fed the Class 11 student anti-anxiety medicines, and got him drunk before forcing him into sexual encounters. The 40-year-old accused teacher is married with children, and taught English at an elite school in Mumbai. Recommended Stories Experts say such incidents take an extreme psychological toll on children, which affects their emotional, cognitive, and social development. Unfortunately, there are several such cases in India and abroad, where such classroom predators" groom their students for sexual abuse. ALSO READ: Sex Abuse By Mumbai Teacher: What It Does To Teen Survivors, Trauma Explained Infamous Cases Of Teachers Grooming Kids Before the Mumbai case, a teacher in the United States admitted to having a sexual relationship with a student. Jocelyn Sanroman, 26, was accused of being in a sexual relationship with a 16-year-old boy in 2023 while teaching at Oakside Prep Academy. She was charged with third-degree criminal sexual conduct. Prior to that, Laura Caron, 24, a teacher in New Jersey, was convicted by a grand jury on June 17 on charges of first-degree aggravated sexual assault and second-degree sexual assault over an alleged relationship with a 13-year-old child giving birth to his daughter. A teacher in Australias Brisbane was charged with 25 offences against children after police allegedly discovered incriminating images on his devices. He has been accused of grooming multiple children and soliciting intimate photos from kids. In May, a 36-year-old award-winning teacher at Lincoln Acres Elementary School in San Diego was sentenced to 30 years to life in state prison for sexual crimes against two minors. Prosecutors said Jacqueline Ma had groomed two boys and began a sexual relationship with one when he was 12 by sending love letters and suggestive texts. Last year, a teacher in the UK was convicted of sexually abusing two schoolboys and becoming pregnant with one of them. Rebecca Joynes had groomed both boys from the age of 15 by exchanging messages, as per BBC, and gave birth to a boy in early 2024. She was sentenced to six-and-a-half years. A Worrying Pattern An alarming number of cases involving teachers and administrators engaging in inappropriate relationships with students have come to light in recent years, highlighting the pervasive issue of educator sexual misconduct. Dozens of New York City educators have been accused of having inappropriate, often sexual relationships and communications with students, including via money, gifts or drugs, according to the New York Post. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all A study by the Crimes Against Children Research Centre found that 1 in 10 children will experience sexual misconduct by a school employee at some point during their school career. There were over 500 cases of teacher misconduct between 2014 and 2019. Teachers who engage in such acts frequently misuse their position of power to abuse students through emotional manipulation, gaslighting and coercion. This has resulted in several students, particularly in the US, suffering from long-term trauma, including anxiety, depression, and trust issues. About the Author Aveek Banerjee Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international... Read More Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international... Read More First Published: July 02, 2025, 21:56 IST Swami Ghanananda Saraswati: How A Ghanian Became The First Hindu Saint Of African Descent Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: July 02, 2025, 15:37 IST PM Narendra Modi's visit to Ghana highlights a unique spiritual link, forged by Swami Ghanananda Saraswati, the first African Hindu monk who spread Hinduism in Ghana Swami Ghanananda Saraswati became the first person of African origin to be ordained as a Hindu 'sannyasi' (sage). (News18 Hindi) As Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits Ghana today, marking the first visit by an Indian PM to the West African nation in three decades, few realise that this small country has long shared an unlikely spiritual link with India. That connection was forged not through diplomacy or trade, but by a tribal-born Ghanaian who journeyed across continents in search of truth and returned home as a Hindu monk Swami Ghanananda Saraswati. Born as Kwesi Asele on September 12, 1937, in Senya Beraku village in Ghanas Central Region, he came from a native African family deeply rooted in traditional tribal faith. But as colonial influence spread, Christianity began to sweep through the region, and his family, too, converted. Recommended Stories Young Kwesi was raised in a Christian household, but he never confined his spiritual quest to a single doctrine. From early on, he devoured religious texts first the Bible, then the Quran, and eventually Hindu scriptures like the Bhagavad Gita and the Upanishads. The philosophical depth of Hinduism fascinated him, particularly its focus on karma, yoga, and moksha. In 1962, at the age of 25, he moved to Ghanas capital Accra and founded the Divine Mystic Path Society, an organisation dedicated to God and inner exploration. But his desire to understand the soul of Hinduism took him much farther, all the way to Rishikesh in the early 1970s. There, in the Himalayan foothills, he met Swami Krishnananda Saraswati, one of the most revered spiritual teachers. Under his guidance, Kwesi underwent rigorous spiritual training, immersing himself in the yogic and philosophical traditions of Sanatan Dharma. In 1975, he was formally initiated into the Hindu monastic order and given the name Swami Ghanananda Saraswati, a tribute to his homeland. He thus became the first person of African origin to be ordained as a Hindu sannyasi (sage). His gurus instruction was simple yet profound, i.e. take the ancient knowledge back to Ghana and plant its seeds in African soil. That is exactly what Swami Ghanananda did. Upon his return, he began preaching Hinduism not just to the Indian diaspora, but also to native Ghanaians. He spoke of karma and compassion, of detachment and discipline, not as exotic Eastern ideas, but as universal truths. He adopted a uniquely inclusive approach, blending African culture and Hindu spirituality. His bhajans were sung in local dialects, and Hindu rituals were conducted with a distinctly Ghanaian flavour. In 1975, he established the African Hindu Monastery in Accra, the first of its kind on the continent. It quickly grew into a spiritual hub. Over the years, he built five Hindu temples across Ghana, where deities like Lord Ganesha, Shiva, and Krishna are worshipped. Festivals such as Ganesh Chaturthi began to be celebrated with great devotion, complete with idol processions and immersion ceremonies. Apart from worship, Swami Ghanananda also connected Hindu institutions with education, healthcare, and community service. He ran medical camps, opened schools, and built community halls. By the 2000s, he had inspired thousands of native Ghanaians to embrace Hinduism. As of 2021, Ghana was home to around 30,000 Hindus, at least 10,000 of whom were indigenous Africans, a staggering number considering Hinduisms limited presence in West Africa. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Swami Ghananandas genius lay in making Hinduism feel familiar. His teachings never demanded conversion through rejection but encouraged spiritual evolution through understanding. He did not erase Ghanaian culture, he embraced it, weaving Hinduism into its rhythm. His life became a bridge between Africa and India, and a testament to the fact that truth needs no passport. Swami Ghanananda passed away on January 18, 2016, but his spiritual empire remains alive and growing. The temples, monasteries, and community centres he founded continue to serve both Indian and Ghanaian followers. His disciples have taken up his mission, and the story of the tribal boy who became a Hindu saint lives on in Ghanas rising tide of faith. Location : Ghana First Published: July 02, 2025, 15:34 IST Undressing Girl Despite Protest 'Attempt to Rape', Rules Allahabad High Court Reported By : LawBeat Last Updated: July 02, 2025, 20:56 IST The court found that it had been proved by the prosecution that the victim was forcibly kidnapped by the appellant with intention of marrying and having intercourse with her The court dismissed the appeal against conviction under Sections 363, 366, 376/511 and 354 of the IPC. The Allahabad High Court on July 1, 2025, upheld the conviction of a man for attempting to rape a girl after forcibly abducting and detaining her for nearly 20 days, holding that the offence of attempt to rape is made out even if attempt to penetration does not occur clearly, as long as intent and overt acts are established. The Court distinguished the case from the Supreme Courts findings in Tarkeshwar Sahu vs. State of Bihar (Now Jharkhand) (2006), where the top court had set aside the conviction under Section 376/511 of the IPC (attempt to rape) recording a finding that the accused had neither undressed himself nor even asked the prosecutrix to undress so there was no question of penetration. The top court had said that in the absence of any attempt to penetrate, the conviction under Section 376/511 IPC is wholly illegal and unsustainable". Recommended Stories The bench of Justice Rajnish Kumar emphasised that the ruling in the said case was not applicable to the case at hand as here the victim had stated not only in her statement under Section 164 CrPC before the magistrate but in evidence before the trial court also that the appellant had undressed her, however on her protest, he could not do intercourse. The single judge bench referred to the Supreme Courts judgment in Pandharinath vs. State of Maharashtra (2009) where it was held that if the accused-appellant had removed the victims clothes and he had not rebutted this statement of the prosecutrix in his examination-in-chief, it was definitely a case of attempt to rape. In every crime, there is first, the intention to commit, secondly, preparation to commit it, and thirdly, the attempt to commit it. If the third stage, that is the attempt is successful, then the crime is complete. If the attempt fails, the crime is not complete, but the law punishes the person attempting the Act under Section 511 IPC, the high court said, referring to the Supreme Courts ruling in Koppula Venkat Rao vs. State of Andhra Pradesh (2004). The single judge bench also relied upon the judgment of a division bench of the high court in Israil vs. State of Uttar Pradesh (2013:AHC-LKO:14455) where it was held that in order to hold the accused guilty of an attempt to commit rape the court has to be satisfied that the accused, when he laid down the prosecutrix, not only desired to gratify the passion upon her but that he intended to do so in all events, notwithstanding any resistance on her part. The court found that in the present case, it had been proved by the prosecution that the victim was forcibly kidnapped by the appellant with intention of marrying and having intercourse with her. The appellant with the said motive kept her at the residence of his relative for about 20 days, where he not only outraged her modesty but also attempted rape by undressing her, however, he could not do so due to victims protest. Nothing could be extracted from her (the victim) in cross-examination, which may create any doubt on her version or about the veracity of her evidence," the single judge bench noted. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Further, since the FIR was lodged by the girls mother on August 31, 2004, 21 days after the girl went missing, the appellant argued that the delay pointed to fabrication and that the incident was consensual. However, the court rejected both claims, stating that the delay had been explained and that such delays are not unusual in cases involving sexual assault due to societal stigma. Therefore, finding no illegality or infirmity in the trial courts order, the court dismissed the appeal against conviction under Sections 363, 366, 376/511 and 354 of the IPC. About the Author Salil Tiwari Salil Tiwari, Senior Special Correspondent at Lawbeat, reports on the Allahabad High Court and courts in Uttar Pradesh, however, she also writes on important cases of national importance and public interests fr... Read More Salil Tiwari, Senior Special Correspondent at Lawbeat, reports on the Allahabad High Court and courts in Uttar Pradesh, however, she also writes on important cases of national importance and public interests fr... Read More First Published: July 02, 2025, 20:56 IST 'Violates Right To Privacy': Madras High Court Quashes MHA's 2011 Phone Tapping Order Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 02, 2025, 23:23 IST The court quashed the phone tapping order, stating it violated the right to privacy as protected under the Constitution Court observed that any phone tapping order violates Right to Privacy secured under the Constitution | Image: Representative The Madras High Court on Wednesday ruled that telephone tapping cannot be carried out as part of covert operations aimed at detecting crime, stating such actions are not permitted under existing law. Justice N Anand Venkatesh said that the law allows phone interception only in cases of public emergency or when public safety is at risk. Recommended Stories The ruling came in response to a petition filed by P Kishore, Managing Director of Everonn Education, who was named in a 2011 corruption case by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) along with an Income Tax officer, Andasu Ravinder. According to the CBI, Ravinder demanded a bribe from Kishore, who allegedly paid him Rs 50 lakh. Based on this, the Union Home Ministry issued an order in August 2011 to tap Kishores mobile phone. Kishore later challenged this order in court. Court Quashes MHA Order The court quashed the phone tapping order, stating it violated the right to privacy as protected under the Constitution, unless authorised under due legal process. The Home Ministry had invoked Section 5(2) of the Indian Telegraph Act to justify the interception. However, the court observed that Section 5(2) permits phone tapping only during a public emergency or in the interest of public safety, and only after authorities are satisfied that it is necessary in matters such as national security or public order. In this case, the interception was part of a covert operation to detect a crime, which does not fall under the scope of Section 5(2)," the court said. Justice Venkatesh also cited a 1996 Supreme Court judgment in Peoples Union for Civil Liberties vs Union of India, which set guidelines for phone tapping, and the 2017 Puttaswamy verdict, which upheld the right to privacy as a fundamental right. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The court further noted that Rule 419A of the Indian Telegraph Rules was not followed, as the intercepted material was not placed before the review committee in a timely manner. As a consequence the impugned order dated August 12, 2011, must necessarily be set aside as unconstitutional and one without jurisdiction," the judge concluded. First Published: July 02, 2025, 23:23 IST Nostradamus Death Anniversary 2025: Who Was He? 5 Predictions That Are Said To Be True Published By : Trending Desk Last Updated: July 02, 2025, 11:46 IST Nostradamus Predictions 2025: Nostradamus first worked as a physician and helped treat people during the plague. Nostradamus Death Anniversary: He is widely believed to have predicted major historical events. (File Pic) Nostradamus Predictions 2025: Nostradamus, a famous French astrologer and physician, died on July 2, 1566. On his death anniversary, people remember his life and the mystery surrounding his predictions. He became well-known for writing poetic verses that many believe predicted future events. Even today, his work sparks a lot of curiosity and debate. Some say he predicted major things like disasters and political changes with surprising accuracy. His influence is still seen in astrology, books, and even pop culture. Recommended Stories Whether people believe in his predictions or not, Nostradamus remains one of historys most interesting and talked-about figures. Who Was Nostradamus? Michel de Nostredame, better known as Nostradamus, was born in France in 1503. He first worked as a physician and helped treat people during the plague. Later, he became interested in astrology and started writing about the future. In 1555, he published his most famous book, Les Propheties, which had over 900 short poems that many believe predicted future events. His writing style was mysterious and full of symbols, which made people curious. He even advised French kings and queens. Some saw him as a wise prophet, while others thought his work didnt make much sense. Still, today, his name is strongly linked with predictions and prophecies. Nostradamus Death Anniversary : Interesting Facts About Him Started as a shopkeeper: Before becoming a famed seer, Nostradamus owned an apothecary like a 16th-century pharmacy that sold herbal medicines, sweets, and even betting services. First prophecies came from personal tragedy: After losing his wife and children to the plague, he began writing predictions and travelled across Europe, engaging with mysticism. His major work was powered by the printing press: Les Propheties became widely known thanks to printing technology, making it a bestseller of its time. Had royal backing: Catherine de Medici, queen of France, took notice of his predictions, especially one foretelling King Henry IIs death, and made him her court advisor. Used cryptic language to stay safe: Fearing accusations of witchcraft, he wrote in veiled and coded phrases to avoid punishment by the Church. Nazis used his words as propaganda: During WWII, Nazi operatives dropped leaflets quoting his quatrains to intimidate the French, referencing supposed prophecies of a German victory. He predicted the end of the world in 1999: Some believed he foresaw the apocalypse in July 1999, leading French designer Paco Rabanne to cancel a Paris fashion show. He entered trance states for visions: Nostradamus would stare into dark bowls of watersometimes with herbsto enter a trance-like state and receive his divine insights. Nostradamus Death Anniversary: Quotes Mankind will discover objects in space sent to us by the watchers. The third big war will begin when the big city is burning. Not that I am foolish enough to claim to be a prophet. Two revolutions will be caused by the evil scythe bearer, making a change of reign and centuries. When the exhausted Sun takes up his cycle, then my prophecy and threats will be accomplished. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Nostradamus Predictions: 5 Predictions That Are Believed To Have Come True The Great Fire of London (1666): One of Nostradamus quatrains reads: The blood of the just will be demanded of London, burnt by fire in the year 66." Many believe this refers to the Great Fire of London, which occurred in 1666 and destroyed much of the city. Though fires were common in wooden cities, the timing and location seem to match closely. The Rise of Adolf Hitler: Nostradamus wrote of a figure named Hister," which some claim is a reference to Hitler, though Hister was the Latin name for the Danube River. The quatrain also refers to a child born of poor people" and a great leader of Germany," leading many to believe it predicted Hitlers rise to power and the horrors of WWII. The French Revolution: His verses also mention From the enslaved populace, songs, chants and demands" and heads chopped off," which are believed to describe the French Revolution of the late 18th century. This brutal period saw thousands executed by guillotine and the fall of the monarchy. The Death of Princess Diana: Some interpret his writings to have predicted Princess Dianas tragic death in a car crash in 1997. While no direct names are mentioned, phrases like a great woman will fall" and a sudden event" have been linked to her. 9/11 Attacks on the World Trade Center: A widely circulated (though often misattributed) quatrain refers to two steel birds" and a great tower falling," which many people believe predicted the September 11 attacks in New York. While the exact wording is debated, believers point to Nostradamuss references to New City" and earthshaking fire" as fitting the event. About the Author Bhaswati Sengupta Bhaswati Sengupta is a Sub-Editor at News18, where she works closely with the Web Stories and Photo Gallery team to create visually engaging and impactful digital content. She also contributes to Lifestyle sect... Read More Bhaswati Sengupta is a Sub-Editor at News18, where she works closely with the Web Stories and Photo Gallery team to create visually engaging and impactful digital content. She also contributes to Lifestyle sect... Read More fashion, travel, The News18 Lifestyle section brings you the latest on health food , and culture with wellness tips, celebrity style, travel inspiration, and recipes. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! Location : France First Published: July 02, 2025, 07:20 IST World UFO Day 2025: 5 UFO Sightings That Shocked India And The World Published By : Trending Desk Last Updated: July 02, 2025, 07:10 IST World UFO Day seeks to encourage the idea that extraterrestrial life might be a reality rather than a figment of imagination. World UFO Day 2025: This day is celebrated in two different dates, June 24 and July 2. (AI generated image) WORLD UFO DAY 2025 DATE, HISTORY, SIGNIFICANCE AND KEY FACTS: World UFO Day is celebrated globally on July 2 every year. The non-formal observance is held with the broader aim of garnering mainstream attention for discussions around UFOs (unidentified flying objects). It also seeks to encourage the idea that extraterrestrial life might be a reality rather than a figment of imagination. World UFO Day 2025 is an ideal occasion for you to satiate your curiosity about alien lifeforms and mysterious aerial sightings. World UFO Day 2025: History and Significance Recommended Stories While it is more widely celebrated on July 2, some people also celebrate World UFO Day on June 24. The reason behind the lack of consensus on a single day for the observance is that the occasion commemorates two separate incidents that took place just a few days apart in 1947. June 24 marks the anniversary of the day on which an American aviator named Kenneth Arnold claimed to see a group of unusual flying objects. Meanwhile, July 2 commemorates the famous Roswell incident. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all World UFO Day 2025: 5 UFO Sightings In India And Across The World Mount Rainier, Washington, US: On June 24, 1947, pilot Kenneth Arnold reported witnessing nine unusual objects flying in a synchronised manner. Roswell, New Mexico, US: Just days after Arnolds claim, the crash and subsequent recovery of a flying object in New Mexicos Roswell sparked major and long-lasting conspiracy theories centred around the possible existence of aliens. Though the wreckage in question was later identified by the US military as the debris of an experimental weather balloon, the explanation only worked towards reinforcing conspiracy theories. Decades later, however, the balloon was eventually revealed to be a tool in a project meant to detect Soviet nuclear bomb tests. Canary Islands, Spain: In June 1976, widespread claims of a UFO sighting came from both civilians and military personnel in the area. They claimed to have witnessed a humongous sphere that hovered at a really short altitude for several minutes and eventually vanished into thin air. Two humanoid-like figures were also supposedly witnessed inside the large, translucent ball. Bihar, India: An account of a suspected UFO sighting from 1957 suggests that hundreds of villagers of a particular area in a now-defunct district called Manbhum gathered to witness a UFO that came down to an altitude of 500 ft above ground level. Tehran, Iran: The eerie incident that took place in the sky over Tehran on September 16, 1976, is considered one of the most well-documented UFO sightings. According to reports, three fighter warplanes were scrambled after a bright object was reported by multiple civilians and also detected by a radar. The pilots of two of the fighter jets involved in the defensive sorties claimed that some of the onboard systems in their aircraft faced technical issues as they approached the unusual object. About the Author Bhaswati Sengupta Bhaswati Sengupta is a Sub-Editor at News18, where she works closely with the Web Stories and Photo Gallery team to create visually engaging and impactful digital content. She also contributes to Lifestyle sect... Read More Bhaswati Sengupta is a Sub-Editor at News18, where she works closely with the Web Stories and Photo Gallery team to create visually engaging and impactful digital content. She also contributes to Lifestyle sect... Read More fashion, travel, The News18 Lifestyle section brings you the latest on health food , and culture with wellness tips, celebrity style, travel inspiration, and recipes. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! First Published: July 02, 2025, 07:10 IST It Is Always A Delight: Richard Gere Joins Dalai Lamas Birthday Celebrations Published By : Trending Desk Last Updated: July 02, 2025, 14:48 IST While the Dalai Lama's birthday is July 6 the celebrations began on June 30. Richard wishes for the Dalai Lamas good health. (Photo Credit: Instagram) Hollywood actor Richard Gere joined the celebrations in Dharamshala and the adjacent Kangra areas of Himachal Pradesh this week in honour of the 14th Dalai Lamas 90th birthday. While the Dalai Lamas birthday is on July 6, the celebrations began on June 30. The gathering has attracted spiritual leaders, dignitaries and well-wishers from all across the world including the popular actor. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Richard Gere Fanpage (@actor_richardgere) Recommended Stories Richard Gere attended an event at the Nechung Monastery. Speaking to ANI at the event, he said, Were here in Dharamshala to celebrate His Holinesss 90th birthday, his good health, his strength and compassion. Nechung is one of my oldest friends This monastery is very important to me and my son. Hes been to my home in the US. Hes also very close to my son, and its always a delight being here. Ive seen the pleasure of being here many times, so I feel like I have a connection with Nechung now. Its always a delight being here." #WATCH | Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh | Hollywood Actor, Richard Gere, says "All of my friends are here to celebrate the 90th birthday of the 14th Dalai Lama This monastery is very important to me and my friends. It is always a delight being here." https://t.co/V2S2XJHkid pic.twitter.com/DXnPwnsCKq ANI (@ANI) July 1, 2025 Reportedly, in a crucial ritual held at the Nechung Monastery, the Nechung Oracle, one of the Tibetan communitys protector deities, blessed the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) and its leadership. CTA President Penpa Tsering, ministers, lawmakers and many Tibetan devotees attended the event. Moreover, on June 30, the Dalai Lama made a brief public appearance at Tsuglagkhang, Dharamshalas primary Tibetan temple, to reaffirm his commitment to peace, compassion, and service to the Tibetan people and the world community. #WATCH | Himachal Pradesh: Celebrations underway in Dharamshala, Kangra for the 90th Birthday of Tibetan spiritual leader, the 14th Dalai Lama. The 90th birthday of the 14th Dalai Lama is officially marked on July 6 according to the Gregorian calendar. pic.twitter.com/HepdwugYM7 ANI (@ANI) July 1, 2025 From July 2 to 4, Dharamshala will hold a three-day international Buddhist conference featuring senior monks and scholars from diverse global traditions. The gathering will conclude in a significant talk by the Dalai Lama, during which he is scheduled to speak on the future of the Tibetan reincarnation tradition, a matter of tremendous interest within the global Tibetan and Buddhist communities. In addition, the International Buddhist Confederation will hold a special remembrance ceremony on July 13 in New Delhi. Richard Gere was last seen in the film Longing in 2024 and was also part of the series The Agency. First Published: July 02, 2025, 14:48 IST Suge Knight Reveals Tupac Shakurs Friends Smoked His Ashes: 'It Was Symbolic' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 02, 2025, 11:08 IST Suge Knight revealed Tupac Shakur's friends smoked his ashes after his cremation, arranged by his mother, Afeni Shakur. Tupac was shot on September 7. Tupac died on September 13, 1996. Its been nearly three decades since legendary rapper Tupac Shakur was fatally shot in Las Vegas, but the layers of mystery and myth around his death continue to grow. Now, Suge Knight, the co-founder of Death Row Records, and the man who was sitting beside Tupac that night is sharing a startling claim from behind bars. In a recent interview with People from prison, Knight recalled what happened after Tupac passed away, saying that the rappers ashes werent just kept, they were actually smoked by his closest friends. His homies rolled him up. They smoked him," he said, describing the act as deeply symbolic. You gotta understand, thats what made sense. It was symbolic. Its like You keep part of him." Recommended Stories According to Knight, Tupacs mother, Afeni Shakur, didnt want a public farewell. Instead, she reportedly insisted that her son be cremated on the very night he died, September 13, 1996, just six days after being gunned down. Knight claimed he handed over $1 million in cash to ensure that happened swiftly. Later that night, a close-knit group gathered for a private send-off. Suge revealed that the group passed around a bag of Tupacs ashes, and some friends even mixed them into a blunt. He laughed while recalling it, adding, I was the only one that didnt smoke because I was on probation." Reflecting on the moment, Knight said Tupac never wanted to be cremated. He told me, When I go, I want every rapper at my funeral to grab the mic. I want them to kiss me head to toe. Just like in Life Goes On." But when Knight tried to object to the cremation, he said Afeni responded firmly, telling him to follow her wishes. Recounting the night of the shooting, Knight described how he and Tupac were leaving a Mike Tyson fight on September 7, 1996, when a white car pulled up beside theirs and someone opened fire. Tupac was hit four times. Knight, who was also wounded, tried to drive them to safety despite flat tires and his own injuries. I drove him to the hospital," he remembered. During those final hospital hours, Knight said Tupac pleaded with those around him to let him go. Referring to a casino altercation that had occurred earlier that evening, Tupac reportedly told Suge he didnt want to go back to jail. He begged his mom to help him die," Knight said, adding that Afeni even gave him pills at one point before doctors intervened. Eventually, she accepted the end was near and requested that the hospital let him pass peacefully. First Published: July 02, 2025, 11:08 IST News / National by Staff reporter Police have arrested seven company executives suspected of producing and distributing illicit brews containing ethanol, which were supplied to the public and shops across the country. The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) confirmed the arrests in a brief statement on Tuesday, promising further details in due course."The ZRP has arrested seven company executives for manufacturing illicit brews using ethanol, water, flavours and supplying them to the public and shops in the country," said Commissioner Paul Nyathi, the ZRP national spokesperson.In separate operations, the police also apprehended individuals involved in drug-related offences. On June 28, 2025, Runesu Emmanuel (37) and Tinashe Chivende (27) were arrested for unlawful dealing in dangerous drugs. Acting on intelligence, Beitbridge police intercepted a Toyota Wish vehicle at a security checkpoint along the Mazunga-Muranda dust road. A search of the vehicle uncovered 307.568 kilograms of dagga, with an estimated street value of US$30,756.80.In another case, on June 29, 2025, Tarusarira Tauya (35) was arrested for possession of unregistered medicines. The previous day, detectives from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Drugs and Narcotics unit conducting an operation dubbed No to Cross-Border Crimes' at Beitbridge Border Post intercepted a shipment on a Rimbi Bus Tours vehicle. Officers recovered 742 bottles of 100ml Broncleer cough syrup, destined for delivery in Harare.Following this, CID detectives in Harare were alerted and successfully intercepted Tauya at a garage along Simon Mazorodze Road, after he received the contraband and loaded it into a Silver Toyota Wish vehicle. The unregistered medicines have an estimated street value of US$3,700.These arrests highlight ongoing police efforts to clamp down on illicit alcohol production and illegal drug trafficking across Zimbabwe. Further updates from the ZRP are expected as investigations continue. Janaki VS State of Kerala: MB Padmakumar Slams Sibi Malayil Over Small Film Remark Published By : Trending Desk Last Updated: July 02, 2025, 12:25 IST MB Padmakumar accused Sibi Malayil of belittling his work and negatively impacting his films release. Janaki Vs State of Kerala was scheduled to release on June 20. (Photo Credit: X) The controversy surrounding the Central Board of Film Certifications (CBFC) alleged demand to change the name of Janaki vs State of Kerala continues to stir the Malayalam film industry. The states cinema fraternity, including actors and producers, are taking to the streets in protest against the censor boards stand. As per the films creators, the CBFC objected to the use of the name Janaki, saying it is associated with the Hindu goddess Sita and it cannot be used in the context of a film portraying the legal battle of an assaulted woman against the state. Amid the turmoil, a new controversy has emerged involving veteran filmmaker Sibi Malayil and director MB Padmakumar. In a recent media interaction addressing the Janaki vs State of Kerala row, Sibi Malayil referenced a past issue Padmakumar faced with his film Token Number. In the film, the CBFC allegedly demanded a name change again, targeting the name Janaki or Abraham. Recommended Stories According to the director, the matter was resolved quietly because the film was a small film" aimed at festivals. Padmakumar, deeply offended by the remarks, responded emotionally via a video titled Just kill me, Mr Sibi Malayil" posted on his YouTube channel. He accused the veteran director of belittling his work and negatively impacting his films release. Who told Sibi Malayil sir that my film is a small film or an award film? If there are no superstars or if its not a big-budget film, it automatically becomes a small film, is that it? And the audience shouldnt see it, sir?" Padmakumar said in the video. The filmmaker also criticised the CBFC for what he described as a prejudiced decision-making process. Isnt this exactly what the Censor Board also did? Didnt they approach it with prejudice without even watching the film? Do you know something, sir? This is a film I made by toiling for the last seven months, sacrificing my food and sleep," he said. He further alleged that Sibis comments had caused a distributor, who had initially agreed to release the film, to withdraw support and snatch their chance at a theatrical release. He was heard saying, After all was done, I finally got the film censored. I got it done, feeling defeated and scared. After that, it had to reach theatres, but it had no superstars. Without superstars, its incredibly difficult to get a theatre screen, no distributor comes forward." With great difficulty and by paying from my own pocket, I had arranged for a person to distribute it. But do you know what the distributor told me after hearing your comment? He called me and said, You told that this was a big film. But now Sibi Malayil himself has said its a small film. I am not investing in an award film. Sir, you have thrown sand in my rice bowl," Padmakumar added. Starring Union Minister and actor Suresh Gopi, Janaki vs State of Kerala was originally slated for release on June 20. However, the dispute with the CBFC over the title has held up the release. While the CBFC has not yet issued an official clarification on either Janaki vs State of Kerala or Token Number, the uproar continues to grow. First Published: July 02, 2025, 12:25 IST Global Watch | The Dalai Lama At 90: A Spiritual Legacy Caught Between Faith And Force Written By : News18.com Last Updated: July 02, 2025, 19:36 IST The Dalai Lamas 90th birthday goes far beyond being an event of spiritual/religious importance. It's a critical driver of regional geopolitics & direction of the Tibetan movement Since the Dalai Lamas exile to India in 1959, along with thousands of others, in the wake of the Chinese occupation of the Tibetan plateau, he has emerged as a globally recognised and revered embodiment of Tibetan resistance, cultural distinction, and humanitarian values. File pic The town of Dharamshala in Indias Himachal Pradesh is bustling with celebration and anticipation as the 14th Dalai Lama is set to turn 90 on July 6. Although, as the spiritual and political head of Tibetan Buddhism, the Dalai Lamas birthday is in itself a hugely significant event, this time, it holds far-reaching importance as His Holiness is expected to share details of his successor. This is not just going to be a spiritually or religiously loaded revelation, but something that the future of the Tibetan people, who have been resisting Chinese control for decades, depends on. Since the Dalai Lamas exile to India in 1959, along with thousands of others, in the wake of the Chinese occupation of the Tibetan plateau, he has emerged as a globally recognised and revered embodiment of Tibetan resistance, cultural distinction, and humanitarian values. A Nobel laureate, the Dalai Lama, or Tenzin Gyatso, was born as Lhamo Dhondup in 1935 in northeastern Tibet, and in two years, he was identified by sacred religious search parties as the incarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama. This is a centuries-old practice within Tibetan Buddhism wherein the reincarnation of top spiritual leaders is decided after their death based on visions and signs interpreted by senior Lamas. This process could take years, resulting in a spiritual and political vacuum of leadership during that time. Recommended Stories However, the current Dalai Lama has made a few critical departures in this traditionfirstly, he has suggested that he might give indications regarding his successor while he is alive, a method known as emanation", and secondly, in his March 2025 book Voice for the Voiceless, he has stated, Since the purpose of a reincarnation is to carry on the work of the predecessor, the new Dalai Lama will be born in the free world." By free world", he is suggesting that his successor will be found outside China, which, again, is a divergence from convention. The reasons behind these deviations have to do with the relentless and overwhelming Chinese interference and suppression of Tibetan cultural traditions. The Chinese state, which officially identifies as atheist, has repeatedly declared that it reserves the right to decide on the Dalai Lamas reincarnation, a practice that it claims to trace to imperial China under the Qing dynasty. To that end, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) wants to determine the next Tibetan Buddhist leader through the golden urn" process (wherein the names of all possible reincarnations are drawn from a golden urn), and to preside over it, it has convened a committee comprising government-selected Tibetan monks and CCP officials. This is, in no way, the first time that the CCP has attempted to directly intervene in Tibetan Buddhist affairs. In Tibetan Buddhism, the second-highest spiritual seat is accorded to the Panchen Lama, who also plays a crucial role in identifying the Dalai Lamas reincarnation. In 1995, the current Dalai Lama named the 6-year-old Gedhun Choekyi Nyima as the reincarnated Panchen Lama. Within days of the announcement, the boy and his family were abducted, never to be seen again, while the Chinese state propped up their own Panchen Lama, who parrots the party line and endorses Beijings sovereignty over Tibet. Therefore, the vital significance of the Panchen Lama in deciding the succession of the Dalai Lama was a chief motivation for the CCP to intercept this seat, which raises anxieties about the future of the figure of the Dalai Lama itself. As the Dalai Lama gets older, the apprehension that there might be two Dalai Lamas, one based on suggestions by the current Dalai Lama and another projected by the CCP, becomes more and more severe. Despite the Dalai Lamas repeated assertion of fighting for Tibetan autonomy through peaceful means, as opposed to separatism, the CCP has always painted him as a violent secessionist and a threat to Chinese nationhood. As early as 1996, China formally prohibited the display and possession of the Dalai Lamas images in Tibet, construing it as solidarity with Tibetan secessionism. Over the years, China has intensified its efforts at reshaping Tibetan society, severing the next generation from their language, culture, ways of life, and, most importantly, aspiration for autonomy. From uprooting thousands of Tibetans by forcefully relocating their villages to separating around one million Tibetan children from their families and coercing them into mandatory residential schools designed for their assimilation into the majority Han culture, the CCP has been bent on the cultural and demographic restructuring of Tibet. In fact, since 2023, China has begun referring to Tibet as the Xizang Autonomous Region" in all official communications, demonstrating its fixation on the cultural erasure of the Tibetan identity. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all From this perspective, the Dalai Lamas 90th birthday, around which he is expected to reveal details on his spiritual inheritance, goes far beyond being an event of spiritual/religious significance. It is also a critical determinant of regional geopolitics and the direction of the Tibetan movement. As thousands of Tibetans, representatives of several other faiths, celebrated figures such as Richard Gere, and big political names congregate in Dharamshala, all eyes will be on the Dalai Lama, or the protector of the Land of Snows", as he is hailed by his followers. The world will listen carefully, as his words will shape one of the most resilient, enduring, and inspiring struggles of our times. The writer is an author and a columnist. His X handle is @ArunAnandLive. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views. First Published: July 02, 2025, 19:33 IST Opinion | SCO Summit: India, Pakistan And The Curious Case Of Missing Fingers Written By : News18.com Last Updated: July 02, 2025, 20:22 IST How Defence Minister Rajnath Singhs SCO gambit is a case of a Bharat rising confidently, self-assuredly and surefootedly Defence Minister Rajnath Singh (3rd left), at the SCO Defence Ministers' Meeting, in Qingdao. (Image: X/DefenceMinIndia) Not every agreement inked from a position of strength translates into strategic triumph. The 1971 war is a telling reminder. Bharats decisive victory split Pakistan, created Bangladesh, and saw 93,000 Pakistani soldiers surrendering in Dhakaone of the most humiliating defeats in modern military history. Yet, just months later, the Simla Agreement of 1972 exposed how battlefield gains could be squandered at the diplomatic table. Despite explicit warnings from then RAW chief RN Kao to count her fingers" after shaking hands with Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, Mrs Indira Gandhi fell for his charm, unilaterally agreeing to release the Pakistani prisoners without even securing the return of Indian soldiers languishing in Pakistani jails. If all treaties signed from a point of strength are not success stories, then all treaties not signed arent failures either. Last week, when Defence Minister Rajnath Singh refused to sign the SCOs joint statement on countering terrorism, he not only safeguarded Bharats core security interests but also offered a glimpse of a country willing to stand firmalone if necessaryin pursuit of its national priorities. Recommended Stories The Defence Ministers conduct at the SCO summit reflects a growing confidence, maturity, and self-assuredness of the country while dealing with global powers. Unlike in the past, when New Delhi would have been tempted to make a compromise for the sake of consensus" or regional solidarity", todays Bharat doesnt mind walking that extra mile on treacherous terrains if the countrys long-term interest so demands. The SCO draft statement was a watered-down document that, with Chinese collusion, sought to downplay Pakistans terror connections. It also refused to acknowledge, far less condemn, Islamabads sinister role in not just waging but also spreading global jihad. What particularly irked New Delhi was the refusal to give the dastardly Pahalgam attack a place in the draft statement. For Bharathaving borne the brunt of Pakistan-sponsored terrorism for decadesany endorsement of such a document would have compromised its core security interests. More so in the wake of the much successful Operation Sindoor, where Bharat drew for Pakistanand the worlda new Lakshman Rekha on terrorism. Critics argue that Bharat should reconsider its engagement with institutions like the SCO, given their internal dynamics and frequent tilt against Bharats interests. But there is a compelling counterpoint: Bharats very participation forces these blocs to confront their inconsistencies. By attending and then refusing to endorse a flawed document, Bharat highlighted the SCOs duplicity on terrorism. New Delhis presence gives the SCO a democratic legitimacy, especially when most of its member states lack genuine democratic credentials. At the same time, it does moderate the innate anti-Bharat tendencies of such institutions. Yet, the incident is also a reminder of the solitary nature of Bharats fight against Pakistan-sponsored terrorism. The Wests support often stops at rhetoric. Washingtons Bharat policy is still largely China-driven, focused on counterbalancing Beijing rather than addressing Islamabads terror machinery. Europe, preoccupied with internal crises, besides being wary of disturbing its fragile equations with Islamic states, rarely ventures beyond routine condemnations, followed by an exhortation to both sides to return to talks. Russia, Bharats time-tested partner and an SCO member, finds itself increasingly aligned with China, compelled by geopolitical realities and economic compulsions after the Ukraine war. Moscows growing dependence on Beijing inevitably narrows the space for unequivocal support to New Delhi, especially on issues where Chinese and Pakistani interests converge. Perhaps the most sobering takeaway from the SCO saga is the fact that Bharat is, in many ways, alone in its fight against terrorism emanating from Pakistan. While Western capitals may occasionally put up rhetorical support in Bharats favour, very few will be willing to shun, far less confront, Pakistan for its terror connections. However, the path ahead is not without challenges. Bharat will likely face more such moments where standing up for its core interests may mean standing alone. The international system is inherently transactional. Allies shift their positions, interests evolve, and moral arguments often give way to strategic calculations. This reality makes it imperative for Bharat to continue diversifying its partnershipsdeepening ties not just with the Quad countries but also with nations in Europe, ASEAN, Africa, and the Middle East. Simultaneously, Bharat must persist in exposing Pakistans duplicity on terror at every available forum, denying Islamabad the international space it needs to whitewash its record. Be that as it may, the fact of the matter is that Bharats conduct at the SCO summit reflects the case of a confident, self-assured, and surefooted nation. Yes, there is this concern of finding itself isolated on the international platform, but one needs to see it in the larger context of Bharat rising at an unprecedented pace and scalea pace and scale that seem to be unnerving its friends and foes alike. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The next couple of decades will be critical. As Bharat continues its unprecedented economic and geopolitical ascent, it will inevitably unsettle entrenched interests, both among rivals and even some partners. How deftly Bharat navigates this phasebalancing assertion with strategic partnerships, principle with pragmatismwill determine how swiftly it cements its place as a global power. The good thing is, as Rajnath Singhs resolute stance at the SCO shows, Naya Bharat not just counts the fingers after shaking hands with other powers; it has also started making them accountable if some of the fingers go missing after the handshake! About the Author Utpal Kumar Utpal Kumar is Opinion Editor, News18 and Firstpost. He can be reached at utpal.kumar@nw18.com. He tweets @utpal_kumar1 Utpal Kumar is Opinion Editor, News18 and Firstpost. He can be reached at utpal.kumar@nw18.com. He tweets @utpal_kumar1 First Published: July 02, 2025, 20:22 IST Opinion | The Italian Connection Of Madhya Pradesh: Scindias & The House Of Filose Written By : News18.com Last Updated: July 02, 2025, 13:47 IST The story of the Filose family in India begins with founder Michael Filose who came from Naples to Calcutta in 1770 AD and entered service of Maharaja Mahadji Scindia 4 years later A member of the Neapolitan Filose family can be seen sitting in this mural depicting the Durbar of Maharaja Jayajirao Scindia in the Moti Mahal Palace Gwalior. (Image Credit: Scindia Research Centre) It was published in Allens Indian Mail and Official Gazette London, on March 25, 1876, that it is said that Sindia (Scindia) has just given a lakh of rupeesnominally 10,000to the architectwe believe, an Italianwho built the palace Signor Filose is said to be a younger member of the Filose family, descended from Jean Baptiste, and still retaining its pure European descent. This family has, during four or five generations, furnished faithful servants to the Gwalior Princes. The present Signor Filose was sent to Europe to study, since when he has been employed on all manner of duties, having no connection with his particular art." Between Mughals and the Medicis Recommended Stories The palace referred to above is the magnificent Jai Vilas Palace in Gwalior, India, a fine specimen of European architecture and art in the heart of India. This palace complex was designed and built by Michael Filose after returning from a study tour in Europe. Michael was addressed as Mukhel Sahib" by Indians, and his grandfather and namesake, Michael Filose, a military commander in Scindias army, had committed suicide to prove his loyalty to Maharaja Daulatrao Scindia. About Mukhel Sahib, founding member of the present ruling party in India, the BJP, and a prominent member of the Scindia family, Rajmata Vijaya Raje Scindia, and historian Manohar Malgaonkar wrote, He was the descendant of Jean Baptiste (possibly Giovanni, who changed his name to adapt to the French milieu of the Scindias army), an Italian gentleman who had taken service under Mahadji Scindia as an officer of the kampoos, and who in Daulatraos time had become one of the principal supporters of the regime. As such, it was perhaps natural that Mukhel Sahib should have derived his inspiration mainly from Europe. Nonetheless, the structure he put up shows evidence of an earnest desire to synthesise the style of the Mughals with that of the Medicis." The Italian Nabobs" The Filose family loyally served the Maratha Scindias for several generations as noblemen known within the Maratha administration as Sardars," who had significant power in the Scindia kingdom. When the last Filose in Gwalior, Colonel Augustine Filose, who was educated in England as a barrister and, on his return to India, was appointed in the Judicial Department and later as Private Secretary to Maharani Scindia, emigrated to the homeland of his family, Italy; he left his property to the members of the Scindia family he and his ancestors had served. This Neapolitan family is especially renowned in Maratha history because of the wide spectrum of their contributions, from architecture to coin minting and poetry, and from wars to diplomacy and more. Frank Anthony, a prominent Anglo-Indian who contributed to the making of the Indian Constitution, wrote about the Filose family: One of the most distinguished Anglo-Indian (people of European ancestry from paternal side) families of this period, the members of which achieved distinction both as soldiers and scholars, was the Filose family of Gwalior." From Naples to Calcutta The story of the Filose family in India begins with the founder of the family, a gentleman named Michael Filose, who came from Naples to Calcutta in 1770 A.D. and entered the service of Maharaja Mahadji Scindia four years later. Ultimately he found service with Benoit de Boigne, the Savoyard commander in Mahadjis army; he ultimately commanded a corps under Scindia that numbered eleven battalions. Mahadji trusted him so much that when he went to meet the Prime Minister (Peshwa) of the Maratha Confederacy in Pune, he took along with him Filose and Dutch Hessing. He had two sons, Jean Baptiste (addressed by Indians as Jan-Batees") and Fidele by an Indian lady. He fought along with Mahadji Jean Baptiste against the British and was made the commander of Delhi by Mahadjis son Daulatrao, and his brother Fidele was made commander of Haryana by the same king. Jean Baptiste was perhaps the only military adventurer of Hindustan, according to Frank Anthony, who survived the disaster of 1803 when the British defeated Daulatrao Scindia on many fronts. He had a colourful career. Before Scindias defeat by the British, he used to go out on kingdom taking expeditions. He was the Commander-in-Chief of the State Army, which consisted of thirty thousand regular sepoys and the famous artillery that had remained with him since the days of de Boigne. Like his father, who had helped humble the Rajputs for his employer, Mahadji Scindia, Jean Baptiste played a major role in securing extensive territories from several small Rajput chiefs, especially from the Khichis of Raghogarh for his employer, Daulat Rao Scindia; he also conquered Sabalgarh for him in 1809. Sheopur was given as a Jagir (fiefdom) by Maharaja Daulatrao Scindia to him in 1803. In 1811, while in the service of Scindia, he conquered the village of Ondila from Rajput Khichis and named it Isagarh in the honour of Isa-Masih (Jesus Christ). He also conquered the famous Indian textile production hub, the city of Chanderi, for his employer, who made him the governor of this city. Jean Baptiste served the Scindia House for 37 years and died in 1846. He built up a reputation not only as a great soldier but as a great scholar of Persian. In 1835, with his generous aid, Bishop Pezzoni extended Akbars Church in Agra westward; this church was the first Catholic Church of Agra, and it was the Cathedral of Agra till 1848. In 1841, John permitted a Catholic school for boys to be established in his property at Jamuna Bagh, Agra, and made a donation of Rs 1 lakh (a very large sum for that time) for the construction of this school. The foundation stone was laid (in 1846) by Major OGorman of the East India Company. This school was named St. Peters College and continues to be functional in Agra even today. Urdu Poet of Italian Origin According to Frank Anthony, the greatest poet the family produced was Sir Florence Filose. Ram Babu Saxena wrote in his book European and Indo-European Poets of Urdu and Persian that as a poet, Sir Florence is a distinct success. His dewan was published under the title of Dewan Matloob in 1286 A.H. 1869 A.D. and was printed in Nizami Press, Cawnpore. It is a rarity now, and I secured a copy from Mr. Filose, Assistant Private Secretary to His Highness the Maharaja Scindhia. As a poet, Sir Florence has displayed considerable powers. His verses suffer from no defects. They have lucidity, flow, grace, and spontaneity. He shows considerable technique and mastery over language. He is clever in the use of the various artifices. His performance is creditable. He deserves a high place in Anglo-Indian poetry and is entitled to be mentioned with respect as an Urdu poet." Florence was born in 1829 and died in the Gwalior State at the ripe age of 83. He married one Mary Anne, and both of them were buried in the Filose Chapel at Gwalior. Florence Filose had two sons, Col. Albert Filose and Major Clement Filose. Sir Florences elder brother was Col. Sir Peter Filose, who died in Gwalior on July 4, 1872. The youngest brother was Lt. Col. Sir Michael Filose, who was born on the 18th April, 1836, and died on the 5th February, 1925. He served under four Maharajas. The Pope conferred awards on members of the Filose family; for example, Florence Filoseand Clement Filose were made The Knight Commanders of St. Gregory, and Michael Filose II was made The Knight Commander of St. Sylvester. The Legacy top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all There are no Filose living in Gwalior anymore, but their works and contributions to the expansion of the Scindia kingdom have made them an essential part of Maratha history. Even though they were Italians, they understood very well the Maratha way of governance, and Florence was even an Urdu poet. Even today, when visitors visit the Jai Vilas Palace and ask who built this magnificent palace, the answer they get is Michael Filose," and with respect within the palace is kept the bust of this Italian Maratha architect." The Scindias did not treat them as outsiders; rather, they made them a part of their elite aristocracy; they had hereditary titles and fiefdoms given to them by this Maratha family. Information about this family is carefully preserved in the archives of the Scindia Research Centre that this author heads. The story of the Filosefamily teaches the importance of intercultural dialogue and peaceful coexistence, a message that is very important for the world. The author is Head, Scindia Research Centre, Gwalior. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views. First Published: July 02, 2025, 13:47 IST Last Updated: July 02, 2025, 10:08 IST 1 / 7 DMart is one of the most popular retail chains in India. With over 330 DMart shopping centres across the country, the success behind this massive network lies not just in its efficient operations, but also in the dedication of thousands of employees. While it's well known that DMart offers a decent salary to its employees, many are unaware of the additional benefits they receive. These perks show how committed DMart is to the well-being of its workforce. (News18 Telugu) 2 / 7 EPF (Employees' Provident Fund): A portion of the employees salary is deducted and deposited into the EPF account, with the company matching that contribution. This accumulated amount is handed over upon retirement, serving as financial support for the future. (News18 Telugu) ADVERTISEMENT 3 / 7 Gratuity: Employees who serve the company for more than five years are eligible for gratuity, a lump sum amount paid as a token of appreciation at the end of their service. (News18 Telugu) 4 / 7 Performance-Based Bonus: Employees who perform well are rewarded with annual bonuses based on their performance, providing motivation and financial incentives. (News18 Telugu) ADVERTISEMENT 5 / 7 Medical Insurance: In several locations, DMart offers health insurance coverage not only for the employees but also for their families, helping them manage medical expenses more easily. (News18 Telugu) 6 / 7 Employee Discount on Shopping: Employees enjoy special discounts when shopping at DMart stores. This helps them save on their monthly essentials and everyday items. (News18 Telugu) ADVERTISEMENT CNN name, logo and all associated elements and 2024 Cable News Network LP, LLLP. A Time Warner Company. All rights reserved. CNN and the CNN logo are registered marks of Cable News Network, LP LLLP, displayed with permission. Use of the CNN name and/or logo on or as part of NEWS18.com does not derogate from the intellectual property rights of Cable News Network in respect of them. Copyright Network18 Media and Investments Ltd 2024. All rights reserved. Congress Leader Apologises For Calling Sikkim A 'Neighbouring Country', BJP Hits Back Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 02, 2025, 10:43 IST Congress leader Ajoy Kumar apologised for his statement on Sikkim and issued a clarification stating that it was a "slip of the tongue". Congress leader Ajoy Kumar sparks controversy over his remarks on Sikkim. (Image: X/@BJP4Sikkim) A day after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) slammed Congress leader Ajoy Kumar for his statement on Sikkim, Kumar on Wednesday issued a clarification stating that it was a slip of the tongue" and apologised for his remarks. A massive controversy erupted after a purported video featuring the Congress leader came to light, in which, Kumar can be heard referring to Sikkim as a neighbouring country". Yesterday, during my press conference, while I was speaking about the deteriorating relations with our neighboring countries, I mistakenly mentioned the name of a state. I sincerely apologise for this, as it was an unintentional human error a slip of the tongue," Congress leader Ajoy Kumar said, clarifying his mistake. Recommended Stories BJP Slams Congress Leader Meanwhile, the Sikkim unit of the BJP vehemently denounced the outrageous and ignorant statement made by the Congress leader. It is utterly deplorable that a former IPS officer and Member of Parliament displays such appalling disregard for Indias history and geography, the BJP said in a post on X, adding, The Congress party must immediately educate its leaders to prevent such disgraceful blunders. This shameful remark deserves the strongest possible condemnation." The BJP Sikkim unit vehemently denounces the outrageous and ignorant statement made by INC leader Ajoy Kumar, who shockingly referred to Sikkim as a neighboring country" during his press conference at AICC headquarters today. It is utterly deplorable that a former IPS officer pic.twitter.com/Uwoi6gTyV4 BJP Sikkim (@BJP4Sikkim) July 1, 2025 top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Reacting to the controversy, BJP National Spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla accused the Congress party of following the footsteps of Jinnah and trying the divide the country. The Congress party is following in the footsteps of Jinnah. Jinnah wanted an Islamic state and the partition of India and Congress is doing the same today. They advocate for Sharia over the Samvidhan," he added. About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More First Published: July 02, 2025, 10:43 IST Shivakumar Throws Weight Behind Siddaramaiah, Then Says: What Option Do I Have? Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 02, 2025, 17:54 IST Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said that he will be in office for a full five-year term and emphasised that the Congress party was united. Shivakumar on Tuesday said there is no discussion on leadership change and stressed on strengthening the hands of CM Siddaramaiah and the party's government in the state. (File image: PTI) After Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah asserted that he will be in office for a full five-year term, his deputy DK Shivakumar threw his weight behind him. However, the Karnataka Congress president apparently looked unhappy in front of reporters, especially when he said: What option do I have?" Ending the leadership tussle in the state, at least for now, Shivakumar said he has no objection, apparently to Siddaramaiah continuing as the chief minister. Recommended Stories What option do I have? I have to stand by him and support him. I have no objection. Whatever the party high command decides will be implemented," he said. VIDEO | Bengaluru: As leadership crisis looms in Karnataka, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar (@DKShivakumar), responding to CM Siddaramaiahs remarks, said, What option do I have? I have to stand by him and support him. I have no objection. Whatever the party high command pic.twitter.com/Nfmag3PSgu Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 2, 2025 Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Shivakumar asserted that there is no disgruntlement within the ruling Congress, and when Siddaramaiah is there as the CM, there is no need for any discord on the leadership issue. Earlier in the day, Siddaramaiah said that he will be in office for a full five-year term and emphasised that the Congress party was united. Yes, I will be. Why do you have the doubts?" Siddaramaiah said in response to a question by reporters whether he will be the CM for five years. There has been speculation within political circles, especially within the ruling Congress, for some time now about the Chief Minister change later this year, citing power-sharing agreement involving Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar. However, Shivakumar on Tuesday said there is no discussion on leadership change and stressed on strengthening the hands of CM Siddaramaiah and the partys government in the state. Accusing the BJP of spreading lies about the stability of the government, Siddaramaiah said that his government will be in power solid as a rock" for five years. Responding to a question on ministerial aspirants in the Congress, the CM said the Congress high command will decide. In a democracy, everyone has the right to become a CM. The high command (of Congress) will ultimately decide. There are about 140 people (legislators) in our party. Only 34 people can be made ministers. Can everybody be made minister?" he asked. There was stiff competition between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar for the chief ministers post after the declaration of Assembly election results in May 2023, and the Congress had managed to convince the latter and made him the Deputy CM. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all There were some reports at the time that a compromise had been reached based on a rotational chief minister formula," according to which Shivakumar will become CM after two-and-half years, but they have not been officially confirmed by the party. (With inputs from PTI) 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: July 02, 2025, 17:01 IST Hes Mass Leader: Congress MLA Backtracks Over Lottery Remark On CM Siddaramaiah Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 02, 2025, 10:59 IST In a contrast to what he was heard saying, the Congress MLA said that Siddaramaiah is mass leader and he don't have the power to make him Chief Minister. Karnataka Congress MLA BR Patil says media twisted his conversation on phone about Siddaramaiah. (File) Congress MLA BR Patil on Wednesday issued a clarification after a purported audio clip of him over Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his rise in power went viral and triggered a row. In a contrast to what he was heard saying in the audio circulated earlier, the Congress MLA said that Siddaramaiah is mass leader and he dont have the power to make him Chief Minister. Recommended Stories He also accused the electronic media and social media of twisting his remarks. Patil further clarified that during the call Siddaramaiahs name came up and said that he was present with the Chief Minister when they met Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) Chairperson Sonia Gandhi. Bengaluru, Karnataka | On CM Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM DK Shivakumar, Congress MLA BR Patil says, Electronic media and social media are twisting my statements and trying to tarnish my image. When I was speaking to one of my close friends in Krishnaraja Pete, Siddaramaiahs name https://t.co/DZUXjVZV5Y pic.twitter.com/lBHUWvx26U ANI (@ANI) July 2, 2025 Electronic media and social media are twisting my statements and trying to tarnish my image. When I was speaking to one of my close friends in Krishnaraja Pete, Siddaramaiahs name came up, and I said he was lucky that he became the Chief Minister. I did not say that I introduced him (Siddaramaiah) to Sonia Gandhi. I was with him when we met Sonia Gandhi. He is a mass leader, and Im not powerful enough to make him the Chief Minister," he said as quoted by news agency ANI. Dismissing claims that he influenced Siddaramaiahs appointment as CM, Patil added, Some are trying to break our close relationship intentionally. Nine of our MLAs in the leadership of Siddaramaiah joined the Congress from JD(S), Congress also made him the Chief Minister by looking at his mass leadershipThis attempt by some to ruin my relationship with Siddaramaiah is wrong." Patils clarification came a day after a leaked audio of the party MLA emerged on social media where he reportedly mentioned Randeep Singh Surjewala Congress general secretary incharge of Karnataka whom the high command has sent to the state for crisis management. Patils audio, said to be from Krishnaraja Pete in Mandya, has sparked a massive row. Siddaramaiah hit a lottery. I was the one who introduced him to Sonia Gandhi. His fortunes were good and he became the Chief Minister. I have no Godfather or God. I met (Randeep Singh) Surjewala and said everything I had to. They heard me out with patience, lets see what happens," he was quoted as saying as per the report by NDTV. Earlier, deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar said confirmed there will be no leadership change in the state, hinting at a climbdown from his side in the power-sharing tussle with Siddaramaiah, talks of which have done the rounds for a prolonged period of time now. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Every time the state Congress shows signs of another internal fight between the two leaders, the Congress high command steps in to manage the situation both senior leader Rahul Gandhi and party president Mallikarjun Kharge have, in the past, asked them to cool down so as to project a united front. (With inputs from agencies) About the Author Shobhit Gupta Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben... Read More Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben... Read More First Published: July 02, 2025, 10:57 IST 'If We Find Evidence...': ED May Name Congress As Accused In National Herald Case Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 02, 2025, 16:29 IST The Enforcement Directorate may accuse Congress in the National Herald money laundering case if enough evidence is found. Sonia and Rahul Gandhi are alleged conspirators. Rahul The Enforcement Directorate on Wednesday said it can make the Congress party accused in the money laundering case linked to the now-defunct National Herald newspaper if the probe agency gets adequate evidence. Additional Solicitor General V Raju, appearing for the Enforcement Directorate (ED), made the submission before a special court in Delhi that began daily hearings in the case. Recommended Stories I have not made the AICC an accused, but it does not deprive me of my right to make them an accused in the future. If we find adequate evidence, we can make them an accused as well," ASG Raju said. The ED told the court that Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and her son, and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, were behind the conspiracy to usurp Rs 2,000 crore assets of the Associated Journals Limited (AJL), which used to publish the National Herald newspaper. The AJL used to publish the National Herald newspaper, founded by former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. Raju said that a conspiracy was hatched to form Young Indian, in which Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi held 76% shares, to siphon away Rs 2,000 crore assets for a Rs 90 crore loan taken from Congress. The ED said that even advertisement money was paid to the AJL on the instructions of senior Congress leaders. Whatever income that was generated from this fraudulent incorporation is the proceeds of crime, it added. During the previous hearing on May 21, the ED said that Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi have enjoyed Rs 142 crore of proceeds of crime" linked to the alleged National Herald money laundering case. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The anti-money laundering agency filed a prosecution complaint against senior Congress leaders, including the Gandhis, in the National Herald case. Others named in the charge sheet include Congress Overseas Chief Pitroda, Suman Dubey, and others. The charge sheet valued the alleged proceeds of crime to the tune of Rs 988 crore. It is alleged that the Congress leadership had misappropriated property belonging to the Associated Journals Limited (AJL), the original publisher of the National Herald, by converting public trusts into personal assets. 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: July 02, 2025, 16:23 IST News / National by Staff reporter In a significant blow to Zimbabwe's controversial Patriotic Act, the High Court has ruled that sections of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act which impose harsh penalties on those accused of calling for trade boycotts or sanctions against the country are vague, overly broad, and unconstitutional.The ruling, delivered by Justice Rodgers Manyangadze, comes barely a month after the court struck down section 22A(3) of the same law, which criminalised participation in meetings aimed at harming Zimbabwe's "sovereignty or national interest."Justice Manyangadze declared section 22A(3) unconstitutional, citing its sweeping language as infringing on fundamental constitutional rights such as freedom of assembly, association, expression, and political participation. The court highlighted concerns that the law's vague terms like "intentionally partake" lacked legal clarity and opened the door to arbitrary arrests and abuses of power by law enforcement.The case was brought by journalists Valentine Maponga and Paidamoyo Muzulu alongside the legal advocacy group Firinne Trust (operating as Veritas). Their lawyer, Tendai Biti, argued that the law threatened legitimate journalistic and activist engagement in international dialogue and that its imprecision risked silencing dissent."The vague wording and undefined standards in section 22A(3) could lead to a chilling effect on citizens exercising their democratic rights," Biti told the court.The judge also criticised the draconian penalties under the provision, which include revocation of citizenship, loss of permanent residency, and a 15-year ban on voting or holding public office. Such punishments were described as "drastic and inconsistent with constitutional limits."While the court upheld section 22A(2), relating to meetings promoting military intervention, it underscored that laws protecting national security must still respect democratic freedoms and due process.The ruling rendered moot a parallel challenge to Zimbabwe's death penalty laws, noting Parliament's recent abolition of capital punishment under the Death Penalty Abolition Act.Justice Manyangadze called on the responsible ministry to urgently revise the Act to align it with constitutional standards.Last month, the court had already ruled in favor of the Media Alliance of Zimbabwe and private citizen Zenzele Ndebele, who argued that the Act's vague criminalisation of "wilfully injuring the sovereignty and national interest of Zimbabwe" was an unfair and disproportionate tool to silence dissenting voices.The Patriotic Act, signed into law by President Emmerson Mnangagwa in 2023, imposes severe penalties-including execution-for those found advocating international sanctions or actions deemed harmful to Zimbabwe's interests. The law has been widely condemned by human rights groups and the United Nations but was passed by the Zanu-PF-controlled Parliament.Zanu-PF activists defend the legislation as necessary to punish individuals pushing regime change agendas from the West. However, opposition figures including U.S.-based activist Freeman Chari have challenged the law's constitutionality.Observers and legal experts continue to call for the Patriotic Act's full repeal, arguing it threatens democratic freedoms and the rule of law in Zimbabwe. No One Happy In Congress, Says Jyotiraditya Scindia, Asks Which Patriot Criticises India Abroad? | Exclusive Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Apoorva Misra Last Updated: July 02, 2025, 14:29 IST The Union minister said when he was in the Congress, he had spoken against the imposition of the Emergency as well as in favour of the abrogation of Article 370 The Union minister also took umbrage at Rahul Gandhi, without naming him, for criticising India on foreign soil. (PTI) Union Minister of Communications and DoNER Jyotiraditya Scindia said no one is happy in the Congress" as he called out the Grand Old Party for attacking Shashi Tharoor who was part of the multi-party delegation that travelled to the United States to present Indias view on the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor. In an exclusive interview with CNN-News18, Scindia said: I dont think anyone is happy in Congress. I dont think people of India are happy with Congress. I think only certain leaders of Congress are happy with themselves. That is the conundrum that Congress faces today. I rest my case." Recommended Stories The Union minister also took umbrage at Rahul Gandhi, without naming him, for criticising India on foreign soil. Which patriot will go outside this country and bring the country down? When a government that has taken retribution against cross-border terrorism and taken such strong action under Operation Sindoor" Scindia asked CNN-News18. He also slammed the Congress for questioning the strategy of the government and raising the claims of US President Donald Trump regarding the ceasefire with Pakistan. The Congress is only committed to a single thoughtthat is how it will enable itself to grab power. If that is its goal, the means it seems is criticism. Even if it is criticising the country. Earlier you (Congress) said Balakot and surgical strike never happened. You asked for evidence. When it happens now, you accept it for once. But you question now that why did the attack (Pahalgam) take place," Scindia said, attacking the Congress. Vichitra sthiti hai Congress party ki. Desh ko niche dikhane ke liye koi mauka chodha nahi jaata. PM has said ki goli wahan se chalegi, toh yahan se gola chalega. (It is a strange situation inside the Congress. They dont leave any chance to show the country down. The PM had clearly said that a bullet from that side will be replied with a bomb). We stopped only when Pakistan came begging for peace," Scindia said, setting the record straight on Operation Sindoor and the governments approach. Shocked by Kharges Statement Scindia told CNN-News18 that he was left shocked by the recent statement of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge that the high command" would decide the Congress chief ministerial face in Karnataka. I was really shocked that the Congress president said the decision of leadership change will be taken by the high command. Who is the high command who is higher than the Congress president? People of India want an answer to that," Scindia said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The BJP has been observing Samvidhan Hatya Divas to mark 50 years of the Emergency, to which Congress has said a 50-year-old event is being unnecessarily raked up. Responding to the criticism, the minister said: When truth comes out, it hurts. When I was in the Congress, I spoke against the imposition of the Emergency. When I was in Congress, I spoke in favour of the abrogation of Article 370. Because, for me, it is nation first. Emergency is our darkest chapter in history. Uski jayanti nahi, uski barsi humne manayi hai (we did not observe anniversary of emergency, we observed its demise). No one should have the guts or think about imposing it again," Scindia told CNN-News18. 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: July 02, 2025, 14:29 IST Samik Bhattacharya Elected As Next BJP West Bengal President Ahead Of 2026 Polls Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Pragati Ratti Last Updated: July 02, 2025, 17:34 IST Bhattacharya often reminisces within his close circle that he joined the BJP at a very young age, during a period when few would carry the party flag amidst the Left era in Bengal. Samik Bhattacharya filing his nomination with senior BJP leaders in West Bengal. (Image: Facebook/BJPBengal) Samik Bhattacharya has been unanimously elected as the next State President of the BJP in West Bengal. Under his leadership, the party will contest the 2026 assembly elections. As of 4 pm on Wednesday, only Bhattacharya had filed his nomination, indicating his certain leadership for the upcoming elections. Bhattacharya, who has RSS roots, has served as a Member of the Rajya Sabha from West Bengal since April 3, 2024. Leader of the Opposition in West Bengal Suvendu Adhikari was the proposer for Bhattacharyas nomination. After his nomination, Bhattacharya visited the oldest party office of BJP at Murlidhar Street. Recommended Stories Bhattacharya was the first BJP member of the West Bengal Legislative Assembly from the Basirhat Dakshin constituency, serving from 2014 to 2016. He also held the position of Chief Spokesperson of BJP West Bengal from 2020 to 2024. Bhattacharya often reminisces within his close circle that he joined the BJP at a very young age, during a period when few would carry the party flag amidst the Left Front era in Bengal. He has been associated with the BJP in Bengal for over 40 years. Why Has Samik Bhattacharya Been Chosen? Samik Bhattacharya was chosen due to his extensive experience as one of the senior-most leaders in the party. He possesses years of grassroots organisational expertise and a profound understanding of demographic shifts and the complexities of bordering regions. Notably, he was the first BJP MLA from Basirhat South, a constituency situated along the international border, becoming the partys first representative in the West Bengal Assembly. With the BJP planning to focus on demographic changes as a key electoral issue, Bhattacharya has emerged as the natural choice to lead the campaign. He enjoys acceptance among both senior and junior members of the party. Sources indicate that leaders such as Suvendu Adhikari and Sukanta Majumdar have supported his selection, with his rapport with Suvendu Adhikari being particularly strong. Additionally, Bhattacharyas background with the RSS further strengthens his ideological connection within the party. He joined the RSS in 1971. Party insiders say that RSS stamp appears clear in his selection as state BJP chief. Bhattacharya has been with the BJP for more than 40 years, making him the best person to form a bridge between old and new party members. Party insiders say with Bhattacharya at the helm, the RSS will start campaigning now for the 2026 Bengal polls. Samik Bhattacharya will be projected as a prominent leader in Bhadralok belt, targeting Rajarhat, Kolkata and suburbs including Durgapur. Will Work Together: Bhattacharya Speaking to News 18, Bhattacharya said, We will all work together. Bengal wants to achieve mukti from the current government." Bengal has lost its glory. We need investment and have a lot of work to do," he said, adding that the party will work together as one and there will be no difference between the old and new people in the party. When asked what his first priority as state BJP chief will be, he said, There will be a change of government, and we will work towards that. We will ensure Bengal does not become like Bangladesh." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all About the Author Kamalika Sengupta Kamalika Sengupta, Editor, Digital East of News18, is a multilingual journalist with 16 years of experience in covering the northeast, with specialisation in politics and defence. She has won UNICEF Laadli Awar... Read More Kamalika Sengupta, Editor, Digital East of News18, is a multilingual journalist with 16 years of experience in covering the northeast, with specialisation in politics and defence. She has won UNICEF Laadli Awar... Read More First Published: July 02, 2025, 16:15 IST Sanjay Raut Asks CM Fadnavis To Probe NCP MLAs Illegal Mining, Royalty Evasion Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Apoorva Misra Last Updated: July 02, 2025, 12:07 IST The Shiv Sena (UBT) MP said Sunil Shelke used government-allotted industrial land for illegal sand and stone mining, causing huge losses to the state exchequer Sanjay Raut alleged that Shelkes mining activities have damaged local village roads and caused severe inconvenience to villagers. (PTI) Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut has fired a fresh salvo at the Ajit Pawar-led NCP by writing a detailed letter to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, accusing Pawars close aide Sunil Shelke of serious misuse of government land and massive royalty evasion worth crores. In his letter dated June 25, Raut alleged that Shelke, who represents the Maval constituency, used government-allotted industrial land for illegal sand and stone mining, causing huge losses to the state exchequer. According to Raut, Shelke and his relatives extracted minerals from industrial plots in several survey numbers spread over more than 29 hectares in Maval area, but did not pay any statutory royalty for the extracted material. Recommended Stories Raut pointed out that Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) had acquired the said lands under Section 6 of the Maharashtra Industrial Development Act for promoting industrial development. However, instead of using the land for its intended purpose, Shelke allegedly misused it for large-scale mining. Raut has also attached details of land survey numbers and mining quantities in his letter. The Shiv Sena MP further alleged that Shelkes mining activities have damaged local village roads and caused severe inconvenience to villagers. He questioned why no strict administrative action has been taken despite repeated complaints and media reports. Highlighting the scale of the alleged scam, Raut stated that royalty worth several thousand crores has been evaded and questioned whether the state government would recover the huge loss. He also accused local officials, including MIDC officers and district administration, of ignoring these illegal activities and demanded an immediate high-level investigation. Raut warned that if the state does not act, it would send a wrong message to honest farmers and landowners whose lands were acquired for industrial use but are being exploited for personal gain by politically powerful individuals. He urged Fadnavis and Pawar to order a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into the matter and to initiate recovery of the evaded royalty. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Raut concluded by stating that this case is a glaring example of how public land is being looted under the guise of development and demanded that action be taken not just against Shelke but also against the officials who allegedly turned a blind eye to the misuse. When contacted, Shelke told News18: Every morning, Sanjay Raut makes some or the other allegations against leaders. On what basis is he accusing me of evading royalty? What proof has he got against me? Why was he silent when he was with us? All his allegations are baseless and have no substance in them." About the Author Mayuresh Ganapatye Mayuresh Ganapatye, News Editor at News18.com, writes on politics and civic issues, as well as human interests stories. He has been covering Maharashtra and Goa for more than a decade. Follow him at @mayuganapa... Read More Mayuresh Ganapatye, News Editor at News18.com, writes on politics and civic issues, as well as human interests stories. He has been covering Maharashtra and Goa for more than a decade. Follow him at @mayuganapa... Read More First Published: July 02, 2025, 12:07 IST Pixel 10 Pro Series Specs Leaked Ahead Of August Launch: More Battery Power Coming? Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 02, 2025, 08:15 IST Pixel 10 launch is tipped for August once again and these new details suggest Google is all set to unleash its new premium lineup. Google Pixel 10 series launch could happen in the next few weeks. Google Pixel 10 series is rumoured to be launching in August this year which means the product is ready to be shipped, so the leaks are getting broader with more details on offer. The latest Pixel 10 Pro series leak gives us most of the specifications that one can expect from a phone and it seems Google is once again failing the secrecy test, and probably with its own blessings. The good news is that Google is likely to make some upgrades for the latest Pixel 10 Pro and 10 Pro XL models but some of the existing features could be carried over to the new models. Recommended Stories Pixel 10 Pro and 10 Pro XL Leaks: What Reports Say The new Pixel 10 Pro leaks have been shared via Android Headlines in a report. The Pixel 10 Pro is expected to sport a 6.3-inch LTPO OLED panel with 120Hz refresh rate, while the 10 Pro XL gets a 6.8-inch display with the same panel and refresh rate. We expect Google to power them with the new Tensor G5 chipset which is supposedly being made by TSMC using the 3nm process. The company could launch the 10 Pro models with up to 16GB RAM and 1TB storage variants. However, the camera setup is likely to remain the same. The Pixel 10 Pro and the 10 Pro XL could include a 50MP wide primary, 48MP ultrawide angle and a 48MP telephoto lens. However, the front shooter could be upgraded to a 42MP sensor as per the report. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Moving forward, you have the Pixel 10 Pro with a 4,870mAh battery that is just marginally bigger than the Pixel 9 Pro unit. On the other hand, the 10 Pro XL could feature Googles biggest 5,200mAh unit on a Pixel model ever. The charging speed ought to see modest changes, with the 10 Pro offering 29W, while the 10 Pro XL getting 39W support. The Pixel 10 leaks and details have certainly gathered pace in the last few weeks. Android 16 has also been announced with the public beta now available for Pixel users starting series 6 and higher. When you put all these cards into a deck, Google seems primed for a big Pixel 10 launch as early as next month. 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! First Published: July 02, 2025, 08:15 IST Xiaomi Phone Users Warned About Major Security Issue By The Indian Govt: What We Know Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: July 02, 2025, 08:45 IST Xiaomi phones, laptops and even TVs come with this basic app from the company and the new security risk is linked to its issues. Xiaomi's Mi Connect app is the latest to raise the Indian govt warning Xiaomi users have got a critical security warning from the Indian government this week. The mobile brand offers products across different price ranges which makes it popular among hackers and it seems the new issue can make them easy targets. The security risk is linked to the Mi Connect Service app and the warning from the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team or CERT-In suggests a wide range of Xiaomi devices, including phones, TVs and even laptops might be affected. Recommended Stories Xiaomi App Security Issue: What You Should Know The CERT-In bulletin dated July 1, 2025 comes with a critical severity rating and explains the issue that can affect millions of users. A vulnerability has been reported in Xiaomi Mi Connect Service App which could be exploited by an attacker to gain unauthorized access to the victims device and bypass security restrictions on the targeted system." Describing the risk further, the security agency says, An unauthorized Access Vulnerability exists in the Xiaomi Mi Connect Service APP due to flaw in the verification logic (improper authentication) that can be bypassed," which basically puts a big question mark on the security of all the Xiaomi devices that have the Mi Connect app and it is likely to be installed on a big number of its products. Xiaomi Mi Connect App Security Risk: What Should Users Do The first thing you need to do is check if the Xiaomi phone, tablet or TV that you own does not have the Mi Connect app 3.1.895.10 or previous versions. If your device has this version, you need to update to the latest version that Xiaomi is offering through its own app settings. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The bulletin does not say if any Xiaomi users in India have been exploited by the issue but it is fair to say that all Mi users should get the latest available update for the Mi Connect app. Critical risks to the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected devices," the note further adds. Xiaomi sees China as one of its biggest markets, and thats where it has unveiled its latest electric SUV this week. The company has also introduced new phones and other devices that should come to global markets soon. About the Author S Aadeetya S Aadeetya, Special Correspondent at News18 Tech, accidentally got into journalism 10 years ago, and since then, has been part of established media houses covering the latest trends in technology and helping fr... Read More S Aadeetya, Special Correspondent at News18 Tech, accidentally got into journalism 10 years ago, and since then, has been part of established media houses covering the latest trends in technology and helping fr... Read More News18 Tech delivers the latest technology updates, including phone launches, gadget reviews, AI advancements, and more. Stay informed with breaking tech news , expert insights, and trends from India and around the world . Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: July 02, 2025, 08:45 IST 37% Of British Pakistanis Are Married To Their Cousins. Is It Legal In India Too? Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: July 01, 2025, 20:32 IST A report by The Economist revealed that 37% of married British-Pakistanis were first cousins, compared to less than 1% of white British couples India's secular legal system offers an alternative for couples who wish to marry outside religious or traditional boundaries In one of the worlds most developed nations, a centuries-old social tradition continues to thrive within a specific immigrant community; and its raising new questions about public health. A recent report by The Economist highlights that 37 percent of married British-Pakistanis are first cousins, a sharp contrast to less than 1 percent among white British couples. The findings are based on the extensive Born in Bradford study, which tracked the health patterns of 13,500 families in West Yorkshire, UK. The practice, deeply rooted in cultural norms and kinship networks from South Asia, is not without consequence. While the overall risk of birth defects remains low across the UK, the study observed a significantly higher risk of congenital disorders in children born from close-kin unions. Health experts say this pattern deserves urgent attention, especially in communities where cousin marriages remain commonplace. Recommended Stories The Born in Bradford project, one of the largest long-term research efforts on ethnic and genetic health inequalities in the UK, aims to understand how culture intersects with healthcare outcomes. It found that while cousin marriages offer perceived social stability and family consolidation in some communities, they also statistically heighten the chances of inherited health conditions. Meanwhile, across India, where many of these traditions originate, the regulation of cousin marriages presents a patchwork of religious doctrine, regional customs, and modern law. In Hindu communities in North India, cousin marriages are strictly forbidden. The Hindu Marriage Act of 1955, grounded in ancient scriptural norms, bars unions within the same gotra (clan) and within sapinda relationships, a term that refers to blood relations up to five generations on the fathers side and three on the mothers. These prohibitions reflect a longstanding belief in exogamy, where marrying outside ones kin group is essential to preserve genetic diversity and social order. But travel south, and the landscape changes dramatically. In states like Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Telangana, marriages between cousins including unions between a man and his maternal uncles daughter are not only legal but often celebrated. In some communities, uncle-niece marriages are customary and are performed with great ceremony, underlining the depth of regional variation in Indian marital practices. The Special Marriage Act Indias secular legal system offers an alternative for couples who wish to marry outside religious or traditional boundaries. Under the Special Marriage Act, individuals can legally marry even their close relatives, provided the relationship is not specifically listed under the laws prohibited degrees of relationship". top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all This Act, designed to accommodate interfaith and intercaste unions, reflects Indias pluralistic ethos. But it also reveals the grey zones where social practice and legal policy overlap, sometimes in conflicting ways. Whether in the UK or in India, cousin marriage occupies a complicated space cherished as tradition by some, scrutinised as a public health concern by others. As genetic science and cultural debates increasingly intersect, especially in diasporic communities, societies are being forced to confront uncomfortable questions about where heritage ends and harm begins. 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: July 01, 2025, 20:32 IST Born Without A Womb, UK Midwife To Become Mum Via Surrogacy; Will Deliver The Baby Too! Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: July 02, 2025, 13:46 IST Born without a womb, midwife Georgia Barrington is set to become a mum, thanks to her best friend Daisy, who is carrying her baby as a surrogate Daisy is now 23 weeks pregnant, and both women are filled with anticipation. (News18) Many women dream of cradling a child of their own, but for some, medical conditions make this impossible. For 28-year-old Georgia Barrington, a midwife from the UK, this has long been her reality. Born without a uterus, Georgia was told as a teenager that she would never be able to carry a child. Today, thanks to surrogacy and the unwavering support of her best friend, her lifelong dream of motherhood is finally coming true. Diagnosed at the age of 15 with Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome, Georgia was heartbroken to learn that she had been born without a womb. While she continued to help countless women give birth in her role as a midwife, her own path to motherhood seemed out of reach. But fate had other plans. Recommended Stories Her childhood friend, 29-year-old Daisy Hope, had once jokingly offered to carry a baby for Georgia, a promise she honoured years later. After giving birth to her own daughter, Emilia, Daisy reaffirmed her offer. Georgia accepted with heartfelt gratitude, and the journey began. Using Georgias eggs and the sperm of her partner, 31-year-old Lloyd Williams, doctors created embryos via IVF. One was implanted into Daisy, who became pregnant on the second attempt in early 2025. Sadly, that pregnancy ended in miscarriage at nine weeks. Undeterred, they tried again, and on January 31, 2025, a second embryo transfer was successful. Daisy is now 23 weeks pregnant, and both women are filled with anticipation. You can see her bump growing. She messages me about every little symptom," said Georgia, who plans to assist with the delivery at the very hospital where she works. Despite her experience in maternity care, Georgia admits to being nervous due to her knowledge of what can go wrong. However, this pregnancy has been smooth, and excitement is growing with each passing day. The couple spent 15,000 on IVF treatment, receiving 5,000 in financial support from the NHS. But for Georgia, the emotional support from Daisy has been priceless. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all It feels like a dream," said Georgia. Daisy added, Its going to be magical. I cant wait to see Emilia and the baby become best friends. Were in this together." Their story is not only a touching tale of friendship and resilience, but also a shining example of how hope and love can overcome even the toughest of odds. News18's viral page features trending stories, videos , and memes, covering quirky incidents, social media buzz from india and around the world, Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! Location : United Kingdom (UK) First Published: July 02, 2025, 13:46 IST Desi Man Builds 'Missile System' to Kill Mosquitoes, Internet Cant Get Enough Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: July 02, 2025, 08:35 IST A device emits a brief, blue laser beam that locks onto mosquitoes mid-air and instantly kills them. The beam vanishes once the mosquito is eliminated, like a mini-missile system A homemade device is seen targeting and killing mosquitoes mid-air, much like how defence systems intercept incoming missiles. (Instagram/ @tatvavaani) A unique mosquito-killing device developed by an Indian has gone viral on social media. The device reportedly uses a laser-like beam to target and eliminate mosquitoes mid-air, akin to advanced missile defence systems. The invention is being praised online for its creativity and potential, sparking curiosity among users and even humorous speculation about its possible use in space research. New Method To Kill Mosquitoes Recommended Stories Mosquitoes have long been a major nuisance to humans, causing widespread diseases and even deaths. While people rely on sprays, coils, and electronic devices, these often lose effectiveness over time. In a viral video, a homemade device is seen targeting and killing mosquitoes mid-airsimilar to how defence systems shoot down incoming missiles. How Does The Device Work? The video shows a device that emits a brief, blue laser-like beam, instantly killing mosquitoes. The beam flashes momentarily, locks on its target, and disappears once the mosquito is eliminated. A caption in the video jokingly claims, He built an S-400 style anti-mosquito system at home," and further adds that ISRO has offered him a job immediately." View this post on Instagram A post shared by TatvaVaani (@tatvavaani) From Mosquitoes to Missiles The video, shared by Instagram page @tatvavaani, also carries a satirical line in the comments: If he can target mosquitoes mid-air, he can surely tackle satellites too," supposedly quoted from the ISRO chief. While the story is likely humorous and not officially confirmed, it highlights how creative thinking can capture public imagination and even catch the attention of prestigious institutions like ISRO. A Buzz In The Comments The video has garnered over 19 lakh views in just two days. Social media users have praised the invention and expressed interest in installing similar devices in their homes. One user asked, How much does one mosquito-killing shot cost?" while another suggested the technology could benefit DRDO, citing concerns about countries developing mosquito-sized drones. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all ISROs Support For Innovation While the claim that ISRO offered him a job remains unverified, it is true that Indias space agency actively encourages private innovation and unique ideas. Whether this mosquito-killing laser will be used in space remains to be seen, but it has certainly sparked conversation and admiration. 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: July 02, 2025, 08:35 IST How To Survive A Nuclear Blast? Influencer's 'Tutorial' Goes Viral | Watch Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: July 02, 2025, 18:28 IST According to Michael Taylor, after the bright flash of a nuclear blast, there's an 810 second window to lie down, eyes shut, mouth openclosed mouth can cause internal injuries Michael Taylor's advice, shared through a video on his social media, was inspired by a former general's warning that UK should brace for missile attacks. (Instagram/@shiftingshares) Tensions between Israel, Iran, and the United States remain high, keeping the region on edge. With the U.S. and Israel holding nuclear capabilities and Iran pushing to join the club, fears of a possible nuclear strike continue to linger. The sheer devastation caused by a nuclear explosion is difficult to grasp, prompting global calls to prevent any such conflict. Yet in the event of a detonation, knowing how to respond becomes crucial for survival. Recommended Stories Recently, social media influencer Michael Taylor, known for his financial and trading advice, addressed this pressing issue, diverging from his typical content. In a surprising move, Michael provided his followers with survival tips in the event of a nuclear explosion. He cautioned that, while a nuclear war remains unlikely, the chances of an accidental explosion are higher than ever. He stated, You will probably see a nuclear explosion in your lifetime, because an accidental explosion is more likely than a nuclear war." Michaels advice, shared through a video on his social media, was inspired by a former generals warning that UK should brace for missile attacks. However, Michael believes such scenarios are more probable elsewhere. He offered specific steps to take if a nuclear blast occurs. First, upon seeing a bright flash, individuals have 8-10 seconds to lie down. Eyes should be closed, and the mouth kept open while breathing through the teeth. Keeping the mouth shut during a nuclear blast can lead to ruptured lungs, burst eardrums, and internal injuries. Following the initial shock wave, there is a critical 10-minute window to seek underground shelter. When the shock wave passes, there are 10 minutes to reach an underground shelter. The more cement and steel between you and the surface, the better the protection. Do not go outside for at least 48 hours," Michael said. Watch The Video Here His next suggestion is to remain in the shelter for a minimum of 48 hours, as venturing out earlier can be fatal due to radiation exposure. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all After 48 hours," he adds, move as far away from the blast zone as possible and remove all outer clothing to reduce radiation exposure." Additionally, he suggested keeping a nuclear backpack ready, containing essentials such as packed food, drinking water, a hand crank radio, raincoat, rubber gloves, and a map. People may call you crazy," he remarked, but when they are thirsty and you have water, then you will laugh." 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: July 02, 2025, 18:28 IST UK Vlogger Loses AirPods In Dubai, Finds Them In Pakistan, Blames 'Cow-Worshipping' Indians Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 02, 2025, 10:42 IST British YouTuber Miles Routledge found his stolen AirPods in Pakistan after an Indian man sold them there. Routledge criticised Indians, calling them thieves. British YouTuber Miles Routledge gets his lost AirPods in Pakistan. (Courtesy: @real_lord_miles) British YouTuber Miles Routledge had lost his AirPods in Dubai a year ago and finally found them in Pakistan. However, his anger was directed at India because an Indian man had stolen his AirPods and then sold them in Pakistan. Routledge had sparked controversy last year for his racist posts in which he had targeted Indians, and this time again he was criticising Indian culture. Recommended Stories Routledge, also known as Lord Miles, blamed the Indians for theft and said that they came from a corrupt system. He also criticised Indians for their religious beliefs and mocked them for worshipping cows. BREAKING NEWS An announcement from the Pakistan Jhelum Police Chief, the Inspector General and Lord Miles regarding the STOLEN AirPods. I have MY AirPods back after 1 year! TLDR; it was unknowingly sold to a Pakistani man by an Indian national whos now been arrested pic.twitter.com/WR7fP9OYhp Lord Miles Official (@real_lord_miles) June 27, 2025 He claimed that the AirPods got stolen after he gave them to Indian cleaners with his belongings. Many Indians come from a corrupt system. They worship a god that is a cow, not a real man, which is why I believe Indians are not real men. They stole my AirPods when I trusted them to clean my room and then sold them to a man in Pakistan. I do not like India. Its a country full of 1.4 billion problems," Routledge told the media in Pakistan. As per Pakistans Geo TV, the influencer had enabled the lost mode" feature on his iPhone, which helped him track the AirPods location in real time. He was left astonished when he saw that the GPS location showed his AirPods were in Kala Gujran, near the city of Jhelum in Pakistans Punjab. Because he had no direct contacts in Pakistan, the vlogger used his extensive social media following and tagged the Jhelum Police in his posts, reported Geo TV. As per reports, Routledge also shared the devices serial number with the police. The YouTuber has more than 178K subscribers on YouTube and over 333K followers on X. Routledge Reaches Pakistan To Get AirPods, Lashes Out At Indians Taking to X after some time, the British YouTuber said that he will be travelling to Pakistan to recover his AirPods. Im going to get a police officer and storm the area, get back my AirPods and film it all. Dont like thieves," the YouTuber tweeted. When he reached Pakistan, the AirPods were already in police custody. In a televised statement, Miles appreciated the Jhelum Police and said that the force did what Scotland Yard in London would not do for a British citizen like me." After finding his AirPods, Miles Routledge slammed Indians and called them thieves". An announcement from the Pakistan Jhelum Police Chief, the Inspector General and Lord Miles regarding the STOLEN AirPods. I have MY AirPods back after 1 year! TLDR; it was unknowingly sold to a Pakistani man by an Indian national whos now been arrested on procuring and trafficking stolen goods," Routledge wrote on X. Last year, the YouTuber shared racist posts targeting Indians, which sparked controversy. Routledge had shared a screenshot of a threatening message sent by an anonymous X user and claimed that he was Indian. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all In another post, the YouTuber joked about launching nuclear weapons against India. When I become Prime Minister of England, Ill open the nuclear silos Im itching to launch and atomize entire nations over the smallest infraction (sic)," he wrote. Hell, I might just launch at India just for the sake of it!" he wrote. About the Author Prisha Vibhavari Prisha is the Chief Sub-Editor at News18.com, with more than 10 years of experience in national and international news. She specialises in editorial leadership, sharp news judgment, and high-impact storytelling... Read More Prisha is the Chief Sub-Editor at News18.com, with more than 10 years of experience in national and international news. She specialises in editorial leadership, sharp news judgment, and high-impact storytelling... Read More News18's viral page features trending stories, videos , and memes, covering quirky incidents, social media buzz from india and around the world, Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! Location : London, United Kingdom (UK) First Published: July 02, 2025, 10:34 IST News / National by Staff reporter Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe, the son of the late former President Robert Mugabe, was on Tuesday granted US$200 bail by the Concession Magistrates Court following his arrest on multiple assault charges linked to two violent incidents in Mazowe, Mashonaland Central.The 28-year-old spent a night in remand prison before his court appearance, where he was charged alongside his two bodyguards - Tinashe Mupawo (40) and Brenan Mateko (26) - for allegedly participating in the assaults of six people in separate episodes on June 25 and June 30.The most serious allegations stem from the brutal beating of five security guards at Ultimate Mine in Mazowe. Prosecutors say Mugabe and his associates accused the guards of allowing illegal artisanal miners to trespass onto the adjacent property belonging to his mother, former First Lady Grace Mugabe.Victims - identified as Ntandoyokuza Nyati, Philip Chipara, Elvis Bvumbe, Collen Muchemwa, and Waddington Mutadza - were allegedly beaten with iron bars, wooden logs, water pipes, booted feet and fists. At least one gunshot was reported during the fracas. The guards reportedly sustained serious injuries, including fractured bones, head trauma, and internal wounds.A second assault charge emerged after Mugabe and his group allegedly attacked a school groundsman, Jorum Ngirazi (38), on June 30. Ngirazi had approached the group at Annaph Secondary School looking for transport to move gold ore. When he turned to leave after being told to stay away, he was allegedly grabbed, slapped, and kicked, while his mobile phone was damaged. He later complained of headaches, prompting a formal police report.Despite the severity of the allegations, prosecutors did not oppose bail, and Magistrate Joshua Nembaware granted all three accused their release under strict conditions: they must reside at their stated addresses, report once a week to Borrowdale Police Station in Harare, and refrain from interfering with witnesses. Their passports were not confiscated.Mugabe, wearing a black hooded jacket, avoided media cameras as he exited court. His legal team claimed that the accused were denied access to lawyers during their initial processing by police.Adding complexity to the case, Mugabe has filed a counter-complaint against one of the alleged victims, Elvis Bvumbe, accusing him of assault during the June 25 mine incident. Mugabe claims Bvumbe tripped him, causing injury.Chatunga Mugabe is expected to return to court on July 11, 15, and 17, for the commencement of trials in three separate assault cases.Police sources say Mugabe initially resisted arrest and reportedly declared at Mazowe Police Station: "I'm the real President's son. I'm untouchable."The case has triggered public debate over law enforcement's handling of high-profile individuals, with critics calling for justice to be applied impartially regardless of political or family connections. Flying Car Jumps Steps, Rams Into Crowd At Hapur Hotel; CCTV Captures Fatal Crash Curated By : News18.com Edited By: Karishma Jain Last Updated: July 02, 2025, 09:53 IST A man died and three others were injured after a car jumped the hotel steps and crashed into guests during a birthday celebration at Raja Ji Haveli in Uttar Pradesh's Hapur Speeding Car Crashed Into Hotel In UP's Hapur (Screengrab) | X/@meevkt In a horrifying accident caught on CCTV, a speeding car crashed into the Raja Ji Haveli Hotel on National Highway-9 in Uttar Pradeshs Hapur on Monday night, killing a young man and injuring three others. The entire incident was captured on a security camera outside the hotel, and the disturbing footage has since gone viral on social media. According to Republic, the deceased youth, identified as Ajit Pal, had come to the hotel to wish his girlfriend on her birthday when the tragedy struck. Recommended Stories The video shows a group of people standing casually outside the hotel when, within seconds, a car careens into the frame at high speed. The vehicle jumps the stairs, slams into a group of people, and crashes into a water fountain and boundary wall, throwing at least two individuals into the air. .. 9 .. . . . pic.twitter.com/YDgfJRDsDF Vivek K. Tripathi (@meevkt) July 1, 2025 According to Aaj Tak, four people were crushed under the car. While Ajit died on the spot, three others were rushed to the hospital with injuries. The hotel was reportedly hosting a birthday celebration for Ajits girlfriend at the time. Police said the driver of the car fled the scene immediately after the crash. A manhunt has been launched to trace the absconding accused, and a detailed investigation is underway to determine whether the incident was purely accidental or involved recklessness or negligence. The case has reignited urgent concerns about the worsening menace of high-speed and reckless driving on Indian roads, particularly on national highways, where the risk to pedestrians and bystanders remains alarmingly high. In 2024 alone, over 1.8 lakh people lost their lives in road accidents across the country. Among them, more than 30,000 deaths involved two-wheeler riders not wearing helmets, and a staggering 66 per cent of the victims were aged between 18 and 34 years. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Speeding continues to be the single biggest cause of fatalities, accounting for nearly 68 per cent of all road crash deaths in recent years. National highways, though comprising just 2 per cent of Indias total road length, consistently account for close to one-third of all accident-related deaths, highlighting a disproportionate concentration of deadly crashes in these zones. Pedestrians remain especially vulnerable. In some urban areas, pedestrian fatalities rose sharply in early 2024, with a 27 per cent increase recorded in cities like Nagpur during just the first five months of the year. Across India, it is estimated that one in every five road crash deaths involves a pedestrian, many of whom are struck while waiting, walking, or simply standing along poorly secured highway edges. About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More News18's viral page features trending stories, videos , and memes, covering quirky incidents, social media buzz from india and around the world, Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! First Published: July 02, 2025, 09:50 IST 11th Panchen Lama: 30 Years On, Questions Remain Over Missing Boy Chosen By Dalai Lama Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 02, 2025, 16:48 IST Thirty years after his disappearance, questions continue to surround the whereabouts of Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, recognised as the 11th Panchen Lama by the Dalai Lama. Gedhun Choekyi Nyima was recognised as the 11th Panchen Lama by the Dalai Lama in 1995 | Image: X A six-year-old boy, recognised in May 1995 as the reincarnation of one of Tibetan Buddhisms most revered spiritual figures, has remained missing for the past 30 years. Thirty years after his disappearance, questions continue to surround the whereabouts of Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, recognised as the 11th Panchen Lama by the Dalai Lama. Recommended Stories Gedhun was six years old when the Dalai Lama announced him as the reincarnation of the Panchen Lama, the second-highest figure in Tibetan Buddhism. Days later, Chinese authorities took Gedhun and his family into custody. He has not been seen since, according to reports. The Chinese government later named another boy, Gyaltsen Norbu, as the Panchen Lama. Norbu has since risen through official religious ranks and recently met with President Xi Jinping. In that meeting, Norbu pledged loyalty to the Communist Party, stating, It is precisely because of the Party and the state that we can live such happy lives now." Despite official Chinese statements that Gedhun is living a normal life and does not wish to be disturbed, international human rights organisations and Tibetan groups have repeatedly raised concerns about his well-being and called for independent access to confirm his status. Demonstrations and prayer meetings were held earlier this year across Tibetan communities in India, including in Dharamshala, Bylakuppe, and Mysuru, marking the 30th anniversary of Gedhuns disappearance. Protesters called on China to release information about his whereabouts. The Panchen Lama is alive and safe. Thats all we are asking them to confirm," one protester said. Human rights organisations continue to describe Gedhuns disappearance as an enforced one. They argue that Chinas actions violate international human rights law and have urged transparency. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The role of the Panchen Lama is especially significant in Tibetan Buddhism, as he is traditionally involved in identifying the next Dalai Lama. The Dalai Lama, now 90, has said his successor may be born outside Chinaa position that could further complicate the succession process amid the unresolved status of Gedhun Choekyi Nyima. Location : China First Published: July 02, 2025, 16:48 IST As QUAD Condemns Pahalgam Terror Attack, India SCO-res Against China-Pakistan Plot Reported By : CNN-News18 Last Updated: July 02, 2025, 22:04 IST The absence of any mention of the Pahalgam terror attack in the SCO communique, where India was the victim, reveals the fault lines within the 10-member grouping S Jaishankar with QUAD leaders. File image: Reuters The QUAD foreign ministers have issued a joint statement condemning the Pahalgam terror attack of April 22nd in the strongest terms. They have called for prompt action against cross-border terrorism and demanded that the perpetrators, organisers, and financiers of the attack be brought to justice without delay. The statement urges UN member nations to cooperate in this effort. Notably, the joint statement did not mention Pakistan or the brief military conflict between India and Pakistan in May. The meeting in Washington was attended by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, and Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya. The joint declaration on terrorism reads, The Quad unequivocally condemns all acts of terrorism and violent extremism in all its forms and manifestations, including cross-border terrorism, and renews our commitment to counterterrorism cooperation. We call for the perpetrators, organisers, and financiers of this reprehensible act to be brought to justice without any delay and urge all UN Member States, in accordance with their obligations under international law and relevant UN Security Council Resolutions, to cooperate actively with all relevant authorities in this regard." Recommended Stories It is important to note that the UNSC resolution of April 25 condemning the Pahalgam terror attack was necessary but inadequate. It did not name The Resistance Front (TRF), which initially claimed responsibility for the attack, nor did it refer to the groups links to the UNSC-designated terror outfit, LeT. Additionally, it did not specifically mention cooperation with the Government of India or the terrorists intent to target non-Muslims, which aimed to incite communal tensions. Compared to previous statements, the language was watered down", influenced by Pakistans membership in the SCO Council for 2025-26 and Chinas support. China has previously vetoed statements critical of Pakistan. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Therefore, the QUAD joint declarations message is crucial for multilateralism in todays geopolitical context, especially for UN member states like Pakistan and China. It stresses the need for future UNSC resolutions to resist coercion by terror sponsors like Pakistan. The QUADs stance on terrorism is unequivocal, particularly towards China and Pakistan, which blocked Indias attempt to highlight the Pahalgam terror attack in the SCO joint statement. Consequently, the SCO defence ministers meeting concluded without a joint statement, with Indias defense minister, Rajnath Singh, urging countries to unite against terrorism and hold perpetrators accountablea call addressed by the QUAD foreign ministers declaration, sharply contrasting the SCO defence ministers joint statement. The irony is that the Shanghai Cooperation Organization was established to combat terrorism. Rajnath Singhs criticism of the double standards within the SCO, especially those of China, underscores this point. The absence of any mention of the Pahalgam terror attack in the SCO communique, where India was the victim, reveals the fault lines within the 10-member grouping. This has exposed US critics who speculated that US tariff policies had weakened the QUADa claim now demolished by the QUADs current joint statement. First Published: July 02, 2025, 22:04 IST Bro Musk Has A Billion Backers: Chinese Social Media Sides With Elon In Spat With Trump Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 02, 2025, 15:58 IST Chinese social media users supported Elon Musk in his clash with Donald Trump as the hashtag #MuskWantsToBuildAnAmericaParty got 37M views on Weibo. Elon Musk (Image: AP/File) Users on Chinese social media are clearly fans of Elon Musk being hailed as a bold rebel taking on US President Donald Trump as tensions between the two escalated. Users rallied behind the billionaire tech mogul as he threatened to form his own political party and slammed Donald Trumps massive tax-and-spending package, which passed the Senate despite heavy criticism. Elon Musk called the bill insane" and vowed to launch a third party dubbed the America Party" if Donald Trump continues on his current path. Elon Musk also pledged to oppose any lawmaker who supported the bill, which is projected to increase the national debt by $3.3 trillion. Recommended Stories Trump-Musk Feud On Chinas Social Media The feud quickly spilled onto Weibo, Chinas dominant social platform, where the hashtag #MuskWantsToBuildAnAmericaParty exploded to over 37 million views. If Elon Musk were to found a political party, his tech-driven mindset could inject fresh energy into politics," one user posted, while another said, When youve had enough, theres no need to keep putting up with it." The most shared comment read, Brother Musk, youve got over a billion people on our side backing you." Elon Musk- A Tech Hero In China Elon Musks influence in China extends well beyond his political antics, as Teslas Shanghai Gigafactory the companys largest globally is a national symbol of Western tech success operating within China. Elon Musk is widely respected for his perceived pragmatism, innovation and diplomatic skill, including his warm relationship with Chinese Premier Li Qiang. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all That admiration intensified amid Elon Musks clash with Donald Trump, who remains deeply unpopular in many Chinese circles for launching a bruising trade war and for his unpredictable political style. One is trying to colonize Mars, the other cant stop yelling on Earth," wrote a user in a widely shared post, while another quipped, These two are basically live-streaming Americas midlife crisis." Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: July 02, 2025, 15:58 IST Tibetan Govt-In-Exile Rejects China Stand On Dalai Lama's Successor: 'Offender Of The Faith' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 02, 2025, 18:46 IST The Central Tibetan Administration dismissed China's objection to Dalai Lama's successor, affirming only the Gaden Phodrang Trust can recognize his future reincarnation. A file photo of Dalai Lama (AP) The Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), also known as the Tibetan Government-In-Exile, on Wednesday dismissed Chinas objection to the Dalai Lamas successor, saying that the Chinese government is the offender of the faith." CTA spokesperson Tenzin Lakshey said China has no role to play in the reincarnation process of any Tibetan religious leader. Recommended Stories Earlier in the day, Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama said that the institution of the Dalai Lama will continue and only the Gaden Phodrang Trust will have the authority to recognise the future reincarnation, putting to rest uncertainty on whether he will have a successor or not after his death. The Gaden Phodrang Trust was founded by the Office of the Dalai Lama in 2015. The statement made by the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, who is also called Lhama Thondup, on May 21, 2025, was released by his office on Wednesday, four days ahead of his 90th birthday. What Did China Say? China said the reincarnation of the next Dalai Lama must be approved by the Chinese central government. Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning also reiterated that Beijing had to approve the identity of the successor and that it had to be done in China through a centuries-old ritual. During a meeting of the heads of Tibetan spiritual traditions on September 24, 2011, the Dalai Lama had stated that as far back as in 1969, I had made clear that people concerned should decide whether the Dalai Lamas reincarnations should continue in future." He had stated that when he would be 90 years old, he would consult the high Lamas of the Tibetan Buddhist traditions, the Tibetan public, and other people who follow Tibetan Buddhism to evaluate whether the institution of the Dalai Lama should continue or not. I have received messages through various channels from Tibetans and Tibetan Buddhists living in other parts of the world requesting that the institution of the Dalai Lama should continue. I am affirming that the institution of the Dalai Lama will continue," his statement said. He added that the responsibility to recognise the reincarnation rests with the members of Gaden Phodrang Trust, who will consult heads of various Tibetan Buddhist traditions and the reliable oath-bound Dharma Protectors linked to the lineage of the Dalai Lamas. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all They should carry out the procedures of search and recognition in accordance with the tradition," the statement added. (With Inputs from PTI) 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 : Shimla, India, India First Published: July 02, 2025, 18:36 IST Dalai Lama Pushes Back Against China On Reincarnation, Affirms Gaden Phodrang Trusts Authority Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 02, 2025, 10:28 IST Over 14 years, the Dalai Lama got appeals from Tibetans, diaspora, and Buddhists in China, Mongolia & Russia, urging him to continue the Dalai Lama institution. The current Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, was identified as the reincarnation of his predecessor at the age of two. (PTI file photo) In a move that directly challenges Chinas persistent attempts to control the succession of the Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama has made it unequivocally clear that only the Gaden Phodrang Trust, the Office of His Holiness, holds the sole authority to recognise his future reincarnation. In a statement that signals a firm assertion of Tibetan religious autonomy, the Dalai Lama recalled that as far back as 1969, he had declared that the continuation of the Dalai Lama institution should be a decision for the Tibetan people and the followers of Tibetan Buddhism. He reaffirmed a resolution made in 2011, where it was formally stated that the responsibility of identifying the next Dalai Lama rests entirely with the Gaden Phodrang Trust, in consultation with the heads of Tibetan Buddhist traditions and the lineages spiritual protectors. Recommended Stories I hereby reiterate that the Gaden Phodrang Trust has sole authority to recognise the future reincarnation; no one else has any such authority to interfere in this matter," the Dalai Lama said, clearly drawing the battle lines against Beijings ambitions to appoint a China-backed successor. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Over the past 14 years, the Dalai Lama revealed, he has received widespread appeals from Tibetans inside Tibet, the Tibetan diaspora, and Buddhists across Asia, including from within mainland China, Mongolia, and Russia, urging him to ensure the continuation of the institution. Acting upon these requests, the Dalai Lama has now formally affirmed that his lineage will continue, but strictly under the religious and traditional framework set by the Tibetan spiritual community, not by any political entity. This statement sets the stage for a likely showdown with the Chinese government, which has repeatedly signalled its intention to control the reincarnation process as part of its broader strategy to tighten control over Tibet. 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: July 02, 2025, 10:22 IST Reincarnation Of Next Dalai Lama, Identity Of Successor Must Be Approved By Beijing: China Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 02, 2025, 14:04 IST China said that the reincarnation of the next Dalai Lama must be approved by its central government and take place within China. A file photo of Dalai Lama (AP) China on Wednesday said the reincarnation of the next Dalai Lama must be approved by the Chinese central government. Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning also reiterated that Beijing had to approve the identity of the successor and that it had to be done in China through a centuries-old ritual. Recommended Stories This comes hours after the Dalai Lama said that he will be reincarnated and that his non-profit institution will have the sole authority to identify his reincarnation, countering Chinas insistence that it will choose the successor of the Tibetan Buddhist leader. According to Reuters, Beijing views the Dalai Lama, who fled to India from Tibet in 1959 after a failed uprising against Chinese rule, as a separatist. The remarks by the Dalai Lama, who turns 90 on Sunday, end speculation among millions of followers about whether there will be another Dalai Lama after his death. The Nobel peace laureate was speaking during a week of celebrations to mark his birthday, which was expected to be closely watched by the United States, India and China for clues about his successor for strategic reasons. I am affirming that the institution of the Dalai Lama will continue," the Dalai Lama said in a video message to a gathering in Dharamshala. He added that the Gaden Phodrang Trust, the non-profit organisation that he set up to maintain and support the tradition and institution of the Dalai Lama, has the sole authority to recognise his future reincarnation in consultation with the heads of Tibetan Buddhist traditions. They should accordingly carry out the procedures of search and recognition in accordance with past tradition, no one else has any such authority to interfere in this matter," the Dalai Lama said. Later, Samdhong Rinpoche, a senior official of the Gaden Phodrang Trust, told reporters that the Dalai Lama was in good health and he had not given any written instructions yet on the succession. He said the successor can be of any gender and that their nationality would not be restricted to Tibet. Penpa Tsering, leader of the Central Tibetan Administration, the Tibetan government-in-exile in India, said the Dalai Lama would be open to visiting Tibet if his health permits and if there were no restrictions from China. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all He also said that the US had lifted some restrictions on funds for Tibetans in exile and that the Tibetan government was looking for alternate sources of funding. ALSO READ | Will There Be Two Dalai Lamas? Inside The Clash Between China And Gaden Phodrang Trust 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: July 02, 2025, 13:30 IST Dalai Lamas Succession Statement A Strategic Defeat For China, Diplomatic Win For India Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Pragati Ratti Last Updated: July 02, 2025, 11:49 IST Top intel sources say the Gaden Phodrang Trust under Indian protection makes Dharamshala the seat of Tibetan spiritual legitimacy and next Dalai Lama's recognition. Dalai Lama has clearly said continuation of the institution of the Dalai Lama will work on his succession. The Dalai Lama has taken a decisive step to anchor his succession in Tibetan spiritual authority, ensuring continuity of leadership posthumously. Top intelligence sources say his statement pre-empts any Chinese propaganda or parallel installation efforts with Panchen Lamas appointment. The statement, wource say, also reflects a diplomatic win for India and Dharamshala. The Dalai Lama has clearly stated that the institution of the Dalai Lama will continue through his succession, reversing the ambiguity he maintained since 1969 about whether the lineage should persist. Now, he confirms that the lineage will continue beyond his lifetime. Top intelligence sources emphasise that the Dalai Lamas statement neutralises Beijings narrative that the Dalai Lamas role is outdated or that his successor can be controlled through state machinery. It creates a shield around his reincarnation, rooted in tradition and institutional legitimacy, making any future Chinese-appointed Dalai Lama appear inauthentic. Recommended Stories Intelligence sources also note that the inclusion of consultations with Mongolian, Russian, Himalayan, and Chinese Buddhist communities internationalises the selection process and signals broad legitimacy. Operationally, it empowers the exile apparatus, including the Gaden Phodrang and the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), to begin preparing succession mechanisms discreetly before his passing. How The Statement Is A Setback For China, Gain For India Intelligence sources reveal a significant setback for China and a gain for India as the Dalai Lamas recent speech directly challenges Beijings long-term Tibet strategy. According to sources, the Dalai Lamas clarification of his spiritual succession mechanism represents a substantial strategic blow to China. By declaring that only the Gaden Phodrang Trust will oversee his reincarnation, the Dalai Lama has completely invalidated any future Chinese governmental attempts to appoint a Dalai Lama." Intelligence sources highlight that such an appointment by China would lack both political and spiritual legitimacy and be perceived globally as fraudulent. Sources also note that Beijings efforts to use soft power in Tibet have been undermined. Chinese investment in the Panchen Lama has been rendered futile by the Dalai Lamas statement, which has presented him as a progressive, consultative leader deeply rooted in traditional Buddhist authority. Top intelligence sources underscore that with the Gaden Phodrang Trust operating under Indian protection in Dharamshala, the recognition locus of the next Dalai Lama and the seat of Tibetan spiritual legitimacy are firmly established on Indian soil. This development showcases Indias soft power throughout the Buddhist world. Nations with substantial Buddhist populations, including Mongolia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Japan, Bhutan, and Vietnam, are now more inclined to seek moral and spiritual leadership in Buddhism from India rather than China. Sources point out that India, by providing asylum to the Dalai Lama and upholding religious freedom, exemplifies its liberal and democratic values. Conversely, Chinas authoritarian control over religion and attempts to manipulate reincarnation processes reveal its repressive regime image. Intelligence sources further indicate that an India-backed succession will possess greater spiritual authority, especially among Himalayan Buddhist communities in regions like Ladakh, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, and Tawang, neutralising Chinese attempts to assert influence in these areas. Sources affirm that the Dalai Lamas statement aligns with internal Tibetan sentiment, indicating that decades of Chinese repression have failed to extinguish Tibetan faith or loyalty. This represents a defeat for the Communist Party and subtly reinforces Indias Tibet policy. The Dalai Lamas announcement has profound spiritual significance, offering an opportunity to shape the future of Buddhist diplomacy and Tibetan identity from Dharamshala rather than Lhasa. The Gaden Phodrang Trust, which is the private office of the Dalai Lama, has been given exclusive authority to identify and authenticate his successor, effectively delegitimising any Chinese state-backed attempts to install a rival reincarnation. No external actor, political or religious, can interfere in this process, the Dalai Lamai stated. The defined procedure of recognition involves consultations with high Tibetan Lamas and references to Dharma Protectors, spiritual entities tied to the Dalai Lama lineage. Sources say this process rejects any claims by China or unauthorised actors, ensuring the continuity within a Pan-Buddhist, exile-led spiritual framework. What Did Dalai Lama Say On His Succession? The Dalai Lama has made it clear that only the Gaden Phodrang Trust, the Office of His Holiness, holds the sole authority to recognise his future reincarnation. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The process by which a future Dalai Lama is to be recognised has been clearly established in the 24 September 2011 statement which states that responsibility for doing so will rest exclusively with members of the Gaden Phodrang Trust, the Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. They should consult the various heads of the Tibetan Buddhist traditions and the reliable oath-bound Dharma Protectors who are linked inseparably to the lineage of the Dalai Lamas. They should accordingly carry out the procedures of search and recognition in accordance with past tradition," he said I hereby reiterate that the Gaden Phodrang Trust has sole authority to recognise the future reincarnation; no one else has any such authority to interfere in this matter," the Dalai Lama stated. About the Author Manoj Gupta Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18 Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18 First Published: July 02, 2025, 11:49 IST Decoding China's Ethnic Engineering In Lhasa, Strategy To Control Dalai Lama Succession | Exclusive Reported By : CNN-News18 Last Updated: July 02, 2025, 17:47 IST Chinas plan to select a new Dalai Lama, as seen in its earlier Panchen Lama power grab, is designed to erase Tibetan resistance spiritually and politically, said sources The current Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, was identified as the reincarnation of his predecessor at the age of two. (File photo/PTI) The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) aims to confuse the global public and delegitimise Dharamshalas religious authority, top intelligence sources have told CNN-News18. Its ultimate goal is to demonstrate Chinas soft power expansion in Buddhist-majority regions and across the world where Buddhist seats are present, they added. The Peoples Republic of China (PRC) is implementing a dual-front strategy in Tibet, involving systematic repression and cultural erasure in Lhasa, said the sources. On one front, the CCP is transforming Lhasa into a surveillance-heavy, Han-dominated city. On the other front, it seeks total control over Tibetan spiritual succession, aiming to impose a Communist Party-approved successor to the 14th Dalai Lama. This includes Chinas appointment of its own Panchen Lama, bypassing the legitimate selection made by the Dalai Lama," a source said. Recommended Stories Top intelligence sources reveal that the main tool for this strategy is ethnic engineering, with Han Chinese now forming a majority in Lhasa, sidelining indigenous Tibetans economically, culturally, and politically. Since 1959, over 6,000 monasteries have been destroyed, with remaining institutions monitored, rebuilt for tourism, or transformed into political tools. Possession of the Dalai Lamas photos is a criminal offense, and monks are subjected to patriotic re-education, forced to praise the Communist Party in sermons. Lhasa operates under constant digital surveillance, featuring AI-enabled cameras, police informants, and PLA patrols, creating a climate of perpetual fear. The Tibetan language is nearly erased from urban education, while Mandarin dominates public life. Arbitrary detentions, secret prison camps, and psychological torture tactics are widely reported by exiles and NGOs. Strategy of CCP-controlled succession In 1995, the 14th Dalai Lama recognised Gedhun Choekyi Nyima as the 11th Panchen Lama, the second-highest figure in Tibetan Buddhism. Within days, the child and his family were abducted by Chinese authorities. Subsequently, China appointed Gyaltsen Norbu as its own Panchen Lama, a CCP-aligned figure. This sets a precedent for Beijings likely imposition of a 15th Dalai Lama. Under the 2007 State Religious Affairs Regulation No. 5, all reincarnations of Tibetan lamas must receive state approval, legally codifying spiritual control. Religious reincarnation is treated as a national security issue, tightly managed by the United Front Work Department and Ministry of State Security. Chinas goal is to announce a Communist Party-approved 15th Dalai Lama. Monasteries loyal to Beijing are being groomed to endorse the CCPs candidate after the 14th Dalai Lamas death. The strategy includes soft influence campaigns in Nepal, Bhutan, Mongolia, and northern India to promote Chinas chosen figure globally. By controlling reincarnation narratives, Beijing seeks to fracture Tibetan Buddhism from within. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Implications of Chinese-controlled succession for India According to sources, Chinas plan to select a new Dalai Lama, as seen in its earlier Panchen Lama power grab, is designed to erase Tibetan resistance spiritually and politically. The CCPs ultimate aim is to turn Tibetan Buddhism into a state tool to influence geopolitics in the Himalayas, which will have spillover effects on Indian territories like Ladakh, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh, said sources. Allowing Beijing to control this succession would end the Tibetan exile movements legitimacy, they added. About the Author Manoj Gupta Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18 Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18 First Published: July 02, 2025, 17:45 IST Donald Trump Administration Proposes 'Time Limit' On Student Visas Amid Overhaul Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 02, 2025, 11:40 IST The rule, proposed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), would scrap the current flexible "duration of status" policy and replace it with a fixed period of stay. Presently, international students holding F-1 visas and exchange visitors on J-1 visas are granted a 'duration of status'(Representative image) In another blow to the foreign students in the US, the Donald Trump administration has proposed a controversial rule that could significantly alter the lives of international students in the US. The rule, proposed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), would scrap the current flexible duration of status" policy and replace it with a fixed period of stay for F, J, and I visa holdersincluding students, exchange visitors, and foreign media representatives. Recommended Stories The rule, currently under final review by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), comes amid Trumps aggressive stance on removing illegal immigrants and eliminating anti-semitism on campuses in the US. If approved, each foreign visa will have an expiry date. This proposal marks a revival of a 2020 Trump-era move that was never finalised. Presently, international students holding F-1 visas and exchange visitors on J-1 visas are granted a duration of status that allows foreign students, exchange visitors, and representatives of foreign media to stay in the US as long as they maintain full-time enrollment. However, with the new proposal, they will receive a fixed period of stay in the US. Post its review, the proposed rule will be published in the Federal Register, reported Times of India. Prior to finalisation of a rule, typically a 30 or 60 day window is open for public comments and it takes months before a rule is final. However, experts worry this one may be issued as an interim final rule," bypassing public input and taking immediate effect. Earlier, the United States mandated for all the visa applicants to disclose all social media usernames and handles from the past five years for background checks. The US Embassy in India said that the omission of this rule could lead to rejection of visas and ineligibility for future visas. Moreover, days after the US State Department resumed processing of student visa applications, the country mandated the applicants for F, M, or J non-immigrant visas to change the privacy settings of their personal social media accounts to public. It also noted that since 2019, the US has been collecting social media identifiers as part of its visa application process. The Trump administration in May ordered all of its consulates worldwide to stop new student visa interviews and applications for exchange visitor visas. The development came alongside a broader travel policy overhaul for 2025, in which the US government has introduced a new travel ban affecting nationals from 12 countries, mostly in the Middle East and Africa. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Trumps crackdown on top universities in the United States began aggressively within a few months of taking office. Harvard was the latest to bear the brunt of the crackdown when the White House put a $2.2 billion freeze on federal funding. He also barred foreign nationals from entering the US to study at the Ivy League university. Last month, however, a federal judge blocked Trump from implementing his plan. About the Author Shobhit Gupta Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben... Read More Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben... Read More Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: July 02, 2025, 11:40 IST News / National by Staff reporter Firebrand war veterans leader Blessed Geza has resurfaced with renewed political attacks against President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his close business associates, accusing them of corruption, betrayal, and manipulating public institutions to extend Mnangagwa's rule beyond his constitutional limit.In a fiery address delivered in Shona late Monday night, Geza directly targeted Mnangagwa's inner circle - including prominent businessmen Kudakwashe Tagwirei, Wicknell Chivayo, and Paul Tungwarara - accusing them of abusing state resources to entrench the President's grip on power and sideline genuine liberation war veterans.Geza, now openly echoing sentiments associated with Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga's faction, accused the so-called "zvigananda" - a slang term now used in Zimbabwe's political arena to describe opportunistic dealers and tenderpreneurs - of hijacking the liberation legacy for personal enrichment."Tagwirei, you are way too too too too too small," Geza warned in his speech. "Tables can turn overnight. You should know that power doesn't last forever, especially when it is built on corruption and betrayal."He alleged that Tagwirei and his business allies are using their ill-gotten wealth to influence Zanu PF's internal power dynamics, particularly as the succession battle between Mnangagwa and Chiwenga escalates.President Mnangagwa is currently serving his second and final constitutional term, set to end in 2028. However, a growing faction within Zanu PF - believed to be aligned with the President - is reportedly lobbying for constitutional amendments to extend his tenure to 2030 or beyond. This has triggered growing resentment from war veterans and military elements aligned with Chiwenga, the man widely credited with orchestrating the 2017 coup that brought Mnangagwa to power.Geza reminded the President of his origins, asserting that it was Chiwenga who "rescued" him from political exile in South Africa during the height of the Zanu PF succession battle in 2017."You were a refugee in South Africa. It was Chiwenga who brought you back and made you President. Don't forget that," Geza charged.He also revisited a warning reportedly given by the late former President Robert Mugabe during the coup - that Mnangagwa was not a reliable political bet, and that Chiwenga should have taken over instead. "Mugabe said it. And today we see it. The warning has come to pass," Geza said.Criticising the President for surrounding himself with former rivals, whom he now treats as allies, Geza said Mnangagwa had abandoned war veterans and the majority of Zimbabweans to dine with "sellouts and thieves.""The crumbs you get from these elites are a poisoned chalice," he warned Zanu PF supporters. "Don't be fooled by the handouts - they are meant to blind you from the truth."Geza's repeated threats that Chiwenga and the army will eventually act to remove Mnangagwa have, however, begun to draw scepticism, with some observers questioning the credibility of his statements in the absence of any concrete moves from the military.Still, his latest address has added fuel to the deepening factional divisions in Zanu PF as the 2028 political succession issue continues to destabilise the ruling party.Neither Mnangagwa's office nor the businessmen targeted by Geza have officially responded to his remarks. 'Credit Where Due': Amid Feud, Elon Musk Says Trump 'Resolved Serious Conflicts' Around World Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 02, 2025, 11:35 IST Elon Musk praised Donald Trump and said he resolved major global conflicts, including the Israel-Gaza ceasefire. This comes nearly a month after a public fallout between them. Donald Trump, right, speaks during a news conference with Elon Musk in the Oval Office of the White House (File photo/AP) Elon Musk on Wednesday said US President Donald Trump should be credited for resolving serious conflicts" around the world, and that the credit to him for the same is due. Credit where credit is due. Donald Trump has successfully resolved several serious conflicts around the world," Musk wrote in an X post, sharing an image of Trumps post, wherein he announced that Israel has agreed to a ceasefire with Gaza. Recommended Stories Credit where credit is due. @realDonaldTrump has successfully resolved several serious conflicts around the world. pic.twitter.com/0EyHHy5Gfo Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 2, 2025 A day before, on Tuesday, Trump had said billionaire Elon Musk could lose a lot more than the electric vehicle subsidies that would be eliminated if the big bill of tax breaks and spending cuts becomes law. We might have to put DOGE on Elon," Trump told reporters as he left the White House for a trip to Florida. DOGE is the monster that might have to go back and eat Elon," he said. DOGE is the Department of Government Efficiency. Trump put Musk in charge of DOGE to cut government spending. Musk owns an electric vehicle company and a space company and has lucrative federal government contracts. In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump had also termed the electric vehicle (EV) mandate ridiculous" and had mentioned Musk receives more subsidy than any human being in history". Without government subsidies, Trump suggested, Musk would be forced to close up shop and head back home to South Africa". Earlier in June, Trump and Musks bromance turned into an all-out brawl on social media, with the former threatening to cut off government contracts with Musk, while the X CEO suggested Trump should be impeached. It began after Musk slammed Trumps signature spending bill, urging people to contact their lawmakers to kill" the legislation. Later, Trump told reporters in the Oval Office he was very disappointed" in Musk. Musk also alleged that Trump was referenced in government documents on disgraced financier and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, claiming the same as the reason for the Trump administration not releasing all records related to the sex abuser. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all He, however, expressed regret over his claims later. ALSO READ | Hes Going To Do Everything To: Elon Musks Former Friend Amid His Feud With Trump 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: July 02, 2025, 11:20 IST From DOGE To Threats Of Deportation: How Trump-Musk Bromance Turned Toxic Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 01, 2025, 21:12 IST On Tuesday, Donald Trump toyed with the idea of deporting Elon Musk, signalling that the bromance between the US President and the Tesla founder has now soured. US President Donald Trump and Tesla CEO Elon Musk sit in a Tesla car model S, in front of the White House in Washington, DC, US. (IMAGE: REUTERS FILE) US President Donald Trumps One Big Beautiful Bill Act now appears to have ended the strong bromance between him and Tesla CEO Elon Musk, a relationship the US right wingers, conservatives and MAGA supporters saw as a bulwark against the Democrats and American left-leaning woke elite". But the relationship has come a long way from using the so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to bring US institutions in line with Trumps agenda to the President now himself threatening to deport the South African immigrant Musk who made it big in the US. Recommended Stories Speaking to reporters on Tuesday before departing the White House for a visit to an immigration detention facility in Florida, the president was asked whether Elon Musk could face deportation in response to his criticism of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act currently being debated in the Senate. Earlier this week, Donald Trump said that Musk, who once headed DOGE, more subsidy than any human being in history" and suggested that the billionaire would probably have to close up shop and head back home to South Africa" if the US federal government did not support him. The Friendship Ending Bill? However, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act did not appear to break their bond at first. The Tesla and SpaceX CEO and the US President appeared to extend a olive branches to one another. Even a day before on Monday (June 30) the Republican referred to his former advisor as a great guy" and that he is going to do well always". But the same person on Tuesday said that Elon Musk is opposing the bill only because hes upset that the government is trying to end tax breaks for electric vehicles, which he believes are incentives that directly help Tesla sell more cars. In short, Trump says Musk is angry because the bill could hurt Teslas business. Musk, however, did not appear to hold back. Responding to the video of him being discussed regarding possibility of deportation, the tech billionaire tweeted: So tempting to escalate this. So, so tempting. But I will refrain for now". Musk also did not hold back earlier when he said that Trump was named in the Epstein Files (June 5), a post that he appeared to delete later. Insiders told news outlet Politico that Donald Trump was angry because Musk made the association. The same week an Axios report (June 11) said that persuaded by US Vice President JD Vance and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, Elon decided to make amends with his friend and ally, setting aside his fears that Trumps Big, Beautiful Bill," will add trillions to the federal deficit. Donald Trump was not just pissed at the Epstein connection but also taking credit for Trumps election win last year and calling for his impeachment (June). Elon Musk doubled towards the end of June, calling the Republican Party a party that now fully centers around Trump a PORKY PIG PARTY". He also appeared to suggest that the US under the Republican Party is akin to a one-party country". It is obvious with the insane spending of this bill, which increases the debt ceiling by a record FIVE TRILLION DOLLARS that we live in a one-party country the PORKY PIG PARTY," Musk wrote on the platform he owns. Time for a new political party that actually cares about the people." If this insane spending bill passes, the America Party will be formed the next day. Our country needs an alternative to the Democrat-Republican uniparty so that the people actually have a VOICE," Musk continued. Doubling down on his criticism, Elon Musk said he would personally fund primary challenges against Republican lawmakers who supported the bill, calling their actions a betrayal of public trust. Every member of Congress who campaigned on reducing government spending and then immediately voted for the biggest debt increase in history should hang their head in shame!" Musk said. And they will lose their primary next year if it is the last thing I do on this Earth." What remains to be seen now is whether Donald Trump will use the very tools Musk made for him to tame the billionaire. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all From his chat with reporters on Tuesday, the US President indicated that such a move could be on the cards. We might have to put DOGE on Elon. You know what DOGE is? DOGE is the monster that might have to go back and eat Elon," Trump said, before heading to Alligator Alcatraz, a detention centre in Floridas Everglades which is settled between swamps teeming with reptiles. About the Author Shankhyaneel Sarkar Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev... Read More Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev... Read More Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: July 01, 2025, 21:12 IST 'Heard A Boom, Oxygen Masks Fell': Passengers Recall Horror As Japan Airlines Plane Drops 26,000 Ft Curated By : Last Updated: July 02, 2025, 12:39 IST There were 191 passengers and crew members onboard when the Boeing 737 suffered a sudden mechanical failure, plunging from 36,000 feet to just under 10,500 feet Oxygen masks dropped as soon as the plane descended a few thousand feet. A Japan Airlines flight was forced to make a rapid descent of nearly 26,000 feet, causing oxygen masks to deploy as panic gripped passengers, according to the Associated Press (AP). The terrifying mid-air emergency occurred on June 30 when the flight, operating under a codeshare between Japan Airlines and its low-cost subsidiary Spring Japan (Flight JL8696/IJ004), was en route from Shanghai Pudong Airport, China, to Tokyo Narita Airport, Japan. Recommended Stories There were 191 passengers and crew members onboard when the Boeing 737 suffered a sudden mechanical failure, plunging from 36,000 feet to just under 10,500 feet within 10 minutes, AP reported. A Spring Airlines flight from Shanghai to Tokyo was forced to make an emergency landing at Kansai Airport after a sudden loss of cabin pressure triggered a rapid descent from 36,000 feet to just under 10,500 feet in ten minutes.Flight JL8696 was cruising over Japan when a pic.twitter.com/2n8rDGfqu5 FL360aero (@fl360aero) July 1, 2025 Passengers described the sheer panic onboard as oxygen masks dropped from the ceiling. One told AP, I heard a muffled boom, and the oxygen mask fell off in a few seconds. The stewardess cried and shouted to put on the oxygen mask, saying the plane had a malfunction." Another passenger recounted waking up in shock, saying, Suddenly, all the oxygen masks popped open while I was sleeping." A third described being on the verge of tears, writing out their will and jotting down their insurance and bank card PINs, fearing the worst. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Footage captured during the incident showed panicked passengers clutching oxygen masks as a flight attendant made urgent announcements. Fortunately, the plane stabilized after the emergency descent and landed safely. Authorities are investigating the cause of the mid-air depressurization, and Japan Airlines has issued an apology while promising a thorough review of the mechanical failure. 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: July 02, 2025, 12:39 IST He's Going To Do Everything To...: Elon Musk's Former Friend Amid His Feud With Trump Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 02, 2025, 08:14 IST Philip Low pointed towards the psychological portrait of Musk and casted him as obsessive, prone to seeking revenge. Donald Trump and Elon Musk are back in action on social media over "big beautiful bill". (AFP) As Donald Trump and Elon Musk reignited the feud over the Big, Beautiful Bill", the Tesla CEOs former friend Philip Low stated that Elon has been humiliated", and would do everything he could to damage the US President. Low, an award-winning neuroscientist, responded to the ongoing war of words between the two former allies and said, Ive had my share of blowouts with Elon over the years. Knowing Elon the way I know him, I do think hes going to do everything to damage the President." Recommended Stories According to Politico, Elon Musk and Philip Low became close friends in 2011 after they met at a social event in Paris. Their friendship grew through late-night hangouts in Los Angeles, where Musk was living at the time. They were often seen attending each others parties. Low further pointed towards the psychological portrait of Musk and casted him as obsessive, prone to seeking revenge, power hungry and in constant search of dominance. Low has known him for 14 years but doesnt believe Musk has matured over time, and hes convinced he never will. Elon Musk-Donald Trump Feud Last month, an intense public feud erupted between President Donald Trump and his one-time ally, billionaire Elon Musk, with an argument about Trumps massive tax and domestic policy bill. Tensions rose after Musk blasted what Trump calls his Big, Beautiful Bill" as a disgusting abomination", shaking the political circle of the United States. Non-stop X posts full of insults, their feud is intensifying day bu day. Meanwhile, Musk has also threatened to float a new political party The America Party if the bill gets passed in Congress. Meanwhile, Trump said he could consider deporting Musk after the billionaire slammed his flagship spending bill. I dont know. Well have to take a look," Trump told reporters at the White House when asked if he would consider deporting Musk. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More Location : United States of America (USA) First Published: July 02, 2025, 08:14 IST Iran's President Signs Order To Suspend Cooperation With UN Nuclear Watchdog IAEA Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 02, 2025, 13:49 IST Iran's president reportedly ordered the country to suspend its cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency. Irans President Masoud Pezeshkian Irans President Masoud Pezeshkian on Wednesday signed an order suggesting the country to suspend its cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency after American airstrikes hit its most important nuclear facilities. The law, passed by parliament and approved by the Guardian Council last week, was formally enacted by President Masoud Pezeshkian in a letter dated July 1. Recommended Stories The Vienna-based IAEA has long monitored Irans nuclear programme. However, the agency has not issued a response yet. After the laws passage, Irans Supreme National Security Council was to oversee the bill and its implementation. While the council itself hasnt said anything publicly, but since Pezeshkian is the head of the council, his order signals that the bill would be implemented. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all However, under Irans theocractic government, there is room for the council to implement the bill as they see fit. That means that everything lawmakers asked for might not be done. (With agency inputs) About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More Location : Iran First Published: July 02, 2025, 13:49 IST Melinda Opens Up About Divorce From Bill Gates: I Knew It In My Soul That... Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 02, 2025, 16:32 IST Melinda French Gates shared her emotional journey to end her 27-year marriage to Bill Gates. They divorced in 2021. Melinda French Gates and Bill Gates (image: File) Melinda French Gates reflected on the emotional reckoning behind her decision to end her 27-year marriage to Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, saying the truth she had long buried eventually rose with a force and she knew in my soul." In a candid interview, the 60-year-old philanthropist spoke of the moment that pushed her towards divorce- a decision complicated by decades of shared history, three children and one of the worlds largest philanthropic foundations. When that voice would come and it would come at different times because of things that had happened outside the marriage that I would later come to learn about. I kept pushing it away," Melinda French Gates revealed. Recommended Stories She admitted that, for years, she felt pressure to hold the relationship together not only for the sake of their family but for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the nonprofit which the couple co-founded and co-chaired during their marriage. We had a foundation and that was big and I believed in that work. I still believe in the work of the foundation," she said, adding, At some point I had to turn towards my inner voice and I just knew it and I knew it in my soul." Melinda French Gates said the process of accepting the end of the relationship was long and deliberate, sharing, I took marriage and I still do- very, very seriously and it wasnt just two of us involved, it was five of us." Melinda-Bill Gates Divorce The couple first met in 1987 during a Microsoft sales meeting, when Melinda was a product manager and Bill Gates was the companys CEO. After he reportedly asked her out in a parking lot, the two eventually wed on New Years Day 1994. In 2021, the pair announced their divorce, saying they could no longer grow together as a couple in this next phase of life." The split came a year after their reported separation and public attention soon turned to Bill Gates ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein as well as allegations of infidelity. In 2022, Melinda French Gates said that she had expressed her discomfort about Bill Gates meetings with Jeffrey Epstein. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all I did not like that he had meetings with Jeffrey Epstein, no. I made that clear to him," she said at the time, adding, He was abhorrent. He was evil personified." Since their split, both have moved on. Melinda French Gates is in a relationship with entrepreneur Philip Vaughn, while Bill Gates is dating Paula Hurd, former tech executive and widow of Oracle CEO Mark Hurd. Location : San Francisco, California, USA First Published: July 02, 2025, 16:32 IST Modi Becomes First Indian PM To Visit Ghana In 30 Years, Gets Guard Of Honour And 21-Gun Salute Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 02, 2025, 21:09 IST The Prime Minister was warmly greeted by members of the Indian diaspora in Accra upon his arrival at the hotel where he will be staying during his two-day visit to Ghana. PM Modi in Ghana | Image: ANI Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday arrived in Ghana, as part of his five-nation tour, where he received a warm welcome from President John Dramani Mahama. PM Modi, who became the first Indian Prime Minister to visit the West African country in the last 30 years, received a guard of honour and a 21-gun salute on his arrival. Recommended Stories Ghana plays strategic role as a key partner in the Global South and is an active member of both the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). #WATCH | As PM Narendra Modi becomes the first Indian PM to visit Ghana after 30 years, President John Mahama of Ghana gives him a warm welcome at the airport. A Guard of Honour, along with a 21-gun salute, was presented to the PM.(Video: ANI/DD News) pic.twitter.com/C4rOQUziw3 ANI (@ANI) July 2, 2025 The Prime Minister was warmly greeted by members of the Indian diaspora in Accra upon his arrival at the hotel where he will be staying during his two-day visit to Ghana. #WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi receives a warm welcome from members of Indian diaspora in Accra, as he arrives at the hotel where he will stay during his two-day visit to Ghana.(Video: ANI/DD News) pic.twitter.com/GoZCdNKucN ANI (@ANI) July 2, 2025 At the hotel in Accra, PM Modi also witnessed a short cultural performance, where a group of young children chanted Hare Rama Hare Krishna" in his honour. Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi described Ghana as a valued friend" of India in Africa and an important partner in the Global South. The talks with President John Dramani Mahama will provide an opportunity to boost India-Ghana friendship across various sectors. It is also an honour to be getting the opportunity to address the Parliament of Ghana tomorrow, 3rd July," said PM Modi. After his visit to Ghana, the Prime Minister will travel to Trinidad and Tobago from July 3 to 4, at the invitation of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar. He will then head to Argentina from July 4 to 5 for bilateral talks with President Javier Milei. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all From July 5 to 8, PM Modi will be in Rio to attend the BRICS Summit. Concluding his multi-nation tour, PM Modi is scheduled to visit Namibia on July 9, following an invitation from President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah. About the Author Ronit Singh Ronit Singh, Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com, works with the India and Breaking News team. He has a keen focus on Indian politics and aims to cover unexplored angles. Ronit is an alumnus of Christ (Deemed to be... Read More Ronit Singh, Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com, works with the India and Breaking News team. He has a keen focus on Indian politics and aims to cover unexplored angles. Ronit is an alumnus of Christ (Deemed to be... Read More Location : Ghana First Published: July 02, 2025, 21:02 IST 'Most Consequential': Jaishankar On India-US Defence Ties During Meeting With US Defence Secy Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 02, 2025, 07:40 IST Jaishankar met US Secretary of Defence and highlighted the strategic importance of India-US defence ties, describing them as "one of the most consequential pillars". Jaishankar met US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth at the Pentagon. (Image: X/@DrSJaishankar) External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth in Washington DC and had a productive conversation on advancing the defence partnership, building on growing convergences of interests, capabilities and responsibilities. Jaishankar also highlighted the strategic importance of India-US defence ties, describing them as "one of the most consequential pillars" of the bilateral relationship. Recommended Stories Speaking during the meeting at the Pentagon, Jaishankar said, I am here with you at the Pentagon because we believe that our defence partnership is, today, truly one of the most consequential." Great to meet @SecDef Pete Hegseth in Washington DC today.Had a productive conversation on advancing the defence partnership, building on growing convergences of interests, capabilities and responsibilities. pic.twitter.com/oiecSqS1Xf Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) July 1, 2025 Growing India-US Ties US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth expressed happiness over the growing defence partnership between the two countries and highlighted the integration of US defence systems into Indias armed forces. The US Defence Secretary further outlined the goal of expanding industrial cooperation and co-production networks. "The US is very pleased for the successful integration of many US defence items building on this progress, we hope we can complete several major pending US defence sales to India, expand our shared defence industrial cooperation and co-production networks, strengthen interoperability and formally sign a new framework of US-India major defence partnership," Hegseth said. We are eager to work alongside you to realise our shared goals. They are deep and ongoing. The visit today marks an important milestone in the ongoing series of high-level engagements between our two great countries," he added. During Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to the US in February this year, he and then-US President Donald Trump announced plans to sign a new ten-year Framework for the US-India Major Defence Partnership. Both leaders had also welcomed the significant integration of US-origin defence equipment into Indias military inventory. This includes platforms such as the C-130J Super Hercules, C-17 Globemaster III, P-8I Poseidon aircraft, CH-47F Chinooks, MH-60R Seahawks, AH-64E Apaches, Harpoon anti-ship missiles, M777 howitzers, and MQ-9B drones. Additionally, the two sides had announced plans to pursue new procurements and co-production agreements for Javelin Anti-Tank Guided Missiles and Stryker Infantry Combat Vehicles in India to rapidly meet Indias defence requirements this year. Jaishankar Meets US Secretary of State Jaishankar on Tuesday met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio during which they discussed bilateral partnership and shared perspectives on regional and global developments. Jaishankar is visiting the US from June 30 to July 2 at the invitation of Rubio. Indias External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Japans Minister of Foreign Affairs Takeshi Iwaya, and Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong attended the Quad Foreign Ministers Meeting at the US Department of State on Tuesday. The meeting focused on a wide range of regional and global issues, including counterterrorism efforts. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Addressing the gathering, Jaishankar strongly condemned terrorism and referred to Indias recent counterterrorism response, including Operation Sindoor, which was launched after the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam. (With agency inputs) About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: July 02, 2025, 07:14 IST North Korea To Triple Troop Deployment To Aid Russia, Ukrainian Intel Warns Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 02, 2025, 17:20 IST North Korea plans to send 30,000 more troops to support Russia in Ukraine, tripling its current deployment. Satellite imagery suggests troop movement has begun. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. North Korea is preparing to send up to 30,000 additional troops to support Russias war against Ukraine, tripling its current deployment and marking a dramatic escalation in Pyongyangs military involvement, CNN reported citing intelligence assessment by Ukrainian officials. The reinforcements, expected to arrive over the coming months, would significantly boost the 11,000 North Korean troops already deployed to the frontlines, who were first reported to have arrived last fall. Of that original contingent, approximately 4,000 were killed or wounded, according to Western intelligence estimates. Despite the high casualty rate, military cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang has since intensified. Recommended Stories What Ukraine Intel Said On North Korean Soldiers In Russia? The Ukrainian assessment noted that the Russian defense ministry is fully capable of supplying the North Korean forces with needed equipment, weapons and ammunition" and anticipates further integration into Russian combat units". It noted that there is a strong likelihood the incoming soldiers will participate in large-scale offensives in Russian-occupied Ukrainian territory. There is a great possibility the North Korean troops will be engaged in combat to strengthen the Russian contingent, including during the large-scale offensive operations," the document states. Troop Movement Already Underway? Satellite imagery reviewed by CNN and the UK-based Open Source Centre showed signs that troop movement has already begun. Cargo planes- possibly IL-76 aircraft previously used for deployments- were spotted taxiing at North Koreas Sunan airport on June 4. Separately, a Ropucha-class Russian landing ship, known for transporting hundreds of troops, docked at Dunai port in May, the same vessel type linked to earlier deployments. Satellite imagery shows a Russian personnel carrier arriving at Dunai in May, and activity at Sunan airport in May and June," Joe Byrne, a senior analyst at the Open Source Centre, said, adding, This appears to indicate the routes previously used to move DPRK troops are active, and could be used in any large-scale future transfer of personnel." Ukraine On Alert top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Ukraines Defense Minister Rustem Umerov expressed concern over the growing foreign troop presence, warning that Kim Jong Un was risking domestic political stability by committing so many forces to a distant war. Russias use of elite North Korean troops demonstrates not only a growing reliance on totalitarian regimes but also serious problems with its mobilization reserve," Rustem Umerov said, adding, Together with our partners, we are monitoring these threats and will respond accordingly." Location : North Korea First Published: July 02, 2025, 17:20 IST Porta-Potty Parties: How Women Are Lured Into Degrading Sex Acts In Dubais Elite Circles Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 02, 2025, 16:31 IST "Porta-Potty" parties in Dubai: Colombian influencer Laura Sanchez warns young women on TikTok to beware of luxury offers hiding abuse and exploitation in Dubai. This representative AI-generated image shows a woman being courted with luxury gifts by well-dressed men in a high-end Dubai setting, symbolizing the allure and secrecy surrounding controversial "Porta-Potty" parties allegedly involving influencers and wealthy individuals. (IMAGE: IMAGEN 3 ENGINE) Several influencers, models and women who frequent the same spaces of a certain section of Dubais ultra-rich have come forward online to speak up about the abuse they faced in Porta-Potty parties. These Porta-Potty parties are parties where the citys ultra-rich lure in and bring models, female actors, fitness influencers and beautiful women and force them to perform degrading sex acts. Recommended Stories The term porta-potty" originally refers to a portable toilet, the kind seen at construction sites, festivals or outdoor events. Its a self-contained, movable toilet unit that doesnt require plumbing. However, in the context of Porta-Potty parties", the term has taken on a dark, euphemistic meaning. It originates from online exposes about wealthy men, especially in places like Dubai, allegedly paying young models or influencers large sums of money to attend private parties where they are made to perform extreme acts involving bodily fluids, especially feces (hence the link to a portable toilet"). A blogpost by the organisation DetainedInDubai cited model Saint Mullans video where she said she was approached by a man inviting her to a yacht party in Dubai. She further narrates in the video that she was offered 16,000 to fly to Dubai to allegedly fulfil a princes bizarre fetishes, which included urinating on her. The content creator and fitness trainer told The Mirror that she never intended to travel to Dubai, but continued the conversation out of curiosity in a bid to see how far the man would go. In screenshots she shared, the unidentified individual claimed a prince" was hosting a private yacht party and had personally invited her, saying the prince loves beautiful women" and found her very attractive." The prince, reportedly worth 321 million, was allegedly willing to pay her 16,000 to join him and a friend, offering a sum that amounts to less than one percent of his net worth. The reports regarding these parties have been making rounds on social media since 2022. Ghanaian news aggregator @SIKAOFFICIAL1 in 2022 posted a viral thread which cited a Reddit post where an anonymous person said that she was raped, forced into degrading sex acts where she was forced to have sex with a dog, where older men rubbed her face on their feet, urinated and excreted on her. Women lured to these parties could end up facing criminal charges, even if they were brought in against their will. Radha Stirling, who heads Detained in Dubai, warned that the presence of married men could expose them to cases of adultery or indecency. Sex outside marriage may technically be legal now in Dubai," Stirling said, but organisers are twisting that reality. These women think theyre going to a private party, instead, theyre thrown into violent, humiliating situations with serious legal risk hanging over them". La modelo colombiana Laura Sanchez denuncio en TikTok ofertas laborales enganosas en Dubai, advirtiendo sobre las llamadas Dubai Porta Potty Parties", que presentan lujos pero esconden abusos y situaciones degradantes. Alerto especialmente a modelos, influencers y jovenes. pic.twitter.com/yGq7hxJM9p Bmor (@bmormedellin) May 19, 2025 Colombian model Laura Sanchez has warned young women to steer clear of shady job offers in Dubai, calling out the so-called Porta Potty Parties" in a viral TikTok. Behind promises of luxury, she said, lie abusive and degrading situations. Her message was aimed especially at models, influencers and young people chasing quick fame or money. Model Beaten Left For Dead Maria Kovalchuk, a 20-year-old Ukrainian adult model, was reportedly left for dead after attending one of Dubais infamous Porta-Potty" parties. She disappeared after telling her mother shed been invited to spend the night with two men posing as modelling agents. She never boarded her flight to Thailand. Ten days later, on March 19, Maria was found dumped on the side of a Dubai road with a shattered spine, broken limbs and internal injuries. She has since undergone multiple surgeries and remains in recovery, while her family stays by her side demanding answers. Dubai Police confirmed she is receiving medical care but claimed Maria had entered a restricted construction site and fallen from a height. It was a version that many find hard to believe, given the secrecy surrounding these elite parties. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Russian lawyer Katya Gordon, who has tracked the case, alleged that Maria was left to die after being abused at one such party. She claimed Maria may have been forced into degrading sex acts involving human faeces, a theme allegedly central to these gatherings. Marias mother told Ukrainian media that her daughter had no ID, phone or belongings when found. Shes had three operations. She cant speak. We were told she went to a party, but the promoter says he never saw her. Were terrified of what really happened." About the Author Shankhyaneel Sarkar Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev... Read More Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev... Read More Location : Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) First Published: July 02, 2025, 16:31 IST The story of the attempted coup in Yerevan is gaining more and more interesting details. Chairman of the Investigative Committee of Armenia Artur Poghosyan revealed some of them in an interview with Public Television. It turned out that the leader of the revanchist protests Srbazan, in the world Bagrat Galstanyan, kept a diary. The cheating priest turned out to have a very sensitive mental organization, or rather, serious psychological problems. Every day, Srbazan scrupulously entered into his diary everything he saw, who told him what, who did what, who he met with, what he discussed with whom. It also became known from the diary who suggested Galstanyan to lead the coup. Just imagine - a man is preparing a coup d'etat and carefully writes down all the names and actions in a booklet. I'm sorry, but you have to be an idiot not to understand the impropriety of such actions. The authors of the coup scenario miscalculated very much, choosing the "conscience of the nation" type in a cassock. Someone who is poorly versed in the current situation in Armenia decided that the priest would be able to lead the people. Instead of leading the masses, Srbazan kept a diary. With these notes, he actually pawned everyone who was involved in the case. The investigation won't even have to try very hard - everything is written down in detail in Srbazan's notebook. probably, there were also pictures and photos, like in a schoolgirl's diary. The investigation managed to find out other interesting details. The investigative actions showed that according to the coup plan, "famous Armenians" were supposed to appear on the stage at the X hour and make statements. Some of the "famous Armenians", namely Samvel Karapetyan, hurried to appear, although the hour of "X" had not yet arrived. More precisely, Karapetyan was misinformed that "it's about time," and he rode to Yerevan and began to deliver his remarks. At one time, Ruben Vardanyan was just as quick to underestimate Baku, where they knew better about his hour of "X" than in the country that sent him to Karabakh. Karapetyan also underestimated Nikol Pashinyan, and when it turned out that he was in a hurry, it was too late to buy a return ticket. Now he reads Srbazan's diary together with the investigators. Only Robert Kocharian is jumping for joy now that he was in no hurry to stick his head out. Everything seemed to be ready, the go-ahead was received in Moscow, strike groups were organized, an arsenal for street fighting was assembled, an appropriate information background was created, and the populist prime minister, as planned, fell for the bait of provocations and tangled with the church. Everything seemed to be going according to the script and should have worked out, but an error in calculations failed. The Armenian society failed, which was not very interested in the coup project, and Srbazan's personality only alienated it. There is no revolutionary activity among the masses, the people have not gone for revenge, and they probably understand that they are losing heavily to Pashinyan. We are waiting for new interesting details from Srbazan Galstanyan's diary. Nowadays, you often find a real reason to laugh. By the way, let us recall that Srbazan is generally a comprehensively "gifted" person. In early June, he presented his book "Defeating Ourselves" in Gyumri. And the first person he presented a copy of the opus to was... Archbishop Mikael Ajapakhyan, to whom Srbazan shared his bad karma along with the publication. After accepting the book, Ajapakhyan pointedly stated: "Let's go defeat ourselves." Galstanyan replied no less meaningfully.: "And also, don't lose to yourself." Now both of them are working together on auto-training in the Yerevan detention center. News / National by Staff reporter Zimbabwean lawyers will take to the streets tomorrow in protest against what they describe as a blatant attempt by the government to undermine judicial independence and politicise the judiciary through a state-orchestrated "indoctrination workshop."The workshop, scheduled for Friday and Saturday at the Rainbow Towers Hotel in Harare, has sparked outrage within legal circles and civil society. It is being organised by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) and will be presided over by officials from the Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC), the ruling Zanu-PFs Herbert Chitepo School of Ideology, and the Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO).Legal practitioners say the event is a thinly veiled effort by the executive to co-opt judges and ensure conformity to partisan interests, in violation of constitutional principles on judicial independence."This is an unprecedented attack on the judiciary," said one senior lawyer, who is among those mobilising the protest. "Bringing judges under the ideological tutelage of the ruling party is an outrage. It undermines the doctrine of separation of powers and erodes public confidence in the courts."The protest, organised by various legal advocacy groups and members of the Law Society of Zimbabwe, is expected to draw participation from across the legal fraternity, including private lawyers, human rights defenders, and retired jurists.They argue that the JSC - which is constitutionally mandated to uphold judicial professionalism and independence - is now being used as a political tool to serve the interests of the ruling elite."What is being disguised as an induction workshop is, in fact, an ideological re-education camp designed to compromise judges and turn the courts into instruments of the executive," said another senior lawyer.According to sources familiar with the programme, judges attending the workshop will be addressed by officials linked to Zanu-PFs ideological school, which is known for promoting loyalty to the partys political doctrine.The involvement of the CIO - Zimbabwes feared intelligence agency - in a workshop for judges has further raised alarm, with critics warning that it represents a coercive element aimed at intimidating members of the bench into compliance.It is not yet clear on the route of march."The Constitution guarantees an independent judiciary. Judges must be free from any form of political control or influence, direct or indirect," reads part of the petition.The protest comes amid growing concerns over judicial capture in Zimbabwe, particularly following recent controversial rulings seen as favouring the government. Critics say the executive is increasingly using state institutions to suppress dissent and consolidate power, often under the guise of legality.Efforts to reach the JSC for comment were unsuccessful at the time of publication.The workshop is set to proceed despite the uproar, with judges reportedly expected to attend under pressure.Observers say the outcome of tomorrows march may set the tone for how legal professionals and civil society respond to what many see as a creeping authoritarianism dressed in the robes of judicial reform. Quad Leaders Condemn Pahalgam Terror Attack, Call For Perpetrators To Be Brought To Justice Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Shobhit Gupta Last Updated: July 02, 2025, 07:07 IST In a joint statement, the foreign ministers strongly denounced the act of violence and called for those responsible to be brought to justice. In a joint statement, the foreign ministers strongly denounced the act of violence and called for those responsible to be brought to justice. (X) Quad Summit: The foreign ministers of the QUAD groupUS, India, Japan, and Australia on Wednesday unequivocally condemned the April 22s ghastly terror attack in Jammu and Kashmirs Pahalgam, which claimed the lives of 26 individuals. In a joint statement, the foreign ministers strongly denounced the act of violence and called for those responsible to be brought to justice. Recommended Stories The Quad unequivocally condemns all acts of terrorism and violent extremism in all its forms and manifestations, including cross-border terrorism, and renews our commitment to counter-terrorism cooperation. We condemn in the strongest terms the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir on April 22, 2025, which claimed the lives of 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen, while injuring several others. We express our deepest condolences to the families of the victims and extend our heartfelt wishes for a swift and full recovery to all those injured. We call for the perpetrators, organisers, and financiers of this reprehensible act to be brought to justice without any delay and urge all UN member States, in accordance with their obligations under international law and relevant UNSCRs, to cooperate actively with all relevant authorities in this regard," the statement said. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, along with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Japans Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya, and Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, participated in the Quad Foreign Ministers Meeting held at the US Department of State on Tuesday. At the meeting, EAM Jaishankar said that the world must display zero tolerance against terrorism and asserted that victims and perpetrators" must never be equated. Without mentioning Operation Sindoor in which India struck terror bases in Pakistan and PoK, Jaishankar said India has every right to defend its people against terrorism, and it will exercise that right. The ministers discussed a wide range of regional and global issues, with a strong focus on counterterrorism cooperation. The Quad, comprising India, the US, Australia and Japan, has emerged as a key grouping largely focusing on peace, security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. The Quad foreign ministerial meeting is expected to prepare the ground for the groupings annual summit in New Delhi later this year. EAM Jaishakar said it is essential that nations of the Indo-Pacific have the freedom of choice so essential to make the right decisions on development and security. We are all committed to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific. To that end, our endeavours are devoted to promoting a rules-based international order," he added. Jaishankar, who is visiting the US from June 30 to July 2 at Marco Rubios invitation, also held a meeting with US Secretary of State on the sidelines of the Quad foreign ministers meeting, during which they discussed bilateral partnership and shared perspectives on regional and global developments. Jaishankar also met with US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth during which they discussed advancing the defence partnership between the two countries. Pahalgam Terror Attack In one of the biggest attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, Lashkar-linked terrorists opened fire on a group of tourists in Pahalgam on Tuesday, April 22, killing at least 26 people, including foreign tourists, and injuring many others. The Resistance Front (TRF), a Lashkar offshoot, claimed responsibility for the attack, although it later backtracked after massive global outrage. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all India responded with Operation Sindoor on May 7, bombing nine terrorist camps across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in pre-dawn strikes that killed at least 100 militants. The operation sparked four days of cross-border fighting involving fighter jets, missiles and artillery. (With inputs from agencies) About the Author Siddhant Mishra Siddhant Mishra is a Senior Special Correspondent at CNN-News18, covering foreign affairs and international relations. With over 12 years of experience in journalism, he has also reported extensively on crime, ... Read More Siddhant Mishra is a Senior Special Correspondent at CNN-News18, covering foreign affairs and international relations. With over 12 years of experience in journalism, he has also reported extensively on crime, ... Read More Location : United States of America (USA) First Published: July 02, 2025, 07:07 IST Sheikh Hasina Gets 6-Month Jail Term, Awami League Decries 'Kangaroo Court' Ruling Curated By : News18.com Edited By: Vani Mehrotra Last Updated: July 02, 2025, 18:15 IST Sheikh Hasina, Bangladeshs deposed Prime Minister, has been sentenced to six months in jail for contempt of court by the International Crimes Tribunal. Police escort former Bangladeshi Prime Minister and Awami League President Sheikh Hasina (File photo/AP) Sheikh Hasina, the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh who was ousted in August 2024, was on Wednesday sentenced to six months in prison in a contempt of court case. The verdict was delivered by a three-member bench of the International Crimes Tribunal-1 (ICT), led by Chairman Justice Md Golam Mortaza Mozumder. The sentencing stems from Hasinas alleged comments deemed to have undermined the dignity and authority of the tribunal, which was originally established by Sheikh Hasinas government in 2008 to prosecute individuals accused of war crimes during the countrys 1971 Liberation War and later. However, after she fled Dhaka last year following the student uprising, the interim government led by the chief adviser Mohammed Yunus brought multiple amendments to the ICT and also appointed new committees, bench of judges and chief prosecutor. Recommended Stories This sentencing marks the first legal action against the ousted PM of Bangladesh, who is also the chief of the Awami League. On July 1, Sheikh Hasina denied accusations that she committed crimes against humanity, after prosecutors filed five charges against her in connection with abetment, incitement, complicity, facilitation, and conspiracy and failure to prevent mass murder, which amount to crimes against humanity under Bangladeshi law. Kangaroo court The ousted leaders banned Awami League, in a statement issued in London, called it a show trial" and said that the accused categorically denies the charges". With selective appointment of partisan and loyal prosecutors and judges and denying legal rights to hundreds of thousands of victims of arbitrary arrests, the regime has totally weaponized the trial process, dismantling fairness and transparency from the judiciary, a further marker that the trial is not intended to deliver justice to those killed and injured during July-August violence. In the pretext of the trial, thousands of false murder cases were filed accusing hundreds of thousands of dissenters and wholesale arrests are ongoing by law enforcement flouting all basic tenets of human rights. The recent ban on Awami League marks another marker of a rigged and motivated trial process. To further influence the trial, a blanket indemnity has been passed by the regime to those who unleashed violence and killed cops to bring Yunus to power instead of initiating a fair investigation," Awami League said in another statement, posted on social media after the sentence was pronounced. Imprisoned victims are denied of availing lawyers of their choice in their defence. Before the start of this motivated trial, judges were removed in the face of Yunus-backed mob. Lawyers and imprisoned victims were assaulted with total impunity in courts, all designed to serve vendetta of Yunus. On the other hand, use of the very tribunal that has been where perpetrators of 1971 war crimes were tried and appointment of very lawyers who defended the war criminals as prosecutors brought to light a series of motivated steps to turn the trial into a weapon in Yunuss state-sponsored arsenal against dissenters including Awami League," the party, now banned by the interim government in Bangladesh, added. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Calling the current form of ICT as a kangaroo court, Hasinas party said, Yunus regime has led to total erosion of public confidence in the judiciary, denied July-August victims of justice and legitimized abuse of judiciary to decimate opposition let alone legitimise and stoke ongoing pogrom including extrajudicial killings of citizens for their affiliation with Awami League- all repressive steps that violates universal code of human rights. While we reiterate our commitment for a fair trial, we repeatedly express no confidence in the current trial process." Up to 1,400 people were killed between July and August last year, according to the United Nations, when Hasinas government ordered a crackdown on protesters in a failed bid to cling to power. Hasina fled to India at the culmination of the student-led uprising in August and has defied orders to return to Dhaka, where her trial in absentia opened on June 1. The trial continues. About the Author Madhuparna Das Madhuparna Das, Associate Editor (policy) at CNN News 18, has been in journalism for nearly 14 years. She has extensively been covering politics, policy, crime and internal security issues. She has covered Naxa... Read More Madhuparna Das, Associate Editor (policy) at CNN News 18, has been in journalism for nearly 14 years. She has extensively been covering politics, policy, crime and internal security issues. She has covered Naxa... Read More First Published: July 02, 2025, 14:30 IST Three Indians Abducted In Terror Strike On Cement Plant In Mali, Govt Says Rescue Efforts Underway Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 02, 2025, 23:49 IST Three Indian nationals were abducted from Diamond Cement Factory in Mali on July 1 during a terrorist attack. Malian army soldiers are seen at the Independence Square after a mutiny, in Bamako, Mali. (IMAGE: REUTERS FILE) Three Indian nationals working at a cement factory in Mali were abducted on July 1 after armed assailants carried out a coordinated attack on the facility, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement on Tuesday. The incident took place at the Diamond Cement Factory located in Kayes, in the western part of the West African nation. The MEA confirmed that the attack was part of a broader wave of violence on July 1, during which multiple military and government installations across western and central Mali were targeted by terrorists. The identities of the abducted Indian nationals have not yet been made public. Recommended Stories Indias embassy in Bamako, the capital of Mali, is in constant contact with local authorities, law enforcement agencies, and the management of the cement factory. Officials are also in touch with the families of the kidnapped individuals and are providing regular updates. The government has strongly condemned the incident, calling it a deplorable act of violence," and urged Malian authorities to take all necessary steps to ensure the safe and swift release of the hostages. Senior officials in the Ministry of External Affairs are closely monitoring the situation and remain engaged through diplomatic and security channels. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Reiterating that the safety of Indian nationals abroad remains a top priority, the MEA has advised all Indian citizens in Mali to exercise extreme caution, remain vigilant, and stay in close contact with the Indian embassy for further assistance. The Ministry shall continue to extend all possible support and remains committed to ensuring the safe return of the abducted Indian nationals at the earliest," the statement added. About the Author Shankhyaneel Sarkar Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev... Read More Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev... Read More Location : Bamako, Mali First Published: July 02, 2025, 23:40 IST 'I'll Save New York, I've The Cards': Trump Targets Zohran Mamdani With 'Lunatic' Dig Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 02, 2025, 18:45 IST Trump called Zohran Mamdani a "Communist Lunatic" and vowed to stop him from "destroying New York." Donald Trump and Zohran Mamdani US President Donald Trump launched a blistering attack on Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic nominee for New York City mayor, calling him a communist lunatic" and vowing to stop him from destroying New York." As President of the United States, Im not going to let this Communist Lunatic destroy New York," Donald Trump wrote in a post on his social media platform Truth Social, adding, Rest assured, I hold all the levers, and have all the cards. Ill save New York City, and make it Hot and Great again, just like I did with the Good Ol USA!" Recommended Stories Donald Trump On Zohran Mamdanis Arrest The post comes after Donald Trumps earlier remarks during an immigration roundtable at the New Florida Detention Facility, where the US President labeled Zohran Mamdani a pure, true communist" and a total nut job". He said, Well have a lot of fun with him if hes elected. A lot of people are saying he is here illegally Were going to look over everything." Read more: Wont Accept Intimidation: Zohran Mamdani Responds To Donald Trumps Arrest Threats Donald Trump also floated the idea of arresting Zohran Mamdani if he interferes with ICE operations in the city, saying, Well then well just have to arrest him." What Zohran Mamdani Has Said On Donald Trumps Remarks Zohran Mamdani issued a sharp, defiant response, saying, The President of the United States just threatened to have me arrested, stripped of my citizenship, put in a detention camp and deported. Not because I have broken any law but because I will refuse to let ICE terrorise our city." He called Donald Trumps attacks an attempt to send a message to every New Yorker who refuses to hide in the shadow: if you speak up, they will come for you." Read more: Well Have To Arrest Him: Trump Slams Communist Mamdanis Stand On Illegal Immigrants top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Zohran Mamdanis Citizenship Under Scrutiny Zohran Mamdani, born in Uganda to South Asian parents, immigrated to the United States in 1998 at the age of seven and became a US citizen in 2018. Despite his lawful naturalization and service as a New York State Assemblymember, his citizenship has become a flashpoint in his escalating feud with Donald Trump. Location : New York, United States of America (USA) First Published: July 02, 2025, 18:37 IST UK's Princess Kate Opens Up About Her Cancer Journey: 'Had To Put On Brave Face' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 02, 2025, 22:35 IST Kate announced in March last year that she would undergo chemotherapy after an unspecified form of cancer was detected following major abdominal surgery. Kate, Britain's Princess of Wales | Reuters Image Britains Princess of Wales, Kate, opened up about the emotional toll of her cancer battle, saying she had to put on a sort of brave face" throughout her treatment and recovery. During a visit to a hospital in Essex on Wednesday, the 43-year-old royal described her experience as life-changing" and reflected on the difficult transition after chemotherapy. Recommended Stories You put on a sort of brave face, stoicism through treatment, treatments done, then its like, I can crack on, get back to normal, but the phase afterwards is really difficult," she told staff, patients, and volunteers. Kate announced in March last year that she would undergo chemotherapy after an unspecified form of cancer was detected following major abdominal surgery. She completed the treatment in September and said earlier this year she is now in remission. Highlighting the challenges many patients face after active treatment, she noted that even when no longer under direct clinical care, people can still struggle to return to everyday life. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Its a rollercoaster, its not one smooth plain," she said, adding that the impact extends beyond the patient to their entire family. The princess has been slowly resuming royal duties, but did not attend the Royal Ascot last month. Sources said her schedule continues to be carefully balanced as she recovers. Location : United Kingdom (UK) First Published: July 02, 2025, 22:35 IST US Eases Israel Travel Advisory With Caution: Attacks May Occur Without Warning But... Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 02, 2025, 16:11 IST The US State Department lowered its travel advisory for Israel to Level 3 as Donald Trump announced a US-backed 60-day Gaza ceasefire proposal. Scenes of destruction from Tel Aviv after Iran launched a fresh missile attack on Sunday. (Reuters) The US State Department revised its travel advisory for Israel, lowering the warning level while still urging Americans to exercise heightened caution amid continued threats of terrorism and civil unrest. The move comes in the shadow of growing regional instability and a newly issued fatwa by a senior Iranian cleric against US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. US Travel Advisory For Israel Recommended Stories The US placed Israel and the West Bank under a Level 3: Reconsider Travel advisory, down from the previous Level 4: Do Not Travel designation issued on June 16, though officials warned that threats remain severe and unpredictable. Terrorist groups, lone-actor terrorists and other violent extremists continue plotting possible attacks in Israel, the West Bank and Gaza," the advisory said, adding, Attacks may occur with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls and local government facilities." The advisory also warned that violence may erupt without warning due to the regions unstable and complex security environment." In addition, the US State Department cautioned that commercial flights into and out of Israel could be reduced or canceled as tensions rise. Donald Trump Pushes Ceasefire Deal In Gaza top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Donald Trump announced that Israel has accepted a US-backed 60-day ceasefire proposal for Gaza, which is set to be presented to Hamas by mediators from Egypt and Qatar. The US President wrote on his social media platform Truth Social, During this time, we will work with all parties to end the War. I hope, for the good of the Middle East, that Hamas takes this Deal, because it will not get better- IT WILL ONLY GET WORSE." Donald Trump also confirmed that he will meet with Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House to discuss the proposal and explore broader diplomatic efforts as he remains hopeful" that Hamas and Israel could finalize a ceasefire-for-hostages agreement within the week. Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: July 02, 2025, 16:11 IST Wanted For Sons Murder, Woman With Ties To India And Mexico Added To FBI's Most Wanted List Curated By : News18.com Edited By: Karishma Jain Last Updated: July 02, 2025, 08:41 IST Cindy Rodriguez Singh fled the US after her disabled six-year-old son went missing. The FBI believes she may be hiding in India or Mexico Rodriguez Singh, who has ties to India and Mexico, is the 537th person to be added to the list since its inception in March 1950. (Image: FBI.Gov) The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on Tuesday added Cindy Rodriguez Singh, a 40-year-old US citizen wanted in connection with the alleged murder of her six-year-old son, Noel Alvarez, to its Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list. Rodriguez Singh, who has ties to India and Mexico, is the 537th person to be added to the list since its inception in March 1950. The FBI also announced that the reward for information leading to her arrest and conviction has been increased from $25,000 to $250,000. The Bureau said this is one of the highest rewards currently being offered for a fugitive. Recommended Stories The FBI is offering a reward of up to $250,000 for information leading to the arrest of Cindy Rodriguez Singh. Calls can be made to 1-800-CALL-FBI or to FBI Dallas at 972-559-5000. Tips can also be submitted digitally at https://t.co/gEDOPVZKar. https://t.co/gxbmUuCAPI pic.twitter.com/oHfjnz2HsI FBI Dallas (@FBIDallas) July 1, 2025 THE DISAPPEARANCE OF NOEL ALVAREZ Six-year-old Noel Alvarez was last seen in October 2022, around the same time Cindy Rodriguez Singh gave birth to twins. On March 20, 2023, the Everman Police Department, acting at the request of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, conducted a welfare check on the boy. During the welfare interview, Rodriguez Singh lied to officers, claiming that Noel was living with his biological father in Mexico and had been there since November 2022. However, just two days later, on March 22, 2023, Rodriguez Singh, her husband Arshdeep Singh, and six other juvenile children were seen boarding an international flight bound for India. Noel was not present and did not board the flight, according to both the FBI and the Everman Police. Rodriguez Singh has not been seen since that date, and authorities believe she may be hiding in India or Mexico. ABUSE, DISABILITIES, AND CONTRADICTORY STORIES According to USA Today, Noel Alvarez suffered from severe disabilities, including chronic lung disease, and required oxygen treatment. Witnesses told investigators that in the weeks before his disappearance, Rodriguez Singh began to fear Noel, reportedly telling people that he was evil, possessed or [had] a demon in him", and that she feared he would hunt" her newborn twins. The USA Today report also said that Noel was subjected to severe abuse, including having food and water withheld because Rodriguez Singh did not want to change his diapers. In one instance, witnesses said Cindy struck Noel in the face with keys when he tried to drink water. Rodriguez Singh gave conflicting accounts of what happened to Noel. In one version, she claimed to have sold" him to a woman in a Fiesta Mart supermarket parking lot, but former Everman Police Chief Craig Spencer stated there was no evidence to support that story. Police investigations also revealed that on March 21, 2023the day before the family fledArshdeep Singh was seen disposing of a carpet in an outdoor dumpster. A cadaver dog trained to detect human remains later alerted police to both the carpet and a new patio at the family residence. CAPITAL MURDER CHARGE AND FEDERAL ARREST WARRANT On October 31, 2023, Cindy Rodriguez Singh was formally charged with capital murder in the District Court of Tarrant County, Fort Worth, Texas. Subsequently, on November 2, 2023, a federal arrest warrant was issued by the US District Court, Northern District of Texas, Fort Worth, charging her with Unlawful Flight to Avoid Prosecution. Later, on August 29, 2024, the FBI announced an initial reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to her arrest. On July 2, 2025, this amount was increased to $250,000, coinciding with her addition to the FBIs Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list. FBI, POLICE AND PROSECUTORS SPEAK OUT In a press conference held on Tuesday, FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock stated: The disappearance and suspected death of Noel Alvarez is still fresh in the minds of everyone in Everman as well as throughout North Texas. The addition of Cindy Rodriguez Singh to the FBIs Ten Most Wanted Fugitives List is an opportunity to bring this case to the eyes and ears of citizens across the country and around the world. We are confident that this publicity will culminate in her arrest and that she will be returned to the United States to answer for her alleged crimes." FBI Dallas hosted a press conference today to announce Cindy Rodriguez Singh as the 537th fugitive placed on the FBIs Top Ten Most Wanted List. She is wanted for allegedly killing her 6-year-old son, Noel Alvarez. https://t.co/lZwTBE3xhb pic.twitter.com/u7qOJ5VVFA FBI Dallas (@FBIDallas) July 1, 2025 Craig Spencer, former Chief of Police and now city manager and emergency management coordinator for Everman, said: The addition of Cindy Rodriguez Singh to the FBIs Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list marks a powerful moment in our unrelenting pursuit of justice for Noel. This is a promise we made to him and to this community, that we would never stop until those responsible are held accountable. This designation amplifies our reach and renews our focus. We urge anyone, anywhere, with information to come forward now. Noel deserves that much. We are so incredibly thankful to the FBI for their continued effort and support on this incredibly important case." FUGITIVE DESCRIPTION Cindy Rodriguez Singh was born in Dallas, Texas, in 1985 and is currently 40 years old. According to the FBI, she is between 5 feet 1 inch and 5 feet 3 inches tall, weighs between 120 and 140 pounds, and has brown hair and brown eyes. She has a medium complexion and is known to have multiple tattooson her back, both legs, right arm, right hand, and right calf. She is believed to have strong connections to India and Mexico, and FBI officials say she may be residing in or travelling between these countries. ABOUT THE FBIS MOST WANTED LIST top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The FBIs Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list was established in March 1950. Since then: 537 fugitives have been listed 497 fugitives have been apprehended or located, many due to citizen tips 8 fugitives from the North Texas region have appeared on the list 5 fugitives on the list were arrested in North Texas 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: July 02, 2025, 08:41 IST 'We Ought To Get Them The Hell Out': Trump Suggests Deporting US Citizens With Criminal Records Curated By : Last Updated: July 02, 2025, 15:17 IST During a visit to a migrant detention centre, Trump told reporters there are many immigrants who are now citizens who have been involved in serious crimes. US President Donald Trump (AP Photo) President Donald Trump doubled down Tuesday on his controversial proposal, widely considered unconstitutional by legal experts, to deport US citizens who commit crimes, reported ABC News. During a visit to a migrant detention centre in the Florida Everglades, Trump told reporters there are many immigrants who are now citizens" who have been involved in serious crimes. Recommended Stories Theyre not new to our country. Theyre old to our country. Many of them were born in our country. I think we ought to get them the hell out of here, too, if you want to know the truth," Trump said, reported ABC News. So maybe that will be the next job." The comment comes weeks after Assistant Attorney General Brett Shumate, a Trump appointee, issued a memo granting US attorneys broad discretion to pursue denaturalisation cases in alignment with the Administrations policy objectives," ABC News reported. What Does The Memo Say? The Department of Justice (DOJ) has directed its attorneys to prioritise efforts to revoke citizenship from some naturalised Americans involved in certain crimes, according to a memo made public online. Dated June 11, the memo from Assistant Attorney General Brett Shumate grants broad discretion to US attorneys on when to initiate denaturalisation proceedings, with the stated goal of helping to advance the administrations policy objectives" amid the Trump administrations wider immigration crackdown. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The directive emphasises focusing on individuals who could pose a potential danger to national security." However, it also leaves the door open for the DOJs Civil Division to target any other cases referred that the Division determines to be sufficiently important to pursue," significantly expanding the scope beyond national security concerns. This expanded latitude means the DOJ can potentially pursue revoking citizenship not only for terrorism-related offences but also for other crimes deemed significant by the administration, intensifying concerns among immigration and civil rights advocates about government overreach. 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: July 02, 2025, 15:17 IST Will There Be Two Dalai Lamas? Inside The Clash Between China And Gaden Phodrang Trust Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 02, 2025, 12:34 IST The Dalai Lama today reaffirmed that only the Gaden Phodrang Trust can decide his reincarnation, rejecting Chinas claim to appoint a successor through state-backed channels The Gaden Phodrang Foundation, set up by the 14th Dalai Lama in 2015, will head the search and recognition process for his successor. (News18) As the 14th Dalai Lama turns 90 this week on July 6, the quiet monastery town of Dharamshala is again at the centre of a global debate. The issue this time goes beyond religion; its about who gets to decide the spiritual future of Tibet, and more importantly, who gets to control it. At the heart of this succession struggle is the Gaden Phodrang Trust, the only institution authorised by the Dalai Lama to recognise his future reincarnation. China has made no secret of its intention to identify its own Dalai Lama candidate, using state-controlled religious channels. While it has never appointed a Dalai Lama before, Beijing has repeatedly signalled, particularly through a 2007 regulation, that it intends to name its own successor after the 14th Dalai Lama passes. The Gaden Phodrang, however, asserts exclusive spiritual and historical legitimacy in the succession process. Recommended Stories As both sides prepare to assert their claims, the role of the Gaden Phodrang Trust, and why it remains central to the search for the next Dalai Lama has come into sharp focus. FROM TEMPORAL POWER TO SPIRITUAL CUSTODIANSHIP The Gaden Phodrang was originally the name of the government established by the 5th Dalai Lama in the 17th century. It was both the spiritual and temporal authority in Tibet, ruling from the Potala Palace in Lhasa. For centuries, this institution was central to Tibetan governance, combining monastic leadership with political power. After the Chinese annexation of Tibet in 1950 and the subsequent flight of the 14th Dalai Lama to India in 1959, the Gaden Phodrang was re-established in exile. Over time, its role evolved. In 2011, the Dalai Lama gave up all political authority, passing it to the democratically elected Central Tibetan Administration. The Gaden Phodrang remained his personal spiritual office, which he then formalised as a non-profit trust to carry forward his religious legacy. Since then, the Gaden Phodrang Trust has served as the spiritual and institutional body overseeing matters relating to the Dalai Lamas lineage, teachings, and reincarnation. WHY THE GADEN PHODRANG TRUST HAS THE SOLE MANDATE The current Dalai Lama has repeatedly emphasised that only the Gaden Phodrang Trust can carry out the process of identifying his successor. This position has been established through decades of spiritual discourse and policy decisions: As early as 1969, the Dalai Lama publicly stated that whether the institution of the Dalai Lama should continue was for the Tibetan people to decide. In 2011, this was codified in a resolution: when the Dalai Lama turns 90, a decision would be madeif succession were to proceed, the process would be led entirely by the Gaden Phodrang, in consultation with Tibetan Buddhist leaders and spiritual protectors. On Wednesday, days before his 90th birthday, he reaffirmed that no one else, governmental or otherwise, has any authority to interfere in this matter. I hereby reiterate that the Gaden Phodrang Trust has sole authority to recognise the future reincarnation; no one else has any such authority to interfere in this matter," the Dalai Lama said, clearly drawing the battle lines against Beijings ambitions to appoint a China-backed successor. This exclusive mandate derives from religious tradition, the personal authority of the Dalai Lama, and the institutional continuity of Gaden Phodrangs spiritual role. THE TRADITIONAL PROCESS OF RECOGNISING A DALAI LAMA According to Tibetan custom, after a Dalai Lama passes away, senior monks and spiritual advisors consult oracles, observe dreams, and interpret visions. They also look for physical signs and test potential children to see if they recognise sacred items from the previous Dalai Lamas life. It was through this process that the current Dalai Lama was discovered in 1939. A two-year-old boy in Amdo, northeastern Tibet, identified objects belonging to the 13th Dalai Lama, and was eventually enthroned in 1940. This sacred, non-political process is what the Gaden Phodrang Trust now seeks to preserve. CHINAS CHALLENGE: GOLDEN URN AND STATE CONTROL The Chinese government has a different vision. Beijing claims the right to manage all religious affairs within its borders, including reincarnations. It bases its claim on a 1793 Qing Dynasty edict, which introduced the Golden Urn systema lottery-based method to select reincarnated lamas. Though seldom used historically, China now insists it must be the only method allowed. In 2007, the Chinese State Administration for Religious Affairs passed a regulation stating that all reincarnations of Tibetan Buddhist leaders must receive state approval. This legal framework effectively blocks any candidate from being recognised in China without Communist Party approval. The Dalai Lama has explicitly rejected this, stating that his reincarnation will be born in a free country", outside Chinese jurisdiction. THE PANCHEN LAMA CONTROVERSY The Panchen Lama case stands as the clearest precedent for what may unfold again. The Panchen Lama is traditionally the second-highest spiritual authority in Tibetan Buddhism, often playing a key role in identifying the Dalai Lamas reincarnation. In 1995, the 14th Dalai Lama identified a six-year-old boy, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, as the 11th Panchen Lama. Within days, Chinese authorities abducted the boy and his family. He has not been seen since. In his place, Beijing installed its own Panchen LamaGyaincain Norbua child loyal to the Partys religious apparatus. However, the Chinese-appointed figure is widely rejected by the Tibetan exile community and many Buddhists worldwide. He is seen as a political figure lacking spiritual legitimacy. The controversy continues to cast a long shadow, reinforcing why the Gaden Phodrang Trust is determined to safeguard the traditional, monastic-led process of reincarnation. The fear remains that Beijing will attempt a similar intervention in the case of the Dalai Lama, using state power to impose a successor lacking spiritual legitimacy. WHY THE TRUST MATTERS TO INDIA AND THE WORLD The Gaden Phodrang Trust is not just a religious entity; it is based in Dharamshala, India, and symbolises Indias moral and spiritual support for the Tibetan cause. For India, the Dalai Lama represents more than a refugee; he is a cultural guest, a Nobel laureate, and a symbol of religious freedom. The succession process, therefore, places India in a diplomatically sensitive spot. If the next Dalai Lama is found within India, it may strain ties with China, but refusing to support the Trusts authority could weaken New Delhis moral standing. Globally, countries like the United States have already legislated support for the Tibetan-led succession process. The Tibetan Policy and Support Act of 2020 authorises sanctions against any Chinese officials who interfere with the Dalai Lamas reincarnation. The European Parliament and other democratic governments have echoed similar sentiments. TWO DALAI LAMAS? All signs point to a likely duality in succession. China is expected to appoint its own Dalai Lama through official state institutions, possibly invoking the Golden Urna Qing-era ritual it used in the Panchen Lama case. On the other side, the Gaden Phodrang Trust, following established Tibetan Buddhist procedures, is expected to identify a reincarnation outside Chinese territory, most likely from among exile communities. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all This would result in two claimants: one endorsed by the Chinese state and the other recognised by the Tibetan religious hierarchy and the global diaspora. The world must now prepare for a religious showdown with geopolitical implications. The question is no longer just who will be the next Dalai Lama?", it is also whose Dalai Lama will the world accept?" About the Author Karishma Jain Karishma Jain, Chief Sub Editor at News18.com, writes and edits opinion pieces on a variety of subjects, including Indian politics and policy, culture and the arts, technology and social change. Follow her @kar... Read More Karishma Jain, Chief Sub Editor at News18.com, writes and edits opinion pieces on a variety of subjects, including Indian politics and policy, culture and the arts, technology and social change. Follow her @kar... Read More First Published: July 02, 2025, 12:34 IST Won't Accept Intimidation: Zohran Mamdani Responds To Donald Trumps Arrest Threats Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: July 02, 2025, 08:06 IST Issuing a statement following Trump's threats, Zohran Mamdani said that such comments are an attack on our democracy and intimidation. NYC Mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani and US President Donald Trump. (File) New Yorks Indian-origin Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani has denounced US President Donald Trumps threat to arrest him over his pledge to push back on Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids, saying that he will not accept this intimidation" by the President. Trump said during a Tuesday press conference at a detention center in Florida referred to as Alligator Alcatraz" that if Mamdani prevents ICE agents from conducting its operations to deport people, then well have to arrest him." Recommended Stories The son of Indianborn filmmaker Mira Nair and IndianUgandan academic Mahmood Mamdani, Zohran Mamdani officially became the Democratic candidate for mayor of New York City on Tuesday and will face the general election in November. What Zohran Mamdani Said? Issuing a statement following Trumps threats, Mamdani said that such comments are an attack on our democracy" and intimidation." Condemning the Trump Administrations efforts to conduct mass deportations, he promised in a speech the night of the primary election to use his authority to stop masked ICE agents from deporting the immigrants. The President of the United States just threatened to have me arrested, stripped of my citizenship, put in a detention camp and deported. Not because I have broken any law but because I will refuse to let ICE terrorise our city," Mamdani said. My statement on Donald Trumps threat to deport me and his praise for Eric Adams, who the President helped out" of legal accountability. https://t.co/m7pNcT2DFS pic.twitter.com/UcYakMx4lI Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@ZohranKMamdani) July 1, 2025 His statements dont just represent an attack on our democracy but an attempt to send a message to every New Yorker who refuses to hide in the shadow: if you speak up, they will come for you." He also attacked Trump for praising New Yorks current Mayor, Eric Adams, in his authoritarian threats". What Donald Trump Said? Trump on Tuesday said that the New York City Democratic nominee for mayor is a pure, true communist" and a total nut job" and added that he will have a lot of fun with him" if he is elected. He also warned that Mamdani would face consequences if he resists federal immigration enforcement. Trump, who has branded Mamdani a pure, true communist", said he will be watching him very carefully on behalf of the nation". Well then well have just to arrest him. Look, we dont need a communist in this country but if we have one, Im going to be watching over him very carefully on behalf of the nation. We send him money, we send him all the things that he needs to run a government and by the way, they get already about three times what you get. If you look at per capita, Florida gets one-third of what New York gets," Trump said at an immigration detention centre in Florida. Since Mamdanis shock win last week against a scandal-scarred political heavyweight, Trump and his collaborators have accused the 32-year-old son of award-winning filmmaker Mira Nair of being a radical extremist. In earlier remarks, in a video by Bloomberg TV, he went off on a rant about Mamdani by calling him terrible" while explaining how he had heard that he is a total nutjob" and the people of New York are crazy" (to have chosen him). I think hes terrible, hes a communist. The last thing we need is a communistits going to be a lot of fun watchingdont worry, hes not going to run away with anything," he is heard saying in the video. Trump also denounced Mamdani profusely, calling him a lunatic and a communist as he called for his arrest. The President also raised doubts over the legality of Mamdanis citizenship, who came to the US in 1998 when he was seven years old. A lot of people are saying he (Mamdani) is here illegally. You know we are going to look over everything. And ideally, hes going to turn out to be much less than a communist but right now hes a communist. Thats not a socialist," he added. Who Is Zohran Mamdani? Zohran Kwame Mamdani is the son of Indian-origin immigrant parents: his mother is the Padma Bhushan awardee Mira Nair, who has Punjabi roots from Delhi and grew up in Odisha; while his father is the academic Mahmood Mamdani, who is Ugandan and traces his roots to Gujarat. Mamdani was born in Kampala, Uganda, on October 18, 1991, and raised in New York City. He moved to New York with his parents when he was seven. His mother Mira Nair has won applause for films like Monsoon Wedding and Salaam Bombay!. Mamdani, who took New York City by storm with his campaign and an enthusiastic endorsement from another internet favourite, Rep. Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez, was declared victorious in the Democratic mayoral primary on Tuesday. He is backed by the Democratic Socialists of America party the kind of niche, leftist affiliation that many Democratic leaders believe their party needs to shed. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all If Mamdani wins the final race, he will become New Yorks first Muslim mayor. However, Several Republicans are pushing for the cancellation of Mamdanis citizenship, as he became a US citizen only in 2018. About the Author Shobhit Gupta Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben... Read More Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben... Read More Location : New York, United States of America (USA) First Published: July 02, 2025, 08:06 IST News / National by Staff reporter An early morning earth tremor jolted several wards in Bikita South on Sunday, sparking fear among residents and renewing concerns over the region's seismic vulnerability.The tremor, which struck around 6:00 AM on June 29, was felt across Wards 1, 2, 3, 23, and parts of 27. While no injuries or damage were reported, the unexpected vibrations left many villagers alarmed.Ward 2 Councillor Attwell Ndonde described the experience as unsettling."It was terrifying. I felt the trembling while I was still indoors, and many villagers did too. Thankfully, there were no injuries or damage, but the uncertainty is unsettling. We don't know if a stronger one might follow," he said.Ward 3 Councillor Mary Beancer Mukwenya confirmed the tremor was also felt in her ward, albeit with slightly less intensity."We experienced the shaking as well, and while there was no visible damage, it's the fear of what could happen next that worries us. If this continues, it could affect both the social and economic well-being of villagers," she said.Bikita District is located in a region that has historically experienced periodic seismic activity. Geological records indicate the area has endured at least 35 recorded earthquakes since the 1950s.The latest incident follows a 4.9 magnitude earthquake that hit near Kariba in December 2024. That quake, confirmed by the United States Geological Survey (USGS), struck at a shallow depth of 10 kilometres and caused moderate shaking in surrounding areas.Although Sunday's tremor did not cause physical destruction, local leaders and residents are urging government authorities and disaster management agencies to step in. They are calling for proper seismic assessments, early warning systems, and public education initiatives to better prepare communities in the event of future quakes."This is a wake-up call. We need awareness programmes and readiness plans for our communities before disaster strikes," said one concerned resident from Ward 1.Zimbabwe, while not situated along a major fault line, remains vulnerable to minor to moderate seismic activity, especially in areas like Kariba and Bikita. News / National by Staff reporter A man wearing earphones and listening to music was fatally run over by a train near Bulawayo Station on Tuesday afternoon, in what has become the third railway fatality reported in Zimbabwe within just 24 hours.According to the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ), the victim was struck by a locomotive at approximately 12:55PM while walking close to the tracks, seemingly unaware of the approaching train due to the earphones."He was listening to music through earphones," NRZ said in a statement. "The NRZ urges the public to be cautious when walking close to railway tracks and not to put on earphones."In two separate but equally tragic incidents on the same day, two men were reportedly run over by trains in Mutare and Zvishavane. Authorities believe both individuals may have been lying on the tracks at the time of the accidents. Investigations are underway to determine the exact circumstances surrounding their deaths.The spate of incidents has prompted renewed calls for public awareness around railway safety, with NRZ officials urging pedestrians to remain vigilant and to avoid distractions such as headphones when near rail lines."These incidents are deeply concerning and underscore the need for caution and attentiveness around railway infrastructure," an NRZ spokesperson said.Railway police have opened inquests into all three deaths. The identities of the victims are yet to be released, pending notification of their families.The NRZ continues to warn citizens against trespassing on railway tracks and to treat all rail corridors as active and dangerous zones, regardless of time or traffic frequency. UPDATE Jul 2, 2025 5:16 PM CDT A federal judge has stopped Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem from ending temporary protected status for Haitians in the US in September. The designation will remain in effect until Feb. 3 as implemented by the Biden administration, District Judge Brian Cogan ruled in New York, the Washington Post reports. Noem's action was illegal, said the judge, who was appointed by George W. Bush. Lawyers for Haitians fighting Noem's decision argued it was unfair to suddenly make them leave so soon. In his order, Cogan agreed and wrote, "When the Government confers a benefit over a fixed period of time, a beneficiary can reasonably expect to receive that benefit at least until the end of that fixed period." DHS said after the ruling Tuesday that the status, first issued after an earthquake, "was never intended to be a de facto asylum program." Jun 28, 2025 1:39 PM CDT The Trump administration has announced that it's dropping deportation protections for Haitians in the US, saying the violence in their impoverished Caribbean nation has eased enough to make it safe for citizens to return home. The move announced Friday puts more than 300,000 people at risk of deportation, the New York Times reports. Immigrants' advocates disagreed with the Department of Homeland Security, and the United Nations' human rights chief this month asked governments not to force anyone to go back to Haiti. Amnesty International USA denounced the decision. Monday was the last official day for the US Agency for International Development, with its remaining programs set to be absorbed into the State Department. Now, the agency's former headquarters in the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in downtown DC is set to see a new tenant move in: Kash Patel's Federal Bureau of Investigation. On Tuesday, the Trump administration announced the FBI would be relocating from its current home in the falling-apart J. Edgar Hoover Building a few blocks away, upending decades' worth of plans to move the agency into the Maryland suburbs, reports the Washington Post. Sources say that details on when the move will happen, what will happen to the tenants that remain in the Ronald Reagan Building, and how the building will be modified to accommodate the sensitive work of FBI agents, haven't yet emerged, though one source says some FBI staffers may be in the new site by Labor Day. A presidential portrait with President Trump's approval now hangs in the Colorado Capitol after his complaints got a previous one of him taken down , the AP reports. The new portrait by Tempe, Arizona, artist Vanessa Horabuena is a sterner, crisper image than Sarah Boardman's painting of Trump that had hung since 2019. Last spring, Trump posted on social media that Boardman "must have lost her talent as she got older" and "purposely distorted" him, criticisms the Colorado Springs artist denied. The next day, lawmakers announced they would remove the portrait from a wall of past presidents. By the day after that, Boardman's painting was gone, put into museum storage. The Horabuena portrait donated by the White House a month or so ago went up this week after a Thursday decision by Lois Court, a former state lawmaker who chairs the Capitol Building Advisory Committee that helps select artwork for the Capitol in downtown Denver. "There was a blank on the wall. It seemed inappropriate. We knew that the White House had sent us this replacement and it simply made sense to put it up," Court said. The White House donated the Horabuena portrait a month or so ago, said Court. Horabuena is a "Christian worship artist" who has done several other depictions of Trump as well as Abraham Lincoln, Mount Rushmore, and Jesus Christ, according to her website. On Tuesday, the Colorado statehouse was sleepy with lawmakers out of session and no schoolchildren visiting the historic building. A smattering of tourists took photos of the new portrait. "Thank you to the Highly Talented Artist, Vanessa Horabuena, and the incredible people of Colorado," Trump posted Tuesday on his social media platform, Truth Social. The portrait and others of past presidents might not remain up for long. The advisory committee is considering whether to replace them with portraits of past governors to mark the 150th anniversary of Colorado statehood next year. The Pentagon has paused a shipment of missiles and ammunition to Ukraine, citing concerns about dwindling US stockpiles, according to multiple officials and sources familiar with the decision. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth implemented the hold after initiating a review of the nation's munitions inventory, which has been stretched thin by both the ongoing Ukraine conflict and US military operations in the Middle East, per NBC News . The pause, first reported by Politico , affects a range of weapons, including dozens of Patriot missile interceptors, thousands of 155mm howitzer munitions, more than 100 Hellfire missiles, and various other missile systems and launchers. The delay could last until the review is done and may extend if supplies are deemed too low or needed elsewhere. Days after pausing weapons deliveries to Ukraine, US President Trump said Monday that the US would be sending more arms to the country. The AP calls it an "abrupt change in posture." Speaking to reporters after the latest Russian attacks on Ukraine, Trump said, per Reuters , "We're going to send some more weapons. We have to. They have to be able to defend themselves. They're getting hit very hard, now. They're getting hit very hard. We're going to have to send more weapons, defensive weapons, primarily." A White House spokeswoman said the move is about prioritizing US interests, emphasizing that "the strength of the United States Armed Forces remains unquestionedjust ask Iran." At a NATO conference last week, President Trump acknowledged the difficulty in sourcing Patriot systems for Ukraine given current global demand, including US commitments to Israel. Ukrainian officials have called the halt "painful," warning that any hesitation in support could embolden Russia amid stepped-up missile and drone attacks. The Ukrainian Defense Ministry recently reported the largest aerial assault since the start of the war. story continues below Per the AP, the US has funneled more than $66 billion worth of weapons and military aid to Ukraine since 2022. The stopped shipments had already been approved and, in some cases, were close to delivery. While it's not unusual for a new administration to review arms transfers, some officials expressed concern about the timing, arguing that Ukraine needs to project strength for negotiations. Iran's president on Wednesday ordered the country to suspend its cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency after American and Israeli airstrikes hit its most-important nuclear facilities, likely further limiting inspectors' ability to track Tehran's program that had been enriching uranium to near weapons-grade levels. The order by President Masoud Pezeshkia included no timetables or details about what that suspension would entail, per the AP . However, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi signaled in a CBS News interview that Tehran still would be willing to continue negotiations with the United States. Iran has limited IAEA inspections in the past as a pressure tactic in negotiating with the Westthough as of right now Tehran has denied that there's any immediate plans to resume talks with the US that had been upended by the 12-day Iran-Israel war. "I don't think negotiations will restart as quickly as that," Araghchi said, referring to Trump's comments that talks could start as early as this week. But "the doors of diplomacy will never slam shut." Iranian state television announced Pezeshkian's order, which followed a law passed by Iran's parliament to suspend that cooperation. The bill already received the approval of Iran's constitutional watchdog, the Guardian Council, on Thursday, and likely the support of the country's Supreme National Security Council, which Pezeshkian chairs. State television quoted the bill as saying "this suspension will remain in effect until certain conditions are met, including the guaranteed security of nuclear facilities and scientists." It wasn't immediately clear what that would mean for the IAEA, the United Nations agency that has long monitored Iran's nuclear program. Calling the move "a complete renunciation of all its international nuclear obligations and commitments," Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar urged European nations that were part of Iran's 2015 nuclear deal to implement its so-called snapback clause, which would reimpose all lifted UN sanctions. Former Treasury secretaries Robert Rubin and Lawrence Summers are no strangers to fiscal problems and rapid technological changes, which were front and center during their time with the Clinton administration. With conservative planning, "we paired policies that reduced the deficit with others that stimulated investment," triggering a "virtuous economic cycle of growth, deficit reduction, lower interest rates and thus more investment and growth," they write at the New York Times , drawing a contrast to President Trump's "opposite," "slash-and-burn" approach, which poses "huge risks to our economy." Under Trump's tax and policy bill, which carries trillions of dollars in tax cuts for the highest earners and more than $1 trillion in healthcare cuts, the country's debt, already as big as its entire economic output, could grow to 135% or more, meaning "an annual budget deficit equaling 8% of gross domestic product, by 2035," the pair write. This obviously breaks with Trump's promise to "restore fiscal sanity to our nation" and not add to the federal debt, they note. But instead of recognizing that "we cannot achieve the sound fiscal trajectory required for longer-term prosperity without significant tax increases," Trump's team is "employing accounting gimmicks" that essentially resort to "magical thinking." For instance, the administration claims no Americans will lose healthcare coverage when the reality is that "over 11 million people will lose insurance," which "could translate to at least 100,000 preventable deaths over the next decade," write Rubin and Summers, concluding "a responsible Congress" would reject the bill "that is more budget busting than big and beautiful." Read the piece in full here. Flint, Michigan, has completed its lead water pipe replacement project more than a decade after the city's water crisis drew national attention. According to a recent court report, 11,000 lead pipes have been replaced and 28,000 properties have been inspected, NBC News reports. The milestone comes after years of legal pressure and public outcry. The crisis began in 2014, when the city switched its water source from Detroit to the Flint River as a temporary cost-saving measure while a pipeline to Lake Huron was built. Residents soon complained about the water's cloudy appearance, and health officials later detected high levels of contaminants, including lead and E. coli. Despite reassurances from city authorities that the water was safe, Flint did not return to Detroit's system until late 2015. The CDC estimates nearly 100,000 residents were exposed to lead during the crisis because the city failed to ensure there were corrosion-control chemicals in the new water supply, resulting in lead leaching from old pipes, the Washington Post reports. A 2017 lawsuit resulted in a $626 million settlement, which included free lead pipe replacement. About 4,000 homes in Flint still have lead pipes, either because the properties are vacant or the owners declined replacement, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council. Erik Olson, senior strategic director for health at the NRDC, says the removal of lead pipes in Flint is "historic," the Post reports. "It really showed people power to push back against a government that was shrugging its shoulders and not caring about the people across the city that had lead-contaminated water," he says. It's a coin toss as to what's harder: Rowing solo across the Atlantic Ocean, or not sleeping for any period longer than 90 minutes while doing so. Zara Lachlan did both. Guinness World Records confirms the 21-year-old British woman broke a trio of records by rowing 4,366 miles (3,794 nautical miles) across the Atlantic in 97 days, 10 hours and 20 minutes. She departed from Lagos, Portugal, in a 24-foot boat and ended up in Cayenne, French Guiana. Her records: First female to row across the Atlantic from Europe to South America (mainland to mainland). Youngest person to row solo across the Atlantic from Europe to South America. Youngest person to row any ocean solo (female). "I just really enjoyed the whole experience. I thought I would be a lot more scared than I was," she told Guinness World Records . Although the start doesn't sound very enjoyable. The favorable winds she had hoped for didn't materialize initially, leading her to write in her diary that 35 of her initial 39 days were "soul-destroying." She says she quickly realized that her hope of completing the journey in 60 days wasn't realistic. Guinness adds that her boat capsized around day 40, leaving her without music, audiobooks, and podcasts to entertain and distract her. "I was in complete silence for two months," she said. "And because I'm in complete silence, and because I'm getting so little sleep, I hallucinated, like, almost daily," seeing waves crest into grey horses, for instance. Though she had been a rower for five years, she had never done so on the ocean. "[Before my trip] I had never actually been around sea life or anything like that, so I had never seen a fish in the ocean before I left." story continues below As for that sleep detail, Lachlan said she rowed a minimum of 17 hours every day and never slept for more than four hours total: one 90-minute sleep cycle and 20-minute power naps. "That doesn't work for everyone, but I'm young and I know that I can work off of that amount of sleep," she said. Lachlan, who used the journey to raise funds for two charities, Team Forces Foundation and Women in Sport, will join the British Army in September as a technical officer, the BBC reports. Israel on Wednesday indicated that President Trump was correct about it agreeing to "the necessary" conditions for a ceasefire in Gaza. "We said yes to Special Envoy Witkoff's proposals," Israeli foreign minister Gideon Saar said while speaking to reporters during a state visit to Estonia. "We are serious in our will to reach a hostage deal and a ceasefire." NBC News reports Saar did not delve into the details of the proposal but said "our goal is to begin proximity talks as soon as possible." Fairbanks, AK (99701) Today Rain showers in the morning with scattered thunderstorms arriving in the afternoon. High 69F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%.. Tonight Cloudy with showers. Low 54F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%. News / National by Staff reporter Faith Zaba, editor of the privately owned Zimbabwe Independent weekly newspaper, has been remanded in custody ahead of her bail hearing scheduled for Thursday, 3 July.Zaba appeared briefly before Harare magistrate Vakayi Chikwekwe on Tuesday, facing charges of undermining the authority of the President. However, the bail application was postponed after the State requested additional time to verify her medical records.Prosecutor Takudzwa Jambawu explained, "We request that the bail hearing be heard on July 3 at 11:15 AM. This has been necessitated by the presentation of certain documents containing the accused's medical history, which we need to verify before making submissions on the bail application."Zaba's legal representative, Chris Mhike, expressed disappointment at the delay, highlighting concerns over her client's health."We are naturally disappointed that the accused must spend another night in custody at a time she is not feeling well. She had been on bed rest at the time of her arrest on the orders of her medical doctor. A prison is not the best place for people who are unwell," Mhike said.He added that the defence acknowledges the State has not dismissed their concerns regarding Zaba's health."We believe the State's request is in the best interests of the accused and hope that this allowance will enable the necessary administrative processes to be completed. We seek assurance that there will be no further delays and that the accused will receive appropriate medical attention while in detention," Mhike concluded.The case has drawn attention amid broader concerns over press freedom and judicial processes in Zimbabwe. The next hearing is expected to provide clarity on whether bail will be granted to the editor. TDT | Manama Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) - Medical University of Bahrain welcomes a growing number of international students through its clinical elective exchange programme with renown international universities, reflecting its international outlook and reputation for excellence in healthcare education and clinical training. International students from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (US), George Washington University (US), University of Glasgow (UK) or Keele University (UK) have taken part in clinical electives at the Universitys affiliated teaching hospitals, including King Hamad University Hospital and the Royal Medical Services - Bahrain Defence Force Hospital. Designed to offer valuable hands-on training across a range of medical specialties, the programme provides students with clinical exposure in a culturally diverse, patient-centred environment. Under the guidance of experienced healthcare professionals, visiting students gain valuable insight into the clinical practices of the Kingdoms advanced healthcare system. Professor Sameer Otoom, President of RCSI Medical University of Bahrain, commented: The Kingdom of Bahrain has long been recognised for its welcoming, multicultural society making it an ideal destination for students seeking world class higher education. Additionally, the countrys advanced healthcare system is an attractive proposition for medical students. We are grateful to our partner hospitals, the Higher Education Council and other stakeholders for their continued commitment to excellence in healthcare and Higher Education, which makes the country a destination for international medical students and support our mission in the Kingdom of Bahrain. The clinical electives exchange programme also provides our students with the opportunity to complete electives at partner institutions around the world, reinforcing the Universitys commitment to developing globally competent healthcare professionals. As RCSI Medical University of Bahrain continues to expand its global network of partnerships, the growing interest in the University clinical electives programme reflects both the strength of the Kingdom of Bahrains appeal for international medical students and the Universitys standing with our international partners. TDT | Manama Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com The American University of Bahrain (AUBH) has hosted online the Sustain Bahrain 2025, a Scopus Indexed International Conference, under the theme Empowering Innovation for a Sustainable Future. The conference was held in the esteemed presence of Dr. Diana Abdulkarim Al Jahrami, the Secretary-General of the Higher Education Council, and brought together a diverse gathering of local and international speakers, researchers, and subject-matter experts in the field of sustainability and innovation. The two-day virtual event included a comprehensive agenda of academic sessions, panel discussions, and expert-led dialogues, offering a platform for the exchange of knowledge and ideas on key sustainability challenges and opportunities. Two major panel discussions were featured during the event. The first, titled Fostering Innovation and Sustainability in the GCC, offered in-depth perspectives on the evolving sustainability landscape within the Gulf region. The second panel, Interdisciplinary Research and Its Role in Achieving SDGs, brought together renowned scholars and experts from across the world to examine how collaborative, cross-disciplinary research can advance global sustainability objectives. Participants presented a range of research papers, scholarly articles, and academic periodicals, covering emerging perspectives on sustainability across multiple domains. Prof. Hanan Naser, Associate Provost of the American University of Bahrain commented, AUBH is proud to host this conference which represented a tangible step toward transforming academic research, creative thinking, and innovative ideas into actionable development strategies. The aim was to develop practical, scalable solutions tailored to the needs of the Kingdom of Bahrain and support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals while aligning with Bahrains Economic Vision 2030. This initiative embodied AUBHs institutional commitment to contributing to long-term sustainability and meaningful societal progress. Aeromexico guests travelling from Mexico to benefit from partnership with newly added code and access to four additional Canadian cities CALGARY, AB, July 2, 2025 /CNW/ - WestJet today announced an expansion of its reciprocal codeshare partnership with Aeromexico, offering guests on both sides of the continent enhanced access to a broader network of destinations all with the ease of a single booking. Available today, guests travelling to and from WestJet's Canadian network, including its global hub in Calgary, can expand their horizons to some of the airlines' most interesting destinations with the convenience of booking their entire journey on one ticket, seamless single connection, baggage transfers and earning WestJet Rewards throughout. Mexico (CNW Group/WESTJET, an Alberta Partnership) "As the number one Canadian carrier to Mexico, WestJet's expanded partnership with Aeromexico represents a meaningful step forward in deepening the airline's commitment to the region," said John Weatherill, WestJet Executive Vice-President and Chief Commercial Officer. "Our longstanding partnership has always reflected a shared vision to better connect communities across North America. This expansion reinforces our commitment to delivering seamless, accessible travel for our guests, and signals our intent to grow with purpose and partnership for years to come." "As Mexico's Global Airline, our goal is to connect Mexico with the world. To achieve this, partnerships with great allies such as WestJet are essential. We are thrilled about this expansion, through which we will connect WestJet's clients to our domestic network and show the best of Mexico. On the other hand, we will be pleased to offer Aeromexico's travellers more destinations across Canada", said Jose Zapata, Vice-President of Sales for US, Canada and Latin America. Additional codeshare destinations for WestJet guests travelling south From cultural capital cities to hidden gems by the sea, WestJet guests can now enjoy streamlined access to more than 30 destinations across Mexico; ideal for discovering ancient ruins, vibrant culinary scenes or coastal escapes. With codeshare service already available to major Mexican cities such as Guadalajara and Monterrey, guests can also now enjoy expanded connectivity to additional destinations, including: Aguascalientes Ciudad Obregon Ciudad Juarez Durango Oaxaca Puerto Escondido Tampico Tuxtla Gutierrez Torreon Veracruz Additional codeshare destinations for Aeromexico guests travelling North The partnership expansion opens options for Mexico-based guests looking to see the best of Canada. Guests travelling from across Aeromexico's network now have access to connect to more than 20 uniquely Canadian destinations from coast-to-coast-to-coast with WestJet including Victoria, Regina, Saskatoon, Ottawa and Halifax. In addition, starting today, guests will have access to three new popular British Columbia destinations including Comox, Cranbrook and Nanaimo as well as the return of codeshare service to St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador. About WestJet WestJet took to the skies in 1996 with just over 200 employees and three aircraft operating service to five destinations. Since then, WestJet has pioneered low-cost travel in Canada, cutting airfares in half, and increasing the flying population in Canada by more than 50 per cent. Following integration with Sunwing in 2025, more than 14,000 WestJetters support nearly 200 aircraft and connect guests to more than 100 destinations across North America, Central America, the Caribbean, Europe and Asia. As a major Canadian employer that includes WestJet Airlines, Sunwing Vacations Group and WestJet Cargo, the WestJet Group is Canada's leading low-cost airline and largest vacation provider, with a united purpose of providing affordable and accessible air and vacation travel to Canadians. Learn more about WestJet at westjet.com/en-ca/who-we-are (also available in French) Follow WestJet on Facebook at facebook.com/westjet Follow WestJet on X at x.com/westjet and x.com/WestJetNews Follow WestJet on Instagram at instagram.com/westjet/ Subscribe to WestJet on YouTube at youtube.com/westjet About Grupo Aeromexico Grupo Aeromexico, S.A.B. de C.V., is a holding company with subsidiaries engaged in commercial and cargo aviation in Mexico, training, assistance, and maintenance, as well as the control of its passenger loyalty program: Aeromexico, Aeromexico Connect, Aeromexico Cargo, Aeromexico Formacion, Aeromexico Servicios and Aeromexico Rewards. The company is Mexico's global airline and has its main hub at Mexico City International Airport. Its destinations network features Mexico, the United States, Canada, Central America, South America, Asia, and Europe. The Group's operating fleet is comprised of Boeing 787 and 737 jet airliners and Embraer 190 models. Aeromexico is a founding member of the SkyTeam airline alliance, which celebrated its 25th anniversary and serves 184 countries with its 18 SkyTeam airline partners. SOURCE WESTJET, an Alberta Partnership Email WestJet media relations at [email protected]; Media contact: [email protected] TAMPA, FL and STAMFORD, CT, July 1, 2025 /CNW/ - Primo Brands Corporation (NYSE: PRMB) ("Primo Brands" or the "Company"), today announced that the Company will release its second quarter ended June 30, 2025 financial results before the markets open on Thursday, August 7, 2025. Primo Brands will host a conference call, to be simultaneously webcast, on Thursday, August 7, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. ET. A question-and-answer session will follow management's presentation. To participate, please call the following numbers: Details for the Earnings Conference Call: Date: August 7, 2025 Time: 10:00 a.m. ET North America Dial-in: (888) 510-2154 International Dial-in: (437) 900-0527 Conference ID: 91812 Webcast Link: https://app.webinar.net/4DVw0w9aWjk Webcast for Second Quarter 2025 Earnings Conference Call: A live audio webcast will be available through the Company's website at https://ir.primobrands.com. The webcast will be recorded and archived for playback on the investor relations section of the website following the event. About Primo Brands Corporation Primo Brands is a leading North American branded beverage company focused on healthy hydration, delivering responsibly sourced diversified offerings across products, formats, channels, price points, and consumer occasions, distributed in every U.S. state and Canada. Primo Brands has a comprehensive portfolio of highly recognizable and conveniently packaged branded water and beverages distributed across more than 200,000 retail outlets, including established "billion-dollar brands" Poland Spring and Pure Life, premium brands like Saratoga and Mountain Valley, regional leaders such as Arrowhead, Deer Park, Ice Mountain, Ozarka, and Zephyrhills, purified brands including Primo Water and Sparkletts, and flavored and enhanced brands like Splash Refresher and AC+ION. These product offerings are sold directly across retail channels, including mass, food, convenience, natural, drug, wholesale, distributors, and home improvement, as well as food service accounts in North America. Primo Brands also has extensive direct-to-consumer offerings with its industry-leading line-up of innovative water dispensers, which create consumer connectivity through recurring purchases across its Direct Delivery, Exchange and Refill offerings. Through Direct Delivery, Primo Brands delivers responsibly sourced hydration solutions direct to home and business customers. Through Exchange, consumers can visit approximately 26,500 retail locations and purchase a pre-filled, multi-use bottle of water that can be exchanged after use for a discount on the next purchase. Through its Refill offering, consumers have the option to refill empty multi-use bottles at approximately 23,500 self-service refill stations. Primo Brands also offers water filtration units for home and business customers across North America. Primo Brands is a leader in reusable beverage packaging, helping to reduce waste through its multi-serve bottles and innovative brand packaging portfolio, which includes recycled plastic, aluminum, and glass. Primo Brands has a portfolio of over 90 springs and actively manages water resources to help assure a steady supply of quality, safe drinking water today and in the future. Primo Brands also helps conserve over 28,000 acres of land across the U.S. and Canada. Primo Brands is proud to partner with the International Bottled Water Association ("IBWA") in North America, which supports strict adherence to safety, quality, sanitation, and regulatory standards for the benefit of consumer protection. Primo Brands is committed to supporting the communities it serves, investing in local and national programs and delivering hydration solutions following natural disasters and other local community challenges. Primo Brands employs more than 13,000 associates with dual headquarters in Tampa, Florida, and Stamford, Connecticut. For more information, please visit www.primobrands.com SOURCE Primo Brands Corporation. Jon Kathol, Vice President, Investor Relations, [email protected] News / National by Staff reporter Controversial businessman Wicknell Chivayo has paid glowing tribute to Zimbabwe's late Vice President and liberation icon, Dr Joshua Mqabuko Nyongolo Nkomo, while pledging a significant donation of US$250,000 to the Joshua Nkomo Trust in honour of the late nationalist's enduring legacy.In a heartfelt message shared on Monday - marking 26 years since Dr Nkomo's passing on 1 July 1999 - Chivayo described the late Father Zimbabwe as a "fearless liberator, a voice for the oppressed, and a symbol of unity, hope, and reconciliation.""Every year on the 1st of July, the nation of Zimbabwe solemnly remembers the illustrious life of a gallant son of the soil, Dr Joshua Mqabuko Nyongolo Nkomo," said Chivayo. "This is a man who dedicated his entire life to our freedom, fighting colonial rule alongside other distinguished liberation icons including the late President R. G. Mugabe, H.E. President E. D. Mnangagwa, and Josiah Tungamirai, just to name a few."He praised Nkomo's commitment to peace and unity, noting that his leadership during and after the liberation war helped to unify Zimbabweans across race, tribe, and political divides. Dr Nkomo, affectionately known as Umdala Wethu, is remembered for signing the historic Unity Accord with former President Mugabe in 1987, a move that ended years of internal conflict and helped consolidate the country's post-independence peace.Chivayo also hailed Dr Nkomo's contribution to the integration of the ZIPRA and ZANLA forces into a single, professional Zimbabwe National Army under one flag."Through such selfless leadership, Cde Nkomo cemented his reputation as the beloved Father of a free and united nation," he said.He further recognised the former Vice President's work in development, education, and land reform, praising his vision for a prosperous Zimbabwe. "He championed development that uplifted communities, sourcing machinery from abroad to establish rural industries and became the brainchild of the Matabeleland Zambezi Water Project which transformed drought-prone areas into a green belt' of prosperity," Chivayo added.As a tribute to this legacy, Chivayo announced a donation of US$250,000 to the Joshua Nkomo Trust, led by the late leader's daughter Thandi Nkomo, as a "small token of appreciation" to support the Trust's ongoing work."I will be most honoured by the acceptance of this gesture and invite the designated trustees of the Joshua Nkomo Trust together with her to collect the funds at their earliest convenience," Chivayo said.He expressed hope that the contribution would help the Trust continue its work in education, cultural development, and welfare initiatives, in line with Dr Nkomo's aspirations for a better Zimbabwe."May his dear soul continue to rest in eternal peace, and may his legacy continue to live on through generations to come," he concluded.Dr Joshua Nkomo, widely revered as "Father Zimbabwe", remains one of the most respected figures in the country's history, remembered for his unwavering commitment to liberation, nation-building, and reconciliation. The RM of Corman Park wants to re-visit a possible expansion to the parking lot of the Fred Heal Canoe Launch, a popular beach area located along the eastern edge of the South Saskatchewan River. On June 10, the RMs planning committee voted to recommend to council that the canoe launch parking lot be added to the Carry-forward Action List and that administration determine the cost of expanding the parking lot and how it would impact the RMs budget. As well, the recommendation calls on administration to work with the Meewasin Valley Authority (MVA), which looks after the canoe launch, to re-examine the proposed improvements. This recommendation was later adopted at the June 24 council meeting. As explained in an administration report, the Fred Heal Canoe Launch is an 8.37-hectare site located on Crown land south of Saskatoon. Chief administrative officer Kerry Hilts said the popularity of beach sites along the river in close proximity to Saskatoon is putting a lot of pressure on available parking in the area. Recognizing this problem, the RM had submitted a letter to the province in 2017 requesting the use of Crown land for parking at the canoe launch. The Ministry of Agriculture indicated its support for expanding the lot, pending approval from all appropriate ministries and agencies. In 2019, Corman Park prepared a plan for expanding the parking lot to 0.5 hectares in order to accommodate 50 to 60 vehicles. The plan was reviewed by the Meewasin Valley Authority, which re-sized the lot to 0.3 hectares in order to accommodate 62 vehicles. The estimated cost of the expanded lot was $100,000. The parking lot design was submitted to the MVA board in June 2019 and was approved. However, the matter seems to have fallen by the wayside in the years since then. Division 3 Councillor Lyndon Haduik said this has been an ongoing issue for as long as hes been on council, noting that if you go down to the canoe launch on a hot summer day, you can find vehicles parked as far back as a mile up the road leading to the site. If theres an emergency, you cannot get in or out of there, he said. I think we should do something before somebody does get hurt or drowns. Hilts said the MVA is likely holding off on the project as they pursue designation as a National Urban Park, which could result in some funding for projects like this. If we proceed today, were probably into it for 100 per cent ourselves as Corman Park, he said. Not wanting to let the matter lapse, the committee discussed putting the parking lot on the Carry-forward Action List, which tracks ongoing initiatives and projects, and also reach out to the MVA. News / National by Staff reporter The Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) rolled through the streets of Harare in armoured vehicles on Wednesday, sparking speculation and anxiety among residents, although the movement is widely believed to be part of routine military drills.The ZNA is yet to issue an official statement clarifying the purpose of the armoured convoy seen traversing key roads in the capital. However, in previous instances, the military has confirmed similar operations as scheduled drills aimed at maintaining readiness.Despite the apparent routine nature of the exercise, the scenes triggered uneasy memories for many Zimbabweans who vividly recall the military-led ouster of long-time leader Robert Mugabe in November 2017. That dramatic intervention began with similar convoys of tanks and armed soldiers moving through Harare, ultimately leading to a de facto coup that ended Mugabe's 37-year rule.Eyewitnesses said armoured vehicles were seen moving through central and eastern parts of Harare, escorted by uniformed personnel."I know they've done this before, but it still brings back memories," said one resident who spoke on condition of anonymity. "You never really forget 2017."While there has been no indication of political unrest or security threats, the timing of the convoy-amid growing public discontent over economic conditions-has fuelled speculation on social media.Security analysts say the drills are most likely standard preparedness routines. However, they acknowledge that given Zimbabwe's political history, such displays of force will always carry heavy symbolic weight.Government and army officials are expected to issue clarification in due course. Opinion / Columnist The death of former President of Zambia, Advocate Lungu is opening a can of worms. How did he get a Zimbabwean diplomatic green passport from Zimbabwe. This question must be asked by Zimbabweans too, how did got it? Surely, from the government of Zimbabwe: how else could he have acquired such a high-profile document without government assistance. Corruption cannot be worse than what has just happened to Lungu. Whatever he wanted to conceal using a false passport to get medical assistance is now open, we know, and we can start speculating too, that Lungu could have been a citizen of Zimbabwe incognito. What is not clear is how the South Arican hospital treated him using a false document. Are we to buy it that the hospital authorities were not privy the patient was high-profile, a former president of Zambia! It does not add up to full total!No amount of denial will quieten the fact: Lungu died in a South African hospital where he was admitted with the name Mr. Tendai Munyaradzi, hence the whole burial procedures were complicated by that revelation. Mangwana came out refusing that Lungu possessed a Zimbabwe diplomatic document. It is embarrassing enough; to further fuel issues by refusing it, makes the government of Zimbabwe a mockery. Here, they have been found wanting: The Zimbabwe government must give a credible explanation as to why Lungu held a diplomatic passport with a Zimbabwe name Tendai Munyaradzi. That Lungu possessed a Zimbabwean passport is a national security issue that should raffle the Harare regime. Are our African presidents criminals?It happens globally that citizens can forge passports of other countries as survival strategy. It is, however, inconceivable for a former head of state to stoop so low. Most citizens, forced by desperate circumstances dropped their original citizenship and acquired one passport and citizenship of that country. This time around it is different. A whole former head state is found with 3 foreign diplomatic documents, reminiscent with actions of criminals. Is Lungu a criminal? What was the use of three foreign documents in his name? Who issued documents from other countries? Apart from Zimbabwe, which other country issued him a passport? Are these countries from the SADC region? SADC citizens have the right to be informed about these details. If indeed Lungu got his passport from Zimbabwe, under what conditions was he given that passport, as erstwhile citizen?The burial of Advocate Lungu was stopped because serious background issues must be cleared first. It must be established that Lungu was a citizen of which country Zambia or Zimbabwe. If the passport he used at the time of death was Zimbabwean: with the name, Tendai Munyaradzi, it must be established first if indeed he was Zimbabwean. Secondly, if he was Zambian, why acquiring several foreign passports to muddle waters. The devil is in the detail! There is a lot to be unpacked before Advocate Edgar Lungu is laid to rest. Lungu is not a private person: He was sixth leader of an African nation with member of several international organisations including SADC, AU, UN & other sub-organisations globally. There is no privacy to talk about here. His death is of public concern not only in Zambia but the whole of Africa. He cannot be buried in South Africa even by a stretch of imagination, but in a designated place in Zambia where other Presidents were laid to rest. This is truly what HH is trying to achieve, never to expose him, but to honor him, give dignity that duly belongs to Lungu, former head of state.In Zezuru I would have said: ndinozomunyarira: in Bemba, nafi sevanya uku.The South African courts must begin unpacking issues surrounding his hospitalization first. Why did the authorities conceal a high-profile patient in their premises without alerting at least the South African high secret service and treat the case as a national security issue in the event it happened, he died using a false passport under their jurisdiction. I shudder to believe that the authorities in the hospital were not privy of the false document with a name, Tendai Munyaradzi instead of HE Edgar Lungu. Such a personality of Lungu cannot hide enough even if he had a false document.Jeff Juda was talking about the same topic in the social media: I listen to him not for content, but about his drama when talking exactly such issues, he loves, gloats questioning identity of individuals. Lungu's identity mismatch did not escape Jeff Juda. "Veku Masvingo vaudzwa here kuti kunemu Karanga atisiya ku South Africa"? I wonder still if the Lungu family realizes a serious problem that could drag for months before Lungu is laid to rest. It is incumbent upon the government of Zambia to make a thorough investigation to this matter: who will trust an African if an African head of state can fraudulently acquire three different foreign passports all of which are of different countries? Did the Zambia government evoke his diplomatic passport he is supposed to possess indefinitely? Many questions must be adequately answered and his next of skins must be investigated if they hold such passports too.President HH has handled Lungu saga with great statesmanship. HH is a noble man. In all these verbal lacerations in the media, the criminal aspect of the whole issue is not recklessly spoken about, either by HH or his party and government. Edgar Lungu is accorded dignity in death by HH expected in accordance with the philosophy of UBUNTU. Deerhoof has begun the process of removing their music from Spotify due to the co-founder's ties to an AI battle tech company. (Photo by Robin Little/Redferns,) Redferns, Spotify has come under fire for not labeling AI-generated music that has recently flooded the streaming service. San Francisco indie rock band Deerhoof is taking things a step further in protest of the co-founder and chief executive officer, Daniel Eks, investment in an AI military company. In a statement released on the bands Instagram account on Monday, Deerhoof announced they will be pulling their entire 20-album discography from Spotify. Daniel Ek uses $700 million of his Spotify fortune to become chairman of AI battle tech company was not a headline we enjoyed reading this week, the band wrote. We dont want our music killing people. We dont want our success being tied to AI battle tech. Ek himself is the founder of an investment fund named Prima Materia. In June, Prima Materia led an effort to raise 600 million ($693.6 million) for Helsing, a defense company specializing in the sale of software utilizing AI to inform tactical decisions, as reported by CNBC. Ek joined the company board in 2021 and was later named chairman last month. NJ Advance Media has reached out to Spotify for comment. The members of Deerhoof also stated that they were entering a strategic partnership with DoorDash and that the band made more money from touring anyway. They later levied a critique of Spotifys overall experience for both users and musicians. Spotify is flushing itself down the toilet, the band said. Eventually artists will want to leave this already widely hated data-mining scam masquerading as a music company. Its creepy for users and crappy for artists. Music-making lasts forever, but this or that digital get-rich-quick scheme is sure to become obsolete. As far as the takedowns are concerned, labels the band has worked with, such as Kill Rock Stars and Polyvinyl, will have to request Deerhoofs music to be removed. The grunt work of pulling content off of Spotify is something theyre now tasked with, and they are sharing the financial hit, the band wrote, We know we are asking them to make a sacrifice, and it means a lot to us. Joyful Noise Recordings, the label which has aided in the release of Deerhoofs last six albums, released a statement in support of the bands move. As an independent record label, we serve the artist, Joyful Noise wrote. It is ultimately their decision to present their material on whichever platforms they choose. It is with this in mind that we hold no judgment towards any artist that wishes to keep their music on the platform. Related coverage: Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Murjani Rawls may be reached at mrawls@njadvancemedia.com Owner Lashaun Crawford poses for a portrait at Girl with a Grill in Voorhees, NJ on June 25, 2025. Gavin Schweiger | For NJ Advance Media A New Jersey restaurant owner is fighting to bring families back to the dinner table by offering them a meal that costs only what they can afford. Lashaun Crawford, who opened Girl With a Grill in Voorhees this past February, is setting out to restore a sense of community through food. For the past three months, Crawford has hosted a monthly pay what you can event at her South Jersey restaurant. The initiative asks families to simply contribute what they can financially for a meal. Crawford believes people should be able to enjoy good food regardless of their financial situation. With so much stuff happening in the world, nobodys sitting at the dinner table anymore. Its hard to sit at the dinner table, its expensive to sit at the dinner table, Crawford said. I wanted to bring families back to the dinner table but I wanted to take away the cost aspect of it. During regular business hours, the restaurant serves up menu of of hot dogs, chicken wings, fried fish, rice bowls and more. But once a month, Girl With a Grill is serving a feeling of family. There is no minimum donation, no registers and no judgement Families are given an envelope upon arrival for their financial contribution, and they drop it into a box so the donations are anonymous. Families can eat from a buffet featuring many of the normal menus staples. The inside of Girl with a Grill in Voorhees, NJ on June 25, 2025. Gavin Schweiger | For NJ Advance Media If you have $200, $300, $400 and want to come in to feed your family then thats fine, do that, Crawford said. But if you only have $20 or $40, please come do that too. Its for everybody. There are only two requirements: Customers can only take what youre going to eat. And you have to bring your family no solo diners or date nights. Families dont have to be nuclear or blood-related, but a guardian with a child is encouraged. But other family dynamics like groups of siblings, cousins and in-laws are welcome as well. With no grant support, the pay what you can has been funded through donations and the restaurants own money. While Crawford acknowledged that grant money would help a lot, she has been steadfast that the initiative will continue to go on. Our mission is to bring these families back to the table and address hot food insecurities whether we have grant money or not, Crawford said. Ive never been worried about where the money is coming from, I know well make it through. You dont have to have it all to make it through. Crawford believes the innovative approach to family reunification resonates so well because food is a crux of the family dynamic. The event usually occurs later in the month on a Monday since the restaurant is normally closed that day. Mays dinner drew 40 families and more than 150 people in two hours (5 to 7 p.m.) so Crawford extended the June 23 event an extra hour. The fish platter with french fries at Girl with a Grill in Voorhees, NJ on June 25, 2025. Gavin Schweiger | For NJ Advance Media Crawford, who grew up as a military brat and spent most of her younger years in Virginia, has been giving out free food for years through her nonprofit called Staying the Course. Shes provided meals on the streets of Camden, Philadelphia and beyond. The nonprofit has fed more 15,000 people in the last two-and-a-half years at community projects and giveback events. The owner never announces the food giveaways until they set up so that she can target where the need is. For me, the biggest thing is youve got to give more than you take in this world, Crawford said. Owner Lashaun Crawford, left, tells a story to Elijah Hines, right, at Girl with a Grill in Voorhees, NJ on June 25, 2025. Gavin Schweiger | For NJ Advance Media More food coverage: Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Christopher Burch can be reached at cburch@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter: @SwishBurch. Find NJ.comon Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us atnj.com/tips/. A woman indicted on a vehicular homicide charge for a Gloucester County crash that killed her passenger was sentenced to probation this week after she pleaded guilty to a reduced charge. Anea J. Cook, 30, of Berlin, was driving an SUV northbound on Route 42 in Washington Township on Aug. 20, 2022, when police said the vehicle left the roadway around 3:45 a.m. and struck a concrete overpass support column. The vehicle caught fire and was soon engulfed in flames, police said. Passenger Shaneira A. McPherson, 31, of Glassboro, was killed, while Cook suffered serious injuries. A grand jury indicted Cook last year on a second-degree charge of reckless death by auto. Cooks toxicology tests after the crash revealed no alcohol in her blood, but the opioid oxycodone and THC, a marijuana metabolite, were detected, Superior Court Judge John Eastlack Jr. said during a sentencing hearing on Monday. Case paperwork described those substances as a contributing factor in the crash, the judge said. Under an agreement reached in May, Cook pleaded guilty to an amended charge of fourth-degree assault by auto. The prosecution agreed to recommend a three-year term of probation. Cook has no prior criminal record, accepted responsibility in this case and has maintained steady employment, Eastlack said as he weighed various factors before deciding on her sentence. Eastlack ultimately sentenced her in accordance with the plea agreement to a three-year probationary term. No restitution was sought in the case and no members of the victims family addressed the court prior to sentencing. Cook declined to speak prior to her sentencing. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Matt Gray may be reached at mgray@njadvancemedia.com. Perth Amboy historian John Kerry Dyke in front of the replica Liberty Bell, which will be rung 13 times to celebrate Independence Day. Patti Sapone | NJ Advance Media Theres something to celebrate on the 4th of July in each of New Jerseys 564 municipalities, but only one has its very own Liberty Bell to let freedom ring. As they do every year, Perth Amboy residents gather in Market Square opposite historic City Hall to ring the replica Liberty Bell 13 times one toll for each of 13 original colonies. File photo: Members of the community attend a march in Newark on Thursday, July 21, 2022, organized by the Newark Anti-Violence Coalition to condemn shootings. Community-based violence intervention programs are at risk because of federal funding cuts, experts say. Julian Leshay | For NJ Advance M Editors note: This story was originally published byNJ Spotlight News and shared as part of a content-sharing agreement between Mosaic.NJ.com and NJ Spotlight News. You can follow them on Facebook and Twitter (or X). Community-based violence intervention programs are a key component in reducing and preventing gun violence across the state, advocates, academics and state officials say. No statewide data points to a direct correlation between a reduction in homicide rates and the work of these programs. But recent data from the state shows the programs have contributed significantly to a reduction in the number of people who were shot across New Jersey. In 2023, 924 people were shot in the state, a 13% reduction compared to 2022, according to a recent report from the attorney generals office. Last year, 788 people were shot, further reducing the number of shooting victims in New Jersey, the report says. Fatal shootings are down 40% in New Jersey over the last four years, and in the past two years the state has seen the total number of shootings reach an all-time low, Attorney General Matthew Platkin said in a statement to NJ Spotlight News. These substantial decreases can be attributed to a multi-pronged approach that builds upon the courageous and dedicated work of our law enforcement officers to also include over $120 million of investments in community violence intervention programming that puts trained professionals at critical points of intervention like the hospital bedside and on the streets, preventing further violence and victimization, Platkin said. Layoffs, program cuts But community-based violence intervention programs in New Jersey and across the country have had to lay off employees and in some cases end services altogether after the U.S. Department of Justice abruptly canceled hundreds of ongoing grants in April. That work is being reduced or shuttered altogether as the region prepares for excessive heat. Crime increases and shootings occur more often when temperatures rise outside, academics and researchers have noted. By taking away funding from these organizations and leading to their collapse, the federal government is also now taking away the little bit of trust these organizations may have helped to build with other institutional structures or organizations, including local hospitals, Jason Williams, a professor of justice studies at Montclair State University, said. This is going to have a colossal effect and all kinds of collateral consequences that I dont even think people are really seeing or talking about right now, said Williams. On Tuesday, Platkin, along with 21 attorneys general and the state of Pennsylvania, filed a multistate lawsuit challenging the Trump administrations illegal attempts to end federal funding to states for a wide variety of programs, including those combating violent crime, according to a press release from the New Jersey attorney generals office. Community violence intervention and prevention services provide peer support, counseling, mentorship and conflict mediation. The goal is to improve peoples lives in neighborhoods where violence is common. The programs promote positive behavioral change and reduce the likelihood that people who are victims of community violence will commit or promote violence themselves. So important during summer And the programs work, say the experts who study them and the people whose lives have been changed by them. In a recent interview with NJ Spotlight News, Racquel Romans-Henry of Salvation and Social Justice said violence disruption teams are so important during summer because the programs offer outlets and resources to young people. It gives us access to the communities in a way that we may not have access to in other parts of the year when people tend to be indoors. And quite frankly, the need is incredibly great, said Romans-Henry, the director of policy for the Trenton-based nonprofit. Salvation and Social Justice runs the Trenton Restorative Street Team, which provides violence prevention and intervention programming through education and advocacy, among other offerings. More than ever, I think the support of these teams is crucial, said Romans-Henry. One of the things we continue to advocate for is not just increased state support, but increased local and county support for these crisis response teams and using cannabis dollars to support those teams as well, Romans-Henry said. Gov. Phil Murphys budget proposal for the fiscal year that begins July 1 includes $25.5 million in revenues from marijuana sales to support hospital and community-based violence intervention programs, according to a state budget document. Community trust Providers of community-based violence intervention programs across the state responded to a total of 688 violent incidents in 2024, according to Tara Oliver, a spokesperson for the attorney generals office. Other programs working to prevent and reduce violence this summer include thePaterson Healing Collective, a hospital-based violence intervention programin Passaic County. The healing collective pairs medical staff at St. Josephs University Medical Center in Paterson with community members who have built trusting relationships with their peers tomentor victims of gun violence many of whom are young men of color and limit retaliation among them. Earlier this month, the Paterson Healing Collective hosted its fourth annual Paterson Healing Fest concert in the city. The event, which included live music and free food, took place on Wear Orange weekend, a national effort spearheaded by the Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund to honor survivors of gun violence and demand a future free from gun violence. Around 500 people attended, according to Liza Chowdhury, executive director of the Paterson Healing Collective and Reimagining Justice Inc. The day after the event, June 8, the healing collective began its second annual Summer Peace Challenge, according to Casey Melvin, the director of both field operations and the crisis response team for the collective. The challenge encourages every neighborhood in the city, especially those considered to be high-crime areas, to take part in a 90-day contest to lower the number of gun violence incidents and to push for a summer free from shootings and homicides. The top three neighborhoods that have no gun violence or have the least amount of gun violence by the end of the 90 days will win a block party in their section of the city, according to Melvin. The community believes in us and were a trusted agency, Melvin said in a recent interview with NJ Spotlight News. The more support we receive, the better well do because our end goal is to end gun violence as the slogan for National Wear Orange Day states. Familiar faces The Paterson Healing Collective is so effective because staff members are from the community and are familiar faces who are going to a hospital bedside after a person has been shot, according to Chowdhury. Rahshon Dixon is one of those staff members that visits gunshot victims at St. Josephs University Medical Center. Dixon said in a recent interview that gunshot victims often face depression after surviving the experience. We leave a card, well take their information and give them our information, Dixon, a safety planning coordinator at the healing collective, said of the hospital visits. The healing collective offers one-on-one and group mental health counseling to gunshot victims, along with many other services, Dixon said. Providers of hospital-based violence intervention programs worked with over 2,500 people affected by violence in 2024, according to the attorney generals office. Violent crime rates and homicide rates have also been down nationally and in New Jersey over the last couple of years due in part to historic investments made by the Biden administration and states putting money into violence prevention, according to Daniel Semenza, an associate professor at Rutgers University. Community violence intervention and the adjacent hospital-based violence intervention has been a big part of that investment over the last couple of years, said Semenza, who also serves as the director of research at the New Jersey Gun Violence Research Center. Semenza noted that violence has decreased at some of the fastest rates nationally since homicide data started being recorded. However, he said his biggest concern is the reversal of these positive trends due to the federal funding cuts that happened in April. The news that is currently still coming out the quarterly news that you might see from something like the Real-Time Crime Index that is tracking homicide rates on a monthly, quarterly basis its still good news, said Semenza. Its still showing drops in violence throughout the state and throughout the country, but theres always going to be a lag. My fear is that now in the summer, when theres a little bit more of a lag time, we might start to see the implications of these funding cuts, Semenza said. Welcome to Mosaic. Follow us on Instagram at @MosaicNJcomand on Facebook atMosaicNJcomand on YouTube at@MosaicNJcom. The Fourth of July 2025 lineup for New Jersey includes plenty of fireworks, parades, concerts and events spread across two weekends. Check out the full listing. Matt Dowling | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com The Fourth of July in 2025 falls on a Friday and sets the stage for an action packed long weekend in New Jersey of fireworks, parades, concerts and festivals to celebrate Independence Day. Theres no shortage of July 4th festivities and if youre making plans for a busy weekend of grilling or visiting the Jersey Shore, weve got you covered. Shooters take aim from the deck of the Battleship New Jersey during the First Annual Sporting Clay Invitational on June 26 on the Camden Waterfront. Rich Ratner The Battleship New Jersey became a floating shooting range as dozens of competitors fired at clay targets soaring over the Delaware River last week. Shot after shot rang out from the deck of the historic ship on the Camden waterfront Thursday as competitors shattered thousands of discs during an unconventional fundraising event. Elon Musk gestures as he speaks during a news conference with President Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House, Friday, May 30, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) AP Tech billionaire Elon Musk appeared to kiss the ring of President Donald Trump on Wednesday after he renewed his criticism against the presidents big, beautiful bill this week. Musk launched a new attack on the GOPs budget megabill on Monday after he and Trump engaged in a shocking public breakup last month. After the worlds richest man departed from his administration in May, he has rallied against the legislation, arguing that it would increase federal spending and undermine the work of his former Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). This week, Musk has taken jabs at an expected trillion-dollar increase to the debt ceiling, and has suggested the formation of a new America Party if the bill were to be signed into law. He also threatened to fund primary challenges against some Republicans who campaigned against federal spending, but voted in support. The spending bill narrowly passed the Senate on Tuesday, as Vice President JD Vance cast the tie-breaking vote after a 50-50 final tally. Three Republicans joined all Democrats in opposition. It now makes its way to the House, with GOP leaders hoping the legislation advances to Trumps desk by his Friday deadline. Musks criticism has since prompted Trump to lash out on social media, warning on Tuesday that DOGE could cut government subsidies granted to Musks companies. Elon may get more subsidy than any human being in history, by far, and without subsidies, Elon would probably have to close up shop and head back home to South Africa. No more Rocket launches, Satellites, or Electric Car Production, and our Country would save a FORTUNE. Perhaps we should have DOGE take a good, hard, look at this? BIG MONEY TO BE SAVED!!! Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. But early Wednesday, Musk seemed to backpedal in a post on X. Credit where credit is due, Musk wrote. @realDonaldTrump has successfully resolved several serious conflicts around the world, he continued, appearing to reference the ceasefire between Israel and Iran. Credit where credit is due. @realDonaldTrump has successfully resolved several serious conflicts around the world. pic.twitter.com/0EyHHy5Gfo Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 2, 2025 Musk attached a screenshot of a post written by Trump on Truth Social, in which he announced that Israel agreed to a potential 60-day ceasefire deal. My Representatives had a long and productive meeting with the Israelis today on Gaza The Qataris and Egyptians, who have worked very hard to help bring Peace, will deliver this final proposal. I hope, for the good of the Middle East, that Hamas takes this Deal, because it will not get better IT WILL ONLY GET WORSE. Thank you for your attention to this matter! Trump wrote on Tuesday. Hamas signaled on Wednesday that it was open to a ceasefire agreement, but did not accept the U.S.-backed proposal announced by Trump. The president has put pressure on the Israeli government and Hamas to come to a deal, as well as a hostage agreement and to bring about an end to the war in Gaza. Trump said the 60-day period would be used to work toward ending the war something Israel says it wont accept until Hamas is defeated. He said that a deal might come together as soon as next week. But Hamas response, which emphasized its demand that the war end, raised questions about whether the latest offer could materialize into an actual pause in fighting. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. FILE - President Donald Trump speaks to reporters in the Oval Office of the White House, May 23, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File) AP Paramount Global is facing intense backlash over its reported decision to settle with President Donald Trump in a lawsuit over a 60 Minutes interview with then-Vice President Kamala Harris. Multiple media outlets reported that Paramount Global reached a $16 million settlement with Trump late Tuesday over allegations that 60 Minutes deceptively edited an interview to favor Harris in the 2024 election. Social media users and political pundits criticized Paramount Global, the parent company of CBS News, over its decision to cave to Trump. One user wrote on social media platform X: "This is absolutely horrendous & despicable in every imaginable way and allows Trump to continue to lie about this fantastical made up nonsense to his brain dead cult." Former CNN anchor Jim Acosta said: Horrible news from the world of decaying corporate media. Many critics also accused Paramount of wanting to settle so that its merger with Skydance Media could be approved. Utterly appalling. The case was completely baseless.Paramount settled so that they could get their merger approvedSimple and plain, journalist Chris Cillizza wrote on X. Reason reporter Billy Binion said that the settlement was totally psychotic and that it sets a horrendous precedent. Apparently Paramount settled not because they thought theyd losethey wouldntbut because they worried the Trump admin would get revenge by blocking the companys merger. A president weaponizing the government to punish companies for speech he dislikes is bad, actually, Binion posted on X. Some pundits, including former Rep. Adam Kinzinger, suggested that Paramount be boycotted over the settlement. This is insane, and boycotts maybe called for, Kinzinger wrote. This is insane, and boycotts maybe called for Paramount to Pay Trump $16 Million to Settle 60 Minutes Lawsuit https://t.co/OymLsKAApx via @NYTimes Adam Kinzinger (Slava Ukraini) (@AdamKinzinger) July 2, 2025 Trump, who did not agree to be interviewed by 60 Minutes during the campaign, protested editing where Harris is seen giving two different answers to a question by the shows Bill Whitaker in separate clips aired on 60 Minutes and Face the Nation earlier in the day. CBS said each reply came within Harris long-winded answer to Whitaker, but was edited to be more succinct. The presidents lawyer, Edward Andrew Paltzik, said that caused confusion and mental anguish, misleading voters and causing them to pay less attention to Trump and his Truth Social platform. Paramount and controlling shareholder Shari Redstone were seeking the settlement with Trump, whose administration must approve the companys proposed merger with Skydance Media. CBS News President and CEO Wendy McMahon and 60 Minutes executive producer Bill Owens, who both opposed a settlement, have resigned in recent weeks. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Laura Loomer, a staunch supporter of President Donald Trump, may have indirectly thrown shade at Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) after the congresswoman documented her road trip to Capitol Hill on social media. In several back-to-back posts on X, Mace had recorded her nine-hour drive to Washington, D.C., to vote for the presidents big, beautiful bill, after her flight was cancelled due to a severe weather warning. Wearing heart-shaped spotted pajamas, Mace vlogged her several pit stops along the way on Tuesday night, including in a Wawa and Waffle House. I want to do a side of hash browns, smothered, tapped, diced, peppered. And then I want to do a waffle with chocolate chips like the young lady at the end of the aisle, she posted in one video early Wednesday while giving her order. In another, Mace was recorded exiting the van, saying she had made it only one hour before the vote, and posted separately of her walking down the hallway, as her dog found her office door. Come hell or high water, we were showing up to vote on the Big, Beautiful Bill today, Mace wrote. One Big Beautiful Girls Road Trip. Destination: D.C for the Big Beautiful Bill. pic.twitter.com/on1kkuGMxk Rep. Nancy Mace (@RepNancyMace) July 2, 2025 Loomer, though not mentioning Mace by name, took to X on Wednesday, writing I think social media has made a lot of our members of Congress care more about being celebrities than doing their jobs in Congress. They really want to be watched and adored. They seem to think we care about their day to day lives and personal drama. Some of them have meltdowns on IG stories, Loomer wrote. Can you just do your job and go vote? she added. I think social media has made a lot of our members of Congress care more about being celebrities than doing their jobs in Congress. They really want to be watched and adored. They seem to think we care about their day to day lives and personal drama. Some of them have meltdowns Laura Loomer (@LauraLoomer) July 2, 2025 Loomer then replied case in point and directly tagged Rep. Mark Pocan (D-Wis.), who said in a video that his flight was cancelled, and noted that he was driving to Chicago to catch one of the first flights. This is part of the glamorous life of Congress, I guess, Pocan said in a video diary. Gonna get back though to vote no for sure, and Ill keep you updated on everything as things go on the next couple days. Some users had speculated that Loomer was indirectly referring to Mace, who posted over a dozen times about her trip. I like Nancy Mace but she might be the rights AOC when it comes trying to be a celebrity! She puts out some cringe social media content! someone wrote. Another added: Must be this!! Congressional Republican leaders are pushing for a Wednesday vote in the House on the GOPs sweeping budget megabill, which had narrowly passed the Senate on Tuesday. They are hoping to meet Trumps Fourth of July deadline for the legislative package to advance to his desk. The bill would extend his signature first-term tax cuts, while cutting funding to government programs like Medicaid. Democrats have remained as a united front against the legislation, while Republicans still need to win over some holdouts, having often succeeded by only one vote along the way. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Six-day (Tuesday through Sunday) print subscribers of the Watertown Daily Times are eligible for full access to NNY360, the NNY360 mobile app, and the Watertown Daily Times e-edition, all at no additional cost. If you have an existing six-day print subscription to the Watertown Daily Times, please make sure your email address on file matches your NNY360 account email. You can sign up or manage your print subscription using the options below. A contingent from North Devon joined others from across the South West to protest outside the Lockheed Martin factory near Portsmouth they say supplies parts for the jets bombing Palestinian civilians in Gaza. Members of the North Devon Palestine Solidarity Group set off early to join other demonstrators for the peaceful protest at the factory in Havant, near Portsmouth, on the same day as other protests in Sheffield and Rochester. In anticipation of the protest, the Lockheed Martin factory had closed for the day and there was no workforce on site. Despite this, the North Devon group said they made their voices heard and one of their number, a local doctor who has worked as a medic in Southern Lebanon treating war-injured children, gave an impassioned speech about the horrific effects of the relentless bombing. Spokesperson for the North Devon group, Dave Clinch, echoing the words of PSCs national director, Ben Jamal, said: Our government have continued to sell arms to Israel, despite the International Court of Justice ruling that Israels action is a genocide. Since March there has been a complete siege on Gaza. Israel stopped all aid, food, water, medical supplies into Gaza and has organised so called food aid in such a way that their military can kill those queuing for it with absolute impunity. Lockheed Martin supplies parts for the F-35 jets that Israel is using to destroy Gaza. Lockheed Martin have sent seven shipments of supplies to Israel since October 2023. This must stop. In response to the demonstration, a Lockheed Martin spokesperson told the Evening Standard: We respect the right to peaceful protest and we remain focused on supporting our customers to deliver strategic deterrence and security solutions. Shahin Shikhlinski, head of the Azerbaijani diaspora in Yekaterinburg, who was earlier detained by Russian law enforcement, has been released. Azerbaijans State Committee on Work with Diaspora said that Shikhlinski was released after questioning. Earlier reports said Shikhlinski had been detained and taken to the Investigative Committee in Sverdlovsk region to give testimony as a witness. ****21:11 The head of the Azerbaijani diaspora in Yekaterinburg, Shahin Shikhlinski, has been arrested, Azernews reports. The State Committee for Work with the Diaspora of Azerbaijan confirmed the information, though no further details regarding the circumstances of the arrest have been disclosed at this time. The development comes amid heightened tensions following recent incidents in Yekaterinburg involving Azerbaijani nationals, which have drawn strong reactions from Baku. Investigations and official comments on the arrest are expected in the coming days. After Porter County's current ambulance service contract with Northwest Health's local branch expires at the end of the year, the county could see a steep increase in the annual subsidy paid to its provider, officials told The Times. Northwest Health's emergency medical services department currently provides ambulance services to a majority of the county's residents. It operates ambulance stations in Valparaiso, Chesterton, Hebron and the unincorporated community of Wheeler. Since December, Northwest Health has partnered with InHealth Integrated Care, which operates an ambulance out of the Valparaiso station. Under the current contract, which was signed in 2022, Porter County provides the hospital with a $450,000 annual subsidy. Commissioner Jim Biggs, R-3rd, told The Times that he expects a new contract with Northwest Health to cost the county between $1.5 and $1.7 million, an estimate he said has been "developed through conversations with the hospital." "I think it's a realistic jumping off point as to what we're probably looking at," said Biggs, stressing that conversations with the hospital are in the very early stages. Porter County has yet to receive an actionable offer from the company, and there is no guarantee that another agreement is in the offing. Commissioner Ed Morales, R-1st, and Councilwoman Michelle Harris, R-at large, confirmed the figure range that Biggs provided. The two of them, along with Councilman Greg Simms, D-3, form a county ambulance committee tasked with charting a course for the future of Porter County's ambulance services. Simms told The Times that the committee, which first convened this spring, has discussed a wide variety of options for ambulance services. "Should it be a contract renegotiated with the hospital?" he questioned. "What about fire territories? What about another company coming in and just taking over? What about the county getting out of the ambulance business altogether? You know, all those things were on the table." Ultimately, Simms said, the committee decided against pursuing a bidding process this year for prospective new ambulance providers due to the limited time remaining before the contract expires. "Maybe we think about a short-term contract and then look for bids," he said. "Maybe we do a two-year contract and then in the meantime seek out bids so that they have more time if other companies want to do that." Creating one or more new fire territories to help meet Porter County's ambulance service needs, an oft-discussed but somewhat logistically complicated option available to local governments, is off the table for the short term. The statutory deadline to establish a territory that could collect property tax revenue in 2026 elapsed on March 31. Morales, for his part, said he didn't "want to rule anything out," including future fire territories, but is optimistic about a new deal with Northwest Health. "They've been a very good partner in the past and hopefully they can continued to be a good partner in the future," he said of Northwest Health. "Our intention is to hopefully get something for a multi-year period of time because it's just too unsettling to go year to year, that leaves everything up in the air." A Northwest Health spokesperson declined to discuss the hospital's expectations for a new contract or the factors driving a possible rate increase. "It has been our privilege to provide county EMS services for more than 20 years," they wrote in a statement to The Times. "Contract discussions are still in the early stages and we have not yet made a formal proposal." The prospect of a steeper ambulance service bill is just one of the many financial pressures facing Porter County government at present. The sheriff's office and highway department have both asked the county council to increase their respective funding, and the mammoth property tax relief bill recently signed by Indiana's governor promises to reduce the county's tax revenue by a substantial, if still uncertain, amount. To ensure Porter County can continue to meets its funding obligations, the county council is weighing the prospect of increasing the county's local income tax, a decision that would need to be made by the end of October in order to take effect in 2026. Members have told The Times that they need more information on the new property tax law's impact before making any decisions. CROWN POINT A judge referred to a Gary man as a woman's "worst nightmare" before he sentenced him to 164 years in prison for kidnapping and sexually assaulting a 17-year-old girl and robbing her father while they were taking photos outside the Jackson 5 house in Gary. Lake Criminal Court Judge Samuel Cappas said Oasia Barnes, 70, has four prior felony convictions for sex offenses. "He is the type of person who needs to be separated from society," Cappas said. "He is every female's worst nightmare." In May, a jury found Barnes guilty of 17 crimes: two counts of rape, four counts of criminal confinement, four counts of kidnapping, one count of armed robbery, two counts of sexual battery, two counts of intimidation and two counts of pointing a firearm. Sentence enhancements for being a repeat offender and using a firearm were added to Barnes' sentence. Cappas said Barnes' has spent a large portion of his life incarcerated and had been released from prison shortly before he assaulted the teenager and her father. The victim and her father took a road trip from Brooklyn, a borough of New York City, out to the Midwest to look at colleges and decided to take a detour to see the Jackson 5 house. At trial, prosecutors showed the jury a selfie of their smiling faces taken August 9 during their stop at the house before Barnes approached them, pointed a gun at the girl and demanded money from the girl's father, who offered all the cash he had, according to court testimony. Barnes then forced the man and his daughter into their vehicle and made the man drive him around while he sexually assaulted the girl, prosecutors said. He threatened to kill them if they didn't comply, according to a probable cause affidavit. Barnes forced the man to drop him and the girl off at a home in the 2200 block of Washington Street and the girl's father ran to get help. Police first heard about the incident through a 911 call from a woman who told police she was outside the Jackson home when she saw a Black man who looked "kind of old" point a gun at a girl. The girl and her father had planned to appear at the hearing via Zoom to make a victim impact statement, but Deputy Prosecutor Tara Villarreal said in court that the girl decided she did not want to address her attacker. The teenager wrote a victim impact statement read in court in which she delineates how the crime changed her life. "My sense of safety something I once took for granted has been completely shattered," the girl said. The victim said she is hypervigilant when she goes out in public and constantly looks over her shoulder for any possible threats. She's declined social invitations due to the anxiety she has experienced as a result of the incident. "No one should have to live like this," she wrote. "And yet, this is my reality." Villarreal, who represented the state along with Deputy Prosecutor Chris Bruno, said the prosecution's position was that Barnes deserved the maximum sentence on each criminal count given the young age of the female victim and Barnes' pattern of violent sex crimes. While prosecutors might not know why Barnes was outside the home, she speculated it was because he was "looking for his next prey." "He's a predator," Villarreal said. "And he's an absolute monster." Public defender Robert Varga said Barnes left home when he was 15 and is a product of his time in prison. He will likely live the rest of his life in prison given his age, so Varga asked for a sentence that is appropriate given the circumstances of the crime and Barnes' life. Cappas agreed with the prosecution and defense's request to merge some of the criminal counts to avoid violation of Indiana's double jeopardy laws, which prohibit defendants from being tried or sentenced for the same offense twice. He chose not to sentence Barnes to the maximum sentence allowed on each count, but issued sentences above the advisory. He sentenced Barnes to a total of 85 years for the crimes against the teenager and 64 years for the crimes against her father, plus 10 years for the repeat offender enhancement and five years for the gun enhancement. Jerry Davich Metro columnist Follow Jerry Davich Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today In mid-June, during the early nights of the war between Israel and Iran, the Shahran oil depot in Tehran was targeted by an Israeli attack. Iran's oil ministry's SHANA news agency reported that the situation was fully under control. Not entirely true, says Negin Hosseini Goodrich, a former journalist in Iran who now lives in Highland. Her family lives in Tehran and experienced the aftermath of the attack. This caused a major gas shortage in the capital, and miles-long lines formed at gas stations, as people rushed to fill their tanks and flee, Goodrich said. The Shahran oil and gas reservoir, which belongs to the people, released thousands of tons of gas into flames. Her sister lives in Tehran with her husband, her 83-year-old mother and a cat. They couldnt flee during the first four days of the attack because her sister's car gas tank was empty. After several attempts, they were finally able to get enough gas to leave the massive city, boasting a population of more than 10 million people. The roads were blocked by thousands of others trying to do the same, Goodrich said. They had to sleep in their car for a few nights along the roadside. The cat cried day and night, understandably scared and uncomfortable, which only added to their distress. At one point, her family found themselves in the middle of a road while both sides were under attack by Israeli forces. My mother began crying, pleading with God not to let her children be killed in front of her eyes, and to take her instead, Goodrich said. Iran versus the Islamic regime Goodrich, who left Iran in 2010, felt compelled to leave her native country after its controversial presidential election the previous year, which prompted global allegations of fraudulent voter results, suspicions of political corruption and accusations of dictatorship rule. At the time, Goodrich was a Ph.D. candidate in journalism communications and working on her dissertation. She lost everything when she relocated to the U.S. to start her life over. She was later invited to Purdue Universitys Hammond campus as a visiting scholar with help from a renowned Iranian-American communication professor, Dr. Yahya Kamalipour. Last week, as a lecturer for the university, Goodrich invited me to speak to a group of impressive international students for her class, Word Cafe: Learning Vocabulary through News. For an hour, I hosted an eye-opening conversation with Purdue graduate students and visiting scholars living in Indiana but from multiple countries including Bangladesh, Chile, China, India and South Korea. Look for this column soon on a topic thats in the news every day. This is when I was reminded of Goodrichs unique perspective about the Israel-Iran conflict under the backdrop of her native countrys volatile political climate, similar to our country. I hope people around the world can distinguish between Iran and the Islamic regime, Goodrich said. Unfortunately, in mainstream media, Iran is often equated with the regime, when in reality, Iran is its people, the majority of whom oppose the regimes domestic and international policies. The Islamic regime has supporters, but they are a minority with disproportionate access to resources and power, she noted. Confronting them often leads to bloodshed, as we saw during the Woman, Life, Freedom movement. The majority of Iranians are against the regime, but when they protest, they are shot dead, intentionally blinded by bullets aimed at their eyes, or arrested and sentenced to death or long-term imprisonment, Goodrich said. Deeply polarized citizens Iranians opinions about the war are deeply polarized as both countries remain in a ceasefire agreement after an intense 12-day conflict. On Monday, President Donald Trump said he is "not talking" to Iranian leaders after our country's strikes last month on Iranian nuclear facilities. Goodrich said, Some believe the war must continue in order to remove the Islamic regime, while others warn that a prolonged war will only destroy the country's infrastructure, leaving behind a burnt land, like weve seen in Gaza and other parts of the Middle East." Some Iranians who support regime change insist that no foreign power should invade the country, and that change must happen from within. Otherwise, the new regime would just be a puppet for Israel or America, swapping one authoritarian government for another weak and dependent one. Many of my friends and contacts inside Iran, who have experienced the terror of these 12 nights, are largely against the war, Goodrich said. I believe the ominous triangle of Khamenei, Netanyahu, and Trump cannot bring freedom or prosperity to any nation. Some Iranians outside the country argue that the people inside should sacrifice for freedom. I find this view unethical, Goodrich said. I cannot be living in safety outside Iran and call for war and sacrifice for those inside. If I truly believe a continued war is necessary for change, then I should return to Iran and join in. But if I stay away out of fear of arrest, imprisonment, or execution, how can I expect others to risk their lives? This is why I believe that calling for war from outside the country, at any cost, is not ethical, she said. An informational black hole Irans regime has imposed countless inhumane restrictions on its people. For example, during the recent war, the government cut off the internet, claiming it was to prevent foreign surveillance. But this was nothing new. Iranians have long faced restrictions, not only due to international sanctions particularly the U.S. sanctions and bans but also from the Islamic regime itself, Goodrich said. During the war, when Iranians most needed information, they were completely disconnected, thrown into an informational black hole. Many of us outside the country, including myself, had no way of knowing if our families were alive or safe. For three days, I couldnt reach mine, she said. I lost all access to them. In my next column, I will share what happened to her family and how this issue hits home not only for Iranian Americans and Israeli Americans, but for all of us. Jerry Davich Metro columnist Follow Jerry Davich Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today On Sunday morning, thousands of Region residents will board South Shore trains and join carpool rides for their annual pilgrimage to Chicago for the citys Pride parade. This years event, featuring the theme United in Pride, will host more than 150 floats, vehicles and performance groups, attracting between 800,000 and 1 million attendees from across the country. Its essentially the grand finale to Pride Month festivities in this metro area. For visitors, participants and curiosity seekers from Indiana, the event is a welcomed opportunity in contrast to our states less-than-welcoming attitude toward the LGBTQ+ community. According to a new national study released by the advocacy group Out Leadership, Indiana is once again among the least welcoming states for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer Americans. The groups 7th annual Business Climate Index Report shows which states are safer than others and which are unwelcoming for millions of LGBTQ+ Americans. It also shows a country growing more polarized on LGBTQ+ rights, and how this escalating divide is influencing where people choose to live, work and do business. The message is clear: There are real consequences to both inclusion and exclusion, the report states. Companies operating in low-ranking states, including Indiana, are losing talent and facing consumer pushback, the report states. "Meanwhile, inclusive states are seeing their economies thrive, becoming magnets for innovation and top talent," the report continues. Thats why this Index matters. Whether youre a CEO, policymaker or investor, now is the time to speak up, realign your strategy and ensure your business stands on the right side of history. For the third year in a row, the national average score declined, driven by the introduction of more than 550 anti-LGBTQ+ bills (including 10 in Indiana) and a wave of newly-elected conservative officials pushing restrictive agendas, censoring school discussions and opening the door to legalized discrimination, the group said. Contrary to states like Indiana, the state of Massachusetts continues to lead the Index Report with the highest ranking and strongest protections in place. Coincidentally, I recently returned from that state and it was impossible not to notice all the Pride flags, posters, banners and other welcoming attitudes. In one store window in Salem, the words YOU BELONG greeted customers. Another shop in Cape Cod shared the insightful message, Pride is, was and will always be a protest. In a Boston restaurant, a rainbow sign stated, Pride isnt about turning straight kids into queer kids. Pride is about not turning queer kids into dead kids. I understand that many readers of this column space do not agree with these kinds of messages, nor do they agree with me on this divisive issue. Some of you will cite Biblical scripture for your beliefs of opposition. Others will cite political ideology to counter anything regarding LGBTQ+ Americans. The acronym itself annoys millions of Americans who are fed up with the gays, and transgender individuals, and everything to do with their lifestyle. I know this because I routinely hear from The Times' readers and social media followers who are outraged over this issue. Many of them are currently celebrating the widening political polarization following the 2024 elections and the tsunami of anti-LGBTQ+ laws now sweeping the nation. Just this week, a social media follower told me, Yall invaded the schools and tried to get at all the kiddies, and now we know what we all suspected from the beginning was correct. Chomos! (The term "Chomo" is a term used in prison slang as a shortened form of "child molester.) Its the same kind of ignorant, bigoted comment Ive heard for decades. Why do alternatively sexual individuals feel they need a month, a flag and parades to celebrate their sexuality? another reader asked me Saturday. When was the last time you saw a heterosexual parade? Same thing with Juneteenth, Black history month or BET. You are the ones driving the division. Another reader told me, Jerry, Im sick and tired of all this Pride Month nonsense. They need to get over themselves already. I replied, Too many people in the LGBTQ+ community were not born with pride of who they are, possibly unlike you, but were instead born with prejudices and judgments against them that you never experienced. This month is a small way, and a celebratory way, to remind the world of their past struggles and future hopes. And also to educate critics or haters. My responses mean nothing because nothing will change the minds of these people. They would rather die than change their opinion or open their heart. In fact, Ive been writing long enough that some of those readers have died before they considered a different viewpoint. But heres the rub: The population of people within the LGBTQ+ community in our country, and its allies, is rising despite the escalating social restrictions, government policies and unwelcoming attitude. It doesnt matter if you agree with it or support it or understand it. Its happening in most every community, every small town, every big city. Your opposition will not curb it or end it. Your outrage will not scare it away. Your religious rhetoric will not exorcise it from someones body. Thats right. Theyre queer, theyre here and theyre not going away. The trains are boarding to the future whether youre at the station or not today or tomorrow or whenever. Its not only CEOs, policymakers and investors who must decide which side of history to stand with. Its all of us. Jerry Davich Metro columnist Follow Jerry Davich Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today Negin Hosseini Goodrich and her sister were visiting Michigan earlier this year when they noticed uniformed agents for Immigration and Customs Enforcement standing near them. We gradually began feeling more unsafe, Goodrich recalled. The two women were casually chatting in public in their native Persian language, just as theyve done since they were girls growing up in Iran. We were so scared to be speaking Persian that we started to be quiet, said Goodrich, who lives in Highland. Her sister, who was visiting this country on a visa, felt increasingly conspicuous in that moment. What if she was selected by those ICE agents and sent away, Goodrich said. Even though she had a visa, she felt so unsafe that she cancelled her visa extension and later returned to Iran. This is a familiar situation of quiet fear for foreigners from that region of the world who may look, sound or believe differently than most Americans. Just because we are from the Middle East and certain political parties dont like us, they feel like we are terrorists or we dont have good intentions, Goodrich said. Do you see how we are doomed to feel unsafe in either country? We carry this burden like Jesus cross. A few weeks after her sister returned to Iran, the war erupted between her country and Israel. Iranians experienced 12 horrible nights, Goodrich said. In my previous column, I noted that her family members were not able to flee Tehran after an Israeli attack on the Shahran oil reservoir. Her sisters car had an empty tank of gas due to the targeted attack and subsequent major gas shortage in the capital city. (Read that column at NWI.com.) They survived that attack, unlike other civilians who were closer to the strike and not as fortunate. In some areas, the explosions were so massive that neighboring houses were destroyed along with the target buildings, resulting in high numbers of civilian casualties and deaths, said Goodrich, a former journalist in that country. According to multiple news reports, the 12-day war last month resulted in the deaths of 935 people in Iran, including 38 children and 132 women, with thousands injured, based on data provided by a spokesperson for the Iranian judiciary. One of the worst incidents occurred when Israel attacked Evin Prison, where political prisoners who are against the Islamic regime are held, Goodrich said. The fate of a number of prisoners remains unknown, as their families havent heard from them since the attack. One jailed Iranian dissident, Sayeh Seydal, narrowly escaped the June 23 missile attack, stepping out of the notorious prisons clinic just before it was destroyed. In the ensuing chaos, authorities transferred Seydal and others to prisons outside Tehran overcrowded facilities known for their harsh conditions, according to The Associated Press. The bombing by the U.S. and Israel didnt kill us. Then the Islamic Republic brought us to a place that will practically kill us, Seydal said. The Islamic regime has not been held accountable, raising further humanitarian concerns about this war, which is currently paused for a ceasefire agreement. In wartime, survival becomes even more complex as threats come from both outside and inside the country, Goodrich said. Iran is not safe. Especially for someone like her who has already committed what would be considered political crimes to the Islamic regime: She fled Iran in 2010, traveled to the U.S. as a journalist and married a foreigner in our Region deemed the enemy. The Islamic regime began to arrest my colleagues one after the other. This is why I decided to leave Iran before I was arrested as well, she told me years ago. I left my family. I left my career. I left everything behind and started over here. For years as a scholar and lecturer at Purdue University, Goodrich has told her international students to explore the freedom of free speech in this country, legally allowed by the First Amendment. She told students to watch firsthand how American citizens and foreign-born residents can freely share their opinions at public protests and demonstrations, even if its against the U.S. government. But now, Ive scratched it off my list because I dont want to jeopardize the safety of my students, Goodrich said. I feel embarrassed now as an Iranian American. She holds no ill intentions toward either nation or any individual in power. I simply believe innocent people should not die because a group of imbalanced, egotistic leaderswho should have retired 10 or 20 years agomake decisions based on personal or political interests, Goodrich said. I stand against oppression and human rights violations, wherever they occur. No regime, leader or country should be exempt. Since the beginning of this year, Goodrich said she has seen emerging parallels between the presidential administration in this country and the dictatorship that she grew up with, and fled from, in Iran. I know what steps are taken to take us to a dictatorship government. And I see this happening here, she said. Mame Annan-Brown Gap Inc. appoints Mame Annan-Brown as EVP and chief communications officer, a newly created role. Annan-Brown most recently was EVP, global communications & public affairs at Kontoor Brands, which includes Wrangler, Lee and Kelly Hansen. She was also president of the Kontoor Brands Foundation. Her previous posts include head of external relations at the International Finance Corporation and VP, investment bank, marketing and communications at J.P. Morgan. At Gap, Annan-Brown will oversee communications, the Gap Foundation, and global employee engagement and volunteerism programs, in addition to driving the companys narrative across public affairs, investor relations and ESG. Mames expertise will help us lead with impactfrom activating our employees globally in volunteerism, to advancing meaningful initiatives through Public Affairs, and telling the powerful stories that reflect who we are and what we believe in, said Gap Inc. president and CEO Richard Dickson. Mariza Costa Aspen Insurance Holdings, a Bermuda-based specialty insurer and reinsurer names Mariza Costa head of investor relations. Costa joins the company from Everest Group, where she was VP, rating agency relations and corporate finance. At Aspen, her role will include managing relationships between Aspen and its investors, analysts, ratings and other financial stakeholders, providing shareholder analyses and supporting the communication of the companys financial performance, growth strategies and investment opportunities to shareholders and the investment community. Her extensive industry expertise, capital markets acumen and strong financial leadership will play an important role as we continue to further enhance our financial performance and profitability for our shareholders, said Aspen Group CFO and treasurer Mark Pickering. Rob Finney XTM International, which develops translation management technology aimed at helping enterprises globalize their operations, appoints Rob Finney as CMO. Finney was most recently VP of marketing at UserTesting, a platform that lets companies gather customer feedback on their products and experiences. He has held marketing and demand generation at companies including Medallia, Citrix and Harte-Hanks. At XTM, he will lead the global marketing strategy, with a focus on accelerating growth and raising the profile of the brand. Robs expertise will help our current and future customers understand and adopt these innovations, said XTM CEO Ian Evans. THE theft of a new graveyard layout information sign from the old graveyard in Killoughey has been described as "a despicable act of evil." Odran Condron, who came up with the idea for the sign along with his mother Breda, said the theft was "devastating for those who put a years work" into the project, The unveiling of the sign was due to take place in the old Killoughey graveyard, outside Mountbolus, on Saturday afternoon during the annual blessing of the graves. "We installed the sign featuring a wooden stand and map - on Friday night at 8pm but it was stolen by 10am on Saturday morning," outlined Mr Condron, "The sign was to record the history of the people buried there and to direct people to their ancestral graves as many of the headstones are now illegible." He said that if anyone has any information on the theft they can contact Tullamore Gardai. Local councillor Neil Feighery said he was "utterly disheartened and disgusted at this low act of theft from a sacred and historic place." He appealed to the persons or person responsible for the theft to contact him in confidence and to leave the sign at an agreed location. The Fine Gael local representative said he would personally pay for the sign to be restored to its designated area so that the official unveiling could take place, The idea by Breda and Odran Condron to erect a sign in the graveyard came after they heard that two families travelled from abroad to find their ancestral graves but they were unable to do so because many of the historic headstones are very old and illegible. The new sign's purpose was to direct people to the headstones they are looking for. "We often have visitors to the graveyard from abroad - the US, Australia and New Zealand. Two groups from Roscommon recently visited the graveyard and a group from Cork are visiting in July," outlined Odran. He said the sign project would not have been made possible without the help of local councillor Neil Feighery and the Tullamore Municipal Council who provided grant aid for the project. READ NEXT: Offaly County Council to pause accepting applications for Housing Adaption Grants Cllr Feighery said all the community in Killoughey were very proud of the historic graveyard which was steeped in history. "On Christmas Day in 1653, when locals were celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, the church was surrounded by Cromwellian troops, who set it alight and burned everyone inside," recalled the Killoughey native. He paid tribute to Breda and Odran Condron for their work, in particular their research into the stories of the people buried there and the headstones," "As the local councillor I was delighted to secure funding so that this informative sign could be erected in the graveyard for the benefit of tourists and local people alike," added Cllr Feighery. ABOVE is the first look at the early sketches for a mural which is proposed for a building in Tullamore. Tullamore Tidy Towns Assocition is seeking planning approval to paint the mural on the side/gable wall of a dwelling located at Bury Quay. The painting depicts various landmarks around the town including Charleville Castle, Boland's Lock House, Srah Castle and more. Chair of Tullamore Tidy Towns Association Councillor Shane Murray says ''we painted the wall last year, but with the work on the bridge complete it's looking a bit tired again. The artist will be local and has already been chosen.'' The application is with Offaly County Council and a date of August 18 has been given for a decision. Adjudicating in the Tidy Towns Competition will take place soon. Tullamore has a strong record in the competition and won its 10th consequetive gold medal in last year's event. The competition involves participating areas being rated on all aspects of their local environment and prizes awarded to the best under many different categories. The overall winner is Irelands Tidiest Town. which is announced at a national ceremony in September each year. Last year the adjudicators described Tullamore as a ''handsome town with many fine Georgian and Victorian buildings throughout.'' The report continued, ''many of the townhouses are occupied and kept beautifully, though it would be great to see the vacant properties renovated and brought back to life soon. Your streetscape has been enhanced in recent years, with a new example being the landscaped planted beds along O Moore Street/Spollanstown Junction, near the Tullamore Court Hotel. The footpaths, planting schemes and street furniture really enhance the streetscape and help to set off the historical buildings.'' READ NEXT: Urban Greenway completed in Tullamore praise for Upgrades IT WAS a poignant day on Sunday when Fr Michael Kennedy told his parishioners that he is leaving Lusmagh Parish for good, after eleven years in the role of Parish Priest. This means that for the first time in about three centuries Lusmagh will be without a Parish Priest. Lusmagh is the only parish in Offaly to be part of the Diocese of Clonfert and Fr Kennedy pointed out that from now on all occasions in St Cronan's Church Lusmagh (masses, communions, baptisms, etc) will be looked after by clergy travelling from Portumna. Fr Kennedy has been a popular Parish Priest in Lusmagh and he will be greatly missed. He grew up nearby, in Rathcabbin, and was ordained in 1977. Fr Kieran Birmingham paid a humorous but heartfelt tribute to Fr Michael during mass on Sunday morning. One day I was chatting to someone in Rathcabbin and they said to me You have one of our great men looking after the parish over there in Lusmagh! READ NEXT: Gardai investigating frightening incident reported near canal in Offaly Fr Kieran said it was obvious that Fr Michael was held in great regard in the place where he grew up. Fr Michael told the Tribune that he served many years in parishes in London, including Westminster and Cricklewood. He returned to Ireland 11 years ago and when he heard that Lusmagh would be without a PP he put forward his name to fill the role. During the last 11 years he has also frequently overseen retreats in Emmanuel House, Clonfert, along with Eddie Stones. Fr Michael said he will greatly miss his Lusmagh parishioners who, he said, have an amazing community spirit, a very important quality which he hopes they will never lose. Fr Michael will now be moving to Eyrecourt. There will be a final thanksgiving mass for his ministry, in St Cronan's Lusmagh on Friday evening, July 18. Fr Kieran Birmingham will oversee Saturday evening masses in the church for the next few weeks. SIX travel journalists from Australia and New Zealand, with a combined reach of millions of readers, have been exploring Ireland as guests of Tourism Ireland and Failte Ireland. The journalists who write for various newspapers and magazines, including The Sydney Morning Herald, NZ Herald and Woman's Day have been following a specially curated itinerary that showcases Ireland as the perfect place to slow down and connect more deeply with our people and landscapes. Their visit is part of Tourism Irelands new global campaign Ireland Unrushed, which is under way for the month of June and encouraging visitors to enjoy journeying around the island of Ireland this summer and beyond. Based on the insight that 80% of overseas visitors who choose non-sun holidays are seeking a sense of exploration on their trips, the campaign is shining a spotlight on enjoyable journeys, highlighting experiences in nature and local communities. The groups itinerary included a visit to Clonmacnoise. Sofia Hansson, Tourism Irelands Manager for Australia and New Zealand, said: Tourism Ireland was delighted to invite these influential Australian and New Zealand journalists to come and experience for themselves what it truly means to slow down and enjoy more enriching travel. The articles the journalists write when they return home will be read by millions of people across Australia and New Zealand, inspiring them to choose Ireland for their holiday, dwell here for longer and explore more. READ NEXT: Offaly named Irelands ninth most sustainable county Tourism Ireland undertakes a busy publicity programme around the world each year to raise the profile of Ireland and visits by influential travel writers like these are a key element of that programme. Tourism Irelands Ireland Unrushed campaign is running on leading video platforms, social and digital channels in Great Britain, the United States, Canada, Germany, France, Spain, Italy and the Netherlands, as well as in other key tourism markets around the world, and will reach an estimated 70 million people. READ NEXT: All welcome to join walking tour of two Tullamore streets this Saturday New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to embark on a significant five-nation tour beginning Wednesday, aimed at strengthening Indias global partnerships across Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean. The eight-day diplomatic mission will take the Prime Minister to Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia. His first stop is Ghana, marking the first visit by an Indian prime minister to the West African nation in three decadesand PM Modis maiden trip there. ADVERTISEMENT During his stay in Accra from July 2 to 3, the Prime Minister will be accorded a ceremonial welcome at Kotoka International Airport at 8.00 pm IST, before heading to Jubilee House for high-level talks and a joint press statement with Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama. The days official engagements will conclude with a state dinner hosted in his honour. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, discussions are expected to cover a wide range of areas, including trade, energy, defence cooperation, and development partnerships, as the two countries look to build on their historically close ties. India has long supported Ghanas growth through capacity-building initiatives and investments. ADVERTISEMENT Following Ghana, PM Modi will travel to Trinidad and Tobago, then to Argentina. In Brazil, he is scheduled to participate in the 17th BRICS Summit in 2025, before wrapping up his tour in Namibia. This visit underscores Indias commitment to deepening engagement with nations across the Global South, reflecting a broader diplomatic push to expand cooperation in key regions. (With IANS inputs) A young monk from Kerala was found dead under mysterious circumstances on a railway track in Telangana. The deceased is Sribin (37), also known as Brahmananda Giri Swami, son of the late Sreenivasan from Mangad, Kunnamkulam. After embracing monastic life, Sribin had been living in an ashram in Nepal. While travelling from Nepal to Kerala, he was found dead near the railway tracks close to Khammam station in Telangana. ADVERTISEMENT Before the incident, Sribin reportedly called a friend in Kunnamkulam and said he was in danger and that "anything could happen." Just hours after this phone conversation, his body was discovered on the tracks. Family members have raised suspicions about the nature of his death, pointing out that there were no injuries on the body consistent with a fall from a train. Alleging foul play, they have filed complaints with both the Railway authorities and the Kunnamkulam police, demanding a thorough investigation. ADVERTISEMENT The family was informed of Sribin's death on June 28. His body was brought back from Khammam and cremated at Shanthi Theeram in Kerala. The Reasonable Voice (Image by Marcello Rollando) Details DMCA Two and a half centuries ago, male property owners fantasized on parchment an impossible dream: becoming both beacon and magnet for equal opportunity, justice and liberty for all. Stumbling throughout history's many nightmarish challenges, it wasn't a perfect dream. Nonetheless, most often, compromising created a strong foundation for ensemble. In our last decade, however, our unity escalated downwards into the quicksand of, what's in it for me: a wasteland of ingratitude clinging to dubious ongoing prevarications: some might say, we got wacked because we suddenly Woke. A mostly sane populous has evolved too akin to a self-imploding remake of Europe's hysterical historical vengeance is mine, declaration! Rebelling against common sense, much of our raison d'AA A i ? ? A ? i ? ? i ? ? A ? i ? ? i ? ?tre, transitioned away from what we'd constituted, and re-certified on our first bloody presidential altar - 160 years ago. Like all leakage, it started with a simple wound to our American Dream, like stacks of white pages atop a long table, euphemistically, (perhaps even, figuratively) purported to be MIA Tax Returns of immorality incarnate, for the win. Then, a four-year reprieve before pardons galore, delivered for some, a nuanced self-image; for others, a mirror, requiring soulful self-examination; a warning perhaps of a new kind of leadership, potentially recasting the darkest shadow of Deutschland onto America" "Making tactless and threatening statements towards other countries, his egotistical self-aggrandizing regime did much to alienate itself from other great powers." Did Germany's last Emperor and King of Prussia, Wilhelm II, foreshadow America's 2025 global Dorian Gray portrait? Now supremely judged unhindered by, Senate, Advice and Consent, a felon has indeed confirmed, Birthright Citizenship can destroy a nation - with help. Perhaps the powerful secret society of Bilderberg has unwittingly cast its money changers in the sequel of a shuffling crowd pleaser, by anointing a newer continent with another slick failure, successful in the art of identifying and speechifying the fear-driven anger of fellow citizens. The 49.8% of 2024 voters (and nearly 90 million non-voters) who, like WWII Germans, were convinced our previous government betrayed America, can't blame the political party they voted powerless - for cuts to essential government programs/services: A i ? ? A ? i ? ? i ? ? A ? i ? ? i ? ? Lifesaving harvested Daily Bread A i ? ? A ? i ? ? i ? ? A ? i ? ? i ? ? Liberty's Due Process A i ? ? A ? i ? ? i ? ? A ? i ? ? i ? ? Social Security and Healthcare Granted unabridged presidential persistence, this particular grandson of immigrants could veto hurricane warnings while flipflopping allies into adversaries. Nonetheless, all who now embrace"Fool me twice, shame on me, are re-invited to, United We Stand's peaceful assembly. Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). The Extermination and Ethnic cleansing in the Gaza Strip is reaching unprecedented cruelty and the US government is sending another $517 million worth of bombs to the Israeli regime to continue it while destroying the US for the sake of the Zionist lobby. On Monday June 30th, Israeli forces bombed the only still functioning cafe in the Gaza Strip. Surviving Intellectuals, journalists, academics frequented it to escape the relentless genocide. 32 were killed there instantly and dozens were injured (many critically and lack of medical facilities means death or permanent disability). An image of a stunned injured elderly man (my age) next to the body of his wife among the devastation haunts me. Then we heard today that the Israeli regime assassinated Dr. Marwan Al-Sultan, a cardiologist and director of an Indonesian hospital (only barely functioning hospital in Gaza City). The Israeli army knows his home perfectly well sent him a missile killing him and his wife and their 5 children. MOSAB ABU TOHA, wrote "In the past three hours, Israel has savagely attacked over four school shelters in northern Gaza, resulting in a large number of casualties. As of this writing, hundreds of families are sitting or sleeping in the streets after fleeing the bombed shelters. The schools that were bombed are: Al-Falah School - Al-Zaytoun neighborhood; Halawah School - Jabalia; Halimah Al-Sa'diyah School - Jabalia; a group of school shelters on Yaffa Street - Al-Zaytoun neighbourhood." Omar wrote from Gaza where he is trying to care for a group of 22 people to survive: "Perhaps tonight is the last night I write to you. I hope it isn't the last-- or maybe it's better if I don't hope at all. This soul is weary; it craves peace. The tanks are near. Their roar sits heavy in my lap, rattling this exhausted body. Gunfire crackles without end, everywhere. The grinding of treads devours what little memory remains-- I hear it so clearly, crushing my dreams. My dreams! What a hollow word. I don't even know how it slipped through my fingers. A burst of bullets-- first, second, third... Dear God, what is this madness?! My hand trembles again as Ahmed, my nephew, crouches like a hunted thing, clinging to his grandmother. Fear gnaws at him, crouching over his small body like a predator savoring its prey. Children are easy meat for terror. The tanks roll closer. The wail of ambulances swells. And I wonder: Will another image emerge? A man burning, his body torn open, while the world feasts on his agony-- only to forget him in two days? Has our suffering become a stepping stone for others' success? I don't know if morning will come. Not tomorrow's dawn-- but the dawn of the sky, when my soul rises to a place wrapped in peace, where love flocks like doves. A place untouched by this screaming violence." A day later, he wrote: "The price of sugar in Gaza is extremely high, and the Americans involved in the American aid know this very well. What happened today is one of the worst crimes ever committed. Read carefully what I'm about to say: as soon as the first wave of American aid arrives, people rush to get sugar first. Today, the Americans deliberately placed the sugar in a separate area. Then, they dug a deep pit just before the sugar zone, covered it with nylon, and lightly sprinkled it with dirt so that no one would see it or notice. The starving reached the sugar first, and seven people fell into the pit. Then a bulldozer came and buried them alive. Meanwhile, a man in his fifties was returning from the aid area, nearly collapsing. I held him, and he said to me: 'I'd rather die of hunger than go back to that aid-- it's aid of death'." Historicide in Gaza: Israel's destruction of official and personal archives is changing how Palestine's story can be told. From economy of occupation to economy of genocide - Report of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967. How to get more colonizers for the depleted Israeli economy? Ethnic cleansing of Masafer Yatta. Plans of apartheid existed for decades and became formalized in the Oslo accords 1993 and implementation is accelerating now. YET, THERE ARE COUNTLESS POINTS OF LIGHT GIVING US HOPE: Randa hasn't even graduated from high school, and for the past two years she's had no school. Look how resilient the Palestinian people. Despite everything".no food, no security, no homes (her home was destroyed last month, and they're all living in a bombed out building) they're organizing a high school equivalency test next month, so now she must study and will stop vlogging to keep us informed of what is going on HERE IN BETHLEHEM, we are moving and expanding our Palestine Museum of Natural HIstory against all odds. We have halls for biodiversity, geology, Paleontology, ethnography, Palestine history, children exploration and more. We also continue almost daily programs and workshops for children. We could use any and all technical or financial support. Check out palestinemature.org and follow us. The pressure via resistance/sumud is working (though not fast enough). We must continue the global uprising/intifada that targets the billionaire class who do not have any empathy as they destroy millions of lives. Our remaining friends in Gaza and all Palestine deserve freedom and an end to genocide and ethnic cleansing. Some MAGA is waking up and dropping their blind support for Colonial Zionism and some government officials and the public are moving to change the system (see New York City mayor's race for a good gauge of coming change). So stay Humane, act, and keep hope alive (even in the midst of this man-made hell on earth) Mazin Qumsiyeh A bedouin in cyberspace, a villager at home Professor, Founder, and (volunteer) Director Palestine Museum of Natural History Palestine Institute of Biodiversity and Sustainability Bethlehem University Occupied Palestine facebook pages Personal Institute French Throughout June 2025, in celebration of Pride month, Gayther is running its Straight Talk campaign. Weekly media releases designed to highlight key aspects taking place around the world today. This release focuses on acceptance and coming out. Throughout Pride Month, many LGBTQIA+ individuals around the world will find the courage to come out to their friends and family. No matter how loving and supporting a family may be, the biggest fear Website Express IT Solution is a full-service IT company based in Madhya Pradesh, India, dedicated to providing innovative digital solutions for local businesses. Our core services include website development, software development, mobile app development, SEO, and digital marketing. With operations in Bhopal, Chhindwara, Indore, and Seoni, we help businesses transition into the digital age with customized, scalable technology. Our team designs responsive, SEO-optimized websites and builds mobile apps for Android and Abu Dhabi, UAE - July 2, 2025 - HAL Consulting, a premier management consulting firm based in Abu Dhabi, is redefining the role of business consultants in UAE by offering comprehensive, strategic, and actionable solutions to startups, SMEs, and large corporations alike. With the UAE emerging as a global hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, businesses today require more than just guidance-they need expert partners who understand local regulations, economic trends, and Shenzhen Gvtong Electronic Technology Co., Ltd.: A Decade of Excellence in Customized Connector Solutions Shenzhen, China - July 2, 2025 - Shenzhen Gvtong Electronic Technology Co., Ltd., a trailblazer in the connector industry, proudly celebrates over ten years of delivering cutting-edge, customized connector solutions to a global clientele. Renowned for its doctoral-led research and development team, Gvtong has solidified its position as a trusted partner for businesses requiring high-performance connectors across Deandre Ayton #2 of the Portland Trail Blazers celebrates a 121-119 win against the Phoenix Suns at Moda Center on February 03, 2025 in Portland, Oregon. (Photo by Soobum Im/Getty Images) Getty Images The Portland Trail Blazers have agreed to buy out the final year of center Deandre Aytons contract, making him a free agent, an NBA source has confirmed to The Oregonian/OregonLive. ESPNs Shams Charania first reported the news Sunday night. A Happy Valley man is accused of recruiting two associates, including his wife, to make a secret money drop of at least $10,000 in cash in a locker of a bowling alley in Livermore, California, in 2022, on behalf of Chinese intelligence officers, according to the FBI. Court Exhibit The FBI has arrested a 38-year-old Chinese national living in Oregon on allegations that he spied for his government, including arranging a money drop at a bowling alley and enlisting his wife to help. The FBI alleges Yuance Chen was recruited by another man and was working on behalf of Chinas Ministry of State Security from May 2021 through April of this year. The case underscores the ongoing drug crisis that has gripped the Pacific Northwest for years. Police siren Canva A doctor at a Seattle hospital has been charged with diverting fentanyl and other controlled substances meant for children who were patients. Andrew Voegel-Podadera, 35, was arrested at his home last week, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration said in a statement. He was an anesthesia resident and worked at Seattle Childrens Hospital, the University of Washington Medical School, UW Medical Center and Harborview Medical Center. Voegel-Podadera has been charged with two counts of acquiring a controlled substance by misrepresentation, fraud, deception and subterfuge, according to the DEAs Seattle office. Diverting medicine away from infant patients is despicable, doubly so if the person involved is a doctor, David F. Reames, special agent in charge of DEA Seattles Field Division, said in the statement. A grand jury hasnt yet been convened in the case, according to the Western District of Washington U.S. Attorneys Office. Prosecutors allege that Voegel-Podadera diverted fentanyl, remifentanil, sufentanil and hydromorphone while treating children and adults, according to a probable cause affidavit. Voegel-Podadera admitted in an interview with law enforcement that he would draw up a medication, administer a partial amount to the patient and then take the rest for personal use, the affidavit alleges. Voegel-Podadera also allegedly used controlled substances while on the job, according to court documents. The complaint says an attending physician at one of the hospitals observed Voegel-Podadera displaying behavior consistent with drug use, including unexplained delays and absences from the operating room. In December 2024, Voegel-Podadera was treating three children at Seattle Childrens Hospital when the attending physician observed him drawing an excessive amount of fentanyl into syringes that would not be needed for the patients that day, according to the DEA. Suspicious of Voegel-Podadera, the hospital tested all substances returned as wastage by the doctor and found some of the waste syringes were filled with saline solution, according to the DEA and court documents. A spokesperson for Seattle Childrens Hospital said Voegel-Podadera had been working there for less than two weeks before the hospital reported him to the DEA in January 2025. He was also promptly removed from patient care, the hospital said. Seattle Childrens top priority is the health and safety of the patients we serve, the hospital said in a statement to The Oregonian/OregonLive. The DEAs investigation found that Voegel-Podadera allegedly also diverted controlled substances while working at other hospitals, including the University of Washington Medical Center and Harborview Medical Center, going back to January 2024. On June 12, the DEA suspended Voegel-Podaderas ability to prescribe substances and arrested him a week-and-a-half later. The case underscores the ongoing drug crisis that has gripped the Pacific Northwest for years. Last year, a former Medford nurse, Dani Marie Schofield, was accused of harming 44 patients in the intensive care unit of Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center after she allegedly stole fentanyl prescribed to ease their pain and replaced it with bacteria-laden tap water. Nine patients who survived and the families of nine other patients who died filed a $303 million lawsuit against the hospital, claiming it didnt follow proper safety protocols and could have prevented the nurse from stealing the drugs. Schofield pleaded not guilty last year to an indictment charging her with 44 counts of second-degree assault and is awaiting trial. This story has been updated to include a statement from Seattle Childrens Hospital. Kimberly Cortez covers breaking news, public safety and more for The Oregonian/OregonLive. She can be reached at kcortez@oregonian.com Last August, the city removed Portlands first Heritage Tree, an elm more than 150 years old, because it was determined to be a danger to the public. The city's tree code compliance team has faced numerous complaints for years about overly rigid and uneven enforcement -- and now it's being moved from Parks & Recreation to the permitting bureau. Dave Killen / The Oregonian Portlands much-maligned inspectors who enforce the citys tree-cutting and pruning rules face a major shakeup that City Council supporters hope will lead to fewer resident complaints of inflexibility and expense. Starting in October, all tree code inspectors move from Urban Forestry to the Permitting and Development Bureau. Their number also will be trimmed as the city strips away one of the teams funding sources $2.1 million in existing parks levy funds slated to pay instead for city parks maintenance. The Trump administration violated federal privacy laws when it turned over Medicaid data on millions of enrollees to deportation officials last month, California Attorney General Rob Bonta alleged on Tuesday, saying he and 19 other states attorneys general including Oregons have sued over the move. Health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.s advisers ordered the release of a dataset that includes the private health information of people living in California, Illinois, Washington state, and Washington, D.C., to the Department of Homeland Security, The Associated Press first reported last month. All of those states allow non-U.S. citizens to enroll in Medicaid programs that pay for their expenses using only state taxpayer dollars. On a recent weekend morning, a blaze of neon cut through the air-conditioned halls of the Lloyd Center mall. Its a workout group led by a woman wearing a windbreaker jacket, a headset mic and a high ponytail. Sisters Are Doin It for Themselves plays from her Bluetooth speaker. Are those arms moving people? she asks her followers. Show off those guns! Every Sunday morning, Vera Mysteria (the stage name of Krista Catwood) leads about two dozen people on a fast-paced power walk across the three-story mall. She calls it the Food Court 5000. They march through the normally quiet corridors of Lloyd Center in a neon and nylon frenzy, blaring a soundtrack of 1980s pop dance hits to the surprise, delight and sometimes indifference of other mall goers. On average, the Food Court 5000 covers about 3.5 miles in under two hours. Its the funnest thing I do of all my activities, said Leslie Kelinson, the self-described oldest member of the group at 80 years old. This takes you out of your comfort zone and gets you to do crazy things. The group strikes a pose on every escalator and waves at every passerby. Kelinson says the mall walkers get one of two reactions from the bewildered people they pass. Theyre either really gracious and wave back, or they freeze, she said. They dont know what to do. I mean, were zany, and Lloyd Centers pretty sedate, and we come through like gangbusters. The Food Court 5000 began about five months ago. For her day job, Krista Catwood is a business operations analyst for AARP Oregon. But as her alter-ego Vera Mysteria, shes been hosting and producing burlesque and drag shows in Portland for more than 15 years. I came up with this because I hate working out, Catwood said. If I need to move my body, there needs to be costumes involved, there needs to be other people involved. So, this scratches a lot of the itches for me. Its fun, kooky music that I love, and its getting together groups of people to also be weirdos in public. The result is, as the Food Court 5000 website states, part workout, part performance art, and all-around a great excuse to take over a shopping mall in the name of nostalgia and movement. The weekly mall walks are free and open for anyone to attend. Eighties-attire is encouraged but not required. There are only a few rules for the Food Court 5000: wave to absolutely everyone you pass, wait for others (because no walker is left behind), and you must pump your arms during the whole affair. Otherwise, youre just walking at the mall, youre not mall walking, Catwood said. The walkers meet every Sunday at 11 a.m. in the Lloyd Center food court. But this reporter joined them for a special Saturday edition of the Food Court 5000 that coincided with the Mall Crawl, a new monthly promotion organized by Lloyd Center retail tenants. The idea is to hold sales, raffles and other specials the second Saturday of each month to entice people to the Northeast Portland mall that is, indeed, still open. While many of the storefronts are vacant and the anchor tenants are all gone, Lloyd Center has attracted a handful of indie shops, nonprofits and experience-based businesses. A Star Wars-themed light saber store and sparring space opened in May. The old Spencers is now a pinball museum. A roller skating academy opened in what was once a Finish Line. Floating World Comics, Gambits Cards and Anime, Brickdiculous (a LEGO store) and dicepool, a tabletop game shop, all call Lloyd Center home. The mall directory lists more than 70 active tenants, and about 50 of those are retailers or organizations open to the public. The vibe at the Lloyd Center mall is just magic, Catwood said, describing the mall as in her punk rock era. Its a transitory phase, where most of the staple stores have left, a lot of the major franchise stores have gone, and so whats left is a lot of nonprofits, a lot of organizations. Weve got independent businesses and groups that meet here, and so its an accessible third place. Its free for us and other groups to come and meet up, and theres really no other mall that I know of like it. Mall walker Venessa Jensen took a quick detour during a recent Food Court 5000 to buy a pair of fuzzy green sneakers shed been eyeing at shoe store Shiekh. My family home is two blocks away from Lloyd Center, she said. So, Ive seen Lloyds Center in all of its glory, and this is just a lot of fun to be a part of it when its doing this weird, nerdy, creative community space vibe. I described it a few weeks ago as its having a half-life as kind of an Avalonian, nerdy fairyland of whatever goes. For those interested in joining the mall walkers, learn more about the Food Court 5000 at foodcourt5k.com. Find out about the next Lloyd Mall Crawl by following the events Instagram page. In this image from video from Senate Television, Vice President JD Vance, seated center, breaks a 50-50 tie to push President Donald Trumps big tax breaks and spending cuts bill over the top, on the Senate floor at the U.S. Capitol, Tuesday, July 1, 2025, in Washington. (Senate Television via AP) AP WASHINGTON Senate Republicans hauled President Donald Trumps big tax breaks and spending cuts bill to passage Tuesday on the narrowest of margins, pushing past opposition from Democrats and their own GOP ranks after a turbulent overnight session. The outcome capped an unusually tense weekend of work at the Capitol, the presidents signature legislative priority teetering on the edge of approval or collapse. In the end that tally was 50-50, with Vice President JD Vance casting the tie-breaking vote. Three Republican senators Thom Tillis of North Carolina, Susan Collins of Maine and Rand Paul of Kentucky joined all Democrats in voting against it. The big not so beautiful bill has passed, Paul said after the vote. The difficulty it took for Republicans, who have the majority hold in Congress, to wrestle the bill to this point is not expected to let up. The package now goes back to the House, where Speaker Mike Johnson had warned senators not to deviate too far from what his chamber had already approved. But the Senate did make changes, particularly to Medicaid, risking more problems as they race to finish by Trumps Fourth of July deadline. The outcome is a pivotal moment for president and his party, which have been consumed by the 940-page One Big Beautiful Bill Act, as its formally titled, and invested their political capital in delivering on the GOPs sweep of power in Washington. Trump acknowledged its very complicated stuff, as he departed the White House for Florida. I dont want to go too crazy with cuts, he said. I dont like cuts. What started as a routine but laborious day of amendment voting, in a process called vote-a-rama, spiraled into a round-the-clock slog as Republican leaders were buying time to shore up support. The droning roll calls in the chamber belied the frenzied action to steady the bill. Grim-faced scenes played out on and off the Senate floor, amid exhaustion. Senate Majority Leader John Thune of South Dakota was desperately reaching for last-minute agreements between those in his party worried the bills reductions to Medicaid will leave millions without care, and his most conservative flank, which wants even steeper cuts to hold down deficits ballooning with the tax cuts. The GOP leaders have no room to spare, with narrow majorities. Thune could lose no more than three Republican senators, and two Tillis, who warned that millions of people will lose access to Medicaid health care, and Paul, who opposes raising the debt limit by $5 trillion had already indicated opposition. Attention quickly turned to two other key senators, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Collins, who also raised concerns about health care cuts, as well as a loose coalition of four conservative GOP senators pushing for even steeper reductions. Murkowski in particular became the subject of the GOP leaderships attention, as they sat beside her for talks. She was huddled intensely for more than an hour in the back of the chamber with others, scribbling notes on papers. Then all eyes were on Paul after he returned from a visit to Thunes office with a stunning offer that could win his vote. He had suggested substantially lowering the bills increase in the debt ceiling, according to two people familiar with the private meeting and granted anonymity to discuss it. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer of New York said Republicans are in shambles because they know the bill is so unpopular. An analysis from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office found 11.8 million more Americans would become uninsured by 2034 if the bill became law. The CBO said the package would increase the deficit by nearly $3.3 trillion over the decade. And on social media, billionaire Elon Musk was again lashing out at Republicans as the PORKY PIG PARTY!! for including the $5 trillion debt ceiling in the package, which is needed to allow continued borrowing to pay the bills. Demonstrators carry cardboard caskets in front of the U.S. Capitol in protest of President Donald Trump's tax breaks and spending cuts package, Monday, June 30, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson) Senators insist on changes Few Republicans appeared fully satisfied as the final package emerged, in either the House or the Senate. Collins had proposed bolstering the $25 billion proposed rural hospital fund to $50 billion, offset with a higher tax rate on those earning more than $25 million a year, but her amendment failed. And Murkowski was trying to secure provisions to spare people in her state from some food stamp cuts, which appeared to be accepted, while she was also working to beef up federal reimbursements to hospitals in Alaska and others states, that did not comply with parliamentary rules. Whats in the big bill All told, the Senate bill includes $4.5 trillion in tax cuts, according to the latest CBO analysis, making permanent Trumps 2017 rates, which would expire at the end of the year if Congress fails to act, while adding the new ones he campaigned on, including no taxes on tips. The Senate package would roll back billions of dollars in green energy tax credits, which Democrats warn will wipe out wind and solar investments nationwide. It would impose $1.2 trillion in cuts, largely to Medicaid and food stamps, by imposing work requirements on able-bodied people, including some parents and older Americans, making sign-up eligibility more stringent and changing federal reimbursements to states. Additionally, the bill would provide a $350 billion infusion for border and national security, including for deportations, some of it paid for with new fees charged to immigrants. Democrats fighting all day and night Unable to stop the march toward passage, the Democrats tried to drag out the process, including with a weekend reading of the full bill. A few of the Democratic amendments won support from a few Republicans, though almost none passed. More were considered in one of the longer such sessions in modern times. One amendment overwhelmingly approved stripped a provision barring states from regulating artificial intelligence if they receive certain federal funding. Sen. Patty Murray of Washington, the ranking Democrat on the Appropriations Committee, raised particular concern about the accounting method being used by the Republicans, which says the tax breaks from Trumps first term are now current policy and the cost of extending them should not be counted toward deficits. She said that kind of magic math wont fly with Americans trying to balance their own household books. --By LISA MASCARO, MARY CLARE JALONICK and MATT BROWN/The Associated Press Associated Press writers Joey Cappelletti, Darelene Superville and Kevin Freking contributed to this report. This story was co-published with Puente News Collaborative in partnership with palabra, the digital news site by the National Association of Hispanic Journalists, and the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at the City University of New York (CUNY). Puente News Collaborative is a bilingual nonprofit newsroom, convener, and funder dedicated to high-quality, fact-based news and information from the U.S.-Mexico border. By Nicol Leon & Gibran Caroline Boyce | Edited by Dianne Solis & Alfredo Corchado Immigrant children who crossed the border without a parent or guardian are increasingly in the crosshairs of the Trump administration. That has meant children facing immigration judges without lawyers, and stricter screening processes for releases from shelter custody that have prolonged stays to more than five months. Adding to tensions are increasing arrests outside immigration courtrooms and raids that could sweep up adult relatives and other hurdles. The chaos for the children and teenagers can be seen in the nations immigration courts in such cities as New York, El Paso, and Phoenix. You are here because the United States government believes that you should be removed from the United States, said Judge Ubaid ul-Haq to a girl from the Dominican Republic who watched him via video from a shelter. It is my job to determine whether you can be removed from the United States. Lets all agree that children should be off limits. Tatine Darker, immigration attorney with Church World Services in New York The judge, sitting in a courtroom in Manhattan last May, was precise. But the teen girl looked frustrated, as a court interpreter translated to Spanish. The minors identity is being withheld because of sensitivities in the case. For an adult, its almost impossible to navigate immigration court, said Michelle Ortiz, the director of U.S. legal services at the nonprofit International Rescue Committee (IRC). Imagine a 12-year-old, 4-year-old, a 17-year-old. Its impossible to present a case without a lawyer. The tougher policy changes are adding to the minors trauma, advocates say. Regardless of ones politics, said Tatine Darker, an immigration attorney with Church World Services in New York, Lets all agree that children should be off limits. About 26,000 minors saw funding for lawyers yanked in late March, setting up a legal battle over a landmark anti-trafficking law that has led to chaos. The move slashed the budget of about 100 nonprofits across the nation that helped provide direct legal representation for immigrant minors. For the minors, all under the age of 18, that meant making decisions alone about their defense. In late April, U.S. District Judge Araceli Martinez-Olguin issued a preliminary injunction so funding would again flow for legal assistance. The judge noted some nonprofits had already issued layoff notices. Citing a friend-of-the-court brief, the judge said children without counsel faced greater risk of exploitation and human trafficking. In mid-May, an appellate court rejected the Trump administrations bid to pause the lower court ruling. A week later, a spokesperson for the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) said, The government is in full compliance with the courts order. The spokesperson for the agency that oversees shelters within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) declined further comment, citing ongoing litigation. Hurdles The funding disruption left many nonprofits scrambling. Theyre also assisting immigrant families with the tougher screening procedures and wellness checks or welfare checks by Department of Homeland Security officials at the homes and schools of unaccompanied minors who have been released to sponsors. Increasing arrests outside immigration courtrooms, government calls to self-deport, and raids throughout the nation add to the stress among children who fear no one will care for them if their sponsor, usually a relative, is detained and deported. Inside a Dallas immigration courtroom earlier this month, an attorney said his four-year-old client couldnt make the hearing because his parent was detained by immigration agents. Caseworkers for the boy appeared before Judge Charissa Dvorak to back the story. I will waive the presence of the child, the judge said. In a Phoenix immigration court lobby, flyers in red, white, and blue encourage immigrants to self-deport, listing benefits and consequences. They carry the Department of Justice logo. Self-deportation is safe. Leave on your own terms by picking your departure flight. The consequences: Possible imprisonment Self-deport flyer found in immigration court lobbies around the country. Photo by Nicol Leon/Puente News Collaborative In El Paso, Texas, at the Catholic nonprofit Estrella del Paso, which provides legal services to immigrants, executive director Melissa M. Lopez tries to figure out how to keep her legal staff together. Her biggest worries are the children. Now, they find themselves without the people who used to answer their questions, Lopez said. And they feel alone. Stricter screening sent the minors shelter stays soaring. The average length of care per month jumped from roughly two months in December 2024 to more than five months by May 2025, according to HHS data. Advocates fear that the mental health of minors will suffer from prolonged stays in government-funded shelters. Many of the screening hurdles have been under litigation, as well, and a federal judge recently ordered a return to the old requirements, but its too early to tell if that will reduce shelter time. Without attorneys, unaccompanied minors are forced to seek expensive private lawyers. In El Paso alone, immigration attorneys who specialize in these cases can charge at least $5,000 for a legal process that may take up to three years to resolve, said Lopez of Estrella del Paso. The funding is only guaranteed through September 2025, said Ortiz of the International Rescue Committee, a nonprofit that provides legal representation for unaccompanied children across seven states. What happens after that remains uncertain. These cases last years and years, Ortiz added. And if we dont know whether well have funding after September 29, we cant make any more commitments beyond the ones weve already made. In their appeal, the federal governments attorneys said the plaintiffs can keep representing kids through other funding, such as private donors or pro bono services. But Lopez of the El Paso nonprofit said that because of the large size of the government funding, its difficult to find other replacement funding. The Richard C. White Federal Building in El Paso houses the federal immigration courts. Photo by Alfredo Corchado/Puente News Collaborative Lost in video court In May, at the Varick Immigration Court in New York City, an immigration judge turned his attention toward a video screen displaying several unaccompanied minors. One teenage girl had not yet been able to take the DNA test that was required by the federal government. Without direct legal representation, unaccompanied minors have no one to guide them on how to respond when a judge asks which country they should be deported to a standard question in initial court proceedings. Lopez, from Estrella del Paso, said that if they answer this question with their country of origin, the judge may assume theyre not at risk in that country, potentially undermining their asylum claim. IRCs Ortiz warns that if minors show up to court twice without an attorney, the judge may schedule their final hearing without legal counsel, putting them at serious risk of deportation. Attorneys make a crucial difference for a child or a teen. A 2025 study by the University of Chicago found that only 51% of unaccompanied minors have legal representation. However, among children whose cases were decided in their favor by an immigration judge, 98% were represented by an attorney. Former judges: Lawyers can save a kids life Scenes of more court confusion were detailed in a friend-of-the-court brief in the lawsuit challenging the funding halt. Nearly 50 former immigration judges explained why legal counsel helps minors through legal complexities and can help prevent those children from falling victim to human trafficking. They recounted how a 14-year-old minor appeared alone in court. Nervous, restless, and trying to stay composed, he told the interpreter he wanted to return to his home country. The judge, alarmed by the request, granted additional time for the boy to speak with an attorney. At the next hearing, the minor, now with the support of legal counsel, revealed to the judge he had been trafficked to the U.S. The so-called handlers, human traffickers from his home country, were pressuring him to return so they could regain control over him. Until he had the safety and trust of an attorney-client relationship, he had been too frightened to speak up, the brief read. That critical pause, that small window of time to speak with counsel, may well have saved his life. Nicol Leon reported from El Paso, New York, and Phoenix. Gibran Boyce reported from El Paso and New York. Dianne Solis contributed to this story from Dallas. Community-based organizations and some district attorneys' offices in Oregon say victims of crime, especially abuse and sexual assault, are about to lose millions in funding for programs that support them. Patti Sapone | NJ Advance Media District attorneys offices and social service organizations across Oregon watched the end of the legislative session in defeat. They had failed to convince state lawmakers to backfill $18.5 million in lost federal funding for victims of crime over the next two years. That includes victims of sexual assault, human trafficking, domestic violence and child abuse. Some of those victims turn to police and eventually district attorneys offices to prosecute their alleged perpetrators, but others may only feel comfortable relying on 24-hour hotlines, counseling and programs that offer help filing restraining orders or finding safe places to stay for the night. Community-based organizations and district attorneys offices say theyre expecting that those programs will take a hard hit. Weve seen the train coming for a while, said John Wentworth, Clackamas Countys district attorney and president of the Oregon District Attorneys Association. Its catastrophic. And thats not just hyperbole. By fall, Wentworth plans to cut three of 10 victim advocates who work for the Clackamas County District Attorneys Office and explain the criminal justice process to victims, update them on developments in their cases, connect them to supportive resources and sit by them in court. Clackamas Womens Services is in the process of laying off four of its eight advocates who support victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, stalking and elder abuse at the countys A Safe Place Family Justice Center. The nonprofit also is cutting three of five youth advocates who support traumatized children. The organization estimates it will be able to assist 1,000 fewer people each year. The cuts also will affect scores of organizations statewide and are expected to take full effect by Oct. 1, the start of the new federal fiscal year. The $18.5 million is the amount budgeteers determined itd take to keep victims services programs across the state running at their current levels. In the past, the money has come from a federal Victims of Crime Act fund, which accumulates money from fines, forfeited bail money, penalties and special assessments collected in the federal court system. In recent years, the amount of money collected has fallen short and the state Legislature has backfilled the difference. But not this year. The session concluded on Friday, without the money. The Legislature also funded only half of $10 million requested for the Oregon Domestic and Sexual Violence Services Fund, which is split among organizations across the state. Sen. Fred Girod, a Republican from Silverton, said victims of any kind were the losers in this budget cycle. Its frustrating, because for me, victims should have priority, Girod said, adding I was jumping up and down about that. I have been from the start. Girod said with an ever tightening budget, some legislators were unwilling to replace federal money with state money. The budget, there are thousands of line items, Girod said. Its easy to overlook one line item somewhere, especially when it was a federal backfill. Girod said there is still the possibility that the Legislatures emergency board will allocate additional funds for crime victims. Or advocates for victims say Congress could come up with the federal money, though that seems unlikely given President Donald Trumps push to cut spending. On Monday, U.S. Rep. Suzanne Bonamici, an Oregon Democrat, met with a dozen providers of victims services, saying she is extremely concerned about numerous cuts on the federal level that are or will be filtering down to Oregon. In Washington County, Brandy Selover, executive director of the Sexual Assault Resource Center, said her organization will need to trim its paid staff of 25 to five. Most of the lost positions will be part-time advocates who staff the organizations 24-hour hotline or respond to emergency rooms at any hour to be with victims whove reported that theyve been sexually assaulted. Selover said those advocates respond within 40 minutes to any hospital within Washington County and are there to support victims in any way, whether it be holding a hand while medical staff are conducting exams or providing food, a hotel room, fresh clothes when police need the victims clothing for evidence or information about how to access support services, such as counseling. Without additional funding coming from the state, Selover said the Sexual Assault Resource Center is planning to rely on volunteers to do that. In an environment like this, all we have is hope that the state Legislature will understand that this is an emergency, Selover said. The Multnomah County District Attorneys Office anticipates it may have to cut about two of 14 victim advocates who support victims as their alleged perpetrators are prosecuted. The Washington County District Attorneys Office expects that it might have to cut about 1.5 of its 14 advocate positions. However, District Attorney Kevin Barton said hes somewhat optimistic that the money will be approved in some form because the services are so necessary. For instance, community-based organizations that offer front-line support are crucial to the start of a criminal case, as victims summon up the courage and support to report what happened to police. The cases then make their way to the prosecutors office, Barton said. If a woman who needs to get services, lets say she flees an abusive household with her kids, which is a very common scenario, and theres no one available to talk to her about how to get a restraining order or how to report what her boyfriend just did to her last night, Barton said. ... Then we really cant go forward with the case. The end result, Barton said, is everyone is hurt. What that really means for the community is that the abuser isnt held accountable and he could hurt her again or someone else again or the kid, he said. So the real impact is not on the DAs Office, its on the community. Aimee Green covers the Oregon Legislature. Reach her at 503-294-5119, agreen@oregonian.com or on Bluesky. Reporter Sami Edge contributed to this story. Lauren Johnson, a 26-year veteran of Dallas Fire-Rescue Department, will become the third woman to lead Portland Fire & Rescue. City of Dallas Lauren Johnson, an assistant fire chief in Dallas, Texas, who has spent her entire 26-year career with the department, has been tapped to become Portlands next fire chief. Bob Cozzie, deputy city administrator for public safety, broke the news to staff in an email Wednesday. Helen Bernhard Bakery in Northeast Portland celebrates 100 years of cakes, cookies and more. Teresa Mahoney | The Oregonian/OregonLive In Portland, satisfying a sweet tooth is sometimes as simple as a brisk stroll through the neighborhood. Chances are, a sweet or savory treat is just around the corner. Last week, we asked readers to share their favorite local bakeries and submissions poured in for dozens of spots serving bread, pastries and baked goods galore all across the Portland area. The 10 finalists below are the places people mentioned most. But which bakery is the best? That, as always, is up to you. You can vote once a day at this link or at the bottom of this post until 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, July 8. Well reveal the results Friday, July 11, at oregonlive.com/readers-choice. Baker & Spice Pastry chef and author Julie Richardsons Hillsdale bakery started as a farmers market stall in 1998, and its grown into a go-to spot for baked goods of all kinds. Fans frequent the Southwest Portland storefront for everything from cakes and fruit-filled pies to bread and croissants which two different readers called the best outside of Paris. 6330 S.W. Capitol Highway, 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday, 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday; bakerandspicepdx.com Camellia Followers of this vegan patisserie may have to do a little hunting to track down its French pastries. The pop up doesnt have a physical storefront but owner Nikki Arce frequents King Farmers Market in Northeast Portland and delivers macarons to goth cafe Memento Mori. Readers are impressed. Said one: Vegan baking is really, really hard, and she nails it! Follow Camellia online to find its next pop-up location; @camelliapatisserie on Instagram Fressen Artisan Bakery Looking to eat around the world without leaving Portland? This Northeast Portland bakery makes for the perfect starting point. The cafe was born in 2012 out of owner Edgar Loeschs childhood nostalgia for German baking. Now, the bakery is beloved for its chewy Bavarian pretzels, jam-filled Berliner donuts, rye bread and top-notch avocado toast. 7075 N.E. Glisan St., 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday; fressenartisanbakery Grand Central Bakery has eight locations in the Portland area. OS- Grand Central Bakery This Pacific Northwest bakery chain is a favorite among residents, providing delicious baked goods, wonderful bread and support to the neighborhoods where they are located, one reader said. Gwyneth Bassetti started the business in Seattle in 1989, and her son opened the first Portland bakery in 1993. There are now eight locations across the Portland area. Various locations, 7 a.m.-4 p.m. daily; grandcentralbakery.com Helen Bernhard Bakery in Northeast Portland celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2024. Teresa Mahoney | The Oregonian/OregonLive Helen Bernhard Bakery Some longtime bakeries are local institutions like the Northeast Portland shop Helen Bernhard opened in 1924. One century later, the bakery has amassed a diverse roster of more than 100 recipes, and patrons arent shy about dishing out compliments. Their M&M cookies are the best cookies anywhere, one reader wrote. Better than my Grandmas and thats saying a lot. 1717 N.E. Broadway #1775, 6 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday; helenbernhardbakery.com Jens Pastries This South Portland bakery is only open eight hours a week, but that hasnt stopped people from flocking to the walk-up window on weekends for a cruffin, cinnamon roll or flaky pop tart. In addition to sweet treats, the shop also serves sandwiches on bolo levedo, or Portuguese sweet bread. Readers recommend one of the bakerys colorful, decadent cake slices. 606 S.W. Dakota St., 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday-Sunday; jenspdx.com Little T American Baker Locals cant get enough of the bread at this Southeast Portland bakery readers call the loaves fabulous, unmatched and the best baguette and house loaf in the city. The shop opened on Southeast Division Street in 2008 and offers a wide selection of pastries and sandwiches, plus a pretty good croissant. 2600 S.E. Division St., 8 a.m.-2 p.m. daily; littletbaker.com Zucchini rye cakes by Orange & Blossom. Courtesy of Orange & Blossom Orange & Blossom Portland takes its vegan restaurants seriously, so its no surprise that one would earn the title of best vegan bakery in America. The Northeast Portland patisserie opened in 2023 and sells a variety of plant-based cookies, pastries and breads. When The Oregonian/OregonLive reporter Lizzy Acker visited in May, she praised the moist olive oil cake topped with coconut cream. 1612 N.E. Killingsworth St., 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday, orangeblossomco.com St. Honore Boulangerie Not many bakeries can say they were tapped to recreate a pastry from Wes Andersons 2014 film The Grand Budapest Hotel but at least one Portland-area chain makes the list. The French-style bakery opened its first store on Northwest Thurman Street in 1993 and now operates five locations in Portland and Lake Oswego. 501 S.W. Broadway St., 7 a.m.-5 p.m. daily; 3333 S.E. Division St., 7 a.m.-5 p.m. daily; 2335 N.W. Thurman St., 6:30 a.m.-6 p.m. daily; 6565 S. Macadam Ave., 7 a.m.-5 p.m. daily; 315 1st St., Suite 103, Lake Oswego, 6:30 a.m.-6 p.m. daily; sainthonorebakery.com Tiny Love is an apt name for Portland's newest bakery, which New England-born owner Julie Barrette operates from a window on Northeast 42nd Avenue. Michael Russell | The Oregonian Tiny Love Bakery Portlanders know not to judge a bakery by its size you never know what treasures might lie behind an unassuming grab-and-go window. Such is the case with this Northeast Portland shop, which started serving petite pastries and New England-approved breakfast sandwiches in April. One reader likened it to a visit to your French grandmas house where everything tastes like heaven. High praise! 5124 N.E. 42nd Ave., 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday-Tuesday; tinylovebakery.com Vote here You can vote once a day until 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, July 8. Well reveal the results Friday, July 11, at oregonlive.com/readers-choice. Veronica Nocera covers retail and recalls news for The Oregonian/OregonLive. Is a business in your area opening or closing? Reach Veronica at vnocera@oregonian.com. FILE - Jet skiers pass the Disney Cruise Line ships "Fantasy," left, and "Dream" on the horizon as they sit stationary off of Cocoa Beach, Fla., in this view from Lori Wilson Park, March 24, 2021. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel via AP) AP Crew members for Disney Cruise Line rescued a father and his 5-year-old daughter from the ocean Sunday after the two passengers went overboard while returning to South Florida from the Bahamas. Veda Coleman-Wright, a spokeswoman for the Broward County Sheriffs Office, said in an email that detectives are investigating, although there doesnt appear to be anything suspicious. She confirmed the relationship of the passengers and the childs age. Staff from the Disney Dream can be seen pulling two people from the water in multiple videos posted to TikTok and Facebook. Passengers reported hearing an alarm that signaled a man overboard emergency. The Crew aboard the Disney Dream swiftly rescued two guests from the water, Disney Cruise Line said in a statement. We commend our Crew Members for their exceptional skills and prompt actions, which ensured the safe return of both guests to the ship within minutes. Travis Heggie, a professor at Bowling Green State University who is an expert in travel health and safety, said in an interview that the news was a really cool story to wake up to. We never hear of people getting rescued this fast, he said. The U.S. Coast Guard is investigating, Petty Officer 1st Class Diana Sherbs said in an email, adding that its unclear the extent of the investigation at this time. The cruise operator did not answer questions about the passengers ages or relationship, how far they fell or how they both ended up in the water. Disney did not provide details about the rescue beyond their statement. We are committed to the safety and well-being of our guests, and this incident highlights the effectiveness of our safety protocols, the statement said. Coleman-Wright said detectives will seek answers about how the child went overboard. The Broward Sheriffs Office provides law enforcement for Port Everglades, where the ship arrived Monday morning. This family is so blessed, Coleman-Wright said. Its great to be able to respond to good news rather than what could have been a tragic outcome. Guests who watched the scene unfold Sunday appeared shocked to realize two people - and especially a child - had gone over the ships railings. One video posted on TikTok shows a small vessel leave from the ship, which can carry 4,000 passengers. The smaller boat can be seen approaching two small dots bobbing in the water. I cant tell, it looks like there are two heads, says the person shooting the video. Shortly after, as the people get pulled into the rescue boat, she says: Is it a kid? Is it a kid and an adult? Its a kid and adult! How does that happen? People start cheering. As the boat returns to the ship, the man can be seen pumping his fist as people applaud. The image of the girl, sitting on a womans lap, is blurred out. In the caption, the person who posted the video said their family was in their room when they heard an announcement of Mr. MOB for man overboard. The man kept the girl afloat for at least 20 minutes, the TikTok user wrote in the caption. We witnessed nothing short of a miracle, the user wrote. In a video shot from another angle, people cheer as the small boat approaches the people in the water. Michael Winkleman, an attorney who represents people suing cruise lines for injury or wrongful death, said the fall must have happened from a low deck. If it were a higher deck, the chances for survival are infinitesimally smaller, he said. The father and child on the Disney Dream were very lucky, Winkleman said, because the ship was able to put their rescue plan into action right away. He said a significant number of overboard cases involve people who have overconsumed alcohol or jumped intentionally, and sometimes those falls have no witnesses. A rescue at night would have been more difficult as well, he said. Thats literally like finding a needle in a haystack, Winkleman said. He said he isnt aware of cases of multiple people going overboard, especially not a child followed by an adult. He discussed the case with colleagues who have been in the business for more than 50 years. Unprecedented, he said. In 1950, a McMinnville-area farmer took two photos of a UFO. LC- Paul Trent National UFO Day is July 2 and if youre in Oregon, you have a higher-than-average chance of spotting something strange in the sky. Oregon is the No. 4 state for UFO sightings, according to a study produced by casino.ca. While perhaps a casino website isnt the worlds foremost expert on mysterious objects in the sky, the data for the study came from the National UFO Reporting Center. The casino.ca researchers combined that data with scraping social media for sighting details and worked out the UFO sightings per capita for both U.S. and Canada. Anyone who lives in the Pacific Northwest is unlikely to be surprised by the results. The West Coast collectively accounts for the most UFO sightings in the country. California is the No. 1 state for UFO sightings, according to the report. Washington state is No. 2. Thats not too surprising, considering that the first modern UFO sighting was reported by a pilot flying above Washington in 1947. Thousands descend upon downtown McMinnville, Oregon, for the annual McMenamins UFO Festival on Saturday, May 18, 2024. Sean Meagher/The Oregonian Oregon is also home to the worlds second largest UFO festival. The annual McMinnville UFO Festival celebrates a famous 1950 sighting in the Oregon town. Photos of the McMinnville UFO, taken by local farmers Evelyn and Paul Trent, were investigated by the Air Force and dubbed difficult to explain in a conventional way. Paul Trent and his wife, Evelyn, took two UFO photos outside their McMinnville home in 1950. The pictures ran in The Oregonian one month later. The Oregonian archive In December 2024, a mass UFO sighting was reported, with multiple pilots seeing mysterious red lights in the skies over Oregon. While some experts believed that those lights were most likely Starlink satellites, which have caused UFO panics in recent years, others disagreed. Tim Gallaudet, an oceanographer and retired rear admiral in the U.S. Navy, said in 2024, Most pilots who see Starlink, they know theyre seeing Starlink. Something is happening we dont fully understand. The Hughes H-4 Hercules, or Spruce Goose, is on public display at the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum in McMinnville. Stephanie Yao Long/The Oregonian If youre an airplane aficionado, the Pacific Northwest is a pretty good place to be. Travel+Leisure magazine recently ranked the 10 best aviation museums in the country, and two of them are located in our neck of the woods. No. 9 is the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum in McMinnville. The museums biggest attraction literally and figuratively is the Hughes H-4 Hercules, which is also known as the Spruce Goose or the Hughes Flying Boat. Howard Hughes built the worlds largest wooden plane to address the militarys need for a trans-Atlantic troop transport that wouldnt be threatened by German U-boats during World War II. Despite the nickname, it was made mostly of laminated birch wood not spruce to avoid using aluminum that was needed elsewhere for the war effort. But the plane, controversially bankrolled by the federal government along with contributions from Hughes personal fortune, came too late for the war. The plane flew only once, during a mile-long unannounced test flight in 1947 with Hughes at the controls so the Hollywood producer could prove to his detractors the flying boat wasnt a complete boondoggle. Other attractions at Evergreen that Travel+Leisure calls out are the Titan II SLV (the main vehicle in NASAs Gemini program) and the SR-71 Blackbird, which flew at three times the speed of sound, or just over 2,000 miles per hour. The Museum of Flight in Seattle is hosting the world premiere of The MiG-21 Project. South African artist Ralph Ziman transformed a decommissioned Cold War-era, Soviet-designed MiG-21 fighter jet into a stunning work of art entirely covered in tens of millions of colorful glass beads. Sean Mobley | The Museum of Flight A bit farther north, The Museum of Flight in Seattle landed at No. 2 on the list. The museum has more than 175 air and spacecraft and bills itself as the worlds largest independent, nonprofit aviation museum. Travel+Leisure says you should plan to spend at least three hours there to make sure you dont miss any of the highlights. Among those highlights are the SAM 970, which carried Presidents Kennedy, Nixon, and Johnson as Air Force One, and The MiG-21 Project, a new exhibit from South African artist Ralph Ziman. The MiG-21 Project turned a decommissioned Cold War-era fighter jet into a stunning work of art entirely covered in tens of millions of colorful glass beads, the museum website says. The exhibit opened earlier this month and will be in Seattle through January 26, 2026. This satellite image provided by NASA, Aqua MODIS 12 on March 2022 shows the main piece of C-37 close to Bowman Island. Scientists are concerned because an ice shelf the size of New York City collapsed in East Antarctica, an area that had long been thought to be stable. The collapse last week was the first time scientists have ever seen an ice shelf collapse in this cold area of Antarctica. NASA via AP There are strange radio waves miles above Antarcticas ice and scientists arent exactly sure whats causing them. The radio pulses could hint at new particles or interactions between known particles that havent been observed before, according to Space.com. The Antarctic Impulsive Transient Antenna (ANITA) experiment caught the radio waves approximately 25 miles above Earth. ANITA is a series of instruments that float over Antarctica, carried by balloons with the aim of detecting ultra-high-energy (UHE) cosmic neutrinos and other cosmic rays as they pelt Earth from space. While ANITA normally picks up particles as they bounce up from the ice, this signals frequency is coming from the horizon from a position that currently cant be explained by particle physics. Space.com said neutrinos, the most abundant particles that have mass, are an obvious suspect for these waves. But neutrinos, while the most abundant particle with mass, have a very small mass, which gives them the nickname ghost particle because they are notoriously hard to detect. You have a billion neutrinos passing through your thumbnail at any moment, but neutrinos dont really interact, ANITA team member and Penn State University researcher Stephanie Wissel said. So, this is the double-edged sword problem. If we detect them, it means they have traveled all this way without interacting with anything else. We could be detecting a neutrino coming from the edge of the observable universe. But there is one problem with the neutrino theory; currently, the origin of these radio waves is steep, measuring at 30 degrees below the ice. This would mean that the radio waves would have had to travel through thousands of miles of rock in the Earth before detection. This is significant because of how neutrinos act as particles. Their ghost-like nature means they can travel light years through space largely unchanged from where they begin their journey through the stars, due to powerful cosmic events. Scientists can learn about the event that started a neutrinos trajectory with backward engineering, to put it simply. ANITA researchers have declared that the radio waves they detected were anomalous and at this time have determined the radio waves were likely not a result of neutrinos. This could point to another suspect known as dark matter, which is an unobservable form of matter that makes up 85% of the cosmos. But scientists continue to monitor the particles and hope to study them further. In principle, we should pick up more anomalies, and maybe well actually understand what they are. We also might detect neutrinos, which would in some ways be a lot more exciting, said Wissel. Read more about the ANITA researchers work on neutrinos here. OKLAHOMA CITY A second lawsuit, this time appealing directly to the Oklahoma Supreme Court, aims to overturn the states new academic standards for social studies on religious freedom and procedural grounds. A group of 33 parents, teachers and faith leaders on Tuesday asked the states highest court to block the controversial new standards, which will dictate what topics public schools must teach in social studies classes starting in the 2025-26 academic year. They requested Oklahomas previous social studies standards, enacted in 2019, be reinstated until a new version is validly approved. The plaintiffs contend the pro-Bible standards are unenforceable because they would unconstitutionally impose Christian beliefs on public-school students. The lawsuit also claims the Oklahoma State Board of Education failed to uphold state law when approving the standards on Feb. 27. Half of the boards sitting members said they were unaware at the time of the vote that the standards contained significant changes from an earlier draft shared with the public. NEWSLETTERS * required Thank you for subscribing! Email * Please enter a valid email address First Name Last Name When major news breaks + a few times a week FREE SIGN UP Subscribing... Another lawsuit, which a judge dismissed in Oklahoma County District Court, made a similar argument that the state Board of Education didnt follow proper procedures when it approved the standards. Former Attorney General Mike Hunter filed the case on behalf of a different group of Oklahoma parents, grandparents and teachers, and he said he intends to appeal his case to the state Supreme Court. The plaintiffs who filed the latest lawsuit on Tuesday are represented by attorneys from the national organization Americans United for Separation of Church and State and a local advocacy group, the Oklahoma Appleseed Center for Law and Justice. Our lawsuit defends educational integrity and the publics right to open, accountable government, and it defends the family as the source of the childs religious upbringing, Oklahoma Appleseed legal director Brent Rowland said in a statement. State Superintendent Ryan Walters, whose administration developed the standards, said the lawsuit is yet another reminder of the harm that has been done to this country by woke political activists. I am unashamed that Oklahoma students will get an America First education based in facts this fall, Walters said in a statement. The Left continues their attempts to destroy Christianity, our history and America herself. Our students will know Americans never have, and never will, bow to their tyrannical hatred of liberty and American values. With the start of the next school year approaching in August, the plaintiffs asked the state Supreme Court to temporarily prevent the new standards from taking effect while the case is pending. Some of the plaintiffs, along with Americans United attorneys, sued last year to block a mandate from Walters that all public schools teach from the Bible and keep a copy in every classroom. That case is still pending before the state Supreme Court. Walters has since used state funds to purchase over 500 copies of the Bible to distribute to schools. The new social studies standards would require elementary students to learn Bible stories and Jesus teachings that influenced the American colonists, founders and culture. NO PAYWALL, NONPARTISAN Students pay about $14 in fees that support the Daily. If you're not a student, please join those invested in OU and Norman who have given more than $110,000 to support our trustworthy, independent journalism. SUPPORT OUR LOCAL JOURNALISM In fifth and eighth grades, students would have to learn the Judeo-Christian values that influenced Americas founders. Walters has said biblical instruction is essential to ensure students understand more context of American history. But, the plaintiffs contend this infringes on their religious freedom and their legal right to direct their childrens moral and religious upbringing. Most of the plaintiffs are not raising their children in a particular religion, or they have different Christian and Jewish beliefs from what the new standards include, according to their lawsuit. The lead plaintiff is a Baptist minister, the Rev. Mitch Randall, of Norman. To reduce the Bible to a history book rather than treating it as a theological text does a disservice to public school students, their families, their teachers and those who consider the Bible to be a book of faith, Randall said in a statement. Randall and the plaintiffs also objected to parts of the standards that present disputed claims about the 2020 presidential election and COVID-19. The standards suggest there were discrepancies in the results of the 2020 election, including sudden halting of ballot-counting in select cities in key battleground states, sudden batch dumps, an unforeseen record number of voters and the unprecedented contradiction of bellwether county trends. This language, along with Walters public statements that Trump should have won the 2020 race, make clear that the 2025 standards are intended to promote the view that Donald Trump was the true winner of the 2020 presidential election, the lawsuit contends. Walters has said the standards werent written to support a specific viewpoint on the election, but rather to encourage students to make their own conclusions. The case also points to a statement in the standards that the origin of the COVID-19 pandemic was a Chinese laboratory, which the plaintiffs say lacks scientific consensus. As a Christian, I object to Oklahomas new social studies standards that require teachers to deceive students by presenting inaccurate information as fact, Randall said. Oklahoma Voice is an affiliate of States Newsroom, a nation 501(c)(3) nonprofit supported by grants and donations focused on delivering state government news. The Voice maintains full editorial independence. For more stories by Oklahoma Voice go to oklahomavoice.com. Amazons Prime Day sales offer one of the years best opportunities to score deals on USB-C hubs and docks and their more powerful cousins, Thunderbolt docking stations. All offer important, necessary ways to expand your laptops ports and connect legacy devices like printers and mice. Prime Day begins Tuesday, July 8, and will run through Friday, July 11. Prime Day deals are on now, and weve begun checking Amazon and its top competitors for the best sales. I write, test, and recommend the best USB-C hubs and dongles, and do the same for the best Thunderbolt docks. For the past several years, Ive been responsible for seeking out the best deals in both categories for Amazons Prime Days, Black Friday, and more. I think its fair to say that youll find the best USB-C and Thunderbolt docking station deals right here. Below, youll find a list of deals, as well as a list of frequently-asked questions explaining what you should look for. This is an interesting transitional period! I dont expect anything unusual in terms of USB-C hub prices. Thunderbolt docks, however, are a different story: Thunderbolt 5 is arriving in the market, and older Thunderbolt 3 products (which are still somewhat viable) are being phased out. And yes, there are tariffs, which are in flux although some just kicked in today and more may take effect on day 2 of Amazons Prime Day sales. Best Prime Day deals on Thunderbolt docks Right now Im not seeing any new deals for Prime Day, unfortunately. Amazon discounted these docks a day or so before Prime Day started, and they seem to be holding on. I value flexibility in my docking station choices, and right now StarTechs dock offers the most port flexibility. (I reviewed an earlier StarTech dock, but not this one.) I really like Ugreens hardware as well, but its more of a hub, and youll need to buy display cables that take its USB-C video connections and translate them to HDMI. Those are about $20 per cable. Weirdly, I still havent reviewed Microsofts Surface docking station. But Ive either used these specific docks or one thats very similar, and I think youll be happy with every one on this list. Just make sure they offer the ports you need at the price you want. Best Prime Day deals on USB-C dongles and hubs These Prime Day deals arent exceptional, although the three more expensive docking stations at the bottom represent some good deals for fixed docking stations for your desk. Otherwise, the sub-$20 hubs and dongles at the top should fit the bill. Ive reviewed the Baseus Spacemate 11-in-1 dock listed here, and I rather liked it, even though it felt a little unnecessarily over-engineered. Note that the price when I reviewed it was $199.99, so the discount is a little deceiving its closer to half off the initial price. Note that the 11-in-1 supplies its own charger; the 9-in-1 does not. Thats an added cost youll have to pay for. The Belkin 15-in-1 Triple Display Dock and the Kensington SD5900T are both DisplayLink docking station, which means that you can use it with a laptop with a generic USB-C port. (The linked story has a fuller explanation.) Theyre essentially more powerful versions of a generic USB-C docking station like the Belkin 11-in-1 GaN dock. Other great Prime Day deals These arent the only Prime Day deals being tracked by the PCWorld team. If youre looking to supercharge your home setup with the juiciest tech sales, hit the links for only the best expert-curated picks weve found. In a lawusit, Lululemon is suing Costco over claims the warehouse club is selling dupes of some of its popular clothing. AP File Photo/David Zalubowski AP Lululemon is targeting Costco in a lawsuit, claiming the wholesale retailer is selling lower-priced knockoffs of some of its popular designs. NPR reports the luxury clothing brand is accusing Costco of illegally trading on its reputation, goodwill and sweat equity by selling unauthorized and unlicensed apparel based on the athleisure brands design patents. In the lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, Lululemon claims the member-only warehouse is known to use popular branded products for its Kirkland brand. The lawsuit alleges Costco does not inform consumers about this connection. The lawsuit highlights the rise of dupes, or less-expensive versions of high-end clothing, in the fashion industry, according to the Associated Press. Dupes are a common phenomenon in fashion, but they have risen in popularity in recent years thanks to social media influencers. Costco carries mens, womens and childrens clothing, including activewear such as yoga jackets, leggings and joggers. According to ABC News, Lululemon claims Costco doesnt try to dispel the confusion and is leading shoppers to believe the Kirkland-branded products are made by the authentic supplier of the original products. Specifically, Lululemon said Costco is selling duplicates of its Scuba hoodies, Define jackets, and ABC pants, ABC News reported. ABC News also said the lawsuit notes that Costcos Hi-Tec Mens Scuba Full Zip is priced at $19.97, compared to Lululemons mens jackets which cost more than $100 each. According to the New York Times, suing over knockoffs is difficult for fashion brands and designers due to vague copyright laws. Lululemon is seeking an unspecified amount in monetary damages and a jury trial. The company also wants Costco to stop selling the products, ABC News reported. As an innovation-led company that invests significantly in the research, development, and design of our products, we take the responsibility of protecting and enforcing our intellectual property rights very seriously and pursue the appropriate legal action when necessary, a Lululemon company spokesperson shared with ABC News in a statement. Costco didnt respond for comment when contacted by NPR or ABC News. A private security officer, right, walks to his car after talking the occupants of another vehicle at left, Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2023, in front of the house in Moscow, Idaho where four University of Idaho students were killed in November, 2022. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren, file) AP BOISE, Idaho (AP) Bryan Kohberger is expected in court Wednesday to plead guilty to murder in the stabbing deaths of four University of Idaho students as part of a deal to avoid the death penalty. Heres what to know about the case and the recent developments: Who were the victims and who is the suspect? Kohberger, 30, is accused in the deaths of Kaylee Goncalves, Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle and Madison Mogen at a home near campus in Moscow, Idaho, on Nov. 13, 2022. Autopsies showed the four were all likely asleep when they were attacked, some had defensive wounds and each was stabbed multiple times. Kohberger, then a criminal justice graduate student at nearby Washington State University, was arrested in Pennsylvania weeks after the killings. Investigators said they matched his DNA to genetic material recovered from a knife sheath found at the crime scene. FILE - Bryan Kohberger, accused of fatally stabbing four University of Idaho students, is escorted into court for a hearing in Latah County District Court, Sept. 13, 2023, in Moscow, Idaho. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren, File) AP What has happened so far in the case? Kohberger has been charged with four counts of murder in the stabbings. Prosecutors intended to seek the death penalty if he were convicted. When initially asked to enter a plea in 2023, Kohberger stood silent, prompting the judge to enter a not-guilty plea on his behalf. The northern Idaho farming community of about 25,000 people was rocked by the killings and hadnt seen a homicide in about five years. The trial was scheduled to move to Boise after the defense expressed concerns that Kohberger couldnt get a fair trial where the killings occurred. What do we know about the plea deal? Kohbergers trial was set to start in August and was expected to last more than three months. But after his attorneys failed to have execution stricken as a possible punishment, he agreed to the plea deal. An attorney for the family of Goncalves confirmed that families of the victims received news of the plea deal in a letter from prosecutors Monday. We are beyond furious at the State of Idaho, Goncalves family wrote in a Facebook post. They have failed us. Please give us some time. This was very unexpected. The prosecutors said they met with available family members last week, including some members of the Goncalves family, before deciding to make Kohberger an offer. The four University of Idaho students stabbed to death in November 2022 were Kaylee Goncalves, top left; Xana Kernodle, top right; Ethan Chapin, bottom left; and Madison Mogen, bottom right. (Moscow Police Department/TNS, file) TNS A spokesperson for the family of Chapin said they support the deal, while an attorney for Mogens mother and stepfather declined to give their views before Wednesdays hearing. What did prosecutors plan to show at trial? Court filings have shown that prosecutors intended to introduce evidence including Kohbergers click history at Amazon.com with the purchase of a Ka-Bar knife a military-style, fixed-blade knife along with a sheath and sharpener months before the killings. A Ka-Bar knife sheath was found next to one of the victims. Prosecutors had also said they intended to introduce what appears to be a self-portrait Kohberger took on his phone just hours after the killings. In it, he is smiling and giving a thumbs-up gesture. A roommate who was in the Moscow home that morning, sleeping and intoxicated, told police she woke up and saw a man she didnt know someone with bushy eyebrows who was wearing a face mask, prosecutors have said. No motive has emerged for the killings, nor is it clear why the attacker spared two roommates who were in the home at the time. Authorities have said cellphone data and surveillance video show that Kohberger visited the victims neighborhood at least a dozen times before the four students were slain. In a court filing, Kohbergers lawyers said he was on a long drive by himself around the time the four were killed. Whats next? A change of plea hearing was set for Wednesday in Boise, where the case was moved due to pretrial publicity in northern Idaho. If Kohberger pleads guilty as expected, he would likely be sentenced in July. Judges may reject plea agreements in Idaho, though such moves are rare. If a judge rejects a plea agreement, the defendant is allowed to withdraw the guilty plea. The court has issued a gag order that has largely kept attorneys, investigators and others from speaking publicly about the investigation or trial. Breaking her silence after being bitten on the arm by Cobra Kai co-star Martin Kove was Alicia Hannah-Kim, who addressed the odd altercation in a video that was posted on Instagram Sunday. In the video, Kim thanked everyone who reached out to offer their support. This was a serious incident, Hannah-Kim said in the video. No one wants to be attacked at work or anywhere really. And I dont think anybody would think this is normal or warranted or acceptable. I just think when you are confronted with something like this, its good to stand up for yourself, she continued. Its an important choice to make. Its the good choice to make. I want to express this does not represent my experience with the show at large. Everyone can tell its a good vibe and a great cast. Everybody else is delightful. I dont want this to affect your love for the show. Love on it as hard as you want. As previously reported, Kove bit her arm at a fan event in Puyallup, Washington for Netflixs Cobra Kai. Kove broke his silence and issued an apology the following day. The actor said he was being playful but admitted that he took things too far. I deeply regret and apologize for my actions regarding the incident with Alicia (Hannah-Kim), a genuinely kind and wonderful person who didnt deserve to be put in this position, Kove said in a statement obtained by Variety from Jaffe & Co. Crisis Management. Ive always respected her and considered her a highly professional and talented co-worker on Cobra Kai. I was being playful in the moment but went too far and there is absolutely no excuse for my behavior, he continued. I regret my actions for which I take full responsibility for what I did, and again I apologize to her and her husband. Im committed to learning from this and it will never happen again. He was kicked out of the event after Kim told authorities he bit down on her arm so hard that she almost bled. Rosie O'Donnell is unhappy about the Bezos wedding and took to social media to express why. Max Rosie ODonnell is the latest person to call out Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and his new wife, Lauren Sanchez, for their lavish wedding in Venice, Italy. Celebrities ranging from Leonardo DiCaprio to Sydney Sweeney were all in attendance at the pairs wedding, which drew protests and backlash from Venetian citizens. ODonnell took to Instagram to express her thoughts about the pairs wedding and about the popular TV personality Oprah Winfrey, who was in attendance. The Bezos wedding, O Donnell wrote. It turned my stomach seeing all these billionaires gathering in the gross excess of it all. The show of it. Is Oprah friends with Jeff Bezos? ODonnell wrote. Really - how is that possible. He treats his employees with disdain. By any metric, he is not a nice man. Winfrey attended the wedding alongside her friend Gayle King, who was included in the all-women Bezos-funded Blue Origin flight expedition, which also included Bezos new wife. ODonnell ended her remarks by telling her followers to read the rest of her thoughts on her Substack but not before taking some shots at Sanchez. And his fake fem bot wife who looks like that, ODonnell said. Why would he choose her? After the salt of the earth, Mackenzie [Scott] sold his soul. Is what it looks like from here? The devil is smiling, at all his conquests READ THE REST. ODonnell wasnt the only celebrity expressing concern about the wedding and its attendees. According to the Hollywood Reporter, Mad Max actor Charlize Theron voiced her concerns during an event for the Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project. I think we might be the only people who did not get an invite to the Bezos wedding, Theron said. But thats OK because they suck and were cool. Here in Los Angeles, in the U.S., and across the globe, were moving backwards fast, Theron added. Immigration policy has destroyed the lives of families, not criminals; womens rights are becoming less and less every day; queer and trans lives are increasingly being erased; and gender-based violence is on the rise. This isnt just policy, its personal. As the crowd clapped, she added, Yeah, [expletive] them. A number of people in Pennsylvania will be getting checks at one point this summer. And just to reiterate what was said previously: no, these checks are not a scam. A press release sent via email last Tuesday by the state Treasury Department explains that these checks which can amount to as much as $500 are part of the Pennsylvania Money Match program. For those unfamiliar, the Money Match program allows the Treasury Department to automatically send unclaimed property to its rightful owners. This motion was unanimously approved by the General Assembly and signed by Gov. Josh Shapiro last year. Its exciting to see so many people getting money they didnt know they had, said Garrity. Its now important that people cash these checks. We want everyone to know this is a real program and this is real money. Every dollar we return to Pennsylvania families is money they can use to buy groceries, fill up their cars with gas, or pay their rent or mortgage. This money belongs to them, not the state. State Treasurer Stacy Garrity confirmed via the release that the second round of over 39,000 Money Match checks totaling a whopping $9.2 million were sent out last week. The next batch an estimated 40,000 letters will be sent in August. Pennsylvania is doing right by its workers and taxpayers by automatically returning more than $10 million in unclaimed property back to its right owners through the first two rounds of the Money Match program, added state Rep. Ryan Bizzarro (D-Erie). Anytime we can cut red tape and return money to taxpayers is a reason to celebrate. As a prime sponsor of the Money Match program, Im working with my House and Senate colleagues to expand this initiative and return even more money to the people of our commonwealth. Its a commonsense approach to giving back the more than $5 billion in unclaimed property sitting in the PA Treasury. For more information about the Pennsylvania Money Match program, please click here. By ROD McGUIRK, The Associated Press MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) An Australian domestic flight was delayed for two hours after a stowaway snake was found in the planes cargo hold, officials said on Wednesday. The snake was found on Tuesday as passengers were boarding Virgin Australia Flight VA337 at Melbourne Airport bound for Brisbane, according to snake catcher Mark Pelley. The snake turned out to be a harmless 60-centimeter (2-foot) green tree snake. But Pelly said he thought it could be venomous when he approached it in the darkened hold. In this photo released by The Snake Hunter, snake handler Mark Pelley lifts a a harmless 60-centimeter (2-foot) green tree snake in the cargo hold of a plane at Melbourne Airport, Tuesday, July 1, 2025. (The Snake Hunter via AP) AP It wasnt until after I caught the snake that I realized that it wasnt venomous. Until that point, it looked very dangerous to me, Pelley said. Most of the worlds most venomous snakes are native to Australia. When Pelley entered the cargo hold, the snake was half hidden behind a panel and could have disappeared deeper into the plane. Pelley said he told an aircraft engineer and airline staff that they would have to evacuate the aircraft if the snake disappeared inside the plane. I said to them if I dont get this in one shot, its going to sneak through the panels and youre going to have to evacuate the plane because at that stage I did not know what kind of snake it was, Pelley said. But thankfully, I got it on the first try and captured it, Pelley added. If I didnt get it that first time, the engineers and I would be pulling apart a (Boeing) 737 looking for a snake still right now. Pelley said he had taken 30 minutes to drive to the airport and was then delayed by security before he could reach the airliner. An airline official said the flight was delayed around two hours. Because the snake is native to the Brisbane region, Pelley suspects it came aboard inside a passengers luggage and escaped during the two-hour flight from Brisbane to Melbourne. For quarantine reasons, the snake cant be returned to the wild. The snake, which is a protected species, has been given to a Melbourne veterinarian to find a home with a licensed snake keeper. An Israeli soldier directs a tank at a staging area near the border with the Gaza Strip, in southern Israel, Tuesday, July 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit) AP By Aamer Madhani and Samy Magdy, The Associated Press WASHINGTON President Donald Trump said Tuesday that Israel has agreed on terms for a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza and warned Hamas to accept the deal before conditions worsen. Trump announced the development as he prepares to host Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for talks at the White House on Monday. The U.S. leader has been increasing pressure on the Israeli government and Hamas to broker a ceasefire and hostage agreement and bring about an end to the war in Gaza. My Representatives had a long and productive meeting with the Israelis today on Gaza. Israel has agreed to the necessary conditions to finalize the 60 Day CEASEFIRE, during which time we will work with all parties to end the War, Trump wrote, saying the Qataris and Egyptians would deliver the final proposal. I hope, for the good of the Middle East, that Hamas takes this Deal, because it will not get better IT WILL ONLY GET WORSE, he said. Trumps promise that it was his best and final offer may find a skeptical audience with Hamas. Even before the expiration of the wars longest ceasefire in March, Trump has repeatedly issued dramatic ultimatums to pressure Hamas to agree to longer pauses in the fighting that would see the release of more hostages and a return of more aid to Gazas civilian populace. Still, Trump views the current moment as a potential turning point in the brutal conflict that has left more than 56,000 dead in the Palestinian territory. The Gaza Health Ministry does not differentiate between civilians and combatants in its death count. Hamas is still capable of landing fatal blows to Israeli forces. But U.S. officials believe that the groups been significantly diminished as its centralized command and control capabilities have deteriorated over the course of the nearly 21-month conflict. Meanwhile, Hamas chief backer Iran was badly battered last month by 12 days of strikes by Israel and the United States on Tehrans key nuclear facilities.. Israeli Minister for Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer was in Washington on Tuesday for talks with senior administration officials to discuss a potential Gaza ceasefire, Iran and other matters. Dermer was expected to meet with Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and special envoy Steve Witkoff. Earlier Tuesday, Trump repeated his hope for forging an Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal next week. Asked if its time to put pressure on Netanyahu to get a ceasefire deal done, Trump said the Israeli prime minister was ready to come to an agreement. He wants to, Trump said of Netanyahu in an exchange with reporters while visiting a new immigration detention facility in Florida. I think well have a deal next week. Talks between Israel and Hamas have repeatedly faltered over a major sticking point whether the war should end as part of any ceasefire agreement. About 50 hostages remain captive in Gaza, with less than half believed to be alive. Hamas says it is willing to free all the hostages in exchange for a full withdrawal of Israeli troops and an end to the war in Gaza. Israel rejects that offer, saying it will agree to end the war if Hamas surrenders, disarms and goes into exile, something that the group refuses. A Palestinian girl stands atop the rubble of the Al-Aimawi family's home that was destroyed by Israeli airstrikes in Al-Zawaideh, Gaza Strip, Tuesday, July 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana) AP The announcement by Trump came as over 150 international charities and humanitarian groups called Tuesday for disbanding a controversial Israeli- and U.S.-backed system to distribute aid in Gaza because of chaos and deadly violence against Palestinians seeking food at its sites. The joint statement by groups including Oxfam, Save the Children and Amnesty International followed the killings of at least 10 Palestinians who were seekingdesperately needed food, witnesses and health officials said. Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes killed at least 37 in southern Gazas Khan Younis, according to Nasser Hospital. Tents, tents they are hitting with two missiles? asked Um Seif Abu Leda, whose son was killed in the strikes. Mourners threw flowers on the body bags. Before Trumps announcement, Israels defense minister, Israel Katz, had warned that his country would respond forcefully to the firing of a missile the military said originated from Yemen. Sirens sounded across parts of Israel, alerting residents to the attack and the launch of two projectiles from Gaza. All were intercepted by Israeli defense systems. The missile launch marked the first attack by the Iran-backed Houthi rebels since the end of the 12-day war initiated by Israel with Iran. Katz said Yemen could face the same fate as Tehran. Kidney patients sit amid the destruction caused by the Israeli army at Shifa Hospital compound in Gaza City on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, as they wait to leave after the facility suspended its dialysis unit services due to fuel shortages needed to power its generators. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi) AP Nasruddin Amer, deputy head of the Houthi media office, vowed on social media that Yemen will not stop its support for Gaza unless the aggression stops and the siege on Gaza is lifted. Speaking to his Cabinet, Netanyahu did not elaborate on plans for his visit to Washington next week, except to say he will discuss a trade deal. Iran is also expected to be a main topic of discussion in Washington after Trumpbrokered a ceasefirebetween it and Israel. Magdy reported from Cairo. Associated Press writers Tia Goldenberg in Jerusalem, Wafaa Shurafa in Deir al Balah, Gaza Strip, and Sally Abou AlJoud in Beirut contributed to this report. Follow the APs war coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war. More than 300,000 Pennsylvania residents could lose Medicaid coverage under the GOP tax bill, according the new estimates released by the Shapiro Administration. Getty Images/Westend61 More than 300,000 Pennsylvania residents could lose Medicaid coverage if the GOP reconciliation bill gets final approval in Congress and is signed into law by President Trump. Another 144,000 could lose food assistance. Former President Barack Obama talks with President Donald Trump before the state funeral for former President Jimmy Carter at Washington National Cathedral in Washington, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) AP Donald Trump has made a habit of calling Jasmine Crockett low IQ, and she has made a habit of coming back at the president with blistering jabs. And the Democratic Rep. from Texas hit Trump with one heck of a blow this week in an interview with The Grio. Crockett set it all up by agreeing with a post on X by Donald Trump Jr. Affirmative action is when Barack Obama gets the Nobel Peace Prize instead of Donald Trump, Trump Jr. wrote. If we are going to say that theres any affirmative action, I mean, I may have to agree with Donald Trump Jr., Crockett said. She, of course, did not leave it there. In the sense that it would take Obama being 50,000 times better than (President Trump) for him to get it, she said of the Nobel Peace Prize that Obama won in 2009. Crockett then told the outlet that Trump continues to chase President Obamas shadow. He is do disturbed that a Black man is and was better than him, she said. They are not the same. Crockett said that Trump and his MAGA supporters push white victimization. There is nothing great about Donald Trump being born with a silver spoon in his mouth, she said. What is great about Barack Obama is that he rose to the same level as Donald Trump, and nobody gave him millions of dollars when he was born. Crockett said the Trumps are also still mad that the Obamas, in general, have made it into Harvard. These are people who are really trying to prove that they are on the same level, she said. And the reality is that if a Black man became president, he was always going to have to be far superior than anybody else. She also took a jab at Trumps criminal history. You tell me whether or not Barack Obama ever would have been elected with one felony accusation, let alone 34 convictions, she said. Donald Trump took a tour of Alligator Alcatraz down in Florida on Tuesday, and his performance in the press conference after had folks talking. And not in a good way. Trump fumbled his way through a question about how long detainees would be expected to stay in the facility, but there was another incident that had folks talking, too. And it all revolved around one word groceries that Trump has often taken the time to openly ponder. He did it again. You know we lowered the cost of groceries, Trump said during the press conference. A simple word like that. It was like almost a strange word. I hadnt heard the word in so long, but what can be more beautiful than the word grocery? For most folks in America groceries is not a strange word at all. Most folks, in fact, shop at grocery stores. But it is a word that the president has marveled over multiple times. "A simple word like groceries. It was like a strange word. I hadn't heard the word grocery in so long. But what could be more beautiful than grocery?'" - Trump No more 80 year olds in the White House. Bipartisan consensus. pic.twitter.com/9QeHgk8PoV Spencer Hakimian (@SpencerHakimian) July 1, 2025 HuffPost wrote about the president trying to define the word grocery while speaking to a crowd on the campaign trail last October. The word grocery, its a sort of simple word, he said. But it sort of means, like, everything you eat. The stomach is speaking, it always does. And I have more complaints about that bacon, and things going up double, triple, quadruple. And in April Trump was talking groceries again. Its such an old-fashioned term but a beautiful term: groceries, he said during his Liberation Day speech. Its sort of a bag with different things in it. In May he again got stuck on groceries while talking with the UAE president. We have a term groceries, Trump told him. Its an old term but it means basically what youre buying, food, its a pretty accurate term but its an old-fashioned sound but groceries are down. Anyway, Trumps continued fascination with the word is, again, not going unnoticed, and after he brought it up at Alligator Alcatraz, folks were talking. No more 80 year olds in the White House, Spencer Hakimian wrote on X while sharing a video clip of Trump talking groceries. Bipartisan consensus. Listen to this and ask yourself, is this man mentally stable? The Last Link on the Life wrote. The (expletive) is he talking about? Fred Wellman wrote. (Expletive) lunatic. But Biden is the one with mental issues, Annette Jones wrote. Isnt that so @jaketapper. The man has never in his life been to a grocery store, Working Families Party wrote. There were plenty more comments like that about the presidents odd obsession with the word. That, however, might not have been the most talked about fumble for Trump during the Alligator Alcatraz press conference. That likely came when a reporter asked him how long detainees would be staying at the new detention center. Im gonna spend a lot, the president said. This is my home state. I love it. I love your government. I love all the people around these are all friends of mine. I know them very well, and Im not surprised that they do so well. Ron (DeSantis) has been a friend of mine for a long time. I feel very comfortable in this state. Ill spend a lot of time here. You know for four years Ive got to be in Washington, and Im OK with it because I love the White House. I even fixed up the little Oval Office. Its like a diamond. Its beautiful. Its so beautiful. It wasnt maintained properly, I will tell you that, but even when it wasnt it was still the Oval Office so it meant a lot. Ill spend as much time as I can here, he continued. You know my vacation is generally here because its convenient. I live in Palm Beach. Its my home, and I have a very nice little place. A nice little cottage to stay at, right. But we have a lot of fun and Im a big contributor to Florida. We pay a lot of tax. A lot of people move from New York, and I dont know what New York is gonna do. A lot of people move from Florida to New York for a lot of reasons, but one of them was taxes. Taxes are so high you cant believe it. I dont know what New York is gonna do about because some of the biggest, wealthiest people, and some of the people that pay the most taxes of anyone in the world for that matter, they are moving to Florida and other places. So, we are going to have to help some of these states out I think but thank you very much. Ill be here as much as I can. It was an answer that clearly had nothing to do with the question that was repeated back to the president twice before he answered it, and plenty of folks found that concerning. I found some compelling evidence of cognitive decline (cc @jaketapper @AlexThomp), Aaron Rupar wrote on X while sharing the video. Behold the Crazy Cognitive Decline, Malcolm Nance wrote on X while showing a video of the exchange. @jaketapper youre up! Clear sign of cognitive decline here, MSNBC contributor Rotimi Adeoye wrote on X. There were plenty more comments like that on Elon Musks platform. This comes as Trump has had a series of gaffes and stumbles that have led folks to make claims about his own cognitive health. Acclaimed psychologist and former Johns Hopkins professor Dr. John Gartner made some of the most disturbing claims during a recent appearance on The Dean Obeidallah Show. Gartner claims that Trump is suffering from dementia and will fall of a cliff cognitively before the end of his term. Heres the thing, will he become impaired enough that they need to invoke the 25th amendment? Yes, Gartner said. Will they invoke the 25th amendment? No. We are going to have a Weekend at Bernies White House, he added. Theyre going to be wheeling him around, but dont think that he cant get into trouble. He will. Its going to go from a farce to tragedy or from tragedy to farce, but it is going to get more and more absurd. Trumps estranged niece, Mary Trump, made similar claims while also appearing on a recent edition of The Dean Obeidallah Show. I mean, you can just see it too, Mary Trump said. He looks terrible. I dont mean that as an attack, its just an observation. He looks exhausted. He looks puffy. He looks disheveled a lot, and Im not a neurologist or a neuro psychologist so I cant speak to the specific characteristics that may or may not much up with a diagnosis of dementia or Alzheimers. However, Donald Trumps father had a very severe case of Alzheimers and it was, I think the symptoms started becoming obvious when he was in his late 70s, she continued. Guess how old Donald is now? Hes 79-years-old, and you know it didnt take long before my grandfather as typically happens during the course of the illness, it starts slow and then it ramps up pretty quickly. So, after 5-to-10 years there was a very steep decline, and he stopped remembering people who he had known forever. That kind of thing, and with Donald I see, again this has been unfolding for a while, an increasing lack of impulse control. She was not through. He does not seem much of the time to be oriented to people and places and time and place, rather, she said. And that is not what we want in somebody who has our nuclear arsenal at his disposal as well as the lives of hundreds of millions of Americans. And this is not news, but its worse, Trump continued. Like, he doesnt he knows absolutely nothing and hes not hes worse now at covering that up. Like, its so obvious now that he doesnt know anything, and the fact this has to do with impulse control hes sadly the president of the United States of America. You do not say things like, They dont know what the (expletive) theyre talking about. Like, you just dont. You have to be aware of what is appropriate and inappropriate, and hes not in any way shape or form. So, again, I cant say anything about the diagnosis because that is not my field, however as just human beings who are observant and especially in the context of what my grandfather went through, yeah Donald Trump looks like my grandfather sometimes. LOCK HAVEN An Atlanta, Ga., man is charged with stealing nearly $900,000 from a Pennsylvania school district by diverting a payment intended for a Dillsburg contractor. Dimiriafor Valentine Amamkwe, 52, a naturalized citizen and a native of Nigeria, was arrested by federal authorities at the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, in Atlanta. Clinton County District Attorney David Strouse said he was told authorities believe Amamkwe was trying to flee the country. Rev. Robin Hynicka, with sign, is the lead pastor of the Arch Street United Methodist Church in Philadelphia. (Tom Gralish/The Philadelphia Inquirer/TNS) TNS By Ximena Conde, The Philadelphia Inquirer (TNS) The Rev. Robin Hynicka, pastor of United Methodist Church, wants to know how committed Philadelphia officials are to undocumented immigrants. Hynicka and several prominent clergy, who see President Donald Trumps immigration policies as cruel and antithetical to what their faiths dictate, were already worried City Hall was not forcefully speaking out against ICE activity in the city, even as immigrant communities remain on edge amid a surge in rumored and actual arrests. Then police arrested 15 pro-immigration protesters Tuesday night, including a member and employee of United Methodist, who he says were simply exercising their First Amendment rights. Were worried that theres been a shift in tone; we dont know if theres been a shift, he said at a news conference Thursday morning. We want to be assured that youre with us. We understand that on paper, nothing has changed, but is it real? Philadelphias official stance is that local law enforcement does not help U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement perform arrests, though the language the city uses to communicate that has quietly changed as lawmakers hope to avoid becoming targets of the Trump administration, which has threatened billions in funding. Mayor Cherelle L. Parker reiterated Thursday that a 2016 executive order laying out how the city cooperates with ICE remains in place, emphasizing that Philadelphia remains a welcoming city. Under the directive, city authorities can honor ICE-issued detainers to hold people in custody only if they are accompanied by a signed judicial warrant. Still, Parker said it was her job to protect all Philadelphians, regardless of demographic or zip code. I have to figure out the best way for me, she said. Now, another strategy may work for another mayor in another place, but I am doing the best I can and using the strategy that works for the Parker administration. Whether that messaging will satisfy immigrant communities and allies remains to be seen. Faith leaders in Philadelphia have long acted as advocates for immigrant communities, with several churches, including United Methodist, going so far as to offer physical sanctuary, blocking deportations during the first Trump administration. But that was when federal policy considered immigration arrests at houses of worship off-limits, which Trump ended on his first day back in office. Now, faith leaders hope they can effect action by pressuring elected officials to speak up. That may be a tricky endeavor, however, as city leaders balance appeasing their pro-immigration constituents without risking federal funding. Just last month, the Trump administration released a list of so-called sanctuary jurisdictions accused of failing to enforce federal immigration laws. The list, which Trump officials have said they continue to use despite having taken it offline, named 11 Pennsylvania counties and five cities, including Philadelphia. The list is ultimately what shed light on the Parker administrations decision to drop the term sanctuary city and adopt welcoming city instead. Her office did not respond to requests for comment. As the Trump administration escalates immigration enforcement, going beyond the hardened criminals the president vowed to deport while on the campaign trail and now targeting worksites, so has the push from undocumented communities and their allies for lawmakers to publicly condemn the uptick in enforcement. Norristown has seen more than 20 people taken into custody by ICE in recent weeks; at the end of last month, three employees in a Wayne County restaurant were detained, according to local businesses there. Last week, ICE announced it had arrested four undocumented immigrants working at a manufacturing business in Luzerne County, and ICE confirmed it had arrested 17 people for immigration violations at a building restoration project in Bethlehem on Tuesday. Those calls, however, have been met with varying degrees of vigor. City Councilmember Rue Landau and State Sen. Nikil Saval, D-Philadelphia, have been among the loudest voices denouncing ramped-up immigration arrests, peppering their social media with know-your-rights videos and infographics, and condemning Trumps immigration policies at public events. District Attorney Larry Krasner has been critical of Trump policies more broadly but repeatedly, as recently as this week, said that while he finds ICE activities distasteful, his role is strictly to prosecute any wrongdoers, whether it is an immigration official who commits a crime while making an arrest or someone who under the guise of protesting chooses to loot a store. Krasner once again walked that fine line at a separate Thursday news conference, where, accompanied by a different group of faith leaders, he mainly focused on Saturdays No Kings protest, which coincides with Trumps birthday and is intended to denounce his policies more broadly. Saturdays protest is expected to draw crowds in the thousands, and the faith leaders who accompanied Krasner urged people to remain peaceful and not let potential agitators get the best of their anger, while Krasner warned potential opportunists or groups like the Proud Boys to stay away. Regarding Tuesdays arrests, Kranser struck a complimentary tone toward police, noting most of those arrested at the protests received civil violation notices essentially tickets that carry no legal penalties. A disorderly conduct and separate aggravated assault case were sent to the district attorneys office for consideration, but upon further examination, police said the two individuals should not be charged. I have to commend them for acting in good faith for being honest workers, for saying, you know, initially we thought that these were crimes, but on closer inspection, looking not only at the evidence we presented you, but the additional evidence you requested, we are asking you to decline these charges, Krasner said. While city leaders prepare for Saturdays protests, which will surely touch on Trumps immigration policies, Hynicka and his coalition of faith leaders are thinking of what their immigration advocacy looks like long term. Mayor Cherelle L. Parker reiterated Thursday that a 2016 executive order laying out how the city cooperates with ICE remains in place, emphasizing that Philadelphia remains a welcoming city. Alex Brandon/AP file photo. Alex Brandon/AP For now, they are calling on the broader public to get involved by attending a July 2 prayer service on the matter at City Hall or supporting immigrant rights groups such as Juntos and the New Sanctuary Movement of Philadelphia. There are many ways in which we can engage with the acts of justice and truly become a sanctuary community and city, said Hynicka, urging elected officials to reaffirm the citys sanctuary city status and denounce ICE. The Rev. Mark Kelly Tyler, representing Philly Live Free, which includes police accountability in its advocacy portfolio, took a moment to recall the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850. It required law enforcement to arrest those suspected of escaping slavery, even if they had made it to a free state. Tyler, who is a member and former pastor of Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, said the churchs founder, Bishop Richard Allen, was spared a return to slavery under the federal law only because of his local prominence, but many others were not. History now shows us the error of the way, said Tyler of the onetime federal law. Theres no one who would ever stand to say that that was right. So the question is: What will the future say about us? (Staff writer Sean Collins Walsh contributed to this article.) 2025 The Philadelphia Inquirer. Visit inquirer.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will celebrate the 50th anniversary of Raystown Dam at Raystown Lake in Huntingdon County, Pa., by offering free tours of the dam in October 2023. (Photo by Jenna Conner, park ranger, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers) By Tom Gilbert Anyone who doubts the economic importance of outdoor recreation in Pennsylvania should visit rural Huntingdon County, home of Raystown Lake. Thousands visit the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-operated recreation area each year to boat, fish, and camp, leaving behind tens of millions of dollars spent at local businesses. Or rather, they used to. Story by Vincent DiFonzo for Spotlight PA 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 wants to continue categorizing a class of powerful synthetic opioids as Schedule I controlled substances to allow state prosecutors to charge suppliers as use rises. Nitazenes are up to 50 times as powerful as fentanyl and are often used to adulterate other opioids, which increases their potency and poses a serious overdose risk. Use has been increasing since 2019, Mark ONeill, a state Department of Health spokesperson, told Spotlight PA. In response, the department issued a temporary scheduling of nitazenes for the first time in 2023, and is in the process of doing so again. Pennsylvania law allows the secretary of health to temporarily schedule drugs using an abbreviated process if there is an imminent and continued hazard to the public safety. Nitazenes are already illegal at the federal level, with some forms of the drugs first scheduled by the Drug Enforcement Agency in 2020. Scheduling it at the state level allows Pennsylvania to also prosecute people for selling or possessing the drugs. The Pennsylvania health department has confirmed at least 50 fatal overdoses associated with nitazenes since 2020, with a record 29 deaths just last year. By comparison, fentanyl was associated with the deaths of more than 3,500 Pennsylvanians in 2023 alone. However, official nitazene overdose numbers likely dont capture the full scale of the problem. Their true prevalence is really unknown in large part due to lack of testing and reporting, Alex Krotulski, director of the Center for Forensic Science Research and Education, told Spotlight PA. The Montgomery County-based lab studies toxic adulterants added to drugs and acts as a warning system for emerging illicit substances (federal funding for that program was recently frozen). It also tests samples for the Philadelphia Department of Public Health. While people often use test strips to ensure drugs dont contain fentanyl, those strips dont detect nitazenes. And Krotulski said not all medical examiners and coroners are testing for nitazenes either. The state health department issued a statewide alert about the drug to health care providers last year. ONeill said the agency surveyed labs that can test for nitazenes when a person dies of an overdose, and found that 80% look for the substance as part of a standard panel. He did not answer a follow-up question about how many Pennsylvania labs, coroners, and medical examiners arent testing for the drugs. Carla Sofronski, executive director of the Pennsylvania Harm Reduction Network, said scheduling alone doesnt solve the problem. While these policies are well-intentioned, they often cause more harm, she said, arguing that criminalizing drugs leads users to find alternatives that can be more dangerous and can make the drug market more unpredictable. Expanding access to the opioid overdose-reversing drug naloxone and increasing awareness of the danger of synthetic opioids would be a more effective approach, she said. (Experts warn that more than one dose of naloxone may be needed because of the potency of nitazenes.) Education on nitazenes for medical professionals, by medical professionals is needed, especially in emergency rooms, she said. Rising deaths Nitazenes were first created in the 1950s as an alternative to morphine, but they were never introduced to the market because their potency introduced a high risk of overdose. Different forms range from less potent than fentanyl to upward of 50 times its strength. At least 2,000 deaths have been associated with nitazenes nationwide since 2019, according to the DEA. They emerged in the American illicit drug trade only recently, first detected in 2019. Forms of the drug have also circulated in Australia, Canada, and parts of Europe. They can be consumed by inhalation, injection, or swallowing a tablet. The U.S. nitazene supply primarily originates in China. Upon arrival here, the drugs are either mixed into other opioids like fentanyl or sold as another opioid, without the buyers knowledge, Krotulski said. Almost no one probably understands that the drugs theyre buying have nitazenes in them alongside fentanyl, or the fentanyl has been replaced by nitazenes, Krotulski said. Nitazenes were identified in at least 4,300 law enforcement drug seizures between 2019 and 2024, according to a report by the Organization of American States, an international coalition that promotes cooperation among North and South American countries and studies regional trends in health, politics, and economics. Krotulski hopes that trafficking from abroad slows following China recently moving to criminalize nitazenes. Chinese bans on many fentanyl analogs in 2019 and synthetic cannabinoids in 2021 significantly impacted the drug trade into the US. If history is any indicator, generally, the laws that China passes have extreme impacts on drug suppliers, he said. Still, nitazenes continue to pose a public health threat, with effects including sedation that can disorient users and difficulty breathing, which can prove fatal. Vincent DiFonzo is an intern with the Pennsylvania Legislative Correspondents Association. Learn more about the program. Spotlight PA is funded by foundations and readers like you who are committed to accountability journalism that gets results. Storms hammered central Pennsylvania yesterday, and were not out of the woods yet. The National Weather Service has put a Severe Storm Watch in place for our region until 9 p.m. tonight, and a flood watch remains in effect until 11 p.m. The alerts come as the Susquehanna Valley braces for another round of showers and thunderstorms, not long after round of slow-moving storms passed through yesterday. Matt Steinbugl, meteorologist for the National Weather Service, said that excessive rain amounts caused significant flooding problems. The particular area that was hit the hardest was part Lancaster County and then southern parts of Lebanon County, Steinbugl said. The maximum amounts that weve weve received were close to six inches [of rain] in the Manheim area. According to WGAL, rain levels over a 24-hour span reached nearly 6 inches in Manheim, Lancaster County; over five inches in Jonestown, Lebanon County; nearly four inches in Hershey, Dauphin County; and over two inches in Carlisle, Cumberland County and Spry, York County. More than 10,000 were left without power early this morning as a result of the storms. Damage in Carlisle had left streets closed and traffic lights down. The heavy rainfall is unsurprising, Steinbugl said, considering the high levels of humidity brought on by a broad flow of air coming up from the deep South. What was unusual about yesterday, and today as well, is just the amount of moisture thats available for storms to tap into, he said. Its been a pretty wet late spring, and early start to the summer as well. According to the National Weather Service data, our region has averaged between 50% and 75% more precipitation than average over the last 60 days, with roughly a foot of rain in that time falling in Dauphin, Cumberland, Perry, Lebanon, Lancaster and York counties. The NWS forecast for today calls for showers and thunderstorms, some of which might be severe, before 5 p.m. this afternoon. Chances of thunderstorms continue through this evening. But amidst all of the rain, flooding and storm damage, there are some silver linings. The first is that the drought that affected nearly half of Pennsylvania counties last fall, including across much of the Susquehanna Valley, is not so much of a concern lately. With the exception of maybe a very small portion of southern part of York County, all the abnormally dry or moderate to severe drought conditions that had been persisting over the lower Susquehanna Valley have gone away, Steinbugl said. The records from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the states Department of Environmental Protection both confirm that were in a much better place, drought-wise, than we were last fall. And the other bit of good news is that after tonights storms, things will dry out a bit. It looks like this is the last day for the storminess, Steinbugl said. Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, well see a drying trend. While he cant rule out a stray shower or thunderstorm, he said, the skies are expected to clear up just in time for July 4. Humidity levels will be coming down some, so it wont be as humid, a little more comfortable, Steinbugl said. As we get into early next week, we kind of get back into more hot, humid, unsettled pattern. But at least after today, we have a brief reprieve coming up, for a few days of drier weather and more comfortable conditions. A moment during the performance of Grup de Balls Tradicionals Santa Gertrudis | Foto: Arguine Escandon The traditional and multicultural spirit returned to Santa Gertrudis with the 23rd edition of the Folk Festival, an event that brought together music and dance groups from different regions and countries, in an evening that filled this village of Santa Eularia with culture and diversity. This year's festival featured the Grupo Folclorico San Francisco de Asis from Murcia, the Albanian National Ensemble of the Republic of North Macedonia, the official representative of North Macedonia, and the Grup de Balls Tradicionals de Santa Gertrudis, the local host that keeps the essence of Ibizan folklore alive. Should This Poker Player Get A Million-Dollar Bonus? | PokerNews Podcast #903 Chad Holloway PR & Media Manager Copy link In the 903rd episode of the PokerNews Podcast, Chad Holloway is joined by special fill-in cohosts Team PokerStars Pro Jennifer Shahade and Josh Abady of Play Live Melbourne to discuss the latest in the poker industry, including the latest on the alleged chip-dumping incident from the 2025 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Millionaire Maker event. Winner Jesse Yaginuma did get paid the $1,000,000 bonus, but he and runner-up James Carroll are still awaiting a decision by WSOP officials on the regular prize money. Another big story was Golden Nugget cancelling their $1 million guaranteed tournament, much to the dismay of several players, including Kyna England. The hosts discuss the decision and examine the larger concept of guarantees within the poker world. You'll then get highlights from a pair of Meet-Up Games (MUGs), including the PokerNews one at Planet Hollywood and the PokerStars one at Resorts World, where the first $5,300 Main Event seat to November's NAPT was awarded. See who the lucky winner was! Next, get a sneak peek at the new show Hellmuth's Home Game presented by Poker Night in America (PNIA), a discussion on the state of poker in Australia, and a look ahead to the 2025 WSOP Main Event, which will kick off this week! A new PokerNews Podcast will drop twice a week during the 2025 WSOP every Thursday and Sunday at 8a PT / 11a ET / 4p UK time. Remember to subscribe to our YouTube channel so you do not miss an episode! Did Chip Dumping Occur with $1 Million Bonus at Stake During WSOP Final Table? Time Stamps Learn more about the 2025 NAPT here! Tell us who you want to hear from. Let us know what you think of the show tweet about the podcast using #PNPod, and be sure to follow Chad Holloway on X. The podcast is sponsored by the #1 free-to-play WSOP app. Remember to use the bonus code "POKERNEWS" if you download and play for an extra 1,000,000 in chips! Subscribe to the PokerNews Podcast on Apple Podcasts here! You can also find us on Spotify as well as our new page on SoundCloud! Check Out Past Episodes of the PN Podcast Here! Share this article Aiken, SC (29801) Today A mix of clouds and sun. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 96F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible early. Considerable clouds this evening. Some decrease in clouds late. Low 73F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Editor and Publisher Brandon Roberts is Publisher and Managing Editor of Summerville Communications Inc., which prints The Summerville Journal Scene and The Berkeley Independent. He has worked as an editor for more than two decades in his native Kentucky, Ohio, West Virginia and North Carolina before coming to Summerville. Charleston, SC (29403) Today Scattered thunderstorms, especially during the morning. Hot and humid. High near 90F. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 40%.. Tonight A few clouds. Low 77F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Kingstree, SC (29556) Today Mostly sunny skies this morning. Scattered showers and thunderstorms developing during the afternoon. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High 92F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%.. Tonight Some clouds. Low 73F. Winds light and variable. Safaricom Ethiopia hailed reaching 10 million 90-day active customers, just four years after launching commercial operations in the East African nation. The operator gained its mobile licence in 2021 (and mobile money licence in 2023), and has since invested over ETB 300 billion (US$2.2 billion) into its Ethiopian unit. Its 4G network currently covers 55% of Ethiopias 100 million population. The network comprises 3,141 live cell sites across more than 150 locations, serving 7.1 million active mobile users who consume an average of 6.5GB per month. Safaricom Ethiopia said it had created 20,000 indirect jobs and hired 900 staff, underlining its broader contribution to the national economy. Ethiopia began opening its economy to private investment in the 1990s, eventually putting telecom licences up for bid as part of wider liberalisation efforts. These licences were a coveted prize for Pan-African operator groups seeking new growth opportunities in a rapidly maturing African telecoms landscape. Safaricoms biggest rivals on the continent were also in the race to enter the Ethiopian market. The Ethiopian Communications Authority had initially aimed to award two new licences, but a late bid from MTN was rejected. Meanwhile, Orange entered discussions to acquire a 45% stake in state-owned incumbent Ethio Telecom. However, the deal was ultimately withdrawn due to misalignment with Oranges strategic objectives. Former Orange MEA CEO Jerome Henique told Developing Telecoms the agreement did not materialise because a 45% stake would not have granted Orange the level of control required to implement its preferred operating model. PR-Inside.com: 2025-07-02 18:30:09 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 414 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / July 2, 2025 / Bridges Experience Inc.("Bridges EXP") recently disclosed that it suffered a data breach that compromised the sensitive personal data of individuals. This data breach has led to concerns over the security of sensitive personal and protected health information entrusted to Bridges EXP.WHAT'S THIS ABOUT?On December 2, 2024, Bridges EXP detected unauthorized access to its internal systems. The company promptly launched an investigation with third-party cybersecurity experts, which determined that an unauthorized party accessed employee email accounts and other systems between December 2, 2024, and January 22, 2025.A detailed review was conducted to identify the compromised information and affected individuals.These impacted files allegedly included names, dates of birth,Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, routing numbers, medical information, individual health insurance information, driver's license numbers, payment card numbers and access pin numbers, payment car expiration dates, passport numbers, and taxpayer identification numbersOn June 26, 2025, Bridges EXP filed a data breach notice with the Vermont Attorney General's Office and began notifying impacted individuals. 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 Bridges Experience Inc., 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. Our firm works on a 100% contingency fee basis-you pay nothing unless we win your case! Visit our website to learn more. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.CONTACT: Levi & Korsinsky, LLPJoseph E. Levi, Esq.Ed Korsinsky, Esq.33 Whitehall Street, 17th FloorNew York, NY 10004 jlevi@ levikorsinsky.com Tel: (212) 363-7500Fax: (212) 363-7171 https://zlk.com/ SOURCE: Levi & Korsinsky, LLP PR-Inside.com: 2025-07-02 22:57:14 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 738 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 CODI Investors with Losses Encouraged to Contact Hagens Berman Before July 8th DeadlineSAN FRANCISCO, CA / ACCESS Newswire / July 2, 2025 / After hours on June 25, 2025, Connecticut-based private equity firm Compass Diversified (NYSE:CODI) filed a report with the SEC warning investors not to rely on previously issued financial statements for its fiscal years ended- and interim periods within- December 31, 2022 and 2023, citing an expanded scope of previously disclosed accounting irregularities.The firm is navigating a turbulent period marked a precipitous stock decline, burgeoning class-action lawsuits, and recent accounting malfeasance revelations at one of its portfolio companies now spanning its 2022 through 2024 fiscal years.Recently, the plaintiff in the action styled Moreno v. Compass Group Diversified Holdings LLC, Case No. 3:25-cv-00758 (D. Conn.) filed an amended complaint that now seeks to represent purchasers or acquirers of Compass Diversified Holdings' publicly traded securities during an expanded Class Period -- February 24, 2022 through May 7, 2025.Hagens Berman is investigating the claims and urges investors who purchased Compass shares and suffered substantial losses to submit your losses now.Expanded Class Period: Feb. 24, 2022 - May 7, 2025Lead Plaintiff Deadline: July 8, 2025Visit: www.hbsslaw.com/investor-fraud/codi Contact the Firm Now:CODI@ hbsslaw.com 844-916-0895Compass Diversified's June 25, 2025 Admission To Accounting Irregularities:After hours on June 25, 2025, Compass Diversified filed a Form 8-K with the SEC expanding on the company's initial (May 7, 2025) warning that, due to irregularities at its Lugano Holding subsidiary, investors should no longer rely on its full-year and interim financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2024.The June 25 filing discloses that, in addition to the 2024 false financial statements, "the identified irregularities also existed during fiscal years 2022 and 2023" and investors should no longer rely on those annual and quarterly financial statements.Compass Diversified (CODI) Securities Class Actions:The company's May 7, 2025 disclosure of 2024 accounting irregularities ignited several securities class action lawsuits alleging that Compass Diversified made false and misleading statements while failing to disclose critical information to investors, including:Lugano contravened applicable accounting rules and acceptable industry practices concerning its financing, accounting, and inventory procedures throughout the now-expanded Class Period; andCompass Diversified neglected to implement "effective internal controls" over its financial reporting, leading to materially misstated financial results that did not accurately reflect the company's true financial standing.On May 7, 2025, investors began to learn the truth, when Compass Diversified revealed that it "preliminarily identified irregularities in Lugano's non-CODI financing, accounting, and inventory practices." Following discussions with senior leadership and investigators, the Audit Committee of CODI's Board concluded that "previously issued financial statements for 2024 require restatement and should no longer be relied upon." The company also announced its intention to delay the filing of its first-quarter 2025 Form 10-Q.The market's immediate response was severe, with the price of Compass Diversified's stock plummeting by more than 62% on the news.Hagens Berman's InvestigationHagens Berman, a national investor rights law firm, has announced it is conducting its own investigation into potential securities violations by Compass Diversified."The cascade of events, from the restatement of financials to the drastic measures to conserve cash, suggests a deeply entrenched issue at Lugano that Compass Diversified seemingly failed to adequately oversee," said Reed Kathrein, the partner at Hagens Berman leading the firm's probe.If you invested in Compass Diversified and have substantial losses, or have knowledge that may assist the firm's investigation, submit your losses now If you'd like more information and answers to frequently asked questions about the Compass Diversified case and our investigation, read more Whistleblowers: Persons with non-public information regarding Compass Diversified should consider their options to help in the investigation or take advantage of the SEC Whistleblower program. Under the new program, whistleblowers who provide original information may receive rewards totaling up to 30 percent of any successful recovery made by the SEC. For more information, call Reed Kathrein at 844-916-0895 or email CODI@ hbsslaw.com # # #About Hagens Berman Hagens Berman is a global plaintiffs' rights complex litigation firm focusing on corporate accountability. The firm is home to a robust practice and represents investors as well as whistleblowers, workers, consumers and others in cases achieving real results for those harmed by corporate negligence and other wrongdoings. Hagens Berman's team has secured more than $2.9 billion in this area of law. More about the firm and its successes can be found at hbsslaw.com . Follow the firm for updates and news at @ClassActionLaw.Contact: Reed Kathrein, 844-916-0895SOURCE: Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP By Akbar Novruz Nemat Avazov, Head of the Investigation Department of the Prosecutor General's Office of Azerbaijan and State Justice Counselor of the 3rd class, presented details on the investigation into crimes committed against Azerbaijani citizens in Russia during a press briefing held today. According to Avazov, the Prosecutor Generals Office has launched a criminal case following the deaths and reported torture of Azerbaijani nationals during a joint operation carried out by Russian law enforcement agencies in Yekaterinburg on June 27, 2025. The operation, conducted by the National Guard of Russia, the criminal investigation unit of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and the regional FSB department, resulted in the detention of Azerbaijani citizens suspected of involvement in earlier murders. However, as Avazov noted, the detainees were subjected to excessive force and torture. Among the victims were brothers Huseyn Safarov (b. 1956) and Ziyaddin Safarov (b. 1970), who died from injuries sustained during the operation. Huseyn Safarov reportedly died the same day in the administrative building of the Yekaterinburg police, while Ziyaddin Safarov died in a police vehicle. The bodies were brought to Baku on June 30, where forensic experts documented multiple hematomas, bone fractures, and other signs of blunt force trauma. The cause of death for one was identified as post-traumatic shock; for the other, a combination of traumatic and hemorrhagic shock. As a result, on July 1, the Prosecutor General of Azerbaijan initiated a criminal case under Articles 12.2-120.2 (premeditated murder with aggravating circumstances), 12.2-309.2 (abuse of power with the use of violence), and 12.2-293.3 (torture) of the Criminal Code. An investigative team led by the First Deputy Head of the Investigation Department has been formed, and the case is under the direct supervision of the Prosecutor General. Avazov stressed that the actions in question also constitute serious crimes under Russian law, specifically under Articles 105 (murder), 286 (abuse of power), and 302 (coercion to testify) of the Russian Criminal Code. Preliminary findings show that at least 14 individuals were detained that morning, including 12 Azerbaijani citizens. Seven of them were reportedly tortured. Two have died, two remain hospitalized in Yekaterinburg, and one victim has returned to Baku and undergone examination. Of the remaining two, one is still in custody in Russia, while the other has been released. Photographs of the victims showing signs of physical abuse and official documents confirming their Azerbaijani citizenship were displayed during the briefing, along with forensic evidence collected by investigators. Axian Telecom is reportedly in talks to strengthen its fintech division through the acquisition of African e-commerce giant Jumia Technologies, according to Bloomberg sources. In an effort to fund this acquisition, Axian recently raised $600 million to refinance its debt. Although no final decision has been made, the company sees the potential acquisition as a strategic move to fuel growth across Africa. Founded in Nigeria in 2012, Jumia had been dubbed the "Amazon of Africa" and currently holds a market value of approximately $500 million. The company has been publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange since 2019, although sources suggest that Jumia may delist if the acquisition deal goes through. Jumia CEO Francis Dufay acknowledged last month in an interview with the Financial Times that the company is working to rebuild investor confidence, as its share price has plummeted by over 90% from its peak six years ago, with a 60% drop just in the past year. The company is struggling against competition from Chinese rivals such as Temu. Dufay has outlined a goal for the company to break even by 2027, following significant cost-cutting measures and market exits. Axian Telecom, a Mauritius-based African operator with a presence in markets like Tanzania, Madagascar, Comoros, Senegal, and Togo, has expanded its footprint through acquisitions and joint ventures. This latest acquisition of Jumia could be a key move in Axian's strategy to diversify and solidify its presence in the rapidly growing African fintech sector. PR-Inside.com: 2025-07-02 16:15:15 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 661 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Award-winning architect, developer, and community advocate calls for stronger public engagement in shaping Indiana's cities and neighborhoodsINDIANAPOLIS, IN / ACCESS Newswire / July 2, 2025 / As Indianapolis continues to evolve, one local leader is reminding residents that good design and smart development are about more than aesthetics-they're about people.Cornelius "Lee" Alig, a sixth-generation Hoosier and long-time force in architecture, urban planning, and community building, is raising awareness around the critical role design plays in shaping public life. With a career spanning more than four decades, Alig has helped transform the physical and cultural landscape of Indianapolis through innovative real estate projects, nonprofit leadership, and grassroots service."Design isn't just what something looks like-it's how it works," said Alig. "We need to build communities that serve everyone, not just check a zoning box or fit a style." A Voice for Better CitiesAlig's message comes at a time when U.S. cities are facing a wave of challenges tied to urban sprawl, housing, and infrastructure. According to the Brookings Institution, over 80% of Americans now live in urban areas, but many of these spaces lack adequate access to green space, safe transit, and inclusive public design.Throughout his career-as co-founder of HDG (now Ratio) Architects, and later as CEO of Mansur Real Estate Services-Alig has pushed for development that reflects long-term thinking and civic responsibility. His work on commercial, hospitality, and mixed-use projects across the Midwest has earned national recognition, including the AIA Michigan Honor Award and the Urban Land Institute Award of Excellence.Yet Alig's contributions extend well beyond real estate.He is the creator and host of Design Minded Indiana, a radio show and podcast recorded at WQRT 99.1 FM LP. With over 50 episodes aired, the show spotlights local designers, planners, and creatives in candid conversations about how design influences everyday life."Public design affects everyone, whether they realise it or not-from the width of a sidewalk to the layout of a neighborhood," Alig explained. "The more we include people in these conversations, the better our cities will be." Trees, Meals, and Hands-On ServiceAlig also takes his message to the streets-literally. He volunteers with Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, helping plant more than 3,000 trees annually. He supports food relief organisation Second Helpings, where he's involved in volunteer efforts and the annual Tonic Ball fundraiser, which helps provide over 4,000 hot meals per day to food-insecure residents."If you want to build community, you've got to show up in it," said Alig. "Sometimes that means rolling up your sleeves and planting trees. Sometimes it means listening to someone who's struggling. That's part of design, too." Civic Leadership Rooted in HistoryA licensed architect since 1981, Alig has served in key leadership roles including Vice Chairman of the Regional 2020 Plan under Mayor Bart Peterson and Chair of the Governor's Residence Commission under two state administrations. He's served on over 15 nonprofit boards and currently sits on the board of the Design Arts Collaborative, formerly affiliated with the Indianapolis Museum of Art.His civic work has earned him Indiana's Sagamore of the Wabash-one of the highest civilian honors in the state.A Call to Residents: Shape Your SpaceLee Alig's message to Indianapolis residents is simple but urgent: take ownership of your space."Start with your block," he said. "Talk to your neighbors. Show up at a planning meeting. Plant something. Advocate for what your community really needs." About Cornelius "Lee" AligCornelius "Lee" Alig is a licensed architect, developer, and civic leader based in Indianapolis. He is the co-founder of HDG (now Ratio) Architects and former CEO of Mansur Real Estate Services. His work includes award-winning development, nonprofit leadership, historic preservation, podcast hosting, and ongoing service to Indianapolis through urban design and volunteerism. He is the host of Design Minded Indiana on WQRT 99.1 FM.Press Contact:Read the full articlehere .Email - corneliusalig@ emaildn.com SOURCE: Cornelius Alig PR-Inside.com: 2025-07-02 13:57:13 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 1119 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESS Newswire / July 2, 2025 / I recently came across Free Sugar Pro, a natural blood sugar support supplement that's said to be backed by solid scientific research. From what I've gathered, it's carefully formulated using ingredients known for their antidiabetic properties. The creators of this supplement claim it targets the real reason behind blood sugar imbalances, especially type 2 diabetes, which, as we all know, is a growing concern affecting millions globally.I've tried my fair share of blood sugar solutions, and let's be honest-most of them don't work. They often just mask the symptoms instead of addressing what's truly causing the problem. That's why Free Sugar Pro caught my attention. It claims to go deeper than surface-level fixes, focusing on the root causes.Ready to explore natural blood sugar support? Take a closer look at Free Sugar ProBut of course, I don't take those claims at face value. I wanted to dig a little deeper and see what this supplement is really about. If you're in the same boat-curious but cautious-this review is for you. Let me walk you through everything I've found out about Free Sugar Pro so you can decide if it's worth considering.What Is Free Sugar Pro?Free Sugar Pro is a professionally formulated supplement designed to help regulate blood sugar levels, especially for those of us dealing with things like insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes. What makes it different, at least in my experience, is that it's based on recent scientific findings and focuses on addressing the root cause of blood sugar spikes, not just managing symptoms.What really stood out to me was that it doesn't just stop at lowering blood sugar. It also supports reducing inflammation and insulin resistance, both of which are major players in the ups and downs of blood sugar. On top of that, it's said to help reduce cravings (especially those frustrating sugar cravings), improve metabolism, and even give your energy levels a noticeable boost.According to the official website, Free Sugar Pro is made with a blend of natural ingredients that are safe for everyday use-no toxic chemicals or artificial stuff. And here's something I appreciated: it's suitable for both men and women, ages 18 to 85, who are struggling with blood sugar imbalances and the health issues that come with them.Plus, it's made right here in the U.S. in facilities that follow strict FDA and GMP standards, so that gave me a little more confidence in the quality. I'll break down the Free Sugar Pro ingredients and benefits next, so stick around if you're curious to see what's inside Free Sugar Pro and how it might work for you, too.Learn more and decide if Free Sugar Pro is right for your wellness goalsHow Does Free Sugar Pro Work?One of the things that really intrigued me about Free Sugar Pro was how it actually works. It's not just another generic blood sugar support supplement-it's based on some fascinating research out of the University of Dusseldorf. According to the researchers, they discovered something called "zombie cells"-and no, that's not a sci-fi term. These are real cells that tend to build up around the pancreas and create a toxic environment, making it hard for insulin to function properly.What's even more alarming is that these zombie cells also seem to trigger inflammation and insulin resistance, which messes with how your body handles glucose. I had no idea something like this could even exist, but it made a lot of sense once I read about it. It helped explain why traditional treatments sometimes fall short-they don't address this deeper cellular dysfunction.That's where Free Sugar Pro drops come in. It's designed to activate your body's Natural Killer (NK) cells, which are basically your immune system's frontline defense. These NK cells can actually target and clear out those zombie cells, allowing your pancreas to do its job more efficiently and helping bring blood sugar levels back to a healthier range.What's cool is that the ingredients in Free Sugar Pro-like chromium and maca root-are chosen specifically because they're believed toboost NK cell activity and reduce inflammation . When I saw that, it felt like this supplement was doing more than just managing blood sugar. It's going after the actual problem at the cellular level.So in simple terms, Free Sugar Pro aims to restore balance by helping your body clean out the junk (aka zombie cells) that's interfering with insulin. That's something I hadn't seen before in other supplements I've tried.What's Inside The Formula? Free Sugar Pro IngredientsThe formula is made using a blend of natural, research-backed ingredients, each chosen for its potential to help manage blood sugar levels. Here's a closer look at what I found on the label:GuaranaThis is the main Free Sugar Pro ingredient, and it caught my attention because it's not something I've seen in a lot of other blood sugar supplements. Guarana is known to help lower blood sugar levels and may even relieve some of the symptoms of type 2 diabetes. I also read that it supports weight loss and helps fight inflammation, which is a huge bonus.African MangoI've heard about African Mango in the context of weight loss before, but I didn't realize it had benefits for blood sugar, too. Turns out, it contains something called terminalin, which helps your body absorb and use glucose more effectively. Plus, the fiber in the seed extract slows down how quickly sugar enters the bloodstream, which can help prevent spikes.Maca RootMaca root was another impressive addition. It's been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and help regulate blood sugar levels. Some studies even say it can improve glucose tolerance and bring down triglyceride levels, which is great if you're also watching your heart health like I am.ChromiumThis one's a classic when it comes to blood sugar support. Chromium helps the body respond better to insulin and is known to lower fasting blood glucose. Personally, I noticed it also helped with my cravings, especially in the evening when I used to reach for sugary snacks.Gymnema SylvestreI've seen Gymnema in other antidiabetic formulas, so it wasn't a surprise to see it here. It's a traditional herb known for its ability to boost insulin production and improve glycemic control. It also helped curb my sweet tooth, which has made sticking to healthier habits a lot easier.Overall, I felt good knowing that Free Sugar Pro was packed with ingredients that not only support blood sugar regulation but also tackle related issues likecravings, weight gain, and inflammation . If you're anything like me, you know how important it is to have a supplement tha PR-Inside.com: 2025-07-03 00:50:33 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 702 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / July 2, 2025 / Gold Mountain Mining Corp. ("Gold Mountain" or the "Company") (TSX:GMTN)(OTCQB:GMTNF)(FRA:5XFA) announced today that it will not file its annual financial statements for the financial year ended March 31, 2025 (the "Financial Statements"), or its management's discussion and analysis, CEO and CFO filing certificates or annual information form relating to the Financial Statements (collectively, the "Required Filings"), before the prescribed filing deadline of June 30, 2025 (the "Filing Deadline").The reason for the default is that the Company recently changed its auditor, and this change has caused delays in the audit of the Company's financial statements. As disclosed in the Company's public disclosure record on SEDAR+, effective June 4, 2025, Davidson & Company LLP was appointed as the new auditor of the Company. Due to the time needed for an effective transition to the new auditor, the auditor requires additional time to complete the audit of the Financial Statements. The transition between audit firms requires time to onboard the new auditor with the Company's financial reporting processes, accounting policies, and historical audit documentation. In addition, the new auditor is required to perform certain independent procedures to satisfy professional standards, which are more extensive in the first year of engagement.The Company has now provided all required information to the auditor so that the auditor is able to complete the audit. The Required Filings are expected to be filed as soon as they are available and within a reasonable period, and in any event by no later than July 30, 2025.The Company has made an application with the British Columbia Securities Commission and other applicable securities regulators under National Policy 12-203 - Management Cease Trade Orders ("NP 12-203") requesting that a management cease trade order (the "MCTO") be imposed in respect of the late filing of the Required Filings. There is no guarantee that a MCTO will be granted. If the MCTO is granted, the MCTO will prohibit the chief executive officer, the chief financial officer, and possibly the directors, other officers and other insiders of the Company from trading in securities of the Company for so long as the Required Filings are not filed. The issuance of such MCTO does not generally affect the ability of persons who are not directors, officers or other insiders of the Company to trade in the Company's securities.The Company confirms that it will satisfy the provisions of the alternative information guidelines under NP 12-203 by issuing bi-weekly default status reports in the form of news releases so long as it remains in default of the filing requirements set out above.About Gold MountainGold Mountain is a British Columbia based gold and silver production, exploration and development company focused on the development of the Elk Gold Mine, a producing mine located 57 kilometers from Merritt in South Central British Columbia. Additional information is available at www.sedarplus.ca or on the Company's website at www.goldmountainminingcorp.ca For more information, please contact:Gold Mountain Mining Corp.Email: info@ goldmountainminingcorp.ca Website: www.goldmountainminingcorp.ca The TSX has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of the content of this News Release.Forward Looking StatementsForward-looking statements in this news release may include, but are not limited to, statements relating to those in respect of the Company's future financial reporting. Although the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which the forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof, and except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company assumes no obligation or intent to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements made herein or otherwise, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.SOURCE: Gold Mountain Mining Corp PR-Inside.com: 2025-07-02 21:00:28 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 579 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / July 2, 2025 / Leading securities law firmBleichmar Fonti & Auld LLPannounces that a lawsuit has been filed against Hims & Hers Health, Inc. (NYSE:HIMS) and certain of the Company's senior executives for potential violations of the federal securities laws.If you invested in Hims & Hers, you are encouraged to obtain additional information by visiting: https://www.bfalaw.com/cases-investigations/hims-hers-health-inc-class-action Investors have until August 25, 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 Hims & Hers securities. The case is pending in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California and is captioned Sookdeo v. Hims & Hers Health, Inc., et al., No. 25-cv-05315. A subsequent complaint alleging substantially similar claims was also filed and is captioned Yaghsizian v. Hims & Hers Health, Inc., et al., No. 25-cv-05321.Why was Hims & Hers Sued for Securities Fraud?Hims & Hers operates a telehealth platform that provides consumers with access to online consultations with licensed healthcare professionals, prescription medications, and a range of wellness products.On April 29, 2025, Hims & Hers and Novo Nordisk announced a "long-term collaboration" starting with the immediate sale of Novo Nordisk's popular weight loss drug Wegovy on the Hims & Hers platform. The active ingredient in Wegovy is semaglutide.As alleged, Hims and Hers touted and misrepresented to investors the nature of its partnership with Novo Nordisk, including asserting that under the terms of the agreement His & Hers could offer both Wegovy and compounded semaglutide to its customers. Hims & Hers also allegedly represented to investors that its sale of compounded semaglutide complied with FDA regulations.The Stock Declines as the Truth is RevealedOn June 23, 2025, Novo Nordisk announced that it was terminating the partnership, "based on Hims & Hers deceptive promotion and selling of illegitimate, knockoff versions of Wegovy that put patient safety at risk" and alleged that Hims & Hers "failed to adhere to the law which prohibits mass sales of compounded drugs." On this news, the price of Hims & Hers stock fell $22.24 per share, or more than 34%, from $64.22 per share on June 20, 2025 to $41.98 per share on June 23, 2025.Click here for more information: https://www.bfalaw.com/cases-investigations/hims-hers-health-inc-class-action What Can You Do?If you invested in Hims and Hers you may have legal options and are encouraged to submit your information to the firm.All representation is on a contingency fee basis, there is no cost to you. Shareholders are not responsible for any court costs or expenses of litigation. The firm will seek court approval for any potential fees and expenses.Submit your information by visiting:Or contact:Ross Shikowitz ross@ bfalaw.com 212-789-3619Why Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP?Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP is a leading international law firm representing plaintiffs in securities class actions and shareholder litigation. It was named among the Top 5 plaintiff law firms by ISS SCAS in 2023 and its attorneys have been named Titans of the Plaintiffs' Bar by Law360 and SuperLawyers by Thompson Reuters. Among its recent notable successes, BFA recovered over $900 million in value from Tesla, Inc.'s Board of Directors, as well as $420 million from Teva Pharmaceutical Ind. Ltd.For more information about BFA and its attorneys, please visit https://www.bfalaw.com Attorney advertising. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.SOURCE: Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP PR-Inside.com: 2025-07-02 18:17:13 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 408 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / July 2, 2025 / Erie Insurance recently disclosed that it suffered a data breach that compromised the sensitive personal data of individuals. This data breach has led to concerns over the security of sensitive personal information entrusted to Erie Insurance.WHAT'S THIS ABOUT?On June 7, 2025, Erie Insurance reported in an SEC filing that it had identified suspicious activity on its internal network related to a cybersecurity incident. The company promptly launched an investigation, working with third-party cybersecurity experts to determine the scope and nature of the breach. Erie issued an "Information Security Event" statement on its website on June 11, 2025, and notified law enforcement. The investigation is ongoing, and it was confirmed that the breach affected Erie's core systems.These files allegedly included names, addresses, Social Security numbers, dates of birth, policy details, and driver's license numbers.Erie released an update on June 14, 2025, on its website providing additional information about the network outage and its response efforts. 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 Erie Insurance, you are likely affected. Follow the link below to find out if you may be eligible for compensation.Levi & Korsinsky, LLP is investigating whether affected individuals are entitled to compensation. There is no cost or obligation to participate. Follow the link below to find out:Levi & Korsinsky is a nationally recognized consumer advocacy law firm that has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars against large corporations. The firm's team of over 70 extraordinary attorneys and professionals have a winning track record going against the most powerful defense attorneys in the world and know how to maximize your compensation. The firm is a 100% contingency firm - we don't get paid unless you get paid! Please visit us at www.zlk.com for more information. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.CONTACT: Levi & Korsinsky, LLPJoseph E. Levi, Esq.Ed Korsinsky, Esq.33 Whitehall Street, 17th FloorNew York, NY 10004 jlevi@ levikorsinsky.com Tel: (212) 363-7500Fax: (212) 363-7171 https://zlk.com/ SOURCE: Levi & Korsinsky, LLP PR-Inside.com: 2025-07-02 18:17:30 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 462 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / July 2, 2025 / Krispy Kreme Doughnut Corporation recently disclosed that it suffered a data breach that compromised the sensitive personal data of individuals. This data breach has led to concerns over the security of sensitive personal information entrusted to Krispy Kreme.WHAT'S THIS ABOUT?On November 19, 2024, Krispy Kreme became aware of a security incident on its online ordering system. Upon detection, Krispy Kreme launched an investigation with the assistance of third-party cyber security experts to determine the nature and scope of the incident. The investigation determined that an unauthorized third party gained access to customer data. On May 22, 2025, Krispy Kreme identified individuals whose sensitive personal information was included in the impacted data.These files allegedly included name, Social Security number, date of birth, driver's license or state ID number, financial account information, financial account access information, credit or debit card information, credit or debit card information in combination with a security code, username and password to a financial account, passport number, digital signature, username and password, email address and password, biometric data, USCIS or Alien Registration Number, US military ID number, medical or health information, and health insurance information.On June 18, 2025, Krispy Kreme filed notice with state Attorney Generals' offices and began sending out notice letters to impacted individuals. 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 Krispy Kreme, you are likely affected. Follow the link below to find out if you may be eligible for compensation.Levi & Korsinsky, LLP is investigating whether affected individuals are entitled to compensation. There is no cost or obligation to participate. Follow the link below to find out:Levi & Korsinsky is a nationally recognized consumer advocacy law firm that has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars against large corporations. The firm's team of over 70 extraordinary attorneys and professionals have a winning track record going against the most powerful defense attorneys in the world and know how to maximize your compensation. The firm is a 100% contingency firm - we don't get paid unless you get paid! Please visit us at www.zlk.com for more information. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.CONTACT: Levi & Korsinsky, LLPJoseph E. Levi, Esq.Ed Korsinsky, Esq.33 Whitehall Street, 17th FloorNew York, NY 10004 jlevi@ levikorsinsky.com Tel: (212) 363-7500Fax: (212) 363-7171 https://zlk.com/ SOURCE: Levi & Korsinsky, LLP PR-Inside.com: 2025-07-02 18:22:30 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 484 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / July 2, 2025 / Ahold Delhaize USA Services, LLC 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 Ahold Delhaize USA Services.WHAT'S THIS ABOUT?On November 6, 2024, Ahold Delhaize USA Services discovered a cybersecurity incident involving unauthorized access to some of its internal U.S. business systems. An investigation determined that an unauthorized third party obtained certain files from one of its internal U.S. file repositories between November 5 and November 6, 2024.The data breach has affected individuals connected to a broad spectrum of grocery and retail entities, including major chains like Food Lion, Hannaford, The Giant Company, Stop & Shop, and Tops Markets. The data breach also impacted various related supply chain, financial, and e-commerce services, along with some independently operated stores.These impacted files allegedly included names, contact information (for example, postal and email addresses and telephone numbers), dates of birth, government-issued identification numbers (for example, Social Security, passport and driver's license numbers), financial account information (for example, bank account number), health information (for example, workers' compensation information and medical information contained in employment records), and employment-related information.On June 26, 2025, Ahold Delhaize USA Services disclosed the breach to the California, Maine, and Montana Attorney Generals and began notifying affected individuals. 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 Ahold Delhaize USA Services, LLC, you are likely affected. Follow the link below to find out if you may be eligible for compensation.Levi & Korsinsky, LLP is investigating whether affected individuals are entitled to compensation. There is no cost or obligation to participate. Follow the link below to find out:Levi & Korsinsky is a nationally recognized consumer advocacy law firm that has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars against large corporations. The firm's team of over 70 extraordinary attorneys and professionals have a winning track record going against the most powerful defense attorneys in the world and know how to maximize your compensation. The firm is a 100% contingency firm - we don't get paid unless you get paid! Please visit us at www.zlk.com for more information. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.CONTACT: Levi & Korsinsky, LLPJoseph E. Levi, Esq.Ed Korsinsky, Esq.33 Whitehall Street, 17th FloorNew York, NY 10004 jlevi@ levikorsinsky.com Tel: (212) 363-7500Fax: (212) 363-7171 https://zlk.com/ SOURCE: Levi & Korsinsky, LLP PR-Inside.com: 2025-07-02 03:25:23 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 484 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK, NY / ACCESS Newswire / July 1, 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 February 24, 2022 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=155194&wire=1&utm_campaign=20 to learn about your rights to seek a recovery. There is no cost or obligation to participate.WHY LEVI & KORSINSKY: Over the past 20 years, Levi & Korsinsky LLP has established itself as a nationally-recognized securities litigation firm that has secured hundreds of millions of dollars for aggrieved shareholders and built a track record of winning high-stakes cases. The firm has extensive expertise representing investors in complex securities litigation and a team of over 70 employees to serve our clients. For seven years in a row, Levi & Korsinsky has ranked in ISS Securities Class Action Services' Top 50 Report as one of the top securities litigation firms in the United States. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.CONTACT: Levi & Korsinsky, LLPJoseph E. Levi, Esq.Ed Korsinsky, Esq.33 Whitehall Street, 17th FloorNew York, NY 10004 jlevi@ levikorsinsky.com Tel: (212) 363-7500Fax: (212) 363-7171 https://zlk.com/ SOURCE: Levi & Korsinsky, LLP PR-Inside.com: 2025-07-03 00:00:10 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 944 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 SAN FRANCISCO, CA / ACCESS Newswire / July 2, 2025 / At a pivotal moment for AI and cybersecurity, AI Insiders: Cybersecurity Edition gathered 130 of the most influential minds in the space at AWS Builders Loft for a highly curated salon designed to surface zero-day insights and catalyze new defense paradigms. The evening, hosted by Marvelous, the AI operating system for real-world event automation, focused on how autonomous agents and LLMs are reshaping the cyber threat landscape and what must come next."As AI becomes both a weapon and a shield, cybersecurity can't afford to lag behind standing still is a three-year head start for the adversary, especially when 98% of CISOs expect an AI-driven attack surge within that time," said Merve Isler, founder of Marvelous.Structured as a vertical intelligence ecosystem rather than a traditional conference, the event attracted high-trust guests working at the bleeding edge of AI and security innovation.The audience composition reflected the moment's intensity: 50% CISOs and security leads from major enterprises, decision-makers on budget, tooling, and response strategy. 30% were AI founders and technical builders, building tools for red-teaming, LLM hardening, and agent alignment. 10% were investors from top-tier funds like a16z, Greylock, Menlo Ventures, CRV, and Ballistic Ventures. The final 10% included analysts and security media, invited to listen, though most discussions remained off the record to foster candor and collaboration.Backed by partners including Lakera and AWS, Cyera, Tinfoil, Pangea, Zania AI, Straiker AI, and HC Consulting, AI Insiders continues to serve as a nexus for domain-specific AI collaboration.AI Insiders was founded and curated by Merve Isler, a globally recognized ecosystem strategist and former Google community architect. With a decade of experience designing high-trust innovation communities across Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia and the United States, she has built founder and technology networks in some of the world's most complex and fast-evolving ecosystems. Through AI Insiders, Isler brings this global expertise into vertical-specific, high-signal gatherings that spark meaningful industry collaboration. AI Insiders the highly curated and most trusted AI community in San Francisco.She founded Marvelous to democratize the tools and systems behind this kind of high-impact convening, transforming what was once exclusive into something scalable. The platform's vision is shared in her Marvelous 10-year Memo at themarvelo.us/memo Where Intelligence Meets Defense Before programming began, guests were welcomed with curated matchmaking by Marvelous, local craft drinks, and light bites designed to spark meaningful connections.Hosts Merve Isler (Marvelous), Julie Tsai (Cybersecurity Executive), and Bhavya Gupta (Stanford) opened the night with a call to action; AI is already disrupting security doctrine and the room held those best equipped to respond.Bhavya Gupta added, "AI is no longer just a tool in cybersecurity, it's becoming an active player, making decisions, adapting in real time, and rewriting the pace of both attack and defense. The real question now isn't just how we secure AI, but how we secure with it." Christopher Chew, Supervisory Special Agent at the FBI, delivered a sobering look at how LLMs are being exploited in real-world threat campaigns, while Michelle Dennedy, CPO-in-Residence at Abaxx / PrivacyCode (ex-Cisco, Sun, Juniper), outlined frameworks for privacy-at-scale in autonomous systems.The VCs' View on Cybersecurity in the AI Era panel, moderated by David Colombo, unpacked how capital flows into AI-native security and which types of infrastructure are still underserved.Panelists:Malika Aubakirova (Partner, a16z)Chenxi Wang (Managing General Partner, Rain Capital)David Hahn (Partner, Ballistic Ventures)James Green (Partner, CRV)Shreya Shekhar (Partner, Greylock)Building the Future of AI Security & Resilience panel moderated by Feyza Haskaraman (Principal, Menlo Ventures), this panel went deep into technical strategy and startup challenges. From model-level defense to real-time observability in agentic workflows, panelists revealed what's working and what's not.Startup Showcase: Six Startups Defining AI-Native Cyber Defense A rapid-fire showcase spotlighted the next wave of security innovation tools built from the ground up for LLMs, agents, and adversarial environments.Straiker AI - Ankur Shah unveiled real-time threat detection for AI-native applications.Lakera - David Haber demonstrated scalable defenses against model exploitation.Zania AI- Aidan Collins introduced agentic security tooling designed for continuous learning environments.Cyera- Adam DeGraff showcased enterprise-ready data protection for AI-integrated cloud systems.Pangea- Oliver Friedrichs showcased workforce AI tool usage and AI activity within applications.Tinfoil - Tanya Verma closed with a vision for lightweight, developer-first LLM security primitives.As with every AI Insiders gathering curated by Merve Isler, the experience blended substance with style. This time, the evening unfolded to the sound of live jazz, following past salons that featured AI-generated piano performances. Guests enjoyed bites and carefully selected wines, adding to the ambiance of thoughtful conversation and connection. The night closed with high-trust, no-agenda networking among operators, security architects, investors, and researchers. Many discussions extended well beyond closing, sparking collaborations that Marvelous and its founder Isler will continue nurturing through future AI Insiders salons across verticals like Healthcare & Biotech, Fintech, Robotics & Automation, and culminating in the H1 of 2026 flagship summit.About Marvelous Marvelous is an AI-powered operating system for in-person event automation and a real-time collaboration AI community platform. Built for teams who activate physical spaces with digital efficiency, Marvelous enables users to launch and manage live experiences through agentic workflows that automate vendor matching, budgeting, logistics, and post-event analytics. The platform is headquartered in San Francisco and supports high-frequency event execution across experiential marketing, founder communities, and enterprise innovation programs. Founded by Merve Isler, a former Google community strategist, Marvelous powers scalable, on-demand coordination for IRL activations. Learn more at themarvelo.us About AI Insiders AI Insiders is a verticalized series of events and private founder network for AI professionals and researchers. Organized by Marvelous, each gathering convenes 15 PR-Inside.com: 2025-07-02 14:00:25 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 878 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Smile Digital Health is the first vendor to be validated by NCQA as qualified to run digital HEDIS measures with their dQM Solution.TORONTO, ON / ACCESS Newswire / July 2, 2025 / Smile Digital Health (Smile), a leading Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR) health data platform and Clinical Quality Language (CQL) solutions provider, is proud to announce that the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) has confirmed itsdQM Solutionsuccessfully implements digital HEDIS (Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set) measures. As of this release, Smile has already received NCQA validation for 11 digital measures and has submitted 31 digital measures awaiting validation. Smile is the first and only organization to receive NCQA validation of its solution. This accomplishment verifies that Smile has demonstrated the ability to run NCQA Digital Content Services measures through their solution and produce accurate and consistent results, leveraging FHIR and CQL. U.S. payer organizations can now move forward with confidence in the parallel testing phase required for digital HEDIS reporting with the Smile dQM Solution. Smile Digital Health Logo As a health technology company, Smile Digital Health's goal is to reduce barriers between information and care. We harness the power of open standards to build health IT solutions that deliver an interoperable, FHIR1-first Health Data Fabric."Validating measure engines for digital quality measures is a critical milestone on the journey toward a fully digital future," said Edward Yurcisin, Chief Technology Officer at NCQA. "It brings us one step closer to realizing digital HEDIS, making measurement more efficient, accurate, timely, and foundational to accountable, high-quality care for all." As the first to achieve validation, Smile is contributing key insights and expertise on best practices for digitizing HEDIS scores. As a user of Digital Content Services, Smile leverages digitized FHIR CQL HEDIS measures that help minimize programming and validation efforts and make HEDIS more accessible at all levels of healthcare. Smile is also playing a leading role in NCQA's Digital Quality Implementers Community, a collaborative consensus-based effort to develop, advance, and standardize tools and platforms, like CQL engines, that optimize digital quality measurement. Smile's involvement in these initiatives underscores the company's long-standing commitment to advancing healthcare quality standards.Bryn Rhodes, Director of Standards Strategy at Smile Digital Health and technical lead of the Digital Quality Implementers Community (DQIC), highlights Smile's role in this initiative: "At Smile, we are passionate about advancing healthcare quality through innovation. As an NCQA validated vendor, we're excited to share our expertise in health data interoperability and digital quality measurement with the healthcare industry, contributing to a smoother transition toward digitized HEDIS scores. This initiative will enable better care outcomes and improve overall quality measurement processes." NCQA's work on digitizing HEDIS scores aims to streamline the process of collecting and analyzing healthcare quality data. HEDIS, a critical tool for evaluating health plans and care providers, plays a central role in ensuring high standards of care across the U.S. The NCQA initiative to move to digital quality measures targeting 2030 will increase consistency and maximize flexibility and transparency in HEDIS performance measurements across individuals, organizations, and systems. It is a collaborative effort to enhance the quality of care provided to patients while introducing new opportunities for innovation.Smile Digital Health is proud to support this evolution as the industry shifts towards more interoperable and efficient healthcare data management systems.Rob Reynolds, VP of Clinical Intelligence at Smile Digital Health adds that "At the 2024 NCQA Health Innovation Summit during the Digital Quality Implementers Community discussion, when the panel was asked what was next, I responded, I don't know about everyone else-but for Smile, what's next is we start running digital HEDIS.' Today, I'm proud to say that Smile delivered." Smile Digital Health's validation by NCQA for digital HEDIS measures underscores the company's dedication to advancing healthcare quality measurement. Being the first to achieve this validation, Smile is positioning itself as a key player in the movement towards more precise, interoperable, and impactful healthcare data solutions.HEDIS is a registered trademark of the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA)About Smile Digital Health Smile Digital Healthis a FHIR-first health data solutions company that provides the most advanced platform for managing and exchanging healthcare data. Smile helps healthcare organizations drive better patient outcomes, improve operational efficiency, and foster deeper collaboration across the healthcare ecosystem. Our enterprise-grade, open frameworkdata platformdrives data unification, enrichment, and elevation while ensuring compliance with industry mandates. We equip healthcare providers, payers, researchers, and life sciences organizations for a connected future beyond legacy systems, unlocking new value through the intelligent use of information, and creating #BetterGlobalHealth overall. For more information, visitSmileDigitalHealth.comor onLinkedIn .About NCQA NCQA is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to improving health care quality. NCQA Accredits and Certifies a wide range of health care organizations. It also recognizes clinicians and practices in key areas of performance. NCQA's Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS) is the most widely used performance measurement tool in health care. NCQA's website ( ncqa.org ) contains information to help consumers, employers and others make informed health care choices. NCQA can also be found atX @ncqaand onLinkedIn .Contact InformationJenifer BairdVice President of Sales Enablement and Marketing, Smile Digital Healthpr@ smiledigitalhealth.com +1 877 537 3343SOURCE: Smile CDR Inc. (doing business as Smile Digital Health) Afghanistan Aland Islands Albania Algeria American Samoa Andorra Angola Anguilla Antarctica Antigua and Barbuda Argentina Armenia Aruba Australia Austria Azerbaijan Bahamas Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bermuda Bhutan Bolivia Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba Bosnia and Herzegowina Botswana Bouvet Island Brazil British Indian Ocean Territory Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria Burkina Faso Burundi Cambodia Cameroon Canada Cape Verde Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad Chile China Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia Comoros Congo Democratic Republic of the Congo Cook Islands Costa Rica Cote D'Ivoire Croatia Cuba Curacao Cyprus Czechia Denmark Djibouti Dominica Dominican Republic Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Estonia Eswatini Ethiopia Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Faroe Islands Fiji Finland France French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon Gambia Georgia Germany Ghana Gibraltar Greece Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala Guernsey Guinea Guinea-Bissau Guyana Haiti Heard and McDonald Islands Honduras Hong Kong Hungary Iceland India Indonesia Iran Iraq Ireland Isle of Man Israel Italy Jamaica Japan Jersey Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya Kiribati Korea, North Korea, South Kosovo Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Laos Latvia Lebanon Lesotho Liberia Libya Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Macau Macedonia Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Maldives Mali Malta Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania Mauritius Mayotte Mexico Micronesia Moldova Monaco Mongolia Montenegro Montserrat Morocco Mozambique Myanmar Namibia Nauru Nepal Netherlands Netherlands Antilles New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua Niger Nigeria Niue Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway Oman Pakistan Palau Palestine Panama Papua New Guinea Paraguay Peru Philippines Pitcairn Poland Portugal Puerto Rico Qatar Reunion Romania Russia Rwanda Saint Barthelemy Saint Helena Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Lucia Saint Martin Saint Pierre and Miquelon Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Samoa San Marino Sao Tome and Principe Saudi Arabia Senegal Serbia Seychelles Sierra Leone Singapore Sint Maarten Slovakia Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia South Africa South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands South Sudan, Republic of Spain Sri Lanka Sudan Suriname Svalbard and Jan Mayen Islands Sweden Switzerland Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan Tajikistan Tanzania Thailand Timor-Leste (East Timor) Togo Tokelau Tonga Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Turkey Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom United States of America United States Minor Outlying Islands Uruguay Uzbekistan Vanuatu Vatican City State Venezuela Vietnam Virgin Islands (British) Virgin Islands (U.S.) Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia Zimbabwe PR-Inside.com: 2025-07-02 18:26:06 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 664 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / July 2, 2025 /WHY: New York, N.Y., July 2, 2025. Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of common stock of West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. (NYSE:WST) between February 16, 2023 and February 12, 2025, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"), of the important July 7, 2025 lead plaintiff deadline.SO WHAT: If you purchased West common stock during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement.WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the West class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=39367 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@ rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than July 7, 2025. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation.WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company at the time. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, throughout the Class Period, defendants made false and misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) despite claiming strong visibility into customer demand and attributing headwinds to temporary COVID-related product destocking, West was in fact experiencing significant and ongoing destocking across its high-margin High-Value Products ("HVP") portfolio; (2) West's SmartDose device, which was purportedly positioned as a high-margin growth product, was highly dilutive to West's profit margins due to operational inefficiencies; (3) these margin pressures created the risk of costly restructuring activities, including West's exit from continuous glucose monitoring ("CGM") contracts with long-standing customers; and (4) as a result of the foregoing, defendants' positive statements about West's business, operations, and prospects were materially false and/or misleading or lacked a reasonable basis. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.To join the West class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=39367 , call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@ rosenlegal.com for information on the class action.No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff.Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm , on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/ Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.---Contact Information:Laurence Rosen, Esq.Phillip Kim, Esq.The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.275 Madison Avenue, 40th FloorNew York, NY 10016Tel: (212) 686-1060Toll Free: (866) 767-3653Fax: (212) 202-3827 case@ rosenlegal.comwww.rosenlegal.com SOURCE: The Rosen Law Firm, P.A. Japaul Gold & Ventures Plc has announced a major board reshuffle, appointing Segun Oloketuyi as chairman, Francis Ekeng as non-executive director, and confirming David Dawson as managing director. In a disclosure on Monday, the company said the appointments mark a transformative phase in its corporate governance and strategic direction as it seeks to capitalise on opportunities in gold exploration, mining technology and sustainable resource development across Africa and beyond. Mr Oloketuyi, a former managing director of Wema Bank Plc, is described as a seasoned financial expert and respected industry leader with decades of experience in banking, governance, and business transformation. The company said his appointment brings strong leadership, boardroom depth, and a renewed focus on corporate performance and shareholder value. Mr Ekeng, the CEO of Breeztek Limited, is a pan-African entrepreneur whose work spans telecommunications, real estate, technology and heavy metal mining, particularly in Eastern Africa. He studied at the University of Ibadan and has executive training from institutions including the London Business School, Lagos Business School, Fintech Oxford, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he was certified as a Digital Transformation Expert. 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 Widely recognised for his leadership in digital transformation across traditional and emerging sectors, Ekeng brings a unique blend of innovation, technical foresight, and executional excellence, the company said. His appointment reflects the Companys ambition to drive next-generation value creation in mining and allied sectors. Mr Dawson, a Canadian with more than 40 years of experience in geophysical exploration and mining, specialises in magnetics, electromagnetic frequency and time domains, and induced polarisation. He has led projects from grassroots discovery to mine reserve development and is fluent in Brazilian Portuguese and Spanish. His work spans the full spectrum of exploration Mr. Dawson brings international technical leadership to Japaul Gold, positioning the company for growth through the integration of advanced exploration methodologies and global best practices, the company said. Outgoing chairman Paul Jegede described the appointments as strategic. These appointments represent the companys strategic leap into the future. We are combining deep technical expertise, strong governance, and innovative entrepreneurship to reposition Japaul Gold for accelerated growth, regional expansion, and operational excellence, he said. The company added: These appointments are not just symbolic they represent a deliberate step toward long-term transformation, operational excellence, and market leadership. With such diverse expertise and global insights, our new board will be instrumental in steering the company toward innovation-driven growth, strategic partnerships, and responsible resource development. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print MTN Nigeria has signed a three-year national roaming agreement with 9Mobile, allowing subscribers of the smaller operator to access MTNs network infrastructure across the country. This was made known in a disclosure notice released on Monday, signed by the company secretary, Uto Ukpanah. The deal, approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), is expected to improve coverage for 9Mobile customers, especially in areas where the operator has limited infrastructure. It also marks a major shift in the competitive dynamics of Nigerias telecoms sector, where infrastructure sharing has long been discussed but rarely implemented at this scale. This agreement represents a significant step in our commitment to driving industry collaboration, improving customer experience, and supporting the NCCs vision of a fully connected Nigeria, said MTN Nigeria CEO Karl Toriola. Delivering the scale required for telecommunications services in Nigeria requires strong collaboration between the private sector, public sector, and long-term investors. This agreement demonstrates what we can achieve when we collaborate, and we are delighted to announce it today after months of groundwork. 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 9mobile customers have long complained of persistent network failures, prompting many to abandon the service and switch to rival providers. As of January 2025, the companys active subscriber base had plunged to 3.2 million, according to data from the NCC, a steep fall from over 22 million at its peak in 2016. The NCC has in recent years pushed for infrastructure sharing as a way to reduce duplication, lower costs, and accelerate access in rural areas. MTN said the agreement supports its broader goals of promoting digital inclusion and sustainable industry growth. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) on Tuesday announced that works on the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline has extended beyond the River Niger. The Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, Bayo Ojulari, while speaking at the ongoing 2025 Nigeria Oil and Gas (NOG) Energy Week in Abuja on Tuesday, explained that the development boosts hopes for the projects completion by Q4 2025. He added that the feat was achieved through effective and innovative contract reengineering and industry collaboration. NNPC Ltd said the AKK gas pipeline and stations project is a flagship project that will deepen the integration of the northern region of the country with the Niger Delta and other parts of the country. The pipeline can transport two billion standard cubic feet of natural gas per day to three proposed independent power plants in Abuja, Kaduna, Kano, and other gas-based industries, as well as other identified and proposed commercial off-takers along the entire pipeline route. Since the flag-off of the project by former president Muhammadu Buhari in June 2020, the NNPC Ltd said it has recorded significant feats and the project is well on course to deliver on schedule. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later In April 2023, the NNPC Ltd said the project had reached almost 70 per cent completion. For the first time in a long while, Mr Ojulari said the nation enjoyed 100 per cent crude oil pipeline availability throughout June 2025. The feat which was possible through the industry-wide security interventions led by the NNPC helped to boost crude oil production, he said. He, however, called for more investments to boost production, adding that NNPC Ltd has been able to turn the narrative around by consistently meeting its cash-call obligations to Joint Venture operations. He said the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) has placed NNPC Ltd in a good position to live up to its responsibility of leading the industry in financing projects. In his address, Ekperikpe Ekpo, minister of state for petroleum resources (Gas), said the AKK gas pipeline has achieved a significant milestone, marking a major leap in the drive to industrialise Northern Nigeria and strengthen internal gas distribution. We are equally optimistic that the OB3 Gas Pipeline and River Niger crossing will reach similar progress shortly, as we work to fully interconnect our national gas grid. Regionally, he said the pipeline diplomacy is bearing fruit. We are committed to the long-standing West African Gas Pipeline (WAGP), which continues to deliver gas from Nigeria to our West African neighbours. The Trans-Atlantic Gas Pipeline, also known as the NigeriaMorocco Gas Pipeline (NMGP), spanning over 5,000 kilometres and linking over a dozen countries, is advancing steadily. This transformative project will enhance regional integration, boost gas accessibility, and ultimately connect to the European market, he added. According to him, Nigeria boasts of one of the largest proven gas reserves in the world with over 200 trillion cubic feet of proven natural gas reserves. Yet we recognise that value is only created when resources are developed and utilised, he said. He noted that through the Decade of Gas initiative, the country is focused on translating its vast gas wealth into tangible socio-economic benefits. This, he said, includes driving industrialisation, expanding power generation, increasing domestic Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) usage, deepening gas-to-transport adoption, and growing gas export capacity. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print While some Yoruba actors have expressed regret over unfulfilled promises from the APC, others who appear to have benefited are once again back campaigning for the ruling party ahead of the 12 July Lagos local government election. Their renewed campaign for the APC sparked widespread reactions, particularly given the public regrets earlier expressed by some of the actors over similar political campaigns in the past. PREMIUM TIMES reported that actors Fatai Lalude Adetayo, Ronke Oshodi-Oke, and Ganiu Alapini Nafiu admitted they regretted campaigning for President Bola Tinubu in the build-up to the 2023 presidential election, as well as supporting the re-election bid of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. Lalude accused the President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Musiliu MC Oluomo Akinsanya, alongside Mr Tinubu and Mr Sanwo-Olu, of betrayal and abandonment. He alleged that none of the promises made to them during the one month and three weeks they spent campaigning were fulfilled. The actors vowed never to be swayed by such political promises again, particularly in the 2027 general elections. 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 Nevertheless, some actors appear either unbothered by those past disappointments or perhaps satisfied that the promises made to them in the last campaign were honoured. They have now publicly rejoined the APC campaign trail, participating with visible enthusiasm and joy. Rally At the mega rally held on Tuesday in the Kosofe area of Lagos State to showcase the APC candidates for the forthcoming local government elections, popular actors Foluke Daramola and Bidemi Kosoko were among the notable personalities in attendance. They joined party faithful, residents, and key stakeholders to endorse the APC candidates for Ikosi-Isheri LCDA, Kosofe Local Government, and Agboyi-Ketu LCDA at the event, which was tagged the APC Greater Kosofe Mega Rally. Among the candidates endorsed at the rally were Samiat Bada, the incumbent Mayoress of Ikosi-Isheri LCDA, who is seeking re-election, and Moyosore Ogunlewe, the incumbent Chairman of Kosofe Local Government, who was also backed for another term. In addition, Adetola Abubakar was unveiled as the partys candidate for Agboyi-Ketu LCDA. A viral video obtained by this newspaper captured Daramola and Kosoko urging the public to come out en masse on election day to cast their votes. Sweep them Speaking at the rally, Daramola urged the people to turn out in large numbers to vote for the partys candidates. Lets sweep them into the bush with our broom. Go out and vote, and we will win because it is the APC that is capable of ruling, she said. Furthermore, Kosoko maintained that the APC is the only party capable of governing effectively among all those contesting. She noted, My fellow electorate, let me see your hands upthose who are for APC, raise your hands. My slogan is: empty barrels make the loudest noise; moths cant do it. Lets use our thumbs to decide. We must endeavour to go out and vote. If you love those currently representing you, go out and vote for them again. And for those who are just contesting under our APC, lets give them our votes. As for the other parties who have come here to campaign, apart from my beautiful sister, Princess Samiat Bada, none of them are capable. Reactions However, the actors viral campaign video stirred a buzz on social media, sparking numerous reactions from netizens. While some users claimed that the APC was merely using the actors to push its agenda, similar to the 2023 presidential campaign, others urged the actors to simply collect their money, warning that regret would no longer be entertained. Below are some of the comments. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print At least four people were killed and another 22 injured after a barge overturned in the Gulf of Suez, Egypts Health Ministry said Wednesday. The injured have been rushed to local hospitals while rescue is still going on, the ministry said in a statement. The Egyptian Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources confirmed on Tuesday that the offshore barge Adam Marine 12 owned by the Offshore Shukheir Oil Company, overturned earlier in the day in the Gulf of Suez. In a statement, the ministry said it was closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with relevant authorities and companies in the area. A team led by Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Karim Badawi, and Minister of Labour, Mohamed Gobran, has arrived at the site for rescue operations, said the statement. (Xinhua/NAN) Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Nigerian government on Wednesday said the country requires $1 billion over the next five years to sustain immunisation gains. The Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Muyi Aina, made this known at the Multi stakeholders Technical Workshop on Optimising a Sustainable Immunisation Financing Model in Nigeria 2.0 in Abuja. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Nigerias immunisation financing model is built on a collaborative approach involving the federal, state, and local governments, with the federal government taking the lead in funding routine immunisations. Mr Aina stressed that although significant progress has been made in immunisation coverage, financing remains a critical bottleneck. According to him, only 21 per cent of the allocated vaccine funds for 2024 have been released, raising concerns about Nigerias ability to maintain its immunisation momentum. We need $1 billion over the next five years to secure vaccines for our population, he said. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later But with less than a quarter of this years budget released, we are at risk of reversing hard-won gains. Inspite of the funding gaps, the NPHCDA boss highlighted major achievements in 2024: He said three million zero-dose children were reached in 2024, 14 million girls vaccinated against cervical cancer, 91 million vaccine doses administered and over 10,000 cold chain units are now operational across the country. He said that immunisation is not solely the responsibility of the federal government, but a national obligation. Immunisation is a national dutyfor our children, our families, and the future of our health system, he said. He said that the government is making efforts to ensure that available resources are allocated more efficiently and directed toward primary health care and preventive services. Mr Aina noted that to close future funding gaps, the country is exploring alternative revenue sources, including specific taxes and other innovative financing mechanisms. The discussions underscored the importance of domestic resource mobilisation, stronger accountability frameworks, and collaboration among federal, state, and local governments. NAN reports that funding for immunisation services in Nigeria is a collective responsibility shared by the federal, state, and local governments, as guided by statutory budgetary allocations. The federal government primarily leads in financing routine immunisation, particularly through co-financing vaccine procurement via the NPHCDA. Gavi provides substantial financial support for vaccines and plays a key role in boosting immunisation coverage across the country. READ ALSO: US CDC Calls for improved immunisation to curb measles spread in Nigeria Nigeria is actively working towards reducing its reliance on donor support by strengthening domestic resource mobilisation for immunisation financing. Building a sustainable immunisation financing model will require a multi-sectoral approach that includes public investment, private sector participation, community engagement, and legal safeguards. NAN reports that experts said that without adequate funding, the most effective vaccines will not reach those who need them most. They noted that sustainability must be at the heart of Nigerias immunisation financing. The event gathered stakeholders from across the health sector to discuss sustainable strategies for funding immunisation, particularly in the face of Nigerias transition from Gavi support. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, has cautioned the National Assembly against issuing incessant and frivolous summons to International Oil Companies (IOCs) and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd), warning that such practices are disruptive to the oil and gas industry. Mr Lokpobiri, a former senator, issued the warning while declaring the 2025 Nigeria Oil and Gas (NOG) Energy Week open on Tuesday in Abuja. He said the major complaint among those in the oil industry is the frequent and often unnecessary invitations by lawmakers. Part of the complaints in the industry is about the frequent summons at the National Assembly and that should be reduced. I was a senator for many years. We knew the consequences of some of these actions. Before summoning, you need to look at the issues critically and make consultations, he said. The minister questioned the rationale behind summoning IOCs over procurement matters that occurred several years ago, describing such actions as unwarranted and counterproductive 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 What is the business of summoning the IOCs on procurement issues that happened many years ago. They should not be summoned for frivolous reasons, the minister added. Not first time This is not the first time the executive arm of government has urged the legislature to show restraint in its oversight activities. In March 2024, President Bola Tinubu, himself a former senator, appealed to the lawmakers to exercise discretion in summoning heads of ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs). At a Ramadan Iftar gathering with House of Representatives Speaker, Abbas Tajudeen and other principal officers, the president emphasised the need to balance oversight with efficient governance. At that gathering, the president said while oversight is essential for maintaining transparency and accountability in governance, excessive summoning of officials can disrupt operations and hinder service delivery to citizens. NASS Powers The Nigerian Constitution empowers the National Assembly to summon any public official or authority for oversight purposes. Section 88 and 89 of the Nigerian Constitution mandate the National Assembly to conduct oversight functions over Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) and empower them to summon individuals and request documents for investigations. Specifically, Section 88 outlines the scope and rationale for investigative oversight, while Section 89 grants the National Assembly the power to procure evidence, summon individuals, and compel attendance. Since the inauguration of the 10th National Assembly in June 2023, committees in both chambers have summoned dozens of government agencies over issues ranging from corruption and mismanagement to insecurity and procurement irregularities. However, critics argue that many of these probes are politically motivated or aimed at extortion, rather than accountability. A PREMIUM TIMES investigation in August 2023 exposed corruption by a House of Representatives ad hoc committee investigating job racketeering in federal agencies. The committee, headed by Oluwole Oke, was accused of demanding bribes from heads of MDAs and educational institutions to avoid being publicly disgraced. Though the committee projected an anti-corruption stance publicly, its members were allegedly using their powers to coerce illegal payments from agency heads. Any outcome from frequent summons? Despite the creation of several ad hoc committees, none of the probes conducted since the start of the current National Assembly has yielded a completed report or led to sanctions against implicated individuals or agencies. Instead, the investigations have often ended in silence after generating public headlines. A few days ago, NNPC Ltds management said that being summoned by the Senate Committee on Public Accounts over the alleged missing N210 trillion could damage public trust in government institutions. Mr Lokpobiris comments appear to echo these concerns, as he urged lawmakers to reflect on the long-term implications of legislative overreach. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Anambra State Government has said the recent deadly attack in Anambra State was likely caused by an internal disagreement within the association of Ebonyi indigenes. PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported how some gunmen invaded Ogboji, a community in Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State on Monday evening, killing about 13 people. The victims were members of an association of Ebonyi indigenes holding their monthly meeting in the area at the time. The police in Anambra State confirmed the attack, but said only 10 people were killed. On his part, Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has condemned the deadly attack and vowed to seek justice for the murder of the victims. Attack not targeted at any state In a statement on Tuesday, the Commissioner of Information in Anambra State, Law Mefor, argued that contrary to speculations, the attack was not targeted at any particular state or ethnic group. 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 Preliminary investigations suggest that the unfortunate incident may have stemmed from an internal squabble, Mr Mefor said, suggesting an in-house crisis within the Ebonyi association. Sadness, condemnation Mr Mefor said the Anambra State was deeply saddened by the loss of innocent lives in the attack. The commissioner said the state government has condemned the attack and commiserated with the families of the victims. The government expects the police command to conduct a thorough investigation, identify the perpetrators of this heinous crime, and bring them to justice. The government assures the people of Ogboji and the entire state that we will do everything humanly possible to ensure justice is served, he said. Mr Mefor urged all residents of Anambra State to remain calm and cooperate with security operatives to track down the attackers. We will continue to work tirelessly to maintain peace and security in our great state, he assured. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The police have given more updates on the motive behind the murder of 13 indigenes of Ebonyi State in Anambra State. PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported how some gunmen invaded Ogboji, a community in Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State on Monday evening, killing about 13 people. The victims were members of an association of Ebonyi indigenes holding their monthly meeting in the area at the time. The police in Anambra State earlier confirmed the attack, but said only 10 people were killed. On his part, Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has condemned the deadly attack and vowed to seek justice for the murder of the victims. The Anambra State Government initially hinted that, based on its preliminary investigation, the deadly attack was likely caused by an internal disagreement within the association of Ebonyi indigenes. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later More updates In a statement forwarded to PREMIUM TIMES on Wednesday night, police spokesperson in Anambra State Tochukwu Ikenga said police authorities in the state have made some findings on the motive behind the deadly attack. Mr Ikenga, a superintendent of police, said the Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, Ikioye Orutugu, led a joint security team on a fact-finding visit to the scene of the attack earlier on Wednesday. Mr Orutugu, he said, announced the arrest of a male suspect, Sunday Mbanu, now assisting the police in their investigation. The police chief, according to the statement, uncovered the motive behind the attack during an interaction with some leaders of the community as well as the son of the landlord whose house the ill-fated meeting was held. The commissioner said it was established that the Ebonyi association had been facing a leadership squabble in recent times. The meeting that recorded the incident is the factional leadership of Ebonyi indigenes living in Ogboji, Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State. It was alleged that the association had earlier complained and written a petition to the President General of Ogboji without recourse to the security agencies, he said. Mr Orutugu stressed that the president general was still trying to settle the matter through alternative dispute resolution strategy before the matter escalated, resulting in the deadly attack. The police chief added that the son of the landlord confirmed that one of the victims is a tenant in their compound. The victim, he said, had given some details which the joint security team was already working on. Condolence Mr Orutugu commiserated with the people of Ebonyi State, particularly the families and friends of the deceased victims. The police chief also wished the injured victims quick recovery. The Anambra State Police Command remains committed to making sure that the perpetrators of this heinous crime are brought to book, he assured. The gunmen were given false information to attack Meanwhile, a social media influencer and an indigene of Ebonyi State, Chika Nwoba, earlier on Wednesday, made a Facebook post in which he linked the attack to a crisis within the Ebonyi association. Mr Nwoba, a former spokesperson of the PDP in Ebonyi State, said some members informed him that two persons within the association were having issues. The PDP chieftain said one of the warring parties reported the other to an Ebonyi Community in Ogboji amid the dispute. The other one who refused attending the (ill-fated) meeting then gave false information to unknown gunmen who arrived the venue of the meeting and asked for the chairman of the meeting. Nobody accepted to point at the chairman. The gunmen then opened fire at the members of the forum and got 11 persons down. The chairman survived the attack and has spoken from hospital, he narrated. He added: The guy who brought unknown gunmen into the matter is currently in the net of SWAT in Awkuzu and volunteering information as regards what happened. This is the report coming from some of the Ebonyi people in Ogboji. Mr Nwoba did not, however, give details of the issues between the two warring members. He did not also mention the identities of the two members and their leadership positions. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Alibaba Cloud announced on Wednesday that it's expanding its presence in Southeast Asia with new data centres in Malaysia and the Philippines as part of a broader push in the region that includes new infrastructure investments, a new AI competency centre and cloud and AI technology upgrades. At its global summit event in Singapore yesterday, Alibaba Cloud launched its third data centre in Malaysia, and revealed that it plans to launch its second data centre in the Philippines in October this year. Selina Yuan, president of international business at Alibaba Cloud Intelligence, didnt provide details on the new data centres in Malaysia and the Philippines in terms of financial investment or capacity. However, she did say that the new facilities build on earlier infrastructure investments in Thailand, Mexico and South Korea, announced in the first half of this year. Yuan said those investments will ensure that Alibaba Cloud can meet the rising global demand for secure, resilient and scalable cloud services, particularly as AI adoption accelerates across industries. Alibaba Cloud also launched its first AI Global Competency Center (AIGCC) in Singapore, which it says is designed to support over 5,000 businesses of all sizes and 100,000 developers. The centre offers access to advanced AI models and powerful computing resources to accelerate experimentation and deployment. The AIGCC will also introduce over ten AI agents across industry sectors such as finance, healthcare, logistics, manufacturing, retail and energy to demonstrate AIs potential across different verticals. Meanwhile, Alibaba Cloud said it will partner with more than 120 universities and institutions globally, with the goal of training 100,000 AI professionals every year. Alibaba Cloud also said it has upgraded its infrastructure as a service (IaaS) and platform as a service (PaaS) products and introduced new AI tools to create new offerings to international customers. For example, its real-time data streaming service, Alibaba Cloud Data Transmission Service (DTS), now offers a "One Channel For AI" capability to streamline multimodal data preparation. Meanwhile, Alibaba Clouds Platform for AI (PAI) has enhanced its high-performance AI inference capabilities to better support complex models such as Mixture of Experts (MoE) and large-scale deployments. Alibaba Cloud also said that its ninth-generation Enterprise Elastic Compute Service (ECS) instance will be available across additional global markets starting this month, including Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, the United Arab Emirates, Germany and the UK. Alibaba Clouds Energy Expert sustainability platform also launched an ESG Reporting solution powered by Alibabas proprietary large language model (LLM) Qwen to automatically generate ESG reports and disclosures. The Interim National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), David Mark, has said the coalition of some opposition leaders, which fused into the party, is determined to unseat President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027 and offer Nigerians alternative government. Mr Mark stated this during the unveiling of the ADC as the platform for the coalition in Abuja on Wednesday. The National Opposition Coalition Group spearheaded by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar had adopted the ADC at a meeting in Abuja on Tuesday night. Mr Mark, who was Nigerias senate president between 2007 and 2015, was appointed the interim national chairman while a former governor of Osun State, Rauf Aregbesola, was named the interim national secretary. A former Youth and Sport Minister, Bolaji Abdullahi, was named the spokesperson of the party. All ADC national officers, including its National Chairman, Ralph Nwosu, had earlier resigned their positions to allow for the emergence of the new leaders of the party. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later However, a faction of ADC members, including youth and women leaders, rejected the appointments, calling them unconstitutional and lacking proper approval. They insisted the party is not for sale and that no valid national convention or NEC endorsed the changes. ADCpresidential candidate in 2023, Dumebi Kachikwu, also condemned the takeover, saying the coalition violated party rules. Despite the opposition, the Forum of ADC State chairmen backed the coalition and said internal legal issues had been resolved in court. Other promoters of the coalition, apart from Atiku, include former Governors Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State, Rotimi Amsechi (Rivers), Sule Lamido (Jigawa), Gabriel Suswam (Benue) and several others. Coalition to rescue Nigeria Mr Mark said the coalition brings together political leaders from across party lines with a goal to rescue Nigeria from worsening insecurity, economic hardship, and alleged misgovernance under the APC-led administration. This coalition is determined to offer Nigerians a path to security, prosperity, peace and progress. Coming from various party affiliations, we are united in our resol ve to present a constructive alternative to the hardship, insecurity and waste that has become the hallmark of the current APC government, he said. Mr Mark described the the APC-led government as the most corrupt in Nigerias democratic history. He accused the government of abandoning governance in favour of endless politicking while failing to address the suffering of ordinary citizens. We have never seen a government so much at home with corruption, a government that disdains accountability in all ramifications. A government more concerned with the next election rather than the survival of the ordinary Nigerians. A government so totally consumed with politicking that governance is abandoned, while the majority of our people wallow in hunger and poverty, he said. Mr Mark lamented the increasing cases of killings, banditry, and kidnappings, which he said the government has failed to address with urgency. We have never seen this level of insecurity across the length and breadth of our nation. Bandits and kidnappers kill Nigerians at will and on daily basis. Yet, this ongoing tragedy has not moved the government to any action that would stop these mindless killings and stem the tide of needless bloodshed. Indeed, the Nigerian people deserve a government that protects them and make them feel safe in their own homes. He therefore, called on Nigerians regardless of age, class, gender, or ethnicity to join the coalition and help steer the country away from its current path. This coalition is therefore for all Nigerians who share in our belief that all of us, the young and the old, man and woman, rich and poor, living with disabilities or not, town dwellers or villagers, we all have the patriotic duty to save our country. Accordingly, to all suffering Nigerians who are finding it increasingly difficult to make ends meet; for whom the next meal is not guaranteed, this coalition is for you. To all those citizens who believe that Nigerias democracy is worth fighting for, this coalition is for you. To all youth who face uncertain future and have questioned the value of their education and their certificates, this coalition is for you. To all our brothers and sisters in Benue, Niger, Plateau, Zamfara, Sokoto, Borno, Katsina, Kaduna, Edo, parts of the South East, South West, South-South who live under constant fear of violence and terror, who have lost a father, a mother, a child, a husband, a wife, this coalition is for you. To all our citizens, who believe that they deserve better, who have been promised much and given so little, for whom renewed hope has turned to renewed hopelessness, this is your coalition and we welcome you all to join us and be a part of this historic rescue mission, the ADC interim leader stated. Mission of the coalition Beyond the 2027 elections, Mr Mark said the coalitions mission is to rebuild Nigerias democratic institutions, restore citizens trust in governance, and hand over a more just society to future generations. Our mission transcends any electoral calendar. It is a commitment to rebuild the guardrails of our democracy, to anchor power once again in the will of the people, and to hand to our children a nation worthy of their talents and their dreams. So, stand with us. Join this house. Let history record that when our democracy faltered, we rose, not in fear, but in faith. Venue cancellation Prominent politicians attended the event held at the YarAdua Centre, Abuja. It was initially billed to hold at Wells Carlton Hotels &Apartments, but the hotel management suddenly cancelled the booking forcing the coalition to move to YarAdua Centre. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The vehicle manufacturer, Daimler Truck, plans to have lorries from various Mercedes-Benz series assembled in the West African country of Senegal. The manufacturer is supporting the establishment of an assembly plant in the West African state and will then supply disassembled lorries according to the modular principle, which will be reassembled there, it said on Tuesday. The plant is intended to supply special vehicles for defence, disaster relief, and municipal tasks for the Senegalese market. Daimler Truck further stated that the plan contributes to the establishment of locally anchored automotive production in West Africa and thus to development there. The project is closely coordinated with the German government. The construction and operation of the plant will be taken over by another company, which will enter into a business agreement with Senegals government for this purpose, the company said. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later The three partners signed a letter of intent in Senegals capital, Dakar. From 2026, vehicles are expected to roll off the production line at the plant. Daimler Truck currently has locations on the continent in South Africa and Kenya. READ ALSO: Mohammed Janabi formally assumes office as WHO Africa regional director In South Africa, Mercedes-Benz Trucks, which are delivered in parts from Germany, are also assembled. Senegal, located at the western tip of Africa, is a stable and peaceful democracy. The government is striving to attract investors to create jobs for the approximately 18 million inhabitants, who are on average very young. The World Bank forecasts that the country, which has recently also started exporting oil and gas, will have the highest economic growth in sub-Saharan Africa in 2025, at 7.9 per cent. (dpa/NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has successfully concluded the airlift of Nigerian pilgrims returning from Saudi Arabia after the 2025 Hajj exercise. The final flight departed Jeddah on Wednesday at 10:30 a.m., carrying 88 Kaduna pilgrims and one pilgrim from Katsina. In a statement last Thursday, NAHCON announced 2 July as the deadline for completing the airlift of Nigerian pilgrims from Saudi Arabia. According to Fatima Usara, the commissions spokesperson, on Wednesday, all pilgrims have been successfully airlifted back home as planned. The return leg operation spanned 20 days after commencing on 13 June, she said. In his farewell address to the pilgrims, the Chairman of the Commission, Abdullah Usman, a professor, expressed profound gratitude to Allah for granting Nigeria a smooth and successful Hajj exercise. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later Altogether, 41,668 Nigerian pilgrims participated in this years pilgrimage. Read NAHCONs statement NAHCON Concludes 2025 Hajj Return Operations as Last Flight Departs for Kaduna The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has successfully concluded the return airlift of Nigerian pilgrims from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia following the 2025 Hajj exercise. The final flight departed Jeddah today at 10:30 am, carrying 88 pilgrims back to Kaduna State, plus one from Katsina. The return leg operation spanned 20 days after commencing on the 13th of June. In his farewell address to the pilgrims, the Chairman of NAHCON, Professor Abdullah Saleh Usman, expressed profound gratitude to Allah for granting Nigeria a smooth and successful Hajj exercise. He attributed this success to the spirit of unity and cooperation demonstrated by State Pilgrims Welfare Boards officials, airline operators, and other service providers, as well as the obedience of the pilgrims to laid-down guidelines. The Chairman urged the returning pilgrims to continue praying for Nigeria to overcome its challenges and to remember the nations leaders in their prayers. He also reminded them that Hajj serves as an opportunity to build meaningful relationships, which foster peace and harmony; therefore, Professor Usman encouraged them to sustain the ties of friendships they established during their pilgrimage. The Chairman, flanked by Commissioner Operations, Prince Anofiu Elegushi, Secretary of the Commission, Dr Mustapha Alli, Special Assistant to the President Ameen Amshi, and other NAHCON staff, prayed for their safe journey back to Nigeria. He reassured that NAHCON will continue to improve in its mandate for Nigerian pilgrims in line with global best practices. Fatima Sanda Usara, Assistant Director of Information and Publications Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Senate on Wednesday directed its Committees on Public Procurement and Local Content to collaborate with the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) to amend Nigerias procurement and local content laws. it said the amendment would enable the newly registered local contractors to be participate in contract bidding. The upper chamber made the decision after adopting a motion sponsored by Suleiman Sadiq (APC, Kwara North) during the plenary. The aim of the motion is to ensure that newly registered local contractors and small-scale businesses can access and execute public contracts, especially in construction and other infrastructure projects Mr Sadiq, while presenting the motion, decried the exclusion of small and medium indigenous companies from participating in federal government contracts. He argued that empowering local contractors would not only increase job creation but also stimulate community development and ensure that public funds circulate within the local economy. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later Debate Many of the senators supported the motion when it was put to debate. Sani Musa (APC, Niger East) emphasised the economic implications of the motion, noting that local contractors often have the required expertise and capacity but are overlooked due to current procurement guidelines. Also speaking, Adamu Aliero (APC, Kebbi Central) questioned the logic of excluding qualified Nigerian firms from benefiting from their own governments contracts. No Nigerian contractor, no matter how skilled, can go to China to get a contract. I dont see why we should not engage indigenous people to participate in the construction, he added. The Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, expressed the same concerns, noting that local contractors are consistently shortchanged. Our local contractors are being shortchanged. It is not that we dont like foreigners, but our people should not remain like that. The Local Content Act should be amended, Mr Jibrin added. After listening to the contributions from senators, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, put the motion to a vote, and the majority of the senators supported it. Mr Akpabio thereafter directed the relevant committees to work closely with the BPP in amending the laws to allow greater local participation in federal contracts, including those awarded to startups and newly registered firms. I believed this will cure all the defects we have in the contracting system and the idea of shutting out newly registered companies from participating even when they have clearly performed. Your cant have experience if you do not have the opportunity. Somebody must give you the opportunity before you can have the experience, the Senate president added. Nigerias procurement framework has long been criticised for being overly complex and biased in favour of established foreign firms. Many public infrastructure contracts, especially road and bridge construction, are awarded to foreign companies, sidelining capable local contractors. The current Public Procurement Act and Local Content Act impose stringent requirements, including years of experience, financial thresholds, and international certifications, which many indigenous firms struggle to meet, especially startups and SMEs. Although the Public Procurement Act 2007 does not specify the exact years of experience required, many government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) often require three to five years of relevant experience executing similar projects when evaluating bids. These strict requirements often disadvantage local contractors, especially newly registered or small-scale firms, who may lack long track records or large financial resources. As a result, many contracts are awarded to established or foreign firms, limiting local participation and growth. If the procurement law is successfully amended, it could open up billions of naira in contract opportunities to local companies, boost indigenous technical capacity, and localise economic growth. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The trial of Abubakar Sambo, the Director of Finance and Account of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), could not proceed at the Federal High Court in Abuja due to his hearing loss. Ishaka Dikko, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) who appeared for Mr Sambo, told trial judge Musa Liman about his clients ill-health. When the matter was called for commencement of trial and the defendant walked into the dock, Mr Dikko stood up and told the court that they were not ready to proceed with the hearing. The senior lawyer told the court that Mr Sambo had been battling with and managing the hearing challenge for some time. He said the defendants present state of health was that he could hardly hear when one speaks to him, except if it reduced into writing. Mr Liman, however, asked Mr Dikko if there was any medical report to certify Mr Sambos state of health but the lawyer apologised, saying he only got to know the latest development about three days earlier. 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 When the judge asked Osuobeni Akponimisingha, lawyer to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), for his view, the prosecuting counsel said he had a witness in court and was ready for the trial. He, however, did not oppose Mr Dikkos application for adjournment. The judge, Mr Liman, then fixed 6 November for the trial. Mr Sambo, who was re-arraigned before Mr Liman on 28 January is being prosecuted on N1.84 billion fraud charges. He was re-arraigned on three counts of diverting the funds to personal accounts. He, however, pleaded not guilty to the counts, and was granted bail on the earlier conditions given him by a sister court, presided over by Bolaji Olajuwon. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mr Olajuwon had, on 24 June 2024, granted Mr Sambo bail in the sum of N200 million with two sureties in like sum. The judge held that the sureties must have landed property within the jurisdiction of the court with original certificates of occupancy (CofO) which must be deposited with the deputy chief registrar of the court. She equally ordered the sureties to provide affidavits of their tax clearance in the last three years with a one passport photograph each. Mr Olajuwon adjourned the matter until 17 October 2024 for commencement of trial. However, the judge was transferred to another division of the court, making the case to start denovo (afresh). NAN reports that the anti-corruption commission had, in the case marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/209/2024, charged Mr Sambo as sole defendant. In the case filed on 10 May 2024 by Mr Akponimisingha, an Assistant Chief Legal Officer at ICPC, the commission alleged that Mr Sambo sometime in March 2023, while being the Payment Finaliser on the Government integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS) platform of REA, paid a total of N1.84 billion (N1,835,000,000.00) for a purported project supervision exercise without requisite approval. The commission said he actually paid the money in different tranches for the use of Henrrientta Onomen Okojie, Asuni Adejoke Aminat, Usman Kwakwa, Laure Shehu Abduilahi, Emmanuel Pada Titus and Musa Umar Karaye , thereby contributing to the economic adversity of the REA. The commission said the offence was contrary to and punishable under Section 68 of the Public Enterprise Regulatory Commission Act, CAP. P39, Laws of the Federation, 2004. In count two, Mr Sambo was accused of using his access password to access the REAs GIFMIS platform and finalised the payment of N1.84 billion in different tranches for the use of Okojie, Aminat, Kwakwa, Abdullahi, Titus and Karaye for a purported project supervision exercise without authority. The offence was said to be contrary to and punishable under Section 6(4) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc) Act, 2015. In count three, Mr Sambo was alleged to have conferred corrupt advantage on Okojie, Aminat, Kwakwa, Abdullahi, Titus and Karaye when he used his access password to access the REAs GIFMIS platform and finalised the payment of N1.84 billion in different tranches for their use for a purported project supervision exercise without requisite approvals. The ICPC said the offence was contrary to and punishable under Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000. NAN reports that Karaye, Titus and Okojie were also arraigned before trial judge Emeka Nwite of a sister court on separate case of four counts preferred against them. While Karaye and Titus were arraigned before Mr Nwite on 13 June 2024, Okojie was arraigned on 14 June 2024. Usman Ahmed Kwakwa was also arraigned on 13 June 2024 in a separate case before the judge. Each of them was granted bail in the sum of N50 million with two sureties in like sum. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print David Mark, a former President of the Nigerian Senate and stalwart of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has announced his resignation from the party, citing deepening divisions, persistent leadership crisis, and irreconcilable differences. In a letter dated June 27, 2025, David Mark said the party has been reduced to a shadow of its former self, subjecting it to public ridicule. The politician, who served as the President of the Senate from 2007 to 2015, expressed his disappointment with the partys current state. He said despite his efforts to rebuild, reconcile, and reposition the party, the PDP lost its way. He added that his decision to resign came after wide consultations with his family, friends, and political associates. David Mark also announced via his resignation letter that he was joining the National Coalition of Political Opposition Movement in Nigeria, a move he said would contribute to the collective effort to rescue the nation and preserve its democracy. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later The former senators departure from the PDP is seen as a significant blow to the party, given his stature and influence in Nigerian politics. David Marks resignation is likely to have far-reaching implications for the PDP, which has been grappling with internal conflicts and leadership challenges. The partys ability to attract and retain top members has been called into question, and David Marks departure may embolden others to follow suit. The news of Marks resignation has sent shockwaves through the Nigerian political landscape, with many stakeholders and observers weighing in on the implications of his decision. As the PDP grapples with its internal challenges, the partys leadership will need to take decisive action to restore confidence and rebuild the partys reputation. Meanwhile, David Mark was early Wednesday named the new interim national chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), a political platform adopted by the Atiku Abubakar-led opposition coalition to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election. READ DAVID MARKS FULL RESIGNATION LETTER BELOW June 27, 2025 The Chairman Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ward 1, Otukpo, Otukpo Local Government Area, Benue State. NOTICE OF RESIGNATION FROM THE PEOPLES DEMOCRATIC PARTY (PDP) I bring warm greetings to you and members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Otukpo Ward 1, and by extension, to the entire Benue State and Nigeria. I write to formally inform you of my decision to resign my membership of the party with Immediate effect. You may recall that over the years, I have remained firm and deeply committed to the ideals of the PDP. Even when nearly all stakeholders departed the party following our loss in the 2015 presidential election, I pledged to remain the last man standing. I have worked steadfastly to rebulld, reconcile, and reposition the party, efforts which without sounding immodest helped restore the PDP to national relevance and made it once again a party of choice for many Nigerians. However, recent events marked by deepening divisions, persistent leadership crisis, and irreconcilable differences have reduced the party to a shadow of its former self, subjecting it to public ridicule. After wide consultations with my family, friends, and political associates, I have resolved to join the National Coalition of Political Opposition Movemert in Nigeria as part of the collective effort to rescue our nation and preserve our hard-earned democracy. Thank you, and may God bless you. Sincerely, Senator (Dr) David A. B. Mark, GCON, FNIM, FNIPR, Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal, has denied knowing a man who claimed, under threat from his kidnappers, to be the governors brother. The kidnappers, suspected to be members of bandit groups terrorising the state, released a short video clip of the terrorists interrogating two men with a background voice asking one of them about his relationship with Dauda. I am Daudas younger brother, the man, flanked by two armed bandits, responded. We are biological brothersthe same father and mother. He was then ordered to implore the governor to send what (ransom) we asked for. The bandits threatened to kill him if the ransom was not paid. The two men were kidnapped in Kucheri, a village in the Tsafe LGA, where the bandit groups of notorious Ado Aliero, Dogo Gide and other kingpins terrorise locals. They said they were kidnapped on their way to a bakery in the area. 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 New format Zamfara governor denies family tie with victim However, the governor, Mr Lawal, denied having a family tie with the victim in a statement by his spokesperson, Suleiman Idris. Mr Lawal described the incident as a new ploy by bandits to gain attention and bolster sagging morale of their members. Noting that efforts were underway to rescue the victims, the governor said he has only one sibling, a woman. The government is currently taking steps to ensure the victims safe rescue and to reunite them with their families, the statement read. The governor said the kidnap victims were distressed, adding, This is a new format adopted by the bandits. The development came after the bandit camp of wanted Bello Turji suffered heavy losses from local security guards believed to be aided by State Security Services (SSS). At least 20 men, including a repentant bandit, Bashar Maniya, who fought on the side of the state, also lost their lives in the battle. The highlight of the weekend gunfight was the killing of Yellow Danbokolo, a ruthless bandit leader and cousin to Mr Turji. The video propaganda in which the kidnap victim was forced to feign family ties with the Zamfara governor could not be linked to Mr Turjis group, our reporter understands. The Turji camp has been in disarray since the death of Danbokolo, a local whose name was withheld for security concerns, told this newspaper. Mr Turji holds sway in the Shinkafi area of Zamfara and Sabon Birni in Sokoto, where he carried out one of the most deadly attacks PREMIUM TIMES understands that the men shown in the video were kidnapped in the stronghold of Mr Aliero, another wanted bandit kingpin, whose family members were reportedly arrested en route to Saudi Arabia a few weeks ago. It is, however, not clear whether his group was responsible for what the Zamfara government tagged a new format amid continued offensives against terrorists in the state. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has vowed to seek justice for 13 indigenes of the state who were murdered in Anambra, another state in the South-east. PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported how some gunmen invaded Ogboji, a community in Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State on Monday evening, killing about 13 people. The victims were said to be indigenes of Ebonyi State holding their monthly meeting in the area at the time. The police in Anambra State had confirmed the attack, but said only 10 people were killed. Nwifuru speaks In a statement on Tuesday by his spokesperson, Monday Uzor, Mr Nwifuru said he received with deep shock and utter dismay the reports of the murder of the 13 Ebonyi indigenes in Anambra State. This senseless act of violence against law-abiding citizens is not only barbaric but a direct assault on peace, unity, and the sanctity of human life. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later It defies reason and logic that a group of Ebonyi people holding a meeting in a peaceful manner will be shot at close range. It is unacceptable, and I frown strongly at such a heinous act in its entirety, Mr Nwifuru was quoted as saying. He said he has contacted the Governor of Anambra, Charles Soludo, and asked for a swift, thorough, and transparent investigation into the incident. The Ebonyi governor expressed confidence that the Anambra State Government and relevant security agencies will work swiftly to track down the attackers, noting that failure or compromise can strain relationships between Ebonyi and Anambra States. Mr Nwifuru appealed to Ebonyi people, particularly affected families and communities, to refrain from any form of reprisal or actions that may escalate tensions, even as he awaits the outcome ofthe investigation into the incident. Such barbarism has no place in modernit,y and state arsenals will be deployed to unmask the perpetrators of the bloody killings, he assured. The governor stressed that his administration remains committed to protecting the lives and property of Ebonyi people both at home and in the diaspora. He vowed that the killers would be made to face justice irrespective of the individuals who took part in the attack. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The National Assembly has called for increased domestic funding and stronger collaboration in Nigerias fight against HIV, tuberculosis (TB) and malaria following an 11 per cent cut in the Global Funds health grant to the country. The reduction, amounting to over $100 million, raises concerns about Nigerias overreliance on external funding to fight HIV, TB and malaria. The call was made on Tuesday during the opening ceremony of the 2025 Country Coordinating Mechanism (CCM) Nigeria annual retreat and its 70th General Assembly in Lagos. The three-day event, themed Partnering to Improve Health Systems Outcomes in an Evolving Global Health Financing Landscape, brought together parliamentarians, health officials, civil society groups, and development partners to assess progress and accountability in the use of donor funds. CCM Nigeria is a public-private partnership (PPP) responsible for coordinating the development of funding applications to the Global Fund, an international financing institution dedicated to ending HIV/AIDS, TB, and malaria. Established in 2002, the Global Fund supports country-led health programmes in over 100 countries, including Nigeria. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later Health grant reduction Nigerias allocation under the Global Funds current grant cycle has been reduced by 11 per cent, dropping from about $970 million to $860 million, according to a former vice chair of the Global Fund CCM, Ayo Ipinmoye. This leaves a funding gap of over $100 million for key health interventions targeting HIV, TB, and malaria. The cut affects the ongoing Grant Cycle 7, which covers the 2024 to 2026 period. Giving his remarks during the opening ceremony, the Global Fund Country Portfolio Manager for Nigeria, Jean-Thomas Nouboussi, urged Nigeria, through the National Assembly, to look towards mobilising local resources to close the gaps which may arise from the funding cut. Mr Nouboussi explained that the funding cut was due to global financial challenges, which have made it difficult for the Global Fund to meet its original pledge. We just sent a letter to the CCM to inform them that unfortunately, we will have to reduce the amount allocated to Nigeria by around 11 per cent, he said. This is not great news, but Nigeria remains one of the largest beneficiaries of the Global Fund. With the support of the Senate, with the support of the representative, Nigeria will be able to raise additional resources to fill the gaps that will be created by this reduction of the international funding, and also, most importantly, start discussing the path to sustainability. Since 2002, the Global Fund has committed about $4.8 billion to Nigeria to support its responses to HIV, TB, and malaria, along with broader health system strengthening efforts. Mr Nouboussi also noted that Nigeria had contributed about $40 million to the Global Fund over the years. Earlier this year, the Donald Trump administration shut down a major part of USAID and suspended the Presidents Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), disrupting essential HIV and malaria programmes across Africa. At the CCM retreat, speakers referenced these developments as a wake-up call for Nigeria to reduce its reliance on external donors and build a more self-sustaining health system. Lawmakers demand transparency, accountability For the first time in CCM Nigerias history, members of the National Assembly were invited to participate in the annual retreat, convened under the leadership of Nigerias Minister of Health and CCM Chair, Muhammad Pate. The gathering aimed to review how Global Fund resources are being managed in Nigeria and to build stronger collaboration across government institutions. In his remarks, the Chairman of the House Committee on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (ATM), Amobi Ogah, criticised the previous lack of parliamentary oversight and called for greater transparency in how health funds are disbursed and used. Mr Ogah warned against Nigerias continued reliance on foreign aid for critical health services like childhood immunisation and malaria treatment. The United States has already suspended some of its support to African health systems, he said. If donor funding stops today, what happens? We must take our destiny into our own hands. Mr Ogah described the retreat as a timely opportunity to improve how resources are allocated and to ensure that funds reach the people who need them. He stressed that programmes and organisations must account for every grant they receive, and called for stricter adherence to funding guidelines. To strengthen oversight, he proposed that a National Assembly representative be included on the CCM board to improve transparency and communication. Similarly, Samaila Kaila, senator representing Bauchi North, questioned the constitutional framework for managing the nearly $5 billion Nigeria has received from the Global Fund. Mr Kaila also raised concerns about whether such investments have led to measurable improvements in the countrys health outcomes. I hope that after this exercise, well be convinced and ready to support you, he said. Domestic funding push Further speaking at the event, Mr Ipinmoye said the retreat was about aligning all stakeholders, including Parliament, behind a shared goal to improve the national health response. Mr Ipinmoye, also the National Coordinator, Civil Society in Malaria Control, Immunisation and Nutrition (ACOMIN), added that Nigeria must now begin to prioritise its health budget and move toward sustainability. We are operating what we call the sector-wide approach, coordination between all funding streams to ensure optimal benefit for every naira spent, he said. READ ALSO: Over 90 providers sanctioned as NHIA cracks down on poor health services The gap created by this 11 per cent reduction is something we want the National Assembly to take on. This is the first time the retreat is being held in collaboration with the National Assembly, he said. We want to ensure that gaps left by donors are taken up by the Nigerian government. Its not just about the money, its about accountability, efficiency and effectiveness. On his part, CCM Nigerias Executive Secretary, Tajudeen Ibrahim, said the governments health budget has hovered between 4 and 4.8 per cent over the last decade, far below the 15 per cent Abuja Declaration target. Mr Ibrahim warned that If we do not mobilise domestic funding, we risk reversing the gains made in reducing HIV prevalence from 5.8 per cent to 1.3 per cent, and major progress in TB and malaria. He also stressed that CCM requires funding for its oversight functions, which Global Fund grants should not cover. In two decades, what weve received from the Nigerian government for our core operations has been grossly inadequate, he said. As an agency, the Director-General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), Temitope Ilori, said they are already pushing for domestic budget lines, improved procurement systems, and broader health insurance enrolment to reduce out-of-pocket costs. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Israel has agreed to the necessary conditions for a 60-day ceasefire in the Gaza war and it is now up to Hamas to accept the deal, US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday. During the two-month period, the United States will work with all parties to end the conflict, Mr Trump wrote on his platform, Truth Social. Representatives from Qatar and Egypt, who have been heavily involved in peace efforts, will deliver this latest proposal to the Palestinian extremist organisation, Hamas. I hope, for the good of the Middle East, that Hamas takes this Deal, because it will not get better IT WILL ONLY GET WORSE, Mr Trump said in his post. The president said US representatives held a long and productive meeting with Israeli officials on Tuesday to discuss Gaza. However, there was no immediate comment from the Israeli side. 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 Trump had already hinted at a possible ceasefire in the Gaza war a few days ago. He is set to host Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington next week, with the Gaza war at the top of the agenda. Mr Trump reiterated on Tuesday that he expects an agreement to be reached next week. The US has been working for weeks to gain support for a plan involving an initial 60-day ceasefire. (dpa/NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Indian IT services firm Echelon Edge has announced that it has been entrusted with managing OSS/BSS infrastructure for the first two phases of state-owned operator BSNLs call detail record (CDR) project across North and East India. This will include managing the OSS/BSS infrastructure for BSNLs fixed-line, broadband and leased line services across retail and enterprise segments. The project involves comprehensive, end-to-end management of both hardware and software infrastructure for BSNLs CDR operations, including annual maintenance and managed services. Echelon Edge says a dedicated team of over 50 OSS/BSS and system experts is being deployed across BSNL data centres in Panchkula, a small city in the northwestern part of the country, and Kolkata in the east in a project that involves vendors such as Amdocs, Netcracker, SAP, Oracle, Siebel, HPE, Cisco, and IBM. Its said to be bringing together one of the most complex OSS/BSS environments in the country. Quoted in the Economic Times news resource, Anurag Singh, CTO and co-founder of Echelon Edge, says: Managing this ecosystem with global OEMs, real-time service requirements, and high-volume fixed line operations demands deep integration expertise and operational maturity. This news comes at a time of relatively upbeat headlines for BSNL. Indeed, Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has been widely quoted as crediting the present government's strategic revival steps for bringing BSNL back from the brink. BSNL reported a net profit of INR2.8 billion (US$ 32.7 million) in the January-March quarter of FY25. This followed a INR2.62 billion (30.6 million) profit in the October-December quarter said to be the first profit for the company in 18 years. Theres also been an aggressive push for the expansion of India's first fully indigenous 4G network now being implemented across the country. But is BSNL really on the way back to financial health? No one can be entirely sure at a time when the big three private operators are way ahead with 5G, but if there is a sustained revival it could help to justify a lot of government financial support for BSNL in recent years. The federal government has appointed Ayoade Alakija, a globally respected health advocate and Chair of the Board of FIND, as its Ministerial Global Envoy on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, made the announcement on Tuesday in Abuja. Mr Pate said the appointment is part of plans to strengthen global and national efforts to tackle AMR. The appointment was made ahead of the Fifth Global High-Level Ministerial Conference on AMR, set to take place in Abuja, Nigeria, in June 2026. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that this will be the first time the conference will be hosted in Africa. Mr Pate noted that Ms Alakija would also serve as the World Health Organisation (WHO) Special Envoy for the Access to COVID-19 Tools (ACT) Accelerator. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later He also disclosed that Ms Alakija would play a critical role in championing One Health approach, advocating for equitable access to diagnostics and ensuring that the 2026 conference deliverers impactful and inclusive outcomes. She has demonstrated global leadership in fighting for access to diagnostics, treatments and vaccines for those who need them most, he said. The coordinating minister said that her expert insights, grounded in pandemic preparedness, diagnostics, and health equity, would be a huge asset to Nigeria and the global AMR agenda. As Ministerial Global Envoy, she will sit on the Ministerial Advisory Committee for the 2026 conference and support high-level advocacy, resource mobilisation, and policy framing efforts, he said. She brings to the role, a wealth of experience, including her positions as Chair of the African Union Vaccine Delivery Alliance (AVDA). She is also Co-Chair of the G7 Impact Investment Initiative on Global Health and Board Chair of FIND, a global non-profit advancing diagnostics. Mr Pate noted that with leaders like hers helping guide ongoing efforts, Nigeria is well-positioned to make the 2026 conference a turning point in the global fight against AMR. In her response, Ms Alakija said that AMR is not just a health threat, it drives and deepens global health inequalities, especially in Africa, where it now poses a greater danger than HIV, TB or malaria. She said that it is an honour to support Nigeria in hosting the historic conference and to elevate African leadership in shaping the global AMR response. With collective action rooted in equity and a One Health approach, we can turn the tide on AMR and the injustices it entrenches, Ms Alakija said. NAN reports that AMR causes bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites to stop responding to antimicrobial medicines. It is a rapidly escalating public health and development threat, projected to cause over 39 million deaths by 2050 if left unchecked. A key driver of AMR is the misuse of antimicrobials in people, animals and crops, often due to limited access to timely diagnostics. The 2026 conference in Abuja will build on the outcomes of the Fourth Ministerial Conference held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia in 2024, where global leaders adopted the Jeddah Commitments to accelerate AMR response efforts. Under a collaborative approach involving Oman, Saudi Arabia and Nigeria, the momentum from Jeddah is expected to carry forward into a landmark event in Africa. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Supreme Court, on Thursday, adjourned for judgement on the Edo State governorship election dispute, after hearing the appeal filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate in the state, Asue Ighodalo. Garba Lawal, the presiding justice of the Supreme Court panel that sat on the case, said the date for the judgement would be communicated to parties involved. The court adjourned the judgement after taking arguments for and against the appeal. Mr Ighodalo and the PDP filed the appeal to challenge the Court of Appeal decision which dismissed their case in May and affirmed Monday Obekpolo of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as the duly elected governor of the state. The decision of the three-member panel of the Court of Appeal panel affirmed the decision of the lower Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal which earlier validated the governors victory in the 21 September 2024 election. At Wednesdays proceedings of the Supreme Court, Mr Ighodalos appeal against the Court of Appeal judgement was argued by his lawyer, Ken Mosia, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN). Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later Mr Moisa prayed the Supreme Court to remove Mr Okpebholo. Maintaining that his clients Mr Ighodalo and the PDP scored the majority of lawful votes in the election, Mr Moisa urged the court to declare them the winner of the election. However, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), a respondent to the appeal represented by Kanu Agabi, also a SAN, asked the court to dismiss the appeal in its entirety. Mr Agabi argued that Mr Ighodalo and PDP had in their petition stigmatised as invalid and unlawful on ground of non-compliance with the Electoral Act 2022. The electoral body said having declared the election as unlawful and illegal, Ighodalo and PDP cannot turn around and pray the court to declare them as winners of illegality. The legal teams of the APC and Mr Okpebholo similarly called for the dismissal of the appeal and affirmation of the decisions of the Court of Appeal and the election tribunal validating the election results of declared by INEC. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The trial of 109 foreigners accused of participating in high-level cybercrime and hacking activities suffered a setback on Wednesday at the Federal High Court in Abuja. The matter, which was fixed for commencement of trial before judge Ekerete Akpan, could not go on due to the absence of the prosecution lawyer. The prosecution lawyer representing the Inspector-General of Police was absent from the proceedings. But defence lawyer Oluwole Aladedoye, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), was present. It emerged during Wednesdays court session that the lead prosecution lawyer sent a prior notice that he would be absent from court as a result of an official assignment. The letter urged the court to adjourn the scheduled proceedings. Defence lawyer, Mr Aladedoye, vehemently opposed the prosecutions application for adjournment, citing relevant portions of the law to back his argument. He insisted that his team was ready to proceed with the trial. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later The trial judge, Mr Akpan, who observed that it was the prosecutions first time of making such an application, chose to adjourn the judgement as requested in the interest of justice. The judge subsequently adjourned the matter until 22 and 23 October, for trial. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the trial, initially set for 12 May, was rescheduled for today (Wednesday) due to the absence of the trial judge who was said to have gone on official engagement. Mr Akpan granted the foreigners a N1 billion bail on 29 November 2024. The judge directed that their five sureties must have landed property worth N200, 000 million each. He also directed that the sureties must deposit the original and verified documents of their landed property with the deputy registrar of the court. The judge also directed the sureties to deposit their passports in the courts custody. While the male defendants were remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre, the court held that the female defendants should be kept at Keffi Correctional Centre in Nasarawa State, pending the perfection of their bail terms. The defendants were arraigned on six counts, including involving in activities said to be threatening the nations security. They all pleaded not guilty to the charges. The foreigners are said to be citizens of China, Indonesia, Vietnam, Philippines, Thailand, Brazil, Malaysia and Myanmar. The police arrested them in 2024 in their residence at Plot 1906, Cadastral Zone 807, Katampe District of Abuja, where they were said to be engaging in cybercrime by allegedly promoting a fraudulent and unregistered gaming platform. In the six counts filed against them in the case marked FHC/ABJ/CR/599/2024, the police accused the foreigners of cybercrime, money laundering and unlawfully residing in Nigeria. NAN reports that in one of the counts, they were alleged to have aided, abetted, conspired among themselves to commit an offence, to wit; cybercrime. They were said to have committed the offence contrary to and punishable under Section 27 (1) (b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc) Act, 2015 (As Amended, 2024). They were also alleged to have accessed a computer network and input with the intention that such inauthentic data will be considered or acted upon as If they were authentic or genuine. The offence is said to be contrary to and punishable under Section 13 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc) Act, 2015 (As Amended, 2024). Again, the police charged them with moving the proceeds generated from operating a fraudulent and unregistered gambling platforms from Nigeria. These platforms are 9f.com, c2.top, 8pg.top and you thereby commit money laundering, contrary to and punishable under Section 18 of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, part of the indictment reads. The defendants were also accused of entering the territory of the Federal Republic of Nigeria with a business permit of 30 days duration and failed to leave the Nigerian territory at the expiration of the said permit. The prosecution said the offence is contrary to Section 4 (2) and punishable under Section 44 (1) (c) of the Immigration Act 2015. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, will meet with Chairpersons of the FCT area councils, leadership of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and National Association of Nigeria Students (NANs) on Thursday. The meeting, according to a statement by NANs in Abuja on Wednesday, is to finalise modalities for the reopening of all public primary schools in the FCT. The statement was signed by NANs National President, Olushola Oladoja and the associations National Public Relations Officer, Adeyemi Ajasa. The association explained that it had earlier resolved to stage a mass protest Wednesday morning at the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) Secretariat. It added that its leadership was invited to a high-level engagement at the Department of State Services (DSS) Headquarters, where the issues at hand were thoroughly discussed in the interest of national security and students welfare. It said that the first meeting at the DSS paved the way for a second strategic meeting with the Chairperson, House of Representatives Committee on FCT, Muktar Betara. 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 NANs said that the engagement revealed the root causes of the ongoing industrial action by the NUT and the efforts made thus far by the Mr Wike-led FCTA. It added that a third meeting was held with Mr Wike on Tuesday, where the minister explained the issues at hand. That the FCT remains the only unit of the federation operating full local government autonomy, hence all salary payments, including that of primary school teachers, are the sole responsibility of the area councils. The FCT Administration is not directly responsible for the backlog of teachers salaries and therefore should not be held solely accountable for the inadequacies of the area councils. In a show of responsibility and commitment to resolving the crisis, Mr Wike intervened by proposing a bailoutwith FCTA offering to pay 60 per cent of the outstanding arrears while the area councils cover the remaining 40 per cent. When it became clear that this arrangement was not yielding desired results, the FCT minister withheld the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the area councils for the months of May and June, with a plan to utilise these funds to make up the 40 per cent requested of area council to clear the outstanding arrears owed to teachers. That based on this intervention, it was expected that the two-month arrears withheld be ready before the end of the week, it said. The association said that based on the productive engagements and emerging progress, it hereby suspends the planned protest while keeping close tabs on the implementation of all resolutions reached. We reaffirm our commitment to defending the rights of Nigerian students and ensuring that no child is denied access to education due to governmental lapses, he said. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print A spokesperson to former President Muhammadu Buhari, Garba Shehu, is set to present his latest publication to the public. The memoir is titled According to the President: Lessons From A Presidential Spokesmans Experience. Mr Buhari and other dignitaries are expected to attend the book presentation, which is slated for 9 July at the Shehu Musa YarAdua Centre in Abuja. At a press conference on Tuesday, Mr Shehu said the book contains lessons he learnt during his many years of presidential communications. He said the book provides rich information for students of communication, journalism practitioners, and researchers. Mr Shehu has previously served as a spokesman to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar during the second term of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, 2003-2007. That was a testy yet remarkable period in my professional growth, Mr Shehu said, recalling the frosty relationship between Atiku and the former president. The fact is that I was in office only for six months before the president fired me through television statements. Throughout that period and the years that followed, we were fighting others for the political life of the vice president. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later He noted that the new publication documents those rough and tough moments not only for the former vice president but also for those who were around him. I was arrested and detained several times by the DSS, and by an order of a judge, I was thrown into the Kuje prison. My trial spanning over two years and the eventual acquittal, the how and why it happened should provide a heads up to journalism practitioners, he said. When he won the APC presidential primaries in 2014, Mr Buhari appointed Mr Shehu as the media director of the campaign. Mr Shehu said his book brings former President Buhari up close: how did he govern? What did he eat? And the clothes he wears for some occasions. He added that he tries to build on what his colleague Femi Adesina and several others have done, which is to authoritatively document the achievements and some of the historic decisions of the Buhari administration in eight years. Last year, Mr Adesina published a book chronicling the experiences, stories, and facts revolving around Mr Buharis eight years as a civilian president. Given his unique personal style, President Buhari wasnt a leader who merely cut ribbons and took pictures. He wanted his work to speak for him, as he tried to reach the doorstep of the poor through a first-of-its-kind Social Investment Program, SIP, Mr Shehu said. His government made sincere efforts to improve the quality of life of the poor, farmers, youths, and women, as well as small businesses and traders. Under him, Nigeria witnessed an unprecedented transformation of infrastructure, poverty alleviation, and public welfare, which deserves to be etched in golden letters. Along with strengthening the countrys security, President Buhari also enhanced the nations stature abroad. His government brought a new culture into government- a culture of personal integrity and set new benchmarks in transparency with the institution of the Treasury Single Account, Tax Identification Number, TIN; BVN; IPPS; Whistle Blower; the usage of NIN number and the various other transparency-enhancing schemes. Mr Shehu said the 260-page book tries to explain policies and programmes undertaken by the administration in its eight years. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Crisis is brewing in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) adopted by the Atiku Abubakar-led coalition to challenge President Bola Tinubus re-election in 2027. A group of party members, in a statement on Wednesday, rejected its adoption by the opposition coalition, saying it is not a one-man project. PREMIUM TIMES reported that the National Opposition Coalition Group had adopted the party for the 2027 election. The coalition appointed a former Senate President, David Mark, and a former governor of Osun State, Rauf Aregbesola, as its interim national chair and secretary, respectively. The National Chairperson of the ADC, Ralph Nwosu, reportedly stepped aside to pave way for the new interim leadership of the party. Mr Mark has also resigned his membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later The coalition is expected to unveil the ADC today (Wednesday) in Abuja as its platform for the coming election. Other prominent politicians behind the coalition include former Governors Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State, Rotimi Amsechi of Rivers State, Gabriel Suswam of Benue, and Sule Lamido of Jigawa State. Rejection However, the group of ADC members, in a statement on Wednesday, kicked against the adoption of the party by the coalition. The statement, titled ADC is not a one-man project A response to Rauf Aregbesolas acceptance speech, was signed by the national publicity secretary of the party, Musa Matara, on behalf of the Concerned Stakeholders of the ADC, youth leaders, women leaders, state party executives and ward coordinators nationwide. Members of the group said while they appreciate the enthusiasm with which Mr Aregbesola delivered his acceptance speech, they rejected the premise and process behind the appointment. They said the appointment lacked due process, transparency, and the broad-based legitimacy expected in a democratic political party. The aggrieved members further stated that the ADC is not a private coalition platform to be hijacked by any elite group. The ADC is not a private coalition platform to be hijacked by any elite group or individualsregardless of how eloquent or ideologically polished their speeches may sound. Our party has structures, leadership organs, youth and women wings, and constitutional guidelinesnone of which were consulted or respected in the announcement of this so-called appointment, the statement said. The members listed seven key points to justify their objection to the adoption of ADC by coalition. This includes the unresolved legal crises in the party. Let it be known to those who are trooping into our party under this chaotic coalition arrangement that the ADC has been battling unresolved legal crises since the 2023 general elections. These matters remain in court and unresolved. Any coalition attempt built on such shaky legal ground is irresponsible and potentially self-destructive, the statement said. The group also said millions of ADC members have not been informed or carried along in this so-called coalition, warning that if anyone is attempting to force an opposition merger without grassroots consent, they are trampling on democratic ethics and party sovereignty. We stand firmly on the side of accountable leadership, transparent decision-making, and a people-powered party structure. Any process that excludes the very people it claims to serve is undemocratic and must be challenged. We call on all genuine stakeholders of the ADCacross states, zones, and demographic groupsto reject this attempted takeover of our party. We are not opposed to coalitions. We are not opposed to reform. But we are opposed to hijack, to imposition, and to speeches that sound revolutionary but hide elitist intentions beneath poetic language. Until a legitimate, constitutionally-backed ADC National Convention or NEC confirms leadership changes, no one has the moral or legal right to speak for our party nationally they said. Also, in a text message to PREMIUM TIMES on Wednesday, the ADC Presidential Candidate in the 2023 election, Dumebi Kachikwu, kicked against the adoption. Can you shave a mans hair in his absence? Can you enter a mans house through the back door and declare yourself the landlord? Can you build something on nothing? Atiku and his co-travellers have bought bad market from someone purporting to be the chairman of the African Democratic Congress. For the avoidance of doubt the tenure of Ralph Nwosu lapsed three years ago, he said. Mr Nwosu could not be reached for comment. Backstory ADC, one of the 18 registered parties in Nigeria, has been embroiled in leadership crisis for sometime now. Prior to the 2023 elections, the party suspended Mr Kachikwu over alleged anti-party activities. On the other hand, the presidential candidate said Mr Nwosu could no longer lead the party because his tenure had expired having been in office for about 17 years. The Federal High Court presided over by Binta Nyako, ruled in December 2022 that the chairmans tenure had lapsed. Consequently, the ADC appointed Patricia Akwashiki, a former senator, who served as chairman of the partys Board of Trustees, as the chair of the caretaker committee to steer the affairs of the party. Obasanjos connection Meanwhile, this is not the first time prominent politicians would attemp to use its platform to contest elections. In 2018, the Coalition of Nigeria Movement (CNM) formed by former Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo, adopted ADC to field candidates for the 2019 elections. The leadership of the Movement, after detailed examination, wide consultation and bearing in mind the orientation, policies and direction of the Movement, have agreed to adopt ADC as its platform to work with others for bringing about desirable change in the Nigeria polity and governance, Mr Obasanjo said at the time. 2023 Victory The ADC won some seats in the current 10th House of Representatives and in some state Houses of Assembly in the 2023 elections. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print On Wednesday, the House of Representatives stepped down all the bills transmitted from the Senate for concurrence in the House. The resolution was taken after heated debates on what was termed an undue delay in the transmission of bills to the Senate for concurrence. Consequently, the House stepped down two bills sponsored by the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele. The resolution was a sequel to the motion raised by the Minority Leader, Kingsley Chinda, when asked to send a Senate bill seeking to amend the Federal Orthopaedic Hospital Management Act. The amendment act seeks to establish the Federal Orthopaedic Hospital at Obokun in Osun. The House Leader, Julius Ihonvbere, also moved a motion to step down the second bill, which sought to establish the Federal University of Medicine and Medical Sciences in Egbe, Kogi. 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 NAN, however, reports that there was a rowdy session when Speaker Abbas Tajudeen called Mr Chinda to second the motion for second reading. Mr Chinda frowned at what he called the uncooperative disposition of the Senate toward the bills transmitted by the House for concurrence. While stressing the imperatives of reciprocity, the lawmaker said: I regret that the Senate has failed in that regard, but we dont get that same treatment at the Senate. Mr Speaker, having said so, I will reluctantly second the motion for the second reading of this bill, sir; I so second. Contributing, Awaji-Iniombek Abiante said that he had two bills pending for concurrence at the Senate. The same thing happened to my bills in the Ninth Assembly, where, throughout that assembly, the Senate did not consider the bills that were passed from the House, emanating from me. I do not know how we will continue this kind of relationship, Mr Speaker. Well, let it not look as if we are slowing down the progress of governance in this country. I will support, today, that we should step down the consideration of this bill. We should step it down. And probably you will find out from them what the problems and the challenges have been. Why do they not consider bills coming from the House of Representatives? And if the reasons are not cogent enough, we should reciprocate. We should reciprocate. My submission, he said. In his contribution, Ahmed Jaha expressed displeasure over what he called the undue reluctance of the Senate to consider the legislation transmitted by the House over the years. Mr Jaha suggested that the Rules and Business Committee of the House be directed to liaise with the Rules and Business Committee of the Senate and sign a deal. They have done that several times in the past. So it is better we make it verbatim that, if they do not do our own, in the next meeting we are not going to do their own. Let there be tit for tat. Yes, let there be tit for tat, because the House of Representatives is an institution that cannot be compromised with the Senate and vice versa. So this is my position, he said. Affirming the non-reciprocity of the Senate toward the bills by the House, Mr Tajudeen described the development as very worrisome. From what the clerk told me, we have 146 bills that are with the Senate. I, as a person, have more than 10 bills; some are there for more than six months; no attention. We dont know what is really happening. We dont know what is happening. Let me allow one or two people to speak and then we will take a decision concerning that, he said. One of the lawmakers, Ahmed Satomi, who frowned at the Senates unpleasant relationship with the House, supported the call to step down the Senate bills pending a proper resolution. If a bill is commissioned, and so also to work, if possible, with our standing orders that we should be guided by certain time and period that they must do the concurrence. If not, we assume that it has been accepted and passed. Maybe, if that is possible, he stated. Consequently, the speaker ruled that bills from the Senate would receive the same treatment from the House, unless there were cogent reasons for any delay. .(NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Federal High Court in Abuja, on Wednesday, granted the application by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to freeze the United Bank for Africa (UBA) account of Cyriacus Njoku, a Nigerian, based in Germany, over alleged criminal breach of trust. The judge, Ekerete Akpan, granted the request after EFCCs lawyer, G.I. Ndeh, moved the ex-parte motion to the effect. Mr Ndeh urged the court to grant the application, which was filed on 17 June. The judge, in a short ruling, ordered that the account should be frozen for a 14-day period. This application is granted in terms of prayers 1 and 2. The order shall remain in force only for 14 days commencing from today and the order shall elapse after 14 days, the judge ruled. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the anti-graft agency, in the ex-parte motion marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1178/2025, sought two orders. One of the applicants prayers sought freezing the funds in a United Bank for Africa (UBA) account with number 3003068433, belonging to Njoku Nnamdi Cyriacus, pending the conclusion of investigation or possible prosecution. He also sought an order directing UBA to place a Post No Debit (PND) restriction on the said account forthwith pending the conclusion of the investigation. A legal assistant with EFCC, Ufuoma Ezire, wrote in an affidavit filed in support of the agencys applications that the commission received a petition via an email on 28 January from Mary Njoku, a Japanese resident of Nigerian descent, alleging criminal breach of trust and financial fraud against the suspect, Njokw Cyriacus, who resides in Germany. He said the petitioner stated that she had been residing outside Nigeria since 2016 and had been sponsoring the education of the suspect for over two years, both in Nigeria and Germany. That in 2023, she secured admission into an institution in Canada and based on her existing relationship of trust with the suspect, she requested him to assist her in facilitating the payment of her tuition fees from Nigeria, using his domiciliary account in United Bank for Africa. That acting on this arrangement, the petitioner transferred a total of $14,000 USD into the suspects UBA dollar account number: 3003068433 in two tranches on 27 June 2023 and 30 June, 2023 with the understanding that he would remit same to the Canadian institution on her behalf. That subsequently, the petitioner was denied a Canadian visa, and the institution refunded the tuition fees of $13,353.90 USD into the said UBA account of the suspect on 27 May 2024. That the respondent (Cyriacus) despite multiple requests, has failed, refused, and neglected to refund the said sum of $13,353.90 to the petitioner and has since ceased all communication with her, the affidavit read partly. The EFCC official said based on the investigation conducted so far, it had been established that the said sum of $13,353.90 remains in Cyriacus account, with the last recorded credit interest bringing the total balance to $13,386.24 as at April 30. That the statement of account issued by UBA, annexed herewith, confirms the lodgment of the two tranches of funds and the current credit balance in the said account, the EFCC official added. According to him, the commission reasonably suspects that the funds in the suspects account represent the proceeds of criminal breach of trust and are liable to be preserved pending the conclusion of investigation and possible prosecution. The commission seeks the order of this honourable court to freeze the said account to prevent the dissipation of the funds therein and secure the subject matter of investigation. It is in the interest of justice to grant this application in order to prevent further financial injury to the petitioner and to preserve the funds pending the outcome of investigation, he said. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Former presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dumebi Kachikwu, said he was amused that the Atiku Abubakar-led coalition entered into alliance with Ralph Nwosu, whom he said has since ceased to be the national chairman of the party. Mr Kachikwu said this in a statement he shared with PREMIUM TIMES on Wednesday . PREMIUM TIMES reported that the National Opposition Coalition Group adopted the party to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 election. Promoters of the coalition, apart from Atiku include former Governors Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State, Rotimi Amsechi of Rivers State, Gabriel Suswam of Benue, and Sule Lamido of Jigawa State. It has also appointed a former Senate President, David Mark, and a former governor of Osun State, Rauf Aregbesola, as the ADC interim national chairman and secretary, respectively. The coalition unveiled the ADC on Wednesday in Abuja as its platform for the coming election. It has also taken over the entire structure of the party. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later This indicates that Mr Nwosu has ceased to be the national chairman of his faction of the party. Nwosu no longer ADC chair since 2022 In his statement titled, Re: David Mark appointed as ADC interim chairman My Response, Mr Kachikwu said the tenure of the Nwosuled executive lapsed on 21 August 2022 and that it was the subject of litigation in different courts. The tenure of the Nwosu led executive lapsed on August 21, 2022, and his continued parade of himself as the chairman of the party was the subject of various litigations in different courts across the country, he said. The former presidential hopeful stated that if coalition members want to be members, they should do the proper thing and come through the front door. We are a party of decent and well-behaved people. Our brand of opposition is one that not only opposes but proposes, something that your group is not conversant with, he said. Earlier, a group of ADC members had also rejected the coalitions adoption of the party, saying it is not a one-man project. Read Mr Kachikwus statement Dear ADC family and fellow Nigerians, It is with the greatest amusement that I watched the former Vice President Atiku Abubakar led group announce their takeover of the national leadership of the African Democratic Congress. As is expected I have been inundated with a lot of calls and messages seeking my reaction to the unfolding dramedy. The facts of the matter are as follows: The Atiku led group are in some form of alliance with the former leadership of the party led by Ralph Nwosu. The tenure of the Nwosu led executive lapsed on August 21, 2022, and his continued parade of himself as the chairman of the party was the subject of various litigations in different courts across the country. From the foregoing, I want to then pose the following questions: Can you build something on nothing? Can you shave a mans hair in his absence? Can you enter a mans house through the back door and declare yourself the landlord? These yesterdays men who represent a bad chapter in Nigerias past have bought bad market from a man who represents a bad chapter in ADCs past. Nigerians have watched in amazement as this group of mostly geriatrics shopped around for a party to prosecute their chopping must continue ambition. This further cements the opinion most hold that political parties in Nigeria stand for nothing and will fall for anything. They have told us that they are fighting for the rights of ordinary Nigerians and that they are on a rescue mission but what is confusing to the Nigerians they want to rescue is that these men made up of a former vice president, former governors, ministers and political office holders are the same people who have presided over the affairs of this nation for the past four decades. We have nothing to show for their decades of leadership other than being seen as a nation divided by tribe and religion and thriving in mediocrity. We are a nation lacking in the basics whose majority are poor but here we are watching those who set our nation on fire saying they are the fire brigade. No, you are not; you are a bunch of greedy and selfish old men who believe that political power is your birthright. You stand for nothing other than your interests and will pay any price to hold political office. Nigerians are tired of your generation and reject everything you have to offer which is nothing. Nigerians yearn for new names, new faces, fresh ideas and progressive ideals. We yearn for a new Nigeria that thrives on meritocracy and deemphasises tribe and religion. We dream of a nation that works for all Nigerians irrespective of region or religion. We want a nation whose laws and opportunities are equal to all men. We desire inclusiveness for all and social protections for the weak amongst us. Nigerians have never asked for much other than a leadership that truly cares. You have failed us and stand rejected by us. READ ALSO: Senate moves to amend procurement law to support local contractors If you seek to be a part of the ADC, do the proper thing and come through the front door. We are a party of decent and well-behaved people. Our brand of opposition is one that not only opposes but proposes, something that your group is not conversant with. I strongly suspect that you will be shopping for another party very soon and as you do that, we the members of the African Democratic Congress wish you Bon Voyage. Thank you and God bless. Dumebi Kachikwu ADC Presidential Candidate in the 2023 presidential elections. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has issued a 21-day ultimatum to the federal government, threatening nationwide industrial action if longstanding demands regarding salaries, allowances and welfare are not met. The President of the association, Bala Audu, made this known at a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday. Mr Audu expressed disappointment and condemned a circular issued by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commissions (NSIWC) on the consequential adjustment of allowances under the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) for medical and dental practitioners in Nigeria. He said the circular from the NSIWC violates previous collective bargaining agreements with the government, adding that the recent development has worsened already existing tension among doctors who remain committed to serving in Nigeria despite ongoing challenges. The statement reads in part The Nigerian Medical Association expresses grave disappointment and unequivocally condemns the circular purportedly issued to address the consequential adjustment of allowances under the CONMESS for medical and dental practitioners in Nigeria. The circular is grossly inadequate, misleading and constitutes a flagrant violation of the spirit and letter of the agreements painstakingly reached during the collective bargaining process between the NMA and the federal government of Nigeria. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later We want to bring this to the attention of Mr President, President Bola Tinubu, National Assembly and the general public whom we are under oath to always protect and promote their wellbeing. We reject this new circular in its entirety and demand a new circular that reflects previous agreements reached. Allowances, other demands Mr Audu stressed that the principles of fairness and justice must guide the adjustment of allowances as previously agreed. He said that while the association had submitted the correct salary structure table as requested by the relevant government bodies, it was disappointed to find it was disregarded. Our demands include but are not limited to the immediate withdrawal of the circular on review of allowances for medical/dental officers in the federal public service dated 27 June, 2025; immediate correction of consequential adjustments in line with the agreements of 2001, 2009, and 2014 CBAs; immediate correction of the relativity agreed between CONMESS and Consolidated Health Salary Structure and compliance with relativity in all professional allowances in accordance with the 2001 CBA, particularly regarding call duty allowances, and the payment of all accrued backlogs, he said. He said the association is also demanding the immediate settlement of all outstanding arrears of 25/35 per cent CONMESS, clinical duty and accoutrement allowances owed to medical and dental practitioners. It is also demanding the immediate payment of Medical Residency Training Fund for 2025, and review of the MRTF to reflect prevailing economic realities. Other demands are the immediate convocation of the long-overdue Collective Bargaining Agreement negotiations on CONMESS; the immediate Release of the Circular on Clinical Duty and other allowances for honorary consultants as agreed in January 2024. They are also demanding the implementation of scarce skills allowances for medical consultants; approval of specialist allowances for all doctors; approval of excess workload allowances for all doctors; adoption of relativity in all professional allowances in accordance with the 2001 CBA, particularly regarding call duty allowances; compliance with CBA of 2021 on hazard allowances; implementation of subsisting CONMESS circular of 2024 for house officers; and universal application of the CONMESS across all Federal and State Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to combat internal brain drain. Other demands include the provision of comprehensive health insurance coverage for all medical and dental practitioners; the immediate constitution of management boards for federal hospitals to improve governance and operational efficiency as stipulated in the Acts for Federal Tertiary Institutions. The health practitioners also request the issuance of a circular implementing the reviewed retirement age for medical and dental practitioners; and the implementation of robust welfare and well-being packages, including comprehensive health and social support for healthcare workers. They also demand the immediate reversal of the appointment of other healthcare professionals as consultants in hospitals, citing patient safety and the need to maintain medical care standards. Previous dialogue The NMA President emphasised that the association has consistently engaged in dialogue with relevant government agencies and the Federal Ministry of Health in good faith and remains committed to continued dialogue as long as their rightful entitlements are appropriately addressed. As a responsible and responsive association that understands and respects values, we have painstakingly and repeatedly engaged in dialogue with the relevant agencies of government and the Federal Ministry of Health, he said. He said the association has exhibited so much goodwill and intends to continue the same as long as we get our appropriate and timely dues. We, hereby, expect that attention will be given to our demands within next 21 days to avert disruption in the health services rendered to the Nigerian people, he said. The NMA has repeatedly embarked on strike in the past to press home its demands, often resulting in the disruption of healthcare services across public Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Ultimately, the SADC region needs a transitional justice policy that is not only aligned with AU instruments and informed by regional and international best practices, but also reflects consultations with stakeholders, civil society and communities. Without several amendments to its draft framework, SADC will struggle to help member states address their abusive pasts. The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has embarked on a commendable and much-needed peacebuilding initiative to help prevent the recurrence of violence and authoritarian backsliding in the region. Countries in Southern Africa are marked by prolonged colonial and post-colonial violence, repressive regimes and entrenched inequalities, and they need coherent policies to guide them towards justice, reconciliation and sustainable peace. Member states recently met in Johannesburg to discuss a draft framework that facilitates the design and implementation of post-conflict reconstruction and development (PCRD) and transitional justice initiatives. SADC lags behind its counterparts, such as the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), in developing a PCRD framework. But this initiative positions it as the first regional body in Africa to formally circulate a draft transitional justice policy for member states to consider. Instead of developing two distinct frameworks, SADC opted to integrate PCRD and transitional justice into one cohesive document. For this approach to work, both domains need adequate attention, but the current draft disproportionately favours PCRD at the expense of transitional justice. 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 While PCRD and transitional justice share overlapping concerns and can be complementary, they have distinct mandates, methodologies and normative foundations. PCRD typically emphasises infrastructure development, state capacity building and institutional reform, whereas transitional justice focuses on redress, accountability and societal healing. The draft also lacks reference to contemporary and regionally relevant developments in the transitional justice field. It draws on the 2004 United Nations definition of transitional justice, thereby overlooking the African Union Transitional Justice Policy, adopted in 2019 by all AU member states, including those in SADC. The AU policy is grounded in African norms, values and approaches including traditional justice systems and offers a regionally relevant and contextually appropriate framework. By failing to refer to the policy and incorporate its definition, SADCs draft does not reflect member states sociopolitical and cultural contexts. Also, the drafts narrow conceptualisation of transitional justice limits its application to post-conflict contexts, overlooking the legacies of authoritarianism. Numerous Southern African states have faced governance-related abuses, long after active conflict ended, including systemic corruption, enforced disappearances and the suppression of dissent. Transitional justice mechanisms must address post-conflict and post-authoritarian contexts, as both generate serious human rights violations that require recognition and redress. A comprehensive framework shouldnt consider transitional justice in isolation. Recent experiences highlight the need for complementarity with other peacebuilding mechanisms such as peace processes, PCRD, national dialogues and disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration programmes. The SADC framework should guide countries on coordinating and sequencing these processes. Another notable omission is mental health and psychosocial support. Although such support is not explicit in the AU policy, it has become essential to contemporary transitional justice and peacebuilding efforts. Survivors of violence often carry hidden scars trauma, stigma and social dislocation that traditional transitional justice pillars alone cannot heal. Experts and practitioners increasingly advocate for mainstreaming mental health support across all transitional justice pillars, while some suggest treating it as a distinct element altogether. A credible transitional justice framework must incorporate such support, not only to promote individual recovery but to enhance societal cohesion and resilience. Moreover, the SADC draft does not adequately anticipate the implications of emerging threats particularly climate change and environmental degradation on peace and justice in the region. Given SADCs reliance on natural resources and agriculture, the connections between ecological stress, conflict and transitional justice must be articulated. Many human rights violations in the region have a cross-border dimension, rendering a purely national approach inadequate. Conflicts and repression, for example in Cabo Delgado in Mozambique and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, often involve more than one state, spilling across borders due to porous boundaries and shared ethnic or political identities. The framework should provide a basis for cross-border investigations, transnational reparation schemes, and regional truth commissions. Regional organisations are well-positioned to support and sustain such initiatives. Furthermore, transitional justice within SADC must address not only civil and political rights violations but also violations of economic and social rights an area where the AU policy remains comparatively underdeveloped. Land dispossession, extractive exploitation, systemic corruption, state capture and poverty should be viewed not merely as development issues, but also as matters of justice. This has been acknowledged to varying degrees by transitional justice processes in Sierra Leone, Chad, Ethiopia and Liberia, and in cases before the African Commission on Human and Peoples Rights. A comprehensive framework shouldnt consider transitional justice in isolation. Recent experiences highlight the need for complementarity with other peacebuilding mechanisms such as peace processes, PCRD, national dialogues and disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration programmes. The SADC framework should guide countries on coordinating and sequencing these processes. Transitional justice must be pursued through both top-down and bottom-up approaches. The SADC framework should actively promote inclusive, participatory and decentralised mechanisms that engage communities, civil society organisations and local institutions, alongside government actors. Many human rights violations have a cross-border dimension, rendering a purely national approach inadequate Furthermore, the final framework must go beyond articulating principles to providing actionable guidance for member states. This includes strategies for contextualising transitional justice at the national level, building institutional capacity to engage with communities, and promoting decentralised implementation. Transitional justice must be pursued through both top-down and bottom-up approaches. The SADC framework should actively promote inclusive, participatory and decentralised mechanisms that engage communities, civil society organisations and local institutions, alongside government actors. Equally important is the question of monitoring and oversight. SADC may consider the AU policy, which empowers the AU Commission to monitor national transitional justice initiatives. Parallel mechanisms could enable the SADC Secretariat to support and guide member states. Enhanced collaboration with the AU Commission in Addis Ababa would ensure regional coherence and technical rigour during implementation. Ultimately, the SADC region needs a transitional justice policy that is not only aligned with AU instruments and informed by regional and international best practices, but also reflects consultations with stakeholders, civil society and communities. Whether developed as part of the current integrated draft or through a standalone transitional justice framework, the core elements, principles, cross-cutting issues and benchmarks must be identified and agreed on. Without these revisions, SADC risks falling short of its potential to support member states in confronting their authoritarian and violent pasts and in laying the foundations for justice, reconciliation and peace. Ikubaje John Gbodi is Head, Transitional Justice Unit, Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security, African Union Commission, while Tadesse Simie Metekia is a Senior Researcher, Rule of law, at ISS, Addis Ababa. This article was originally published by issafrica.org. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print At their just-concluded strategic retreat in Benin City, governors under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) speaking through the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) praised the presidents reform agenda for repositioning the states as engines of economic renewal. In their communique, they outlined how policies initiated at the federal level are directly unlocking opportunities at the state level: better infrastructure, increased capital inflows, improved public procurement systems, and more robust digital governance frameworks. Across Nigerias 36 states, a now obvious and relentless economic transformation is unfolding driven by the bold, strategic reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. From Benin City to Birnin Kebbi, Lagos to Lafia, the signs are increasingly clear: the Renewed Hope Agenda is not just about empty political sloganeering it is a nationwide movement that is empowering state governments to deliver real, measurable progress to their people. This new wave of development is intentional. It results from President Tinubus careful adjustment of Nigerias economic structure. The removal of unsustainable fuel subsidies, the unification of exchange rates, and a more sensible debt profile are beginning to stabilise macroeconomic fundamentals. But more importantly, these reforms are restoring the fiscal space, rebuilding investor confidence, and enabling subnational governments to act as genuine centres of development. At their just-concluded strategic retreat in Benin City, governors under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) speaking through the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) praised the presidents reform agenda for repositioning the states as engines of economic renewal. In their communique, they outlined how policies initiated at the federal level are directly unlocking opportunities at the state level: better infrastructure, increased capital inflows, improved public procurement systems, and more robust digital governance frameworks. These are not mere policy outcomes they are the foundations of a new kind of federalism: one built on economic coordination, local autonomy, and shared prosperity. The Renewed Hope Agenda recognises that national development must be inclusive, decentralised, and people-focused. That is why the Tinubu administration has strengthened fiscal transfers to the states, giving governors the tools to tailor solutions to local needs whether in agriculture, youth employment, small business support, or social protection. With the right incentives and institutional alignment, governors are now able to translate presidential vision into localised action. 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 And this alignment is paying off. Across APC-led states, we are seeing a surge in investor interest, fresh public-private partnerships, and a visible commitment to competitiveness and reform. From new roads and industrial corridors to innovations in education and healthcare delivery, the message is clear: the era of passive governance is over. Certainly, none of this progress can be maintained without security. The presidents strong stance on national security is matched by a renewed push for grassroots intelligence, better coordination, and community-based policing. The PGF has echoed this, promising to support the Federal Governments security framework, while enhancing surveillance and staff welfare at the local level. Importantly, the governors also emphasised the role of local government structures those closest to the people in delivering democratic dividends. Reforms to make local councils more responsive, transparent, and development-oriented are already underway. This aligns with the presidents view that sustainable transformation must begin at the grassroots. It is also worth noting the political realignment underway across the country. The recent decision of Akwa Ibom State governor, Pastor Umo Eno, and Delta State governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, to join the progressive fold, speaks volumes. It reflects a national consensus that the Renewed Hope Agenda is not only working it is resonating. The APCs ability to manage leadership transitions, including the recent resignation of its National Chairman, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, further underscores the maturity of the party and its institutional resilience. As we move forward, the message from the Presidency is clear: these reforms, though tough, are necessary and they are already delivering results. But to consolidate these gains, Nigerians must remain engaged, optimistic, and committed to the national vision. The road ahead may still hold challenges, but for the first time in a long while, it is a road paved with purpose, discipline, and possibility. President Tinubus commitment is unwavering. The support of our governors is firm. And with the backing of Nigerians, the journey toward a more secure, equitable, and prosperous Nigeria is well underway. Sunday Dare is Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Two people have been reported killed after a flood and windstorm destroyed many houses in the Damboa and Askira-Uba local government areas of Borno State. A downpour on Sunday forced many residents out of their homes in the Wovi and Gumsuri communities of Damboa. Two women died, and many residents sustained injuries as the flood destroyed an undisclosed number of houses. The flood only affected Wovi and Gumsuri. The flood destroyed many houses. Unfortunately, two females lost their lives, Ali Gambo, a resident of Damboa, said. A severe windstorm tore through the Rumirgo area of Askira-Uba Local Government, destroying public and private infrastructure. The incident in Rumirgo happened a week ago. The windstorm destroyed many houses. Luckily, there was no injury, Mohammed Uba, a resident of Askira Uba, said. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later The public buildings affected include Rumirgo B Primary School and Government Day Secondary School, Rumirgo. The roofs of many classes have been destroyed, Ibrahim Bukar, a resident of Rumirgo, also said. A local media outlet also reported that the incidents affected about 50 per cent of houses in both communities. The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) had warned that Borno is among several states at high risk of flooding from persistent rainfall. NiMets seasonal forecasts had specifically flagged central parts of Borno State, where Damboa is located, as vulnerable to such disasters. The flooding came little over nine months after a devastating flood hit Maiduguri, the state capital, following the collapse of the Alau Dam. The flood killed more than 30 people and destroyed public and private infrastructure. Borno State Government speaks Governor Babagana Zulum condoled with victims of floods and windstorms on Tuesday. According to a statement issued by Dauda Iliya, the governors special adviser on media, Mr Zulum described the incidents as tragic and deeply distressing. READ ALSO: Anambra community seeks lasting solution to flooding I received with profound sorrow the sad news of the devastating flood disaster in Wovi that claimed the lives of two women, as well as the destruction of homes in Gumsuri. Equally distressing is the windstorm in Rumirgo. My thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families and everyone affected by these disasters, the governor said. He also directed the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to assist all affected areas. He assured residents that no victim would be left unattended. I have instructed SEMA to deliver relief materials to Gumsuri and Wovi without delay. We have already dispatched emergency aid to Rumirgo, he said. Governor Zulum called for adherence to early warning systems to minimise the impact of future natural disasters. However, with the rainy season ongoing and more rainfall expected, fears are growing that the situation could deteriorate. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print A final-year student of the Government Science Technical College, Bukuru, Plateau State, has been sentenced to death by hanging for the murder of a teacher over a school meal. In the judgement delivered on Tuesday by Silas Bakfur of the Plateau State High Court in Jos, Odey Emmanuel was accused of stabbing Job Dashe in the chest with a knife, leading to the teachers death. The judge, Mr Bakfur, described Mr Emmanuels act as deliberate and premeditated and condemned the defendant to death. Backstory In July 2022, Mr Dashe, a teacher at Government Science Technical College, Bukuru, located in Jos South Local Government Area, and a colleague supervised a students meal session in the school kitchen when Mr Emmanuel was caught taking double portions of food. Mr Dashes reprimand of Mr Emmanuel led to an intense verbal confrontation during which Mr Emmanuel allegedly produced a knife with which he stabbed Mr Dashe in the chest. Mr Dashe was later pronounced dead on arrival at the Mercy Seat Hospital, where he was taken from the scene of the incident. 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 Legal proceedings The prosecution was led by the Plateau State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Philemon Daffi, represented by Chief State Counsel Nanfe Mbap and Solomon Deme. The prosecution presented five witnesses, including school staff, medical personnel, and law enforcement officers, who testified that Mr Emmanuel delivered the fatal stab wound. The court found Mr Emmanuel guilty of culpable homicide punishable with death and sentenced him to death by hanging. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday granted permission to Ali Bello, the accused nephew of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, to travel abroad for medical reasons. Mr Bello, who is the Chief of Staff to the incumbent Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo, has been facing prosecution before the court since 2022 on N3 billion fraud charges. The charges stemmed from his activities during the former Governor Bellos administration. Judge Obiora Egwuatu granted foreign trip permission to both Ali Bello, the first defendant, and Yakubu Adabenege, the third defendant, on Wednesday. But while Mr Bello was granted permission to travel to the United Kingdom for medical reasons, Mr Adabenege got the courts approval to travel for religious purposes. Mr Adabenege had sought the courts permission to travel for Hajj in Saudi Arabia between 28 July and 27 August. The court issued the foreign trip approvals after the applicants lawyers moved their respective clients motions on Wednesday. Mr Bellos application, filed on 12 May, was argued by his lawyer, Z. Abbas. That of Mr Adabenege, filed on 23 May, was also argued by his lawyer, Nureini Jimoh, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN). EFCC did not oppose the applications. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later The judge, Mr Egwuatu, granted both requests, ordering the release of their passports seized as part of the conditions of the bail earlier granted to the applicants. He also gave deadlines for them to return their passports to the court registrar on returning from their respective foreign trips. While he asked Mr Bello to return his on or before 12 September, he ordered Mr Adabenege to do the same by 30 August. Judge Egwuatu then adjourned proceedings until 13 and 14 October for continuation of trial. Background Ali Bello is standing trial on money laundering charges involving the alleged diversion of about N3 billion belonging to Kogi State and its local governments. He faces 18 counts of money laundering alongside his alleged conspirators Abba Adaudu, Yakubu Siyaka Adabenege, Iyada Sadat, and Rashida Bello. The EFCC alleged in the charges that Mr Bello and his co-defendants conspired in June 2020 in Abuja to cause E-Traders International Limited to retain N3.081 billion, said to be proceeds of criminal activity, in violation of Sections 18(a) and 15(2)(d) of the Act. The seventh prosecution witness (PW7), Achille Ofure, an official of Access Banks Lokoja branch, testified on 20 May, detailing a web of suspicious cash deposits and withdrawals of funds the prosecution said belonged to the state government. She detailed how hundreds of millions of naira were allegedly funnelled from various Kogi State local government accounts into corporate and personal bank accounts held by defendants and their associates. Ms Achille testified that the bank identified numerous suspicious lodgements and immediate withdrawals that didnt align with the account holders profiles. She said the bank, therefore, flagged and reported to the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU). She further detailed how accounts linked to Fazab Business Enterprise, Hyzman Ary Construction, and Killest Nature Ltd. received substantial inflows from LGAs, often followed by rapid withdrawals. During the cross-examination of the witness on 17 June, defence lawyer A.M. Aliyu maintained that his clients name did not feature in any of the transactions. But in response, EFCC lawyer, Rotimi Oyedepo, said the remark from the defence lawyer showed his understanding of the case was limited. The trial is one in a series of financial crime cases arising from former Governor Bellos administration. Bello Ali faces another prosecution before another judge of the Federal High Court in Abuja on charges of diverting N10 billion in Kogi States funds. Former Governor Bello, his uncle, is standing trial on N80 billion money laundering charges before another judge of the FHC court, and in another case for N110 billion fraud before the FCT High Court in Abuja. On 27 June 2025, EFCC opposed former Kogi governor Yahaya Bellos request to travel abroad for medical treatment in his ongoing N80.2 billion fraud trial. His lawyer, Joseph Daudu, SAN, asked the court to release his passport, citing health concerns. But EFCC counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, a SAN, described the application as an abuse of court process. He argued that local hospitals, including one Yahaya Bello built in Kogi, could treat his condition. The court fixed 27 July for ruling on the application. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print For over three months, public primary school pupils in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have been out of the classroom due to a teachers strike. The industrial action has seen multiple suspensions and resumptions and is the third since late 2024. The last strike was suspended in October 2024 after the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, intervened. Despite repeated engagements between the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) FCT chapter and the six Area Councils responsible for primary education in the FCT, no lasting resolution has been reached. At the core of the crisis is the implementation of the national minimum wage and associated allowances. The NUT-FCT accused the area councils of reneging on previous agreements to implement the national minimum wage and pay associated allowances. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later The teachers union said all reconciliatory meetings, including one with members of the National Assembly, ended in deadlock. They also accused the FCT Minister, Mr Wike, of not doing enough to end the crisis. Meanwhile, Rabi Umar, the assistant deputy press of the FCT Ministers office; Kabir Musa, the spokesperson for the FCT Education Board; and Chiya Danladi, the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) FCT chairperson, did not answer questions posed by this reporter despite reminders. Ms Umar referred this reporter to the FCT Education Secretariat, while Mr Musa directed the reporter to the Secretary of the FCT Universal Basic Education Board, Alhassan Sule, who eventually spoke with PREMIUM TIMES. Mr Sule said UBEC was working with the union and the area council to end the strike, even though it is only a supervising body. I have spoken to the area council chairman several times, he kept saying where would they get the funding. We have also been asking them when they would implement the minimum wage for the teachers. We pray that the NUT cooperates with the FCT administration to see that this issue is brought to an end, he said. Unequal treatment, broken promises The Chairperson of the NUT, FCT Chapter, Abdullahi Muhammad, said the industrial action has lingered due to the area councils alleged neglect and disregard for the teachers. Mr Muhammad said the roots of the prolonged strike lie in the discriminatory implementation of the national minimum wage, adding that while teachers in junior and senior secondary schools in the FCT have enjoyed the full benefits of wage reforms, primary school teachers remain sidelined. He noted that the minimum wage for primary school teachers was paid only once, in April 2025. We have gone into agreements over and over again for the implementation of the new wage; they implemented it just once, and now they cannot sustain it. We have explored every avenue with the agreements, but they are not working, Mr Muhammad said in an interview with PREMIUM TIMES. He also said that wage increments of 25 and 35 per cent, 40 per cent of peculiar allowances paid to teachers at the junior and secondary level, promotions, arrears, and the federal wage awards of N35,000 have consistently bypassed primary educators. Demands Mr Muhammad said the teachers are demanding the full implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage, the 40 per cent peculiar allowance, other wage awards, payment of arrears, and overdue promotions. We are not working for charity, and we are not interested in strikes, but it has become our last option. We work to earn wages, and at this point, the wage can no longer sustain us in the FCT, he said. He added that the current wages are no longer sustainable for teachers living in the FCT. Mr Muhammad appealed to the public to join the call for urgent action, saying the prolonged closure of public primary schools in Nigerias capital should concern every stakeholder. He called on NGOs, civil society groups, and parent associations to pressure the authorities to resolve the impasse, warning that public education in the FCT could collapse without collective action. The children of the electorate have been at home for over three months. That should worry everyone to take action, Mr Muhammad said. If the area councils wont do it, let the minister take it up directly. As the minister of FCT, he has the authority to do things his way, as the law provides, if the area councils fail to do their job. This is the capital of Nigeria. Dead-end meetings According to Mr Muhammad, numerous meetings have been held between the union and the Area Council chairmen, but the resolutions were not implemented. Mr Muhammad said the union signed multiple Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs), yet nothing has changed. The problem, he insisted, is a lack of political will. The MOUs contained the implementation of the minimum wage and other demands, but those agreements were not being followed up on. Most of the meetings we held ended with blueprints that were never implemented, he said. A statement issued by the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANs) on Wednesday indicates that Mr Wike will meet with chairmen of the FCT area councils, leaders of NUT and representatives of NANs in Abuja on Thursday to finalise modalities for reopening the schools. N4.1 billion allegedly diverted The NUT chairperson accused the area councils of diverting funds meant for teachers payments. According to Mr Muhammad, the FCT Minister released N4.1 billion in April to settle salary arrears and wage implementation, but the funds were misapplied. The money was given to the Area Councils to settle these problems. But they diverted it, calling it a signature allowance from the Central Bank of Nigeria, he said. He added that the teachers were paid with the old wage structure in May. In one of those area councils, like Kuje, they didnt even pay correctly. They paid N40,000 across the council as the minimum wage, and up to today, they have not been able to sustain it, and they have not been able to pay the arrears of those past months, he said. When asked about the allegedly diverted N4.1 billion, the FCT Universal Basic Education Board Secretary, Mr Sule, told PREMIUM TIMES that he could not comment on it as it didnt pass through his office. What I know is that constitutionally, local governments are responsible for paying the teachers salaries, he said. When threats fail Mr Muhammad accused the FCT Minister, Mr Wike, of not carrying out his threats to withhold allocations to area councils, which failed to resolve the issue. Mr Wike had threatened to use the area councils funds to pay the teachers if they failed to agree with the teachers to reopen the school. The teachers union chairperson argued that tangible results would have followed if the minister had genuinely intended to intervene. The problem, he said, is not capacity but commitment. All the IGR that he promised that he was going to collect to pay teachers allowances has not come. If he wasnt playing politics, something would have changed by now. All his pronouncements have amounted to nothing, Mr Muhammad said. He said the union visited the National Assembly in May to complain to the committee on FCT area council and auxiliary matters. They only told the union to suspend the strike while they expedited action for the money to be paid to us, and nobody has communicated with us since then, even at the height of the strike. This is supposed to be their matter because they are the ones representing FCT seats at the National Assembly, but we have not seen any action from the Senate or the House of Representatives. Nobody wants to intervene, he said. In the meantime, pupils in the FCT have lost an entire term to the lingering crisis between their teachers and the FCT administration. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Godwin Onuoha, a survivor of a recent massacre in Anambra State, has recounted how gunmen attacked and killed many people in the state. PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported how some gunmen invaded Ogboji, a community in Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State on Monday evening, killing about 13 people. The victims were indigenes of Ebonyi State holding their monthly meeting in the area at the time. The police in Anambra State had confirmed the attack, but said only 10 people were killed. How the attack happened Some leaders of Ebonyi Welfare Central in Anambra State, on Tuesday, visited Mr Onuoha in a hospital where he was receiving treatment for multiple gunshot wounds sustained during the attack. In a video clip obtained by PREMIUM TIMES, Mr Onuoha was seen narrating to the leaders from his hospital bed how the attack happened. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later The survivor is a member of the Ebonyi State Welfare Association, which was holding its monthly meeting when the hoodlums attacked them. He hails from Inyimagu, a community in Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State. We used to have our meeting two times a month. That day was our general meeting of the Ebonyi State Welfare Association in Ogboji (in Anambra), he began in his local dialect. His voice was faint, apparently because of pain from injuries. Towards evening when we were about to close the meeting, some people carrying guns came in. We thought they were policemen that came for mass arrests. We didnt know they were on a mission to kill us, Mr Onuoha said. What followed, he said, was a nightmare. The first thing they (gunmen) asked was, Who is Augustine Odogwu? Then they ordered everybody to lie down, he recalled. Augustine Odogwu, the chairperson of the Ogboji Branch of the association, appeared to be their main target, according to the survivor. They dragged me up and asked me what meeting we were doing. I told them it was the general meeting of Ebonyi indigenes. They said we were kicking against them and then they shot me, he said. The attackers, he said, further fired several shots into the air and threatened to kill everyone if Augustine was not identified. Continuing, Mr Onuoha said: They came to me again and asked me to show them Augustine or they would kill me. READ ALSO: Nwifuru speaks on murder of 13 Ebonyi indigenes in Anambra I pointed at him (Augustine). They brought him out and shot him right there. Then they shot me again. The survivor recalled that the gunmen subsequently began firing at other members of the association, killing about eleven people on the spot and leaving several others injured. Meanwhile, Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State said he received a report that 13 people from the state were killed in the attack. Mr Nwifuru, who condemned the attack, has vowed to seek justice for the murder of the victims. Like the governor, the Anambra State Government has condemned the deadly attack and vowed to track down the killers. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print "Comprehensive Analysis of MENA's AI Healthcare Market: Emerging Opportunities and Challenges, with a Projected CAGR of 35.8% from 2024 to 2029" BOSTON, July 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- According to the latest study from BCC Research, "AI in Healthcare Regional Analysis Market: Middle East and North Africa" is expected to reach $1.8 billion by the end of 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 35.8% from 2024 to 2029. The report on AI in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) healthcare markets uses 2023 as a benchmark year and projects growth from 2024 to 2029, estimating CAGRs. It examines the market size from the perspective of AI use in the region's healthcare sector, covering technological advances, economic factors, and business considerations. The report provides insights into different market segments and analyzes the leading companies in the healthcare AI industry, focusing on technology, components, and applications specific to the MENA region. It also discusses market growth factors and regional dynamics influencing the market. Turkey is excluded from the report due to its being significantly more advanced AI in the healthcare market than other MENA countries. Including Turkey would skew the analysis and not accurately reflect the unique opportunities and challenges that the rest of the region faces. This focused approach ensures a more relevant examination of emerging AI in the MENA healthcare landscape, which may be more pertinent for companies looking to expand into less mature markets. The factors driving the market's growth include: Expanding Medical Database: Expanding medical databases is crucial for developing AI in healthcare. With more comprehensive and integrated data systems, healthcare providers can access complete patient histories, leading to better-informed decision-making and personalized care plans. This vast amount of data allows AI algorithms to learn and improve, enhancing diagnostic accuracy and treatment outcomes. Rise in Investment and Funding in AI Infrastructure: There has been a significant increase in investment and funding in AI infrastructure in the MENA region. This surge is driven by the recognition of AI's potential to revolutionize healthcare delivery. Major tech companies and investors are pouring billions into AI infrastructure, including data centers and advanced computing resources. This investment is essential for supporting the computational demands of AI applications in healthcare, enabling faster and more efficient processing of large datasets. Growing Focus on Personalized Medicine: Personalized medicine is becoming a focal point in healthcare, aiming to tailor treatments to individual patients based on their genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Advances in AI are facilitating this shift by enabling more precise diagnostics and customized treatment plans. In the MENA region, there is a growing emphasis on integrating personalized medicine into healthcare systems, which promises to reduce healthcare costs by providing more effective and targeted therapies. Request a sample copy of the report on artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare markets in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Report Synopsis Report Metric Details Base year considered 2023 Forecast period considered 2024-2029 Base year market size $290 million Market size forecast $1.8 billion Growth rate CAGR of 35.8% from 2024 to 2029 Segments covered By Component, Technology, Application, and Region Countries covered Israel, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Iran, Egypt, the GCC4 (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar) Market drivers Expanding medical database. Rise in investment and funding in AI infrastructure. Growing focus on personalized medicine. Related Reports: Generative AI: Global Markets: The report on the global generative AI market provides an analysis of market trends from 2023 to 2029, covering segments such as offerings (software, hardware, services), data types (text, code, audio/speech, images/videos), applications (business integration, content management, synthetic data management, automation, generative design), and end-user industries (BFSI, healthcare, IT, manufacturing, media, retail). It also examines regional markets (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Rest of the World). Trends, challenges, regulatory landscapes, ESG developments, patent activities, and emerging technologies are analyzed. The report analyzes the competitive landscape, market ecosystem, venture funding, and profiles of leading companies and their market strategies. Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Cancer: The report explores AI's market potential in cancer applications, analyzing drivers, restraints, and opportunities. It provides projections through 2029, covering applications like screening, diagnosis, therapy, and drug discovery. The market is segmented by cancer type (breast, lung) and end users (hospitals, diagnostic centers). Regional analysis includes North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Rest of the World. The report analyzes major companies' business segments, financials, and recent developments. Purchase a copy of the report direct from BCC Research. For further information on any of these reports or to make a purchase, contact [email protected]. About BCC Research BCC Research market research reports provide objective, unbiased measurement, and assessment of market opportunities. Our experienced industry analysts' goal is to help you make informed business decisions free of noise and hype. Contact Us Corporate HQ: 50 Milk St., Ste. 16, Boston, MA 02109, USA Email: [email protected] Phone: +1 781-489-7301 For media inquiries, email [email protected] or visit our media page for access to our market research library. Any data and analysis extracted from this press release must be accompanied by a statement identifying BCC Research LLC as the source and publisher. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2183242/BCC_Research_Logo.jpg SOURCE BCC Research LLC Free for Gold Star families, discounted for military spouses and expedited lanes for service members WASHINGTON, July 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In recognition of Independence Day and the enduring sacrifice of military families, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is proud to announce a multi-faceted initiative to enhance the travel experience for members of the U.S. military community. Starting this summer, TSA and its TSA PreCheck enrollment providers, CLEAR, IDEMIA and Telos, will honor Gold Star family members by waiving the enrollment fee for TSA PreCheck. Gold Star families have lost a loved one in military service to the United Statesspouses, parents, children and siblings who carry forward the legacy of their fallen heroes. This gesture represents TSA's profound respect for their sacrifice and aims to ease their travel journey in a meaningful way. In addition, TSA will offer a $25 discount on TSA PreCheck enrollment for spouses of military and uniformed service members. This new benefit supports families who frequently travel to reunite with service members or relocate due to duty assignments. TSA PreCheck offers enrollees reduced wait times, expedited screening benefits and an improved checkpoint experience at selected airports. "This Independence Day and beyond, TSA reaffirms its commitment to ease travel for the military community through its TSA PreCheck program by providing it free to Gold Star families, discounting it for military spouses and creating expedited lanes for service members," said TSA Acting Administrator Ha Nguyen McNeill. "By expanding access, easing enrollment, and partnering with our TSA PreCheck enrollment providers and industry partners, we strive to honor those who serve and the families who stand beside them." To increase access to these benefits, TSA is collaborating with its TSA PreCheck enrollment providers to host mobile enrollment events near major U.S. military installations, making it easier for eligible individuals to enroll. TSA, in coordination with its industry partners, is also introducing expedited access for military members in TSA PreCheck lanes at select airports near larger military installations. This includes dedicated screening lanes, or front-of-line privileges, designed to minimize wait times and improve convenience for service members. TSA reminds travelers that military personnel and civilian Department of Defense (DOD) staff are eligible for free TSA PreCheck by using their DOD ID number as their Known Traveler Number when booking travel. Children 12 and under may accompany service members and DOD staff in TSA PreCheck lanes without restriction. Minors 13-17 must be on the same airline reservation with a TSA PreCheck-eligible parent or guardian to receive expedited screening. In addition, the TSA Cares program remains available for veterans and wounded warriors, providing personalized assistance through the screening process and ensuring a dignified travel experience. Gold Star families and military spouses can go to www.tsa.gov/military to learn how to enroll. For full details on TSA PreCheck benefits for the military community, visit www.tsa.gov/military and www.tsa.gov/travel/tsa-cares. SOURCE Transportation Security Administration SINGAPORE, July 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Bedrock, the leading multi-asset restaking protocol in decentralized finance (DeFi), has launched BR Trade Streak, a new campaign rewarding consistent traders with a share of a $100,000 prize pool, including returns of up to 3X their trading fees. Running from July 2 to 9, BR Trade Streak offers both high-volume and active daily traders the opportunity to qualify through one of two routes: Trade $30,000+ per day for seven consecutive days, or Accumulate $300,000+ in total BR/USDT trading volume during the campaign. The first 10,000 eligible wallets to claim will each receive $10 in USDT. For many traders, this amount represents up to 3X the fees typically paid under PancakeSwap's 0.01% fee tier. To ensure eligibility, users are strongly advised to trade directly via the protocol-owned BR/USDT pool on PancakeSwap. Some wallets and aggregators may route trades through alternate pools with higher fees, which can disqualify participants. Claiming opens on July 9 via Bedrock's Airdrop page. This campaign follows the success of the BR/USDT Trading Carnival, which rewarded over 60,000 wallets with more than $180,000 in total prizes. During that event, BR ranked among the top trending tokens on CoinMarketCap's DexScan leaderboard, highlighting the protocol's trading momentum and community engagement. In addition to BR Trade Streak, Bedrock's up to 50% trading fee rebate campaign remains live, allowing participants to maximize their overall earnings. This allows BR traders to stack incentives, earning rebates while also participating in the BR Trade Streak for additional rewards. BR traders don't just earn rewards from campaigns like Trade Streak or the trading fee rebate. As a listed Binance Alpha token, BR also enables traders to accumulate Alpha Points with every eligible BR/USDT trade. These points can be redeemed for future airdrops, token generation events (TGEs), and other exclusive Alpha opportunities within the Binance ecosystem. BR's sustained on-chain trading activity has made Bedrock one of the top Alpha Point contributors to date. According to Dune Analytics, BR continues to lead Alpha token volume, maintaining over 94% of all recorded trading volume across Alpha program tokens. About Bedrock Bedrock is the first multi-asset liquid restaking protocol, pioneering Bitcoin staking with uniBTC. As the leading BTC liquid staking token, uniBTC enables holders to earn rewards while maintaining liquidity, unlocking new yield opportunities in Bitcoin's $1T market. With a cutting-edge approach to BTCFi 2.0, Bedrock is redefining Bitcoin's role in DeFi, while integrating ETH and DePIN assets into a unified PoSL framework. BR is the native utility and governance token of Bedrock, powering incentives, emissions, and staking across the PoSL ecosystem. It is also listed as one of Binance Alpha tokens. Official Links Website | App | Documentation | Blog | X (Twitter) | Discord | Telegram SOURCE Bedrock BALTIMORE, July 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- For over two decades, Central Towing & Recovery has been a quiet pillar of support on Maryland's roadways, providing essential towing and recovery services. Since its establishment in 2000, the company has built a strong local reputation through reliable service and word-of-mouth. Today marks a significant advancement as Central Towing & Recovery proudly announces the launch of its official website, mdtow.com . This strategic move aims to broaden accessibility, strengthen their online footprint, and publicly showcase the deep credibility earned from more than 20 years of dedicated service to the Maryland community. This new digital hub serves as an indispensable resource for motorists, businesses, and commercial partners seeking professional roadside assistance. The platform is meticulously designed to provide instant access to Central Towing & Recovery's extensive capabilities, highlighting their unwavering commitment to 24-hour towing and recovery services throughout Maryland. Central Towing & Recovery offers a comprehensive suite of services, now clearly detailed on their user-friendly website. These vital services include: Emergency Roadside Assistance: Swift aid for common issues such as jump-starts, flat tire changes, fuel delivery, and vehicle lockouts. Swift aid for common issues such as jump-starts, flat tire changes, fuel delivery, and vehicle lockouts. Accident Recovery: Professional and meticulous recovery of vehicles involved in collisions, handled with care and coordination with authorities. Professional and meticulous recovery of vehicles involved in collisions, handled with care and coordination with authorities. Heavy Duty Towing: Specialized towing services for larger vehicles, including buses, RVs, tractor-trailers, and commercial trucks, utilizing advanced equipment. Specialized towing services for larger vehicles, including buses, RVs, tractor-trailers, and commercial trucks, utilizing advanced equipment. Light & Medium Duty Towing: Standard towing solutions for everyday vehicles like cars, motorcycles, SUVs, and smaller trucks. Standard towing solutions for everyday vehicles like cars, motorcycles, SUVs, and smaller trucks. Vehicle Transport & Winch Outs: Secure transportation of vehicles to desired locations and expert recovery of vehicles stuck in challenging terrains like mud or ditches. Secure transportation of vehicles to desired locations and expert recovery of vehicles stuck in challenging terrains like mud or ditches. Cargo Hauling Services: Equipped and skilled to transport various types of cargo safely and efficiently for commercial and industrial needs. Central Towing & Recovery proudly extends its services across a wide network of locations throughout Maryland, ensuring that help is always within reach. Their expansive service areas encompass major regions and surrounding communities, including Baltimore, Annapolis, Frederick, Columbia, Gaithersburg, Silver Spring, Waldorf, Bowie, and Dundalk. The launch of mdtow.com reinforces Central Towing & Recovery's continuous dedication to customer satisfaction and operational excellence. Motorists, businesses, and potential partners are encouraged to visit the new website to explore the full range of services, detailed service areas, and connect with the professional team available 24/7. For immediate assistance or inquiries, Central Towing & Recovery remains just a phone call away, now powerfully complemented by their new robust online resource. About Central Towing & Recovery: Established in 2000, Central Towing & Recovery is a leading provider of 24-hour towing, recovery, and roadside assistance services across Maryland. With a strong reputation for reliability, professionalism, and rapid response, the company is committed to ensuring the safety and convenience of motorists and businesses. Central Towing & Recovery operates a modern fleet and employs highly trained operators to deliver comprehensive solutions, from light-duty towing to heavy-duty recovery and specialized cargo hauling. Contact Information Name: Tanvi Anand Email: [email protected] Phone Number: 301-363-0001 SOURCE Central Towing & Recovery Husband-Wife Duo Rolls Out Third CML Truck in North Carolina WINSTON-SALEM, N.C., July 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Cousins Maine Lobster (CML), the industry-leading fast-casual lobster roll brand, is expanding its North Carolina footprint with the launch of a new food truck in the Piedmont Triad metropolitan region. The husband-and-wife duo Savas and Victoria Alkoc, who have been operators with Cousins Maine Lobster for nearly nine years, are adding a new truck to meet the growing demand for high-quality seafood across the state. The truck will offer local seafood lovers the opportunity to enjoy CML's world-famous Maine lobster rolls, mouthwatering lobster tacos, savory lobster grilled cheese, and their delicious seasonal pink lemonade whoopie pies. Cousins Maine Lobster Rolls The Alkocs are experienced multi-unit operators, launching their first truck back in 2017. Currently, they operate food trucks across Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, New Jersey, Delaware, and a brick-and-mortar location in Asbury Park, New Jersey. In April, the Alkocs took ownership of the Raleigh market and committed to additional growth across North Carolina, starting with the new truck in the Piedmont Triad region. Their growth is fueled by exceptional customer service, strong fan following, and smart expansion strategies across the regions they serve. "After nearly a decade with Cousins Maine Lobster, growing into North Carolina is a business milestone moment for us," said Savas Alkoc. "When taking over the Raleigh market, we are committed to growing the brand's presence across the state. Being able to launch our first truck in this region is just the beginning, and we look forward to bringing our signature lobster rolls and a customer-first experience to even more communities throughout North Carolina." Cousins Maine Lobster is set to make its official debut on Thursday, July 3, with a grand opening event at Fiddlin' Fish Brewing Company, 772 Trade St NW, Winston-Salem, NC 27101. The event will run from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., inviting guests to join them as they celebrate the arrival in the market. For more information on our Winston-Salem food truck calendar of events, check out our Facebook page: Cousins Maine Lobster Winston-Salem. "Savas and Victoria are top-tier franchisees who have shown exceptional leadership and dedication since joining Cousins Maine Lobster back in 2017," said Lindsay Herberger, Director of Franchise Development at Cousins Maine Lobster. "We're confident their newest truck in Winston-Salem will have the same energy and success they've seen across their multiple trucks, and we look forward to supporting their continued growth to bring the authentic taste of Maine lobster to more communities." Cousins Maine Lobster is seeking operators who are passionate about delivering high-quality food and exceptional customer service. With a proven business model that offers flexibility, operators can launch food trucks in as little as three to six months. Low overhead and labor costs allow operators an efficient and cost-effective entry into each market. The brand is currently targeting markets with strong demand for high-quality, fast-casual seafood, including San Diego, California; Reno, Nevada; and areas across the Midwest, including St. Louis, Missouri; Des Moines, Iowa; Fort Wayne, Indiana; and Nebraska. About Cousins Maine Lobster Cousins Maine Lobster is a premier seafood franchise bringing authentic Maine lobster to communities nationwide through its fleet of food trucks and brick-and-mortar restaurants. Founded in 2012 by cousins Jim Tselikis and Sabin Lomac, the brand started as a passion project and quickly gained national recognition after securing an investment from Barbara Corcoran on Shark Tank. Since then, Cousins Maine Lobster has become a leading seafood franchise, delivering high-quality, wild-caught Maine lobster with a commitment to consistency, hospitality, and an unforgettable guest experience. Whether serving seafood lovers from its iconic food trucks or expanding into new markets with restaurant locations, Cousins Maine Lobster continues to set the standard for premium lobster offerings. To learn more about franchise opportunities with Cousins Maine Lobster, visit https://www.cousinsmainelobster.com/franchise. To find a location near you, visit www.cousinsmainelobster.com. DISCLAIMER: This news is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy a franchise. Any actual offer or solicitation can only be made through a Franchise Disclosure Document. If you reside in California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Virginia, Washington, or Wisconsin, we may not be able to offer you a franchise until it has been registered in your state. CONTACT: Ryan Gorton All Points Public Relations [email protected] SOURCE Cousins Maine Lobster MORRISTOWN, N.J., July 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Crum & Forster (C&F) has been honored with two prestigious Showcase Awards from the Insurance Marketing & Communications Association (IMCA) at the 2025 IMCA Ignite Conference, held June 23-25 in Scottsdale, AZ. The IMCA Showcase Awards recognize excellence in insurance marketing and communications. C&F's Marketing Communications team's work in social media marketing earned a gold award for its innovative travel insurance campaign, and its work in events marketing earned a silver award for the forward-thinking "Future of Health" summit. C&F's gold award-winning social media travel insurance campaign leveraged a dynamic, multi-channel marketing strategy, including through LinkedIn and Instagram, which successfully engaged travel tour operators. The campaign's creative storytelling and direct outreach resonated with both partners and customers, significantly elevating C&F's brand presence in the competitive travel insurance market and ultimately positioning C&F as the go-to travel insurance partner for tour operators. The silver showcase award recognized the events marketing collaboration on C&F's "Future of Health" summit, which highlighted the company's leadership in addressing emerging trends and challenges in the health insurance landscape and driving new partnership opportunities in the sector. The summit brought together internal and external experts to share insights on emerging healthcare and stop-loss trends. The summit sparked new business opportunities and partnerships, further solidifying C&F's leadership in the health insurance landscape. "Winning both gold and silver IMCA Showcase Awards this year is another tremendous honor for our team," said Hallie Harenski, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Corporate Communications for Crum & Forster. "These awards are a testament to our team's creativity, collaboration and relentless pursuit of excellence always seeking new ways to move the needle for our business and our brand. We are proud to be recognized among the best in the industry, and grateful for the opportunity to share our work with our peers. We congratulate all the winners!" For 65 years, the IMCA Showcase Awards have celebrated the most innovative and effective achievements in insurance marketing and communications. The competition is open to IMCA members and non-members, with entries evaluated by a panel of industry experts. About Crum & Forster Crum & Forster (www.cfins.com) is a leading national property, casualty, and accident & health insurer, providing specialty insurance products through its admitted and surplus lines insurance companies. Founded in 1822, C&F is one of the oldest U.S. insurance companies, and today conducts business through a network of independent agents, brokers and wholesalers. C&F had $5.7 billion in gross written premium in 2024 and is rated "A" Excellent by AM Best (2024). To learn more, follow us on LinkedIn, X and Instagram. The C&F logo, C&F and Crum & Forster are registered trademarks of United States Fire Insurance Company. Media Contact Amy Whilldin AVP, Public Relations & Communications [email protected] SOURCE Crum & Forster NEW YORK, July 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Dr. K. A. Paul, renowned global peacemaker and Nobel Peace Prize nominee, has issued an open letter urging President Donald Trump to publicly apologize to Mr. Elon Musk within 72 hours https://youtu.be/3fTzg2qEWOc?si=NaJncG1D7AC5j15R. Dr. Paul also appeals to Congress and the Senate to act decisively to protect America's reputation and security. Dr. Paul, a supporter of Trump during the 2016 elections, noted that while many billionaires and celebrities supported Kamala Harris, Elon Musk stood by Trump, believing in his promise of change. As reported by the Wall Street Journal, https://www.wsj.com/articles/evangelists-account-spurred-stone-to-seek-clinton-emails-from-wikileaks-11549066036 Dr. Paul's efforts to reopen the Clinton email investigation contributed to a chain of events that aided Trump's victory. Former FBI Director James Comey took significant risks that Trump has since repaid with betrayal. "Trump has a pattern of attacking or abandoning his most loyal allies Steve Bannon, Rudy Giuliani, James Comey, and now Elon Musk his most influential supporter for 2025," said Dr. Paul. "If Trump refuses to apologize, a third impeachment is justified." Dr. Paul outlined 10 urgent reasons for impeachment, including: Repeated attacks on loyal allies. Public threats to major supporters, including Musk. Damage to America's global image. Humiliating behavior toward world leaders. Isolation of America on the global stage. Misuse of power, posing global security risks. Betrayal of key advisers. Degrading attacks on respected figures. Disrespect toward women. Erosion of trust within his party. Dr. Paul stated, "America deserves better. There are many honorable Republicans and Democrats who could lead without damaging our global image. Every citizen should be concerned." The public is invited to request a free copy of Dr. Paul's book Save America and the World from Trump for detailed insights. Contact: Dr. K. A. Paul U.S. +1-346-812-6546 Email: [email protected] https://www.norwaynews.com/the-8th-wonder-of-the-world-in-oslo/ https://theglobalpeaceprize.com/ https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/on-a-wing-and-a-prayer-50207.html https://youtu.be/mcRfjVfbUKc?si=8J0hcOBwk902UU2g SOURCE Global Peace Initiative End-of-year data from Amplify show that while more K2 students are on track to learn to read, year-over-year improvements have slowed and gender disparities present a complex picture. BROOKLYN, N.Y., July 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Amplify, a publisher of next-generation curriculum and assessment programs, today released a research brief on the latest K2 end-of-school-year literacy data. Findings suggest that overall, more young students are on track to learn to read and fewer are behind than during the pandemic8 percent more second graders, 14 percent more first graders, and 21 percent more kindergartners are at or above benchmark compared to the 2020-21 school year. However, year-over-year improvements have slowed. Since the 2023-24 school year, the percentage of students on track has only improved by 1-2 points in each grade. The data also show a nuanced picture of gender disparities in early reading. Across K2, boys score the same or better than girls in reading readiness at the beginning of the year. But as the year progresses, girls show more improvement than boys, narrowing gaps and sometimes outperforming them by the end of the year. "Five years out from the pandemic, we're seeing encouraging signs that early literacy recovery is taking hold as more students across all early grades are on track to learn to read, with kindergarteners and first graders leading the recovery," said Paul Gazzerro, director of customer data at Amplify. Despite these successes, literacy trends across the United States remain a concern, as year-over-year progress remains slow. "Grades K2 remain critical years for literacy development," said Susan Lambert, chief academic officer of elementary humanities at Amplify. "To support young readers, educators need data-driven insights into student reading development and instructional practices that are based in the Science of Reading." Amplify encourages districts and schools to analyze end-of-year data by school, grade, and classroom, and create integrated plans that: Administer benchmark assessments three times per year to monitor levels of risk for reading difficulties. Analyze student data and make informed decisions to support students who are at risk for not learning to read. Allocate additional instructional time and resources for at-risk students. Regularly monitor progress for students, making adjustments as needed. Ensure all students receive instruction that is evidence-based. Instill a love of reading during school programs, with caregiver and community support. About Amplify A pioneer in K12 education since 2000, Amplify is leading the way in next-generation curriculum and assessment. Our core and supplemental programs in ELA, math and science engage all students in rigorous learning and inspire them to think deeply, creatively and for themselves. Our formative assessment products help teachers identify the targeted instruction students need to build a strong foundation in early reading and math. All of our programs and services provide educators with powerful tools that help them understand and respond to the needs of every student. Today, Amplify serves more than 15 million students in all 50 states and on six continents. For more information, visit Amplify.com. Media Contact: Kristine Frech; [email protected] SOURCE Amplify AKRON, Ohio, July 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE) will release financial results for the second quarter and first half of 2025 after markets close on Wednesday, July 30. These results will be discussed by FirstEnergy management during a conference call with financial analysts at 9 a.m. EDT on Thursday, July 31. A question-and-answer session will follow. Investors, customers and other interested parties are invited to listen to a live webcast of the call and view presentation slides via FirstEnergy's Investor Information website, www.firstenergycorp.com/ir. The webcast and presentation will be available for replay on the site for up to one year. The company plans to post its second quarter presentation and supporting materials to the investor section of the website after markets close on July 30. FirstEnergy is dedicated to integrity, safety, reliability and operational excellence. Its electric distribution companies form one of the nation's largest investor-owned electric systems, serving more than 6 million customers in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland and New York. The company's transmission subsidiaries operate approximately 24,000 miles of transmission lines that connect the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions. Follow FirstEnergy online at www.firstenergycorp.com and on X @FirstEnergyCorp. SOURCE FirstEnergy Corp. GROTON, Conn. , July 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- General Dynamics Electric Boat, a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), announced today that it was awarded a $1.85 billion contract modification to a previously awarded contract supporting submarine production. This modification is for long lead time material and preliminary construction efforts for submarine production, as detailed in the June 26 U.S. Department of Defense contract award announcement. Virginia class submarine underway for sea trials. "This contract modification allows for the acquisition of critical material and components for Virginia-class submarines that require substantial lead time to manufacture and deliver. It sends a continued demand signal, supporting supplier investment in the capacity and materials needed to achieve our required production volume," said Mark Rayha, president of General Dynamics Electric Boat. "Consistent funding and support such as this contract modification is essential for the shipyards to achieve the high-rate production of submarines the Navy needs." General Dynamics Electric Boat designs, builds, repairs and modernizes nuclear submarines for the U.S. Navy. Headquartered in Groton, Connecticut, it employs more than 24,000 people. More information about General Dynamics Electric Boat is available at www.gdeb.com. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, General Dynamics is a global aerospace and defense company that offers a broad portfolio of products and services in business aviation; ship construction and repair; land combat vehicles, weapons systems and munitions; and technology products and services. General Dynamics employs more than 110,000 people worldwide and generated $47.7 billion in revenue in 2024. More information is available at www.gd.com. SOURCE General Dynamics SHERBROOKE QC, July 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Global Excel Management Inc. (Global Excel) is pleased to announce the strategic acquisition of First Assistance New Zealand Limited (First Assistance) and its subsidiary First Assistance Australia Pty Ltd, leading businesses specializing in digital assistance services. This deal marks Global Excel's commitment to expanding its footprint in the travel assistance and claims markets in the Asia-Pacific region. Global Excel Management Inc. "First Assistance's highly skilled team will play a vital role in supporting our growth strategy on the international field", says Phil Hibbert, CEO of Global Excel, "We aim to enhance our capabilities and offer our clients a comprehensive suite of assistance services while creating new market opportunities through innovative, integrated solutions". The partnership embodies Global Excel's commitment to delivering customer-centric assistance solutions that truly help people during their time of need. Together the teams are set to strengthen the region's assistance and claims offering, paving the way for a new era of growth and customer service excellence. "Global Excel is a worldwide leader in cost containment, claims adjudication and health risk management", added David Burns, CEO of First Assistance, "By bridging our talent pools together our customers will benefit from a one-stop-shop approach in assistance enabling faster, more responsive support around the clock". First Assistance's management team will remain in their roles to ensure business continuity and ongoing customer relationships providing stability as the teams integrate and align their efforts. About Global Excel Management Inc. Global Excel is a full-service provider of global healthcare risk management solutions. Global Excel, together with its subsidiaries based in Canada, USA, Mexico, Europe, Africa, and Asia, offers a complete range of risk mitigation, cost containment, claims management and medical assistance services to over 1,800 clients located in more than 90 countries around the world. As a group, Global Excel will manage approximately 420,000 inpatient, outpatient and non-medical cases per year and processes in excess of $2B USD in healthcare claims annually. For more information, visit globalexcel.com. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2723789/Global_Excel_Management_Inc__Global_Excel_Acquires_First_Assista.jpg BEIJING, July 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Global Times Overseas China Week and Global South Dialogue: Seminar on Relations between China and Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) countries, and the Mutual Perception of Public Opinion" were held in Buenos Aires, capital of Argentina, on Monday local time. Political, business, academic, think tank, and media representatives from China and Argentina gathered to engage in in-depth exchanges on deepening mutual understanding, strengthening the public support foundation, and promoting mutual learning among civilizations between China and LAC countries. In an interview with the Global Times, Patricio Conejero Ortiz, Director of Latin AmericaChina Observatory (OLAC) at University of Buenos Aires,told the Global Times that "when we discuss economic development, most of the models that we take in account are models developed in the Western world. There is something very useful in learning about Chinese modernization, which is to have more diversity in terms of the possible ways in the path to development." Patricio think that the Chinese modernization could bring to Latin America discussions about development and new ideas. "If you look at the countries in the Global South, of course there is a clear characteristic in China, which is leading a revolutionary process of transforming new technologies. The recent summit that we had in Beijing, China between CELAC and China was the latest step in a process that has been working for more than 10 years. So recently it's a historical construction in the relationship between CELAC countries and China." China and Argentina are probably the farthest countries in the world, but what we need to think is how are we going to build the bridge to connect our people. "There are some characteristics of the Chinese people and the Argentine people that makes us very close in some parts of our language, in some aspects of our culture. What we need to do is to increase people-to-people exchanges," Patricio said. This will create a closer connection and we will be able to build the bridge that we need to have a closer relationship between China and Argentina, the scholar said. SOURCE Global Times BEIJING, July 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Global Times Overseas China Week and Global South Dialogue: Seminar on Relations between China and Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) countries, and the Mutual Perception of Public Opinion" were held in Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina, on Monday local time. Political, business, academic, think tank, and media circle representatives from China and Argentina gathered to engage in in-depth exchanges on deepening mutual understanding, strengthening the public support foundation, and promoting mutual learning among civilizations between China and LAC countries. The Overseas China Week and Global South Dialogue series is an exchange platform for implementing Chinese President Xi Jinping's cultural thought and promoting dialogue among media establishments and think tanks from Global South countries. The hosting of the event in Latin America this time was a proactive effort to practice the Global Civilization Initiative and promote the construction of a China-LAC community with a shared future. The diversity of civilizations is the natural state of the world. As key members of the Global South, China and LAC countries share broad common interests and vast cooperation potential across numerous fields. At the Fourth Ministerial Meeting of the China-CELAC Forum held in May, President Xi profoundly stated, "Facts have shown that China and LAC countries are advancing hand in hand as a community with a shared future." He emphasized that China stands ready to join hands with LAC partners to launch five programs of solidarity, development, civilization, peace, and people-to-people connectivity, charting the course for building a China-LAC community with a shared future in the new era. During the seminar, more than 10 participants engaged in in-depth discussions on the survey on the mutual perception of public opinion. The discussions focused on three key topics: Mutual perceptions and public sentiment between China and Latin America, diverse drivers of positive China-LAC relations, and the role of media in shaping mutual perceptions. The seminar, which was co-organized by the Global Times, CLACSO, and the Center for Chinese and Latin American Studies (CECLA), aimed to use media exchanges and think tank cooperation as a starting point to foster consensus through candid communication, continuously enhance people-to-people ties between China and Latin America, and cultivate strong public support for building a China-LAC community with a shared future. Fan Zhengwei, President and Editor-in-Chief of the Global Times: Today, China and Latin America have entered a "fast track" of multi-channel and multi-level exchanges and cooperation in the humanistic sphere. The Global Times is committed to serving as a messenger for civilizational dialogue and mutual learning. This collaboration, which includes conducting a survey on the mutual perception of public opinion between China and Latin America and hosting the seminar, is a practical effort to build a bridge for scholars, the media, and societal figures from both regions to enhance exchanges and dialogue, provide intellectual support for advancing China-Latin America cooperation, and contribute to the future development of Global South countries. Wang Wei, China's Ambassador to Argentina: Mutual respect and trust align with public aspirations, with people on both sides increasingly viewing each other as good friends and partners who treat each other with respect and equality. Mutually beneficial cooperation resonates with public opinion, and the consensus on advancing together and achieving mutual success has become widely shared among the Chinese and Latin American public. Solidarity and collaboration meet public expectations, as the peoples of both regions jointly uphold world peace, stability, and a multilateral trading system, with a growing willingness to push for reforms in global governance. Pablo Vommaro, General Director-elect of the Latin American Council of Social Sciences (CLACSO): We are convinced that the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) can mean new cooperation opportunities to strengthen ties and promote exchanges based on mutual learning. For LAC countries, we have much to learn from China's experiences, such as in development and poverty alleviation, but we also know that China can learn from the experiences and the cultural, social, and natural diversities of the LAC. Jorge Taiana, General Director of Centro Internacional de Estudios Politicos (CIEP): In the international and multilateral arena, there exists a significant number of institutions facilitating cooperation between the LAC and China. Initiatives launched by China, such as the BRI in 2013, are crucial for understanding specific cooperation between China and LAC countries. These efforts, among many others aimed at enhancing development quality, have laid the groundwork that fosters deeper collaboration. Gabriel Merino, Coordinator of the working group "China and the map of world power" at the CLACSO: The LAC region has a historic opportunity to emerge as an autonomous actor in this increasingly multipolar and transitioning world, moving beyond its former role as the "backyard." The perceptions and opinions of Chinese and Latin American people reflect a growing closeness despite obstacles, challenges, and external pressures, forming a solid foundation to deepen development cooperation, reduce inequalities, and jointly work toward a more just, democratic, and equitable new world order. Patricio Conejero Ortiz, Director of the Latin America-China Observatory (OLAC) at University of Buenos Aires: Currently, young Argentine scholars show a higher interest in learning Chinese, with the main motivation stemming from positive expectations for future career development. Strengthening Chinese language training and optimizing the construction of academic exchange platforms between China and Latin America will be key measures to promote the continuous deepening of bilateral understanding and cooperation. Daniel Filmus, Director of the Ibero-American Center for Research in Science, Technology, and Innovation (CIICTI): It is essential to review public and media discourses on current relations with China, overcoming the inherited stereotypes from the Eurocentric and North American perspectives that are still dominant in our region. In the field of science and technology, we can contribute to generating new representations that align with the current consolidating bond and to energizing the understanding of Chinese culture from its central role in scientific and technological production. Alejandra Conconi, Executive Director of the Argentine-Chinese Chamber of Production, Industry and Commerce: In a global learning process, thousands of executives and technicians leave China for the first time each year and arrive in Latin America, while thousands of Latin Americans begin to engage with a society that still feels distant to them. In the business sphere, we work to build concrete bridges that improve communication and understanding, convinced that all forms of trade and cooperation are processes that lead to peace and friendship among nations. Maria del Carmen Alarcon, Coordinator of the Sovereign Foreign Policy Commission at the PATRIA Institute: The BRI, launched by China, is a model project capable of promoting inclusive growth, especially for countries of the Global South. We have been going through turbulence, but we continue to work toward discussing and solidifying the construction of a multipolar, fair, and orderly world. China plays a very important role in this process, as it provides a factor of certainty amid the change. Nicolas Schonfeld, Executive Director of Television America Latina (TAL): Public media - beyond merely amplifying official narratives - are called upon to weave meaning, to link diverse perspectives that, while preserving their identity, can recognize each other through exchange. They are tasked with building new forms of empathy. What we propose is to create conditions for Chinese and Latin American narratives to meet, engage in dialogue, and mutually transform. Nestor Restivo, Founder and Journalistic Director of DangDai Magazine: The world is undergoing a transition in the global power system. China and Latin America, as part of the Global South, are participating in the construction of what is to come. The democratization of communication - exposing those who feign press freedom to uphold an unjust and unequal order - will be an essential task, just as vital as laying new foundations for an information and communication system that serves the people, their liberation, and their happiness. SOURCE Global Times Downtown Manhattan's 492-Key Holiday Inn Set for Strategic Repositioning Click for high-res images NEW YORK, July 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Hawkins Way Capital, a vertically integrated real estate investment company with $3 billion in assets under management, announces its acquisition of the former 492-key Holiday Inn by IHG, located in the heart of Manhattan's Financial District. The acquisition marks a strategic addition to Hawkins Way Capital's national portfolio and is one of the latest investments from the firm, focused on identifying and repositioning out-of-favor urban assets. Former 492-key Holiday Inn by IHG "This acquisition reflects Hawkins Way's focus on investing in out-of-favor assets feeling post COVID-19 effects with strong potential," said Joshua Bird, Partner at Hawkins Way Capital. "Located in the heart of Manhattan's Financial District, the property offers substantial opportunity, and we look forward to strategically repositioning it." The property paused traditional hotel operations during the COVID-19 pandemic and most recently served as temporary housing, before being acquired by Hawkins Way Capital for strategic redevelopment. The firm plans to reposition the asset through targeted renovations, including cosmetic upgrades to all guestrooms and corridors. Designed to accommodate approximately 650 beds, the reimagined property will also see the conversion of former hotel amenity areas into functional shared spaces such as a communal kitchen and dining area, laundry rooms, lounges, study spaces, and a fitness center. The property will be managed by FCL Management, a leading operator of housing and hospitality assets in select markets across the U.S., managing 6,000 beds across its portfolio. For more information about Hawkins Way Capital, please visit: www.hawkinsway.com About Hawkins Way Capital Hawkins Way Capital is a fully vertically integrated real estate company with $3 billion of assets under management, focusing on value-add and opportunistic investments across various asset classes and geographies. The company seeks niche theses targeting attractive risk-adjusted returns, leveraging the principals' investing experience and extensive network to execute strategies that offer long-term value. www.hawkinsway.com About FCL Management FCL Management is an operator of high performing assets in select markets across the U.S., managing 6,000 beds across its portfolio. With the expertise of a hands-on team, the company works with leading hotel brands and academic institutions to create tailored solutions across its portfolio of hotels, multifamily residences and student housing. www.fclmgmt.com Media Contact : Rama Chalati GV Public Relations 949-306-6106 [email protected] SOURCE Hawkins Way Capital STOCKHOLM, July 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Hexagon AB has announced the sale of certain non-core business assets within its Safety, Infrastructure & Geospatial (SIG) division. These divestments will allow Hexagon's SIG division to focus on its core software portfolio, particularly its fast-growing public safety business, ahead of the potential separation of Octave. Most of the purchase is by Bart & Associates (B&A), which has acquired several business assets out of Hexagon US Federal, including IT services supporting the US Federal market, geospatial data production services, and the supply of ruggedized hardware for enabling cyber assurance and situational awareness. In addition, Hexagon has exited a smaller reseller business of APIs and related services designed to solve challenges in mapping and geospatial positioning. Most of the products sold in these businesses are not sold elsewhere across Hexagon. In 2024, the divested businesses contributed around 90 MUSD in revenues in total, with a level of profitability in line with similar services businesses. Hexagon has agreed with the buyers to not disclose the transaction value. The businesses will be carved out and deconsolidated during July 2025. Second quarter financial updates Items affecting comparability (non-recurring items), reflecting costs related to the potential separation of Octave, are expected to amount to 16 MEUR in the second quarter of 2025. As previously announced, Octave will be a pureplay software and SaaS company, and if approved by relevant stakeholders, it is the Hexagon Board's current expectation that the separation and listing process will be completed in the first half of 2026. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: Tom Hull, Head of Investor Relations, Hexagon, +44 7442 678 437, [email protected] Anton Heikenstrom, Investor Relations Manager, Hexagon, +46 73 82 66 390, [email protected] This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com. https://news.cision.com/hexagon/r/hexagon-agrees-sale-of-non-core-business-areas,c4179898 The following files are available for download: https://mb.cision.com/Main/387/4179898/3544437.pdf Hexagon agrees sale of non-core business areas SOURCE Hexagon HOUSTON, July 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Houston intellectual property boutique Heim, Payne & Chorush has added experienced attorney Kyle Friesen as Senior Counsel. Mr. Friesen focuses on patent disputes before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office's Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB), the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, and federal district courts in Texas and across the United States. Mr. Friesen's track record includes defending patent rights in inter partes review and other post-grant proceedings since the PTAB was established in 2012, successfully representing clients across a wide range of technologies, including semiconductors, medical devices, telecommunications, imaging, and electronics, among others. In addition to his patent work in courts, Mr. Friesen provides expertise in intellectual property matters that impact business transactions, including potential infringement and invalidity issues, as well as commercial contracts and financing agreements. "We are excited to welcome Kyle to Heim, Payne & Chorush. He brings tested skills and commitment to every case," says firm founder Michael Heim. "Kyle knows how intellectual property law works in business and court, which is a great fit for what our clients need." Mr. Friesen was recently recognized for his pro bono work on behalf of an intellectually disabled Texas prisoner who had spent more than 20 years on death row. The ruling issued by the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals spared the man's life and became one of the rare instances where the state's highest criminal court decided to amend a prior death sentence. Heim, Payne & Chorush, LLP, represents plaintiffs and defendants in litigation across a broad range of technologies and business sectors. With a wide variety of technical and scientific backgrounds, firm attorneys handle all facets of intellectual property litigation for some of the largest energy and technology firms, as well as individuals and smaller companies. Ranked among the most active and top-performing firms in matters before the U.S. Patent Trial and Appeal Board by Patexia Insights, Heim, Payne & Chorush takes pride in its ability to partner with other attorneys and firms to bring the best possible trial team together for the benefit of the client. To learn more about the firm and its work, visit www.hpcllp.com. SOURCE Heim, Payne & Chorush LLP SHANGHAI, July 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In March 2025, IDC (International Data Corporation) released the report "AI-Powered Adaptive Education: Opportunities and Trends," which provides a comprehensive analysis of the current trends, application scenarios, case studies, and industry insights in the AI education sector. The report showcases the immense potential of AI to disrupt traditional education models and empower the education industry, offering detailed references for educators, investors, and all parties interested in the development of the education sector. Current Situation Analysis: AI in EducationImmediate Assistance and Long-Term Promotion With the rapid development of technology, artificial intelligence is gradually permeating and profoundly changing various industries, and the education sector is no exception. The report suggests that the AI intelligence level in the education industry is steadily advancing along a six-level evolution path from Level 0 to Level 5, marking a profound transformation of the education model from a basic digital stage to a full-scenario intelligent education agent. At the Level 0 basic digital stage, the emergence of electronic textbooks with static content storage and zero adaptive capabilities, online education resource libraries, and educational apps (for querying and browsing content) has enabled the migration of educational resources from paper to electronic media. Entering the Level 1 response-based intelligent stage, the system is upgraded to an AI system with basic response capabilities, capable of performing keyword-based responses and standardized resource pushing. Online learning machines and question-and-answer analysis tools have become typical applications of this stage. At the Level 2 context-aware stage and Level 3 simulated interaction stage, the level of AI intelligence has gradually been upgraded to systems with elementary cognitive abilities that can analyze learning behaviors and dynamically adjust difficulty (Level 2), and AI educational agents with human-like conversational abilities (Level 3) that can perform natural language processing, generate teaching strategies, deeply understand learning situations, and conduct multi-turn instructional conversations. With the advent of the Level 4 educational large-model stage, the level of AI intelligence has gradually evolved to feature multi-modal teaching understanding and adaptive education. Based on a strong cognitive system of vertical large models in education, products such as comprehensive adaptive learning platforms and integrated virtual-real teaching spaces have successively entered the market. Finally, at the Level 5 stage, represented by AI intelligent teachers, the full-scenario educational intelligent agent is the ultimate form of expression for ed-tech companies after entering the intelligent development stage of education. Level 5 full-scenario educational intelligent agents integrate the capabilities of Level 4 large models, incorporating functions such as personalized learning, emotional support, situational awareness, adaptive teaching, and MCM (Mode of Thinking, Capacity Building, and Methodology) training, enabling cross-disciplinary knowledge integration and dynamic teaching strategy generation. In the intelligent development process of the education industry, Level 5 is equivalent to the highest level in the autonomous driving field, representing an advanced state of full autonomy and no need for human intervention. Squirrel Ai's intelligent teacher is a typical representative case. Sullivan's "2024 China Intelligent Learning Machine Industry White Paper" has evaluated Level 5 representatives, pointing out that Squirrel Ai's intelligent teacher is the only application to reach Level 5. Ernst & Young's "China Adaptive Education Industry White Paper" also lists Squirrel Ai's intelligent teacher as a representative application that has reached a fully adaptive education level. With core drivers such as recognition and interaction, data processing and learning, and cognition and intelligent reasoning, Squirrel Ai's intelligent teacher has successfully realized an ideal adaptive education model where all aspects from teaching preparation to teaching implementation and feedback are independently handled by AI, truly achieving a state where no human teachers are needed for additional intervention, covering various scenarios such as classroom teaching, home tutoring, and social practice. Under this growth rate, the core impact of AI-powered education is also becoming increasingly apparent. It is mainly manifested in two major aspects: On the immediate assistance level, AI can achieve performance improvement in the short term. A variety of AI products have built an intelligent tool matrix that can quickly respond to students' personalized learning needs. With the help of intelligent devices, the real-time monitoring and feedback mechanism for students' learning behaviors and environmental changes can effectively enhance the learning experience. At the same time, AI technology supports seamless switching and integration of various learning models online and offline, and across different terminal devices, ensuring that students can obtain the required learning resources in the most convenient way, meeting the development of personalized needs. On the long-term promotion level, AI can achieve long-term capability improvement by changing learning habits. This mainly includes five major aspects: the transformation of learning methods, the fairness of educational resources, the popularization of adaptive education, immersive learning, and intelligent supervision. The report points out that AI technology, as a bridge, can transport high-quality educational resources to remote and resource-poor areas, narrowing the educational gap. At the same time, adaptive education, as an important technology and application for personalized education, has its widespread popularization, which can provide students with personalized learning path planning. Combined with gamification and competitive interaction elements, it creates an immersive learning environment, stimulates learning interest, and guides students to transition from surface learning to deep understanding of knowledge and cultivation of critical thinking and innovation abilities. In addition, in Google's "Future of Education" report, adaptive education is regarded as one of the three major technological trends and the core technology for global ed-tech companies to transform and invest in research and development since the beginning of the AI era. With the dual support of advanced large-model technology and deep learning algorithms, AI has gradually taken on the role of an "intelligent guardian," providing students with all-round guidance and support. Application Scenarios: Multi-modal Interaction and Adaptive Large Models Lead the Trend As AI technology continues to permeate the education sector, its application scenarios are also becoming increasingly rich. From in-school to out-of-school, from teaching to learning, generative AI is integrating into various aspects and scenarios of education in multiple ways. In in-school scenarios, generative AI demonstrates broad application potential. On the one hand, it can be used to build virtual experiments and simulated environments, providing students with practical operation opportunities; on the other hand, it can assist teachers in optimizing teaching design, improving teaching effects, and at the same time, playing a positive role in scientific research assistance. In out-of-school scenarios, generative AI can provide 24-hour online tutoring, accelerate language skill improvement, customize personalized learning paths, and provide emotional companionship. For example, the "Intelligent Learning Companion" function launched by Onion Academy, by creating a virtual character named "Nuannuan," interacts with students through audio and video courses, helping them deal with emotional problems during the learning process. Facing the challenges of students' self-management and emotional adjustment, Squirrel Ai's intelligent teacher has a built-in "intelligent mentor" in the system, which can accurately identify students' emotional states, conduct emotional exchanges, and, when necessary, refer them to professional psychological counselors, forming a closed-loop emotional support system and creating a learning environment with "technical efficiency + humanistic warmth." In scenarios that take into account both in-school and out-of-school contexts, generative AI plays a key role in intelligent homework grading and feedback, education management and decision support, and intelligent adaptive learning content generation. The report, taking Squirrel Ai Intelligent Teacher as an example, points out that it relies on a self-developed full-subject multi-modal adaptive education large model to accurately locate students' knowledge gaps, customize personalized learning plans, and thus effectively improve performance. In the homework grading and feedback process, it captures homework information in all aspects, integrates and deeply analyzes multi-modal data such as text and graphics, achieving a grading accuracy rate of over 90%, significantly reducing the teacher's workload. At the same time, with the help of draft paper content intelligent analysis technology, it accurately locates the cause of students' errors and provides students with targeted guidance in problem understanding and logical reasoning. Case Studies: Vertical Domains and Independent R&D Build Brand Differentiation The report, through in-depth research on domestic and foreign artificial intelligence education brands, has selected five major AI-powered education best practice cases. DreamBox Learning focuses on the fields of mathematics (K-8) and reading (K-12), and with the help of AI technology, it deeply analyzes students' learning styles, pace, and understanding levels to tailor personalized course content for them. Through the clever integration of game elements, such as challenges, rewards, and achievement mechanisms, it significantly improves students' learning engagement and successfully creates an immersive learning experience. Squirrel Ai Intelligent Teacher, as a representative of the Level 5 full-scenario educational intelligent agent, is the first unicorn technology innovation enterprise in China to introduce adaptive learning technology into the education field, focusing on the K-12 education field. Its self-developed world's first full-subject multi-modal adaptive education large model LAM (Large Adaptive Model), with a "data layer - model layer - application layer" technical architecture, has created an AI intelligent teacher with "eyes, ears, a mouth, and wisdom." It can not only accurately locate students' knowledge gaps and provide personalized learning paths but also interact with students, solving the "one-size-fits-all" pain point of traditional education. Khanmigo is built on OpenAI's large language model (LLM) and uses ChatGPT & GPT-4 as its training model, providing a strong foundation in language processing and the ability to respond to various different human inputs. In addition, Khanmigo comprehensively covers various subject areas from elementary school to university, providing students with a personalized and adaptive learning experience, guiding them to think independently. It can also empower educators by guiding them to create lesson plans through dialogue, effectively improving lesson preparation efficiency and teaching quality. TAL Education Group's business layout is extensive, covering quality education, adult education, smart books, smart hardware, and many other fields. Based on the different growth characteristics of children and adolescents, it has carefully developed a scientific cultivation system suitable for ages 3-18. In the field of mathematics, with problem-solving and explanation algorithms as its core technology, it has independently developed the Jiuzhang Large Model, injecting innovative power into mathematics education. iFlytek deeply integrates artificial intelligence and big data technology to create a product and service system that covers all scenarios of school teaching, teacher development, smart exams, quality education, and independent learning. Its launched world's first cognitive large model AI learning machine has 8 core large model functional features, closely meeting the needs of primary, junior high, and senior high school students and parents, comprehensively covering key learning links such as preview, review, test preparation, and homework tutoring, and providing students with all-round learning support. Industry Insights: AI Reshapes the Education Paradigm, the Ability to Evolve Teaching is Key Through an in-depth analysis of the current situation of AI education applications and practical cases, it is not difficult to find that AI technology is reshaping the education industry landscape. Against this backdrop, understanding and mastering the future development trends of the industry is crucial. For educational institutions intending to enter the AI education track, they need to focus on product algorithm optimization and personalized learning capability improvement. They should deeply examine the accuracy and effectiveness of the intelligent evaluation system and adaptive teaching functions, and strengthen the real-time feedback and dynamic teaching content adjustment mechanism to adapt to the high-standard requirements of the education market for intelligent education products and services. For investors, when considering investment projects, they should comprehensively analyze the stability of the enterprise's technical barriers, the accuracy of its market positioning, the feasibility of its business model, the comprehensive strength of its team, and the adaptability of its policy environment. They should prioritize enterprises with independent intellectual property rights, outstanding technical advantages, and strong sustainable innovation capabilities to ensure investment returns and the sustainable development of the industry. SOURCE Squirrel Ai Learning LOS ANGELES, July 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- This Independence Day, CleaDeep is offering a special promotion for homeowners looking to enhance their kitchen experience with premium range hoods. With the holiday right around the corner, there's no better time for families to upgrade their appliances, enjoy more efficient cooking, and breathe cleaner air. What to Look for in 4th of July Range Hood Sales 4th of July appliance deals are the perfect opportunity to upgrade your kitchen with discounted appliances. During this Independence Day sale, you can find great deals on a range of products, especially kitchen essentials like range hoods. When selecting the best range hood, it is recommended to choose a model that combines high performance with smart features. Most importantly, it should have air quality improvement functions. CleaDeep range hoods not only meet these standards but also feature a filterless design for convenient use. They have become one of the top choices for homeowners looking to enhance the quality of their kitchens. Why July 4th Is the Perfect Time to Upgrade Your Kitchen Independence Day symbolizes new beginningsthe perfect moment to renovate your kitchen. With holiday gatherings approaching, ensure your kitchen stays smoke and odor-free. CleaDeep range hoods use cutting-edge technology designed with your respiratory health in mind, keeping your air clean and fresh. Upgrade your kitchen with CleaDeep's innovative technology through our Independence Day appliance deals and enjoy unbeatable saving. CleaDeep: Your Ultimate Range Hood Upgrade Sales for Fourth of July let you celebrate freedom from outdated, underperforming ventilation. Engineered for modern kitchens, CleaDeep replaces outdated ventilation systems that focus solely on CFM with smart, high-velocity airflow for real performance. No more struggling with noise, smoke, or greasy cleanupjust seamless, powerful kitchen ventilation that keeps up with your cooking. Experience the CleaDeep difference: Patented IQV Technology: Instantly traps smoke, grease, and odors at the sourceensuring a cleaner kitchen. Ultra-Fast 13m/s Airflow: Rear-tilt design ensures efficient ventilation, even during heavy stir-frying or grilling. Filter-Free Design: Enjoy strong suction power without the hassleno filters to scrub, just simple, low-maintenance cleaning. Real-Time Air Intelligence: Built-in PM2.5 sensor monitors air quality, ensuring healthier air as you cook. More than an upgradeit's a kitchen transformation. Celebrate true independence: a quieter, cleaner, and healthier cooking experience. CleaDeep gives your kitchen the independence it deserves. Limited-Time Independence Day Offer To celebrate the holiday, CleaDeep is offering exclusive Independence Day discounts 52% off all range hoods. This limited-time offer is the perfect opportunity to upgrade your kitchen with a high-performance appliance that delivers superior results every time you cook. Enjoy a Cleaner Kitchen with CleaDeep With this Independence Day deal, celebrate cleaner air and healthier cooking with CleaDeep. Whether you're grilling burgers or preparing your favorite dishes, CleaDeep range hoods ensure that your kitchen stays fresh and odor-free. Designed with high-tech PM2.5 monitoring and efficient performance in mind, CleaDeep gives you the freedom to cook without worry. Don't waittake advantage of this exclusive Independence Day offer today! For more information, please visit: https://us.cleadeep.com/. SOURCE CleaDeep Important equipment upgrade streamlines programing, component changeovers, software migration, and version management using the latest Kinetix servo technology from Rockwell Automation BRATISLAVA, Slovakia, July 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Rockwell Automation, Inc. (NYSE: ROK), the world's largest company dedicated to industrial automation and digital transformation, today announced that Kia Slovakia is to upgrade elements of its body shop through the deployment of the latest servo technologies from Rockwell Automation. The body shop lifters use servo motors and drives to elevate and orient primary car body components during the manufacture of Kia's Ceed and Sportage models. The lifter's existing servo solution was identified by Kia engineers as approaching end-of-life, so the system will undergo replacement over the summer shutdown. Through this modernization program, the body shop not only benefits from greater uptime-related resilience, but also the added capabilities delivered by modern digitalized hardware running contemporary communication networks. "End-of-life and obsolete components elevate risk levels and the possibility of downtime in any manufacturing operation," said Mark Bottomley, regional vice president, strategic accounts and sales specialists, EMEA at Rockwell Automation. "But in lean, just-in-time environments, such as automotive, this downtime can have a significant and costly impact on the critical path. Users of legacy equipment also miss out on the many benefits delivered by digitally capable hardware. For this reason, we offer a comprehensive modernization program that helps companies leverage the benefits of digital transformation." Kia's deployment of Allen-Bradley Kinetix 5700 servo drives and MPL servo motors will also streamline much of what goes on behind the scenes, with Rockwell Automation PLCs handling software migration, adaptations and upgrades. "This is an important part of the production process, so our primary requirement, in addition to accuracy, is reliability," said Peter Holubcik, assistant manager, maintenance body at Kia Slovakia. "When downtime is required, such as when we reconfigure the lifters, we need to do this as quickly as possible, something that the new, tightly integrated PLC, servo and network architecture will allow us to do." 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. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1981317/Rockwell_Automation_Logo.jpg ST. LOUIS, July 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- St. Louis and Chicago based law firm Korein Tillery, along with co-counsel from Bartlit Beck, has won a California state court jury trial on behalf of California Android cell phone users. After a three-week trial, the jury found that Google had transferred cellular data from Android phones without the user's consent or knowledge. Google then used the data for targeting digital advertising. The jury awarded over $314 million in damages. Filed in 2019, the suit focused on Google's failure to disclose to Android users that their data was being transferred over cellular networks, and that they were using customers' data plans for those transfers. The trial began on June 2 in Santa Clara County. The class action was made up of people "who, while residing in the state of California, have used a mobile phone running a Google-licensed version of the Android operating system with a cellular data plan from August 9, 2016 to the present." One of the significant claims in the case was whether cellular data qualifies as property under California law. In a parallel federal lawsuit, the trial court had previously dismissed those claims on the grounds that cellular data did not qualify as property. After an appeal, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals unanimously reversed the district court's decision. After the verdict, Korein Tillery partner Marc Wallenstein said, "It is undeniably clear that the jury agreed with us that Google had been covertly collecting an enormous amount of Android user data, then converting it for their own profit. And as if that wasn't bad enough, Google collected and converted this data through depleting the user's own data." Wallenstein also pointed out that the method by which Google collected user data lacked transparency and was built into the programming code making it impossible for users to opt out. In addition to trial attorney Marc A. Wallenstein, the Korein Tillery team also included attorneys Chad Bell, George Zelcs, Carol O'Keefe, Ryan Cortazar, Pamela Yaacoub, and Devin Dippold. The Bartlit Beck team included Karma Giulianelli, Glen Summers, Hamilton Hill, Benjamin Montague, and Jacob Marsh. Korein Tillery is an AV-rated, award-winning law firm with offices in St. Louis, Chicago, San Diego and Naples. The firm has recovered billions of dollars in verdicts and settlements, gaining a national reputation for aggressively and successfully pursuing a wide range of complex civil cases. Korein Tillery has been named by the National Law Journal as one of the nation's top plaintiffs' law firms. Contact Information: Jerry L. Brown Director of Communications Korein Tillery 314-241-4844 [email protected] www.koreintillery.com SOURCE Korein Tillery LLC City council members continued to be the most common targets for recall efforts. MIDDLETON, Wis., July 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Key findings from Ballotpedia's recently released 2025 Mid-year Recall Report include: Minnesota emerged as the state with the most officials targeted for recall so far in 2025, with 35. On February 4, 2025 , Minnesota Republicans announced their plans to recall every House Democrat for their three-week boycott at the start of the 2025 legislative session. These 29 recalls alone gave 2025 the second-most recalls against state lawmakers in a single year since 1913. The Minnesota recalls represented 44% of the 66 total House seats held by Democrats and 22% of the whole chamber. emerged as the state with the most officials targeted for recall so far in 2025, with 35. On , Republicans announced their plans to recall every House Democrat for their three-week boycott at the start of the 2025 legislative session. These 29 recalls alone gave 2025 the second-most recalls against state lawmakers in a single year since 1913. The recalls represented 44% of the 66 total House seats held by Democrats and 22% of the whole chamber. California followed in second with 30 officials, and Colorado ranked third with 20. followed in second with 30 officials, and ranked third with 20. Michigan and California have typically recorded the highest recall volumes over the past decade. and have typically recorded the highest recall volumes over the past decade. For the first time since tracking began, state lawmakers tied with school board members as the second-most targeted officials, with 34 legislators facing recall campaigns. Recall elections removed 9% of officials included in recall efforts this year as of June 20, 2025 . Noteworthy recall efforts: Click here to read the full report with detailed data and analysis. About Ballotpedia Ballotpedia, the encyclopedia of American politics, is the nation's most trusted source of unbiased information on politics, elections, and policy. Founded in 2007, Ballotpedia has grown from a small group of dedicated volunteers working on a handful of ballot measures to an essential resource for voters, media, and researchers. Ballotpedia is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the public interest in creating an educated, engaged electorate, and building a strong, healthy democracy. For free access to 490,000+ encyclopedic, professionally authored and curated articles, visit Ballotpedia.org. SOURCE BALLOTPEDIA WASHINGTON , July 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- On Wednesday, July 9 at 6:30 PM, the Press Freedom Center at the National Press Club, in partnership with Zeteo Media, will host a special screening of the documentary Who Killed Shireen? The film follows the investigation into the death of renowned Palestinian American reporter Shireen Abu Akleh, who was killed while covering a story on the Jenin refugee camp in the West Bank in 2022. The documentary explores the risks journalists face in conflict zones, the challenges they may encounter when searching for accountability, and the determination of those most passionate about press freedom to make sure the truth is uncovered and heard. The event will take place at the National Press Club. PRESS RSVP: To attend as press, please email Julie Schreiber at [email protected]. General Admission: Registration is available via Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/who-killed-shireen-film-screening-tickets-1393162298939?aff=oddtdtcreator SOURCE National Press Club CHICAGO and PUNE, India, July 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- What's Behind the Surge in the US$3.22 Billion Feed Phosphate Market? The Feed Phosphate Market is projected to be valued at USD 2.70 billion in 2025 and reach USD 3.22 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 4.3% according to a new report by The Research Insights. The market is growing, primarily, because of increasing demand for animal protein, expansion of livestock production, improved feed efficiency, focus on animal health, supportive regulations, technological advancements, increasing awareness about animal nutrition and feed additives, sustainable farming practices, and continuous R&D. As the global population continues to increase, the demand for animal-based products is expected to rise even more in the coming years. This will further contribute to the expansion of the feed phosphate market. The report runs an in-depth analysis of market trends, key players, and future opportunities. In general, the Feed Phosphate Market growth of 4.3% comprises a vast array of Type, Livestock, Form, Source, Application, and Geography which are expected to register strength during the coming years. For More Information and To Stay Updated on The Latest Developments in The Global Feed Phosphate Market Size, Download FREE Sample Pages: https://www.theresearchinsights.com/request_sample?id=14585 How is the current market landscape shaping the growth trajectory of the Feed Phosphate Market through 2030? Feed Phosphate Market Growth: According to an exhaustive report by The Research Insights, the Feed Phosphate Market is experiencing significant growth. Feed Phosphate market growth is being led by a strong mix of differentiated and emerging trends, reshaping the face of the industry amid a global shift in agriculture, sustainability, and livestock nutrition. High-quality animal protein, mainly in emerging economies, the increasing demand is a primary driver fuelling the need for well-balanced animal feed to enhance livestock growth and productivity. Another factor is the growing demand for more precise nutrition and customized feed recipes, specially formulated with feed phosphates for a balanced supply of essential minerals and phosphorus to meet the nutritional needs of target animals like swine and poultry. Investors are tapping into a major growth trend as well, where phosphate producers are investing more in sustainable mining and production practices, in the face of potential over-extraction of phosphate rock depleting reserves. Regulatory push to cut back on antibiotic use in animal feed and other sustainability issues are also encouraging producers to explore alternative nutritional options. Feed phosphate remains an important basic supplement to alternative approaches, playing an important role in promoting the health and metabolism of livestock. Added to that, the introduction of newer technologies to improve feed production and delivery like the use of micro-encapsulated feed phosphate for higher solubility, bioavailability, and cost-effective packaging of products are also driving the market for this ingredient by boosting feed performance. The market is also being transformed by the ongoing push for R&D investments and strategic partnerships to leverage key growth opportunities among industry leaders such as Mosaic, Phosphea, Eurochem Group, Nutreco, Yara International, OCI Co., Ltd., and OCP Group. How is the rising demand for animal-derived protein products affecting the feed phosphate market? The increasing global demand for meat, dairy, eggs, and other animal-derived protein products is a fundamental factor propelling the feed phosphate market. Rising population growth, urbanization, and rising incomes especially in developing and emerging economies like China, India, and Brazil are driving a significant shift toward protein-rich foods. Livestock production is being ramped up to keep pace with the growing consumer demand. Feed phosphates (including mono-calcium phosphate, MCP; di-calcium phosphate, DCP; mono-dicalcium phosphate, MDCP; and others) are a crucial category of animal nutrition supplements. Their well-known ability to support better skeletal growth, reproductive efficiency, metabolism, and overall productivity make them an essential ingredient in poultry, swine, cattle, and aquaculture farming. As both the scale and intensity of livestock and poultry production continue to grow worldwide, the demand for high-quality, nutritionally balanced feed and the corresponding feed phosphate is expected to further increase in the years ahead. For Detailed Market Insights, Visit: https://www.theresearchinsights.com/reports/feed-phosphate-market-14585 Why is improving animal health and feed efficiency boosting demand for feed phosphates? Increased focus on animal health and feed conversion efficiency is another key trend in the feed phosphate market. Along with supplementing phosphorus and calcium, feed phosphates also support better nutrient uptake, growth rate, and immune function. Farmers and commercial animal producers under mounting pressure to reduce feed costs and improve output are prioritizing animal nutrition additives that can deliver reliable performance improvements. Feed phosphates in poultry and swine, for example, are known to support stronger bones and faster weight gain, while helping to reduce mortality rates and production cycles. In addition, the shift toward precision feeding and advanced nutritional science is driving adoption of standardized and highly bioavailable sources of phosphate and other minerals over generic or raw phosphate products, supporting demand for premium, feed-grade phosphate supplements. This trend is also reinforced by tighter regulatory standards and expectations for using high-efficiency, more environmentally responsible feed additives. Why are technology and consolidation becoming key growth drivers in the feed phosphate market? Technological improvements in feed additive manufacturing and greater cooperation between feed manufacturers and livestock producers are helping to streamline feed production and optimize phosphate utilization. Innovations in feed formulation software, enzyme supplementation (such as phytase to aid phosphate digestibility), and microencapsulation of feed phosphates are enabling producers to use phosphates more effectively, with better performance from animals. The development of customized, species-specific feed solutions is also opening up new market opportunities. At the same time, industry consolidation, with key players like Mosaic, Phosphea, and OCP Group, expanding their global presence is allowing for greater investment in R&D, production scalability, and distribution. These efficiencies help stabilize phosphate supply chains and ensure consistent quality, particularly in key livestock growth regions like Southeast Asia, sub-Saharan Africa, and Latin America. Stay Updated on The Latest Feed Phosphate Market Trends: https://www.theresearchinsights.com/request_sample?id=14585 Which regions are driving the strongest demand in the feed phosphate market? Asia-Pacific leads the Feed Phosphate Market share, primarily due to the region's large population and high per capita meat consumption, a booming aquaculture industry, and the presence of major livestock rearing economies such as China and India. North America and Europe are the next most significant markets due to their large livestock industries, intensive farming practices, and well-established feed optimization strategies. How is the global feed phosphate market segmented by product type, livestock, and region? Based on Type, the feed phosphate market is divided into, Dicalcium Phosphate (DCP), Monocalcium Phosphate (MCP), Monodicalcium Phosphate (MDCP), Tricalcium Phosphate (TCP), Defluorinated Phosphate, and Others. DCP and MCP have a larger Feed Phosphate Market share due to higher phosphorus bioavailability and good absorption in monogastric animals such as poultry and swine. Based on Livestock, the feed phosphate market is divided into, Poultry, Swine, Ruminants, Aquaculture, and Others. Poultry and swine hold a large Feed Phosphate Market share, as these segments have large-scale, intensive farming operations and high meat consumption worldwide. Based on Form, the feed phosphate market is divided into, Granular, Powdered, Pellet, and Liquid. The Granular and Powdered forms have a large Feed Phosphate Market share because they are easy to handle, mix in feed rations, and ensure uniform nutrient distribution. Based on Source, the feed phosphate market is divided into, Inorganic Feed Phosphates, and Organic Feed Phosphates. Inorganic sources of feed phosphates like DCP, MCP, and MDCP are more widely used and dominate the Feed Phosphate Market size, as they are readily available and cost-effective. Based on Application, the feed phosphate market is divided into, Animal Nutrition & Health, Bone Development, Reproductive Health, and Feed Conversion Efficiency. Bone development is a leading segment in the Feed Phosphate Market growth, as this is an important requirement in young and high-yielding animals, where bone strength becomes a critical performance indicator. The Feed Phosphate Market is segmented into five major regions: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. Purchase Premium Copy of Global Feed Phosphate Market Size and Growth Report (2025-2030) at: https://www.theresearchinsights.com/license?id=14585 Who are the major players shaping the global feed phosphate market? The Global Feed Phosphate Market is characterized by the presence of several major players, including: The Mosaic Company Eurochem Phosagro OCP Group Potash Corporation Nutrien LTD Yara Timab Industries ECOPHOS GROUP J.R. Simplot Company These companies are adopting strategies such as new product launches, joint ventures, and geographical expansion to maintain their competitive edge in the market. Which recent product launches or technological upgrades are making an impact? In February 2025 , Yara International, along with Fertinagro Biotech S.L., a Spanish fertilizer manufacturer, announced the Spanish multinational's existing shareholder, OCP Group has increased its shareholding to 75% in GlobalFeed S.L., with a further investment of 25%. In May 2023 , OCP Group signed an agreement to acquire 50% of the company, edging its way further into the animal nutrition market. , Yara International, along with Fertinagro Biotech S.L., a Spanish fertilizer manufacturer, announced the Spanish multinational's existing shareholder, OCP Group has increased its shareholding to 75% in GlobalFeed S.L., with a further investment of 25%. In , OCP Group signed an agreement to acquire 50% of the company, edging its way further into the animal nutrition market. In June 2024 , Mosaic has taken the Mosaic Online platform out of service and replaced it with Mosaic Direct, a new digital platform that is designed with a better customer experience. The new platform provides customers with access to their accounts, the ability to request quotes, track orders, and use self-service tools to get responses faster and increase data accuracy. Customers will be emailed instructions on how to activate their accounts, and Account Managers and Customer Service will assist them in the interim. , Mosaic has taken the Mosaic Online platform out of service and replaced it with Mosaic Direct, a new digital platform that is designed with a better customer experience. The new platform provides customers with access to their accounts, the ability to request quotes, track orders, and use self-service tools to get responses faster and increase data accuracy. Customers will be emailed instructions on how to activate their accounts, and Account Managers and Customer Service will assist them in the interim. In August 2021 , Yara entered into a share purchase agreement with EuroChem in which Yara will sell its Salitre phosphate mining project for cash consideration of USD 410 million . The transaction enables Yara to sharpen its strategic focus and direct more resources to value creation in core areas and a portfolio in line with its competitive strengths. The Salitre phosphate mine, for which Yara Brazil continues to have important growth ambitions, has been sold, but not the other businesses. As part of its broader efforts to realign and strengthen its global footprint, Yara is pleased to welcome EuroChem as another shareholder and investor in Brazil . , Yara entered into a share purchase agreement with EuroChem in which Yara will sell its Salitre phosphate mining project for cash consideration of . The transaction enables Yara to sharpen its strategic focus and direct more resources to value creation in core areas and a portfolio in line with its competitive strengths. The Salitre phosphate mine, for which continues to have important growth ambitions, has been sold, but not the other businesses. As part of its broader efforts to realign and strengthen its global footprint, Yara is pleased to welcome EuroChem as another shareholder and investor in . In February 2022 , EuroChem Group completed the USD 452 million acquisition of the Serra do Salitre phosphate project located in Minas Gerais, Brazil. The project includes an open pit mine with over 350 million metric tons of phosphate reserves. In addition, there is also a fertilizer plant that has an annual capacity of 1 million tons. To fully develop the project, EuroChem will invest an additional US$452 million and plans to have full fertilizer production in the company's timeline to start in 2025. Both the mine and plant are currently operational, with the mine producing about 500,000 tons of phosphate rock annually. For Region-Specific Market Data, Check Out Brief Sample Pages: https://www.theresearchinsights.com/request_sample?id=14585 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): What is the forecasted market size of the Feed Phosphate Market in 2030? The forecasted market size of the Feed Phosphate Market is USD 3.22 Billion in 2030. Who are the leading players in the Feed Phosphate Market? The key players in the Feed Phosphate Market include, The Mosaic Company, EuroChem, PhosAgro, OCP Group, Potash Corporation, Nutrien LTD, Yara, Timab Industries, ECOPHOS GROUP, and J.R. Simplot Company. What are the major drivers for the Feed Phosphate Market? The global expansion of intensive farming practices, particularly in developing countries, and the increasing global consumption of meat and dairy products are the main factors driving the market for feed phosphates. Which is the largest region during the forecasted period in the Feed Phosphate Market? Asia-Pacific leads the Feed Phosphate Market share. Which is the largest segment, by application, during the forecasted period in the Feed Phosphate Market? Bone development is a leading segment in the Feed Phosphate Market growth. Is the Feed Phosphate Market Ready for Its Next Phase of Growth? The feed phosphate market is experiencing a positive growth trend, primarily due to the increasing global demand for high-quality animal nutrition and a growing focus on animal health. As the livestock and poultry industry expands to meet the rising demand for meat, dairy, and eggs, feed phosphate plays a crucial role in supporting the growth, bone development, and overall feed efficiency of livestock. In response, the industry is witnessing innovations in phosphate formulations and production methods to improve bioavailability and reduce environmental impact. In addition, regulatory pressures to meet food safety standards and reduce phosphorus waste are encouraging manufacturers to adopt more sustainable and efficient practices, driving the adoption of advanced processing technologies. The adoption of precision farming techniques and nutritional analytics is also supporting the development of customized phosphate blends for different animal species and growth stages. With the growing investment in the infrastructure for animal husbandry and agriculture, feed phosphate will continue to be an essential component of the global food supply chain, in line with the broader goals of sustainable agriculture and food security. We offer customized research solutions if the above study does not fully align with your specific requirements: https://www.theresearchinsights.com/Ask_For_Customization?id=14585 The report from The Research Insights, therefore, provides several stakeholders feed manufacturers, livestock farmers, veterinary professionals, regulatory bodies, and agricultural cooperatives with valuable insights into how to successfully navigate this evolving market landscape and unlock new opportunities. With projected growth to US$ 3.22 Billion by 2030, the Global Feed Phosphate Market represents a significant opportunity for biotechnology firms, startup nutrient solution providers, alternative mineral supplement developers, and market disruptors focusing on eco-friendly feed additives, can position themselves for success in this dynamic and evolving market landscape. Check out more related studies published by The Research Insights: Animal Feed Additives Market : The Global Animal Feed Additives Market is expected to reach at USD 55.46 billion by 2030, according to a new report by The Research Insights. It is projected to expand at a CAGR of 4.3% during the forecast period. This upward trend is largely driven by the surge in animal feed production in response to increasing global meat consumption patterns, which in turn is expected to propel product demand. The Global Animal Feed Additives Market is expected to reach at by 2030, according to a new report by The Research Insights. It is projected to expand at a CAGR of 4.3% during the forecast period. This upward trend is largely driven by the surge in animal feed production in response to increasing global meat consumption patterns, which in turn is expected to propel product demand. Aquafeed Market : The Global Aquafeed Market is expected to reach at USD 102.3 billion by 2030, according to a new report by The Research Insights. It is projected to expand at a CAGR of 4.4% during the forecast period, driven primarily by increasing consumption of aquafeed in the cultivation of various aquatic species such as tilapia, carp, catfish, and salmon. The Global Aquafeed Market is expected to reach at by 2030, according to a new report by The Research Insights. It is projected to expand at a CAGR of 4.4% during the forecast period, driven primarily by increasing consumption of aquafeed in the cultivation of various aquatic species such as tilapia, carp, catfish, and salmon. Aquaculture Additives Market - The global aquaculture additives market was valued at USD 1.18 billion in 2017, with a projected CAGR of 3.2% over the forecast period. As the industry continues to evolve, increased awareness among fish breeders about the importance of providing optimal nutrition has been a key driver of growth. The global aquaculture additives market was valued at in 2017, with a projected CAGR of 3.2% over the forecast period. As the industry continues to evolve, increased awareness among fish breeders about the importance of providing optimal nutrition has been a key driver of growth. Compound Feed Market - The global compound feed market is poised for significant expansion as consumer preferences shift towards high-quality animal-based food products worldwide. This trend is expected to drive market growth, with a notable increase in demand predicted over the next eight years. Browse More related reports on Specialty Chemicals Industry Market Reports https://www.theresearchinsights.com/categories/specialty-chemicals About Us: The Research Insights provides thoroughly conducted research which is backed up by real-time statistics and data. Our experts are eager to help you with any information required under the sun. The key to our success is keeping abreast with the markets, industries, and ever-changing consumer trends that matter. Our market research professionals have in-depth knowledge and expertise across various domains that includes IT and Telecom, Emerging Technologies, Consumer Offerings, Manufacturing and Others. We are committed to reviewing the scope and procedure of the research studies that you select and provide you with an accurate guidance in order to assist you in taking the correct business decisions. Contact Us: If you have any queries about this report or if you would like further information, please contact us: Contact Person: Kaushik Roy E-mail: [email protected] Phone: +1-312-313-8080 Blog: https://www.theresearchinsights.com/blogs Press Release: https://www.theresearchinsights.com/press-release Latest News: https://www.croplife.com/author/the-research-insights/ | https://www.globalagtechinitiative.com/author/the-research-insights/ Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2684869/The_Research_Insights_Logo.jpg SOURCE The Research Insights Researchers develop a web-based tool that improves CRISPR accuracy by identifying off-target effects across genetic variations BUSAN, South Korea, July 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- CRISPR-based gene editing holds great promise, but off-target effects remain a major concern, especially across diverse genetic backgrounds. A new study presents a web-based tool that enhances off-target site prediction by incorporating individual genetic variants. Developed using the human genome and pepper plant cultivars, the tool improves accuracy at the haplotype level. This user-friendly, login-free platform offers researchers a powerful way to personalize and safeguard genome editing applications across fields. Researchers introduce Variant-aware Cas-OFFinder, a web-based tool that improves CRISPR off-target predictions by incorporating individual genetic differences. By reconstructing allele-specific sequences, the tool offers haplotype-level insights, enabling safer and more precise genome editing in medicine, agriculture, and research. Genome editing technologies like CRISPR-Cas9 have transformed biology, medicine, and agriculture, but concerns remain about unintended edits at off-target DNA sites. These off-target effects can cause harmful mutations and are difficult to predict, as they depend not only on the guide RNA but also on an organism's unique genetic makeup. Most existing prediction tools rely on a standard reference genome, ignoring key variations like SNPs, insertions, and deletions that differ across individuals and alleles. To address this issue, researchers led by Professor Jeongbin Park from Pusan National University developed Variant-aware Cas-OFFinder, a web-based tool that improves off-target site prediction by accounting for individual genetic variation. Co-first authors Abyot Melkamu Mekonnen (PhD candidate) and Kang Seong (undergraduate at the time, now a master's student at KAIST), who conducted the study while at Pusan National University, said, "It is very rewarding to know that the technology we developed can be of practical help in correcting individual genes." The tool was tested using the human genome and pepper cultivars. Their findings were published online on 8 May, 2025 in the journal Nucleic Acids Research. The Variant-aware Cas-OFFinder tool offers a significant step forward in personalized genome editing by incorporating genetic diversity directly into off-target predictions. It accepts phased single-sample VCF files and supports GPU acceleration, allowing application beyond standard model organisms. By reconstructing allele-specific genome sequences, the tool performs haplotype-level analysis, offering a detailed and accurate picture of potential off-target effects. "In my view, genome editing tools should be as individualized as the genomes they target," says Prof. Park. "Our tool lays the groundwork for more accurate and personalized editing strategies." The team tested the tool on human and sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum) genomes using public and cultivar-specific sequencing data. In humans, it revealed off-target sites on chromosome 10 absent from the standard reference genome. In sweet pepper, it identified distinct allele-specific off-targets, useful for plant breeding. Compared with existing tools like Cas-OFFinder and CRISPRitz, Variant-aware Cas-OFFinder consistently identified unique off-targets caused by small variants such as insertions and deletions. Although it does not yet detect large structural variants, it supports 557 species and 40 PAM types, and is fully customizable through YAML files. "Precision genome editing requires precision tools," remarks Prof. Park. "We believe Variant-aware Cas-OFFinder will play a central role in developing safer, more effective CRISPR therapies and agricultural applications." The tool is available both as a user-friendly web interface and a command-line version. Its source code, benchmark tools, and example datasets are freely available on GitHub and Zenodo. While its haplotype-level analysis can slow performance slightly compared to earlier tools, this trade-off enables greater accuracy and reliability in genome editing research. Reference Title of original paper: Variant-aware Cas-OFFinder: web-based in silico variant-aware potential off-target site identification for genome editing applications Journal: Nucleic Acids Research DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaf389 About Pusan National University Website: https://www.pusan.ac.kr/eng/Main.do SOURCE Pusan National University MIAMI, July 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Electric rays use a shocking defense strategy, according to new research. While more traditional defense methods like camouflage, venom and spines appear ineffective against large sharks and mammals, electric rays are sending out electric discharges to fend off sharks in dangerous waters, said Florida International University Institute of Environment researcher Yannis Papastamatiou. The findings were published in Ethology. "We had an idea that there was something special about the rays because they are very bold," Papastamatiou said. "In Guadalupe Island Mexico, our cameras on white sharks showed these rays up in the water column, one of the most dangerous places to be. They must be pretty confident." All electric rays, which includes 69 species of four families, can produce electric organ discharge (EOD). But some of the larger species can produce EODs at a maximum voltage of 50 V. The rays produce this electric discharge using their muscles. It's been shown these rays in captivity produce EODs for defensive. However, its use of it in the wild remained unknown until now. Off the Pacific coast of Mexico in Guadalupe Island, they deployed six Customized Animal Tracking Solutions (CATS) biologgers on white sharks. One showed a shark at a depth of 164 feet approaching an electric ray in midwater. The ray appeared to cup its pectoral fins while the shark approached. Data showed a sudden increase in the shark's movement as it rapidly ascended to almost 100 feet. Two minutes later, the shark made its return but passed the ray. The ray continued its way with no response to the shark as it continued with no change in activity. During a baited shark dive in Fuvahmulah, Maldives, a diver participating in the study observed a Gulf torpedo ray buried in the sand. When it began to swim away, it was approached from behind by a tiger shark. But when the shark was about a few inches from the ray, the shark rolled its nictitating membrane also known as the third eyelid for shielding the eye from debris, dust and injury and quickly retreated up into the water column. To watch a video of this interaction, click here. The researchers compared EOD characteristics from field experiments off Palos Verdes, California from 1989 to 1991. They looked at the differences between predatory and defensive behaviors. The maximum voltage did not vary between the two behaviors, but the initial trains for predatory discharges were longer and more abundant. Their behavior varied when on defense. They moved up into the water column and performed stationary spinning. "This study adds important insight into the evolution of defensive traits in marine animals," Papastamatiou said. The increase in the use of animal biologging sets up future studies to measure the foraging and defensive behaviors of these rays. About FIU: Florida International University is a Top 50, preeminent public research university with 55,000 students from all 50 states and more than 140 countries, as well as an alumni network of more than 330,000. Located in the global city of Miami, the university offers more than 200 degree programs at the undergraduate, graduate and professional levels, including medicine and law. FIU faculty are leaders in their fields and include National Academy members, Fulbright Scholars, and MacArthur Genius Fellows. A Carnegie R1 institution, FIU drives impactful research in environmental resilience, health, and technology and innovation. Home to the Wall of Wind and Institute of Environment, FIU stands at the forefront of discovery and innovation. With a focus on student success, economic mobility and community engagement, FIU is redefining what it means to be a public research university. Media Contact: Christine Fernandez 305-348-9987 [email protected] news.fiu.edu @FIUNews SOURCE Florida International University STOCKHOLM, July 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Safe Life, a leading global provider of public access life-saving solutions, announces that Salvavidas Cardio ("Salvavidas") (https://salvavidas.com), is joining the group. Salvavidas, based in Madrid, is a leader in the growing Spanish market for automated external defibrillators (AEDs). A substantial share of its business is subscriptions including monitoring and maintenance of the devices to further enhance customer safety and security. "We have for a long time had our eyes on Spain; it is a large and dynamic market in Europe and I'm extremely happy we're now able to partner with one of the leading forces in it, and one that has truly shown market-shaping leadership." says Jimmy Eriksson, CEO of Safe Life. "Carlos has led a seasoned team on a transformation journey, and along with the whole Safe Life team I am very much looking forward to working together to further the Group's market presence in Spain and to exchange best practices with the rest of our companies in Europe and beyond." Salvavidas is led by a strong management team, and under this team has shifted its business model and exhibited considerable growth over the past few years. With strong focus on customer experience, they have built an efficient structure and operation which enables delivery of goods and services across all of Spain, and they are poised to continue this growth path. Carlos Fernandez, Managing Director of Salvavidas, comments: "When I first met Jimmy and Alex, the founders of Safe Life, I immediately felt that joining them had to be the right route to go. My team and I have, I feel, done well to transform our business in the Spanish market, and with the capabilities available within a focused Group like Safe Life, we are ready to do more and to grow faster and further. It is fully clear to me that our customers stand to gain from this partnership, and for our entire team it's a great opportunity to now be part of a global organization determined to save more lives. I also want to extend my gratitude to our previous investors, for how they supported our journey to this point." The acquisition is part of Safe Life's ambitious and accelerated growth strategy. With increasing demand for AEDs and public safety equipment, Safe Life continues to pursue strategic opportunities to expand its reach and impact. The Group's strategy combines use of its platform strength and breadth of offering, with harnessing the power of local entrepreneurship and market knowledge. About Safe Life Founded in 2019, Safe Life is a group of companies focused on delivering life-saving equipment and training. With a core focus on AEDs, Safe Life has rapidly expanded across Europe and North America through a series of successful acquisitions, supporting a shared vision of safer communities everywhere. Learn more at https://www.safelife.se. About Salvavidas Cardio Salvavidas Cardio is Spain's leading AED program manager. Founded in 2009, the company has transformed over the last years into a scalable "cardio-as-a-service" platform with tech-enabled AED services & training at its core. Through an integrated, easy-to-manage solution, Salvavidas Cardio seeks to empower thousands of organizations to protect what matters most: lives. Learn more at https://www.salvavidas.com SOURCE Safe Life WASHINGTON, July 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- According to the latest data from research firm Omdia, SKYWORTH has entered the global Top 5 TV brands by sales revenue, surpassing Sony in the first quarter of 2025. The global TV market showed signs of recovery in Q1 2025. Omdia reports that global TV shipments reached 47.48 million units during the period, marking a 2.4% year-on-year increase the first quarterly growth since 2021. Amid this rebound, Chinese brands, led by SKYWORTH, are making significant strides in the global high-end market through advanced technology and product innovation. The transformation of China's TV industry is accelerating, evolving from "Made in China" to "Chinese Brands" and now toward "High-End Chinese Intelligent Manufacturing." SKYWORTH's success has strengthened global confidence in the competitiveness of Chinese technology brands. At the core of SKYWORTH's breakthrough is its unwavering commitment to innovation a reflection of its brand philosophy: "SKYWORTH Technology. Bold Innovation." For 37 years, SKYWORTH has invested heavily in R&D, strategic planning, and technological advancement, building a strong foundation that continues to fuel its global growth. SKYWORTH's innovations are reshaping industry trends. According to TrendForce, Mini LED TVs are expected to see explosive growth this year, with Chinese brands leading the charge. SKYWORTH, in particular, has solved key challenges in ultra-thin TV design through its proprietary slim heat dissipation technology. As a pioneer in applying Mini LED to wallpaper TVs, SKYWORTH has defined a new category where design meets performance. After eight years of development, SKYWORTH now offers over 20 mass-produced wallpaper TV series, with more than 51 wallpaper TV models, solidifying its unique position in the art TV market. Recently, SKYWORTH's G7E Pro received the 2025 China High Picture Quality TV Outstanding New-Quality Model Award, further showcasing its leadership in display technology. In 2024, SKYWORTH ranked No.1 by sales volume in China for both 100-inch LCD TVs and wallpaper TVs, while achieving the industry's fastest growth in the Mini LED TV segment. Notably, SKYWORTH has achieved double-digit growth during China's 6.18 shopping festival for three consecutive years since 2023. During this year's 6.18 promotion, sales of its wallpaper TVs surged by 120% over the same period in 2024. Looking ahead, SKYWORTH will continue to reshape the global TV market through cutting-edge innovation and growing brand strength, delivering high-value products and driving industry development. SOURCE Skyworth RGB The Pickle Pizza will be available from July 1-31 FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., July 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In celebration of National Pickle Month, Stoner's Pizza Joint is flipping the script on traditional pizza with a bold, tangy twist: introducing the all-new Pickle Pizza, available for a limited time from July 131 at participating locations. The Pickle Pizza This crave-worthy creation pairs the unexpected with the irresistiblefeaturing crispy bacon, gooey mozzarella cheese, and a generous layer of tangy dill pickles. Finished with a creamy ranch drizzle, this pizza hits the sweet, salty, and savory trifecta that fans didn't know they needed. "Our Pickle Pizza is a flavor bomb that pushes boundaries in all the right ways," said John Stetson, CEO of Stoner's Pizza Joint. "It's bold, briny, and absolutely unforgettableperfect for summer cravings." The Pickle Pizza will be available to order in-store, online, and through the Stoner's Pizza Joint app, available to download on Apple and Google Play. Customers can also earn points with every purchase through Stoner's Rewards. Exclusively for Rewards Members this Julyget $4 off your first Pickle Pizza. The perfect excuse to give it a try! About Stoner's Pizza Joint Founded in 2013, Stoner's Pizza Joint is a flavor-first, community-first, rapidly growing fast-casual pizza brand with 51 locations across the Southeast, Texas, and Colorado. Headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, FL, the brand is known for its delivery and takeout-focused concept featuring fresh, high-quality food prepared in-house dailyincluding proprietary pizza dough, sauces, and cheese blends. Menu favorites include specialty pizzas, calzones, strombolis, hickory-smoked wings, fresh salads, and baked-from-scratch desserts. With an additional 10 units currently in development, Stoner's Pizza Joint continues to expand its reach and commitment to delivering unforgettable flavor with every bite. For more information, visit www.stonerspizzajoint.com, follow us on Facebook and Instagram, or email [email protected]. For franchise opportunities, visit www.stonerspizzajointfranchise.com or contact [email protected]. MEDIA CONTACT: Erica Roomy // Stoner's Pizza Joint 954-655-0975 [email protected] SOURCE Stoner's Pizza Joint The regional Ohio drive-in brand taps Dallas-based ad agency to fuel brand expansion DALLAS, July 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Swensons Drive-In, the 91-year-old quick-service brand with a fiercely loyal fanbase and a drive-in experience unlike any other, has named TRG its agency of record. The partnership will focus on brand strategy and creative as Swensons looks to expand its roots. Founded in 1934 and based in Akron, Ohio, Swensons has built a cult following for its crave-worthy menu items such as the legendary Galley Boy "cheeseburg," so good that it put the brand on the map. Other menu favorites include endless flavor combinations of creamy thick shakes, the crowd-favorite Potato Teezers, specialty drinks named after select states (anyone thirsty for an Ohio?), unique sandwiches, and more. Each meal is prepared fresh to order and delivered with care whether by a curbside server bringing it directly to your car or convenient online delivery. As the brand looks to introduce its cult-following energy to new audiences, Swensons has partnered with TRG to lead the charge in evolving the brand while honoring its heritage. "What distinguishes TRG is their conviction that lasting brand growth stems from being remembered. We look forward to collaborating with them to unlock what comes next be it brand evolution, marketing innovation, or something entirely unforeseen. TRG is precisely the agency equipped to guide that journey," said Swensons CEO Dan Mesches. "Swensons has that irresistible something the kind of magic that keeps fans coming back for 91 years," said Jessica Walker, TRG's Managing Principal. "We're not here to mess with the magic. We're here to crank it up and take it to new places without losing what makes it Swensons." About TRG Founded in 1976, TRG has a five-decade winning streak of building iconic brands. Orkin. Chick-fil-A. Ram. Motel 6. Charles Schwab. The Home Depot. Our greatest successes are tied to some of America's most memorable stories, while our own story is one of results, respect, and award-winning work. We consider ourselves more than marketers we're in the memory-making business. More than activations and ads, more than media plans, TRG creates long-lasting memories in the minds of consumers that, overnight and over time, move markets. Fiercely independent since our founding, we push ourselves daily, bravely, and freely without distant boards or outside agendas. Find or follow the agency @TRG or @TRGCreativity . About Swensons Swensons was founded in 1934 by Wesley T. "Pop" Swenson and has since grown into an iconic drive-in business. Swensons is home of the Galley Boy, a double cheeseburger with two special sauces on a toasted bun, garnished with a green olive. Also available on the extensive menu are classic burgers, sandwiches, the Swensons Whips, crowd-favorite Potato Teezers (a tasty cheese, potato, and jalapeno combo), and other crispy extras. When you visit Swensons, a helpful, smiling curb server will sprint to your car to serve you. The team serves up fresh, made-to-order, craveable food while doing what it takes to make your visit fun and memorable. Media Contact: Meghan McPartland [email protected] SOURCE TRG The inaugural Propel-AIR program has announced its finalists, marking a significant milestone as Australias first dedicated AI and Robotics Sprint. This initiative represents a major step forward for Australias AI and robotics ecosystem, made possible through partnerships with the Australian Governments AI Adopt Centre program, delivery partner ARM Hub, and key supporters MassRobotics, NVIDIA, and Solidworks, who provide essential training and materials to participants. Propel-AIRs finalist cohort shows the world Australia isnt just dreaming of a robotics future, were building it right now, said ARM Hub CEO Professor Cori Stewart. Every team will get the runway to scale fast, and the ultimate winner will plug straight into MassRobotics in Boston, taking Aussie ingenuity to the heart of global innovation. Following unprecedented interest from across Australias emerging AI and robotics sector, this inaugural cohort represents the best of Australian innovation, ready to compete on the global stage and demonstrate the nations growing capability in these critical technologies. The finalists include: Seascape Autonomy has developed an autonomous underwater robot that photographs the ocean floor, providing images used to build landscape models. Element Robotics has created Lunarsim, a digital twin to help teams test and train robots for Lunar missions. The platform works as a virtual environment, allowing teams to see how robots will perform in lunar conditions before anything is built or launched, saving time and money while improving mission success rates with future applications in high-risk industries like mining and remote operations. Nexobot is building the worlds lowest-cost parcel sorting solution, enabling regional and small-scale logistics operators to automate for the first time. The robotics platform cuts walking time, boosts accuracy, and improves safety at a fraction of traditional system costs. J Robotics is developing smart agricultural machines to help vineyards use fewer chemicals and grow better crops. Their first product uses ultraviolet spectrum light to safely treat grapevines for powdery mildew, helping vineyards move toward organic certification and more sustainable farming. Inneurva empowers touch with AI through Robotic AI Skin, soft, sensor-rich patches that give robots a sense of touch, capturing complex tactile data across robotic grippers, humanoid suits and intelligent clothing with real-time interpretation for safe, smart and intuitive interaction. Traversal Labs has built MotionLogic, an AI-powered analytics platform that transforms video from industrial settings into actionable insights, helping factories reduce waste, improve ergonomics, and optimize production while generating data to train robots for industrial settings. The accelerator culminates with a competitive pitching event on 31 July, with the overall winner announced on 4 August. The winner secures an opportunity to travel to MassRobotics in Boston for a one-month residency, connecting with global leaders in AI and robotics innovation including access to companies like Boston Dynamics and iRobot, alongside world-class academic institutions like MIT and Harvard. All participants receive business development assistance, including VC support and media opportunities through the ARM Hub AI Adopt Centre. Key dates: Cohort of up to 10 participants announced: 20 June 2025 20 June 2025 Virtual Pitch Event: 31 July 2025 31 July 2025 Winner of the MassRobotics residency announced by: 4 August 2025 4 August 2025 Residency in Boston: October 2025 More here. Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. WESTFIELD CENTER, Ohio, July 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- TakeUp, the AI-powered revenue optimization platform designed for independent hospitality properties, announced today the launch of its new podcast, The Unchecked-In. The show provides independent property owners, operators, and hospitality professionals with insights, strategies, and inspiration to thrive in today's competitive landscape. TakeUp's new podcast, The Unchecked-In, provides independent property owners, operators, and hospitality professionals with insights, strategies, and inspiration to thrive in today's competitive landscape. TakeUp, the leading AI-powered revenue optimization platform The Unchecked-In goes beyond a traditional podcastit's a raw, unfiltered space where independent hotel owners get real about what it actually takes to survive, grow, and stay sane in the hospitality business. Bobby Marhamat, CEO at TakeUp and Host of The Unchecked-In, commented: "We didn't start The Unchecked-In to play it safe or sugarcoat this industry. We started it because independent owners are out here doing gritty, creative, impressive workand no one's telling those stories. This podcast is about giving them the mic, cutting through the fluff, and showing what it really looks like to build something that matters in hospitality today." The Unchecked-In will explore critical themes in independent hospitality, including: Revenue Optimization Strategies: How small properties can compete with larger chains through smart pricing and positioning How small properties can compete with larger chains through smart pricing and positioning Guest Experience Innovation: Creating memorable stays that drive loyalty and word-of-mouth marketing Creating memorable stays that drive loyalty and word-of-mouth marketing Technology Integration: Leveraging AI and automation to streamline operations without losing the personal touch Leveraging AI and automation to streamline operations without losing the personal touch Succession Planning: Preparing the next generation of hospitality leaders and ensuring business continuity Preparing the next generation of hospitality leaders and ensuring business continuity Market Positioning: Standing out in a crowded marketplace dominated by large chains and vacation rental platforms Each episode will feature candid conversations with successful property owners, industry experts, and hospitality innovators who are pushing boundaries and creating exceptional guest experiences. From family-run bed and breakfasts to boutique glamping retreats, the podcast will showcase the diverse landscape of independent hospitality. "Independent property owners face unique challenges that larger hotel brands simply don't understand," said Marhamat. "This podcast is our way of giving back to the community that has supported uscreating a space where these visionary entrepreneurs can share their stories and learn from each other." TakeUp's commitment to supporting independent property owners is reflected in The Unchecked-In, fostering a community of professionals dedicated to elevating the independent hospitality sector. For more information about The Unchecked-In and to listen to the latest episodes, please visit takeup.ai. Episodes are available on YouTube and all major podcast platforms. About TakeUp TakeUp is an AI-powered revenue optimization platform purpose-built for independent hospitality properties. By combining machine learning with expert revenue strategists, 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. TakeUp Media Contact: Kelly Campbell Marketing & Communications [email protected] 619-895-0029 SOURCE TakeUp The U.S. softwood lumber industry is a critical manufacturing industry essential to the national economic strength and the industrial resilience of the United States Canada's unfair trade in softwood lumber continues to be extremely harmful to U.S. producers and workers unfair trade in softwood lumber continues to be extremely harmful to U.S. producers and workers Strong trade law enforcement is paramount to bringing about fair pricing of lumber to support future capacity increases for self-reliance in lumber WASHINGTON, July 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- With its broad system of government subsidies and associated unfair trade practices, Canada is continuously displacing U.S. production and U.S. jobs through its sale of subsidized, below market value softwood lumber to the United States. Canada's unfair trade practices cause U.S. sawmills to lose sales and revenue, leading to mill curtailments and job cuts in communities across America. Components of the Price of a New Home, 2024 (PRNewsfoto/The U.S. Lumber Coalition) "Canada's built-for-export excess softwood lumber production capacity is huge and unsustainable, at around 8 billion board feet," stated Andrew Miller, Chairman/Owner of Stimson Lumber Co. "And Canada's focus on maintaining its U.S. market share at any cost is hugely detrimental the profitability and growth of the U.S. softwood lumber industry." "Demand for housing in the United States remains weak and so does demand for lumber. Yet Canada continues its relentless shipments of dumped and subsidized lumber to further depress demand for U.S. lumber, with devastating consequences for mills, workers, and communities," added Miller. U.S. lumber producers have invested billions of dollars and increased capacity by 9 billion board feet since 2016, producing and supplying over 30 billion board feet, cumulatively, of additional lumber into the U.S. supply chain. But the continued flow of unfairly traded Canadian softwood lumber into the U.S. market during a period of weak housing demand is driving down the U.S. softwood lumber industry's utilization rates and is endangering the advances that the United States has made in recent years towards becoming self-reliant in softwood lumber. "Anyone arguing against duties on unfairly traded Canadian lumber is in fact seeking to reverse the U.S. industry's efforts to become self-sufficient in softwood lumber," stated Zoltan van Heyningen, Executive Director of the U.S. Lumber Coalition. "Strong trade law enforcement is paramount to bringing about fair pricing for lumber to support future capacity increases, but also to keep existing capacity from being further curtailed." "We continue to support President Trump prioritizing the strong enforcement of U.S. trade laws against Canada, and we hope that he will take additional steps to accomplish his objective of making the United States fully self-reliant in softwood lumber," stated van Heyningen, concluding that "we reject the efforts of the National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB) to fight against President Trump's goal of U.S. softwood lumber self-reliance and the alignment of the NAHB with Canadian interests in advancing the cause of unfairly traded Canadian lumber imports." U.S. lumber community voices on how Canada's unfair trade practices harm American lumber mills: https://uslumbercoalition.org/video/canadas-unfair-trade-practices-harm-american-lumber-mills/ Enforcing U.S. trade laws helps increase the U.S. supply of lumber to build American homes, all without impacting the cost of a new home, as demonstrated by data from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and Fastmarkets Random Lengths. About the U.S. Lumber Coalition The U.S. Lumber Coalition is an alliance of large and small softwood lumber producers from around the country, joined by their employees and woodland owners, working to address Canada's unfair lumber trade practices. Our goal is to serve as the voice of the American lumber community and effectively address Canada's unfair softwood lumber trade practices. The Coalition supports the full enforcement of the U.S. trade laws to allow the U.S. industry to invest and grow to its natural size without being impaired by unfairly traded imports. Continued full enforcement of the U.S. trade laws will strengthen domestic supply lines by maximizing long-term domestic production and lumber availability produced by U.S. workers to build U.S. homes. For more information, please visit the Coalition's website at www.uslumbercoalition.org. CONTACT: Zoltan van Heyningen [email protected] | 202-805-9133 SOURCE The U.S. Lumber Coalition MAMARONECK, N.Y., July 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Young America Capital ("YAC"), a leading middle-market investment bank and FINRA-registered broker-dealer, is pleased to announce its role as exclusive financial advisor to Climber, a provider of AI-powered hotel revenue management software, in its acquisition by Revenue Analytics, a global pricing technology company. This strategic transaction expands the combined companies' ability to deliver advanced pricing solutions to hotels across Europe, Latin America, and worldwide. Ran Zfoni, Head of Israel and Europe Tech Investment Banking at YAC, led the transaction, providing cross-border strategic advisory services to Climber's shareholders and leadership. The successful closing highlights YAC's growing track record representing innovative technology companies in the global B2B and SaaS sectors. YAC advises Climber on acquisition by Revenue Analytics, expanding AI hotel pricing across Europe & LatAm. Post this "This acquisition reflects a clear trend in hospitality technology M&A toward intelligent automation and data-driven revenue strategies," said Ran Zfoni, Head of Israel and Europe Tech Investment Banking at Young America Capital. "We're proud to have supported Climber through a complex, multi-jurisdictional process that positions the combined organization for long-term success." Transaction Overview Climber, founded in Lisbon, Portugal, is known for its AI-driven revenue management platform integrated with major property management systems, helping hotels automate pricing decisions and forecast demand. By joining forces with Revenue Analytics, Climber's innovative technology will reach a broader network of independent hotels, regional chains, and global brands seeking to optimize revenue strategies in an increasingly dynamic market. Strategic Benefits Expands Revenue Analytics' footprint across key hospitality markets in Europe and Latin America , enhancing their hotel technology portfolio. and , enhancing their hotel technology portfolio. Strengthens support for independent hotels and regional operators, providing enterprise-level revenue optimization previously limited to major chains. Creates new opportunities for innovation in AI revenue management, dynamic pricing, and data analytics within the hospitality industry. Brings an exceptional team of hospitality pricing experts to the Revenue Analytics organization. About Young America Capital Young America Capital is a New York-based investment bank and member of FINRA/SIPC, specializing in mergers & acquisitions, institutional capital raising, and strategic advisory across technology, hospitality, real estate, consumer, and industrial markets. The firm's Israeli and European Tech Group, led by Ran Zfoni, partners with emerging technology companies seeking cross-border growth, capital solutions, and M&A opportunities. Forward-Looking Statements This release may contain forward-looking statements regarding the anticipated benefits of the transaction. These statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations. Young America Capital does not undertake to update forward-looking statements except as required by law. Media Contact Young America Capital Kelly Pack Young America Capital Phone: 914-777-0100 Email: [email protected] SOURCE Young America Capital Australian enterprises are facing a fundamental shift in how they handle personal information. Consumer data rights reforms are introducing comprehensive operational, legal, and technical responsibilities that extend across every aspect of business operations: from initial data collection to storage, internal team sharing, and external system integration. John Harding, general manager of managed services at Konica Minolta Australia, emphasises the critical nature of this shift: Organisations should treat data like any other regulated asset. Every time personal information enters a system, it must come with clear context: how it was collected; what purpose it serves; where it sits; and who has access. This level of visibility keeps data use consistent across departments and platforms. Businesses will struggle to meet even the most basic compliance requirements without it. Understanding data governance in the context of consumer rights Think of your business data as a treasure chest without proper management, its easy for it to be lost, damaged, or stolen. Data governance is like a treasure map, ensuring your data is safe, accurate, and used to its fullest potential. This means knowing whos responsible for what, like having the finance manager oversee financial data, ensuring consistency across your systems (e.g., customer names are always spelled correctly), and protecting sensitive data by controlling access. Beyond organisation, good governance helps you comply with evolving consumer data rights laws, safeguarding customer privacy and avoiding costly fines or security breaches. In essence, data governance treats your data as a valuable asset by setting clear policies, assigning roles, and adhering to legal requirements, your business can make smarter decisions, build trust, and run more efficiently. Key elements of modern data governance Policies : Establishing clear guidelines for data use and protection that align with consumer data rights requirements. : Establishing clear guidelines for data use and protection that align with consumer data rights requirements. Roles & Responsibilities : Defining who manages and uses data at every level of the organization. : Defining who manages and uses data at every level of the organization. Legal Compliance : Adhering to laws like the Privacy Act, Government Information (Public Access) Act, and emerging consumer data rights legislation. : Adhering to laws like the Privacy Act, Government Information (Public Access) Act, and emerging consumer data rights legislation. Operational Transparency: Ensuring every piece of personal information comes with clear context about its collection, purpose, location, and access permissions. The challenge of access and deletion requests One of the most immediate impacts of consumer data rights reforms is the requirement to handle access and deletion requests quickly and accurately. These requests often reveal where business systems fall short, requiring organizations to retrieve every piece of data linked to a customer across all platforms and formats. The scope of these requests is comprehensive, including traditional documents, forms, emails, drop files, and even hand-written information. Manual workarounds or disconnected systems create significant challenges, slowing response times and increasing the risk of missing critical information. Businesses must be able to locate and compile customer data from multiple sources instantly. This requirement exposes the weaknesses of fragmented data storage systems and highlights the need for integrated data management approaches that can track information across all touchpoints. As privacy laws evolve, SMEs must carefully manage not just personal data but also metadata, which includes timestamps, location data, and call logs. Although metadata may not always be personally identifiable, it can still raise privacy concerns and face legal scrutiny. The recent case of Grubb vs Telstra in the Federal Court of Australia highlighted the complexities of metadata classification. While the court ultimately ruled that metadata is not considered personal information under the Privacy Act 2003, the case demonstrates the evolving nature of data privacy interpretation and the need for businesses to stay current with legal developments. To navigate this evolving landscape, SMEs should understand the difference between personal data and metadata, ensure compliance with privacy laws like the Privacy Act 2003 and GDPR, implement strong data protection measures, obtain clear consent for data collection, be prepared to handle metadata requests, and stay updated on legal changes. John Harding emphasizes the importance of matching access control to user responsibilities: Access control must match the responsibilities of each user. For example, a team member managing service requests may need access to a customers email address, though not their payment history or full contact records. Granting broader access than required increases risk and makes it harder to track down issues when they occur. Role-based permissions limit exposure while keeping daily tasks efficient. Regular reviews maintain alignment with how people work across systems. This approach ensures that employees have access to the information they need to perform their roles effectively while minimizing exposure to sensitive data that isnt relevant to their responsibilities. Retention policies are under increasing pressure from consumer data rights reforms. Holding onto data after its no longer required increases both risk and storage costs. Businesses need systems that can identify stale data, apply expiration rules, and act on withdrawal of consent. Each of these steps must connect across systems to ensure the business doesnt miss a copy sitting in a shared drive or old archive. This comprehensive approach to data lifecycle management is essential for compliance and operational efficiency. The challenge extends beyond internal systems to third-party platforms. Businesses remain responsible for customer data even when it flows through a vendors system. Contract terms are only part of the solutionregular reviews of how vendors manage access, store information, and apply audit controls are critical. Asking for evidence of these controls and maintaining ongoing oversight of third-party data handling practices is essential for reducing risk and maintaining compliance. Read our 5-step implementation guide for SME data governance Essential tools for SME data governance and consumer rights compliance Based on the comprehensive requirements outlined above, SMEs should consider implementing tools that address multiple aspects of data governance and consumer rights compliance: Document and content management solutions Integrated document management systems that can track and categorise all forms of customer information Content lifecycle management tools for automated retention and deletion Search and discovery platforms capable of locating personal information across multiple formats Access control and security platforms Role-based access management systems that align with job functions and data sensitivity Identity and access management (IAM) solutions for comprehensive user authentication and authorisation Data loss prevention (DLP) tools to monitor and control data movement Compliance and audit systems Automated compliance monitoring platforms that track adherence to consumer data rights requirements Audit trail systems that maintain comprehensive logs of data access and modifications Request management tools specifically designed for handling consumer access and deletion requests Data integration and quality management Master data management (MDM) systems that create single sources of truth for customer information Data quality tools that ensure consistency and accuracy across all systems Integration platforms that connect disparate systems for comprehensive data governance Training and awareness solutions Learning management systems (LMS) for delivering role-specific data governance training Policy management platforms that ensure current procedures are accessible to all staff Awareness and testing tools that reinforce proper data handling practices Consumer data rights will continue expanding, representing a permanent shift in how personal information is treated across Australian enterprises. Businesses that act now, with practical and coordinated changes, will reduce complexity and build more trust in how they work. The integration of robust data governance practices with consumer rights compliance isnt just about meeting legal requirementsits about building sustainable business practices that support growth, innovation, and customer trust in an increasingly data-driven economy. Success requires viewing data governance not as a compliance burden but as a strategic advantage that enables better decision-making, improved customer relationships, and reduced operational risk. Organizations that embrace this perspective will be better positioned to thrive in Australias evolving regulatory landscape while building the foundation for long-term business success. Read NSW Data Governance Toolkit here Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. 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 Paris, July 2 : French President Emmanuel Macron and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed Iran's nuclear program and the Ukraine situation in their first phone conversation since 2022. On Iran, Macron emphasised that as permanent members of the UN Security Council, France and Russia share responsibilities under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), according to the Elysee Palace. He underscored the urgent need for Iran to comply with its obligations and cooperate fully with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) so that inspectors can resume their work without delay, Xinhua news agency reported. Nevertheless, Macron reaffirmed France's commitment to a diplomatic path toward a lasting and rigorous resolution of Iran's nuclear and missile activities, as well as its role in the region, the Elysee Palace said. The two leaders agreed to coordinate efforts and maintain further discussions on the matter, the Elysee Palace added. A statement issued by Kremlin on the conversation said that the presidents stressed the importance of respecting Iran's legitimate right to develop peaceful nuclear energy and continuing its commitments under the NPT, including cooperation with the IAEA. On Ukraine, the Elysee Palace said Macron reiterated France's unwavering support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. He urged the swift establishment of a ceasefire and the initiation of negotiations between Ukraine and Russia aimed at achieving a firm and lasting resolution to the conflict. Regarding the situation around Ukraine, Putin said that the Ukrainian conflict is "a direct consequence of Western policies," adding that such policies are now "prolonging hostilities" by supplying Ukraine with various modern weapons, according to Kremlin. On prospects for a peaceful settlement, Putin stressed comprehensive and long-term solutions that address the root causes of the Ukraine crisis and "take into account new territorial realities," Kremlin added. Houston, July 2 : US President Donald Trump urged Hamas to take a 60-day ceasefire deal, saying Israel has agreed to its necessary conditions. "I hope, for the good of the Middle East, that Hamas takes this Deal, because it will not get better -- IT WILL ONLY GET WORSE," Trump posted on Truth Social. "Israel has agreed to the necessary conditions to finalize the 60-Day CEASEFIRE, during which time we will work with all parties to end the War," Trump wrote. "My Representatives had a long and productive meeting with the Israelis today on Gaza," he said, adding that Qatar and Egypt will deliver the final proposal. According to a CNN report, the new proposal seeks to address some of Hamas' concerns, and Israeli hostages will be released in exchange for Palestinian prisoners during the ceasefire. Last week, Trump told reporters that "we think within the next week we're going to get a ceasefire" in Gaza, but did not provide further details at the time, Xinhua news agency reported. Earlier on Tuesday, Trump said he will meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House next Monday over Iran and Gaza. It will be the third time Netanyahu has visited the White House since Trump was sworn in for his second term in January. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Monday that ending the Israel-Hamas conflict is now a priority for Trump following Israel's strikes on Iran. Israel resumed its military campaign in Gaza on March 18, ending a two-month ceasefire. Since then, at least 6,089 Palestinians have been killed and 21,013 others injured, according to data released by Gaza's health authorities on Saturday. The death toll of Palestinians has risen to 56,412 since when Hamas-Israel conflict erupted in October 2023, with 133,054 others wounded. Washington, July 2 : Renewing their commitment to work together to fight terrorism, the Quad foreign ministers have demanded that all those responsible for the "reprehensible" Pahalgam attack be immediately brought to justice and countries concerned cooperate with the authorities. In a joint statement after their meeting on Tuesday, they said, "We call for the perpetrators, organisers, and financiers of this reprehensible act to be brought to justice without any delay and urge all UN Member States, in accordance with their obligations under international law and relevant UNSCRs (Security Council Resolutions), to cooperate actively with all relevant authorities in this regard." "The Quad unequivocally condemns all acts of terrorism and violent extremism in all its forms and manifestations, including cross-border terrorism, and renews our commitment to counterterrorism cooperation," the statement said. External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Foreign Ministers Penny Wong of Australia and Takeshi Iwaya of Japan representing the major democracies of the Indo-Pacific region met for their second ministerial meeting of the year. They said, "We condemn in the strongest terms the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, 2025, which claimed the lives of 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen, while injuring several others." The statement did not name any country while calling for bringing the perpetrators of the massacre to justice, but the nation was obvious because The Resistance Front, which carried out the attack, is an arm of the Lashkar-e-Taiba, which is sheltered by Pakistan. Before the ministers met, Jaishankar said, "India has every right to defend its people against terrorism, and we will exercise that right." "We expect our quad partners to understand and appreciate that," he emphasised. The top diplomats said they looked forward to the Quad summit to be hosted later this year by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which will be attended by US President Donald Trump and Prime Ministers Anthony Albanese of Australia and Shigeru Ishiba of Japan. The ministers said that they "plan to launch the Quad Ports of the Future Partnership in Mumbai this year." "To ensure the Quad's enduring impact," the ministers announced, "a new, ambitious, and strong agenda focused on four key areas" that will "sharpen the Quad's ability to leverage our resources to address the region's most pressing challenges." The four areas are maritime and transnational security, economic prosperity and security, critical and emerging technology, and humanitarian assistance and emergency response. While their joint statement repeatedly spoke of threats to countries in the region from the use of force and coercion by China, they did not name it. "We remain seriously concerned about the situation in the East China Sea and South China Sea," the statement said listing the various actions, including "unilateral actions that seek to change the status quo by force or coercion ... dangerous and provocative actions, including interference with offshore resource development, the repeated obstruction of the freedoms of navigation and overflight, and the dangerous maneuvers by military aircraft and coast guard and maritime militia vessels, especially the unsafe use of water cannons and ramming or blocking actions in the South China Sea." While China was not mentioned, it had carried out all those actions against the Philippines, Vietnam, and South Korea, and it has been involved in disputes with Malaysia over offshore oil drilling. "These actions threaten peace and stability in the region", they said. "We are seriously concerned by the militarisation of disputed features." The ministers expressed concern over the disruptions to the supply chain, particularly of critical minerals and said it was important to diversify supplies. They announced a concrete measure to deal with this problem: "We are launching today the Quad Critical Minerals Initiative, an ambitious expansion of our partnership to strengthen economic security and collective resilience by collaborating to secure and diversify critical minerals supply chains." To strengthen the Quad's ability to carry out relief in natural disasters -- a mission that gave initial shape to the group -- the ministers said they plan to host the first Quad Indo-Pacific Logistics Network field training exercise this year. It aims "to strengthen shared airlift capacity and leverage our collective logistics strengths to respond to natural disasters more rapidly and efficiently, providing support for regional partners," the statement said. They condemned North Korea's missile and nuclear weapons programmes and demanded that it follow United Nations Security Council resolutions and end them. They also expressed "grave concern over North Korea's malicious cyber activity, including cryptocurrency theft and use of workers abroad to fund North Korea's unlawful weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs." Pyongyang has sent its citizens to fight on behalf of Russia in Ukraine. Closer to home, the ministers said they were "deeply concerned by the worsening crisis in Myanmar and its impact on the region." They called on the military regime and all groups involved "to implement, extend and broaden ceasefire measures." New Delhi, July 2 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday embarked for Accra, Ghana, marking the first leg of his five-nation tour aimed at reinforcing India's global partnerships, with a focus on strengthening bonds across the Global South and both sides of the Atlantic. The tour includes visits to Ghana, Trinidad & Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia -- nations that PM Modi described as vital partners in India's evolving foreign policy architecture, spanning historical ties, cultural linkages, economic engagement, and multilateral cooperation. In his departure statement, PM Modi said, "At the invitation of President John Dramani Mahama, I will visit Ghana on July 2-3. Ghana is a valued partner in the Global South and plays an important role in the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States." He expressed anticipation about deepening bilateral cooperation in areas, including investment, energy, health, security, and development partnership. "As fellow democracies, it will be an honour to speak at the Parliament of Ghana," he said. The Prime Minister will then travel to Trinidad & Tobago from July 3-4, a country he said shares "deep-rooted historical, cultural and people-to-people connect" with India. "I will meet President Christine Carla Kangaloo, who was the Chief Guest at this year's Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, and Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, who has recently assumed office for the second term," he noted. Highlighting the longstanding diaspora bond, PM Modi recalled, "Indians first arrived in Trinidad and Tobago 180 years ago. This visit will provide an opportunity to rejuvenate the special bonds of ancestry and kinship that unite us." From Port of Spain, PM Modi will head to Buenos Aires, marking the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Argentina in 57 years. Calling Argentina "a key economic partner in Latin America and a close collaborator in the G20," he said, "I look forward to my discussions with President Javier Milei, whom I also had the pleasure of meeting last year. We will focus on advancing our mutually beneficial cooperation, including in the areas of agriculture, critical minerals, energy, trade, tourism, technology, and investment." Following Argentina, the Prime Minister will participate in the BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro on July 6-7. Emphasising India's foundational role in the bloc, he said, "As a founding member, India is committed to BRICS as a vital platform for cooperation among emerging economies. Together, we strive for a more peaceful, equitable, just, democratic and balanced multipolar world order." PM Modi also confirmed he will meet with several world leaders on the sidelines of the summit. The visit to Brazil will continue with a bilateral state visit to Brasilia, the first by an Indian Prime Minister in nearly six decades. "This visit will provide an opportunity to strengthen our close partnership with Brazil, and work with my friend, President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, on advancing the priorities of the Global South," he said. The final leg of PM Modi's tour will take him to Namibia, which he described as "a trusted partner with whom we share a common history of struggle against colonialism." The Prime Minister said he is looking forward to meeting President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and "charting a new roadmap for cooperation for the benefit of our peoples, our regions and the wider Global South." He will also address the Joint Session of the Namibian Parliament. In conclusion, PM Modi expressed optimism about the outcomes of his multi-nation tour, stating, "I am confident that my visits to the five countries will reinforce our bonds of friendship across the Global South, strengthen our partnerships on both sides of the Atlantic, and deepen engagements in the multilateral platforms such as BRICS, the African Union, ECOWAS and the CARICOM." Port Louis, July 2 : Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met with senior Mauritian leaders, including Pravind Jugnauth, former Prime Minister and Leader of the Mouvement Socialiste Militant (MSM) Party, to discuss avenues for enhancing the deep-rooted, people-centric relationship between India and Mauritius. Taking to social media platform X, the High Commission of India in Mauritius posted, "Foreign Secretary, Vikram Misri, met Pravind Jugnauth, former Prime Minister and Leader of Mouvement Socialiste Militant Party. Discussions covered the longstanding and special nature of India- Mauritius ties that are people-centric and enduring." The former Mauritian Prime Minister took to his social media after the meeting, stating, "Had a very good meeting with Foreign Secretary V. Misri. An opportunity to share our views on matters of mutual interest which will allow the Indo-Mauritian relationship to continue to flourish." Misri also paid a courtesy call on Dharambeer Gokhool, President of Mauritius, discussing various possibilities of furthering bilateral collaboration, including in areas of health, education, traditional medicine, and through community development projects. Earlier on Tuesday, during a meeting, both the Foreign Secretary and Prime Minister of Mauritius, Navinchandra Ramgoolam, reaffirmed the deep-rooted and special ties between India and Mauritius, and committed to strengthening the strategic partnership in line with the evolving priorities of the new government. The discussions also covered Vision MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security Across the Region) as a blueprint for deeper regional cooperation, India's resolve to further enhance its development partnership, and preparations for PM Ramgoolam's forthcoming visit to India. Additionally, the Deputy Prime Minister of Mauritius, Paul Raymond Berenger, reaffirmed his support to further advance and to strengthen the enduring bonds of friendship between India and Mauritius during his meeting with Misri. Furthermore, the Foreign Secretary called on Dhananjay Ramful, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade of Mauritius. The discussions covered ongoing and planned activities under India- Mauritius Joint Vision for an Enhanced Strategic Partnership and other areas of mutual interest. Misri arrived in Mauritius on Tuesday on a visit that aims at further strengthening the bilateral relationship, which is characterised by deep and abiding bonds based on common friendship, culture, and a shared civilizational heritage. "The visit highlights the regular high-level engagement between India and Mauritius and the importance India attaches to Mauritius as a key partner in our Neighbourhood First, Vision Sagar and MAHASAGAR, Africa Forward policies, and our commitment to the Global South", the High Commission of India in Mauritius posted on X. Bhopal, July 2 : A day after Hemant Khandelwal (60), former MP and sitting MLA from Betul, emerged as the sole nominee for the Madhya Pradesh BJP unit chief, an official announcement about his elevation to the post will be announced on Wednesday. A meeting of the 379-member electoral college from the state, including 163 MLAs, 29 MPs, district BJP presidents, and select office-bearers, is scheduled for Wednesday morning to make the official announcement. After the formal announcement, Khandelwal will take over as the state BJP president from his predecessor -- Khajuraho MP, V.D. Sharma, who served a five-and-a-half-year term as the state party president. After taking over charge from outgoing state BJP chief Sharma, a celebration and felicitation event will be organised at the BJP headquarters here, which will be attended by all 379 members of the electoral college and party workers from across Madhya Pradesh. Subsequently, V.D. Sharma will be given farewell for his successful tenure as MP BJP chief, under whose leadership, the party won the Assembly election in November-December 2023 and retained power despite huge anti-incumbency against the two decades of rule in the state. Sharma also became the first MP BJP chief under whose leadership the party managed to make a clean sweep, winning all 29 Lok Sabha seats in June 2024. In 2019, the BJP won 28 out of 29 Lok Sabha seats. The only seat it lost was Chhindwara, the bastion of Congress stalwart and former Chief Minister Kamal Nath. However, in 2024, the BJP wrested Chhindwara from Congress, following which, the BJP also won a bypoll in the Amarwara Assembly seat in July last year. Newly to be elevated state BJP president Khandelwal, known for maintaining a low profile, was selected by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav as the party's candidate for the state presidency. His nomination received support from several BJP leaders, including former Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Union Ministers Jyotiraditya Scindia and Virendra Kumar Khatik, outgoing state BJP chief V.D. Sharma, and Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla. Notably, two senior BJP leaders -- State Urban Development Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya and former State Home Minister Narottam Mishra, who were the other strong contenders for the post, were absent during the nomination process on Tuesday, sources in the BJP told IANS. Khandelwal's single nomination hints at CM Yadavas growing control over party decisions in the state and may reflect efforts to consolidate power or prepare for upcoming political challenges. Khandelwal, 60, initially entered politics through a 2007 bypoll following the death of his father, veteran BJP MP Vijay Kumar Khandelwal. His father had served as Lok Sabha MP for four terms. He transitioned to state politics, served as MLA in 2013 and was again elected in 2023. Despite losing in 2018, he maintained a low-profile, consensus-building image backed by both the RSS and party leadership. Chennai, July 2 : The ruling DMK government in Tamil Nadu is grappling with growing public outrage following the alleged custodial death of a 28-year-old youth, Ajith Kumar, in Sivaganga district. The incident has triggered a political storm and placed Chief Minister M.K. Stalin's administration on the defensive, just as the party gears up for the crucial 2026 Assembly elections, where it is aiming to secure at least 200 of the 234 seats. Ajith Kumar, a security staff member at the Madapuram Bhathrakali Amman temple, was picked up for inquiry on June 27 in connection with the theft of 9.5 sovereigns of gold. Initially questioned by the Tiruppuvanam police, he was later allegedly detained by a six-member special team, which brutally assaulted him. He reportedly collapsed and died en route to the hospital. The incident has sparked widespread criticism of police high-handedness. Chief Minister Stalin, who also holds the Home portfolio, personally called Ajith Kumar's mother and issued a public apology to her. He announced the transfer of the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in a bid to assuage public anger and contain the damage. However, the Madras High Court has taken serious note of the incident. A division bench comprising Justices S.M. Subramaniam and A.D. Jagadish Chandira came down heavily on the state police, likening the custodial death to a "police-organised crime". The bench questioned why a special police team conducted an inquiry and assaulted the youth even before an FIR was filed. "It seems like a situation where the government is killing its own citizens," the court observed, warning that any attempt to cover up the truth would invite judicial intervention. The court has directed the fourth Additional District Judge of Madurai, S. John Sundarlal Suresh, to conduct a detailed inquiry and submit a report by July 8. It also ordered the Sivaganga Superintendent of Police and investigating officer to hand over all evidence, including CCTV footage and call data records, to the inquiry judge. The government has been asked to ensure protection for eyewitnesses. Since May 2021, when the DMK assumed power, 25 people have reportedly died in police custody, raising serious concerns about systemic police brutality. C. Rajeev, Director of the Centre for Policy and Development Studies, noted, "The DMK was riding high politically, but this incident has put the party and Stalin himself on the back foot." With the BJP aligning with the AIADMK and public scrutiny mounting, the political fallout of this custodial death could weigh heavily on the DMK in the run-up to the 2026 polls. As part of the Economic Cooperation Organizations (ECO) Womens Forum held in Lachin, a panel session titled Womens role in human development for climate resilience took place, moderated by Vladanka Andreeva, the UN Resident Coordinator in Azerbaijan, Azernews reports. During the session, Leman Yenigun, Deputy Minister of Family and Social Services of Turkiye, highlighted her countrys climate change strategy, which was presented at COP29. She emphasized Turkiyes efforts to increase womens representation in the green energy sector under the patronage of Turkiyes First Lady, Emine Erdo?an. We are committed to empowering women in renewable energy initiatives, Yenigun stated. Juldiz Suleymanova, member of Kazakhstans parliament and the National Commission on Women and Family Demographic Policy, spoke about Kazakhstans contributions to climate change mitigation under the Paris Agreement. She noted that the country is developing a strategy to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060, including new educational programs aimed at training specialists across various sectors of the energy and oil industries. Elnur Nasibov, Chairman of Azerbaijans Education Development Foundation, stressed the importance Azerbaijan places on promoting gender equality. He noted close cooperation between the Ministry of Science and Education and the State Committee on Family, Women, and Childrens Issues. Currently, 60% of students in Azerbaijan are girls, with 36% of them enrolled in vocational education. Our goal is to increase this number to 40%. Additionally, 61% of education loans are utilized by female students, Nasibov highlighted. Professor Mehmet Akif Kirecci, President of the ECO Educational Institute, acknowledged the organizations substantial investments in education but pointed out ongoing challenges. Women make up 94% of participants in secondary and other education levels, yet globally, 136 million young girls remain out of school. We must also invest in families, he said. Mihaela Ionescu, representative of the United Nations Womens Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia, praised the professional conduct of last years COP29 and marked this years anniversary of the Beijing Platform for Action. This is a critically important document. When funds are allocated to women, the entire economy benefits, she remarked. Farej Huseynbayov, Senior Project Specialist of the Asian Development Banks Azerbaijan Office, emphasized the banks ongoing commitment to womens empowerment through various targeted programs and projects aimed at supporting female development. The panel session concluded with active discussions among participants. 2,000 Musang King durians sell out in 12 hours at just $6/kg in Malaysia Nearly three tonnes of Musang King durians, around 2,000 fruits, were snapped up within just 12 hours during a government-backed sale event in Malaysia. "From 10am to 10pm yesterday alone (last Friday), we managed to sell almost three tonnes of durian," Durian trader Mohd Hairul Mohd Aziz, 43, from Batu Pahat, told Bernama. Trader Mohd Hairul Mohd Aziz said that the fruits, which were of the premium variety Musang King, were sold at an affordable price range, starting from MYR25 (US$6) per kilogram at most, compared to the market price of MYR40. The price tag played a key role in speeding up the sale, he added. Malaysias Agriculture and Food Security Ministry, also Friday, launched the "Eat Local Fruits" campaign to boost consumption of domestic agriculture produce. Its minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu hailed the campaign as a well-timed effort to highlight Malaysias agricultural products. "Malaysian durians are among the best in the world. If events like this are organised more often, locals can enjoy premium durians that are usually exported." Malaysias has over 200 registered varieties of durians. Musang King has long dominated the market as the countrys prized export and is well-protected as a Malaysian intellectual property. The country exported over 27,000 tonnes of durian in 2023, generating $44.49 million in export revenue, figures from global trade data provider TradeImeX shows. Its export volume surged last year after it secured an agreement with Beijing to allow the export of fresh durians to China, which had previously been limited to frozen ones. California, July 2 : A fireworks facility in the Yolo County town of Esparto, California, has exploded and caught fire, prompting widespread panic, road closures, and emergency response operations. The blast, which some residents initially mistook for a plane crash on Tuesday evening (local time), led to significant power outages and sent a massive plume of black smoke soaring into the sky, visible for miles around, including parts of northern Solano County, according to local media reports. Emergency crews rushed to the scene just before 6 PM after a fire erupted along County Road 23. According to Cal Fire, the explosion occurred at a fireworks storage and handling facility, igniting flames that quickly spread and raised concerns about possible secondary explosions and vegetation fires. Videos and photos shared across social media captured the chaotic aftermath, showing thick, dark smoke billowing from the structure and spreading rapidly over the area. Eyewitnesses reported hearing loud booms and experiencing brief but widespread power failures in nearby neighbourhoods. The Yolo County Office of Emergency Services confirmed the involvement of a fireworks facility and said it had received numerous reports of multiple explosions from locals. The cause of the blast remains unknown as an official investigation is currently underway. "Firefighters are assisting Yolo County at scene of a commercial fire into the vegetation near the Hwy 16 / Oakdale Ranch LN, Esparto. CAL FIRE has sent Air and Ground resources to assist with this incident," Cal Fire LNU stated in a post on X. While authorities have yet to determine the cause of the explosion, officials have not confirmed any injuries as of now. The affected area remains under close watch as emergency teams continue to monitor for flare-ups and assess the extent of the damage. Multiple streets surrounding the site were shut down to ensure public safety and allow unhindered movement for firefighting units and first responders. People were advised to stay away from the affected area. New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi departs from New Delhi for a five-nation official visit to Ghana, Trinidad & Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia, Wednesday, July 02, 2025.. Image Source: IANS/PMO New Delhi, July 2 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to embark on a significant five-nation tour beginning on Wednesday, marking a major diplomatic engagement aimed at strengthening India's global partnerships across Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean. New Delhi, July 2 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to embark on a significant five-nation tour beginning on Wednesday, marking a major diplomatic engagement aimed at strengthening Indiaas global partnerships across Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean. This eight-day tour will take the Prime Minister to Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia, with his first stop in Ghana, a country that no Indian Prime Minister has visited in the past three decades. PM Modi's visit to Ghana from July 2 to 3 marks his first-ever trip to the West African nation. Furthermore, this visit also marks the first by an Indian prime minister in 30 years. During his time in Accra, PM Modi will be received with full ceremonial honours at Kotoka International Airport at 8:00 p.m. IST. He will then proceed to Jubilee House for a series of bilateral engagements with President John Dramani Mahama, including high-level talks and a joint press statement. A state dinner hosted by President Mahama will conclude the dayas official schedule. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the two sides are expected to review their robust bilateral relations and explore new opportunities for deepening cooperation in economic, energy, defence, and development sectors. India and Ghana share longstanding ties, with India playing a key role in supporting Ghana's development through capacity building and investment. Following his engagements in Ghana, Prime Minister Modi will travel to Trinidad and Tobago in the Caribbean, followed by a visit to Argentina. From there, he will head to Brazil to participate in the 17th BRICS Summit in 2025, and finally conclude his tour in Namibia. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Washington, July 2 : The US-India COMPACT, a multifaceted programme for cooperation between the two countries, was the centrepiece of the meeting between External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, according to State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce. "The Secretary affirmed the strength of the US-India relationship, highlighting implementation of the US-India COMPACT, which will enhance our two nations' collaboration on trade, defence, energy, countering illegal immigration, counternarcotics, and more," she said. Jaishankar posted on X that they "discussed our bilateral partnership, including trade, security, critical technologies, connectivity, energy, and mobility" and "shared perspectives on regional and global developments." Earlier, they had both participated in the Quad ministerial meeting with Foreign Ministers Penny Wong of Australia and Iwaya Takeshi of Japan. Jaishankar also met with US Energy Secretary Chris Wright and said on X that they discussed "the energy transformation underway in India and opportunities for a deeper India-US energy partnership." The US-India COMPACT promotes a US-India Energy Security Partnership, including in oil, gas, and civil nuclear energy. It supports increasing the production of hydrocarbons to lower energy prices. Jaishankar also held bilateral meetings with Wong and Iwaya. The US-India COMPACT, which stands for Catalysing Opportunities for Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce and Technology, was launched in February when Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited US President Donald Trump in Washington. The White House said the compact's goals "are to drive transformative change across key pillars of cooperation and commit to a results-driven agenda with initial outcomes this year to demonstrate the level of trust for a mutually beneficial partnership." Under the compact, a new ten-year Framework for the US-India Major Defense Partnership in the 21st Century is planned. On the trade front, its goal is "Mission 500," a plan to increase bilateral trade $500 billion by 2030. It also includes collaboration in space and artificial intelligence. New Delhi, July 2 : Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha announced on Wednesday that over 4,000 devotees have begun their journey from Jammu for the Amarnath Yatra. He flagged off the first group of pilgrims from Jammu. ""More than four thousand devotees of Lord Bhole Nath have set out today in the first batch for Baba Barfani's darshan," said L-G Sinha. With chants of "Bam Bam Bhole" ringing through the air, the spiritual journey to the sacred Amarnath cave has officially begun. Pilgrims gathered in large numbers at the base camp, filled with emotion and enthusiasm. "Everything feels great, and I am very happy to be going with the first batch. There is no fear or worry because we have our Army and our leaders with us," said one devotee. Another added, "There is great excitement among the first batch of pilgrims, and I want to tell all devotees to come at least once for darshan of Baba Amarnath." The annual pilgrimage, a major spiritual event in the Hindu calendar, will see lakhs of devotees trek to the high-altitude cave shrine in the Himalayas over the coming weeks. This year's yatra began with heightened preparations by the administration, ensuring a safe and seamless journey for all participants. L-G Sinha commended the efforts of the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board, the administration, and the security forces. "The Jammu and Kashmir administration, local residents, and the Shrine Board have made excellent arrangements for the Yatra. Jammu and Kashmir Police and security forces have ensured strict security measures," he said. Along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, particularly near Ramban, security has been ramped up. The area has seen the deployment of additional forces, surveillance systems, and checkpoints. Only verified vehicles are being allowed to pass through key points to ensure the safety of pilgrims. Meanwhile, facilities including medical aid, sanitation, food distribution, and emergency response systems have been arranged along the route. The Shri Amarnath Shrine Board has worked closely with multiple agencies to monitor crowd flow and weather patterns, ensuring the safety and comfort of pilgrims throughout the yatra. Athens, July 2 : A 19-year-old Pakistani national was arrested in Greece on charges of providing accommodation to three illegal migrants. The arrest was made during a police operation in Sykies, Thessaloniki, according to local media reports. The Greek media outlet Newsbeast reported that the migrants identified as one Afghan and two Eritrean nationals, believed to have entered Greece illegally after each paid $3,000, in a smuggling network operating in Turkey. According to the local police statement, the investigation revealed that the migrants were without travel documents and their final destination was Athens. The accused reportedly has been taken to the prosecutor of the first instance in connection with the charges filed against him. Since 2015, Greece has been a major gateway into the European Union (EU) for migrants and refugees, with over one million arrivals recorded. They usually travel via the ocean route and sometimes lose their lives to accidents. Last year in December, Xinhua news agency reported that four Pakistani nationals were killed in a boat capsizing incident off the island of Crete in southern Greece, as confirmed by Pakistan's Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch. "We announce with deep sorrow that, as per the latest information shared by the Greek authorities, four Pakistani nationals have been identified among the dead in Saturday's incidents of capsized boats in the south of Crete Island of Greece," Baloch said Furthermore, in 2023, more than 300 Pakistani nationals were killed in the capsizing of a packed trawler off the coast of Greece, which exposed the refugee crisis confronting the EU as tens of thousands seek sanctuary from war, persecution, and poverty. In November 2024, the data released by the European Border and Coast Guard Agency Frontex, showed a continued rise in migration flows through the Eastern Mediterranean this year, with a 14-per-cent increase in the first 10 months compared to the same period in 2023. From January to November 2024, approximately 55,000 arrivals were recorded in Greek waters. Chennai, July 2 : If sources in the industry are to be believed, actor Simbu will be sporting not one but two looks in director Vetrimaran's upcoming film that will be set in the world of his cult classic 'Vada Chennai'. It may be recalled that director Vetrimaran, a couple of days ago, had put an end to all the speculation surrounding the second part of his eagerly-awaited film 'Vada Chennai'. Vetri Maran had said that his next film would feature Simbu in the lead but that this would not be Vada Chennai 2 as was being speculated in some sections of the media. He made it clear that however, the story of this film would be set in the world of Vada Chennai. In an interview to his own YouTube channel, Vetrimaran had said, "My next film is to be produced by Kalaipuli S Thanu and will feature Simbu in the lead." Dismissing the speculation that this film with Simbu was Vada Chennai 2, Vetri Maran said, "There is a lot of speculation if this will be Vada Chennai 2. I want to clear that speculation as well. This is not Vada Chennai 2. What Dhanush acts in will be Vada Chennai 2. However, this story will also be set in the world of Vada Chennai, which means certain aspects of that world will be there in this story as well. This story will also be in a similar timeline." Now, sources in the industry say that Simbu will sport one one but two looks in the film. They claim that apart from a look that will make him look his age, Simbu will also sport a younger look. Sources claim that a shoot took place a couple of weeks ago with Simbu sporting his normal look. They say that another shoot is scheduled to take place with Simbu sporting a younger look. Both shoots are for an announcement video that is to release next week. -- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed Seoul, July 2 : A special prosecutor investigating South Korean former President Yoon Suk Yeol's failed bid to impose martial law on Wednesday summoned former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo and Industry Minister Ahn Duk-geun, in a widening probe against then Cabinet members on the night of martial law imposition. Special counsel Cho Eun-suk has been checking whether Yoon abused his power or some Cabinet ministers cooperated with the botched martial law bid on December 3 last year, when the ousted president imposed martial law. Both Han and Ahn appeared for questioning earlier in the day, but they declined to comment to reporters upon entering the special counsel's office, Yonhap news agency reported. Cho's team has been probing into allegations that another document on martial law declaration was written shortly after Yoon declared martial law. Han reportedly signed the document drafted by Kang Eui-gu, former secretary at the presidential office, but later requested it to be discarded. The questioning came as Yoon's lawyers said the former president will appear for the special counsel team's second round of questioning on Saturday. Yoon has accepted special counsel Cho Eun-suk's summons to appear at his office at 9 a.m. Saturday after withdrawing an earlier request to change the time to 10 a.m., the lawyers said. New Delhi, July 2 : The Quad Foreign Ministers have reaffirmed their steadfast commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific, and opposed any unilateral actions that seek to change the status quo by force or coercion. "We underscore our commitment to defending the rule of law, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. As four leading maritime nations in the Indo-Pacific, we are united in our conviction that peace and stability in the maritime domain underpin the security and prosperity of the region. We are committed to a region where all countries are free from coercion and strongly oppose any unilateral actions that seek to change the status quo by force or coercion," read a joint statement issued from the Quad Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Washington on Wednesday. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Indian External Affaris Minister S. Jaishankar, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, and Japense Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya met in Washington on Tuesday (US time) discussing the opportunities and challenges in the Indo-Pacific and how to further harness the strengths and resources of the Quad to advance peace, security, and prosperity, working with the regional partners. "To ensure the Quad's enduring impact, we are pleased to announce today a new, ambitious, and strong agenda focused on four key areas: maritime and transnational security, economic prosperity and security, critical and emerging technology, and humanitarian assistance and emergency response. Through this renewed focus, we will sharpen the Quad's ability to leverage our resources to address the region's most pressing challenges," the statement added. As Quad grouping advanced their shared objectives for the region, the statement mentioned that "the cooperation with and support for ASEAN and its centrality and unity, the Pacific Islands Forum and Pacific-led regional groupings, and the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) remain unwavering." Their joint statement also spoke of threats to countries in the region from the use of force and coercion by China, but they did not name it. "We remain seriously concerned about the situation in the East China Sea and South China Sea. We reiterate our strong opposition to any unilateral actions that seek to change the status quo by force or coercion. We express our serious concerns regarding dangerous and provocative actions, including interference with offshore resource development, the repeated obstruction of the freedoms of navigation and overflight, and the dangerous maneuvers by military aircraft and coast guard and maritime militia vessels, especially the unsafe use of water cannons and ramming or blocking actions in the South China Sea," the statement mentioned. While China was not mentioned, it had carried out all those actions against the Philippines, Vietnam, and South Korea, and it has been involved in disputes with Malaysia over offshore oil drilling. The Quad Foreign Ministers stated that such actions threaten peace and stability in the region and also expressed serious concern about the militarisation of disputed features. "We emphasise the importance of upholding freedom of navigation and overflight, other lawful uses of the sea, and unimpeded commerce consistent with international law, as reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). We affirm that maritime disputes must be resolved peacefully and in accordance with international law, and reiterate that the award rendered by the Arbitral Tribunal on July 12, 2016, is a significant milestone and the basis for peacefully resolving disputes between the parties," they stated. The Foreign Ministers announced key initiatives that the Quad is advancing to strengthen maritime and transnational security, economic prosperity and security, critical and emerging technology, and support humanitarian assistance and emergency response across the Indo-Pacific. To strengthen the Quad's ability to carry out relief in natural disasters, the ministers said they plan to host the first Quad Indo-Pacific Logistics Network field training exercise this year to strengthen shared airlift capacity and leverage their collective logistics strengths to respond to natural disasters more rapidly and efficiently, providing support for regional partners. As the Quad continues to evolve, the statement mentioned that the four democracies remain committed to deepening their cooperation in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific and ensuring the cooperation has an enduring impact on the region's top challenges and opportunities in the 21st century. New Delhi, July 1 : Automated Weather Stations and Doppler radars are boosting real-time weather predictions in India, said Union Earth Sciences Minister Dr Jitendra Singh. Speaking to the media, Singh affirmed that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Mission Mausam, India's weather forecasting system is being "substantially augmented to be of the global best standards". "AWS and Doppler radars are being added to boost real-time weather prediction," the Minister said. "While cloudbursts are sudden and difficult to forecast due to their nature, our system is improving with targeted forecasts like Long Range (30 days), Short Range (3 days), and Nowcast (3 hours)," he added. Singh noted that the forecast system in the country is so accurate that people in heavy monsoon-prone places like Mumbai tend to look at the IMD WhatsApp on their mobile phones before deciding whether to carry an umbrella or not when they move out of their house. He also informed about dedicated weather forecast apps for farmers and agriculturists, adding that "Our weather forecast inputs are also being availed by neighbouring countries which confirms their reliability". However, the damage occurring after heavy rainfall or flash floods may sometimes vary depending on the local factors determining the vulnerability of the place or habitat affected, Singh said. Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Tuesday said very heavy rainfall is expected in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan over some of the next six to seven days. It said the monsoon will remain active in many parts of northwest, central, and east India during this period. During an online press briefing, IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said that good rainfall is also expected in Uttarakhand and Haryana. "This region includes several cities and towns, including Delhi. Many south-flowing rivers originate in Uttarakhand. We must take precautions for all these river catchments, cities, and towns," Mohapatra said. Hyderabad, July 2 : Search for 13 missing workers following the blast at a pharmaceutical unit at Pashamyalaram near Hyderabad continued on Wednesday. More than 48 hours after the blast at Sigachi Industries Pvt. Ltd., which claimed the lives of 36 workers, the rescue teams continued clearing debris. According to officials, 13 workers were still missing, and it is feared that they were trapped under the debris of the three-storey building, which collapsed under the impact of the blast. The search teams have deployed huge cranes and JCBs to clear the debris at the blast site in Pashamylaram industrial area in Sangareddy district, about 50 km from Hyderabad. Heavy rain in the area on Tuesday night hampered the search operation. The rescue workers resumed the operation on Wednesday morning. Personnel of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) and police were engaged in the search operation. The factory was rocked by a blast on Monday morning. According to officials, 143 individuals were at the factory at the time of the explosion in the Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC) drying unit. Officials have confirmed the death of 36 workers, while 34 injured workers were undergoing treatment at various hospitals. The condition of some of them remained critical. Officials said 60 people have been accounted for, while 13 are still reported missing. Only four of the deceased have been identified. As other victims were charred beyond recognition, the authorities continued collecting DNA samples for their identification. Doctors at the Government Area Hospital in Patancheru conducted DNA tests on 20 bodies. The DNA samples are being collected and stored. The DNA samples are being sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) for profiling and comparison with reference samples from family members to confirm identities. If the DNA matches are confirmed with their relatives, the bodies will be handed over to them. The majority of the victims were migrant workers from states like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Odisha. Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, who visited the accident site on Tuesday, announced compensation of Rs one crore each to the families of the deceased. Authorities handed over Rs one lakh cash as immediate assistance to the families of 11 victims. The Chief Minister also announced Rs 10 lakh each for those with critical injuries and Rs 5 lakh each for other injured. Families of all the injured were also given Rs 50,000 each as immediate assistance. On a complaint filed by a relative of one of the victims, police registered a case against Sigachi Industries in connection with the blast. Durian prices have plummeted to VND30,000 (US$1.15) per kilogram at the farm gate in the Mekong Delta but the expenses for tending the trees remain high as ever. Nguyen Thanh Binh, who has grown durians for nearly 20 years on a 3,000-square-meter plot in Tien Giang Provinces Cai Lay District, said he recently sold nine tons of Ri6 and Monthong durians at that price to earn profits of VND30 million. "Prices are at a record low and the profit was barely worth a years work." But he spends about VND1 million a week on nutrients for the trees after a harvest and double that to treat fruits and leaves during the flowering period. "If I stop spending on care, the trees may weaken or die, and I will lose everything," he said. The average cost of tending durian is VND28,000-38,000 per kilogram, he added. Durian being harvested at Tien Giang Provinces Cai Lay District in the Mekong Delta. Photo by VnExpress/Hoang Nam Some 50 kilometers away from Binhs orchard is Luong Nhu Ys 5,000-square-meter farm in Dong Thap Provinces My Long Commune. Y said he has spent over VND500 million on his trees, which took seven years to bear fruit. He only broke even three years ago and has since earned a total of VND60 million. Each harvest racks up hundreds of millions of dong in costs, he said. "I cannot abandon my orchard, but maintaining [the current level of] spending puts me at risk of greater losses." According to Dr. Le Quoc Dien, former director of the Southern Fruit Research Institutes Center for Science and Technology Transfer, durian trees only start bearing fruit after five years. The techniques to maintain them are also very specific, from pruning and shaping the canopy to managing nutrients and inducing flowering, he noted. Each tree should be kept under five meters and 18 branches, should ideally carry around 80 fruits and have a specific ratio of mature to young leaves. Using fertilizers inappropriately could result in low-quality fruits and damage to the trees, he said. Durian trees do not grow well when planted alongside short-term crops due to their high nutrient requirements, and so are referred to as the "royal tree" or the "rich mans crop." Dien said it costs VND1-3 billion per hectare (10,000 square meters) during the first five years to grow durian. After the trees start bearing fruit, a hectare requires around VND500 million worth of fertilizers, pesticides and labor annually, he said. "The long wait and huge upfront costs can easily push durian farmers into poverty. Some are forced to sell their orchards before trees can even bear fruit because they run out of money." Monthong durians at an orchard in the Mekong Delta province of Tien Giang. Photo by VnExpress/ Hoang Nam Vietnam had over 178,000 ha under the fruit in 2024, a fivefold increase from 32,000 in 2015. The Mekong Delta accounted for 35,000 ha, with nearly 70% of that in Tien Giang alone. The country produces more than 1.5 million tons of the fruit annually. Its prices are currently just a third from a year ago mainly due to Chinas stricter import standards, which now require testing for auramine O, a carcinogen. Vietnam exported $3.3 billion worth of the fruit in 2024, with 97% going to China. But shipments fell by 69% year-on-year in the first two months of this year to $52.7 million, with exports to China declining by 83%. Durian, once the top fruit export, trailed dragon fruit and banana. Le Chi Thien, director of the Dong Thap Department of Agriculture and Environment, said local authorities are providing technical training for farmers to help them improve fruit quality, reduce chemical residues and find solutions to cut costs and stay afloat amid the falling prices. Houston, July 2 : The Trump administration has halted part of military aid to Ukraine following a review of US own stockpiles, the White House and Pentagon confirmed. "This decision was made to put America's interests first following a review of our nation's military support and assistance to other countries across the globe," White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said in a statement. The move came amid concerns about US military stockpiles falling too low, multiple US media outlets reported, citing informative sources. Last month US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth issued a memo ordering a review of the US stockpile of munitions, in the aftermath of three years of aid to Ukraine, recent strikes on Yemen's Houthi group and Iran, Xinhua news agency reported. The review determined that stocks were too low on some weapons previously pledged, according to media reports. Elbridge Colby, the Defense Department undersecretary for policy, said the Pentagon will continue "to provide the president with robust options to continue military aid to Ukraine, consistent with his goal of bringing this tragic war to an end." "At the same time, the department is rigorously examining and adapting its approach to achieving this objective while also preserving US forces' readiness for Administration defense priorities," Colby said in a statement. After meeting with Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky during the NATO summit at The Hague last week, US President Donald Trump told reporters that Ukraine is eager to get the Patriot air defence missiles from the United States. "They do want to have the anti-missile missiles, OK, as they call them, the Patriots," Trump said then. "And we're going to see if we can make some available. We need them, too." "We're supplying them to Israel, and they're very effective, 100 per cent effective. Hard to believe how effective. They do want that more than any other thing," he said. Some analysts suggest it is a signal that the Trump administration may further reduce aid to Ukraine. Hegseth skipped a meeting last month of an international group to coordinate military aid to Ukraine. It is the first time the US defence secretary was not in attendance. The United States has provided Ukraine with more than $66 billion worth of weapons and military assistance since the Russia-Ukraine conflict broke out in February 2022, according to a report. Kolkata, July 2 : Monojit Mishra, one of the prime accused in Kolkata law college rape, was appointed as a temporary staff of the same college flouting the basic norm, sources said. The sources said that when the proposal for Mishra's appointment, also a former student of the same college, was placed before the governing body members a couple of months ago, only four of the eight governing body members voted in favour of clearing that appointment. However, as pointed out by the institution's sources, the norm is that temporary appointments need clearance by a two-thirds majority of governing body members. The sources further said that four of the eight governing body members were against Mishra's appointment, considering his criminal antecedents, including hooliganism, causing serious injuries and sexual harassment within the college premises. However, despite that, his appointment was cleared following insistence from an influential member of the governing body, whom Mishra reportedly addressed as "uncle", the sources added. Amid the rape controversies, the college authorities have already decided to terminate the contractual appointment of Mishra and have also decided that he would have to return the wages that he received during the interim period. Two other accused in the case, Jaib Ahmed and Pramit Mukhopadhyay, both current students of the law college, have been expelled from the institution. However, the leaders of the opposition parties have already started raising the question of how Mishra's appointment was cleared in the first place, ignoring his criminal antecedents. BJP's Information Technology Cell chief Amit Malviya has already issued a statement on the matter over the termination of services of Mishra and the expulsion of Ahmed and Mukhopadhyay from the college. Malviya claimed that the question now is who in the governing body of the college, with Trinamool Congress legislator Ashok Kumar Deb as the president and vice-principal as the secretary, cleared Mishra's appointment and who protected him for so long? "This isn't an isolated lapse. Women in the college have long faced harassment, abuse, and even attempted murders. Yet Monojit Mishra remained in the system, shielded by those in power. Now, after public outrage, they want to wash their hands off? This is not accountability. This is complicity. Ashok Deb, Nayna Chatterji, and every member who facilitated or shielded Monojit Mishra must resign. They must be booked for aiding, abetting, and protecting an accused rapist," Amit Malviya added. Lucknow, July 2 : The residents of Kushinagar district in Uttar Pradesh woke up to a horrifying sight of alleged cold-blooded murder on Wednesday morning. Two youths -- a boy and a girl -- were found hanging from a tree in Parsona village, leaving the residents shell-shocked. Initial reports suggest that the duo were allegedly killed and then hanged from a tree. The dead bodies, found under mysterious circumstances, had injury marks and also blood stains. According to eyewitnesses, the girl had injury marks on her head while the boyas pants were smeared with blood. Police have taken the bodies into custody, and a postmortem is being done to ascertain the actual cause of the death. The gruesome incident took place in Parsona village of the Tamkuhiraj area of Kushinagar. Villagers spotted the two bodies hanging in a sugarcane farm on Wednesday morning and reported the matter to the police. The girl had gone missing on Tuesday morning, while the youth had also been reported missing since last evening. The deceased have been identified as Rahul Nishad (20) and Ashu (18). Rahul was a class Xth passout and was working as a labourer, while Ashu was studying in Class VIIIth. The duo was believed to be engaged in a love affair, which also created hostility among their families as both belonged to different castes. On some occasions, the village panchayat was also called to address the feud between two families over an affair between their children. The ghastly incident has sent shockwaves in the village as locals believe that the duo were brutally murdered and then hanged from the tree. Rahulas sister has claimed that he was killed by Ashuas brothers because they never approved of their relationship. Meanwhile, police have begun an investigation into the case and are questioning their families and relatives to gather details. CO Kundan Singh told the press that the police received information about two bodies hanging from a tree at around 5 a.m. He further said that all matters are being looked into, and suspects are being rounded up for further investigation. Bengaluru, July 2 : The Karnataka Police have registered an FIR against three men for allegedly provoking their female companions to file a false complaint against on-duty police officers after being caught for drunk driving, police said on Wednesday. The FIR was filed by the Ashoknagar Police in Bengaluru. The accused have been identified as Varun, Sharan, and Niranjan. Videos of the accused arguing with the police, raising their voices, questioning the officersa actions, and asking them to remove their masks have surfaced and gone viral on social media. In the footage, the police are also seen pushing the accused into a vehicle and questioning bystanders about why they did not assist the police during the incident. They have been booked under IPC Sections 132 (assault or use of criminal force to deter a public servant from discharge of duty), 351(1) and 351(2) (criminal intimidation), 221 (intentional obstruction of a public servant in discharge of official duties), 352 (intentional insult to provoke breach of peace), and 3(5) (common intention in a criminal act). The complaint was lodged by Police Sub-Inspector (PSI) Ravi, attached to the Ashoknagar Traffic Police Station. According to the FIR, the incident took place during a drunk driving check carried out by PSI Ravi and his team at Cash Pharmacy Junction in Bengaluru on the intervening night of June 29 and June 30. At around 1 a.m., the three accused, accompanied by two women, arrived in a car bearing registration number KA 03 NR 4950. The driver, identified as V. Sharan, was found to be driving under the influence of alcohol. Both passive and active tests confirmed that another occupant, Varun, had also consumed alcohol. A police notice was issued to him. While the officers were in the process of seizing the vehicle, Varun and Niranjan exited the car and began accusing the police of making inappropriate remarks about the women in the vehicle, the FIR states. The accused allegedly began filming the incident on their mobile phones while verbally abusing the officers on duty. The Ashoknagar crime police personnel were called to the scene. Even after their arrival, the accused reportedly used vulgar language, obstructed the police in the execution of their duties, and physically pushed some of the officers. The FIR further states that the accused incited the women accompanying them to lodge a police complaint against the officers. New Delhi, July 2 : Pharmaceutical exports in India stood strong at $4.9 billion in April-May FY26, according to the latest update by the Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council of India (Pharmexcil). Pharmexcil is an authorised export promotion agency under the Commerce and Industry Ministry. The data showed that the sector has made a 7.38 per cent expansion compared with the same period last year. This indicates that the industry is continuing with its upward trajectory and marking a significant presence globally. This growth is due to "strategic initiatives focused on sustainable manufacturing, expanded global market presence, and digital innovation," Pharmexcil said, adding that the efforts may bolster India's ambitious goal of achieving a trillion-dollar trade target for its pharma industry. "India's pharmaceutical exports continue to demonstrate a steady year-over-year growth, with drug formulations and biologicals continuing to dominate the export category," Namit Joshi, chairman of Pharmexcil, was quoted as saying in a media report. "We attribute this growth to rising global demand, streamlined regulatory approvals, technological innovations, strategic partnerships, and economic stability," Joshi added. Notably, formulations and biologicals accounted for 75.74 per cent of the total of the pharma exports. Bulk drugs and drug intermediates also expanded by 4.40 per cent in May. Vaccine exports saw a 13.64 per cent increase and reached $190.13 million, while surgical items (up 8.58 per cent) and Ayush and herbal products (up 7.36 per cent) also saw healthy growth. According to Pharmexcil, about 76 per cent of India's pharmaceutical export destinations include the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) region, as well as Europe, Africa, and Latin America. However, the US remains the top destination. In May, exports to the country were valued at $1.7 billion in May -- representing 34.5 per cent of total pharma exports and a 1.5 per cent expansion. While Europe and Africa saw moderate growth, the ASEAN region emerged as a newly contracted area. According to Joshi, the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) discussions showed it will significantly enhance supply chains and improve access to affordable medicines. It will also attract foreign direct investment, particularly in contract development and manufacturing (CDMO) and joint research. Chennai, July 2 : In a bid to provide relief to the family of Ajith Kumar, the 28-year-old victim of an alleged custodial death in Tamil Nadu's Sivaganga district, the state government has offered a job at an AAVIN facility to his younger brother and allotted a residential plot to the family. Ajith Kumar's brother, Navin Kumar, will be appointed as a technician in the state government-controlled milk cooperative. The announcement comes amid a deepening political and judicial storm over the incident that has triggered widespread public outrage. Additionally, the ruling DMK has provided Rs 5 lakh as financial assistance to the bereaved family. The measures were announced just a day after Chief Minister M.K. Stalin ordered a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the incident. The decision to transfer the case to the central agency was taken following scathing criticism from the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court and growing pressure from opposition parties and civil society groups. "The Honourable High Court had stated that the CB-CID can continue with its investigation in this matter. But I want no questions to be raised regarding the fairness of the investigation. And so, I'm ordering the transfer of this case to the CBI. The Tamil Nadu government will provide full cooperation to the CBI," CM Stalin said in a social media post earlier. The Chief Minister also condemned the conduct of the policemen involved, calling their behaviour "inexcusable and unjustifiable". He personally spoke to the family over the phone, expressed his condolences, and offered an apology to Ajith Kumar's mother, assuring her of full government support. Ajith Kumar, who was employed as a security guard at the Madapuram Bhathrakali Amman Temple, was picked up by police on June 27 in connection with a theft case involving 9.5 sovereigns of gold. He was allegedly detained and tortured by a six-member special team, and died en route to the hospital. So far, five police personnel from the Thiruppuvanam police station have been arrested, and Sivaganga Superintendent of Police Ashish Rawat has been placed on the compulsory wait list. The Deputy Superintendent of Police has also been suspended. The Madras High Court's Madurai Bench delivered strong remarks during its hearing on Monday, stating, "The state has killed one of its own citizens." The court expressed deep shock over the nature of injuries sustained by the victim while in custody. The division bench of the Madras High Court has also ordered the Judge of the Madurai district court to conduct a probe on the alleged custodial murder and to report by July 8. The preliminary post-mortem report submitted to the court revealed that Ajith had at least 44 injuries on his body. Chilli powder was reportedly found on his genitalia, mouth, and ears, suggesting extreme forms of custodial torture. The court also remarked that the state's response to the incident was insufficient and demanded accountability from all officials involved, including those in senior positions. With the CBI now set to take over the probe, all eyes are on how the agency will navigate the politically sensitive case, which has brought the issue of custodial violence in Tamil Nadu back into sharp focus. Washington, July 2 : The Quad Foreign Ministers have expressed grave concern about the worsening crisis in Myanmar and its regional implications, and called on the regime to adhere to their ceasefire commitment. "We remain deeply concerned by the worsening crisis in Myanmar and its impact on the region. We call on the regime to adhere to its commitment to a ceasefire, and call on all parties to implement, extend and broaden ceasefire measures," read a joint statement issued from the Quad Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Washington on Wednesday (US time). We reaffirm our strong support for ASEAN's efforts, including calling for the full and effective implementation of the Five Point Consensus in seeking an inclusive, durable, and peaceful resolution to the crisis," it said. "We call on all parties to allow safe and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance. We are also concerned about the impact of the crisis on regional security and the spread of transnational crimes. We are committed to fighting cybercrime and online scam operations," the statement added. Recently, in a briefing to the Human Rights Council in Geneva, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk described Myanmar as a country gripped by war, repression and deepening suffering. He mentioned that since the military coup in February 2021, nearly 6,800 civilians have been killed and over 22,000 remain arbitrarily detained, adding that humanitarian needs have soared, with nearly 22 million people in need of assistance and more than 3.5 million displaced by conflict. "Despite massive challenges, people from across society are striving to build a peaceful, sustainable, democratic and diverse Myanmar, grounded in human rights," Turk said. According to the UN human rights chief, following the March 28 earthquake that killed nearly 4,000 people and left six million in urgent need, the military intensified attacks instead of facilitating relief. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) documented more than 600 military strikes since the quake -- 94 per cent of them occurring during supposed ceasefires -- with schools, religious sites and other protected locations frequently targeted. Tom Andrews, the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation in Myanmar, echoed Turk's warnings, raising alarm over a collapse in international humanitarian support and the military's repression. "The junta has chosen to use aid as a weapon. I have spoken with humanitarian workers physically blocked at checkpoints and received reports of earthquake survivors evicted from shelters with no place to go," he told the Council. Myanmar's military took power in a coup on February 1, 2021, after declaring the results of the November 2020 elections invalid. Aung San Suu Kyi, Myanmar's former leader, had been held at an unknown location since February following the coup; she was reportedly tried in a closed court with no access for observers. Chennai, July 2 : A fresh bomb threat targeting the Coimbatore Collectorate triggered a major security scare, prompting an intense search operation across the government complex. The threat, received through an anonymous letter, warned of a possible explosion, leading to swift action by the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS). The Coimbatore Collectorate comprises two main buildings the new building and the old building. The new building houses critical government departments such as the District Collector's office, District Revenue Office, Civil Supplies Department, Department of Geology and Mining, and the Agriculture Department. The old building accommodates several other public service offices including the District Consumer Forum, Department of Social Welfare, Land Tax Department, and the Tamil Development Department. Given the large number of departments functioning within the premises, the Collectorate witnesses heavy footfall every day, with hundreds of citizens visiting for various official purposes. Following the receipt of the threat letter, police launched a comprehensive search operation. The BDDS teams, assisted by sniffer dogs, began combing operations in and around the premises including parking lots, corridors, and both buildings to detect any potential explosive devices. All access points to the complex were put under strict surveillance, and security personnel have been deployed in large numbers. A senior police official said, "We are taking the matter very seriously. The search is being carried out thoroughly across all possible locations. As of now, nothing suspicious has been found, but we are not letting our guard down." This is not the first time that the Coimbatore Collectorate has received such threats. Similar anonymous warnings have been reported in the past as well, often leading to temporary lockdowns and emergency response measures. Authorities are currently investigating the source of the threat letter and have not ruled out the possibility of it being a hoax. However, given the sensitive nature of the location a central administrative hub of the district the police are not taking any chances. Public access to the premises has been temporarily restricted, and all staff and visitors have been asked to remain alert until the area is declared safe. IANS aal/rad Chennai, July 2 : In a major step towards improving water security and reviving traditional water bodies, the Tamil Nadu Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Department has embarked on an ambitious initiative to rejuvenate nearly 5,000 minor irrigation tanks across the state. The large-scale restoration works are being carried out with a combined effort of government funding and collaboration with voluntary organisations. According to official sources, of the total target of 5,000 tanks, work has already commenced on around 3,260 tanks with financial support from the state government at an estimated cost of Rs 500 crore. Additionally, 706 tanks are being restored by various non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and voluntary agencies at a cost of Rs 45.39 crore. The objective of the project is to enhance the water storage capacity of these tanks through comprehensive restoration measures, which include desilting, deepening, bund strengthening, and the introduction of eco-friendly technologies for wastewater treatment and groundwater recharge. One of the most active districts in the initiative is Chengalpattu, which has a dense network of water bodies. The district administration has launched the 'Mission Blue-Green Chengalpattu' under which around 200 out of 500 identified minor irrigation tanks are being revived. Officials from the District Rural Development Agency (DRDA) noted that many of these tanks had not been dredged for nearly two decades. The district administration has also invited voluntary organisations to apply for no-objection certificates to take up rejuvenation works on 388 more tanks. One of the major partners in this mission is the Environmentalist Foundation of India (EFI), which has committed to restoring 100 minor irrigation tanks in the district. "Innovative, sustainable techniques are being used. For instance, in Mannivakkam Tamaraithangal tank, a root-zone plant-based filtration system has been installed to naturally treat domestic wastewater and improve groundwater recharge," said an official. The DRDA aims to complete most of the ongoing works by early October, significantly increasing the water-holding capacity of the tanks before the northeast monsoon sets in. A civic activist from Chitlapakkam urged the government to conduct a comprehensive survey of water bodies and their catchment areas to prevent future encroachments and ensure better planning. "Restoration efforts must be sustained and properly documented to ensure they benefit farmers and nearby communities," he said. Arun Krishnamurthy, founder of EFI, said the organisation is currently working on reviving nearly 165 water bodies across Tamil Nadu. "Our approach includes boundary demarcation, bund strengthening using excavated silt, and creating nesting islands for birds. For flood-prone tanks, we are installing recharge boxes and injection wells to improve water retention and flood management." As part of these efforts, solar-powered aerators are being installed in 25 tanks, including the Keelkattalai Lake, to enhance water quality through increased oxygenation. The rejuvenation works are being implemented in various water bodies such as Ozhhalur Kadaperi, Polambakkam Periya Eri, Arasankazhani, Kalvoy Raman Eri, Rathinamangalam Eri, and Sonalur Thangal. Similar initiatives are also underway in other districts, including Erode, Sivagangai, and Tiruvallur. With a focus on sustainable revival and long-term ecological benefits, Tamil Nadu's tank restoration programme marks a significant step towards securing the state's water future amid changing climate patterns and increasing urbanisation. New Delhi, July 2 : Uttar Pradesh Minister Sanjay Nishad on Wednesday hit back at Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) President Mayawati for her criticism of the recent hike in railway passenger fares, stating that tariff increases were far more frequent during her government. Mayawati had earlier slammed the Centre for the fare hike that came into effect on July 1, calling it "against the general public interest" and demanding its immediate rollback. She termed it a "business-minded decision" that ignored the welfare-oriented objective of the Constitution. Responding sharply, Minister Nishad said, "In their time, fares increased frequently, every year from 2004 to 2024, with Mayawati Ji's support. My government did not increase fares for so long. So, as of now, to increase facilities, a fare has been increased after a long time." While acknowledging that fare hikes should ideally be avoided, Nishad defended the move by pointing to the need for upgraded infrastructure, enhanced safety, and time efficiency. "The government needs to provide better facilities and ensure safety. Security is important, time is valuable, and saving time is crucial. If we reduce time and assure safety, money is required," he explained. The fare revision includes increased platform ticket prices and adjustments to certain passenger fare categories. The Ministry of Railways has clarified that the funds generated will be used to modernise railway stations, enhance passenger amenities, and boost overall safety systems. Mayawati, in her statement, argued that the decision would burden common people and accused the government of prioritising profit over public welfare. But Nishad countered that the current administration had held off on fare increases for years while steadily working to improve services. "People value their time and safety. To deliver both, investment is necessary. The fare hike is a step towards a more efficient and secure railway system," Nishad said. Indonesia, the largest economy in Southeast Asia, attracted 5.63 million foreign tourists in the first five months of this year, up 7.44% year-on-year. In May alone, Indonesia welcomed 1.31 million international tourists, an increase of 14% compared to the same period of the previous year, Antara News Agency reported citing Statistics Indonesia. Malaysia, Australia and Singapore are the largest sources of visitors to Indonesia during the period. Indonesia aims to attract between 14.6 and 16 million international tourists in 2025, a slight increase from 13.9 million visitors in 2024. Bhopal, July 2 : In a stark illustration of the ongoing peril from Maoist insurgents in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district, a civilian sustained severe injuries in a pressure-triggered IED explosion. Bhopal, July 2 (IANS) In a stark illustration of the ongoing peril from Maoist insurgents in Chhattisgarhas Bijapur district, a civilian sustained severe injuries in a pressure-triggered IED explosion. The blast occurred on Tuesday evening within the heavily forested corridor between Sirakonta and Dampaya -- an area routinely flagged for its high insurgent activity. The victim, identified as 32-year-old Vishal Gote, a resident of Motalaguda village under Maddeed police station limits, had ventured into the forest to collect afutua, a local forest produce, officials said. Unbeknownst to him, he stepped on a pressure-activated improvised explosive device (IED) clandestinely planted by Maoists -- an act that authorities have condemned as a cowardly and indiscriminate attack on civilians. Gote sustained grievous injuries to his leg and face. He was initially rushed to the Primary Health Centre in Madded for emergency care. Given the severity of his condition, he was subsequently referred to the District Hospital in Bijapur and later transferred to the Medical College in Jagdalpur for advanced treatment, said the officials. His condition remains critical but stable, according to hospital sources. Security officials believe the IED was planted well in advance, targeting either security personnel or unsuspecting villagers. The area has been cordoned off, and a bomb disposal unit has been deployed to scan for additional explosives. This incident follows a series of recent Maoist attacks in the Bastar region, including the killing of surrendered cadres and ambushes on security forces, the officials said. The district administration and police have issued a public advisory urging residents to exercise extreme caution while entering forested areas. Locals have been asked to immediately report any suspicious objects, wires, or unusual ground disturbances to the nearest police station or security camp. This latest attack underscores the continued use of IEDs by Maoist groups as a tactic to instil fear and disrupt normalcy in tribal-dominated regions. Despite intensified counterinsurgency operations and developmental outreach, large swathes of Bijapur remain vulnerable due to difficult terrain, limited connectivity, and the insurgentsa deep-rooted presence. Authorities reiterated their commitment to ensuring civilian safety and called upon the public to remain vigilant and cooperative in the ongoing efforts to neutralise the Maoist threat. Dhaka, July 2 : At least 10 people, including four police personnel, were injured in a violent clash between police and members of the Students Against Discrimination (SAD) outside the Patiya Police Station in Chittagong's Patiya sub-district, according to local media reports. The violence broke out around 9 p.m. on Tuesday local time, after SAD activists allegedly detained a leader of the ruling party's student wing, the Chhatra League (CL), near the central Shaheed Minar. Tensions quickly escalated when the activists brought the individual to the police station, demanding action. Police officials said the SAD members attempted to create chaos inside the station premises. This reportedly forced police to intervene, resulting in a physical altercation, Bangladesh's leading newspaper, The Daily Star, reported on Wednesday. In response to the police action, SAD launched a protest movement dubbed the "Patiya Blockade" on Wednesday morning, bringing more unrest to the area. Officer-in-charge of Patiya Police Station, Zayed Nur, told local media, "They came to the police station with a procession and beat the banned Chhatra League leader inside the police station. Later, police took him into custody. At one point during the argument, with instigating slogans against the police, they locked into scuffles with cops, and police later drove them out of the police station." Nur confirmed that a general diary (GD) had been filed regarding the incident and mentioned that four police personnel were injured in the confrontation. On the other side, SAD accused police of using excessive force. Speaking to reporters, Rizwan Siddiqqui, joint convener of the Chattogram metropolitan unit of SAD, said, "Upon hearing the news, I went to the scene in Patiya. Our activists were beaten with batons by the police. Several of my brothers had to be taken to the hospital for primary treatment." He added that six SAD leaders were injured during the first clash. Another altercation reportedly took place around 11:30 p.m., during which Siddiqqui claimed nine more activists were hurt. While media reports noted that efforts were made to reach Officer Nur for an official statement on the Wednesday morning blockade, he remained unreachable at that time. However, in prior comments to local news outlets, he reiterated that SAD members had tried to storm the police station and physically assaulted the detained CL leader, prompting the police to respond. Local media outlet Prothom Alo also reported that police did not initially intend to arrest the Chhatra League leader, as there was no formal case against him. However, rising tensions forced police to take him into custody, which then sparked the violent scenes that followed. Mumbai, July 2 : Actor-host Maniesh Paul took to social media to unveil his striking new look, sparking speculation about his role in Karan Johar's upcoming film. The actor's dramatic transformation has left netizens wondering if he's gearing up to play a villain on the big screen. On Wednesday, the 'Jugjugg Jeeyo' actor took to his Instagram handle and shared a couple of his photos where he flaunted his new hairdo. In the images, Paul is seen striking different poses for the camera, showing off his new bold, bald, and buzzed look. The actor completed his look with dark sunglasses and a smoldering expression on his face. Alongside the images, Maniesh Paul wrote, "Kisi ne mujhe kiya con! Mere baalon ko kiya gone! Kya hoga mera karma Decide Karega dharma @karanjohar kjo what say? #kuchcookhotahai #mp #newlook #workmode #life #blessed." Reacting to his post, Varun Dhawan commented, "Excitedddd for this oneee I won't tell." Rohit Roy wrote, "Faaaaaadu." Although the specifics of his new look haven't been revealed, the transformation suggests a shift toward a more intense and possibly darker characterperhaps even a villainous one. To note, this new appearance is a sharp departure from Maniesh Paul's earlier roles, particularly his recent performance in the web series "Rafuchakkar," where he impressed viewers by portraying five distinct characters, breaking away from his usual comic image. On the professional front, Maniesh Paul has recently completed shooting for his upcoming film "Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari," a highly awaited romantic comedy directed by Shashank Khaitan and produced by Dharma Productions. The movie also stars Varun Dhawan, Janhvi Kapoor, Rohit Saraf and Sanya Malhotra. Written and directed by Sashank Khaitan, the upcoming romantic comedy will hit the big screens on September 12, 2025. Up next, Maniesh is set to appear in David Dhawan's yet-to-be-titled comedy film, where he'll be seen alongside Varun Dhawan. New Delhi, July 2 : A purported video of Congress leader Ajoy Kumar triggered outrage in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as the former allegedly called Sikkim, a neighbouring nation. However, the former MP clarified on Wednesday that it was a slip of the tongue and questioned the BJP for blowing the matter out of proportion. The former Congress MP allegedly made the gaffe while addressing a Press conference at the party headquarters on Tuesday. As the alleged video of his faux pas made its way to social media, this earned him brickbats from many quarters. The BJP compared him to 'Jinnah', claiming that he was doing the same thing that the latter did decades ago. Meanwhile, Ajoy Kumar took to X on Wednesday to clarify that it was a slip of tongue. "Yesterday in my Press conference on 'SAIL 400 crore scam', when I was speaking on the deteriorating relations with our neighboring countries, I accidentally took the name of an Indian state," said Ajoy Kumar, clarifying his mistake. He also issued an apology for unconsciously taking the name of the state during the presser and went to launch a scathing attack at the BJP for blowing the matter out of proportion. "I heard that the BJP is planning to organise a Press conference on this small human error. Why is the BJP not holding a Press conference on multiple issues plaguing the country," he asked. However, the clarification by the Congress leader failed to placate the BJP as the latter questioned the grand old party's mindset and motive. Taking to X, Darjeeling MP Raju Bista claimed that such irresponsible statements were not just slip of the tongue, rather they reflect a deeper, more disturbing pattern within the Congress. "Time and again, Congress leaders have made remarks or taken stances that appear to question the integrity of our nation's territorial unity," he said. "This recent comment by Ajoy Kumar, referring to Sikkim as a "neighbouring country", which is currently celebrating 50-years of its statehood, is not just factually incorrect but also a grave insult to the people of the state and their identity as proud Indian citizens. It reflects either shocking ignorance or deliberate provocation, and given that Ajoy Kumar is a former IPS officer and MP, I am sure he is not ignorant of where Sikkim lies," he added. Earlier, BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonwala, sharing the viral video clip said, "After giving away Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir, Aksai Chin and Katchatheevu, now they want to divide Sikkim from Bharat. Call Sikkim a neighbouring nation. This is an insult of Sikkim and the North East." Dhaka, July 2 : The Awami League has reported statistics regarding human rights violations in Bangladesh, claiming that the country is in a state of "brutal anarchy," highlighting several cases of rape, lynchings, and unidentified bodies, describing the South Asian country as a "blood-stained nation" under the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government. The former Prime Minister Sheikh Haisna's party stressed that last month exposed the complete collapse of "safety, justice, and leadership" under the Yunus regime. According to the Awami League, the statistics revealed that only in June, 63 incidents of rapes were reported, including 17 gang rapes, seven survivors were women/girls with disabilities, while 19 children and 23 teenage girls were raped. Additionally, 39 cases of sexual harassment and 51 physical assaults on women were reported. "These aren't just statistics. They are devastating proof that women and girls in Bangladesh live in constant fear," the party said on Tuesday. Exposing the "brutality" of the Yunus-led interim government, the Awami League revealed that in 41 lynching incidents, 10 were killed, 47 severely injured in attacks based on hearsay, suspicion, or political identity. The party asserted that "law has vanished and mobs now rule Bangladesh." It further mentioned that last month, 49 unidentified bodies were recovered dumped in rivers, fields, and roadside ditches. Earlier, Bangladesh Supreme Court lawyer Shahdeen Malik, speaking to the country's leading media outlet, Prothom Alo, said, "The surge in mob violence is the direct result of state inaction and internal divisions." The party stated Bangladesh "is now a shield for criminals," and questioned the interim government about the justice for rape survivors. The Awami League also questioned when the "bloodshed" and "culture of impunity" would end, raising serious concerns over the protection and security of the people. The party also questioned who was to be held accountable for this "brutal anarchy." This comes against the backdrop of a brutal gang rape of a Hindu woman at her home in Cumilla district. The woman was assaulted while her attackers, who were linked to the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), filmed the assault and circulated the footage. Bangladesh has been gripped by protest movements following the deteriorating law and order situation and an increasing number of incidents of violence against women under the Yunus-led interim government. Kolkata, July 2 : BJP's Information Technology Cell Chief and the party's central observer for West Bengal, Amit Malviya, on Wednesday, accused Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of playing with the healthcare system of the state. According to him, the common people in West Bengal are suffering because of rampant corruption in the Swasthya Sathi scheme, which is the state's health insurance scheme, and also because of the referral rackets between state-run hospitals and private clinics. Malviya issued a statement, which he posted on his official X handle, where he referred to a reported incident of a patient in Panihati, North 24 Parganas district. The patient reportedly suffered because the on-duty doctor at a state-run hospital advised him to contact his private chamber instead of attending to him there. Malviya had also accused the said doctor of conducting an unnecessary operation on the same patient to claim money from the Swasthya Sathi scheme. "A man went to Panihati State General Hospital for a routine hernia operation. But government doctor Biswajit Das told him to visit his private chamber instead. Just to claim money from the Swasthya Sathi scheme, he falsely diagnosed the patient with appendicitis and performed an appendix surgery instead!" Malviya said in his statement. According to him, the Panihati event was not an isolated incident but a harsh reality in the healthcare system of West Bengal. "On one hand, countless patients are being unnecessarily referred, pushing them towards death. On the other hand, the Swasthya Sathi card is often unusable and doesn't cover most real ailments enabling dishonest doctors to exploit the system and endanger innocent lives. How many more lives will be ruined before this system is held accountable?" Malviya questioned. The Swasthya Sathi scheme has been in the midst of controversy for a long time. The Chief Minister and her government are often accused of deliberately disallowing the central health insurance scheme, Ayushman Bharat, just to push the Swasthya Sathi scheme. Last month, controversies surfaced after Saraju Nursing Home at Sinthi in North Kolkata, which is owned by Trinamool Congress legislator from Serampore Assembly constituency in Hooghly district, Dr Sudipto Roy, rejected free treatment facilities under the Swasthya Sathi card held by a patient admitted there. Chandigarh, July 2 : Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) President Sukhbir Singh Badal along with his party leaders and activists were detained by the Punjab Police on Wednesday as they were heading towards Mohali, near here, to express solidarity with arrested party leader Bikram Singh Majithia, who would be produced in a court later in the day. Badal accused the Bhagwant Mann-led AAP government of imposing an "undeclared emergency" in the state. Also, he slammed AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal for killing the democratic rights of Punjabis. Angered by Badal's detention, party leaders and workers raised slogans against the government and staged a sit-in protest on a road. Akali Dal former Minister Majithia, was arrested last week by the Vigilance Bureau on charges of laundering more than Rs 540 crore of drug money. He will be produced in a court as his seven-day remand comes to an end. Heavy police deployment has been made outside the district court complex in Mohali. Majithia, who has been saying the cases were politically motivated, is the brother of former Union Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal and brother-in-law of Akali Dal President Badal. Investigations by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the police probing the first information report (FIR) of 2021 and the Vigilance Bureau revealed massive laundering of drug money facilitated by Majithia, the government has said. Preliminary investigations revealed that more than Rs 540 crore drug money has been laundered through several ways, including a huge unaccounted cash of Rs 161 crore deposited in bank accounts of companies controlled by Majithia, channelisation of Rs 141 crore through suspected foreign entities and excess deposition of Rs 236 crore without disclosure or explanation in company financial statements. Also, the government said there is an acquisition of movable and immovable assets by Majithia without any legitimate source of income. A day earlier, Cabinet minister Tarunpreet Sondh accused the BJP-led Central government of obstructing Punjab's efforts to bring Majithia to justice and raised serious concerns about the motives behind such actions. He said the Vigilance Bureau is conducting an in-depth investigation into Majithia's disproportionate assets and their funding sources. "Punjab Police, in full legal compliance, went to Delhi to conduct raids on Majithia's properties to collect documents and evidence. However, the Delhi Police, which operates under the BJP, denied Punjab Police permission to conduct these raids," he told the media here. The minister questioned the BJP's intentions, asking, "Is the BJP now actively aiding Bikram Majithia? Are they shielding him in exchange for political gains?" He alleged that the BJP has struck a secret deal with Majithia to save him in return for his future allegiance to the party. "We have received credible reports that the BJP has assured Majithia of their support in his case, with the condition that he joins the BJP, and in the coming days, the BJP wants an alliance with the Akali Dal," Sondh added. New Delhi, July 2 : The BJP on Wednesday strongly condemned Trinamool Congress leader Manas Bhunia for describing the recent Kolkata gang-rape as a "small incident," calling the remark deeply insulting to the daughters of West Bengal and India. New Delhi, July 2 (IANS) The BJP on Wednesday strongly condemned Trinamool Congress leader Manas Bhunia for describing the recent Kolkata gang-rape as a "small incident," calling the remark deeply insulting to the daughters of West Bengal and India. Reacting to Bhunia's statement, BJP National General Secretary Tarun Chugh said the comment reflects the insensitivity of the Mamata Banerjee-led government towards crimes against women. "Crimes against women and girls in Bengal are continuously rising. Brutal incidents are occurring across the state. By calling this a 'small incident', a minister in Mamata Banerjee's government has insulted not only the daughters of Bengal but of the entire nation," Chugh told IANS. He further alleged that the Mamata government is shielding criminals instead of ensuring justice. "There were already four FIRs against the accused, yet he was given a job in a college. This reflects either a conspiracy, incompetence, or sheer negligence. The Mamata government is providing protection to criminals. The public will not forgive this," he said. Highlighting the fear spreading among women in the state, Chugh added, "Mothers of daughters now fear sending them to schools, colleges, or workplaces. The government's dismissive attitude and irresponsible statements have created an atmosphere of fear throughout Bengal." In a separate development, Chugh also reacted sharply to remarks made by Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge, who recently hinted at banning the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). "The mindset of Congress leaders is rooted in dictatorship. They are used to imposing bans, declaring emergencies, arresting political opponents, muzzling the media, and trampling on constitutional values," he said. He accused the Congress party of being anti-national and anti-Sanatan, alleging that it has always tried to weaken India's traditional values. "Rahul Gandhi has started a dangerous trend of demanding a ban on a nationalist organisation like RSS, which works to unite society. The RSS has become a symbol of service, nationalism, and dedication. Congress has historically tried to crush India's Sanatan strength. Their rhetoric mirrors that of foreign and enemy nations' media," Chugh claimed. On a more positive note, Chugh lauded the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government's new job scheme aimed at incentivising youth employment. "The Union Cabinet, under PM Modi's leadership, has approved a scheme offering one month's wage up to Rs 15,000 as an incentive to first-time employees registered with the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation," he said. Calling it a "new ray of hope," Chugh said the government's pledge to create 3.5 crore jobs marks a historic step toward building a self-reliant India. "This isn't just a statistic; it's the foundation of the country's future. Through this EPFO initiative, young employees receive both financial support and social security upon entering the workforce. It's a welcome and transformative step," he added, thanking the Prime Minister for the move. Bhopal, July 2 : "For the last 100 years, my family has been raising its flag against the Congress," declared Hemant Khandelwal as he formally assumed charge as the new president of the Madhya Pradesh unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Bhopal, July 2 (IANS) "For the last 100 years, my family has been raising its flag against the Congress," declared Hemant Khandelwal as he formally assumed charge as the new president of the Madhya Pradesh unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). His words, steeped in legacy and defiance, set the tone for a leadership transition that blends generational continuity with organisational discipline. Khandelwal, elected unopposed, addressed a packed gathering of party workers and senior leaders at the BJP's state headquarters in Bhopal. He recounted how his grandfather had defeated the Congress in 1930 to form the "Gareeb Dal" and became president of the Nagar Palika. His granduncle, G.D. Khandelwal, served as a minister in the constitutional government, while his father, Vijay Kumar Khandelwal, was a four-time Member of Parliament and held the post of BJP treasurer for over a decade. "I do not claim any special qualification," he said with humility. "I am an ordinary karyakarta. This is the Bharatiya Janata Party -- a party that assigns responsibility based on merit and dedication," he said. He went on to underscore the party's internal cohesion, stating, "There is discipline in our party. Such big elections are held, and all the prominent people file the same nomination. I challenge the Congress -- if you can conduct even your ward elections with this level of unity, we will respect you." The event was attended by a formidable array of BJP stalwarts, including Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav, Union Ministers Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Narendra Singh Tomar, Deputy Chief Ministers Rajendra Shukla and Jagdish Devda, and senior leaders Kailash Vijayvargiya and Narottam Mishra. Their presence underscored the high-level endorsement of Khandelwal's leadership and the significance of the moment. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, who had proposed Khandelwal's name for the post, praised the party's tradition of democratic consensus and ideological clarity. "This is not just a change in leadership -- it is a reaffirmation of our values," he said. "Hemantji's appointment reflects the BJP's commitment to disciplined organisation and grassroots strength," he said. After 1,964 days at the helm, Khajuraho MP V.D. Sharma handed over the reins to Khandelwal, marking a strategic shift in the party's state leadership. With both the chief minister and the new party president being sitting MLAs with strong RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh) backgrounds, the BJP in Madhya Pradesh is poised for tighter coordination between government and organisation. Khandelwal's elevation is also seen as a nod to the Vaishya community and a reaffirmation of the BJP's grassroots ethos. As the party gears up for future electoral battles, his leadership is expected to focus on cadre development, ideological consolidation, and strengthening the BJP's connect with the people of Madhya Pradesh. Bengaluru, July 2 : Commenting on the statements of leadership change in Karnataka by the Congress MLAs, Deputy Chief Minister and State Congress President D.K. Shivakumar maintained on Wednesday that there is no discontent within the party. Speaking to the media near his residence in Bengaluru, he said, "There is no discontent within the party. National General Secretary and Karnataka In-Charge Randeep Surjewala has visited Karnataka to review party affairs and organisational matters." When asked about reports that legislators expressed dissatisfaction in front of AICC General Secretary and Karnataka in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala, Shivakumar responded, "Surjewala has come to discuss preparations for the upcoming elections and the effective handling of responsibilities. His visit is aimed at strengthening party functioning." Regarding the notice issued to MLA Iqbal Hussain, he said, "Discipline is important in the party. If a notice is given to him, others may also receive notices. There is no need to take my name and say, 'Make me the Chief Minister.' When Siddaramaiah is already the Chief Minister, why raise other names?" When asked about speculation that his name is being mentioned because of the efforts he made in building the party, he replied, "Did I build the party alone? Like me, there are hundreds, thousands, even lakhs of people who have built this party. First, let us maintain the trust they have placed in us." Responding to questions on the scheduled special cabinet meeting, Shivakumar said, "Issues such as the development of Nadaprabhu Kempegowda's memorial in Magadi and several small-scale irrigation projects for Bengaluru will be discussed in the cabinet." He added, "We have already implemented drinking water projects for the Kolar and Chikkaballapur regions. There is a demand to rename the Bengaluru Rural district as Bengaluru North. That proposal will also be discussed during the meeting." On the renaming of Bengaluru North district, he stated, "Earlier, when I represented the area as a Zilla Panchayat member, the Kanakapura, Channapatna, and Ramanagara regions were part of Bengaluru Rural. After it was renamed Bengaluru South, any decision to rename the district again will be based on requests from the legislators of that region." The development of issuing a notice to all leaders in the party for issuing a statement to the press on the leadership issue is likely to stir controversy in the state Congress party. Recently, Cooperation Minister K. N. Rajanna, a close confidant of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, claimed that state politics will witness a big change after October and further said that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is working under pressure. Minister Rajanna also stated that there are many power centres in the state. People walk past the Mary Jane cannabis dispensary in Bangkok on May 23, 2025. Photo by AFP Thailand now requires foreign tourists to present a doctor's prescription if they wish to buy cannabis as part of new regulations aimed at curbing its widespread recreational use in tourist hotspots. Thailand announced on June 27 that cannabis use is permitted strictly for medical and health purposes only, according to CNN. "This must be clearly understood: cannabis is permitted for medical use only," said Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin. Under the new rules, tourists must provide a medical certificate issued by a doctor either in Thailand or their home country to purchase cannabis buds to treat nausea caused by chemotherapy, drug-resistant epilepsy, or nerve pain. Licensed cannabis shops are now only allowed to sell to customers with a valid medical prescription. They are also required to maintain detailed sales records and are subject to regular inspections by authorities. The new rules also impose stricter regulations on growers and farmers, ban commercial advertising, and prohibit the sale of cannabis through vending machines or online platforms. "We want to tell tourists they are welcome to enjoy Thailands culture and nature - but Thailand should not be seen as a destination for recreational cannabis use," Somsak added. Government spokesperson Jirayu Houngsab said in a statement that the government had ordered the Health Ministry to tighten control over cannabis sales because many shops have opened to sell cannabis for both recreational and medical purposes, making it easily accessible to children and the general public, which contradicts the governments intention to crack down on drug use, AP reported. Although Thailand decriminalized recreational cannabis use in 2022, it initially lacked a clear regulatory framework. Since then, tens of thousands of cannabis-related businesses have opened, particularly in tourist-heavy areas like Khao San Road in the capital Bangkok or Pattaya, Reuters reported. The Thai Chamber of Commerce previously estimated that the cannabis industry, including medicinal products, could be worth US$1.2 billion by 2025. Bengaluru, July 2 : The Siddaramaiah government has approached the Karnataka High Court challenging the order of the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), which revoked the suspension of senior IPS officer Vikash Kumar Vikash in connection with the June 4 stampede incident that claimed 11 lives in Bengaluru. Advocate General Shashikiran Shetty has filed a petition before the court seeking an urgent hearing of the matter. However, the High Court bench questioned the urgency of taking up the issue. In response, Advocate General Shetty submitted that the senior IPS officer in question was preparing to resume charge following the CAT's order. The court has listed the matter for hearing on Thursday. The Central Administrative Tribunal, while quashing the Congress government's suspension order, stated on Tuesday that the action was not based on sufficient or substantial material. Senior IPS officer Vikash Kumar Vikash, one of five officers suspended in connection with the stampede outside the Chinnaswamy Stadium, had approached the tribunal challenging his suspension. The CAT bench further stated, "Therefore, in light of the aforesaid settled position of law, we expect the government to extend the same benefit to the other suspended officers." The bench added that other officers should be granted the same relief without having to individually approach the court. "Police personnel are also human beings. They are neither 'God' (Bhagwan), nor magicians, and do not possess magical powers like 'Alladdin ka Chirag' that fulfils wishes at the rub of a finger. To manage such gatherings and make proper arrangements, sufficient time must be provided to the police. But in this case, no information was given to them," the CAT observed. The tribunal noted that the officers were suspended without sufficient grounds or evidence, and therefore, the suspension orders are liable to be quashed. The Karnataka government, on Tuesday, formulated the standard operating procedures (SOPs) for crowd management at events and mass gatherings. These specify pre-event planning and preparation, coordination, on-ground deployment and access control, emergency preparedness, arrest procedures and crowd dispersal orders, use of force, and other matters. Mumbai, July 2 : BJP MP Jagdambika Pal on Wednesday lashed out at RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav for his recent remarks about 'scrapping' the Waqf Law if the Opposition alliance comes to power, accusing him of treating Muslims merely as a vote bank. Pal's remarks came after Tejashwi Yadav, while addressing a 'Save Waqf, Save Constitution' rally at Gandhi Maidan in Patna on Sunday, declared that the Opposition alliance would abolish the Waqf Law if elected. "The NDA in Bihar is on its way out, and once we form the government, we will consign the Waqf Act brought by the PM Narendra Modi government into the dustbin," Yadav had said. Responding to this, Pal told IANS, "Tejashwi Yadav is daydreaming. People of Bihar have repeatedly rejected him and his father, Lalu Yadav. They are using Muslims for appeasement politics. There's a race between them, Asaduddin Owaisi, and the Congress to appease the community for votes." Pal further said, "Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi insulted the Constitution with his actions, and the people of India defeated him. Now Tejashwi Yadav is repeating the same mistake. Bihar's people will once again ignore such politics. The Parliament exists to make laws. If you have objections, approach the Supreme Court. But playing with people's emotions like this won't work this country runs on law and the Constitution." When asked about the implementation of the Sachar Committee's recommendations, Pal said the committee was formed during the Congress government due to the poor socio-economic condition of Muslims. "Former Delhi High Court Chief Justice Rajinder Sachar had said that Waqf properties could generate Rs 12,000 crore in revenue, but only Rs 163 crore was recorded. So who benefited? Not the common Muslims it was the Waqf Board officials. You can see how their properties have grown. Congress and the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) never implemented the recommendations, but PM Modi did. That's why they're opposing it because it actually helps poor Muslims," he said. Pal also criticised leaders like Asaduddin Owaisi and Mamata Banerjee for opposing the Waqf Act. "They are misleading the public. If they had genuine concerns, they should have raised them in Parliament or the Supreme Court. But instead, they are misguiding people," he claimed. Tel Aviv, July 2 : The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) on Wednesday said that it identified and prevented two attempts of smuggling weapons across the border with Egypt. According to the security forces, a drone, attempting to smuggle arms and weapons across the border, crossed from Egyptian territory into Israeli territory and was identified on Tuesday. "IDF observation posts in the Paran Brigade sector identified last night (Tuesday) a drone that crossed from Egyptian territory into Israeli territory in an attempt to smuggle weapons. IDF fighters located the drone carrying ten firearms and confiscated them," reported the IDF on X. "In addition, earlier today, fighters from the Paran Brigade identified a suspicious vehicle in the sector, pursued it, and detained the suspect driving it. Fourteen firearms were found in the vehicle, and they were confiscated along with the vehicle by the forces," it added. It has been reported that the suspect and the weapons were transferred for further handling by the security forces. This comes as the IDF continues its operation across the Gaza Strip. Earlier, on Tuesday, by the IDF stated that their soldiers eliminated dozens of terrorists in close quarters encounters in coordination with the Israeli Air Force, further dismantling hundreds of terrorist infrastructure sites which included operational centres, tunnel shats as well as hideouts which were equipped for long stays used for staging and preparing attacks by "terrorist organisations" in the Gaza Strip. "The Paratroopers Brigade, under the command of the 36th Division, continues its operations in the Khan Yunis area in the Gaza Strip," it added. In addition to dismantling above-ground terrorist infrastructure, the troops are operating in coordination with Yahalom Unit soldiers to dismantle underground terror tunnel routes in the area. The IDF said that it dismantled approximately 3 kilometres of branched underground tunnel routes that were used for carrying out "terrorist activities." Hazaribagh, July 2 : Anis Ansari, a former area commander of the banned extremist outfit Tritiya Prastuti Committee (TPC), was shot dead under mysterious circumstances in Jharkhand's Hazaribagh district, officials said. Hazaribagh, July 2 (IANS) Anis Ansari, a former area commander of the banned extremist outfit Tritiya Prastuti Committee (TPC), was shot dead under mysterious circumstances in Jharkhandas Hazaribagh district, officials said. His bullet-ridden body was found early Wednesday morning near the Gerua river along the Keredari-Bundu Road in the Keredari police station area. Ansari, originally a resident of Matve village under Budhmu police station in Ranchi, was reportedly shot two to three times in the chest. Locals discovered the body and informed the police, who reached the spot, took possession of the body, and sent it for a post-mortem examination. Police officials said Ansari had a criminal record and multiple cases were registered against him across different police stations. Initial investigations suggest that the killing may be the fallout of an internal dispute between rival criminal or extremist groups. Significantly, Ansari had been expelled from the TPC last year. In July 2024, the outfit issued a pamphlet under the name of its zonal commander, Abhishek, declaring that Ansari -- also known as Avinash -- had been removed for misconduct. The pamphlet accused him and another former cadre, Rameshwar Mahato alias Pahadi, of extorting money from contractors and businessmen in the name of the 'VKS Tiwari Gang'. The document had warned of disciplinary action. Sources say the current killing could be linked to an ongoing turf war over extortion networks and influence in the region, involving both extremist groups and organised criminal gangs. The Keredari region has witnessed a spurt in violence in recent days. On June 25, two local animal traders -- Phooleshwar Bedia and Baiju Bedia -- were shot in broad daylight in the same police station area after allegedly being asked to pay an extortion demand of Rs 5 lakh. Police have intensified patrolling in the area and said that investigations are underway to ascertain the exact motive behind Ansarias murder and identify those responsible. Agartala, July 2 : The century-old traditional 'Kharchi Puja' will begin on Thursday in the erstwhile princely state's previous capital, Puran Habeli, now Khayerpur, 8 km north of Agartala. Though the seven-day-long 'Kharchi Puja' and fair would formally start on Thursday, the traditional 'Snan Yatra' of 14 Hindu deities would take place on Wednesday evening. In June-July, the century-old 14 Hindu deities are simultaneously worshipped in 'Kharchi Puja' with lakhs of people from various parts of the country and neighbouring Bangladesh participating in the colourful puja and fair, which is held every year with traditional fervour and rituals. The annual 'Kharchi Puja' and festival are meant to cleanse the sins of mortal souls. 'Kharchi Puja' and Mela Committee chairman Ratan Chakraborty, also a BJP MLA, said that every year around 30 lakh devotees and tourists from various parts of the country take part in the unique puja and associated traditional rituals. "If the weather remains favourable, the number of devotees and tourists would be more than the previous year. However, due to the troubles in Bangladesh, many people from the neighbouring country may not come this year," Chakraborty, former Minister and Tripura Assembly Speaker, told IANS. Originally a Hindu tribals' festivity, the Puja is now observed by all communities and religions. With colourful marquees, illumination, religious rites and chanting of 'mantras' amid drum beats, the festival features 14 deities -- Shiva, Durga, Vishnu, Laxmi, Saraswati, Kartik, Ganesha, Brahma, Abadhi (God of water), Chandra, Ganga, Agni, Kamdev and Himadri (Himalaya). As per tradition, the week-long festival begins (in June-July) with a colourful procession accompanied by the Tripura police music band. All deities and priests are escorted by Tripura Police personnel, who also present a guard of honour to the Chief Royal Priest 'Raj Chantaia'. Notably, from the eight northeastern states, only the Tripura tableau was displayed in this year's Republic Day parade on Kartavya Path in New Delhi on January 26. Historian and writer Salil Debbarma said that the worship begins with the dipping of 14 deities in the nearby Howrah river. On October 15, 1949, Tripura came under the control of the Indian government after a merger agreement was signed between Kanchan Prabha Devi, then regent maharani, and the Indian Governor General. The merger agreement made it mandatory for the Tripura government to continue the sponsorship of 14 temples, including the Mata Tripura Sundari Temple (one of the 51 Shakti Peethas in the country), run by the Hindu princely rulers. As per the merger agreement, the Tripura government has been bearing the festival's expenses for the past several decades. "The state government is abiding by the 1949 merger agreement with the royal family to uphold the faith of the tribals year after year," Debbarma told IANS, adding that "Kharchi Puja" is the biggest festival for the Hindu tribals in the northeastern region. Debbarma said: "For over 78 years and until 1838, Puran Habeli was the capital of then undivided Tripura, which included large parts of Sylhet, Brahmanbaria and Comilla districts of then East Pakistan and now Bangladesh." It was King Krishna Manikya Bahadur (1760-1761) who shifted the capital from southern Tripura's Udaipur to Puran Habeli in 1760. The temple of the 14 Gods constructed at that time still stands. In 1838, the capital was shifted to Agartala from Puran Habeli by King Krishna Kishore Manikya Bahadur (1830-1849). (Sujit Chakraborty can be contacted at sujitchakrabortyne@gmail.com) Gandhinagar, July 2 : The Monsoon activity intensified across Gujarat over the last 24 hours, with rainfall reported in 89 talukas in 32 districts, according to the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) in Gandhinagar. The heaviest rainfall was recorded in Kaprada taluka of Valsad district, which received four inches, making it the wettest region in the state during this period. Following Kaprada, Dolwan in Tapi district recorded 2.5 inches, while Subir in Dang district received two inches of rain. Other areas like Umargam and Dharampur registered 1.5 inches each, as per the official rainfall figures compiled by the SEOC. A high-level meeting of the Weather Watch Group was convened at the SEOC to assess the ongoing monsoon developments and review the preparedness of concerned departments. Officials were directed to stay alert and coordinate closely to tackle any eventualities arising from heavy rain in the coming days. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has also forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall across several parts of the state in the next few days. In view of the monsoon alert, 32 teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have been strategically deployed across various districts. Additionally, two extra teams have been kept on standby to respond swiftly in case of an emergency. Meanwhile, an update from the Irrigation Department revealed that 21 of the stateas 206 reservoirs are currently on high alert, with 12 on alert level and 19 under warning status, indicating rising water levels due to continuous rainfall. Region-wise water storage is being monitored closely to prevent any overflow or flooding situations. Authorities have assured that district-level administrations are on standby and fully equipped to respond to any emergency. Citizens in rain-prone areas have been urged to stay updated with local advisories and avoid unnecessary travel during heavy downpours. The state has recorded 288.70 mm rainfall, or 32.73 per cent of its annual average so far, which is the highest since 2015. The southwest monsoon arrived in Gujarat on June 16 and covered the state by June 18. New Delhi, July 2 : BJP National Spokesperson Tuhin Sinha launched a scathing attack on the Congress party on Wednesday, accusing it of aligning with radical groups and displaying separatist tendencies. Drawing parallels with pre-Independence politics, Sinha claimed that the Congress has effectively become the "modern-day Muslim League." "I have said before and I repeat today that the Congress party is the modern-day Muslim League," Tuhin Sinha said, referring to the recent bypoll in Kerala where the Welfare Party of India, affiliated with Jamaat-e-Islami, extended support to the Congress-led UDF candidate Aryadan Shoukath. "Recently, in the Kerala bypolls, Congress colluded with the Jamaat-e-Islami affiliated party and sought their support," he added. Sinha also targeted Congress leader Priyank Kharge over his recent statement suggesting that the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) would be banned if the Congress came to power in 2029. "Yesterday, Priyank Kharge threatened that if the Congress comes to power in 2029, they will ban the RSS. You must understand that this clearly means RSS is the only organisation that has fought against such radical groups," Sinha said. The BJP has earlier accused both the Congress and CPI(M) of compromising national security by allegedly aligning with groups like Jamaat-e-Islami and the People's Democratic Party (PDP), particularly in states like Kerala and Jammu & Kashmir. In a separate attack, Sinha also criticised Congress leader Dr Ajoy Kumar for his controversial remark referring to Sikkim as a "neighbouring country", a statement that has sparked outrage, even though on Wednesday the leader clarified that it was a slip of the tongue. Speaking in Hindi, Sinha said: "Congress leader Dr Ajoy Kumar's statement referring to Sikkim as a neighbouring country is highly condemnable." "It reflects the Congress party's separatist mindset, its 'tukde tukde' mentality. What's more shocking is that Dr. Ajoy Kumar is a former IPS officer; he is well aware of India's geography, down to every district. So, making such a statement isn't ignorance; it exposes the Congress' Maoist tendencies," he alleged. He further linked this incident to past controversies, saying, "We must not forget that during the Doklam standoff in 2017, Rahul Gandhi went to the Chinese Embassy while tensions with China were high. Was that a coincidence or something more? Now, Ajoy Kumar refuses to acknowledge Sikkim as part of India. This isn't a slip of the tongue, it's a slip in the Congress' intentions." Bengaluru, July 2 : After claiming that Congress will ban RSS once it comes to power in the Centre, Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge continued attacking the organisation on Wednesday, saying that it is "cancer" and the BJP's love towards it is "superficial". Bengaluru, July 2 (IANS) After claiming that Congress will ban RSS once it comes to power in the Centre, Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge continued attacking the organisation on Wednesday, saying that it is "cancer" and the BJP's love towards it is "superficial". Priyank Kharge, the Minister for RDPR, IT and BT, is the son of AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge. Priyank Kharge stated on Wednesday that, "Following my remarks regarding a possible ban on the RSS, BJP leaders, including state President B.Y. Vijayendra and MLA V. Sunil Kumar, have been issuing various statements. Let the BJP not forget that there is a cure for the cancer that is RSS - an organisation that threatens national unity, the national anthem, the national flag, and the Constitution - and that cure lies within the Constitution itself." "For BJP leaders, defending the RSS is absolutely essential - to safeguard their positions and to secure their political future - because they are all tethered to Nagpur. Even if they dislike it, they are compelled to defend the RSS," he said. The minister said, "The BJPas love for the RSS is only superficial - it resides in their throats, not in their hearts. If their admiration were genuine, BJP leaders would be sending their own children to RSS shakhas instead of schools. Not a single BJP leaderas child wears RSS shorts and plays with lathis at a shakha. Even the BJP knows that associating their children with the RSS would ruin their futures." "If Prime Minister Narendra Modi were to suddenly launch a campaign like 'Selfie with Shakha' for BJP leadersa children, even the RSS would come to know the truth of their loyalty. It would be good if respected Vijayendra and other BJP leaders acknowledged the historical truth that Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel had banned the RSS, considering it a terrorist organisation," he claimed. "Even if one doesn't fear mobs or violence, one must fear the Constitution of this country. Vijayendra, Sunil Kumar -- in this nation, the Constitution is the ultimate authority. My challenge to the BJP: As the RSS prepares to celebrate its centenary, let it list just 10 contributions it has made to the country over the past 100 years," he challenged. Kharge said, "What has it done to improve the nationas economy? What efforts has it made for social reform? What has it done to eradicate inequality and oppression? What programmes has it undertaken for the welfare of the poor? How has it worked toward national unity? Those defending the RSS must answer: Why did the RSS stay away during the Salt Satyagraha in the freedom movement? Why did it not participate in the Quit India Movement and instead side with the British? Why did it burn copies of the Constitution? Why did it oppose the national flag? Why did it refuse to hoist the Tricolour for decades? Where was your so-called powerful organisation when the nation fought three wars?" "Wearing khaki shorts and waving sticks doesnat give anyone the power to defy the Constitution -- nor does it make anyone a patriot," he stated. Slamming Priyank Kharge for his statement on the RSS ban, state President Vijayendra stated, "The Congress party's intolerance, hatred, and frustration toward the RSS will not harm the organisation in any way. Since the time of Nehru, the RSS has firmly withstood Congress' threats and attacks. So what weight do immature individuals like Priyank Kharge carry?" Bengaluru, July 2 : Amid demands from some Congress MLAs for a change in leadership in Karnataka, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday said that he will serve a full five-year term. Speaking to the media at Nandi Hills in Chikkaballapura district, ahead of the cabinet meeting, Siddaramaiah, when asked whether he would remain Chief Minister for the full term, responded, "Yes, I will be the Chief Minister for the full five years." "Why do you (media) have doubts about this? It is always the BJP and JD(S) that make such statements. B. Y. Vijayendra and R. Ashoka are BJP leaders. Their statements don't make any difference. The media must verify the facts," Siddaramaiah remarked. "In a democracy, every MLA of the ruling party has the right to aspire to become a minister. We currently have 142 MLAs, but only 34 have been inducted into the cabinet. As per constitutional provisions, only 15 per cent of the total MLAs can be appointed as ministers," he clarified. "Our government is united. I have already addressed this matter in Mysuru. Our government is rock solid. We will complete the five-year term," Siddaramaiah asserted. Claiming that the BJP and JD(S) are "daydreaming" about the collapse of the Congress-led government in Karnataka, Siddaramaiah said: "They did nothing while in power. Deputy CM D. K. Shivakumar rightly questioned them for evidence of development work carried out during their tenure." "They have made no significant contributions in sectors like irrigation, PWD, education, health and others. Union Minister H. D. Kumaraswamy was the Chief Minister during the coalition government, and the BJP ruled for four years in Karnataka. What have they done? They are simply misleading the people," Siddaramaiah added. Referring to the public turnout at a recent event to celebrate the completion of two years in power in the state, he said, "About three lakh people gathered in Hospet amid heavy rain to mark the completion of two years. Do people come in such large numbers without reason?" When asked about allegations that the survey of oppressed communities regarding internal reservation was not being conducted properly, Siddaramaiah stated, "There are 101 sub-castes within Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe communities. A door-to-door survey is underway, and people can also provide information online. However, in cities like Bengaluru, there seems to be a social stigma preventing people from identifying themselves as belonging to these categories, and hence online provision is made." Regarding the special cabinet meeting at Nandi Hills, Siddaramaiah said, "Today's meeting is focused on the Bengaluru Revenue Division. Earlier, similar cabinet meetings were held for the Belagavi and Mysuru revenue divisions. Soon, a meeting will be held for the Bijapur Revenue Division. Tehran, July 2 : Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Wednesday issued an order to enact a law to suspend the country's cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The law calls for a suspension of cooperation with the IAEA until Iran's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the safety of its nuclear facilities and scientists are fully guaranteed, said Constitutional Council Spokesman Hadi Tahan Nazif. Pezeshkian issued the order on Tuesday in a letter to the Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran, the Iranian Foreign Ministry and the Supreme National Security Council, said the report. The law, passed by the Iranian parliament last Wednesday and approved by the Constitutional Council the following day, was enacted due to "the violation of Iran's national sovereignty by the United States and Israel, and their attacks on the country's territorial integrity as well as peaceful nuclear facilities," said Tahan Nazif. According to the Parliament's resolution, depending on the approval of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, unless the security of the nuclear facilities and peaceful nuclear activities is guaranteed, the IAEA inspectors will not be permitted inside the Iranian borders. The vote came within a few days after the Speaker of the Parliament of Iran, Mohammad-Bagher Qalibaf, during an open session of the parliament on Monday, talked about the top legislative body considering a bill to suspend Tehran's cooperation with the UN agency. "Majlis (the Iranian Parliament) is drafting a plan to suspend cooperation with the agency until tangible guarantees regarding the professional attitude of this international organisation are received," Iran's semi-official Mehr news agency quoted Qalibaf as saying. It has also been reported that Esmail Kowsari, a senior lawmaker, member of Iran's parliamentary National Security Committee, urged the Supreme National Security Council to impose an entry ban on the IAEA chief, Rafael Grossi, who was allegedly found facilitating the Israeli-American "aggression" against Iran. An "Anti-Iran" resolution was passed by the IAEA Board of Governors, based on the reports by Grossi, which further turned out to be one of the first claims of non-compliance against Iran in nearly 20 years. The country was falsely accused of violating safeguarding obligations, with the measure adopted by 19 votes in favour, 11 abstentions, and 3 countries opposed (Russia, China, and Burkina Faso). The resolution pushed by Britain, France and Germany, backed by the US, gave way to "strong" condemnations from Iran, followed by announcements of a new nuclear facility, along with the upgrade to an advanced level at the Fordow enrichment plant. Grossi's report and the resulting resolution, according to analysts, facilitated the Israeli aggression on June 13, which in turn led to the killing of several nuclear scientists and high-ranking military commanders. On June 13, Israel launched major airstrikes on several areas in Iran, including nuclear and military sites, killing senior commanders, nuclear scientists and many civilians. Iran responded with multiple waves of missile and drone attacks on Israel. On June 22, US President Donald Trump said the United States had carried out airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear sites -- Fordow, Natanz and Esfahan. In response, Iran launched missile attacks on the US Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar. After 12 days of fighting, a ceasefire between Iran and Israel was reached on June 24. Following the law's approval, the responsibility for overseeing its implementation fell to Iran's Supreme National Security Council. Although the council has not issued a public statement, the fact that Pezeshkian chairs the council suggests that his reported directive indicates the bill will move forward. Iran's 2015 nuclear agreement with world powers -- brokered during the presidency of Barack Obama -- permitted Tehran to enrich uranium up to 3.67 per cent, a level suitable for nuclear power generation but far below the 90 per cent enrichment required for weapons-grade material. The deal also significantly limited Iran's uranium stockpile, imposed strict controls on centrifuge usage, and granted the IAEA expanded access to monitor compliance. Research and innovation are integral to VJITs academic culture. The institute has achieved over 500 Scopus-indexed publications, secured 19 granted patents, and published 47 more. It has received 190.46 lakhs in research grants from prestigious bodies such as DST, AICTE, MSME, and MHRD IIC. Over 35 active MoUs with leading industries and institutions enable students to gain real-world experience and technical expertise.The institutes Centers of Excellence, in partnership with EPAM, Virtusa, Qlik, and Swecha, offer advanced training in technologies such as Generative AI. Collaborations with Ultratech Cement and ICI promote sustainable construction practices. Programs like AWS Educate, Eduskills, and Infosys Springboard provide opportunities for industry-recognized certifications. With JNTUH-recognized research centers in CSE, ECE, and EEE, VJIT continues to be a center of academic excellence, research, and industry readiness.Renowned not only for its academic excellence but also for its impressive infrastructure that fosters holistic development, VJITs expansive campus is equipped with advanced laboratories, modern classrooms, and high-end computer labs, ensuring students have hands-on access to the latest technologies. The institute features three spacious conference halls, each fitted with state-of-the-art audio-visual systems, accommodating between 200 to 500 attendees, ideal for seminars, workshops, and academic events. The central library and information centre houses over 5.8 lakh volumes,125 national and international print journals, and subscriptions to premier e-resources like IEEE, ASME, ASCE, DELNET, N-List, and Dspace, supporting extensive research and learning.VJIT also places strong emphasis on student well-being through excellent sports infrastructure. Facilities include courts for basket ball and volleyball, cricket pitches, an athletic track, and an indoor sports complex, encouraging a healthy and active lifestyle.Guided by the visionary leadership of Dr P. Rajeshwar Reddy, Secretary & Correspondent, the institute continuously enhances its learning environment. His focus on real-world preparedness and academic rigor reflects VJITs commitment to producing competent, well-rounded professionals ready to meet global challenges.Vidya Jyothi Institute of Technology continues to set high benchmarks in student placements and global engagement.For the 2025 graduating batch, the institute achieved remarkable placement outcomes, with over 900 offers made by more than 70 top-tier companies. With an average placement rate of 85 percent among eligible students, the highest package offered reached 10 LPA, while the average stood at 5 LPA. Presti-gious recruiters such as Cognizant, HCL Tech, FactSet, HSBC, Kyndryl, Deloitte, Capgemini, Wipro, Accenture, Vodafone, DBS Bank, and Virtusa were among the many that recognized the talent nurtured at VJIT.VJIT extends its excellence beyond academics through exceptional global exposure. Students benefit from international conferences, internships, and the opportunity to present their research at foreign universities. A standout example of this global reach is VJITs Satellite Student Team, which has garnered national and international recognition. In 2024, the team earned the Best Design Award at the prestigious CANSAT competition organized by IN-SPACe, ASI, and ISRO. In 2022, they won the Global Jury Award at the World CANSAT Rocketry Competition in Serbia for their satellite project, Nambisat.Individual achievements also highlight the institutes quality. A student from the Artificial Intelligence department secured a place among the Top 25 Super Coders in TCS CodeVita Season 12, one of the worlds leading coding contests.VJIT places strong emphasis on the holistic development of students through vibrant extracurriculars, clubs, and innovation-driven initiatives. These efforts underscore the institutes commitment to shaping globally competitive professionals. The accolades and milestones achieved by its students affirm VJITs status as a forward-thinking institution dedicated to excellence in technical education and all-round student success. New Delhi, July 2 : Initiatives like Poshan Tracker, and direct benefit transfers have transformed welfare for women and children in the country, the Prime Minister's Office said on Wednesday. In a post shared on social media platform X, the PMO said that these initiatives are leading to real-time, impactful change across the country. The PMO said this while sharing a media article on how the government has leveraged technology to transform women and child welfare. The article by Union Minister for Women and Child Development Annapurna Devi talks about "initiatives like Poshan Tracker, a dedicated grievance redressal module and direct benefit transfers driving real-time, impactful change across the country", the PMO said on X. "Technology is catalysing a transformative shift in women and child welfare -- from nutrition and education to justice, dignity, and true empowerment," said Devi on X. In the article, Devi shared that to ensure that "benefits reach the last mile swiftly, transparently, and efficiently", the Ministry of Women and Child Development roped in technology in its programmes. The benefits include improved "access to nutrition, education, legal safeguards, and essential entitlements". A key example is the Ministry's Poshan Tracker initiative -- "driving the national vision of a Swasth Bharat, Suposhit Bharat". Under the initiative, the Anganwadi centres serve as digitally empowered community hubs bridging the urban-rural divide. Recognised with the Prime Minister's Award for Excellence in Public Administration (2025), it also provides digital training modules to Anganwadi workers for early childhood education. "Poshan Tracker is transforming nutrition monitoring with real-time dashboards, geo-tagged Anganwadi Centres & face recognition for Take Home Ration distribution -- ensuring transparency and efficiency across India," Devi wrote on X. Further, under the Saksham Anganwadi initiative, 14 lakh Anganwadi centres across the nation have been integrated with the Poshan Tracker. "Over 10.14 crore beneficiaries, including pregnant women, lactating mothers, children under six, and adolescent girls, are now registered on Poshan Tracker," ensuring last-mile delivery, Devi said. Tehri, July 2 : A truck carrying around 15 to 17 Kanwariyas overturned near Jajal, Tachla, under the Narendra Nagar Police Station limits in Uttarakhand's Tehri Garhwal district on Wednesday, leaving all passengers seriously injured after they were trapped under the vehicle. Three Kanwariyas are feared dead in the accident. The accident took place while the truck was heading from Rishikesh to Gangotri. It barely avoided falling into a deep gorge after losing control on the narrow road. The injured were rescued in a joint operation by the local police and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), who arrived promptly at the scene to conduct relief and rescue operations. According to officials, the truck overturned near Jajal Fakot, just on the edge of the road, and it narrowly missed plunging into the gorge below. Three of the people are feared dead and three of the injured are in a critical condition and have been referred to medical centres for advanced treatment. While most of the injured are currently receiving care at the Fakot Health Centre, those with more severe injuries were rushed to AIIMS Rishikesh and a hospital in Narendra Nagar. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami took to social media to express grief over the incident and directed officials to ensure the injured receive all necessary medical attention. "Sad news has been received about a truck accident near Jajal Fakot on the Rishikesh-Gangotri Highway. I pray to God for the peace of the souls of those who lost their lives in the accident and for the speedy recovery of the injured. The district administration has been directed to provide all possible treatment to the injured," CM Dhami posted on X. Locals rushed to the spot after hearing cries for help and immediately alerted the authorities. According to the authorities, with the help of a JCB machine, the overturned truck was brought back to its original position and the injured were transported to medical facilities in Narendranagar. The incident has once again highlighted the dangers of travel in the hilly terrain of Uttarakhand, especially during the monsoon season. The poor condition of roads, made worse by continuous rains and frequent landslides, makes travel extremely hazardous. With the Char Dham Yatra and Kanwar Yatra underway, authorities are being urged to issue strict advisories and safety protocols to guide all pilgrims. With more devotees expected to visit the region in the coming days, concerns are mounting about the preparedness of the state's infrastructure to ensure safe and secure transit for pilgrims navigating the challenging mountainous routes. New Delhi, July 2 : The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday told a court here that the Congress party wanted to usurp around Rs 2,000 crore assets of the now-defunct National Herald newspaper. Additional Solicitor General (ASG) S.V. Raju, representing the ED, submitted before the Rouse Avenue Court that a conspiracy was hatched to form Young Indian Ltd -- in which Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi are majority stakeholders -- to acquire control over the newspaper's vast assets aimed at benefiting the party leadership personally. ASG Raju added that several senior Congress leaders were involved in "fake transactions" made to Associated Journals Limited (AJL), the original publisher of the National Herald. According to the ED, individuals were making fraudulent advance rent payments over several years at the direction of senior Congress functionaries with fabricated rent receipts. Special Judge (PC Act) Vishal Gogne is handling the alleged National Herald money laundering case on a day-to-day basis, hearing submissions on behalf of the Central agency and the proposed accused, including Sonia and Rahul Gandhi, Congress Overseas Chief Sam Pitroda, and Suman Dubey. In an earlier hearing, ASG Raju had claimed that the Gandhis have enjoyed Rs 142 crore of "proceeds of crime" and continued to derive benefits from it until the ED attached National Herald assets. As per the ED, the accused committed money laundering not only when they acquired the "proceeds of crime" but also when they continued to hold it. Before this, the Rouse Avenue Courts had asked the Gandhis and others accused to show cause as to why cognisance should not be taken on ED's prosecution complaint filed against them under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The charge sheet claimed that the Congress leadership had misappropriated property belonging to the AJL by converting public trusts into personal assets. The National Herald, a newspaper established by Jawaharlal Nehru and other prominent leaders in 1938, was originally aimed at representing the liberal voice within the Congress. Published by AJL, the National Herald was a critical tool for Congress during the freedom struggle and post-independence years. Alongside the English publication, the AJL also published newspapers in Hindi and Urdu. However, the paper ceased operations in 2008 due to mounting debts exceeding Rs 90 crore. The controversy over its assets came into focus in 2012 when BJP leader Subramanian Swamy filed a complaint in a trial court, alleging that Congress leaders had engaged in cheating and breach of trust in the process of acquiring AJL. In the course of the investigation, the ED found that the accused, including Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, used Young Indian to acquire AJL's assets at a nominal price of Rs 50 lakh. The probe agency claimed that Young Indian, beneficially owned by the Gandhis, effectively took control of AJL's properties while undervaluing their market worth. In November 2023, the ED attached immovable properties valued at Rs 661 crore and AJL shares worth Rs 90.2 crore, terming them suspected proceeds of crime. Gandhinagar, July 2 : In a step towards combating the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), the second meeting of the State Convergence Committee on AMR was held in Gandhinagar under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Pankaj Kumar Joshi on Wednesday. The meeting brought together senior officials from various departments to review Gujarat's action plan and progress under the State Action Plan for Containment of Antimicrobial Resistance (SAPCAR-G). During the session, the Chief Secretary launched two landmark state-level reports, the GUJSAR Surveillance Report and the Antibiotic Usage Report. These documents highlight key trends in antibiotic consumption and resistance patterns across the state and offer critical recommendations for improving AMR surveillance and responsible use of antibiotics. The Chief Secretary appreciated Gujarat's notable initiatives in the field of AMR containment and encouraged officials to continue contributing at the national level, particularly as part of the One Health Steering Committee, chaired by the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Prime Minister. He emphasised the importance of inter-departmental collaboration to address the multifaceted challenge of antimicrobial resistance. Key decisions were taken during the meeting to strengthen public health responses through enhanced regulation, stewardship, and convergence-based strategies. Discussions also focused on emerging concerns around AMR and the One Health approach, which integrates human, animal, and environmental health to ensure holistic disease control. The meeting was attended by senior officials from departments including Health, Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, Science & Technology, and the Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB). Notable attendees included Additional Chief Secretary of Health Dhananjay Dwivedi, Urban Health Commissioner Harshad Patel, and Rural Health Commissioner Ratankunwar Gadhvi, among others. Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) poses a growing public health threat worldwide, and Gujarat is no exception. With its large population, rapid urbanisation, and extensive use of antibiotics in both human and veterinary sectors, Gujarat faces unique challenges in managing AMR. Overuse and misuse of antibiotics in healthcare, agriculture, and animal husbandry contribute significantly to the development of resistant strains of bacteria, making once-treatable infections harder and more expensive to cure. Gujarat's high industrial activity and pharmaceutical presence also raise environmental concerns related to antibiotic contamination. By studying AMR at the state level, Gujarat can better monitor resistance patterns, regulate antibiotic usage, and implement targeted interventions through the "One Health" approach, which links human, animal, and environmental health Dhaka, July 2 : Workers from the National Citizen Party (NCP) are planning to hold a major protest at Banga Bhaban - the official residence of Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin in Dhaka - on Thursday, demanding his resignation. Local media cited that NCP protesters are making plans to defy police and army cordon and take control of Banga Bhavan. Intelligence officials fear that the protest could turn violent as men carrying sharp-edged weapons, grenades and even bombs could hide behind women leaders who are planning to be at the forefront of the rally. They said that hired persons would form the mainstay of the rally and have been promised Taka 1350-1500. Already more than 1000 hired violence-prone individuals have expressed willingness to be part of the protest rally, the revealed. "In this regard, Mohammadpur gang and Kishore gang leaders have been contacted to initiate 'street distraction' and 'noise sabotage' during the rally to capture the Banga Bhavan and put pressure on the interim administration and the Bangladesh Army," said an official on the condition of anonymity. Insiders reveal that immediately after the protest march, the formation of a 'third front' will be announced along with a recorded message demanding resignation of the President of Bangladesh. Social media handles would post and connect to gather comments of people to gain national and international attention and sympathy. Interestingly, Nahid Islam, who led the so-called 'Anti-discrimination Student Movement' to remove former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from power, is the NCP convenor. Till recently, he was advisor for Information and Broadcasting and Posts, Telecommunication and IT. Once considered quite close to Yunus, Nahid has commented that the NCP has a greater responsibility to maintain the ideals of the July Uprising. Analysts reckon that Yunus has also been propping up the NCP to fight in the national elections which could be the reason behind his delaying tactics to hold national elections as it will give enough time to the NCP to prepare. They believe that the euphoria that followed the regime change has long faded and the violent internal power struggle resurfaced. "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," stated one official. Patna, July 2 : The Bihar BJP Working Committee meeting, held at Gyan Bhavan in Patna on Wednesday, witnessed an unexpected moment when former Union Minister and senior BJP leader Ashwini Kumar Choubey walked out of the meeting after being upset over not finding a seat for himself on the stage. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh was in Patna to inaugurate the meeting, with several senior BJP leaders, including Bihar BJP in-charge Vinod Tawde and Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary, in attendance. Ashwini Choubey arrived at Gyan Bhavan and was seen walking alongside Rajnath Singh towards the stage, with other leaders following. However, on reaching the stage, Choubey looked around at the chairs, many of which were already occupied by senior leaders, and realised there was no seat marked for him. Within moments, he stepped down from the stage and walked out of the venue. When reporters questioned him about leaving before the event started and whether it was due to not finding a chair, Choubey said he only came to meet the Defence Minister. "There is no such thing. I came here to meet Rajnath Singh and now have to attend another program at Gandhi Maidan. The whole hall is for us," Choubey said. Ashwini Choubey, a two-time MP from Buxar (2014, 2019) and former Union Minister, did not receive a ticket in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, and the BJP did not win the Buxar seat. Choubey, known for his seniority within the party and his consistent support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, had been a vocal supporter even during times of strained relations between Nitish Kumar and Prime Minister Modi in Bihar. The incident has sparked discussions within Bihar's political circles, with observers noting the awkwardness of the situation amid a crucial election strategy meeting, reflecting the undercurrents within the party as it prepares for the upcoming Assembly polls. Mumbai, July 2 : Amid the rising threat of cyber and digital crimes, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who is also the Home Minister of the state, on Wednesday told the state council that during the last 10 years, over one crore investors were duped of Rs 22,552 crore in various investment schemes in the state, excluding Mumbai. According to the Economic Offences Wing of the Mumbai Police, 2.71 lakh investors were duped of Rs 2,95,451 crore in the last 10 years. Since 2016 up to May 2025, about 46,321 offences of cyber crimes were registered for duping investors of Rs 11,033.97 crore. In a written reply to a question by Congress legislator Satej Patil and others, CM Fadnavis said in the year 2024 on the Maharashtra National Cyber Crime Reporting portal as many as 58,157 complaints of duping investors to the tune of Rs 1,187.46 crore were received. In Mumbai, 31,583 complaints were received while there were 13,971 reports in Pune and 12,582 in Thane. In 2025, as many as 540 complaints were received on the Maharashtra National Cyber Crime Reporting portal. CM Fadnavis said that there are 50 cyber police stations operational across the state. In order to alert the citizens in advance about fraud schemes duping the investors, the government has established a Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) in the Mumbai Police Commissionerate while similar FIUs have been set up in the jurisdiction of the Police Commissioners and Superintendents of Police in the rest of the state. The government has provided modern software and hardware to cyber labs and cyber police stations across the state for conducting speedy investigation of cyber crimes. He said that the police officers and Constables were trained to detect cyber crimes while a modern lab has also been established to facilitate that. The police are conducting a massive awareness campaign to warn citizens, students, teachers, administrative staff and others about cyber and digital crimes. The citizens have been urged through social media, Internet and other mediums to keep a close vigil and remain alert about cyber crimes, said the Chief Minister. Meanwhile, in another question raised by BJP legislator Parinay Fuke, CM Fadnavis said that 303 offences were registered in connection with mephedrone a" often referred to by its street name, aMeow Meowa in 2022, while 642 were registered in 2023 and 545 in 2024. Mumbai, July 2 : Actress Actor Kay Kay Menon, who is gearing up for the release of the upcoming season of his superhit streaming show 'Special Ops', has shared that his lead character of Himmat Singh in the show hasn't changed much in 5 years. The actor recently spoke with IANS, and opened up on the trajectory of his lead character which drives the show forward. The second season of the show deals with the threat of cyber warfare. Talking about his character, the actor told IANS, "I don't think Himmat Singh has changed. He still remains the same Himmat Singh. What has changed is the challenges that he faces. So in that sense, contextually, the situations are different. But Himmat Singh will be Himmat Singh the way he operates". He further mentioned, "All the same, things have been kind of opened up in this in terms of his home front. And we can't reveal much, but, you know, things like one more track opening. Actually, there are so many things happening. So that is most exciting as far as scripting is concerned. So for me, I always look forward to it, every edition as to what new thing is coming. And what do I need to do as Himmat Singh to tackle that?". Earlier, the actor had said that the market is always important, as showbiz is the business of emotions, where business and emotion both play an important part. He said during the release of his streaming show 'Shekhar Home' that one cannot just have audio-visual content because they want to see it in their drawing room. It has to be made in a way that caters to the market as well. However, the actor made a sharp comment on those who take the audience for granted and don't believe in pushing the boundaries. He said earlier, "What is questionable is the sensibility, nothing else. So, if you assume that the audience is dumb, then there is a problem. It is best to assume that the audience is intelligent, they are sensitive, everything is there and now you are making something for them". 'Special Ops 2' is set to stream on JioHotstar from July 11, 2025. New Delhi, July 2 : The Uttarakhand government has mandated all food vendors catering to Kanwar Yatra pilgrims to prominently display their photo ID and shop license number, in a bid to ensure food safety and hygiene amid the massive influx of devotees. This rule applies across the board, from large eateries to roadside stalls. Violators found operating without the required identification risk heavy penalties, with fines reaching up to Rs 2 lakh under the Food Safety Act. While the move has been welcomed by many as a necessary step to safeguard public health, it has also triggered political criticism, with opposition leaders calling the penalty excessively harsh, particularly for small-time street vendors. Former Samajwadi Party MP S.T. Hasan, speaking to IANS, expressed his disapproval of the steep fine, stating, "We have no objection to putting up nameplates. Islam teaches us not to deceive anyone in business. But if a fine of Rs 2 lakh is imposed on a street vendor, that is excessive. The fine can be of Rs 1000-2000, but the said amount is too much." Countering Hasan's remarks, Mahant Ravindra Puri, President of the Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad, defended the state government's decision and accused critics of selective outrage. "Hasan did not speak when people were spitting in food or urinating in our juice. The Chief Minister has taken this decision to ensure that our religion is not corrupted. Crores of people from Rajasthan, Delhi, Himachal, etc., come to Uttarakhand for the Kanwar Yatra," he told IANS. Food Safety Officer Sanjay Kumar Singh clarified the state's position and emphasised that the measure is rooted in law. "There is a provision for licensing under the Food Safety Act, and individuals involved in food-related businesses are required to obtain licenses. Regarding the ongoing Kanwar Yatra, a video meeting was held with our Hon'ble Commissioner and district officials to ensure proper food safety measures are in place," he said. He added that every food business operator along the yatra route -- including small vendors, hawkers, and street food stalls -- must display their license or registration certificate along with a visible photo ID. Failure to show this identification will lead to immediate action under the Food Safety Act, resulting in a Rs 2 lakh fine. The administration is actively helping vendors get registered. "We are ensuring that the street vendors get their licenses on time. We are doing all to ensure that the devotees do not face any problem of unhygienic food during the Yatra. The number of street vendors increases during the Kanwar Yatra, and hence, all the checks will be taken. If any problem is found, samples will be collected and appropriate action will be taken," Singh added. The directive comes in response to recurring concerns over food adulteration, contamination, and unsanitary practices reported during major religious events. Bengaluru, July 2 : An Infosys senior staff member was arrested for allegedly filming a woman colleague while she was using the washroom at the office in Bengaluru on Wednesday. The Electronic City police arrested the accused following a complaint lodged by the woman employee. The accused has been identified as Swapnil Mahesh Mali, a Senior Associate Consultant in the Helix Department at Infosys. The victim, a 35-year-old married software professional, works as a Technical Test Lead at Infosys. She works from the office for about 10 days a month and otherwise works from home. According to the FIR, the incident took place on June 30 at around 11 a.m. when the woman went to the ladies' washroom. She noticed a reflection on the door in front of her and, upon closer observation, sensed that someone had withdrawn an object from the partition wall. She immediately stepped out and began monitoring the area. She returned to the washroom shortly after another woman exited from a nearby cubicle. After 5 to 6 minutes, she noticed a mobile phone being used to record from the adjacent stall. Realising what was happening, the woman stood on the commode and saw the accused filming her from the next stall. Upon being caught, the accused repeatedly apologised, the FIR stated. The woman rushed out of the washroom to the common area and raised an alarm, alerting others that someone was filming inside the ladiesa washroom. Several employees responded quickly. The accused attempted to flee the scene but was stopped. HR managers who arrived at the spot confiscated his mobile phone and found footage of the woman being filmed in the washroom. The accused continued to apologise. The woman asked him to delete the video. The HR team took screenshots of the footage before deleting it. After reaching home, the woman discussed the incident with her husband. He advised her to file a formal police complaint, expressing concern that the accused might have secretly filmed other women and could continue harassing female colleagues. Based on her complaint, the police booked the accused under Section 66E of the Information Technology Act and Section 77 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Hyderabad, July 2 : Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) Working President, K.T. Rama Rao, has alleged that leaders of the ruling Congress party in Telangana were looting lands allotted to farmers by the previous BRS government as compensation for their lands acquired for Hyderabad Green Pharma City. Rama Rao said on Wednesday that Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy had promised that if the Congress was voted to power, the Pharma City project would be cancelled and farmers' lands would be returned to them, but he failed to keep his word. "Mr. Revanth Reddy, you had announced that 'Hyderabad Green Pharma City' project would be cancelled and the land would be returned to the farmers if the Congress was voted to power. Not only have you failed in delivering on your promise, now, your Congress leaders have descended like vultures for the compensatory lands given by the KCR Government to these farmers!," Rama Rao claimed on his X handle. "Why are the plots allocated as compensation to Pharma City now being registered in the names of Congress leaders? Why are farmers being looted of their rightful compensation? Why are these lands getting registered at prices less than 1/4th of the market value?," asked the BRS leader. "It takes a shameless Congress government to loot farmers who gave their lands for state development," Rama Rao added. Rama Rao had earlier alleged a big land scam involving thousands of crores behind the proposed cancellation of the Pharma City project. He questioned the government's stance, claiming that it is misleading both the public and the judiciary by stating different positions on the Pharma City project. The BRS leader pointed out the contradictory stances of the government, saying, "On one hand, they claim Pharma City is cancelled, but in the High Court, they state it hasn't been cancelled. How can they mislead the judiciary like this?" Rama Rao questioned the feasibility of the government's alternative proposals. "They talk about Future City, AI City, and Fourth City. Have they acquired even an acre of land for these? How can they repurpose Pharma City lands without acquiring any new land?" He recalled that the BRS government had proposed Pharma City with 14,000 acres of land and an investment of Rs 64,000 crore. "The land was acquired under conditional acquisition and cannot be repurposed for other projects," he stated. He stated that cancelling Pharma City will not only harm industrial progress but also result in the loss of thousands of job opportunities in Telangana. Hyderabad, July 2 : Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader T. Harish Rao has alleged that there was a secret deal between Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and his Andhra Pradesh counterpart, N. Chandrababu Naidu, on the Polavaram-Banakacherla Link Project. A day after Chief Minister Revanth Reddy accused former chief minister and BRS president K. Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR) and Harish Rao of harming the stateas interests during the BRS regime, Harish Rao on Wednesday hit back by accusing Revanth Reddy of entering into a secret deal with the neighbouring state. The former irrigation minister claimed that the deal between the two chief ministers was struck at Praja Bhavan in Hyderabad on July 6, 2024. Harish Rao told a press conference that CM Revanth Reddy and Irrigation Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy gave the green signal for the Banakacherla project. CM Revanth Reddy had alleged on Tuesday that KCR and Harish Rao had harmed Telanganaas interests in the matter of Krishna waters first and later Godavari waters. During a PowerPoint presentation before MLAs, the Chief Minister claimed that KCR, during a meeting with his then Andhra Pradesh counterpart Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, had offered to give away Godavari water, stating that thousands of tmc ft was flowing waste into the sea every year. Referring to Revanth Reddyas past association with the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and Chandrababu Naidu, Harish Rao said that by entering into a secret deal, Revanth Reddy made an offering to his agurua. Harish Rao said that despite holding a Constitutional post, Revanth Reddy was uttering lies over the river water issue. He claimed that Telanganaas interests are paramount for BRS, which fought and achieved the Telangana state. He said if CM Revanth Reddy is sincere in stopping the Banakacherla project, he should make public the letters he sent to the Centre over the issue. Harish Rao asked why the presentation made by the Chief Minister had no mention of the fact that Chandrababu Naidu created hurdles for many Telangana projects like Kaleshwaram, Palamuru, Dindi and Bhakta Ramadasu. The former minister said it was only after BRS raised the issue of Banakacherla that the Congress leaders started speaking on it. He also alleged that Revanth Reddy made baseless allegations against BRS as he was afraid of being exposed. Stating that he is ready to accept Revanth Reddyas challenge for a debate in the Assembly, Harish Rao said his only precondition is that his mike should not be cut during the debate. Seoul, July 2 : A South Korean special counsel team has imposed a fresh travel ban on former first lady Kim Keon Hee as part of its probe into corruption allegations surrounding her, judicial sources said on Wednesday. The investigation team, led by special prosecutor Min Joong-ki, made the move after it received the case last month from the prosecution, which had already prohibited Kim from leaving the country, according to the sources. The investigation into the former first lady, the wife of former President Yoon Suk Yeol, centres on 16 allegations, including her alleged involvement in a stock price manipulation scheme, acceptance of a luxury bag and suspected interference in election nominations. Min's team launched an official probe into the case Wednesday, holding a signboard-unveiling ceremony at its office in central Seoul. It plans to take over case records on the alleged influence-peddling case related to election nominations at the main opposition People Power Party from the police on Thursday. Earlier in the day, another special counsel, led by special prosecutor Lee Myeong-hyeon, opened an official investigation into suspicions that the then-government, including Yoon, tried to cover up the truth behind the death of a Marine during a search for torrential rain victims in July 2023. By law, the special counsel probe into Kim can last up to 110 days, including 20 days of preparation that have already lapsed, and can be extended twice by 30 days each time. The investigation into the Marine's death can last up to 80 days, including 20 days of preparation, and can be extended to up to 140 days. "We will conduct all investigations in a manner that isn't excessive or biased," Min said at the ceremony at his office. "We will do our best to provide proper answers to various suspicions by combining our strengths and pooling our wisdom." "We will do our best to thoroughly determine the actual truth," Lee said at the ceremony at his office, Yonhap news agency reported. Together with another special counsel team led by Cho Eun-suk, which has already begun its investigation into Yoon's failed martial law bid, the three teams were appointed by President Lee Jae Myung following his inauguration last month. Patna, July 2 : Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday said that Bihar's lost glory can be restored only by the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Addressing BJP's State Working Committee meeting at Gyan Bhavan in Patna ahead of the state Assembly polls, he said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has shown that India can progress with strong leadership, clear intentions, and policies rooted in national interest. Slamming the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and the Congress for making Bihar backward, Defence Minister Singh advised BJP workers to counter the "misinformation" spread by the opposition with facts. He claimed, "RJD and Congress will again try to divide people based on caste and religion. Their politics of hatred must be answered with the BJP's politics of service." Defence Minister Singh urged the workers to embrace the "politics of service" to counter the opposition's politics of division. Calling the meeting a "Sankalp Sabha" rather than a routine organisational gathering, Rajnath Singh emphasised that the BJP workers are engaged in the "sadhana of nation-building" and that this dedication has become a force for change in Bihar. "I have observed BJP workers for 40 years. If you speak to them with love and affection, they will give their heart to the party and the country. Workers cannot be made to work by creating fear; they will do anything when approached with respect and love," he said. The Defence Minister urged BJP workers to undertake five tasks for the elections. Defence Minister Singh appealed to the workers not to limit activities to speeches; rather, ask people about their experiences with government schemes and use Bihar's historical glory as an inspiration, reminding people that it is the land of the world's largest ancient republic and the birthplace of Lord Buddha and Mahavira. Rajnath Singh also asked the workers to promote nation-building, not just government formation. The Defence Minister said that the BJP's politics is driven by the mission of building society and the nation, in contrast with Congress and RJD, which he described as parties motivated only by the desire for power. He also asked party workers to make people aware of the Modi government's achievements. "Take the record of 11 years of governance under Prime Minister Modi to every home, ensuring people understand the developmental work done at the national level," he said. The Defence Minister's address aims to instil discipline and mission focus among BJP workers as the party gears up to expand its organisational and electoral outreach across the state's villages and urban centres. Hyderabad, July 2 : The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) of Telangana has once again summoned senior IAS officer and Special Chief Secretary Arvind Kumar for questioning in Formula E race case. The agency, which is probing the allegations of unauthorised misuse of government funds, has directed him to appear on Thursday. Arvind Kumar was served notice two days after he returned from a month-long leave. He was summoned a few days after Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) and former minister K. T. Rama Rao were questioned by the ACB for the second time. This is the second time Arvind Kumar will face questioning by the ACB in this case. He had earlier appeared before the anti-graft agency in January. He had reportedly informed investigating officials that he transferred funds based on instructions from higher authorities. The ACB on June 16 questioned K. T. Rama Rao (KTR) for nearly eight hours. The former minister had appeared before the ACB on January 9 in the case relating to the conduct of the Formula E race in Hyderabad in January 2023, when BRS was in power. The ACB in December last year booked a case against KTR, former Special Chief Secretary to Government, Municipal Administration and Urban Development (MA&UD) department, Arvind Kumar and former Chief Engineer of Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) B.L.N. Reddy for alleged Rs 54.88 crore irregularities in the Formula-E deal. The FIR was registered on a complaint by the Principal Secretary to the Government, MA&UD department, M. Dana Kishore, who stated that foreign remittances were made without prior approvals of the relevant regulatory authorities, which resulted in an additional tax burden to HMDA to the tune of Rs. 8.06 crore. The complainant also alleged that the payment was made while the Model Code of Conduct was in effect for the elections to the State Legislative Assembly without any prior approval of the Election Commission of India. The FIR was registered under the Prevention of Corruption Act as well as under Indian Penal Code (IPC) sections 409 (criminal breach of trust) and 120B (criminal conspiracy). After appearing before ACB for the second time on June 16, KTR stated that he was not scared of arrest. He said the ACB officials kept repeating a question and asked them to show him corruption in the case. Claiming that the Formula-E race boosted the image of Telangana, he alleged that the actions of the Revanth Reddy government were maligning the state. Kohima, July 2 : Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio requested Union Home Minister Amit Shah to take action to vacate 18.8 acres of land currently occupied by Assam Rifles, as the land would be utilised for the expansion of Dimapur Airport. A Nagaland government official said that the Assam Rifles have already been allotted alternate land at Shokhuvi village in Chumoukedima district, where a new training centre and school have been established and are now fully operational. Despite these positive developments, 18.8 acres out of 147 acres under the occupation of Assam Rifles remains un-transferred, delaying critical airport infrastructure work and expansion of Dimapur Airport, he said. The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has vacated 8.4 acres of land under their occupation, supporting the Phase-I expansion scheme of Dimapur Airport. The official said that the Chief Minister requested the Union Home Minister for urgent instructions from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to facilitate the transfer and ensure the timely commencement of developmental works. In his letter to Shah, the Chief Minister said that the inability to expand Dimapur airport due to land constraints is causing serious operational and safety concerns. Airport Authority of India's (AAI) master plan for phased development has been hindered even at Phase I due to pending land transfer. "The state government and CRPF have done their part by vacating and handing over the required land. Assam Rifles already has a fully functional facility at Shokhuvi, negating the need to retain the current land. Multiple representations have been made, yet approval for land handover is still pending," the Chief Minister's letter said. The official said that a high-level meeting was held on July 1 in New Delhi, chaired by Abhijit Sinha, Additional Secretary (Police II), Ministry of Home Affairs. This meeting was a direct outcome of the sustained efforts led by the Chief Minister and Nagaland Chief Secretary J. Alam to resolve the issue. The Chief Secretary also wrote to the Union Home Secretary, reiterating the state's position. He underscored that several meetings have been held with the Assam Rifles to resolve the issue. However, the land is yet to be vacated despite repeated assurances and reminders. Alam further said that the Assam Rifles has expressed willingness to vacate the land subject to MHA's directive and structural compensation but since this is a book transfer between two Central government entities (Assam Rifles and AAI), structural compensation is not applicable, and the transfer can be made on an "as-is-where-is" basis. Dimapur Airport, the only airport in Nagaland, plays a critical role in connecting the region with the rest of the country. The airport serves not only the people of Nagaland but also adjoining areas of Assam and Manipur within a 100 km radius. Despite its strategic importance and rising passenger traffic, expansion efforts have been severely constrained due to longstanding land issues, the official stated. --IANS sc/dan Islamabad, July 2 : At least four people, including senior provincial government officials, were killed and 11 others injured in a powerful roadside bomb blast targetting a convoy in Pakistan's northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Wednesday, officials said. The explosion took place near Phatak Mela area along Nawagai Road in Bajaur district, where a double-cabin vehicle carrying two senior government officials, including Assistant Commissioner of Nawagai Faisal Sultan, was struck by an improvised explosive device, local police said. The blast killed both officials on the spot, along with two policemen who were accompanying them. A Rescue 1122 official told Xinhua news agency that the bomb was planted near the roadside and detonated remotely as the convoy was passing by a local fairground. Several of the injured were in critical condition and were shifted to Khar District Headquarters Hospital for treatment. Following the blast, rescue teams and law enforcement forces rushed to the site. A search operation was underway to locate and apprehend those behind the deadly attack. On June 28, at least 13 soldiers were killed and 29 others, including 19 civilians, injured in a terror attack in North Waziristan district of Pakistan's northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. A military unit that was on its bomb disposal duties in the Khadi Market of the Mir Ali area of North Waziristan was attacked by a suicide bomber who rammed an explosive vehicle into a vehicle of the bomb-disposal unit. The indiscriminate firing that followed at the security personnel left 13 soldiers dead and 10 others injured. The firing also caused injuries to 19 civilians, including women and children, in the area. A faction named Usood-ul-Harb of the banned terrorist organisation Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) claimed the attack. Mumbai, July 2 : Maharashtra Samajwadi Party chief Abu Asim Azmi on Wednesday criticised the state government over the controversial Maharashtra Public Safety Bill 2024, as activists, civil society organisations, and Left parties announced plans to unite in opposition to the proposed law. Abu Azmi questioned the need for the new legislation, saying there is already a law in the country through which people can be imprisoned or even hanged. "What will you achieve by bringing a new law? There is no benefit in introducing it. The secularism of the country, the freedom of speech that people enjoy are all being targeted. Everyone in the country who believes in the Constitution definitely regrets this," Abu Azmi told IANS. Azmi also reacted to the controversy surrounding the Pandharpur Yatra and urged the state government to take action to maintain order. "The people going there are priests and worship Lord Krishna. The government should pay attention and intervene. If some other people have joined in with bad intentions, they should be caught and punished so that such acts are not repeated. The government must pay attention," he added. Notably, on June 22, Azmi had made a controversial remark about the Pandharpur Yatra, saying roads get jammed due to 'wari'. He had claimed that when Hindu festivals are celebrated, Muslims do not object, but complaints arise when Muslims offer namaz. Azmi also reacted to the recent development of estranged cousins Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray coming together to oppose the imposition of Hindi in Maharashtra schools. "Let them come together, that's fine. But from what I see, this will definitely weaken the Maha Vikas Aghadi. We are separate. We have nothing to do with it," he concluded. Meanwhile, on Tuesday, the Shiv Sena (UBT) and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) issued a joint invitation for a 'victory rally' in Mumbai on July 5 after the Maharashtra government decided to withdraw its three-language policy for schools. Originally planned as a protest against Hindi imposition, the July 5 rally has now been rebranded as a victory celebration. It is scheduled to begin at the NSCI Dome in Worli at 10 a.m. The joint invitation to mark 'Marathi Vijay Diwas' is the first formal announcement for the event, naming cousins Raj and Uddhav Thackeray as hosts. Titled 'Marathicha Awaaz', the event will not feature any party symbols or flags but includes a graphic image of Maharashtra. Ghaziabad, July 2 : In a sensational revelation, a well-known Haryanvi actress has levelled serious allegations against popular actor Uttar Kumar, accusing him of sexually exploiting her under the pretext of marriage and promising film roles. The actress, who gained widespread recognition through the superhit song 'Razzi Bolja' -- a track that went viral on social media and became a hit at wedding celebrations -- has alleged that Uttar Kumar misled her with false promises over a long period of time. Speaking to the media, she said, "I worked with Uttar Kumar for five years. He kept assuring me that I would get a big break in films and that he would marry me. I was in a physical relationship with him on those promises, but he never fulfilled any of them." She claimed that their association began in 2020 during the shooting of 'Razzi Bolja.' According to her, Uttar Kumar continued to summon her to his farmhouse and private office for three years, during which the alleged sexual exploitation took place. "He didn't allow me to work elsewhere either," she added. "He made similar false promises to other girls too." The actress further stated that she has been receiving threat calls asking her to withdraw her complaint and compromise. "He even offered me money to stay quiet," she said. "The police are asking for proof, including photographs, to take further action." She also alleged that when she began to question him, she was subjected to caste-based threats and warnings that her career would be destroyed. ACP Atul Kumar Singh confirmed the development, stating, "Yes, we have received a complaint. No action has been taken so far, but an investigation is underway." With the Ghaziabad Police now probing the matter, the spotlight has turned on actor Uttar Kumar, whose troubles appear to be mounting as the investigation progresses. Lucknow, July 2 : Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati on Wednesday slammed the Uttar Pradesh government's decision to merge primary schools, calling it unjust and detrimental to the poor and marginalised sections of society. "The decision taken by the Basic Education Council of the Uttar Pradesh government to close several schools under the guise of pairing or integrating primary schools is neither fair nor justified. It undermines the accessible and affordable government education system that benefits crores of poor children by providing schooling near their homes. This move appears to be anti-poor, unnecessary, and unfair at first glance," Mayawati said in a post on X. She appealed to the government to immediately withdraw the school merger policy in the larger interest of underprivileged students. The BSP chief assured poor families that if her party comes to power, the decision will be reversed and the earlier system will be restored. "However, it is expected that the UP government will reconsider this policy sympathetically, keeping in mind the wider interest of education for the poor and common people," she hoped. Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav has also opposed the merger move. He said the SP stands firmly against it, warning that if schools are located far from homes, it will especially affect girls' education. "How will daughters travel long distances to attend school?" he asked, accusing the BJP government of trying to reduce the number of schools under the pretext of restructuring. "This is a conspiracy to avoid recruiting teachers and staff. It will damage the education system, particularly for girls," he said. The Congress has also raised strong objections. Uttar Pradesh Congress president Ajay Rai has written to Governor Anandiben Patel, urging her to intervene. In his letter, Rai said: "Merging schools will deprive children from common families of their right to education." He accused the state government of implementing arbitrary and anti-people policies in the education sector, which are causing immense hardship to ordinary families. In an industrial park in Madagascar's capital, Antananarivo, machines hum as local workers skillfully craft exquisite garments using premium cashmere yarn from north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. This year marks the 28th anniversary of Inner Mongolia Cashmere Co., Ltd., one of China's largest cashmere producers, establishing a presence in Africa. Starting from humble beginnings, the local company has grown into a thriving operation, bringing advanced technology and valuable employment opportunities to the region. Through these efforts, it is weaving a new bond of China-Africa cooperation. King Deer uses approximately 10 percent of the world's cashmere raw materials annually. The Madagascar facility, primarily serving high-end European and American markets, operates five modern factories across 48,000 square meters, and produces 2 million cashmere products annually. King Deer ventured into Madagascar in 1997, just four years before China's WTO accession, becoming one of the first Chinese enterprises to establish a cashmere production base in Africa. Company President Zheng Haisheng highlighted the firm's successful localization strategy, noting a dramatic shift in workforce composition. The company employs 3,200 local workers and only 31 Chinese technical personnel. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the company donated a pharmaceutical factory valued at 200 million yuan (about 28 million U.S. dollars) to the Madagascar government. Rivoherimanitriniaina Rado, a production assistant who joined the company in 2006, has witnessed the enterprise's development journey firsthand. He began his career as an operator of computerized flat knitting machines and, through five years of hard work, earned a promotion to team leader. Just two years later, he advanced to the role of production assistant, and now, he is responsible for production scheduling and personnel management. "Working at King Deer has provided me with a stable income and created favorable conditions for my children's education," he said. "I've not only found a platform for career development but also have the opportunity to pass on my skills to my Madagascar colleagues." The most significant indicator of the company's localization process has been talent development. Xia Yonghai, general manager of Madagascar King Deer Co., Ltd., noted that the technical workers they have trained have become the backbone of the local textile industry, holding key positions in many similar companies. The community surrounding the King Deer facility is affectionately called the "King Deer Community" by local residents. From job creation to community development, the Chinese cashmere company's African footprint has transcended simple production cooperation, weaving warm bonds of people-to-people connections between China and Africa. King Deer's presence in Africa illustrates the deepening bilateral exchanges that go far beyond simple overseas investments between China and Africa. At the fourth China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo held in June this year, China and several African countries signed 10 cooperation agreements. These agreements encompass collaboration in vocational education, the co-construction of industrial colleges, and overseas talent training. They aim to promote deeper integration between vocational education cooperation and economic development in China and Africa. This year, China's Ministry of Education's Center for Language Education and Cooperation, Baotou Light Industry Vocational Technical College, and King Deer have jointly established a workshop in Madagascar. The project not only teaches the Chinese language but also vocational skills, offering local employees opportunities to learn Chinese and engage in more bilateral cultural exchanges. Beatrice Chan Ching Yiu, deputy general manager at Madagascar King Deer Co., Ltd., has worked there for two decades and has a deep appreciation for cultural exchanges between China and Madagascar. She started as a translator, joined the finance department, became part of leadership in 2005, and now heads the administrative and human resources department. "During my time at King Deer, I've experienced Chinese culture deeply and gained a profound understanding of Chinese traditional customs and workplace etiquette. This cross-cultural environment has taught me work concepts such as teamwork," she said. Within the broader China-Africa cooperation framework, China-Africa partnership is embracing new historical opportunities. In 2024, two-way trade reached a record of 295.6 billion U.S. dollars, marking a 4.8 percent year-on-year increase. This solidified China's position as Africa's largest trading partner for the 16th consecutive year. Meanwhile, imports from Africa reached 116.8 billion U.S. dollars, up 6.9 percent year on year. This has also reaffirmed King Deer's commitment to expanding its presence in Africa. According to Zheng, the company plans to expand investment in Madagascar, including the construction of intelligent cashmere dyeing and spinning production lines, along with a rooftop photovoltaic power generation system to create a green, environmentally friendly and intelligent factory. "In the future, we will continue to uphold the concept of win-win cooperation, inject more Chinese strength into African economic development, and weave an even closer China-Africa community of shared future," he said. Seoul, July 2 : Hyundai Motor and Kia said on Wednesday that they have launched an open research hub in southern Seoul to allow the participation by the public in designing user experience (UX) for future mobility. The new facility, named UX Studio Seoul, replaces the previous UX Studio that opened in 2021 and offers enhanced accessibility to better communicate the brands' core values in UX design, reports Yonhap news agency. The former facility functioned primarily as an in-house collaboration platform for researchers involved in product planning, design and engineering. In contrast, UX Studio Seoul is structured as a more open and interactive environment. The new facility consists of two main areas: the first-floor Open Lab, where visitors can explore UX exhibition content and participate in research activities, and the second-floor Advanced Research Lab, an immersive space for in-depth UX development. Visitors will have the opportunity to freely explore various future mobility concepts, engage in early-stage UX research, and experience firsthand how user feedback is reflected in the vehicle development process, the companies said. Meanwhile, Hyundai Motor said its sales gained 1.5 percent in June from a year earlier thanks to increased demand both at home and abroad. Hyundai sold 358,891 vehicles last month, up from 353,566 units a year earlier, the company said in a press release. Domestic sales rose 3.8 percent from 59,804 to 62,064 units, while overseas sales gained 1 percent to 358,891 from 353,566. "Sales increased both domestically and overseas due to the expanded sales of various models," a company official said, adding, "We will continue to maintain sales momentum by launching competitive new vehicles in the future." From January to June, cumulative sales edged up 0.1 percent to 2,066,425 vehicles from 2,063,844 in the same period last year. New Delhi, July 2 : In a blazing show of demand, leading smartphone brand POCO's latest flagship-killer, the POCO F7, sold out in just 15 minutes during its debut sale on Flipkart on July 1, the company said on Wednesday. New Delhi, July 2 (IANS) In a blazing show of demand, leading smartphone brand POCOas latest flagship-killer, the POCO F7, sold out in just 15 minutes during its debut sale on Flipkart on July 1, the company said on Wednesday. Launched on June 24, the POCO F7 is rapidly becoming Indiaas hottest mid-premium smartphone a" delivering a powerful mix of flagship-grade performance, record-breaking battery, and sleek, bold design at a disruptive price point. aDidn't get your hands on one? No worries! The POCO F7 returns for sale on July 5, 2025, only on Flipkart Rs 29,999 (12+256GB) and Rs 31,999 (12+512GB). Prices included a Rs 2,000 instant bank discount (HDFC, SBI, ICICI) or Rs 2,000 exchange bonus, with up to 12 months no-cost EMI. What makes the POCO F7 an instant sell-out? - Snapdragon 8s Gen 4: Flagship-grade performance with 2.1 million+ AnTuTu score. - Indiaas Largest Smartphone Battery: 7550mAh silicon carbon cell with 90W fast charging + 22.5W reverse charging - Segmentas Slimmest Powerphone: 7.99mm thin, IP66, IP68, and IP69 rated - IceLoop Custom Cooling: Optimized for sustained gaming and heavy multitasking - 6.83-inch 1.5K AMOLED Display: 120Hz refresh rate, ultra-slim bezels - Up to 24GB Turbo RAM + UFS 4.1 Storage: Next-level multitasking and app loading - Pro-Grade Camera: 50MP Sony IMX882 with OIS + 20MP AI selfie camera - Premium Metal-Glass Design: Gorilla Glass 7i on both sides - Extended Software Support: 4 years Android OS + 6 years security updates. Imphal, July 2 : Former Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Wednesday appreciated the state government for adopting highly stringent norms for Aadhaar issuance to ensure that no illegal foreigners obtain the Aadhaar cards. Commissioner (Home) N. Ashok Kumar said on Tuesday that the high-quality checks and scrutiny process ensure that no illegal foreigners are able to obtain the Aadhaar. He said that Manipur has adopted one of the most stringent processes to issue adult Aadhaar in the country. The process is based on the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and UIDAI (Unique Identification Authority of India), based guidelines, and the rigorous scrutiny in Manipur ensures that approval is granted only after detailed verification of Aadhaar applications. A high-level meeting, held at Raj Bhawan on Tuesday, in which Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla reviewed the Aadhaar enrolment, up-dation, and related services in the state. Former Chief Minister Singh said that he appreciated the enhanced measures recently undertaken by the state government to strengthen and streamline the Aadhaar issuance process in Manipur. He said that these efforts are critical to safeguarding the integrity and identity of the people of the state. "In addition, it is equally important to remember that Manipur is a state where the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system is in place to regulate the entry and stay of non-residents. The Aadhaar issuance process and all related matters must always adhere to the provisions of the ILP to prevent unauthorised settlements and protect the rights of the indigenous population," said Singh, who resigned from the CM's post on February 9, four days before the promulgation of President's Rule in the ethnic violence hit state. He said that there have been cases where individuals who are not citizens of Manipur managed to reside in the state using questionable documents. "A notable example is the case of one late Nehginpao Kipgen. He was born in Teijang, Myanmar (erstwhile Burma) in 1975, but later came to Manipur for education, went on to study in other parts of the country and abroad, and lived as an Indian citizen," said Singh, also a senior BJP leader. Noting that this is a classic example of how the origins of certain individuals were never seriously questioned in this part of the country, and over time, he said that they freely and covertly became citizens of India through unchecked processes. The former Chief Minister said that in another case, the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Imphal West, ordered the police to carry out a detailed investigation to verify the citizenship status of a professor of Hyderabad University and his family. "Their names appeared in the electoral records of Churachandpur for the first time in 2005, with no trace of them in earlier records. This case highlights how serious the issue is and how such entries can quietly slip into the system when proper checks are not in place," he pointed out. Singh observed that such lapses must not be allowed to happen going forward, and there is an urgent need for strict verification mechanisms and close coordination between Aadhaar issuing authorities, ILP enforcement agencies, and local administrative bodies to ensure that identity documents are issued only to those who are rightfully entitled. This is not just an administrative issue but a matter of national security, the former Chief Minister said, adding that Manipur shares a porous border (398 km) with Myanmar and is close to China, making strict identity checks essential to protect the country's safety and interests. --IANS sc/dan Khargone, July 2 : Two young farmers were killed in a tragic accident when their motorcycle fell through a missing span of an under-construction bridge on the Indore-Edlabad National Highway near Baswa village, under the jurisdiction of Sanawad police station in Madhya Pradesh. Khargone, July 2 (IANS) Two young farmers were killed in a tragic accident when their motorcycle fell through a missing span of an under-construction bridge on the IndoreEdlabad National Highway near Baswa village, under the jurisdiction of Sanawad police station in Madhya Pradesh. The victims, identified as Sanjay Dhakse (30) and Dharmendra Kohre (35), both residents of Chhapra village, were returning home after purchasing soybean seeds from Sanawad when the incident occurred. "Both victims died, and their bodies were discovered on Wednesday by locals out for a walk, lying beneath the bridge alongside their motorcycle and mobile phone. They informed the police. Since both are deceased, the exact time and cause of death will only be known after the post-mortem report," said Rameshwar Thakur, investigating officer and in-charge of Sanawad police station, while speaking to IANS. When asked whether there were barricades or warning signs at the incomplete bridge, Thakur said, "Cement blocks were placed on either side of the incomplete portions of the bridge, but we will investigate the matter. A MERG report has already been filed. We will record statements from the victims' families, and a full investigation will bring the guilty to justice." According to preliminary police findings, the duo mistakenly rode onto the incomplete bridge in the darkness, unaware of the missing span ahead. The absence of proper barricading or warning signage is being cited as a major factor in the accident. Eyewitnesses and villagers have blamed the contractor for negligence. They noted that the bridge, like several others along the highway, remains incomplete even though the adjoining road is operational, prompting commuters to take risky shortcuts. This is not the first such incident on the stretch. Locals recalled a similar mishap four months ago when a car nearly fell off the same bridge but was stopped by a pile of gravel. The recurring nature of such accidents has raised serious concerns about safety standards and project oversight on the 203-km IndoreIchhapur (Edlabad) highway, which is being developed in four phases at a cost of over Rs 1,100 crore. The highway, intended to improve connectivity between Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, has seen multiple construction-related fatalities in recent months, including a tunnel collapse near Choral in June that killed two workers. Dharamsala, July 2 : As exiled Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama approaches his 90th birthday, he asserted on Wednesday that there will be the 15th reincarnation, the first important announcement over continuance of the 600-year-old institution after his demise. Reassuring followers across the globe who were concerned about the future of their spiritual and cultural leadership, His Holiness said his office, the Gaden Phodrang Trust, was the sole authority on reincarnation, even as China insisted it would have the final word. Hours after the Tibetan spiritual leader ruled out Beijing's authority in picking his succession, China said the reincarnation must be approved by the Chinese regime and the identification must happen in China. Also the supposed reincarnation must follow religious rituals and historical conventions, and also comply with Chinese laws and regulations. "The reincarnation of the Dalai Lama, the Panchen Lama and other great Buddhist figures must be chosen by drawing lots from a golden urn, and approved by the central government," said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning, referring to a selection method introduced by a Qing Dynasty emperor in the 18th Century. However, the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), headquartered in McLeodganj, spokesperson Tenzin Lakshey clarified China has no role to play in the reincarnation process of any Tibetan religious leader. "The Chinese government is an offender of the faith," he told the media. In a much-awaited statement with the onset of a three-day Buddhist religious conference in McLeodganj, a small and quaint hill station in the suburbs of the northern hill town of Dharamsala, the Dalai Lama said, "On September 24, 2011, at a meeting of the heads of Tibetan spiritual traditions, I made a statement to fellow Tibetans in and outside Tibet, followers of Tibetan Buddhism, and those who have a connection with Tibet and Tibetans, regarding whether the institution of the Dalai Lama should continue." "I stated, as far back as 1969, I made clear that concerned people should decide whether the Dalai Lama's reincarnations should continue in the future. I also said, when I am about ninety, I will consult the high Lamas of the Tibetan Buddhist traditions, the Tibetan public, and other people concerned who follow Tibetan Buddhism, to re-evaluate whether or not the institution of the Dalai Lama should continue. Although I have had no public discussions on this issue, over the last 14 years leaders of Tibet's spiritual traditions, members of the Tibetan parliament in exile, participants in a special general body meeting, members of the Central Tibetan Administration, NGOs, Buddhists from the Himalayan region, Mongolia, Buddhist republics of the Russian Federation and Buddhists in Asia, including mainland China, have written to me with reasons, earnestly requesting that the institution of the Dalai Lama continue," he said. "In particular, I have received messages through various channels from Tibetans in Tibet making the same appeal. In accordance with all these requests, I am affirming that the institution of the Dalai Lama will continue," he said. The Nobel Peace Laureate, who is turning 90 on July 6, clarified in the message that the process by which a future Dalai Lama is to be recognised has been clearly established in the September 2011 statement which states that responsibility for doing so will rest exclusively with members of the Gaden Phodrang Trust. "They should consult the various heads of the Tibetan Buddhist traditions and the reliable oath-bound dharma protectors who are linked inseparably to the lineage of the Dalai Lamas. They should accordingly carry out the procedures of search and recognition in accordance with past tradition. I hereby reiterate that the Gaden Phodrang Trust has sole authority to recognise the future reincarnation; no one else has any such authority to interfere in this matter," he said. As per Tibetan tradition, the reincarnation of a Lama, especially the Dalai Lama, is recognised, not appointed. It's a sacred process involving visions, signs, and deep spiritual rituals. Only the Dalai Lama has the legitimate authority to identify his successor. Attending celebrations in honour of his 90th birthday, the Dalai Lama on June 30 told the congregation that "Although I am now 90 years old, I am physically healthy and well. All these years, I've worked for the good of Tibetans and the Dharma. I've also established links with people around the world and engaged in useful discussions with scientists. My life has been worthwhile. I've visited many other countries and met all kinds of people. I feel my life as a human being has been of benefit to the people of the world, and I dedicate the rest of my life to the benefit of others." Sixty-six years ago, the 14th Dalai Lama, disguised as a soldier, left Norbulingka Palace in Tibet, a Third Pole, and escaped into exile in India after his challenging 14-day journey. Since then, the longest, most respectable staying guest of the Indian government, who often says he's enjoying every possible liberty, has been toeing a path of promoting human values, religious harmony, besides preserving Tibetan language and culture, the heritage received from the masters of India's Nalanda University. The Dalai Lama, with a retinue of soldiers and cabinet ministers, escaped into exile on March 17, 1959, after China crushed an uprising in Tibet. The Dalai Lama, who's considered a living Buddha of compassion, in his latest book, 'In Voice for the Voiceless', offers insights into his decades-long dealings with China. In the book, the Dalai Lama, a reincarnation of past Dalai Lamas, reminds the world of Tibet's unresolved struggle for freedom and the hardship his people continue to face in their homeland. The book captures his extraordinary life, uncovering what it means to lose your home to a repressive invader and build a life in exile; dealing with the existential crisis of a nation, its people, and its culture and religion; and envisioning the path forward. He was 16 years old when Communist China invaded Tibet in 1950, only 19 when he had his first meeting with Chairman Mao in Beijing, and 25 when he was forced to escape to India and became a leader in exile. On reaching India after a treacherous journey, the Dalai Lama first took up residence for about a year in Mussoorie in Uttarakhand. On March 10, 1960, just before moving to Dharamsala, a town perched on the upper reaches of north India's Kangra Valley, the Dalai Lama had said: "For those of us in exile, I said that our priority must be resettlement and the continuity of our cultural traditions. We, Tibetans, would eventually prevail in regaining freedom for Tibet." Currently, India is home to around 1,00,000 Tibetans and the government-in-exile. (Vishal Gulati can be contacted at vishal.g@ians.in) Mumbai, July 2 : Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Wednesday said in the Maharashtra Assembly that the government is sensitive to farmers' concerns and prepared to discuss all the issues. He accused the opposition of politicising the matter which is not acceptable. Pawar said: "We have deep sensitivity and compassion for our farmers, but the Opposition is more interested in playing politics over their issues. The government is fully prepared to discuss farmers' matters anytime." The Maharashtra Deputy CM reiterated that there is no difference of opinion within the government about the role and importance of farmers. It is the government's duty to understand farmers' challenges, resolve their issues, and support them, and this responsibility will be fulfilled sincerely. He said that the government has all the answers and is not afraid of any debate. "Even before this session began, the Chief Minister and both Deputy Chief Ministers clearly stated in a press conference that the government is open to discussion. The Opposition has a golden opportunity to raise farmers' concerns through their resolution tomorrow," he added. Ajit Pawar further stated that they are fully aware of the hardships faced by farmers. "The government is committed to solving them. We have always stood firmly by the farmers and will continue to do so. We believe not just in words, but in action." He concluded by affirming that agriculture is the backbone of our economy, and ensuring the welfare of farmers is the government's top priority. "Under no circumstance will we allow our farmers to be left behind. The government is firmly with the 'Annadata' of Maharashtra," he declared. Earlier, the Opposition walked out of the Assembly twice, protesting against the state government's apathy and neglect towards the farming community which is hit hard by natural calamities and volatile market conditions. The opposition during and after the question hour on Wednesday blamed the state government for not paying guaranteed price to the soybean growers and also criticised for the rising cases of farmers suicides. Kampala/Mogadishu, July 2 : The Ugandan military said Wednesday that one of its helicopters crashed in the Somali capital of Mogadishu, with five of the eight people on board feared dead. Felix Kulayigye, spokesperson for the Ugandan military, told Xinhua news agency that three people on board survived, while a search operation is still underway. "Eight people were on board. Three made it out safely but with severe burns," said Kulayigye. "The search is still on. They are fighting the fire." According to Kulayigye, a team will soon be dispatched to Mogadishu to investigate the cause of the crash, which occurred about 200 metres from the runway at Aden Adde International Airport on Wednesday morning. The helicopter was returning from a routine escort mission at the time of the incident. The Ugandan military has ruled out the possibility of an external attack, with Kulayigye saying that Mogadishu has largely been cleared of the al-Shabab militant group, making it unlikely that the Mi-24 helicopter was shot down. "Being an attack helicopter, it was loaded with rockets, so the rockets caused the fire. If it was an external action, we would not be talking about investigations because we would have known the cause," he said. "Of course it (the crash) does affect the proficiency of escort duties for those convoys that carry logistics. When one helicopter is out of action, you certainly feel the pinch. But it will not stop the work that is being done," Kulayigye added. The African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) confirmed the accident, saying that the helicopter, operated by the Uganda Peoples' Defence Forces contingent, crash-landed at around 7:30 am local time (0430 GMT) after departing from Baledogle Airfield, about 90 kilometres northwest of the Somali capital. "Three of the eight passengers on board were immediately rescued and rushed to the AUSSOM Level II hospital in Mogadishu for medical attention," AUSSOM said in a statement issued in Mogadishu. Ahmed Macallin Hassan, Director General of the Somali Civil Aviation Authority, said flight operations at the airport were continuing as normal, although a section of the runway has been temporarily closed due to debris from the crash. Last September, the Ugandan military lost a transport helicopter while flying from Mogadishu to Baledogle Airfield. All four peacekeepers on board survived that incident, according to the military. Uganda has been one of the key troop-contributing countries to the African Union peacekeeping mission in the Horn of Africa since 2007. New Delhi, July 2 : Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Wednesday said that the government is working to transform India Post into a logistics powerhouse by modernising its operations, streamlining costs, and strengthening its presence in the fast-evolving e-commerce ecosystem. Speaking exclusively to IANS in the national Capital about the ongoing reforms within the Department of Posts (DoP), Scindia revealed that India Post has undergone significant business process reengineering over the past 12 months. "The department has restructured itself into six verticals and four horizontals to focus on profitability, cost-efficiency, and technological advancement," the minister told IANS. "To drive this transformation, we have for the first time appointed a Chief Technology Officer (CTO) in the history of India Post," Scindia said. "Each vertical is now supported by a Deputy CTO, and every line of business is being evaluated in terms of cost structure, competition, and revenue generation," the Union Minister told IANS. He emphasised that automation and rationalisation efforts are underway across verticals to modernise the institution, while also leveraging India Post's unmatched physical presence across the country. "With over 1.84 lakh operational points, India Post holds the largest distribution network not just in India, but globally," the minister explained. "No other distribution platform anywhere in the world has this kind of reach," the minister said, adding, "That's why we are determined to convert this extraordinary institutional strength into a true logistics powerhouse." Meanwhile, the Union Communications Minister also said that all due diligence from the Ministry's side has been completed for the entry of SpaceX's Starlink service in India. Now, the satellite Internet provider only needs to secure regulatory and licencing approvals from the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) to begin operations in the country. "The government has done its part to facilitate the entry of the affordable satellite-based Internet service, and once IN-SPACe gives the green light, Starlink can roll out its services in India whenever it chooses," Scindia said. Patna, July 2 : The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has charge sheeted Md Sajjad Alam of East Champaran, Bihar, in connection with the anti-national activities of the banned Popular Front of India (PFI), making him the 18th accused to be arrested and charge sheeted in the case. The NIA filed its supplementary charge sheet before the NIA Special Court, Patna, charging Sajjad under various sections of the IPC and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UA(P)A). Sajjad, an active PFI cadre, was arrested at Delhi's IGI Airport in January this year upon his arrival from Dubai. According to NIA investigations, Sajjad was channelling illegal funds from Dubai to PFI operatives in Bihar through a syndicate operating in Karnataka and Kerala. These funds were allegedly used to further the criminal and unlawful activities of PFI even after the organisation was banned by the Union government. The NIA stated that the broader PFI conspiracy aimed to "establish" Islamic rule in India by 2047 and involved activities designed to terrorise people and disrupt peace by spreading communal enmity. The case was originally registered on 12 July 2022 at Phulwarisharif Police Station, Patna, against 26 individuals under IPC sections. The NIA took over the probe, invoking the UA(P)A and previously charge sheeting 17 accused. The PFI module was initially busted by the Patna Police and the ATS in 2022 while conducting physical training camps for Muslim youths at Phulwarisharif under the PFI banner. The camps, held at the house of Mohammad Jalaluddin, a retired Jharkhand police sub-inspector, along with Athar Parvez, allegedly aimed at brainwashing youths against India. Athar Parvez's brother, Manzar Alam, was involved in the 2013 Patna Gandhi Maidan serial blast during Narendra Modi's 'Hunkar Rally'. The then Patna SSP, Manavjeet Singh Dhillon, had recommended handing over the case to the NIA, following which the agency began its probe. The NIA has indicated that further investigations in the case are ongoing to uncover deeper financial and operational networks of the banned PFI in Bihar and other states. Mumbai, July 2 : A 40-year-old woman English teacher from an elite school in Mumbai has been arrested under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act for allegedly sexually assaulting a 16-year-old male student multiple times over several months, officials said. According to Mumbai Police, the teacher, who is married and has children, came into close contact with the student while organising a dance group for the school's annual function in December 2023. During this period, the student reportedly developed an emotional attachment to her. In January 2024, the teacher allegedly proposed a sexual relationship. When the boy resisted and began avoiding her, she reportedly involved a female friend -- not affiliated with the school -- to persuade him. The friend, who has also been booked, allegedly told the boy that relationships between older women and teenagers were "common" these days and claimed that he and the teacher were "made for each other." Following this, the student agreed to meet the teacher. She allegedly took him to a secluded location, forcibly removed his clothes, and sexually assaulted him. As the boy began to experience anxiety in the following days, she allegedly provided him with anti-anxiety medication. The car, which was used to transport the boy, has since been seized by police. Investigators say the accused made the student consume alcohol before each assault and later took him to several five-star hotels in south Mumbai and near the airport, where further sexual encounters reportedly occurred. The abuse continued for several months. The student's family began noticing changes in his behaviour and eventually confronted him. He then revealed the details of the abuse. Hoping the matter would end after he completed his studies, the family initially chose not to report it. He graduated from the school earlier this year. However, matters escalated when the teacher allegedly tried to contact the boy again through a member of his household staff, prompting the family to file a complaint with the police. The Dadar police have registered a case under Sections 123, 351(2), and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with relevant provisions of the POCSO Act. Both the teacher and her friend have been arrested and produced in court. The teacher has been sent to police custody. How Israel showed the world that precision is the new power: a lesson for Ukraine Oleg Vyshniakov, businessman, Honorary Consul of the State of Israel in the Western region of Ukraine Today, Israel did more than defend itself. It accomplished something few expected and almost no one believed possible it showed what the war of the future looks like: no unnecessary noise, no mass casualties, no prolonged invasion, but with surgical precision, strategic clarity, and technical sophistication. Operation Rising Lion will go down in history as proof that in the 21st century, strength is not only about force its about intelligence. And as the Consul of the State of Israel in Western Ukraine, I see in this victory not only a moment of security for Israel, but a powerful lesson for Ukrainians. When War Resembles Neurosurgery Israeli forces carried out synchronized strikes on over 200 strategic targets across Iran including nuclear facilities in Fordow, Natanz, Isfahan, IRGC command centers, and Shahed drone launch sites the same drones that attacked Ukrainian cities. What stands out is this: the strikes were launched from over 1,500 km away the equivalent of Ukraine conducting a pinpoint operation in the Ural Mountains without crossing the border and without a single casualty. This scale is unimaginable without advanced technology, intelligence, and flawless coordination. Mossad: A Shadow That Works for Years The success of the operation wasnt just about pilots or algorithms. It was the result of years of intelligence work: sabotaging centrifuges, eliminating nuclear scientists, placing GPS trackers on logistics routes, intercepting military communications. People in Ukraine often ask me: is Mossad really that powerful? Yes but not because they are almighty. Its because theyve learned how to think strategically. Like Ukrainians, Israelis understand: survival is not a luxury it is discipline. The Drones That Hit Kyiv Destroyed at the Source Ukraine knows well what the Shahed-136 drones are. Cheap but deadly, Irans drones targeted power stations, took civilian lives, and kept entire cities in darkness. Now Israel has destroyed the production complexes for those drones not just for its own sake, but, I believe, also partly for Ukraine. This was not a symbolic gesture of solidarity. It was a concrete action. The Main Paradox: Victory Without Triumph The operation lasted 12 days. Israel didnt hold flashy briefings or post drone footage on TikTok. Because real victory means no losses on your side, targets hit with meter-level precision, and a stunned enemy unable to even activate its air defenses. This was not revenge. It was deterrence. It was a message: We do not want war. But no one should ever doubt that Israel will not allow itself to be destroyed. Parallels With Ukraine: Is a Rising Lion Possible Ukrainian-Style? Yes. But it requires systematic intelligence, strong alliances, an autonomous drone program, indigenous precision weaponry and, most importantly, public trust in the armed forces. What Ukraine already has determination, heroism, fighting spirit must now be matched by a technological breakthrough. Ukraine is already on that path. Israel can be more than just a partner it can be a mentor in that transformation. So when Israels F-35I jets vanished from radar somewhere above the Iranian mountains, and the centrifuges stopped spinning that moment wasnt just a military edge. It was a moment of historical dignity. Israelis want their children to grow up without the sound of sirens. Just like in Ukraine. And thats why Israel and Ukraine are connected not just by shared threats but by a shared right to victory. A victory that is quiet, precise, and inevitable. New Delhi, July 2 : Political mercury soared over remarks made by senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh and Samajwadi Party leader ST Hasan on the annual Kanwar Yatra, prompting a sharp counterattack from the BJP. Addressing the media, BJP MP and national spokesperson Dr Sudhanshu Trivedi accused both leaders of spreading an anti-Hindu narrative and attempting to defame a long-standing spiritual tradition. Sudhanshu Trivedi said the statements made by both Singh and Hasan reflect the same ideological framework that has repeatedly opposed Hindu traditions. He alleged that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's participation in foreign conferences like 'Dismantling Global Hindutva' and events aimed at "eradicating Sanatan Dharma" in Chennai stems from this mindset. "Digvijaya Singh sees Zakir Naik as a 'messenger of peace,' refers to Osama bin Laden as 'Osama ji,' and calls Hafiz Saeed 'Hafiz Sahab'. But when it comes to the Kanwar Yatra, he suddenly finds communalism in it," Trivedi said. He questioned ST Hasan's alignment with groups allegedly concealing their identity. "Why does he stand with people who hide their names and religious affiliation?" Trivedi asked. Continuing his attack, the BJP leader remarked that the Congress is so consumed by anti-Modi sentiment that its leaders are unable to differentiate between truth and misinformation. "This is the result of being gripped by a distorted 'Modi-Virodhi' mindset," he said, adding that such an obsession leads to a poor understanding of basic facts. Congress veteran Digvijaya Singh had earlier said that while there is no objection to state governments facilitating the yatra, trouble arises when such religious events are allegedly used to spread hatred. "In a civilised society, the spread of hatred cannot be justified," he stated. Former MP ST Hasan had also alleged that during the Kanwar Yatra in Uttarakhand, some Hindu groups were reportedly questioning the religious identity of hotel staff and local shopkeepers. "Asking people for their names or making them undress to confirm their religion is a form of terrorism," Hasan said. He compared the alleged incidents to past terrorist acts where victims were targeted based on their religion, referring to the Pahalgam massacre. Trivedi also took a jibe at former police officer and Congress leader Ajoy Kumar, accusing him of lacking basic knowledge about India's geography. "How can someone who served in the police force be unaware of India's northeastern region unless blinded by political bias?" he said. Addressing a press conference, Kumar, who is a former MP from Jamshedpur, had talked about India's "deteriorating relations" with neighbouring countries and blamed the BJP-led government at the Centre for the situation. He had cited examples of Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, and ended up naming 'Sikkim' as well. Expressing surprise, the BJP spokesperson said it is ironic that the Congressunder whose regime the Emergency was imposednow lectures on democratic values. "They've forgotten that the darkest phase of Indian democracy happened under Indira Gandhi," he stated. He asked the Congress to remove their "anti-Modi lens" and look at the true picture of the country. "Only then will they be able to see the real map and face of the nation," he added. New Delhi, July 2 : The Ministry of Steel clarified on Wednesday that it has issued Quality Control Orders for the enforcement of 151 BIS Standards. The last Quality Control Order was issued in August 2024, and no new Quality Control Order has been issued since then. The ministry made it clear that its order dated June 13 is merely to clarify that in the case of intermediate material for manufacturing of final products under BIS Standards, steel products will also have to follow BIS Standards prescribed for such intermediate products. The Ministry made it clear that no new Quality Control Orders have been issued, and the order on June 13 was necessary to bring parity between importers and domestic producers of steel. Presently, the import of finished steel products is not at par with Indian manufacturers of finished steel products, as Indian steel products manufacturers have to use only BIS Standard-compliant intermediate material, while no such requirement was felt by importers for the import of steel products. It will be wrong to put domestic steel products manufacturers at a comparative disadvantage vis-A -vis imported products in terms of non-BIS-compliant intermediate input products. The order will also help to ensure compliance with BIS Standards for intermediate products is required to ensure that the finished product is as per the quality requirement given by BIS Standards. If this is not done, a final product may be sub-standard. For example, a large quantity of coated steel is imported into India. Coated steel uses HR/CR Coil as base material, which is the main product in this case. If HR/CR Coil is not BIS compliant, coated steel cannot be BIS compliant, even if the coating process is itself BIS compliant, according to the statement. Besides, the order is also aimed at checking the possibility of the import of substandard steel. Because of excess capacity and declining consumption in certain countries, there is a big possibility of the dumping of substandard steel. As India is the only fast-growing large economy in the world, there is a very high possibility of cheap steel getting pushed into the Indian market unless adequate measures are put in place for the import of quality steel. It is to be noted that if intermediate inputs (which form the core of finished products like HR coil, CR coil or coated steel) are not BIS compliant and are substandard, the final product cannot be BIS compliant, the Ministryas statement said. The statement further highlighted that Integrated Steel Plants, which make intermediate products and finished products themselves, and the BIS licence has been issued to them, taking into account the whole process, will not need to have different licences for all stages, as the BIS certification process takes care of the whole manufacturing chain. The Ministry of Steel will issue clarifications in this regard after verification from BIS for such integrated steel plants. It further states that apprehension of the possibility of a price rise due to the June 13 order issued by the Ministry of Steel is unfounded. India has a steel manufacturing capacity of 200 million tonnes, which is enough to meet domestic demand. Hence, no such possibility of price increase seems to be there. The Ministryas statement also pointed out that many countries have imposed safeguard duties and measures to prevent the import of cheap steel from the international market, such imposition of sectoral tariffs, Tariff Rate Quotas (TRQs), etc. Because of these safeguard measures adopted by other countries, the possibility of dumping of cheap substandard steel into India further increases. If this happens, this will have an extreme adverse impact on the domestic steel industry and especially the small steel industries in the country. This will also lead to the possibility of the loss of employment of lakhs of people. India is the only major economy where steel consumption has grown at above 12 per cent for the last three years. On the contrary, the steel consumption in other geographies is either stagnant or declining. This fast growth in steel consumption is due to the Indian governmentas push on infrastructure strengthening, public and private sector development in buildings and real estate and growing manufacturing of capital goods in the country. To cater to this steel demand, the country will need about 300 MT steel capacity by 2030 and 400 MT of steel capacity by 2035. This capacity creation will require a capital infusion of approximately $200 billion by 2035. If substandard cheap steel imports affect the domestic steel industry (both integrated steel producers and small steel industries), their capacity to infuse this capital will come into terrible strain, and the capacity expansion plans of the steel industry will be adversely affected, the statement added. Accra, July 2 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday arrived in Accra on a two-day visit, his first ever bilateral trip to the African nation - also the first Prime Ministerial visit from India to Ghana after three decades. In a special gesture showcasing the significance of the landmark visit, Ghana President John Dramani Mahama welcomed PM Modi at the Kotoka International Airport. PM Modi was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the airport as both leaders then sat down for a brief interaction at the Jubilee Lounge of the airport. "Ghana is a valued partner in the Global South and plays an important role in the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States. I look forward to my exchanges aimed at further deepening our historical ties and opening up new windows of cooperation, including in the areas of investment, energy, health, security, capacity building and development partnership. As fellow democracies, it will be an honour to speak at the Parliament of Ghana," PM Modi said in his departure statement earlier in the day. Ghana is the first stop on Prime Minister Modi's five-nation visit. It will be followed by Trinidad and Tobago (T&T), Argentina, Brazil and Namibia. The delegation-level are scheduled to be held in Accra later in the evening, India time, as both countries review the bilateral relations and discuss various ways to strengthen and deepen partnerships. The Prime Minister will also have a one-on-one meeting with his counterpart which will be followed by a banquet dinner in honour of PM Modi. On Thursday, Prime Minister Modi will be addressing Ghana's Parliament and will also be interacting with the Indian community in the country, which is about 15,000 in number. "President John Dramani Mahama has just assumed office in about January of this year after a landslide victory, which is why the visit assumes importance. Early in his tenure, the Honorable Prime Minister will be visiting Ghana. So, it will help in the continuity as well as deepening the relationship and to discuss various ways to further strengthen the relationship," said Dammu Ravi, Secretary (ER) at the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) ahead of the PM's visit. President Mahama has been to India in the past, particularly for the India-Africa Forum Summit in 2015 and both leaders have also met in the past on the sidelines of various global events. "India's relations with Ghana are historical. In the seven decades of a relationship, it has evolved to multi-faceted. We took up the cause of Ghana in the UN much before it won independence in 1957, and we have maintained a close relationship in the multilateral fora on various issues that are important for the global South," said the MEA Secretary. The ministry detailed that both the countries will work towards boosting the economic cooperation as Ghana undergoes a deep economic restructuring. "Ghana has undergone the IMF conditionalities almost 17 times. So, the economic agenda will dominate the talks. The bilateral trade between India and Ghana is about $3 billion in favour of Ghana because of the large imports of gold. Investments in Ghana are about $2 billion. Both private sector-wise, which is about a billion dollars and the second half, you have lines of credit and the buyer's credit ... activities and projects have been undertaken. We have very strong cooperation in the capacity building under ITEC, and that is continuing to be stronger and deepened," the senior diplomat commented during a special briefing held in New Delhi on Monday. The Ghanaian leader is also quite keen to engage with India, especially in the field of vaccine development and creating a vaccine hub in the country for not just Ghana but also the West Africa context. Defence cooperation will become an important item on the agenda along with the critical minerals and the digital public infrastructure. This visit, said the MEA, reaffirms the shared commitment of the two countries to deepen bilateral ties and strengthen India's engagement with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union. Accra, July 2 : As he began his landmark visit to Ghana, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday was accorded a rousing welcome by members of the Indian community at a hotel in Accra, shortly after his arrival in the West African country. There is a sizable Indian community in Ghana numbering over 15,000. Some of them have been in Ghana for over 70 years. Some families are now the fourth generation in Ghana, and most have acquired Ghanaian citizenship. Several expatriates are also working for MNCs and prominent local Ghanaian businesses as skilled workers. Hundreds of people, including locals, started chanting "Modi-Modi", "Bharat Mata Ki Jai" and "Vande Mataram" as soon as PM Modi arrived at the hotel. During the grand welcome, PM Modi was seen interacting with the Indian diaspora and even holding a child in his arms in what turned out to be an unforgettable moment for the Indian family. Earlier, as he arrived on his first ever bilateral trip to the African nation, also the first Prime Ministerial visit from India to Ghana after three decades, Ghana President John Dramani Mahama welcomed PM Modi at the Kotoka International Airport in a special gesture showcasing the significance of the landmark visit. PM Modi was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the airport as both leaders then sat down for a brief interaction at the Jubilee Lounge of the airport. "Ghana is a valued partner in the Global South and plays an important role in the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States. I look forward to my exchanges aimed at further deepening our historical ties and opening up new windows of cooperation, including in the areas of investment, energy, health, security, capacity building and development partnership. As fellow democracies, it will be an honour to speak at the Parliament of Ghana," PM Modi said in his departure statement earlier in the day. Ghana is the first stop on Prime Minister Modi's five-nation visit. It will be followed by Trinidad and Tobago (T&T), Argentina, Brazil and Namibia. The delegation-level are scheduled to be held in Accra later in the evening, India time, as both countries review the bilateral relations and discuss various ways to strengthen and deepen partnerships. The Prime Minister will also have a one-on-one meeting with his counterpart which will be followed by a banquet dinner in honour of PM Modi. On Thursday, Prime Minister Modi will be addressing Ghana's Parliament and will also be interacting with the Indian community in the country, which is about 15,000 in number. "President John Dramani Mahama has just assumed office in about January of this year after a landslide victory, which is why the visit assumes importance. Early in his tenure, the Honourable Prime Minister will be visiting Ghana. So, it will help in the continuity as well as deepening the relationship and to discuss various ways to further strengthen the relationship," said Dammu Ravi, Secretary (ER) at the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) ahead of the PM's visit. President Mahama has been to India in the past, particularly for the India-Africa Forum Summit in 2015 and both leaders have also met in the past on the sidelines of various global events. "India's relations with Ghana are historical. In the seven decades of a relationship, it has evolved to multi-faceted. We took up the cause of Ghana in the UN much before it won independence in 1957, and we have maintained a close relationship in the multilateral fora on various issues that are important for the global South," said the MEA Secretary. The ministry detailed that both the countries will work towards boosting the economic cooperation as Ghana undergoes a deep economic restructuring. "Ghana has undergone the IMF conditionalities almost 17 times. So, the economic agenda will dominate the talks. The bilateral trade between India and Ghana is about $3 billion in favour of Ghana because of the large imports of gold. Investments in Ghana are about $2 billion. Both private sector-wise, which is about a billion dollars and the second half, you have lines of credit and the buyer's credit ... activities and projects have been undertaken. We have very strong cooperation in the capacity building under ITEC, and that is continuing to be stronger and deepened," the senior diplomat commented during a special briefing held in New Delhi on Monday. The Ghanaian leader is also quite keen to engage with India, especially in the field of vaccine development and creating a vaccine hub in the country for not just Ghana but also the West Africa context. Defence cooperation will become an important item on the agenda along with the critical minerals and the digital public infrastructure. This visit, said the MEA, reaffirms the shared commitment of the two countries to deepen bilateral ties and strengthen India's engagement with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union. Jabalpur, July 2 : In a chilling case, a 22-year-old woman sustained severe burn injuries after her childhood friend allegedly hurled acid on her face out of jealousy and personal vendetta. The incident occurred on the night of June 29 in Awadhpuri Colony under the jurisdiction of the Gwarighat police station in Jabalpur. The accused, identified as 21-year-old engineering graduate Ishita Sahu, was arrested shortly after the attack. According to police, Ishita lured her former friend Shraddha Das (22), a BBA graduate, out of her home under the pretext of giving her a surprise before she left for a new job in West Bengal. As Shraddha stepped out, accompanied by her mother, Ishita hurled acid on her, reportedly shouting, "You're proud of your beauty - I'll ruin it." Shraddha suffered severe burns to her face, hands, and torso and is currently in critical condition at a private hospital in Jabalpur. Her mother, who witnessed the attack, rushed her to the bathroom and poured water over her to mitigate the damage, police officials said. Investigations revealed that Ishita had been harbouring resentment for years. The two had been close friends until Class 10th, but their relationship soured after a private video of Ishita with her boyfriend went viral five years ago. Ishita believed Shraddha was responsible for leaking the video, which led to public humiliation and a breakup. Both reportedly held personal grudges. Family members of the accused told police that Ishita was not of sound mental health, according to MD Nagotiya, CSP (city superintendent of police), Gorakhpur. Police have arrested Ishita and booked her under BNS Section 124(2) for voluntarily causing grievous hurt with acid. Her accomplice, Ansh Sharma, remains absconding. The matter is under investigation. Section 124(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita deals with voluntarily causing grievous hurt by the use of acid. It applies when someone throws or administers acid with the intent to cause permanent or partial damage, burns, maiming, disfigurement, disability, or grievous hurt. The section prescribes a minimum sentence of ten years, which may extend to life imprisonment, along with a fine. The fine is intended to cover the victim's medical expenses and must be paid to the victim. The accused reportedly told police she wanted to "make Shraddha so ugly that she would fear her own reflection." According to police sources, Ishita used a fake college letterhead and enlisted the help of her friend Ansh Sharma, who impersonated a professor to procure acid from a chemical shop. If police sources and reports are believed, during interrogation, Ishita showed no remorse. "Is she alive? Will I be hanged?" she reportedly asked police officers after her arrest. Accra, July 2 : As he began his landmark visit to Ghana, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday was accorded a rousing welcome by members of the Indian community at a hotel in Accra, shortly after his arrival in the West African country. There is a sizable Indian community in Ghana numbering over 15,000. Some of them have been in Ghana for over 70 years. Some families are now the fourth generation in Ghana, and most have acquired Ghanaian citizenship. Several expatriates are also working for MNCs and prominent local Ghanaian businesses as skilled workers. Hundreds of people, including locals, started chanting "Modi-Modi", "Bharat Mata Ki Jai" and "Vande Mataram" as soon as PM Modi arrived at the hotel. During the grand welcome, PM Modi was seen interacting with the Indian diaspora and even holding a child in his arms in what turned out to be an unforgettable moment for the Indian family. Using local musical instruments and a drum, Ghanian artists also rendered an instrumental version of 'Jai Ho' as PM Modi watched them from close quarters and applauded their talent. PM Modi also applauded a group of locals who joined Indians in chanting 'Hare Krishna, Hare Rama'. The Indian community is served by a Hindu temple, a Gurudwara, and a Hindu Monastery, in Accra. An ISKCON temple, mostly run by Ghanaians, and an Art of Living Centre is also quite active. Earlier, as he arrived on his first ever bilateral trip to the African nation, also the first Prime Ministerial visit from India to Ghana after three decades, Ghana President John Dramani Mahama welcomed PM Modi at the Kotoka International Airport in a special gesture showcasing the significance of the landmark visit. PM Modi was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the airport as both leaders then sat down for a brief interaction at the Jubilee Lounge of the airport. "Ghana is a valued partner in the Global South and plays an important role in the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States. I look forward to my exchanges aimed at further deepening our historical ties and opening up new windows of cooperation, including in the areas of investment, energy, health, security, capacity building and development partnership. As fellow democracies, it will be an honour to speak at the Parliament of Ghana," PM Modi said in his departure statement earlier in the day. Ghana is the first stop on Prime Minister Modi's five-nation visit. It will be followed by Trinidad and Tobago (T&T), Argentina, Brazil and Namibia. The delegation-level are scheduled to be held in Accra later in the evening, India time, as both countries review the bilateral relations and discuss various ways to strengthen and deepen partnerships. The Prime Minister will also have a one-on-one meeting with his counterpart which will be followed by a banquet dinner in honour of PM Modi. On Thursday, Prime Minister Modi will be addressing Ghana's Parliament and will also be interacting with the Indian community in the country, which is about 15,000 in number. "President John Dramani Mahama has just assumed office in about January of this year after a landslide victory, which is why the visit assumes importance. Early in his tenure, the Honourable Prime Minister will be visiting Ghana. So, it will help in the continuity as well as deepening the relationship and to discuss various ways to further strengthen the relationship," said Dammu Ravi, Secretary (ER) at the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) ahead of the PM's visit. President Mahama has been to India in the past, particularly for the India-Africa Forum Summit in 2015 and both leaders have also met in the past on the sidelines of various global events. "India's relations with Ghana are historical. In the seven decades of a relationship, it has evolved to multi-faceted. We took up the cause of Ghana in the UN much before it won independence in 1957, and we have maintained a close relationship in the multilateral fora on various issues that are important for the global South," said the MEA Secretary. The ministry detailed that both the countries will work towards boosting the economic cooperation as Ghana undergoes a deep economic restructuring. "Ghana has undergone the IMF conditionalities almost 17 times. So, the economic agenda will dominate the talks. The bilateral trade between India and Ghana is about $3 billion in favour of Ghana because of the large imports of gold. Investments in Ghana are about $2 billion. Both private sector-wise, which is about a billion dollars and the second half, you have lines of credit and the buyer's credit ... activities and projects have been undertaken. We have very strong cooperation in the capacity building under ITEC, and that is continuing to be stronger and deepened," the senior diplomat commented during a special briefing held in New Delhi on Monday. The Ghanaian leader is also quite keen to engage with India, especially in the field of vaccine development and creating a vaccine hub in the country for not just Ghana but also the West Africa context. Defence cooperation will become an important item on the agenda along with the critical minerals and the digital public infrastructure. This visit, said the MEA, reaffirms the shared commitment of the two countries to deepen bilateral ties and strengthen India's engagement with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union. Kolkata, July 2 : The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), on Wednesday, filed a public interest litigation at a division bench of the Calcutta High Court challenging the attribution of the tile of "Dham" for the recently inaugurated Lord Jagannath Temple at East Midnapore district of West Bengal. Kolkata, July 2 (IANS) The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), on Wednesday, filed a public interest litigation at a division bench of the Calcutta High Court challenging the attribution of the tile of "Dham" for the recently inaugurated Lord Jagannath Temple at East Midnapore district of West Bengal. The division bench of Justice Soumen Sen and Justice Smita Das has admitted the petition. The matter will come up for hearing either on Thursday or on Friday. Officially, as per records of West Bengal, the Digha temple has been identified at Shree Jagannath Dham Cultural Centre. The main controversy in the matter since the beginning had been that per Hindu religious belief barring the four temples at Badrinath, Rameswaram, Dwarka, and Puri, no other religious structure can be referred to as "Dham". Now, VHP has filed the public interest litigation in the matter on the same grounds. In the petition, the VHP counsel had also mentioned that a portion of the sweets that were distributed among people as "Prasad" of the Digha temple, were prepared in sweetmeat shops owned by non-Hindus, which had affected the Hindu religious sentiments. Since the beginning BJP had been vocal against sweets coming from non-Hindu shops being distributed as "Prasad: of the Digha Jagannath temple". Last month, BJP's Information Technology cell chief and the party's central observer for West Bengal, Amit Malviya, had accused West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of trampling on Hindu sentiments by distributing sweets from non-Hindu shops as "Prasad" of the Digha temple. According to him, as per tradition, non-Hindus are not allowed entry into Shree Jagannath Dham Temple at Puri in Odisha, a practice which is part of the sanctity attached to Lord Jagannath and his traditions. In such a situation, Malviya argued, that "Prasad" meant for devotees of Lord Jagannath being sourced from non-Hindu shops was not secularism but targeted sacrilege. Bhubaneswar, July 2 : The Odisha government has expedited the process for refund of money to the small investors affected by chit fund scams in the state. As per a statement issued by the Chief Ministeras Office (CMO) on Wednesday, following the directions of the Chief Minister, the process for refund of chit fund money has been simplified and decentralised to the district level, making it faster and more accessible. The state government on Wednesday claimed that after the BJP-led new government assumed power in the state, the refund process has been expedited significantly. The statement further added that money to the tune of Rs 47.07 crore has been refunded to 1,26,137 small depositors across the state in the past year, which is in stark contrast to the previous governmentas disbursement of a meagre Rs 119 crore to 2,79,109 investors over a span of 10 years, from 2014 to 2024. Showing the state governmentas commitment towards compensating the depositors affected by chit fund scams, the Chief Minister further directed the officials to ensure another 5 lakh depositors receive the financial compensation within the next three to four months. As per reports, the government authorities have so far confiscated immovable properties measuring 1,472.428 decimals belonging to 35 illegal chit fund firms in Odisha. Out of this, immovable properties of 56.549 decimals have already been auctioned. The state government has so far issued ad-interim orders for the attachment of movable and immovable assets of 66 sham companies in the state. The BJP had promised during the general elections last year that it would ensure justice for all the small businesses and return their money stuck in Chit Fund Scams within 18 months of coming to power in the state. The chit fund companies have looted lakhs of depositors from different parts of Odisha by luring them to invest in various ponzi schemes. Islamabad, July 2 : The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) on Wednesday warned against efforts to constrain its work, expressing deep concern over the steadily shrinking space for human rights defence in the country. The rights body highlighted that in the past few months, it has faced a series of "arbitrary, illegal and unjustified actions" that have impeded the organisation's ability to carry out its mandate. The HRCP's work is based on the rights of all citizens and persons, as enshrined in the Constitution of Pakistan and the country's international commitments and obligations. "We note with disappointment that persons claiming to represent the security apparatus have obstructed the organisation of HRCP events by informing either the venue or our staff that a no-objection certificate was required for indoor meetings, although this is not a legal requirement. Two recent examples include a high-level consultation in Islamabad on regions facing militancy and terrorism and their impact on human rights, and a roundtable in Gilgit on local communities' right to natural resources. Ironically, both the relevant legislators and government departments had confirmed their participation on both occasions," read a statement issued by the HRCP. According to the Human Rights Commission, there have also been incidents across the country where membership and staff of the organisation faced harassment and intimidation. It mentioned that for the first time in HRCP's decades-long history, its chairperson was taken in for questioning by the police in Karachi. "We have reason to believe that other actions are not merely coincidental. These include an attempt to seal our office premises in Lahore in 2024, the removal of the officeas electricity meter, and a bankas refusal to release our funds, citing a State Bank of Pakistan directive, the existence of which was categorically denied by the latter in writing when asked by a court," stated the HRCP. The HRCP urged the Pakistani authorities to respect the fundamental freedoms of association, assembly, and expression, and to ensure that human rights defenders can operate without fear of reprisal or undue interference. "Civil society organisations such as HRCP are essential if Pakistan wishes to develop into a state that upholds the rights of all its citizens and remains responsible for their well-being. More broadly, human rights work helps create a more tolerant and inclusive society a" something that Pakistan is in dire need of at present," the human rights organisation mentioned. London, July 2 : Joao Fonseca continued his remarkable rise on Wednesday, making history as he reached the third round of Wimbledon in his debut appearance at the prestigious tournament. The 18-year-old Brazilian overcame American Jenson Brooksby 6-4, 5-7, 6-2, 6-4 in a gritty, wind-swept battle that lasted over three hours. In just his fourth career tour-level event on grass, Fonseca showcased maturity beyond his years. Battling tricky, windy conditions on Court 12, the #NextGenATP star held his nerve against the crafty American, who tried to disrupt the rhythm with drop shots and variety. Brooksby, fresh off a finals run at Eastbourne, succeeded in patchesa"especially in the second set and during a fourth-set break to level at 4-4a"but Fonseca quickly snuffed out the threat with big serving, blistering groundstrokes, and fearless aggression as per ATP. The match lasted over three hours, and Fonseca thrilled the crowd with 50 winners, including a spectacular stretched backhand from behind the baseline early in the fourth set. The crowd, split between Brazilian and American fans, roared with approval throughout, creating a lively atmosphere that Fonseca seemed to feed off during crucial moments. His victory also made him the youngest man to reach the third round at Wimbledon since Bernard Tomic in 2011. Itas another major milestone in a breakout 2025 season. Fonseca made waves in January by defeating then-World No. 9 Andrey Rublev in his Grand Slam debut at the Australian Open. A month later, he captured his first ATP title in Buenos Aires, followed by a strong showing at Roland Garros, where he reached the third round. Now, with momentum and confidence on his side, Fonseca prepares to face qualifier Nicolas Jarry in the next round. The Chilean dispatched American teen Learner Tien with ease, but Fonsecaas current form and rising belief make him a serious contender A large charity evening, organized by the Franco-Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce and Industry together with the Embassy of France in Ukraine and timed to coincide with the International Music Festival, was held in the capital of Ukraine according to French traditions. According to the organizers, the purpose of the evening was to raise funds to support the National Rehabilitation Center UNBROKEN Ukraine. The collected donations will be directed to the renovation of the rehabilitation department for patients with spinal cord injuries. The concert was attended by Ukrainian pianist Yevhen Khmara, the Svitlo Concert orchestra, and the Ukrainian band Tvorchi. The event brought together representatives of the business community, the diplomatic corps, and the cultural elite of Ukraine and France. "This is an event about strength, solidarity and art, demonstrating the unity of the Franco-Ukrainian community in the most difficult times for Ukraine," the Chamber said, emphasizing that the Music Festival was also an opportunity for the Chamber's member companies to express support for those in need and to once again confirm the importance of business social responsibility. Chennai, July 2 : In an effort to resolve the ongoing standoff between the Tamil Film Producers Council (TFPC) and the Film Employees Federation of South India (FEFSI), the Madras High Court on Wednesday appointed former judge Justice M. Govindaraj as a mediator. The decision was made by a bench of Justice K. Kumaresh Babu, who directed the mediator to initiate dialogue with both parties and submit a report to the court at the earliest. The dispute has led to the suspension of several film productions, causing significant financial losses to producers. Advocate Krishna Ravindran, appearing for the TFPC, informed the court that the producers were incurring huge losses due to the techniciansa non-cooperation, following a directive issued by the FEFSI on April 2. This directive had instructed all 22 associations affiliated with the federation to halt collaboration with TFPC members, effectively bringing numerous film shoots to a standstill. The TFPC has filed a civil suit seeking to declare the FEFSIas communication as null and void. It also requested an interim injunction restraining FEFSI members from adhering to what it termed an "illegal" call for non-cooperation. Ravindran suggested that the court consider appointing an additional retired judge as a second mediator, should the FEFSI be willing to share the costs. However, advocate G. Mohanakrishnan, representing the FEFSI, opposed the idea, stating that his client could not afford to bear the cost of mediation. He argued that the producers, being financially better off, should shoulder the entire expense. He also strongly objected to the TFPC's request for an interim order directing the FEFSI members to cooperate during the mediation process, stating that such an order could be misused by the producers to their advantage. Justice Kumaresh Babu noted the concerns and urged both parties to participate in the mediation process in good faith to arrive at an amicable solution. The court did not pass any interim orders and adjourned the case, asking the mediator to file a status report soon. Washington, July 2 : The US gives India priority as its "key defence partner in South Asia", Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has affirmed to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, according to a Pentagon Spokesperson, Colonel Chris Devine. Washington, July 2 (IANS) The US gives India priority as its "key defence partner in South Asia", Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has affirmed to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, according to a Pentagon Spokesperson, Colonel Chris Devine. "When he spoke to Rajnath Singh on Tuesday, Hegseth emphasised the priority the US places on India as its key defence partner in South Asia," said Devine. He pointed out that both leaders reviewed the considerable progress both countries have made toward achieving the defence goals set out in the February 2025 joint statement by President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi and agreed to sign the next ten-year US-India Defence Framework when they meet this year. "They also discussed pending major US defence sales to India and the imperative of close defence industrial cooperation between the two countries," he added. After the call, Rajnath Singh posted on X that they had an excellent discussion to review the ongoing and new initiatives to further deepen India-US defence partnership and strengthen cooperation in capacity building. He conveyed his deep appreciation for the unwavering support extended by the US to India in its fight against terrorism, and he was looking forward to meeting him at an early date. Rajnath Singh spoke to Hegseth before the US official met with visiting External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar at the Pentagon. After that meeting, the Pentagon said that EAM Jaishankar and Hegseth discussed participation in the next INDUS-X Summit, where the two nations will continue to build on US-India defence industrial cooperation and produce new innovations in technology and manufacturing. The defence framework also figured in their talks. The Pentagon said that Hegseth told Jaishankar the U.S. and India are mutually aware of the security concerns in the region, and both nations have the ability to counter that threat together. The defence cooperation between India and the US is one of the most consequential pillars of the US-India relationship, said EAM Jaishankar. The defence framework comes under the US-India COMPACT (Catalysing Opportunities for Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce & Technology) for the 21st Century, which was agreed to by President Trump and PM Modi at their Washington meeting in February and covers cooperation in a wide range of areas from defence and security to trade and space. PM Modi and Trump announced plans for new procurements and coproduction arrangements for Javelin antitank guided missiles and Stryker armoured vehicles, as well as acquiring six additional P-8I maritime patrol aircraft, according to the Pentagon. India has already integrated various weapons systems into its military, like the C-130J Super Hercules, C-17 Globemaster III and P-8I Poseidon aircraft, as well as the CH-47F Chinook, MH-60R Sea Hawk and AH-64E Apache. It also utilises the Harpoon antiship missiles, M777 howitzers and MQ-9 B Sky Guardians, it said. New Delhi, July 2 : A delegation of Opposition parties strongly objected to the Election Commission of India's decision to conduct a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls in Bihar just months ahead of the assembly elections. The parties alleged that the move, announced belatedly, could compromise the fairness of the electoral process and disproportionately affect marginalised communities. An 18-member delegation representing 11 INDIA bloc constituents including the Congress, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Samajwadi Party, Communist Party of India (CPI), and CPI (M-L) met with ECI officials at Nirvachan Sadan on Wednesday to register their formal protest. Briefing the media after the meeting, senior Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi said the timing of the revision raised serious concerns. "This exercise involves verifying over 7.75 crore voters in Bihar. With barely 23 months left for the assembly polls, such a massive exercise is neither practical nor fair," he said, calling it a violation of the level playing field essential for free and fair elections. Singhvi, accompanied by RJD MP Manoj Jha, CPI (M-L)'s Dipankar Bhattacharya, Bihar Congress chief Rajesh Kumar, and others, said the delegation also expressed strong disapproval of the EC's new rule restricting the number of party representatives in such meetings. He said senior leaders like Jairam Ramesh and Pawan Khera were denied entry and made to wait outside. "This kind of limitation on who can meet the Commission capping it at two people including the party president is unprecedented and arbitrary," Singhvi said. The opposition leaders further questioned the timing of the announcement, pointing out that no mention of a Special Intensive Revision had been made in the EC's public communications over the past six months. "When this exercise was done in 2003, general elections were a year away, and assembly elections two years away. Now there are just a few months left," Singhvi said. The delegation alleged that for the first time, the EC was asking voters to furnish multiple documents, a move that could lead to the exclusion of poor, marginalised, and rural populations from the voter rolls. "This sudden push for documentation, at this late stage, will disenfranchise those who lack the means to comply," he warned. RJD's Manoj Jha echoed the concern, saying the exercise was suspicious in intent and its implementation would result in widespread confusion and voter suppression. CPI (M-L) leader Dipankar Bhattacharya said the revision risks becoming a tool of manipulation if carried out without transparency or adequate time. The leaders urged the Commission to defer the revision exercise and ensure that electoral reforms, if necessary, are conducted in a manner that does not affect voter rights or compromise democratic integrity. Mungeli : , July 2 (IANS) Chhattisgarh's Mungeli District Hospital has been given the National Quality Assurance Standards (NQAS) certification as the hospital has scored a total of 92.33 per cent marks on all 15 prescribed health service parameters. The NQAS certification is given by the National Health Mission of the Ministry of Family and Health Welfare. Mungeli District Magistrate Kundan Kumar said that this achievement is not only a matter of pride for the district but also a milestone towards better health services. He congratulated all the health workers and officials for this success and encouraged them to maintain the quality of services in the same way. Dr M.K. Roy, Civil Surgeon of District Hospital Mungeli, said, "We have been preparing for the last six months. A team from Delhi had arrived for investigation grading. We have achieved this success due to teamwork. We will continue to strive for even better service in the future." RMO Sandeep Kumar Patil, posted in the Health Department, Mungeli, said that the National Quality Assurance Standards of the Ministry of Health is an initiative, which aims to improve the quality of services being provided in government health institutions across the country and to recognise the institutions providing quality services. "District Hospital Mungeli has done remarkable work on all important parameters like infection control, patient care, clinical services, record management, trained human resources, cleanliness and patient satisfaction. The team of the Ministry of Health expressed satisfaction with the arrangements and services of the district hospital during the inspection. Under NQAS certification, now the district hospital will receive money as an incentive every year for the next three years at the rate of Rs 10,000 per bed on the basis of 240 beds," he added. He also informed that after continuous training and evaluation in the last six months, District Hospital Mungeli has become the hospital to receive NQAS certification with the highest marks. Civil Surgeon Dr M.K. Rai, RMO Dr Sandeep Patil, Hospital Manager Surabhi Kesharwani, Matron Divya Masih, and the entire staff had a special contribution in this achievement. Divya Masih said that every day, eight to ten pregnant women are being successfully delivered in the district hospital, where better treatment is given along with proper monitoring and patient care, due to which the hospital has been awarded at the national level after the team's inspection. Special attention is paid to cleanliness in the district hospital. The Ayushman card operator said that common patients are taking advantage of the Ayushman card. Himesh Kumar Khandekar, a relative of a patient admitted for treatment in the district hospital, said that he has come to the district hospital to get his father, suffering from a urinary infection, treated. Khandekar said that regular treatment is being done here and he is satisfied with the treatment, cleanliness and health facilities of the hospital. New Delhi, July 3 : In a rare and deeply personal account, M. L. Mittal, Industrialist, Steel Industry, offered a vivid portrait of Prime Minister Narendra Modi - one shaped not by power or position, but by simplicity, conviction, and commitment to public service. New Delhi, July 3 (IANS) In a rare and deeply personal account, M. L. Mittal, Industrialist, Steel Industry, offered a vivid portrait of Prime Minister Narendra Modi one shaped not by power or position, but by simplicity, conviction, and commitment to public service. Mittal first met Narendra Modi in New York in 1998, during an international programme themed around the ancient Indian ideal of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' 'The world is one family'. The event, convened under the aegis of the United Nations, sought to revisit a decades-old resolution aimed at eradicating global poverty by 2050. Despite the lofty goal, progress had been negligible, prompting renewed international dialogue. "At that time, Modi ji held no government position," Mittal recalled. "Yet his maturity, clarity of thought, and global outlook left a deep impression on me. He asked, 'How can you help me?' a question that reflected rare humility and purpose." Though not formally affiliated with PM Modi's organisation, Mittal offered to support its work wherever it had branches. "He accepted that without hesitation. We were later given office space and staff support. But what stayed with me was not the structureit was the man." What struck Mittal most was PM Modi's ascetic lifestyle. "He lived like a monk. He fasted twice a week, avoided air-conditioning and fans, ate only fruits, and slept on the floor. He never stayed in hotelshe preferred the homes of followers. Once, he opened his tiffin and said, 'This is my food'it was just jaggery and peanuts. I was stunned." During a shared stay, PM Modi chose the only room without air-conditioning or an attached bathroomone used for press work. He would rise at 5 a.m. to prepare tea and set the breakfast table for others. "When I asked him not to trouble himself, he replied, 'This is my work. Service is my habit.' When I insisted, he gently said, 'Please don't stop me. Otherwise, I'll have to find another place to stay." Even after being appointed General Secretary of the Bharatiya Janata Party and called to Delhi by LK Advani, PM Modi's lifestyle remained unchanged. "I congratulated him and joked that he must now be enjoying the perks of power. He said, 'No, I stay in a servant's quarter and use a dilapidated vehicle.' I visited the address myself. There he was, in simple pyjamas, drenched in sweat, holding a mug of wateryet smiling as always. He said, 'I'm the boss in the office, not at home." Perhaps most telling was his frugality during foreign visits. "He told me he was allotted 25 dollars per day abroad, and he would save from that and return the rest to the party fund. 'This is public money,' he said. 'It should be used in service.' For Mr Mittal, these recollections are more than anecdotesthey are a testament to a leadership forged in restraint, humility, and purpose. "He never entered politics for power. His path was one of service. The Gujarat model he pioneered has now become a global benchmark. But the foundation of that modelpenance, sacrifice, and disciplineI saw it all in 1998." Accra, July 3 : As Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday, arrived in Ghana on a two-day state visit during which he will hold talks with the West African country's top leadership and review the strong bilateral partnership, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in a statement reaffirmed that both the countries enjoy warm and special historical ties. Taking to his official X account, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that this visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the West African country is taking place after 30 years. "Both India and Ghana stood shoulder to shoulder with each other in their fight against colonialism and reflective of this very special bond, when Prime Minister Modi arrived at the airport, he was received by the President of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama," MEA Spokesperson Jaiswal added on X. PM Modi was accorded ceremonial welcome as well as traditional Ghanian welcome with music and dance. At the hotel where the Prime Minister stayed, the Indian community gathered here in large numbers and you can see behind me one of the posters they carried along to welcome him in this beautiful country, Ghana. We have 15,000 strong Indian diaspora in Ghana," he said on X. The MEA Spokesperson also said on X that Prime Minister Modi will have his official engagements as well as talks with the President of Ghana, and later on Wednesday evening there is a state banquet posted in his honour. Prime Minister Modi will also pay his respects to the great Ghanian leader and first President of Ghana Kwame Nkrumah, MEA Spokesperson Jaiswal added on X. This is the Prime Minister's first-ever bilateral visit to Ghana. "Landed in Accra, Ghana. I'm honoured by the special gesture of President John Dramani Mahama for welcoming me at the airport. Our nations look forward to working together to strengthen our long-standing relationship and explore fresh avenues for collaboration," PM Modi said in a post on X. PM Modi, who is visiting Ghana at the invitation of President Mahama, was greeted with a grand ceremonial welcome that included a Guard of Honour and a resounding 21-gun salute. "PM @narendramodi arrived in Accra, Ghana a short while ago, marking the start of a historic visit. This is the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Ghana in over three decades. In a gracious and warm gesture, President @JDMahama personally received PM Modi at the airport, underscoring the strong ties between the two nations," the Prime Minister's Office posted on X. This gesture is reflective of the strong and historic bonds of friendship between the two nations, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement. "Prime Minister's visit to Ghana is the first such visit in the last three decades. This historic visit would further deepen the partnership between India and Ghana, and underscores India's commitment to strengthening its engagement with Africa and Global South Partners," it said. "Celebrating India-Ghana friendship! PM @narendramodi arrives in Accra, Ghana. PM was accorded a ceremonial and colourful welcome," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal posted on X. Upon his arrival at the hotel, PM Modi was warmly welcomed by the members of the Indian community, amid chants of 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' and 'Hare Krishna'. A musical and dance performance was organised to welcome him. Ghana is a valued partner in the Global South and plays an important role in the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States, PM Modi earlier said in his statement prior to his departure for Ghana. The Prime Minister added that he looked forward to talks aimed at further deepening the two countries' historical ties and opening up new windows of cooperation, including in the areas of investment, energy, health, security, capacity building and development partnership. "As fellow democracies, it will be an honour to speak at the Parliament of Ghana," he added. During the visit, PM Modi will hold talks with the President of Ghana to review the strong bilateral partnership and discuss further avenues to enhance it through economic, energy, and defence collaboration, the MEA said. This visit will reaffirm the shared commitment of the two countries to deepen bilateral ties and strengthen India's engagement with the ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) and the African Union, it added. From Ghana, PM Modi will travel to Trinidad and Tobago on a two-day visit from July 3 to 4. In the third leg of his visit, Modi will visit Argentina from July 4 to 5. In the fourth leg of his visit, PM Modi will travel to Brazil to attend the 17th BRICS summit followed by a state visit. In the final leg of his visit, PM Modi will travel to Namibia. Washington, July 3 : External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar has dismissed the notion that Pakistan impinges on the relations between the US and India, which are based on their complementarity and not on third countries. He also dismissed the claims of US President Donald Trump that he forged the ceasefire between the two neighbours after Operation Sindoor, saying the record speaks for itself. "I would really urge you to get over the idea that we need to define ourselves regarding third countries in order to forge ahead" in ties with the US, EAM Jaishankar told a questioner who asked if there was a change in the relations because of Pakistan. "Big relationships are not forged in terms of third countries and where they fit," he emphasised. "The central factor in the relationship between India and the US is India and the US. It is our complementarity. In many ways, it is the benefits that we get from closer relationship that is actually driving it," EAM Jaishankar said. Addressing a news conference here on Wednesday, he added that given the size and influence of India, there has to be a commensurate sense of self-confidence and not measure ties in relation to others. "We are a big country. We are among the top five economies of the world. We are the most populous country in the world. Our influence is growing," he said. "We must have that confidence." He said that India's relations with the US progressed on bigger matters that benefit each other and will be what matters in the future. "It's about trade. It is about investment. It is about technology. It is about mobility. It is about energy," the EAM added. Asked about Trump claiming credit for the ceasefire with Pakistan after Operation Sindoor, EAM Jaishankar said he did not have a role. "The record of what happened was very clear," he added. "The ceasefire was something that was negotiated between the DGMOs" -- Directors General of Military Operations Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai of India and Major General Kashif Abdullah of Pakistan a" he said, adding: "I'd leave it at that." EAM Jaishankar was in Washington to attend the Quad Ministerial meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Foreign Ministers Penny Wong of Australia and Takeshi Iwaya of Japan on Tuesday. He noted the Ministers condemned the Pahalgam massacre carried out by The Resistance Front, an adjunct of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Toiba. EAM Jaishankar met individually with Rubio and the two Foreign Ministers, as well as with US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and Energy Secretary Chris Wright. With Rubio, he said, "we essentially did a stock-taking of the last six months. And, you know, what do we do to go, a look ahead." "This included a discussion on trade and investment, on technology, on defence and security, on energy and on mobility," the EAM added. Defence and energy are two subjects that are substantive enough to warrant a separate meeting with Hegseth and Wright, he said. Accra, July 3 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday, held delegation-level talks with Ghana President John Mahama during his first-ever bilateral visit to the West African country and said that both the countries are in complete agreement that "terrorism is an enemy of humanity" and also thanked Ghana for its cooperation with India in the fight against terrorism. Both India and Ghana also agreed to further strengthen mutual cooperation in counter-terrorism, the Prime Minister said. Apart from holding discussions on development, economy and inclusive global governance with President Mahama, Prime Minister Modi also stressed on the need for bringing up reforms in the United Nations. Stressing upon the shared values on which the India-Ghana friendly ties are based, PM Modi also said: "At the core of the India-Ghana friendship lie our shared values, common struggles, and collective dreams for an inclusive future. The freedom struggles of our nations have inspired many other countries. Even today, Ghana stands as a vibrant democracy in West Africa and serves as a strong and living example for other countries..." Prime Minister Modi said, "... We discussed shared visions on development, economic regions, and inclusive global governance. We are in full agreement that terrorism is an enemy of humanity. We thank Ghana for its cooperation in our fight against terrorism. In this context, we agreed to further strengthen mutual cooperation in counter-terrorism. We share a common perspective on the need for reforms in the United Nations... Mr. President, you are a close friend of India and are very familiar with our country. I extend to you an invitation to visit India. I am confident you will give us the opportunity to host you in India soon..." "Our bilateral trade has crossed $3 billion. Indian companies have invested nearly $2 billion in about 900 projects across Ghana. Today, we have set a target to double our mutual trade in the next five years. In the field of fintech, India is ready to share its experience of UPI digital payments with Ghana. Development partnership is a key pillar of our cooperation. We assure President Mahama of Indiaas full support and cooperation in his efforts towards economic revitalisation...," the Prime Minister said. This marks the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Ghana in more than three decades Prime Minister Modi and President Mahama of Ghana held bilateral talks, discussing various aspects of enhancing cooperation between India and Ghana across a wide range of sectors. President Mahama of Ghana said, "Our esteemed guest, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will be honoured with the prestigious National Award of the "Order of the Star of Ghana" at the State Banquet." Prime Minister Modi and Ghana President Mahama also attended a joint press conference meeting on Wednesday evening. PM Modi also said, "...It was a matter of great honour for me that the President (Mahama) himself came to the airport to receive me..." President Mahama said, "...Both countries are committed to deepening economic and investment relations, particularly at a time when Ghana is undergoing economic restructuring due to the debt treatment process and the ongoing International Monetary Fund program. Going forward, Ghana and India intend to pursue these engagements through diplomatic mechanisms, including Foreign Office Consultations and the Permanent Joint Commission for Cooperation, to bring to fruition the intended outcomes of our partnership for mutual benefit...." President Mahama added, "...This visit is particularly significant, as it marks the first leg of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Africa tour, which will culminate in the BRICS Summit in Brazil. The two sides have engaged in meaningful discussions to deepen cooperation across various sectors of our economies, including agriculture, energy, manufacturing, infrastructure development, human resources, and health, among others..." Prime Minister Modi and President Mahama also witnessed the signing of multiple MoUs and agreements aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation and deepening India-Ghana relations. Earlier on Wednesday, Prime Minister Modi met with the President of Ghana Mahama, the Prime Minister's Office said in an official statement. Upon arrival at the Jubilee House, PM Modi was received by President Mahama. This state visit of Prime Minister to Ghana is the first such visit in three decades. aThe two leaders met in restricted and delegation level formats and held wide-ranging talks, the statement added. They agreed to elevate the relationship to a comprehensive partnership, the statement said. Both leaders reaffirmed the warm and time-tested ties between India and Ghana and discussed ways to expand cooperation in key areas including trade and investment, agriculture, capacity building, digital technology, infrastructure, and people-to-people ties. They welcomed the growing bilateral trade and Indian investments in Ghana. The two leaders also discussed strengthening defence and security partnership. They committed to further strengthening development cooperation partnershipa"especially through India-supported infrastructure and capacity-building projects. India offered to share its experiences in the fields of health, pharma, digital public infrastructure, UPI and skill development. The Prime Minister conveyed India's deep commitment to voicing the concerns of the Global South and thanked Ghana for its solidarity on this account. Prime Minister Modi also thanked President Mahama for taking care of the 15,000 strong Indian community in Ghana, the statement said. The two leaders discussed global issues of mutual interest, including UN reforms. Prime Minister Modi also thanked President Mahama for his support and solidarity in the wake of Pahalgam terror attack. The two sides agreed to strengthen global fight against terrorism. Prime Minister congratulated Ghana on its growing international profile, including its term on the UN Human Rights Council and the election of Ghana's Foreign Minister as the Commonwealth Secretary-General. Both leaders reiterated their commitment to democratic values, South-South cooperation, and a shared vision for sustainable development and global peace. Following the delegation level talks, four MoUs in the fields of Culture, Standards, Ayurveda and Traditional Medicine, and Joint Commission Mechanism for engagement between Foreign Ministries were exchanged. President Mahama hosted a state banquet in honour of Prime Minister Modi. Thanking him for his gracious hospitality, Prime Minister Modi invited President Mahama to visit India at a mutually convenient time. As a result of the Russian strike on Huliai-Pole, the commander of the 110th separate mechanized brigade, Serhiy Zakharevych, and other guys from the brigade were killed, more than 30 people were wounded, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported. "Today, the rubble from the attack on Huliai-Pole was being cleared all day. Unfortunately, there are casualties - both military and civilian. The commander of the 110th separate mechanized brigade, Colonel Zakharevych, and other guys from the brigade were killed. My condolences to all the relatives and friends," Zelenskyy said in an evening address on Tuesday. According to him, a full investigation into the circumstances of this strike is ongoing, and the president is awaiting a report. "Everyone who was wounded - and this was a missile strike - is being given the necessary assistance. More than 30 people were wounded. We will definitely respond to the Russians for this strike," the president said. As reported, at 9:15 a.m. on Tuesday, July 1, the Russians launched a missile strike on the settlement of Huliai-Pole in Dnipropetrovsk region. RAWANews, July 2, 2025 Fresh violence has broken out in Khash district of Badakhshan province, where armed clashes between Taliban forces and local residents have resulted in at least seven deaths and more than 40 injuries, local sources report. Some news outlets have reported that up to 15 people were killed by the Taliban during the crackdown. The unrest began after Taliban fighters intervened in a funeral ceremony for victims of earlier violence in the area. Residents opposed their presence, triggering violent confrontations. According to health officials at a local hospital 7 people were were killed on Monday, and one more was killed on Tuesday. At least 12 others were wounded in Tuesdays clashes alone. In response to growing tensions, the Taliban have reportedly cut telecommunications in the district and deployed special forces via helicopter to suppress further resistance. Taliban-appointed governor of Badakhshan, Mohammad Ayub Khalid, confirmed the casualties, attributing them to "accidental fire" by Taliban fighters. Locals carry the bodies of those killed in the Talibans violent crackdown. Locals carry the bodies of those killed in the Talibans violent crackdown. The clashes were reportedly sparked by a Taliban operation aimed at destroying local poppy fields, part of a broader effort to eliminate opium production. But for many in these areas, cultivating poppy is not a choice it's a means of survival. People are extremely poor, and the Taliban provide no alternative livelihood or support; families are left with no other option but to grow opium in order to feed their children. The killing of farmers during the operation provoked widespread anger, with residents blocking roads to Fayzabad and Baharak and storming the Khash district governors office, damaging parts of the building. This is not the first time such violence has erupted in Badakhshan, a province known for its significant role in Afghanistans opium cultivation and trafficking. Similar incidents occurred last year in Jurm district under comparable circumstances. The current situation in Khash remains highly volatile, with fears mounting among residents over further violence and isolation amid the communications blackout. Buried in the 940-page big, beautiful budget blueprint is an unprecedented tax credit that, if approved, will be a long-sought victory for the private school choice movement in its drive to expand and break into Democratic states that for decades have blocked its path. The tax credit program, which would provide scholarships to K-12 students to pay for private schooling, would mark a significant shift in federal education policy. The scholarships would be the first major federal initiative designed to propel the nationwide growth of private school choice, a largely conservative and Christian movement championed by President Trump and suburban Republicans alike. It comes just as the Trump administration dismantles large parts of the U.S. Department of Education that support public schools attended by the vast majority of 50 million students. The private school choice movement, which started in 1990 to give families more options aligned with their values and childrens learning needs, remains a small piece of the education landscape. It supports about 1.2 million students in private and home schools in 35 states, primarily in the South and West. Advocates expect that the proposed federal program would jump-start a new round of expansion by providing scholarships to families to make private school more affordable. Beyond boosting participation, the program is also a wedge to crack into states controlled by Democrats. These blue-state lawmakers, backed by teachers unions, have long resisted private school choice as a threat to public school enrollment. The granting of scholarships, advocates say, would plant a seed of interest among families in Democratic enclaves at a time when enrollment and academic performance have been steadily declining at public schools. Patrick Wolf, a scholar of the school choice movement, said Advocates hope it will provide a proof of concept in blue states." In terms of the number of students served and the geographic scope, it would be the most important piece of school choice legislation ever, said Patrick Wolf, a prominent scholar of the movement at the University of Arkansas. Advocates hope it will provide a proof of concept in blue states and show that if a few thousand kids get scholarships the public school system wont crater. But the potential of the scholarship program to meet the advocates goals has been weakened this week in the Senate. The program was included in the massive budget bill because, as a standalone measure, it wouldnt survive a filibuster by Senate Democrats. The budget bill can be passed by a simple Senate majority, provided it only addresses fiscal matters. The Senate parliamentarian, however, objected to the scholarship program, ruling, to the dismay of Republicans, that it seeks to impose a policy on the states. In response, Republicans had to amend the initiative to allow states to decide whether to participate, a change that could hamper the movements efforts to breach liberal jurisdictions. Unprecedented Tax Credit Teachers unions, Democrats, and rural Republicans have their own reasons for criticizing one of the most ambitious efforts by conservatives to change how American students are educated. The tax credit will incentivize individuals to make donations, capped at $1,700 a year, for scholarships by giving them a generous tax credit equal to the size of the contribution, a one-to-one payback that is unprecedented federal policy, according to an analysis from the nonpartisan Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy (ITEP). While a $1,700 contribution to a hospital or veterans group will result in a $600 tax break at best, according to the budget bill, the same sized donation to support private school choice produces a $1,700 tax cut, says Carl Davis, ITEP research director. This is also unprecedented in how Congress is choosing to cherry pick one cause and privilege it over all others, Davis said. Making the scholarships available to almost everyone, including most well-off families, is also spurring criticism. At a time of heightened concern over the $36 trillion national debt, the tax credits would reduce federal revenue while giving some scholarships to students who dont need help with private school tuition. In Washington D.C., for example, a family earning up to $464,000 would qualify, according to an Urban Institute report. The private school choice movement originally targeted low-income urban kids stuck in bad public schools Milwaukee was the first drawing some liberal support. But advocates recently embraced universal programs for all, now operating in a dozen states, partly for strategic reasons. By bringing higher-income families into the fold, Professor Wolf says, the movement gains a more powerful constituency to fend off attempts to slash choice programs. Whats more, high-quality private schools that have shunned choice scholarship students might begin to admit them, including those from low-income families. The program originated as a $10 billion annual tax credit to be shared among states in the standalone Educational Choice for Children Act (ECCA), a significant sum considering that the biggest Department of Education K-12 program, Title I for disadvantaged students, costs $18 billion. A House committee reduced the cap to $5 billion before the Senate eliminated the cap altogether while also significantly lowering the maximum size of individual annual contributions to $1,700. The program would begin in 2027. Jim Blew celebrates the bill as a "huge win for school choice." Were all disappointed that the bill is not as good as it was when it went into the committee, said Jim Blew, co-founder of the conservative Defense of Freedom Institute and former assistant secretary in the Department of Education under Betsy DeVos. If the Senate version is the final, its a big win for families that want to choose a better school for their children. A Blue State Workaround The tax credit is partly a workaround of the blue wall of opposition to private school choice. Some 15 mostly Democratic states have never passed or have overturned measures that use public funds to pay for students private education. The battles have been heated, with state teachers unions typically leading the resistance to protect public school funding. In Colorado, the state education association helped defeat a ballot measure last year that it feared would lead to the establishment of a voucher program. Voters in Nebraska shot down an existing voucher program in 2024. Illinois is the only state in which the legislature ended a private school choice program. In the big blue states of California and New York, choice advocates have made little headway. If the federal program becomes law, however, some Democratic states may come under pressure to opt in, partly because it doesnt draw on local tax dollars. Its free money. Leaders of blue states would have to explain to their citizens why they rejected free federal education dollars, instead leaving all that money for red states, said Wolf. Thats a tough sell. Scholarship granting organizations (SGOs), which will collect donations and turn them into scholarships, are the lynchpin of the program. They will be given an extraordinary amount of freedom in how they operate. A Catholic, Evangelical Christian, Jewish or Muslim based organization can give awards only to Catholics, Evangelical Christians, Jews or Muslims, respectively. They can prefer richer families, or poorer families. Or conservative or progressive families, or urban or rural. They can also be neutral, handing out scholarships through a lottery. The only significant rules governing scholarship granting organizations require them to verify that families receiving scholarships earn no more than 300% of the median income in their area, a relatively high limit that includes 90% of all U.S. households, according to the Urban Institute. The organizations also must ensure the scholarships are used only for qualified expenses, including tuition, curricular and instructional materials, tutoring, testing fees, and educational therapy. Blew, the former DOE official who helped draft the original version of ECCA, says giving districts such leeway would empower the reformers to respond to local needs. The freedom is a good thing. It allows them to design programs that make sense in their communities, rather than imposing a model on SGOs that wont meet everyones needs, Blew said. The Senate, however, added a key restriction on the organizations that could affect who gets scholarships. The earlier House version allowed almost any group to create an SGO, an approach supported by advocates. But the Senate gave states the authority to approve of the entities that will hand out scholarships, opening the door to influential interest groups of all political stripes. In anticipation of the proposals passage, religious groups are leading the charge to take advantage of the scholarships, which makes sense since they run three-quarters of the 30,000 private schools in the U.S. About half of the religious schools are Catholic, a denomination that has seen a sharp 13% enrollment decline in its schools in the last decade. This helps explain why Catholics are mobilizing to capture the scholarship money to benefit their students and schools. Samara Palko says more scholarship money could help bolster high qulaity Catholic education. In California, the Conference of Catholic Bishops, the churchs public policy voice, is laying the groundwork to start one or more scholarship granting organization. The bishops top priority is to ensure they are authentically Catholic and carry out the churchs mission, which means scholarships will only go to Catholic students with disadvantaged kids first in line who attend a Catholic school, says Samara Palko, director of education at the conference. The scholarships could attract new students at a time of declining enrollment and closures in California, she says, and help Catholic schools bolster their tradition of high academic performance. Whats going to sustain our schools is our success in advancing educational excellence and this proposal could help with that, said Palko, a former Catholic school principal. As other religious groups follow suit, some leaders in the movement are raising concerns. By allowing SGOs to dictate where students go to school, the program could become little more than a private school subsidy that undermines the fundamental premise of school choice namely that families should have flexibility in determining which schools their kids attend according to a movement leader who asked not to be named in talking about this sensitive topic. By comparison, in states with existing private school choice scholarships, families are in the drivers seat, and this wont change if the federal program becomes law. Students on state scholarships are free to attend any type of private school, and using the same funding, switch to an entirely different kind of school if things dont work out. The funding travels with the student. Under the federal program, however, such freedom may not exist. If there isnt a Jewish or neutral SGO in a state, for instance, then a Jewish student looking for a scholarship to go to a Jewish school may be out of luck. Many people in the movement think the tax credit is a really important piece of school choice legislation, said the anonymous source. Others fear it will become just a private school subsidy program. Scholarships for Wealthier Families Which families benefit the most from the federal scholarships is another point of contention. Although Catholics and other groups plan to prioritize low-income families in keeping with historical practices of the movement, wealthier students are now reaping most of the benefits in some state school choice programs. Arizona is one of the states that recently enacted universal or near-universal choice programs, making scholarships available to all families. In a recent study that compared participation rates in the Arizona program with families socioeconomic status, researchers at the Brookings Instituion found a clear trend: As poverty rates rose in the groupings, participation dropped. The highest participation 75 scholarship recipients per 1,000 children under the age of 18 was in the group with the lowest poverty level. Inversely, the group with the highest poverty level had the lowest participation. Whats less clear is how LGBTQ students, a mostly unprotected class, would fare in the federal program. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, which prohibits discrimination based on sex, applies to private schools that accept federal funds. While the Biden administration tried to extend Title IX to cover sexual orientation and gender identity, the Trump administration has rejected that interpretation. Under either interpretation, religious schools have an escape hatch. They can simply declare themselves exempt from Title IX by saying it conflicts with their religious tenets, according to Department of Education policy. This suggests that religious schools that accept federal scholarships could legally turn away LGBTQ students. Jon Valant of the Brookings Instituion says the plan allows discrimination against LGBTQ+ students. I worry that the proposal opens the door to many types of discrimination that we shouldnt tolerate, especially from schools that receive federal support, said Jon Valant, a senior fellow at Brookings and a co-author of the Arizona study. LGBTQ students and kids of LGBTQ parents, for example, are at risk of being excluded simply because the schools that get scholarship funds might not want to include them. In Indiana, Chalkbeat said it found 27 private schools that suggested or declared outright that LGBTQ students werent welcome. In Arkansas, Cornerstone Christian Academys student handbook says that students who practice a sexually immoral lifestyle including homosexuality, transgenderism, etc. cant attend. In Maine, Christian schools are now asking a court for an exemption from state law that requires them to accept all students, including LGBTQ students. In Florida, a report in the Orlando Sentinel that 83 Christian schools refused to admit or could expel LGBTQ students set off a scandal in the state with the largest private school choice program in the country. Doug Tuthill of Step Up for Students, a nonprofit that administers the choice scholarships for Florida, was alarmed by the report of widespread discrimination and conducted his own investigation. A supporter of LGBTQ rights, Tuthill visited more than 20 Christian schools around the state and found a more nuanced story. Although leaders of these schools consider homosexuality a sin, he says, their faith also requires them to welcome all types of sinners, as does the practical reality of having to fill seats. What really concerned them was the on-campus sexual activity of students of any orientation, a position that some of the schools publicly clarified. Other Christian schools in Florida, such as the Foundation Academy, are proud of their acceptance of LGBTQ students and say so on their websites. There were a few instances where parents who were activists in the gay rights movement were asked to leave a school because it was creating tension, said Tuthill, the chief vision officer at Step Up. But I saw little to no evidence that concerns me that kids are being discriminated against in Florida based on how they self-identify. What the schools care about is that students conform to the behavior that is expected of them. Critics of the movement have won many state battles over the years, and this one hinges on Republicans' approval of the budget bill. Whether or not it reaches President Trump's desk by July 4, as he demands, advocates are optimistic that at some point soon the tax credit program will be signed into law, opening a new chapter in the contentious story of private school choice. France has a long history of producing excellent firearms. In the 18th and early 19th centuries, French muskets were renowned for their overall quality and accuracy compared to their foreign counterparts, especially those of Prussia and Russia. Later in the Industrial Revolution with scientific and engineering advances occurring almost daily, France gave the world smokeless powder and effective repeating arms and early machineguns. In addition, French arms have always had a certain attractiveness of design. If you can stare at a gun for hours like the pieces of art that many indeed are, youll notice many trends and concepts reflective of the age in which they were produced. Sometimes, youll see the crossover between film, literature, and art in a design. For instance, the MP43/44 series with its many appurtenant accessories from night vision devices to curved barrel extensions has an industrial feel with Raypunk vibes. The MAB (Manufacture dArmes de Bayonne) Model D is a product of its era, and in its lines and trim, it seems it would be fitting as a prop in films like Metropolis (admittedly predating the overall design) or in the hands of a random gumshoe in one of H.P. Lovecrafts weird tales. While funky-looking, this thumb shelf is nonetheless comfortable to use. The MAB D was produced in two different variants (Type I and II) and two different calibers (.32 ACP and .380) from 1933 to 1963. It served in various French and foreign militaries from World War II through the French Indochina War and the still very controversial war in Algeria. It is very much a product of its era and its region. Many continentally produced semi-automatic handguns from 1900 to the post-World War II era were chambered in what many Americans would consider diminutive, even though small-caliber pistols sold exceptionally in the United States due to the size, weight, and convenience. The MAB D is heavily influenced by other designs of the era. From a distance, it can be easily mistaken for an FN M1922, another extremely popular pistol that was maintained by many military and police organizations well after World War II. However, the lines conceal many notable differences, internally and externally. Like many of its contemporaries, the MAB uses a muzzle bushing and straight-to-the-rear trigger. The Model D is a fairly light pistol in either caliber, weighing in at a little over a pound. Unlike some French semi-automatic pistols of the era, the Model D was chambered in .32 ACP instead of .32 French Long. .32 ACP was extremely popular in France, with untold numbers of pistols chambered thusly and sold in the civilian market over the years, and with pistols such as the Ruby and its almost endless stream of copies in .32 ACP being extremely popular in the trenches of World War I and thereafter. Therefore, buying a Model D isnt an adventure in tracking down obscure, low-production, high-cost ammo, or learning a certain degree of reloading engineering and alchemy in order to enjoy your firearm. Outfitted with a manual safety and a grip safety, the Model D is reflective of many Browning and Browning-inspired pistols of the era. The manual safety is small, but relatively easy to access, and the grip safety will remind you of the M1903 Colt in that it can be difficult for some people to engage effectively, though when firmly seated in the web of the hand, it seems to eliminate the problem for most shooters. Recoil is very light, and the pistol is capable of an impressive degree of accuracy at practical ranges for the design. The MABs adjustable sights arent exactly match-grade, but theyll do in a pinch. The Model D can be found in different configurations and with different features. The Type I produced prior to World War II often found its way into German hands, and Type Is were made and issued to the Wehrmacht. Ironically, both Type I and Type II pistols were captured and used by both the Vietcong and Algerians, and the author saw a Type II bring back from Vietnam with capture papers some years ago but was not able to track it down for the purposes of this article. Flush magazine floorplate and lanyard ring were de rigeur for military firearms of the day. Most Model D pistols have fixed sight and flat panel grips. This particular pistol has a thumb rest and adjustable sights, which improve its practical accuracy somewhat. The odd, almost oversized thumb rest protruding from the right panel looks obtrusive and awkward but is quite comfortable for most shooters. The adjustable rear sight is not what most would refer to as match grade especially in 2025, but it does provide a better sight picture than the standard fixed sights found on most Type I and Type II pistols on the market. Price ranges on MAB Model D pistols, both Type I and Type II, are difficult to pin down. While bargains may be found, most pistols will be north of $500 with many approaching or exceeding $1,000 if Type I and produced during wartime for the Wehrmacht. Type IIs are all postwar, and generally bring a bit less, but are often found in better condition with better fit and finish. The MAB Model D is pleasant to shoot in either caliber and is a very visually appealing gun to many people. Parts and ammunition are easy to find, and it is a range worthy oddity that will certainly generate some interest and attention. Summer is a great time to let pets run around and soak up the sun. But, making sure your pet is safe takes priority. Here are five ways to keep them safe during this time of year. As a result of artillery shelling of Kherson by Russian troops on Tuesday evening, a hospital building was damaged, resulting in eight people being injured, said head of Kherson Regional Military Administration, Oleksandr Prokudin. "Yesterday at about 11:00 p.m. the Russian army shelled one of the hospitals in Kherson with artillery. The enemy attack destroyed the building of the healthcare facility, and five patients and three nurses were injured," Prokudin wrote on Telegram on Wednesday morning. According to him, a 44-year-old hospital employee was hospitalized with a blast injury, concussion and shrapnel wound to the chest. Two more nurses, aged 54 and 44, are being treated as outpatients. Four injured patients remain in the medical facility - men aged 58 and 60, as well as women aged 64 and 57. They have been diagnosed with blast injuries, contusions and shrapnel wounds. Assistance was also provided to another victim, a 69-year-old woman who refused hospitalization. The news that Amazon India has launched diagnostic services in select metro cities in partnership with the unlisted Orange Health Labs has led to a look at the competitive intensity in healthcare services. Image used for representation purpose only. Illustration: Dominic Xavier/Rediff Listed companies in the space such as Dr Lal Path Labs, Metropolis Health, Thyrocare, Vijaya, and Krsnaa have all seen double-digit stock price corrections over the last 6-9 months. Orange Health Labs was founded in 2020 and raised $ re12 million in December 2024. It has an estimated annual revenue run rate of Rs 100 crore and promises doorstep sample collection within 60 minutes and, for routine tests, digital reports delivery within six hours. It covers 450 pincodes and has a menu of 800-plus tests. The differential between the common tests offered by incumbents and new entrants is just about 5-10 per cent and this isnt going to move the needle much in this business.The keys are quality of service, brand value, width of network and number of tests on the menu. Metropolis and Dr Lal offer over 4,000 tests while Orange has 800. Also incumbents have far wider coverage, and seem to maintain margins without taking price hikes. Dr Lal reported a steady Q4FY25. Network expansion and good performance in core markets offset the muted show of Suburban Diagnostics. Revenue compound annual growth rate (CAGR) could be around 12 per cent over FY25-28 but margins may contract by 100 basis points (bps) in FY26. This is due to ongoing investments in network and digital initiatives. Dr Lal has a strong balance sheet, good margins and improving return ratios (RoE is at 24 per cent while RoCE is 25 per cent). For Q4FY25, it reported revenue growth of 10.5 per cent year-on-year (Y-o-Y) with sample volumes up 9.5 per cent. Gross margin expanded by 42 bps, while earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (Ebitda) margin grew 150 bps Y-o-Y to 28 per cent. Profit after tax (PAT) was Rs 150 crore (up 81 per cent) driven by a one-time tax credit. Adjusted PAT grew 34 per cent. The company paid a total dividend of Rs 24. Net cash stood at Rs 1,230 crore and operating cash flow (OCF) was around 80 per cent of Ebitda. The capex outflow for FY25 was Rs 54 crore. The 18 lab additions during FY25 should aid volumes. While Suburbans performance has been muted, the subsidiary is now fully integrated with the parent entity. Improving lab utilisations should help hold margins despite the ongoing network investments. Metropolis Q4FY25 performance was subdued but there could be volume expansion in future as the company has invested in network addition, adding 95 labs and 1,981 centres over FY2022-25. This may drive strong Ebitda margin expansion in FY26 as the network matures and stabilises. The company has traction in B2C, and steady improvement in B2B. Analysts are expecting 25 per cent PAT CAGR or better for the next two or three years. The Q4FY25 sales of Rs 360 crore grew 10 per cent, adjusting Q4FY24 sales for realignment in financial reporting of international subsidiaries. Growth was led by 6 per cent rise in sample volumes and 4 per cent growth in per-test realisations. In FY26, guidance is for organic business growth of 12 per cent, and slightly higher growth for acquired assets. The pace of expansion is moderating and guidance is for Ebitda margins to expand by 100 bps in FY26 to around 25-26 per cent. Metro is looking at growing in non-core markets such as Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Assam and remains open to acquisitions. Among its acquisitions, the core market achieved Ebitda break-even during Q4FY25, while the entities in Agra and Dehradun already operate at good margins. Increased competition and any new price war could be a risk to margins for incumbents along with any adverse regulatory ruling that may occur about pricing caps. Growth is driven by volumes, with high stable Ebitda margins. Given the share price corrections, listed companies could look attractive to value investors. Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Ltd (AHEL) on Tuesday said its ongoing restructuring aims to unlock the value of its omni-channel pharmacy and digital businesses, while enhancing shareholder returns. Photograph via LinkedIn The newly-formed entity is expected to achieve a year-on-year growth rate of 22-23 per cent, driven by the e-pharmacy segment and other business verticals, with a revenue target of Rs 25,000 crore by the financial year 2027. The digital health platform is also expected to break even within the next financial year. It was on Monday that the Chennai-based AHEL announced plans to spin off its digital health and pharmacy distribution businesses into a separate entity, also drawing plans to list the new entity within 18 to 21 months. As part of the restructuring, the companys omni-channel pharma and digital health business Apollo HealthCo will first be demerged from AHEL into a new entity, following which its pharma distribution arm Keimed will get merged into the new company. Its current revenue is around Rs 16,300 crore. The company plans to achieve a revenue run rate of Rs 25,000 crore by the financial year 2027 (FY27) with 7 per cent Ebitda margins, said Suneeta Reddy, managing director, Apollo Hospitals Enterprise. After the entire process of restructuring, expected to be over by the listing of the new company by February 2027, the new entity will include the digital health platform Apollo 24/7, the offline pharmacy business of Apollo HealthCo, Keimed, and the telehealth services business. We are looking at a growth of around 22 per cent to 23 per cent on a year-on-year basis. In the first two quarters, Q4 and Q1 of this year, we have been able to beat that number reasonably well, and I believe that traction is on. "It will primarily come from the e-pharmacy business, wherein we have started touching around Rs 165 crore to Rs 170 crore on a month-on-month basis between the platform and some of the other supporting engines, said Madhivanan Balakrishnan, chief executive officer of Apollo HealthCo. Both the consult business and the diagnostic business, which we work very closely with the Apollo Hospitals, are also showing an uptick. "There are two more lines of business which we are adding, one is insurance, which is in the early stages; that will also contribute to growth not just as a standalone line of business but also as a feeder into our primary pharmacy and healthcare lines of business. "And third, this year we see a reasonable amount of GMV, also more than GMV, revenue coming from our monetisation initiatives. "We are reasonably confident of 20 per cent to 25 per cent growth between both AHEL as well as Keimed once it comes through, Balakrishnan added. Hectic parleys are underway between officials of India and the US in Washington on the proposed interim trade agreement between the two countries, an official said on Wednesday. Illustration: Dado Ruvic/Reuters The talks entered the seventh day on Wednesday in Washington, the official said. While India is seeking greater market access for its labour-intensive goods, the US wants duty concessions for its agricultural products. The Indian team, headed by special secretary in the Department of Commerce Rajesh Agrawal, is in Washington for negotiations. The stay of the Indian officials has been extended. Initially, the delegation was scheduled to stay for two days after the talks commenced on June 26. These talks are important as the suspension of Trump's reciprocal tariffs is ending on July 9. The two sides are looking at finalising the talks before that. India has hardened its position on giving duty concessions to American farm products. It is seeking duty concessions for its labour-intensive goods such as textiles, engineering, leather, gems and jewellery. On April 2, the US imposed an additional 26 per cent reciprocal tariff on Indian goods but suspended it for 90 days. However, the 10 per cent baseline tariff imposed by America remains in place. India is seeking full exemption from the additional 26 per cent tariff. The US is demanding duty concessions in both the agriculture and dairy sectors. But these segments are difficult and challenging areas for India to give duty concessions to the US as Indian farmers are into sustenance farming and have small land holdings. Therefore, these sectors are politically sensitive. India has not opened up the dairy sector for any of its trading partners in free trade pacts the country has signed so far. The US wants duty concessions on certain industrial goods, automobiles, especially electric vehicles, wines, petrochemical products, dairy, and agricultural items like apples, tree nuts, and genetically modified crops. India is seeking duty concessions for labour-intensive sectors like textiles, gems and jewellery, leather goods, garments, plastics, chemicals, shrimp, oil seeds, grapes, and bananas in the proposed trade pact. The two countries are also looking to conclude talks for the first tranche of the proposed bilateral trade agreement (BTA) by fall (September-October) this year. The pact is aimed at more than doubling bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030 from the current $191 billion. Before the first tranche, they are trying for an interim trade pact. The US team was here last for the talks. India's merchandise exports to the US rose by 21.78 per cent to $17.25 billion in April-May this fiscal, while imports rose by 25.8 per cent to $8.87 billion. 'Countries like Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, and the Philippines have a 50 per cent increase in bookings.' Kindly note the image has been posted only for representational purposes. IMAGE: Artists perform on the streets of Bangkok. Photograph: Kind courtesy Sasin Tipchai/Pixabay.com Indian leisure and business travellers are deferring or cancelling trips to West Asia, Europe, and the United States amid heightened regional tensions following the Israel-Iran war and prompted airspace closures across several Gulf nations, disrupting one of the world's busiest travel corridors. Online travel portals, tour operators, and agents have reported a sharp rise in rescheduling over the past few days, with 25 to 30 per cent of Indian travellers postponing or altering plans to Western destinations. They are increasingly choosing Southeast Asian countries -- Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia -- over West-bound destinations, with a spike in last-minute bookings and inquiries over the past week. "There's a clear uptick in postponements and rescheduling, especially for routes involving Europe, the US East Coast, and West Asia," said Ravi Gosain, president, Indian Association of Tour Operators. "Based on inputs from our members, we estimate 25 to 30 per cent of travellers are either deferring or altering their plans to Western destinations. Corporate travel and incentive groups are being particularly careful, as travel policies tend to be more risk-sensitive," Gosain added. Bharatt Malik, senior vice-president, flights and hotel business, Yatra Online, concurred. "We've seen some leisure and business/MICE (meeting, incentive, conference and exhibition) travellers defer or cancel trips -- particularly to impacted regions such as the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, and Israel," said Malik. "While exact numbers vary by destination, there has been a noticeable dip in enquiries and confirmations for these geographies over the past few weeks," Malik added. As of February 2025, the UAE and Saudi Arabia were the top outbound destinations for Indian travellers, accounting for 27.1 per cent and 11.3 per cent, respectively, of the 2.4 million total travellers during the month, according to data from the ministry of tourism. Southeast Asian destinations, seen as more stable geopolitically and often cheaper, are benefitting from this shift. Industry executives noted increased traction for short-haul getaways and last-minute vacations, with a clear pivot toward countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, Indonesia, and Malaysia. "Countries like Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, and the Philippines have a 50 per cent increase in bookings compared to last year," said Manjari Singhal, chief business and growth officer at Cleartrip, adding that fares to Vietnam and Indonesia had also dropped, improving affordability. IATO's Gosain added: "These countries offer good connectivity, fewer geopolitical risks, and cost-effective options, which makes them attractive alternatives. "As a result of this surge in demand, airfares to some of these destinations have increased by 15 to 20 per cent over the last few weeks. "However, they still remain more affordable compared to long-haul destinations in the West, which keeps them in demand despite the price hike." Yatra's Malik said Thailand (Bangkok and Phuket), Vietnam (Hanoi and Da Nang), and Indonesia (Bali) had witnessed a 30 to 35 per cent rise in enquiries over the same period last summer, driven by value-oriented short-haul travel. "Additionally, Malaysia and Singapore are seeing growing traction among business and MICE travellers as stable, well-connected hubs," he said. Easier visa norms and lower costs are also aiding the shift. Thailand has already crossed 1 million Indian arrivals this financial year, said Anil Kalsi, board member of the Federation of Associations of Indian Tourism & Hospitality (FAITH). West Asia -- including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, and Kuwait -- accounted for 49 per cent of India's 27.8 million national departures in 2023, according to tourism ministry data. The UAE led with 25.9 per cent, followed by Saudi Arabia (11.1 per cent), the US (7.4 per cent), Thailand (5.3 per cent), Singapore (5.0 per cent), and the UK (4.6 per cent). Qatar, Canada, Kuwait, and Oman collectively accounted for 72.7 per cent of total Indian national departures. Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff 'Within minutes, my mobile began ringing. It was National Security Adviser Brajesh Mishra, asking why the Iranians were complaining.' 'I explained that we had only restated our position in the light of the conclusion reached by the IAEA, but will remain helpful to Iran to reach a consensus.' 'Then came a call from Foreign Secretary Kamal Sibal, repeating what Mishra said about the Iranian complaint.' 'I was very impressed that Iran was able to reach two top officials in India to intervene at short notice,' recalls Ambassador T P Sreenivasan. IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. Photograph: Kind courtesy MEAIndia/X The Iranian nuclear saga, which reached a critical stage recently with the American bombing of three Iranian nuclear facilities, was a preoccupation of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) from 2002 to 2004 when I was the Governor for India of the Agency. After the initial shock over the revelation that Iran was engaged in developing nuclear weapons, an effort was made to confine Iran to peaceful uses of nuclear energy in return for lifting western sanctions. Iran would cooperate with the IAEA to prove that it was not engaged in any activity to develop nuclear weapons. As a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) Iran was expected to extend such cooperation. Before beginning negotiations with Europeans, China, Russia and the US, Iran called several meetings of the Nonaligned Group to formulate a paper supporting the Iranian position that it had the right to enrich uranium under the provisions of the NPT and that no action should be taken against Iran. We maintained our general position that signatories to the NPT should refrain from engaging in nuclear activities, which may be construed as weapon oriented. IMAGE: A satellite view shows an overview of Iran's Fordow underground complex, after the US struck the underground nuclear facility, near Qom. Photograph: Maxar Technologies/Handout via Reuters In the meantime, an inspection team of the IAEA, which visited Iran had reported to the director general of the IAEA that though there was no evidence about unlawful enrichment, the team had noticed some suspicious activities which could not be explained fully by the Iranians. When the NAM Group met to consider the situation, I had told the Iranian ambassador privately that India would support Iran's right to develop peaceful uses of nuclear energy under the terms of the NPT, but could not support any Iranian activity which could be construed by the IAEA as weapon oriented. The Iranian ambassador appeared to understand our position, but he requested me to advise New Delhi to take a helpful line at NAM. Sitting next to the Iranian delegates in the alphabetical order on the Board, I had several discussions with Iranian representatives, ranging from their foreign minister to the first secretary. I gained the impression that Iran was envious of India's nuclear policy and that they would like to build a nuclear deterrent as we had done. They kept telling me in these discussions that they would eventually expect India to stand beside them because of our traditional links and current good relations. Our discussions were cordial, but I left them in no doubt that we had a position, which would be supportive of more inspections by the IAEA to prove Iran's innocence. IMAGE: A combination picture shows satellite images over Fordow, before and after the US strikes. Photograph: Planet Labs PBC via Reuters The discussion between the West with Iran continued even as Iran was trying to get a clean chit from the IAEA. One day, the Iranian ambassador told me that India's position was crucial in avoiding sanctions against Iran and requested to persuade Delhi to support it. I repeated that I would request Iran to allow inspections not to embarrass itself if any evidence of high enrichment emerged. Several NAM members, however, were not ready to support the Iranian position in the NAM. One night, in the final consultations between NAM and Iran, I reiterated the Indian position, adding that I hoped that Iran would understand the Indian position. The Iranian ambassador did not press the point. But within minutes, my mobile began ringing and I went out of the room to answer the call. It was none other than then National Security Adviser Brajesh Mishra, asking why the Iranians were complaining. I explained that we had only restated our position in the light of the conclusion reached by the IAEA, but will remain helpful to Iran to reach a consensus. Mishra agreed, but then came a call from Foreign Secretary Kamal Sibal, repeating what Mishra said about the Iranian complaint. I told him also that we will maintain our position, but remain as helpful as possible to reach a consensus. As it happened, Iran itself did not pursue the point since there were some others also in NAM who were not in favour of a NAM consensus on the issue. But I was very impressed that Iran was able to reach two top officials in India to intervene at short notice. IMAGE: A view shows holes and craters on a ridge at the Fordow underground complex. Photograph: Maxar Technologies/Handout via Reuters The next morning, when the Iranian ambassador met me at the Board meeting, I said that I had noticed that he had "set the Ganges on fire" the previous night. The ambassador initially was bewildered, but then laughed heartily. Since then, whenever we had some disagreement on any issue, he would threaten to "set the Ganges on fire" again! India and Iran had many views in common and we used to help each other on the issues before the Board. But I realised on that fateful night the enormous influence they wielded in India through powerful Shia leaders in Parliament and elsewhere. Ambassador T P Sreenivasan is a long-time contributor to Rediff.com. You can read his earlier columns here. Feature Presentation: Rajesh Alva/Rediff Sources close to the top BJP leadership tell me that Tharoor has already had secret meetings with the BJP's top brass and is waiting patiently to make his next move, reports Ramesh Menon. IMAGE: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a reception hosted for delegation members who went to various countries for the Operation Sindoor global outreach, June 10, 2025. Photo Photograph: PMO/ANI Photo Once again, the Congress appears to have squandered an opportunity. It missed a golden opportunity to showcase Shashi Tharoor, one of its most articulate MPs, when the Narendra Modi government chose to pick him to lead an all-party delegation abroad to defend India's military action against Pakistan. Instead, it attacked Tharoor, with its leaders saying he was batting for the BJP. Even senior Congressmen felt the party had hit a wrong note that had not gone down well with its supporters or the prevailing national sentiment. For a long time, Tharoor has been in the crosshairs of the party leadership. He has been jumping from one controversy to another, unsettling the aged, jaded leadership. When the Congress was to forward names of leaders to the government for the delegation, it chose Anand Sharma, Gaurav Gogoi, Syed Naseer Hussain and Amrinder Singh Raja Warring. The name of Tharoor did not strike them. Modi performed a masterstroke by choosing Tharoor. Mirroring his typical style of nuanced debate and analysis, Tharoor lived up to the responsibility as he met foreign officials in New York, Guyana, Panama and elsewhere, defending India's military action against Pakistan after the Pahalgam terror attack in Kashmir on April 22 that killed 26 tourists. In March 2022, he was instrumental in forming a rebel group of 23 Congress leaders demanding that the party reinvent itself and bring in a new collective and inclusive leadership to become politically relevant and robust once again. He contested the election for the party president against the officially blessed candidate, Mallikarjun Kharge, 82, in 2022, saying that he wanted to bring change and infuse new energy into India's oldest political party. As Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi clearly were against Tharoor, party men fell in line and elected Kharge. It is hardly a secret that Tharoor is uncomfortable with the Congress and its leadership. Many in the G23 group, like Kapil Sibal, Ghulam Nabi Azad, Milind Deora, Arvinder Singh Lovely and Jitin Prasada quit the Congress soon after and moved into other political parties, mainly the BJP. IMAGE: Shashi Tharoor in Parliament during the Budget session. Photograph: Rahul Singh/ANI Photo Murmurs about Tharoor joining the BJP have been going on for a long time, but were reinforced after he led the government delegation, praised India's action, and praised Modi's diplomatic efforts. Initially, the Congress courted Tharoor's erudition and oratory skills and hailed him as one of the brightest in their flock. He once symbolised the party's global outlook, and insiders used to boast about how the BJP does not have anyone who would hold a candle to him. Tharoor had the rare combination of policymaking experience, communication skills, and mass appeal. His experience with the United Nations, his negotiation skills at an international level, and his role as minister of state for external affairs in Dr Manmohan Singh's ministry all helped him have a halo around his head. IMAGE: All-party delegation leader Shashi Tharoor during a meeting with the president of the India-Brazil Friendship Front in the federal senate, Senator Senador Nelsinho Trad, in Brasilia, June 3, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo Today, he stands sidelined, his intellect underutilised, and his presence kept out of high-level roles and key decision-making platforms. Senior Congress leaders like Jairam Ramesh are openly attacking him, saying his views are discordant with the party line. Tharoor does not mince words. He has made it clear that if the party doesn't need his talent, he has other options. IMAGE: Congress General Secretary (Organisation) K C Venugopal in conversation with party MP Shashi Tharoor as they attend a protest organised by the Fisheries Coordination Committee against the central government's sea sand mining project at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, March 12, 2025. Photograph: Sanjay Sharma/ANI Photo Back home in Kerala, local Congress leaders want to keep him away, afraid he might emerge as the chief ministerial candidate in the 2026 assembly elections, as he is obviously the only one with pan-India popularity. The Congress hopes to ride on anti-incumbency and oust the CPI-M-led Left Democratic Front that has been in power for the last two terms. While Congress leaders were campaigning for the Nilambur by-election in Kerala in mid-June, Tharoor was missing. He was not invited despite being a four-time MP from Thiruvananthapuram. Local surveys have shown that he is one of the most popular leaders in the state. State Congress leaders lamely said he was not called because he was busy. Tharoor has said there was an 'absence of a leader' in Kerala's party unit. It has not been taken kindly by the party leadership, itching to return to power after ten long years. When the Congress in Kerala wanted to refurbish its state unit, it chose a lightweight leader like Sunny Joseph, a sitting MLA, as the president of the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee. It ignored Tharoor again. State Congress leaders like K C Venugopal and Ramesh Chennithala are intimidated by Tharoor's personality and have done their best to isolate him. They fear their chances of becoming the chief ministerial candidate in 2026 would be jeopardised. IMAGE: Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge with Sonia Gandhi, Shashi Tharoor and others at the then AICC headquarters in New Delhi, October 26, 2022. Photograph: ANI Photo It will not be easy for Tharoor to join the BJP as he has an image of embracing inclusivity and secularism all his life. Sixteen years as an active Congressman is not something that he can wish away without a thought. But he has been pushed to the wall. Tharoor will probably wait and watch until the results of the Kerala elections. If the CPI-M wins again, observers in the BJP say the Congress will split and Tharoor will lead the rebel faction, which will latch on to the NDA and improve its chances in the next election. Sources in the BJP say it is in no hurry to win Kerala as it is the most challenging ground for it to pitch its tent. It is giving itself ten or more years to come to power in the state and is drawing out long-term plans. The other alternative discussed in BJP circles is that Tharoor may be offered a critical assignment abroad. In that case, he will quit the party and grab the opportunity. Sources close to the top BJP leadership tell me that Tharoor has already had secret meetings with the BJP's top brass and is waiting patiently to make his next move. Ramesh Menon is an award-winning journalist, educator, documentary filmmaker, corporate trainer, and the author of Modi Demystified: The Making of a Prime Minister. Photographs curated by Manisha Kotian/Rediff Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff 'They will cover up the failures of all the others.' IMAGE: Police and Gujarat State Disaster Relief Force personnel conduct search operations at the AI-171 crash site. Photograph: @dgpgujarat X/ANI Photo The shocking and gruesome crash of the Air India Dreamliner flight to London from Ahmedabad resulted in the death of more than 270 lives. "You are playing with the lives of people for politics," Captain A Mohan Ranganathan, a former airline instructor pilot and aviation safety advisor, tells Rediff's Shobha Warrier. Generally, after every crash, the investigation concludes it as human error and puts the blame on the pilots who in most cases might not have survived the crash.... That's what happens in India. Here, you will see that in all investigations, they will blame the pilot and they will cover up failures of all the others. In this case, the high grass close to the runway will not get any mention in the final report. They won't mention the birds. Then there were high-rise buildings so close to the airport. Can you have such high buildings so close to the airport? No, you cannot. I wrote about this blatant violation of the ICAO Annex 14 Vol.1 Standard on Obstacle Limiting surfaces on the day of the crash itself with an image. No structure that would penetrate a plane should have been allowed so close to the airport. Except for Bangalore, Hyderabad and Kochi airports, all the other airports in India allow high structures close to the airport. A lawyer from Kerala, Yeshwanth Shenoy, has been fighting this malignant tumour after the Mangalore crash. She eventually got court orders from the Bombay high court to demolish more than 100 structures violating obstruction level. But it was not done because of the politician-real estate nexus. The Airport Authority gives no-objection certificates. The DGCA, which is supposed to do an audit regularly for licensing, has been turning a blind eye. That's why we are having buildings where they should not have been. If such an incident were to happen in a big city like Mumbai, the death toll would be very high. You are playing with the lives of people for politics. I hope, at least now people wake up and take action by demolishing all the illegal structures. IMAGE: A member of an investigating team at the AI 171 crash site in Ahmedabad. Photograph: Adnan Abidi/Reuters After the Air India crash, you wrote that the rot started at the top of the aviation ladder... Who is at the top? That's the minister! The problem is, the judiciary does not understand what aviation safety is. In 2000, even before the new runway was built in Mangalore, an activist had filed a case in the Karnataka high court. This was before the Mangalore crash. He had mentioned that the lay of the land was such that if an aircraft overshot, it would fall 300 feet down the ravine and any rescue would not be possible. But the Karnataka high court dismissed his petition. So, he went to the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court also upheld the high court order but with a rider that 'the government shall comply with all the rules and regulations.' When the Mangalore crash took place, Shenoy filed a PIL in the Supreme Court as there were so many violations. The Bench threw out the PIL and handed over the entire file to the ministry of civil aviation to assess whether there was a worthwhile case in the PIL! That's the level of understanding of what aviation safety is by the judiciary. Unless you have a strong judiciary, you cannot improve the system here. The judiciary should hold people accountable. NEXT: 'Same Type Of Accidents Happen Again And Again' Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff 'We already understand Hindi -- through Bollywood, TV, pop culture.' 'But we never forced it on ourselves.' 'When something is imposed, the joy and organic nature of learning disappears.' IMAGE: Maharashtra Navirman Sena workers protest against the teaching of Hindi in Mumbai schools. Photograph: Sahil Salvi for Rediff In the second part of this thought-provoking conversation with Prasanna D Zore/Rediff, poet Hemant Divate explains why the imposition of Hindi on young students in Maharashtra is not just an educational burden, but a cultural crisis. (this interview was conducted before the Maharashtra government withdrew its order on teaching Hindi to school children from Class 1 onwards) In a bold act of protest, Divate returned the prestigious Maharashtra Keshavsut Literary Award along with the Rs 1 lakh cash prize he received in 2021 from the Maha Vikas Aghadi government led by then chief minister Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray. Part 1 of the interview: 'You Can't Make Children Your Laboratory For Political Experiments' By returning the Maharashtra Keshavsut Literary Award and the cash of Rs 1 lakh that comes along with it you've made a powerful symbolic gesture. But do you see this as the beginning of a larger movement -- legal challenges, public campaigns? I've done what I could do -- as a poet and a writer. I'm not an activist. But if other writers, artists, journalists, or organisations feel the same way, then they can take it forward. I've taken my stand publicly. If people believe this policy must be reversed, they should come together and pressure the government. Mi majha kharicha vata dilay (I have done my bit by returning the award and cash). You mentioned the policy imposes Hindi on children who already speak a dialect of Marathi at home, especially in rural areas, and study Marathi and English in school. How does this affect their learning? In many rural areas, children don't speak standard Marathi at home -- they speak dialects. In school, they are expected to learn standard Marathi, then English, and now Hindi as well. For them, Hindi is the fourth language. That's completely unfair. They'll be forced to abandon their dialect, fail to grasp standard Marathi properly, struggle with English, and then be expected to learn Hindi too. This will confuse and alienate them from all languages -- including their own. But the scripts for Hindi and Marathi are similar. Wouldn't that help? No -- it makes it worse. Because the scripts are similar, children confuse the languages. For instance, my daughter couldn't pronounce 'Dnyan' () correctly -- she said 'Gyaan' () like in Hindi (Marathi () and Hindi () are written exactly alike because of the Devnagari script but in Marathi it is pronounced as 'Dnyan' and in Hindi 'Gyaan'). This was in an urban ICSE school that introduced Hindi from Class 3. If this is the case in Mumbai, what will happen in rural Maharashtra? Do you think this is a political move? Yes, I believe this is political, not educational. I heard the chief minister say, 'Hindi is a good language and everyone should know it.' But that's not the point. We already understand Hindi -- through Bollywood, TV, pop culture. Even people in South India understand Hindi. But we never forced it on ourselves. When something is imposed, the joy and organic nature of learning disappears. Many Maharashtrians are fluent Hindi speakers. They appreciate Hindi literature. Why, then, is its mandatory inclusion a threat? I am not against Hindi. I am against linguistic centralisation. When a language is imposed, it flattens everything around it. Look at cities like Hong Kong or Mumbai. They all look the same now -- glass facades, high-rises, no character. Architecture has become monotonous. We're doing the same to language and culture. When the world becomes too flat, everything becomes boring -- depressingly monotonous. I've written poetry about this. It's cultural erasure in the name of progress. Are you saying the idea of 'One Nation, One Language' is like a form of flattening? Exactly. Uniformity kills diversity. If all cities look the same, if all schools teach the same language compulsorily, we'll soon forget why we were unique in the first place. Languages are tied to identity, history, creative expression. What makes India special is our many languages and cultures. That's what makes us interesting -- not everyone speaking the same tongue. You've said urban India is too distracted to notice this. Why? People in Mumbai, Pune, and across urban India are just struggling to survive. They're not living full lives -- they're running from one thing to another. There's no time to protest, to reflect. So even though people in Maharashtra and in other states like Karnataka and Tamil Nadu are agitating, the media doesn't show it, and urban people don't engage with it. 'JP opened up about all the betrayals, the betrayal of the Jan Sangh and the RSS, how they ganged up with Sanjay Gandhi and pulled down the Morarji Desai government, how they destroyed the Janata Party.' IMAGE: Then prime minister Morarji Desai at his press conference at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi, January 20, 1979. Then information and broadcasting minister L K Advani can also be seen. Photographs: Pana India/India Abroad Archives M G Devasahayam, a retired IAS officer from the 1968 batch is one of the senior-most retired civil servants in the country. Before joining the IAS, Mr Devasahayam was commissioned in the Indian Army in 1964 and participated in the 1965 War and counter-insurgency operations in Nagaland in 1967-1968. As the collector-cum-district magistrate of Chandigarh during the Emergency, Mr Devasahayam was in charge of then 'Enemy Number 1' of the State: Prisoner Jayaprakash Narayan. "JP is one of the tallest leaders India has ever produced. I would put JP a step ahead of Mahatma Gandhi," Mr Devasahayam -- whose new book, Emergency and Neo-Emergency: Who Will Defend Democracy? has just been published -- tells Rediff's Shobha Warrier in the concluding segment of a multi-part interview. Do you feel the country also betrayed JP? If you ask anyone from the new generation, they may not even know the name, Jayaprakash Narayan.... Yes, he was betrayed by the intellectuals also. The Vajpayee government did nothing to commemorate JP. Who is talking about JP now? These people who have been there for 11 years, want to completely finish off JP's name. You were talking about the new generation in India not knowing JP. Even Biharis do not know who JP is. The other day, when I went to a hospital in Bangalore, I met a young helper from Jharkhand (it was earlier part of Bihar). I asked him, 'Have you heard of a person called Jayaprakash Narayan?' He had no idea. He sheepishly said, 'Sir, I have not heard of that name. I am from Dhoni's place!' After the interactions I had with JP I can say he is one of the tallest leaders India has ever produced. I would put him a step ahead of Mahatma Gandhi. Why? Mahatma Gandhi fought alien rule. He had the whole country with him and it was a movement. But JP fought the entrenched Indian establishment of the Congress party headed by Nehru's daughter. He didn't have the entire country's backing behind him. For him, everything was about democracy. Almost single handed, he gave democracy back to India. I go back to your first question. While Jawaharlal Nehru brought in democracy on one midnight in 1947, his daughter executed democracy on a midnight in 1975. That was why JP was very angry with her. IMAGE: Mr Morarji Desai (back to camera), then Janata Party president Chandra Shekhar, then central ministers Jagjivan Ram, Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Charan Singh meet for dinner at the prime minister's home in New Delhi, April 5, 1978. Were you in touch with JP later? Of course. I was constantly in touch with him and meeting him regularly. I used to go to Bombay when he was admitted in hospital. I used to go to Patna also. Even two weeks before his death, I met him, and we had some interesting conversation. That was when he completely opened up about all the betrayals, the betrayal of the Jan Sangh and the RSS, how they ganged up with Sanjay Gandhi and pulled down the Morarji Desai government, how they destroyed the Janata Party one by one. The RSS wanted to destroy the Janata Party so that the Jan Sangh prospered. Soon, the Jan Sangh became the BJP. Everything was a well-planned strategy. Was he a very disappointed man? He was extremely disappointed. He died of pure anguish. He had a feeling of complete betrayal not just by the Left but by the Janata Party, particularly by the Jan Sangh and the RSS. And also by the country. IMAGE: M G Devasahayam IMAGE: M G Devasahayam Your new book is Emergency and Neo-Emergency. Who Will Defend Democracy? Who will? Only the people can defend democracy. Democracy is for the people, so, they have to defend it. There is no other way. The Emergency was described as the darkest period in India's history... It was the darkest period. What you have now is a deep, dark period. Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff The ISKCON Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple in Spanish Fork, Utah, has come under attack in a suspected hate crime, with over two dozen bullets fired at the premises over several days, causing significant structural damage. IMAGE: ISKCON said multiple bullets were fired at the temple building and surrounding property. Photograph: @iskcon/X According to ISKCON, 20 to 30 bullets were fired at the temple building and surrounding property during night time hours while devotees and guests were inside. The incident resulted in thousands of dollars in damage, including to the temple's intricately hand-carved arches. Condemning the attack, the Consulate General of India in San Francisco expressed solidarity with the community and urged swift action. "We strongly condemn the recent firing incident at the ISKCON Sri Sri Radha Krishna temple in Spanish Fork, Utah. The Consulate extends full support to all the devotees and the community and urges the local authorities to take prompt action to bring the perpetrators to justice," the Indian Consulate General said on X. A similar incident had occurred earlier this year when, on March 9, a Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) Hindu temple in Chino Hills, California, was found desecrated just days ahead of a so-called 'Khalistani referendum' in Los Angeles, according to temple authorities. The official page of BAPS for the United States shared the details of the March 9 desecration on the social media platform X and emphasised the community's resilience. "In the face of another Mandir desecration, this time in Chino Hills, CA, the Hindu community stands steadfast against hate... Our common humanity and faith will ensure that peace and compassion prevail," BAPS Public Affairs wrote. The Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) also pointed to the incident on X, linking it to rising anti-Hindu sentiment and noting that the vandalism came shortly before the planned 'Khalistan referendum' in Los Angeles. "Another Hindu Temple vandalised, this time the iconic BAPS temple in Chino Hills, CA... Not surprisingly, this happens as the day for a so-called 'Khalistan referendum' in LA draws close," CoHNA posted, while listing other recent temple attacks since 2022 and calling for an investigation. Last year, acts of vandalism also targeted the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Sacramento, California, on the night of September 25. That incident followed closely after a similar attack on a BAPS temple in New York. Messages such as "Hindus go back" were found scrawled during those attacks, deeply alarming the local Hindu community. Despite repeated provocations, community leaders continue to affirm their unity and commitment to confronting hate. Former State Secretary for Finance and experienced diplomat Heiko Thoms will become Germany's ambassador to Ukraine, replacing Martin Jager, who will now head the Federal Intelligence Service, Die Welt reported on Tuesday. "Former State Secretary for Finance Heiko Thoms will represent Germany in future as ambassador to Ukraine ... The cabinet is to approve the appointment on Wednesday," the publication's website says. Until the change of government this year, Thoms was a state secretary at the Federal Ministry of Finance. As ambassador to Kyiv, he will replace Martin Jager, who will become the new head of the Federal Intelligence Service (BND). Jager also hosted Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul during his visit to Ukraine this week. According to information, 57-year-old Thoms is an experienced diplomat. From 2020 to 2023, he was Germany's ambassador to Brazil, and before that, he was deputy head of the German mission to NATO. A day after he was booked for allegedly assaulting two National Highway Authority of India officials, Himachal Pradesh panchayati raj Minister Anirudh Singh on Wednesday denied the allegations and said that "the FIR does not mean that I am guilty." IMAGE: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu poses for a picture with Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP Digvijaya Singh, minister for rural development and Panchayati Raj Anirudh Singh (right) and others in Shimla, May 5, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo Singh also claimed widespread irregularities in road construction works by the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) and called its officials the "most corrupt in the country". The alleged incident occurred on Monday when the minister was inspecting a building collapse site in Shimla and called NHAI officers there. The owner of the building had claimed negligence by NHAI and the company involved in the four-lane project. "Nothing happened, there has been no assault and an attempt has been made to divert the attention of people from negligence of NHAI resulting in the collapse of a five storey building here in Bhatta Kuffar on Monday," the minister told media persons in Shimla on Wednesday. On Tuesday, Singh was booked for wrongful restraint, voluntarily causing hurt, criminal force to deter public servant while performing his duty and intentional insult after NHAI employee Achal Jindal, a manager at a four-lane project in Shimla, filed a complaint with the police alleging that he and his site engineer, Yogesh, were called to a room by Singh and beaten up. The minister claimed that the NHAI officials on the site were "smiling and saying compensation would be given". He alleged that their behaviour and words were "inappropriate", following which the residents lodged complaints against the officials, and cases were registered. "This is not just about financial compensation. It's about human lives, their homes, and their emotions. What compensation can justify the loss of a family home built over a lifetime?" he asked. Singh said that about 150 people including women and forest, revenue and other officials were present at the time of the incident, and if the officials were assaulted, "why are there no eyewitnesses". The minister questioned how much additional funding NHAI had received for slope protection and how transparently those funds were utilised. Alleging a nexus between private contractors, central government agencies and NHAI officials, he also criticised forest, revenue, and environment departments for "turning a blind eye" to the public's repeated grievances. He said that in regions like Shimla-Parwanoo, Mandi, Kangra, and Jogindernagar, reckless slope cutting and inadequate construction of retaining walls have resulted in recurring landslides and building collapses. "Cutting is being done at near 90-degree angles while retaining walls are only 8 to 10 ft high," he said and added, "I would request Union Minister for Road Nitin Gadkari to come here and see the deeds of the NHAI." He claimed that over 700 complaints have been filed in Shimla district alone with SDMs and deputy commissioners, yet no concrete action has been taken. He said that while everyone appreciates steps for expanding national highways, the government must also frame a national policy for those who suffer losses due to such projects. He urged the central government to formulate a national-level policy to provide relief and proper rehabilitation to citizens affected by highway construction. "Building roads is commendable, but ignoring the lives and losses of affected citizens is unacceptable," he asserted. Condemning the "heinous assault" on NHAI officials, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Tuesday wrote on Facebook that "I have taken serious cognisance of the matter and spoken with Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, urging immediate and exemplary action against all perpetrators following which the CM said that action would be taken as per the law." NHAI chairman Santosh Kumar Yadav also wrote to the chief secretary demanding a detailed inquiry into the incident and action against all those responsible. Opposition BJP leaders condemned the incident and demanded Singh's removal from the cabinet. The issue started after a five-storey building collapsed in Bhattakufar in Shimla on Monday morning and the building owner, Ranjana Verma, alleged that the four-laning work made the building unsafe. On Wednesday, two cases were registered against the two NHAI officials, who were allegedly assaulted by the minister, after eight residents, including some whose houses have been affected, and a ward member of Chamiyana Panchayat, Nihal Thakur, filed complaints. A case under sections 126 (2) wrongful restraint, 125 (acts endangering life or personal safety of others), 352 (intentional hurt) and 3 (5) criminal liability of several people was registered against Jindal on the complaint of Anil Kumar, Het Ram, Giri Thakur, K R Mehta, Anil Verma, Sohan Thakur, Rajesh Thakur and Ashok Rajta. In another complaint against Jindal and site engineer Yogesh, ward member Nihal Thakur accused them of inappropriate behaviour and manhandling, following which another case was registered under sections 126 (2), 352 and 3 (5) of BNS. Air India's flight to London from Ahmedabad, which has started operating with a new code post-June 12 crash of AI-171 plane, was cancelled on Tuesday due to unavailability of aircraft, resulting from airspace curbs and additional precautionary checks, the airline said. IMAGE: Kindly note that this image has been posted for representational purposes only. Photograph: Punit Paranjpe/Reuters The Tata Group-owned airline denied claims that a technical snag led to the cancellation and maintained it has made alternative arrangements to fly affected passengers to their destination and offering full refunds on cancellations or complimentary rescheduling if opted by them. Air India's official website confirmed that the AI-159 flight from Ahmedabad to the Gatwick airport in London stands cancelled after being rescheduled. The plane was scheduled to depart at 3 pm from the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (SVPIA). "Flight AI-159 from Ahmedabad to Gatwick (London) has been cancelled today (Tuesday) due to the unavailability of the aircraft, resulting from airspace restrictions and additional precautionary checks, leading to longer than usual turnaround of aircraft, and not due to any technical snag as claimed," an AI spokesperson said. "We regret the inconvenience caused to our passengers and have made alternative arrangements to fly them to their destination. We are providing hotel accommodation and also offering full refunds on cancellations or complimentary rescheduling if opted by passengers," he stated. Consequently, flight AI-170 from London (Gatwick) to Amritsar of June 17 stands cancelled, the airline added. Iran has closed its airspace due to its ongoing war with Israel, affecting flights headed to Europe. AI's direct flight from Ahmedabad to London was earlier known by its assigned code 'AI-171'. Airport sources said the flight having code AI-171 was suspended after the horrific crash which claimed 270 lives, including 29 people on the ground. It resumed operation from Monday (June 16), five days after the crash, with a new flight code, AI-159, said an airport official. The London-bound Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner with 242 passengers and crew members on board crashed into a medical college complex in Ahmedabad moments after taking off from the airport at 1.39 pm on June 12. While 241 persons on board the aircraft died, one passenger miraculously survived. "After the crash, the airline had suspended flights from Ahmedabad to London. The airline resumed the service on Monday, but with a new flight code, AI-159," said the official. He said the return flight, having code AI-160, landed at SVPIA on Tuesday afternoon as per schedule. As per the AI website, the first flight to London with the new code took off from Ahmedabad at 4:10 pm on Monday after a three-hour delay. The flight landed at Gatwick at 9:45pm on Monday. However, the second flight, which was supposed to take off at 1:10 pm on Tuesday, was rescheduled to leave at 3 pm, but was eventually cancelled, said the website. PTI PJT/IAS PD 'Our party has formed governments independently in all neighbouring states except West Bengal; now it's Bihar's turn.' IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary a public meeting in Siwan, June 20, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo The suspense surrounding the chief ministerial candidate for the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance in the upcoming Bihar assembly elections (scheduled for October-November 2025) has significantly deepened. This is largely due to the complete silence on the matter from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. While both Modi and Shah have repeatedly stated that the NDA will contest the elections under Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's leadership, they have so far avoided explicitly naming him for the top post. This marks the first time in over two decades that the BJP's top leadership has hesitated to declare Nitish Kumar as the chief ministerial candidate. Modi, during his three visits to Bihar in the past three months (April, May, and June), addressed three public meetings, with the latest on June 20 in Siwan. However, he made no mention of the chief ministerial face. Similarly, Amit Shah has clarified thrice since last year that the chief ministerial candidate has not yet been decided. Last year, when asked if Nitish Kumar would be the candidate or if the BJP would adopt a strategy similar to Maharashtra (where they changed the chief minister after the election outcome), Shah stated that the NDA's CM face for the Bihar assembly elections had not been decided. Following these statements, the Janata Dal-United has asserted that there will be no compromise on Nitish Kumar's name as the NDA's chief ministerial candidate for the Bihar assembly elections. Just two days ago, Shah reportedly told an English newspaper in an interview that 'only time will decide who will be the NDA chief minister of Bihar'. This statement comes amidst increasing speculation that the BJP has decided not to declare Nitish Kumar as the NDA's CM candidate and intends to drop him after the next election results. "It's a political compulsion for the BJP to use Nitish Kumar's face until the election. Post-poll, they will play a game in Bihar similar to what happened in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh," a political analyst observed. Interestingly, leaders of Nitish Kumar's JD-U, a major ally of the BJP, are vocally claiming that their leader will be the next chief minister, arguing he is the only suitable and accepted face with no alternative. They even use the slogan, "2025 se 30 phir se Nitish Kumar" (Nitish Kumar again from 2025 to 2030). Adding to the pressure, Nishant Kumar, Nitish Kumar's son, has demanded that Modi and Shah declare his father as the NDA's chief ministerial face for the upcoming polls. Although Nishant is not yet active in politics, he has been campaigning for his father to continue as chief minister if the NDA wins the assembly election. Nishant's demand, which also names Nitish Kumar as the JD-U president, is seen as a strategic move to strengthen the chief minister's position within the ruling alliance. However, leaders of the BJP, currently the largest single party in the state assembly and hopeful of maintaining that position after the next polls, believe they will ultimately decide the CM face. A senior party leader stated, "Yes, we will contest the next polls under Nitish Kumar's leadership, but without projecting him as the next CM this time. It will be decided after the polls." This statement reinforces ongoing speculation in political circles that the BJP is aiming to play a dominant role and replace Nitish Kumar with one of its own leaders as chief minister. "Modi and Shah's reluctance to declare Nitish as the chief ministerial face appears to be a deliberate step, part of a well-designed political strategy by the BJP to play a 'big brother' role after playing second fiddle to Kumar for the last two decades," another political analyst commented. A senior BJP leader and former Bihar minister admitted that in 2023, when the BJP was in Opposition, party leaders repeatedly announced their intention to form their own government in 2025. Sources within the Bihar BJP confirmed that the party desires to form a government in Bihar independently, with one of its leaders as chief minister. "The BJP is no longer ready to play second fiddle in Bihar. Our party has formed governments independently in all neighbouring states except West Bengal; now it's Bihar's turn," a BJP source stated. Despite this, not only Nitish's JD-U, the third-largest party with 45 out of 243 seats in the Bihar assembly, wants him to continue in the top job, but Nitish Kumar himself has not hinted that he will not be in the race for the next chief minister, having served as the longest-serving chief minister since 2005 (barring a few months in 2014). Officials investigating the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad have confirmed the Cockpit Voice Recorder has been found, a crucial discovery to help ascertain the possible cause of the accident that killed 270 persons, including 241 on board. IMAGE: A fire official stands next to the crashed Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft, in Ahmedabad. Photograph: Adnan Abidi/Reuters Earlier, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) had confirmed that only the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) of the ill-fated plane was found. The officials confirmed the recovery of black boxes to P K Mishra, the Principal Secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who on Sunday inspected the site where the Air India plane crashed in Ahmedabad on June 12 and also visited the civil hospital where the injured persons are undergoing treatment. Mishra chaired a high-level review meeting at the Circuit House here and discussed the ongoing relief, rescue and investigation efforts with senior officials from the central and state governments, AAIB and the Airports Authority of India, an official release on Sunday said. The AAIB has launched a detailed investigation, and the US National Transportation Safety Board is conducting a parallel probe under international protocols, as the aircraft was American-made, the release stated. "Officials confirmed to Dr Mishra that the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) have been located and secured," it said. With the finding of both black boxes of the plane, it would be easy for investigators to ascertain the cause of the crash. All but one of the 242 passengers and crew on board the Boeing 787-8(AI 171) and another 29 persons, including five MBBS students, on the ground were killed when the London-bound aircraft crashed into the nearby campus of a medical college in Meghaninagar area and burst into flames, moments after it took off from the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. Mishra reviewed the accident site near the B J Medical College in Meghaninagar, where senior officials from the state government, AAIB and Airports Authority of India briefed him on the sequence of events and immediate response measures, the release said. During his visit to the Ahmedabad Civil Hospital, he met the bereaved families, observed the DNA sample matching, and directed authorities to provide full assistance, ensuring a seamless and compassionate process, it said. He also interacted with the injured persons, instructing hospital officials to prioritise their medical treatment and recovery, it said. "I am very pained by the enormity of the tragedy. Everybody is sad. It is our duty to share grief and express our feelings for the victims," Mishra told reporters. At the Forensic Science Laboratory in Gandhinagar, he reviewed DNA sampling efforts and stressed the need to complete the identification process swiftly while maintaining scientific accuracy, the release said. Mishra reiterated the PM's commitment to providing all possible support to victims' families and ensuring a coordinated response across all agencies involved, it said. The principal secretary was accompanied by PMO officials, advisor to the PM, Tarun Kapoor, and Deputy Secretary, PMO Mangesh Ghildiyal, the release said. The Congress will discuss alliance matters only with Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray's Uddhav Thackeray and Nationalist Congress Party's Sharad Pawar, and leave the decision on a 'sub-alliance' to them, former Maharashtra chief minister Prithviraj Chavan has said amid speculation that the Thackeray cousins and the NCP factions may join hands. IMAGE: Maha Vikas Aghadi leaders NCP-SP chief Sharad Pawar, Shiv Sena-UBT chief Uddhav Thackeray, and Congress leader Nana Patole, during a joint press conference in Mumbai on April 9, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo Chavan, however, made it clear that if the NCP merger happens and if that party goes with the National Democratic Alliance, it would become difficult for the Congress to continue the alliance with them in Maharashtra. In an interview with PTI, he dubbed the talk of coming together of the Shiv Sena-UBT and the Raj Thackeray-led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena as a "family matter". "If we go in an alliance (in the local body polls), we will have a seat sharing with the leaders of the alliance partners, that is Mr. Uddhav Thackeray of the Shiv Sena-UBT and Mr. Sharad Pawar of the NCP-SP. Now, with whom they do a sub-alliance is entirely their situation," Chavan, a senior Congress leader, said "If the person is completely against the values that the Congress stands for, then we will raise some objections; otherwise, it is an internal family matter and how they do seat adjustments in case we go with an alliance (in the local body polls)," he said. Asked specifically about Raj Thackeray, Chavan told PTI, "Our experience is that he is a senior leader in Maharashtra politics. He is a big crowd puller; whenever he has a public meeting, there are huge crowds. But that doesn't get translated into votes, and that is why he has no presence in the current Maharashtra assembly." There is a view that former Shiv Sena votes will combine together and they may get some benefit, he said on the positives of the Thackeray cousins coming together. "We will only negotiate with Mr. Uddhav Thackeray and Mr. Sharad Pawar," Chavan asserted. For the first time in 20 years, estranged cousins Uddhav and Raj Thackeray will share the stage on July 5 at a joint "victory" rally organised by the Shiv Sena-UBT and MNS to celebrate the rollback of the contentious government resolutions (GRs) on the three-language policy. The Shiv Sena-UBT and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, led by Uddhav and Raj, respectively, on Tuesday issued a joint public invitation for the "Marathi Vijay Diwas" event to be held at the NSCI Dome in Worli. The joint invitation, titled 'Marathicha Awaaz', is the first official announcement of the event. It doesn't carry a party symbol or flag, except a graphic image of Maharashtra. It mentions the names of Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray as hosts. Raj Thackeray, nephew of late Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray, resigned from the party in January 2006, apparently due to differences with Uddhav. During an interview a few months ago, Raj Thackeray said uniting in the interests of "Marathi manoos" was not difficult, while Uddhav also indicated his willingness to join hands with his cousin. On the buzz that there could be a merger between the NCP factions led by Ajit Pawar and Sharad Pawar, Chavan said, "Exactly, the same answer, it is a family matter. It is for them to decide who merges into which group and who becomes the leader of the merged party." "It is not very easy because the grassroots elected legislators and parliamentarians have a view that for development work to be done, there should be an alliance with the ruling party so that we get some benefit for the nursing of our constituencies while other people are saying 'we cannot align with A, B or C when we fought so hard'," Chavan said. He, however, added that he does not know what will happen with NCP's case, whether they will come together or not, who will merge into which party, who will be the leader in case of a merger or will individual units directly join the NDA. "So, all options are open, and it is for them to take a call. I don't think we will be asked for advice, but we are watching the situation. If they become part of the NDA, then it will become difficult to continue the alliance in Maharashtra," he said on the speculation over the NCP merger. The Nationalist Congress Party, founded by Sharad Pawar in 1999, split in July 2023 when Ajit Pawar, along with several other leaders, joined the BJP-led government in Maharashtra. Ajit was sworn in as Deputy Chief Minister. The party name and its clock symbol were given to the Ajit Pawar faction, while the one headed by the former Union agriculture minister was christened NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar). In a veiled reference to his estranged nephew Ajit Pawar amid a buzz about the reunion of the NCP factions, NCP-SP chief Sharad Pawar had last month said that those who indulged in opportunistic politics by joining hands with the BJP can not be "encouraged". India has slammed Pakistan for attempting to blame it for a suicide attack in the Waziristan area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. IMAGE: Kindly note that this image has been posted for representational purposes only. Photograph: Fayaz Aziz/Reuters At least 13 security personnel were killed and 24 injured in the attack on Saturday. "We have seen an official statement by the Pakistan Army seeking to blame India for the attack in Waziristan on June 28," the ministry of external affairs said on Saturday night. "We reject this statement with the contempt it deserves," it added. A suicide bomber rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into a Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle belonging to the Bomb Disposal Unit in Khaddi village in the Mir Ali area of North Waziristan. A curfew was imposed in the area at the time of the incident due to ongoing military movement, sources said. China on Wednesday rejected the Dalai Lama's succession plan, insisting that any future heir must receive its seal of approval, adding a new chapter to Tibetan Buddhism's decades-long struggle with the Chinese ruling Communist Party. IMAGE: Tibetan Spiritual leader Dalai Lama arrives to conduct a prayer ceremony at Tashi Lhunpo Monastery in memory of the victims of the recent earthquake in Tibet, in Bylakuppe, January 9, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo The Tibetan spiritual leader on Wednesday said the institution of the Dalai Lama will continue and only the Gaden Phodrang Trust - founded by his office in 2015 - will have the authority to recognise the future reincarnation, ending speculation whether he will have a successor or not after his death. His announcement ahead of his 90th birthday on Sunday is set to intensify tensions with Beijing. "The Dalai Lama's reincarnation must follow the principles of domestic recognition, the Golden Urn' process, and approval by the central government, in line with religious traditions and laws, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told a media briefing while responding to the Dalai Lama's announcement. The Dalai Lama caught the attention of the world following his high-profile defection to India in 1959 with a large group of Tibetans after the Chinese military under the command of Communist Party founder Mao Zedong took over Tibet. Since then, he made Dharamsala his "adopted" home, which drew the ire of Beijing and his presence there continued to be a bone of contention between China and India, and the struggle for Tibetan autonomy may have to be continued by his successor. His successor issue is also expected to flare up fresh tensions between Beijing and Washington as China's policy comes in conflict with the US Tibetan Policy and Support Act of 2020, which reaffirmed America's steadfast support for the Dalai Lama and Tibetan Buddhism. The reincarnation of the Dalai Lama and Panchen Lama, the second-high priest of Tibetan Buddhism, has to go through the centuries-old tradition of the Golden Urn law procedure started by the 18th century Qing dynasty, Mao said. The current 14th Dalai Lama himself was recognised after his predecessor's death following traditional rituals, but his recognition was granted directly by the then-central government, exempting him from the Golden Urn process, Mao said. She also spoke about how the traditional ceremony was incorporated in 2007 into China's official regulations, along with a clause explicitly banning interference by overseas individuals and parties. Significantly, the question and Mao's reply related to the Dalai Lama's succession plan was conspicuously missing from the official transcript of the media briefing posted on the chinese foreign ministry website on Wednesday. Mao also defended the sinicisation of Tibetan Buddhism and other religions under the guidelines issued by Chinese President Xi Jinping. I believe that sinicisation of religion is not about restricting religious practice; rather, all religions must adapt to the social, cultural and historical context of the country. Tibetan Buddhism in China is a prime example of a religion that has integrated Chinese characteristics, exemplifying the process of sinicisation, Mao said. In New Delhi, China's Ambassador to India Xu Feihong said the practice of Living Buddha reincarnation has continued for over 700 years and has formed rigorous religious rituals and historical conventions. "The 14th Dalai Lama himself was searched for in strict accordance with religious rituals and historical conventions after the passing of the 13th Dalai Lama, and enthroned after being granted exemption from the lottery with the then central government's approval," he posted on X. He said the government of China implements a policy of freedom of religious belief. "It protects the tradition of reincarnation of Living Buddhas in accordance with the law. The reincarnation of the Dalai Lama must follow the process that consists of search and identification in China, lot-drawing from the Golden Urn, and central government approval, and comply with religious rituals and historical conventions as well as Chinese laws and regulations," he added. The Dalai Lama is revered by the vast majority of over six million Tibetans as a living manifestation of Chenrezig, the Buddhist god of compassion. He is regarded as the most consequential spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism as unlike his predecessors he had to confront the atheist regime headed by the Communist Party of China. A commentary on the Dalai Lama's succession carried by state-run Xinhua news agency Tuesday ruled out official recognition without proper rituals. Any so-called "reincarnation" that bypasses traditional religious rituals, whether conducted within or outside the Chinese territory, lacks religious legitimacy and will by no means be recognised by Tibetan Buddhist followers, it said. Notably ahead of the much-expected announcement by the Dalai Lama, China-appointed Panchen Lama, the second most important Buddhist monk in Tibet after the Dalai Lama, met President Xi here on June 6 and swore his loyalty to the ruling Communist Party. Meeting the Panchen Lama, Xi asked him to make greater contributions to promoting ethnic unity and religious harmony, as well as the stability, development and progress in the Tibet Autonomous Region. Xi also asked him to make continued efforts to promote the "sinicisation of religion". Since he came to power in 2012, Xi has been calling for the sinicisation of all religions in the country, including Buddhism and Islam, to re-orient them to function under the guidance of the CPC, which ideologically remained atheist. The 35-year-old Panchen Lama was appointed by China at the age of five in 1995, ousting the Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, who was chosen as the 11th Panchen Lama by the Dalai Lama. Beijing has in the past accused the Dalai Lama of indulging in "separatist" activities and trying to split Tibet and considers him as a divisive figure. However, the Nobel Peace Prize-winning spiritual head of Tibetan Buddhism has insisted that he is not seeking independence but "genuine autonomy for all Tibetans living in the three traditional provinces of Tibet" under the "Middle-Way approach". The Chinese government held nine rounds of talks with the Dalai Lama's representatives from 2002 to 2010, without any concrete outcome. No talks were held on record after Xi took over power in 2012. In the talks, the Tibetan side pitched for genuine autonomy for the Tibetan people in line with the Dalai Lama's middle-way policy. However, China consistently rejected his autonomy plan, stating that it covered vast stretches of the Himalayan region beyond the current Tibet Autonomous Region. The investigation into the case of a woman who was buried after her murder in Haryana's Faridabad has revealed that the victim was allegedly raped by her father-in-law before her murder, said police. Image used only for representational purposes. Photograph: Nino Care/Pixabay.com The mother-in-law of the victim was also allegedly involved in the murder, and she has been arrested, police said, adding that police are now searching for the victim's husband Arun, who is still at large. The main accused, father-in-law Bhoop Singh, was taken on three days of police remand again by the crime unit. During interrogation, he allegedly revealed that the murder was planned, an official said. The murder of 24-year-old Tannu was planned on April 15, and her husband and mother-in-law were also allegedly involved in the plan, a senior investigating officer said. During interrogation, Bhoop Singh allegedly revealed that as per the plan, the victim's mother-in-law was sent to attend her niece's wedding in Etah, Uttar Pradesh on April 15. On the night of April 21, Arun allegedly mixed sleeping pills in the food of his wife Tannu and sister Kajal, according to the police. Both of them fell into a deep sleep in their separate rooms on the ground and the first floor. A senior police officer said it was decided that the father-in-law alone would kill Tannu, and Arun went to the room on the ground floor. Bhoop Singh entered Tannu's room late night and was preparing to strangle her with a dupatta. But before killing his unconscious daughter-in-law, he allegedly raped her, the officer said, adding that he did not tell his son and wife about the rape. After some time, he called Arun upstairs to the room and both of them allegedly took the body and threw it in a pit that had already been dug in the street. They put bricks and soil on top of it. The people in the neighbourhood were told that the pit was meant for sewerage, added the officer. The pit was dug before Naib Tehsildar Jaswant Singh, and Tannu's body was exhumed. An FIR was registered against four of the in-laws' family -- Bhoop Singh, his wife Sonia, son Arun Singh, and daughter Kajal -- at Palla police station. Tannu was killed and buried in front of her house allegedly by her in-laws, who managed to keep the body hidden for almost two months by reporting her missing. The victim, a native of Shikohabad in the Firozabad district of Uttar Pradesh, had married Arun Singh of Roshan Nagar area in Faridabad two years ago. A food stall owner in Maharashtra's Thane district was beaten up allegedly by activists of a regional political party for not speaking in Marathi, police said on Wednesday. IMAGE: A video shows men wearing MNS scarves thrash a food stall owner for not speaking in Marathi. Photograph: Screen grab/X The incident took place on Tuesday in Bhayander area. A video of the incident, which went viral on social media on Tuesday night, showed some of the attackers wearing scarves having the symbol of the Raj Thackeray-led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena. While purchasing food, one of the them asked the stall owner to speak in Marathi, to which he questioned them back. This annoyed the man, who shouted at the stall owner. Some others who were with the man joined him and slapped the stall owner, a police official said. Based on the stall owner's complaint, the Kashimira police registered an FIR against unidentified persons under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and a probe was on into the case, the official said. Members of the MNS have been trying to push for the use of Marathi language in commercial establishments and banks in the state. The Delhi high court on Wednesday granted bail to two accused in the 2023 Parliament security breach case, forbidding them from talking about the incident to the press or on social media. IMAGE: Parliament security breach accused Neelam Azad (second from left) and another accomplice are being produced before the Patiala House Court, in New Delhi, March 1, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo A bench of Justices Subramonium Prasad and Harish Vaidyanathan Shankar granted the reprieve to Neelam Azad and Mahesh Kumawat on a personal bond of Rs 50,000 each and two sureties. "We are granting bail... They shall not give interviews, or make any statement regarding the case before the press or social media. They shall not leave Delhi and appear before investigating agency every Monday Wednesday and Friday," the court said. The accused challenged a trial court's order rejecting their bail plea in the December 2023 incident. In a major security breach on the anniversary of the 2001 Parliament terror attack, accused Sagar Sharma and Manoranjan D allegedly jumped into the Lok Sabha chamber from the public gallery during Zero Hour, released yellow gas from canisters and sloganeered before they were overpowered by some MPs. Around the same time, two other accused -- Amol Shinde and Azad -- allegedly sprayed coloured gas from canisters while shouting "tanashahi nahi chalegi (dictatorship won't work)" outside Parliament premises. Delhi police had opposed the applications, alleging that the accused intended to bring back "haunted memories" of the 2001 Parliament attack. It said the preliminary inquiry revealed that Azad and Shinde were associates of Sharma and Manoranjan D and they together carried out the terror act. The court had previously asked the accused the reason for choosing the specific date of December 13, which marked the infamous 2001 Parliament attack aside from the place for protest being aware of designated spots for protests in the capital. It also asked the police to explain whether carrying or using a smoke canister, inside and outside Parliament attracted UAPA and if it fell under the definition of terrorist activities. The trial court rejected Azad's bail plea, saying there was sufficient evidence to believe that allegations against her were "prima facie" true. All the accused persons -- Azad, Manoranjan D, Sagar Sharma, Amol Dhanraj Shinde, Lalit Jha and Mahesh Kumawat -- already had the knowledge about the threat given by designated terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannu for targeting Parliament on December 13, 2023, it added. While four accused were taken into custody from the spot, Jha and Kumawat were arrested later. Invaders can launch up to 500 drones at a time across Ukraine, but not every day Budanov Photo: https://t.me/Koord_shtab/8746 Russian occupiers are capable of launching up to 500 drones in a row at Ukraine, but do not have the ability to do such launches every day, said the of the Main Intelligence Agency (GUR) of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, Kyrylo Budanov. During his conversation with journalists on Wednesday, when asked whether the occupiers would be able to launch 400-500 drones daily over Ukraine, he replied: "It is unrealistic to do this every day. They will do it periodically. Unfortunately, they have this capability. They can really launch up to 500 in a single launch." When asked what new technologies the occupiers are currently putting into their drones, Budanov said that, in particular, they are switching to 16-channel antennas with controlled reception direction. "They are improving CRP antennas, switching to 16-channel ones," he said. A 40-year-old woman teacher from a prominent school in Mumbai has been arrested for allegedly repeatedly sexually assaulting a 16-year-old male student, a police official said on Wednesday. IMAGE: Kindly note that this image has been posted for representational purposes only. Photograph: ANI Photo The English language teacher, who is married, took the minor to luxury hotels where she allegedly abused him, the official said. The woman, who was taken into custody last week, was so obsessed with the minor that she tried to contact him even after he passed out of school this year, the police said. According to the police official, the accused became attracted to her student during various meetings in connection with the school's annual function in December 2023. She allegedly made her first sexual advance in January 2024. The police said a friend of the accused encouraged the then Class 10 student to accept the illegal relationship, saying that affairs between older women and teenage boys had become quite common nowadays. The friend, who is also booked, would say that the woman teacher and the boy "were made for each other", the official said, citing the FIR. Soon after the accused teacher started taking the teenager to expensive hotels to sexually assault him, the student developed acute anxiety. She then allegedly gave him some anti-anxiety pills, the official said. The teacher would also often allegedly get the boy drunk before abusing him. The boy's family learnt about the exploitation after they noticed a change in his behaviour. However, they kept quiet, thinking he would finish school in a few months and the matter would end, the official said. The boy cleared his Class 10 exam a few months ago and left the school, but slipped into depression, the official said. His family decided to speak up when the accused again sent the boy a message, through their domestic staff, to meet her, the official said. The woman teacher has been booked under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Juvenile Justice Act, the official added. An airstrip used by the Indian Air Force during the 1962, 1965 and 1971 wars as an advanced landing ground at a village in Ferozepur close to the Pakistan border was allegedly sold by a woman and her son in collusion with some revenue officials in 1997. Image used for representational purpose only. Photograph: ANI Photo But after a retired revenue official filed a complaint that led to an inquiry, the land was given back to the defence ministry, officials said. On June 28, police registered a case against Usha Ansal and her son Naveen Chand Ansal, both residents of Dumni Wala village, under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code including 420 (cheating), 465 (forgery) and 120-B (criminal conspiracy) at Kulgarhi police station. This piece of land was part of 982 acres of land earlier acquired by the British government in 1939 for the use of the Royal Air Force during World War II. Even the IAF used this air strip during 1962, 1965 and 1971 wars for emergency landings and defence purposes. Deputy superintendent of police Karan Sharma said that based on the complaint submitted to the chief director Vigilance Bureau by Nishan Singh, a retired revenue official, an inquiry was conducted and after the report was submitted, the FIR was registered against the accused. According to the inquiry report, the accused allegedly sold the air force land to private persons in collusion with some lower-rung revenue officials. The matter was first raised by Nishan Singh. After the matter regarding fraudulent sale of chunk of land (measuring 118 Kanal 16 Marla) situated at Fattuwala village came to fore, the Commandant of the Air Force Station Halwara through Station Headquarters Ferozepur April 16, 2021 wrote to the then deputy commissioner Ferozepur to conduct an inquiry into this matter. Nishan Singh also filed a petition over inordinate delay in the inquiry, after which the Punjab and Haryana high court directed the Ferozepur DC on December 21, 2023 to complete it in six months. Later, the DC Ferozepur submitted a three-page report which stated that the land was in the same condition as per the revenue record of 1958-59 and its possession was still with the IAF. However, not satisfied with the report, Nishan Singh, filed another petition in the high court alleging that several facts had been concealed in the report submitted to the state government, further accusing that the mutation of this land was executed in favour of private persons in 2001 in connivance with the revenue officials. In May, the part of the ALG land, which had been allegedly transferred to private persons, was restored to the Ministry of Defence following the inquiry conducted by the district administration. The land was earlier handed over to Madan Mohan Lal and his brother Tek Chand, who were appointed as the "Crop Manager" by the Union Government in 1964 under a scheme mooted by the then Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri to utilise vacant lands belonging to defence for cultivation to enhance food grain production to tide over food crisis. However, subsequently after the demise of Madan, the land was allegedly sold off using his general power of attorney. Leaders of several INDIA bloc parties met the Election Commission over the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in Bihar and raised concerns over its timing, alleging that over two crore voters of the state may be disenfranchised by this mammoth exercise being done just ahead of assembly elections. IMAGE: Voters stand in queues to cast their votes for the first phase of the Lok Sabha elections 2024, at a polling station in Aurangabad, Bihar, April 19, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo Leaders from 11 parties, including the Congress, Rashtriya Janata Dal, Commuist Party of India-Marxist, Communist Party of India, Communist Party of India-Marxist Leninist Liberation, Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar and the Samajwadi Party, put forth their objections before Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and other election commissioners to the special scrutiny of the voters' list. The INDIA bloc parties have been vocal in their opposition to the Special Intensive Revision exercise that has already started in Bihar and is to be carried out in Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal which are going to the polls next year. Briefing the media after the meeting, Congress leader Abhishek Singhvi said a minimum of two crore persons may be disenfranchised in this exercise as many, especially, the SCs, STs, migratory and impoverished, among the nearly eight crore voters in Bihar may not be in a position to present their and their parents' birth certificates to the poll authorities in such a short period. He also claimed that they would not be able to challenge the removal of their names from the electoral rolls as polls would begin by then and courts do not hear challenges when elections are underway. "We asked the EC that the last revision was in 2003, and for 22 years after 4-5 elections have happened, were all those elections faulty or imperfect or unreliable. The SIR was held one year before general elections and two years before assembly elections," he said. Singhvi said that in a maximum period of one or two months, the EC is holding an electoral revision exercise of the second most populated state in India, Bihar, which has roughly under eight crore voters. "This disenfranchisement, disempowerment is the worst attack on the basic structure of the Constitution. We gave universal adult suffrage in 1950, when so-called advanced countries like the USA and the UK got it only in 1924 and 1928. "Today, every vote counts, even if you wrongfully delete or wrongfully add a single voter, it is creating a non-level playing field and that affects elections, that affects democracy. "Elections and democracy are part of the basic structure and it is said that even a constitutional amendment is unconstitutional if it affects the basic structure," he asserted. Singhvi asked, "How do you expect the very diverse voting population of Bihar, the backwards, the flood-affected, the poor and impoverished, the SC/ST, the unempowered or even the migrant to spend the next two months running from pillar to post to get the birth certificate of his own and his father/mother." It is easy to say that the volunteers will help him, but if a person does not get the certificate within the time limit, that individual loses a place in the electoral roll, he noted. "We have said that upwards of 2.5 crore to 3 crore persons, let us assume the minimum figure of two crore may be disenfranchised in this exercise. "We are not against it (SIR), but this can be done with great care after this election. Why choose this time, just ahead of the assembly elections," Singhvi said, alleging that this exercise was announced suddenly. "We believe that migratory persons, who have to travel for work, cannot be at the beck and call of the person who knocks on the door asking for filling up the enumeration form," he said, noting that voters have been there on rolls since 2003 and have voted in 4-5 elections. "The EC, though it heard us, seems to be disinclined to accept our submissions," he said. Singhvi said they also protested against the new directive of the poll panel on entry to the Election Commission premises that asks only party presidents to appear before it. "For the first time, we were given rules to enter the EC. For the first time, we were told that only party chiefs can go. Such a restriction means necessary dialogue between political parties and the EC can't happen," Singhvi said. RJD leader Manoj Jha said the meeting was "not cordial". "We expressed our concern about the poor, backward classes in Bihar. We saw a lack of concern from the Election Commission," he said. "Is this an effort to disenfranchise people? The 20 percent Biharis who migrate outside the state are the target. If the purpose of an exercise becomes exclusion instead of inclusion, what should we do? "Are you trying to find doubtful voters in Bihar?" he said. CPI-ML general secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya said their doubts and worries about the SIR have increased after the meeting because they did not get any satisfactory reply. "We said the poor will not have these documents. They said those who are in the 2003 voters' list will be presumed to be citizens of India, the rest will have to prove their citizenship to the EC," he said. "We said this reminds people of Bihar of 'notebandi' (demonitisation), and it is being called 'votebandi' (disenfranchisement) in Bihar," he said. "If you interfere with 'one person-one vote', we will take action," he said. EC sources said some of the participants were given an appointment and others were allowed to join in without any prior appointment, as the Commission decided to meet two representatives from every party. The EC told them that SIR is being conducted in accordance with the provisions of Article 326, RP Act 1950 and instructions issued on 24.06.2025. They also said each concern raised by the parties was "fully addressed" by the Commission. The Election Commission has issued instructions to carry out a Special Intensive Revision in Bihar to weed out ineligible names and ensure all eligible citizens are included in the electoral roll, allowing them to exercise their franchise in the polls slated later this year. The poll panel has said it has taken additional steps in the intensive revision to ensure illegal migrants do not get enrolled in the voters' list. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his American counterpart Pete Hegseth have agreed to firm up a 10-year framework to further expand defence and strategic ties between India and the US. IMAGE: Defence minister Rajnath Singh (left) after his maiden sortie in LCA Tejas with Air Vice Marshal Narmdeshwar Tiwari, Bengaluru, September 19, 2019. Photograph: ANI Photo The decision on the defence framework was mentioned in a Pentagon statement that was released on Wednesday, a day after Singh and US Defence Secretary Hegseth held a phone conversation. "Secretary Hegseth and Minister Singh agreed to sign the next 10-year US-India Defence Framework when they next meet this year," it said. It said the two sides discussed pending major US defence sales to India and the imperative of close defence industrial cooperation between the two countries. "Secretary Hegseth emphasised the priority the United States places on India as its key defence partner in South Asia," the Pentagon said. It said the two leaders reviewed the "considerable progress" both countries have made toward achieving the defense goals set out in the February 2025 joint statement by President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "The two discussed pending major US defence sales to India and the imperative of close defense industrial cooperation between the two countries," the Pentagon readout said without providing further details. In the phone conversation on Tuesday, Singh urged Hegseth to expedite the delivery of GE F404 engines to power the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft, people familiar with the matter said. Singh also pitched for early finalisation of a proposed deal between Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd and US defence major GE Aerospace for joint production of F414 jet engines in India, they said The delays in supply of F404 engines by GE Aerospace has resulted in HAL missing the deadline to supply Tejas Mark 1A aircraft to the Indian Air Force. An Indian readout on Tuesday said Singh and Hegseth discussed a wide canvas of issues ranging from long-term cooperation in the defence sector, including training and military exchanges, to expanding industry collaborations. "They agreed to further build upon the momentum of this critical & mutually beneficial partnership across all its pillars such as interoperability, integration of defence industrial supply chains, logistics sharing, increased joint military exercises and cooperation with other like-minded partners," it said. Despite relatively smaller Indian populations in cities like Seattle and Buffalo, the proportion of Indian nationals detained in these locations remains disproportionately high. Kindly note the image has been published only for representational purposes. Photograph: Stephanie Keith/Reuters A video of an Indian student being handcuffed and pinned to the ground at Newark airport in the United States has once again brought attention to the treatment of illegal Indian emigrants by US authorities. While the return of the Trump administration has led to the implementation of stricter immigration policies, official data indicates that the share of Indian nationals facing detention and deportation has already been rising since FY21. The share of Indians in the overall number of people detained, arrested, and deported in the US has steadily increased over this period. Interestingly, despite relatively smaller Indian populations in cities like Seattle and Buffalo, the proportion of Indian nationals detained in these locations remains disproportionately high. Share of Indians deported in crackdowns surges The share of Indian nationals in US detentions and deportations has increased significantly. Detentions rose from 0.8 per cent in FY21 to 4.2 per cent in FY25, while deportations increased from 0.5 per cent to 0.9 per cent in the same period. Border agency handles most cases involving Indian nationals The US Customs and Border Protection is responsible for the vast majority of Indian migrant detentions and deportations. Phoenix emerges as epicentre of detentions Over the past five years, 13,219 Indian migrants have been detained in Phoenix, making it a focal point for Indian detentions in the US. Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff A 30-year-old Infosys employee was arrested on Wednesday for allegedly "filming" a female colleague inside the women's washroom at the company's Electronic City campus, police said. Image used for representational purpose only. Photograph: ANI Photo The accused, identified as Swapnil Nagesh Mali, a senior associate consultant from Sangli, Maharashtra, was caught by HR personnel and handed over to the police. There was no immediate response from Infosys on the incident. According to the police, the incident occurred on Monday morning when the woman noticed a suspicious reflection and movement from an adjacent cubicle while using the washroom. Moments later, she alleged that Mali was standing on a commode in the next cubicle, filming her with his mobile phone, in her complaint. Shocked, she rushed out screaming and alerted her colleagues. The accused, who tried to flee, was caught by HR staff. On checking his phone, HR personnel found a video of the victim and another secretly recorded video of a different woman employee. The accused repeatedly apologised and deleted the videos, but HR staff took a screenshot as evidence before deletion. The woman later approached the Electronic City police, following which a case was registered under relevant sections of the Information Technology Act and Section 77 (Voyeurism) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. "Based on the complaint, we have arrested the man. Further investigation is underway," a senior police officer said. Iran on Sunday vowed to avenge the United States bombing of three of its major nuclear facilities saying the American strikes will have 'everlasting consequences'. IMAGE: A satellite view shows an overview of Fordow underground complex, after the US struck the underground nuclear facility, near Qom, Iran on June 22, 2025. Photograph: Maxar Technologies/Handout via Reuters The reaction by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi came hours after the US struck Iranian nuclear facilities in Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan using 'bunker buster' bombs which were dropped by B-2 bombers. Following the US strikes, President Donald Trump said the Iranian nuclear facilities were "completely and totally obliterated". The US has committed a 'grave violation' of the United Nations Charter, international law and the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty (NPT) by attacking Iran's peaceful nuclear installations, Araghchi said. "The events this morning are outrageous and will have everlasting consequences. Each and every member of the UN must be alarmed over this extremely dangerous, lawless and criminal behaviour," he said. The Iranian foreign minister said Tehran reserves 'all options' to defend its 'sovereignty, interest, and people'. Araghchi said he is travelling to Moscow to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin. On its part, Russia strongly condemned the "irresponsible" US strikes on three nuclear facilities in Iran, and said it "grossly" violated international law, UN Charter and UNSC resolutions. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said the US action has granted Iran the legitimate right to act in self-defence including "through options that go beyond the delusional calculations of the aggressor coalition". The IRGC statement has been carried by Iranian news agency Tasnim. Meanwhile, the 27-nation European Union urged all sides to step back, return to the negotiating table. "I urge all sides to step back, return to the negotiating table and prevent further escalation," EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas said. The EU foreign ministers are discuss the situation on Monday. The UK and many other nations have also appealed for calm. The police have summoned six people for conducting unauthorised verification of the identities of eatery owners along the Kanwar Yatra route, officials said on Wednesday after a video surfaced on social media showing some individuals allegedly misbehaving with the staff of a 'dhaba'. IMAGE: Devotees take part in Kanwar Yatra, in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, June 30, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo The six people are said to be associates of Swami Yashveer Maharaj, who runs the Yoga Sadhana Yashveer Ashram in Baghra which has conducted "ghar wapsi" (conversion to Hinduism) ceremonies for multiple Muslim families. The incident has brought back into focus the controversy that erupted last year when BJP-led governments in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand directed food outlets along the Kanwar route to display the names of their owners and staff. The Opposition had alleged that it was aimed at religious exclusion, and the Supreme Court had stayed the directives. New Mandi station house officer Dinesh Chand Bhagal said six activists have been directed to appear at the police station within three days for questioning regarding their alleged involvement in checking identity documents of owners of eateries located along the Kanwar Yatra route without permission from the district administration. "More notices are likely to be issued to other individuals seen in the video. We are taking this matter seriously and all legal angles are being examined," he said. The six who have been identified as Sumit Bahraghi, Rohit, Vivek, Sumit, Sunny and Rakesh. All of them are associated with Swami Yashveer's ashram in Baghra here, the police said. Meanwhile, the police on Wednesday lodged an FIR against five people -- an eatery operator Sanawar, his son Adil, along with Zubair and two others -- for allegedly beating up its ex-manager Dharmendra on Tuesday, the SHO said. The FIR was lodged on the complaint of Dharmedra, who has alleged that he was attacked because he revealed that the eatery with a "Hindu name" was being run by a Muslim. According to locals, Swami Yashveer on Sunday started a "drive" to check the background of owners of eateries located on the Kanwar Yatra route, claiming it was necessary for the safety of pilgrims. The Kanwar Yatra, which will start on July 11 this year, is an annual pilgrimage undertaken by Lord Shiva's devotees, known as kanwars or kanwariyas, who fetch holy water from the Ganga river during the auspicious Hindu month of Shravan. This holy water is then offered to Lord Shiva. In September last year, the UP government had directed that that the name and address of operators, proprietors and managers should be mandatorily displayed at all food outlets. The BJP and opposition parties are now again sparring on the issue after the Uttarakhand government made it mandatory for eateries on the Kanwar Yatra route in the state to prominently display their food licenses or registration certificates at their business establishments. Former Samajwadi Party MP S T Hasan on Wednesday condemned the alleged religious profiling of eatery owners along the Kanwar Yatra route in Uttarakhand by some Hindu outfits, calling the act a "form of terrorism." Purported videos of such incidents circulating on social media showed volunteers allegedly coercing people to prove their religious identity. "It seems the state government is silently supporting these acts. In a secular country like India, this kind of behaviour is shameful. It should be stopped," Hasan said. The BJP slammed the remarks and asked opposition leaders to remove their anti-Modi lens. "As far as Hasan's statement is concerned, I would like to ask him why he wants to stand with those who hide their names. They should remove their "anti-Modi" lenses and then they will see the real picture of the country," BJP spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi said. The counsel of Monojit Mishra, prime accused in the gangrape of a student of a city-based law college, on Wednesday claimed that his client had "consensual sex" with the victim and that he was "framed" for a crime of which there are "no video evidence" as being claimed in certain quarters. IMAGE: Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal assembly and BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari along with BJYM supporters, take part in 'Kasba Cholo' rally, to protest against the alleged gangrape of a South Calcutta Law College student, in Kolkata, July 2, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo Advocate Raju Ganguly, who appeared for Mishra in court, maintained that the suspect did not perpetrate any torture on the victim and referred to the presence of "love bites" on his client's body in support of his claim. "My client has been framed. The two had consensual sex, and there is evidence of that. There are marks of love bites on the left side of Monojit's neck. My client has done nothing wrong," Ganguly said. Sources at the Alipore court, which heard the remand prayer of Mishra and the two co-accused, Zaib Ahmed and Pramit Mukherjee, on Tuesday, however, told PTI that the defence counsel made no such submissions before the judge. The court extended the police remand of all three prime accused in the case till July 8 and that of the arrested security guard, Pinaki Bandyopadhyay, till July 4. "The defence did not even pray for the bail application of the accused. On the contrary, they offered total cooperation with the investigators," the court's chief police prosecutor, Sourin Ghoshal, said. "The only two submissions the defence counsel made before the judge were a prayer to remain present with his clients during police interrogation and a plea to visit the crime scene in police presence. While the judge rejected the second prayer, I am not exactly sure about what he ruled about the first," he added. The senior advocate said that while he had brought to the attention of the court that the medico-legal test results corroborated the allegations pressed by the victim during the first day of production of the suspects before the judge, he supplemented his submission on the second day by stating that the circumstantial and electronic evidence gathered by the police also corroborated her complaint. Ghoshal explained that in accordance with the provisions of the law, the defence does not have an opportunity to make such submissions at the current stage of the judicial process. "Once the police close the investigation and file a chargesheet, it will be on us to prove the charges brought against the accused in court. At the close of the trial, the accused can say whatever they want when the court calls for a defence witness," he said. Ganguly, meanwhile, also claimed that the victim was "very fond" of his client and that she was in an inebriated state on the evening of June 25 when the alleged incident took place inside South Calcutta Law College. "The girl had herself fixed drinks for Monojit and the others present there. They all got drunk. She was equally intoxicated. After that my client and the girl had sex," he said. It deserves mention that Mishra, himself a criminal lawyer at the Alipore police court, has been working as Ganguly's junior since 2021. Ganguly also denied the possibility that there was video evidence of the alleged torture of the victim contrary to media reports that video footage of the alleged assault were recovered from the phones of two of the accused. The only mobile clip found was of the girl making drinks, he claimed. "I can take full responsibility of the fact that there is no such video of any torture of the victim. There was no such incident," Ganguly said. Ghoshal rebutted the claim, stating, "let the defence make these submissions in court instead of making wild statements to the media outside the courtroom. We will respond accordingly." A 24-year-old Indian woman, who arrived in the US state of New Jersey for an arranged marriage, has gone missing, authorities said. IMAGE: Simran was last seen wearing grey sweatpants, a white T-shirt, black flip flops, and small diamond-studded earrings. Photograph: Lindenwold police department According to The New York Post, the woman, identified as Simran, arrived on a flight from India on June 20. Surveillance footage shows the woman looking at her phone and seemingly waiting for someone, police said. Lindenwold, NJ, Police, who first learned of her disappearance on Wednesday, said she didn't appear to be in distress in the video. Police said investigators were told that she had come here for the arranged marriage. However, it was also possible she had no intention to marry, and merely wanted a free trip to America, they added. Simran has been described as 5 feet 4 inches tall and is said to weigh about 68 kg. She has a small scar on the left side of her forehead. She was last seen wearing grey sweatpants, a white T-shirt, black flip flops, and small diamond-studded earrings. Police said she has no relatives living in the US and doesn't speak English. Her international phone only works via Wi-Fi. Police have also been unable to reach her relatives in India, according to the report. The Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights, Dmytro Lubinets, has announced yet another war crime by Russia - the probable execution of a Ukrainian prisoner of war (POW). According to him, a video is being circulated on social networks showing a Ukrainian prisoner being tied to a motorcycle and dragged along the road. "This is demonstrative cruelty and another war crime by the Russian Federation. I have sent official letters to the UN and the ICRC. Russia is acting like a terrorist state. And it must bear fair responsibility for every crime," Lubinets said on his Telegram channel. The Pahalgam terror attack was an act of economic warfare meant to destroy tourism in Kashmir, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said, asserting that India has made it clear that it will not allow nuclear blackmail to prevent it from responding to terror emanating from Pakistan. IMAGE: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar speaks at Newsweek's headquarters at One World Trade Centre in Manhattan, US. Photograph: @DrSJaishankar/X India has had a string of terrorist attacks over the years emanating from Pakistan and in the wake of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, there was a sentiment in the country that enough is enough, Jaishankar said on Monday. His remarks came during a conversation with Newsweek CEO Dev Pragad hosted at the publication's headquarters at One World Trade Centre near the 9/11 Memorial in Manhattan. Jaishankar said that the Pahalgam attack was an act of economic warfare. It was meant to destroy tourism in Kashmir, which was the mainstay of the economy. It was also meant to provoke religious violence because people were asked to identify their faith before they were killed. "So we decided that we cannot let terrorists function with impunity. The idea that they are on that side of the border, and that, therefore, sort of prevents retribution, I think, that's a proposition that needs to be challenged and that is what we did," he said. Jaishankar is on an official visit to the US and will travel to Washington DC to participate in the Quad Foreign Ministers' Meeting on Tuesday. He commenced his visit by inaugurating an exhibition in the UN Headquarters titled The Human Cost of Terrorism', organised by the Permanent Mission of India to the UN. He said that the terrorists based in Pakistan carrying out attacks against India do not operate in secret and these are terrorist organisations who have the equivalent of their corporate headquarters in the populated towns of Pakistan." "Everybody knows what is the headquarters of organisation A and organisation B and those are the buildings, the headquarters that India destroyed in Operation Sindoor, he said. Operation Sindoor was launched to target terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in retaliation for the Pahalgam attack that killed 26 civilians and for which The Resistance Front (TRF), a front for Pakistan-based terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) had claimed responsibility. "We are very clear there will be no impunity for terrorists, that we will not deal with them any longer as proxies and spare the government which supports and finances and in many ways, motivates them. We will not allow nuclear blackmail to prevent us from responding, he said. Jaishankar added that we've also heard this for too long that both India and Pakistan are nuclear countries and therefore the other guy will come and do horrible things, but you mustn't do anything because it gets the world worried. Now we are not going to fall for that. If he is going to come and do things, we are going to go there and also hit the people who did this. So no yielding to nuclear blackmail, no impunity to terrorists, no more free pass that they are proxies. And we will do what we have to do to defend our people, Jaishankar said amid applause from the audience. Referring to the exhibition at the UN highlighting the devastating toll of terrorist attacks across the globe, including those perpetrated by Pakistan-based terror entities, Jaishankar said India believes that terrorism is actually a threat to everyone, that no country should use it as an instrument to further its policies because, at the end of the day, it comes back to bite everyone. He stressed that the message to the world has to be that there should be zero tolerance for terrorism, that there should be no circumstances, no excuse, no justification under which a country would allow, support, finance or sponsor terrorist acts. He said India has been dealing with terrorism emanating from Pakistan for several decades but it actually started from the time of the country's independence in 1947 when within a few months, terrorists were sent into Kashmir and were described as proxies and tribal invaders. And then soon enough, the Pakistani Army followed. So we have battled terrorism, really intensive, for the last four decades and we've had some horrific cases, he said, as he referred to the 2001 Parliament and 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. During a Q&A session that followed the conversation, Jaishankar was asked about President Donald Trump's claim that he used trade to stop the recent conflict between India and Pakistan and whether that has affected trade negotiations between Delhi and Washington. No, I don't think so. I think the trade people are doing what the trade people should be doing, which is negotiate with numbers and lines and products and do their trade-offs. I think they are very professional and very, very focused about it, Jaishankar said. He said that there is a national consensus in India that our dealings with Pakistan are bilateral. And in this particular case, I can tell you that I was in the room when Vice President (JD) Vance spoke to Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi on the night of May 9, saying that the Pakistanis would launch a very massive assault on India if we did not accept certain things. And the Prime Minister was impervious to what the Pakistanis were threatening to do. On the contrary, he indicated that there would be a response from us. This was the night before and the Pakistanis did attack us massively that night, we responded very quickly thereafter," Jaishankar said. "And the next morning, Mr (Secretary of State Marco) Rubio called me up and said the Pakistanis were ready to talk. So I can only tell you from my personal experience what happened. The rest I leave to you," he said. The government on Wednesday said the Monsoon session of Parliament will begin on July 21 and continue till August 21, a week longer than planned earlier, signalling a heavy legislative agenda. IMAGE: A view of the Parliament. Photograph: ANI Photo Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said President Droupadi Murmu has approved the government's proposal to convene the Session from July 21 to August 21. "In view of Independence Day celebrations, there will be no sittings on the 13th and 14th of August," Rijiju said in a post on X. Earlier, the session was to conclude on August 12, but now it has been extended by a week. The longer duration of the session comes amid the government's plans to bring in key legislations, including one to facilitate the entry of the private sector in the atomic energy domain. The government is planning to amend the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act and the Atomic Energy Act to implement the announcement in the Union Budget to open up the nuclear sector for private players. The opposition has been demanding a debate on Operation Sindoor -- the strike on terror sites in Pakistan by the Indian armed forces in response to the terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22. The opposition parties have also been demanding answers from the government on US President Donald Trump's claims of mediation in the India-Pakistan conflict to avert a nuclear war. The government has rejected Trump's claims with Prime Minister Narendra Modi telling him, during a phone call last month, that India has never accepted mediation and would not ever accept it in future. Modi also told Trump that the decision to end military action came after Pakistan -- facing heavy damage to nine of its key air bases -- requested a ceasefire through existing military communication channels. While the peacetime stranding of a foreign fighter jet is rare in India, the F-35 -- a military asset of a foreign country with which India has strategic relations -- was being guarded by the Central Industrial Security Force, the agency responsible for security at Indian airports. IMAGE: A CISF personnel stand guard near the Royal Navy F-35B fighter jet after that made an emergency landing after running low on fuel at the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport. Photographs: @CISFHQrs/X A British fighter jet that made an emergency landing at the Thiruvananthapuram international airport in Kerala almost a week ago continues to be parked there, as of Friday. The fifth-generation stealth F-35 Lightning II, part of the United Kingdoms Royal Navy, was based on the aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales before it encountered bad weather or a technical issue during a sortie on June 14. The fighter jet failed to land on the deck of the warship and diverted towards Kerala with help from the Indian Air Force. While the peacetime stranding of a foreign fighter jet is rare in India, the F-35 -- a military asset of a foreign country with which India has strategic relations -- was being guarded by the Central Industrial Security Force, the agency responsible for security at Indian airports. Western diplomatic sources in New Delhi told Business Standard that the UK government and the Royal Navy was working to repair and recover the aircraft and send it back to HMS Prince of Wales, with the support of Indian authorities. A Royal Navy helicopter flew into Kerala earlier this week and unsuccessfully attempted to fix the aircraft which, according to experts, possibly developed a hydraulic system failure. India can offer fuel and logistical help, but it cannot provide repair services for F-35s, which are made by the US company Lockheed Martin. It is unclear what the UK government plans on doing next. International protocols require repairing or airlifting military jets stranded overseas. However, defence analysts are of the view that too much should not be read into it. Although infrequent, such incidents can occur with even the most advanced aircraft, said Air Marshal Anil Khosla (retired). The diversionary airbase is chosen depending on the type of unserviceability. Some critical ones require immediate landing at the closest base. In such cases, the rectification party, with trained manpower, tools, testers and spares, is sent for repairs (like the Royal Navy helicopter). Sometimes, the repair is beyond local field-level capability, and assistance may be required from back home, which may take time, Air Marshal Khosla noted. Indian aircraft have also occasionally faced delays abroad during UN missions, ferry flights, or exercises. There are established protocols diplomatic, technical and logistical to manage military aircraft stranded overseas, the air marshal added. HMS Prince of Wales participated in a joint exercise of the British and Indian navies in the Arabian Sea over June 9-10. The UK Carrier Strike Group, led by this warship, is currently deployed in the Indo-Pacific region on an eight-month Highmast operation. The emergency landing in Kerala was in accordance with the contingency plans between the British and Indian armed forces during the period. The warships location was not known at the time of the F-35s diversion. The IAF had earlier said that the UK fighter jet was undertaking routine flying outside the Indian air defence identification zone, with Thiruvananthapuram marked as the emergency recovery airfield. The Quad grouping has called for bringing the perpetrators, organisers and financiers of the Pahalgam terror attack to justice without any delay and urged UN member nations to extend cooperation for it. IMAGE: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and her Japanese counterpart Takeshi Iwaya poses for a photo at the Quad Foreign Ministers meet in Washington, DC. Photograph: @DrSJaishankar/X The four-nation grouping reaffirmed its commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific that is free from "coercion" and strongly opposed any unilateral actions to change the status quo by force, in a clear message to China that came amid concerns over Beijing's military muscle-flexing in the region. The foreign ministers of the four-nation grouping met in the US capital on Tuesday to firm up a broad agenda for the bloc's annual summit in India later this year. The meeting was attended by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and her Japanese counterpart Takeshi Iwaya. The ministers condemned the April 22 attack in the strongest terms and strongly pitched for action against cross-border terrorism. In a joint statement, the foreign ministers, however, did not mention Pakistan or the four-day military conflict between Indian and Pakistani militaries in May. "We express our deepest condolences to the families of the victims and extend our heartfelt wishes for a swift and full recovery to all those injured," they said. "We call for the perpetrators, organisers, and financiers of this reprehensible act to be brought to justice without any delay and urge all UN Member States, in accordance with their obligations under international law and relevant UN Security Council Resolutions, to cooperate actively with all relevant authorities in this regard," they added. The ministers also reaffirmed the Quad's steadfast commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific and to defend the rule of law, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. "We are committed to a region where all countries are free from coercion and strongly oppose any unilateral actions that seek to change the status quo by force or coercion," they said. The Quad foreign ministers also expressed serious concern over Beijing's military muscle-flexing in the East China Sea and South China Sea. "We reiterate our strong opposition to any unilateral actions that seek to change the status quo by force or coercion," they said, without directly mentioning China. The Quad foreign ministers specifically highlighted the "dangerous and provocative actions, including interference with offshore resource development, the repeated obstruction of the freedoms of navigation and overflight, and the dangerous maneuvers by military aircraft and coast guard and maritime militia vessels." In this context, they mentioned the "unsafe use of water cannons and ramming or blocking actions in the South China Sea" and said these actions threaten peace and stability in the region. "We are seriously concerned by the militarisation of disputed features. We emphasise the importance of upholding freedom of navigation and overflight, other lawful uses of the sea, and unimpeded commerce consistent with international law, as reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)," the ministers said. The Quad ministers affirmed that maritime disputes must be resolved peacefully and in accordance with international law. They also underlined the need for the implementation of a ruling by the Arbitral Tribunal in July 2016, saying it is a "significant milestone and the basis" for peacefully resolving disputes between the parties. The international tribunal at The Hague ruled against China's claims in the South China Sea while giving its verdict in a case filed by the Philippines against Beijing's so-called "nine-dash line". The Quad foreign ministers also voiced deep concern over the "abrupt constriction and future reliability" of key supply chains, specifically for critical minerals, in an apparent reference to China's policy on the matter. "This includes the use of non-market policies and practices for critical minerals, certain derivative products, and mineral processing technology," the Quad ministers said. They underscored the importance of diversified and reliable global supply chains. "Reliance on any one country for processing and refining critical minerals and derivative goods production exposes our industries to economic coercion, price manipulation, and supply chain disruptions, which further harms our economic and national security," they said. The Quad meeting also announced the grouping's plan to launch a Quad Ports of the Future partnership in Mumbai this year. The grouping also expressed serious concerns over what it called the "worsening crisis" in Myanmar and its impact on the region. "We call on the regime to adhere to its commitment to a ceasefire, and call on all parties to implement, extend and broaden ceasefire measures." "We reaffirm our strong support for ASEAN's efforts, including calling for the full and effective implementation of the Five Point Consensus in seeking an inclusive, durable, and peaceful resolution to the crisis," the Quad foreign ministers said. "We call on all parties to allow safe and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance. We are also concerned about the impact of the crisis on regional security and the spread of transnational crimes," they said. The foreign ministers said they are looking forward to the next Quad Leaders' Summit hosted by India later this year. The foreign ministers also condemned "North Korea's destabilising launches using ballistic missile technology and its continued pursuit of nuclear weapons in violation of multiple UN Security Council resolutions (UNSCRs)." "We reaffirm our commitment to the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula consistent with relevant UNSCRs, and we urge North Korea to abide by all its obligations under the UNSCRs," the ministers said. X calls the home ministry's Sahyog portal a 'censorship portal', stating it usurps judicial functions. Social media platform X on Tuesday told the Karnataka high court that content takedown and blocking notifications were being issued by Union ministries without 'application of mind'. These orders were not aimed at combating unlawful information of the respective ministries but rather designed to achieve the goals of the government and the ministry of electronics and information technology (Meity) to circumvent Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, X told the court. In a revised petition, X said a content takedown template had been provided by Meity to several Union ministries, state governments, and the directors general of police of various jurisdictions in India to issue blocking orders, which fell outside the established processes of content takedown under Section 69A of the IT Act. Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000 empowers the government to issue directions for blocking public access to online information. This power is exercised when the government is satisfied that it is necessary to do so in the interest of national security, public order, or for preventing incitement to the commission of any cognisable offence. The blocking is subject to specific procedures and safeguards outlined in the Information Technology (Procedure and Safeguards for Blocking for Access of Information by Public) Rules, 2009. The Sahyog portal of the ministry of home affairs, which X termed as the 'censorship portal' in its plea, is illegal because it creates a quasi-judicial body by executive fiat and also because it usurps judicial functions, the social media platform argued. X told the court that a quasi-judicial 'process' under the 'censorship portal' -- wherein any central or state executive officer could unilaterally adjudicate whether any information was 'unlawful', and direct its removal under threat of loss of safe harbour protection -- created a quasi-judicial body because executive officers within the portal exercised powers to determine 'unlawfulness' and impose prejudicial consequences. The Sahyog portal is arbitrary, opaque, and violative of Articles 14 (right to equality) and 19 (freedom of speech and expression) of the Constitution, X argued. The social media platform further contended that Rule 3(1)(d) of IT Rules of 2021 was unconstitutional as it exceeded the limitations set by its parent statute, the IT Act, and thus violated the settled principles that subordinate legislation cannot exceed the limits of its enabling Act. Rule 3(1)(d) of the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules-2021, states that an intermediary, upon receiving actual knowledge of unlawful content through a court order or a notification from the appropriate government or its agency under Section 79(3)(b) of the IT Act, must not host, store, or publish such information. This rule is connected to Section 79, which provides intermediaries with protection from liability for user-generated content, but this protection can be revoked if they fail to remove unlawful content after being notified. Centre's reply In response, the Centre vehemently denied that the ministries are issuing notifications at the behest of Meity. It explained that many government departments/ministries have a National Informatics Centre office or officer deputed only for ease of functioning related to IT infrastructure, which is managed by NIC, at the national level. This does not mean that NIC was directing the functioning of all the ministries, departments, and courts, the Centre said. It further added that X was merely trying to conjure up non-existent wrongdoing to bolster its arguments. Defending Rule 3(1)(d), the Centre said it had sufficient safeguards to prevent misuse. The first proviso to Rule 3(1)(d) states that notifications under the rule may only be issued by authorised agencies of appropriate governments. The requirement imposed on Internet intermediaries to not 'host, store or publish' any unlawful information under Section 3(1)(d) does not amount to a blocking order, the Centre said, adding that in case the intermediary continues to host, store or publish such information, the only change is that it cannot claim immunity under Section 79 and, therefore, may be prosecuted in court about that particular information. The lifting of safe harbour could in no way be equated to blocking of information, the central government said. X's reliance on the Kunal Kamra case was also misplaced because Article 19 talks about the rights of a user of an intermediary platform, not of an intermediary itself, the Centre said. The high court is hearing X's plea against the Centre, claiming unlawful content regulation and arbitrary censorship. Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff Concerns over poaching in Rajasthan's Ranthambore Tiger Reserve have intensified after it was found that three tigers killed by an interstate gang of poachers were likely from RTR. IMAGE: A view of the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve in in Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan. Photograph: ANI Photo The development follows a joint operation by Madhya Pradesh's State Tiger Strike Force, Rajasthan forest department, and Sawai Madhopur-based NGO Tiger Watch last month that led to the arrest of six poachers, including three from Rajasthan. Over 225 pieces of big cat bones were seized near Sheopur in Madhya Pradesh on June 5, according to an official statement. Those arrested are Dauji Bheel and Sunita Dauji, residents of Dausa in Rajasthan, and Besta Bheel of Sheopur in Madhya Pradesh with big cat skulls and bones. Madhya Pradesh forest officials picked up Baniram Moghiya and Naresh, both from Shivpuri in the state, and Rajaram Moghiya, a resident of Tonk in Rajasthan. In an official communication, Madhya Pradesh forest authorities have asked Rajasthan to share DNA profiles from Ranthambore's tiger population to match with the confiscated remains. "We received the correspondence and a response will be provided after due examination. Our teams are actively pursuing the matter," a senior Rajasthan forest department official said. Ranthambore field director Anoop KR, in a report sent to Rajasthan's chief wildlife warden, said, "A few bones have been identified as that of a tiger. As part of further investigation to find out the origin of these bones, the joint team of MP and Rajasthan forest departments is working in coordination." DNA testing in Madhya Pradesh's Jabalpur confirmed that the seized remains were of three tigers and one leopard. The samples have since been sent to the National Centre for Biological Sciences, Bengaluru, for advanced matching with Ranthambore's tiger database. The report is expected in three weeks, forest officials said. According to sources, the poaching is suspected to have occurred on Rajasthan's side of the Chambal landscape. Investigations revealed that a tiger was killed around six months ago and a leopard around Holi, both likely within Rajasthan, the sources said. Wildlife activist and RTI campaigner Ajay Dubey demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into what he called a "well-organised inter-state and international trafficking network". "Given that only tigers from Rajasthan are known to use the Kuno-Madhav-Ranthambore corridor, these deaths point to a much bigger poaching racket that must be investigated thoroughly," he said. Rajasthan Forest Department records show five Ranthambore tigers -- T79, T131, T138, T139, and T2401 -- went missing under suspicious circumstances between June 2022 and May 2024. The missing tigers include two females and three males aged 3-12 years. Forest officials said if the DNA tests confirm that the seized remains are of Ranthambore's missing tigers, it will not only highlight the vulnerability of big cats straying beyond protected zones but also the urgent need for tighter interstate anti-poaching coordination. Anil Menon, the latest to join the list of American astronauts with Indian roots, will fly to the International Space Station in June 2026 as a flight engineer. IMAGE: Anil Menon waves to the crowd after being introduced as one of the 10 new NASA astronaut candidates during an announcement event on December 6, 2021 at Ellington Field near NASA's Johnson Space Center. Photograph: Kind courtesy James Blair/NASA After marking their presence in the American medical IT and corporate world --including as CEOs of MNCs like Google, Microsoft, Pepsi and others -- people of Indian origin seem to be heading towards space. The latest to join the list of American astronauts with Indian roots is Anil Menon who will fly to the International Space Station as a flight engineer and Expedition 75 crew member. According to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Astronaut Anil Menon will travel to the International Space Station aboard the Roscosmos Soyuz MS-29 spacecraft in June 2026, accompanied by Roscosmos cosmonauts Pyotr Dubrov and Anna Kikina. 'After launching from the Baikonur cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, the trio will spend approximately eight months aboard the orbiting laboratory,' NASA said. During his stay in space, Anil will conduct scientific investigations and technology demonstrations to help prepare humans for future space missions and benefit humanity. IMAGE: Anil Menon is assisted by instructors during a training exercise. Photograph: Kind courtesy David DeHoyos/NASA Selected as a NASA astronaut in 2021, Anil graduated with the 23rd astronaut class in 2024. After completing initial astronaut candidate training, he began preparing for his first space station flight assignment. Anil was born and raised in Minneapolis and is an emergency medicine physician, mechanical engineer and colonel in the United States Space Force. He holds a bachelor's degree in neurobiology from Harvard University, a master's degree in mechanical engineering and a medical degree from Stanford University in California. He completed his emergency medicine and aerospace medicine residency at Stanford and the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. IMAGE: Anil Menon works inside an International Space Station mockup at the NASA Johnson Space Center. Photograph: Kind courtesy James Blair/NASA Anil still practices emergency medicine at Memorial Hermann's Texas Medical Center and teaches residents at the University of Texas' residency program. Anil served as SpaceX's first flight surgeon, helping to launch the first crewed Dragon spacecraft on NASA's SpaceX Demo-2 mission and building SpaceX's medical organization to support humans on future missions. He served as a crew flight surgeon for both SpaceX flights and NASA expeditions aboard the space station. Apart from English, Anil has professional working proficiency in Spanish and limited working proficiency in Malayalam and Russian. In addition he also knows computer languages like Java, C++ and Unix operating systems. IMAGE: Anil Menon with wife Anna Menon and their children. Photograph: Kind courtesy astro_anil/instagram.com Anil's wife Anna Menon is also an astronaut who has flown Polaris Dawn, a private human spaceflight mission operated by SpaceX. Anna is employed at SpaceX and prior to that she worked at NASA. The other Indian American astronauts are the late Kalpana Chawla, Sunita Williams, Raja Chari and Sirisha Bandla. Axiom Space CEO Tejpaul Bhatia is also a person with Indian roots. Bhatia was born in the US to parents who had emigrated from India to the US. Venkatachari Jagannathan can be reached at venkatacharijagannathan@gmail.com Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff The Indian Army still uses old British-era names and recruits soldiers based on caste or region, which hurts national unity, argues Colonel K Thammayya Udupa (retd). Illustrations: Dominic Xavier/Rediff During the early days of my regimental service the term used in my regiment to refer to the monthly gatherings at unit or sub-unit level presided over by the commanding officer or the company commander respectively was durbar. A few months later I had a new company commander who had returned to the unit on posting after a staff tenure. He would chastise anyone who used the term durbar in his presence. He would insist that durbar denoted the royal courts during the days of kings and queens. After the British took over the country, they became the new royalty and their ceremonial gatherings became the new durbars, he would state. He reminded everyone that we had been independent for more than three-and-a-half decades and it was time we shed our colonial mindset and adopted democratic practices as well as nomenclature. He insisted that we use the term sainik sammelan which -- on paper -- has been the official term to denote such gatherings. However, some of the officers senior to him scoffed at this and felt that the word durbar signified grandeur; the notion of conducting a durbar gave them a feeling of greater importance as compared to a sainik sammelan. I realised that there was a schism in this matter amongst some of my seniors. While some of them would use the term, 'royal' to describe ourselves -- 'The Royal Bombay Sappers' -- my new company commander would have nothing of it. 'We are an independent, democratic country now where all citizens are equals. Why do we have to hang on to words and terms which have no relevance in our functioning today?' When one day the discussion became slightly heated, one of the senior-most majors retorted, 'We may have become an independent, democratic country, but we will remain the British Indian Army for many more decades, if not centuries.' 'Where is your sense of equality when we still have specific caste-based units? Of what relevance is the independence to the army when we have three groups in our corps, and the names of all three are a carry-forward from the British days?' He was alluding to the words 'Madras', 'Bengal' and 'Bombay' in the names 'Madras Engineer Group', 'Bengal Engineer Group' and 'Bombay Engineer Group' respectively which constitute the combat elements of the Corps of Engineers of the Indian Army as it exists today. These varying views of my seniors set me thinking and have remained with me for nearly four decades now. Let us delve into some relevant pages of history of our Indian Army. Major Donovan Jackson writes on the evolution of the Indian Army: Relevant Historical Aspects 'The first purely Indian troops of the British era had their foundations in the formation of watch-keepers employed by the East India Company to protect their trading stations. These evolved into battalions, and eventually, as military responsibilities of the Company grew into the three great Presidency Armies of Bombay, Madras, and Bengal; each more or less separate entities which were made necessary by conditions of communication and terrain.' 'They were, however, from 1748 all under one Commander-in-Chief, the first father of the Indian Army being Major Stringer Lawrence. Professor Stanley Wolpert writes, 'By 1824 the company's three presidency armies contained no fewer than 170 sepoy regiments...' He further mentions, 'This military force of approximately two hundred thousand was the greatest army in Asia...' By 1846, the number of Indians had risen to 235,446 (121,091 in Bengal Presidency, 64,482 in Madras Presidency and 49,873 in Bombay Presidency). As a consequence of the Sepoy Revolt or the First War of Independence in 1857, though the British government took over the reins of power in India from the East India Company, the three separate presidency armies continued to exist and began to be described collectively as the Indian Army. In 1895 the presidency armies were abolished and a fully unified Indian Army came into being. In the second half of the nineteenth century, based on their understanding of the caste system the British divided the Indians into two-categories -- 'martial castes' and 'non-martial castes'. Thus came into being the concept of 'martial race'. Martial castes were supposed to be brave and well-built for fighting. Further, the British felt that the martial races were politically subservient, intellectually inferior and lacking initiative or leadership qualities to command large military formations. Their policy was to recruit the 'martial' Indians from those who had less access to education as they were easier to control. The non-martial races were those races which the British considered unfit for battle. According to Dr Jeffrey Greenhut, 'The Martial Race theory had an elegant symmetry. Indians who were intelligent and educated were defined as cowards, while those defined as brave were uneducated and backwarx'. It was this Indian Army, based on the martial race concept, which participated in the First World War. Over 1.5 million soldiers from the Indian subcontinent went to fight the First World War. They fought in all major theatres of war and continued on orders even beyond 1918 in Afghanistan and Persia (up to 1920). Gallant Indian soldiers earned 11 Victoria Cross medals, 5 Military Cross medals, 973 Indian Order Of Merit medals, 3,130 Indian Distinguished Service Medals during World War I. The Indian Army, at the start of World War II, had a strength of 194,373 personnel, a little more than at the start of World War I. The number of men that India finally gave to the Allied cause -- 2,644,323 -- has not been equaled since. The Indian Army by the end of the war was rated as among the best in the world whose officers and men displayed the highest levels of motivation and gallantry on the field of battle. The Class System Now, let us get acquainted with the class system in the Indian Army. We have already learnt that the British had worked on the basis of the 'martial race' concept. On February 1, 1949, in keeping with the spirit of equality of all its citizens, the ministry of defence, Government of India, issued a press note, 'NO MORE CLASS COMPOSITION IN INDIAN ARMY'. It read:- 'With a view to eliminating communal and class differences in the Indian Army so as to make it representative of all nationals in this country, the Government of India have decided to abolish class composition based on fixed percentages. 'Recruitment to the Army will be open to all classes and no particular class of Indian nationals will be denied the opportunity of serving in the Army.' IMAGE: Press Note dated February 1, 1949 announcing, 'No more class composition in Indian Army' This was followed by an Independence Anniversary Issue Bureau on August 15, 1950, in which was mentioned:- 'With a view to making the Army representative of all sections of the people, irrespective of caste or creed, the system of class composition based on fixed percentages and the distinction between the so-called martial and non-martial classes have been done away with. 'Recruitment has now been thrown open to all and is governed strictly by competitive merit and physical fitness alone.' IMAGE: The press release of August 15, 1950. From the above two documents dating back to 1949 and 1950, it is clear that there was a lofty and idealistic aim to achieve an 'All India All Class' status in the Indian Army. Clearly, the intent was not matched by corresponding actions because more than seven decades later, instead of 'All India All Class' we continue to have an army with four different types of units: 'Fixed Class', 'Mixed Fixed Class', 'Single Class' and 'All India All Class' types of units. In the 'Fixed Class' system, troops are drawn from two to three or even four types of ethnic categories and each such category forms a separate sub-unit. The 'Mixed Fixed Class' type of unit is one wherein the men are drawn from two or more specified ethnic classes and the sub-units have men from each of these classes. 'Single Class' denotes the units where all troops are from the same ethnic class. The 'All India All Class' system has men from all states and the sub-units too represent the 'All India All Class' character. On June 14, 2022, the Government of India announced the Agnipath scheme, a recruitment scheme for Indian youth to serve in the armed forces. The press notification released on the occasion mentions, 'Enrolment will be based on 'All India All Class' basis'... IMAGE: Press Release of June 14, 2022 announcing the Agnipath scheme. The Existing Class System in the Corps of Engineers With the above details as a backdrop, let me come to my own corps, The Corps of Engineers, also known as the Sappers. Today, we have three different groups in The Corps of Engineers -- The Madras Engineer Group, the Bengal Engineer Group and the Bombay Engineer Group, which were part of the Madras Presidency Army, the Bengal Presidency Army and the Bombay Presidency Army respectively. Madras, Bengal and Bombay are mere reminders of our colonial past and do not add any value to the professionalism or expertise of the group bearing that name in its title. All three groups are capable of executing all Sapper tasks and no group has any claim to be professionally any different from the other (except on a couple of issues which we will come to shortly). The city named Madras has been Chennai since long and the state named Madras is now Tamil Nadu. The city named Bombay has become Mumbai and on May 1, 1960 the state called Bombay became two states, Maharashtra and Gujarat. Currently, the troops who form part of the Madras Sappers are drawn from Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Telangana and some trades taken from North Indian states. In the Bengal Sappers, the Garhwalis, Kumaonis, Rajputs and Sikhs constitute 53% and Other Indian Castes (OICs) account for 43%. Marathas, Muslims, and Sikhs (Mazhabi and Ramdasia) make up 82% of the Bombay Sappers and the balance 18% are drawn from OICs. Thus, each Group and correspondingly, each unit and sub-unit within the Group is of the 'Mixed Fixed Class' type. If the 'All India All Class' concept is sincerely and strictly implemented in all the Sapper groups, as envisaged in the 'Agnipath' scheme press notification of June 14, 2022, it is only a matter of time before the class composition becomes the same in all three. It will then become truly meaningless to persist with three different groups, each with a name reminding us of the days of British rule over India. Having three groups in such circumstances merely creates a false sense of meaningless rivalry or superiority of the 'my daddy strongest' type, mostly amongst junior officers. The Parachute Field Company and the Inland Water Transport Units As all Bombay Sappers I am immensely proud of the fact that there is just one Parachute Field Company (PFC) existing today and is part of the Bombay Sappers. The competition in the Bombay Sappers -- be it amongst officers or jawans -- to join the PFC is intense and everyone who finally gets to wear the maroon beret is justifiably proud of it. However, by restricting the intake to just one group, two-thirds of the potential competition has been knocked out of contention. This is just an example to show how continuance with the British laid down system of presidency based Sapper groups is coming in the way of tapping the vast pool of resources for the elite PFC. This is not to suggest that those who now get selected to join the PFC are qualitatively any less, but for the sake of our Indian Army, for our corps and for the PFC itself, it would do no harm if the pool of aspirants could be rightly enlarged to include everyone from the corps. Though there is no such competition, currently the Inland Water Transport units are manned exclusively by the Bombay Sappers. Thus, back to the original question, 'Why do we need three groups in today's India?' The Infantry Now let us focus on the Infantry. Way back in 1950 itself the Government of India had declared that the 'distinction between the so-called martial and non-martial classes have been done away with', so is it not tragic that even today we have infantry regiments based on caste names (RAJPUT, GORKHA, JAT, SIKH, DOGRA, MARATHA or MAHAR)? Are these castes so special that we must persist with them? Is this not simply continuing the legacy of the British? Or else, why did independent India not introduce some more caste based infantry regiments, like, say NAIR, BHUMIHAR, KAYASTHA, PATIDAR, MEITEI and so on? Similarly, in a vast country like India having 28 states and eight Union territories, to have just a few regiments named after states or regions is an insult to the other states and regions. Why should the names of regiments be restricted to BIHAR, PUNJAB or JAMMU & KASHMIR? Why did independent India not introduce some more state based infantry regiments like say, ANDHRA or ODISHA? Or why was a HARYANA infantry regiment not created after a separate Haryana state was carved out of Punjab in 1966? To add to infantry regiments named on the basis of regions like RAJPUTANA, GARHWAL and KUMAON why do we not have infantry regiments with region based names like MAHAKOSHAL, VIDARBHA, KUTCH and so on? Let us closely look at the infantry regiments having the names MADRAS and ASSAM. Great harm to India's concept of national integration is done when any Indian -- knowingly or unknowingly -- uses the term 'Madrasi' while referring to the people of any of the five southern states. It is well known that today this umbrella term is much reviled by all those who are addressed by such a term. There is no 'Madras' in India any more. Moreover, the Madras which existed did not represent the people from all the other regions which were clubbed under that umbrella term of 'South Indian Castes' by the British. The use of the term 'South Indian Castes' to cover all people from the southern states, was an insulting way in which the British treated the South Indian states. Similarly, grouping all the proud inhabitants of the eight north-eastern states as Assam is highly insulting to their identity. These historic wrongs should have been set right on 15 August 1947 itself. Is it not unfortunate and tragic that such ignominy heaped on people of these 13 Indian states has still not been corrected by the Indian Army, an army of an independent, democratic India and an organisation which is otherwise the epitome of national integration? We have two 'light infantry' regiments (MARATHA LIGHT INFANTRY and SIKH LIGHT INFANTRY), though there is nothing 'light' about them any more. So why retain such titles? Or, why did independent India not introduce some more light infantry regiments, like say GARO LIGHT INFANTRY, GURJAR LIGHT INFANTRY and so on? The Armoured Corps In the Armoured Corps today, other than the President's Bodyguards and the 61 Cavalry, there are 67 armoured regiments. Of these there are 18 which have names like xx HORSE, xx LANCERS or xx CAVALRY/ LIGHT CAVALRY. Where are the horses? Or, are these names merely to hold on to the connection with the British Army? Some Other Scenarios On and off there is a clamour for a new regiment to be created based on a caste which did well in operations in the past. Leaders with vested interests may accept it one day. Leaders with vested interests may also agitate to change the name of Madras Sappers to Chennai Sappers or Tamil Nadu Sappers; there may be demands for the Bombay Sappers to be renamed Mumbai Sappers. Who knows, some obliging government of the day may even acquiesce to such demands and force the army to make such changes. One of the reasons that we often hear for continuing with the existing regiments and units as created by the British on martial race basis, is that bonding on the basis of one's caste or one's state or region helps in building greater synergy among the troops of the fighting unit or sub-unit. This is, indeed, a valid argument. However, when we look at the performance of the units which are already 'All India All Class' type, we find that they have been second to none. It shows that the level of training and the quality of leadership in such units has been exemplary which has surpassed the strengths ascribed to bonding achieved through caste, state and regional identities. The Way Forward In the course of the next one or two decades, but certainly before 2047 when India will celebrate 100 years of its independence, these historic wrongs which are continuing since August 15, 1947 should be set right. As one would have guessed by now, there are two aspects which need to be addressed. First is to make each and every unit and sub-unit truly 'All India All Class'. This appears to be relatively easy. As already mentioned, if the 'All India All Class' concept as envisaged in the 'Agnipath' scheme press notification of 14 June 2022 is sincerely and strictly implemented, 'All India All Class' would be a fait accompli in a few years. It is the second part which will test the political as well as the military leadership. What exactly does this second part envisage? It envisages changing the names and titles of all regiments and units from the days of the British wherever they denote either their presidency armies or their martial race theory or the states and regions as demarcated by them. It also envisages changing the names and titles of all regiments and units if these do not reflect their current equipment and roles. The Proposed Changes Applied to the Corps of Engineers Once again, I start with my own Corps. Why not amalgamate all three groups into one? The Corps of Engineers of the Indian Army needs to be transformed into a corps in which the units do not have to carry further the burden of the three British presidency based groups. This could be done by renumbering all the engineer regiments and their sub-units in such a manner that no trace remains of the earlier groups of which they were a part. (301 Engineer Regiment with 3011, 3012 and 3013 Field Companies and 3014 Field Park Company and so on.) Let the new regiments so formed be populated by officers as well as the troops already in service in equal proportion from all three existing groups to wipe out the group-wise class composition as existing today. Let all three groups be disbanded and all their regimental assets be put into a huge museum at College of Military Engineering, Pune. Maybe such an exercise, a one time effort, would help in pooling of the available training equipment and possibly result in some savings too. The training centres (in alphabetical order) at Bengaluru, Khadki (Pune) and Roorkee could simply become 1 Engineer Training Centre (ETC), 2 ETC and 3 ETC (assuming all three would still be required). The training of troops in the ETCs could be planned in such a manner that every soldier from the Corps of Engineers gets an opportunity to undergo some training in every ETC during his career, so that after a generation or two there are no remnants of any of the three British presidencies in the DNA of the Corps of Engineers. The Proposed Changes Applied to the Other Arms In the Infantry too it would be essential to create new regiments and battalions and to identify them simply by numerals. There can be 15 to 20 infantry regiments -- 1 Infantry Regiment, 2 Infantry Regiment and so on -- with 25 to 30 battalions under each. The troops should also be so mixed up that every legacy of the past, traceable to the existing names at regiment and battalion level, is wiped clean. Let all the armoured regiments which hold battle tanks and not horses be renamed xx Armoured Regiment instead of xx HORSE, xx LANCERS or xx CAVALRY/LIGHT CAVALRY. In the Regiment of Artillery, the Army Air Defence and the Mechanised Infantry, the challenges would be less as there would be no changes in names of units involved. All that would be required would be to make the class composition in the existing units to 'All India All Class'. The Army Aviation Corps, Corps of Signals, Parachute Regiment, Brigade of the Guards and all the services, namely Army Service Corps, Army Medical Corps, Army Dental Corps, Army Ordnance Corps, Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers, Remount and Veterinary Corps, Army Education Corps, Corps of Military Police, Pioneer Corps and Army Postal Corps are all already 'All India All Class'. Finally, here is a really low-hanging fruit just waiting to be plucked. In the lexicon of ranks, there are two -- 'Sepoy' and 'Sowar' -- currently used in the Indian Army. '' and '' are the words in Hindi which mean soldier and 'the one who rides' respectively. In Roman script they should be 'Sipahi' and 'Sawar' but for the British they became 'Sepoy' () and 'Sowar' (). Why not Indianise these words and change 'Sepoy' to 'Sipahi' and 'Sowar' to 'Sawar'? Conclusion Carrying out the changes as suggested here will in no way be detrimental to the efficiency and fighting capability of the Army. The officers and troops who join the (hypothetical) 301 Engineer Regiment or the 1 Infantry Regiment or 1 Armoured Regiment will continue to have the same 'josh' and same pride, if not more, for their respective units as those in service today. The greatest stumbling blocks to the proposed changes, the naysayers, are likely to be some veterans who may feel as though they have been deprived of their moorings, which is quite understandable. Their fears and misgivings need to be addressed rationally. We must move ahead with the changes proposed and certainly before August 15, 2047 we should have an Indian Army which reflects true Indianness in every aspect including the names of its regiments. Colonel K Thammayya Udupa (retd) is a B Tech (Electrical) from Karnataka Regional Engineering College (now National Institute of Technology Karnataka), Surathkal. He was commissioned into the Corps of Engineers (THE BOMBAY SAPPERS) in December 1982. He commanded 109 RAPID (S) Engineer Regiment. He took premature retirement in April 2007. Post retirement he served in the Indian Institute of Management, Indore. He is settled in Udupi-Manipal and can be contacted at ktudupa@gmail.com Feature Presentation: Rajesh Alva/Rediff A man sits with his eyes closed on a bench beside her grave. Another kneels at the foot of the grave in prayer. A bunch of paper slips and pens are kept on the window to write down prayer petitions. IMAGE: A photograph of Mother Teresa hangs on one of the walls of the Mother House. Photograph: Archana Masih/Rediff For nearly 50 years, Mother Teresa did not have a fan in her tiny room. In sultry Kolkata, two small windows were the only source of breeze in her spartan first floor room. Located above the kitchen, it was the hottest part of the house -- and it was only in the two years before her passing that a fan was installed inside the room. The narrow room is open to visitors. Up a short flight of stairs, it is almost bare. An iron cot with a cotton mattress is placed against a wall beside two writing tables and a bench. Framed pictures with Pope John Paul II, who was head of the Catholic church during the final 19 years of her life, are placed in the room. She had met the pontiff when he visited Calcutta in 1986 and in Rome. Then there's a map of India. Another of the world. A hand-written list hangs from a wall. A cupboard with neatly stacked files is near the bedpost. A crown of thorns above a picture of Christ is fixed on the wall near the bed. A simple plaque informs that Mother Teresa kept looking at the crown of thorns and the picture of Christ as she struggled to breathe in her final hours on September 5, 1997. No pictures or videos are allowed inside the room. IMAGE: The three-storied building called 'Mother House'. Photograph: Archana Masih/Rediff There is quietness in the three-storied building on AJC Road which is called 'Mother House' and is the headquarters of the Missionaries of Charity founded by Mother Teresa in 1950. She had borrowed Rs 125,000 to buy the house. Mother Teresa arrived in India from Skopje, the present capital of North Macedonia as a Catholic nun in 1929 and became an Indian citizen after Independence in 1948. She was awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1980, the first naturalised Indian to receive the honour. The other two foreign recipients are Nelson Mandela and Khan Abdul Gafar Khan 'Frontier Gandhi.' The Nobel Peace Prize was presented to her in 1979 for her service to the poor. IMAGE: A short flight of stairs leading to Mother Teresa's room. Photograph: Archana Masih/Rediff On her passing [which was on the same day as Princess Diana's funeral], Mother Teresa was given a State funeral and laid to rest in the house where she had lived. The tomb is inside a hall in Mother House. A man sits with his eyes closed on a bench beside her grave. Another kneels at the foot of the grave in prayer. A bunch of paper slips and pens are kept on the window to write down prayer petitions. Nuns in signature blue and white saris quietly go about their chores. Two of them sort out old clothes in the courtyard. A few other nuns transport a large wooden frame down a flight of stairs on an upper floor. IMAGE: Mother Teresa's tomb at Mother House. Photograph: Archana Masih/Rediff The cotton sari with three blue borders was trademarked by the Missionaries of Charity after her death to prevent misuse for commercial gains. The saris are woven by inmates of a home for leprosy patients started by Mother Teresa and supplied to all the nuns working for Missionaries of Charity. A small museum in the next room is dedicated to her life. Her sari, sweater, sandals, utensils, personal items, pictures and letters are placed in a glass case. IMAGE: A man kneels at the foot of Mother Teresa's grave in prayer. Photograph: Archana Masih/Rediff 'Souls of prayer are souls of great silence' reads a plaque below Mother Teresa's picture on the wall outside the tomb. The calm, quietness of Mother House that rain-washed morning seemed to convey just that. Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff The Pentagon has halted shipments of some air defense missiles and other precision munitions to Ukraine due to worries that U.S. weapons stockpiles have fallen too low, the decision was driven by the Pentagons policy chief, Elbridge Colby, and was made after a review of Pentagon munitions stockpiles, three sources familiar with the situation said, Politico reports. The initial decision to withhold some aid promised during the Biden administration came in early June, according to the people, but is only taking effect now as Ukraine is beating back some of the largest Russian barrages of missiles and drones at civilian targets in Kyiv and elsewhere. Russia over the weekend launched its biggest aerial attack on Ukraine since the start of the three-year war, with a reported 477 drones and decoys and 60 missiles. Of these, 249 were reportedly shot down and 226 were lost, likely having been electronically jammed, the message reads. It is emphasized that the supplies were carried out in two main streams: from the Pentagon's stockpiles, which are now rapidly depleting, and also through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, when US funds are used to purchase weapons directly from American defense companies. The current use of the stockpile has been going on since the Trump administration, which did not ask for additional funding, and the remaining funds will last Ukraine for several more months, according to an administration official. The U.S. Defense Department is also working to quickly replenish its stockpile, which is used to support Ukraine and other partners, including Israel. Steve Diorio, chair of the Board of Selectmen for Hinsdale, N.H., stands on one of the old bridges connecting Hinsdale to Brattleboro. Brattleboro, VT (05301) Today Sunshine and clouds mixed. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 86F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Considerable cloudiness. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 67F. Winds light and variable. Brattleboro, VT (05301) Today Partly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 86F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Considerable cloudiness. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 67F. Winds light and variable. The High Anti-Corruption Court (HACC) has rejected the request of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) to remove from office Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of National Unity Oleksiy Chernyshov, who is suspected of abuse of office and receiving an illegal benefit on an especially large scale. As an Interfax-Ukraine agency correspondent reported, the HACC made the corresponding decision at a meeting on Wednesday, refusing to satisfy the prosecution's motion. On Tuesday, July 1, the court began considering the motion of NABU and SAPO to remove Chernyshov from his post. In particular, the prosecution asked the HACC to remove Chernyshov from his post for two months. At the same time, the defense asked to completely deny this motion. In particular, the defense referred to a letter from Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, in which he stated that Chernyshov's removal from office would negatively affect the work of the government and the Ministry of National Unity. At the same time, the judge reprimanded the defense for putting pressure on him because of the aforementioned letter from the prime minister. After hearing the parties, the judge announced that the decision would be announced the next day and retired to the deliberation room. Earlier, on June 27, the High Anti-Corruption Court (HACC) chose a preventive measure for Chernyshov in the form of a bail of UAH 120 million, partially satisfying the motion, in particular, refusing to wear an electronic monitoring device (bracelet). By court decision, the suspect is assigned the following duties: to appear at every call of a detective, prosecutor or court, to report a change in his place of residence and place of work, not to leave the territory of Ukraine without the permission of the investigator, prosecutor or court. The term of the duties assigned to Chernyshov is 2 months, that is, until August 27, 2025. During the meeting on the selection of a preventive measure, Chernyshov stated that he does not plan to flee anywhere and will cooperate with the investigation. He later said he had no plans to resign on his own. On July 1, Chernyshov's lawyers announced that they had already filed an appeal against the court's decision to choose a preventive measure in the form of a bail in the amount of UAH 120 million. As reported, on June 23, Chernyshov is suspected of abuse of office and obtaining illegal benefits in an especially large amount for himself and third parties to Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of National Unity of Ukraine Oleksiy Chernyshov. In particular, his actions in his former position as Minister of Community and Territorial Development of Ukraine are qualified under Part 2 of Article 15, Part 2 of Article 28, Part 2 of Article 364, and Part 4 of Article 368 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. According to the investigation, the developer and his proxy developed a scheme for the illegal acquisition of a land plot in Kyiv for the construction of a residential complex, and Chernyshov was involved in the implementation of the scheme when he held the position of minister, his advisor, the then state secretary of the ministry, and the director of the state enterprise. Law enforcement officers believe that the minister created the conditions for the transfer of the land plot to the management of the specified state enterprise, the state secretary granted permission to make a significant economic commitment, and the director of the state enterprise illegally concluded investment agreements with the "necessary" construction company. According to them, the developer was to give the state a part of the future apartments in an amount proportional to the cost of the land plot. To minimize this amount, the land and the buildings on it were valued almost five times cheaper, and the difference between this valuation and the market value exceeded UAH 1 billion. This is the amount by which the state would have received less real estate if the contracts had been executed. This was prevented by the seizure of the plot, which was imposed at the request of the National Anti-corruption Bureau of Ukraine and the Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutors Office. Earlier, five people were reported about the suspicion, including: the former State Secretary of the Ministry of Regional Development; the former advisor to the minister; the former director of a state-owned enterprise; the developer and his trusted person (organizers of the scheme). On June 17, the former State Secretary of the Ministry of Regional Development was taken into custody with the alternative of a bail of UAH 20 million. Updated July 2, 2025 at 3:11 p.m. The Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, said on Wednesday that he will have a successor chosen by a nonprofit he started not by the Chinese government. Beijing sounded a different note: foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said China had the right to approve the Dalai Lamas successor. Beijings bottom line: whatever spiritual force guides this sacred process must adhere to the strictures of the Chinese Communist Party, or CCP. If that sounds unholy, that may be the point. China has very practical reasons why it wants a say in who is the next Dalai Lama, given the enormous popularity of the current one and his ability to maintain cohesion among Tibetans across the globe in their fight for greater autonomy for Tibet. The current Dalai Lama has become an enormously popular figure. Winner of the 1989 Nobel Peace Prize, his international renown has helped maintain a unity among Tibetans in and outside Tibet, despite efforts to negate his influence by the CCP. Last year, the China Tibetan Buddhist Academy a Chinese government-supported institution held a seminar to promote its views on the matter. The seminar re-emphasized the CCPs policies on reincarnation that must align the system with Xi Jinping thought and party policies. According to Beijings official media, the seminar attendees were Tibetan Buddhism representatives and experts from Tibetan populated areas, including the Tibet Autonomous Region and the provinces of Qinghai, Sichuan and Gansu. But that quickly triggered a rebuttal from the Tibetan government-in-exile, the institution the current Dalai Lama helped set up in 1959. While China recognizes only the Tibet Autonomous Region as the only Tibet, they still recruited attendees from other Tibetan populated areas for important issues, Sikyong Penpa Tsering, the president of the current government, said in response to the seminar. No government nor any individual has the right to interfere in the reincarnation of the 14th Dalai Lama, he added. Who is the Dalai Lama? Lama means teacher or master, and a lama is essentially a monk who has achieved some renown and taken on a leadership role within a community. There are thought to be hundreds of lamas within Tibetan Buddhism, which incorporates tenets of both traditional Buddhism and shamanistic practices that preceded its creation. Worshippers consider the Dalai Lama to be the manifestation of Avalokiteshvara (Phakchok Chenri Se- in Tibetan), the Buddhist source of compassion. The 13th Dalai Lama, circa 1910. (General Photographic Agency via Getty Images) The current Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, is the 14th in a line that began in 1391. Tibetans believe that when he dies he will be reborn to continue his role as spiritual leader. Beyond the Dalai Lamas spiritual significance, thousands of Tibetans who have fled their homeland and were forced to leave behind families view him as a father figure who has provided for their temporal needs as well security, education, health care through an exile government he helped create in Dharamsala. How is a new Dalai Lama selected? Tibetan Buddhists believe that when the Dalai Lama dies his spirit will reincarnate in a new body. A search committee traditionally composed of high-ranking monks and lamas is formed to find a child born within a year of the Dalai Lamas death who exhibits exceptional qualities and behaviors akin to his predecessor. The present Dalai Lama was two years old when he was identified. The 14th and current Dalai Lama is seen at his enthronement in Lhasa, Tibet, Feb. 22, 1940. (AP) The method of discovery includes visions, consultations with oracles and interpretations of omens. The child must recognize belongings of the previous Dalai Lama, demonstrating a connection to his past life. Why is choosing the Dalai Lama controversial? The process of succession affirms the continuity of Tibetan Buddhist leadership and culture, which is why China seeks to have control over the selection. Choosing the 15th Dalai Lama could help solidify authority over Tibet and provinces where ethnic Tibetans live in large numbers. There are thought to be more than 6 million Tibetans in China, compared to 150,000 in exile. The China Tibetan Buddhist Academys meeting this month attempted to promulgate the Chinese government-preferred process, known as the Golden Urn Selection. The method is considered a historical custom popularized during the Qing dynasty, but is disputed by the Tibetan way of recognizing the reincarnated lamas. Activists and members of the Tibetan Women's Association (Central) living in exile protest the disappearance of 11th Panchen Lama Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, in New Delhi on May 17, 2023. (Sajjad Hussain/AFP) A previous effort to control the selection of Tibetan leaders has met only minimal success. In 1995, Chinese authorities kidnapped a 6-year-old Panchen Lama, the second most important figure in Tibetan Buddhism, shortly after he was chosen by the Dalai Lama. The Panchen Lama and the Dalai Lama traditionally participate in each others reincarnation recognition process, so many experts believe that Beijing will use its own Panchen to choose the next Dalai Lama. The person they installed as a replacement continues to be viewed with suspicion by many Tibetans inside and outside China. What has the Dalai Lama said about his reincarnation? The Dalai Lama himself has suggested several possibilities for his reincarnation, declaring once that " If I die in exile, my reincarnation will be born in exile not in Tibet." The statement was viewed as a way to emphasize the importance of spiritual freedom. He had also raised the possibility that the line would die with him; that a woman for the first time would be chosen; and that he may identify his successor before his death. Edited by Jim Snyder and Boer Deng. Updated to correct the methods of discovering the Dalai Lamas reincarnation. Updated to add the Dalai Lamas succession announcement on July 2, 2025, and Chinas response. Iran has enacted a decision to suspend its cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), alarming European powers who called the move "disastrous." Iranian President Masud Pezeshkian on July 2 enacted a law passed last week -- after Israeli and US air strikes over 12 days hit its most-important nuclear facilities -- to stop cooperating with the UN nuclear watchdog until Tehran receives guarantees that its nuclear sites and scientists are safe and that its right to enrich uranium domestically is assured. Suspending cooperation with the IAEA means Iran will halt inspections, reporting, and oversight activities under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). German Foreign Ministry spokesman Martin Giese said the decision sends a disastrous signal, insisting that cooperation with the watchdog is crucial for diplomacy to succeed. A day before the implementation of the law, French President Emmanuel Macron urged Russian leader Vladimir Putin to persuade Iran to resume cooperation with the IAEA, which the Kremlin agreed to, according to RFE/RL sources. Putin also expressed support for a diplomatic resolution, potentially including a zero-enrichment outcome in Iran -- a non-starter for Tehran. Macron warned that without a solid deal between Tehran and Washington on Irans nuclear program, European powers would begin the process of re-imposing UN sanctions against the Islamic republic. US State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce called Iran's suspension of cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog "unacceptable." Bruce noted that the decision comes at a time when Iran "has a window of opportunity to reverse course and choose a path of peace and prosperity." The United States and Iran had engaged in five rounds of indirect negotiations over Tehrans nuclear program before the talks broke down, prompting Israel to launch airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and military targets on June 13. The United States entered the conflict on June 22, joining Israel by striking three major Iranian nuclear sites, including the heavily fortified underground facility at Fordow. Photo Gallery: New Satellite Images Show Activity At Iran's Fordow Nuclear Site 1 Week After US Bombings New Maxar satellite images, taken on June 29, show cranes and people working at the Fordow enrichment complex following US and Israeli air strikes. Vehicles can also seen below a ridge and are parked along a path that was built to access the site. Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Email to a Friend Share on LinkedIn Eric Brewer of the Washington-based Nuclear Threat Initiative, said "a new and dangerous phase" had begun with Iran's decision to suspend cooperation with the IAEA. "The task of understanding whats happening at Irans nuclear sites, new and old, will fall entirely on intelligence organizations," Brewer, a former US intelligence analyst, wrote on X. In an interview with CBS News aired on July 1, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi indicated that Tehran remains open to talks with the Washington. I dont believe negotiations will restart as quickly as that, Araqchi said, responding to Trumps suggestion that talks could begin as soon as this week. Still, he emphasized, the doors of diplomacy will never be completely closed. But Trump this week appeared to change his stance on talks with the Islamic republic, writing on his Truth Social platform that he is not offering Iran anythingnor am I even talking to them since we totally obliterated their nuclear facilities. The full impact of the 12-day conflict with Israel on Irans nuclear program is still uncertain. While Iran claims its nuclear facilities were heavily damaged, it has pledged to press on with its program, insisting it remains peaceful. IAEA chief Rafael Grossi stated last week that Iran could restart uranium enrichment in a matter of months. Tehran has repeatedly accused the UN nuclear watchdog of bias, alleging it collaborates with Western nations and Israel against Iran. For years, Grossi has criticized Iran for what he sees as a persistent lack of cooperation in the agencys efforts to investigate previously undisclosed nuclear sites. This ultimately resulted in the IAEA Board of Governors last month issuing a rare non-compliance resolution against Iran, which Tehran claims facilitated Israels attacks. An artillery strike by Russian forces hit a hospital in the southern Ukrainian city of Kherson, destroying the medical facility and injuring several civilians, according to regional officials. Kherson regional Governor Oleksandr Prokudin said on July 2 that five patients and three nurses were wounded when the building was hit late the previous night. A 44-year-old nurse suffered a blast injury, concussion, and shrapnel wounds to her chest and is currently hospitalized, as are four other patients. The others received medical assistance and were then discharged. The hospital strike was part of a broader Russian assault on civilian infrastructure in the Kherson region over the past 24 hours. Prokudin said residential neighborhoods, including high-rise buildings and 11 private homes, were damaged in the attack. A business, a bus, several cars, and a farm facility also sustained damage. Ten people were reported injured in the attacks. Attacks were also reported in the village of Antonivka near Kherson, as well as in Nikopol in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. Despite repeated denials from Moscow that it is targeting civilian infrastructure, Russian artillery, drones, guided bombs, and missiles continue to hit such premises across Ukraine. Ukrainian authorities and international organizations have condemned the strikes as deliberate and systematic war crimes. The Ukrainian military, meanwhile, struck deep inside Russian territory as it looks to disrupt Russian supply lines. On July 2, Ukraines General Staff confirmed a strike on the Saratovorgsintez oil refinery in Russias Saratov region. The refinery, reportedly used by Russian forces to produce fuel for its military units, was hit by Ukrainian Defense Intelligence (HUR) in coordination with other units. Technological installations were damaged, and a fire broke out at the site. Russias Defense Ministry said on July 2 that its air defense forces intercepted and destroyed 60 Ukrainian fixed-wing drones overnight across several regions of the country. While the battlefield remains active, Ukraine may soon face new challenges in terms of Western support, according to US media reports. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has reportedly ordered a halt to shipments of key munitions to Ukraine, including dozens of Patriot missiles, over 100 Hellfire missiles, GMLRS rockets, and thousands of artillery shells, NBC News reported, citing Pentagon and Congressional sources. The suspension comes amid growing concerns in Washington over dwindling U.S. stockpiles. The decision, reportedly made in early June, was only recently enacted. Participants in the third group of the REDpreneurUA program master the basics of taxation and accounting, taking into account the specifics of social entrepreneurship. Participants of the third cohort of the REDpreneurUA program delved into the topic of taxation and accounting for entrepreneurial activity, with a focus on the unique characteristics of social enterprises, the Ukrainian Red Cross Society (URCS) reported on Facebook on Wednesday. Social enterprises, like any other business, must comply with tax regulations. However, they often operate with grant funding, engage vulnerable groups, provide non-commercial services, or combine both commercial and social activities. That is why program participants learn how how to record income and expenses, including when receiving grants; which risks to consider to avoid errors in financial reporting; how financial transparency can help build trust and attract partners. The training is delivered in collaboration with the School of ME, a school of mindful entrepreneurship that teaches Ukrainian entrepreneurs to think strategically, act ethically, and scale their ventures responsibly. The REDpreneurUA programme is implemented by the Ukrainian Red Cross in partnership with the Austrian Red Cross and with support from the Neighbour in Need Foundation (Austria). Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered a pause in sending a shipment of missiles and ammunition to Ukraine amid concern about the U.S. militarys stockpiles, according to two defense officials, two congressional officials and two sources with knowledge of the decision. According to sources, the delay is due to an internal review of the ammunition supply, which was largely depleted after long-term deliveries to Ukraine, as well as in connection with US operations in the Middle East - in Yemen, Israel and countering Iran. The munitions and other weapons could be held up until the assessment is complete, the two defense officials and two congressional officials said, and if the munitions are in short supply or needed in other parts of the world, they could be held back even longer. The weapons being delayed include dozens of Patriot interceptors that can defend against incoming Russian missiles, thousands of 155 mm high explosive Howitzer munitions, more than 100 Hellfire missiles, more than 250 precision-guided missile systems known as GMLRS and dozens each of Stinger surface-to-air missiles, AIM air-to-air missiles and grenade launchers, the two defense officials, two congressional officials and two sources with knowledge of the decision said, the message reads. This decision was made to put Americas interests first following a DOD review of our nations military support and assistance to other countries across the globe. The strength of the United States Armed Forces remains unquestioned just ask Iran," White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly said. Tom Tuite A convicted Dublin drug dealer was caught supplying cannabis and street tablets to another defendant during his own sentence hearing, a judge has heard. Tony Roe (30), of Moatview Court, Priorswood, Dublin 17, pleaded guilty at Dublin District Court on Wednesday to possessing drugs for sale or supply on April 15th, 2024. Judge Treasa Kelly heard Roe, with 124 prior criminal convictions, had been in the Circuit Court in Dublins Criminal Courts of Justice building. He had transported the drugs in and passed alprazolam tablets worth 160 and some cannabis to another man who was in the custody of the Prison Service in the same courtroom. The court heard that his earlier crimes included 29 drug dealing convictions and theft. Judge Kelly noted he was serving a sentence already and was not due for release until October next year. The court heard he received a three-year sentence for attempted robbery on the date he was dealing in court. Defence solicitor David Bassett submitted that his client pleaded guilty early. Judge Kelly imposed a concurrent three-month sentence, sparing him from added jail time. By Cillian Sherlock, PA Conor McGregors co-defendant winning an appeal over costs would present grubby realities where the fighter effectively snaffles back money he had to pay in damages, the Court of Appeal has been told. Lawyers for a woman who successfully sued McGregor have argued he could use his co-defendant as an avatar because the mixed martial arts fighter had paid his legal costs. Judges at the Court of Appeal in Dublin are considering applications from both McGregor and James Lawrence, who was the co-defendant in a civil case taken last year. Former hairdresser Nikita Hand, 35, successfully sued McGregor over an incident in which he was alleged to have brutally raped and battered her in a penthouse at the Beacon Hotel in Dublin in December 2018. Conor McGregor outside the High Court in Dublin in 2024 (Brian Lawless/PA) Ms Hand, also known as Nikita Ni Laimhin, was awarded 248,603.60 in damages and McGregor was also ordered to pay about 1.3 million in legal costs. The jury did not find that Mr Lawrence had assaulted her during the same series of incidents at the hotel. The trial judge decided that Ms Hand would not have to pay Mr Lawrences costs arising out of the proceedings. His legal team is challenging whether that decision was correct and reasonable, arguing that Ms Hand should have to pay as the jury did not find he had assaulted her. Nikita Hand won her civil case against the mixed martial arts fighter (Niall Carson/PA) Meanwhile, McGregors lawyers are arguing that the jury heard an inadmissible line of questioning about his co-operation with gardai into their investigation of the matter. On Wednesday, Ray Boland SC, for Ms Hand, told the court that it had been confirmed that McGregor was paying Mr Lawrences legal costs. He said that the legal bill for Mr Lawrence, which would be due to be paid by Ms Hand if his appeal is successful, is likely to exceed the award of damages to be paid by McGregor. Mr Boland said this would set the jurys verdict on damages at naught when McGregor was preparing to pay over the balance of all costs relating to the matters. He said that McGregor would snaffle back the money he is paying for damages if the appeal of his avatar meant that Ms Hand had to pay Mr Lawrences costs instead. He said this would not be in the interests of justice. John Fitzgerald SC, for Mr Lawrence, said an unusual situation had arisen in the case around the interpretation of the jurys verdict by trial judge Alexander Owens. He said the point he was making in the appeal was essentially that costs follow the event. Given the principle of jury secrecy, he said the event is the verdict and not a subsequent interpretation of it. Mr Fitzgerald said the verdict was that Mr Lawrence had not assaulted Ms Hand. He said said his client had said that he had consensual sex with Ms Hand. He added that Ms Hand had also said she did not believe they had sex, and that Mr Lawrence was lying. Mr Fitzgerald said this begs the question as to how it made its way into a pleading on her behalf. He said it had been open to Ms Hand not to sue Mr Lawrence. Mr Fitzgerald said trial judge Mr Alexander Owens decision not to award costs was based on his incorrect interpretation of the jurys verdict. He said Mr Owens could have added additional questions to the issue paper or asked the jury direct questions about their verdict. He said said defendants had a presumptive entitlement to costs and we shouldnt even be having this discussion. Ray Boland, SC, for Ms Hand, said this entitlement arises where they have incurred expenses but this was not the case for Mr Lawrence as there was an unusual situation that McGregor had borne the costs. He said it was rich for Mr Fitzgerald to be raising the matter in appeal when there was deafening silence from him during discussions on the issue paper and whether there should have been additional questions for the jury following the verdict. Mr Fitzgerald said the purpose of the appeal was to consider the correctness of the judges reasoning and that he had been satisfied with the issue paper. On the argument that it would deprive Ms Hand of her damages, Mr Fitzgerald said there had to be cost implications for her choice to bring a case she never believed in. Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy said Mr Boland was making a difficult argument by asking judges at the Court of Appeal to consider the consequences of their verdict as it was their job to consider whether the trial decision was appropriate. Ms Justice Kennedy and the other two judges presiding over the proceedings continue to consider other matters relating to the appeals. A mural, commissioned for the gable wall of the former De La Salle Brothers school in Ballaghaderreen, will be officially unveiled on Friday, July 4th at 2 p.m. by Grace Boland TD, daughter of the Minister for Education in 1982, John Boland. The mural is in remembrance of the abolition of corporal punishment in 1982 under Minister Boland. The De La Salle Brothers school later became St. Johns National School and is now home to the towns Family Resource Centre. The mural highlights the huge shift from education based on fear to education based on cheer. In 1890, the De La Salle Brothers were invited to Ballaghaderreen by Bishop John Lyster. The town became a member of the French Orders Irish Province on August 20th, 1890 when the first De La Salle Brothers arrived in Ballaghaderreen and took charge of the boys school. The mural is in remembrance of the abolition of corporal punishment in 1982. In the first decade of the 20th century, the school began to operate and the Brothers moved to their house in 1910. In 1982 a seismic shift took place, when the then Minister for Education, John Boland, put in place a departmental administrative decision that prohibited corporal punishment in Irish schools. The mural highlights the removal of the leather strap and cane and other forms of corporal punishment. Three years later, the Brothers departed Ballaghaderreen. Ireland outlawed all forms of corporal punishment in 2015, through the Childrens First Act. Plans to develop eight glamping pods near Boyle have been lodged recently with Roscommon County Council. The applicants are seeking permission to construct the pods along with a reception/games room and carparking at Glooria townland, Cavetown, Boyle. According to the planning documents, each proposed pod will be of low height - 4.98m - and designed to resemble agricultural buildings as they will be set within a rural landscape setting. Each will contain a total floor area of 41 square metres and consist of a kitchen/dining/living room, one bedroom, bathroom and a mezzanine, which can operate as an additional sleeping area. In the planning application, the applicants believe that the proposed development will provide much needed additional tourist accommodation to a growing niche market and for those who wish to explore Irelands Hidden Heartlands, where they can become submerged in nature and have access to the surrounding outdoor water and land activities. The development will provide accommodation to visitors throughout the year and will complement the strong tourism offering of North Roscommon and South Leitrim. This will enable visitors to stay for an extended period in Roscommon, therefore assisting the local economy and creating an additional micro circular economy in this rural community, they state. In correspondence contained in the planning documents, Roscommon Tourism Officer Lisa Joy said she was delighted to see this proposed development. I think it is a great idea and is very welcome for Roscommon and the Cavetown Lake and Boyle area. Roscommon County Council has supported ORIS (Outdoor Recreation Funded Projects) in this area in recent years to enhance the walkway etc. so we see the potential this location has to offer for outdoor leisure pursuits such as walking, kayaking etc, she said. Ms Joy noted that Boyle, which had received huge investment under Failte Irelands Destination towns project to enhance the towns public realm and tourism infrastructure, was now becoming a real tourist hub with wonderful attractions such as King House, Boyle Abbey, the newly opened An Rioga and Lough Key Forest and Activity Park. Pointing out that visitor numbers to the area were growing year on year, she said Roscommon was being developed as a top quality tourist destination over the next five years with the launch of the 2025-2030 Roscommon tourism strategy later this year. In her correspondence, the tourism officer also highlighted the Night and Day Festival, one of Irelands newest family friendly music festivals and strongly supported by Roscommon County Council. She said the festival was also growing year-on -year bringing large number of visitors to Boyle and Lough Key who may not all want to camp but might like a self-catering option nearby. There is a very obvious gap in the accommodation market in the north of the county so a proposal like yours is very welcome and I would be very supportive of it, she said. In another correspondence, Gillian McGarry, the councils EU Just Transition Fund Tourism Activator, welcomed it as another accommodation solution in an area which was in need of high quality accommodation. County planners are due to make a decision on the development by August 5th next. Photo: https://mfa.gov.ua/ The Russian side is not demonstrating any desire to achieve peace, said Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha. Yesterday evening, Russia attacked a hospital in Kherson, injuring five patients and three medical personnel. This is a war crime, part of Russia's deliberate campaign to target hospitals. We recently visited Kherson with Budrys Kestutis and saw underground maternity wards and schools, as well as medics mounting electronic warfare units on top of first aid vehicles to protect them from Russian strikes. This is the terrible daily reality for people in Kherson and throughout Ukraine. Moscow showns no willingness to put an end to the killings and seek a diplomatic solution, Sybiha said on X Wednesday. He called on the international community to increase pressure on Russia. We must send the right signals to the aggressor by strengthening Ukraines capabilities and increasing pressure on Russia. This is the only way to force Moscow to end the war, the minister summed up. Dalai Lama Affirms Gaden Phodrang Trusts Sole Authority to Recognize His Reincarnation and no One else Beijing continues to assert that the selection of the next Dalai Lama must comply with Chinese law Dalai Lama Affirms Gaden Phodrang Trusts Sole Authority to Recognize His Reincarnation and no One else Dalai Lama Latest News Updates: His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, in a clear statement on Wednesday, affirmed that the Gaden Phodrang Trust holds the sole authority to recognize the future reincarnation of the Dalai Lama, and that no one else has any right to interfere in this matter. Referring to a statement he made back in 1969, His Holiness recalled that he had already made it clear that the concerned people should decide whether the institution of the Dalai Lama should continue in the future. He also said that when he turned about 90, he would consult the relevant stakeholders to re-evaluate whether the institution should continue. Advertisement Reading from his latest statement, His Holiness said, On 24 September 2011, at a meeting of the heads of Tibetan spiritual traditions, I made a statement to fellow Tibetans in and outside Tibet, followers of Tibetan Buddhism, and those who have a connection with Tibet and Tibetans, regarding whether the institution of the Dalai Lama should continue. I stated, As far back as 1969, I made clear that concerned people should decide whether the Dalai Lamas reincarnations should continue in the future. I also said, When I am about ninety, I will consult the high Lamas of the Tibetan Buddhist traditions, the Tibetan public, and other concerned people who follow Tibetan Buddhism, to re-evaluate whether or not the institution of the Dalai Lama should continue. Image His Holiness noted that although he has not held public discussions on the matter, over the last 14 years, people from around the world including Tibetans inside Tibet have repeatedly requested him to continue the institution of the Dalai Lama. Therefore, he declared, the institution will continue. Although I have had no public discussions on this issue, over the last 14 years leaders of Tibets spiritual traditions, members of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, participants in a Special General Body Meeting, members of the Central Tibetan Administration, NGOs, Buddhists from the Himalayan region, Mongolia, Buddhist republics of the Russian Federation, and Buddhists in Asia, including mainland China, have written to me with reasons, earnestly requesting that the institution of the Dalai Lama continue. In particular, I have received messages through various channels from Tibetans in Tibet making the same appeal. In accordance with all these requests, I am affirming that the institution of the Dalai Lama will continue. He further clarified that the responsibility of recognizing a future Dalai Lama rests solely with the Gaden Phodrang Trust, the official office of His Holiness. Advertisement The process by which a future Dalai Lama is to be recognized has been clearly established in the 24 September 2011 statement, which states that responsibility for doing so will rest exclusively with members of the Gaden Phodrang Trust, the Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. They should consult the various heads of the Tibetan Buddhist traditions and the reliable oath-bound Dharma Protectors who are linked inseparably to the lineage of the Dalai Lamas. They should accordingly carry out the procedures of search and recognition in accordance with past tradition. In unequivocal terms, he reiterated, I hereby reiterate that the Gaden Phodrang Trust has sole authority to recognize the future reincarnation; no one else has any such authority to interfere in this matter. The statement was shared both in video and written form on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday. In the video post, His Holiness can be seen reading the statement aloud. Advertisement While the statement appears to have been given on May 31, 2025, it was made public on July 2 just four days before His Holinesss birthday on July 6. On June 30, His Holiness attended a public ceremony organized by the people of Dhomey Province in Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh, to celebrate his 90th birthday according to the Tibetan lunar calendar (5th Tibetan day of the 5th Tibetan month). The announcement regarding the continuation of the 600-year-old institution comes amid growing concerns that China may appoint its own successor in an attempt to tighten control over Tibet. His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama issued the statement just days before the 15th Tibetan Religious Conference, which is being attended by representatives of all major Tibetan Buddhist traditions. The conference is taking place in McLeod Ganj, where the Dalai Lama has resided since fleeing Tibet following the 1959 uprising. Meanwhile, Beijing continues to assert that the selection of the next Dalai Lama must comply with Chinese law, reinforcing its claim over Tibetan Buddhism and rejecting any spiritual succession that occurs outside its authority. (For more news apart from Dalai Lama Affirms Gaden Phodrang Trusts Sole Authority to Recognize His Reincarnation and no One else, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman.) Trump Claims Israel Agrees to Conditions for 60-Day Ceasefire in Gaza Al Jazeera, citing medical sources, reported that at least 68 Palestinians were killed in Gaza on Sunday, including 47... Trump Claims Israel Agrees to Conditions for 60-Day Ceasefire in Gaza Former U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday claimed that Israel has agreed to the necessary conditions to finalize a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza. Advertisement In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote, My representatives had a long and productive meeting with the Israelis today on Gaza. Israel has agreed to the necessary conditions to finalize the 60-day CEASEFIRE, during which time we will work with all parties to end the war. He also acknowledged the significant role of Qatar and Egypt in facilitating the ceasefire negotiations. The Qataris and Egyptians, who have worked very hard to help bring peace, will deliver this final proposal, his post read. Trump issued a stern warning to Hamas, saying that rejecting the deal would only lead to worse outcomes. I hope, for the good of the Middle East, that Hamas takes this deal, because it will not get better IT WILL ONLY GET WORSE, he emphasized. Advertisement The announcement comes ahead of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus scheduled visit to the United States on July 7. According to ANI, citing Al Jazeera, Israel continues to launch heavy aerial strikes on Gaza. On Monday alone, the Israeli military reportedly carried out at least 50 airstrikes, primarily targeting eastern Gaza City, following evacuation orders issued to residents. Al Jazeera, citing medical sources, reported that at least 68 Palestinians were killed in Gaza on Sunday, including 47 in Gaza City and northern areas of the territory. Advertisement According to Gazas Health Ministry, the ongoing conflict has so far claimed over 56,500 Palestinian lives and wounded 133,419. Meanwhile, around 1,139 people were killed in Israel during Hamass October 7 attacks, and approximately 200 individuals were taken captive. (For more news apart from Trump Claims Israel Agrees to Conditions for 60-Day Ceasefire in Gaza, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman.) Trump Hints at Elon Musk's Deportation: "well have to take a look" I dont know, well have to take a look, Trump Hints at Elon Musk's Deportation: "well have to take a look" Trump on Elon Musk's Deportation: During an exchange with reporters on Tuesday morning, U.S. President Donald Trump suggested he may consider reviewing the immigration status of tech billionaire Elon Musk, according to a report by FOX 35 Orlando. Advertisement The remarks came as Trump was en route to Florida to visit a newly established immigration detention center in the Everglades. While boarding Air Force One from the White House, a reporter asked the President if he planned to deport Elon Musk. I dont know, well have to take a look, Trump responded. We might have to put DOGE on Elon, you know. He then elaborated in his usual animated tone, Do you know what DOGE is? DOGE is the monster that might have to go back and eat Elon, before shifting the conversation to Tesla subsidies and electric vehicle mandates, the report stated. Advertisement Strained Relations After Political Fallout Earlier this year, the two were allied, with Trump appointing Musk to head the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). However, the relationship has deteriorated in recent weeks after Musk publicly opposed Trumps Big Beautiful Bill. Musk warned that the legislation would kill jobs and bog down industries, and went so far as to declare that he would start a new political party if the bill becomes law. Advertisement The controversial bill passed the House and is now advancing through the Senate, with a deadline of July 4 for final approval. Trump: Without Subsidies, Elon Would Have to Head Back On July 1, Trump escalated his criticism of Musk in a post on Truth Social, saying, Elon Musk knew, long before he so strongly Endorsed me for President, that I was strongly against the EV Mandate. It is ridiculous, and was always a major part of my campaign. Electric cars are fine, but not everyone should be forced to own one. Elon may get more subsidy than any human being in history, by far, and without subsidies, Elon would probably have to close up shop and head back home to South Africa. No more Rocket launches, Satellites, or Electric Car Production, and our Country would save a FORTUNE. Perhaps we should have DOGE take a good, hard, look at this? BIG MONEY TO BE SAVED!!! Advertisement While it remains unclear whether Trump was speaking literally about deportation or using hyperbole to criticize Musk, the remarks have fueled further speculation about the fallout between the two high-profile figures. (For more news apart from Trump Hints at Elon Musk's Deportation: "well have to take a look", stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman.) Market liberalisation A hot summer for the Romanian economy and society. Photo: alyoshine / pixabay.com Bogdan Matei, 02.07.2025, 14:00 A cap on electricity prices has been eliminated from 1st July, which means that electricity bills will be significantly higher from now on. Almost 4 million households will receive monthly support of 50 lei, the equivalent of 10 euros, in the form of vouchers, to help with the payment of electricity bills. The money will be granted until the end of March next year. A cap on RCA tariffs, namely the mandatory civil liability insurance policy for motor vehicles in Romania, also came to an end on Tuesday, a measure taken two years ago following the bankruptcy of the insurance company Euroins. The Financial Supervisory Authority says the market has stabilised and that it does not expect any major price increases. Amid uncertainties with respect to the economic and social prospects, the car market appears to be shrinking. The number of new registrations was down 22% in the first 6 months of the year compared with the same period last year, according to preliminary figures published by the Association of Car Producers and Importers. Electrical cars also saw an even bigger drop last month compared to June last year, amounting to 54%. The purchase of second-hand cars, however, saw a rise of almost 30% in the first 6 months of the year compared with last year. In terms of number of registrations, the local brand Dacia is in the lead, followed by Toyota and Skoda. This all comes amid efforts from the government to cut the budget deficit, the highest in the European Unions 27 member states. By the end of the year, Romania is expected to balance its budget by some 30 billion lei, the equivalent of 6 billion euros, for rating agencies not to demote it to junk category, a category not suitable for investment. Ten billion is to be obtained by prioritising investment, 10 more from the adjustment of taxes and another ten from cutting spending. Political sources say the ruling coalition is still discussing the two VAT thresholds to be announced by prime minister Ilie Bolojan and that it is possible for the general level to be increased from 19 to 21%. Whats for certain is that the cost of living will be higher, and trade unions from all sectors have already begun to stage protests and are threatening with an all-out strike if the government doesnt go back on its decision to cut the bonuses of public sector employees. The leaders of trade union confederations are requesting an emergency meeting with the prime minister and have called on president Nicusor Dan to mediate this social conflict. Cartel Alfa announced a large protest outside Parliament, most likely on 15th July, when an extraordinary session of Parliament is expected to adopt the new tax and budget measures. Within a day of a ceasefire, Iran's parliament has passed a resolution calling on the regime to suspend the country's cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency, or IAEA. Lawmakers in Islamic Consultative Assembly, known as the Majles, chanted "Death to America" and "Death to Israel", Iranian state-controlled IRIB TV Channel reported. The vote by Iran's Parliament needs approval by the Supreme National Security Council, chaired by President Masoud Pezeshkian, to come into effect. Sunday, Iranian parliament's national security and foreign policy committee had proposed the closure of Strait of Hormuz in protest against US bombardment of Iranian nuclear sites. The development comes within hours of the UN nuclear watchdog proposing to meet Iranian Foreign Minister to speed up efforts to resume cooperation between the two entities. "Resuming cooperation with the IAEA is key to a successful diplomatic agreement to finally resolve the dispute over Iran's nuclear activities. I've written to Foreign Minister Araghchi stressing the importance of us working together and proposing to meet soon," IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said in a letter to Iranian Foreign Minister Dr Abbas Araghchi Tuesday. After US B-2 stealth bombers bombed three of Iran's nuclear facilities over the weekend, Grossi appealed for immediate access to the targeted sites to assess the damage that is likely "very significant". Meanwhile, a ceasefire between Iran and Israel is apparently holding, reports say. In the latest development, Israeli defense minister Israel Katz on Wednesday designated the Central Bank of Iran as a terrorist organization. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will announce at the NATO summit Wednesday that the UK will buy at least a dozen new F-35A fighter jets, which can carry both nuclear and conventional weapons. Starmer will also announce UK's intention join NATO's dual capable aircraft nuclear mission in a major boost for national security, the Prime Minister's Office said in a press release. The decision will support 20,000 jobs in the F35 program in the UK, with 15 percent of the global supply chain for the jet planes based in Britain, supporting highly skilled jobs and opportunities for working people and delivering a defense dividend across the country, it added. The fleet of the new fast jets will be based at RAF Marham, one of the Royal Air Force's 'main operating bases'. with the Government expected to procure 138 F35s over the lifetime of the program. The procurement of 12 F-35A rather than 12 F-35B as part of the next procurement package will deliver a saving of up to 25% per aircraft for the taxpayer. The Prime Minister's Office said the Government is expected to procure 138 F35s over the lifetime of the program. The purchase represents the biggest strengthening of the UK's nuclear posture in a generation. It also reintroduces a nuclear role for the Royal Air Force for the first time since the UK retired its sovereign air-launched nuclear weapons following the end of the Cold War. The UK will deploy the jets as part of NATO's nuclear Dual Capable Aircraft mission, strengthening NATO's nuclear deterrence posture. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News Oil prices were flat to slightly higher on Wednesday as investors braced for OPEC+ supply increases. A softer U.S. dollar helped prop up prices ahead of the release of official U.S. crude inventory report from the Energy Information Administration. Benchmark Brent crude futures edged up by 0.3 percent to $67.31 a barrel in European trade while WTI crude futures were up 0.2 percent at $65.56. The July 6 meeting of OPEC+ will mark a pivotal moment for global oil , with the cartel expected to hike August output by 411,000 bpd. The August increase, if approved, would mark the fourth straight monthly boost aimed at clawing back market share lost during its 2023-2024 output cuts. Surprisingly, the cartel's ambition to unwind all voluntary cuts by year-end comes against a backdrop of cooling geopolitical tensions and U.S.-China trade uncertainties. The official government inventory report may garner attention later in the day after industry data showed a surprise build in U.S. crude stocks for the week ended June 28. American Petroleum Institute data late on Tuesday showed that U.S. crude oil inventories rose by 680,000 barrels in the past week against expectations a decrease of about 2.3M barrels. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Market Analysis CytoSorbents (CTSO) issued a regulatory update on its marketing applications for DrugSorb-ATR with the FDA and Health Canada. On June 27, 2025, the FDA confirmed the scheduling of an appeal hearing date for the company's requested supervisory review. The company continues to believe remaining deficiencies in its De Novo Request can be effectively resolved through this supervisory review process. Also, on June 26, 2025, Health Canada issued a Notice of Refusal of the company's Medical Device License application, citing non-compliance with certain Medical Devices Regulations. As part of Health Canada's prescribed reconsideration process, the company intends to file a Level 1 Request for Reconsideration with the Medical Devices Directorate Bureau Director by July 25, 2025. Phillip Chan, CEO of CytoSorbents, said: "We remain confident in the strength of our regulatory submissions and are committed to working through the appeals processes in a timely manner with both FDA and Health Canada. We continue to expect final regulatory decisions by the end of this year." For More Such Health News, visit rttnews.com. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News President Donald Trump says Israel has "agreed to the necessary conditions" to finalize a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza. In a statement posted on his social media platform Truth Social Tuesday, Trump said that in the meantime, Washington would "work with all parties to end the War." Trump did not elaborate on the conditions to lay down arms and whether Hamas would accept them. "My Representatives had a long and productive meeting with the Israelis today on Gaza," Trump wrote Tuesday. "Israel has agreed to the necessary conditions to finalize the 60 Day CEASEFIRE, during which time we will work with all parties to end the War. The Qataris and Egyptians, who have worked very hard to help bring Peace, will deliver this final proposal. I hope, for the good of the Middle East, that Hamas takes this Deal, because it will not get better IT WILL ONLY GET WORSE. Thank you for your attention to this matter!" Qatar, which has been mediating between Hamas and Israel for a truce, had reportedly presented to both the warring parties a new proposal to suspend hostilities for two months. G7 Foreign Ministers have reiterated their support for the ceasefire between Israel and Iran announced by U.S. President Trump, and urged all parties to avoid actions that could further destabilize the region. "We appreciate Qatar's important role in facilitating the ceasefire and express our full solidarity to Qatar and Iraq following the recent strikes by Iran and its proxies and partners against their territory," says a joint statement released by the Foreign Ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, UK and the United States and the High Representative of the European Union. They urged Iran to refrain from reconstituting its unjustified enrichment activities and to urgently resume cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Political News The Commissioner for Human Rights of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Dmytro Lubinets, called the calls of members of parliament for him to reappoint Taras Kremen as the Commissioner for the Protection of the State Language pressure on the Ombudsman's Office as an independent institution. He recalled that there are three subjects of nomination for this position. One of them is the Ombudsman of Ukraine. "A group of deputies signed a letter to the Commissioner with a request to nominate Mr. Taras. My answer is very simple. Firstly, the deadline for submitting a candidacy has expired. Secondly, I have fully complied with the requirements of the current legislation - within the period prescribed by law, I have already submitted my candidacy," he said in response to a question from the Interfax-Ukraine agency during the press conference "The Brave Change the World." Lubinets noted that if the government decides not to approve the candidates, he is ready to return to this issue again. "However, I want to emphasize clearly: one of the fundamental articles of the profile law on the Commissioner of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine for Human Rights is the principle of independence from all authorities () So, with such actions, when they try to put pressure on the Commissioner in this way, this is not a question of Lubinets - this is a question of the functioning of an independent institution," he said. The Ombudsman also announced that he was ready to openly communicate with people's deputies and meet with them, as he had already done with Kremen. He also noted the potential of the candidacy he nominated, Olena Ivanovska. According to Lubinets, she can become one of the best commissioners for the protection of the state language. "I have submitted my candidacy. Now we are waiting for the government's decision. If the government decides not to approve this candidacy and again authorizes the three entities to submit new candidacies, then I will again consider various candidacies including, possibly, the candidacy of Mr. Taras. However, I emphasize: so that this does not sound like top news now Lubinets is ready to nominate Taras Kremen. Legally, Lubinets cannot do this. And with all due respect to everyone, the Commissioner for Human Rights acts exclusively within the law and determines the candidacy in accordance with the law," he emphasized. Earlier, on July 1, a group of 22 deputies of the Verkhovna Rada appealed to Lubinets with an appeal to submit the candidacy of the current Commissioner for the Protection of the State Language Kremen for reappointment as the Language Ombudsman. As reported, according to the Cabinet of Ministers, for the position of Language Ombudsman, the Commissioner of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine for Human Rights Dmytro Lubinets nominated philologist Olena Ivanovska, First Deputy Minister of Culture and Strategic Communications of Ukraine Halyna Hryhorenko nominated Deputy State Secretary of the Cabinet of Ministers Pavlo Polyansky and Vice Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration - Minister of Justice of Ukraine Olha Stefanishyna nominated philologist Iryna Koval-Fuchylo. Later, Koval-Fuchylo withdrew her candidacy, and Stefanishyna nominated actor Oleksandr Zavalsky. In a comment to the Interfax-Ukraine agency, the acting Language Ombudsman Taras Kremin stated that he had not been consulted regarding a possible reappointment to the position, but he would be interested in continuing his work. On June 19, cultural figures called on the authorities to reappoint Kremen to the position of Commissioner for the Protection of the State Language for the next term. As of June 27, 163 artists, cultural and public figures, human rights activists, educational and scientific figures, regional journalists and editors had already signed the appeal. On June 20, the former head of the Ukrainian Institute of National Remembrance (UINP), a deputy of the Verkhovna Rada, Volodymyr Viatrovych (European Solidarity faction), criticized Zavalsky's candidacy and the authorities' actions regarding the institution of a language ombudsman. Honda 2W sales fell sharply in domestic markets while the company witnessed strong global demand Honda Motorcycles and Scooters India (HMSI) have announced their sales figures for the month of June 2025. In the past month, the company sold a total of 4,29,147 units which included 3,88,812 unit sales in domestic markets while 40,335 units were exported. Honda 2W YoY, MoM Sales June 2025 Honda 2W domestic sales declined by 19.43% to 3,88,812 units in June 2025, down from 4,82,597 units sold in June 2024. This was a volume de-growth of 93,785 units. Exports showed off positive results with an 11.42% YoY improvement with 40,335 units shipped last month from 36,202 units exported in the same month last year. Total sales suffered a 17.28% setback, down to 4,29,147 units, from 5,18,799 units sold in June 2024. On a month-on-month (MoM) basis as well, Honda 2W sales fell sharply. It was a 6.82% decline in domestic sales from 4,17,256 units sold in May 2025 while exports fell by 15.72% from 47,859 units shipped in May 2025 to 40,335 units in the past month. Total sales thus fell 7.73% MoM as against 4,65,115 units of May 2025. Honda 2W YTD Sales June 2025 Weaker domestic demand but better attraction in global markets has been recorded for Q1 FY26 (AprilJune 2025). Honda 2W domestic sales declined by 13.10% to 12,28,961 units in this period, down from 14,14,232 unit sales of the same 3 month period of the previous year. Sustained global demand showed off an improvement of 5.18% YTD to 1,46,159 units in the April-June 2025 period, up by 7,199 units over 1,38,960 units shipped in the 2024 period. Total YTD sales declined by 11.46% to 13,75,120 units, a volume decline by 1,78,072 units as compared to 15,53,192 units sold in the same three month period of last year. The company added a new model to its premium motorcycle lineup. The 2025 XL750 Transalp was launched in June at Rs 10,99,990 (ex-showroom Gurugram). Bookings are open via Honda BigWing dealerships, with deliveries set to commence from later this month. Honda also announced the BaaS Lite Plan for Activa e under which users can opt for Rs 678 per month so as to make EV ownership more affordable. HMSI continued with its various CSI efforts in terms of road safety awareness programs across several states while the company hosted a summer camp at the Delhi Traffic Training Park. The company also celebrated International Yoga Day. Hyundai Motor India Ltd (HMIL) has announced that the Hyundai Creta has emerged as the highest-selling passenger vehicle in India for June 2025. Recording an impressive 15,786 units sold during the month, Creta has reaffirmed its status as one of the most beloved SUVs among Indian customers. Celebrating 10 Years of Creta The achievement holds special significance as it coincides with the 10th anniversary of the Creta in India, marking a decade of leadership in the countrys fiercely competitive 4.3m SUV segment. Since its launch in 2015, Creta has dominated the segment year after year, earning it the reputation of being the segment-defining SUV so much so that the category itself is popularly dubbed the Creta segment. Best-Selling SUV in H1 2025 In the first half of 2025 (January to June), Hyundai Creta was also Indias highest-selling SUV, clinching the top-selling model tag three times in March, April, and June. Over the past decade, the Creta has sold over 1.2 million units, establishing a deep emotional connect with Indian families. From daily commutes to long-distance getaways, the Creta has become an integral part of millions of lives. Commenting on this milestone, Mr. Tarun Garg, Whole-Time Director and Chief Operating Officer, Hyundai Motor India Ltd., said, CRETA is not just a product, it is an emotion for over 1.2 million Indian families. Over the last decade, brand CRETA has consistently redefined the SUV space and remained a strong pillar of Hyundais growth in India. Becoming the best-selling model in June 2025, exactly as it completes 10 years in the country, is a testament to the love and trust that Indian customers have placed in the brand. In fact Hyundai CRETA has been the highest-selling mid-size SUV in the country every completed year since its launch in 2015. Such has been its impact that the segment is now fondly called the CRETA segment, a true testament to the brands leadership. As we look ahead, we remain committed to elevating customer experiences further and driving the future of mobility through innovation, safety, and sustainability. With the recent launch of the Hyundai Creta Electric, the company has taken further steps towards a greener future, expanding the Creta nameplate into the EV segment while retaining its hallmarks of advanced safety, innovation, and technology. As Hyundai celebrates a decade of the Cretas presence in India, the company remains committed to driving future mobility with innovation, sustainability, and customer-focused experiences. Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) reported total monthly sales of 60,924 units in June 2025, comprising 44,024 units in the domestic market and 16,900 units exported. This marked a 5.99% decline over June 2024s overall tally of 64,803 units, largely attributed to weak domestic sentiments, which saw a 12.13% contraction. Hyundai Sales June 2025 and Q1 FY 2026 However, exports showed strength, rising by nearly 15% year-on-year for June 2025. SUVs remained a bright spot, contributing 67.6% of Hyundais total domestic sales in June 2025, showcasing the continued popularity of Hyundais SUV portfolio in India. In quarterly terms, Q1 FY26 (April-June 2025) sales stood at 1,80,399 units, down 6.07% compared to 1,92,055 units in Q1 FY25. Domestic sales in Q1 were 1,32,259 units, reflecting an 11.51% drop over the same period last year. Meanwhile, exports grew impressively by 13% year-on-year in Q1 FY26 to 48,140 units, up from 42,600 units in Q1 FY25. This pushed the contribution of exports to total sales up to 26.7%, compared to 22.2% last year. Commenting on HMIL sales, Mr. Tarun Garg, Whole-time Director and Chief Operating Officer, HMIL said, Underscoring the global appeal of Hyundai vehicles, we recorded a 13% year-on-year growth in export volumes for Q1 FY2026, with 48,140 units shipped compared to 42,600 units in the same period last year. This has elevated the share of exports to 26.7% of total sales in Q1 FY2026, up from 22.2% in Q1 FY2025. In the domestic market, the geopolitical situation continued to affect the market sentiment with domestic sales registering 44,024 units in June 2025. As we come closer to the beginning of production at the Talegaon plant, we remain cautiously optimistic about a gradual recovery of demand, supported by reduction in repo rates and improving liquidity on account of cut in CRR. We are closely watching the global geopolitical scenario and are committed to delivering value and innovation to our customers across both domestic and export markets. Mahindra is stirring excitement with a brand-new teaser for Vision.S, ahead of its much-anticipated Freedom_NU event scheduled on August 15 in Mumbai. The event name celebrates Indias Independence Day (Freedom) while hinting at Mahindras future vehicle architecture NU a flexible new platform that will support both hybrid (ICE) and electric vehicles. What is Mahindra Vision.S? The teaser, posted by Mahindra Automotive on its social channels, features both the ICE and Mahindra Electric Origin logos, strongly indicating that the upcoming Freedom_NU platform will be capable of supporting multiple powertrains, including petrol, diesel, EV and potentially hybrids. Mahindra has earlier teased Vision.T, speculated to preview an Electric Thar. The newly teased Vision.S is expected to preview either the Electric Scorpio N or its pickup derivative or perhaps an entirely new product in Mahindras SUV portfolio. The Vision.S teaser gives little away, but considering Mahindras product roadmap and the hashtag Freedom_NU, it may preview the electrified future of the hugely popular Scorpio N or the Scorpio N pickup. These two products have been in the spotlight recently, with the Scorpio N pickup concept shown in 2023 now seen testing on Indian roads. Scorpio N Electric and Pickup Possibilities The Scorpio N pickup will be a global product, heading to markets like Australia, South Africa, and the Middle East. It is likely to borrow the 2.2L diesel engine from the Scorpio N SUV, with a petrol option also possible to keep costs in check and meet evolving emissions standards. High ground clearance, multiple drive modes, 44 options, and a tough suspension setup with leaf springs for load-carrying ability are all expected, especially after test mules were spied recently with visible changes from the Cape Town concept. The Scorpio N Electric, meanwhile, could use the same rugged body-on-frame approach adapted to house battery packs and an electric powertrain, maintaining the Scorpios legendary off-road prowess while delivering a zero-emissions alternative. Freedom_NU Platform A Flexible Future Mahindras Freedom_NU platform (possibly an evolved form of its New Flexible Architecture or NFA) is being positioned as the brands next big leap designed to integrate petrol, diesel, hybrid, and electric powertrains in a single modular base. The teasers closing moments, flashing both ICE and electric logos, strongly reinforce this direction. As interest in lifestyle SUVs and pickups surges, Mahindra appears to be building a future-ready lineup that will appeal to both traditional adventure enthusiasts and new-age electric adopters. The official unveiling on August 15th is set to be a blockbuster, with the Vision.T and Vision.S concepts likely to take center stage, along with Mahindras new hybrid- and EV-capable architecture. Stay tuned as Mahindra redefines freedom for the next generation of Indian mobility. China Brand Fair in Budapest boosts economic ties with CEEC Xinhua) 13:29, June 27, 2025 Visitors communicate with Chinese exhibitors at the China Brand Fair in Budapest, Hungary, June 26, 2025. The China Brand Fair 2025 kicked off here on Thursday, bringing together over 270 companies from 17 Chinese provinces and municipalities. Since its inception in 2015, the China Brand Fair has been held seven times in Hungary. The 2025 edition features 10,000 square meters of exhibition space and products spanning electronics, machinery, building materials, fitness equipment, textiles, daily goods, and food items. (Photo by Sandor Bankuti/Xinhua) BUDAPEST, June 26 (Xinhua) -- The China Brand Fair 2025 kicked off here on Thursday, bringing together over 270 companies from 17 Chinese provinces and municipalities. Janos Latorcai, deputy speaker of the Hungarian National Assembly, highlighted the fair's strategic significance in his opening remarks. "China has become Hungary's most important trading partner outside Europe and, at the same time, the most important source of foreign investment in our country," he said. "Whether in technological innovation, sustainable development, infrastructure, energy, or education, the potential for cooperation is virtually limitless," he added. Erno Peto, president of the Hungarian-Chinese Chamber of Economy, reflected on the event's growth. "From the very beginning, the fair has aimed to build a bridge between businesses in China and Central and Eastern European countries (CEEC), and to promote trade and economic cooperation." He underscored the rapid rise in bilateral trade, stating that "economic relations between China and the CEE region, including Hungary, have developed successfully and at a much more dynamic pace than before." Chen Yiwei, minister counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Hungary, also pointed to record growth in economic exchange. "In 2024, the bilateral trade volume between China and Hungary reached 16.205 billion U.S. dollars, a record high, an increase of 11.6 percent year-on-year." She expressed hope that the fair "will inject new impetus into the pragmatic economic and trade cooperation between China and Hungary, and China and CEEC." Deng Bo, deputy director of the Trade Development Bureau of the Ministry of Commerce of China, encouraged exhibitors to fully utilize Hungary's logistics advantages in terms of its location and channel value, and to use the China-Europe Express to "improve the circulation speed and competitiveness of the two countries' products." "While promoting Chinese brand products, Chinese companies actively introduce Hungary's advantageous products to jointly promote the balance of trade," he said. Since its inception in 2015, the China Brand Fair has been held seven times in Hungary. The exhibition continues to support the Belt and Road Initiative and aims to strengthen connectivity and trade between China and CEEC. The 2025 edition features 10,000 square meters of exhibition space and products spanning electronics, machinery, building materials, fitness equipment, textiles, daily goods, and food items. Hosted by the Trade Development Bureau of China's Ministry of Commerce and organized by the Central European Trade and Logistics Cooperation Zone (CECZ), the three-day event is expected to attract over 7,000 professional buyers from Hungary, Serbia, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, and other regional markets. Visitors are pictured at the China Brand Fair in Budapest, Hungary, June 26, 2025. The China Brand Fair 2025 kicked off here on Thursday, bringing together over 270 companies from 17 Chinese provinces and municipalities. Since its inception in 2015, the China Brand Fair has been held seven times in Hungary. The 2025 edition features 10,000 square meters of exhibition space and products spanning electronics, machinery, building materials, fitness equipment, textiles, daily goods, and food items. (Photo by Sandor Bankuti/Xinhua) Visitors communicate with Chinese exhibitors at the China Brand Fair in Budapest, Hungary, June 26, 2025. The China Brand Fair 2025 kicked off here on Thursday, bringing together over 270 companies from 17 Chinese provinces and municipalities. Since its inception in 2015, the China Brand Fair has been held seven times in Hungary. The 2025 edition features 10,000 square meters of exhibition space and products spanning electronics, machinery, building materials, fitness equipment, textiles, daily goods, and food items. (Photo by Sandor Bankuti/Xinhua) A visitor communicates with Chinese exhibitors at the China Brand Fair in Budapest, Hungary, June 26, 2025. The China Brand Fair 2025 kicked off here on Thursday, bringing together over 270 companies from 17 Chinese provinces and municipalities. Since its inception in 2015, the China Brand Fair has been held seven times in Hungary. The 2025 edition features 10,000 square meters of exhibition space and products spanning electronics, machinery, building materials, fitness equipment, textiles, daily goods, and food items. (Photo by Sandor Bankuti/Xinhua) Visitors communicate with Chinese exhibitors at the China Brand Fair in Budapest, Hungary, June 26, 2025. The China Brand Fair 2025 kicked off here on Thursday, bringing together over 270 companies from 17 Chinese provinces and municipalities. Since its inception in 2015, the China Brand Fair has been held seven times in Hungary. The 2025 edition features 10,000 square meters of exhibition space and products spanning electronics, machinery, building materials, fitness equipment, textiles, daily goods, and food items. (Photo by Sandor Bankuti/Xinhua) Lion dancers perform during the opening ceremony of the China Brand Fair in Budapest, Hungary, June 26, 2025. The China Brand Fair 2025 kicked off here on Thursday, bringing together over 270 companies from 17 Chinese provinces and municipalities. Since its inception in 2015, the China Brand Fair has been held seven times in Hungary. The 2025 edition features 10,000 square meters of exhibition space and products spanning electronics, machinery, building materials, fitness equipment, textiles, daily goods, and food items. (Photo by Sandor Bankuti/Xinhua) Visitors take a selfie with a Chinese electric motorbike at the China Brand Fair in Budapest, Hungary, June 26, 2025. The China Brand Fair 2025 kicked off here on Thursday, bringing together over 270 companies from 17 Chinese provinces and municipalities. Since its inception in 2015, the China Brand Fair has been held seven times in Hungary. The 2025 edition features 10,000 square meters of exhibition space and products spanning electronics, machinery, building materials, fitness equipment, textiles, daily goods, and food items. (Photo by Sandor Bankuti/Xinhua) Visitors communicate with a Chinese exhibitor at the China Brand Fair in Budapest, Hungary, June 26, 2025. The China Brand Fair 2025 kicked off here on Thursday, bringing together over 270 companies from 17 Chinese provinces and municipalities. Since its inception in 2015, the China Brand Fair has been held seven times in Hungary. The 2025 edition features 10,000 square meters of exhibition space and products spanning electronics, machinery, building materials, fitness equipment, textiles, daily goods, and food items. (Photo by Sandor Bankuti/Xinhua) Visitors communicate with a Chinese exhibitor at the China Brand Fair in Budapest, Hungary, June 26, 2025. The China Brand Fair 2025 kicked off here on Thursday, bringing together over 270 companies from 17 Chinese provinces and municipalities. Since its inception in 2015, the China Brand Fair has been held seven times in Hungary. The 2025 edition features 10,000 square meters of exhibition space and products spanning electronics, machinery, building materials, fitness equipment, textiles, daily goods, and food items. (Photo by Sandor Bankuti/Xinhua) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Assyrian Genocide Movie Screening Sparks Powerful Community Reflections This haunting question echoed deeply in the hearts of everyone who watched Souls in Transit. Long after the credits rolled, the words lingered--not as a mere question, but as a command for the descendants of Sayfo Genocide survivors. Their roots stretch deep into a history soaked in the blood of unspeakable violence. For them, this is not a question to ponder quietly. It is a call to remember, to speak, and to carry forward the legacy of a people who refuse to be forgotten. Why? Because, as the director put it, "Without recognition, the genocide will not stop." Not "did not." Will not. This isn't just about what happened--it's about what still happens when the world turns away. And silence only deepens the wounds of history. Two screenings of the documentary in the United States--one in New Jersey and another in Massachusetts--brought this community together. Momentarily, the labels faded away, replaced by shared silence, collective mourning, and a profound ache of recognition. The film sparked a renewed sense of resilience and hope for the future of the Syriac (Aramean--Assyrian--Chaldean) community, reminding all who attended of the unbroken thread of survival. Two Screenings, One Shared Wound On June 15th, the Teaneck Cinemas in New Jersey hosted a screening attended by members of three Syriac Orthodox churches in the area: St. Mark's Cathedral, Church of the Virgin Mary, and St. Gabriel's Church. Two days later, on June 17th, the film was shown at Regal Cinemas in Marlborough, Massachusetts, with St. Mary's Syriac Orthodox Church as one of the key organizers. These gatherings were more than film viewings--they were moments of communal participation where elders, adults, and youth came together. The youth in particular were drawn to the film's message, showing the vital role younger generations play in keeping history alive, ensuring the Sayfo is never silenced, and that it will never happen again. The Director's Mission: Courage in Dangerous Truths Aida Schlaepfer Al Hassani, the Iraqi-born director and filmmaker behind Souls in Transit, is not a member of the Syriac community. Coming from a Muslim background, she embraced the story not out of heritage, but out of humanity. A "post-war child," as she called herself, her message is clear: recognizing these atrocities is a human obligation, not merely a cultural or religious one. Though much of our community in the diaspora now lives in safety, our ancestors were violently driven from their homeland. Al Hassani, too, faced real risks in bringing this story to life, echoing the very dangers that forced so many of our people into exile. Unfortunately the details of her struggle must stay confidential due to continued dangers she faces in bringing the truth out. Aida's conviction is summed up in her own words: "Without recognition, the genocide will not stop." This truth pulses through the film and through every screening. Words That Stay With Us: Quotes from the Film Beyond recounting atrocities, Souls in Transit is a meditation on memory--on who gets to record history, and whose stories are allowed to endure. Director Aida Schlaepfer Al Hassani reminds us that in the absence of preserved records, the voices of survivors bear the greatest weight. "Their voices are the true documents," she said, emphasizing that lived testimony carries a truth more powerful than any written archive. These aren't just stories--they are historical evidence. Yet the tragedy is compounded by the world's indifference. As the film solemnly observes, "The world is listening and answering in silence." That silence is not just absence--it is complicity. In pairing these two insights, the film confronts us with a choice: to dismiss these voices as echoes of the past, or to recognize them as living proof demanding justice, remembrance, and response. Reflections from the Massachusetts Screening At the Massachusetts screening, Malaak Massoud--a young Suryoyo woman known for her Instagram channel, where she teaches the Turoyo language--shared reflections from the event. She described the deep emotional impact the film had on attendees and on herself personally, as a youth who moved from Zalin (Qamishli), Syria to the United States. For Malaak, the film was not just a history lesson, but a powerful reminder of the importance of language preservation and cultural identity. Hearing survivors' stories in their own voices stirred within her a renewed commitment to keep her heritage alive and vibrant for future generations. Before the film began, several speakers helped bridge the past and present. Dr. Elyse Semerdjian, an Armenian Genocide historian and churchgoer, spoke eloquently about the shared sufferings of Assyrians and Armenians under the Ottoman Empire. She introduced the concept of epigenetic trauma--the idea that the pain and violence endured by ancestors is etched into the DNA of their descendants, shaping their lives today. Rama Hanna from the Women's Committee spoke about the legacy the film highlighted--not just a history in the past, but something deeply carried in the hearts of the community. She called it a "renewed pride in their roots" and a "responsibility to honor those who came before". Unspoken Grief and Healing The film unlocked grief that often remains unspoken in many homes and gatherings. The footage was difficult to watch, yet its raw honesty created a powerful space for healing. After the screenings, conversations blossomed--memories shared, stories revisited. One man from New Jersey courageously recounted the story of his grandmother's abduction and miraculous escape from attackers, a story he had rarely told before. These moments brought people closer, weaving shared pain into collective strength. After the screenings, youth were seen gathered in groups discussing the topic and even their own hopes for the future generation's remembrance of the Sayfo. Souls in Transit, Paving The Way For Our People Souls in Transit highlighted a community united in suffering despite diverse backgrounds and denominations. Attendees came not only from Syriac Orthodox churches but also from the Assyrian Church of the East. Friends drove from Connecticut to join the screenings, showing a solidarity that transcends theological, linguistic, and historical divides. The film and these events illuminated a larger truth: that the Syriac (Aramean--Assyrian--Chaldean) people, whatever their branch or name, are one nation, bonded by shared history. Recognition must begin from within the community's own voices. The screenings of Souls in Transit serve as powerful reminders that we are living proof of survival. Language, memory, and storytelling are not only acts of preservation but acts of resistance. As one attendee poignantly summarized, "Sayfo is not just a history--it is a mission." French President Emmanuel Macron had a telephone conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday, presidential communications adviser Dmytro Lytvyn said. "Yesterday there was such a call, in particular, the French president told the Ukrainian president about the conversation with Putin, we are not giving more details yet," Lytvyn said in a comment to reporters. According to the materials of the SBU, the Ukrainian citizenship of Orest Berezovsky (the so-called Metropolitan of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate) has been terminated, the SBU said on Telegram on Wednesday. "According to materials of the SBU [State Security Service], the Ukrainian citizenship of Orest Berezovsky, who is better known as the figure of the UOC (MP) Onufry, has been terminated. The corresponding Decree was signed by the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky," the message says. According to the Ukrainian special services, the SBU established that Berezovsky (Onufriy) voluntarily obtained Russian citizenship in 2002. "He did not inform the authorized authorities of Ukraine about this. At the same time, after that he continued to use the status of a citizen of our state," the report states. According to the information available to the Security Service of Ukraine, Berezovsky (Onufriy) maintains ties with the Moscow Patriarchate and deliberately opposed the acquisition of canonical independence of the Ukrainian Church from the Moscow Patriarchate, whose representatives openly support Russian aggression against Ukraine. "Despite the full-scale invasion, Berezovsky (Onufriy) actually continues to support the policy of the Russian Orthodox Church and its leadership, in particular Patriarch Kirill (Gundyaev)," the SBU emphasizes. The special service reminds that it was Gundyaev who "blessed the armed aggression of Russian troops and is pursuing a propaganda policy of justifying and inciting the genocide of the Ukrainian people." The Kharkiv City Council, at an extraordinary session on Wednesday, renamed two streets in honor of the Heroes of Ukraine, military pilots Maksym Ustymenko and Oleksiy Mes (call sign Moonfish). "The street located from Ipodrom Square to house No. 130-g on Sumska Street and further to Hryhoriy Skovoroda Street was named Maksym Ustymenko Street. And part of the alley located from Sumska Street to house No. 7 in Glisada Dzhusa Lane was renamed Moonfish Alley," the press service of the Kharkiv City Council said. As reported, Oleksiy Mes died on August 26, 2024, on an F-16 aircraft in a plane crash while repelling a massive combined missile and air strike by Russia on Ukraine. During the operation, he destroyed three cruise missiles and one strike UAV. Maksym Ustimenko died on the night of June 29, 2025, repelling a massive Russian attack on an F-16 fighter jet. He managed to destroy seven air targets, but while targeting the last target the plane was damaged, and the pilot steered the plane away from the settlement. He did not have time to eject. Bail has been posted in full for Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Unity Oleksiy Chernyshov, suspected of abuse of office and obtaining illegal benefits in a particularly large amount, in accordance with the decision of the High Anti-Corruption Court (HACC). "Bail has been posted in full for the suspect, as indicated in the court decision," HACC told Interfax-Ukraine on Wednesday. Earlier, on June 27, the Supreme Court of Criminal Procedure chose Chernyshov as a preventive measure in the form of a bail of UAH 120 million partially satisfying the request, in particular, refusing to wear an electronic monitoring device (bracelet). According to the court decision, the suspect is assigned the following duties: to appear at every call of a detective, prosecutor or court, to report a change in his place of residence and place of work, not to leave the territory of Ukraine without the permission of the investigator, prosecutor or court. The term of the duties assigned to Chernyshov is two months, that is, until August 27, 2025. During the meeting on the choice of a preventive measure, Chernyshov stated that he does not plan to flee anywhere and will cooperate with the investigation. Later, he stated that he does not plan to resign on his own. On July 1, Chernyshov's lawyers stated that they had already filed an appeal against the court's decision to choose a preventive measure in the form of a bail of UAH 120 million. On July 2, the Supreme Court of Ukraine refused to grant the motion to remove Chernyshov from the position of Vice Prime Minister. On June 23, the National Anti-corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Special Anti-corruption Prosecutors Office (SAPO) reported suspicion of abuse of office and obtaining unlawful benefits in an especially large amount for himself and third parties to Chernyshov. In particular, his actions in his former position as Minister of Development of Communities and Territories of Ukraine were qualified under Part 2 of Article 15, Part 2 of Article 28, Part 2 of Article 364, Part 4 of Article 368 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. According to the investigation, the developer and his proxy developed a scheme to illegally obtain a land plot in Kyiv for the construction of a residential complex, and Chernyshov was involved in the implementation of the scheme when he held the position of minister, his advisor, then state secretary of the ministry, and director of a state enterprise. Law enforcement officers believe that the minister created the conditions for transferring the land plot to the management of the specified state enterprise, the state secretary granted permission to make a significant economic commitment, and the director of the state enterprise illegally concluded investment contracts with the "necessary" construction company. According to them, the developer was to give the state a part of the future apartments in a quantity proportional to the cost of the land plot. In order to minimize this quantity, the land and the buildings on it were valued almost five times cheaper, and the difference between such an assessment and the market value exceeded UAH 1 billion. It is this amount that the state would have received less real estate in the event of the execution of the contracts. This was prevented by the arrest of the plot, which was imposed at the request of the NABU and the SAPO. Earlier, five people were reported about the suspicion, including: the former state secretary of the Ministry of Regional Development; the former advisor to the minister; the former director of the state enterprise; the developer and his proxy (organizers of the scheme). On June 17, the former State Secretary of the Ministry of Regional Development was taken into custody with the alternative of a bail of UAH 20 million. On June 20, the Supreme Court of Criminal Appeals arrested the developer - the organizer of the corruption scheme in the Ministry of Regional Development on bail set at UAH 100 million. French President Emmanuel Macron told a cabinet meeting on Wednesday that he was "optimistic" about Putin's determination to prevent Iran from leaving the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), "a little less" about Ukraine, Le Figaro has reported, citing a government spokeswoman. "He told us that he is quite optimistic about the position of Vladimir Putin, who will indeed be against Iran's withdrawal from this treaty. So it is a strong enough and important enough position to move towards a new framework for the Iranian nuclear program after the damage caused by the Israeli and American strikes. It is a truly diplomatic solution that will allow Iran to remain within the framework of the nuclear non-proliferation treaty and (gain) access for inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to Iranian territory," government spokeswoman Sophie Primas said. Asked about the possibility of progress in resolving the conflict in Ukraine, Sophie Primas said the head of state was "a little less" optimistic. "We see that Vladimir Putin continues his unprecedented attacks, including on civilian objects. Residential areas are becoming targets for powerful drone attacks, significant missile attacks. The issue of a ceasefire has been raised, but Vladimir Putin is setting the same conditions (for a ceasefire), which have not been met at the moment," she said. London stocks were set to rise at the open on Wednesday as investors eyed the latest US jobs data. The FTSE 100 was called to open around 30 points higher. With no major UK macro releases due, all eyes will be on the US ADP report at 1215 BST. Ipek Ozkardeskaya, senior analyst at Swissquote Bank, said: "The US is expected to have added 99,000 new non-farm jobs in June. A weaker-than-expected figure could offer short-term support to the Fed doves - though arguably it shouldnt. "A stronger-than-expected print, on the other hand, could further demoralise the dovish camp and accelerate the long-overdue hawkish repricing in Fed expectations. And the bigger the gap between expectations and reality, the more violent the correction, and the sharper the potential selloff." In corporate news, bakery chain Greggs warned that FY25 operating profits may be "modestly below" FY24 despite first-half sales growth. Greggs said it saw total H1 sales grow 6.9% to 1.02bn, with like-for-like sales up 2.6% year-on-year. Greggs said it had made "good progress" in May but noted this was followed by "slower growth" in June as high temperatures affected the UK, increasing demand for cold drinks but reducing overall footfall. Elsewhere, KKR said it had agreed a deal to buy precision instrument maker Spectris for 4.7bn, trumping a potential offer from rival Advent. The private equity giant will pay 40.00 a share made up of 39.72 in cash and an interim dividend of 28p each. Hospitality group SSP said its joint-owned Indian operations will be worth up to 1.23bn in a proposed stock market listing in Mumbai as it announced the purchase of an additional stake to give it majority control. The company, which operates convenience food stores and restaurants in travel gateways across 40 countries, plans to list the Travel Food Services joint venture with K Hospitality Corp on 14 July. Thruvision Group announced on Wednesday that it has secured a material contract worth over 1m from a new government customer in Asia, providing 20 of its highest-specification walk-through security systems. The AIM-traded firm said the contract, secured in partnership with a regional distributor, followed the successful deployment of multiple WalkTHRU screening lanes at a major cultural event in the region and highlighted growing demand for its technology in high-profile government settings. It said the deal was one of the material opportunities referenced in previous announcements, adding that delivery was scheduled in the coming weeks. Order intake for the first quarter of the 2026 financial year, which ended on 30 June, reached 2.3m, up 145% year-on-year. Thruvision said that performance was in line with board expectations and reflected strong momentum, particularly in Asia. The company also noted solid demand in the US, where it secured further repeat orders from retail distribution customers, as well as its first contract with a UK prison, building on existing success with a European prison service. Thruvision reported an improved cash outlook, saying its resources were now expected to last until the end of 2025. That, the board said, was an extension from its previous estimate of September, though the company cautioned that it remained dependent on continued conversion of its sales pipeline in line with expectations. At 1025 BST, shares in Thruvision were up 107.78% at 1.87p. Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com. The Swedish International Development Agency Sida is allocating a new assistance package of more than UAH 590 million within the Tallinn Mechanism, the funds will be used to upgrade IT infrastructure, strengthen the protection of digital products and train employees of key state institutions, the Ministry of Digital Transformation reported on Wednesday. "The modern war continues not only on the battlefield, but also in cyberspace. In 2024 alone, more than 2,000 cyberattacks were carried out on the public sector and state bodies. Thanks to Sida's support, we will implement projects so that the digital state works smoothly and Ukrainians use online services under any conditions," the message on Telegram says. It is reported that Sida funding will come through ESTDEV, the Estonian government fund responsible for managing and implementing international development and humanitarian aid projects. The Ministry of Digital Transformation thanked Sweden and all partners for their consistent and unwavering support for Ukraine's digitalization and cybersecurity. The Tallinn Mechanism is an international initiative that coordinates assistance from 11 partner countries in strengthening cyber resilience. The married couple behind the Prax Lindsey oil refinery awarded themselves at least $15.9m (11.5m) in pay and dividends in the years leading up to its collapse, it has emerged, as the government urged the companys boss to put his hand in his pockets to help workers. Winston Soosaipillai, who goes by his middle names Sanjeev Kumar, jointly owned the refinery with his wife, Arani, until it plunged into insolvency on Monday. Guardian The Spanish bank Santander is buying the British high street lender TSB for 2.65bn, raising fears of job cuts and branch closures across the combined group. The proposed deal, announced on Tuesday evening, is the result of a takeover tussle in Santanders home base of Spain, with the lender Sabadell having decided to sell TSB as it faces an 11bn (9.4bn) hostile approach from a rival, BBVA. - Guardian Britons face working until they are 74 unless the Government scraps the triple lock on pensions, according to a leading think tank. The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) issued the warning amid concerns that an ageing population will mean the country cannot meet its ballooning state pension bill. Telegraph Australian airline Qantas has been targeted in a major cyber attack, with millions of customers affected. The airline said it detected unusual activity on Monday and the personal data used by Qantass contact centre had been compromised. This platform stores records of 6m customers. Telegraph The long-serving chief executive of AstraZeneca, Britains most valuable public company, would like to move the stock market listing to the United States, according to multiple sources. Sir Pascal Soriot has spoken privately of his preference to move the FTSE 100 companys listing on a number of occasions and has even discussed moving AstraZenecas domicile, according to a source familiar with his thinking. The Times Low-cost carrier Wizz Air said on Wednesday that passenger numbers had increased during June, as did seat capacity and load factor. Wizz Air said it had carried 5.88m passengers in June, up 10.8% year-on-year, while seat capacity increased 10.4% to 6.38m, resulting in a load factor of 92.1%, up 0.4 percentage points on last year. The London-listed firm also noted that it continues to be |one of the lowest emission airlines", reporting a further decline in CO2 emissions per RPK in June, down 4.6% year-on-year, to 51.2 grams per RPK. As of 0825 BST, Wizz shares were up 2,33% at 1,098.0p. Reporting by Iain Gilbert at Sharecast.com At two Educating Publishers panels at the 2025 Children's Institute, booksellers focused on "Sustainable In-School Events Programs" and "Beyond BIPOC Characters: Equitable Practices for Marketing, Touring, and Promoting Diverse Authors." Leah Johnson, an author and founder of Loudmouth Books in Indianapolis, Ind., described the publishing industry as risk averse, and maintained that new independent bookstores, authors of color, and schools that are unable to meet a minimum honorarium for author visits must all "prove" that they're worth investing in. After founding Loudmouth Books, Johnson spent much time networking and contacting publicists and authors because she knew that Loudmouth Books "wouldn't have gotten any author events last year if [she] hadn't already done the leg work." Beyond BIPOC Characters panelists (l.-r.) Brein Lopez, Leah Johnson, Priscilla Martinez, Talia Whyte Now more than ever, help and support is needed. "Where we are at today is not where were a year ago. It's not where we were in December," said Brein Lopez of Children's Book World, Los Angeles, Calif. "Members of our communities who read to their kids are being kidnapped off the streets and being sent off to countries somewhere else. Disappeared." Small bookstores, bookstores in Midwestern states, and bookstores run by BIPOC and People of the Global Majority (PGM) "have been the frontlines for these fights and they still don't get the support they need to survive." Talia Whyte of Rozzie Bound Co-op, Roslindale, Mass., said she has relied on the network of indie bookstores in her community for support and information. "I would like a head start promoting authors of color," she said, but she does not always learn about those authors until after books are published. Other indies help inform her about them. Priscilla Martinez of West Side Stories, Purcellville, Va., a member of the 2025 BINCTank cohort, said she has heard from fellow cohort members that some BIPOC author events have become very restrictive, with windows for advertising limited and at times not allowed until after publication. Sustainable In-School Events Programs More and more restrictions are being placed on school visits, bookseller panelists noted. "We don't want to police our authors," said Maryan Liban of Cover to Cover Books for Young Readers in Columbus, Ohio, "but [bookstores are] placed between publishers, authors, and the school." Each has its own expectation, and schools are struggling to keep up with the changing political climate. Some schools are updating author visit policies to include state background checks, and others are demanding authors be insured for the school visit. Liban also noted that due to nationwide budget cuts, "some schools are opting out of full-time librarians and instead hiring parents or PTA members who don't have librarian training." Publishers have great educator tools, she continued, but schools can take advantage of those tools only if they know they exist. Liban recommends publicists provide discussion questions and any presentation materials well before a school visit to allow both students and facilitators to prepare. "Sustainable In-School Events Programs" panelists (l.-r.) Heidi Ashton-Yoon, Carrie Custer, Maryan Liban, Heather Hebert The price of books and minimum buy requirements for school visits are also problematic, booksellers said. Heidi Ashton-Yoon from Politics and Prose in Washington, D.C., said, "It's hard to get families to spend $19.99 or $20.99 with a debut or even midlist author when they're not sure if their kid will read the book or like the book." When there is no guarantee that students can afford to purchase a book at an in-school visit, "proving that all the minimum buys are worth it is a huge hurdle," said Carrie Custer of Vroman's Bookstore, Pasadena, Calif. "Unique and creative solutions are becoming increasingly difficult," particularly due to costs. Working with benefactors or PTAs can help, she said, as well as seeking grants from for-profit businesses and active community members. Paperback releases are financially more accessible, and Ashton-Yoon encourages publishers to pair their author events for paperback releases with Title I schools. Booksellers expressed frustration at how BIPOC authors are marketed. Johnson, who is a queer Black author and founder of a BIPOC-focused bookstore, said, "It's so clear to me that publishers couldn't care less about their authors of color." The treatment of BIPOC authors is "so disparate, and it's becoming disheartening to me not just as a bookseller but as an author to see how publishers are approaching events to different authors." Johnson mentioned that many authors of color have to plan their own book tours and said to publishers, "If you can't do any of the leg work, then give [BIPOC authors] the tools and guides for what you did for the author you actually care about." Booksellers added that when BIPOC-centric books are marketed to stores that are not in a community of color, the marketing downplays the BIPOC aspects of the book. "That needs to stop," said Lopez. "It needs to be the same marketing for everyone, and if you're not having success at other locations, it's because you're not marketing them correctly." Whyte mentioned that Rozzie Bound Co-op was the bookseller at a readathon to celebrate Malcom X's 100th birthday. The approximately 200 attendees came to read pieces of his autobiography over the course of several hours. Customers donated more than $1,500 to buy books about Malcom X. And yet the publishers Whyte contacted in January never responded. "What would have happened if publishers had sent some BIPOC authors to the readathon?" Lopez asked. "You're missing out on great opportunities," Whyte told publishers. BIPOC bookstores and authors are ready with fresh ideas, but publishers "need to be willing to take the chance on us first." Whyte, Johnson, Martinez, and Lopez all expressed a desire for publishers to send more BIPOC, queer, and disabled employees to industry events. Martinez said, "sharing power, handing over power that will lead to equity." One publisher, a Black woman recently promoted to event manager at her house, said that "the conversation and rhetoric I receive at my publisher is that when we're sending things to Black owned bookstores, that [Black owned bookstores] only want to receive Black-identifying writers and illustrators." Every panelist shook their head no. "But in my experience [as a Black woman]," she continued, "we've been reading everything. So, my question is, what do you wish we would be sending?" The answer was unanimous: BIPOC bookstores want to be sent all types of content: mysteries, romantasy, nonfiction, graphic novels, and everything in between, the booksellers said, stressing that it is not the job of the publisher to curate what each bookstore stocks. To narrow their lists of titles, it was recommended that publishers take the time to talk with BIPOC bookstores and those in their communities. Although BIPOC bookstores do have a lot in common, they are not monolithic, the booksellers continued. If unsure of what galleys to send to which store, publishers could provide a list of galleys and simply ask which galleys the bookstores want. When a bookseller mentioned galley boxes full of crinkle paper, a loud groan rippled through the room. "We are all climate conscious," said Johnson. "When I get a huge box full of air and crinkle paper, you turn me off from the book." As indie bookstores and libraries brave censorship, government-sanctioned kidnappings, and attacks against the queer community, there is no time for deliberation. Publishing houses must work harder for bookstores, booksellers said. "Hold them to the fire," Lopez said, "because the fire is the light." --Madison Gaines, publishing assistant, Shelf Awareness BookPeople, the association of Australian bookshops, hosted its annual conference and trade exhibition in Brisbane, June 14-16. Books+Publishing reported that there were more than 187 attendees for the program and/or the trade exhibition, including seven delegates from Aotearoa New Zealand, with 44 attendees participating in the conference for the first time. Noting that attendance matched last year's numbers, BookPeople called it "a very reassuring result for the team." This year's gala dinner hosted 290 guests, who watched as the 2025 books of the year award winners were announced, including Dusk by Robbie Arnott (adult fiction), The Season by Helen Garner (adult nonfiction), and The Midwatch by Judith Rossell (children's). Two lifetime member awards were also presented: to Jay Lansdown, owner of Constant Reader in Crows Nest, New South Wales (NSW), and a former BookPeople president; and to BookPeople's outgoing CEO Robbie Egan. After the conference, Egan wrote in the organization's newsletter: "We're back in the wintery south from sunny Brisbane where we packed an enormous amount of content and conversation into three days of the BookPeople Conference. Thanks to all of you who attended! It's the energy of delegates which propels a conference, and you made this year in Brisbane an absolute pleasure to be a part of. Thank you to all of our sponsors, the booksellers, authors, publishers and others who contributed to the panels. I came away energized and excited about the future of the industry despite the many challenges we face." Naturally, my favorite honors from the conference went to booksellers: Sally Tabner of Bookoccino in Avalon Beach, NSW (bookseller of the year), Sophie Wigan of Harry Hartog in Carindale, Queensland (young bookseller of the year), and Allyx Lathrope of Kinokuniya Sydney (children's bookseller of the year). Describing Tabner as "a bookseller's bookseller, the heart and soul of Bookoccino," BookPeople said, "In just a few years, under Sally's guidance, hard work, and passion for books, Bookoccino has grown exponentially, and become a vibrant community gathering space. Bookoccino's curation elicits rave reviews from customers and publishers alike. And it is all Sally. She is a voracious reader.... Bookoccino owes its success to an extraordinary staff, to their dedication to Bookoccino, and to their commitment to books and the community. Again, credit goes to Sally. She has strikingly good judgment in hiring, and a remarkable talent for training and supervising.... Every morning, Bookoccino is abuzz, friends over flat white and chai talking about their children, grandchildren, books, ideas, the weather, politics. Students and businessmen and women work on their laptops. Sally knows them all." The proof of Sophie Wigan's "excellence in day-to-day bookshop life, is that in just a few years Sophie has been promoted from bookseller to assistant manager and then again, just this year, to acting store manager. Sophie is exactly what you what in a bookseller," BookPeople noted. "She is passionate, enthusiastic, caring and clearly loves what she does. When Sophie is talking to customers she doesn't pretend. It's her honesty and excitement about books that is what makes customers buy them from her.... Throughout all her different roles there, Sophie has led by example. She radiates joy and is actually excited to start working each day. This joy is infectious and it can be felt by anyone who walks into that store.... The entire team are motivated by Sophie--everyone wants to be embraced by the shining light that surrounds her." As the English Books Department manager, Allyx Lathrope "oversees the daily running of the shop floor and is in charge of hiring new members for Kinokuniya's excellent, book-loving customer service team. Allyx is also the children's and young adult books buyer and organizes campaigns, events and school holiday activities to celebrate and promote the category and its books to our dedicated customer base," BookPeople said, adding: "Allyx has been the most passionate defender of books in-store--her ongoing commitment to ensuring that there are as many titles as possible available for young people to access even when scary, oppressive, censorship rears its head is to be lauded." Among the New Zealand attendees at BookPeople's conference was Renee Rowland, association manager of Booksellers Aotearoa NZ, which will be hosting its own annual conference in Auckland July 18-19. In a blog post titled "Dispatches from Brisbane," Rowland shared some of her experiences, noting: "On Friday I left the cold wet wilds of South Canterbury for Brisbane, heading across the ditch for the Annual BookPeople Conference. The purpose of this 'live' feed is to share my experience with you, sharing highlights and hot tips, forsaking any style for benefit of speed and simple iteration of my experience. Above all, I want to show booksellers the value of a bookselling conference, encourage you to come to the BookPeople conference and to our own conference, to invest in your own professional and business development." When it was over, she observed: "I boarded the plane home very conscious that I'd just been part of a world class experience and keen to get back to work on our own conference, to bring the same level of quality and inspiration to our delegates and to provide an incredible return on investment for our delegates." The summing up: A post on Bookoccino's Facebook page featured wise words from co-owner and bookseller of the year Sally Tabner: "It is such an honor to be among this phenomenal community of true book lovers! I'm looking forward to the next 20 years of book selling, building community and nurturing creativity, imagination, and ideas." On Friday, the Supreme Court ruled that parents of children in public schools who object to LGBTQ+ picture books may opt out of lessons or instruction involving those books. The case was brought by three sets of parents against the Montgomery County (Md.) Board of Education, objecting on religious grounds to books that are LGBTQ+ inclusive and had been approved as supplemental curriculum for the schools' language arts program. The ruling was roundly denounced by members of the book world. The American Booksellers Association issued this response: "American Booksellers for Free Expression is deeply disappointed by the Supreme Court's 6-3 ruling in favor of the plaintiffs in Mahmoud v. Taylor, singling out LGBTQIA2S+ books for special scrutiny to provide parents with 'opt-outs' of their inclusive messaging. The plaintiffs in the case allege that the First Amendment rights of certain parents were violated because the 'normative' messages in the books--that LGBTQIA2S+ identities, marriages, and communities exist and should be respected--violated the religious upbringing of the students. In its defense, Montgomery County Public Schools argued that such opt-outs would be burdensome, counter to its policies of inclusion, and would adversely affect LGBTQIA2S+ students in the district. We agree. "An 'opt-out' does not just impact the students whose parents choose to exercise it. As Justice Sotomayor notes in her dissent, 'many school districts, and particularly the most resource strapped, cannot afford to engage in costly litigation over opt-out rights... Schools may instead censor their curricula, stripping material that risks generating religious objections. The Court's ruling, in effect, thus hands a subset of parents the right to veto curricular choices long left to locally elected school boards.' This decision subjects LGBTQIA2S+-inclusive books to a special scrutiny based on their ideas, stigmatizing LGBTQIA2S+ children and families while letting the religious views of some parents dictate curriculum for all students. "Today's ruling impacts educators, parents, and students, but it does not determine what booksellers can do. Indie bookstores can continue to offer third spaces where tolerance and pluralism are uplifted if they so choose. But that does not erase the stigma that will attach to inclusive books as a result of this ruling, and it does not undo the shame some children will experience when their peers have to leave the room because of characters in whom they see themselves reflected. We stand with teachers, parents, students, and educators as they navigate the uncertain waters in the wake of this ruling." In addition, ABFE listed the books objected to in the suit "to help any who feel a desire to support the authors in some way in their store": Pride Puppy! by Robin Stevenson, illus. by Julie McLaughlin (Orca) Uncle Bobby's Wedding by Sarah S. Brannen, illus. by Lucia Soto (little bee books) IntersectionAllies: We Make Room for All by Carolyn Choi, LaToya Council, and Chelsea Johnson, illus. by Ashley Seil Smith (Dottir Press) My Rainbow by DeShanna Neal and Trinity Neal, illus. by Art Twink (Kokila) Prince & Knight by Daniel Haack, illus. by Stevie Lewis (little bee books) Love, Violet by Charlotte Sullivan Wild, illus. by Charlene Chua (Farrar, Straus and Giroux Books for Young Readers) Born Ready: The True Story of a Boy Named Penelope by Jodie Patterson, illus. by Charnelle Pinkney Barlow (Crown Books for Young Readers) Jacob's Room to Choose by Sarah Hoffman and Ian Hoffman, illus. by Chris Case (Magination Press) What Are Your Words?: A Book About Pronouns by Katherine Locke, illus. by Anne Passchier (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers) Penguin Random House, which filed an amicus curiae brief in the case with the Educational Book and Media Association and the Authors Guild, called the ruling "a devastating setback for public education and the right to read. As Justice Sotomayor powerfully wrote in dissent, the decision 'guts our free exercise precedent and strikes at the core premise of public schools.' Allowing individuals to opt-out of reading certain materials erases marginalized voices and forces teachers to manage restrictions that lead to silent censorship. Reading a book does not require agreement--only openness to engaging with different experiences. Penguin Random House stands with the teachers, librarians, and students now facing even greater barriers to building classrooms that reflect the world around them." Elly Brinkley, staff attorney for U.S. free expression programs at PEN America, said: "This ruling is a deeply disappointing blow to the right to read under the First Amendment. It is a fundamental betrayal of public schools' duty to prepare students to live in a diverse and pluralistic society. By allowing parents to pull their children out of classrooms when they object to particular content, the justices are laying the foundation for a new frontier in the assault on books of all kinds in schools. In practice, opt outs for religious objections will chill what is taught in schools and usher in a more narrow orthodoxy as fear of offending any ideology or sensibility takes hold. Opt outs required under the broad ruling of the court are unworkable and will potentially lead schools to sweep out all kinds of books to avoid the challenge altogether. LGBTQ+-themed books have already been the main casualties among the 16,000 books banned since 2021. This will exacerbate that devastating trend. "The Court's conservative majority failed to even consider the fundamental free speech principles also at issue here, instead handing down a ruling that could have a broad chilling effect and open the door to censorship and discrimination. This risks significant harm for millions of children who may no longer see themselves or their families reflected in stories read in classrooms, while others will be denied the chance to build understanding and empathy for those different from themselves. The decision will allow any parents to object to any subject, with the potential to sow chaos in schools, and impact students, parents, educators, authors, and publishers. With rising polarization, xenophobia, and the targeting of vulnerable populations, we need schools that open students' minds, not betray education by closing them off from the real world." This past weekend marked the 20th anniversary of our first issue of Shelf Awareness Pro, which went out to a short friends & family list of subscribers. In those days, founders John Mutter and Jenn Risko did most of the work and rarely caught their breaths. We've grown a bit since then. Over the years, we've added new products, including Shelf Awareness for Readers, Maximum Shelf, Dedicated issues, GLOW (Galley Love of the Week), the Pre-Order E-Blast, and our Job Board--all in an effort to help make it easier for booksellers do their jobs and to spread the word about books and authors. We've also added more than a dozen staff members and a range of freelance reviewers and other contributors. This year, new products have included the Kids/YA Pre-Order E-Blast and Extra! issues, and as we begin to celebrate our 20th anniversary, we have plans for more and redesigned products and initiatives in 2025 and 2026. For helping us reach this milestone, we offer heartfelt thanks to our friends throughout this exceptional industry: readers, booksellers, wholesalers, distributors, publishers, authors, agents, and book lovers of all kinds. This is a special community that in this difficult time we treasure all the more. Together we will persevere, and we can't wait to celebrate our 25th and 30th anniversaries with you. Today we want to express special gratitude to the Shelf Awareness staff, who work hard, smart, diligently, and with elan: CEO Neil Standberg is thoughtful, incisive, and is a wizard at all things tech (key at Shelf Awareness!), HR, organization, conducting meetings, and more. Publisher Matt Baldacci is responsible for sales and the strategic direction of the company and is always brimming with creative ideas, new approaches, and new products that can help the industry spread the word about books and sell more books. CFO Richard Jobes has been with Shelf Awareness from the very beginning, when he first did what he continues to do so well: run the numbers, then give wise, invaluable counsel that transcends the numbers. Partnership marketing manager Kristianne Huntsberger works cheerfully and helpfully with more than 300 bookstore partners on the Readers and Pre-Order E-Blast programs and is the face of Shelf Awareness at trade shows across the country. Contributing editor Robert Gray reports about movies and TV, book-related social media posts, obituaries, and much more, but we thank him especially for his nearly 20 years of writing one of the best weekly columns on bookselling. Managing editor Robin Lenz has the often thankless task of managing a fast-moving, constantly changing editorial landscape and making sure that Shelf Awareness departs into the world on time and accurately. Associate editor Alex Mutter is an excellent reporter and features writer who handles the most sensitive topics with flair, clarity, and accuracy, and covers myriad conferences and shows in the U.S. and abroad. Senior editor Dave Wheeler is Shelf Awareness's tastemaker for adult book reviews and author interviews, highlighting the best, most interesting, promising books and authors. Children's and YA editor Sian Gaetano heads our children's/YA coverage, particularly reviews and author interviews, with passion, tenacity, thoroughness, and dedication. Associate editor Elaine Cho ably helps choose, edit, and traffic adult book reviews and author interviews, managing the several dozen reviewers on our roster and mediating the editing process for each with great care, patience, and humor. Production assistant Casey Stryer makes sure that all of the partner mailings function correctly and look good, has a meticulous attention to detail, and is one of the best troubleshooters, knowing everything about procedures and how things work here at the Shelf. Publishing assistant Madison Gaines juggles and places thousands of ads in Shelf Awareness and works with publishers to make their ads look as good as possible. She's often ready with a joke or riddle, and as a former bookseller at Third Place in Seattle, she has a good instinct for bookseller interests. Sales assistant Jess Mayfield, who joined Shelf Awareness in September after working at Village Books and Elliott Bay Book Company, has already had a direct impact on increasing sales by establishing great working relationships with our advertisers. Marilyn Dahl, our former longtime reviews editor, has an amazing ability to pick out great works, from poetry and literature to books about football, and she now focuses on Max Shelves and GLOWs. Art director Alex Baker is Shelf Awareness's graphic design guru, who in every context provides a look that conveys our essence. John Barich, an ordained minister known at the Shelf as "Padre," is an ebullient figure who does yeoman's work sorting and keeping track of the many galleys we receive every day. Tobias Mutter is one of Shelf Awareness's long-term contributors, who started doing back-office work while in high school. Adept at everything from compiling Media Heat to writing an insightful review to inputting stories, we're delighted to say that he is officially joining the staff today. And again, we thank you, our devoted readers! Send comments, congratulations, condolences, etc., here. Yermak urging less reflection on 'loud headlines about defense': only official information is important Head of the Presidents Office Andriy Yermak has stressed the importance of official US information regarding defense assistance to Ukraine. "We are working, pay less attention to loud headlines about defense, only official information matters," he wrote on Telegram on Wednesday. As reported, U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby, after reviewing the Pentagon's ammunition stockpiles, announced the suspension of supplies to Ukraine of Patriot air defense missiles, precision artillery shells, drones and missiles for F-16 fighters due to concerns that US weapons stocks had become too low. Politico, citing its own sources, said the initial decision to suspend the supply of part of the aid promised to Ukraine during the administration of former U.S. President Joseph Biden was made in early June, but it only comes into effect now. It is noted that the Trump administration has not requested further assistance to Ukraine, although the Biden administration has enough funds left to last Ukraine for several more months. Colby later said the Pentagon "continues to provide the president with robust options to continue military aid to Ukraine." After that, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine invited U.S. Charge d'Affaires ai to Ukraine John Ginkel. "The Ukrainian side emphasized that any delay or procrastination in supporting Ukraine's defense capabilities will only encourage the aggressor to continue war and terror, rather than seek peace," the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry said on its website. The Ministry of Defense later reported that the Ukrainian side had not received any messages from the United States about the suspension of the agreed defense assistance and requested a telephone conversation with the U.S. side in connection with information about the delay in the delivery of certain elements of previously allocated defense assistance packages from the United States. Ride-hailing platforms can now charge up to 2X the base fare during peak hours and as low as 50% during non-peak hours. Private motorcycles can now be used for passenger transport via aggregators, subject to state approval a major win for bike taxi operators. Mandatory health insurance (Rs 5 lakh), term insurance (Rs 10 lakh) for drivers, vehicle tracking, and refresher training requirements have been introduced. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has released the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines (MVAG) 2025, introducing sweeping changes to Indias ride-hailing sector. Under the updated norms, aggregators such as Uber, Ola, Rapido, and inDrive can now charge up to double the base fare during peak hours an increase from the previous cap of 1.5 times. During non-peak hours, fares can dip as low as 50% of the base fare. The base fare, determined by state governments, includes a minimum distance of three kilometres to compensate for the distance travelled without passengers. No extra charges for dead mileage will be permitted unless the trip is shorter than three kilometres. Fare calculations will begin from the pickup point and end at the drop-off location. To curb last-minute cancellations, the guidelines impose a penalty of 10% of the fare, capped at Rs 100, on either passengers or drivers who cancel without valid reasons. Any cancellation fee collected will be split between the driver and the aggregator. Fare-sharing rules ensure drivers using their own vehicles receive at least 80% of the fare, while those operating aggregator-owned vehicles get 60%. In a significant shift, MVAG 2025 now allows non-transport (private) motorcycles to be used for ride-hailing, pending state approval. This move provides regulatory clarity for bike taxi operators like Rapido and Uber, who have faced legal hurdles in several states, including Karnataka. Vehicle Location and Tracking Devices (VLTDs) connected to both the aggregator and state control centres. Additionally, drivers in the bottom 5% of ratings must undergo quarterly refresher training, and all drivers must complete annual training sessions. The guidelines also emphasize driver and passenger safety. Aggregators must offer drivers health insurance of at least Rs 5 lakh and term insurance of Rs 10 lakh. Vehicles must be equipped withconnected to both the aggregator and state control centres. Additionally, drivers in the bottom 5% of ratings must undergo quarterly refresher training, and all drivers must complete annual training sessions. States have three months to adopt the guidelines and may introduce additional provisions. Where base fares are yet to be notified currently Rs 20-21/km in Delhi and Mumbai, and Rs 18/km in Pune aggregators must inform state authorities of their fare structure. Industry stakeholders have welcomed the move. Uber praised the guidelines as a step toward innovation and regulatory clarity, while Rapido hailed the inclusion of bike taxis as a milestone in affordable transport and last-mile connectivity. The Carnival Cruise Line is shouting news about its partnership with The Coca-Cola Company as its preferred beverage across its North American fleet. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic) AP Carnival Cruise Line is shouting news about its partnership with The Coca-Cola Company as its preferred beverage across its North American fleet, according to a report on carnival news.com. And beginning later this summer, guests on Carnival cruises will once again be able to enjoy a refreshing selection of Coca-Cola beverage choices, including classic soft drinks, zero-sugar and low-calorie options and sparkling flavored water, the story goes on to explain. Carnival Cruise Line and Coca-Cola are two iconic brands that celebrate fun, family, friendship, food and fabulous memories, said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. We are excited to welcome back Coca-Colas diverse lineup of beverages which our guests love and which will enhance the food and beverage experience that is always part of a great cruise vacation on Carnival. Both our brands are built on bringing people together making The Coca-Cola Company and Carnival Cruise Line a perfect partnership. As they set sail from one of Carnivals 13 U.S. homeports to destination spots around the world, Carnival Cruise Line guests will enjoy their favorite Coca-Cola brands that include, Coca-Cola, Sprite, Fanta, Powerade, Topo Chico, fairlife and Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, among others. Were thrilled to be back on board with Carnival, literally! From an ice-cold Coca-Cola with lunch, a Topo Chico by the pool, or a Powerade after exploring a destination, well have the perfect drink for every moment of the journey, said Dagmar Boggs, president, Foodservice & On-Premise, The Coca-Cola Company, North American Operating Unit. This partnership is all about enhancing the guest experience, and were thrilled to offer a beverage lineup as diverse and exciting as the adventures Carnival guests embark on. Carnival anticipates the partnership will be fully integrated across its North American fleet by the end of September 2025. Carnival ships in Australia already serve Coca-Cola beverages. Gov. Kathy Hochul has launched a new website to assist New York schools with the statewide plan to ban cellphones on campus. (Lauren Long | llong@syracuse.com) STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Gov. Kathy Hochul on Wednesday launched a new website to assist New York schools with the statewide plan to ban cellphones in class. This year, along with the $254 million state budget, the governor announced a new strategy to make classrooms distraction-free. This includes instituting a bell-to-bell ban on devices during the school day. Starting in the 2025-26 academic year, there will be no use of smartphones and other internet-enabled personal devices on school grounds for the entire school day, including classroom time and other settings like lunch and study hall periods. This applies to all schools in public school districts, as well as charter schools. School districts across New York are already showing us that bell-to-bell smartphone restrictions help deliver the best possible learning environments for our kids, Hochul said. As we prepare for the coming school year, my team is continuing to provide the necessary resources and tools to ensure school districts finalize and publish their distraction-free policy by the August 1 deadline. The governor pursued this initiative after engaging in a statewide tour with teachers, parents, and students, where it was reported that smartphones distract students and inhibit learning and creativity in schools. This new website includes a policy FAQ, toolkit, and examples that school districts can use to design their distraction-free policy. The original proposal allows schools to develop their own plans for storing smartphones during the day, giving administrators, parents and teachers the flexibility to do what works best for their students. The policies must include a way for parents to contact their children, exceptions for students who need devices for medical reasons or learning disabilities, to assist non-English language speakers, and a way to prevent inequitable discipline. Hochul has also allocated $13.5 million in funding for schools that need phone storage solutions, including pouches, cubbies, or other classroom infrastructure. Using the resources on this website, each school and district must publish its cellphone restriction policy by Aug. 1. STATEN ISLAND, N,Y. The National Lighthouse Museum will host its 15th annual Light Keepers Gala Aug. 1 in the Historic Old Bermuda Inn. The event will pay tribute to lighthouse lore and honor supporters, as well as raise funds to secure the future of the St. George museum, according to Linda C. Dianto, executive director. This years honorees include William Baker, John Vincent Scalia, Community Media of Staten Island, the Seamens Society for Children and Families, and the Lime Rock/Ida Lewis Yacht Club. Baker, an author, filmmaker, professor, long-time media executive and an Emmy Award-winning producer, will be honored with the Wind In Our Sails Award, given to someone who has fully supported the museums mission above and beyond with their genuine guidance and direction, philanthropy and insight toward developing its future endeavors. The Lime Rock Light House/ Ida Lewis Light Yacht Club in Newport, R.I., will be honored with the Past Lighthouse Award given to a past light keeper who has demonstrated extraordinary leadership in his/her role as a light keeper. Lewis, who died in 1911, was an American lighthouse keeper noted for her heroism in rescuing people from the seas. She lived and worked at the lighthouse from 1857, and was the official lighthouse keeper from 1879 until her death. The Lime Rock Light House has since been renamed in memory of Ida Lewis and is now called The Ida Lewis Light, part of the Newport Yacht Club. Scalia, proprietor of the John Vincent Scalia Home for Funerals, Eltingville, will be honored with the Modern-Day Lighthouse Keepers Award given to one who has now taken on the role of a modern- day keeper and all the chores that go with preservation of lighthouses over 100 years old. The Romer Shoals Foundation owns two lighthouses, Romer Shoals and West Bank in the southern waters of Staten Island. Community Media of Staten Island, as well as the Seamens Society for Children and Families, will receive the Community Lamplighter Award, given to recognize important community organizations that have interfaced with the Museum in lighting our way through the years. Community Media of Staten Island has supported the museum by helping marketing, both in filming presentations and permitting museum members to be on talk shows. The Seamens Society for Children and Families will be recognized as a key agency in our community who has supported the museum with space for initiating presentations before the museum had received the key to their first building. Ticket prices range from $225 to $2,000 for a table of 10. Sponsorship and journal ads are also available. For information, local accommodations, or other questions, visit the museum website. www.lighthousemuseum.org. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Following a week of huge temperature swings, from sweltering to cool, Saturday mornings cloudy weather gave way to bright sunny skies, which brought hundreds of people to Catholic Charities of Staten Islands ninth annual Food Truck Festival at The Mount. Staten Islands biggest food truck festival at 6481 Hylan Boulevard in Pleasant Plains, with 19 food vendors, introduced new food trucks this year and included a full lineup of live performances. A Great White shark breaches over a seal sled in this image from Shark Week 2025 on Discovery Channel. (Courtesy of the Discovery Channel) (Courtesy of Discovery) Get ready for sharks to take over the summer TV schedule in July when Shark Week 2025 returns. The summer tradition airs every year on the Discovery Channel typically running for a full week. This years series will start on Sunday, July 20, and will wrap up on Saturday, July 26. If youre preparing for brand-new episodes you plan to tune into, Discovery has released its schedule for the full seven days of programming. If you are a cord-cutter, you can watch Shark Week on fuboTV, which is currently offering a free trial. Shark Week promises to deliver epic footage and groundbreaking scientific discoveries during the iconic event. Episodes will feature ripped-from-the-headlines stories of chilling shark encounters, gripping scenes of predation, and fascinating insights and research from renowned experts and scientists, according to Discovery. Shark Week continues to evolve as a cultural phenomenon, blending adrenaline-fueled storytelling with cutting-edge science, said Howard Lee, chief creative officer of U.S. Networks and president of Discovery Networks. But what truly sets it apart is the sheer joy and wonder our teams feel in bringing it to life. Every year, we dive into uncharted waters discovering new stories, pushing creative limits, and celebrating the awe-inspiring world of sharks with fresh eyes. This time, the sharks arent just circling theyre dancing. WATCH SHARK WEEK ON FUBOTV OR PHILO WITH A FREE TRIAL Shark Week will also be available to stream on HBO Max. The Shark Week experience will be brought to viewers across digital and social media platforms. You can follow Discovery on TikTok, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for updates on programming and fun shark facts. Heres a look at the full schedule for Shark Week 2025. Sunday, July 20 8 p.m. Dancing with Sharks Hosted by Emmy Award-winning television personality Tom Bergeron, Dancing with Sharks is a competition show unlike any other. For the first time ever, five divers compete to put together an amazing underwater routine with their toothy partners. From hammerheads to tigers and nurse sharks, each shark has its own signature dance moves. At the end of the show, a winner is crowned if all the competitors make it that far. 9 p.m. Air Jaws: The Hunt for Colossus A 20-foot great white breaches in New Zealand, sparking a hunt for Colossus the legendary flying shark who went missing 10 years ago from South Africas waters. Could he still be alive and lead researchers to a secret colony of lost great whites? 10 p.m. Great White Assassins Shark expert Alison Towner teams up with Shark Week legend Dickie Chivell to decode how killer whales take down great whites with ease. To get answers, the team travels to New Zealand and goes to the extreme, sending Dickie underwater posed as an orca to see how the great whites react. Monday, July 21 8 p.m. Great White Sex Battle In a Shark Week first, male and female great white sharks compete in a series of challenges to determine which sex is the superior predator in the waters off the coast of New Zealand. 9 p.m. Jaws vs Mega Croc Using data gathered in new experiments, Tristan Guttridge, Rosie Moore and Dr. Sora Kim construct a CGI fight to the death between two of the biggest and baddest apex predators in the water the Great White Shark and Nile Crocodile. 10 p.m. In the Eye of the Storm: Shark Storm In the summer of 2024, dozens of cameras capture a rare outbreak of shark attacks along Americas gulf coast. Told exclusively through first-hand accounts of victims and eyewitnesses, nobody has seen all these perspectives unfold in real time until now. Tuesday, July 22 8 p.m. Great White Northern Invasion Great white sharks have found a new home off the shores of Nova Scotia, Canada. With the waters now frothing with great whites, interactions with humans are on the rise. A team of scientists tracks down and tags the biggest sharks to uncover the sharkiest locations before theres a fatal attack. 9 p.m. How to Survive a Shark Attack Shark attack survivor Paul de Gelder attempts the unthinkable getting attacked by a shark, again. Under the supervision of experts, Paul provokes sharks to attack him in multiple scenarios, where they bite and tear off prosthetic limbs to teach life-saving tactics for surviving an encounter with natures deadliest predators. 10 p.m. Black Mako of the Abyss When Shark Tagger Keith Poe saw the shark for the first time, he knew it was different. It was aggressive, 13-feet long and had very dark skin. Now, a group of experts lure the beast up from the abyss to determine if the creature is a mako, or mutant, or possibly, a mako and great white hybrid. Wednesday, July 23 8 p.m. Expedition Unknown: Shark Files Global adventurer Josh Gates solves some of the strangest and most disturbing shark mysteries of all-time, including the real-life bloody inspiration for the movie Jaws and the gruesome case of the Tiger Shark who vomited an arm while living in captivity and ultimately helped police solve a murder mystery. 9 p.m. Expedition X: Malpelo Monster Shark Josh Gates sends Phil Torres and Heather Amaro on their most perilous mission yet tracking a legendary monster shark that lurks in the eerie waters of Malpelo Island, 300 miles off Colombias coast. After terrifying footage of this monster is brought to Josh, he sends his fearless team deep into the ocean to unmask the true identity of this 20-foot-long predator. 10 p.m. Alien Sharks: Death Down Under Wildlife biologist Forrest Galante injects himself with shark venom after diving down under into Australias dangerous waters, home to some of the weirdest, alien-like and deadly sharks. He hopes this risky and potentially lethal experiment will bypass years of red tape to finally discover the potency of the venomous Port Jackson Shark and Ghost Shark. Thursday, July 24 8 p.m. Surviving Jaws Fifty years ago, Jaws changed the beachgoing experience forever striking fear into millions of Americans who vowed to never go in the water again. Now, marine biologist Tom Blowfish Hird and predator ecologist Michelle Jewell re-examine the movie and dive with Great Whites to separate fact from fiction, answering questions like: does skinny dipping really attract great white sharks? Could a monster shark chew through a boats hull? 9 p.m. Caught! Sharks Strike Back This year has set a record for shark encounters captured on camera, from a hilarious moment when a shark slaps a fisherman in the face to the intense 10-minutes a great white stalked a kayaker these are craziest moments of when sharks strike back. 10 p.m. Frankenshark Shark expert Tristan Guttridge and his team use CGI to create the ultimate apex predator. Pulling from a variety of shark species, they build the deadliest, weirdest shark on the planet and put it to the test in a high-stakes showdown against a killer orca. Friday, July 25 8 p.m. Great White Reign of Terror In South Africa, two people are killed by great whites near the eastern cape, an area that hasnt seen an attack in decades. Scientists worry it could be the start of a series of attacks eerily similar to Black December in 1957, when six people lost their lives. Ryan Johnson, Gibbs Kuguru and Andy Casagrande head out to investigate the cause behind the spike in attacks before theres another fatality. 9 p.m. Floridas Death Beach The numbers are in, and once again, Florida specifically New Smyrna Beach has earned the title of The Shark Attack Capital of the World, accounting for 30% of global shark attacks. But why has the popular spring break, party beach become so deadly? Forrest Galante and his team investigate before even more blood ends up in the water. 10 p.m. Bull Shark Showdown The most vicious and insane populations of bull sharks from Australia and America face off in a no-holds-barred showdown beneath the water. Bull Shark-attack survivor Paul de Gelder contends that his Aussie sharks are the toughest, while American shark biologist Dr. Craig OConnell attempts to find the meanest sharks Florida has to offer to take the crown. Saturday, July 26 8 p.m. Attack of the Devil Shark A rogue Tiger Shark attacks and kills a person in St. Martin. Weeks later, it strikes again. Locals fear it could be the work of the legendary Devil Shark a massive and ruthless tiger shark whos haunted their shores for decades. When a team sets out to track down the shark responsible for the attacks, they uncover a seismic force that may be triggering aggression in sharks. 9 p.m. Battle for Shark Mountain Off Mozambiques coast, sharks swarm a hidden peak, hunting Giant Trevally in a once-a-year feeding frenzy. But when 5,000 Trevally fight back, the hunters become the hunted in one of the oceans wildest showdowns. A New Jersey woman has been charged with driving under the influence of marijuana during a crash in Pennsylvania last year that killed her husband, authorities said Danielle M. Strobridge was charged last week with vehicular homicide while driving under the influence, careless driving resulting in death and driving under the influence offenses, according to Bucks County charging documents. Strobridge, of High Bridge, Hunterdon County, was driving south on River Road in Tinicum Township at about 1:05 p.m. on Oct. 19 when she veered off the road and struck a tree. Her 34-year-old husband Michael J. Amend suffered lower body injuries, had to be removed from the car by emergency workers and died at an area hospital that evening. Strobridge admitted to police that she smoked marijuana at 9 a.m. that day and claimed she blacked out before the crash, leaving her unable to hit the brake. Blood tests later confirmed the presence of marijuana in her system, according to the affidavit. Strobridge was outside the car and had minor injuries when police arrived. Investigators said they found vapes and vape cartridges in the car. She posted $150,000 bail last week and is next scheduled to appear in court July 7. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. New York City brass made one Staten Island family happy as a ham on Monday. Lori Anne Gannone, of Tottenville, said her family got a call from First Deputy Mayor Randy Mastro informing them Mayor Eric Adams would allow their 15-year-old pet pig, Lucy, to stay in the familys Staten Island home as she receives medical care. The family had been in the mud with the New York City Health Department in recent weeks as the agency sought to enforce the ban on pet pigs in the five boroughs. Adams decision effectively brought that effort to an end. I want to thank him, Gannone said of the mayor. Lucys so happy. This way she can just get healthy and get back to herself. After an anonymous neighbor filed a 311 complaint about Lucy, the Health Department informed the family earlier this month that they must remove Lucy from their home or face fines ranging from $3,000 to $18,000, according the family. Adams decision came after a weeks worth of public outcry that saw local elected officials, Councilmember Frank Morano and Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, join Republican mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa Saturday in calling for the pig to be spared. Additionally, a Change.org petition to save Lucy has garnered nearly 13,000 signatures as of Monday at 4 p.m., with #SaveLucy circulating on various social media platforms. Heres the squeal: Lucy the Pig is staying on Staten Island with her family to receive medical care. We wont be fining them or taking enforcement action at this time as its clear Lucy is cared for and not causing any disruptions to the community, Adams wrote in announcing his decision on X.com. Pig ownership is still against the law in New York City. Once Lucy is well again, her family will be returning her to their second home upstate. We welcome all tourists coming to NYC, but please keep your boar-ists at home. Lucy is currently undergoing veterinary care on Staten Island and is prescribed various medicines for illnesses related to her advanced age. The Gannones told the Advance/SILive.com that they have a second residence in upstate New York, where it is legal for Lucy to reside. However, that property is currently under renovation, which is why the pig is now living on Staten Island. A city Health Department spokesperson told the Advance/SILive.com that the agency had sought the pigs removal, as the animals have been illegal pets in the five boroughs for decades. In New York City, keeping a pig as a pet has been prohibited for at least 25 years. And for good reason pigs need outside space and companionship of other pigs to thrive, they can become aggressive toward people, and pig manure is especially odorous and may be problematic for neighbors, stated the spokesperson. In addition, there is no USDA-approved rabies vaccine for pigs. All of this makes it inappropriate to keep pigs as pets in New York City. Adams pig pardon mirrored a decision made by former Mayor Bill de Blasio in 2017 when he allowed another Staten Island pig, Wilbur, to remain with his family. That pig ordeal also saw similar public outcry ahead of the previous mayors decision. Gannone said that the family isnt sure of how much longer Lucy has left, but that theyre working to set up a dog adoption fundraiser for the benefit of the more than 80 dogs found in a Brooklyn home last week following the death of the 73-year-old woman who lived there. It could be Lucy who can help rescue 80 dogs that need a home, Gannone said. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Thousands of New Yorkers will have the chance to experience an iconic Fourth of July celebration for free, Mayor Eric Adams announced Monday. Starting Tuesday at 8:30 a.m., the city will distribute 100,000 free tickets to New Yorkers hoping to catch the Macys 4th of July fireworks celebration at prime viewing locations along the Brooklyn waterfront or at the South Street Seaport. Those interested can secure up to four free tickets on a first-come, first-served basis online, according to the mayors office. Every New Yorker deserves a chance to celebrate under the sparkle of the Macys 4th of July Fire works, and this year,100,000 lucky residents will have front-row access to one of the citys most iconic events as our city celebrates its 400th anniversary this year and we get ready to celebrate our nations 250th anniversary next year, Adams said. Whether youre watching from Brooklyn Bridge Park or the piers at The Seaport in Manhattan, our administration is making sure this celebration is for everyone. I cant wait to join hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers and visitors as we light up the night and honor Americas birthday right here in the greatest city in the world. Additionally, those hoping for a viewing spot at the Brooklyn Bridge Park location can text FIREWORKS directly to Adams office at 917-909-2288 right now as the first 2,500 texters will get four free tickets each before the general release to the public. The annual celebration sees more than 80,000 shells in 30 vibrant colors explode over the city, and this years event will the 49th in its history. Mayor Eric Adams and city Parks Commissioner Iris Rodriguez-Rosa celebrated the openings, which are part of a $6 million pilot project and includes one of the new-style bathrooms in Father Macris Park in Graniteville. Jan Somma-Hammel | Advance/SILive.com STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Five new Portland Loos, a futuristic style of public toilets, are open across the five boroughs -- including one on Staten Island -- marking the first phase of a new citywide public restroom initiative. Mayor Eric Adams and city Parks Commissioner Iris Rodriguez-Rosa celebrated the openings on Tuesday, which are part of a $6 million pilot project and includes one of the new-style bathrooms in Father Macris Park in Graniteville. Were proud to be rolling out our new, sleek bathrooms across all five boroughs, which will ensure New Yorkers across our city can soak up more of the sun this summer with friends and loved ones without having to worry about where to go when they have to go, said Adams. Mayor Eric Adams and city Parks Commissioner Iris Rodriguez-Rosa celebrated the openings, which are part of a $6 million pilot project and includes one of the new-style bathrooms in Father Macris Park in Graniteville. Jan Somma-Hammel | Advance/SILive.com First developed in Portland, Oregon, the Loo is a sleek, metallic facility that is easy to maintain and can be installed for a fraction of the price of a traditional restroom, according to the mayors office. The ready-made units include a baby changing station and can be connected to full utilities for year-round use. While traditional public restrooms typically cost at least $3.5 million to construct, each Loo was constructed for only $1 million per location, plus some additional site-specific costs, according to the mayors office. Mayor Eric Adams and city Parks Commissioner Iris Rodriguez-Rosa celebrated the openings, which are part of a $6 million pilot project and includes one of the new-style bathrooms in Father Macris Park in Graniteville. Jan Somma-Hammel | Advance/SILive.com The new installations belong to the Ur in Luck, effort launched by the mayor in June 2024. The plan includes the renovation of 36 existing public restrooms and the construction of 46 new public restrooms by the city Parks Department, which will all occur within the next five years. As the largest provider of public restrooms in New York City, NYC Parks is committed to delivering on our mission to care for park visitors by providing safe and clean amenities, said Rodriguez-Rosa. Mayor Eric Adams and city Parks Commissioner Iris Rodriguez-Rosa celebrated the openings, which are part of a $6 million pilot project and includes one of the new-style bathrooms in Father Macris Park in Graniteville. Jan Somma-Hammel | Advance/SILive.com To begin these efforts, the department identified five neighborhoods underserved by the existing public restroom network as locations for the citys first five Loos. These public restrooms now open in all five boroughs The new bathrooms in the other four boroughs are located at Joyce Kilmer Park in the Bronx, Irving Square Park in Brooklyn, Thomas Jefferson Park in Manhattan, and Hoyt Playground in Queens More to come The Better Bathrooms strategic initiative outlines an investment of over $150 million in restroom construction and renovations. Parks plans to complete 46 brand-new public restrooms around the city by 2029. Additionally, 36 more public restrooms will receive full renovations by 2029. The Parks Department is also investing in clean and accessible restrooms with the Second Shift program, which devotes an additional shift of cleaning to 200 hotspots across 121 parks citywide, including at public restrooms. How to find them The city has also launched a new Google Maps layer to help residents locate the nearest public restroom. Users can activate this feature within the Google Maps app to find facilities anywhere in the city. Within the initiative of the President of Ukraine Bring Kids Back UA, a group of teenagers who were in the temporarily occupied territory were returned, Head of the President's Office Andriy Yermak said. "As part of the initiative of the President of Ukraine Bring Kids Back UA, we managed to return another group of teenagers who were in the temporarily occupied territory. For the past three years, they have lived under pressure without access to Ukrainian education, under the threat of mobilization, searches, and harassment for their pro-Ukrainian position. Among them are a girl who was threatened with reprisals for refusing to wear Russian symbols, a boy whose grandmother hid at home so as not to send him to a Russian school, and a child who survived the explosion of the Kakhovka hydroelectric power station and repeated interrogations on the way home," Yermak said in Telegram channel on Wednesday. He said the children are currently safe. "I thank the Save Ukraine team and all partners who helped save our children. We are fulfilling the President's task of returning all Ukrainian children," Yermak said. New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Department of Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez recently announced the return of the Summer Streets program, featuring car-free roads at select times across the city, including Staten Island. (Advance/SILive.com | Sonya Gugliara) STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. On Wednesday, New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Department of Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez announced the return of the Summer Streets program next month, featuring car-free roads at designated times across the five boroughs, including Staten Island. For the first time ever, New Yorkers will be able to travel the length of Manhattan on a car-free route as part of this years expanded program. New York is an unbeatable city no matter how you experience it but theres something genuinely magical about biking or walking down the avenues, unencumbered by car traffic, said Deputy Mayor for Operations Jeff Roth. Summer Streets is coming back bigger and better than ever this year to support the pure joy of the urban experience. Over 22 miles of corridors will be open to pedestrians and cyclists from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on five consecutive Saturdays from July 26 through Aug. 23. On Staten Island, there will be a brand new route along Forest Avenue, from Broadway to Bard Avenue on July 26. On the same day, Summer Streets will run along Vernon Boulevard in Queens, from 44th Drive to 30th Drive. The program will allow users to enjoy the entire Queens waterfront in Long Island City and Astoria. On Aug. 2, Aug. 9 and Aug. 16, Manhattans Summer Streets will run from the Brooklyn Bridge all the way to Dyckman Street in Inwood. This marks the longest Manhattan route in the programs history. The route will travel along Lafayette Street and Park Avenue up to 110th Street, continue west on 110th Street to Broadway, and head north to Dyckman Street. On Aug. 23, Summer Streets will continue with two routes: one along Grand Concourse from East Tremont Avenue to Mosholu Parkway in the Bronx, and another along Eastern Parkway from Grand Army Plaza to Buffalo Avenue in Brooklyn, connecting Prospect Heights and Brownsville. Community races This year, the Summer Streets program will also include two free community races in partnership with the non-profit New York Road Runners. These races are geared toward beginner athletes, with events in Queens and Brooklyn on Saturday, July 26, and on Saturday, Aug. 23. Were thrilled to launch the New York Road Runners Start Line Series as part of DOTs Summer Streets creating even more opportunities for New Yorkers of all ages and experience levels, especially new athletes, to discover the joy of running, said Rob Simmelkjaer, CEO, NYRR. By bringing these accessible, community-focused, beginner-friendly events to car-free streets, were proud to help reimagine how public space can inspire movement, health, and connection. Art installations In addition to the races, Summer Streets is showcasing a range of public art installations at rest stops along the open streets. Mookntakas Friends and Follies inflatable sculptures will be placed in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, and on Staten Island, and Acrylicizes new interactive sculpture, Collective Bloom, will be displayed in Manhattan. To make the event more accessible, the rides hare app Lyft is offering free Citi Bike day passes during Summer Streets with the code LYFTSUMMER25. Were not just opening streets this summer, were opening opportunities for a more vibrant, inclusive, and active city on 22 miles of car-free streets, said Adams. On June 9, 2025, 50 volunteers and refugees of the TraNa Relief Association traveled to Albany, where they received special recognition from the state assembly and were honored for their work by Assemblymember Michael Novakhov. Natalia Travilina STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Fifty volunteers and refugees with the TraNa Relief Association recently traveled more than 100 miles to Albany where the New York State Assembly formally recognized their work during a legislative session. TraNa Relief Association, which stands for the Temporary Relief Assistance by National Association, is a nonprofit organization that assists Ukrainian refugees in building new lives in the United States. TraNa aims to make the transition to life in the United States as seamless as possible for Ukrainian refugees. Since its founding, TraNa has helped an estimated 100 families directly and has acquired over 14,000 subscribers on their Telegram channel, where refugees reach out with questions and seek advice from TraNa. According to a 2023 annual report published by Mayor Eric Adams Office of Immigrant Affairs, an estimated 40,000 displaced Ukrainians had fled to New York City since Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022. TraNa offers a broad range of resources to refugees, including group outings to cultural events, walking tours of New York, art therapy, assistance with household needs, personal hygiene advice, and skill workshops, like flower arranging. Six of the TraNa cohort members were honored with celebratory citations from the legislative assembly for their ongoing work with TraNa. Natalia Travilina The work of every single volunteer involved reflects the very best of who we are as New Yorkers, said Assemblymember Michael Novakhov (R-Brooklyn), during the session. When we support groups like this, were not just helping individuals, were strengthening communities, and were living up to the promise of what this state should stand for. After years of tireless work, TraNas cohort of volunteers and refugees received a tour of the state capitol building and were celebrated for contributions to helping others. Everyone gave us a standing ovation. Every assembly (member) in the government gave us a standing ovation; it was a priceless moment to have New York state recognize your efforts and mission, Natalia Travilina, TraNas founder and executive director, said of the June 9 event. It was a priceless moment that no money could buy. A volunteers journey Travilinas volunteer journey began helping refugees through chats on the messaging app Telegram. As demand from Telegram subscribers increased, she founded TraNa in October 2022 to better meet their needs. In addition to receiving a standing ovation in Albany for the nonprofits efforts, volunteers -- including Kyryl Filatiev, Elena Novikova, Alena Zhukovich, Tatiana Segal, Yuliana Lavrova, and Nadia Levit -- were formally recognized during their visit by the state Assembly through written citations. Some of the award recipients are refugees themselves, including Lavrova, Novikova, and Filatiev. Novikova and Filatiev reside on Staten Island. Filatiev immigrated to the U.S. with his family, settling on Staten Island. As an active TraNa volunteer, he provided 20 refugees with their own laptops last year. In the citation that he received signed by Novakhov on behalf of the state assembly Filatiev was honored for a continued leadership, achievements, and commitment to the service of others. Novikovas citation commemorated a continued engagement and dedication throughout their service to our great state. Lavrova was recognized for her ongoing work in teaching refugees about education in the country and providing resources for learning English (ESL). Other TraNa volunteers recognized with formal citations included Zhukovich, who led four different walking tours through the city this past year, helping refugees navigate and learn more about New York. Segal, a housing attorney, was honored for regularly conducting free online seminars for refugees and individually connecting with them to resolve conflicts. Levit, an accountant and a board member of TraNa was honored for her work in assisting refugees to submit their first income taxes and conducting free online seminars explaining the tax process to refugees. Building a new life from scratch Despite the increase in demand for TraNas help, volunteers dont get paid to help their clients. TraNa relies on grants, sponsors and donations to serve their clients. I know what it takes to leave everything behind and start building a brand new life from scratch where you dont know anyone, said Travilina. If they need help, we will help them. We help everybody who needs us. For more information about TraNa or to donate, call (929) 800-0052, visit tranarelief.org, or email TraNaRelief@gmail.com. Former rap mogul Marion Suge Knight is claiming that family members and friends of Tupac Shakur smoked the hip-hop legends ashes after Shakurs murder in 1996. People magazine reported that in an exclusive interview from prison, Knight, the former CEO of Death Row Records, said that some of Shakurs closest friends and family members rolled the rappers cremated ashes into a joint and smoked it. I was so happy to say I was on probation I couldnt smoke, Knight said. I told his mother, Moms, Id love to, but if I hit that, Ill get in trouble. He laughed, I was probably the only one who didnt hit him. Shakur and Knight were ambushed and shot at a red light after leaving the Mike Tyson-Bruce Seldon fight at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on Sept. 7, 1996. Knight, who was at the wheel of a black BMW with Shakur in the passenger seat, was grazed in the head while Shakur was struck four times. Knight said that, bleeding and delirious, he made a hard U-turn and gunned the car toward Las Vegas Boulevard. Two tires were blown out and sirens echoed around them. I got out and tried to tell the officers what happened while I was bleeding everywhere, Knight said. I then was getting Tupac out the car, even when the door was open. I had to go over there bleeding everywhere, take the seat belt off him. Police whod heard the shots while on an unrelated call had chased the BMW down and flagged an ambulance. Knight and Shakur were rushed to the University Medical Center of Southern Nevada. Knight was treated and discharged, but Shakur died of his injuries six days after the shooting. Knight said that Afeni Shakur, the slain rappers mother, wanted her sons body cremated immediately. Knight claimed he paid $1 million in cash to get it done. By nightfall, a tight circle of the people closest to Shakur, Afeni among them, gathered to honor him. A bag with his ashes was passed around, Knight said. His homies rolled him up. They smoked him. There was a long pause on the phone line during the interview. You gotta understand, Knight continued, thats what made sense. It was symbolic. Its like you keep part of him. Duane Keefe D Davis has been charged with Shakurs murder and has pleaded not guilty. According to People, court filings include past police interviews in which Davis claimed Sean Diddy Combs was involved in ordering the hit on Shakur and Knight. Combs, who on Wednesday was found guilty in a New York court of transporting women for prostitution, has long denied any involvement in the Shakur/Knight shooting. Las Vegas police say he has never been considered a suspect. Knight, once one of the most powerful figures in popular music, is serving a 28-year sentence for a fatal hit-and-run. Support the Peninsulas only locally-owned newspaper. Subscribe! Subscribing annually brings you big savings. We also offer monthly and weekly subscriptions. Premium Subscription As low as $8.25 per week Premium Includes: -- Access to the Daily Journals e-Edition: a digital replica of our daily newspaper including crossword puzzles, games, comics, classifieds and ads. You can download a digital replica of the Daily Journal for offline reading. You can also clip & download articles or images from the e-edition to share with others The most recent 90 issues are available at any given time. -- Unlimited access to our award-winning online content -- Commenting access on all stories as a valued member of the DJ community -- NEW! Access to our online-only digital crossword puzzle. A new puzzle every day, seven days a week! The government has expanded the list of processing industry goods that will be subject to the requirement for a minimum degree of local content during public procurement by another 25 items, in particular to elevators, tractors, workwear and military uniforms, the Ministry of Economy reports. "The decision was made on the basis of the provisions of the law on public procurement and appeals from Ukrainian manufacturers," the message on the ministry's website says. The resolution comes into force a month after its publication. The local content requirement, in addition to mechanical engineering and light industry goods, will apply to lighting devices, cables, traffic lights; metal structures and large-diameter pipes. The Ministry of Economy recalls that in 2025, the presence of a local component in public procurement should be at least 25%, in 2026 - 30%, and will continue to grow by 5% each year until it reaches 40%. This is the first expansion of the list since the launch of the local content policy. Previously, the requirement applied to the procurement of 103 types of goods, including railway and urban transport, municipal equipment and energy equipment. The local content requirement will apply to purchases from UAH 200,000. "Ukraine has an extremely high level of import penetration in public procurement. Before the full-scale invasion, it was 38%, while the average in the world is less than 10%. We must overcome discrimination against Ukrainian manufacturers in Ukrainian public procurement," the message quotes First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy Yulia Svyrydenko. On her Facebook page, she added that about 50 manufacturers had applied to the ministry and the relevant parliamentary committee to expand localization. Private childcare operators that employed an alleged child sexual abuser in their Melbourne centres have defended the existing system, one saying that things were already highly regulated as childcare advocates call for a national register and higher staffing ratios to weed out paedophiles. On Wednesday, as the Victorian government unveiled a suite of new measures including $50,000 fines for centres that do not enforce a ban on staff carrying smartphones and establishment of a statewide register of workers, there were also calls to bolster protocols nationally to address claims of slipping standards, particularly among for-profit operators. Private childcare providers face a crisis of confidence following allegations of child sexual abuse. Credit: Marija Ercegovac All 15 childcare centres where accused child sex abuser Joshua Dale Brown worked over eight years some for just days were privately owned. The case underlines recent concerns about which corners are being cut by private operators, who critics say are putting profit ahead of child welfare. A recent ABC report highlighted testimony from a former manager at privately owned Affinity Education who described the culture as profit at all times. The Liberal Partys class of 2025 is ready to take on the Albanese Labor government. But first, they have a bit more fighting among themselves to get through. New NSW senator Jess Collins marked the first day of her term on Tuesday by sending out a lengthy email missive to party delegates containing a few gags, and a few more barely disguised swipes at factional rivals. Bold. In fact, Labor only appeared once. Jess Collins revealed her thoughts on the state of the party. I am tired of factional hacks trying to weaponise the Constitution to consolidate or hold on to power, she said. We are not going to find our way out of the wilderness if we cant change the status quo. Collins entered the upper house after knocking off sitting senator Hollie Hughes in a tough preselection fight last year, thanks in part to support from conservative frontbencher Angus Taylor, whom she thanked in her email missive. This Sovietisation of Polish culture was resisted by certain writers, such as Czesaw Miosz, who fled to Paris in the early 1950s. The Polish poet won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1980, but his writing was banned in his native country. As was the work of many western writers, including George Orwell, Hannah Arendt, Albert Camus and Virginia Woolf. During the Cold War (1945-1989), the Polish government suppressed culture behind closed doors too. The most populous central European country was then aligned to Moscow, which meant any criticism of the Kremlin was off limits. In Nazi Germany books considered to be un-German were burnt in public. No such public ritual existed in the Soviet Union, where censorship was secretive and subtle. But in communist Poland an underground literary culture still flourished. Books came from the west via various channels and sources. Some were hidden in the toilets of sleeper trains shuttling across Europe. A copy of The Gulag Archipelago, by Russian dissident Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, was said to have been concealed in a babys nappy on a flight to Warsaw. But banned literature wasnt coming into Poland by sheer chance. [It was] part of a decades-long US intelligence operation [that built] up libraries of illicit books on the far side of the Iron Curtain, Charlie English explains in The CIA Book Club. Journalist and author Charlie English. Credit: Nicola Hippisley The British author begins this captivating story in 1955, when Free Europe Press printed 260,000 copies of Orwells 1945 political fable Animal Farm, which were sent by balloon into East-Central Europe. But the clandestine mission, the brainchild of Free Europe Committee (FEC), an anti-communist CIA front organisation, wasnt very successful. So Langley, CIA headquarters, came up with a more effective strategy: direct mail. Post was strictly censored behind the Iron Curtain, but some books got through. No country responded with greater enthusiasm than Poland, writes English, a former Guardian journalist. A persistent researcher who writes with flair, he notes that books with more controversial themes were typically sent to privileged intellectuals less likely to be persecuted. Among that list was Cardinal Karol Wojtyla, the Archbishop of Krakow, later elected Pope John Paul II. The worlds first Slavic Pope had been receiving books indirectly at least from the CIA for years. But like most of the recipients, he had no clue where the books were coming from. The CIA book programme was a complex organisation ... consisting of bookshops, publishers, libraries, book exporters, and Russian and East European personalities living in various European cities, as George Minden once put it. During the mid-1950s the Romanian exile began working for the Free Europe Press Book Centre in New York, which handled the CIAs mailing project. Advertisement The Weekly Special Eating outWhats on Which acclaimed South West pop-up is coming to Perth? Max Veenhuyzen July 2, 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 What do Dahl Daddys and Special Delivery both have in common? In addition to operating as pop-ups and enjoying well-deserved reputations for serving terrific modern Asian cooking, Corey Rozario and Jacob dVauz the respective co-founders of each business both have Burmese heritage. Which makes the prospect of both camps teaming up for one modern Burmese food party a tantalising thought indeed. Dahl Daddys took Margaret River by storm. Now its coming to Perth. It all goes down on Sunday, July 13 when the two crews join forces Dahl Delivery? Special Daddys? to serve their interpretations of the dishes they grew up eating. Expect kangaroo samosas, lahpet thoke (fermented tea leaf salad), fried Shan-style tofu with green mango salad and an absolute rush for table bookings when they get announced. Advertisement Check out this link for details on how to secure a spot at what promises to be one of the years hottest collabs. Staying dry at State Buildings this July As far as somewhere to get tasty things to drink, The State Buildings has long had our backs. This month, it proves (not for the first time) that its also looking out for teetotallers too by introducing a suite of new non-alcoholic drink options across the precinct showcasing non-alcoholic spirits produced by Ovant. Ginless gin and tonic at Perths State Buildings. These include a Ginless and Tonic at Wildflower powered by quandong; the Siamese-influenced Limonaid for Long Chim; and the beer-inspired Bitter Winter which will be served at Petition Kitchen and Beer Corner. Advertisement What Kim Brennan did next In other State Buildings-adjacent news, Kim Brennan former executive group chef for both State Buildings and COMO The Treasury has signed on as group executive chef for Fiveight: the property development arm of Nicola and Andrew Forrests Tattarang company. Kim Brennan has signed on as group executive chef for Fiveight. The Fiveight hospitality stable includes riverside dining room Cooee, CBD cafe and wine bar Copia, Cottesloes Indigo Oscar and Margaret River luxury property Cape Lodge which appointed journeyman Margaret River chef Iain Robertson (formerly of Cullen and Xanadu) as its new head chef. Watch those spaces. Advertisement Three the hard-headed Italian way When it comes to reimagining Italian cuisine, two heads or two head chefs are better than one, as proven by the food Chris Caravella and Frank Trequattrini are jointly cooking together one-hat Beaufort Street osteria Testun. This weekend, two becomes three as Marche-born chef Nico Renzi temporarily joins the good ship Testun for a week-long residency. A veteran of kitchens such as Vasse Felix and La Madonna Nera, Renzis bowerbird cooking makes him a great fit for Testuns freewheeling brand of cucina Italiano. (See also the thrilling collaborative menu including ragu of rabbit braised in native herbs, kangaroo loin spiedini, and truffled apple and marsala pie.) The menu runs from Friday until Sunday, July 13. Testuns cheery restaurant manager Antonio di Senzo, meanwhile, has assembled a similarly adventurous line-up of drinks pairings that includes sake and marsala as well as selections from Testuns Italo-leaning cellar. Advertisement Burnt Ends Dave Pynt is bringing his modern barbecue cooking to Bali In addition to overseeing Singapores Worlds 50 Best-lauded and Michelin-starred modern barbecue restaurant Burnt Ends, Perth-born chef Dave Pynt also has outposts of his smart-casual barbecue restaurant Meatsmith across Asia and The Ledge by Dave Pynt: a poolside barbecue eatery at the luxe Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi. Its the latter that hell be bringing to Bali when he once again teams up with the legendary, New York-born hotel brand when it opens the Waldorf Astoria Bali. Dave Pynt will run a poolside barbecue eatery at the Waldorf Astoria Bali. Scheduled to open in 2027 in Nusa Dua, the propertys 71 villas and 68 guest suits will feature panoramic views of the Indian Ocean plus dibs on barbecue cooking from one of the worlds hottest open-fire talents. Advertisement Were really excited to bring our style of barbecue to the incredible cliffs of Nusa Dua, says Pynt. Theres so much to explore in the local produce and flavours. And when you add the magic of cooking over wood fire, it becomes something special. Restaurant reviews, news and the hottest openings served to your inbox. Sign up Advertisement Eating outJust open We tried Melbournes new drive-through banh mi spot. This is our verdict Is ordering through an intercom a clever invention (especially for introverts), or a shards-of-breadcrumb disaster for your car? We swung past the citys most unusual banh mi shop to find out. Harvard Wang Annabel Smith and July 2, 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 You might ask yourself why there arent more places that unite the joys of banh mi with the novelty of a drive-through. As far as we can tell, Banh Mi Vietnam in Maidstone is Melbournes only active drive-through selling crusty rolls filled with everything from cold cuts to lemongrass tofu. We had to know: is this a gimmick or a worthwhile addition to Melbournes flourishing banh mi scene? Good Food asked two writers to jump in their cars, order their usual banh mi via intercom, and report back. In the interests of a better representation of the kitchens abilities, they visited on separate days. Heres their verdict on Melbournes drive-through banh mi. Banh Mi Vietnam, Maidstone, has set up in the car park of a wedding reception venue. Harvard Wang The order Annabel Smith: Crispy roast pork banh mi with chilli ($12); Vietnamese iced coffee ($6.50) Advertisement Harvard Wang: The voice behind the intercom steered me towards roast pork; I went with the barbecued chicken ($12) (and the lemongrass sliced pork, at $12, for my ride-along), just to be a contrarian. The bread AS: With the crackly crust of a tiger roll, the bread was elongated and sturdy. The crumbs didnt flake away and the banh mi maintained structural integrity, despite weighing a whopping 390g. HW: Tiger bread! The irregular crackly shell was a dead giveaway. The roll is big almost in Subway foot-long territory crunchy yet pillowy in the middle, and had enough structure to hold everything without collapsing. Barbecued chicken banh mi, as seen in one writers car. Harvard Wang Advertisement The filling AS: Achieving the elusive combination of juicy meat and ASMR-crunchy crackling, the pork had nicely rendered fat and was thickly sliced. The bun was fully loaded, like the souped-up car ahead of me in the queue. HW: The chicken banh mi seemed under-filled at first, but a giant portion was hidden by the monster roll. Id prefer more crunch to the pickled carrot and radish, and more coriander, seasoning and pate, which I had to look hard for. But the lemongrass pork was flavourful, with sesame seeds throughout, a bit like a stir-fry in a roll. The roast pork banh mi ordered (and photographed on iPhone) by one writer. Annabel Smith Extra touches Advertisement AS: The four Cs (chilli, coriander, cucumber, carrot) were present and correct, but so too were the four Os: spring onion spear, dark-green spring onion slices, white onion and crispy fried shallots. Serving the roll in a white paper bag and a cardboard box was a nice touch to minimise mess in your car. HW: Placing drive-through banh mi in a box is smart to avoid mess. As I was taking photos, I heard staff warning about waiting times, which at least gives diners the choice to leave. The question is not if, but how often, Ill be back. Annabel Smith Efficiency AS: On this Friday at 1pm, friendly headset-wearing staff warned us theyd had an overload of orders and predicted a 20-minute wait, causing a couple of cars behind me to abort the mission. However, iced coffee was delivered promptly to my parked car while I waited, and my banh mi was in my hand in just over 14 minutes. Advertisement HW: We expected we would order at the intercom and pick up at the next window, but we paid and were instructed to wait at the parking bay for our order. This was on an overcast Saturday just before lunchtime, so you could consider it a pretty good stress test. Eight minutes and 48 seconds later, our food was brought over. Depending on how busy it is, customers may have to park their car and wait. Harvard Wang Would I return? AS: Theres no shortage of drive-throughs (El Jannah, Ticos, Starbucks) in this pocket of the north-west, but none have tempted me until now. Im also spoiled for choice for banh mi, living close to Footscray and Sunshine. But this quirky spot, located in the car park of a still-functioning wedding reception venue, is more than a novelty. Its roast pork was a cut above, plus Im a sucker for a tiger roll. Its also dangerously close to my home. The question is not if, but how often, Ill be back. If you live nearby and youre a) hungry, b) cant be bothered changing, c) love being in your car or d) dislike human interaction, this is definitely for you. Harvard Wang Advertisement HW: For me, a banh mi is best eaten immediately, but I dont love the idea of breadcrumbs and coriander finding their way between the seams of my car seat. Not to mention the smell. If you dont eat immediately, though, youll end up with sub-par banh mi at home. (We ate one in the car and one at home for balance.) Seeing my roll being assembled in real time is also part of the banh mi experience. But if you live nearby and youre a) hungry, b) cant be bothered changing, c) love being in your car or d) dislike human interaction, this is definitely for you. The big question is: do you mess up your car, or eat at home? Harvard Wang The verdict Banh Mi Vietnam definitely fills a gap in the wall-to-wall fast food available at drive-throughs, and its not resting on the weight of its quirk factor. The banh mi are great value for the size, and the roast pork was impressive. Its a convenient option under certain circumstances. But weigh that up against the rogue remnants of banh mi that will inevitably end up in your car and at least open the window while you eat. Breakfast and lunch daily 42 Hampstead Road, Maidstone, banhmivn.com Restaurant reviews, news and the hottest openings served to your inbox. Sign up Advertisement FoodThe dish Sooshi Mango grew up on pizza and pasta. Here are their go-to places to eat it The comedy trio and restaurateurs of Carltons smash-hit Italian diner Johnny, Vince & Sams share their food and drink favourites in Melbourne, Sydney and at home. Jane Rocca July 3, 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 Popular Melbourne-based comedy trio (and reigning Kings of Moomba) Sooshi Mango may be best known for their raucous comedy, but their fun Italian diner, Johnny, Vince & Sams, on Carltons Lygon Street has made them successful restaurateurs as well. Two years after opening, queues for the walk-in-only venue still snake down the street, with diners keen to experience the restaurants home-style Italian cooking, note-perfect nod to nonna-style decor and an always fun and lively atmosphere. Sooshi Mangos Carlo Salanitri, Joe Salanitri and Andrew Manfre upstairs at their Carlton restaurant, Johnny, Vince & Sams. The menu, created in collaboration with Johnny Di Francesco of award-winning pizzeria 400 Gradi fame, is an ode to the dishes they grew up eating spaghetti and meatballs, lasagne and cotolette [schnitzels] among them. The two-level restaurant was inspired by a now-closed Camberwell eatery where two-thirds of Sooshi Mango, brothers Joe and Carlo Salanitri, would dine with family as youngsters. Related Article Gimmick proves golden as Sooshi Mango expands Lygon Street restaurant Advertisement A for lease sign at the former Pizza by the Metre site in Carlton, where the Salanitri brothers ate with extended family, did momentarily have the trio considering expanding their hospitality footprint, but with a full work plate already, the lads, along with friend and Sooshi Mangos other member Andrew Manfre, are focusing on their comedy shows for now. Theyre back on the tour circuit with their show Home Made an encore serve of Italo-Australian humour from August. The trio took some time out between pizza slices and performing to share some of their all-time food and drink favourites, and the inspiration behind their hit restaurant. EATING IN Signature dish at home Advertisement Joe Salanitri: My mums pasta with broccoli. Its a simple dish thats peasant in style and so easy to do yourself. I cook the broccoli until its soft, and then whisk it with pasta and add salt, olive oil and chilli optional. Growing up, garlic was a no-go zone in my house because my dad hated it. Mum would then load the pasta with grana padano cheese. Its so delicious. Andrew Manfre: I love making a simple Sicilian salad when at home fresh tomatoes, oregano, olive oil, salt, cucumber and olives. My kids love it, but only when I make it. The cotoletta at Johnny, Vince & Sams is just like nonnas. Bonnie Savage Carlo Salanitri: For me, its cotolette. I add parsley to the breadcrumbs, and try to get it as golden and crispy as my mum does. It all comes down to the oil ratio and the temperature of the pan. My guilty pleasure Advertisement Joe: I shouldnt eat cannoli, but I also cant stop at one when I do. I am lactose-intolerant now, so I really should avoid them. Andrew: I cant resist eating a spoonful of tiramisu if someone orders it at a restaurant. Carlo: I grew up on Nutella, and its still a guilty pleasure. I could eat it from a jar with a spoon. Its my kryptonite. Joe, Carlo and Andrew in full Sooshi Mango mode at Johnny, Vince & Sams. Nicole Cleary The kitchen wisdom I cling to Advertisement Joe: You cant go wrong with using minimum ingredients for maximum flavour when it comes to Italian food. I have been watching a lot of Italian cooking shows of late, and one thing I continue to observe is that you can do a lot with four ingredients, and any dish can still taste amazing. I stick to that cooking philosophy at home. Andrew: I try to fight my tight-arse Italian heritage when I go shopping, but my mum instilled in me to always shop the cheaper brand because that was her thing. I fight the urge not to do as she did. Carlo: If a dish works in a specific way, dont deviate from it. Too many people are trying to change how a lasagne is made, for example. Its the way it was supposed to be made for a reason. Keep it traditional. I tell my wife to stop putting mushrooms and corn kernels in a bolognese sauce they are not meant to be there! Lygon Streets Totos Pizza House was Australias first pizzeria. It closed in 2020 after 59 years in operation. EATING OUT Advertisement Favourite nostalgic home town meals Joe and Carlo: Growing up, our family went to Pizza by the Metre in Lygon Street, and we would always eat a massive tray of half capricciosa and half margherita pizza with 25 other family members. We also dined at a place called La Casalinga in Camberwell. They made dishes like we do at our restaurant now, all home-style cooking. The people who ran it knew you by your first name. It was homely and an inspiration for what we have done with our restaurant. Andrew: Going to Totos on Lygon Street was a ritual we did every Saturday night as a family. They also had a location in Glen Huntly for a while. Wed eat a capricciosa pizza with salty olives and anchovies. As I got older, wed go to now-closed Cafe Notturno on Lygon Street for the best veal scaloppine with mushroom sauce ever. Pellegrinis, pictured in 2004, is still open and remains a Melbourne dining icon. Simon Schluter Favourite home town cafe now Advertisement Joe: A visit to Pellegrinisfor a coffee is a must when in Melbourne. Its where you go for simple and authentic pasta dishes, too. The Stanley in Mount Waverley is where I grab a coffee close to home. It used to be an old milk bar and it has been converted into a cool cafe now. I always have a short black with one sugar. Oat milk over full cream now, too, as I am not great with lactose. Andrew: A cafe I go to regularly is The Korner & Co in Bentleigh East. They make a nice chai latte. I am also lactose-intolerant these days, so its always with almond milk. Sooshi Mango love to let their hair down at Bar Bambi. Favourite bar and go-to drink We all love Bar Bambi in Melbournes Flinders Lane. Its run by our good friends. Advertisement Joe: I always have a tequila on ice with lime. After five, your face goes numb. Carlo: I like an old-fashioned cocktail or an amaretto sour. Andrew: Its a bourbon and coke, or a limoncello spritz when I feel like getting fancy. Memories of great dinner dates Joe: Oushou a Japanese restaurant in Hawthorn East. The guys will laugh at me because I go here for the teriyaki chicken. We have been going there for years with my wife and her family and our kids. Its got great sushi and sashimi. Advertisement Andrew: I celebrated all my kids baptisms at the Italian restaurant Sette Bello in Mount Waverley its a fantastic place. They would make a fabulous cappelletti in brodo. You never see that on a menu anywhere. Its a traditional Italian dish from the region where my mother is from in Italy. These days, I also dine at Saigon Mamma in Carnegie we eat pho with my kids. I didnt eat Asian food until I was 38. Carlo likes to celebrate anniversaries and special occasions at Gimlet. Carlo: I like everything about Gimlet. The food is consistent, the ambience is great. The gnocchi fritto, bresaola and parmesan is delicious, and the raw tuna with smoked creme fraiche and the caviar is great here, too. I come here with my wife for our anniversary dinners. When in Sydney Joe: For a drink, we go to Tanuki in Double Bay, a Japanese restaurant with a great drinks list. We always order sushi. Theres oysters and caviar, sashimi and chefs selection of steaks, chicken karaage and calamari on the menu. The wagyu beef skewers are delicious. Its fusion style. Advertisement When in Sydney, Joe likes to dine at Tanuki in Double Bay. Andrew: I go to Da Orazio, Bondi, for pizza, pasta and grilled mortadella, and Organica for the lamb (from the meat board, which includes lamb cutlets, sheftalia and koupes). There are lots of great Mediterranean dishes on the menu from Greek salads to rocket salads. Carlo: I like 6HEAD in Campbells Cove in The Rocks for its great steaks. Its a fine-dining restaurant, but the servings are plentiful. From rib-eye to sirloin and tomahawk all cuts can be found here. Favourite food city In New York, we dined at Luigis a traditional Italian restaurant for pizza and pasta. Try the Nonna-style pizza, which has sauce on the top and cheese on the bottom. Advertisement Advertisement Eating outEssential cafes and bakeries Ride the new wave: Sydneys essential cafes for matcha and specialty drinks Were living through a hot beverage arms race. Sip French Earl Grey in hot chocolate, milky creations with layered foam, a tea negroni and more. Good Food June 6, 2025 Save Log in , register or subscribe to save recipes for later. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share As featured in Good Foods Essential Sydney Cafes and Bakeries of 2025, presented by T2. See all stories . A growing number of Sydney cafes are specialising in neither tea nor coffee. Rather, its a special third thing. This category celebrates all the forward-thinking cafes turning tradition on its head by serving express-brewed teas covered in cream-cheese foam; milky lattes whisked with hojicha; and pink-hued French Earl Grey in hot chocolate, with fairy floss. In this collection, brought to you by T2, youll find matcha and its many variations. Yes, matcha is rooted in centuries of Chinese and Japanese tradition, but it stands apart from loose-leaf green tea due to its significant uptake in Sydney over the past two years. Harnessed for both its health and aesthetic properties, matcha has become synonymous with new-wave cafes, which serve it swirled with strawberry jam, whisked into cheesecakes and layered with thick milk foam. Want to know more? Read on for Sydneys best places to drink matcha and other specialty drinks. Its part of Good Foods Essential Sydney Cafes and Bakeries of 2025. Presented by T2, the guide celebrates the people and places that shape our excellent cafe and bakery scenes and includes more than 100 venues reviewed anonymously across 11 categories, including icons, those best for food, tea and coffee, and where to get the citys best sweets, sandwiches and baked goods. (These reviews also live on theGood Food app, and are discoverable on the map.) 1 / 4 Matcha latte and matcha muffin at Cre Asion, located in North Sydney (pictured) and Pyrmont. Dion Georgopoulos 2 / 4 Cafe Cre Asion, North Sydney. Dion Georgopoulos 3 / 4 Matcha is used to make a variety of baked goods at Cafe Cre Asion in North Sydney. Dion Georgopoulos 4 / 4 Cafe Cre Asion, North Sydney Dion Georgopoulos Previous Slide Next Slide Advertisement Cre Asion Step through the sheer curtains at Cre Asion to discover a pioneering matcha oasis in North Sydney, where the highest grade of this beautifully bitter Japanese tea has been whisked into specialty drinks and desserts since 2011. Japandi-style wood benches line the wall, facing glass pastry cabinets filled with verdant matcha green: fluffy swiss rolls, crumbly thick cookies and springy chiffon cake also available in a nutty hojicha (roasted green tea) flavour with savoury azuki (red bean) cream. Good to know: Peruse the shelves for ceremonial-grade matcha powder and whisks. Multiple locations, creasion.com.au Takeaway tea and strawberry matcha at Bubble Nini in Waterloo. Advertisement Bubble Nini The cutesy aesthetic of this Sydney-born cafe chain might not be for everyone, but theres substance behind the library facade at the Zetland flagship. Teas are visually striking, varied (with options like premium green, jasmine and oolong), brewed to order and bright with flavour. The boba are the best part: preservative-free and made daily, infused with fresh ingredients like cherry blossoms, fresh fruit and strawberry jam. Must order: Ready to lean into the cute? Pair your hazy peach milk tea with a jiggly pudding cat. Multiple locations, bubblenini.com.au Fruit toasts at Chubby Cubby. Advertisement Chubby Cubby Cafe If Good Food presented an award for the biggest slice of banoffee, this calming hangout on busy George Street would most likely claim the trophy. Chubby rocks a range of extra-large fruit-covered shokupan toasts too, but were most keen for the matcha latte crowned with thick whipped einspanner cream. Best for: Working on your laptop with matcha and cheesecake as writing fuel. 810 George Street, Haymarket, instagram.com/chubbycubbycafe Mamukis mango matcha smoothie. Nick Moir Advertisement Mamuki Bake Bar Strawberry matcha lattes are all well and good, but how about a mango matcha smoothie at this Enmore Road newcomer? Green tea powder colour-boosts everything here, from the pastry cabinets ace banana bread to the many Instagram-optimised drinks whisked to order. This cafes robust stocks of matcha are drawn from three suppliers and working directly with Japanese farmers. Must order: The Matcha Cloud layered with coconut water and velvety foam. 147 Enmore Road, Enmore, instagram.com/mamuki.bake.bar Oriental Jasmine tea is the specialty at Molly Tea. Advertisement Molly Tea Molly is a new kid on the burgeoning specialty tea scene block that is Burwood Road. The Chinese chain, founded in Shenzen in 2020, is recognisable for its pastel pink aesthetic, strong jasmine tea fragrance, and high-tech automated brewing equipment. Touch screens make ordering easy, explaining unexpectedly delicious blends such as the floral and refreshing pistachio jasmine coco (green tea with coconut water and pistachio cream-cheese foam). Good to know: Molly has developed its own signature straw, three tiny tubes fused together, for better sipping. 192 Burwood Road, Burwood, mollytea.com.au Matcha everything at Moon & Back, Rosebery. Advertisement Moon and Back Matcha meets innovation in this industrial-minimalist cafe beneath a modern apartment building in Rosebery. This is where youll find ceremonial-grade matcha from the renowned Uji growing region in Kyoto, served with dainty skewers of house-made dango (chewy rice flour dumplings) or whipped into creamy clouds atop coconut water or milk. Cold brew coffee gets a floral flourish with jasmine, maple syrup and milk foam in the signature Kumo drink. Best for: Appeasing your sweet tooth on a solo date. 7/2 Crewe Place, Rosebery, moonandbacksyd.square.site Sneaker Laundry at Martin Place. Advertisement Sneaker Laundry Lab This underground triple-threat sells specialty concoctions of coffee and matcha alongside grab-and-go Japanese-ish meals, all while sprucing up your dirty sneakers. Drop your shoes off and pick up a freshly whisked matcha with zesty yuzu, or served cold and milky with a cloud of nutty kinako (roasted soybean powder) foam. Theres no seating in the 00s-futurist space, but the fridge is stocked with onigiri from local master Oniballs in flavours including nasi lemak. Good to know: Spilled your matcha? Sneaker Laundry sells a great stain removing marker. Basement level 3, 2 Elizabeth Street, Sydney, thesneakerlaundry.com.au High-pressure tea brewing equipment at Tea & Co, Burwood. Advertisement Tea & Co Take a seat on the polished concrete bench as you watch the espresso machines rasping with steam as they pressure-brew tea leaves to order. Within a minute or two the automated Big Brother voice booms out your order number, and there it is: a supersized (no, there arent smaller sizes) snowy mountain osmanthus oolong fresh milk tea. Translated: cold oolong tea with milk and cream cheese foam, or liquefied dessert for grown-ups. Good to know: Want some coffee with your tea? Tea & Co offers a specialised blend of the two. 1/180-186 Burwood Road, Burwood, instagram.com/teaandcoau Tea Republic Advertisement This is no ordinary bubble tea spot. Its a light-filled space where baristas brew to order with freshly ground leaves and health-forward ingredients such as oats and coconut jelly. The fun is in choosing your tea and toppings: osmanthus to golden sencha; honey pearls to mini mochi. Tweak your ice level, sweetness and temperature, too, and enjoy your latest creation at the drink-in Mascot location. Must order: Roasted milk with all-combination toppings. Multiple locations, tearepublic.au T Totaler, Sydney. T Totaler Advertisement Husband and wife Amber and Paul Sunderland launched their premium Australian-grown tea brand in 2012 with the aim of changing the public perception of what tea could be. Now, they have 30 blends at their tiny flagship, which acts as a retail shop and peddler of the fabulous tea creations favoured by restaurants including two-hatted Bennelong. Bestsellers include a peppery masala chai and a refreshing tea negroni cocktail. Must order: The signature French Earl Grey hot chocolate topped with Persian fairy floss. The Galeries, 500 George Street, Sydney, ttotalertea.com Related Article Sydney cafes arent what they used to be. Theyre better Good Foods Essential Sydney Cafes and Bakeries of 2025, presented by T2, celebrates the people and places that shape our excellent cafe and bakery scenes and includes more than 100 venues reviewed anonymously across 11 categories, including icons, those best for food, tea, coffee and matcha, and where to get the citys best sweets, sandwiches and baked goods. Download the Good Food app from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store to discover whats near you. Restaurant reviews, news and the hottest openings served to your inbox. Sign up Advertisement Exclusive Eating outRestaurant news Three-Michelin-starred Maaemo returns to Sydney with an all-Australian menu The famed Norwegian restaurant will be leaning in to local ingredients for its second takeover of Hawkesbury fine diner Berowra Waters Inn in July. Erina Starkey July 2, 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 Its been two years since Norways three-Michelin-starred restaurant Maaemo brought its refined Nordic fare to the bushland surrounds of Berowra Waters Inn. For its second Australian residency, running July 24-27, executive chef Jay Boyle is leaving the Scandinavian staples behind, smoked reindeer heart included. Instead, hell be reimagining the restaurants menu using entirely Australian ingredients. Its a major and slightly terrifying challenge to recreate these dishes without a single item from the Maaemo pantry, says Boyle. Theres a whole alphabet of ingredients we need to replace. But its very exciting to recreate and even elevate dishes through a purely Australian lens. The milk bun from Maaemos 2023 residency at Berowra Waters Inn. Boyle will join Berowra Waters Inn executive chef and owner Brian Geraghty in the kitchen. With just one week before Boyle touches down in Sydney, Geraghty and his team are busily prepping an all-Australian pantry of ferments, preserves and condiments for the menu, including macadamia miso, rosella bud capers and vinegar made from muntries. Advertisement We realised it made far more sense to construct the food around ingredients native to here, says Geraghty. Its a more cohesive narrative for where the restaurant is in the middle of the Australian bush, in a sandstone and tin building. Berowra Waters Inn sits on the Hawkesbury River. Sebastian Mrugalski Several of Maaemos signature dishes will be reworked: langoustine with egg yolk glaze will become marron with emu egg yolk; king crab and hazelnuts will be swapped for Hawkesbury mud crab in macadamia milk; while its famous Oyster Tradition 2010 will feature local Hawkesbury oysters instead of Norways Bomlo variety. When you look at restaurants like Noma and Maaemo, theyre hyper-focused on provenance they explore what it means to be of a place, says Geraghty. We wanted to see if we could do that here. The restaurant is surrounded by bushland. Sebastian Mrugalski Advertisement Geraghty is working with a network of local producers including Tinja Farms and Newcastle Greens, as well as native food expert Nathan Lovett from the National Indigenous Culinary Institute to source rare, wild and native ingredients for the menu. Among the produce sourced will be Atherton raspberries, which will replace Norwegian strawberries in a dessert of dried and rehydrated berries with native herbs and edible flowers. Dishes will closely resemble those served in Oslo, but will also be completely bespoke, taking on the unique flavours of Australia, cooked up by a couple of Australian chefs at the top of their field, in an iconic Australian setting, says Geraghty. Tartare of aged wagyu, pickled enoki and chilli from the 2023 Maaemo x Berowra Waters Inn dinner. Originally from Port Stephens, NSW, Boyle first met Geraghty in 2010 while working in the kitchen of Sydneys Bilsons restaurant. Boyle left just a year later to join Maaemo, and today is one of only three Australian chefs leading a three-Michelin-starred kitchen anywhere in the world alongside Brett Graham from The Ledbury and Matt Abe from Restaurant Gordon Ramsay. Advertisement Back then, we were the youngest people in the kitchen. We really hit it off and weve remained friends ever since, says Geraghty. The event also coincides with another high-profile return: the UKs three-Michelin-starred LEnclume will also be in town, revisiting the Bathers Pavilion in Balmoral, two years after its Sydney debut. Maaemo x Berowra Waters Inn will run over four days, with just 250 seats available across July 24-27. The 14-course tasting menu is priced at $420 per person, with two all-Australian wine pairings available for $220 and $340. Tickets can be purchased at berowrawatersinn.com. Related Article Three Michelin stars, 14 courses and the once-in-a-lifetime chance for a front-row seat Restaurant reviews, news and the hottest openings served to your inbox. Sign up Treasurer Jim Chalmers is enforcing national sovereignty and defying risk of economic intimidation in taking court action to force a China-linked entity to divest from a key rare earths miner. Treasurer Jim Chalmers is trying to protect access to resources. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen This is a matter of enforcing red lines or, in Seinfeld parlance, knowing not just how to make a reservation but how to hold one. Thats why, if were serious about holding on to the strategic advantages of our critical-minerals sector and not just making short-term profits, this is a moment for resolve. At the heart of the matter is Northern Minerals, an Australian company developing the Browns Range project for heavy rare earths in Western Australia. The project could become one of the first non-Chinese sources of the critical minerals essential for advanced military systems, clean energy technologies and high-end electronics. Despite a clear directive from Chalmers last year for five China-linked entities to divest their stakes in Northern Minerals, at least one, Indian Ocean International Shipping and Service Company Ltd, allegedly failed to comply. Hungary is not trying to solve problems, but is using the subject of national minorities for political manipulation, Commissioner for Human Rights of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Dmytro Lubinets said. He said that in 2024 he invited the ombudsmen of Romania, Hungary and Slovakia to visit Ukraine in order to conduct a joint monitoring visit and talk with representatives of national minorities. "The first colleague who responded to my proposal was Renata Weber. She is a Romanian ombudsman. She physically came to Ukraine for one day. We worked together in Chernivtsi region. And on the second day we went to Romania together. And on the first day we observed and recorded how Ukraine protects the rights of the Romanian national minority. And the next day I watched with my colleague how Romania protects the rights of the Ukrainian national minority," he said at the press conference titled "The Brave Change the World." Lubinets said Ukraine showed the best practices in protecting the rights of national minorities. In particular, according to him, there are more Ukrainian schools with the Romanian language than Romanian schools with the Ukrainian language. The ombudsman also said he had invited his Hungarian colleague to Ukraine three times: both publicly and privately. "I received one letter confirming my readiness to come to Ukraine in the second half of 2024. After that, I sent several more letters with more detailed details. We are ready to offer any options, primarily to our Hungarian colleague. He did not come and officially did not even respond to me after that first letter," the ombudsman said. He said he always cites this example when it comes to alleged violations of the rights of the Hungarian national minority in Ukraine. "If there was really a desire to come, monitor, record... If there are violations, we are ready to deal with them, we are ready to make changes to the internal order. But, unfortunately, I see that in the examples this remains simply political manipulation on the part of our neighbor," he said. Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Save articles for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. Got it Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size On the 50th anniversary of the journalist and anti-development campaigners disappearance, the Herald gathers the best evidence for what happened. See all 3 stories . Its been years since Eddie Trigg has seen his former lover. Theres a lot to catch up on as they sit across from each other at a Surry Hills hotel. Monet King eases his way into the conversation. King, 61, is writing an autobiography, exploring his extraordinary journey: from being born Arthur Montgomery King, to becoming Marilyn King Miss New Zealand Drag Queen and, later, a cocktail waitress in Kings Cross to finding God and now identifying as a man. Hes chosen the name Monet as a tribute to his favourite artist. He tells Trigg he wants to write about their life together in the 1970s and the wild days they shared in the Cross. And he wants to talk about their connection to one of Sydneys most enduring mysteries; the 1975 disappearance of 38-year-old journalist and anti-development campaigner Juanita Nielsen. Trigg and King had both been at the Carousel Cabaret in the Cross on the day Nielsen vanished. Who killed Juanita Nielsen? A Kings Cross mural tribute to a death that continues to confound police. Credit: Peter Kevin Solness/Fairfax Media King says its difficult to write about because it is a forbidden subject between them. Trigg seems wary. In fact, scared. He appears to be genuinely afraid of Sydney crime figure Abe Saffron, the owner of the Carousel. Abe Saffrons not someone to f--- with [even] though hes f---ing 80-f---ing-something, hes f---ing nearly a billionaire, and hes got contacts everywhere, he tells King as they sit in the pub. You could put yourself in a lot of f---ing jeopardy, even if he doesnt go hard, he could sue your arse off. Advertisement If Trigg talks, though, he could solve the Nielsen case. Thats the hope of the third, silent party to this meeting. King is wired and Detective Inspector Nigel Warren is listening outside the pub, hanging on every word. This is the covert operation that NSW Police hope will solve one of the states most notorious cold cases. And this is the first time the recorded conversation can be reported in detail, courtesy of material newly released to the Herald on the eve of the 50th anniversary of Nielsens disappearance. The time: July 1, 2005. The place: The Royal Exhibition Hotel in Surry Hills. The target: Eddie Trigg, the former night manager of the Carousel, sitting in the front bar. He is the last known person to see Nielsen alive at the club on the morning of July 4, 1975. The bait: Triggs former lover, Monet King. The cop: Detective Inspector Nigel Warren, who hopes the meeting will elicit a confession from Trigg. The Royal Exhibition Hotel, Surry Hills, site of the police sting on Eddie Trigg. Credit: Sam Mooy The detective knows the meeting of the two old lovers might be the best, and perhaps last, chance to answer the question for years written on walls around Sydney: Who killed Juanita? Warren has worked hard to get to this moment. He flew to New Zealand to interview King and obtained a statement that implicated Trigg in the murder. Up to a point. But he needs more. A confession. He figures that if Trigg is ever going to open up to anyone, it will be to someone whos been in a relationship with him. He persuades King to come to Sydney and take part in the operation. [He] agreed to talk to Eddie for me, Warren tells the Herald in an exclusive interview. When you look at them being in a relationship, Monet knows everything about him, what he does, what his movements were [in 1975]. Advertisement So, it would have made it very difficult for [Trigg] to lie, or try and pass things off because, in my view, Monet would know what was truth or lie. Since leaving Sydney in 1982 to return to New Zealand, King has embraced Christianity, returned to living as a man, and become a community health worker. But the Nielsen case has never left him, and King believes he has a role to play to encourage Trigg to confess before he dies. But Trigg does not play ball. Be very careful what you say, or what you have to say about [Saffron] or his involvement or what you think his involvement is, he tells King. He urges King to stick to the story. Perhaps tellingly, he says: Just say what youve always been saying. Dont f---ing elaborate and get carried away. Its been 30-odd f---ing years, and you could buy yourself f---ing trouble to gain a little bit of notoriety, which is pretty ridiculous. I wont go out of my way to antagonise a f---ing person like Abe because its just not f---ing worth it. King counters that Saffron, who was 86 at the time, was almost dead, and pressed on, wanting to know what Trigg would do about the Nielsen mystery. Youve got to put it all down on paper. Advertisement Trigg responds: Well, I can only put down whats already been f---ing, whats already down. I cant add any more to it than whats already there. Everybody assumes and, probably rightly so, that I know the answer, and I dont. I have an idea, but I dont really know for a fact. King turns the conversation to what happened on July 4, 1975, in particular, that Trigg went upstairs at the Carousel with a woman Nielsen. Trigg replies: Which I did. That is public knowledge. Trigg has long claimed he asked Nielsen to the club to discuss buying advertising in the local newspaper she ran. They agreed on a price and he paid her. She gave him a receipt, then left. Its at this point that Triggs wariness turns to suspicion: Youre on a fishing expedition, arent you? Advertisement Hearing this, Warren, outside the hotel, is immediately concerned that the operation might fall apart and King might be in danger. I started to get quite worried at this point, he says. He has a team ready to act if it all goes pear-shaped, and he perceives there is a risk to Monets safety. King is determined to do his best to have Trigg confess before he dies, and denies that he is on a fishing expedition. Trigg: F---ing bullshit. Mug shot of Eddie Trigg, who feared any revelations he made would get back to Abe Saffron. Credit: SMH Undaunted, King presses on, telling Trigg: It would be lovely to know [about Juanita]. Trigg: I dont know any more than whats already a public record I do have private opinions, which I would never voice while Abe was alive. Advertisement Sydney drivers will have a one-stop shop for their complaints about tolls as a new state government agency helmed by a senior transport bureaucrat is set up to oversee the citys motorways. The agency known as NSW Motorways will start operating on Tuesday and, as part of its remit, establish a customer advocate who will be responsible for making the system more motorist-orientated in areas including complaints and administration of toll notices. Separately, an independent tolling ombudsman is expected to start early next year. The Sydney Harbour Bridges ownership will shift to the new agency NSW Motorways. Credit: Anna Kucera About $100 million from the states toll relief scheme, which includes a $60 a week cap, was unclaimed by motorists despite higher-than-usual claims in June. Monday was the last date on which anyone could claim toll relief cash that was accrued in 2024. The government has said that unclaimed money will be funnelled back into toll reform. Budget papers also show the government is forecasting a $103 million surge in toll revenue in the 2028-29 financial year to $283 million, which it attributes to the opening of the Western Harbour Tunnel and long-delayed M6 motorway, both of which will be tolled but remain in public hands. Education officials were warned about safety risks for young children and online exam tech failures almost a year before the states selective school tests erupted into chaos in early May. Internal documents seen by the Herald reveal the NSW Department of Education knew about a litany of issues raised by parents after a practice run of the selective school tests was held mid-last year. Riot police were called to this years exams, held for the first time at testing mega-centres across Sydney, to manage out-of-control crowds as thousands of parents and students converged on one of the major hubs. Alex Sun and his son, Nathan, were caught up in the selective school test chaos at Randwick in May. Credit: Wolter Peeters Parents caught in huge crowds said the situation became unsafe and students could have been crushed as people swarmed entry and exit points at testing sites. The May tests included technical failings, children in tears and an invigilator passing out. Rob Duggan was on his morning coffee run two weeks ago when he saw a man collapse in the distance. I could see straight away that he wasnt breathing, said Duggan, a police officer on parental leave with his five-month-old daughter, Audrene. I parked my daughter up about five metres away, put the brake on the pram ... and I just got down and started CPR. Sanjeet Hooda (right) thanks Rob Duggan for stepping in and saving his fathers life. Credit: Kate Geraghty Dharm Singh Hooda, an otherwise healthy 66-year-old grandfather, had just finished his daily morning walk around Elara Sporting Fields in Marsden Park when he went into cardiac arrest. Duggans quick thinking, and an off-duty paramedic who raced to the scene after receiving an alert on the GoodSAM app, kept Hooda alive. He had performed CPR many times in 15 years as a cop, but this was the first time someone had pulled through. 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 was the Valentines Day gift no one asked for. Cyclone Zelia tore through Western Australias far north, making landfall as a category 4 system and bringing destructive winds and significant rainfall. A remote community school directly in the cyclones path is still suffering the consequences, with teachers accommodation destroyed, classrooms made unsafe, and no word yet from its insurance company on the total cost of the damage. Pictures of the damage and evacuation, including flooding where the teachers accommodation is located. The Strelley Community School operates two campuses at Warralong and Strelley Stations, between 150 kilometres and 60 kilometres from Port Hedland. After the community was evacuated via helicopter, it became clear it would be almost impossible to return imminently, with all major roads flooding. It was a unique situation, according to The Nomads Charitable and Educational Foundation managing director Ingrid Walkley, who said previously, one campus or the other was impacted by severe weather events but never both. The foundation provides grassroots relief to the Strelley community, and plays a huge role in keeping the school campuses running. Advertisement Within the week, the evacuation centre set up in Port Hedland cleared and was transformed into a temporary classroom for the displaced students. While some students returned to their community via helicopter once it was safe, the majority stayed with friends and family in town to continue schooling. Loading But the teachers, many of whom had moved from afar to work, did not have anyone to stay with, and rentals proved impossible to come by. Walkley said four of the teachers, with seven of their children and two dogs, were relegated to swags on the floor of the local Baptist church for more than a month. Other teachers were placed in temporary accommodation, but were forced to move on multiple times per week based on availability. Finally on March 28, all teachers were moved into discounted rental properties. Advertisement Meanwhile, Walkely said works were underway to make the school sites safe again. The foundation organised for contractors to head out to the school sites once the roads cleared, to fix flood-damaged flooring in a primary school classroom and the roofing in a multipurpose secondary classroom. At the start of term 2, teachers and students were finally able to return to their community but housing problems for teachers continued. Even at the end of the term, their homes were not fixed, with the insurance company yet to provide a statement on the damages, or how much is covered, despite sending someone to survey the site in April. Teachers are living in temporary accommodation vans on site, or sharing space with other staff in the homes not impacted by the storm. Costs undertaken by the school In Port Hedland: White goods and furniture for teacher accommodation. Clothing and other essentials for teachers, which they had to leave behind during evacuation. Meals for staff. Resources including stationary and books for students. A bus to pick students up each day for school. All rental and temporary accommodation costs. Back in community: Temporary accommodation vans at the Strelley site at a current cost of $11,200.00 (excluding GST) per 28 days. Temporary accommodation van at the Warralong site at a cost of $29,436 until August 26. A temporary hire generator is installed while the new generator is being purchased and installed. Repairs to the damaged floor in the Primary Classroom. Temporary repairs to the Multipurpose Classroom (initiated by a mining benefactor) to make the classroom safe, but more work is needed. Safety compliance inspections. Repairs needed for two teacher homes at Warralong. Repair of three homes at Strelley. A position statement sent to the insurers stated the school was under significant duress and unaware of how much is being allocated towards repairs and contents, and by whom and when. Advertisement Our already constrained budget is being seriously stretched to the limit while we wait for an insurance outcome, it reads. The prolonged wait is affecting the mental health of our staff and the culture of our school. In mid-May, the school was given $350,000 by their insurer to cover initial costs. We are now hundreds of thousands of dollars past what the insurance company initially gave us, Walkley said. Our budget is severely impacted. She also said several teachers had since chosen to leave, and the school was struggling more than ever to find replacements. Its always a challenge to find teachers for remote schools, especially given there is a teacher shortage across Australia applicants have more choice on where to go, she said. Advertisement Even so, we usually run successful recruitment campaigns but this time, with no certainty on accommodation, that has not been the case. Students from the Strelley School in the evacuation helicopter. Walkley is calling on the insurance company to act faster and provide the school with the financial support it needs, but said it would also be a boon if the federal government to step in. As an independent school, with parents of students unable to financially contribute to school fees, the majority of its funding comes from the federal government, but Walkley said it would be of huge benefit if they received a disaster relief payment of some kind. But despite the struggles the school has faced since February, she said the upside was seeing how the Port Hedland community had rallied around them. We cannot thank them enough. There was so much support from so many different places, from accommodation, to help with organising excursions, she said. And a huge shout-out to the families and the students for choosing to stay and prioritise education despite being away from their community. Advertisement In this series, we examine the work of Victorias Yoorrook Justice Commission, a public inquiry into the impact of colonisation on Indigenous Victorians. The management of water resources would be reshaped to enshrine Victorian traditional owners as rights holders, entitled to income and powers over use, under a proposal from the states truth-telling inquiry. The Yoorrook Justice Commission published its final reports on Tuesday, proposing a rethink of the states multibillion-dollar water system and arguing First Peoples are too far removed from a resource that is fundamental to their culture. Tati Tati and Wadi Wadi man Brendan Kennedy on Belsar Island, near Robinvale. Credit: Jason South While Indigenous land rights have loomed in the public consciousness since the 1992 Mabo decision, water is described by Yoorrook as the lifeblood of Country. That sovereignty was never ceded means that all water is Aboriginal water and the Crown should not have sole authority in managing water, the commission wrote. Yoorrook calls for First Peoples fundamental and inherent rights to water to be recognised. Dharamshala, India: The Dalai Lama said on Wednesday that he will be reincarnated and that his non-profit institution will have the sole authority to identify his reincarnation. His comments came at a gathering of monks in Dharamshala, the Indian Himalayan town where he has lived in exile for more than half a century, to chart the future of his spiritual office and how it might survive growing pressure from China. Buddhist monks watch a recorded video message from the Dalai Lama on Wednesday. Credit: AP The remarks by the Tibetan Buddhist leader, who turns 90 on Sunday, end speculation among millions of followers about whether there would be another Dalai Lama after his death. In response, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning reiterated that Beijing had to approve the identity of the successor and that it had to be done in China through a centuries-old ritual. European leaders have turned towards Asia in a bid to form a trading bloc to counter US President Donald Trumps sweeping tariffs, raising hopes in Australia for a deal to boost trade by $106 billion. Australian business leaders welcomed the plans from European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen for closer ties with Asia, seeing it as a step towards cutting trade barriers on cars, food and investment. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Credit: nna\KCampbell The trade agenda is being shaped by concerns in Europe on the economic conflict with the US over tariffs and the military threats from Russia, leading it to seek stronger alliances with like-minded nations. In a clear overture to Asia, the EU president has declared her interest in opening Europe to one of the worlds largest trade blocs, known as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), which includes Australia, as well as Japan, South Korea and Canada. London: Ukraine expects Russia to intensify its bombardment on military and civilian targets after US President Donald Trump halted weapons exports to the country in a move that triggered formal complaints and split Republicans. The sudden halt is likely to leave Ukraine without enough air defence missiles to intercept Russian attacks, as American officials argue they need to preserve their military stockpiles. Residents embrace after a Russian missile hit an apartment building in Kyiv, Ukraine, last month. Credit: AP Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Mariana Betsa called an urgent meeting in Kyiv with the top US diplomat to Ukraine, John Ginkel, to thank America for its aid but warn of the danger from the slowdown. The Ukrainian side emphasised that any delay or slowing down in supporting Ukraines defence capabilities would only encourage the aggressor to continue war and terror, rather than seek peace, Betsa said in a statement after the meeting. The Cabinet of Ministers has allocated UAH 540 million for repairs of about 200 apartment buildings, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said. "Thanks to the support of the World Bank within the HOPE project, we are intensifying the restoration of housing for Ukrainians. We are directing UAH 540 million to the communities of Zaporizhia, Mykolaiv, Izyum, Bucha and Makariv," Shmyhal said at a government meeting on Wednesday. According to the Prime Minister, these funds will be invested by the communities in the repairs of about 200 apartment buildings that were damaged by Russian terrorists. By Mata Press Service A sweeping class-action lawsuit challenging Canadas long-standing use of employer-specific work permitscommonly known as closed permitshas been authorized by the Quebec Superior Court, setting the stage for a landmark legal battle that could reshape immigration policy for tens of thousands of foreign workers. The action, spearheaded by the Association for the Rights of Household and Farm Workers (DTMF), contends that these permits, which legally bind temporary foreign workers (TFWs) to a single employer, violate fundamental rights protected under Canadas Charter of Rights and Freedoms. In a statement, DTMF confirmed that the court had greenlit the class-action, originally filed on September 13, 2024, targeting the Attorney General of Canada. The suit argues that employer-tying measures contravene Section 7 (right to life, liberty and security) and Section 15(1) (equality rights) of the Charter. Under Canadas Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP), International Mobility Program (IMP), and its predecessor, the Non-Immigrant Employment Authorization Program (NIEAP), foreign workers have historically been issued permits tied to a specific employer or group of employers. Critics say this framework severely restricts workers ability to leave exploitative conditions without jeopardizing their immigration status. DTMF argues that this structure has effectively placed vulnerable foreign labourersmany of whom work in low-wage, high-risk sectors such as agriculture, caregiving, and domestic serviceinto a legal straitjacket. This is not just about immigration paperwork. Its about basic human dignity, said a spokesperson for DTMF. Being tied to one employer strips workers of their agency. It invites abuse and punishes the very people who grow our food, care for our children, and clean our homes. The class-action could encompass a broad and diverse group of people. Any non-citizen or non-permanent resident who worked in Canada after April 17, 1982, and held an employer-specific work permit is automatically included, provided they meet one of several criteria. These include workers hired under TFWP, SAWP, NIEAP, or IMP with employer-specific conditions in their permits. Also included are short-term domestic workers and caregivers employed by foreign nationals on personal assignments to Canada, such as ambassadors or heads of international organizations, excluding those tied directly to foreign embassies or United Nations agencies. Importantly, the suit seeks to have certain sections of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations struck down as unconstitutional and demands Charter damages and monetary compensation for all eligible workers. Affected individuals need not take any action to join the case but may opt out by August 27, 2025. The federal government, through the Attorney General of Canada, has firmly opposed the claims. While the government has not yet filed its detailed legal arguments, it maintains that the employer-specific model serves legitimate administrative and labour market functions. A trial date has yet to be scheduled. Observers expect the proceedings to draw national attention, especially as the case could influence Canadas broader immigration and labour policy. According to Statistics Canada, over 125,000 temporary foreign workers held employer-specific permits in 2023 alone. The majority were employed in agriculture, caregiving, construction, and food processing sectors, where rights violations and exploitative practices have been well-documented. A 2022 study from the Migrant Workers Alliance for Change found that nearly one in three TFWs reported facing verbal abuse or threats at work. Over 40% said they feared losing their legal status if they complained about working conditions. The closed-permit system, critics argue, reinforces that imbalance of power. From 2018 to 2022, the number of employer-specific work permits issued increased by more than 20%, according to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) data. Despite several government pilot programs exploring open work permits for vulnerable workers, uptake remains limited. This class action represents one of the most significant legal challenges to Canadas foreign worker regime in decades. While earlier court rulings have criticized elements of the system, especially in cases involving abuse or denial of basic labour protections, this is the first coordinated legal effort to overturn the underlying legislative framework on constitutional grounds. If successful, the case could open the door to broad reforms, including the potential elimination of closed permits altogether. The implications extend beyond the courtroom. As Canada grapples with a shrinking labour force, aging population, and labour shortages in key sectors, the country has increasingly leaned on temporary foreign workers. More than 550,000 work permits were issued in 2023, a record high. Yet, this reliance has exposed a systemic contradiction: while foreign workers are essential to the Canadian economy, they often lack the rights and protections afforded to other residents. Labour advocates argue that closed permits not only trap workers in abusive environments but also create a tiered workforce with second-class legal status. Some employers, meanwhile, defend the model as necessary for managing recruitment costs and maintaining stability in seasonal industries. A trial date for the case is expected to be set within the coming months. Until then, eligible workers are encouraged to review the official notice and understand their rights within the legal process. Legal representation for the class is being led by Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP, which has confirmed that class members will not be charged any legal fees related to the action. This is a moment of reckoning, said DTMF. For over four decades, Canada has operated a labour migration system that benefits employers at the expense of basic rights. This class-action is our opportunity to finally turn the tide. The outcome of the trial could not only deliver justice for thousands of migrant workers but may also force Ottawa to confront deeper questions about the kind of labour market and society it wants to build. Commentary By Sylvain Charlebois Canadas supply management system, once seen as a pillar of food security and agricultural self-sufficiency, is failing at its most basic function: ensuring a reliable domestic supply. According to the Canadian Association of Regulated Importers, Canada imported more than 66.9 million kilograms of chicken as of June 14, a 54.6 per cent increase from the same period last year. Thats enough to feed 3.4 million Canadians for a full year based on average poultry consumptionroughly 446 million meals. Under a tightly managed quota system, those meals were supposed to be produced domestically. Instead, imports now account for more than 12 per cent of this years domestic chicken production, revealing a growing dependence on foreign supply. Supply management is Canadas system for regulating dairy, poultry and egg production. It uses quotas and fixed prices to match domestic supply with demand while limiting imports, intended to protect farmers from global price swings and ensure stable supply. To be fair, the avian influenza outbreak has disrupted poultry production and partially explains the shortfall. But even with that disruption, the numbers are staggering. Imports under trade quotas set by the World Trade Organization, the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership are running at or near their allowable monthly shareknown as pro-rata levelssignalling not just opportunity, but urgency. Supplementary import permits, meant to be used only in emergencies, have already surpassed 48 million kilograms, exceeding total annual import volumes in some previous years. This isnt a seasonal hiccup. Its a systemic failure. The system, designed to buffer domestic markets from global volatility, is cracking under internal strain. When emergency imports become routine, we have to ask: what exactly is being managed? Canadas most recent regulated chicken production cycle, which ended May 31, saw one of the worst shortfalls in over 50 years. Strict quota limits stopped farmers from producing more to meet demand, leaving consumers with higher grocery bills and more imported food, shaking public confidence in the system. Some defenders insist this is an isolated event. Its not. For the second straight week, Canada has hit pro-rata import levels across all chicken categories. Bone-in and processed poultry, once minor players in emergency import programs, are now essential just to keep shelves stocked. And the dysfunction doesnt stop at chicken. Egg imports under the shortage allocation program have already topped 14 million dozen, a 104 per cent jump from last year. Not long ago, Canadians were mocking high U.S. egg prices. Now theirs have fallen. Ours havent. All this in a country with $30 billion in quota value, supposedly designed to protect domestic production and reduce reliance on imports. Instead, were importing more and paying more. Rather than addressing these failures, Ottawa is looking to entrench them. Bill C-202, now before the Senate, seeks to shield supply management from future trade talks, making reform even harder. So we must ask: is this really what were protecting? Meanwhile, our trading partners are taking full advantage. Chile, for instance, has increased chicken exports to Canada by more than 63 per cent, now accounting for nearly 96 per cent of CPTPP-origin imports. While Canada doubles down on protectionism, others are gaining long-term footholds in our market. Its time to face the facts. Supply management no longer guarantees supply. When a system meant to ensure resilience becomes a source of fragility, its no longer an assetits an economic liability. Dr. Sylvain Charlebois is a Canadian professor and researcher in food distribution and policy. He is senior director of the Agri-Food Analytics Lab at Dalhousie University and co-host of The Food Professor Podcast. Microsoft laying off several thousand employees San Francisco, United States, July 2 (AFP) Jul 02, 2025 Microsoft on Wednesday said it was slashing a little less than four percent of its global workforce as it seeks to cut layers of middle management and leverage new technologies. "We continue to implement organizational changes necessary to best position the company and teams for success in a dynamic marketplace," a Microsoft spokesperson said in an email. The cloud computing tech giant did not disclose the total amount of lost jobs but as of June 2024 it employed 228,000 people, bringing the latest layoffs to about 9,000 people. The job cuts follow a round in May that saw about 6,000 positions culled from its global workforce. The company, which is advancing in its plans to deploy AI across all its products, said it was working to "empower employees to spend more time focusing on meaningful work by leveraging new technologies and capabilities." "Even in the best of times, we have regularly adjusted our workforce to meet the strategic demands of the business," the company added. The company, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, was one of the first tech giants to double down on artificial intelligence when the launch of ChatGPT in 2022 rocked the tech industry. arp/ksb Possible interstellar object zooming through Solar System: ESA Paris, July 2 (AFP) Jul 02, 2025 An object from outside the Solar System has been spotted hurtling towards the Sun, which if confirmed would be the third visitor from the stars ever detected, the European Space Agency said Wednesday. The object, which is currently being referred to as A11pl3Z, poses no threat to Earth, the ESA's planetary defence head Richard Moissl told AFP. "It will fly deep through the Solar System, passing just inside the orbit of Mars," but not threatening to hit our neighbouring planet, he said. Excited astronomers are still refining their calculations, but the object appears to be zooming at a speed up to 60 kilometres (37 miles) a second, which would mean it is not bound by the Sun's orbit, unlike comets, which all originate from within the Solar System. Its trajectory also "means it's not orbiting our star, but coming from interstellar space and flying off to there again," Moissl said. "We are not 100 percent certain at the moment, but anything else would be a surprise," he added. Official confirmation is expected to come from the International Astronomical Union's Minor Planet Center, which has recorded more than 100 observations of the object so far. After the object was discovered, astronomers across the world then searched through past data, tracing its trajectory back to at least June 14. The object is currently estimated to be roughly 10-20 kilometres wide, though it could be smaller, Moissl said. "It will get brighter and closer to the Sun until late October and then still be observable (by telescope) until next year," he added. - Our third visitor - It would be the third time humanity has detected something coming from the stars. The first, 'Oumuamua, was discovered in 2017. It was so strange that at least one prominent scientist became convinced it was an alien vessel -- though this has since been dismissed by further research. Our second interstellar visitor, 2I/Borisov, was spotted in 2019. Moissl said it is not feasible to send a mission into space to intercept the new object. It appears to be "moving considerably faster than the other two extra-solar objects that we previously discovered," Mark Norris, an astronomer at the UK's University of Central Lancashire, told AFP. Norris pointed out that modelling estimates there could be as many 10,000 interstellar objects drifting through the Solar System at any given time. If true, this suggests that the newly online Vera C. Rubin Observatory in Chile could soon be finding these dim objects every month, he added. These visitors offer a rare chance to study something outside of our Solar System, Norris said. For example, if we detected precursors of life such as amino acids on such an object, it would give us "a lot more confidence that the conditions for life exist in other star systems," he added. Possible interstellar object spotted zooming through Solar System Paris, July 2 (AFP) Jul 02, 2025 An object that appears to be from beyond our Solar System has been spotted hurtling towards the Sun, which if confirmed would be the third visitor from the stars ever detected, the European Space Agency said Wednesday. The object, which is currently being referred to as A11pl3Z, poses no threat to Earth, the ESA's planetary defence head Richard Moissl told AFP. "It will fly deep through the Solar System, passing just inside the orbit of Mars," but will not hit our neighbouring planet, he said. Excited astronomers are still refining their calculations, but the object appears to be zooming more than 60 kilometres (37 miles) a second. This would mean it is not bound by the Sun's orbit, unlike comets and asteroids, which all originate from within the Solar System. Its trajectory also "means it's not orbiting our star, but coming from interstellar space and flying off to there again," Moissl said. "We are not 100 percent certain at the moment, but anything else would be a surprise," he added. Official confirmation is expected to come from the International Astronomical Union's Minor Planet Center, which has recorded more than 100 observations of the object so far. The NASA-funded ATLAS survey in Hawaii first discovered the object on Tuesday, US astronomer David Rankin wrote on the social media platform Bluesky. Professional and amateur astronomers across the world then searched through past telescope data, tracing its trajectory back to at least June 14. The object is currently estimated to be roughly 10-20 kilometres wide, Moissl said. But the object could be smaller if it is made out of ice, which reflects more light. "It will get brighter and closer to the Sun until late October and then still be observable (by telescope) until next year," Moissl said. - Our third visitor - It would be the third time humanity has detected something coming from the stars. The first, 'Oumuamua, was discovered in 2017. It was so strange that at least one prominent scientist became convinced it was an alien vessel -- though this has since been dismissed by further research. Our second interstellar visitor, 2I/Borisov, was spotted in 2019. Mark Norris, an astronomer at the UK's University of Central Lancashire, told AFP that the new object appears to be "moving considerably faster than the other two extra-solar objects that we previously discovered." The object is currently roughly around the distance from Jupiter away from Earth, Norris said. He lamented that he would not be able to observe the object on his telescope on Wednesday night, because it is currently only visible in the Southern Hemisphere. Norris pointed to modelling estimating that there could be as many 10,000 interstellar objects drifting through the Solar System at any given time, though most would be smaller than the newly discovered object. If true, this suggests that the newly online Vera C. Rubin Observatory in Chile could soon be finding these dim interstellar visitors every month, Norris said. Moissl said it is not feasible to send a mission into space to intercept the new object. Still, these visitors offer scientists a rare chance to study something outside of our Solar System. For example, if we detected precursors of life such as amino acids on such an object, it would give us "a lot more confidence that the conditions for life exist in other star systems," Norris said. Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys said that Lithuania will discuss this issue with the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump, Delfi said on Wednesday. "We have not received any additional signals from the new administration that they intend to provide additional support. The support that is being provided is extremely important, and we will continue to negotiate with the United States about some weapons systems, certain resources that Ukraine really needs in terms of air defense, missiles of air defense systems, but also about some other areas," the publication said, citing Budrys. Budrys said Lithuania "supported, supports and will support Ukraine" and will call on others to do so because it is "just, important from the point of view of interests and in general from the point of view of morality, as well as for all other reasons." "We will do this as the Republic of Lithuania, which we have committed to do for the next ten years, and I will call on other countries, EU partners, at the next meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council to do so," the minister said. Budrys said that even if the United States does not resume the suspended arms deliveries, other NATO countries can provide "substantial support." "Given that, excluding the United States, NATO countries as a whole... plan to allocate EUR 35 billion this year, this almost corresponds to the figure that we committed to allocate together with the United States at the Washington summit a year ago 40 billion," the head of diplomacy said. US halting some shipments of military aid to Ukraine Washington, July 2 (AFP) Jul 02, 2025 The White House said Tuesday it is halting some key weapons shipments to Ukraine that were promised under the Biden administration for Kyiv's battle against the Russian invasion. Stopping the delivery of munitions and other military aid including air defense systems likely would be a blow to Ukraine as it contends with some of Russia's largest missile and drone attacks of the three-year-old war. "This decision was made to put America's interests first following a DOD (Department of Defense) review of our nation's military support and assistance to other countries across the globe," White House Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly told AFP in an email. The curtailment of military aid signals a possible shift in the priorities of US President Donald Trump, who has pressed for Russia and Ukraine to speed up stalled peace talks. The Republican has moved on to playing a greater role in orchestrating a possible ceasefire in Gaza and toning down Iran-Israel tensions after a deadly 12-day conflict between the arch foes. The Pentagon review determined that stocks had become too low on some previously pledged munitions, and that some pending shipments now would not be sent, said a US official who spoke on condition of anonymity, according to Politico, which first reported the halt of military aid. "The strength of the United States Armed Forces remains unquestioned -- just ask Iran," Kelly said, making a reference to the recent US bombings and missile strikes against the Islamic republic's nuclear facilities. Politico and other US media reported that missiles for Patriot air defense systems, precision artillery and Hellfire missiles are among the items being held back. Last week at a NATO summit in the Netherlands, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with Trump and appeared to get a vague response from the US leader on Patriot air defense systems. "We're going to see if we can make some available," Trump said of the missiles that Kyiv desperately seeks to shoot down Russian attacks. "They're very hard to get," Trump added. - Thousands of drones - A Russian drone attack on Ukraine's Kharkiv region killed one person and wounded another, its governor said early Wednesday. The attack follows Ukrainian drone strikes which killed three people and wounded dozens in the Russian city of Izhevsk on Tuesday, striking more than 620 miles (1,000 kilometers) from the front line -- one of the deepest attacks inside Russia to date. An AFP analysis published Tuesday found that Russia dramatically ramped up aerial attacks in June, firing thousands of drones as Ukraine's stretched air defense systems and exhausted civilian population felt the Kremlin's increased pressure. An April report from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) found that Ukraine is being outgunned by Russia, despite spending more of its GDP on defense than any other country in the world. Ukraine's military expenditure in 2024 was $64.7 billion, SIPRI said, and Kyiv has relied heavily on its allies in Europe and the United States for weapons and aid. Russian leader Vladimir Putin blamed the West for fanning the flames of war with that support, telling French president Emmanuel Macron Tuesday that the West has "for many years ignored Russia's security interests." The White House's tone has openly shifted on Ukraine with the Trump presidency. Back in 2022, then president Joe Biden affectionately embraced Zelensky at the White House as his administration announced another $2 billion in weapons for Ukraine. During Zelensky's Washington visit earlier this year, he was belittled on-camera by Trump and Vice President JD Vance during an Oval Office meeting, who ganged up to accuse the Ukrainian leader of ingratitude. Asked by AFP for comment on the halt of shipments and why it was occurring, the Pentagon did not respond directly. But its chief spokesman Sean Parnell said "America's military has never been more ready and more capable thanks to President Trump and Secretary (Pete) Hegseth's leadership." US halting some shipments of military aid to Ukraine Washington, July 2 (AFP) Jul 02, 2025 The White House said Tuesday it is halting some key weapons shipments to Ukraine that were promised under the Biden administration for Kyiv's battle against the Russian invasion. Stopping the delivery of munitions and other military aid including air defense systems likely would be a blow to Ukraine as it contends with some of Russia's largest missile and drone attacks of the three-year-old war. "This decision was made to put America's interests first following a DOD (Department of Defense) review of our nation's military support and assistance to other countries across the globe," White House Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly told AFP in an email. The curtailment of military aid signals a possible shift in the priorities of US President Donald Trump, who has pressed for Russia and Ukraine to speed up stalled peace talks. The Republican has moved on to playing a greater role in orchestrating a possible ceasefire in Gaza and toning down Iran-Israel tensions after a deadly 12-day conflict between the arch foes. The Pentagon review determined that stocks had become too low on some previously pledged munitions, and that some pending shipments now would not be sent, said a US official who spoke on condition of anonymity, according to Politico, which first reported the halt of military aid. "The strength of the United States Armed Forces remains unquestioned -- just ask Iran," Kelly said, making a reference to the recent US bombings and missile strikes against the Islamic republic's nuclear facilities. Politico and other US media reported that missiles for Patriot air defense systems, precision artillery and Hellfire missiles are among the items being held back. Michael McFaul, who was the US ambassador to Russia from 2012 until just before the Crimea conflict began in 2014, said on X: "The Trump administration is even stopping delivery of Patriots? So disgusting and embarrassing as the 'leader of the free world.' I guess we are done with that." Last week at a NATO summit in the Netherlands, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with Trump and appeared to get a vague response from the US leader on Patriot air defense systems. "We're going to see if we can make some available," Trump said of the missiles that Kyiv desperately seeks to shoot down Russian attacks. "They're very hard to get," Trump added. - Thousands of drones - A Russian drone attack on Ukraine's Kharkiv region killed one person and wounded another, its governor said early Wednesday. The attack follows Ukrainian drone strikes which killed three people and wounded dozens in the Russian city of Izhevsk on Tuesday, striking more than 620 miles (1,000 kilometers) from the front line -- one of the deepest attacks inside Russia to date. An AFP analysis published Tuesday found that Russia dramatically ramped up aerial attacks in June, firing thousands of drones as Ukraine's stretched air defense systems and exhausted civilian population felt the Kremlin's increased pressure. An April report from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) found that Ukraine is being outgunned by Russia, despite spending more of its GDP on defense than any other country in the world. Ukraine's military expenditure in 2024 was $64.7 billion, SIPRI said, and Kyiv has relied heavily on its allies in Europe and the United States for weapons and aid. Russian leader Vladimir Putin blamed the West for fanning the flames of war with that support, telling French president Emmanuel Macron Tuesday that the West has "for many years ignored Russia's security interests." The White House's tone has openly shifted on Ukraine with the Trump presidency. Back in 2022, then president Joe Biden affectionately embraced Zelensky at the White House as his administration announced another $2 billion in weapons for Ukraine. During Zelensky's Washington visit earlier this year, he was belittled on-camera by Trump and Vice President JD Vance during an Oval Office meeting, who ganged up to accuse the Ukrainian leader of ingratitude. Asked by AFP for comment on the halt of shipments and why it was occurring, the Pentagon did not respond directly. But its chief spokesman Sean Parnell said "America's military has never been more ready and more capable thanks to President Trump and Secretary (Pete) Hegseth's leadership." Hiroshima mayor urges Trump visit after A-bomb comments Tokyo, July 2 (AFP) Jul 02, 2025 Donald Trump should visit Hiroshima to see the effects of nuclear weapons, the Japanese city's mayor said Wednesday after the US president likened the 1945 atomic bombings to recent air strikes on Iran. "It seems to me that he does not fully understand the reality of the atomic bombings, which, if used, take the lives of many innocent citizens, regardless of whether they were friend or foe, and threaten the survival of the human race," Mayor Kazumi Matsui told reporters. "I wish that President Trump would visit the bombed area to see the reality of the atomic bombing and feel the spirit of Hiroshima, and then make statements," Kazumi said. The United States dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima on August 6, 1945 and then another on Nagasaki three days later. Shortly afterwards, Japan surrendered, ending World War II. Around 140,000 people died in Hiroshima and about 74,000 others in Nagasaki, including many from the effects of radiation exposure. It was the only time that atomic weapons were used in warfare. On June 22, following days of Israeli strikes on the Islamic republic, the United States bombed Iranian nuclear facilities. Soon afterwards, Iran and Israel agreed a ceasefire, ending their 12-day war. "I don't want to use an example of Hiroshima, I don't want to use an example of Nagasaki, but that was essentially the same thing," Trump said last Wednesday. "That ended that war and this ended (this war)," Trump said at a NATO summit in The Hague. His comments prompted anger from survivors and a small demonstration in Hiroshima. Last week, the city's assembly passed a motion condemning remarks that justify the use of atomic bombs. Japan's atomic bomb survivors' group Nihon Hidankyo won the Nobel Peace Prize last year, and while accepting the prize, called on countries to abolish the weapons. Iran suspends cooperation with UN nuclear watchdog Tehran, July 2 (AFP) Jul 02, 2025 Iran on Wednesday formally suspended its cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog, a measure drawn up in the wake of unprecedented Israeli and US strikes on the Islamic republic's nuclear sites. The war between Iran and Israel, which broke out on June 13 and lasted for 12 days, has intensified tensions between Tehran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). On June 25, a day after a ceasefire took hold, Iranian lawmakers overwhelmingly voted in favour of the bill to suspend cooperation with the agency. State media said on Wednesday that the legislation had cleared the final hurdle and was in effect. The text, published by Iranian media, states that the legislation aims to "ensure full support for the inherent rights of the Islamic Republic of Iran" under the nuclear non-proliferation treaty, and "especially uranium enrichment". The issue of enrichment was at the core of disagreements between Washington and Tehran in nuclear negotiations that had been derailed by the war. Israel and some Western countries had for long accused Iran of seeking to quire nuclear weapons -- an ambition Tehran has consistently denied. The text of the law did not specify concrete moves linked to the suspension of cooperation with the IAEA, whose inspectors have had access to declared nuclear facilities. Following the parliament vote, the bill was approved by the Guardian Council, a body tasked with vetting legislation, before a final ratification from the presidency. Iranian President "Masoud Pezeshkian promulgated the law suspending cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency", state TV said on Wednesday. Iranian officials have sharply criticised the IAEA for what they described as the agency's "silence" in the face of the Israeli and US attacks on Iranian nuclear sites. - 'Deceptive and fraudulent' - Tehran has also lambasted the UN agency for a resolution adopted on June 12 that accuses Iran of non-compliance with its nuclear obligations. Iranian officials said the resolution was among the "excuses" for the Israeli attacks. On Wednesday, senior judiciary official Ali Mozaffari said that IAEA director Rafael Grossi should "be held accountable" for what he called "preparing the groundwork for the crime" against Iran, referring to Israel's air raids. Mozaffari accused Grossi of "deceptive actions and fraudulent reporting", according to Iranian news agency Tasnim. Iran has rejected a request from Grossi to visit nuclear facilities bombed during the war, and earlier this week Pezeshkian decried his "destructive" conduct. Iran has said Grossi's request to visit the bombarded sites signalled "malign intent" but insisted there were no threats against him or against inspectors from his agency. France, Germany and Britain have condemned unspecified "threats" against the IAEA chief. Iran's ultra-conservative Kayhan newspaper has recently claimed that documents showed Grossi was an Israeli spy and should be executed. - Damage - On Monday, Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said the parliament vote to halt cooperation with the IAEA reflected the "concern and anger of the Iranian public opinion". The 12-day war began when Israel launched a major bombing campaign on Iran and killed top military commanders and nuclear scientists, with Tehran responding with waves of missiles and drones launched at Israel. On June 22, Israel's ally the United States launched unprecedented strikes of its own on Iranian nuclear facilities at Fordo, Isfahan and Natanz. More than 900 people were killed in Iran, according to the judiciary. Iran's retaliatory attacks killed 28 people in Israel, according to authorities. US President Donald Trump said the US attacks had "obliterated" Iran's nuclear programme, though the extent of the damage was not clear. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has admitted "serious" damage to nuclear sites. But in a recent interview with CBS Evening News, he said: "One cannot obliterate the technology and science... through bombings." Anxious residents re-emerge after Mali jihadist attacks Bamako, July 2 (AFP) Jul 02, 2025 People in towns in western Mali where jihadists attacked army sites a day earlier were afraid but went about their business Wednesday following the major assault which killed a civilian. Jihadist fighters staged early-morning strikes on military positions in seven towns or cities Tuesday, in the third large-scale attack on the Malian army in a month. A source in the governor's office in the city of Kayes told AFP the places hit -- Kayes, Nioro du Sahel, Niono, Molodo, Sandare, Gogui and Diboli -- were calm on Wednesday. "The governor's residence was attacked by the jihadists. There was some damage but today the city is calm," the source said. "The situation is calm in the other towns but according to the information coming back, the people are afraid," the source added. A hospital source in Kayes, the main city in the western region, said a civilian, who had been admitted to hospital following the attacks, had died. "More than 10 seriously injured people are admitted here and are receiving treatment," the source said, adding most were civilians and one a soldier. In Nioro du Sahel, "calm returned on Wednesday morning", a shop owner who had opened for business told AFP. "Yesterday we were really afraid... This morning, people are going about their business, but everyone is talking about nothing but this attack." - Curfew - A regional elected official also said the situation was "calm everywhere", but added: "The jihadists caused damage" in several places. An Al-Qaeda-linked group known by its Arabic initials, JNIM, claimed responsibility. AFP was unable to independently verify the claim. The series of assaults came on the heels of two major attacks claimed by jihadists. On June 2, a coordinated assault targeted an army camp in the ancient city of Timbuktu in Mali's north, as well as its airport. That attack took place a day after a bloody raid killed at least 30 soldiers in the centre of the country. Mali's army said late Tuesday the jihadists had suffered "big losses" and that "more than 80 terrorists" were "neutralised", a loose term that could mean killed or captured. An overnight curfew was imposed for 30 days and people and transport face restrictions in the Kayes region. "In Kayes, the city is calm and tense at the same time," a resident told AFP, speaking on condition of anonymity due to security concerns. People had already hunkered down at home late Tuesday even before the curfew was announced, the resident said. "All we could hear were the patrols moving around the city. This morning, insecurity is certainly at the centre of everyone's discussions, but people are going about their business," the resident added. Since 2012, Mali has been battling an Islamist insurgency that erupted in the north of the vast nation, swept the country and spilled over into neighbouring Burkina Faso and Niger. Violence by groups affiliated to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group as well as separatist movements and criminal gangs has plunged the junta-led west African country into a deep security crisis. The three Sahel states' military juntas pledged during the coups that brought them to power to make security a priority. But they are struggling to contain the advance by the jihadists, who have recently intensified their offensives against the armies in the three countries. lar-str-sd-lp/sjd/kjm/jhb Currently, Ukraine and the United States are clarifying the details of the supply of defense support, in particular, air defense, at all working levels, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said. "Today there were reports by the Ministers of Defense and Foreign Affairs of Ukraine. In particular, on relations with the United States of America. Currently, at the working levels between Ukraine and the United States, all the details of the supply of defense support, including the air defense component, are being clarified. One way or another, we must ensure protection for our people," Zelenskyy said in an evening address on Wednesday. As reported, U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby, after reviewing the Pentagon's ammunition stockpiles, announced the suspension of supplies to Ukraine of Patriot air defense missiles, precision artillery shells, drones and missiles for F-16 fighters due to concerns that U.S. weapons stocks had become too low. Politico, citing its own sources, reported that the initial decision to suspend the supply of part of the aid promised to Ukraine during the administration of former U.S. President Joseph Biden was made in early June, but it only comes into effect now. It is noted that the Trump administration has not requested further assistance to Ukraine, although the Biden administration has enough funds left to last Ukraine for several more months. Colby later said the Pentagon "continues to provide the president with robust options to continue military aid to Ukraine." After that, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine invited U.S. Charge d'Affaires ai to Ukraine John Ginkel. "The Ukrainian side emphasized that any delay or procrastination in supporting Ukraine's defense capabilities will only encourage the aggressor to continue war and terror, rather than seek peace," the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry said on its website. The Ministry of Defense later reported that the Ukrainian side had not received any messages from the United States about the suspension of the agreed defense assistance and requested a telephone conversation with the U.S. side in connection with information about the delay in the delivery of certain elements of previously allocated defense assistance packages from the United States. It wants the EU to ensure ATC services are fully staffed for the first wave of daily departures, as well as to protect overflights during national ATC strikes. For Paul Dales, chief UK economist at forecasters Capital Economics, there was a missed opportunity at the start of the year when it was really clear the UK was going to have to spend more on defence. It should have been taken as an opportunity for a reset when she could have said, The world has changed, we all need to play our part and that benefits all of us. She could have changed the fiscal rules or raised money from a broader realm. Resell sites Stubhub and Viagogo promote last minute sells, but all of the resale tickets are likely to be hiked in cost and are very hard to come by. Some tickets have been selling for more than 3,000. Next up is Carmelas, a bold new restaurant on Upper Street in Islington that pays homage to New York pizza while celebrating Londons own burgeoning scene (there are so many new NYC-style pizzerias: another one upcoming is Bad Boy Pizza Society, but more on this one later). The companys Matthew Price said: Were not just celebrating restaurants, were investing in the future of food. The new next gen trailblazer award is a bold step in backing the young innovators who are rewriting the rules of hospitality. Ukrainian OTT platforms MEGOGO and Kyivstar TV, which are among the three largest on the market, have signed a co-exclusive agreement with the international media service Paramount+ for a period of one year with the potential for extension to three years, which provides for the expansion of the library of films, series, animation and premiere titles of Paramount+ on both platforms. "We are talking about more than 200 films, 1,250 hours of animation and dozens of popular series - all with a Ukrainian-language track. This is one of the largest localizations of global content for the Ukrainian market in recent times," the press release said on Wednesday. According to it, Kyivstar TV and MEGOGO are investing equally in the creation of voiceovers to ensure high-quality and timely dubbing. The adaptation is being worked on by 1+1 Production, MEGOGO Voice, Sunnysiders and 15K3 studios. Most of the main titles will have voiceovers at the time of launch, the rest will appear gradually. On Kyivstar TV, Paramount+ content will be available in the "Premium HD" and "Family" packages, as well as in a special thematic playlist Paramount+ Kids. On MEGOGO within the "Maximum" and "Optimal" subscriptions, as well as MEGOPACK XL. As stated in the announcement, since July 1, such titles as Dexter, Elementary, Yellowstone, all eight seasons of the series Charmed, Billions have appeared on the platforms, and during the month Halo, Tulsa King, 1923, and the new series The Agency will also be available. In addition to films and series, viewers will have access to a large library of animated episodes - from SpongeBob SquarePants to Paw Patrol and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. MEGOGO is an international media service founded in 2011 in Kyiv. It is a leader among OTT platforms in Ukraine, operates in the countries of Eastern Europe, Central Asia and the South Caucasus, and a significant part of the catalog is available worldwide (except for the Russian Federation and Belarus). Kyivstar TV is a joint project of Kyivstar and 1+1 media, founded on December 11, 2019. At the end of last year, the project announced its entry into second place among streaming platforms in Ukraine and the preservation of leadership ambitions. The Met said in a statemennt: Anyone who has information on Richards and his whereabouts, or anyone with further information that could help the investigation, is urged to contact police on 101 quoting CAD 409/28JUN25. The Visitor Levy Bill, which is going through the Senedd, will allow councils to charge up to 1.30 per person per night for staying in tourist accommodation, with the money going towards local infrastructure. The right to protest and the right to free speech are the cornerstone of our democracy and there are countless campaign groups that freely exercise those rights. Violence and serious criminal damage has no place in legitimate protests. He added: It was the sixth such tasking for HMS Mersey in the last three months and comes just a week after the patrol ship and fellow Portsmouth ships HMS Duncan and HMS Trent were all activated to watch Russian frigate RFN Admiral Grigorovich and corvette RFN Boikiy in UK waters. Mr Machin said: Currently, half of online is open but not areas like click and collect. Within the next four weeks we are hoping for the whole of online to be fully on. On Tuesday, the King began the official visit with the traditional Ceremony of the Keys in the palace gardens, before presiding over an investiture ceremony for honours recipients. On the back of her jungle stint, where she was incredibly popular with the viewing public, she's now likely to see her earnings soar even further - and the increased interest in Coleen after she did so well on the show is also likely to have sealed the deal on the Disney contract, a TV expert told the paper. Ombudsman: Russia urges relatives of Ukrainian POWs to contact USA, as Ukraine allegedly does not want to return its defenders home Russia is conducting a large-scale information campaign aimed at the families of Ukrainian prisoners of war in order to discredit the Ukrainian authorities at the international level, Commissioner for Human Rights of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Dmytro Lubinets said. "In parallel with the negotiation process, the Russian Federation has launched a major information campaign aimed at the families of prisoners of war and missing persons. Namely, representatives of the Russian Federation are calling the families' personal phones. It is directly presented that they are employees of the relevant structures of the Russian Federation. They say that Ukraine does not want to take your native soldier. It is proposed to write a separate appeal to the Russian Federation, and also attention to the United States in order to discredit the authorities of Ukraine," he said at the press conference titled "The Brave Change the World." According to Lubinets, this campaign is aimed at discrediting Ukraine in the eyes of international partners in order to stop any assistance from them. He noted that it has now acquired a mass character. The Ombudsman called on the relatives of prisoners of war to immediately contact the States Security Service of Ukraine if representatives of the Russian Federation try to contact them. Ukraine expects to receive a mandate from the Council of Europe in September 2025 to sign an expanded partial agreement on a special tribunal to investigate the crime of aggression against Ukraine, the agreement itself will be signed by the end of this year, Deputy Head of the President's Office Iryna Mudra said. "Next, the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe must provide a mandate to the Secretary General to sign an expanded partial agreement. An expanded partial agreement is an instrument of the Council of Europe that can be joined not only by the member states of the Council of Europe, but also by non-members. We expect that such a mandate will be received in September of this year. The expanded partial agreement itself will be signed by the end of this year," Mudra said on the national telethon on Wednesday. According to her, Ukraine hopes that the process of creating a tribunal and its defense will begin in 2026, Mudra explained that this is the selection of judges, a prosecutor, and defense. "That is, the formal steps will be completed and the implementation of the agreement between Ukraine and the Council of Europe will begin. And the expanded partial agreement, which we expect will be joined by all countries that would be part of the coalition of states," Mudra said. She said the main powers of the special tribunal will concern the investigation of the crime of aggression. "And this will also result in holding the highest officials of Russia individually liable for planning, initiating and carrying out an act of aggression against Ukraine," Mudra said. In addition, according to the deputy head of the President's Office, there is a possible option to extend the special tribunal to representatives of other countries that supported the war, however, the decision will be made by the tribunal itself. The crime of aggression can be recognized not only starting from February 24, 2022, but from February 20, 2014. "This is an important aspect, because today we do not have legal confirmation of the act of aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine. And such decisions will, in fact, have legal confirmation of the act of aggression since 2014. Which will also help us expand the mandate and the register of damages, and the future compensation mechanism for receiving compensation, starting from 2014," Mudra said. As reported, on June 25, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Secretary General of the Council of Europe Alain Berset signed an agreement on the Special Tribunal to investigate the crime of aggression against Ukraine. On July 1, Zelensky signed documents for ratification by the Verkhovna Rada of the Agreement on the Establishment of the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression of Russia against Ukraine and announced that he expects the teams of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Office of the President to quickly present a corresponding schedule of work with partners to implement the agreement on the establishment of the tribunal and the launch of the institution. European Commissioner Michael McGrath brushed off accusations that the EU intentionally got involved with Budapest's Pride celebrations. Amid an ongoing dispute with Hungary over the rule of law, he also said that Brussels is examining new ways to enforce the conditionality mechanism linked to EU funds. EU Rule of Law Commissioner Michael McGrath dismissed claims by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban accusing Brussels of orchestrating last Saturday's Pride celebrations in Budapest. "There was no orchestration from the European Union, for sure," McGrath told the European Newsroom (enr) in an interview in Brussels on Tuesday. "It was a very powerful and visible demonstration of solidarity and support for the LGBTIQ+ community in Budapest," the Irish Commissioner said. He praised "the symbolism of hundreds of thousands of people on the streets of Budapest upholding the right to gather peacefully" and said "nobody has anything to fear from people gathering peacefully." He underlined the European Union's core value of equality, stressing it "is a founding value of the European Union and I think what we saw was a natural reaction from the LGBTIQ+ community and the people who support them." Defying a police ban issued under Orban's orders, a record number of people marched through central Budapest on Saturday in support of LGBTIQ+ rights. Organisers of the 30th Budapest Pride parade said 200,000 people joined the demonstration, while media reports cited at least 100,000 participants. Budapest's liberal mayor Gergely Karacsony opposed the ban from the outset and declared the Pride an official municipal event in an attempt to bypass the restrictions. Budapest-Brussels clash rumbles on When asked if the European Commission expects progress on the Article 7 procedure against Hungary for its ongoing violations of the rule of law within the European Union, McGrath referred to the EU treaties that grant jurisdiction over the matter to the bloc's member states rather than the EU executive. "The bottom line is that the Member States remain in control of that process," he told the enr journalists, adding that "the decision to progress or not to progress through the Article 7 procedure is the preserve of the Member States in accordance with the treaty provisions." McGrath however told the enr that the Commission is currently examining the architecture of the rule of law conditionality mechanism as part of the next EU multi-annual budget (MFF). "We do think that provides the opportunity to build a closer link between respect for rule of law and access to EU funds." The European Commission is expected to present its proposal for the 2028-2034 budget on July 16. It will then be under discussion for months to come. The rule of law was enshrined in the Treaty of Amsterdam (1999), Article 7 of which stipulates that a member state's rights can be suspended if it breaches the EU's values under Article 2 of the Treaty of the European Union. The Treaty of Nice (2001) introduced Article 7(1), which provides that the Council of the EU, acting by a majority, may identify a potential breach and make recommendations to the member state to rectify it before action is taken. Article 7(1) has since been triggered only twice in EU history: against Poland in 2017 - although the procedure ended in 2024 - and against Hungary in 2018. "I do believe we need a more agile and responsive and positively focused instrument alongside that so that Member States are clear upfront on what the requirements and obligations are that they face and also that the Commission has the ability to respond quickly where we see breaches of rule of law," McGrath said. Citing the European Commission's political guidelines and a roadmap to the next MFF published earlier this year, he said "not a single Euro will be available to countries where rule of law is not being respected". The content of this article is based on reporting by news by agencies participating in the European Newsroom (enr) project. Several thousand people are expected on Saturday at the traditional event "Ziua celor 1.000 de fete secuience", which takes place in umuleu Ciuc, on the outskirts of the municipality of Miercurea-Ciuc, and which has the role of preserving and promoting the Secui folk costume and traditions. According to information provided on Wednesday, in a press conference, by the mayor of Miercurea-Ciuc, Korodi Attila, the event will begin on Saturday morning, in the Libertatii Square in Miercurea-Ciuc, with a parade of folk costumes and a joint dance of the participants, followed by the procession ascending to the Sumuleului saddle, where a service will take place in the Franciscan Basilica. Korodi pointed out that it is a very important event for the culture of the local community and is a legacy that ethnographer Domokos Pal Peter and his generation, who organized the first editions of the event, left to the current generation. He pointed out that it is a "meeting of Szekler folk costume, Szekler folk music, Szekler culture, represented by young people, girls and boys." The mayor of Miercurea-Ciuc also sent a message to the tourists who will be present in the city and invited them to participate in a unique event in Romania, which reflects the uniqueness of Szekler culture. "Here they will see the emotion of the Hungarian Szekler culture. Because, until the end, in the 1930s, when the organization of this event began, the message was that there is a specific culture that must be preserved. And if our young people, annually, can meet in Szekler holiday costumes, then they will certainly have the feeling of belonging to a special culture for us and for our heart. So, yes, they will be able to see an event that is unique in the Romanian landscape and worth seeing, because through music, through costumes, through traditions, we can offer something unique," said Korodi Attila. According to the organizers, this year 29 folklore groups will perform on stage, but the total number of participants will be between five thousand and seven thousand people. The honorary host of this year's edition is the commune of Sancraieni, recognized for the large number of people who perform in groups of dancers. The director of the Harghita Szekler Choreographic Theatre, Andras Mihaly, the main organizer of the event, pointed out that Sturday's program will be very complex, with stage performances, interactive dances for the audience, activities for children and folk craft workshops, such as pottery, weaving, or carving demonstrations. He also said that participants will have the opportunity to wear Szekler folk costumes in a specially arranged tent. Present at the press conference, Ferencz Angela, director of the Harghita County Cultural Center, spoke about the work and effort behind this event and emphasized that it is important to feel the emotion with which the tradition-preserving groups prepare to participate in the "Day of the 1,000 Secuience Girls". Deputy Mayor Sogor Eniko highlighted that wearing the Szekler folk costume is a symbolic gesture through which participants affirm their belonging to the community, respect for traditions and support for the cultural values celebrated by the "Day of 1,000 Szekler Girls". The organizers announced that on Saturday, traffic restrictions will be introduced on several city thoroughfares, where the groups of dancers will go to Sumuleu Ciuc. Also, to facilitate access to the event site, special bus services offered by the local transport company will operate, with people dressed in folk costumes being able to travel for free. At the same time, on Friday, before the "Day of the 1,000 Szekler Girls", the "Szekler Folk Costume Day" is celebrated, at the initiative of the Szekler Choreographic Theatre Harghita, with all those who wish being encouraged to dress in traditional costume or to wear at least one element of it. Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan announced on Wednesday the fiscal package aimed at reducing the budget deficit, for which the Government will assume responsibility next week. The measures include: * pensions and salaries in the public sector will remain capped in 2026 * VAT will be reset to two rates, 11% and 21%, and excise duties on alcoholic beverages and fuels will be increased. Medicines, food, public services, water and sewerage, irrigation water, books, firewood and thermal energy will remain at the reduced rate. In the HORECA industry, the proposal is to remain at this level for the time being. Another measure is to increase excise duties by 10% on alcoholic beverages and fuel. Excise duty on cigarettes will also increase * the application of the health insurance contribution (CASS) to pensions over 3,000 RON * an increase in the teaching load by two hours in pre-university and university education * merit scholarships will be awarded in limited numbers, and social scholarships will be awarded based on criteria. The package presented by the prime minister will be made public on Thursday. "We intend to conduct the necessary public consultations by the end of this week and, by Tuesday at the latest, next week, when we have the meeting of European Union finance ministers, the ECOFIN Council, to have this package adopted, and we intend to put it into practice by the Government assuming responsibility during the coming week," announced the head of the Government. He explained that if these measures were not taken, there would be a risk of Romania defaulting on its payments. "If we did nothing or delayed these measures for too long, there would be several consequences that would mean the Romanian state would default on its payments. Our creditors, those who are currently lending us money and whom we will need in the future because we cannot function otherwise, would not lend us money and we would not be able to cover the state's expenses, including salaries and pensions. Access to European funds is conditional on fiscal reform, so we would no longer have access to European funds. (...) Out of every 100 RON collected from citizens in taxes, Romania spent about 132 RON, so 32 RON more, which it obviously borrowed. Please think about how long a family that spends 30% more than it earns each month could survive, and extrapolate this situation to the level of a country to understand the situation Romania is in," explained Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan at a press conference at Victoria Palace of Government. Young CPC members become torchbearers for country's future 08:21, July 02, 2025 By Wang Meiqi, Yu Xiaohua, Zhao Xiuzhi, Zhu Xibing ( Xinhua Members of the Communist Party of China (CPC) review the Party admission oath beside the replica of a boat, now referred to as the Red Boat, on which CPC founders concluded their meeting in 1921, on Nanhu Lake in Jiaxing, east China's Zhejiang Province, June 30, 2025. (Xinhua/Xu Yu) BEIJING, July 1 (Xinhua) -- Despite a packed schedule of exams and final papers at the end of the semester, Ling Jiajun still makes time every day to read online articles carried by Qiushi, a flagship magazine of the Communist Party of China (CPC), learning about the latest policies on rural development. Studying urban-rural planning at Nanjing Tech University in east China's Jiangsu Province, the 22-year-old applied to join the CPC two years ago, and hopes to work on rural revitalization after graduation. During his field research in Chinese villages earlier this year, Ling, who was born in the metropolis of Guangzhou, was moved by what he saw in the countryside. Like many young Chinese people, Ling felt inspired by and proud of the Party's rural work -- from 2013 to 2020, China lifted nearly 99 million rural residents out of poverty, contributing to over 70 percent of global poverty reduction during that period. To consolidate its achievements in poverty alleviation, the Party is now implementing a revitalization strategy in the countryside. "The CPC has been the driving force behind this transformation. I remember reading in high school about how young CPC members, many of whom were college graduates, went to the countryside to support local communities in those years," Ling said. "There's still so much work to do in the villages, and I want to be part of what comes next," he added. Like Ling, a growing number of young Chinese people are applying for Party membership, inspired by the Party's ideals and the country's development prospects. An aerial drone photo taken on April 25, 2025 shows Ling Jiajun taking group photos with his classmates during a field research in Shuijing Village of Jingqiao Town, Lishui District of Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province. (Xinhua/Wang Meiqi) As the CPC marks its 104th anniversary on Tuesday, the latest data has shown that over 1.78 million people under the age of 35 joined the Party in 2024, making up 83.7 percent of the Party's net membership growth that year. By the end of 2024, young Party members in this age group exceeded 23 million, accounting for over one-fifth of the Party's total membership, data shows. As a dynamic force, these members play a key role in the CPC's modernization efforts. With scientific and technological innovation central to China's modernization, the CPC aims to build China into a strong country in science and technology by 2035. In this process, the Party stresses the role of young professionals, assigning them critical tasks in major national initiatives. In 2020, as China's Long March-5 rocket prepared for launch at the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site in Hainan Province, Zhou Chengyu, who was 24 years old then, calmly directed operations as the site's first female commander of a sub-system. Zhou's growth in professional skills had been swift. Over the course of two years, she took part in five major launch missions -- each time in a different role -- before being appointed commander. Zhou, for her part, proved worthy of the trust that was placed in her. For one mission, she had to climb more than 180 near-vertical steel steps to reach an 8-square-meter test cell packed with cables and pipelines. She made four such climbs each day and kept that up for 60 days. In recognition of her dedication and performance, her then position was later designated a "vanguard Party member post." "I've chosen the right path. As young people, our ambitions should go hand in hand with the country's goals," the young commander said. Official data indicates that key scientists behind China's Beidou satellite system, quantum research initiatives and FAST telescope project are in their 30s. Indeed, a new generation of CPC members is stepping into the spotlight, rising to meet the demands of the times while realizing their own potential. Deng Wenhao, a Communist Party of China member, conducts sample analysis in a laboratory at Taiyuan University of Technology in Taiyuan, north China's Shanxi Province, June 10, 2025. (Xinhua) Deng Wenhao, a CPC member and a doctoral candidate at Taiyuan University of Technology in north China's Shanxi Province, remembers the day in 2024 when he stood up at the United Nations headquarters in New York to present a technique his team had developed to address both climate change and food security. "It was really exciting -- turning what I've learned into something meaningful. There's nothing more rewarding for a researcher," he said. Born in 1991 in Datong, a traditional coal hub in north China's Shanxi Province, Deng grew up witnessing firsthand how coal and power plants affected people's lives. As his grandparents were farmers, he also saw vast stretches of barren saline-alkaline land covered with what he remembers as "a layer of salt crusted on the surface." When his supervisor suggested exploring more natural methods to treat carbon emissions, Deng immediately thought of that land. "I thought, why not capture carbon emissions and use them to fix alkaline soil?" he said. His department thought the idea was unconventional, but his proposal won support. Li Ping, Party chief of the university's college of safety and emergency management and engineering, said that the topic addresses local economic needs. "We encourage our researchers to innovate and solve practical problems. We don't restrict them in terms of research direction." Still, the road wasn't smooth. Just collecting sufficient varieties of saline-alkaline soil turned out to be a challenge. "That's when the Party really stepped in," Deng said. "Grassroots Party organizations helped connect me with locals who knew where to find the land I needed." "The CPC keeps renewing itself and adapting to the times. It's vibrant and full of energy -- and that's why so many young people are drawn to it," Deng said. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) The inauguration of the new headquarters of the Ilfov Immigration Service represents a stage in a broad and coherent policy of the Ministry of Internal Affairs - carried out through the General Inspectorate for Immigration - aimed at responding to both the needs of the national economy and security requirements, declared the Minister of Internal Affairs, Catalin Predoiu, who participated in the inauguration ceremony of the headquarters, in the Grand Arena Mall area. He pointed out that it is in the interest of Romanian citizens that the process of granting the right to temporary residence or work visas be carried out in the best, most efficient and safe conditions, and this indirectly contributes to ensuring a secure framework for all citizens. "This is a modern workplace, both from a logistical point of view - including the digitalization of processes - and from a procedural and operational efficiency point of view. In recent years, the Ministry of Internal Affairs has made important modernizations in terms of public relations and the digitalization of services addressed to citizens," said Predoiu. He showed that this opening is part of an institutional response to a new, profoundly changed reality, with challenges of a different complexity than the one faced 5, 10 or 20 years ago in the field of regulating the legal stay of foreign citizens on Romanian territory. "If a few years ago only a few thousand temporary residence permits were granted annually, today we are talking about over 230,000 foreign citizens with the right to temporary residence in Romania - an exponential increase in the volume of activity. More specifically, between January 1, 2024 and May 31, 2025, the Ilfov Immigration Service alone received approximately 12,000 applications for work permits, issued 9,800 permits and processed 22,000 requests for extension of the right to temporary residence. Approximately 29,000 foreign citizens live and work in Ilfov County," Predoiu specified. The minister added that, in the context of Romania's accession to the Schengen area, the procedural framework and related challenges have changed considerably. "Today we are faced with new realities that did not exist a decade or two ago. Therefore, it is essential to find a fair balance between the need to respond to the ever-increasing demand for labor and the fundamental obligation to ensure the safety of citizens and communities," said the Minister of Internal Affairs. "Today we are faced with new realities that did not exist a decade or two ago. Therefore, it is essential to find a fair balance between the need to respond to the ever-increasing demand for labor and the fundamental obligation to ensure the safety of citizens and communities," said the Minister of Internal Affairs. "Located in a modern and accessible space in the Grand Arena Mall area, the new headquarters responds to the growing needs generated by the demographic and economic dynamics of Ilfov County, managing a significant number of requests for legal migration. The event emphasized the importance of the balance between openness, legality and security, and reaffirmed the authorities' commitment to an efficient, transparent and citizen-oriented administration," informs a press release from the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The Romanian and Spanish labour authorities will draw up a document in the form of a memorandum, agreement or protocol on pensions in order to streamline the transmission of documents between the responsible institutions in the two countries and to shorten waiting times for the calculation of pensions for Romanian citizens who have worked in these countries. According to a press release from the Ministry of Labour, Family, Youth and Social Solidarity (MMFTSS), sent to AGERPRES on Wednesday, the decision to prepare such a document was made on Wednesday during a bilateral meeting between the Minister of Labour, Petre-Florin Manole, and the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Spain to Romania, Jose Antonio Hernandez Perez-Solorzano. "Discussions focused on strengthening cooperation between the two countries in areas of common interest, such as the labour market and the pension system. The two officials agreed that it is necessary to strengthen cooperation between the Labour Inspectorate of Romania and that of the Kingdom of Spain. In this regard, they discussed the development of a joint action plan aimed at improving the mechanisms for identifying and supporting Romanian citizens working in Spain, control measures to verify working conditions, and raising awareness among them of their rights and benefits as employees in Spain. With regard to the second area of cooperation discussed, it was decided to prepare a memorandum/agreement/protocol in the field of pensions in order to streamline the transmission of documents between the responsible institutions in the two countries and to shorten waiting times for the calculation of pensions for Romanian citizens who have worked in Romania and Spain," shows the release. According to the cited source, technical discussions will kick off in order to link the IT systems of the pension funds in the two countries, with a view to facilitating the exchange of information and applying the same rules, so as to prevent fraud in this area and ensure that pension amounts are correctly calculated. Register for more free articles. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! Already a Subscriber? Already a Subscriber? Sign in Terms of Service Privacy Policy Mystery fans, and we are many, might just consider camping out on South Lindbergh this week. The St. Louis County Library is bringing in four suspense authors in six days, not for a Whodunnit Festival (although theres an idea) but because all four have new books to talk about. The big-ticket author (in fact, tickets are required) is Ruth Ware, arriving Saturday to unveil a first for her: a sequel. Wares The Woman in Cabin 10 was the talk of 2016, and since then the author has built a hugely successful career on stand-alone novels, never repeating herself until now. The Woman in Suite 11, due out Tuesday, revisits the character of Laura Lo Blacklock, the emotionally fragile travel writer who in Cabin 10 insisted shed seen a woman thrown overboard, a woman everyone else was sure did not exist. Lo is back and traveling again, now with a supportive husband and two sons at home, and her meds better adjusted. Eager to get back to work, she accepts an invitation to visit, and write about, a new, luxury hotel in Switzerland. There, faces from the past and a series of shocks send her mind reeling back to the ill-fated cruise. For years, readers have asked whether I might return to any of the characters from Cabin 10, Ware told People magazine last year when the sequel was announced. With Lo now 10 years older, and at a different stage in her life, Im excited to share a fresh perspective on her story, and to send her on a new adventure. Reading The Woman in Suite 11, though, I was reminded most of all just how annoying I found Lo the first time around. Her shaky mental state and enduring self-doubt make her the queen of bad decisions, here just as much as in her first adventure. Or so I think. I also remembered early on that I barely remembered the plot details of The Woman in Cabin 10. (With a Netflix adaptation finally arriving Aug. 29, starring Kiera Knightley, I recommend a refresher synopsis.) A refresher is important for the new book, as Ware builds a lot of Los eyebrow-raising actions on her history on that ill-fated ship. You may wonder, as I did, if it might not have been better for everyone if shed just stayed home this time. But Ware will wait. The librarys mini-festival of mystery writers begins Monday with Martin Walker, the Scottish journalist who created the delightful Bruno, Chief of Police series, set in the charming yet crime-prone village of St. Denis in the southwest of France. Ive enjoyed every one of the Bruno novels Ive read; they are not cozy mysteries but just cozy enough, with a fresh and vivid sense of place and sharply drawn characters wed like to hang out with at the cafe, sipping a 10 a.m. petit blanc glass of wine. If you dont know Bruno, theres no need to read in order (there are 18 or so, depending on how you count), but do start with the first, Bruno, Chief of Police, for a good introduction. The latest Bruno, An Enemy in the Village, out now, turns on the death of a real estate agent, a woman found with a suicide note but did she really take her own life? As with all successful, long-running series, the only thing readers really need to know about this new entry is that theyll want to read it tout suite. Clemence Michallon, in town Wednesday, is at the start of her career as a suspense writer; her first novel, The Quiet Tenant, came out in 2023. Michallon, a Paris-born journalist now living in New York, sets Our Last Resort (Knopf, 320 pages) in Utah, where siblings who fled from a cult get mixed up in murder at a luxe resort. I didnt get a chance to preview Our Last Resort, but if you think the plot sounds perfect for a White Lotus-style adaptation, know that the rights have already been snapped up. Next-to-last in the lineup is one of my favorites, Linda Castillo, who has featured Police Chief Kate Burkholder in a long-running series of mysteries set in Painters Mill, Ohio, a small town in Amish country. With 17 full-length books to date, the challenge for Castillo at this point might be coming up with a different crime to rattle the Amish community. Rage is set during a miserably hot summer and turns on the murder of a young man who strayed from the church, only to return. The crime is both gory and graphic, and the investigation puts Kate herself in mortal danger, with a larger conspiracy revealed to be timely and horrifying. On the lighter side, Kate and her new husband, state investigator John Tomasetti, are settling nicely into married life and even welcome an addition to the family. No, not that. Its a cat. More reading Dogged Pursuit, by David Rosenfelt (Minotaur, 288 pages; out now), is a prequel to Rosenfelts long-running Andy Carpenter series, with a tongue-in-cheek twist. The plot finds a younger Andy, still wrestling with his first marriage and newly working as a defense attorney, meeting the people who will become his team for the first time. The twist: Andy also adopts his beloved golden retriever, Tara. Read the authors note for an explanation of this deliberate anachronism. Dont Let Him In, by Lisa Jewell (Atria, 368 pages, out now), does what Jewell does best delve into the darkest corners of human behavior. Her not-a-hero, who goes by several names, is a deeply creepy charmer who uses and abuses women under the guise of love. Prepare to stay up late hoping he gets whats coming to him. The Unraveling of Julia, by Lisa Scottoline (Grand Central, 400 pages, due July 15), is a modern gothic that finds a young widow traveling to Italy to take possession of a crumbling villa she has somehow inherited. Its a fun and ultimately satisfying read, even if wed sometimes like to grab Julia and shake some sense into her. Here are this weeks local business awards, expansions and relocations: AWARDS Missouri Humanities Council awarded United Services for Children a $5,000 grant to fund the storytelling initiative Honoring 50 Years of Early Childhood Inclusion: A Humanities Reflection. The project celebrates the nonprofits 50th anniversary. Senior Marketing Specialists, an insurance brokerage agency in Columbia, Missouri, recognized First Mid Insurance Group Senior Solutions with the 2024 Million Dollar Producers Award for impacting over 1,000 Medicare beneficiaries and seniors with their health insurance needs. First Mid Insurance is owned by First Mid Bancshares, Mattoon, Illinois. MORE BIZ Agricultural technology company Pivot Bio, Berkeley, California, named creative agency HLK, St. Louis, Missouri, as its marketing and product brand PR agency of record. Pivot Bio is relocating its research operations to Hazelwood, Missouri, to be near the companys Creve Coeur manufacturing plant. MOVING RedKey Realty Leaders celebrated its 13th anniversary and move from Frontenac, Missouri, to renovated space at 1034 S. Brentwood Blvd., Suite 102, Clayton, Missouri. OPENING Chestnut Health Systems, Maryville, Illinois, opened an Ambulatory Withdrawal Management program at its offices at 2148 Vadalabene Drive in Maryville. The facility now provides outpatient care for clients experiencing mild to moderate substance withdrawal. Jaimee Hartman joined St. Johns Bank as assistant vice president and commercial loan officer. St. Johns is locally owned with four locations in St. Louis and St. Charles counties. The International Institute of St. Louis, Missouri, hired Terry Bates as director of marketing and communications. The institutes mission is to help immigrants and refugees thrive in the St. Louis region. The Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis named Jon Eickmann to its Transportation Industry Council. He is senior vice president and treasurer at Enterprise Mobility in St. Louis, Missouri. Employee-owned Hanson Professional Services, a national engineering consulting firm, hired Jack Tapy as civil designer at its St. Louis, Missouri, office. Advantage Capital, an investment firm with an emphasis on driving capital to underserved areas, added Emily Rose as principal on its Renewables Finance team. Lutheran Family and Childrens Services, headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, added Lindsay Jeffries as director of behavioral health initiatives in the St. Louis region and across the state. Women-owned general contracting and design-build firm Tarlton, St. Louis, Missouri, promoted Greg Sweeso from manager to director of preconstruction and estimating. Greater St. Louis, Inc., named Mark Munsell as project lead for GeoFutures an initiative to advance St. Louis, Missouri, as the global center for geospatial technology. Munsell was formerly chief artificial intelligence officer and director of digital innovation at St. Louiss National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency. ST. LOUIS COUNTY A Chesterfield contractor has agreed to drop its lawsuits against McBride Homes in which the homebuilder was accused of filing fraudulent deed records across the region. Builders Bloc and McBride Homes said in a joint statement Tuesday that they had reached a settlement that resolved all outstanding matters between the two companies. Details of the settlement were not disclosed, and both companies declined to comment further. We deeply value our 75-year relationship with Builders Bloc and we are proud of the homes weve built together for the people of St. Louis, McBride CEO Jake Eilermann said in the statement. We are optimistic about the future for both Builders Bloc and McBride Homes, and look forward to seeing the positive impact each will continue to make in our community. The settlement between McBride and Builders Bloc comes one day before the companies were to finish their trial in St. Charles County in which the contractor alleged the homebuilder fraudulently filed dozens of false real estate records over the past year. Builders Bloc had filed similar lawsuits in two other counties. The judge in that case had not yet made a determination about the real estate records. Online court records did not show the suits dismissals as of Tuesday afternoon. Builders Bloc alleged the filings were part of an effort by McBride to stiff the contractor of over $10 million for unpaid work. But McBride has long said that it followed the law and that it would take all necessary steps to protect homeowners. Builders Bloc claimed in court documents that McBride filed the sale notices with closing sale dates that the builder either didnt share with the contractor or were different than the dates McBride provided to Builders Bloc. Notices of sale affect the amount of time Builders Bloc would legally have to file liens to seek payment of unpaid work. Last month, McBride paid more than $10 million to Builders Bloc to settle mechanics liens the contractor filed against the company and homeowners related to the real estate records. The homebuilder had alleged that the liens and claims of fraudulent records were retaliation by Builders Bloc after McBride fired the contractor early this year. McBride sued Builders Bloc for $13 million over allegations the contractor caused numerous delays at its job sites. That lawsuit was later moved to arbitration. Builders Bloc and McBride, one of the largest homebuilders in the region, built subdivisions across the region together for years and were once part of the same company. Builders Bloc is excited about our future and the opportunities ahead, Kevin Deptula, president of Builders Bloc, said in the statement. We appreciate the history weve shared with McBride and are proud of the work our teams have done together for nearly eight decades. ST. LOUIS The union representing St. Louis-area Boeing workers says its members have authorized a strike if contract negotiations fail with the company. The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) said a Sunday vote to green-light a possible strike had 99% support. Boeing Defense makes billions from the hands-on talent of our members, Sam Cicinelli, general vice president of the unions Midwest territory, said in a news release Monday. Its time those same hands are rewarded with respect, dignity, and a strong agreement. Contract talks between Boeing and IAM District 837 began earlier this month. The local has about 3,200 members. Negotiations over wages and benefits are scheduled to begin Tuesday, according to the union. Dan Gillian, vice president and general manager of air dominance at Boeing, said the company is committed to reaching a deal that recognizes our employees contributions and keeps us moving forward. We look forward to our continued discussions with the union. The union vote to authorize a strike doesnt mean contract talks have broken down, said Boeing spokesperson Kurt LaBelle; its a procedural step that happens during every contract negotiation. The St. Louis workers make defense aircraft for Boeing at sites in St. Louis County, St. Charles and Mascoutah. The products made there include the F-15 and F-18 fighter jets, T-7A trainer and MQ-25 refueling drone. Strikes at Boeings area sites have been uncommon. The most recent was in 1996, against McDonnell Douglas, a year before it merged with Boeing. Before that, workers went on strike in 1975. Boeing workers in Washington state embarked on a seven-week strike last year, eventually winning a 38% boost to wages over four years. The local unions current contract with Boeing, which was approved in 2022, expires July 27. Boeing had planned to show off its new Advanced Robotic Coating Center in St. Louis County on Monday, as well as its facility in Mascoutah, where the MQ-25 Stingray unmanned aircraft is being built. The company postponed the tour on Friday. U.S. Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-Mo., had been scheduled to appear at the event, with his office noting the senators work to make Missouri the birthplace of the F-47. Boeing won a contract in March to build the U.S. Air Forces next generation fighter jet, the F-47. But the Senate was voting Monday on provisions in President Donald Trumps Big Beautiful Bill. LaBelle, the Boeing spokesperson, said Monday the postponement had nothing to do with contract talks. The postponement was directly due to congressional attendees of our event having sudden scheduling conflicts, he said in an email. I was in Vietnam, minding my own business and trying to ignore the culture wars raging in America, when word drifted down that National Guard troops had shot and killed four students during an anti-war protest at Kent State. Thats heavy, my friends and I said to one another. We had reason to look askance at both groups. Some of the anti-war protesters associated us with the war maybe that was reasonable and were rooting against us. They chanted, Hey, Hey, Ho Chi Minh, the NLF is gonna win. The NLF was the National Liberation Front, which was, I think, the Viet Cong. At any rate, it wasnt us. On the other hand, the National Guard troops were draft dodgers. In those days, N.G. stood for Not Going. I had friends in both groups. It was impossible to be young then and not know people who opposed the war. Also, it was impossible to not know people who were dodging the draft. In fact, the net landed on me only because I flunked out of college. Times have certainly changed. The three presidents of my generation Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Donald Trump were all draft dodgers. With no draft, the Guard has become a more integral part of the military, and a former Guardsman is now Secretary of Defense. Also, the Marines were recently deployed to Los Angeles. During training at Camp Pendleton, we used to deploy ourselves to Los Angeles to pick up girls. Our missions were mostly unsuccessful. I am not complaining. The Marine Corps gave me more than I gave it. I maintain regular contact with three friends from those long ago days. I came home from Vietnam with no psychological scars except, perhaps, empathy overload. When Russia invaded Ukraine, I rooted for Ukraine, but I empathized with the Russian conscripts on the trucks rolling into a foreign country. What did those guys know about any of this? Nothing. I was sickened by the savagery of the Hamas incursion into Israel, but I empathized with the people in Gaza who didnt have the political connections to find safe harbor in the tunnels. They suffered terribly. They still do. I empathized with the Israeli soldiers who fought their way into Gaza and I empathized with the young Palestinian men who fought them. Years earlier, I had visited Northern Ireland and made a pilgrimage to the Orange Lodge of my ancestors near Belfast. I drank Bushmills with protestants and Jameson with Catholics. I realized that had I been born in Belfast, I would likely have been a member of a militia, perhaps the notorious Shankill Protestant Boys. Unless, of course, I had been born a Catholic. Then Id likely have been in the IRA. Except for a few rare souls, we are who were supposed to be. A friend called the other night. Are you watching the news? he asked. No, I said. Turn it on, he said. The United States had just bombed nuclear facilities in Iran. The president said the operation had been successful. And most importantly, I want to congratulate the great American patriots who flew those magnificent machines tonight and all of the United States military on an operation the likes of which the world has not seen in many, many decades, he said. I realized he was talking about Pearl Harbor. The Japanese completely outsmarted us. They fooled us by pretending to negotiate. We were hostiles, of course, but as long as negotiations were ongoing, we didnt think theyd attack. It was a brilliant plan and carried out flawlessly. Of course, that is not the way we saw it then. A date which will live in infamy, President Roosevelt called it. On the night of President Trumps announcement, I wondered how I would have felt the day after Pearl Harbor had I been an old Japanese guy. Id have been greatly impressed by the planning and by the pilots who carried out the daring raid. I might have noted with pride that we didnt bomb civilian targets. Thats exactly the way I feel now. Plus, Im convinced that the world is a safer place without the mullahs having nuclear weapons. But I also sense that the America in which I grew up is no more. Weve changed. We were the toughest kid on the playground in my youth, but we never sucker-punched anybody. I have read stories about the way we reacted to the sneak attack by the Japanese. Young men stood in line to enlist. It didnt matter how they felt about FDR. Their anger had noting to do with politics. They wanted payback. Id be willing to bet that some young Iranians and perhaps others in the wider Arab world are feeling the same way. They probably remember what a couple of dozen guys with box-cutters accomplished not so long ago. Im trying hard not to empathize with them. Joe Holleman | Post-Dispatch Political correspondent/columnist Follow Joe Holleman | Post-Dispatch Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today In these politically turbulent times, leave it to the U.S. Postal Service to unite opposing factions under a common banner: Dissatisfaction with the U.S. Postal Service. Over the last 15 months, most every U.S. congressional member who represents the St. Louis area both Democrats and Republicans, from both sides of the Mississippi River have lambasted postal service in the metropolitan area. The newest member of the unhappy stampers sodality is U.S. Rep. Mike Bost, a Republican from Murphysboro, Illinois. His district includes Monroe County and parts of St. Clair County. In a letter sent last week to the Postal Services inspector general, Bost asked for an audit of the St. Louis Processing and Distribution Center in Hazelwood. In his communique, Bost notes that his constituents in Southern Illinois have ongoing complaints about mail delays, misdirected deliveries and lost items. The letter claims that the problems have persisted despite postal managements promises to improve operations following a 2022 audit. When seniors fail to receive their medications on time or working families are hit with late fees for bills that never came, its clear something is broken, Bost said. The complaints against the St. Louis center go back to at least early 2024, when U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley and then-U.S. Rep. Cori Bush wrote to then-Postmaster General Louis DeJoy to complain about shoddy mail service. Then in September, four Republican members of Missouris U.S. House delegation, whose districts cover the St. Louis metropolitan area in Missouri, complained about postal service. U.S. Reps. Ann Wagner, Town and Country; Jason Smith, Salem; (now-retired) Blaine Luetkemeyer, St. Elizabeth; and Sam Graves, Tarkio, wrote to DeJoy and asked for major changes to fix unreliable mail service in eastern Missouri. The letter specifically asked the Postal Service to audit the mail sorting and distribution center in Hazelwood. The lawmakers also are concerned with how the USPSs plan to save $3 billion annually will affect delivery to rural areas. Then only one week after the Missouri quartet complained, U.S. Rep. Nikki Budzinski, D-Springfield, Illinois, joined 18 other lawmakers to ask the post office to reconsider a plan the rural-delivery changes. Budzinski, whose district includes parts of Madison and St. Clair counties in Illinois, said the plan to save money cant come at the expense of rural residents who ... depend on the Postal Service for medicine, food, paychecks and bills. Also complaining about rural operations at the time was Hawley, a Missouri Republican, who wrote to DeJoy to complain about rural mail delivery. And those complaints were logged before snow and ice storms in January, which prompted both new and renewed complaints. Then in April, U.S. Sens. Hawley and Eric Schmitt sent a letter that repeated the request for an audit of the St. Louis operations. It was signed again by U.S. Reps. Wagner, Smith, Graves, and Luetkemeyers newly elected Republican successor, U.S. Rep. Bob Onder of Lake Saint Louis. And lets not forget the two Democratic U.S. senators from Illinois, Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth, who also have signed onto letters questioning the Postal Services performance and planning. Tara L. Jarrett, a USPS spokesperson, said the service responds to any letters received by federal lawmakers. Jarrett went on, however, to point out that the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General is a separate agency and makes all decisions about conducting audits. And, she said, We make every effort to comply with recommendations provided to us by the (inspector general) during any audit they conduct. As to the latest complaint, Bost said his constituents simply deserve better service. If the system fails them, he said, there must be accountability. China's lunar 3D printing breakthrough paves way for moon "houses" built from soil sourced on-site Xinhua) 08:24, July 02, 2025 This undated file photo shows a researcher demonstrating the lunar 3D printing process at the Deep Space Exploration Laboratory in Hefei, east China's Anhui Province. (Xinhua) HEFEI, July 1 (Xinhua) -- A groundbreaking 3D printing system developed by Chinese scientists has explored using only on-site-sourced lunar soil to build habitats, paving the way for the large-scale, on-site construction of lunar research stations. The Deep Space Exploration Laboratory in Hefei, Anhui Province, has successfully prototyped a lunar regolith 3D printer that eliminates the need for Earth-sourced construction materials, according to Yang Honglun, a senior engineer at the lab. He revealed that the system uses a high-precision reflective concentrator and flexible fiber-optic energy transmission to achieve temperatures hot enough to fuse lunar regolith. "This printing breakthrough has validated the feasibility of using lunar soil as the sole raw building material, enabling true in-situ resource utilization and eliminating the need to transport any additional materials from Earth," he said. Also among the printing system's key innovations is flexible manufacturing, which enables brick production and the customized molding of complex structures. A preliminary test of the prototype's lunar regolith forming process has been completed on the ground surface. Tests of its ability to melt and form lines, surfaces, bodies and complex structures have also been completed, and tests of the technical feasibility of the prototype's solar concentrating technology, optical fiber bundle energy transmission and lunar regolith melting system have been systematically completed. In the early stages of the research team's work, the core challenge was achieving reliable solar energy concentration and regolith shaping under the extreme conditions of the lunar environment. After extensive testing, the multidisciplinary team -- spanning the fields of planetary science, materials science, mechanical engineering, energy dynamics, thermal physics and optics -- solved critical problems in energy capture, transmission and molding. As for future applications, Yang said the prototype could manufacture lunar regolith structures, supporting the construction of lunar roads, equipment platforms and buildings, and enabling large-scale, sustainable lunar exploration and resource utilization. It also validates key technologies for lunar energy capture and material extraction, laying the technical foundations for the construction of lunar energy systems. The lab -- also known as Tiandu, named after one of the three main peaks of the province's Yellow Mountain -- is a national-level scientific research platform built by the China National Space Administration, the Anhui provincial government, and the University of Science and Technology of China. It is a new model for China's deep-space research and operates with corporate-like autonomy in research direction, fund usage, talent and salary management, according to Li Hang, head of the lab's board office. Since its official launch in June 2022, Tiandu has provided robust support for the successful implementation of major projects such as the Queqiao-2 relay satellite and the Chang'e-6 lunar mission, which returned humanity's first-ever sample from the far side of the moon. Looking ahead, the lab is developing the world's first Mars sample research facility and is inviting collaboration. "We welcome scientists from home and abroad to conduct research in Hefei," Li said. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Joe Holleman | Post-Dispatch Political correspondent/columnist Follow Joe Holleman | Post-Dispatch Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today The new federal tax and spending bill squeezed out of the Senate on Tuesday thanks to U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley and several GOP colleagues dropping their opposition to some Medicaid cuts. The bill passed by a vote of 51-50, with three Republicans joining the lockstep Democrats in voting against the $3.3 trillion package. Vice President JD Vance, as president of the Senate, broke the tie, sending the measure to the House, where changes made in the Senate will be taken up. Hawley was not immediately available Tuesday for an interview but provided a statement. Hawley said the bill will deliver major relief for working people, such as no taxes on overtime, no taxes on tips, and a larger child tax credit for families. The Medicaid issue, however, was a major point of contention between Democrats and Republicans. Despite Hawleys prior opposition to reductions in the programs provider fee, which generates money for states to fund their portion of Medicaid, he ultimately voted in favor of reducing the fee cap to 3.5%, instead of 6%. That vote drew a swift and pointed response from Russ Carnahan, chair of the Missouri Democratic party. This bill is a slap in the face to working families, Carnahan said in a statement. Missouri deserves leaders who stand up for them, not ones who lie to their faces and vote the way their rich friends tell them to. Hawley was one of six Republican senators who initially said some aspects of the Medicaid cuts were problematic. Also in that camp were Susan Collins of Maine, Jim Justice of West Virginia, Jerry Moran of Kansas, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Thom Tillis of North Carolina. Of that group, only Collins and Tillis ultimately voted against the bill, which was the top legislative priority of President Donald Trump. The other GOP senator to vote against the bill was Rand Paul of Kentucky, who generally opposes any legislation that increases the national debt. Despite media reports that he opposed all Medicaid cuts, Hawley consistently said he thought changes needed to be made in the program. He went on to maintain that he supported cutting some people from the Medicaid rolls, specifically those who are in the country illegally and those who did not meet work requirement parameters. As to eventually supporting the more drastic reduction of the provider fee, Hawley said recent bargaining among senators now delays the reduction in the cap for one year and adds $50 billion to a fund to benefit rural hospitals. The rural hospital fund, a proposal from Collins which Hawley supported, had previously drawn only cautious support from Hawley. In an interview last week with The Hill, Hawley said Collins initial proposal to create a $100 billion fund was a good start. Opponents say reductions in the provider fee will put more of the funding burden on states and could lead to reductions in services are even closing rural hospitals and health care facilities. Backers of cuts to Medicaid claim the changes in the new bill will help trim governmental waste, fraud and abuse. As to other Medicaid cuts, including future cap provider fee reductions, Hawley claims he will do everything in my power to reverse future cuts to Medicaid. If Republicans want to be the party of the working class, we cannot cut health insurance for working people, he said. Carnahan maintained that working class Americans would remember Hawleys actions. They wont forget who stood with them and who sold them out, he said. Hawleys state mate, U.S. Sen. Eric Schmitt, also voted for the bill. During the budget process, Schmitt, also a Republican, adopted a position similar to Hawleys, but he was far less conspicuous about it. Schmitt touted the bills tax cuts, which he says will result in Missouri families getting as much as $11,600 more in take-home pay. He also pointed out provisions added to the bill, including services for the disabled and tax incentives for educational purposes. Hawley, when it came to other aspects of the bill, focused on his successful effort to get victims of radiation exposure included in federal compensation laws, known as RECA. Hawley has been fighting for several years on behalf of residents in north St. Louis County and St. Charles County who live near sites where uranium was processed and stored after World War II during the Manhattan Project and the development of atomic weapons. Hawley said expanding RECA Missouri will finally deliver justice to Missourians. Dawn Chapman, co-founder of a group that has advocated to get Missouri included in the RECA laws, said she stayed up all night to make sure the provision remained in the bill. Were used to political divisions, political fights. But that wont deter us from our goal to get compensation for those affected by radiation, she said. Said Chapman, Thats always been our goal, and that will always be our goal. ST. LOUIS A day after an impromptu Pride celebration in the Grove district spiraled into violence, a police spokesperson placed the blame on the shoulders of local business leaders. But those leaders say the violence wasnt their responsibility, either, because the attendees showed up for a party they werent even hosting. All of the bar owners know that this is a major crowd that comes out for Pride, and someones going to have to take responsibility for it, said Mitch McCoy, a police spokesperson at a news conference Monday. The police cant. Grove leaders should have anticipated a large crowd and preemptively hosted an organized, permitted event to avoid chaos, McCoy said. Getting a city permit means police are directly involved in planning, he said. But Kelly Spencer, an executive committee member of the Grove Community Improvement District, said they had warned police in advance that the situation could get unruly with large crowds. The district shouldnt be held responsible for the violence, they said, because the party in the street wasnt theirs. I dont understand why Mitch McCoy is coming down on (us) when all we tried to do was work with them, Spencer said. We didnt get a permit because we didnt have an event. Violence erupted along Manchester Avenue about 1 a.m. Sunday as a large crowd congregated in the street. The situation quickly spiraled, police say, and ended in multiple fights, with two women shot and multiple officers injured. The gathering was a Pride celebration but wasnt connected to the official Pridefest downtown, police said. The Grove is known for its inclusive bars, businesses and culture. Multiple bars and restaurants along Manchester Avenue hosted their own Pride parties instead, even hiring extra security to keep control of patrons, said police and Jon Shine, the vice president of the Urban Chestnut Brewing Co. in the Grove. About 1:30 a.m., several people got into a fight during celebrations. A 34-year-old woman then shot another woman in the leg, whose friend, 22, then returned fire and hit the 34-year-old in the back. More fights continued throughout the day Sunday. At one point, McCoy said, a 19-year-old with a rifle climbed on the back of an officer, while another person shot fireworks into the crowd. Police ordered the party to disperse about 10 p.m. and arrested four people. A similar party was hosted last year in the Grove, McCoy said, but that one had permits and was overseen by the Grove Community Improvement District, allowing security to check visitors for weapons and set up crowd control barriers. This year, no large event was planned. But people showed up anyway. McCoy said that if local leaders had hosted a permitted event this year, like they did last year, there would have been a lengthy joint planning process. Police themselves expected a crowd, so the department made a plan that including keeping cars off Manchester Avenue, McCoy said. On Tuesday, he said extra officers were in the Grove on Saturday, and the department increased the numbers again on Sunday night "to try to deter any bad behavior." At permitted events, McCoy said, security hired by the hosts are able to put up gates and fencing, and wand people or examine their belongings to look for firearms before they enter the area. If it's not a permitted event, however, police can't simply decide to do the same, he said. "What gives a police officer the right to stop you and say, 'Ok, you're being wanded if you want to come in?'" McCoy said. The problem is that no one wants to step up on Manchester Avenue knowing that thousands and thousands and thousands of people may be down there to make sure everyone is safe, McCoy said Friday. And we as a police department cannot take on that responsibility of organizing an event. Shine, from Urban Chestnut, said the criticism is unwarranted. Thats not fair, Shine said. I think everybody police, businesses, local government need to work together to come up with solutions, not worry about blaming someone else. Still, Spencer thinks police did the best they could to keep control of the crowd. Outside of hosting a formal event, the only thing her group couldve done to prevent chaos was preemptively close the streets, she said. We want to celebrate our community, and its hard to do when your streets are shut down, she said. Editor's note: This story was updated Tuesday to clarify that hired security, not on-duty police, wand and check people entering permitted events and that St. Louis police had extra officers in the Grove. JEFFERSON CITY A St. Louis lawyer and his wife who pointed guns at racial justice protesters in 2020 may be a step closer to getting their firearms back following a court decision Tuesday. The Eastern District Missouri Court of Appeals upheld the 2024 decision to expunge the misdemeanor convictions of Mark and Patricia McCloskey over the objections of city prosecutors and police. A three-judge panel found the circuit court judge did not err in determining the couple met the criteria for expungement after they gained notoriety for displaying their weapons outside of their Central West End mansion as protesters moved through the neighborhood. Chief Judge John Torbitzky, who authored the seven-page decision, dismissed the police departments claims that the two were a threat to public safety. The circuit court provided an adequate opportunity for the department to make an offer of proof, but the department failed to make use of that opportunity, Torbitzky wrote. Immediately after his conviction was cleared last year, Mark McCloskey demanded the city return the two guns that were seized as part of his guilty plea to misdemeanor assault. McCloskey sued for the return of the firearms, but that case was suspended while his appeal was pending. A hearing in that case is set for December. The appeals court ruling marks the latest development in a saga that began in the summer of 2020 when McCloskey and his wife, Patricia, emerged from their home on Portland Place and waved guns at people walking by during a protest of the killing of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer. The McCloskeys, who said they were protecting their property from protesters trespassing on the private street, were charged by former St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kimberly M. Gardner with multiple felonies. Gardner was later disqualified from prosecuting them after mentioning their case in campaign emails. A special prosecutor took over and indicted the McCloskeys on felony charges of unlawful use of a weapon and evidence tampering. They later reached an agreement in which Mark McCloskey pleaded guilty to fourth-degree assault and his wife, Patricia McCloskey, pleaded guilty to second-degree harassment, both misdemeanors. As part of that agreement, the McCloskeys surrendered the Colt AR-15 rifle and a Bryco .380-caliber pistol they were holding during the confrontation on Portland Place and paid a fine of $872.50. Gov. Mike Parson, a Republican, later pardoned the couple, and McCloskey sued in 2021 to get his guns back. Judges denied that request and a subsequent appeal. After Mark McCloskey made an unsuccessful bid for the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate, the couple petitioned to expunge their convictions. FENTON A Caseyville, Illinois, woman was killed Saturday night when her stranded car was struck from behind on Interstate 44 near Mraz Lane in Fenton. The name of the 27-year-old woman has not yet been released. She had been involved in an earlier crash in the westbound lanes, and her Toyota Camry was stopped, blocking the far left lane when she was struck, according to the Missouri Highway Patrol. MADISON COUNTY Thirty-five years ago, Wynona Michel visited with her children in a Washington, D.C., shopping mall, then disappeared. Several weeks later, a farmer discovered a womans body dumped in his field south of Troy. She was nude, stabbed several times and almost decapitated. And for decades, the disappearance of Michel and the identity of the body were both mysteries. On Tuesday, Madison County authorities announced they had identified the body as Michels, using a lab in Texas that specializes in genetic genealogy, a forensic science that uses preserved DNA evidence to identify unknown victims or suspects and has resulted in a stream of identifications in recent years. Michels was the last case in Madison County that had an unidentified victim, police said. Its an exciting day, Madison County Sheriff Jeff Connor said Tuesday at a press conference. We can give closure to family members. Michel, who went by Wendy, was born in California and grew up in Nashville. She moved to Florida as a teen and in the early eighties ended back up in California, police said Tuesday. In April 1990, then 30 years old, she made her way back to Nashville and dropped off her young son and daughter with one of her brothers. The next month, she visited with the kids in Washington, the last time family saw her. Michels body was discovered by a farmer on July 20, 1990, near the intersection of Lebanon Road and Troy-OFallon Road, south of Troy. Lewis Haines said his grandfather, David Mallett, owned the farm then and found Michels body about five rows into his soybean field. It was one of those things he never really talked about, Haines said Tuesday. He didnt shy away from it, but he didnt bring it up. At the time Michel was found, police said they also found near her body a pair of underwear and a pink T-shirt with Florida printed on it. In the weeks that followed, police made inquiries as far away as Spain to determine the manufacturer, which they were unable to do, according to a 1990 Belleville News-Democrat article. She was still wearing white sandals and had a small heart-shaped turquoise ring on one of her fingers. Police on Tuesday said her body had been in the field for about a week when she was discovered, and the level of decomposition hindered their efforts to identify her. During the initial investigation, police told the public it could not be determined if she had been sexually assaulted but the coroner confirmed she had given birth at least once, which led investigators to believe she had a family who may have been looking for her. Authorities did not think the woman was local to the area and believed she had not been killed where her body was found. Re-examining the case She was buried by Madison County on Aug. 15, 1990, as a Jane Doe. The next month, in September 1990, authorities released a photo of a clay reconstruction of her face. It had been created by an FBI reconstruction artist using her skull. Two days after the photo was circulated, police said they had a lead. A man had contacted them after seeing the photo. Nothing came of the lead, though. The case was examined periodically throughout the years, said Connor, the Madison County Sheriff. Detectives once again revisited it beginning in the latter half of 2023. They worked with the Illinois State Police Crime Lab and the Texas lab, Othram, that specializes in cold cases, to use decades-old DNA evidence to identify Michel. After identifying her, Connor said detectives were able to trace the last months of her life, but only up to that visit with her children in Washington. Family members told police she was with a male truck driver during that visit. Unfortunately, police said, they do not have any information on what the man looked like or where he was from. Michels older half-brother, Frank Barnard of Nashville, said he was devastated when police told him they had identified Michels body, a few months ago. The family didnt know shed been murdered, he said. They figured she has just left and cut off communication. And they missed her. She was a fun person, he told reporters Tuesday. She adopted weird animals, the ones nobody wanted, to take care of them. She had a good heart. Barnard said he still talks to Michels son every day. Her daughter died several years ago, he said. My sister traveled a lot, and sometimes you didnt know where she was at for months at a time over the years, he said. I know from knowing my sister that she didnt deserve this. Police asked the public on Tuesday to contact the Madison County Sheriffs Office or CrimeStoppers with any information that might help identify Michels killer. Regional cold cases Michels cold case is one of many here and across the country now being cracked through DNA collected but not tested at the time because the technology wasnt widely available. DNA science was first introduced as evidence in a 1986 case in England involving the rape and murder of two young girls, according to the National Institute of Justice. A suspect had confessed to one of the killings, but not the other. DNA evidence allowed investigators to link both crimes to another man, who was eventually charged. Since then, DNA science has been increasingly common in criminal cases. In the St. Louis region, cold case detectives have found success in running suspect DNA and finding matches in a database of DNA profiles obtained by law enforcement. A year ago, St. Louis County investigators used DNA collected in 1992 to charge a man with the rape of a woman. In May 2022, forensic genealogy was used to identify a Montgomery County teen 32 years after his skeletal remains were found. Then, in September 2022, forensic experts in Texas identified remains found in 2017 in a backyard of a vacant north St. Louis home. That same year, Detective Jodi Weber cracked a cold case in OFallon, Missouri, after investigating several homicides for 14 years and waiting for DNA testing technology to improve. Prosecutors were then able to charge 73-year-old Gary Muehlberg in the 1990 murders of Robyn Mihan, Brenda Pruitt, Donna Reitmeyer and Sandy Little. He has since pleaded guilty and is serving several life terms. In 2019, St. Charles County investigators charged Earl Webster Cox with the abduction, rape and murder of 9-year-old Angie Housman. He was sentenced to life without parole for the crimes. ST. CHARLES COUNTY St. Charles Countys 25-year-old law enforcement shooting range near Weldon Spring has a new look and a new name. It is one of several large-scale building projects related to police training underway or planned in the region. St. Charles County officials and law enforcement representatives on Tuesday marked the $2.2 million expansion of the gun range that was renamed in honor of former St. Charles County Police Sgt. John Bush. The expanded training facility now includes 50 outdoor shooting lanes and state-of-the-art rubber bullet traps, which allows for easier retrieval of the fired bullets, said St. Charles County Police Chief Kurt Frisz. In April, the state awarded a $50 million grant for a new regional law enforcement training center that will serve St. Charles, St. Louis, Jefferson and Franklin counties. Officials have yet to announce where the facility will be built, but Frisz said plans are for it to have a small indoor firing range. In May, officials with OFallon and St. Charles celebrated the opening of an outdoor firing range at the Center for Advanced Skills Training in Law Enforcement, a multi-million dollar facility being built in phases on 80-acres along Highway 79 north of OFallon. The first phase was a $4.5 million firing range, that includes 20 shooting lanes that vary in distance up to 200 yards. A planned second phase is set to begin construction later this year, said St. Charles Police Department spokesperson Lt. Daniel Gibbons. St. Charles County officials said both firing ranges are sorely needed. More than 20 different agencies including officers with the U.S. Marshals Service, the Drug Enforcement Agency, and the FBI train at the Weldon Spring facility, St. Charles County Executive Steve Ehlmann. The expansion, Ehlmann said, was largely paid for by the federal government and was needed in order to accommodate training schedules. St. Charles County officers must complete training at the range least four times a year, while SWAT team officers train there twice a month. Training is important, especially now with the media attention that law enforcement gets, said St. Charles County Executive Steve Ehlmann. Its absolutely more and more important every year that people are trained properly. Bush, who served in law enforcement for 50 years, died in 2020. He became an outspoken advocate for training for law enforcement after two officers Lt. Albert Musterman in 1969 and Deputy Richard Henke in 1971 were killed in the line of duty. They were his colleagues, but they were also his friends, said Bushs son, John T. Bush. He wanted to make sure that everybody went home. Dads name may be on this facility, but the memory of those officers lives on here, he said. ST. LOUIS When city leaders recruited Police Chief Robert Tracy from Wilmington, Delaware, where he earned national recognition for bringing down gun crime, he became the first outsider to be hired as chief in the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Departments more than 200-year history. Barring a change to state law, he could also be the last. The new law that puts control of the St. Louis police department under a board appointed by the Missouri governor removes a provision from state statute allowing the departments leaders to choose a chief from outside the department. Meanwhile, an old section that prescribes how vacancies are filled is now back in effect. In no case shall the chief or assistant chief be selected from men not members of the force or below the grade of captain, reads the law putting the citys police force back under state control. The change was not widely discussed amid the larger debate over the state control bill, which pitted the citys former mayor, Tishaura O. Jones, against Republican Gov. Mike Kehoe and mostly GOP lawmakers from outside St. Louis. The final bill, passed with backing from the St. Louis Police Officers Association and the Ethical Society of Police, ended 12 years of local control of the department and returned it to a Civil War-era setup where the governor appoints four voting members to serve alongside the St. Louis mayor. (Under the new law, the board also includes a sixth nonvoting member.) Precluding the St. Louis Board of Police Commissioners from choosing a chief from outside the department could make it easier for longtime officers who have moved up the ranks to get the top job. Sgt. Mickey Owens, president of the St. Louis Police Leadership Organization, which represents supervisors and commanders, said the organization backed the provision barring outside chief hires so that department supervisors have a better chance to get the position. Commanders within the department possess institutional knowledge and understand its history, which should count for something, Owens said. Officers that are here 20 and 30 years have a vested interest in this department, Owens said. Someone from outside is already at a disadvantage coming in. They dont have a clear understanding of how the politics, both inside the department and outside the department, work. But some, including Kehoe, have touted Tracy as one of the best police leaders in the country. During his January State of the State address, as he called for legislation moving control of the St. Louis police department under a state-appointed board, Kehoe called Tracy one of the nations top police chiefs. Praise for Tracy When the governor announced his picks for the new police board last week to cheers from police unions, Kehoe said the board was meant to support Tracy and his command staff, who have done a great job. Hes definitely moving the needle in the right direction, Kehoe said of Tracy during a radio interview the next day. Crime has fallen under Tracys watch, as it has in many cities around the country since a national pandemic-era spike. Homicides are down roughly 17% year-to-date from this time last year, and a quarter lower than in 2021. Shootings are down 28% from last year and nearly one-third from 2021, according to department statistics. Chief Tracy has objectively been a great hire for St. Louis, said Jared Boyd, who was chief of staff to former Mayor Jones. His performance has been lauded by both Republicans and Democrats and policing experts outside of St. Louis. Why would we preclude ourselves from hiring someone like Chief Tracy? But Owens, with the police leadership organization, said he thinks some crime stats may be down in part due to fewer officers on the force and less reporting from residents who are skeptical police will respond or who tire of holding for a 911 dispatcher. I dont have any issues with Chief Tracy, Owens said. I would have preferred an internal selection, but I think hes doing the best he can with the resources he has. The state takeovers backers didnt want to discuss the provision barring the hire of an outside chief. Neither of the sponsors of the takeover bill Sen. Nick Schroer, R-Defiance, and Rep. Brad Christ, R-south St. Louis County responded to messages. Joe Steiger, business manager of the SLPOA, did not return a request for comment. Sgt. Donnell Walters, who has served as president of the Ethical Society of Police, which represents Black officers, did not respond to a request for comment. A spokesman for the St. Louis police department referred the Post-Dispatch to Attorney General Andrew Baileys office, which now serves as lawyer for the department under state control. A spokeswoman for Baileys office, Abigail Bergmann, said the office does not interpret state statute and referred the Post-Dispatch to Kehoes office. In a statement, Kehoes spokeswoman, Gabby Picard, said the governor supports Chief Tracy and his leadership of the department, though she didnt directly address why the governor supported legislation restricting where the chief could be hired from. Governor Kehoe expects the commissioners he appoints to the board to make decisions that will best serve the men and women of the department, including who serves as chief, Picard said. The Governor also trusts that as the board governs the department, they will work to ensure they have the necessary tools to hire the best qualified candidate for chief in the future. Business leaders quiet The business leaders who helped recruit Tracy and pay part of his salary didnt want to talk about the change. The Regional Business Council paid an executive search firm $60,000 to help the city find candidates from around the country to lead its department. The city ultimately tapped Tracy, a former top police official in Chicago who later earned national plaudits for reducing a spike in gun violence after he was hired as police chief of Wilmington in 2017. Catherine Hanaway, a lawyer at Husch Blackwell and board chair of the Regional Business Council, did not respond to requests for comment. Hanaway, a former U.S. attorney, is on the board of the St. Louis Police Foundation, which includes some of the regions most influential business leaders. That organization supplements Tracys $181,000 city-paid salary with an extra $100,000 per year. When Tracy was hired, the Police Foundation said it did not want compensation to be a barrier in attracting the best qualified candidates. The agreement runs until January, and the Foundation has said it will reevaluate the arrangement to supplement Tracys salary then. Michelle Craig, the Police Foundations executive director, said the organization doesnt comment on police department business or staffing. Austin Huguelet of the Post-Dispatch contributed to this report. PERRYVILLE, Mo. A federal inspection less than a year ago found employees at a cereal plant here were at risk of machinery unexpectedly starting up when the equipment was supposed to be shut down for maintenance and that workers were not being notified before the machinery was fired up. And a former employee of the plant said Monday that a plant worker killed last week in similar circumstances would still be alive if the company had followed its own policy. Christina Allen, who said she worked at the Gilster Mary Lee Plant for about two years a decade ago, said the giant oven that killed 38-year-old Nicolas Lopez Gomez should have been locked out and tagged a procedure that keeps workers from turning on machinery while its being serviced. If it was done correctly, he would still be here, she said. Allen, who now works as a team lead for Rhodes Convenience Store just around the corner from the plant said the oven in question is ginormous. She said its about 30 feet long and tall enough to fit a person standing with someone sitting on their shoulders. In September, the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration inspected the plant. The report says the Gilster Mary Lee Plant machines were turned on Sept. 7, and at times before then, without notifying other employees and without lockout and tagout devices used. An affected employee was able to turn on and operate a cooker which another employee was working on in the associated danger zone, the online synopsis says. Another citation in the inspection noted the company had been cited for this previously. The plant was fined a penalty of $135,000 for the violation. The entirety of the report was not immediately available. Gilster said in a statement Monday that it was saddened by Gomezs death, which happened in a cereal drying system. He will be greatly missed, and the company extends its sincere sympathies and condolences to his family, friends and coworkers, the statement says. Gilster Mary Lee, headquartered in nearby Chester, Illinois, has 11 locations across the Midwest, according to its website. It employs about 3,500 in total, according to the nonprofit Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center, and manufactures hundreds of foods, including cereal, cake mixes, dinner kits and baking products. The Perryville plant, which employs about 325, is one of two major employers in the town. Another plant, owned by Japan-based Toyoda Gosei, manufactures automotive parts. It has about 1,600 workers, said Perryville Mayor Larry Riney. Riney told the Post-Dispatch he could not comment on the factory death but said the small town of about 8,600 is generally quiet. This is a very rare occurrence that we have any type of fatality in Perryville, he said. Even the last domestic dispute that came with a fatality was probably 30 years ago. Gomez was killed Thursday afternoon, according to Perryville police. Police said he was a Guatemalan national who was working at the plant under the alias of Edward Avila. Gilster said he had been an employee for nine years. Officers were called to the plant, in the 600 block of Old St. Marys Road, because Gomez had become stuck in the industrial oven that was shut down, police said. He had already died by the time emergency workers could get to him. OSHA is investigating his death. Gilster said it will also investigate his death and is providing counseling services to plant employees. Chris Redding, a manager for nearby Park-Et Restaurant, said Perryville is a close-knit community. Everybodys pretty much willing to help anybody out, he said. One thing he kept hearing since the accident was talk of lockout tags, he said. Gilster has seven other OSHA violations on record since 2021, in addition to the September 2024 violation in Perryville. Three of those inspections were at its plant in Chester between December 2021 and February this year. All three were safety inspections, however those reports were not immediately available and no information was provided online. No violations were listed. Two more inspections happened at its plant in Centralia, Illinois. In October 2022, inspectors reported that the factory did not enclose three sprocket wheels and chains that were about one foot above a stacker unit conveyor that employees stood on. It was penalized almost $12,000. A few months later, in February 2023, OSHA said it did not protect its employees by not shutting down a machine while it was being worked on. It was ordered to pay $44,000 in penalties. The last two inspections were health inspections, one conducted at the companys factory in Joplin in August 2023 and the other at the Steeleville, Illinois, factory in October 2021. Those inspection findings were not immediately available. WENTZVILLE The Wentzville School District says its reviewing a recent change to its student code of conduct that calls for peace disturbance charges to be filed against middle or high schoolers if they assault anyone at school, with the same punishment a possibility for elementary students. The regulation applies to first-time offenses and says students in grades six through 12 would also receive out-of-school suspensions lasting five to 10 days. Assault, as defined in the regulation, involves a physical attack, either provoked or unprovoked, which may or may not cause personal injury to anyone on school property. The regulation says peace disturbance charges will be filed on behalf of the district. In a statement to the Post-Dispatch, district officials conceded the policy may imply a mandatory or automatic practice to refer unruly student behavior to law enforcement. But that doesnt reflect the districts actual practice, they said. Each situation is evaluated on an individual basis, and the outcome depends on the facts of the incident and the discretion of law enforcement, the districts statement reads. The language in the code of conduct stating that charges will be filed on behalf of the WSD is currently under review, the district said. Bill Koski, a lawyer and founder of Stanford Law Schools Youth and Education Law Project, said the regulation appeared to be a far drift from how schools have approached discipline in recent years. Educators have mostly moved away from so-called exclusionary discipline practices such as suspensions as experts argue the practice doesnt remedy the causes of bad behavior and feeds the school-to-prison pipeline. Some districts in the St. Louis area, including St. Louis Public Schools, Maplewood Richmond Heights School District and Normandy Schools Collaborative, banned out-of-school suspensions after a 2015 UCLA study found Missouri suspended Black elementary students at a higher rate than any other state. Wentzvilles code of conduct says elementary school students would face up to five days of in-school suspension or 10 days out-of-school suspension if theyre found to have assaulted anyone on school property. Koski said there was also a movement toward de-policing schools after the killing of George Floyd in 2020. But following the pandemic, schools have generally moved back to exclusionary discipline, he said. Police are common in K-12 schools. Even so, Koski said the wording of Wentzvilles code of conduct was surprising. Its highly unusual to see a school district writing into its own (regulations) what appears to be a mandatory use of law enforcement, Koski said. Wentzville School District contracts with OFallon and Wentzville police departments to staff school resource officers, or SROs. Each of the districts secondary schools have a full-time SRO. District officials said the SRO determines if the students conduct requires additional legal involvement. When a physical altercation or act of violence causes a significant disruption to the educational environment, the District may refer the matter to law enforcement as a potential peace disturbance, since the school is an impacted party, the district said in a statement. The decision to pursue legal charges, however, rests with law enforcement. Sgt. Bryan Harr with the OFallon Police Department said peace disturbance charges usually go through municipal courts as ordinance violations. He said the department hasnt seen any recent upticks in violence at the schools. The Wentzville Board of Education approved an updated version of the districts student code of conduct to include the peace disturbance charges on June 18. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 30. At the request of Speaker of the Parliament of Azerbaijan Sahiba Gafarova, Vice President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) from Azerbaijan, member of the Azerbaijani Parliament Sevil Mikayilova took part in celebrations to mark the International Day of Parliamentarism and the 136th anniversary of IPU in Greece, Trend reports. Speaking at the event on behalf of the IPU Gender Partnership Group, of which she is a member, S. Mikayilova congratulated the participants on this significant occasion. Greece is hosting the 296th session of IPU Executive Committee that kicked off on June 28 and will run until July 1. ST. LOUIS Shayne Reeve never liked school. His autism made it hard to read and pay attention to his teachers. Hed agonize over writing papers. And no amount of tutoring seemed to help. So when it came time for Reeve, 21, to enter the workforce, he wasnt sure what to do. After Reeve bounced from job to job, his mom suggested he try Job Corps. The federal workforce development program has helped millions of low-income youth and young adults develop specialized skills and find jobs in its 60 years. Reeve enrolled in a pre-apprentice painting program at the St. Louis Job Corps Center located on the border of north St. Louis and Pine Lawn four months ago. He loved it. The hands-on instruction clicked with him, he said. He said he finally found something he was good at. He lived in Job Corps dorms and made friends. But recently, Reeve said hes been worried. He and other Job Corps students and supporters are uncertain of the programs future as the second administration of President Donald Trump works to eliminate Job Corps amid sweeping budget cuts. The U.S. Department of Labor announced May 29 it would phase out all contractor-operated Job Corps, which includes St. Louis facility in north St. Louis and a satellite location in the Central West End. Government officials cited low graduation rates, high costs, violence and drug use, which Job Corps supporters have pushed back on. The government said the 99 contractor-run Job Corps centers would shutter by June 30. Reeve cried every night after the announcement was made and St. Louis Job Corps students were told to move out, he said. Its just overwhelming for me, Reeve said. This is literally my future. Two court battles challenging the closure of Job Corps will determine the programs future. On Wednesday, a federal judge in New York sided with National Job Corps Association, a trade organization that represents Job Corps campuses, and granted a preliminary injunction to stop the planned pause in operations. The injunction lasts until a federal class-action suit filed by seven students against the closure is resolved. In the meantime, Job Corps operations can continue, but it wont be quite back to normal. Some students didnt return to the center after the governments announcement in May. The tenuous status of the program has some students and parents feeling uneasy. Im scared because we dont know how long this will last, said Reeves mother, Erica Reeve. Im just praying to God my son can finish the program and graduate and be able to get a job. Last-ditch effort Job Corps graduates leave with credentials in fields ranging from bricklaying, carpentry and plastering to culinary arts, office administration and pharmacy tech. The majority of students live in Job Corps facilities where they receive meals, living allowances, medical care, counseling and career training at no cost. Congress established the program in 1964 to foster responsible citizenship and help 16- to 24-year-olds who struggled in high school to find work. Many of the students who go through Job Corps are poor, homeless, victims of physical or sexual abuse or in foster care. The St. Louis center currently has about 130 students. Acher Jackson, a counselor at St. Louis Job Corps, said some St. Louis students were sent to homeless shelters after the governments announcement in May. Others were sent to homes where they werent welcome. My students, they need the program, Jackson said. Sometimes, for many of them, this is a last-ditch effort. Jackson said no other organization in the St. Louis area could fill the hole Job Corps would leave. None have residential options or operate 24/7, she said. Connie Johnson runs the St. Louis Agency on Training and Employment, or SLATE. She said other organizations have been trying to prepare in case Job Corps closes. On Wednesday, SLATE hosted a rapid response hiring fair for Job Corps students. They also started collecting hygiene products and dry food items to give to anyone who may be displaced. Our phone lines have been jammed with people from Job Corps looking for not only jobs, but housing and other resources, Johnson said. When they announced the decision to close Job Corps, Labor Department officials said they were collaborating with state and local workforce partners to connect students to other training and employment opportunities. That was a surprise to Johnson. She said SLATE, the citys workforce center, had received no word, and only learned about the attempted shutdown through a press release. Now we have extra people, but no extra resources, Johnson said. The Department of Labor has not indicated whether they would provide training workforce dollars to the states that can then be funded to the workforce centers. In March, the Labor Department stopped running background checks on Job Corps applicants as required by statute, which effectively prevented new enrollment, court records show. St. Louis Job Corps is run by Distinction, a Mississippi-based limited liability company that contracts with the Labor Department to operate Job Corps centers, according to the companys website. USA Spending, a government-run online spending tracker, shows the Department entered into a five-year, $116.5 million contract with Distinction to operate St. Louis Job Corps on April 1, about two months before the government decided to close the center. Distinctions president and CEO, Korey Adams, declined to comment when reached by phone Wednesday. Erica Reeve said she noticed a difference in her son after he started at Job Corps. He had more confidence, she said. He was more positive about his future. I just hope others see how valuable it is, Reeve said. ST. LOUIS The people who work at the Thomas Dunn Learning Center are used to offering help to their community, not asking for it. But a string of vandalism has rattled the 95-year-old nonprofit, which is already facing setbacks including the loss of federal grants and water damage from the nearby Marquette Park pool in Dutchtown. Weve never had to cut a program for lack of funds, and we dont want to, said Paula Gaertner, the centers executive director of more than 10 years. But we need help. We have infrastructure issues here. Since December, the same man has thrown bricks, rocks and a shovel through eight windows and chipped several others at the center. The tipping point came early Friday morning, when the glass front door was smashed through. The shattered door was very defeating, Gaertner said. Although the incidents have come during off-hours when nobody is at the center, she worries about stirring fears of crime in the area. My biggest concern is people feeling that theyre unsafe here, she said. We want the community to know this is a safe space trying to serve everyone we can. The learning center offers space to community groups and hosts free classes in yoga, cooking, music and art along with a Friday night hangout spot for teens. Quilters and other social clubs meet there weekly. People stop by for a drink, to use the bathroom or cool off in the summer and warm up in the winter. There is a food pantry along with bus passes, laundry detergent, toiletries, Narcan and over-the-counter medicines. An art studio, teaching kitchen, library, computer lab, auditorium and classrooms keep the center bustling. Most importantly, Gaertner said, the centers high school equivalency courses have produced 54 graduates in the last two years. Theyre doing all these things for free to keep the community a little stronger, to keep the community a little safer and to keep the kids off the streets, said Patricia Tiller, the receptionist. The man who has been caught on camera breaking windows was a regular in the centers computer lab before the first incident in December. He is homeless and experiences manic episodes due to mental illness, the centers leaders said. Police have picked up the man twice and are trying to build a case against him for repeated property damage, but he has not garnered any more serious charges for trespassing, robbery or assault. Gaertner and her coworkers said they want to find a balance of getting him the help he needs while also stopping the vandalism that has become a financial strain. Each broken window costs $500 to fix. The front door will be boarded up and painted because the center cannot afford a replacement. Its easy to be angry. The hard part is to find the compassion so we can redirect him, said Caitlyn Dorion, the centers operations manager. The center is the legacy of Thomas Dunn, a rags-to-riches English immigrant who opened an orphanage in St. Louis in 1930 to help build a learned and peaceful society through education and civic engagement. Over the decades, the orphanage became an educational community center and moved to Marquette Park in 1960. The current building with its signature glass beacon opened in 1991 and has won several awards for architecture and sustainability. The Thomas Dunn Trust funds about one-third of the centers budget of less than $600,000, with the bulk coming mostly from smaller donations from foundations. The center had an operating deficit of $125,000 in 2023, according to its latest tax filings. Grants intended for security cameras from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and flooding and mold remediation from the Environmental Protection Agency have been paused amid federal budget cuts. For the first time, Gaertner took to social media this week to ask for donations from the community to help the center recover, rebuild, and continue the mission that has supported so many for so long. The center is a treasure in Dutchtown and beyond, said Kelli Best-Oliver, whose nonprofit LitShop provides construction skills training and literacy opportunities to girls. LitShop hosted classes at Thomas Dunn before opening its own studio in the city. Their support in the early years of our organization was critical to our ability to provide programming to St. Louis youth, and they have served as a key resource for us and so many other community organizations, Best-Oliver said. Its heartbreaking to see them struggle when they have given so much to Dutchtown and its residents. ST. LOUIS Five candidates are vying in a special election Tuesday for Mayor Cara Spencers vacated downtown and south St. Louis aldermanic seat. And two of the top candidates are backed separately by the mayor and the president of the Board of Aldermen. Shedrick Kelley, 44, a business analyst, has run unsuccessfully twice before for alderman. He is the pick of the city Democratic Central Committee and has won support from Aldermanic President Megan Greens political action committee. Jami Cox Antwi, 29, a banker and former Missouri House candidate, was passed over by the Democratic committee. But she has since been endorsed by Spencer, now the citys top elected Democrat, and backed by Greater St. Louis Inc., the regions major business lobby. And Antwi has become by far the fundraising leader among the candidates. That makes the race, in part, a test of the influence of Spencer and the business lobby versus Green and the citys Democratic Party. The race has also gotten contentious. In early June, the Democratic Central Committee sued the city Election Board to get party affiliations included on the ballot. Getting a Dem behind Kelleys name would typically be an advantage in a ward that, like the rest of the city, is heavily Democratic. After a judge ruled against the Democrats, the committee tried again, this time to get Kelleys name moved to the top of the ballot. There have also been allegations of sign stealing and misinformation by campaign workers. And at one point, the city Democratic committee even blocked access to a voter database to everyone but Kelley, frustrating candidates who are Democrats running as independents. Also in Tuesdays race are: Jim Dallas, 63, a retired insurance executive and former president of the Soulard Restoration Group a neighborhood association in the Soulard area. Alecia Hoyt, 46, who owns a photography studio and is a volunteer coordinator with a nonprofit womens group focused on outdoor recreation. Cam McCarty, 37, the Libertarian Party nominee and a wireless network systems consultant. Antwi, Dallas and Hoyt are Democrats who gathered signatures to run as independents. The city Republican committee didnt nominate a candidate. The candidates The race is for the 8th Ward seat given up by Spencer when she was elected mayor in April. The ward takes in much of downtown and stretches south along the Mississippi River to a small part of Carondelet. The five candidates, in interviews with the Post-Dispatch, cited many of the same issues, such as expanding traffic calming efforts to reduce crashes and speeding, improving public safety and making trash collection and other services more consistent across the ward. Antwi, whose banking experience includes working on housing and tax credits, said two of her top priorities would be housing and community development. She said that includes being involved in an ongoing effort to overhaul city zoning. She said she wants to make sure we have a zoning map helping preserve historical integrity (of neighborhoods) and providing more affordable housing for people. She also proposes that the city sell bonds to help pay for tornado relief. Antwis campaign reported raising more than $53,000. In addition, a committee tied to Greater St. Louis Inc. spent about $12,000 to promote Antwi, and a National Association of Realtors fund spent more than $23,000. Kelley, the 8th Ward Democratic committeeman, said hed work to expand the citys use of mental health workers on some police calls. To reduce traffic crashes, he wants to reduce the speed limit by 5 mph on some major streets in the ward. In addition to the Democratic committees support, he has the backing of the St. Louis Labor Council and the state LGBTQ+ Democratic caucus. His campaign reported raising about $9,800. In addition, Greens allied political action committee spent more than $20,000 on his behalf. Hoyt, who raised about $9,000 for her campaign, cited her involvement in the state Department of Conservations volunteer master naturalist program, among other things. She said it would help her planned push for more tree planting and improved parks and other green spaces. Dallas, whose campaign raised more than $11,000, said hes used to dealing with business executives and legal issues from his insurance career and is well-prepared to work with business leaders to improve downtown. He said in his role with the Soulard neighborhood group, he led an initiative to expand a special taxing district that provides speed bumps, park lighting and other amenities. McCarty, who reported raising about $1,330, said hed push to eliminate various city fees for bars, boutiques and other small businesses and seek to undo city permitting restrictions passed in 2023 for short-term rentals. All except McCarty said theyd support allocating more of the citys Rams lawsuit settlement total to tornado relief than the $30 million already approved. Court rulings The squabble over the ballot stems from a legal oddity created in 2020 when city voters approved nonpartisan elections for alderman, mayor, comptroller and aldermanic president. The measure, a city ordinance, also set up primaries in which residents can vote for as many candidates as they choose. But a provision in the city charter says for special elections called to fill aldermanic seats political party committees get to nominate candidates. And the charter takes precedence over the 2020 ordinance. Confusing things further has been the shifting stance of the Election Board: Since approval voting went into effect, the election board has overseen four special elections for ward seats on four different days in 2022. For three of those elections, the board authorized political party designations on the ballots. But for the fourth, it switched and didnt include them. This time, Republican election director Gary Stoff said, election staffers asked the Board of Aldermen, which requested the election, to decide which type of ballot should be used and were told it should be one without party designations. Aldermanic Chief Clerk Terry Kennedy disputed that, saying he only approved the form of the ballot with regard to names and boxes. On June 6, Circuit Judge Joan Moriarty ruled against adding party designations to the ballot. She said the Democratic committee hadnt shown that the election board had a clear duty to include them, and the charter didnt specifically require it. Last week, city Democrats tried again, this time arguing state law says candidates should be listed on ballots according to how their parties finished in the last gubernatorial election, instead of listing them chronologically based on when each candidates name was submitted. The change would have meant Kelley would have been first on Tuesdays ballot instead of fourth. But on Friday, Moriarty ruled against that, too. She said because absentee voting for Tuesdays election had been going on since June 3, it would be unfair to change the ballot at this point. And the Democratic committee, she added, could have raised this issue earlier. JEFFERSON CITY Residents in two Missouri House districts could be without a representative in the state Capitol for more than a year if Gov. Mike Kehoe doesnt schedule a special election to fill the vacancies. Kehoe, a Republican, is not saying whether he will call an election in House District 95, which covers a swath of south St. Louis County, or House District 160, located in the southwest corner of the state. A spokeswoman did not respond to multiple requests for comment on the open seats, each of which covers an estimated 74,000 residents. The governors silence on the matter is similar to the approach of his predecessor, Republican Gov. Mike Parson, who did not request a special election when a seat representing downtown St. Louis became vacant in 2023. The opening created by former Rep. Rasheen Aldridges election to the St. Louis Board of Aldermen was not filled until the November 2024 election. If no election is scheduled, Republicans will hold 109 seats in House, compared to 52 Democrats through January 2027. There are no vacancies in the 34-member state Senate, but Senate Majority Leader Tony Luetkemeyer, R-Parkville, is under consideration for a job as a federal prosecutor. House terms are two years, while Senate terms run for four years. The 95th House District seat has been vacant since January when Rep. Michael ODonnell accepted a top job in the Missouri Secretary of States office. ODonnell, who had held the seat since 2018, is the commissioner of securities under Secretary of State Denny Hoskins. He won reelection on Nov. 5, earning 61.5% of the vote against Democrat Deb Langland. The 95th district is bordered by the Meramec and Mississippi rivers on the southern part of St. Louis County. The 160th is in Newton County, stretching from Neosho to southern Joplin. Rep. Ben Baker, a Neosho Republican who had represented the district since 2019, was named the U.S. Department of Agricultures state director for Rural Development in Missouri in May. In the Legislature, he served as chairman of the House Government Efficiency Committee. President Donald Trumps One Big Beautiful Bill cuts federal spending on Medicaid and Affordable Care Act marketplaces by about $1 trillion over a decade, according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, threatening the physical and financial health of tens of millions of Americans. The bill, which the Senate passed Tuesday with the support of Missouri Republicans Josh Hawley and Eric Schmitt, would reverse many of the health coverage gains of the Biden and Obama administrations, whose policies made it easier for millions of people to access health care and reduced the U.S. uninsured rate to record lows. The Senate plan to slash Medicaid and ACA marketplace funding could lead to nearly 12 million more people without insurance by 2034, the CBO estimates. That in turn would harm the finances of hospitals, nursing homes, and community health centers which would have to absorb more of the cost of treating uninsured people and may force them to reduce services and employees, as well as close facilities. The legislation is nearing Trumps desk, though first the Senate and House must approve the same version. The House passed its own version in May and is expected to consider the Senates version today, according to House Majority Whip Tom Emmer. Here are five ways the GOPs plans may affect health care access. Need Medicaid? Then get a job The deepest cuts to health care spending come from a proposed Medicaid work requirement, which would cut off coverage for millions of enrollees who do not meet new employment or reporting standards. In 40 states and Washington, D.C., all of which have expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, some Medicaid enrollees would have to regularly file paperwork proving that they are working, volunteering, or attending school at least 80 hours a month, or that they qualify for an exemption, such as caring for a young child. The bills requirement would not apply to people in the 10 largely GOP-led states that have not expanded Medicaid. Health researchers say the policy would have little impact on employment. Most working-age Medicaid enrollees who dont receive disability benefits already work or are looking for work, or are unable to do so because they have a disability, attend school, or care for a family member, according to KFF. State experiments with work requirements have been plagued with administrative issues, such as eligible enrollees losing coverage over paperwork problems, and budget overruns. Georgias work requirement, which officially launched in July 2023, has cost more than $90 million, with only $26 million of that spent on health benefits, according to the Georgia Budget & Policy Institute, a nonpartisan research organization. The hidden costs are astronomical, said Chima Ndumele, a professor at the Yale School of Public Health. Less cash means less care in rural communities Belt-tightening that would target states could translate into fewer health services, medical professionals, and even hospitals, especially in rural communities. The GOPs plan would curtail a practice, known as provider taxes, that nearly every state has used for decades to increase Medicaid payments to hospitals, nursing homes, and other providers and to private managed-care companies. States often use the federal money generated through the taxes to pay the institutions more than Medicaid would otherwise pay. (Medicaid generally pays the lowest fees for care, compared with Medicare, the program for people over 65 and some with disabilities, and private insurance.) Hospitals and nursing homes say they use these extra Medicaid dollars to expand or add new services and improve care for all patients. Rural hospitals typically operate on thin profit margins and rely on Medicaid tax payments to sustain them. Researchers from the Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research who examined the House bill concluded it would push more than 300 rural hospitals many of them in Kentucky, Louisiana, California, and Oklahoma toward service reductions or closure. Republican senators tacked a $50 billion fund onto their version of the bill to cushion the blow to rural hospitals. Harder to get, and keep, ACA coverage For those with ACA marketplace coverage, the GOP plan would make it harder to enroll and to retain their plans. Marketplace policyholders would be required to update their income, immigration status, and other information each year, rather than be allowed to automatically reenroll something more than 10 million people did this year. They would also have less time to enroll; the bill shortens the annual open enrollment period by about a month. People applying for coverage outside that period for instance because they lose a job or other insurance or need to add a newborn or spouse to an existing policy would have to wait for all their documents to be processed before receiving government subsidies to help pay their monthly premiums. Today, they get up to 90 days of premium help during the application process, which can take weeks. Republican lawmakers and some conservative policy think tanks, including the Paragon Health Institute, say the changes are needed to reduce fraudulent enrollments, while opponents say theyre the latest attempt to undo Obamacare. The legislation also does not call for an extension of more generous subsidies put in place during the covid pandemic. If Congress doesnt act, those enhanced subsidies will expire at years end, resulting in premiums rising by an average of 75% next year, according to KFF. On Medicaid? Pay more to see doctors Many Medicaid enrollees can expect to pay more out-of-pocket for appointments. The bill would require states that have expanded Medicaid to charge enrollees up to $35 for some services if their incomes are between the federal poverty level (this year, $15,650 for an individual) and 138% of that amount ($21,597). Medicaid enrollees often dont pay anything when seeking medical services because studies have shown charging even small copayments prompts low-income people to forgo needed care. In recent years, some states have added charges under $10 for some services. The policy would not apply to people seeking primary care, mental health care, or substance abuse treatment. The Senate bill would allow states to enact even higher cost sharing for enrollees who seek emergency room care for nonemergencies. But if Medicaid patients fail to pay, hospitals and other providers could be left to foot the bill. Cuts for lawfully present immigrants The GOP plan could cause at least hundreds of thousands of immigrants who are lawfully present including asylum-seekers, victims of trafficking, and refugees to lose their ACA marketplace coverage by cutting off the subsidies that make premiums affordable. The restriction would not apply to green-card holders. Because the immigrants who would lose subsidies under this plan tend to be younger than the overall U.S. population, their exit would leave an older, sicker, and costlier population of marketplace enrollees, further pushing up marketplace premiums, according to marketplace directors in California, Maryland, and Massachusetts and health analysts. Taking health care access away from immigrants living in the country legally will do irreparable harm to individuals we have promised to protect and impose unnecessary costs on local systems already under strain, John Slocum, executive director of Refugee Council USA, an advocacy group, said in a statement. Both the House and Senate versions of the bill reflect the Trump administrations restrictive approach to immigration. But because it ran afoul of Senate rules, the legislation wont include a proposal that would have reduced federal Medicaid payments to states like California that use their own money to cover immigrants without legal status. KFF Health News chief Washington correspondent Julie Rovner contributed reporting. OLIVETTE St. Louis County officials on Tuesday lauded a successful inspection of the county animal shelter, bringing the facility into state compliance after months of delay. The shelter had been operating without a license since mid-May following three failed inspections by the Missouri Department of Agriculture. The shelter passed the inspection for its license Monday after meeting standards for cleanliness and space for dogs, among other requirements. The license is more than a piece of paper, said county health director Dr. Kanika Cunningham, at a news conference Tuesday. It affirms that were on the right path, one grounded in humane care, accountability and hope. But its also just the beginning. Were doing all we can to get more dogs and cats adopted. Staff and volunteers worked long hours in recent weeks to bring the shelter up to state standards, Cunningham said. But a former animal control officer said the shelter should have passed on the first inspection. It shouldnt have gotten to this point, said Clinton Wall, a longtime officer who resigned in May after he felt he was pushed out by shelter leadership. Wall said overpopulation and not enough experienced staff caused the shelter to fail inspections. Despite past problems, the states latest one-page inspection report, dated Monday, is succinct: No non-compliant items identified in this inspection, it says. The license can now be issued. The report indicates there were 243 animals, including 185 dogs, in the shelter when inspectors visited at 3 p.m. Monday, and there were 29 other animals in foster homes. Some dogs may not have been at the shelter when the state inspectors visited, said Sara Dayley, a spokesperson for the county health department. Throughout the day, dogs may be on walks, at off-site doggie dates or temporarily placed in foster homes as part of our efforts to reduce kennel stress and improve adoptability, Dayley said in a statement. These positive outcomes for the animals can sometimes create a discrepancy in real-time population counts during inspections, Dayley said. As of Tuesday morning, the shelters population was up to 277, Dayley said. In previous inspections, the state cited violations for holding dogs in cages too small for them, failing to clean up feces in play yards and allowing bugs in food storage areas, among other problems. The shelter has been the subject of a St. Louis County Council probe into the failed inspections and an outbreak of parvovirus this spring that led to the euthanasia of 19 dogs. Council Chair Rita Heard Days said Tuesday the hearings could continue because there are still some issues to be ironed out, including details of how the shelter is operated. County Executive Sam Page wants the council to approve a few pending bills, including one that would allow the shelter to accept donations without council approval. Another would allow the shelter to waive adoption fees. Days said the council is in talks with Pages administration on those bills. CHICAGO Dont hold your breath, Hoosiers. The nearly three dozen Illinois counties where a majority of voters in recent years have expressed their desire to leave the Land of Lincoln wont be joining their neighbor to the east anytime soon or probably ever regardless of any recommendation from a bistate commission Indiana Gov. Mike Braun signed off on last month to study the issue. While the measure creating the commission sailed through the Republican-dominated Indiana statehouse on its way to the GOP governors desk, a companion proposal from one of Illinois most conservative state lawmakers went nowhere in the Democratic-controlled General Assembly before it adjourned its spring session. The disparate responses in Indianapolis and Springfield to the proposed creation of an Indiana-Illinois Boundary Adjustment Commission, described by supporters as a conversation starter but decried by critics as a pointless political stunt, are emblematic of the yawning political divide between the states despite their deep geographic and economic ties. Heres a look at how we got here and what comes next. Constitutional requirement When it comes to changing existing state boundaries, the U.S. Constitution is fairly clear. Article IV Section 3 reads: No new State shall be formed or erected within the Jurisdiction of any other State; nor any State be formed by the Junction of two or more States, or Parts of States, without the Consent of the Legislatures of the States concerned as well as of the Congress. In plain English, that means the 33 Illinois counties that have had successful though nonbinding referendums seeking secession cant join Indiana without the approval of each states legislature and of Congress. And if they wanted to form their own new state, the counties still would need lawmakers in both Springfield and Washington, D.C., along with Illinois governor and the president, to sign off. Such changes arent entirely unprecedented. Kentucky, for example, joined the Union in 1792 after its breakaway from Virginia was approved in the state legislature and Congress. Similarly, Massachusetts lawmakers gave their approval for Maine to become its own state, a move that Congress formalized in 1820 as part of the Missouri Compromise, which also admitted Illinois southwestern neighbor as a slave state. One state, however, did manage to carve itself out of an existing state without strictly adhering to the process laid out in the Constitution: West Virginia. But that move came amid the Civil War, after Virginia seceded from the Union and its capital became the seat of the Confederacy. President Abraham Lincoln signed a measure creating the state of West Virginia in 1863. After Virginia was readmitted to the Union, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld West Virginias statehood. Secessionist sentiments Regional animosities have existed in Illinois since before it was admitted to the Union in 1818 as the 21st state, and only grew stronger with Chicagos rise as an economic powerhouse in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, according to a 2022 report from the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute at Southern Illinois University. After the state narrowly voted in 1860 to send Lincoln from Springfield to the White House, Confederate sympathies lingered in some areas. Union troops were stationed in the southern Illinois town of Olney to enforce the draft, and a deadly clash between Union soldiers and pro-slavery Copperheads broke out in Charleston, now home to Eastern Illinois University, in 1864. Over the 160 years since the Civil War ended, the urge to separate has bubbled up from time to time. The Chicago City Council in 1925 passed a resolution to look into secession over concerns about the citys representation in Springfield; residents of western Illinois in the 1960s and 70s created the tongue-in-cheek Republic of Forgottonia; and the state Senate in 1981 approved a Democratic legislators facetious resolution urging Congress to make Chicago and the rest of Cook County New Illinois, the 51st state. In the Donald Trump era, as Democrats have firmly consolidated their control of Illinois government, some on the political right, largely downstaters, have picked up the New Illinois mantle, pushing unsuccessful state legislation and successful but legally weightless countywide resolutions seeking to cleave the state in two. Most recently, in November voters in seven downstate counties Iroquois on the Indiana border and Calhoun, Clinton, Greene, Jersey, Madison and Perry near the Missouri state line approved ballot measures calling for a divorce from Chicago and Cook County. Indianas invitation The recent rumblings from downstate Illinois have caught the attention of lawmakers across the border in Indiana, where dominant Republicans are eager to position their state as a low-tax, low-regulation alternative to deep-blue Illinois. In the only bill he introduced during the spring session, Indiana House Speaker Todd Huston called for the creation of a bistate commission to discuss and recommend whether it is advisable to adjust the boundaries between the two states. These people (in downstate Illinois) literally went and voted. They have spoken, Huston told the Post-Tribune in January. Whether Indiana is the right solution or not, theyve expressed their displeasure. Were just saying, if youve expressed your displeasure, wed love to have you. Originally calling for equal representation from each state, the measure was modified as it became clear Illinois Democrats werent having it. The final version Braun signed into law, opposed by Democrats and a few Republicans in his state, gives Indiana a one-seat majority on the panel, allowing it to meet without any input from Illinois. Under the Indiana law, Braun must appoint six members to the commission, notifying Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker of his selections, and schedule its first meeting by Sept. 1. Illinois response When the Indiana proposal made headlines early this year, it quickly became clear, if there was ever any doubt, that Illinois Democrats had no interest in playing along. Its a stunt. Its not going to happen, Pritzker said at an unrelated news conference in January. But Ill just say that Indiana is a low-wage state that doesnt protect workers, a state that does not provide health care for people in need, and so I dont think its very attractive for anybody in Illinois. Even those pushing hardest for an Illinois breakup dont appear overly eager to be subsumed into Indiana. Our goal is the constitutional formation of a new state separate from Illinois, G.H. Merritt, who leads the group New Illinois, told Indiana lawmakers at a hearing in February, the Post-Tribune reported. Nevertheless, in the Illinois House, Republican Rep. Brad Halbrook of Shelbyville, a member of the ultraconservative state Freedom Caucus who in the past has filed resolutions calling for Chicago to become its own state, in January filed a proposal for Illinois to join Indiana in creating the boundary commission. But Halbrooks proposal was never given a hearing or even assigned to a committee this spring. At a statehouse news conference during the closing days of the legislative session in late May, Halbrook and some of his Freedom Caucus colleagues bristled when asked how they hoped to move the conversation forward in Illinois when Democratic leaders wont let the proposal see the light of day. The real question, Rep. Blaine Wilhour of Beecher City said, is why the counties that have voted in favor of secession want out of Illinois so bad? Thats the question that you need to be asking, Wilhour said. But nobody asks it. They want out of Illinois because theyre not being respected by their government. Their government continues to push policies that drives away every one of their opportunities. Tacitly acknowledging the futility of the effort, Halbrook said, We dont need a new state; we need a new governor, and thats the bottom line. Illinoisans will have a chance to elect a new governor next year. Pritzker, who has won two terms by double-digit margins, announced Wednesday that he will seek a third term. CLAYTON The department head who oversaw St. Louis Countys senior property tax freeze program has resigned to take a new job. Tony Smee said Monday he accepted a new job at PMA, a firm that manages investments for public agencies in Missouri. He said his decision to leave St. Louis County didnt have to do with his duties there. This was about an opportunity for me, to provide another form of public service, Smee said. His last day was Friday. Smee began working as the director of the Department of Revenue in December 2023. The department helps manage property taxes, issues licenses and distributes money to other county agencies. But Smee became known for launching the countys popular senior tax freeze program. He oversaw hiccups along the way. Last year, Smee successfully lobbied the St. Louis County Council for additional money to pay for staff and software to handle tax freeze applications. After demand overwhelmed the application system, he oversaw a software upgrade. Roughly 70,000 people have submitted applications to the program. This past winter, the department struggled to process mailed property tax payments because of delivery delays by the U.S. Postal Service and a staffing shortage in the county collectors office. The revenue department often receives tens of thousands of tax payments per week in tax payment season. But in January, it didnt receive any mail one week and only a few thousand the following week. Then it received tens of thousands on other days, creating a backlog. The department cleared the backlog by early February, but the problems caused frustration among taxpayers who incurred fees for late payment despite sending their checks on time. Before working for the county, Smee served as chief appraiser for the Cape Girardeau County assessor. Before Smee, Scott Lakin ran the department. He retired in September 2023 after less than a year on the job. The countys deputy director in the revenue department, Erica Savage, will serve as acting director until County Executive Sam Page appoints a replacement for Smee. ST. LOUIS A majority of the new board members overseeing city police have forged close ties to local law enforcement, raising questions about their independence and possible conflicts of interest. Some of those ties are financial, potentially affecting their ability to impartially serve the public. Gov. Mike Kehoe, a Republican, announced his appointments last week to the new six-member St. Louis Board of Police Commissioners, which will set policies for the department and oversee discipline of officers, including hearing appeals of department leaders decisions. Were talking about a board that is going to have a lot of power about how our police department is governed, said St. Louis Alderman Rasheen Aldridge, a critic of the state takeover and a longtime police reform activist. They have direct ties to law enforcement. Police unions, by contrast, have welcomed the selection of a board in line with their interests and applauded the governor. We know they have the backs of our brave men and women protecting our streets and serving the STL community, the Missouri Fraternal Order of Police said. The rank-and-file are happy, Jane Dueker, a lobbyist for the St. Louis Police Officers Association, said during a radio appearance last week. SLPOA, allied with the Ethical Society of Police, pushed hard for the state takeover, which ended 12 years of city control of the police department. Kehoe, who ran with police union backing but very little support from St. Louis voters, has repeatedly acknowledged the role of law enforcement in helping craft the legislation, which the citys Democratic leadership opposed. For months, Kehoe portrayed the state takeover as a way to help St. Louis residents plagued by crime. On Monday, he said the board appointments marked a significant move towards ... a safer future for the city. The new six-member board has five voting members, including Mayor Cara Spencer. Three of the voting members named Monday restaurateur Chris Saracino, downtown bar owner Eddie McVey and photography studio owner Brad Arteaga have ties to law enforcement. Another voting member appointed by the governor, former St. Louis Personnel Director Sonya Jenkins-Gray, received financial pledges from the police union and key members to a legal fund she set up earlier this year, while she was fighting then-Mayor Tishaura O. Jones move to oust her. Even the boards nonvoting member, St. Louis County resident Don Brown, has a close relationship to city police. His Chevrolet dealership on Kingshighway at the entrance to The Hill did $1.3 million in sales with the police department in fiscal year 2025, and $1.5 million in fiscal year 2024. Potential conflicts of interest isnt the only criticism leveled against Kehoes picks. Some lawmakers and activists have asked why all but one of his nominees most of whom have been contributors his campaign for governor are white men and residents of more affluent southwest St. Louis. Jenkins-Gray lives in the Central West End, and the mayor lives in Marine Villa on the south side. There is no representation from north St. Louis, where much of the citys violent crime is concentrated. When you talk about a board and a city where over 40% of the population is Black and its only one Black woman, no Black men, a lot of business owners ... it makes me a bit afraid, wondering what the interest of this board will be, said local activist Ohun Ashe who runs ForTheCultureSTL. A spokesman for Kehoe did not respond to questions from the Post-Dispatch about the appointments, the commissioners ties to law enforcement or whether the SLPOA recommended them. But in a radio interview last week, he called the board makeup well-balanced and said one member, Arteaga, grew up in north St. Louis. The five members appointed by Kehoe are subject to confirmation by the Missouri Senate, but they can begin meeting now in an interim capacity. The Senate could take up their confirmation when it returns in September for a veto session. After the Post-Dispatch began contacting board members, police department spokesman Mitch McCoy called the newspaper to say he would handle communication on their behalf. Asked whether they had been instructed not to speak with the media, McCoy said the commissioners can do what they want. The voting members named by Kehoe directed the Post-Dispatch to McCoy for comment. Chris Saracino Saracino and his family own and operate Bartolinos restaurants and Chris Pancake and Dining. His brother, Bart Saracino, served on the old police board 20 years ago, and his other brother, John Saracino, served on the St. Louis County Board of Police Commissioners, which is appointed by the county executive. Chris Saracino also is co-owner of Campbell Security and Services Group, which employs off-duty police officers who work secondary security shifts for neighborhood groups, companies and events. The companys website says it maintains a constant contact with the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, St. Louis County Police Department, and agencies around the metro area to always stay ahead of trends in crime and allow for real time communication related to officers working for Campbell Security. Nate Lindsey, a former board member of a Dutchtown neighborhood group that once hired Campbell Security for patrols in the neighborhood, said he believes Saracino is someone who is civic-minded and has the best interests of St. Louis at heart. But he said theres demonstrably a perceived conflict in having the owner of a private security firm that employs police officers on the board of police commissioners. You cant both profit from private policing and be put in charge of policing in the public interest, Lindsey said. In a statement McCoy sent on behalf of Saracino, the business owner said Campbell Security was founded in 2015 and serves various neighborhood groups because I strive to do my part to build a safer community for all. The Board and SLMPDs integrity is my top priority as I begin the important work with the Commission, the statement from the police department on behalf of Saracino said. I will recuse myself from any vote or matter on topics that may be a conflict. In response to criticism of private security firms providing extra policing to affluent neighborhoods, the city had planned a review of moonlighting by off-duty officers. Its unclear what became of it or whether policy changes were ever considered. Who that is up to is a great question, Lindsey said. But it seems the final say is up to Mr. Saracino now. Eddie McVey McVey owns and operates Maggie OBriens Restaurant and Irish Pub on Market Street downtown. His brother, Hugh McVey, was longtime head of the Missouri AFL-CIO. The registered agent and lawyer for McVeys businesses is Brian Millikan, a former city police officer and now general counsel for the St. Louis Police Officers Association who works on union contract negotiations and represents police officers accused of crimes. Millikan did not respond to a request for comment. In a statement McCoy sent on his behalf, McVey referenced the unsolved 2016 shooting death of his brother, who was found in his car on Interstate 55 after being shot while driving. That loss drives my dedication to ensuring a safer, stronger St. Louis for every family and I will never take that responsibility lightly, McVey said. I want to assure our community that I take my responsibilities on the Board of Police Commissioners very seriously and I am fully committed to an open process while maintaining the integrity of the Board. The attorney you inquired about does not currently represent me on any litigation matters and I promise to recuse myself from any matter where a conflict arises. Brad Arteaga Arteaga owns a photography business and has also served as a board member of the Second District Police Business Association, which says part of its mission is to demonstrate business support of the police and their important work in the community. The group hosts an annual awards luncheon for police, which the group says some 500 people attend annually. The purpose of the luncheon is to honor the men and women officers of the Second District who have been chosen by their peers for outstanding performance as Officer of the Month and Year, the group says on its website. He also owns a building on South Kingshighway that he allowed the police department to use as a substation years ago. Arteaga also served on the citys Civilian Oversight Board for a decade, first appointed by Mayor Francis Slay and reappointed most recently by Jones, the former mayor. When he was asked about it during his confirmation hearing at the Board of Aldermens Public Safety Committee last year, Arteaga said the Second District Police Association met with district commanders about crime in the area of southwest St. Louis. Its just to hear about what kind of crime is going on or what we can do to help, Arteaga told aldermen. Aldridge, who was on the committee, voted against Arteagas confirmation. Sonya Jenkins-Gray The former head of the St. Louis Personnel Department, Jenkins-Gray was fired in March by Jones the same mayor who hired her in 2022 making her the first personnel director to be fired since the establishment of the citys civil service system in 1941. Weeks of public hearings earlier this year laid out the details, some of them embarrassing, during a never-before-used process to oust a sitting head of the citys Personnel Department. The city argued Jenkins-Gray needed to go because she put an employee in an inappropriate situation by having him use a city car to drive her to Jefferson City during work hours for what the mayors office alleged was an attempt to catch her husband, the Rev. Darryl Gray, meeting with his ex-wife. The city also presented evidence that on the day of the trip, Jenkins-Gray told her staff to process a promotion for her driver, Anthony Byrd, resulting in a raise. Jenkins-Gray maintained that she went to Jefferson City to retrieve personal documents from her car, though she has declined to say what those documents were. And she said Byrds promotion was in the works before the trip. She maintained Jones was after her for political reasons, including her opposition to a charter change giving the mayors office more power over the department and the political activities of her husband. During the hearings, Jenkins-Gray set up a GoFundMe to raise money for her legal expenses. It hasnt met its $90,000 goal, but among the donors are the St. Louis Police Officers Association, which gave $500; police union business manager Joe Steiger, who pledged $100; and current SLPOA president Martin Garcia, who pledged $100. In a statement McCoy sent on Jenkins-Grays behalf, she said there was absolutely no conflict of interest because of the union donations to her fund. She said she negotiated contracts with unions, secured raises for police and upheld termination of officers who violated public trust. That donation was one of many contributions from a wide range of individuals and organizations who support fairness and due process, the statement said. It is both misleading and disappointing to suggest that my service on the Board would somehow be compromised by it. Her husband has been an activist and proponent of policing reform in St. Louis for the past 10 years. He also has served as the community liaison for the Ethical Society of Police, which represents Black St. Louis police officers and also supported the state takeover bill. Until last week, Darryl Gray had a 2018 lawsuit pending against the city, the former police chief and several officers over his 2017 arrest during protests over the acquittal of Officer Jason Stockley on a murder charge. The city was dismissed as a party in March, and former police Chief John Hayden was dismissed as a party in 2023. Gray agreed to a settlement June 18. Asked about the suit Monday, Gray said he cant comment on the settlement. Gray also said he didnt sue the police department but certain officers. Im very pro-police, he said. I am anti-bad cop. Mark Schlinkmann and Austin Huguelet of the Post-Dispatch contributed to this report. BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 2. Today, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev arrives in Baku on a state visit. This visit is more than a diplomatic gesture - it marks an important milestone in the development of a multifaceted and rapidly strengthening partnership between two brotherly nations. In recent years, ties between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan have reached a qualitatively new level, expanding beyond traditional areas of cooperation to encompass strategically important sectors such as energy, transport, industry, agriculture, and high technology. Against the backdrop of global geopolitical transformation and the rising importance of Central Asia and the South Caucasus, Tashkent and Baku increasingly recognize the value of allied relations and the synergy of national interests. President Mirziyoyevs visit includes participation in the second meeting of the High-Level Intergovernmental Council and the 17th Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization, which will be held for the first time in Khankendi. The upcoming meetings in Baku on July 2-3 will continue the high-level dialogue, with a focus on deepening strategic partnership, alliance, and economic cooperation. Ahead of the visit, the Uzbek delegation held meetings in the Azerbaijani capital with business representatives and relevant ministries. These discussions resulted in new agreements in areas such as dairy processing, the chemical and electrical industries, and the production of construction materials and high-voltage cables. These agreements complement and expand the framework of broad-based cooperation aimed at strengthening the two countries economies and creating sustainable value chains across the region. One of the clearest indicators of growing bilateral ties is the steady increase in trade. In the first five months of 2025 alone, mutual trade volumes more than tripled compared to the same period last year. Over the past five years, trade turnover has tripled, reaching $255 million. The goal set by both heads of state is to bring this figure to $1 billion in the near term. The Azerbaijan-Uzbekistan Investment Company plays a key role in this process, with 15 promising projects across various sectors. Soon, a Baku office of the Azerbaijan-Uzbekistan Investment Fund - established with authorized capital of $500 million - will open, further boosting joint investment initiatives not only in Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan, but also in third countries in the region. A flagship example of industrial cooperation is the production of Chevrolet cars at the Hajigabul Industrial Park. Since 2019, nearly 9,000 vehicles have been produced under a partnership with Uzavtosanoat, and construction of a second plant is already underway. Cotton sector development is progressing in parallel, with Uzbekistans experience forming the foundation for a domestic industry in Azerbaijan. Overall, the number of joint ventures has increased fivefold in recent years: Uzbekistan is now home to 540 companies with Azerbaijani capital, while Azerbaijan hosts around 70 companies involving Uzbek businesses. Energy cooperation is another critical area of engagement. In 2024, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan signed a strategic partnership agreement on green energy. A joint venture - Green Corridor Union LLC - has already been registered in Baku. It will lead efforts to build an energy bridge between Central Asia and Europe, enabling the transit of renewable energy via Azerbaijani infrastructure. Activity in the traditional energy sector is also ramping up. Azerbaijans state oil company SOCAR and Uzbekneftegaz are preparing to begin development of the Karakalpakstan investment block - a promising project with significant oil and gas reserves, strong potential for technology transfer, and appeal to international investors. Transport cooperation occupies a strategic place on the bilateral agenda. With its robust infrastructure, Azerbaijan is becoming a key hub for the transit of Uzbek goods to Europe. The agreement on international road transport has already delivered tangible results: in 2024 alone, transit volumes between the two countries rose by more than 18%. Special attention is being given to the Middle Corridor, or the Trans-Caspian route, which both Baku and Tashkent view as a sustainable, politically independent alternative for exports. Joint efforts in this area include harmonizing tariff policies, modernizing logistics hubs, and digitizing cross-border operations. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to increasing shipments across the Caspian Sea using Azerbaijani ports in the Baku agglomeration as key transshipment hubs. Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan are showcasing a unique dynamic of cooperation across the Eurasian space. Their partnership has already transcended bilateral frameworks to form a powerful regional axis linking Central Asia and the South Caucasus. Their parallel movements toward each other - in energy, economy, transport, and green technologies - are laying a strong foundation for long-term alliance. President Mirziyoyevs visit to Baku is not just a continuation of dialogue, but a reaffirmation of a strategic course supported not only by national leaders, but also by business communities, energy companies, industrial players, and academic and cultural institutions. Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan are not merely exchanging goods and investments - they are jointly shaping a comprehensive architecture of cooperation. And by all accounts, this partnership is only gaining momentum. ST. LOUIS A big fundraising edge and Mayor Cara Spencers endorsement in her home ward helped power Jami Cox Antwi to a resounding victory in Tuesdays special election to fill a vacant seat on the Board of Aldermen. Final unofficial returns showed Antwi, a banker, with more than 55% of the vote in the five-way 8th Ward race. Her nearest competitor, business analyst Shedrick Kelley, got about 18% of the vote. The results were a big win for Spencer and a setback for Aldermanic President Megan Green, who backed Kelley. Further behind were candidates Jim Dallas, Alecia Hoyt and Cam McCarty, who got 14%, 10% and 2% of the votes, respectively. The aldermanic seat has been vacant since Spencer gave it up when she became mayor in April. Caras doing a great job and I think her endorsement carries a lot of weight, city Democratic chairman Sean Fauss, who was a strong supporter of Kelleys candidacy, said Wednesday. The fundraising advantage, Fauss said, allowed Antwi to get her message and Spencers endorsement across to voters. Antwi, 29, also was endorsed by the areas main business lobby group, Greater St. Louis Inc. Antwis campaign committee raised more than $53,000. In addition, a committee tied to Greater St. Louis and a National Association of Realtors fund spent about $12,000 and more than $23,000, respectively, to promote Antwis candidacy. Kelleys campaign raised about $9,800. That was supplemented by direct expenditures of nearly $31,000 on his behalf by Greens political committee, including an infusion of $10,270 on Monday, according to finance reports filed with the state. Antwi said she was grateful that the wards residents trusted her to be their next alderwoman and that she doesnt take their trust lightly. I know I have a lot to do and a lot to learn, she said in an interview at her election night party at Mollys, a bar-restaurant in Soulard. She added that she has various ideas about what I think St. Louis needs but that she realizes those ideas need to be informed by the public. Spencer, who also was at the event, said she backed Antwi and urged her own supporters and campaign donors to do the same because Antwi was a great candidate and our values align. She added that Antwi is well-informed on issues affecting both downtown, much of which is in the ward, and the wards neighborhoods. Kelley, 44, is the wards Democratic committeeman and was backed by the area AFL-CIOs umbrella organization in addition to Green. He had run twice before for alderman. In 2023, he tried to unseat Spencer but was eliminated in a three-way primary. Green said in a telephone interview that it was hard for Kelley to overcome the endorsement of the wards popular former alderwoman. Green said she had supported Kelley previously and that it was natural that she would do so this time and that it wasnt due to any competition with the mayor. Green said it would be more accurate to characterize the race as between a corporate-backed candidate and a labor-supported candidate. Spencer declined to comment on how Tuesdays results related to her and Greens relative political standing. Dallas, 63, is a retired insurance executive and former president of a Soulard neighborhood association. Hoyt, 46, owns a photography studio and is a volunteer coordinator with a nonprofit womens group focused on outdoor recreation. McCarty, 37, is a wireless network systems consultant. Dallas raised more than $11,000, Hoyt about $9,000 and McCarty about $1,330. The ward stretches from downtown southward along the Mississippi River to a small part of the Carondelet neighborhood. Although Kelley was picked by the city Democratic Central Committee as the Democratic nominee, his party designation and that of Libertarian Party nominee McCarty were left off the ballot by the city Election Board. Antwi, Dallas and Hoyt all are Democrats who gathered signatures on petitions to qualify as independent candidates. The final unofficial vote totals were 1,070 for Antwi, 352 for Kelley, 278 for Dallas, 195 for Hoyt and 40 for McCarty. JEFFERSON CITY A top state budget writers push to open a state park in his legislative district remains in limbo after some of the money he sought for the project was cut by Gov. Mike Kehoe. House Budget Committee Chairman Dirk Deaton, who represents McDonald County in the states southwest corner, inserted a total of $19 million into the states spending plan to buy land for a new state park. But on Monday, Kehoe used his veto powers to reduce the amount to $11.5 million as part of a wide-ranging attempt to pare state spending. While the governors decision put the proposed park back on the radar screen after former Gov. Mike Parson vetoed it in its entirety last year that doesnt mean its a shoo-in to be built, said Missouri Department of Natural Resources spokeswoman Connie Patterson. The department will first determine if it wants to move forward on the purchase of the property. At this time, we are evaluating our options on if (or how) we may move forward on the property. This will include an appraisal of the propertys value, Patterson said. (We) wont know our options until we go through that process. The property in question is an 1,800-acre ranch between Elk River and Indian Creek south of Lanagan near the states border with Oklahoma and Arkansas. The property includes two caves, three miles of Elk River frontage and a well-maintained three-story historical home, according to an online real estate listing. The property is currently listed for sale at nearly $12.8 million. The Elk O Zar Ranch has rolling hills, open and wooded land and unlimited possibilities for building sites, campgrounds, RV parks and recreation, the listing notes. Hunting and fishing are abundant. In pitching the purchase, Deaton earlier said the state should jump at the opportunity to buy the property to make it available to the residents of the state. Kehoe signed the package of 13 spending bills approved by lawmakers, but not before vetoing $300 million in general revenue items and putting a hold on spending for $211 million more. Kehoe said the reductions were necessary because lawmakers approved nearly $300 million in added spending on schools, the cost of tornado relief for St. Louis and a pending tax cut that will drain coffers of an estimated $400 million. In cutting money for the park, the governor said a course correction in state finances is not only warranted but will be constitutionally required to achieve a balanced budget in future years. While this might be a worthwhile project, due to the aforementioned reasons, we must control spending and cannot prudently justify this expenditure at this time, Kehoe wrote in his veto message. Attendance at Missouri State Parks dropped slightly from 2023 to 2024, with 19.8 million visitors last year, according to the department. The most popular park by attendance is Lake of the Ozarks State Park, with more than 1.4 million visitors on its 17,000 acres. Missouri State Parks do not charge admission fees, and annual attendance figures are only estimates. Patterson did not offer a timeline for DNR to make a decision on whether to move forward on the McDonald County project. For now, our immediate focus remains on maintaining and improving the quality and integrity of Missouris existing 93 state parks and historic sites, she said. SPRINGFIELD, Ill. Just days after making official his bid for a third term, Gov. JB Pritzker announced the selection of former state representative and deputy governor Christian Mitchell as his running mate for lieutenant governor. Mitchell, currently the vice president for civic engagement and external affairs at the University of Chicago, served as a state legislator representing Chicagos South Side from 2013 to 2019. He was later tapped by Pritzker to serve as a deputy governor overseeing infrastructure, energy and public safety issues. As a state representative, as the deputy governor of this state, Christian Mitchell has gotten so much done for people, Pritzker said in a one-and-a-half minute video released Tuesday morning. And I know when weve got to take on Donald Trump and overcome the challenges hes bringing to our state, that Christian Mitchell is up for that fight. Pritzker added that Mitchell is a proven leader with deep experience, steady judgment, and an unshakable commitment to the working families of Illinois. Mitchell fills the hole left by incumbent Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, who is forgoing a third term as Pritzkers No. 2 to seek the U.S. Senate seat held by retiring Sen. Dick Durbin. Stratton has been endorsed by Pritzker in the Democratic primary of that race. The lieutenant governor is first in the line of succession should the governor die, resign or be removed from office. The Illinois Constitution prescribes few other responsibilities for the office, instead giving the governor broad authority to delegate tasks to his lieutenant. In this sense, it is the most low-profile statewide office in Illinois. One former lieutenant governor even resigned the office out of sheer boredom and lack of responsibility. However, some have been called upon to ascend to the top job, most recently Pat Quinn upon the impeachment and removal of Gov. Rod Blagojevich in 2009. Illinois governors and lieutenant governors used to run in separate primaries and then unite as one ticket for the general election. But due to a change in state law, gubernatorial candidates have been allowed to pick their running mates since the 2014 election. Pritzker is widely viewed as a potential Democratic candidate for president in 2028, adding greater importance to his pick given the elevated possibility that he does not serve out the four years of his third term if reelected. The governor told reporters last week and repeated again on Monday that, above all other considerations, his pick had to be ready to become governor on day one and have a heart for all the people of Illinois. In a campaign, youre trying to win all the votes, Pritzker said. Youre not going to win them all, but even people who dont vote for you become your constituents when you become governor. In Mitchell, Pritzker tapped someone with both political and policy chops. As a state legislator, Mitchell fended off multiple Chicago Teachers Union-packed primary challenges. In 2018, he was named interim executive director of the Democratic Party of Illinois. In Pritzkers administration, Mitchell was the principal negotiator of the $45 billion capital construction program known as Rebuild Illinois. He was also a driving force behind the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, the landmark climate law that aims to put Illinois on a trajectory towards 100% carbon free energy generation by 2050. The selection of Mitchell, who is Black, also ensures that the Pritzker-led ticket remains racially balanced, an important consideration in a state with a population that is more than 40% people of color. A number of names had been floated in recent months, including state Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth of Peoria, who is a member of House Democratic leadership; state Rep. Lisa Hernandez, D-Cicero, who chairs the Democratic Party of Illinois; Deputy Gov. Andy Manar, who is Pritzkers top budget and economic development official; and Chicago City Clerk Anna Valencia. In the introductory video, Mitchell said that he was molded by his mother, a NICU nurse at Rush University Medical Center for 38 years, and his grandfather, a U.S. Army veteran and union steelworker. They both taught me what it was like to care about your family and work really hard, how you continue to move forward in difficult times, Mitchell said. Thats why I wanted to go into public service because as difficult as life can be, I believe it can be a little bit easier if youve got leaders in government who care about working families, making life more affordable (and) making health care more accessible. The primary election is March 17, 2025. Photos: Gov. JB Pritzker launches bid for third term Election 2026 Illinois Governor Election 2026 Illinois Governor Election 2026 Illinois Governor Election 2026 Illinois Governor Election 2026 Illinois Governor Election 2026 Illinois Governor Election 2026 Illinois Governor Election 2026 Illinois Governor Election 2026 Illinois Governor. Election 2026 Illinois Governor Election 2026 Illinois Governor Election 2026 Illinois Governor Election 2026 Illinois Governor Election 2026 Illinois Governor Election 2026 Illinois Governor WASHINGTON Pope Leo XIV has appointed the Most Reverend Mark S. Rivituso, currently auxiliary bishop of St. Louis, as the archbishop of Mobile, Alabama. Rivituso becomes the first U.S. archbishop named by the first pope from the United States. The appointment was announced Tuesday in Washington, D.C., by Cardinal Christophe Pierre, apostolic nuncio to the U.S. Rivituso succeeds Archbishop Thomas J. Rodi, 76, who submitted his notice of retirement in March 2024, when he turned 75. In a statement, Archbishop-elect Rivituso expressed his gratitude to the people of St. Louis for helping him answer the call of Christ in my own life and to grow in greater holiness. Ive been so blessed by His disciples and so many people of goodwill who have helped me to grow in my own life of faith and also a life of trusting in the Lord that He will give me what I need to be (as) that shepherd for others. A native of St. Louis, Rivituso graduated from St. Marys High School in south St. Louis, Cardinal Glennon College and Kenrick School of Theology. He earned a masters degree and licentiate in canon law from St. Paul University in Ottawa, Ontario. A priest since 1988, Rivituso, 63, has been a pastor, teacher and vicar general. In 2005, Pope Benedict XVI appointed him monsignor. Rivituso was named the auxiliary bishop, the No. 2 position in the Archdiocese of St. Louis, by the late Pope Francis in 2017. St. Louis Archbishop Mitchell T. Rozanski, in a statement Tuesday, called the appointment a blessing. Archbishop-elect Mark Rivitusos ministry in St. Louis has had such a positive effect on so many lives, and his outreach to those on the peripheries in particular has brought the presence of Christ to those who are most in need, Rozanski said. While I personally will miss the collaboration and support that I have felt since my arrival here, it is a blessing that the Holy Father has recognized his gifts and talents for service to the Church of Mobile, Alabama. The Archdiocese of Mobile has about 108,000 Roman Catholics. Rivitusos installation Mass is expected to take place in about two months, but details have yet to be finalized. ST. LOUIS The city will help residents fix their homes, get their power restored and work to rebuild in areas damaged by the May 16 tornado that toppled structures and trees across north St. Louis, the mayor said Tuesday. Licensed contractors, working for the city, will cover damaged roofs with tarps, board up damaged windows and doors, remove fallen trees and push debris to the side of the road for city crews to collect. The service is free for impacted residents, with priority given to seniors and the uninsured, Mayor Cara Spencer said. Sign up for help is available on the citys website. This is an enormous amount of debris, and we want to make sure that were getting it out of the community in the safest way possible, Spencer said at a press conference Tuesday. If you have a need, please, please, please apply for these. Until now, debris cleanup in north St. Louis has been slow. Despite the amount of debris collected already enough to fill over 9,000 standard garbage trucks officials estimate that the area wont be clear for another few months. Spencer said the new program is an effort to fast-track the cleanup process. Private contractors will work alongside city crews, she said. Were the glue holding the program together. Were administering it, she said. But the heavy lifting, the real work, is being done by our community partners. St. Louis is using money from the state and the Federal Emergency Management Agency to pay for the work, Spencer said. John Cousins, 75, a north side resident whose house was hit by the tornado, said hell be happy to see more contractors descend on the worst-hit areas. Up until now, he said, it doesnt seem like much has been done. Some of these residents are doing a little better than others. But most arent, he said. Any help they can get will be better than nothing. Cousins used to be a private contractor himself until many years ago. Since the tornado ripped the roof off his home and destroyed the top floor, hes been working to repair it by himself for weeks. Many of his neighbors, though, lacking the resources or know-how to have their homes repaired, have simply opted to abandon their homes, he said. A full family used to live over there, Cousins said, gesturing to a destroyed house across the street. He began pointing to more next to it. And that house had two families. And all four rooms in that one were full, too. Now theyre just all gone. Population loss in the ravaged north side has been a concern since the tornado, as more residents lose hope, decide to pack up and move away, city officials said. Our neighbors are in jeopardy, said Richard Ledbetter, the CEO of Guarantee Electrical Co. His company, among other electrical contractors in the St. Louis region, will begin offering free repairs to tornado-affected homes. Were going to show out for our neighbors and make sure that they have safe electrical connections, he said, and that they can cool down their houses. They are donating their time and materials, the mayor said. North city resident Deandre Blake, 53, said many of the families on his block still dont have power. Their homes are too damaged to reconnect. A lot of us are just living in the dark, he said. As repairs ramp up across north St. Louis, though, Spencer said shes concerned that scammers posing as contractors may attempt to defraud residents who are hiring their own contractors, by making empty promises of repairs in exchange for money. To combat potential scams, the city will begin registering trusted contractors online, she said. These contractors will carry city-issued placards with a QR code indicating that theyve been verified. Residents should always ask to see the placard before hiring a contractor, scan the QR code and verify credentials, the city announced in a press release. The American Institute of Architects will also begin offering free home repair consultation at St. Louis City Hall. Beginning this week, residents can show up Mondays and Wednesdays between noon and 3 p.m. and get advice on how best to rebuild their houses, Spencer said. It is important to us as an organization and profession to positively impact our community in our everyday roles to help rebuild the city we love, said Melissa Harlan, the executive director of the St. Louis chapter of the AIA. Architect consultation is open to both homeowners and renters, according to the citys press release. Editor's note: This story corrects the day of the mayor's announcement. Richard Phillip Norden, of St. Charles, MO, passed away Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at the age of 91. Devoted son of Richard P., Sr. and Florida Norden; cherished father of the late Peggy J. Norden, Craig (Leigh Ann) Norden and Clayton Norden; loving grandfather of Brett Baker; dear brother of the late Barbara (the late Richard Morgan) Morgan. Richard was a devoted outdoorsman, patriot, and beloved friend. He was a proud member of Safari Club International and lived a life deeply rooted in adventure and nature. A passionate game hunter and avid fisherman, Richard found great joy in the great outdoors. He held a private pilot license. He loved his farm, the Klondike Valley Ranch, where he spent countless hours hunting, fishing, and enjoying the quiet beauty of nature. Richard proudly served his country in the United States Army for two years, a chapter in his life that he carried with honor and quiet pride. To those who knew him, Richard was more than his accomplishments. He was a kind soul with a generous heart, a storyteller with a sharp wit, and a man who brought strength and laughter into the lives of others. He was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege to know him. Richards legacy will live on through the memories he created, the friendships he forged, and the wild places he so deeply cherished. He was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Services: Visitation will be held Tuesday, July 8, 2025 from 4:00 pm 7:00 pm at Baue Funeral Home Cave Springs, 3950 West Clay Street. Memorials to American Cancer Society. Visit Baue.com Baue Funeral Home Cave Springs 3950 W. Clay Street, St. Charles, MO 63301 636-946-7811 BOISE, Idaho A criminal justice student who avoided a potential death sentence by pleading guilty Wednesday to the brutal stabbing deaths of four University of Idaho students carefully planned the attack for months and took multiple steps to cover his tracks, the lead prosecutor said. Bryan Kohberger, who was a graduate student at nearby Washington State University, pleaded guilty to murder in the killings that terrified the Idaho campus and set off a nationwide search, which ended weeks later when he was arrested in Pennsylvania. Kohberger remained impassive as he admitted to breaking into a rental home through a kitchen sliding door and killing the four friends who appeared to have no connection with him. Prosecutors did not reveal a motive behind the slayings. The killings initially baffled law enforcement and unnerved the rural college town of Moscow, which hadnt seen a murder in five years until Kaylee Goncalves, Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle and Madison Mogen were found dead near campus on Nov. 13, 2022. Autopsies showed each was stabbed multiple times. In the two years since Kohbergers arrest, his attorneys unsuccessfully attempted to bar prosecutors from seeking the death penalty and challenged DNA evidence, leaving a plea deal their final alternative to spare his life before the start of a trial in August. At least one of the families opposed the plea deal that calls for Kohberger to serve four life sentences and removes his ability to appeal. But others supported the agreement, saying they were ready to begin healing. Emotional scene in Boise courtroom Family members became increasingly emotional as Idaho Fourth Judicial District Judge Steven Hippler explained each charge to Kohberger, naming each victim individually. Some cried into tissues, while other wiped tears away with their hands. As Kohberger pleaded guilty, some in the family section looked down and others craned to see him. The judge set the official sentencing for July 23. Hippler said as the hearing began that he would not take into account public opinion when deciding whether to accept the agreement. This court cannot require the prosecutor to seek the death penalty, nor would it be appropriate for this court to do that, he said. The families left the courthouse without directly speaking to media gathered outside. One of the Idaho victims was awake The plea hearing provided a few new details about the killings but key questions remained, including why Kohberger spared two other roommates. After breaking into the home, he climbed to the third floor where he first killed Mogen and Goncalves together, Latah County Prosecuting Attorney Bill Thompson said Wednesday. He then ran into Kernodle, who was still awake after getting a Door Dash order, and stabbed her and her boyfriend, Chapin, who was still asleep, Thompson said. There were no signs of sexual assault, he said. Police said they used genetic genealogy to identify Kohberger as a possible suspect and accessed cellphone data to pinpoint his movements the night of the killings. At the time, Kohberger just completed his first semester at Washington State and was a teaching assistant in the criminology program. Kohberger was arrested in Pennsylvania, where his parents lived, weeks later. Thompson said investigators recovered a Q-tip from the garbage at his parents house to match Kohbergers DNA to genetic material from a knife sheath found at the crime scene. Murder weapon still not found Online shopping records showed that Kohberger purchased a military-style knife months earlier as well as a sheath like the one found at the scene. The county prosecutor said the murder weapon has not been found and revealed new details about how Kohberger tried to cover up the killings. He bought another knife sheath to replace the one left at the home and scrubbed his apartment and office, Thompson said. His car was pretty much disassembled and he changed its registration, Thompson said. The defendant has studied crime, Thompson said. In fact, he did a detailed paper on crime scene processing when he was working on his Ph.D., and he had that knowledge skill set. Motive remains unclear There was no indication he had a relationship with any of the victims, who all were friends and members of the universitys Greek system. Authorities said cellphone data and surveillance video show Kohberger visited the victims neighborhood at least a dozen times before the killings and traveled in the same area that night. Kohbergers lawyers had said he was simply on a long drive by himself around the time the four were killed. Families split on plea deal Though the Goncalves family opposed the agreement and sought to stop it, they also argued that any deal should have required Kohberger to make a full confession, detail the facts of what happened and provide the location of the murder weapon. "We deserve to know when the beginning of the end was, they wrote in a Facebook post. Kaylee Goncalves father, Steve Goncalves, left the courthouse before Kohberger entered the courtroom. Im just getting out of this zoo, he told reporters. The family of Chapin one of three triplets who attended the university together supports the deal, their spokesperson, Christina Teves, said this week. Attorney Leander James read a statement from Mogens mother and stepfather after the guilty pleas that said they supported the agreement. While we know there are some who do not support it, we ask that they respect our belief that this is the best outcome for the victims, their families and the state of Idaho, the family said. We now embark on a new path, they said. We embark on a path of hope and healing. ___ Johnson reported from Seattle. Associated Press reporters Nicholas Ingram and Rebecca Boone in Boise; Safiyah Riddle in Montgomery, Alabama; John Seewer in Toledo, Ohio; and Jennifer Kelleher in Honolulu contributed to this report. Construction is scheduled to begin within 60 days on a new stretch of steel-bollard border wall through the grasslands of the San Rafael Valley in Arizona, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection spokesman confirmed, blocking southeast Arizonas last major open space for wildlife migration along the U.S.-Mexico border. Conservationists say the valley, located far from major roadways in the U.S. and Mexico, has a low number of migrant crossings and that construction of the 30-foot-tall wall replacing the low-lying vehicle barriers currently in place will be devastating to animals that rely on the critical migratory corridors there. It will also disrupt the hydrology of the Santa Cruz River, which crosses the border twice in that area, environmentalists say. Since 2020, Sky Island Alliances 60 wildlife cameras in this stretch of the border have documented an average of five pedestrians per month, including Border Patrol agents, hunters, hikers and possible migrants, said Emily Burns, program director with the alliance, a regional nonprofit dedicated to protecting the critical habitats of the sky island mountain ranges in the U.S. and Mexico. Thats a rate of one human sighting every 10 months, per camera, she said. Excluding border agents and people recreating, each camera recorded a person that could be a migrant just once every 20 months, Burns said. The devastation that will come with the wall is going to be very difficult to mitigate, so its really a terrible place for the wall to be built, and its completely unnecessary, Burns said. The border wall project includes almost 25 miles of wall stretching east from the Patagonia Mountains to the Coronado National Memorial, south of Sierra Vista, Arizona. It would block essential migratory paths for wildlife like jaguars, mountain lions, black bears, ocelots, bobcats and mule deer, said Russ McSpadden, Southwest conservation advocate for the Center for Biological Diversity. The project also includes a 0.2-mile segment to close a gap where the Santa Cruz River heads north into Arizona, and a 2.1-mile segment across the steep terrain of the Coronado National Memorial, near where then-candidate Donald Trump and running mate JD Vance both held campaign events at the border last summer. Wall construction will bulldoze into a steep cliffside at the memorial, which already acts as a natural barrier, said Eamon Harrity, wildlife program manager for the Sky Island Alliance. The cliff where theyre going to place new wall will be twice as tall as the wall itself, he said. It really highlights how disconnected from logic this wall is. Migrant arrests low A CBP spokesman said the agency does not release migrant-arrest figures for specific areas within Border Patrol sectors, in response to the Stars query about unauthorized crossings in the San Rafael Valley, which is in the Tucson sector. Stretching 262 miles from the Yuma County line to the New Mexico state line, the Tucson sector is an area of high illegal-entry attempts and experiences large numbers of individuals and narcotics being smuggled into the country illegally, CBP spokesman John Mennell said in an emailed statement. CBP is complying with President Trumps executive orders to ensure complete operational control of the southern border, the statement said. Migrant crossings border-wide, including in the Tucson, Arizona, sector, have plummeted over the last year, beginning in the Biden administration, and are currently at historic lows, according to CBP. Border agents encountered 8,725 migrants outside ports of entry in May, a 93% drop from nearly 118,000 in May 2024, CBP data show. In the Tucson sector, agents encountered 1,588 migrants in May. The $309 million contract for the border-wall project went to Fisher Sand and Gravel, a North Dakota-based company with a record of thousands of environmental violations and legal problems including a 2019 lawsuit, filed by the U.S. Department of Justice, alleging poor workmanship on a 3.5-mile border-wall segment in Texas, which was privately funded by Trump supporters. A 2022 settlement agreement requires Fisher to maintain a $3 billion bond for 15 years for future repairs of the troubled wall, which caused erosion so severe that engineers said the structure could fall into the Rio Grande, ProPublica reported. Fisher spokesman Eric Kittelson did not respond to the Arizona Daily Stars multiple requests for comment last week. The San Rafael Valley, the low-lying grasslands between the Patagonia and Huachuca mountains, is the birthplace of the Santa Cruz River, which tracks a scenic dirt road running south through the center of the valley, on the rivers way to Mexico. From there, the river veers north and enters Arizona again, east of Nogales. Though dry at the surface, the Santa Cruz River is easily spotted from a distance by the line of tall cottonwood trees running along it, with deep roots that reach to the aquifer below. In the San Rafael Valley, the existing border fence is wildlife permeable, with a combination of Normandy-style vehicle barriers and strings of barbed wire, allowing animals to move between Arizona and Sonora, Mexico. Protected wilderness areas exist on both sides of the border in the region, which has been the focus of binational conservation efforts and is the most important corridor left for jaguars in the region, McSpadden said. The new wall would run through the habitats of 17 threatened and endangered species, he said. This region is unparalleled for its biodiversity and conservation values, he said. This is the biodiverse heart of the Sky Island archipelago. Wildlife impact Currently, small animals are able to make their way under the existing vehicle barrier in the San Rafael Valley, and larger animals like mountain lions, deer and bears can wiggle under or leap over it, said Harrity of the Sky Island Alliance. But the planned wall, about 30 feet tall, will have gaps of just 4 inches between its steel bollards. Its expected to reduce all wildlife crossings in the San Rafael Valley by 86%, according to a recent Sky Island Alliance study, and will completely halt crossings for larger species, including the rare jaguars who have been spotted multiple times in the Patagonia Mountains, Harrity said. The study documented how 20 animal species, weighing 2 pounds or more, interacted with the vehicle barriers of the San Rafael Valley, compared with how those species dealt with a bollard-style wall in other areas. Anything that has a head larger than 4 inches cant get through, Harrity said. Skunks, gray foxes and raccoons managed to squeeze through the bollards, and even some young coyotes and javelina. But larger species such as mountain lions, wild turkey, black bears and desert tortoises were completely shut out, he said. The study documented one adult javelina who got stuck between the bollards and died, he said. Sealing the San Rafael Valley will create the longest unbroken stretch of border wall in Arizona, stretching 100 miles from near the New Mexico border to the Patagonia Mountains, where theres a small gap that will likely be closed after the next round of border-wall funding, Harrity said. There will not be a single opening for wildlife of large size, he said. The wall will also affect how rainfall and snowmelt move from the Huachuca Mountains, east of the San Rafael Valley, into northern Mexico, where riparian habitats are home to families of beavers and other wildlife at the Rancho Los Fresnos project, managed by The Nature Conservancy. Water flows from the Huachucas to Los Fresnos have already been altered by former Arizona Gov. Doug Duceys short-lived shipping-container wall, said Edgar Carrera, a Mexico-based project manager with The Nature Conservancy. Because less water is coming down from north, in the last two years we have seen a significant decrease of the water levels in ponds, natural and manmade, at Los Fresnos, he said. Even if the wall includes floodgates at the Santa Cruz River that can be opened in monsoon season, construction requires installing concrete foundations that disrupt water flows of an already imperiled river, Harrity said. A 2024 report from American Rivers named the Santa Cruz one of the most endangered rivers in the U.S. Advocates are pressing for changes in the walls design that wont affect security, but could allow countless more animals to pass through, Harrity said, such as adding a series of small-wildlife passages, openings of about 8-by-11 inches. Those passages exist in some other areas of the border wall, but theyre far too infrequent to be effective, he said. Harrity said there seems to be an openness to that idea among CBP staff who deal with environmental planning. It does seem like something CBP and DHS (Department of Homeland Security) recognize as a realistic modification that doesnt affect the security at all, he said. These small wildlife passages should be mandated, and should be built very regularly in the new project, so were not completely destroying the ecosystem of this valley. Other ways to mitigate the walls damage include adding bigger openings for large animals, increasing the distance between bollards to 5.5 inches and adding break-away segments that would detach during major flooding events, McSpadden said. Ranchers divided After three years of drought, the Santa Cruz Rivers perennial flows through the valley have almost totally halted, said San Rafael Valley rancher Ross Humphreys, who purchased the historic San Rafael Ranch from The Nature Conservancy in 2000 and has a herd of cattle on his 18,500 acres there. The massive amount of concrete mixing that will be required to build the new wall will draw down the water table even further, as it did at Quitobaquito Springs south of Ajo, Humphreys said. Open a spigot somewhere and let the river drain, thats what youre talking about doing, he said. Opinions among ranchers and residents of the valley are mixed when it comes to the need for a new border barrier there. Sidney Spencer of Lazy J2 Ranch, about 8 miles from the border, told the Star in April that she supports the border wall project. Ive been here 30 years and the drug lords have controlled this valley as long as Ive lived here, Spencer said. They know who I am, where I am, when Im home and not home. Its a drug alley. It always has been. But Humphreys said times have changed, and illicit activity in the area has been low for years, especially since Border Patrol installed high-tech surveillance towers. Its state-of-the-art technology that lets Border Patrol see everything, he said. Thats been a deterrent for smugglers and migrants, as are the border agents who often position themselves to be visible to would-be smugglers, he said. In the early 2000s, Humphreys said hed occasionally see backpackers carrying marijuana, but today, we dont see it all, he said. With the current fence and surveillance towers, they know where you are, Humphreys said. Personally, I dont think we need a 30-foot-tall barrier at all. Were safe, and our livestock are safe. CBP now says most drug smuggling happens at official ports of entry. The agency estimates more than 90% of seized fentanyl now enters the U.S. through the ports, mostly in vehicles driven by U.S. citizens. Humphreys is also concerned about how construction vehicles will impact his land and cattle. Its going to be a huge nuisance to me, because you gotta drive right down the middle of our place to get to the border, he said. Environmental waiver The new wall segments are among several border-wall projects exempted from the normal environmental review process, thanks to environmental waivers issued under the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act and the Real ID Act of 2005. The waivers are responsible for the rapid proliferation of the border wall over the last 20 years, Myles Traphagen of the Wildlands Network has told the Star. The waiver allows the Trump administration to ignore crucial environmental safeguards, said McSpadden of the Center for Biological Diversity. Those include the National Environmental Policy Act, the Endangered Species Act, Clean Water Act and Clean Air Act, as well as laws that protect Native American cultural sites. Environmentalists are also concerned about contractor Fisher Sand and Gravel, after its troubled border wall in Texas, and reports of myriad environmental violations over the years. Its leaders have made hefty donations to Republican lawmakers and made direct appeals to Trump on Fox News in pursuit of border-wall contracts, the Associated Press reported. The Project on Government Oversight reported in 2019 that Fisher had thousands of environmental violations, naming it a bad actor among border contractors. Fisher Sand and Gravel was among five contractors who were awarded an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract, or IDIQ, in July 2023, under the Biden administration, CBP spokesman Mennell said. The contract for the Tucson Sector Border Wall Projects is a task order that was awarded under the IDIQ, he said in an email. All procurement actions and task order evaluations are conducted in accordance with the Federal Acquisition Regulation. McSpadden says the environmental waivers also allow for CBP to waive certain federal contracting obligations. The company they picked has a pretty troubling track record, based on the documentation Ive seen, and its not clear theyve taken that into account, he said. Although due to the waiver, CBP isnt obligated to address public concerns submitted about the wall project, McSpadden says submitting those comments is still important to ensure public opinion is on the record, and to press the agency to mitigate the projects environmental harms. The public-comment period for the border-wall project runs through July 7, and comments can be submitted via Sky Island Alliances website, the nonprofit says, or emailed to CBP. Asked if CBP will consider public comments, spokesman Mennell said, CBP intends to consider and address comments submitted during the public comment period. ... CBP identifies potential resources present within a project area to avoid, minimize, or mitigate impacts to the greatest extent practicable, while also making sure to meet the U.S. Border Patrols operational needs and the governments international treaty obligations. JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) President Donald Trumps big bill to cut taxes and reduce federal spending on some social safety net programs could have large implications for states, but for many its too late to do much about it this year. Tuesday marks the start of a new budget year in 46 states. Though some legislatures are still working, most already have adjourned and finalized their spending plans without knowing whether federal funding will be cut and, if so, by how much. The ebb and flow of rumors and reality have created great uncertainty and some anxiety in state governments, said David Adkins, executive director of The Council of State Governments. Several states have taken preemptive steps, setting aside money in reserves or tasking committees to monitor the impact of federal funding reductions. Others are tentatively planning to return in special sessions this year to account for potential funding cuts to joint federal-state programs such as Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP. Others will have to wait until their legislatures are back in session next year. What's at stake for states? If there are significant cuts, states wouldnt be able to fully absorb those, said Brian Sigritz, director of state fiscal studies at the National Association of State Budget Officers. Nationally, the Medicaid health care program for lower-income residents accounts for 30% of total state expenditures, according to the health policy research organization KFF. That makes it the costliest program in many states, ahead of even K-12 education. The bulk of Medicaid money comes from the federal government, meaning any changes in federal policy can create big ripples for states. Legislation pending in Congress would affect Medicaid in several ways. New work requirements are expected to reduce enrollment by millions of people, while other proposed changes also could reduce federal payments to states. Until now the federal government also has covered the full cost of SNAP benefits and half the administrative costs. Trump's bill would shift more of those costs to states, leaving them to either divert money from other purposes or trim back their food assistance programs. The Medicaid and SNAP changes are just the latest in a series of Trump policies affecting state finances, including the rollback of grants for transportation and high-speed internet projects and attempts to withhold federal funds from sanctuary jurisdictions that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities. Some legislatures are stocking up on savings A surge in federal aid and state tax revenue during the coronavirus pandemic led to booming budgets and historic cash surpluses in many states. As revenues slow and those surpluses get spent, some states now are trying to guard against federal funding reductions. New Mexico enacted a law this year creating a Medicaid trust fund gradually stocked with up to $2 billion that can be tapped to prop up the program if federal funding cuts would otherwise cause a reduction in coverage or benefits. Hawaii lawmakers, in crafting the state's budget, left an extra $200 million in the general fund as a contingency against federal funding uncertainty. They plan to return for a special session. And Vermont's budget sets aside up to $110 million in case federal funding is cut. That includes $50 million that can be spent while the Legislature is not in session and up to $60 million that could be appropriated in the future to address federal funding shortfalls. Though not necessarily tied to federal cuts, Florida lawmakers approved a proposed constitutional amendment that would set aside $750 million a year or an amount equal to up to 25% of the states general revenue, whichever is less in a reserve fund that lawmakers could use for emergencies. That measure still must go before voters. Some governors are cutting back on spending Because of legislative deadlines, some state lawmakers had to craft budgets well before the details of Trump's bill took shape. Virginia lawmakers passed a budget in February for their fiscal year that starts Tuesday. Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced several dozen line-item vetoes in May with the goal of creating a roughly $900 million financial cushion. There are some short-term risks as President Trump resets both fiscal spending in Washington and trade policies that require us to be prudent and not spend all of the projected surplus before we bank it, Youngkin said in a statement. Republican Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe on Monday vetoed or froze about $500 million of general fund budget items, citing a need to rein in unsustainable spending and guard against a projected future shortfall. Other states also have left money unspent, even though it has not always been touted as a buffer against federal cuts. States are enacting really cautious budgets, knowing that they may have to kind of revise them in special sessions or address changes in next years sessions, said Erica MacKellar, a fiscal affairs program principal at the National Conference of State Legislatures. Some are taking a wait-and-see approach Before adjourning their sessions, some state legislatures established procedures to monitor federal funding cuts and recommend budgetary changes. Montana's budget includes $50,000 for an analysis of the financial implications of federal actions, but that spending kicks in only upon the cancellation of at least $50 million of previously approved federal funding or the anticipated loss of at least $100 million of future revenue. If federal funding to Maryland decreases by at least $1 billion, a provision approved by lawmakers requires the state budget office to submit a report to the General Assembly with proposed actions and potential spending reductions. The spending plan passed by Connecticut lawmakers also requires the state budget office to respond quickly to federal reductions by identifying state funds that could be used to preserve programs, particularly those providing health care, food assistance, education and other priorities. North Dakota lawmakers left room for more work. They adjourned their biennial session six days shy of their 80-day limit, allowing time to reconvene if needed. BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) One of Layton Tallwhitemans earliest memories was watching the news at his uncles house in Montana in 2003 and seeing the U.S. bomb Baghdad to launch the war in Iraq. Recollections of that war waged in part to find weapons of mass destruction that did not exist flooded back for Tallwhiteman after President Donald Trump ordered weekend bombing strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities amid its escalating conflict with Israel. The administration has indicated it wants to avoid getting pulled into all-out war. Tallwhiteman, who grew up on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation southeast of Billings, is skeptical. Their idea is to eliminate the threat. Like Bush said in Iraq, Were going to eliminate the threat. Were going to find weapons of mass destruction and eliminate them. Did that work the way he planned? No, obviously it didnt, Tallwhiteman said. The 30-year-old driver for a food distribution company said he usually votes Libertarian, but backed Democrat Kamala Harris over Trump last year. Across the U.S. on Sunday, Americans expressed a mixture of support, apprehension and anxiety over the bombings, which officials said caused severe damage to Iran's nuclear sites. Administration officials said the strikes left room for Iran to return to negotiations over its nuclear program. Yet if the conflict spirals, it could test Trump's foreign diplomacy skills and also his support at home. It had to be done B-2 bombers that participated in the weekend strikes returned home to Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri on Sunday. Nearby, retired Air Force veteran Ken Slabaugh said he was 100% supportive of Trump's decision and the military personnel who carried it out. Slabaugh said Iran has showed resistance to negotiations over its nuclear program for decades, a problem that he said Trump inherited. Iran can't be trusted, Slabaugh said, nor allowed to acquire nuclear weapons. It simply had to be done, he said of the strikes, adding that he's now concerned for members of the military around the world. I'm proud of the guys and the gals that are doing the work out there. Nobody in the world does this like we do, and we have the freedom and liberty we enjoy because of that, Slabaugh said. Hundreds of people gathered in New York's Times Square on Sunday to protest the bombings, waving signs that said STOP THE WAR ON IRAN and TRUMP IS A WAR CRIMINAL. Among them was Dana Cote, who was in the city when the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks occurred. Cote worried that bombing Iran would open a can of worms that we're not going to be able to close and prompt extremists to again attack the U.S. A much smaller group of pro-Trump supporters gathered nearby. They held up flags for Israel and Trump, and used air horns to try to drown out the demonstrators. I think its the best thing that Trump could have done. It should have been done 40 years ago, said Nancy Myer of New York. In Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, Andrew Williams, 18, said he was surprised by the timing of the attack, given that many Republicans had expressed opposition to U.S. involvement in the Israel-Iran war. Still, he thought it was necessary if Iran was building nuclear weapons. If we are able to get rid of that, that is something we should do, Williams said. Robert Wallette of Billings said Trump had good reason to conduct the bombing as a demonstration of American support for Israel. Irans evil, evil people. They hate Americans, he said. Concern about conflict spinning out of control Wallette, 69, a retired contract specialist at the federal Indian Health Service, said he hated Trump when the Republican was first elected because of his arrogant style. His perspective started to shift after Trump moved the U.S. embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. In 2024, Wallette voted for Trump based on his promises to curb illegal immigration, putting him among the 60% of voters backing Trump last year in Yellowstone County, which includes Billings. Notwithstanding his support, Wallette was unsure if Trump can avoid the U.S. getting drawn into a deeper conflict with Iran. Other countries are getting involved and this may be out of his control, he said. Kent Berame, 32, of Davie, Florida, said it was a little outrageous for Trump to go rogue and approve the attack without explicit support from Congress. He said he doesnt agree with the United States supporting Israels recent attacks on Iran. Theres concern that were putting troops in danger, said Berame, a Democrat who owns his own marketing company. And obviously theres a retaliatory response toward all of our bases over there. Berame said its frustrating that the U.S. might be increasing hostilities with Iran just a few years after finally ending the war in Afghanistan. I dont want to see any U.S. soldiers in harms way or in danger, he said. Back in Billings, Trump voter Patty Ellman said she worries about the U.S. getting sucked into another extended conflict. We have enough going on in America to get into other countries wars. Lets just take care of us right now, she said. Ellman, a 61-year-old who stepped in as caregiver for her ex-husband after he suffered a stroke, said the U.S. should retaliate if attacked, but otherwise stay out of Irans conflict with other countries. Thats their business, she said. We need to worry about Americans and how were going to survive and are we going to have Social Security. With contributions from David Fischer in Davie, Florida, Nicholas Ingram in Knob Noster, Missouri. Mingson Lau in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, and Aron Ranen in New York. BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 2. On July 2, 2025, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to the Republic of Azerbaijan Mikhail Yevdokimov was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Trend reports. It was stated that during the meeting with Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan Araz Azimov, Azerbaijan expressed its protest over Russias unfriendly actions and steps that undermine bilateral relations between the two countries. Azerbaijan once again conveyed its deep concern over the events of June 27, when raids carried out by Russian law enforcement on homes of Azerbaijanis in the city of Yekaterinburg resulted in the deaths of two Azerbaijani citizens and serious injuries to several others due to unlawful conduct. It was noted that the explanation provided by Russia contradicts both the visible signs of severe violence on the bodies of the deceased and the forensic findings. The Azerbaijani side also emphasized that the use of discriminatory language in Russian media - including referring to Azerbaijanis as an "ethnic criminal group" - is unacceptable and reflects manifestations of ethnic intolerance. Azerbaijan underscored that it expects a thorough and objective investigation by Russia into the violations committed by its law enforcement agencies and for those responsible to be held accountable. It was also stated that interpreting Azerbaijan's position on this matter as interference in Russias internal affairs is unfounded. The Azerbaijani side also rejected Russias objections regarding recent measures taken with respect to the Sputnik Azerbaijan office, stating that all actions were carried out in full compliance with Azerbaijani legislation and that an official investigation is currently underway. The statement went on to recall that tensions in bilateral relations have been growing since the downing of an Azerbaijan Airlines aircraft in Russian airspace late last year. The failure to take necessary steps in response, attempts to distort the actual circumstances, and an ongoing disinformation campaign against Azerbaijan in Russian media - including by certain officials and media representatives - were described as unacceptable. Azerbaijan reiterated its expectation that Russia conduct a full and transparent investigation into this tragedy, identify and prosecute those responsible, and provide compensation to the victims. It stressed that these steps are critical for easing the negative atmosphere in bilateral relations. Finally, it was noted that public statements made over the past 4-5 months by various Russian political figures and media outlets, which undermine Azerbaijans sovereignty, territorial integrity, and insult the Azerbaijani people, have also harmed bilateral ties. As a result, the Azerbaijani side conveyed to the Russian Ambassador that the aforementioned actions of the Russian Federation are contrary to the spirit of friendship and mutual respect and have led to increased tension and negative impact on bilateral relations. Russia was urged to take appropriate measures to ease tensions and restore a constructive atmosphere in the relationship between the two countries. June marked the 26th anniversary of Olmstead v. LC, the Supreme Court decision affirming the rights of people with disabilities to live in the most integrated community setting possible. While institutionalization of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) has decreased from nearly 38,000 in 2006 to around 15,000 in 2020 it remains a threat, particularly if Medicaid funding is cut. Congress is now considering proposals to reduce Medicaid funding by potentially more than $750 billion. These cuts would jeopardize Home and Community Based Services (HCBS), which are not mandatory under federal law and are typically among the first programs states reduce during budget shortfalls. HCBS allows people with I/DD to live, work, and build meaningful lives in their communities, while supporting nearly 14,000 Missourians and easing the burden on their families. At the St. Louis Arc, we see firsthand the consequences of underfunding: staff shortages, long waitlists for services, and missed opportunities for inclusion. Cutting Medicaid will only make this worse. Missouris federal lawmakers must oppose these cuts and support legislation that strengthens community-based services and the workforce behind them. This is about upholding the promise of Olmstead and ensuring that people with I/DD have the opportunity to thrive in their communities not return to institutions. Mark A. Keeley St. Louis President/CEO of the St. Louis Arc Alaska Army National Guard Chief Warrant Officer 3 Nick Lime, an aviator assigned to 207th Aviation Battalion, assists six distressed people stranded on the Kuskokwim River during a rescue mission June 30, 2025. (Bryan Kruse/Alaska National Guard) After 30 minutes of searching through pouring rain, fog and 45 mph wind gusts, Alaska Army National Guard aviators found the family stranded for nearly 24 hours on the Kuskokwim River in Alaska. The aviators rescued the family of six, including an elderly woman and child, near Tuntutuliak on Monday, according to a National Guard news release. The 207th Aviation Battalion sent a UH-60L Black Hawk helicopter from the armory in Bethel and flew 25 miles until they located the family and brought them to safety. We were able to get them out of there at an ideal time, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Nick Lime said. The family was able to call Alaska State Troopers who requested assistance before their phones died at around noon that day. High wind and rough water prevented community efforts to reach them by river. We could tell that the group hadnt anticipated being stranded for that amount of time with the clothes and gear they were wearing, Lime said. Lime and AST Trooper Trevor Norris waded through nearly 4 feet of water. Lime said he had to lift the most elderly woman who could barely move because of exposure to the elements into the aircraft. The crew rendered in-flight rewarming care to the patients, who were close to hypothermic, with blankets and flew them to the Bethel Armory. Twelve volunteers from the Bethel Fire Department with three ambulances were waiting to transport the family to Yukon-Kuskokwim Regional Hospital. This effort really reinforces the relationships that we have with our local community here, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Bryan Kruse said. The controllers did a great job at clearing the airspace for us on the way back, so we could get these patients back safely. The Alaska Army National Guard frequently supports emergency response operations across the state in partnership with the Alaska State Troopers, Alaska Rescue Coordination Center and local agencies. The Bethel-based Black Hawk crew often supports emergency services that are not often available in Western Alaska, where no roads connect to rural communities. Were extremely proud of our execution during missions like this, Kruse said. With all the capabilities we have at our disposal, it could not have gone better. We do the best with what weve got. U.S. soldiers fire their M1A2 Abrams tank in a defensive lane during the U.S. Army Europe and Africa International Tank Challenge at Grafenwoehr Training Area on Feb. 13, 2025. Gen. Christopher Donahue, head of U.S. Army Europe and Africa, says the Army's command-and-control system in Europe offers a model that should be followed in other places. (Lydia Gordon/Stars and Stripes) STUTTGART, Germany The U.S. Army in Europe has established a command-and-control capability with allies that could deliver a big battlefield advantage if its integrated worldwide, a top U.S. commander said. Gen. Christopher Donahue, head of U.S. Army Europe and Africa, said the race to harness live data will determine who wins the next war. USAREUR-AF has made headway on that front, he said. With this successful command-and-control system established in Europe, it must be rapidly scaled and connected globally, ready to meet any threat, Donahue wrote in an essay Friday asserting that the Army mission in Europe is at the center of global deterrence efforts. In Europe, Donahue said, USAREUR-AF and NATO ground forces are now able to integrate allied sensors, data and artificial intelligence-powered machine learning tools into decision-making. A red light illuminates U.S. soldiers during a nighttime reconnaissance exercise near Camp Reedo, Estonia, March 14, 2025. "We must rise to the challenge of establishing global deterrence, and it has already started on the battlefields of Europe, Gen. Christopher Donahue, head of U.S. Army Europe and Africa, wrote in a recent essay. (Phillip Walter Wellman/Stars and Stripes) This is not a projected capability or an operational needs statement to inform future investment, Donahue wrote. This is what we are doing today. The setup enables troops in Donahues command to accelerate how it targets enemies, enabling soldiers to be first to fire, he said. The four-star commanders comments come as the Defense Department carries out a force posture review that is assessing whether troops overseas are positioned in the right places. U.S. Army Europe and Africa commander Gen. Christopher Donahue speaks at a ceremony June 5, 2025, in Sainte-Mere-Eglise, France. Donahue recently said USAREUR-AF and NATO ground forces are now able to integrate allied sensors, data and machine learning tools into command-and-control decision-making. (Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes) Top Pentagon officials have said the highest priority is countering China in the Asia-Pacific, which has raised questions about whether U.S. forces in Europe need to be shifted elsewhere. Several officials now working in key Pentagon jobs, such as Elbridge Colby, the undersecretary of defense for policy, have long argued that the U.S. should reduce its presence in Europe to better deal with China. Donahue, whose essay was published by the Association for the U.S. Army after his appearance at that organization last week, has said he is confident that troop levels in Europe will hold steady. Spc. Farouk Muhieddine, an infantryman with 3rd Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, remotely pilots a loitering munition during a NATO exercise at Hohenfels, Germany, on Feb. 3, 2025. U.S. Army Europe and Africa commander Gen. Christopher Donahue wrote a recent essay that links the services mission in Europe to global security. (Lydia Gordon/Stars and Stripes) When it comes to countering Russia and China, the threats are linked, Donahue wrote. The threat we face fights globally, so we must rise to the challenge of establishing global deterrence, and it has already started on the battlefields of Europe, Donahue said. He said the harnessing of live data in command and control is akin to technological breakthroughs of past conflicts, such as radio-enabled command and control, which powered the German blitz that overwhelmed French forces in World War II. Europe now offers the ideal conditions to build a lethal force equal to the threats posed by China, Russia or any future adversary, said Donahue, adding that Europe is the premier battle laboratory. The U.S. Coast Guard cutter Stratton departs Palau on June 28, 2025, to begin the inaugural Quad Sail, which included coast guard officers from Australia, India and Japan. (Sara Muir/U.S. Coast Guard) Coast guard officers from Australia, India and Japan arrive on Guam aboard the U.S. Coast Guard cutter Stratton this week, marking the conclusion of the inaugural Quad Sail, a new initiative aimed at enhancing maritime cooperation among the four Indo-Pacific partners. The Stratton pulled into Apra Harbor around 9 a.m. Wednesday after departing Palau on Saturday, Chief Warrant Officer 2 Sara Muir, a spokeswoman for U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam, told Stars and Stripes by email that day. The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, known as the Quad, was formed in the early 2000s as a diplomatic partnership among the United States, Australia, India and Japan. The group has since expanded cooperation on security and economic issues amid rising tensions with China. Their navies conducted their first joint exercise in 2020, according to the Council on Foreign Relations. The five-day Quad Sail marked the first time coast guard officers from all four nations worked together aboard a single vessel, Muir said. No other ships took part in the voyage, which featured onboard joint drills and cultural exchanges. The U.S. Coast Guard, an instrument of safety, security, and stability, brings its unique blend of capabilities to the Quad partnership, Muir wrote. Together, we share a commitment to a prosperous, open, and secure Indo-Pacific, and recognize the growing threats to maritime order. The sails conclusion coincided with a Quad foreign ministers meeting in Washington, D.C., where Secretary of State Marco Rubio and his counterparts pledged to expand cooperation on maritime security, the Associated Press reported Tuesday. The four countries also announced the Quad Critical Minerals Initiative to strengthen cooperation on rare earth mineral supply chains, according to a joint statement Tuesday by the State Department. Another dialogue focused on upholding maritime order is slated for later this month. More joint patrols and exercises are in the works, Muir said. Our crews are ready to keep patrolling the Pacific, ensuring safe waters for our nation and our neighbors, while deepening ties through more exchanges, she wrote. Even the conversation on the mess deck over a meal or a game brings us closer. The Stratton, based in Alameda, Calif., began its Indo-Pacific summer patrol on May 10 with stops in Japan, the Philippines and South Korea, Muir said. It joined Philippine efforts to combat illegal fishing, participated in a search-and-rescue tabletop exercise with the South Korean coast guard, and trained with the Japanese coast guard in firefighting and rescue operations. This coordination builds skills to protect regional waters, ensuring our crews are ready for crises like typhoons or combatting smuggling, Muir wrote. Coast Guard Cutter Vigorous (WMEC 627) patrols off coastal Haiti, June 24, 2025. (U.S. Coast Guard) The Coast Guard Cutter Vigorous and its crew returned to their homeport in Portsmouth, Va., on Tuesday following a counter-migration patrol that lasted nearly two months. According to a service news release, the Reliance-class medium endurance cutter deployed for a 51-day patrol in support of Operation Vigilant Sentry, ensuring safety at sea and deterring illegal migration. The patrol took place in the Windward Passage, a strait that connects the Caribbean sea with the Atlantic Ocean. It went through transit zones near Haiti and around Florida, the release said. During the deployment, Vigorous contributed to the transfer of 17 alleged smugglers and almost 1,400 pounds of cocaine worth approximately $10 million, the release said. Vigorous also underwent tactical training with the Cutter Campbell, practicing pursuit and towing exercises. The crew performed exceptionally well throughout this demanding patrol, said the commanding officer of Vigorous, Cmdr. Charles Bare, according to the release. Operation Vigilant Sentry was launched in 2003 and is tasked with responding to illegal migration. It is led by the Department of Homeland Security, though it also works with state and local agencies. Maj. Gen. Brian Wolford, right, head of Marine Corps Installations Pacific, congratulates Col. Kenneth Rossman, the new commander of Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, July 2, 2025. (Janiqua Robinson/Stars and Stripes) MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan An accomplished Marine Corps helicopter and tiltrotor pilot a veteran of the war in Iraq took up his first overseas command Wednesday at the home of a Navy carrier air wing. Col. Kenneth Rossman, a Pennsylvania native, relieved Col. Richard Rusnok in a morning ceremony on the parade deck at MCAS Iwakuni. Maj. Gen. Brian Wolford, commander of Marine Corps Installations Pacific, presided over the event, which drew about 300 Marines and guests. Today, what we see assembled out here in the stands the Marines, sailors and the Japan Self-Defense Force service members this is what Iwakunis all about, Wolford said. MCAS Iwakuni is home to Carrier Air Wing 5, which includes seven squadrons of Navy aircraft fighters, helicopters and tiltrotors assigned to the USS George Washington, flagship of a Yokosuka-based carrier strike group. Col. Richard Rusnok escorts his wife, Kara Rusnok, back to her seat after relinquishing command of Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, July 2, 2025. (Janiqua Robinson/Stars and Stripes) Col. Kenneth Rossman gives his first speech as commander of Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, July 2, 2025. (Janiqua Robinson/Stars and Stripes) The air station is also home to Marine Aircraft Group 12 two squadrons of F-35B Lightning II stealth fighters, one air refueler squadron and two support squadrons. The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Forces Fleet Air Wing 31, which includes reconnaissance and rescue squadrons, is also based there. This is the best kept secret in the Marine Corps, Wolford told the crowd. Turning to Rusnok, he added: Im going to simply say job well done to you and your family. I know its a bittersweet day for you as you head out, but its time to go, all right? Rusnok, also from Pennsylvania, heads next to Washington, D.C., where he will serve in the office of the Marine Corps deputy commandant for aviation. He had led MCAS Iwakuni since June 2022. I know youll go off and do good things there in the Pentagon, but you can be very proud of what your Marines and sailors have done and all the partners here, Wolford said. Col. Richard Rusnok speaks to Marines after relinquishing command of Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, July 2, 2025. (Janiqua Robinson/Stars and Stripes) In his remarks, Rusnok thanked Iwakuni city Mayor Yoshihiko Fukuda, the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force, and other local partners the base works with regularly. I leave here knowing I have some incredible friends that might wear different camouflage than I do but have the same fabric and heart in everything they do, he said. During Rusnoks command, MCAS Iwakuni supported the 2023 G-7 Summit, hosted eight squadrons under the Marine Corps Unit Deployment Program, and oversaw four carrier air wing deployments, according to his Legion of Merit citation. The wing also transitioned from F/A-18 Hornets and C-2 Greyhounds to F-35C Lightning II fighters and CMV-22B Ospreys. To the Rossman family, its going to a be an awesome ride, Rusnok said. Its the best ride, and you dont even have to buy a ticket. So love it, every day. Its the best place to serve. Col. Richard Rusnok, right, congratulates Col. Kenneth Rossman during their change-of-command ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, July 2, 2025. (Janiqua Robinson/Stars and Stripes) Rossman, a graduate of Clarion University of Pennsylvania and the U.S. Naval War College, was commissioned in December 2001. Since May 2004, he has logged more than 2,600 flight hours in the CH-53D/E Sea Stallion and MV-22 Osprey, according to his official biography. His past assignments include staff roles at Headquarters Marine Corps, U.S. Central Command and the Joint Staff, his bio states. Once again, if I wasnt sure that I had big shoes to fill, I have big shoes to fill, Rossman said, adding that Rusnok has done a fabulous job here and its going to be a tough act to follow for sure. The Moon seen from Camp Guernsey Joint Training Center in Wyoming, April 9, 2025. Startup Atomic-6, which said Wednesday it won a Space Force contract relating to solar tech that could potentially power spacecraft, aims to put a solar array on the moon. (Hunter Kirkland/U.S. Air Force) (Tribune News Service) Technology created by an Atlanta-area startup could soon be orbiting the Earth on a satellite or planted on the south pole of the moon to help make it potentially habitable for humans. And the federal government is helping make that happen. Atomic-6, based in Marietta, Ga., makes lightweight structures for extreme environments used primarily by the aerospace and defense industries. It received a $2 million contract from the U.S. Space Force, the company announced Wednesday. The contract will help Atomic-6 complete flight qualification testing of its Light Wing product, which is a solar array that can transform the suns energy into power for spacecraft. The things that we are making are for new private space stations and also new satellite systems, as well as infrastructure on the moon, Trevor Smith, founder and CEO of Atomic-6, told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The array is essentially like a solar panel on Earth, but instead of being a stiff fixture mounted on a roof or other structure, it is a series of flexible carbon fiber panels attached to a tube that can furl and unfurl like a party noisemaker. The panels fold like an accordion when not deployed. The Light Wings seemingly simple mechanics belie its role powering technology of the future. One of Atomic-6s clients plans to put the array on a satellite data center slated to launch into space in early 2027. The startup is also working to get a 150-foot-tall Light Wing array on the moons south pole that could help power mining missions or human habitation, Smith said. But before that can happen, the Light Wing has to go through flight qualification, which essentially puts the technology through tests here on Earth to mimic what it will go through mounted on a rocket, hurtling through extreme temperatures or operating in the vacuum of space, according to Smith. The testing takes, on average, 12 to 18 months, he said. In all, Smith said Atomic-6 has received more than $12 million in research contracts from the Department of Defense for Light Wing and its other product, a type of armor for spacecraft. It can protect against small debris traveling at Mach 21 thats 21 times the speed of sound, or the speed to get from Atlanta to Los Angeles in under 10 minutes. In addition to the funding, Atomic-6 announced Chris Hadfield, the retired Canadian astronaut and former commander of the International Space Station, who went viral for singing and playing guitar while aboard the spacecraft, has joined the companys advisory board. 2025 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Visit at ajc.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. (James Vestal/Stars and Stripes) Yongsan Garrison, South Korea, December 1961: Chi Jung Kim (right), carpenter shop supervisor and S/Sgt. Dell E. Carter, non-commissioned officer in charge at the Eight Army Training Aids Center finish the build of a grenade mock-up, showing the inside workings of a hand grenade. The center provides any equipment or device needed as training aid for military classes throughout the United Nations Command. Most of the items anything from lecterns and pointers to hurdles for sentry dog training and even a fake human arm with blood for medic training - are stocked in the Yongsan warehouse. Regular shipments from the Naval Training Devices Center and the Department of the Army take care of some of the supplies, but many of the items such as the fake arm are constructed by local Korean members of the center themselves. The unit is run by two officers, and they are the only military personnel in the outfit. Pictured here is a scan of the original 1961 print created by Stars and Stripes Pacifics photo department to run in the print newspaper. The red marks indicate the crop lines. Only the middle part of the image would appear in the newspaper. As the vast majority of pre-1964 Stars and Stripes Pacific negatives and slides were unwittingly destroyed by poor temporary storage in 1963, the prints developed from the late 1940s through 1963 are the only images left of Stripes news photography from those decades with the exception the negatives of some 190 pre-1964 photo assignment found recently. Stars and Stripes archives team is scanning these prints and negatives to ensure their preservation. From left to right: Air Force Staff Sgt. Henry Gerald Gish, of Pennsylvania; Tech. Sgt. Donald Kennebunk Springsteadah, of New Jersey; and Tech. Sgt. Willis Rozelle Hall, of Florida. (Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency) The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency has identified the remains of three airmen killed in action in Laos in 1968 when their secret mountaintop radar site was overrun by North Vietnamese commandos. The airmen, serving with Detachment 1, 1043rd Radar Evaluation Squadron, were among 19 men stationed atop a 5,600-foot peak in a tactical air navigation radar site known as Lima Site 85. The clandestine site was used to help American B-52 bombers navigate to their targets. The men, officially accounted for on June 23, are Tech. Sgt. Donald Kennebunk Springsteadah, of New Jersey; Staff Sgt. Henry Gerald Gish, of Pennsylvania; and Tech. Sgt. Willis Rozelle Hall, of Florida. DPAA has identified seven service members missing from the Vietnam War since Oct. 1. About 1,570 service members remain unaccounted for from that 10-year conflict, with the remains of more than 280 of them believed to be in Laos, the agency told Stars and Stripes earlier this year. The United States secretly set up Lima Site 85, or LS 85, in the fall of 1967, according to an online article by the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. The location of LS 85 created complicated military and political problems, the article states. It was only 15 miles away from the border with North Vietnam and was surrounded by numerous communist troops. Moreover, the U.S. could not legally have an overt military presence because of official Laotian neutrality. The top-secret radar program conducted there was manned by hand-picked, volunteer USAF technicians who were sheep dipped, a descriptor for airmen who had officially left the Air Force and became civilians but remained under Air Force command, the article states. When the mission was over, they were to be reinstated in the Air Force with no loss of rank or pay, the article states. Despite the sites secrecy, North Vietnam military leaders recognized within months that the radar complex was contributing greatly to devastating bombing runs over North Vietnam and Laos. On the night of March 10, 1968, commandos scaled the cliffs and overran LS 85, the article states. Springsteadah, Gish, Hall and 16 other men were manning the site as the commandos commenced an assault with grenades and mortars early on March 11, DPAA said in a narrative of the loss posted on its website. The airmen who survived the initial attack made their way to a narrow ledge overlooking the valley below. There they fended off small arms fire and grenade attacks. A few hours later, U.S. helicopters arrived and rescued eight men while covered by an A-1 Skyraider attack plane. Eleven Americans were killed in action, but their remains were unrecoverable, DPAA said. Springsteadah, Gish and Hall were among them. DPAA personnel and members of partner organizations discovered remains near the site in 2023 and 2025 that were recovered and brought to the forensic lab in Hawaii. A drawing depicts a planned office complex for Yonaguni, a Japanese island near Taiwan, that will include a bomb shelter able to host up to 200 people during a military attack. (Japan Cabinet Secretariat) Japan plans to build an underground bomb shelter on its westernmost island thats capable of housing up to 200 people in the event of a military attack or natural disaster. The 23,680-square-foot shelter will be constructed beneath a new town hall in Yonaguni just 67 miles east of Taiwan and is scheduled for completion by March 31, 2028. Construction is set to begin in fiscal 2026, which starts April 1, according to a town spokesman, who spoke by phone Monday on condition of anonymity in line with Japanese government rules. It is not something special that will need special stairs or elevators, he said. It will be an open space that usually will be used as underground parking just a floor in the basement. The spokesman did not provide a cost estimate for the project. The shelter will serve as a safe haven for up to two weeks for residents who are unable to evacuate in an emergency, as well as for officials assisting with evacuations. It will be equipped with toilets, showers and a kitchen and may also be used during natural disasters, according to a facility plan released in May on the towns website. The shelter will be the first of five planned across the Sakishima island chain in Okinawa prefecture, according to documents from a June 18 meeting posted on the Japanese Cabinet Secretariats website. The government plans to fund 90% of the construction costs for shelters in Yonaguni, Ishigaki and Miyakojima, according to the document. While plans are also in place for Taketomi town and Tarama village, the timelines for those projects remain unclear. Though the documents do not reference a specific threat, the shelter effort comes amid growing concerns over a potential conflict in the Taiwan Strait. U.S. and Japanese military planners consider the Sakishima islands at risk of becoming a flashpoint if China moves to take control of Taiwan, which it claims as its own territory. China is expected to apply stronger coercive pressure against Taiwan this year in pursuit of its political unification goals, according to a March report from the U.S. Director of National Intelligence. In March, Japan also updated an emergency evacuation plan for the Sakishima islands, which are home to 110,000 people and may host up to 10,000 tourists. The plan calls for relocating up to 120,000 people to 32 municipalities in southern Japan in the event of a military attack. Japan plans to study the wide-area evacuation and acceptance of residents, including those in the southwestern region and will compile guidelines by March 2027, the Cabinet Secretariat document states. BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 2. The Russian side's remarks regarding the measures taken by Azerbaijan at the Sputnik-Azerbaijan office are unfounded, the statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in connection with the summoning of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to the Republic of Azerbaijan Mikhail Yevdokimov to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on July 2, 2025, Trend reports. The Azerbaijani side also rejected Russias objections regarding recent measures taken with respect to the Sputnik Azerbaijan office, stating that all actions were carried out in full compliance with Azerbaijani legislation and that an official investigation is currently underway. A fire and clashes erupt at Tehran's notorious Evin prison, as the protest movement sparked by Mahsa Amini's death in custody entered a fifth week, Oct. 16, 2022 in Tehran, Iran. The facility in northern Tehran is infamous for the ill-treatment of political prisoners and also holds foreign detainees. (Salampix/Abaca/Zuma Press/TNS) (Tribune News Service) Israel urged China to use its economic and political sway to rein in Irans military and nuclear ambitions. China is the only one capable of influencing Iran, Ravit Baer, Israels Consul General in Shanghai, told reporters on Tuesday in the city. Iran would collapse if China didnt buy its oil. Baers remarks come with Israel-China relations under strain because of the Jewish states war in Gaza and last months attacks on Iran, a key Middle Eastern partner of Beijing. During Israel and Irans 12-day war, the Islamic Republics military and nuclear sites were significantly damaged and several top army commanders and atomic scientists were killed. The U.S. brokered a ceasefire that began last week, though Tehrans voiced skepticism about the durability of the truce and said its prepared to retaliate against any renewed aggression from Israel. China and Russia Irans main partners among world powers both condemned Israels strikes, but did little to support Tehran. Beijing has also consistently called for Israel to end its conflict in Gaza against Hamas and take steps toward a two-state solution for the Palestinians, something Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says would threaten his countrys security. China buys around 90% of Irans oil exports of roughly 1.7 million barrels a day. In addition, Beijing signed a strategic partnership in 2021 outlining $400 billion of potential Chinese investments over 25 years in Iran. They can pressure Iran, they have political power over Iran, they can help change its maligned activities in the region, she said. There are many things China can do. Still, theres little evidence China would be able to sway Iran significantly with regards to military and nuclear strategy. While Tehran has built deeper ties in recent years with Beijing and Moscow, its always pushed back against the prospect of foreign interference in key policy decisions. Moreover, Chinese President Xi Jinping will likely prefer to focus on economic ties when it comes to relations with Iran. I dont think China is interested in being a mediator between Israel and Iran, Baer said. Being a mediator is a big responsibility, requires lots of money and hard decisions. She added that Israels relations with China the Jewish states biggest trading partner after the U.S. havent significantly deteriorated despite the conflicts since 2023. Were still having good conversations, she said. Even if we disagree politically, it doesnt mean you cannot cooperate. With assistance from Colum Murphy. 2025 Bloomberg L.P. Visit bloomberg.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Joseph Giordano smiles for a portait in 2006. Giordano, the former head of surgery and director of the trauma center at George Washington University Hospital, helped perform lifesaving measures on President Ronald Reagan after he was shot during an assassination attempt in 1981. (Robert Reeder/The Washington Post) Joseph Giordano, the former head of surgery and director of the trauma center at George Washington University Hospital who helped perform lifesaving measures on President Ronald Reagan after he was shot during an assassination attempt in 1981, died June 24, two days after his 84th birthday. He died at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital of complications from an infection, said his son Christopher Giordano. Dr. Giordano, a vascular surgeon who had previously worked at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, joined the staff at GW Hospital in 1976. One of his first responsibilities was to revamp the hospitals emergency department. You dont know how bad the system was in the 1970s, he told The Washington Post in 2012. There was no 911. There were no trained ambulances. There was nothing. Drawing on his experience as an Army doctor and from studying other hospitals, including the University of Marylands Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore, Dr. Giordano organized a new trauma unit at GW Hospital. He oversaw everything from facilities and equipment to ambulance services to staffing and, perhaps most important, procedures to be followed by emergency medical teams. In 1979, the American College of Surgeons certified the unit as a Level I trauma center, providing the highest level of surgical care to trauma patients. That preparation proved to be crucial when the hospital received perhaps its most urgent case on the afternoon of March 30, 1981. After addressing labor groups, Reagan was leaving the Washington Hilton near Dupont Circle at about 2:30 p.m. when six shots were fired in sudden succession. Several people were wounded and fell to the sidewalk. It was unclear if Reagan had been struck, but Secret Service agent Jerry Parr pushed him into the presidential limousine and climbed in the back seat with him. Reagan complained of a pain in his chest and had blood on his lips. Parr then ordered the limousine to proceed to GW Hospital instead of returning to the White House. Less than 10 minutes later, Reagan walked into the emergency room under his own power before falling to the floor. Dr. Giordano was with patients in another part of the hospital when a message went out on the intercom, asking him to report immediately to the trauma unit. Reagan was lying on gurney when Dr. Giordano first saw him. How are you doing, Mr. President? he asked, according to journalist Del Quentin Wilbers Rawhide Down, a book about the shooting. Im having trouble breathing, Reagan replied. When first lady Nancy Reagan was brought into the emergency room by Secret Service agents to see her husband, the onetime Hollywood actor tried to make light of the shooting, saying, I forgot to duck. Working quickly to stabilize the presidents deteriorating condition, Dr. Giordano made an incision in Reagans midsection and inserted a plastic tube, which immediately filled from internal bleeding. He was seriously injured, Dr. Giordano told a GWU publication in 1981. I think he was close to dying. He determined that the bleeding was the result of a gunshot wound and asked a colleague, cardiac and thoracic surgeon Benjamin Aaron, to help find the bullet. Before he was given anesthesia, Reagan quipped to the doctors surrounding him, Please tell me youre all Republicans. Today, were all Republicans, Mr. President, Dr. Giordano said. Aaron opened Reagans chest and searched in vain for the bullet. An X-ray showed that it was flattened and was lodged less than an inch from the heart. It was later determined that the shot from the .22-caliber pistol of assailant John W. Hinckley Jr. had ricocheted off the presidential limousine and entered Reagans body under his left arm. Aaron removed the bullet from Reagans lung, and the surgery was over in two hours. From the time of the shooting, Reagan had lost almost half his blood. He spent 11 days in the hospital and made a full recovery. Anton Sidawy, Dr. Giordanos successor as the GW Hospitals chief of surgery and the president-elect of the American College of Surgeons, described Dr. Giordanos role in Reagans emergency treatment as like a maestro. He was taking the measure of the patients injuries, keeping him alive and calling on the experts for surgery and other needs. Two other victims of the shooting were brought to GW Hospital that day. Secret Service agent Timothy McCarthy, who was shot in the abdomen, and White House press secretary James S. Brady, who was shot in the head, were treated by other surgical units. D.C. police officer Thomas K. Delahanty, who was shot in the neck during the attack, was taken to Washington Hospital Center. All three survived, but Brady had lifelong aftereffects from his wounds and became an advocate for stricter gun safety laws before his death in 2014. A jury in 1982 found Hinckley not guilty by reason of insanity, and he was confined at a St. Elizabeths, a psychiatric hospital in Washington, until his unconditional release in 2022. Dr. Giordano and other members of the GW medical team were often praised as heroes for saving the presidents life. The real hero of the day was actually Jerry Parr, the special agent in charge of security, Dr. Giordano told an alumni publication of the former Jefferson Medical College, his alma mater. His decision to bring the president straight to the hospital rather than stopping at the White House - which his motorcade almost did - is the reason the president survived. Jesuit schooling, humanitarian concern Joseph Martin Giordano, one of two children, was born June 22, 1941, in Jersey City and grew up in the nearby New Jersey communities of Union City and Fort Lee. His father, the son of Italian immigrants, owned a milk delivery service. His mother did office work and helped manage the home. Dr. Giordano took a bus into Manhattan each day to attend Xavier High School, a Jesuit boys school. He played the clarinet in dance bands and performed professionally in his teens. He was the first person in his family to attend college, graduating from Georgetown University in 1961. He received his medical degree in 1967 from Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia (now Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University). During medical school and his residencies in Hartford, GW Hospital and the old D.C. General Hospital, Dr. Giordano went on humanitarian medical missions to Haiti and Honduras. He worked at Walter Reed from 1973 to 1976. In addition to organizing the trauma center at GW Hospital, Dr. Giordano launched a mobile medical unit that provided mammograms to underserved parts of the District. He wrote hundreds of medical papers, led GWs surgery department for 18 years and taught hundreds of medical students and residents. When youre a surgeon, Sidawy said, you teach when youre doing rounds, when you go into the operating room. This is what he loved most. After retiring in 2010, Dr. Giordano joined the board of Partner for Surgery, a McLean, Virginia-based organization that provides surgical care to thousands of people in rural Guatemala. The groups founder, Frank Peterson, said Dr. Giordano recruited volunteer surgical teams and helped establish the methods of treatment and care. GWU presents an annual award named for Dr. Giordano to a medical student or resident who exemplifies his humanistic interests. Reagan often cited Dr. Giordanos personal story, as a milkmans son who became a surgeon, as the embodiment of the American Dream. The two men had a long correspondence after Reagans stay at the hospital, but Dr. Giordano noted that he was a liberal Democrat who opposed the Reagan administrations cuts to programs that benefited students and the poor. Most of the programs that helped me and most people for the last 40 or 50 years, he said in 1984, were enacted by Democrats, and I think we ought to remember that. That year, he endorsed Reagans primary opponent, former vice president Walter Mondale, who lost in a landslide. Survivors include his wife of 51 years, the former Orfa Munoz, of Washington; three sons, Christopher, Andrew and Michael; and eight grandchildren. Dr. Giordano recognized that he would always be linked with helping Reagan recover from a near-assassination, and Im glad I was there to help, he said in 2012. But all over the world, there are countless people in need, and Id like to be remembered for improving healthcare access and delivery for as many patients as possible. Army soldiers march along the streets of Washington on June 14, 2025. (Gianna Gronowski/Stars and Stripes) WASHINGTON All service members would wear combat boots manufactured entirely in America and made with U.S.-sourced materials under a new bill introduced by a bipartisan group of lawmakers. The legislation aims to ensure troops are equipped with high-quality, safe and reliable footwear and seeks to reduce reliance on foreign supply chains that have flooded the market with cheap, imported boots. Defense Department regulations now allow troops to purchase foreign-made boots that have the appearance of regulation boots but fall far short in quality and durability, according to lawmakers. Ensuring our militarys readiness means every part of our service members uniforms must be functional, reliable and safe and that we can surge supplies in crisis or conflict, said Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., an Army combat veteran. Rep. Nikki Budzinski, D-Ill., said a military boot manufacturer in her district Belleville Boots has faced unfair competition from countries such as China, undercutting jobs and posing a threat to national security. This legislation will safeguard our service members while supporting good-paying manufacturing jobs in Belleville and across the country, she said. The Better Outfitting Our Troops, or BOOTS, Act mandates all boots worn by troops, including optional boots that serve as alternatives to the militarys standard-issue boot, are 100% made and sourced in the United States or are compliant with the Berry Amendment. The amendment requires the Pentagon to give purchasing preference to clothing produced in the United States. Bill McCann, the executive director of the U.S. Footwear Manufacturers Association, said the introduced legislation closes a gap in the Berry Amendment by requiring all military footwear sold through Defense Department exchanges to be domestically sourced. Alarmingly, up to 50% of our service members currently wear foreign-made optional boots, primarily from China and Vietnam, while on duty, McCann wrote in a letter to President Donald Trump in May. Lawmakers said the influx of foreign-made boots has led to a decrease in quality and undermined the domestic defense supply chain to the point that it would be too fragile to meet demand in the event of a major conflict. The Pentagon is orienting itself to counter Chinese aggression in the Indo-Pacific region and expects Beijing to potentially use military force to bring Taiwan under its control. This bipartisan bill would help avoid supply disruptions in times of crisis, create more jobs and investment domestically and better outfit our nations troops, said Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine. Sponsors of the bill include Duckworth, Collins and Sen. Angus King, I-Maine, as well as Budzinski, and Reps. Mike Bost, R-Ill., and Jared Golden, D-Maine. Golden, a Marine Corps veteran who completed two combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, said the legislation was good for service members, jobs and domestic manufacturing. American warfighters should be supplied American gear, he said, including footwear. Sgt. 1st Class Andres Agag with the California Army National Guard pushes against the shields of other unit members while playing the role of an aggressive demonstrator during riot and crowd-control training on June 22, 2025, at Joint Forces Training Base, Calif. (National Guard photo) Roughly 150 California National Guard troops working in Los Angeles for more than three weeks guarding federal property from immigration protesters and providing protection to federal agents making arrests have been reassigned to help prepare for wildfire season. The troops were among more than 4,000 Guard members and 700 active-duty Marines sent to the city by President Donald Trump as immigration-related protests in early June swelled near a federal building in the downtown area. Trump authorized the deployment for 60 days. Gov. Gavin Newsom fought with Trump over deploying the troops, arguing state and local law enforcement could handle the protests. He said Tuesday that getting the Guard troops back was critical to get wildfire prevention projects moving again. These men and women signed up to serve not to be Trumps political props. Letting a few of them return to fight fires is a step in the right direction, but thousands of soldiers are still being blocked from their real work as police officers, paramedics, summer schoolteachers and public servants. Its time to send them all home, Newsom said in a statement. The small reduction in Guard troops came at the recommendation of Air Force Gen. Gregory Guillot, commander of U.S. Northern Command, and was approved by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, according to NORTHCOM, the joint command overseeing the L.A. mission. The 4,000 Guard troops and 700 Marines on duty leave the mission appropriately sourced, NORTHCOM said. The Marines are primarily protecting federal buildings, though the command declined to say how many. The Guard troops are protecting federal law enforcement agents as they conduct arrests throughout the city by creating a security perimeter. The command did not say how frequently this work is carried out. The Marines originally sent to Los Angeles were troops from 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment out of Twentynine Palms a Marine Corps base about 140 miles east of the city. They have since been replaced by the same number of troops from 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, according to Army North, the headquarters managing the on-the-ground operations of the federal mission. The troops of 2nd Battalion were needed to prepare for an upcoming deployment to the Pacific, according to the 1st Marine Division. The National Guard troops relieved from the mission are full-time wildland firefighters with a specialized crew that partners with state firefighters to battle blazes and to serve in prevention efforts such as clearing brush and cutting fire lines, according to the California Military Department. More than half of that team was diverted to Los Angeles, Newsom said. Another roughly 140 Guard troops diverted to the L.A. mission came from a counterdrug task force working at ports of entry and across the state to combat transnational criminal activity and seize illegal drugs, Newsom said. The jobs of other California Guard members still working in Los Angeles include 385 medical personnel and first responders, 355 law enforcement officers, 158 civil servants, 158 educators and teachers, and 97 agricultural workers, according to the governors office. BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 2. We expect Russia to identify and bring to justice those responsible for the crash of the Azerbaijan Airlines plane," the statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in connection with the summoning of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to the Republic of Azerbaijan Mikhail Yevdokimov to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on July 2, 2025, Trend reports. The statement went on to recall that tensions in bilateral relations have been growing since the downing of an Azerbaijan Airlines aircraft in Russian airspace late last year. The failure to take necessary steps in response, attempts to distort the actual circumstances, and an ongoing disinformation campaign against Azerbaijan in Russian media, including by certain officials and media representatives, were described as unacceptable. It was emphasized that Azerbaijan expects Russia to conduct a full and transparent investigation into this tragedy, identify and prosecute those responsible, and provide compensation to the victims. It stressed that these steps are critical for easing the negative atmosphere in bilateral relations,'' the information notes. Ms Hands side claimed that evidence sworn by Ms OReilly and her partner Steven Cummins was lies Judges hearing Conor McGregors civil rape appeal are to refer papers to the Director of Public Prosecutions amid accusations of perjury by two intended witnesses. The decision was made following an application from counsel for Nikita Hand, the Dublin hair colourist who won her case against McGregor last year and was awarded 250,000 in damages. A key part of McGregors appeal was an application to enter new evidence from former neighbours of Ms Hand, which suggested she was assaulted by her then partner just hours after she says she was raped by the mixed martial arts fighter in a Dublin hotel in 2018. But that application was dramatically withdrawn by McGregors counsel Mark Mulholland KC, when the appeal hearing started yesterday. Mr Mulholland cited difficulty admitting evidence from a pathologist that would corroborate an account given by one of the former neighbours, Samantha OReilly. This, he said, made the ground of appeal unsustainable. However, Ms Hands side claimed the reason for the withdrawal of the claims had been dressed up and that it was actually being conceded that evidence sworn by Ms OReilly and her partner Steven Cummins was lies, as Ms Hand had said. John Gordon SC, for Ms Hand, yesterday said the matter should be referred to the DPP for perjury by the witnesses, as well as subornation of perjury by McGregor. He made a formal application in this regard to the court today after the three-judge panel had concluded hearing appeals from McGregor and his friend James Lawrence. Mr Gordon handed in material to the court which he had intended to cross examine Ms OReilly on. He said the part of the appeal withdrawn by McGregor was not just an attempt to introduce further evidence, but was designed to undermine Ms Hand's reputation. Nikita Hand (Niall Carson/PA Wire) Mr Gordon said his client had put in a sworn statement in reply, in which she had called it out as lies. The withdrawal of the application had prevented her from calling out highly disparaging and unfair criticism in court. Mr Gordon said the court had broad discretion to add terms to its order allowing the withdrawal of the application. He also said the matter was relevant to the issue of costs. The barrister said the court should refer matter to the DPP to show its concern about the apparent abuse of its processes. Mr Mulholland had objected to the issue being raised, saying Mr Gordon could take it up elsewhere and that it would be inappropriate for him to get material on the record and in the media under the cloak of privilege. However, Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy said the court intended to refer the matter to the DPP. She said the parties would be informed in due course what material the judges intended to refer. Ms Justice Kennedy said the court would make a decision on the costs of the withdrawn application when it delivers its judgment on McGregors appeal. McGregors side had intended to introduce the evidence of Ms OReilly, a carer, and Mr Cummins, a plumber, to provide an alternative explanation for extensive bruising Ms Hand said was inflicted by McGregor. The couple previously lived directly across the road from Ms Hand in a Drimnagh cul de sac. Ms OReilly had claimed in an affidavit that she was woken on the night of December 9, 2018 the night Ms Hand returned home from her encounter with McGregor in the Beacon Hotel by the sound of screaming and shouting from Ms Hands house across the road. She said that looking from her window she could see Ms Hands then partner, Stephen Ste Redmond, moving his arms up and down as if he was hitting Nikita. I also saw him moving his hips in a way that indicated to me that he was kicking her, she claimed. Mr Cummins said he did not see the alleged row but heard it. He said he didnt want to get involved as it was none of our business. In an affidavit, Ms Hand dismiss this account, saying Mr Redmond had not assaulted her that night or ever during their relationship. James Lawrence Earlier today, a lawyer for James Lawrence, a friend of McGregor, argued that Ms Hand should pay his clients legal costs after a High Court jury found he did not assault her. Ms Hands civil actions against McGregor and Lawrence alleged both men raped her at the Beacon Hotel in Dublin in December 2018. While the civil jury found in her favour in November last year in her case against McGregor, it answered no to the question Did James Lawrence assault Nikita Hand? However, the trial judge subsequently ruled it would be inappropriate to award costs to Mr Lawrence. Mr Justice Alexander Owens said both McGregor and Lawrence acted in "lockstep" in their defence of the actions. He said it was perfectly obvious from the jury's finding that they rejected the evidence of both men. While Lawrence was entirely successful in defending the action against him, he did not succeed for the reasons he put forward in his defence, the judge reasoned. Lawrence claimed to have witnessed McGregor and Ms Hand having consensual sex. He also claimed he had consensual sex with Ms Hand later that afternoon. Ms Hand said she was violently raped by McGregor and that she had no memory of having sexual relations with Lawrence. Nikita Hand and James Lawrence In the witness box, she said she did not believe Lawrence had raped her. She only became aware he was claiming they had sex when informed of this by gardai weeks after the event. In the Court of Appeal today, John Fitzgerald SC, for Lawrence, said it was a well established principle that costs follow the event unless the court orders otherwise given the particular circumstances of the case. Mr Fitzgerald said the law was slightly unclear as to the statutory basis for costs awards in jury cases, but if there was anything that could be derived from it was that the principle of costs following the event has a particular resonance in jury actions. The barrister said jury secrecy was well established. Juries must be allowed to deliberate in secret and there was very limited scope for judges to be allowed to interpret a verdict, he said. Mr Fitzgerald said there were only rare cases where a judge could interpret or go behind the verdict of a jury. He argued that Mr Justice Owens should have put a further question on the issue paper given to the jury regarding whether Lawrence had sex with Ms Hand. The barrister also argued it was difficult to see how the judges interpretation of the verdict was arrived at. He said the trial judge had said that if there was collusion between McGregor and Lawrence, the jury was entitled to award aggravated or exemplary damages. However, it did not to do so, he said. He was speaking during the second day of appeal hearings in relation to the case. Ray Boland SC, for Ms Hand, argued that Lawrence did not incur any costs as they were covered by McGregor. Both men were represented by the same law firm and filed a common defence, he said. Mr Boland said Mr Fitzgerald was speculating on the reasoning of the jury in not awarding aggravated or exemplary damages, and this was not permitted. He also argued that if Lawrence was awarded his costs, it was likely these would exceed the award made to Ms Hand. Mr Boland said Ms Hands costs in the case were 1.3m. McGregor was ordered to pay her costs by the High Court last January. However, it ordered that just 200,000 in costs and 100,000 of the award be paid over initially, pending the outcome of the appeals. Mary Bernie (87), known as Peg, died from her injuries three days after Aaron Gumble knocked her down A repeat offender jailed for killing a grandmother in an e-scooter hit-and-run in Dublin in 2023 was spared extra jail time for theft and burglary crimes carried out two years before the fatal incident. Mary Bernie (87), known as Peg, died from her injuries three days after Aaron Gumble knocked her down with a stolen e-scooter at Eccles Street, Dublin 7. He had been on bail for theft offences at the time, and was jailed for six and a half years last year and disqualified from driving for 10 years. In that case, he pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing death on June 20, 2023, leaving the scene and theft of an e-scooter from the underground car park of the Mater Public Hospital. Aaron Gumble and Mary Bernie In his latest case to be finalised, Gumble, 29, of Drumalee Park, North Circular Road, Dublin 7, pleaded guilty on Wednesday to incidents in central Dublin on July 21 and September 6, 2021. Dublin District Court heard that during the first incident at an Ellis Quay apartment block at 11.39 pm, Gumble opened a door with a kick. He forcibly opened a second door leading into a courtyard where CCTV filmed him trying to enter the underground car park, but he failed to get in and left the scene. The court heard on the second date at 11.45 pm that a resident returned to his city centre apartment and found his 750 bicycle, which had two locks attached, was missing. One lock was still attached to a rack, and the other was broken on the ground. The bicycle was taken and never recovered. Judge Treasa Kelly noted his 144 prior convictions included vehicle theft, burglaries, attempted theft, theft, and trespass, but he had received a lengthy sentence last year for the dangerous driving causing death incident. Aaron Gumble Today's News in 90 Seconds - July 2nd Pleading for leniency, defence solicitor Aoife McTaggart acknowledged her clients appalling record; however, she stressed the charges before the court went back a few years, when a younger Gumble was less wise. She asked the judge to consider that her client pleaded guilty without waiting for disclosure of evidence and to give him credit. Since going into custody, he has made great efforts in Mountjoy Prison, where he ended up in the progression unit and has been an enhanced prisoner, taking course after course. The solicitor added that he was also drug-free. Passing sentence, Judge Kelly noted the mitigating points raised, that he had turned a corner, and that he had already been serving a jail term for several years. She imposed a six-month concurrent sentence from Wednesday. Gumble stood silently throughout the hearing and spoke only to say, Thanks, judge at the end of the proceedings. Patrick Kelly (63) himself acknowledged in garda interview that this was a suicide mission and complete madness. A man who agreed to act as a drugs mule because he was so depressed by the fact that he couldnt afford to buy his grandchildren Christmas presents has been jailed for importing cannabis. Custom officers stopped Patrick Kelly (63) this January as he was coming through Dublin Airport as they thought he was acting suspicious and evasive. The luggage he was carrying was later searched and found to contain just under 20kg of cannabis, worth an estimated 398,680. Kelly himself acknowledged in garda interview that this was a suicide mission and complete madness. Kelly of Moneymore, Drogheda, County Louth, came forward to Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on signed pleas from the District Court. He pleaded guilty to importation of cannabis at Dublin Airport on January 12, 2025. He also admitted to having cannabis for sale or supply on the same date. cannabis stock image Today's News in 90 Seconds - July 2nd He has minor previous convictions for road traffic offences and has been on remand in custody since his arrest in January. Judge Orla Crowe said it was a very considerable amount of drugs and Kelly had taken a significant level of personal risk. She accepted he had acted as a drugs mule and acknowledged that he had financial difficulties at the time but commented that many others find themselves in similar financial circumstances and dont succumb to taking up such roles. She noted the impact drugs have on society and added that Kelly got involved for financial gain. Judge Crowe jailed Kelly for three years and backdated the offence to when he first went into custody. Antonia Boyle BL, prosecuting, said that Kelly told gardai in interview that since his retirement in November 2023 he had been living hand to mouth on his pension. He became very depressed around Christmas time, particularly because he had no money to get presents for his two grandchildren. Kelly said he was targeted by someone who knew of his financial situation and was offered money to take a suitcase from Thailand into Dublin. It was accepted by gardai that Kelly had been exploited and that he accepted himself in interview that what he had done was very wrong. Michael Hourigan SC, defending, said Kelly had started his working life in a bakery before moving to London for about 20 years where he worked in construction. He then returned to Ireland with his family. He worked for some time in a coal yard before he moved to work with Irish Rail. He remained with Irish Rail until his retirement in 2023. Counsel said someone known to Kelly was aware of his personal circumstances and invited him into the operation. Mr Hourigan said his client never asked for bail and co-operated with the garda investigation. Kelly is currently on an enhanced regime in prison. Counsel asked the court to accept that Kelly accepted responsibility from the very beginning. Judge Sarah Berkeley had stated in the Circuit Civil Court that 13-year-old Jessica Twamley had suffered a nasty injury when she touched a live wire A judge has approved a 15,000 settlement offer by a major data centre operator to a teenager who was electrocuted while taking TikTok videos in a derelict building the company owns near Lucan, Co Dublin. Judge Sarah Berkeley had stated in the Circuit Civil Court that 13-year-old Jessica Twamley had suffered a nasty injury when she touched a live wire hanging from a wall inside the unoccupied building at Newcastle Road, Lucan. Leaving a live connection to a derelict building near a residential area was extremely unsafe, Judge Berkeley said. Barrister James McConnon, counsel for Jessica, of Griffeen Glen Avenue, Lucan, told the court that Jessica and a number of friends had entered the grounds of the property through a hole in a perimeter fence on March 14, 2021. Mr McConnon, who appeared with Keans Solicitors, said that while in the building Jessica had touched an exposed electric wire with both hands and had been electrocuted, suffering injuries to both her hands. He said the grounds and building would have constituted an enticement to children to get inside. Jessica, who will be 18 on September 1st next, though shocked and injured, had managed to make her way home on foot, Mr McConnon said. She had sued EdgeConnex Ireland Limited, which has a registered address at South Bank House, Barron Street, Dublin 4, and also of Grange Castle Business Park, Old Nangor Road, Dublin, through her father Philip Twamley. Mr McConnon said EdgeConnex owned the property at Ballymakailey, Newcastle Road, Lucan, but he was unaware of the state of the premises at the moment. Mr Twamley, in written evidence, told the court the building had been unoccupied and derelict and his daughter and her friends had entered through a fence surrounding part of the premises. They had been engaged in taking TikTok videos at the time of the incident. He said that when Jessica had arrived home her mother could see that both her hands had been burned and she had called an ambulance. Jessica had been taken to Crumlin Childrens Hospital where she had been treated and detained for observation overnight. Mr McConnon said there were three medical reports before the court and EdgeConnex had initially proffered a settlement of 10,000 but had increased their offer to 15,000. He said Jessica had been left with marks to her hands which were viewed by Judge Berkeley. This young girl has suffered a nasty injury and she has a scar, Judge Berkeley said. Stock photo: Getty Today's News in 90 Seconds - July 2nd The mother-of-two and her unborn baby were killed on Saturday Man appears in court charged with the Murder of Sarah Montgomery A man has appeared in court charged with the murder of 27-year-old Sarah Montgomery in Co Down at the weekend. Zak Hughes (28), of Ardglen Place, Belfast, appeared at Newtownards Magistrates Court charged with Ms Montgomerys murder and destroying the life of her unborn child. Ms Montgomery, a mother-of-two who was heavily pregnant with her third child, died at a house in Donaghadee on Saturday. Dressed in prison-issue grey tracksuit and handcuffed in the dock, Hughes stared at the ground throughout the hearing. Sarah Montgomery (27) Asked if he understood the charges against him, he nodded. A police officer confirmed he could connect the defendant to the charge. Defence counsel for Hughes indicated there would be no bail application, and the defendant was remanded in custody. District Judge Conor Heaney adjourned the case until July 30 at Newtownards Magistrates Court. The defendant will not be required to attend. A fundraiser set up in memory of Ms Montgomery has raised more than 34,000. The organisers said that Ms Montgomerys wider family had been left bereft of the care and support she had provided. The statement added: Donations will not ease the pain that this family will have to live with forever but as a close knit community, we are keen to show them that they are so loved and supported at this sad time and in the days, months and years to come. Violence against women will not be tolerated in our community. We must stand together to ensure that this will never happens again. Today's News in 90 Seconds - July 2nd According to gardai, John Neary brandished the gun during the confrontation, though no weapon was recovered A young man was seen racking a handgun and pointing it at people during a violent clash between two factions in west Dublin, it is alleged. According to gardai, John Neary brandished the gun during the confrontation, though no weapon was recovered. He is facing a jury trial on weapons and public order charges after a judge ruled the case was too serious to be dealt with at district court level. Mr Neary (25), with an address at Fonthill Cottages, Clondalkin, appeared in Blanchardstown District Court charged with violent disorder and producing what appeared to be a handgun in the course of a dispute. A garda sergeant told Judge David McHugh the DPP consented to the case being heard in the district court, subject to the issue of jurisdiction being considered. Outlining the allegations, he said gardai were called to an incident of violent disorder between factions at Greenfort Park, Clondalkin, on March 29, 2023. It was alleged the accused was seen in possession of a handgun, which he brandished. According to gardai, Mr Neary racked the gun and pointed it at three unknown males. Nobody was injured and no weapon was recovered No gun was recovered but there was CCTV evidence, the court heard. The sergeant said shots were fired by another male towards the other faction but nobody was injured and no weapon was recovered in relation to that either. Judge McHugh refused jurisdiction after hearing the summary of the prosecutions evidence. He adjourned the case to a date later this month for further DPP directions. Mr Neary, who has not yet entered pleas to the charges, was remanded on continuing bail. Stock image Today's News in 90 Seconds - July 2nd This was the second time Jason Flynn (46) had caused fire damage to the same house in Shankill, Dublin. A man who set fire to a car and the front door of a house containing five sleeping family members in an act of misplaced vengeance has been jailed for seven years. The family of five was only awakened by a neighbour who noticed the blaze in the early hours of the morning and they were lucky they were not killed in the December 2024 incident, Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard today. This was the second time Jason Flynn (46) had caused fire damage to the same house in Shankill, Dublin, with the court hearing he used to live in the house next door and set fire to that when he was evicted by the local council in 2001. The 2001 fire also caused damage to the house in the current case along with a third house, Garda Stephen Ryan told Karl Moran BL, prosecuting. Flynn, of Longford House, Spencer Dock, Dublin 1, pleaded guilty to one count of arson at an address in Shankill on December 5, 2024 and one count of possessing cannabis for sale or supply at his home on December 23, 2024. Gardai found the drugs, with a street value of just under 2,000, on his kitchen table when they came to arrest him for arson. Fire Flames inside the home. Today's News in 90 Seconds - July 1st He has 19 previous convictions including arson, assault causing serious harm and assault. A letter from Flynn outlining his motive for starting the fire was handed into court, but not read aloud. The court heard it related to a grievance he had with a previous occupant of the house. Defence counsel said Flynn had mental health issues and things went awry when he stopped taking his medication. The mother of the affected family read out her victim impact statement in court, outlining the upset and trauma they have all faced in the wake of the fire. She said she was always very fire and security conscious and had recently installed a new front door and new windows in her home. She said a fire officer later told her that the fire would have entered the house within five minutes if it hadn't been for the new door. A five-year-old grandson was staying with another family member that night and the woman said they often think about how he could have woken up the following morning to find that every member of his maternal family including his mother was dead. She said that having lived in the house next door for some years, Flynn would have been aware that the family would have to walk past the source of the fire to escape from the terraced house. She felt Flynn meant to cause them great harm, she said. Although he had lived next door to them and he had caused fire damage to the house when her elderly parents were living there, she said she had not seen him since 2001 and had no issue with him. CCTV footage played in court showed Flynn approaching the house at 2.45am on the night in question and setting the car in the driveway alright at both the front and rear. He then walked away and surveyed the scene before returning to the front door where he set a Christmas wreath ablaze. A neighbour phoned the occupants about 15 minutes after it had started to alert them. The car exploded into flames and they had to walk past the alight front door to escape, getting out a back door. Flynn was easily identifiable to gardai from doorbell coverage of him setting fire to the Christmas wreath and when gardai went to arrest him on December 23, they found a bag of cannabis on his kitchen table with a street value of 1,999. Flynn said he was not drug dealing but was feeling generous and going to give it to his friends and not charge them money, the court heard. Defence counsel Michael Hourigan SC said Flynn had a difficult upbringing. There are associations he makes with that particular area and his childhood, he said of the house in Shankill. He said Flynn's partner was in court to support him. Sentencing Flynn today, Judge Martin Nolan noted Flynn drove 19 kilometres from his home that night to the Shankill address to start the fire with malice and forethought. There was a chance that if the neighbours hadn't notice the fire, the fire would have eventually penetrated the door, entered the house and much more serious consequences could have occurred, the judge said. He said Flynn set fire to the house in an act of misplaced vengeance towards the house. The problem with fire is once it's started, no one knows where it ends up, the judge said. People could have died on this particular night. Judge Nolan set a headline sentence of 10 to 12 years and then reduced it to seven years, taking into account the fact that Flynn's guilty pleas were signed guilty pleas from the District Court. It must be very strange to her that he is not going into prison, the judge said A man who dragged a visually impaired child away from her mother has been given a suspended sentence. Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard that Stephan Obelngoa (24) of Deerpark Road, Tallaght, Dublin 24, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm, assault of a peace officer and resisting arrest at The Square, Tallaght. Dublin, on October 2, 2023. He has six previous convictions and was on bail at the time of this offence. Judge Sinead Ni Chulachain handed down a one year prison sentence but suspended it in full on strict conditions. Obelngoa was suffering from a mental illness at the time and had not been taking his medication, the court heard. Garda Sergeant Gemma Collins told Shaun Smyth, BL, prosecuting, that an 11-year-old girl, her mother and little brother were leaving the shopping centre on the day in question when they noticed a man later identified as Obelngoa. He was topless, and the mother described his movements as unnerving and said he seemed aggressive. The court heard the mother intended to walk on and avoid Obelngoa, but she suddenly noticed that her daughter had disappeared from her peripheral vision. Stephan Obelngoa The woman turned around and saw her visually impaired daughter being dragged away by Obelngoa. The little girl was screaming, crying and struggling to get away. The mother described her daughter as bouncing off the ground. Obelngoa then threw the girl into a concession stand. Gda Sgt Collins said two security guards immediately subdued Obelngoa. When gardai arrived, they found Obelngoa was shouting, roaring and aggressive as he was being restrained. He then spat a mixture of blood and saliva into the face of one of the gardai. As gardai were trying to place handcuffs on Obelngoa, he tried to bite them. Specialist gardai interviewed the young girl, and she described to them being dragged like a doll and being dragged on the floor. She said, I thought he was going to drag me away forever and would kidnap me. The girl was examined the following day by a doctor, and a medical report stated she suffered minor spinal soft tissue tenderness and abrasions. The court heard the young girl had trouble sleeping and was extremely anxious in public places like shopping centres afterwards. Gda Sgt Collins agreed with Ciara Ni Ghabhann BL, defending, that gardai were unable to interview her client after he was arrested, as he was made an involuntary patient in Tallaght Hospital, where he remained for a period of time. The garda agreed with counsel that CCTV footage obtained by the gardai shows that the incident lasted a matter of seconds. Stephan Obelngoa Today's News in 90 Seconds - July 2nd Ms Ni Ghabhann said her client suffers from schizophrenia and is given antipsychotic medication every three months. She said at the time of this incident, Obelngoa had been off his medications for six months and was self-medicating with cannabis. Counsel said her client is currently under the supervision of the Probation Services and has undertaken community response programmes. The Probation Services have said he is at low risk of reoffending. She said Obelngoa has written letters of apology to both the garda and the young girl in this case, outlining his sincere remorse. He does not have a clear memory of the incident, but when shown the CCTV footage, he was embarrassed. She asked the court to take into account that her client was quite young and had an acute mental health issue when this offence was committed. She said her client has taken steps to ensure that nothing like this will ever happen again. At a hearing last month Judge Ni Chulachain said, these are very serious offences, and adjourned the case for two weeks to consider her sentences and read all documents handed into court. In sentencing the judge noted that the injured party was walking past him with her mother when he threw her into a concession stand and had to be pepper sprayed. The judge asked Sgt Collins to explain to the injured party that we cant punish people for things that arent their own fault and that if he takes his medication - hes never going to come near her again. It must be very strange to her that he is not going into prison, the judge added. She said the onus was on the defence to establish their client was suffering from a mental illness and that she was satisfied they had done so. She noted he was unmedicated for six months and was displaying his genitalia in public while in hospital. Judge Ni Chulachain noted his mental state at the time but said it does not reduce all your culpability, she said. She said the appropriate sentence was 18 months but she had to take account of his guilty plea which saved the injured party giving evidence at her young age. The judge noted he was 24 and was in college but dropped out and was on bail for six offences but there was a positive probation report and he was at low risk of reoffending if he continued on the same path. She imposed one-year imprisonment term to run concurrently on each of the assault charges but in view of the effect prison would have on him, she suspended it for two years on strict conditions. BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 2. We are watching with great interest and joy the rapid development of Uzbekistan and the implementation of large-scale reforms across all areas. We are pleased to see Uzbekistans image on the international stage rising year by year, its economic potential growing, and many social issues being successfully addressed, said President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev during a joint press statement with President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Trend reports. All of this is the result of the well-thought-out policy of the President and leadership of Uzbekistan. It is reflected in concrete programs. As friends and brothers, we are sincerely pleased by this, the Azerbaijani head of state emphasized. Abuser back in court after being fined 2,500 for toilet video The 26-year-old is due at Magherafelt Magistrates Court this week after he was charged with handling a stolen John Deere Gator an off-road utility vehicle commonly used by farmers. Hes also charged with failing to remain at the scene of an accident and refusing to provide a specimen of breath and blood. According to court papers Evans is charged with handling stolen goods, failing to remain at the scene of a damage-only accident, failing to provide a specimen of breath, using a motor vehicle without insurance, failing to report an accident, failing to provide a specimen of blood and driving while unfit. All the alleged offences took place between October 22 and 23 2023. Evans has denied the charges and Wednesdays hearing is to fix a date for contest at the magistrates court. The disgraced horse trader hit the headlines three years ago after this paper exposed him for an incident where he filmed a woman performing a sex act on him in a pub toilet cubicle and then his mate shared the video. During the incident he told the woman hed cornered in the toilet cubicle stand up you old mare. He was also later convicted of a separate incident where he exposed his genitals to a schoolboy. Evans, from Ballyronan Road, Magherafelt, had repeatedly denied appearing on his balcony in front of a schoolboy in February 2020 but changed his plea to guilty at the last minute. But the privileged pervert, who comes from a very wealthy family, avoided going to prison yet again after a judge gave him a second suspended prison sentence of six months. As revealed here, Evans now on the sex offenders register until 2029 is the former pal of fellow horse-trading sex pest Mark McGurk who was once jailed for a sickening sex attack on a child. McGurk and Evans had been best mates until they fell out and McGurk filmed himself stabbing one of Evans horses to death. Evans was handed a three-month suspended prison term for the toilet cubicle shame. A woman said Evans followed her into the cubicle and forced himself upon her and in a bid to placate him she performed a sex act which he filmed, and which was then circulated. Mark McGurk At a contested hearing at Derry Magistrates Court, he was convicted of voyeurism after the victim gave distressing evidence. The woman described meeting Evans, who she knew vaguely knew, at an event in July 2019 and he bought her a few drinks. She said Evans followed her into a cubicle but she pushed him out and lock the door. When she tried to leave, he re-entered. She told the court: He was kissing me and pulling my hair, in a sexual way as opposed to violent, but I had already pushed him out. I didnt want him in the toilet. She said in order to get him away, she performed a sex act which he filmed on his phone. There was text contact between the pair for a few days and Evans asked her to go for a drinks. She declined and asked about the video which he assured had been deleted. Months later, she met a friend of Evans who showed her the video on his phone, having sent it to himself after accessing Evans phone. The friend said others had seen it. She said: I felt disgusted and ashamed. My initial thought was for my children and if theres a video out there of me, they could see it. Harry Evans is facing a theft charge Today's News in 90 Seconds - July 2nd A judge told him to pay 2,500 in compensation. But he was back in court for flashing a schoolboy. Evans young victim got off a bus and began walking to school when he heard Evans shouting, Hey over here. The boy looked up and saw Evans standing naked on an apartment balcony. Afraid and embarrassed, the child quickly looked away before Evans shouted, Youre a bad boy. On arrival at school he reported this to a teacher and the police were alerted. They called at the property where a female answered the door and later confirmed Evans had stood naked on the balcony. A person in dark clothing captured on CCTV running from the property while cops were at the front door was confirmed to be Evans. Evans escaped prison again after a judge gave him a six-month jail sentence but suspended it for three years. Due to time spent on remand Madalin Nicusor Stanciu will be freed within the week Newtownards Magistrates Court heard that due to time spent on remand, Madalin Nicusor Stanciu will be freed within the week but despite the impending release, the 19-year-old will be deported back to Romania. Standing in the dock alongside an interpreter Stanciu, listed as no fixed abode, Bangor, entered guilty pleas to sexual assault and engaging in sexual communication with the 15-year-old victim on 13 April this year. A prosecuting lawyer outlined how the victims mum contacted police about inappropriate, sexual messages from the defendant on her daughters phone. When police attended and spoke to the 15-year-old, she told the officers she had just gotten off one of the rides when Stanciu handed her his Instagram and asked for a photo to be taken with her. While the photo was being taken, he pinched her bottom over her clothing, the court heard. Later that same day, Stanciu messaged the schoolgirl asking her to perform a sex act on him, in return for access to the funfair. The defendant was arrested and interviewed and while he accepted sending the messages, he denied grabbing the girls bottom. He also accepted, the court heard, that he was aware she was 15-years-old. Stancius defence counsel said although the court may be considering a Sexual Offences Prevention Order, effectively it would be pointless given his impending deportation. He suggested that as Stanciu had already served the equivalent of almost three months, the judge could consider leaving something hanging over his head. Imposing the three month jail sentence, District Judge Conor Heaney said it was clear that Stanciu had used his job as a means by which to commit the offences. These are of a serious nature, said the judge, often times dealt with in the Crown Court. As well as imposing three month sentences on each count, he also ordered Stanciu to pay 500 compensation to the victim as a token of the undoubted stress she was caused as a result of these actions. In addition, Stanciu will have to sign the police sex offenders register for five years. Although Judge Heaney granted bail pending appeal, he ordered that Stanciu is not to be released. Stock photo Today's News in 90 Seconds - July 2nd Cameron Curtis admitted assaulting Alannah Corrigan at The Royal Marine Hotel in Dun Laoghaire A Dublin teenager who falsely imprisoned his partner and subjected her to a series of nine assaults over two months last summer is to be sentenced later at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Cameron Curtis (19) of Finglas Road, Finglas, pleaded guilty to assaulting Alannah Corrigan (20) causing her harm on July 19, 2022 while the two were staying overnight at The Royal Marine Hotel in Dun Laoghaire. He further admitted seven counts of assault causing harm and one count of false imprisonment of Ms Corrigan on August 12, 13, 14 and 16 August at various locations in Binary Hub, Bonham Street in Dublin 8. At a hearing last week, the court heard that Curtis kicked, punched and slapped Ms Corrigan repeatedly during the assaults, also grabbing her by the hair, spitting in her face, squeezing her neck in a chokehold and threatening to kill her and smash a glass bottle over her head. Detective Garda Mark Costello agreed with Barry White SC, defending, that Ms Corrigan was a hostile witness and that she and Curtis remain in a relationship. The court heard that Curtis accused Ms Corrigan of cheating on him and became violent when she would not disclose her Snapchat password to him. Gda Costello told Simon Matthews BL, prosecuting, that Ms Corrigan had booked them a room in the Royal Marine Hotel for one night when Curtis accused her of cheating, threatening to smash a glass Kopparberg cider bottle over her head if she didn't tell him who she was cheating with. Cameron Curtis Today's News in 90 Seconds - July 2nd Ms Corrigan later told gardai that Curtis hit her face 10 or 11 times with his fist and that she was screaming throughout the assault. Staff members came to the scene and described Curtis as aggressive and rude, the court heard. Gardai were alerted and took a report but Ms Corrigan did not wish to proceed with the complaint. She went to hospital and was treated with anti-inflammatories and paracetamol, the court heard. Some weeks later, the couple were staying in Ms Corrigan's sister's room at student accommodation at Binary Hub on Bonham Street when Curtis again assaulted the victim. Ms Corrigan later told gardai that Curtis slapped her in the face when she wouldn't disclose her Snapchat password, before calming down and having what she described as periods of normality before he became violent again. The couple slept for a while before Ms Corrigan woke to him grabbing her by the neck, demanding her password and dragging her by the hair to the ground. He kicked her on both arms and legs, punched her head and jaw several times, slapped her and spat in her face before calming down again, the court heard. Ms Corrigan said he later accused her of cheating again and punched her in the face and then the following morning apologised for the injuries he had caused before becoming violent again. Ms Corrigan said Curtis pulled her by her hair around the bathroom and then punched her in the face while he was on the phone to his mother, causing her to bleed heavily. She said a period of normality followed for two hours before Curtis again became violent, knelt on Ms Corrigan's chest and said: I'm going to kill you. The victim was dragged by her hair and neck into the bathroom, thrown on the wet floor and locked in for 45 minutes. After Ms Corrigan was released from the bathroom, Curtis threatened her with a knife, calmed down for half an hour, then grew violent again, throwing a mobile phone at her head. He kicked his girlfriend on both legs, slapped her face, stamped on her and wrapped his arms around her neck in what she described as a chokehold during an assault lasting over half an hour, the court heard. At one point while Ms Corrigan lay crying on the bed saying, Please stop hurting me, Curtis started crying and said: Look at what you made me do. You're making me out to be like my Da and I hated my Da for what he used to do to my Ma. Cameron Curtis Ms Corrigan told gardai that she became incredibly scared and believed she was going to die when Curtis locked her in the bathroom a second time and said he was going to get a scissors. The court heard she managed to get out of the bathroom and locked him out of the bedroom but he kicked the door down and then left when she started screaming. Gardai attended the scene and Ms Corrigan was treated for her injuries which were photographed. Some days later, Ms Corrigan was again attacked by Curtis in the room next door, as the previous room was inhabitable because of the damage done during the previous assaults. He kicked and punched her repeatedly, accused her of cheating, demanded her Snapchat password, dragged her by the hair and strangled her by squeezing her throat until she couldn't breathe and felt she was going to get sick. Ms Corrigan managed to raise the alarm and gardai arrived and arrested Curtis. He was deemed unfit for interview for a lengthy period and then underwent six garda interviews, making certain admissions to offences on August 16 but none on previous dates. He has no previous convictions. Mr White said there was a lot of domestic violence in his client's background from his father towards his mother. Violence begets violence, regrettably, said Mr White, adding that it's no excuse for this type of behaviour. Counsel said jealousy played a major role in the offending although it wasn't an excuse. He said Curtis is unlikely to come before the court again and is still in a relationship with Ms Corrigan. The court heard that Curtis has been in custody for these offences since August 19 last, apart from one month when he was released on bail. Judge Orla Crowe ordered a probation report to be prepared to assess Curtis' suitability for several programmes including anger management. She adjourned the case until July 13 for finalisation. A 15-year-old schoolboy pleaded guilty to burglary of the River Valley Community Centre, Swords, which was ransacked on August 18, 2023 Teenagers completely destroyed a brand new sensory room in Dublin for children with autism, which was "trashed" a week before its unveiling, a court has heard. A 15-year-old schoolboy pleaded guilty to burglary of the River Valley Community Centre, Swords, which was ransacked on August 18, 2023. Sentencing was adjourned at the Dublin Children's Court on Tuesday pending the preparation of a pre-sanction report. Judge Shalom Binchy saw a list of the damaged specialised fixtures and fittings: padded door and wall, foam materials, an ocean effect projector, balls, a sensory tube, a mirror, steps, a railing, and other items in the room. Garda Jordan Martin described the scene afterwards as "completely destroyed, it was trashed". The court heard the four youths had gone when gardai went to the centre at 9.40 pm and saw a door had been opened. Garda Martin said it had been recently refurbished with a new sensory room for children with autism from the locality. CCTV evidence from the building led to the identification of the accused, then aged 13, and three other boys who gained entry by force; however, there was no footage from inside the sensory room. Garda Martin said they were responsible for substantial damage, which cost 12,178 to repair. The room was due to be unveiled the following week, but that had to be delayed. Defence solicitor Brian Keenan acknowledged the seriousness of the incident, which he added was aggravated by the fact that it was a facility for children who needed it the most. The teenager did not give evidence, but his solicitor said he was apologetic and was pleading guilty. Mr Keenan pleaded with the judge not to send the case to the Circuit Court, which has greater sentencing powers, and to note his age and level of maturity at the time were important factors. He asked the judge to note that the Director of Public Prosecutions recommended the case be dealt with in the Children's Court, which could consider a maximum one-year term, and which Mr Keenan argued was sufficient to deal with the case. The boy, who cannot be named because he is a juvenile with the legal right to anonymity, accepted that he "pulled at" some items in the room. The court heard he was still in school, keeping his head down, not coming to Garda attention, and was engaging with a social care services provider in Dublin. The other boys involved in the incident avoided a court prosecution after being found eligible for the Garda Youth Diversion Programme, which aims to prevent young offenders and children involved in anti-social behaviour from reoffending. However, the defendant was not suitable for that approach and was charged. Dublin Children's Court Today's News in 90 Seconds - July 2nd Judge Binchy accepted jurisdiction due to his age at the time, his guilty plea and how gardai dealt with the other participants. The boy, accompanied to court by his father and a family support worker, was remanded on bail to appear again later this month. Judge Binchy stressed that it was a very serious matter and expected full compliance from the teenager who was referred to the Probation Service to draft a pre-sentence report. Omar Haddouche, with an address at Knockalisheen Centre, Meelick, Co. Clare was before the court last week A 25-year-old man has been jailed for two and a half years for joining others in stamping on a strangers head, causing him to lose 75 per cent of the sight in one eye. Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard that the incident arose after one of the males with whom the injured party was walking had bumped into one of the men who was with the defendant outside the Savoy Cinema on Dublins OConnell Street. Omar Haddouche, with an address at Knockalisheen Centre, Meelick, Co. Clare was before the court last week, where he pleaded guilty to violent disorder on February 6, 2023 on OConnell Street Upper. Omar Haddouche Today's News in 90 Seconds - July 2nd Garda Cathal Smyth of Store Street testified that Haddouche was in a group with three other males at 30 minutes past midnight. The group came into contact with three other males outside the Savoy Cinema, when one of the males in the other group bumped into one of the males in the defendants group. Kicks were thrown towards the other group, who initially walked away. However, one of those men then returned and punched an acquaintance of Haddouche in the face. There was retaliation, with punching and kicking. Haddouche then removed his belt, wrapped it around his fist and joined with the others in assaulting the man who had returned. He was punched and dragged along the ground, and kicked to the head. He managed to get back to his feet, but Haddouche struck him with the belt wrapped around his fist. He fell for a second time and was again assaulted on the ground. Both the accused and one of his accomplices stamped on his head while he was on the ground. Haddouche and his accomplices fled the scene, but the incident was captured on CCTV and the accused was identified. He said he had acted in self-defence, but agreed that his behaviour wasnt acceptable. The injured man was hospitalised with severe bleeding, concussion, and serious damage to his right eye, resulting in the loss of 75 per cent of its sight. He was also charged with violent disorder, but pleaded guilty to affray and received a suspended sentence. Omar Haddouche Haddouches barrister pointed out that the incident had lasted 60 seconds. She explained that her client was from Algeria, had moved to Ireland shortly before the incident and was living in Citywest at the time. He was later moved to tented accommodation in Co. Clare. Counsel said that he is now a constructive member of society. While living in asylum seeker accommodation in Limerick for the past two years, he has been working as a general operative and cleaner. Hes come here from Algeria to make a better life for himself, she said, handing in a letter of apology in which he stated that he wanted to be a better person. Judge Orla Crowe noted that there was no apparent reason why the incident had happened, but said that it was inherently serious and had huge implications for the injured party. She said that the considerable violence warranted a custodial sentence and imprisoned him for two and a half years. A garda alert is in place for McGinley (51), who is expected to live at an address in Dundalk, Co Louth Rapist Simon McGinley walked out of the Midlands Prison a free man today after serving 23 months for breaching the conditions of the Sex Offenders Act. A garda alert is in place for McGinley (51), who is expected to live at an address in Dundalk, Co Louth. Sources say McGinley was signed out of the prison at approximately 10.15am on Wednesday morning. A man, understood to be McGinley, walked from the prison a couple of minutes afterwards, wearing a shirt, a dark-coloured tracksuit bottoms, a wide-brimmed hat and a facemask. He was carrying a single bag. The man took a left turn and walked towards Portlaoise town. Sources said McGinley served every day of the two-and-a-half-year sentence imposed on him for breaching the act, minus remission. The term also involved the reactivation of a suspended portion of a sentence he received for a previous rape. Like all prisoners, he is entitled to standard remission of one-quarter of his sentence, and that is what happened here, a source said. He caused very little problems in terms of disciplinary issues while being housed on the C Wing of the Midlands Prison, which is reserved for sex offenders. McGinley, who has strong links to north Co Dublin, has been in the prison since August 2023 after the sentences were imposed on him by Dundalk Circuit Criminal Court. He will be subject to monitoring by gardai, who classify him as a very dangerous individual. McGinley was originally released from prison in September, 2022, after serving a lengthy sentence for the rape of a pensioner. The woman had been unfit to give evidence during the trial due to her worsening dementia, but a statement she gave at a previous district court hearing in October 2008 was read to the jury. A drunken McGinley raped the woman repeatedly during the night and put his hand over her mouth at one point when she cried out. His previous rape, of a 13-year-old girl, sparked the C Case legal battle over whether she was allowed to travel to the UK for an abortion. McGinley was freed from Arbour Hill Prison in September 2022, after finishing a 21-year sentence imposed in 2009 for the sexual attack on the 85-year-old woman in Co Monaghan. At that time, a nationwide alert was issued to gardai across the country informing them of his release. McGinley was told at his last trial that he would be under post-release supervision for 12 years but he breached these conditions after less than a year as a free man. Simon McGinley When passing sentence in 2009, Justice George Birmingham said the case was one of the worst he had heard, considering the age and frailty of the victim. Then aged 35, McGinley, who had denied the charges, was found guilty of raping the elderly woman on June 16, 2008, after forcing his way into her home. The woman known as Miss C was also in court for McGinleys 2009 sentence hearing, at which the daughter of the elderly woman outlined the devastating impact the sex attack had on her mother. In 2009 Miss C spoke to RTE radio about the attack by McGinley that left her pregnant. She was raped as a 13-year-old in 1997 when she babysat for McGinleys children and he insisted on dropping her home afterwards. Today's News in 90 Seconds - July 2nd In January last year, a separate charge against McGinley of breaching the conditions of the Sex Offenders Act was struck out after it was disclosed that the alleged injured party an elderly woman in the case did not want to attend court. McGinley was once a person of interest in the case of JoJo Dullard, who went missing in November 1995, but has since been ruled out of the murder probe. Meanwhile, gardai in Co Louth have also been alerted about another sex offender who is understood to have travelled home to Drogheda after serving a sentence for serious sexual offences in the UK. The 23-year-old is currently homeless and was not given permission by UK authorities to return to Ireland as he was meant to be under the supervision of probation officers there until next year. Gardai have been warned that this sex offender expresses racist views, has a huge dislike of authority and can behave in an extremely aggressive manner. The man, who lives in the New Ross area of Co Wexford, was arrested and brought to a local garda station A Co Wexford man who was arrested on Saturday afternoon after being confronted by a so-called paedophile vigilante group has been released without charge, An Garda Siochana has confirmed. The man, who lives in the New Ross area of Co Wexford, was arrested and brought to a local garda station where he was questioned for a period of time before being released. Gardai say they are continuing to monitor the situation after tensions were running high during the confrontation between the man and the group on Saturday. Members of the paedophile hunter group Child Online Protection Enforcers N.I. confronted the man, aged in his 50s, on New Ross quayfront on Saturday, where they accused him of communicating with what he thought was a 13-year-old girl over a period of three months. The incident was live streamed on social media by the group, who accused the man of intending to meet the young girl to carry out illegal sexual acts. Throughout the hour-long live stream, the man had messages relayed to him that he allegedly sent during the three months of communication he had with the alleged child. The group alleges the man had threatened to ring the young girls grandparents if she didnt do what he wanted. The man is also alleged to have stated in the text exchange that if he were to have sex with her, that would be rape and he would get in trouble with the guards. I would be arrested and put in prison. Im willing to take the risk, the sting operator read from the screen shots. She continued to read: Im looking forward to taking your virginity and trust me, you will never forget it. The accuser then responded: Youre right, a child will never forget if you raped her. That will stay with her for the rest of her life. The group had gathered over 800 screenshots of alleged messages between the man and the child believed to be a decoy, where he repeatedly asks her for explicit images. They included an offer to buy the child a separate phone and send money in exchange for the naked images. Im sorry. I wont do it again, the man said, as he maintained throughout the interaction that he has never previously met, nor has he inappropriately touched a child. He also stated he has never been arrested on suspicion of sexual offences. I would never do anything like that, because its wrong, he told his accusers. A 'paedophile hunter' group targeted a Wexford man in a recent sting operation Today's News in 90 Seconds - July 2nd Im dead now, the alleged sexual predator said as he realised the severity of the situation while locals gathered around him. "Whos fault is that? Well keep you safe, but whatever the community do thats entirely up to them after we go. Do you think they want someone like you living beside them? Someone whos turned up to rape a 13-year-old child?, the member of the sting organisation asked. Gardai then arrived on the scene and took details of those who carried out the sting operation and also spoke to the alleged perpetrator. Well go anywhere in Ireland to get these b******* off the streets one by one, said the man behind the camera. The group commended the efforts of the gardai and said: Theyve been absolutely amazing with us. Thanks to the guards for treating this the way they have, with respect. An Garda Siochana confirmed the man was brought to New Ross Garda Station where he was questioned before being released without charge. They are continuing to monitor the situation and investigations are ongoing. McKee suffers heart attack while on remand for alleged violent spree at Craigavon Protestant Coalition leader Robert Rab McKee has landed himself back in the same hospital where he is alleged to have gone on the rampage only six months ago, the Sunday World has learned. It is believed McKee (45), from Weaver Court, Donaghcloney in Co. Down, suffered a heart attack while a prisoner in HMP Maghaberry, where he was being held on remand. The Belfast-born loyalist activist first hit the headlines 12 years ago while taking part in in the failed flag protests outside the Belfast City Hall. And later he helped found the Protestant Coalition which, at the time, was set up as a political party but it de-registered two years later without contesting a single election. McKee is still named in correspondence as currently leading the organisation. Last week, Craigavon Magistrates Court heard details of the case against McKee, relating to an incident on Saturday, January 25. McKee is currently charged with hijacking a Volkswagon Polo without the consent of the owner; attempting to hijack an ambulance; driving with no insurance; driving while disqualified; making a threat to kill a male; assaulting the male and assaulting a police officer. The events all took place in or near Craigavon Hospital on January 25. An earlier court heard how police received a 999 call from McKees phone, which he later abandoned. And when officers arrived at the hospital to investigate, they found McKee in the process of receiving a blood transfusion. The court heard he claimed the IRA, hospital staff and the police were colluding to kill him. Craigavon Hospital Against police advice, McKee is alleged to have wrenched an IV line from his arm and, using his cupped hand as a scoop, began flicking blood in the direction of the officers. Police retreated to create space and in an attempt to defuse an escalating and dangerous situation. Around two hours later, a PSNI officer told the court, police learned that McKee had threatened a member of the public who had tried to help him. It was claimed he had opened the door of the mans VW Polo and, after getting into the passenger seat, told the driver: I have a gun. Its your life or the car. McKee then ordered the man to drive to Belfast. But the man drove to a nearby industrial estate where he worked. As he jumped out of his car, he tried to grab his car keys but McKee was already sitting in the drivers seat and he drove off. McKee was later spotted back in the grounds of Craigavon Hospital, where he is alleged to have tried to steal an ambulance, but was prevented from doing so by an anti-theft device. Loyalist leader Robert Rab McKee Police later tracked McKee down to his bungalow home in Donaghcloney, where they found him sitting outside in the freezing cold, without a shirt or shoes. He was arrested and taken into custody. A solicitor for McKee told the earlier court that his client suffered from a number of health conditions. He explained his client had delerium at the time of the alleged offences. He added that McKee denied flicking blood. Refusing bail, District Judge Anne Marshall told McKees lawyer: There is absolutely no way Im allowing him to walk out that door today. He is clearly a risk to the public and a risk to further offending. At Craigavon Court last Friday, McKees solicitor told the court his client had a heart attack six days previously and he is currently being cared for in Craigavon Hospital. The legal representative added that his client was in poor health generally. A prosecutor asked the court for the case to be adjourned until July 18. He has been identified as Darragh Byrne, a student of CBS Charleville A 16-year-old boy from the Charleville area of north Cork who died following a fall close to a lake at Conor Pass near Dingle, has been named locally as Darragh Byrne. He had been visiting the area with his parents Siobhan and James on Tuesday afternoon. It is understood Darragh was a student at CBS Charleville. The alarm was raised by his parents on Tuesday afternoon when Valentia Coast Guard and the Shannon-based Rescue 115 helicopter were scrambled to the area near a location known locally as Peddlers Lake. Gardai and emergency services attended the incident after the boy reportedly fell from a height near a lake while visiting the area with his parents. Despite the help of rescue teams that reached the site, the boy died at the scene. In a post to Facebook CBS Charleville said: Darragh was a bright and uplifting presence in our school community a gentle, kind-hearted, and considerate young person who radiated warmth and positivity. Whether in the classroom, walking our corridors, or spending time with his friends, he left a meaningful and lasting impact. His generous nature, intelligence and talent inspired all who knew him. Darragh will be missed deeply by his friends, his classmates, and all the staff here at CBS Charleville. His absence leaves a space that cannot be filled, and we will remember him with great affection and sorrow. Members of the Coast Guard Unit based in Daingean Ui Chuis, members of Kerry Mountain Rescue Team, gardai, and National Ambulance Service crews were also involved in the recovery. Frank Heidtke of Dingle Coast Guard said the multiagency operation did all it could to rescue the boy. There was good cooperation among all the rescue services. A lot of resources were on the scene and everything that could be done was done. Unfortunately, the boy had some traumatic event and his injuries overcame him, said Mr Heidtke. North Cork Fianna Fail Councillor Ian Doyle said the community is in deep shock by the tragedy. My sympathy, and that of the community, is with the boys family at this time. There was terrible sadness in the town on hearing the news. Our hearts go out to his family, said Cllr Doyle. Mallow based Fine Gael Councillor Liam Madden said its very tough on the community. These accidents dont escape any area that is the sad thing about it. My sympathies to the family. A post-mortem examination will take place in due course and a file prepared for the office of the Coroner. BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 2. For Azerbaijan, investing in Uzbekistan is a priority. Firstly, because Uzbekistan is a friendly, brotherly country. Secondly, thanks to the well-considered reforms implemented by the President of Uzbekistan, a very favorable investment climate has been established, said President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev during a joint press statement with President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Trend reports. The Azerbaijani President emphasized that it is no coincidence Uzbekistan is now a highly attractive destination for investment. Today, we once again confirmed our intention to significantly increase both trade turnover and mutual investments. The joint investment fund established some time ago is already practically filled with projects. Today, it was reported that more than 10 projects are at the stage of final investment decisions. Of course, we see this as only the beginning, as the authorized capital of the investment fund is $500 million. Our plans exceed this figure several times over, and I am confident that the joint implementation of projects in energy, the hotel industry, construction, agriculture, and other areas - projects that already have clear prospects, agreements, and signed contracts - will lead to substantial growth in mutual investments. This fully reflects our shared intention and is in complete harmony with the spirit and nature of the brotherly relations between our countries, President Ilham Aliyev emphasized. Kiwi-led electric mountain-bike brand Velduro has hit the global stage, showcasing at a major European industry event just months after launching. Tauranga entrepreneurs Dan Wallace and Anthony Clyde co-founded Velduro in October, aiming to fuse Kiwi ingenuity and global enterprise into their bike designs. Wallace said Eurobike held in Frankfurt, Germany, late last month was an annual highlight of the global bike industry. All major brands and companies present at Eurobike to showcase the latest technology and developments in the industry. The Velduro team attended for the first time this year, representing New Zealand with their DJI-powered, carbon-framed, ultra-light e-bikes. Wallace said it was a huge success and Velduro was the talk of the show. Velduro played a video at the event of its electric mountain bike and gravel bikes being ridden on trails in The Redwoods in Rotorua and elsewhere in New Zealand. All images and videos were produced by Kiwi riders and content creators, putting a spotlight on the talent New Zealand has in the industry, Wallace said. The Velduro electric bike stall at Eurobike in Frankfurt, Germany. Our stand was described as one of the busiest in the show, and our bikes [were] described as highlights of the show. Wallace said the Kiwi brands story resonated with the European market, and the team were proud to represent New Zealand on a global stage. Eurobike has always been a pillar of the bike industry and historically most brands tech will represent themselves there. Wallace said Europe prides itself on using bikes to modernise its urban environment and to showcase mountain biking and trail riding. Velduro showcased its bikes on Kiwi trails. Photo / Rachel Hadfield Biking is a huge tourism and domestic market, and [Europeans] ride more bikes per capita than any other part of the world. So, whats next for Velduro? Wallace said pre-orders for Kiwis will open mid-July. I have an inbox full of people wanting to buy our bikes, but we have New Zealand customers getting first option, then worldwide. Wallace said the DJI Avinox system was the motor most sought after. Only a certain amount were being allocated because of global demand from other brands. We have Giant bikes international now assembling our bikes. This is amazing, as it gives us the ability to scale and increase orders as we grow. With a successful Eurobike wrapped up, Wallace now looked forward to finishing Velduros website, riding more and getting demo bikes into the country as soon as possible. [So] more Kiwi riders can experience these amazing machines and see what the international hype is about. Ignacio Lillo Malaga Wednesday, 2 July 2025, 10:15 Compartir Rail passengers who were due to board trains on the southern high-speed train line (HSL), which connects Madrid with Andalucia, on Tuesday experienced a complicated situation. Problems with the overhead electricity supply cables at La Sagra, Toledo, on Monday night affected most long-distance services, especially in the southbound direction, until shortly before 11am. The causes are not clear. According to state railway infrastructure company Adif, an Avant train from Toledo to Madrid had damaged the catenary on Monday. However, railway operator Renfe denied this, stating that the train had already come across the fallen cable. In any case, one of the two tracks was fully fixed and the train continued to run, although the definitive repair was postponed until Tuesday morning. According to the data collated by SUR, at least 20 trains were seriously delayed between Atocha and Maria Zambrano: 12 AVE and Avlo trains from Renfe; four from Iryo and another four from Ouigo. Technical sources explained that it was not until 9.30am on Tuesday when they managed to free the track where an AVE train with some 300 passengers on board was stranded during the whole night. It was in the morning when services could resume. However, thousands of passengers crowded around the screens at the train stations in Malaga and Madrid on Tuesday morning, with little to no information regarding the status of their journeys. "Nobody even tells us if we will be able to travel today or at what time, it's outrageous," said Maria, who was waiting with her ticket in hand at the Malaga terminal. On top of this, the chaotic situation happened over the period of 30 June and 1 July, which is when many people start their summer holidays. Around 11am, Adif announced that traffic had been restored at La Sagra (Toledo), confirming that the catenary fault had been repaired and voltage had been restored on both tracks. Trains between Madrid and southern Spain could then run again, although there were long delays due to the accumulation of trains. The InfoRenfe application reported delays affecting mainly the north-south route, that is, from Atocha to Maria Zambrano. Trains from Malaga were able to leave early in the morning, but the delay and accumulation in Atocha was greater and more complex. The 9.34am Madrid-Malaga Avlo train experienced 287 minutes of delay (i.e. almost five hours); the 5.48am Malaga-Madrid AVE left 156 minutes (2.5 hours) later than planned; and a similar situation occurred on the 7.41am (167 minutes). In the opposite direction, the 8.30am was 185 minutes late (3 hours). On Tuesday, Renfe, which is the rail operator with the majority of services on the high-speed route and therefore the most affected, was working to speed up the return to normality by forming many departures in double composition, so that two trains could travel together and shorten the wait for passengers. The public company estimated that 47 trains, including Avant, AVE and Avlo, would be affected throughout Andalucia on its fleet alone. Iryo and Ouigo trains were also affected. Image of the facade of the building, which is protected by the Junta within the PGOU of Velez-Malaga. Eugenio Cabezas Velez-Malaga Tuesday, 1 July 2025, 17:22 Compartir The emblematic Casa Bascan in the historic centre of Velez-Malaga on the eastern Costa del Sol has been sold to a group of Malaga-based investors who intend to convert the protected building into a hotel. The sale of the 18th century building, which is architecturally protected in the towns' current PGOU (general urban plan), has been confirmed to SUR by sources from the Pareja family, who currently own it. For confidentiality reasons the family has not provided further details about the identity of the buyers or the amount they have sold it for. However, they have explained that the buyer is a Malaga-based company which plans to completely refurbish it and turn it into a hotel and restaurant space. Casa Bascan is located on Calle Lope de Vega, very close to the old Lope de Vega theatre, which was bought by Velez town hall since 2014 and is being restored with an investment of 7.2 million. The name Casa Bascan was the home of Jose Bascan Martin (1851-1925), who was mayor of the town and provincial deputy for the district of the municipality and Torrox. It has been used, most recently, as a secondary school and timber warehouse. The Pareja family acquired this property in 1962. Although in previous legislatures the town hall showed interest in acquiring the property, the governing teams never came to negotiate with the current owners. In 2016 a Chinese investment group showed interest in buying the property. Velez-Malaga's business association ACEV has welcomed the purchase "for an exciting hotel project". The association went on to say, "This represents a great opportunity to give life to the historic centre, to value our architectural heritage and to contribute to the economic and tourist development of Velez-Malaga. Initiatives like this are a necessary boost to revitalise the urban fabric, generate employment and attract quality investment." SUR RIncon de la Victoria Tuesday, 1 July 2025, 16:35 Compartir Rincon de la Victoria town hall on the eastern Costa del Sol has announced plans to improve the old Bezmiliana castle as part of its strategy to protect the historical and cultural heritage of the town. The Castillo de Bezmiliana is an asset of cultural interest (BIC) and shouldn't be confused with Casa Fuerte Bezmiliana which is also in Rincon de la Victoria. Malaga's provincial commission of historical heritage, which comes under the Junta de Andalucia regional government, gave the green light to the project during a meeting on 18 June. It will have a total budget of 792,550 euros, 65% of which has been requested as co-financing in the last call of 2023 of the 2% Cultural Programme of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Agenda. The project foresees three main areas: a study of the archaeological site as a whole, the enhancement of the fortress and adaptation of routes and accesses. During a meeting between the town hall and the Andalusian government representative for Malaga, Patricia Navarro, the mayor of Rincon, Francisco Salado, said, "We need to conserve, protect and properly disseminate our main sites to preserve and enhance the historical heritage of the municipality and we do this in collaboration with the other administrations such as the regional and state, requesting the necessary authorisations and co-funding to be able to undertake them." He highlighted the importance of the Bezmiliana castle as "key to understanding the history of the Muslim occupation in our province". The intervention, whose tender for the works will be published in the coming months, once the final resolution of the aid from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Agenda is published, is part of the Master Plan for Historical Heritage, approved in a pioneering way by the City Council in 2020, and which includes various actions for the recovery of the local historical legacy. The Castillo de Bezmiliana site, which should not be confused with the Casa-Fuerte de Bezmiliana, is located in the centre of Rincon de la Victoria, the most significant remains being located at the top of the Castillon hill. Tony Bryant Torremolinos Tuesday, 1 July 2025, 11:35 Compartir Torremolinos is stepping up efforts over the summer to prevent illegal street trading along its seafront promenades, an activity which becomes a greater problem during the high season due to the influx of tourists. So far this year, the Local Police have carried out a total of 60 operations, resulting in the confiscation of 14,280 items weighing approximately four tonnes. These goods will now be transferred to the waste treatment facility in Casares. To tackle this activity, the Local Police of Torremolinos deploy an additional patrol at weekends and on public holidays to cover from the Paseo Maritimo in La Carihuela up to the border with Benalmadena, as well as another patrol in the Bajondillo area. There is also a mobile support unit patrolling more broadly; a plainclothes unit tracking vehicles used to transport and distribute the goods in order to locate and act upon their storage points; and 15 beach assistants operating from June to September between midday and 7pm, supporting various police units in beach and promenade areas. Street vending is estimated to cause losses of around six billion euros annually in Spain. However, it is not merely an issue of unfair competition affecting legitimate traders - it also has links to serious crimes such as human trafficking, money laundering and the importation of counterfeit goods, among others. Kayed is embraced by his sister-in-law, Soad, at the arrivals terminal as his wife and children look on. Antonio M. Romero Malaga Tuesday, 1 July 2025 | Updated 02/07/2025 10:24h. Compartir Eighteen years after the last time they met, Kayed Hammand and his older brother, Sadi, were able to give each other an emotional embrace on Saturday afternoon in one of the car parks at Malaga airport, where Kayed had arrived minutes earlier from Istanbul - on flight TK1305 . The translator was evacuated a few days ago with his family from the Gaza Strip thanks to the diplomatic efforts of the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs in response to the request made by dozens of journalists, academics and ex-politicians. In recent years, Kayed Hammad - who in the early 1990s studied electronics in Spain, where he learned the language - has worked as a translator for correspondents and special envoys of different media in the Middle East, as well as collaborating with several NGOs and accompanying Spanish staff at the Consulate in Jerusalem during their visits to Gaza or senators who went to the Strip on visits organised by international organisations. "I consider myself fortunate to have been able to leave Gaza but I grieve for the two million people who are left there suffering and where those who do not die from bombs die of hunger," the Gazan translator told reporters at the airport's arrivals terminal. Zoom The moment of the emotional reunion of Kayed, on the left of the picture, and Sadi. nito salas Kayed Hammad, his wife, Amal, and their three children (Monhed, Dalia and Mohamed) - a fourth, Omar, 24, was killed in a bombing in Gaza last year - were met by his sister-in-law, Soad Haddour, while his brother waited for him in the car park as he has difficulty getting around due to illness. The reunion gave Sadi, who received the best birthday present two days before blowing out 70 candles, the chance to meet his three nephews and nieces and to see his sister-in-law Amal, whom he only saw for two days 27 days ago during his brother's wedding. Kayed and his family will also be able to meet his brother's children, aged 23 and 24, who live in Alozaina. For the time being, the evacuated family will settle in Alozaina. "We hadn't thought about emigration, but we had thought about escaping from hell. This is like a break to see if the situation in Gaza improves, where I have most of my family, or if there is a solution to our cause", the translator said. "We ate animal feed". On the situation in the Gaza Strip, which has been under Israeli bombardment and blockade for almost two years, Kayed Hammad recounted their harsh experiences. "We have come to eat animal fodder," he said, recalling that the damage caused in hospitals led him to suffer, last Christmas Eve, when he was hospitalised for heart pain, the absence of medicines and to contemplate the "torn apart" bodies of victims of the attacks and how operations were carried out "without anaesthesia and on the floor". On the conflict in his country, he said it was "pure revenge" by Israel. "It is not a war. 71% of the dead in a war are women and children? Where does that happen?" he questioned, while he called for the attacks to stop and thanked the governments of Spain and Ireland for their support for the Palestinian people, while denouncing the "double standards" of the international community in cases such as Ukraine and Palestine. "Tonight we will be able to sleep without the noise of the drones, without the bombings, and my children will be able to eat well and sleep in a bed," he says Kayed Hammad explained that it was the first time his children had left the Gaza Strip and everything they had seen in Jordan, Turkey and Spain was "new to them" and that they kept asking him if they would be safe in Spain. "I told them yes, nothing will happen to them here and they will be safer than anywhere else. Tonight we will be able to sleep without the noise of the drones, which are getting in here (he said, pointing to his head), without the bombings, and they will be able to eat well or sleep in a bed", he added. Europa Press Malaga Wednesday, 2 July 2025, 16:14 Compartir Farmers' association Asaja Malaga has requested direct aid for livestock farmers in Malaga province, especially for sheep farmers located in the Guadalhorce valley, to support them in fighting the consequences of a bluetongue serotype 3 outbreak. The aid will help them "compensate for the loss of production". Bluetongue is a viral disease, not transmissible to humans. However, "it causes significant direct losses, such as the death of animals or abortions as well as indirect losses due to severe clinical symptoms: difficulty in suckling, infertility, weight loss, pneumonia, respiratory distress, weakness or lameness", according to Asaja It affects domestic and wild ruminants (primarily sheep and including cattle, goats, buffalo, antelope, deer or elk) that is transmitted by midges of the Culicoides species. Asaja Malaga has urged authorities "to mobilise funds, either through measure 23 or through other budget items, in order to compensate for the financial damage caused to livestock farmers, who have complied with the preventive measures, including vaccination against serotype 3, and notified cases to the official veterinary services". Unfortunately, "despite the efforts made, the effectiveness of vaccination against the current serotype does not reach the levels of protection observed in previous campaigns, which translates into significant economic losses, both due to mortality and the impossibility of having animals available for replacement, affecting the future productive potential of farms". In 2024, the Guadalhorce valley was among the Malaga province areas worst affected by the drought and the current medical crisis "further aggravates the vulnerability of the livestock sector". For this reason, Asaja Malaga has asked public administrations to "adopt immediate measures to support the livestock sector, from direct aid to tax reductions or other formulas to deal with the economic consequences of this animal health crisis in the province of Malaga and the losses that the sector is suffering". Paco Grinan Malaga Tuesday, 1 July 2025, 12:58 Compartir San Diego Comic-Con Malaga 2025 has already started to announce some big names from the list of special guests. The first two stars that will attend the event in September this year are current creative director at DC Comics Jim Lee and Marvel Japanese illustrator Peach Momoko. The person responsible for offering fans the opportunity to meet these creators is Oscar Gimenez - curator of illustration and comics at Comic-Con Malaga. As Gimenez said, comics will be the "heart" of this event that will replicate the "soul" of San Diego. The key to the success of this event is the same as the one at the American convention: fans meeting their favourite creators. For this reason, the Palacio de Ferias in Malaga will feature one of the great hallmarks of the Comic-Con - the 'Artists' Alley', where readers will have direct access to cartoonists and scriptwriters. "This is not a typical festival, so it is important not to lose the soul of San Diego Comic-Con or forget that the origin of this convention was a group of fans who decided to hold a festival and meetings with authors more than half a century ago," Gimenez told SUR, adding that, like the Californian original, the Malaga edition has been conceived "for the public and the authors, for the fans and the artists". In San Diego, the 'Artists' Alley' is located precisely at the end of the exhibition pavilion, meaning that the public has to pass through all the exhibitors before reaching this main space. The excitement of getting the opportunity to chat to your idols is what makes this area so special. "Not all the authors are going to do it, but we are going to promote this interaction in this first edition with the idea that it will grow in the following years," said Gimenez. Not only foreign authors The Comic-Con Malaga curator said that they have invited American, European and Andalusian artists, bringing the international to the local and looking to "satisfy as many people as possible". According to Gimenez, their aim is to achieve "internal coherence" and "balance" by having " a very strong national presence", not just "big names". However, he is still keeping local names a secret, so we will have to wait to learn more. 'It's really all part of the same universe because the comic book fan is also both a film buff and a videogame lover' One thing he did reveal is that Malaga was not randomly chosen as a destination and this will be reflected in the programme, through local talent. As Gimenez said, Malaga "has many qualities that fit in well with the very spirit of San Diego, one of those American cities that feels European because of the way of life and culture". Tickets for 26, 27 and 28 September (Friday-Sunday) are fully sold out and there are spots left only for the inauguration on Thursday. Saturday seems to be the most popular day among the crowds, but there are points of interest every day of the programme. Gimenez stated that comics, graphic novels and all their variants will be the backbone of the eagerly awaited event. "Comic books are the heart of Comic-Con," Gimenez said, highlighting the links this art has with the rest of the event's categories: cinema, television, series, videogames, board games, animation, cosplay, etc. "In reality, everything forms part of the same universe, because the comic fan is also a film buff and a videogame lover, so it's all related. Linking all this content is the biggest challenge of this first edition," concluded the artist. Juan Cano Malaga Wednesday, 2 July 2025, 09:15 Compartir An electric scooter has caused a serious fire in a flat in Malaga city. The personal mobility vehicle (PMV) was connected to the electricity supply in the property to recharge the battery when, for reasons that are still under investigation, it started to burn. The incident happened on Monday 23 June in a home located in Alameda de Capuchinos. The emergency services received a call reporting a fire in a room that had spread to the rest of the flat. Members of the city's fire brigade rushed to the scene to extinguish the flames, which were already visible on the outside of the property. Crews managed to extinguish the blaze, but the room where it originated was completely scorched and the rest of the flat was partially affected. The fire was apparently caused - pending further investigations - by the explosion of the battery of an electric scooter whose owner had left it charging in the room of the property. Fortunately, there were no casualties. In recent months, Malaga's fire brigade has had to attend several similar incidents. Although this latest was one of the most serious, there was also one in March last year in a building in Ciudad Jardin. On that occasion, the owner of the house was injured with burns to his arms and face when he tried to extinguish the flames with a fire extinguisher on his landing. The man was making his way out of the building when the fire brigade arrived. The blaze originated in a room where he had some electric scooters stored and there were several lithium batteries on the floor. Ignacio Lillo Malaga Tuesday, 1 July 2025, 11:00 | Updated 14:41h. Compartir A high-speed AVE train from Madrid to Malaga left at 7.35pm on Monday night, with a slight delay to the scheduled service from the Spanish capital to the Costa del Sol. However, the passengers did not know what awaited them on the journey. After only 20 minutes, the train stopped in the town of La Sagra in Toledo, but it was far from being the only train that was halted on its way, as a power failure affected at least nine other trains. However, this was the only train that has remained parked-up for more than 12 hours. At 8.30am this Tuesday morning, Malaga-based lawyer Manuel Jimenez Baras, who is travelling with his three children (10, 13 and 14), still had no information about how the situation was going to be resolved. His family is among the almost 300 passengers who spent the night inside the train, in the middle of nowhere. Seeing as the motors were switched off, they spent the hours in suffocating heat, with no air conditioning and only a little bit of breeze coming in from outside. Jimenez Baras described a Dantesque situation, which he said should not happen in this century in a country like Spain. An elderly woman had to be evacuated from the train by a mobile intensive care ambulance crew after fainting, while another was given oxygen. Other passengers suffered panic or anger attacks. "My little daughter asked me: 'Daddy, please don't put me on a train again in my life'," the lawyer said. There are also a few babies inside the train. "They have spent the whole night crying, the heat is unbearable." What the passengers do not understand is why they were not taken off the train. There is access to the train via a service lane, which is how both the Guardia Civil, who monitored the situation during the night and brought them food and water, and the mobile ICU reached them. In addition, Jimenez Baras said that at least nine trains had passed by them, along the parallel track, but not one stopped to take them at least back to Madrid. "The Guardia Civil tell us that they do not have an evacuation order." Illegal detention "We have been here for more than 12 hours, this is an illegal detention. People are very nervous. This morning, when they opened the doors, some of them went out to walk, we are desperate," Jimenez Baras told SUR this morning. At 9am, there was still no resolution. "Renfe has been sending SMS messages all night and saying that in 90 minutes it would be fixed? That at 8am we were going to be in Malaga? It is absolute incompetence," Jimenez Baras said. As a lawyer, he has already been in touch with a colleague of his to prepare legal action against the state railway company (Renfe) for "illegal detention". The only comment from Renfe was that a train on the Murcia-Malaga route, with a stopover in Madrid, stopped at La Sagra at 8.26pm on Monday. After studying several possible solutions, the plan is to "transfer passengers to an AVE Madrid-Malaga train in double composition". At 9.20am, the train for this operation was scheduled to depart from Atocha in Madrid "shortly". However, passengers said that they had been told that they would be towed by another train to Atocha. According to Renfe, at 9.45pm on Monday, just over an hour after the incident, most of the other stopped trains resumed their service. Information from the railway infrastructure company (Adif) said the breakdown happened because of a train from Toledo to Madrid, which had damaged the catenary overhead power cable on Monday afternoon. Engineers repaired part of the catenary to make one of the two tracks available. However, the full repair was scheduled for 9.30am this Tuesday morning. The delay has affected dozens of trains throughout the southern rail corridor and within Andalucia. BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 2. During a joint address with President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev expressed gratitude to Uzbekistan for its support in the revival of Karabakh, Trend reports. We express special gratitude for the assistance in the revival of Karabakh. Uzbekistan was the first country, and President Mirziyoyev was the first leader in the world to take the initiative to provide aid for the restoration of the Karabakh region. The first social and educational infrastructure project a school built by Uzbekistan, which Shavkat Miromonovich and I inaugurated bears the name of the great son of the Uzbek people, Mirzo Ulugbek. Today, children who have returned to the land of their ancestors study there, said President Ilham Aliyev. Juan Cano Malaga Wednesday, 2 July 2025, 13:36 | Updated 13:52h. Compartir Guardia Civil officers arrested two people after a police chase, which unfolded on the A-7 motorway on the Costa del Sol on Tuesday, 1 July. The police eventually managed to intercept the car in Cerrado del Calderon area of Malaga city. The operation was launched when a traffic patrol crew noticed that vehicle was being driven dangerously. When the police tried to stop the driver, he ignored their orders and fled, which prompted the chase. According to sources, the police car followed the vehicle for four or five kilometres until the driver took the Cerrado de Calderon exit, where the fleeing driver was intercepted by several other patrol cars. Police officers asked the suspects to get out of the vehicle, but they refused, so they had to be forcibly removed. Local residents captured the scene on their mobile phones. Upon identifying the occupants of the vehicle, the officers found that one of the detainees had a search, arrest and detention warrant against his name issued by a court in Madrid. Both men were arrested on charges of disobedience, serious resistance and endangering road safety. Nuria Triguero Malaga Wednesday, 2 July 2025, 14:14 Compartir The registered unemployment figure continued to drop in Malaga in June for the fifth consecutive month, with another 2,563 job seekers crossed off the list after they found work. In the last 12 months, unemployment in the province has dropped by almost 10,000 people. With this, June marks the milestone of 'only' 110,000 unemployed, given that the province has been above this number since the summer of 2008. This drop in unemployment is the result of the strong pace of job creation in the province in recent months, although the figures are not correlative: unemployment has fallen by less than half the rate of growth in Social Security enrolment for various reasons (the main ones being the growth in the active population and the distorting effect of discontinuous permanent workers on the statistics). In June there were, on average, 7,349 more people working in Malaga than in May, reaching a new all-time high of 752,677. Over the last year, the accumulated increase is of 23,294 contributors (3.19%) - one of the highest in Spain. In the Andalucia region, all provinces except Cadiz lost contributors in June. The region as a whole lost 34,236 jobs. The strongest decline was recorded in Huelva due to the end of the strawberry-picking campaign, which led to a sudden loss of 24,182 workers. Seville also suffered a significant fall in enrolment (7,590 people), which can be explained by the end of the biggest fair in May. On the other hand, unemployment fell in all sectors in June, although with much greater strength in the services sector, which is the dominant one in Malaga's economy. A total of 1,917 job seekers have found work there in the past month. Another 461 unemployed individuals came from the group with no previous employment, in addition to more modest declines in industry (-96), construction (-65) and agriculture (-24). Unemployment fell more among women than men, but a 22-point gender gap remains. Women represent 61% of the total unemployed in the province. There is also a generational gap: those over 45 represent almost 60% of job seekers. Pilar Martinez Malaga Wednesday, 2 July 2025, 17:11 Compartir Melia's cutting-edge luxury offer arrives on the Costa del Sol with the opening of the ME Marbella hotel, following a 20-million-euro investment. Located in Puerto Banus, the new hotel has 200 rooms, including 24 exclusive suites. Gabriel Escarrer, CEO of Melia Hotels International, has celebrated the merging of the company's "most avant-garde brand" with "one of the most iconic destinations in the Mediterranean". "Marbella is undoubtedly one of the great jewels of luxury in Spain and for ME by Melia it is a strategic milestone to land in an area that represents contemporary luxury, social energy and connection with the local culture like few others," he said. According to the company, ME Marbella is "the new epicentre of contemporary luxury on the Costa del Sol", highlighting a privileged location. Architects Adriana and Alvaro Sans (Estudio ASAH) are behind the building's design, which, they say, "is conceived to pay homage to the purest Mediterranean architecture, reinterpreted through a transgressive look. Organic forms, refined lines, natural textures and a palette that evokes the ochres of the mountains, the white of the lime and the blues of the sea and turns each space into a sensorial experience". The exterior was created as an oasis for leisure and dining amidst lush vegetation. The architecture of the space offers an "immersive experience that invites you to enjoy, fusing nature, design and lifestyle in the same environment". The company has highlighted the focus it has put on the gastronomy offer. Complementing the cuisine, there will be art installations, music sessions and cultural events, with the aim of making the hotel a meeting point for creators, hedonists and free-spirited holidaymakers. 20 million euros is what the Melia chain has invested in this project ME Marbella also features a beach club - the iconic Oasis, which "has become the new social epicentre of the Costa del Sol". Food is provided by Pont Hospitality - a benchmark in lifestyle restaurants. The hotel has three restaurant spaces: the Terraza del Med, which pays tribute to the Mediterranean with "honest, local cuisine"; Solana, which "lights the ember to reinterpret the tradition of the south with fresh ingredients, live fire and a warm, contemporary aesthetic that turns every meal into a social celebration"; and Barlume, which offers a sophisticated but casual experience, from the aperitif to the late dinner. "Its gastronomic proposal combines creative cocktails and authentic Mediterranean cuisine, with top quality ingredients and a marked coastal accent," the company states. The employees will be dressed in Lacoste - the result of a collaboration with the French brand. They will offer guests a range of experiences from a beauty ritual inspired by the properties of extra virgin olive oil to a creative connection with handcrafted ceramics in the workshop of renowned artist Ana Ortiz. Lorena Cadiz Fuengirola Wednesday, 2 July 2025, 15:58 Compartir Sohail Castle - the architectural gem of Fuengirola - has been opening its doors for years, enabling locals and visitors to learn about its history and enjoy the beauty of its location overlooking the sea on the Costa del Sol. Almost a million people have visited it in the past decade, partly because of the Marenostrum music festival, which is staged on the hill below the fortress during the summer months. Despite the already achieved success, Fuengirola wants to go a step further and showcase its castle to the world, with the help of new technologies. For this reason, the town hall has put out to tender a contract, which will be awarded to an expert company, to carry out the 3D modelling and create a virtual reality tour of the ancient fortress. The aim is to promote Sohail Castle as a tourist attraction. The budget for the project is 130,121 euros. The selected company will be in charge of developing "an immersive virtual experience that combines historical reconstruction and virtual reality, designed to educate, understand and promote the castle". The project involves the 3D modelling of characters and scenarios, which can be explored through virtual reality glasses - a new formula that will also provide a better understanding of the history behind the castle. History It was in 956AD when the Cordoban caliph Abderraman III ordered the construction of a small citadel, probably around a watchtower, on the ruins of a Greco-Latin settlement, in order to strengthen the coastal defences. In the 12th century, the Almoravids built a defensive enclosure with an irregular ground plan, with eight walls supported by towers, giving rise to a citadel. In 1485, it was taken by the Christians during the Reconquest and was practically destroyed during the battle, although it was later rebuilt. The castle is located in a key position for the surveillance of the coast and the Fuengirola river, which used to be a navigable strategic place, as it was the communication route between Malaga and Marbella. During the War of Independence, the French army, with Napoleon in command, seized the castle. Two years later, general Ballesteros took Fuengirola and recovered it for the Spanish. Unfortunately, at the time of the evacuation, the French troops blew up the southwest tower and part of the adjoining walls, which were never rebuilt. Sohail Castle fell into private ownership at different times during the 19th and 20th centuries. Its state of deterioration progressively worsened by the 1980s. Abundant vegetation and the ruined walls almost resulted in it almost disappearing. Fortunately, Fuengirola town hall eventually took charge of the work to reconstruct it. As a result, Sohail Castle was converted into a tourist reference point, hosting numerous leisure and cultural activities. Regina Sotorrio Malaga Tuesday, 1 July 2025, 15:15 Compartir Young Noah Torron repeats the pose over and over again, as many times as it takes, until SUR's photographer gets the right shot. The ballet dancer is tired, but he continues to stand on his toes, jumping, spinning and smiling. He is a perfectionist and wants to do well, although his parents remind him that this video is not for a competition or for the Paris Opera. Noah sent that video off a month ago and an in-person exam in the French capital did the rest. Noah, who is from Malaga, has been offered a place at Paris Opera and he will be training with the elite of the world of ballet. Alongside him only twelve other young dancers from all over the world, from Finland to Tokyo, have got in. "It's pretty impressive," admits the teenager. The offer of a place in Paris comes after a year spent at the Real Conservatorio Profesional de Danza Mariemma in Madrid, where Noah combined his artistic training with his first year of secondary school. And with good marks, he points out. Also in Madrid Noah had private classes with Gwenevere Pennegues at L'Ecole Francaise de Danse, to prepare himself for his goal. Training at Mariemma was one dream, but Paris was always the "big dream". It seemed unattainable, but now it has happened thanks to Noah's talent, his parents and also the help he has received from the Fundacion Malaga, which has awarded him one of its Talent Scholarships for the new academic year. Noah's parents, Jorge Torron, a piano teacher at the Martin Tenllado Conservatory and his mother, Soledad Fernandez, who teaches music at the Escuela Superior de Arte Dramatico de Malaga (ESAD), moved to Madrid to accompany Noah during his first year at the Mariemma and to take him to the Cervantes Institute in the afternoons. Zoom Noah, in front of the mirror he has in his room for rehearsing. Migue Fernandez Their jobs allowed them to concentrate the class hours into intensive days so that one of them spent the first part of the week in Malaga and the other the second part of the week. Each month they took 16 trains between them. In the whole academic year they bought about 160 tickets from Madrid's Atocha station to Maria Zambrano in Malaga and vice versa. The parents recognise that the sacrifice was worth it and already in April, for example, Noah competed in the Global Dance Open held in Merida, and won first prize in classical dance. In Paris Noah has a residence within the school and can live on his own during school week, but it closes on Friday afternoons, so each week either Jorge or Soledad will fly to Paris to spend the weekends with their son in an apartment they have rented there. At the same time Noah will continue at the Real Conservatorio Mariemma in Madrid, where he will sit exams in June 2026. Despite his youth, Noah is fully aware of the sacrifice his parents are making and is grateful for it. "I wouldn't have been able to do it on my own, without their financial and mental support and all the patience they've had with me, because they've been so stressed with all the travelling. But it has been worth it," says Noah, while his father nods at his side. Noah was in fact born in Vietnam: "I am Vietnamese, I was born in Hanoi. It's nice to talk about my origins, I don't mind. Since I was eight years old I've wanted to go and discover my ancestors, the culture and the language, I find them very interesting", says the young dancer, who was adopted by Jorge and Soledad when he was 17 months old and they brought him to Malaga. Zoom Noah Torron. Miguel Fernandez The next step is to do an intensive French summer course in France, before joining the Paris Opera school as a student in September. This summer there is little time for the Play Station, Noah recognises, but he says he doesn't mind. "I have it there for when a friend comes over, but 99 per cent of my time is not on it". His whole world at the moment is dance. "And work pays off, I've experienced that this year," he adds with surprising maturity. In the future Noah says he would love to dance in ballets like El Corsario, Don Quixote, Sleeping Beauty and The Nutcracker in a large theatre and he might get there sooner than he thinks. At Christmas the pupils of the Parisian dance school dance at Paris's Opera Garnier to show the public what they have learned. When he explains this, his eyes light up. Enrique Miranda Malaga Wednesday, 2 July 2025, 20:06 Compartir Plan Infoca, the Junta de Andalucia's specialist forest fire brigade, declared a forest fire affecting the municipality of Parauta, in the Serrania de Ronda in Malaga province, just after 7pm this Wednesday evening (2 July). According to the first images provided by teams on the scene, the fire is affecting an area of vegetation close to some houses in the village. Two helicopters (one heavy and one medium-heavy), a fire engine and three groups of forest firefighters, two Brica reinforcement brigades, two operations technicians and an environmental officer have been deployed to the area. One of the few local passenger train services in the Guadiaro valley that still runs on the mainly freight corridor line between Algeciras and Antequera. The closure of the A-397 Ronda-San Pedro road back in March due to a major landslide caused by the rains and the resulting economic and social damage to the thousands of people who use this so-called 'daily bread road' every week really highlighted the area's weaknesses and shortcomings in terms of communications. Such a shortfall hinders and limits development of the area in terms of competitiveness, employment opportunities and population growth. Since this incident, there have been calls in various forums - including a mass demonstration in Ronda itself - for improved communications, not only in terms of roads, but also rail. The truth is that this inland area of Malaga, as has happened in similar areas in other Spanish provinces, has seen train services and frequencies decline in recent years, or a shift toward rail freight transport to the detriment of passenger services. In this scenario, in a context where international organisations are urging state governments to commit to sustainable mobility such as rail to reduce CO2 emissions (hence the EU's halting of funding for road construction) and where the Spanish government is currently studying the feasibility of the long-awaited coastal train project between Nerja and Algeciras, political representatives, business leaders and experts agree that the Serrania de Ronda must also get on board the train as one of the key drivers to make progress and combat depopulation. This was the message from Maripaz Fernandez (PP, mayor of Ronda), Francisco Javier Anet (PSOE, mayor of Arriate), Patricia Navarro (the Junta de Andalucia's delegate for Malaga), Antonio Palma (secretary-general of Apymer (trade association for small and medium enterprises in the Ronda and Campillos-Guadalteba area) and civil engineer Carlos Miro during the meeting held last week at SUR's head office in Malaga to address the challenges and strengths of the area. Zoom The discussion that was held at SUR's head office in Malaga. Salavador Salas Railway Increase frequency and services and improve connections The participants agreed that the frequency and services of the trains that run through several municipalities in the area where there are stops should be increased, as well as to improving the connection between Ronda and the Santa Ana railway hub near Antequera. "In this area, the railway has become a freight train service. People's mobility by train must be prioritised" Maripaz Fernandez Mayor of Ronda Zoom "During Covid, the railway lost many of the trains that used to stop in Ronda and the towns and villages in the area and the rail service is pretty much just a freight train service. I think that people's mobility by train should be prioritised. When I was a student I used to go to Granada by train. Now I can't, I have to get off at Santa Ana, it doesn't make sense," said Fernandez. Meanwhile, Navarro noted that some engineers maintain that the train between Malaga and Ronda "could become another Cercanias [commuter] line and connect both places in 40 minutes with some work to reduce a series of curves along the route of this railway connection". She also denounced the fact that the Serrania area is no stranger to "investment neglect" by central government in the province. For his part, Miro argued that so far the Spanish government 'has not paid enough attention' to Ronda's railway communications and its integration into the high-speed network. He also noted that the Algeciras-Zaragoza axis, which runs through the Ronda area, is "too powerful to be used exclusively" for freight transport. "It doesn't seem logical that an area of this importance continues to be overlooked in terms of investment and that the major Algeciras-Zaragoza railway axis is excluded by not considering connections that could simply be resolved with minimal investments to improve the route or the services provided between Ronda and Santa Ana, whose connection is fundamental," stated the engineer. "The train could become an additional commuter line and connect Malaga and Ronda in 40 minutes with work to reduce a series of curves on the route" Patricia Navarro Junta de Andalucia delegate for Malaga province Zoom Palma is of the view that, among the "urgent" improvements to the area's communications infrastructure, action is needed on the railway. Arriate's mayor Anet added that, in addition to the electrification currently underway between Santa Ana and Algeciras, connections must be improved to make it "worthwhile" for residents of the Serrania de Ronda and the neighbouring Sierra de Cadiz. Roads From the long-awaited motorway to improving connections with the Costa del Sol The motorway-style dual carriageway between Ronda and Malaga city is one of the locals' most longed-for projects because of what it would mean in terms of shortening travel times and improving road safety. Its construction is a demand that all five participants in the SUR forum agreed on while accepting that the mountainous landscape presents challenges to such an undertaking. Patricia Navarro reiterated that they will not abandon the dual carriageway project because it is "a commitment" of the regional government and its president, Juanma Moreno. She added that work is underway on several projects, for instance, the first section of the Guadalhorce stretch of dual carriageway for 52 million euros which "is about to be awarded." The next section is also out to tender. A third is the tender to reorganise access to Ronda and that has been awarded. The aim is for the widening of the A-367 dual carriageway (connecting Ronda with the Guadalhorce dual carriageway) to be carried out "over a number of kilometres, which we want to be as long as possible and within the shortest timeframe possible." "There are millions of reasons to have this dual carriageway because, for anyone coming from or going to Malaga, shortening the journey by 15 to 20 minutes will mean a world of difference to them, saving time, increasing safety and quality of life and benefiting economically", said Francisco Javier Anet, while Mari Paz Fernandez stressed that "we are not going to give up on the dual carriageway." "Urgent investment in communications is needed to overcome the situation we've been left with for the last 50 years" Antonio Palma Secretary-general of Apymer Zoom In terms of roads, the demands are not limited to the Ronda-Malaga dual carriageway, but also to improving connections with the Costa del Sol and the neighbouring provinces of Cadiz and Seville. "Investment is needed to overcome the situation we've been left with for the last 50 years," stated Antonio Palma. In this regard, Carlos Miro explained that the different governing bodies must assume their responsibilities in this area with "permanent" investments: the provincial authority (Diputacion de Malaga) in the more local roads that connect the area and the regional government with the dual carriageway, the re-opening of the A-397 Ronda-San Pedro road that connects with the Costa del Sol and other projects along this road to improve safety and its layout. Strengths Tourism, agricultural trade and the natural environment The panel rejected the perception that development of this area has not kept pace with that of other parts of the province. "We've made a lot of progress and we are now a brand; the Ronda brand exists", said the town's mayor. This idea was echoed by Navarro, who described the Serrania as Malaga's "crown jewel in terms of natural heritage". The representative for local SMEs, agreed that "there's no underdevelopment compared to anyone else", but he also admitted that the area "is struggling a little more." "Comparing Antequera with Ronda? It's complicated because we don't have the same geography to favour us. Developing infrastructure in a flat area with good accessibility isn't the same as doing so with a more complicated geography and geology like ours," he said. Arriate's mayor added that "we develop at a different level than other places, either because of the terrain or the lack of communication with Malaga city, the Costa del Sol, Seville or Cadiz, which is seriously detrimental to us." However, all five emphasised the strengths and potential of the Serrania de Ronda to continue growing and developing through tourism, the agro-food industry and the opportunities offered by the natural environment. Bear in mind that several municipalities in the area are part of the Sierra de las Nieves National Park. All these, together with factors such as quality of life, lower housing and industrial land prices than in Malaga city and coastal areas, and the technological capacity to meet the demand for remote working. "For anyone coming from or going to Malaga, shortening the motorway journey by 15 or 20 minutes is going to mean the world to them" Francisco Javier Anet Mayor of Arriate Zoom "We have a wonderful natural environment, where tourism is obviously one of our most important factors, but also agriculture and livestock farming, which is a very important sector for us," said Maripaz Fernandez, who alluded to the fact that the town of Ronda has surpassed two million visitors. Moreover, she commented that new hotel projects are being developed that generate employment and investment, while the number of overnight stays by visitors is growing. Also, there are currently 25 wineries that can be visited, combining tourism with the primary sector; and that the whole area is a "huge draw for nature and the environment". "We have great opportunities in these sectors", she stated. Her counterpart in Arriate, Anet, insisted that "on an environmental level we are a benchmark" in Andalucia, adding that each of the municipalities in the local area have specific characteristics that "make us special and different, but we need many improvements to realise our potential." "The natural environment and the territorial equilibrium make the area such a unique place" Carlos Miro Civil engineer Zoom "The area has some unique features due to its orography and its treasured natural heritage, which are an attraction and an asset to the province's tourism offering, especially as there is still a lot of room for growth. Few areas in the province provide as much added value to the tourism offering as the Serrania", said Patricia Navarro. Along similar lines, Carlos Miro pointed to the area's natural surroundings and the territorial equilibrium it has managed to maintain over time - assets that make it such a "unique" area. Antonio Palma added that the demand for improved communications and public services for the Serrania de Ronda is to ensure the whole area is prepared for when the 'Greater Malaga project' arrives in the area. "Malaga and the coast are saturated in terms of housing, logistics and office land.... At some point it will be up to those of us who live inland to support and give a warm welcome to those people who want to work in a quieter place or who seek a better quality of life and environment." Public services The role of the university and not losing healthcare or education services In terms of public services, Ronda's mayor advocated continuing to diversify the educational offering to provide opportunities for young people so that they do not have to leave the area. She also stressed the need for a continued presence in inland areas from the University of Malaga. An agreement has been signed for a degree in Physiotherapy to be taught in Ronda. She also insisted that she is going to modify the PGOU (the municipal council's general urban development plan) to offer new industrial land to companies interested in setting up in Ronda. Arriate's mayor stressed the importance of maintaining the current educational offer and ensuring that "no training courses should be lost" as has been announced in some municipalities in the area He called improved healthcare with the development of a social care and health centre on the premises of the old La Serrania hospital. Susana Zamora Monday, 30 June 2025, 12:10 Compartir The president of a homeowners' association shared a private conversation in a community WhatsApp group and a copy of a bank receipt revealing the homeowner's full name, their bank account number and their postal address. He violated data protection regulations because he was not authorised to do so and the injured party reported him to the Spanish data protection agency (AEPD). This data authority has imposed an administrative fine of 2,000 euros on the community of homeowners: 1,500 euros for infringing Article 5.1.f of Spain's general data protection regulations (GDPR). This specific article refers to the principle of integrity and confidentiality. The other 500 euros are for failing to comply with Article 32, which ensures security in data processing. However, the fine has been somewhat reduced, subject to the withdrawal or waiver of any administrative action or appeal against the fine, resulting in a final payment of 1,600 euros. The complaint, which was filed by the injured party's father as joint holder of the bank account where the community's bills were paid, was forwarded by the AEPD to the residents' association for analysis and to report within one month on the actions taken to comply with the requirements set out in the data protection regulations. In its response, the homeowners' association provided an affidavit from the community's secretary-administrator certifying that the WhatsApp group is not the result of a community agreement, but was created at the initiative of one homeowner. It also argued that the community has no control over what is posted on the chat, nor is it responsible for any statements made therein. "It also states that the homeowners' association is not the owner of the telephone number," says the resolution consulted by SUR. Although the AEPD initially closed the case, finding no evidence of an infringement, an appeal was filed against this decision arguing that, although the message had been deleted from the president's phone, it was still on the devices of the other property owners, rendering the measure ineffective. The appeal was upheld and, consequently, sanctioning proceedings were initiated. The plaintiff submitted a written statement detailing that the bank statement had been sent to the president, who authorised its publication with the following words: "Show it to whomever you want when you're walking around the community; I have no objections, it keeps you entertained and gives me peace of mind for a day." The AEPD asserts that it cannot be inferred from this statement that the affected party authorised the dissemination of the conversation via WhatsApp, "but rather, at most, to be shown to individuals". Moreover, the AEPD also stresses that any homeowners not holding the office of community president may only have access to the community's documentation when it is justified. "The homeowners' association itself is responsible for the processing carried out for the proper management and operation of said association under the horizontal property regime and it is up to that association to implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to guarantee and demonstrate that the processing complies with the GDPR," states the resolution. Patricia Marcos Madrid Wednesday, 2 July 2025, 11:13 | Updated 11:21h. Compartir Spain has bid farewell to June and, with it, the first heatwave of the year. The high temperatures, which reached a maximum of 46C, made it a record-breaking month with an average temperature of 23.6C, eight tenths of a degree higher than June 2017, which held the record for the month, until now, as reported by Spain's state meteorological agency (Aemet). Junio de 2025 ha pulverizado records. Temperatura media de 23.6 C. Supera por 0.8 C al anterior junio mas calido: el de 2017. Su caracter ha sido extremadamente calido. Supera en nada menos que 3.5 C el promedio del periodo 1991-2020. pic.twitter.com/D3JpHBfFar AEMET (@AEMET_Esp) July 1, 2025 However, July has also started with sweltering temperatures and this will continue to be the case over the next few days throughout the country, except in the north, where a polar air mass will cause the mercury to drop. This Wednesday, according to the Aemet, the approach of a trough in height associated with a front that will affect the north of the peninsula is expected and will move towards the northeast of the peninsula. This 'tongue' of cold air at high atmospheric levels will cause the unstable weather of previous days to continue, with storms and rain in some areas of the north and interior of the country. Zoom Aemet Storms in these areas of Spain The approach this Wednesday of a weather trough at altitude, associated with a polar front, will leave thunderstorms in mountains of the northern half and surrounding areas, being possible in points of the northern plateau, northern half of the southern plateau and Sierra Nevada, said Aemet. In fact, more than 20mm could fall in an hour in these areas. On Thursday, the passage of a front will consolidate and affect the northern half of the Spanish mainland. In the northern third of the country, overcast skies and locally persistent light rainfall are forecast. In addition, there will be probable showers and thunderstorms in the northern half of Spain. Heavy showers are not ruled out in the Iberian Peninsula, the Cantabrian mountain range and the Pyrenees, as well as in neighbouring areas, Aemet has pointed out. 01/07 11:37 Avisos activos pasado manana en Espana por vientos, costeros y temperaturas maximas. Nivel maximo de aviso: naranja. Actualizaciones en https://t.co/BLdoSsO2Qv pic.twitter.com/oNZBPiIT3b AEMET (@AEMET_Esp) July 1, 2025 The instability will continue on Friday, with a front located over the northern peninsular, moving northeastwards which will again trigger light rainfall in the northern third, as well as showers and thunderstorms, again, in the northern half of the country. Temperatures falling in the north Despite the end of the heatwave today, Spain will continue to be affected by sweltering temperatures that will keep much of the country under yellow and amber warnings except Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria and La Rioja. Therefore, in the south of the northern plateau, the north-east of the Spanish mainland and the southern half of the country there will be highs of 34-36C and even higher. Temperatures may exceed 40 degrees in the Guadalquivir, Tagus and Guadiana valleys, Extremadura and northeastern depressions. Temperatures will reach 42C in Cordoba on Thursday, and it will be above 40 degrees in other provinces such as Ciudad Real, Lerida, Toledo, Badajoz, Caceres, Seville and Zaragoza. The exception will be the Cantabrian and Atlantic slopes, where temperatures will be markedly lower due to the passing of the trough and the front on Wednesday. On Thursday, temperatures will also drop in the southwest third of Spain and to a lesser extent in the eastern third, recovering in the north. On Friday there will be a decrease in the west of the mainland, more pronounced in the north of the northern plateau. As for the minimum temperatures, they are not expected to fall below 20 degrees in the Ebro valley, Mediterranean coasts and in the southern half of the country, except in the south-eastern mountain ranges. Looking ahead to the end of this week and the beginning of next week, temperatures will drop across the board throughout Spain due to the entry of polar air between 6 and 8 July, leaving temperatures well below average in the north of the mainland. Car insurance is 10% more expensive than last year in Spain: this is how you can save up to 500 euros Described by the OCU consumer association as "surprising and difficult to justify", the price hike should be an incentive for policyholders to thoroughly review their current policies J. Bacorelle Madrid Wednesday, 2 July 2025, 18:57 Compartir Motorists' wallets in Spain are taking another hit. The country's Organisation of Consumers and Users (OCU) has issued a warning about the 10 per cent increase in the price of car insurance in the last twelve months, according to CPI data published by the INE national institute of statistics. This increase, described by the OCU as "surprising and difficult to justify", should be an incentive for policyholders to thoroughly review their current policies. The organisation stresses that drivers have a real opportunity to save up to 500 euros per year if they take the time to compare offers between different companies. The price differences are notable. For the same vehicle and driver profile, comprehensive insurance can range from 550 to 2,500 euros. Comprehensive with excess insurance can range from 300 to 900 euros. For extended third party cover, prices vary between 250 and 500 euros. The OCU also offers specific advice for older vehicles, given the average age of the Spanish car is 14.5 years old. For these cars, it recommends taking out third party insurance, preferably extended, to include essential cover such as damage to windows, fire, theft or collision with animals. Another alternative is the comprehensive insurance with excess, which allows a considerable economic reduction in exchange for assuming part of the cost in the event of a claim. Against this backdrop of rising prices, the OCU insists on the importance of comparing and adapting the policy to the real needs of the driver and the vehicle in order to avoid overpaying. BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 2. A delegation led by the Chief of the Military Police Department of the Main Department of Internal Security and Investigations of the Azerbaijani Ministry of Defense, Major General Elgun Aliyev paid a visit to Georgia, a source in the ministry told Trend. As part of the visit, the Azerbaijani delegation visited the bust of the National Leader in the Heydar Aliyev Park in Tbilisi. Then, the head of the department met with the chief of the Military Police Department of the Georgian Ministry of Defense, Major General Shalva Shengelia. The meeting encompassed a comprehensive discourse on the facilitation of collaborative drills and a myriad of topics of reciprocal significance. The Azerbaijani delegation received a comprehensive overview regarding the operational framework of the Georgian military police, highlighting its core competencies and strategic domains of engagement. Subsequent to the convening, an exhaustive evaluation of armaments and apparatus was conducted, alongside the oversight of kinetic drills, encompassing structural operations and the deployment of protocols aimed at safeguarding dignitaries of elevated status. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Jose Antonio Guerrero Madrid Wednesday, 2 July 2025, 14:28 Compartir Madrid city council is setting up an emergency social housing project to attend to the homeless people who spend the night at the Spanish capital's Barajas Airport, provided that they have some connection with the city, i.e. that they are registered as residents or that they have been previously been monitored by the municipal social services. The air-conditioned facility, with a capacity for 150 people, will be set up in the Pinar de San Jose centre in the Carabanchel district. It will be operational from the second half of July until the end of October. Among the services included in the new social facility are breakfast, dinner, bathrooms and laundry facilities. In addition, those sheltered will receive a public transport card to make it easier for them to get around, as some of the homeless at Barajas are workers whose salaries are too low to pay rent. The centre, which is part of a social emergency contract worth 932,000 euros, provides "a dignified social response" to these people's living situation, as Madrid mayor Jose Luis Martinez Almeida promised at the meeting held last May with the president of state airport operator Aena - Maurici Lucena. Airport operator Aena's responsibility in the agreement includes drawing up a census that will assess how many people sleep at the airport and what their situation is. This "identification process" was to be ready in June, but is currently "still being processed". According to Aena, it has been delayed by the processing of personal data in compliance with the protection law. Since that meeting, the issues generated by homelessness at Barajas have ceased to be in the daily news spotlight. Both administrations pledged to resolve any problems jointly before airing them publicly. Aena's decision to restrict night-time access to the airport terminals from 9pm to 5am - a time slot in which only passengers with boarding passes and identified workers can enter - has also contributed to this. Daytime hours In June, 119 of the roughly 400 people sleeping at Barajas were attended to. The city council said that, until the census is finalised, it will not be possible to define the type of social care each person needs. The Carabanchel centre will be open from 8pm to 9am. However, 20 of the 150 spots will be granted 24-hour access to a day centre. In addition, people will be provided with dinner and breakfast on the premises, as well as snacks for lunch. They will have access to toilets, laundry, luggage office, wardrobe and public transport cards. The centre will also carry out a process of individualised social intervention with each person, with the aim of supporting them in their transition to an independent life or favouring their access to the municipal network of care for the homeless, to addiction treatment resources, to centres for the elderly, those suffering from mental health conditions or other circumstances that put them in a vulnerable situation. On the other hand, the city council has advised Aena to set up a social care unit at Barajas Airport to "prevent a repetition of the current situation". This unit would work in coordination with the competent administrations in order to "refer people who express their intention to settle or spend the night at Barajas and offer them social care as soon as possible". The Spanish government has taken the first step toward the transfer of land and apartments from Sareb to the public housing company Sepes that PM Pedro Sanchez announced would happen six months ago. At that time, the prime minister decided to convert Sepes into the new public housing developer and on Tuesday his ministerial cabinet approved the transfer of 40,000 Sareb homes and 2,400 plots of land on which another 55,000 affordable rental homes could be built. This was announced on Tuesday by housing minister, Isabel Rodriguez, at the press conference following the executive meeting. Often referred to as the 'bad bank', Sareb was set up by public (state) funding and the major banks in 2012 to rescue about a dozen financial institutions that were drowning in debt from construction companies unable to repay their mortgage loans after the sector collapsed in 2008 and beyond. Sareb stands for 'Sociedad de Gestion de Activos procedentes de la Reestructuracion Bancaria'. The government has valued the current housing and land market approved for transfer to Sepes at 5.9 billion euros. This operation has several detractors, such as the funds that currently manage many of these assets, such as Blackstone and KKR. The housing that will feed this public housing portfolio will be affordable rentals below market land prices and "in no case exceeding 30%" of household income. The first housing package to be added to the public housing stock will consist of approximately 13,000 properties, although the minister did not specify how soon they will be handed over to vulnerable families. "The Prime Minister committed to making 13,000 available immediately, which will be the number we are primarily working to, and we will gradually incorporate all of them because some of them will still require adaptation", said the Housing Minister. The deal is valued at 5.9 billion euros, to which a further 593 million euros will be added for refitting or renovating the homes acquired from Sareb, according to Rodriguez. She values this agreement as it "fixes the outcomes of the previous financial crisis, which was the use of these homes from foreclosures and evictions of families to pay for the financial bailout." In her opinion, this is a "different way of dealing with the housing crisis, which is to save families instead of saving the banks." Already occupied However, the government's plans to expand the public housing stock won't be a walk in the park. First, this announcement of the transfer of 30,000 properties is questionable because some are already occupied by vulnerable families. Figures from Sareb indicate that, of the 38,300 homes it currently holds on its books (this entity sells properties, but also occasionally acquires some), some 60% are already occupied. This means that the new public housing company may find that a large portion of the houses it receives may not be immediately available to the market, according to Sareb data. Sources at the Ministry of Housing are assured that, when the time comes, there will be a solution, also noting that there are contracts signed with certain conditions and that they will expire. Another obstacle that will have to be addressed is that, of all the homes on Sareb's books that are occupied, some 8,000 are earmarked for social rentals. So, we would once again be talking about homes that are already occupied. These already provide a solution to the most vulnerable families and, therefore, would not be available to those currently struggling to access affordable housing. Aerial photo of the two simultaneous fires that occurred on Tuesday in the Segarra region, the most important being the Torrefeta and Florejacs fire. R. C. Lleida Wednesday, 2 July 2025, 09:43 Compartir Two people have died in the wildfire declared on Tuesday afternoon in the municipality of Torrefeta i Florejacs, in the municipality of Segarra (Lleida) in northeastern Spain, which was also being affected by another blaze in a nearby area. This has been confirmed by the Catalan government's regional firefighters, who found the bodies when they were extinguishing flames inside the perimeter of the fire. According to an initial provisional assessment by the Civil Protection service after midnight, the forest fire had already devastated more than 1,830 hectares, mostly fields, crops and undergrowth, although other unofficial sources increased this figure greatly. The Mossos d'Esquadra regional police force has taken charge of the investigation into the circumstances of the incident, which has already claimed human lives, the first wildfire-related deaths in Spain this summer. The fire was stabilised at around 10.40pm, although extinguishing work continued through the night and into the early hours of this morning. The forestry services are hoping that the ground will be as cool as possible this Wednesday in order to try to extinguish the fire. The problem, say the specialists, is that during the day temperatures are expected to be quite high throughout the area, according to Europa Press. "A lot of caution" In any case, as the state of the fire improved, the three confinement orders issued in Torrefeta were deactivated shortly after 11.10pm on Tuesday. Only the Sanauja order remained in force, although it was also "practically considered to be under control". In total, almost 20,000 people had to remain in their homes for much of the afternoon and evening, following the warning issued by the emergency services. The president of the Generalitat, Salvador Illa, expressed his sadness at the death of the two people in question and sent his condolences to their families. In a message on X, he called for "great caution and for members of the public to follow the instructions and recommendations of the emergency services" in all the affected areas. Jabi Leon Basque Country Tuesday, 1 July 2025, 10:47 Compartir An 18-year-old young man from the town of Elgoibar in Spain's Basque Country was admitted to a hospital intensive care unit after ingesting a detergent liquid that was accidentally served to him instead of the 'mosto' grape juice he ordered. The incident happened on Wednesday, 25 June, at the Ondarbeltz bar on Mutrikuarra beach. The youth's condition was described as stable, but with a guarded prognosis due to the severe internal burns he had sustained. "We want to publicly denounce what has happened to us, because we do not want anyone else to have to go through this nightmare," said the young man's parents, who have now reported the incident to the authorities. According to the young man's father, his son went fishing with a friend in Deba on Wednesday morning. At midday, they went to the beach bar to have a drink. "Our son asked for a glass of 'mosto' and as soon as he swallowed it, he began to feel a burning sensation inside," the parent said. The young man approached the bar to explain what was happening to him and it was then that the manager of the beach bar - Bruno - realised that instead of grape juice he had been served a corrosive washing-up detergent. As soon as he realised the seriousness of the incident, Bruno rushed the young man to the Hospital Mendaro Regional in his own car. In view of the seriousness of the internal burns, the doctors decided to transfer the youth to the Hospital Universitario de Donostia, where he was admitted to the intensive care unit "with a guarded prognosis". After spending a "hellish" night, on Thursday the boy's parents said that their son remained in the ICU, "stable and with a guarded prognosis". The father told SUR that, although they were still cautious, he was confident that his son would recover. "On Wednesday afternoon, the doctors told us that they feared the worst, but fortunately our son has not worsened and we think that time is on our side," he said. Complaint in progress As soon as they found out what had happened, the young man's parents went to the Hospital Mendaro. After seeing that he remained conscious despite the seriousness of the internal burns, the mother stayed with him, while the father called the Ertzain Etxea - the Basque Country's regional police force - and went to the Ondarbeltz beach bar, where the officers took a statement from the manager. The family has taken the necessary steps to report the incident to the competent authorities. "It was an accident. Hopefully, the young man will recover well and soon" At the beginning of last summer, Mutriku town hall awarded Bruno the contract to run the Ondarbeltz beach bar. The manager admitted to feeling "terrible" after what happened, which he described as "an unfortunate accident". He expressed his hopes that the boy "will recover well and soon". Bruno explained that the washing-up liquid had been poured in an empty grape juice bottle, which was then left in a corner of the bar. They had the intention to store it somewhere else, but one of the workers mistakenly poured the boy a glass from that same bottle. As soon as he became aware of the issye, Bruno himself took the young man to the hospital. "I tried to act as quickly and as properly as possible," he said. Dr. Gregory Conners, chair of the department of pediatrics and executive director of Upstate Golisano Childrens Hospital, has been named the 2025 recipient of the American Academy of Pediatrics Section on Emergency Medicines Jim Seidel Distinguished Service Award. This prestigious national award the highest honor presented by the AAP Section on Emergency Medicine recognizes physicians who have made outstanding and lasting contributions to the field of pediatric emergency medicine. Often referred to as the PEM Hall of Fame, the award celebrates a career of exemplary service, leadership, and innovation. >> Send us your companys news about People in Motion Named in honor of the late Dr. James S. Seidel, the award celebrates the legacy of one of PEMs founding pioneers and is given to a leader who embodies the same spirit of tireless advocacy, education, and impact. Dr. Conners joins a select group of individuals whose work has shaped the evolution of pediatric emergency medicine nationwide. Conners has had a distinguished career in pediatric medicine and academic leadership. He has authored or co-authored approximately 100 peer-reviewed papers, 20 book chapters, and a peer-reviewed textbook. He has served on the editorial boards of three professional journals and is a fellow of both the AAP and the American College of Emergency Physicians. He is a member and former chair of the AAP committee on pediatric emergency medicine. Conners was part of the process that provided guidance on pediatric observation units and stressed the importance of good communication between an urgent care center where a child was treated and the childs medical home. He is also a member of the American Pediatric Society, past chair of the International Group on BS/MD programs. He has long been a contributor to faculty development, pediatric leadership, and quality improvement initiatives. In addition to his leadership post in pediatrics and with Upstate Golisano Childrens Hospital, Conners still serves as an attending physician in Upstate pediatric emergency department. Conners joined Upstate in March 2019, from Childrens Mercy Hospitals & Clinic, University of Missouri, Kansas City School of Medicine, where he served in a variety of roles, including associate chair of pediatrics and director of the division of emergency medicine. Conners earned his bachelors degree from Amherst College, his medical degree from Stony Brook School of Medicine, and holds MPH and MBA degrees from the University of Rochester. He completed his residency in pediatrics and fellowship in pediatric emergency medicine at Childrens National Medical Center in Washington, D.C. His honors include being named Distinguished Alumnus by Stony Brook School of Medicine in 2013. If youd like to submit an item about People in Motion at your organization, send a press release including photo, to business@syracuse.com with Company News in the subject field. We publish news about people with ties to Onondaga, Cayuga, Madison and Oswego counties. See all recent Company News items. Elon Musk and President Donald Trump have reignited their war of words. Trump answers questions from reporters as he meets with Congo's Foreign Minister Therese Kayikwamba Wagner and Rwanda's Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe, Friday, June 27, 2025, in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington. (Manuel Balce Ceneta | AP Photo) Manuel Balce Ceneta | AP Photo President Donald Trump on Tuesday said he would take a look at deporting billionaire Elon Musk after Musk criticized the Republican policy bill making its way through Congress. Trump and Musk began a war of words in June soon after Musk formally left his position in the administration. Musk, the worlds richest man and CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, was a major Trump donor during the campaign last year and was heavily involved in the administrations cost-cutting efforts earlier this year. But Musk has been a consistent critic of the bill Republicans are attempting to push through Congress now. The bill contains the bulk of Trumps domestic agenda, but Musk has been critical over various aspects of the legislation, including how much it will add to the deficit. Musk eased his critiques after a phone call with Trump in mid-June, but has been again attacking the bill in recent days. A reporter asked Trump on Tuesday if he would deport Musk, who was born in South Africa, but is now a U.S. citizen. I dont know, Trump responded, according to the New York Times. Well have to take a look. Earlier, Trump pushed back against Musks criticisms with a social media post, arguing Musk was upset about how the bill would affect electric vehicles, which are manufactured by Tesla, according to ABC News. Trump also said he might have to put DOGE on Elon. DOGE, an acronym for the Department of Government Efficiency, is the cost-slashing effort Musk helped lead. If DOGE looks at Musk, were going to save a fortune, Trump later told reporters, according to ABC. Musk has threatened to fund primary challengers to any Republican who votes for Trumps bill, ABC said. It is obvious with the insane spending of this bill, which increases the debt ceiling by a record FIVE TRILLION DOLLARS that we live in a one-party country the PORKY PIG PARTY!!, Musk posted on X on Monday afternoon. Pork generally refers to spending included in bills that benefits individual lawmakers districts. Its often held up as a sign of waste in the federal government. A think tank with close connections to members of President Donald Trumps administration has filed a civil rights complaint against Cornell University, alleging that illegal diversity, equity and inclusion policies led to discrimination in hiring, scholarships and faculty policies. The complaint, filed by the America First Policy Institute, alleges that the university discriminated against job candidates based on race and sex; eliminated faculty position applicants based on ideological statements; and excluded students for scholarship opportunities based on race and ethnicity. The AFPI said that it has filed the complaint with the U.S. Departments of Justice, Education and Health and Human Services, as well as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. The school disputes the allegations, saying the complaint references a number of outdated websites or programs that have not been in use for many years, according to a statement issued by Monica Yant Kinney, Cornells interim vice president for university relations. Over the past year, the university has further enhanced its compliance with civil rights laws by engaging outside law firms to audit policy and practices to reflect changes in law or regulations, taking swift corrective action where necessary. The university does not tolerate unlawful discrimination in hiring or any other aspect of any university program or practice, and the university has taken and will continue to take prompt, effective, and appropriate action to respond to any and all allegations of any violation of law or the universitys equal opportunity and antidiscrimination policy, the statement read. Harmeet Dhillon, assistant attorney general for civil rights at the U.S. Department of Justice, told the Wall Street Journal that her office will investigate all serious allegations of identity-based admissions, hiring, and student benefits. Discrimination by American colleges and universities must come to an end, she said. Cornell is no exception to this rule. Its the latest battle between Cornell, located in Ithaca, and the administration. Earlier this year, the administration froze more than $1 billion in federal funding from the university, alleging civil rights violations. According to The Associated Press, Cornell was one of more than 60 schools warned by the U.S. Education Department of potential enforcement actions if they do not fulfill their obligations under federal law to protect Jewish students on campus, including uninterrupted access to campus facilities and educational opportunities. The administration alleged the schools allowed antisemitism during campus protests over Israels war with Hamas in Gaza. Cornell responded by joining a lawsuit against the administration fighting the cuts. Last month, the school announced plans for layoffs related to the funding cuts. The AFPI has several close ties to the Trump administration. Its current vice chair, Larry Kudlow, was director of the National Economic Council during the first Trump administration. Linda McMahon, the current Secretary of Education, is the former chair of the group; Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins and U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi also held high posts in the group before joining the administration, according to the Wall Street Journal. The Galleries of Syracuse office complex at 441 South Salina St. houses the New York state offices for the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Rick Moriarty | rmoriarty@syracuse.com Washington President Donald Trumps administration has backed off its plan to shut down a U.S. Department of Agriculture office in Syracuse that serves farmers across New York state. The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Syracuse had been targeted by Trumps Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to have its lease canceled one of 34 USDA regional offices due to close in a nationwide cost-cutting move. Dozens of scientists and other agriculture experts work out of an office in the Galleries of Syracuse to assist farmers across New York state. When asked in March, USDA and DOGE officials did not say whether they intended to lay off or relocate the engineers, economists, biologists, soil scientists and other specialists who work in the downtown Syracuse office. Now the USDA says it has canceled plans to close the office and will keep its experts on the job helping New York farmers, according to U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y. Gillibrand along with Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., and Rep. John Mannion, D-Geddes, had pressed the USDA for answers about the future of the Syracuse office. The USDA responded in a June 10 letter to Gillibrand, stating the decision to terminate the lease had been rescinded. USDA is dedicated to ensuring agricultural producers in Upstate New York have the resources and personnel needed to continue serving the American people, said the letter signed by Tucker A. Stewart, a USDA deputy assistant secretary. Stewart said the department was aware of a lease termination notice sent to the USDA Syracuse office by the General Services Administration, which oversees all federal office space. As of the date of this letter, we have confirmed GSA has rescinded the termination notice for the Syracuse field office, Tucker wrote. He provided no explanation for the reversal. After receiving the letter, Gillibrand said shes relieved that the Trump administration was responsive to our concerns and is revising its ill-conceived plan to close a critical USDA office. DOGE initially proposed canceling leases for 747 federal offices across the nation as part of the Trump administrations plan to dramatically shrink the federal government. The USDA leases 33,548 square feet of office space in the Galleries of Syracuse office building. The office is the New York headquarters for the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, USDA Rural Development and Farm Service Agency. The federal government would have saved $543,571 in annual costs by canceling the lease, according to DOGE. Schumer, the Senate Democratic leader, said he doesnt know how the Syracuse office ended up on the list. The Syracuse USDA field office is not waste or fraud and should have never been on the chopping block, Schumer said. He said closing the office would devastate rural farm-based communities in New York and never should have been considered. DOGEs shoot-first-and-ask-questions-later approach has created chaos for Upstate New York and the more than 50 staffers who work at the USDA in Syracuse, Schumer said. The staffers include scientists, civil engineers, resource conservation specialists and a state forester, agronomist and biologist. The federal government leases about 20 percent of the office space at the seven-story Galleries of Syracuse complex. The building had been put up for sale by its owners in the spring, but it has not sold. Got a tip, comment or story idea? Contact Mark Weiner at 571-970-3751. BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 2. Azerbaijan's Prime Minister Ali Asadov met with President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Ersin Tatar today, the Azerbaijani Cabinet of Ministers told Trend. During the meeting, the significance of the engagement of the Northern Cyprus president, recognized as an observer state within the framework of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), at the 17th ECO Summit in Khankendi was underscored. It has been observed that reciprocal engagements have transpired between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus across multiple tiers in recent temporal frameworks. Throughout the dialogue, various domains of collaboration were deliberated upon. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel A car crash on Tuesday night, July 1, 2025 on Collamer Road (Route 298) in Manlius brought down wires, closing the road. Courtesy Manlius police Related article: Drunk driver crashes into pole in Manlius, flees the scene, police say Update: At 7 a.m. Wednesday, the state DOT were reporting the road remained closed. Original article Manlius, N.Y. All lanes of Collamer Road (Route 298) in Manlius are closed Tuesday night after a car crash brought down live wires in the road. Around 10:34 p.m., multiple callers reported that a single car crashed into a telephone pole at the intersection of Collamer Road and Fremont Road, according to Onondaga County 911 Center dispatches. The car rolled over after hitting the pole, dispatchers said. The driver then got out and ran from the scene, according to dispatches. Police said they planned to use a drone to search for the driver. Multiple poles and live wires were reported down in the road, dispatchers said. At 10:55 p.m., police shut down all lanes of Collamer Road between Aspen Park Boulevard and Fremont Road, according to a 511NY alert. As of 11:55 p.m., all lanes of traffic remained closed. This story will be updated as more information becomes available. Editors note: This article incorrectly originally said the crash happened in the town of DeWitt. It happened in the town of Manlius, just east of the DeWitt-Manlius line. Staff writer Greta Stuckey covers breaking news. Have a tip, a story idea, a question or a comment? You can reach her at gstuckey@syracuse.com. The Taos News delivered to your Taos County address every week for a full year! We offer our lowest mail rates to zip codes in the county. Click Here to See if you Qualify. Plan includes unlimited website access and e-edition print replica online. Your auto pay plan will be conveniently renewed at the end of the subscription period. You may cancel at anytime. Samsung is urging Galaxy users worldwide to activate its latest anti-theft tools immediately, introduced with the One UI 7 update. But for users like my mom, an Android loyalist who recently asked, "Why can't they just do the updates for me? Why are they torturing me?" the question remains: when will it finally be enough? A global spike in phone thefts, particularly in cities, has prompted Samsung to launch a wide-reaching awareness campaign. In the UK alone, over 40 million users are being encouraged to enable a suite of powerful protections that go far beyond traditional PINs and screen locks. Initially rolled out with the Galaxy S25 in February, the Theft Protection suite is now available for S24, S23, S22, Z Fold 5/6, Z Flip 5/6, and more. It includes advanced tools like: Theft Detection Lock : uses motion detection and machine learning to recognize snatch-style movements and lock the phone instantly : uses motion detection and machine learning to recognize snatch-style movements and lock the phone instantly Office Device Lock : automatically secures a user's device after periods of disconnection : automatically secures a user's device after periods of disconnection Remote Lock : lets a user lock their phone using their phone number from another device : lets a user lock their phone using their phone number from another device Identity Check and Security Delay: adds biometric verification for sensitive actions and imposes a one-hour delay on resetting biometrics in unfamiliar locations, giving users more time to act if their phone is stolen With urban phone snatching incidents now costing tens of millions of pounds annually in the UK, Samsung is leveraging its global footprint. In the UK, alerts have gone out via Samsung Members and Samsung account notifications, supported by billboards in London and digital campaigns. In the US and Canada, regional teams are rolling out similar prompts, urging users to head to Settings Security & Privacy Theft Protection to activate the new tools. Samsung is also expanding support to older models, going back to the Galaxy S22 and Fold/Flip 5, with promises of broader availability in the coming months. Protection or Overload? But for many users, especially older ones, the constant updates feel more like a burden than a benefit. It might be easier for Samsung to push out all updates at once, but for consumers, it often feels overwhelming. Many feel bombarded by changes, unsure of what's actually being installed, and even less certain about whether they have any real control over their own devices anymore. Could the solution be greater transparency and clarity? Imagine if updates were rolled out in clear categoriesSecurity Check for anti-theft tools, Customization for aesthetic changes, and so on, each with straightforward descriptions of what's being added or changed. Instead of confronting users with cryptic "Update Now" messages tied to alphanumeric labels, Samsung (and other companies) could give people the context they need to make informed decisions. After all, if updates are truly meant to improve the user experience, shouldn't they be easy on the user? BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 2. Azerbaijan's Prime Minister Ali Asadov met with Deputy Prime Minister of Afghanistan Abdul Ghani Baradar today, the Azerbaijani Cabinet of Ministers told Trend. During the convening, the significance of the 17th Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) Summit in Azerbaijan's Khankendi was underscored. Azerbaijan's proactive engagement in multifaceted initiatives geared towards enhancing regional collaboration has been underscored since its accession to the ECO in 1992. The stakeholders acknowledged that Azerbaijan's economic, energy, and transportation initiatives yield advantageous outcomes for all member states of the ECO framework. During the meeting, opportunities for interaction between Azerbaijan and Afghanistan in the economic, trade, transit and humanitarian domains were explored. At the same time, the parties reviewed the issues of mutual interest as part of the Azerbaijan-Uzbekistan-Afghanistan trilateral cooperation format. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel An Iranian-linked hacker group that leaked emails from the allies of President Donald Trump during his 2024 campaign is now threatening to release even more stolen data. The group, which uses the alias "Robert," first emerged in the closing stretch of the 2024 presidential race, claiming responsibility for breaching email accounts belonging to high-profile Trump affiliates, including White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles and attorney Lindsey Halligan. Although some of the material was authenticated and included sensitive campaign communications and legal discussions, the leaks ultimately had little impact on the election's outcome. In September 2024, the U.S. Justice Department alleged the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps orchestrated the campaign, though Tehran has denied involvement in past cyberespionage efforts, Reuters reported. The hackers, for their part, refused to confirm any connection. After previously declaring themselves "retired," the group resumed communications this week with Reuters, stating they were preparing to release, or possibly sell, a trove of about 100 gigabytes of stolen emails. While they offered few details, they suggested media organizations should "broadcast this matter." While the group did not offer an explanation for the sudden revisit to the hacking, the group's shift comes just weeks after a 12-day military clash between Israel and Iran, where U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites came just days before the conflict ended. Experts suggest the timing of the threat could be part of a broader strategy by Tehran to retaliate through non-military channels that won't invite immediate escalation. Originally published on Latin Times Iranian hackers are back in the cyber war, threatening to dump more than 100 gigabytes of proprietary information allegedly pilfered from former President Donald Trump's campaign. The group, known as "Robert" and also referred to as APT42 or "CharmingKitten" by cybersecurity companies, has boasted of the hack and has already contacted top media outlets and political strategists. Second Wave of Political Cyber Espionage It is the second time that the group has attacked Trump's inner circle. According to Gizmodo, the 2024 summer saw the same hackers breach campaign servers and dump documents to both President Biden's staff and top U.S. media outlets such as The New York Times and Politico. Experts at the time believed that the attack was meant to disrupt the 2024 U.S. presidential election by destabilizing the Trump campaign. Now, as geopolitical tensions between Iran and the U.S. escalate, most recently following the U.S.-led airstrikes in the region, the re-emergence of this group indicates a strategic effort to strike back in the cyber domain. Read more: Google DeepMind Slammed by Protesters Over Broken AI Safety Promise High-Profile Targets and Possible Leaks In a report to Reuters, the hackers asserted that they have access to internal emails of some of Trump's closest associates, such as Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, lawyer Lindsey Halligan, political friend Roger Stone, and even messages related to adult film actress Stormy Daniels. Although it is not known what's inside these emails, the group hinted at selling the information to third parties. The inclusion of Stormy Daniels in the leak brings a sensational twist, particularly with her current legal disputes with Trump. Cybersecurity experts have cautioned, though, that without confirmation, any assertion by the hackers must be handled with skepticism. U.S. Government Says It's Only a Digital Propaganda Trump's team and the United States Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) have minimized the threat. CISA public affairs director Marci McCarthy referred to the cyberattack as "digital propaganda" and a "calculated smear campaign." She noted that federal agencies are actively pursuing tracing and prosecuting the culprits. The Biden administration has remained relatively quiet on the matter, though sources suggest that federal investigators continue to be involved in tracking the incident. How Iran's Cyber Play Has Changed Although Iran is not typically considered a world cyber superpower, its hackers are more advanced. APT42 uses malware that captures calls and tracks cell activity, and the group has already hacked into emails of senior U.S. officials, such as a former CIA deputy director and ambassador to Israel. In 2024, the Department of Justice indicted three Iranian nationals who were accused of working on behalf of Iran's Revolutionary Guard. The charges directly implicated them in previous campaign hacks, claiming their conduct intended to "erode confidence in the U.S. electoral process" and steal sensitive information. A Warning Shot? This latest threat's timing is suspect. Experts believe that if the hackers do indeed have explosive information, their bargaining power would have been greater before recent U.S. attacks. That they chose to act now could mean desperation or the next phase of psychological warfare aimed at keeping political opponents on their toes. BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 2. The Women's Forum of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) has ended in Lachin, Trend's correspondent sent to the city reports. The forum started with opening speeches from Chairperson of the Azerbaijani State Committee for Family, Women, and Children Affairs Bahar Muradova and ECO Deputy Secretary General Silapberdi Nurberdiyev. Then, panel sessions were held on the topics "The Role of Women in Human Development for Climate Resilience," "The Role of Women in Urban Development," and "The Role of Women in Sustainable Development". In her closing speech, Muradova underscored that the forum showed that women's know-how and talents ought to be front and center in the grand scheme of sustainable development goals. "We listened to the views of opinion leaders from different countries. We came together and talked about the region in the green future of women. We were once again convinced that women's knowledge and skills should be at the very center of the sustainable development goals. As Azerbaijan, we are consistently committed to the principles. We will do our best for women's participation. I would like to thank those who supported the event, as well as representatives of the member states of the Economic Cooperation Organization," she said. The ECO Secretary General, Asad Majeed Khan, elucidated on the historical trajectory and operational undertakings of the organization. He articulated his appreciation to the forum stakeholders and conveyed his optimism that the forum will realize its objectives. 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 Philippines biodiversity hotspot pushes back on mining Brookes Point, Philippines, July 2 (AFP) Jul 02, 2025 A nickel stockpile towers over farmer Moharen Tambiling's rice paddy in the Philippines' Palawan, evidence of a mining boom that locals hope a new moratorium will tame. "They told us before the start of their operations that it wouldn't affect us, but the effects are undeniable now," Tambiling told AFP. "Pangolins, warthogs, birds are disappearing. Flowers as well." A biodiversity hotspot, Palawan also holds vast deposits of nickel, needed for everything from stainless steel to electric vehicles. Once the world's largest exporter of the commodity, the Philippines is now racing to catch up with Indonesia. In 2021, Manila lifted a nine-year ban on mining licences. Despite promised jobs and tax revenue, there is growing pushback against the sector in Palawan. In March, the island's governing council unanimously passed a 50-year moratorium on any new mining permits. "Flash floods, the siltation of the sea, fisheries, mangrove areas... We are witnesses to the effects of long-term mining," Nieves Rosento, a former local councillor who led the push, told AFP. Environmental rights lawyer Grizelda Mayo-Anda said the moratorium could stop nearly 70 proposed projects spanning 240,000 hectares. "You have to protect the old-growth forest, and it's not being done," she said. From 2001 to 2024, Palawan -- dubbed the country's "last ecological frontier" -- lost 219,000 hectares of tree cover, more than any other province, in part due to mining, according to Global Forest Watch. - 'Fearsome' flooding - In southern Palawan's Brooke's Point, a Chinese ship at a purpose-built pier waits for ore from the stockpile overlooking Tambiling's farm. Mining company Ipilan says increased production will result in greater royalties for Indigenous people and higher tax revenues, but that means little to Tambiling's sister Alayma. The single mother-of-six once made 1,000-5,000 pesos ($18-90) a day selling lobster caught where the pier now sits. "We were surprised when we saw backhoes digging up the shore," she told AFP, calling a one-time compensation offer of 120,000 pesos ($2,150) insulting. "The livelihood of all the Indigenous peoples depended on that area." On the farm, Tambiling stirred rice paddy mud to reveal reddish laterite he says is leaking from the ore heap and poisoning his crops. Above him, swathes of the Mantalingahan mountains have been deforested, producing floods he describes as "fearsome, deep and fast-moving." Ipilan has faced protests and legal challenges over its logging, but its operations continue. Calls to parent company Global Ferronickel Holdings were not returned. For some in Palawan, the demand for nickel to power EVs has a certain irony. "You may be able to... eliminate pollution using electric vehicles," said Jeminda Bartolome, an anti-mining advocate. "But you should also study what happens to the area you are mining." - 'First-class municipality' - In Bataraza, the country's oldest nickel mine is expanding, having secured permission before the moratorium. Rio Tuba employees armed with brooms, goggles, hats and scarves are barely visible through reddish dust as they sweep an access road that carries 6,000 tonnes of ore destined for China each day. Company senior vice president Jose Bayani Baylon said mining turned a barely accessible malarial swamp into a "first-class municipality". "You have an airport, you have a port, you have a community here. You have a hospital, you have infrastructure which many other communities don't have," he told AFP. He dismisses environmental concerns as overblown. With part of its concession tapped out, the company is extending into an area once off-limits to logging but since rezoned. Thousands of trees have been cleared since January, according to locals, but Baylon said "under the law, for every tree you cut, you have to plant 100". The company showed AFP a nine-hectare plot it spent 15 years restoring with native plants. But it is unclear to what degree that will be replicated. Baylon concedes some areas could become solar farms instead. - 'Four kilos of rice' - Nearby, Indigenous resident Kennedy Coria says mining has upset Mount Bulanjao's ecosystem. "Honeybees disappeared where we used to find them. Fruit trees in the forest stopped bearing fruit," the father-of-seven said. A fifth of the Philippines' Indigenous land is covered by mining and exploration permits, according to rights group Global Witness. Legally, they have the right to refuse projects and share profits, but critics say the process is rarely clear. "There are Indigenous peoples who have not received any royalties for the past 10 years," said Rosento. Coria, who can neither read nor write, said he must sign a document each year when accepting what he is told is his share of Rio Tuba profits. "We get about four kilos of rice from the community leader, who tells us it came from the company," he said. Rio Tuba said funds are distributed in coordination with the National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP), which is meant to represent the communities. But some say it acts in the interests of miners, attempting to persuade locals to accept concessions and the terms offered by companies. The NCIP referred questions to multiple regional offices, none of which replied. The government's industry regulator declined interview requests. While Palawan's moratorium will not stop Rio Tuba's expansion or Ipilan's operations, supporters believe it will slow further mining. Ryan Maminta, a councillor who backed the moratorium, said it already halted one expansion. There are looming legal challenges, however. A recent Supreme Court decision struck down a mining ban in Occidental Mindoro province. Backers remain confident though, and Rosento said the council would stand firm. "Responsible mining is just a catchphrase," she said. Bezos-backed methane-tracking satellite lost in space Wellington, July 2 (AFP) Jul 02, 2025 A satellite backed by billionaire Amazon founder Jeff Bezos has been lost in space while carrying out an important climate change mission, New Zealand officials said Wednesday. Designed to measure greenhouse gas emissions with "unprecedented resolution", the MethaneSAT space probe was also funded by Wellington and the US-based Environmental Defense Fund. Plagued with technical problems, the satellite recently stopped responding to its Earth-bound controllers. "Clearly, this is a disappointing development," said Andrew Johnson, a senior official at the New Zealand Space Agency. "As those who work in the space sector know, space is inherently challenging, and every attempt -- successful or not -- pushes the boundaries of what we know and what we're capable of." The Environmental Defense Fund, which led the project, said it was "difficult news" but would not be the end of its methane-tracking efforts. MethaneSAT was designed to measure emissions of the potent greenhouse gas, which fuels climate change by trapping heat in the planet's atmosphere. It has proven notoriously difficult to get accurate estimates of the methane emissions belched out by oil and gas projects around the globe. "It was one of the most advanced methane tracking satellites in space, measuring methane emissions in oil and gas producing regions across the world," the MethaneSAT team said. - 'Remarkable' - Project lead Steven Hamburg said initial data gleaned by the satellite was "remarkable". "Recent measurements in the Permian Basin of Texas and New Mexico revealed emissions three to five times higher than estimated by the US Environmental Protection Agency, while emissions observed in the South Caspian region are over 10 times higher than reported," Hamburg wrote on LinkedIn. MethaneSAT was launched into space in March 2024 on the back of a SpaceX rocket fired from California. Controllers first lost contact with the satellite on June 20, the MethaneSAT team said in a statement. They confirmed it had lost all power on Monday this week and was "likely not recoverable". "The engineering team is conducting a thorough investigation into the loss of communication," MethaneSAT said. "This is expected to take time. We will share what we learn." Despite its shorter-than-expected lifespan, MethaneSAT hailed the mission as a "remarkable success in terms of scientific and technological accomplishment". The satellite eventually succumbed after overcoming a string of technical glitches. It repeatedly entered a sleep, or stand-by, mode without prompting -- forcing engineers to perform a lengthy reset each time. One of its three thrusters also failed. Two dead in Spain fire as heatwave scorches Europe Barcelona, July 2 (AFP) Jul 02, 2025 Firefighters in Spain have said they found two bodies after a blaze in the northeast of the country, which is in the midst of a brutal heatwave. The heatwave across Europe this week broke high temperature records, caused the closure of schools and increased the risk of fire. Authorities in Spain's Catalonia region on Tuesday confined about 14,000 people to their homes due to two wildfires that broke out almost simultaneously in the province of Lerida. In one of the blazes, near the city of Cosco, "two people were found lifeless by firefighters", the fire and emergency service said in a statement. The exact cause of the fire was unclear, but the service said the recent heat, dry conditions and strong winds caused by storms had increased the intensity of the flames. Catalonia regional president Salvador Illa said he was "dismayed after learning of the death of two people as a result of the fire", in a post on X. Hours earlier, police in the region had reported the death of a two-year-old boy after he was left in a parked car in the sun for several hours. Spain is in the midst of an intense heatwave, with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) in many places and several heat records set for the month of June. One person died in the southern city of Cordoba and another in Barcelona, both while doing road work on Saturday and likely victims of heatstroke. According to scientists, extreme weather events, such as heatwaves and storms, are becoming more intense due to man-made climate change. Tens of thousands of people have died in Europe during past heatwaves, prompting authorities to issue warnings for old and young, the sick, and others vulnerable to what experts call a "silent killer". Japan updates 'megaquake' preparedness plan Tokyo, July 2 (AFP) Jul 02, 2025 The Japanese government said that much more needs to be done to prepare for a possible "megaquake" to reduce the feared death toll of up to 300,000 people. Quakes are extremely hard to predict, but in January a government panel marginally increased the probability of a major jolt in the Nankai Trough off Japan in the next 30 years to 75-82 percent. The government then released a new estimate in March saying that such a megaquake and subsequent tsunami could cause as many as 298,000 deaths and damages of up to $2 trillion. In 2014 the Central Disaster Management Council issued a preparedness plan recommending a series of measures that, it was hoped, would reduce deaths by 80 percent. But the government has said that so far the steps taken would only cut the toll by 20 percent, Kyodo news agency reported, and an updated preparedness plan was issued on Tuesday. This recommended accelerated efforts including constructing embankments and evacuation buildings as well as more regular drills to improve public readiness. "It is necessary for the nation, municipalities, companies and non-profits to come together and take measures in order to save as many lives as possible," Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba told a government meeting, local media reported. The Nankai Trough is an 800-kilometre (500-mile) undersea gully running parallel to Japan's Pacific coast where one tectonic plate is "subducting" -- slowly slipping -- underneath another. Over the past 1,400 years, megaquakes in the Nankai Trough have occurred every 100 to 200 years. The last one was in 1946. The Japan Meteorological Association (JMA) last August issued its first advisory warning that the likelihood had risen but it was lifted again after a week. - Comic prophesy - Some foreign tourists have been holding off coming to Japan this summer by unfounded fears spurred on social media that a major quake is imminent. Causing particular concern is a manga comic reissued in 2021 which predicted a major disaster on July 5, 2025. Hong Kong-based Greater Bay Airlines reduced flights to Japan because "demand has rapidly decreased", a local tourism official told AFP in May. The number of visitors to Japan from Hong Kong to Japan fell 11.2 percent in May year-on-year, according to the tourism office. Those from mainland China soared 44.8 percent, however, while arrivals from South Korea rose 11.8 percent. "It is impossible with current science to predict earthquakes by specifying the location, time, and magnitude of an earthquake, and to say that an earthquake will or will not occur," Ryoichi Nomura, head of the JMA, said in May. "We ask the public to take certain steps so that you can cope with earthquakes no matter when they occur. But we also strongly urge the public not make irrational actions driven by anxiety." Central Europe swelters as heatwave moves east Berlin, July 2 (AFP) Jul 02, 2025 A punishing heatwave loosened its gripped on western Europe Wednesday and rolled eastwards, with Germany expected to record some of its hottest temperatures of the year so far. Germany's national weather service (DWD) issued blanket weather warnings for heat and extreme heat covering the entire country. The agency said it expected "maximum temperatures with exceptionally high peaks of up to 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Farenheit)" in the course of the day. The unsually hot weather was causing disruptions to transport, with the national rail operator Deutsche Bahn saying it expected services to be affected in the west of the country where temperatures were rising most. In the north of the country, the heat had caused the surface of the motorway to buckle in places, creating a danger for drivers, local media reported. In Berlin, 18-year-old Nora said her job at a kiosk selling strawberries was "a bit like a sauna", with the temperature already at 26C at 8:30 am. "I've never sold strawberries in this sort of heat," she said, adding that her employer had told her to shut the kiosk if she felt unwell. Further south in Frankfurt teacher Horst Hirsch said he expected "to work and to sweat" in a day full of lessons and meetings and planned to "not do any exercise and drink lots of water". In France, the temperature gauge hit 40C in Paris on Tuesday, according to weather service Meteo-France, with a lower high of 35C expected Wednesday. Relief will reach the French capital in earnest on Thursday, when the high will drop to 28C as cooler winds blow in from the Atlantic, bringing with them the potential for thunderstorms. - 'Really unbearable' - Meanwhile, residents in Spain and Italy may have to wait until the weekend before they experience a drop in temperatures. Care worker Grace Guerrero, 65, told AFP she could really "feel the heat" in Madrid but the air was cooler at her home outside the Spanish capital. The sweltering temperatures were "really unbearable on the subway platform", 60-year-old quality manager Julia Munoz said while cooling herself with a fan. In Belgium, lower temperatures were expected on the coast while the heatwave was set to continue in the east and south. The Atomium attraction in Brussels, where highs of 34C were expected, would maintain reduced opening hours for the second day in a row on Wednesday to spare visitors from the afternoon heat. In the country's Dutch-speaking north, students have already broken up for the summer, but in the French-speaking south schools have stayed open through the heatwave. Staff at the schools were working to keep children cool using fans and air-conditioning where available, water play, outdoor breaks in the shade, or in some cases giving parents the option to keep them home. The heatwave saw class cancelled for pupils at some 2,000 schools in France on Tuesday, although only around 135 were expected to stay shut Wednesday, according to the education ministry. - 'Tropical' - In the Netherlands, the country experienced its first "tropical" night of the year into Wednesday with temperatures not dropping below 20C, according to the weather website Weeronline. A shepherd in the central Netherlands told local media Omroep Gelderland that he was up unusually early to let his sheep out on Wednesday morning after the muggy night. "Animals tolerate the cold better than the heat... you have to be careful," the livestock holder Aart said, noting that his flock kept their coats through the heat. "Without the fleece, they would, for example, get sunburned much faster," he said. High temperatures were a stress for people, too, prompting authorities to issue warnings for the very old, young, the sick and other vulnerable groups. "Due to climate change caused by humans, extreme heat is becoming more frequent and intense. This is something we must learn to live with," said Clare Nullis, spokesperson for the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), a UN agency based in Geneva. Extreme heat can cause dehydration, muscle cramps, headaches and nausea. The most serious risk is heatstroke, which can lead to death. burs-sea/jsk/phz BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 2. The holding of a women's forum within such an important regional format as the OIC can become the beginning of systematic and sustainable regional cooperation in the field of sustainable development of women and building a climate-resilient future, the Chairperson of the State Committee on Family, Women and Children Issues Bahar Muradova said, Trend's Karabakh bureau reports. She made the remark at the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) Women's Forum in Lachin today. Muradova noted that increasing economic opportunities and ensuring the social well-being of women an indicators of the overall level of development of the society. "We believe that without women's economic independence, it is impossible to talk about their social and political strengthening. Therefore, Azerbaijan is constantly taking important initiatives in this field and is ready to share its positive experience in this area. For the development of women's entrepreneurship in our country, preferential financial instruments, advanced training programs, and cooperative models that strengthen women's cooperation in rural areas are widely spread. At the same time, our country has made serious progress in women's access to education and in increasing their activity in science, technology, and innovation. Our young women scientists, enterprising entrepreneurs, teachers, and engineers are becoming the engine of society. Social and economic projects implemented with the direct participation of women in the territories liberated from occupation, including Lachin, are the practical result of this policy. Azerbaijani women have historically occupied a strong public position. As a state that was the first in the East to recognize women's right to choose and be elected back in 1919, today, as followers of this legacy, we seek to further strengthen regional cooperation in this area." Haji Zeynalabdin Taghiyev, a renowned philanthropist and educator who lived in the 19th century, encouraged the important idea that if you teach a daughter, you will educate a family. His contribution to the education of girls is invaluable. It is impossible to imagine the development of society without women, said National Leader Heydar Aliyev, the author and founder of state women's policy in modern Azerbaijan. It was after he came to power in Azerbaijan that women were promoted in state structures and public works. As a result, in 1998, our National Leader signed a decree on the establishment of the State Committee on Women's Problems for centralized implementation of women's policy in Azerbaijan," Bahar Muradova added. Bahar Muradova noted attention and care of President Ilham Aliyev and First Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva in the field of women's issues is a manifestation of exemplary state policy promoting active participation of women in social-political, economic, and cultural life of Azerbaijan. According to her, the OIC Women's Forum could be an important mechanism in this regard: "Within this format, we can promote women's participation in regional economic projects, create joint initiatives in education and digital skills, and become a center of cooperation, opening new platforms for young women leaders. Azerbaijan is a supporter of cooperation in the field of sustainable women's development within the OIC, as well as in other multilateral formats. This platform can also play an important role in the elaboration of a new development strategy, which will be a continuation of the ECO Vision document, which expires in 2025, and will cover the period 2026-2035. EU unveils long-delayed 2040 climate target -- with wiggle room Brussels, Belgium, July 2 (AFP) Jul 02, 2025 The EU on Wednesday unveiled its long-delayed target for cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 2040, but with contested new flexibilities built in to win over the most sceptical member states. After months of tough negotiations with EU states, Brussels announced it would stick to the objective announced last year of cutting emissions by 90 percent by 2040, compared to 1990 levels. The proposal comes as much of Europe roasts in an early summer heatwave, which scientists say are becoming more intense, frequent and widespread due to human-induced climate change. The 2040 target -- which needs the sign off from the European Union's member states and parliament -- is a key milestone towards the bloc's goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2050. Brussels says the EU has cut climate-warming emissions by 37 percent relative to 1990 but its green agenda faces mounting pushback with a rightward shift and rising climate scepticism in many European countries. EU climate chief Wopke Hoekstra acknowledged the "sensitive" debate, saying Brussels was keeping an "ambitious" goal while being "pragmatic and flexible on how to achieve it". To sway resistant capitals, the European Commission proposes that from 2036, the bloc's 27 countries can count carbon credits purchased to finance projects outside Europe, for up to three percent of their emission cuts. Climate groups are fiercely opposed to such a measure. Backed by scientific studies and the commission's own science advisers, they say factoring in international credits -- for things like tree-planting or renewable-energy projects -- risks undermining the EU's own efforts to shift away from fossil fuels. "Three percent is not insignificant. These are potentially considerable sums that will be spent abroad instead of financing the transition" in Europe, said Neil Makaroff, an expert at the climate-focused Strategic Perspectives think tank. "But there's a political compromise to be found," he said. "The challenge will be for the EU to establish a standard so that these international credits truly help cut emissions and not leave individual states to their own devices." - 'Don't strain ourselves' - EU environment ministers will discuss the objective at a meeting in mid-July, ahead of an expected vote to approve the measures on September 18. It will only become law after EU lawmakers also sign off on the target. The commission's hope is that the 2040 objective will be approved before the UN climate conference (COP30) in November in the northern Brazilian city of Belem. But that gives little time for negotiations with sceptical nations, with whom Hoekstra has already spent months trying to build a compromise. For some states, including the Czech Republic, the 90-percent target is unrealistic. Meanwhile, others including Italy and Hungary worry about the burden of decarbonising heavy industry at a time when Europe is working to strengthen its industry in the face of fierce competition from the United States and China. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has suggested a target of 80 or 85 percent, while France has expressed doubts over how the EU will reach its objective. French President Emmanuel Macron wants guarantees for the decarbonisation of industry and support for nuclear energy, the largest source of power in France. But the commission can count on the support of other countries including Spain and Denmark, which took over the rotating EU presidency this week. And the three-percent "flexibility" -- which mirrors demands made in the new German government's coalition agreement -- should help keep the economic powerhouse on board. When it comes to Europe's international commitments, Macron has also stressed that the bloc is only bound to present a midway target for 2035 at COP30 in Belem, and not the 2040 objective. "Let's not strain ourselves," Macron told reporters last week. "If we have (a 2040 target) for Belem, great, but if it takes longer, let's take the time," he said. Heatwave forces early close at Roman Forum dig Rome, July 2 (AFP) Jul 02, 2025 A blazing midday sun scorched stonemason Giulio Varriccio in the heart of the Roman Forum as he consulted his phone to check the risk the heat poses to his health. If the government-sponsored "Worklimate" site indicates a "high" risk for Italy's capital, 54-year-old Varricchio and fellow workers at the ancient Rome ruins can stop work at 12:30pm. With a torrid heatwave punishing much of Europe, 15 out of Italy's 20 regions -- including Lazio, which takes in Rome -- have passed ordinances halting outdoor work in the sun between 12:30pm and 4:00pm if temperatures exceed certain thresholds. The regulations are particularly geared to construction site and agricultural workers and could potentially affect some three million people, according to one newspaper. On Wednesday, with noon temperatures hovering at 35 degrees Celsius (95 Fahrenheit), "Worklimate" placed Rome on the list of cities where building sites must close when the sun reaches its zenith. "The big problem is the humidity, you can't breathe," said Varricchio. "Working in archaeological excavations, below ground level, it's even more difficult." Since the ordinance came into force, workers at the Forum -- who are uncovering parts of Emperor Vespasian's Temple of Peace -- have started at 5:30am, instead of 7:00am, in order to end just after midday. That might offer some respite, but not a lot, as early morning temperatures have exceeded 30 degrees in recent days. - Suffering - Health authorities placed 18 Italian cities under red alert Wednesday, warning that the heat can be dangerous even for healthy individuals. Elena Civitelli, an archeologist with two decades of experience, also suffered at the Forum site this week. She told AFP she could not remember "suffering so much in the early hours of the morning". "From 6:00am there's no fresh air," she said. "Here the workers do a lot of manual labour: with pickaxes, wheelbarrows and shovels, so it's a good thing we finish at 12:30, because working in the afternoon wouldn't be possible." Above the ruins, tourists seek shade under trees and along walls to escape the sun, lured by restaurant waiters who, despite the heat, remain in the middle of the sidewalks to attract customers. "It kills you... This morning at 8 o'clock I was already sweating a lot," said Emanuele, 38, who wakes up between 2:00am and 3:00am to deliver fruit and vegetables to Rome restaurants. "You feel your whole body in pain." Despite the restrictions, heat-related accidents in the workplace continue, most recently Monday, when the head of a construction company died from heat exposure near Bologna, in central Italy. Workplace accidents -- and deaths -- are not uncommon in Italy, with 797 work-related deaths last year, according to government statistics. Many say that security measures are often flouted. One Rome worker, who preferred to remain anonymous, told AFP that the heat ordinance was not always respected on construction sites in the capital. "Just walk around the city, and you'll always see them working," he said. Barcelona seeks to protect workers from heat after death Barcelona, July 2 (AFP) Jul 02, 2025 Barcelona adopted plans Wednesday to tighten safety rules to protect sanitation workers from heatwaves after a woman died in the searing temperatures that have hit Spain and much of Europe. The woman, who was employed by a company providing cleaning services to the Mediterranean coastal city, died Saturday after working her shift in mid-heatwave. The city's four sanitation providers will now be required to activate heat protection protocols when temperatures reach the "yellow alert" level, 34 degrees Celsius (93.2 degrees Fahrenheit), instead of the previous requirement, which kicked in at "orange alert", or 37C. "Every year, we're seeing a new face of climate change and the effects of increasing temperatures on our city. That means we need to update our protocols every year," said first deputy mayor Laia Bonet after meeting with sanitation companies. The measures provide for five-minute water breaks every hour on the hottest routes, an insulated water bottle for every worker, and routes optimized to keep workers in the shade as much as possible during the sunniest periods. Under "red alerts", from 40C, employees will only work with vehicles during the hottest hours. The cause of the worker's death is still being investigated. Spain has been hit by a major early-summer heatwave since the weekend, with temperatures of more than 40C in many places. It was the country's hottest June on record, according to the national weather service. Get the latest entertainment news, reviews and star-studded interviews with our Independent Culture email Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice As Jurassic World Rebirth stomps into cinemas, its worth remembering a rule so rock solid that it should be cast in amber: as with Steven Spielbergs original Jurassic Park (1993), the best films in the franchise stay on an island. Thats one of the reasons Spielbergs own sequel, The Lost World (1997), was a monster disappointment taking the T rex from the site B island, Isla Sorna, and into the streets of San Diego proved a deeply silly business. Its also why the Joe Johnston-directed Jurassic Park III (2001) is still the best, bitiest sequel a 90-minute romp that has the feel of an old-timey cliffhanger serial. Drop onto the island, have a dinosaur adventure, and escape again. Indeed, in contrast to The Lost World and the Jurassic World reboot films, JP III is relatively low-key. In the story, a wealthy thrill-seeking couple, the Kirbys (William H Macy and Tea Leoni) persuade OG Jurassic Park hero Dr Alan Grant (Sam Neill) the reluctant Indiana Jones of palaeontology to act as guide on a dino-spotting flight over Isla Sorna. But, despite Grants warning, the plane lands on the island, where it's revealed that the Kirbys arent wealthy thrill-seekers after all. Rather, theyre bickering divorcees searching for their 12-year-old son, Eric (Trevor Morgan), lost on the island following a parasailing accident. Grant has been unwittingly roped into a rescue mission for the youngster. Either way, you probably wont get off this island alive, Grant tells them, with that devilish Sam Neill grin. JP III may be a smaller-scale sequel but it co-stars the series heftiest dino by that point: a 14-metre-long, 11-tonne Spinosaurus, the biggest animatronic monster ever made for a movie. I remember hearing the brief, says special effects supervisor John Rosengrant. I dont know if it came from Joe Johnston or Steven Spielberg, but the idea was to come up with a dinosaur that was bigger and badder than the T rex. The Spinosaurus, with its crocodilian snout and menacing fin-like sail, also stands as a monument to practical effects-led blockbusters its kind soon went extinct. It was the last of the big animatronic dinosaurs, says Rosengrant. Johnston had actually wanted to direct Jurassic Park 2 before it had a name and before Spielberg decided to do it himself and later admitted being fascinated by dinosaurs since I was about six. (But hey, who wasnt?) Johnston, who also directed Honey, I Shrunk the Kids (1989) and Jumanji (1995), got his turn when Spielberg stepped down for the threequel, though Spielberg served as executive producer and remained actively involved. Part of the fun of JP lore, of course, is all the sequel ideas that never made it to the big screen. Michael Crichton, author of the original Jurassic Park novel, was initially announced as the writer of JP III but passed. Spielberg then suggested a story with Grant living on the island Robinson Crusoe-style, studying the dinos. Another version, drafted by Australian filmmaker Craig Rosenberg, had a plane full of teenagers crashing on Isla Sorna (It read like a bad episode of Friends, Johnston later said). And Peter Buchman wrote a version called Jurassic Park: Extinction, which had a parallel story about a murder mystery on mainland Costa Rica (spoiler alert: the Pteranodons did it). open image in gallery Help! Michael Jeter, Alessandro Nivola, Tea Leoni, Sam Neill and William H Macy in Jurassic Park III ( Moviestore/Shutterstock ) Preproduction roared ahead with Buchmans idea but Spielberg halted it with five weeks to go, and David Koepp, screenwriter of the first JP, suggested the rescue mission story. The unlikely duo of Alexander Payne and Jim Taylor (the director-writer combo behind Election and Sideways) did rewrites. With work having begun on sets and effects for Buchmans version, set-pieces had to be retained. Still, JP III went into production without a finished script or a final act, which caused Johnston numerous headaches during the initial shoot in Hawaii. I feel like jumping in that ocean and swimming back to America, he told producer Larry Franco. Buchman was then drafted back in for on-the-fly rewrites. What was certain was the need for a bigger, badder dino. They toyed with the idea of the similarly snouted Baryonyx before settling on Spinosaurus. I remember all the dinosaurs had to get approved by Steven Spielberg, says Rosengrant. Both Steven and Joe would come over and look at the maquettes [smaller test models] to see the size comparison between the T rex and Spinosaur. Relatively little was known about Spinosaurus at the time of JP III, but its believed to be a semi-aquatic fish-eater (hence the crocodilian snout). As always in these films, theres a liberal dose of dinosaur creative licence. Few JP fans have overcome the realisation that real Velociraptors were turkey-sized irritants, rather than the 6ft brainbox monsters (Clever girl) seen in the movies. The Spinosaur beat the hell out of the T rex Special effects supervisor John Rosengrant The movie Spinosaurus, built over eight months by the legendary Stan Winstons team, was an evolution of the animatronic T rex from the previous films. A full-body recreation from the hindquarters, it ran along a rail track and used hot-rod hydraulics for fast, powerful actions. It was a dangerous beast, exerting 1,000 horsepower. As special effects character creator Trevor Hensley later recalled: You know that one wrong move with your controller, and you could knock somebody 20 feet in the air. Its no joke this thing could kill somebody, and, as one of the operators, that makes you very nervous. The animatronic was only missing the tail and legs, which were added by CGI. Rosengrant explains that JP III was one of the first films to use hybrid practical and CGI effects shots. Unlike the original Jurassic Park, which builds for an hour before revealing the Tyrannosaurus, theres little waiting around for the Spino. It takes just 21 minutes for it to fully emerge from the jungle and eat a couple of disposable characters. The Spinosaurus then swiftly marks its territory by going one-on-one with a T rex and snapping its neck a bold statement. Weirdly, it happened for real when the crew put the Spinosaurus animatronic up against a more delicate T rex, carried over from The Lost World. The much more powerful Spino model effectively ripped the T rexs head off. The Spinosaur beat the hell out of the T rex, recalls Rosengrant, laughing. I think it was the last day of filming. Joe said, Lets have these animatronics just go at each other! Broken neck or not, the T rex will forever be the most iconic dinosaur. But in JP terms, the Spinosaurus is a top-ranking toothy villain a distinctive, sinister presence. Its creepy, kind of scary looking, says Rosengrant. Its all teeth! In one menacing moment, the Spinosaurus watches our heroes from across a paddock, like it cant believe the brass neck of them just walking around in broad daylight. It has a humorous side, too after swallowing a satellite phone it makes its presence known with the chirping of a now-archaic ringtone, a nod to the ticking crocodile in Peter Pan. open image in gallery The Spinosaurus animatronic was 14 metres long and weighed 11 tonnes ( THA/Shutterstock ) Rosengrant looks back with particular fondness at the Spinosauruss signature set-piece terrorising Grant and the gang on a boat, and trying to fish them out of the river with its jaws which saw the animatronic splash around for real in the Universal Studios lake. The Spinosaur in the water was truly incredible, he says. It was moving the water around with well over 1,000 horsepower just incredible. Not everything works in JP III. The films talking Velociraptors teeter on the ridiculous. Grant theorises that they have a sort of raptor-y language My god, hes calling for help, Grant says, cheesily, as a raptor honks in distress and he dreams about a raptor calling him by his name. Im afraid the speaking raptor was my idea, Johnston later admitted. The raptors sporting an upgraded design with quill hairdos play a supporting villain role. They hunt down the gang because one of their number, cavalier palaeontologist Billy (Alessandro Nivola), has stolen some raptor eggs, which is asking for trouble. Will these people never learn? Far more frightening than JP IIIs raptors are the Pteranodons, which come stalking out of the fog when our heroes find themselves in a giant aviary, complete with big lumps of chalky droppings. The hooked angles of their wings look like a pair of Grim Reaper scythes. The sequence is taken from a chapter in the Crichton novel, in which Grant is attacked by Cearadactylus. Spielberg dropped it from the first movie and later planned a Lost World sequence with Pteranodons attacking a hang-gliding Jeff Goldblum. Finally making it to the big screen, the Pteranodons are largely CGI, which hasnt entirely stood the test of time, but there are fleeting glimpses of practical Pteranodon models beady-eyed, calculating grotesques. The sequence including a parachute escape encapsulates the boys own spirit of JP III, jumping from one dinosaur escape set-piece to the next. Jurassic Park III premiered in the US on 16 July 2001. The reviews were mixed and while it made $369m from a $93m budget, it was the lowest grossing entry so far to be expected of a threequel at that time. Attempts at Jurassic Park IV never quite hatched. The bigger, badder mantra also the nature of continuing sequels set a problematic precedent. The Jurassic World reboot films, wanting to up the ante each time, have resorted to mucking around with the dino DNA to create mutant hybrid dino-monsters (so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didnt stop to think if they should). Sorry, but the fictional Indominus rex and Indoraptor as well as Jurassic World Rebirths lump-headed D rex are no substitute for a proper Tyrannosaurus rex or Spinosaurus. Indeed, the DNA of Jurassic Park III is made of purer stuff. Its a B-movie blockbuster and worth digging up for another look. Jurassic World Rebirth is out now in cinemas Get the latest entertainment news, reviews and star-studded interviews with our Independent Culture email Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice After a difficult journey to the screen,The Old Guard 2 has largely been met with derision by critics. The original film, which stars Charlize Theron as an immortal warrior named Andy, broke Netflix records when it was released in 2020 during the pandemic. Last year, Theron revealed that a follow-up had completed filming two years earlier before facing substantial delays due to big leadership changes at Netflix. Speaking to Variety, Theron said: Netflix went through quite a changeover. We got kind of stuck in that and our post-production shut down, I think, five weeks into it. The film, which like the first is adapted from his own comic books by writer Greg Rucka, finally arrived on the streaming service this week. The addition of Uma Thurman to the cast has been praised, but generally critics have been left underwhelmed. Charlize Theron as Andy in 'The Old Guard 2', which has underwhelmed critics ( Netflix ) Writing for RogerEbert.com, Robert Daniels opined that the film lacks any sizable reason to be invested in its existence. He added that the sequel is an emotionally inert slog that is burdened by Greg Ruckas dull and underdeveloped script. There isnt much of a story here. In a Vulture review headlined: What the hell happened to The Old Guard 2?, critic Bilge Ebiri argued that the film suffered from a debilitating cheapness that keeps this picture from reaching its true potential. Meanwhile, Shawn Van Horn of Collider felt the film was overburdened by exposition and a desire to set up a potential franchise. The whole plot is explained and told to us, rather than shown, wrote Van Horn. Show, don't tell is one of the most basic rules in storytelling, and it's frustrating that The Old Guard 2 doesn't follow this. He also described the action sequences as shockingly tame. The New York Times found more to love, with critic Brandon Yu singling out Thurman as a brilliant addition whose presence gives the right dose of pulp and gravitas to help set the tone of a grander mythology. Yu continued: And yet, its a shame how little she and Theron actually show up together onscreen. Its partly understandable. Theres a lot of new stuff here, and ultimately The Old Guard 2 has a bigger picture and more long-term world-building which is to say franchise-tentpoling its focused on setting up. Youd think that would be a bad idea for a sequel, looking at whats next when the challenge of making the next one is already so great. But its confident enough that it never feels that way in the moment only until the very end, when Thurman and Theron are duking it out, and its delicious enough to feel too short. The Old Guard 2 is streaming now on Netflix. Get the inside track from Roisin O'Connor with our free weekly music newsletter Now Hear This Get our free music newsletter Now Hear This Get our free music newsletter Now Hear This Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice 50 Cent, Aubrey ODay and Rosie ODonnell all reacted within minutes after a jury found Sean Diddy Combs guilty on two out of five counts in his high-profile sex-trafficking trial. The music mogul was found guilty of transportation to engage in prostitution; however, he was acquitted of the more serious charges of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion. Diddy beat the Feds that boy a bad man ! [Clapping emojis] beat the Rico, he the Gay John Gotti, 50 Cent wrote on Instagram on Wednesday. 50 Cent, whose real name is Curtis Jackson III, was referencing the infamous Mafia boss who was nicknamed The Teflon Don due to prosecutors failures to get any charges to stick. Aubrey ODay, the singer who was once a member of Combss girl group Danity Kane and has since become an outspoken critic of her former mentor, posteda video on Instagram showing the verdict come in live on CNN. 50 Cent (left) and Aubrey O'Day (right) have spoken out after verdicts were delivered in Sean Diddy Combss high-profile sex-trafficking trial ( Getty ) Oh my god. Not guilty on Cassie, not guilty on RICO, said ODay after the verdict on the first two counts was announced. No way Jane is going to be guilty. Oh, this makes me physically ill. Cassie probably feels so horrible. I'm gonna vomit. Comedian Rosie ODonnell also weighed in on the verdicts, writing on social media: I guess a jury just never wants to believe that a woman stays because of power and coercion- wow - they just think women stay because what? money - fame - they love the abuse - what a fucking joke - this decision got me angry. Kesha also reacted to the news by sending support to Combss former partner Cassie Ventura. The singer tweeted: Cassie, I believe you. I love you. Your strength is a beacon for every survivor. The 38-year-old star last year re-recorded her breakout hit Tik Tok to amend a reference to Combs. The original 2009 track had the opening lyric Wake up in the morning feeling like P Diddy, while the new version has the alternative line, feeling like f*** P Diddy. 50 Cent and Diddy have had beef since long before the latter was arrested and charged with sex trafficking and racketeering. In their early days in the music industry, the two men were never close but did collaborate on occasional projects. However, their relationship soured due to disputes over artist contracts and rival vodka brands. In recent months, Jackson, 49, who is also known as Fiddy, has repeatedly mocked Combs over the shocking revelations that have emerged during the latters ongoing trial. Last month, Jackson claimed that he would personally intervene with Donald Trump to stop him from pardoning Combs. After Trump hinted a pardon could be on the table, Jackson vowed to make the president aware of his thoughts about the music mogul. Alongside a clip of the president saying hed consider pardoning Diddy, he wrote on Instagram: He said some really bad things about Trump. its not ok. Im gonna reach out so he knows how I feel about this guy. The rapper doubled down on his position the next day, adding: Donald doesnt take well to disrespect, and doesnt forget who chooses to go against him. while working tirelessly to make America great again there is no room for distraction. SHUSHA, Azerbaijan, July 2. Today, we came to Shusha for the biennial Leaders' Summit, and Azerbaijan treated this meeting completely differently, the assistant to the Secretary General of the Economic Cooperation Organization, Cagatay Emrah Ongut, told reporters at the business forum held in Shusha, Trend's Karabakh bureau reports. He stated that the work of the meeting started with forums on different directions: "The Youth Forum was held the other day, and today the Business Forum will be held. More than 170 businessmen from all OIC member countries will meet. This Business Forum will be the sixth edition," he noted. Ongut added that the current working principle of the organization is cooperation with states. "In the coming period, we intend to work more closely with private sector representatives. We will conduct the first test of this at the forum in Shusha," he concluded. Get the inside track from Roisin O'Connor with our free weekly music newsletter Now Hear This Get our free music newsletter Now Hear This Get our free music newsletter Now Hear This Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Sean Diddy Combs casts a long shadow over the history of hip hop. One of the industrys first moguls, his work as an A&R executive, label boss, rapper and producer made him both extravagantly wealthy and internationally famous. While Combs, 55, may have spent over thirty years at the top of the industry, his legacy has been clouded by the serious allegations against him. Earlier today, the music mogul was found guilty on two out of five counts in his high-profile sex-trafficking trial. A jury found him guilty of transportation to engage in prostitution, but he was acquitted of the more serious charges of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion While Combs is still awaiting news of the sentence he will face, his trial has brought him some unlikely allies. Last month, his longtime West Coast sparring partner Suge Knight, who is currently serving a 28-year sentence for manslaughter, told ABC News that his sympathized with his longtime rival. "First thing I would tell Puffy is this - I'm not going through what hes going through for his freak-offs. But I've been there sitting in those cells, said Knight. And I know he feels that he don't have a friend in the world. The feud between Combs and Knight was at the heart of the East CoastWest Coast hip hop rivalry of the mid-Nineties. They were at that point each the respective heads of the most influential rap labels on either coast of America. In 1991, Knight co-founded Death Row Records in Los Angeles alongside producers Dr Dre, Dick Griffey and The D.O.C, and with acts like NWA and Snoop Dogg on their roster it seemed to some fans that rap had upped sticks from its historic home in New York and relocated to sun-kissed California. Two years later, in 1993, Combs was fired from his role as an A&R executive at Uptown Records and decided to start his own label, Bad Boy Records. They quickly had a massive hit with the very first album they released, The Notorious B.I.G.s Ready to Die, and the focal point of the rap universe seemed to swing back towards the Empire State. Before long Biggie had established himself as the face of East Coast rap, but he had a rival for the national crown: Tupac Shakur. By the time Biggie released Ready to Die, New York-born Shakur had already relocated to the West Coast and released two acclaimed albums and starred in three films. open image in gallery Sean Puffy Combs at the MTV Europe Music Awards in 1999 ( Getty ) However, he was also involved in a sexual abuse trial in New York. On 30 November 1994, Shakur arrived at Quad Studios in Manhattan where he was scheduled to record with rapper Little Shawn to help pay his legal fees. When he stepped inside the building two gunmen robbed him, shooting him five times. In the aftermath, Shakur implied in an interview that he believed Biggie and Combs may have been involved in the attack as they saw him as a competitor. Shakur was convicted of the abuse charges and spent time in jail at Rikers Island, where Combs visited him to assure him that Bad Boy Records had not been involved in the shooting. Things came to a head at the Source Awards in New York the following year, on 3 August 1995. There, Knight famously and publicly took a shot at Combs, needling him for his fondness for appearing in his artists music videos and rapping on their songs. Any artist out there that want to be an artist and want to stay a star, and dont want to have to worry about the executive producer trying to be all in the videos... All on the records... dancing, come to Death Row! proclaimed Knight from the stage. When Combs took the stage later to present another award, he spoke up for unity. All this East and West that needs to stop, he told the audience. So give it up for everybody from the East and the West that won tonight. One love." open image in gallery The Notorious B.I.G. with Combs ( Erik Pendzich/Shutterstock ) The rivalry rumbled on throughout the following year, reaching a bloody climax when Shakur was shot in Las Vegas in September 1996, succumbing to his injuries in the following days. Six months later, in March 1997, Biggie was shot and killed in Los Angeles in what was widely seen as retalitation for Shakurs death. Both murders went unsolved for many decades, and without a culprit rumours circulated once again that Combs and Bad Boy Records could have been behind Shakurs shooting. This rumour has refused to go away despite evidence to the contrary, with the likes of Eminem keeping the theory alive when he rapped on his 2018 song Killshot, a diss track largely aimed at Machine Gun Kelly: But, Kells, the day you put out a hits the day Diddy admits/That he put the hit out that got Pac killed, ah! Granted, Eminem does add at the end of the track: And Im just playin, Diddy / You know I love you. Shakurs murder may have moved a step closer to being solved last year, when Duane Keffe D Davis, 60, was finally arrested and charged with the crime. If Knight and Combs still didnt see eye-to-eye, their paths diverged in the aftermath of the death of their two biggest stars. Knight filed for bankruptcy in 2006, bringing Death Row Records as it was to a close (the brand name has since been bought by Snoop Dogg). In 2017, he was convicted of voluntary manslaughter for killing music executive Terry Carter by driving his car into him. He will not be eligible for parole until 2034. Combs, for a time, seemed to flourish. He had a string of hits in the late Nineties, including his Biggie tribute Ill Be Missing You. He parlayed his rap success into a Hollywood acting career and made serious money from developing the Ciroc vodka brand with beverage company Diageo (splitting profits 50-50) and television network Revolt TV. In 2022, Forbes estimated that with his musical accomplishments and his business ventures, Combs net worth totted up to a cool billion dollars. As of 2024 however, he is no longer involved with either Ciroc or Revolt and his future looks entirely uncertain. Get the inside track from Roisin O'Connor with our free weekly music newsletter Now Hear This Get our free music newsletter Now Hear This Get our free music newsletter Now Hear This Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Green Day frontman Billie Joe Armstrong kicked a fan off stage in Luxembourg after they began playing Wonderwall by Oasis. The band invited a crowd member on stage at Luxexpo stadium to play their closing song: the 1997 hit Good Riddance. In footage shared to TikTok, the fan instead began playing the start of Wonderwall, prompting Armstrong to exclaim, Oh, f*** me. Armstrong rapidly seized the guitar from the crowd member, telling them, nice try as they were ushered off stage by a nearby security guard. This is the risk you take when you give someone an acoustic guitar, 8/10 times Wonderwall will be played, one person commented on the clip. Meanwhile, other fans claimed the boy on stage was confused and thought he was meant to play Boulevard of Broken Dreams as the Green Day hit has a similar chord progression to Wonderwall. Greatest concert rage bait moment, another commenter declared. The moment comes ahead of Oasiss reunion tour, which is set to kick off later this month with performances in Cardiff, followed by Manchester, London, Edinburgh and Dublin. The group will continue on with concerts scheduled around the world, including Canada, the US, Mexico, Australia and Japan. The highly anticipated reunion tour announcement was followed by backlash after fans in the UK and Ireland saw some prices more than double, which was blamed on unprecedented demand. The outrage and controversy prompted the Government and the UKs competition watchdog to pledge they would look at the use of dynamic pricing. The Oasis lineup is currently rumoured to include guitarists Gem Archer and Paul Bonehead Arthurs, keyboardist Mikey Rowe, bassist Andy Bell and drummer Joey Waronker. Meanwhile, Green Day have been on their Saviors tour, in support of their fourteenth studio album, of the same name, since May 2024. The mammoth series of performances is scheduled to end in San Bernardino, California, in September. Get the latest entertainment news, reviews and star-studded interviews with our Independent Culture email Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The Who reinvigorated mod culture when they released Peter Townshends ambitious rock opera Quadrophenia as a double album in 1973. Its story of a young mod called Jimmy in 1960s London, whos struggling with societal pressures, identity loss, and hates his job as a post-room boy went on to become a cult 1979 Franc Roddam film: Italian scooters, amphetamines, Chelsea boots. Over 50 years later, choreographer to the stars Paul Roberts whos worked with everyone from Harry Styles to Prince has turned the material into a Mod Ballet set to an orchestral rendition of Quadrophenia by Townshends wife, the composer Rachel Fuller. The production is steeped in Sixties culture: dancers don sharp suits designed by Paul Smith, while projections evoking Sohos nightlife scene and Brighton beach are projected throughout. In 2025, Quadrophenias themes of identity crisis and masculinity are just as pertinent as they were 50 years ago. Ideas of the manosphere and Andrew Tate loom large. Teenagers then and now struggle to find their place in the world, Roberts says. Where do you place yourself in society now, with toxic masculinity being prevalent? Young men can learn a lot by absorbing Jimmys journey. He portrays this I dont care attitude, but he really wants to prove to the world that he can be somebody. Set in 1965, Quadrophenia sees Jimmy quit his job, clash with his parents over his drug use, destroy his Lambretta scooter, and contemplate suicide. Its a story of young people trying to find meaning in the wrong places, says dancer Paris Fitzpatrick, who plays the lead role and is having the time of his life doing so despite the dark undertones. I am wearing probably the nicest suit Ill ever wear, and Im scuffing it every day, he says. Townshend himself has been on hand, offering up his own memories of mod life to Fitzpatrick and the rest of the cast who pore over them like ancient myths. I dont think Id listened to the album properly, Fitzpatrick admits. But Id have to say Im a fan now. After getting to know the piece more even since the first workshop I did I rewatched the film and listened to the album, and Ive really enjoyed getting more intimate with all of its nuance and its beauty. Its epic. The production came together quickly with eight weeks of rehearsals and two weeks of technicals before tour dates in Plymouth, Edinburgh and Southampton earlier this year. This month, it officially opens at Sadlers Wells in London. For select London dates, Matthew Ball, the acclaimed principal dancer at the Royal Ballet, will guest star in the role of Godfather a rockstar whom Jimmy idolises. Im lucky that Im dancing to My Generation, says Ball, in reference to the bands early punk-powered hit. My part is quite small but I get to pack a punch in a short period. Im playing a rockstar, so theres a really strong sense of playing with the audience, feeding off their energy, asking for more, you know? Its a little bit tricky because, of course, were still sitting in a theatre with a different energy of how a rock concert would be but its been fun to try and bring that energy to a theatre stage. As both an album and a film, Quadrophenia garnered a cult following many of whom are bound to be intrigued by any production that bears its name today, especially one involving Townshend himself. And while ballet can be an intimidating and increasingly niche art form, Roberts and Ball are encouraging mods from all over to see it for themselves. We read each others body language all day long, says Ball. Maybe, you think you dont know anything about dance and you dont appreciate it but if you like Pete Townshend, then trust me, he was dancing on stage when he was performing and its not all too different from that. Quadrophenia, a Mod Ballet is on at Sadlers Wells Theatre in London from 24 June to 13 July and at The Lowry in Salford from 15 to 19 July Get the latest entertainment news, reviews and star-studded interviews with our Independent Culture email Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Doctor Who star Peter Davison, who played the Time Lord from 1982 to 1984, has criticised recent series of the long-running programme for their huge gaps in narrative. Davison, 74, who followed Tom Baker as the fifth incarnation of the character, has questioned the quality of the science-fiction show since the BBC rebooted it in 2005. For some reason, in science fiction, they feel like they need to go at 100 miles per hour, the actor told The Lewis Nicholls Show. Theyre just leaping onto the next bit and your brain is meant to fill in the gaps... Maybe if youre young and healthy, you can do that. I dont know. Davison compared recent episodes of Doctor Who to a trailer for something youd like to watch later. He said that network bosses concern over peoples attention spans could be contributing to what he believes is a worsening state of TV. If something isnt happening every two minutes, they think people are going to turn off, which I dont believe is true, he continued. However, Davison did acknowledge that returning showrunner Russell T Davies has cured old Doctor Whos oft-criticised habit of underusing the lead characters companion. But he said the show now prioritises visual effects over story. As the special effects got even better, theres a danger that it becomes just about them, he remarked. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 day New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled. Try for free ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 day New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled. Try for free ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. open image in gallery Peter Davison appeared in Doctor Who from 1982 to 1984 ( BBC ) Davison has remained a Doctor Who fixture over the years, reprising his role for a brief cameo in Jodie Whittakers final episode back in 2022. Whittaker herself returned for a brief appearance in Ncuti Gatwas swansong last month. Davison has also recorded an audio special alongside David Tennant, another ex-Doctor Who star who led the series from 2005 to 2010. The stars have a link away from the show Davisons daughter, Georgia, has been married to Tennant since 2011. Tennant met Georgia after appearing on the BBC show together in 2008 episode The Doctors Daughter and, in 2020, admitted he felt a bit stupid marrying the child of a fellow Doctor Who star. open image in gallery David and Georgia Tennant married in 2011 ( Getty ) Because Doctor Who had run through my life like a stick of rock, to end up marrying the daughter of one of the doctors, it all felt a bit stupid there were a lot of things against it, the Scottish actor said about their relationship on broadcaster Gaby Roslins podcast. However, Georgia said she was very much the driving force for their relationship, stating: Had I not worked quite so hard, it might not have happened. Sign up for our free Health Check email to receive exclusive analysis on the week in health Get our free Health Check email Get our free Health Check email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The NHS is set for a radical overhaul with a new 10-year plan aiming to fundamentally rewire the health service, shifting care directly to peoples doorsteps, the prime minister has announced. Published by the government on Thursday, the ambitious strategy outlines three big shifts in how the NHS will operate. These include a transition from analogue to digital services, a greater emphasis on prevention over treatment, and a significant move from hospital-centric care towards community-based provision. The plan signals an end to the status quo of hospital by default, with a clear intention to relocate care into local neighbourhoods and individuals homes. By 2035, the majority of outpatient services are expected to be delivered outside traditional hospital settings, reducing the need for hospital appointments for conditions such as eye care, cardiology, respiratory medicine, and mental health. To facilitate this transformation, new neighbourhood health services are set to be rolled out nationwide. These will bring essential services like diagnostic tests, post-operative care, nursing support, and mental health teams closer to communities, making healthcare more accessible and integrated into daily life. open image in gallery Keir Starmer talks to staff during a visit to Rossendale Primary Health Care Centre in Lancashire ( PA ) The aim is to give people access to a full range of services, leaving hospitals to focus on the sickest, with neighbourhood health centres opening in the evenings and weekends. These will be staffed by teams including nurses, doctors, social care workers, pharmacists, health visitors, palliative care staff and paramedics. New services will also include debt advice, employment support, and stop smoking or obesity services all of which affect peoples health. Community outreach, with people going door to door, could also reduce pressure on GPs and A&E, the government said. The plans also outline training for thousands more GPs, as the government pledges to bring back the family doctor and end the 8am scramble to get an appointment. Sir Keir said: The NHS should be there for everyone, whenever they need it. But we inherited a health system in crisis, addicted to a sticking plaster approach, and unable to face up to the challenges we face now, let alone in the future. That ends now. Because its reform or die. Our 10-year health plan will fundamentally rewire and future-proof our NHS so that it puts care on peoples doorsteps, harnesses game-changing tech and prevents illness in the first place. That means giving everyone access to GPs, nurses and wider support all under one roof in their neighbourhood rebalancing our health system so that it fits around patients lives, not the other way round. This is not an overnight fix, but our Plan for Change is already turning the tide on years of decline with over 4 million extra appointments, 1,900 more GPs, and waiting lists at their lowest level for two years. But theres more to come. This government is giving patients easier, quicker and more convenient care, wherever they live. Health and social care secretary Wes Streeting said the plan would deliver one of the most fundamental changes in the way we receive our healthcare in history. He added: By shifting from hospital to community, we will finally bring down devastating hospital waiting lists and stop patients going from pillar to post to get treated. This governments Plan for Change is creating an NHS truly fit for the future, keeping patients healthy and out of hospital, with care closer to home and in the home. open image in gallery The prime minister has set out a 10-year vision to bring care closer to peoples homes ( PA ) In a bid to free up time, GPs will be encouraged to use artificial intelligence to take notes, while technology will be used to speed up the answering of calls to surgeries. Dental therapists, who tend to carry out some of the straightforward work of dentists, could undertake check-ups, treatment and referrals, according to the plan. And there will be a new requirement for newly qualified dentists to practise in the NHS for a minimum period, intended to be three years, according to the government. Ministers also want to improve access to dental care for children, such as by allowing dental nurses to give fluoride varnish to children in between check-ups. Royal College of Nursing (RCN) general secretary, Professor Nicola Ranger, said: A neighbourhood health service is a bold vision and it needs nursing staff in the driving seat. The prime minister must back up his plan with a clear one to turn around the shortage of nurses in all local communities. Moving care away from overcrowded hospitals is urgent and necessary, but it will prove impossible whilst this part of the healthcare workforce is so depleted and undervalued. Crucial teams of district nursing and health visiting staff, who keep patients well and safe at home, have fallen by thousands in the last decade or more. Thea Stein, chief executive of the Nuffield Trust, said: Top quality community services, like district nursing, end-of-life care and rehabilitation, are, in pockets of the country, already working around the clock to fit care around patients needs, working closely with GPs, charities and council staff. This approach is essential if we want to end the disjointed ways of working that too often leave patients to do the time-consuming and often bewildering job of joining up their own care. She said, however, that a lack of detail on how it will all work casts doubt on whether it will stick. She added: Whats more, care closer to home doesnt mean care on the cheap. While ministers are always keen to cite examples of community services saving money, often this kind of care costs more, not less lets be under no illusion, this is not a money-saving measure. Sarah Woolnough, chief executive of The Kings Fund, said: As the government publishes its 10-year plan for health today [Thursday], what patients, the public and those working in the NHS will want to know is, why it will be different this time, and how soon it will lead to improvements? When will it mean people can see a GP more easily, or get mental health support for their child, or not wait hours in A&E? There is plenty to welcome in the details weve seen so far, with the biggest changes outlined being about how people access NHS services, with the rollout of new neighbourhood health centres and a much greater role for the NHS app. At The Kings Fund, our call for a fundamental shift of care from hospital to community and a more people-first approach has been echoed by successive governments, so, whilst welcome, the vision itself is not new, the radical change would be delivering the vision. Close Bryan Kohberger admits guilt in murder of Idaho college students The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The families of Bryan Kohbergers victims are split over the plea deal after the former PhD student admitted he murdered the four University of Idaho students. Kohberger addressed the Idaho court in Boise Wednesday morning at the 50-minute plea deal hearing, where he spoke for the first time in the case. To avoid the death penalty, Ada County Courthouse heard the 30-year-old admit that he fatally stabbed students Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen, and Kaylee Goncalves on November 13, 2022, inside their off-campus home in Moscow, Idaho. Kohberger faces a fixed life sentence on the four counts of homicide and 10 years for the burglary charge, Judge Steven Hippler said, and sentencing will take place on July 23. One by one, Kohberger admitted that he murdered each of the victims and answered the judges questions with one-word responses. The families of his victims are divided over the deal. The family of Kaylee Goncalves accused the prosecution of doing a deal with the devil. But Madison Mogens family welcomed the plea deal, which they said means they can grieve without the anxiety of the long and gruesome trial, years of appeals and potential mistrials along the way. Close Crowd reacts as Diddy is found not guilty of racketeering charges The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Sean Diddy Combs is set to remain in custody as he awaits sentencing after a jury found him guilty on two out of five counts in his high-profile sex-trafficking trial, but acquitted him of the most serious charge of racketeering. Judge Arun Subramanian denied Combss request to be released on bail ahead of his sentencing hearing, citing his yearslong pattern of violence. The hearing began hours after the jurors announced they reached a verdict Wednesday morning. The music mogul was found guilty of transportation to engage in prostitution. That count carries a punishment of up to 10 years in prison. However, he was acquitted of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion. It comes after the eight men and four women on the jury said Tuesday there were members with unpersuadable opinions on both sides concerning the racketeering count. Combs was arrested in September 2024 as federal authorities alleged he threatened, abused, and coerced victims to fulfill his sexual desires between 2004 and 2024. Mr. Combs has been given his life by this jury, his lawyer told the court after the verdict. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice In November 2022, four University of Idaho students were found stabbed to death at a rental house in Moscow, mere hours after posting smiling photographs together on Instagram. The case shocked the small college town and drew media attention from across the world. Yet it took nearly seven weeks for police to catch a suspect and almost three years to bring him to trial. Now, mere weeks before former PhD criminology student Bryan Kohberger was set to go before a jury, prosecutors have told the victims families they have agreed a plea deal. Kohberger, 30, is expected to receive four consecutive life sentences and waive all his rights to appeal when he appears in court on Wednesday to answer for the murders of Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin. With no motive yet established, the deal, which will allow Kohberger to avoid the death penalty, may mean there is never any public explanation of what exactly happened that night, or why it happened at all. And while some of the victims families have welcomed the agreement as an end to their long wait for justice, relatives of Goncalves have said they are beyond furious. So how did we get here? What follows is a timeline of one of the most baffling cases in recent American history. open image in gallery Ethan Chapin, 20, Madison Mogen, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and Kaylee Goncalves, 21, took this photo together hours before they died ( Instagram/Kaylee Goncalves ) Saturday November 12, 2022 One lucky girl At 8:57 p.m. local time on November 12, 21-year-old Kaylee Goncalves posts for the last time on Instagram. The picture is of herself and the three other slain students standing together arm-in-arm on the porch of a house. Two other roommates, Dylan Mortensen and Bethany Funke, who live at the home with Mogen, Goncalves and Kernodle on King Road, are also in the photo. One lucky girl to be surrounded by these people every day, Goncalves writes in the caption. That night, Chapin and Kernodle go to a party together on the university campus, while Mogen and Goncalves visit a bar in town. Sunday November 13, 1:41 a.m. Victims last seen alive in video In the early hours of Sunday morning, Mogen and Goncalves are seen stopping by a local food truck for a late-night bite to eat. Webcam footage seen by The Independent, originally broadcast via the streaming service Twitch, captures the two best friends arriving at the food truck at around 1:41 a.m. Officers will later say that Mogen and Goncalves used a private party for a ride home from the downtown area after visiting the food truck. The driver drops them off at their home at around 1:45 a.m. Chapin and Kernodle are seen at the Sigma Chi fraternity house, and return home around the same time. The two other surviving roommates have also been out on Saturday night, and return to the property at around 1 a.m. Goncalvess sister will later reveal that multiple calls were made from the phones of Goncalves and Mogen to the phone of Goncalves former longtime boyfriend between 2:26 a.m. and 2:52 a.m. Between the two best friends, 10 calls are made, but none are answered. 2:44 a.m Suspects car is spotted Not long after, according to court documents released by Latah County prosecutors, a car matching the description of Bryan Kohbergers Hyundai sedan is recorded on surveillance cameras at Washington State University, where the 28-year-old is a criminology graduate student. Ten minutes later, the car is spotted heading towards SR 270, a road which connects the town of Pullman, Washington, to nearby Moscow, Idaho. At roughly the same time the sedan is traveling, Kohbergers cell phone pings off signal towers near his apartment in Pullman. It will later show up on cell towers in Idaho, in the hours directly after murders, according to prosecutors. 3 a.m. to 4 a.m. Murders Officials believe the students were killed some time between 3 a.m. and 4 a.m. on Sunday November 13. All four were stabbed to death with an edged weapon such as a knife though the actual murder weapon has not been found. There was no sign of forced entry, the door appeared to be unlocked, and nothing seems to have been taken. The two other roommates who were home at the time of the attack were unharmed. Police said they were not necessarily witnesses to the incident, there was no hostage situation, and they appear to have slept through the murders. Latah County Coroner Cathy Mabbutt said the victims were likely sleeping when they were killed, as all four were found in bed, and were stabbed multiple times. According to the Latah County records, the car matching the description of Kohbergers vehicle was seen on various surveillance cameras near the students home between 3:29 a.m. and 4:20 a.m., before appearing once again in Pullman at 5:25 a.m. near the WSU campus. 4:22 a.m. Im freaking out right now Dylan Mortensen and Bethany Funke both lived in the same house as the victims. At around 4:22 a.m., they start frantically texting their roommates and each other. No one is answering, Mortensen texts Funke. Im rlly confused rn. Then she texts Goncalves: Kaylee. Whats going on? There is no answer. Funke tells Mortensen she saw a man in black, wearing like a ski mask almost, walking through the house. Im not kidding o [sic] am so freaked out. Then Mortensen says her phone is dying, and Funke tells her to run to her room and hide. In frantic text messages beginning just before 4:30 a.m., Mortensen and Funke identified only as D.M. and B.F. in the document desperately try to check on their roommates and discuss seeing a person in a ski mask almost stalking through the house. Sunday November 13, noon Investigation begins Law enforcement officers arrive at the house at 11:58 a.m. on Sunday after getting a 911 call from the cell phone of one of the surviving roommates. Officers said the roommates woke up on Sunday and called some unidentified friends to the home because they believed that one of the victims on the second floor had passed out and was not waking up. The four victims are discovered stabbed to death in their beds on the second and third floors of the house. Thursday November 17 Autopsy findings released Autopsy findings for the victims are released on Thursday, officially ruling their deaths homicides by stabbing. Coroner Cathy Mabbutt says each victim was stabbed multiple times with a large knife, describing their wounds as pretty extensive and revealing that they bled out inside their student home. She says the autopsies found the victims were killed early in the morning, sometime after 2 a.m., but still during the night. It has not been possible to determine from the injuries the order in which the victims were attacked. DNA samples and nail clippings are also taken from the crime scene, with the coroner saying that it is possible that the tests could turn up DNA from people besides the victims. A local prosecutor reveals investigators are exploring the possibility that more than one killer is responsible for the killings, while officers search for a military-style Ka-Bar knife believed to be the murder weapon. December 7 Police seek a white car An initial breakthrough seems to come when police announce they are looking for the owner and occupants of a white Hyundai Elantra spotted near the crime scene in the early morning hours on the day of the murders. Detectives wont reveal whether the owner of the car was a suspect, but say that the occupant(s) of [the] vehicle may have critical information to share regarding this case. The license plate is unknown. The car was in the immediate area of the rental home on King Road in the early hours of November 13. The murders are thought to have taken place between 3 a.m. and 4 a.m. The development is quickly linked in online sleuth communities to body-camera footage from a separate incident on the night of the killings, which police say stemmed from an alcohol offense just before 3 a.m. Officials will later shut down speculation around the video, telling The Independent on December 8 that the incident on the body-camera footage is in no way connected to the murders and the white car in the background was not the same one they are seeking information about. December 15 Two key traffic stops As police close in on suspect Bryan Kohberger, the graduate student makes his way across the country with his father, driving from Washington to spend the holidays with family in Pennsylvania. By now investigators are eying the 28-year-old and Indiana police pull the pair over twice during their journey. The stops came at the request of the FBI, which is seeking images of the suspects hands. Its not yet clear why that is important, or if the officers managed to obtain anything of interest during the stops. December 30, early morning Mountain raid At around 1:30 a.m. local time on December 30, local police and FBI swoop on a home in Albrightsville, Pennsylvania, near ski resorts in the Pocono Mountains, and arrest a 28-year-old criminology graduate student named Bryan Christopher Kohberger. According to reports, the property appears to be Kohbergers parents house and is located in a gated community. A white Hyundai Elantra is also seized. NewsNation correspondent Brian Entin reports the suspect asked if anyone else was arrested and had a quiet, blank stare, citing inside sources. 8 a.m. News conference The Moscow Police Department and prosecutors hold their first press conference since November 23, revealing Kohberger has been arrested and is accused of four counts of first degree murder. They decline to give details on how he had come to be arrested and charged, but say they still want to hear from members of the public who may have information about what happened. Several insiders have provided crucial details to news outlets. One law enforcement official tells CNN that Kohberger was identified through genetic testing that linked DNA at the crime scene to his relatives. Sources say authorities then confirmed Kohberger owned a white Hyundai Elantra matching the one spotted near the crime scene on the night of the murders. Investigators tracked Kohberger as he drove more than 2,000 miles from Washington state to Pennsylvania, where he was surveilled for days before being taken into custody. December 31 Charges filed Shortly after his arrest, Kohberger is charged with four counts of first-degree murder, as well as felony burglary. January 4, 2023 Suspect returns to Idaho The 28-year-old arrives in Moscow in the late evening, where a group of officers walk him into a waiting truck. Kohberger appears to be wearing body armor as police lead him into custody. The judge issues a gag order, banning investigators, law enforcement personnel, attorneys, and members of both the prosecution and the defense from sharing any new information about the investigation or the suspect before a verdict is reached at trial. As a result the Moscow Police Department, which has been sharing updates on the investigation, says it will no longer be communicating with the public or the media regarding the case. January 5 Kohberger appears in court After weeks of investigations, police and community members alike finally get what they wanted: a suspect, in Idaho court, facing charges for the four University of Idaho murders. Kohberger appears in a Latah County court for the first time, where he hears the charges against him, has his bail rights revoked, and faces crying family members of the slain victims. January 12 Kohberger waives preliminary hearing Kohberger appears in Latah County Courthouse with cuts on his face as he waives his right to a speedy trial. Kohbergers public defender Anne Taylor then requests that his next court date be pushed back until June 2023. The prosecution agrees, and the judge schedules the preliminary hearing for the week beginning June 26. January 19 Idaho police unseal search warrants Police investigating the murder of the four Idaho students seized a string of items from suspect Kohbergers apartment, including possible hair strands, a disposable glove, items with red and brown stains, and a computer, according to a newly unsealed search warrant. Police say one of the items found at the suspects apartment at nearby Washington State University was a possible animal hair strand. In the documents, investigators say one item had a collection of dark red spotting, and that a pillow had a reddish/brown stain on it. The application also states the murder scene near the University of Idaho campus where the victims were discovered had a large amount of the victims blood, including spatter and castoff blood. February 28 Search warrant reveals items seized in Pennsylvania A search warrant application was filed in Pennsylvanias Monroe County court on December 29, the day before Kohbergers arrest. It approved a search of the family residence, the adjacent garage and the suspects car. It allowed investigators to collect blood, or other bodily fluid or materials and items with blood but the list of seizures does not mention any such items. Investigators seized nine items: one Defiant-brand silver flashlight, four medical-style gloves, a large white t-shirt, a pair of black and white size 13 Nike shoes, and a pair of black Under Armour shorts. They also took a cheek swab, possibly from Kohberger. March 27 Prosecutors reveal officer is under internal affairs investigation In a filing, authorities disclose the existence of information that could potentially undermine witness testimony against Kohberger, the only suspect in the case. ...the State has become aware of potential Brady/Giglio material related to one of the officers involved in the above-referenced case, the filing stated. Under the Brady precedent, investigators are responsible for disclosing exculpatory information to defense lawyers. This can include whether or not a certain police officer has lied while on duty in the past, earning them a place on the local Brady list. Meanwhile, Giglio material means information that could potentially indicate that a witness is not credible, according to the National Association for Civilian Oversight of Law Enforcement. The nature of this information, and its relation to the murder case, is not immediately clear. The evidence mentioned in the filing was submitted to the court on March 24, but its content remains sealed at the request of prosecutors. May 5 Kohbergers belongings test positive for blood Court documents released by Washington authorities show that multiple items taken from the Kohbergers apartment in Pullman were tested for the presence of blood. While most items came back negative, two items were positive. Those items were a mattress cover on the bed and an uncased pillow, both of which were described as having visible reddish brown stains. The documents do not reveal who the blood belonged to. May 13 Victims families accept posthumous degrees Six months after the victims were killed in their sleep at their off-campus home in Moscow, their loved ones receive the awards during two separate ceremonies. Goncalves four siblings receive their sisters general studies diploma, while Mogens parents are given her marketing degree. Kernodles family already accepted her certificate in marketing at a previous private ceremony, while Chapins award in sports, recreation and management is mailed to his parents. May 16 Kohberger indicted by grand jury over Idaho murders A grand jury indicts Bryan Kohberger on charges of burglary and four counts of murder, allowing the parties to skip the previously planned June 26 preliminary hearing. Each murder count states that he did wilfully, unlawfully, deliberately, with premeditation and with malice aforethought, kill and murder each of the victims by stabbing. May 22 Kohberger refuses to enter plea Kohberger refuses to enter a plea in Latah County District Court prompting the judge to make one on his behalf. His attorney says that he is standing silent on the charges. Several members of Kaylee Goncalves family are present in the courtroom, facing the man accused of killing their 21-year-old daughter. The judge sets Kohbergers trial date for October 2023, following requests by Kohbergers attorney and the state. The trial is expected to take around six weeks. June 26 Prosecutors seek death penalty Latah County Prosecutor Bill Thompson files notice of his intent to seek the death penalty in court in Moscow, Idaho, citing five aggravating circumstances that could warrant the maximum sentence of capital punishment being sought. These circumstances include that the murder was especially heinous, atrocious or cruel, manifesting exceptional depravity and that the defendant showed utter disregard for human life. August 3 Kohberger presents alibi On August 3, Kohbergers defense present an alibi for the night of the murders. In a court filing, attorneys say the accused killer has long had a habit of going for drives alone and that he did so on the night of and morning after the murders. They will later expand on this, saying that cell tower data shows he often takes such drives along the Washington-Idaho border and was miles away from Moscow at the time of the murders. August 23 Trial postponed indefinitely In a move that shocks many reporters and observers, Kohberger once again waives his right to a speedy trial, postponing the proceedings indefinitely. His attorney Anne Taylor tells the court that he chose to waive because his defense does not expect to be ready for the planned trial in October. November 13 One year memorial A full year has passed since the murders. Thousand of students gather on the University of Idaho campus to honor Goncalves, Mogen, Kernodle, and Chapin, observing a vigil and a moment of silence. Between 6 and 7 p.m., Moscow residents are encouraged to turn on their porch lights in memory of the four students. There is still no trial date set for Bryan Kohberger. December 28 King Road house demolished Against the wishes of some of the victims families, university officials demolish the King Road house where the murders happened. Relatives of Kaylee Goncalves were firmly against knocking down the house, saying it would destroy one of the most critical pieces of evidence in the case before a trial date is even set. But prosecutors say they have no further need for the property, having already made a final visit in October, and the university is adamant that its destruction is necessary for the community to move on. Many students have to look at it and live with it every day, and have expressed to us how much it will help with the healing process to have that house removed, a spokesperson says. It takes about three hours to tear the house down. Reporters and other onlookers watch as an excavator tears down the facade, turning this site of trauma into a large pile of crushed and smashed wood. March 1, 2024 Families frustrated over trial delay With a trial expected not confirmed for summer 2024, Goncalves and Kernodles families are growing frustrated. "We want to start healing, we do. We want to find justice and try to move on from this horrible tragedy. So please, please, start making some decisions, get to work, and quit playing the delay game," they say in a joint statement. Kohbergers lawyers have been pushing to have his indictment dismissed, challenging evidence, and requesting that the trial be moved to another county. Its now looking like the trial wont happen until 2025. September 12 Trial moved 300 miles away Kohbergers trial is moved from Latah County to Idahos capital city of Boise, roughly 300 miles away, in a major win for the defense team. Lawyers have argued Kohberger could not face a fair trial in Latah County due to extensive negative publicity and a mob mentality among locals. An Idaho Supreme Court judge agrees, ruling the Latah County courthouse itself poses significant issues for a trial of this length and magnitude. November 20 Judge approves death penalty as possible punishment Since September, Kohbergers lawyers have been arguing that it would be unconstitutional for him to face the death penalty. Idaho, they argued, had no humane means of executing guilty prisoners due to a shortage of lethal injection drugs, meaning that prisoners would face a dehumanizing years-long wait on death row. But Judge Steven Hippler, now handling the case in Boise, rules against them. There is no basis to depart from settled law upholding Idahos death penalty statute as constitutional, Hippler says. March 4, 2025 Kohbergers autism could prejudice jury, lawyers say Kohberger cannot face the death penalty because he exhibits all the core diagnostic features of autism, his lawyers argue. Citing a neuropsychologist who assessed Kohberger, the lawyers say he has extremely rigid thinking, processes information piecemeal, and demonstrates little insight into his own behaviors and emotions. They also describe him as having unusual and repetitive speech patterns, limited facial expressions, atypical eye contact, and various physical tics such as subtly rocking his upper torso when listening to someone. Such tics arent unusual for people with autism, who may engage in repetitive bodily gestures known as stimming in order to manage strong emotions, stay focused, or vent excess stress. But in the context of a trial, Kohbergers lawyers claim, these habits would cause a jury to unfairly see him as strange, out of control, and even disrespectful of such a solemn proceeding, meaning their decision may be prejudiced. Mid to late March 2025 A knife, a balaclava, and a smiling selfie Over several weeks, new documents are unsealed adding detail to the case against Kohberger and answering what the victims other roommates were doing on the night of the murders. The documents include the frantic text messages between Dylan Mortensen and Bethany Funke identified only as D.M. and B.F. in the document who hid together in Funkes room before falling asleep. It also includes the evidence of police claiming Kohberger bought a Ka-Bar knife, a sheath, and a sharpener on Amazon eight months before the killings. And there is a selfie taken by Kohberger in his bathroom about six hours after the murders, giving the camera thumbs up. Prosecutors further allege that Kohberger had bought a black balaclava in January 2022, which was remarkably similar to a drawing of the intruders mask by one of the surviving roommates. June 13 Witnesses speak publicly The three young people who first discovered the bodies finally speak out about their experience in a forthcoming Amazon Prime documentary. Emily Alandt, her boyfriend Hunter Johnson, and her roommate Joise Lauteren were living down the road from the victims house when they received a phone call from surviving resident Dylan Mortensen. "As soon as I stepped in the house, I was just like, 'Oh, something is so not right,' like you could almost feel it," Lauteren says in the film. Johnson was the first to discover crime scene, and can be heard on a 911 call telling all of his friends to "get out, get out, get out" of the house. Monday June 30 Plea deal leaks, sparking outrage Family members of the victims reveal theyve received a surprise letter from the prosecution announcing a plea deal with Kohberger. Under the leaked terms of the deal, Kohberger would avoid the death penalty, spend the rest of his life in prison and waive his rights to appeal. Feelings are mixed. Madison Mogens father Ben Mogen tells CBS News that hes relieved about the deal. "If you get that quick death sentence, you don't have to spend decades thinking about how terrible you made the world," he says. "We can actually put this behind us... we get to just think about the rest of lives, and try and figure out how to do it without Maddie and the rest of the kids." But relatives of Kaylee Goncalves, who have been advocating for the death penalty, are outraged. We are beyond furious at the State of Idaho. They have failed us, they say in a Facebook post on Monday night. 18-year-old Aubrie Goncalves argues that the last-minute plea deal is both shocking and cruel because it did not give families time to discuss and come to terms with it, and because Kohberger will remain alive. In a follow-up post on Tuesday, the family says they could potentially accept a life sentence for Kohberger, but that any such deal should come with strings attached. At a bare minimum, please require require a full confession, full accountability, location of the murder weapon, confirmation the defendant acted alone, and the true facts of what happened that night, they say. We deserve to know when the beginning of the end was. Wednesday July 2 Kohberger expected to change plea Bryan Kohberger is expected to accept a plea agreement in the stabbing murders of the of four University of Idaho students in 2022, according to relatives of the victims. A hearing is set for 11:00 a.m. local time in Boise on Wednesday, according to a notice posted on the court docket. DNA samples, cellphone records and other evidence all pointed to Kohberger, police and prosecutors say. Kohberger had previously pleaded not guilty. Jury selection for his murder trial had been scheduled to start in August. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A tense hostage standoff at a Mercantile Bank in Michigan ended in a dramatic and deadly confrontation Friday after police used an unusual tactic: delivering Faygo soda by drone. The incident began around 5:30 p.m. when Quinton Marquese Allen, 31, entered the State Street branch in Saginaw Township armed with an unspecified weapon, but not a gun, and took an employee hostage, triggering a multi-hour standoff. In an attempt to get Allen out of the bank, police deployed a drone carrying a bag containing a 24-ounce red Faygo soda can for him. When Allen moved into view through the buildings glass, a state trooper shot and killed him. open image in gallery Michigan police used a drone carrying a Faygo soda can to lure Quinton Marquese Allen, 31, out of a Mercantile Bank where he was holding an employee hostage. ( Getty Images ) Allen never got hold of the bag, police said. After Allen was shot, the hostage emerged from the bank and asked for help. The victim was injured and taken to hospital for treatment but later released. The bank remains closed until further notice, but thanked authorities on Facebook for their swift and professional response. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A pediatrician from Oklahoma City has been charged with firstdegree murder after her 4-year-old daughter died in what investigators now believe was a staged drowning at a South Florida shortterm rental home. Dr. Neha Gupta, 36, and her daughter, Aria Talathi, were on vacation in El Portal when she called 911 about a child drowning in a residential pool at 3:40 a.m. on June 27, her attorney, Richard Cooper, told Local 10 News. Upon arrival, Gupta walked them to the backyard where Talathi was unresponsive in the deep end, an autopsy report obtained by the outlet states. First responders found Talathi unresponsive and started CPR. She was rushed to Jackson Memorial Hospitals Ryder Trauma Center, where she was later pronounced dead. open image in gallery Dr. Neha Gupta, 36, and her daughter, Aria Talathi, were on vacation in El Portal when she called 911 about a child drowning last month ( Oklahoma County Detention Center ) Initially considered a tragic accident, the incident led to Guptas arrest in Oklahoma City following a weeks-long homicide investigation. The autopsy reportedly found no water in Talathis lungs or stomach, ruling out drowning. Instead, injuries in her mouth and cheeks suggested asphyxiation by smothering. The medical examiner concluded Talathi was likely dead before being placed in the pool, and her empty stomach contradicted her mothers claim that she ate dinner at 9 p.m. Gupta awaits extradition to Miami-Dade to face the first-degree murder charge, where she will be held without bond. Gupta told detectives that the pair went to bed together in the master bedroom around 12:30 a.m. Gupta claimed she awoke at 3:20 a.m. to a noise, found Talathi missing, and saw her submerged in the pool. Unable to swim, Gupta said she struggled to rescue her daughter for 10 minutes before calling 911. Cooper and Guptas other attorney, Michael Mirer, told Local 10 News on Wednesday, We are disappointed that the Miami-Dade Sheriffs Office succumbed to pressure and rushed to judgment. As a result, a grieving mother who just lost her daughter is in jail. The attorneys concluded, We look forward to a full investigation which will uncover the truth of the matter. Miami-Dade detectives have taken over the ongoing investigation. The Independent has contacted the Miami-Dade Sheriffs Office for further comment. BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 2. The preliminary investigation revealed that on June 27, police officers of the Sverdlovsk region of the Russian Federation detained numerous citizens of the Republic of Azerbaijan living at different addresses, the head of the Investigation Department of the General Prosecutor's Office of Azerbaijan, Nemat Avazov, said, Trend reports. He announced at a press conference on the criminal case of Azerbaijanis killed in Russia, Trend reports on Wednesday. According to him, as a result of the operation of law enforcement officers of the Russian Federation, Huseyn Safarov, born in 1966, was detained and found in a helpless state. On June 27, he died in the administrative building of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the city of Yekaterinburg, and his brother, Ziyaddin Safarov, born in 1970, died that morning in the service car of law enforcement officers. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A Texas mother wanted for the murder of her young son has been added to the FBIs Ten Most Wanted list. Six-year-old Noel Rodriguez-Alvarez has been missing since November 2022 and is presumed dead. His mother, Cindy Rodriguez Singh, is wanted for his murder and now, shes one of the FBIs most-wanted fugitives. Adding Rodriguez Singh to the FBIs Ten Most Wanted list allows law enforcement to raise awareness for the case, according to Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock. The disappearance and suspected death of Noel Alvarez is still fresh in the minds of everyone in Everman as well as throughout North Texas," Rothrock said at a press conference. Rodriguez Singh is now one of only 12 women to have made the list. Police in Everman, Texas performed a welfare check on Noel in March 2023 after receiving reports he hadnt been seen since October 2022, according to the FBI. During the welfare check, Rodriguez Singh told police Noel had been in Mexico with his biological father since November 2022. open image in gallery Police believe Cindy Rodriguez Singh killed her six-year-old son before fleeing to India with her husband and her six other children ( FBI ) Days later, Rodriguez Singh, her husband Arshdeep Singh and their other six children bought one-way plane tickets to India, according to the FBI. Noel was not on the flight, and Rodriguez Singh hasnt been seen since. Police said that Rodriguez Singh described her son as evil, possessed, or having a demon in him in the days leading up to his suspected death. After Noel was discovered to be missing police investigated claims he was living with family abroad. They also looked into rumors Noel was sold to a woman at a nearby grocery store. Police did not find evidence for either of these claims, NBC Dallas-Fort Worth reports. In October 2023, Rodriguez Singh was charged with her sons murder. A week later, a federal arrest warrant was issued for Rodriguez Singh on the charge of taking an unlawful flight to avoid prosecution. open image in gallery Police believe six-year-old Noel Rodriguez-Alvarez was killed by his mother ( Everman Emergency Services ) The FBI is now coordinating with local authorities in India, NBC Dallas-Fort Worth reports. This type of coordination is typical when the FBI is searching for a suspect who is believed to have left the country, according to retired FBI agent Greg Shaffer, who worked in the agencys attache in Hungary, Singapore and Bulgaria throughout his career. When suspects do flee to a foreign country, the FBI utilizes their attaches and most of the U.S. embassies nationwide, Shaffer told NBC Dallas-Fort Worth. They work with the local authorities in trying to locate and apprehend those individuals. And then they will try to put surveillance, either technical or physical surveillance, on those family members or friends, he added. There is a $250,000 reward for information that leads to Rodriguez Singhs arrest. Sign up to our free weekly IndyTech newsletter delivered straight to your inbox Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Cloudflare, the internet infrastructure company that powers much of the web, says that it is changing the rules of the internet. The company will block AI crawlers by default in an attempt to stop artificial intelligence companies from gathering data from across the web. Large language models, such as ChatGPT, require vast amounts of training data in order to improve their performance. Many of those companies have responded by using crawlers to access different web pages and store their contents so that it can be used to train those systems. Now, Cloudflare says that those AI crawlers will be blocked by default. That means those automated systems should not be able to visit pages without permission or compensation, it said. The publishers of those websites will be able to give AI crawlers permission to access their sites. And Cloudflare says that it will add the option for a pay by crawl fee, which AI companies will be able to choose whether to pay. The use of online writing to train AI systems has become one of the most divisive issues of the ongoing era of artificial intelligence. A number of publishers have become locked in legal action against AI companies that they argue have wrongly taken their writing to train their systems. As that conflict increased, in 2023, Cloudflare initially said that it would allow websites to add a special tag to their sites to ask AI websites not to access them, but it was unenforceable. Last year, it started to allow websites to automatically block them, using technology that spotted such AI bots. Now, that latter tool will be on by default. Matthew Prince, Cloudflares chief executive, told the New York Times that it was changing the rules of the internet across all of Cloudflare. The move was made from a concern that AI companies scraping the web and accessing content freely would stop people being incentivised from publishing new writing or other forms of content, he said. Sign up to our free weekly IndyTech newsletter delivered straight to your inbox Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Shoppers are being warned to stay alert for sophisticated scams during Amazon Prime Day. Advice Direct Scotland said scammers are using artificial intelligence (AI) to create more convincing scams to defraud people out of money. The consumer advice charity said AI is being used to create realistic phishing emails and automated calls which could be harder for Scots to spot. Ahead of Amazon Prime Day, which runs from July 8 to July 11, it has warned that scammers could target bargain hunters looking for deals amid an ongoing cost of living crisis. It said its staff had handled cases including fake messages about Prime membership renewals, bogus refund offers, and calls claiming Amazon accounts have been hacked. The warning comes after Advice Direct Scotland revealed that Scots have lost at least 860,000 to cyber criminals in the past year amid a tenfold surge in online scams. Scammers often claim shoppers have ordered expensive items such as iPhones and demand personal or banking details to cancel payments. Fraudsters also try to trick people into downloading software that gives them remote access to devices, exposing bank details. Advice Direct Scotland said Amazon would never call to ask for remote access or to install apps. If you receive suspicious calls, texts, or emails asking for personal information or payments, the charity says people should not respond. Hazel Knowles, senior project lead for Advice Direct Scotland, said: With households across Scotland still facing huge financial pressures because of the cost of living and energy crises, it is understandable that people will be hunting for genuine Prime Day deals. But criminals are also looking for opportunities and now they have AI to help them sound more believable than ever. It can be easy to get caught out, especially if a call or email seems urgent and official. But the best advice is to take a moment, trust your instincts, and check before you buy or click. Amazon will never ask for remote access to your device or for payment details over the phone or email. If something feels suspicious, it probably is, and our expert team is here to help if you are unsure. Anyone who is caught out by a scam or spots a suspected scam should report it using our free ScamWatch tool at www.scamwatch.scot. Those looking for free consumer advice can do so by visiting consumeradvice.scot or by phoning 0808 164 6000. BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 2. All three countries are conducting expert examinations on the incident in Aktau, the head of the Investigation Department of the Prosecutor General's Office, Nemat Avazov, said at a press conference on the criminal case of Azerbaijanis killed in Russia, Trend reports. According to him, numerous inspections are being conducted on the incident. "A few days ago, employees of the Investigation Department traveled to Kazakhstan and met with Kazakh colleagues. The results of the investigation are likely to be announced soon." Blood, Sweat, and Diamonds: The Harsh Hopeless Reality of Angolas Mines in July The current financial chaos mirrors Angolas minespromises of riches, but only hardship for those doing the work. In July, Angolas diamond mines gleam with the promise of untold riches, drawing workers to one of the worlds top diamond-producing regions. As the sixth-largest global producer, Angola unearthed 9.7 million carats in 2023, a 24% surge from the prior year, with the northeastern provinces of Lunda Norte and Lunda Sul home to the mighty Catoca and Luele mines fueling 9% of global diamond output. Yet, for miners like Joao, a garimpeiro in Lunda Sul, the dream of riches fades under armed guards and meager wages, replaced by despair, poverty, and false hope. Miners like Joao and their rough diamonds from Lunda Suls alluvial mines may end up in U.S. engagement rings, yet they see little of the profits due to exploitative supply chains. Angola Diamond Life, the Human Experience During Angolas civil war (19752002), diamond mines were battlegrounds, with workers facing extreme dangers. One account from the 1990s describes illegal miners, known as garimpeiros, working under UNITAs control in the Lunda provinces. These workers, often undocumented immigrants, toiled in riverbeds wearing only their underwear and clawing out stones with their hands under the watchful eyes of UNITA guards. They earned meager wages, with UNITA pocketing up to $200 million annually from diamond sales in 1995 alone, leaving miners in poverty. Though the civil war ended in 2002, modern accounts suggest persistent challenges. A 2015 report by Diamonds for Peace highlights the plight of artisanal miners across Africa, including Angola, where many are trapped in systems akin to modern slavery. Miners often rely on local investors who provide tools or funds but claim the rights to diamonds, buying them at below-market prices. This leaves workers like Joao with median annual incomes as low as $300 for diggers and $1,044 for licensed miners. Human rights abuses, including child labor, forced labor, and violence, have been reported in Angolas artisanal mining sector, though the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme, adopted in 2002, has reduced some conflict-related abuses. In July 2024, Angola introduced the Law to Combat Illegal Mining Activity to address the estimated 1.3 million illegal miners operating in the country, many of whom are foreign diamond prospectors. While this law aims to regulate the industry, it underscores the precarious conditions for informal workers, who face risks of exploitation and legal repercussions. At formal operations like Catoca, workers undergo training as diamond sorters, a skilled role requiring precision. However, even in these settings, the environmental toll such as soil nutrient depletion and land segregation from road construction impacts local communities, including miners families. July in Angola Diamond Mines July in Angolas diamond mines is a time of intense production, driven by the dry seasons favorable conditions. The Luele mine, which began production in November 2023, ramps up output, aiming for 3.54 million carats annually, potentially elevating Angola to the worlds third-largest diamond producer. Workers at Luele and Catoca operate sophisticated equipment, from X-ray luminescence units to autogenous grinding mills, processing millions of tons of ore. Yet, for artisanal miners, July means long hours in riverbeds, often under harsh conditions, with little financial reward due to exploitative supply chains. The economic stakes are high. Angolas diamond revenue is projected to rise from $1.4 billion in 2024 to $2.1 billion in 2025, fueling the National Development Plan (20232027) to boost food security and employment. However, as reported, 65% of Angolans live on less than a dollar a day, and economic growth has not translated into widespread development for mining communities. Miners, both formal and informal, remain on the fringes of this wealth, with millions of displaced people and former soldiers still living in camps plagued by malaria and dysentery. Russia and Angola Diamond Mine Connections Angolas diamond industry has undergone significant reforms under President Joao Lourenco since 2017, with policies like the 2018 Private Investment Law encouraging foreign investment and transparency. The state-owned Endiama has shifted from industry control to a concessionaire role, and miners can now sell 60% of their output to companies of their choice, breaking Endiamas monopoly. Yet, challenges persist. The withdrawal of Russian company Alrosa from Catoca and Luele in 2024, due to sanctions over the Ukraine conflict, introduced new ownership by Omans Maden International Group, raising questions about future stability. Environmental and social impacts also loom large. Kimberlite mining disrupts ecosystems, and artisanal mining often ignores environmental safeguards. Reports of human rights abuses, including alleged killings by private security forces during artisanal mining protests, highlight ongoing tensions. For workers, the promise of economic transformation remains distant, as wealth concentrates among politicians and foreign companies. Hope Diamond of Angola Working in Angolas diamond mines in July 2025 reflects a dichotomy of hope, progress and struggle for informal mine workers like Joao. Formal miners at sites like Catoca and Luele operate advanced technology, contributing to Angolas rising global status, while artisanal miners face exploitation and poverty, echoing historical injustices. The voices of garimpeiros from the 1990s, toiling under armed guards, resonate with todays artisanal workers, who earn minimal wages in precarious conditions. Angolas ambition to produce 17.53 million carats by 2027 signals growth, but without equitable wealth distribution, miners lives may see little improvement. As Angola balances economic goals with human and environmental costs, the stories of its diamond mine workers demand greater attention to ensure their labor fuels not just global markets but also local hope. The worlds richest man Elon Musk is in a self-dug hole. The problem for Tesla shareholders is he keeps on digging. Doubling down in his attack on Donald Trump is about as far out as one could go on the risk scale. The break-up of the wealthiest man on the planet and the worlds most powerful is playing out like any romantic split with cross-court lashings of invective, threats and recriminations. But this divorce is being played out in the public on the combatants-owned social media platforms, X and Truth Social. Musk and Trump: A feud for the ages Credit: Marija Ercegovac And neither man possesses the self-regulation switch that would interrupt an escalation. So BYO popcorn! Latitude 66 has cashed in on a non-core asset, locking in $2 million in upfront funding by selling its 17.5 per cent stake in the Greater Duchess copper-gold project in Queensland, which it owns with ASX-listed Carnaby Resources. The company has also positioned itself for a further $4 million windfall if the full project changes hands in the coming months. Latitude 66 has sold its 17.5 per cent stake in the Queensland Greater Duchess copper-gold joint venture for $2 million, with a possible $4 million kicker if the full project is sold within 90 days. The company has signed a non-binding term sheet with Argonaut Partners and Neon Space to offload its interest, with a baked-in bonus clause. If the entire joint venture is snapped up within 90 days of the announcement, Latitude will receive a further $4 million in cash or the same value in ASX-listed shares, based on the 30-day volume-weighted average price. Australias giants of the hospitality industry are in the spotlight across a series of investigations by the Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, Good Food and 60 Minutes. Liberal leaders have distanced themselves from hospitality baron Justin Hemmes, declaring allegations of exploitation of workers, sexual harassment, and VIPs with criminal links at Merivale venues are deeply troubling, just months after the billionaire hosted a Liberal election fundraiser at his $100 million mansion. The response from Liberal leaders follows an investigation by this masthead and 60 Minutes, which revealed fresh claims of underpayment, exploitation of women and sexual harassment at Merivale on Monday. Billionaire Justin Hemmes. Credit: Rhett Wyman The company, which has property assets worth an estimated $3 billion, has denied the allegations and accused this masthead of malicious journalism and intimidation. The company is also facing growing scrutiny over its plans to expand into Melbourne, where it plans to turn a $55 million car park into a multi-level entertainment precinct. NSW Liberal leader Mark Speakman said allegations in the reports were deeply troubling. After winning her unlawful termination case against the ABC last week, broadcaster Antoinette Lattouf promised shed have more to say at a later date. Last week, she remained silent, with the blanks instead being filled in by the countrys commentariat, the most absurd take coming from a Crikey piece on Lattoufs (admittedly rather slay) trial outfits. Jan Fran (left) recently announced the launch of Ette Media with Antoinette Lattouf. Credit: Hugh Stewart Its more than a coat: An ode to Antoinette Lattoufs meaningful courtroom fashion, the site wrote. Now, Lattouf has finally had more to say. Much more. 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 she was a little girl, Hayley Millar Baker would cover her ears with her long dark hair before falling asleep. She did so as a sign that she was unavailable to the spirit world. It was her way of saying, Im not up for talking, I dont want to hear you tonight, she tells me when we meet at Buxton Contemporary gallery in Melbourne. Its a habit she continues to this day. Millar Baker hears voices, feels presences, astral travels. This awareness of a realm beyond the physical is not something she can control. Perhaps sensing my reserve about the possibility of such things, she looks at me with her remarkably bright hazel eyes and asks Do you believe in ghosts? I fumble for an answer and settle for I dont know. Millar Baker, who has Aboriginal heritage on her mothers side (Gunditjmara and Djabwurrung peoples) and Anglo-Indian and Portuguese-Brazilian ancestry on her fathers side, has delved into the paranormal in her three short films Nyctinasty (2021), The Umbra (2023), and her latest, Eternity the Butterfly. All three films are screening together for the first time in the veil exhibition at Buxton Contemporary, conceived by First Nations curator Hannah Presley. Indeed, Millar Bakers films and the concepts they explore are the impetus for the exhibition, which has been two years in the making and features the work of six female artists, four of them Indigenous. Hayley Millar Baker in her latest film Eternity the Butterfly. Credit: Buxton Contemporary I approached Hayley about her next film and what her plans were and we started talking about Eternity the Butterfly, which now has a title and exists, but then was in the very early planning stages, Presley says. We locked in the commission, and then I started to think, Hayley has two previous films, and the ideas across the films were really my inspiration to build the entire exhibition. The exhibition deals with themes such as the importance of emotion, of instinct and ritual, of Indigenous knowledge and spirituality, and even of magic in a world that tends to privilege the rational. Advertisement For Aboriginal people, the land is alive, the spirit world is a given, says Presley. In its premiere screening, Eternity the Butterfly is the exhibitions masterwork, shown across a nine-metre screen. Like Millar Bakers two previous films, it is beautifully austere, wryly haunting, subtly political. She sets her films in impeccable architectural spaces that jar with the mysterious happenings that take place within them. Filmed in black and white, her short films evoke the works of Hitchcock on the one hand, with their film-noir edge, and Bill Violas mystical video art on the other, with its references to religious iconography and Renaissance paintings. Haley Millar Baker, left, and Hannah Presley with Millar Bakers Eternity the Butterfly. Credit: Wayne Taylor It doesnt surprise me that Millar Baker is a fan of horror, but Im intrigued to hear that Quentin Tarantino is another inspiration. She loves his long-winded scenes, such as the opening of 2009s Inglourious Basterds, where the psychological tension mounts to a terrifying climax as a menacingly polite Nazi officer tries to outmanoeuvre a French farmer who is hiding a Jewish family under his house. Like Tarantino, Millar Baker is unafraid to linger over a scene, to build tension through the simplest of gestures. Loading Eternity the Butterfly is set in the stunningly minimal House at Big Hill, near Victorias Great Ocean Road, designed by Kerstin Thompson Architects. In a striking performance, Georgia Mokak, who is not a professional actor (none of the actors in Millar Bakers films are), plays Eternity, a goddess-like being, who enters a meditative state and conjures ancestor spirit guides, calling them at one point with deep guttural sounds. The films title references the life cycle of the butterfly, and its constant evolution, from egg to caterpillar to chrysalis to butterfly to egg, over and over, which in turn speaks of the persistence and survival of Aboriginal culture in the face of historic efforts to suppress and destroy it. The film was about a year in the writing, another six months in post-production: All the scenes came to me in dreams, so that was a waiting game, Millar Baker says. Advertisement She likes to create works slowly, letting the ideas form intuitively, a method that she says is counter to the way the arts often operate in Melbourne fast-paced and competitive. Millar Bakers past photographic work has alluded to ghostly encounters, while leaving open the possibility that the disturbing voices and noises she heard as a child could have been a play of the imagination, a warp of memory, or an idea planted by a trusted elder to encourage awareness and prevent her from straying too far from the pack, as she puts it. But it was only in Nyctinasty, commissioned by Hetty Perkins for 4th National Indigenous Art Triennial: Ceremony at the National Gallery of Australia in 2022, that Millar Baker explicitly acknowledged her connection to the spirit world. She stars as a woman, alone at night in an elegant contemporary home, who performs a series of rituals that evoke the ways in which Aboriginal people care for the body and spirit after death. She bathes, tends an open fire, applies charcoal to her hands before lying back on a couch, eyes closed, summoning. A sense of foreboding pervades the film and builds to a startling final scene. Millar Baker had just had her second child when she made the film, which adds another layer to this story about the cycles of birth and death. Ngalmudj and Two Sisters by Lena Yarinkura. Credit: Buxton Contemporary Comparable themes are explored in the works of Lena Yarinkura, a senior weaver from Maningrida who has made two gloriously large and intricate fibre sculptures inspired by creation stories; Glenda Nicholls (Waddi Waddi, Ngarrindjeri and Yorta Yorta) a master weaver who makes vast hanging nets, hand-woven from jute and decorated with feather flowers; Lisa Waup, who has screen-printed 365 hessian sandbags that allude to floods and waterways affected by climate change and colonisation; and Hannah Gartside, who creates sculptures from found fabrics and cast-off clothes. Holding Country by Lisa Waup. Credit: University of Melbourne collection The exhibition also marks the first time that the work of Polish artist Aneta Grzeszykowska is being shown in Australia. Presley and Millar Baker were deeply affected by Grzeszykowskas photographic series, Mama, when they saw it together at the Venice Biennale in 2022. When Presley began working on the veil, she and Millar Baker immediately thought of inviting Grzeszykowska to take part. Advertisement I was very happy of course, Grzeszykowska tells me via Zoom from her home in Warsaw. I really admire the works in the exhibition because the art is so true, so Im kind of proud that my work fits this, and I really like this intercultural context. Mama is an eerie, darkly humorous and disturbing series of photographs of Grzeszykowskas daughter Franciszka, who was then seven years old, playing with an uncannily life-like and life-size bust of her mother. Franciszka bathes this artificial mother figure, hugs it, gives it a cigarette, paints its face, takes it down to a river bank in a trolley cart, swims with it, and eventually buries it. Like Millar Bakers films, the series evolved organically, the idea revealing itself over time. Mama #34 by Aneta Grzeszykowska (detail). Credit: Buxton Contemporary Grzeszykowska had ordered a bust of herself from a company that makes props for films. She documented the process an interesting exercise, as it was the first time she could view herself from behind a camera. But this documentation didnt seem strong enough for a finished artwork. So she took the bust home, put it in her living room, and went about her daily chores while she thought about what she might do with it. After a few weeks I noticed that my daughter started to play with it. She was combing its hair and she was dressing it up, she was really treating this object as if it was a doll, Grzeszykowska says. The role of mother and child was reversed. The resulting photographs are psychologically unsettling and imbued with a haunting sense of mortality. The mother figure may not be real, but the complex emotions that the photographs stir certainly are. Mama #29 by Mama #34. Credit: Buxton Contemporary Advertisement It triggered uproar in the arts sector, resignations and embarrassment on the international stage with admissions that the Australian Pavilion may be left dark for Venice in the face of artists boycott. Twenty-three of the countrys distinguished visual artists who exhibited under the Australian flag at Venice the so-called Olympics of the art world came together to protest the unacceptable disregard and treatment of Sabsabi and Dagostino. Sabsabi has continued to work on his project in Bangkok, recently posting a thank you to supporters who had rallied to protest his sacking and helped crowdfund the artwork for a private show, while outlining his hopes for reinstatement. Consultants Blackhall & Pearl identified a series of missteps, assumptions and missed opportunities in the governance of Australias participation at the 2026 Venice Biennale. They had been exacerbated by a lack of clarity around roles and accountabilities, and by unresolved tensions within Creative Australia on the organisations roles and stakeholders and how best to balance them if in competition. There is an unfortunate irony in that many of the flaws in the Biennale selection process stemmed from a strong desire within Creative Australia to keep decisions on artistic merit free from non-artistic considerations, the report said. This has been seen as critical to protect freedom of expression and the creative community. In fact, the lack of appropriate preparedness for such a major decision as Australian representation at the Venice Biennale has led to a considerably worse outcome for all involved than if prudent, carefully considered risk assessment and crisis management had been put in place. The report concluded selection of an artistic team for a Venice Biennale was a decision of a different kind and magnitude to the bulk of Creative Australias decision-making, requiring more rigour in the decision-making process than warranted for the making of a grant. Among the reviews nine recommendations is that a full risk assessment be carried out for all future selected Biennale projects, recognising the decisions could be polarising and divisive and have a material impact on the ability of Creative Australia to discharge effectively its statutory functions. Creative Australia had a considerable task to rebuild trust with at least some parts of the creative community and with some of its own employees. Acting Creative Australia board chair Wesley Enoch said: The Blackhall & Pearl review is emphatic. There was no single reason, cause, person or act that created the circumstances in which the board felt compelled to decide as it did in February. Rather, it was a complex series of events that created a unique set of circumstances which the board had to address. The board has considered and reflected deeply on all relevant issues to find a path forward. The board is now of the view that proceeding with the artistic team [of] Khaled Sabsabi and Michael Dagostino represents the preferred outcome. Loading The boards initial backflip occurred within hours of questions being raised in parliament by Coalitions Claire Chandler in February about historic works by Sabsabi showing Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, and a video depicting images of 9/11 along with former US president George W. Bush saying the words thank you very much. Sabsabi has long maintained his dumping was triggered by a fundamental misunderstanding that conflated works critiquing war and media representations of ideology with support for terrorism. Philanthropist Simon Mordant, who resigned from his role as global ambassador, has also agreed to return. I am confident that the work presented will reflect the highest artistic standards and align with the values I have always upheld integrity, inclusion, and respect. I would like to think this can be a watershed moment for the Australian arts community whereby we can work towards eliminating any form of racism, including antisemitism, across the arts industries. I know Khaled shares this ambition. The Greens Sarah Hanson Young urged a clean out of Creative Australia to rebuild trust within the artistic community and the Australian public. This is a victory for the artistic and wider community that had the courage to stand up to the cowardly lobbying of sections of the right-wing media, conservative politicians and others whose prejudice sought to tear down a great Australian artist, she said. Mother Play: a play in five evictions traces the fortunes of a single mother named Phyllis, played by Thornton, and her two children. Beginning in the 1960s when the children are barely teenagers, the show follows the family over the next 40 years. [This] is an homage or a way of talking to her mother, after the fact, which I think anyone who has experienced the death of a parent will understand, Thornton says. American playwright Paula Vogel. Its a memory play, and by that I mean its Paulas direct memory of her childhood and her early years, living on the poverty line in the states around Washington DC. She had a complex and challenging childhood in many ways, not least because the mother, who I play, is a functioning alcoholic. She has aspirations for both her children and these revelations are played out through conversation and action. Shes clearly a difficult mother but no less inspiring in her way. She was a force, the kind of figure that people noticed in the room. She knew it but was trapped in a paradigm that didnt suit her personality. This is not too much of a spoiler to say: she has had very, very bad luck with men. Does performing in a piece like this provide a degree of catharsis? No question, it is therapeutic. Anyone whos making creative work would say that it is both cathartic for them personally, but also that the hope is it will also have some ... connection with the creators experience, Thornton says. And perhaps, if one is very, very lucky [there will be] some kind of healing from that. Yael Stone, Thornton and Ash Flanders in rehearsal. Credit: Charlie Kinross Going back to the theatre after a few years away is like returning to the gym after a break for the Melbourne-based actor. You work up to it... The memory is still there but it might take a little while to get it back. It also changes with every production. You have to develop a whole set of new muscular responses that match your character, which will always be different. As well as a degree of muscle memory, theres also intellectual memory involved, wrapping your head around that combined with an exercise of making a play, making a story together with people who all have their sensitivities and learning about each other and how to work in particular ways that suit each individual, and all of those things add to the mix when were discussing and working on extremely personal material. Therein lies the joy discovering the characters and their stories, along with the director and other creatives. Sigrid Thornton declared at age six she wanted to be an actor. Credit: Wayne Taylor The show has been fascinating to research. Theres a lot of information out there about [Vogels] experience: her output, her sexuality and coming out, and all of those things in relation to her own parents, she says. We are playing a persons real-life experience and the obvious dysfunction in the family I think anyone can relate to. Its not that far from Christmas, is it? Well still have those memories. One of this countrys favourite actors, Thornton has grown up on our screens, big and small. In 1977, she starred as a fresh-faced 18-year-old in Bruce Beresfords The Getting of Wisdom, but it was her work in All The Rivers Run, beamed into lounge rooms around the nation, that cemented her in our hearts. Then came The Man From Snowy River and later Prisoner and its more recent offspring, Wentworth. Then in the 90s, there was SeaChange. Theatre has been a constant since her 30s aged six she knew she wanted to be an actor and returning to the MTC, she says, feels like a homecoming. As well as Mother Play, she has three projects underway, details of which remain under wraps for the moment. Several scripts are in development: thats always the core the strength of the writing. But Im going to be working on both sides of the camera, she says. Thornton argues creative work is essential in every society. First Nations people valued above many, many things it could be argued, above everything, apart from getting enough food and water storytelling because it was an essential component in understanding the world, teaching future generations so that they could move forward with some clarity and a sense of connection, which is also critically important. Loading Many of the themes in Mother Play resonate powerfully in a world with right-wing politics on the rise and under the Trump administration, particularly womens rights and queer rights. He is wreaking havoc in so many ways, Thornton says. The attacks on the arts and on free speech are incredibly worrying. The dismantling of the arts in any way, shape or form is anathema because creative work is in no small part about helping people feel connected to others, helping people feel that they are not alone. I do sincerely believe that the making of good stories, even purely to entertain people and make people smile, all of that storytelling needs to stay alive, malleable, flexible and free. Advertisement Eating outComing soon A favourite hatted Daylesford restaurant is saying goodbye, but not for long The team behind this award-winning spot, loved by locals and daytrippers, have big plans for a new site. And its just a stones throw from the original. Emma Breheny July 2, 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 One of Daylesfords most-beloved venues, the hatted Bar Merenda, is close to serving its last terrine and coq au vin in its Howe Street digs, but its not the end of the road. Owners Andy and Clare Ainsworth will reopen Merenda in a new two-storey location in Daylesford this spring, operating as a separate restaurant and wine bar while keeping the Merenda name. Bar Merenda is moving venues. Penny Ryan This beautiful building came up that weve always loved, says Andy. Its built in the 1850s and its full of so much character and so much potential. Were going to put in a full new kitchen, but keep the beautiful bones intact. Advertisement The Ainsworths opened the bar in 2021 with a mission to bring a European-style wine bar to one of Australias richest regions for small-scale and artisan produce. In 2023, the venue was named Bar of the Year by The Age Good Food Guide. The new venue, just 500 metres down the road, will have a separate dining room with a set menu from current chefs Oliver Edwards and Brianna Smith (both ex-Summertown Aristologist, South Australia). Downstairs will operate as a drop-in wine bar with snacks. It will have all the things people love about Merenda, with an opportunity to go either for the wine bar or for the restaurant, says Andy. Merendas current space, a cosy single room lined with wine bottles and artwork by Clare Ainsworth, does double-duty as bar and restaurant. Classical European dishes will continue to drive the menu at Merenda 2.0. Penny Ryan Advertisement At the new space, a wood-fired grill will power the kitchen, but classical European dishes that showcase produce from local farmers will remain the focus. That and Andys impressive collection of wines from Victorian, French and Italian producers has made the venue a beloved stop for visiting chefs, many of whom collaborated with the venue on events. To see out their final weeks, the team are planning some extra-special events, along the lines of the wine parties and cookbook-themed menus they regularly host. Therell be a big party for sure, says Andy. Related Article Five regional restaurants worth a road trip and the best spots to stop on the way Advertisement While a final service is not set yet, Andy says the end of August is the most likely date, with plans to reopen with the same team sometime in spring. The Ainsworths have the keys to the new site and have started the demolition and floor planning. Shop 3, 22-24 Howe Street, Daylesford, barmerenda.com.au Restaurant reviews, news and the hottest openings served to your inbox. Sign up LACHIN, Azerbaijan, July 2. The panel session on The role of women in human development for climate change resilience was held within the framework of the Women's Forum of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) held in Lachin, Trend reports. The session, moderated by Vladanka Andreeva, the UN Resident Coordinator in Azerbaijan, was attended by Leman Yenigun, Deputy Minister of Family and Social Services of Turkiye, Juldyz Suleimenova, member of the National Commission on Women and Family and Demographic Policy of the Parliament of Kazakhstan, Elnur Nasibov, Chairman of the Education Development Fund of the Ministry of Science and Education of Azerbaijan, and Mehmet Akif, Head of the ECO Institute of Education. Kirecci, UN Women's Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia, Mihaela Ionescu, Specialist in Partnership and Resource Mobilization, and Faraj Huseynbeyov, Senior Project Specialist at the Azerbaijan Office of the Asian Development Bank. Speaking at the panel discussion, Chairman of the Education Development Fund of the Ministry of Science and Education Elnur Nasibov emphasized that the main problem in attracting women to education is financial: "That is, families have focused their financial resources more on their sons. This is why the Education Loan Fund was established in Azerbaijan. More than 26,000 girls in Azerbaijan have benefited from education loans". Faraj Huseynbeyov, Senior Project Specialist of the Asian Development Bank Azerbaijan Office, noted that the Asian Development Bank is working to achieve gender equality and empowerment of women in the Asia-Pacific region: "We should always put women at the center of attention. We especially work to support women's education. We organize training courses for them in skills development, digital literacy, and technical and vocational skills. Our goal is to create quality jobs and also create opportunities for women to pursue non-traditional professions. The Asian Development Bank is lending its support to develop national green development strategies and programs to promote green skills among women. We also support women's participation in the labor market. The Asian Development Bank allocates 60 percent of its funds to gender equality," he emphasized. Zhuldyz Suleimenova, a member of the National Commission on Women's Affairs and Family and Demographic Policy of the Parliament of Kazakhstan, noted that Kazakhstan has achieved gender equality in education and is ready to share this experience: "In Kazakhstan, 50 percent of young women have earned a bachelor's degree, and 63 percent of women have earned a master's degree. We are shaping our specialists in the direction of the future. We cooperate with international universities, and we form specialists. Our education is based on modern technology. Steps are being taken for the participation of young girls in collective labor. We have adopted and are implementing a national program of women's entrepreneurship," she added. The group continued the discussions after listening to other presentations. Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Remove items from your saved list to add more. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. 1 / 9 Wood-fired, toum-brushed flatbread with labne soaked in chilli oil. Chege Mbuthi 2 / 9 Inside the sleek new space. Jorge Mario Ruvalcaba 3 / 9 Flatbread and lamb are just some of the dishes cooked over the woodfire coals. Chege Mbuthi 4 / 9 Slow-cooked lamb shoulder with garlic yoghurt. Chege Mbuthi 5 / 9 Streetside seating is also available. Supplied 6 / 9 Le Beirut cocktail: vodka, passionfruit, lemon, egg white and white chocolate. Chege Mbuthi 7 / 9 HSP bites: crisp potato with slow-cooked lamb, chilli and garlic sauces. Chege Mbuthi 8 / 9 Oysters with tabouli dressing. Supplied 9 / 9 Lamb hummus with pine nuts and sumac. Chege Mbuthi Previous Slide Next Slide Lebanese$$$$ Two years after the closure of Isme in Fitzroy in 2022, chef Joseph Rahme reignited the contemporary Middle Eastern diner within a sleek corner site in Thornbury, just next door to his focaccia bar Jujus Deli (also in South Melbourne). HSP bites are Rahmes sophisticated take on the late-night kebab shop favourite. Crisp potato sandwiched with lamb and onion, plus carefully piped layers of chilli and garlic sauces, bring the typical HSP flavours to the fore, while mint cuts through the richness. The stack is finished off with a flurry of freshly grated cheese. Crowd favourites from the Fitzroy eatery have also made their way over to Thornbury, like cheese-filled filo cigars, and bite-sized dumplings filled with spicy sujuk sausage and lathered in Turkish chilli butter and labne. For people such as grandparents, we should not be offended if our grandchildren dont want to have a hug, she says. It is about creating an environment that encourages respectful engagement with each other. She says children should be asked for permission and, in turn, ask permission of their friends and siblings to hold hands or share toys. Raising Children Network director Derek McCormack also encourages parents and guardians to talk with children about bodies, relationships, respect, safety and sexual abuse because it helps them understand it and gives them skills to talk about it over time in an age-appropriate way. Conversations can include what feeling unsafe might feel like, and what children can do if they feel unsafe, including that it is OK to say no if they dont want to be touched by an adult or another child, he says. Children need to know that their body is their own, as well as understanding the difference between secrets and surprises. Keeping secrets Perpetrators of sexual abuse need secrecy, but children can be taught the difference between a surprise and an unsafe secret. Surprises might be a grandmother telling a child what she is buying a sibling sister for her birthday. Its a short-term agreement because everyone will find out about the surprise on the birthday. But an unsafe secret makes a child feel unhappy and yucky. These should be shared with a trusted adult. These open, honest conversations also send children the message that they can talk about these things and parents will listen, McCormack says. He says the Raising Children Network has comprehensive resources for parents including conversation starters and reading lists. Parents can role-play with their children saying no politely if they dont want to do something. If undesired behaviour doesnt stop, children are encouraged to be more assertive. A doctor or nurse might ask to see or touch a childs body if they are sick. That is a good reason, but only if the parent is present. If a child shares concern, a parent or carer should repeat what the child has said to check for understanding. For example, You dont like it when Mrs R gives you a hug? or You think Mr B is acting weird? According to the network, triggers for younger children who feel unsafe might be describing having butterflies, their heart beating faster, feeling hot or shaky or having jelly legs. When they feel that way it might be an early warning sign, and they need to find a trusted adult. It suggests children have four or five trusted adults they can confide in if they feel unsafe. Let your child know that its important to keep telling trusted people until someone listens and helps them feel safe, the network says. Starting the conversation If it feels daunting to start these conversations with your very young child, you can begin with the basics about naming body parts. There are also age-appropriate books available for under 5s about consent and respectful relationships. Importantly, there is no need to have the whole conversation at once. Give your child room to process the information and come back to you with questions. A conversation about identifying body parts is a good place to start. Credit: Getty Images For parents whose children may have experienced sexual abuse, they might be feeling overwhelmed, pressured, confused, angry, horrified, disgusted, sad, betrayed, guilty or grief-stricken, according to the network. Parents can ask for help through trusted friends and family and professionals. But, depending on the age of the victim, they should make sure the child is happy for information to be shared. National Association for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect chief executive officer Leesa Waters says families impacted by the alleged crimes will be experiencing profound distress at the potential harm that has been done within their families and communities. While it is understandable that a sense of helplessness accompanies news such as this, it is important to remember that the prevention of child abuse is possible, and we all have a role to play to ensure our children and young people are kept safe. Support is available from the National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service at 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732). Garry Cowton has another engagement. And Doug Wade and John Burns are not attending. Loading It seems some of the premiership players feel the club performed an unfair switcheroo from its original plans and particularly the planned date of the celebration. It went from a dinner to a stand-up [cocktail event] with pies, pasties and sausage rolls. So a few of the lads just are not buying into it, Blight told radio station SEN. Lattouf talks After winning her unlawful termination case against the ABC last week, broadcaster Antoinette Lattouf promised that shed have more to say at a later date. Last week, she remained silent, with the blanks instead being filled in by the countrys commentariat, the most absurd take coming from a Crikey piece on Lattoufs (admittedly rather slay) trial outfits. Its more than a coat: An ode to Antoinette Lattoufs meaningful courtroom fashion, the site wrote. Jan Fran (left) recently announced the launch of Ette Media with Antoinette Lattouf. The independent media company will feature a YouTube show among other offerings. Credit: Hugh Stewart Now, Lattouf has finally had more to say. Much more. And in a very modern way via Ette Media, her new venture with friend and business partner Jan Fran, promising media literacy and critique that helps you get to the real story. Lattoufs first post-judgment interview was a discussion with Fran on their new podcast, We Used to Be Journos. On it, she lashed the ABC for its conduct, telling Fran she was yet to receive a private apology from the broadcaster, and in particular, wanted one from chair Kim Williams, who was not in charge when Lattouf was unlawfully sacked as a fill-in radio host over a social media post about the war in Gaza. Loading But he weighed in last year during a National Press Club address while the case was ongoing. I want an apology from Kim Williams, the chair of the ABC, Lattouf said, adding that he spoke about her venomously and with derision in his voice at the Press Club. In a statement, Williams said he supported the expression of regret and apology issued by managing director Hugh Marks following the judgment last week. I only ever wished for the matter between Ms Lattouf and the ABC to be settled and regret that was unable to be achieved, Williams said. I have never said anything negative about Ms Lattouf and nor would I do so. Lattouf had scathing words for Williams predecessor Ita Buttrose. She had said some of the most horrible, dehumanising, insensitive things about me in the correspondence [revealed in court], she said. Referring to Buttroses affidavit denying that she took into account Lattoufs race or national extraction, Lattouf said: I felt like she was talking about me like I was a breed of dog. What did Buttrose make of all this? We asked, but she declined to comment. Antoinette Lattouf outside the Federal Court in Sydney last month. Credit: Oscar Colman Collins class The Liberal Partys class of 2025 is ready to take on the Albanese Labor government. But first, they have a bit more fighting among themselves to get through. New NSW senator Jess Collins marked the first day of her term on Tuesday by sending out a lengthy email missive to party delegates. I am tired of factional hacks trying to weaponise the constitution to consolidate or hold on to power, she said. We are not going to find our way out of the wilderness if we cant change the status quo. Collins entered the upper house after knocking off sitting senator Hollie Hughes in a tough preselection fight, thanks in part to support from conservative frontbencher Angus Taylor. Liberal senator Jess Collins revealed her thoughts on the state of the party. The fallout from sex abuse charges against a Melbourne childcare worker could force male early learning educators to quit, sector experts have warned. Within hours of Tuesdays news that an alleged male sex offender had worked across 20 Victorian childcare centres, parents took to social media to decry men working in the early learning sector, with some posting they would consider removing their children from a centre if a male educator worked there. The alleged victims attended the Creative Garden Early Learning Centre in Point Cook. One male childcare worker posted on social media that the unfortunate elephant in the room was that for a small percentage of men in the workforce, they appear to do the majority of the sexual abuse. He said it was hard to know what to do but we need to talk about it. One mother, whose daughter attended Creative Garden in Point Cook, said the alleged child rapist, Joshua Brown, had been working at the centre when her daughter began attending, but was never directly involved with her child. Brown is yet to enter a plea in relation to the charges. In this series, we examine the work of Victorias Yoorrook Justice Commission, a public inquiry into the impact of colonisation on Indigenous Victorians. Victoria has been delivered a blunt message by its First Peoples: its time to ante up. The final recommendations of the Yoorrook Justice Commission call for fundamental change across nearly every major area of public policy in this state. Travis Lovett completes the Walk for Truth, which began on May 25 in Portland in south-west Victoria and ended at Parliament House on June 18. Credit: Justin McManus From how the water and land is managed, to the administration and governance of critical services in health, education, criminal justice and family violence, and down to the number of houses built through existing government programs, the Yoorrook recommendations offer a radical blueprint for Aboriginal self-determination. They also make clear this can only be done at a significant cost to the state, with unquantified money needed to redress past and ongoing injustices and fund Aboriginal control over their own affairs into the future. Once it became clear that a string of child abuse offences may have taken place across Melbourne for years undetected, and parents of 1200 children were contacted, it was obvious that there would be wider public consternation. Parents across the nation would have experienced a pang of doubt. But childcare is not simply childcare. It is, as the federal government knows, a vital building block in the way modern Australian families live, and it underpins our economy. Put simply, parents cannot work productively unless they can outsource this care for part of the day. The uproar surrounding the case of Joshua Dale Brown understandably has parents demanding immediate action. Credit: iStock Prime Minister Anthony Albanese made widened access to childcare a key part of his re-election pitch, and has introduced legislation to guarantee three days of subsidised early education and care universally, with talk of a flat-fee system as part of his second-term vision. His government has also pushed higher wages for those working in childcare. But this weeks revelations of police investigations bring us back to fundamental questions about a sector that the Commonwealth and states are anxious to build out rapidly. In March, reporting by the ABCs Four Corners showed that childcare centres were allowed to continue operating despite falling short of regulatory standards, and that regulation was infrequent and staff sometimes unqualified. At the time, Albanese insisted that a royal commission into these allegations was unnecessary because states would be able to investigate such clear wrongdoing. London: Anthony Albanese learned the hard way that saving money on disability support was a political nightmare. Now the prime ministers friend and counterpart in Britain, Keir Starmer, has just learned an even tougher lesson. Starmer has suffered a serious blow to his authority from rebel Labour MPs, who forced him to retreat on welfare savings meant to save more than 5 billion, or about $10.5 billion. Feeling the heat: Keir Starmer has only been in office for a year but already appears embattled. Credit: Getty Images He survived a storm in parliament to pass a draft law with some of the changes, but only after throwing most of the savings overboard. Starmer, who marked his first year in power only days ago, now has a gap in his budget that seems to be worth about 4.5 billion, although the rapid pace of the vote left some of his own team confused. SHUSHA, Azerbaijan, July 2. AZPROMO provides its support in the implementation of various projects within the framework of the compiled roadmap, the executive director of the Azerbaijani Export and Investment Promotion Agency - AZPROMO, Yusif Abdullayev said during his speech at the Business Forum of the Organization for Economic Cooperation (OECD) in Shusha, Trend's Karabakh bureau reports. The executive director recalled that Azerbaijan held joint forums with Iran and Pakistan this year: "Turkiye also implements joint projects with leading business organizations. A Turkish-Azerbaijani business forum was held in Ankara, and a memorandum was signed". Abdullayev added that today's forum offers ample opportunities to transform the potential within the organization into productivity. "We must strengthen our cooperation in renewable energy, digital technologies. AZPROMO will continue to turn ideas into capital. We believe that the results of the forum will make a great contribution outside the OECD as well," he concluded. In the highly stage-managed world of leaders meetings, its often difficult to discern anything meaningful. The politicians smile, shake hands, pose for the cameras and disappear behind closed doors, sometimes without uttering a single word to the journalists who have assembled there in the hope of crumbs. Later, they may issue a statement or communique in lofty language that affirms a shared commitment to some mutually agreeable cause or promises a renewed focus on certain universal priorities. Foreign Minister Penny Wong and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio shake hands before a meeting at the State Department in Washington. Credit: AP The Quad foreign ministers meeting on Tuesday, Washington time, followed this mould. There were occasional nods to the fact that other countries may do things differently at times, in Foreign Minister Penny Wongs words but overall, you would think everything between these four nations was business-as-usual. Except it isnt. Indeed, there are some pretty major problems. NETANYA, Israel, July 2, 2025 -- Jungo (TASE: JNGO), a leader in AI-based video telematics and driver monitoring solutions, announces its expanding global patent portfolio, with newly granted patent 12,330,563 "Adaptive Monitoring of a Vehicle Using a Camera", highlighting the company's commitment to innovation, safety, and technological leadership. With a patent portfolio including over 40 patents, Jungo's intellectual property covers core innovations in in-cabin driver behavior analysis, video telematics, driver monitoring systems (DMS) and computer vision systems. VuDrive US patents include essential patents such as: Adaptive Monitoring of a Vehicle Using a Camera System and Method for Remote Monitoring of a Human Method and System for Automatic Calibration of an Operator Monitor These patents form the technological backbone of VuDrive, ensuring advanced capabilities such as distraction detection, drowsiness alerts, seatbelt and phone use monitoring, and proactive safety insights. VuDrive is an all-in-one video telematics platform designed with fleet operators, insurers and drivers in mind - leveraging a dual-camera system, real-time AI, and comprehensive cloud dashboards to improve road safety, reduce accidents, and optimize fleet operations. "We've invested heavily in developing proprietary, AI-powered technologies that solve real-world challenges for fleets and insurers alike," said Opher Suhami, CEO of Jungo Connectivity. "Our patents ensure that VuDrive delivers not only cutting-edge performance but also long-term value and differentiation in a competitive market." To learn more about Jungo's patents and innovations, visit: https://jungo.com/patents/ About Jungo Jungo is a leader in fleet safety technology, dedicated to reducing risks and improving road safety through AI innovation. Its flagship product, VuDrive, delivers dual-camera monitoring, real-time driver alerts, live GPS tracking, and telematics insights through a plug-and-play device and cloud platform - designed for fleets, insurers, and transportation providers. VuDrive is protected by multiple U.S. patents covering AI-based driver monitoring and video telematics. Media Contact: Leora Schwartz Marketing Manager [email protected] SOURCE Jungo BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 2. A criminal case has been opened over the incident in Yekaterinburg, the Senior Assistant for Special Assignments of the Prosecutor General of Azerbaijan, Ilgar Safarov, said at a press conference on the criminal case on Azerbaijanis killed in Russia, Trend reports. According to him, the Azerbaijani side has no intention to interfere in the internal affairs of any state, any structure. "However, if in the course of the process, cruelty is shown against one or several Azerbaijani citizens and their rights are violated en masse, it is one of the duties of the state to react to it. The forensic examination revealed numerous traumas on the bodies of the Safarov brothers killed in Yekaterinburg. In this regard, a criminal case has been initiated in Azerbaijan, for which there are sufficient legal grounds," he added. Athawale terms decision on caste census historic Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India Ramdas Athawale talking to mediapersons in Raipur city on Tuesday. Staff Reporter RAIPUR, Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India Ramdas Athawale has termed Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led NDA Governments decision of conducting caste census in the country as historic. Addressing media persons at the state guest house Pahuna in Raipur Athawale said that the Narendra Modi-led Government has decided to conduct a caste census, a decision he termed historic. He asserted that this move was not made under pressure from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and criticiSed the Congress for not taking such a decision when they were in power, despite long-standing demands. He stated that the caste census would reveal the actual population of all castes, which would then inform decisions on representation. Regarding the Hindi-Marathi language dispute in Maharashtra, Athawale emphasized that Hindi is the national language and should be respected. While acknowledging the demand for Marathi language education, he suggested that Hindi should be implemented in schools, but regional languages should be prioritized from Class 1 to 6. Responding to a question about Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharges proposed visit to Raipur on July 7, Athawale predicted that Kharge would speak against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the changing of the Indian Constitution. The Union Minister stated that his visit to Chhattisgarh was for the states development. He praised Prime Minister Narendra Modis efforts, highlighting the benefits received by people from Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, and mentioned that over 51 crore bank accounts have been opened during the NDA governments tenure. Athawale confirmed that the Republican Party of India (Athawale) had supported the BJP in last elections and announced that the Republican Party of India would hold a meeting in Chhattisgarh in October. The minister had advocated for reservation in private companies also. Decks cleared for Katols orange processing factory Staff Reporter : Bombay High Court transfers orange processing factory back to MAIDC 15-year long legal battle finally bears fruits, says Salil Deshmukh; Charan Singh Thakur vows facelift of factory The verdict by the Bombay High Court to transfer the orange processing factory at Katol to Maharashtra Agro Industries Development Corporation (MAIDC) has paved the way for starting of this defunct unit. It will have larger impact as far as orange producing industry is concerned. According to Salil Deshmukh, Member of Zilla Parishad and youth leader of Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar), his 15-year long legal battle has finally succeeded. The factory was first proposed in Narkhed by late MLC Sunil Shinde, MLC Ramesh Gupta, former Minister Ranjit Deshmukh, ex-President of Narkhed Municipal Council Virendra Deshmukh. Later on, the project shifted to Katol. The orange processing factory in Katol has always been a point of controversy. Efforts were being made since long to start this project. It was the desire of the people that this project should start soon. As soon as Anil Deshmukh won the elections in 2019, he took a complete review of the project that was in court again. MAIDC had given this project to Nandeds Sanytechnik Inst Pvt Ltd to run it. As the orange producers of Vidarbha, including Katol and Narkhed talukas, should benefit from it, the company concerned was not doing any work regarding this perspective. Anil Deshmukh started a legal battle on this issue. Salil Deshmukh continuously followed up on this serious issue and a case was filed in the court. The verdict has been declared and the decision to transfer this orange processing factory back to MAIDC has been given by the Bombay High Court. Salil Deshmukh said that he will try to develop this project through MAIDC. But in the meantime, ED action was taken against him. In light of this, Anil Deshmukh followed up on the situation. He held many meetings with senior officials of MAIDCs office at Krishi Udyog Bhavan, Mumbai. Senior lawyer Mahesh Shukla was appointed on behalf of the entire farmers of Katol, Narkhed talukas to fight this battle in the court. He argued in the court that since the project was not being run by the company whom it was allotted to, it should be handed over to MAIDC. After hearing both sides, Justice Sharmila Deshmukh decided to open the seals of this project to MAIDC and hand it over within 4 weeks. Welcoming this decision, Salil Deshmukh said that efforts will be made to start this project soon. Charan Singh Thakur, Katol MLA told The Hitavada, The factory was not functioning for the last several years. Our Government since long has been trying to start it. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis gave special attention to start it. Unfortunately, due to several reasons, the project remained neglected. The machines have become outdated. I have been trying to start the project with momentum. We have planned to bring new machines and facelift the factory. This will provide not only a good job opportunity but also boost orange growers confidence. Delhi begins ban on fuel sale to old vehicles A commuter rides past a notice stating fuel ban for end-of-life (EoL) vehicles at a petrol pump, in New Delhi, on Tuesday. (PTI) NEW DELHI : THE ban on supply of fuel to old vehicles kicked off in Delhi on Tuesday amid high security. The Delhi Government has installed Automatic Number Plate reader cameras (ANPR) at nearly 350 petrol pumps across the national capital for detection of such vehicles. The transport department has chalked out a detailed deployment plan involving personnel from its organisation, Delhi Police, Traffic Police and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi. Multiple teams of transport department, traffic police and local police have been deployed at different petrol pumps in South Delhi.The drive began from 6 am on Tuesday, enforcing the prohibition of fuel sale to petrol vehicles older than 15 years and diesel vehicles older than 10 years. Gorewada International Zoo to get African Safari in next 2 years Staff Reporter : FDCM, NBCC sign MoU to develop African Safari and Entrance Gate 27 different species of animals from Africa will be kept in the zoo The long-pending African Safari project in Balasaheb Thackeray Gorewada International Zoo has now started taking shape as the Forest Development Corporation of Maharashtra (FDCM) and National Building Construction Corporation (NBCC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Tuesday in presence of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Forest Minister Ganesh Naik in Mumbai. As per the MoU, the NBCC will develop the African Safari and Entrance Gate beside the existing Gorewada Zoo on Katol Road. Under this project, NBCC will develop -- free ranging herbivorous and moated carnivors enclosures; open Savana habitat; floating islands etc. The African Safari will be divided in two phases -- SavannahHabitat and African Kop-je Walk. In Kop-je Walk, tourists can witness these African animals through walking tracks, informed Shatnik Bhagwat, Zoo Director to The Hitavada. For this second stage of the Gorewada Zoo project, the State Government has sanctioned a fund of Rs 517.76 crore to FDCM and this project is likely to be completed till 2027, informed Bhagwat. FDCM will release a global tender soon to appoint an agency who will select and transport all these animals from African countries. The agency will deliver these animals directly to the zoo. It will also take care of all the animals for 30 days of quarantine period in the zoo and after that period, the agency will handover the animals to the zoo authority, said Bhagwat. African Savannah forest will be developed in the zoo where different animals and birds like Ostrich, Hippopotamus, Impala, Gemsbok, Common Eland, Blue Wildebeest, Giraffe, Burchells Zebra, Kudu Spotted Hyena, White Rhinoceros, Patas Monkey, Red River Hog, African Lion, Chimpanzee, Hamadryas Baboon, and Cheetah will be kept. Similarly, in Kop-je Walk -- Ring Tailed Lemur, Vervet Monkey, Meerkat, Klipspringer, Naked Mole Rat, Serval, African Wild Dog, Barbary Sheep, Southern Ground Hornbill, Banded Mongoose, and Rock Hyrax will be the major attraction of the Zoo. After the success of Indian Safari in Gorewada Zoo, the State Government has sped up the process to construct African Safari infrastructure. The African Safari will come up on 63 hectare land. For designing of the zoo, FDCM has engaged a Singapore-based consultant who has prepared a master plan for the African Safari. The introduction of African Safari is anticipated to provide a significant boost to tourism in the region. It will not only offer a new attraction for wildlife lovers but also create job opportunities for residents of nearby localities and villages. The State Cabinet, in October last year, approved a budget of Rs 517.76 crore for construction of African Safari and other works. FDCM submitted the estimate before the Cabinet which got approval within a few days. For African Safari project, the Government approved a budget of Rs 214.91 crore whereas for construction of Safari Plaza, the government approved Rs 40.76 crore. For construction of new entrance plaza and parking space at Balasaheb Thackeray Gorewada International Zoo, Rs 40.76 crore was granted by the Cabinet. In the recent approval, Government sanctioned a budget of Rs 80 crore for animal procurement. White rhinoceros, a near threatened species, will be the major attraction of the zoo. We will prepare the exact environment of Savannah landscape in African Safari with similar trees like babool, subabool, dates etc. at 63 ha area, said the Bhagwat. Highway horror in Pune Minor girl travelling in car sexually assaulted, three women robbed PUNE : A 17-YEAR-OLD girl travelling in a car was allegedly sexually assaulted and three other women occupants robbed of gold jewellery by two motorbike-borne unidentified persons on a highway in Maharashtras Pune district, police said. The incident took place around 4.15 am on Monday near Bhigwan on the highway in Daund area when the car in which the victims were travelling halted after the driver wanted to answer natures call, a police official said. There were seven persons in the car -- the driver aged 70, three women, two 17-year-old boys and a 17-year-old girl. They belonged to two different families from a village in Junnar tehsil of Pune district and were on way to Pandharpur temple town in neighbouring Solapur district, he said. As the driver felt sleepy, he halted the car near a tea stall. When the driver stepped out to answer natures call, two unidentified men approached the vehicle and threatened the occupants with sharp weapons and robbed gold jewellery. One of the accused then took the minor girl out of the car and sexually assaulted her, the official said. The duo then fled the spot on their motorcycle, after which the traumatised car occupants gathered strength and informed police about the incident, he said. India wont yield to nuclear blackmail: EAM WASHINGTON : S Jaishankar during a conversation with Newsweek CEO Dev Pragad in New York. (ANI) EXTERNAL Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar reiterated Indias firm stance against terrorism and nuclear intimidation, asserting that New Delhi will not be deterred by concerns over Pakistans nuclear arsenal in responding to cross-border terror attacks. In a strongly worded statement during an interview with Newsweek at its headquarters in One World Trade Centre near the 9/11 Memorial in Manhattan, Jaishankar said that India would not give a free pass to either terrorists or the States backing them and that nuclear threats would not prevent India from acting in its national interest. We are very clear there will be no impunity for terrorists, that we will not deal with them any longer as proxies and spare the government which supports and finances and, in many ways, motivates them. We will not allow nuclear blackmail to prevent us from responding, Jaishankar said. The EAM directly addressed the longstanding global cautionary view that conflict between India and Pakistan must be carefully handled due to the nuclear capabilities of both nations. Weve also heard this for too long -- that both India and Pakistan are nuclear countries, and therefore, the other guy will come and do horrible things, but you mustnt do anything because it gets the world worried, Jaishankar said. Now, we are not going to fall for that. If he is going to come and do things, we are going to go there and also hit the people who did this, he added, drawing applause from the audience. So no yielding to nuclear blackmail, no impunity to terrorists, no more free pass that they are proxies. And we will do what we have to do to defend our people, he said. We believe that terrorism is actually a threat to everyone. No country should use it as an instrument to further its policies because, at the end of the day, it comes to bite everyone, he said, adding that the message to the world is that there should be zero tolerance for terrorism. Jaishankar gives firsthand account to refute Trumps claims on ceasefire: With his firsthand account of the talks between New Delhi and Washington, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar has dismissed the claims of US President Donald Trump that he used trade to force India and Pakistan to accept a ceasefire. He said on Monday that he was with Prime Minister Narendra Modi when US Vice President JD Vance spoke to him by phone, and there was no linking of trade and ceasefire as far as India was concerned. I can tell you that I was in the room when Vice President Vance spoke to Prime Minister Modi on the night of May 9, saying that the Pakistanis would launch a very massive assault on India, he said. We did not accept certain things, he said, and the Prime Minister was impervious to what the Pakistanis were threatening to do. On the contrary, he (PM Modi) indicated that there would be a response from us, he said, giving the chronology of interactions. The Pakistanis did attack us massively that night, (and) we responded very quickly, he recalled. The next contact with Washington was between the EAM and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Pahalgam attack was act of economic warfare: EAM Jaishankar: THE Pahalgam terror attack was an act of economic warfare meant to destroy tourism in Kashmir, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said, asserting that India has made it clear that it will not allow nuclear blackmail to prevent it from responding to terror emanating from Pakistan. India has had a string of terrorist attacks over the years emanating from Pakistan and in the wake of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, there was a sentiment in the country that enough is enough, Jaishankar said on Monday. Jaishankar said that the Pahalgam attack was an act of economic warfare. It was meant to destroy tourism in Kashmir, which was the mainstay of the economy. It was also meant to provoke religious violence because people were asked to identify their faith before they were killed. India expect Quad partners to understand its position on terrorism: EAM Jaishankar: The victims and perpetrators of terrorism must never be equated and India expects its Quad partners to understand that the country has every right to defend its people against the menace, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Tuesday. Man bludgeoned to death near Nara Ghat over minor tiff Staff Reporter : A 32-year-old man was brutally killed near Nara Ghat on Monday night after a minor argument arose over riding his motorcycle near a group of people. The police have arrested two accused, while others involved are still on the run. The deceased has been identified as Swapnil Lankanath Gosavi, a resident of HUDCO Colony. He worked in a warehouse and was returning home on his motorcycle around 10.30 pm. As he passed through Nara Road, a group of men stopped him and questioned why he drove the bike so close to them. Among the group was Sujal alais Emi Rajesh Mhaiskar (22), a criminal known to the police, along with his friends Akshit Ambade, Bhupesh Surendra Wanjari (27) from Barakholi Indora and Ravi Bholanath Banerjee (27) from Om Nagar, Koradi Road. An argument broke out, and they slapped Swapnil. Soon after, they picked up stones lying nearby and smashed his head and left him severely injured. When passers-by noticed the attack, the accused fled the scene. Local people placed the injured Swapnil in an e-rickshaw and rushed him to Jaripatka Police Station, after which he was immediately taken to Mayo Hospital. However, the doctors declared him dead on arrival. Swapnil was married to Jyoti (28) and was the father of two children. His sudden death has left the family devastated. As soon as the incident was reported, senior police officers and the Crime Branch team reached the spot and began an investigation. Within a few hours, the police arrested Bhupesh Wanjari and Ravi Banerjee. A search operation is still underway to catch Sujal Mhaiskar and Abhi, who are currently absconding. Police have registered a murder case at Jaripatka Police Station. Meghe Group of Schools organises 4th regional CTiS Business Reporter ; The Meghe Group of Schools (MGS) hosted the 4th Regional Conference on Computational Thinking in Schools (CTiS) at School of Scholars, Atrey Layout. The conference was organised in association with ACM India, ACM Nagpur Professional Chapter, and Cspathshala - an ACM India initiative that promotes integration of Computational Thinking (CT) in school education. MGS has been actively implementing CSpathshalas CT curriculum across its schools, strengthening its commitment to future-ready learning. Devika Meghe, Chief Advisor MGS, extended her unwavering support for the Computational Thinking initiative and this conference, aligning with the groups vision to embed innovation and 21st-century learning across schools. Abha Meghe, CEO of the Meghe Group of Schools, reaffirmed her strong support for the Computational Thinking initiative across MGS, noting the significance of such conferences in shaping progressive academic practices. Probe into leaked phone call Thailand court suspends PM BANGKOK : THAILANDS Constitutional Court suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra from office on Tuesday pending an ethics investigation over a leaked phone call with a senior Cambodian leader. The judges voted unanimously on Tuesday to take the petition accusing her of a breach of ethics, and voted 7 to 2 to suspend her from duty as a Prime Minister. The court gave Paetongtarn 15 days to give evidence to support her case. Paetongtarn has faced growing dissatisfaction over her handling of the latest border dispute with Cambodia, involving an armed confrontation on May 28 in which one Cambodian soldier was killed. The leaked phone call while she engaged in diplomacy with Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen set off a string of complaints and public protests. Paetongtarn said after the court order that she would accept the process and would do her best to defend herself, as she had no other intentions but to protect the country and preserve peace. I only thought about what to do to avoid troubles, what to do to avoid armed confrontation, for the soldiers not to suffer any loss. I wouldnt be able to accept it if I said something with the other leader that could lead to negative consequences, she said. She also thanked her supporters and apologised to people who got upset over the leaked call. Deputy Prime Minister Suriya Jungrungruangkit is expected to become the acting prime minister, although theres been no official confirmation. Earlier Tuesday, King Maha Vajiralongkorn had endorsed a Cabinet reshuffle forced when a major party left Paetongtarns coalition over the leaked phone call. The reshuffle had replaced Anutin Charvirakul, leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, as Deputy PM. Paetongtarn took the position of culture minister in addition to prime minister in the new Cabinet, though its still unclear if she can take the oath to remain in that role. Outrage over the call mostly revolved around Paetongtarns comments toward an outspoken regional army commander and her perceived attempts to appease Hun Sen to ease tensions at the border. Thousands of conservative, nationalist-leaning protesters rallied in central Bangkok on Saturday to demand Paetongtarns resignation. Paetongtarn also faces investigations over an alleged breach of ethics by the Office of the National Anti-Corruption Commission, whose decision could also lead to her removal. The Constitutional Court last year removed her predecessor over a breach of ethics. Thailands courts, especially the Constitutional Court, are viewed as a bulwark of the royalist establishment, which has used them and nominally independent agencies such as the Election Commission to cripple or sink political opponents. BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 2. In recent days, a troubling pattern has emerged in Russia - a display of legality that feels more performative than principled. The latest example involves the violent detention of Shahin Shikhlinsky, head of the Azerbaijani diaspora in Yekaterinburg, and his son. Footage of the incident, widely shared on social media, has sparked outrage, particularly within the Azerbaijani community. The video shows Russian law enforcement officers in camouflage uniforms surrounding a vehicle in which Shikhlinsky and his son were sitting. What followed resembled a military-style ambush more than a lawful detention. Rather than simply opening the car door, officers shattered the windows with a hammer and dragged the two men onto the asphalt, forcibly twisting their arms behind their backs. What makes the incident especially alarming is that neither Shikhlinsky nor his son resisted arrest. There were no signs of flight, aggression, or threat. Yet the officers acted as though they were neutralizing armed terrorists. And heres the key detail: Shikhlinsky was not even a suspect. He was summoned merely as a witness. He had already cooperated with investigators previously, answering questions without incident. There was no legal or practical justification for such an aggressive operation. A phone call or a summons would have sufficed. The message seems clear: this was a show of force, not a pursuit of justice. Observers and human rights advocates are calling the event a chilling display of state power - meant not to apprehend, but to intimidate. The aggressive handling of a peaceful community figure is raising questions not just about law enforcement protocols, but about the rule of law itself in modern Russia. Shikhlinsky has since been released, but the damage is done. The footage - raw, public, and humiliating - was more than just an arrest. It was, in effect, a warning. Many see this incident as emblematic of a broader pattern: a country where legal procedures are often bypassed in favor of spectacle, where citizens can no longer count on due process, and where force trumps dialogue. In such an environment, fear becomes a tool of governance. The symbolism of the raid - its aggression, its disregard for basic rights, and its timing - suggests a calculated act designed to send a message. And for many, that message is deeply unsettling. Shalarth ID scam SIT to probe irregularities in recruitment by Education Deptt Staff Reporter : Education Department discredited due to Shalarth ID scam, alleges Pravin Datke Maharashtra Minister Dada Bhuse on Tuesday announced that a special investigation team (SIT) will probe the irregularities in recruitment done by the Education Department. Bhuse informed the State Legislative Assembly that the probe team will comprise senior IAS and IPS officers with a legal background, along with experts. The team will be given time of four to five months for the investigation. MLA from Nagpur Pravin Datke had moved the Call Attention Motion regarding the scam. Since the scope of this scam is likely to be across Maharashtra, MLA Datke demanded an investigation into this matter through an SIT in all departments of the State, including Nagpur. The State Government banned teacher recruitment in 2012, after which the teacher eligibility test was also started. Between 2019 and 2022, a large number of teachers were recruited, but many appointments have been shown before 2012. It is also being revealed that same person was appointed twice in many instances. Similarly, the Government and citizens have been cheated by showing bogus signatures in the name of a deceased officer. This has led to a large amount of corruption. Datke also raised a question in the House whether the Government will recover the salaries paid to these bogus teachers. The officers and employees of the Education Department have made bogus appointments of teachers by using the forged signatures of the late retired Education Officer Someshwar Naitam. Datke asked that whether the Education Commissioner had been instructed to register a criminal case in this case. Datke also questioned whether action had been taken against 211 teachers, two principals, 18 junior clerks who were given false approvals by giving documents in such a bogus manner and using forged signatures. The chairman of the committee appointed by the Government was changed 3 times. Initially, Ulhas Narad looked after it, then Dr Savarkar and then Chintaman Wanjari. But since all three were named accused in the scam, will the investigation be conducted in a transparent manner, questioned Datke. Datke pointed out, In the Shalarth ID scam, 2,700 teachers were recruited in the State by submitting fake proposals for teacher approval, an FIR was filed on March 12 regarding the bogus type. What action has the government taken till date? How many accused have been identified? Has the Government set a specific time limit for completing the ongoing investigation through the SIT? The Government should present its position before the House in all these cases and to prevent such a scam from happening again. Datke demanded that the investigation be completed through IAS rank officers from other departments besides the Education Department and action be taken against the culprits, as the current officers are in charge. The incident that happened this time is condemnable and the Education Department is at the center of the scam. Education Minister Dada Bhuse assured that 19 officers have been named as accused so far and action will be taken against the culprits. Shiv Sena (UBT) legislator Ajay Chaudhari and others raised the issue through a calling attention notice. Chaudhari pointed out that criminal cases were registered against office-bearers of 12 educational institutions, and a probe had been ordered against them and officials of the education department. He further said that ineligible teachers were being paid salaries in several districts since 2012. Shubhanshu conducts muscle stem cell research on ISS FLORIDA ; INDIAN Space Research Organisation (ISRO) astronaut and Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, currently aboard the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), conducted a series of scientific experiments on Monday focused on muscle health, digestion in space, and astronaut mental well-being. According to NASA, Shukla worked inside the Kibo laboratorys Life Sciences Glovebox to study how muscle stem cells behave in microgravity. He also recorded an educational video for Indian school students explaining how the human digestive system adapts in space. NASA said, Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla filmed a video targeted to young Indian students discussing how the digestion system adapts to space. Next, Shukla worked in Kibos Life Science Glovebox checking muscle stem cell cultures to learn how to maintain muscle health in space. The Life Sciences Glovebox is a sealed and sterile workspace aboard the ISS that allows astronauts to safely handle biological samples in microgravity. It is large enough to allow two astronauts to work together and is used for experiments requiring clean conditions. According to NASA, ISROs experiment, Myogenesis, investigates how muscle cells regenerate in space. Astronauts tend to lose muscle mass during extended missions, partly due to microgravity disrupting the function of mitochondria, the part of the cell responsible for energy production. The study involves testing certain metabolic supplements to see if they can improve muscle repair in microgravity. Results from the research may help in developing treatments for age-related muscle loss or muscle-wasting diseases on Earth, in addition to improving astronaut health during long-duration spaceflights. NASA explained the purpose, saying, Astronauts lose muscle mass and the ability of muscle cells to regenerate during spaceflight, which may be due to microgravity interfering with metabolism in mitochondria, cell structures that produce energy. The Effect of Metabolic Supplements on Muscle Regeneration Under Microgravity (Myogenesis - ISRO) investigation on the Axiom 4 (Ax-4) private astronaut mission uses muscle stem cell cultures to examine the muscle repair process and test chemicals known to support mitochondrial function. Results could lead to interventions that maintain muscle health during long-term space missions and help people on Earth with muscle-related challenges such as age-related muscle loss and muscle-wasting diseases. Other Ax-4 crew members also contributed to scientific research. Mission Commander Peggy Whitson used the Ultrasound 2 device to perform vein scans on Hungarian astronaut Tibor Kapu, to help understand how space affects blood pressure, balance, and vision. According to NASA, the Ultrasound 2 on the International Space Station (ISS) is a modified commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) ultrasound system that provides high-resolution ultrasound images of target areas in the human body. Polish astronaut Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski tested a brain-computer interface using a special headset developed by the European Space Agency (ESA). He later joined Whitson and Shukla in filming content for an astronaut mental health study. NASA stated, The Thoughts over Gravity, a Test of Using fNIRS-based Brain, Computer Interface in LEO Conditions (PhotonGrav) investigation verifies the effectiveness of near-infrared technology (fNIRS) in low Earth orbit to record brain activity for constructing brain-computer interfaces (BCI) operated in the microgravity environment. Commenting on the crews schedule, NASA said, The Ax-4 private astronauts had a science-packed Monday fulfilling research objectives for their home countries. The Ax-4 mission is taking place alongside the activities of the ISSs regular Expedition 73 crew. While Ax-4 focuses on privately funded science, Expedition 73 astronauts continue to work on NASA- and ESA-backed research related to human health and biology in space. NASA Flight Engineers Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers conducted muscle stimulation tests using biomedical equipment to examine how muscles react to electrical signals. McClain also completed cognitive tests to study how spaceflight affects brain function. Ayers and fellow astronaut Jonny Kim processed blood samples, including collections from Whitson and Uznanski-Wisniewski, for ESAs Bone on ISS study on space-induced bone loss. JAXA Commander Takuya Onishi collected and stored his own blood and urine samples for long-term health monitoring. He also worked on air quality monitoring inside the Kibo module. Russian cosmonauts Sergey Ryzhikov and Alexey Zubritskiy trained for the arrival of the Progress 92 cargo spacecraft and loaded the outgoing Progress 90 with waste for departure. Another cosmonaut, Kirill Peskov, underwent a 24-hour heart and blood pressure monitoring session and prepared the European robotic arm for upcoming operations. Summarising the weeks activities, NASA said, The seven-member Expedition 73 crew wrapped up a weekend of housecleaning and relaxation, then kicked off Monday with muscle and brain research aboard the International Space Station. Their Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) counterparts worked throughout the weekend and began the week taking a closer look at muscle cells and exploring brain-computer interfaces. On June 26, Shubhanshu Shukla became the first Indian to board the International Space Station. The Ax-4 crew includes former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, ISRO astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, and ESA astronauts Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski of Poland and Tibor Kapu of Hungary. The mission is expected to last up to 14 days. Axiom Mission 4 was launched at noon IST on June 25 aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Launch Complex 39A at NASAs Kennedy Space Centre in Florida. The Dragon spacecraft successfully docked with the ISS on June 26 at 4:05 pm IST, ahead of schedule, connecting to the space-facing port of the stations Harmony module. LACHIN, Azerbaijan, July 2. We want Azerbaijan to join the Healthy Cities Initiative, Representative of the World Health Organization (WHO) in Azerbaijan Hande Harmanci said at a panel session themed "The Role of Women in Urban Development" that was held as part of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) Women's Forum in Lachin, Trend's correspondent sent to Lachin reports. Harmanci articulated that the female demographic experiences a disproportionate impact from climate change phenomena. "Investment in women's engagement within this domain is imperative." It is imperative that they are integrated into the urban governance frameworks. The amplification of female perspectives is imperative, necessitating an environment where their contributions are acknowledged and valued with the utmost regard. I anticipate that Azerbaijan will integrate into the Healthy Cities Initiative framework. We are poised to leverage our expertise, particularly in the Karabakh region. It is imperative that we construct urban environments that prioritize safety and security," she elaborated. The event facilitator, Elmar Mammadov, who oversees the Economic Cooperation Division within Azerbaijan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, addressed Harmanci, indicating that discussions are presently in progress with the World Health Organization regarding this matter. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Franklin Covey (NYSE:FC Get Free Report) is one of 20 publicly-traded companies in the Consulting industry, but how does it compare to its rivals? We will compare Franklin Covey to similar companies based on the strength of its earnings, institutional ownership, risk, dividends, profitability, analyst recommendations and valuation. Insider & Institutional Ownership 69.9% of Franklin Covey shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 85.1% of shares of all Consulting companies are owned by institutional investors. 15.5% of Franklin Covey shares are owned by insiders. Comparatively, 5.2% of shares of all Consulting companies are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, hedge funds and large money managers believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term. Get Franklin Covey alerts: Valuation and Earnings This table compares Franklin Covey and its rivals gross revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio Franklin Covey $287.23 million $23.40 million 18.12 Franklin Covey Competitors $2.97 billion $272.15 million 23.04 Volatility and Risk Franklin Coveys rivals have higher revenue and earnings than Franklin Covey. Franklin Covey 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. Franklin Covey has a beta of 0.86, suggesting that its stock price is 14% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Franklin Coveys rivals have a beta of 0.70, suggesting that their average stock price is 30% less volatile than the S&P 500. Profitability This table compares Franklin Covey and its rivals net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Franklin Covey 6.21% 22.58% 7.38% Franklin Covey Competitors 7.97% 28.35% 8.87% Analyst Recommendations This is a breakdown of recent ratings and price targets for Franklin Covey and its rivals, as provided by MarketBeat.com. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Franklin Covey 0 0 1 0 3.00 Franklin Covey Competitors 69 676 1250 61 2.63 Franklin Covey currently has a consensus price target of $35.00, suggesting a potential upside of 45.23%. As a group, Consulting companies have a potential upside of 21.54%. Given Franklin Coveys stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, equities analysts clearly believe Franklin Covey is more favorable than its rivals. Summary Franklin Covey rivals beat Franklin Covey on 8 of the 13 factors compared. About Franklin Covey (Get Free Report) Franklin Covey Co. provides training and consulting services in the areas of execution, sales performance, productivity, customer loyalty, and educational improvement for organizations and individuals worldwide. The company operates through Direct Offices, International Licensees, and Education Practice segments. It also provides a suite of individual-effectiveness and leadership-development training and products. In addition, the company operates Strive platform, a learning deployment platform; Impact platform that helps automate implementation of learning initiatives; All Access Pass, a subscription platform that enables improved deployment of content, services, technology, and metrics to deliver behavioral impact at scale; and Leader in Me, which provides access to digital versions of student leadership guides, leadership lessons, illustrated leadership stories, and other resources. Franklin Covey Co. was incorporated in 1983 and is headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah. Receive News & Ratings for Franklin Covey Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Franklin Covey and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Profitability This table compares West Japan Railway and Central Japan Railways net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets West Japan Railway 6.66% 9.01% 3.07% Central Japan Railway 20.14% 10.27% 4.59% Valuation & Earnings This table compares West Japan Railway and Central Japan Railways top-line revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Get West Japan Railway alerts: Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio West Japan Railway $11.22 billion 0.96 $752.13 million $1.59 14.41 Central Japan Railway $12.03 billion 1.83 $3.03 billion $1.53 7.31 Dividends Central Japan Railway has higher revenue and earnings than West Japan Railway. Central Japan Railway is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than West Japan Railway, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. West Japan Railway pays an annual dividend of $0.51 per share and has a dividend yield of 2.2%. Central Japan Railway pays an annual dividend of $0.07 per share and has a dividend yield of 0.6%. West Japan Railway pays out 32.1% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Central Japan Railway pays out 4.6% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Both companies have healthy payout ratios and should be able to cover their dividend payments with earnings for the next several years. Insider & Institutional Ownership 0.0% of Central Japan Railway shares are owned by institutional investors. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, endowments and large money managers believe a stock is poised for long-term growth. Volatility & Risk West Japan Railway has a beta of 0.37, indicating that its share price is 63% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Central Japan Railway has a beta of 0.35, indicating that its share price is 65% less volatile than the S&P 500. Summary Central Japan Railway beats West Japan Railway on 8 of the 12 factors compared between the two stocks. About West Japan Railway (Get Free Report) West Japan Railway Company provides railway transport services in Japan. The company operates through Mobility, Retail, Real Estate, Travel and Regional Solutions, and Other segments. The Mobility segment provides passenger transportation, station operation and management, cleaning and maintenance, construction, machinery and equipment installation, rolling stock and other facility construction services, as well as engages in the railway operations and electric works. The Retail segment sells goods; offers food and other wholesale operation services; and operates department stores. The Real Estate segment sells and leases real estate properties, as well as operates shopping centers and hotels. The Travel and Regional Solutions segment provides travel agency and regional solutions. The Other segment engages in the advertising and other businesses. The company is also involved in the operation of convenience stores, restaurants, and souvenir shops; and provision of credit cards and electronic money services. The company was incorporated in 1987 and is based in Osaka, Japan. About Central Japan Railway (Get Free Report) Central Japan Railway Company engages in the railway and related businesses in Japan. The company operates through Transportation, Merchandise and Other, Real Estate, and Other segments. It primarily operates Tokaido Shinkansen, a transportation artery that links metropolitan areas of Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka, as well as a network of 12 conventional lines centered on the Nagoya and Shizuoka areas. The company also provides bus, logistics, travel agency, advertising, linen supply, track maintenance, construction and construction consulting, and contracted accounting and financial services; and manufactures and maintains railway rolling stock and machinery. In addition, it is involved in the operation of a department store; wholesale and retail sales business; sale of food and beverages; leasing and sale of real estate; hotel business; and development, improvement, and maintenance of computer systems. The company was incorporated in 1987 and is headquartered in Nagoya, Japan. Receive News & Ratings for West Japan Railway Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for West Japan Railway and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. LACHIN, Azerbaijan, July 2. A panel session themed "The Role of Women in Urban Development" has been held as part of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) Women's Forum in Lachin, Trend's correspondent sent to Lachin reports. The panel, moderated by Head of the Economic Cooperation Department of the Foreign Ministry Elmar Mammadov, discussed topics such as "How can women's leadership guide sustainable urban planning?" and "What is the role of women in building healthy and climate-resilient cities?" The discussions were attended by Chairperson of the National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW) of Pakistan Ume Laila Azhar, Deputy Chairperson of the Committee on Women and Family Affairs of Tajikistan Chamanoro Odinazoda, Deputy Head of the Office of the State Committee for Urban Planning and Architecture of Azerbaijan Gulshan Rzayeva, Deputy Head of the International Relations Department of the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population of Turkmenistan Maral Yayliyeva, Representative of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations in Azerbaijan Nasar Hayat, and Representative of the World Health Organization (WHO) in Azerbaijan Hande Harmanci. In his speech, Mammadov expressed the possibility of creating a new platform by the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) against the backdrop of the development of urban planning. He pointed out that there are a handful of other formats in the western region on this front. "The role of women in the development of urbanization is a very important topic. Last year, Azerbaijan took an important initiative on this topic within the framework of the COP29 event. The issue was reflected in a multi-sectoral action plan. About 200 parties approved this statement. 54 countries joined this statement. In particular, a statement covering 100 cities was prepared," the official said. Rzayeva articulated that by the year 2040, a substantial 70 percent of the global populace is projected to reside in urban environments. "Therefore, we must respond to new challenges. Azerbaijan is actively working in the field of urban planning, as in other sectors. The development of women in this area is high. The main issue is that we must ask, will cities be able to meet new challenges? In the city there is a difference between men and women in terms of access to services. Women's access to services is in the focus of our attention and that of international organizations," she explained. Rzayeva mentioned that efforts are being made to ensure high inclusiveness of cities, including the liberated territories. "Creating a green environment in public places is also important. The Azerbaijani government has prepared a master plan for eight cities liberated from occupation. Inclusivity has been taken as an important criterion," she pointed out. She also noted that Azerbaijan is working on the role of women in urban planning at the national level. "We are bringing the experience of international experts to the country level. We are holding a National Urban Planning Forum starting in 2022. We will hold a National Urban Planning Forum in October. We will try to increase their role in the urban planning process. Reconstruction work is underway in the city. We are organizing public hearings. I would also like to add that the World Urban Planning Forum will be held in Baku on May 17-26 of next year. Women should not only build strong families and communities but also make our cities sustainable and healthy," the official added. Hayat noted that 56 percent of the world's population lives in urban areas. "However, a very large part of them are consumers. Therefore, it is precisely these consumers who can play a major role in reducing carbon emissions into the atmosphere. If we are talking about sustainable cities, we must definitely consider the development of agriculture," he emphasized. Hayat noted that the FAO put forward the "Green Cities" initiative in 2020. "Currently, this initiative is being implemented in about 100 cities around the world, and by 2030, we would like this initiative to be implemented in at least 1,000 cities around the world." Harmanci noted that women suffer more from climate change. She said that women's activity in this area should be invested in. "They should be represented in the governance of cities. Women's voices should also be heard and treated with respect. I hope that Azerbaijan will join the Healthy Cities Initiative. We are ready to expand our experience in this regard, especially in Karabakh. We must build cities that are safe," she said. Mammadov articulated a response to Harmanci, indicating that strategic negotiations are presently in progress with the World Health Organization in this domain. The symposium proceeded with an interactive discourse, encompassing a series of inquiries and elucidations. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Essex Financial Services Inc. lifted its position in Invesco S&P 500 High Dividend Low Volatility ETF (NYSEARCA:SPHD Free Report) by 4.0% during the first quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 8,137 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 315 shares during the period. Essex Financial Services Inc.s holdings in Invesco S&P 500 High Dividend Low Volatility ETF were worth $409,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of SPHD. Sovran Advisors LLC grew its holdings in Invesco S&P 500 High Dividend Low Volatility ETF by 10.0% during the first quarter. Sovran Advisors LLC now owns 72,767 shares of the companys stock worth $3,429,000 after acquiring an additional 6,617 shares during the period. Colonial River Investments LLC bought a new stake in shares of Invesco S&P 500 High Dividend Low Volatility ETF in the 1st quarter worth approximately $752,000. Crescent Grove Advisors LLC raised its holdings in shares of Invesco S&P 500 High Dividend Low Volatility ETF by 20.4% in the 1st quarter. Crescent Grove Advisors LLC now owns 10,936 shares of the companys stock worth $549,000 after purchasing an additional 1,852 shares in the last quarter. Perigon Wealth Management LLC boosted its holdings in Invesco S&P 500 High Dividend Low Volatility ETF by 2.1% during the first quarter. Perigon Wealth Management LLC now owns 24,421 shares of the companys stock worth $1,227,000 after buying an additional 500 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Tyche Wealth Partners LLC grew its position in Invesco S&P 500 High Dividend Low Volatility ETF by 1.4% in the first quarter. Tyche Wealth Partners LLC now owns 44,610 shares of the companys stock worth $2,241,000 after buying an additional 600 shares during the last quarter. Get Invesco S&P 500 High Dividend Low Volatility ETF alerts: Invesco S&P 500 High Dividend Low Volatility ETF Stock Performance NYSEARCA SPHD opened at $48.31 on Wednesday. Invesco S&P 500 High Dividend Low Volatility ETF has a 1 year low of $43.39 and a 1 year high of $51.89. The businesss fifty day moving average is $47.39 and its two-hundred day moving average is $48.19. The stock has a market capitalization of $3.22 billion, a P/E ratio of 15.77 and a beta of 0.85. About Invesco S&P 500 High Dividend Low Volatility ETF The Invesco S&P 500 High Dividend Low Volatility ETF (SPHD) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in large cap equity. The fund tracks a dividend-yield-weighted index comprising the least volatile, highest dividend-yielding S&P 500 stocks. SPHD was launched on Oct 18, 2012 and is managed by Invesco. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding SPHD? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Invesco S&P 500 High Dividend Low Volatility ETF (NYSEARCA:SPHD Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Invesco S&P 500 High Dividend Low Volatility ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Invesco S&P 500 High Dividend Low Volatility ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. KBC Group NV raised its stake in shares of Becton, Dickinson and Company (NYSE:BDX Free Report) by 4.5% during the first quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 53,447 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock after purchasing an additional 2,290 shares during the quarter. KBC Group NVs holdings in Becton, Dickinson and Company were worth $12,242,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other hedge funds have also recently made changes to their positions in BDX. Alpine Bank Wealth Management purchased a new position in Becton, Dickinson and Company during the 1st quarter worth approximately $29,000. REAP Financial Group LLC increased its stake in shares of Becton, Dickinson and Company by 75.3% in the 4th quarter. REAP Financial Group LLC now owns 128 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock valued at $29,000 after purchasing an additional 55 shares in the last quarter. Picton Mahoney Asset Management raised its stake in shares of Becton, Dickinson and Company by 61.4% during the 4th quarter. Picton Mahoney Asset Management now owns 142 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock worth $32,000 after buying an additional 54 shares during the period. Nexus Investment Management ULC acquired a new position in Becton, Dickinson and Company during the first quarter worth $34,000. Finally, Hopwood Financial Services Inc. purchased a new position in Becton, Dickinson and Company in the 4th quarter valued at about $39,000. 86.97% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Becton Dickinson and Company alerts: Becton, Dickinson and Company Trading Up 3.1% NYSE BDX opened at $177.53 on Wednesday. Becton, Dickinson and Company has a 12 month low of $163.33 and a 12 month high of $251.99. The company has a market capitalization of $50.88 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 33.88, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.30 and a beta of 0.25. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.70, a current ratio of 1.13 and a quick ratio of 0.64. The firms fifty day moving average price is $175.59 and its 200 day moving average price is $208.71. Becton, Dickinson and Company Announces Dividend Becton, Dickinson and Company ( NYSE:BDX Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, May 1st. The medical instruments supplier reported $3.35 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $3.28 by $0.07. Becton, Dickinson and Company had a return on equity of 15.99% and a net margin of 7.28%. The business had revenue of $5.27 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.35 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned $3.17 earnings per share. The companys revenue was up 4.5% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, sell-side analysts expect that Becton, Dickinson and Company will post 14.43 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, June 30th. Shareholders of record on Monday, June 9th were paid a $1.04 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, June 9th. This represents a $4.16 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.34%. Becton, Dickinson and Companys dividend payout ratio is currently 79.39%. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of research analysts have weighed in on the company. Wall Street Zen lowered Becton, Dickinson and Company from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Friday, May 2nd. William Blair downgraded Becton, Dickinson and Company from an outperform rating to a market perform rating in a research report on Thursday, May 1st. Morgan Stanley decreased their price objective on shares of Becton, Dickinson and Company from $280.00 to $196.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, May 6th. Raymond James Financial cut Becton, Dickinson and Company from an outperform rating to a market perform rating in a report on Friday, May 2nd. Finally, Bank of America lowered Becton, Dickinson and Company from a buy rating to a neutral rating and set a $190.00 price objective on the stock. in a research report on Thursday, May 1st. Eight equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $219.22. Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on BDX Insider Buying and Selling at Becton, Dickinson and Company In other news, EVP David Shan sold 1,166 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, June 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $171.19, for a total value of $199,607.54. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president directly owned 4,575 shares of the companys stock, valued at $783,194.25. This trade represents a 20.31% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, EVP Michael David Garrison sold 479 shares of Becton, Dickinson and Company stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, April 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $197.28, for a total value of $94,497.12. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president owned 4,887 shares in the company, valued at approximately $964,107.36. This trade represents a 8.93% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 0.36% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Becton, Dickinson and Company Company Profile (Free Report) Becton, Dickinson and Company develops, manufactures, and sells medical supplies, devices, laboratory equipment, and diagnostic products for healthcare institutions, physicians, life science researchers, clinical laboratories, pharmaceutical industry, and the general public worldwide. The company operates in three segments: BD Medical, BD Life Sciences, and BD Interventional. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BDX? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Becton, Dickinson and Company (NYSE:BDX Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Becton Dickinson and Company Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Becton Dickinson and Company and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Korn/Ferry International (NYSE:KFY Get Free Report) is one of 19 public companies in the Staffing industry, but how does it weigh in compared to its competitors? We will compare Korn/Ferry International to similar businesses based on the strength of its earnings, risk, dividends, analyst recommendations, institutional ownership, profitability and valuation. Analyst Recommendations This is a breakdown of current ratings for Korn/Ferry International and its competitors, as provided by MarketBeat.com. Get Korn/Ferry International alerts: Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Korn/Ferry International 0 1 1 0 2.50 Korn/Ferry International Competitors 91 603 742 46 2.50 Korn/Ferry International presently has a consensus price target of $81.00, suggesting a potential upside of 9.73%. As a group, Staffing companies have a potential upside of 26.07%. Given Korn/Ferry Internationals competitors stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, analysts plainly believe Korn/Ferry International has less favorable growth aspects than its competitors. Valuation and Earnings Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio Korn/Ferry International $2.76 billion $246.06 million 15.98 Korn/Ferry International Competitors $4.43 billion $37.26 million 8.49 This table compares Korn/Ferry International and its competitors revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Korn/Ferry Internationals competitors have higher revenue, but lower earnings than Korn/Ferry International. Korn/Ferry International is trading at a higher price-to-earnings ratio than its competitors, indicating that it is currently more expensive than other companies in its industry. Profitability This table compares Korn/Ferry International and its competitors net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Korn/Ferry International 8.91% 14.49% 7.21% Korn/Ferry International Competitors -98.39% -16.17% -8.84% Risk & Volatility Korn/Ferry International has a beta of 1.42, meaning that its stock price is 42% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Korn/Ferry Internationals competitors have a beta of 0.84, meaning that their average stock price is 16% less volatile than the S&P 500. Dividends Korn/Ferry International pays an annual dividend of $1.92 per share and has a dividend yield of 2.6%. Korn/Ferry International pays out 41.6% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. As a group, Staffing companies pay a dividend yield of 3.2% and pay out 138.9% of their earnings in the form of a dividend. Korn/Ferry International has raised its dividend for 5 consecutive years. Insider and Institutional Ownership 98.8% of Korn/Ferry International shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 64.8% of shares of all Staffing companies are owned by institutional investors. 1.4% of Korn/Ferry International shares are owned by insiders. Comparatively, 16.1% of shares of all Staffing companies are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, endowments and large money managers believe a stock is poised for long-term growth. Summary Korn/Ferry International beats its competitors on 8 of the 15 factors compared. Korn/Ferry International Company Profile (Get Free Report) Korn Ferry, together with its subsidiaries, provides organizational consulting services worldwide. It operates through four segments: Consulting, Digital, Executive Search, and Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO) & Professional Search. The company provides executive search services to recruit board level, chief executive, other senior executive, and general management talent of organizations. It also offers organizational strategy, assessment and succession, leadership and professional development, and total reward services. In addition, the company provides RPO, business project, professional search, and outsource recruiting solutions. Further, the company offers tech-enabled solutions that identify structures, roles, capabilities, and behaviors to drive businesses. It serves public and private companies, and middle market and emerging growth companies, as well as government and non-profit organizations. The company was formerly known as Korn/Ferry International and changed its name to Korn Ferry in January 2019. Korn Ferry was founded in 1969 and is based in Los Angeles, California. Receive News & Ratings for Korn/Ferry International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Korn/Ferry International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. McGinn Penninger Investment Management Inc. trimmed its stake in Bank of America Corporation (NYSE:BAC) by 2.5% during the 1st quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 133,590 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 3,475 shares during the period. Bank of America comprises about 3.6% of McGinn Penninger Investment Management Inc.s investment portfolio, making the stock its 7th biggest position. McGinn Penninger Investment Management Inc.s holdings in Bank of America were worth $5,575,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). A number of other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Kanawha Capital Management LLC raised its position in Bank of America by 2.4% in the first quarter. Kanawha Capital Management LLC now owns 20,150 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $841,000 after purchasing an additional 475 shares in the last quarter. Aaron Wealth Advisors LLC grew its stake in shares of Bank of America by 0.9% in the 1st quarter. Aaron Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 47,562 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,985,000 after purchasing an additional 406 shares during the period. First Bank & Trust raised its holdings in shares of Bank of America by 4.3% in the 1st quarter. First Bank & Trust now owns 7,858 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $328,000 after buying an additional 325 shares in the last quarter. Coastline Trust Co lifted its position in shares of Bank of America by 1.2% during the 1st quarter. Coastline Trust Co now owns 42,117 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,758,000 after buying an additional 513 shares during the period. Finally, Keybank National Association OH boosted its stake in Bank of America by 11.6% in the 1st quarter. Keybank National Association OH now owns 3,859,585 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $161,061,000 after buying an additional 400,969 shares in the last quarter. 70.71% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Bank of America alerts: Bank of America Stock Performance Shares of BAC opened at $48.15 on Wednesday. The company has a market cap of $362.66 billion, a PE ratio of 14.33, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.29 and a beta of 1.30. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $43.71 and a 200-day moving average of $43.36. Bank of America Corporation has a one year low of $33.07 and a one year high of $48.53. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.11, a current ratio of 0.79 and a quick ratio of 0.78. Bank of America Announces Dividend Bank of America ( NYSE:BAC Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, April 15th. The financial services provider reported $0.90 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.80 by $0.10. The business had revenue of $27.37 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $26.83 billion. Bank of America had a return on equity of 10.25% and a net margin of 14.56%. As a group, equities analysts forecast that Bank of America Corporation will post 3.7 earnings per share for the current year. The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, June 27th. Investors of record on Friday, June 6th were issued a dividend of $0.26 per share. This represents a $1.04 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.16%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, June 6th. Bank of Americas payout ratio is presently 30.95%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades BAC has been the subject of several recent analyst reports. Robert W. Baird reiterated a neutral rating and set a $52.00 price objective on shares of Bank of America in a research note on Friday, June 27th. Baird R W lowered Bank of America from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Friday, June 27th. Evercore ISI reduced their price objective on shares of Bank of America from $51.00 to $48.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, April 1st. Cfra Research raised their target price on Bank of America to $47.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, April 16th. Finally, Cowen started coverage on shares of Bank of America in a research report on Wednesday, May 14th. They issued a buy rating for the company. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, six have issued a hold rating, eighteen have assigned a buy rating and three have assigned a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, Bank of America currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $47.65. Get Our Latest Research Report on BAC Bank of America Company Profile (Free Report) Bank of America Corporation, through its subsidiaries, provides banking and financial products and services for individual consumers, small and middle-market businesses, institutional investors, large corporations, and governments worldwide. It operates in four segments: Consumer Banking, Global Wealth & Investment Management (GWIM), Global Banking, and Global Markets. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BAC? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Bank of America Corporation (NYSE:BAC Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Bank of America Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bank of America and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. National Fuel Gas (NYSE:NFG Get Free Report) was upgraded by equities research analysts at Wall Street Zen from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report issued on Monday. NFG has been the topic of a number of other research reports. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price objective on National Fuel Gas from $77.00 to $81.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Thursday, March 13th. Bank of America lifted their price target on National Fuel Gas from $77.00 to $85.00 and gave the company an underperform rating in a report on Friday, May 23rd. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, one has issued a hold rating, two have given a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, National Fuel Gas currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $82.33. Get National Fuel Gas alerts: Read Our Latest Research Report on NFG National Fuel Gas Price Performance NYSE:NFG opened at $83.98 on Monday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.43, a current ratio of 0.47 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.86. The firm has a market cap of $7.59 billion, a PE ratio of 195.30, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.54 and a beta of 0.62. National Fuel Gas has a 12 month low of $54.05 and a 12 month high of $86.45. The companys 50-day moving average price is $82.08 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $74.90. National Fuel Gas (NYSE:NFG Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, April 30th. The oil and gas producer reported $2.39 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.18 by $0.21. The company had revenue of $729.95 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $770.81 million. National Fuel Gas had a net margin of 1.91% and a return on equity of 18.55%. National Fuel Gass quarterly revenue was up 15.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $1.79 earnings per share. On average, equities analysts anticipate that National Fuel Gas will post 6.64 EPS for the current fiscal year. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several large investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. CIBC Private Wealth Group LLC increased its stake in shares of National Fuel Gas by 14.3% in the 4th quarter. CIBC Private Wealth Group LLC now owns 1,221 shares of the oil and gas producers stock valued at $76,000 after buying an additional 153 shares during the period. Connor Clark & Lunn Investment Management Ltd. boosted its holdings in National Fuel Gas by 3.0% in the first quarter. Connor Clark & Lunn Investment Management Ltd. now owns 5,285 shares of the oil and gas producers stock valued at $419,000 after acquiring an additional 156 shares during the last quarter. Horizon Investment Services LLC increased its position in National Fuel Gas by 2.5% in the first quarter. Horizon Investment Services LLC now owns 6,618 shares of the oil and gas producers stock worth $524,000 after purchasing an additional 162 shares during the period. Donald L. Hagan LLC raised its holdings in National Fuel Gas by 1.2% during the 1st quarter. Donald L. Hagan LLC now owns 15,598 shares of the oil and gas producers stock worth $1,235,000 after purchasing an additional 183 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Captrust Financial Advisors lifted its position in National Fuel Gas by 2.9% during the 4th quarter. Captrust Financial Advisors now owns 7,288 shares of the oil and gas producers stock valued at $442,000 after purchasing an additional 204 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 73.96% of the companys stock. National Fuel Gas Company Profile (Get Free Report) National Fuel Gas Company operates as a diversified energy company. It operates through four segments: Exploration and Production, Pipeline and Storage, Gathering, and Utility. The Exploration and Production segment explores for, develops, and produces natural gas and oil. The Pipeline and Storage segment provides interstate natural gas transportation services through an integrated gas pipeline system in Pennsylvania and New York; and owns and operates underground natural gas storage fields. Read More Receive News & Ratings for National Fuel Gas Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for National Fuel Gas and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Oregon Pacific Wealth Management LLC lifted its stake in shares of Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM Free Report) by 7.7% during the first quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 4,901 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 351 shares during the quarter. Oregon Pacific Wealth Management LLCs holdings in Philip Morris International were worth $778,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Several other hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the stock. NewSquare Capital LLC boosted 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 purchasing an additional 72 shares during the period. Pacifica Partners Inc. boosted its position in shares of Philip Morris International by 115.0% during the first quarter. Pacifica Partners Inc. now owns 215 shares of the companys stock worth $35,000 after buying an additional 115 shares during the period. Redmont Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new position in Philip Morris International in the 1st quarter worth approximately $35,000. Knuff & Co LLC acquired a new stake in Philip Morris International in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $36,000. Finally, Ball & Co Wealth Management Inc. acquired a new stake in Philip Morris International in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $36,000. Institutional investors own 78.63% of the companys stock. Get Philip Morris International alerts: Philip Morris International Trading Down 2.5% Shares of NYSE PM opened at $177.55 on Wednesday. Philip Morris International Inc. has a twelve month low of $100.80 and a twelve month high of $186.69. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $176.63 and a two-hundred day moving average of $153.71. The company has a market capitalization of $276.36 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 36.61, a PEG ratio of 2.64 and a beta of 0.51. Philip Morris International Dividend Announcement Philip Morris International ( NYSE:PM Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, April 23rd. The company reported $1.69 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.61 by $0.08. The business had revenue of $9.30 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $9.10 billion. Philip Morris International had a net margin of 8.43% and a negative return on equity of 122.40%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 5.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned $1.50 earnings per share. As a group, research analysts predict that Philip Morris International Inc. will post 7.14 earnings per share for the current year. The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, July 15th. Stockholders of record on Friday, June 27th will be given a dividend of $1.35 per share. The ex-dividend date is Friday, June 27th. This represents a $5.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.04%. Philip Morris Internationals dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 111.34%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth PM has been the subject of several recent analyst reports. Wall Street Zen raised Philip Morris International from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Saturday, June 21st. Bank of America upped their price objective on shares of Philip Morris International from $182.00 to $200.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, June 4th. UBS Group raised shares of Philip Morris International from a sell rating to a neutral rating and raised their target price for the company from $130.00 to $170.00 in a research note on Friday, April 25th. Morgan Stanley reaffirmed an overweight rating and issued a $182.00 price target (up from $156.00) on shares of Philip Morris International in a research note on Thursday, April 24th. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus increased their price objective on shares of Philip Morris International from $168.00 to $186.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Thursday, April 24th. One analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and eleven have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $176.80. View Our Latest Report on Philip Morris International Philip Morris International Company Profile (Free Report) Philip Morris International Inc operates as a tobacco company working to delivers a smoke-free future and evolving portfolio for the long-term to include products outside of the tobacco and nicotine sector. The company's product portfolio primarily consists of cigarettes and smoke-free products, including heat-not-burn, vapor, and oral nicotine products primarily under the IQOS and ZYN brands; and consumer accessories, such as lighters and matches. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Philip Morris International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Philip Morris International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Vontobel Holding Ltd. lessened its stake in shares of Citigroup Inc. (NYSE:C Free Report) by 12.1% during the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 239,597 shares of the companys stock after selling 33,005 shares during the quarter. Vontobel Holding Ltd.s holdings in Citigroup were worth $17,009,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other large investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the stock. ABLE Financial Group LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Citigroup during the 1st quarter valued at about $239,000. Mather Group LLC. increased its holdings in Citigroup by 30.4% during the first quarter. Mather Group LLC. now owns 6,218 shares of the companys stock valued at $441,000 after buying an additional 1,450 shares during the last quarter. Alta Advisers Ltd raised its position in Citigroup by 49.5% in the first quarter. Alta Advisers Ltd now owns 9,364 shares of the companys stock worth $665,000 after acquiring an additional 3,100 shares during the period. Insight Inv LLC boosted its stake in shares of Citigroup by 0.5% during the 1st quarter. Insight Inv LLC now owns 27,268 shares of the companys stock worth $1,936,000 after acquiring an additional 146 shares during the last quarter. Finally, MorganRosel Wealth Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of Citigroup during the 1st quarter worth $28,000. 71.72% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Citigroup alerts: Insiders Place Their Bets In other news, Director John Cunningham Dugan sold 4,417 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, April 30th. The stock was sold at an average price of $68.26, for a total transaction of $301,504.42. Following the sale, the director directly owned 13,048 shares of the companys stock, valued at $890,656.48. This represents a 25.29% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. 0.08% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Citigroup Price Performance Shares of NYSE:C opened at $86.26 on Wednesday. The firm has a market cap of $161.11 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 13.63, a P/E/G ratio of 0.66 and a beta of 1.34. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $75.41 and a 200 day moving average price of $73.83. Citigroup Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $53.51 and a fifty-two week high of $86.79. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.52, a quick ratio of 0.98 and a current ratio of 0.98. Citigroup (NYSE:C Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, April 15th. The company reported $1.96 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.84 by $0.12. Citigroup had a net margin of 7.95% and a return on equity of 6.94%. The business had revenue of $21.60 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $21.34 billion. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that Citigroup Inc. will post 7.53 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Citigroup Announces Dividend The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, May 23rd. Investors of record on Monday, May 5th were paid a dividend of $0.56 per share. This represents a $2.24 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.60%. The ex-dividend date was Monday, May 5th. Citigroups payout ratio is presently 35.39%. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of equities analysts recently commented on C shares. Wall Street Zen cut Citigroup from a hold rating to a sell rating in a report on Friday, June 27th. The Goldman Sachs Group restated a buy rating on shares of Citigroup in a research report on Tuesday, June 24th. Royal Bank Of Canada lowered their price objective on Citigroup from $85.00 to $78.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, April 16th. Morgan Stanley increased their target price on shares of Citigroup from $90.00 to $94.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Monday, June 23rd. Finally, TD Cowen started coverage on shares of Citigroup in a research note on Thursday, May 15th. They set a hold rating and a $83.00 target price on the stock. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, five have issued a hold rating and eleven have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $84.03. Check Out Our Latest Research Report on C Citigroup Profile (Free Report) Citigroup Inc, a diversified financial service holding company, provides various financial product and services to consumers, corporations, governments, and institutions worldwide. It operates through five segments: Services, Markets, Banking, U.S. Personal Banking, and Wealth. The Services segment includes Treasury and Trade Solutions, which provides cash management, trade, and working capital solutions to multinational corporations, financial institutions, and public sector organizations; and Securities Services, such as cross-border support for clients, local market expertise, post-trade technologies, data solutions, and various securities services solutions. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding C? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Citigroup Inc. (NYSE:C Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Citigroup Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Citigroup and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Yukon Wealth Management Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM Free Report) during the first quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The fund acquired 3,656 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $580,000. A number of other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in PM. Vontobel Holding Ltd. lifted its stake in Philip Morris International by 7,414.9% in the 1st quarter. Vontobel Holding Ltd. now owns 559,481 shares of the companys stock worth $88,806,000 after purchasing an additional 552,036 shares in the last quarter. Astoria Portfolio Advisors LLC. increased its holdings in shares of Philip Morris International by 17.4% in the first quarter. Astoria Portfolio Advisors LLC. now owns 7,219 shares of the companys stock worth $1,214,000 after purchasing an additional 1,069 shares during the period. Salomon & Ludwin LLC increased its holdings in shares of Philip Morris International by 2.5% in the first quarter. Salomon & Ludwin LLC now owns 29,423 shares of the companys stock worth $4,670,000 after purchasing an additional 715 shares during the period. West Bancorporation Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Philip Morris International in the first quarter worth $229,000. Finally, Mather Group LLC. boosted its stake in Philip Morris International by 20.8% during the first quarter. Mather Group LLC. now owns 15,465 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,455,000 after buying an additional 2,664 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 78.63% of the companys stock. Get Philip Morris International alerts: Philip Morris International Stock Performance Shares of Philip Morris International stock opened at $177.55 on Wednesday. Philip Morris International Inc. has a 52-week low of $100.80 and a 52-week high of $186.69. The company has a fifty day moving average of $176.63 and a 200-day moving average of $153.71. The stock has a market capitalization of $276.36 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 36.61, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.64 and a beta of 0.51. Philip Morris International Announces Dividend Philip Morris International ( NYSE:PM Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, April 23rd. The company reported $1.69 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.61 by $0.08. The business had revenue of $9.30 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $9.10 billion. Philip Morris International had a net margin of 8.43% and a negative return on equity of 122.40%. The companys revenue was up 5.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $1.50 earnings per share. On average, equities research analysts forecast that Philip Morris International Inc. will post 7.14 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, July 15th. Stockholders of record on Friday, June 27th will be paid a dividend of $1.35 per share. This represents a $5.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.04%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, June 27th. Philip Morris Internationals dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 111.34%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades PM has been the topic of several recent analyst reports. Argus raised Philip Morris International from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Friday, March 14th. Citigroup upped their price objective on shares of Philip Morris International from $163.00 to $180.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, April 16th. Needham & Company LLC initiated coverage on shares of Philip Morris International in a research report on Thursday, May 22nd. They set a buy rating for the company. UBS Group raised shares of Philip Morris International from a sell rating to a neutral rating and boosted their price target for the stock from $130.00 to $170.00 in a research note on Friday, April 25th. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus raised their price objective on shares of Philip Morris International from $168.00 to $186.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, April 24th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and eleven have given a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $176.80. View Our Latest Stock Report on PM 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. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Philip Morris International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Philip Morris International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. LACHIN, Azerbaijan, July 2. A panel session themed "The Role of Women in Sustainable Development" has been held as part of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) Women's Forum in Lachin, Trend's Karabakh bureau reports. The event was moderated by Acting Executive Director of the ECO Clean Energy Center Aysel Yaqubova. The panel session focused on questions such as "Which economic tools are most effective to empower women-led green businesses in ECO countries?" and "How can digital inclusivity and innovation be accelerated through cooperation?" The speakers included Deputy Minister of Labor, Social Protection, and Migration of Kyrgyzstan, Aliza Soltonbekova, Deputy Minister of Family and Social Services of Turkiye, Leman Yenigun, Deputy Minister of Agriculture of Azerbaijan, Ilhama Gadimova, Director of the Department for ECO and Multilateral Economic Cooperation at Irans Foreign Ministry, Behzad Azarsa, Head of the ECO Science Fund, Seyid Komail Tayyibi, and Industrial Development Expert at the UN Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), Tatyana Chernyavskaya. Azarsa expressed Irans willingness to host a high-level meeting involving women from ECO member states. He also proposed the establishment of a green fund for women within the ECO. Additionally, we want a separate fund to financially support projects proposed by women. We believe supporting women will contribute to the development of civil societies, he said. Tayyibi stated that the ECO Science Fund offers grants to entrepreneurial women. Currently, the organization runs a green science program focusing on green sectors of the economy. ECO leads in promoting science and innovation, and this will remain a priority, he explained. Gadimova spoke about the countrys agricultural development achievements. She noted that Aghali village in the Zangilan district, established on principles of smart management, green infrastructure, and sustainable livelihoods, is home to the first generation of digitally connected farmers and returnees in liberated territories. Aghalis women and youth now manage farms equipped with solar-powered irrigation, digital soil sensors, and e-government access points designed for climate resilience and innovation. Azerbaijan is committed to advancing gender equality, sustainability, and climate justice, not just in theory but in the real lives of people, added the official. The panel session continued with an open discussion and Q&A. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Rethinking the Bahamian Dollar? Prime Minister Philip Davis has floated the idea of pegging The Bahamas currency to a basket of currencies, rather than solely to the US dollar, to enhance global trade flexibility. Speaking at the Afreximbank meetings in Nigeria, Davis also suggested a CARICOM-Africa digital currency to make regional trade smoother and more efficient. The Bahamas has already tested a new settlement system (CPASS) with Africa, aiming to reduce dependency on foreign exchange bottlenecks. You voted: BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 2. A regular meeting of the Presidium of the Collegium of Advocates of the Republic of Azerbaijan was held on July 2, 2025, Trend reports via the Collegium of Advocates of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Opening the meeting, Chairman of the Collegium of Advocates Anar Baghirov spoke in detail about the current activities of the Presidium, work done, and upcoming tasks. He strongly condemned the cases of violence and illegal detention of Azerbaijanis in Russia's Yekaterinburg city, noting that such cases are unacceptable. Baghirov noted that an official appeal will be sent to the Federal Chamber of Lawyers of Russia in connection with the provision of legal assistance at the professional level to illegally detained Azerbaijanis, as well as their family members. At the same time, it was stated that in connection with the cases of inhuman treatment and abuse of power by law enforcement officers against lawyers in the city of Yekaterinburg, an appeal will be sent to international human rights organizations. He further stated that the Azerbaijani Collegium of Advocates keeps this issue under control and all necessary steps will be taken within the framework of legal mechanisms. BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 2. The second congress of teachers from Azerbaijani-language schools operating in Georgia was held in Tbilisi with the support of the State Committee on Work with Diaspora of Azerbaijan, a source in the committee told Trend. The congress gathered more than 300 teachers. The event discussed the work carried out, the achievements, and the upcoming tasks since the first congress. A report was presented by the "Maarif" organization, and detailed information was provided on teaching in Azerbaijani-language schools, efforts to improve the bilingual education system, and the professional development of teachers. The congress featured speeches of representatives from the Committee on Work with Diaspora, the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Georgia, the Committee on Education, Science, and Youth of the Georgian Parliament, the Georgian Teachers House, and the "Maarif" International School in Marneuli. The event emphasized that such gatherings promote education and youth development. It was noted that the Azerbaijani state continues to support and care for compatriots living in Georgia. The long-standing friendship between the two nations was highlighted, along with the strategic partnership established between Azerbaijan and Georgia. The significance of collaborative initiatives in Georgia, underpinned by the Committee's endorsement, was likewise emphasized. The symposium progressed with a series of panel deliberations. The inaugural panel delved into the efficacy and operational frameworks of the bilingual education paradigm in Georgia. The second panel delved into the synergies of integrating information and communication technologies (ICT) within the pedagogical framework of Azerbaijani-language educational institutions. The third panel engaged in a discourse on the prevailing obstacles encountered by Azerbaijani-language educational institutions in Georgia, alongside potential strategic interventions. The participants underlined that such congresses contribute significantly to the exchange of experience among teachers and the sustainable development of Azerbaijani-language education. Salman Pirmammadov, principal of Tbilisi School No. 73, was awarded a diploma and gift from the "Maarif" organization for his achievements in education and youth development. To recall, the first congress of Azerbaijani-language school teachers in Georgia took place in 2023. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 2. In a wide-ranging and deeply reflective discussion in an international policy forum, Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis emphasized the urgent need for a return to multilateralism, strategic coherence, and honest political discourse amid growing global instability, Trend reports via the Greek MFA. Speaking on the sidelines of a major international policy forum, Gerapetritis highlighted the erosion of rational dialogue and warned against the perils of unilateralism, calling instead for a renewed commitment to a united and geopolitically active Europe. We are living in an era of major challenges, Gerapetritis said. Violence is everywhere in our lives, and the situation continues to deteriorate because no challenge is confined to one country or region anymore. Citing interconnected crises from climate change and food insecurity to armed conflict and artificial intelligence, he stressed that every shock has global ripple effects. Yet, according to the minister, what the international community is lacking most today is the ability to deliberate. We have lost our capacity to sit down and reason together to build consensus, he noted, lamenting the weakened post-war vision of cooperation and unity. Anyone who has participated in the Foreign Affairs Council knows how difficult it has become to reach unanimity. Reflecting on Europes origins after World War II, Gerapetritis hailed the transformation of former adversaries into partners who built a union based on shared values. He warned, however, that such unity cannot be taken for granted. Responding to a question about the Nobel Peace Prize awarded to the European Union, which is implicitly opposed to past U.S. President Donald Trump, Gerapetritis did not fail to emphasize a global trend that he regards with alarm: Multilateralism is losing ground. Unilateralism is gaining. This is not in humanitys best interest. The minister expressed optimism over the appointment of German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock as President of the UN General Assembly, saying it is a step toward restoring a rules-based global order. We need to reactivate the core principles of multilateralism. Without a strong international legal and security architecture applied uniformly, we cannot build a sustainable political future, he said. We lack vision and strategic direction today. Gerapetritis added that despite Europes internal differences, it remains capable of becoming a strong and credible pillar on the world stage, provided it speaks with one voice. He also reaffirmed the importance of transatlantic ties, calling them essential to global balance and peace. The transatlantic alliance, rooted in the 1950s, has been a cornerstone of global prosperity. We must continue to work together, multilaterally and in a balanced manner. The discussion then turned to defense spending, as many NATO membersexcept Spaincommitted to allocating 3.5% of GDP, with an additional 1.5% in reserves. Gerapetritis acknowledged the difficulty of balancing security with social protection. This is a problem of democracy, he said. We cant have everythingwe must prioritize. The European view is clear: a strong welfare state is part of our cultural DNA. That will not change, even if adjustments are needed. He referenced former European Commission President Jean-Claude Junckers famous quote: We all know what we must do, but if we do it, we wont get elected. Thats the democratic price we pay, Gerapetritis commented. The challenge is saying the right thing without losing democratic legitimacy. Honesty with society is essential, and it's something thats missing today. He expressed frustration over the increasing spread of misinformation, particularly in Greece, describing it as a daily battle that undermines public trust and policy effectiveness. We must return to the fundamental values of democracy and defend them against falsehoods and manipulation, he said. According to Gerapetritis, the EU has entered its third major phase: the age of geopolitical Europe. From its post-war roots as an economic bloc, to a more political union in the 1990s, todays Europe must now think and act geopolitically, he said. Being a geopolitical power requires a holistic view, beyond just economics. Europes strength lies in its collective ability to mobilize people through deep cultural and historical roots. He warned, however, that this new phase has emerged abruptly, largely driven by Russias war against Ukraine. But in that crisis, Europe has found new resolve. We now have a stronger Europe. We have moved away from excessive dependencylook at our shift from 50% reliance on Russian gas to under 10% today. Thats strategic autonomy. Gerapetritis concluded with a passionate call to build a legacy of purpose, rooted in Europes values, culture, and commitment to international law. I believe in the European vision. I believe in the West. As Aristotle said, The whole is greater than the sum of its parts. When united, we multiply our power. Despite our differences, we must not fear the futurewe must inspire the younger generations. He emphasized that whether through climate action, economic policy, or human capital development, the focus must now shift to leaving a meaningful legacy. The future is there, and we must face it with openness and resolve. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel In a bid to strengthen its political footing ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections, the CPI-M has begun reaching out to like-minded political parties and civil society organisations opposed to both the Trinamul Congress (TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The party aims to build a united front against what it calls anti-people policies of both ruling formations. Speaking to reporters in Siliguri on Tuesday, CPI-M state secretary Md Salim said: Both the TMC and the BJP are identical in character. They exploit religion and religious sentiment to consolidate vote banks, while ignoring the basic needs of the people. To counter this, we are working to bring together parties and organisations that oppose both the TMC and the BJP. Advertisement Md Salim claimed that growing public disillusionment with the ruling partyespecially in the wake of multiple corruption allegationshas led to renewed support for the Left in several districts. Citing recent controversies, he said, The same corrupt culture of the TMC has been exposed in the Kasba Law College incident, just like in the earlier RG Kar case. Party leaders dominate the functioning of educational institutions, turning them into political hubs. This trend is pervasive across the state. Advertisement The CPI-M has also planned a protest on 4 July against the Siliguri Municipal Corporation, alleging administrative failure. The agitation will be spearheaded by the partys Darjeeling district unit and will involve public participation, Salim said. As part of its organisational strengthening efforts, the CPI-M on Tuesday formed a new nine-member secretariat body for Darjeeling district, including one woman member, in the presence of Md Salim. A similar reorganisation was carried out in Jalpaiguri on Monday. Chief minister Mamata Banerjee today expressed happiness on the issuance of occupancy certificate by the New Town Development Authority (NKDA) for ITC Limiteds world class IT and ITES campus in Action area III of New Town, spread over 17 acres of land. In a tweet on her X handle, the chief minister wrote: Glad to share that the Occupancy certificate is being issued by our New Town Kolkata Development Authority (NKDA) for ITC Limiteds World class IT and ITES campus in Action area -III of New Town, spread over 17 acres of land allotted by our WBHIDCO. Advertisement The campus comprises three key buildings- a high rise office tower, a business support centre and a dedicated knowledge Centre- together offering over 14.5 sqft of already built up space. With an investment of around 12,000 crore, the facility is set to generate direct employment for more than 5,000 professionals now. Advertisement With this milestone, operations are set to commence shortly-further accelerating West Bengals rise and rise as a preferred destination for investments by leading national and International digital and technology-driven enterprises. President Droupadi Murmu addressed the national students convocation of the Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICMAI), highlighting the critical role of cost accountants in Indias economic progress and its journey towards a sustainable future. The President underscored the historical reverence for accountants in Indian society, stating, Throughout our history, accountants have enjoyed high esteem in our society. The reason for that, I believe, is that accounting and accountability are deeply connected. We value accountability; therefore, we add special significance to accounting. She even referenced Mahatma Gandhis early experience with bookkeeping, emphasising his commitment to cost-efficiency not just for financial savings but for the preservation of invaluable resources. Advertisement The President acknowledged the significant contribution of the Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICMAI), since its establishment in 1944, for the regulation and development of the profession of Cost and Management Accountancy in the country. It has played its role away from the limelight, but experts in economic and corporate history appreciate the significance of the inputs of cost and management accountants in our industrial growth, she stated. CMAs, She added, have meanwhile seen their functions growing from cost accounting in factories to management accounting in boardrooms. They now work in fields such as direct and indirect taxation, corporate laws, arbitration, insolvency, valuation, social auditing, independent directorship, banking and insurance. Advertisement CMA Bibhuti Bhusan Nayak, president of ICMAI, CMA TCA Srinivasa Prasad, Vice President of ICMAI, CMA M K Anand, convener, National Students Convocation 2025, CMA Vinayaranjan P, Chairman, National Students Convocation 2025 and other council members of ICMAI and esteemed guests from the corporate graced the prestigious event. The event was attended by over 1,200 students, professionals, corporate leaders, and government officials, and was live-streamed to over 100,000 members and 600,000 students globally. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Wednesday opened the complaint and suggestion boxes installed at the offices of the DM, SDM, and sub-registrars offices across the city to take stock of the issues raised by the public. She stated that the complaints will be evaluated by the CMO to ensure that no concern is overlooked and timely action is taken on every issue. Advertisement Gupta emphasized that redressing the grievances of Delhis citizens is the top priority of her government and to address this, the government instructed all DM, SDM, and Sub-Registrar offices to install public complaint and suggestion boxes. Advertisement She informed that it has already been made clear that these boxes would be brought to the Chief Ministers Office every month to eliminate any scope for data leakage or tampering. The CM said she herself opened several boxes and will now read these complaints in detail asserting that direct communication between the people and the CM is vital, and that people should feel free to express their concerns directly. She stated that a complaint is not a mere piece of paper but a reflection of the peoples expectations and rights. These complaint and suggestion boxes are not just tools to report problems, but serve as a medium of communication between the people and the government. She further said that the issues that were most commonly raised in the complaints cover improvement in facilities in offices for the public, complaints against officials, sanitation, water supply, road conditions, and traffic management. She instructed concerned departments to treat these matters with utmost seriousness and initiate swift action. Departments were also directed to submit detailed action reports after conducting preliminary assessments. She added that apart from complaint and suggestion boxes, the Delhi government also has a PGMS portal to submit grievances. Following an encounter, Lalit, a notorious and wanted interstate robber for several criminal cases, was arrested in the wee hours of Wednesday for his involvement, the Delhi Police said. The cops mentioned that Lalit, 32, was an active in South Delhi with over 18 criminal cases registered against him. He was earlier sentenced to 14-year imprisonment in an armed robbery case and has been declared a Proclaimed Offender in two other robbery cases, they added. Advertisement Aishwarya Sharma, Additional Commissioner of Police, said, A joint operation was launched by the Special Task Force (STF) of the South East District Police and the Sunlight Colony police station near the Sarai Kale Khan bus stand area of Delhi. Advertisement The accused is involved in over two a dozen criminal cases and has been declared fugitive by the court in many cases. He was sentenced to 14 years imprisonment in a criminal case registered in Saket police station, Sharma in her statement added. She continued by saying, The Delhi Police have also recovered a state-of-the-art semi-automatic pistol and four live cartridges from his possession. On the intervening night of Tuesday and Wednesday, we received credible intelligence regarding the movement of the interstate criminal, said mentioned the Addl. CP, adding. Acting on the input, a team intensified technical and manual surveillance. Subsequently, on Tuesday, they received specific information that Lalit was present near Sarai Kale Khan ISBT in a bid to shift his hideout to evade arrest. With this lead, at approximately 1:55 am, the team intercepted the suspect while he was riding a motorcycle en route to Waste to Wonder Park from Sarai Kale Khan ISBT. When signalled to stop and surrender by the officers, he opened fire directly at the team. As one of his bullets hit the bulletproof jacket of a police officer, the team fired back back at him. As the accused sustained a bullet injury on his left leg in the retaliatory fire the team overpowered and took him to a hospital for medical treatment, Sharma added. Further investigation into this case is underway. Malayalam actor Minu Muneer was arrested by the Ernakulam Cyber Crime Police on Monday, June 30, in a defamation case filed by veteran actor-director Balachandra Menon. The arrest stems from allegations Minu had made against Menon earlier in 2024, accusing him of sexual misconduct. However, they released her the same day after presenting an anticipatory bail order granted by the Kerala High Court. Advertisement The incident traces back to the aftermath of the Hema Committee Report, which exposed widespread sexual harassment and abuse of power within the Malayalam film industry. Advertisement In response to the report, Minu Muneer took to social media and public platforms to name several individuals she alleged for inappropriate behaviour, including Balachandra Menon. Menon denied all allegations and filed a formal complaint against Minu and another woman. In his complaint, Menon accused them of threatening him and attempting to tarnish his reputation through repeated public statements, interviews, and social media posts. He also alleged that Minu had shared his photos online and urged others to comment negatively about him. Based on the complaint, the cyber police had registered a First Information Report (FIR) against Minu on October 2, 2024. The FIR cited multiple legal provisions: Section 351(2) of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (related to criminal intimidation), Sections 67 and 67A of the Information Technology Act (pertaining to sharing obscene or sexually explicit material electronically), and Section 120(O) of the Kerala Police Act (for actions against public order). This isnt the first time Minu has raised her voice against members of the Malayalam film fraternity. In August 2024, she filed a complaint with the Kerala police, accusing seven men from the industry of sexual harassment. The list included actor and CPI(M) MLA Mukesh, actors Jayasurya, Edavela Babu, and Maniyanpilla Raju, production controllers Noble and Vichu, as well as VS Chandrasekharan, a film producer and the president of the Lawyers Congress. The team behind War 2 is keeping its two leading men, Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR, far away from each other during the films promotional activities. And it is no coincidence. The makers, led by Yash Raj Films (YRF), believe that the intense rivalry between Hrithik and NTR Jrs characters is the heart of the film. To preserve the impact of that onscreen hostility, both actors will promote the film separately, never appearing together in interviews, stage events, or videos before the films release. Advertisement This is a first-of-its-kind moment in Indian cinema. Hrithik and NTR Jrs showdown in War 2 is epic, and the makers want audiences to witness that fiery face-off with zero dilution, said a senior trade insider to the media. Advertisement View this post on Instagram A post shared by Hrithik Roshan (@hrithikroshan) The idea is to maintain the illusion of enmity between the two stars until the audience finally sees them clash on the big screen. Its a deliberate decision, not a personal issue, and it fits within YRFs larger strategy for its growing Spy Universe. YRF has always taken unconventional routes to build anticipation. For example, during Pathaan, Shah Rukh Khan didnt attend any media events. Instead, they used short online clips to keep audiences intrigued, the source added. Even in the first War, Hrithik and Tiger Shroff werent together publicly until after the films release. That suspense worked brilliantly. War 2 is the latest addition to the YRF Spy Universe, which has seen massive successes with films like Ek Tha Tiger, War, Tiger Zinda Hai, and Pathaan. Each film is interconnected, featuring recurring agents and storylines, much like Hollywoods Marvel Cinematic Universe. Directed by Brahmastra filmmaker Ayan Mukerji, War 2 is ready to hit theatres worldwide on August 14, 2025, just ahead of Indias Independence Day, with a grand IMAX release planned. The film has backing of YRF head Aditya Chopra and is likely to be one of the biggest action spectacles in Indian cinema. Security personnel recovered around 18,000 detonators during a joint search operation near Guhili village under Tonto police station limits in West Singhbhum district of Jharkhand. Based on information received on July 1, a joint team comprising personnel from the Chaibasa district police, CRPF 60 Battalion, and the Jharkhand Jaguar launched a search operation in the TangiIgmari forest region. The operation led to the unearthing of a cache of detonators buried underground, suspected to have been stored by CPI (Maoist) cadres. Advertisement The recovery was made in coordination with local sources and with support from trained personnel. The explosives were seized and secured from the spot. Preliminary procedures have begun to trace those responsible for storing the material. Advertisement Further search operations and legal proceedings are underway. After West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Chairperson of the Congress Parliamentary Party (CLP) Sonia Gandhi is taking the initiative to unite INDIA bloc ahead of the monsoon session. After the Trinamool Congress (TMC), the RJD has joined forces with the Congress, CPI, and CPM, raising concerns about a covert NRC conspiracy under the guise of purifying the voter list. Despite the Modi governments eleven years in power, there has been no improvement in the countrys social and economic conditions with issues such as rising prices and unemployment remaining unresolved, highlighting Modis failures. Advertisement Additionally, there are concerns regarding the issue of the national population census. In anticipation of the monsoon session, Opposition leaders are convening a meeting to strategise on how to corner the Narendra Modi government in Parliament, led by Sonia Gandhi. Advertisement Sonia Gandhi, known for her gentle demeanour, maintains good relations with all parties and is respected by everyone. Recently, when Rahul Gandhi or Mallikarjun Kharge calls for a meeting of the Opposition, it often fails to achieve its purpose, particularly as the TMC frequently skips such meetings, citing communication issues or other reasons. Due to several instances of this in the past, Sonia Gandhi herself is now taking the initiative to unite the Opposition. The monsoon session of Parliament, which is set to commence on July 21, will continue until August 12. To strategize on the issues that the Opposition can collectively raise during the upcoming parliament session, Sonia is convening a meeting of the partners in the India alliance. Since the budget session, there have been incidents of attacks in Pahalgam. While the Indian Army has indeed taught Pakistan a lesson in retaliation, the Opposition claims that the Modi government has squandered the golden opportunity to reclaim Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Why did India suddenly agree to a ceasefire? Why is information regarding the armys casualties being kept confidential? Why is the prime minister not convening an all-party meeting to clarify the events? Why did he not agree to the oppositions request for a special parliamentary session regarding the Pahalgam attack? These are the questions being raised by the Opposition parties. According to the information obtained from sources, the India coalition has been engaging in discussions via WhatsApp or video/mobile calls regarding various questions, and these conversations are frequently occurring. Both Sonia and Mamata desire a strong attack on the Modi government during the upcoming monsoon session, but they want to ensure that no issue from the India coalition appears disjointed. Therefore, Mamata Banerjee and Sonia Gandhi are taking initiatives to unify the India coalition effectively before the monsoon session. BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 2. The Support Command of Croatia ceremonially welcomed nine young officers to their first officer duties, Trend reports via the country's Defense Ministry. These lieutenants, who have successfully completed their studies at the Croatian Defence Academy "Dr. Franjo Tuman", have been assigned to units and organizational structures within the Support Command following their basic officer training. On this occasion, the Commander of the Support Command welcomed the young officers, congratulating them on completing their training and on the beginning of their officer careers within the Support Command. "Your first days in the unit are the foundation of your further professional development. We are pleased that you, as officers, have chosen the military profession and wish to join us in building the Croatian Armed Forces, contributing your civilian expertise and knowledge to the development of the Support Command. We expect initiative, responsibility, and readiness to learn from you. Within the Support Command, you will have the opportunity to prove yourselves in demanding but vital tasks essential to the functioning of the entire Croatian Armed Forces system," said Brigadier Mile Vukicevic. During the reception, the lieutenants were introduced to the organization, tasks, and mission of the Support Command, as well as to the possibilities for professional advancement and career development within the system. The appointment of nine young officers to their first positions as lieutenants (specializing in technical, transportation, logistics, construction, and psychological fields) marks an important step in the rejuvenation and strengthening of the officer corps, further enhancing the capabilities and readiness of both the Support Command and the Croatian Armed Forces as a whole. In addition to Brigadier Mile Vukicevic, the young officers were welcomed by the Chief of the Commanders Office, the Head of the Personnel Department, the Head of the Logistics Department, and the commanders of the Support Command units to which the officers have been assigned. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Kerala Universitys acting Vice Chancellor, Mohanan Kunnummal, on Wednesday suspended Registrar KS Anil Kumar in connection with a recent controversy during a programme organized by a pro-right-wing group to mark 50 years of the Emergency. The event, held at the universitys Senate Hall on June 25, was attended by Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar. The suspension, which has sparked political backlash and the possibility of a legal standoff, stems from a disruption at the event over the display of a Bharat Mata portrait. Advertisement Massive protests erupted outside the Senate Hall, led by the Students Federation of India (SFI), the student wing of CPI(M), and the Kerala Students Union (KSU), affiliated with the Congress. The protests objected to the use of a Bharat Mata image depicting the figure holding a saffron flag. Advertisement Registrar Anil Kumar had cancelled the programme in advance, citing university regulations that prohibit the use of religious symbols at campus events. Despite this, the organisers proceeded with the event, which took place amid the demonstrations and in the presence of Governor Arlekar. In a report submitted to the Raj Bhavan, Vice-Chancellor Kunnummal expressed serious concerns about the Registrars conduct during the function. He questioned Kumars decision to revoke the programmes sanction while the national anthem was being played and the Governor was on stage. The VC described the action as audacious and damaging to the institutions credibility. The report was submitted in response to a letter from the Raj Bhavan seeking clarification on the events surrounding the controversial function, which also featured a book release. Reacting to the suspension, State Higher Education Minister R Bindu stated that acting VC Mohanan Kunnummal does not have the authority to suspend the Registrar. The suspension order is a violation of the rules. The VC is exercising excessive power, she said. The Minister further alleged that the VC is known for his allegiance to the RSS and warned that the government would intervene if necessary. The Chancellors saffronisation policy will not be allowed, she added. Denying maternity benefits on the basis of the nature of employment is abhorrent to the notions of humanity and womanhood, the Orissa High Court observed while directing the State Government to extend maternity benefits to a contractual employee. The counsel on behalf of the government submitted that since the respondent-employee is governed by the terms of the contract, she is not entitled to maternity benefits. Advertisement The petitioner, Anindita Mishra, after delivering a female child, applied for maternity leave on 17 August 2016. In support of attaining motherhood, she has produced a medical certificate. However, the government refused to allow maternity leave, stating that contractual employees are not entitled to such benefits. Advertisement Gods rejoice where women are honoured. Such ideal things should animate the purposive interpretation of State Policy concerning the welfare of women. In the good olden days in our social set-up, the place of women traditionally was her home. Now, we are living in different times. Because of various reasons, including poverty & illiteracy, women come out of their homes and gain entry to employment, public, private, contractual, or otherwise, as a source of livelihood. The State cannot provide public employment to everyone. It could have been ideal if it could provide, Justice Dixit Krishna Shripad and Justice M.S. Sahoo stated in the order directing the government to extend maternity benefit to the petition within eight weeks. As the holy month of Shravani Mela approaches, the Deoghar district administration has ramped up health preparedness, aiming to ensure seamless medical services to lakhs of pilgrims visiting the famed Baba Baidyanath temple. Deputy Commissioner-cum-District Magistrate Naman Priyesh Lakra on Wednesday chaired a high-level meeting with private hospital operators and medical practitioners to review health arrangements ahead of the month-long event beginning July 11. Advertisement Providing uninterrupted and quality health care to pilgrims during the Shravani Mela is our collective priority, Lakra said, opening the meeting at the Collectorate Auditorium. He underlined that the mela, which draws devotees from across India and abroad, gives Deoghar a global identity, thus mandating a civic response that matches its scale. Advertisement According to official figures shared during the meeting, the administration has lined up 190 doctors, 319 paramedical staff, 41 ambulances, and 32 health centres to handle the massive footfall. The Deputy Commissioner sought close coordination between government agencies and private facilities to manage emergencies and avoid health crises during the mela days. To that end, a WhatsApp-based coordination group will be formed to ensure real-time communication between stakeholders. All private hospitals and Indian Medical Association (IMA) members present in the meeting pledged full cooperation with district authorities. The move is part of a broader strategy to ensure zero disruption in health services throughout the mela period. It is our moral duty to ensure that devotees return from Deoghar with a fulfilling experience, both spiritually and medically, Lakra told the assembled medical professionals. Incessant rains in eastern Uttar Pradesh have caused rivers in the state to rise, posing a threat to low-lying areas along river banks. A report from Varanasi said that the water level of the Ganga in Varanasi has increased by 2.96 meters in the past 50 hours. Due to this, stairs of ghats are sinking one after the other. Advertisement Around 20 small temples located near ghats have been submerged, while floodwaters have reached Manikarnika ghat. The cops were stopping people from roaming on the ghats. Advertisement In Prayagraj, both Ganga and Yamuna were rising with security personnel asking pilgrims not to use boats for reaching the Triveni Sangam. Reportedly, the Saryu river breached several embankments in Barabanki. Boulders are being put to save the nearby villages. Unnao has also received heavy rains, with rainwater entering the premises of a police station. On Tuesday, the IMD issued heavy rain alert in 13 districts, while there is a possibility of lightning in 38 districts. The weather will remain the same for the next 6 days in the entire state, the IMD said. Kerala BJP chief Rajeev Chandrasekhar on Wednesday accused the Congress of being remote-controlled by forces promoting anti-secular ideologies in the southern state of Kerala. Jamaat-e-Islami is influencing Congress political strategy in Kerala, and the grand old party is being remotely controlled for electoral gains. The Congress is in an unhealthy political relationship with the Islamic organization, he said. Advertisement Jamaat-e-Islami believes in anti-secularism. This is the party with whose help the Congress has been forced to take in Kerala to win elections. The people of India should know where the politics of the Congress has gone. The Congress has become a party which is completely remote-controlled by Jamaat, he said at an event here. Advertisement All these years, the BJP has been alerting the people of India that the Congress and the INDI alliance parties have unhealthy political relationships with Jamaat-e-Islami, PFI, etc. But earlier, we had no proof. But now, Congress was forced by Jamaat-e-Islami to admit that they were taking support from them, Chandrasekhar further said. All these years, he said, BJP has been alerting the people of the country that Congress and INDI alliance parties have unhealthy political relationships with Jamaat-e-Islami, PFI. Earlier, we had no proof, now, Congress was forced by Jamaat-e-Islami to admit that they were taking support from them, he said. Jamaat-e-Islami believes in anti-secularism. The people of India should know where the politics of the Congress has gone. Congress has become a party which is completely remote-controlled by the Jamaat, he accused. Kerala BJP President Rajeev Chandrasekhar further said, You see Tejashwi Yadav in Bihar, they dont say a word about development, or address peoples problems. They go to one community and make a fool out of that community. There is no room for Sharia law and an Islamic state here. In a first, a two-day national conference titled The Strong Role of Urban Local Bodies in Constitutional Democracy and Nation Building is scheduled to be held on July 3 and 4 at the International Centre for Automotive Technology (ICAT) in Manesar, Gurugram district. Haryana, with its rich cultural heritage, is fully prepared to extend a grand welcome to delegates from across the country. Gurugram Deputy Commissioner Ajay Kumar said that Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will inaugurate the conference on Thursday (July 3). Haryana Vidhan Sabha Speaker Harvinder Kalyan has been consistently reviewing the preparations. Lok Sabha Secretary General Utpal Kumar Singh will also be present at the inaugural session. Advertisement Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal, and Haryana Urban Local Bodies Minister Vipul Goel will grace the session. The Deputy Commissioner further informed that mayors, commissioners, and other representatives from municipal corporations across the country will participate in the conference. Advertisement On the first day of the conference, best practices adopted by leading Indian cities Bhubaneswar, Coimbatore, Indore, Lucknow, Pune, Surat, and Visakhapatnam will be presented. Following this, five workshops will be held on different sub-themes, including: the role of Urban Local Bodies as the foundation of democracy; developing ideal practices and codes of conduct for council meetings; local bodies as engines of inclusive development; strengthening municipal governance through innovation hubs to improve citizens quality of life and public service delivery; and empowering women and preparing them for leadership roles in society and politics as builders of 21st-century India. Kumar further stated that on Friday (July 4), the programme will include group presentations on sub-themes, an informal dialogue with the Lok Sabha Speaker, and a concluding session. The closing session will be attended by Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, Harivansh; Haryana Governor Bandaru Dattatraya; and Deputy Speaker of the Haryana Vidhan Sabha Dr Krishan Lal Middha. He said the conference will not only define the future direction of urban governance in India but also strengthen the countrys democratic and developmental journey. President Droupadi Murmu has approved the governments proposal to convene the Monsoon Session of Parliament from July 21 to August 21, revealed Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju in a post on X, formerly Twitter, on Wednesday. This development follows an earlier announcement that the session would be held from July 21 to August 12. However, due to Independence Day celebrations, there will be no sittings on August 13 and 14. Advertisement The session has been extended by nine days to allow additional time for discussing important legislative business and other pressing matters. Advertisement The governments announcement comes in response to a united demand from Opposition parties for a Special Session of Parliament to deliberate on key national issues, including the Pahalgam terror attack, Operation Sindoor, and recent claims by US President Donald Trump regarding his alleged role in mediating a ceasefire between India and Pakistan. The Opposition had also called for a discussion on Chief of Defence Staff Anil Chauhans statement acknowledging initial losses of air assets due to tactical errors. During the Monsoon Session, the Parliament is expected to debate a range of issues, including legislative bills, budgetary allocations, and other matters of national importance. The extended duration will provide Members of Parliament an opportunity for in-depth discussions and debates. This session will be a critical platform for the government to introduce new policies and legislation, while the Opposition is expected to use the time to hold the government accountable on various issues. With the session scheduled to conclude on August 21, MPs will have nearly a month to deliberate on significant matters and help shape the nations legislative agenda. Holding phone tapping as a violation of the fundamental right to privacy, the Madras High Court on Wednesday made it clear that the Indian Telegraph Act 1885 permits it only for instances of public emergency safety or public safety and not for normal criminal investigation. Justice N Anand Venkatesh, rejecting the contention of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) that phone interception was necessary to prevent and investigate corruption, claiming that it constituted a threat to public safety, quashed the interception order of 2011 against the petitioner. The judge also declared as invalid all the telephonic communications pursuant to it. However, it was clarified that this order would not impact the evidence the CBI had gathered independently of the intercepted call records, and such evidence could be evaluated by the trial court. Advertisement The petitioner, P Kishore, the then Managing Director of Everonn Education Limited, had challenged the August 2011 order of the Union Home Ministry authorising the tapping of his mobile phone in a case related to bribery. The interception was linked to an FIR, charging an IRS officer, Andasu Ravinder, then Additional Commissioner of Income Tax, with demanding Rs 50 lakh bribe from Kishore to help his company evade taxes. The money was to be given through one Uttam Bora, a friend of Ravinder. On a tip-off, the CBI intercepted Ravinder and Bora and seized the cash. But Kishore was not present there, and no cash was recovered from him, and hence the petition seeking to quash the phone tapping order, which he contended was violative of Article 21 of the Constitution. Further, he submitted that the government had failed to follow the procedural safeguards laid down in Rule 419-A of the Telegraph Rules and the Supreme Court ruling in the PUCL vs Union of India case. Advertisement The judge observed that the wording of the statutes provisions should not be stretched too far to include ordinary crime, as it would dilute the constitutional protection to the right to privacy. Right to Privacy is now an integral part of the right to life and personal liberty guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution of India. Telephone tapping constitutes a violation of the right to privacy unless justified by a procedure established by law. Section 5(2) of the Act authorises interception of telephones on the occurrence of a public emergency or in the interests of public safety, it was pointed out. Further, the evidence collected was not placed before a review committee, as mandated in the PUCL case. As such, the phone tapping order was issued without due application of mind, said the judgment, adding that no matter how noble or well-meaning the intention, phone tapping cannot be justified without a public emergency or concern for public safety, as per the law as it stands at present. Prime Minister Narendra Modi Wednesday arrived in Ghana on a two-day visit, marking the first time an Indian prime minister has visited the country in over three decades. President John Dramani Mahama gave PM Modi a warm welcome at the airport, where he was accorded a Guard of Honour and a 21-gun salute. Advertisement During his visit, PM Modi will hold high-level talks with President Mahama to review bilateral relations and identify new areas of cooperation. Advertisement The two leaders will discuss ways to strengthen trade, investment, and economic ties between the two nations. Ghana is one of West Africas fastest-growing economies, and India is its largest destination for exports, with gold accounting for over 70% of Indias imports from Ghana. During his visit, the prime minister will address the Ghana Parliament on Thursday marking a significant moment in the history of India-Ghana relations. India and Ghana are expected to sign key agreements focusing on trade, infrastructure, healthcare, and digital technology. The visit aims to boost economic ties, with a focus on vaccine development, defense cooperation, and digital infrastructure partnerships. The visit underscores the warm and long-standing ties between Ghana and India, with both nations committed to strengthening their strategic partnership. PM Modis visit to Ghana is part of a five-nation tour that will also take him to Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia. Prime Minister Narendra Modi Wednesday embarked on a five-nation visit to Ghana, Trinidad & Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia where over the next few days he will be attending various bilateral, multilateral and other programmes. In a departure statement posted on his X handle, ahead of emplaning to Ghana, the Prime Minister said: Today, I embark on a five-nation visit to Ghana, Trinidad & Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia from 2 to 9 July 2025. Advertisement Over the next few days, I will be attending various bilateral, multilateral and other programmes in Ghana, Trinidad & Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia. Looking forward to interacting with world leaders and discussing ways to make our planet better, he stated. Advertisement Asserting that the visit aims to deepen historical ties, open new avenues for cooperation, and strengthen partnerships across the Global South, the Prime Minister said the trip will reinforce bonds of friendship. I am confident that my visits to the five countries will reinforce our bonds of friendship across the Global South, strengthen our partnerships on both sides of the Atlantic, and deepen engagements in multilateral platforms such as BRICS, the African Union, ECOWAS, and CARICOM, the Prime Minister stated. Modis five-nation visit includes his participation in the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro scheduled be held from July 6-7. During the Summit, the Prime Minister will exchange views on key global issues, including reform of global governance, peace and security, strengthening multilateralism, responsible use of artificial intelligence, climate action, global health, economic and financial matters. As per his schedule, PM Modi will visit Ghana on July 2-3, where he will meet President John Dramani Mahama and address the Parliament of Ghana. The Prime Minister will then visit Trinidad & Tobago on July 3-4, where he will meet President Christine Carla Kangaloo and Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar. He will also visit Argentina and Brazil, where he will focus on advancing mutually beneficial cooperation in areas such as agriculture, critical minerals, energy, trade, tourism, technology, and investment. The Prime Ministers final destination will be Namibia, where he will meet President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and chart a new roadmap for cooperation. Through these visits, PM Modi aims to strengthen Indias partnerships and deepen engagements in multilateral platforms, promoting a more peaceful, equitable, and just world order. BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 2. Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia Marko uric held talks with the Special Envoy of the Czech Republic for the Western Balkans, Edita Hrda, about the current situation in the region, Serbias European integration process, as well as key issues of mutual interest, Trend reports. In the course of the meeting, Minister uric emphasized that the relations between Serbia and the Czech Republic are characterized by strong partnership and mutual respect. The head of Serbian diplomacy expressed gratitude to the Czech Republic for its support to Serbia in the European integration process and reiterated that membership in the European Union is Serbias strategic goal and the most effective mechanism for improving institutions, the rule of law, and the living standards of citizens. uric informed his interlocutor about the situation of the Serbian and non-Albanian population in Kosovo and Metohija, pointing out the consequences of unilateral actions by the provisional institutions in Pristina, which lead to escalating tensions on the ground. In this context, he expressed the expectation that the Czech Republic, as a reliable partner within the European Union, will continue to support efforts aimed at de-escalation and preserving peace and stability. Regarding regional cooperation, the minister stressed the importance of regional initiatives in which Serbia actively participates with the goal of improving economic connectivity, freedom of movement of people, goods, and capital, as well as strengthening stability in the region. He pointed out that these processes are complementary to European integration and contribute to preparing the countries of the region for EU membership. Minister uric also highlighted the importance of preserving stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina, emphasizing that Serbia, as a signatory of the Dayton Agreement and a neighboring country, has a special responsibility and interest in Bosnia and Herzegovina remaining stable and functional. Furthermore, uric underlined the growing role of the Czech Republic as an important economic partner and investor in the Republic of Serbia and expressed confidence that Czech investments will further expand into various sectors, thereby further strengthening bilateral economic relations. In this context, he invited the Czech Republic to actively participate in the specialized exhibition Expo 2027 as an opportunity for further networking and promoting the cooperation potential. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel The four Quad nations have condemned the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in the strongest terms, and called for bringing the perpetrators, organizers, and financiers of the assault to justice without any delay. They also reaffirmed their steadfast commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific, and opposed any unilateral actions that seek to change the status quo by force or coercion. Advertisement External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Japans Minister of Foreign Affairs Takeshi Iwaya, and Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong attended the Quad Foreign Ministers Meeting in Washington on Tuesday. The meeting focused on a wide range of regional and global issues, including counterterrorism efforts. Advertisement The Quad members unequivocally condemned terrorism in all its forms. The joint statement released following the Quad Foreign Ministers Meeting said, The Quad unequivocally condemns all acts of terrorism and violent extremism in all its forms and manifestations, including cross-border terrorism, and renews our commitment to counterterrorism cooperation. We condemn in the strongest terms the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir on April 22, 2025, which claimed the lives of 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen, while injuring several others. We express our deepest condolences to the families of the victims and extend our heartfelt wishes for a swift and full recovery to all those injured, the statement said. We call for the perpetrators, organizers, and financiers of this reprehensible act to be brought to justice without any delay and urge all UN Member States, in accordance with their obligations under international law and relevant UNSCRs, to cooperate actively with all relevant authorities in this regard, it said. The Foreign ministers of the Quad nations met in Washington on Tuesday to reaffirm their steadfast commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. We underscore our commitment to defending the rule of law, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. As four leading maritime nations in the Indo-Pacific, we are united in our conviction that peace and stability in the maritime domain underpin the security and prosperity of the region. We are committed to a region where all countries are free from coercion and strongly oppose any unilateral actions that seek to change the status quo by force or coercion, the statement said. During the meeting, the four leaders discussed the opportunities and challenges in the Indo-Pacific and how they can further harness the strengths and resources of the Quad to advance peace, security and prosperity, working with the regional partners. We discussed the opportunities and challenges in the Indo-Pacific and how to further harness the strengths and resources of the Quad to advance peace, security, and prosperity, working with our regional partners. To ensure the Quads enduring impact, we are pleased to announce today a new, ambitious, and strong agenda focused on four key areas: maritime and transnational security, economic prosperity and security, critical and emerging technology, and humanitarian assistance and emergency response. Through this renewed focus, we will sharpen the Quads ability to leverage our resources to address the regions most pressing challenges, the statement said. As we advance our shared objectives for the region, our cooperation with and support for ASEAN and its centrality and unity, the Pacific Islands Forum and Pacific-led regional groupings, and the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) remain unwavering, it said. The Foreign ministers of the Quad nations also expressed concern about the situation in the East China Sea and South China Sea. We remain seriously concerned about the situation in the East China Sea and South China Sea. We reiterate our strong opposition to any unilateral actions that seek to change the status quo by force or coercion. We express our serious concerns regarding dangerous and provocative actions, including interference with offshore resource development, the repeated obstruction of the freedoms of navigation and overflight, and the dangerous maneuvers by military aircraft and coast guard and maritime militia vessels, especially the unsafe use of water cannons and ramming or blocking actions in the South China Sea, the statement said. These actions threaten peace and stability in the region. We are seriously concerned by the militarization of disputed features. We emphasize the importance of upholding freedom of navigation and overflight, other lawful uses of the sea, and unimpeded commerce consistent with international law, as reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), it said. We affirm that maritime disputes must be resolved peacefully and in accordance with international law, and reiterate that the award rendered by the Arbitral Tribunal on July 12, 2016 is a significant milestone and the basis for peacefully resolving disputes between the parties, the statement said. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has completed one year as the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha and has shared his experiences and memories from the past year. In a heartfelt message posted on his WhatsApp channel on Wednesday, Gandhi reflected on his journey, highlighting his parliamentary speeches and interactions with people from various walks of life. Advertisement Gandhis speeches in Parliament have focused on his vision for the Indian economy and the factors behind the INDIA alliances success in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Advertisement He has shared stories of his meetings with people from different sections of society, including those from Manipur, farmers, anganwadi workers, and the Dalit youth. Gandhi emphasised his commitment to defending the Constitution and fighting for the rights of the marginalised. Dear friends, as I complete one year as the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, I am sharing with you the memories, experiences, and my fight to defend the Constitution. Please take out time to read and share with others, Gandhi said. As the Leader of Opposition, Gandhi has been playing a crucial role in holding the government accountable and providing constructive criticism of government policies. His appointment to this position came after the Congress secured 99 seats in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The position of LoP had remained vacant for the past decade as no opposition party met the required minimum of 10 per cent of the total Lok Sabha seats. Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday congratulated the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and other agencies on busting a global drug cartel. Shah said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government is determined to dismantle every drug cartel and protect our youth, no matter where they operate from. Advertisement Congratulations to NCB and all agencies on busting a global drug cartel. The probe set a stellar example of multi-agency coordination, resulting in 8 arrests and seizures of 5 consignments while triggering crackdowns in the US and Australia against the ring that operates across 4 continents and 10+ nations. Advertisement Our agencies are constantly monitoring the sophisticated modes like crypto payments and anonymous drop shippers used by these gangs. PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji-led govt is determined to saw off every drug cartel and protect our youth, no matter where they operate from, he said in a post on X. In one of the most far-reaching crackdowns against the illegal pharmaceutical drug trade, the NCB, HQ Operations Unit, successfully dismantled a transnational drug trafficking syndicate that used encrypted digital platforms, drop shipping models, and cryptocurrency to smuggle controlled medicines across four continents, it said. What began with a routine vehicle interception near Bengali Market in the national capital unravelled into a sophisticated criminal web operating across India, USA, Australia, and Europe showcasing the global reach of illicit pharma networks and NCBs capability to lead coordinated international enforcement actions, it added. The operation uncovered a global network spanning 04 continents and more than 10 countries. The arrested persons confessed to operating a vendor profile on a major Indian B2B platform, from where they sold pharmaceutical pills to clients across the US, Europe, and Australia. The syndicate operated on encrypted communication platforms like Telegram, relied on cryptocurrency payments, PayPal, Western Union and used anonymous international drop shippers to evade detection, it said. The kingpin, who coordinated international linkages and finances, has been identified and located in the UAE. NCB is actively working in collaboration with UAE authorities. Investigations further revealed the existence of a clandestine pill manufacturing facility in Australia, directly tied to the syndicate. Law enforcement in Australia has successfully dismantled this unit. Operations in other jurisdictions are still ongoing. In a significant development stemming from intelligence shared by Indias Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (US DEA) has apprehended a key player in an international drug trafficking network. Joel Hall, a major re-shipper based in Alabama, was arrested following a coordinated operation, leading to the seizure of over 17,000 tablets of controlled medication. During the crackdown, authorities also uncovered multiple cryptocurrency wallets and active parcels linked to the syndicate, indicating a sophisticated and tech-enabled trafficking operation. Investigative and enforcement actions concerning these digital assets and parcels are actively ongoing. Adding to the breakthrough, an Indian-American individual identified as a key money launderer in the network is now facing indictment in the United States, marking a critical step in dismantling the financial backbone of this illegal enterprise. Having ordered the transfer of the probe into the custodial death of Ajith Kumar, a 29-year-old temple security guard at Thirupuvanam in Sivaganga district, to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Chief Minister MK Stalin had apologised over phone to the mother and brother of the victim and assured to secure exemplary punishment to the guilty. In an emotion filled voice, Stalin, consoling the victims mother Malathi, expressed sorry thrice and asked them not to lose heart, late on Tuesday evening. Advertisement Vanakkam amma very sorryvery sorry very sorry. I have directed to take severe action and what all is required for you will be done. Minister will take care of it. Be confident Be confident. What has happened should not have happened, Stalin told her through the mobile phone of Cooperation Minister KR Periyakaruppan, who is also the Sivaganga district DMK secretary. Advertisement The Chief Minister also shared the video of his conversation on his X handle. When the phone was handed over to the victims brother, Naveen Kumar, he assured exemplary punishment to the guilty. Vanakkam thambi (brother). What has happened should not have happened. Be confident, I have directed to take stern action. What all assistance you need will be done through the minister. Be confident. Swift action has been taken in connection with the incident and it is continuing. All (accused) have been arrested. What is due to you will be done. We cant leave this incident and exemplary punishment will be secured, he said. Sir, they have done this by taking him for inquiry. He is only 29-year-old. Our father had died when he was a kid and we have raised him with much difficulty, Naveen Kumar complained to the Chief Minister, wiping the tears rolling down his cheeks. At this, Stalin asked what he was doing to which he replied he was working in a private firm. After the conversation, the Minister, accompanied by District Collector Porkodi, handed over the letter of appointment to a government job to Naveen Kumar besides a free house site patta (land deed). Earlier, announcing the transfer of the investigation to the CBI on X, Stalin said Though the Madurai Bench of Madras High Court has ordered the CB-CID to continue the investigation, I have ordered the transfer of the case to the CBI so that no doubt is raised. The Tamil Nadu Government would extend complete assistance to the CBI investigation. Justice must not only be done, but also must be seen to be done. He added The heinous atrocity that happened to the Thirupuvanam youth should not happen to anyone. It is an unjustifiable crime. The government will secure punishment for the guilty who had acted in contravention of duty and will stand with the affected family. The United States is planning to bring a new Russia Sanctions Bill that will be an economic bunker buster against India, China, and Russia, US Senator Lindsey Graham said. In an interview with an Australian news broadcaster, Graham stated that the bill proposes a 500 per cent tariff on countries that import from Russia. Advertisement The US Senator named India and China, both large importers of Russian crude oil, saying both countries are keeping Russian President Vladimir Putins war machine going. Advertisement If youre buying products from Russia and youre not helping Ukraine, then theres a 500 per cent tariff on your products coming into the United States. India and China buy 70 per cent of Putins oil. They keep his war machine going, Graham told ABC News. He said the new Russian sanctions bill aims at bringing Putin to the table. My bill has 84 co-sponsors. It would allow the president to put tariffs on China and India and other countries to get them stop them from supporting Putins war machine, to get him to the table. For the first time yesterday, the president told me, Graham said. Earlier, Graham had termed the Russian sanctions bill an economic bunker buster against China, India, and Russia for Russias brutal invasion of Ukraine. Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022. The two countries have been at war with each other for more than three years. The Trump administration has been making efforts to negotiate a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia. He has also spoken to Putin, but a peace deal remains elusive. Amid unprecedented security measures, the first batch of approximately 5,500 pilgrims was flagged off from here to the mountain cave shrine of Amarnath in Kashmir by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday. The 38-day Yatra will conclude on 9 August. Enthusiasm prevailed as the convoy carrying the pilgrims was flagged off from the Bhagwati Nagar Base Camp early in the morning, under a multi-layered security arrangement. Electronic surveillance was being maintained along the entire Yatra route on the Jammu-Srinagar highway. Other vehicular traffic on the highway was stopped for the safe passage of the Yatra convoy. The Lieutenant Governor extended his best wishes to all the pilgrims for a safe and blissful journey. This sacred pilgrimage is a journey of faith and self-discovery. Wishing all spiritual seekers a safe and comfortable journey to the holy abode of Lord Shiva and a deep soul-stirring experience, the Lieutenant Governor said. Other vehicular traffic on the highway was stopped for the safe passage of the Yatra convoy.The Lieutenant Governor extended his best wishes to all the pilgrims for a safe and blissful journey.This sacred pilgrimage is a journey of faith and self-discovery. Wishing all spiritual seekers a safe and comfortable journey to the holy abode of Lord Shiva and a deep soul-stirring experience, the Lieutenant Governor said. Advertisement Advertisement Interacting with mediapersons, the Lieutenant Governor said the administration, people of Jammu & Kashmir, Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board, J&K Police, and security forces have made elaborate arrangements for the pilgrims. Jammu city has come alive with a new vibrancy. The enthusiasm of pilgrims is very high, he said. Undeterred by terror incidents, devotees are arriving in huge numbers, demonstrating their immense faith. I hope that this years Yatra will be even more historic than previous years, the Lieutenant Governor said. Eminent spiritual leaders, heads of religious organisations, public representatives, senior officers of civil administration, Police, security forces and the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board, prominent citizens, and devotees in large numbers were present at the Flag-off ceremony. Amarnath Yatra this year is taking place in the wake of the killing of 26 innocent civilians by Pakistani terrorists near Pahalgam on 22 April. The Pahalgam route of the Yatra is near the terror strike spot. The heavily armed group of terrorists is still at large. The Yatra route from both Pahalgam and Baltal axes has been declared a no-fly zone due to serious security concerns following the Pahalgam terrorist attack on tourists. About 600 additional companies of paramilitary forces have been deployed for security, making it the highest-ever deployment for the Yatra security. Further, to ensure a safe and efficient movement of the pilgrims and commuters during the holy Amarnath Yatra, the Jammu and Kashmir Traffic Police have issued an advisory on the National Highway 44, with cut-off timings and clear instructions for the various convoys and non-convoy movements. was flagged off from here to the mountain cave shrine of Amarnath in Kashmir by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday. The 38-day Yatra will conclude on 9 August. Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal on Wednesday launched a scathing attack on former Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, accusing him of orchestrating a communal and politically motivated crackdown against the SAD and the Sikh community. He termed the developments as worse than the draconian days of the Emergency. Advertisement Badal alleged that Kejriwal had committed heinous sacrilege by using police forces to prevent Sikh devotees, including Akali workers, from offering prayers at Gurdwara Sri Amb Sahib in Mohali Wednesday morning. Advertisement Earlier in the day, Badal courted arrest along with numerous SAD workers while protesting against what he called the false and vindictive case filed against senior SAD leader Bikram Singh Majithia. This is nothing but Kejriwals vendetta politics driven by hatred for Punjabis, designed to divert attention from his governments corruption and loot in Punjab, he charged. According to Badal, large contingents of police blocked Akali workers from visiting the Gurdwara and forcibly detained them. SAD leaders from Majha were reportedly prevented from crossing the Beas bridge, with police checkpoints set up across Punjab to stop them from reaching Mohali. Everything in Punjab is being directed by Arvind Kejriwal, a communal and non-Punjabi leader. These police cases are merely a smokescreen. The real issue is his hatred for Punjabis, said Badal while addressing the media from inside a police van. He further claimed, Kejriwal and his gang have shamelessly revealed their dictatorial mindset, reviving memories of the Emergency. Today, just like then, Punjabis and especially Akalis are the primary targets. Badal emphasized that peaceful political dissent is being brutally suppressed. Not even during the Emergency or the historic Jaito Da Morcha were Sikhs stopped from visiting their sacred shrines, but today Akali workers and I were prevented from paying obeisance at Gurdwara Amb Sahib. Calling the incident a broad daylight murder of democracy, civil liberties, and human rights, Badal questioned the silence of human rights advocates. Where are the so-called champions of human rights today, he asked. I am not afraid of repression personally resistance runs in my blood. But I strongly warn the government against targeting our peaceful workers, he declared. He also pledged that the SAD would intensify its campaign against the AAP governments loot, misrule, and political vendetta. Referring to the planned protest in Ludhiana on July 15 against the alleged illegal grab of 40,000 acres of land, he said the SAD would resist AAPs efforts to fill its coffers at the cost of Punjabis. Badal called on all Punjabis to unite against Kejriwals misrule and liberate Punjab from the grip of a Delhi-based party that has bankrupted the state and halted all development. Indias quest to meet its soaring energy demands and reduce carbon emissions is steering the nation towards biofuels, with ethanol emerging as a pivotal player. With the governments ambitious goal of achieving a 20 per cent ethanol blend by 2025, the spotlight is shifting to corn as the vital feedstock for ethanol production. Diversifying ethanol feedstock sources is not just about meeting targets; its about strengthening energy security, promoting agricultural diversification, and reducing the environmental impact of fossil fuels. Ethanol-blended fuel burns cleaner than gasoline and enhances the fuels octane rating. Ethanol also has a higher oxygen content than MTBE, requiring only half the volume to achieve the same oxygenation level in gasoline. India stands as one of the most compelling success stories of ethanol blending in the current era. This momentum presents a transformative opportunity that must not be missed. By scaling up ethanol to E30 and eventually E100, India can take a decisive step toward achieving true energy security, food security, and decarbonization targets. India achieved its 10 per cent ethanol blending target by June 2022. The E20 program now aims to reach a 20 per cent ethanol blend by 202526. To meet this target, India will likely require 165 lakh tonnes of maize ~ 48 per cent of the current production of 346 lakh tonnes. This means maize production must increase to 420-430 lakh tonnes by 202425 and 640-650 lakh tonnes by 202930. The Ministry of Agriculture aims to boost corn production by 10 million tonnes over the next five years. Home Minister Amit Shahhas urged farmers to grow corn with a guaranteed Minimum Support Price (MSP) and announced tie-ups of the entire production with biorefineries. Advertisement This is a path-breaking step by the government,paving the way for aCorn Revolution. Ethanol blending gained traction in countries like the United States and Brazil, which are no longer net importers of crude oil. In Brazil E100 sells for a lower price than gasoline, and in the United States, both E15 and E85 are significantly cheaper than E10 and offer higher octane ratings. (E10 is the conventional gasoline sold in the United States). India should develop a roadmap for ethanol from E30 up to E100. Blending ethanol in fuel helps achieve a range of benefits. Using domestically produced ethanol will reduce the imports of price volatile crude oil. Moreover, eth a nol from corn generates low-cost protein in the form of DDGS (Distillers Dried Grains with Solubles), along with locally available corn oil. Advertisement The aviation sector accounts for 13.9 per cent of transport-related emissions, making it the second-largest source of green house gas emissions in the transport sector. Through Government regulations and voluntary commitments, the sector has set ambitious targets to reduce its emissions. According to some estimates, global annual demand for SAF is expected to exceed 18 billion litres by 2030. India holds immense potential to become a leading global supplier of SAF. Ethanol is a proven alternative to LPG. It is a clean-burning cooking fuel that reduces emissions of carbon monoxide, particulate matter, and other pollutants. Ethanol is safer and easier to use, store and transport than biomass fuels. It does not produce smoke, sparks, or ash. Bioethanol is classified as a clean cooking fuel under the 2014 WHO guidelines. Ethanol is a foundational chemical for producing a wide range of renewable chemicals with low carbon intensity. Just as petroleum is used to produce ethylene-an essential building block in the chemical industry ethanol can also be used to produce ethylene at world-scale plants. Ethylene is central to todays trillion- dollar global petrochemicals market. As a rule-of-thumb, each metric ton of ethylene produced from ethanol saves three metric tons of GHG emissions. The ethylene derived from ethanol requires no changes to downstream processes. Just like petroleum-based ethylene, renewable ethylene from ethanol can be used to produce wide range of green sustainable chemicals and polymers. Such as Ethylene glycols, Polyethylene, PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) and PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride). Both 1G and 1.5G ethanol production technologies are available in India. Additionally, 2G technology is under development in several Indian laboratories. First generation (1G) facilities produce ethanol by fermenting sugars from sugarcane, sugar beet, or cereal seeds. Hybrid technologies now enable the conversion of cellulosic sugar found in corn kernel fiber. This innovation bridges the gap between corn-based ethanol and cellulosic ethanol, using 1.5G technology. Indias current success with ethanol blending provides a launchpad for a Corn Revolution. This moment presents a unique opportunity to advance energy security, food security, and decarbonization. Policy Support:The Indian government should develop and implement a comprehensive policy framework with financial support to promote the corn-to ethanol sector, drawing lessons from the USA and Brazil. Blending Mandates: Increase the mandatory blending percentage of corn ethanol to E30 and eventually E100 to incentivize demand and attract investment. Mega Biorefineries: Incentivize the setup of mega biorefineries (1,250 -1,500 KLPD), led by PSUs and private refiners, alongside duty-free imports of yellow dent corn (GM). Infrastructure Development: Invest in storage and transportation infrastructure to support the growing corn ethanol industry. Agricultural Mission Mode: SupportIndian farmers in cultivating yellow dent corn on a mission mode, including considering the allowance of GM (non-edible)yellow dent corn for ethanol. Import Strategy: Rather than importing ethanol, allow dutyfree imports of yellow dent corn for domestic ethanol production. This approach would be more strategic and economically beneficial. Ethanol Mission: Launch an ethanol mission, similar in scale and budget to the Green Hydrogen Mission, encompassing production, R&D, infrastructure, skill development,and safety. Certification Standards: Develop and implement certification standards for corn ethanol to ensure environmental and social integrity throughout the value chain. By embracing these strategies, India can emerge as a global ethanol powerhouse. This approach will boost rural employment, reduce reliance on crude oil imports, lower emissions, and contribute significantly to GDP and sustainable development. (The writer is Chair, Environment & Green Hydrogen Committee, PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Managing Director, Greenstat Hydrogen India Pvt. Ltd. He can be reached at jpglobalconsultinggroup@gmail.com) External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said defence partnership between India and the United States is one of the most consequential pillars of the relationship. Now, I am here for the QUAD meeting just had a good session with Senator Rubio, and our colleagues from Australia and Japan. But I am also here with you at the Pentagon, because we believe that our defence partnership is today truly one of the most consequential pillars of the relationship, Jaishankar said in his opening remarks during a meeting with US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Advertisement It is not built merely on shared interests, but we believe really in deepening convergence of capabilities, of responsibilities, and what we do in the Indo Pacific, we believe is absolutely crucial to its strategic stability, the external affairs minister said. Advertisement There is a lot that we will and we should be talking about today, but I do particularly want to recognise that the signing of foundational agreementsespecially Security of Supplies Agreement (SOSA) recently, of our expanding defence trade, of our cooperation in Underwater Domain Awareness, autonomous systems, and the momentum in the India-United States Defence Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS-X) I think all of these really speak of our deepening partnership, Jaishankar said. United States President Donald Trump on Tuesday (local time) said that Israel has agreed to the necessary conditions to finalise a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza. Trump cautioned Hamas against rejecting the ceasefire deal, warning that it will not get better it will only get worse. Qatar and Egypt, who, according to Trump, worked very hard to help bring Peace, will deliver the final proposal. He also stated that negotiations to end the war would continue during the proposed ceasefire period. Advertisement My Representatives had a long and productive meeting with the Israelis today on Gaza. Israel has agreed to the necessary conditions to finalize the 60 Day CEASEFIRE, during which time we will work with all parties to end the War. The Qataris and Egyptians, who have worked very hard to help bring Peace, will deliver this final proposal. I hope, for the good of the Middle East, that Hamas takes this Deal, because it will not get better IT WILL ONLY GET WORSE. Thank you for your attention to this matter! Trump wrote on his social media platform, Truth Social. Advertisement The announcement came less than a week before Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus scheduled visit to the United States on July 7. Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes have continued across Gaza. On Monday, Israel launched at least 50 aerial strikes, with a significant focus on eastern Gaza City, following forced evacuation warnings issued by the Israeli military, according to Al Jazeera. Citing medical sources, Al Jazeera reported that Israeli forces killed at least 68 Palestinians in Gaza on Sunday, including 47 in Gaza City and the northern areas of the territory. According to Gazas Health Ministry, the ongoing war has so far claimed at least 56,500 lives and wounded 133,419 people. In comparison, around 1,139 people were killed in Israel during the October 7 attacks, during which more than 200 individuals were taken captive. BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 2. Trade relations between the Republic of Bulgaria and the People's Republic of China are developing positively, Trend reports citing the Ministry of Economy of Bulgaria. The intergovernmental exchange of goods and services between the two nations escalated to approximately $4 billion in the fiscal year 2024. Deputy Minister of Economy and Industry Doncho Barbalov articulated this during the inaugural session of a symposium focused on trade and investment synergies between China (Sichuan) and Bulgaria. The gathering witnessed the participation of the Vice Governor of Sichuan Province, Dong Weimin, alongside high-ranking officials from the Sichuan Development and Reform Commission, the Foreign Affairs Office, the Bureau of Economic Cooperation, and the Sichuan Council for the Promotion of International Trade. During the symposium, Deputy Minister Barbalov underscored that the Ministry of Economy will persist in its strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing trade and industrial synergies with China, recognized as a longstanding collaborator. We view the development of bilateral trade and economic relations in the context of Bulgarias full membership in the European Union and the Schengen Area and the fact that China (Sichuan) is an important partner for both the EU and Bulgaria, Barbalov added. According to him, Bulgarian businesses are on the lookout for fresh avenues to boost their exports to the Chinese market. There are prospects for further expansion of Bulgarian exports to China, particularly in the sectors of agriculture, food industry, energy, tourism, and others, the deputy minister said. He expressed gratitude for the working meeting held at the Ministry of Economy and Industry prior to the conference and stressed that the current visit is further proof of the mutual desire to cooperate in all areas of shared interest. Our country aims to attract Chinese investments in sectors where Bulgaria has traditional advantages, as well as in those that offer high added value, promote innovation, and ensure high competitiveness of the economy, Barbalov highlighted. The conference was was graced by delegates from various public sector entities, governmental agencies, and the corporate domain. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Leading Baloch human rights body, Paank brought to attention yet another case of extrajudicial killing in Pakistan at the hands of Pakistani forces where a man was killed after having previously faced unlawful detention without trial. Sharing the details in a post on X, Paank said, On the night of 29 June 2025, Pakistani forces and death squad operatives raided Khandari, Mashkai, and abducted Qadir Bakhsh, son of Arzi. Hours later, his tortured and bullet-riddled body was found dumped. Qadir Bakhsh had previously been abducted and tortured several times by Pakistani forces, enduring years of unlawful detention and brutal abuse without trial. The post noted that his family had been suffering state violence from over a decade. His family has suffered continuous state violence for over a decade. In 2015, Zafar Baloch (13), son of Qadir Bakhsh, and Yousuf Baloch (14), son of Noor Deen, were shot dead by local death squad members. Later, Qadir Bakhshs other son, Peer Jan, was abducted and severely tortured, leading to permanent kidney damage. He eventually died after a year-long struggle for life in a Karachi hospital. Paank expressed grave concern and strong condemnation over the recent incident of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killing carried out by Pakistani forces and state-backed death squads. Advertisement Balochistan has been the focus of persistent human rights concerns for decades. The region has faced cycles of violence involving separatist movements, heavy military presence, enforced disappearances, and economic marginalisation. These issues have drawn attention from human rights organisations, journalists, and international observers. Human rights groups have long accused Pakistani authorities of abducting civilians in Balochistan without due process, using enforced disappearances to suppress dissent and intimidate communities in restive areas. Pakistani authorities routinely deny these allegations, but civil society continues to condemn the security forces role in systematic abductions targeting students, political workers, and residents. Advertisement Pakistani security forces have reportedly forcibly taken a Baloch woman in Turbat, Balochistan, marking the second instance when a Baloch woman has been reported missing in just over a month, The Balochistan Post reported. Rubina Baloch (30) was apprehended on Monday while she was at her sisters home in the Overseas Colony region of Turbat city, The Balochistan Post reported. She works as a government Lady Health Visitor and hails from Gowarkop in the Kech district. Eyewitnesses said that she was taken by personnel from the Frontier Corps and Military Intelligence during a targeted operation at approximately 4 pm (local time). Her location is currently unknown. The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) has verified the incident and voiced grave concern regarding what it characterised as a growing trend of the enforced disappearances of Baloch women. It demanded Rubinas immediate release. The Baloch Women Forum has also denounced the abduction. In a statement, the group stated: It is extremely distressing to learn that this afternoon at around 4 on June 30, another Baloch woman, Rubina Baloch, daughter of Mohib Ullah and a resident of Sari Kallag Gowarkop, was forcibly taken from her sisters residence in Turbats Overseas Colony. She is professionally a Lady Health Visitor, who was taken unlawfully. Advertisement The forum cautioned that such incidences of Baloch women going missing are becoming increasingly frequent. It urged the states law enforcement bodies to avoid involving women in the atrocious act of enforced disappearances and unknown detentions. Advertisement Rubinas abduction occurs just a month after the disappearance of Mahjabeen Baloch, a 24-year-old student and polio survivor, who was taken from the Quetta Civil Hospital on May 29. Mahjabeen had been temporarily residing at the hospital due to a lack of space in her university hostel. She was reportedly taken during a coordinated operation involving police, the Counter-Terrorism Department, and intelligence personnel, The Balochistan Post reported. Her whereabouts also remain unknown. It has been one month since Baloch student Mahjabeen Baloch was forcibly disappeared, yet her location remains unknown and she has not been presented in any legal proceedings, the Voice for Baloch Missing Persons (VBMP) reported on Sunday. In a statement to the media, VBMP Chairman Nasrullah Baloch said that Mahjabeen was taken away on May 29 by personnel from state agencies at Civil Hospital Quetta. Her family, he noted, informed VBMP that she was detained without a legal warrant and taken to an undisclosed location. He added that the family had also reported that a week before Mahjabeens disappearance, her brother Younus Baloch had been detained by security forces at their residence in Basima, with his whereabouts also remaining unknown. Advertisement Neither Mahjabeen nor her brother has been brought before any court so far, which represents a serious violation of human rights, said Nasrullah Baloch. He called on the Balochistan government and federal authorities to take urgent action to guarantee their safe return. If either sibling is suspected of any crime, he emphasised, they should be presented in court and dealt with legally instead of being held in secret. Advertisement Sabiha Baloch, a prominent member of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), also expressed her concerns on social media. It has now been exactly one month since Mahjabeens enforced disappearance. What is remarkable is that no officials in this state have even posed the simple question to the authorities: where is Mahjabeen? she posted on social media platform X. She stated that even if Mahjabeen were implicated in any terrorism-related case, she should be in court or prison, not forcibly disappeared. Enforced disappearances are a form of thuggery and fascism. No legal system in the world condones such injustice. To abduct a 24-year-old girl afflicted by polio from her hostel illustrates the grim reality of how Baloch individuals are compelled to exist under conditions resembling slavery, Sabiha Baloch said. Sabiha also denounced the states response to those who speak out. When we dare to pose these questions, all those in power label us as terrorists and instigators. However, if according to the dictionary of these oppressors, we are labelled as terrorists, what term applies to those who abduct individuals, engage in extortion, trade in narcotics, shoot at unarmed civilians, suppress the media and judiciary, and seize electoral mandates? she said. It is important to highlight that both local and international human rights organisations have condemned Mahjabeens abduction and called for Pakistani authorities to present her in court. Amnesty International stated that this case embodies a larger trend of enforced disappearances and is contrary to Pakistans international human rights obligations. The organisation urged authorities to conduct prompt, thorough, and effective investigations, to reveal her whereabouts, and to secure her immediate release, as reported by The Balochistan Post. BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 2. On Monday, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys met in Vilnius with Israeli counterpart Gideon Saar, who was on a working visit to Lithuania, Trend reports. The ministers discussed strengthening bilateral cooperation, EU-Israel relations, developments in the Middle East, and continued support for Ukraine. A key focus of the meeting was enhancing economic ties. Minister Budrys noted that there is strong potential for growth in innovation, biotechnology, medicine, information technology, and the defense industry. He recalled that in April, Lithuania hosted its first Defense Innovation Forum, which was attended by several Israeli companies. The ministers also reviewed ongoing collaboration in culture, education, and the preservation of historical memory. Minister Budrys emphasized Lithuanias commitment to Holocaust remembrance and combating antisemitism, calling the Holocaust a tragedy for all humanity that must never be repeated. On regional security, Minister Budrys reiterated Lithuanias support for Israels right to defend itself and ensure the safety of its citizens, following international law. He also expressed support for ceasefire efforts between Israel and Iran. Speaking at a joint press conference, Minister Budrys commended Minister Saars efforts to improve humanitarian access in Gaza. It is in Lithuanias interest that this progress accelerates, he said. Referring to the Israeli hostages taken during the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack, Budrys stated: The hostages still have not been returned, and that must happen unconditionally. This is the path to the ceasefire we all hope to seeso that stability can be restored as soon as possible. Later that day, the ministers visited the Paneriai Memorial, which commemorates the victims of mass executions during World War II. Meanwhile, their previous bilateral meeting took place in March 2023 in Israel. In June, automaker Bajaj Auto saw a 1 per cent growth in total sales (including exports). Meanwhile, market rival Hero MotoCorp saw a 10 per cent jump in sales, and TVS Motor sold 20 per cent more than it did a year ago in June. Bajaj Auto sold a total of 3,60,806 units in June 2025 vs 3,58,477 vehicles a year ago. Among them, total domestic sales saw a 13 per cent dip to 1,88,460 units. This included commercial vehicles. Hero MotoCorps total sales was up by 10 per cent to 5,53,963 units in June 2025. Last year, it sold 5,03,448 units in the same month. However, their domestic sales rose to 5,25,136 units vs 4,91,416 units a year ago. TVS Motor Company saw its sales soar by 20 per cent to hit 4,02,001 units in June, vs 3,33,646 units a year ago. Out of this, domestic two-wheelers alone saw a 10 per cent jump in sales, 2,81,012 units. While the three major names saw significant growth, Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) saw a massive 17 per cent slide in total sales to 4,29,147 units. Back in June 2024, it sold 5,18,799 units. The Activa-maker suffered in the domestic market, only selling 3,88,812 units last month vs the 4,82,597 units it sold in the same month a year ago. The other major player in the Indian two-wheeler industry, Royal Enfield, saw its sales jump by 22 per cent to 89,540 units in June 2025. Out of them, domestic sales rose 16 per cent to 76,957 units. The brand sells motorbikes and does not have any scooters on offer, unlike the rest. BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 2. On June 30, Lithuanian Minister of National Defense Dovile Sakaliene and Philippine Secretary of National Defense Gilberto C. Teodoro signed a bilateral memorandum of understanding on defense cooperation, marking a significant step forward in Lithuanias Indo-Pacific security engagement, Trend reports. The agreement laid the groundwork for closer collaboration on a wide range of security and defense issues. These include maritime security, with a focus on threats posed by shadow fleets and the protection of undersea infrastructure as well as hybrid threats, disinformation targeting democratic societies, cybersecurity, and the exchange of intelligence. Military cooperation, including joint training, exercises, and expert exchanges, was also included in the framework. The memorandum further outlined joint efforts in civil defense and crisis management to improve societal readiness for emergencies. It also addressed areas such as defense industry cooperation, especially in munitions production, and the security implications of migration, emphasizing shared analysis of how migration patterns affect national security. Strengthening LithuaniaPhilippines defense ties is a key part of Lithuanias broader security strategy in the Indo-Pacific, Minister Sakaliene stated. The Philippines is an important partner for Lithuania in reinforcing regional stability, societal resilience, and defense capabilities. This agreement reflects our shared understanding of emerging security threats. It is not just symbolic, it establishes a practical foundation for joint initiatives that will increase the resilience of both nations. Bilateral relations between Lithuania and the Philippines have taken on increasing strategic importance, particularly in the defense and security sphere. Lithuania has been actively implementing its Indo-Pacific Cooperation Strategy for Security and Defense, seeking stronger partnerships in the region. During her visit from June 30 through July 2, Minister Sakaliene was also scheduled to meet with Philippine Secretary of Migrant Workers Hans Leo J. Cacdac and to visit the Philippine Navy Headquarters. This visit marked the first-ever official trip by a Lithuanian Minister of Defense to the Philippines. India's paints industry has seen intense competition in the last few years, with the entry of new players like Sajjan Jindal's JSW Group and Kumar Mangalam Birla-led Grasim, threatening to shake up the market, where Asian Paints still dominates with over 50 per cent share. Grasim, which markets paints under the Birla Opus brand, has filed a complaint with the Competition Commission of India accusing Asian Paints of engaging in anti-competitive practices to hamper its growth in the decorative paints business. The CCI orders shed light on some of the allegations. These include allegations that Asian Paints offered additional discounts or incentives to its dealers in exchange for exclusivity and that Asian Paints exercised and enforced de facto exclusivity by threatening dealers against stocking Birla Opus paints. Grasim has also alleged that Asian Paints was reducing the credit limit and revision of service levels for dealers, and increasing and enhancing their sales targets that engage with it, etc. The allegations also state that the incumbent was terminating relations with institutional customers and directing dealers not to use or install tinting machines supplied by Grasim. "In the opinion of the Commission, such conduct being indulged into by the OP (Asian Paints) prima facie amounts to imposition of unfair conditions upon dealers by the OP in the sale of decorative paints, in contravention of the provisions of Section 4(2)(a)(i) of the Act," the CCI order states. Asian Paints by restraining its dealers from dealing with its competitors by enforcing exclusivity upon such dealers is found to be in the nature of exploitative conduct, the order further stated. A director general will now investigate the matter and submit a report within 90 days of receiving the order. "Nothing stated in the present order shall tantamount to final expression of opinion on the merits of the case and the DG shall conduct the investigation without being swayed in any manner whatsoever by the observations made herein," CCI said in its order. Asian Paints has acknowledged the order and is seeking legal opinion. "The company is currently reviewing the order and will take appropriate legal recourse. The company remains committed to fully cooperating with the CCI during the course of the investigation," it said. Aditya Birla Group's Grasim had made a big entry in the paints sector in 2024, with an investment of 10,000 crore. The steel-to-ports conglomerate JSW Group had also entered the space back in 2019. Last week, it entered a definitive agreement to acquire up to 74.76 per cent stake in European paint major Akzo Nobel NV's Indian unit for up to 8,986 crore, a move that will strengthen its position to take on incumbents like Asian Paints and Berger as well as deep-pocketed new entrants like Grasim. The days of cabs cancelling on you after they ask you the destination for the ride are coming to an end. The latest Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines 2025 by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) provides comprehensive instructions to Uber, Ola Cabs, Rapido and the like in a bid to make cab hailing more commuter-oriented. The latest instructions, which effectively replace the earlier guidelines of 2020, on passenger safety, including women, children and divyangjan (differently-abled persons). The guidelines also set clear instructions to aggregators for fair wages to drivers, their welfare, and onboarding. Moreover, MoRTH doubles down on a non-discrimination policy, demanding that aggregators treat onboarded motor vehicles by drivers at parity with their own vehicles. However, the ministry set strict guidelines regarding booking cancellations. On cancellation of a booking by a driver after accepting a journey on the app, a penalty of 10 per cent of the fare not exceeding 100, shall beimposed where such cancellation is made without a reason identified as valid by the aggregator and duly and specifically mentioned on its website and app, read the official guidelines sent to all state governments. The cancellation rules are not just applicable to drivers. Certain passengers who cancel rides out of the blue might need to shell out more money now. On cancellation of a booking by passenger after booking a journey on the app, a fee of 10 per cent of the fare not exceeding 100, shall be collected, when such cancellation is made without a valid reason and duly and specifically mentioned on the website and app of the aggregator, it further stated. Surge pricing cap Commuters can now wave goodbye to exorbitant surge prices with a wave of regulations on fares. According to the latest guidelines, the state government-notified fare for each category of vehicles would be the base fare chargeable to the passenger. However, to compensate for dead mileage when drivers ride empty while picking up passengers, the ministry changed the minimum base fare chargeable to 3km. There are also caps on discounts as well as surge charges. The aggregator shall be permitted to charge a minimum of 50 per cent lower than the base fare and a maximum dynamic pricing of two times the base fare, it read. This would come as a relief to commuters in cities like Pune and Thiruvananthapuram, where passengers often complain about massive surge pricing, sometimes three to four times the usual rate. Apart from these, a major change in the guidelines involved the ministrys push to include more electric vehicles and other sustainable emission automobiles into the aggregators fleet. The state government may direct aggregators to incrementally, on an annual basis, increase the percentage of electric, alternate fuel or zero emission vehicles in their fleet, read the instructions, later stating, The aggregator shall mandatorily adhere to the targets fixed for inclusion of electric vehicles in their fleet. How many of us can boast of having our life or career included as part of a syllabus taught in the school or college we studied? But then, we are not Mammootty. The superstar's alma mater Maharaja's College in Ernakulam, Kerala will now include a chapter dedicated to the celebrated thespian. The curriculum is part of the second-year BA History program titled 'History of Malayalam Cinema' in the chapter Sensing Celluloid: History of Malayalam Cinema. Mammootty is one of the noted alumni of the college, along with other eminent personalities such as A. Sreedhara Menon (historian), author N.S. Madhavan, filmmakers Rajeev Ravi and Amal Neerad, and cinematographer Shyju Khalid, among others. Another Maharaja's College alumnus, Dakshayani Velayudhan, a noted social reformer and revolutionary, is mentioned in the chapter about Kochi's history. Other legendary film personalities included in the aforementioned chapter are Prem Nazir, Sathyan, Madhu, Mohanlal, Jayan, Sheela, Sharada, Padmarajan and Adoor Gopalakrishnan. Mammootty completed his undergraduate studies at Maharaja's College before pursuing his law degree from Government Law College, Ernakulam. He made his first screen appearance as a junior artiste in 1971, in Anubhavangal Paalichakal, which was headlined by Prem Nazir, Sathyan and Sheela, the three other icons of Malayalam cinema mentioned in the chapter. It would take another decade, and a few hindrances along the way, for him to get noticed in his first lead role in Thrishna, scripted by M.T. Vasudevan Nair and directed by I.V. Sasi. Interestingly, M.T. had cast Mammootty in his first major role, while the latter was a practising lawyer, in the 1979 film Devalokam. Unfortunately, the film did not see the light of day owing to various constraints. Recently, the actor's acclaimed horror thriller Bramayugam, directed by Rahul Sadasivan, was used as a case study at a UK film school for students to learn the film's exceptional sound design. In a significant first for Indias healthcare system, Mumbais P.D. Hinduja Hospital has launched the countrys first Living Will Clinica specialised centre where individuals can legally and medically formalise their end-of-life choices. But what exactly is a 'living will', and why is this initiative so important? Here's what you need to know. What Is a living will? A living will, also known as an Advance Medical Directive, is a legal document that allows a person to state their medical preferences in advanceespecially regarding life-sustaining treatmentfor a future time when they may be terminally ill, unconscious, or unable to communicate. ALSO READ | Doctors' Day 2025: Stories of grit, ingenuity, and sheer skill In simpler terms, it lets you spell out what kind of medical care you do or do not want if you are no longer able to make decisions for yourself. For instance, a person may state that they do not want to be kept alive on a ventilator or fed through a tube if theyre in a permanent vegetative state or suffering from an incurable condition. At a living will clinic, people will be informed about it, both legally and medically. They can consult with a doctor, psychologist, and legal expert. Interested people can draft and formalise their living will in accordance with the Supreme Court guidelines. Additionally, they can get help registering the will with a judicial magistrate, as required by law Whats the legal backing? In 2018, the Supreme Court of India legalised passive euthanasia and recognised the right to die with dignity. It also allowed individuals to make living wills, but the procedure was complicated and rarely followed. In January 2023, the Supreme Court simplified the process. Now, living wills must be: Signed in front of two witnesses Attested by a Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) Accessible to the treating hospital and family at the right time ALSO READ | Dead and back in 8 minutes! Woman with neurological disorder reveals what it feels like to be on the other side Despite the simplification, few people in India have living wills, mostly due to lack of awareness, cultural taboos around discussing death, and bureaucratic hurdles. Why is this important? Too often, patients in Indiaespecially the elderlyend up on life support in ICUs, with families forced to make painful decisions. A living will helps: Ensure the persons medical choices are respected. Reduce confusion or conflict among family members. Prevent unnecessary, invasive, or prolonged treatment. Uphold the individual's autonomy and dignity. The road ahead Experts hope it will spark more such initiatives across the country, backed by legal clarity and ethical sensitivity. A day after Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, while expressing concern over the spike in heart attack deaths in Hassan, wondered if the fatalities were linked to the adverse effects of the Covid-19 vaccine, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Wednesday clarified that there is no direct link between vaccination and sudden cardiac deaths. Citing two extensive studies conducted by the ICMR and AIIMS, the ministry asserted that Covid-19 vaccines in India are safe and effective. It also stated that lifestyle and pre-existing conditions had been identified as key factors for the deaths. Further, the ministry reminded that speculative claims without conclusive evidence risk undermining public confidence in vaccines, which have played a crucial role in saving millions of lives during the pandemic. Such unfounded reports and claims could strongly contribute to vaccine hesitancy in the country, thereby adversely impacting public health. The Government of India remains committed to evidence-based public health research to protect the wellbeing of its citizens, stated the official communication. #HealthForAll Extensive studies by @ICMRDELHI and AIIMS on sudden deaths among adults post COVID have conclusively established no linkage between COVID-19 vaccines and sudden deaths Lifestyle and Pre-Existing Conditions identified as key factorshttps://t.co/QEN1X1PKfv Ministry of Health (@MoHFW_INDIA) July 2, 2025 Siddaramaiah on Tuesday said that the Covid-19 vaccine might be a reason for the sudden spike in heart attack cases in Hassan district where at least 18 cases of cardiac deaths were reported in the last one month. It cannot be ruled out that the sudden approval and distribution of the Covid vaccine in haste may also be one of the causes of these deaths. This is supported by several global studies which have recently suggested a possible link between the vaccine and increased instances of cardiac arrest. Before criticising us, BJP leaders should search their own conscience, the chief minister said. The chief minister has announced that a committee of experts headed by Dr Ravindranath, director of Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research, Bengaluru, will examine the causes of death and also suggest remedial measures within 10 days. Also read What caused a sudden surge in cardiac deaths among youngsters in Karnatakas Hassan In February this year, the Dr Ravindranath Committee had been tasked with an in-depth study on the causes of sudden deaths among young people and adolescents across the state and their possible link to the adverse effects of the Covid-19 vaccine. The Union ministry, meanwhile, cited two complementary studies carried out using different research approachesone based on past data and another involving real-time investigation. The first study, conducted by ICMRs National Institute of Epidemiology (NIE), titled Factors associated with unexplained sudden deaths among adults aged 18-45 years in India A multicentric matched casecontrol study, was carried out from May to August 2023 across 47 tertiary care hospitals in 19 states and Union territories. It looked at individuals who appeared to be healthy but died suddenly between October 2021 and March 2023. The findings conclusively show that COVID-19 vaccination does not increase the risk of unexplained sudden death in young adults, the ministry said. A second study titled Establishing the cause in sudden unexplained deaths in young is currently being conducted by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi with funding and in collaboration with ICMR. The prospective study aims at determining the common causes of sudden deaths in young adults. Early analysis of data has indicated that heart attacks, or myocardial infarction (MI), continue to be the leading cause of sudden death in this age group. Importantly, no major changes in the pattern of causes have been observed when compared with previous years. In the majority of the unexplained death cases, genetic mutations have been identified as a possible cause of these deaths. The final results will be shared once the study is complete. Together, these two studies offer a more comprehensive understanding of sudden unexplained deaths in young adults in India and also reveal that Covid-19 vaccination does not appear to increase the risk, whereas, the role of underlying health issues, genetic predisposition and risky lifestyle choices does play a role in unexplained sudden deaths. Scientific experts have reiterated that statements linking Covid vaccination to sudden deaths are false and misleading, and are not supported by scientific consensus, stated the ministry. Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday flagged off the first batch of pilgrims for the Amarnath Yatra, marking the formal commencement of this year's pilgrimage, from Jammu. Chants of 'Har Har Mahadev' and 'Bam Bam Bhole' filled the air as the devotees set off on their spiritual journey. #WATCH | Jammu | J&K LG Manoj Sinha flags off the first batch of pilgrims for Shri Amarnath Yatra starting today pic.twitter.com/OAsRfkZQUC ANI (@ANI) July 1, 2025 L-G Sinha, who offered prayers at the Yatri Nivas base camp in Jammu before the flag-off, applauded the Amarnath Shrine Board for arranging "excellent facilities" for the yatra. Jammu and Kashmir Police and security forces have also maintained tight security. Devotees from all over the country are here. The enthusiasm is very high, he said, adding that the devotees had neglected all terror threats and reached in huge numbers. Sinha claimed that the facilities for devotees have improved since 2022. Both routes leading to the cave used to be six feet wide, but are now 12 feet wide. There used to be darkness on the route; now, grid connectivity has been established." #WATCH | J&K | First batch of Shri Amarnath Yatra pilgrims arrive in Chanderkote of Ramban district. pic.twitter.com/BlV5pR7WHJ ANI (@ANI) July 2, 2025 The L-G noted that telecom connectivity has become completely prominent throughout the way and high-quality cameras have been installed for the Yatra LIVE feed. Tight security arrangements are in place for the yatra which comes a few months after the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam. On Tuesday, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo said all necessary measures, including elaborate security arrangements, have been put in place to ensure a safe and comfortable pilgrimage for devotees arriving from across the country and abroad. The 38-day pilgrimage to the 3,880-metre-high shrine will commence on July 3 via the twin tracksthe traditional 48-kilometre-long Nunwan-Pahalgam route in Anantnag district and the 14-kilometre shorter but steeper Baltal route in the Ganderbal district. The Karnataka cabinet on Wednesday approved 31 projects worth Rs 2,550 crore in the Bengaluru division. However, the special cabinet held at Nandi Hills in Chikkaballapura district did not address the concerns over the "treated" waste water from the Hebbal Nagavara (HN) Valley in Bengaluru polluting the lakes and farm lands in Chikkaballapura. During the press meet that followed the cabinet meeting, the local reporters raised concerns over the HN Valley project polluting the water bodies in the district, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah contended that the water was "safe" and the project was not meant for drinking purpose. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah recently expressed concern over the rise in heart attack deaths in Hassan. He suggested these might be linked to the COVID-19 vaccine. The Union Health Ministry has now strongly denied this claim. It said that two major studies by ICMR and pic.twitter.com/juEs31SNP0 THE WEEK (@TheWeekLive) July 2, 2025 The reporters drew the CM's attention to an earlier statement of his cabinet colleague and Food and Civil Supplies minister KH Muniyappa who admitted that the treated water through the KC Valley and HN Valley projects reaching the parched districts of Kolar and Chikkaballapura lakes needed tertiary treatment. What is tertiary treatment of waste water? Tertiary treatment of waste water is an advanced process to remove impurities nutrients, pathogens, and chemicalsafter secondary treatment (biological process of removing dissolved it suspended organic matter) to produce high-quality effluent. HN valley water is currently undergoing only secondary treatment. Tertiary treatment makes water safe for human consumption Siddaramaiah denied there was any opposition to the project by the farmers and stated that claimed that the project was meant only for groundwater recharging and not for drinking purposes. Higher Education Minister Dr M.C. Sudhakar, who is also the district in-charge of Chikkaballapura, who rushed to defend the CM, said, the HN Valley was meant only to augment the groundwater levels. "The Centre has appreciated the project and wants to emulate it. The IISc is monitoring the water quality and we are periodically submitting water quality reports to the National Green Tribunal too. Any objection to the project is only political," said Sudhakar. The district reporters highlighted that the drinking water borewells were in the lake beds and livestock drank from the lakes too and any contamination of the lakes due to inadequate treatment of water could prove to be a health hazard. They also informed that some villages had put up warning boards asking people not to use the lake water. An embarrassed Muniyappa who was present at the press meet, claimed that the issue of tertiary treatment of the HN Valley had already been discussed with the chief minister and he had assured that he would take call after conducting a scientific study (on the water quality). The CM also announced that the Yettinahole project would be completed within the next two years and at a total cost of Rs 23,251 crore and around 75 lakh population spread across nine districts including Kolar, Chikkaballapura, Bengaluru Rural, Tumakuru and Hassan would get drinking water. Interestingly, the state cabinet decided to rename Bengaluru Rural district as Bengaluru North (recently Ramanagara district was renamed as Bengaluru South district), and Bagepalli taluk as Bhagyanagar. The Bengaluru City University will be named after late Dr Manmohan Singh. "Bagepalli is a Telugu name. The word 'palli' in Kannada means lizard. So we are changing it to Bhagyanagar," said the chief minister. The cabinet also gave its nod for a cabinet subcommittee headed by law minister HK Patil to look into the Lokayukta report on illegal mining and submit a report within a month. Maharashtra Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule has announced that stringent action will be taken against those involved in illegal sand mining along the banks of the Wardha River. He also warned that the officials responsible would be suspended immediately. During the Monsoon Session of the State Legislature, Minister Bawankule responded to a question from MLC Dadarao Keche, detailing the governments measures to tackle illegal sand exploitation. To curb illegal sand mining, the government has implemented a new sand policy effective April 1, 2025, Bawankule said. The first sand depot (Reti Ghat) auction in Chandrapur generated 100 crore in revenue. The government plans to auction additional smaller depots to boost revenue and prevent illegal activities. Under the Gharkul policy announced on April 30, 2025, five brass units of sand will be allotted free via a tehsildar, and passes will be issued through an online portal. Local gram panchayats and municipal councils can obtain sand at royalty rates for construction, and tehsildars have been appointed as nodal officers for private construction, the minister mentioned. Responding to Keches concern over inaction by local talathis and revenue staff, the minister assured that the officials concerned would be suspended immediately. Drone surveys of sand depots have been ordered, along with directives for firm action against violators. MLC Shashikant Shinde emphasized accountability on the issue. In response, Bawankule stated, Under the chief ministers orders, revenue and police departments will coordinate to investigate the matter and file cases against the accused. Minister Bawankule affirmed, Taking immediate disciplinary and enforcement action will effectively curb illegal sand mining while ensuring legal sand supply for local development projects. Responding to allegations by MLC Anil Parab regarding sand theft, the minister said, If Parab provides detailed information, I will issue a formal statement before the session concludes. To further limit illegal sand mining, the government has introduced the M-Sand policy and authorized 50 crusher units per district. This will reduce dependence on natural sand by up to 90 percent, the minister said. Additionally, the transport department will suspend vehicles involved in illegal sand transport15 days for the first offense, one month for the second, and permanent suspension for the third. After Bengaluru police arrested an Infosys employee for allegedly filming a woman colleague inside a washroom on the company's campus, the tech giant fired the accused on Wednesday. The accused was identified as Swapnil Nagesh Mali, 28, a senior associate at Infosys. He was arrested based on a complaint filed by a woman. The incident occurred on June 30. In her complaint, the woman revealed that she noticed a reflection on the washroom door and later found a mobile phone popping out from the nearby cubicle. The woman then climbed the commode and saw Mali standing on the commode in the adjacent cubicle. The accused allegedly removed his trousers while filming the woman, according to The Times of India. The panicked woman ran out and screamed for help following which her colleagues rushed to her. They stopped Mali from leaving the spot. The accused's device was seized and brought to the HR personnel, who later deleted the video clips in the phone in front of the victim. Mali reportedly had more than 30 explicit videos, including a recording of another employee and other clips downloaded from the internet. Police said a screenshot of the video in question was taken as evidence and the original files were deleted. The charges slapped on the accused include BNS Section 77 (Voyeurism) and other sections under the IT Act. A group of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorists were trapped in Chatroo area of Kishtwar district in Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday evening after encounter with security forces. Officials believe that two to three JeM terrorists are trapped in the heavily forested Kuchal locality in Chatroo. "Based on specific intelligence, a joint search operation was underway in Kanzal Mandu, Kishtwar. Contact has been established with the terrorists, and operations are in progress," the White Knight Corps posted on X. It was a joint operation carried out by the Indian Army, the CRPF and the Jammu and Kashmir Police. They reportedly received specific intelligence inputs regarding movement of JeM terrorists in the locality. Op CHHATRU Based on specific #intelligence a joint search operation was underway in Kanzal Mandu, #Kishtwar. Contact has been established with the #terrorists and #operations are in progress.@adgpi@NorthernComd_IA White Knight Corps (@Whiteknight_IA) July 2, 2025 According to officials, the gunfire began after the security forces launched a search and cordon operation in Chatroo. The terrorists opened fire after noticing the presence of security search parties. The authorities have sent reinforcements to the area in order tighten the cordon operation and neutralise the terrorists, said officials. The latest development comes less than two months after a soldier was killed in a gunfight with terrorists in Singhpora area of Chatroo in Kishtwar district. Two terrorists were also killed in the May encounter. Security forces have beefed up security in Jammu and Kashmir following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack that claimed the lives of 26 civilians. They have also intensified anti-terror operations in Kashmir valley, arresting several individuals over anti-national activities. BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 2. On Tuesday, July 1, Latvias Minister of Education and Science, Dace Melbarde, met with German Ambassador to Latvia, H.E. Gudrun Masloch, to discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation in the fields of education, science, and research, Trend reports. Minister Melbarde emphasized Germanys important role in supporting German language education in Latvian schools, fostering academic collaboration between universities, and advancing joint research efforts. She particularly highlighted Germanys contribution to Latvias education reform, which aims to phase out Russian as a second foreign language by 2030 in favor of the official languages of the EU or EEA. We greatly appreciate the support of the German Embassy and the Goethe-Institut in providing teacher training and educational materials for German language instruction, said Melbarde. The sides also underlined the value of their cooperation in vocational education. With Latvia focusing its vocational and adult education strategy on aligning curricula with labor market needs, Germany was identified as a key partner in strengthening knowledge and skills transfer. Special mention was given to the newly established Interdisciplinary Center for German Language Studies at the University of Latvia. The center will serve as a platform for international initiatives in the Baltic region and the German-speaking world, as well as support teacher training programs. Minister Melbarde reiterated Latvias strategic goal of becoming a full member of CERN by 2027 and expressed strong interest in expanding cooperation with Germany in the field of artificial intelligence. AI development is essential both for the EUs global competitiveness and for the growth of Latvias science and economy, she noted. The meeting also touched on higher education, including the increasing interest of German students in Latvian universities. In 2025, German nationals accounted for 6.5% of all international students in Latvia, with Riga Stradins University standing out as a popular destination. In closing, Minister Melbarde expressed gratitude for Germanys continued support and optimism about future collaboration: Our joint initiatives are a model of how education, science, and innovation can form the foundation of a more secure and united Europe. In a strong statement made ahead of his 90th birthday on July 6, the 14th Dalai Lama affirmed that "the institution of the Dalai Lama would continue" and the Gaden Phodrang Trust will have the sole authority to recognise future reincarnations. "No one else has any such authority to interfere in this matter," he said, which is seen as directed at China, that has said it had the right to approve the current leader's successor. In a video message, following the start of a three-day religious conference of top Tibetan Buddhist monks on Wednesday, the Dalai Lama spoke about his succession, referring to a September 2011 statement. At the meeting he said that "concerned people should decide whether the Dalai Lama's reincarnations should continue." The Tibetan Buddhist head said that, over the past 14 years, "leaders of Tibet's spiritual traditions, members of the Tibetan Parliament in Exile, participants in a Special General Body Meeting, members of the Central Tibetan Administration, NGOs, Buddhists from the Himalayan region, Mongolia, Buddhist republics of the Russian Federation and Buddhists in Asia including mainland China, have written to me with reasons, earnestly requesting that the institution of the Dalai Lama continue." He has maintained that his successor would be born in "free world" and could be a boy or a girl. On recognising the next Dalai Lama, he said that the Gaden Phodrang Trust should accordingly carry out the procedures of search and recognition in accordance with past traditions". Born as Lhamo Dhondup on July 6, 1935, in Amdo, northeastern Tibet, he was identified as a reincarnation when he was just a two-year-old. The Tibetan government had sent a search party and made the decision based on multiple signs, including the toddler reportedly identifying the belongings of the 13th Dalai Lama, saying, "It's mine, it's mine." Meanwhile, China views the Dalai Lama as a rebel and a separatist. The Dalai Lama fled Tibet in 1959 following a failed uprising against the Chinese government. The country has said that it will choose the next Dalai Lama using state-controlled religious channels after he passes. "The core process of recognising the reincarnations of His Holiness the Dalai Lama is as per the unique Tibetan Buddhist tradition. Hence, we not only strongly condemn the People's Republic of China's usage of the reincarnation subject for their political gain, and will never accept it," read Central Tibetan Administration president Penpa Tsering, from a written statement issued after a closed-door meeting of top Tibetan Buddhist monks. Dr Haris Chirakkal, a government doctor who became a whistleblower about the lack of critical medical equipment in his department at the Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram, said that what he did amounted to professional suicide. I reached this point when every possible path failed, when all efforts had been exhausted. I am sure disciplinary action will follow, he said. Notably, in the aftermath of Chirakkals social media post and the public discussion that followed, the shortage of equipment in his department was resolved. However, similar shortages still exist. I had pointed this out earlier, with all the necessary evidence, to the expert committee, he said, adding that there must be systems in place to resolve such issues permanently. I came forward by sacrificing my career and job I took that much risk. Otherwise, no one would have come forward like this. Perhaps, even I may not be able to do this again, he added, clarifying that he does not blame the health department or the health minister. I have always held the bureaucracy responsible. Even now, I hold the bureaucracy responsible. The bureaucracy has its faults, he reiterated. Chirakkal also said that his intention is solely to see the issue resolved, not to blame the health department or health minister, or portray anyone as a villain. Please do not organise protests against the health department or hospitals. Dont create disruptions that affect peoples safety or treatment. Dont hold dharnas or protests in front of hospitals. If you do all that, my intention will be misunderstood, and that will lead to major problems. Please withdraw from such action, he urged. Yesterday, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said he does not believe the whistleblower acted with bad intentions, but that his words have been used to portray Indias leading healthcare services in a negative light. Nobody can claim that everything is perfect, the CM said. The chief minister also noted that the way Chirakkal raised the issue became a tool in the hands of those who wish to discredit Keralas progress in healthcare. Similar criticism was echoed by CPI(M) state secretary M.V. Govindan and the partys mouthpiece. Meanwhile, Chirakkal maintains that issues in the health sector should not be resolved only when someone is forced to speak out publicly. How do processes that otherwise drag on for months and years suddenly get resolved in a day? he asked. A structural problem that the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, or the Quad as it is commonly called, is the fact that it is personality-centric, with the vicissitudes of the groupings fortunes varying with the extent to which it is favoured or disfavoured by the US President. In the mercurial Donald Trump, the Quad is destined to swing all the more. After having shown an inclination to downgrade the importance of Quad upon his second term assumption of the presidential office, Tuesdays meeting of the foreign ministers of India, Australia and Japan, and the US Secretary of State in Washington DC had indications that the Quad may be back in the reckoningbut mainly with a focus on the American agenda. First, while the joint statement had a substantial paragraph on China, there was nothing to indicate the inclusion of New Delhis primary contention with Beijinga contentious border. The statement says of the South China Sea issue: "We are seriously concerned by the militarisation of disputed features." So why wasnt there a mention of the disputed Line of Actual Control that is the de facto border between India and China-controlled Tibet? Second, the joint declaration reveals the desperation of the US for critical minerals. Expressing concern about supply disruption and lack of reliability of key supply chains, it says: "Reliance on any one country for processing and refining critical minerals and derivative goods production exposes our industries to economic coercion, price manipulation, and supply chain disruptions, which further harms our economic and national security." No prizes for guessing which country that is. #WATCH | Washington DC, The US | India's EAM Dr S Jaishankar, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Japan's Minister of Foreign Affairs Takeshi Iwaya, and Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong arrive for the Quad Foreign Ministers' meeting at the US Department of State. pic.twitter.com/JYzSfUDANS NewsMobile (@NewsMobileIndia) July 1, 2025 That is the reason for the launch of the Quad Critical Minerals Initiative on Tuesday. The statement explained it as "an ambitious expansion of our partnership to strengthen economic security and collective resilience by collaborating to secure and diversify critical minerals supply chains". It means henceforth it will be a collective effort on the part of Quad in the US hunt for critical minerals. Third, the signed statement said on North Korea: "We express deep concern about countries that are deepening military cooperation with North Korea, which directly undermines the global non-proliferation regime." Now North Korea collaborates militarily the most with Russia besides China and Iran. The declaration therefore would have a definite impact of Indias bilateral and traditionally close relationship with Russia. Fourth, while Quad has been publicly declared to be a non-military grouping, Tuesdays meeting resulted in a further buttressing of its footprint in the maritime and transnational security domains. The statement said: The Quad is expanding maritime law enforcement cooperation with the region, which will support efforts to curtail illicit maritime activity, including piracy, drug trafficking, infringements on border security, and illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing." It is said the more things change, the more they remain the same. Tuesdays Quad meeting again underlined the primacy of US and preservation of American interests in the Quad. Amid the 12-day war between Iran and Israel, one of the claims made by Iran was that it had downed an F-35 belonging to Israel. The claim didn't get much attention, as Iran couldn't provide any evidence in this regard. Even Israel pooh-poohed Iran's claim, with its Persian accounting trolling Iran: "Why haven't you released the pictures of our captured pilots yet? We are very worried." But that triggered questions on whether or not Iran possesses the capability to track and target F-35 supersonic stealth fighters. Professor Justin Brank, a researcher on air power and technology at the British think tank the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), told BBC Persian that such claims have no credibility given Iran's military capabilities. "Though Iran had used some radars, such as the Russian Nebo-M system, to increase the likelihood of detecting F-35 fighters and other stealth aircraft, it did not have the technical ability to track stealth fighters like the F-35, let alone engage them. This was in a situation where most of its air defence radars and long-range missile systems were quickly destroyed at the beginning of the conflict," Brank added. Despite Iran claiming to have developed anti-aircraft missiles in recent years, a report by the US Department of Defence Intelligence Agency has cast doubts about the effectiveness of these systems. That said, in an incident that shook the US, a Houthi surface-to-air (SAM) missile almost downed an F-35 during the former's Operation Rough Rider against the Houthis. The jet had to take evasive action to avoid the missile, sending shivers down the US Navy as the fifth-generation fighter is considered the crown jewel of the US fighter inventory. At that time, it was justified that the Houthis had a rudimentary air defence system, which is highly mobile. They are very simple that it helps them avoid earlier detection by the US's advanced equipment. "Many of the [SAMs] are also improvised, leveraging non-traditional passive infrared sensors and jury-rigged air-to-air missiles that provide little to no early warning of a threat, let alone an incoming attack, The War Zone reported. Hackers believed to be aligned with Iran are threatening to release a cache of allegedly stolen emails from President Donald Trumps 2024 campaign, in what US officials are calling a coordinated effort to damage his political standing. The warning, issued by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) on June 30, labelled the threat a "calculated smear campaign" and linked it to Irans broader cyber strategy. The hacking group, using the pseudonym 'Robert', claims to have obtained around 100 GB of email data involving senior Trump advisers, including White House chief of staff Susie Wiles, political operative Roger Stone, Trump lawyer Lindsey Halligan and adult film actor Stormy Daniels. The group said they were considering selling the material but did not reveal its contents. The timing of the threat is significant. It comes just days after Trump cancelled a proposal to ease sanctions on Iran, following Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khameneis dismissive remarks about recent US and Israeli airstrikes on Irans nuclear facilities. Khamenei claimed the strikes had caused little damage. Trump reacted angrily, stating on Truth Social that he had spared the Iranian leader from an "ugly and ignominious death". In response, senior Iranian clerics have issued calls for Trumps death and the Iranian government has withdrawn from scheduled talks. CISA spokesperson Marci McCarthy said the hack was a form of "digital propaganda" aimed at undermining Trump and discrediting officials in his administration. "This so-called cyber 'attack' is designed to distract, divide and damage. The targets are no coincidence," she said. "These criminals will be found and brought to justice." The US Justice Department previously charged three Iranians in connection with the 2024 cyberattack on Trumps campaign, alleging that Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) directed the operation. According to the September indictment, the "Robert" hacking campaign was one of several efforts overseen by the IRGC. Microsoft had also flagged multiple Iranian cyber groups during the 2024 election period, stating they engaged in disinformation and hacking designed to sway the vote. FBI Director Kash Patel emphasised the seriousness of the threat in a statement, saying, "The FBI takes all threats against the president, his staff and US cybersecurity with the utmost seriousness. Anyone involved in compromising national security will be investigated and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law." The US agencies have also warned that Iranian-backed hackers may seek to disrupt critical infrastructure, including power grids, water systems, transportation networks and firms linked to defence or Israel. In a related development, two pro-Palestinian hacker groups claimed responsibility for denial-of-service attacks on aviation companies, banks and oil firms following recent US airstrikes. One of the groups, Mysterious Team, announced on Telegram: "We increase attacks from today," and urged others to join the campaign. The SITE Intelligence Group, which monitors extremist activity online, confirmed the groups claims. The Department of Homeland Security issued a bulletin on June 29 warning of a rise in Iranian cyber threats. CISA has since advised critical infrastructure operators to remain vigilant and review their cyber defences amid heightened geopolitical tensions. India had adopted a neutral stance in the recent Israel-Iran war, considering it enjoys good bilateral relations with both countries. New Delhi has dissociated itself from the SCO statement, which strongly condemned the military strikes carried out by Israel, calling for a diplomatic solution to the crisis. However, India's stance has not gone down well with a section of Iranian media, which states that the country "cannot be a reliable partner for Iran as it sided with Israel". A report that appeared on Iranian news website Khabar Online has decried India's position, stating its "increasing alignment with the Zionist regime and prioritisation of projects like IMEC" has raised serious questions about New Delhi's true commitment to the Chabahar project. India and Iran have signed a 10-year agreement for the operation of Chabahar Port, a strategically important project for India's trade and connectivity with Central Asia and beyond. "Now is the time for Iran to reconsider its interaction with India in this project with a realistic and strategic perspective," the report said. The article says that India committed to investing $85 million in the development of Chabahar Port and 150 million in related infrastructure, since the signing of the 2016 agreement. "But the project faced many hurdles, especially the US sanctions. However, a closer look at the deal shows India has complied with US sanctions policies to the maximum extent possible despite its claim of strategic independence," the article said. It added that India limited itself to operational activities such as port operations instead of advancing infrastructure development in the Chabahar project. India's unwillingness to take risks in the face of secondary sanctions indicates a lack of real will to transform Chabahar into a regional hub, the Iranian media report said. The article also slams India's foreign policy, accusing it of adopting a passive stance towards the "atrocities committed by the Zionist regime." "India not only adopted a passive stance towards these tragedies, but also joined the IMEA (India-Middle East-Europe) corridor, effectively siding with the Zionist regime, the Emirates, and the US regime. This corridor, which has been proposed as a competitor to the Chinese corridors and even the North-South corridor, indicates a shift in Indias priorities from Chabahar to other transit routes," the report said, adding that India's alignment with Israel is in contradiction with principled positions of Iran in supporting the Palestinian cause. It said "the Chabahar experience" showed that India, despite its grand promises, has not kept its commitments in practice and has shied away from serious investment in this project under the pressure of sanctions. "The need to review bilateral relations has become more apparent than ever. Islamic Iran must seek new partners for the development of Chabahar with a strategic perspective," the article said, adding that China, with its successful experience in developing Gwadar Port and the Belt and Road Initiative, can make significant investments in Chabahar and connect it to part of its global transit network. On June 23, Iranian ballistic missiles struck the US airbase Al Udeid in Qatar, a retaliation for the US bombing of Iran's three nuclear sites. The well-choreographed attack was calibrated and the US-backed Qatari air defences did their job well, striking down all missiles except for one. While there were no casualties, the damage the attack did to the stability of the Gulf countries was immense. For the Gulf nations, the attack was not just a reminder of how dependent they were on the US safety net but it also shattered the perception of being havens of stability and engines of commerce and finance in an unstable region. Though the response from Qatar and other Gulf countries was limited to a statement - Qatar said it was reserving the right to defend - the anger was palpable, according to analysts. Qatar said that its response to the Iranian attack on Al Udeid US airbase in the Gulf country is a sovereign issue, after Iran attacked the base in retaliation for US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites https://t.co/uTvND6pIwJ pic.twitter.com/NJU2xv0Ejc Reuters (@Reuters) June 24, 2025 "The Iranian attack on Al Udeid Airbase was seen in a negative light by the Gulf countries. Although it was just a performance for local consumption in Iran, the Gulf doesn't want the Iranians to perform at their expense," Saudi political analyst Ali Shihabi told UAE-based The National. "Gulf states were very clearly irritated and wanted to send Iran a strong message that this sort of performance is unacceptable. That said, I believe both the Gulf countries and Iran remain committed to maintaining civilised ties, and that engagement will continue," he said. Despite this, the Gulf nations are realising that Iran's ambitious nuclear programme, and whether Israel and the US would continue to target it, will be a major threat for them. Watch the moment Iran launches advanced ballistic missiles at American terrorist forces at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar a direct retaliation for their attack on Iranian soil.#OpTriumphMessage pic.twitter.com/C63Bwy5WYa Daily Iran Military (@IRIran_Military) June 23, 2025 Iran is, however, on a damage control mode. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian held a phone conversation on Tuesday with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to reiterate that Irans missile strike on the U.S. base in Qatar came in direct response to Washingtons military role in the attack on Iranian territory. Iran continues to believe that the attack was not intended to damage its relationship with the Gulf countries. "Fortunately, our relations with our neighbours in the southern Gulf were not affected by this attack, a Tehran-based analyst close to the Iranian government told The National. He added that Iran had kept Qatar in the loop and was convinced that the attack was not at territory and sovereignty of Qatari soil. In a suspected act of hate crime, a prominent temple of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) has come under attack in Utah in the United States. In a statement, the ISKCON said around 2030 bullets were fired on the temple premises over the past few days, causing significant damage to the building. The ISKCON Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple in Spanish Fork, Utah (USA), world-famous for its Holi Festival, has recently come under attack in suspected hate crimes. Over the past several days, 2030 bullets were fired at the temple building and the surrounding property, it said. The incidents occurred during nighttime hours, while devotees and guests were present inside, and have resulted in thousands of dollars in structural damage, including to the temples hand-carved arches. The ISKCON Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple in Spanish Fork, Utah (USA), world-famous for its Holi Festival, has recently come under attack in suspected hate crimes. Over the past several days, 2030 bullets were fired at the temple building and the surrounding property. The pic.twitter.com/ew4MmNsQvA ISKCON (@iskcon) July 1, 2025 The Consulate General of India in San Francisco has condemned the attack and urged authorities to take prompt action to bring the perpetrators to justice. We strongly condemn the recent firing incident at the ISKCON Sri Sri Radha Krishna temple in Spanish Fork, Utah. The Consulate extends full support to all the devotees and the community and urges the local authorities to take prompt action to bring the perpetrators to justice, it said in a post on X. We strongly condemn the recent firing incident at the ISKCON Sri Sri Radha Krishna temple in Spanish Fork, Utah. The Consulate extends full support to all the devotees and the community and urges the local authorities to take prompt action to bring the perpetrators to justice. India in SF (@CGISFO) July 1, 2025 Earlier this year, a similar incident occurred in Chino Hills where Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) was found desecrated on March 9, raising concerns about the mounting anti-Hindu sentiments in the region. Last year, two BAPS templesone in Sacramento and another in New Yorkwere targeted with messages such as Hindus go back found written on the walls. A Dalai Lama representative to India on Wednesday criticised the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) at length over its interference in the selection process to appoint a new successor to His Holiness. ALSO READ | 'No one else has authority': Dalai Lama reaffirms Trust to choose successor as China watches According to Dhundup Gyalpo, Bureau Secretary (New Delhi) for the Dalai Lama, the Chinese Communist Party's actions essentially reduced this inviolable spiritual system (the Tibetan Dalai Lama selection process) to nothing more than a state-controlled lottery. Lies, Damned Lies and Chinese Propaganda: What else can we expect from an atheist, authoritarian regime fixated on sabotaging the sacred Tibetan Buddhist process of recognising the Dalai Lamas reincarnation for its own political ends? The Chinese Communist Party has reduced Dhundup Gyalpo (@DhunGyalpo) July 2, 2025 His comments come amid the CCP's insistence that the golden urna Qing dynasty ritual in which names are drawn, lot-style, from a ceremonial urnwas the only legitimate method to recognise reincarnated lamas. The CCP had also insisted that the final selection was subject to its express approval. The practice of Living Buddha reincarnation has continued over 700 years, and has formed rigorous religious rituals and historical conventions. The reincarnation of the Dalai Lama, the Panchen Erdeni and other grand Living Buddhas must go through the Golden Urn lottery pic.twitter.com/wNNIibTKkN Xu Feihong (@China_Amb_India) July 2, 2025 Dismissing the lot-drawing as a distorted version of the traditional Tibetan dough-ball divination methodhistorically used when a candidate was doubted, or multiple candidates emergedGyalpo explained that China's demand was an attempt to hijack the sacred Tibetan selection process: an example of colonial-style authority. In a strong statement made ahead of His Holiness' 90th birthday on July 6, the 14th Dalai Lama affirmed that "the institution of the Dalai Lama would continue" and the Gaden Phodrang Trust (the foundation he founded), would be the only one with the authority to recognise future reincarnations. Statement Affirming the Continuation of the Institution of Dalai Lama (Translated from the original Tibetan) On 24 September 2011, at a meeting of the heads of Tibetan spiritual traditions, I made a statement to fellow Tibetans in and outside Tibet, followers of Tibetan pic.twitter.com/VqtBUH9yDm Dalai Lama (@DalaiLama) July 2, 2025 "No one else has any such authority to interfere in this matter," he said, in a translated X post. He also referenced the issue in a video message on Wednesday, following the start of a three-day religious conference of top Tibetan Buddhist monks, the Dalai Lama spoke about his succession, referring to a September 2011 statement, where he had said that "concerned people should decide whether the Dalai Lama's reincarnations should continue. Unrefuted lies, when repeated often, become accepted as facts, Gyalpo explains in his post, using historical evidence to prove the illegitimacy of the Chinese method. While both China and Tibet have been profoundly influenced by Buddhism originating in India, each has developed its own distinct Buddhist traditions. Chinese Buddhism, or 'Han Buddhism', does not include a reincarnation system, which is unique to Tibetan Buddhism ... After China's occupation of Tibet, the Chinese government implemented policies aimed at Sinicizing Tibetan Buddhism, which involved removing Indian and Tibetan cultural elements that had been integrated into the region. These policies, presented as "laws," effectively represented the self-granted authority of colonial rulers, deviating from both traditional Chinese culture and Buddhism. Tibetan Buddhism, therefore, rejected these regulations, he explained. ALSO READ | OPINION | The Tibetan quest for freedom and the legacy of the Dalai Lama The succession dispute has also sharpened Beijing-New Delhi tensions, especially since India granted asylum to the 14th Dalai Lama after he fled Tibet. More than 100,000 Tibetans live in exile in India. While New Delhi officially recognises Tibet as a part of China, it also allows the Tibetan government in exile to operate out of Dharamshala. Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced the country was enhancing water storage capacity after India refused to budge from its decision to put the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance. The decision came after Pakistan's relentless demand to India to reinstate the treaty, and even approached the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague in this regard. India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan in April after the Pahalgam terror attack, citing Pakistan's alleged support for cross-border terrorism. India maintains that the treaty will remain in abeyance until Pakistan credibly ends its support for terrorism, despite Islamabad's constant accusations of "water terrorism.' Sharif said on Tuesday that a decision was taken to enhance the countrys water storage capacity and accused India of "weaponising water." He then went on his usual tirade against India, stating "the enemy has evil designs against Pakistan", adding that his government would build a "non-controversial water storage capacity" by utilising resources such as the Diamer Bhasha dam and others. The Diamer-Bhasha Dam is a concrete-filled gravity dam being constructed on the Indus between Kohistan in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Diamer district in Gilgit-Baltistan. The construction of the dam, which began during the Imran Khan government, was objected to by India as it was being built on "illegal territory". The work on the dam had run into multiple hurdles, with local people protesting against the dam, stating they would not allow the construction of the dam unless their demands were met. However, Sharif said there was a clear clause in the 1991 water accord between the provinces to build on water capacity. "We will build this capacity with our own resources in the next few years. There is a critical role of the National Disaster Management Authority in this," he said. Instead of exercising its legal right under international law to suspend or withdraw from the Indus Waters Treaty, India opted for a half-measure a political gesture rather than a legal action by placing the treaty "in abeyance," a term with no standing in international law. pic.twitter.com/TCz9TdIHLw Dr. Brahma Chellaney (@Chellaney) June 27, 2025 Ever since India suspended the treaty, Pakistan has been attempting to highlight it as a water terrorism. After their complaints fell on deaf ears, Islamabad then began writing repeated letters asking India to lift the suspension of the treaty. However. Jal Shakti Minister CR Paatil rejected the letters, calling them just a formality that will not change Indias stand. Recently, Pakistan approached the Court of Arbitration against the move. The court found that the terms of the Treaty, read in light of the Treatys object and purpose, do not allow either Party, acting unilaterally. However, India described the Court of Arbitrations latest declarations as a "charade at Pakistans behest". BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 2. Lithuanias Ministry of National Defence announced on July 1 the start of construction planning for standardized military base complexes to serve the needs of the Lithuanian National Defence Volunteer Forces (KASP) in Vilnius, Ukmerge, Pasvalys, and Kelme, Trend reports. The first phase of construction is scheduled to be completed in Vilnius by early 2027. Each facility will serve as a multi-purpose complex, including a headquarters, barracks, administrative offices, locker rooms, and storage areas. KASP is an integral part of Lithuanias defense system, and volunteer soldiers must be provided with modern, service-ready conditions, said Deputy Minister of Defence Orijana Masale, who oversees infrastructure projects. We are developing a unified network of standardized bases that will significantly enhance KASPs capabilities nationwide. A catalog of design solutions will ensure consistent quality and efficient resource use for future developments. The Ministry plans to launch a public procurement tender for construction in Vilnius during the third quarter of this year. All buildings will meet A++ energy efficiency standards and follow a consistent layout. In addition to military and administrative facilities, the complexes will include fitness and recreation areas, modern workspaces, and parking. The new bases will be used by the 8th Territorial Unit of the Great Battle District in Vilnius and Ukmerge, the 5th Territorial Unit of the Vyciai District in Pasvalys, and the 6th Territorial Unit of the Resurrection District in Kelme. Design planning for the Pasvalys, Kelme, and Ukmerge projects is expected to be completed by mid-2026. The Vilnius site will also feature additional facilities, including a shooting range building, a sanitation facility, a garage, vehicle shelter tents, and laser shooting modules. The estimated construction cost of the Vilnius complex is approximately 3.6 million. If the initial phase is successfully implemented, the Ministry plans to expand the program by constructing at least ten more base complexes in other regions of Lithuania. The expansion of KASP infrastructure is intended to improve operational capabilities, ensure high-quality training for volunteer soldiers, and contribute to the nations overall defense readiness. Established on January 17, 1991, as the Voluntary National Defence Service (SKAT), the Lithuanian National Defence Volunteer Forces became part of the Lithuanian Armed Forces Land Forces in 2003. Today, approximately 5,500 volunteer soldiers serve in KASP. These reservistswho have committed to part-time military servicetypically participate in combat training exercises for about 30 days per year, usually on weekends, allowing them to balance military duties with civilian careers or studies. Foreign ministers of the Quad groupingUS, India, Japan and Australiaon Tuesday condemned the terrorist attack in Pahalgam and said the perpetrators of this reprehensible act should be brought to justice without any delay. In a joint statement after their meeting in Washington DC, the ministers also expressed condolences to the families of the victims. The Quad condemns all acts of terrorism and violent extremism in all its forms and manifestations, including cross-border terrorism, and renews their commitment to counterterrorism cooperation, they said. Just finished a very productive meeting of Quad Foreign Ministers in Washington DC. Discussed how to make Quad more focused and impactful on contemporary opportunities and challenges. Todays gathering will strengthen strategic stability in the Indo - Pacific and keep it free pic.twitter.com/M9Vg5NaxMR Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) July 1, 2025 Twenty-six people, mostly tourists, were killed as terrorists sprayed bullets at them after verifying their religious identity in the scenic Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22, sparking an intense diplomatic and military confrontation between India and Pakistan. We condemn in the strongest terms the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir on April 22, 2025, which claimed the lives of 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen, while injuring several others," said the Quad statement. We call for the perpetrators, organizers, and financiers of this reprehensible act to be brought to justice without any delay and urge all UN Member States, in accordance with their obligations under international law and relevant UNSCRs, to cooperate actively with all relevant authorities in this regard," it said. Earlier, in his remarks to the press before the meeting, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said India has every right to defend its people against terrorism and the partners of the Quad grouping should appreciate that. Victims and perpetrators must never be equated and India has every right to defend its people against terrorism and we will exercise that right. We expect our Quad partners to understand and appreciate that, he said. My remarks to the press before Quad Foreign Ministers meeting in Washington DC. https://t.co/HfbEg9q5Md Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) July 1, 2025 The meeting was attended by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Japanese Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi. On June 27, Russian law enforcement officers in the city of Yekaterinburg rounded up more than 50 Azerbaijani nationals in a wide-ranging operation. According to investigators, they were suspects in a murder case dating back 24 years. However, two of the detained individuals died in Russian police custody, sparking a major diplomatic rift between Azerbaijan and Russia. Azerbaijans response Azerbaijans Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly condemned the deaths of two Azerbaijani brothers, Ziyaddin Safarov and Gusein Safarov, who reportedly died while in Russian custody. The ministry described the incident as a brutal killing and alleged that several other detainees were also injured. Postmortems conducted in Baku, Azerbaijans capital, revealed signs that both men had been beaten to death. In contrast, Russian authorities claimed that one of the men died of heart failure, while the cause of death of the other is still under investigation. In protest, Azerbaijan's Ministry of Culture cancelled all Russia-linked concerts, exhibitions, and festivals. The Azerbaijani Parliament also withdrew from a planned bilateral meeting in Moscow and cancelled an official visit by Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov expressed regret over the escalating tensions. We believe that everything happening in Yekaterinburg is related to the work of law enforcement agencies, and this cannot and should not be a reason for such a reaction, he said. Azerbaijani political analyst Emil Mustafayev, based in Baku, described the incident as xenophobic. The killing of Azeris is part of a pattern of tendentious politics where ethnic minorities are used as scapegoats, he told Al Jazeera. Russian journalists targeted in Azerbaijan On June 30, Azerbaijans Ministry of Internal Affairs reported that seven individuals were arrested at the editorial office of Sputnik Azerbaijan Radio, including two Russian nationalsthe agencys Executive Director and Editor-in-Chief. Additionally, a journalist from Ruplty, a Russian media agency, was summoned for questioning. On July 1, eight Russiansallegedly part of an organized crime groupwere also detained. Reports indicated they had visible bruises on their faces and bodies. Russian nationals in Azerbaijan are now being suspected of drug trafficking, specifically importing drugs from Iran and selling them online. A Reuters source revealed that 15 Russians have been detained on related charges. The plane crash that soured relations further Tensions between the two nations had already been strained. Despite hosting around 2 million Azeris, reports suggest that racial discrimination against them is prevalent in Russia. One flashpoint occurred in December last year, when Russian air defenses mistakenly shot down a passenger plane traveling from Baku to Grozny over Chechnya. The aircraft crashed in Kazakhstan, killing 38 people on board. Mirjalil Gasimli, a member of Azerbaijans Parliament, condemned both the Yekaterinburg incident and the unresolved plane crash: The events in Yekaterinburg, including the killing of our compatriots and the pressures they have faced, are blatant examples of chauvinism, discrimination, and national prejudice in Russia. Referring to the crash, he added, Russias failure to take action regarding the downing of an Azerbaijan Airlines civilian plane in December remains utterly unacceptable. It is imperative that steps consistent with international law be taken to address these issues. Although Russian President Vladimir Putin offered an apology to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, it was seen as insufficient by Baku. Putin stated that the military had mistaken the plane for a Ukrainian drone. Bangladesh's ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is currently on self-exile in India, was sentenced to a six-month prison term by the country's International Crimes Tribunal on Wednesday in a contempt of court case, a top prosecutor said. A three-member panel of the tribunalled by Justice M. Golam Mortuza Mozumderpassed the order after reviewing a leaked phone conversation involving the ousted Awami League leader that circulated on social media last year, as per a Daily Star report. ALSO READ | Kerala or Bangladesh? Yunus's office claims Awami League spread 2023 Indian video as 'July gang culture' In the audio clip, Hasina is allegedly heard telling former Gobindaganj Upazila chairman and banned Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) leader Shakil Akand Bulbul: "I have had 227 cases filed against me, so I have received a licence to kill 227 people." Until her exit in August, the BCL had been a vital part of Sheikh Hasina's iron rule over Bangladesh, often dominating college campuses and allegedly leading violent mobs against anti-Hasina protesters. As a result, BCL leader Bulbul was sentenced to two months in prison in the same case, Chief Prosecutor Muhammad Tajul Islam told reporters. Despite facing numerous cases following deadly student-led protests in August, Wednesday's ruling marks the first time that the former leader was sentenced in one of them. ALSO READ | OPINION | A defining dialogue for democratic renewal: YunusTarique meeting sets Bangladesh on the path to peaceful transition According to a UN rights office report, around 1,400 were killed between July 15 and August 15 in 2024, as retaliatory violence continued even after the fall of the previous regime. Sheikh Hasina, however, has denied all charges of clampdowns on those who opposed her incumbencyincluding the current casetelling journalists that she would present "arguments to seek her discharge from these allegations", according to defence lawyer Amir Hossain, as per a Hindustan Times report. Bengaluru, Jul 2 (PTI) A 30-year-old Infosys employee was arrested on Wednesday for allegedly "filming" a female colleague inside the womens washroom at the companys Electronic City campus, police said. The accused, identified as Swapnil Nagesh Mali, a Senior Associate Consultant from Sangli, Maharashtra, was caught by HR personnel and handed over to the police. There was no immediate response from Infosys on the incident. According to police, the incident occurred on Monday morning when the woman noticed a suspicious reflection and movement from an adjacent cubicle while using the washroom. Moments later, she alleged that Mali was standing on a commode in the next cubicle, filming her with his mobile phone, in her complaint. Shocked, she rushed out screaming and alerted her colleagues. The accused, who tried to flee, was caught by HR staff. On checking his phone, HR personnel found a video of the victim and another secretly recorded video of a different woman employee. The accused repeatedly apologised and deleted the videos, but HR staff took a screenshot as evidence before deletion. The woman later approached the Electronic City police, following which a case was registered under relevant sections of the Information Technology Act and Section 77 (Voyeurism) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. "Based on the complaint, we have arrested the man. Further investigation is underway," a senior police officer said. The U.S. is halting some shipments of weapons to Ukraine amid concerns that its own stockpiles have declined too much, officials said Tuesday, a setback for the country as it tries to fend off escalating attacks from Russia. Certain munitions were previously promised to Ukraine under the Biden administration to aid its defenses during the more than three-year-old war. The pause reflects a new set of priorities under President Donald Trump and came after Defense Department officials scrutinized current U.S. stockpiles and raised concerns. This decision was made to put Americas interests first following a review of our nations military support and assistance to other countries across the globe, White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said in a statement. The strength of the United States Armed Forces remains unquestioned just ask Iran. That was a reference to Trump recently ordering U.S. missile strikes against nuclear sites in Iran. Pentagon stocks of some weapons found to be low, official says The Pentagon review determined that stocks were too low on some weapons previously pledged, so pending shipments of some items wont be sent, according to a U.S. official who spoke on condition of anonymity to provide information that has not yet been made public. The Defense Department did not provide details on what specific weapons were being held back. Americas military has never been more ready and more capable, spokesman Sean Parnell said, adding that the major tax cut and spending package moving through Congress ensures that our weapons and defense systems are modernized to protect against 21st century threats for generations to come. The halt of some weapons from the U.S. is a blow to Ukraine as Russia has recently launched some of its biggest aerial attacks of the war, in an escalating bombing campaign that has further dashed hopes for a breakthrough in peace efforts championed by Trump. Talks between the sides have ground to a halt. The U.S. stoppage was first reported by Politico. To date, the U.S. has provided Ukraine more than $66 billion worth of weapons and military assistance since Russia invaded its neighbor in February 2022. Over the course of the war, the U.S. has routinely pressed for allies to provide air defense systems to Ukraine. But many are reluctant to give up the high-tech systems, particularly countries in Eastern Europe that also feel threatened by Russia. Elbridge Colby, the Defense Department undersecretary for policy, said officials continue to provide the president with robust options to continue military aid to Ukraine, consistent with his goal of bringing this tragic war to an end. At the same time, the department is rigorously examining and adapting its approach to achieving this objective while also preserving U.S. forces readiness for Administration defense priorities, Colby said in a statement. Trump met with Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the sidelines of the NATO summit last week and had left open the possibility of sending Kyiv more U.S.-made Patriot air defense missile systems, acknowledging they would help the Ukrainian cause. They do want to have the antimissile missiles, OK, as they call them, the Patriots, Trump said then. And were going to see if we can make some available. We need them, too. Were supplying them to Israel, and theyre very effective, 100% effective. Hard to believe how effective. They do want that more than any other thing. Trump administration shifts outlook on Ukraine military aid Those comments hinted at thinking about providing weapons to Ukraine thats begun to change across the administration in recent months. In testimony before lawmakers in June, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said he has moved quickly to quash wasteful programs and redirect funding to Trumps top objectives. Hegseth said a negotiated peace between Russia and Ukraine, which has been promoted for months by Trump, makes America look strong, even though Moscow is the aggressor in the conflict. He also said the defense budget includes hard choices and reflects the reality that Europe needs to step up more for the defense of its own continent. And President Trump deserves the credit for that. The defense secretary told lawmakers last month that some U.S. security spending for Ukraine was still in the pipeline, without providing details. But he said such assistance which has been robust for the past two years would be reduced. This administration takes a very different view of that conflict, Hegseth said. We believe that a negotiated peaceful settlement is in the best interest of both parties and our nations interests. The change comes after Hegseth skipped a meeting last month of an international group to coordinate military aid to Ukraine that the U.S. created three years ago. Hegseths predecessor, Lloyd Austin, formed the group after Russia attacked Ukraine, and Hegseths absence was the first time the U.S. defense secretary wasnt in attendance. Under Austins leadership, the U.S. served as chair of the group, and he and the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff attended monthly meetings, which were both in person and by video. Hegseth had previously stepped away from a leadership role of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group turning that over to Germany and the United Kingdom before abandoning the gathering altogether. (AP) Republican leaders in the House are sprinting toward a Wednesday vote on President Donald Trumps tax and spending cuts package, determined to seize momentum from a hard-fought vote in the Senate while essentially daring members to defy their partys leader and vote against it. The American people gave us a clear mandate, and after four years of Democrat failure, we intend to deliver without delay, the top four House GOP leaders said Tuesday after the bill passed the Senate 51-50, thanks to Vice President JD Vances tiebreaking vote. Its a risky gambit, one designed to meet Trumps demand for a July 4 finish and theres a steep climb ahead. Since launching early this year, Republicans have struggled mightily with the bill nearly every step of the way, often succeeding by only one vote. Their House majority stands at just 220-212, leaving little room for defections. Some Republicans are likely to balk at being asked to rubber stamp the Senate bill less than 24 hours after passage, having had little time to read or absorb the changes that were made, many at the last minute to win the vote of Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski. House Republicans from competitive districts have bristled at the Senate bills cuts to Medicaid, while conservatives have lambasted the legislation as straying from their fiscal goals. It falls to Speaker Mike Johnson and his team to convince them that the time for negotiations is over. In a warning sign of some House Republican resistance, a resolution setting up terms for debating Trumps bill barely cleared out of the House Rules Committee on Wednesday morning, with two GOP members Reps. Chip Roy of Texas and Ralph Norman of South Carolina siding with Democrats in voting against it. Trump pushes Republicans to do the right thing The bill would extend and make permanent various individual and business tax breaks that Republicans passed in Trumps first term, plus temporarily add new ones Trump promised during the campaign, including allowing workers to deduct tips and overtime pay, and providing a new $6,000 deduction for most older adults. In all, the legislation contains about $4.5 trillion in tax cuts over 10 years. The bill also provides about $350 billion for defense and Trumps immigration crackdown. Republicans partially pay for it all through less spending on Medicaid and food assistance. The Congressional Budget Office projects it will add about $3.3 trillion in federal deficits over the coming decade. The House passed its version of the bill in May, despite worries about spending cuts and the overall price tag. Now, its being asked to give final passage to a version that, in many respects, exacerbates those concerns. The Senate bills projected impact on federal deficits, for example, is significantly higher. Trump praised the bill profusely in a social media post, saying, We can have all of this right now, but only if the House GOP UNITES, ignores its occasional GRANDSTANDERS (You know who you are!), and does the right thing, which is sending this Bill to my desk. The high price of opposing Trumps bill Speaker Johnson, R-La., is intent on meeting the presidents July 4 timeline. Hes also betting that hesitant Republicans wont cross Trump because of the heavy political price they would have to pay. They need only look to Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., who announced his intention to vote against the legislation over the weekend. Soon, the president was calling for a primary challenger to the senator and personally attacking him on social media. Tillis quickly announced he would not seek a third term. Others could face a similar fate. One House Republican who has staked out opposition to the bill, Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky, is already being targeted by Trumps well-funded political operation. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., said leadership was not entertaining the possibility of making changes to the bill before the final vote. He said the two chambers already agree on the vast majority of whats in it. Its not as easy as saying, Hey, I just want one more change, because one more change could end up being what collapses the entire thing, Scalise said. Democratic lawmakers, united against the bill as harmful to the country, condemned the process as rushed. Rep. Jim McGovern, D-Mass., said theres no real deadline for getting the bill passed by July 4. Were rushing not because the country demands it but because he wants to throw himself another party, McGovern said. This isnt policy. Its ego management. Democrats warn health care, food aid are being ripped away House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries described the bill in dire terms, saying cuts in Medicaid spending would result in Americans losing their lives because of their inability to access health care coverage. He said Republicans are literally ripping the food out of the mouths of children, veterans and seniors. House Democrats are going to do everything we can for the next few hours, today, tomorrow, for the balance of this week and beyond to stop this bill from ever becoming law, Jeffries said. Republicans say they are trying to rightsize the safety net programs for the population they were initially designed to serve, mainly pregnant women, the disabled and children, and root out what they describe as waste, fraud and abuse. The package includes new 80-hour-a-month work requirements for many adults receiving Medicaid and applies existing work requirements in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, to more beneficiaries. States will also pick up more of the cost for food benefits, with the amount based on their payment error rates, which include underpayments and overpayments. The driving force behind the bill, however, is the tax cuts. Many expire at the end of this year if Congress doesnt act. Passing this bill means smaller tax bills and bigger paychecks for the American people permanently, said Senate Majority Leader John Thune. It will also help get our economy firing on all cylinders again. The Tax Policy Center, which provides nonpartisan analysis of tax and budget policy, projected the bill would result next year in a $150 tax break for the lowest quintile of Americans, a $1,750 tax cut for the middle quintile and a $10,950 tax cut for the top quintile. Thats compared with what theyd face if the 2017 tax cuts expired. (AP) Curtis Sliwa, the Republican nominee in New York Citys mayoral election, offered an apology for past comments widely criticized as antisemitic, describing his ability to acknowledge mistakes as a personal strength as he seeks support among Jewish voters ahead of the general election. Sliwa, founder of the Guardian Angels and a longtime talk radio personality, has faced renewed scrutiny over remarks in which he portrayed Jews as power-hungry and dependent on public benefits, and claimed antisemitic attitudes were in his DNA as a non-Jew. Speaking to The Forward on Tuesday, Sliwa called those statements wrong and said he had apologized before but wanted to restate his regret. The first person to confront me about that was my wife, whos a Gentile, Sliwa said of his 2024 comments about antisemitism running in his DNA. It was a poor choice of words. What I meant was that these attitudes are absorbed in non-Jewish homes from an early age. Sliwa, 70, is mounting a second mayoral run after losing to Eric Adams in 2021. Adams, who is seeking reelection as an independent, has made fighting antisemitism a centerpiece of his campaign, while Sliwa is trying to counter Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani, whose criticisms of Israel and support for antisemitic protestors have drawn sharp rebukes from Jewish leaders. In the interview, Sliwa criticized efforts to use Mamdanis anti-Zionist record as a campaign weapon, arguing voters would not be persuaded by what he called weaponized identity politics. Cuomo already dropped B-52 bombs on him that didnt put a dent in him, Sliwa said, referring to former Governor Andrew Cuomos attacks on Mamdani during the primary campaign. Mamdani, who officially secured the Democratic nomination Tuesday with 56% of the vote, has faced questions over his use of the slogan globalize the intifada. Sliwa, while critical of Mamdanis rhetoric, acknowledged his rivals strength with younger voters. Sliwas own relationship with New Yorks Jewish communities is complicated. In past years, he accused Jewish voters of behaving like a bloc that buys off politicians and claimed they were making babies like theres no tomorrow to exploit welfare. Ive said a lot of things I shouldnt have, Sliwa told The Forward. What Ive learned in life is the art of apology. You have to understand the hurt that you cause people, and you have to apologize and mean it. Sliwa pointed to his decades of involvement with Jewish communities, including deploying Guardian Angels to protect Crown Heights during the 1991 riots and again in 2020 after a surge in antisemitic attacks, as evidence of his long-standing commitment to Jewish safety. When Jews were targeted by hate and people wanted to commit acts of violence, it didnt matter where they were, he said. They could always depend on the Guardian Angels and me. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) Ye, the U.S. rapper formerly known as Kanye West, was recently stripped of an Australian visa after he released his single Heil Hitler, a government minister said on Wednesday. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke revealed Ye has been traveling for years to Australia, where his wife of three years, Bianca Censori, was born. Her family live in Melbourne. Burke said Heil Hitler, released in May, promoted Nazism. The song has been criticized as an antisemitic tribute to German dictator Adolf Hitler. Hes been coming to Australia for a long time. Hes got family here. And hes made a lot of offensive comments that my officials looked at again once he released the Heil Hitler song and he no longer has a valid visa in Australia, Burke told Australian Broadcasting Corp. We have enough problems in this country already without deliberately importing bigotry, Burke added. Yes representative did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Wednesday. Australias Migration Act sets security and character requirements for non-citizens to enter the country. Australias largest cities, Sydney and Melbourne, have seen a spate of antisemitic attacks since the war between Israel and Hamas began on Oct. 7, 2023. (AP) HaGaon HaRav Moshe Shternbuch spoke about Israels war with Iran in a recent sicha to members of the Teshuvos VHanhagos kollel. The Arabs are now launching many rockets at Eretz Yisroel, causing destruction and devastation to several buildings, with some people killed and others wounded, the Rav began. But its important to understand: this is not, Chas Vshalom, a coincidence. Anyone who understands knows that this is the voice of Hashem . Your browser does not support the video tag. In every generation, during times of crisis, our ancestors gathered in shuls and Batei Midrash to daven, cry out, and search their hearts to see what needed to be corrected within them. The Torah says, , . This means that if people say these events are just coincidences, Hashem will show us what it truly looks like when we are left to coincidence. The Rambam says that if during times of trouble, people do not cry out but instead say, this is just the way of the world, this is crueltyand such a response will cause even more suffering. Hashems ways are hidden from us. We have never truly known what lies aheadnot even during the good times. Some people think they understand Hashems ways, and thats why they suddenly have questions when bad things happen. But we know: if we have questions, that doesnt mean theres no meaningit means we accept that nothing happens unless its declared from above, even the smallest movement. We must not panic! We need faith in Hashem. As HaRav Schneider, ztl would quote during a war: Every bomb has an address. A rocket doesnt fall randomlyHashem directs it exactly where it lands. And throughout all generations, this has been the way we survived Galus: with faith, without questions. The Passuk says: , That our duty now is not to fear them. The truth is that when people believe that the Yeshua comes from natural means this endangers us. Because the only true path to Yeshua is through trust in Hashem. In Tehillim it says, . The deeper meaning is only when we realize that our situation is one of absolute helplessness only then, when we no longer turn to human beings for help, will . This is the time of Chevlei Mashiachthe labor pains before the arrival of Mashiach. The Mishnah in Sotah says, . That is, at the end of Galus, we will come to understand that we have no one to lean on but Hashem. Only then will the Galus come, because well finally recognize that we can do nothing on our ownits all the will of Hashem. The Sefarim explain that the reason Hashem brings so many hardships upon us is to bring us to the realization that we desperately need His salvation. This is clearly expressed in : , . It means that Hashem will return to have mercy on us only when we recognize that, according to the laws of nature, there is no hope. As long as we continue to fool ourselves into thinking salvation can come through natural means, we cannot merit Hashems help. This is the clear and undeniable truth! (YWN Israel DeskJerusalem) The German newspaper Bild reported new details about the arrest of the 53-year-old Afghan man suspected of espionage for Iran, who allegedly planned attacks against Jewish targets in Germany. According to the report, the Mossad was the one who tracked down the man, a Danish citizen of Afghan origin and an operative of the Revolutionary Guards Quds Force. He arrived in Berlin with his wife and daughter to seek out Jewish targets for attack on behalf of Iran. Germanys Federal Public Prosecutor said that the detainee, Ali S., was apprehended with the help of Danish police last Thursday in Aarhus, Denmarks second-largest city. The Federal Prosecutors Office reported that the man was recruited by an Iranian intelligence agency earlier this year to gather information on Jewish sites and specific Jewish individuals in Berlin. In June, he spied on three locations in the capital for this purpose. However, it appears that the security authorities were already following him at that time. According to German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt, the suspect spied on Jews in Berlin on behalf of an Iranian secret service, and the information about him came from a friendly foreign intelligence agency. The German magazine Der Spiegel quoted German authorities as saying that a special unit of Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps issued orders to prepare attacks against Jews in Berlin. The suspect was recruited and had photographed several Jewish-affiliated buildings in June. The suspect went so far as to attempt to hire people to carry out attacks on Jews. The crucial information regarding his activity came from the Mossad, but the Interior Minister said that several other foreign agencies cooperated on the matter. The president of the Central Council of Jews, Josef Schuster, stated, The German government must take action against the Iranian regimethere can be no other consequence for this planned terrorist attack. It is a wake-up call to those who continue to downplay the hatred and annihilationist ideology of the mullah regime toward Israel and Jews around the world. Irans plans show the terrorist nature of this regime, Green Party politician Volker Beck, president of the German-Israeli Society, said. For years, Iran has targeted Jews and Jewish sites in Germany. According to intelligence information about Irans list of potential targets, several well-known Jews in Germany receive police protection. (YWN Israel DeskJerusalem) BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 2. Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys meets today with Belarusian democratic opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya and extends congratulations on the recent release of her husband, Siarhei Tsikhanouski, who was freed at the end of June, Trend reports. The meeting focuses on the release of 14 political prisoners who were previously detained by Belarusian authorities. Tsikhanouskaya and Tsikhanouski thank Lithuania for its principled stance and sustained advocacy, which they say has contributed to international pressure and recent progress. A free, democratic, and human rightsrespecting Belarus is a core national interest for Lithuania, says Minister Budrys. He reaffirms Lithuanias steadfast support for the Belarusian people and their pursuit of democratic change. Budrys emphasized that while the release of Syarhei Tsikhanouski marks a hopeful development, the broader fight for the unconditional release of all political prisoners must continue. According to Belarusian human rights defenders, more than 1,170 individuals remain imprisoned for political reasons, though the real number may be significantly higher. He also highlighted the importance of ensuring the safety and security of Belarusian democratic forces and their families currently in Lithuania. As long as Belarus is governed by an illegitimate regime, we must protect those who seek refuge and stand for democratic values, Budrys notes. Lithuania calls on the international community to maintain and strengthen sanctions and diplomatic pressure until all political prisoners are freed and meaningful democratic reforms begin. Lithuania remains committed to supporting the Belarusian people and to offering a haven to those persecuted for their beliefs. IDF forces carried out a special operation overnight Tuesday in southern Syria and arrested a terrorist cell operated by Iran. The operation was carried out following intelligence information compiled in recent weeks during the interrogations of other terrorists who had been detained. During the arrest, weapons were also found, including several guns and grenades. The IDF spokesperson said, The divisions forces continue to operate and prevent the entrenchment of any terrorist element in Syria in order to protect the citizens of the State of Israel and the residents of the Golan Heights in particular. Your browser does not support the video tag. (YWN Israel DeskJerusalem) Hamas on Wednesday issued a ten-day ultimatum to a Gaza militia leader accused of working with Israeli security forces, warning he would be tried in absentia if he failed to surrender. Yasser Abu Shabab, 32, from the southern Gaza city of Rafah, is facing a series of allegations, including treason, espionage, and leading an armed rebellion. According to Hamas officials, Abu Shabab commands weapons reportedly supplied by Israel and heads a group they consider a direct threat to Gazas stability. The announcement is a clear message to any party thinking about fomenting division within the resistance, Hamas said. Abu Shabab leads the Popular Forces, a militia that portrays itself as a civilian defense group distributing aid and protecting local residents. The Popular Forces rejected Hamas accusations in comments to Israeli media outlet Ynet, claiming Hamas itself should be on trial for serving the interests of Iran and the Muslim Brotherhood organizations the militia described as working against the Palestinian people. Once a petty criminal who was jailed on drug and theft charges, Abu Shabab escaped Hamas custody during an Israeli airstrike on a security facility. He has since reinvented himself as a militia commander, though critics say his Popular Forces operate more like a criminal syndicate. International and Palestinian observers have documented the groups alleged collaboration with Israeli forces in areas bordering the Kerem Shalom crossing. Hamas military wing, the Qassam Brigades, has repeatedly accused Abu Shabab of leading a network of Israeli collaborators intent on undermining Hamas control of the enclave. Further controversy surrounds Abu Shababs involvement in looting humanitarian aid, an allegation that appeared in a leaked United Nations memo. His own family publicly distanced itself from him in May, acknowledging under community pressure that he had assisted Israeli security services. Social media footage circulating in Gaza shows Abu Shababs fighters manning improvised checkpoints while wearing military gear marked Anti-Terror Service, a name which has no formal recognition. The U.S.-affiliated Gaza Humanitarian Foundation has categorically denied any links to Abu Shababs men, clarifying that it does not coordinate with any armed Palestinian group. Several humanitarian organizations have accused the Popular Forces of seizing aid trucks and extorting payments from merchants, allegedly with Israeli troops looking on. Hamas has formally classified the group as hostile, even releasing video of its fighters targeting Popular Forces members with improvised explosive devices. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) Hamas on Wednesday cracked open the door to a potential ceasefire with Israel but rejected President Donald Trumps latest US-backed initiative unless it guarantees a permanent end to the war in Gaza. Trump on Tuesday announced that Israel had agreed in principle to a 60-day pause in fighting, urging Hamas to seize what he called a narrowing window for a deal before conditions on the ground deteriorate even further. The president insisted the proposed truce could be the first step toward ending the war that has ravaged Gaza for nearly 21 months. Hamas, however, responded by reiterating its hardline demand: that any ceasefire must fully end the war and include a total Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. We are ready and serious regarding reaching an agreement, said Hamas spokesman Taher al-Nunu, adding that the group would accept only initiatives that clearly lead to the complete end to the war. An Egyptian official confirmed a Hamas delegation was due in Cairo Wednesday for fresh talks with Egyptian and Qatari mediators. The official, who spoke anonymously due to diplomatic sensitivities, indicated Hamass position had not significantly softened despite Trumps pressure campaign. Israel, for its part, stayed silent on Trumps announcement. Israeli leaders have repeatedly made clear that they will not end the war until Hamas is dismantled, disarmed, and effectively removed from Gaza a demand Hamas flatly refuses. Trump, viewing the regional chaos after Israels recent clash with Iran as an opportunity, has stepped up efforts to push both sides into a hostage-for-ceasefire framework. Under the US plan, Hamas would initially free 10 living Israeli hostages and return the remains of 18 dead captives in exchange for a 60-day ceasefire. Negotiations during that period would aim to secure a permanent end to the war and the release of dozens more hostages, fewer than half of whom are believed to still be alive. Hamas has made clear it will not settle for anything less than a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza a demand Israel has branded a nonstarter. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) Irans president on Wednesday ordered the country to suspend its cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency after American and Israeli airstrikes hit its most-important nuclear facilities, likely further limiting inspectors ability to track Tehrans program that had been enriching uranium to near weapons-grade levels. The order by President Masoud Pezeshkian included no timetables or details about what that suspension would entail. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi signaled in a CBS News interview that Tehran still would be willing to continue negotiations with the United States. I dont think negotiations will restart as quickly as that, Araghchi said, referring to U.S. President Donald Trumps comments that talks could start as early as this week. However, he added: The doors of diplomacy will never slam shut. Pressure tactic Iran has limited IAEA inspections in the past as a pressure tactic in negotiating with the West though as of right now Tehran has denied that theres any immediate plans to resume talks with the United States that had been upended by the 12-day Iran-Israel war. Iranian state television announced Pezeshkians order, which followed a law passed by Irans parliament to suspend that cooperation. The bill already received the approval of Irans constitutional watchdog, the Guardian Council, on Thursday, and likely the support of the countrys Supreme National Security Council, which Pezeshkian chairs. The government is mandated to immediately suspend all cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency under the Treaty on the Nonproliferation of Nuclear Weapons and its related Safeguards Agreement, state television quoted the bill as saying. This suspension will remain in effect until certain conditions are met, including the guaranteed security of nuclear facilities and scientists. It wasnt immediately clear what that would mean for the Vienna-based IAEA, the United Nations nuclear watchdog. The agency long has monitored Irans nuclear program and said that it was waiting for an official communication from Iran on what the suspension meant. A diplomat with knowledge of IAEA operations, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the situation in Iran, said that IAEA inspectors were still there after the announcement and hadnt been told by the government to leave. Israel condemns the move Irans decision drew an immediate condemnation from Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar. Iran has just issued a scandalous announcement about suspending its cooperation with the IAEA, he said in an X post. This is a complete renunciation of all its international nuclear obligations and commitments. Saar urged European nations that were part of Irans 2015 nuclear deal to implement its so-called snapback clause. That would reimpose all U.N. sanctions on it originally lifted by Tehrans nuclear deal with world powers, if one of its Western parties declares the Islamic Republic is out of compliance with it. Israel is widely believed to be the only nuclear-armed state in the Middle East, and the IAEA doesnt have access to its weapons-related facilities. Irans decision stops short of experts worst fears Irans move so far stops short of what experts feared the most. They had been concerned that Tehran, in response to the war, could decide to fully end its cooperation with the IAEA, abandon the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty and rush toward a bomb. That treaty has countries agree not to build or obtain nuclear weapons and allows the IAEA to conduct inspections to verify that countries correctly declared their programs. Irans 2015 nuclear deal allowed Iran to enrich uranium to 3.67% enough to fuel a nuclear power plant, but far below the threshold of 90% needed for weapons-grade uranium. It also drastically reduced Irans stockpile of uranium, limited its use of centrifuges and relied on the IAEA to oversee Tehrans compliance through additional oversight. The IAEA served as the main assessor of Irans commitment to the deal. But Trump, in his first term in 2018, unilaterally withdrew Washington from the accord, insisting it wasnt tough enough and didnt address Irans missile program or its support for militant groups in the wider Middle East. That set in motion years of tensions, including attacks at sea and on land. Iran had been enriching up to 60%, a short, technical step away from weapons-grade levels. It also has enough of a stockpile to build multiple nuclear bombs, should it choose to do so. Iran has long insisted its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, but the IAEA, Western intelligence agencies and others say Tehran had an organized weapons program up until 2003. Suspension comes after Israel, US airstrikes Israeli airstrikes, which began June 13, decimated the upper ranks of Irans powerful Revolutionary Guard and targeted its arsenal of ballistic missiles. The strikes also hit Irans nuclear sites, which Israel claimed put Tehran within reach of a nuclear weapon. Iran has said the Israeli attacks killed 935 Iranian citizens, including 38 children and 102 women. However, Iran has a long history of offering lower death counts around unrest over political considerations. The Washington-based Human Rights Activists group, which has provided detailed casualty figures from multiple rounds of unrest in Iran, has put the death toll at 1,190 people killed, including 436 civilians and 435 security force members. The attacks wounded another 4,475 people, the group said. Meanwhile, it appears that Iranian officials now are assessing the damage done by the American strikes conducted on the three nuclear sites on June 22, including those at Fordo, a site built under a mountain about 100 kilometers (60 miles) southwest of Tehran. Satellite images from Planet Labs PBC analyzed by The Associated Press show Iranian officials at Fordo on Monday likely examining the damage caused by American bunker busters. Trucks could be seen in the images, as well as at least one crane and an excavator at tunnels on the site. That corresponded to images shot Sunday by Maxar Technologies similarly showing the ongoing work. (AP) London-listed driver safety tech firm Seeing Machines has agreed a collaboration with Mitsubishi's European division to grow sales across the continent. The computer vision technology firm said its Guardian Generation 3 driver monitoring system will be used in Mitsubishi's logistics, distribution and maintenance fleet. It also wants to take advantage of the 'extensive direct relationships' Mitsubishi has with truck and bus equipment manufacturers to promote the system. The tie-up comes as car manufacturers seek to abide by the European Union's new Vehicle General Safety Regulations (GSR). Described as a 'vaccine for vehicles', the GSR requires all new motors to have certain safety features, including an emergency stop signal and systems monitoring blind spots and tyre pressure. Seeing Machines claims that Guardian, which tracks a driver's eye movements using sensors and cameras, helps lower the threat of drowsy driving in commercial vehicles by over 94 per cent. New agreement: Seeing Machines has forged a collaboration with Mitsubishi Electric Europe division to grow sales across Europe If significantly adopted, Guardian could help the EU achieve its goals of saving over 25,000 lives and avoiding at least 140,000 serious injuries across the bloc by 2038. 'We're delighted to partner with Seeing Machines to support the expansion of their world-class safety technology across Europe,' said Rob Noon, automotive business unit president at Mitsubishi Electric Europe. 'This agreement reflects our shared commitment to reducing transport risk, and we're proud to support Seeing Machines in scaling its impact across a range of transportation industries.' The announcement follows just a few days after Mitsubishi's American arm revealed it had begun a six-week pilot of the Guardian technology, having initially made a referral agreement with Seeing Machines in February, Paul McGlone, chief executive of Seeing Machines, said: 'Our relationship with Mitsubishi...is already delivering positive results, as demonstrated by the strong progress we have made in the Americas and the near-term opportunities it's creating. 'Mitsubishi Electric Europe's world-leading, proven reputation and established relationships position them as an ideal partner to bring our Guardian technology to new customers across the region as regulatory deadlines take effect.' Headquartered in Canberra, Australia, Seeing Machines has also collaborated with prominent companies, such as General Motors, Daimler, Transport for London, and flagship airlines Qantas and Emirates. In the first three months of 2025, the group's technology was in over 3.2 million units, a 77 per cent year-on-year increase. Over the same period, production of new vehicles equipped with its driver monitoring technology was up by over a third from the previous quarter to 358,162 units. The firm further declared on Monday that it had renewed its distributor agreement with Connect Source, Australia's largest distributor of Guardian. Seeing Machines shares were 3.2 per cent up at 2.9p on Monday morning, although their value has shrunk by around 38 per cent over the past year. US private equity giant KKR is set to acquire UK tech star Spectris for 4.7billion, marking one of the largest recent deals for a London-listed business. The improved deal, which includes debt, sees KKR overcome rival private equity firm Advent International in acquiring Spectris. Spectris agreed to a 4.4billion acquisition by Advent in June. However, KKR's most recent offer represents a 96 per cent premium to Spectris's share price before speculation over takeover interest in the business became public. Spectris said on Wednesday its board had opted to withdraw its recommendation of Advent's offer in favour of the higher bid from KKR, which had made two previous takeover proposals for the London-listed business. KKR's offer valued Spectris's equity at 4.1billion and, when debt is included in the deal, 4.7billion. The offer values Spectris at 40 per share, including dividends, and is a 6.3 per cent premium to Advent's 37.63 per share offer, marking Britains largest takeover deal so far this year. Deal: US private equity firm KKR has agreed to acquire Spectris in a 4.7bn deal Upon complettion, each Spectris Shareholder will also be entitled to receive an interim dividend of 28p a share. KKR said: 'Spectris is a highly attractive, global precision measurement company, focusing on two industry-leading divisions, providing key insights to customers through premium precision measurement solutions using technical expertise and deep domain knowledge. 'KKR has long admired Spectris and has been impressed by Spectris' reputation for product quality, application expertise and a leading position that has been underpinned by significant innovation and R&D investment.' KKR said Spectris's directors 'intend to unanimously recommend' the deal to shareholders. Mark Williamson, chairman of Spectris, said: 'The Board of Spectris is pleased to recommend KKR's cash offer for Spectris which is a 6.3 per cent increase to the Advent proposal and represents a premium of 96.3 per cent to the undisturbed share price. 'This offer reflects the excellent work of the Spectris management team in recent years to transform Spectris into a focused, high quality, premium precision measurement business that is well positioned for the future.' Joshua Weisenbeck, a partner at KKR, said: 'Spectris is an impressive industrial technology business serving attractive end-markets such as life sciences, industrial automation, aerospace & defence, academia, and more. 'We believe there is an excellent fit in terms of our respective values, with a strong focus on its talented employees and supporting communities in which it operates.' FTSE 250-listed Spectris makes high-tech instruments for, among others, the pharmaceutical and semiconductor sectors. Spectris shares rose 4.54 per cent or 174.00p to 4,004.00p on Wednesday, having surged over 40 per cent in the last year. KKR has also been seeking to acquire NHS landlord Assura. But, on Tuesday Primary Health Properties said its shareholders supported its plan to acquire peer Assura. Under the terms of the increased Primary Health Properties offer, Assura shareholders would receive 0.3865 new Primary Health Properties shares and 12.5p in cash a share. In addition, Assura shareholders would be entitled to receive a special dividend of 0.84p per Assura share. Britain's cheap valuations have lured overseas buyers, adding to the challenges facing London's stock market, which is already under pressure from venue shifts and weak initial public offering activity. Michael Nicholson, head of advisory and M&A at Peel Hunt, said: 'The volume of activity has been plain to see at the current run rate, 2025 will be the most intense period of UK takeovers in recent years, averaging two new bid situations per week. 'Notwithstanding the modest average transaction size, 74billion of firm offers in H1 would annualise to the highest aggregate value of listed takeovers since 2021.' He added: 'The battle between KKR and Primary Health Properties for Assura appears to carry a symbolic significance for the UK market as a whole, not just the highly active REIT sector which has also seen the board of Warehouse REIT switch its recommendation from a cash bid from Blackstone to a cash and share offer from Tritax Big Box REIT. 'Likewise, Rosebank Industries acquisition of ECI in the US, supported by a 1billion+ equity raise, passes a further landmark in the return of the UK consolidator. 'In some UK boardrooms, there are evidently signs of shifting sentiment from a sense of vulnerability to a more front-footed, strategic outlook.' Meat counters at Morrisons are being regenerated to feature largely pre-packed meat, as the group battles to revive its fortunes. Under the new model, butchers at Morrisons will cut meat at the start of the day into a number of different pre-packed sizes, enabling shoppers to select the cuts they want. It is the same range as before, but displayed on a flat bed so customers can help themselves, Morrisons told This is Money. Morrisons claimed the move will help free up butchers' time as they will no longer have to work on creating carefully curated meat displays each day. While most meat at Morrrisons' counters will be pre-packed, butchers will still be available assist shoppers and to cut meat to a specific size or thickness if required. Morrisons has set a target of rolling out the new meat counter format to 100 stores by the end of 2025, with around 60 having already been altered. Meat refresh: Butchers at Morrisons will cut meat at the start of the day into a number of different pre-packed sizes A Morrisons spokesman told This is Money: 'We are moving at pace with the modernisation of Market Street as part of our Morrisons Magic programme, and following successful trials, weve begun to roll out flatbeds in our butchery departments. 'These showcase the same range, with the freshness and quality that Market Street is renowned for but with a more modern and contemporary look. 'They offer both the convenience of self service for customers that prefer it and the traditional individual service from an in-store butcher. 'Customer reaction has been very positive and were aiming to have the new look in 100 stores this year.' The supermarket chain said did a trial of the revived meat counter operation at its store in Retford last year that was 'really well received'. What is happening at Morrisons? Morrisons is in the midst of a sweeping cost-cutting drive as chief executive Rami Baitieh battles to revive the grocer's bottom line. In March, more than 360 Morrisons staff were told they were at risk of losing their jobs amid changes being made to its operations. It announced plans to close 17 convenience stores, 52 cafes, 18 market kitchens, 13 florists, 35 meat counters, 35 fish counters and four pharmacies. Morrisons, which employs 95,000 workers, said its planned closures were in areas where the costs of operation were significantly out of line with usage. On Wednesday, Morrisons became the latest major business to warn that it will be forced to accelerate its cost-cutting plans amid Labour's recent national insurance contribution hike for employers. In the year to 27 October 2024, Morrisons saved 312million in costs. As a result of Rachel Reeve's policy, the grocer's employer national insurance costs will rise by around 75million this year. The chain reported an underlying EBITDA of 344million in the half to 27 April, up 7.2 per cent year-on-year, bolstered by a 4.2 per cent rise in sales to 3.9billion during its second quarter. In January, rival Tesco unveiled plans to axe 400 jobs, affecting mangers at its mobile phone shops and in-store bakery staff. In the same month, Sainsbury's announced plans to cut 3,000 jobs and close all in-store cafes. TSB sold to Santander in a deal which could be worth up to 2.9bn Banking giant Santander has agreed to buy TSB in a deal worth up to 2.9billion. TSB was put up for sale by its Spanish owner Sabadell which bought TSB in 2015 for 1.7billion as it battles to fend off a hostile takeover approach by another Spanish bank, BBVA. The deal would see Britain's second largest bank created by share, overtaking NatWest and Lloyds banking groups. Santander said the combined UK bank would serve nearly 28million retail and business customers. TSB has around 5million customers, while Santander UK has around 14million retail customers who will now be wondering what the news means for them. Here is everything you need to know about what the deal means for you if you are a customer of either bank. Mega tie up: Santander has agreed to buy TSB owned by Spanish rival Sabadell in a deal which would see Britain's second largest bank created Will anything change for customers immediately? The deal is still subject to regulatory approval as well as shareholder approval from TSB owner Sabadell. In the short term, most TSB and Santander customers will see no practical change with either brand for some time yet and it is business as usual for both banks. If it is approved, the deal is expected to complete in the first quarter of 2026, so it any decisions will likely be made in the early months of next year. Santander's chief executive Mike Regnier said 'we haven't made any decisions yet'. Santander said it intends to integrate TSB in the Santander UK group If the deal is approved. Further details will be shared with customers as the banks go through the acquisition process. TSB remains a full-service bank. Branches could be shuttered TSB currently has 175 branches and has closed 459 branches since 2015, while Santander has closed 493 branches since 2015. There are fears the proposed deal could lead to further branch closures. Santander said the combination of the firms would generate savings eventually worth 400million a year but only after restructuring costs amount to 520million. That is likely to be partly achieved by removing duplication in back-office roles, resulting in job cuts James Blower, founder of website the Savings Guru says: 'Where there are TSB and Santander branches in the same locations, or within a few miles of each other, I'd be surprised if they do not consolidate in to one. But that's likely to be from 2027 onwards. Santander customers could see better mortgage rates The takeover will bring Santander a high-quality mortgage portfolio of over 34billion - 2 per cent of market share in the UK - making it the fourth largest mortgage provider in the country. Jonathan Vaughan Burleigh, associate analyst, at data and analytics firm GlobalData says: 'That will enable it to better compete with the largest banks who have been outperforming Santander in recent years.' Santander said the combination of the two banks would bring customers 'greater access to low-risk mortgages and high-quality deposits.' But it might not be such good news for savings rates due to the combined size of the deposit book - Santander said the deal would would bring it 35billion of consumer deposits. For this reason, James Blower says: 'They [Santander] will need less new savings to grow so that's likely to mean pricing will need to be less competitive.' Better digital experience for TSB customers Santander's acquisition of TSB could bring an enhanced digital experience for TSB's customer base. TSB still runs on legacy infrastructure which caused a large IT meltdown in 2018, leaving millions of customers without access to online services for weeks. The issue occurred when TSB tried to move 1.3billion customer records from an old system run by former parent Lloyds to one managed by Sabadell. It was fined nearly 49million by the Financial Conduct Authority for 'widespread and serious' failings. Vaughan Burleigh says: 'Santander's focus on cloud technology, and its migration of core banking to its Gravity platform will undoubtedly provide a superior online offering that allows users to manage their day-to-day finances seamlessly and on-demand.' Triumph: Santander boss Ana Botin said the deal was financially attractive to shareholders and aligned with Santander's long-term objectives What did Santander and TSB say about the deal? Mike Regnier, Santander chief executive, said: 'This is an excellent deal for customers combining two strong and complementary banks, creating one of the most substantial banks in the UK and materially enhancing the competitiveness of the industry. 'We are fully committed to ensuring a seamless integration, by leveraging our market-leading technology and significant experience. 'Maintaining the highest levels of service for customers across both banks will be a key priority and we will support all colleagues through the transition, as we invest in building a stronger bank for the future.' Marc Armengol, TSB chied executive, said: 'Today's announcement represents the next exciting chapter for this successful business, as part of Santander, a highly regarded banking group. I believe this will prove to be an excellent fit for our loyal customers.' Wall Street Zen cut shares of Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. (NYSE:RGR Free Report) from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note issued to investors on Sunday morning. Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. Trading Up 0.4% Shares of NYSE RGR opened at $36.06 on Friday. The company has a market cap of $597.09 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 19.70 and a beta of 0.10. Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. has a 12 month low of $32.74 and a 12 month high of $46.40. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $36.66 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $37.12. Get Sturm Ruger & Company Inc. alerts: Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. (NYSE:RGR Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, April 30th. The company reported $0.46 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.65 by ($0.19). Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. had a net margin of 5.84% and a return on equity of 9.78%. The firm had revenue of $135.74 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $148.05 million. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned $0.40 EPS. The businesss quarterly revenue was down .8% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, sell-side analysts predict that Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. will post 2.31 earnings per share for the current year. Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. Cuts Dividend Insider Transactions at Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, May 30th. Stockholders of record on Friday, May 16th were paid a $0.18 dividend. This represents a $0.72 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.00%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, May 16th. Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc.s dividend payout ratio is currently 39.34%. In other news, Director Phillip Widman acquired 4,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, May 6th. The stock was bought at an average price of $33.58 per share, with a total value of $134,320.00. Following the completion of the purchase, the director directly owned 31,757 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,066,400.06. This represents a 14.41% increase in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, Director Christopher John Killoy sold 8,583 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, June 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $37.01, for a total value of $317,656.83. Following the completion of the transaction, the director directly owned 41,559 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,538,098.59. This represents a 17.12% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 4.60% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the company. GAMMA Investing LLC increased its position in Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. by 748.1% during the 1st quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 653 shares of the companys stock valued at $26,000 after purchasing an additional 576 shares during the period. Byrne Asset Management LLC increased its position in Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. by 115.1% during the 1st quarter. Byrne Asset Management LLC now owns 968 shares of the companys stock valued at $38,000 after purchasing an additional 518 shares during the period. Parallel Advisors LLC increased its position in Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. by 18,642.9% during the 1st quarter. Parallel Advisors LLC now owns 1,312 shares of the companys stock valued at $52,000 after purchasing an additional 1,305 shares during the period. Whittier Trust Co. of Nevada Inc. increased its position in Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. by 506.1% during the 1st quarter. Whittier Trust Co. of Nevada Inc. now owns 1,400 shares of the companys stock valued at $55,000 after purchasing an additional 1,169 shares during the period. Finally, PNC Financial Services Group Inc. increased its position in Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. by 159.5% during the 1st quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 1,422 shares of the companys stock valued at $56,000 after purchasing an additional 874 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 64.00% of the companys stock. About Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. (Get Free Report) Sturm, Ruger & Co, Inc engages in the business of designing, manufacturing, and selling firearms to domestic customers. It operates through the Firearms and Castings segments. The Firearms segment focuses on manufacturing and selling rifles, pistols, and revolvers principally to a number of federally licensed, independent wholesale distributors. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Sturm Ruger & Company Inc. Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Sturm Ruger & Company Inc. and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Essex Financial Services Inc. trimmed its position in Raymond James Financial, Inc. (NYSE:RJF Free Report) by 30.5% during the 1st quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The firm owned 1,918 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 843 shares during the period. Essex Financial Services Inc.s holdings in Raymond James Financial were worth $266,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the company. TCTC Holdings LLC raised its position in shares of Raymond James Financial by 176.7% during the 4th quarter. TCTC Holdings LLC now owns 166 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $26,000 after buying an additional 106 shares during the period. Thurston Springer Miller Herd & Titak Inc. purchased a new stake in Raymond James Financial in the first quarter valued at $25,000. Alpine Bank Wealth Management acquired a new position in shares of Raymond James Financial in the 1st quarter valued at $27,000. Golden State Wealth Management LLC grew its holdings in shares of Raymond James Financial by 164.0% during the 1st quarter. Golden State Wealth Management LLC now owns 198 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $28,000 after purchasing an additional 123 shares during the period. Finally, Plato Investment Management Ltd increased its position in shares of Raymond James Financial by 1,142.1% during the 4th quarter. Plato Investment Management Ltd now owns 236 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $37,000 after purchasing an additional 217 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 83.83% of the companys stock. Get Raymond James Financial alerts: Insider Activity at Raymond James Financial In related news, insider Bella Loykhter Allaire sold 6,570 shares of Raymond James Financial stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, May 29th. The shares were sold at an average price of $146.61, for a total value of $963,227.70. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider owned 74,586 shares in the company, valued at $10,935,053.46. The trade was a 8.10% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, insider James E. Bunn sold 3,650 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, April 28th. The shares were sold at an average price of $136.49, for a total transaction of $498,188.50. Following the completion of the sale, the insider directly owned 78,227 shares in the company, valued at approximately $10,677,203.23. This represents a 4.46% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 0.54% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Raymond James Financial Stock Up 0.8% Raymond James Financial stock opened at $154.58 on Wednesday. The firm has a market capitalization of $31.19 billion, a P/E ratio of 14.88, a P/E/G ratio of 1.84 and a beta of 1.02. The company has a current ratio of 1.04, a quick ratio of 1.02 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.32. Raymond James Financial, Inc. has a twelve month low of $104.24 and a twelve month high of $174.32. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $146.72 and its 200-day simple moving average is $149.63. Raymond James Financial (NYSE:RJF Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, April 23rd. The financial services provider reported $2.42 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $2.44 by ($0.02). The company had revenue of $3.40 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $3.46 billion. Raymond James Financial had a return on equity of 19.31% and a net margin of 13.99%. Raymond James Financials revenue for the quarter was up 9.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $2.31 EPS. As a group, equities analysts expect that Raymond James Financial, Inc. will post 11.17 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Raymond James Financial Dividend Announcement The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, July 15th. Investors of record on Tuesday, July 1st will be paid a dividend of $0.50 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, July 1st. This represents a $2.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.29%. Raymond James Financials payout ratio is 19.25%. Analysts Set New Price Targets RJF has been the topic of a number of recent analyst reports. Cowen reaffirmed a hold rating on shares of Raymond James Financial in a research report on Thursday, April 24th. JMP Securities reissued a market outperform rating and issued a $175.00 price target on shares of Raymond James Financial in a research note on Thursday, April 24th. Citigroup lowered their price objective on shares of Raymond James Financial from $180.00 to $150.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, April 2nd. Bank of America downgraded shares of Raymond James Financial from a buy rating to a neutral rating and set a $159.00 target price for the company. in a report on Wednesday, April 30th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group decreased their price target on Raymond James Financial from $198.00 to $173.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, April 3rd. Eleven analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, two have given a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Raymond James Financial has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $153.82. Read Our Latest Analysis on RJF Raymond James Financial Profile (Free Report) Raymond James Financial, Inc, a financial holding company, through its subsidiaries, engages in the underwriting, distribution, trading, and brokerage of equity and debt securities, and the sale of mutual funds and other investment products in the United States, Canada, Europe, and internationally. The company operates through Private Client Group, Capital Markets, Asset Management, RJ Bank, and Other segments. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding RJF? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Raymond James Financial, Inc. (NYSE:RJF Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Raymond James Financial Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Raymond James Financial and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 2. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar begins his official visit to the Baltic region today with a stop in Latvia, marking his first foreign trip since the ceasefire agreement with Iran on June 24, Trend reports. The visit will begin with a solemn wreath-laying ceremony at the Freedom Monument in Riga, after which Minister Saar holds talks with Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braze. The meeting will focuse on a range of key issues, including regional security, Ukraine, multilateral engagement, and opportunities for deeper economic cooperation. Foreign Minister Braze underscores the critical significance of robust bilateral relations between Latvia and Israel. Israel is an important partner for Latvia. It is a democratic country in the Middle East with which we share wide-ranging cooperationpolitically and economically. Many Latvian nationals live in Israel. This visit reflects the strength of our bilateral relationship, Braze articulates. Discussions will also address the security situation in both Europe and the Middle East. Braze underscores Latvias continued support for Ukraine and notes the broader impact of global instability on European security. Minister Braze reaffirms Latvias support for Israels right to self-defense in the wake of the October 7 attacks by Hamas, while also stressing the importance of adhering to international law and international humanitarian law. She emphasizes the urgent need to provide humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza, including food, medical supplies, and equipment. The ministers will discuss regional challenges, including the situation in Iran. Minister Braze expresses Latvias concern over Irans growing influence in the region and supports continued European Union sanctions in response to human rights concerns and destabilizing activities. Both ministers are expected to agree that Iran must not be allowed to develop nuclear weapons and note that its nuclear ambitions present risks to global and regional stability. The upcoming visit of Israeli President Isaac Herzog to Latvia is also on the agenda. In addition to his meeting with Minister Braze, Foreign Minister Saar also will meet with Latvias Minister of the Interior, Rihards Kozlovskis, as part of his broader engagement with Baltic partners. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Volatility & Risk Green Organic Dutchman has a beta of 2.27, meaning that its share price is 127% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Total Brain has a beta of 5.18, meaning that its share price is 418% more volatile than the S&P 500. Earnings & Valuation This table compares Green Organic Dutchman and Total Brains top-line revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Get Green Organic Dutchman alerts: Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Green Organic Dutchman $24.13 million 0.00 -$33.62 million ($0.41) N/A Total Brain $2.60 million 20.43 -$5.14 million N/A N/A Insider and Institutional Ownership Total Brain has lower revenue, but higher earnings than Green Organic Dutchman. 0.4% of Green Organic Dutchman shares are held by institutional investors. 8.7% of Green Organic Dutchman shares are held by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, large money managers and endowments believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term. Profitability This table compares Green Organic Dutchman and Total Brains net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Green Organic Dutchman -83.86% -22.02% -14.58% Total Brain N/A N/A N/A Summary Total Brain beats Green Organic Dutchman on 5 of the 8 factors compared between the two stocks. About Green Organic Dutchman (Get Free Report) The Green Organic Dutchman Holdings Ltd. engages in the production, cultivation, processing, and distribution of cannabis and related products. Its products include cannabis plants, cannabis plant seeds, dried cannabis, fresh cannabis, cannabis oils, cannabis topicals, cannabis extracts, and edible cannabis. The company was founded by Scott Skinner and Jeannette VanderMarel in 2012 and is headquartered in Mississauga, Canada. About Total Brain (Get Free Report) Total Brain Limited, together with its subsidiaries, develops and sells brain health products in the United States. It offers Total Brain, a neuroscience-based mental health and brain performance app. Total Brain Limited has a partnership with the Center for Adolescent Research and Education to address growing youth mental health crisis. The company was formerly known as Brain Resource Limited and changed its name to Total Brain Limited in December 2018. Total Brain Limited was founded in 2000 and is based in Surry Hills, Australia. Receive News & Ratings for Green Organic Dutchman Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Green Organic Dutchman and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Group Inc. lowered its holdings in shares of Yum China (NYSE:YUMC Free Report) by 0.6% in the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 867,826 shares of the companys stock after selling 5,222 shares during the period. Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Group Inc. owned about 0.23% of Yum China worth $45,179,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the business. Mirae Asset Global Investments Co. Ltd. raised its position in shares of Yum China by 6,304.9% during the 1st quarter. Mirae Asset Global Investments Co. Ltd. now owns 11,526,026 shares of the companys stock worth $600,045,000 after purchasing an additional 11,346,069 shares during the last quarter. Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund increased its position in Yum China by 40.3% during the first quarter. Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund now owns 29,705 shares of the companys stock worth $1,546,000 after buying an additional 8,525 shares in the last quarter. Scott & Selber Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Yum China in the first quarter worth $208,000. Robeco Institutional Asset Management B.V. raised its holdings in shares of Yum China by 21.9% in the first quarter. Robeco Institutional Asset Management B.V. now owns 532,046 shares of the companys stock worth $27,698,000 after acquiring an additional 95,623 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Value Partners Investments Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Yum China in the first quarter valued at $11,776,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 85.58% of the companys stock. Get Yum China alerts: Yum China Stock Up 2.2% YUMC stock opened at $45.69 on Wednesday. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $44.19 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $46.44. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.01, a quick ratio of 1.11 and a current ratio of 1.26. The stock has a market capitalization of $16.96 billion, a P/E ratio of 19.12, a PEG ratio of 1.70 and a beta of 0.28. Yum China has a one year low of $28.50 and a one year high of $53.99. Yum China Announces Dividend Yum China ( NYSE:YUMC Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, April 30th. The company reported $0.77 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.78 by ($0.01). Yum China had a net margin of 8.09% and a return on equity of 14.08%. The business had revenue of $2.98 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $3.13 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $0.71 EPS. Yum Chinas revenue for the quarter was up .8% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that Yum China will post 2.54 EPS for the current year. The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, June 18th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, May 28th were paid a dividend of $0.24 per share. This represents a $0.96 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.10%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, May 28th. Yum Chinas dividend payout ratio is currently 40.17%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Separately, Daiwa America upgraded Yum China to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, April 9th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating, two have given a buy rating and two have given a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Buy and a consensus price target of $48.70. Read Our Latest Research Report on Yum China Yum China Company Profile (Free Report) Yum China Holdings, Inc owns, operates, and franchises restaurants in the People's Republic of China. The company operates through KFC, Pizza Hut, and All Other segments. It operates restaurants under the KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, Lavazza, Little Sheep, and Huang Ji Huang concepts. The company also operates V-Gold Mall, a mobile e-commerce platform to sell products; and offers online food deliver services. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Yum China Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Yum China and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Smith Salley Wealth Management decreased its holdings in shares of CVS Health Corporation (NYSE:CVS Free Report) by 48.2% in the first quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 8,727 shares of the pharmacy operators stock after selling 8,127 shares during the period. Smith Salley Wealth Managements holdings in CVS Health were worth $591,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of CVS. Hopwood Financial Services Inc. bought a new stake in shares of CVS Health during the 4th quarter valued at about $29,000. McIlrath & Eck LLC boosted its position in CVS Health by 32.6% during the 4th quarter. McIlrath & Eck LLC now owns 707 shares of the pharmacy operators stock valued at $32,000 after acquiring an additional 174 shares in the last quarter. Park Square Financial Group LLC purchased a new position in shares of CVS Health during the 4th quarter worth approximately $43,000. PARK CIRCLE Co raised its position in shares of CVS Health by 42.9% in the 4th quarter. PARK CIRCLE Co now owns 1,000 shares of the pharmacy operators stock worth $45,000 after acquiring an additional 300 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Strategic Investment Solutions Inc. IL lifted its stake in shares of CVS Health by 77.2% in the 4th quarter. Strategic Investment Solutions Inc. IL now owns 1,024 shares of the pharmacy operators stock valued at $46,000 after purchasing an additional 446 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 80.66% of the companys stock. Get CVS Health alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of research firms have issued reports on CVS. Cowen reiterated a buy rating on shares of CVS Health in a report on Monday, May 5th. Wells Fargo & Company reiterated an overweight rating and issued a $84.00 price target (up from $76.00) on shares of CVS Health in a research note on Tuesday, May 6th. Mizuho lifted their price target on shares of CVS Health from $70.00 to $76.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Wednesday, April 9th. Truist Financial raised their target price on shares of CVS Health from $82.00 to $84.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Monday, May 12th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group lifted their target price on shares of CVS Health from $74.00 to $80.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Monday. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, eighteen have given a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $75.06. CVS Health Trading Up 0.8% Shares of CVS stock opened at $69.56 on Wednesday. The stock has a market capitalization of $87.99 billion, a P/E ratio of 16.60, a P/E/G ratio of 0.99 and a beta of 0.57. The company has a current ratio of 0.82, a quick ratio of 0.63 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.77. The firms 50 day moving average is $65.01 and its 200 day moving average is $61.13. CVS Health Corporation has a 12-month low of $43.56 and a 12-month high of $72.51. CVS Health (NYSE:CVS Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, May 1st. The pharmacy operator reported $2.25 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.62 by $0.63. The company had revenue of $94.59 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $93.07 billion. CVS Health had a return on equity of 10.59% and a net margin of 1.39%. CVS Healths revenue was up 7.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $1.31 earnings per share. Research analysts expect that CVS Health Corporation will post 5.89 earnings per share for the current year. Insider Activity at CVS Health In related news, Director Guy P. Sansone purchased 1,570 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Thursday, June 5th. The stock was acquired at an average price of $63.70 per share, with a total value of $100,009.00. Following the completion of the acquisition, the director owned 12,007 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $764,845.90. This trade represents a 15.04% increase in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. 1.22% of the stock is owned by company insiders. CVS Health Profile (Free Report) CVS Health Corporation provides health solutions in the United States. It operates through Health Care Benefits, Health Services, and Pharmacy & Consumer Wellness segments. The Health Care Benefits segment offers traditional, voluntary, and consumer-directed health insurance products and related services. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for CVS Health Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for CVS Health and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Valuation and Earnings This table compares Wacoal and its competitors gross revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio Wacoal $1.14 billion $46.13 million 38.81 Wacoal Competitors $6.37 billion $620.41 million 7.41 Wacoals competitors have higher revenue and earnings than Wacoal. Wacoal is trading at a higher price-to-earnings ratio than its competitors, indicating that it is currently more expensive than other companies in its industry. Get Wacoal alerts: Risk and Volatility Wacoal has a beta of -0.08, indicating that its share price is 108% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Wacoals competitors have a beta of 0.87, indicating that their average share price is 13% less volatile than the S&P 500. Institutional & Insider Ownership Profitability 65.8% of shares of all TEXTILE APPAREL companies are owned by institutional investors. 0.8% of Wacoal shares are owned by company insiders. Comparatively, 19.3% of shares of all TEXTILE APPAREL companies are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, large money managers and endowments believe a company will outperform the market over the long term. This table compares Wacoal and its competitors net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Wacoal 4.06% 3.39% 2.48% Wacoal Competitors 3.32% -34.41% 5.65% Dividends Wacoal pays an annual dividend of $3.14 per share and has a dividend yield of 1.9%. Wacoal pays out 73.2% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. As a group, TEXTILE APPAREL companies pay a dividend yield of 2.1% and pay out 40.9% of their earnings in the form of a dividend. Wacoal lags its competitors as a dividend stock, given its lower dividend yield and higher payout ratio. Summary Wacoal competitors beat Wacoal on 8 of the 11 factors compared. About Wacoal (Get Free Report) Wacoal Holdings Corp. engages in the manufacturing, wholesale, and retail sale of intimate apparel, outerwear, sportswear, and other textile products and accessories in Japan, Asia, Oceania, the United States, and Europe. The company operates through Wacoal Business (Domestic), Wacoal Business (Overseas), Peach John Business, and Other Businesses segments. It offers intimate apparel mainly womens foundation wear, lingerie, nightwear and childrens underwear; and outerwear, sportswear, and other textile products and accessories. The company also engages in the restaurant, cultural and service-related businesses; and manufacture and sale of mannequins and fixtures, interior design work, and other textile-related businesses. It offers products through department stores, general merchandisers, and other general retailers in Japan, as well as directly managed retail stores, E-commerce websites, and distributors in Japan and internationally. Wacoal Holdings Corp. was founded in 1946 and is headquartered in Kyoto, Japan. Receive News & Ratings for Wacoal Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Wacoal and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Wynnstay Group (LON:WYN Get Free Report) announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday. The company reported GBX 18.10 ($0.25) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, Digital Look Earnings reports. Wynnstay Group had a return on equity of 4.69% and a net margin of 0.97%. Wynnstay Group Price Performance LON WYN opened at GBX 376.33 ($5.17) on Wednesday. Wynnstay Group has a fifty-two week low of GBX 270 ($3.71) and a fifty-two week high of GBX 385 ($5.29). The stocks 50-day moving average is GBX 337.41 and its two-hundred day moving average is GBX 315.33. The firm has a market cap of 86.73 million, a P/E ratio of 13.98 and a beta of 0.58. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 11.53, a current ratio of 2.00 and a quick ratio of 1.03. Get Wynnstay Group alerts: Insider Activity In related news, insider David Christensen acquired 3,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, April 29th. The shares were acquired at an average price of GBX 325 ($4.47) per share, with a total value of 9,750 ($13,398.38). Company insiders own 26.31% of the companys stock. Analyst Ratings Changes Several equities analysts recently weighed in on WYN shares. Shore Capital reaffirmed a house stock rating on shares of Wynnstay Group in a research report on Tuesday. Canaccord Genuity Group boosted their target price on shares of Wynnstay Group from GBX 430 ($5.91) to GBX 450 ($6.18) and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday. Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on Wynnstay Group Wynnstay Group Company Profile (Get Free Report) Wynnstay is a leading UK provider of agricultural supplies and services to farmers and rural communities, mainly in England and Wales. It manufactures and supplies a comprehensive range of agricultural inputs for both livestock and arable farmers, including feed, seed and fertiliser. Through its crop marketing arm, GrainLink, it also provides a channel for arable farmers to sell their grain, and its specialist teams provide advice on the latest farming techniques, including environmental measures, and animal health and nutrition. Wynnstay supplies both direct-to-farm and via its extensive network of depots. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Wynnstay Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Wynnstay Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Mather Group LLC. raised its holdings in shares of Duke Energy Corporation (NYSE:DUK Free Report) by 127.1% in the 1st quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 13,583 shares of the utilities providers stock after acquiring an additional 7,603 shares during the quarter. Mather Group LLC.s holdings in Duke Energy were worth $1,657,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Alta Advisers Ltd increased its stake in shares of Duke Energy by 56.0% during the 1st quarter. Alta Advisers Ltd now owns 3,900 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $476,000 after purchasing an additional 1,400 shares in the last quarter. Smallwood Wealth Investment Management LLC purchased a new position in Duke Energy during the first quarter worth $147,000. Smith Salley Wealth Management raised its holdings in shares of Duke Energy by 0.5% in the first quarter. Smith Salley Wealth Management now owns 51,757 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $6,313,000 after acquiring an additional 232 shares during the last quarter. Saxon Interests Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Duke Energy in the first quarter valued at $203,000. Finally, Barnes Dennig Private Wealth Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Duke Energy during the first quarter valued at $54,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 65.31% of the companys stock. Get Duke Energy alerts: Duke Energy Price Performance Shares of NYSE DUK opened at $118.84 on Wednesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.57, a current ratio of 0.77 and a quick ratio of 0.50. Duke Energy Corporation has a 1-year low of $99.21 and a 1-year high of $125.27. The company has a market capitalization of $92.37 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 19.71, a PEG ratio of 2.95 and a beta of 0.37. The business has a 50-day moving average of $117.41 and a 200-day moving average of $115.22. Duke Energy Dividend Announcement Duke Energy ( NYSE:DUK Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, May 6th. The utilities provider reported $1.76 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.59 by $0.17. The firm had revenue of $8.25 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $7.70 billion. Duke Energy had a return on equity of 9.88% and a net margin of 15.40%. Duke Energys quarterly revenue was up 7.5% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $1.44 EPS. On average, equities analysts anticipate that Duke Energy Corporation will post 6.33 EPS for the current fiscal year. The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, June 16th. Shareholders of record on Friday, May 16th were issued a $1.045 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Friday, May 16th. This represents a $4.18 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.52%. Duke Energys dividend payout ratio is currently 69.32%. Analyst Ratings Changes Several research analysts recently weighed in on the stock. Barclays cut their target price on shares of Duke Energy from $123.00 to $122.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their price objective on shares of Duke Energy from $114.00 to $121.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Tuesday, March 11th. UBS Group reaffirmed a neutral rating and issued a $127.00 target price (up from $126.00) on shares of Duke Energy in a research note on Monday, June 2nd. BMO Capital Markets cut their price target on Duke Energy from $128.00 to $123.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Thursday, April 10th. Finally, Morgan Stanley decreased their price objective on Duke Energy from $125.00 to $124.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, June 18th. Seven research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and ten have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $126.88. View Our Latest Report on DUK Duke Energy Company Profile (Free Report) Duke Energy Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as an energy company in the United States. It operates through two segments: Electric Utilities and Infrastructure (EU&I), and Gas Utilities and Infrastructure (GU&I). The EU&I segment generates, transmits, distributes, and sells electricity in the Carolinas, Florida, and the Midwest. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Duke Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Duke Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Hamburger Hafen und Logistik Aktiengesellschaft (OTCMKTS:HHULY Get Free Report) declared a dividend on Tuesday, July 1st, investing.com reports. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, July 8th will be paid a dividend of 0.0498 per share on Wednesday, July 23rd. This represents a yield of 0.65%. The ex-dividend date is Monday, July 7th. This is a 77.4% increase from Hamburger Hafen und Logistik Aktiengesellschafts previous dividend of $0.03. Hamburger Hafen und Logistik Aktiengesellschaft Price Performance OTCMKTS:HHULY opened at C$7.66 on Wednesday. The stock has a 50 day moving average of C$8.36 and a 200-day moving average of C$8.89. Hamburger Hafen und Logistik Aktiengesellschaft has a 52 week low of C$7.66 and a 52 week high of C$10.44. Get Hamburger Hafen und Logistik Aktiengesellschaft alerts: About Hamburger Hafen und Logistik Aktiengesellschaft (Get Free Report) Recommended Stories Hamburger Hafen und Logistik Aktiengesellschaft operates as a port and transport logistics company in Germany, rest of European Union, and internationally. It operates through Container, Intermodal, Logistics, and Real Estate segments. The company operates three container terminals in Hamburg; and container terminals in Odessa, Ukraine, and Tallinn, Estonia, as well as in Trieste, Italy. Receive News & Ratings for Hamburger Hafen und Logistik Aktiengesellschaft Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Hamburger Hafen und Logistik Aktiengesellschaft and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Arbor Trust Wealth Advisors LLC increased its stake in shares of The Charles Schwab Corporation (NYSE:SCHW Free Report) by 14.5% during the 1st quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 11,355 shares of the financial services providers stock after acquiring an additional 1,441 shares during the period. Arbor Trust Wealth Advisors LLCs holdings in Charles Schwab were worth $889,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. Several other large investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Atwood & Palmer Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Charles Schwab during the 1st quarter worth about $25,000. Westside Investment Management Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Charles Schwab by 75.0% during the first quarter. Westside Investment Management Inc. now owns 350 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $27,000 after buying an additional 150 shares in the last quarter. WFA Asset Management Corp bought a new stake in shares of Charles Schwab in the first quarter valued at about $33,000. Beacon Capital Management LLC increased its position in Charles Schwab by 53.1% during the first quarter. Beacon Capital Management LLC now owns 487 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $38,000 after acquiring an additional 169 shares during the period. Finally, Murphy & Mullick Capital Management Corp bought a new position in Charles Schwab during the 4th quarter worth $38,000. 84.38% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Charles Schwab alerts: Charles Schwab Price Performance Shares of NYSE SCHW opened at $91.18 on Wednesday. The company has a market capitalization of $165.67 billion, a PE ratio of 27.63, a P/E/G ratio of 0.98 and a beta of 0.93. The company has a quick ratio of 0.53, a current ratio of 0.53 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.53. The Charles Schwab Corporation has a twelve month low of $61.01 and a twelve month high of $91.68. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $86.71 and a 200 day simple moving average of $80.51. Charles Schwab Announces Dividend Charles Schwab ( NYSE:SCHW Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, April 17th. The financial services provider reported $1.04 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.01 by $0.03. Charles Schwab had a return on equity of 18.31% and a net margin of 31.71%. The firm had revenue of $5.60 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $5.46 billion. During the same period last year, the company posted $0.74 EPS. On average, sell-side analysts forecast that The Charles Schwab Corporation will post 4.22 EPS for the current year. The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, May 23rd. Stockholders of record on Friday, May 9th were given a dividend of $0.27 per share. This represents a $1.08 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.18%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, May 9th. Charles Schwabs dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 32.73%. Insider Buying and Selling In other Charles Schwab news, insider Jonathan S. Beatty sold 2,850 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, May 30th. The shares were sold at an average price of $87.57, for a total value of $249,574.50. Following the completion of the sale, the insider directly owned 15,219 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,332,727.83. This trade represents a 15.77% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, insider Nigel J. Murtagh sold 20,872 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, June 18th. The shares were sold at an average price of $90.01, for a total transaction of $1,878,688.72. Following the transaction, the insider owned 58,999 shares in the company, valued at $5,310,499.99. This represents a 26.13% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 116,615 shares of company stock worth $10,231,607 over the last ninety days. 6.30% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth SCHW has been the subject of a number of analyst reports. UBS Group boosted their price target on Charles Schwab from $95.00 to $96.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, April 22nd. Citigroup raised shares of Charles Schwab from a neutral rating to a buy rating and upped their price target for the stock from $85.00 to $102.00 in a report on Wednesday, April 2nd. The Goldman Sachs Group raised shares of Charles Schwab from a neutral rating to a buy rating and set a $100.00 price objective on the stock in a research note on Friday, April 25th. Truist Financial upped their target price on Charles Schwab from $97.00 to $100.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Monday, June 16th. Finally, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods raised their target price on Charles Schwab from $90.00 to $93.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Tuesday, April 22nd. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, three have issued a hold rating and fifteen have given a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $89.40. Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on Charles Schwab Charles Schwab Company Profile (Free Report) The Charles Schwab Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a savings and loan holding company that provides wealth management, securities brokerage, banking, asset management, custody, and financial advisory services in the United States and internationally. The company operates in two segments, Investor Services and Advisor Services. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding SCHW? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The Charles Schwab Corporation (NYSE:SCHW Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Charles Schwab Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Charles Schwab and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Hochschild Mining (OTCMKTS:HCHDF Get Free Report) and Hecla Mining (NYSE:HL Get Free Report) are both basic materials companies, but which is the superior investment? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their profitability, earnings, valuation, analyst recommendations, dividends, risk and institutional ownership. Analyst Recommendations This is a breakdown of current ratings and target prices for Hochschild Mining and Hecla Mining, as reported by MarketBeat.com. Get Hochschild Mining alerts: Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Hochschild Mining 0 1 1 2 3.25 Hecla Mining 0 4 2 0 2.33 Hecla Mining has a consensus target price of $6.92, indicating a potential upside of 15.86%. Given Hecla Minings higher possible upside, analysts clearly believe Hecla Mining is more favorable than Hochschild Mining. Profitability Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Hochschild Mining N/A N/A N/A Hecla Mining 7.13% 3.87% 2.64% Dividends This table compares Hochschild Mining and Hecla Minings net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Hochschild Mining pays an annual dividend of $0.02 per share and has a dividend yield of 0.6%. Hecla Mining pays an annual dividend of $0.01 per share and has a dividend yield of 0.2%. Hecla Mining pays out 9.1% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Volatility and Risk Hochschild Mining has a beta of 0.64, indicating that its share price is 36% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Hecla Mining has a beta of 1.47, indicating that its share price is 47% more volatile than the S&P 500. Valuation & Earnings This table compares Hochschild Mining and Hecla Minings gross revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Hochschild Mining $947.70 million 1.96 $97.00 million N/A N/A Hecla Mining $929.92 million 4.06 $35.80 million $0.11 54.27 Hochschild Mining has higher revenue and earnings than Hecla Mining. Institutional and Insider Ownership 63.0% of Hecla Mining shares are held by institutional investors. 1.4% of Hecla Mining shares are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, large money managers and hedge funds believe a company is poised for long-term growth. Summary Hecla Mining beats Hochschild Mining on 9 of the 15 factors compared between the two stocks. About Hochschild Mining (Get Free Report) Hochschild Mining plc, a precious metals company, engages in the exploration, mining, processing, and sale of gold and silver in the Americas. The company holds 100% interests in the Inmaculada gold/silver underground operation and Pallancata silver/gold property, which are located in the Department of Ayacucho in southern Peru. It also holds a 51% interest in the San Jose silver/gold mine located in Argentina. In addition, the company has a portfolio of projects located across Peru, Argentina, Mexico, United States, Canada, Brazil, and Chile. Further, it is involved in the power generation business. Hochschild Mining plc was founded in 1911 and is based in London, the United Kingdom. About Hecla Mining (Get Free Report) Hecla Mining Company, together with its subsidiaries, provides precious and base metal properties in the United States, Canada, Japan, Korea, and China. The company mines for silver, gold, lead, and zinc concentrates, as well as carbon material containing silver and gold for custom smelters, metal traders, and third-party processors; and dore containing silver and gold. It flagship project is the Greens Creek mine located on Admiralty Island in southeast Alaska. Hecla Mining Company was incorporated in 1891 and is headquartered in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. Receive News & Ratings for Hochschild Mining Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Hochschild Mining and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. ADT (NYSE:ADT Get Free Report) is one of 41 publicly-traded companies in the PROTECTION SFTY industry, but how does it compare to its rivals? We will compare ADT to related businesses based on the strength of its institutional ownership, risk, earnings, dividends, analyst recommendations, profitability and valuation. Dividends ADT pays an annual dividend of $0.22 per share and has a dividend yield of 2.6%. ADT pays out 37.9% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. As a group, PROTECTION SFTY companies pay a dividend yield of 1.6% and pay out 44.5% of their earnings in the form of a dividend. ADT has increased its dividend for 1 consecutive years. ADT is clearly a better dividend stock than its rivals, given its higher yield and lower payout ratio. Get ADT alerts: Analyst Ratings This is a breakdown of recent ratings and price targets for ADT and its rivals, as provided by MarketBeat.com. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score ADT 0 3 1 0 2.25 ADT Competitors 343 643 1058 62 2.40 Profitability ADT presently has a consensus target price of $9.05, indicating a potential upside of 6.22%. As a group, PROTECTION SFTY companies have a potential upside of 12.97%. Given ADTs rivals stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, analysts plainly believe ADT has less favorable growth aspects than its rivals. This table compares ADT and its rivals net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets ADT 11.03% 17.23% 4.07% ADT Competitors -19.22% -74.50% -1.08% Earnings and Valuation This table compares ADT and its rivals revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio ADT $4.90 billion $501.05 million 14.69 ADT Competitors $1.23 billion $110.42 million 45.24 ADT has higher revenue and earnings than its rivals. ADT 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. Volatility and Risk ADT has a beta of 1.21, meaning that its stock price is 21% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, ADTs rivals have a beta of 8.62, meaning that their average stock price is 762% more volatile than the S&P 500. Institutional & Insider Ownership 87.2% of ADT shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 49.0% of shares of all PROTECTION SFTY companies are owned by institutional investors. 2.7% of ADT shares are owned by company insiders. Comparatively, 18.6% of shares of all PROTECTION SFTY companies are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, endowments and hedge funds believe a company will outperform the market over the long term. Summary ADT beats its rivals on 8 of the 15 factors compared. ADT Company Profile (Get Free Report) ADT Inc. provides security, interactive, and smart home solutions to residential and small business customers in the United States. It operates through two segments, Consumer and Small Business, and Solar. The company provides burglar and life safety alarms, smart security cameras, smart home automation systems, and video surveillance systems. It primarily offers security designed to detect intrusion, control access, sense movement, smoke, fire, carbon monoxide, flooding, temperature, and other environmental conditions and hazards; and address personal medical emergencies, such as injuries or unanticipated falls. The company also provides automation and smart home solutions that allow customers to use their smart phones, smart phone application, or touchscreen panels in their homes to arm and disarm their security systems; record and view real-time video; and creates customized and automated schedules for connected devices; programs systems to react to defined events; integrates system with third-party connected devices, such as cameras, lights, thermostats, appliances, and garage doors, as well as offers monitoring and maintenance services. In addition, the company offers energy storage solutions, energy efficiency upgrades, and roofing services. It offers its products under the ADT, ADT Pulse, ADT+, and ADT Commercial brand names. The company was formerly known as Prime Security Services Parent, Inc. and changed its name to ADT Inc. in September 2017. ADT Inc. was founded in 1874 and is headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida. Receive News & Ratings for ADT Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for ADT and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 2. On July 3-4, the 17th Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) will be held in Khankendi, Azerbaijan, bringing together the cream of the crop from ten nations, boasting a whopping population that tips the scales at over 500 million souls. This year, Kazakhstan is at the helm of the organizationnot just going through the motions but a testament to the countrys savvy and carefully crafted game plan to bolster economic connections throughout the Eurasian landscape. Kazakhstan, a long-standing player in the ECO game since 1992, is right in the thick of things when it comes to shaping the organization's future. The current chairmanshipthe second time at the rodeo for the countrymarks its comeback to the forefront of regional integration. In a world turned upside down, Kazakhstan isnt just blowing smoke; its rolling up its sleeves and putting its money where its mouth is with real projects and initiatives. At the top of the list is the building up of transport infrastructure. Kazakhstan is pulling out all the stops to champion the Trans-Caspian route and the North-South corridor, shaking hands and signing roadmaps with Azerbaijan, Turkiye, Iran, and other partners to clear the decks and boost the throughput capacity of these pathways. By 2027, transit volumes on the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TMTM) are set to skyrocketfrom 4.5 to a whopping 10 million tons. The modernization of the Aktau and Kuryk ports is just around the corner, digital customs solutions are coming into play, and a cohesive space for transit trade is taking shape. Concurrently, Kazakhstan is strategizing to enhance economic synergies and foster deeper integration within regional frameworks. The nation engages proactively in the formation of the ECO Transport Council, spearheads the digital transformation of trade mechanisms, and cultivates the enhancement of transnational production networks. All these initiatives are designed to mitigate impediments and catalyze the expansion of regional commerce. As of the conclusion of 2024, Kazakhstan's export metrics culminated at $81.6 billion, while the aggregate foreign trade volume was quantified at $141.4 billion. Food exports exhibited substantial escalation$2.8 billionunderscoring the nations position as a pivotal guarantor of food security for adjacent territories and Middle Eastern states. Turkiye, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstanintegral constituents of the ECO frameworkconstitute pivotal trading allies for Kazakhstan, highlighting the strategic significance of the ECO as a conduit for economic diversification initiatives. In conjunction with its economic imperatives, Kazakhstan strategically prioritizes the integration of sustainable development initiatives. The development of the Shaulder photovoltaic facility, engagement in the "sustainable energy conduit" alongside Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan, and execution of hydrological infrastructure enhancement initiatives are all in accordance with the summits environmental framework and bolster the regions enduring ecological resilience. Conducting the summit in Khankendia locale emblematic of revitalization and a transformative phase in regional discourseimbues the gathering with enhanced significance. In this context, Kazakhstan is not merely presiding over the ECO but is actively curating the strategic framework, providing stakeholders with a definitive emphasis on trade digitalization, sustainable investment paradigms, and the enhancement of transport connectivity infrastructures. Consequently, Kazakhstan is orchestrating a novel framework for regional collaboration. The initiatives act as a pivotal driver for economic expansion, enhanced interconnections, and enduring development, with the Khankendi summit poised to signify a watershed moment in the evolution of ECO into a more efficacious and pragmatic framework. Harbour Trust & Investment Management Co decreased its holdings in Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE Free Report) by 10.0% in the first quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 8,368 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock after selling 933 shares during the period. Harbour Trust & Investment Management Cos holdings in Pfizer were worth $212,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in PFE. Bessemer Group Inc. grew its stake in shares of Pfizer by 11.1% during the first quarter. Bessemer Group Inc. now owns 132,478 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $3,358,000 after buying an additional 13,228 shares during the last quarter. CHURCHILL MANAGEMENT Corp purchased a new stake in Pfizer during the 1st quarter valued at about $8,283,000. Alta Advisers Ltd grew its position in Pfizer by 69.6% during the 1st quarter. Alta Advisers Ltd now owns 31,912 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $809,000 after acquiring an additional 13,100 shares during the last quarter. Sage Mountain Advisors LLC increased its stake in Pfizer by 7.3% in the 4th quarter. Sage Mountain Advisors LLC now owns 20,587 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $546,000 after purchasing an additional 1,404 shares during the period. Finally, Penobscot Investment Management Company Inc. lifted its position in Pfizer by 2.7% in the first quarter. Penobscot Investment Management Company Inc. now owns 95,301 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $2,415,000 after purchasing an additional 2,527 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 68.36% of the companys stock. Get Pfizer alerts: Pfizer Price Performance Shares of NYSE PFE opened at $25.03 on Wednesday. Pfizer Inc. has a 1 year low of $20.92 and a 1 year high of $31.54. The stock has a market capitalization of $142.30 billion, a P/E ratio of 18.14, a P/E/G ratio of 0.88 and a beta of 0.58. The companys 50-day moving average is $23.56 and its 200 day moving average is $24.83. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.64, a current ratio of 1.26 and a quick ratio of 0.96. Pfizer Dividend Announcement Pfizer ( NYSE:PFE Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, April 29th. The biopharmaceutical company reported $0.92 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.67 by $0.25. Pfizer had a return on equity of 20.33% and a net margin of 12.62%. The business had revenue of $13.72 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $14.43 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $0.82 EPS. The businesss revenue was down 7.8% on a year-over-year basis. On average, sell-side 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 Tuesday, September 2nd. Stockholders of record on Friday, July 25th will be issued a dividend of $0.43 per share. This represents a $1.72 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 6.87%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, July 25th. Pfizers dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 124.64%. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of research firms have recently weighed in on PFE. Hsbc Global Res upgraded shares of Pfizer to a strong-buy rating in a report on Monday, March 10th. Citigroup reissued a neutral rating on shares of Pfizer in a research report on Thursday, March 27th. UBS Group boosted their price objective on shares of Pfizer from $24.00 to $25.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Wednesday, April 30th. Guggenheim reaffirmed a buy rating on shares of Pfizer in a research note on Tuesday, March 18th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group reissued a neutral rating and issued a $25.00 target price (down from $32.00) on shares of Pfizer in a research note on Tuesday, April 8th. 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 given a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $29.17. Check Out Our Latest Research Report on PFE 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. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PFE? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Pfizer Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Pfizer and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. UMH Properties, Inc. (NYSE:UMH Get Free Report) declared a quarterly dividend on Tuesday, July 1st, RTT News reports. Investors of record on Friday, August 15th will be given a dividend of 0.225 per share by the real estate investment trust on Monday, September 15th. This represents a $0.90 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 5.31%. UMH Properties has a dividend payout ratio of 409.1% meaning the company cannot currently cover its dividend with earnings alone and is relying on its balance sheet to cover its dividend payments. Research analysts expect UMH Properties to earn $1.00 per share next year, which means the company should continue to be able to cover its $0.90 annual dividend with an expected future payout ratio of 90.0%. Get UMH Properties alerts: UMH Properties Price Performance Shares of UMH Properties stock opened at $16.94 on Wednesday. UMH Properties has a 52 week low of $15.74 and a 52 week high of $20.64. The company has a current ratio of 6.98, a quick ratio of 6.98 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.02. The stock has a market cap of $1.42 billion, a PE ratio of 141.18, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.79 and a beta of 1.10. The companys 50-day moving average price is $17.02 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $17.75. Insider Activity UMH Properties ( NYSE:UMH Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, May 1st. The real estate investment trust reported $0.23 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, hitting the consensus estimate of $0.23. UMH Properties had a net margin of 11.51% and a return on equity of 5.14%. The company had revenue of $61.23 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $62.82 million. As a group, sell-side analysts anticipate that UMH Properties will post 0.93 EPS for the current fiscal year. In other news, Director William Edward Mitchell sold 70,852 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, May 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $17.20, for a total transaction of $1,218,654.40. Following the sale, the director owned 215,427 shares in the company, valued at $3,705,344.40. The trade was a 24.75% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, CEO Samuel A. Landy sold 25,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, June 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $16.87, for a total transaction of $421,750.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer owned 1,140,265 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $19,236,270.55. This trade represents a 2.15% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last quarter, insiders sold 160,826 shares of company stock valued at $2,745,314. Corporate insiders own 8.77% of the companys stock. Institutional Trading of UMH Properties Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. Royal Bank of Canada raised its position in UMH Properties by 2.9% during the first quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 191,545 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $3,583,000 after buying an additional 5,409 shares during the period. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. boosted its position in UMH Properties by 4.6% during the 1st quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. now owns 42,976 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $804,000 after acquiring an additional 1,871 shares during the period. Finally, Amundi grew its stake in UMH Properties by 15.6% during the 1st quarter. Amundi now owns 41,420 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $778,000 after acquiring an additional 5,590 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 75.40% of the companys stock. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several research firms have issued reports on UMH. Maxim Group dropped their price target on UMH Properties from $22.00 to $20.50 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Monday, May 5th. Wall Street Zen upgraded UMH Properties from a sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Friday, June 6th. Finally, B. Riley reaffirmed a buy rating on shares of UMH Properties in a research report on Tuesday, May 13th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, UMH Properties presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $21.00. Get Our Latest Research Report on UMH About UMH Properties (Get Free Report) UMH Properties, Inc, which was organized in 1968, is a public equity REIT that owns and operates 135 manufactured home communities containing approximately 25,800 developed homesites. These communities are located in New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Indiana, Michigan, Maryland, Alabama, South Carolina and Georgia. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for UMH Properties Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for UMH Properties and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Samsonite Group (OTCMKTS:SMSEY Get Free Report) is one of 46 public companies in the CONSM PD MISC DIS industry, but how does it compare to its peers? We will compare Samsonite Group to related companies based on the strength of its risk, analyst recommendations, profitability, earnings, valuation, institutional ownership and dividends. Dividends Samsonite Group pays an annual dividend of $0.39 per share and has a dividend yield of 4.2%. Samsonite Group pays out 36.4% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. As a group, CONSM PD MISC DIS companies pay a dividend yield of 3.1% and pay out 72.0% of their earnings in the form of a dividend. Samsonite Group is clearly a better dividend stock than its peers, given its higher yield and lower payout ratio. Get Samsonite Group alerts: Risk and Volatility Samsonite Group has a beta of 0.69, suggesting that its share price is 31% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Samsonite Groups peers have a beta of -0.51, suggesting that their average share price is 151% less volatile than the S&P 500. Insider & Institutional Ownership Profitability 42.0% of shares of all CONSM PD MISC DIS companies are held by institutional investors. 19.4% of shares of all CONSM PD MISC DIS companies are held by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, large money managers and hedge funds believe a company is poised for long-term growth. This table compares Samsonite Group and its peers net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Samsonite Group 8.67% 21.65% 6.52% Samsonite Group Competitors 0.03% 1.25% 0.50% Analyst Ratings This is a breakdown of current ratings for Samsonite Group and its peers, as reported by MarketBeat.com. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Samsonite Group 0 0 0 2 4.00 Samsonite Group Competitors 117 909 998 28 2.46 As a group, CONSM PD MISC DIS companies have a potential upside of 22.00%. Given Samsonite Groups peers higher probable upside, analysts clearly believe Samsonite Group has less favorable growth aspects than its peers. Valuation & Earnings This table compares Samsonite Group and its peers top-line revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio Samsonite Group $3.59 billion $345.70 million 8.68 Samsonite Group Competitors $2.74 billion $103.51 million 3.06 Samsonite Group has higher revenue and earnings than its peers. Samsonite Group is trading at a higher price-to-earnings ratio than its peers, indicating that it is currently more expensive than other companies in its industry. Summary Samsonite Group beats its peers on 11 of the 15 factors compared. About Samsonite Group (Get Free Report) Samsonite International S.A. engages in the design, manufacture, sourcing, and distribution of travel luggage bags in North America, Asia, Europe, and Latin America. The company offers luggage, business, computer, outdoor, casual, and women's bags; and travel accessories and slim protective cases for personal electronic devices primarily under the Samsonite, Tumi, American Tourister, Speck, High Sierra, Gregory, Lipault, Kamiliant, Hartmann, and eBags brands, as well as other owned and licensed brand names. It sells its products through various wholesale distribution channels, as well as through company operated retail stores and e-commerce. The company was founded in 1910 and is based in Luxembourg, Luxembourg. Receive News & Ratings for Samsonite Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Samsonite Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Fedenia Advisers LLC lessened its stake in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF (BATS:EFV Free Report) by 6.3% during the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 18,704 shares of the companys stock after selling 1,247 shares during the period. Fedenia Advisers LLCs holdings in iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF were worth $1,102,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Rossby Financial LCC bought a new position in iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF during the first quarter worth $50,000. Yukon Wealth Management Inc. bought a new position in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF during the first quarter valued at $3,842,000. DAVENPORT & Co LLC boosted its position in iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF by 18.0% in the first quarter. DAVENPORT & Co LLC now owns 21,074 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,242,000 after buying an additional 3,219 shares in the last quarter. Lansing Street Advisors grew its position in iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF by 4.5% during the 1st quarter. Lansing Street Advisors now owns 68,167 shares of the companys stock worth $4,018,000 after acquiring an additional 2,962 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Farmers & Merchants Trust Co of Chambersburg PA increased its stake in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF by 13.9% in the first quarter. Farmers & Merchants Trust Co of Chambersburg PA now owns 119,614 shares of the companys stock valued at $7,050,000 after buying an additional 14,566 shares in the last quarter. Get iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF alerts: iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF Trading Up 21.8% Shares of EFV stock opened at $63.64 on Wednesday. The firm has a market capitalization of $26.09 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.17 and a beta of 0.73. iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF has a 1 year low of $51.05 and a 1 year high of $64.69. The firms 50 day moving average is $62.59 and its 200-day moving average is $58.22. iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF Profile iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF (the Fund), formerly iShares MSCI EAFE Value Index Fund, is an exchange-traded fund (ETF). The Fund seeks to provide investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the MSCI EAFE Value Index. The Index is a subset of the MSCI EAFE Index and constituents of the Index include securities from Europe, Australasia (Australia and Asia), and the Far East. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding EFV? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF (BATS:EFV Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Krane Funds Advisors LLC lowered its position in WEC Energy Group, Inc. (NYSE:WEC Free Report) by 11.4% in the first quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 4,189 shares of the utilities providers stock after selling 539 shares during the quarter. Krane Funds Advisors LLCs holdings in WEC Energy Group were worth $457,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Marcum Wealth LLC lifted its position in shares of WEC Energy Group by 1.3% during the 1st quarter. Marcum Wealth LLC now owns 7,416 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $808,000 after purchasing an additional 93 shares during the last quarter. Clean Yield Group raised its stake in WEC Energy Group by 12.6% in the first quarter. Clean Yield Group now owns 867 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $94,000 after buying an additional 97 shares in the last quarter. MJP Associates Inc. ADV lifted its holdings in WEC Energy Group by 3.4% during the 4th quarter. MJP Associates Inc. ADV now owns 3,019 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $284,000 after buying an additional 98 shares during the last quarter. Premier Path Wealth Partners LLC boosted its position in shares of WEC Energy Group by 3.0% during the 1st quarter. Premier Path Wealth Partners LLC now owns 3,335 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $363,000 after acquiring an additional 98 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Peak Financial Advisors LLC increased its holdings in shares of WEC Energy Group by 1.9% in the 1st quarter. Peak Financial Advisors LLC now owns 5,339 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $582,000 after acquiring an additional 100 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 77.20% of the companys stock. Get WEC Energy Group alerts: WEC Energy Group Stock Performance Shares of WEC stock opened at $104.74 on Wednesday. WEC Energy Group, Inc. has a 52-week low of $77.47 and a 52-week high of $111.00. The stocks 50-day moving average price is $106.19 and its 200 day moving average price is $103.34. The company has a quick ratio of 0.40, a current ratio of 0.50 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.23. The stock has a market capitalization of $33.43 billion, a PE ratio of 20.42, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.86 and a beta of 0.44. WEC Energy Group Increases Dividend WEC Energy Group ( NYSE:WEC Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, May 6th. The utilities provider reported $2.27 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.18 by $0.09. The firm had revenue of $3.15 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.81 billion. WEC Energy Group had a return on equity of 12.94% and a net margin of 17.95%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 17.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the company earned $1.97 earnings per share. As a group, equities research analysts forecast that WEC Energy Group, Inc. will post 5.23 EPS for the current year. The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Sunday, June 1st. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, May 14th were paid a dividend of $0.8975 per share. This represents a $3.59 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.43%. This is a positive change from WEC Energy Groups previous quarterly dividend of $0.84. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, May 14th. WEC Energy Groups payout ratio is 69.59%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several research firms recently weighed in on WEC. Barclays boosted their target price on WEC Energy Group from $99.00 to $101.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research note on Tuesday, April 29th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upgraded shares of WEC Energy Group from an underweight rating to a neutral rating and boosted their price objective for the stock from $106.00 to $108.00 in a research report on Tuesday, April 8th. Wall Street Zen raised shares of WEC Energy Group from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Sunday. Scotiabank set a $115.00 price target on shares of WEC Energy Group and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Wednesday, May 7th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group downgraded shares of WEC Energy Group from a neutral rating to a sell rating and decreased their price objective for the company from $106.00 to $100.00 in a research note on Wednesday, June 25th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, six have assigned a hold rating and three have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, WEC Energy Group has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $106.33. Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on WEC Energy Group Insider Transactions at WEC Energy Group In other WEC Energy Group news, VP Joshua M. Erickson sold 2,155 shares of WEC Energy Group stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, May 20th. The stock was sold at an average price of $107.77, for a total value of $232,244.35. Following the sale, the vice president owned 2,686 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $289,470.22. The trade was a 44.52% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. 0.50% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. WEC Energy Group Company Profile (Free Report) WEC Energy Group, Inc, through its subsidiaries, provides regulated natural gas and electricity, and renewable and nonregulated renewable energy services in the United States. It operates through Wisconsin, Illinois, Other States, Electric Transmission, and Non-Utility Energy Infrastructure segments. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding WEC? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for WEC Energy Group, Inc. (NYSE:WEC Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for WEC Energy Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for WEC Energy Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. North of South Capital LLP purchased a new stake in BBVA Banco Frances S.A. (NYSE:BBAR Free Report) during the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm purchased 30,000 shares of the banks stock, valued at approximately $544,000. BBVA Banco Frances comprises approximately 0.1% of North of South Capital LLPs investment portfolio, making the stock its 19th largest holding. A number of other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of BBAR. Clear Creek Financial Management LLC increased its stake in shares of BBVA Banco Frances by 89.2% in the first quarter. Clear Creek Financial Management LLC now owns 23,465 shares of the banks stock valued at $425,000 after buying an additional 11,060 shares during the period. Deltec Asset Management LLC raised its stake in shares of BBVA Banco Frances by 43.1% during the first quarter. Deltec Asset Management LLC now owns 85,000 shares of the banks stock valued at $1,540,000 after acquiring an additional 25,600 shares during the last quarter. ABS Direct Equity Fund LLC grew its stake in shares of BBVA Banco Frances by 42.0% in the first quarter. ABS Direct Equity Fund LLC now owns 30,417 shares of the banks stock worth $551,000 after purchasing an additional 9,000 shares during the last quarter. Redhawk Wealth Advisors Inc. raised its position in BBVA Banco Frances by 30.7% during the 1st quarter. Redhawk Wealth Advisors Inc. now owns 50,992 shares of the banks stock worth $924,000 after purchasing an additional 11,984 shares during the last quarter. Finally, GAMMA Investing LLC lifted its holdings in BBVA Banco Frances by 27.1% during the 1st quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 5,303 shares of the banks stock worth $96,000 after buying an additional 1,132 shares during the period. Get BBVA Banco Frances alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of equities analysts have recently issued reports on BBAR shares. Itau BBA Securities assumed coverage on BBVA Banco Frances in a research report on Tuesday, May 20th. They set a market perform rating and a $18.00 price objective for the company. Wall Street Zen raised BBVA Banco Frances from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Saturday, June 21st. BBVA Banco Frances Stock Performance NYSE:BBAR opened at $16.29 on Wednesday. The firm has a market capitalization of $3.33 billion, a P/E ratio of 9.53 and a beta of 1.19. BBVA Banco Frances S.A. has a twelve month low of $7.05 and a twelve month high of $25.01. The company has a fifty day moving average of $19.35 and a 200-day moving average of $19.60. The company has a quick ratio of 1.10, a current ratio of 1.05 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.19. BBVA Banco Frances (NYSE:BBAR Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, May 21st. The bank reported $0.28 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.26 by $0.02. The firm had revenue of $667.94 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $751.69 billion. BBVA Banco Frances had a net margin of 8.31% and a return on equity of 13.53%. As a group, sell-side analysts anticipate that BBVA Banco Frances S.A. will post 1.94 EPS for the current year. BBVA Banco Frances Profile (Free Report) Banco BBVA Argentina SA provides various banking products and services to individuals and companies in Argentina. The company provides retail banking products and services, such as checking and savings accounts, time deposits, credit cards financing, consumer and pledge loans, mortgages, insurance, and investment products to individuals; and small and medium-sized companies products and services, including financing products, factoring, checking accounts, time deposits, transactional and payroll services, insurance, and investment products to private-sector companies. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BBAR? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for BBVA Banco Frances S.A. (NYSE:BBAR Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for BBVA Banco Frances Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for BBVA Banco Frances and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Constellation Brands (NYSE:STZ Get Free Report) updated its FY 2026 earnings guidance on Tuesday. The company provided earnings per share (EPS) guidance of 12.600-12.900 for the period, compared to the consensus estimate of 12.650. The company issued revenue guidance of -. Constellation Brands Price Performance STZ stock opened at $166.35 on Wednesday. The company has a market cap of $29.61 billion, a PE ratio of -326.18, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 9.01 and a beta of 0.67. The company has a current ratio of 0.92, a quick ratio of 0.56 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.30. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $177.93 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $184.54. Constellation Brands has a 12-month low of $159.35 and a 12-month high of $264.45. Get Constellation Brands alerts: Constellation Brands (NYSE:STZ Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, July 1st. The company reported $3.22 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $3.45 by ($0.23). The company had revenue of $2.52 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.57 billion. Constellation Brands had a negative net margin of 0.74% and a positive return on equity of 29.56%. The companys revenue for the quarter was down 5.5% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the business earned $3.57 earnings per share. As a group, research analysts predict that Constellation Brands will post 13.5 EPS for the current year. Constellation Brands Increases Dividend Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, May 15th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, April 29th were paid a dividend of $1.02 per share. This represents a $4.08 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.45%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, April 29th. This is a positive change from Constellation Brandss previous quarterly dividend of $1.01. Constellation Brandss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is -800.00%. Several analysts recently weighed in on STZ shares. Roth Capital lowered their price objective on Constellation Brands from $256.00 to $239.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, May 20th. Bernstein Bank decreased their price objective on shares of Constellation Brands from $260.00 to $225.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Thursday, April 10th. Jefferies Financial Group dropped their target price on shares of Constellation Brands from $201.00 to $196.00 in a report on Friday, April 11th. Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of Constellation Brands from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, May 20th. Finally, DA Davidson lowered their price objective on shares of Constellation Brands from $272.00 to $241.00 in a research report on Friday, April 11th. Eleven investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and twelve have assigned a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $211.91. Check Out Our Latest Report on STZ Insider Activity In related news, EVP Samuel J. Glaetzer sold 3,150 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Tuesday, May 13th. The shares were sold at an average price of $188.54, for a total value of $593,901.00. Following the sale, the executive vice president directly owned 3,126 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $589,376.04. The trade was a 50.19% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Corporate insiders own 12.45% of the companys stock. Institutional Inflows and Outflows A hedge fund recently bought a new stake in Constellation Brands stock. Woodline Partners LP acquired a new position in shares of Constellation Brands Inc (NYSE:STZ Free Report) in the first quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund acquired 13,129 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,409,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 77.34% of the companys stock. Constellation Brands Company Profile (Get Free Report) Constellation Brands, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, produces, imports, markets, and sells beer, wine, and spirits in the United States, Canada, Mexico, New Zealand, and Italy. The company provides beer primarily under the Corona Extra, Corona Familiar, Corona Hard Seltzer, Corona Light, Corona Non-Alcoholic, Corona Premier, Corona Refresca, Modelo Especial, Modelo Chelada, Modelo Negra, Modelo Oro, Victoria, Vicky Chamoy, and Pacifico brands. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Constellation Brands Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Constellation Brands and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Endava (NYSE:DAVA Get Free Report) and Dynatrace (NYSE:DT Get Free Report) are both computer and technology companies, but which is the better business? We will compare the two companies based on the strength of their analyst recommendations, risk, earnings, profitability, dividends, valuation and institutional ownership. Earnings and Valuation This table compares Endava and Dynatraces revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Get Endava alerts: Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Endava $932.88 million 0.98 $21.56 million $0.38 40.88 Dynatrace $1.70 billion 9.58 $483.68 million $1.60 33.95 Analyst Ratings Dynatrace has higher revenue and earnings than Endava. Dynatrace is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Endava, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. This is a breakdown of recent ratings and price targets for Endava and Dynatrace, as reported by MarketBeat.com. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Endava 0 6 3 0 2.33 Dynatrace 0 7 15 1 2.74 Endava presently has a consensus price target of $26.63, suggesting a potential upside of 71.39%. Dynatrace has a consensus price target of $62.26, suggesting a potential upside of 14.62%. Given Endavas higher possible upside, equities research analysts clearly believe Endava is more favorable than Dynatrace. Profitability This table compares Endava and Dynatraces net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Endava 2.33% 3.59% 2.35% Dynatrace 28.47% 9.08% 5.90% Institutional and Insider Ownership 62.2% of Endava shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 94.3% of Dynatrace shares are owned by institutional investors. 18.8% of Endava shares are owned by company insiders. Comparatively, 0.6% of Dynatrace shares are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, large money managers and endowments believe a company is poised for long-term growth. Risk and Volatility Endava has a beta of 1.14, suggesting that its share price is 14% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Dynatrace has a beta of 0.91, suggesting that its share price is 9% less volatile than the S&P 500. Summary Dynatrace beats Endava on 11 of the 15 factors compared between the two stocks. About Endava (Get Free Report) Endava plc provides technology services for clients in the consumer products, healthcare, mobility, and retail verticals in North America, Europe, the United Kingdom, and internationally. It offers ideation and production services in the payments and financial services, telecommunications, media, and technology verticals; and business analysis, data analytics, program management, digital product strategy, private equity value enhancement, IT strategy, architecture, extended reality, machine learning and artificial intelligence, product design, and user experience and visual design services. The company also provides automated testing, cloud native software engineering, continuous delivery, distributed agile delivery, intelligent automation, secure development, agile applications management, cloud infrastructure, DevSecOps, service delivery, smart desk, telemetry and monitoring, organizational optimization, and transaction advisory services. Endava plc was founded in 2000 and is headquartered in London, the United Kingdom. About Dynatrace (Get Free Report) Dynatrace, Inc. provides a security platform for multicloud environments in North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Asia Pacific, and Latin America. The company operates Dynatrace, a security platform, which provides application and microservices monitoring, runtime application security, infrastructure monitoring, log management and analytics, digital experience monitoring, digital business analytics, and cloud automation. Its platform allows its customers to modernize and automate IT operations, delivers software, and enhance user experiences. In addition, the company offers implementation, consulting, and training services. It markets its products through a combination of direct sales team and a network of partners, including resellers, system integrators, and managed service providers. It serves customers in various industries comprising banking, financial services, government, insurance, retail and wholesale, transportation, and software. Dynatrace, Inc. was founded in 2005 and is headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts. Receive News & Ratings for Endava Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Endava and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Earnings and Valuation This table compares Ballston Spa Bancorp and Pioneer Banksharess gross revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Ballston Spa Bancorp $36.16 million 1.31 $4.78 million N/A N/A Pioneer Bankshares $19.82 million 1.30 $2.68 million $3.08 8.39 Get Ballston Spa Bancorp alerts: Ballston Spa Bancorp has higher revenue and earnings than Pioneer Bankshares. Risk & Volatility Dividends Ballston Spa Bancorp has a beta of -0.22, indicating that its share price is 122% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Pioneer Bankshares has a beta of 0.15, indicating that its share price is 85% less volatile than the S&P 500. Ballston Spa Bancorp pays an annual dividend of $1.32 per share and has a dividend yield of 2.1%. Pioneer Bankshares pays an annual dividend of $1.00 per share and has a dividend yield of 3.9%. Pioneer Bankshares pays out 32.5% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Institutional and Insider Ownership 2.4% of Ballston Spa Bancorp shares are held by institutional investors. 13.7% of Pioneer Bankshares shares are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, endowments and hedge funds believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term. Profitability This table compares Ballston Spa Bancorp and Pioneer Bankshares net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Ballston Spa Bancorp N/A N/A N/A Pioneer Bankshares 15.17% N/A N/A Summary Ballston Spa Bancorp beats Pioneer Bankshares on 5 of the 9 factors compared between the two stocks. About Ballston Spa Bancorp (Get Free Report) Ballston Spa Bancorp, Inc. operates as a holding company for Ballston Spa National Bank that provides a range of banking, financing, fiduciary, brokerage, and other financial services to corporate, municipal, and individual customers in the United States. It offers checking, money market, savings, health savings, and individual retirement accounts, as well as certificates of deposit; loan products, such as mortgage and home construction, improvement, and equity loans, auto, boat, RV, personal, commercial, and small business loans, as well as lines of credit and government programs; and debits and credit cards. The company also provides personal investment services, which include annuities, college savings plans, mutual funds, and life and long term care insurance products; retirement plans; college planning services; investment and asset management; trusteeship; estate settlement; special needs and disability trusts; and wealth management services. In addition, the company offers treasury management services; and merchant and payment processing services, as well as online and mobile banking, and digital payments. The company was founded in 1838 and is based in Ballston Spa, New York. 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. Receive News & Ratings for Ballston Spa Bancorp Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Ballston Spa Bancorp and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Utz Brands (NYSE:UTZ Get Free Report) is one of 69 publicly-traded companies in the FOOD MISC/DIVERSIFIED industry, but how does it compare to its rivals? We will compare Utz Brands to similar companies based on the strength of its valuation, profitability, risk, earnings, dividends, institutional ownership and analyst recommendations. Analyst Recommendations This is a breakdown of recent ratings and target prices for Utz Brands and its rivals, as reported by MarketBeat. Get Utz Brands alerts: Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Utz Brands 0 2 6 0 2.75 Utz Brands Competitors 709 3414 3724 153 2.42 Utz Brands presently has a consensus target price of $17.69, indicating a potential upside of 35.15%. As a group, FOOD MISC/DIVERSIFIED companies have a potential upside of 18.50%. Given Utz Brands stronger consensus rating and higher probable upside, equities analysts plainly believe Utz Brands is more favorable than its rivals. Valuation and Earnings Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio Utz Brands $1.41 billion $15.97 million 40.90 Utz Brands Competitors $8.09 billion $399.01 million 24.43 This table compares Utz Brands and its rivals top-line revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Utz Brands rivals have higher revenue and earnings than Utz Brands. Utz Brands is trading at a higher price-to-earnings ratio than its rivals, indicating that it is currently more expensive than other companies in its industry. Volatility & Risk Utz Brands has a beta of 1.14, indicating that its stock price is 14% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Utz Brands rivals have a beta of 0.83, indicating that their average stock price is 17% less volatile than the S&P 500. Profitability This table compares Utz Brands and its rivals net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Utz Brands 1.94% 8.05% 4.14% Utz Brands Competitors -3.77% -16.96% 1.87% Insider & Institutional Ownership 96.0% of Utz Brands shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 54.4% of shares of all FOOD MISC/DIVERSIFIED companies are owned by institutional investors. 16.3% of Utz Brands shares are owned by insiders. Comparatively, 16.0% of shares of all FOOD MISC/DIVERSIFIED companies are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, large money managers and endowments believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term. Dividends Utz Brands pays an annual dividend of $0.24 per share and has a dividend yield of 1.8%. Utz Brands pays out 75.0% of its earnings in the form of a dividend, suggesting it may not have sufficient earnings to cover its dividend payment in the future. As a group, FOOD MISC/DIVERSIFIED companies pay a dividend yield of 1.1% and pay out 33.6% of their earnings in the form of a dividend. Utz Brands has increased its dividend for 3 consecutive years. Summary Utz Brands beats its rivals on 11 of the 15 factors compared. About Utz Brands (Get Free Report) Utz Brands, Inc. engages in manufacture, marketing, and distribution of snack foods. It offers a range of salty snacks, including salty snacks, including potato chips, tortilla chips, pretzels, cheese snacks, pork skins, veggie snacks, pub/party mixes, tortilla chips, salsa and dips, ready-to-eat popcorn, and other snacks under the Utz, Zapps, ON THE BORDER, Golden Flake, Boulder Canyon, Hawaiian, TORTIYAHS!, etc. The company sells its products to wholesale and other distributors, grocery stores, convenience and drug stores, discount stores, mass merchandisers, membership club stores, hard discounters, and specialty and e-commerce retailers. Utz Brands, Inc. was founded in 1921 and is headquartered in Hanover, Pennsylvania. Receive News & Ratings for Utz Brands Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Utz Brands and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Subscription to paid content Gain access to all that Trend has to offer, as well as to premium, licensed content via subscription or direct purchase through a credit card. Kanawha Capital Management LLC trimmed its holdings in shares of Carrier Global Corporation (NYSE:CARR Free Report) by 1.6% during the first quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The fund owned 133,842 shares of the companys stock after selling 2,153 shares during the quarter. Kanawha Capital Management LLCs holdings in Carrier Global were worth $8,486,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Bessemer Group Inc. boosted its holdings in Carrier Global by 15.7% in the first quarter. Bessemer Group Inc. now owns 28,768 shares of the companys stock worth $1,823,000 after purchasing an additional 3,900 shares during the period. Ensign Peak Advisors Inc grew its position in Carrier Global by 27.8% in the 4th quarter. Ensign Peak Advisors Inc now owns 1,314,180 shares of the companys stock valued at $89,706,000 after buying an additional 285,803 shares in the last quarter. Sowell Financial Services LLC acquired a new position in shares of Carrier Global during the first quarter valued at approximately $234,000. Ritholtz Wealth Management increased its position in shares of Carrier Global by 34.0% during the 1st quarter. Ritholtz Wealth Management now owns 3,968 shares of the companys stock valued at $252,000 after purchasing an additional 1,007 shares during the period. Finally, Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services LLC grew its holdings in Carrier Global by 15.8% during the first quarter. Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services LLC now owns 552,713 shares of the companys stock worth $35,042,000 after acquiring an additional 75,555 shares during the period. 91.00% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Carrier Global alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In CARR has been the topic of several research reports. Robert W. Baird upped their price target on Carrier Global from $80.00 to $88.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Tuesday, May 20th. Royal Bank Of Canada boosted their price objective on shares of Carrier Global from $86.00 to $87.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Tuesday, May 20th. Melius assumed coverage on Carrier Global in a research note on Tuesday. They issued a hold rating and a $90.00 target price on the stock. Mizuho set a $72.00 target price on shares of Carrier Global in a research report on Tuesday, April 22nd. Finally, Northcoast Research raised Carrier Global from a neutral rating to a buy rating and set a $85.00 price objective on the stock in a report on Friday, May 9th. Six research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, eleven have assigned a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $83.82. Carrier Global Trading Up 1.5% Shares of CARR opened at $74.32 on Wednesday. The stocks 50-day moving average price is $70.53 and its 200 day moving average price is $67.24. The company has a quick ratio of 0.83, a current ratio of 1.20 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.78. Carrier Global Corporation has a 12-month low of $54.22 and a 12-month high of $83.32. The firm has a market capitalization of $63.72 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 11.50, a P/E/G ratio of 2.05 and a beta of 1.31. Carrier Global (NYSE:CARR Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, May 1st. The company reported $0.65 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.58 by $0.07. Carrier Global had a net margin of 25.45% and a return on equity of 18.10%. The business had revenue of $5.22 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $5.17 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $0.51 EPS. The firms revenue was down 3.7% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, research analysts predict that Carrier Global Corporation will post 2.99 earnings per share for the current year. Carrier Global Announces Dividend The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, August 8th. Stockholders of record on Monday, July 21st will be issued a $0.225 dividend. This represents a $0.90 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.21%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, July 21st. Carrier Globals payout ratio is 13.93%. Insiders Place Their Bets In related news, Director Maximilian Viessmann sold 4,267,425 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Thursday, June 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $70.30, for a total transaction of $299,999,977.50. Following the completion of the sale, the director directly owned 54,341,534 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,820,209,840.20. This trade represents a 7.28% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Corporate insiders own 7.20% of the companys stock. Carrier Global Company Profile (Free Report) Carrier Global Corporation provides heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC), refrigeration, fire, security, and building automation technologies in the United States, Europe, the Asia Pacific, and internationally. It operates through three segments: HVAC, Refrigeration, and Fire & Security. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CARR? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Carrier Global Corporation (NYSE:CARR Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Carrier Global Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Carrier Global and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Alley Investment Management Company LLC grew its holdings in Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE:MA Free Report) by 0.1% in the first quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The fund owned 33,842 shares of the credit services providers stock after buying an additional 41 shares during the period. Mastercard accounts for approximately 2.3% of Alley Investment Management Company LLCs portfolio, making the stock its 16th largest position. Alley Investment Management Company LLCs holdings in Mastercard were worth $18,549,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the company. Pinnacle Financial Partners Inc grew its position in Mastercard by 3.6% in the 1st quarter. Pinnacle Financial Partners Inc now owns 12,888 shares of the credit services providers stock valued at $7,015,000 after buying an additional 450 shares during the last quarter. Instrumental Wealth LLC lifted its stake in shares of Mastercard by 10.6% in the 1st quarter. Instrumental Wealth LLC now owns 426 shares of the credit services providers stock worth $227,000 after acquiring an additional 41 shares during the period. Kanawha Capital Management LLC lifted its stake in shares of Mastercard by 4.8% in the 1st quarter. Kanawha Capital Management LLC now owns 942 shares of the credit services providers stock worth $516,000 after acquiring an additional 43 shares during the period. Moody Lynn & Lieberson LLC boosted its holdings in Mastercard by 1.3% in the 1st quarter. Moody Lynn & Lieberson LLC now owns 83,307 shares of the credit services providers stock valued at $45,662,000 after purchasing an additional 1,086 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Aaron Wealth Advisors LLC boosted its stake in shares of Mastercard by 6.5% in the first quarter. Aaron Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 5,825 shares of the credit services providers stock valued at $3,193,000 after buying an additional 355 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 97.28% of the companys stock. Get Mastercard alerts: Mastercard Trading Down 0.5% Shares of MA stock traded down $2.68 during trading hours on Wednesday, hitting $561.93. 412,093 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 2,865,513. The firm has a fifty day moving average of $564.92 and a 200 day moving average of $545.89. The company has a quick ratio of 1.11, a current ratio of 1.11 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.81. Mastercard Incorporated has a 1 year low of $428.86 and a 1 year high of $594.71. The firm has a market cap of $512.32 billion, a PE ratio of 39.38, a PEG ratio of 2.45 and a beta of 1.02. Mastercard Dividend Announcement Mastercard ( NYSE:MA Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, May 1st. The credit services provider reported $3.73 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $3.57 by $0.16. Mastercard had a net margin of 45.21% and a return on equity of 196.87%. The company had revenue of $7.25 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $7.12 billion. During the same quarter last year, the business earned $3.31 EPS. Mastercards revenue for the quarter was up 14.2% on a year-over-year basis. Analysts expect that Mastercard Incorporated will post 15.91 earnings per share for the current year. The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, August 8th. Investors of record on Wednesday, July 9th will be issued a $0.76 dividend. This represents a $3.04 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.54%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, July 9th. Mastercards payout ratio is currently 21.32%. Insider Transactions at Mastercard In other news, insider Craig Vosburg sold 14,051 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Thursday, June 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $585.05, for a total value of $8,220,537.55. Following the transaction, the insider directly owned 58,451 shares in the company, valued at $34,196,757.55. This trade represents a 19.38% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, Director Julius Genachowski sold 310 shares of Mastercard stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, June 24th. The shares were sold at an average price of $561.00, for a total value of $173,910.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director directly owned 8,323 shares in the company, valued at $4,669,203. This represents a 3.59% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold 38,441 shares of company stock valued at $20,173,035 in the last ninety days. Company insiders own 0.09% of the companys stock. Analyst Ratings Changes Several research analysts have issued reports on the company. Monness Crespi & Hardt cut Mastercard from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a research report on Wednesday, April 9th. Wolfe Research set a $655.00 price target on shares of Mastercard in a report on Monday, June 23rd. KeyCorp boosted their price objective on shares of Mastercard from $630.00 to $635.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Friday, May 2nd. Jefferies Financial Group reissued a buy rating on shares of Mastercard in a research note on Friday, June 6th. Finally, Citigroup raised their price objective on Mastercard from $650.00 to $652.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Monday, May 5th. Seven analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, twenty-four have given a buy rating and two have issued a strong buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $611.50. Get Our Latest Analysis on MA Mastercard Company Profile (Free Report) Mastercard Incorporated, a technology company, provides transaction processing and other payment-related products and services in the United States and internationally. The company offers integrated products and value-added services for account holders, merchants, financial institutions, digital partners, businesses, governments, and other organizations, such as programs that enable issuers to provide consumers with credits to defer payments; payment products and solutions that allow its customers to access funds in deposit and other accounts; prepaid programs services; and commercial credit, debit, and prepaid payment products and solutions. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MA? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE:MA Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Mastercard Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Mastercard and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Rossby Financial LCC decreased its holdings in Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE:MA Free Report) by 19.8% in the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 1,954 shares of the credit services providers stock after selling 481 shares during the period. Rossby Financial LCCs holdings in Mastercard were worth $1,042,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. Several other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of MA. Yukon Wealth Management Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Mastercard during the first quarter worth about $4,237,000. DAVENPORT & Co LLC lifted its stake in Mastercard by 0.3% in the first quarter. DAVENPORT & Co LLC now owns 306,069 shares of the credit services providers stock worth $167,228,000 after acquiring an additional 842 shares during the last quarter. Summit Trail Advisors LLC lifted its stake in Mastercard by 16.4% in the first quarter. Summit Trail Advisors LLC now owns 21,192 shares of the credit services providers stock worth $11,616,000 after acquiring an additional 2,991 shares during the last quarter. Sumitomo Mitsui DS Asset Management Company Ltd grew its holdings in Mastercard by 2.8% during the 1st quarter. Sumitomo Mitsui DS Asset Management Company Ltd now owns 106,771 shares of the credit services providers stock worth $58,523,000 after acquiring an additional 2,933 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Von Berge Wealth Management Group LLC grew its holdings in Mastercard by 5.7% during the 1st quarter. Von Berge Wealth Management Group LLC now owns 466 shares of the credit services providers stock worth $250,000 after acquiring an additional 25 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 97.28% of the companys stock. Get Mastercard alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of equities research analysts have recently weighed in on MA shares. Macquarie reduced their price objective on shares of Mastercard from $645.00 to $610.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Friday, May 2nd. Evercore ISI began coverage on Mastercard in a research note on Wednesday, April 9th. They issued an in-line rating and a $550.00 price target on the stock. Wall Street Zen downgraded Mastercard from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Saturday, June 14th. Truist Financial started coverage on Mastercard in a research report on Monday, June 2nd. They set a buy rating and a $640.00 price objective for the company. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group reiterated a buy rating and issued a $633.00 price objective on shares of Mastercard in a report on Wednesday, April 2nd. Seven equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, twenty-four have assigned a buy rating and two have assigned a strong buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $611.50. Mastercard Stock Up 0.5% Mastercard stock opened at $564.89 on Wednesday. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $564.92 and a two-hundred day moving average of $545.89. Mastercard Incorporated has a twelve month low of $428.86 and a twelve month high of $594.71. The stock has a market capitalization of $515.02 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 39.61, a PEG ratio of 2.45 and a beta of 1.02. The company has a current ratio of 1.11, a quick ratio of 1.11 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.81. Mastercard (NYSE:MA Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, May 1st. The credit services provider reported $3.73 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $3.57 by $0.16. Mastercard had a return on equity of 196.87% and a net margin of 45.21%. The firm had revenue of $7.25 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $7.12 billion. During the same period last year, the company earned $3.31 earnings per share. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 14.2% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, research analysts expect that Mastercard Incorporated will post 15.91 earnings per share for the current year. Mastercard Dividend Announcement The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, August 8th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, July 9th will be paid a $0.76 dividend. This represents a $3.04 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.54%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, July 9th. Mastercards dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 21.32%. Insiders Place Their Bets In related news, Director Julius Genachowski sold 310 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, June 24th. The shares were sold at an average price of $561.00, for a total transaction of $173,910.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director directly owned 8,323 shares of the companys stock, valued at $4,669,203. This represents a 3.59% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this link. Also, insider Sandra A. Arkell sold 150 shares of Mastercard stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, May 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $580.00, for a total value of $87,000.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider directly owned 3,255 shares in the company, valued at $1,887,900. This represents a 4.41% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last quarter, insiders have sold 38,441 shares of company stock valued at $20,173,035. Corporate insiders own 0.09% of the companys stock. Mastercard Company Profile (Free Report) Mastercard Incorporated, a technology company, provides transaction processing and other payment-related products and services in the United States and internationally. The company offers integrated products and value-added services for account holders, merchants, financial institutions, digital partners, businesses, governments, and other organizations, such as programs that enable issuers to provide consumers with credits to defer payments; payment products and solutions that allow its customers to access funds in deposit and other accounts; prepaid programs services; and commercial credit, debit, and prepaid payment products and solutions. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Mastercard Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Mastercard and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Physician Wealth Advisors Inc. reduced its holdings in Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT Free Report) by 12.4% during the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 574 shares of the healthcare product makers stock after selling 81 shares during the quarter. Physician Wealth Advisors Inc.s holdings in Abbott Laboratories were worth $76,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of the company. Three Seasons Wealth LLC purchased a new position in Abbott Laboratories in the 4th quarter worth approximately $1,428,000. Kelly Financial Services LLC bought a new stake in Abbott Laboratories during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $216,000. Voleon Capital Management LP bought a new position in shares of Abbott Laboratories during the 4th quarter valued at about $273,000. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich raised its holdings in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 5.5% during the 4th quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 1,095,443 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $133,691,000 after acquiring an additional 57,499 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Bank Pictet & Cie Europe AG lifted its stake in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 1.9% in the 4th quarter. Bank Pictet & Cie Europe AG now owns 152,719 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $17,274,000 after purchasing an additional 2,774 shares during the last quarter. 75.18% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Abbott Laboratories alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes ABT has been the subject of several analyst reports. The Goldman Sachs Group raised their price objective on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $138.00 to $154.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, March 4th. Wells Fargo & Company boosted their price objective on Abbott Laboratories from $136.00 to $147.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Thursday, April 17th. Stifel Nicolaus increased their target price on Abbott Laboratories from $135.00 to $145.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, April 17th. Morgan Stanley lifted their target price on Abbott Laboratories from $117.00 to $127.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research report on Thursday, April 17th. Finally, Barclays raised their price target on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $158.00 to $159.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday, April 17th. Six equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, fifteen have assigned a buy rating and one has assigned 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 $142.61. Abbott Laboratories Stock Down 0.3% Shares of ABT stock traded down $0.38 during mid-day trading on Wednesday, hitting $135.88. 360,169 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 6,128,861. Abbott Laboratories has a 52-week low of $99.71 and a 52-week high of $141.23. The stock has a market cap of $236.41 billion, a P/E ratio of 17.64, a P/E/G ratio of 2.58 and a beta of 0.73. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.26, a current ratio of 1.78 and a quick ratio of 1.27. The stocks fifty day moving average is $133.03 and its two-hundred day moving average is $127.97. Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, April 16th. The healthcare product maker reported $1.09 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.07 by $0.02. Abbott Laboratories had a net margin of 31.89% and a return on equity of 19.01%. The company had revenue of $10.36 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $10.38 billion. Equities analysts predict that Abbott Laboratories will post 5.14 EPS for the current year. Abbott Laboratories Announces Dividend The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, August 15th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, July 15th will be given a dividend of $0.59 per share. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, July 15th. This represents a $2.36 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.74%. Abbott Laboratoriess dividend payout ratio is currently 30.61%. Insider Buying and Selling at Abbott Laboratories In related news, Director Sally E. Blount sold 2,600 shares of the companys 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 sale, the director owned 34,058 shares in the company, valued at $4,415,960.28. This represents a 7.09% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Corporate insiders own 0.46% of the companys stock. Abbott Laboratories Company Profile (Free Report) Abbott Laboratories, together with its subsidiaries, discovers, develops, manufactures, and sells health care products worldwide. It operates in four segments: Established Pharmaceutical Products, Diagnostic Products, Nutritional Products, and Medical Devices. The company provides generic pharmaceuticals for the treatment of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency, irritable bowel syndrome or biliary spasm, intrahepatic cholestasis or depressive symptoms, gynecological disorder, hormone replacement therapy, dyslipidemia, hypertension, hypothyroidism, Menieres disease and vestibular vertigo, pain, fever, inflammation, and migraine, as well as provides anti-infective clarithromycin, influenza vaccine, and products to regulate physiological rhythm of the colon. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Abbott Laboratories Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Abbott Laboratories and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 2. Azerbaijan's Shusha hosted a business forum of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), Trend's Karabakh bureau reports. The event was held within the framework of the ECO Week. The forum was jointly organized by the Ministry of Economy, AZPROMO, the Secretariat of the Economic Cooperation Organization, and the ECO Confederation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry. The main objective of the Forum was to promote investment and trade between ECO member countries, strengthen cooperation between business circles, and contribute to sustainable economic development. The event discussed partnership opportunities in food, agriculture, textiles, ICT, tourism, transportation, and the circular economy. There will also be meetings in the formats of business-to-government (B2G) and business-to-business (B2B). The forum was an important platform for expanding economic ties in the ECO region. Addressing the forum, First Deputy Minister of Economy of Azerbaijan Elnur Aliyev underlined that Azerbaijan has demonstrated its commitment to the organization as a member of the OECD and has held many international conferences so far. According to him, Azerbaijan, along with close participation in the ECO conferences, has contributed to the organization's goals. The Deputy Minister noted that trade turnover between Azerbaijan and ECO members reached $3.5 billion this year. The Secretary General of ECO, Asad M. Khan, noted at the meeting that a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in joint trade promotion activities among ECO member states is ready to be signed. He noted that the plan is to increase, through a more structured and collaborative approach, the recognizability of ECO markets and create new commercial linkages in the region. We call upon all member states to finalize their internal procedures as soon as possible and proceed with signing when ready, Asad M. Khan said. The ECO Secretary General also invited Member States to submit concrete proposals for joint trade promotion activities for 2025 and 2026. "This is an area where we really need to do more work because networking opportunities are what we lack in our framework. So, these initiatives can be compiled into a calendar of ECO joint trade promotion activities that will be updated annually and serve as a practical tool for coordination between our national trade promotion organizations," he said. Asad M. Khan also announced that the Agreement on Mutual Administrative Assistance in Customs Matters among ECO Member States has been finalized and is open for signature by the governments. In turn, the executive director of the Azerbaijani Export and Investment Promotion Agency - AZPROMO, Yusif Abdullayev, announced that AZPROMO provides its support in the implementation of various projects within the framework of the compiled roadmap. The executive director recalled that Azerbaijan held joint forums with Iran and Pakistan this year: "Turkiye also implements joint projects with leading business organizations. A Turkish-Azerbaijani business forum was held in Ankara, and a memorandum was signed". Abdullayev added that today's forum offers ample opportunities to transform the potential within the organization into productivity. "We must strengthen our cooperation in renewable energy, digital technologies,'' he added. Subsequently, the forum continued with various panel discussions and sessions. Thousands of people across Ireland are in line for an increased payment of 447 payment each week following a major social welfare rule change. From July, changes to the means test for Carers Allowance will see thousands more carers qualify for the payment that will increase from 450 to 625 for a single person, and from 900 to 1,250 for carers with a spouse/partner. Chairperson of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Social Protection, Deputy John Paul OShea, has obtained figures which show that 5,280 carers across the country will receive an increase in their weekly payment as a result of the changes. In addition to this, it is expected that many more carers will now qualify for the payment for the first time under the higher income limits. READ NEXT: BREAKING: Hurling legend DJ Carey pleads guilty to fraud, admits deception Speaking on the matter, Deputy OShea said: This is a positive change to the Carers Allowance which was announced in Budget 2025 and takes effect this week. It will mean that 5280 carers across the country will receive an increase in their weekly payment. There have been significant changes to the Carers Allowance means test in recent years with the income disregard increased by 292.50 for a single person and 585 for a couple since 2022. It has been confirmed to me that the further increase in the income limits this week will mean that 99% of people receiving Carers Allowance will now receive the maximum rate of payment. In addition, these changes will mean that many more carers who were previously outside the income limits will now qualify for a payment. Our carers play a vital role in our society and we need to support them. This is a welcome step, but we need to go further. The Programme for Government commits to phasing out the means test entirely during the lifetime of this Government. For more information on the increase in payments click HERE Tributes have poured in for elderly couple in Cork who were both found dead in their home in Cork recently. Michael O' Sullivan and Ann O' Sullivan were both in their 80s and died together on 30th June 2025 together at their home in Glounthaune in Cork. Gardai said that foul play is not suspected at this time and a post-mortem examination has been arranged and the results of which will determine the course of the investigation. Ann was the loving sister of Gerry, Jim and the late Eolan and will be deeply missed by Julie, her nieces Aoife, Briona, Orla and Fiona, her nephews Eolan and Diarmaid. Michael was the loving brother of Mary and the late Bernie and will be deeply missed by Sylvia and his nieces Maureen and Yvonne. They will both be very sadly missed by the Ryng and O'Sullivan families, their kind neighbours and friends. Their funeral arrangements are as follows: READ NEXT: RIP: 'You left us too soon'- Heartbroken family pay tribute to young girl who died suddenly Reposing at Barry Bros. Funeral Home, Hazelwood, Glanmire on Thursday (July 3rd) from 5.00pm to 6.00pm. Requiem mass will take place on Friday (July 4th) at 1.00pm in the Sacred Heart Church, Glounthaune which can be viewed here. Funeral afterwards to St. Joseph's Cemetery, Little Island where they will be laid to rest together. Heartfelt messages have been left on RIP.ie, from those who knew and loved the elderly Cork couple, with one mourner writing, "Sincere condolences to Jim & the wider Ryng & O'Sullivan families on the tragic loss of Ann & Michael". Another message said, "Heart breaking. May they both rest in peace". "So sad. May they both rest in peace," another person said. BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 2. The main attention is paid to the fact that women occupy an appropriate place in the labor market, the representative of the Asian Development Bank for Azerbaijan, Faraj Huseynbeyov, said at the OECD Women's Forum held for the first time in Lachin, Trend's Karabakh bureau reports. According to him, one of the main goals is to develop women's skills, organize training courses on digital knowledge, technical, and professional skills: "Our aim is to create quality jobs and also create opportunities for women to take up non-traditional professions. Of course, we are further increasing our financial support related to education and are working to improve our performance in this regard. We are constantly working in the areas of civil society building, cooperation with the private sector, sharing of best practices, and gender-sensitive innovation. The Asian Development Bank has continuously supported member states in mainstreaming gender equality in education sector plans so that gender equality is also mainstreamed in education services. The Asian Development Bank has consistently supported member States in mainstreaming gender equality in education sector plans to ensure that gender equality is also mainstreamed in education services," he noted. Huseynbeyov noted that the transition to a green economy offers great opportunities, but women should also be encouraged to enter these fields: "The Asian Development Bank supports the development of national green development strategies and programs to promote green skills among women. We also support women's participation in the labor market. When it comes to gender equality, the Asian Development Bank allocates 60 percent of its sovereign wealth funds to this area," he added. Once again . . . This is the time of year when everybody in KCMO experiences a truism . . . Without enforcement, laws are mostly just a polite suggestion. Accordingly . . . Here's a crackdown effort that might hopefully inspire some second guessing amongst mostly carefree party people . . . Celebratory gunfire will be a special focus for police this weekend. Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson has also taken a strong interest in enforcement of Blair's Law. She's expected to join other law enforcement officials at a Wednesday morning news conference at KCPD headquarters, where celebratory gunfire is expected to be the primary topic of discussion. A presser tomorrow morning is a tradition that, hopefully, might save a few lives. Additionally . . . We share a few more links worth consideration on the topic of ALLEGED misdeeds, court cases, power moves and community outreach. Check TKC news gathering . . . Kansas City area police enforcing new Blair's Law over Fourth of July holiday The new law is named for Blair Shanahan Lane, an 11-year old girl who was killed by stray gunfire on July 4, 2011. Attempt to identify: KCPD looking for aggravated assault suspect shown in these photos Police in Kansas City are attempting to identify a suspect following a crime committed early Saturday morning. Blue Springs business owner urges Kansas City to crack down on predatory towing Kansas City's new towing ordinance aims to protect drivers with an online reporting system and a bill of rights, while Jackson County adds stricter penalties. Two teen girls hurt after shooting, hit and run at Kansas City park Kansas City police are investigating a weekend disturbance at Pleasant Valley Skate Park that landed two teen girls in the hospital. Missouri court keeps McCloskey criminal records sealed, as they seek to get guns back St. Louis residents Mark and Patricia McCloskey were charged after pointing guns at George Floyd protesters who marched through their street. After being pardoned by Missouri Gov. Mike Parson, Mark McCloskey is suing to have his guns returned. Man sentenced to life for 2019 KCK bar shooting that killed four Hugo Villanueva-Morales was sentenced for the 2019 shooting at Tequila Bar in Kansas City, Kansas that left four people dead and several others injured. Man indicted in shooting of Lee's Summit officer; arraignment set for July 17 Thomas Tolbert has been indicted for shooting Officer Jared Timbrook during a June 1 domestic call. Man charged with arson after setting fire off State Line Road A man who set fire to a sober living house Monday morning has been charged with arson. 33-year-old man sentenced to prison for 2023 deadly Kansas City shooting David Randall has been sentenced to prison after pleading guilty to voluntary manslaughter in a 2023 Kansas City fatal shooting. Stolen vehicles from across Kansas tracked to home of 19-year-old already on trial A 19-year-old already on trial after a stolen car was found in his possession has been hit with three new charges. Prosecutors charge man with murder in June 21 shooting death in Kansas City, Missouri Jackson County prosecutors charged a man in his early 20s with murder in the shooting death of a man June 21 in Kansas City, Missouri. 25-year-old man riding E-Bike dies in Overland Park crash An investigation is underway after a man was hit and killed by a car while riding an electric bike (E-Bike) through an intersection in Overland Park, Kansas. Fentanyl fight sees progress, but new dangers emerge for young children Kansas doctors saw a 19% reduction in fentanyl deaths 2023-24, but Kansas 3rd District Congresswoman Sharice Davids warns proposed budget cuts threaten progress in combating the deadly drug epidemic Thieves steal valuable equipment from KC youth football club It happened sometime before Monday, June 23, at Kansas City's San Rafael Park off I-435, near Worlds of Fun. Police in KCK take over control of downtown security patrols The idea is for officers to be more visible to residents, people on the street, and businesses, creating a safer environment and, in return, helping to revitalize the area. Jackson County prosecutor once thought courts failed her. Now she's driving change Melesa Johnson, Jackson County prosecutor, brings diverse leadership to Kansas City, driving systemic change and redefining justice with initiatives like SAVE KC. New domestic violence task force in Kansas City hoping to better support survivors Kansas City leaders are saying enough is enough when it comes to domestic violence, and they're taking extra steps to protect survivors. Developing . . . Here's a peek at a faith-based sing-a-long that garnered very sympathetic news coverage and a surprising number of supporters despite the red state locale . . . Check-it . . . Different congregations, faiths, and organizations came together for the rally. Several speakers touched on the potential CoreCivic ICE Detention Center in Leavenworth and rallied continued support for immigrants in our communities. Others led the group in prayer, lit candles, and led everyone in singing Lean on Me. Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com links . . . Hundreds attend Olathe vigil addressing immigration, community unity Hundreds of people gathered Tuesday evening inside Saint Andrew Christian Church in Olathe for a rally and prayer vigil centered on immigration issues. 'United for immigrant Kansans,' rally & vigil held in Olathe Different congregations, faiths, and organizations came together for the rally. Immigrant and faith groups rally Tuesday night in Olathe to inspire action Local immigrant rights and faith organizations held a rally Tuesday night to support the immigrant community. Organizers said the goal of the vigil was to spark a light of inspiration. A few more things to consider . . . Ice is cracking down on Trump's own supporters. Will they change their minds? | Tayo Bero As the president's immigration policies take a toll on communities, some of his voters are shaken - but standing by him Trump's deportation program nets positive approval amid contrasting views over its scope, CBS News poll finds Americans think tariffs will lead to higher prices; Trump's perceived goals fare better than his approach. Latino influencers support Trump amid deportations, ICE raids | CNN Politics Tony Delgado and Gabriela Berrospi, entrepreneurs and founders of multimedia brand Latino Wall Street, helped rally the Latino vote for President Donald Trump in 2024. As the administration has escalated ICE raids and deportations this year, they visited Washington D.C. and the White House to advocate for their community and immigration reform. Developing . . . Thank you for signing up! Youll soon be getting your Toronto scoop in your inbox. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page. BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 2. Azerbaijan, being a member of the ECO, has demonstrated its commitment to this organization and has hosted many international conferences so far, the first deputy minister of economy of Azerbaijan, Elnur Aliyev, said at the Business Forum of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) held in Shusha, Trend reports. He said that Azerbaijan, actively participating in the ECO conferences, has contributed to the achievement of its goals. The Deputy Minister noted that this year, trade turnover between Azerbaijan and ECO countries reached $3.5 billion. 07/01/2025 By Madeline Bodin Lizzy Staugler 24, 25 enjoys helping students find their way through the unfamiliar thickets of high school and college mathematics in much the same way she enjoyed guiding her young charges toward comfort and confidence when she worked as a summer camp counselor. Staugler is one of four recent graduates from the Kennedy College of Sciences' masters program in mathematics who have landed their dream jobs as math teachers in high schools around the region. Through these jobs, the graduates are not only fulfilling their career goals, but they are also helping to solve a nationwide, decades-long shortage of teachers who are highly qualified to teach STEM subjects at the high school and college level. Image by courtesy Because of her experience as a camp counselor and because her mother works in education, the possibility of a teaching career was always in the back of Stauglers mind. However, UMLs UTeach program, and her experiences as an undergraduate learning assistant and graduate teaching assistant, put her firmly on the path to landing a math teaching job at her first-choice school, Haverhill High School, soon after earning her degree. Tanya Kieu 24, 25 wasnt certain where her math undergraduate math degree would take her, but teaching was a top option. Enrolling in the UTeach program was the best step I could have taken, she says. UMLs UTeach program was launched in 2011 as part of a federal effort to address the shortage of highly qualified STEM teachers. According to the U.S. Department of Education, there is a particular shortage of math teachers: Its data shows a current math teacher shortage in Massachusetts in every grade from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. Kieu took her first UTeach class as a first-year student. The program, she says, was 30 credits of intensive mentorship. Through the program, I earned my initial Massachusetts teaching license for middle- and high school math before I did my masters. She has landed a job teaching math at Greater Lawrence Technical School in Andover, Massachusetts. Sumudu Lewis, director of the UTeach program, says that 70 students have graduated as teachers, and those teachers have gone on to distinguish themselves in the classroom and beyond. She cites as a prime example Ralph Saint-Louis 18, 20, a biology teacher at Lowell High School who was named one of Time Magazines Innovative Teachers in 2022. Image by courtesy Lewis says that while some people think teaching pays less than other careers requiring a math or science degree, statistics show otherwise. Teaching salaries tend to increase with additional qualifications, she says, while the salaries for other science jobs tend to plateau. That means that with 10 years of experience, STEM teachers can make as much or more than their former classmates in other careers. Lewiss passionate case for teaching as a career, delivered to a first-year math class, inspired Staugler. I took the first UTeach course, I loved it, and I never looked back, she says. Zachary Phillips 23, 25 first recognized his love of teaching as a freshman helping his friends and roommates with their various calculus classes. I liked calculus and I was good at it, so I helped people with it, he says. It was no wonder then that volunteering as a tutor; becoming an undergraduate learning assistant, helping other students in recitation classes; becoming a math department ambassador; and later, as a graduate student, working as a teaching assistant, were all important steps along Phillipss path to a job as a math teacher at his first-choice high school, Masconomet Regional High School in Boxford, Massachusetts. Image by Brooke Coupal Theresa Schille, who coordinates the math departments teaching assistant program with department colleague Hung M. Phan, says that the program has already come a long way since it was created in 2023. I think we are doing a good job of preparing the students for what they want to do after they graduate. Its amazing they can get jobs so quickly, she says. Im wicked proud of them. Sam Colby 23, 24 says that in addition to his teacher training through UTeach, working as a learning assistant and teaching assistant at UML gave him the familiarity he needed with the faster pace of teaching at the college level. This allowed Colby to successfully teach at Southern New Hampshire University for an academic year after earning his masters degree. Colbys role models are his parents, who are both teachers in Manchester, New Hampshire. He was recently hired as a high school math teacher in the same school district where his parents work. My experience at UMass Lowell gave me the experience I needed to follow the career I'm passionate about, Colby says. It gave me the great friends and great experiences that made me who I am today. It isn't something I would trade for anything. Welcome Guest! You are here: Home DTE Maha Post SSC Diploma 2025 Merit List Today - Direct Link Submission of grievance, if any, after the release of the DTE Maharashtra Post SSC Polytechnic Diploma Merit List 2025 for all types of candidates is from July 03 to 05, 2025, candidates should note Wednesday July 2, 2025 10:11 AM , ummid.com Staff Reporter DTE Maharashtra Post SSC Polytechnic Admission 2025: Directorate of Technical Education (DTE Maharashtra) is releasing on its official website "poly25.dtemaharashtra.gov.in" today i.e. Wednesday July 02, 2025 Provisional Merit List of the candidates who are seeking Admission in First Year Post SSC Diploma in Technical and Polytechnic Courses in Engineering,Technology for the year 2025-26. "Display of the provisional merit list for Maharashtra State/All India/J & K and Ladakh Migrant candidates on the website will be on Wednesday July 02, 2025", DTE Maharashtra Admission Notification said. Post SSC Diploma Admission 2025 Online registration of the students seeking admission in Post SSC Diploma Courses in Engineering, Technology, also known as Polytechnic Diploma, for the year 2025-26 started through the DTE Maharashtra official website dte.maharashtra.gov.in on May 20, 2025. The DTE Maharashtra had earlier fixed June 16, 2025 as the last date of application for Post SSC Diploma courses in the state. It was later extended - first till June 26 and later till June 30, 2025. Also, in a notification issued Tuesday, the DTE said the students who have not been able to apply so far can do so till July 04, 2025. "The date for registration and confirmation is extended till 4th July 2025. Candidates who confirm till 4th July 2025 will be included in the final merit list", the DTE said. The DTE Post SSC Diploma Admission Schedule, however, continues to show that the Polytechnic 2025 Merit List will be published today i.e. July 02, 2025. Candidates should note that the Polytechnic Merit List released today will be Provisional. DTE Post Metric Diploma Polytechnic Final Merit List will be published on the DTE Maharashtra website on July 07, 2025 after addressing the grievances submitted by the candidates. Steps to Check DTE Post SSC Diploma Merit List 2025 Click here to go to Admission Page: "poly25.dtemaharashtra.gov.in". Click on the link marked with "Click Here to View Candidate Provisional Merit Status" under Online System section of the home page. The Provisional Merit List for First Year Post SSC Diploma Technical Courses in Engineering/Technology Admissions will get open in PDF form. Check your name and other details. Report to DTE in case of error. Candidates should note that the DTE Maharashtra has just mentioned date, and not specified any time to release the 2025 Post SSC Polytechnic Diploma in Engineering Merit List. However, it will release the list any time by today evening. Candidates who find errors in their details, can submit grievance. Else, they should wait for the Poly 25 Final Merit List. Maharashtra Polytechnic Admission 2025 - Important Dates Online Registration: May 20 to June 30, 2025 ( Extended till July 04 with condition ) ) Display of the Provisional Merit List for Maharashtra State/All India/J & K Migrant candidates on website: July 02, 2025 Submission of grievance, if any, for all type of Candidates: July 03 to 05, 2025. Display of the Final Merit list of Maharashtra State/All India/ J & K Migrant candidates on website: July 07, 2025 . . Display of Provisional Category wise Seats (Seat Matrix) for CAP Round I : Will be announced later Online Submission & Confirmation of Option Form of CAP Round-I through candidates Login by the Candidate: Will be announced later Display of Provisional Allotment of CAP Round 1: Will be announced later Display of Provisional Vacant Seats for CAP Round 2: Will be announced later DTE Maharashtra Post SSC CAP Round 2025 The DTE released on its official website Information Brochure (Marathi and English) and detailed admission notification, though it is yet to confirm the CAP Round dates. DTE Maharashtra has also released Provisional Seat Matrix CAP Round ADMISSIONS 2024-25, 2023-24, 2022-23, 2021-22, 2020-21 and 2019-20 along with round wise Cut-off list for previous years for reference of the students. Post SSC Diploma admission in Maharashtra is conducted for First Year Engineering in Civil, Mechanical, Information Technology (IT), Computer Engineering group, Electronics and Telecommunications, Electrical Engineering group and other streams. DTE has started admission process of Post SSC Diploma admission for 2025-26 after the Class 10th (SSC) result is announced . Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates. Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic. Economy of Genocide: UN Lists Companies Aiding Israel In a shocking report, the United Nations has exposed in details the economic angle of the ongoing genocide of Palestinians in Gaza at the hands of the Israeli Occupation Forces (IDF) Wednesday July 2, 2025 12:25 PM , ummid.com News Network [Thousands of childrens shoes were placed in town square of the Dutch city of Almere in protest against Israel's war on Gaza on June 29, 2025 (Image posted by Al Jazeera on X)] In a shocking report, the United Nations has exposed in details the economic angle of the ongoing genocide of Palestinians in Gaza at the hands of the Israeli Occupation Forces (IDF). "From Economy of Occupation to Economy of Genocide" In the report titled From economy of occupation to economy of genocide - Report of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967, Francesca Albanese in her eye-opening remarks also said that Gaza has been converted into a testing ground for weapon manufacturers. Israels forever-occupation has become the ideal testing ground for arms manufacturers and Big Tech providing significant supply and demand, little oversight, and zero accountability while investors and private and public institutions profit freely, Francesca Albanese said in the report. Francesca Albanese was appointed the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967, by the Human Rights Council at its 49th session in March 2022 and has taken up her function as of 1 May 2022. Albanese is an Affiliate Scholar at the Institute for the Study of International Migration at Georgetown University, as well as a Senior Advisor on Migration and Forced Displacement for a think-tank, Arab Renaissance for Democracy and Development (ARDD). Companies are no longer merely implicated in occupation they may be embedded in an economy of genocide, the report said. The Companies Aiding Israeli Genocide In the report, which is scheduled to be released on Thursday July 03, 2025 at a press conference in Geneva, Francesca Albanese has named 48 corporate actors, including United States tech giants Microsoft, Googles parent company Alphabet Inc, IBM and Amazon. A database of more than 1000 corporate entities was also put together as part of the investigation. They range from companies which the report says are destroying Palestinian life, including weapons companies Elbit Systems and Lockheed Martin, to heavy equipment manufacturers whose machinery is used in building illegal Israeli settlements, such as Caterpillar and HD Hyundai. Italian manufacturer Leonardo S.p.A is listed as a main contributor in the military sector, while Japans FANUC Corporation provides robotic machinery for weapons production lines in the report. In the report, the UN envoy found IBM responsible for training military and intelligence personnel, as well as managing the central database of Israels Population, Immigration and Borders Authority (PIBA) that stores the biometric data of Palestinians. The report also focuses on AI systems that have been developed by the Israeli military to process and generate targets during the war on Gaza, pointing to the collaboration between Palantir Technology Inc and Israel which predates October 2023. The report further note that since the start of the Israeli assault on Gaza, the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange has risen by 179 percent, adding $157.9bn in market value. The Israeli Occupation Forces (IDF) have massacred close to 60,000 Palestinians, over a lakh as per unofficial accounts, since October 07, 2023. Majority of those killed are women and children. In the Israeli Genocidal war against the Palestinians, which is nearing two years, the Israeli forces have also killed more than 200 journalists , a number of doctors, UN and WHO aid workers, teachers, researchers, while razing to ground schools, colleges, hospitals , mosques, churches and residential areas. Israel justifies the genocide and massacre of Palestinians on the pretext of defending itself. But, Francesca Albanese who is also a Lawyer, had earlier explained in detail why Israel, as an illegal occupying power, does not have right to defend itself as per the UN Charter. At another occasion, Francesca Albanese had urged to suspend Israel from the United Nations . (With inputs from Al Jazeera) Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates. Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic. Welcome Guest! You are here: Home Watch: Trump reacts as Big Beautiful Bill passes Senate Thank you, wow, thank you, U.S. President Donald Trump said as the U.S. Senate passed the controversial Big Beautiful Bill by just one vote Wednesday July 2, 2025 6:46 PM , ummid.com with inputs from Agencies Thank you, wow, thank you, U.S. President Donald Trump said as the U.S. Senate passed the controversial Big Beautiful Bill by just one vote. Thank you, wow, thank you, Trump, who was in Florida at the time of Senate vote, said. You know, I [was] listening to these wonderful words... But I was also wondering how we are doing because it is prime time. It shows I care about here, because I am here, but I should probably be there", he said. Watch Video Applause breaks out in Florida as @POTUS is informed that the Senate just passed the One Big Beautiful Bill pic.twitter.com/cumppNBADp Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) July 1, 2025 The U.S. Senate Tuesday passed the Trump's signature domestic policy bill by the narrowest margin of 51 to 50. GOP Senator Lisa Murkowski's vote was the decider to pass, what Trump administration has named, Big Beautiful Bill but the critics call it "the most hated piece of legislation" in the U.S. history. Besides cutting health care coverage for millions of Americans, the bill also proposes a 5% levy on remittances sent abroad . The bill also advances a package that would slash taxes, reduce social safety net programs and boost military and immigration enforcement spending while adding $3.3 trillion to the national debt. Trump threatens Mamdani, other 'bad guys' Soon after the bill was passed, Trump who had made illegal immigration to U.S. a major poll plank is now talking about deporting U.S. citizens too. We have a lot of bad people many of them were born in our country. I think we ought to get them the hell out of here too, he said in Florida. Trump also threatened to arrest New York City Mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani , calling him a communist, and saying he may be living in the United States illegally. Trump and Mamdani are at loggerheads because of the latter openly advocating the rights of immigrants, and also vowing to arrest Israeli PM Netanyahu and send him to International Criminal Court (ICC) which has issued arrest warrant against him over war crimes . Musk, others intensify opposition Meanwhile, the opposition to the bill has surged. Soon after the Senate vote, the trade union representing 860,000 electrical workers said the bill will cost "hundreds of thousands of good-paying construction jobs." Tesla, X and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has also intensified his opposition to the bill. Musk has also challenged Trump to cut subsidies given to his companies. Earlier, Musk had said if the bill becomes a law, he will move ahead with the decision to establish a new political party . "Americans need a better alternate than the Republicans and Democrats", Musk said. Musk challenged Trump after the U.S. President threatened to cut subsidies to SpaceX and Tesla, and deport him back to South Africa. South Africa is Musk's birthplace. Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates. Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic. Kyrgyzstans tax and customs revenues beat projections in 1H2025 Photo: Cabinet of the Ministers of Kyrgyzstan In the first half of 2025, Kyrgyzstan's Tax Service exceeded its collection plan by more than $70 million, while the Customs Service outperformed by over $11 million. Chairman of the Cabinet Adylbek Kasymaliev praised the agencies and urged continued efficiency throughout the year. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register UzAuto Motors' fire alarm tender under scrutiny over suspected bidder links UzAuto Motors concluded a tender for fire alarm system maintenance, with MONTAJSPETCSTROY declared the winner. However, both the winning company and the reserve bidder, MAXSUS TEXNO SANOAT, are registered at the same address in Tashkent, raising concerns about the transparency of the process. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register July 2 2025 A landmark former bank at St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, latterly operating as a 50-bedroom hotel, has been relaunched after undergoing extensive refurbishment. Owned and operated by The Chris Stewart Group The Edinburgh Grand trades under Marriott International's Luxury Collection brand, the first hotel in Scotland to do so. Housed within a converted 1940s neoclassical building, the initial refurbishment centres on 33 rooms, the fitness centre, executive lounge and front foyer with a further 17 rooms and a spa set to be upgraded soon in a second phase of action. The light makeover positions the hotel for the luxury long-stay market and features large apartments of up to three bedrooms with fully equipped kitchens, living and dining areas. Hotel general manager Emre Pasli commented: The Edinburgh Grand has long been distinguished for its unique history as the former headquarters of the Royal Bank of Scotland. Becoming part of Marriotts Luxury Collection allows us to honour that legacy through thoughtful experiences, exceptional service and a sense of place that seamlessly blends timeless charm with the unique essence of Scotland." Interior design was led by Karen Brown, head of interior design at Chris Stewart Group, who has blended rich colours and textures with period features such as sash windows and a sweeping staircase. The Wyoming Institute for Disabilities (WIND), part of the College of Health Sciences at the University of Wyoming, has been awarded funding from the Working for Inclusive and Transformative Healthcare Foundation to support the development of an asynchronous course, followed by a virtual symposium, during summer 2026. This initiative aims to build capacity among health care professionals to provide accessible, quality and culturally humble care for people with disabilities. The virtual symposium will address legal obligations and responsibilities, the third competency from the core competencies on disability for health care education from the Alliance for Disability in Health Care Education. The asynchronous course, delivered online and covered at the learners own pace, will address the first two competencies: contextual and conceptual frameworks, and professionalism and patient-centered care. These activities will continue to build upon WINDs Inclusive Health and Disability Virtual Symposium held in June 2024, with recordings in English and Spanish available upon request. WIND is very pleased to continue offering these professional learning opportunities, says the institutes director, Michelle Jarman. Many health care professionals feel underprepared to fully support patients with disabilities, so participants have been very receptive to the curriculum and eager to integrate accessible and inclusive design into their practice. The mission of the Working for Inclusive and Transformative Healthcare Foundation is to promote the establishment of comprehensive health care for adults with developmental disabilities and is designed to address their unique and fundamental needs. As part of this work, WIND will create an advisory committee of people with lived experience and content experts that will guide and inform this project. Students, faculty members or community partners interested in engaging in this work through the advisory committee are asked to email Tai Baker, senior program manager, at tai.baker@uwyo.edu or Emily Lube, senior project coordinator, at ekirsch2@uwyo.edu. As dean of the College of Health Sciences, I am proud to support the Wyoming Institute for Disabilities in advancing this important work, Patrick Hardigan says. Ensuring equitable and inclusive care for people with disabilities is central to our mission of improving health and well-being across Wyoming and beyond. By equipping health care professionals with the tools and knowledge to provide culturally humble, patient-centered care, we take a critical step toward addressing persistent disparities and building a more just health care system. I commend Dr. Jarman and the WIND team for their leadership and commitment to fostering this progress. This project is part of the community education and training initiatives led by Canyon Hardesty. WIND expresses thanks to Kara Enyeart for her support during the submission process. To learn more about WIND, visit www.uwyo.edu/wind/index.html. About UWs College of Health Sciences UWs College of Health Sciences trains health and wellness professionals and researchers in a wide variety of disciplines, including medicine, nursing, pharmacy, speech-language pathology, social work, kinesiology, public health, health administration and disability studies. The college also oversees residency and fellowship programs in Casper and Cheyenne, as well as operating a speech/hearing clinic in Laramie and primary care clinics in Laramie, Casper and Cheyenne. With more than 1,600 undergraduate, graduate and professional students, the college is dedicated to training the health and wellness workforce of Wyoming and conducting high-quality research and community engagement, with a particular focus on rural and frontier populations. Azerbaijan's revenues from electricity export to Georgia hit new heights in 4M2025 Photo: Artificial intelligence In the first four months of this year, Azerbaijan exported 450.9 million kWh of electricity to Georgia, generating $25.7 million in revenue. This marks an 8.9 percent increase in volume and a 23 percent rise in value compared to the same period last year. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register Power cuts in Bergamo, Florence and Milan due to heatwave in Italy. Several cities in northern and central Italy, including Bergamo, Florence and Milan, recorded major blackouts on Tuesday as the country grapples with an intense heatwave. The power cuts are believed to have been caused by excessive heat, with power lines overheating due to the high temperatures, compounded by a surge in the use of air conditioning. In Bergamo the blackouts were recorded in the historic Citta Alta district as well as in the centre and the area around the Gewiss stadium. Energy provider Enel Bergamo said the power cuts were linked to the heatwave which "leads to overheating and the expansion of the electrical cables, not to mention the use of air conditioners which overload the network". The centre of Florence was also left without electricity, for the same reasons, as were parts of Milan and surrounding areas including Sesto San Giovanni. In addition to the inconvenience for homes and businesses, the blackouts led to multiple reports of people getting stuck in elevators, and malfunctioning of traffic lights. Italy's health ministry has issued a maximum red alert or "bollino rosso" for 18 cities on Wednesday, a heat warning indicating emergency conditions with a risk of negative effects on the elderly, sick or very young, as well as healthy and active people. Opposition slams "surreal" plan to list Messina bridge as military infrastructure. The Italian government is reportedly seeking to classify a 13.5 billion bridge as a strategic military asset amid a push to meet NATO's five per cent GDP defence expenditure target. Italy, which currently spends around 1.5 per cent of its GDP on defence, ranks among NATOs lowest contributors and is coming under pressure to significantly ramp up its military spending. The 3.2 kilometre long bridge, whose planned construction was scrapped a decade ago over budget constraints, was revived by Giorgia Meloni's rightwing government in 2023 but has faced cost delays and bureaucratic hurdles since then. The government argues that the planned bridge over the Strait of Messina, set to be the worlds longest suspension bridge, could serve dual civilian and strategic purposes, Politico reports. The proposed move is seen as a potential loophole for Italy, as NATO member states may allocate up to 1.5 per cent of the five per cent target for strategic infrastructure, while the remaining 3.5 per cent must be spent on core defence. An Italian government official told Politico that a formal decision had yet to been taken regarding the classification of the bridge as a security project, adding that further talks to assess the feasibility of the plan would likely be held soon. In April, the government adopted a memorandum describing the bridge as being of "strategic importance for national and international security" that will play "a key role in defence and security, facilitating the movement of Italian armed forces and NATO allies", enabling the "rapid transport of heavy vehicles, troops, and resources both by road and rail". An official from the Italian treasury told Politico that designating the contentious bridge as a military asset would help the government overcome the obstacles faced by the project in the past. "It is up to the Italian authorities to assess whether the main purpose of the bridge is military or civilian," a spokesperson for the European Commission said on Wednesday, cited by news agency ANSA, indicating that the EU has no objections to the scheme as long as it meets the necessary requirements. The proposal however has come in for strong criticism from Italy's opposition. "The classification of the Bridge over the Strait of Messina as a military expenditure is a mockery of the citizens and of the commitments made at NATO", said Giuseppe Antoci, an MEP from the Movimento 5 Stelle (M5S). Angelo Bonelli of the Greens and Left Alliance (AVS) said the "idea is so surreal that it is dangerous", noting that in 1987 the Italian military publication Rivista Militare defined the proposed suspension bridge as "the most vulnerable solution from a defensive point of view: an infrastructure exposed to attacks from sea, air and land, difficult to protect, easily detectable by radar and with very high defence costs. It's all written in black and white. In short: a perfect target". Bonelli blasted the planned bridge as "a flawed project from every point of view: environmental, economic and even military", adding: "National security is not strengthened with useless works, but by investing in health, education, public infrastructure, and ecological reconversion". Daniela Morfino (M5S) slammed the "tragicomic" plan to classify the bridge as a military asset to meet NATO spending, describing the proposed structure as "an expensive, impactful and practically useless" project. Italy's deputy premier and infrastructure minister Matteo Salvini has been the driving force behind the bridge which he said will represent "the crowning glory of Italian engineering". Addressing concerns over its structural viability, environmental impact and safety in an earthquake-prone area, Salvini has said the bridge would be built according to "new technical, safety and environmental standards. Plans to undertake the massive infrastructure project, rejected by previous governments due to high costs and engineering impracticability, date back to Roman times. Rome bus caught fire on same day as price hike in ticket fares. An investigation is under way after a bus operated by Rome's public transport company ATAC burst into flames in the Prenestino district of the capital on Tuesday morning. There was nobody injured in the incident which occurred as the out-of-service hybrid vehicle was travelling along Via Prenestina, near Largo Telese, without passengers. The 18-metre bus destroyed in the blaze was only one year old and was among the 110 Solaris hybrid buses that joined the ATAC fleet in 2024. The fire also damaged the facade of a nearby building, damaging balconies and causing the building's windows to explode, reports newspaper Corriere della Sera. Autobus in fiamme su via Prenestina: nessuna persona coinvolta, danneggiato un palazzo vicino. I #vigilidelfuoco, intervenuti con 3 squadre, hanno spento l#incendio ed evitato piu gravi conseguenze#Roma #1luglio pic.twitter.com/TgzybVpWUr Vigili del Fuoco (@vigilidelfuoco) July 1, 2025 Initial investigations suggest that the fire broke out on the vehicle's roof, which houses the electronic components, however it is not excluded that the heat could have also triggered a possible short circuit. Buses in Rome are known to catch fire, however cases of this happening are not as regular as in the past amid efforts by the city to modernise its fleet. The phenomenon is known ironically by Romans as 'Flambus', with poor maintenance and ageing vehicles cited among the factors. Tuesday's bus fire occurred the same day as a price hike in ticket fares was introduced on Rome's public transport network, in a move set to affect primarily tourists. Photo Vigili del Fuoco IDB commits to developing essential water infrastructure across Kazakhstans regions Photo: Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation of the Republic of Kazakhstan A trilateral meeting in Kazakhstans Astana brought together Kazakhstan's Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation, the Islamic Development Bank (IDB), and the National Chamber of Entrepreneurs "Atameken" to discuss Kazakhstani business involvement in infrastructure projects. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register By Jonathan McCambridge, PA A 28-year-old man has appeared in court charged with the murder of pregnant mother-of-two Sarah Montgomery in Co Down. Zak Hughes, from Ardglen Place in Belfast, was also charged with child destruction during a brief appearance at Newtownards Magistrates Court on Wednesday. Dressed in a grey tracksuit, he stood in the dock and nodded when asked if he understood the charges. A PSNI detective chief inspector told the court he could connect Hughes to the offences. The brief hearing took place at Newtownards Magistrates Court. Photo: Brian Lawless/PA. No facts of the case were laid out and there was no application for bail. The date of the offences given on court papers was June 27. District Judge Conor Heaney remanded Hughes in custody until July 30. Ms Montgomery, 27, died at her home in Donaghadee. Floral tributes have been left outside her house in Elmfield Walk. A 42-year-old woman, who was arrested in Belfast on suspicion of assisting an offender, was released unconditionally on Tuesday. The death of Ms Montgomery has led to renewed focus on the rate of violence against women and girls in Northern Ireland. She was the 27th adult woman to be killed in Northern Ireland since 2020. Gardai in Waterford are warning the public about a fraudulent text message in circulation. They said on social media that a message claiming to be from Revenue is making the rounds. They urge anyone who receives the message not to respond or click the link. Text doing the rounds. Picture credit: Waterford gardai on Facebook Gardai say: "This text message is doing the rounds at the moment. Do not respond. Always check any correspondence of this nature by opening a new internet search browser to the official website. "Do not click on the link. "Never give your bank details to an unsolicited request. "If in doubt, check it out." Qantas took delivery of the first of its new Airbus planes which will begin to replace ageing 737s in its domestic fleet. Torrential rains buffeting Sydney many have diminished the fanfare but the Airbus 321XLR landed in Sydney Airport at 9.45am on Wednesday after departing Bangkok the evening before. The arrival of the first 321XLR marks a key moment in the long-awaited refresh of Qantas domestic fleet. The extra-long range narrow-body plane departed the Airbus factory in Hamburg on Monday and flew direct to Bangkok for a 20-hour, one-stop journey, showing off the range that Qantas will exploit as more of the 321XLRs are brought online. Advertisement Exclusive Eating outWhats on North 54, a modern Vietnamese snack bar from an emerging talent, is coming to Leederville Roast pork marinated in red tofu, son-in-law egg sandwiches, hibachi-grilled lamb meatballs: welcome to Bac Phams vision of Vietnamese food. Max Veenhuyzen July 1, 2025 Save Log in , register or subscribe to save recipes for later. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share In his short yet action-packed career as a chef, Bac Pham has cooked many cuisines. Hes cooked modern Australian at State Buildings bustling Petition Kitchen. Hes dabbled in Italian cucina at Swanbourne wine bar Vinotto. Hes even helped advance the new-wave bowlo food movement with the Special Delivery crew at Doubleview Bowling Club. This July, Pham finally gets to focus full-time on the flavours of his heritage when he opens North 54, a fresh-faced, 25-seat eatery in Leederville serving Vietnamese food. Vietnamese food, its worth mentioning, as viewed through the lens and life story of a Vietnamese-born, Australian-raised latecomer to the cooking game. Bac Pham, owner of North 54 in Leederville. Max Veenhuyzen Its authentic, but its definitely not traditional [Vietnamese cooking], says Pham. Im cooking traditional recipes but not doing them the traditional way. Advertisement So take something like bun cha (Vietnamese meatballs). Traditionally, theyre eaten in a rice noodle salad, but Im going to put it in a banh mi (bread roll). Its not traditional but as long as it tastes good, thats the most important thing, right? Although North 54 is Phams first bricks-and-mortar venue, hes run many successful North 54 pop-ups over the past two years, including residencies at Aberdeen Street homeware store and cafe Arrival Hall, Beaconsfield Wine Bar and Patio in Fremantle. Its authentic, but its definitely not traditional. North 54 owner-chef Bac Pham But by investing in a permanent home, Pham has created an ideal pulpit from which to tell his story as well as that of his family and culture. Advertisement The shops name, for instance, pays tribute to his grandparents on his mothers side who, in 1954, fled their home city of Nihn Binh in northern Vietnam to start a new life in the south. (Phams first name Bac, incidentally, is the Vietnamese word for north.) The foundations for all of Phams recipes come from his mother, Nga Nguyen. Phams dad Dinh Pham helped repaint the breezy, wood-floored eatery on Oxford Street that traded, fittingly, as Vietnamese eatery Three Sisters before rebranding to Gigis Bowls. Both mama and papa Pham also own a deli in Armadale serving Chiko rolls and pies alongside Vietnamese dishes, including banh mi. Coka pork skewers and green papaya salad. Madeleine Barratt Vanh mi will be integral to North 54s daytime offering, with six rolls making up its core range. Think atypical fillings such as roast pork marinated in red tofu and five-spice, lamb meatballs, or deep-fried and chopped son-in-law eggs: a riff on the popular fried egg banh mi. Advertisement The bread mainly wheat with a touch of rice flour for that all-important lightness and cotton wool texture is Phams recipe but will be baked off-site, while the chicken liver pate is being custom-made by local charcuterie producer (and one of Phams former workplaces) Latelier Gourmet Food. One thing North 54 wont be serving, though, is banh mi thit, the ubiquitous pork cold-cut banh mi and, at times, an unwitting lightning rod for debates on perceived value and authenticity. If people want a traditional banh mi, there are already plenty of places to go and get one, says Pham. I want to keep people on their toes by not serving the same things as everywhere else and having specials come on and off the menu. Each of the banh mi fillings is available in a rice noodle bowl as well as bread roll and diners will be able to take aim at meat and vegetarian spring rolls, pate so (Vietnamese meat pastries), cookies and other snacks. Advertisement The drinks offering will revolve around Vietnamese-style drip coffees, matcha and other Asian beverages. Related Article Good Food hat 15.5 / 20 Review Run by a former Rockpool chef, this Swan Valley restaurant has all the makings of Perths next big destination diner While North 54 might be hard to pigeonhole Pham likes the catch-all snack bar for his combined dine-in and takeaway space the hope is that it becomes a place of community. Pham hopes to host evening events, including broth nights where his mum cooks the warmly spiced soups from Vietnams north that he adores. Similarly important is sharing his space with pop-ups, including close friends and fellow cooks Drew Dawson of Off License (Dawson and Pham both travelled to Vietnam in 2023 for an eating trip ahead of the first North 54 pop-up) and Special Deliverys Jacob DVauz. After all, the term family isnt restricted to those were connected to by birth. Advertisement A notorious bank robber and fugitive dubbed the Postcard Bandit, who was jailed after escaping from one of the nations toughest prisons, is making another bid for freedom. Brenden James Abbott is seeking to have his incarceration declared unlawful and is also suing the West Australian government for wrongful imprisonment in the states Supreme Court. A photo of Brenden Abbott, the Postcard Bandit, at a Gold Coast hotel swimming pool. Credit: File The 63-year-old, who escaped from Fremantle Prison in 1989, claims that sentencing laws introduced in November 1996 do not apply to him and that his WA custodial sentence lapsed while he was in custody in Queensland. He is also seeking to challenge the constitutional validity of the laws, which require an inmate returned to prison after an escape to serve an additional imprisonment equal to one third of the time they were at large, on top of the time they had yet to serve when escaping. Abbotts son James says his father has been behind bars for too long. If you do the crime, you do the time, he told AAP outside court on Tuesday. But the amount of time that dad has done for what hes done is more than enough. Hes paid his debt to society and he deserves to spend time with his family. Abbott is a maximum security inmate at Perths Casuarina Prison, where he is serving a 14-year sentence for bank robbery, a prison riot and escaping from Fremantle Prison in 1989. He was extradited to Perth in May 2016 after serving 18 years in Brisbane prisons, following his recapture in Darwin in May 1998. He had escaped from Sir David Longland Prison in Brisbane in November 1997, when he was serving a sentence for bank robberies on the Gold Coast. Abbott had been arrested on the Gold Coast in March 1995, five-and-a-half years after he escaped from Fremantle Prison and embarked on a covert life as a fugitive, suspected of robbing banks in WA, South Australia and Queensland of up to $5 million. Abbott is technically eligible for parole in WA in October 2026. But as a prisoner who has served more than 25 years, but is not subject to a life sentence, his situation is unique. There is a genuine prospect Abbott will never be granted parole and wont be released until his maximum term expires in January 2033, which would be 34 years and eight months after his recapture in Darwin. In 2017, he was sentenced to a concurrent five-year jail term for the 1989 Fremantle Prison escape. The hearing continues. AAP SHUSHA, Azerbaijan, July 2. We'll open two factories in the Alat free economic zone in Azerbaijan this year, and 10 companies are already passing registration, Deputy Chairman of the Board of Alat Free Economic Zone Authority Ismayil Manafov said at the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) Business Forum held in Shusha, Trend's correspondent sent to Shusha reports. "We have agreed with investors to create a multimodal cargo airport. The implementation of this project has already begun and is expected to begin operations in 2027. The airport has an annual capacity of 500,000 tons. This figure will increase to two million tons," he stressed. Manafov noted that the main goal is to attract investors and develop exports. The construction of industrial zones is a primary catalyst for this favorable economic transformation in Azerbaijan, offering several opportunities and incentives for local and foreign investors. Currently, Azerbaijan possesses 7 industrial parks, 5 industrial areas, and 24 agroparks. Since 2005, Azerbaijan's industry has garnered a total of $71.7 billion in investments at current prices, with $38.8 billion being foreign capital. During the same year, industrial enterprises have allocated approximately $276.5 million towards the implementation of technical breakthroughs. In this setting, industrial zones have arisen as facilitators for the implementation of innovative technology and commercial innovations across diverse industrial sectors. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel A National Workshop on the Harmonized System (HS) was held in Koror, Palau, from 9 to 12 June 2025. The Workshop was organized jointly by the WCO and the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection of Palau, with the sponsorship of the Customs Cooperation Fund (CCF) of Japan. The event was facilitated by two WCO accredited experts on HS, from Brazil and Japan, one pre-accredited expert on HS from Fiji, and attended in-person by 12 officials and managers from Palau Customs. During the opening ceremony, Mr. John TARKONG Jr., Director General of Customs and Border Protection of Palau, expressed appreciation to the WCO and CCF Japan for working together with Palau Customs to strengthen the tariff classification work and for supporting the modernization of Customs. He highlighted the benefits that such training would bring in terms of efficiency, trade facilitation and improvement of the technical work, by enhancing the capacity of Palauan Customs Officers to accurately classify goods under the HS, deepen their understanding of tariff application principles, and promote consistency and transparency in trade practices. The training was expected to lead to greater accuracy and timely processing of customs procedures in Palau. He encouraged the participants to take the opportunity to improve and consolidate their knowledge in this important technical area. Mr. TARKONG Jr. further said that this initiative marked a significant step forward in Palau's efforts to modernize its customs operations and align with international best practices. With the expertise gained through this workshop, Palau Customs would be better positioned to facilitate trade, ensure compliance, and contribute to national development goals. The presentations covered an overview of the HS and its related tools, along with specific topics including food and agricultural products, medicaments, textiles and machinery. A participant presented an overview of the organization of the Palau Customs and its tariff classification work structure. The Workshop also offered an opportunity to discuss the WCO Guidelines on Advance Rulings and to assist users of the HS to modernize their tariff classification work and related infrastructure. In the closing remarks, the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection, on behalf of the Republic of Palau, extended its sincere gratitude to the World Customs Organization and the Customs Cooperation Fund of Japan for their invaluable support in building customs capacity throughout the region. The Mozambique Revenue Authority (MRA) recognizes the key role that human capital plays in organizational performance and, accordingly, has taken the initiative to modernize its Human Resource Management (HRM) System. In this regard, with the financial support of the Customs Cooperation Fund of China (CCF-China), the WCO conducted a competency-based human resource management diagnostic mission in Maputo, Mozambique, from 2 to 6 June 2025. The aim of the mission was to conduct a comprehensive HRM diagnosis and propose measures to implement a modern HRM system that will help the Authority achieve its strategic objectives by addressing current and emerging HR challenges. The diagnostic mission involved meetings and interviews with multiple department heads, as well as engagement sessions with employees from various units, to assess HR governance, the legal framework, administrative autonomy, policies, procedures, and the main HR functions. An HR workshop was also held with key stakeholders to explain the best HR practices and the WCO Competency-based HRM Model. The main findings and recommendations on how to enhance the MRA HR Framework have been prepared and shared with the Authority. At the conclusion of the mission, the President of the MRA not only expressed his commitment to modernizing and enhancing the MRA HRM System but also instilled a sense of optimism for the future. He thanked the WCO Secretariat for its ongoing support in this matter, reinforcing the collaborative spirit of the initaitive. For more information on this mission and the WCO's people development agenda, please contact capacity.building@wcoomd.org. ASTANA, Kazakhstan, July 2. The President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, presided over a regular meeting of the Security Council of the Republic of Kazakhstan, which discussed issues of increasing attention to migration in the context of global instability, Trend reports. The meeting addressed key trends in internal and external migration and heard reports from Deputy Prime Minister Yermek Kosherbayev, as well as the Ministers of Internal Affairs, Digital Development, Innovation and Aerospace Industry, and Labor and Social Protection of the Population. In the course of the meeting, the President emphasized the importance of considering geopolitical factors and challenges, demographic forecasts, and the motivations behind population movement when implementing migration policy. He also stressed the need to ensure control over the prevention of illegal migration, as well as to encourage the enhancement of the countrys human capital. Following the meeting, the Government was given specific instructions, including a review and analysis of the functions of state agencies, and the strengthening of integration across all information systems in the field of migration. The Security Council of the Republic of Kazakhstan is a constitutional advisory body chaired by the President, responsible for national security and defense policy. It coordinates key government agencies to address internal and external threats, overseeing strategic programs and appointments. BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 2. On July 3-4, the 17th Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) will unfold in Khankendi, Azerbaijan, and this event will be a feather in the cap of regional partnership development. Among the member states, Uzbekistan stands out as one of the most active and key participants in the organization in recent years. Uzbekistan hopped on the ECO bandwagon in 1992, but for quite a stretch, it played the wallflower, staying on the sidelines. The situation changed after 2016, when large-scale reforms were launched under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. The new policy of openness, expansion of foreign economic ties, and regional integration enabled Tashkent to take a more active role on the international stage. A shining example of this burgeoning activity was Uzbekistan taking the reins of ECO in 2022. During that year, the country organized more than 25 events at various levels - from sectoral forums to strategic sessions. The highlight was the 16th ECO Summit, held in November 2023 in Tashkent. The agenda included trade, investment, transport, energy, and environmental issues. Uzbekistan introduced a number of initiatives aimed at deepening cooperation within the organization - from creating new transport corridors to digitalizing logistics and supporting green energy. Today, Uzbekistans economic role in ECO is really on the rise, making waves and turning heads. It is one of the fastest-growing economies in Central Asia, with a population exceeding 37 million and a GDP of over $115 billion. By the end of 2024, trade volume with ECO countries reached around $12 billion. Key partners include Kazakhstan, Turkiye, Kyrgyzstan, and Turkmenistan, with growing ties to Iran, Azerbaijan, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. In excess of 5,000 corporate entities with financial backing from ECO nations are duly registered within the jurisdiction of Uzbekistan. In the preceding triennium, capital influx from these nations surpassed the $5 billion threshold. Uzbekistan presents collaborative opportunities for stakeholders in synergistic ventures within designated free economic zones and technoparks, alongside sectors such as agro-processing, textiles, construction, and the food industry. A pivotal focus continues to be the advancement of digital commerce. In the year 2021, the Chief Executive of Uzbekistan put forth a proposition for the establishment of a revitalized trade accord within the Economic Cooperation Organization, emphasizing the elimination of impediments, the digitization of customs protocols, and the integration of electronic commerce. A proposal was put forth to initiate an ECO Trade, Investment, and Innovation Center in Tashkent, leveraging synergies with UNIDO and the SPECA program. These initiatives are presently in deliberation among the constituent member states. Alongside economic growth, Uzbekistan emphasizes transport connectivity as a foundation for regional development. The country occupies a key geographic positionat the crossroads of Central and South Asia, the Caucasus, and the Middle East - making it a natural transit hub and logistic bridge between major markets. Government ministries stress that transport costs in Central Asia can reach up to 50% of the final product price - nearly five times the global average. This situation requires urgent solutions, as efficient transport corridors are not just desirable but essential. Tashkent actively develops routes with access to the Indian Ocean via Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran, and Turkmenistan. Special attention is given to corridors such as "Central Asia Afghanistan Pakistan," "Central Asia Afghanistan Iran," and "Uzbekistan Turkmenistan Iran". These routes significantly expand export opportunities, reduce logistics costs, and diversify supplies. For most ECO countries without sea access, establishing modern transport links is critical. Understanding the importance of efficient logistics, Uzbekistan initiated the creation of a Digital Transport and Customs Office within ECO. The project has already received support from member states and aims to implement electronic platforms, simplify procedures, and accelerate deliveries. In line with this, there was a proposal to grant Samarkand International Airport the status of an ECO aviation hub, to unify air routes across the region. Infrastructure enhancement is intricately linked to the sustainability framework. The desiccation of the Aral Sea, coupled with the ramifications of climate change and the escalating crisis of water scarcity, necessitates synergistic collaboration across regional stakeholders. Uzbekistan engages proactively in ECO environmental initiatives aimed at optimizing hydric resource management and addressing the challenges of desertification. In 2021, Tashkent put forth a proposition to establish an ECO Regional Center for Green Technologies, thereby reaffirming its dedication to propelling the ecological agenda forward and pursuing contemporary solutions for sustainable regional development. Among promising projects is the initiative to produce and export green hydrogen along the KazakhstanUzbekistanAzerbaijan route. This direction could transform the region into a future supplier of clean energy to Europe and the Middle East. Uzbekistan also actively participates in forming the ECO regional energy market (ECO-REM) and has proposed creating a Green Technology Center. A key initiative was the proposal to establish a Council of ECO Energy Ministers - a coordination platform able to align national interests in energy and water resources. Moreover, projects to build solar and wind power plants with investors from Turkey, Iran, and other ECO countries show that the green energy course has not only declarative but practical significance. Expectations for the 17th ECO Summit in Khankendi are high. Uzbekistan has already outlined its priorities: developing green energy, enhancing transport connectivity, supporting small businesses, digitalizing trade, and developing sustainable agriculture. The long-term strategic document "ECO-2035," proposed by Tashkent, will also be discussed. All this not only strengthens Uzbekistans involvement in ECO activities but effectively positions it as one of the organizations key drivers. Thus, Uzbekistans role in ECO today is not just a drop in the bucket; it goes far beyond merely going through the motions. It is a country that not only proposes practical solutions but also shapes the agenda, uniting regional states around pressing challenges. Uzbekistan is hitting the ground running as a hub for fresh ideas, transport routes, and political-economic strategies - all while the spotlight shines brighter on Central Asia as a goldmine for investment, logistics ventures, and sustainable growth. The upcoming summit in Khankendi is expected to confirm this status and set long-term guidelines for the further evolution of ECO. Leesville, LA (71446) Today Becoming partly cloudy with isolated thunderstorms developing this afternoon. High 89F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 30%.. Tonight A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible early. Clear to partly cloudy. Low 71F. Winds light and variable. Olivia Kelleher A "devoted" couple in their 80s who were found dead near the stairs of their terraced home in Glounthaune, Co Cork, on Monday night will be laid to rest together on Friday following a joint requiem mass. Foul play has been ruled out in relation to the deaths of Michael (Noel) OSullivan and his wife Ann. The bodies of the couple were found at around 5pm on Monday by a relative. They were formally pronounced dead by a local GP. A technical examination was carried out at the scene. The bodies of the deceased were taken to Cork University Hospital for postmortem examinations the results of which are expected on Wednesday. A death notice on Rip.ie reads that Michael (Noel) OSullivan late of the GPO and his loving wife Ann formerly of Irish Steel died on June 30th together at home". Michael is survived by his sister Mary and is also deeply regretted by Sylvia and his nieces Maureen and Yvonne". He was predeceased by his sibling Bernie. Ann is survived by her siblings Gerry and Jim and is deeply regretted by Julie, her nieces Aoife, Briona, Orla and Fiona and her nephews Eolan and Diarmaid". She was predeceased by her brother Eolan. The notice adds that the couple will be very sadly missed by the Ryng and O'Sullivan families, their kind neighbours and friends. Mr and Mrs OSullivan will lie in repose at Barry Bros Funeral Home, Hazelwood, Glanmire, Co Cork on Thursday from 5pm to 6pm Their requiem mass will take place on Friday at 1pm in the Sacred Heart Church, Glounthaune with burial following at Joseph's Cemetery, Little Island. Meanwhile, Glounthaune Community Association has joined the residents of Glounthaune Village in offering their heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased. In a post on social media they said that the couple were known for their love for each other. They were a deeply religious and devoted couple, who lived a life guided by strong spiritual values. They had a deep love for the village and its community, and will be fondly remembered. Some of the main streets of Mayo's county town "look grubby", according to a local councillor Independent Cllr Harry Barrett told last week's Castlebar Municipal District meeting that a cleaning schedule needs to be put in place to keep the county town clean and attractive for locals and visitors. Great work is being done but I would like to see what the cleaning schedule is. Some of our main streets still look grubby and need to be power-washed. We also need to keep the pressure on so that people think twice about littering and start looking at the optics. Cllr Cyril Burke agreed saying huge efforts had been made to clean the town and streets over the past 12 months and the town had looked exceptionally well" for the Connacht-Munster rugby match earlier this year. We need to maintain that. Also, at McCormack Estate I note the grass was mown but all the edges were left and that almost makes it look worse. Cllr Burke said the town will host a musical festival on the August Bank Holiday weekend. A lot of people will be coming for that and it is another great opportunity to promote the town. Buildings are being refurbished and other good work is going on so this is an opportunity to promote the town further. Outgoing Cathaoirleach Cllr Donna Sheridan agreed a lot of work was needed to clean the town and said she was grateful to the council team for the work they do. We have some of the best outdoor staff but are left with so little resources. We have to fight to make sure we have the staff to do the work we need to do." Cllr Blackie Gavin said that on the weekend of the rugby match he walked the length of the town with the President of the Association of Irish Local Government, Kieran OHanlon, adding: As we walked down from Ellison Street with his private secretary he said to me you have the most beautiful, gorgeous clean town. It was lovely to hear and thanks to all the work done by the community and Tidy Towns and the local district in this regard. Head of the district David Mellett said the cleaning schedule would be finalised "once the resources are in place". "We are very proactive around certain events such as the upcoming Four Day Walks Festival when visitors will be coming in so the place will look well. I also wish to acknowledge Castlebar Community Clean-up, residents' associations and Tidy Towns for the work they do. As to power washing, a tender has been run for a number of streets this year and some were also done last year. Weather Alert Bulletin: ...FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM TUESDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH TUESDAY EVENING... * WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible. * WHERE...Portions of Delaware, including the following areas, Delaware Beaches, Inland Sussex, Kent and New Castle, northeast Maryland, including the following areas, Caroline, Kent MD, Queen Annes and Talbot, New Jersey, including the following areas, Atlantic, Atlantic Coastal Cape May, Camden, Cape May, Coastal Atlantic, Coastal Ocean, Cumberland, Eastern Monmouth, Gloucester, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Morris, Northwestern Burlington, Ocean, Salem, Somerset, Southeastern Burlington, Sussex, Warren and Western Monmouth, and Pennsylvania, including the following areas, Berks, Delaware, Eastern Chester, Eastern Montgomery, Lehigh, Lower Bucks, Northampton, Philadelphia, Upper Bucks, Western Chester and Western Montgomery. * WHEN...From Tuesday afternoon through Tuesday 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... - A frontal boundary will collide with a tropical airmass and produce widespread showers and thunderstorms Tuesday afternoon into Tuesday night. Rainfall rates of up to 2 inches per hour or more will be possible, leading to flash flooding. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... You should monitor later forecasts and be alert for possible Flood Warnings. Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop. && Info: Type: Flood Watch start_time_local: 2025-07-08T14:00:00-04:00 end_time_local: 2025-07-09T00:00:00-04:00 county_name: state: PA headline: Flood Watch from TUE 2:00 PM EDT until WED 12:00 AM EDT county_fips: category: Met url: urgency: Unknown severity: Moderate certainty: Unknown geographicname: Upper Bucks County state_name: Pennsylvania BETHLEHEM, Pa. At the Bethlehem City Council meeting Tuesday, several residents voiced strong opinions about the 17 workers detained by federal agents in June. Many also criticized the council for what they felt was an inadequate response and a lack of transparency in dealing with the federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement operation on the city's Southside. During the public comment period, resident Bill Shire sought to shed light on the ICE events at Five 10 Flats. He suggested publicizing the names of those he referred to as "abductees" to draw further attention to the incident. Shire said it was "distressing" that only one of the 17 individuals who he said were "kidnapped" from the worksite had been identified. 2:15 ICE arrests 17 workers in Bethlehem, rally planned for Thursday night More than a dozen arrests by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement are prompting a rally that will be held Thursday night in Southside Bethlehem. "Publicize these abductions by maintaining a list of names of abductees," Shire urged. Based on the federal government's previous handling of similar requests, however, that information may not be forthcoming. City officials and council members have expressed concerns about the limited information they received following the arrests. Following the June incident, the city administration and police department raised several questions. They wanted to know who had been detained, why they were detained, and whether warrants had been involved, as Mayor J. William Reynolds previously explained. " Questions we had asked we didn't necessarily get answers," Reynolds said at the June 18 meeting. Demographic information was later released, identifying 13 of the workers as Venezuelan, two as Mexican, and one each from Ecuador and Nicaragua. The workers had been helping to restore the apartment building after a massive fire last month. City Council members have previously condemned the federal agency's actions. Board President Michael Colon called ICE's conduct a "reckless use of their authority" and said city law enforcement should have been included in the operation. Resident Harry Faber reiterated his frustration from the previous council meeting with a single word: "Shame," said Faber. "You are unfit to wield any power or authority over the people of the city," he continued, demanding to know what City Council, the administration and the police department were doing to return the detained individuals home. "Seventeen people were abducted in the city," Faber said. "There is still no word on where they are, if they are OK or what this administration is doing to bring them back." Offering a different viewpoint, resident Mike O'Hare placed responsibility on the employer, arguing it's their duty to verify workers' legal status. "The employer is responsible for making sure that the people who are working for him are vetted correctly and legal to work," O'Hare said. Councilmember Hillary Kwiatek agreed with many of the evening's speakers. "I also want to thank the people who come to meeting after meeting to express their views," Kwiatek said. IFAD and Tajikistan discuss market access and livestock adaptation project The International Fund for Agricultural Development is concluding its Market Access and Adaptation for Livestock project in Tajikistan in 2025. The discussion also covered fish farming development to improve local nutrition and export potential. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register ASTANA, Kazakhstan, July 2. Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Murat Nurtleu, met with Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Moldova, Mihai Popsoi, and discussed deepening political and economic cooperation, Trend reports via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan. In the course of the meeting, the sides expressed mutual commitment to deepening bilateral partnership based on friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation. A practical demonstration of these intentions was Chisinaus decision to open an Embassy of Moldova in Kazakhstan. The event was noted for its historic significance, affirming the mutual desire to strengthen relations between the two countries. The parties discussed a wide range of issues concerning Kazakh-Moldovan relations, including priority areas in political, trade-economic, and cultural-humanitarian cooperation, as well as the calendar of joint events for the current year. Furthermore, Minister Nurtleu emphasized that, thanks to the political will of the heads of state, Kazakh-Moldovan cooperation has gained new momentum in recent years. Kazakhstan and Moldova share traditionally close relations based on trust and mutual respect, which allows us to steadily develop our ties in all spheres, said Nurtleu. Particular attention was given to expanding trade and economic cooperation. In this context, both ministers highlighted the coordinating role of the Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation and proposed holding its next meeting shortly. Moreover, they welcomed the record 75 percent increase in bilateral trade in 2024 and outlined steps to ensure a stable and positive trajectory going forward. The ministers also agreed to make joint efforts to identify new opportunities in agriculture, transportation, industrial cooperation, as well as in the digital and cultural-humanitarian spheres. Later the same day, the ministers participated in the official opening of the Moldovan embassy in Astana. Wits School of Education honours women in education Annual event spotlights the exceptional achievements of women shaping the future of academia. The Wits School of Education (WSoE) reaffirmed its commitment to gender equity with its second annual celebration, themed Sistas Are Doin It for Themselves in the Space Frame Foyer, Education Campus, on Friday, 20 June 2025. Hosted by Professor Juliet Perumal, Head of the WSoE, the gathering recognised women in academia, researchers, students, and supervisors whose contributions continue to break barriers and redefine excellence. This event is not only a gathering, but also a gesture of gratitude, recognition, and collective power, said Perumal. We see you, we celebrate you, and we thank you. Perumal highlighted the structural barriers women face such as gender bias, pay disparities, and underrepresentation, and praised those who rise above these challenges. It is not through entitlement, but through effort, she added. The women who got awards include Professor Eunice Nyamupangedengu (received the Afretec Inclusion Champion Award in recognition of her dedication to inclusivity and diversity within STEM fields), Dr Madira Thetso (received the 2024 African Languages Award and is also the Chairperson of the Southern African Folklore Society (SAFOS), Dr Ntsoaki Mokala (received a Via Afrika Award for an Emerging Researcher and NRF Y-Rating), Dr Jenny Glennie (Honorary doctorate in Education from Wits), Dr Ana Ferreira (UKLA Academic Book Award for Language Narratives and Shifting Multilingual Ped-agogies: English), Professor Belinda Mendelowitz (UKLA Academic Book Award for Language Narratives and Shifting Multilingual Ped-agogies: English), and Matsie Mabeta (recognised as Excellent Research Administrator at Faculty Awards ceremony in October 2024). Delisile Mahlangu, the Student Excellence awardee, received the Head of School Award for exceptional commitment to multilingual education and translanguaging and the award from the National Association of Professional Teacher Organisations of South Africa (Senior and Further Education Training- IsiZulu). This means so much to me. It signifies endless possibilities, and I wouldn't be here without the people who truly pushed memy family, teachers, and lecturers. For that, it truly means endless possibilities." Representing the Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, Prof. Mucha Musemwa was Prof. Nomfundo Moroe, who commended the women for their achievements. Reflecting on the once gendered workplace, Moroe said: We come from generations where our parents, grandparents did not have opportunities. But they planted trees, knowing very well that they may not sit under the tree and enjoy the shade, but that did not stop them from planting those trees. So, this is about being empowered as one woman but in the process, bringing along everyone around you. The celebration not only honoured individual achievements but also echoed a collective call: that true transformation in academia happens when women rise together, planting seeds of change for generations to come. Ochre was a crucial tool in early human innovation New research challenge the long-standing assumption that ochre was used solely for symbolic or decorative purposes. A study by the Centre for Early Sapiens Behaviour (SapienCE) has overturned long-held beliefs about early human technology, revealing that ochre often regarded as purely symbolic was in fact used as a sophisticated tool in the manufacture of stone weapons more than 70,000 years ago. The discovery was made by Bergen University archaeologist Dr Elizabeth Velliky while examining artefacts from Blombos Cave, a key Middle Stone Age site on South Africas southern Cape coast, well known for its early evidence of symbolic behaviour. Among the finds, Velliky identified a piece of ochre with a distinctive shape and use-wear markings unlike those typically associated with pigment production suggesting a more practical, technological function. We now know that ochre was a multi-use tool that played a vital role in the daily lives of early modern humans, said Velliky. This could fundamentally shift how we understand ochre, and the technological sophistication of our ancestors. The study, published in Science Advances, confirms that ochre was deliberately shaped and used as a retouching implement a type of prehistoric tool used to refine and sharpen stone weapons through pressure flaking and percussion. These techniques were central to the production of Still Bay points finely crafted, symmetrical spearheads that showcase remarkable skill. Analysis of seven ochre fragments dated to between 90,000 and 70,000 years ago revealed consistent shaping and wear patterns. These were not simply picked up at random, but purposefully modified to suit the needs of expert toolmakers. The standardisation of these ochre tools along with the advanced methods they supported suggests they were the tools of highly skilled individuals within early Homo sapiens communities. These were most likely the personal tools of master craftsmen, said Professor Francesco dErrico, co-author of the study. They may have functioned not only as practical instruments, but also as markers of personal identity or technical prowess. The findings challenge the long-standing assumption that ochre was used solely for symbolic or decorative purposes, such as body painting or ritual. Instead, the evidence points to its integration into a technological toolkit, at the heart of how early humans shaped their environment. According to the SapienCE research team including Dr Karen van Niekerk and Professor Christopher Henshilwood of the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits University) the discovery adds to growing evidence that behavioural modernity emerged much earlier than previously thought. This includes not only symbolic thinking, but also innovation, dexterity, and forward planning. We now have clear proof that ochre was not just a symbolic material, but a central component in specialised tool production, said Henshilwood, who also serves as director of SapienCE. This points to a level of technological complexity we once believed only appeared far later in human evolution. Van Niekerk, who has led recent excavations at Blombos Cave, hopes this find will encourage renewed interest in ochres multifunctionality across other archaeological contexts. Recognising ochre as a functional tool rather than merely a pigment source forces a reassessment of how early humans engaged with materials and how such practices reflect their cognitive and cultural capabilities. This discovery adds another dimension to our understanding of early Homo sapiens behavioural complexity, said van Niekerk. It highlights the adaptability, creativity, and technological ingenuity of our ancestors and how they laid the foundation for the tools we use today. Shanghai delegation at Wits to explore innovation and collaboration The high-profile delegation from the Shanghai State-owned Capital Investment (SSCI) visited to identify potential key strategic partnerships. On 10 June 2025, Wits Commercial Enterprise, in collaboration with the Wits Internationalisation and Strategic Partnerships Office, hosted a high-profile delegation from Shanghai State-owned Capital Investment (SSCI), a venture capital firm seeking investment opportunities in the African continent. The engagement fostered dialogue on technological innovation, funding models, and entrepreneurial ecosystems. The event, held at Wits Commerce, Law and Management Faculty, brought together innovation management practitioners, academic leaders, industry experts, and international partners to explore synergies between South African and Chinese investment strategies. Andrew Hope-Jones set the tone with a warm welcome, followed by introductions and an overview of Wits University by Dr Samia Chasi, highlighting its role as a hub for research and innovation. The Shanghai delegation shared their approach to state-owned capital investment, while Thembela Ntlemeza provided a South African perspective on funding technological advancements. Discussions deepened over lunch, with subsequent sessions on Wits funding models led by Tebogo Machethe, and venture capital insights from Mark Harris from Wits Universitys Tshimologong Digital Innovation Precinct. Dr Dennis Mhangami showcased the Wits Business Schools Centre for Entrepreneurships initiatives, emphasising scalable solutions for emerging markets. The strategic discussion identified potential partnerships, with both parties committing to further explore collaboration opportunities in technological innovation. The session concluded with a shared vision to bridge resources and expertise across continents. Reflecting on the significance of the engagement, Dr Samia Chasi noted: The visit of the Shanghai State-owned Capital Investment (SSCI) Company was a valuable opportunity to explore ways in which Wits can deepen and broaden its engagements with China beyond university-to-university linkages. The discussions centred on fostering industry-university partnerships in innovation and research, with insightful contributions from several key players in Wits innovation ecosystem, including Wits Enterprise, the Wits Innovation Centre, the Tshimologong Digital Innovation Precinct and the Centre for Entrepreneurship at the Wits Business School. We trust that further dialogue will contribute to strengthening existing links, creating new opportunities and strategically positioning Wits in Shanghai, one of the worlds leading innovation hubs. As a follow-up, Wits Enterprise is working with the Wits Innovation Centre and Wits Health Consortium to compile and share a list of high potential closer-to-market Wits innovations for SSCIs investment consideration. This productive exchange has laid the foundation for future collaboration, an exciting prospect for Wits University. SHUSHA, Azerbaijan, July 2. Uzbekistan is interested in cooperation with Azerbaijan in the field of agro-industrial complex, Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) of Uzbekistan Davron Vakhabov told reporters on the sidelines of the 6th ECO Business Forum on the topic "Investment and Trade Promotion as a Catalyst for Sustainable Development in the ECO Region," Trend's special correspondent sent to Shusha reports. According to him, the Azerbaijani administration has expressed a vested interest in collaborative ventures within this domain. "We recently engaged in discussions with the executive leadership of Azerbaijan's Small and Medium Business Development Agency (KOBIA) and proposed the strategic integration of seasoned and proficient agriculturalists on an individual basis to operationalize a collaborative initiative in this locale. For instance, in terms of equilibrium: 50 to 50. Uzbekistan is poised to allocate capital and ensure procurement of domestically cultivable commoditiesspecifically those that are currently in deficit," he elucidated. Vakhabov articulated a keen interest in the cultivation of agronomic products in Shusha, emphasizing that the locale possesses optimal conditions conducive to the implementation of agricultural initiatives. It was observed that the demographic landscape of Uzbekistan encompasses a population of approximately 38 million individuals. The importation of alimentary goods and consumables totals approximately $6 billion, which, as he posits, constitutes a substantial market segment. "There will be engagement from both partiesfrom Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan." Moreover, there will be a reduction in logistical expenditures. Currently, we are facilitating export operations via Azerbaijan to the European market; however, the import throughput remains suboptimal. This escalates the expenditure associated with the procurement of imported commodities. "Achieving a harmonized turnover will enable entrepreneurs to optimize logistics expenditures, thereby positively influencing production cost dynamics," Vakhabov elaborated. Besides, according to him, Uzbekistan is interested in SOCAR's experience and joint projects in the petrochemical industry, as well as cooperation in the tourism and jewelry industries. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel LACHIN, Azerbaijan, July 2. Iran wants to host a high-level meeting involving women, Director of the Department for Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), Deputy Director for Multilateral Economic Cooperation at the Iranian Foreign Ministry Behzad Azarsa said at a panel session themed "The Role of Women in Urban Development" of the ECO Women's Forum in Lachin, Azerbaijan, Trend's correspondent sent to Lachin reports. He observed that Iran advocates for the facilitation of educational opportunities for women. "We additionally advocate for the inception of the ECO Green Fund specifically tailored for women." Concurrently, we aim to instantiate a dedicated financial vehicle to facilitate capital allocation for initiatives spearheaded by women. Empowering women will catalyze the advancement of civil society frameworks," articulated the official. 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 Weather Alert ...DENSE FOG ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 AM CDT THIS MORNING... * WHAT...Visibility one quarter mile or less in dense fog. * WHERE...Portions of southern Illinois, western Kentucky, and southeast Missouri. * WHEN...Until 8 AM CDT this morning. * IMPACTS...Low visibility could make driving conditions hazardous. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... If driving, slow down, use your headlights, and leave plenty of distance ahead of you. && Lisa Adams [Photo: PATH Legal] A civil lawsuit filed by Nova Scotia resident Lisa Adams seeking damages from the federal government after being subjected to what amounts to torture in a Canadian correctional institution was settled last month, with her attorney reporting that the details could not be disclosed. Held for 16 days in a dry cella solitary room with no running water or flushing toiletAdams was kept under lighted observation by sight and security camera, with no privacy whatsoever for the entire duration. She had been segregated on suspicion of hiding drugs in her vagina at the Nova Institution for Women in Truro, Nova Scotia. Dry celling is an extreme form of solitary confinement that is generally used for male and female inmates who are suspected of concealing contraband inside their bodies, with the expectation that the item will inevitably be passed by normal bodily functions. Adams found herself in the correctional system after years of living with mental health and substance use issues. A period of abusive relationships with men and a bout of severe postpartum depression following the birth of her son led to a reliance on drugs to cope with the trauma. This unfortunate situation was compounded by the fact that Adams also came to rely on the sale of drugs to support her family. In 2019 she was sentenced to two years at the Nova Institution for selling methamphetamines in her hometown of Saint John, New Brunswick. Such a path is all too common, with the Canadian Association of Elizabeth Fry Societies reporting that approximately 80 per cent of women serving at least two years in a Canadian federal prison are survivors of physical or sexual abuse. Furthermore, studies have shown that federal inmates (those sentenced to two years or longer) overwhelmingly come from conditions of social and economic disadvantage such as poverty, low-paying jobs and high unemploymentin other words the increasingly common features of working-class life across Canada. The state currently responds to this situation by warehousing approximately 13,000 inmates in 43 federal institutions across the country at a cost of well over $3 billion a year. There are also dozens of provincial institutions through which far more people pass, either on remand, serving shorter sentences or awaiting transfer. Lisa Adams experience is a particularly egregious example of the dehumanizing methods employed by the state to maintain order and discipline in these facilities. In a letter that made its way to Emma Halpern, Executive Director of the Elizabeth Fry Society of Mainland Nova Scotia and Co-Founder of PATH Legal, Adams expressed her hopelessness and lack of control over her body while subjected to the oppressive dry cell conditions. Halpern and Jessica Rose, PATH Legals Managing Lawyer, represented Adams pro-bono to bring an application for habeas corpus and to file a constitutional challenge against Section 52(b) of the Corrections and Conditional Release Act (CCRA). They argued that being placed in a dry cell violated multiple provisions of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. These included Section 12, the prohibition against cruel and unusual punishment; Section 7, the right to life, liberty, and security of the person; and Section 15, the right to equality and freedom from discrimination. Specifically as to discrimination, it was argued that dry celling due to suspicion that contraband was being carried in the vagina, as opposed to the rectum, could not reasonably be expected to be expelled within the same timeframe and therefore those with vaginas may undergo more prolonged and severe treatment than those without vaginas. The chronology of Adams dry cellling, as retold in the decision of Justice John A. Keith of the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia in a case separate from the civil suit, illustrates the arbitrary and crushing nature of the treatment applied to inmates who collide with the regulations of the correctional system. On May 2, 2020 Adams was caught using methamphetamine at a community residential facility in Cape Breton and returned to the higher security Nova Institution in Truro. She had undergone a body scan prior to transportation and those responsible for interpreting the results expressed no concerns about contraband being hidden in a body cavity. On May 5, 2020 Adams was caught smoking a cigarette, which she admitted smuggling into the institution in her vagina. Subsequent testing of Adams personal belongings suggested the presence of methamphetamine so the original body scan at the Cape Breton residential facility was re-checked. Claiming that the person who originally reviewed the images was inexperienced, the conclusion the second time around was that the scan actually revealed multiple round packages resembling balloons hidden in Adams vagina. With this evidence the Nova Institution Warden had Adams placed in a dry cell on May 6. The next day a mental health clinic note indicated that Adams was considered at low risk for suicide and self injury even though it also acknowledged that she had a heightened level of anxiety, was unable to regulate her emotions without support and had previously attempted suicide five times. It was merely recommended that she be monitored regularly and be provided with a chair to help with performing her grounding exercises when experiencing anxiety. The chair was not offered until Adams herself had to repeat the request a week later. After 72 hours, on May 9, the recommendation was made that Adams remain in the dry cell because no contraband had been retrieved. For the next two days, due to the unrelenting surveillance, she began to display symptoms of great mental distress such as staring, rocking and having difficulty articulating clear responses. A report from Nova Institutions health services on May 11 specifically noted that a prolonged stay in such an environment would likely result in a deterioration of the mental stability of this client. Adams consented to an X-ray to prove that she was not carrying contraband but the physician refused on the basis that her consent was coerced and invalid because she had been given an ultimatum that she would remain in isolation unless she went through the procedure. Over the next ten days, Adams mental health fluctuated to the point that she was prescribed clonazepam to deal with a number of very troubling symptoms, including hallucinations and articulating the wish to die rather than go on indefinitely under the same conditions. On May 20, on the grounds of medical necessity and with Adams consent, a pelvic examination was conducted which proved that she was not concealing contrabandbut still it was not until two days later that she was finally released from the dry cell. Correctional investigator Ivan Zinger has called the conditions of dry cell confinement by far the most degrading, austere and restrictive imaginable in federal corrections and even more so than the conditions of administrative segregation. Two reports from federal correctional investigators, Howard Sapers in 2011-12 and Zinger in 2019-20, recommended that the practice be restricted to a maximum of 72 hours. In fact, in 2020, Zinger wrote, In my opinion, beyond 72 hours there can be no further reason or justification to detain or keep a person in such depriving conditions, adding, After three days, surely this procedure becomes unreasonable, if not strictly punitive. The Correctional Service of Canada rejected the recommendation. According to the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (also known as the Nelson Mandela Rules) solitary confinement should be used only in exceptional cases as a last resort. And prolonged solitary confinement, that is, for more than 15 consecutive days, constitutes torture, according to the UN. Justice Keith, the judge in Adams constitutional challenge against Section 52(b) of the CCRA, found that the form of solitary confinement she endured was unconstitutional and gave the federal government six months to reform the provisions of the corrections law that discriminate against women. The government amended the CCRA to prohibit the use of dry cells for those suspected of concealing contraband in their vaginal cavity but continued their use under other circumstances with a 72-hour maximum, although the head of the institution can extend that by an extra 24 to 48 hours under certain conditions. Advocates wanted to see the highly invasive practice eliminated altogether, given that there are other means to accomplish the stated goal of intercepting contraband. Adams was offered no compensation after suffering an immense amount of psychological damage while her rights under the Charter were being violated, and it was only with the greatest reluctance and the least effort that the practices that led to her suffering were minimally reformed. Her lawyers correctly state that the correctional system needs to be held to account and the only way the current judicial system is able to do that is through financial meanshence the lawsuit. But any system of government or justice that must be forced to respect the inherent rights and needs of all, especially the most vulnerable, does not deserve to stand. Only the reorganization of society on a socialist basis can offer every individual the means and opportunities to pursue meaningful lives of dignity free from the despair and brutality of the current regime of capitalist exploitation. Striking Philadelphia city workers [Photo: AFSCME DC 33] For the first time in nearly four decades, Philadelphias largest municipal workers union, AFSCME District Council 33 (DC 33), is on strike. The work stoppage is sending shockwaves through city operations and daily life. It is the first strike of municipal city workers since 1986. More than 9,000 city employees have walked off the job, including sanitation workers, water department staff, 911 dispatchers, city mechanics and school crossing guards. The strikes immediate impact is being felt across a wide range of essential services. The strike began at 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, after last-minute negotiations between the union and Mayor Cherelle Parkers administration failed to produce a new contract. At the heart of the dispute are wages, pension improvements and healthcare benefits, with union leaders arguing that the citys offeran 8 percent raise over three yearsfalls far short of what workers need to keep up with Philadelphias rising cost of living. DC 33 had demanded an 8 percent annual raise, citing that many members earn an average of $46,000 a year, well below the estimated $60,000 needed for a single person to live in the city. But it is critical that striking municipal workers view themselves as the first wave in a massive class movement against the entrenched power of the corporate oligarchy, which rules through both Trump and through local Democratic Party administrations in cities across the country. Through unprecedented cuts to public services at every level, they are seeking to impose the cost of a growing economic crisis on the backs of the working class. The strike emerges as the first in a wave of class struggle throughout the region. It comes weeks after the city of Philadelphia saw upwards of 80,000 people protesting against the Trump administrations attacks on democracy and immigrant workers. The protest was part of No Kings day, one of the largest single day protests in American history. Reporters from the World Socialist Web Site attended rallies in dozens of cities throughout the country, issuing calls for protesters to mobilize the immense strength of the working class against Trumps coup in a general strikethe utilization of the power of the workers, rooted in the process of production, to bring production to a halt. The conditions are increasingly favorable for such a movement to emerge. Last week, 14,000 School District of Philadelphia (SDP) educators and staff voted by 94 percent to go on strike if their contract lapses in August without a deal on the table. Contracts for 3,000 law enforcement and public white collar workers affiliated with AFSCME District Council 47 also expired on Tuesday, although they are bound by law from striking. Municipal workers across the country are fighting massive unprecedented cuts, as resources are being drained to pay for Wall Street and war. The Chicago transit system is preparing a doomsday budget which would cut service by 40 percent, while the school district is threatening to rip up a new teachers contract for lack of funds. The New York City transit system has projected shortfalls of up to $10 billion and earlier this year predicted a summer of hell without new funding. Los Angeles is forecasting a $1 billion deficit for next year; San Francisco, Oakland and San Diego have deficits in the hundreds of millions, Washington D.C. has lost its AAA credit rating. The transit systems and school districts in these cities also report major funding shortfalls. The city of Philadelphia is also enacting vicious attacks on the working class population. On Thursday, June 26, the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) adopted its own doomsday budget, which would slash public transit services in half. In addition to thousands of transit workers being laid off, the loss of services will fundamentally impact working class people. On Monday, the office of Democratic Mayor Cherelle Parker held a press conference to address concerns regarding the halting of vital services. The mayor used the meeting to declare that the city had made a historic but fiscally responsible offer to raise municipal worker pay by a total of 13 percent over four years. The mayor listed other supposedly incredible proposals, such as an additional pay step in city workers wages, aligning DC 33s pay plan with other city bargaining units. The majority of her address was spent promoting the citys new budget for the fiscal year 2026. Parker cited her Housing Opportunities Made Easy (H.O.M.E.) initiative, which includes a proposal to create and preserve 30,000 new units of affordable housing. This initiative, she said, was designed all with people like our DC 33 members in mind. Municipal workers in the city of Philadelphia are required to have lived inside the city for a year before hiring for a city job. The World Socialist Web Site has noted that Parkers budget was a list of pro-business items and tax cuts. It cited Parkers own comments declaring it was designed to signal to businesses that they could invest in the city in the long run. The Philadelphia Housing Authority has stated that the city would require $6.3 billion simply to redevelop 13,000 already existing housing units, while over 100,000 people are currently waiting for available homes. Parkers plan offers only $2 billion total for housing. Parkers real attitude toward the citys employees was revealed in her press comments when she claimed, without evidence, that there had been reports of property vandalism associated with this work stoppage and threatened police action against workers seeking to block scabs. Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel likewise asserted that they cannot allow individuals to vandalize and harm and destroy. In fact, the strike has massive public support among the citys population, with hundreds of declarations of solidarity on the DC 33 social media pages. On the city of Philadelphias subreddit, a comment with over 400 likes states that the individual wants to drop my trash at city hall. Another with 200 likes suggests that garbage be dropped off at the mayors house. The mass support for the strike is even more significant given that the stoppage is impacting vital services, such as trash collection, public swimming pools and water treatment amid one of the hottest years on record. Last week, the city reached temperatures as hot as 117 degrees Fahrenheit (47.2 degrees Celsius). Under these conditions, the bureaucrats of the city unions are engaged in a criminal effort to undermine the level of solidarity among the working class throughout the city. The AFSCME DC 33 leadership has purposefully sought to string out its already criminally underpaid members with a miserable weekly strike pay of $200. The union is claiming that nothing can be done given that the DC 33 strike fund is less than $4.2 million. However, the district council has $29 million in various loans and assets, and the national AFSCME union has over $300 million. Workers should demand that these assets, financed through their dues money, be used to finance a major increase in strike pay to insure that they are provisioned for a protracted struggle. The Philadelphia Federation of Teachers (PFT), which saw its members vote near unanimously to strike two weeks ago when their contract concludes in August, has sought to downplay its members strike vote, appearing on stage with officials of the SDP as they demanded state funding to proclaim though we may disagree at times, the citys administrators want what our members want: Appropriately staffed and resourced schools where children and communities are able to thrive. These comments came just days before the United States Attorney for eastern Pennsylvania filed charges against the School District of Philadelphia (SDP) for refusing to address rampant asbestos in its buildings. On Monday night, PFT President Arthur Steinberg appeared alongside DC 33 President Greg Boulware, representatives of the Transport Workers Union 234, the bargaining representative for SEPTAs workers, and other city locals to proclaim solidarity with DC 33 until they win the contract they deserve! Needless to say, no union executives signaled any intention to strike in unison to bring down Parkers right-wing administration or secure the demands their members are asking for. Instead of allowing their struggle to be hamstrung and sold out, city employees must form independent committees among fellow rank-and-file workers in order to take their struggle beyond their locals and into the working class where their strike already has a massive base of support and a basis for expanding their struggle. Workers should have no confidence in their DC 33 leaders, who are seeking to use the strike to wear down their own members before presenting them with essentially the same offer as before, professing that it is the best they can do under the circumstances. The circumstances are on the workers side, provided they draw the correct political conclusions and seek to take the conduct of their fight into their own hands through the formation of their own rank-and-file committees, committed to their struggle and to its expansion throughout the Philadelphia region and beyond. ASTANA, Kazakhstan, July 2. President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, received Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Moldova, Mihai Popsoi, where they discussed the prospects for the development of Kazakh-Moldovan relations, Trend reports. In the course of the meeting, Tokayev noted that the opening of the Moldovan Embassy in Kazakhstan is a significant event, reflecting the two countries desire to strengthen friendly relations and multifaceted cooperation. In turn, Popsoi congratulated all Kazakh diplomats on their professional holiday on behalf of President Tokayev, emphasizing the special role of diplomacy in the current international realities. Furthermore, the stakeholders engaged in a dialogue regarding the potential avenues for amplifying trade, economic synergies, and investment collaborations across diverse sectors of reciprocal interest. In conclusion, President Tokayev conveyed greetings to the President of Moldova, Maia Sandu. Earlier, Popsoi held a meeting with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Murat Nurtleu, where they discussed priority areas of political, trade-economic, and cultural-humanitarian cooperation between the two countries, as well as the schedule of events for the current year. On the same day, the ministers also participated in the ceremonial opening of the Embassy of the Republic of Moldova in Astana. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Mountainhead British screenwriter and showrunner Jesse Armstrong, the moving force behind HBOs Succession, has written and directed Mountainhead, also for HBO. The 109-minute comedy-drama was released on May 31. The film follows the frenetic antics over the course of a weekendspent in a 21,000-square-foot Utah mountainside mansionof three technology billionaires and a fourth, the host, worth as yet only $500 million. Venis Ven Parish (Cory Michael Smith), the worlds richest person, controls the social media platform Traam, which, as we learn, is causing chaos across the globe with AI-generated disinformation. Jeff Abredazi (Ramy Youssef), owns Bilter, a company specializing in good AI, which Ven covets in order to get the UN and the US president off his back. The elder statesman of the group, Randall Garrett (Steve Carell), spouts pseudo-Hegelian banalities. He has recently been given a death sentence due to incurable cancer. Hugo Souper or Soups Van Yalk (so nicknamed because he is the poorest of the four, i.e., as in soup kitchen) is the brains behind Slowzo, described as not just a meditation tool. Its a lifestyle super-app. The characters are inspired by such figures as Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, Sam Altman and rightwing philosopher-financiers like Peter Thiel and Marc Andreessen. Armstrong told Time that his characters were not one-to-one matches, but Frankenstein monsters with limbs sewn together. The storyline, such as it is, involves rivalries and conflicts that inevitably surface at Mountainhead (a reference to arch-anticommunist Ayn Rands 1943 novel The Fountainhead) among the four swollen economic interests and egos. As noted, Ven desires Jeffs firm, because he has recklessly introduced features on Traam that enable disinformation, and Bilter would help with fact-checking and fending off critics and government regulators. Randall fantasizes that Vens unfettered operations will speed up the emergence of the transhuman (He could get us post-human in five), somehow ensuring immunity from cancer and immortality. Jeff, who bears a grudge against Ven and suggests his board should push him out, becomes the focus of Randalls and Vens resentment, with Soups along for the ride. The trio determine to murder Jeff, setting off a black comedy of errors. Holding such individuals up to ridicule and debunking their claim to being the the smartest men in America, as one of the bunch suggests during the goings-on in Mountainhead, is a legitimate enterprise in and of itself. Armstrong paints the group as narcissistic, shallow, greedy, petulant, oblivious to the existence of others and generally repellant. Pretending not to care about riches (Money is not a sort of thing Im concerned about), they think about little else. Cory Michael Smith Armstrong places the following lines in his characters mouths to get his points across: I mean, planet Earths like an all-you-can-eat buffet, and no ones gonna stop till we clear all the hot plates, right? ... Were gonna show users as much shit as possible until everyone realizes nothings that fucking serious. Nothing means anything and everything's funny and cool. When confronted with one or another social atrocity or episode of mass murder: Youre always going to get some people dead. I mean, there will be eight to ten cardiac arrests during a Super Bowl. Ven and Randall have this exchange: -Do you believe in other people? -I think one needs to. -Yeah, but do you? -Eight billion people as real as us? Well, obviously not. Learning of an undeclared war between Turkey and Armenia, the tech giants muse: - This could be cool. - It could be cool. - It could really be turning into a moment. - In terms of? - Where it all comes out. All of the fucking hatreds. All this resentment. Like, a slightly gnarly but eventually highly cathartic draining of all this poison, historical, ethnic, racial, religious... They dream big, at one point briefly inserting Soups as president of Argentina: Do we take over a couple of failing nations? Show people how it's done? To one or more fragile or failed Western Hemisphere states, say, Argentina, Venezuela, or Cuba, we intellectually and financially back a rolling swap out to crypto-network states. Steve Carell All in all, decides Ven, despite the developing calamity: You know what I think, honestly? I think pedal to the fucking metal. I say we just push through. Lets fucking go! The worse the disease, the more valuable the cure. And this pearl: Yeah, its so much better to do one big upgrade on the whole world than walking around with fucking patches, Solving malaria. Oh, I'm an old man and I solved malaria. Here, loads more Africans. Thanks for all the extra Africans, really loving those! The discussion around the decision to do Jeff in, after he refuses to sell Bilter to Ven, is amusing. It is Randall who first suggests that I think we need to come up with a plan to kill Jeff. Challenged by Soups, he backpedals, Killing Jeff is just a placeholder. Im obviously not talking about literally killing Jeff. Except that he is, because Jeff, according to Randall, wants to stop the future. Randall further explains to Ven, He is planning to have your board push you out. He will never sell. He is a decelerationist [opponent of technological/AI progress] and a snake. He wants to stop a new world from being born. Chaos ensues. There are strong elements here. The Musks and Zuckerbergs, and their fascistic intellectual mentors, invite, no, demand satire. The essentially Hegelian lesson of history, we are told, is everything is always cool, so long as you get there. And, Bretton Woods crumbles. The fiat currencies wane. The block chain prevails. Thank you. Are we the Bolsheviks of a new techno world order that starts tonight? At a certain point, the four characters consider using their military and technological powers to overthrow the US government, which is not doubt actively considered among these fascistic layers in real life. The whole group in Mountainhead But there are real difficulties and weaknesses too. Armstrong may have felt that he was making his life easier, in part for budgetary and logistical reasons, by restricting his film to a four-hander, for all intents and purposes. On the contrary, he made things tougher for himself. It is far more difficult to paint a broad social picture, a panorama, with only a handful of characters and one setting, as opposed to larger, more diverse casting and interactions, and variety of locales. Mountainhead strains under the weight of having to make large statements with so little movement and such very limited human types. The murder plot is comical (Ill tell you one thing, Id like to conduct all my negotiations with my opposite number covered in gasoline with me holding the match), but, in the end, neither especially convincing nor illuminating. The last portion of the film labors to justify its inclusion, without thorough-going success. Armstrong has obviously undertaken a systematic and exhaustive course in the language and mannerisms of Musk, Zukerberg, etc. The research pays off, in the sense that the writer-director captures the bound, constricted, yet boyish and cheery and ultimately tiring rhythm of the tech lingo: Randall: Cancer was net-net a big positive. Wisdom, 50% increase. Purpose, meaning, both way up. Ven and Jeff meeting each other, with some disparaging comments uttered on a podcast bubbling up: -Can we hug it out? -Yeah, buddy, of course. -Good to see you. -Bring it in. -Oh, man, watch out. Dont crush me with all that founder energy. -I was misquoted. -How can you be misquoted if you said it? -Who cares? I dont even remember. But this comes at a cost. To the non-initiated, the first thirty or forty minutes are extremely difficult to follow. The four understandably speak as though intensely in the know, but there needed to be a dramatic-artistic, mediating means of translating that for the rest of us. A great many trees and not enough forest. Ramy Youssef Armstrongs previous production, Succession, was a major work, which, as the WSWS noted, grapples with the obscene amounts of wealth controlled by the rich and their destructive social and political impulses, including the unleashing of fascistic and far-right forces. Mountainhead deals with similar themes, but less substantively. Armstrong at times appears starstruck, overly impressed with these types and their power. The rising to the top of the technology world in a given case, with its resulting fabulous financial rewards, of individuals such as Musk, Zuckerberg, Bezos, Gates et al is of course not entirely accidental or arbitrary. Each no doubt has certain qualities, for better or worse, that propelled him forward. But the notion that they have made their reputations and fortunes through great brilliance, foresight and vision is entirely absurd. Armstrong rejects the media adulation and reveals the rather wretched reality, but in the absence of a historical-social accounting, we are still left with the possibility that at least their aggression and personal charisma have paid off. To a large extent, in fact, these geniuses are the entirely undeserving beneficiaries of various processesscientific, economic, politicalbeyond their control and certainly outside their understanding. As long ago as 1999, the WSWS discussed the rise of Bill Gates and Microsoft in these terms: Microsoft did not obtain a monopoly position in software because its operating system was superior technologically. Most software industry analysts would dispute the claim that Windows is an optimum system, and it is notoriously unstable in everyday office use. Which system became the standard was determined, not by rational or dispassionate comparison of various alternatives, but through the struggle of rival capitalist concerns, in which sharp marketing practices and business connectionslike Gates's early relationship with IBMcounted for much more than technical merit. More fundamentally, monopoly is the inevitable outcome of the development of capitalist economy. Not only in software, but in every major industry, the process of capitalist accumulation leads to the consolidation of small capitals into large, with one or a handful ultimately becoming dominant. Mountainhead deplores but accepts the existing economic framework. It resigns itself and the rest of the world to being at the mercy of these extremely limited, if not deplorable human beings, even as it warns, in one of the characters final comments, I think theres a non-trivial chance itll be a full fucking disaster. Armstrong and Mountainhead might have asked, directly or indirectly, how it is that immense, objectively revolutionary technological advances like AI remain the private property and playthings of billionaires and their giant corporations, excluding and endangering the overwhelming majority of humanity. Couldnt these vast resources, productive capacities instead improve the living conditions of hundreds of millions of human beings virtually overnight? Also, the film already seems dated. Trump and his allies, including his tech buddies, might have seemed invincible when they came to power in January. In only six months, the depth of popular opposition has shown itself. Millions have protested the Trump-Musk measures and proven they have no intention of being saddled with a fascistic dictatorship. The general movement of things today is toward mass outrage and resistance. Armstrong runs the risk of falling behind the times. Postal workers: Participate in the rank-and-file investigation! Send in testimony and comments by filling out the form below. Heat map from National Weather Service, June 23, 2025 The Trump administration is preparing to water down or kill a proposed federal rule on workplace heat exposure. The rule, introduced last year by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), would be the first of its kind in US history. Its fate now hangs in the balance as extreme summer heat grips much of the country, particularly the Midwest and East Coast. The fate of the rule exposes the complete control of the government by the corporate oligarchy. Hearings are underway where executives have demanded the weakening of the rule, while Trump himself is also slashing federal regulatory bodies, already toothless, to the bone. Last month, he fired the same team which was responsible for the data which formed the foundation of the proposed rule, and his appointee to head OSHA is a former executive from logistics firms notorious for heat-related and other workplace injuries. As it does every summer, extreme heat has already claimed workers lives in the US. Jacob Taylor, 51, a letter carrier in the Dallas area, died on June 21 after collapsing from heat exhaustion on his route. Dan Workman, 59, died on May 30 while working under similar conditions in Grand Junction, Colorado. Both were subjected to extreme temperatures while working without basic protections such as air-conditioned vehicles. Construction workers, farmworkers, factory workers and logistics workers are among the most vulnerable to heat exposure. Heat-related deaths and injuries are a class question because the ruling class refusal to enact basic safety measures, driven by the profit motive, poses the need for workers to prepare a struggle to take control over safety themselves. Moreover, extreme heat is getting worse as a consequence of capitalisms refusal to address man-made global warming. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the average annual temperature in the US has increased by about 1.2 degrees Celsius (2.2 degrees Fahrenheit) since the late 19th century, with projections of further warming of 2 to 4 degrees Celsius by the end of the century depending on emissions scenarios. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), an average of 40 workers have died on the job from heat exposure each year from 2011 to 2022. An average of 3,389 workers annually from 2011 to 2020 experienced heat-related injuries or illnesses severe enough to cause them to miss one or more days of work. The USPS Office of Inspector General recorded 1,332 heat-related incidents among postal workers alone between 2022 and May 2025. That averages to more than 380 cases annually. These numbers are widely known to be significant undercounts. Heat stress can exacerbate underlying health conditions and often goes unrecorded if symptoms arise after a shift ends. These deaths are routinely swept under the rug, with the complicity of the union bureaucracies and token fines from federal authorities that amount to little more than pocket change for major corporations. Because of this, the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC) and the USPS Workers Rank-and-File Committee have launched independent investigations into the recent deaths of two postal workers and other workplace fatalities. These investigations are aimed at uncovering the truth and building a fight in the working class against subordinating safety to profit. Proposed OSHA rule being castrated The OSHA rule under consideration was first proposed under the Biden administration last year. It would be the first of its kind regulations mandating safety measures in extreme heat. This fact alone underscores the way in which corporate America has been allowed to operate largely with impunity. Since the 1990s, OSHA has provided only guidance and no specific rules, relying instead on the broadly worded General Duty clause of the Occupational Safety and Health Act, which has resulted in largely reactive enforcement following tragedies, rather than prevention. Although OSHA launched a National Emphasis Program on heat hazards in April 2022, it was not until August 2024 that a formal federal heat rule was proposedhighlighting the glacial pace of regulatory action, as well as the indifference and even hostility of the Democratic Party to the conditions of the working class. The proposed OSHA rule, as currently written, would mandate specific protections at heat index thresholds of 80 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit (26 to 32 degrees Celsius), including 15-minute paid breaks every two hours at the higher threshold. But even these minimal requirements have provoked fierce opposition from corporate America. Hearings on the rule, which began June 14 and end July 2, have included testimony from industry representatives pushing for so-called for looser performance-based standards rather than prescriptive measures. They are calling for the rule to be revised along the model of a regulation in the state of Nevada, which has few specifics for how employers should comply with it. It only mandates that large employers provide water and means of cooling but no mandated rest break until a worker has shown signs of heat-related illness. The Trump administration is moving to either water down along the lines demanded or derail the rules implementation. Trumps OSHA nominee, David Keeling, is a longtime executive at both UPS and Amazon. He has refused to say that he supports the rule. In Senate testimony, Keeling said only that he would review and consider stakeholder concerns before proceeding. Keelings statements reflect the priorities of the corporate elite. He spent decades enforcing the interests of two of the most exploitative logistics giants in the country. Basic heat protectionssuch as air-conditioned delivery vehicles, which the company mostly lackshave been a central demand of UPS workers for years. In 2021, Keeling became Director of Road and Transportation Safety at Amazon, a company which has become the poster child for workplace injuries. Despite this, the Teamsters union has endorsed Keeling, claiming that his early years as a UPS package handler qualify him to oversee workplace safety. The Teamsters bureaucracy has aligned itself with Trump, along with many other major unions, on the basis of support for his America First protectionism. With Trump preparing to set up a dictatorship, they are concerned only about proving their own usefulness to the new regime. Teamsters X post on former UPS and Amazon executive David Keeling [Photo: Teamsters] The unions have also generally endorsed Trumps Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer for her backing of the PRO Acta bill they view as a tool to secure the dues base and legal privileges of the union bureaucracy. Dismantling of workplace protections Keelings nomination cleared the Senate HELP Committee on June 26 in a party-line 1211 vote. A full Senate vote has not yet been scheduled. If confirmed, he will preside over the dismantling of even the pretense of federal safety enforcement. The Trump administrations broader war on workplace protections includes Executive Order 14192, titled Unleashing Prosperity Through Deregulation, which mandates the elimination of 10 federal rules for every new one adopted. Under the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), formerly headed by billionaire Elon Musk, OSHA and Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) field offices have had leases terminated and enforcement operations scaled back. MSHA has delayed stricter limits on silica dust exposure until at least April 2026. Budget cuts have also gutted the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), while the Chemical Safety Board has been effectively defunded. These measures will lead to countless preventable deaths. The working class cannot place any confidence in OSHA, the courts, the Democratic Party or the union apparatus. What is needed is the development of independent rank-and-file organizations capable of asserting workers control over workplace safety. This is the purpose of the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC), which has launched investigations into the deaths of Ronald Adams Sr., a Stellantis worker in Michigan, and the two postal workers who died last month. These investigations must be expanded and linked up across workplaces and industries. The fight for protection from extreme heat and other deadly conditions requires a direct confrontation with the capitalist system and the financial oligarchy it serves. President Donald Trump tours a new concentration camp at Dade-Collier Training and Transition facility, Tuesday, July 1, 2025, in Ochopee, Florida. [AP Photo/Evan Vucci] On Tuesday, President Donald Trump traveled to a remote airport in the Florida Everglades to promote the opening of a concentration camp. He was joined there by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Deputy White House Advisor Stephen Miller. The concentration camp sits atop a concrete airport pad, isolated in the swamplands of the Florida Everglades. Trump claimed the tents are air-conditioned, but the extreme heat and humidity of the Florida summer make humane conditions virtually impossible, particularly if generators fail or fuel supplies run out. If a hurricane were to strike the area, the tents would offer no meaningful protection. The result could be catastrophic, with an unknown number of potential deaths. The facility is an abandoned airport previously known as the Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport, located in Ochopee, Florida. Construction began in 1968 within the Big Cypress National Preserve but was halted in 1970 following widespread opposition from environmentalists and the cancellation of the Boeing 2707, a proposed American supersonic passenger jet that was expected to operate from the site. In what Trump and his fascist supporters are calling Alligator Alcatraz, some 5,000 people are expected to be herded into the hastily constructed facility in remote South Florida. Governor DeSantis announced that transfers would begin on July 2. Before departing the White House on Tuesday morning to tour and promote the opening of the detention center, Trump was asked whether the camp would serve as a model going forward. He replied: It can be, you dont always have land so beautiful and so secure. You have a lot of bodyguards and a lot of cops that are in the form of alligators so you dont have to pay them so much. But I wouldnt want to run through the Everglades for long. Well keep people where they are supposed to be. This is a very important thing. As part of a far-right media blitz aimed at normalizing the construction of remote concentration camps for immigrants and political opponents of the US government, the Republican Party is now selling merchandise to promote the Florida campcomplete with hats emblazoned with alligators. Its the American fascist equivalent of the Nazis selling beer koozies or ashtrays to commemorate Auschwitz. In promoting the opening of the camp last week, the official Department of Homeland Security account posted an AI-generated image of an alligator wearing an ICE hat. On Tuesday, fascist streamer Benny Johnson appeared at the facility wearing his own piece of war-crime kitsch. Fascist streamer Benny Johnson touts merchandise glorifying Florida concentration camp, July 1, 2025. [Photo: Benny Johnson] Today and in the week leading up to the opening of the concentration camp, Fox News hosts openly celebrated the prospect of immigrants and detainees being mauled or eaten by alligators. Last week, fascist Fox host Jesse Watters declared his support for putting American prisoners in a swamp surrounded by gators, adding, You keep hearing about all these escape attempts. I mean, whats more of a deterrent than getting eaten by an alligator? At a press conference held after touring the facility, Trump threatened to send US citizens to the camp. But we also have a lot of bad people that have been here for a long time. They are not new to our country, they are old to our country. Many of them were born in our country. I think we ought to get them the hell out of here too. You want to know the truth. So maybe that will be the next job we work on together. At the same press conference Trump was asked by a fascist reporter to respond to communist Zohran Mamdani and the New York state assemblymans pledge during his nomination speech to defy ICE and prevent its agents from operating in New York City. Trump responded: Well, then well have to arrest him. Look, we dont need a communist in this country, but if we have one, Im going to be watching over him carefully on behalf of the nation. We send him money, we send him all the things he needs to run a government Taking up Republican Tennessee Representative Andy Ogles call for the Department of Justice to denaturalize and deport Mamdani over his political affiliations, Trump added: We are going to be watching that very carefully, and a lot of people are saying he is here illegally. You know, were going to look at everything, and ideally hes going to turn out to be much less than a communist. But right now, hes a communist. Thats not a socialist. In a statement posted on social media, Mamdani said Trumps remarks dont just represent an attack on our democracy but an attempt to send a message to every New Yorker who refuses to hide in the shadows: if you speak up, they will come for you. We will not accept this intimidation. Mamdani, a member of the Democratic Socialists of America and the Democratic Party, concluded his statement with a futile appeal to remember in November, calling on voters to reject it in November. This comes under conditions in which Trumpwho less than five years ago launched a violent coup attempt to overturn the results of the 2020 electionis now being granted legal authority to construct a presidential dictatorship. Trump himself acknowledged the bankruptcy of such electoral appeals, boasting that the Supreme Court had granted him a great court victory on Friday that allows us to do what we have to do. At the same press conferencefilled with Great Replacement talking points and the routine demonization of immigrants as packs of animals and monstersTrump declared that he would like to see more concentration camps in many states. Making clear that these camps are not temporary measures but the foundation of a vast police-state apparatus, Trump added, At some point they might morph into, uh, a system where you are going to keep it for a long time. Its not that far away from jails that take years to build. Prior to touring the camp with Trump, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced that the state would be interning an additional 2,000 immigrants and detainees at Camp Blanding, a National Guard base and training center. I think this is a model, and we need other states to step up, he said. DeSantis added that we are offering up our National Guard and other folks in Florida to be deputized to be immigration judges. Turning to Trump, he noted, We are working with the Department of Justice for the approvals, to which Trump replied, Yup, yup. DeSantis continued, And then you will haveI will havea National Guard judge advocate here. Someone has a notice to appear, Biden would tell them to come back in three years and appear. Now you will be able to appear in like a day or two. So they are not going to be detained, hopefully, for all that long. There have been near-daily protests at the entrance to the facility since construction began last week. On Tuesday, over 100 people lined the road leading to the site, holding hand-made signs in defense of immigrants and denouncing Trump and DeSantis. Some called for the pair to be imprisoned. One protester held a cardboard sign that read: Save the Glade. No Immigrant Camps. No Alligator Alcatraz. No Concentration Camps. A PBS News/NPR/Marist poll released Tuesday showed Trumps support on immigration collapsing, with only 43 percent approving and 52 percent disapproving. The poll, conducted June 2325, found that two-thirds of Americans agree with the statement that openness to people from all over the world is essential to the countryincluding 85 percent of Democrats and 68 percent of independents. A majority, 54 percent, said they believe the actions of ICE have gone too far. Trumps 43 percent approval rating on immigration matches his overall job approval, which has remained underwater since at least the 100-day mark in April. At the same time, only 27 percent of Americans say they approve of congressional Democrats, down from 39 percent in February 2024. A majority58 percentdisapprove. Congressional Republicans fare only slightly better, with a 36 percent approval rating, propped up by 73 percent support among self-identified Republicans. Ward Sakeik Ward Sakeik, a 22-year-old Palestinian woman who is not a citizen of any country, is being victimized by the fascist immigration policies of the Trump administration. Detained by US authorities while returning from her honeymoon in February, Sakeik now faces indefinite incarceration and the threat of deportation to a third country where she has never lived and cannot claim citizenship. Her case has sparked outrage among immigrant rights advocates and exposes the brutal reality of Trumps ongoing assault on immigrants, refugees, and legal residents. Ward Sakeik is currently being held at Prairieland Detention Center in Alvarado, Texas. US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has attempted to deport her to Israel, despite her never having lived there and having no legal status in any country. According to her husband, Taahir Shaikh, Sakeik was recently taken to Fort Worth Alliance Airport and told she would be sent to the Israeli border. The deportation was abruptly halted after Israel launched airstrikes on Iran, and she was returned to detention without any clear explanation or written notification of her destination. As her husband told ABC News: Shes in a procedural black hole because shes not even eligible for a bond. Theyre saying, When you were eight years old, you already were given your due process in court. She doesnt even remember what a courtroom looks like. The impact on the lives of the newlywed couple has been devastating. Shaikh, a US citizen, described his wifes family as fearful beyond imagination. He emphasized that Sakeiks detention has left them in a state of constant anxiety, with no clarity about her fate or the legal process governing her case. Ward Sakeik was born in Saudi Arabia to Palestinian parents from Gaza. Saudi Arabia does not grant citizenship to children born on its soil unless their parents are Saudi citizens, leaving Sakeik stateless from birth. Her family, originally from the Gaza Strip, never secured legal status for her in Palestine. She has never set foot in Gaza. At the age of eight, Sakeik and her family entered the US on a tourist visa and applied for asylum. Their claim was denied, and Sakeik was placed under a final removal order in 2011. However, due to her statelessness, she was not deported but allowed to remain in the US under an order of supervision, which required her to check in regularly with immigration authorities and granted her work authorization. Sakeik grew up in Texas, attended the University of Texas at Arlington, and became a wedding photographer. She has lived in the US for 14 years, fully complying with all immigration protocols and check-ins. Her family and advocates have spoken out forcefully against the treatment Sakeik has received. Her attorney, Waled Elsaban, emphasized the injustice: Ward does not have citizenship in any country. She has never been to Gaza, and she cannot obtain citizenship there. She is being punished for something entirely outside her control. Advocates are demanding her immediate release, arguing that her detention serves no purpose other than cruelty and is a violation of basic human rights. Sakeiks nightmare began in February 2025, when she and her husband traveled to St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands for their honeymoon. They believed the trip would be safe, as St. Thomas is a US territory and Sakeik had a pending green card application. Upon their return, however, US Customs and Border Protection flagged her at the airport, citing her final removal order from 2011. Despite her compliance with all immigration requirements and her marriage to a US citizen, Sakeik was immediately detained and transferred between several ICE facilities. She has now spent over 120 days in detention, with her green card process stalled and her future entirely uncertain. Her husband Shaikh said: We thought we were safe traveling within U.S. territory. She had all her paperwork, her green card application was pending, and she had another appointment scheduled for July. But they just took her away. The cruelty of her treatment was compounded when, in mid-June, ICE attempted to deport her without informing her or her attorney of the destination. Sakeik was told only that she was being taken to the Israeli border. The US attack on the rights of Ward Sakeik, while unusual due to her lack of citizenship anywhere, is not entirely unique. While Trump campaigned on promises to deport the worst of the worst, data shows a dramatic shift toward the arrest and deportation of individuals with no criminal history. Over the first five months of the administration, 44 percent of those arrested by ICE had a criminal conviction, but since late May, that figure has dropped to just 30 percent, with 44 percent of those arrested having no criminal record at all. As ABC News reported: In recent weeks, the Trump administration has arrested an increasing number of migrants with no criminal convictions. The numbers give the first real glimpse of how Trumps immigration enforcement policy is playing out in the streets. Sakeiks ordeal is part of this shift. She has no criminal record, is married to a US citizen and has spent nearly her entire life in the US. Yet she is treated as a criminal and subjected to indefinite detention and the threat of deportation to a country where she would be stateless and her life in danger. The administrations policies have also targeted legal permanent residents and naturalized US citizens, with mass raids, family separations and the weaponization of bureaucratic technicalities to justify expulsions. In response to Sakeiks plight, a growing campaign has emerged demanding her release and an end to the inhumane treatment of individuals in a similar situation. Protests have been held from San Pedro, California, to New York, with demonstrators denouncing ICE raids and the broader assault on immigrant communities. A Change.org petition has been launched to demand that Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett speak out against Sakeiks illegal detention and threatened deportation. The petition calls for immediate intervention to halt her removal and secure her release, emphasizing the broader implications for all stateless and vulnerable immigrants in the US. The petition states: We demand justice for Ward Sakeik and all those trapped in legal limbo by a broken, racist immigration system. Congresswoman Crockett must use her office to stop this outrage and defend the rights of the stateless. So far, all that Democrat Crockett has been able to muster is a weak statement saying her office is fully aware of the situation involving Mrs. Ward Sakeik and her current detainment at the Prairieland Detention Center. Crockett claimed she has been in contact with Sakeiks family and continues to engage with the appropriate federal agencies as we work toward a just and humane resolution. Crockett has not issued a demand for her immediate release. The campaign has drawn support from immigrant rights organizations, legal advocacy groups and ordinary citizens appalled by the cruelty of Sakeiks treatment. The campaign has focused on Sakeiks case as a test by the Trump White House of its ability to attack fundamental rights such as due process. The detention and threatened deportation of Sakeik is part of the escalating campaign of repression targeting immigrants, refugees, and political activists under the Trump administrations authoritarian attacks on democratic government, which has received critical backing by decisions from the fascist majority on the US Supreme Court. The cases of Mahmoud Khalil and Kilmar Abrego Garcia have exposed the systematic use of immigration law as a weapon to punish dissent, undermine due process, and terrorize immigrant communities. Like Sakeik, Mahmoud Khalil was detained and threatened with deportation on pretextual, retaliatory grounds. Khalil, a prominent advocate for Palestinian rights, was held for months in a remote ICE facility in Louisiana. The governments shifting justifications for his detentionincluding baseless allegations related to his green card applicationwere transparently designed to punish him for his political speech and activism. Despite a federal court order for his release, the government delayed and concocted new allegations, a classic move from the governments playbook: make false claims and delay, delay, delay, as Amy Belsher of the NYCLU put it. These tactics mirror the procedural black hole faced by Sakeik, who, like Khalil, has been denied basic due process and held on the thinnest of legal pretexts. The ongoing campaign against Kilmar Abrego Garcia also exposes the lawlessness of Trumps immigration enforcement. Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran construction worker residing in Maryland, was mistakenly deported to El Salvador in March, despite a court order barring his removal due to the threat of persecution. Only after a Supreme Court directive and mounting public outrage did the Trump administration facilitate his return to the US, not to restore his freedom, but to face criminal charges of human smuggling, which his lawyers have called absurd. Abrego Garcias attorneys have warned that even now after his return to the US, there is no guarantee he will not be deported again. They cite inconsistent statements from the Trump administration and a complete lack of trust in the Justice Departments assurances. The judge in his case has postponed his release from custody, fearing the administration will again flout the law and deport him before he can exercise his rights. In the case of Ward Sakeik, the additional element of her Palestinian ancestry is being deliberately utilized as part of a smear against her with the implication that those with family connections to Gaza are somehow antisemitic and a threat to US foreign policy. This erosion of due processthe governments willingness to ignore court orders, fabricate charges and detain individuals indefinitelydirectly parallels the ordeal faced by Abrego Garcia, Sakeik and Khalil. All three have been subjected to indefinite detention, legal limbo and the constant threat of deportation, regardless of their legal status, family ties, or the risks they face if removed. UCSF healthcare workers on strike in San Francisco, June 18, 2025. The National Union of Healthcare Workers (NUHW) leadership unilaterally ended its strike of 1,300 workers at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) Benioff Childrens Hospital on Sunday. The union called off the open-ended strike, authorized by a 70 percent margin, without even the pretext of having gained anything and only two days after UCSF announced 200 layoffs at other facilities. This blatant act of sabotage underscores the treacherous role of the union bureaucracy, which is joined at the hip with management and the Democratic Party. The struggle can, and must be resumed, only through a seizure of the initiative by the rank and file organizing themselves independently of the NUHW officials to impose real democratic control over the struggle. Childrens Hospital employees launched a strike against a so-called integration plan under which they would be fired and rehired, but with as much as $10,000 per year in higher healthcare and retirement costs. In addition, dozens of employees stand to lose their union representation altogether and would become at will employees. Hundreds of strikers mounted spirited pickets for a week and a half at facilities in Oakland, Walnut Creek and elsewhere, with numerous engineers, nurses and other healthcare workers joining the picket lines. There was widespread recognition among striking workers that this fight was not simply against one employer, but in fact is part of a much broader struggle that must urgently be fought against systematic attacks on the healthcare system. Including the Trump administrations moves to remove millions from Medicaid rolls. Attempting to explain its decision to terminate the strike, the NUHW cited an unfavorable ruling Friday by Judge Richard Seeborg of the Northern District of California, who denied the unions request for an injunction against the integration plan, set to begin July 6. In a June 30th press release, the NUHW asserted, With no legal recourse to stop the integration from happening, member leaders of the union met on the picket line Saturday with colleagues and decided to call off the strike effective Monday. In fact, they already cancelled picketing on Sunday, June 29th. This cowardly logic flies in the face of reality. The predictable refusal of the capitalist courts to side with the nurses only underscores the need for the strikers to widen their support in the working class, fighting for more walkouts to shut down the UCSF system and appeal for support from workers across the region. The end to the strike coincides almost exactly with UCSFs announced layoffs of 200 hospital workers represented by the Union of Professional and Technical Employees (UPTE). The timing strongly suggests that union leadership is consciously attempting to contain growing unrest and prevent a broader, potentially uncontrollable strike movement. Although many UPTE workers picketed in sympathy with the NUHW strikers, when the opportunity arrived for a genuine united struggle, the union bureaucrats were quick to shut the door on united action. It is important to emphasize that the court did not order an end to the strikethis decision came from the NUHW leadership, effectively overriding the democratic vote of workers who had chosen to strike in opposition to the integration plan. Highlighting their single-minded dead-end focus on the courts, the NUHW explained that it will continue their legal fight to try to ultimately reverse UCSF Healths integration plan set to take effect July 6. The 1,300 NUHW-represented strikers had been working, and will now continue to work, under contracts that expired in April. They continue to face understaffing, wage stagnation and declining living standards. Yet the NUHW leadership has not organized a fight for a stronger contract. Instead, as stated in the same press release, The union is proceeding with a motion seeking to compel arbitration over whether the integration violates its contracts with the hospital. In effect, NUHW called a strike to demand a government-imposed settlement. The NUHW resorted to legalistic arguments to justify its isolation of the strike, arguing that NUHW-represented professional workers at the hospital, who include mental health therapists, speech therapists, and occupational therapists, were unable to authorize a strike because their contract doesnt expire until September. This mealy-mouthed statement is contradicted by the sympathy strike at Kaiser in 2022 by multiple unions. At any rate, the different expiration dates did not drop from the sky but were agreed to by the NUHW negotiators themselves. Despite the unions refusal to call a sympathy strike at UCSF, rank-and-file workers demonstrated militancy and solidarity, with the union itself acknowledging that many had chosen to individually honor the picket line. The NUHW tried to direct the strike not as a fight by the working class against for-profit healthcare, but as a pressure campaign on the Democratic Party and on courts staffed largely by Democrat-appointed judges. The NUHWs X/Twitter page included multiple direct appeals to the UC regents, such as: The Regents include statewide elected officials and appointees of Gov. Newsom; they should not let the University of California violate our rights just like the Trump administration is violating the rights of federal workers. The previous X/Twitter post is a Juneteenth greeting from Democrat Michelle Obama. But the ongoing cuts across UCSF are the explicit policy of the Democratic Party. Californias Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom himself is pursuing budget cuts of $129.7 million to the UC system, which would result in mass layoffs for healthcare workers. The NUHW refuses to mount an effective defense of its members because it is far more invested in propping up the Democratic Party. Its 2024 LM-2 financial disclosures highlight this reality. The union reported nearly $17 million in income that year, of which $2 million were used for political activities and lobbying, or direct material support for Democratic Party candidates. During the same period, the union paid zero dollars in strike benefitseven as Kaiser mental health workers were on strike for 196 days starting in October 2024. To cover for their refusal to issue strike pay in the UCSF strike, the NUHW launched a crowdfunding campaignraising over $25,000, which showed the deep public support for healthcare workers. Originally set at a $100,000 goal, the campaigns target was quietly lowered to $27,000 after the strike was called off. As of this writing, the GoFundMe page remains online, with no update acknowledging the strikes betrayal by NUHW leadership. Notably, the page still falsely declares: we wont stop until we win! The NUHW enjoys close relationship with management at private facilities as well, as seen in their participation in Kaisers Labor Management Partnership, which funnels millions of dollars in management funding into the pockets of the union bureaucrats. The NUHW actively starved, disoriented and demoralized its members because a real fight could have jeopardized their relations to the Democrats and to management. This bankrupt approach line is precisely why WSWS reporters were harassed, threatened and had security called on them for speaking to workers on the picket line. They had been discussing the need to fight for a general strike and to defend UCSF professor Dr. Rupa Marya, who was fired without due process for condemning the genocide in Gaza on social media. Workers widely supported both calls, but NUHW officials responded to the presence of the WSWS with open hostility. While NUHWs X/Twitter account frequently reposts Democratic Party insiders and embraces identity politics, the union has remained completely silent on the UC systems firing of Professor Marya. An attack on free speech carried out under the authority of California Democrats in coordination with the far-right Canary Project. In stark contrast, reporters from The Militantthe publication of the Socialist Workers Party (SWP)were welcomed by NUHW officials. The Militant has openly published shameless, pro-genocide Zionist propaganda. A prominent article at the time of this writing even begins: Working people the world over have an enormous stake in an Israeli government victory in its life-or-death battle to prevent another Holocaust. This is being written as hundreds of thousands of Palestinians are being killed through bombing, disease and starvation, and as Israel carries out ethnic cleansing with the full support of Washington. UCSF workers must reject the NUHWs bankrupt, class-collaborationist politics and fight on the basis of what they need to lead dignified lives and provide high-quality care to patients, rather than what management says they can afford. This must be first and foremost an industrial struggle, not a series of appeals to the capitalist political parties and their courts. Such a struggle can only succeed through a fight against the pro-corporate Democratic Party and its apologists in the union officialdom. This struggle must extend to healthcare workers across the US and internationallyas well as to all sectors of the working class. In the face of escalating global attacks on workers, the fight to build a mass working-class movement and a general strike is more urgent than ever. Working people around the world are increasingly shifting to the left, as broad resistance to fascism, war and capitalism continues to grow. This was powerfully expressed in the No Kings proteststhe largest single day of demonstrations in US history. This historic task can only be carried out through the formation of rank-and-file committees and the building of the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees. Health workers at Sydney mass protest against Gaza genocide, February 11, 2024. Over the past month, more than 2,000 health care workers from across Australia have signed an open letter to express their horror at the intensifying Gaza genocide and the refusal of the Labor government to take any action against it. An open letter from Australian health professionals: urgent call for government action in Gaza was issued after hearing first-hand testimony, at a forum on May 28 in Wollongong, from doctors and healthcare workers who have served on the frontline in Gaza. The letter states: We, the undersigned Australian health professionalsincluding doctors, nurses, midwives, pharmacists, dentists, allied health workers, mental health clinicians, physiotherapists and public health expertsare gravely concerned by the escalating humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. As medical professionals dedicated to preserving life and health, we cannot remain silent in the face of the ongoing blockade that is preventing vital medical supplies, food, and humanitarian assistance from reaching over two million people in desperate need. The health system in Gaza has collapsed. Hospitals are operating without adequate electricity, medication, surgical supplies, or personnel. Children are dying of malnutrition and dehydration. Entire families are surviving without clean water, shelter, or access to basic care. The letter denounces as unacceptable and distressing the targeting of healthcare workers, with more than 1,000 healthcare workers killed in the Palestinian territories since 2023, according to UN estimates, and all healthcare workers in Gaza having been displaced. We recognise the urgent efforts of humanitarian and medical organisations such as PANZMA [Palestinian Australian New Zealand Medical Association], who are working tirelessly under dangerous conditions to provide life-saving assistance. However, their ability to operate is severely hindered by restrictions on movement, access, and supply chains. This letter and the response it has generated speaks to the depth of the anguish, shock and outrage felt by healthcare workers, shared by workers and young people more broadly, as they witness the atrocities being perpetrated by the US-backed Israeli government in Gaza. By signing the letter, and listing their occupations, the health workers have bravely risked being reported by Zionist groups to the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and medical, nursing and allied health boards. In a brazen inversion of medical ethics and international humanitarian law, healthcare workers, including doctors, have been doxxed and reported to AHPRA for potential disciplinary action, in malicious and targeted campaigns to threaten their ability to practice and earn a livelihood. Organised groups have agitated via social media posts and other communication forums to urge their followers and members of the public to complain to AHPRA and the Health Ombudsman about the supposed antisemitic behaviour of health workers calling for an end to the Gaza genocide. Like many aspects of the genocide, this witch-hunt has not been reported widely in the corporate media, but practitioners are well aware of the repercussions of speaking up against the war crimes in Palestine. More than 50 medical practitioners are known to have been reported to AHPRA, and the issue has been further pursued by Zionist lobbyists in a Labor government-backed Senate committee inquiry. The open letter calls on the Australian government to immediately increase funding and logistical support to trusted humanitarian and medical organisations such as PANZMA, and ensure that Australian aid reaches civilians in Gaza safely and effectively. It also asks for sustained diplomatic pressure to lift the blockade and allow the unimpeded delivery of essential medical supplies, food, clean water, fuel, and shelter materials. The letter urges increased advocacy at the international level (including through the United Nations) for an immediate and permanent humanitarian ceasefire, and the protection of medical workers and facilities in accordance with international humanitarian law. It further calls for the government to facilitate emergency relief corridors to allow for the coordinated, large-scale distribution of humanitarian aid into Gaza, including supporting the evacuation of critically ill patients where needed. The open letter concludes: As health professionals, we are ethically bound to speak out when human life is threatened on such a scale. Bombing hospitals, targeting medical facilities and murdering medical professionals is a war crime. We urge you to act with the urgency and compassion this crisis demands. The widespread nature of the signatories, both geographically and across specialties and the allied health professions, as well as across seniority levels, speaks to the sense of urgency healthcare workers feel in their need to act. However, the truth is that the Labor government has been complicit in the genocide from the beginning, as have all the American and European governments. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has repeated fraudulent statements such as Israel having a right to defend itself and that opposing Israels slaughter is antisemitic. A Birchgrove Legal dossier submitted to the International Criminal Court has outlined many ways in which Labor has been involved in the genocide, including by giving military support via F-35 parts and supplying intelligence from the US Pine Gap satellite surveillance base in central Australia. The dossier cited dozens of examples of Labor ministers justifying clear Israeli war crimes, including the deliberate murder of civilians. When US President Donald Trump proclaimed in February that the US would aid the ethnic cleansing of the Gaza Strip and seek to take control of it, Albanese repeatedly refused to condemn the plan. Im not going to have a running commentary on statements by the President of the United States, Albanese stated. Similar letters and petitions have been sent to the Labor government since the latest onslaught against the Palestinians began in October 2023, yet the genocide is only intensifying. One letter, initiated by the Perth Doctors for Palestine, was published as an advertisement in the Sydney Morning Herald and the Age on May 29. It was titled: We Cannot Stay Silent: Australian doctors call for government action to end the loss of life in Gaza. Another letter, signed by 930 doctors, was organised by the Australian and Aotearoan New Zealand Doctors for Palestine. Sent to Albaneses office on May 30, it included a call for immediate and targeted sanctions on Israel. Such appeals have fallen on deaf ears for month after month because the Labor government is unequivocally committed to the US military alliance, including Washingtons preparations for a war against China to seek to reassert US global hegemony. Despite having just won an election on the back of widespread hostility to the Trump administrations fascistic Make American Great Again agenda, which voters associated with the Liberal-National Coalition, Albanese is seeking to collaborate closely with the Trump White House and to maintain the AUKUS pact directed against China. For all of us who want to end the barbarism, a correct understanding of the basic underlying issues is essential. Appeals to the Labor government, or to the United Nations for that matter, will not halt the greatest war crimes since World War II. The truth is that the horrors occurring in Gaza are part of a wider agenda. As the US and Israeli bombings of Iran demonstrate, the Gaza genocide is a component of a US-led imperialist drive to reorganise the entire strategic and resource-rich Middle East. This is directed against both Russia and China, which each have major interests in the region. Moreover, this is being accompanied by demands for ever-greater military spending, which inevitably means deeper cuts to social spending, including public health. Health workers also face the reality that the health trade union bureaucrats have lined up behind the Labor government by opposing any action whatsoever against the genocide. In fact, the New South Wales Nurses and Midwives Association called a rally to join the media and Labor government witch-hunt against two Bankstown Hospital nurses who were deliberately baited and goaded by an Israeli online influencer into making politically reactionary statements about killing Israeli patients. At the same time, the health unions and associations have kept separate all the struggles across Australia against low pay, under-staffing and workloads by different sections of health workers, such as nurses, support staff, psychiatrists and other doctors. These struggles need to be unified and fused with the building of an independent working-class movement against genocide and war. Rather than holding out hopes of pressuring the Labor government into reversing its course after 21 months of defending the atrocities, there has to be a turn to the factories, hospitals, schools and other workplaces throughout the country for the organisation of independent action to break out of this straitjacket and to link up with workers globally. There is only one social force that can halt the genocide and the wider plunge into war, and that is the international working class. In the first place, workers have the capacity to halt all war-related production and supplies. That means taking a stand against the capitalist profit system itself and turning to a socialist perspective for the total reorganisation of society on the basis of human need, not corporate greed. To develop this fight, health workers need to form independent rank-and-file committees to discuss and organise, and reach out to fellow workers in the health sector and beyond. Please contact the Health Workers Rank-and-File Committee to discuss this further. Contact the Health Workers Rank-and-File Committee (HWRFC): Email: sephw.aus@gmail.com Twitter: @HealthRandF_Aus Facebook: facebook.com/groups/hwrfcaus Immigration thugs use an explosive charge to blow open the door to a residence of a mother and her children, none of whom are wanted for any crimes, June 27, 2025, Huntington Park, California. [Photo: Jenny Ramirez] On June 27, in Huntington Park, California, federal agents from Customs and Border Protection (CPB) carried out a violent raid on the home of a working class family while Jenny Ramirez was caring for her two children, aged six and one. In a scene of militarized terror more typical of a war zone than a residential neighborhood in Los Angeles, agents used an explosive device to blast the front door off its hingeswithout warning or announcementbefore storming the premises. Home surveillance footage of the raid shows eight heavily armed agents, guns drawn, storming the home after blowing the door off its hinges. Later in the video, Ramirez and her children are seen being escorted out by the agents. The target of this pre-dawn assault was Ramirezs boyfriend, Jorge Sierra-Hernandez, a US citizen. His alleged crime was a minor collision with a Border Patrol vehicle the previous week. Federal agents claim Sierra-Hernandez intentionally rammed their vehicle and assaulted officers. This unsubstantiated allegation was seized upon to justify a full-scale paramilitary operation, replete with a SWAT truck, automatic rifles, drones and a dozen heavily armed agentsmobilized not to apprehend a violent felon, but to send a political message. The community had already responded to the original traffic stop with visible outrage. A viral video taken in the nearby city of Bell showed residents confronting and chasing federal agents from the area, pelting their vehicles with objects. The states violent response had nothing to do with public safety. Each incident is seized upon by the capitalist state as a pretext to intensify its repressive machinery against the working class. The facts surrounding the Huntington Park raid reveal an operation in blatant violation of constitutional protections. Under the Fourth Amendment, federal agents may only forcibly enter a private home with a judicial warrantsigned by a judge and specifying the person or property to be seized. Administrative warrants, which are issued internally by DHS or ICE, do not authorize home entry without the residents consent. Yet according to a visibly traumatized Ramirez and consistent with security videos originally broadcast by NBC, agents did not knock, announce themselves or identify as law enforcement before detonating the device that shattered the door and blew out a window. As of this writing, there is no indication that agents presented or executed a judicial warrant at the scene before storming a home filled with US citizens. That such extreme and dangerous tactics were used in a home with young children is especially criminal. The trauma inflicted on Ramirezs familywhose only offense was to reside with a man accused of embarrassing the Border Patrolspeaks to the brutal, repressive nature of the state apparatus now directed against the working class, immigrant and citizen alike. Sierra-Hernandez, for his part, turned himself in peacefully the following morning. The massive operation, then, was unnecessary even on its own legal terms. Its real purpose was not law enforcement, but intimidation. This lawlessness is no aberration. Across the country, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents are conducting arrests in front of courthouses and other public spaces, circumventing legal norms with increasing impunity. The sight of immigration agents waiting outside courtrooms to detain immigrants has become routine, a hallmark of an emerging police state. These tactics bear an unmistakable resemblance to those employed by Latin American fascist regimes in the 1970s, where activists were routinely disappeared. Now, those methods have come home to roost in American cities like Los Angeles. In the past, many immigrants were permitted to remain in the country under a tenuous arrangement that allowed them to stay so long as they continued to check in at immigration hearings. These cases, left pending in the courts, provided an unofficial but functioning stay of removal for hundreds of thousands of people. That system has now been gutted by the Trump administration, which has instructed immigration judges to dismiss such cases outright, clearing the way for expedited removal orders and eliminating any pretense of due process. This maneuver has transformed immigration courts into traps. ICE agents now lie in wait to arrest immigrants immediately after their hearings. If they fail to appear, they are in violation. If they do appear, they are seized. Advocates have responded by escorting immigrants to their court appearances, hoping to shield them through public visibility and solidarity. But ICE has not hesitated to escalate. In one infamous incident, New York City Comptroller Brad Lander was violently arrested by ICE agents while linking arms with an immigrant defendant outside a courthouse. In some cases, immigrants have begun suing the federal government, asserting that it is a violation of due process to deport individuals for complying with court proceedings. Among the most horrific examples is the case of a Honduran family with two children, aged nine and six, who fled violence and legally entered the US via the Biden administrations much-touted CBP One app. The younger child, a leukemia patient undergoing chemotherapy, has already missed vital medical appointments while in ICE custodyhis life threatened by bureaucratic cruelty. The family was granted temporary parole in the US under the condition they check in with immigration authorities. But instead of being protected, they were arrested by plainclothes ICE agents immediately after their case was dismissed. The Biden administrations promise of a humane asylum process has thus proven to be nothing more than a digital trap. With Trumps return to power, the CBP One app has been repurposed into a tool of sadistic mockery, stripped of its original asylum scheduling functionality and reduced to a device encouraging self-deportation. The very data collected from asylum seekers under Biden is now being used to target them under Trump. None of these abuses are being curbed by the courts. On the contrary, the recent Supreme Court decision in Trump v. CASA has further eroded constitutional protections and given the executive branch sweeping new powers over immigration enforcement. The judiciary, far from acting as a check on tyranny, has actively enabled it. But the working class is beginning to fight back. On June 14, an extraordinary and unprecedented development occurred: 11 million people across the United States took part in the No Kings protests to oppose attacks on immigrants and democratic rights. The scale and energy of this mass movement has shaken the political establishment. It has revealed a deep reservoir of opposition to authoritarian rule and laid bare the class character of the struggle for democratic rights. The way forward lies not in appeals to the courts or to the Democratic Partyboth of which are fully complicit in the bipartisan war on immigrantsbut in the development of an independent, international movement of the working class. Immigrant and native-born workers alike must unite in a common struggle against the capitalist system, which fuels war abroad and dictatorship at home. The Huntington Park raid, like the deportation of cancer-stricken children and the mass arrests outside courtrooms, is a sign of where the ruling class is headed: dictatorship, repression and war. The only force capable of halting this descent into barbarism is the organized power of the international working class, fighting for socialism and the defense of all democratic and social rights. Last weeks third budget handed down by the Labor government in New South Wales (NSW), Australias most populous state, features more huge handouts to the billionaire property developers who are profiting from Australias housing affordability crisis, while junking previous token cost-of-living relief measures for working-class households. In the face of what the budget papers admittedthe growing uncertainty from unpredictable global policies that could hit the Australian economy, not least US President Donald Trumps tariff warPremier Chris Minns state government is inflicting austerity measures on workers to satisfy the dictates of developers, corporate investors and the financial markets. NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey [Photo: @daniel_mookhey_mlc] Housing is the most glaring budget feature. State Treasurer Daniel Mookheys budget speech began by announcing a nation-leading market intervention to get the private sector to build, build, and build even more homes for our citizens to buy and rent. This intervention consists of an unprecedented $1 billion fund to guarantee developers the pre-sale of up to 5,000 apartments or units over five years. That will permit them to proceed with construction with only half their dwellings sold in advance, rather than the 80 percent normally required by banks to finance a residential development. If the homes remain unsold, the developer can call on the guarantee, which means the state will buy the homes. This amounts to a giant bailout for developers while public housing is further decimated. The government is also allowing developers to promise to build essential infrastructure such as roads and parks, instead of paying a levy of $12,000 per lot. In addition, it is giving build-to-rent developers an ongoing tax break, making Labors 50 percent land tax discount permanent, when it was initially due to expire in 2039. This is on top of similar measures by the federal Labor government. Prime Minister Anthony Albaneses government is proposing to allow first home buyers to take out a home loan with only a 5 percent deposittrapping them in unaffordable mortgagesand vowing to hand over $10 billion to property developers, purportedly to build 100,000 new homes over eight years, to be sold on the private market, supposedly at affordable prices. While designed to fill the coffers of real estate developers and construction giants, these policies, even if the Labor governments claims are met, amount to a drop in the bucket compared to the estimated 640,000 households requiring social housing across the country, with about 70 percent of renters experiencing financial stress and waiting lists for social housing extending beyond a decade. The only real beneficiaries will be the property tycoons personified by Australias second richest individual, Meriton apartments mogul Harry Triguboff. His personal wealth has more than doubled since 2020 to $29.7 billion, according to the Australian Financial Reviews 2025 Rich 200 List. Property developers account for around 20 percent of the lists wealth total of $667 billion, up $42 billion from last year. Since the federal Labor government took office in 2022, the median price for a house or unit across Australia has increased by 15.63 percent to $799,000, while capital city house rents have risen 26.21 percent and apartment rents by 41.3 percent, according to the Domain real estate website. Sydney, the NSW capital, is the most expensive city, with a median dwelling price of over $1.1 million. The Minns government is banking on that continuing to rise. It predicts that its revenue from stamp duty taxes on property sales will increase by 5.5 percent a year over the next four years, rising to $15.26 billion by 2027-2028. The Minns government is even extending to all major industry projects a scheme that overrides local planning controls for developers. Minns told reporters his government was removing red tape to speed up projects to show that our state is open for business. Working hand-in-glove with the federal Labor government, the Minns administration is cutting social spending in a desperate effort to meet the demands of the money markets to eliminate the budget deficit of $5.7 billion in 2024-25 and produce a promised surplus by 2027-28. A lot needs to go right for us to achieve this, Mookhey said in his budget speech. Among other things, the budget will eliminate by the end of 2025 two inadequate cost-of-living measures, a $60 weekly cap on commuter motorway tolls and a $300 a year energy bill rebate. Mookhey also demanded that the states upper house of parliament pass legislation to slash the workers compensation scheme by removing coverage for psychological injuries caused by work pressure and making it more difficult for workers to claim for sexual harassment or bullying. Mookhey boasted that Labor had done much more than its Liberal-National predecessor to cut spending. Expense growth is now projected to average just 2.4 percent a yeardown from 6.2 percent under the previous government, he told parliament. That indicates an intent to keep pushing down real wages for public sector workers, including nurses and midwives, despite formally removing the Liberal-National governments outright wage-cutting pay cap. The budget continues the underfunding of public education and hospitals, despite claims of some extra money for hospitals and schools. Just last week, a state government funded research body reported that waiting times for so-called elective surgery had grown significantly in NSW public hospitals over the past year. Mookhey claimed that severe public school teacher shortages and the high number of merged and cancelled classes had decreased, but recent data showed that almost 2,800 NSW teachers left their jobs in 2024, indicating ongoing seething discontent with low pay and onerous workloads. Nevertheless, for all the governments efforts to please them, the financial markets are demanding deeper cuts. The Australian Financial Reviews June 25 editorial declared: The bottom line, however, is that the NSW budget revealed a $1.2 billion increase in next years deficit to $3.4 billion. That plunge deeper into the red will add to the states debt, which the budget forecasts will rise from $179 billion next year to $200 billion in 2029. Last November, the credit ratings agency S&P Global warned that the states AA+ credit rating was at risk of a downgrade. Similar threats are hanging over the heads of the federal government and other state and territory governments. As the ruling capitalist class is fully aware, the global turmoil fuelled by the Trump administrations aggressive economic measures has thrown all budget promises into doubt. The Sydney Morning Heralds editorial commented: Its good to see Labor aspire to a surplus, but the forecast should be taken with a grain of salt given global uncertainty. For public consumption purposes, Mookhey described his budget as a return to normal after the COVID-19 pandemic. But the budget papers revealed a different picture, saying unpredictable US policies and the potential for retaliatory actions by other countries are increasing uncertainty and the risks around economic forecasts. With Labor in office federally and in most states, it is relying heavily on the trade union apparatuses, including those covering health workers, educators and other public sector workers, to enforce austerity measures and keep suppressing the growing unrest among workers. The figures of yesterdays parliamentary vote on the Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payments Bill speak to two things: the weakness of Keir Starmers Labour government and the unprincipled and spineless character of what passes for the left opposition within the Labour Party. Only days ago, talk was of a 127-strong Labour rebellion that would scupper a bill targeting the sick and disabled for cuts intended to slash 5 billion from welfare spending within a decadebased on the numbers signing a previous opposition motion. But in the end, only 49 Labour MPs voted against the bill on its second reading after just 45 signed Rachael Maskells second reasoned amendment designed to block the bills passage. Often furious media commentators have focused attention on the repeated climbdowns by Starmer and his Blairite Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Liz Kendall, made even as the bill was being debated, to explain its passing with a 75-vote majority. And the concessions were major, leaving the bill so gutted that it will make no appreciable savings, cuing speculation over what will now be cut instead and even the possibility of tax risesand raising questions over Kendalls future, Chancellor Rachel Reeves and even Starmer himself. Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Liz Kendall giving a ministerial statement on "welfare reform" [Photo by House of Commons / Flickr / CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 However, Labours MPs still voted by a large majority for a bill that creates a two-tier benefits system, where future claimants and those whose present health conditions worsen will be subject to harsher conditions to access PIP payments, driving then into poverty. Moreover, speculation over the fate of various leaders notwithstanding, the decision made by 78 Labour MPs to abandon their opposition and vote for the bill, helping to secure its passage, was a declaration of loyalty. The partys dwindling left is as isolated today as they were when Starmer took office a year ago. Maskell, who repeatedly declined descriptions of her leading a rebellion, insisting that this was a vote of conscience, is now back to business as usual for the leftcalling forlornly for a limited tax increase for the super-rich and a Ukraine-style visa system for Palestinian refugees from Gaza. Jeremy Corbyn, whose block of five Independent MPs voted against the amended bill, made no call for a campaign to remove Starmer and his cronies and wrote his usual entirely personal pledge on X: Yesterday, the government removed vital support from disabled people. Today, the government will criminalise protestors who want to stop genocide. I opposed the governments attack on the disabledand I will oppose the draconian proscription of Palestine Action. His former Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell, also an Independent MP after having the party whip removed for opposing Labours retention of the two-child Universal Credit cap, wrote an opinion piece for the Guardian declaring that nothing much had changed or would change in future regarding the party he is desperate to rejoin. Headlined, Now I truly fear for this Labour government, he paints a devastating picture of a government and party wholly unaccountable to its own members and facing the wrath of voters at the next election. McDonnell writes of the immense lack of judgment and overweening arrogance of Starmers advisers, of the partys supposed capture by the Treasury and its austerity agenda, and its misguided belief that disabled people would be an easy target. But Starmers team had totally miscalculated the deep-seated adherence of Labour members to the principle and tradition of standing up for the poorest in our society. Of course McDonnell never explains why anyone with such deep-seated principles would remain loyal to Labour, and he is closer to the truth when he says that Labour MPs were aware they may face a scale of opposition in their constituencies that could cost them their seats. He admits that Tuesdays pathetic rebellion will change nothing fundamental regarding the trajectory of the government. Starmer may have to go, he speculates, but because of the absolute hollowing out of democracy throughout the party and the change of procedure for the election of the party leader, there is a negligible chance of any future leadership candidate getting on to the ballot paper if theyre not the chosen one for the current controlling tendency. After all this, McDonnells proposal is to carry on regardless and hope for a miracle by the time of the next election in four years time. The position of Britains pseudo-left groups is epitomised by the Socialist Workers Party. Its leading theoretician, Alex Callinicos, wrote immediately prior to the vote anticipating a much larger rebellion and boasting of the collapse of his governments authority over its MPs, of Starmer in full retreat after apologising for saying Britain was becoming an island of strangers in his anti-migrant speech after the May local elections and for making mistakes on welfare because he was heavily focused on what was happening with Nato and the Middle East. All of which is true, but what follows is a complacent depiction of a hopeless government, of Blairism on autopilot and other bon mots, followed by advice to the working class to trust that Labours crisis and division will accelerate the painfully slow moves to create a challenge to Starmer from the left. Elsewhere the Socialist Worker proposes a serious fightback by the labour movement. In which The unions should be leading a fightback against the government. This scenario is a political dead end. Firstly, Labours collapsed rebellion is made up of MPs whose conscience regarding benefit cuts is highly selective and is usually accompanied by affirmations that welfare reform is still necessary. And it is made up of those have stayed true to the party despite its Thatcherite economic programme, Starmers support for the Gaza genocide, his warmongering over Ukraine and systematic assault on democratic rights. The trade union bureaucracy, for its part, is not an opponent but an ally of Starmerpolicing opposition within the working class to austerity, genocide and war on behalf of big business, the banks and the super-rich. As for the new party initiative that has centred to this point on Corbyns possible leadership, its progress has been glacial because Corbyn himself is desperate to avoid any action that could provide an impulse for a rebellion and a fightback by the working class against the Labour and trade union bureaucracy. He wants only an electoral alliance of various organisations who agree to uphold a few minimal reforms that would act as a safety valve for social and political discontent, while he or some younger future defector such as Zarah Sultana strikes opportunist post-election alliances with the Greens, Scottish and Welsh nationalists and even Labour itself. The Socialist Equality Party noted that Starmers landslide election victory against the Tories was achieved on a historically low share of the vote and warned that Starmers would be a right-wing government of austerity and war. On the day Labour took office, we predicted that social and political tensions rooted in morbid levels of inequality and hardship presage explosive confrontation with the working class. Starmers government is as right-wing, weak and unpopular as we predicted it would be. But the fight against it demands an entirely new axis of struggle for the working class. The SEP warned against entrusting the fight against Starmers government to Corbyn and his pseudo-left cheerleaders, noting that Starmer only led the Labour Party because, as party leader and enjoying mass support, Corbyn had capitulated to the Blairite right on all fundamental issues, including NATO membership and nuclear weapons, and refused to oppose the left antisemitism witch-hunt. We insisted that The building of a new and genuinely socialist leadership must begin now and that it must be based on a socialist programme to wage a fight against social devastation, in defence of democratic rights and to prevent the imperialist powers dragging the world ever deeper into waras part of a unified offensive of the British and international working class against capitalism. BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 2. A delegation of the Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA) paid a working visit to the National Bank of Georgia to exchange experience on supervision and regulatory issues, a source in the CBA told Trend. Throughout the convened sessions under the auspices of the visit, comprehensive dialogues were conducted regarding the operationalization of contemporary methodologies within the fiscal domains of both nations, aimed at enhancing their overall efficacy. The discussions encompassed a plethora of themes including the organizational architecture and structural dynamics of the supervisory continuum, the risk-centric supervisory paradigm, oversight mechanisms aimed at countering the legitimization of assets procured through illicit activities and the financing of terrorism, advancements in supervisory technologies, and the intricacies of model risk governance. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 2. President of the State Oil Company (SOCAR) Rovshan Najaf met with the Minister of Energy of Uzbekistan Jurabek Mirzamahmudov and the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Uzbekneftegaz JSC Bakhodirjon Sidigov, a source in SOCAR told Trend. The meeting noted the high level of bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan in all areas. Throughout the dialogue, there was a notable expression of contentment regarding the inter-organizational dynamics between SOCAR and Uzbekneftegaz, highlighting the synergistic collaboration that exists both in bilateral frameworks and within broader multilateral engagements. The assembly facilitated a discourse on the salient points delineated in the agenda framework. In this context, it has been documented that significant accords were established concerning the initiative for executing geological exploration activities in the Ustyurt region of Uzbekistan as part of the collaborative framework between the entities involved. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel The Civic Lubbock, Inc. Board this week announced the upcoming inductions into the West Texas Walk of Fame for 2025. The honorees are: Flatland Cavalry, Hector Galan, James W. Johnson and Jerry Jordan. The induction ceremony will take place at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, in the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center Theatre, 1501 Mac Davis Lane. Flatland Cavalry formed in Lubbock in 2012 when Cleto Cordero and Jason Albers took their high school jamming sessions to the next level while studying at Texas Tech. Flatland Cavalry, Country/Americana band Country and Americana band Flatland Cavalry formed in Lubbock in 2012 when Cleto Cordero and Jason Albers took their high school jamming sessions to the next level while studying at Texas Tech University. Over the next few years, the bands numbers grew with the addition of Jonathan Saenz, Reid Dillon, Wesley Hall, and Adam Gallegos. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By 2015 the band was regularly playing gigs throughout Lubbocks music scene, becoming particular favorites at the Blue Light. Their local popularity was cemented when the group crowdfunded their debut EP, "Come May", raising enough funds to cover its production in just eight days. The bands popularity continued to rise as they began to play across Texas, culminating in their first official tour in 2019. A further seven tours later, four albums, six #1 singles on the Texas Country Music Charts, and over 500 million streams, Flatland Cavalry continue to impress, sharing the stage with the likes of Willie Nelson, Luke Combs, Lainey Wilson and more. In 2024 they received their first ACM award nomination for Group of the Year, achieved their first RIAA Gold certification for their breakout single "A Life Where We Work Out", and made their mark in film and television with contributions to the "Twisters" and "The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes" soundtracks, as well as featured placements on "Yellowstone" and "Landman". Despite more than 10 years in the business, there are no signs that the band intends to slow down. Cordero describes their music as easy on the ears and heavy on the heart, and as long as they can continue to bring people together, they will be proud to keep it going. Hector Galan, Documentary Filmmaker Hector Galan, an independent documentary filmmaker from San Angelo, is one of the most prolific and passionate working in his field today. Beginning his career at 18 straight out of high school, Hector worked as a camera operator for his local TV Station in San Angelo. From there Hector attended community college studying media production in Killeen, where he met Dr. Dennis Harp who encouraged him to join him in Lubbock where he was starting a new Mass Communications program at Texas Tech University. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hector worked tirelessly for KCBD News Channel 11, where he directed both the 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. news. Upon his graduation he was hired by KTXT as a producer and began producing original programming. Hector was becoming a hot commodity; he was recruited to Austin to produce a national PBS series which would become his springboard into his documentary television career that resulted in him producing episodes of the provocative television series "Frontline". In 1984 he returned to Texas and established his own production company, Galan, Inc where he continued to work, producing over 40 hours of national PBS programming, including the landmark four-part series "Chicano! History of the Mexican American Civil Rights Movement". Hector has been recognized nationally and internationally for his work, including being named in the top 100 Most Influential Hispanics in America by Hispanic Business Magazine in 1997, the 2005 Distinguished Filmmaker Award at the Cine Cuauhtemoc Pan American Film Festival and his induction into the Texas Film Hall of Fame in 2017. Despite decades of tireless work, Hector continues to produce important documentaries and films, charting the Latino experience in America, and in his own words explains: Im hoping to keep creating new films for the younger people that didnt have any idea of what we went through, so they can learn from that and be proud of it. Hector Galan will be inducted into the West Texas Walk of Fame at a ceremony at the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center in October. James W. Johnson, Visual Artist Visual artist James W. Johnson was born in suburban upstate New York in 1954. He initially began his studies in chemistry, but in 1974 upon taking an art class for fun, found his lifes true passion in art and hasnt looked back. James, partly inspired by Texas Techs Lynwood Kreneck whom he met at a printmaking workshop, moved to Lubbock in 1978 where he attended Texas Tech University and received his Master of Fine Arts in 1981. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since moving to Lubbock, James has committed more than 80,000 hours to creating his art. Primarily a painter, he has worked with many forms of art, covering mediums such as video, sculpture, etchings and even furniture making. To say James work in these fields is unique and varied would be an understatement. Few artists will master a single subject, yet his devotion to embracing a variety of themes and styles has resulted in an extraordinary catalogue of celebrated work, from surrealism to landscapes, from tapestries to metal work, and portraits to the abstract. While James has remained committed to developing his craft in Lubbock, his works have spread throughout the country, being featured at exhibitions in Dallas, Indianapolis, Spokane, Boise, and the Museum of Fine Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico, among many more. James Johnsons work is not for the meek; it unapologetically jumps out and grabs the viewer with its vibrant forms and colors, and one thing is for certain, whether you love it or hate it, you will certainly never forget it. James W. Johnson will be inducted into the West Texas Walk of Fame at a ceremony at the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center in October. Jerry Jordan, Visual Artist Visual artist Jerry Jordan was born in Lubbock in May of 1944 and was raised on a farm between Meadow and Ropesville. Jerrys artistic journey began at the age of 13 when a gift from his parents of paint by numbers canvas sparked a lifelong passion. A year later while at a family reunion in Paris, Texas, Jerry chanced upon the studio of renowned artist W.R Thrasher, becoming instantly captivated by the work on display. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over the course of the next year Jerry sent five letters and a 12x16 painting trying to convince the famous artist become his tutor. This determination was finally rewarded with an invite to spend three weeks with W.R. Thrasher, and a letter stating, I have never met a young man with so much audacity and determination to become a painter. As Jerry honed his skills, this audacity and determination became a feature of his career. At 18, Jerry built his first studio on his fathers 40-acre farm and, in the first 12 months, sold $4,000 worth of his own paintings. In todays money, this would equate to over $40,000. In 1964 Jerry married his wife, Marilyn. The pair found themselves in Taos, back in Texas again, and then on to Tennessee where Jerry with his wife, his brother, Harweda and his wife, Colleen, formed The Jordans, a soft-contemporary gospel group. In 1976, Jerry received Billboards Country Music Award for Comic of the Year for the album "Phone Call from God" which sold over 500,000 copies. From the late 1970s, Jerrys focus returned to his love of painting, when in 1986 he and his wife moved from Texas to settle in Taos with their daughters, Nicole and JBrenta. Jerrys prolific work and dedication to his art has seen his work become a part of permanent collections in New Mexico and Texas, and has been displayed in countless galleries and publications throughout the country. Jerrys signature artistic resolve can be summed up in his simple statement that talent accounts for about two percent of a painters success. The rest is just Im-a-gonna-do-it determination. Jerry Jordan will be inducted into the West Texas Walk of Fame at a ceremony at the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center in October. About the West Texas Walk of Fame In the late '70s, Larry Corbin, Jerry Coleman, and Waylon Jennings initiated the idea of an award for famous artists and musicians from the West Texas region. The first inductees were Buddy Holly in 1979 and Waylon Jennings in 1980. In 1983, Civic Lubbock, Inc., began its tenure as administrators of the Walk of Fame with the induction of Mac Davis. The West Texas Walk of Fame honors those individuals with a strong connection to Lubbock and the West Texas area who have devoted a significant part of their lives to the development and production of the performing and visual arts and whose body of work has been influential nationally in one or more of these areas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Past Walk of Fame inductees: 1979 Buddy Holly 1980 Waylon Jennings 1983 Mac Davis 1984 Jimmy Dean, Ralna English, Bobby Keys 1985 G.W. Bailey, Barry Corbin 1986 Jerry Allison, Sonny Curtis, Joe B. Mauldin, Niki Sullivan 1989 Joe Ely, Roy Orbison 1990 Gaitlin Brothers, Bob Wills 1991 Snuff Garrett 1993 The Maines Brothers Band 1994 Virgil Johnson of the Velvets, Buddy Knox 1995 Glen D Hardin, Gary P. Nunn 1996 Cecil Caldwell, Woody Chambliss, The Hometown Boys, Paul Milosevich, Bob Montgomery, C.B. Stubbs Stubblefield 1997 Terry Allen, George Ashburn, Dan Blocker, Glenna Goodacre, Los Premiers, Dirk West Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 1998 Don Caldwell, Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Butch Hancock 1999 Jane Prince Jones, Ed Wilkes 2000 Eddie Dixon 2001 The Fireballs, Delbert McClinton 2002 Suzanne Akers, Brad Maule, Pete Morales, Helen Wagner 2003 Alvin G. Davis, Billy Walker 2004 Clif Magness, Richie McDonald 2005 Angela Strehli, Agnes Torres 2006 David Box, David Gaschen, Jennifer Smith 2008 John Gillas, Mary Gillas 2010 Bill Griggs 2012 Charlene Condray Hancock, Tommy X Hancock, Lloyd Maines, Jesse Guitar Taylor 2014 Jay Boy Adams, Lew Dee and Diana Dee, Andy Wilkinson, Jaston Williams 2015 Jo Harvey Allen, Natalie Maines Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 2016 Ponty Bone, Terry Cook, The Flatlanders, Sonny West 2017 James T. Braxton, Thomas Braxton, Johnny Ray Watson 2018 Josh Abbott, Donnie Allison, Bob Livingston, Garland A. Weeks, FNSS 2019 Susan Graham, David Kneupper, Romeo Reyna, Larry Trider 2022 Bess Hubbard, Hoyle Nix, Jody Nix, Amanda Shires 2023 Dirk Fowler, Lynwood Kreneck, Junior Medlow, Kimmie Rhodes 2024 Gerald Dolter, Tina Fuentes, Steve Meador, James Watkins This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Flatland Cavalry among 2025 West Texas Walk of Fame inductees Theres a moment in Ridley Scotts Gladiator when Russell Crowes enslaved Roman general Maximus, fresh from eviscerating five foes in short order, throws his arms in the air and asks a stunned arena, Are you not entertained? Are you not entertained? It would not be that far from fiction to picture the organizers of Sunday nights Golden Bee Awards repeating the same question after the final spectacle had been presented to close out a nearly three-hour ceremony held inside Gziras Fort Manoel in Malta. Presented by the Mediterrane Film Festival and hosted by David Walliams, the outdoor show finished shy of midnight and by that point had featured around a dozen musical numbers (complete with props, backup dancers and custom backdrops), a slew of Hollywood presenters (Anna Camp, Chris Perfetti, Jared Harris, Karen Pittman and Thunderbolts* director Jake Schreier), three fireworks displays and even Maximus himself. More from The Hollywood Reporter Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Crowe made a triumphant (and surprise) return to Malta to accept a film legend award to mark the 25th anniversary of Gladiator. The film, like its recent sequel, was shot on the islands not far from the historic 18th century fort that hosted the awards and has long been a source of local pride. You want to know what I love about Malta? Everything, Crowe declared, calling the island nation a paradise, one that he has regularly visited over the years on vacation. To prove his point, he said he arrived with his two sons, walked the streets of the capital city of Valletta at sunset, acquired his favorite lasagna and admired his favorite jewelry store Mario Zampa. I love coming to Malta and Im grateful for your welcome every time Im here. Crowe accepted his trophy from Johann Grech, Malta film commissioner and CEO of Malta Film Studios. He praised Grech for his commitment and passion for Malta and his understanding of the opportunity that Malta has at the center of the Mediterranean film industry. With that, Crowe urged the local government to further fuel a commitment to the arts and to support education for young Maltese people who want to explore film as a career in whatever capacity, because it truly takes a village to make a movie. Crowe then recounted coming to the country 26 years ago to star in the epic Gladiator. You could say, in a funny way, I became a man in Malta, he said. Whatever films Id done before then, nothing had the majesty, ambition, budget and ultimately reach of Gladiator. I say became a man because it wasnt an easy production. I had to fight every day for the integrity of the character I was playing, just like the journey of the character himself in a movie. Sometimes you get lucky enough to make something that resonates with people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its still resonating. Crowe detailed an encounter he had with a man a week ago while visiting Monterosso in Italys Cinque Terre. I was leaving a restaurant at nighttime. As I came out in the street, this young man, he saw me, he recognized me, and he asked me for a photo, Crowe recalled. I shook his hand and he started to cry. His friends told me later that hes the head lifeguard at the local beach hes got muscles on muscles and lots of responsibility and authority and theyd never seen him like that. Crowe said the crying got more intense and the man couldnt wipe the tears from his eyes, so he ended up hugging him. When he got himself together, he said, You dont understand. When I was 8 years old, my mother sat me in front of TV and put on a video cassette of Gladiator. She told me that if you are ever wondering what type of man your mother expects you to be, its this type of man the honor, the integrity, the faith, this type of man. A man made in Malta. The anecdote drew cheers and applause from the crowd, estimated at close to 2,000 guests. Prior to Crowes remarks, Grech delivered a lengthy address that resonated much like a campaign speech. He paid particular attention to the milestone anniversary 2025 marks 100 years of filming in Malta while also noting the strides that have been made under his administration. Malta has long been a magnet for Hollywood, as it has welcomed such films as Munich, Troy, Jurassic World Rebirth, Captain Phillips, World War Z, Murder on the Orient Express, Assassins Creed, By the Sea, The Da Vinci Code, The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, Last Breath and dozens of others. Grech called out the skeptics that doubted Maltas place as an international hub for filmmaking and said that theyve come from yes we can to yes we have over the past nearly eight years (thanks in large part to a lucrative 40 percent tax rebate). The film industry is bigger than its ever been, Grech said. The next 100 years will be better than the first. Let us never stop believing because we are Malta. We are film. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The last sentence repeated the theme of this years Mediterrane Film Festival, established on the islands of Malta in 2023 as a showcase for films from the area and beyond. This years edition wrapped Sunday after running from June 21-29, and featured 55 films from more than 20 countries. Sunday nights Golden Bee Awards saw the official festival prizes doled out as chosen by the juries in addition to one peoples choice award. Amel Guellatys Where the Wind Comes From picked up steam by claiming two awards including best feature film and best performance for Eya Bellaghas starring turn in the drama that follows rebellious 19-year-old Alyssa (Bellagha) and shy 23-year-old Mehdi (Slim Baccar), who dream of escaping their reality. Upon discovering a contest offering a chance to flee, they set out on a road trip to southern Tunisia. Julio Medems 8 also picked up two prizes including best screenwriting for its writer-director Medem as well as a jurys choice award. The film covers 90 years and follows the eight encounters between a man, Octavio (Javier Rey), and a woman, Adela (Ana Rujas), that happen to mirror pivotal moments in Spains history. The Mare Nostrum award went to Miyazaki: Spirit of Nature, which was recognized for its lyrical exploration of nature and spirit, per the jury, while the peoples choice award went to Polly Steeles Four Letters of Love. Serving the Mediterrane Film Festival jury this year were Catherine Hardwicke, Elli Griff, Rick Carter, Charlese Antoinette, James Price, Mario Philip Azzopardi and Joseph Vassallo. A special Mare Nostrum jury, composed of Grainne Humphreys, Ania Trzebiatowska and Melisa Sozen, selected from a roster of films curated around themes of climate and environmentalism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Crowe was far from the only notable name honored Sunday. Fellow Oscar winner Jeremy Thomas, a veteran producer who landed gold for Bernardo Bertoluccis best picture winner The Last Emperor from 1988, was presented with a lifetime achievement award, while veteran location manager Pierre Agius snagged a career achievement honor. As previously announced, Euphoria breakout Barbie Ferreira touched down in Malta to pick up a rising star award for her screen accomplishments. The black-tie gala also hosted bold-faced names like Jon Watts, Edmund Donovan, Joaquim de Almeida, Bailey Bass and Kerry Ingram. See below for scenes from inside Sundays celebration. Best of The Hollywood Reporter Sign up for THR's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. Gov. Ron DeSantis has approved a $1.7 million payment to a Broward County man who was once sentenced to 400 years in prison after being wrongly convicted of serving as the getaway driver in a robbery near Fort Lauderdale. Sidney Holmes, now 59, cant get the 34 years he spent behind bars back, but he can live the rest of his days knowing that his name has been cleared. This a gesture that recognizes Mr. Holmes was wronged and that we, in the State of Florida and in the justice system, will help him and compensate him, said State Attorney Harold Pryor, whose Conviction Review Unit identified Holmes case and conducted the investigation that determined he was an innocent man. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Holmes was 22 years old when he was accused of taking part in a Fathers Day 1988 robbery at the One Stop store in the 2500 block of Northwest Sixth Street, in an unincorporated area west of Fort Lauderdale. The getaway driver was described by a witness as short and heavyset. Holmes was a lanky 6 feet and 183 pounds. He also said he was at a family gathering at the time of the robbery. It didnt matter: A jury convicted him the following April, and the prosecutor, calling Holmes a habitual offender, sought a prison term of 825 years. Circuit Judge Mel Grossman, finding that sentence too harsh, ordered Holmes behind bars for 400 years. The reason for my recommendation and an exceedingly high number of years is to ensure that he wont be released from prison while hes breathing, the original prosecutor said at Holmes sentencing hearing. The conviction review unit became aware of Holmes case in 2020 and convinced a judge to release him in 2023. Its surreal, Holmes said when he walked out of jail after spending more than half his life behind bars. I never would give up hope. I knew this day was going to come sooner or later, and today is the day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Because of his prior criminal record, Holmes was not legally entitled to payment under the states law on compensating victims of wrongful incarceration. A claims bill filed by state Rep. Michael Gottlieb and state Sen. Jason Pizzo was passed earlier this year and signed Tuesday by the governor. Holmes will receive $1,722,000 along with 120 hours of college or career center tuition and fees. Since his release from prison, Mr. Holmes has obtained full-time employment, the State Attorneys Office announced in a news release. He has also visited our office and participated in training sessions by talking to our prosecutors about his experience and how to try to avoid wrongful convictions in the future. ------------- The Brief APD investigating North Austin homicide Scene near 400 E Wonsley Drive, off I-35 and US 183 One victim was killed, and another person is in the hospital AUSTIN, Texas - The Austin Police Department is investigating after a victim was found dead in North Austin. What we know Police said on July 1, around 5:15 p.m., officers responded to the 400 block of E Wonsley Drive, off North I-35 and US 183. The 911 caller said there was an unconscious person on the ground, and there was blood. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When officers arrived, they found a victim with obvious trauma. The victim was later pronounced dead. An investigation revealed there was another person involved. That person was taken to a local hospital and is being treated for their injuries. This is believed to be an isolated incident. Police are asking drivers to avoid the area at this time. If anyone has any information, contact the Austin Police Department at (512) 974-8477 or Crime Stoppers at (512) 472-8477. This story is developing. Refresh for updates. The Source Information in this report comes from the Austin Police Department Kazakhstan mining firm hits historic high in coal exports in June 2025 Photo: Kazakhstan Railways In June 2025, JSC "Shubarkol Komir" set a new coal export loading record of 841,000 tons, 26 percent above the year's monthly average, thanks to efficient coordination with railway workers. Several companies, including LLP "Saryarka ENERGY" and JSC "Shubarkol Premium," also saw significant export growth. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register AUSTIN (KXAN) The Austin Police Department said it was investigating a homicide in south Austin Tuesday night after a pedestrian was hit by a vehicle. According to APD, multiple people called 911 at approximately 10:15 p.m. after the crash occurred in the 3000 block of South Lamar Boulevard. At the scene, officers found a person with obvious trauma. First responders performed life-saving measures, but the person was declared dead at 10:40 p.m., according to police. Police investigate south Austin homicide (KXAN photo/Tim Holcomb) Police investigate south Austin homicide (KXAN photo/Tim Holcomb) Police investigate south Austin homicide (KXAN photo/Tim Holcomb) The incident happened in the parking lot of the Corners shopping center near Kerbey Lane on South Lamar, according to a statement from Mason Ayer, owner and chief executive officer of Kerbey Lane All Day Cafe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That full statement provided from Ayer is below: After business hours on Tuesday, July 1, an incident occurred in the parking lot of the Corners shopping center near our South Lamar location. The Austin Police Departments investigation is ongoing, and we are confident that law enforcement will ensure this case is thoroughly resolved. Our hearts go out to everyone impacted, especially the victims loved ones. We remain fully committed to the safety and support of our team and guests. APD said this incident was being investigated as Austins 32nd homicide of 2025, and detectives were interviewing witnesses and reviewing footage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MAP: Where have Austins homicides occurred in 2025? As of early Wednesday, APD said there was no suspect in custody and no information available on the vehicle involved. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. The Brief The deadly shooting happened around 10:37 a.m. on Tuesday in the area of Northport Loop West. A possible suspect was detained, though authorities have not confirmed if he is the alleged gunman. A motive for the shooting has not been revealed. FREMONT, Calif. - One person was killed and another was detained following a shooting in Fremont on Tuesday morning, police said. The shooting occurred around 10:37 a.m. in the area of Northport Loop West, according to the Fremont Police Department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When officers arrived, they found a person suffering from a gunshot wound. The victim was taken to a local hospital, where they were later pronounced dead. Possible suspect located in area of shooting What we know Investigators at the scene learned that a possible suspect remained in the area after the shooting. He was soon detained by police. Authorities have not confirmed whether the man is an actual suspect in the case. Investigators have not disclosed a possible motive for the deadly shooting. The Source Fremont Police Department EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) A person on a scooter was seriously hurt when they were hit by a vehicle late Tuesday night, July 1, near UTEP, an El Paso Fire Department spokesperson said. The crash happened a little after 9 p.m. at North Mesa and East Robinson, the spokesperson said. A person on a scooter was transported with serious injuries (Code 3), the Fire Department spokesperson said. Police said their Special Traffic Investigations Unit responded to the scene and was looking into the crash. Police confirmed that one person was seriously hurt in the crash. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a developing story, and we will update it when 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 KTSM 9 News. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) Police are searching for a suspect after a man died after he was shot at a Jefferson Street business Wednesday afternoon. According to the Metro Nashville Police Department, 33-year-old Marcus Caruthers was shot outside the Kings Market on Jefferson Street. He was taken to Vanderbilt University Medical Center where he died. Nashville homicide suspect arrested by U.S. Marshals in New York City Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers were sent to Kings Market in the 1800 block of Jefferson Street just before 12:30 p.m. to respond to reports of a shooting, according to MNPD. Officials said a preliminary investigation reveals that the victim and a woman came to the location together. However, once they entered the business, the suspect approached the woman and began to argue with her. Authorities said thats when Caruthers went outside and began to argue with the suspect. At some point during the argument, the suspect allegedly pulled out a gun and fired several shots, striking Caruthers in the torso. | READ MORE | Latest headlines from Nashville and Davidson County After the shooting, the suspect reportedly drove away in an SUV with the first letters of the tag displaying ACI. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone with information about this shooting can contact Crime Stoppers at 615-742-7463. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. The Brief Less than a month after thousands of National Guard troops were deployed to LA amid anti-ICE protests and raids, the Dept. of Defense said 150 troops will be released from their duties in LA. The troops will return to their wildfire-protection assignments. Gov. Newsom responded by saying,"Donald Trump caved. Now send the rest home." LOS ANGELES - A day after a top military commander requested that 200 National Guard troops be re-assigned from responding to immigration protests in Los Angeles, U.S. Northern Command confirmed Tuesday that 150 will be released. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "At the recommendation of Gen. Gregory M. Guillot, Commander, U.S. Northern Command, and approved by the Secretary of Defense, Task Force 51 will release approximately 150 members of the California National Guard from the Federal Protection mission today. USNORTHCOM and Task Force 51 are still appropriately sourced to conduct our Federal Protection Mission," a statement from the Department of Defense read. The guard troops were deployed by President Donald Trump in early June to protect federal buildings and personnel in Los Angeles amid ongoing ICE raids and protests. The troops will now return to their wildfire-protection assignments. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: What they're saying California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who widely criticized the federal deployment of 4,000 Guard troops, hailed Tuesday's decision to release them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He took to X saying, "@realDonaldTrump caved. Our firefighters are finally returning to fight wildfires. Better late than never. Now send the rest home. Nearly 5,000 soldiers including police, paramedics, and first responders are still sitting idle in L.A. for nothing." .@realDonaldTrump caved. Our firefighters are finally returning to fight wildfires. Better late than never. Now send the rest home. Nearly 5,000 soldiers including police, paramedics, and first responders are still sitting idle in L.A. for nothing. https://t.co/Ga0SQDF1Cc Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) July 1, 2025 In addition to the Guard troops, Trump also ordered the deployment of roughly 700 Marines to the area. What we don't know It's unclear when the remainder of the troops will be released. The Source Information for this story came from a statement released by U.S. Northern Command and an X post by Gov. Gavin Newsom. Sixteen states sued the Trump administration on Monday, accusing the Department of Education of unlawfully terminating more than $1 billion in bipartisan federal funding for school-based mental health services. The lawsuit filed by Democratic attorneys general from California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Mexico, New York, Nevada, Oregon, Rhode Island, Washington and Wisconsin said the federal government had violated the Administrative Procedure Act when it canceled the appropriated funding this year. The APA has been routinely cited in court by those challenging President Donald Trumps aggressive use of executive power during his second term. The grants were part of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, a 2022 gun safety bill passed by Congress and signed by then-President Joe Biden after a teen gunman in Uvalde, Texas, killed 19 elementary school students and two teachers and injured 17 others. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the heels of that tragedy, Democrats and Republicans set aside more than $1 billion to provide students access to mental health services. The ultimate goal was to permanently bring 14,000 additional mental health professionals into schools across the country, primarily in low-income and rural communities. However, this year, the Department of Education announced it would stop paying out those grants, as part of the administrations efforts to crack down on programs it deems related to diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. On April 29, the Education Department sent letters to hundreds of funding recipients, notifying them that their mental health programs constituted an inappropriate use of federal funds and violated civil rights laws. By cutting funding for these lifesaving youth mental health programs, the Department of Education is abandoning our children when they need us most, New York Attorney General Letitia James, who is listed on the lawsuit, said in a statement on Tuesday. These grants have helped thousands of students access critical mental health services at a time when young people are facing record levels of depression, trauma, and anxiety, James continued. To eliminate these grants now would be a grave disservice to children and families in New York and nationwide, and my office is fighting back to preserve these much-needed programs. The Education Department did not immediately respond to MSNBC's request for comment on Tuesday. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com MILFORD, Conn. (WTNH) More than a dozen local letter carriers were honored for their long careers and outstanding safety records Wednesday morning in Milford. The Milford Postmaster handed out plaques to 16 employees who are now officially in the Million Mile Club. Hartford Public Schools announces new superintendent After the mail is sorted and the couriers hit the road, they rack up a lot of miles in the swift completion of their appointed rounds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most routes, anywhere from 500-600 stops, letter carrier and new club member Anthony Constantinople explained. Thats 500-600 deliveries we make a day. Everyone comes with challenges. Patrick Haddon is another new club member. He has been delivering mail for 38 years, driven a million miles, and never had a preventable safety incident. I try to be consistent, Haddon said. Positive energy, and mindfulness and thoughtfulness of what Im doing. The team at the postal center in Milford hears a lot about safety from their postmaster., Lawrence M. McLeain. I need all of my employees. I need my employees as well as they need me, McLeain said. We need them to deliver the mail, obviously, and we need them to do it in one piece. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The biggest challenge to letter carriers safety is often all the rest of us. A lot of people dont see us, Constantinople said. They see like a tree, were part of the background, and the decisions they make driving, they dont take us into account. But, they continue through those challenges and snow, rain, heat, gloom, you know the famous creed. So do they, and they take it seriously. I do take it seriously, yeah, Haddon said. I have pride in my job. If you are interested in joining the postal service, go to: https://about.usps.com/careers/ Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. 17 Minnesota companies make Inc. list of best US workplaces originally appeared on Bring Me The News. Inc. has released its 2025 list of the Best Workplaces in the United States. The lineup of 514 companies includes 16 from the Twin Cities and another from greater Minnesota. The unranked list, created in a partnership between the publication and Quantum Workplace, "celebrates companies that foster exceptional workplace cultures and provide outstanding benefits to their employees." Christin Hume/Unsplash The publication highlights the public relations and social media agency Media Minefield for putting a focus on mental health by eliminating co-pays for virtual therapy and offering unlimited telehealth clinical care. It also offers programs to support employee goals outside of work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These are the Minnesota companies that made the cut. Arctic Wolf Networks (Eden Prairie) Beehive Strategic Communication (St. Paul) Bold Orange Company (Minneapolis) Channel (Minnetonka) Clockwork (Minneapolis) Clutch Performance (Minneapolis) Digital Mass (Minneapolis) Elicit (Minneapolis) Emergent Software (Minneapolis) Gardner Builders (Minneapolis) Grey Search + Strategy (Minnetonka) Imprint Engine (Brooklyn Center) Media Minefield (Minnetonka) North Star Resource Group (Minneapolis) Pivot Strategies (Minneapolis) Prep Network (Plymouth) Syvantis (Baxter) Related: Nearly 3,000 Cub Foods workers win new contract with pension contributions, raises This story was originally reported by Bring Me The News on Jul 2, 2025, where it first appeared. NEED TO KNOW 18-year-old Sonny Blundell died from injuries he sustained after hitting his head while doing a backflip on June 24, according to reports The Australian teen had been celebrating his new move from New South Wales to the Gold Coast in Queensland with his girlfriend at the time Blundell was reportedly hospitalized and placed into a coma before passing away on June 30 An Australian teenager has died after hitting his head while doing a backflip in his new apartment, according to reports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sonny Blundell, 18, had been celebrating his move from the Central Coast in New South Wales to the Gold Coast in Queensland when the incident occurred on June 24. He was found unresponsive by his housemate in the lounge room of their apartment, Australian newspapers The Daily Telegraph and The Courier Mail reported. Blundell was hospitalized and placed into a coma before undergoing brain surgery. He later died from his injuries on June 30, according to the outlets. His sister Izabella Cromack-Hay said he had recently moved to the Gold Coast suburb of Southport to start a new life with his girlfriend after being offered a concreting job in the area, per The Daily Telegraph. Moving to Queensland only a month ago, which was his greatest accomplishment, he worked the hardest concreting and making himself known, Cromack-Hay told the outlet. GoFundMe Blundell in the ICU in hospital following the June 24 incident Blundell in the ICU in hospital following the June 24 incident Blundell had facetimed with his sister on the day of the incident, she recalled. He had been celebrating moving to Southport beach with his best friend Mitchell Bullard when he did the backflip, per The Daily Telegraph. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He hit his head in the lounge room on the ground and had a headache went to bed, Cromack-Hay told the outlet. [He] woke up went to the toilet vomiting and then passed out thats when his best friend found him unresponsive in the morning. Blundell was sent to the Queensland Hospital Intensive Care Unit. He suffered multiple strokes and a brain bleed ahead of having brain surgery, his sister shared on a GoFundMe page before his death. The first 24 hours were the most critical we nearly lost him after having multiple strokes and another bleed, which led to him needing a drain in his brain, wrote Cromack-Hay. There is major uncertainty that Sonny will or will not pull through. Hes working his hardest as there could be recovery and rehabilitation. Getty Hospital patient Hospital patient Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. The GoFundMe page so far has raised nearly $14,500, with a goal of reaching $18,000 to bring Blundell back to New South Wales and pay for funeral costs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sonny touched everyones soul so deeply, he was the kindest, loving and nurturing man you could have met, his sister said, per The Daily Telegraph and Courier Mail. Sonny will forever be missed and forever loved by all. Read the original article on People The Brief A truck driver reportedly admitted to falling asleep at the wheel before a multi-vehicle crash on I-20 in Terrell. The collision resulted in five deaths, including four members of the McKellar family and the driver of a Jeep. The driver, Alexis Osmani Gonzalez-Companioni, faces five charges of manslaughter and one charge of aggravated assault. KAUFMAN COUNTY, Texas - The arrest warrant we obtained reveals that the driver of the 18-wheeler reportedly admitted to troopers he fell asleep at the wheel until the deadly crash woke him up. What we know Newly released court records say the driver of a red 18-wheeler told Texas DPS he fell asleep at the wheel on Saturday afternoon and woke up to a loud bang as he crushed a Red Ford F-150 truck on I-20 in Terrell. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FOX 4 is now learning that the family inside the truck was the McKellar family. Relatives tell FOX 4 that 51-year-old Zabar, his 44-year-old wife Krishaun, and their 15-year-old son Kason all died. 20-year-old Evan had her foot amputated and is in a hospital. Zabars father, Billy McKellar, also died in the crash. Billy McKellar The Texas DPS said on Monday that all five people on the F-150 had died but now says it had incorrect information. The tractor-trailer also struck a gray jeep, which killed the jeeps driver. Court documents identify her as Nicole Gregory. 27-year-old Alexis Osmani Gonzalez-Companioni faces five charges of manslaughter and one charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Arrest warrant Dig deeper According to an arrest warrant, the first trooper on scene, "did not see any brake or skid marks on the ground; this indicated that the tractor-trailer did not apply its brakes." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The arrest warrant goes on to read: "traffic was moving extremely slow or not moving at all on interstate 20 west" "The red tractor-trailer was traveling at highway speeds" It was a 75-miles-per-hour zone. The warrant also says "The driver of the red tractor-trailer collided with the rear of the red f150the f150 hit the rear of another tractor-trailer in frontthe forceso great it caused the transmission of the white tractor-trailer to fall outthe white tractor-trailer then collided with a blue trailer that was in front" of it. What they're saying Relatives of the McKellar family are beyond devastated and too distraught to interview but sent a GoFundMe link that reads: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This unimaginable tragedy has deeply touched the hearts of many, and we are incredibly grateful for the overwhelming love, prayers, and support shown during this time. So many have reached out asking how they can help or give back to the family at this moment of sorrow." The Source Information in this article was provided by the Texas DPS and the suspect's arrest warrant. Kazakhstan boosts agri-exports and innovation through European partnerships Photo: Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kazakhstans Minister of Agriculture, Aidarbek Saparov, visited Italy for the 44th FAO Conference and held meetings with agricultural leaders from Estonia, Italy, and Latvia. Key topics included expanding trade in agricultural products, with Kazakhstans agro-export volume growing significantly in early 2025, especially rapeseed and dairy cattle imports. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register L.A. County Dist. Atty. Nathan Hochman announced new charges against people at immigration raids protests in L.A., including a man and a woman accused of assaulting law enforcement horses and a teen accused of attempted murder. Hochman said his office had charged more than 40 people in connection with protest-related violence and vandalism and intended to file more charges as attorneys continued to review evidence. In addition, 23 people are facing separate federal charges in relation to the L.A. protests, with alleged crimes including assaulting officers with cinder blocks and Molotov cocktails, and conspiracy to impede arrests. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Federal prosecutors 'coming after' L.A. protesters. Do some charges encroach on 1st Amendment? Among the new charges announced by the D.A.'s office Tuesday were those against a 17-year-old boy, who faces one felony count each of attempted murder, assaulting a peace officer and vandalism, as well as two misdemeanor counts of rioting. Iran Castro, 29, of El Monte and Dana Whitson, 66, of Oro Valley, Ariz., were charged in separate alleged assaults on L.A. County Sheriff's Department horses during different days of protests in downtown L.A., prosecutors said. Castro is accused of pulling on the bridle of one horse and grabbing the reins of another as mounted deputies moved toward a crowd of protesters to enforce dispersal orders on June 14. Castro has been charged with two felony counts of assaulting a peace officer, two felony counts of animal cruelty and one felony count of resisting arrest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She faces up to 10 years and four months in prison if convicted as charged and has pleaded not guilty, according to court records. On June 13, Whitson allegedly pushed one of the sheriff's horses several times, hit the animals muzzle and pulled on its reins. He has been charged with one felony count each of assaulting a peace officer, resisting arrest and animal cruelty and pleaded not guilty, according to court records. If convicted as charged, Whitson faces up to six years and four months in prison. In addition to the injuries suffered by Sheriff's Department horses, at least five Los Angeles Police Department horses were injured at protests, officials said. Law enforcement use of horses for crowd control has been criticized due to the physical dangers posed to protesters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: How the LAPDs protest response once again triggered outrage, injuries and lawsuits A video captured on June 8 by independent journalist Tina-Desiree Berg shows a protester falling as a line of officers on horseback advance into a crowd. The mounted units continue marching forward, trampling over the protester lying on the ground. Other protesters recently charged by the D.A.'s office include Patrick Monoz, 37, of Whittier. He is accused of injuring a police officer with a flagpole on June 11 after officers ordered protesters to disperse outside a Whittier hotel where federal immigration agents were rumored to be staying. Monoz pleaded not guilty to one felony count each of assaulting a peace officer and resisting arrest and one misdemeanor count of rioting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Robert McGrath, 21, is charged with one felony count of vandalism for allegedly spray-painting an expletive on the side of the federal Veterans Affairs building in downtown Los Angeles. He has pleaded not guilty, according to court records. The large-scale protests may have ended for now, but our work has not, Hochman said in a statement. "I want to thank the team of investigators and prosecutors for their tireless efforts to ensure that those who committed criminal acts under the guise of protest are held accountable. Hundreds of people were arrested by various law enforcement agencies as protests roiled downtown Los Angeles for more than a week, with the most intense period of unrest from June 6 until June 10, the day a regional curfew was imposed. Los Angeles police alone made at least 575 arrests. The D.A.'s office announced initial charges against more than a dozen protesters on June 11, for alleged crimes such as throwing fireworks at police officers, driving a motorcycle into officers and vandalizing the Hall of Justice. Another round of charges was announced on June 17, with allegations including setting a California Highway Patrol vehicle on fire and looting an Apple store. 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. Two suspects were arrested after a man was stabbed to death in Riverside. On June 29, Riverside police responded to a stabbing on the 9900 block of Magnolia Avenue in the Arlington neighborhood around 7:20 a.m. Arriving officers found the victim, Michael Pope, 58, of Riverside, lying on the ground with multiple stab wounds. He was transported to the hospital where he died from his injuries. The suspects fled the area before police arrived. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A preliminary investigation revealed that a physical altercation involving Pope and the suspects had taken place. During the confrontation, the victim was stabbed multiple times, police said. With information from dispatchers, officers located the suspects nearby. They were identified as Christopher James Buschbaum, 36, and Myron Daniels, 67, both of whom are local transients. From left: Christopher James Buschbaum, 36, and Myron Daniels, 67, are seen in booking photos from the Riverside Police Department. They were arrested for murder and booked into the Robert Presley Detention Center. Both are being held without bail. This was a senseless act of violence, said Riverside Police Captain Chad Milby of the Investigations Division. Thanks to the quick actions of our dispatchers in obtaining critical information, the swift response by our patrol officers, and the thorough investigative work by our homicide detectives, these two murder suspects are off the streets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Further details, including a motive or whether the suspects and victim were known to each other, were not released. Anyone with additional information is urged to contact Detective Anthony Watkins at 951-353-7105 or AWatkins@RiversideCA.gov, or Detective Richard Glover at 951-353-7134 or RGlover@RiversideCA.gov. Anonymous tips can be submitted through the Atlas 1 mobile app by using the Send a Message feature. App downloads for Apple devices can be found here. Android device downloads can be found here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. Two men in their 60s, brothers, who were reported missing earlier this month, were found dead in an overturned pickup truck off State Route 166 in Santa Barbara County last week, according to friends and family. James Fuller, 61, and Eric Fuller, 60, were reported missing by a friend days after the pair headed out on June 6 for a doctors appointment in Santa Maria, according to SFGate. Officers with the California Highway Patrol were dispatched on June 18 to search for the missing men along the highway, though they were unable to locate them at the time. The Fuller brothers seen in undated photos posted to GoFundMe via Krystle Scott. California State Route 166, near Old Sierra Madre Road in this undated Google Maps image. It wasnt until June 26 when a California Department of Transportation worker spotted the 1998 GMC Sierra pickup overturned in an embankment and hidden in heavy brush off Highway 166 near Old Sierra Madre Road, east of Santa Maria, at around 10:30 a.m., CHP said in a news release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details emerge in Hollywood hit-and-run that killed 37-year-old woman Authorities confirmed two men were found dead inside the truck, and while CHP is awaiting DNA test results for official identification, the brothers family confirmed their deaths in a GoFundMe. For 21 long days, we searched tirelessly. We hiked what we could, followed every lead, the family said in the post. The wait, the helplessness, the pain its been devastating beyond words. This is not the outcome that any of us prayed for. Our hearts are broken. No information about the exact cause of the crash was provided. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. July 1 (UPI) -- Two Chinese nationals made separate appearances in federal courts on Tuesday to face charges accusing them of acting as agents for the Chinese government. Yuance Chen, 38, is a permanent legal resident of Happy Valley, Ore., and was arraigned on charges in the U.S. District Court of Oregon in Portland and accusing him of acting as an agent of the Chinese government without notifying the U.S. attorney general. Liren "Ryan" Lai, 39, also is charged with acting as an agent of the Chinese government and was arraigned in the U.S. District Court ofSouthern Texas in Houston. Lai traveled to the United States on a tourist visa in April. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This case underscores the Chinese government's sustained and aggressive effort to infiltrate our military and undermine our national security from within," Attorney General Pam Bondi said on Tuesday in a news release. "The Justice Department will not stand by while hostile nations embed spies in our country," Bondi added. The charges against both defendants were filed in the U.S.District Court of Northern California in San Francisco, and they were arrested on Friday, the Department of Justice. Each is innocent until proven guilty. Both men are accused of "overseeing and carrying out various clandestine intelligence taskings in the United States on behalf of the [Chinese] government's principal foreign intelligence service, the Ministry of State Security," the DOJ said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The pair allegedly were "attempting to recruit U.S. military service members on behalf of the People's Republic of China," FBI Director Kash Patel said. "The Chinese Communist Party thought they were getting away with their scheme to operate on U.S. soil, utilizing spy craft, like dead drops, to pay their sources," Patel continued. He said the case was a "complex and coordinated effort" that involved counterintelligence work by FBI agents in San Francisco, Portland, Houston and San Diego and the agency's Counterintelligence Division. The DOJ accuses Lai of recruiting Chen on behalf of the MSS in 2021 and says the pair met in Guangzhou, China, in January 2022, to devise a dead-drop payment of at least $10,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They allegedly worked with individuals in the United States to leave a backpack with the cash inside a day-use locker at a recreational facility in Livermore, Calif., that same month. The DOJ says Lai and Chen also conspired to obtain a list of personnel from a U.S. Navy recruitment center in San Gabriel, Calif., and a Navy installation in Washington state to identify potential intelligence assets and transmit the information to the MSS in China. China's MSS also instructed Chen in how to "engage and recruit future sailors and methods for minimizing his risk of exposure," the DOJ alleges. Chen also is accused of traveling to China in April 2024 and March 2025 to meet with MSS intelligence officers and discuss specific tasks and compensation. Chen and Lai each could be imprisoned for up to 10 years and fined up to $250,000 if found guilty of the charges against them. NEED TO KNOW A man who received a donated kidney returned to the hospital 10 weeks after the surgery, complaining of gastrointestinal and body pains When he developed a purple rash across his stomach, doctors did several biopsies, and discovered "scattered roundworm larval forms with rounded heads and tapered tails," according to a case study in the New England Journal of Medicine A second man who received the donor's other kidney also developed a parasitic infection, the result of the donor having a case of the roundworm strongyloides Two men from the Northeast became infected with parasites after receiving contaminated kidneys from the same donor in an unusual medical case study. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Boston-area man, 61, with end-stage kidney disease underwent a kidney transplant from a donor, but ten weeks after the surgery, returned to the hospital with vomiting, excessive thirst, nausea, abdominal and back pain, and a fever, according to a report in the New England Journal of Medicine. Since he was on immunosuppressive medication following the transplant, his condition required looking into "many possible sources of infection, the report said. Getty Stock image of a kidney transplant. Stock image of a kidney transplant. The patient went into respiratory failure and was admitted to the ICU, where doctors discovered a strange purple rash spreading across his abdomen. Blood work showed the presence of eosinophils a type of white blood cell that fights parasitic infections. A biopsy of his lungs showed scattered roundworm larval forms with rounded heads and tapered tails, and the worms were present in the rash on his skin as well. In the report, infectious disease and organ transplant expert Dr. Camille Kotton explained that, although the donor was deceased, subsequent post-transplantation testing of the donors blood revealed seropositivity for strongyloides, which the U.S. Centers for Disease Control explains is a type of parasitic roundworm. These findings confirm a donor-derived infection. A second man from Albany, N.Y., aged 66, who received the donors other kidney also developed a parasitic infection, the report says, but when his doctors were notified about the other patient's condition, the second man was promptly diagnosed and treated. 2025 Massachusetts Medical Society Close-ups of the parasites inside the patient's body. Close-ups of the parasites inside the patient's body. Both were given with various anti-parasitic medications, including ivermectin and albendazole. Although the first patient initially became critically ill with shock and respiratory failure, his kidney function is now stable, the report says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thanks to prompt treatment, the second kidney recipient has been thriving. 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 Editor's note: This is a developing story and is being updated. Two people have been killed and 80 others injured after explosions rang out beside a highway near the city of Zhytomyr, local officials reported. The cause of the explosions was not immediately clear and is under investigation, Ukraine's National Police said. Zhytomyr City Council reported that the explosions occurred unspecified facility located close to the M-06 highway near Zhytomyr. Serhii Sokalskyi, head of the Hlubochytska community in Zhytomyr Oblast, claimed that the explosions may have rang out at an industrial warehouse near the town of Berezyna although those details have yet to be confirmed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vitaliy Bunechko, head of the Zhytomyr Oblast Military Administration, said that multiple homes and powerlines had been damaged in the explosions, while also confirming the closure of the highway as the investigation carries on. Videos of the explosions posted to social media show large clouds of smoke billowing out of the area of the explosions. No information was provided on the status of the injured victims. Emergency responders are currently on-scene. Located about 140 km west of Kyiv, Zhytomyr has become an occasional target of Russian missile and drone attacks. In recent months, Russia has intensified its attacks on Ukrainian cities, using upwards of 500 drones in attacks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite the increase in attacks, support from Ukraine's largest defense partner, the United States, has continued to wane. Politico reported on July 1, citing sources familiar with the matter, that the U.S. Defense Department (DOD) has halted shipments of some air defense missiles and other weapons previously promised to Kyiv out of concerns over the size of U.S. stockpiles. Read also: Ukraine war latest: As Russia ramps up missile attacks, US halts promised air defense shipments to Ukraine Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. IOWA (KCAU) Two school districts in Siouxland have been awarded grants by the Iowa Department of Education. The department announced they are distributing more than $2 million to Iowa school districts as a part of their Therapeutic Classroom Incentive Grant. The grants are meant for the 2025-2026 school year. Therapeutic classrooms across Iowa provide vibrant, safe and healthy learning environments that best support students individual cognitive and behavioral needs, said Iowa Department of Education Director McKenzie Snow. We commend this years awardees and their community partners for their leadership and commitment to modeling best practices in skill building, stress and trauma coping, mental health treatment, and crisis prevention and intervention. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Story continues below In 2020, lawmakers established the grant as a way to support mental health resources for children and their families. Eight schools were awarded funds during the most recent allocation. In our area, Cherokee Community School District and Spencer Community School District were listed as recipients. The funds will go toward things that support skill building, teaching coping mechanisms, and providing mental health treatments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. MEMPHIS, Tenn. Two Superlo employees are now behind bars after police say they got away with stealing almost $100,000 from the business this past year through customer voids. Kevin Hervey, 42, and Tamika Nowley, 43, are both charged with theft of property $60,000-$250,000. On March 25, Memphis Police say the regional director for Superlo on 6532 Winchester Road filed a theft report. The director told police he received a printout with a high number of voids on March 16. He says they were recorded to Kevin Herveys assigned computer number. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Once the forensic audit was complete, the director said Hervey had been using his assigned number to void cash customers payments and steal the cash since January 2024. Video footage showed the store manager, Tamika Nowley, using her assigned computer number to void food items that Hervey presented for store returns, according to the regional director. MPD: Employee steals over $200k from non-profit to pay bills Nowley was accused of voiding the items, giving Hervey the cash, and allowing him to leave with the items. The regional director says Nowley did not report the overages when she and Hervey worked together due to the voided transactions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police say Superlo suffered a loss of $98,647.75. Both Nowley and Hervey were identified in a six-person photo lineup as the Superlo employees whom he fired for theft. Tamika Nowley is held in jail on a $125,000 bond. Kevin Herveys bond has yet to be set. They are both due in court on Thursday morning. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. A project bringing traffic pattern changes to some Downtown Jacksonville roads is nearing completion. Beginning Wednesday morning, drivers can expect two-way travel on Adams Street and Forsyth Street, between Jefferson and Liberty streets. Map of traffic changes on Adams Street and Forsyth Street Workers began putting the finishing touches on Phase 1 of the project at 6 P.M. Tuesday, removing the burlap bags that have covered the new traffic lights. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] All lanes are expected to be open by 6 am Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then Phase 2 will get underway, involving sidewalk widening and tree planting along the roadway. The City of Jacksonville says the change will encourage economic growth and boost property values. Mayor Donna Deegan will be Downtown Wednesday morning to celebrate and discuss the completion of the project. Still, the sudden shift in traffic pattern has nearby workers and commuters worried. There is certainly going to be a learning period for people. I see a lot more accidents because people arent going to know whether to turn right or left on any given intersection, said Mike Yokan, an attorney who works nearby. I think the word that is going to sum it up is confusion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The project manager for the main contractor on the project says those concerns are valid. She encourages drivers to take extra caution during the transition. Drive slow, pay attention to the lights in some of our new areas, said Rachel Lewis. Pay attention to the signs, all of the pavement markings, and the biggest thing is just slow down and take your time. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] 2028 Olympic Sailing Venue Plan Finalized originally appeared on L.A. Mag. Courtesy LA28 On Monday, the Olympic and Paralympic Games 2028 (LA28) announced that their Sailing events will be held at both Long Beach and San Pedro. According to an LA28 press release, both locations were selected for their world-class racing conditions and exceptional visibility for spectators and judges alike. The layout is designed to enhance both live viewing and global media coverage. Sailing events will be staged consecutively to maximize audience engagement: board events, including windsurfing and kite, will kick off the competition at Belmont Shore, followed by boat racing at the Port of Los Angeles. The two venues, just 10 miles apart, provide a seamless experience for viewers and fans across Southern Californias iconic coastline. "Nearly a century after the Port of Los Angeles first welcomed Olympic sailors in 1932, we're bringing that spirit back home with ten sailing events across our Southern California coastline in 2028. This will be a moment of pride for every family and every neighborhood in our city, said Los Angeles City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson. The Port of LA will host six boat events: Mens and Womens Dinghy, Mens and Womens Skiff, Mixed Dinghy, and Mixed Multihull. Belmont Shore will host four board events. Originally, all sailing events were slated for Long Beach, marking a return since it was last hosted in the 1984 Olympics. However, Councilmember Tim McOsker, representing the Los Angeles Harbor Area, successfully advocated for San Pedros inclusion. Its important that these Games are a success, not just for our city, but for the world, McOsker stated. This story was originally reported by L.A. Mag on Jul 1, 2025, where it first appeared. AGHDAM, Azerbaijan, July 1. A Clean Energy Center will be officially launched during the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) summit, the Secretary General of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), Asad. M. Khan said, Trend reports. "First of all, it is worth mentioning that this is the third time Azerbaijan is hosting the ECO Summit. The country has previously hosted two summits, but the current one is of special significance as it is being held in Karabakh. Thanks to the initiative and leadership of the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, this year for the first time an entire ECO week is being held, within which not only the summit, but also a youth forum, a women's forum and a business forum with the participation of a wide range of stakeholders are organized. All these events are aimed at developing a common vision of the future of the Economic Cooperation Organization for the next ten years," Asad Majid Khan said. According to him, Azerbaijan has traditionally played an important and active role in the work of the ECO. "During this Summit, it is also planned to officially launch the ECO Clean Energy Center, the establishment of which has already been endorsed and ratified by several Member States. From this point of view, the Summit also takes on special significance. Finally - and most importantly - the Summit is taking place at a time of serious geopolitical transformations in the world. This makes the meeting particularly timely and creates a good opportunity for the leaders of the region to meet face-to-face, exchange views, and set further guidelines for ECO activities," he said. Its been nearly 25 years since five al-Qaeda militants hijacked American Airlines Flight 77 on Sept. 11, 2001. The plane was on its way from Dulles Airport outside of Washington, D.C., to Los Angeles, Calif., but only made it as far as eastern Kentucky before the terrorists took over the plane, redirected it, and slammed it into the Pentagon. The FBI added 27 images that the agency took on the ground in Northern Virginia that day to their photo vault. They show how dedicated first responders raced to rescue the wounded and remove the dead from the shell of the nations symbol of military power. (FBI photo) Debris from the plane and the building are highlighted. The attack killed 125 people in the Pentagon, as well as all aboard the flight: 53 passengers, six crew, and the five hijackers. The Boeing 757 actually took off from Dulles ten minutes early, at 8:20 am. (FBI photo) Some of the passengers were 5th and 6th-grade teachers as well as students on a National Geographic Society field trip, heading to the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary in Santa Barbara. One woman aboard had changed her flight at the last minute in order to get home in time for her husbands birthday. (FBI photo) Authorities estimate the flight was taken over between 8:51 and 8:54 in the morning, as the last communication with the real pilots was at 8:50. At 8:54, the flight deviated from its flight plan. (FBI photo) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The terrorists were led by a trained pilot, as the other four herded the passengers to the back of the plane to prevent them from re-taking the aircraft. (FBI photo) The hijacker pilot did not respond to any radio calls. According to the 9/11 Commission report, at 8:56, American 77 turned off its transponder and disappeared from Indianapolis radar. The controller searched for the aircraft and tried to establish radio contact. He then tried to make contact through the airline. At this point, the Indianapolis controller had no knowledge of the situation in New York. He believed American 77 had experienced serious electrical and/or mechanical failure and had possibly crashed. (FBI photo) With no transponder signal, the flight could only be found when it passed the path of ground-based radar. (FBI photo) According to the 9/11 Commission Report, at 9:25, the Command Center advised FAA headquarters that American 77 had been lost in Indianapolis Centers airspace and that Indianapolis Center was searching for the aircraft. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While FAA radar equipment tracked the flight from the moment its transponder was turned off, this information was not available to controllers at Indianapolis Center for technical reasons. The result was that Indianapolis Center never saw Flight 77 turn around and head back toward Washington. The plane traveled undetected for 36 minutes. (FBI photo) At this point, the FAAs Command Center and FAA headquarters knew the following: They knew two aircraft had crashed into the World Trade Center. They knew American 77 was lost. They knew that a hijacker on board American 11 had said, We have some planes. Concerns over the safety of other aircraft began to mount. (FBI photo) At 9:37:46 am, American Airlines Flight 77 crashed into the Pentagon. Military assistance had not been requested as the plane was literally not on their radar interceptor aircraft were just 150 miles away. You can listen to the actual radio traffic about the flight on NPR. (FBI photo) The attack killed 184 people at the Pentagon on 9/11. This number includes 59 passengers aboard American Airlines Flight 77 and 125 workers and civilians inside the Pentagon. Learn more about the Pentagons heroes at the Pentagon Memorial page. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement USA Today detailed the victims of Flight 77. (FBI photo) The Pentagon Memorial website also has a lot of resources for service members and civilians some of whom may not have been born or are too young to remember the attacks to learn more about the timeline of that day, to hear real 9/11 experiences, or to submit questions about it. (FBI photo) The Boeing 757 approached the west wall of the Pentagon from the southwest at approximately 780 ftls, Said the Pentagon Building Performance Report, a study conducted by the American Society of Civil Engineers, which contains a detailed description of the attack on the Pentagon on 9/11. As it approached the Pentagon site it was so low to the ground that it reportedly clipped an antenna on a vehicle on an adjacent road and severed light posts. (FBI photo) When it was approximately 320 ft from the west wall of the building (0.42 second before impact), it was flying nearly level, only a few feet above the ground, the Pentagon report continued. The aircraft flew over the grassy area next to the Pentagon until its right wing struck a piece of construction equipment that was approximately 100 to 110 ft from the face of the building (0.10 second before impact). (FBI photo) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When it was approximately 320 ft from the west wall of the building (0.42 second before impact), it was flying nearly level, only a few feet above the ground The aircraft flew over the grassy area next to the Pentagon until its right wing struck a piece of construction equipment that was approximately 100 to 110 ft from the face of the building (0.10 second before impact). (FBI photo) The morning of September 11, 2001 remains one of the most pivotal points in American historyand for the FBI, the bureau wrote about the Pentagon on 9/11 on its memorial website. The ensuing investigation was the largest in the history of the Bureau. The attacks led to far-reaching changes in the organization as it elevated terrorism to the gravest threat against the U.S. (FBI photo) Theres actually nothing new about these photos of the Pentagon on 9/11. The FBI originally released them in 2011, but a technical error on the website caused them to be lost in a glitch. Six years after they were first released, they were re-released. (FBI photo) (FBI photo) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement (FBI photo) pentagon on 9/11 (FBI photo) (FBI photo) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement (FBI photo) (FBI photo) (FBI photo) Dont Miss the Best of Mighty History 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. Charges in a health care fraud case include that Memphis residents billed for drugs that weren't available for purchase. (Getty Images) Photo shows a judge's gavel and a roll of $100 bills. Charges in a health care fraud case include that Memphis residents billed for drugs that weren't available for purchase. (Getty Images) Three West Tennessee residents accused of fraudulently billing the federal government $28.7 million for invalid prescription medication they never dispensed were part of a nationwide health care fraud crackdown announced Monday. The owners of a Memphis-based health clinic MedPartners and SarJo Pharmacy purported to treat injured United States Postal Service employees, billing the cost of medications to the Federal Employees Compensation Act (FECA), according to an indictment filed June 12. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the medication was never prescribed to patients, and the majority of the medications were not carried in stock by the pharmacy. About 500 of the 4,052 claims billed by SarJo Pharmacy between August 2018 and August 2021 were for drugs that were never actually manufactured or available to be purchased, the indictment states. Collierville residents Kossie Lamon Simmons, 59, and Katina Marzie Simmons, 48, face charges of health care fraud and conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud, alongside 47-year-old Memphis resident Tritia Margalizita Townsend, who served as SarJo Pharmacys pharmacist in charge. Between August 2018 and December 2021, FECA paid the pharmacy about $16.3 million. Kossie, Katina and Townsend personally profited from their participation in the scheme by receiving fraud proceeds for the personal use and benefit of themselves and others, the indictment states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The trio are among 324 defendants facing charges as part of the U.S. Department of Justices 2025 National Health Care Fraud Takedown, according to Interim U.S. Attorney Joseph C. Murphy, Jr. The operation targeted those with alleged involvement in health care fraud and illegal drug diversion schemes throughout the United States. Indictment details alleged scheme Kossie Simmons controlled and managed MedPartners, a health clinic founded in 2016 with locations in Memphis, Nashville, and Little Rock, Arkansas, according to the indictment filed in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Tennessee. Kossie Simmons also controlled and managed SarJo Pharmacy, which was founded in 2018 and had one location in Memphis. Katina Simmons managed and held 70% ownership interest in both companies. The indictment mentions an unnamed co-conspirator that held 30% ownership interest in both companies. Kossie Simmons, who previously pleaded guilty to health care fraud in 2007 and was barred from participating in any federal health care program for 25 years, exchanged text messages with the co-conspirator in August 2016. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Been patiently waiting for the planets to come back into alignment from my first go round, now can attack this opportunity with the most valuable weapon of all EXPERIENCE, Kossie Simmons wrote in one text message, according to the indictment. Katina Simmons enrolled MedPartners as a billing agent for the FECA program in August 2016, and enrolled the clinic as a physician office in the program in 2017, though Kossie Simmons was specifically barred from participating in a federal health care program. SarJo Pharmacy opened in 2018 with Townsend as the only employed pharmacist. Townsend worked one day each week for four hours filling prescriptions for lidocaine and diclofenac, an anti-inflammatory medicine used to treat pain, the indictment states. The Tennessee Board of Pharmacy began investigating the business in September 2020 and discovered the pharmacy was billing for prescription medications without valid prescription orders. Instead, two nurse practitioners who worked in MedPartners clinics would determine whether patients were eligible for compounded medications, or medicines created using drug ingredients tailored to the needs of an individual patient, according to the indictment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two other physicians who worked with MedPartners never authorized prescriptions for the medications billed, and the nurse practitioners did not have access to prescription pads, according to court documents. Investigators executed search warrants on the businesses in August 2021. The businesses submitted 227 more claims between the searches and the end of that year, bringing in another $1.1 million in payments. Kossie and Katina Simmons each face one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and health care fraud, which carries penalties of up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000, if convicted. They also face seven counts of health care fraud, which carry penalties of up to 10 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000, if convicted. Townsend faces one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and health care fraud and three counts of health care fraud. U.S. v. Kossie Lamon Simmons, et al SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX MCCOLL, S.C. (WBTW) Marlboro County authorities have charged three people in connection with a weekend shooting at a McColl apartment complex that left three people wounded. Brittany Hinson, Geronimo Jackson and Braeden Webster turned themselves in on Tuesday after arrest warrants were issued, according to the Marlboro County Sheriffs Office. They are charged with first-degree assault and battery, possession of a weapon during a violent crime, and aggravated breach of peace. Webster is also charged with third-degree assault and battery, the sheriffs office said. They were all taken to the Marlboro County Detention Center to await bond hearings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The shooting happened at about 3 a.m. Sunday at the Ashlyn Park Apartments on Arcadia Drive and stemmed from something that happened earlier in the night at a club in McColl, Chief Deputy Larry Turner told News13. The three victims were taken to Scotland Memorial Hospitals emergency room, where two were later transferred to hospitals in Florence and Charleston, where they were in stable condition. Deputies have not released any details about the shooting but said investigators have interviewed multiple people. As this investigation remains ongoing, law enforcement authorities will continue to proactively address gun violence, emphasizing the importance of valuing human life and recognizing the traumatic impact of such senseless acts, Turner said. The office strives to not only establish probable cause for arrest but also to build cases that result in convictions for the Fourth Circuit Solicitors if trials arise. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement * * * Dennis Bright is the Digital Executive Producer at News13. He joined the team in May 2021. Dennis is a West Virginia native and a graduate of Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia. Follow Dennis on Facebook, X, formerly Twitter, and read more of his work here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. [Related video above: Akron Mayor Shammas Malik talks gun violence, use of force in State of the City address] AKRON, Ohio (WJW) Three teens are in custody, charged in the murder of a 15-year-old boy who was shot and killed last month in Akron, police said Wednesday. Local teen accused of raping mother and daughter The suspects, 18-year-old Jaiden Trone and also a 14-year-old and a 15-year-old, were all found at different locations and arrested with the help of Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force, according to Akron police detectives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were extremely thankful for our ongoing partnership with the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force and their work in apprehending the individuals involved in this incident, Police Chief Brian Harding said in a statement. These arrests highlight the amazing work that our Major Crimes Unit detectives do every day. We are thankful to have made arrests on this case and are hopeful that this helps to bring some closure to the family. Police were called to the intersection of South Rhodes Avenue and Oberlin Court on Friday, June 13, at about 5:30 p.m. for reports of a shooting. Upon arrival, they found 15-year-old Javion Fort suffering from a gunshot wound. He was transported to a hospital where he was later pronounced dead. News How Akron is working to slow down speeding drivers The suspects are all charged with aggravated murder, according to police. Trone is being held at the Summit County jail and the others are at the Summit County juvenile detention center. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police did not release any other 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 Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. (Josh McGee/University of Arkansas) This story first appeared at The 74, a nonprofit news site covering education. Thousands of Arkansas educators will open their mailboxes this summer to find checks of $1,500 to $10,000 as a reward for high student performance and improved outcomes during the 2024-25 school year. Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders and the Arkansas Department of Education announced last week that 4,200 educators qualified for bonuses under the Learns Merit Teacher Incentive Fund Program, which launched in 2023 as part of a major education reform bill. Roughly 3,000 educators received checks during the programs first year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related: Bonuses Imminent for 3,000 Arkansas Educators Under New Program Its neat to see how surprised [teachers] are, because they think that everybodys working just as hard as they are, and that all the students are learning as much as their students, said Jacob Oliva, Arkansas secretary of education. Its a special moment to really celebrate some of the best of the best. This years $14 million in bonus pay from the state is meant to incentivize, recruit and retain high-performing educators while reducing staff shortages, according to the department. But the states largest teachers union says too many educators are left out of the running for the annual salary boost. To be eligible, educators have to meet a complex list of requirements, including having three years of experience and either spending 70% of their time in the classroom or working as a librarian or school counselor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Classroom teachers have to demonstrate growth in their students state test results and be ranked as effective or higher in the Arkansas Teacher Excellence and Support System, based on district evaluations of factors like quality of instruction, classroom environment and student engagement. Educators who dont have student state assessment data such as those specializing in subjects not tested, like fine arts have to be rated highly effective. Finally, qualifying teachers must rank in the top 25% of student growth scores, based on a three-year average of English language arts, math or science state tests; teach in a critical shortage area; or mentor college students to become teachers. Bonus amounts depend on which criteria educators meet. A teacher can receive $9,000 for ranking in the top 1% in student growth, while a counselor could receive $1,500 for working in a geographic shortage area. Bonuses can reach $10,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But April Reisma, president of the Arkansas Education Association, said many high-performing teachers are left out. Im a special education teacher. One time in my life Ive had a student that hit exceeding on that test, she said. Ive been a great teacher, and Ive consistently got [highly effective] on my test evaluations, but I may or may not get that bonus, depending on whether or not my kids had a great day. Its all based on a test at the end of the year for that growth. The results of one test are not an accurate indicator of how a student is performing. Related: Study: Teacher Pay Increase in Arkansas Closed Rural Funding Gaps The legislation that created the merit pay program also eliminated bonuses for national board certified teachers, a recognition that educators can receive after meeting rigorous standards. Reisma said certified teachers used to receive annual bonuses of $10,000, but those dwindled to $2,500 by the end of last year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawmakers and state officials have said the bonus programs many qualifications were intended to reward, retain and recruit educators who have a significant impact, such as producing outstanding student growth, teaching in short-staffed schools and mentoring future teachers. The program is designed to target those specific things, and from my perspective, has done a good job of providing significant additional compensation in those areas, and is likely to improve recruitment and retention across all three of those areas, said Josh McGee, a professor with the University of Arkansas Office for Education Policy. The university is partnering with the state to implement the program. The effectiveness of performance-based pay has varied over the years, with earlier programs lacking in impact and more recent attempts producing positive results. While Arkansas program is state-funded, the federal government has awarded merit pay grants to school districts for nearly two decades. Texas, South Carolina, Tennessee and Washington, D.C., have implemented performance pay programs over the years with mixed results. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Federal funding for teacher incentives was eliminated this spring with the Trump administrations efforts to scrap diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. The university will conduct research on the Arkansas programs effectiveness in the coming years. McGee said an initial analysis will most likely take place in the fall, but an overall study wont happen for a few years. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX LOUISVILLE, Ky. (FOX 56) Five Kentuckians have been charged in connection with alleged schemes to defraud Medicaid and steal controlled substances. In a July 1 announcement from the Department of Justice, attorneys allege that the following were found complicit in connection with the DOJs 2025 National Health Care Fraud Takedown. Ashley Barnett, 41, a veterinarian from Louisville Laura Webb, 37, a veterinarian from Springfield Kristina Coomer, 43, a pharmacy employee from Louisville Matthew Elkins, 40, a certified nurse anesthetist from Crestwood Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Barnett and Webb, who the DOJ reported are veterinarians, were accused of illegally using the DEA number of someone else. Barnett was also accused of prescribing controlled substances to dogs, some of which were said to be dead or made up so that the drugs could go to her and another alleged conspirator from Indiana. Read more of the latest Kentucky news Coomer, who the DOJ said works with oxycodone as a pharmacy employee, allegedly took the drugs from the pharmacy before they were made available for purchase. Elkins, a certified nurse anesthetist, was said to have tampered with a pre-filled capped syringe prescribed to a patient by swapping some of the ingredients with another liquid. The investigation also alleged that he stole three injectable vials with a detectable amount of fentanyl via misrepresentation, deception, and subterfuge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The charges announced are part of a strategically coordinated, nationwide law enforcement initiative that led to 324 defendants being charged, according to the release. The schemes involved over $14.6 billion being submitted in false billing reports, as well as nearly 15 million controlled substances being illegally diverted. Health care providers must be trusted to appropriately prescribe highly-addictive medications only to those in need. Doing otherwise only exacerbates the opioid epidemic that has ravaged our Commonwealth and destroyed families, said U.S. Attorney Bumgarner. As alleged in each of the charging documents, these defendants breached that trust and illegally diverted controlled substances. While these defendants are professionally obligated to help communities, the charging documents allege that they have unfortunately done the opposite. They will be held to account. I feel the freedom: KY daughter gets justice after father was arrested in 1999 child sexual abuse case The DOJ claimed that the four were part of the nationwide efforts to line their pockets while stealing from programs entrusted to care for the elderly and disabled. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This record-setting Health Care Fraud Takedown delivers justice to criminal actors who prey upon our most vulnerable citizens and steal from hardworking American taxpayers, said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. Make no mistake this administration will not tolerate criminals who line their pockets with taxpayer dollars while endangering the health and safety of our communities. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: As part of the national takedown, the DOJ announced that the U.S. seized over $254 million in cash, luxury vehicles, and other assets. For a full breakdown of each of the four Kentuckians alleged roles in the national takedown, click here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News. 4 ways the US military is embracing commercial technology Many devices used daily by the civilian population have surprising origins in the military. GPS, which has become essential to many aspects of transportation, is a product of the space race of the 1950s and '60s. Drones, which now prowl the skies surveying and filming, have roots in the first pilotless vehicles in World War I. War and conflict have often driven innovation, leading to a symbiotic relationship between the military and commercial sectors. The Department of Defense (DOD) 2025 defense budget request set aside $143.2 billion for Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation, with $17.2 billion, or 12%, dedicated to science and technology. This comes after Tech Inquiry reported the DOD paid $28 billion to Microsoft, Amazon, and Alphabet from 2018-22. Venture capital firms spent almost $100 billion on defense technology from 2021-23, according to data from PitchBook. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The defense sector has leaned on Silicon Valley so much that the 2024 SXSW festival featured a panel on defense tech. Uniqode analyzed resources from the Department of Defense and news reports to compile this list of four ways the military incorporates commercial technologies into warfare and national security efforts. Artificial intelligence While artificial intelligence (AI) has only recently exploded in the mainstream, the DOD has been working with it for decades. It is now partnering with tech companies to integrate AI into the nation's defense infrastructure, using Al in data-driven military applications such as reconnaissance and intelligence and improving cybersecurity and computation. On the ground, AI helps acquire and identify targets and even automate vehicles and weapons. While these advancements can reduce margins of error for complex tasks and increase the safety of troops, AI is still far from perfect. There are serious ethical concerns regarding its use for military purposes. The Arms Control Association cautions that increased reliance on AI could lead to rapid conflict escalation and instability concerning nuclear weapons. Other concernsincluding facial recognition technology failures that have resulted in wrongful arrestssuggest it could cost lives and cause catastrophic collateral damage. The DOD has sought to minimize such risks by developing a framework for implementing and using AI. However, this emerging technology still requires tempering from the military and private sectors to ensure safe use. QR Codes Japanese company Denso Wave developed quick response (QR) Codes in 1994 as an alternative to barcodes. Since then, the black and white squares have appeared on everything, such as inventory, advertisements, and documents needing authentication. QR Codes provide an advantage over barcodes in that they are still functional if dirty or damaged. They also have a greater capacity to store information. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Such technology translates well to a military environment. Consequently, QR Codes are replacing fuel keys at U.S. military bases worldwide, with plans for the system to be operational at more than 600 fuel stations by 2025. This application of QR Codes will offer increased security and timely resource tracking. The Marine Corps has implemented technology to improve the efficiency of maintenance in barracks. That system, dubbed QSRMax, provides a digital means for submitting maintenance requests, improving communication and accountability, helping resolve issues more efficiently, and reducing administrative tasks for stretched-thin personnel. Cloud computing Many data-intensive fields are moving from hardwired storage to more widely accessible cloud-based computing. At the end of 2022, the DOD awarded contracts worth up to $9 billion to Google, Amazon Web Services, Microsoft, and Oracle for developing the Joint Warfighter Cloud Capability program. The program aims to provide commercial cloud capabilities to the DOD directly from the providers. It was to be employed in addition to other cloud-based services already in use, greatly expanding their capabilities. The result is readily accessible information for operations and administration across varying classification levels. The move to cloud-based computing cuts down on the equipment warfighters need in the field to access information and operational plans to maintain a tactical edge. Moving to the cloud also reduces the equipment and maintenance that physical data storage requires. 3D printing The commercial manufacturing industry has used 3D printing for decades, revolutionizing the production process from prototyping to fully finished components. In the military, 3D printing equipment has helped soldiers and others maintain and repair equipment in various stages of service life, hard-to-find gear, and discontinued parts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vehicles, aircraft, and weapons still in service but needing new components can remain operational with these 3D-printed parts. The technology has advanced from simply providing plastic parts to a joint venture among Rock Island Arsenal, Ingersoll Machine Tools, and other entities, which can make fully printed metal vehicle hulls without welded joints or heat treatments. Over the next 15 years, the Army alone will invest $4.5 billion to improve its industrial capabilities, and 3D printing will account for a significant portion of that investment. The bottom line The DOD is reshaping military strategy by adopting commercial technologies. AI, cloud computing, QR Codes, and 3D printing show how civilian and military innovation now overlap. This trend continues to grow, with billions in defense tech investment. Yet the military must balance operational gains against ethical and security risks. Success requires strong oversight while maintaining partnerships that keep America's defense edge Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Story editing by Mike Taylor. Additional editing by Kelly Glass. Copy editing by Kristen Wegrzyn. Photo selection by Lacy Kerrick. This story was produced by Uniqode and was produced and distributed in partnership with Stacker. AURORA, Colo. (KDVR) Hazel Barney is an army veteran who was stationed at Fort Carson from 2015 to 2019, and she now lives with posttraumatic stress disorder. She says fireworks on Independence Day can be stressful. 4th of July in Denver: DJ sets and one of the largest hot-dog eating contests in the West For me, fireworks remind me of live fire, and it can be very distressing when its sudden, Barney said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She explained how she reacted to the sounds of fireworks in the past. I would curl up in a ball in bed just hearing that boom, boom, boom over and over, she said. Barney received treatment for PTSD and now works as a peer support specialist for the Department of Veterans Affairs. Since my departure from the military, Ive learned to cope, to live alongside it, to show up to holidays now, but Im still not a fan, she said. Dr. Mandy Rabenhorst Bell is the VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System PTSD program manager. She says the loud sounds and bright lights of fireworks can be triggering, especially if they are not expected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Colorado July 4th fireworks 2025 schedule It can either activate some unwanted memories, some intrusive thoughts of experiences that theyve had. It can also lead to an increase in anxiety, Rabenhorst Bell said. She suggests that veterans living with PTSD plan ahead for the holiday. Sometimes that can include having headphones ready, or AirPods, or something to be able to distract yourself, so to have a planned activity if fireworks arent your thing, what else can you be doing during that time. Also, to be moderate in your use of substances or alcohol, she advised. Rabenhorst Bell wants impacted veterans to communicate with their loved ones and their neighbors about how to be considerate this time of year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Barney says she knows the community will celebrate, but she hopes they will be mindful of others. What offseason moves have the Denver Nuggets made? She also has a message for others living with PTSD. It gets better, Barney said. If in need of support over the holiday, veterans can call the 988 crisis line and press #1. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. NEED TO KNOW The 5-year-old girl who fell overboard on a Disney Cruise ship was not placed on a balcony railing by her dad, authorities tell PEOPLE The Broward County Sheriff's Office is investigating the circumstances leading up to the fall Both the father and daughter were rescued and safely returned to the ship on June 29 The father who saved his 5-year-old daughter after she fell overboard on a Disney Cruise did not place his child on the railing, as online rumors previously speculated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Sunday, June 29, the Disney Dream cruise ship was returning to Fort Lauderdale, Fla. from a four-night cruise in the Bahamas when the little girl fell overboard from the ships fourth deck. Her father jumped in after her and both were subsequently pulled from the water and returned to the boat by a Disney rescue team. The Broward Sheriff's Office confirmed to PEOPLE on Wednesday morning that the little girl was not being held by her father on the railing at the time of the fall. They acknowledged to CBS News that the information was "erroneously reported on some social media sites." On Wednesday evening, PIO Veda Coleman-Wright shared additional details from the ongoing investigation, including that the girl "lost her balance while sitting on a railing and [fell] backward through a porthole." She added, "After the girls mother alerted her husband, who didnt see the incident, he jumped into the ocean to save his daughter." Finnbarr Webster/Getty Disney Dream cruise ship Disney Dream cruise ship The father, 37, who has not been named, was transported to an area hospital after the ship docked in Port Everglades, Fla. Monday morning and treated for an unspecified injury. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Sheriffs Office applauded the rescue efforts. In a statement to PEOPLE on Tuesday night, a representative wrote, The Disney crew was well prepared. Clearly, their training and readiness paid off because they executed a successful ocean rescue. While there doesnt appear to be anything suspicious, Broward Sheriffs Office detectives are investigating the circumstances that led up to the child falling overboard, the statement continued. life of chandler/tiktok A rescue boat a crew bring the father and daughter who fell overboard back to the cruise ship. A rescue boat a crew bring the father and daughter who fell overboard back to the cruise ship. A passenger onboard the ship named Chandler, who asked to be identified only by her first name, recalled the events for PEOPLE. There was some kind of commotion, the passenger said. Then this awful scream from what I assume is the mother and then this massive splash. Chandler noted the events occurred while traveling between Nassau and Grand Bahama Island: It sounded like hitting pavement, nothing like if you jump into a pool, it was so loud. She and her family went to the balcony to get a better look and 15 seconds later, what appeared to be a life vest was dropped into the water. Over the loudspeaker the family heard someone call MOB [Man overboard] port side, and three more flotation devices were thrown in. Within minutes, a crew of four dropped off the ship and into a rescue boat. Chandlers TikTok footage shows rescue workers reaching the father and daughter, pulling them out of the water and safely bringing them back to the ship. Paul Hennessy/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty The 'Disney Dream' cruise ship docked in Port Canaveral, Florida. The 'Disney Dream' cruise ship docked in Port Canaveral, Florida. Chandler claimed that the incident began at 11:15 a.m. and the duo was pulled up at 11:47 a.m. local time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I didnt think theyd find them, she candidly told PEOPLE. I had to tell my own 9-year-old daughter Harper they were probably gone [because] they usually cant find people who fall. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. "The crew aboard the Disney Dream swiftly rescued two guests from the water," Disney Cruise Line said in a statement to PEOPLE. "We commend our crew members for their exceptional skills and prompt actions, which ensured the safe return of both guests to the ship within minutes. They added: We are committed to the safety and well-being of our guests, and this incident highlights the effectiveness of our safety protocols. Read the original article on People State officials and teacher union leaders are reeling after President Donald Trumps decision Tuesday to freeze over $6 billion in federal K-12 education funding for the upcoming school year a move critics say will further kneecap schools after mass cuts and layoffs at the Department of Education earlier this year raised widespread fears about the future of public education in the United States. The Trump administration told school officials that it is withholding funding typically released July 1 for services such as reading and math support, summer and after-school programs and assistance for migrant students and English learners. The nations two largest states, California and Texas, stand to lose the most funding due to the freeze, but no state will go unaffected if the funds arent released imminently. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The National Education Association (NEA), the nations largest labor union, said that schools could be forced to slash the salaries of educators or begin layoffs, both moves that could cause classroom sizes to balloon and destabilize this woman-dominated profession. NEA President Becky Pringle called the freeze outrageous and unconscionable. Withholding billions in promised federal education funding that students need and states had planned to use to support children in their states is a cruel betrayal of students, especially those who rely on critical support services, Pringle said in a statement. Schools are already grappling with severe teacher shortages, burnout, and under-resourced classrooms, and here comes the federal government ripping resources away from public schools. Pringle said that withholding federal funding is part of the Trump administrations pattern of hobbling public education by starving it of key resources in an effort to champion private and religious schools that arent obligated to admit the most vulnerable students, particularly those with learning disabilities or special needs or who belong to marginalized groups based on their race, religion or gender identity. Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), said in a statement that Trump has attacked public education since the day he took office, describing his funding freeze as an illegal and ideologically-driven ploy to defund education. The programs affected, she pointed out, are congressionally approved. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration has delayed disbursements of billions in desperately needed federal funds for student services and instruction, as the Education Department weighs whether the money will be spent according to Trumps priorities, Weingarten said. This is another illegal usurpation of the authority of the Congress. Plus, it directly harms the children in our nation. Instead of planning for the upcoming school year, K-12 public school leaders across the country are left uncertain about what services they can provide or even who they can hire, Weingarten said. Tony Thurmond, Californias superintendent of public instruction, estimated that the Trump administration is denying roughly $1 billion to the Golden State. He said in a statement that the administration did not legally justify why theyre withholding the funds. The administration is punishing children for the sole reason that states refuse to cater to Trumps political ideology, Thurmond said. The administration is withholding funds that employ vital school staff who provide critical resources and supports for learning for all students. Every child will feel the impact of this disruption delivered shortly before the start of the school year, when our students, educators, and families should be anticipating the year ahead and making plans to support our childrens learning and growth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He noted that California has previously taken legal action against the Trump administration and is prepared to do the same now to ensure that it can serve public school students in the state. Using an analysis from the Learning Policy Institute, the Texas AFT estimates that the Lone Star State will lose $660.8 million unless the federal funds are released soon. As Texas endures a severe teacher shortage, the program that will be most affected supports effective instruction, or professional development and recruitment/retention efforts for educators in the state. It wasnt enough for DOGE [the federal Department of Government Efficiency] to cut the Department of Education staff and programming that protect the rights of our most vulnerable students, said Zeph Capo, president of Texas AFT, in a statement. It wasnt enough for Texas special education classrooms to lose over half a million in needed federal funds. And it apparently wasnt enough for Gov. Greg Abbott to veto a program that feeds the poorest kids in our state over summer break. No, Trump had to take hundreds of millions more from Texas schools already struggling amid rising costs and chronic underfunding. Capo was especially outraged that the freeze takes aim at programs in the state to boost student achievement, given Texas leaders emphasis on academic performance when they threaten government takeovers of school districts, which the Houston Independent School District has experienced. He asked why Texas lawmakers arent speaking up about Trumps impoundment of the funding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If they wont say a word to challenge Trumps cuts, its an admission that they share his goal of undermining and ultimately privatizing public education in this country, Capo said. Texas students deserve classrooms that are fully funded and talented teachers who are paid what theyre worth. Texas voters deserve leaders who will fight tooth and nail for our schools. National education leaders noted that the funding freeze coincides with the Senates recent passage of Trumps so-called One Big Beautiful Bill, which they argue will also hurt children in this country. The bill has moved to the House for a vote. Weingarten characterized the legislation as the big, ugly betrayal of a bill. The bill, she said will kick millions off healthcare and snatch food away from children, all while handing massive tax cuts to Trumps billionaire friends. Feeling overwhelmed by the news? The 19th is considering new ways to keep you informed. But we need your input. Fill out this quick survey to share your thoughts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The post $6 billion school funding freeze sparks outcry over cruel betrayal of students appeared first on The 19th. News that represents you, in your inbox every weekday. Subscribe to our free, daily newsletter. Photo: Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Kazakhstan BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, July 2. Three new power substations have been constructed and commissioned in Kyrgyzstans Naryn region to provide the electricity needed for the construction of the ChinaKyrgyzstanUzbekistan railway, Trend reports via the countrys Ministry of Energy. The newly operational facilities include: Korgon-Tash substation (10 MVA, 110/35 kV), located in the At-Bashy district, has been connected to the 110 kV AlaTooTorugart overhead line of the Naryn Electricity Networks Enterprise. Kosh-Dobo substation (20 MVA, 110/35 kV), built in the village of Kosh-Dobo in the Ak-Talaa district, is now powered by the 110 kV UgUt Ala-Buga overhead line of the same utility. Chet-Bulak substation (16 MVA, 110/35 kV), located in the village of Chet-Bulak in the Toguz-Toro district, is supplied by the 110 kV Jetigen Ala-Buga line, also operated by the Naryn Electricity Networks Enterprise. The Naryn power company has provided the necessary energy infrastructure to meet the needs of the railway construction project. Minister of Energy Taalaibek Ibraev attended the commissioning ceremony and also reviewed the ongoing construction of new administrative buildings for three district-level power grid branches under the Naryn Electricity Networks Enterprise Six people accused of witchcraft were killed, burned alive, stoned or beaten by a militia in Burundi, a local official told AFP on Wednesday. The official and witnesses, who all asked for anonymity, said the incident happened on Monday after accusations made by members of the ruling party's powerful youth movement, known as the Imbonerakure. The group is described as a militia by the United Nations and rights organizations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "A group of young Imbonerakure entered the homes of about 10 people accused of witchcraft. They then attacked them," according to the official from Gasarara Hill, six miles east of Burundi's economic capital, Bujumbura. "Six people were killed, two of them burned alive. The others were beaten to death with clubs or stoned with large stones thrown at their heads," the official said. "It was horrific, unspeakable barbarity." The official said three further people were also beaten but were ultimately rescued after police intervened. Several unverified videos have circulated on social media since Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some of the clips were authenticated to AFP by two witnesses, who also identified the group as the Imbonerakure. Several rights groups, including Human Rights Watch, have accused the Imbonerakure of killing and torturing dozens of people, particularly under the authoritarian rule of former president Pierre Nkurunziza, in power from 2005 until 2020. "Imbonerakure members, some of whom are armed, have arrested, ill-treated, and killed suspected opponents, sometimes in collaboration with or with the support of local administrative officials, police, or intelligence agents," according to Human Rights Watch. Bujumbura provincial governor Desire Nsengiyumva said on Tuesday that 12 people had been arrested over the incident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He denounced the "unacceptable mob justice," saying locals had wrongly attributed recent unexplained deaths to the victims. The tiny nation is predominantly Christian, and traditional beliefs are deeply rooted with unexplained deaths often blamed on witchcraft. Only last year, the Supreme Court sentenced a former prime minister to life imprisonment for charges "including using witchcraft to threaten the president's life, destabilizing the economy and illegal enrichment." Belief in witchcraft remains common in many rural communities along the west African coast, and elsewhere in the continent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this year, Amnesty International said hundreds of people suspected of witchcraft in Ghana face rampant human rights abuses including murder. In February, two men in Zambia were charged with practicing witchcraft and possessing charms intended to harm the country's president. Belief in witchcraft is also common in some rural communities in Angola despite strong opposition from the church in the predominantly Catholic former Portuguese colony. Last year, police said about 50 people died in Angola after being forced to drink an herbal potion to prove they were not sorcerers. During a 2009 trip to Angola, Pope Benedict urged Catholics to shun witchcraft and sorcery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump says Israel has agreed to Gaza ceasefire conditions, here's what we know Unclear if House has the votes to pass Trump budget bill after Senate changes Sean "Diddy" Combs asks for release after acquittal on sex trafficking and racketeering charges Paramount Global has agreed to a $16 million settlement with President Donald Trump to end his lawsuit over a 60 Minutes interview. Paramount said in a statement that the initial payout will be used for either Trumps future Presidential library or a charity, along with legal fees, adding that the settlement does not include a statement of apology or regret. An additional settlement, expected to be in the mid-eight figures, could be used to help fund advertisements and other public communications that support right-wing causes, as reported by Fox News. In total, the settlement could exceed $30 million. No amount will be paid directly or indirectly to President Trump, wrote Paramount in a statement, according to The LA Times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The settlement will include a release of all claims regarding any CBS reporting through the date of the settlement, including the Texas action and the threatened defamation action. Under the deal, future 60 Minutes interviews with U.S. Presidential candidates will have transcripts released post-broadcast, which will also be subject to redactions as required for legal or national security concerns. As previously reported by The Dallas Express, Trump had accused CBS, owned by Paramount, of deceptively editing two versions of a Kamala Harris interview in October, alleging that it scandalously edited the interview for her benefit. Trump also called for action to be taken by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), writing that 60 Minutes took part in illegal behavior and should face fines and penalties as a result. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson for the President wrote after the settlement that Trump delivers another win for the American people as he, once again, holds the Fake News media accountable for their wrongdoing and deceit. CBS and Paramount Global realized the strength of this historic case and had no choice but to settle. President Trump will always ensure that no one gets away with lying to the American People as he continues on his singular mission to Make America Great Again, according to a statement sent to Fox News. The settlement comes as Paramount is in the midst of a merger with Skydance Media, an $8 billion deal announced in July 2024. Although the deal is widely expected to be completed by the October deadline, approval from FCC Chairman Brendan Carr is still required for completion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Paramount has clarified that the settlement is completely separate from, and unrelated to, the Skydance transaction and the FCC approval process, according to CNN. While Paramount has stated that the two are unrelated, this settlement should now clear the way for the merger to take place without fear of retaliation from the FCC. Namibia is a southwestern African nation roughly twice the size of California, known for having the worlds oldest desert. The Namib Desert is the scene for many of Namibias must-do adventures, from hiking up Sossusvleis distinctive red and orange dunes at sunrise to spending days exploring the Tok Tokkie Trails on foot. Despite the harsh desert conditions, Namibia offers abundant wildlife viewing opportunities. Watch elephants, giraffes, zebras, lions, wildebeests, oryx, and other animals congregate at watering holes in Etosha National Park. In other locations, spot desert elephants along dry and ephemeral riverbeds, track rhinos on foot, and learn about conservation work to protect leopards, pangolins, and other species. Travelers should not miss out on these eight experiences when visiting Namibia. (Why you should go to Namibia now.) 1. Hike the Tok Tokkie Trails and sleep under the stars Spend three days hiking and two nights camping under the stars in dune beds along the Tok Tokkie Trails in the NamibRand Nature Reserve. Look up at the Magellanic Clouds, Southern Cross, and Milky Way, including its satellite galaxies, while enjoying some of the planets darkest and least light-polluted skies in Africas first International Dark Sky Reserve. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Exploring the desert on foot allows visitors to observe wildlife such as oryx, zebras, and giraffes, as well as to appreciate the wind-carved ripples in the dunes and the tiny tracks left by Tok-Tokkie beetles, geckos, moles, jackals, and other animals. While on car-based safaris, Wilderness Travel guide Peter Nuugonya says its challenging to see all the fine details of the natural environment, such as mysterious fairy circles or tiny insect tracks left in the sand. However, getting out on foot opens up a new world of exploration. If you think of the Namib Desert itself, where the Tok Tokkie Trails are located, the Namib Desert is very rich when it comes to the small creatures, he says. The area is also breathtakingly quiet, and NamibRand Nature Reserve was designated Africas first Wilderness Quiet Park by Quiet Parks International in 2024.You can hear your heartbeat at times, says Nuugonya. 2. Track desert elephants Namibia is home to a group of fascinating desert elephants that reside in the Kunene Region, and the best way to see them is to join a guide for a desert tracking experience. Explore dry and ephemeral riverbeds looking for signs of elephants, including enormous footprints and fresh piles of dung. If youre lucky and find an elephantor a group of themyou can watch them munch on trees and even interact in family groups. (Desert hikes and camping under the stars on a budget safari in Namibia) 3. Hike the Sossusvlei dunes at sunrise Watch the sun rise while hiking some of the worlds most impressive dunes at Sossusvlei. As the sun climbs in the sky, the dunes transform with brilliant shades of red, orange, and ochre, and early morning is the perfect time for hikers to ascend before the day gets too warm. Wind creates an ever-changing array of ripples and shapes in the dunes, which get their distinctive color from iron oxide. After topping a dune, you can head back down and spend some time exploring Deadvlei to see the gnarled camel thorn trees set against the white clay pan and red dunes. 4. See ancient rock art at a UNESCO World Heritage site Travelers should add a visit to the Twyfelfontein rock engraving site in Namibias Kunene Region to explore the countrys Indigenous people and their culture. Photograph by Frans Lanting, National Geographic Image Collection Gaze at ancient rock art that dates back to the Late Stone Age at Twyfelfontein, a designated UNESCO World Heritage site. The site is home to an extensive collection of rock art, including engravings and paintings, believed to have been created by the Indigenous San people. See art depicting rhinos, elephants, ostriches, giraffes, zebras, and other wildlife, along with a few images of humans, and an impressive collection of human and animal footprints. Short hiking trails and viewing platforms provide good vantage points for a fascinating peek into this open-air gallery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement (Eight ultimate adventures for every ability in Namibia) 5. Track leopards and pangolins at Okonjima Nature Reserve Visit Okonjima Nature Reserve for a chance to track leopards and pangolins and learn about conservation and research projects on-site. The 55,000-acre reserve is a research area for leopards, brown hyenas, pangolins, and other species. Sign up for a leopard tracking excursion to accompany a guide in a vehicle and use telemetry to track leopards. The technology makes spotting them easier. Guides also record data about the animals and their behavior. You can opt for pangolin tracking in the late afternoon or evening, among other options. Several lodging options are available on-site, including Okonjima Luxury Bush Camp and Okonjima Plains Camp. This reserve is also home to the AfriCat Foundation. Since 1991, the foundation has worked to help farmers and wildcats coexist, and today, researchers and veterinarians collaborate to save the cats. 6. Witness world-class wildlife viewing at Etosha National Park The 1,800-square-mile Etosha Pan is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including elephants. Photograph by Chris Schmid, National Geographic Image Collection A lioness and her two cubs rest in the shade at Etosha National Park. Photograph by Chris Schmid, National Geographic Image Collection A young Leopard hides in the tall grass at Etosha National Park. Photograph by Chris Schmid, National Geographic Image Collection The Etosha Pan is so large that it can be seen from space. This 1,800-square-mile salt pan is home to numerous watering holes where wildlife gather in Etosha National Park. Take a tour or drive yourself to this northern Namibia park, but be aware that you will need to remain in your car for your safety, except at designated fenced rest areas. Watch from your vehicle as animals congregate around watering holes, taking the time to enjoy the elephants, giraffes, wildebeests, oryx, zebra, oryx, lions, cheetahs, and more. 7. Take a game drive in Ongava Private Reserve Go for a game drive in the 74,000-acre Ongava Private Reserve to see rhinos, leopards, lions, elephants, jackals, impalas, zebras, and a variety of other wildlife. The reserve is situated near Etosha National Park, and offers sundown game drives, waterholes near accommodations, and is also home to the Ongava Research Centre. 8. Track rhinos on foot with dedicated rangers In Namibia, a group of dedicated rangers from the Save the Rhino Trust works to protect rhinos from poachers in the Kunene Region, and it is sometimes possible to join them on foot to see a rhino. If rangers spot a rhino, guides bring guestsclad in neutral clothing without any shiny objectsto see them, walking low to the ground and stepping as quietly as possible for a peek at the animals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement (Learning to protect Namibia's endangered rhinos on a new conservation bootcamp) This trip was created with the support of Wilderness Travel. GO WITH NAT GEO: Travel with National Geographic Journeys and seek out endangered black rhinos through Etosha National Park in Namibia." For more info, check out our Journeys: Wonders of Namibia. Kristen Pope is a freelance writer based near Jackson Hole, Wyoming, who covers adventure travel, outdoor recreation, astrotourism, wildlife, conservation, and science. MARION COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW) An eighth murder arrest has been made in connection with a failed Marion County drug deal that killed two people and injured two more in late May, the sheriffs office said Wednesday. James Earl Gregg III, 18, of Galivants Ferry, was arrested Tuesday and charged with two counts of murder, eight counts of attempted murder, attempted armed robbery, discharging a firearm into a vehicle, possession of a weapon during a violent crime, and two counts of criminal conspiracy. From left: Katie Adams, Robert Hill and Delshawn Davis Jr. Wyatt Ashley Marion County Detention Center Jordan Beaty Marion County Detention Center TayShawn Bethea Marion County Detention Center Nathin Lancour Marion County Detention Center Wyatt Thomas Ashley, 18, of Myrtle Beach; Jordan Isaac Beaty, 20, of Conway; TayShawn Dajour Bethea, 22, of Marion; and Nathin Lee Lancour, 21, of Loris, were the first four arrested in connection with the killings at 1708 Tubello Court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those four were each charged with two counts of murder, eight counts of attempted murder, attempted armed robbery, two counts of criminal conspiracy, possession of a weapon during a violent crime, discharging a firearm into a dwelling, and possession of a firearm or ammunition by a person convicted of a violent felony. Vehicle hit by gunfire near scene of Marion County double-homicide; deputies say its unclear if shootings are connected About three weeks later, Katie Marie Adams, 18, of Conway, Delshawn Anthony Davis Jr., 20, of Marion and Robert Hill, 22 of Marion were all charged with two counts of murder, eight counts of attempted murder, two counts of criminal conspiracy, possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime, discharging a firearm into a vehicle and attempted armed robbery. Deputies responded at 7:21 p.m. on May 29 to a shots-fired call on Tubello Court. Two people were killed and two others were hurt in what investigators later said was a narcotics deal gone bad. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities said the investigation continues and that more arrests are possible. Count on News13 for updates. * * * Caleb is a digital producer at News13. Caleb joined the team in January 2023 after graduating from Liberty University. He is from Northern Virginia. Follow Caleb on X, formerly Twitter, and read more of his work here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW. OMAHA, Neb. (KCAU) AAA has announced that they will be providing their Tow to Go service during the Fourth of July. According to a release from AAA, the service will be provided to drivers in Iowa and Nebraska, along with many other states. Story continues below Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you call AAA for their Tow to Go service, they dispatch a tow truck to take your vehicle to a safe location within 10 miles of where you need to be picked up. By offering Tow to Go, AAA helps ensure theres no excuse for impaired driving, AAA spokesperson Brian Ortner said. Plan ahead, but if your plans change, were here as a last resort to help you get home safely. Tow to Go will be available starting on July 4 at 6 p.m. and remain available until July 7 at 6 a.m. If you find yourself in a position where you need to use the Tow to Go service, you can contact AAA at 855-2-TOW-2-GO or 855-286-9246. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) An Abilene property owner was fined $27,200 for dragging his feet on a plan to rehabilitate the building. Board of Building Standards members voted this week to fine this property owner $100 a day for every day they were out of compliance, beginning on October 2 of last year, which was the day this property owner failed to submit a completed rehabilitation plan as agreed. This means the property owner was out of compliance for 272 days. The property is a multi-story building located at the corner of N Willis Street and N 6th Street. Neighboring businesses have been complaining ab out debris falling from the building for some time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This building has also been for sale since July 23. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTAB - BigCountryHomepage.com. British colonists committed genocide against Australia's Indigenous population in Victoria, a landmark Aboriginal-led inquiry has found. The Yoorrook Justice Commission found violence and disease reduced the local Indigenous population by three quarters in the 20 years after the state was colonised, in the early 1830s. Its report included 100 recommendations to "redress" harm caused by "invasion and occupation" - though several of the authors disagreed with unspecified "key findings". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Commission was set up in 2021 as Australia's first formal "truth-telling" inquiry, and tasked with examining past and ongoing "systemic injustices" suffered by the Indigenous people in the state. It is part of a wider national push for Australia to engage in a reconciliation process with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, which community leaders say should include inquiries into the nation's history, treaty-making, and granting First Nations people greater political say. Held over four years, The Yoorrook Justice Commission gave Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people the opportunity to formally share their stories and experiences. The commission's brief covered a wide gamut of issues including land and water rights, cultural violations, killing and genocide, health, education and housing. The inquiry found Victoria's Indigenous population dropped dramatically after colonisation [EPA] The report found that from 1834, "mass killings, disease, sexual violence, exclusion, linguicide, cultural erasure, environmental degradation, child removal" as well as assimilation contributed to the "near-complete physical destruction" of Victoria's Indigenous community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The population dropped from 60,000 to 15,000 by 1851. "This was genocide," the report said. The report, which drew from more than two months of public hearings and over 1,300 submissions, called for "redress" to acknowledge a range of human rights violations, which could include reparations. Among its other recommendations were a significant overhaul of the education system to include greater input from Indigenous people, and a government apology for Aboriginal soldiers who served during the world wars and were excluded from a scheme gifting diggers land when they returned from the battlefields. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the state's health system, the report found that racism was "endemic" and called for more funding for Indigenous health services and policies to get more Aboriginal staff in the system. Three of the five commissioners - Sue-Anne Hunter, Maggie Walter and Anthony North - "did not approve of the inclusion of the key findings in the final report", however no further detail was provided. In response to the report, Victoria's Labor government said it would "carefully consider" the findings, with Premier Jacinta Allan saying they "shine a light on hard truths". Jill Gallagher, head of Victoria's peak body for Aboriginal health and wellbeing, said the genocide finding was "indisputable". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We don't blame anyone alive today for these atrocities," she told the ABC, "but it is the responsibility of those of us alive today to accept that truth - and all Victorians today must accept, recognise and reconcile with these factual findings." The commission's report is the first of its kind in Australia, though similar inquiries are happening in other states and territories with varying degrees of progress, depending on which party is in government. For example, in Queensland, a truth-telling inquiry was cancelled after the Labor government was replaced by a new Liberal-National government. In recent years, the national dialogue on how to recognise the traditional owners of Australia at all levels of governments has prompted heated debate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Australians voted against a historic referendum in October 2023, rejecting a change to the constitution that would have created an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice, a national body for Indigenous people to give advice on laws. Jul. 1Key points: "Levy lid lift" would increase property tax assessment for Adams County Fire District 5 property owners if approved by voters. Money raised would help replace the loss of the district's contract with the city of Othello. The contract with the city expires in May 2026. OTHELLO Adams County Fire District 5 residents are being invited to the July 8 commission meeting to discuss a proposal to raise the district's tax assessment, called a levy lid lift. Fire District 5 Chief Tom Salsbury said the increase will replace money the district will lose when its contract with the city of Othello expires in May 2026. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We cannot really afford to operate on what we're collecting from (fire district) taxpayers at this time," he said. "We've never done a lid lift, so we're hoping the community is receptive, once they know how much our budget has been cut." The commission meeting will be at 7 p.m. July 8 at the district meeting room, 220 S. Broadway Ave., Othello. Commissioners are asking voters to approve raising the assessment to 90 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value. That's an increase of 27 cents. The owner of property worth $222,000 in assessed value would pay $199.80 if the proposal is approved. That same property owner pays $139.86 now. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Salsbury said the additional revenue will help make up the loss. Salsbury said the 2025 budget is about $1.43 million. The city's 2025 contract is $793,000, according to an ACFD 5 press release. About $610,000 comes from district property owners, the release said. Othello City Council members turned down a proposal from the fire district in August 2024, reached after mediation. The proposal included an increase in the contract price and annexation of the city into the fire district. Ending the contract comes at a time when ACFD 5 crews are getting busier, Salsbury said. "We had one of the busiest months we ever had (in June)," he said. "We had 53 calls this month. Our call volume keeps increasing, but we don't keep increasing the volunteer pool. During the day is when it's the worst, because all your volunteers are working. You rely on those full-time people that we have on the fire department to respond to all the calls." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an August 2024 interview, ACFD 5 commissioner Jay Weise said the volunteer pool is limited and getting smaller. Salsbury, a 35-year veteran of the department, said he's definitely seen a downward trend. "Volunteerism has gone way down," Salsbury said. "Having a full-time job and a family, with all (requirements) and the classes and stuff you need to take, people just don't have time anymore." The decline in volunteers has been visible in the district recruit classes, he said, although the people who do volunteer are committed. "I just had a class of four people, and the last couple of years I've had classes of about four people. I've been able to keep them," he said. "I'm fortunate. I think I have a great group of volunteers," he added. If commissioners decide to put the proposal to voters, it will be on the November general election ballot. WEST VIRGINIA (WBOY) Following Tuesdays passage of the Budget Reconciliation Bill, aka the One Big, Beautiful Bill, in the U.S. Senate, the American Civil Liberties Union of West Virginia (ACLU-WV) is warning that multiple West Virginia hospitals could close if the bill passes the House as well. In a social media post on Wednesday, the ACLU-WV warned that cuts to Medicaid funding outlined in the bill would kick tens of thousands of West Virginians off their health care plans and lead to the closure of at least seven hospitals in the state. LATEST: House GOP advances Trump megabill after dramatic overnight vote Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those hospitals include: Broaddus Hospital (Philippi) Grafton City Hospital Minnie Hamilton Health Care Center (Grantsville) Jackson General Hospital (Ripley) Logan Regional Medical Center Welch Community Hospital Montgomery General Hospital In its post, the ACLU-WV cited information provided by the Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research at the University of North Carolina. This data can be found in a letter to the Trump Administration submitted on June 12 by Senator Ed Markey (D-Mass.), which outlines how the seven above-listed hospitals would face significant financial stress if the bill is passed. According to the data, all but one of the above-listed hospitals are in the top 10% in the country when it comes to Medicaid patient traffic. The only exception to this trend is Grafton City Hospital, which has experienced at least three consecutive years of negative total margin, according to the data. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement How One Big, Beautiful Bill will affect West Virginia If the bill is passed with the significant cuts to Medicaid, Sheps Center data says that 338 hospitals across the nation will be forced into financial hardship, which could cause them to close altogether. According to the National Rural Health Association, rural hospitals are estimated to lose 21 cents for every dollar they receive in Medicaid funding if the bill passes. The bill was delivered to the House of Representatives on Wednesday, with GOP members aiming to pass it before President Donald Trumps deadline of July 4. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBOY.com. Alina Habba, who has served as acting U.S. Attorney in New Jersey since March, has "degraded" the office because of "politically motivated prosecutions," Sens. Andy Kim and Cory Booker said Wednesday. (Spencer Platt | Getty Images) Several of New Jerseys Democratic leaders are blasting President Donald Trumps nomination of Alina Habba as U.S. Attorney of New Jersey as a partisan power grab aimed at reshaping the state to serve his political agenda. Rep. Mikie Sherrill, the Democratic gubernatorial nominee who previously worked in the U.S. Attorneys Office, said Habba is unqualified for the job. Habba, 41, had no prosecutorial experience when Trump appointed her in an interim capacity in March. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Habba has explicitly stated her goal to politicize the office where I served as a prosecutor, and as acting U.S. Attorney, she has already weaponized it against her perceived political opponents, Sherrill said in a statement Wednesday. The White House announced Tuesday that Trump nominated Habba to a full four-year term. When he previously named her as the interim attorney, Trump said Habba would fight tirelessly to secure a legal system that is both fair and just for the wonderful people of New Jersey. Within days of assuming her role, Habba said she would investigate Gov. Phil Murphy and state Attorney General Matt Platkin over the states immigration directive limiting law enforcements cooperation in civil immigration investigations. She also said on a conservative podcast that she hopes to turn New Jersey red. In less than four months as acting U.S. Attorney, Habba has drawn ire from judges for ignoring the historically nonpartisan stance of the office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shes targeted Democratic officials who have opposed Trumps mass detention and deportation plans, including Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, who was arrested May 9 outside an immigrant detention facility in the city. Habba later charged Rep. LaMonica McIver, a Democrat, with assault in connection with a scuffle that broke out when Baraka was detained. McIver pleaded not guilty to the charges and faces a trial in November. When Barakas charges were dropped 10 days after his arrest, a judge scolded prosecutors from Habbas office, warning them that it should not be used to satisfy public clamor, nor to advance political agendas. Baraka sued Habba over his arrest, claiming he was maliciously prosecuted out of political retribution. Habba responded by saying the mayor should join her in prioritizing violent crime and public safety. In a joint statement Wednesday, Sens. Andy Kim and Cory Booker, both Democrats, also accused Habba of degrading her office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The people of New Jersey deserve a U.S. Attorney that has deep experience with law enforcement, a reputation and an approach that puts partisanship to the side and who will work to keep our communities safe and impartially pursue justice, they said. In her short tenure as an interim U.S. Attorney, she has degraded the office and pursued frivolous and politically motivated prosecutions. Habba hasnt responded to the criticism but did repost a defense on social media Wednesday by Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, who called her a fearless, fair, and effective public servant. Habba must be confirmed by the Senate by the end of July, but a confirmation hearing has not yet been scheduled. Her 120-day interim appointment expires in three weeks, but judges in New Jerseys U.S. District Court could allow her to stay pending confirmation. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, July 2. The presidents of Kyrgyzstan and Russia reaffirmed their commitment to deepening strategic partnership during a high-level meeting held today in Moscow, Trend reports via the press service of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic. President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Japarov held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in both narrow and expanded formats as part of his working visit to Russia. During the meeting, the two leaders discussed a wide range of issues in the bilateral agenda, focusing on trade, economic cooperation, humanitarian initiatives, and migration policy. Both sides expressed satisfaction with the high level of strategic partnership and alliance achieved in recent years. President Putin noted the steady growth in trade turnover and highlighted Russia's role as one of Kyrgyzstan's leading economic partners. He also praised the effective performance of the Russian-Kyrgyz Development Fund, which supports key infrastructure and development projects in Kyrgyzstan. Humanitarian cooperation was another focal point. Putin emphasized the expansion of Russian-language education in Kyrgyzstan, citing the work of 200 Russian teachers in 43 schools. Plans are underway to increase the number of Russian-language schools, further strengthening cultural ties. The Russian leader thanked Kyrgyzstan for granting special status to the Russian language, noting its contribution to deepening cooperation across various spheres. In response, President Japarov emphasized the complete mutual trust and understanding between the two countries, stating that there are no political disagreements. He pointed to significant potential for expanding cooperation in energy, transport, agriculture, and industry. He also acknowledged the successful role of the Kyrgyz-Russian Intergovernmental Commission in enhancing bilateral ties and expressed confidence that the current dialogue would support continued collaboration. Following the talks, both presidents confirmed their shared intent to strengthen comprehensive cooperation and pursue joint projects across strategic sectors. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel DALLAS COUNTY, Iowa A motorcycle crash claimed the life of one person Tuesday night just west of Adel. The Dallas County Sheriffs Office said it received an automatic crash notification at 8:24 p.m. in the area of Old Highway 6 and L Avenue. When deputies arrived, they determined a single motorcycle had been involved in the crash. 1 dead in overnight east side Des Moines shooting The motorcyclist, 53-year-old Douglas Randolph of rural Adel, was found to be unconscious. Though CPR was performed, Randolph was pronounced dead at the scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The DCSO said it appeared Randolph was traveling at a high rate of speed when he lost control of the motorcycle while going around the curve at Old Highway 6 and L Avenue. The motorcycle entered the south ditch and ended up in a field. The Adel Police Department, De Soto Police Department, Dallas County EMS, and Adel Fire Department assisted DCSO at the scene. Metro news Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com. Attorney General Matt Platkin speaks during a news conference on Oct. 24, 2024, in Trenton about voter protections. (Dana DiFilippo | New Jersey Monitor) Progressive groups are rallying around New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkin after legislators moved last month to take the state police from his control. Advocates from eight grassroots groups Wednesday denounced bipartisan legislation that would make the New Jersey State Police now a division under the state department of law and public safety, which Platkin heads its own department answerable directly to the governor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They criticized the bills timing, coming as federal law enforcement and judicial practices have become politically weaponized under an increasingly authoritarian Trump administration. This misguided legislative effort could not come at a worse time, as we can no longer expect the U.S. Department of Justice to serve as a backstop to hold state police accountable for discriminatory conduct, said Jim Sullivan, interim policy director of the American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey. New Jerseyans and all people who enter our state deserve better. Antoinette Miles, who heads the New Jersey Working Families Party, urged legislative leaders and Gov. Phil Murphy to reject the bill. At a time when our civil rights are under attack from Donald Trump and extreme Republicans in Washington, we need our elected officials in Trenton to be working with General Platkin more closely than ever to ensure that New Jerseyans rights are protected, Miles said. This dangerous bill, the apparent product of a political vendetta, threatens to erode the progress we have made. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other groups blasting the bill Wednesday included New Jersey Citizen Action, Make the Road NJ, New Jersey Institute for Social Justice, New Jersey Policy Perspective and the Latino Action Network. Tensions have increasingly grown between the state police the largest police force statewide with 3,000 members and Platkin, whose office investigates fatal police encounters, oversees police licensing, and publicly reports on police major discipline and use of force. The office issued two scathing reports last fall on racism in the agencys hiring and promotions, which renewed civil rights leaders calls for a clean sweep of its top brass. Such investigations are why Platkin should retain oversight, said the Rev. Charles Boyer, founder of Salvation and Social Justice. The New Jersey State Police has a long, well-documented history of racism embedded in their culture, Boyer said. To allow them to separate from the oversight of the Attorney Generals office is not just irresponsible its an assault on the Black community. Their record with Black people is abominable, and if the legislature permits this, it will echo the same disregard for justice we see under the Trump administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Spokespeople for the state police did not respond to a request for comment, and a Platkin spokesman declined to comment. Lawmakers pushing the bill have cited the attorney generals lack of law enforcement experience, interference with the ability of police do their jobs and tedious bureaucracy in the attorney generals office, among other concerns. The legislation does have some tentative initial support from the NAACP New Jersey State Conference. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX An undated photo of a youth hike hosted by Las Cruces nonprofit Nuestra Tierra to the top of Mount Cristo Rey in Sunland Park. A U.S. Customs and Border Protection proposal for a wall on the southern side of the mountain sparked protests from conservation groups and other advocates. (Courtesy of Angel Pena) A U.S. Customs and Border Protection proposal to construct a 1.3-mile barrier along the southern skirt of a Sunland Park mountain threatens the area, local conservation groups say. Most of Mount Cristo Rey lies in southern Dona Ana County, rising from the banks of the Rio Grande in an expanse of Chihuahuan desert, mottled with olive-green chaparral and ocotillo. The mountain hosts a 29-foot tall limestone statue of Jesus Christ on the cross, and draws thousands of people every year in pilgrimage from the surrounding areas in Las Cruces, El Paso and Juarez. The area is also a popular hiking and mountain biking area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The proposal would widen roads to construct a 30-foot high steel barrier and an additional one and a half miles of roadway in Dona Ana County. The wall would stretch over the mountains southern portion, which stretches to the Anapra neighborhood in Juarez. Screenshot of the proposed border wall on Mount Cristo Rey in Sunland Park (Courtesy of U.S. Customs and Border Protection) In announcing the project at the start of June, the Department of Homeland Security said it would close critical gaps in the border wall and enhance border security operations in the border areas in El Paso, Tucson and Yuma. When reached by phone, CBP spokesperson Landon Hutchison added that Mount Cristo Rey was a major human smuggling infiltration site for the cartels. Also in June, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem waived federal environment and water laws to speed up border wall construction projects, including more than 12 miles between Santa Teresa and Mount Cristo Rey. The waivers exempt projects from requirements of 24 federal laws, including the Endangered Species Act, Clean Water Act and National Environmental Policy Act. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez (D-NM) whose district encompasses Sunland Park, declined to say if he supports the project when reached for comment. I support responsible efforts to keep our border secure and our communities safe. That includes smart investments in technology and, where needed, physical barriers, Vasquez said in a written statement. We can keep our country safe while also respecting the environment, cultural heritage, and the people who call this region home. I think by expanding the border wall, you threaten to turn this place of recreation, this place of worship, into a graveyard Dr. Brian Elmore, El Paso emergecy room doctor Members of El Paso-Las Cruces coalition No Border Walls on Mount Cristo Rey, however, urged the public to submit public comments on the project which they say threatens to worsen migrant deaths, erosion and habitat loss for the area before a July 3 feedback deadline. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While CBP data shows border crossings declined by nearly 80% in the last year, deaths of people crossing the border in the area around El Paso and New Mexico have risen sharply since 2021, and, in 2024, it became the deadliest place for migrants to cross along the entire U.S.-Mexico border. It is pretty disheartening to see, Antoinette Reyes, the Southern New Mexico coordinator for Sierra Club Rio Grande chapter, told Source NM. By blocking off that section, which is already steep and difficult terrain as is, it forces people to go into more dangerous portions of the border to cross. Injuries from climbing over the walls can result in life-changing injuries, said Dr. Brian Elmore, an emergency room physician in El Paso. Hes treated people who fell from the border walls, which can cause severe ankle breaks, as well as head and back injuries. The summers heat, combined with difficult terrain, could pose additional concerns, he said. I think by expanding the border wall, you threaten to turn this place of recreation, this place of worship, into a graveyard, Elmore said. I would expect to see more people falling from the wall there, suffering heat injuries, in this area. The rough terrain of Mount Cristo Rey interrupts the border wall which then continues west on flatter ground. (Photo by Corrie Boudreaux for Source NM) Construction of the border wall would also require high water use for pouring concrete to reinforce the roads for heavy machinery, said Erik Meza, a coordinator for the Sierra Club Borderlands program in Tucson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They will probably need to widen some of those roads, so that means that they are going to start bulldozing some of the native vegetation of the area, reducing a habitat for species, he said. By compacting the soils, were probably going to have more water run-off and erosion. The area is crucial for species such as javelina and mule deer, but also the birds, reptiles and pollinators that cross the habitat, said Raymundo Aguilar, a member of the Juarez conservation group Colectivo Sierra de Juarez. He noted that scientists documented an endangered Mexican Gray wolf crossing the border in the area in 2017, and the construction of a wall with 4-inch gaps between steel bollards would prevent most species from moving freely. Protecting this corridor is not only urgent; it is a commitment to the life we share on both sides of the border, Aguilar said in Spanish. We believe that efforts should focus on restoring this connectivity, not fragmenting it. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX AUSTIN (KXAN) Investigators found ignitable liquids throughout a Wimberley bar that caught fire just days before it was set to close, according to a Hays County affidavit obtained by KXAN. Aidan Lane Dwyer, an employee at Savages Hill Country Bar and Grill at the time of fire, was arrested in southeast Texas on Monday, according to a social media post from the Jasper County Sheriffs Office. Dwyer, 24, was charged with arson. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: San Marcos man arrested for allegedly burning down Wimberley bar Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators also found that the lock box in the bars kitchen, where the restaurant key was kept, was open and empty. Dwyer was one of the employees who knew the combination to the lock box, said one of the bars co-owners in the affidavit. Documents show that two of the buildings electrical panels were switched off. One of those panels powered the fire alarm system. The battery backups were disconnected, essentially turning off the fire alarm system. The security cameras were also turned off prior to the blaze. On Sunday, investigators also spoke Dwyers roommate who claimed Dwyer previously talked about burning it down, referring to Savages, the affidavit said. While arson investigators were on scene, the San Marcos Police Department was called out to an apartment complex, where they found a man covered in blood and severe burns screaming for help, documents state. Investigators said the man was a kitchen employee at Savages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators spoke to the mans family at the hospital. The affidavit said that his family told investigators that he had burns across most of his body and had a 50% chance of survival. His family also told him that hospital staff said they found cleaning supply chemicals on his body. The affidavit notes that these chemicals are often used to conceal, clean, and/or destroy evidence related to criminal offenses. In an interview with the bars co-owners, investigators learned that the hospitalized man was one of the last employees at the bar on June 26, the night before the fire. The co-owners, according to the affidavit, said to the best of their knowledge, none of the employees were upset when they learned Savages was closing. The affidavit does not indicate if the other man will face any charges in connection with the fire. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. Air travel passengers pay more in taxes to fly from Africa than counterparts departing from Europe or the Middle East, a report by the African Airlines Association showed. The average amount of taxes, charges, and fees for international departures from Africa is $68, twice the average for both Europe and the Middle East. Africas air transport industry is not profitable, the airline group said, in part because of the high levels of taxes and charges that civil aviation authorities levy on airlines. Air transport is perceived as a luxury service across the continent, the group said, a factor that leads governments, airports, and service providers to overcharge airlines even though many need help to survive. It called for tax structures to be harmonized between countries to reduce excessive charges, and for authorities to seek out alternative funding methods for aviation infrastructure. MOGADISHU, Somalia (AP) Five Ugandan soldiers were killed when a military helicopter serving the African Union peacekeeping mission in Somalia crashed Wednesday at an airport in the capital, Mogadishu, according to Ugandan authorities. The Mi-24 helicopter was arriving from an airfield in the Lower Shabelle region with eight people on board at the time of the crash. It originally belonged to the Ugandan Air Force but was being operated by the African Union peacekeeping mission. Uganda's military said in a statement that the helicopter was on a routine combat escort mission," and the pilot, co-pilot and flight engineer survived the crash with serious injuries and burns. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ahmed Moalim Hassan, director-general of the Somalia Civil Aviation Authority, told state media that investigations are underway. Aviation officer Omar Farah, who was among the first to reach the crash site, told The Associated Press that he saw the helicopter spinning and then it fell very fast. Abdirahim Ali, a nearby resident, said he saw "a huge explosion and smoke everywhere. Minor delays were reported at the Aden Adde airport, but flights and other operations have since resumed. The African Union peacekeeping mission, known as AUSSOM, is helping Somali authorities to fight al-Shabab, a rebel group that opposes the presence of foreign troops in the Horn of Africa nation. The mission includes troops from countries including Uganda and Kenya. ___ Associated Press writer Rodney Muhumuza in Kampala, Uganda, contributed reporting. LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and other officials nationwide have filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for its decision to provide personal health data to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The DHS is the parent organization of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, also known as ICE. In the seven decades since Congress enacted the Medicaid Act to provide medical assistance to vulnerable populations, federal law, policy, and practice has been clear: the personal healthcare data collected about beneficiaries of the program is confidential, to be shared only in certain narrow circumstances that benefit public health and the integrity of the Medicaid program itself, said the Michigan Department of Attorney General in a news release sent to 6 News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, the attorneys general argue that the transfer of this health data is illegal. They are asking the court to block any new transfer or use of this data for ICE purposes. Our personal healthcare data is exactly that: personal, said Nessel in a news release sent to 6 News. It should remain confidential and be accessible only to agencies directly involved with Medicaid. This unlawful move by the Trump Administration to grant access to unrelated entities will undoubtedly harm the health, privacy, and well-being of all Michiganders. I remain committed to protecting our privacy rights. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The department reports that a certain amount of personal health data is regularly shared between states and the federal government to administer Medicaid services. The DHS has acknowledged that the Medicaid Act and other federal healthcare authorities prevent the use of personal health information for ICE purposes. However, according to the lawsuit, the federal government appears to have adopted a new policy that allows for the disclosure and use of state residents health data. Additionally, on June 13, 2025, states learned through news reports that HHS has transferred several states Medicaid data files, containing personal health records representing millions of individuals, to DHS. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The department says that reports indicated that the federal government plans to create a sweeping database for mass deportations and other large-scale immigration enforcement purposes. At this time, the Department of Attorney General is not aware that HHS transferred Michigan residents data to DHS. The attorneys general are asking the court to find the Trump Administrations actions, arbitrary and capricious and rulemaking without proper procedure in violation of the Administrative Procedure Act, contrary to the Social Security Act, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), Federal Information Security Modernization Act, and Privacy Act, and in violation of the Spending Clause. Attorney General Nessel joins the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington in filing the lawsuit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Screenshot of Key West Police Chief Sean Brandenburg speaking to City Commission on June 30, 2025. Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier says the Key West City Commission violated Florida law by voiding its police departments 287(g) agreement with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) earlier this week. Uthmeier says they need to reverse that vote, or face the possibility that Gov. Ron DeSantis will remove commissioners from office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a letter addressed to the members of the Key West City Commission, Uthmeier says that by declaring the Key West Police Departments existing 287(g) agreement void, Key West has made itself a sanctuary city. Sanctuary cities have been banned in Florida since 2019. Prohibiting its police officers from receiving the necessary federal training to adequately enforce U.S. immigration laws not only prevents city police from enforcing current federal immigration law but also effectively prevents the city police department from participating in federal immigration operations, Uthmeier writes. In this instance, however, its even worse. The Commission didnt merely prevent the Police Department from entering a 287(g) agreement; it affirmatively voided an existing 287(g) agreement under which the Police Department was actively operating. Bad policy, and illegal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Key West City Commission voted 6-1 on Monday night to void the agreement, put in place by the citys chief of police, Sean Brandenburg, on March 4, with City Manager Brian Barrosos knowledge but not the approval of city commissioners. In response to Uthmeiers letter, the City Commission announced later on Wednesday that they will hold a special meeting next Tuesday, July 8, to discuss the 287(g) agreement with ICE. Several commissioners said on Monday night that they only learned of the agreement recently, calling the decision by the city manager to give approval improper. Brandenburg told the City Commission on Monday night that he began receiving emails about the 287(g) agreements from the Florida Police Chiefs Association earlier this year. He said he also received phone calls from members of the Florida Sheriffs Association telling him that signing the agreement was mandatory and that I should start moving forward. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shortly thereafter, I was advised that the governor had laid out exactly how he could now remove a police chief from office if we did not enter into a 287(g) agreement, he said. This obviously made the situation more urgent for me. I found the most up-to-date version and brought it to [the] legal [department] for approval. The resolution approved by the Key West City Commission requests that Barroso and Brandenburg refrain from entering into any new agreements until the courts have ruled on the obligations imposed on local governments. And it affirms that the Key West Police Department must assist federal immigration activities when requested. As of July 1, ICE has signed 744 memorandums of agreement with local law enforcement agencies for 287(g) programs covering 40 states, including more than 280 with counties or cities in Florida, according to ICEs website. That includes every sheriffs office in the state. This is not the first time that Uthmeier has threatened local elected officials. In March, Uthmeier warned three members of the Fort Myers city council that the governor could remove them from office if they didnt allow the city police to question people about their immigration status and detain those subject to deportation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The City Commission must immediately reverse its June 30, 2025, action and allow the Police Department to resume cooperative engagement with ICE under its 287(g) agreement, Uthmeier writes. Failure to take corrective action will result in the enforcement of all applicable civil and criminal penalties, including removal from office by the Governor pursuant to section 908.107, Florida Statutes, and the Florida Constitution. This story has been updated to include the information that the Key West City Commission will meet in a special meeting on July 8 to discuss the 287(g) agreement with ICE. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE WASHINGTON (AP) The Trump administration will hold back delivering to Ukraine some air defense missiles, precision-guided artillery and other weapons as part of its announced pause to some arms shipments amid U.S. concerns that its own stockpiles have declined too much, officials said. The details on the weapons in some of the paused deliveries were confirmed by a U.S. official and former national security official familiar with the matter. They both requested anonymity to discuss what is are being held up as the Pentagon has yet to provide details. The pause includes some shipments of Patriot missiles, precision-guided GMLRS, Hellfire missiles and Howitzer rounds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is a setback for Ukraine, which has faced increasing, and more complex, air barrages from Russia during the more than three-year-long war and as President Donald Trump remains determined to quickly conclude a conflict that he had promised as candidate to end of Day One of his second term. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell declined during a briefing Wednesday to detail which weapons were being held back but said a pause to consider the health of the U.S. stockpile was necessary. I think that for a long time, four years under the Biden administration, we were giving away weapons and munitions without really thinking about how many we have, Parnell said. He added, And I think that this president was elected on putting this country first and defending the homeland. The decision was met with some pushback from Republican and Democratic boosters on Capitol Hill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a letter to Trump on Wednesday, Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Pa., requested a briefing from the White House and the Pentagon to explain the pause. Fitzpatrick is a co-chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus. We must build up our own defense industrial base here in the U.S. while simultaneously providing the needed assistance to our allies who are defending their freedom from a brutal invading dictator, the Pennsylvania representative said in a post on X. To not do both is unacceptable. Ohio Rep. Marcy Kaptur, another co-chair of the Ukraine Caucus, blasted the move that came just days after Russians forces launched one of the biggest air assaults on Ukraine since it launched the war more than three years ago. U.S. made air defense systems, including the Patriot platform, are the centerpiece of Ukraines defenses against Russian strikes. They work. They save lives every day," the Ohio Democrat said. "But there are no parallel defensive alternatives for Ukraine if the U.S. stops supplying these vital munitions." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The move was a bit surprising after Trump last week at the NATO summit suggested that he remained open to sending more Patriot missiles to Ukraine, though he acknowledged it would be difficult. They do want to have the antimissile missiles, OK, as they call them, the Patriots, Trump said. And were going to see if we can make some available. We need them, too. Were supplying them to Israel, and theyre very effective, 100% effective. Hard to believe how effective. They do want that more than any other thing. Over the course of the war, the U.S. has routinely pressed for allies to provide air defense systems to Ukraine. But many are reluctant to give up the high-tech systems, particularly countries in Eastern Europe that also feel threatened by Russia. One of the officials said other weaponry being held up includes the AIM-7 Sparrow a medium-range radar homing air-to-air missile as well as shorter-range Stinger missiles and AT-4 grenade launchers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Pentagon review that determined that stocks were too low on some weapons previously pledged comes just over a week after Trump helped forge a ceasefire between Israel and Iran to end their 12-day conflict. The U.S. has provided provided air defense support to Israel, Qatar and other Mideast neighbors. The demands in several places are butting up against the reality that the U.S. military does not have enough munitions on hand to sustain a high rate of deliveries, while providing troops with equipment to train on and build up a stockpile for a potential future conflict. The U.S. deployed air defenses systems as it knocked down an Iranian ballistic missile assault last month launched on the Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar. The retaliatory strike from Tehran against the U.S. military installation came days after Trump ordered a barrage of strikes on three key Iranian nuclear sites. While Patriot missile stocks have long been a concern, holding up some of the other weaponry was puzzling, said retired Navy Rear Adm. Mark Montgomery, an analyst at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies in Washington. This is going to hurt Ukrainian civilians, Montgomery said. There is still an opportunity here for the president to rein in the Pentagon before real damage is done. The Air Force and Space Force have met and surpassed their recruiting goals for 2025, three months ahead of schedule, officials announced Monday. The Department of the Air Force, which encompasses both services, has recruited nearly 31,000 potential new service members, with the Air Force meeting its goal of 30,100 new recruits and the Space Force hitting its goal of 797. Almost 25,000 recruits under contract have been sent to basic military training, the Air Force said in a release. The remaining recruits are expected to start training by the end of the fiscal year on Sept. 30. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The strong recruitment effort was boosted by the pool of more than 14,000 recruits in the delayed entry program, the Air Force said. This is the highest in a decade, the service said, and included a record 750 candidates to become special warfare airmen. Those jobs, which have strict standards for who can qualify, are traditionally hard to fill. The delayed entry program is a list of recruits who have gone through the signup and approval process to join the military, but must wait for room at basic training before they ship out. I am excited that both the Air Force and the Space Force have met their fiscal year 2025 recruiting goals three months early, Air Force Secretary Troy Meink said. The fact that we have even exceeded this goal and currently have a DEP [delayed entry program] at its largest level in 10 years speaks to the vast number of volunteers interested in serving their country today. Air Force leaders first signaled the unusual success of its 2025 recruiting effort and the delayed entry program at the AFA Warfare Symposium in Aurora, Colorado, in March, and said more potential recruits were approaching recruiters to join the Air or Space Forces. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The recruiting success marks the continuation of a turnaround for the Air Force, which in 2023 missed its goal for the first time since 1999. That year, the service hoped to recruit nearly 26,900 new airmen but fell short by nearly 2,700 airmen. The service rallied in 2024, signing up more than 27,000 airmen. That success prompted the Air Force Recruiting Service to initially hope for 20% growth in 2025, to bring in 32,500 new airmen. The Air Force ended up somewhat dialing back that ambitious goal, but hitting the 30,100 goal still represents an 11% increase. And it marks the growth of about 6,000 recruits over the 2023 drive. The department said its expanded outreach to communities, modernized recruitment approach and focus on career development when pitching potential recruits led to its success. BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 2. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has decided to implement a law suspending the countrys cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Trend reports. The lawpassed by Irans parliament on June 25, 2025, and approved by the Guardian Councilhas now been formally communicated to the relevant authorities for enforcement. The legislation will be carried out by the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, the Supreme National Security Council, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The move comes amid a sharp escalation in regional tensions. On the morning of June 13, Israel launched airstrikes on Iran, killing a number of senior military officials, including generals, nuclear scientists, and other top-ranking figures. That same evening, Iran responded with Operation True Promise III, launching hundreds of ballistic missiles and drones at multiple targets in Israel, including Tel Aviv. The attacks caused civilian casualties and widespread destruction. On June 22, the United States carried out airstrikes on three of Irans nuclear facilities, reportedly destroying them. A day later, on the evening of June 23, Iran retaliated with airstrikes on a U.S. military base in Qatar. Later on, the office of the Israeli Prime Minister announced that the Israeli government has agreed to a ceasefire with Iran, brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump. Irans Supreme National Security Council also released a statement confirming that the attacks have come to a halt. Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy speaks to reporters on Thursday, April 17, 2025, with Deena Bishop, commissioner of the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development, looking on in the background. (Photo by James Brooks/Alaska Beacon) Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy is calling state legislators back to Juneau for a surprise special session. On Wednesday, the governor issued a proclamation stating that the session, which begins Aug. 2, will cover education reform and his executive order creating a new Department of Agriculture. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The proclamation also forces an early vote on whether to override or sustain several of the governors vetoes, including an unprecedented cut to the base student allocation, core of the states per-pupil funding formula for public schools. Under the Alaska Constitution, legislators must vote on an override in the first five days of the next session, in this case a special session. Thats significant, because 45 votes are needed to override a budget veto, and while there were 46 votes in favor of a prior veto override this spring, at least one legislator who voted in favor of that override is expected to be unavailable in August. In a prepared statement, Dunleavy outlined his stated reasons for calling a special session. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Enacting a few necessary reforms to our public education system can elevate those children struggling in Alaskas school system, Dunleavy said. As elected officials we must do all we can to put the next generation on the path to a successful and prosperous future, and that starts with a solid public education. The governors office declined to answer an emailed question asking whether the special sessions goals included an early vote. Some legislators said that seemed apparent. House Minority Leader Mia Costello, R-Anchorage, said members of the Houses Republican minority were preparing to meet with the governor Wednesday afternoon. Asked whether she thinks the governor called the session to force a veto override early, she said, undoubtedly, the governor is aware that those issues would be taken up in the first five days in the Legislature. So, I do believe that is a part of the plan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said she doesnt know whether calling the vote early will decrease the chances of an override. Though some lawmakers may be absent, people are home, talking to their constituents how that translates into their votes is a hard thing to tell. Sen. Bill Wielechowski, D-Anchorage and chair of the Senate Rules Committee, did not mince words: Oh yeah, this is all about the veto override, he said. Because he knows theres people that are not in the state. You know, thats actually the day that the National Conference of State Legislatures starts to meet also. So I know theres some people who are scheduled to go to that. So, yeah, this is all about trying to game the system so we dont have enough votes to override his veto. Legislators uniformly said that the governors special session proclamation came as a surprise. Rep. Andy Josephson, D-Anchorage, was hiking in Denali when reached by phone. Speaker of the House Bryce Edgmon, I-Dillingham, was at his towns boat harbor. Its a stunning announcement, Edgmon said. Its extraordinary to get the Legislature back to Juneau, and it takes a tremendous amount of organization, cooperation, dialogue, you know, conversations, particularly when youre throwing a topic like education policy in the mix, which normally could take up an entire two years of a legislative session. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senate President Gary Stevens, R-Kodiak, said the Legislature will reconvene but the votes for an override are uncertain. I suspect thatll be the first thing we deal with, if not the only thing we deal with, and well see how the votes go. Under the Alaska Constitution, governors have the power to call special sessions, with the subjects limited to those chosen by the governor and the reconsideration of vetoed bills. While the Legislature is required to convene, its not required to actually discuss the chosen subjects. Stevens said theres no guarantee that the Legislature will take up Dunleavys agenda items. It should be no secret to anyone that were going to, when we do meet its my intention on Aug. 2 to bring up first the issue of the override. And then we could, after weve done that, pass or fail, then we probably can easily adjourn and deal with these issues the governor brought up at a later date. Sen. Forrest Dunbar, D-Anchorage, is currently deployed in Poland as part of U.S. National Guard service, and Stevens says its unlikely he would be able to make the special session. Hes doing a service to the country, and itd be very hard for him to get back. I dont know if the military would even allow him to leave at this point, hes in a training session, and so well certainly look into that. But I would say its probably unlikely that he can be back. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dunbar did not respond to requests for comment by Wednesday afternoon. But hes not the only one, Stevens added. There are others that are traveling, which makes it even more difficult to get to 45 votes. That threshold matters because overriding a governors budget veto requires 45 of 60 legislators, meeting in joint session. This spring, 46 lawmakers voted to override the governors veto of a bill increasing the base student allocation in state policy. But authorizing spending the money was a separate vote, as part of passing the budget. If Dunbar is absent, all 45 remaining supporters of the veto override would have to stand firm in order to restore public school funding cut by the governor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont know where people are going to be, but its really going to come down to probably one vote on a number of these overrides. So, not having that one vote, its going to be tough, Wielechowski said. In addition to the budget vetoes, the governor had vetoed three policy bills, including Senate Bill 183, increasing the powers of the legislative auditor. Legislators said that bill, which passed with bipartisan support, was needed because the executive branch has stopped providing reports needed to verify the work of oil tax auditors on state taxes owed. Dunleavy said legislators criticism of the administrations handling of the issue insinuated that it was acting unethically or illegally and undermined public trust in government. He demanded in a letter to lawmakers last week that they stop. Afterward, at a meeting of the Legislative Budget and Audit Committee, lawmakers voted to authorize subpoenas against members of the administration over the issue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Calling a special session makes an override of the SB 183 veto more difficult, Wielechowski said. If youre an oil company, todays a great day. Theyre probably popping champagne bottles in Houston, Texas, today, and also all across the oil basins, because they know that its going to be harder to audit their taxes and probably likely to cost the state hundreds of millions of dollars, he said. Josephson said there will likely be several veto override votes taken up by the Legislature. There will be attempts on multiple overrides. Multiple, multiple overrides, he said, and hopes it includes an override vote to restore a policy bill addressing funding for teacher housing and Mount Edgecumbe High School in Sitka, and budget increases for infant learning programs. So thats going to be sort of interesting as well, because those veto override attempts must occur. After addressing the overrides, lawmakers could adjourn the special session without taking up either of the topics on the formal agenda. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Kevin McCabe, R-Big Lake, said he hopes that doesnt happen and lawmakers consider creating a Department of Agriculture separate from the Department of Natural Resources. Agriculture is currently overseen by a division within DNR, and McCabe said that recent wildfires in the Denali Borough show the need for DNR to be free to concentrate its attention on more important things without taking time away from agriculture. Dunleavy addressed the issue in his statement announcing the session: Splitting the Division of Agriculture away from DNR into a department will elevate food security and support our hard-working farmers while growing the agricultural sector. In May, lawmakers voted 32-28 to deny an executive order by Dunleavy to create a new Department of Agriculture, citing the proposals costs as well as creation through an executive order rather than as legislation, with public input. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Loki Tobin, D-Anchorage, chair of the Senate Education Committee, said by phone Wednesday that the Legislature passed legislation related to many of the governors policy priorities for education in May, including taking steps toward easing access for new charter school applications and expanding funding for career and technical education, as well as creating a task force to examine open enrollment and other measures. She said she was unclear what further education reforms the governor wants: I havent heard from the governor nor any of his staff, about anything else that he would like to see happen within our public education system. In a video Dunleavy released when he vetoed the school policy bill, he said it fell short on the policies he sought, including on charter schools, reading improvement incentives and open enrollment. Other legislators were skeptical that the special session would accomplish its stated goals. I dont think its going to work, is it? said Rep. Jamie Allard, R-Eagle River, on talk radio Wednesday morning. Senate Minority Leader Mike Shower, R-Wasilla, said he hadnt spoken to the governor or any of his staff about the special session but said that sustaining the vetoes could be a primary objective. Honestly, I dont know exactly what the intent is, or what the hope is for accomplishing (something), whether its PR or some kind of vote with people missing, or anything like that, he said. Personally, Shower said, Im not the biggest fan of special sessions, only because in my eight-plus years here, Ive never seen them actually accomplish anything. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Jul. 1The Albuquerque Journal, New Mexico's leading news source, is looking for feedback from readers and consumers to gain a better understanding of the Journal's readership and the community it serves. "As a native New Mexican, I care deeply that residents of our state and people interested in our state are well informed about issues affecting the Land of Enchantment," said Albuquerque Journal Assistant Managing Editor Lucas Peerman. "Technology continues to impact how our readers and consumers stay informed and we're excited to launch this project to better understand not only how you interact with the Journal but how we can better serve you in the future." The Journal is hoping to gather feedback on all aspects of its content from social media to the Sunday edition. The first part of the process is an audience survey. Additionally, Journal staffers will be connecting with community members directly. Guided by the publication's mission to provide relevant news to New Mexico's diverse communities, the Journal wants to hear from you. Please take a few minutes to fill out the survey. After closing the inside lane of I-65 southbound Saturday night, work proceeded around the clock to complete the repair as quickly as possible. The outside girder on the north side of the Upper River Road bridge required the most extensive repair. The completed repair. The inside travel lane of I-65 opened shortly before 4 p.m. MORGAN COUNTY, Ala. (WHNT) The Alabama Department of Transportation has provided an update regarding the repairs for the Upper River Road bridge. According to ALDOT, crews have been working around the clock since Saturday night, which led contractors to complete the repairs for the bridge about 14 hours ahead of schedule. ALDOT told News 19 that all lanes of I-65 are now open. The girders of the Upper River Road bridge in Priceville were damaged April 29 when they were struck by a piece of equipment improperly loaded on a trailer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Girders are long, horizontal beams that support the bridge deck. Although all six girders were struck during the crash, the outside girder on the north side took the most damage and required a more extensive repair. ALDOT said that the repair consisted of raising the bridge slightly, repairing steel rebar within the girder, preparing the old concrete surface, constructing wooden forms and pouring new concrete. While concrete on the north outside girder cured, the contractor completed minor repairs to the other five girders. ALDOT negotiated for the repair to be performed as a $358,185 supplement to a pre-existing $16.1 million contract with Rogers Group for the ongoing resurfacing of I-65 in Morgan County. Coincidentally, that project includes raising the Upper River Road and Parker Road bridges to improve clearances. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bridge will remain closed to Upper River Road traffic throughout July as the contractor raises the bridge. Though the shoulders of I-65 will be closed, ALDOT anticipates no further daytime travel lane closures on I-65 related to the bridge work. The contractor will raise the bridge 13 inches and build up the approaches to the bridge. The resulting total clearance of 17 feet from the interstate will be one foot above the standard for interstate overpasses. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. TUNIS (Reuters) -An Algerian court upheld on Tuesday a five-year prison sentence being served by French-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal for undermining national unity, Ennahar TV said, prompting a call for clemency by France. Sansal, 80, had been living in France but was detained while visiting Algeria in November and sentenced in March after making statements to a French media outlet in which he endorsed Morocco's position that part of its territory was seized under French colonialism and annexed to Algeria. Sansal denied the charges. He said his statements were made within the framework of freedom of expression and that he had no intention of offending Algeria. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "France regrets the appeal court's decision to impose a prison sentence on our compatriot Boualem Sansal, which maintains the sentence handed down by the lower court", the French Foreign Ministry said. It said France urged the Algerian authorities to show clemency and find a swift, humanitarian and dignified solution to the situation of our compatriot, taking into account his state of health and humanitarian considerations. French President Emmanuel Macron had called for Sandal's release after he was sentenced in March. Ties between Paris and Algiers have deteriorated since France recognised Morocco's sovereignty over the disputed territory of Western Sahara. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Algiers' refusal to take back those deported by French authorities and Sansal's detention have exacerbated tensions, with each side expelling some of the other's diplomats. (Reporting by Tarek Amara in Tunis, Additional reporting by Dominique Vidalon in Paris, Editing by Timothy Heritage) The Brief Jurors in Diddys trial say theyve reached verdicts on four of five counts, but remain divided on racketeering conspiracy. The judge is considering an Allen charge a legal instruction that urges jurors to keep deliberating despite an impasse. Diddys defense team opposes the move, saying jurors are working steadily and should not be pressured. NEW YORK - Jurors in Sean "Diddy" Combs federal sex trafficking trial told the judge Tuesday that theyve hit an impasse on the most serious charge: racketeering conspiracy. While theyve reached verdicts on four other counts, their note cited "unpersuadable views" on both sides of Count 1, prompting the court to consider issuing whats known as an Allen charge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The instructionused in federal court when juries struggle to reach consensusencourages continued deliberations and reminds jurors of their duty to work toward a unanimous verdict. But Diddys defense team is urging the court to hold off, saying the jury appears to be working diligently through a high volume of testimony and evidence and doesnt need added pressure. If jurors are ultimately unable to reach a decision on the racketeering charge, it could result in a mistrial for that countthough verdicts on the four other charges would still stand. Why is the judge considering an Allen charge? The backstory On day two of deliberations, Judge Arun Subramanian received a note from jurors indicating they were split on Count 1 racketeering conspiracy. FILE Sean "Diddy" Combs attends a black-tie event at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta on June 2, 2021. Combs is currently on trial in New York facing federal sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy charges. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images) The note described "unpersuadable views" among members of the panel, a legal signal that often triggers consideration of an Allen charge. Prosecutors supported the idea of delivering a modified version of the charge, while the defense pushed back, warning against undue influence. What we know Allen charges are permitted in federal court and have been used in high-profile cases to prevent mistrials. Heres whats clear so far about how this might play out in the Diddy trial: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Allen charge is a tool used by federal judges when jurors are struggling to reach a unanimous verdict. It stems from the 1896 Supreme Court case Allen v. United States , which upheld its use. The instruction reminds jurors to re-examine their positions and continue deliberating in good faith. What we don't know While the jurys note signals a split, many details remain uncertain about what comes next. Here are the open questions as deliberations continue: Judge Subramanian has not yet confirmed whether he will issue the Allen charge or in what form. Its unclear how close the jury is to agreement or which side holds the majority on Count 1. The exact timing for resuming deliberations on that count has not been made public. Why you should care Count 1 racketeering conspiracy is the linchpin of the governments case, carrying the possibility of a life sentence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If the jury remains split, a mistrial on that count could complicate any future prosecution, even if verdicts are reached on the other charges. The use of an Allen charge could also become a flashpoint if Diddy is ultimately convicted, possibly cited in appeals. When have Allen charges been used before? Dig deeper Allen charges have surfaced in several recent high-profile trialsincluding one in New York just months ago. During the Daniel Penny trial in December 2024 , a Manhattan judge issued an Allen charge after jurors said they couldnt reach a decision on second-degree manslaughter. In that case, the judge ultimately dismissed the manslaughter charge but instructed jurors to continue deliberating on a lesser count. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The move was controversial but legal under New York state law, whichlike federal lawrequires unanimous verdicts. The Allen charge has historically been used to avoid mistrials by encouraging consensus, but critics argue it can pressure jurors to cave rather than hold their ground. The Source This report is based on coverage from FOX 5 New York and the Associated Press, including real-time updates from inside the courtroom. Legal definitions were sourced from the Legal Information Institute at Cornell Law School. Additional background comes from past reporting on the Daniel Penny trial, where a New York judge issued a similar charge in response to a jury impasse. Chile's ALMA observatory, which houses some of the world's most powerful telescopes, has captured its most detailed images to date of the building blocks of the early universe -- primarily cold gases, dust and stellar light in 39 galaxies. "We've never achieved so much detail and depth in galaxies from the early universe," Sergio Martin, head of Scientific Operations at ALMA, told AFP during a presentation of the research at University of Concepcion in Santiago. Due to its dark skies and clear air, Chile hosts the telescopes of more than 30 countries, including the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) that was used in the findings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The research was led by Rodrigo Herrera-Camus, director of the Millennium Nucleus of Galaxies (MINGAL) of Chile, who told AFP the new images provide "the opportunity to study how stars are born." The survey also found that stars emerged in "giant clumps," Herrera-Camus said. By combining ALMA's findings with images from the James Webb and Hubble telescopes, researchers were able to learn more about how galaxies evolve, interact, and form stars. The ALMA telescope was developed by the European Southern Observatory, the US National Radio Astronomy Observatory and the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan. axl/ksb/sla/jgc After NATO members gathered at The Hague and pledged to increase defence spending, a doctored image was shared in posts falsely claiming it showed world leaders posing with a cardboard cutout of former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte after they secured his release from detention at the International Criminal Court (ICC). Duterte remains in ICC detention, and the attached image was altered from a photo taken at a social dinner hosted by the Dutch king and queen. "World leaders gathered at The Hague, Netherlands for a 'Bring Him Home' meeting to talk about the release of former president Rodrigo Duterte," reads part of the Tagalog-language caption of a TikTok video shared on June 26, 2025. It adds that leaders "agreed with the ICC to release FPRRD (former president Rodrigo Roa Duterte) at the soonest possible date". The video, which has been viewed more than 180,000 times, appears to show an image of world leaders such as US President Donald Trump and France's Emmanuel Macron standing behind a cardboard cutout of Duterte. Posters reading "Bring Him Home" can also be seen plastered on walls in the background. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The post surfaced after leaders of NATO countries met at The Hague on June 24 and 25, with the Western political and military alliance agreeing to massively ramp up their defence spending to satisfy Trump (archived here and here). The US leader had repeatedly suggested Washington could withhold protection from European countries unwilling to spend more on defence, but signed off on a final declaration confirming an "ironclad commitment" to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's collective defence pledge that an attack on one is an attack on all. The Hague is also where Duterte has been detained since early March for alleged crimes against humanity tied to his crackdown on drugs that killed thousands of mostly poor men (archived link). Screenshot of the false post taken on July 2, 2025, with the red X mark added by AFP The image appearing to show world leaders supporting Duterte was also shared in similar Facebook posts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Good for Father Digong. Even after his term ended, he is being included by other countries. They must really love him," read a comment on one of the posts, using a nickname for the former president. Another said: "This makes me cry. So touching." While the former Philippine president's defence team have filed a motion for his interim release, ICC prosecutors have formally opposed the application (archived here and here). His request for interim release is not mentioned in the NATO summit's declaration issued on June 25, and Duterte remains in ICC detention as of July 2 (archived link). NATO social dinner A reverse image search on Google of the image accompanying the false posts led to a similar photo posted on NATO's official website on June 24, as part of a slideshow about a social dinner hosted by the Netherland's King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima at the Huis ten Bosch palace (archived link). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unlike in the falsely shared image, no cutout of ex-president Duterte was placed in front of the Dutch royal family nor were any posters plastered on the walls of the royal palace. Screenshot comparison of the altered image (left) and the NATO photo (right), with differences highlighted by AFP A similar photo uploaded to AFP's photo archives also shows the circulating image was altered. Subsequent reverse image searches led to photos of a similar cutout of the ex-Philippine president in a March 29 Facebook post by pro-Duterte Senator Ronald dela Rosa (archived link). The "Bring Him Home" posters, meanwhile, correspond to those seen in a March 16 Facebook post shared by staunch Duterte ally Senator Robin Padilla (archived link). AFP has debunked several false claims about the ex-president being released from detention. BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) A suspect has been arrested after an ambulance was allegedly stolen from the Baton Rouge General Mid City Hospital early Wednesday morning. According to the Baton Rouge Police Department, the vehicle was taken around 5:30 a.m. but was later recovered. The driver, identified as 38-year-old Flordy Washington, led officers on a 38-minute vehicle pursuit through the City of Baton Rouge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Baton Rouge Police Department responded to the 3600 block of Florida Boulevard about a vehicle theft in progress. Dispatch told police that an EMS ambulance had been stolen. Officers began to search the area and noticed the vehicle at N. Foster Drive and Gus Young Avenue. Officers activated their marked units lights and sirens in an attempt to pull the vehicle over. During the pursuit, Washington failed to stop at two red lights, which resulted in a crash. The chase ended in the 2100 block of Elwood Court, where Washington refused to cooperate with officers. He was then taken into custody and booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison on charges including but not limited to resisting an officer, aggravated obstruction of highway commerce, aggravated flight from an officer, theft of a motor vehicle, and aggravated criminal damage to property. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said Washington has a lengthy criminal history and is currently on probation for auto theft. Louisiana leaders urge community to Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over ahead of 4th of July holiday Latest News Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Louisiana First News. (WHTM) The nations capital resided in Pennsylvania before Washington, D.C. However, just where in the state depends on the criteria used. Most people likely consider Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the original seat of the United States. Its where the Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, leading to the colonies separation from British rule. Close Thanks for signing up! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now This Week in Pennsylvania It sounds like a simple enough litmus test that the city where the Founding Fathers declared independence should count as the nations first capital. However, the nearby City of York would disagree. Rather, York claims to be the first capital. And yes, we have proof, the city said on its official website. In September 1777, the Continental Congress moved the location of the colonies central government from Philadelphia to Lancaster, where Pennsylvanias government resided. To avoid a conflict of interest, the city said officials moved across the Susquehanna River and set up shop in the Town of York. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As Yorkers know, their City was the birthplace of the Articles of Confederation and it was here that the words The United States of America were first spoken, the city said on its website. The city rests its claim on the argument that America had no official government until the Articles of Confederation was adopted. Historians, meanwhile, disagree with this theory. After nine months, the Continental Congress packed up from York, but not before also proclaiming the first National Day of Thanksgiving and signing the French Treaty of Alliance. The Founding Fathers then promptly moved back to Philadelphia. Free Uber vouchers available for Fourth of July weekend in Central Pennsylvania Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other cities that claim to have once been national capitals include Baltimore; New York City; Annapolis, Maryland; Princeton, New Jersey and Trenton, New Jersey. Lancaster also claims the title, though just for one day. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27. A 51-year-old New York man on vacation with wife in paradise has seemingly vanished without a trace, according to reports. Brian Tarrence of Monroe was in Turks and Caicos with his wife when he was last seen leaving their Airbnb in the early morning hours of June 25. Tarrence was spotted on security footage leaving the couple's rental in Grace Bay, Providenciales at around 3:30 a.m. and making his way downtown. When Tarrence's wife woke up, she realized her husband was gone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "They seemed to be having a normal couple days, and he ended up walking out of his condo, which is in a very safe place and in the middle of Grace Bay Road," Carl DeFazio, the family's private investigator, told Fox News Digital. "And we have him on camera, and he walks into town, and then he basically disappears, and we haven't heard from him since." Tarrence left the condo with his wallet and cellphone and wearing a T-shirt, shorts, and sneakers. Missing person flyers for the American tourist have been plastered throughout Turks and Caicos. DeFazio said he has been trying to gain access to phone records for Tarrence while on the islands, but the process "takes time." He added that he's been "very proud of the response from the local businesses and people on vacation." Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police are also investigating Tarrence's disappearance, reportedly using tools such as drone scans and CCTV footage to try to determine the missing man's whereabouts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities are also asking for any person with information to call 911 or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477. The worst thing is not knowing, DeFazio told News12 Westchester. Every day that goes by is not good. American Tourist 'Basically Disappears' While on Vacation With Wife first appeared on Men's Journal on Jul 2, 2025 BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 2. The Iranian government has allocated 10 trillion rials (approximately $16.6 million) for the temporary accommodation of families affected by Israel's 12-day military airstrikes on Iran, Trend reports. The relevant decision was made at a meeting of the Iranian Cabinet of Ministers held in Tehran today. At the meeting, attended by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, the minister of roads and urban development, and heads of other relevant agencies, information was presented to the government regarding the temporary accommodation of affected families and the repair of apartments. The above funds will be paid to the "Islamic Revolution Housing Fund of Iran" and will be spent accordingly. Iran announced that 3,500 residential buildings in Iran were damaged in the 12-day military airstrikes by Israel. On the morning of June 13, Israel carried out airstrikes against Iran. The attacks killed numerous high-ranking military officials, including Mohammad Bagheri, Chief of the Iranian Armed Forces General Staff; Hossein Salami, Commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC); and Gholam Ali Rashid, head of the Khatam al-Anbiya Headquarters, along with nine nuclear scientists and other senior figures. That same evening, Iran launched a retaliatory strike dubbed Operation True Promise III, firing hundreds of ballistic missiles and drones at multiple targets across Israel, including Tel Aviv. The attacks caused civilian casualties and widespread damage To note, the US conducted airstrikes targeting three nuclear facilities in Iran on June 22, reportedly causing significant damage. "We have completed our very successful attack on the three nuclear sites in Iran, including Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan. All planes are now outside of Iranian airspace. A full payload of BOMBS was dropped on the primary site, Fordow. All planes are safely on their way home," President of the US Donald Trump wrote on the Truth Social social network. On June 23, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) carried out a missile strike on the U.S. Al-Udeid base in Qatar. On June 24, the Israeli Prime Minister's Office announced that the Israeli government has agreed to a ceasefire with Iran, mediated by US President Donald Trump. Iran's Supreme National Security Council also issued a statement, noting that the attacks had stopped. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel A man from Monroe, New York, who was vacationing in Turks and Caicos late last month is missing after leaving his rental home on June 25. Brian Tarrence, 51, was last seen leaving his condo around 3:30 a.m. at the Paradise Inn in Grace Bay, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos, according to a missing persons flyer from the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force. "They seemed to be having a normal couple days, and he ended up walking out of his condo, which is in a very safe place and in the middle of Grace Bay Road," the Tarrence family's private investigator, Carl DeFazio, told Fox News Digital on Tuesday. "And we have him on camera, and he walks into town, and then he basically disappears, and we haven't heard from him since." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tarrence, who recently moved from Monroe to Manhattan, arrived in Turks and Caicos with his wife of one year on June 22, and they planned to leave on June 29. Body Of Missing Father Of Five Found In Georgia Lake After Kayaking Trip Brian Tarrence, 51, was last seen leaving his condo around 3:30 a.m. at the Paradise Inn in Grace Bay, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos, according to a missing persons flyer from the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force. DeFazio said the Turks and Caicos police force is using every resource it has, including drone technology and CCTV to try and locate the 51-year-old man. He also described Grace Bay Road as a "very safe" area. Read On The Fox News App "So far, we haven't been successful in anything, but we're not giving up hope. What I tell the family in cases like this: Stay positive until you have a reason not to be," DeFazio, a former NYPD officer and Marine who has been a PI since the 1990s, said. "He's a smart guy. We don't know what's in his mind or if he did this on his own or if somebody took him in." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He left his rental with his phone and wallet. He was wearing a T-shirt, shorts and sneakers, DeFazio said. Remains Found In Syria Do Not Include Those Of Austin Tice, Family Says Tarrence, who recently moved from Monroe to Manhattan, arrived in Turks and Caicos with his wife of one year on Jun. 22, and they planned to leave on Jun. 29. The private investigator has been working to get records of Tarrence's phone activity on the islands, but it's taking time, he said. The day before his disappearance, he and his wife had gone on a boat trip. That evening, his wife went to bed, and when she woke up, he was gone. She hadn't noticed he left, DeFazio said. Family Of American Found Dead On Bahamas Beach Fears Evidence Will Disappear, Pleads For Help Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The PI added that he is "very proud of the response from the local businesses and people on vacation" who have been offering their assistance after he posted Tarrance's missing persons flyer "everywhere in Turks and Caicos." He added that he has no reason to suspect any kind of criminality in Tarrence's disappearance at this point, but anything is possible with so few answers six days after he vanished. Brian Tarrence was last seen on Jun. 25 around 3:30 a.m. in Grace Bay, Turks and Caicos. DeFazio said that in missing persons cases like this one, he typically tries to establish a behavior pattern, trying to hone in on activities the missing person likes and does not like to do. He also tries to determine how familiar the missing person is with the area he or she vanished from and what he or she frequented in that area. Then, he canvases the area where the person disappeared and tries to track down phone and smartwatch records to track the person's last known movements. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Turks and Caicos police are asking anyone with information about Tarrence's disappearance to contact 911 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. Original article source: American tourist vanishes in tropical paradise after early morning walk from vacation rental NEW YORK Andrew Cuomo is scrambling to shore up backing for a general election run, even as pillars of support for his New York City mayoral campaign crumble. The former governor and his advisers have courted Democratic elected officials, business leaders and labor chiefs who endorsed his failed primary bid in an attempt to keep them in his fold for November, according to four people with direct knowledge of the conversations. In phone calls since his double-digit loss to democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani, Cuomo has insisted theres a path forward in a five-candidate general election field and referenced public polling that showed him neck-and-neck with the state lawmaker. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So far, the argument doesnt seem to be working. Two key components of Cuomos base Black leaders and unions are abandoning his campaign. The developments call into question whether Cuomo, whose institutional support was unmatched in the primary, would have any establishment backing in a general election. A November victory would be extraordinarily difficult against a Democratic nominee in a deep-blue city and even harder without significant outside support. On Wednesday, Al Sharpton a major figure in New Yorks Black political establishment urged the former governor to drop out of the race, dealing a body blow to Cuomos general election prospects. Cuomo decisively won Black voters in the primary, and he would need them again for a credible challenge to Mamdani. Instead, Sharpton called for Cuomo to allow Adams, the citys second Black mayor, to face off against Mamdani. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Andrew Cuomo should look at what is best for the city and let them have a one- on-one race, Sharpton said during an appearance on MSNBCs "Morning Joe." I said that to his people yesterday. Sharptons remarks came hours before three major labor organizations rallied with Mamdani in Midtown. The Hotel and Gaming Trades Council and 32BJ, two powerhouse unions that endorsed Cuomo in the primary, pledged to campaign on behalf of the Democratic nominee alongside the New York State Nurses Association, which endorsed Mamdani in the general election. Cuomo received the backing of nearly every major union in the primary, which he used to generate an aura of inevitability. He then relied heavily on labor for his get-out-the-vote operation. Adams dropped out of the primary in April on account of a criminal bribery case that was dismissed at the behest of President Donald Trump. He is now running in the general election on an independent ballot line. Fellow independent Jim Walden, a former federal prosecutor, and GOP nominee Curtis Sliwa a perennial candidate who got 28 percent of the vote four years ago will also be on the ballot. Cuomos name, meanwhile, will appear on an independent line regardless of whether he mounts an active challenge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mamdani defeated Cuomo after three rounds of ranked-choice voting, 56 percent to 44 percent. Cuomos campaign has credited Mamdani with expanding the electorate to include first-time voters and young people who cannot normally be counted on to cast a ballot in a primary. Cuomo spokesperson Rich Azzopardi in a statement said general election voters wont embrace Adams Trump alliance or Mamdanis hard-left politics. Everyone is entitled to their own political opinion we understand President Trump supports Eric Adams, and do not believe socialism is the answer, Azzopardi said. Most New Yorkers are not Trumpers, and most New Yorkers are not socialists the majority lies in the middle. We will continue to assess the current situation in the best interest of the people of the city of New York. Cuomos general election pitch, in part, is that a November electorate will be different than a closed party primary. A general election will turn out independents and Republicans who could be persuaded to vote for the moderate former governor over Mamdani and Adams, Cuomos team has asserted. Ranked-choice voting, which Cuomo did not utilize as a strategy after being endorsed by fellow mayoral candidate Jessica Ramos, will not be used in the general election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adams and Cuomo share a base that includes Black New Yorkers, Jewish voters and blue-collar people who live outside Manhattan. In one phone call with a state lawmaker, Cuomo acknowledged Adams presence in the race would make a November victory harder to achieve. The former governor, though, insists he would be able to win in a race that includes an untested Mamdani. He believes there is a path forward and wants to take it, one Democratic state lawmaker, who was granted anonymity to relay the private conversation with the former governor, told POLITICO. Assemblymember Eddie Gibbs, a Harlem Democrat who endorsed Cuomos mayoral bid, said Wednesday he wants to mend his relationship with Adams. Hes yet to endorse a general election candidate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I owe the mayor an apology, I endorsed Andrew without even talking to the mayor, said Gibbs, who is yet to speak with Cuomo. I wasnt such a good friend. The mayor has had my back. Im not going to make that same mistake twice. The wealthy donors who backed Cuomos primary bid are also not guaranteed to follow him into November. A Cuomo-allied super PAC raised $25 million to support his primary bid, though the money did little to blunt the momentum of Mamdanis volunteer-powered campaign. The group, which received $8.3 million from billionaire former Mayor Michael Bloomberg, as well as cash from real estate and financial industry titans, has not determined its next steps in the general election. Adams, meanwhile, met last week with business leaders including those who supported Cuomos super PAC. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After Andrew Cuomos loss, the phone hasnt stopped ringing, Adams campaign spokesperson Todd Shapiro said. CORRECTION: An earlier version of this report misstated the results of a poll Cuomo has cited. The survey shows him in a close race with Mamdani. WE DID IT, Texas State Sen. Angela Paxton posted Tuesday, celebrating a major defeat for Big Tech and a surprise rebuke to a signature proposal from President Donald Trump. WE DID IT Overnight the Senate voted 99-1 to remove the AI moratorium provision from the #OBBB! This is a major victory for states, like Texas, to be able to protect children from AI abuse. Thank you to the advocates and lawmakers that stood up to #BigTech and worked https://t.co/G4Jhs6lwK3 Senator Angela Paxton (@AngelaPaxtonTX) July 1, 2025 Paxtons post came after an all-night vote-a-rama on Capitol Hill, where senators stripped language from the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) that would have effectively restricted state and local governments from enforcing or passing new laws regulating artificial intelligence for the next decade. A resounding 99-1 vote defeated the proposal initially pushed by U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas). The lone dissenter was Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), who is not seeking reelection. The reversal capped a dramatic 24-hour stretch that saw Republicans splinter over the issue. Cruz ultimately joined longtime ally Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) in voting to kill the very provision he had helped negotiate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Blackburn, who led opposition to the moratorium, introduced the amendment to strike it after sustained pressure from state officials, child safety groups, labor unions, and populists. One key voice was Paxton, who had urged both Cruz and U.S. Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) to oppose the moratorium just one day prior. If the OBBB passes with the AI moratorium in place, our important work on preventing child pornography, protecting data privacy, preventing discrimination, and holding Big Tech accountable in Texas will be rendered moot, she warned in a letter posted online, The Dallas Express reported. The moratorium would have frozen state AI laws in exchange for access to certain federal broadband and tech funds. Supporters, including Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and major trade associations, claimed the plan would streamline innovation and avoid a chaotic patchwork of 50 different state rules. However, critics on both the left and right argued that it would gut states ability to respond to rapidly evolving AI harms. By preventing states from legislating on an issue that will have a rapid and unprecedented impact Congress would be trampling on states rights, Paxton wrote, invoking the Tenth Amendment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her advocacy drew added attention given that her husband, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, is running to unseat Cornyn in 2026. Though she did not mention the race, her letter placed her in open opposition to both Cornyn and Cruz. The backlash to the AI moratorium spanned ideological lines. Teamsters President Sean M. OBrien called it a disaster for communities and working people. A compromise versionshortening the moratorium to five years and carving out exceptions for child safety lawsbriefly emerged Sunday but collapsed within 24 hours. Blackburn withdrew her support late Monday, declaring, The current language is not acceptable to those who need these protections the most. The moratoriums defeat was a rare win for state regulators, parents groups, and populists, who saw it as a backroom favor to Silicon Valley. Google and Meta had AI amnesty in the bag yesterday at 10 a.m., said Mike Davis, founder of the Article III Project, per The Washington Post. Then the Article III Project and Steve Bannons War Room sprang into action. We are pleased 99 senators finally decided to side with kids and content creators over AI amnesty and Big Tech profits. MADISON - Wisconsin anti-abortion groups expressed disappointment after the state's highest court overturned a 176-year-old state law that had banned abortions in nearly every situation but vowed to continue their work. In a 4-3 ruling July 2, the liberal-controlled Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled women have access to abortion services until week 20 of pregnancy. The ruling comes after three years of debate over the issue of abortion following the 2022 ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court that overturned Roe. v. Wade, which had granted the constitutional right to abortions to women nationwide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wisconsin Right to Life Executive Director Heather Weininger told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that the decision wasn't a surprise to the organization, which has worked to "create a society in which every person's right to life is secure," according to the organization's website. "What we were waiting to see is how they got to that decision and it's very disappointing to see that while they use implied repeal they failed to tell us which law it took away," Weininger said, adding that the liberal majority on the court will in "any way shape or form use their activism on the court to make laws the way they want to see them." Weininger said the ruling won't change the way Wisconsin Right to Life runs its educational programs and how active the organization will remain at the state and federal level. "It won't change the way we work to change hearts and minds every day. The legislative side of us is just a small part of the work that we do," Weininger said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dan Miller, the state director for Pro-Life Wisconsin, told the Journal Sentinel the ruling doesn't change how abortion services are provided in Wisconsin which were resumed after a Dane County judge's ruling in the case in December 2023 rather "just makes it more formal." "The liberal majority on this bench is more interested in legislating from the bench then they are doing their jobs," Miller said. While Wisconsin Right to Life takes no position on contraceptives and is open to exceptions including for the life of the mother, Pro-Life Wisconsin opposes exceptions to abortion, contraceptives and stem-cell research. The history of abortion rights in Wisconsin In the aftermath of the overturning of Roe v. Wade, states like Wisconsin were left in legal limbo with questions over whether the 1849 law, enacted a year after statehood, superseded subsequent regulation enacted on abortion access in the state, including a 2015 law that banned abortion 20 weeks after "probable fertilization." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Three Planned Parenthood clinics and one independent clinic immediately stopped providing abortion services in Wisconsin after the U.S. Supreme Court's 2022 decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Care. Dane County Circuit Court Judge Diane Schlipper ruled in December 2023 that Wisconsin's abortion law applies to 1849 law only applied to the intentional killing of a fetus by someone other than the mother, not consensual medical abortions. Schlipper's ruling was based on a 1994 state Supreme Court decision that determined feticide is a nonconsensual act that involves battering a woman to the point that she loses the pregnancy. In the lawsuit, Attorney General Josh Kaul argued that the state's 1849 law that previously banned abortion with no exception for rape or incest has been invalidated by abortion laws passed since the original Roe v. Wade ruling in 1973. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shortly after the release of Schlipper's initial ruling in July 2023, clinics in Dane, Milwaukee and Sheboygan counties interpreted the order as giving them legal standing to again provide abortion services in September. "There is no such thing as an '1849 Abortion Ban' in Wisconsin. A physician who performs a consensual medical abortion commits a crime only 'after the fetus or unborn child reaches viability '" she wrote, explicitly adding the law does not prohibit consensual medical abortions. Sheboygan County District Attorney Joel Urmanski, a defendant in the case, appealed Schlipper's December 2023 ruling, prompting the state's high court to take the case up directly. The Wisconsin Supreme Court heard oral arguments for the case in November 2024. A look at abortions in Wisconsin post-Roe The number of abortions provided in Wisconsin halved in the year Roe v. Wade was overturned, according to an abortion surveillance report released in November 2024 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In both 2020 and 2021, more than 6,400 abortions were provided in the state. That number fell to 3,333 in 2022 the same year the Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization decision put Wisconsin's 1849 law back into effect for about 15 months. From June 2022 to September 2023, abortion services were halted statewide, except when saving the life of the pregnant person. Pro-abortion rights research group Guttmacher Institute found that 1,250 abortions were provided by clinicians in Wisconsin in 2023, and 82% fewer clinician-provided abortions occurred in 2023 compared to 2020 in the state. In 2024, after clinics resumed their abortion services, 6,490 abortions were provided by clinicians in Wisconsin, according to a Guttmacher Institute study. Majority of U.S. adults support right to abortion Public support of abortion services has remained reliably steady over the past few years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A 2024 Marquette University Law School poll found that two thirds of adults nationwide favor the U.S. Supreme Court's decision that maintained access to mifepristone, a widely available abortion pill. In Wisconsin, 67% of adults say abortion should be legal in all or most cases, according to the Pew Research Center's 2023-24 Religious Landscape Study. Anna Kleiber can be reached at akleiber@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Anti-abortion groups react to Wisconsin Supreme Court ruling on abortion [Source] Anti-South Asian hate has surged at an alarming rate in Canada, with incidents both online and offline increasing sharply in recent years, a new report from the Institute for Strategic Dialogue (ISD) shows. Shocking numbers: Police-reported hate crimes against South Asians in Canada rose by more than 227% between 2019 and 2023, while posts containing anti-South Asian slurs on X increased by over 1,350% from 2023 to 2024, according to the report. In less than two months before the federal election on April 28, more than 2,300 anti-South Asian posts from Canadian extremist accounts generated over 1.2 million engagements. A significant spike followed the April 17 leaders debate, where much of the hate targeted former New Democratic Party leader Jagmeet Singh. Diagolon, a white supremacist group, has reportedly played a central role in spreading hate, using slogans like They have to go back and Yeet the Jeets to harass and incite violence against South Asians. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Driving the news: Researchers link the surge in anti-South Asian hate to growing economic anxieties, particularly around housing and job shortages, with immigrants often scapegoated as the cause. Prime Minister Mark Carneys recent pledge to cap immigration including limiting temporary residents to no more than 5% of the countrys population by 2027 has been widely seen as a response to these tensions. Steven Rai, a domestic extremism analyst at ISD, explained that extremists are increasingly targeting visible minority groups. Theyre looking at who are the most visible ethnic minorities in Canada, and we see a huge South Asian population there, Rai told CTV News. Great Replacement conspiracy: Part of the rhetoric stoking hate against South Asians reportedly stems from the Great Replacement conspiracy theory, which falsely asserts that increased immigration will drive away white populations. As of 2021, those with South Asian ancestry made up the largest racialized group in Canada, totaling 2,571,400 or 7.1% of the overall population. In a November 2024 article for Tahe Conversation, Reena Kukreja, a professor in global development studies at Queens University in Ontario, noted that the far-right online narrative both in Canada and across Southern Europe is increasingly using the Great Replacement Theory to stir up racial hate against migrants, especially against racialized male migrants. Trending on NextShark: Anti-South Asian hate skyrockets in Canada: report This story is part of The Rebel Yellow Newsletter a bold weekly newsletter from the creators of NextShark, reclaiming our stories and celebrating Asian American voices. Subscribe free to join the movement. If you love what were building, consider becoming a paid member your support helps us grow our team, investigate impactful stories, and uplift our community. Trending on NextShark: Asian American senators slam Trumps 'One Big Beautiful Bill' after senate passage Subscribe here now! Download the NextShark App: Want to keep up to date on Asian American News? Download the NextShark App today! A banner showing a picture of President Donald Trump is displayed outside of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) building on June 3, 2025, in Washington, D.C. Credit - Kevin CarterGetty Images This July 4, some Americans are planning to retire their Independence Day barbecues and instead head to the streets in protest against President Donald Trump and his Administration. The collective demonstrations will be the latest in a long line of protests that have taken place since Trump returned to the White House for a second term. On June 14, as Trump held a national military parade in Washington, D.C.,the largest the capital city has seen in decadespeople across the U.S. gathered for counter-action, attending "No Kings" protests to publicly reject authoritarianism. Ahead of the big day, Trump had warned that people that want to protest will be met with big force, saying participants are people that hate our country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Amid the No Kings activism, states across the U.S. also encountered immigration protests as people demonstrated against the Trump Administrations ICE raids. The protests notably started in Los Angeles and garnered national and international attention, especially after Trump deployed the National Guard, and later the Marines, to quell the demonstrations, without the request of California Gov. Gavin Newsom. The decision resulted in much criticism and a legal battle, with an appeals court ultimately ruling that Trump was allowed to keep control of the National Guard in L.A. In April, people gathered across the U.S. and international cities such as London, Paris, and Stockholm to protest against the actions of Trump and his then-ally, former Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) lead Elon Musk. (The former allies have since had a very public falling out.) Now, a fresh round of protests are set to take place on July 4, Americas Independence Day. Heres what we know about the planned action. Womens March organizes Free America Weekend Womens March, which coordinates protests across the U.S. against sexism and oppression, has published a list of over 140 events set to take place on July 4. The displays of protest range from rallies and marches to block parties. Womens March has invited communities across the country to create even more events. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Per the organization, the Free America Weekend aims to highlight key issues being faced by people across the U.S., such as poverty, unlawful orders, and the grip of hate and the politics of fear. "This July 4th, while the U.S. marks Independence Day, well gather across the countryon porches, in town squares, backyards, and streetsto stand for real freedom and build a vision of a Free America, brick-by-brick," reads a statement within Women Marchs call for action. They want us scared, divided, and alone. They dont want us to dream about freedom. But thats exactly what we have to do," said the organization. No Kings 2.0 demonstrations After widespread No Kings protests took place throughout the U.S. on June 14, another round of demonstrations are set to take place on July 4. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No Kings 2.0 events have been scheduled in Wisconsin, Louisiana and Wyoming, along with at least ten other locations across the U.S. While the No Kings protests in June were notably rallying against authoritarianism, the event page for Wisconsins July 4 rally in Green Bay says that the focus this time is on ICE raids and activity amid Trumps nationwide immigration crackdown. The protest event page encourages those attending to stand up for community, justice [in] solidarity with our immigrant neighbors. In June, ICE arrests conducted in Trumps second term reportedly reached over 100,000. Organizers of No Kings 2.0 events in Louisiana and Wyoming have stressed non-violent demonstrations as a core principle of the gatherings. Read More: Protesters Across the U.S. Rally Against Trump and Musk: Stop Destroying America What other protests are being held on July 4? Locals are planning a demonstration outside Trumps Mar-a-Lago residence in Palm Beach, Florida. Protesters are scheduled to gather near the estate on the evening of July 4, equipped with a large balloon depicting the President as a baby. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A similar balloon was hoisted above Trumps Florida residence on Juneteenth in 2020, in protest against the treatment of Black Americans, in the weeks after the killing of George Floyd. "We're supposed to be celebrating America's independence, and I felt a moral responsibility to stand up and declare our independence from Trump-ism," Mark Offerman, a local activist, told Palm Beach Daily News. Meanwhile, The Peoples Union USA is encouraging Americans to stay at home on July 4, boycotting large corporations and avoiding parades and firework displays in a show of solidarity against wealth inequality and ICE raids. Instead, The Peoples Union USA, who organized the Economic Blackout in February, wants people to focus on supporting their communities and buying locally. Founder John Schwarz has called it the most important boycott of the year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Do not wave a flag for a country that no longer waves it for you, Schwarz said in a video. The 4th of July is supposed to be a celebration of freedom, but what freedom are we actually talking about? Contact us at letters@time.com. New York Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez slammed President Donald Trumps domestic megabill as a deal with the devil in an emotional speech on the House floor. The House of Representatives returned to business on Wednesday to take up the Senates version of Trumps Big, Beautiful Bill. In her speech, Ocasio-Cortez referred to one of Trumps top campaign promises included in the legislation, no taxes on tips, as a scam as she referenced her own past work as a bartender. On this point of tax on tips, as one of the only people in this body who has lived off of tips, I want to tell you a little bit about the scam of that text, a little bit of the fine print there, said Ocasio-Cortez, before going on to note that the provision has a limit of $25,000 per year. The legislation doesnt include the tax break for those earning more than $150,000 a year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The congresswoman argued that the bill would be jacking up taxes for lower-income Americans. The legislation extends tax cuts initially passed in 2017 during Trumps first stint in the White House. She then mentioned the suggested cuts to Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez referred to a provision in President Donald Trumps domestic megabill as a scam (Getty) The cap on that is $25,000 while youre jacking up taxes on people who make less than $50,000 across the United States, while taking away their SNAP, while taking away their Medicaid, while kicking them off of the ACA and their health care extensions, she said. So if youre at home and youre living off tips, you do the math. Is that worth it to you? Losing all your health care, not being able to feed your babies, not being able to put a diaper on their bottom in exchange for what? This bill is a deal with the devil. According to a poll of 800 voters in Ocasio-Cortez's home state by Siena College, New York voters believe, by a 52 to 28 percent margin, that Trumps legislation would make life worse for a majority of Americans. Meanwhile, 61 percent supported removing income taxes on tips, while 21 percent opposed the measure. Empire State voters also backed requiring healthy adult Medicaid recipients to work to get benefits by a margin of 48 to 32 percent. They are also strongly opposed to cutting corporate taxes and cutting SNAP benefits for the poor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ocasio-Cortez told members of the GOP on Wednesday that they should be ashamed. It explodes our national debt. It militarizes our entire economy and it strips away healthcare and basic dignity of the American people for what? she added. To give Elon Musk a tax break and billionaires the greedy taking of our nation. We cannot stand for it, and we will not support it. You should be ashamed. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez denounced President Trumps Big Beautiful Bill as a scam and a deal with the devil in a fiery speech Wednesday on the House floor. As the sprawling bill inches toward passage, Ocasio-Cortez accused Trump of lying about the measure that cuts Medicaid and food stamps for the poor while slashing taxes on tips and providing big breaks for the wealthy and large corporations. It doesnt take a smart person to know if you are being lied to, Ocasio-Cortez (D-Queens, Bronx) said. President Trump, youre either being lied to or you are lying to the American people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The progressive firebrand drew cheers from fellow Democrats as she accused GOP lawmakers of engineering the largest and greatest loss of health care in American history. She said 17 million would lose coverage due to the bills harsh cuts, although nonpartisan watchdog groups have put the number at 11 million. Ocasio-Cortez, a former waitress, called Trump s move to end the tax on tips a scam and pointed out that the Senate imposed a $25,000 cap on the benefit, which she predicted would be canceled out by cuts in health care and SNAP food assistance. You do the math. she said. Is that worth it to you? The speech came as Republicans, who hold a 220-to-212 edge in the House of Representatives, were moving through some procedural steps before the bill comes up for a final vote. Some Republican lawmakers vowed to vote against the bill, but most observers believe enough will cave to Trump to pass it despite misgivings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democrats can rail against the bill but cannot block it unless at least four Republicans break ranks. Ocasio-Cortez called Republicans hypocrites for claiming to stand up for working people. This bill is a deal with the devil, she said, ending the speech by addressing GOP colleagues directly. You should be ashamed. Jul. 1Albuquerque police are deploying drones over the Rio Grande bosque in response to a series of recent fires. The drones will allow the Albuquerque Police Department to monitor portions of the riverside forest in real-time, officials said Tuesday. The drones will detect any signs of smoke, heat signatures or suspicious activity from the skies. "This is a game changer for our department," APD Chief Harold Medina said during a news conference. "Drones are giving us eyes in the sky and allowing us to respond faster and smarter. They are now an essential tool in our crime-fighting and public safety toolbox." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Drones will also allow APD to gather evidence, track patterns and deter illegal activity in the bosque area, according to a department news release. After receiving alerts from the drone, Albuquerque Open Space officers will be dispatched to investigate the area. National Guard members will also assist APD in operating the drones and reviewing any video footage captured. APD investigated four fires in the bosque last month, three of which were set on three consecutive days. Officials believe all four fires were "intentionally set," according to the release. One arrest was made, but the case was dismissed after a grand jury found a lack of probable cause. APD said the drones are a chance for early intervention, allowing officers to get to the scene faster, prevent fires from spreading and investigate " criminal activity before it escalates," the department said. MEMPHIS, Tenn. Arkansas State Police say a driver was impaired when he killed two Paragould men changing a flat tire on Interstate 555 near Trumann Thursday. Special Agents with the Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division arrested oneTaylor David Rhoades, 25, of Pocahontas, one day after the fatal crash. He was charged with Negligent Homicide, DWI, Careless or Prohibited Driving, and Leaving the Scene of an Accident with Injuries. Taylor David Rhoades (Poinsett Co Detention Center) According to ASP, Rhoades was driving a 2010 Ford Focus northbound on I-555 when his vehicle struck the men who were standing near a car parked on the shoulder near the 23-mile marker. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mother of man accused of bringing a gun to the CJC arrested Tyler Slayton, 36, and Jacob Ward, 31, were pronounced dead at the scene by the Poinsett County Deputy Coroner. Investigators said a Poinsett County Sheriffs Deputy later observed Rhoades vehicle with significant damage and conducted a traffic stop. They said evidence discovered during the stop linked the car to the fatal incident. Rhoades appeared before the Poinsett County District Court on Monday, June 30, where his bond was set at $100,000. Rhoades is being held in the Poinsett County Detention Center in Harrisburg. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Sean Diddy Combs fell to his knees in a Manhattan courtroom as his trial verdict was read out, with legal experts calling the prosecutions case a complete and total failure. Sean Diddy Combs fell to his knees in a Manhattan courtroom as his trial verdict was read out, with legal experts calling the prosecutions case a complete and total failure The 55-year-old music mogul was convicted on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution charges each carrying a maximum 10-year sentence but no mandatory minimum. The jury acquitted Combs of the most serious charges, including racketeering conspiracy and two counts of sex trafficking, following a seven-week trial. The racketeering charge alone had carried the possibility of a life sentence. Combs was arrested in September 2024 and has remained in custody since, with several bail requests denied. His legal team has argued for his release ahead of sentencing, which is now pending a judges decision. While Combs and his family celebrated the partial acquittal, prosecutors are expected to oppose bail, citing legal grounds that detention is mandatory after conviction on such federal charges. Former federal prosecutor Neama Rahmani, president of West Coast Trial Lawyers, spoke to The U.S. Sun following the outcome. He said: Todays verdict is nothing less than a complete and total failure by the prosecution in what will go down as the most expensive prostitution trial in American history. Even though the Mann Act carries a potential 10-year maximum sentence, Diddy is going to get time served or close to it. His sentencing guideline range may be as low as 1521 months. Prosecutors acknowledged in a letter to Judge Subramanian, obtained by The U.S. Sun, that the guideline sentence may range from 51 to 63 months. Combs has already served nine months. The letter noted: The Government has not had adequate time to carefully consider all potentially applicable Guidelines provisions. Rahmani said the sex trafficking charges were undermined by evidence of consent and added: The prosecutions only real chance of a victory was racketeering and to prove a non-sex related predicate act like kidnapping, arson, extortion, or bribery. They failed to lean on and flip key members of Diddys inner circle like KK and D-ROC. He also noted none of the alleged sexual assault victims who have filed civil suits against Combs and who had no professional or romantic ties to him were called to testify. New Mexico-based criminal defence attorney John W. Day also spoke to The U.S. Sun, saying: They presented a tsunami of evidence against Diddy over many weeks, and the jurors did not buy their story. The government was trying to convince the jury that RICO which was designed to go after the Mafia and mob organised crime families should be applied to baby oil and Diddys high-flying lifestyle in the music business, and the jury just was not convinced. He added: The prosecutors believed that Cassie Ventura and Jane the girlfriend who testified under an alias would tell a story of victimisation that the jury would feel empathy for, but they most likely just saw these witnesses as willing participants in the glamorous world of Diddy. Actor Rosie ODonnell wrote on Instagram following the verdict: I guess a jury just never wants to believe that a woman stays because of power and coercion wow they just think women stay because what? money fame they love the abuse what a f****** joke this decision got me angry #cassie. Combs legal team submitted a letter to Judge Subramanian outlining why he should be released from custody. They argued he is not a flight risk, has appeared at all hearings, and has behaved as a model inmate. The defence added reasonable conditions would ensure he would not have the opportunity to arrange to meet with escorts. They also wrote: The jury unambiguously rejected the governments allegations that Mr. Combs ran a years-long criminal enterprise or engaged in sex trafficking the core of the governments case. BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 2. Destruction of Iran's nuclear industry and nuclear technology through bombing will be impossible, Iranian Vice President and Chairman of the Atomic Energy Organization Mohammad Eslami told reporters on the sidelines of a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers in Tehran today, Trend reports. According to him, the nuclear industry and technology have carved out a niche as a local industrial sector in Iran. Eslami said that Iran's nuclear program and nuclear industry will be pushed forward with all guns blazing. He added that the attack on Iran was a serious blow to the UN Charter. On the morning of June 13, Israel carried out airstrikes against Iran. The attacks killed numerous high-ranking military officials, including Mohammad Bagheri, Chief of the Iranian Armed Forces General Staff; Hossein Salami, Commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC); and Gholam Ali Rashid, head of the Khatam al-Anbiya Headquarters, along with nine nuclear scientists and other senior figures. That same evening, Iran launched a retaliatory strike dubbed Operation True Promise III, firing hundreds of ballistic missiles and drones at multiple targets across Israel, including Tel Aviv. The attacks caused civilian casualties and widespread damage To note, the US conducted airstrikes targeting three nuclear facilities in Iran on June 22, reportedly causing significant damage. "We have completed our very successful attack on the three nuclear sites in Iran, including Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan. All planes are now outside of Iranian airspace. A full payload of BOMBS was dropped on the primary site, Fordow. All planes are safely on their way home," President of the US Donald Trump wrote on the Truth Social social network. On June 23, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) carried out a missile strike on the U.S. Al-Udeid base in Qatar. On June 24, the Israeli Prime Minister's Office announced that the Israeli government has agreed to a ceasefire with Iran, mediated by US President Donald Trump. Iran's Supreme National Security Council also issued a statement, noting that the attacks had stopped. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel The Arc of Crawford Countys inaugural July 4 Community Celebration will take place Friday from 3:30 to 8 p.m. in The Arc Community Greenspace, 967 Market St. The free celebration features an acoustic show and community sing-a-long with Brookville musician Mike Zaffuto, creator and founder of the Rock-N-Roll Pet Store Kids Show. His set will be followed by Naughty Bears, a local favorite that is more than just a drum-and-guitar duo. Bound by love, rhythm, and a shared devotion to the noisy heart of American music, Naughty Bears features Ian Carbone and Taylor Hinton, who blend indie grit, blues swagger and Americana soul. Live, improvisational, life-size puppet performances will occur throughout the event. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The puppets, on loan from Pittsburgh artist Cheryl Capezzuti, will be brought to life by a team local creatives. To learn more about Puppets for Pittsburgh, visit https://puppetsforpittsburgh.com/development. Guests can try on a puppet costume and take a selfie in it. Volunteers will be available to assist with try-ons and photos. Yard games and chalk art opportunities also will be available. Guests are encouraged to bring a chair or a blanket and are invited but not obliged to bring a personal picnic or a picnic item to share with the community. Cousins Maine Lobster food truck will arrive around 2:30 and serve until the end of the event, organizers said. This years Greenspace programming is supported by a grant received by The Arc of Crawford County through Erie Arts and Cultures Creative Sector Flex Fund for which matching funds have been provided through a collaboration between The Arc and the Meadville Neighborhood Center. More information: Follow The Arc Community Greenspace on Facebook. If you are interested in proposing an event for the fall or for the 2026 season, contact Amara Geffen at ageffen@allegheny.edu. Jul. 2July 2, 2015 According to the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension's 2014 Uniform Crime Report, Beltrami County saw a decrease in most violent crime categories, but aggravated assault increased by 61%, accounting for 1% of the state's recorded incidents. Statewide, there were 6,607 aggravated assaults. July 2, 2000 During the next ten days, hundreds of Minnesota volunteers will be watching loons as part of the Department of Natural Resources' Loon Monitoring program. The project looks for changes in the population and possible health risks in area lakes. Loon areas are recorded on maps and sent to the DNR. July 2, 1975 Robert Herbst, head of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, said during a meeting in Bemidji that there will be no mining of copper or nickel deposits in northern Minnesota until a three-year environmental study is complete. The study is funded by a $3 million state and federal grant. July 2, 1925 A Bemidji couple who obtained a license from and were married by County Judge L.K. Hassell were the first people to be married in Grand Forks county under the new state law which went into effect. The law provides that when a license to marry is granted in North Dakota an extra dollar must be charged. PIQUA, Ohio (WDTN) Summer is a time to celebrate, especially if youve got not one but two degrees in hand. For one man from Piqua, hed say hes lovin it. Its just an accomplishment, especially since Im a first time college grad, says 26-year-old Logan Frantom. He just received his associates and bachelors degree in Accounting from Colorado Technical University. He did his program virtually over the last 6 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was definitely helpful with bills and whatnot, because you go into debt and thats pretty bad, he says. Im glad that it was free and everything worked out well. Last Monday, Logan was celebrated by his friends and family at the McDonalds location hes worked at for the last 9 years. Its also the company that helped him turn his ambitions into reality. It is a 100% free, paid for books and a laptop, and includes associates or bachelors degrees and over 40 degree fields, says Cindy Frantz, who does community relations for the McDonalds locations owned by the Scott family in Ohio and Kentucky. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The program is called Archways to Opportunities. It offers educational programs to eligible employees at participating restaurants. There are a lot of things that our employees want to do, says Frantz. The skys the limit and we want to use this program and utilize this program so that our employees can achieve their educational goals. Logans been with the company since he was 17 and Archways allowed him to set a new standard for himself. Im glad that I went through with it and I finished it, says Frantom. My mother went through college, but she never graduated and whatnot. So it was a nice accomplishment for me. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If youd like to learn more about the Archways to Opportunities program, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com. The Pew Research Center is one of the most trusted polling firms in the country, especially when it comes to Latinos. Last week, it published findings that should have been a victory lap for Donald Trump and his tortuous relationship with Americas largest minority. According to Pew, Trump won 48% of Latino voters in the 2024 presidential election the highest percentage ever recorded by a Republican presidential nominee and a 12 percentage point improvement from his 2020 showing. Latinos made up 10% of Trumps coalition, up from 7% four years ago. Latino men went with a Republican for the first time. Trump even improved his share of support among Latinas long seen by Democratic leaders as a bulwark against their macho Trumpster relatives by a 13-point margin, a swing even greater than that of Latino men. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These stats prove what Ive been warning about for years: that Latinos were souring on illegal immigration even in blue California and tiring of a Democratic Party too focused on policies that werent improving their lives. This gave Trump a chance to win over Latino voters, despite his years-long bloviations against Mexico and Central American nations, because Latinos who assimilate like any other immigrants, if not more so were done with the Democratic status quo. They were willing to take a risk on an erratic strongman resembling those from their ancestral lands. Read more: Arellano: How an 'American Cholo' went from Hillary Clinton fan to Trump voter Pews findings confirm one of Trump's most remarkable accomplishments one so unlikely that professional Latinos long dismissed his election gains as exaggerations. Those voters could have been the winds blowing the xenophobic sails of his deportation fleet right now. All Trump had to do was stick to his campaign promises and target the millions of immigrants who came in illegally during the Biden years. Pick off newcomers in areas of the country where Latinos remain a sizable minority and dont have a tradition of organizing. Dare Democrats and immigrant rights activists to defend the child molesters, drug dealers and murderers Trump vowed to prioritize in his roundups. Conduct raids like a slow boil through 2026, to build on the record-breaking number of Latino GOP legislators in California and beyond. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has done none of that. He instead decided to smash his immigration hammer on Los Angeles, the Latino capital of the U.S. Instead of going after the worst of the worst, la migra has nabbed citizens and noncitizens alike. A Times analysis of data obtained by the Deportation Data Project at UC Berkeley Law found that nearly 70% of those arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement from June 1 through June 10 had no criminal convictions. Instead of harassing newcomers with few ties to the U.S., agents are sweeping up migrants who have been here for decades. Instead of doing operations that drew little attention, as happened under Presidents Obama and Biden and even during Trump's first term masked men have thrown around their power like secret police in a third-rate dictatorship while their bosses crow about it on social media. Instead of treating people with some dignity and allowing them a chance to contest their deportations, the Trump administration has stuffed them into detention facilities like tinned fish and treated the Constitution like a suggestion instead of the law of the land. The cruelty has always been the point for Trump. But he risks making the same mistake that California Republicans made in the 1980s and 1990s: taking a political win they earned with Latinos and turning it into trash. Fullerton College student David Rojas calls on Fullerton High students across street to join a protest against Proposition 187 on Nov. 3, 1994. The ballot initiative sought to make life miserable for undocumented immigrants but instead changed California politics. (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times) Next year will mark the 40th anniversary of the last amnesty for immigrants in the country illegally. It was signed into law by Ronald Reagan, who famously said that Latinos were Republicans who didnt know it yet. The Great Communicator knew that the best way to bring them into the GOP was to push meat-and-potato issues while not demonizing them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 1986 amnesty could have been a moment for Republicans to win over Latinos during the so-called Decade of the Hispanic. Instead, California politicians began to push for xenophobic bans, including on store signs in other languages and driver's licenses for undocumented immigrants, arguing that these supposed invaders were destroying the Golden State. This movement culminated in the passage of Proposition 187 in 1994, which sought to make life miserable for undocumented immigrants and was eventually declared unconstitutional. We all know how that worked out. My generation of Mexican Americans well on our way to assimilation, feeling little in common with the undocumented immigrants from southern Mexico and Central America who arrived after our parents instead became radicalized. We waved the Mexican flag with pride, finding no need to brandish the Stars and Stripes that we kept in our hearts. We helped Democrats establish a supermajority in California and tossed Republicans into the political equivalent of the La Brea Tar Pits. Read more: Prop. 187 forced a generation to put fear aside and fight. It transformed California, and me Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When I covered anti-ICE protests in June outside a federal building in Santa Ana, it felt like the Proposition 187 years all over again. The Mexican tricolor flew again, this time joined by the flags of El Salvador, Guatemala and other Latin American countries. The majority of protesters were teens and young adults with no ties to the immigrant rights groups I know they will be the next generation of activists. I also met folks such as Giovanni Lopez. For a good hour, the 38-year-old Santa Ana resident, wearing a white poncho depicting the Aztec god Quetzalcoatl, blew a loud plastic horn as if he were Joshua trying to knock down the walls of Jericho. It was his first protest. Im all for them deporting the criminals, Lopez said during a short break. But thats not what theyre doing.... Theyre getting regular people, and thats not right. You gotta stand up for regular raza. Since then, I've seen my social media feeds transform into a barrio CNN, as people share videos of la migra grabbing people and onlookers unafraid to tell them off. Other reels feature customers buying out street vendors for the day so they can remain safely at home. The transformation has even hit home: My dad and brother went to a No Kings rally in Anaheim a few weeks ago without telling each other, or me, beforehand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When rancho libertarians like them are angry enough to publicly fight back, you know the president is blowing it with Latinos. People gather on Sunset Boulevard and Vin Scully Avenue to protest against immigration raids in Los Angeles as well as the Dodgers on June 21, 2025. (Carlin Stiehl / Los Angeles Times) Back to Pew. Another report released last month found that nearly half of Latinos are worried that someone they know might get deported. The fear is real, even among Latino Republicans, with just 31% approving of Trumps plan to deport all undocumented immigrants, compared with 61% of white Republicans. California Assemblymember Suzette Martinez Valladares and state Sen. Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh are among those GOP skeptics. They signed a letter to Trump from California Republican legislators asking that his migra squads focus on actual bad hombres and "when possible, avoid the kinds of sweeping raids that instill fear and disrupt the workplace." When proud conservatives like Ochoa Bogh and Valladares, who is co-chair of the California Hispanic Legislative Caucus, are disturbed by Trump's deportation deluge, you know the president's blowing it with Latinos. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet Trump is still at it. This week, the Department of Justice announced it was suing the L.A. City Council and Mayor Karen Bass, arguing that their "sanctuary" city policy was thwarting "the will of the American people regarding deportations." By picking on the City of Angels, Trump is letting us set an example for everyone else because no one gets down for immigrant rights like L.A., or creates Latino political power like we do. When mass raids pop up elsewhere, communities will be ready. Many Latinos voted for Trump because they felt that Democrats forgot them. Now that Trump is paying attention to us, more and more of us are realizing that his intentions were never good and carrying our passports because you just never know. You blew it, Donald but what else is new? 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. TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) Cousins Tanisha Tucker Lohse and Maria Francisco set off from their desert camp around dawn on most early summer days, in search of ripe fruit from the towering saguaro cactus, an icon of the Southwest that is crucial to the Tohono Oodham Nations spirituality. One plucks the small, thorn-covered fruits called bahidaj with a 10-foot-long (3-meter-long) stick made with a saguaro rib as the other catches them in a bucket. The harvest ritual is sacred to the Oodham, who have lived for thousands of years in what are now U.S.-Mexico borderlands, and it's enjoying a renaissance as many seek to protect their traditional way of life. The fruit collected in late June is central to annual summer rain ceremonies, which mark the New Year. The laborious, weekslong harvest process also reinforces crucial connections to the Creator, the natural environment and fellow Oodham across generations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I feel like Im surrounded by all the people that were here before us, all the ancestors, Francisco said in a desert wash lined with saguaros, flowering creosote bushes and spiny cholla cacti. We talk about them constantly when were out here. Foremost for the cousins' extended family is Grandma Juana. In the 1960s, elder Juanita Ahil campaigned to preserve their access to the harvesting camp in the foothills west of Tucson after the land became part of Saguaro National Park. Tucker Lohses late mother, Stella Tucker, carried on the harvesting tradition thats now organized by the two cousins. Im taking on a big responsibility, a big legacy, said Tucker Lohse, who brought her 4-year-old daughter along this year. My mom knows were still here. The saguaro and its spiritual story Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Saguaros are the iconic plant of the Sonoran Desert, a land straddling the border between Arizona and Sonora, Mexico, thats surprisingly lush even though it receives less than 12 inches (30 centimeters) of rain yearly and summer temperatures routinely soar above 100 (38 degrees Celsius). The treelike cacti start to produce fruit at 30 years old, then sprout their trademark arms around 75 and live up to 200 years. Most of the fruit is near the top, which can be more than four times the average persons height, so the fruit of the tallest can be beyond their reach. Theyre an essential shelter and food source for desert creatures from mice to wrens, which is why harvesters traces of whose camps date back to the 1500s never pick them clean, Tucker Lohse said. We dont look at land and animals as a resource we create a relationship, she said, echoing perspectives shared by Indigenous people across North and South America. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For the Oodham, the saguaros, or ha:san in their language, provide far more than food, tools and shelter material theyre family. Ha:san to us are like people, and we respect them that way, said Silas Garcia, Francisco's partner. He started harvesting as a child with his aunt on the Oodham reservation, which is one of the largest in the United States. Garcia said there is a specific creation story about the saguaros though like many stories sacred to Native Americans, it cannot be told in summer and their spiritual presence makes the harvest central to the Oodham. Its being reconnected to the desert, to who I am, to where our stories talk about where we come from as a people, Garcia said as he built a mesquite wood fire to boil the sugary fruit pulp into syrup. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From saguaro fruit to New Years wine Starting in May, Oodham families check the saguaro buds. The fruit is usually ripe by mid-June, opening a one-to-four week harvesting window until the fruit is spoiled by the first summer monsoons. After picking the first fruit, harvesters praise the Creator, believed to reside in a nearby mountain peak, the Baboquivari, that has been the site of many rescues of migrants who tried to evade U.S. border authorities. Then they bless themselves with some of the pulp, often making a cross-like sign over their foreheads and hearts for some, a reference to Christian beliefs many O'odham also embrace. They taste it and thank the saguaro for providing for them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When its cut open using the saguaros dried-up flower as a knife and leaving the pods by the saguaro for animals the fruit is the color of a ripe watermelon. It changes shades from fuchsia to blood red as its processed at camp. After the pulp is boiled for about an hour, its strained to remove any debris, fiber and seeds. The latter two are collected into patties that, after being dried in the relentless sun, make natural pectin for saguaro jam. Then the juice is cooked again, reducing it to a syrup, and its flowery, caramel-like smell pervades the camp. Since the syrup is one-tenth the quantity of the harvested fruit pulp, it takes a pair of harvesters about 10 hours in the desert to get enough to make 64 ounces (1.9 liters) of syrup. Finally, a bit of syrup is mixed with water and left to ferment to make wine for Nawait Ii. Thats the dayslong ceremony in which Oodham pray together to their Creator to keep sending the monsoon rains that make it possible to plant traditional crops like beans, squash and corn. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The resurgence of traditional ways of life For many Native Americans, losing access to land, natural cycles of agriculture and the local foods that sustained them for centuries has meant spiking rates of diabetes, alcoholism and other diseases that disproportionately plague their communities. Too many elders lost their lives this way, putting at risk their language and traditions and more of their land. I watched them slowly pass away and no one took over, Tucker Lohse said. Thats why she, Francisco and others push to teach youth about saguaro harvesting and other practices. Im really proud Maria has picked it up, said Franciscos mother, Josephine Ramon, adding that shes relearning some traditions she was taught as a child from her daughter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ramon said she regrets not teaching the language to younger family members who lived off the reservation, as about one third of the nations 30,000 members do. City living also distances many from heirloom crops, which the Indigenous-run San Xavier Co-op Farm just south of Tucson is trying to regenerate, said one of its managers, Amy Juan, who harvests near the cousins camp. With everything we do, theres a teaching of some sort, added Garcia, who said he's encouraged by programs on the reservation and beyond that help youth connect to their ancestral culture. Francine Larson Segundo, who also harvests nearby, said her grandparents taught her about planting and caring for the saguaro. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theyre people, and they are our people, and when were gone, one will take our place, she said after picking the fruit for nearly two hours. Anybody thats younger than me, I have a responsibility to teach as much as I can. Franciscos aunt Helen Ramon, widely known as Grandma Helen, stopped by. Shes especially adamant about instilling in youth the need to treat the natural environment with the same respect due to fellow beings. They need to carry on our traditions, she said. We cant lose our ways of being Native. ___ 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. Arizona faith leaders gathered in Phoenix to urge humane immigration policies amid concerns over increased federal spending on detention and ICE. (Getty Images) Since 2021, the Arkansas Legislature has passed more laws targeting so-called environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) initiatives than any other state, according to a new report from public policy firm Pleiades Strategy. The state has enacted seven anti-ESG measures, not including resolutions, since 2021. Connor Gibson, one of the reports authors, said the ESG label is nebulous, but often takes aim at climate goals, social justice initiatives and culture war targets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Much of the legislation that has moved through statehouses in the U.S. is based on model bills propagated by right-leaning think tanks like the Heritage Foundation, he said. The bills often prohibit state entities from giving contracts to or investing in businesses proponents believe discriminate against firearm manufacturers or fossil fuel companies, for example. Pleiades head Frances Sawyer said in an interview that anti-ESG legislation prevents companies and fund managers from considering risk factors associated with a changing climate if they want to do business with state governments. Climate economic shocks are here. Right-wing extremists, backed by the fossil fuel sector, have been working nonstop to undermine responsible investment practices in several states across the country under the framework of anti-ESG legislation, Sawyer said in a press release. These policies are costly for investors, pension holders, municipalities, and taxpayers, and its critically important that other states, investors, and companies hold the line amid rising climate costs and risks and protect the right to respond to the climate crisis rationally. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The climate advisory groups 2025 Statehouse Report highlighted the anti-ESG trends in legislatures across the country. Arkansas was one of the most effective states in passing such laws, said Gibson. While some states, like Missouri and Arizona, have proposed dozens of anti-ESG bills only to pass one or none, most of the legislation thats gone before Arkansas lawmakers ended up becoming law. In 2025, most of the 106 anti-ESG bills introduced in statehouses failed to advance, and only 9 have been signed by governors, the report said. Two of those nine bills were passed in Arkansas. Two more bills are awaiting a governors signature in other states. The 2025 numbers are down from 2023, which saw 165 bills introduced nationwide with 22 ultimately passing. Pleiades Strategy first began tracking anti-ESG bills in 2023. The targets of these bills are often the large capital funds managed by state governments, such as pension funds, and state contracting, Sawyer and Gibson said. The language often prevents state agencies or pension funds from contracting or investing with any company that boycotts fossil fuel companies, firearms companies or other industries. In the bills Arkansas has passed, there are exceptions for certain situations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sawyer said such bills can increase costs for governments by limiting the pool of businesses it can do business with. Act 411 of 2023 was one such anti-ESG bill that made it into law in Arkansas, sponsored by Rep. Jeff Wardlaw, R-Hermitage, who said in a House State Agencies and Governmental Affairs Committee meeting in February 2023 that it was designed to make sure that were following our beliefs in the state and making sure that nobodys discriminating against the industries that are important to Arkansas. The law requires state investment funds to divest from firms that discriminate against certain industries, such as energy companies and firearm businesses, which are placed on a blacklist. Firms currently on the Arkansas blacklist are Goldman Sachs, TD Bank, Credit Suisse and others. However, Arkansas became one of the only states to roll back a small part of its anti-ESG legislation in 2025 when it passed Act 252 of 2025. The new law broadened a clause in Act 411 to allow any public entity subject to the law to avoid divesting from blacklisted firms if the divestment would result in a negative financial impact. ARLINGTON, Va. (DC News Now) A jury found a former Arlington Public Schools (APS) employee not guilty of soliciting sex from a student on Tuesday. Police launched an investigation in November of 2024 after someone reported that an instructional assistant and football coach at Wakefield High School had solicited sex from an underage female student. DC Council passes emergency legislation extending juvenile curfew Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Arlington County Police Department arrested Darryl Ramsey, Jr., 31, of Lanham, Md. He was charged with taking indecent liberties with a child by a person in a supervisory or custodial relationship. On Tuesday, July 1, 2025, a jury acquitted Ramsey on the charge he faced. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Armenian authorities should "seriously" consider banning the broadcast of Russian television channels in Armenia, Armenian Parliament Speaker Alen Simonyan said on July 1, citing concerns over interference and deteriorating ties. "We must very seriously discuss the suspension of the Russian television channel broadcast in the territory of Armenia," Simonyan told reporters, according to Armenpress. He criticized recent content aired by Russian state broadcasters, which the Armenian government has denounced as harmful to bilateral ties. The remarks come as Armenia continues to pivot away from Moscow's sphere of influence and seeks to bolster ties with the West. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Simonyan suggested that individuals connected to Armenian-Russian oligarch Samvel Karapetyan may be financing efforts to meddle in Armenia's internal matters. "If there are channels that allow themselves to interfere in Armenias domestic affairs, perhaps we ought to respond likewise, by at least banning their entry into the homes of our society," he said. Tensions between Armenia and Russia have mounted since Moscow's failure to intervene during Azerbaijan's military operation in Nagorno-Karabakh in September 2023, which resulted in the mass displacement of ethnic Armenians. In April, Armenian President Vahagn Khachaturyan signed a law initiating the country's formal accession process to the European Union. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Though symbolic, the legislation marks a significant political shift, embedding European integration into Armenian law. The bill, passed by parliament in March, was backed by 64 lawmakers and opposed by seven. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has said that EU membership would require a referendum, while the Kremlin warned that joining both the EU and the Russian-led Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) is "simply impossible." The EAEU, established in 2015, includes Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia, and Kyrgyzstan. Read also: Why Norway is investing billions in Ukraines victory Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Palm Bay police have announced an arrest in a cold homicide case. Police say Luis Colon has been wanted in connection with a 2009 case where a woman was fatally shot outside her home after work. Colon was indicted on first-degree murder and robbery charges in 2013, but police say he remained at large for more than a decade. Last week, investigators learned he was in Puerto Rico. Colon was taken into custody Wednesday and will be extradited to Florida to face the charges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Palm Bay Police Department remains committed to pursuing justice for victims and their families, regardless of how much time has passed, the department said in a news release. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. Mathias Cormann, Secretary-General of the OECD, during his interview with EL PAIS, on July 1, 2025, in Seville, during the 4th U.N. Conference on Financing for Development. One week before heads of state, government leaders, and delegations from over a hundred countries signed a commitment in Seville to boost development funding, the OECD published its official development aid forecasts for 2025. These predict a decline of between 9% and 17%. Mathias Cormann, who has been secretary-general of the OECD for the past four years, remains optimistic despite the forecasts and has brought several concrete ideas to Seville on how to increase the volume of national and private sector resources and improve the debt conditions of the most vulnerable countries. We need to make every dollar count, he tells EL PAIS. Question. World leaders are meeting to boost development cooperation at the U.N.s International Conference on Financing for Development, and the organization you represent has published official aid forecasts for 2025, which predict a decline of between 9 and 17%. Answer: Its true that this is the second year weve seen a substantial negative result. This means, and our data clearly shows this, that we need to make every dollar count. Weve got to make sure that the money really hits the ground in the most effective way possible and that we leverage it as much as possible to draw in additional private resources. This is one of the areas we are very focused on in Seville. Q. For the past two days, weve been hearing that this summit is a victory for multilateralism. Is there reason to celebrate? A. Its an incredibly important summit, and Spain wants Seville to be a kind of launching pad for measures, commitments, and decisions. At the OECD, we are fully committed to multilateralism; we need to continue working together to the best of our ability to tackle all the challenges posed by development funding. Q. Even though the United States is not at the negotiating table and is making huge cuts to aid. A. Its always better for everyone to be around the same table and to be part of the conversation, but Im sure that in the years to come, the U.S. will continue to play an important role in driving development and growth around the world. Multilateralism has never been easy, but that doesnt make it any less necessary; we simply have to keep the conversation going. Q. The OECD has predicted that unless there is an agreement to reform the international financial architecture, the gap between development financing needs and available resources could swell from $4 trillion today to $6.4 trillion by 2030. Is it realistic to continue to think that this gap can be filled? A. The good news is that from 2015 to 2022, the level of income and revenue to support development funding has increased by 22%. The bad news is that spending requirements have also increased, and they have done so significantly, so the gap has widened. We need to improve how we generate public finance to increase private sector investment. One very important area is domestic resource mobilization, and when we look at some of the lowest-income countries, the tax-to-GDP ratio has remained stagnant at around 11%. Now, our assessment is that for a state to function properly, that tax burden needs to be at least 15%. Since 2015, we havent seen an increase in that ratio in the lowest-income countries, and its a specific area where we need to achieve concrete results. Q. And what about debt? U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Monday that the current system is unsustainable, unfair, and unaffordable. A. In addition to providing data for discussion, we have identified that developing local currency debt is one way that can help emerging market economies mitigate some of the risks. Borrowing in hard currencies leaves both governments and companies exposed to exchange rate volatility and increases the risk of default during periods of local currency depreciation. Higher levels of local currency financing can bolster resilience to global financial shocks and support long-term economic development. I am thinking, for example, of small and medium-sized enterprises and the benefits this can bring to them. Q. What key progress has been made in Seville since the last U.N. summit on development financing in Addis Ababa a decade ago? A. Theres a much stronger commitment to work in partnership. And we also have a much more complete and clear picture of the diagnosis: we know what needs to be done from now on, and I think theres greater political will. Q. Returning to the OECD, there are no African countries in the organization, although there are important partners like South Africa. How does the OECD view Africa at this time? A. We have a structured and very constructive partnership with the African Union. We recently launched the Virtual Africa Investment Platform, which will have 10 African countries represented until we expand it to another 20. It will serve to present data to counteract misperceptions of risk on the continent, and help boost the level of investment in Africa. As you said, we have a very close relationship with South Africa, which we have also very strongly supported during its G20 presidency, as well as with North African countries such as Morocco and Egypt. I am hopeful that, in the not too distant future, an African country will express interest in joining the OECD as a member. Q. The OECD maintains that a balance must be struck between restrictions on the export of so-called critical raw materials such as nickel or cobalt and the development of countries that possess these materials, most of which are in Africa. A. Its clear that the need for these raw materials will continue to increase massively in the context of the digital transformation and climate change-related technologies. A clear policy framework is needed. Because theres a great opportunity here to benefit the developing countries that supply these raw materials to the world. And we cant miss that opportunity. Q. Amid the global cuts to aid, Spain is one of the few countries that has maintained and is increasing its development aid. It also strongly defends multilateralism. A. I have been Secretary-General of the OECD for four years, and during that time, Spain has been an incredibly active and very positive voice for multilateralism. Beyond the leadership it is showing at this summit in Seville, in many areas related to development, climate, and digital trade, Spain is taking a very strong position and has a constructive voice. Q. Although it is far from leading the field: it allocates just 0.7% of GDP in cooperation. A. I have been Australias finance minister and understand the challenges of making the numbers add up. Im sure that Spain does as much as Spain can afford and that if theres opportunity to do more, Spain will do more. I am optimistic. We have to shape the best possible future, and were all in this together. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Gov. Glenn Youngkin, flanked by Petersburg Police Chief Travis Christian, speaks to reporters at the Virginia State Police headquarters in Richmond on July 2, 2025. (Photo by Markus Schmidt/Virginia Mercury) Gov. Glenn Youngkin on Wednesday doubled down on the controversial use of courthouse arrests by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers, brushing off criticism that some of the individuals detained were simply in court to pay fines for traffic infractions and had no criminal record. Lets just be clear, the vast majority of the people that have been arrested at courthouses around the country are committing violent crimes, Youngkin said at a press conference at the Virginia State Police headquarters in Richmond. If someone breaks the law and is here illegally, they should be arrested. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although not involved in the recent courthouse raids, Youngkin hailed efforts by the Virginia Homeland Security Task Force, a state-federal partnership he launched in February to target gang members, narcotics traffickers and undocumented immigrants with criminal records. This work is critical, and its happening all over the commonwealth of Virginia, he said. We just passed over 2,500 arrests through our Virginia Homeland Security Task Force. Two-thousand five-hundred violent criminals who are here illegally MS-13 members, Tren de Aragua, others, international violent gang members. Describing the task force as a national model of success, Youngkin credited the rapid rollout of Virginias 287(g) agreement with ICE approved just 20 hours after his Executive Order 47 in February for much of the operations momentum. The program allows state and local law enforcement to enforce federal immigration laws. It started with a plan, and then stepped to a 287(g) memorandum with the federal government and our State Police and our Department of Corrections, and yes, some of our local law enforcement partners, Youngkin said Wednesday. This is a concerted effort to collaborate with the federal government to make sure that violent criminals that are here illegally are arrested. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When asked by The Mercury about recent arrests in Chesterfield County, where ICE agents detained at least 14 people over several days last week including a man who had come to court to pay traffic fines Youngkin didnt waver. First of all, if you break the law in America and youre here illegally, then you should be detained and deported, he said. Thats common sense. Youngkin emphasized that ICE is not targeting houses of worship or schools and accused the media of distorting the intent of enforcement efforts. Theyre not going to schools and theyre not going to churches the media really wants to try to sow deceit, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several news reports, however, confirm ICE has conducted arrests on church grounds and near schools since sensitive-location protections were rolled back. In California, migrants were detained outside churches and in parking lots, sparking backlash from local faith leaders. Meanwhile, school districts across the U.S. are preparing for ICE presence amid concerns over student safety and civil rights. And in Washington, D.C., immigration officers attempted to detain a school healthcare worker at a local elementary school parking lot prompting school officials to demand ID and warrants before letting them on campus. The arrests in Chesterfield drew immediate backlash from community leaders and local officials, who say the enforcement actions are sweeping up residents with no history of violent crime and undermining public trust in the legal system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of those detained was Salvador Calderon-Cuellar, whose immigration status remains unclear. According to court records, Calderon-Cuellar pleaded guilty in April to two traffic violations driving without a license and failure to yield and appeared at the Chesterfield courthouse on June 25 to pay a $130 fine when ICE officers took him into custody through the back entrance. Jessica Schneider, a member of the Chesterfield Board of Supervisors, was addressing a protest outside the courthouse when she learned of his arrest. He had no prior arrests, she said. Can you tell me that that is a violent criminal person that should be detained? This is a person that is here, working in our communities, and why are we punishing him? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Protesters condemned the arrests as politically motivated and harmful to due process. Nicole Martin, president of the Chesterfield County NAACP, called the courthouse a sacred place in a democracy, warning that ICE raids would dissuade victims and witnesses from engaging with the legal system. The courthouse operation is part of a larger statewide trend. In addition to Chesterfield, ICE has carried out arrests in Sterling, Albemarle County, and Richmond in recent months. In a joint ICE-FBI operation in Northern Virginia seven undocumented individuals were detained in what the agency described as a targeted enforcement effort. Youngkins task force is comprised of more than 200 officers from the FBI, ICE, Virginia State Police, and the Department of Corrections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons said in April the expanded use of 287(g) agreements has been a key driver of arrests in Virginia. FBI Director Kash Patel called the effort a tremendous success, while U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi praised the governors alignment with the Trump administrations Make America Safe Again agenda. But research complicates the narrative that undocumented immigrants pose an outsized threat. A 2024 report funded by the National Institute of Justice found that undocumented immigrants in Texas were arrested at significantly lower rates than U.S.-born citizens including for violent, property, and drug crimes. Del. Michael Jones, D-Richmond, said in a statement last week that the Chesterfield arrests desecrate the very temple of justice their oath of office obligates them to uphold. He has proposed reforms to restrict ICE access to courthouses, labeling the raids a violation of constitutional dignity. And Amanda Pohl, clerk of the Chesterfield Circuit Court, said she only became aware of the ICE operation after it was already underway. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theyve been in plain clothes, and so I dont actually have an accounting of how long they were here, she told The Mercury. While her office doesnt coordinate with ICE, she said she was reviewing internal policy to ensure this is a courthouse where people feel safe. But for Youngkin, the political calculus is clear. This is about safety, he said Wednesday. And today, Virginia is safer. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Deaths in custody, media offices raided, and beaten and bloodied suspects paraded in court relations between Russia and Azerbaijan, once considered close, have sharply deteriorated in recent days amid a series of high-profile incidents. The latest tensions erupted over the weekend when Russian law enforcement officers detained over 50 Azerbaijani nationals in Yekaterinburg, Russia, as part of an investigation into a murder case from 2001. Two men brothers Ziyaddin and Huseyn Safarov were killed during the operation, and several others were injured. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The incident prompted a sharp response from Baku. On June 28, Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry released a statement describing the killings as "ethnically motivated public and deliberate unlawful actions," adding that Russia's actions have "recently taken on a systematic nature." The incident is just the latest development in a years-long reshaping of the geopolitical landscape in the South Caucasus. Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Georgia were all Soviet republics, and Russia still views the region as its own backyard. But Russia's hold and influence over them has been challenged, a process which began before the full-scale invasion of Ukraine and has continued to pick up speed in the following nearly three and a half years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moscow's relationship with Baku has been particularly complex. Vadim Dubnov, a columnist for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty's Echo of the Caucasus project, told the Kyiv Independent that the latest confrontation is part of a broader and long-running shift in the bilateral relationship. "The deterioration of relations was systemic," he said. A view shows the main newsroom of Sputnik news, part of the state-run media group Russia Today, in Moscow, Russia, on April 27, 2018. (Mladen Antonov / AFP via Getty Images) Russia's decreasing clout Before 2020, Russia's closest ally in the region was Armenia, which had been locked in a decades-long, on-off conflict with Azerbaijan over the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh. But after Russian "peacekeepers" failed to act in either the Second Karabakh War in 2020 or the Azerbaijani lightning offensive in 2023, both of which saw Azerbaijan reclaim its lost territory, this relationship soured greatly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Armenia has realized that its only security guarantee is not Russia but peace with its neighbors," Dubnov said. Buoyed by its military success, Azerbaijan has been seeking to reassert influence over the region and redefine its relationship with Moscow. "After the Karabakh war, I think (Azerbaijan President Ilham) Aliyev may have believed that he had obtained everything he could from Moscow," Dubnov said. Armenia, which has lambasted Moscow for failing to help it during the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, was now drifting closer to the West. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has suspended the country's membership in a Russian-led Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) military alliance and announced plans to join the European Union. Recently, there has also been a crackdown on the pro-Russian opposition in Armenia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As Russia is losing its grip over Armenia and Azerbaijan, the only country in the region where its influence remains strong is Georgia. Dubnov said that Russia's position in the South Caucasus is weaker now, and Turkey, an ally of Azerbaijan, has emerged as a major regional player. Russian soldiers are deployed at the Lachin corridor, Nagorno-Karabakh regions only land link with Armenia, in Nagorno-Karabakh, on Dec. 26, 2022. (Tofik Babayev / AFP via Getty Images) Russia-Azerbaijan tensions While recent incidents have brought tensions into the open, analysts say the rupture reflects a longer, structural shift in Azerbaijan's foreign policy. Dubnov described the shift as "systemic and inevitable," pointing to a gradual breakdown since Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the beginning of its war in eastern Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Azerbaijan was quite seriously concerned about its northern borders and the possibility of Moscow's influence on national minorities," Dubnov said. Dubnov said Baku's moves should not be seen purely as a pivot away from Moscow, but as an effort to restore geopolitical balance. "Aliyev began to improve relations with the West, especially after (U.S. President Donald) Trump returned to the White House, and to restore this balance," he said. "So, it's not so much about worsening relations with Russia or moving away from Russia, but about restoring that balance. And now there is simply a greater distance between the two." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But as this distance increases, it's presenting itself in ever more dramatic fashion in what appears to be a series of tit-for-tat actions. Evidence collection efforts at the crash site of an Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) passenger plane near Aktau, Kazakhstan, on Dec. 27, 2024. (Meiramgul Kussainova/Anadolu via Getty Images) Crash of AZAL airliner The current deterioration goes back further than just this weekend and has its roots in a tragedy late last year when a Russian air defense system shot down an Azerbaijani passenger plane. The aircraft en route from Baku to Grozny in Russia's Chechen Republic suddenly changed course and crashed near Aktau, Kazakhstan, on Dec. 25, 2024, killing 38 people out of 67 on board. While Russian President Vladimir Putin called Aliyev shortly after the incident to offer condolences, he did not take responsibility for the crash. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Aliyev later criticized Russia's handling of the incident, accusing its agencies of suppressing evidence and spreading "absurd versions" of what happened. Dubnov noted that while the incident was not the origin of the diplomatic rupture, it served as a catalyst. "The story with the plane was not the primary issue," he said. "It was not the beginning of the quarrel, but rather an opportunity for Baku to start, legalize, and formalize this quarrel." President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev talks to the press at the European Political Community Summit in Woodstock, England, on July 18, 2024. (Carl Court / Getty Images) Aliyev's Moscow parade trip The fallout from the plane crash spilled over into symbolic diplomacy. In March, both Russian and Azerbaijan confirmed that Aliyev had accepted an invitation to attend Russia's May 9 Victory Day parade in Moscow a significant gesture, as he had last attended in 2015. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But just days before the event, Aliyev abruptly canceled his trip without explanation. Dubnov said the decision sent a clear message. "I think that after Aliyev didn't come to Moscow on May 9, it became clear that there would be no apology for the downed plane," he said. "No one expected a direct apology. What everyone was really waiting for was a form of compromise that could substitute for one." Dubnov added that Aliyev's no-show served as a signal to Moscow that "no improvement in relations was coming at least not publicly." U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House in Washington, DC, U.S. on June 10, 2025. (Saul Loeb / AFP via Getty Images) The current situation Tension has simmered since May 9 and erupted in recent days with the deaths in Yekaterinburg over the weekend, with Azerbaijan's reaction going well beyond just official statements. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The government canceled all Russian-organized events scheduled to take place across Azerbaijan. A planned visit by a parliamentary delegation to Moscow was also suspended. The diplomatic rupture escalated further on June 30, when Azerbaijani police raided the Baku offices of Sputnik Azerbaijan, a Russian state-controlled media outlet that operates as one of the Kremlin's main propaganda tools. Several employees were detained, with Azerbaijani authorities claiming two of the individuals arrested were operatives of Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB). Among the detainees were Sputnik Azerbaijan's chief editor, Igor Kartavykh, and managing editor, Yevgeniy Belousov. In response, the outlet called the allegations "absurd." Russia retaliated by summoning Azerbaijani Ambassador Rahman Mustafayev to the Foreign Ministry on July 1, where he was informed of Moscow's formal protest over Baku's "unfriendly steps and deliberate measures to dismantle relations with Moscow." A day later, Azerbaijan arrested eight Russian citizens described as "members of two organized crime groups" accused of cybercrimes and smuggling drugs from Iran. They were presented in court handcuffed, bruised, and bloodied. Arrested Russian citizens as they appeared in a Baku court. What a grim statement by Aliyev. Meanwhile, Russian law enforcement agencies are arresting Azeri diaspora leaders across the country, specifically targeting owners of large markets allegedly controlled by ethnic pic.twitter.com/iiFAbHKHKv Leonid Ragozin (@leonidragozin) July 1, 2025 Reflecting on the sharp escalation in tensions from deadly detentions to the raid on Sputnik's bureau Dubnov suggested that while the fallout appears serious, it is unlikely to result in a full diplomatic rupture. "So I believe this will last for a while not just a few days, but perhaps a few weeks yet I don't think it will lead to anything truly consequential," he said. Note from the author: Hi, this is Tim. Thank you for reading this article. The Kyiv Independent doesn't have a wealthy owner or a paywall. Instead, we rely on readers like you to keep our journalism funded. If you liked this article, consider joining our community today. Read also: Ukraines new interceptor UAVs are starting to knock Russias long-range Shahed drones out of the sky Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. An arson attack on a restaurant and supermarket in Estonia this year were ordered by Russian intelligence, an Estonian court said Wednesday. The attack was one in a series across Europe tracked by The Associated Press and linked to Russia by Western officials. The goal, they asserted, is to sow division in Western societies and undermine support for Ukraine. The Harju County Court in Estonia said the perpetrators were two Moldovan men who are cousins, both named Ivan Chihaial. One was sentenced to 6 1/2 years in prison for the arson attack on the restaurant and supermarket, which the court said was carried out on behalf of Russia's security services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The other Ivan Chihaial was an accomplice and sentenced to 2 1/2 years in prison. In a statement, the court said the first Chihaial was tasked with the operation by Russian military intelligence, known as the GRU. It said he carried out a trial operation on behalf of the GRU in January 2025, setting fire to a Co-op supermarket in the village of Osula in southeastern Estonia. The next day someone acting on behalf of the GRU tasked him with setting fire to the Slava Ukraina restaurant in the capital, Tallinn. Chihaial drove with his cousin to the restaurant on the night of Jan. 31, 2025, then they set fire to it and left Estonia. The court said Chihaial's cousin was unaware he was working for the GRU. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The court said the defendants set fire to the supermarket and the restaurant by breaking a window, pouring in gasoline, placing a bag with a gasoline can inside and igniting it. Authorities in Latvia, Lithuania and Poland worked to detain the men who were apprehended in Italy before being sent to Estonia to face trial, said State Prosecutor Triinu Olev-Aas. The arson is the latest attack on Estonia since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. In prior cases, Estonia suffered cyberattacks and the windows of cars belonging to a politician and journalist were smashed. Previous attackers have been recruited inside Russia, which shares a border with Estonia. The Estonian Internal Security Service said the fact that Russia's intelligence agencies used Moldovans who were sent to the country showed they are finding it increasingly difficult to recruit, including among dual citizens. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia has been accused of a widespread sabotage campaign by Western officials since its invasion of Ukraine. As well as cases of arson, the attacks across Europe range from stuffing car tailpipes with expanding foam in Germany to a plot to plant explosives on cargo planes, hacking that targeted politicians and critical infrastructure and spying by a ring convicted in the U.K. President Vladimir Putins spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, has told the AP that the Kremlin has never been shown any proofs supporting accusations of a broader sabotage campaign and said certainly we definitely reject any allegations. ASHLAND, Ohio (WJW) The mother of a 6-year-old boy who was handcuffed and attacked by a family dog last year was sentenced to prison Monday, according to Ashland County Court of Common Pleas records. Angelina Williams, 28, was sentenced to 20-plus years in prison for an incident that took place Aug. 17 at a Savannah, Ohio, home in Ashland County. She previously pleaded guilty to seven felony charges, including child endangerment, kidnapping and obstructing justice. Williams is serving consecutive prison terms adding up to between 23 and 28 and a half years, according to court documents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Local teen accused of raping mother and daughter Prosecutors said Williams, her boyfriend and uncle handcuffed the boy by the ankles and wrists as a form of discipline since the child refused to clean up after the dog. The boy somehow slipped when the adults were trying to put him in a chair and the dog attacked, officials said. Ashland sheriffs department video (as seen in the video player at the top of the story) shows deputies providing first aid to the child, who was then taken by helicopter to a hospital for treatment. The boy had reportedly been bit on the neck and ear, but was eventually released from the hospital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Man dead after fishing boat capsizes near Avon Lake boat ramp The boy and his older sister were visiting their mother at the time the attack took place. Williams lost custody of the two children in 2019. In a court appearance in August, Williams told a judge she did not know it was illegal to use handcuffs on a child. The dog is not even my dog. The cuffs are not even my cuffs, Williams said in court. I didnt even know the cuffs were illegal or anything was wrong with it. My uncle told me it was OK. From left to right: Robert Michalski, Angelina Williams, Taylor Marvin-Brown (Ashland County Sheriffs Office) Co-defendants Taylor Desiree Marvin-Brown and the owner of the dog, Robert Michalski both charged with child endangering among other things are being sentenced on July 14 and July 21 respectively, court records show. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. [Source] Asian American legal organizations are pressing forward with their constitutional challenge against President Donald Trumps birthright citizenship executive order, undeterred by Fridays Supreme Court ruling that limited nationwide injunctions blocking the policy. Response to the ruling In a statement responding to the ruling, the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA), which leads a coalition with nearly 50 affiliates nationwide in defending birthright citizenship, reaffirmed its position that Executive Order 14160 is patently unconstitutional. The ruling addressed only procedural injunction issues, the group said, but not the constitutionality of the executive order. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NAPABA, which represents more than 80,000 Asian Pacific American legal professionals, had been preparing for this complex legal terrain. In an interview with The Rebel Yellow, Deputy Executive Director and General Counsel Rahat N. Babar said they have filed amicus briefs in the Courts of Appeals for the First, Fourth and Ninth Circuits and anticipated that litigation will likely continue. Defending historical precedent The coalitions legal strategy centers on defending the 1898 landmark case United States v. Wong Kim Ark. Since 1868, the plain language of the Fourteenth Amendment guarantees that all persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States, Babar emphasized, adding that Congress has also enshrined this protection into statute. Trending on NextShark: SCOTUS hands Trump major win on birthright citizenship Babar argued that the Trump administration fundamentally misinterprets Wong Kim Ark by mistakenly analogizing Wong Kim Arks parents to modern day green card holders. Chinese migrants like Wong and his parents, he said, faced widespread exclusion, mass violence, expulsions and draconian immigration restrictions a context crucial to understanding why the precedent should protect all U.S.-born children today. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Much of this nations foundational immigration case law has been established by Asian American legal pioneers, Babar noted, explaining how Chinese migrants faced widespread and systematic violence and lynchings, restrictions on their ability to attend public schools, prohibitions from testifying in court, expulsions from their homes and a legal bar from immigrating to the United States. Community stakes and path forward EO 14160 is expected to disproportionately impact Asian American families, who represent 65% of the Asian American adult population as immigrants. Asian immigrants account for 17% of all undocumented immigrants and over 88% of H-1B visa holders categories whose U.S.-born children would lose citizenship under the policy. Trending on NextShark: Asian American lawyers continue constitutional fight despite SCOTUS setback To community members fearing for their citizenship, Babar reminds them of their constitutional rights. Our community hails from many different countries of origin and with a variety of immigration statuses, and we contribute to our economy and to the fabric of [the] United States. The U.S. Constitution, not the preferences of any particular president, guarantees their citizenship, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With the Supreme Court having addressed only the scope of injunctions, the substantive constitutional questions now return to the appellate courts for resolution. Trending on NextShark: Asian Americans express solidarity with Latinos amid ICE raids in Los Angeles This story is part of The Rebel Yellow Newsletter a bold weekly newsletter from the creators of NextShark, reclaiming our stories and celebrating Asian American voices. Subscribe free to join the movement. If you love what were building, consider becoming a paid member your support helps us grow our team, investigate impactful stories, and uplift our community. Subscribe here now! Trending on NextShark: Kamala Harris 2028 presidential run sees sagging support: poll Download the NextShark App: Want to keep up to date on Asian American News? Download the NextShark App today! [Source] Asian American senators condemned President Donald Trumps tax and spending package Tuesday after it cleared the Senate in a 50-50 vote, with Vice President J.D. Vance providing the decisive ballot. What its about The legislation cleared the upper chamber after nearly 48 consecutive hours of reading, debating and voting, with three Republicans breaking ranks to oppose the measure alongside all Democrats. GOP senators Thom Tillis of North Carolina, Susan Collins of Maine and Rand Paul of Kentucky voted against their party, with Paul warning that there will be a day that conservatives will rue the fact that some of them actually voted for this. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill contains $4.5 trillion in tax reductions and approximately $1 trillion in spending cuts targeting Medicaid and other health programs, along with changes to food assistance. Budget analysts project about 12 million people will lose health care coverage if the bill becomes law, while adding nearly $3.3 trillion to federal deficits over 10 years. The measure also allocates $350 billion for border enforcement and deportations, with some costs covered by new immigrant fees. What theyre saying New Jersey Sen. Andy Kim criticized his colleagues across the aisle, saying they failed a simple test of courage, choosing to bend a knee to Donald Trump instead of defending millions of hardworking families they swore an oath to represent. Kim proposed amendments targeting healthcare protections and SALT deduction relief, noting that more than 454,000 New Jersey families would see higher insurance costs under the Republican proposal. Trending on NextShark: Anti-South Asian hate skyrockets in Canada: report Hawaii Sen. Mazie Hirono labeled the bill a big ugly betrayal of the American people, declaring that while billionaires will gain, this bill is 1,000 pages of pain for hardworking families in Hawaii and across our country. Illinois Sen. Tammy Duckworth also criticized the plan, saying lawmakers would rather hurt middle-class families and our neighbors who are most in need than make the wealthy pay their fair share. Duckworth projected that more than half a million Illinoisans would lose health coverage under the legislation. Broader implications Budget office analysis shows households in the lowest income bracket would lose an average of $1,600 annually from benefit reductions, while those in the highest bracket would gain an average of $12,000. Commenting on the matter, former Vice President Kamala Harris said the Senate Republicans vote would result in 17 million people losing healthcare, rural hospital shutdowns and food assistance cuts for three million Americans including veterans and seniors, all to fund tax breaks for billionaires. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill now moves to the House, where Speaker Mike Johnson acknowledged dissatisfaction with Senate modifications but committed to meeting Trumps July 4 target date. Trending on NextShark: Asian American senators slam Trumps 'One Big Beautiful Bill' after senate passage This story is part of The Rebel Yellow Newsletter a bold weekly newsletter from the creators of NextShark, reclaiming our stories and celebrating Asian American voices. Subscribe free to join the movement. If you love what were building, consider becoming a paid member your support helps us grow our team, investigate impactful stories, and uplift our community. Trending on NextShark: Condom prank in Tokyo continues 'sushi terrorism' trend in Japan Subscribe here now! Download the NextShark App: Want to keep up to date on Asian American News? Download the NextShark App today! A jury in New York City found Sean Diddy Combs guilty on Wednesday of just two of the five federal criminal counts brought against him in a high-profile trial that lasted about seven weeks. Combs was found guilty of prostitution-related offenses, but was acquitted of the more serious charges he faced for sex trafficking and racketeering. The 12-member panel of jurors spent more than 12 hours over three days deliberating the case. On Tuesday afternoon, the jury had said it came to an agreement on counts two, three, four and five sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion regarding Victim 1 (Cassie Ventura) and Victim 2 (Jane Doe), as well as transportation to engage in prostitution but that they were unable to reach a verdict on count one: racketeering conspiracy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Combs was ultimately found guilty on counts three and five. He was found not guilty on counts one, two and four. At a hearing later Wednesday, Judge Arun Subramanian denied the defense's request to release Combs on a $1 million bond while he awaits sentencing. The judge proposed that the first sentencing hearing take place in October. The hip-hop mogul faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. Had he been convicted of the sex trafficking or racketeering charges, Combs couldve been sentenced to life in prison. Yahoo spoke to Molly Parmer, a federal criminal defense lawyer based in Atlanta, to better understand the verdict in this case. Her answers have been lightly edited for length and clarity. Yahoo: Are you surprised by the verdict? Why or why not? Molly Parmer: Personally, I am not surprised by the verdict. I did not see persuasive evidence and testimony of a racketeering conspiracy presented by the government, nor did I see persuasive evidence or testimony that showed beyond a reasonable doubt that Combs engaged in sex trafficking through force and coercion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The charges he was convicted of, 18 USC 2421(a)(2), were the least serious in his indictment and the easiest to prove. I believe the jury did their job as instructed, and even if they found freak-offs to be immoral or indecent, they followed the judges instructions, looked at the elements of the offenses as charged, and did not see evidence beyond a reasonable doubt that Combs engaged in a racketeering conspiracy or sex trafficking by force or coercion. What is the key difference between the sex trafficking and prostitution-related charges Combs faced? Some readers might be struggling to understand how he could be guilty of one set of charges but not the other. To prove a violation of 18 USC 1591 (the federal sex trafficking statute) when minors are not involved as was the case here prosecutors have to prove both the occurrence of sex trafficking and the defendants intent. Sex trafficking is defined as the recruitment, harboring, transportation, or obtaining of a person for a commercial sex act through coercion or force. Coercion is defined as threats of serious harm or physical restraint. The section of this code that Combs was charged under is a different section than the one that criminalizes trafficking children that one does not require coercion or force. 18 USC 2421(a)(2), which is part of the Mann Act, outlines the offense of transporting individuals across state lines with the intent to engage them in prostitution. To prove this charge, the government must show that the defendant knowingly transported an individual with the specific intent of having the individual engage in a prohibited sex activity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The statute does not require force or coercion. Essentially, helping someone travel across state lines paying for a flight, for example so that they can engage in prostitution, is enough for a conviction under the statute. The key difference between a violation of the Mann Act and a violation of the federal sex trafficking statute, as charged in Combss indictment, is the presence of force and coercion. A violation of the Mann Act does not require any force or coercion. It just requires interstate transportation. Before finally reaching a verdict on Wednesday, the jury had told the judge that they were struggling to reach a consensus on the racketeering charge. Can you explain why the bar is so high when it comes to finding a defendant guilty of RICO charges, and why the prosecution ultimately failed to meet it in this case? I wouldnt say that the bar is high for a jury to find a defendant guilty of RICO charges. I think it is appropriate to make the government prove every element of every offense beyond a reasonable doubt. I also think that prosecutors offices are bringing RICO charges at a level which weve never seen before, and to address conduct which the statute was not designed to reach. The Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act was designed to combat the Mafia. These days, we see it used against any loosely associated group of individuals who are charged with other crimes. Over a decade ago in Georgia, it was successfully used to prosecute a group of public school teachers who changed their students answers on standardized tests. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think its easy for the prosecution to lay out a RICO offense to a jury because, rather than just charging the underlying crimes (the RICO predicates), the government gets to add an additional charge the RICO conspiracy itself and can get into a lot of evidence and testimony which would otherwise be irrelevant or prejudicial. The government can make a defendant seem far more dangerous than they are by alleging that the defendant is involved in a criminal enterprise. The risk for the prosecution comes when they simply dont have a RICO case they dont have a racketeering conspiracy or a criminal enterprise but they push the charge nonetheless. I believe thats what happened here. Combs has been acquitted of the most serious charges against him. Would you describe this as a win for him? What should readers make of this? This is a win for Combs because he was convicted only of the least serious charges in the indictment against him. His two convictions are under a statute that carries no mandatory minimum, and the United States Sentencing Guidelines are fairly low for these offenses. I think the defense also proved to the jury that Combs was not running a criminal enterprise or engaging in sex trafficking simply because he was having illicit sex parties and participating in a so-called swinger lifestyle. Certainly, some of the evidence as it related to sex trafficking by force and coercion was complicated. You had two victims who testified that they suffered domestic violence from Combs, but domestic violence is not a federal offense. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other witnesses (and these victims on cross-examination) provided testimony that sounded as though the victims were occasionally willing participants at Combss parties. Witness credibility is for the jury to decide, and like any jury, this jury was free to disregard testimony it did not believe. But certainly, being convicted of only the two least serious offenses in the indictment is a win for Combs and his defense team. What happens next? What do you think is most important for people to understand about the outcome of this case? Federal sentencing is very complicated. Next, Combs will be interviewed for a presentence investigation report ("PSR"). Both the prosecution and the defense will have an opportunity to make objections and corrections to that report. Both parties will file sentencing memoranda, and a very involved sentencing hearing will occur a few months from now. Sentences for federal offenses are determined by the United States Sentencing Guidelines, and violations of the Mann Act are typically covered by Section 2G1.1. Those guidelines are fairly low, assuming Combs does not end up having additional adjustments under the guidelines, which increase his sentencing exposure. I think its likely that the defense is going to ask for a sentence of time served. An aspiring Thai model was viciously beaten and robbed at a Brooklyn subway station by an ex-con out on bail, according to prosecutors as video shows her pleading with him to stop, Zine Raksasutee, 26, was on the stairs at the Chauncey Street station in Bushwick June 22 when Lewis Doctor, 54, allegedly grabbed her by the throat and shoved her against a wall then unloaded a flurry of punches, according to a criminal complaint obtained by The Post. Doctor then knocked the victim to the ground and kept beating her while wearing a ring on one of his fingers, leaving her with a split lip and cuts to her face, the complaint alleges. The assault left her bloodied. Courtesy of Eric Parnes Law He allegedly ran off with Raksasutees iPhone, AirPods, handbag, debit card, hard drive and other items all valued at about $1,400, according to the complaint. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The suspect was arrested three days later, but Raksasutee was left traumatized by the attack, the victim said. I am grateful to be alive and to be surrounded by people who are helping me heal. I hope speaking out will help keep others safe, she said in a statement through her attorney. This can happen to anyone if nothing is done. Raksasutee can be heard pleading with her attacker as she struggled on the ground in a video she captured on her phone and that was obtained by The Post. Please, please, she begged the suspect. Photos obtained by The Post show Raksasutee with a cut on her chin and blood streaming down her neck and chest. The aspiring model says she is lucky to be alive. Courtesy of Eric Parnes Law The attack is disturbingly similar to an attack on another aspiring Thai model who was brutalized and robbed on a Manhattan subway platform in 2021. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 23-year-old victim back then was punched in the face and placed in a headlock before her purse was ripped away from her at the Herald Square station almost four years ago. How many times must people be forced to relive the same nightmare before decisive action replaces empty words? How many more statements like this must be issued and when will we stop making excuses for the perpetrators? the victims lawyer, Eric Parnes, said in a statement. Our client suffered this cowardly, unprovoked attack while doing what millions do every day simply trying to get home. Parnes said Raksasutee came to the United States from Thailand a year and a half ago and is a student studying English while preparing a modeling portfolio. The victim came to the US from Thailand more than a year ago. Courtesy of Eric Parnes Law Doctor was indicted Monday on first-degree assault, first-degree robbery, fourth-degree grand larceny, criminal possession of stolen property and a slew of related charges, according to the complaint. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He faces up to 25 years in prison if convicted of assault in the first degree. He was previously cut loose on $5,000 bail in January 2024 after he was arrested and charged with robbing a victim with a BB gun, Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalezs office said. Prosecutors unsuccessfully requested $50,000 bail in that case, according to the DAs office. This time around, the suspect is being held in custody after prosecutors were granted their request of $50,000 bail in the most recent case, according to prosecutors. Doctor served a state prison sentence between 1998 and 2022 on robbery charges, according to state records. (FOX40.COM) The Sacramento Police Department responded to reports of an assault involving a weapon around 21st Street on Sunday, June 22. Video above: Teen accused of double homicide in Elk Grove Officers arrived just after 2 p.m. and found a man who sustained blunt-force trauma injuries. The man was transported to a hospital in critical condition, where he was later pronounced dead on Tuesday, July 1st. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Leonardo Valdez of Sacramento was detained on-scene the day of the incident, according to the Sacramento Police Department. Due to the circumstances, Homicide Detectives and Crime Scene Investigators have taken over the investigation. The Sacramento County Coroners Office will release the identity of the victim after the next of kin has been notified. Valdez will be additionally booked on homicide related charges. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40 News. By Will Dunham WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The explosion of a star, called a supernova, is an immensely violent event. It usually involves a star more than eight times the mass of our sun that exhausts its nuclear fuel and undergoes a core collapse, triggering a single powerful explosion. But a rarer kind of supernova involves a different type of star - a stellar ember called a white dwarf - and a double detonation. Researchers have obtained photographic evidence of this type of supernova for the first time, using the European Southern Observatory's Chile-based Very Large Telescope. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The back-to-back explosions obliterated a white dwarf that had a mass roughly equal to the sun and was located about 160,000 lightyears from Earth in the direction of the constellation Dorado in a galaxy near the Milky Way called the Large Magellanic Cloud. A light-year is the distance light travels in a year, 5.9 trillion miles (9.5 trillion km). The image shows the scene of the explosion roughly 300 years after it occurred, with two concentric shells of the element calcium moving outward. This type of explosion, called a Type Ia supernova, would have involved the interaction between a white dwarf and a closely orbiting companion star - either another white dwarf or an unusual star rich in helium - in what is called a binary system. The primary white dwarf through its gravitational pull would begin to siphon helium from its companion. The helium on the white dwarf's surface at some point would become so hot and dense that it would detonate, producing a shockwave that would compress and ignite the star's underlying core and trigger a second detonation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Nothing remains. The white dwarf is completely disrupted," said Priyam Das, a doctoral student in astrophysics at the University of New South Wales Canberra in Australia, lead author of the study published on Wednesday in the journal Nature Astronomy. "The time delay between the two detonations is essentially set by the time it takes the helium detonation to travel from one pole of the star all the way around to the other. It's only about two seconds," said astrophysicist and study co-author Ivo Seitenzahl, a visiting scientist at the Australian National University in Canberra. In the more common type of supernova, a remnant of the massive exploded star is left behind in the form of a dense neutron star or a black hole. The researchers used the Very Large Telescope's Multi-Unit Spectroscopic Explorer, or MUSE, instrument to map the distribution of different chemical elements in the supernova aftermath. Calcium is seen in blue in the image - an outer ring caused by the first detonation and an inner ring by the second. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These two calcium shells represent "the perfect smoking-gun evidence of the double-detonation mechanism," Das said. "We can call this forensic astronomy - my made-up term - since we are studying the dead remains of stars to understand what caused the death," Das said. Stars with up to eight times the mass of our sun appear destined to become a white dwarf. They eventually burn up all the hydrogen they use as fuel. Gravity then causes them to collapse and blow off their outer layers in a "red giant" stage, eventually leaving behind a compact core - the white dwarf. The vast majority of these do not explode as supernovas. While scientists knew of the existence of Type Ia supernovas, there had been no clear visual evidence of such a double detonation until now. Type Ia supernovas are important in terms of celestial chemistry in that they forge heavier elements such as calcium, sulfur and iron. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This is essential for understanding galactic chemical evolution including the building blocks of planets and life," Das said. A shell of sulfur also was seen in the new observations of the supernova aftermath. Iron is a crucial part of Earth's planetary composition and, of course, a component of human red blood cells. In addition to its scientific importance, the image offers aesthetic value. "It's beautiful," Seitenzahl said. "We are seeing the birth process of elements in the death of a star. The Big Bang only made hydrogen and helium and lithium. Here we see how calcium, sulfur or iron are made and dispersed back into the host galaxy, a cosmic cycle of matter." (Reporting by Will Dunham, Editing by Rosalba O'Brien) Latin America and the Caribbean ranks second after Africa as the region of the world most vulnerable to climate change. This is true not only if factors such as its geographic location and topography are taken into account, but also if other determining factors are added, such as its financial capacity and its governance. Many of the countries most threatened by climate change are also deeply in debt, writes Amy Campbell, a student at Columbia Universitys National Center for Disaster Preparedness, in a blog post. This center, along with the Center on Global Energy Policy at the same university, and with support from the the Rockefeller Foundation, has created for the first time an index of 188 countries that combines the three variables. Because they are in debt, Campbell continues, credit rating agencies repeatedly downgrade their ratings, which increases their cost of capital and puts adaptation beyond their reach. In the case of the countries in the Latin America and Caribbean region, eight have entered what experts call the high-risk zone, being among the 30% most vulnerable. Venezuela and Haiti lead the way, followed by Belize, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Bolivia. In total, they represent a combined population of approximately 105 million people. To compile the index, the team considered climate inputs from the Disaster Risk Management Knowledge Center (DRMKC), financial insecurity variables from the World Bank, and governance indicators from the World Bank and the Fund for Peace. They aggregated these in a series of layers, generating four sub-indexes: a pessimistic onewhat will happen if drastic and immediate action is not takenand an optimistic one. Each of these was also projected as a scenario in 2050 and 2080. The goal that countries set through the Paris Agreement is to prevent the temperature increase from rising more than 2C by 2100 compared to pre-industrial levels, and to make every effort to keep it below 1.5C. The goal of this index, recalls Lyana Latorre, vice president of the Rockefeller Foundations Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean, is to better diagnose and determine where to finance solutions to the climate crisis more efficiently, not only with better returns but also with greater impact. The report by Columbia highlights that Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras appear repeatedly as vulnerable countries in all four scenarios, and that only 13 countries across Latin America and the Caribbean have a low to medium risk in the optimistic 2050 scenario: Guyana, being the 22nd country with the best score, above Chile (51), Mexico (60) and Panama (64). Other South American countries, such as Brazil (88), Colombia (100) and Argentina (117), are closer to the medium risk zone in the global ranking under this enthusiastic medium-term scenario. If you zoom in on the data for countries like Venezuela and Haiti versus Chilea country ranked higher on the indexit becomes clearer why the first two have such high vulnerability. Its not just that they have coastlines exposed to coastal erosion and sea level rise, but they are also countries that are overburdened with debt or lack access to financial markets. While Venezuela and Haitis overall financial vulnerability score is 100 and 78, respectively, Chiles is a mere 41. If you focus solely on climate risk assessment, however, Venezuela receives a score of 67, Haiti 70, and Chile 36. As Campbell writes, access to resources is critical. Countries may not be the poorest in terms of GDP, but if they cant access the capital needed for adaptation, they remain trapped in cycles of disaster and recovery. And, in Latorres words, the index, which was presented during the United Nations Conference on Financing for Development currently being held in Seville, Spain also questions how the current financial system works, falling short of the challenges of an environmental crisis. There is a market saturated with the credit mechanism that is pushing countries to the limit, she adds. [Climate] financing should be based primarily on grants. More than an idea, its a movement thats resonating in low- and middle-income countries, especially small islands and island states. Despite not having emitted even 1% of the greenhouse gases that cause climate change, they still bear the brunt of its impacts: more intense hurricanes, rising sea levels, and extreme droughts. Recovering from this is not easy when they are in debt. And if theres no money to get back on their feet, theyll have even less money to adapt to whats coming. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition The divided U.S. House of Representatives is in the process of discussing President Donald Trumps sweeping tax and spending cuts package known as the One Big, Beautiful Bill Act and how it will affect assistance programs in Georgia. Channel 2s Karyn Greer went to the Atlanta Community Food Bank to get some answers about what they say theyre facing. Were in one of the largest food bank distribution centers in the country right here in Atlanta, Kyle Waide, Atlanta Community Food Bank CEO, said. We have millions of pounds of food inventory that is ready to go out to our partners who can then get it on the tables of our neighbors across the community. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Waide walked Channel 2 Action News through the food bank, which distributes food to 29 counties across Georgia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A few months ago, USDA announced about $1 billion worth of cuts to food purchasing programs across the country, Waide said. For us locally, that amounts to about $15 million worth of food that would have come to us about 300 truckloads. TRENDING STORIES: The 345,000-square-foot warehouse in East Point is where partner organizations deliver and pick up food to take across the metro area. They told Greer theyd seen a 60% increase in need in the community, from people who never needed them to help before. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If youre a family, earning $50,000, $60,000 a year, you dont qualify for benefits, Waide said. Youre spending an extra $100 a week on gas and groceries. Well, thats 10% of your after-tax income that youre now having to replace just to stay even. Waide said he had a message for lawmakers when it came to the One Big, Beautiful Bill Act. We need Congress to think about not moving forward with these big cuts to SNAP, Waide said. We need to protect SNAP, and at this moment of economic uncertainty, really think about the families who are vulnerable right now, who need our support. And then we need the community to be engaged. Waide said they clear out the warehouse in East Point every three weeks and the demand is great. He said they need donations and volunteers. To learn more about volunteering or helping in other ways, head online here. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] The Brief The "Sick of ICE" block party in Atlanta was part of a national protest against federal immigration enforcement, featuring food, music, and community activities to raise awareness about deportations. Many attendees called out sick from work to highlight the contributions and risks faced by immigrant labor, emphasizing the need for justice and equal rights. Organizer Claudia Andrade stressed the importance of community-building and ongoing activism to counter anti-immigrant rhetoric and support immigrant rights. ATLANTA - Immigrant rights advocates gathered on Tuesday evening outside the Atlanta Liberation Center for a spirited block party and protest, joining a national "Sick Out Day" of action to demand justice and equal rights for immigrants across the country. What we know Organized by local activist groups including ESL and other community partners, the "Sick of ICE" block party featured food, music, games, and community-building activities. The event coincided with similar demonstrations in cities nationwide aimed at pushing back against recent federal immigration enforcement efforts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many attendees called out sick from their jobs to take part in the protest. Organizers say its a symbolic move that underscores both the daily contributions of immigrant labor and the risk many take simply by showing up to work. What they're saying "Were having a block party in order to raise awareness to the recent wave of deportations that have been carried out by the Trump administration," said organizer Claudia Andrade. "We want to say that we dont have to live in terror or fear of these deportation raids happening. Even if [immigrants] are not criminals, theyre always treated like scapegoats." Andrade emphasized that the event was an open invitation to the public, particularly those who have participated in past protests or connected with the community through activism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Were hoping that people in the community that weve met over the course of the last couple of months come out today so we can build something stronger," she said. Participants said the event was more than a protest it was an opportunity to connect, organize, and reaffirm shared values in the face of rising anti-immigrant rhetoric. "These are people that are hard workers and members of society," Andrade added. "They do essential work, and people have the right to live in this city." "It doesnt stop today," Andrade said. "The struggle continues, and we need participation from all sectors of society." The Source FOX 5 spoke with organizers of the event for this article. The first bullets struck the radio station located on the south end of the 15-acre property of the Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple in Spanish Fork, Utah. A week later, over the course of two days, more bullets hit the temple itself, damaging its carved decorative arches and shattering a window in the worship room. The Utah County Sheriffs Office found 20 to 30 shell casings believed to be from the attacks, according to Vai Warden, the temples president and co-founder, who spoke to the Deseret News. Most of us are in shock, Warden said. The Krishna Temple, a popular destination, is especially known for hosting the Holi Festival, the annual Festival of Colors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On June 18, she heard a loud bang and saw smoke coming from the top of the radio station. She thought maybe teenagers were causing trouble. Only after discovering the damage and finding shell casings did she grasp the severity of the situation. To Warden, the attack, the first of its kind on the temple, was something more serious than vandalism. Vandalism is when you go and spray paint something, she said. This is real damage this is hate motivated, its downright offensive aggression. According to Vai Warden, president of Shri Shri Radha Krishna Temple in Spanish Fork, Utah, "At least 20 to 30 bullets have been sprayed at the temple, some of which have hit the uniquely beautiful arches which are irreplaceable, as well as piercing an arched window in the worship space itself, traveling across the interior area and settling in the opposite wall of the temple worship room. Several thousands of dollars may be required for repairs." | Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple Justice Department to prosecute hate crimes In recent years, attacks on houses of worship and their communities have been on the rise. Last week, two church buildings in Alabama were broken into and extensively vandalized over a two-day period. In May, a meetinghouse of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints sustained thousands of dollars in damage following what police in Provo believe was an act of vandalism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Antisemitic crimes and attacks on other religious communities have also been increasing locally and nationwide. Two Israeli embassy staffers were killed by a gunman in Washington, D.C. In Boulder, Colorado, a man threw molotov cocktails at a group advocating for the release of Israeli hostages, injuring 12 people in what authorities say was a premeditated hate crime targeting Jews. One of the victims, an 82-year-old woman, later died from her injuries. As Jennifer Dechtman, back, looks on, her husband Evan, front left, consoles his son, Isaac, right, at a makeshift memorial for victims of an attack outside of the Boulder County, Colo., courthouse Tuesday, June 3, 2025, in Boulder, Colo. | David Zalubowski Since the Hamas attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, the Kol Ami synagogue in Salt Lake City received multiple bomb threats and harassment messages. The attacks on people tied to religious houses of worship of all traditions have soared by almost a 100% between 2021 and 2023, according to CBS News, which has reviewed FBI crime reports. The U.S. Department of Justice is taking notice and action. In June, the departments prosecutors gave a Virginia man a 25-year sentence, claiming he had attempted to carry out a mass shooting at a local church in 2023. An Arizona man was convicted of targeting four Christian churches across Arizona, California and Colorado, CBS reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hate crimes driven by bias against national origin or any other protected characteristic including religion are a direct assault on the principles of equality and justice that define our nation, according to a statement from Harmeet Dhillon, the assistant attorney general for civil rights, to the Deseret News. The Civil Rights Division is committed to vigorously prosecuting such acts of violence to secure a just outcome. Rise of antisemitism Since the Hamas attack on Israel, Rabbi Sam Spector of the Kol Ami synagogue in Salt Lake City has faced growing concerns about how to protect his congregation. A Magen David, also known as the Star of David, is displayed on the lectern inside the sanctuary at Congregation Kol Ami in Salt Lake City on Friday, Feb. 28, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News To increase security, the synagogue has invested hundreds of thousands of dollars in upgraded surveillance systems and physical barriers, including a large wall to ensure privacy and deter intruders, Spector said. The synagogue works with the Salt Lake City Police Department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its not uncommon to see officers at the synagogue, too, Spector told the Deseret News. I think its been a strong deterrent. Spector has been witnessing the rise of antisemitism since 2015, since its gotten worse recently. Antisemitic incidents have soared by 360% since the Oct. 7 Hamas attack, according to the Anti-Defamation Leagues 2024 report. In 2024, the organization recorded over 9,000 antisemitic acts of assaults, harassment and vandalism. Religious assaults have been on the rise outside of the United States, too. The surge of anti-Christian hate crimes has been reported in the United Kingdom, France and Germany, Church Times reported. Graffiti and vandalism against places of worship, the desecration of cemeteries, and arson attacks against churches are some of the more common types of crimes motivated by bias against Christians, the human-rights office of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) told the outlet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Back in Utah, Spector said Kol Ami had received support from Christian, Muslim and other faith communities. Some have sent us $10 to help with our security costs and other people have sent $10,000, he said. And thats been extremely helpful for us in helping to keep people safe. Its a sanctuary, its a very sacred place The Utah County Sheriffs Office continues to investigate the shooting at the Krishna Temple. Deputies have increased patrols and are reviewing security footage. I dont think anyone would come again at this point because theres so much surveillance, Warden said. This image provided by the Utah County Sheriff's Office shows a bullet hole in a wall at the Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple in Spanish Fork. | Utah County Sheriff's Office Since the attacks, Warden has fielded inquiries from reporters around the world and even received a call from the Consulate General of India. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its headline news in all the newspapers in India, Warden said. Repair costs are expected to run into the thousands, though the total damage remains unclear. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has expressed support for the temple, Warden said. At the Kol Ami synagogue, the security measures have proven effective, Spector said. He noted that someone who had planned to commit a crime admitted online that the synagogues heightened security deterred him. The investments have been worth it, Spector added. They have made our congregants feel safe, he said. We have actually seen bad guys admit that they have been deterred as a result of those. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The DOJs priority, according to Dhillon, is to make houses of worship less vulnerable. We want to shut that threat down by making sure that no one is feeling like churches, houses of worship, people of faith are soft targets in the United States, Dhillon said, per CBS. Spector welcomed the Department of Justices efforts to prosecute hate crimes as a way to address the epidemic of antisemitism thats plaguing our country and the world. At the same time, he underscored the importance of preserving First Amendment rights. I hope the DOJ can strike a balance between prosecuting antisemitic hate crimes and preserving individuals freedom of speech, he said. Its a delicate balance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the aftermath of the Krishna Temple attacks, Warden has refused to cower. Were not gonna be knuckled down or hiding, she said. Were being tough and resilient and were getting a lot of help from our members. The temple remains open and will only be closed at night. She continued: Its a sanctuary, its a very sacred place. Getty Images Five attorneys who run local public defender offices in Louisiana were replaced Tuesday even as the question of whether they have been rightfully dismissed remains unsettled. The episode is the latest sign of turmoil in public defense since Gov. Jeff Landry and legislators reworked state laws to give Landry more control over its attorneys and finances. State Public Defender Remy Starns, a Landry appointee, hired new local chief public defenders to take over from five he is seeking to oust this week. By doing so, he sidestepped Louisianas Public Defender Oversight Board that is expected to weigh in on whether to stop the terminations next week. The public defender board has already attempted to convene twice in the last two weeks to vote on whether to block Starns from dismissing the attorneys. The board hasnt been able to gather enough members to legally hold a meeting and vote, in large part because six of nine board members have resigned since the end of May. Two board spots still remain vacant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Obviously the four of us who are here would like to get this matter concluded. Unfortunately, we dont have that authority without having a quorum, said retired Judge Paul deMahy, one of the governors appointees to the board, after a failed attempt to meet and vote Monday. Starns did not return phone calls and texts about this story sent to his cell phone Monday and Tuesday. He and the board have been in an escalating battle over how much control Starns has over the local chiefs ever since Landrys public defender overhaul laws went into effect last year. Louisianas sprawling public defense network includes 850 attorneys who represent 146,000 people annually, accounting for approximately 88% of all criminal defendants in the state. They are supervised by 36 chief public defenders who are, in turn, overseen by Starns. Starns has been the state public defender since 2020, when former Gov. John Bel Edwards recommended him for the job. He was the rare state appointee who was kept in his position when Landry came into office. He helped the new Republican governor push through law changes that dissolved the former public defender board and created a new, weaker board over which Landry has more influence. The board also has less authority over Starns in its reworked form. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Little notice In March, a few months after the public defender law changes took effect, Starns announced he would not renew the contracts of five chiefs. They had all testified in opposition to Starns policies during hearings with the board and state lawmakers. The chief public defenders who have been targeted are Michelle AndrePont in Caddo Parish, Brett Brunson in Natchitoches Parish, Deirdre Fuller in Rapides Parish, Trisha Ward in Evangeline Parish and John Hogue who works in Madison, Tensas and East Carroll parishes. Their annual contracts expired Monday. Starns sent notice of their replacements to them Monday afternoon after 3 p.m., less than 24 hours before the new attorneys were expected to take over the ousted chiefs responsibilities. Three of the five ousted lawyers said they did not have a chance to talk to the interim chiefs who were taking over the offices before they started work Tuesday. I think its unfortunate that we have this chaos, unnecessary chaos, created by the state public defenders actions, Hogue said in an interview Monday night. Pamela Grady, who works as the attorney for the city of Tallulah, took over for Hogue as the interim public defender director in a large swath of rural northeast Louisiana. She could not be reached for comment Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brunson, another ousted chief, said the public defender office for Natchitoches Parish has been leased personally by him and doubled as a private law office for several years. He wasnt clear where the local public defenders office space would be starting Tuesday or where the offices old files should be sent since he was being displaced. Im going to go to my office tomorrow and wait for [the interim chief public defender] to show up, Brunson said Monday night. James Calhoun, who contracts as a private attorney with the Winn Parish public defenders office, was tapped to take over for Brunson. He could not be reached for comment Tuesday. Chad Guillot, who is the chief public defender in Avoyelles Parish, will be doubling up and also running the Rapides Parish office as the interim chief instead of Fuller. He isnt interested in the permanent Rapides job because he intends to run for district attorney in Avoyelles Parish in 2026. I know it is only going to be until they find a permanent chief, Guillot said Tuesday. That can take some time. Ill serve until they find someone permanent in one month or six months. Guillot and Fuller planned to meet Tuesday afternoon to discuss the transition. He could not meet Tuesday morning because he had to be in court in Avoyelles, he said. In Caddo, AndrePonts longtime deputy, Mary Harried, is serving as the interim chief. Harried has nearly three decades of public defender experience and said the transition was going smoothly Tuesday afternoon but she does not intend to take the job permanently. I have a great deal of respect for Michelle [AndrePont]. We have been friends and colleagues for 27 years, she said. I love her. If she comes back, were good. Christopher Ludeau took over for Ward in Evangeline Parish, where he contracts as a private attorney with the public defender office. Ward declined to comment and Ludeau could not be reached at his private law office Tuesday. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Controversial compensation In addition to the five dismissals, Starns has issued controversial contracts to the rest of the chiefs who he is keeping. The agreements allow him to fire them at any time for any reason, and give him total control over their pay. A state law passed as part of Landrys public defender overhaul in 2024 dictates that the public defender board sets the compensation level of chief public defenders, but Starns has included a provision in the chiefs individual contracts requiring them to waive the right to the boards payscale. Starns has tried to get the board to approve his preferred pay plan for the chiefs three times in the last year, but the board has rejected his proposal, primarily because it would cut some chief public defenders pay by tens of thousands of dollars. Instead, they adopted a different compensation scale that has been used since 2023. NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) Three sea turtles were released back into the Gulf after receiving extensive care at Audubon Aquarium Rescue. The turtles were released into the waters off of Galveston, Texas on Tuesday, June 24. Prior to this event, each turtle received treatment for months at the rescue center, according to a news release. New Taylor Swift-like coral at the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas Watching these turtles swim into the Gulf waters is rewarding for everyone who helped get them to this point, said Gabriella Harlamert, Audubon Aquarium Rescue Stranding and Rehabilitation Coordinator. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two of the released turtles are Kemps ridley sea turtles, which is a critically endangered species. The pair, named Libra and Dorado by staff, were brought to New Orleans last winter after being discovered cold and stunned in New England. Libra and Dorado were the 26th and 27th Kemps ridley turtles released back into the Gulf this year. Loggerhead sea turtle, Francois, is released on the beach in Galveston, TX. Audubon Aquarium Rescue June 24, 2025 The third turtle, a male loggerhead turtle named Francois, was found in Grand Chenier, Louisiana in 2023. Francois was underweight and extremely dehydrated when he was found, according to a news release. The turtle gained 45 pounds while in rehabilitation at Audubon. Francois was with us for nearly two years and overcame tremendous health issues, Harlamert said. Our entire team shared the excitement of watching him maneuver along the beach and into the Gulf for the first time in years. 19 New England sea turtles are back in the Atlantic Ocean off Florida after rehabbing in Missouri Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To facilitate the event, Audubon partnered with the Gulf Center for Sea Turtle Research at Texas A&M Galveston. Both species of turtles are native to this area, which made it an ideal location for the turtles to be released. Stay up to date with the latest news, weather and sports by downloading the WGNO app on the Apple or Google Play stores and by subscribing to the WGNO newsletter. Latest Posts Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGNO. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) The City of El Pasos Aug. 3 memorial by El Paso-based artist Albert Tino Ortega was selected as one of the top 100 public art pieces around the world in this years CODAwards, the City said in a press release on Monday, June 30. The public is invited to help elevate the memorial by voting for it in the Peoples Choice Award category. To vote, click here: https://codaworx.com/projects/august-third-memorial-20025. Presented annually by CODAworx, the CODAawards celebrate projects that seamlessly integrate commissioned art into interior, architectural, and public spaces. Selection for the Top 100 places the August Third Memorial in the top third of all global entries, as determined by a panel of design and art professionals, the City said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The memorial was unveiled last year and honors the lives lost during the mass shooting at the Cielo Vista Walmart on Aug. 3, 2019. The memorial features seven granite pillars arranged in the shape of a crown, an emblem of power symbolizing the restoration of agency, the City said. Surrounding the pillars are 23 palo verde trees. The names of those lost, along with a poem by El Paso Poet Gris Munoz, are etched into the memorials pillars, the City said. The August Third Memorial was commissioned through the City of El Pasos Public Art Program, part of the Museums and Cultural Affairs Department (MCAD). Since its launch in 2006, the program has completed nearly 100 projects and earned 15 national awards, including multiple recognitions from the CODAawards, the City said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News. Guernsey's airline, Aurigny, has increased its cabin baggage allowance to what it described as "class-leading" dimensions. The cabin baggage allowance has increased from 55 36 20cm to 55 40 23cm, which Aurigny said was about 22% more space than its nearest competitor. Passengers can also bring one small personal item as standard, such as a laptop bag or handbag, taking the total combined weight of carry-on baggage up to 10kg. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Aurigny said the changes were part of its "commitment to enhancing the customer experience and responding to customer feedback". Aurigny has compared the allowances to similar airlines [Aurigny] The changes only cover allowances on flights from Guernsey to the UK and Europe and not flights between the Channel Islands or Alderney. Head of ground operations and deputy chief operating officer at Aurigny, Dave Cox, said: "We're proud to offer a class-leading cabin baggage allowance at a time when many other airlines are becoming increasingly restrictive and under the spotlight for this issue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We understand that people's personal items and belongings matter. "Whether it's a laptop, medication, or just the things that make you feel at home, you shouldn't have to fight for space to bring them. "At Aurigny, we're proud to be making it easier for customers to travel with confidence and comfort." Follow BBC Guernsey on X and Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to channel.islands@bbc.co.uk. More on this story AUSTIN (KXAN) So far, nearly 100 full-time employees at Austin Public Health (APH) have been impacted by federal funding cuts. APH said the 95 impacted positions included nurses, LVNs, environmental scientists, disease surveillance specialists, program coordinators, program supervisors, community health workers, youth program specialists and others. The organization said it has worked with the city to find other positions for the affected staff. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So far, 73 employees have been placed in other positions within APH or other City Departments, retired, or voluntarily resigned, APH said. While we have managed to help maintain employment for the majority of affected employees, there has been a decrease in the departments overall capacity to provide services. RELATED | Austin Public Health outlines $15 million in funding, over 50 jobs lost due to federal funding cuts APH said it also had to change its clinic schedule due to cuts impacting its Immunizations Unit. We are attempting to maintain as many mobile clinics as possible; however, the number of people who can be served at each clinic will be much lower, APH said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The organization previously told KXAN the changes in funding could translate to the loss of around $15 million. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Australia has cancelled US rapper Kanye West's visa over his song glorifying Nazi leader Adolf Hitler, the government said Wednesday. The 48-year-old musician, who has legally changed his name to Ye, released "Heil Hitler" on May 8, the 80th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II. West -- whose wife Bianca Censori is Australian -- has been coming to Australia for some time because he has family in the country, Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "He's made a lot of offensive comments. But my officials looked at it again once he released the 'Heil Hitler' song and he no longer has a valid visa in Australia." Burke said the rapper's cancelled visa was not intended for holding concerts. "It was a lower level, and the officials still looked at the law and said: You're going to have a song and promote that sort of Nazism -- we don't need that in Australia," he told public broadcaster ABC. Asked if it was sustainable to bar such a popular figure, the minister said: "I think what's not sustainable is to import hatred." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But he said immigration officials reassess each visa application. - 'Importing bigotry' - Australian citizens have freedom of speech, Burke added. "But we have enough problems in this country already without deliberately importing bigotry." Kanye West's "Heil Hitler" song stirred public opposition last week in Slovakia when it was announced he would be playing a concert there in July. More than 3,000 people signed a petition against West's performance in the Slovak capital. The rapper -- a vocal supporter of US President Donald Trump -- is "repeatedly and openly adhering to symbols and ideology connected with the darkest period of modern global history", two groups behind the petition said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Kanye West's concert in our city and our country is an insult to historic memory, a glorification of wartime violence and debasement of all victims of the Nazi regime," the petition read. In the "Heil Hitler" clip, dozens of Black men -- wearing animal pelts and masks, and standing in a block formation -- chant the title of the song, as West raps about being misunderstood and about his custody battle with ex-wife Kim Kardashian. The song ends with an extract of a speech by the Nazi dictator. West has also publicly endorsed fellow rapper and music mogul Sean Combs, who has been tried in New York for alleged sex trafficking and racketeering. The jury in that case is considering its verdict. djw/rsc MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) Ye, the U.S. rapper formerly known as Kanye West, was recently stripped of an Australian visa after he released his single Heil Hitler, a government minister said on Wednesday. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke revealed Ye has been traveling for years to Australia, where his wife of three years, Bianca Censori, was born. Her family live in Melbourne. Burke said Heil Hitler, released in May, promoted Nazism. The song has been criticized as an antisemitic tribute to German dictator Adolf Hitler. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hes been coming to Australia for a long time. Hes got family here. And hes made a lot of offensive comments that my officials looked at again once he released the Heil Hitler song and he no longer has a valid visa in Australia, Burke told Australian Broadcasting Corp. We have enough problems in this country already without deliberately importing bigotry, Burke added. Yes representative did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Wednesday. Australias Migration Act sets security and character requirements for non-citizens to enter the country. Australias largest cities, Sydney and Melbourne, have seen a spate of antisemitic attacks since the war between Israel and Hamas began on Oct. 7, 2023. As a consequence of decades of living in a plastic-filled society, plastic is now everywhere. Once degraded to the size of microplastics (particles smaller than five millimeters), plastic has reached the Arctic, the Mariana Trench, the Himalayas, the atmosphere, our food, and even our bodies. Now, Spanish researchers have confirmed that it has also made its way into human reproductive fluids: where the egg develops and in semen. They were able to identify up to a dozen different types of plastic, albeit in low concentrations. It is still not known what impact they might have on sperm or oocytes and their ability to create life. Researchers and doctors from the University of Murcia and the assisted reproduction clinics Next Fertility analyzed seminal plasma samples from 22 donors and follicular fluid from 29 women undergoing fertility treatment. The results of this work were presented by the studys lead author, Spanish researcher Emilio Gomez Sanchez, at the annual meeting of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE), held in Paris. Microplastics were found in 69% of the follicular fluid samples the fluid where oocytes, future eggs, develop. In the case of semen, the percentage drops to 55%. Seminal plasma, aside from being the transport medium for sperm, also keeps them alive. The difference could be due to the small sample size. However, Dr. Gomez, lab director at Next Fertility Murcia, notes another possible explanation: Women undergoing in vitro fertilization receive hormonal treatment that increases ovarian vascularization, which means greater blood flow. The three entry routes of these plastic particles into the body inhaled, ingested, or through the skin all end up in the same place: the bloodstream. The microplastics were characterized by the team led by Professor Pilar Vinas, head of the Analytical Chemistry Department at the University of Murcia. Using direct laser infrared microscopy, they detected nine types of plastic materials, though their distribution varied between the seminal plasma and follicular fluid samples. In both groups, various commonly used microplastic polymers were identified, such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polystyrene (PS), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyamide (PA), and polyurethane (PU), Vinas explained. The concentration was very low sometimes just two or three particles per sample. Its not known how microplastics got into biological fluids, although their concentration is much smaller than that of non-plastic particles like carbonate, says Vinas. Even so, one sample contained up to 38 particles of Teflon (PTFE). The smallest particle size detected was 20 microns (0.02 millimeters). Nanoplastics which are even smaller are only now starting to be studied in humans. It remains to be seen whether they are also present in biological fluids. In the book Espermageddon, author Niels Christian Geelmuyden compiles several studies on the impact of microplastics on the reproductive system. One such study shows how oysters exposed to polystyrene produce fewer eggs and less mobile sperm. But no studies yet exist on how they affect the human reproductive system. Dr. Gomez also points out that in laboratory animal studies, they are given plastic to drink or eat in very high concentrations. While these are suspicions and not confirmed facts, Gomez notes, microplastics could potentially have inflammatory and oxidative effects, possibly affecting sperm count or oocyte development. Thats why he believes its essential to expand research in this area. The few studies that have linked the presence of microplastics in the human body with health have found worrying results. For instance, patients with microscopic plastics in their arteries have a 4.5 times higher risk of heart attack, stroke, and death. Microplastics have been observed to concentrate in the bloodstream and brain but also in breast milk, the liver, and intestines. Some studies suggest they could damage DNA, though their long-term effects remain unknown. Gomez emphasizes that they did not detect alterations in sperm motility or oocyte viability in this study, but the sample was small and preliminary, and he believes it is urgent to broaden the scope of such research. Professor Fay Couceiro, an Environmental Pollution expert and head of the Microplastics Research Group at the University of Portsmouth in the U.K., says that considering the global decline in fertility rates, analyzing the possible causes is highly relevant and timely. Speaking to the specialist site SMC, she added: Finding microplastics is not that surprising, since we have found them in many other parts of our bodies. Couceiro concluded by echoing the study authors: Presence is not the same as impact, and the authors are clear in stating that, while they have found microplastics in the reproductive fluids of men and women, we still do not know how they affect us. Dr. Stephanie Wright, associate professor of environmental toxicology at Imperial College London, also speaking to SMC, points out that microplastics are everywhere, including in the laboratory suggesting potential sample contamination as a possible explanation. In her view, the data provided do not support their presence as a result of human exposure rather than a methodological artifact, so they should be interpreted with caution at this early stage. However, to rule out and control this risk, the researchers also analyzed the containers for all 51 samples and found no microplastics in them. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Ye, the American rapper formerly known as Kanye West, has been barred from entering Australia because of his pro-Nazi song "Heil Hitler," the country's immigration minister told Australia's ABC television network on Tuesday. The song, which was first released in May, has been banned in Germany and from online platforms including Spotify, YouTube and Apple Music because of its antisemitism lyrics praising Adolf Hitler. The song repeats the slogan hailing the Nazi German leader and includes a direct sample from a speech Hitler gave in 1935. Speaking to ABC, Immigration Minister Tony Burke revealed the ban on Ye while discussing the reported cancellation of a visa for Israeli-American tech personality Hillel Fuld, over a comment he posted declaring: "Islamophobia is rational." Kanye West attends the 67th Annual GRAMMY Awards on February 02, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. / Credit: Matt Winkelmeyer Burke said the Australian government's decision to cancel foreign nationals' visas were most often made for people seeking to make "public speeches," before adding: "The only one I can think of where it wasn't for public advocacy - the visa - but we cancelled it anyway, would be Kanye West." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ye, who is married to Australian Bianca Censori, had been visiting the country "for a long time," Burke said. "He's made a lot of offensive comments," added the immigration minister, "that my officials looked at again once he released the Heil Hitler song, and he no longer has a valid visa in Australia." "If you're going to have a song and promote that sort of Nazism, we don't need that in Australia," said Burke. "We have enough problems in this country already without deliberately importing bigotry." Asked if the ban was "sustainable" given Ye's global popularity, Burke replied: "I think that what's not sustainable is to import hatred." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said the government had not banned Ye from entering Australia permanently, noting that "every visa application gets reassessed by my officials each time." Ye's history of antisemitism CBS News received no response to a request for comment from Ye that was submitted via his fashion brand, Yeezy. A spokesperson for Australia's home affairs department told CBS News that "the Department does not comment on individual cases," adding, the "government will continue to act decisively to protect the community from the risk of harm posed by individuals who choose to engage in criminal activity or behavior of concern, including visa cancelation or refusal where appropriate." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ye has a history of making antisemitic remarks. In 2022, his X and Instagram accounts were suspended for antisemitic posts. Later that year he told Alex Jones: "I love Jewish people, but I also love Nazis I do love Hitler." In 2023, after Ye's marriage to Censori, the Australian Jewish Association called for Ye to be denied entry to the country. In February 2025, Ye again had his X again suspended over a series of antisemitic posts that he defended as a "social experiment." One post published during the last Super Bowl declared: "I AM A NAZI." Ye also paid for an ad during the Super Bowl, in which he directed people to visit his clothing brand's website, where he was selling t-shirts emblazoned with the swastika, the symbol of the Nazi Party, for $20. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bryan Kohberger Pleads Guilty | "48 Hours" Podcast CBS News journalists describe what it was like to report on Sean "Diddy" Combs trial Skydiving plane crashes in New Jersey, several hospitalized Cybercriminals have gained access to data belonging to up to 6 million Qantas customers, the Australian airline confirmed on Wednesday, adding that the system has since been contained. "The incident occurred when a cyber criminal targeted a call centre and gained access to a third party customer servicing platform," Qantas said in a statement. "There is no impact to Qantas' operations or the safety of the airline." The Australian company said that some 6 million customers have service records on the third party platform, on which Qantas noticed "unusual activity" on Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We are continuing to investigate the proportion of the data that has been stolen, though we expect it will be significant," Qantas said. "An initial review has confirmed the data includes some customers names, email addresses, phone numbers, birth dates and frequent flyer numbers." The company stressed that "credit card details, personal financial information and passport details are not held in this system. No frequent flyer accounts were compromised nor have passwords, PIN numbers or log in details been accessed." It added that it was contacting customers to let them know what happened and provide details about the support available. "We sincerely apologise to our customers and we recognise the uncertainty this will cause," said Qantas Group chief executive Vanessa Hudson. Hudson said the company was "working closely" with Australian government cybersecurity experts. Australian airline Qantas has been targeted in a major cyber attack, with millions of customers affected. The airline said it detected unusual activity on Monday and the personal data used by Qantass contact centre had been compromised. This platform stores records of 6m customers. In a statement released on Wednesday, Qantas said: We took immediate steps to contain the incident, and all Qantas systems remain secure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the airline is still investigating the full scale of the cyber attack, it has been confirmed that the exposed data includes names, email addresses, phone numbers, birth dates and frequent flyer numbers. However, credit card details, personal financial information and passport details were not part of the compromised data. No Frequent Flyer accounts were affected, nor have passwords, PINs or login details been accessed. Qantas is continuing its investigation into how many customers have been impacted, but it anticipated that the number would be significant. Vanessa Hudson, Qantass chief executive, issued a statement of apology, saying: We recognise the uncertainty this will cause. Our customers trust us with their personal information and we take that responsibility seriously ... We are contacting our customers today and focusing on providing them with the necessary support. Vanessa Hudson, chief executive officer of Qantas Airways, issued an apology after Qantas has suffered a major cyber attack - Bloomberg The breach comes after the US Federal Bureau of Investigation revealed that the cybercrime group Scattered Spider had been targeting airlines, with Hawaiian Airlines and Canadas WestJet among those to have already reported breaches. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Qantas has not officially linked the group to the attack, it is now the latest airline to fall victim to a cyber attack. To assist affected customers, Qantas has set up a dedicated customer support line and a webpage with updates on the investigation. Qantas is working with several Australian government agencies, including the Australian Federal Police and the Australian Cyber Security Centre, as well as independent cybersecurity experts, to fully investigate the breach and prevent further attacks. The airline has assured customers that it has implemented additional security measures to enhance system monitoring. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Australian Federal Police said it was aware of the matter but declined to comment further. 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. Turns out that A.J. Brown and Terrell Owens aren't the only impressive and legendary eagle receivers. There's also this actual eagle who isn't in the NFL, but who lives in Australia. Thanks to Instagram account "treknaustralia" we have this moment with this caption: "This was absolutely amazing." MORE OUTDOORS: Wild horses shown trying to outrun grizzly bear; not all of them succeed It truly was amazing. A fisherman grabbed a catfish, waited as an eagle circled above his boat. Then? He tossed it into the air. In one snap of its talons, it grabbed the fish and raced off for a meal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Seriously. How cool is that? The bird is a Hall of Famer when it comes to catching things: My question: how did the eagle know it was getting fed? Was there some instinct that the guy holding up the fish was going throw it? I guess that's why they call them eagle eyes. Also, credit to the fisherman for timing it perfectly. What a moment! This article originally appeared on For The Win: Eagle catches catfish in mid-air in wild Australian video By Amina Ismail and Layli Foroudi BRUSSELS/PARIS (Reuters) -Austria is preparing to deport a Syrian man whose asylum status was revoked due to a criminal conviction, in what an EU official and rights groups say will be Europe's first forced deportation to Syria since the fall of President Bashar al-Assad. Rights groups are concerned that Austria's plan could set a precedent, encouraging other European Union member states to follow suit amid rising anti-migration sentiment across the 27-nation bloc. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 32-year-old man, who was granted asylum in Austria in 2014, lost his refugee status in February 2019 because of his criminal record, his legal adviser Ruxandra Staicu said. She declined to specify the nature of his conviction. The Austrian Interior Ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Deportation to Syria was not possible during the country's civil war as it was considered unsafe. The Austrian government argues that Assad's fall means the situation has changed and it has begun proceedings to strip some refugees of their status, though rights groups say it is premature to do so. Austrian and Syrian authorities agreed for the man to be deported last week, but the closure of airspace due to the Iran-Israel conflict delayed the process, Staicu and a Western diplomat said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The diplomat, who requested anonymity, added that the deportation would now go ahead once the airspace reopened. Since 2015, European countries have received around 1.68 million asylum applications from Syrian nationals. Some governments, most notably Germany, initially welcomed them warmly as civil war ravaged their homeland. But rising public concern over the scale of immigration has fueled support for far-right, anti-migrant parties. SYRIA STILL DANGEROUS? With the fall of Assad last December, many EU governments were quick to suspend the processing of Syrian asylum applications, and some have called for the security situation in Syria to be reassessed to enable deportations to resume. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Austria, former Chancellor Karl Nehammer, from the ruling Austrian People's Party (OVP), is among those calling for such a reassessment, amid pressure from the far-right Freedom Party. Some rights groups and lawyers say it is still too dangerous to begin returning people to Syria. "... there are attacks against people and we have no idea in which direction (Syria) will go," said Staicu, adding that her client's deportation would violate the European Convention on Human Rights that prohibits torture and inhumane treatment. The United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) told Reuters: "Syrians... must not be forcibly returned from any country, including those in the European Union, to any part of Syria" due to the overall situation there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rights groups cite attacks against minorities since Assad's fall. Syria also remains in the grip of a severe humanitarian crisis, with 90% of the population living below the poverty line, according to UN estimates. Staicu said her client had received a negative asylum decision in April. He has filed another asylum application and is awaiting a response. (Additional reporting by Timour Azhari in Beirut and Francois Murphy in Vienna, editing by Gareth Jones) TAMPA Almost two days after she gave birth in her college dormitory bathroom, Brianna Moore sat in a campus security office with two Tampa police detectives old enough to be her father. I know things can get pretty big, pretty scary, pretty quick, Detective Aaron Campbell told the 19-year-old freshman. Can you tell me about the baby? The baby? Moore said. It had been a few hours since police were directed to the dumpsters outside McKay Hall at the University of Tampa, where they found a lifeless baby girl inside a white trash bag. Campbell told Moore, a marine biology major, that she was very smart, that she knew about DNA and that people can be in over their heads sometimes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement First of all, I did not even know that I was pregnant, Moore said. And then I just woke up not feeling good yesterday morning. So I went to the bathroom. ... After a few seconds, it was dead. This was how Moore first explained what even she seemed to struggle to understand. Police, prosecutors and mental health experts would all scrutinize her words and actions. Later this month, a jury will do the same. Jailed since last fall, Moore is set to face trial July 22 on aggravated manslaughter and other charges. Recently disclosed court records illuminate a complex criminal case that touches on issues of unplanned pregnancy and maternal health. The records dont tell the whole story. But they tell some of it. Under scrutiny Detectives spoke with Moore twice once in the bare-walled security office where a sign warned that everything was recorded, and again days later while she sat in a police car. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During an hour of recorded conversation, investigators learned much about the young woman, her background and her version of events for the morning she gave birth. In a light, Southern-accented voice, she sounded naively sincere. Although she was read her rights and at one point her father texted to tell her not to answer questions, she did anyway. The detectives learned she lived with her mother and stepfather in Mississippi, on a farm with chickens, pigs, goats and peacocks. Shed attended the Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science, a residential high school geared toward academically gifted students. She got excellent grades. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She came to the University of Tampa in August 2023 with a $30,000 scholarship. The private school sits on 110 acres just east of downtown, anchored by the towering minarets of Plant Hall, a historic brick edifice erected in the 1880s as the Tampa Bay Hotel. Palm trees and well-manicured lawns dominate the rest of the campus, where about 11,000 students study in mostly new, modern buildings. It was a pretty place, she said, a far cry from what she was used to back home. She lived with another young woman in a small room in McKay Hall, one of the campuss oldest dorms, with a view of the Hillsborough River and downtown. They shared a bathroom with their two next-door neighbors. Moore acknowledged that she and her roommate didnt talk much. Her neighbors didnt know her well, either. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She already had her class schedule for the fall semester when she studied for final exams that spring. She awoke the morning of April 27, 2024 a Saturday. Shed struggled all night to sleep and didnt feel well. She noticed her pants were wet, she said. She quickly realized what was happening. She went into the bathroom and stayed there for about the next 90 minutes. She threw up. She lay on the floor, paralyzed in pain. The baby came. She heard it cry. She held it. She was asked how long it cried. I would say, like, five seconds, she said. Her roommate and one of the girls next door heard the noise, they later told police, but dismissed it. One thought it might have been a video playing on a phone. When one neighbor readied for work, she tried the door, found it locked and heard Moore say, Sorry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moore laid the baby on a towel, she said. She took a shower, then tried to clean the blood from the floor. She sat for a long time. It wasnt moving, so I felt for a heartbeat, and I didnt feel one, she said. It wasnt moving, and I got scared. She told investigators that she then wrapped the baby in the towel. She came out of the bathroom about 9:45 a.m., she said. She set the baby on the floor near an ottoman and took a nap. She awoke about 11 a.m. and checked the baby again. It still wasnt breathing. That afternoon, her neighbors called campus security after seeing blood on the bathroom floor. A report of the call said a student had possibly suffered a miscarriage. Moore denied giving birth, saying she just had her period. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It wasnt until the next evening that her roommate and a friend noticed the bloody towel and what they suspected was a baby in the trash bag. They once again phoned security. They toted the bag outside. An officer met them near a set of dumpsters. When he peered in the bag, the baby lay wrapped in the towel, atop a pizza box. She looked, he said later, like a small piglet. Up went the yellow crime scene tape. A medical examiner determined the infant had several broken ribs along her spine and small hemorrhages in her lungs. Her cause of death was deemed asphyxia due to compression of the torso with rib fractures. The manner of death was homicide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Early in her interview with the detectives, Moore was asked if she might have been in denial about being pregnant. Probably in denial, she said. I just kind of put it out of my head because I hadnt had my period since last March. She later mentioned that shed been on birth control in high school. But she had to get permission to leave her boarding school campus to pick up the prescription. It was a hassle, so she stopped. She was asked if she knew when she became pregnant and who the father might have been. Its between like two people, she said. She gave police their names, one a young man close to her age, another a bit older. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She admitted that it had crossed her mind that she might be pregnant, but she dismissed the idea. She hadnt gained much weight, she said. What little she did gain, she attributed to the freshman 15. Her clothes still fit. She wore a belly ring. Had anyone asked her if she was pregnant? Nobody, she said. The police would pull surveillance video from McKay Hall. They located footage that showed Moore walking through the dorm days before she gave birth. They said she had a noticeable bump on her abdomen. Her roommates and others had noticed the bump as early as January. One woman said it was obvious. Moore said it wasnt that big. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She was asked: If she could do things differently, what would she do? When I started feeling bad, probably go to the hospital, she said. She added, though, that she couldnt afford the trip. She said shed thought about surrendering the baby at the hospital. Because you can do that, cant you? she said. You can, the detective said. A cryptic pregnancy Nicole Graham, a forensic neuropsychologist, examined Moore in March and wrote a 20-page report that documented her family and relationship history and analyzed her thought processes. She detailed her findings in a lengthy pretrial deposition. Graham concluded that Moore had whats known as a cryptic pregnancy, an uncommon condition in which a woman either doesnt know or is in denial that she is carrying a child. Moore had a passive personality, Graham said, and was emotionally immature. The psychologist reported that Moore had concerns about her body image. She didnt feel like she fit in with other young women at the university. She longed for a committed relationship, but sensed the young men shed dated did not. She struggled with self-esteem. She reported cutting her arms, Graham said, but not as a suicidal gesture, only as a way to feel something. When Moore went into labor, she entered what Graham described as a mild dissociative state a response to overwhelming trauma. In her mind, in that moment, time simultaneously sped up and slowed down. Graham reported that Moore had trouble recalling specific details. Her perception and memory of the events surrounding the birth became blurry. Over the course of her life, she does have a tendency of not kind of engaging in problem solving, Graham said. And her ways that she copes is essentially avoiding, hoping it will go away. She related that Moore, as she endured labor pains, searched Google on her phone for things like, How long after your water breaks do you deliver? She worried about paying for a hospital, Graham said. And she didnt want paramedics to bring attention to her. She tried to figure out if she could take an Uber to a hospital as she wondered whether the pain would subside. I thought about calling my mom, but I was scared, Graham recalled her saying. She also thought about asking her roommates for help, but feared what they would think or say. She was in shock when the baby came. She said she held the little girl to her chest to soothe her. She denied holding her too tightly. Moore cried when she talked about the birth, Graham said. She carries profound guilt and did things in the months afterward to try to make herself feel better, like looking after a pair of kittens, the psychologist said. She said she wanted to have something to care for. There were other issues: Why she would put a baby in a small trash can? Why lay the baby down and go to sleep? To many questions, Moore gave the same response: I dont know. What will a jury hear? Hillsborough prosecutors have asked a judge to bar Graham from testifying. There has been no assertion that Moore was insane when she gave birth. Assistant State Attorney Lindsey Hodges wrote in a court motion that the only purpose of Grahams testimony would be to garner sympathy from the jury. At the same time, the state wants to show the jury text messages they found on Moores phone, which she voluntarily turned over to police. One text thread shows a conversation she had with a young man in Mississippi in September 2023. Amid what appears to be friendly banter, there is talk of sex, birth control and abortion. He asks if abortions are legal in Florida. She replies, no but there is a pill you can order in any state. He asks questions about the pill, and she shares links to information she saved about it. Prosecutors focused on one portion of the exchange: hey man sometimes you need a plan c, Moore wrote. plan a was condoms, he responded. plan b was the pill. plan c was to kill (the) kid. plan c is my favorite, she replied. Moores attorney, Jonah Dickstein, said prosecutors took the text messages out of context. They were not discussing her pregnancy, he said. The person she messaged was not the father of her child, Dickstein said, nor did she know she was pregnant until the morning she gave birth. In those text messages with her friend from eight months earlier, she was just discussing the general legal status of birth control and abortion in Florida and other states, Dickstein said in statement. If Moore is found guilty of the most serious charge, she could receive up to 30 years in prison. As the case barrels toward trial, new details may surface in a perplexing and unusual homicide case one in which the suspect is the only one to have ever met the victim. After the newborn was taken to a funeral home, Moore picked out an urn and took home her remains. She named her baby Amara. (NewsNation) High levels of bacteria are prompting beach closures and public health advisories across the U.S. ahead of the Fourth of July weekend. Public health officials are warning holiday goers to avoid swimming in bodies of water containing high levels of the bacteria Vibrio and E. coli, which can cause illness. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Vibrio is a bacterium found predominantly in coastal waters. When it is consumed or comes in contact with an open wound, it can cause a human illness called vibriosis, which can become life-threatening. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Elevated bacteria levels closes some northeast Wisconsin beaches Similar to infections caused by E. coli, symptoms of vibriosis can include stomach cramps, diarrhea and fever and vomiting. California lawmakers ask Trump to address sewage pollution from Mexico Advisories have been issued for a handful of states, including Illinois, New York, California, Washington, Massachusetts and Michigan. Public health officials are encouraging anyone venturing into or onto bodies of water to first check with local government websites and to abide by any closures that are in place. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 42-year-old Gwynn Oak woman is being held without bond after a domestic dispute this week turned fatal, according to the Baltimore County Police Department. Baltimore County police officers responded to the 3600 block of Tulsa Road in Lochearn at about 6:45 p.m. Tuesday for reports of a shooting, the department said in a news release Wednesday. Police found 46-year-old Antoine Johnson lying in the front yard with a gunshot wound to the head, according to charging documents. Johnson was pronounced dead at the scene. McCrays son called 911, saying his mother shot Johnson at their home, charging documents state. A neighbor told police he had seen the couple arguing in the front yard before they went back into the house. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McCrays son, whose name is redacted in the charging documents obtained by The Baltimore Sun, said his mother and her boyfriend, Johnson, started arguing when Johnson came home from work. McCray said she was going to get her gun in the middle of the argument, her son told police. Johnson had gone outside at McCrays sons suggestion so everyone could cool off. When her son heard a gunshot, he ran outside and saw Johnson on the ground and his mother holding a handgun, the documents state. He told police he took the gun from his mother and placed it inside their house. Police later recovered a weapon from the residence. McCrays son advised police that his mother had been drinking earlier in the day and had been struggling with mental health issues lately, according to the documents. McCray said Johnson took her to the ground and began choking her in the living room, and against the front door. She said she only pointed the gun at Johnson to scare him when she mistakenly pulled the trigger, documents state. Police did not see any marks or injuries on her neck or throat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A witness whose name was redacted in the report said he never observed a physical confrontation between the two before the shooting and that McCray was generally the aggressor during the confrontation. McCray is now charged with first-degree murder. No lawyer is listed for McCray on the Maryland Judiciarys website. She is being held at Baltimore County Detention Center before a bail review hearing scheduled for Thursday afternoon. Have a news tip? Contact Racquel Bazos at rbazos@baltsun.com, 443-813-0770 or on X as @rzbworks. VERNON TOWNSHIP In his 13th year of manning the TNT Fireworks tent in the Walmart parking lot, Guys Mills resident Brian Lipps said enthusiasm over the Fourth of July hasnt fizzled out. Lipps runs the tent for the 10 days leading up to and including the holiday, and customers can purchase anything from novelty items like Pop-Its and sparklers to bigger assortments. Although the tent is mostly sold out by July 4 each year, he said that people gravitate toward the cheaper options as money is tight. Theres a couple that are cheap, and theyre really nice items, especially for what you pay, Lipps said. The Cool Breeze, for example, is $4; its a minute long (and goes) 8 to 10 feet out of the container. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The assortment of fireworks ranges from packages for full shows, from $40 to $500; individual fountains that range between $2.50 and $130; and novelties like swords, daggers, spinners, snakes and Pop-Its. Most everything in the tent is whats known as safe and sane, meaning they are fireworks that contain a maximum of 50 milligrams of explosive material such as firecrackers, Roman candles, bottle rockets and similar fireworks. Display fireworks are to be used by professionals with a permit from a municipality. I call these your more intimate just light the fuse, set to 10 feet away and enjoy the show, Lipps said of the products in the TNT tent. Whats unique about his tent is the QR codes on the tags allow customers to watch videos of that firework, and tags on top tell you how long it lasts, how much color is in it, how much noise it makes and more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to TNT Fireworks website, the fireworks are to be set on a hard, flat and level surface, and should be lit using punk wood or an extended butane lighting device. One light one firework at a time and dont attempt to relight a dud. If a firework does not ignite, let it stand for five minutes then immerse it in water. According to the latest U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission annual fireworks report, eight Americans died and 10,000 were treated for firework-related injuries in 2023. The safest way to catch a fireworks show is to watch a professional one, but people who want backyard fireworks should handle them properly. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, hot enough to melt some metals. According to the report, nearly 70 percent of firecracker and sparkler injuries happened in the weeks before and after the Fourth of July in 2023. About 31 percent of fireworks injuries were to children under age 15. The National Safety Council, a nonprofit safety organization, and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission warn people to never let children play with or ignite fireworks, and older children should use fireworks only under adult supervision. Protective eyewear should always be worn, and a bucket of water should be kept nearby. Pennsylvania requires fireworks to be discharged at least 150 feet away from a building or vehicle. The cities of Meadville and Titusville dont allow any fireworks, even safe and sane ones, unless a permit is obtained through the city. Novelties like toy caps and hand-held sparklers are OK anywhere at all times in the commonwealth. DHAKA (Reuters) -Bangladesh's ousted and self-exiled Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was sentenced to six months in prison by the country's International Crimes Tribunal on Wednesday in a contempt of court case, a top prosecutor said. Hasina has been facing multiple cases since she fled to India after deadly student-led protests in August, but it was the first time the former leader was sentenced in one of them. Shakil Akand Bulbul, a leader of the Awami League party's banned student wing Chhatra League, was also sentenced to two months in prison in the same case, Chief Prosecutor Muhammad Tajul Islam told reporters. The party had been led by Hasina for years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A three-member ICT tribunal, led by Justice Golam Mortuza Mozumder, delivered the verdict in their absence, noting that the sentences will take effect upon arrest or surrender, the prosecutor added. The contempt charges stem from a leaked phone recording where Hasina was allegedly heard saying, "there are 227 cases against me, so I now have a licence to kill 227 people." A forensic report by a government investigative agency later confirmed the audio's authenticity. The ICT was originally set up in 2010 by Hasina's own government to try 1971 war crimes. Bangladesh's interim administration, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, pledged to hold leaders, including Hasina, accountable for rights abuses and corruption, including the crackdown on the student-led uprising last July that toppled Hasina's regime. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The tribunal has so far issued three arrest warrants for Hasina, including charges of crimes against humanity linked to the July violence. Hasina's Awami League party remains banned while trials continue against the party and its former leaders. Supporters of Hasina dismiss the charges as politically motivated, but the interim government insists the trials are crucial for restoring accountability and rebuilding trust in Bangladesh's democratic institutions. (Reporting by Dhaka bureau; editing by Kim Coghill) Isidro Perez liked fishing and made a living, while he was still healthy, repairing boats. At 75 years old, with nearly six decades in the United States and after four heart attacks and three catheterizations, he lived on a boat anchored near a park in Key Largo, south of Miami, and spent his days sitting on a bench in a coastal park, his family says. It was there that the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested him. Last week, less than a month later, Perez died in ICE custody from causes yet to be confirmed. On June 5, ICE agents detained Perez, and the following day he was transferred to the Krome Detention Center in southwest Miami. It is unclear where he spent the night of June 5. Monroe County police have no record of the arrest. His ex-partner, 82-year-old Maria Adanez, says she was driving on the Florida Turnpike, about an hour from her home, when her ex-son-in-law called to inform her that Perez had been arrested. The next day, authorities called her asking about Perezs health. I told them about his heart attacks and the three catheterizations he had undergone. From Krome, a young man named Lazaro gave her a few minutes to talk to him. He told me he was freezing because he was in a place called the fridge and had asked for a painkiller, Adanez recalls. He called her again five days later: He said he was sleeping on the floor, that he had asked to be taken to the infirmary, but there were so many people that he had to wait. On another occasion, he told her he hadnt received the pills, and she insisted he ask for help. After that, I didnt hear anything from him, she says. According to an ICE statement, Perez was hospitalized on June 17 and released on June 25. The next day, he complained of pain again and was transferred to Kendall Hospital, where he died. Although there is no record of the June 5 arrest, ICE states that Perez was charged with inadmissibility under the Immigration and Nationality Act. Perez had a criminal record, having been convicted in 1984 for possession of marijuana with intent to distribute. According to court documents cited by the Miami Herald, he was sentenced to 18 months in prison and two years of probation. Adanez explains this was a case reopened after president Ronald Reagan took office. She met Perez when she arrived from Nicaragua in 1979. In 1981, they moved to Key Largo and lived together for seven years, though they never married because she was a widow with several children. It would have seemed ridiculous, Adanez says even now. Isidro Perez in his youth, in a photo provided by his family. CORTESIA When Perez was imprisoned for six months in Pensacola, in the far northwest of Florida, Adanez would visit with her children and they would have breakfast together. She believes Perez was partly convicted for going to Cuba during the Mariel exodus to pick up people. He went to Mariel to pick up people, and thats why they gave him six months, for bringing people, and they took his boat, says Adanez, who argues that Perez never had legal trouble again and was well-loved in the neighborhood; people sought him out to repair their boats. We used to fish; he liked fishing. We had a license in my name because he didnt want to deal with his immigration paperwork. He liked going to Cuban markets, where they sold fruits and vegetables. There were never drugs, not even talk of drugs in the house, says Adanez about the man who helped her raise her children. But Perezs health declined over about 25 years, since his first heart attack. He also had two spinal surgeries, one on his foot, and suffered from osteoporosis. He was shrinking because of his spine. Recently, he fell and broke his shoulder on a tree root, and still had a medical appointment pending, says Adanez, who assures that although they were no longer a couple, they always maintained a close relationship. He used to call me three times a day. She brought him food, bought him a small stove and a battery-powered radio because there was no electricity on the boat. One of her sons brought him gas. Since I saw he was declining, I always helped him, says Adanez, so he wouldnt be in need of anything on the boat. Perez is the fifth person to die in ICE custody this year in Florida, where one of the largest anti-immigrant crackdowns in the country is underway, led by Republican Governor Ron DeSantis. The cause of death is under investigation, according to authorities. Pro-immigrant and human rights groups have expressed concern about overcrowding in southern Florida ICE detention centers. Last week, Miami Congressman Carlos Gimenez toured Krome as part of a congressional inspection visit and said the conditions were not deplorable or inhumane, though its not the Ritz. Gimenez said most detainees arrived at Krome because of some kind of an arrest, and then they were transferred over here. On the night of June 26, Adanez fell asleep and missed a call from Krome at 10 p.m. She learned in the morning from Perezs daughter that he had died. Perez had grandchildren, though he didnt see them because he didnt go out anywhere, he spent time on the bench at the pier, says Adanez. According to Adanez, Perez never thought hed have more trouble with the law because he never bothered anyone. He said that once youve been tried once, you cant be tried twice. But now the laws seem to have changed, she adds. Adanez does not want to make political comments because she comes from a country where she learned to live under the gag law and fears giving an opinion that might harm her family. She and her entire family are U.S. citizens but no longer even know if that means anything: The laws are changing, and given what you hear, its better to keep quiet. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition A special tribunal in Bangladesh has sentenced the countrys fugitive former prime minister Sheikh Hasina to six months in prison in a contempt of court case, a top prosecutor said on Wednesday. The International Crimes Tribunal, a specialized court established to prosecute crimes against humanity, delivered the verdict. It marks the first conviction against Hasina since her ouster amid a violent uprising in August last year. Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam said that the prison sentence in absentia would take effect from the day the convict surrenders or is apprehended by the police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hasina, who faces multiple charges related to the brutal crackdown on last years anti-government protests, has been in exile in India since fleeing Bangladesh on August 5, 2024. The contempt charge was brought in April after an audio clip allegedly featuring Hasinas conversation with one of her party members surfaced on social media. According to the prosecution, in the audio clip, Hasina is heard saying: "I have had 227 cases filed against me, so I have received a licence to kill 227 people." The tribunal considered the statement a direct attempt to undermine the court, Islam said. Shakil Akand Bulbul, the individual Hasina was allegedly speaking with in the audio, was sentenced to two months in prison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In its findings, Islam said the court concluded that Hasinas remarks amounted to threats and attempts to intimidate plaintiffs, witnesses, investigators, and others connected to the countrys judicial process. Such actions constitute an offence under the International Crimes Tribunal Act, as they prejudice the ongoing legal proceedings, he explained. A barrister who will defend an alleged fire-bomber of Sir Keir Starmers house has been fined after he was caught drinking brandy in his car during the lunch break of a trial. Dominic Charles DSouza had a daytime drink in the car park of Snaresbrook Crown Court in east London in March 2023. The trial collapsed when his tipple was discovered by the judge, who discharged the jury. Mr DSouza has now been fined 3,000 by the Bar Standards Board (BSB) for professional misconduct. A tribunal heard last month that the barrister, who is head of crime at Londons Goldsmith Chambers, was representing a client in a criminal trial on March 23. During the lunch break, Mr DSouza went to his car and drank brandy while sitting in the drivers seat. He was filmed by the driver of a van parked next to him, who then made a complaint to the judge. The film shows [Mr DSouza] to take two short drinks from a bottle of spirits, a BSB tribunal found. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr DSouza initially denied that he had been drinking brandy and told the BSB he was drinking Kombucha from a brandy bottle. But he later admitted drinking brandy, saying he was ill and... that he took drink to calm his stomach. The tribunals report reads: When a report of this behaviour was made to the judge, Mr DSouza withdrew from the case, the jury was discharged, and a new date was fixed for the criminal trial. The panel concluded that the barrister had behaved in a way which was likely to diminish the trust and confidence which the public places in him or in the profession. DSouza reportedly performed well in court despite drinking alcohol on the day - TikTok It found that he had also behaved in a way which foreseeably interfered with the administration of justice and wasted the time of the court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is difficult to conceive of a situation more likely to cause public disquiet than a barrister engaged in a trial sitting in the drivers seat of a car in the Crown Court car park drinking directly from a bottle of spirits, the panel ruled. However, we bear in mind that [Mr DSouza] believed himself to be acting unobserved in private, that he drank very little, and that he did so misguidedly in circumstances when he was unwell. It added: There is no suggestion that [Mr DSouza] was drunk before or after the event; in fact the evidence suggests he had performed effectively in Court. Mr DSouza, who was called to the bar in 1993, admitted three disciplinary charges brought against him by the Bar Tribunals & Adjudication Service (BTAS). He was fined 3,000 and ordered to pay costs of 2,670. Mr DSouza is one of Britains most prominent defence barristers and is said to achieve spectacular results for clients, according to his Goldsmith Chambers biography. Dominic is an exceptionally charismatic jury advocate and over his 25 years at the Bar has become well known for his powerful cross examinations and dramatic closing speeches, it reads. He has been instructed to defend one of the men charged in connection with arson attacks on properties owned by the Prime Minister earlier this year. The barrister was previously in hot water in 2021 after he posted a photo from inside his electric Tesla car that appeared to show he was travelling at 59mph. He denied that he was driving when the photo was taken, saying he was parked in a service station. Using a mobile phone while driving is a criminal offence punishable by a 200 fine and six points on a licence. However, no further action was taken against DSouza. 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. BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) Four people are facing serious charges after a major drug bust in Baton Rouge on July 1. Deputies with the East Baton Rouge Sheriffs Office searched three apartments on N. Donmoor Avenue and one on Bristoe Avenue as part of an investigation into a drug trafficking ring. The two main suspects, Kiera Sheppard and John Butler, were already wanted on separate charges. Investigators said Sheppard and Butler used the homes to sell different kinds of drugs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the searches, deputies found: 2.09 ounces of powder fentanyl (593 lethal doses). 17.5 grams of crack cocaine. 10.4 grams of crystal meth. 3.8 grams of cocaine. 1.04 pounds of marijuana. 17 dosage units of alprazolam prescription pills. 12 dosage units of buprenorphine patches. Seven dosage units of amphetamine prescription pills. 1 bottle of promethazine prescription syrup. Blender (fentanyl residue). Pyrex measuring cup (cocaine residue) Three digital scales. Plastic bags. $1,635 in cash. Agents also found seven firearms, two of which were reported stolen. Four suspects identified Heres what to know about the suspects and the charges they face. John Butler, 34, was charged with: Possession with intent to distribute Schedule I drugs (marijuana). Possession with intent to distribute Schedule II drugs (fentanyl). Possession with intent to distribute Schedule II drugs (crack cocaine). Possession with intent to distribute Schedule II drugs (powder cocaine). Possession with intent to distribute Schedule II drugs (crystal methamphetamine). Possession with intent to distribute Schedule II drugs (amphetamine pills). Possession with intent to distribute Schedule III drugs (buprenorphine patches). Possession with intent to distribute Schedule IV drugs (alprazolam pills). Possession of a firearm with controlled dangerous substances. Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Possession of a stolen firearm. Possession of drug paraphernalia. Operation of a clandestine laboratory (fentanyl). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The sheriffs office said Butler has prior convictions and is currently on federal probation after his felon in possession of a firearm conviction. Kiera Sheppard, 35, was charged with: Violation of a protective order. Possession of a firearm with controlled dangerous substances. Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. EBRSO said Sheppard has past convictions for heroin distribution and illegal carrying of weapons. Jerome Palmer, 39, was charged with: Possession with intent to distribute Schedule I drug (marijuana). Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Possession of a firearm with controlled dangerous substances. Resisting an officer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement EBRSO said Palmer was convicted of possession of heroin and aggravated obstruction of justice in 2023, and he is currently on probation for the drug offense charges. Char Allen, 48, was charged with: Possession with intent to distribute Schedule II drug (crack cocaine). EBRSO said that Allen has a long criminal record. His convictions include attempted possession of cocaine, vehicle theft, illegal weapon use, and armed robbery. The sheriffs office said the bust came from surveillance and intelligence work done in June. The case remains under investigation, and more arrests may follow. Livingston Parish deputies arrest man after drug bust Latest News Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Louisiana First News. BAXTER SPRINGS, Kan. Something new coming to Baxter Springs is celebrated. Ground was broken Wednesday morning on the land that will eventually house the Ronald O. Thomas Animal Adoption Center. Its located in the 200-block of W 3rd Street. Donor dollars are making all of it possible and officials said its actually been a flawless process. Along with the Thomas Foundation money is also coming from the Ross Hartley Family Foundation and the Dean and Beth Auman family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This project has been in the works for the past two years. There was a definite need. Our current facility only houses about 4 dogs, and this is going to multiply that probably 10 times over, so, said Sheldon Bales, Baxter Springs Director of Public Works. Theres so many people dumping off dogs these days. Its and we cant keep up right now. So this is really a great thing for this town, said Harold Lee Simpson, Baxter Springs Animal Control Officer. We have a lot of good things going here in Baxter. You hear a few negative things, but weve got 99 good things going and maybe one bad thing, and thats what you hear but weve got a lot of good stuff going on here, said Kelly Abbott, Baxter Springs Mayor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bales told us the outpouring from the community has been unbelievable since their press release went out on Monday. The facility, by the way, will house both dogs and cats. Construction could start as soon as 90-days from now. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNF/KODE | FourStatesHomepage.com. BBC staff have written to Tim Davie accusing the corporation of anti-Palestinian racism and performing PR for the Israeli government and military. They have called for the removal of Sir Robbie Gibb as a BBC board member because they claim he has close ties to the Jewish Chronicle. An open letter to the director-general signed by 107 BBC journalists as well as celebrities including Charles Dance, Mike Leigh, Juliet Stevenson and Miriam Margolyes claims that the corporation is an organisation that is crippled by the fear of being perceived as critical of the Israeli government. The open letter urges the removal of Robbie Gibb from the BBC board due to alleged conflicts of interest related to the Israel-Hamas war - Peter Summers/Getty The letter was signed by anonymous staff from BBC News, the World Service, BBC Arabic and Panorama, amongst others. One of the signatories is from the HR department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It has dismayed Jewish staff who fear there is an anti-Israel lobby within BBC News. The letter criticises the BBCs decision to drop a documentary about doctors in Gaza owing to impartiality concerns. The film will be shown tonight on Channel 4 instead. It singles out Sir Robbie, the former No 10 communications director under Theresa May, who is now a BBC Board member and sits on the editorial standards committee. We are concerned that an individual with close ties to the Jewish Chronicle, an outlet that has repeatedly published anti-Palestinian and often racist content, has a say in the BBCs editorial decisions in any capacity, including the decision not to broadcast Gaza: Medics Under Fire, the letter reads. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We believe the role of Robbie Gibb, both on the board and as part of the Editorial Standards Committee, is untenable. In fact, Sir Robbie resigned as a director of the Jewish Chronicle last year. Sir Robbie and the newspaper have been contacted for comment. Protesters in Sheffield hold up a BBC Tell the Truth sign at a demonstration on June 17 - Milo Chandler/Alamy Live News The BBC has been embroiled in numerous antisemitism rows, including Saturdays Glastonbury coverage, when viewers saw punk-rap duo Bob Vylan chant death, death to the IDF and from the river to the sea. However, the letter claims that the true bias at the BBC is pro-Israeli. All too often, it has felt that the BBC has been performing PR for the Israeli government and military. This should be a cause of great shame and concern for everyone at the BBC, it says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The letter, addressed to Mr Davie and the BBC board, claims that the refusal to show the new Gaza documentary is just one in a long line of agenda-driven decisions which demonstrates, once again, that the BBC is not reporting without fear or favour when it comes to Israel. As an organisation, we have not offered any significant analysis of the UK governments involvement in the war on Palestinians. We have failed to report on weapons sales or their legal implications. These stories have instead been broken by the BBCs competitors. This hasnt happened by accident, rather by design. Much of the BBCs coverage in this area is defined by anti-Palestinian racism. The inconsistent manner in which guidance is applied draws into focus the role of Sir Robbie Gibb, the letter reads. Failed to report the reality of the war The staff claim that the BBCs news coverage has failed to report the reality and the context of the war on Palestinians. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other named signatories on the list include William Dalrymple, the historian; Owen Jones, the Guardian columnist; Misan Harriman, the photographer favoured by the Duchess of Sussex; and Roger McKenzie, international editor of the Morning Star. The BBC commissioned the Gaza documentary, alternatively titled Gaza: Doctors Under Attack, but dropped it after concluding that broadcasting this material risked creating a perception of partiality that would not meet the high standards that the public rightly expect of the BBC. The corporation previously released a documentary, Gaza: How To Survive A War Zone, without establishing that the child narrator was the son of a Hamas minister. A forthcoming report into the broadcast is expected to be highly critical of BBC News fact-checking. Responding to the letter, a BBC spokesperson said: Robust discussions amongst our editorial teams about our journalism are an essential part of the editorial process. We have ongoing discussions about coverage and listen to feedback from staff and we think these conversations are best had internally. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Regarding our coverage of Gaza, the BBC is fully committed to covering the conflict impartially and has produced powerful coverage from the region. 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. Tonight, Channel 4 will broadcast a hard-hitting documentary about Gaza. The hour-long film, Gaza: Doctors Under Attack, examines allegations that the Israeli military has breached international law by deliberately targeting hospitals during the conflict that started on October 7, 2023. It features interviews with medics working in the besieged territory and is billed as a forensic investigation. None of which sounds particularly unusual: Channel 4 has always aired long-form factual programming about difficult subjects and has won a clutch of awards for its coverage of the Israel-Hamas war. This documentary is almost unique, however, as it was originally commissioned by and made for the BBC, whose bosses then dropped it amid the fallout of another Gaza film that was narrated by the 13-year-old son of a Hamas official. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Months of delays and recrimination ensued, with the independent producers behind Doctors Under Attack sparking a public war of words with the BBC. The situation is practically unheard of, and threatens to heap further embarrassment on BBC bosses after their botched handling of events at Glastonbury last weekend, as well as further dividing an already-fractured newsroom about how to cover the Middle East. The hour-long film examines allegations that the Israeli military deliberately targeted hospitals Doctors Under Attack was meant to be broadcast at the start of the year, according to insiders, but was superseded by Gaza: How to Survive a Warzone. The latter was broadcast in February but was pulled from the BBC iPlayer shortly afterwards, after it emerged that its 13-year-old narrator, Abdullah al-Yazouri, was the son of the deputy minister of agriculture. The Telegraph has previously reported that Deborah Turness, the chief executive of BBC News, saw the film before it aired but did not raise concerns about it. BBC chairman Samir Shah said the films failings were a dagger to the heart of the Corporations claims to be trustworthy and impartial. Peter Johnston, the BBCs director of editorial complaints, was tasked with establishing what went wrong and making recommendations for future programmes. Despite the promise that Johnston, who is paid 200,000 each year, would rapidly address the complaints that have been made, his report has yet to see the light of day more than four months on. BBC chairman Samir Shah said the films failings were a dagger to the heart of the Corporations claims to be impartial and trustworthy - TOBY MELVILLE/REUTERS The feet-dragging caused frustration for those working at Basement Films, the independent production company behind the Doctors Under Attack documentary. Sources say that BBC bosses maintained for weeks that they had not delayed broadcast of the film because of the scandal sparked by its predecessor, which was made by a different production company, then changed tack and said it could not be aired while Johnstons report was outstanding. They feel that Corporation executives lied repeatedly about the delays in releasing Doctors Under Attack and that the atmosphere had become absolutely toxic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The delays led to the doctors who had been interviewed threatening to withdraw their consent for their footage to be used, as they could not understand why it had not been shown. During this period of limbo, more medics were killed in strikes on Gaza hospitals. Those involved with the film also say that the BBC found no editorial issues with Doctors Under Attack and were confident that it would comply with broadcasting regulations, but that bosses were now paranoid about any coverage of Gaza. BBC insiders counter this and say that the film had not been subject to its pre-broadcast sign-off processes. Any film broadcast will not be a BBC film. Basement Films founder Ben de Pear, who is a former editor of Channel 4 News, lashed out publicly during a panel discussion at an industry conference on June 19. All the decisions about our film were not taken by journalists, they were taken by Tim Davie. He is just a PR person, he said on stage. Tim Davie is taking editorial decisions which, frankly, he is not capable of making. Basement Films founder Ben de Pear said BBC boss Tim Davie is taking editorial decisions which, frankly, he is not capable of making - Karwai Tang/WireImage Davie has not got a background in journalism or programme-making and is nicknamed by some in Broadcasting House Lord Pepsi for his background in cola adverts. De Pear went on to say that the BBC is failing as an institution and needs new management. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The BBC has utterly failed, he added. The best journalists in the world are working inside the BBC and they are being stymied and silenced. A BBC spokesperson said in response that it totally reject[ed] this characterisation of our coverage. On the same day that de Pear let his frustration spill into the open, Ramita Navai, the films presenter, appeared as a guest on Radio 4s Today programme on the previous day and discussed the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The world has been watching as Israel has become a rogue state that is committing war crimes and ethnic cleansing and mass-murdering Palestinians, she told presenter Amol Rajan. The following day, June 20, the BBC formally dropped the film, saying that broadcasting this material risked creating a perception of partiality and, despite negotiations with Basement about using some footage in its news bulletins, they had reached the end of the road. BBC insiders claimed that it was no coincidence that the final decision to drop Doctors Under Attack came after the outbursts from Navai and De Pear. Channel 4 saw the opportunity to swoop. Having the chance to pick up an important bit of accountability journalism seemed worth a look, as one insider puts it. It has been subjected to rigorous fact-checking and it is understood that the broadcaster has not asked for any substantive edits to be made. Those at Channel 4 find the BBCs unwillingness to air Doctors Under Attack puzzling, especially as news executives did not appear to have any issues with its content. Weve got to keep making decisions on journalistic grounds, says a source. The moment you start making decisions that are not purely journalistic, its problematic. Another source says: We cannot not report on what is happening in Gaza at such a pivotal time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Channel 4 bosses are braced for questions about Navais personal statements about Israel after the film has been broadcast, but are confident that it complies with the impartiality requirements that regulators enforce. Im sure there will be questions raised about Ramita, and my response to any of those is, Watch the film, says a source. If you can find anything in that film is partial or inaccurate, thats a fair criticism. But trying to discredit the people associated with it is a diversionary approach. It is understood that the BBC has paid Basement Films for its work on the commissioned documentary, while Channel 4 has paid to air it; nobody involved in making or broadcasting Doctors Under Fire would confirm how much it cost, however. No-one is making any money out of it, according to one Channel 4 source. Meanwhile, morale in the BBC newsroom is reportedly at a low ebb. More than 100 BBC staffers have (anonymously) signed a letter to Corporation bosses in which they claim that it has become a mouthpiece for the Israeli government and express concerns over opaque editorial decisions and censorship on the reporting of Israel/Palestine. Channel 4 will broadcast the hard-hitting documentary about Gaza tonight The fact that the BBC dropped a film that will now be broadcast on Channel 4 was the spark for the letter being publicly released. This appears to be a political decision and is not reflective of the journalism in the film, it reads. This illustrates precisely what many of us have experienced first hand: an organisation that is crippled by the fear of being perceived as critical of the Israeli government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The letter continues: All too often it has felt that the BBC has been performing PR for the Israeli government and military. This should be a cause of great shame and concern for everyone at the BBC. Dorothy Byrne, a former head of news and current affairs at Channel 4, says that the broadcast of Doctors Under Attack on the commercial station would be the ultimate humiliation for the BBC. I assume that the first film has made them lose their bottle and confidence, she says. The BBC is now in the ridiculous situation over Gaza that it has broadcast a film that it shouldnt have broadcast in that form... and not broadcasting a film that it should have because another public service broadcaster, bound by the same regulations, has made the decision to broadcast it, Byrne tells me. How do they always get themselves in a mess? They are like the Laurel and Hardy of broadcasting: something always seems to go wrong, Byrne says of the BBC. And yet youve got brilliant people like Jeremy Bowen and Lyse Doucet. I really feel for the brilliant journalists who work for the BBC, who must feel embarrassed and humiliated when these things happen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gaza: Doctors Under Attack is on Channel 4 on July 2 at 10pm Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. The Brief The Sea Turtle Preservation Society is asking for help documenting turtles trapped under beach crossovers, ramps and stairs. The issues been increasing over the years, and turtle advocates want hard data so they can try and find a solution. Once turtles are trapped in the crossovers, they cant get out on their own and can die if they arent helped in time. ORLANDO, Fla. - The Sea Turtle Preservation Society put out a plea on social media asking beachgoers to look for turtles that may be stuck under beach ramps and dune crossovers on the Space Coast. What we know The sea turtle organization, Sea Turtle Preservation Society, is tracking a spike over the years in turtles getting stuck with more people, houses and crossovers. Volunteers want to start tracking the data to figure out whether any infrastructure improvements could help the issue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CLICK TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX LOCAL APP The turtles may be drawn to the crossovers because they look like forests to the animals. Beachgoers are encouraged and are asked to call in any sightings of trapped turtles. Its illegal to touch turtles in Florida. Digging them out and letting them go on their own could hurt the turtle even more because they may need medical attention. If you ever see a turtle in distress, here are numbers you should call the Brevard County Hotline at 321-206-0646. If outside of Brevard County but elsewhere in Florida, call 888-404-3922. What we don't know Its unclear how many turtles have been stuck but freed by beachgoers in recent years. The Preservation Society is trying to see if certain types of crossovers have more issues than others and if certain species are more prone to getting stuck. What they're saying Space Coast residents love sea turtles and want to help the species thrive instead of seeing them suffer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We want to document how this is happening, how theyre getting stuck. We want to give a good proposal to the county so they have something to work with," said Joel Cohen whos a volunteer with the Sea Turtle Preservation Society. SIGN-UP FOR FOX 35'S BREAKING NEWS, DAILY NEWS NEWSLETTERS "We need to figure out something where we can either block it off with chicken wire or something to help reduce them from even going in there so that theyre not getting stuck," said Michelle Perkins whos a beachgoer that always looks out for sea turtles. The Source FOX 35's Reporter Esther Bower saw the Sea Turtle Preservation Society's post on Facebook and reached out to the organization. She interviewed a volunteer via zoom on July1, 205, and spoke with beachgoers at the beach, as well. When it comes to aging gracefully, Bedfords newest honoree just got the gold literally. The town has officially awarded its Boston Post Cane to its oldest resident, 101-year-old William (Bill) Morin, carrying on a New England tradition thats over a century strong. According to Bedford Town Manager Rick Sawyer, this is the 23rd cane the town has awarded and a beloved tradition in their town. The Boston Post Cane tradition began in 1909 when the now defunct Boston Post newspaper distributed over 700 canes to towns throughout New England in an effort to increase its circulation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Canes were distributed to Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island, but apparently none were given to Vermont or Connecticut. Inscription on the head of the cane Boston Post Canes were provided to hundreds of New England communities to be presented to their oldest residents. Written on the head of this cane is the inscription: presented by The Boston Post to the oldest citizen of Maynard, Mass (to be transmitted) Each cane was made of African ebony with a 14-carat gold head containing the inscription presented by the Boston Post to the oldest citizen of (the name of the town), to be transmitted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The paper instructed selectmen to award the cane to the oldest male resident in each town as a gesture of respect. The catch? The cane must be passed down upon their death. The cane would belong to the town and not the man who received it. In 1930, eligibility for the cane was opened to women. Although the Boston Post folded in 1957, the cane custom remained a beloved ritual for most towns but was met with opposition by others. The controversy Some towns did not take to the quirky tradition, deeming it superstitious and a harbinger of death. Hampton was one of these towns. In an article in 1984 from the Hampton Union, the then-Town Clerk Jane Kelley said people started to fear getting the cane because the cane would be given out, and within a week, that person would be dead. It was awful. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hampton officials also had a hard time determining the oldest resident and decided to retire the cane around 1974. Ashton Norton, a selectman at the time, said in the article, There was no way to find out who was the oldest or who was a native and wed give the cane out, and wed get complaints that we didnt give it to the right person. It got to be so much trouble the board decided to leave it in the town office building. Hampton was not alone. Several towns also retired their cane, while others were stolen or lost. According to The Boston Post Cane Information Center, 516 towns reported as still having their canes. The locations of the rest are unknown. Eventually, many participating towns retired their original cane because of its antique value and created replicas for their recipients instead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whats happening now? Bedford was one of those towns. The original cane remains in the display case in the town office building with the names of the recipients engraved on gold rings encircling the case. Each recipient instead receives a full-size replica of the cane, which they can keep in perpetuity. When looking for their oldest resident, Bedford posts a notice requesting the names of residents who have lived in the town at least 10 years and who might be the oldest resident. The town then verifies the information of each applicant and determines the winning recipient. Town council hands Bill his cane Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Town Councilor Kathleen Bemis hands 101-year-old Bill Morin the Boston Post Cane last month, meaning he is now the oldest resident in Bedford. For Bill Morin, receiving the cane was an honor, according to his daughter, Marion Zayac. He couldnt believe it. He said to me, What do they want to give me that for? Zayac said. He was very excited about it and is proud of receiving the Boston Post Cane. Morin has been a resident of Bedford for over 50 years. He started several successful businesses and served his country in World War II. Sawyer said the Boston Post Cane tradition is an opportunity to reflect on the service of Bedfords longstanding residents. My favorite part about the Boston Post Cane tradition is learning about recipients and being able to celebrate their incredible lives and stories with the community, he said. sgreen@unionleader.com U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall has vigorously defended President Donald Trump's "big, beautiful bill." (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector) While attending the 2025 National Association of Social Works Annual Conference in June, I received an email from U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kansas, praising President Donald Trumps big, beautiful bill as a transformative legislative package that will prevent economic disaster and uplift American families. If you have never been in the presence of 2,400-plus social workers, all focused on Celebrating Our Legacy, Developing the Future, allow me to paint a mental picture. The environment is nonstop movement acceleration, filled with speakers, activities, and events to rekindle our purpose and then equip and mobilize us for anti-oppressive work that includes addressing policy concerns. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The big, beautiful bill, propped up by a mountain of misrepresentations, is a major policy concern for us all. Most of the presenters at the conference reminded us of our responsibility to challenge injustices, responding to rhetoric that is often mentally paralyzing. These weapons of immobilization must not succeed. Kansans and Americans across the country are struggling with real-life concerns such as affordable child care, access to food and health care, and fair wages. We owe it to ourselves to examine political promises with a discerning eye, especially when the promises directly affect those we serve. Much of what Doc Marshall touted in his email is not only exaggerated, but contradicted by history, data, and his own voting record. The largest tax increase Marshall claims that if the Trump-era tax cuts expire, we will face the largest tax increase in American history. This is false and fearmongering. I have addressed fearmongering in a previous op-ed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, disproportionately beneficial to the wealthy, is set to expire this year unless renewed by Congress. According to the Tax Policy Center, the majority of the cuts benefit the top 20% of earners. Middle-income families benefitted less than $1,500 per year, not the $12,000 per year that Marshall claims. To be clear, if these tax cuts expire it would restore pre-2017 rates, not introduce new taxes. The plans tax benefits go to corporations and wealthy individuals, not working families. A thousand dollars a month? Marshall asserts that making the administrations tax cuts permanent would save American families $1,000 per month. Data tell a different story. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Congressional Budget Office and Brookings Institution have both found that households in the bottom 60% of earners received less than $100 per month from the original tax cut package. The only people saving anywhere near $1,000 per month were those making more than $500,000 annually. Claiming that families would save this much is a distortion designed to garner support from people who will never see those savings. Sleight of hand The Child Tax Credit is an area where bipartisanship could make a meaningful difference. But the good doctors concern rings hollow. In 2021, the American Rescue Plan temporarily increased the CTC to $3,600 per child. According to Columbia Universitys Center on Poverty and Social Policy, this potentially cut child poverty nearly in half in just six months. Marshall and his colleagues opposed this expansion and refused to make it permanent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, Marshall wants to take credit for increasing the credit to $2,200 just two-thirds of what he once rejected and portrays inaction as a threat to our children. If concern for families were truly bipartisan, why is the higher credit not already permanent? Trump Savings Marshalls mention of Trump Savings for newborns, meant to provide a financial head start, is not supported by any legislative framework or credible funding method. While the idea of universal savings accounts should be explored, without transparency about cost, implementation or bipartisan support, it remains campaign rhetoric not policy. Paid family leave The senator also claims the Trump bill will extend paid family and medical leave tax credits. Ironically, the expansion of paid leave was included in the American Rescue Plan Act, which he voted against. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When Democrats introduced legislation to provide comprehensive national paid leave in 2021 and 2022, Marshall and most of his colleagues dismissed it as wasteful spending. Now, he is attempting to adopt the language of worker protections without a record to back it up. Childcare and SNAP On child care, Marshall claims that the bill will increase access for single mothers and low-income families. But just last year, Republicans proposed cuts to the Child Care and Development Block Grant, the primary federal program supporting child care access. And on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, the senator blames blue states for abusing benefits. The fact is, states are granted flexibility to adapt programs to regional cost of living and workforce conditions, and theres no credible evidence of widespread fraud or manipulation. What Marshall calls abuse, others call feeding children in high-cost cities. Imposing stricter work requirements will harm the very people SNAP is designed to help the elderly, disabled and underemployed Americans, not freeloaders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a member of the Senate Budget Committee, if Marshall wants to propose legislation to help families, he should start with facts, and hold to the promises made at his Yates Center town hall. No falsehoods, distortions, or selective memory can withstand the lived experiences of constituents. After having been passed by the Senate early Tuesday, the legislative package now heads back to the U.S. House for reconsideration. Lawmakers still have can decide whether to change, approve or reject the legislation. Kansans deserve leadership grounded in truth, not political spectacle. We must demand that our elected officials tell the truth about who benefits from their policies, and more importantly, who gets left behind. Because when policy becomes performance, its the people who pay the price. Tara D. Wallace is a licensed clinician and trauma therapist in Topeka. 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. (Reuters) -Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has pardoned 16 people convicted of various crimes, including "extremism", ahead of the country's independence day, state media reported on Wednesday. Human rights groups and the exiled opposition say there are about 1,150 political prisoners in Belarus, where Lukashenko, a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, has ruled for more than three decades. The veteran leader has freed more than 300 people in the past year in an apparent effort to repair ties with the West, which has imposed sanctions on his government over its human rights record and backing for Putin's war in Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those pardoned in the latest batch include eight men and eight women, several of whom have chronic diseases, are disabled or have children under 18, state news agency Belta said. Franak Viacorka, chief political adviser to exiled opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, welcomed the releases but said it did not appear that any high-profile dissidents were among the 16. He said that dozens of people had been sentenced for politically related offences in the past month, so "we don't see a big change of policy". Viacorka told Reuters, however, that the opposition was hopeful of more releases in the coming weeks, after prominent opposition politician Siarhei Tsikhanouski was freed last month following talks between Lukashenko and U.S. presidential envoy Keith Kellogg. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We have to continue, and we also ask President Trump to get involved and to push for more releases - he has the leverage to do this," Viacorka said. (Reporting by Mark Trevelyan and Lucy PapachristouEditing by Andrew Osborn) So far this year, 11 immigrants have died in detention centers managed by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Nearly half of those deaths five have occurred in Florida, where this Tuesday a new immigrant detention facility began operating in the middle of the Everglades wetlands. U.S. President Donald Trump attended the opening of the new center, nicknamed Alligator Alcatraz, which he described as beautiful. The comment comes amid growing criticism over conditions inside ICE facilities, particularly those in Florida. The most recent victim in Florida was Isidro Perez, who died on June 26 following three weeks of detention at the Krome facility in Miami. Perez was Cuban, 75 years old, and had arrived in the United States at age 16. The cause of death is still under investigation, the agency stated Sunday in a press release. According to ICE, Perez was admitted to Kromes Medical Care Unit on June 6, where he was diagnosed with several medical issues, and on Thursday the 26th at 7:00 p.m. he informed staff he was experiencing chest pains, was transferred to a hospital, where he died at 8:42 p.m. People die in ICE custody, people die in county jail, people die in state prisons, border czar Tom Homan responded when questioned by reporters Monday about Perezs death. Homan who at the time said he was unaware of the details surrounding the Cuban immigrants case boasted about the detention conditions and health services detainees receive nationwide, which, according to him, exceed those of any federal or state detention facility: We have the highest detention standards in the industry at a very expensive cost to the taxpayers. Tom Homan speaks to the media, June 30, 2025. Evelyn Hockstein (REUTERS) Three days before Perezs death, on June 23, Canadian Johnny Noviello was found dead in a federal prison in downtown Miami, which has been used as a migrant detention center since February. Noviello was 49 years old, had lived in Daytona Beach since he was 10, and had been a legal resident since 1991. In 2023, Noviello was convicted of selling opioids and was on probation when he was detained by ICE on May 15 of this year after voluntarily reporting to the Florida Department of Corrections in Daytona Beach. Since then, he had been undergoing deportation proceedings. According to his family, Noviello had epilepsy and was receiving seizure medication. Like Perez, the cause of his death has not yet been determined, and neither case has been included in the death records for the year published by ICE on its website, which to date, only listed deaths reported through early May. Between January and April, three other people died in migrant detention centers in Florida. Marie Angie Blaise, a 44-year-old Haitian woman, died on April 25 at the Broward facility after reporting chest pains and receiving medication for hypertension. And at Krome, two immigrants died of natural causes, according to forensic reports. Migrant advocacy organizations have denounced worsening detention conditions at ICE centers since the start of Trumps second term and report that some of these facilities have exceeded capacity by as much as 17%. In Florida, these reports have been disputed by Republican legislator Carlos Gimenez, who visited Krome last month and said he saw no overcrowding or deplorable sanitary conditions. Gimenez also gave a vote of confidence to future operations at Alligator Alcatraz, the new detention center built by Governor Ron DeSantis in the Everglades. It will not be inhumane in any way, he told Fox News. It is in the middle of the Everglades, but its not the Everglades. It is an improved section of the Everglades that had a purpose a long time ago to be a runway [] Im sure that the facilities will be just fine." The Everglades cover about 4,000 square miles of wetlands, stretching from west Miami to the center of the Florida peninsula. There, on what was formerly the Dade-Collier Airport, this center will operate with a capacity of 5,000 beds, costing about $245 per day. Before his visit to the Alligator Alcatraz, Trump joked about the skills immigrants will need to develop to escape the center without getting caught by an alligator. Were going to teach them how to run away from an alligator if they escape. Dont run in a straight line. Run like this, he said, making a zigzag gesture with his hand. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition When dealing with a potentially career-threatening political scandal, there is a standard playbook: Issue a broad denial. Attack the accuser. Then declare the controversy over and tell everyone to move on. Thats what Emil Bove Donald Trumps criminal defense lawyer-turned-senior Justice Department official is going for as he tries to secure a lifetime appointment as a federal judge. The scandal? A scathing whistleblower disclosure by a former Justice Department lawyer that alleges disturbing and unethical conduct on the part of Bove and other senior DOJ lawyers, including multiple efforts to defy the courts in service of Trumps agenda. The disclosure, released one day before Boves Senate confirmation hearing last week, has further complicated a nomination that had already opened an uncomfortable fissure within the conservative legal movement and which faces an uncertain future in the GOP-controlled Senate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Immediately after the allegations were unveiled, a defense took shape among the Trump administration and its Republican allies. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche described the whistleblower, Erez Reuveni, as a disgruntled former employee and accused him of planting a false hit piece the day before a confirmation hearing. Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), who has long positioned himself as a champion of government whistleblowers, endorsed Blanches defense at Boves hearing and said that the timing alone indicates that this was a coordinated political strike. In his own testimony, Bove cast the accuser as a member of an unelected bureaucracy trying to subvert the will of the president. None of this is accurate, according to lawyers for Reuveni and five people who have worked with him in varying capacities going back nearly 20 years. Together, those people paint a picture of an experienced, effective and non-partisan lawyer who zealously advocated on behalf of administrations of both parties, including Trump in his first term. They provide plenty of reason to take Reuvenis account extremely seriously. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of those people is Jon O. Newman, a senior judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit and among the most highly regarded appellate judges in the country, who described Reuveni to me as a very intelligent, conscientious, hard-working lawyer. Newman is one of two federal judges for whom Reuveni clerked out of law school, and he was first appointed as a district judge more than 50 years ago by President Richard Nixon. According to Newman, Reuveni was not a bomb thrower. He didnt shy away from giving me an opinion if I asked for it, but he was not one to exaggerate his opinions or take extravagant positions, Newman said. He was top flight and never over the top. After this article was published, DOJ spokesperson Chad Gilmartin said there were absolutely no court orders to discuss at this meeting, a reference to a meeting discussed further below where Reuveni alleges Bove discussed defying the courts. Gilmartin added, It is no surprise that DOJ attorneys are encouraged to vigorously litigate on behalf of the United States. Whether Senate Republicans including Judiciary Committee members like the newly liberated Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) come to believe Reuvenis version of events could determine whether Bove makes it on to a federal appeals court, and perhaps one day, the Supreme Court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reuvenis allegations emerged on the eve of Boves confirmation hearing in a story from The New York Times, but there is no evidence that they were, as Grassley quickly concluded, a coordinated political strike. We would have been happy to get this out in April, Dana Gold, one of the attorneys at the Government Accountability Project who is representing Reuveni, said in an interview. It had nothing to do with the nomination. Gold told me that she and her colleagues had been working for over two months, almost full-time on Reuvenis disclosure in order to gather all the facts and supporting documentation and to ensure the accuracy of the final account. They also worked carefully to try to ensure that Reuvenis disclosure fell within the appropriate legal and ethical bounds under whistleblower disclosure laws. Meanwhile, Reuvenis former colleagues a group that includes some of the most experienced civil litigators who have worked in the Justice Department are sticking by him as he faces attacks from the right. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to David McConnell, who worked as a senior career attorney in the Justice Departments Office of Immigration Litigation for 34 years and began supervising Reuveni last fall before leaving the department earlier this year, Reuveni was distinctly non-partisan. In fact, Reuveni, who worked at the Justice Department for nearly 15 years, played an integral role in defending Trumps immigration policies during the first administration. He was very aggressive, very vigorous in defending the policies of the administration under all administrations, McConnell told me. He did a lot of cases about border security, defending regulations and policy changes that the Trump administration was trying to achieve. To Jennifer Ricketts, Reuveni stood out as someone who was a very aggressive advocate, who was very energetic and very dedicated, just worked his butt off trying to make the best arguments possible, often under very difficult circumstances. Ricketts worked with Reuveni in her capacity as a branch director of the Federal Programs Branch in the Civil Division. She retired last year after nearly 35 years at the Justice Department and told me that she has no reason to question Reuvenis account. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He understood well what his role was, which is not to make policy. It is to defend [the government] wherever there is a reasonable legal argument to be made and facts that support the decisions made by the executive branch, Ricketts said. To me, he was always a straight shooter. She was taken aback when Reuveni was placed on leave in April and later fired apparently because he accurately told a federal judge that Kilmar Abrego Garcia had been erroneously deported to El Salvador. It remains just stunning to me that they could question how Erez comported himself here. I was honestly proud in reading his recitation in reading how he had handled himself, Rickets said. She added that she was deeply disappointed that others didnt also speak up. Two other former Department of Justice colleagues, who were granted anonymity to avoid potential retaliation from the Trump administration, echoed the views of Newman, McConnell and Ricketts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He is one of the most dedicated DOJ attorneys Ive ever worked with, one of them told me. He is a very, very smart attorney who is very accomplished and good at working cases that are complex and high-profile, they continued, adding, I dont think any personal beliefs he may or may not have held would influence his work in any way. Everything theyre saying about him is ridiculous, another former colleague told me. He would do everything he could to represent the clients but that includes telling the clients when they are doing something that is potentially illegal, potentially unconstitutional, that they need to rectify mistakes, this person said. Thats all part of being a lawyer, especially being a lawyer for DOJ. Like others I spoke with, this former colleague believes Reuveni: I believe his account 100 percent. He wouldnt submit anything to a court or to Congress or a disclosure like this without making sure it was 100 percent accurate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reuveni has made several serious accusations against Bove, who tried to swat them down at last weeks hearing but largely didnt actually address their substance, and its worth going through them. Bove repeatedly said, for instance, that he had not ordered Justice Department lawyers to defy court orders in the administrations deportation litigation, but that is not what Reuveni alleged. In fact, Reuveni alleges that Bove told a group of Justice Department lawyers in mid-March, shortly before Trump publicly invoked the Alien Enemies Act as part of his mass deportation effort, that one or more planes would soon be leaving with individuals who were allegedly subject to the AEA. Reuveni alleges that Bove stressed to all in attendance that the planes needed to take off no matter what. According to Reuveni, Bove then made a remark concerning the possibility that a court order would enjoin those removals before they could be effectuated. Bove stated that DOJ would need to consider telling the courts fuck you and ignore any such court order. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This was not an instruction to ignore a particular court order, since there were no pending cases yet, so Boves comment at the hearing was not technically inaccurate. But in Reuvenis telling, it was a tone-setting broadside and it worked. In the weeks to come, political appointees in the Justice Department sought to defy court orders in three separate cases through lack of candor, deliberate delay, and disinformation, according to Reuveni. His account is extremely detailed citing names, dates and specific court proceedings. If it needs to be said, it is wildly improper for a lawyer to deliberately deceive or mislead a judge. Every lawyer has a duty of candor to the courts, and judges generally expect Justice Department lawyers to interpret that duty broadly in light of their positions as public officials, their oaths to uphold the Constitution and their overriding obligation to do justice not just win cases however they can. Blanche has said that he was at the meeting described in the article and at no time did anyone suggest a court order should not be followed, but Reuvenis account appears to be at odds with Blanches claim. Reuveni names four other senior Justice Department lawyers in attendance, but they do not include Blanche a conspicuous omission that suggests that he was not present. After all, if Blanche had been at the meeting, he would have been the most senior official in attendance and, as Boves supervisor, directly implicated by Boves alleged misconduct. Yet Reuveni did not mention him being there. Reuveni also alleges that Bove told officials in the Department of Homeland Security that they could violate an oral court order one that directed the return of flights to El Salvador as part of the AEA deportations because the order had not yet been issued in writing. When I recently asked a retired, longtime federal judge what she made of the idea, she responded: That its creative? Thats all I can make of it, because Ive never heard it before. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The presiding judge has since concluded that there is probable cause to hold Trump administration officials in criminal contempt as a result of that decision. As for that meeting in March, Bove appeared unable to deny Reuvenis account when pressed. Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) zeroed in on that event, but when asked about the exchange in question, Bove stated, I dont recall. The meeting in question was just three months ago. Legacies will be made and unmade in the second Trump administration. Setting aside the fate of Boves nomination, several people in the whistleblower advocacy community told me that they found Grassleys handling of Reuvenis account last week disappointing, if not surprising, as one of them put it. (These individuals were granted anonymity to avoid antagonizing a powerful lawmaker and sometime-ally.) Grassley has long advocated for the rights of whistleblowers and embraced their accounts, at least in some circumstances. But in recent years, he has also been a loyal partisan Republican on these issues, at least when they directly concern Trump. Grassley welcomed the accounts of two whistleblowers from the Internal Revenue Service who claimed misconduct in connection with the Justice Departments investigation of Hunter Biden. After Trump took office this year, Grassley secured promotions for them. When a whistleblower reported on Trumps effort in 2019 to pressure Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to investigate Joe Biden, Grassley offered some initial but tentative support. He said that no one should be making judgments or pronouncements without hearing from the whistleblower first and carefully following up on the facts and that disclosures that are based on second-hand information should not be rejected out of hand, but they do require additional leg work to get at the facts and evaluate the claims credibility. (In the end, Grassley voted against Trumps impeachment.) When Reuvenis disclosure became public last week, Grassley appeared to reject it out of hand. He described it at Boves hearing as an initial unconfirmed whistleblower report. Of course, by definition, every initial whistleblower report is unconfirmed. Thats what an investigation is for. It might entail, for instance, hearing from the whistleblower and conducting additional leg work to get at the facts and evaluate the claims credibility. Grassley now appears to have no interest in doing that work before elevating Bove to a position as a federal appeals court judge a position that some conservative lawyers believe could prove to be a stepping stone to the Supreme Court. Asked whether Grassley intended to investigate Reuvenis disclosure, a spokesperson pointed to his statement at the hearing in which he expressed skepticism of the whistleblower. It is a gift to both Trump and Bove, whose nomination was already contentious for other reasons. Before this episode, Bove faced allegations that he lied to a federal judge in connection with the dismissal of the prosecution of New York City Mayor Eric Adams; he had drawn highly unusual and sharp criticism from prominent defense lawyers in New York who said that he lied, was a nightmare as a prosecutor and was completely reckless and out of control; he had attracted criticism from former colleagues who described him as engaging in threatening, pound-the-table antics that were wild as a supervisor and as a line assistant; and he supervised a trial team that was taken to task by a judge for trying to bury evidence favorable to the defendant. Bove no doubt has his own version of these events and had his opportunity to address them last week, but it would not be hard to truly investigate any of these allegations if Grassley had the appetite. Nor would it be particularly difficult to pursue Reuvenis claims. Grassley could call Reuveni himself to testify, along with the four other political appointees who Reuveni has placed at the meeting in mid-March and the other unnamed career attorneys in attendance who are referenced by Reuveni. Grassley could also request that Reuveni and the Justice Department provide any notes and electronic records relevant to the meeting including calendars that might shed light on who was actually in attendance. There is no apparent need to move quickly to confirm Bove, except that more time may yield more uncomfortable disclosures. Senate Republicans have already waved through plenty of highly controversial nominees for Trump including those facing questions over both their qualifications and extremely serious allegations of misconduct and they may eventually do the same with Bove. But its also possible a few key GOP senators balk as questions grow about Boves conduct and his fitness to serve as a judge. The recent retirement announcement from Tillis, a relatively independent-minded Republican who sits on the Judiciary Committee and tanked the nomination of Ed Martin to serve as U.S. Attorney in Washington, D.C., is a potentially bad omen for Bove. Whatever the result, Reuvenis former colleagues are standing behind him. This was incredibly brave, one of them told me. I feel proud of him. Running a successful restaurant for 18 years is something to be proud of, especially since most restaurants in the United States don't make it past their first few years. While owning and operating a restaurant can seem like a fun way to make a living, there are a lot of demands to consider, plus it can be difficult for an establishment to make it with so much competition in the food and beverage space. According to a study conducted by Research Gate, as reported by Forbes, 17% of restaurants close in the first year, which is actually not as bad as one might think. In other service providing businesses, the failure rate in the first year is 19%, so it's better than most. But, that's still nearly one in every five restaurants closing in their initial year. Also, around 51% of restaurants make it past their fifth year in business, according to Owner. Now, one favorite restaurant that's been in business for 18 years is closing its doors for good. It will certainly leave a hold in the community that is serves. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Diaspora, a Korean and Japanese restaurant located in Columbus, OH, has announced that it's closing after 18 years of service. The restaurant's final day will be July 3. Diaspora shared the new on the Instagram page of Little Cat Boba, which is staying open. Little Cat Boba owner, Raymond Kim, is the son of Diaspora owners Anne and Chul Kim. In the post, the owners stated that "it's been an incredibly challenging, humbling, and beautiful journeyone we couldn't have taken without you. From students and faculty to longtime locals and new neighbors, thank you for making us part of your daily rituals, late-night cravings, and everything in between." They said that they decided to accept their landlord's offer to end their lease early. "While this chapter is coming to a close, were hopeful for the future and committed to staying part of the Columbus community in new ways," they added, also thanking the community for the longstanding support of their restaurant for nearly two decades. Related: Beloved Buffet Chain Making a Resurgence 4 Years After Bankruptcy Beloved Restaurant Closing for Good After 18 Years first appeared on Men's Journal on Jul 2, 2025 Jul. 2BEMIDJI Erik Flowers has frequented Bemidji a time or two. One of Brainerd's paid on-call firefighters routinely finds himself in Beltrami County each spring for his day job. So when Flowers volunteered for a day-long firefighting shift in Bemidji in the wake of the severe storm on June 21, he was taken aback by the aftermath as he traveled up Highway 371. "I was up in Bemidji this spring for a work conference; we go up every year. I'm familiar with the area," Flowers said. "We got to Walker and the power was still out. I kind of thought, 'This is a lot bigger than we imagined.' " Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Flowers and the rest of the four-person crew didn't know what was waiting for them 40 miles north of the halfway point between Bemidji and Brainerd. "You get into Bemidji and you start seeing the damage from roofs being torn off on so many buildings and the amount of trees on the side of the road," he continued. "You're just in awe of how much damage there is." Flowers' shock matched that of roughly 100 traveling firefighters who answered Bemidji's call for help. At about 8 a.m. on June 21, six hours after Category 3 hurricane winds tore the First City on the Mississippi apart, Bemidji Fire Chief Justin Sherwood sought a lifeline in the form of mutual aid. "We have 10 mutual aid partners around us Solway, Blackduck, etc.," he said. "If they have a structure fire, they can request resources from Bemidji. For this event, we opened up intrastate requests so we could receive aid from everywhere. We had 19 departments come to assist us, all the way down to Bloomington and Little Canada." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a matter of hours after the storm dissipated, before any power was reestablished or emergency resource centers were posted, firefighters from Bemidji, the surrounding area and Greater Minnesota got their hands dirty in the early phase of a relief effort that will take weeks, if not months or years, to complete. From gas leaks to structure fires, from the sense of helplessness to faith restoration, the preparation from statewide departments readied firefighters for the unpreparable. Sherwood went to bed on Friday, June 20, anticipating being woken up with calls. "You just get that feeling sometimes," he said. "When you have a major storm, there's often a structure fire. At minimum, you're getting alarms. You just know it's coming." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Around 2 a.m. on Saturday, as Sherwood began his trek inside Bemidji's city limits, he quickly learned that it wasn't an average storm. All available firefighters in the existing crew of 57 were paged in. Sherwood also said the department's communications were down. "I was really proud of my staff, because they had already coordinated dispatch logs," he said. "They had all of the calls written down on pieces of paper because the dispatchers were so inundated with calls. They were prioritizing those logs on paper, and Chad Hokuf was dispatching rigs over the radio." In the immediate eight hours following the storm, Bemidji firefighters responded to roughly 80 emergency calls. Each rig in the station was deployed to various areas of Bemidji, attending to gas leaks, dangerously fallen power lines and other time-sensitive fixes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sherwood was forced to delegate. On his drive into Bemidji from his home in rural Beltrami County, he called in each city department lead for an emergency meeting at 3 a.m. Sherwood, the emergency city manager, passed off the immediate recovery duties at the fire department to Hokuf. "It was at that point when we identified the streets that needed to be opened and the injuries and casualties we had," Sherwood said. "We didn't have any, thank God. But it was dark, and there wasn't power, so we didn't even know what we had to work with. "When you look at it from an administrator's point of view, like myself, I was thinking more long-term. I knew we couldn't sustain this pace, and what if the 'what ifs' happen?" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At 8 a.m., one of them happened. Due to a building explosion on the north side of Bemidji near Sanford, the fire department was suddenly strapped for bodies. In times of desperation, local fire departments can reach out to their mutual aid partners for help. In extreme cases, like Bemidji's, requests through the Minnesota Intrastate Mutual Aid Plan are formed. Chiefs from around the state assess their departments to see if they can send a crew where it's needed on short notice. Sherwood also reached out to the Minnesota State Fire Chiefs Association for assistance. Hibbing Chief Erika Jankila; Cross Lake Chief Chip Lohmiller; Pequot Lakes Chief Mike Schwankl; Cross Lake Deputy Chief Jory Danielson; Plymouth Chief Rodger Coppa; Brooklyn Park Chief Tim Walsh; Bloomington Deputy Chief Jay Forster; Little Canada Chief Don Smiley; and Brooklyn Center Chief Todd Berg all provided aid to Bemidji in the days following the storm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Due to the scale of the destruction, several department authority figures were needed. "I knew our resources were going to be tapped," Sherwood said. "We couldn't sustain what we were doing. We pulled the pin in the mutual aid grenade, if you will, and called Blackduck, Solway and Cass Lake. But I also had to be mindful of what their communities had going on. This became a state event." Sherwood came away impressed with how quickly they responded to the call to service in northern Minnesota. "I made one phone call to a supervisor at the state fire marshal's office," he said. "I told him what I needed, and he said, 'I got you.' He told me they had six fire departments signed up for three days each, and if I needed anything else, they'd get it for me. That was done within hours. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It just blows my mind how fast it all came together. How did they get here that fast? How were they even able to pack that fast? It's hard to understand, but it makes you so proud of what you do. We're the state of community." While stations from around Minnesota boarded their trucks, a crew in Detroit Lakes was short on bodies. Mike Hansen, the Detroit Lakes fire chief, didn't have four people to send to Bemidji. He teamed up with Fergus Falls to provide aid. "When I called their chief, Ryan Muckow, he said they had the manpower but they were down an engine," Hansen said. "I told him that we had the engine but we didn't have the manpower. He sent us two guys and we put them on our engine." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hansen is familiar with mutual aid and intrastate requests. He understands that rural towns in Greater Minnesota don't have the infrastructure to survive the aftermath of the June 21 storm alone. "I don't even know if there was a reaction," Hansen said. "All of us are trained. We know when to call for help, and we know when not to call for help. When one of the other chiefs calls for help, you don't ask questions. You just do it because you know it's needed, and you might need it, too, at some point." With an influx of emergency calls rolling through the dispatchers calls that were being documented on pen and paper, as the town was without power Bemidji firefighters leaned on their mission statement. "It's to protect life, then property, then the environment," Sherwood said. "Life safety is No. 1. That's how we prioritize calls. In everything that was done, that was the priority. It wasn't until the daylight came that we started shifting. ... For us, a lot of the life safety things were gas leaks, lines down and collapses." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a standard June week, gas leak calls are few and far between. In the 10 days following the storm, Sherwood guessed that Bemidji received 50-60 calls about gas leaks. "We work our way out from the hot zone through our monitoring systems," Sherwood said. "You have to identify the type of gas natural gas or propane gas which have different kinds of gravities. Natural gas is lighter than air and will dissipate, whereas propane gas sinks low. We identify those things and act accordingly." Gas leaks can arise from virtually all areas in a community. In the restoration process, more leaks than the original source can be found. "You think about the amount of wind we had, it moves and shakes things," Sherwood said. "We had gas leaks on top of Lueken's and Walmart. That's where their appliances are. Trees had fallen on power lines, so we took care of those. Then we turn the gas back on and identify more leaks." Since pushing through the immediate recovery phase, Sherwood is turning his department's attention toward regaining a semblance of regularity. He is a believer in leading by example. He understands that while some community members will endure an ongoing struggle in the coming months, reestablishing structure in his department is paramount. "It's important to say that there are so many community members who weren't thriving before the storm," Sherwood said. "They were struggling, whether it be financially or otherwise. At the very least, we need to get people back to a place of familiarity. It's going to take patience, grace, resiliency, love a lot of outward stuff. "From the fire department's point of view, we're of the mindset that, right now, we're in the recovery stage. The recovery items that happen right now don't involve us unless there's an injury or something like that. We're working on recognizing what our new normal is now. ... We're going to continue to support our service organizations here in Bemidji." Sherwood has also had time to reflect. In a time where it feels like Bemidji drew the short end of the weather stick, he understands how lucky Bemidjians got with the lack of casualties. "I think a big part of that is because of the time the storm came," Sherwood said. "People were at home in their beds or found shelter. The sirens went off and gave people enough of a heads-up to retreat somewhere safe. But when you wake up and see the damage the next morning, you expect multiple casualties, whether that's injury or death." As for the visiting firefighters who volunteered their efforts in the days following the storm, Flowers leaned on the unspoken code among first responders. "Most firefighters have that deep level of service and a commitment to helping others," he said. "It's not constrained to a boundary or a state, or any of that kind of thing. For me, I feel like I was born to serve others. "Every time I try to branch out in my career that isn't paid-on-call firefighting, it always leads back to serving others. I believe stuff like this goes so far beyond the boundaries of our own town in Brainerd." It isn't lost on Sherwood that the town-shaping disaster could take an emotional toll on his crew. He called himself "passionate" in his leadership style, and the response of his counterparts in a time of need reaffirmed his enthusiasm for what he does. "For them to leave their lives and families, to leave what they had damaged and lost from this storm, all to help other people, I couldn't ask for anything more out of them," Sherwood said. "We didn't just see this with emergency staff; we saw it throughout the community. People came out and assisted their neighbors before they helped themselves. That's why you can drive down these streets today." Yair Lapid said the opposition would offer Netanyahu support to reach a ceasefire and hostage deal, should Ben-Gvir and Smotrich oppose. Otzma Yehudit chair MK Itamar Ben-Gvir appealed to Religious Zionist Party leader Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich to join him in opposing a hostage deal that would include a ceasefire in Gaza, N12 reported on Wednesday. National Security Minister Ben-Gvirs reported plea to Smotrich follows US President Donald Trumps claim that Israel had agreed to a 60-day ceasefire and hostage release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, sources close to the RZP leader said that the Otzma Yehudit head had not approached him on the matter and that the meeting was never scheduled, local media reported. The issue of victory in Gaza is far too significant, and the lives of the hostages are far too precious, to play media briefing games. The finance minister has been working on this matter with full force and the utmost seriousness for quite some time, the source said. Ben-Gvir opposes reaching a deal that would end the war in Gaza and believes that combining the political power of Otzma Yehudit and the RZP would prevent Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from moving forward on the deal, N12 reported. The ministers had run together in the last election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Smotrich said on Monday that he would oppose any agreements that would include ending the fighting in Gaza. Ben-Gvirs offer to the finance minister also follows recent political maneuvers in the opposition, including speculation that National Unity chairman MK Benny Gantz could join Netanyahus bloc in the case of a ceasefire deal. Opposition and coalition responses to Ben-Gvir's move Opposition head and Yesh Atid chief MK Yair Lapid on Wednesday offered Netanyahu a safety net for a hostage deal with his party should Ben-Gvir and Smotrich oppose a deal. Netanyahu, against the 13 fingers of Ben-Gvir and Smotrich, you have my 23 fingers for a safety net for a hostage deal. We need to bring them all home now. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Foreign Minister Gideon Saar issued support for a deal in a post to X/Twitter, saying, There is a great majority in the government and also among the people for a framework to release hostages. If there is an opportunity to do so, we must not miss it! Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) said the settlement between Paramount and President Donald Trump is a precedent in government extortion. The decision by the Redstone family, the major owners of Paramount, to settle a bogus lawsuit with President Trump over a 60 Minutes report he did not like is an extremely dangerous precedent in terms of both the First Amendment and government extortion, Sanders said in a statement. He continued: Paramounts decision will only embolden Trump to continue attacking, suing and intimidating the media which he has labeled the enemy of the people. It is a dark day for independent journalism and freedom of the press an essential part of our democracy. It is a victory for a president who is attempting to stifle dissent and undermine American democracy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Paramount, the parent company of CBS News, announced Tuesday that it had agreed to settle a lawsuit with the president after Trump sued CBS News over its 60 Minutes episode with former Vice President Kamala Harris. Trump claimed it was edited to make her look more favorable. This settlement paves the way for Paramount to merge with Skydance Media, which needs approval from the Trump administration. Sanders said the merger makes it obvious why Paramount decided to settle with Trump. Its pretty obvious why Paramount chose to surrender to Trump, Sanders said in his statement. The Redstone family is in line to receive $2.4 billion from the sale of Paramount to Skydance, but they can only receive this money if the Trump administration approves this deal. In other words, the Redstone family diminished the freedom of the press today in exchange for a $2.4 billion payday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He continued: Make no mistake about it. Trump is undermining our democracy and rapidly moving us towards authoritarianism and the billionaires who care more about their stock portfolios than our democracy are helping him do it. That is beyond unacceptable. In May, Sanders, Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) sent a letter to Paramount Global chair Shari Redstone, writing that they are concerned Paramount might be engaging in potentially illegal conduct with the Trump administration. And again in May, Sanders appeared on CBS The Late Show With Stephen Colbert and said if Paramount settled with Trump, it would set a dangerous precedent for other media companies. The money from the settlement will go toward Trumps future presidential library. As part of the settlement, 60 Minutes will release transcripts of the interviews the news program conducts with presidential candidates. Related... The Trump administration informed state and local schools that it was withholding nearly $7 billion in federal funding on Monday. In messages sent to state education officials on Monday, the U.S. Department of Education said decisions have not yet been made concerning submissions and awards for this upcoming year. The funding, already appropriated by Congress and approved by President Donald Trump in March, was expected to be available on Tuesday, July 1. The funds in question include five different grants which largely fund summer and after-school programs that serve millions of students across the country. Of the $6.8 billion halted, the programs impacted include $375 million for migrant education, $2.2 billion for professional development, $890 million for English-learner services, $1.3 billion for academic enrichment and $1.4 billion for before- and after-school programs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement National Education Association President Becky Pringle called the move to block the funding is shocking, but not surprising. Withholding billions in promised federal education funding that students needand states had planned to use to support children in their statesis a cruel betrayal of students, especially those who rely on critical support services, Pringle said. Schools are already grappling with severe teacher shortages, burnout, and under-resourced classrooms, and here comes the federal government ripping resources away from public schools. It is outrageous and unconscionable. Tony Carrk, executive director of watchdog group Accountable.US called the funding freeze an all-out betrayal of working families. Trumps education funding freeze will shutter after-school programs, rob classrooms of resources, and set students struggling with years of learning loss back even further, Carrk said. Its an all-out betrayal of working families who rely on access to public education for a fair shot at the American dream. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps FY 2026 budget proposal highlighted the administrations plans to target these programs. In the prospective budget, they have been fully eliminated. According to the Learning Policy Institute, all states and territories can expect to feel the brunt of the funding loss. In at least 17 states and territories, the funds account for 15 percent or more of their overall K-12 school funding. The Trump administration has made its intent to scale back the federal governments role in education known, starting with plans to fully dismantle the Department of Education. Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., criticized the administrations decision to yank the funding that Trump had approved. President Trump himself signed this funding into lawbut that isnt stopping him from choking off resources to support before and after school programs, help students learn, support teachers in the classroom, and a lot more, Murray said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a post on X, Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., said this is a huge crisis made worse by the recent Supreme Court decision on national injunctions This is a CLEAR AS DAY violation of federal law. The appropriations law passed by Congress REQUIRES this money to be spent, Murphy wrote. The post All-out betrayal: Trump halts nearly $7 billion in federal funding for schools appeared first on Salon.com. SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) The Senate narrowly passed President Donald Trumps One Big Beautiful Bill on Tuesday, leading many to question what it means for peoples access to health care and vital programs. The spending measure passed in a 51-50 vote on Tuesday. It claims to deliver bigger paychecks, giving more than a $10,000 boost annually to everyday families. It also claims to safeguard and protect welfare programs and Medicare for all eligible Americans. Recent changes to the sweeping tax and spending package included restrictions on Medicaid. According to the Congressional Budget Office, nearly 12 million Americans would lose their health insurance by 2034 as a result. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Saving or taking away health coverage, Medicaid debate over the big beautiful bill in San Diego The bill would also require some states to cover a share of the cost of benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which was previously entirely funded by the federal government. Republicans have consistently defended the impacts of the bill, saying the cuts are needed to prevent wasteful spending, fraud and abuse. After the Senate vote, the bill headed to the House of Representatives for any amendments. The next step would be to make it to President Trumps desk for him to sign. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As for how the bill would impact local programs here in San Diego County, Nancy L. Sasaki, the president and CEO of United Way of San Diego County, said its still a waiting game. The real thing that were most concerned about [is] SNAP, she said. Thats basic food for children, especially. There are about 129,000 children in our community that rely on SNAP benefits. How many of those will be impacted by this new bill? I dont know. But to think of children going hungry really makes me sad. She said the trickle-down effect of children coming to school hungry would have a hard time learning in a classroom and focusing on their education. Ultimately, my concern and the concern in the community is about those people who are legitimately eligible and who need that care or need those services will potentially be hindered by those hoops they need to jump through or feel its not worth it, and theyre just going to get sick or go hungry, Sasaki said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement United Way of San Diego County is a nonprofit that supports children and families by providing them with access to resources such as free tax services and food assistance as well as school readiness programs. To learn more about United Way of San Diego County, visit uwsd.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 FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News. WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) President Donald Trumps big, beautiful bill is teed up for a vote in the House, after it barely passed out of the Senate and then out of the House rules committee, but the bill in its current form is expected to face pushback. For 12 hours, the House rules committee debated the lengthy legislation, and some Republicans already expressed their issue with the bill. They went a little further than many of us would have preferred, but we have the product now, said House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement House Speaker Mike Johnson suggested the vote could take place as early as Wednesday, which doesnt give much time for lawmakers to go through all the changes. The House rules committee was the final step before going to the House floor. It got nos from all Democrats and only two Republicans, South Carolina Congressman Ralph Norman and Texas Congressman Chip Roy sighting issue with the Senates changes. I will vote against it here and Ill vote against it on the floor until we get it right, said Norman. Republican supporters of the Senate bill have highlighted its roughly $4 trillion in tax cuts, new funding for border security, and key Trump campaign promises. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement House Democrats are calling this a worse version of the House bill, as it would slash programs like Medicaid and SNAP. Mothers are coming up to me crying in elevators. Medicaid is the largest payer of healthcare for so many people. This bill is going to hurt them, said Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.). Johnson also mentioned that some members were having trouble returning to Washington, D.C., due to cancellations and delays caused by the weather. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live. This article is part of The D.C. Brief, TIMEs politics newsletter. Sign up here to get stories like this sent to your inbox. In the end, Democrats were unable to stop Republicans from getting their tax-cuts-and-spending plan across the finish line on Tuesday. But, in conversations with strategists close to the Democratic leaders, they had a pretty clever consolation spin: this bill is the most hated piece of major legislation since at least 1990, and Republicans have no plan to fix that. GOP strategists seemed to understand the buzzkilling buzzsaw they were marching toward with a grim sense of inevitability. Even then, there was still no guarantee the House would accept the Senates rewrite of their work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fiscal conservatives hated the massive spending and budget trickery. Centrists despised the deep cuts to programs for the poor and elderly. Parochial lawmakers did not realize until the eleventh hour that subsidies for wind and solar energy would hit their states hard, plus an industry-killing hidden tax on those clean-energy sectors seemed to come from nowhere, before getting scrapped. And the pragmatists were watching the GOPs biggest donor, Elon Musk, threaten everyone who voted for it with a primary challenge and throwing his money toward a new third party. (True to form, President Donald Trump on Tuesday threatened to deport the South African-born American citizen for his disloyalty.) Add onto that pile of worry the polling that shows a majority of the American public doesnt want anything to do with it. Quinnipiac Universitys poll, released last week, showed 55% of voters opposing it, with just 29% backing it. Among Republicans, support was a shockingly low 67%. For context, the same pollsters found in 2009 that the bill now known as Obamacare had the opposition of 44% of all voters before it passed, and 40% backing it. A professor at George Washington University went back through the polling data on divisive legislation dating to 1990; nothing compares to what just cleared the Senate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democrats did not win this fight. But they certainly made sure that the external pressures to their colleagues across the aisle became toxic. The internal squabbling among Republicans kept lawmakers on the Senate floor voting for 27 hours and reflected the trouble they know is heading their way if Trump signs this into law. Among Republican strategists, there is no clear answer how to explain these votes or to make them popular. Im all ears if you have an idea, one replied to a message sent Tuesday morning before the vote cleared. As things settled down after the vote, House Democrats official campaign arm circulated a strategy memo about the 2026 midterms, outlining a plan to keep the consequences of the bill in the headlines for the next 16 months. The megabill extends the first-term Trump tax cuts, rolls back clean-energy programs from the Biden era and beefs up immigration enforcement while increasing the national debt by trillions. The deep cuts to Medicaid and food-stamp programs are expected to hurt voters in spades, and advocates were already worrying that the spill-over effects would endanger everything from rural health centers to food centers for poor Americans to nursing home and home-health services. Congress scorekeeper said almost 12 million Americans would lose health care as a result of these cuts. And the spending cuts are mostly in service of tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans, while leaving those at the other end of the spectrum holding the bag. By the time Senate Majority Leader John Thune was celebrating getting to a 51-50 vote, it was clear Republicans had turned themselves inside out. House members who walked the plank to back itat least on the first voteannounced they were not seeking re-election. (Gday, Rep. Don Bacon of Nebraska.) Colleagues who stuck to their guns and opposed it became targets of a White House led by their own party. (Gluck, Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky.) And at least one of the three Senators who couldnt stomach voting for it decided to pack it up and head home rather than face an impossible route to another term given primary- and general-election landmines of their own making. (Safe travels, Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Holdouts like Sens. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Mike Lee of Utah, and Cynthia Lummis of Wyoming all got to yes. Sens. Susan Collins of Maine and Rand Paul of Kentucky did not. But, man, this was messy. It might not be over, given both chambers have to pass matching legislation before Trump can sign it into law. Republicans in the House have already sounded off that they would take a red sharpie to the Senates version. If the sticking points become intractable, someonenamely Trumpmay have to step in with a bullhorn and a bullying menace. And theres no telling what a wronged Trump can do when he settles on proper retribution for anyone who dared impede his victory lap. Its rare for legislation like this to advance even as everyone in Washington understands it to be a political drag. Democrats, in a coordinated and careful way, found specific examples of how the cuts would hurt constituencies key to the Democratic Party as well as Republicans. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer held their caucuses together with discipline that has been rare since November. The messaging was clear and, more importantly, it worked. Efforts by Trump and other GOP leaders to tout this legislation have gotten the party nowhere. Now the bill is one painful step closer to getting to Trumps desk. Make sense of what matters in Washington. Sign up for the D.C. Brief newsletter. Write to Philip Elliott at philip.elliott@time.com. LAS CRUCES, New Mexico (KTSM) Casa de Peregrinos (CdP) food pantry, which supplies food and groceries to families across Dona Ana County, expects their clients to further turn to their support services if President Trumps so-called big beautiful bill (BBB) is approved by Congress. The BBB is the Trump Administrations proposed government spending and tax bill. It was recently approved by the U.S. Senate and proposes steep cuts to federal programs like SNAP and Medicaid. The bill is in the process of being reviewed and discussed for approval by the U.S. House. Casa de Peregrinos is launching an awareness campaign called Hope Begins With A Meal, calling for community support in the event the bill is approved and kicks in at the start of the new fiscal year on Oct. 1. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our storied nonprofit has been blessed by this communitys contributions for more than four decades. I hope that you will continue to move our mission forward. We could use monetary contributions, food donations, food drives, volunteerism, and advocacy as part of this campaign, CdPs Executive Director Lorenzo Alba Jr. said. Alba said that they dont depend much on federal grants to operate and offer their services. However, he said that the working families they support are heavily dependent on food stamps and other federal programs which are poised to see steep funding cuts with the BBB. Its going to become more difficult because we wont be able to give them as much food. Right now, were averaging anywhere from 120 to 150 pounds of food every time somebody comes in these doors. Thats a significant amount of food. Its a full basket, full of food. If we have to cut back on that, theyre going to have to make some tough decisions at home. Do I buy my medications? Do I pay my rent? Do I pay my utility bills or do I go buy food, Alba said. Alba said that contrary to popular belief, CdP serves working families who despite their income are struggling to put food on their table for their loved ones. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said Casa de Peregrinso is set to serve over 7 million pounds of food to families across Dona Ana County this year, and worries they will have to cut back. We want to make sure that we dont take any steps backwards. So if we continue to serve that amount of food to people, I think were going to be OK, and were going to be a big help for a lot of families here, Alba said. You can learn more about Casa de Peregrinos and how to help by visiting their website here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News. While Cuba is not exactly a foreign policy front that keeps anyone in Washington awake at night since it is more focused on making the United States great again the White House recalled this week a phrase Donald Trump said during his electoral campaign that strengthened the sympathies of his loyal Cuban-American voters: As president, I will again stand with the people of Cuba in their long quest for justice, liberty and freedom. On Monday, Trump signed a memorandum on strengthening the policy of the United States toward Cuba. However, among economists, the prevailing view is that this is more of the same. With the document, the White House made public its intentions to limit tourism to the island, foreign investment, and reinforce the economic embargo that has been in place since the early 1960s. All these objectives align with the policy Trump had already been applying since his first term and maintained when he returned to power in January. The economic restrictions imposed by the Trump administration since it first took office in 2016, in addition to the deep crisis facing the Cuban economic system and model, have strangled the country after the temporary relief Barack Obama brought to the island by restoring diplomatic relations after several decades. The Republican rolled back travel rules that allowed U.S. tourists to land in Cuba, halted shore-to-shore trade, and limited remittances one of the biggest sources of income for the islands economy. Following Trumps first term, Joe Biden paid very little attention to Cuba during his four years in office, and most of these restrictions remained in place. Six days before ending his term, Biden removed Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism, where Trump placed it back exactly six days after taking office for a second term. Now, the White House has announced that the National Security Presidential Memorandum (NSPM) fully reverses some concessions made by the Biden administration, which eased pressure on the Cuban regime, and ends economic practices that disproportionately benefit the Cuban government, military, intelligence, or security agencies at the expense of the Cuban people. The document includes a ban on direct or indirect financial transactions with entities controlled by the Castro military leadership, such as the Business Administration Group S.A. (GAESA) and its subsidiaries something Secretary of State Marco Rubio, a Cuban-American, announced in February as part of measures aimed at choking Havana. The White House fact sheet on NSPM also states that, in order to discourage dangerous, unlawful migration, the government will ensure that the Wet Foot, Dry Foot policy is not reinstated. That policy, eliminated by Obama, had protected Cuban citizens who managed to set foot on U.S. soil. The US will help expand internet services The memorandum states that the United States will increase efforts to support the Cuban people through the expansion of internet services, free press, free enterprise, free association, and lawful travel. It also argues that it advances the interests of the Cuban people by promoting human rights, fostering a private sector independent of government control, and enhancing national security. According to the statement, all this stems from President Trumps commitment to fostering a free and democratic Cuba, addressing the Cuban peoples long-standing suffering under a Communist regime. The announcement also made it clear that it will impose legal restrictions on U.S. tourism to Cuba, although the island is far from the destination that once received cruise ships and dozens of daily flights from the North, full of visitors eager to see the last Communist stronghold in the West. For this reason, Cuban economist Omar Everleny Perez Villanueva, former director of the Center for Cuban Economic Studies at the University of Havana, believes that the measures announced by Trump on Monday continue a pattern the Republican has been following for a long time. For example, Trumps government has made other moves such as restricting visas for people linked to Cuba; reactivating Title III of the Helms-Burton Act, which allows U.S. citizens to take legal action against companies or people managing assets confiscated by the Cuban regime after 1959; and banning remittances to Cuba that are sent through the company Orbit S.A. All these new measures tend to reinforce the U.S. blockade of Cuba, but they wouldnt be a major blow because they are already being implemented, Everleny says. That is to say, many of the foreign companies with ties to Cuba have already been pressured, and American tourists are no longer coming to the country as they used to. The economist believes foreign investment in the country will be even more affected at a time when tourism has notably declined (in 2018, 4.6 million tourists arrived; in 2021, the country received 2.2 million). However, he does not think this is due solely to the embargo. According to Everleny, many large firms have stopped doing business in Cuba, not only because of Trumps sanctions, but also because of the lack of credibility of the Cuban government, which ultimately doesnt pay them. He continues: Before this memorandum, you can see that, in the last five months, tourism has fallen almost 30%, and this trend has multiple factors, such as the severe internal economic crisis, blackouts, and poor quality of services. There are many things conspiring against tourism development in Cuba. Its a mix; you cant say those measures are the only reason theres no tourism or foreign investment. Cubas Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez called the policy on X [formerly Twitter] a criminal act and a violation of the human rights of an entire nation. What is clear is that ultimately, the ones harmed are Cuban families struggling with hours of blackouts and shortages of medicine and food. If you pressure the companies that provide some oxygen, and now they cannot do so, it will obviously affect ordinary Cubans, Everleny argues. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition President Donald Trump lauded the massive "one big, beautiful bill" that narrowly passed the U.S. Senate on July 1, which includes tax cuts, slashes clean energy incentives, increases spending for defense and border security, and chops more than $1 trillion from Medicaid and other health care benefits as part of a domestic agenda aimed at eliminating "waste, fraud and abuse" from the federal budget. Democrats, including Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, joined a chorus of health policy analysts, leaders of medical associations and others this week, warning that if the bill passes the U.S. House and is signed into law, it could have "a devastating impact" on access to health care for the most vulnerable Americans. Medicaid the joint federal and state program that provides health insurance benefits to children, people with disabilities and poor people covers about one-quarter of Michigan's population 2.6 million people through traditional Medicaid, the Healthy Michigan Medicaid expansion plan and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement About 45% of all pregnancies and childbirths in Michigan are covered by Medicaid and about 60% of people with nursing home care are covered by the program, according to data from the state health department. At least 200,000 Michiganders would lose health insurance coverage as part of the bill's planned cuts, according to a report from the Citizens Research Council of Michigan, a nonprofit, nonpartisan public policy organization. The report noted that some analyses estimate the fallout could be as high as 700,000 people. "If this One Big Beautiful Bill is signed into law as currently written, it would be the first time in the history of our country that Congress has moved to eliminate as opposed to expand health insurance coverage," said Dr. Mark Fendrick, a professor at the University of Michigan and director of the U-M Center for Value-Based Insurance Design. "It would impact millions of Americans ... and hundreds of thousands of Michiganders." Worse, he said, is that the legislation piles on by also cutting Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funding, which provides food for the very same people who could lose Medicaid coverage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Michigan League for Public Policy reported that 1 in 7 Michiganders about 1.4 million people rely on SNAP benefits. Among them are 41,000 military veterans with food insecurity. "The shock of this bill is hard to overstate," the nonprofit Michigan League for Public Policy said in a statement issued shortly after the bill passed the Senate. "Republican leaders just voted to spend trillions of dollars to increase poverty and hunger, to strip away health coverage, and to create the biggest redistribution of wealth from poor to rich in U.S. history." Fendrick said the cuts are likely to have a ripple effect. "There's the people who will lose Medicaid and then ... another 120,000 Michiganders will lose their ACA (Affordable Care Act) Marketplace plans. ... And then, it's the billions of dollars that would no longer flow to hospitals and the increases in the uncompensated care," he said. 'Irreparable harm' to vulnerable people, including children The American Hospital Association said the legislation would do "irreparable harm" to the U.S. health care system, "reducing access to care for all Americans and severely undermining the ability of hospitals and health systems to care for our most vulnerable patients," said Rick Pollack, its president and CEO, in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among those vulnerable patients is 6-year-old George Johnson, of Warren, who was born with Down syndrome and relies on a Michigan Medicaid program called MIChild to cover appointments with about a half dozen medical specialists, said his mother, Taylor Johnson, 31. George can say some words but mostly uses sign language and a device to help him communicate. He works with a speech therapist every week to "help him work the muscles in his mouth, connect his thoughts to his brain, and kind of learn how to get those expressed to us," Johnson said. "Kiddos with Down syndrome are predisposed to a variety of both severe and very minor medical issues things like heart defects all the way to sleep apnea." George Johnson, 6, of Warren, is among the 1 million Michigan children who rely on Medicaid to provide health insurance. George has Down syndrome, and his mother, Taylor Johnson, is concerned about how cuts to the program under a bill that passed the U.S. Senate on July 1 will affect the family, especially George. More: Senate vote: 20 million people could lose Medicaid benefits Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: Where Trump's 'big, beautiful bill' leaves Michiganders on Medicaid, tip tax, EVs George, who finished kindergarten a few weeks ago and loves music, has a heart defect. He wears glasses because of low muscle tone in his eyes and ankle braces because of low muscle tone in his feet. He sees an ear, nose and throat specialist for tympanostomy tubes and an endocrinologist to treat hypothyroidism. "All these things sound really daunting in comparison to a child without a disability," Johnson said, "but we have really great supports and connections. Those things don't dictate his life as much as they sound like they might because they're so well-controlled." George is "absolutely thriving," said Johnson, who has a job teaching theater, working mostly in the summertime. Her husband, Kyle Johnson, 39, serves on the Warren Consolidated Schools Board of Education and works gig jobs in mortgage lending and politics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We have jobs that are great and provide a great family situation, but don't often have workplace health insurance accessible," she said. They bought a health plan for themselves and their daughter, Vera, who is 3, through the Affordable Care Act Marketplace. Taylor Johnson, 31, of Warren, holds her son George, 6, who has Down syndrome. The Johnson family is concerned about what proposed cuts to Medicaid will mean for their son, who relies on the program for medical insurance coverage and other services. "We have looked into adding George on our plan," Taylor Johnson said, in the event that the Medicaid cuts in the bill leave George uninsured, "... but it would be just unbelievably expensive. It would be very difficult and we'd have to potentially sell our house or downsize to ensure that he could have this quality of care and quality of life. "It's very personal." Michigan to lose $2-$4 billion, forcing hard choices Even people who have employer-based insurance plans could see fallout from the legislation, as hospitals, nursing homes, clinics and other health care providers would have to balance the books with fewer paying customers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Michigan, the loss in federal health care spending could total between $2 billion and $4 billion if the bill is enacted, according to the Citizen Research Council's report. With millions of Americans joining the ranks of the uninsured, Pollack said it could "force hospitals to make service line reductions and staff reductions, resulting in longer waiting times in emergency departments and for other essential services, and could ultimately lead to facility closures, especially in rural and underserved areas." Although the Senate's version of the bill added $25 billion to a rural hospital relief fund, it's unclear whether that will be enough to prevent closures. "Just because the government will not be providing insurance to these people does not mean they will not get sick," said Fendrick, who also is a primary care physician. "It does not mean they will not seek health care, and it does not mean that someone will not have to pay for it. And if they can't pay for it, there will be significant ramifications of that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "That's why the hospitals and clinicians are all extremely worried and particularly in those rural areas because a higher percentage of their revenues come from public payers. If they don't get paid, then they shut down." The Citizens Research Council report concluded that the loss of insurance coverage also "generally leads to less preventative care, which in turn makes individuals more likely to end up needing emergency care down the road." Nursing homes at risk Megan Callahan, 39, of Shelby Township, said she worries about what the legislation might mean for her family. Her parents, Robert and Colleen Callahan, both 72, were high school sweethearts who have been married for 51 years. They worked hard all their lives to tuck away money for retirement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "They're very proud of the fact that they financially planned so well, when they retired, they were ready," said Callahan, whose parents live in Oconto Falls, Wisconsin. Her dad worked at a paper mill and often took a second job to save extra money; her mom did clerical work and also worked for a local government office. But two years after they both retired, Colleen Callahan got sick. Now, "she has advanced dementia," Megan Callahan said. "She started progressing last year to the point where my dad, who was her caretaker and was doing an amazing job ... needed more support. She needed 24-hour care." They tried hiring in-home nurses, but it was too expensive. In December, Colleen Callahan moved into a nursing home that costs about $10,000 a month. Megan Callahan, 39, of Shelby Township, left, takes a photo with her mother, Colleen Callahan, 72, of Oconto Falls, Wisconsin. Her mother lives at a long-term care facility because she needs around-the-clock care for dementia. Callahan is concerned that with proposed cuts to Medicaid, her mother might not get accepted into a program that will cover her nursing home care while also allowing her father to keep their home. Megan Callahan, who works as a counselor at Macomb Community College, said she helped her dad apply for the federal Spousal Impoverishment Program through Medicaid, which could provide coverage for her mother to stay in the nursing home and allow her dad to keep the house they've owned for the last 20 years if they're approved. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With Medicaid cuts in the legislation now under consideration in the House, Callahan is on edge. Without it, she said, the options will be limited. "I may have to quit my job and move back to Wisconsin," said Callahan, who has lived in Michigan for 15 years and whose husband works in the automotive industry. "I enjoy living in Shelby Township. I would love to stay here, but my mother does need 24-hour care, and without these programs to ensure that my mom can get that care and my dad's needs still can be met, we would have to make some drastic changes to our lives." More: IRS job cuts could slow service during 2026 tax season, expert says More: Where Trump's 'big, beautiful bill' leaves Michiganders on Medicaid, tip tax, EVs Her mom seems happy where she's living now. "You should see the way my mom smiles in this care community we use that word instead of facility," Callahan said. "They're trained to take care of my mom. ... It would be so heartbreaking to come this far to get her this care, and then have to lose it." Even if her parents get approved for the Medicaid Spousal Impoverishment Program and Callahan is able to stay in Michigan, she still worries about whether this "big, beautiful bill," as Trump calls it, could lead her mother's nursing home to cut back on staffing, programs that support the residents, or even to close its doors. A survey from the American Health Care Association, which represents more than 15,000 long-term and post-acute care centers, found that 27% of nursing homes said they would have to close if the proposed Medicaid cuts are enacted. Three-quarters said they would delay improvement projects and wouldn't invest in new technology. Nearly 60% said they would reduce staffing and 44% said they would scale back on making new hires. "I feel worried about all the what if's," Callahan said. "Even if she gets to stay, even if we figure out the financial piece, we might lose that smile from my mom's face because they might have to cut funding for her care. ... They might have to lose staff. ... They might even have to close. ... There's no way we're not going to lose anything. "And then, let's say that my family is protected, at the end of the day that just means some other family going through their own version of the hoops and loops for Medicaid will be affected. That's where I'm losing sleep at night. I know how much pain and sorrow and fear we had, and I know that's what other families are going through as well." While Fendrick said he agrees with Trump and Senate Republicans that the United States spends too much money on health care, he said they should use a scalpel rather than a sledgehammer when it comes to cuts like these. "We need to be much more nuanced ... about how we approach these things," he said. "Things are already very bad for really vulnerable populations and it's only gonna get worse," he said. "I think about support for pregnant people, I think about nursing homes, and I think about rural hospitals all of which are in great peril if this bill were to be signed into law." The U.S. House began its final consideration of the bill July 2. Trump is pushing Congress to pass it before the July Fourth holiday. Contact Kristen Shamus: kshamus@freepress.com. Subscribe to the Free Press. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Medicaid cuts in 'big, beautiful bill' could hit 200K-700K in Michigan BOSTON (SHNS) Dozens of seniors filled a state capitol auditorium Tuesday to plead with lawmakers to expand MassHealth eligibility for older Bay Staters by raising the limit on assets they may keep by thousands of dollars. Hours after the U.S. Senate passed a reconciliation bill that could gut federal health care dollars flowing to the states, advocates with the Massachusetts Senior Action Council pressed the Legislature to support bills that would raise the asset limit for individual residents ages 65 and older on MassHealth coverage from $2,000 to $10,000. MassHealth intended to adjust the asset limit this year and potentially bypass the legislative process, but officials had to pause their plan over Medicaid uncertainty, a top advocate later told the News Service. The proposals from Rep. Steven Ultrino and Sen. Jason Lewis (H 1414 / S 879) would also raise the asset limit for married couples from $3,000 to $20,000, and exempt the value of life insurance policies from counting toward MassHealth eligibility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MassHealth asset limits have not changed since 1989, said 92-year-old Edna Pruce, president of Mass Senior Actions executive committee. Thirty-six years ago, bread was 59 cents and eggs were just 95 cents. Costs have risen over time, and the asset limit must increase accordingly, Pruce testified virtually at a Joint Committee on Health Care Financing Committee hearing. And to make matters worse, Massachusetts still counts life insurance as if it were cash in the bank. This leaves low-income seniors with a tough choice: receiving health coverage or keep the small savings and life insurance they have paid into throughout their life. Committee co-chair Sen. Cindy Friedman told Pruce her heart dropped when she did not initially see the advocate sitting in the hearing room. Its so good to see youYou are a model for all of us, so well keep fighting with you, and you keep fighting, Friedman said as she looked toward the livestream. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oftentimes, seniors in need of long-term must spend down their savings in order to qualify for MassHealth, including those who are otherwise unable to afford certain home care services or nursing home care. That is the reality Mass Senior Action member Sarah Blakeney, who is 98 years old, is facing. Blakeney, of Milton, said she needs more help to continue living at home. I dont have much, and what I do have is well under the limit we are asking for in H 1414 and S 879, Blakeney said. But I ask you, would you feel safe if you (were) only allowed to have $2,000 in savings? I know I will not, but for now, these are the rules. I only hope you will change the rules for those that follow me. I urge you to take action to support seniors like me to age in dignity. The legislation cleared the panel last session but died in the House Ways and Means Committee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even as we face devastating cuts to the Medicaid program, adjusting the asset limit would have a minimal impact on the budget, Carolyn Villers, executive director of Mass Senior Action, said. Villers said seniors who could benefit from the change already qualify for the Medicare Savings Program (MSP), including the Qualified Medicare Beneficiary program, which covers individuals premiums and other health care costs. There really is a minimal kind of difference between the cost for the state, between the QMB program and full MassHealth coverage. But it does come with more comprehensive care and kind of access to some of the enhanced benefits through scope, programs and things of that nature, Villers said in response to a question from Friedman clarifying the cost. After her testimony, Villers told the News Service that Mass Senior Action secured a commitment from MassHealth during stakeholder meetings to raise the asset limit this year. Officials then halted their proposal in response to actions from Washington, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Villers said she was in contact with Assistant Secretary for MassHealth Mike Levine about the matter and other officials. It can be done through regulation, but it can also be done through legislation, Villers said. Again, this is something that weve worked on for a number of years. A MassHealth official, asked for confirmation about the agencys plan, told the News Service that Healeys fiscal 2026 budget had called for an increase to the MassHealth asset limit. She wanted to raise the limit to $5,000 for individuals and $7,500 for couples, as well as eliminate up to $10,000 in life insurance policies from eligibility determinations, according to a budget brief from the administration. The MassHealth official, broadly citing federal Medicaid cuts and changes to the state budget, said the administration is reviewing all proposed Medicaid spending and policy changes. The official added that MassHealth eligibility changes are subject to federal and state approval processes and funding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Senate Ways and Means spokesman told the News Service the compromise budget gives MassHealth the flexibility to increase the asset limit, but does not explicitly require MassHealth to do so. Healey has until July 10 to take action on the budget. Healey proposed funding MassHealth at $22.6 billion, while the compromise budget would invest $22.1 billion. State officials last year removed the asset limit for MSP to expand access to health care for older residents, and in 2023 increased the income limit for the program to 225% of the federal poverty level, according to the administration. Mass Senior Action advocates told lawmakers Tuesday they want to see that level boosted to 300% of the federal poverty level under other bills (H 1413 / S 880) filed by Ultrino and Lewis. That legislation also made it to the House Ways and Means Committee last session. Valerie Ann Bonds, president of the Cambridge-Somerville chapter of Mass Senior Action, noted older adults struggle to navigate challenges around their independence and dependence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The concern arises when we rely on others, such as legislators, who have the sole responsibility for making decisions that impact the quality of life for seniors like me and others, Bonds said. The bills before you that affect the senior community, our quality of life, is in your hands and hinges on your seal of approval. We want, we deserve and we need this, along with the dignity and respect that accompany being an elderly person. Local News Headlines WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP. HONOLULU (KHON2) From seniors to students, parents to patients. Nearly everyone in Hawaii stands to feel the impact of the Big Beautiful Bill. Senate passes Trumps big tax and spending cuts bill as Vance breaks a 50-50 tie The Senate version of the bill cuts more than a trillion dollars from Medicaid. It imposes work requirements for those enrolled in Medicaid and food assistance programs including SNAP. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While there are exemptions for those who are unable to work due to certain things, such as medical conditions, according to Governor Josh Green, its going to leave more than 400,000 people on Medicaid in Hawaii without long-term care, dental, or help with prescription costs. The biggest problem is when you take away Medicaid dollars, the rural health care system begins to crumble. So its not just the people who are Medicaid that live in rural areas like hospitals I worked in when I first came to Hawaii. Its also all of their neighbors, said Green. State House Minority Floor Leader, Rep. Diamond Garcia said no vulnerable person who receives Medicaid services will be cut off. If youre in that category, therell be a new requirement, and that is a 20-hour work requirement each week, or 20 hours of volunteer service, or go to school, so no one will lose services if they cooperate with the program. I want to make clear that this isnt cuts to Medicaid. This is simply recalibrating Medicaid back to its original intent, said Garcia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news Planned Parenthood Hawaii serves thousands annually, offering everything from cancer screenings to contraceptives. But under the bill, they would lose all funding. You know, its really important for folks in Hawaii to know that we are still here. We are going to continue to fight for their access to, you know, be able to choose the provider that they rely on and trust most, said Rebecca Gibron, CEO of Planned Parenthood Great Northwest. Cancers go undetected. health screenings are delayed or put off altogether. STIs are not treated properly, so it really does further harm the public health infrastructure when politicians play these political games on the backs of our patients. But supporters say the bill has benefits. It permanently extends Trumps 2017 tax cuts and adds new deductions for parents, seniors and students. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to a Tax Policy Center analysis, households would see their taxes reduced by nearly $3,000. This will directly help middle-class Americans. Theres no tax on tips in this bill. Theres no tax on overtime work in my district, said Garcia. This will be a huge, huge help, especially here in Hawaii, where lots of our income is relied upon by tip. Also in the bill, the end of tax credits for electric vehicles, cuts to clean energy subsidies, a $1000 savings fund for every newborn, new caps on how much students can borrow in federal student loans and $46 billion for border wall construction. Hawaii U.S. Senators Brian Schatz and Mazie Hirono voted against the bill, calling it terrible and a big ugly betrayal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It does put push for priorities that the Republican Party has pushed for and advocated for for years. So I understand why theyd be against it. I think this is a great bill for the American people, said Garcia. Check out more news from around Hawaii The House and Senate must come to an agreement on the bill before it becomes law, with President Trump saying he wants to have it on his desk by July 4. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2. Rep. Andy Fugate, D-Oklahoma City, speaks about LGBTQ+ issues while Labor Commissioner Leslie Osborn looks on during a press conference at the state Capitol on June 26, 2025. (Photo by Janelle Stecklein/Oklahoma Voice) OKLAHOMA CITY LGBTQ+ supporters are relaunching a bipartisan advocacy group in an effort to provide a more centrist conversation amid increasingly hateful rhetoric. The Equality Network which launched last week aims to change the narrative surrounding LGBTQ+ legislation in an environment that has become a form of tribalism and partisanship that weve never seen, said Troy Stevenson, executive director of the network. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By providing a more centrist conversation the network hopes to share the stories of LGBTQ+ Oklahomans and reach across the aisle to generate productive and informed conversation between lawmakers. So as Democrats and Republicans and independents , we intend to move forward in that direction and make sure that were going out and having conversations and doing more listening than talking and doing more of everything than judging, Stevenson said. The Equality Network, which started in 2009, merged with the Cimarron Alliance Foundation to form Freedom Oklahoma in 2015. Stevenson previously led The Equality Network before launching Freedom Oklahoma to tackle a growing number of anti-LGQBT+ bills being filed in the Legislature. The resurrected network is focused on presenting policy to the Legislature that contains research and data explaining the positive and negative impacts of the proposed legislation to help spur more informed conversation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stevenson said their work in the upcoming session will focus on making sure they dont do anything horrible to our kids. Its membership is bipartisan, a move the group hopes will reshape the conversion. Republican Labor Commissioner Leslie Osborn said her involvement in the network stems from her daughter, a member of the LGBTQ+ community, who moved to Canada because she felt unwelcome. I dont think thats acceptable in America, she said. Who you love should never have been ingrained in a government issue or political issue. In recent years, Oklahoma has seen a growing number of anti-LGBTQ+ measures filed, which range from cracking down on the books children can access in school libraries that contain content regarding sexual sexual lifestyles to banning gender-affirming health care for minors and drag shows in public. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Andy Fugate, D-Oklahoma City, said the core of the network is about personal freedom, freedom from intolerance, freedom from big government intrusion into someones personal life. Love is love, and people should be free to be their own authentic selves, without big brother government interfering in that life, he said. Composed of a two-member staff, The Equality Network, which will be based in Oklahoma City, does not have a finalized budget yet, however, it intends to work with other LGTBQ+ foundations for funding. Stevenson said they are partnering with Oklahomans for Equality in hopes to host town hall meetings across Oklahoma. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oklahomans For Equality did not return messages seeking comment. Nicole McAfee, executive director of Freedom Oklahoma, said they werent familiar with the relaunch of The Equality Network. Theres always room for more folks fighting for 2SLGBTQ+ liberation in and beyond the Oklahoma Capitol. McAfee said. Were excited to connect with folks seeking new opportunities to engage in the process. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Credit: Photo illustration by Matthew Cooley. Images in illustration by Adobe Stock, 2. Lootings. Fights. Things thrown at customer service workers. Arguments in grocery stores. The trial of a 17-year-old alleged stabber. High schoolers dancing to rap music at graduation. A Black, female Iron Man. To scroll on these kinds of videos online is to interact with different communities. But while the average internet user might see a viral fight, some are using clickbait videos as concrete proof of a popular phrase: Black fatigue. On social media sites like X (formerly Twitter), Reddit, and TikTok, the term is being used by conservative-leaning social media users to describe an exhaustion with both Black culture, and the prioritization of Black people. Social media users comment on violent videos or on clips of Black people speaking about white privilege, but often accompanied by thinly veiled racist rhetoric. Its when I can hear you 10 aisles away in Walmart with your fucking five kids, said one TikTok creator. When you have no home training and no idea how to act in public. But before the term was a viral digital punchline, it was a concept used to describe how racism and microaggressions in the workplace can lead to physical symptoms in Black communities. Author Mary-Frances Winters, who popularized the term in 2020, tells Rolling Stone that while shes not surprised the phrase has been co-opted, shes choosing to not let it get to her because thats exactly what online trolls want. More from Rolling Stone Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I have given my life to this work. When I was in high school, I was an activist. When I was in college, I was an activist, says Winters, 74. Im not gonna live the rest of my life however much of it I have left letting Black fatigue impact who I am. A DEI consultant and researcher, Winters first encountered what she later described as Black fatigue while conducting diversity focus groups and interviews with Black employees at major companies. Group after group told her the same thing: microagressions, racism, and a lack of diversity at work had done more than make them upset. It was wearing them down physically and emotionally. That was when Winters began exploring research linking racism to poor physical outcomes. With that starting point in mind, she wrote her 2020 book Black Fatigue: How Racism Erodes the Mind, Body, and Spirit. In my book, Black fatigue is the mental and physical exhaustion that comes from repeated acts of discrimination over time, Winters says. Its not just, Im tired because I had a long, busy day. No, its this repeated racism that wears you down, over and over again. While Winters book helped popularize the term in 2020, following the death of George Floyd and the national focus on the Black Lives Matters movement, it was only earlier this year that she realized the phrase was being turned on its head online. According to Know Your Meme, Black fatigue regained prevalence on social media after the stabbing arrest of 17-year-old Karmelo Anthony in Texas. The Black teen was arrested and indicted on murder charges in April for allegedly stabbing white teenager Austin Metcalf to death at a track and field meet. The racial components of the alleged murder made Anthony a heavy topic of discourse online and on conservative news channels, especially after his family started a GoFundMe to raise money for his legal defense. People used Black fatigue to describe being frustrated with supporters of Anthony, then Black violence in general, and finally, the entire Black community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zari Taylor, a faculty fellow and digital culture expert at New York University, tells Rolling Stone that the reframing of social justice or anti-racism is a tried-and-true tactic on social media, especially for right-leaning pundits. Many phrases used in social justice are first mocked, and then transformed to mean something else entirely. Its a way of using a phrases popularity to further an alternative agenda. Conservatives tend to do a lot of co-opting of Black politics, especially in the digital space. So Black Lives Matter, Blue Lives Matter, woke versus woke, Black fatigue, black fatigue, she says. Its the same thing. Once those words reach a certain level of mainstream [recognition] within digital culture, people like to co-opt them for their own purposes. Taylor points to the ongoing wave of anti-DEI and social justice movements in national politics as one reason why people might feel more emboldened to say more overtly racist things on social media. President Donald Trump and Republican leadership have blamed everything from passenger jet crashes to bridge collapses on diversity, equity, and inclusion policies. And Elon Musks purchase of X has transformed the social media site from a functioning tool to an echo chamber of conspiracy theories, anti-LGBT rhetoric, and outright racist language. It makes sense that the new definition of Black fatigue has continued to proliferate on the app its right at home. When Winters first realized how the phrase was being reimagined online, she was initially devastated, she tells Rolling Stone. But she says after looking into many of the accounts and groups who were using it to defend racist takes and punchlines, she decided that it wasnt going to make her stop advocating for the Black community, and solutions to Black fatigue as she defines it. People who are in these extremes are not open to a conversation. Im choosing not to let it impact me personally, emotionally, Winters says. Im not going to get involved in whatever delusions, disinformation, or pain that causes people to be racist. I dont know what theyre dealing with. But I know what my truth is. And Im sticking to it. Best of Rolling Stone Sign up for RollingStone's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. A Black technician at SpaceX was fired for being late to work while caring for his young daughter as she recuperated from a heart transplant, while his white colleagues were given a pass for their own consistent tardiness and absences, according to an eye-popping workplace discrimination lawsuit obtained by The Independent. In a 33-page federal complaint initially filed in Los Angeles and removed to federal court on June 25, LTavious Rice says his bosses at the commercial space launch provider were fully aware of his daughter's medical condition, and encouraged him to take time off as needed. Yet, Rices complaint alleges, the SpaceX Human Resources department soon began ginning up issues with his time-off requests in retaliation for him having agreed, in principle, to testify truthfully about a former supervisor that another employee had accused of wrongdoing in an unrelated incident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rice, 38, worked as a materials inspector at the SpaceX campus in Hawthorne, California, ensuring the structural integrity of materials such as base metals, welds, structures and assemblies. His complaint also accuses SpaceX of denying him proper meal breaks, and expected him to work through lunch. Rice had no performance issues when SpaceX let him go, the complaint contends, describing the companys treatment of him as deliberate, cold, callous, cruel and intentional. SpaceX, owned by billionaire and erstwhile first buddy Elon Musk, is once again under fire over alleged workplace discrimination issues (AFP/Getty) Attorney Stephanie Perez, who is representing Rice, told The Independent that Rices daughter is now 5, and that she was very young when she had the heart transplant. It requires continual monitoring and checkups, since there is always a chance of organ rejection, Perez said. When Rices daughter hit a rough patch and was hospitalized for a week right before he was let go, he was still showing up for work, according to Perez. He consistently outperformed his white coworkers, but was held to a higher standard, Perez said. Space X turned a blind eye to several white co-workers showing up late, or failing to show up at all. We believe supervisors manipulated time entries to erase co-workers late clock-ins, concealing the tardiness. The same grace was not extended to Mr. Rice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SpaceX and the lawyers defending the company against Rices claims, did not respond to requests for comment. Rice was hired at SpaceX in February 2020, and became a standout worker, according to his complaint. It says Rice was consistently complimented for his work ethic, outshining his cohort who appeared less motivated. The complaint says Rices daughter suffered from a serious medical condition, which is unspecified in court filings but eventually necessitated a heart transplant. After the successful transplant, UCLA Medical Center required continual transplant monitoring, as did her Kaiser Permanente pediatric cardiologist, the complaint goes on. When a fever presented or she fell ill, immediate medical intervention was required to ensure her body was not rejecting the transplant. Given the heart is a vital organ, serious precautions were in place to protect the transplants vitality. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rice made his supervisors aware of his daughter's cardiac issues, and they told him to take whatever time off he needed, the complaint continues. He entered his time-off requests into an online portal maintained by SpaceX, and uses a point-system which penalizes employees for tardiness or unexcused absences, according to the complaint. Rice was told that he could also let his superior know via text or call if he anticipated being late, it says. LTavious Rice says SpaceX, which receives billions in U.S. government contracts, fired him over being late but kept white workers who were equally tardy (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) Last year, Rice was called into HR for an interview. There, an HR exec told Rice that his former supervisor had been accused of retaliation against another SpaceX employee, and that he could be called as a witness, according to the complaint. HR questioned [Rice] about the various allegations, the complaint states. [Rice] answered honestly and advised he believed the supervisor's actions were retaliatory, and intended to be honest if called as a witness should the matter proceed to litigation. From that point on, HR began closely monitoring [Rices] time-off requests via [SpaceXs online portal] and tardiness (despite having already informed his superior of such tardies) used to for his daughter, the complaint alleges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement HR began retaliating against [Rice], implementing strict application of the point system, it says. Interestingly, while HR enforced the point system against [Rice], the point system was not used against his white counterparts. [Rice] observed his white colleagues' consistent tardiness and absences, without points either being applied or remaining on their record. [Rice] then discovered some of SpaceX's supervisors were writing off or erasing such points. On August 20, 2024, Rice was terminated. SpaceX cited the point system as the basis for such termination, the complaint states. Perez told The Independent that speaking up against large, powerful corporations such as SpaceX is a daunting task, but a necessary one. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I believe people want to do the right thing, she said. However, when history repeats itself and patterns resurface, it reveals deeper systematic issues. Rices daughter is doing better now, but continues to require check-ins and monitoring by her doctor, according to Perez. SpaceX, which is owned by Elon Musk, the erratic billionaire and President Donald Trumps erstwhile first buddy, was sued in May by an employee with Crohns disease, who claimed his supervisors at the company's Redmond, Washington facility monitored his bathroom breaks and penalized him for spending more than 10 minutes on the toilet. During the Biden administration, the Department of Justice sued SpaceX over its alleged refusal to hire asylum seekers and refugees, a case which the incoming Trump administration dropped in February 2025. In 2023, SpaceX was sued for allegedly underpaying women and minorities, and last year, authorities accused SpaceX of illegally firing eight employees who criticized Musk. On Tuesday, Trump floated the idea of denaturalizing and deporting Musk, a South African-born U.S. citizen who donated $288 million toward the presidents victorious 2024 campaign, and stripping SpaceX (and other Musk companies) of their federal contracts. Trump has been lashing out at Musk over his opposition to the GOPs so-called big, beautiful bill, a spending package that, if passed, would all but sink future prospects for the wind and solar industries, wipe out tax incentives for buyers of electric cars, and leave millions without access to healthcare. Rice is seeking special and exemplary damages; at least $500,000 in general damages for emotional and mental distress and aggravation; economic damages for past and future lost wages, bonuses, and benefits; and punitive damages to be determined by a jury, as well as legal fees and court costs. A Blairsville man will spend time in state prison after being sentenced for crimes that involved victimizing a woman. Levi Kelly, 25, pleaded guilty to attempted burglary, false imprisonment, two counts of stalking and unlawful dissemination of intimate images, according to Indiana County District Attorney Robert Manzi. The DAs office says Kelly stalked the victim, a Blairsville resident, near her home. He grabbed the woman and tried to shove her into his car, but she freed herself and called the police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kelly was later arrested and released on bond, the DAs office says. The victim was given a protection order, requesting that Kelly have no contact with her. Even with the protection order, Kelly went to the victims house and tried to contact her, though she wasnt there at the time. Kelly left when the police were called. While police were searching for him, Kelly returned to the property and tried to break in through a window. Everything was captured on security cameras that the victim purchased for her protection, the DAs office says. To get her back for calling the police, Kelly uploaded intimate videos of the victim to adult content websites without her permission, the DAs office says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kelly has been in jail since July 2024, and he will now continue his imprisonment in a state correctional institution. Kelly faces between 34 and 68 months in state prison, which is in the state-established standard range for sentencing, the DAs office says. He will have many conditions and restrictions on his imprisonment and potential parole. I want to recognize the victim in this matter for her strength and resilience when faced with this defendants actions, District Attorney Manzi said. She never backed down and was ready for any court proceeding necessary to hold him accountable for his cowardly actions. The Blairsville Borough police department and the Pennsylvania State Police, Troop A, Indiana Barracks did incredible work putting together the professional investigation necessary to stand ready for a potential trial. If someone or their loved ones need help escaping abuse, the DAs office says they can contact their local police department or the Alice Paul House at (724) 349-4444. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW *Attached video: Video released amid manhunt for man accused of killing daughters (WJW) Law enforcement have spent weeks searching for Travis Decker, the former U.S. Army soldier charged with killing his three young daughters. And the search isnt over. Detectives said its still unclear if Decker is alive or dead, but new evidence revealed on Tuesday continues to make the wanted 32-year-old the only suspect in the Washington state murders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As FOX 8 previously reported, Decker picked up his three daughters 9-year-old Paityn, 8-year-old Evelyn and 5-year-old Olivia from his ex-wifes home in Wenatchee on May 30. This undated photo provided by Whitney Decker shows Paityn, Olivia and Evelyn Decker. (Courtesy of Whitney Decker via AP) Travis Decker had weird encounter with neighbor before 3 daughters murdered Decker never dropped them off that evening, and the three girls bodies were later found with plastic bags over their heads in a campground near Leavenworth on June 2, investigators said. Deckers truck was also found there. The victims all died of asphyxiation, a county medical examiner previously revealed. Decker has been wanted ever since, leading to an all-out manhunt across the area. Photo courtesy Chelan County Sheriffs Office via Facebook In a Tuesday update, the Chelan County Sheriffs Office announced that blood samples found on the tailgate of the truck match what they believe is Deckers DNA profile. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Detectives originally recovered some individual, personal items, from the scene they believed belong to Mr. Decker, the sheriffs office wrote. The lab took DNA samples from those items and found they matched the DNA in the blood samples recovered at the scene. We know, positively, that all of the DNA samples recovered belong to the same, male, subject, who we believe is Mr. Decker. The sheriffs office said, through this and other evidence in the case, investigators, do not have any reason to believe there are any other suspects, in the childrens deaths. Beyond furious: Victims families mixed reactions on Bryan Kohberger plea deal Search teams, including K-9 units, checked the Crystal Creek drainage area from the enchantments through Ingalls Creek last week, the update continued. Investigators said drones are also being flown over the area and volunteers continue helping with the search. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At this time we do not have any evidence to suggest Mr. Decker is alive, or deceased, the sheriffs office said. Until he is taken into custody, or recovered, we will continue these efforts. The United States Marshals Service is offering up to $20,000 for information leading to his arrest. Anyone with information on Deckers whereabouts or the murders should call 911 or reach out to the nearest U.S. Marshals office. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. It has been a good year for gold. A host of turbulent events in the global economy has driven up prices for the glittery commodity to record highs in 2025. In a world of tariffs and international conflict, gold appeals to investors as one of the few remaining stable assets. Everyone wants a piece of the action, from central banks to large institutions like hedge funds, and retail investors. But few know where their gold comes from, or much about the conflicts it may be fuelling in the countries where it is mined. For the governments of West Africa's Sahel region, the stakes are even higher. Gold is a lifeline for the military juntas of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, who are beleaguered by jihadist insurgencies, regional isolation, and the ravages of climate change. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Because gold prices have been at a historic high the military governments are hoping that they will be able to benefit directly," Beverly Ochieng, a senior researcher at global consultancy firm Control Risks, told the BBC. Together, the three Sahel states produce around 230 tonnes of gold per year, according to the World Gold Council's estimates, or about $15bn (11bn) at the current market rate. A lack of records for artisanal and small-scale gold mining means that this figure is probably an underestimate. The combined gold production in these three states surpasses any other country in Africa, making the Sahel region a major global contributor to the gold market. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The governments say that the proceeds from the lucrative sector are benefitting citizens through increased "sovereignty" - though Russian firms are increasing their stake in the industry at the expense of Western-owned firms. For example, Mali's junta leader Gen Assimi Goita laid the foundation stone last month for a gold refinery, in which a Russian conglomerate, the Yadran Group, will have a minority stake. The refinery will reportedly create 500 direct jobs and 2,000 indirect jobs. Burkina Faso is also building its first-ever gold refinery, and has set up a state-owned mining company, requiring foreign firms to give it a 15% stake in their local operations and to transfer skills to Burkinabe people. Fake AI media campaigns have even been launched to celebrate the country's charismatic 37-year-old military ruler Capt Ibrahim Traore for commanding such an important revenue stream for the nation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Mining gold from deepest dirt. But souls are rich and true," croons an AI-generated Rihanna in one recent song, pouring her silky, auto-tuned praise on Capt Traore. The reality is very different, according to Ms Ochieng, who explained that Burkina Faso and its neighbours need quick cash to fund counterinsurgency campaigns. In the case of Mali, much of this has been outsourced to Russian mercenaries, including the Wagner Group and its successor, Africa Corps, which falls under the command of Russia's defence ministry. Africa Corps has been involved in military training in Burkina Faso, but the junta officially denies its presence. Russia's President Vladimir Putin and Burkina Faso's Ibrahim Traore have built a strong relationship [RIA Novosti / Anadolu / Getty Images] Although public spending transparency in the countries is poor, the governments are thought to devote large portions of their budgets to national security. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Military spending in Mali trebled since 2010, amounting to 22% of the national budget by 2020. The governments are fighting jihadist groups linked to al-Qaeda and Islamic State (IS). But campaign group Human Rights Watch (HRW) has accused the Malian government and the Wagner Group of committing atrocities against civilians, including unlawful killings, summary executions, and torture. It has documented similar atrocities by Burkina Faso's military and its allied militias. For their services, the Wagner Group and now Africa Corps are often paid directly in gold or in mining concessions, according to Alex Vines of the London-based Chatham House think-tank. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Very little [of the gold revenues] will trickle down to Malians and Burkinabes," he told the BBC, adding that in fact the armed insurgents themselves may be benefiting from gold. Since the coup in Mali in 2021, brutal government tactics against communities suspected of harbouring or sympathising with jihadists have increased, pushing more civilians to join the very groups they are fighting. Jamaat Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), an al-Qaeda affiliate which is the most active jihadist group in the region, staged an unprecedented number of attacks targeting Burkina Faso military during the first half of 2025, a sign of the group's growing strength. The armed groups are also literally cashing in on the increased global appetite for gold. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A large proportion of gold mining in the Sahel is from the artisanal and small-scale sector, which is often informal, meaning it takes place on unlicensed and undeclared sites away from government oversight, according to a 2023 report on gold mining in the Sahel by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). Armed groups, including jihadist groups, and Sahel governments are in competition for control over many of these small-scale gold mines. Gold provides an important revenue stream for militant groups, which appear to be expanding their territorial influence in both Mali and Burkina Faso. The UNODC believes that most gold from this type of mining ends up in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a global centre for gold refining and trading. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "You do see overlap of violent extremist groups moving onto artisanal production areas for control," said Dr Vines. The global spike in gold prices may be prolonging and exacerbating conflict in the Sahel - but, unfortunately for the diggers in artisanal gold mines, it has not led to owners increasing their wages. As jobs are scarce, many people work in the informal mining sector [Afrikimages Agency / Universal Images Group / Getty Images] One gold miner in Mali's northern Kidal region agreed to respond to written questions from the BBC on condition of anonymity, for fear of his safety. He estimated that, on a "good day", he earns 10,000 to 20,000 CFA francs, or approximately $18 to $36 (13 to 26). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The amount he is paid has not increased alongside global gold prices, he said. "Prices went up, but the extra profit goes to mine owners It's risky and uncertain, but for many of us, it's the only option," he added. Dr Vines, who formerly worked as a blood diamond investigator for the UN, is concerned that gold has become Africa's new main conflict commodity. He noted that gold has not received the same international attention as diamonds, which fuelled bloodshed in several African states throughout the 20th Century, especially during the 1990s. Intervention by human rights groups and the UN led to the establishment of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme in 2003, which did much to end the sale of so-called "blood diamonds" on the open market. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But attempts to crack down on "blood gold" have been less successful. This is partly due to a lack of unified ethical standards. The London Bullion Market Association (LBMA), a major authority in the gold market, requires refiners to comply with standards based on guidelines set by a global body, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OED). The UAE's enforcement of these regulations has historically been patchy. In 2021, the country announced its own standards for ethical gold mining - however, the framework remains voluntary. The issue of enforcement has caused tensions in the past between the Gulf state and the LBMA. Tracing technology represents another hurdle. "There is no 'DNA testing' for gold. With a lot of effort, you can trace diamonds before they get polished and cut But I haven't seen ways of tracing the origins of a gold nugget," Dr Vines said. Gold is smelted early on in the value chain, making it nearly impossible to trace and connect to potential conflict zones, he explained. Dr Vines believes that it is likely that some blood gold from the Sahel ends up in UK markets. "[Gold] gets smelted in [the] UAE, then goes onto the jewellery manufacturing industry, or into dentistry, or bullion. Some of it clearly comes into the UK. And once it is here, there is no way of testing what it is." A UAE official told the BBC that the country had "a robust regulatory framework to maximize the security, integrity and transparency of every gold transaction, supported by rigorous enforcement actions". The UAE's processes were in line with, and in some areas exceeded, OECD guidelines, the official said, adding: "They are supported by mandatory anti-money-laundering and know-your-customer procedures, annual audits and full enforcement at all points of entry." Dr Vines said that another reason that it will be difficult to repeat the successes of the Kimberley process is because the certification system was not designed to deal with state governments. "Kimberley was designed to deal with armed non-state actors in places like Sierra Leone and Liberia," he said. For now, gold's importance for Sahel governments and the patchy enforcement of ethical gold standards mean that the commodity is likely to continue changing hands, regardless of its origin. Unfortunately for some communities in the Sahel, that may mean paying for the trade in blood. You may also be interested in: [Getty Images/BBC] Go to BBCAfrica.com for more news from the African continent. Follow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica BBC Africa podcasts California Republican Rep. Kevin Kiley praised the Department of Justices lawsuit against Los Angeless sanctuary policies as "encouraging" while stressing the underlying need for more congressional action in the wake of the anti-ICE protests and riots in the city. The DOJ on Monday announced the lawsuit, which makes the argument that the citys policies "impede" federal immigration authorities and that ICE agents are specifically discriminated against. "I think that the lawsuit is encouraging, because, when you just look at what's going on here, you have a state policy, and in the case of LA, a city policy, that's whole purpose is to interfere with the operations of the federal government, pursuant to the policies of a duly enacted president, which is not the way our system works," the Republican told Fox News Digital in an interview. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump Administration Sues Los Angeles Over Sanctuary Policies That 'Impede' Ice Operations California Gov. Gavin Newsom, left, and U.S. Rep. Kevin Kiley. "Immigration is under the province of the federal government. That is the constitutional responsibility of the federal government, and the supremacy clause suggests that states and localities cannot act to contravene the federal government in enforcing federal law," Kiley added. The civil unrest in Los Angeles in June as ICE conducted operations in the region prompted Kiley to introduce the "No Tax Dollars for Riots Act," specifically taking aim at nonprofit groups that received taxpayer dollars, but he says could have played a role in "organizing unlawful riots." Read On The Fox News App Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Click Here For More Immigration Coverage "It's called the No Tax Dollars for Riots Act. Pretty common sense idea. Really not something we should have to legislate on, but unfortunately, we have seen examples like we just witnessed in L.A.," he said, adding that groups found "aiding and abetting riots" would lose their ability to get taxpayer-funded grants and lose their tax-exempt status under his bill. La Anti-ice Rioters Face New Charges As Violence Rages The Department of Justice's lawsuit against Los Angeles makes the argument that the citys policies "impede" federal immigration authorities and that ICE agents are specifically discriminated against. The Coalition for Human Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (CHIRLA) is now the subject of a GOP-led congressional investigation, as the group strongly denies any ties to the violence that unfolded on the streets of LA. Kiley specifically pointed to the groups $34 million in taxpayer funding, largely from the Golden State, as inspiration for the legislation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Let us be clear, these congressional letters are a coordinated effort to prevent us from doing the good and peaceful work thats part of the CHIRLA way since its inception in 1986 when we were founded to serve, represent, and uplift immigrants in the United States with the purpose of ensuring justice for all. The CHIRLA way has been visible daily since day one but now we represent a threat to the current administrations racist and anti-immigrant agenda," Angelica Salas, executive director of the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, said in a statement on Monday about the congressional investigation. "These threats, including the false and baseless allegations of wrongdoing, will not stop our momentum. We will remain visible, undeterred, and more committed than ever to our mission. Our mandate is to serve the community because they need and deserve it. That has been and will continue to be the CHIRLA way," she continued. Left-wing Advocacy Groups In The Hot Seat As Anti-ice Riots Trigger Investigation: 'Not Protected Speech' President Donald Trump publicly endorsed Kileys proposal on Saturday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "CONGRESSMAN KEVIN KILEYS, 'NO TAX DOLLARS FOR RIOTS' legislation, should be passed immediately. I am hereby instructing my Administration not to pay ANY money to these radicalized groups, regardless of the legislation. They get paid to incite riots, burn down or destroy a city, then come back to the trough to get money to help rebuild it. NO MORE MONEY!!!" the president posted to Truth Social. Original article source: Blue state GOP lawmaker says major sanctuary city lawsuit is 'encouraging,' but urges further crackdown ERIE COUNTY, Ohio (WJW) The Fox 8 I-Team has learned that a body recovered from a marshy area in the Huron River in May has been identified as a 32-year-old man from Cleveland who was reported missing in November. Erie County Sheriff Paul Sigsworth tells the I-Team that investigators determined the body has been identified as that of George A. Cox, Jr. Local teen accused of raping mother and daughter Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The sheriff said Cox was reported missing on November 8. He was also featured as part of FOX 8s Missing with Amanda Berry in December and again on May 20. His body was discovered by a kayaker. The sheriff said the body was badly decomposed. An autopsy was conducted at the Lucas County Coroners Office in Toledo, which helped lead to the victims identity, in addition to missing person information files and DNA. Man dead after fishing boat capsizes near Avon Lake boat ramp Based upon the missing person report to that agency, CPD is now the lead agency in this investigation, a release from the Erie County Sheriffs Office states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone with information on the case is asked to contact CPD Missing Persons Liaison Detective Kevin Callahan, #133, at 216-623-7697. The I-Team has reached out to the Cleveland Division of Police for more details. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Part of a village was cordoned off by police for several hours after the discovery of a grenade, police said. Officers were called to Lakenheath, Suffolk, near Thetford, Norfolk, at about 12:35 BST and notified the bomb squad, a police spokesperson said. Pine Close, Whitewood Walk and Cherry Close were closed and residents advised to leave their homes. The Army's explosive ordnance disposal team has confirmed the grenade was not live and the cordon will be lifted shortly, said Suffolk Police. Follow Suffolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X. Related internet links Jul. 2Bond was raised for two suspects allegedly involved in the mid-June Middletown fatal shooting in the parking lot of Bar II. Jerome Collier, 51, of Middletown had his bond raised to $1.5 million, up from $1 million, by Butler County Common Pleas Court Magistrate Stephanie Perazzo. He faces seven charges, including a murder charge for the death of Jesse Jones, 36, of Middletown. Perazzo also raised Dy'Shonna Goins's bond to $375,000. Goins, 28, of Kettering, faces five charges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The two suspects pleaded not guilty on all counts, and their next court appearances are set for July 30. They were indicted on a combined 12 charges by a Butler County grand jury Friday. The indictments stem from the June 16 shooting outside Bar II in Middletown. There were four involved in the shooting, including Collier and Jones. Collier was already facing a murder charge, single counts of felonious assault and having weapons under disability. The grand jury indicted Collier on seven charges in all, adding three more counts of felonious assault and a second count of having a weapon under disability under different sections of the Ohio criminal code. The murder and felonious assault charges are enhanced with both a gun specification and a repeat violent offender specification. Both specification charges would add additional years to the underlying crimes if convicted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Collier is in the Butler County Jail. Goins faced three counts of felonious assault, and the grand jury added two additional felonious assault counts. Four of the charges Goins faces are also enhanced with an underlying gun specification charge. On June 16, police responded to reports of shots fired at Bar II's parking lot, 1200 Elliott Drive, at around 2:40 a.m. Four people were shot as an apparent result of a fight, said Middletown Division of Police Chief Earl Nelson, but the motivation as to why the fight started is not clear. "The stories are different as to why the fight started," he said. "We talked to the owner of the bar, asking if anything had happened inside. He said, 'No.'" A Dorchester man is in police custody and faces charges in connection with a mans death from a shooting in 2021, Boston police said on Wednesday. Marc Lamothe, 46, faces one count of murder and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm (second offense), police said in a statement. At around 3:10 p.m. on Tuesday, the Boston Police Fugitive Unit arrested Lamothe in the area of 555 Hyde Park Avenue in connection with the death of Joshua Smith, 29, following a years-long investigation, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On July 5, 2021, officers learned of a shooting near the intersection of Seaver Street and Humboldt Avenue in Roxbury, the statement continued. Officers found Smith near 122 Seaver St. with several gunshot wounds. After Boston EMS arrived, they pronounced him dead. Years later, following the police investigation, a Suffolk County grand jury returned indictments on Lamothe on June 27, police said. Police found and arrested Lamothe on Detectives from the Boston Police Homicide Unit responded and initiated an intensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting. After years of dedicated investigative work, the Suffolk County Grand Jury returned indictments on June 27, 2025, charging Marc Lamothe with murder in connection with the death of Joshua Smith. More local crime stories Read the original article on MassLive. Boston Mayor Wu staffer on leave months after felony assault arrest A staffer for Boston Mayor Michelle Wu remains on unpaid leave after she was arrested on a felony assault charge in connection with a domestic violence incident earlier this year. Daunasia Yancey, 33, of Jamaica Plain, was arrested on Friday, April 11, and charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, according to a criminal complaint obtained Wednesday by Boston 25. Officers responding to a report of domestic assault at 5 Mills Street in Roxbury around 1:40 p.m. on April 11 spoke with a woman who said she had been physically attacked during a dispute over a birth certificate in a locked safe, Boston Municipal Court documents indicated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The victim reportedly told officers that her ex-wifes new girlfriend, identified in the court documents as Yancey, assaulted her in an attempt to take the safe from her. Daunasia Yancey -- Credit: daunasiayancey.com During the altercation, Yancey allegedly grabbed the victim, threw her out of her bed, and slammed her into a wall. Before leaving the home, Yancey told the victim that she planned to take the locked safe to Home Depot to open it, according to the documents. As officers continued to speak with the victim of the alleged assault, Yancey returned to the scene and was taken into custody, police said. When Boston 25 asked the city about Yanceys arrest on Wednesday, a spokesperson for Wus office issued a brief statement that read, Daunasia Yancey is currently on unpaid leave. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The spokesperson said the city learned about Yanceys arrest through the employees own disclosure, and she was placed on leave on April 15. Once the City was able to obtain more specific information the employee was placed on unpaid leave on May 7, 2025, a city spokesperson said. Yanceys official profile on the citys website is no longer active, but her business website shows that she had been serving as deputy director in Wus Office of LGBTQ+ Advancement. Shes also the founder of the Black Lives Matter Boston chapter. News of Yanceys arrest had been kept quiet until now, and it comes after two other members of Wus administration were terminated in May over domestic violence charges. Yanceys criminal case has been continued to July 10. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW The post Boston politicians want to bring HBCU to the city appeared first on ClutchPoints. City council members are looking at ways to bring an HBCU to Boston for the first time. At a meeting last week, Vice President Brian Worrell of the Council urged for a hearing to be held on the creation of an HBCU satellite campus in Boston. An HBCU presence would provide role models for current Black students by showing them a tangible pathway to success, Worrell said. Boston led the way in educating Black students in the first half of the 19th century, with the opening of the Abiel Smith School, and we need to discover that trailblazing spirit once again. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite having over two dozen colleges and universities, Worrells hearing order states that Boston does not have an HBCU. According to Worrells office, the Building Bridges HBCU program is aiming to open a satellite HBCU campus in Boston and will provide an update on its progress this fall. There are more than 100 historically Black colleges and universities in the country, with the vast majority of them located in southern states as a response to Jim Crow laws, the council order states. The need for more culturally sensitive schools, such as HBCUs, has grown in the past decade based upon current rulings and the actions of the current federal administration. 40% of Black engineers, 40% of Black members of Congress, 50% of Black attorneys and physicians, and 70% of Black dentists are graduates of HBCUs, while making up just 3% of all universities in the nation, according to Worrell. Cory McCarthy, Chief of Student Support for Boston Public Schools, went on to say that the appetite for an HBCU has grown immensely within the last five years. An opportunity to bring an HBCU to Boston would further highlight the commitment and dedication of our city to create an educational ecosystem that values, elevates, and develops opportunities for Black students to be successful, McCarthy said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Worrells office, a hearing is anticipated to be held in the fall after the City Council forwarded the HBCU order to the Education Committee. Related: Shooting at HBCU-affiliated fraternity party leaves two dead Related: Love Island Recap: Olandria stood on business against Taylor Jul. 2For the first time, July is Cape Elizabeth Breaks the Silence of Domestic Abuse Month. All month, the town will be raising awareness and providing support for survivors of domestic violence in partnership with the Thomas Memorial Library and Finding Our Voices, a grassroots survivor-led organization serving the state of Maine. Throughout the month, lawn signs featuring photos of 25 Maine survivors will be posted around town with QR codes linking to resources. Public desks at all town offices will have signs and displays with resources for survivors. At public meetings, town staff will wear yellow ribbons to show their support because Finding Our Voices chose yellow, the color of sunshine, for domestic violence awareness. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rachel Davis, the director of the library and a survivor of childhood domestic abuse, requested the proclamation because she thinks it's important to bring the whole town on board to address domestic violence as a local issue. "In communities such as Cape Elizabeth professional, affluent, well-educated domestic violence thrives in silence," Davis said before the Town Council. "The stigma associated with coming forward or trying to seek change or find safety for victims of domestic violence is higher in a community such as ours." On July 15, the Thomas Memorial Library will host a panel of seven survivors aged 21 to 85 to discuss their experiences, focusing on how witnessing domestic violence impacts children. A representative from the Cape Elizabeth Police Department will speak at the end of the event, providing information about how to seek safety, and there will be opportunities for attendees to interact with panelists one-on-one. That afternoon, leading up to the event, the library will host a sign-making workshop and an outdoor rally to raise awareness. Patrisha McLean, the founder and CEO of Finding Our Voices, said that domestic violence is something that only people who've experienced it really understand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "These people don't let go of you," she said. "It plagues you." That's why it's important to hear directly from survivors, McLean said, the experts on the issue. They share tips, red flags and understandings, things that can help someone in the middle of a difficult situation. And survivor panelists can provide a glimmer of hope, answering the question: "what can you do now that you couldn't do when you were trapped?" "Women think that they'll be all alone," McLean said. "But there is a bright side on the other side." The library has been providing domestic violence resources in the form of a giveaway basket in the women's restroom with books about domestic violence. In six months, 17 books have been taken and replaced, with one of the most commonly grabbed titles being "When Dad Hurts Mom: Helping Your Children Heal the Wounds of Witnessing Abuse" by Lundy Bancroft. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The good news is we're helping people," Davis said. "The bad news is we need to help people." In 2024, Officer Tammy Schafran of the Cape Elizabeth Police Department compiled domestic violence call statistics and found that Cape Elizabeth averaged approximately two clear domestic violence calls per month, noting that it is very difficult to obtain a precise count of domestic violence calls due to factors like 911 hang ups and evolving situations. "For every call, there are probably many others who aren't seeking help," Davis said. "In a community like Cape Elizabeth where people know their neighbors and adults have identities that are bound up in their professional personas and where, to others, it might look like they have the perfect family, the prospect of acknowledging domestic abuse and seeking help seems almost impossible," she added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cape Elizabeth joins many other towns in acknowledging domestic violence locally, and Davis hopes that this can become an annual recognition. ------ HOW TO GET HELP IF YOU or someone you know has experienced domestic violence, you can call the statewide Domestic Abuse Helpline at 1-866-834-4357 to talk to someone who can help. You can learn more online here. IF YOU or someone you know has experienced sexual abuse, you can call the statewide Sexual Assault Crisis and Support Line at 1-800-871-7741 to talk to someone who can help. You can learn more online here. Copy the Story Link We believe it's important to offer commenting on certain stories as a benefit to our readers. At its best, our comments sections can be a productive platform for readers to engage with our journalism, offer thoughts on coverage and issues, and drive conversation in a respectful, solutions-based way. It's a form of open discourse that can be useful to our community, public officials, journalists and others. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We do not enable comments on everything exceptions include most crime stories, and coverage involving personal tragedy or sensitive issues that invite personal attacks instead of thoughtful discussion. You can read more here about our commenting policy and terms of use. More information is also found on our FAQs. Show less Editor's note: This is the second of a four part interview with MPS Superintendent Brenda Cassellius. The first focuses on goals and transparency, the third on school closures and the final on attendance and student deaths. The interview included Journal Sentinel Editorial Board members Greg Borowski, James Causey, Jim Fitzhenry and Erin Richards. Education reporter Rory Linnane also took part, though she is not a member of the editorial board. Brenda Cassellius has been at the helm of Milwaukee Public Schools for a little over 100 days and has already faced a number of major issues, such as the court-ordered return of police officers to schools, a lead crisis forcing the temporary closure of several schools, a controversial reorganization plan at the districts central offices and continued struggles meeting financial report filing deadlines. Cassellius, who came to Milwaukee after leading Boston public schools and serving as the Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Education, sat down with the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel editorial board June 11 for a wide-ranging interview. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This segment drills down into the issues with MPS financial reporting that led to her predecessor resigning in June 2024 after the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction announced the school system missed several key deadlines for reports. The DPI withheld some state funding for MPS and Gov. Tony Evers ordered a comprehensive audit of the system that led to a scathing report about deep structural and culture issues. The troubles didn't end. Earlier this year, the DPI granted MPS an extension on a report, but it again missed a deadline in May. Cassellius also discussed why MPS is facing a $100 million deficit next year despite the passage of a $252 million referendum in April 2024 that school leaders said would prevent large system wide cuts. She also talked about how she is balancing community input with the need to shift to a more centralized budget system to deliver resources more equitably across the district. Failure to address structural issues put MPS on deficit track Causey asked how it's possible for MPS to have a potential $100 million budget shortfall. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It is because we just haven't dealt with the structural inequity within the budget and the structural shortfall within the budget, and for many, many years, we've been accounting for our vacancies," Cassellius said. She pointed to an Journal Sentinel investigation by Linnane that tracked hundreds of vacant positions across the district, examining the impact of short staffing on effectiveness as well as finances, including this key finding: Expecting that around 11% of its staff positions will be unfilled at any time, MPS spends millions in salary money elsewhere each year about $70 million for this just completed school year. "So if I actually meet the goal of, you know, filling all of these vacancies within our classrooms and we don't have any vacancies in the fall, we'll probably be somewhere $30 million short," Cassellius said. "And so right now we're accounting for about $76 million in the budget to be short for vacancies. And that's just how we've always done it." Causey asked what it will take to balance the budget and if that includes closing schools or going back to the public for additional local property tax dollars. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's a multi-tiered approach. So it's going to be closing schools for sure. And that's probably a matter of some of these schools should probably close anyway," she said. "And then it's also merging schools. And where we can merge schools will be really important because we want to get better opportunity. If we were to merge some of our schools that are really underutilized and super small, we probably would not have a vacancy problem because these teachers then could move and we could maximize class sizes and make sure of that." Cassellius noted that MPS has shrunk from a district of 109,000 students to 65,000. "So we just have to right size the district. That's not a popular thing for a new superintendent to be coming in and talking about, but I really do believe I've been placed here," she said. "I have a strong spiritual foundation. I think I was placed here to kind of bring the community along and have these hard conversations with the community and make hard choices and still deliver an excellent program for our students." Why does MPS keep missing deadlines for financial reports? Causey noted that MPS missed a May 16 to file a financial report with the state and asked Cassellius to explain what goes into the process so citizens understand it better. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cassellius said about six yeas ago, the state moved to a different technology system but MPS stayed on its existing program. To bridge the differences, some data is manually entered to allow codes for revenues and expenditures to properly match. Opinion: Statistics don't support UW-Milwaukee shuttering materials engineering program MPS staff and contractors hired by the district are currently working with DPI to provide audit data for 2024 and 2025 while preparing to switch to a new platform that will integrate better with the state. "We have three streams of work. We have the one to finish the 2024 audit in the next two weeks. The second one, fiscal year 2005 audit, that has to get done with a surge team and an outside vendor who's going to be working with us directly," she said. "Then the third stream of work is going to building the new system that will put all the fiscal year 2026 data in that will speak seamlessly to the state, so that now we don't ever have this problem again. It feels really like a relief to have this plan in place, I must say." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement READ PART 1: New MPS leader talks priorities and transparency amid numerous school challenges. Parts 3 and 4 will post on July 3. 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. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: School closures and mergers needed to help stem MPS deficit | Opinion SAMPSON COUNTY, N.C. (WNCT) A section of Boykin Bridge Road near Clinton is set to close next week. The North Carolina Department of Transportation will close the part of the road that goes over Great Coharie Creek in order to begin replacing the bridge. The project will begin on July 7 and is anticipated to be completed by this winter. A detour from Bass Lake Road, NC 24, Airport Road, West Main Street Beulah Road will be available. Drivers are asked to stay alert when travelling near the work zone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Why change it if it aint broke? we often complain. Our banknotes are beginning to fall into an even more undesirable category. Why change it if it is on the way to extinction? I dont applaud the steep decline in the use of cash, but I realise that I have never seen a current Charles III banknote and the sole kingly coin I have received in change came into my hands three weeks ago in Gibraltar: a 5p piece gloriously inscribed Charles III King of Gibraltar, interestingly once one of the dozens of royal titles of the kings of Spain. Now, we are told, it is time to replace the tired old images of Sir Winston Churchill, Jane Austen, JMW Turner and Alan Turing with others that connect with the life of the country. But which country? These are Bank of England notes, and banks in Scotland and Northern Ireland will continue to issue their own notes, sometimes commemorating their own national figures such as Robert the Bruce. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The decision to include Adam Smith, a Scot, on Bank of England notes raised some eyebrows on both sides of the border. Then there was the question of placing women on the notes. Jane Austen was a good choice by any standards, but in those days there was a woman on every banknote anyway the late Queen. And even Jane Austen has been targeted for consuming sugar produced on slave plantations in her tea. We are invited to write in with our suggestions about people, places and topics. We can only nominate dead people. This will not make it easy to identify suitable people from earlier times who reflect todays equality, diversity and inclusion agenda. But we can still be sure that the final shortlist will be expected to reflect the diversity of modern Britain. Presumably positive discrimination is not illegal when the people under discussion are dead. So we can expect very minor figures such as the black trumpeter of the Tudor monarchs to be nominated, but somehow not Benjamin Disraeli, even though he broke through a particular glass ceiling. Many more historical figures will be ruled out for their alleged links to slavery, however tenuous. There will be no Francis Drake, William Gladstone, or John Locke. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Or, it is suggested, battle scenes might be appropriate. Trafalgar and Waterloo come to mind and are just as quickly dismissed as embarrassing for our French friends. Colonial wars are beyond consideration. Edward I hammering the Scots and Edward II being defeated by them are just as bad as scenes from the mainly English conflicts of the Wars of the Roses or the English Civil War. Truly this is a dead end. Great buildings perhaps? But a display of English cathedrals would nowadays have to provide space for the growing Catholic community, and then maybe a synagogue and a mosque and a Hindu temple. Hadrians Wall might offend descendants of the Picts and the Scots. Or one could revert to nature, like the Kings British coins, but all that will be out of date once animals and plants from warmer climes colonise our islands. Go modern, you might say, with daring colours and abstract patterns. That reminds me of my wifes attempt to change a new and very abstract Dutch 50 guilder note at the Cairo Hilton some years ago. When he saw it the cashier burst out laughing and said it wasnt real money. None of that is either credible or necessary. The Bank of England carefully limits the printing of new notes to keep down costs and reduce the environmental impact of plastic money. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bank notes do not as yet have special commemorative issues, but stamps have long done so and coins increasingly do so. The increase in production of these collectors items is in inverse proportion to the scale of the use of both stamps and coins. Banknotes, for good reason, cannot be changed at a flick of the hand. They are symbols of the safety, stability and security of the monetary system and not propaganda statements about a particular view of British society. David Abulafia is emeritus professor of Mediterranean history at the University of Cambridge 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. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) Bronze plaques and a copper plumbing device worth a total of about $11,000 were stolen from the Arizona Veterans Memorial in Bullhead City. The theft a felony, police said was discovered Monday by an employee at Veterans Memorial Park, located at 2170 Dustin Burnett Way in Bullhead City, according to a Facebook post by the police department. Comments on the post expressed outrage, with speculation that thieves would only get about $40 selling the material at a scrapyard. Police asked for the publics help in finding the person(s) responsible for the theft. The items stolen were described as four bronze plaques bearing the names of honorees, a bronze plaque that honored Vietnam Veterans, and a four-legged soldier bronze name plaque, along with a copper backflow preventer near the memorial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bullhead City is about 100 miles south of Las Vegas, on the Arizona side of the Colorado River. The park is in the southwest area of the city, along the river. The investigation into the theft is continuing. If you have information, contact Bullhead City police at (928) 763-1999. Mohave Silent Witness is offering a reward up to $1,000 for information leading to arrest. Mohave Silent Witness can be contacted at (928) 753-1234. Callers to the Bullhead City Police Department or Mohave Silent Witness can remain anonymous. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. Originally appeared on E! Online Bryan Kohberger has confessed to the 2022 murders of University of Idaho students Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin. In a July 2 hearing where the 30-year-old pleaded guilty to four counts of murder and one count of burglary in accordance to a plea deal he struck with prosecutors, Kohberger confirmed while under oath that all four killings were premeditated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When District Court Judge Steven Hippler questioned Kohberger if he killed each victim "willingly, unlawfully, deliberately and with premeditation and malice with forethought," he replied with a firm, "Yes." Hippler went on to note that Kohberger's reply was an "explicit admission to committing these crimes," giving the court "factual basis" to accept his guilty plea into record. In taking the plea deal, Kohberger has waived his right to appeal or ask for a more lenient prison sentence, according to Hippler. Kohberger's plea deal also stipulated that he would be sentenced to 10 years for the burglary charge and a fixed life sentence on the four counts of murder, though Hippler noted during the hearing that, as judge, he is not bound to the agreement. More from E! Online Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Washington State University graduate student was arrested on Dec. 30, 2022, one month after Goncalves, Mogen, Kernodle and Chapin were found fatally stabbed at a rental home in Moscow, Idaho. Authorities said they linked Kohberger to the murders through cell phone data collected around the time of the killings and DNA found on a knife sheath discovered at the crime scene. Zach Wilkinson-Pool/Getty Images During the July 2 hearing, prosecutors said Kohberger may not have "intended to commit all of the murders that he did that night, but we know that is what resulted." "He then killed intentionally, willfully, deliberately with premeditation and malice with forethought: Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Ethan Chapin and Xana Kernodle." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kohberger's sentencing has been scheduled for July 23. For more about the case against Kohberger, read on. Who Were Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Ethan Chapin and Xana Kernodle? Kaylee Goncalves, 21, Madison Mogen, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and her boyfriend Ethan Chapin, 20, were University of Idaho students who lived in an off-campus apartment. On Nov. 12, 2022the night before their bodies were foundGoncalves and Mogen were at a nearby sports bar, while Kernodle and Chapin were at the latters fraternity party. By 2 a.m. on Nov. 13, the four roommates and Chapin were back at the three-story rental house. Goncalves was a senior majoring in general studies at the College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences. She was expected to graduate in December before heading to Austin, Texas, for a job at a marketing firm, her friend Jordyn Quesnell told The New York Times. Mogen, who was studying marketing, was best friends with Goncalves since the sixth grade. She had plans to move to Boise after graduation, family friend Jessie Frost shared with The Idaho Statesman. Kernodle was a junior majoring in marketing, the University said at the time. She and Chapinwho majored in recreation, sport and tourism managementhad been dating since the spring, the roommates neighbor Ellie McKnight told NBC News. Were There Any Survivors? Two roommates, Dylan Mortensen and Bethany Funke, had been home at the time of the murders. In text messages that were unsealed March 6, 2025, Mortensen and Funke tried contacting their roommates on Nov. 13 after the former saw a masked man moving through the house, according to documents obtained by E! News. "No one is answering," Mortensen texted Funke at 4:22 a.m. "I'm rlly confused rn." She continued to reach out to their roommates, urging them to respond. "Pls answer," she texted Goncalves at 4:32 a.m. and again at 10:23 a.m. "R u up??" At 11:58 a.m., a 911 call was placed after Kernodle was found unresponsive, per an additional motion obtained by E! News. A woman named A1 in the transcript described the current situation to the operator. "One of the roommates who's passed out and she was drunk last night and she's not waking up," she said on the phone. "They saw some man in their house last night." Who Is Bryan Kohberger and How Was He Found? Bryan Kohberger, who was charged with four counts of first-degree murder and one count of burglary, was a doctoral candidate at Washington State University. Over one month after the bodies of Gonclaves, Mogen, Kernodle and Chapin were discovered, Kohberger was taken into custody Dec. 30 in Monroe County, Penn. He was extradited to Idaho Jan. 4, 2023. As for how authorities connected him to the killings? DNA was found on a knife sheath that was left at the crime scene, prosecutors revealed in June 2023 court documents, per NBC News. When the DNA didn't match anyone in the FBI database, authorities ran the DNA through public ancestry websites to create a list of potential suspects, according to the filings. After learning that Kohberger had driven to his parents' home in Monroe County, local officials then went through their trash and found DNA that tied him to that found on the sheath. What Was Kohbergers Initial Defense? At the moment, a motive for the attack has not been detailed and a gag order prevents many involved in the case from speaking publicly, NBC News reported. However, the unsealed documents provided some insight into their initial arguments. Kohberger's attorneys argued in a motion obtained by E! News to strike the death penalty that Kohbergerwho initially faced death penalty if found guilty on all countshas autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and that executing him would violate the Eighth Amendment's prohibition on "cruel and unusual punishment." His defense argued that Kohbereger "displays extremely rigid thinking, perseverates on specific topics, processes information on a piecemeal basis, struggles to plan ahead, and demonstrates little insight into his own behaviors and emotions." "Due to his ASD, Mr. Kohberger simply cannot comport himself in a manner that aligns with societal expectations of normalcy," the motion said. "This creates an unconscionable risk that he will be executed because of his disability rather than his culpability." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Where Was the Trial Set? Initially, Kohberger had a judge enter a not-guilty plea to the first-degree murder charges on his behalf after remaining silent at his May 2023 arraignment. Although his trial was set to begin Oct. 2, 2023, Kohberger waived his right to a speedy trial in August 2023. His trial datewhich was scheduled to take place in Ada County, more than 300 miles from Latah County, where the killings took placewas set to begin Aug. 11, 2025. Latah County Judge John Judge previously ruled in favor of the transfer request made by Kohberger's defense in September 2024 based on "presumed prejudice" if the trial remained in Latah County. Ada County Judge Steven Hippler denied the defense's request to suppress key DNA and other evidence, including cell phone and email records, surveillance footage, past Amazon purchases and DNA evidence in the trial. What Was the Verdict in the Trial? Kohberger's murder trial was abruptly canceled after he took a plea deal from prosecutors on June 30, 2025. In accepting the deal, Kohberger agreed to plead guilty to four counts of murder and one count of burglary, as well as waive his rights to appeal and ask for a more lenient prison sentence. He entered his guilty plea on July 2, 2025, confirming with a "yes" after the judge asked if he killed all four victims "willingly, unlawfully, deliberately and with premeditation and malice with forethought." Did Kohberger Take a Selfie After the Murders? A selfie Kohberger took the morning after the murders took place was introduced in March 2025. The photograph, which sees him in front of a shower showing a thumbs up, displays how he may fit the description a witness identified as "D.M." gave in filings, who said the perpetrator had "bushy eyebrows." Steve Gonclaves, the father of victim Kaylee, later reacted to the image calling it a "trophy" in an interview with Fox and Friends. "I know the timeline, I know that he had just returned to the crime scene and he had come back," Gonclaves said. "He had realized that nobody had called 911." As he put it, "To him, thats his little trophy to let him know like, Hey, I got away with it, nobodys on me. What Did Kohberger Google Before the Murders? In a 2025 Dateline documentary about the murders, a former classmate of Kohbergers detailed a peculiar text she received from him after making his acquaintance at a party. I definitely felt a little obligated to chat with him, because to me, he seemed a little awkward, the studentidentified as Hollyexplained. Kind of like you might expect for a PhD student who didn't know anyone at the party and was maybe trying his best to kind of get out there and be social and make friends. The following day, Holly said she received a text from him, which she described as overly formal. Hey, I am pretty sure we spoke about hiking trips yesterday, Bryans text from July 10, 2022 at 1:19 p.m., read, per Dateline. I really enjoy that activity, so please let me know. Thanks! Elsewhere in the Dateline documentary, Kohbergers browsing history was found to have included searches for Ted Bundy, Britney Spears song Criminal, and the term University of Idaho Murders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App Heres what youll learn when you read this article: Bryan Kohberger confessed to killing four University of Idaho students in November 2022. An Idaho prosecutor shared new details about the evidence against the former criminology student during Kohbergers plea hearing. Kohberger will be sentenced in late July, but one punishment wont be considered. Bryan Kohberger has now been convicted in the University of Idaho student murders. The one-time criminology Ph.D. student appeared in court Wednesday and pleaded guilty to killing Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin in November 2022. He also admitted to one count of felony burglary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The case ignited intense interest from the start, but in the years since, authorities and Kohberger have shared little about that night partially as a result of a judge-imposed gag order. His motive for the fatal stabbings remains unknown, but Wednesdays hearing did shed light on a few more details of the case. Providing an overview of the states evidence, Latah County prosecutor Bill Thompson shared that Kohberger, now 30, had owned the apparent murder weapon for about eight months before the killings. In March 2022, he purchased a Ka-Bar knife and sheath from Amazon while living in Pennsylvania. That sheath was later found at the Moscow, Idaho, home where Kohberger killed Goncalves, Mogen, Kernodle, and Chapin. DNA on the sheath matched Kohbergers. An even bigger revelation followed when Thompson said the knife remains missing. Authorities didnt recover it while searching Kohbergers apartment in nearby Pullman, Washington, where he had moved in late June 2022, nor at his office. Spartan would be a kind characterization, Thompson said in describing the places. There was virtually nothing there. Nothing of evidentiary value was found. That search occurred several weeks after the murders. The knife also wasnt in Kohbergers white Hyundai Elantra, which had been spotted on surveillance cameras near the crime scene on the morning of the murders. By the time authorities examined the car, it had been meticulously cleaned inside, Thompson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was actually pretty much disassembled internally, the prosecutor said. There was a bucket of cleaner right beside it. I think we can all look to our own cars, you know in those compartments in the doors you can try to keep em clean where you put stuff, theres always some degree of crud in therethey were spotless. Kohbergers trial in the death penalty case was set to begin next month. Then, suddenly, he changed course at the end of June and agreed to a plea deal. In exchange for admitting to the crimes, he will be spared the death penalty and is likely to spend the rest of his life in prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled to begin on July 23 at 9 a.m. local time. During Wednesdays court appearance, Kohberger was seemingly calm as he answered the judges yes-or-no questions and entered his plea. Time will tell if he decides to open up about why he committed the gruesome acts and what he did with the murder weapon. You Might Also Like BOISE, Idaho (AP) A criminal justice student who avoided a potential death sentence by pleading guilty Wednesday to the brutal stabbing deaths of four University of Idaho students carefully planned the attack for months and took multiple steps to cover his tracks, the lead prosecutor said. Bryan Kohberger, who was a graduate student at nearby Washington State University, pleaded guilty to murder in the killings that terrified the Idaho campus and set off a nationwide search, which ended weeks later when he was arrested in Pennsylvania. Kohberger remained impassive as he admitted to breaking into a rental home through a kitchen sliding door and killing the four friends who appeared to have no connection with him. Prosecutors did not reveal a motive behind the slayings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The killings initially baffled law enforcement and unnerved the rural college town of Moscow, which hadnt seen a murder in five years until Kaylee Goncalves, Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle and Madison Mogen were found dead near campus on Nov. 13, 2022. Autopsies showed each was stabbed multiple times. In the two years since Kohbergers arrest, his attorneys unsuccessfully attempted to bar prosecutors from seeking the death penalty and challenged DNA evidence, leaving a plea deal their final alternative to spare his life before the start of a trial in August. At least one of the families opposed the plea deal that calls for Kohberger to serve four life sentences and removes his ability to appeal. But others supported the agreement, saying they were ready to begin healing. Emotional scene in Boise courtroom Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Family members became increasingly emotional as Idaho Fourth Judicial District Judge Steven Hippler explained each charge to Kohberger, naming each victim individually. Some cried into tissues, while other wiped tears away with their hands. As Kohberger pleaded guilty, some in the family section looked down and others craned to see him. The judge set the official sentencing for July 23. Hippler said as the hearing began that he would not take into account public opinion when deciding whether to accept the agreement. This court cannot require the prosecutor to seek the death penalty, nor would it be appropriate for this court to do that, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The families left the courthouse without directly speaking to media gathered outside. One of the Idaho victims was awake The plea hearing provided a few new details about the killings but key questions remained, including why Kohberger spared two other roommates. After breaking into the home, he climbed to the third floor where he first killed Mogen and Goncalves together, Latah County Prosecuting Attorney Bill Thompson said Wednesday. He then ran into Kernodle, who was still awake after getting a Door Dash order, and stabbed her and her boyfriend, Chapin, who was still asleep, Thompson said. There were no signs of sexual assault, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police have said they used genetic genealogy to identify Kohberger as a possible suspect and accessed cellphone data to pinpoint his movements the night of the killings. At the time, Kohberger had just completed his first semester at Washington State and was a teaching assistant in the criminology program. Kohberger was arrested in Pennsylvania, where his parents lived, weeks later. Thompson said investigators recovered a Q-tip from the garbage at his parents house to match Kohbergers DNA to genetic material from a knife sheath found at the crime scene. Murder weapon still not found Online shopping records showed that Kohberger had purchased a military-style knife months earlier as well as a sheath like the one found at the scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The county prosecutor said the murder weapon has not been found and revealed new details about how Kohberger tried to cover up the killings. He bought another knife sheath to replace the one left at the home and scrubbed his apartment and office, Thompson said. His car had been pretty much disassembled and he changed its registration, Thompson said. The defendant has studied crime, Thompson said. In fact, he did a detailed paper on crime scene processing when he was working on his Ph.D., and he had that knowledge skill set. Motive remains unclear There was no indication he had a relationship with any of the victims, who all were friends and members of the universitys Greek system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities have said cellphone data and surveillance video show that Kohberger visited the victims neighborhood at least a dozen times before the killings, and that he traveled in the same area that night. Kohbergers lawyers had said he was simply on a long drive by himself around the time the four were killed. Families split on plea deal Although the Goncalves family opposed the agreement and sought to stop it, they also argued that any deal should have required Kohberger to make a full confession, detail the facts of what happened and provide the location of the murder weapon. "We deserve to know when the beginning of the end was, they wrote in a Facebook post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kaylee Goncalves father, Steve Goncalves, left the courthouse before Kohberger entered the courtroom. Im just getting out of this zoo, he told reporters. The family of Chapin one of three triplets who attended the university together supports the deal, their spokesperson, Christina Teves, said this week. Attorney Leander James read a statement from Mogens mother and stepfather after the guilty pleas that said they supported the agreement. While we know there are some who do not support it, we ask that they respect our belief that this is the best outcome for the victims, their families and the state of Idaho, the family said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We now embark on a new path, they said. We embark on a path of hope and healing. ___ Johnson reported from Seattle. Associated Press reporters Nicholas Ingram and Rebecca Boone in Boise; Safiyah Riddle in Montgomery, Alabama; John Seewer in Toledo, Ohio; and Jennifer Kelleher in Honolulu contributed to this report. Idaho murders suspect Bryan Kohberger is expected to plead guilty Wednesday when he returns to court after accepting a deal earlier this week in a move that has been slammed by some of the victims' family members. Kohberger, 30, is accused of killing University of Idaho students Madison Mogen, 21, Kaylee Goncalves, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and Ethan Chapin, 20, in a 4 a.m. home invasion attack Nov. 13, 2022. He may not have to explain the crime as part of the plea agreement, a source familiar with the matter told Fox News Digital Tuesday. He is scheduled to appear at the Ada County Courthouse in Boise at 11 a.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chapin's family arrived at the courthouse Wednesday with Hunter Johnson and Emily Alandt and her parents. Johnson and Alandt were best friends with Chapin and Kernodle. Johnson prompted the 911 call after walking into the students' home after the murders. The family of Ethan Chapin, including mother Stacy Chapin and father Jim Chapin, arrive at Ada County Courthouse for Bryan Kohberger's plea deal hearing on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, in Boise, Idaho. The family of Ethan Chapin are escorted to the Ada County Courthouse for the Bryan Kohberger plea deal on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, in Boise, Idaho. "By taking a plea deal, Bryan Kohberger has insulated himself from a sentence that would require his execution," Idaho defense lawyer Edwina Elcox, who has had cases in front of Ada County District Judge Steven Hippler, told Fox News Digital. "Only a jury can sentence him to death. Regardless, he will likely spend the rest of his life in prison, without the possibility of ever being in society again." Idaho Murders Timeline: Bryan Kohberger Plea Caps Yearslong Quest For Justice Read On The Fox News App Bryan Kohberger enters a courtroom for his arraignment in Latah County District Court, May 22, 2023, in Moscow, Idaho. Kohberger is accused of killing four University of Idaho students in November 2022. Two sources confirmed Kohberger's intent to accept a plea deal to Fox News Digital Monday, just weeks before jury selection was slated to begin for his trial in August. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hippler will now decide at Wednesday's hearing whether to accept or deny Kohberher's plea. WATCH: Ethan Chapin's family arrives at Bryan Kohberger's plea deal hearing "Hopefully, this will bring the families some peace, if that is even possible after such a horrifying crime," Elcox said. "They will not have to go through the stress of a trial and the virtually guaranteed appeal process, in the event Kohberger was convicted at trial. The judge will take his guilty plea and then set a hearing for Kohberger to be sentenced. He can absolutely expect to spend the rest of his life behind bars." Bryan Kohberger Accepts Plea Deal In Idaho Student Murders Case Madison Mogen, top left, smiles on the shoulders of her best friend, Kaylee Goncalves, as they pose with Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle and two other housemates in Goncalves' final Instagram post, shared the day before the four students were stabbed to death. The Idaho defense lawyer further described the decision as "a good deal" for Kohberger, who could have faced execution by firing squad in Idaho if convicted of the four murders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "[I]f death is off the table, this is a good deal. From all the information that came out, it was becoming an insurmountable task to mount a defense. I would expect that Judge Hippler will make him allocute to the crimes though," Elcox said before more details of Kohberger's deal emerged. Bryan Kohberger Could Escape Death Penalty Because Of Leaked Evidence Aired During Tv Episode: Fmr Prosecutor Former NYPD inspector and Fox News contributor Paul Mauro said he was shocked by Kohberger's decision to accept a plea deal. Family Of Victim In Bryan Kohberger Case Say They Were Sent Into 'Panic Mode' After Plea Deal Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "At this stage, we're going right into jury selection. We're a couple of weeks out from the beginning of this thing. You've had a change of venue. The defense has lost every motion. The prosecution could not have looked more like they were in the driver's seat on this thing. And, all of a sudden, you get a deal that looks like the prosecution almost dealt from weakness," Mauro said. Mauro noted that the Idaho Victims Rights Act requires prosecutors to confer with victims' families prior to this type of decision, but the Goncalves family said in statements Monday they received an email with a letter attached about the plea deal, rather than a phone call. A split photo showing the crime scene and the victims, University of Idaho students Ethan Chapin, 20, Xana Kernodle, 20, Madison Mogen, 21, and Kaylee Goncalves, 21. "It's almost like snatching a defeat from the jaws of victory," Mauro said. Judge Rules Death Penalty To Remain As Possible Punishment Amid Bryan Kohberger Autism Diagnosis Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shanon Gray, an attorney for the Goncalves family, said in a statement the "death penalty is merely an illusion in the criminal justice system." The house where four college students were brutally stabbed to death is boarded up and surrounded by security fencing Feb. 23, 2023, in Moscow, Idaho. "When available, it serves as a bargaining tool for the state, and when rarely applied, its never enforced due to a highly inefficient appellate process," Gray said. "The notion that someone can plead guilty to a crime and still face years of appellate delays reveals a systemic failure. Bryan Kohberger Case: Surviving Roommate Saw Xana Kernodle On Floor After Encounter With Masked Intruder "We werent even called about the plea; we received an email with a letter attached," the statement continued. "Thats how Latah Countys Prosecutors Office treats murder victims families. Adding insult to injury, theyre rushing the plea, giving families just one day to coordinate and appear at the courthouse for a plea on July 2." The house where four college students were brutally stabbed to death is boarded up and surrounded by security fencing Feb. 23, 2023, in Moscow, Idaho. Steve Goncalves told NewsNation Monday the plea deal decision is "anything but justice." He further commended law enforcement for their work in investigating the case, noting that "the failure was at the court level." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The fault is in leadership and the people that you place this evidence upon. They were weak," Goncalves said. Goncalves added that he met with prosecutors regularly, but no one called him about Kohberger's decision to accept a plea deal. Gray told NewsNation he expected Hippler to accept Kohberger's plea Wednesday and move on to his sentencing in the next "few weeks," when victims will be able to give victim impact statements in court. Ethan Chapin was a triplet. His two siblings recalled the moment they found out from a friend what had happened to the 20-year-old and his girlfriend, Kernodle, in their home off the University of Idaho campus Nov. 13, 2022, in an interview with ABC's "Good Morning America" recorded before news of the plea deal emerged. The Chapin family. Ethan was one of four University of Idaho students murdered in November 2022. "I was like, 'Where's Ethan and Xana?'" Hunter Chapin, Ethan's brother, said of that morning, when he walked to the house where Ethan was staying after hearing there were police outside. "And [a friend was] like, 'They're not here anymore.' It's like, 'What do you mean they're not here anymore?' He's like, 'I think they were murdered last night.'" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stacy Chapin, Ethan's mother, told GMA she was in a grocery store when she received a call from Hunter, who repeatedly said, "He's not here anymore," to which he responded, "'Well, go get him. Go find him.' Ethan Chapin's parents decided to visit their two surviving children at the University of Idaho every other weekend since Ethan's Nov. 13 murder. "And he just kept saying it," Stacy Chapin said. "And he goes, 'No, Mom. You don't understand. Ethan and Xana,' I think he said, 'are not on this earth anymore.'" She said that within hours of receiving the news about Ethan, she made a commitment to keep her family intact. "The first thing that I told these kids was, 'I do not know what in the hell has just happened to our family right now, but this isn't gonna sink us. We will carry on,'" Stacy Chapin told GMA. "It will look different, it's gonna feel different. But we will do it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "These two deserve a lifetime of happiness. I mean, they have seen the very bottom," she told GMA. "I'd do anything for them." Original article source: Bryan Kohberger expected to officially plead guilty: whats next Bryan Kohberger, the former criminal justice doctoral student charged in the murders of four University of Idaho students in 2022, admitted to the crimes in court Wednesday before formally entering a guilty plea in a deal that spares him from the death penalty. As part of the plea deal, Kohberger pleaded guilty to four counts of first-degree murder in the stabbings of Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen and Kaylee Goncalves, who were killed at a home in Moscow, Idaho, during the early morning hours of Nov. 13, 2022. He was also charged with one count of burglary. Kohberger was arrested at his parents' home in Pennsylvania six weeks later. The hearing began just before 11:15 a.m. local time. Judge Steven Hippler asked that those in the courtroom avoid "outbursts or demonstrations" during the hearing. Hippler apologized for the short notice for the hearing, and said he did not know about a plea agreement before Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kohberger faces up to four consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole, one for each murder charge, and a 10-year sentence for the burglary charge. Hippler said that the court is not bound by the plea agreement as far as sentencing, and could impose a different sentence, but Kohberger is unable to ask the court to do so. He would also waive his right to appeal, Hippler said. The plea deal would spare him the death penalty, which prosecutors had sought. Kohberger told Hippler he agreed with the plea agreement and understood the nature of the charges against him. He said he had not been coerced into taking the plea agreement. "Are you pleading guilty because you are guilty?" Hippler asked. "Yes," Kohberger said. Brian Kohberger, charged in the murders of four University of Idaho students, appears at the Ada County Courthouse, Wednesday, July 2, 2025, in Boise, Idaho. / Credit: Kyle Green / AP Hippler then asked Kohberger if he had murdered Mogen, Goncalves, Kernodle and Chapin. Kohberger said "Yes" to each question. Family members of the victims could be seen crying in the courtroom as Hippler read the charges against Kohberger. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The plea deal was first revealed in a letter sent to the victims' families by the Latah County Prosecutor's Office. Mogen's father, Ben Mogen, shared portions of the letter with "CBS Mornings," in which the prosecutor's office said that attorneys for Kohberger, 30, requested the deal and Kohberger accepted it. Prosecutors then outlined the evidence they would have brought against Kohberger if the case had gone to trial. Their evidence would have included DNA evidence that linked him to a knife sheath found at the crime scene. Kohberger had bought the same type of a knife with the same type of sheath on Amazon, prosecutors said. The DNA came from a single male source, prosecutors said, and was later matched to Kohberger. The weapon itself has not been recovered, prosecutors said. They also planned to present surveillance video of Kohberger's car and cellphone data that they said showed him in the vicinity of the killings. Finally, Hippler asked Kohberger how he pled to each charge. To each count, Kohberger pleaded guilty. Kohberger's sentencing was set for July 23. The sentencing is expected to take one day, and victim impact statements will be read then. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kohberger's trial was expected to begin in August, following several delays. Kohberger's defense team had a motion to remove the death penalty as a possible sentence if he was convicted denied in November 2024. The case was meant to be tried in Latah County, but was moved to Boise out of concerns that media coverage and statements from local officials would make it impossible for Kohberger to receive a fair trial. Most recently, Ada County Judge Steven Hippler denied a motion by Kohberger's lawyers, who were seeking to argue that four "alternate perpetrators" could have committed the slayings. The judge called the argument "rank speculation" and said nothing linked the parties to the murders. Martin Souto Diaz, an attorney for the Kohberger family, said in a statement provided to CBS News Tuesday evening on behalf of the family that, "In light of recent developments, the Kohbergers are asking members of the media for privacy, respect, and responsible judgment during this time. We will continue to allow the legal process to unfold with respect to all parties, and will not release any comments or take any questions." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Legal experts weigh in on Kohberger plea deal Gretchen Engel, the executive director of the Center for Death Penalty Litigation who has spent 33 years representing death row prisoners, said that in her experience it's "pretty common for a plea deal to come together at the last minute." However, she said she is "a bit mystified" prosecutors in this case agreed to a deal just a month before trial. One reason could be that there's a weakness in the case, she said. CBS News legal contributor Caroline Polisi said the state of Idaho will benefit from the plea deal, especially since Kohberger will not be able to appeal. That may also offer relief to the families, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "They're getting a conviction right away, they're getting the absolute guarantee of life behind bars without the possibility of parole," Polisi said on "CBS Mornings" Tuesday. "It costs way more money to have a capital case to impose the death penalty than it does to have somebody serve life behind bars, and so, part of the rationale that the state of Idaho or prosecutors said was we're saving these families decades potentially of the anguish of going through this appeals process. This would not be a quick process." The plea deal also allows the state to save "judicial resources," Polisi said, and avoids the uncertainty of a trial and sentencing. "This is a slam-dunk case by all accounts the DNA evidence on the knife sheath in particular, I mean, there's so much evidence here," she said. "But trials, there's always a wildcard, right? There's always a chance that there wouldn't be a conviction, and then the death penalty isn't necessarily a sure thing either." However, the lack of a trial means that some questions may remain unanswered, Polisi said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We may never know the motive or the exact way that this crime took place, which I think is frustrating for the families as well," she said. Families of victims react The families of the victims have been split on the plea deal. The Goncalves family said in a statement shared on Facebook that they are "beyond furious at the State of Idaho," and said officials had "failed" them. "This was very unexpected," the family wrote. In another statement, they asked that the plea deal "require a full confession, full accountability, location of the murder weapon, confirmation the defendant acted alone, & the true facts of what happened that night." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ben Mogen said he was relieved to get the letter, and said the plea deal will spare him and his family from more time in court. "We can actually put this behind us and not have these future dates and future things that we don't want to have to be at, that we shouldn't have to be at, that have to do with this terrible person," he told "CBS Mornings." "We get to just think about the rest of our lives and have to try and figure out how to do it without Maddie and without the rest of the kids." Seven still missing after fireworks warehouse explosion in California Piece of plane found in North Carolina driveway may belong to Delta flight Puget Sound orca pod threatened by salmon decline NEED TO KNOW Prosecutors believe that Bryan Kohberger, 30, broke into his victims' home through a sliding glass door on the second floor He then murdered victims Madison Mogen and Kaylee Goncalves on the third floor, prosecutors believe, before heading back down and killing Xana Kernodle and her boyfriend Ethan Chapin It was inside the home that Kohberger left behind a knife sheath which had enough DNA for investigators to identify Kohberger as a suspect in the case Bryan Kohberger murdered four University of Idaho students after breaking into their home through a sliding glass door. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That is one of the details that Latah County Prosecutor Bill Thompson shared in court on Wednesday after Kohberger confessed to the murders of Kaylee Goncalves, 21; Madison Mogen, 21; Xana Kernodle, 20; and Ethan Chapin, 20. Thompson said that he believes Kohberger broke into his victims' off-campus residence in the college town of Moscow on Nov. 13, 2022, through a sliding glass door on the second floor. That would have put Kohberger in the kitchen, and from there, Thompson said, he believes Kohberger walked past the bedroom of one of the surviving roommates and then upstairs to the third floor where he murdered his first two victims, Mogen and Goncalves. This means that Kohberger would have then gone back downstairs to the second floor where he murdered the other two victims in Kernodle's room. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kohberger then exited the home through the same sliding door, and on the way out walked past one of the surviving roommates, who opened her bedroom door after hearing strange noises. Idaho Fourth District Court Bryan Kohberger Bryan Kohberger Thompson said that the case relied heavily on the one piece of evidence left behind by Kohberger a KA-BAR knife sheath. Thompson said that he had evidence of Kohberger purchasing a knife like the one used in the brutal murders, and more importantly had been able to use genetic genealogy sites to identify the father of the man whose single-source DNA was found on the snap of the sheath. That man was Michael Kohberger, Bryan's father. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thompson said that what prosecutors still did not have, however, was any evidence that Kohberger had direct contact with the victims or had been inside the home prior to the murders, though there was plenty of cell phone data which placed Kohberger in the area. Kohberger and his attorney Anne Taylor agreed to a deal with prosecutors on Monday which required the 30-year-old former criminology doctoral student to plead guilty to four counts of murder and one of burglary to avoid being sentenced to death. He is instead expected to be sentenced to four life terms and an additional 10 years on the burglary charge all to run consecutively when the judge hands down his order on July 23. Read the original article on People The Brief Bryan Kohberger has agreed to plead guilty to murdering four University of Idaho students. Kohbergers deal will give him a chance to avoid the death penalty. Family members of the victims said they were "beyond furious" over the deal. Bryan Kohberger has agreed to plead guilty to murdering four University of Idaho students as part of a deal with prosecutors to avoid getting the death penalty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Family members of the victims expressed their anger over the deal, saying the state justice system had failed them. "We are beyond furious at the State of Idaho," Kaylee Goncalves(one of four victims) family wrote in a Facebook post. "They have failed us. Please give us some time. This was very unexpected." Kohberger takes a plea deal Dig deeper The prosecutors said they met with available family members before deciding to make Kohberger an offer. What they're saying "This resolution is our sincere attempt to seek justice for your family," prosecutors said in a letter. "This agreement ensures that the defendant will be convicted, will spend the rest of his life in prison, and will not be able to put you and the other families through the uncertainty of decades of post-conviction, appeals. Your viewpoints weighed heavily in our decision-making process, and we hope that you may come to appreciate why we believe this resolution is in the best interest of justice." What's next A change of plea hearing is set for Wednesday. The crime fILE - Bryan Kohberger listens to arguments during a hearing to overturn his grand jury indictment on October 26, 2023 in Moscow, Idaho. (Photo by Kai Eiselein-Pool/Getty Images) The backstory Kohberger, 30, is accused in the stabbing deaths of Goncalves, Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle and Madison Mogen at a rental home near campus in Moscow, Idaho, early on Nov. 13, 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Autopsies showed the four were all likely asleep when they were attacked, some had defensive wounds and each was stabbed multiple times. In a court filing, Kohberger's lawyers said he was on a long drive by himself around the time the four were killed. No motive has emerged for the killings, nor is it clear why the attacker spared two roommates who were in the home. Authorities have said cellphone data and surveillance video shows that Kohberger visited the victims neighborhood at least a dozen times before the killings. Victims' families react to plea deal FILE - Steve and Kristi Goncalves, parents of victim Kaylee Goncalves, arrive at the Ada County Courthouse for a hearing in the Bryan Kohberger case, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Boise, Idaho. (Sarah A. Miller/Idaho Statesman/Tribune News Service via Getty Images) The Chapin family will be in Boise for the plea hearing, Christina Teves, the familys spokesperson, said. The family has not issued a statement regarding the plea deal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Karen and Scott Laramie, the mother and stepfather of Mogen, plan to make a statement through their attorney, Leander James, after the hearing. Relatives of Kernodle did not immediately respond to interview requests. In a Facebook post, the Goncalves family wrote that Kaylee's 18-year-old sister, Aubrie, had been unable to attend the meeting with prosecutors. But she shared her concerns in a written statement. "Bryan Kohberger facing a life in prison means he would still get to speak, form relationships, and engage with the world," Aubrie Goncalves wrote. "Meanwhile, our loved ones have been silenced forever. That reality stings more deeply when it feels like the system is protecting his future more than honoring the victims pasts." The Source Information for this article was taken from The Associated Press and previous reporting by FOX Local. This story was reported from Los Angeles. Kohberger in Latah County District Court on Sept. 13, 2023, in Moscow, Idaho - Credit: Ted S. Warren-Pool/Getty Images Bryan Kohberger accepted a deal to avoid trial and pleaded guilty in the murder of four college students at the University of Idaho, sparing him the death penalty. At a hearing Wednesday, Kohberger speaking in court for the first time told the court he was pleading guilty to four counts of first-degree murder and an additional count of burglary in connection with the November 2022 murders that shook the college town. More from Rolling Stone Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors also outlined the evidence against Kohberger at the hearing, revealing that it was DNA from a knife sheath accidentally left at the crime that ultimately tied investigators to the suspect; Kohbergers apartment itself was described as spartan, and nothing of evidentiary value was found. Kohbergers sentencing was scheduled for July 23, at which time the families of the victims will speak to the court and address the killer. A letter was previously sent to the victims families regarding the deal, said the outlet, which stated Kohberger will be sentenced to four consecutive life sentences and waives all right to appeal. This resolution is our sincere attempt to seek justice for your family, prosecutors stated in the letter. This agreement ensures that the defendant will be convicted, will spend the rest of his life in prison, and will not be able to put you and the other families through the uncertainty of decades of post-conviction, appeals. Your viewpoints weighed heavily in our decision-making process, and we hope that you may come to appreciate why we believe this resolution is in the best interest of justice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kaylee Goncalves, 21, Madison Mogen, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and Ethan Chapin, 20, were stabbed to death in their off-campus apartment on Nov. 13, 2022. Kohberger, who was a graduate student at Washington State University at the time of the murders, was arrested in December 2022 as the sole suspect in the case. Kohberger was linked to the crime through DNA found on a knife sheath, and in May 2023, he was indicted by a grand jury on charges of murder. The judge entered not guilty pleas on Kohbergers behalf after he chose to stand silent rather than enter a plea at the time. In April, a judge ruled that Kohberger could still face the death penalty if convicted, despite a recent autism diagnosis. Prior to news of the plea deal, a jury selection was scheduled to begin on Aug. 4, while opening arguments had been set for Aug 18. Kaylee Goncalves family published a series of statements on Facebook in response to Kohberger accepting the plea deal. One post clarified that the possibility of a plea deal was discussed on Friday, but it was a HARD NO from our family. The Goncalves said they learned about the deal through an email that sent them scrambling as they jumped into panic mode. We met with prosecution AGAIN today to reiterate our views on pushing for the death penalty, the post reads. Unfortunately all of our efforts did not matter. Aubrie Goncalves, Kaylee Goncalves 18-year-old sister, published a separate statement. What the families of Ethan, Kaylee, Maddie, and Xana have endured over the past 2 year and a half is beyond comprehension, she wrote. From the constant delays to the relocation of proceedingsmaking it harder for loved ones to attendthe justice system has placed heavy burdens on those already carrying unimaginable grief. Through it all, we have tried to hold on to hope. Weve believed in the process. Weve had faith in the system. But at this point, it is impossible not to acknowledge the truth: the system has failed these four innocent victims and their families. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She added, The introduction of this plea deal, just weeks before the scheduled trial, is both shocking and cruel. Had this proposal come a year and a half ago, the families could have had time to process, discuss, and potentially come to terms with the idea of a life sentencehowever difficult that may be. We could have had the time to understand it, to prepare for it emotionally, and perhaps even to find some degree of peace. But now, with mere weeks left, we are being asked to absorb and respond to life-altering decisions with no room to breathe. Aubrie noted that Kohberger serving a life sentence would allow him to still get to speak, form relationships, and engage with the world. Meanwhile, our loved ones have been silenced forever. That reality stings more deeply when it feels like the system is protecting his future more than honoring the victims pasts. The justice system was created to serve and protectnot to retraumatize grieving families. And yet, time and time again, we find ourselves blindsided, unheard, and unsupported. Goncalves expressed in another post their intention to continue pushing back against the plea deal decision. It is not over until it is over. We still have time to fight for a chance to heal, the family said. In her statement, Aubrie added: We are not asking for vengeance. We are asking for accountability. We are asking for dignity for our loved ones. And we are askingpleadingfor a justice system that truly lives up to its name. July 1, 2:00 p.m.: This article has been updated to include statements from Kaylee Goncalves family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement July 2, 2:00 p.m.: This article has been updated with Kohberger pleading guilty. Best of Rolling Stone Sign up for RollingStone's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. NEED TO KNOW Bryan Kohberger, 30, entered a guilty plea to four charges of first-degree murder in an Idaho courtroom on Wednesday after his attorney Anne Taylor made a deal with prosecutors Kohberger is now expected to be sentenced to four life sentences plus an additional 10 years for a burglary charge but will avoid the possibility of being executed The families of victims Madison Mogen and Ethan Chapin have voiced support for the deal, while the families of Xana Kernodle and Kaylee Goncalves wanted the case to go to trial Bryan Kohberger appeared in an Idaho courtroom on Wednesday to enter a guilty plea in the murders of four college students. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 30-year-old former criminology student did so after taking a last second deal that allowed him to avoid the death penalty in exchange for pleading guilty to the murders of Kaylee Goncalves, 21; Madison Mogen, 21; Xana Kernodle, 20; and Ethan Chapin, 20. The four University of Idaho students were brutally stabbed to death in the early morning hours of Nov. 13, 2022 for reasons that are still unknown and with this plea deal may forever remain a mystery. Kohbeger stood in front of the court and told the judge he was entering a guilty plea because he was guilty before confessing to the murder of each of the four victims. In addition to the four murder counts, Kohberger also pleaded guilty to a burglary charge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This comes after he previously declined to enter a plea during his arraignment in 2023, at which time a judge entered a not guilty plea on his behalf. Idaho Fourth District Court Bryan Kohberger Bryan Kohberger The deal outlined by prosecutors states that Kohberger will serve four consecutive life sentences for the murder charges and an additional 10 years for the burglary charge. He will be unable to appeal the case, but the deal does not say whether or not he might ever be eligible for parole. Had Kohberger not entered a guilty plea on Wednesday the case would have proceeded to trial on August 18 as scheduled and the death penalty would once again be an option, if the jury convicted the defendant on any of the four murder charges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kohbergers lawyer Anne Taylor approached prosecutors about a possible plea deal last week. Prior to that, she had unsuccessfully petitioned the court to drop the death penalty punishment on multiple occasions. Among the reasons given to preclude the death penalty in motions filed just over the course of the past year were Kohberger's autism spectrum disorder, disclosure violations by prosecutors and the argument that "constitutional guarantee to a speedy trial prevents effective assistance of counsel in death penalty cases." Judge Hippler ultimately denied all three motions. On Monday, the families of the four victims were informed that a deal had been reached in a letter from the Latah County Prosecutor's Office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The decision came as a surprise to the families of the victims, who were split in their reaction to the news. Ben Mogen and Stacy and Jim Chapin have all publicly stated that they approve of the plea deal, with the Mogen family releasing a statement that said in part: "The plea deal the prosecution has proposed is one that punishes the perpetrator of this horrific crime, protects the public from further harm and allows all of us who knew and loved these four young people the time to grieve without the anxiety of the long and gruesome trial, years of appeals and potential mistrials along the way." The Goncalves family and Jeff Kernodle have both said that they wanted the case to go to trial. Steve Goncalves, the father of one of the victims, wrote a post denouncing Latah County Prosecutor Bill Thompson and calling on Judge Hippler to block the deal. "This is our last shot: Judge Hippler, you are our only hope that our child murder isnt granted control over his destiny in our childrens names. You take control of this deal and make it right because now you OWN IT!" the bereaved father wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kohberger's family declined to comment on their son's plea, and instead released a statement through their lawyer which read: "In light of recent developments, the Kohbergers are asking members of the media for privacy, respect, and responsible judgement during this time. We will continue to allow the legal process to unfold with respect to all parties, and will not release any comments or take any questions." Read the original article on People Originally appeared on E! Online Bryan Kohberger has officially changed his plea. After accepting a plea deal that'll spare him from the death penalty, the 30-year-old pleaded guilty to the 2022 murders Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin as well as one count of burglary at a July 2 hearing in Idaho. A judge had previously entered a plea of not guilty on Kohberger's behalf when he remained silent at his May 2023 arraignment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Are you pleading guilty because you are guilty?" District Court Judge Steven Hippler questioned Kohberger at his latest hearing, who replied with a firm, "Yes." When asked if he killed each victim "willingly, unlawfully, deliberately and with premeditation and malice with forethought," Kohberger also replied, "Yes." News of the plea deal came on June 30, when an attorney for Goncalves' family confirmed that prosecutors had struck an agreement with Kohberger in exchange for him pleading guilty to murder charges and waiving his right to appeal. More from E! Online Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the time, the Goncalveses said they were "beyond furious" with the outcome, alleging they had previously given prosecutors a "hard no" when the possibility of offering Kohberger a plea deal was brought forth to the victims' families. "Unfortunately all of our efforts did not matter," the Goncalves family wrote in a June 30 Facebook post. "We fought a long battle, but we lost the war." Likewise, Kernodle's loved ones were also upset over news of the plea deal, with her aunt Kim Kernodle telling TMZ that the family wanted to see Kohberger go to court. "We know the graphics," she said, alleging prosecutors had reasoned that the plea deal was offered to Kohberger so they could "spare" the victims' families the pain of a public trial. "They were not trying to spare us." Ted S. Warren-Pool/Getty Images E! News previously reached out to Latah County Prosecutors Office but did not hear back. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kohberger ws arrested on Dec. 30, 2022, one month after Goncalves, Mogen, Kernodle and Chapin were found fatally stabbed at a home in Moscow, Idaho. Authorities said they linked Kohberger to the murders through cell phone data, security camera video and DNA found on a knife sheath discovered at the crime scene. Prior to accepting his plea deal, Kohberger was scheduled to stand trial on Aug. 18. For more details about the Idaho murders case, read on. (E! and NBC News are both part of the NBCUniversal family.) Who Were Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Ethan Chapin and Xana Kernodle? Kaylee Goncalves, 21, Madison Mogen, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and her boyfriend Ethan Chapin, 20, were University of Idaho students who lived in an off-campus apartment. On Nov. 12, 2022the night before their bodies were foundGoncalves and Mogen were at a nearby sports bar, while Kernodle and Chapin were at the latters fraternity party. By 2 a.m. on Nov. 13, the four roommates and Chapin were back at the three-story rental house. Goncalves was a senior majoring in general studies at the College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences. She was expected to graduate in December before heading to Austin, Texas, for a job at a marketing firm, her friend Jordyn Quesnell told The New York Times. Mogen, who was studying marketing, was best friends with Goncalves since the sixth grade. She had plans to move to Boise after graduation, family friend Jessie Frost shared with The Idaho Statesman. Kernodle was a junior majoring in marketing, the University said at the time. She and Chapinwho majored in recreation, sport and tourism managementhad been dating since the spring, the roommates neighbor Ellie McKnight told NBC News. Were There Any Survivors? Two roommates, Dylan Mortensen and Bethany Funke, had been home at the time of the murders. In text messages that were unsealed March 6, 2025, Mortensen and Funke tried contacting their roommates on Nov. 13 after the former saw a masked man moving through the house, according to documents obtained by E! News. "No one is answering," Mortensen texted Funke at 4:22 a.m. "I'm rlly confused rn." She continued to reach out to their roommates, urging them to respond. "Pls answer," she texted Goncalves at 4:32 a.m. and again at 10:23 a.m. "R u up??" At 11:58 a.m., a 911 call was placed after Kernodle was found unresponsive, per an additional motion obtained by E! News. A woman named A1 in the transcript described the current situation to the operator. "One of the roommates who's passed out and she was drunk last night and she's not waking up," she said on the phone. "They saw some man in their house last night." Who Is Bryan Kohberger and How Was He Found? Bryan Kohberger, who was charged with four counts of first-degree murder and one count of burglary, was a doctoral candidate at Washington State University. Over one month after the bodies of Gonclaves, Mogen, Kernodle and Chapin were discovered, Kohberger was taken into custody Dec. 30 in Monroe County, Penn. He was extradited to Idaho Jan. 4, 2023. As for how authorities connected him to the killings? DNA was found on a knife sheath that was left at the crime scene, prosecutors revealed in June 2023 court documents, per NBC News. When the DNA didn't match anyone in the FBI database, authorities ran the DNA through public ancestry websites to create a list of potential suspects, according to the filings. After learning that Kohberger had driven to his parents' home in Monroe County, local officials then went through their trash and found DNA that tied him to that found on the sheath. What Was Kohbergers Initial Defense? At the moment, a motive for the attack has not been detailed and a gag order prevents many involved in the case from speaking publicly, NBC News reported. However, the unsealed documents provided some insight into their initial arguments. Kohberger's attorneys argued in a motion obtained by E! News to strike the death penalty that Kohbergerwho initially faced death penalty if found guilty on all countshas autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and that executing him would violate the Eighth Amendment's prohibition on "cruel and unusual punishment." His defense argued that Kohbereger "displays extremely rigid thinking, perseverates on specific topics, processes information on a piecemeal basis, struggles to plan ahead, and demonstrates little insight into his own behaviors and emotions." "Due to his ASD, Mr. Kohberger simply cannot comport himself in a manner that aligns with societal expectations of normalcy," the motion said. "This creates an unconscionable risk that he will be executed because of his disability rather than his culpability." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Where Was the Trial Set? Initially, Kohberger had a judge enter a not-guilty plea to the first-degree murder charges on his behalf after remaining silent at his May 2023 arraignment. Although his trial was set to begin Oct. 2, 2023, Kohberger waived his right to a speedy trial in August 2023. His trial datewhich was scheduled to take place in Ada County, more than 300 miles from Latah County, where the killings took placewas set to begin Aug. 11, 2025. Latah County Judge John Judge previously ruled in favor of the transfer request made by Kohberger's defense in September 2024 based on "presumed prejudice" if the trial remained in Latah County. Ada County Judge Steven Hippler denied the defense's request to suppress key DNA and other evidence, including cell phone and email records, surveillance footage, past Amazon purchases and DNA evidence in the trial. What Was the Verdict in the Trial? Kohberger's murder trial was abruptly canceled after he took a plea deal from prosecutors on June 30, 2025. In accepting the deal, Kohberger agreed to plead guilty to four counts of murder and one count of burglary, as well as waive his rights to appeal and ask for a more lenient prison sentence. He entered his guilty plea on July 2, 2025, confirming with a "yes" after the judge asked if he killed all four victims "willingly, unlawfully, deliberately and with premeditation and malice with forethought." Did Kohberger Take a Selfie After the Murders? A selfie Kohberger took the morning after the murders took place was introduced in March 2025. The photograph, which sees him in front of a shower showing a thumbs up, displays how he may fit the description a witness identified as "D.M." gave in filings, who said the perpetrator had "bushy eyebrows." Steve Gonclaves, the father of victim Kaylee, later reacted to the image calling it a "trophy" in an interview with Fox and Friends. "I know the timeline, I know that he had just returned to the crime scene and he had come back," Gonclaves said. "He had realized that nobody had called 911." As he put it, "To him, thats his little trophy to let him know like, Hey, I got away with it, nobodys on me. What Did Kohberger Google Before the Murders? In a 2025 Dateline documentary about the murders, a former classmate of Kohbergers detailed a peculiar text she received from him after making his acquaintance at a party. I definitely felt a little obligated to chat with him, because to me, he seemed a little awkward, the studentidentified as Hollyexplained. Kind of like you might expect for a PhD student who didn't know anyone at the party and was maybe trying his best to kind of get out there and be social and make friends. The following day, Holly said she received a text from him, which she described as overly formal. Hey, I am pretty sure we spoke about hiking trips yesterday, Bryans text from July 10, 2022 at 1:19 p.m., read, per Dateline. I really enjoy that activity, so please let me know. Thanks! Elsewhere in the Dateline documentary, Kohbergers browsing history was found to have included searches for Ted Bundy, Britney Spears song Criminal, and the term University of Idaho Murders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App Bryan Kohberger has pleaded guilty to the murders of four University of Idaho students in 2022. On Wednesday at the Ada County Courthouse in Boise, Judge Steven Hippler approved a plea agreement that spares Kohberger, 30, from the death penalty. In exchange, he will serve four consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole. As part of the agreement, Kohberger pleaded guilty to four counts of first-degree murder and one count of felony burglary. He did so with both of his parents in the gallery, with his father wincing as Judge Steven Hippler formally accepted Kohberger's agreement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sentencing has been set for July 23. Idaho Murders Timeline: Bryan Kohberger Plea Caps Yearslong Quest For Justice Bryan Kohberger, charged in the murders of four University of Idaho students, appears at the Ada County Courthouse, Wednesday, July 2, 2025, in Boise, Idaho. Madison Mogen, top left, smiles on the shoulders of her best friend, Kaylee Goncalves, as they pose with Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, and two other housemates in Goncalves' final Instagram post, shared the day before the four students were stabbed to death. The case has drawn national attention since the early morning hours of Nov. 13, 2022, when four students Ethan Chapin, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Kaylee Goncalves were found stabbed to death in an off-campus rental home in Moscow, Idaho. Read On The Fox News App READ: Bryan Kohberger's plea agreement. App Users Click Here. Kohberger, a former Ph.D. criminology student at nearby Washington State University, was arrested in December 2022 after a cross-country investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Idaho Victim's Family Demands Kohberger Confess In Court After Plea Deal Decision: Full Accountability Immediately following the hearing, the Mogen family issued a heartfelt statement through their attorney, Leander James, on the steps of the courthouse. "We now embark on a new path," James said on behalf of the family. "We turn from tragedy and mourning. We turn from darkness and uncertainty of the legal process to the light of the future. We have closure. We embark on a path of hope and healing. We invite all of those who have mourned with us to join us, and we wish you well." Bryan Kohberger, charged in the murders of four University of Idaho students, appears at the Ada County Courthouse, Wednesday, July 2, 2025, in Boise, Idaho. Bryan Kohberger, charged in the murders of four University of Idaho students, appears at the Ada County Courthouse, Wednesday, July 2, 2025, in Boise, Idaho. (AP Photo/Kyle Green, Pool) The sentiment drew a stark contrast compared to remarks made by Steve Goncalves, the father of Kaylee Goncalves, as he arrived at the courthouse but chose not to attend the hearing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "He's going to own this," Steve Goncalves said of Judge Steven Hippler. "He's gonna inherit what [Bill] Thompson did. And he's the only one that can fix it. He's the one who can make it right. He needs to protect those other surviving victims and make this person say that they had nothing to do with it. He did it solely, he did it all on his own. And nobody else was responsible." When asked by reporters if he felt justice was served, the grieving father went on to slam the agreement that will have Kohberger serve four life sentences, saying, "No, of course not. It's daycare." Bryan Kohberger Expected To Officially Plead Guilty: Whats Next According to court documents, DNA from a knife sheath left at the crime scene matched Kohbergers, and cellphone data placed him near the victims house multiple times before the killings. Surveillance footage also captured a white Hyundai Elantra in the area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A grand jury indicted Kohberger in May 2023, and a judge initially entered not guilty pleas on his behalf. Prosecutors later announced their intent to seek the death penalty, citing the heinous nature of the crimes. Original article source: Bryan Kohberger pleads guilty to Idaho murders Bryan Kohberger, who was charged with four counts of first-degree murder in the November 2022 stabbings of four University of Idaho students, pleaded guilty today as part of a controversial plea deal. MSNBC Legal Correspondent Lisa Rubin and civil rights attorney Charles Coleman join Chris Jansing to explain more on the case. Bryan Kohberger avoided the death penalty Wednesday after pleading guilty to murder in the fatal stabbings of four University of Idaho students. Kohberger, 30, was set to face trial in August for the fatal stabbings of students Kaylee Goncalves, 21, Ethan Chapin, 20, Xana Kernodle, 20, and Madison Mogen, 21, in their Moscow, Idaho, home in 2022. The former graduate student pleaded guilty to four counts of first-degree murder and one count of burglary. As part of the deal, he also waived his right to appeal and will serve his prison sentence without the possibility of parole. His sentencing is scheduled for July. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the hearing, Kohberger gave simple yes and no responses to questions from Judge Steven Hippler. Asked by Hippler if Kohberger was thinking clearly today and understood that his plea is an acknowledgement that he is guilty of killing the four students, Kohberger replied yes to both questions. Hippler went through each student, asking if Kohberger killed and murdered a human being. Kohberger replied yes to all. Prosecutors had planned to present evidence detailing the night of Nov. 13, 2022, when they say Kohberger entered the college residence of the four students armed with a military-style knife and stabbed each of them multiple times in their beds. Autopsies showed the students were likely asleep during the attack. Two other students living in the home were spared. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Something happened in our house, a woman told a 911 dispatcher the night of the killings. A second woman on the call told the dispatcher one of the victims wasnt waking up. Oh, and they saw some man in their house last night, she added. Kohberger was arrested in Pennsylvania weeks after the killings. While no motive has been given for the attacks, police and prosecutors said cell phone data and surveillance video showed Kohberger visited the residence at least a dozen times before the killings. Prosecutors also planned to show at trial a selfie Kohberger allegedly took after the slayings that showed him smiling with a thumbs up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The family of one of the victims, Goncalves, slammed the plea agreement. Idaho has failed. They failed me. They failed my whole family, Steve Goncalves, the father of Kaylee Goncalves, said in a Tuesday interview on NBCs Today show. During Wednesdays hearing, Judge Hippler said he had received numerous calls from the public about the case. There have been calls by some for the public to contact me and my office in an attempt to influence my decision-making in this case, Hippler said. This has been extraordinarily disruptive for court staff and the ability for them to get work done. Bryan Kohberger pleaded guilty Wednesday to the murders of four University of Idaho students. Earlier this week, it was announced that Kohberger had accepted a plea deal to plead guilty for the murders of Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin. A hearing for the plea deal was held on Wednesday, where Kohberger pleaded guilty to all charges against him and the judge accepted his plea. He was charged with four counts of first-degree murder and one count of burglary for the murders, which took place on Nov. 13, 2022, in an off-campus house in Moscow, Idaho. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement District Court Judge Steven Hippler was assigned to the case and opening statements for the trial had been set to begin on Aug. 18. Members of the media stand outside the Ada County Courthouse for the Bryan Kohberger plea deal hearing on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, in Boise, Idaho. | Jenny Kane When will his sentencing be? Kohbergers sentencing will take place on July 23 at 9 a.m. The families of the victims will be allowed to speak at the sentencing. The family of Ethan Chapin including mother Stacy Chapin and father Jim Chapin arrive at Ada County Courthouse for Bryan Kohberger's plea deal hearing on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, in Boise, Idaho. | Jenny Kane Because Kohberger no longer has the presumption of innocence, he must appear in jail attire at the sentencing. He will continue to be held in jail pending sentencing. The plea agreement says Kohberger would be sentenced to 10 years for the burglary charge and four consecutive life sentences for the murder charges. That sentence could be changed during the sentencing, as Hippler is not bound by the plea agreement. Kohberger could also face a fine of up to $50,000. Kohberger pleads guilty and evidence against him is presented Under oath, Kohberger said he understood the plea agreement and the nature of the charges. He also said that no one promised him anything if he pleaded guilty and no one forced him to. Bryan Kohberger, charged in the murders of four University of Idaho students, appears at the Ada County Courthouse, Wednesday, July 2, 2025, in Boise, Idaho. | Kyle Green Are you pleading guilty because you are guilty? Hippler asked. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yes," Kohberger said. During the hearing, Latah County prosecutor Bill Thompson went over the prosecutions evidence in the case, including Kohbergers phone pinging to the tower near the crime scene, his car being seen on surveillance video and DNA found on a knife sheath found at the crime scene. Families of the victims get emotional as Kohberger pleads guilty After the plea agreement was announced, the family of Kaylee Goncalves made it clear that they were against the plea deal. In a Facebook post the family said that they were beyond furious at the State of Idaho. Family members talk to the media after Brian Kohberger pleaded guilty to the murders of four University of Idaho students at the Ada County Courthouse in Boise, Idaho, Wednesday, July 2, 2025. | Kyle Green Kaylees father, Steve Goncalves, left the courthouse on Wednesday shortly after arriving and before Kohberger entered the courtroom. According to The Associated Press, he appeared frustrated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im just getting out of this zoo, Steve Goncalves said in a video posted on X. As he left the courthouse on Wednesday, Steve Goncalves told a reporter that the rest of his family felt it was important to be there in the courtroom, but that he was not planning on going back, per the AP. Father of Kaylee Goncalves, Steve Goncalves, speaks to members of the media outside the Ada County Courthouse before Bryan Kohberger's plea deal hearing on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, in Boise, Idaho. | Jenny Kane As the hearing took place on Wednesday, several members of the victims families were crying as they sat in the gallery, per NBC. Kristi Goncalves silently sobbed as the judge read Kaylees name. An aunt of Kaylees had her head down, holding her forehead and was also weeping, according to NBC. The aunt also sobbed when prosecutors spoke about blood on the murder weapon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ben Mogen, the father of Madison Mogen, looked agitated and was breathing heavily as he rubbed his eyes with a handkerchief. The Mogen family said it supports the plea agreement 100% according to NBC. Karen and Scott Laramie, the mother and stepfather of Madison Mogen, make a statement to the media through their attorney Leander James outside the Ada County Courthouse on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, in Boise, Idaho. | Jenny Kane The familys attorney read a statement after the hearing, thanking the prosecution. The statement also asked that those who dont agree with the agreement to respect our belief that this is the best outcome possible for the victims, their families and the state of Idaho. We lost our Maddie, our kind, loving, vivacious and caring daughter, full of purpose and promise, the statement said, per NBC. We are grateful for the gift of her life, and we have grieved the loss of that life during each of these 962 days. (NewsNation) NewsNation anchor Ashleigh Banfield commented on Bryan Kohberger admitting guilt to the 2022 murders of four University of Idaho students, calling him a sick and twisted murderer. Its breathtaking to now know after 2 1/2 years of him saying, It isnt me, its someone else, that it was him, Banfield said. Legally, we can say it, because he said it. It just does not get old to see a dry hearing like this where we didnt get the details or the motive, but we now know that is the sick man that did this. Kaylee Goncalves, 22; Madison Mogen, 21; Xana Kernodle, 20; and Ethan Chapin, 20, were all found with fatal stab wounds in an off-campus rental home in Moscow, Idaho, on Nov. 13, 2022. In December, Kohberger was arrested at his parents home in Pennsylvania and extradited to Idaho. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kohberger judge says call-in campaigns highly inappropriate Maybe he thought he could get away with it, maybe he thought he was smarter than all of us, but hes had 2 1/2 years to realize this could have been the outcome, or maybe facing down five to seven marksmen with a target over his heart in the shooting chamber, Banfield said. Banfield broke down new information revealed from the case, which shows Kohberger parked his white Hyundai Elantra on the side of the house the students were living in and got into the house through the kitchen door. He killed Goncalves and Mogen first on the third floor of the house. As he was coming down from the third floor, he encountered Xana Kernodle and killed her. Banfield: Diddy verdict shocking, has implications for victims Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kohberger then made his way to Kernodles room, where he killed Ethan Chapin, who is believed to have been sleeping at the time. He then left the house at 4:20 a.m. and drove away at a high rate of speed where he could have lost control of his vehicle. He did not have front plates on the car, as the state of Pennsylvania does not require them. In the week after the murders, Kohberger went to the DMV and got Idaho plates. The prosecution also did not know if Kohberger intended to kill all four of the victims that night and that maybe Mogen and Goncalves were the only targets of his. Banfield said even though the new information was released, it is not enough of an explanation to the families. Kohbergers sentencing hearing is set for July 23, and the victims families will be allowed to address Kohberger and the court before the sentence is handed down. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Originally appeared on E! Online Bryan Kohberger's family is seeking solitude. After Shanon Gray, the attorney for the family of murder victim Kaylee Goncalves, confirmed to NBC News that a plea deal had been "offered" to the 30-year-old and "accepted," taking the death penalty off the table, his family responded. "In light of recent developments, the Kohbergers are asking members of the media for privacy, respect, and responsible judgment during this time," read the release, shared from the family's Pennsylvania-based legal representation Amori & Associates LLC. "We will continue to allow the legal process to unfold with respect to all parties, and will not release any comments or take any questions." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most crucially, the statement added, "We ask that you respect our wishes during a difficult time for all those affected." Kohberger stood accused of fatally stabbing University of Idaho student Goncalves, 21, her roommates Madison Mogen, 21, and Xana Kernodle, 20, and Kernodle's boyfriend Ethan Chapin, 20, in the early morning hours of Nov. 13, 2022. A judge had previously entered a not guilty plea on his behalf. More from E! Online Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Opening statements in Kohberger's trial were scheduled to get underway Aug. 18. But according to Gray, he will now change his plea to guilty. And in exchange for prosecutors taking the death penalty off the table, Kohbergera former doctoral student in criminologywill be sentenced to four consecutive life sentences on the murder counts and the maximum penalty of 10 years for a charge of burglary, per a letter sent to victims' families obtained by ABC News. He will not be able to appeal. August Frank-Pool/Getty Images The quick turn of eventsaccording to the Idaho Statesman the families of the victims learned of the deal in a letter they received from Moscow Prosecuting Attorney Bill Thompsonleft Goncalves' loved ones "beyond furious at the State of Idaho," as they detailed in a June 30 Facebook post. "They have failed us." According to prosecuters, however, the goal was to spare them from absorbing more of the grisly details from the murder. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We cannot fathom the toll that this case has taken on your family," the letter read, per the Statesman. This resolution is our sincere attempt to seek justice for your family. This agreement ensures that the defendant will be convicted, will spend the rest of his life in prison, and will not be able to put you and the other families through the uncertainty of decades of post-conviction appeals. But Gonclaves' loved ones weren't the only family members disappointed by the news. According to Kernodle's aunt Kim Kernodle, her family did not want the state to offer a plea deal, telling TMZ, They were not trying to spare us." E! News has reached out to Thompson's office, as well as attorneys for Kohberger and the other victims' families for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Former Washington State University student Kohberger was arrested Dec. 30, 2022, a desperate multi-agency manhunt ending at his family's home in Pennsylvania. Authorities said they linked Kohberger to the murders through cell phone data, security camera video and DNA found on a knife sheath discovered at the crime scene. He is due in July 2 and expected to change his plea, per Thompson's letter. Prosecutors expect him to be sentenced later in the month. Here's what else to know about the devastating Idaho murder case: Who Were Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Ethan Chapin and Xana Kernodle? Kaylee Goncalves, 21, Madison Mogen, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and her boyfriend Ethan Chapin, 20, were University of Idaho students who lived in an off-campus apartment. On Nov. 12, 2022the night before their bodies were foundGoncalves and Mogen were at a nearby sports bar, while Kernodle and Chapin were at the latters fraternity party. By 2 a.m. on Nov. 13, the four roommates and Chapin were back at the three-story rental house. Goncalves was a senior majoring in general studies at the College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences. She was expected to graduate in December before heading to Austin, Texas, for a job at a marketing firm, her friend Jordyn Quesnell told The New York Times. Mogen, who was studying marketing, was best friends with Goncalves since the sixth grade. She had plans to move to Boise after graduation, family friend Jessie Frost shared with The Idaho Statesman. Kernodle was a junior majoring in marketing, the University said at the time. She and Chapinwho majored in recreation, sport and tourism managementhad been dating since the spring, the roommates neighbor Ellie McKnight told NBC News. Were There Any Survivors? Two roommates, Dylan Mortensen and Bethany Funke, had been home at the time of the murders. In text messages that were unsealed March 6, 2025, Mortensen and Funke tried contacting their roommates on Nov. 13 after the former saw a masked man moving through the house, according to documents obtained by E! News. "No one is answering," Mortensen texted Funke at 4:22 a.m. "I'm rlly confused rn." She continued to reach out to their roommates, urging them to respond. "Pls answer," she texted Goncalves at 4:32 a.m. and again at 10:23 a.m. "R u up??" At 11:58 a.m., a 911 call was placed after Kernodle was found unresponsive, per an additional motion obtained by E! News. A woman named A1 in the transcript described the current situation to the operator. "One of the roommates who's passed out and she was drunk last night and she's not waking up," she said on the phone. "They saw some man in their house last night." Who Is Bryan Kohberger and How Was He Found? Bryan Kohberger, who was charged with four counts of first-degree murder and one count of burglary, was a doctoral candidate at Washington State University. Over one month after the bodies of Gonclaves, Mogen, Kernodle and Chapin were discovered, Kohberger was taken into custody Dec. 30 in Monroe County, Penn. He was extradited to Idaho Jan. 4, 2023. As for how authorities connected him to the killings? DNA was found on a knife sheath that was left at the crime scene, prosecutors revealed in June 2023 court documents, per NBC News. When the DNA didn't match anyone in the FBI database, authorities ran the DNA through public ancestry websites to create a list of potential suspects, according to the filings. After learning that Kohberger had driven to his parents' home in Monroe County, local officials then went through their trash and found DNA that tied him to that found on the sheath. What Was Kohbergers Initial Defense? At the moment, a motive for the attack has not been detailed and a gag order prevents many involved in the case from speaking publicly, NBC News reported. However, the unsealed documents provided some insight into their initial arguments. Kohberger's attorneys argued in a motion obtained by E! News to strike the death penalty that Kohbergerwho initially faced death penalty if found guilty on all countshas autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and that executing him would violate the Eighth Amendment's prohibition on "cruel and unusual punishment." His defense argued that Kohbereger "displays extremely rigid thinking, perseverates on specific topics, processes information on a piecemeal basis, struggles to plan ahead, and demonstrates little insight into his own behaviors and emotions." "Due to his ASD, Mr. Kohberger simply cannot comport himself in a manner that aligns with societal expectations of normalcy," the motion said. "This creates an unconscionable risk that he will be executed because of his disability rather than his culpability." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Where Was the Trial Set? Initially, Kohberger had a judge enter a not-guilty plea to the first-degree murder charges on his behalf after remaining silent at his May 2023 arraignment. Although his trial was set to begin Oct. 2, 2023, Kohberger waived his right to a speedy trial in August 2023. His trial datewhich was scheduled to take place in Ada County, more than 300 miles from Latah County, where the killings took placewas set to begin Aug. 11, 2025. Latah County Judge John Judge previously ruled in favor of the transfer request made by Kohberger's defense in September 2024 based on "presumed prejudice" if the trial remained in Latah County. Ada County Judge Steven Hippler denied the defense's request to suppress key DNA and other evidence, including cell phone and email records, surveillance footage, past Amazon purchases and DNA evidence in the trial. What Was the Verdict in the Trial? Kohberger's murder trial was abruptly canceled after he took a plea deal from prosecutors on June 30, 2025. In accepting the deal, Kohberger agreed to plead guilty to four counts of murder and one count of burglary, as well as waive his rights to appeal and ask for a more lenient prison sentence. He entered his guilty plea on July 2, 2025, confirming with a "yes" after the judge asked if he killed all four victims "willingly, unlawfully, deliberately and with premeditation and malice with forethought." Did Kohberger Take a Selfie After the Murders? A selfie Kohberger took the morning after the murders took place was introduced in March 2025. The photograph, which sees him in front of a shower showing a thumbs up, displays how he may fit the description a witness identified as "D.M." gave in filings, who said the perpetrator had "bushy eyebrows." Steve Gonclaves, the father of victim Kaylee, later reacted to the image calling it a "trophy" in an interview with Fox and Friends. "I know the timeline, I know that he had just returned to the crime scene and he had come back," Gonclaves said. "He had realized that nobody had called 911." As he put it, "To him, thats his little trophy to let him know like, Hey, I got away with it, nobodys on me. What Did Kohberger Google Before the Murders? In a 2025 Dateline documentary about the murders, a former classmate of Kohbergers detailed a peculiar text she received from him after making his acquaintance at a party. I definitely felt a little obligated to chat with him, because to me, he seemed a little awkward, the studentidentified as Hollyexplained. Kind of like you might expect for a PhD student who didn't know anyone at the party and was maybe trying his best to kind of get out there and be social and make friends. The following day, Holly said she received a text from him, which she described as overly formal. Hey, I am pretty sure we spoke about hiking trips yesterday, Bryans text from July 10, 2022 at 1:19 p.m., read, per Dateline. I really enjoy that activity, so please let me know. Thanks! Elsewhere in the Dateline documentary, Kohbergers browsing history was found to have included searches for Ted Bundy, Britney Spears song Criminal, and the term University of Idaho Murders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bryan Kohbergers former professor is making an unsettling confession. Dr. Katherine Ramsland, a leading forensic psychologist at DeSales University in Pennsylvania, says she fears that some of the courses she taught Kohberger as an undergraduate and graduate student may have inspired him. On Wednesday, Kohberger pleaded guilty to the murders of four University of Idaho students in a bid to avoid the death penalty. Kohberger fatally stabbed Kaylee Goncalves, 21, Ethan Chapin, 20, Xana Kernodle, 20, and Madison Mogen, 21, in their off-campus home in Moscow, Idaho in November 2022 while he was earning a Ph.D. in criminology at Washington State University. Bryan Kohberger in a booking photo from Monroe County Correctional Facility after he was arrested on Dec 30, 2022, in Pennsylvania for the murder of four University of Idaho students. Handout via Getty Images I have to look at the framework of what I taught and wonder, did I inspire him in some way? Ramsland admitted to NewsNation in an exclusive interview published Tuesday. But I cant second-guess that because I may have inspired somebody else to become an FBI agent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When pressed by NewsNation about her fears of possibly inspiring Kohberger, Ramsland was candid. Its terrible, very hard. And its not just what happened to the victims. I really thought Bryan Kohberger was a promising student who really could have made a mark in this career in a very positive way, she said. So, disappointed, angry, and, you know, very shocked that this is who he turned out to be. And horrified for the victims and their families. Just horrified. Ramsland said she met Kohberger, now 30, in 2018, when he transferred to DeSales University as an undergraduate student who was majoring in psychology with a focus on forensics, which made Ramsland his adviser. She said that Kohberger took several of her classes as an undergrad and graduate student, some of which focused specifically on antisocial behavior, psychology sleuthing and analyzing the minds of serial killers. She noted to NewsNation that her syllabus included her book, Confession of a Serial Killer: The Untold Story of Dennis Rader, the BTK Killer, which she co-wrote with Rader and described to NewsNation as intense. Steve and Kristi Goncalves, the parents of Kaylee Goncalves, arrive at the Ada County Courthouse for a hearing in Kohbergers case on April 9 in Boise, Idaho. Idaho Statesman via Getty Images Ramsland said she remembered Kohberger as a respectful, intense and curious student, and that he didnt exhibit any red flags. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although Ramsland said that most experts who teach in her field are aware of the possibility that some students might become offenders, she said that the vast majority of our students will not, and will instead go into a field like law enforcement, FBI, [or the] Secret Service. Despite this knowledge, Ramsland said she was still completely floored by his December 2022 arrest, and would be interested in studying Kohberger. Ive been thinking about that for two and a half years. I would, this is my work. If he wanted to do that, I would, she said. And now, within the framework of this what we do to try to look at developmental trajectories, the triggers so that we can see the red flags faster, we can prevent people like this from wreaking the havoc that they do. She continued: So if he wanted to do that, I know that hes got the intellectual capacity to do it to be self-reflective, to help think through how his life came to this. And, so, I would definitely do it if he were willing. It would be hard, but I think because I have so much material from him, I have questions for him that I think nobody else but me could ask. Crime author and murder case expert, Jeff Guin, has spoken about the implications of the plea deal accepted by Bryan Kohberger. The criminology grad student, who is accused of the gruesome killings of four University of Idaho students, initially had a not-guilty plea entered on his behalf months ago. However, Bryan Kohberger shockingly changed his mind ahead of his trial in August, choosing to take a plea deal that would block the death penalty and cancel his impending trial. Crime Author Reveals The Implications Of The Plea Deal ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA On Wednesday, Kohberger, the man accused of murdering four Idaho students, took a plea deal, a move that has left many surprised. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the deal spares federal prosecutors the time and resources required for the trial scheduled in August, a crime author has warned that it may carry implications that are not favorable to the victims' families. "With no trial, he gets to keep certain secrets. The air of mystery and in some ways that gives him the upper hand," author Jeff Guinn told the New York Post. Guinn then emphasized that such secrets include details of what inspired Kohberger to allegedly murder Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin in their shared home. Additionally, it will also likely remain unknown if one or all were the intended targets and whether he had any form of relationship with them before the murders. Expert Hints At Why Bryan Kohberger Took The Plea Deal: 'He's Taking Control Of The Narrative' Ada County Sheriff's Office/MEGA Although Kohberger has not revealed why he changed his mind at the last minute, Guinn believes he made the decision to regain control of the narrative surrounding him, especially since the deal means that the death penalty is no longer on the table. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "If he decides he wants to make a public statement, he's taking control through this deal because he's still living, breathing, and talking. As long [as] he can talk, he's got some control," said Guinn to the outlet. The Waco author also claimed that Kohberger could potentially go on to gain even more notoriety during his prison life, much like the infamous late criminal Charles Manson, who was imprisoned for life for the murders carried out by his cult. "[Charles] Manson set the paradigm for how much notoriety you can get, for how much you can live off your bloody exploits by getting that life imprisonment. Periodically, he would say or do something crazy and get his name back in the news," Guinn shared. He added, "In [Kohberger's] case, if you commit this kind of crime, you tend to think of yourself as sort of a God-like figure anyway. The plea gives him a further chance to exist in a way that will get more attention, and make him seem [to himself] more superhuman I doubt he's taking this plea to quietly disappear into the penal system." The Victims' Families Are Against The Plea Deal MEGA Ahead of the deal being signed, one of the victims' families expressed dissatisfaction with the prosecutors' decision. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Idaho has failed. They failed me. They failed my whole family," said Steve Goncalves, father of Kaylee Goncalves, in an interview on NBC's "Today" show. "It's my daughter. It's our children. How can you say it's just when you haven't even talked to us to see what justice looks like for us?" he added. Goncalves further decried the manner in which the deal was made, revealing that the prosecutors chose to move ahead despite the "hard no" from his family. "They told us it's not really about us, it's about their process. Just shut up and get on board and deal with it, that's really what they told us," Gonclaves continued. The Prosecutors Wanted To 'Spare The Families' The Pain Of Trial Indiana State Police/MEGA In a chat with TMZ, the family of Xana Kernodle also expressed frustration, noting that prosecutors had floated the idea of a plea deal a few days ago and they strongly opposed it, as they wanted Kohberger to face a jury. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kim Kernodle, Xana's auntie, was especially furious, telling the news outlet that the prosecutors claimed the plea deal was to help "spare the families" the pain of a trial and prevent them from seeing the gruesome crime scene photos. However, Kim blasted this as ridiculous, saying, "We know the graphics. They were not trying to spare us." Bryan Kohberger Officially Pleads Guilty To Quadruple Murder ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA Bryan Kohberger was hit with four counts of murder and one charge of burglary in connection with the brutal killings of four University of Idaho students. He was arrested in December 2022 and has since spent years attempting to have the charges dismissed, challenging the death penalty, and filing multiple motions to delay the trial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the hearing on Wednesday, to sign the plea deal, District Court Judge Steven Hippler asked Kohberger if he killed each victim "willingly, unlawfully, deliberately and with premeditation and malice with forethought." To this, the 30-year-old replied boldly, "Yes," according to E! News. Judge Hippler further noted that Kohberger's response was an "explicit admission to committing these crimes," and that it provided the court with a "factual basis" to accept his guilty plea into the record. Last weekend, Hungarys capital witnessed its largest ever Pride parade, a jubilant and resolute rebuke of Prime Minister Viktor Orbans illiberal policies. Despite a government ban and threats of fines, more than 100,000 people poured into Budapests streets in solidarity with the countrys politically targeted LGBTQ+ community. The massive turnout, far beyond the 40,000 organizers hoped for ahead of the march, marked the biggest Pride event ever to be held in the city. It was also one of the largest opposition gatherings in Hungarys recent memory. Orban was quick to condemn the march as repulsive and shameful, even accusing the European Union of directing Hungarian opposition politicians to organize the event. But in defying his attempt to outlaw Pride, Budapest signaled that many Hungarians are no longer willing to quietly endure the ruling Fidesz partys culture wars and crackdowns on civil liberties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, as momentous as this years Pride was for the capital, it also highlighted a geographic and political divide at the heart of Hungarian society. The march was confined to liberal Budapest, a cosmopolitan enclave increasingly at odds with Orbans conservative, rural base. The euphoria in the capital cannot hide the reality that there were no similar manifestations across the country beyond Budapests city limits, the heartland where Orban and Fidesz still maintain formidable support. To get more in-depth news and expert analysis on global affairs from WPR, sign up for our free Daily Review newsletter. The dichotomy was clear: Budapest may be in revolt, but much of Hungary remains Orban-land. That said, the Pride marchs success comes at a time when Orban faces an unprecedented political threat. Peter Magyara former Fidesz insider and the ex-husband of former Justice Minister Judit Vargahas rapidly become Orbans arch-rival, raising hopes that he might finally bring about change after 14 years of Fidesz rule. Since breaking with Orban and founding his own Tisza party in 2024, Magyar has surged in popularity with a campaign attacking Orbans networks of corruption as well as his economic stewardship. In June, a survey by pollster Median showed that Tisza held a 15-point lead over Fidesz among decided voters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet Magyars rise is also predominantly an urban phenomenon, and Orban knows it. As the Pride march underscored, Orbans enduring strength lies beyond Budapest, in Hungarys smaller cities, towns and villages. The demographic breakdowns of recent polls reflect this. Tisza commands nearly 60 percent support among younger voters under 40, but the majority of those over 50 back Fidesz. These older voters often reside in the countryside and provincial towns, where Fideszs nationalist rhetoric holds sway. The party has cultivated this base through years of patronage and populist messaging, and the phenomenon is compounded by Hungarys brain-drain, which has resulted in younger people leaving for work in Berlin, London and other European capitals. Last weekends Pride was confirmation that the desire for change runs deep in Budapest. But Hungarys opposition will need to replicate that sense of community resistance far beyond the capital. Then there is the question of Orban and Fideszs state capture. Over his 14 years in power, Orban gradually expanded his influence over the media and civil society, and he now exercises that control ruthlessly. Key independent institutions have been packed with loyalists, and a vast constellation of pro-government media blankets the airwaves and newspapers with sympathetic coverage. Even if Orban were to lose next years legislative elections, whoever succeeds him would face a state apparatus thoroughly shaped by Fideszs ideology and personnel. For a glimpse of the challenges the new government would face, we need only look to Poland, where a kindred nationalist government led by the social-conservative Law and Justice party, or PiS, was voted out in 2023. But following the election, Polands newly installed centrist government headed by Prime Minister Donald Tusk immediately ran into roadblocks from PiS-captured institutions. Then-President Andrzej Duda, who was formally nonpartisan by law but nevertheless aligned with PiS, refused to sign any of the new governments reforms. The resulting popular disappointment over Tusks failure to bring about promised change ultimately paved the way for another PiS-backed candidate, Karol Nawrocki, to win last months presidential election. Last weekends Pride was confirmation that the desire for change runs deep among the urban voters of Budapest. But Hungarys opposition will need to replicate that sense of community resistance far beyond the capital, reaching deep into regions where Orbans narrative has gone unchallenged for too long. Crucially, this means breaking the monopoly of the state propaganda machine in those areas. In October 2024, thousands of Hungarians protested outside the state media headquarters calling out Orbans influence and demanding an end to biased news. But once again, those protests were limited to Budapest. Any serious challenge to Fidesz must find ways to bypass its media chokehold, whether through social media, independent local news initiatives or on-the-ground canvassing that brings unfiltered information to villagers and pensioners who for the past decade have only heard the governments messaging. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another pillar of Orbans influence in rural Hungary is the network of churches and conservative community organizations that are closely linked to Fidesz. The ruling party has heavily courted religious leaders and often cloaks its policies in Christian rhetoric. The Hungarian Catholic Church, for example, has been supportive of Orbans hardline policies on issues like immigration and LGBTQ+ rights. In many villages, churches and church-run charities are major providers of social services, and they are often funded by Orbans government. This means the opposition must engage people where they are, including in faith communities, not by attacking religion but by emphasizing the shared values of honesty, compassion and dignity that Orbans government betrays. Meanwhile, the struggle in Hungary is part of a wider regional pattern. Later this year, attention will turn to Czechias parliamentary elections, where a populist comeback is already underway. The opposition is led by former Prime Minister Andrej Babis, a billionaire often compared to Orban who has allied with Orbans far-right European Parliament group, Patriots for Europe, in Brussels. Babis ANO party currently holds a lead in polls, and he has campaigned on Orban-esque themes such as fear of migrants and Euro-skepticism. Just as Orban dominates in rural Hungary, Babis is rallying Czech regions outside Prague, the capital, with ANO having won 10 out of 13 regions in local elections last fall. Budapests record-setting Pride march was a powerful reminder that Hungarys pro-democracy forces are down but not out. The sight of tens of thousands of citizens defying what was effectively an authoritarian edict was a humiliation for Orban and a triumph for European values. As Hungary looks toward a pivotal election in 2026, that energy must be translated into a sustained movement that reaches every corner of the country. But as in Poland, Orbans opponents face a daunting dual challenge: winning over constituencies among whom Orban still enjoys significant support, and then dismantling his deeply embedded system, which has been designed to endure. The former will require empathy and grassroots grit. The latter will require unity, institutional know-how and international solidarity akin to the kinds of democratic reconstruction seen during the regions post-communist transition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Amanda Coakley is a strategic adviser and Europes Futures Fellow at the Institute for Human Sciences in Vienna. In 2024 she was named an Aspen U.K. Rising Leaders Fellow. Her monthly WPR column appears on Wednesdays. The post Budapest Pride Could Be a Hollow Victory for Hungarys Opposition appeared first on World Politics Review. Sean Combs mother Janice Combs said she felt incredible moments after her son was cleared of the most serious criminal charges he faced. Sean Combs mother Janice Combs said she felt incredible moments after her son was cleared of the most serious criminal charges he faced I feel good, the 85-year-old told the Daily Mail outside the Manhattan federal courthouse on Wednesday (02,07.25.) Her 55-year-old music mogul son, known professionally as Diddy, was acquitted of racketeering and sex trafficking charges after a seven-week trial. He was, however, convicted of two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution, each carrying a potential 10-year prison sentence. The jury in his case reached its decision after 13 hours of deliberation. Combs has been in custody since his arrest in September 2024 and is due back in court at 5pm to hear whether he will be granted bail. His children expressed joy following the verdict. Christian Combs, 27, also known as King Combs, told the Daily Mail: First thing Im gonna do is hug my Pops! Justin Combs, 31, said: I am so happy. Christian added: We were hopeful but you never know. Combs' longtime friend, music producer Charlucci Finney, who has known him for 40 years, also joined the family at the courthouse. As they left together, Christian and Finney led cheers and screams in the elevator. Finney, appearing emotional, said: I just didnt know which way it was gonna go. I havent even processed this yet. Man its incredible hes gonna be coming home. Janice, who remained composed in court, smiled and waved at cameras as she left the building with her sister and grandchildren. The twins embraced as the verdict was read, while spectators erupted in celebration when the jury foreman delivered three counts of not guilty. Across town, 38-year-old Cassie Ventura, Combs former girlfriend and a central witness in the case, reportedly reacted with horror to the verdict. Her lawyer, Douglas Wigdor, told CNN: Obviously, Cassie Ventura, at that point in time and today, is not the winner. Wigdor issued a statement after the verdict, praising Venturas testimony and the impact it had. She displayed unquestionable strength and brought attention to the realities of powerful men in our orbit and the misconduct that has persisted for decades without repercussion, he said. He also rejected the defences portrayal of Ventura as victorious due to a multimillion-dollar civil settlement in 2023. No amount of money is going to ever undo what she had to endure and what she had to go through, Wigdor said, referencing Venturas claims of rape and being forced into days long sexual acts with UTIs. Cassie, who was eight months pregnant when she testified, is now said to be focusing on her family. Her husband, Alex Fine, was seen entering their Manhattan home with their children shortly after the verdict was delivered. Combs defence attorney Marc Agnifilo told the Daily Mail: It feels great, after leaving the courtroom. The legal team is pushing for Combs release on a $1million bond, though prosecutors have opposed bail. During the trial, Agnifilo had referred to Ventura as the winner in the case, but Wigdor dismissed that description, instead highlighting Venturas role in the two counts that resulted in Combs conviction. Alongside Ventura, another woman testified under the pseudonym Jane. Prosecutors argued Combs had operated a criminal enterprise over several years, but the jury rejected those central claims, delivering acquittals on the most serious charges. A traditional Chinese opera performance is staged in the central Vietnamese city of Hue on June 29, 2025. A traditional Chinese opera performance was staged on Sunday at the Royal Theater inside the Imperial City of Hue, a former imperial capital in central Vietnam, offering local audiences a glimpse into China's classical performing arts. (Photo by Dang Hong Dung/Xinhua) HUE, Vietnam, July 1 (Xinhua) -- A traditional Chinese opera performance was staged on Sunday at the Royal Theater inside the Imperial City of Hue, a former imperial capital in central Vietnam, offering local audiences a glimpse into China's classical performing arts. Presented by a troupe from China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, the event was part of a broader cultural exchange initiative between Vietnam and China. The performance featured live traditional music, elaborate costumes, stylized gestures, and scenes drawn from various forms of Chinese opera. The show attracted a diverse audience of Vietnamese and Chinese officials, artists, students, and residents, who gathered at one of Hue's historic cultural venues. Nguyen Van Phuc, director of the Hue Department of Foreign Affairs, said the performance was impressive and showcased the cultural richness of Guangxi and China as a whole. The atmosphere in the theater was marked by attentiveness and appreciation, as performers delivered scenes from classical stories using distinct vocal techniques and symbolic movement. Among the audience was Le Ngoc, vice director of the Institute of National Cultural Heritage in Vietnam, who had also helped coordinate the program. She emphasized the importance of such events as a platform for collaboration between artists, adding, "I believe this is an important bridge for cultural cooperation between the two sides, helping foster close ties between artists from both countries." For performers like Huang Juncheng, a Chinese traditional opera actor, the experience in Hue was a form of cultural exchange. Huang appeared in the role of Guan Yu, a famous general from China's Three Kingdoms period, in the traditional opera Huarong Pass, which depicts a well-known episode from the historical novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms. He said the character of Guan Yu is also highly respected in Vietnam, reflecting the shared cultural values between the two countries. He noted that Guan Yu is seen as a symbol of loyalty, bravery, and righteousness, adding that these values carry meanings across generations and borders. "So whether it is the Chinese people or the Vietnamese people worshipping Guan Yu, they are expressing their sense of responsibility to themselves, their family, and their country," he said. In the audience, many students and young locals were experiencing Chinese opera live for the first time. "These acts were beautiful and meaningful," said Phan The Dai Uy, a university student in Hue. "They broadened my horizons and reflected international cultural exchange." A traditional Chinese opera performance is staged in the central Vietnamese city of Hue on June 29, 2025. A traditional Chinese opera performance was staged on Sunday at the Royal Theater inside the Imperial City of Hue, a former imperial capital in central Vietnam, offering local audiences a glimpse into China's classical performing arts. (Photo by Dang Hong Dung/Xinhua) A traditional Chinese opera performance is staged in the central Vietnamese city of Hue on June 29, 2025. A traditional Chinese opera performance was staged on Sunday at the Royal Theater inside the Imperial City of Hue, a former imperial capital in central Vietnam, offering local audiences a glimpse into China's classical performing arts. (Photo by Dang Hong Dung/Xinhua) A traditional Chinese opera performance is staged in the central Vietnamese city of Hue on June 29, 2025. A traditional Chinese opera performance was staged on Sunday at the Royal Theater inside the Imperial City of Hue, a former imperial capital in central Vietnam, offering local audiences a glimpse into China's classical performing arts. (Photo by Dang Hong Dung/Xinhua) A traditional Chinese opera performance is staged in the central Vietnamese city of Hue on June 29, 2025. A traditional Chinese opera performance was staged on Sunday at the Royal Theater inside the Imperial City of Hue, a former imperial capital in central Vietnam, offering local audiences a glimpse into China's classical performing arts. (Photo by Dang Hong Dung/Xinhua) Goranson Farm stand at the Portland, Maine farmers market accepts WIC credits. Aug. 10, 2024. (AnnMarie Hilton/Maine Morning Star) Kelli Austin is already juggling being in school, taking care of her children, and running a business. Now, the Waterville resident is worried she will have to choose between food and medicine. Or skip medical appointments so her kids can go to the doctor. Its not just me and my kids that are affected by this. There are so many kids right now with parents that are struggling, working two jobs already and juggling multiple hats just to just to barely get by, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Austin, like thousands of Mainers, relies on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, known as SNAP, and Medicaid, which she is scared she will lose because of work requirements in Republicans budget reconciliation bill that passed the U.S. Senate on Tuesday. If this goes through, its not just numbers on a page, she said. Its gonna be missed appointments, closed clinics and deferred dreams. Advocates are warning of the disastrous consequences if the budget reconciliation bill becomes law, including jeopardizing access to food and health care for thousands of low income people. Interviews with representatives from half a dozen different groups underscored the concern that the effects of the bill will also be felt by middle class families, small businesses and rural hospitals for years to come. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill, which Maines entire congressional delegation voted against, is slated for a final vote in the U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday, though stalled due to some Republican resistance. The Senate version, which Republican Sen. Susan Collins voted against after initially casting a vote to advance the bill, added provisions that made the bill worse, many experts said. It is one of the largest transfers of wealth and greatest cuts to health care and food assistance in this countrys history, said Alex Carter, a policy advocate for Maine Equal Justice, a civil legal aid and economic justice organization. I dont think its dramatic or hyperbolic to say that people are going to go hungry. People are going to not be able to meet their basic needs, and people are going to die if this bill passes. The bill restricts access to Medicaid, institutes work requirements for food and health care assistance, makes certain reproductive health providers ineligible for federal funding and requires states to cover some SNAP costs, the federal government currently funds. It will also increase premiums for marketplace health insurance. All those cuts are meant to pay for extending tax cuts passed during President Donald Trumps first term that mostly benefit the wealthy, as well as fund a significant increase in immigration enforcement. Many of the advocates who spoke with Maine Morning Star emphasized these provisions will be particularly challenging for a rural, aging state like Maine, where food insecurity, child hunger and health care infrastructure are already stressed and the state does not have extra funding to make up for federal cuts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I don't think it's dramatic or hyperbolic to say that people are going to go hungry. People are going to not be able to meet their basic needs, and people are going to die if this bill passes. Alex Carter, Maine Equal Justice When you look at this bill and what it means for Maine and for Maine people, it effectively means that were going to lose services, said Garrett Martin, president and CEO of the Maine Center for Economic Policy. While much of the bills opposition has focused on the threats to Medicaid which an estimated 30,000 Mainers could lose as a result there are other compounding impacts that target the same groups of people whose health care is at risk, Martin and others explained. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The impacts may not be felt immediately because different provisions in the bill take effect on different timelines (including some as late as 2028), but its going to take two to three years before people really start to understand how significant this legislation is going to impact them and their communities, Martin said. Nutrition assistance impact The bill will, for the first time, make states like Maine bear some of the cost of SNAP. According to the bill, states with a higher rate of errors, meaning benefits incorrectly issued, will have to bear up to 15% of the costs of the program, which could cost the state up to $60 million in benefits an unsustainable burden that could effectively dismantle the entire program, according to Anna Korsen, policy and program director at Full Plates, Full Potential, which advocates for state and federal support for child nutrition. The bill also introduces stringent work reporting requirements that would make nutrition benefits harder to obtain and maintain, particularly for families with children and older adults. Although the vast majority of the 176,000 Mainers who use SNAP meet the work requirements, Korsen said the administrative challenge of filling out SNAP benefit forms is already daunting for families. Adding the additional work requirement will push people out of the program, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The problem isnt that people arent working. The challenge that theyre creating is that people are going to get caught up in all of this red tape and paperwork, she said. So what theyre trying to do is just make SNAP harder to get and harder to keep. When she was finishing school, Austin was part of Maines Parents as Scholars financial aid program, which made her eligible for federal assistance. But under the budget bill, she will have to meet work requirements to be eligible for SNAP and Medicaid, which she said is a challenge as a single mom. I struggle just to get by as it is, let alone taking me out of the house for that many hours and making me juggle that much more, she said. Its not that were unwilling to work, its that were underserved. Im not asking for a handout by any right, but Im asking for a fair shot for myself and my kids, Austin added. The changes would not only impact food security but also harm local economies, with SNAP benefits generating nearly $548 million in annual economic activity in Maine. Small grocery stores could lose up to 20% of their revenue, and local farms could also suffer significant setbacks by losing the revenue that comes from SNAP. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Korsen argued that the bills provisions create an all-or-nothing scenario for states, forcing them to either pay massive new costs or opt out of the SNAP program entirely. Indirectly, the legislation also threatens other forms of food assistance, such as free school meals, summer nutrition programs, and WIC benefits, because if a family qualifies for Medicaid or SNAP benefits, they are automatically eligible for free meals. This direct certification allows school districts to be accurately reimbursed by the federal government for providing those meals. Schools are scared, families are scared, Korsen said. Its just unbelievable that our government would think that this is okay. The proposal also ends the work requirement exemption for homeless people and veterans on SNAP, which means thousands of vulnerable people could go hungry, according to Terence Miller, advocacy director at the Portland-based homeless services organization Preble Street. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That would put even more strain on privately run food banks, which already faced setbacks when the U.S. Department of Agriculture cut programs that allow them to buy from local farms. I mean, a veteran who fought for our country and finds themselves unhoused and needing food is no longer eligible to receive SNAP benefits, he said. Its just unfathomable to me to think that those people will not be able to buy their own food. Impact on marketplace health insurance In addition to sweeping Medicaid cuts, thousands of Maine residents who rely on marketplace health insurance could see their premiums dramatically increase. According to an analysis by the Maine Center for Economic Policy, approximately 63,000 Mainers with marketplace coverage will be significantly impacted by the expiration of premium tax credits, Martin said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For example, a family of four earning around $78,000 annually could see its monthly premiums double from $263 to $476. Even more stark are the potential increases for older residents: a 62-year-old couple earning $85,000 might face a premium jump from $608 to $2,346 per month. Those premium tax credits have been crucial in making health insurance affordable, Martin explained. About 85% of marketplace participants currently receive these subsidies, which help cap health insurance costs for individuals and families. The potential elimination of these credits represents more than just a financial burden, Martin added, it could force many Maine residents to choose between maintaining health coverage or cutting other essential expenses. At the same time that health coverage is being taken away from low income households and individuals and people with disabilities, were also seeing a scenario in which arguably middle class families are likely to see a significant increase in costs for themselves as a consequence of this, Martin said. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) A Buffalo man has been sentenced to 22 years in prison in connection to a fatal shooting on the citys West Side in August 2024, the Erie County District Attorneys Office said Wednesday. Edward Harwell, 39, shot and killed a 21-year-old man with an illegal gun on the 200 block of Bird Avenue on Aug. 3, 2024. The victim died at the hospital. Harwells vehicle was found a short time later on Route 198 and traveled to the Skyway, where multiple guns were thrown from the window by him and his two passengers. One of the passengers, an 18-year-old man, pleaded guilty to two counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon in December 2024 and was sentenced to six months in jail followed by five years of probation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As for Harwell, he pleaded guilty in April to first-degree manslaughter and second-degree criminal possession of a weapon. The case against the second co-defendant was dismissed on Wednesday. When he gets out of prison, Harwell will be subject to five years of post-release supervision. Latest Local News Aidan Joly joined the News 4 staff in 2022. He is a graduate of Canisius College. You can see more of his work here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to News 4 Buffalo. BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) Neighbors and local leaders are speaking out after claiming that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is targeting an Iranian family seeking asylum in Buffalo. Residents said federal agents have been surveilling their West Side neighborhood for the past week, allegedly attempting to detain an Iranian man who, according to them, has no criminal record, no outstanding warrants and is in the country legally. Theyve gone through the proper channels. Its my understanding that they are legally here seeking asylum, said Buffalo Common Council Majority Leader Leah Halton-Pope. I dont understand why we feel it would be important to detain them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jennifer Connor, the executive director of Justice for Migrant Families, and West Buffalo resident Drew Ludwig said they have a personal connection to the family. Theyve asked that the man not be named for safety reasons. According to Connor, the family fled Iran for political reasons and hopes to stay in the U.S. permanently. A family of asylum seekers who, like many, came to Buffalo seeking peace, safety, another chance, Connor said. Neighbors claim that federal agents have been using unmarked vehicles near Grant Street and Lafayette Avenue, reportedly waiting for the man to appear in public. There are also allegations that ICE agents attempted to enter a private home without a warrant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The situation has led residents to establish a neighborhood watch. Weve had several of those cars, with men leaning back in their seats and tinted windows all by themselves, and as a parent, I dont like that, Ludwig said. For reasons of operational security, ICE does not discuss law enforcement tactics or confirm current, ongoing or future operations, ICE said in a statement. ICE relies on intelligence-driven law enforcement operations to locate and apprehend specific aliens at-large. We know who we are targeting ahead of time. Local lawmakers have criticized the alleged surveillance. I feel that youre weaponizing immigration and the power of immigration enforcement, and this is not about public safety, Halton-Pope said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jennifer Behm of Berardi Immigration Law noted that the alleged targeting of this family reflects a growing trend in the wake of overseas conflict. Last week, ICE announced the arrest of 11 Iranian nationals with criminal records, including Mohammad Rafikian, who was convicted of grand larceny and posing as a fake attorney, and was detained in Buffalo. More government interactions are occurring at places that were historically seen as protected spaces, Behm said. When you pair this with ICEs administrative warrants and immigration court records that arent publicly filed, this leads to immigrants being on edge, and Americans in these communities who also have a stake in whats going on. Several state and local officials are voicing their concern. Instead of focusing on people with violent criminal convictions, ICE is arresting those with none, State Senator Sean Ryan said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is unacceptable for our neighbors, regardless of their origin, to be targeted simply based on physical appearance, said Erie County Legislator April Baskin. Assemblymember Jon Rivera called the incident a weaponization of immigration policy. In response, an ICE spokesperson said, Any claims individuals have been targeted by law enforcement because of their skin color or physical features are categorically false, an ICE spokesperson said in a statement. This news was first reported by Dale Shoemaker of Investigative Post. Latest Local News Dillon Morello is a reporter from Pittsburgh who has been part of the News 4 team since September of 2023. See more of his work here and follow him on Twitter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to News 4 Buffalo. All three networks experienced month-to-month gains in total viewers and the Adults 25-54 demographic for the month of June. It was a very newsworthy month, with domestic and international news drawing viewers to Fox News, MSNBC, and CNN. Top stories include the murders of the Minnesota lawmakers, the ICE protests, and the Middle East conflict, which featured U.S. involvement courtesy of the military strikes at three Iranian nuclear sites. CNN saw the largest gains during primetime and total day, finishing in second place in the demo during primetime. Meanwhile, Fox News finished ahead of two broadcast networks in total viewers, including CBS, which had 2.1 million and 341,000 demo viewers. It was also in front of NBC in total viewers, which had 2.4 million. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This was Fox News' highest-rated June in total viewers and the demo since 2020. Fox News According to Nielsen Media Research, Fox News had 2.803 million total viewers in primetime and 345,000 viewers in the Adults 25-54 demo. During total day, it had 1.710 million total viewers and 220,000 viewers in the demo. Compared to its performance in May 2025, Fox News experienced a +14% gain in total viewers and a +32% increase in the A25-54 demo during primetime. During total day, it was also up +10% in total viewers and +22% in the demo when compared to the previous month. Looking at Fox News performance against the same month in 2024, it was up by +23% in total viewers and +35% in the demo during primetime. In total day, it was up by +27% in total viewers and +38% in the demo-the only network with gains in this comparison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The network finished June as the No.1 cable network in total viewers and in third place in the demo during primetime. During total day, it was in first place in total viewers and in the demo. MSNBC MSNBC was the No. 2 cable news network in primetime and total day in total viewers in June, with 955,000 and 593,000 viewers, respectively. The network in the A25-54 demo had 95,000 viewers in primetime and 60,000 viewers during total day. Compared to May, MSNBC was up +9% in total viewers and +30% in A25-54 during primetime. It was up +9% in total viewers and +22% in the demo during total day. Looking at its performance in June 2024, MSNBC was down -18% in total viewers and the demo during primetime. It was down -23% in total viewers and -24% in the demo during total day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MSNBC finished in fourth place during primetime and No. 2 in total viewers during total day. It was the No. 11 network in the demo during primetime and tied for 10th place with Investigation Discovery during total day. CNN During primetime in May, CNN had 642,000 total viewers and 134,000 A25-54 viewers. When looking at total day, the network had 446,000 total viewers and 83,000 demo viewers. Compared to its performance in the previous month, CNN saw an increase of +51% in total viewers and +76% in the demo during primetime. It increased by +26% in total viewers and +41% in the demo during total day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When comparing its performance to the same month in 2024 during primetime, which coincided with the presidential debate between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump, it was down -7% in total viewers and -13% in the demo. In total day, CNN lost viewers by -2% and -3% in total viewers and the demo, respectively. CNN finished as the No. 5 network during primetime and was in fourth place in total day in total viewers. Its position in the demo was No. 6 in primetime and during total day. Looking at the June performance of the other news nets: NewsNation Cuomo remains the top program in total viewers and A25-54 with 185,000 and 17,000 viewers, respectively. Fox Business Kudlow remained the nets top show in total viewers, with 287,000 viewers, and also held the top spot in the demo, with 17,000 viewers. CNBC Squawk on the Street was the most-watched program in total viewers, with 207,000, and finished in first place in the A25-54 demo, with 48,000 viewers. Newsmax Rob Schmitt Tonight was the nets top show in total viewers and the demo, with 411,000 and 25,000 viewers, respectively. PROGRAMMING Fox News The Five was the most-watched program in Total Viewers (3.760 million at 5 p.m. ET). Hannity took first place in the advertiser-coveted demo of A25-54 with 434,000 viewers at 9 p.m. ET. MSNBC Its most-watched show in total viewers and the demo continued to be The Rachel Maddow Show (2.061 million and 214,000, respectively) at 9 p.m. ET. CNN Anderson Cooper 360 at 8 p.m. ET was the networks top performer in total viewers, with 669,000. In the A25-54 demo, CNN NewsNight with Abby Phillip at 10 p.m. ET remained in first place with 149,000 viewers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among Total Viewers The Five Fox News (3,760,000) Jesse Watters Primetime Fox News (3,406,000) Hannity Fox News (3,252,000) Gutfeld! Fox News (3,053,000) Special Report with Bret Baier Fox News (2,893,000) The Ingraham Angle Fox News (2,704,000) The Will Cain Show Fox News (2,166,000) The Rachel Maddow Show MSNBC (2,061,000) Outnumbered Fox News (2,042,000) America Reports Fox News (2,007,000) The Faulkner Focus Fox News ( 1,973,000) The Story with Martha MacCallum Fox News (1,963,000) Americas Newsroom Fox News (1,960,000) Fox News @Night Fox News (1,869,000) Fox & Friends Fox News (1,419,000) Among Adults 25-54 Hannity Fox News (434,000) The Five Fox News (417,000) Jesse Watters Primetime Fox News (403,000) Gutfeld! Fox News (376,000) Special Report with Bret Baier Fox News (334,000) The Ingraham Angle Fox News (321,000) Fox News at Night Fox News (284,000) The Will Cain Show Fox News (277,000) America Reports Fox News (250,000) The Story with Martha MacCallum Fox News (247,000) Outnumbered Fox News (245,000) The Faulkner Focus Fox News (234,000) The Rachel Maddow Show MSNBC (214,000) (tie for 13) Americas Newsroom Fox News (214,000) (tie for 13) 15. Fox & Friends Fox News (185,000) June 2025 Cable News Ratings (Nielsen Live+SD data): PRIMETIME Fox News MSNBC CNN Total Viewers: 2,803,000 955,000 642,000 A25-54: 345,000 95,000 134,000 Gov. Gavin Newsom warned the U.S. media companies not to sell out to the Trump administration, the same day that Paramount Global controversially settled a lawsuit brought about by Trump regarding a 60 Minutes report. That $16 million settlement between Paramounts CBS News and Trump is widely seen as a quid pro quo for the FCC to approve a long-awaited acquisition of the conglom by Skydance something both companies have taken pains to say is not the case. But Newsom (D-Calif.) told Variety during a press conference Wednesday morning that it seems, for some, almost transactional. Not just the settlement, but why the settlement needed to occur in order to pave way for other transactions. It just leads one to cynically state that. Im not learning enough on the details to assert more than those that have suggested the curious nature of the timing. More from Variety Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The suit based on a pre-election interview between 60 Minutes correspondent Bill Whitaker and former U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris has been criticized by most legal circles as not holding any weight based on the First Amendment and plenty of proof that the sitdown was not improperly edited. But it was the latest in a line of suits Trump has filed against media outlets, and the latest settled by companies looking to protect their business interests. Its the nature of the moment were living in, said Newsom, who then acknowledged his own filing against Fox News: I sued Fox News for defaming me, for knowingly lying, for editing and assaulting truth and trust. Fox is a propaganda network, and they knowingly edit out national Fox knowingly edit out facts and they should be held to account. So I dont have a problem holding people to a higher level of ethics and accountability in journalist standards. In his suit, Gov. Newsom alleged that Fox News host Jesse Watters used an edited clip of President Trumps remarks about him to falsely claim that Newsom had lied about Trump not calling him about deploying National Guard troops to quell L.A. protests. But as for the Paramount settlement, the timing of this, the nature of it, some of the punditry related to it, more objective minds will determine, just raises more questions. It doesnt close the books on the actual issue of 60 Minutes editing an interview, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Later, Variety also asked Newsom how hed like to see media organizations handle threats that Trump poses against them when it comes to regulatory means, content, diversity/equity/inclusion policies and more. Dont sell out, like Columbia and the University of Pennsylvania appear to be, he said, referring to recent decisions by those universities to cave into demands by Trump. Dont sell out like these law firms. Stand tall. You have one thing. Formal authority doesnt matter. Its moral authority. Stand tall. Do the right thing. Guys like Trump come and go. Hes a moment in time. His administration ends in 18 months, period. Full stop. Fire and fury. Sure, well have to deal with all the noise. But his administration is over in 18 months. Think in those terms, not just short term. Do the right thing. You know what the right thing is. Newsom met with reporters after a celebration on the Ranch Lot in Burbank, where he signed the expansion of the California film and TV tax credit to $750 million. No ones naive.. This is the beginning of the next phase of the process that we all have a lot of work to do, he said. Not just the city of L.A., the county of L.A., the entire region, with that matter, other parts of the state, to look at their permit and to look at the time to delivering those permits, to look at the costs of these permits I hope this inspires similar efforts in cities, large and small across the state as well, to leverage and match some of the ambition from California taxpayers. Newsom also took a moment to discuss what California is attempting to do in fighting the Trump administrations aggressive detention of citizens without due process. That assault on the rule of law, it would be part of the further weaponization of the rule of law by the Trump administration, is obvious concern, he said. Well try to stop and stay these efforts to vandalize our democracy and to assault our rule of law, and notably, to take grant funding that Congress has legally appropriated that the President does not have a unilateral authority to take. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Well continue in that posture as aggressively as we possibly can with the best legal minds we have the broader issue of whats happening on the streets, he added. Theres not a day that goes by I could regale you with saved videos that just break your heart, women screaming because theyre being taken away by people with masks that refuse to provide IDs and unmarked cars in the middle of the day, the middle of the streets without any arrest warrants, without any criminal history, desperate just to provide medication to their young children, just being disappeared I know people can feel overwhelmed the shock and awe of everything thats going on, but we need to understand a moment were living. Newsom also referenced Trumps and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis Alligator Alcatraz press op yesterday. These are flim-flammers, he said. Theyre not serious people. What an embarrassment. Imagine the rest of the world looking at that, mocking people. The President of the United States of America, I revere that office. We all should. The Founding Fathers didnt live and die to see that show. What an embarrassment. $450 million a year of wasted tax money for pure theater. Well continue to push back in very aggressive ways. Best of Variety Sign up for Variety's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. It has been nearly a month since the Trump administration launched its no-holds-barred immigration enforcement campaign in Southern California, deploying federal forces on raids that have sparked massive protests, prompted ongoing litigation in federal court and triggered a flurry of bills from outraged state lawmakers trying to fight back. And yet at least so far nothing seems capable of deterring the White House or forcing a change in tactics. In both Sacramento and Washington, observers said elected officials are coming up with proposals that seem to lack teeth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ahilan Arulanantham, co-director of the UCLA Center for Immigration Law and Policy and former senior counsel for the American Civil Liberties Union in Los Angeles, said stopping the Trump administration from sending masked and unidentified immigration agents to snatch people off the street is proving difficult. "They detain everybody and interrogate them all and then just figure out afterward who's unlawfully present, and that's blatantly illegal," he said. "We can write more laws, but there's already perfectly good laws that say this is unlawful, and they're doing it anyway." A bill announced Monday by state Sen. Sasha Renee Perez (D-Alhambra) would expand police impersonation laws and require all law enforcement, unless undercover, to wear a name tag or badge number. "While ICE has publicly condemned impersonations, the agencys use of face coverings and lack of consistent, visible identification creates public confusion and makes it difficult for the public to distinguish between authorized law enforcement personnel and dangerous criminals," Renee Perez's office said in a news release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another bill, introduced by state Sens. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) and Jesse Arreguin (D-Berkeley) also seeks to ban law enforcement from wearing face coverings. U.S. Representative Laura Friedman (D-Glendale) announced similar legislation Tuesday at the federal level, but the Republican majorities in both congressional houses mean it stands little chance of becoming law. The state bills have a better chance of passage in the Democratic-controlled Legislature, but they still face opposition. The Peace Officers Research Assn. of California, the largest statewide law enforcement union in the country, said banning face coverings could inadvertently put local cops who are already required to wear badges, nameplates or badge numbers on their uniforms at risk of losing access to personal protective equipment like face shields and respirators. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Using local law enforcement as a punching bag to grandstand against the federal government should not be an acceptable practice from our state leaders. It is misdirected, misguided, and intolerable," Brian R. Marvel, president of PORAC, said in a statement. Marvel said he doubted California had the authority to regulate the attire of federal officers. Arulanantham disagreed, saying that the state law could stand as long as the mask ban was neutrally applied to all law enforcement, not just federal actors. Other potential measures in the state Legislature, Arulanantham said, could expand on SB 54, the sanctuary policy that limits collaboration between state law enforcement and federal authorities on immigration enforcement. But even those protections are now under assault in the courts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration sued the city of L.A. on Monday, arguing its sanctuary policy hampered the federal government's ability to enforce immigration law. "Our City remains committed to standing up for our constitutional rights and the rights of our residents, a spokesperson for the L.A. city attorney said in a statement. We will defend our ordinance and continue to defend policies that reflect our longstanding values as a welcoming community for all residents. Read more: Trump administration sues Mayor Karen Bass, L.A. City Council over sanctuary policy Other bills advancing through the state Legislature include measures that would restrict school officials from allowing immigration enforcement inside the nonpublic areas of schools and prohibit healthcare workers from sharing a patient's immigration status without judicial warrants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democrats aren't alone in trying to get the White House to back off. A group of state Republican lawmakers authored a letter to Trump, arguing that widespread immigration raids are crippling the economy by taking away workers from key industries. "Unfortunately, the recent ICE workplace raids on farms, at construction sites, and in restaurants and hotels, have led to unintended consequences that are harming the communities we represent and the businesses that employ our constituents," the letter said. The Department of Homeland Security has insisted its agents are busy arresting "criminal illegal aliens" and said it will continue operations despite efforts by "rioters and politicians trying to hinder law enforcement." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As bad faith politicians attempt to demean and vilify our brave law enforcement, we will only double down and ramp up our enforcement actions against the worst of the worst criminals, Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said in a June 26 news release. Read more: Disappeared by ICE in L.A.: How to find detained relatives Local city and county governments, civil rights groups and even individuals could step in to sue the government and ICE on the grounds that they are infringing upon citizens' constitutional rights and harming the local economy but no notable cases have been filed. The city of Los Angeles is posturing for a suit and has already approved legal action against ICE, according to a proposal signed by seven members of the City Council. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But early struggles in the state's challenge to Trump's deployment of federal troops do not bode well for future litigation. The U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals swiftly overturned a lower court decision that would've limited Trump's authority, and litigation over whether the troops can be used for immigration enforcement remains ongoing. Read more: L.A. city leaders look to file lawsuit over 'unconstitutional' immigration enforcement While the court battle plays out, state Democratic leaders, including Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas (D-Hollister), say they are working to fast-track some bills through the legislative process. The Speaker is deeply invested in protecting Californias immigrant workers and families in the face of reckless ICE raids and Trumps abuses of power," Rivas' spokesperson Nick Miller said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some observers said that, despite the struggles legislation may face in the near term, it may be up to Republicans to change focus from Trump's agenda to things that affect their electorates, said veteran Democratic political strategist Roy Behr. "The Republicans seem more focused on doing whatever Trump wants, but at least these votes force them to show where their loyalties really lie. And you know, maybe one day they will actually start to pay the price for these votes and ultimately feel the pressure to change their minds." 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. SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage) A California man wanted for murder was taken into custody on July 1 by the Kimble County Sheriffs Office, according to the agency. In a public statement issued during the nighttime hours of July 1, the sheriffs office stated that it received information that day regarding a Murder suspect heading west on IH 10 from San Antonio. Reagan County manhunt: Felony suspects wanted after stolen car found Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement KCSO deputies and Junction Police Department officers responded, spotting the suspect vehicle near the Segovia 66 Truck Stop. Deputies would conduct a traffic stop there. David Ruiz, 39, of Whittier, California, would then be detained on scene without incident. A KCSO representative stated that Ruiz was arrested at approximately 1 p.m. on July 1. The agency stated that Ruiz was booked into the Kimble County Jail due to a murder warrant out of Bexar County. The representative said he was booked at approximately 6 p.m. on July 1. As of the time of publication, Ruiz is held there without bond. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ConchoValleyHomepage.com. A 24-year-old California man gathered private information on federal officials for an assassination hit list that he shared with other members of a terrorist group known as the "Terrorgram Collective," according to an indictment unsealed in federal court Wednesday. Noah Jacob Lamb targeted people the group felt were "an enemy of the cause of white supremacist accelerationism, and included their photograph, home address, and in some of cases, photos of their spouse, as part of the hit list, according to the federal grand jury indictment. Targets were listed on cards that were shared in private Telegram channels and group chats, federal officials said. Those cards included an image of a rifle and a short description of why the targets would be eliminated, according to court documents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lamb was arrested Tuesday afternoon and is in custody in Sacramento County. He faces eight charges, including conspiracy and soliciting the murder of federal officials. It was not immediately clear if he had an attorney. Read more: California woman behind 'Terrorgram Collective' indicted for urging extremist violence In September, officials indicted Dallas Humber, 34, of Elk Grove, and Matthew Allison, 37, of Boise, Idaho, for their roles in allegedly circulating several "Terrorgram" videos and publications that promoted carrying out specific crimes, including a list of assassination targets, according to court documents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Humber and Allison were accused of leading the group and working together with others to distribute a digital publication known as "The Hard Reset," which provided instructions for making napalm, thermite, chlorine gas, pipe bombs and dirty bombs. Humber allegedly narrated the publication and disseminated it in audiobook form. They each face 15 counts for soliciting hate crimes, soliciting the murder of federal officials and conspiring to provide material support to terrorists, according to the U.S. Justice Department. According to prosecutors, Lamb's contribution included recommending that the list begin with a quote from "The Turner Diaries," a novel about a militia plot that has become a "foundational text of accelerationism" among white supremacists and violent extremists. Prosecutors say Lamb and his co-conspirators were inspired by the novel and wanted to make their own list. Their alleged targets included politicians, state and local officials, business leaders, advocates and others. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Individuals on the list were targeted because of race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity, including federal officials," Michele Beckwith, acting U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of California, said in a statement. "The U.S. Attorneys Office will work tirelessly with our partners in law enforcement and in the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate and prosecute those who commit such violations of federal criminal law. Authorities say Lamb worked with his alleged co-conspirators from November 2021 through September 2024. In January, the State Department designated the Terrorgram Collective and three of its members as specially designated global terrorists. They included a Brazilian national, a Croatian resident and a South African man. The group was linked to an October 2022 shooting outside an LGBTQ+ bar in Slovakia, a July 2024 planned attack on an energy facility in New Jersey and a knife attack at a mosque in Turkey. Times staff writer Brittny Mejia contributed to this report. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. SACRAMENTO, California Republicans in California are steadfast in their support of President Donald Trump, even as he remains deeply unpopular in the blue state, a new poll from the University of California, Irvine found. About 80 percent of California Republicans said they either strongly or somewhat approve of the president, including 55 percent who said they strongly approve, according to the UCI-OC Poll, which was conducted in partnership with Truedot. A large majority of Democrats, 84 percent, and 45 percent of independents strongly disapprove of Trump, the poll showed. About 68 percent of independents polled either somewhat or strongly disapprove of the president, compared to 31 who approve of him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Overall, 63 percent of Californians disapprove of Trump, with half strongly disapproving, compared to the roughly one-third who approve. The president's overall ratings remained virtually unchanged since a survey in early June, before Trumps unilateral decision to deploy the National Guard in Los Angeles amid protests over immigration raids. The poll found that majorities of men and women surveyed in early June, and two-thirds of Black, Latino and Asian respondents, disapproved of the president. Trumps support in California was highest among white respondents and men, at 41 percent and 39 percent respectively. There were three polls administered by UC Irvines School of Social Ecology. The first, which was conducted from May 27 to June 2, surveyed 2,143 adults in California and had a margin of error of 2.9 percent. The second surveyed 2,000 adults from May 29 to June 4 and had a margin of error of 3.6 percent. A third poll conducted from June 24 to June 26 among 509 adults in California had a margin of error of 4.5 percent. CORRECTION: A previous subheadline on this story misstated the level of Republican support for President Donald Trump. Makes no sense Trump keeps saying we're bringing in billions from the tariffs that he has imposed. So why is it that they need to raise the debt ceiling? Only beautiful for the wealthy Anytime someone tells you they want to make things better, ask for who. There are always winners and losers, and in this big, beautiful budget bill, it is only beautiful for the wealthy. It is unchristian and cruel and goes against Jesus' commandment to love thy neighbor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Increase after increase Well, after the article in the paper about the increase in sewer, increase in trash, I think St. Joseph has just increased their cost of living out of my future. When I retire, I'm moving out of this town. It doesn't have much of the future. The only thing I see is increase, increase, increase. See you later, St. Joe. Out of the loop I think it's kind of funny, all these politicians complaining they were left out of the plans and the strike. Washington leaks like a sieve. I can't believe it didn't leak. You know why? Leaks are so bad that it gets our boys and girls in uniform killed. Thank God our boys and girls were safe. Leave them out of the loop if it will save our soldiers' lives. Palestinians mourn over victims who were killed in Israeli airstrikes, at a hospital in Gaza City, July 1, 2025. At least 45 Palestinians were killed by Israeli shelling and gunfire in the Gaza Strip on Tuesday, Gaza's Civil Defense said, while the Israeli army announced that it had attacked 140 targets in the coastal enclave over the past 24 hours. (Photo by Mahmoud Zaki/Xinhua) GAZA, July 1 (Xinhua) -- At least 45 Palestinians were killed by Israeli shelling and gunfire in the Gaza Strip on Tuesday, Gaza's Civil Defense said, while the Israeli army announced that it had attacked 140 targets in the coastal enclave over the past 24 hours. Mahmoud Basal, spokesperson for the Civil Defense in Gaza, told Xinhua that an Israeli drone targeted a gathering of Palestinians in the Jabalia area in the northern Gaza Strip, killing five people. Five other people were killed in two airstrikes launched by Israeli drones, which targeted a house in the al-Tuffah neighborhood in eastern Gaza City and a gathering of Palestinians in the al-Zeitoun neighborhood in the south, according to Basal. In Khan Younis, in the southern Gaza Strip, Basal said that 18 Palestinians were killed in Israeli attacks targeting residential homes and tents housing displaced persons in various parts of the city. Also, two Palestinians were killed in an Israeli airstrike targeting a school housing the displaced in the Maghazi refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip, according to Basal. He noted that at least 15 people were killed and 60 others injured by Israeli army fire while waiting to receive food outside two U.S.-backed aid distribution centers north of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip and at the Netzarim junction in the central Gaza Strip. The attacks come as Palestinian security sources reported that Israeli artillery shelling has continued since the early morning hours of Tuesday on the eastern areas of Gaza City and Jabalia, north of the Strip. The Israeli army announced on Tuesday that the air force attacked more than 140 targets in the Gaza Strip over the past 24 hours, including "terrorist elements, military buildings, anti-tank missile launching points, weapons depots, and additional infrastructure." The army said in a statement that its forces in the Southern Command continue to operate against "terrorist organizations" in the Gaza Strip. On March 18, Israel resumed its military operations in the enclave. At least 6,315 Palestinians had been killed and 22,064 others injured since Israel renewed its intensive strikes, bringing the total death toll since October 2023 to 56,647, and injuries to 134,105, Gaza-based health authorities said on Tuesday. A Palestinian mourns over victims who were killed in Israeli airstrikes, at a hospital in Gaza City, July 1, 2025. At least 45 Palestinians were killed by Israeli shelling and gunfire in the Gaza Strip on Tuesday, Gaza's Civil Defense said, while the Israeli army announced that it had attacked 140 targets in the coastal enclave over the past 24 hours. (Photo by Mahmoud Zaki/Xinhua) Palestinians pray over victims who were killed in Israeli airstrikes, at a hospital in Gaza City, July 1, 2025. At least 45 Palestinians were killed by Israeli shelling and gunfire in the Gaza Strip on Tuesday, Gaza's Civil Defense said, while the Israeli army announced that it had attacked 140 targets in the coastal enclave over the past 24 hours. (Photo by Mahmoud Zaki/Xinhua) Palestinians pray over victims who were killed in Israeli airstrikes, at a hospital in Gaza City, July 1, 2025. At least 45 Palestinians were killed by Israeli shelling and gunfire in the Gaza Strip on Tuesday, Gaza's Civil Defense said, while the Israeli army announced that it had attacked 140 targets in the coastal enclave over the past 24 hours. (Photo by Mahmoud Zaki/Xinhua) Garrett Rolfe, the police officer who shot and killed Rayshard Brooks in 2020, was back in the news after a bar fight last Sunday. And the release of a 911 call is now shedding new light on the incident. Witnesses at X Midtown club described a chaotic scene to police where Rolfe reportedly punched one of the clubs workers four times. When police arrived many were surprised when Rolfe, who was off duty at the time, was released and the worker who was assaulted, Raefeael Penrice, was arrested. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Penrice reportedly placed the 911 call prior to his arrest telling the dispatcher that Rolfe and another man had been asked to leave the bar but refused. The tape of the call was released July 4. I have a guy here claiming to be APD, and he keeps following me, Penrice says on the tape of the call. Im in the back doing my job, like taking out the trash, and the guy followed me to the back of the alley and he has a phone on me asking me all kinds of questions and stuff like that. Penrice told the dispatcher one of the men brandished something and that he was worried that they had a weapon. Upon arrest, it was Penrice who was charged and taken to the Fulton County Jail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rolfe was reportedly placed on administrative leave pending an investigation by the Atlanta Police Departments Office of Professional Standards. Fox 5 reports that a representative from Mayor Andre Dickens office said hes in contact with the police chief about the incident. The mayor has spoken to the chief about this matter and expressed his concerns. Anytime any employee especially a police officer is involved in any incident, he is concerned and expects a full and thorough impartial investigation. That is what is underway now. Officer Rolfe has been relieved of duty pending an investigation. The owner of X Midtown, James Nelson, called out the actions of the arresting officers and Rolfe in a statement to FOX 5. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At X Atlanta Restaurant, were very concerned about the incident that occurred early Sunday morning, which involved an off-duty Atlanta police officer, Nelson said. The circumstances surrounding the incident raise serious questions about the conduct of this officer. Nelson went on to say the club would be conducting its own investigation into the nights events. This latest incident with Rolfe comes on the heels of the fifth anniversary of Brooks fatal shooting in a Wendys parking lot on June 12, 2020. Police Killing of Rayshard Brooks Protests had erupted across the country in 2020 after the police killing of George Floyd by Derek Chauvin in Minneapolis, and then one month later came the death of Rayshard Brooks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brooks, 27, had fallen asleep behind the wheel of his car in the drive-through line at a Wendys restaurant on University Avenue, when two Atlanta police officers arrived on the scene. Dashcam video of the encounter showed a struggle between Brooks and the officers when they attempted to handcuff him. Brooks grabbed one of the officers Tasers and ran. Rolfe shot him twice in the back. Rolfe was fired from the Atlanta Police Department and arrested on 11 charges, including felony murder and multiple counts of assault with a deadly weapon. The second officer on the scene, Devin Brosnan, was placed on administrative leave. At the time, Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms said the fatal police shooting is so personal to so many people of color. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That could have been any one of us, Bottoms said during an interview with TODAY on NBC. That could be any of our kids or brothers. In this case it was: It was someones father. The fatal shooting sparked widespread protests in Atlanta. The prosecution dropped all charges in August 2022. The lead attorney, appointed by Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr, determined Rolfe was justified in shooting Brooks. Rolfe was reinstated to the Atlanta Police Department in May 2021. Follow Capital B Atlanta for updates on this developing story. The post Calls for Mayor to Act After Witnesses Say Officer Who Shot Rayshard Brooks Punched Club Worker appeared first on Capital B News - Atlanta. The juxtaposition at the weekend was apt: one big, ugly bill in Washington and one big, garish wedding in Venice. This is what days of Senate debate over President Trump and Republicans nearly 1,000-page legislation had in common with the days of revelry at the $50-million nuptials of the worlds-third-richest-man, Jeff Bezos, and ever-couture-corseted Lauren Sanchez: an exhibit of excess for a new Gilded Age, encapsulating the gulf between the have-nots and the have-yachts . (Venices yacht ports were reportedly all booked for the wedding, though not by Bezos own 417-foot-long Koru.) The president was invited, natch, but he was a no-show. Consider his legislation his gift to the happy couple. Sanchez and Bezos have much to love in Trumps absurdly titled One Big Beautiful Bill Act making its way through the Republican-run Congress. But Bezos Amazon employees and many of his cut-rate-shopping customers? Not so much. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez tie the knot in opulent Venice wedding This may be the most inequitable and overtly reverse-Robin Hood budget behemoth ever. It would make permanent and expand upon the deep Trump tax cuts of 2017 that disproportionately benefited the rich. The multitrillion-dollar cost would be offset by about $1 trillion in healthcare cuts, mostly to the Medicaid program that serves more than 70 million people. Other cuts would end clean-energy projects (costing jobs and ceding the alternative-energy future to China) and slash nutrition programs for the needy. Meanwhile, spending would increase roughly 15-fold for immigration enforcement, paying for purposely cruel detention centers such as Trumps new Alligator Alcatraz. Bottom line: about $3.5 trillion in additional debt over just the next 10 years, according to the Congressional Budget Office. This monstrosity would exacerbate what is already record income inequality in the United States. It would reverse the past decades decline, under Obamacare, in the number of Americans without health insurance, causing about 17 million people to lose coverage, according to the health-policy nonprofit KFF. More rural hospitals, reliant on Medicaid, would close. Forget the minutiae of Medicaid policy, tweeted Vice President JD Vance, supposed elegist of hillbillies and other downtrodden Americans its the extra immigration crackdown cash that counts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Contributor: Legislators should be ashamed of themselves Healthcare threats loom even as two research papers recently reported that Obamacare and its Medicaid expansion have saved the lives of many low-income adults. One study last month found that the proposed cuts could increase preventable deaths by nearly 17,000 annually. The other , in May, concluded that as much as 20% of the well-documented disparity in the lifespans of low- and high-income Americans, with the latter living longer, is attributable to the lack of health insurance among those with lower incomes. In other words, the supposed One Big Beautiful Bill Act would be a killer. That, of course, would be the worst of it. But other descriptors are so damning that only Trumps death grip on fellow Republicans can explain why theyd vote for this politically suicidal package. With polls this bad , the 2026 midterm elections cant come soon enough to eject Republicans rubberstamping majority in Congress and check Trumps madness. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The largest upward transfer of wealth in American history, said the Atlantic of the bills particulars. The biggest cut to programs for low-income Americans ever, according to budget guru Bobby Kogan at the left-leaning Center for American Progress. The most expensive piece of legislation probably since the 1960s, said analyst Jessica Riedl of the conservative Manhattan Institute, piling trillions of new borrowing on top of deficits that are already leaping. Read more: How Trump's big budget bill would jump-start his immigration agenda That pile-up couldnt happen at a worse time. For decades, budget experts have warned of a coming fiscal tsunami by the 2020s that would swamp the economy as retiring boomers drew from Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid while federal revenues were drained by tax cuts. Yet Republican presidents and Congresses kept cutting taxes and, in league with Democrats, failed to make necessary and relatively painless adjustments to the so-called entitlement benefit programs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And now here we are, knifing Medicaid not to make it and the overall budget more fiscally sound, but to offset the cost of more tax cuts favoring the wealthy, driving up debt. Trump, plainly peeved at talk that hell break his first-term record of the most debt in a presidential term ( $8.4 trillion ), on Wednesday whined in a post , Nobody wants to talk about GROWTH. Read more: Calmes: The 'One Big Beautiful Bill' is a big, ugly mess Americans are on to this fiction that tax cuts pay for themselves. Presidents Reagan, George W. Bush and Trump 1.0 all slashed tax rates disproportionately for the rich and corporations, claiming that economic growth would help reduce deficits. They were wrong. For Trump to do it again and expect a different result, is, as the saying goes, the definition of insanity . The only recent Republican president who helped reduce deficits was George H.W. Bush because he raised taxes as part of a balanced, bipartisan package of spending cuts and tax increases shared sacrifice, something Trump knows nothing about. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just as the Senate was ending its vote to pass Trumps bill on Tuesday, sending it back to the House, Sen. Angus King, an independent from Maine, was heard shouting to Republican senators as he exited, Shame on you guys. Doesnt he know by now that Trump and his party minions have no shame? In Venice, Bezos the billionaire groom came in for some razzing too. A huge banner carpeted the famed Piazza San Marco before his three-day bacchanalia: If you can rent Venice for your wedding you can pay more tax. Bezos could, but he wont. Weve gone beyond trickle-down tax politics. Its bottoms up for Bezos, other billionaires and all the mere millionaires. Well all suffer the hangover, however, and none more than the most needy among us. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement @Jackiekcalmes @jackiecalmes.bsky.social @jkcalmes Get the latest from Jackie Calmes Commentary on politics and more from award-winning opinion columnist. Sign me up. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Ive always found something charming about Canada Day, the July 1 national celebration, landing just three days before Americas Independence Day. The two holidays are ideologically opposed: Canada Day celebrates the countrys 1867 confederation under British law, while July Fourth celebrates a violent revolution against the crown. Yet after centuries of peace, with the two countries now sharing the longest undefended border in the world, the timing normally feels less like dueling celebrations than a week-long joint birthday party. So leave it to Donald Trump to reintroduce tension to the holidays. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last Friday, just as Canadians were getting ready for the pre-holiday weekend, Trump declared that the United States is renewing hostilities in the briefly suspended trade war. We are hereby terminating ALL discussions on Trade with Canada, effective immediately, he wrote on Truth Social, adding that we will let Canada know the Tariff that they will be paying to do business with the United States of America within the next seven day period. And then, in a Sunday interview on Fox News, he renewed the rhetoric that most infuriated Canadians: his claim that Canada should be annexed by the United States. Frankly, Canada should be the 51st state. It really should, he told anchor Maria Bartiromo. Because Canada relies entirely on the United States. We dont rely on Canada. In thinking through all of this, Ive found one voice especially clarifying: the Canadian conservative philosopher George Grant. In 1965, Grant published a short book titled Lament for a Nation arguing that Canadas increasing integration with the United States was a kind of national suicide. This was, in part, a political matter: By hitching its economy and defense to those of a much larger neighbor, Canada effectively surrendered its ability to set its own political course. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But it was also a kind of spiritual death: By embracing free trade and open borders with the United States, Grant argued, Canada was selling its conservative soul to the American ethos of never-ending revolutionary progress. It was, in effect, turning Canada Day into an early July Fourth. Given the Trump threat, Grants argument feels more vital than it has in decades prompting a round of intellectual reconsiderations. Recent pieces by Patrick Deneen, a leading American postliberal, and Michael Ignatieff, a leading Canadian liberal intellectual (and Grants nephew), have highlighted elements of the argument that feel especially relevant in the current moment. Yet Lament for a Nation is also notable for what it failed to foresee. While Grant predicted Americas liberalism would swallow Canada, it is, in fact, the most philosophically illiberal administration in modern American history that threatens Canadian sovereignty. And Canadian resistance to Yankee imperialism has rallied under the banner of Liberal Party Prime Minister Mark Carney a central banker who fully embraces Canadas modern identity as the most tolerant and multicultural country on the planet. A conservative Canadians Lament Lament for a Nation takes, as its central event, the 1963 defeat of then-Prime Minister John Diefenbaker. His defeat, per Grant, was the moment that Canadas fate was sealed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Diefenbaker was the leader of the Progressive Conservative Party (now more simply called the Conservative Party). Grant writes about him a bit the way that some on the intellectual right talk about Trump today: as an imperfect but basically necessary bulwark against the depredations of the liberal elite. A prairie populist raised in Saskatchewan, Diefenbaker was culturally and politically distinct from the traditional power elite in cities like Toronto, Ottawa, and Montreal. These elites, per Grant, believed that Canada benefited from increasing economic and military interconnections with the US, such as eliminating trade barriers and joint participation in the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). Diefenbaker, in Grants telling, took a different approach one that valued Canadian self-determination over the material benefits of trade and security cooperation. On key issues, most notably the 196263 debate over stationing American nuclear weapons on Canadian soil, Diefenbaker resisted the intellectual and political elites continentalist approach instead raising concerns that too much integration with the United States would threaten Canadian nationhood. It is this hesitancy, Grant argues, that brought the wrath of the elite class down on his head, ultimately leading to the Progressive Conservatives defeat in the 1963 election. With Diefenbaker cleared away, there was no longer any barrier to a policy of economic and political integration with the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lamenting for Canada is inevitably associated with the tragedy of Diefenbaker. His inability to govern is linked with the inability of this country to be sovereign, Grant writes. Its easy to ridicule this sentiment in hindsight. After all, Canada remains standing 60 years after Grants predictions of doom. Wasnt he just wrong that integration with the US meant national suicide? But to take this line is to misunderstand Grants argument. His position was not that the integration with the United States would literally lead to Canadian annexation. Rather, its that Canada would lose the ability to chart its own course, surrendering its effective sovereignty and, more fundamentally, sacrificing what made it culturally distinct from the United States. The United States, per Grant, is the physical avatar of Enlightenment liberalism: a worldview that he described as celebrating the emancipation of the individual from whatever fetters society might put on them. The American ideology of capitalist freedom was a solvent dissolving local cultures and national borders, homogenizing everything into a single mass of modern technological sameness. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Canada, by contrast, took its core identity from British conservatism a sense that politics is not about individual freedom but rather conserving and incrementally improving the traditions and cultural inheritance that define its essence and maintain its good functioning. In Canada, Grant says, this conservatism was a kind of suspicion that we in Canada could be less lawless and have a greater sense of propriety than those in the United States. Partnering with the French speakers in Quebec (Lament for a Nation made scant reference to indigenous Canadians), the new country was in opposition to the American vision of frenetic capitalist change. Yet this conservative identity, Grant feared, was weakly rooted and vulnerable to American imperial influence in the absence of a political class willing to wield nationalist policies in its defense. He narrated its ideological decline in three steps: First, men everywhere move ineluctably toward membership in the universal and homogenous liberal state. Second, Canadians live next to a society that is the heart of modernity. Third, nearly all Canadians think that modernity is good, so nothing distinguishes Canadians from Americans. When they oblate themselves before the American way of life, they offer themselves on the altar of the reigning Western goddess. Diefenbaker was, per Grant, the last gasp of authentic Canadian conservative resistance to this process. His defeat marked the moment that Canadas spiritual death at American hands became inevitable. Grant in the age of Trump Today, Canada is facing a nakedly imperialist American president who is attempting to weaponize Canadian dependence on American markets into political submission. Grant, the liberal Ignatieff writes, was the first to warn us that this was how continental integration would end. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet the circumstances are very different from what Grant might have expected. While Grant warned that American ideology was seductive, that Canadians risked voluntarily submitting to a liberalism that would subtly alienate them from themselves, they are today facing a brash American illiberalism led by a right-wing populist most Canadians revile. Even in the fury of Lament for a Nation, America was seen as a benign hegemon at least to us who respected the fiction of our sovereignty. Todays President disdains his allies and cant stop telling Canada he wishes we didnt exist, Ignatieff writes. For this reason, the anti-Trump resistance has been led not by Canadas Conservatives but by the Liberal Party. President Donald Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney hold a bilateral meeting during the G7 Leaders' Summit on June 16 in Alberta, Canada. | Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images Prime Minister Mark Carneys Liberals won Canadas April election on the back of anti-Trump resistance. This was not only because Carney took vocally anti-Trump positions, but because his chief rival Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre was a right-wing populist whose political style seemed far too close to Trumps for Canadian comfort. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carney won, in short, because Canadians saw conservatism as too American and Carneys liberalism a better representation of Canadianness in the current moment. This irony owes itself, in part, to Canadas national reinvention since Grants original publication. In the past several decades, Canada has engaged in a collective nation-building project to redefine its national identity around ideas of tolerance and multiculturalism. This effort has been extraordinarily successful: Canada has a notably higher percentage of foreign-born residents than the United States, yet faces a far weaker anti-immigrant backlash. Grant would surely see this as vindication of his thesis: Canada has abandoned its traditional identity in favor of a Canadian copy of Americas Ellis Island narrative. Yet what Grant didnt foresee is that this kind of liberalism could form an effective resistance against Yankee imperialism. Canadian nationalism today is not just about symbols, like the flag or the crown, but about a sense that Canadians do not want their politics to take on the bitter ugliness of Trumpified American politics. Their attraction to what Grant identified as too-American liberal ideals of freedom and progress forms a key part of the hard ideological core uniting Canadians against American pressure. In this sense, and perhaps this sense only, Canadians have become more American than the Americans. This year, July Fourth may have come three days early. A large aerial drone flies over the charred remains of Canadian forests devastated by wildfires, bombarding the ground with seed capsules to accelerate reforestation. This area of northern Quebec province was ravaged by megafires in the summer of 2023 and for the second year in a row a pilot project has been using drones to plant new black spruces and jack pines. Rather than simply dropping seeds from high above, the company Flash Forest, which is leading the initiative, uses seeds protected in capsules that also contain water and nutrients, as well as fungi, to maximize their growing potential. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "There is a niche that's appropriate for drone reforestation which we've spent the last five years narrowing in on," Flash Forest cofounder Cameron Jones explained. The company focuses its efforts on forests that were scorched in the last year or two and excludes older burn sites that already have vegetation that can crowd out new seeds. - 50,000 capsules per day - It is no longer feasible to wait for Canada's forests to bounce back all on their own with millions of hectares of forests destroyed each year. In 2023, Canada experienced a record year of wildfires with blazes affecting every province, ultimately burning nearly 18 million hectares (44 million acres). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quebec, and particularly this area in the north of the French-speaking province, was hit especially hard that year. Drone operator and geospatial data scientist Owen Lucas says the method uses artificial intelligence to map out the sites ahead of time. "Then we pick our sites based on climate variables, physical attributes, topographic variables, to make sure we're putting the seeds in the right place," he said, his eyes fixed on the drone's remote controls. The company also has projects in another Canadian province, Alberta, and in Colorado in the United States. Each drone can deliver seeds to plant 50,000 trees per day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "When you're out here planting you don't see the impact, but when you come back in the fall and you see them growing, you know you're doing a positive thing," Lucas said. In 2023, like this year, which has already seen more than 4.2 million hectares burned across the country, megafires are being fueled by drought, which experts say is linked to global warming. "It's sad to have lost so much forest," lamented Angel Mianscum, one of the Indigenous leaders of a nearby Cree community. She was, however, pleased to see there are now "innovative ways of doing things." The Cree community has worked directly with Flash Forest to plan the local reforestation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Indigenous communities are the most affected by fires in Canada because they are often remote and deep in the boreal forest. - Seed shortage - "We are increasingly forced to reforest in Canada. Boreal forest trees are adapted to fires, but today the conditions are becoming more complicated," said Maxence Martin, professor of forest ecology at the University of Quebec in Abitibi-Temiscamingue. He points out that in 2023, for example, very young forests burned. "If the forest is too young, it will take a very long time to start regenerating, so planting is the only option." While the use of drones can help reach certain areas more quickly, it also has its downsides: many seeds end up wasted. "And today there is a seed problem because they are complicated to harvest," and therefore Canada is short of them, Martin said. bur-tib/amc/md/mlm The Brief A Canadian man allegedly stalked WWE star Liv Morgan and tried to break into her Florida home. Morgan was not home, and the man was arrested days later at the WWE Performance Center. He now faces burglary and federal stalking charges as the investigation continues. ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. - A Canadian man is facing federal stalking charges after authorities say he traveled from Canada to Florida and attempted to break into the Pasco County home of professional wrestler Liv Morgan. What we know Authorities say Shawn Chan, a 41-year-old man from Canada, flew to Orlando the same day his passport was issued and drove to WWE star Liv Morgans home in Pasco County, Florida, on May 31. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Surveillance footage captured Chan circling the house with what appeared to be a riflelater determined to be a BB gun he reportedly found on Morgans porch. He attempted to enter the home, appeared to search for a spare key, and left a handwritten note before leaving after more than two hours. Morgan was not home at the time. CLICK TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX LOCAL APP Chan was arrested three days later at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando after showing up for an event. He was recognized by security and taken into custody by deputies. He now faces charges of burglary in Pasco County and a federal charge of interstate stalking. What we don't know Authorities have not released the full contents of the backpack Chan had with him during the attempted break-in. While two vials with Chinese writing were recovered when he was arrested, their contents have not been confirmed publicly. Its also unclear whether Chan had any previous in-person or online contact with Morgan or if she was specifically targeted based on delusional beliefs. The backstory According to federal documents, Chan claimed to be staying at the WWE Performance Center when questioned by U.S. Customs but later drove nearly two hours to Morgans home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SIGN-UP FOR FOX 35'S BREAKING NEWS, DAILY NEWS NEWSLETTERS The note he left included statements about being disrespected online and accused others of invading his privacy. This isnt the first time a WWE performer has been targeted by a fan. In 2015, another man, Armando Montalvo, was shot by deputies outside the WWE Performance Center after showing up with a knife in an attempt to meet a female wrestler. The Source This story was written based on information shared by the Pasco County Sheriff's Office. Candidates interested in running for political office in Catawba County can begin filing for the 2025 municipal elections starting July 7. This election cycle includes six mayoral races and various seats on town and city councils across Catawba County. The filing period opens at 8 a.m. on July 7 and closes at noon on July 18, according to the Hickory Daily Record. To qualify, candidates must be registered voters, eligible to vote in the office they are running for, and at least 21 years old by November 4, the election day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ALSO READ: House passes HB3, partisan elections secured for Monroe In Hickory, incumbent Mayor Hank Guess has announced his intention to seek reelection for a third term. Council members Anthony Freeman and Jill Patton also plan to seek reelection for their respective wards. Taylor Newton, a professor at Lenoir-Rhyne University, has filed to run for the Ward 5 seat on the Hickory City Council. In Conover, Mayor Kyle Hayman is seeking reelection for a second term. Both Mark Canrobert and Brenda Powell, who hold seats on the Conover City Council, have expressed their intention to run again. Long View Mayor Marla Thompson plans to run for reelection, and Eddie Marlowe, a sergeant with the Long View Police Department, has filed to challenge her. In Maiden, Beth Poovey Rudisill has confirmed her intention to seek reelection for the town council. VIDEO: House passes HB3, partisan elections secured for Monroe BOSTON (SHNS) Cannabis regulators have ordered one of the states independent testing labs to suspend operations, alleging a pattern of failing to accurately report marijuana test results and an intentional effort to conceal those failing results. The Cannabis Control Commission said an investigation led by its new Investigations & Enforcement Taskforce determined that Tyngsborough-based Assured Testing Laboratories was not accurately reporting the results of tests for yeast and mold in cannabis to the commission or to Metrc, the seed-to-sale tracking system CCC licensees must use. Cannabis samples tested by Assured were 90% less likely to fail because of the presence of yeast and mold than the industry average, the CCC said. Regulators alleged the labs operation undermines the Commissions ability to ensure compliance, and posed an immediate or serious threat to public health, safety, or welfare. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Cannabis Control Commission (Commission) remains vigilant in its efforts to ensure consumers and patients have access to fairly and accurately tested products in the marketplace, a CCC spokesperson said. The statement added that the investigation was focused on improving product testing as part of the Commissions mission to oversee a safe, equitable cannabis marketplace in Massachusetts. The license suspension order dated June 30 requires the lab to cease all operations by Friday, a delay in the orders effective date that CCC officials said is to allow the company time to wind down operations and complete any open testing orders. Reached by phone Wednesday morning, a person who identified himself as the lab director at Assured said the company was in the process of preparing a statement and would have no comment until then. The company is entitled to appeal the suspension within 21 days. The CCC said Assureds lab tested 22,531 marijuana products from 61 different marijuana establishments between April 2024 and April 2025, roughly 25% of the cannabis yeast and mold tests conducted in the state during that time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Results that Assured submitted to Metrc showed that just 10 samples out of 17,565 failed for containing total yeast and mold in excess of state limits, a 0.05% failure rate. The CCC said the states average yeast and mold fail rate is 4.5% of samples. Regulators at the CCC have zeroed in on issues in the testing space, including with a November public listening session to hear concerns from independent testing labs and the creation of its investigatory task force. The CCC said it has been in regular contact with the 11 independent testing labs that operate in Massachusetts since the November meeting. The CCC is now also requiring testing labs to upload a digital certificate of analysis after every product test to document the methods used to ensure products are in compliance with state regulations, and is eliminating the past practice of allowing marijuana companies to select more than one independent testing lab to perform required testing. In the fall, Megan Dobro, founder and CEO of SafeTiva Labs aired to lawmakers her concerns with the CCCs structure for ensuring all cannabis products sold in Massachusetts are tested by an independent testing lab like hers before it can be sold. Having each lab interpret the CCCs regulations differently leads to variability in the testing process, as does the use of different equipment in different lab facilities, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When theres variability in the results, the producers are shopping for labs that are going to give them results that allow them to sell their products for more. So theyre shopping based on THC numbers being high. Theyre shopping based on safety checks passing, Dobro told the Cannabis Policy Committee in October. And so that means the labs that are passing the most and the labs that have the highest THC are getting the most business. And so we are selecting out the labs that are trying to do things the right way. Before Travis Ahern took over as executive director at the CCC this spring, he told MassterList that shoring up the integrity of cannabis testing was among his early priorities. Theres [also] a short-term answer needed on testing, because its important for the market, its important for consumers to understand that theyre consuming safe products, and its really important for the CCCs image in the state, and more nationally, [that its] known that testing is being done correctly and that we have good control on that, he said in January. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. (FOX40.COM) As of Tuesday, Californias cannabis excise tax has increased from 15% to 19%. Its an adjustment that many businesses say could be detrimental to an already struggling industry. The California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) is legally required raise cannabis tax every two years. But dispensary owners and legal experts warn this increase will hit far more than just customers wallets. In Modesto, Jason David, owner of Jaydens Journey, says the rising costs tied to taxes, fees and permits have already forced him to make tough decisions just to keep his business alive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A few years ago, we had to sell our Ceres location to pay for the taxes here because were upside down on the fees and taxes of Stanislaus County, Davis said. After that, weve been doing so bad. Its been such a struggle that I had to sell my home because its too much. David says his cannabis shop is more than just a business and that it was born from necessity. His son, Jayden, who has a rare form of epilepsy, found life-changing relief through medical cannabis. We got him down from 22 pills down to one, David said. People see how he got better so we got into the industry because we wanted to help people and see success for their health. But now, Davis worries the raised tax will have a negative impact on patients. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stockton-based cannabis business attorney Zachary Drivon says the higher excise tax doesnt only affect recreational users, but also medical patients who rely on licensed dispensaries. The price of their products go up and thats extremely unfortunate, Drivon said. Those are the people that are most in-need including military veterans, people suffering from chronic illness.. He also worries the price hike could push more people toward unregulated markets where cheaper but potentially dangerous products are readily available. Call your local assemblymember, your senator, Drivon said. Talk to anyone and everyone you can about the importance of the quality of goods that are offered in regulated storefronts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Drivon says there is a sliver of hope for businesses as Assembly Bill 564 is currently under review and aims to to cap the cannabis excise tax at 15%, reversing the new hike. But Drivon says its a matter of waiting to see if the bill will pass and earn the governors signature. In the meantime, Davis urges the public to support local cannabis shops and steer clear of illegal sellers. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. If looks could kill, NBC News Ryan Nobles wouldnt be standing right now. (Watch the video below.) The networks chief Capitol Hill correspondent was on the receiving end of whats been described as a prolonged death stare from Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska). He recounted the confrontation in a viral social media post with the clip. Sen. Lisa Murkowski stares me down for more than 10 secs after I ask her to respond to Sen. Rand Pauls critique of the deal she struck to get her to a YES and pass the OBBB, Nobles wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Murkowski voted Tuesday to approve the so-called Big Beautiful Bill, paving the way for Vice President JD Vance to cast the tie-breaking tally for its passage. The senator received concessions to make the bills cuts to Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program less severe in her state, prompting Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) to call out his colleagues for choosing to add more pork and subsidies for Alaska to secure [the vote]. Nobles caught up with Murkowski and told her: Sen. Paul said that your vote was a bailout for Alaska at the expense of the rest of the country. Murkowski locked into his eyes like a prize fighter at a weigh-in. Im just asking for your response, Nobles said. My response is I have an obligation to the people of the state of Alaska. And I live up to that every single day, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Do I like this bill? No. Because I tried to take care of Alaskas interest, she added. NEW: Sen. Lisa Murkowski stares me down for more than 10 secs after I ask her to respond to Sen. Rand Pauls critique of the deal she struck to get her to a YES and pass the OBBB. Do I like this bill? No. But I tried to take care of Alaskas interests. w/ @frankthorppic.twitter.com/d8mku7RDct Ryan Nobles (@ryanobles) July 1, 2025 Some observers on X were not impressed.Does she think that stare down makes her tough? one observer wrote. Another called it creepy while a critic mused, That stare is all this muppet is capable of. Whatever it was, it was no match for this guy. Related... KANSAS CITY, Mo. The city of Independence deemed a building dangerous after a driver crashed into it on Tuesday night. According to the Independence Fire Department, at about 6:30 p.m., three units were called to the area of East 23rd Street and Englewood Court on reports of a car that had crashed into a building. A car that crashed in a building in Independence, Missouri, on Tuesday, July 1, 2025. A car that crashed in a building in Independence, Missouri, on Tuesday, July 1, 2025. Five new Missouri laws to know that become official Wednesday IFD said nobody was injured in the crash; however, the building was tagged as DANGEROUS, and the car was said to be undrivable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. JAKARTA, July 2 (Xinhua) -- The Indonesian government has set an ambitious target of achieving 1 million barrels of oil per day by 2029 or 2030 to strengthen the nation's energy security, Deputy Minister for Energy and Mineral Resources Yuliot Tanjung said on Wednesday. To achieve the goal, the government plans to optimize domestic oil production, which currently ranges between 580,000 and 600,000 barrels per day. Tanjung noted that all available potential in domestic fields must be fully utilized to reach the target. The government was also urging Cooperation Contract Contractors that have working areas to ramp up their production. Tanjung recommended that these contractors collaborate with technology vendors to enhance operational efficiency and productivity. "Our efforts to increase oil and gas production are targeting domestic oil output of over 1 million barrels per day by 2029 or 2030," he said. Currently, Indonesia's daily oil consumption stands at 1.6 million barrels, highlighting the urgency of boosting domestic production to reduce reliance on imports. Former hostage Daniella Gilboa returns home, February 5, 2025. (photo credit: AVSHALOM SASSONI/MAARIV) The restaurant owner, who denied Daniella Gilboa's account of the interaction, had already been accused of rude behavior in reviews dated long before the incident. Released hostageDaniella Gilboa claimed on Tuesday that she was mistreated while attempting to use the bathroom of Nina Cafe in Neve Tzedek, Tel Aviv. The cafes owner allegedly told Gilboa, "Who cares if you were kidnapped? They tell you no, so it's no. Get out of here, when she attempted to use the bathroom. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The cafes owner denied Gilboas account of the incident, and told N12 that "She asked to come in, I refused and directed her to a public restroom a hundred meters away. After fifteen minutes, she came back angrily and said that she was kidnapped and that this was taking her back there. The cafe owner said he told her, "It has nothing to do with you being kidnapped. "I don't understand what the problem is with what I did, the owner told N12. We don't let people who aren't restaurant customers into the bathroom. It's a tourist area, there's only one stall in the cafe, and we avoid letting all the Neve Tzedek tourists in there." RELEASED SOLDIER-RETURNEES on Beilinson balcony (L to R): Naama Levy, Karina Ariev, Agam Berger, Liri Albag, and Daniella Gilboa. (credit: LIANE GRUNBERG WAKABAYASHI) He insisted that only disabled non-customers were allowed to use the bathroom, as per Israeli law. He added that he had regularly attended hostage protests, demanding a deal that would release the remaining Israelis held in Hamas captivity. Cafe reviews before the incident with Daniella Gilboa N12 reported that following Gilboas claims, the cafes Google score rating dropped from 1.4 to 1.1 and had received approximately 2500 new reviews. On TripAdvisor, the cafe was given a rating of 2.3. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some reviewers shared that they had had bad experiences at the cafe, while others admitted to having never visited. One TripAdvisor user wrote in January 2024: DO NOT go here, chef/owner (not sure as he claimed to be owner) was rudest most disgusting man I ever met, I wouldnt speak to a dog the way he spoke to me. There were no waiters, I asked him politely if I could order and he rudely shouted at me if I dont have patience I should go, he then continued being rude and aggressive. No one should ever go here again, he should not be allowed to be in business. Another wrote in November 2023, Appalling place and attitude!!!! It's not clear how they don't close this horrible place yet. The owner of the place shouts and kicks mothers with a stroller out of the place for no reason. We must close his place urgently!!!!!!! Another user wrote in October 2023, Wow, we plowed through all the cafes in Tel Aviv and never received such a shocking treatment. We even asked if it was possible to see the menu to understand if it was relevant to us, the owner of the place, a horrible and disgruntled man who is not clear how of all the existing professions he chose the restaurant, shamelessly waved his hand and kicked us out. We are the warmest, most accepting country, and this man represents exactly the opposite. To summarize in one word: horror!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! GRAYSON The Carter County School Board will be conducting a search for the districts next superintendent after Dr. Paul Green announced his retirement during a special board meeting Monday evening. After 27 years in education including four at the helm of Carter County Schools Green said while his experience in Carter County was unbelievably rewarding, his lifelong commitment to education was winding down, career-wise. Green said after the loss of his father and undergoing his own health complications in recent years, the decision to retire was something I needed to do for myself and my family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I have had a great board for the entire time, Green said. I know this board and this district is in great hands and its going to move forward. Its been a standard of excellence for years and years and years. ... It doesnt matter who sits in this chair as superintendent, this district is going to move forward with that same standard, Green said. Longtime board member Chris Perry said although it was with a heavy heart, he would accept the superintendents retirement, later echoed by the rest of the board. Perry commended Green for his work during the last four years, adding he especially appreciated Green for his accessibility, saying no matter the issue or question, Green would pick up the phone and initiate solutions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You would take care of any situation or problem that I had and it meant a lot that somebody on the other end would take care of any problems, Perry said. Dr. Green, youve been good to this district. You came in at a time when the district needed a boost and you gave this district a boost, Perry continued. Board member Michael Sammons continued to express the boards appreciation, adding, I hate to lose him, but I understand. Sammons said he could identify with Greens decision after retiring recently himself. When its time to go, its time to go, Sammons said. The superintendents retirement will be effective July 31. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To fill the vacancy, the board also approved to enter into a contract with Kentucky School Board Association (KSBA), who will work alongside the district in its superintendent search. Tim Abrams with KSBA and former superintendent in Henry County for 15 years was present prior to the vote on Monday with information for the board, outlining the next steps in the process he said will mirror the districts partnership with KSBA in their last superintendent search that led to Greens employment in Carter County. Depending on if the board is ready to begin the process as soon as next Monday, Abrams estimated the board could finish its process of gathering applications, conducting interviews and making a selection by mid-late September. In line with Kentucky statutes pertaining to filling a vacant superintendent position, Abrams said the first steps would include the formation of a screening committee that will include one board member, principal, parent, classified employee and minority member. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Abrams, that selection committee will gather criteria and attributes from the board to determine what theyd like to see in the districts next superintendent, will begin a paper resume screening, conduct interviews with the candidates and then will present their recommendations to the board for final selection. Abrams recommended the board wait at least 30 days before advertising the vacant seat in order to give time for the formation of the screening committee. Board member Miranda Tussey said she would like to select an interim superintendent by mid-July, who Abrams said will retain that position for six months or until the board has selected the permanent superintendent. Following the meeting, Green said he is departing the district on good terms and that his decision to retire was simply the culmination of his years in education. This is what we work our whole careers for, Green said. Its bittersweet, but Carter County will always be home and I know itll be in good hands. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) The Clark County School Districts top leader is setting expectations for the upcoming school year as she settles into her new role. CCSD Superintendent Jhone Ebert was hired in April and has hit the ground running, meeting with principals in May to lay out an action plan. That plan involves teacher, parent and student accountability. Im specifically looking at the adult actions that every single person is taking. Looking at the data for every single child, Ebert said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Grades at CCSD are due for improvement. According to the Nevada Report Card, only 1 in 3 CCSD middle schoolers were proficient in reading during the 2023-24 school year, and 1 in 4 were proficient in math. For high schoolers, 1 in 5 were proficient in math. That the parents know your child is struggling in reading right now. Theyre not on grade level, we need those additional supports, Ebert said. We love our children, but if your child is not on grade level, we need to say so that they understand. Nevada lawmakers recently set aside $90 million for schools to use as an incentive to hire science, math, and special education teachers at one- and two-star schools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im very thankful to the Legislature for adding additional funds for our hard-to-fill vacancies. Mathematics, special education. Those positions are very hard to fill, Ebert said. Another priority for the superintendent is campus safety. As 8 News Now previously reported, school police officers seized 36 guns from students this previous school year. Ebert said all schools will have a single point of entry among other changes. We have our police officers on our high school campuses, they also work with our middle school, and then patrol at our elementary level, and Im really pleased to say were expected to have 100% of the staffing there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ebert will present the results of her first 100 days as superintendent to the Clark County School Board on Sep. 3. CCSD also invested $5 million in upgrading air conditioners this summer at several schools in need. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. (COSTILLA COUNTY, Colo.) The Costilla County Sheriffs Office (CCSO) is asking the community to be on the lookout for an inmate who escaped custody on Monday, June 30. According to CCSO, around 10:30 a.m. on Monday, an inmate who was being booked on burglary charges escaped during the booking process. He was last seen near Costilla Street in the town of San Luis. Courtesy: Costilla County Sheriffs Office The inmate, identified as Dallas Hayes, was last seen wearing black pants and a white muscle shirt with no shoes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you see him, CCSO asks that you 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 FOX21 News Colorado. DENVER (KDVR) The Colorado Department of Transportation will support the Colorado State Patrol and 51 local law enforcement agencies for the Heat is on Fourth of July DUI enforcement period, according to a press release from CDOT on Tuesday. CDOT said that the enforcement period will start on July 2 and end on July 7. What offseason moves have the Denver Nuggets made? Travelers may see saturation patrols, sobriety checkpoints and additional law enforcement officers on duty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The DUI enforcement period is being used to combat the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer, the time between Memorial Day and Labor Day, when Colorado law enforcement sees a notable increase in traffic deaths. CDOT said that during the 100 days, an average of one in three deaths involves an impaired driver. In 2024, July had the most traffic deaths, 28, out of any month for the entire year. Since 2019, July has been in the top three highest months for crashes involving impairment, according to CDOT. There have been 82 impaired driving-related deaths in 2025 so far, which is a 15% decrease from the same point in 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement List: Best Colorado beers for 4th of July celebrations Avoid seeing red and blue lights in your rearview mirror this holiday weekend. Make a plan for your Fourth of July festivities and avoid impaired driving at all costs, said Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of CSP. A DUI or impaired driving crash is life-altering. Never put yourself or others at risk. CDOT said that if planning to host a party on the weekend of the Fourth of July, follow steps, including: Collect your guests car keys upon arrival. Encourage them to designate a sober driver or use a ride-sharing service, taxi or public transportation Call a friend or family member for a guest if they have been drinking or offer them a place to stay if a sober ride home is unavailable Stop serving alcohol at least two hours before the party is over. Provide plenty of food and non-alcoholic drink options Be persistent if a guest is intoxicated and planning to drive home. Explain that you care about their safety and cannot let them get behind the wheel Remember that as a host, you could be held liable if a guest you served alcohol to gets in a crash Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Impaired driving is not only illegal and can result in a DUI, but it can also be deadly, said CDOTs Office of Transportation Safety Director Darrell Lingk. Since 2019, 31 people have been killed in crashes involving impaired drivers during the Independence Day holiday period. Prioritize safety this Fourth of July weekend and put down the keys if youve been drinking. You could save a life including your own. Live Updates: Coloradans react to President Trumps Big, Beautiful Bill passing Senate CDOT partnered with the Wilhite Law Firm, which is offering reimbursement credits for Uber and Lyft as part of the firms Holiday Rideshare Program. The program will cover a total of $20 for a one-way ride from July 3 to July 6. The recent Summer Blitz DUI enforcement period saw 236 arrests across 82 participating agencies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. OZARK, Mo. As the Fourth of July is just around the corner, fireworks vendors are preparing for the busiest time of the year. Ozarks First recently spoke with Jason Neeley, owner of family-owned Backyard Pyro, who says the week of July 4 is the busiest time for their business. Whatever you do on the second day, pretty much youre going to double on the third. What you do on the third is going to pretty much double on the fourth, Neeley said. So thats how our sales ramp up and thats going to be about 80 to 85% of all the sales youre going to get for that to a period that you can sell in the summer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Originally online only, Neeley decided to expand Backyard Pyro by setting up vendor tents. The intent is to create a business model where people can look online to see what is currently available at the location and are able to pick it up. Tent locations are as follows: Rogersville (main location): 71 Endeavor Dr Brookline: 5484 W Sunshine st Ozark: 611 N 21st st Fordland: 12337 State Hwy U (Mountainside Outfitters) This is our very first year ever being an operator for a fireworks tent. Weve always really enjoyed Independence Day and weve always done big parties and celebrate a lot, said Kenny Smith, Tent Operator for the Ozark location. And so, this was an opportunity for us to try to work with fireworks, more than just throwing shows for friends and family. Were getting busier and busier by the day. We definitely expect to be really busy the week of the fourth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Smith says they carry a wide range of different fireworks, from big to small, and hand-pick every firework that they are selling, most of which they have personally used before. This is done so that they can relay that knowledge to the customers. They also offer curbside pickup as part of their online experience. Backyard Pyro is taking a different approach than just setting up another fireworks stand. Our goal has been to try to sell at volume so that we can get great prices delivered to folks that purchase in large quantities, Neeley said. And that in turn helps us to purchase in large quantities. According to Neeley, they have customers drive from hundreds of miles away from places like Texas, Oklahoma and Iowa, to buy their products. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He says, however, an issue for them has been the recent tariffs, which have caused them to cancel orders. We had four containers scheduled for this year and we had to cancel two of them because the tariffs were going to be, you know, just too much. We couldnt absorb that cost increase like some of these companies that import, you know, $25 million with product, they could absorb that high cost of one container throughout their entire inventory. But we cant do that. When asked why he decided to break into the fireworks industry, Neeley said it was for the love of 4th of July. Every one of my 4th of Julys has always been a positive memory. We love putting on family shows. To me, the 4th of July is about family gatherings. That is the epitome of Independence in this country. Celebrate that, celebrate family. Its always been my favorite holiday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A list of products are available on the Backyard Pyro website. You can also visit their Facebook 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 KOLR - OzarksFirst.com. BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) A celebration of life service for a Prairieville woman who was killed in a crash is set for Thursday. Shelby Molea, 21, was killed after her car overturned while driving east on LA 22 on June 27. According to her obituary, a celebration of life is planned for 2 p.m. Thursday, July 3, at Healing Place Church on Highland Road. The obituary describes Molea as beautiful both inside and out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shelby was a light in every life she touchedradiant, kind, and full of heart. A true social butterfly, she had a way of making everyone feel special, seen, and loved. Her presence was magnetic, her laughter contagious, and her spirit unforgettable, the obituary reads. Rev. Jimmy Swaggart passes away at 90 years old; funeral services announced Latest News Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Louisiana First News. GLADE SPRING, Va. (WJHL) A dedication ceremony for a state historical marker at Glade Spring School in Washington County, Virginia will take place on Saturday. The marker, approved by the Virginia Board of Historic Resources, highlights the history of Glade Spring School, which was the only Rosenwald School in rural Washington County during racial segregation in Virginias public schools, a news release from the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) said. The Glade Spring School in Washington County served Black children in grades one through seven starting in 1922, the DHR said in the news release. Support for the buildings construction came from the Julius Rosenwald Fund, which was created in 1917 after Julius Rosenwald, a Chicago businessman and philanthropist, and Booker T. Washington, head of Tuskegee Institute, partnered in a school-building campaign for Black students across the rural South. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tennessee, Virginia senators react to passage of big, beautiful bill After closing in 1965, the building was used as a community center. The ceremony is set to start at 5 p.m. at Fairview Baptist Church (532 Azalea Drive, Glade Spring). School alumni and community members will speak at the ceremony. A reception and celebration with food, music, prizes and fellowship will follow. The event is free and open to the public. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Chadwick Elgersma, a former FBI Special Agent and a longtime federal prosecutor, has been appointed as the Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin. Elgersma's appointment was announced in a July 1 statement by the U.S. Department of Justice. He replaces Timothy M. O'Shea, who retired last month after 34 years of service with the U.S. Attorneys Office. More: Milwaukee's U.S. Attorney is out amid Trump's effort to 'clean house' at Justice Department Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement, Elgersma said he was grateful for the opportunity to serve the people of Wisconsin in this role. "For however long I serve as United States Attorney, my primary objective will be to keep Wisconsin residents safe through the vigorous enforcement of Federal law," he said. Elgersma's appointment comes as Donald Trump enters the seventh month of his presidency. It is customary for U.S. attorneys to be replaced when a new party takes over the White House. As part of that transition, Gregory Haanstad was removed in February as the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, which includes Milwaukee County. That office also is being run by Acting U.S. Attorney Richard G. Frohling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Raised in Waupun, Elgersma graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire with a Bachelor of Science in accounting. He earned his Juris Doctor from DePaul University College of Law in 2005 and joined the FBI a year later as a Special Agent. In 2017, he joined the U.S. Attorneys Office as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin and was sworn in as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in 2019. More: Milwaukee's U.S. Attorney is out amid Trump's effort to 'clean house' at Justice Department While working as an Assistant U.S. Attorney, he prosecuted a wide range of criminal matters, including interstate drug conspiracies, firearms offenses, Hobbs Act robberies, child exploitation cases, government program fraud and immigration-related offenses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As U.S. Attorney, it will be Elgersma's responsibility to oversee federal criminal prosecutions and civil litigation involving Wisconsin's Western District, which includes Dane County and 43 other Western counties in the state. "Under my leadership, the United States Attorneys Office will do its part to protect national security and to stem the unlawful flow of people and drugs into our country," Elgersma added. "We will also not lose sight of our responsibility to combat financial and violent crime, gang activity, child predators, and to zealously advocate on behalf of the United States civil interests. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Chadwick Elgersma is the Acting U.S. Attorney for Wisconsin's Western District This year, Channellock is showcasing its American pride in a new way. On Monday, the company announced that 22 of its top-selling products will feature American flag packaging inserts. The packaging will be rolling out this summer to remind customers of Channellocks commitment American craftsmanship and quality. Channellocks display of patriotism became public when it installed a 150-foot flagpole in the summer of 2017, flying a massive American flag. This flag symbolizes our commitment to Meadville, our country, and the hardworking Americans who make it all possible, Channellock said in a news release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The company also placed an 1886 Silver Morgan coin beneath the flagpole, which it says is a traditional gesture symbolizing respect and remembrance to past and present service members. Channellock was founded in 1886, so as it approaches its 140th anniversary, its reflecting on its roots. The new packaging, Channellock says, will be easily recognizable symbols of our commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and tariff-free manufacturing. Most of its products are made in Meadville and have authentic American materials. Being made in the U.S.A. is something to be proud of not only for us here at Channellock but for our customers and community as well, its statement reads. Unlike many competitors who claim, Made in U.S.A. with global materials, were committed to transparency and authenticity. Channellock, Inc. is a worldwide leader in the manufacturing of high-quality pliers and assorted hand tools, including its well-known tongue and groove pliers. The company is family-owned and operated and is now in its sixth generation. BEIJING, July 2 (Xinhua) -- As the Communist Party of China (CPC) celebrates the 104th anniversary of its founding this week, the Party's signature five-year plans continue to serve as a roadmap for China's modernization drive. This year, China is set to complete its 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025) and is formulating the blueprint for the next one, marking a pivotal moment in the country's long-term strategy for national rejuvenation. From transforming an agrarian society into the world's second-largest economy to charting a path toward becoming a great modern socialist country in all respects by mid-century, these plans reflect the CPC's enduring commitment to long-term strategic vision and collective prosperity. Through this cyclical yet ever-evolving roadmap, China sets strategic goals, defines government priorities, regulates business operations, and mobilizes national resources -- all in pursuit of its overarching objective of building a modern socialist nation. The country's first plan in 1953 marked its initial push toward industrialization with the establishment of the nation's first major steel and automobile plants. Fast-forward to the 13th (2016-2020), and it saw the completion of the world's largest high-speed rail network. "Five-year plans are to China's development what construction drawings are to building a house," said Ran Hao, a professor at the Party School of the CPC Central Committee. "It tells the government and society which 'floor' to focus on and which 'road' to build over the next five years, helping avoid a piecemeal approach." A FRAMEWORK, NOT A DOGMA Although China's five-year plans include quantitative targets, such as the GDP growth goal, first introduced in the seventh five-year plan, it does not mean the CPC is running a centralized planned economy. "It's not about the government dictating everything; rather, the plans set the direction and priorities," Ran said. Since 2006, targets have been divided into two types: binding targets, which reflect government commitments, such as reducing energy consumption per unit of GDP, and anticipatory targets, which represent desired outcomes like GDP growth, to be pursued primarily through market mechanisms. In a break from tradition, the 14th Five-Year Plan did not set a quantitative target for GDP growth; instead, it described expected growth in broader terms, in part to emphasize quality over speed. "Five-year plans are suited to the Chinese mentality and the Chinese idea of thinking long-term," said British scholar Martin Jacques. For millennia, Confucian classics have taught that those who plan ahead are more likely to succeed. China's five-year plans set clear goals but give regions the leeway needed to tailor their own pathways. National plans are broad frameworks that guide local governments in creating their own action plans, explained Yin Jun, a researcher with the Peking University. At present, the CPC is drafting proposals for the country's 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030). Observers said the upcoming plan will emphasize a future-oriented approach to global challenges, foster new quality productive forces, and strengthen the social safety net to improve public well-being. PLANNING WITH COLLECTIVE EFFORTS Given their far-reaching impact, China's five-year plans are developed over several years, and informed by research, expert reviews, inter-agency coordination and public consultation. For example, work on the current 14th Five-Year Plan began as early as 2018. While drafting the five-year plan, the CPC highly values public inputs, which reflect society's needs and help foster consensus. In 2020, for the first time, public advice was collected online, with suggestions like mutual-aid elderly care included in the final plan. Over three months that year, seven symposiums were held with the Party's leader meeting with entrepreneurs, experts, local officials, and representatives from the grassroots level to listen to their suggestions. The combination of top-level planning with public participation continued this year. In May, major media platforms invited public feedback, and netizens proposed improvements such as enhancing rural express delivery infrastructure and installing elevators in older communities, among other ideas. An old saying from Sun Tzu's "The Art of War" offers insight into the success of China's five-year plans: Triumph comes when the leaders and the people share the same goal. IMPACT BEYOND BORDERS China's five-year plans not only guide national development but also offer opportunities for global investors. Madiyar Tukpatov, chairman of a public transport company in Astana, Kazakhstan, visited China earlier this year to research electric buses. His company began using Chinese electric buses in 2020 and plans to further integrate Chinese EV technology into Astana's transport system. New energy vehicles (NEVs) have been developed as a strategic industry over several five-year plans. Their production and sales each exceeded 12.8 million units in 2024, maintaining China's position as the global leader in this sector for 10 consecutive years. Chinese NEVs can be found in over 70 countries and regions. Benjamin Mgana, chief editor of foreign news at The Guardian newspaper in Tanzania, praised China's approach to planning, saying it demonstrates that developing countries can create workable strategies based on their own realities, rather than copying Western models. Inspired by China's success, a growing number of countries have adopted their own medium- to long-term strategies. Poland, Ethiopia and Tanzania have sought support from Chinese institutions to assist in their planning process. CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) A Charlotte Fire recruit got to use his firefighter training outside of the classroom when he responded to an unconscious man experiencing a medical crisis. On July 1, Charlotte Fire recruit David Edwards had just finished his firefighter training and was driving back to Oakboro from the Charlotte Fire Training Academy when he noticed a stopped utility truck sitting in the right lane near Exit 218 in Mint Hill. The vehicle was in the middle of traffic, but not moving. This caught his attention, and he quickly sprang into action. MORE | 1-pound preemie reunites with Charlotte firefighters who saved her I looked in the window as I passed, and the guy didnt look right, Edwards said. He was leaned back, mouth open, and didnt seem conscious. I knew something was wrong. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Edwards, who had just passed his NC Office of EMS state EMT certification exam days prior, quickly pulled ahead of the vehicle and called 911. Credit: Charlotte Fire Department Firefighter recruit David Edwards suited up at the Charlotte Fire Training Academyjust one day after he rendered emergency care to a man found unresponsive on his drive home. He grabbed a small hatchet from his trunk, ran to the passenger side, and shattered the window. After unlocking the doors, he opened the drivers side and reached inside to put the truck in park and engage the emergency brake. The mans foot had been on the brake pedal, likely the only thing keeping the vehicle from rolling into oncoming traffic. He didnt have a pulse. He wasnt breathing, Edwards said. So I got him out and started CPR. Edwards pulled the man from the truck and laid him on the ground near the passenger side, using a jacket to protect him from the hot asphalt. He immediately began CPR and continued until emergency crews took over care. He stayed on scene to provide a statement to law enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was the first time Edwards had performed CPR on a real person. Credit: Charlotte Fire Department Edwards doesnt know how long he performed CPR before other responders arrived, and he doesnt know what happened to the man after he was transported. Charlotte Fire Chief Reginald Johnson called Edwards response a powerful example of what it means to serve. MORE | Gov. Stein honors CFD members for bravery during Shannon Park Shooting David didnt wait. He recognized the signs of a medical emergency and took immediate, skilled action, Johnson said. Thats the type of firefighter we want in Charlottesomeone with the courage to step forward and the training to make a difference. Were incredibly proud of him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Edwards joined the Charlotte Fire Academy on March 31 and is currently in his 11th week of recruit school. Originally from Oakboro, Edwards graduated from high school and joined the U.S. Marine Corps, where he served in an anti-tank infantry unit and completed multiple training deployments. He left the military in early 2021 and earned a technical welding degree from Central Piedmont Community College before deciding to pursue a career in the fire service. For the full story, visit the City of Charlotte website 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 Queen City News. Video above: This FOX 5/KUSI video explains how to prevent house fires. OCEANSIDE, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) A commercial structure fire involving hazardous materials broke out Tuesday night at an industrial building in Oceanside, prompting a multi-agency response, fire officials confirmed. Around 9:45 p.m. on July 1, firefighters from Oceanside, Vista, and San Marcos Fire Departments responded to reports of a structure fire on Jason Court near Oceanside Boulevard and Temple Heights Drive. The fire was traced to a metal plating facility within a building that housed several businesses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All employees were able to evacuate safely before crews arrived, officials said. Injured mountain lion returns to the wild after rehabilitation in Ramona Firefighters arriving on scene observed flames and smoke coming from the roof and noted hazardous materials (HAZMAT) placards posted on the building. Employees confirmed that the site contained potentially large quantities of chemicals, prompting fire officials to limit interior access out of an abundance of caution. Crews fought the fire primarily from the exterior while truck companies ventilated the roof and searched unaffected areas of the building to check for remaining occupants or fire extension. The blaze was largely contained to the central section of the structure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Due to exposure to smoke, chemical runoff and water used during the fire attack, several first-responders underwent on-site decontamination. Two firefighters and one employee were treated for minor chemical exposure and later released, officials said. Trashcan set ablaze outside Santee Walmart; suspect arrested San Diego Fire-Rescues HAZMAT team and San Diego County Environmental Health responded to assess the situation and advise on hazardous materials containment and decontamination procedures. The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Oceanside Fire Department. Authorities are reminding the public that hazardous materials incidents can pose serious health risks. Residents are urged to avoid the area, follow official instructions, and be aware that some toxic chemicals may be odorless. If exposed outdoors, officials recommend moving uphill, upwind, and seeking shelter in a permanent building when possible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News. The Brief A 66-year-old man was fatally shot in a drive-by on Chicagos South Side late Wednesday night. Police said the man was standing outside when someone in a dark sedan opened fire, striking him in the chest and neck. He died at the University of Chicago Hospital, and no arrests have been made as Area Two detectives investigate. CHICAGO - A 66-year-old man was killed in a drive-by shooting Wednesday night on Chicago's South Side. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The man was standing outside around 11:20 p.m. when a dark sedan pulled up and someone inside started shooting in the first block of West 79th Street, according to Chicago police. The victim was shot twice in the chest and neck and was taken to the University of Chicago Hospital where he later died. Area Two detectives have launched a homicide investigation. No arrests have been made. What we don't know The victim's identity has not yet been released by the Cook County medical examiner's office. No description of the suspect has been given. The Source The information in this report came from the Chicago Police Department. ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) Rockford Police arrested Francisco Morales-Rea, 38, on cocaine delivery charges. Officers were surveilling the Boxed Up Self Storage on Sandhutton Avenue when they saw a red Acura SUV parked in the parking lot after business hours on July 1. Francisco Morales-Rea. Photo: Winnebago County Jail Authorities approached the vehicle and saw Morales-Rea reaching for something inside the SUV. A K9 alerted officials that there were narcotics inside. Police searched the vehicle and found a Puma bag that contained almost 75 pounds of cocaine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fentanyl was also mixed in with the cocaine after a field test, according to court records. Morales-Rea is charged with driving on a suspended license and manufacturing and delivering cocaine. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyStateline | WTVO News, Weather and Sports. When Desmond Webb filed a motion to withdraw from a plea deal for shooting his ex-girlfriend in the face, Judge Gina Jones said Tuesday she concluded he just wanted to back out. He had three months between when it was filed on Halloween to Jan. 30 to think about it. He had already appeared in court and swore under oath that the plea was accurate. He filed the motion Jan. 29. I think thats what happened, Jones told Webb. Maybe I can beat these cases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats legally not a reason to quash a plea, she said. Its called buyers remorse. Webb, 38, of Chicago, signed a plea deal Oct. 31 for aggravated battery, a Level 3 felony. It called for a 10-year cap. Jones denied his bid to throw out the plea Tuesday. She sentenced him to eight years in prison, and two years in Lake County Community Corrections. One of those final years is eligible for home detention. He is also ordered to finish an anger management course and batterers intervention. Court records allege he stalked the woman, then shot her just below her left eye on Oct. 27, 2022 as she got out of a black Audi in the alley on the 5600 block of Hohman Avenue in Hammond near a beauty school where she worked. Her child and new boyfriend were also in the car. They were not physically hurt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The shooting left her permanently disfigured with an artificial eye. Since Webb appeared in court last fall, the case was in limbo, his new lawyer Joe Roberts, who picked up the case in January, said in court. Ultimately, Webb blamed his first lawyer Lakeisha Murdaugh, who undertook complex negotiations for the plea deal, saying he had ineffective counsel and had contacted the states disciplinary commission for attorneys. His clients understanding was that he would have to take the plea deal, or restart alone. He felt like he was backed into a corner, Roberts said. Later in the hearing, Deputy Prosecutor Judy Massa defended Murdaugh, saying it was documented that their relationship became strained and she did her due diligence as his lawyer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Massa noted Murdaugh said in court that she reviewed the plea agreement with Webb, his mother and siblings, prepared a memorandum and made sure he knew the risks of going to trial. It was a difficult case to navigate with him, Massa said. It sounds like what hes trying to do now is to get a better plea offer. A trial was not ideal for the victim, the prosecutor said. She never wants to see him and has since moved out-of-state. Jones said lawyers told her the plea was a compromise, after evidentiary issues, heavy negotiations, and the fact that Webb was on bond during the shooting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Massa said the former couple dated on-and-off for eight years and the case was a textbook version of domestic violence. Webb fired nine shots, luckily missing her new boyfriend and the child. She asked for 10 years. He was totally out of control, she said, and tried to kill her. Two other cases for stalking and invasion of privacy involved the same woman and would be dismissed with the plea, she noted. Roberts said various factors, including an Illinois warrant, made him eligible for only prison or probation. Webb trained as a chef and was eager to return to his profession. Imprisonment would harm his kids, the lawyer said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Webb spoke briefly, saying the court did the best they could with the facts and he just wanted to get back to his family. I just hate that no one in the court system deterred you from getting to this point, Jones said. A light bulb should have gone off before you escalated to the shooting. Near the end of the hearing, Webb said that the woman came to see him even as there was a no-contact order, including one time when he was hospitalized. I get that, Jones told him, but you had a legal responsibility to stay away from her. Roberts said Webb would sleep on whether he would appeal. mcolias@post-trib.com CHICAGO (WGN) A Chicago man has been indicted for allegedly carjacking two vehicles and robbing two credit unions in the city. The U.S. Attorneys Office for the Northern District of Illinois said 32-year-old Maurice Lee Jr. committed the carjackings and robberies in May of 2024. The first carjacking and robbery reportedly happened on May 10, 2024. During that incident, Lee took a Toyota from a driver and robbed a credit union at the University of Illinois Chicago, according to authorities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lifeguard charged in Douglass Park shooting appears in court as family demands justice The indictment said the second carjacking happened one week later on May 17, 2024. During that incident, Lee allegedly took another Toyota and robbed another credit union at the University of Illinois Chicago. Lee also reportedly brandished a handgun in all the carjackings and robberies. (Photo: U.S. Attorneys Office for the Northern District of Illinois) (Photo: U.S. Attorneys Office for the Northern District of Illinois) He has been charged with two counts of robbery and four counts of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. Each firearm count comes with a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years, resulting in a total mandatory minimum sentence of 28 years in federal prison; each robbery count is punishable by up to 20 years, while each carjacking count is punishable by up to 15 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines Authorities said Lee was arrested two days after the second robbery. He was in state custody until his arrest last month in the federal case and remains jailed without bond as he awaits trial in federal court. Lee will be arraigned on Monday, July 7 at 9:45 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 WGN-TV. CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) The Chicopee Police Department is asking for the publics assistance in locating a missing boy. Chicopee, Westfield firework displays moved to rain dates this weekend Police shared on social media that Jeremy Befford was last seen leaving a residence on Broadway Street in Chicopee last Wednesday, June 25, at approximately 7:00 p.m. He is described as white and Hispanic, standing at 54 with a skinny build. Courtesy of the Chicopee Police Department. Jeremy was last seen wearing a white t-shirt and red shorts. If you see him or have any information regarding his whereabouts, you are urged to contact Chicopee Detectives at 413-594-1740 or Dispatch at 413-594-1700. Local News Headlines WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP. Child care providers and parents attend a Wisconsin State Capitol rally on Wednesday, April 16, 2025. Advocates have mixed opinions about child care provisions in the new state budget released Tuesday. (Photo by Erik Gunn/Wisconsin Examiner) The proposed Wisconsin state budget announced Tuesday offers child care advocates less than what they sought, and while some reacted with limited optimism, for others it adds up to little better than nothing. The final deal will spend $110 million to extend direct payments to providers for another year. Starting in mid-2026 It will direct $65 million to providers who join a proposed School Readiness Program similar to 4-year-old kindergarten (4K) but distinct from current 4K programs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The deal also will add $123 million to increase the reimbursement for child care costs for low-income families under the Wisconsin Shares program. The agreement was reached Monday in negotiations involving Gov. Tony Evers, Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu (R-Oostburg), Assembly Speaker Robin Vos (R-Rochester) and Senate Minority Leader Dianne Hesselbein (D-Middleton). Kids Forward labeled the child care provisions significant, but not sufficient, wins for Wisconsins working families. Kids Forward is a policy and advocacy organization for low-income families and families of color. This deal doesnt address the long-term needs of families and providers, but we look forward to working with legislators and the Governor to ensure sustained investment, said Daithi Wolfe, senior policy analyst for Kids Forward, in a statement Tuesday. Bridge payment program The $110 million in direct payments to providers over the next 12 months will serve as a bridge after the end of Child Care Counts, the subsidy program funded with federal pandemic relief money that runs out this month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Originally paying out $20 million a month, Child Care Counts helped stabilize the child care sector according to research reviewing the program, helping providers increase wages without having to charge parents more. The money was cut in half two years ago, and since then providers have reported having to raise fees and, in some cases, reduce their capacity because they lacked enough child care workers. A survey report earlier this year found that 25% of providers said they might close if state payments stop. The new payment program is intended to enable providers to plan and budget between now and July 2026 for the loss of Child Care Counts. It will be funded with interest income on the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds the Evers administration received starting in early 2021. The disappointing part is its not permanent, said Ruth Schmidt, executive director of the Wisconsin Early Childhood Association (WECA). WECA has campaigned all year for Gov. Tony Evers original proposal, which sought $480 million including for continuing monthly provider subsidies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is not going to be the sort of panacea for child care, Schmidt said. We will still see child care programs needing to raise rates. We will likely still see closures throughout the year. But I think we will see them at much lower rates, and I think thats a really good thing for child care. Schmidt praised Evers as a champion for children and also credited GOP leaders for being willing to sit down and negotiate. I think bipartisanship has been at play in this, she said. A 4K-style program The new Early School Readiness Program for 4-year-olds is a response to the impact that 4K expansion has had on child care providers. As 4K programs expanded in Wisconsin elementary schools, that pulled a lot of 4-year-olds out of child care, Schmidt said. The new School Readiness Program will set curriculum standards and require child care workers who teach in it to have at least an associate degree. Schmidt said that for child care providers who participate, it will ensure that child care has more opportunities to continue to serve 4-year-olds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Child care providers who take part will for the first time receive direct payments from state funds. Child care as an industry has long been very interested in finding out how to continue to do the services that they know are so important for 4-year-olds in their programs, and I think this is a mechanism that will allow for that, Schmidt said. This is a net gain of $65 million in state general purpose revenue into child care. Thats a big thing. Providers view deal skeptically For some child care providers, however, the details of the budget deal fall short of what they contend their sector needs. The $110 million bridge program is less than were getting right now, and we cant keep teachers and we cant keep prices down the way it is, said Corrine Hendrickson, a New Glarus child care provider. She doesnt expect it to achieve its stated goal of increasing the number of teachers along with accessibility and affordability in child care. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brooke Legler, another New Glarus provider, said the $480 million that Evers had originally sought translated to keeping child care workers wages at $13 an hour on average. This doesnt even do that, she said of the bridge program. Hendrickson and Legler are cofounders of Wisconsin Early Childhood Action Needed (WECAN), a coalition of parents and providers that also campaigned actively for the original Evers proposal. Hendrickson said shes concerned that the School Readiness Program will be perceived by parents as less academic, less school, less quality than the free option at the public school. Legler questions whether the new program as structured will succeed in drawing more families of 4-year-olds who would otherwise send their children to 4K. School districts have expanded their 4K programs to all day schedules in part because of a lack of child care, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think thats such a disservice that we have closed door negotiations and that were not including the people at the table that need to be at the table, especially if we want to have effective and efficient policies that work for Wisconsin, Legler said. Both Legler and Hendrickson said theyre also concerned about a provision creating a large family center category with up to 12 children. Currently there are family centers with up to eight children and group centers with nine or more children. Another provision would lower the minimum age for entry-level child care workers to 16. Both the age change and the large family provision were in bills that Republicans introduced in the 2023-24 legislative session and that providers mostly opposed. Thats not an answer. That doesnt do anything financially to help providers, Legler said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have people making life-altering decisions for many people in Wisconsin, yet they have no experience or expertise on the matter, she said. This method does not work. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX (Photo by Alexander Castro/Rhode Island Current) Policies that impact vulnerable populations like children often dont get as much attention from state lawmakers as special interest groups with deep financial pockets. Still, advocates say this years legislative session made substantial progress advancing the well-being of children. We see now more than ever a context where money is leading decisions, said Tara Raines, the deputy director of the Childrens Advocacy Alliance, which on Tuesday held a virtual panel to discuss the 2025 Legislative Session. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We want to make sure that folks who dont have the resources, like children in particular, who cant vote, cant write contributions and give contributions and donations, that they have a voice, Raines added. This years session brought major disappointments, like the veto of a bill to require some businesses to offer paid family and medical leave, but also some under-the-radar triumphs, like the capping of child welfare caseloads, that advocates believe will have an immediate and positive impact on children. Ideas that failed One of the bills the alliance supported that failed was Assembly Bill 185, which sought to prevent most homeowners associations from prohibiting licensed home-based childcare operations within their communities. Decreasing those barriers for licensure would mean increasing the ability to serve more of Nevadas families, and the cost of care would decline as we know that home based care is oftentimes more affordable, Dr. Jamelle Nance, director of early childhood policy for the alliance, said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill received some bipartisan support, but was vetoed by Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo. In his veto message he wrote the legislation disrupts that balance by stripping HOAs of a key element of their regulatory authority. While expanding access to child care is an important goal for supporting a productive workforce, AB 185 addresses the issue in a way that undermines the foundational principles of homeowners associations, he wrote. The alliance also backed Assembly Bill 388, which would have required employers with 50 or more employees to implement a paid family and medical leave. It wouldnt have gone into effect until Jan. 1, 2028. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nance said the policy was important for the financial stability of Nevada families. The bill was opposed by business industry groups like chambers of commerce. In his statement, Lombardo sided with businesses. Nevada has long prided itself on maintaining a business-friendly environment-one that supports growth, innovation, and job creation, Lombardo wrote in his veto message. Now is not the time to introduce broad, burdensome mandates that would significantly disrupt this balance, particularly for Nevadas small and mid-sized businesses. Assembly Bill 339 sought to establish an office of childrens mental and behavioral health within the Department of Health and Human Services to streamline and connect the provision of mental and behavioral health services for children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill didnt advance on its own but its language was amended into the governors health care bill to become the framework for the Office of Mental Health, according to Carissa Pearce, the health policy manager with the alliance. Lombardos health care bill, Senate Bill 495, was also amended by Democrats to include language related to freestanding emergency rooms, which caused Senate Republicans to vote against the bill. It never received a vote in the Assembly. Senate Bill 306 would have required the Division of Child and Family Services of the Department of Health and Human Service to create a task force looking at transitional housing for youth discharged from treatment facilities. The bill proposed the creation of a multi-agency task force to design transitional housing and support services for children when theyre discharged from psychiatric facilities or released on parole, said Annette Dawson Owens, the community engagement manager for the alliance. It was commonly referred to as the no eject, no reject bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill went through several amendments and ultimately died. What progress was made Despite several bills the group back failing, Dawson Owens said the session passed legislation that would benefit children in the state. Among these was Senate Bill 284, which puts more parameters on child welfare agencies regarding how it deals with the federal benefits children in the agency receive. Jonathan Norman, statewide advocacy, outreach and policy director for the Nevada Coalition of Legal Service Providers, said on Tuesday that the bill will stop child welfare agencies from intercepting and using the childs federal benefit, which could be social security disability, (Veterans Affairs) benefit or a death benefit to cover the cost of that child being in foster care. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nevada is the sixth state to pass this type of legislation, he added. Other bills the alliance highlighted as a positive for the well being of child included: EVANSVILLE, Ind (WEHT) The Mesker Park Zoo will soon be hosting its very own Chinese Lantern Festival. This summer, zoogoers will be able to see 25-foot lanterns of their favorite animals all across the park. The new event, Wild Summer Lights, was announced this morning by director Erik Beck who gave guests a taste of what these special nights will look like. Mesker Park Zoo announces summer lights program Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beck says this will be a new type of event for the city and that working with Tianyu Arts and Culture was always on his wish list. Its going to be new for Evansville and the surrounding area, so well kind of have to educate people on what this event is and show them what it really means, he says. Wild Summer Lights will be opening in mid-August. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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). SINGAPORE, July 2 (Xinhua) -- Chinese bicycle-sharing company HelloRide has received approval to expand its operational fleet in Singapore from 15,000 to 20,000 shared bicycles, the company said Tuesday. The Land Transport Authority (LTA) of Singapore has renewed HelloRide's license to operate up to 20,000 bikes for one year, valid until June 30, 2026, local media reported. The company also plans to introduce two-wheelers featuring improved pedals and seats, along with added conveniences such as phone holders. The LTA said its decision to grant the new licence was based on HelloRide's plans and track record in managing indiscriminate parking, as well as its initiatives to educate users on proper parking behavior. The authority also factors in the overall shared bicycle population in Singapore, demand for bike-sharing services, and the availability of parking infrastructure when evaluating fleet expansion applications. HelloRide launched in Singapore in 2022 with an initial fleet of 1,000 bikes. It increased its fleet to 10,000 bicycles in July 2023 and added another 5,000 bikes in October 2024, according to local reports. Currently, the total shared bicycle fleet allowed on Singapore's streets has grown to 55,000 under the LTA's licensing framework, with 35,000 of these operated by the local company Anywheel. All bike-sharing operators in Singapore must hold a full license issued by the LTA to operate. Two Chinese nationals were charged with acting as foreign agents and spying on the U.S. Navy in an attempt to gather intelligence and enlist other agents, according to a Department of Justice release. Yuance Chen, 38, and Liren Ryan Lai, 39, appeared in federal court June 30 to face charges issued by the Northern District of California regarding illegal clandestine activities on behalf of the Ministry of State Security, Chinas primary intelligence agency. These activities included facilitating a dead drop payment of cash for information relating to the national security of the United States previously provided to the MSS, gathering intelligence about U.S. Navy service members and bases, and assisting with efforts to recruit other individuals from within the U.S. military as potential MSS assets, the release read. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chen is a legal permanent resident in Happy Valley, Oregon, while Lai traveled to Houston, Texas, on a tourist visa in April 2025. They were both arrested June 27 by the FBI in their respective locations. FBI San Francisco led the investigation, with collaboration from FBI offices in Portland, Houston and San Diego, as well as the Naval Criminal Investigative Service. This case underscores the Chinese governments sustained and aggressive effort to infiltrate our military and undermine our national security from within, Attorney General Pamela Bondi said. Former sergeant pleads guilty to trying to sell secrets to China Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After Lai recruited Chen to work with the MSS around 2021, the two began identifying human targets in the U.S. Navy to recruit for the intelligence agency, the release said. They both conducted a dead-drop payment of at least $10,000 for the MSS in January 2022, coordinating with U.S. individuals. In 2022 and 2023, Chen visited a U.S. Naval installation in Washington, as well as a Navy recruitment center in San Gabriel, California, gathering information on potential recruits that he sent back to the MSS, according to the Department of Justice. Chen went so far as to contact a Navy employee on social media and provide specific information about that employee to the MSS, who instructed Chen how to best proceed in his attempts to solicit the person for MSS recruitment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chen traveled to Guangzhou, China, to coordinate compensation and mission specifics with MSS in April 2024 and March 2025, the department alleges. The criminal complaint also alleges that Lai lied about the length and intention of certain travels within the U.S. in April 2025, the Department of Justice said. Chen and Lai are charged with operating within the U.S. as foreign agents without notifying the Attorney General of the United States an illegal act. If convicted, the defendants could face up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Chinese President Xi Jinping will not be attending the upcoming summit of the BRICS group of emerging economies, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning announced in Beijing on Wednesday. Prime Minister Li Qiang will travel to this year's meeting in Brazil, she said. No reason was given for Xi's absence. The Kremlin has announced that Russian President Vladimir Putin will also not attend the meeting. His absence is linked to the arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court, which Brazil - as a signatory to the Rome Statute - would be obligated to enforce. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Media reports have suggested that Xi would not be travelling to the gathering in Rio de Janeiro on July 6 and 7 due to scheduling conflicts. This is the first time the 72-year-old will not be attending a BRICS summit, but it is not the first time he has skipped a major gathering of world leaders. Li attended the Group of 20 summit in 2023 held in India on his behalf. An ongoing dispute with India was cited as the reason for Xi's cancellation then. The acronym BRICS stands for the first letters of the first five members: Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates joined the group at the beginning of 2024. The states see themselves as a forum for cooperation between countries of the Global South. The BRICS group is partly seen as a counterweight to the G7 alliance of leading Western economic powers. MIAMI Their stories were as varied as the nations in which they were born. Some were young enough to be hopeful; others were old enough to be grateful. They wore suits and sandals, kippahs and hijabs and native dresses, all adorned by a beaming smile as they savored the moment. For one May morning in Miami, these 93 people, children of 41 nations, shared the same joy and the same title. They were Americans, finally putting years of paperwork, payments and patience behind them. And they took their oaths at a time when many immigrants are living in fear of deportation from the U.S. Meet some of those who took the oath and became U.S. citizens on May 16 at the Wilkie D. Ferguson Jr. U.S. Courthouse downtown as they commemorate the moment in their own words. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They choose America: Why people are becoming US citizens amid Trump immigration crackdown Leila Nieto, Colombia Leila Nieto, 45, a newly naturalized American originally from Colombia, is an architect who has lived in North Miami for a decade. Leila Nieto is an architect from Colombia who spent four years away from her husband as she waited to get residency status in the U.S. When she became a citizen, it felt like the wait was worth it. This has been my dream since I was little, said Nieto, who is 45 and has lived in North Miami for a decade. I love America. I just love everything about it the architecture, the people and the way of living. Jormi Poirot, Venezuela Jormi Poirot, 41, of Miami became a U.S. citizen on May 16. Poirot, a fashion designer, is originally from Venezuela. Becoming a citizen was a 15-year process for fashion designer Jormi Poirot, who transitioned from a student visa to a work visa and then a green card. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said she was overwhelmed with joy and cant wait to vote, but felt saddened by the mass deportations happening across her new home country. Ive been able to do everything by the law, step by step, said Jormi, 41, who lives in Miami and is originally from Venezuela. Its very sad for Latin Americans going through all of that. But I always suggest doing things legally. It takes time, but its better this way. Jorge Soto, Costa Rica Jorge Soto, 39, of Miami became a U.S. citizen on May 16. Soto was born in Costa Rica and came to the United States at age 3. Miami is all 39-year-old Jorge Soto knows. His parents brought him there from Costa Rica when he was just 3 years old. This accomplishment means a lot to me because I have been here my whole life, said Soto, a Realtor. I know history that a lot of people dont know, and I love this country to the point where I want to serve in the military. Alex Chepulsky, Latvia Alex Chepulsky, 33, a sales analyst in Miami, is originally from Latvia. He became a U.S. citizen May 16. Alex Chepulskys wife applied for the green card lottery for seven years in a row until she finally won. He said he's grateful to have dual citizenship now, both in his home country of Latvia and the U.S., which some of his friends dream of achieving. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A lot of my friends came here from countries like Ukraine and Russia and they are on visas or other programs, said Chepulsky, a 33-year-old sales analyst who lives in Miami. I feel sorry for them because they are in complete uncertainty. Angel Archelus, Haiti Angel Archelus, 34, a new U.S. citizen originally from Haiti, poses with her 2-year-old daughter May 16 outside the Wilkie D. Ferguson Jr. U.S. Courthouse in Miami. Angel Archelus, 34, came from Haiti to the U.S. at 8 years old. Raised by her grandmother in Miami Beach, she spent her childhood separated from her mother, who returned to Haiti after losing her own immigration paperwork. The day she took the oath of citizenship felt like a weight off her shoulders. My whole life, I had to live in fear," Archelus said. "Its like living under a rock, like you dont exist. Youve got to hide. You wanted people to see you, but you cant be seen. Yasha Amchislaviskiy, Ukraine Yasha Amchislaviskiy, right, and his mother, Helena, celebrate outside of the Wilkie D. Ferguson Federal Courthouse in Miami on May 16, 2025. Nineteen-year-old Yasha Amchislaviskiy, born in Kyiv, described himself as a workaholic sold on the American belief that you can work hard to achieve more. His friends who remain in Ukraine and Spain dont have that chance, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "A lot of people in this world wish to have the U.S. passport, and they will do anything just to get it," he said. "To finally achieve one its a serene feeling. You think about it every day. Im still thinking about it. Lisbet Lopez, Peru Lizbet Lopez, 29, cane to the U.S. in 2012 from Peru and became permanent residents three years later. Lisbet Lopez's father, a Peruvian chef employed in New York, worked hard to save enough money for his family of five to join him in America. They immigrated to the U.S. in 2012 and became permanent residents in 2015. She said becoming a citizen was as much about securing her future as it was about honoring the past. It means a lot to finally have this, she said. Its a way to say, Your sacrifices mattered. Huyen Nguyen, Vietnam Huyen Nguyen and her husband were pharmacists in Vietnam. She became a U.S. citizen May 16. Both Huyen Nguyen, 44, and her husband gave up their careers as pharmacists in Vietnam to pursue a more peaceful life for their 14-year-old son in America. Because no American company accepted their foreign credentials, Huyen is back in school, and her husband works as a manicurist. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I want to be good people in the new country. Not a burden for the country," she said. Taina Marsal, Canada Taina Marsal, 31, originally from Canada, came to Texas when her Haitian mother got a job there as a nurse. Taina Marsal, 31, was a baby when her Haitian-born mother left Canada to work as a nurse in Texas. They were separated for nearly a year while her mother worked to establish legal status and save enough to bring her daughter over. She missed my first steps, but I feel like she gave us our first steps here in this country," Marsal said. Katherine Cardonet, Cuba Katherine Cardonet came to the United States five years ago from Cuba after getting a visa in the lottery program. Katherine Cardonet came to the U.S. from Cuba after winning the visa lottery, chasing a dream shed had since childhood. Five years later, she stood at her naturalization ceremony as a mother, worker and citizen. It felt like winning the lottery again. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since the day I stepped foot in this country I have loved it, she said. "To have my daughters accomplish everything that I couldn't, it's like I was accomplishing it, too. Karla Arcay, Mexico Karla Arcay, a newly naturalized citizen, celebrates outside of the Wilkie D. Ferguson Federal Courthouse in Miami on May 16, 2025. After 12 years in the U.S., Karla Arcay became a citizen just months after giving birth. Originally from Mexico, Arcay came to the naturalization ceremony alone but took the oath with her newborn in mind, eager for the stability citizenship now offers her family. As she put it: This will impact a whole new generation that will live here in the U.S." Judith Son, Guatemala Judith Son of Guatemala became a U.S. citizen at age 73, the first person in her family to do so. At 73, Judith Son became the first person in her Guatemalan family to gain U.S. citizenship something she proudly announced with a photo sent to their group chat. Becoming a citizen at her age is a gift, she said, and proof that its never too late. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I did it alone, but I did it! she said. Susana Vargas, Colombia Susana Vargas, originally from Colombia, has built a career in the finance industry in the United States. Susana Vargas studied for the naturalization exam with her husband who, to her surprise, didnt know many of the answers. For the Colombian native, U.S. citizenship marks the next step in a journey that began with a bank job and grew into a career, thanks to employer-sponsored training and permanent residency. "This country opened its doors for me and has given me all the work opportunities to grow," she said. Carlos Pretel, Colombia Carlos Pretel, 34, is an engineer in Miami Beach who became a U.S. citizen on May 16. He is originally from Colombia. Carlos Pretel said that when he became a citizen, it felt like graduation day. After President Donald Trump took office again, Pretel rushed his path to citizenship and stopped visiting his mom back home in Colombia because he didnt feel safe traveling internationally without being a citizen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With all the things that have been happening recently, with political things and changes, I feel that I needed this, and that's why I decided to rush this process, said Pretel, 34, an engineer who lives in Miami Beach. I told my mom I would go back once my process was done. Erolina Henry, Haiti Erolina Henry came to the U.S. from Haiti at age 15 under the DACA program. She became a U.S. citizen May 16. Erolina Henry had waited for the day of her naturalization as a U.S. citizen since she was 15, when she arrived in Miami from Haiti with her mother under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. To me, being an American is to have a voice that can bring change, said Henry, who works as a Florida guardian ad litem. Because my motivation for becoming American is to be able to impact, create spaces and sway policy that could change somebody's life. Byron Martinez, Nicaragua Byron Martinez, 48, came to the U.S. from Nicaragua in the late 1980s. He became a U.S. citizen May 16. Byron Martinez's family fled from Nicaragua to the U.S. in the late 1980s. Watching those he loves get detained, and feeling he could no longer walk down the street without looking over his shoulder, drove him to naturalize at nearly 50 years old. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To those bogged down by the anti-immigrant rhetoric, Martinez has a message: "Be proud of where you came from. And remember, what goes around comes around." Valentina Palm, Maya Washburn and Hannah Phillips are journalists at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach them at vpalm@pbpost.com, mwashburn@pbpost.com and hphillips@pbpost.com. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Immigration: What citizenship means: New Americans tell their stories MIAMI Driven by fears of detention, thoughts of family, dreams of freedom or hopes for a thriving future, 93 people crowded into a courtroom, raised their right hands and made their greatest wish come true. "I hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty, of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen " Lisbet Lopez couldn't imagine a better birthday present for her father. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He brought her and her mother and her siblings to these shores from Peru in 2012. And here she stood at the federal courthouse in Miami, after years of being her family's translator and surviving Long Island winters without a car, taking the Oath of Citizenship and making his immigrant dream complete. It means a lot to finally have this, Lopez, now 29, said after leaving the courthouse on May 16. Its a way to say, Your sacrifices mattered. Think it's easy to become a U.S. citizen? These facts will make you think again " that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same " Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Byron Martinez knew it was time to become a citizen when he saw a cousin get arrested and deported this spring. Now 48, he had left Colombia for the United States more than 30 years ago with a dream of becoming a citizen that he put aside time and again to support his younger siblings and parents. The family had just paid $148 to spring the cousin from a Miami-area jail. "As soon as they received the money, they made sure to call ICE, and they came and picked him up the same night," Martinez said. . . . that I will bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform noncombatant service in the Armed Forces of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform work of national importance under civilian direction when required by the law Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jorge Soto moved to Miami from Costa Rica when he was just 3 years old. The United States is all he knows, he said. He wants to give back to it by serving in the military. Tears filled his eyes during the ceremony as thoughts of his loved ones who couldn't be there to witness it clouded his mind. His mother-in-law died recently, and his parents couldn't be there because of work. Thats part of the sacrifice, said Soto, a 39-year-old Realtor. You have to work in order to maintain a status or to pay for your bills here. . . . and that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; so help me God." 800,000-plus become U.S. citizens each year; nearly 100,000 in Florida Thus concludes the oath spoken by hundreds of thousands of people each year. In 2024 alone, more than 818,500 immigrants became U.S. citizens a 12% increase from pre-pandemic levels. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement About 1 in 3 hailed from just five countries: Mexico, India, the Philippines, the Dominican Republic and Vietnam. Florida continues to rank among the top destinations for new Americans. In 2024, more than 93,000 people took the oath of citizenship in the Sunshine State, second only to California. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services hasnt projected national 2025 numbers yet, but naturalizations are expected to remain above 800,000. Those who took the oath in Miami did so against a backdrop of heightened immigration enforcement and deep political division. They navigated the usual paperwork, legal fees, interviews and civic test questions amid unusual, sweeping crackdowns on undocumented people, one President Donald Trump has vowed to make the largest in U.S. history. For many, uncertainty over Trumps immigration policy changes, fears of deportations and worries about ICE raids propelled them toward securing their U.S. citizenship. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This group in Miami hailed from 41 countries, about 1 in every 5 nations around the globe, and wore nearly as many types of outfits, from suits and dresses, running shoes and flipflops, to clothing that spoke to their identities and the places where they were born. A woman and her family wore matching, hand-sewn Mexican blouses. A couple from Vietnam styled traditional silk tunics. Two brothers wore kippahs; a teenage girl had a hijab wrapped around her hair. U.S. District Judge Jaqueline Becerra, herself the daughter of Cuban immigrants, opened the ceremony by recounting her parents own journey to obtaining U.S. citizenship. Her parents were 19 when they arrived in Miami and became naturalized citizens when Becerra was 10. She said her father dreamed of getting the right to vote and spent hours listening to a cassette memorizing the citizenship test questions and answers, even though he only spoke Spanish. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Today is not just about becoming a United States citizen. It's a culmination of great sacrifice, said Becerra. It takes a lot of passion to leave your home country, and it's also a big commitment to your family, because this will have a profound impact for generations. Spector of deportations tinged mood of citizenship ceremony Everyone stood for the national anthem while waiving miniature American flags and many sang along to the final verse for the land of the free and the home of the brave before erupting in applause. Angel Archelus, a native of Hati, watched her 2-year-old daughter shriek and clap even though she couldnt understand what that day meant to her mother. I can give my daughter the childhood I never had, Archelus said. Now, I can sleep in peace. Angel Archelus, a newly naturalized citizen, celebrates outside of the Wilkie D. Ferguson Federal Courthouse in Miami on May 16, 2025. Katherine Cardonet, who migrated from Cuba in 2019, volunteered to share her story before the whole courtroom. She said winning a spot in the Diversity Visa Lottery program changed her life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Cuba, Cardonet worked at what she called a dead-end job as an accountant for grocery stores with empty aisles and grew depressed by thinking that no matter how hard she worked, her daughter would never have access to healthy meals, even less attend college. In 2019, Cardonet and her daughter reunited with their family in Hialeah. She got her first job as a cashier in a supermarket, where the variety of products overwhelmed her. They never had so many choices in Cuba. Since then, she has given birth to another daughter, works as a registered behavioral technician in Miami-Dade County schools and dreams of the day her daughters go to prom and graduate. "Here, if you study, you can achieve what you desire because here, we have opportunities, Cardonet said in Spanish. "The ceremony felt like winning the lottery again. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The mood outside the courtroom was a paradox, solemn and cheerful at the same time. Tears streamed down some new citizens faces. One family member in the back shouted, Its Margarita time! Many were greeted with boxes of empanadas, balloons and flowers bouquets to celebrate the day. Toddlers squealed with excitement as they waddled behind roosters, a mainstay outside the courthouse. The late-morning weather was sweltering, with temperatures near 90 degrees, but it didnt seem to bother anyone on its lawn. With groups of people eating and taking photos, the scene started to resemble a family barbecue. Franco Nieto, the son of newly naturalized citizen Leila Nieto, plays with an American flag outside of the federal courthouse in Miami on May 16, 2025. The day was like a reprieve for some of the new citizens who didnt feel secure in the United States, a nation where ICE agent swarms, mass deportations and negative rhetoric about immigrants have become common. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carlos Pretel felt relieved when he finally became a U.S. citizen because it meant he could visit his mom in Colombia without worrying if he would be able to get back. With all the things that have been happening recently, with political things and changes, I felt that I needed this, said Pretel, a 34-year-old engineer who lives in Miami Beach. Today feels different, like I am officially graduating. Jormi Poirot from Venezuela feels saddened for Hispanics facing possible deportation. She had an overwhelming freeing feeling after the ceremony: She said she finally felt like her voice mattered here. It took her 15 years to become a citizen as she went from a student visa to a work visa and then to a green card. I am super-happy, especially because now I am going to vote, said Poirot, 41, before rushing back to her job as a fashion designer. I feel like I am now a person that can make decisions in the country. Fourth of July has special resonance for newest U.S. citizens One month earlier and an hours drive north, U.S. District Judge Kenneth Marra swore in 45 people from 28 different countries at the federal courthouse in West Palm Beach. Before he did, an attorney in the courtroom reminded the crowd that the strength of the United States lies not only in its laws, but also in the people who choose to become part of it. Lainey Francisco said each new citizen arrived by a different path some marked by hardship, others by hope but all were fueled by determination. That same determination, she said, has shaped the country from its beginning. Being an American is more than where you were born. It is about what you believe and what you stand for. Its about participating in your community, speaking up for what is right, and helping shape the future, she said. "America is better because youre part of it. This year, they will all celebrate their first Fourth of July as U.S. citizens. Valentina Palm, Maya Washburn and Hannah Phillips are journalists at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach them at vpalm@pbpost.com, mwashburn@pbpost.com and hphillips@pbpost.com. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: They choose America: Why people are becoming US citizens in 2025 This is an adapted excerpt from the July 1 episode of All In with Chris Hayes. There's a meme I see on the internet all the time. Its a post by the satirical social media outfit Clickhole, and its a photo of this very serious-looking man, with the headline: Heartbreaking: The Worst Person You Know Just Made a Great Point. On social media, and even in real life, this can indeed be heartbreaking, and that post has taken on a life of its own over the last few years. Every time someone folks really dont agree with suddenly shows up on their side of the issue, this poor guy gets his photo posted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A few years back, reporters actually tracked down the man pictured in that stock photo that became a meme. Hes a Spanish marketing specialist who has eventually made his peace with becoming an online icon. Seven years after its first appearance, that meme is getting a real workout, as plenty of the worst people you know have been making very good points about some of President Donald Trump's recent decisions. Like his decision to bomb Iran, which has drawn criticism from the likes of Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, to former Fox News host Tucker Carlson, whose questioning of Sen. Ted Cruz over his hawkish Iran stance went viral. But this week, we have a new contender: the worlds richest man and Trumps former political benefactor, Elon Musk. The tech billionaire has been railing against Trumps so-called Big Beautiful Bill proposed legislation that is almost suicidally self-destructive to Americas future. It's on the verge of becoming law after passing the Senate on Tuesday, after a 50-50 tie that was broken by Vice President JD Vance. The bill has moved to the House for consideration. On and off over the past month, Musk has blasted the bill as fiscally irresponsible and full of insane pork that is damaging to Americas future. Last weekend, as the Senate marked up its version of the bill, including a provision that kills subsidies for solar and wind energy while boosting coal and oil, Musk posted to social media: The latest Senate draft bill will destroy millions of jobs in America and cause immense strategic harm to our country! Utterly insane and destructive. It gives handouts to industries of the past while severely damaging industries of the future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In another post, Musk even threatened to form a new political party and to unseat Republicans who voted for the bill against their own stated principles: Every member of Congress who campaigned on reducing government spending and then immediately voted for the biggest debt increase in history should hang their head in shame! And they will lose their primary next year if it is the last thing I do on this Earth. To be clear, Musk is also mad because the bill does away with a big subsidy on electric car purchases, which his car company, Tesla, relies on. He is not the good guy here. Remember, he was the DOGE founder who was running around pushing to cut things such as biomedical research and the United States Agency for International Development, known as USAID. That said, what Musk has been saying about the irresponsibility of the Trump bill, especially about its completely backwards, self-defeating energy agenda, is completely correct. So, in this case, the worst person just made a great point. Trump isnt happy with Musks criticisms. Hes already said hes considering deporting the South African-born billionaire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration has so many bad ideas that it is always turning some of the country's worst people into sensible-sounding critics by the sheer madness of its policies. The presidents massive reconciliation bill is no exception. It really is astoundingly terrible in every direction. It doesnt just take the country backward in terms of energy policy; it also enshrines massive tax cuts that primarily benefit rich people and corporations, financed, in part, by devastating cuts to health care and food assistance for poor and working-class Americans. According to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, almost 12 million people will lose health care coverage under the plan. Some hospitals across the country will be defunded. Even with those cuts, the bill adds more than $3 trillion to the deficit over the next decade, according to the CBO. But the other thing you should know about this bill is that it is also wildly unpopular, and when people are polled on its separate provisions, the giveaways to billionaires, the hits to programs for the poor, the sick and the elderly, it fares even worse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Right now, this truly toxic agenda is being held together through the sheer force of an institutional Republican Party devoted to the plutocrats, and Trumps ability to bully party members into submission. If you have been following the fight over the bill, you will find oddly sensible statements from far-right Republicans over the bills fiscal irresponsibility and from centrists over its draconian cuts to services. The bill is so bad that even the person who provided the crucial vote that made it pass out of the Senate can't defend it. On Tuesday, Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska blatantly said she didn't like the bill. She also told reporters that she doesnt actually want the version of the bill she voted for to become law, and she hopes that the House undoes some of the damage in the bill that she and her fellow senators did. Democrats have, understandably, pounced on that statement. During a House Rules Committee, Rep. Jim McGovern of Massachusetts referenced Murkowski's statement about her hopes for the future of the bill and asked: I mean, my question to her is, if you really believe that, then why the hell did you vote for this bill? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republicans are still voting for this toxic MAGA agenda even when they know its bad for Americans. The only silver lining, and it's a real one, is that voters do seem to be paying attention. They are mad and are poised to force Republicans to answer for their votes on this one. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com Texas new law requiring public schools to display the Ten Commandments in classrooms is facing a second legal challenge. Sixteen parents of various religious backgrounds, represented by the ACLU of Texas and religious freedom groups, argued in a new lawsuit Wednesday that the law is catastrophically unconstitutional. The latest filing comes after another group of parents filed a similar lawsuit in Dallas last week. The ACLU sued in federal court in San Antonio against Austin, Houston, Fort Bend and Plano independent school districts, among others. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These suits challenge one of the latest measures passed by the Republican-controlled Legislature earlier this year. Critics say the law injects religion into the states public schools, attended by roughly 5.5 million children. The background Senate Bill 10, by Republican Sen. Phil King of Weatherford, would require the Ten Commandments be displayed on a poster sized at least 16 by 20 inches come September, when most new state laws go into effect. Gov. Greg Abbott signed it in late June, the day after the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals found a similar law in Louisiana was plainly unconstitutional. The court ruled that requiring schools to post the Ten Commandments would cause an irreparable deprivation of First Amendment rights. Supporters argue that the Ten Commandments and teachings of Christianity broadly are vital to understanding U.S. history, a controversial message that has resurged in recent years as part of a broader national movement to undermine the long-held interpretation of church-state separation. Texas GOP lawmakers have passed a number of laws in recent years to further codify their conservative religious views, a trend encouraged and celebrated by Christian leaders. What are the plaintiffs saying Posting the Ten Commandments in public schools is un-American and un-Baptist, Griff Martin, a pastor, parent and plaintiff in the ACLU lawsuit, said in a statement. S.B. 10 undermines the separation of church and state as a bedrock principle of my familys Baptist heritage. Baptists have long held that the government has no role in religion so that our faith may remain free and authentic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the lawsuit brought by the North Texas parents, the plaintiffs, who identify as Christian, said the law was unconstitutional and violated their right to direct their childrens upbringing. One of them, a Christian minister, said the displays will offer a message of religious intolerance, implying that anyone who does not believe in the states official religious scripture is an outsider and not fully part of the community. That message, the minister argued, conflicts with the religious, social justice and civil rights beliefs he seeks to teach his kids. Another North Texas plaintiff, a mother of two, is worried she will be forced to have sensitive and perhaps premature conversations about topics like adultery with her young children and also does not desire that her minor children to be instructed by their school about the biblical conception of adultery, the suit states. The plaintiffs in the ACLU suit come from diverse religious backgrounds, including families who are nonreligious. Allison Fitzpatrick said in a statement that she fears her children will think they are violating school rules because they dont adhere to commandments like honoring the Sabbath. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The state of Texas has no right to dictate to children how many gods to worship, which gods to worship, or whether to worship any gods at all, sad Annie Laurie Gaylor, co-president of the Freedom From Religion Foundation, which brought the lawsuit alongside the ACLU. What are the schools saying Spokespersons for the Texas Education Agency, also a named defendant in the North Texas suit, did not respond last week to requests for comment. The TEA was not included as a defendant in the ACLU's more recent filing. A Lancaster ISD spokesperson said that the district was aware of the suit and monitoring it but did not have further comment. A Dallas ISD spokesperson said the district does not comment on pending litigation. DeSoto ISD administrators said in a statement that the school system, which teaches roughly 6,000 kids, operates in alignment with state and federal laws and also remains committed to creating an inclusive learning environment for all students and families, regardless of religious background or personal beliefs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DeSoto ISD recognizes the diverse cultural and religious identities represented in its school community and will continue to prioritize the safety, dignity, and educational well-being of every student, district officials said. The district respects the role of parents and guardians in guiding their childrens personal and religious development and will strive to remain sensitive to the varying perspectives within its schools. 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. ECTOR COUNTY, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)- An Odessa man was arrested late last month after two young children made a sexual abuse outcry while at church camp. Robert Paul Hayslip has been charged with two counts of Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child. According to court records, on June 23, investigators with the Ector County Sheriffs Office were contacted by Child Protective Services to help with an ongoing investigation that began after two children, while attending church camp, reported allegations of sexual abuse by a family member, identified as Hayslip. In a forensic interview, two girls detailed graphic and painful instances of sexual abuse and said it had been happening since February of 2020, when the girls were about nine and six years old, respectively. Both girls also said that Hayslip had taken nude photos of them with his phone. On June 27, investigators requested a warrant for Hayslips arrest, and he was taken into custody on June 30. He remained in custody as of Wednesday morning on a combined $400,000 bond. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Yourbasin. WASHINGTON (AP) A declassified CIA memo released Wednesday challenges the work intelligence agencies did to conclude that Russia interfered in the 2016 presidential election because it wanted Republican Donald Trump to win. The memo was written on the orders of CIA Director John Ratcliffe, a Donald Trump loyalist who spoke out against the Russia investigation as a member of Congress. It finds fault with a 2017 intelligence assessment that concluded the Russian government, at the direction of President Vladimir Putin, waged a covert influence campaign to help Trump win. It does not address that multiple investigations since then, including a report from the Republican-led Senate Intelligence Committee in 2020, reached the same conclusion about Russias influence and motives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The eight-page document is part of an ongoing effort by Trump and close allies who now lead key government agencies to revisit the history of the long-concluded Russia investigation, which resulted in criminal indictments and shadowed most of his first term but also produced unresolved grievances and contributed to the Republican president's deep-rooted suspicions of the intelligence community. The report is also the latest effort by Ratcliffe to challenge the decision-making and actions of intelligence agencies during the course of the Russia investigation. A vocal Trump supporter in Congress who aggressively questioned former special counsel Robert Mueller during his 2019 testimony on Russian election interference, Ratcliffe later used his position as director of national intelligence to declassify Russian intelligence alleging damaging information about Democrats during the 2016 election even as he acknowledged that it might not be true. The new, lessons-learned review ordered by Ratcliffe in May was meant to examine the tradecraft that went into the intelligence community's 2017 assessment on Russian interference and to scrutinize in particular the conclusion that Putin aspired to help Trump win. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The report cited several anomalies that the authors wrote could have affected that conclusion, including a rushed timeline and a reliance on unconfirmed information, such as Democratic-funded opposition research about Trumps ties to Russia compiled by a former British spy, Christopher Steele. The report takes particular aim at the inclusion of a two-page summary of the Steele dossier, which included salacious and uncorroborated rumors about Trump's ties to Russia, in an annex of the intelligence community assessment. It said that decision, championed by the FBI, implicitly elevated unsubstantiated claims to the status of credible supporting evidence, compromising the analytical integrity of the judgment. But even as Ratcliffe faulted top intelligence officials for a politically charged environment that triggered an atypical analytic process, his agency's report does not directly contradict any previous intelligence. Russia's support for Trump has been outlined in a number of intelligence reports and the August 2020 conclusions of the Senate Intelligence Committee, then chaired by Sen. Marco Rubio, who now serves as Trump's secretary of state. It also was backed by Mueller, who in his 2019 report said that Russia interfered on Trump's behalf and that the campaign welcomed the aid even if there was insufficient evidence to establish a criminal conspiracy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This report doesn't change any of the underlying evidence in fact it doesn't even address any of that evidence, said Brian Taylor, a Russia expert who directs the Moynihan Institute of Global Affairs at Syracuse University. Taylor suggested the report may have been intended to reinforce Trump's claims that investigations into his ties to Russia are part of a Democratic hoax. Good intelligence analysts will tell you their job is to speak truth to power," Taylor said. "If they tell the leader what he wants to hear, you often get flawed intelligence. Intelligence agencies regularly perform after-action reports to learn from past operations and investigations, but it's uncommon for the evaluations to be declassified and released to the public. Ratcliffe has said he wants to release material on a number of topics of public debate and has already declassified records relating to the assassinations of President John Kennedy and his brother, Sen. Robert F. Kennedy, as well as the origins of COVID-19. Gannon University is getting a boost from the City of Erie for its plan to build labs for a biomedical collaboration. City council on Wednesday unanimously approved the awarding of a $1 million loan for the project. Merger approved between Gannon University, Ursuline College The university announced in March that its collaborating with Saint Vincent Hospital and First Ascent Biomedical. In addition to the labs, the plan includes the development of related medical facilities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The aim is to create educational training to meet the needs of the regions health care sector, improve cancer treatment options, and support a biomedical industry in Erie. Erie City Moms transforms blighted house to for home ownership program The city has a $26 million revolving loan fund to stimulate the downtown economy. A lot of that came from American Rescue Plan dollars as well as the state. Its one of those things that hopefully is gonna be a lasting generational impact. And were seeing those ARP dollars at work, said Erie City Council member Chuck Nelson. Construction is expected to begin in January. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 city of Palestine is sponsoring its annual Independence Day Fireworks Show Thursday, July 3 at Steven Bennett Park, near AM Story Intermediate School, 5300 North Loop 256. The city of Palestine has proudly hosted an annual fireworks show at Steven Bennett Park for over 20 years. This beloved Independence Day tradition brings together families, friends and visitors to celebrate with community spirit and patriotic pride, said City Manager Teresa Herrera. The event is always well-attended and a favorite among residents of all ages. Food vendors will be on-site before the show, so we encourage everyone to arrive early, grab a bite and find a good viewing spot. With large crowds expected, drivers are urged to stay alert, drive slowly, and watch for pedestrians. Thank you for helping us keep the event safe and enjoyable for all. We wish our residents a safe and happy Independence Day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Food trucks and vendors will set up at Story Intermediate prior starting at 3 p.m. Food trucks that are expected to be at this event include Big Duds Bar-B-Que & Catering, JTs Warthog Creole Kitchen, Snowie Shaved Ice, Delaynas Specialty and Beams Shaved Ice Paradise LLC, along with Walmart who will be selling water. Palestine Project Graduation & Kona Ice will be located at the Palestine YMCA. Admission is free. Parking is limited, they city asks that you carpool if you can. Those in attendance are welcome to bring their lawn chairs or blankets to sit on. The roads will be closed at 9 p.m. for this event. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the National Weather Service in Fort Worth, conditions for Thursday and Friday will be sunny and hot with a high of 93 degrees and the sun setting at 8:31 p.m. The professional pyrotechnic display set for 9:20 p.m. will be accompanied by music from KYYK FM 98.3 radio. More area fun: VFW Post 8924 Fourth of July Cookout The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8924 is hosting a Fourth of July Cookout at 1 p.m. Friday, July 4 at its post, 160 ACR 2101 in Palestine. They will be serving hamburgers, hot dogs and brisket. Monetary donations are appreciated. Montalba Baptist Church Freedom Celebration Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Montalba Baptist Church is hosting a Freedom Celebration at 7 p.m. Friday, July 4. There will be live music from the Band Reeves. You are invited to bring your family and enjoy vendors, live music and fireworks at dark. Tune in to 90.5 FM on your radio for a musical patriotic accompaniment. This event is being held at SH-19 & FM 321. Rusk Fourth of July Hometown Celebration The Thomas Jefferson Rusk Rotary Club presents the 2025 Fourth of July Hometown Celebration on the square in downtown Rusk. The event begins at 9 a.m. and runs approximately noon Friday, July 4. This year's activities will include a parade, tricycle/Big Wheel races, the annual Gauge Lankford Memorial Fireman's Challenge and door prizes. United States flags will be given out early on a first come, first served basis so they may be waved during the parade. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Parade lineup starts at 9 a.m. at the Austin Bank parking lot, located at 216 S. Main Street. Opening ceremonies begin at 9:15 a.m. and include the pledge of allegiance; a prayer led by Cobey May, pastor of Salem Baptist, a musket volley by the Cross of St. Andrew SCV Camp and Virginia Goforth leading everyone in patriotic songs. The parade begins at 9:30 a.m. and this year's Grand Marshals are the seven Rusk High School Class of 2025 graduates who have enlisted in the military. Following the parade, this year's newest activity will be held on 5th Street. The tricycle/Big Wheel Race is for kids entering kindergarten through third grade. Registration will be from 9 to 10 a.m. at the pavilion on 5th Street. The entry fee is any monetary donation or a new children's book. Participants may bring their own trike or Big Wheel or there will be a few available to use. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following the races, everyone will gather on Main Street to cheer on their favorite local firefighters as they compete in the Annual Fireman's Challenge. Snow on the Go will offer snow-cones and fresh-squeezed lemonade for purchase. Lake Jacksonville Association Flotilla and Firework Show The Lake Jacksonville Association provides Jacksonville residents an opportunity to celebrate Americas Independence Day with two events. The two separate July Fourth events taking place at Lake Jacksonville are the mornings patriotic flotilla and the evening fireworks show. The flotilla will set sail at 10 a.m. Friday. Anyone wishing to participate may decorate their boat in a patriotic theme and meet at the dam. Participants are asked to line up behind the police boat, which will lead the way. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The flotilla will proceed around the lake using a counter-clockwise route, according to the Lake Jacksonville Association. The full route takes about an hour. The Best Decorated winner, as determined by a panel of judges, will receive a gift basket of various barbecue essentials, some Lake Jacksonville Association T-shirts and an award crafted by Judy Seaman. The evenings fireworks show is set to begin at approximately 9:15 p.m., with the fireworks exploding over Lake Jacksonville. People have watched from their boats on the lake as well as from the shores. Both events are open to lake residents and the general public, so come early and pick your spot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Houston County Lake Boat Parade The annual Independence Day Boat Parade is set for 1 p.m. Saturday, July 5 at Houston County Lake. Decorated boats and passengers must be decorated [securely] in red, white and blue. Boats will meet in front of Back Bay Campgrounds and go along the shoreline around the lake. Lake Palestine Resorts Stars, Stripes & Rock N Roll Lake Palestine Resort in Frankston is hosting Stars, Stripes & Rock N Roll at 4 p.m. Saturday, July 5. They will have karaoke from 5 p.m.to 8p.m. and live music by Chance Rains from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. The fireworks show over the lake is set for 9:30 p.m. There will be vendors, food trucks and yard games for all ages. Tickets are $10 per person. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets. Lake Palestine Resort is located at 8900 Ruby Lane in Frankston. The 12th meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Ministers of Transport is held in north China's Tianjin, July 2, 2025. The meeting was held on Wednesday in Tianjin Municipality, with SCO transport ministers agreeing to strengthen regional connectivity. During the meeting, a memorandum of understanding on the joint construction of "Silk Road Stations" was signed among the transport sectors of the SCO member states. (Xinhua/Li Ran) TIANJIN, July 2 (Xinhua) -- The 12th meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Ministers of Transport was held on Wednesday in north China's Tianjin Municipality, with SCO transport ministers agreeing to strengthen regional connectivity. During the meeting, a memorandum of understanding on the joint construction of "Silk Road Stations" was signed among the transport sectors of the SCO member states. China's Minister of Transport Liu Wei said that the proposed Silk Road Stations will offer essential facilities such as parking, rest areas and hot water for international freight drivers across SCO regions. The initiative addresses critical infrastructure gaps along rapidly expanding trade corridors, where insufficient rest stops and maintenance facilities have contributed to driver fatigue and logistical inefficiencies amid rising cross-border passenger and cargo flows. The meeting gathered transport authorities from Pakistan, Mongolia, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. Participants also held in-depth discussions on accelerating cooperation on projects such as advancing the high-quality development of the China-Europe Railway Express and implementing electronic permits for international road transport. The Brief Tacoma will pay $6 million to Manuel Ellis's family, adding to a previous $4 million settlement from Pierce County. Ellis died in police custody in March 2020; three officers were acquitted of manslaughter and murder charges. The family hopes Ellis' name and experience will be honored by the city and county. TACOMA, Wash. - The City of Tacoma will pay out $6 million to the family of Manuel Ellis, the man killed while in Tacoma police custody in March 2020. The backstory Three officers with the department faced trial for the 33-year-old's death, but were ultimately acquitted of manslaughter and murder. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The family sued both the city and Pierce County. The county previously settled with the family for $4 million back in 2022. The settlement on Tuesday brings their overall total $10 million. In a statement, the Manuel Ellis Family attorney James Bible wrote: "This has been a long and difficult journey for a family that was dedicated to getting some measure of justice for their lost loved one. No amount of money matches the tremendous loss they have experienced. They miss him everyday and even more on holidays. "We hope that Mannys name and experience is never forgotten. We hope that the City of Tacoma and Pierce County will find ways to honor his name." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Manuel Ellis, a Tacoma, Washington man, was beaten, shocked and hogtied face down on a sidewalk, with police on top of him as he pleaded for breath. Ellis death was ruled a homicide caused by oxygen deprivation, happening nearly three months before George Floyds death sparked an international outcry against police brutality. The three officers faced charges of second-degree murder and manslaughter, but a jury returned a not guilty verdict in December 2023. The Source Information in this story came from Manuel Ellis Family attorney James Bible, the City of Tacoma and FOX 13 Seattle reporting. MORE NEWS FROM FOX 13 SEATTLE New evidence links Travis Decker to WA crime scene Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 'It's a bombshell': Bryan Kohberger plea deal surprises legal analyst Idaho firefighters shot in ambush identified These WA laws go into effect July 1 Man shot Idaho firefighters who had asked him to move his vehicle, killing 2, sheriff says WA's first In-N-Out closer to opening in Ridgefield To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter. Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national news. CARL JUNCTION, Mo. The Carl Junction City Council votes to move forward with an impeachment hearing against mayor, Mike Moss. During Tuesday nights meeting (7/1), the council voted unanimously to hold the hearing in council chambers tentatively on Monday, August 4. The impeachment hearing is based on four charges (outlined in the Articles of Impeachment document below), and alleges Moss engaged in conduct constituting malfeasance in office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This all stems from a complaint recently filed against him by council member, James Shanks, accusing Moss of repeatedly referring to female city employees as Steves harem referring to city administrator, Steve Lawver. Outside counsel for the city is Lauber Municipal Law. One of its attorneys is Nate Dally, the former Carthage City Attorney, who talked to council members Tuesday night about the process. (tonights vote) is just to proceed and pushes the articles forward and advises what the articles are, and then thats what the hearing will be based on, so that people have an idea of what the charges are, and then we go from there, so thats all it is at this point, said Dally. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moss and his attorney, William Fleischaker both declined to comment following Tuesday nights council meeting. It would take a two-thirds majority vote by council to impeach Moss. Articles of Impeachment Articles-of-Impeachment-CJ-Mayor-Mike-Moss_KSNF-WatermarkDownload Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNF/KODE | FourStatesHomepage.com. KANSAS CITY, Mo. The Clay County Sheriffs Office has officially implemented an initiative that allows deputies to hold people with minor equipment violations accountable while promoting healthier relationships with law enforcement. No Ticket, Lets Fix It is a campaign created by the sheriffs office that will exchange equipment violation tickets for a $10 gift card to a local auto parts store. Deputies said the gift cards will be given to those with minor violations, like a broken headlamp or turn signal light. Their hope is that the gift cards will be used to help pay for replacement parts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Instead of giving them a ticket for that, we are going to be giving them a gift card to a local auto parts store, Clay County, MO Sheriffs Office Public Relations Manager Sarah Boyd said in an interview with FOX4 Wednesday. Boyd added that most of the bulbs a driver would have to buy fall in that price range. We dont have quotas, Boyd said. We just want people to be safe, and so if a financial barrier is keeping someone from having that safety equipment on their car, then we want to remove that barrier. Boyd said that a lot of drivers will be at Smithville Lake for the July 4 weekend, adding that deputies often cite drivers for the light being out on their license plate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A lot of people dont realize thats required because law enforcement has to be able to see that license plate because what if that car was involved in a crime, or something, and we need to be able to confirm that, she continued. Car crashes into building in Independence Tuesday night Despite what some may think, we dont enjoy giving out tickets, Community Interaction Sergeant Megan Blackburn said in a statement. But it is a part of the job to keep people safe and hold them accountable to the law. This is a way we can inform our citizens of a minor infraction and help give them a way to fix it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The sheriffs office said No Ticket, Lets Fix It was made possible by generous Clay County auto parts stores that donated gift cards for the cause. The auto parts stores include OReilly locations in Excelsior Springs, Gladstone, Kearney, Liberty and Smithville, as well as Auto Zone in Liberty. Sometimes they dont know if they have a light out until they get pulled over, Smithville OReilly Auto Parts Store Manager Ryan Tarner said in an interview with FOX4 Wednesday. This is just a good benefit because not a lot of people, sometimes theyre in a little bit of a need or need a little bit of help with money, so having that gift cards going to help them out. According to deputies, the program will end once all the gift cards have been distributed. Boyd said there are about 100 of them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While FOX4 was with Clay County Sheriff Deputy Monica Sailer for more than an hour Wednesday afternoon, she found no car with a broken light. She added that the night shift may have an easier time finding drivers with broken lights simply because itll be dark out. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. Jul. 2Attorneys representing Montgomery County Clerk of Courts Mike Foley argued in court Wednesday that a plea agreement Foley entered into with the state creates "collateral consequences" for him outside the courthouse. Foley pleaded no contest to felony and misdemeanor charges on June 16 as part of a plea bargain with the Ohio Auditor of State's Office and was subsequently convicted and sentenced. The next day, his attorneys filed a motion to exit that agreement. Attorney Jon Paul Rion on Wednesday said that sections of the Ohio Revised Code conflict with one another, specifically referencing two sections that pertain to a public official's eligibility for office. Foley was not present for his hearing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It was intended that the consequence would be limited to those issued by the court," Rion said. "There's a statute or a series of statutes that seem to be in conflict with each other." Rion and defense attorney Catherine Jackson also pointed to a recent effort to challenge Foley's employment with the county. Daytonian and local activist David Esrati filed a writ of quo warranto in Ohio's Second District Court of Appeals on June 24 a week after Foley's attorneys pushed for Foley's plea to be withdrawn. In his writ, Esrati argues that Foley lost his eligibility to hold a public office when he was convicted of a fifth-degree felony count of unauthorized use of a computer and a misdemeanor count of soliciting political contributions from public employees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Esrati, who was in court on Wednesday, disagreed with the use of his court filing as rationale for Foley to have his plea withdrawn, as Esrati's court action came after Foley's attorneys. He said he felt this course of action would never be offered to the average Montgomery County resident. "I think you should strongly oppose this," he told Ohio auditor of state investigators following the hearing. But state investigators said they had no qualms with Foley's attempt to withdraw his plea. "I think there was a mutual understanding," said Ohio Auditor of State investigator Thomas Anger. "And through further research, you know, we have discovered that the statute is not as clear as we had hoped." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Retired Judge Jonathan P. Hein was reappointed by the Ohio Supreme Court to continue overseeing the case. He told a small courtroom at the Montgomery County Common Pleas Court that he would have his decision on a motion to withdraw Foley's plea in the coming days. Hein ordered that the document attorneys filed with the court on June 17, which also explains their grounds for wanting to withdraw Foley's plea, be unsealed and available for public viewing. The document was not unsealed as of Wednesday afternoon. Foley was indicted last year alongside former Montgomery County Municipal Court Judge James Piergies. Charges against Foley and Piergies came two years after the clerk of courts office was raided by state auditor's office investigators. Piergies changed his plea to guilty in May as part of a plea bargain with state investigators. Hein sentenced him to up to two years of community control and 75 hours of community service. A 90-day jail sentence is suspended based on compliance with the community control sanctions. Piergies is also ordered to pay court costs and a $750 fine. The plea deal required Piergies to resign from office. (Corrects spelling to "Liqun" not "Liqung" in paragraph 2) By David Latona SEVILLE, Spain (Reuters) -Multilateral development banks need to sharpen their focus on delivering climate action and on empowering women, the heads of two major MDBs in Asia and Europe told Reuters, as they face calls to be bolder, more flexible and inclusive. The president of the European Investment Bank, Nadia Calvino, and of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, Jin Liqun, spoke on the sidelines of the once-a-decade United Nations development financing summit taking place in Seville. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The event is overshadowed by criticisms it has shown a lack of ambition and by the absence of the United States, the biggest provider of international aid until U.S. President Donald Trump returned to office early this year. Trump has also withdrawn the United States from U.N. efforts to counter climate change and sought to reverse policy on inclusivity, making many companies and institutions across the globe reticent about championing diversity and sustainability. The AIIB's Jin welcomed civil society's push for MDBs to do more on climate as a "positive force for innovation and greater impact". The AIIB supported "climate-resilient" infrastructure under a broader definition that includes digital, health, and education infrastructure, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The EIB's Calvino said high-level climate commitments must translate into tangible investments and projects, naming as an example an initiative for climate-related debt clauses that allows vulnerable countries to pause repayments after disasters. The pre-summit outcomes agreement between U.N. members included a pledge to triple multilateral lending capacity. The U.S. said that crossed one of its red lines as it interfered with the MDBs' independence. Asked about French President Emmanuel Macron's call for MDBs to sacrifice stellar credit ratings to hit those new targets, Jin proposed rating agencies apply different standards to MDBs instead of those used for commercial banks or private companies. Calvino said the current system worked well, with the EIB's AAA rating enabling it to take on higher-risk investments and leverage EU guarantees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. also objected to the use of the word gender in the outcomes document, saying it did not support "sex-based preferences". Calvino, the EIB's first woman president, said empowering women was "both the right and the economically smart choice ... a no-brainer". Jin said female empowerment was key in the AIIB's investment decisions, pointing to a rural road project in Ivory Coast connecting female agriculturalists in previously isolated villages to main markets to sell products such as cashews and coffee beans. (Reporting by David Latona; Editing by Aislinn Laing and Barbara Lewis) Crafters in the Milwaukee area may not have Joann Fabrics to shop at anymore, but that doesnt mean they dont have options. The closure of Joann has woven its way into the fabric of local craft shops over the past few months, creating slight changes in customer base, sales and product demand. At the same time, Joann's former leading competitor, Michaels, has made clear efforts to sweep up the business of previous Joann fans. Michaels has several stores in the area, including Milwaukee, Brookfield, New Berlin, Germantown and Grafton, according to its website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The closure of all Joann Fabrics stores was official on May 31 after the retail chain filed for bankruptcy, leaving Joann regulars in the greater Milwaukee area looking for alternative shops. Here are some of them to try: Planet Bead, 710 N. Milwaukee St., Milwaukee - Every type and style of bead, novelty yarns Fiber Fever, 2224 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., Milwaukee - Yarn, needles & hooks, books, notions Cream City Yarn, 15565 W. North Ave., Brookfield - Yarn, accessories, needles, books, notions, kits Eclectica Beads, 21420 W. Greenfield Ave., New Berlin - Thousands of beads in an endless array of designs and sizes Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My Material Matters Quilt Shop, W62N244 Washington Ave., Cedarburg - Fabrics, wool, machines, notions, patterns, books Manhattan Textiles, 10505 W. North Ave., Wauwatosa - Interior design services, window treatments, fabrics, area rugs, furniture and upholstery Patched Works, Inc., 13330 Watertown Plank Road, Elm Grove - Fabric, kits, books & patterns, notions Sew Much More, 2140 W. St. Paul Ave. L, Waukesha - Sewing machines, machine repair Sew n' Save, 3701 Durand Ave., Racine - Sewing machines, sewing accessories, notions, threads, quilting fabric, sewing machine repair service Unraveled Creative Studio, 614 6th St., Racine - Yarn and fiber supplies Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many of the shops also offer classes and in-store activities. Check the store websites for details. Liliana Fannin is a 2025 summer intern at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel covering the Milwaukee suburbs. She can be contacted at lfannin@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee area craft stores to try now that Joann Fabrics is closed Police have arrested two suspects in the June 15 fatal shooting of a 28-year-old man at an east Fort Worth home after an argument that involved cocaine use, according to an arrest warrant affidavit obtained by the Star-Telegram. Seth Murray, 34, and Nicholas Grisaffi, 35, were arrested Tuesday, July 1. Both face murder charges. Murray and Grisaffi are also charged with tampering with physical evidence with intent to impair, according to jail records. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers responded to a call about the shooting shortly after 9 a.m. on June 15, near the 6500 block of Routt Street, just north of E. Lancaster Avenue. When officers arrived they found 28-year-old James Lynn Marshall with gunshot wounds to his torso in the back yard of a house in the 3000 block of Forest Avenue, which intersects with Routt. Marshall had gunshot wounds on his chest and the right side of his abdomen and was pronounced dead at the scene by medical personnel, police said. A witness who was present during the shooting provided a statement to homicide detectives that led to the arrests, according to the affidavit. Marshall, Murray and Grisaffi previously worked together at a car dealership. On the night of the shooting, they met at Marshalls home, where they were drinking beer and snorting cocaine, the witness told police. At some point, the men began waving their guns around, according to the affidavit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Marshall and Murray began to wrestle, and it turned aggressive, the witness told detectives. While outside, Murray slammed Marshall onto a concrete walkway, causing abrasions to his forehead, according to the affidavit. When Murray, Grisaffi and the witness were trying to drive away, Marshall opened the passenger-side door where Murray was sitting. The witness told detectives he then heard two gunshots, the affidavit states. The witness told police he didnt see Marshall with a gun when Marshall opened Murrays door, and the witness believes Murray shot Marshall, according to the affidavit. Based on his position in the Tahoe, the witness said he never saw Grisaffi fire a gun, further leading him to believe Murray shot Marshall as they were leaving the area, according to the affidavit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Murray told the witness not to say anything and kept saying were good, the witness said. After Marshall was shot and killed, they drove to an Airbnb in Arlington, according to the affidavit. Police wrote in the affidavit that Grisaffi faces a murder charge because he drove Murray away from the scene and did not report the shooting. Detectives said they contacted the suspects attorneys but have not received a statement from either suspect. James Lynn Marshall was shot and killed in Fort Worth on June 15, after an argument in the back yard of a home, police said. Marshall was described in his obituary as a loyal son, loving brother, hardworking professional, and proud father. He was known as the word man, always keeping everyone informed with the latest updates, delivered with charm and flair. Fatherhood came naturally to him. He was proud, protective, and deeply devoted to his son, according to the obituary. NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) The U.S. Coast Guard continues to search for a 51-year-old man who went missing in Lake Pontchartrain Tuesday night. Lt. Morgan Manville says a relative called the Coast Guard when two boaters failed to return from the lake. Their boat was found in the 2000 block of Lakeshore Drive. She says one of the men was swimming when he was overcome by the tide. One of the males on board is not a strong swimmer and so the other male jumped in after him, to help in his attempt to help the other male We know that the throttle was still engaged, so they got separated from the boat, said Manville. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Suspect found shot following chase with Troop NOLA: LSP Dani Levine, who walks near the water several times a week, explained just how rough the water can be due to wind. The tide affects it. So, if its a lower tide or higher tide, it affects the waves. Ive been warned, like, definitely not to go in there because its especially with the curve, of the past, like the waves are coming in a straight line. But whatever the sort of built-up levee part is, it impacts it, said Levine. The New Orleans Police Department found one of the boaters alive after reportedly being in the water for six hours. The missing boater is described as a bald white man with a back tattoo. With Lake Pontchartrain being such a large body of water, Manville says crews are focusing on specific areas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even people in the water, you drift, and you move, and you dont just stay in the same position. So, we cover a large area between our small boats and the helicopter, said Manville. But with the help of other agencies, she says they do not plan to stop searching. We also had the New Orleans Police Department, the New Orleans Fire Department. The special operations department is out there. They have sonar scanning. We also have a K-9 through the Southeast Louisiana, underwater search and recovery, said Manville. The Coast Guard says the search will continue tomorrow if the man is not found by later this evening. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone with information on the incident can call 504-365-2209. Stay up to date with the latest news, weather and sports by downloading the WGNO app on the Apple or Google Play stores and by subscribing to the WGNO newsletter. Latest Posts Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGNO. After facing several months of backlash, the Colorado state Capitol has replaced a controversial portrait of President Donald Trump, which he claimed was "purposely distorted" by the artist. A new presidential portrait, recently donated by the White House, was installed last week at the Denver Capitol, the Colorado Capitol Building Advisory Committee told Fox News Digital on Wednesday. It replaces Colorado artist Sarah Boardmans painting, which had hung since 2019. Despite the previous portraits six-year run on display, Trump took to social media last spring to criticize the artwork, saying Boardman "must have lost her talent as she got older" and had "purposely distorted" his image. The Colorado Springs artist denied the claims. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Boardmans painting depicted a much younger Trump, the latest display by Arizona artist Vanessa Horabuena mirrors Trumps intense official presidential photo. Trumps Fresh White House Portrait Sparks Interest Amid Controversy Over National Portrait Gallery Leadership A new portrait of President Donald Trump has been installed at the Colorado State Capitol, replacing previous artwork he criticized as deliberately unflattering. Colorado To Take Down Trump Painting At State Capitol Read On The Fox News App "Thank you to the Highly Talented Artist, Vanessa Horabuena, and the incredible people of Colorado," Trump said Tuesday on Truth Social. Horabuena is a "Christian worship artist" who has done several other depictions of Trump as well as Abraham Lincoln, Mount Rushmore and Jesus Christ, according to her website. She did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Fox News Digital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Boardman told Fox News Digital she had no comment on the new painting. A new portrait of President Donald Trump has been installed at the Colorado state Capitol. Trump Wants 'Distorted' Portrait Of Himself Removed From Colorado Capitol, Slams Gov. Polis: 'Truly The Worst' The Horabuena portrait was installed as a temporary display following a Thursday decision by the advisory committee, which oversees art displays at the Capitol. "The Capitol Building Advisory Committee has agreed at the committee's meeting on June 26, 2025, to temporarily display this donated portrait and will consider the disposition of the full presidential portrait collection at a future meeting," the committee told Fox News Digital. "The new portrait is installed in the third floor gallery of the Colorado Capitol." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lois Court, a former state lawmaker who chairs the committee, told the Associated Press that installing the donated artwork was the right move. "There was a blank on the wall," Court said. "It seemed inappropriate. We knew that the White House had sent us this replacement and it simply made sense to put it up." Boardmans portrait was removed from the Capitols presidential gallery wall in April, according to the committee, after Colorado Democrats who control the legislature agreed to take it down at the request of local Republican leaders. "Nobody likes a bad picture or painting of themselves, but the one in Colorado, in the State Capitol, put up by the Governor, along with all other Presidents, was purposefully distorted to a level that even I, perhaps, have never seen before," Trump said in March on Truth Social. "The artist also did President Obama, and he looks wonderful, but the one of me is truly the worst. She must have lost her talent as she got older." The Associated Press contributed to this report. Original article source: Colorado Capitol replaces 'distorted' Trump portrait following monthslong backlash U.S. Sen. John Hickenlooper, a Colorado Democrat, speaks at a press conference on protecting public lands alongside U.S. House Assistant Minority Leader Joe Neguse, a Lafayette Democrat, May 28, 2025, at the Lake Estes Marina. (Lindsey Toomer/Colorado Newsline) Colorado Democrats railed against the Republican-led spending cut and tax break package on Wednesday morning as the U.S. House of Representatives inches toward a vote on its final passage. The bill, which has a Friday deadline imposed by President Donald Trump, would make permanent 2017 tax cuts and slash over $1 trillion in federal funding over a decade for safety net programs like Medicaid and nutrition assistance programs. It would fulfill a bulk of Trumps domestic policy agenda, including boosting spending for defense and border security. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Democrats say it is a transfer of wealth from struggling Americans to the wealthy. It really is a travesty of any kind of common sense. Were the wealthiest country on Earth, and we spent the last several days arguing with Republicans over whether 17 million Americans deserve to have health care. I thought wed gotten past that, Sen. John Hickenlooper told reporters during a Wednesday morning press conference. Colorados four Democratic representatives voted against the bill when it initially went through the House in May, and the states four GOP House members voted in favor of it. On Tuesday, Colorados Democratic U.S. senators voted against it. The House is expected to consider the Senates version of the bill sometime on Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This will clearly exacerbate and turbo charge a poverty crisis in our country by virtue of the cruel cuts that have been included in the bill that Republicans are attempting to shove through here over the course of the next several hours, said Rep. Joe Neguse, a Boulder Democrat. Were going to use every procedural tool that we can to try to stop and block this bill from proceeding. The Medicaid provisions in the bill, which include new work requirements and more frequent eligibility checks, could put health coverage at risk for nearly 200,000 Coloradans, Hickenlooper said. That estimate ranges from about 150,000 to 250,000. A recent analysis from the states Office of State Planning and Budget predicts a loss of $1 billion in health care funding due to the bill, and state budget writers warn that Colorado could not absorb the loss. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Hickenlooper and others said they specifically want to see an exemption in the bill for rural health care centers, clinics and hospitals. He noted a handful of Colorado hospitals that are already labeled as high risk for closure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its going to take a trillion dollars out of the health care system, said Rep. Jason Crow, a Democrat who represents Colorados 6th Congressional District. Even if folks are saying Im not on Medicaid. Why does this impact me? I have the Cadillac program through my employer. What difference will this make? You cant take a trillion dollars out of the American health care system and not have hospital closures, clinic closures, doctors and nurses leaving the system. There is some money set aside in the bill to partially compensate rural hospitals. Mitzi Moran, the CEO of Sunrise Community Health in Greeley, said that the bill could put 11,000, or about one-quarter, of their patients at risk of losing coverage. Joe Theine, the CEO of Southwest Health System in Cortez, said that about 25% of their total cash comes from Medicaid, including $9 million through provider taxes that enable Colorado to claim more federal money. Southwest Health System is one of the only critical-access hospitals in the region and delivers primary care to nearly 9,000 people in area counties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democratic leaders also denounced the bills cuts to nutrition programs and reduction in clean energy infrastructure investments. This was a major step toward addressing climate change, and now its like running into a brick wall, Hickenlooper said. On Tuesday, Democratic leaders in the state Legislature wrote to Colorados four Republican members of Congress urging them to vote against the bill. In addition to highlighting the risk to Medicaid and nutrition spending, they warned of the potential need to reduce funding for the states Department of Corrections, increase higher education tuition, limit the senior and veteran homestead exemption for property taxes, and cut state tax credits for families. While we understand that you do not need to balance the federal budget as demonstrated by your votes for this bill that will increase the deficit by trillions of dollars we do balance our budgets in Colorado, House Speaker Julie McCluskie, Majority Leader Monica Duran, Rep. Emily Sirota and Rep. Shannon Bird wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have had to make hard choices in the last year to protect core services for hardworking families, and we will have to make many more in the year ahead. However, the choices this bill will force us to make are far worse and will be devastating for our state. Vote no. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE PHNOM PENH, July 2 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia had detained 12,728 drug-related suspects in the first half of 2025, up 8 percent from 11,780 over the same period last year, said an Anti-Drug Department (ADP) report on Wednesday. Among them are 304 foreigners, including 29 women, the report said. "A total of 1.46 tons of illicit drugs, as well as 366 kg of dry marijuana and 12,212 fresh marijuana plants, had been confiscated from those suspects' possession during the January-June period this year," the report said. Also, the authorities had seized 546 kg of drug ingredients, 32 pistols, 15 rifles, 102 cars, 1,283 motorcycles, 4,578 telephones and 438 scales, as well as some cash during the raids, the report added. Most of the confiscated narcotics were ketamine, ecstasy, heroin, crystal methamphetamine, methamphetamine pills, cocaine, and cathinone, among others. The Southeast Asian nation has no death sentence for illicit drug traffickers. Under its law, those found guilty of trafficking more than 80 grams of illicit drugs could be imprisoned for life. DENVER (KDVR) A Colorado man died on Monday in Hawaii after he became unresponsive shortly following scuba lessons with his family, according to Hawaii Island police. Greg Durocher, 51, of Castle Rock, was participating in the scuba lessons near Hilo, the largest settlement on the big island of Hawaii on Monday when after about 38 minutes in the water he returned to shore complaining of difficulty breathing. Your car is destroyed: Body cam video shows bear stuck after breaking into car Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He then became unresponsive, and thats when Hawaii Island police and Hawaii Fire Department personnel responded to Waiolena Beach Park just before 12:30 p.m. The dive master and Durochers family started CPR before fire department personnel arrived, and he was taken to a hospital where he died shortly after he got there, police said. The local coroner will determine the exact cause of death, but police said they are investigating it as a possible drowning. Police do not suspect foul play. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Columbia University agreed to pay $9 million to settle a proposed class action by students who claimed it submitted false data to boost its position in U.S. News & World Reports influential college rankings. A preliminary settlement, which requires a judges approval, was filed on Monday in Manhattan federal court. Students said Columbia artificially inflated its U.S. News ranking for undergraduate schools, reaching No. 2 in 2022, by consistently reporting false data, including that 83% of its classes had fewer than 20 students. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They said the misrepresentations enticed them to enroll and allowed Columbia to overcharge them on tuition. The settlement covers about 22,000 undergraduate students at Columbia College, Columbia Engineering and Columbias School of General Studies from the fall of 2016 to the spring of 2022. Lawyers for the students called the accord fair, reasonable and adequate. Columbia denied wrongdoing in agreeing to settle. The university said in a statement that it deeply regrets deficiencies in prior reporting, and now provides prospective students with data reviewed by an independent advisory firm to ensure they receive accurate information about their education. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The litigation began in July 2022, after Columbia math professor Michael Thaddeus published a report alleging that data underlying the schools No. 2 ranking were inaccurate or misleading. Columbias ranking dropped to No. 18 that September. In June 2023, Columbia said its undergraduate schools would stop participating in U.S. News rankings. It said the rankings appeared to have outsized influence with prospective students, and much is lost in distilling education quality from a series of data points. Some other universities, including Harvard and Yale, also stopped submitting data to U.S. News for various schools. U.S. News also ranks graduate schools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawyers for the Columbia students plan to seek up to one-third of the settlement for legal fees, leaving about $6 million for the students. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com NEW YORK (AP) A politically motivated hacker breached Columbia Universitys data systems last week, stealing troves of student documents while briefly shutting down the schools computer systems, a university official said Wednesday. The June 24 cyberattack prompted widespread network outages on campus, locking students and staff out of their email accounts, coursework and video conference software for several hours. On the same day, images of President Donald Trumps smiling face appeared on several public monitors across the Manhattan campus. A spokesperson for Columbia declined to elaborate on the political motivations behind the attack. But officials described a highly sophisticated hacktivist who had gained access to private student records in an attempt to further a political agenda. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The spokesperson said it was unclear if the Trump photo display was connected to the data breach. We are investigating the scope of the apparent theft and will share our findings with the University community as well as anyone whose personal information was compromised, the school said. The cyberattack comes as Columbia remains in the crosshairs of the Trump administration, which has threatened to pull $400 million in federal funds over what it claims is the schools failure to protect Jewish students. Negotiations over a possible settlement are ongoing. The university has already agreed to a host of changes demanded by Trump, including placing its Middle East studies department under new supervision and overhauling its rules for protests and student discipline. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In March, a cyberattack against New York University resulted in student admission records briefly appearing on the schools website. An online hacker who took credit for that action on social media said the intent was to prove the university was not in compliance with the Supreme Court decision banning affirmative action in college admissions. An NYU spokesperson said at the time that the data displayed on its webpage was inaccurate and misleading," adding that the university scrupulously complies with the law. Asked during a White House news conference last week whether he would consider striking Iran again if the U.S. intelligence community found the country reassembling its nuclear program, President Donald Trump answered unequivocally: Without question. Trumps remarks were as ominous as the query posed to him, for it suggests that despite the U.S. bombing campaign against Tehrans three major nuclear installations on June 22, the Iranians retain the resources, equipment and enriched uranium to continue their work. Indeed, how much damage occurred at those installations has transformed into a mini-scandal of sorts. Different people are offering different interpretations of what was hit, how effective the military operation was and whether Tehran was able to squirrel away some of its uranium stockpile before U.S. bombs started falling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ultimately, its too early for any definitive answers because a full damage assessment is still in the works, but the Trump administration nevertheless insists everything Washington wanted to hit was destroyed. Preliminary analysis from the Defense Intelligence Agency, the Pentagons intelligence shop, paints a more pessimistic picture, as do some European countries. International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Mariano Grossi, whose job it is to account for all of this materiel, has leaned toward a more cautious conclusion, telling CBS News over the weekend that Iran could theoretically start enriching again in a matter of months. For those of us who dont have access to classified information, all of these conflicting explanations can be frustrating. Ultimately, all we can really do is wait for the intelligence professionals to perform their due diligence and for a full damage report to be flushed out. In the meantime, theres another big topic we should be discussing, even if its less sexy and isnt a big part of the current news cycle right now: What are the long-term U.S. foreign policy implications of the strikes in Iran? And are there any lessons foreign leaders, allies and adversaries alike should be taking from Trumps decision to bomb Iran? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This may seem like an abstract question. But its not; governments around the world are likely in the process of drawing conclusions. Some commentators are beginning to write stories about how Trumps decision to use force against Iran may prompt Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping to change their conclusions about Trumps propensity for risk-taking. If Trump is willing to roll the dice on a bombing operation against Iran, then perhaps hes more willing to dip into the military tool kit than first thought? On the face of it, theres some logic to the argument. If youre Xi or Putin, youre likely going to be more reluctant to stir the hornets nest today than you were earlier in the month. Trump values unpredictability as an asset of statecraft and dealmaking, and there was nothing predictable about a U.S. president who campaigned on getting the United States out of the Middle East, then green-lighting airstrikes to neuter Tehrans nuclear program. Theres nothing predictable about Trump claiming to want diplomacy with Iran and giving the Iranians a two-week reprieve, only to settle on forceful measures 48 hours later. And theres nothing predictable about Trump reportedly vetoing an Israeli plan to assassinate Irans supreme leader, only to take to social media and openly flirt with the prospect of doing just that. If youre the leader of an adversarial state, you cant afford not to take all of this into consideration. Trumps subscription to the so-called madman theory of international politics making the other side believe you will do just about anything to get what you want is likely weighing on their minds and may impact their decision-making. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But with that being said, theres always a danger of extrapolating too much from a single event. For instance, does Trump dropping a dozen or so 30,000-pound bombs on a few Iranian nuclear facilities tell us much of anything about how Trump would respond if China launched an invasion or blockade of Taiwan, if Russia chose to salami-slice territory along NATOs eastern flank or if North Korea suddenly bombarded South Korean military positions along the Demilitarized Zone? Probably not. Not all contingencies are created equal, and the stakes are higher in some situations than they are in others. The president deciding to do something in one area of the globe against a conventionally weak state doesnt offer many clues about how he would act somewhere else against a much more formidable opponent. Take Taiwan as an example. Theres no question that Xi and the wider Chinese Communist Party apparatus want to reincorporate the self-governed island into the mainland. Xi has ordered the Chinese military to be prepared to take Taiwan by 2027, although whether the order to do so would be made at that time is unknown. The Chinese military has squeezed Taiwan repeatedly in past years, regularly flying sorties across the median line to test the islands air defenses. Beijing is getting more impatient with the status quo as the years go by. All of this is no doubt alarming in Washingtons foreign policy circles, not to mention within the bowels of the Pentagon. Even so, deciding whether defending Taiwan is in the U.S. interest wont be any less difficult now than it was weeks earlier. U.S. defense planners still need to account for the same factors today as they did last year: How many casualties would the United States sustain? How beat up will the U.S. Navy be in terms of its capacity to project power? Could a war over Taiwan spiral into a nuclear confrontation? And what would be the impact on the global economy? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. strikes on Iran dont help us answer any of these queries. Bottom line: Treat any grand pronunciations about lessons learned with extreme skepticism. ____ Daniel DePetris is a fellow at Defense Priorities and a foreign affairs columnist for the Chicago Tribune. _____ BLAKELY A Harrisburg-based firm will create a broadband assessment plan for Lackawanna County with a goal of identifying service gaps and informing future projects to address them, expanding access to high-speed internet for residents and businesses. Meeting Wednesday in Blakely, Commissioners Bill Gaughan and Chris Chermak voted to award a two-year, $156,300 contract for the broadband planning project to the consulting firm Herbert, Rowland & Grubic Inc. The county allocated $100,000 in revenue and finance professional service funds for the initiative in this years budget, and will budget the remaining amount owed for 2026. HRG understands that Lackawanna County is seeking to develop a county-wide broadband assessment plan to characterize unserved and underserved areas, develop a technological approach to address coverage gaps, and present cost scenarios for future broadband deployment, the firm noted in its proposal. HRG understands the importance of this project for ensuring economic sustainability and future growth in the County while also addressing current business, residential, and educational needs. To meet the requirements of the County, current and future broadband infrastructure must be reliable and affordable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A cover sheet submitted with legislation authorizing the HRG contract describes the broadband venture as a fact-finding endeavor that should help the county secure funding for projects bolstering its broadband infrastructure, including the expansion of its existing wireless network. One potential pass-through funding source, the federal Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment Program created under the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, made $42.45 billion available to expand high-speed internet access across the country. Pennsylvania was awarded $1.16 billion in federal funding through that program two years ago; the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority is responsible for distributing federal and state funds for broadband expansion projects. Much of the initial focus of the BEAD program has been on wired delivery, county Chief Financial Officer David Bulzoni told the commissioners. More recently the program has been expanded to include line-of-sight or wireless solutions, which are similar to that of the Lackawanna County Wireless Network. The pending HRG project will help the county target specific areas with a goal of building out new connection points that other internet service providers could use to reach underserved or unserved county residents in more rural communities, Chief Information Officer Mike Brown said. HRG will develop a broadband survey and speed test as part of a broader scope of work that includes service-gap identification and project funding and implementation strategies that will be included in the firms final report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The survey is going to show us where our blind spots are, where the people are being underserved (and) who needs help first, Brown said, noting the county would seek and focus grant funding to build up infrastructure in those areas. The countys eventual goal is to establish a Lackawanna County Wireless Authority that would govern the above-mentioned connection points and coordinate with different internet service providers. As an open network were here to provide avenues for businesses to grow, as well as serve our citizens, thats the whole point of this, Brown said. A committee of six county officials recommended HRG for the broadband project after reviewing proposals the county received. MONTROSE COUNTY, Colo. (KREX) Julie Andress will have the word interim removed from her title after the Montrose County Commissioners voted for her as county attorney. Joining the county attorneys office in 2014, Andress served as deputy county attorney for the past five years. Officials praised her legal counsel, saying shes helped with important matters like civil litigation and policy issues. Its an honor to continue serving Montrose County in this new capacity. I look forward to working with the Board and all departments to meet the challenges ahead with thoughtful, proactive legal guidance. Together, we can build a resilient, forward-thinking legal framework that supports the countys growth and values, Andress said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Andress was also noted for her leadership capabilities as she mentored legal staff and led training for officials and employees on legislative updates and risk management. Julie has demonstrated exceptional legal skill, a collaborative spirit, and a clear commitment to public service, said Commissioner Sue Hansen. Her leadership has helped us navigate challenging legal matters with confidence and integrity. We are proud to promote from within and are excited for the continued excellence she will bring in her new role. Andress holds a juris doctor from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law and bachelors degrees from the University of Memphis and Union University. She is admitted to the Colorado Bar and has a background in child welfare law, civil litigation and government counsel. Julie Andress brings experience, discipline, and a deep understanding of Montrose Countys legal landscape. Im confident she will serve with integrity and stand firm in protecting the countys interests, its people, and our way of life, Commissioner Sean Pond said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Andress replaces Martha Whitmore who resigned earlier 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 WesternSlopeNow.com. CHARLESTON, Ill. (WCIA) Cole Purdy and Jordan Phillips joined WCIAs Mitchell Rife to talk about an after-school program in Charleston. The ICCS Teen Reach After School Matters Program has been running for 15 years and prioritizes STEM/STEAM activities for students. The free program offers a chance for students to explore their artistic outlets through these activities. Community Spotlight: Champaign Co. Freedom Celebration Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kids between the ages of 11-17 are able to take advantage of the program, which runs from 3-6 p.m. at Jefferson Elementary School. ICCS Teen Reach offers free busing, bringing middle school and high school students to Jefferson, where parents are able to pick them up at any time. Outside of the STEM activities, the program offers homework help, games, snacks, mentorship, educational resources, life skill development and more. For more information, visit iccscares.org or email teenreach@iccscares.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 WCIA.com. The grown-ups are back in the room. That was the breezy consensus among liberal observers, this time last year, as they looked forward to Sir Keir Starmer ushering in a glorious new era of political stability, integrity and competence. No more psychodramas and scandals, chirped the former MP Anna Soubry, who quit the Tories in 2019 over her loathing of Brexit. Jon Sopel, of the centrist dad podcast The News Agents, felt it apt that as Starmer drives to Downing Street the sun comes out. Ian Dunt, of the anti-Tory podcast Oh God, What Now?, was pleased to report: Power suits Starmer, as expected. Looks comfortable, relaxed, in charge. Meanwhile, Krishnan Guru-Murthy of Channel 4 News warned his fellow journalists that from now on, they would have to focus on policy rather than in-fighting and chaos because we now have a Government with a massive majority, widespread agreement and no likelihood of massive instability any time soon. Perhaps the giddiest response to last Julys election, however, came in the Metro, which dubbed Sir Keir the new Downing Street Daddy because, apparently, everyone on TikTok was excitedly discussing whether he was our hottest prime minister in history. Arguments in support of this thesis included, Hes objectively handsome, He cares, and, believe it or not, His personality. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ah, what heady days those were. And how tragically, gibberingly delusional they seem today. Lets look at the state of play, one year into the Starmer disasterclass. This week, to avert a humiliating rebellion over his Welfare Bill by Labour MPs who were talking openly about removing him as their leader, Sir Keir has had to perform a U-turn so farcical that, instead of cutting spending on benefits, hes going to end up increasing it by 300 million. Yes, despite having a vast working majority of 165, he was incapable of winning a crucial vote on a flagship Bill without junking practically everything except its title. The man now has about as much authority over the Commons as the dust bunnies beneath the Speakers chair. Meanwhile, we learn that, in the first half of this year, 20,000 migrants arrived in Britain via small boats beating all previous records. Quite an achievement for a man elected on a promise to smash the gangs, and who, only last month, was boasting to the prime minister of Italy about the UKs world-leading work on people-smuggling sanctions. Did he seriously mean that? Frankly, its hard to be sure what he means about anything. Certainly not grooming gangs (one minute, dismissing calls for a national inquiry as a far-Right bandwagon the next, sheepishly clambering aboard it himself). Or the winter fuel allowance (one minute, totally unsustainable; the next, comfortably affordable). Or, perhaps most pathetically, mass immigration. Mere weeks ago, he sternly warned us that it risks turning Britain into an island of strangers. Now he confesses that he deeply regrets saying so. Remarkable. Hes even U-turned on the one thing he actually managed to get right. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, no one can still believe his pledge to be responsible with the public finances, after his mind-boggling decision to pay Mauritius 30 billion of our money to take the key strategic asset of the Chagos Islands off our hands. Soon enough, though, Sir Keir will be even less trusted than he is now. Because, having failed to cut welfare spending, he will inevitably have to break his solemn vow not to raise taxes for the dwindling number of people in this country who pay more into the system than they pay out. Which will mean any faint hopes he may harbour of reviving his fortunes will die with the next Budget. Still, lets be fair. Despite all the doom and gloom, there is one person who is unmistakably benefiting from Sir Keirs actions in office. Congratulations, Liz Truss youre no longer Britains worst prime minister. Yes, her spell in No 10 was a screaming catastrophe. But at least it was all over nice and quickly. Sir Keirs waking nightmare, by contrast, has dragged on for a whole year. And, unless his MPs have the decency to put him out of both his and our misery, it could drag on for another four. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its almost enough to make me feel sorry for the man. Mind you, I suppose he can console himself with one small, comforting thought. After a few weeks of either Angela Rayner or Ed Miliband in No 10, hell seem like a political titan. 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. When Megan Thomas moved out of the troubled Lowry Apartments in downtown St. Paul, she quickly moved into a 390-square-foot apartment at Summit Hill Senior Living, an assisted living community on the citys East Side, through the help of Catholic Charities, an administrator of her support services. Im disabled and I cant work, said Thomas, 59, who suffered a diabetic seizure a few years ago. If I didnt have medical assistance, Id be dead. Her Community Access for Disability Inclusion waiver, better known as a CADI waiver, is a state-sponsored program that builds on federal Medicaid benefits, one of the leading ways the federal government helps states support the health needs of disabled and low-income populations. Qualifying for Medicaid is often the threshold for accessing other social service benefits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You have to be on Medicaid to qualify for housing stabilization services, which I needed last year, Thomas said. Medicaid-sponsored services are an essential safety net for thousands of Minnesotans in need of public medical assistance, from basic health insurance to in-home therapy and nursing home care, according to Thomas, Catholic Charities and other providers. That safety net is now facing a dramatic challenge as federal lawmakers attempt to cut funding for both Medicaid and public nutrition programs while raising the bar for accessing services. Added costs of additional screenings House and Senate versions of the GOP budget bill dubbed the One Big, Beautiful Bill propose fundamental changes to Medicaid to sharply reduce federal public assistance allotments to states and counties and impose new eligibility requirements, including twice-a-year screenings, at a time when demand for food, medical and emergency assistance is rising. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some 71 million Americans receive Medicaid benefits, including about 1.16 million Minnesotans, adding up to $12 billion in Minnesota in 2023 alone. Under the Senate version of the budget bill, 137,000 Minnesotans could lose healthcare in the near term, and another 89,000 residents would have to pay higher insurance premiums through the Affordable Care Acts marketplace, according to some estimates. Longer-term impacts could touch everything from childbirth deliveries to in-home therapies and housing. More than half of Minnesotans in nursing homes rely on Medicaid, said Laura Mortenson, a spokesperson for the Minnesota Budget Project, a project of the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits, in a conference call with news agencies on Wednesday. It supports people in our affordable housing and childcare systems. Minnesota is one of 10 states where individual counties handle Medicaid screenings, and some counties have already reported being overwhelmed by growing administrative demand in the years since the pandemic. By doubling those annual screenings without compensating for the increased administrative burden, Minnesota counties could shoulder $30 million to $50 million in added costs, said Linnea Mirsch, director of director Community and Human Services in St. Louis County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its difficult to measure and estimate the impact of this additional workload, said Mirsch, who predicted those costs will ultimately be passed on to property owners through higher county tax levies. The goal, said some providers, appears to be to discourage Medicaid recipients like Thomas from wrangling with the added paperwork and to get them instead to simply walk away from the system. By making her recertify every six months, youre just adding to the complexity of a really difficult life already, said Keith Kozerski, chief program officer with Catholic Charities. The bill has strong support among Republicans in Congress, including from U.S. Rep. Pete Stauber, who represents Minnesotas 8th Congressional District. A Duluth News-Tribune story earlier this week included a statement from Stauber in which he said he supports the bill because it will deliver much-needed economic relief to the American people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He cited a figure from the White House Council of Economic Advisers, which said a family of four could have an after-tax take-home pay increase of $7,600 to $10,900 in the first four years after the bills passage. Some changes delayed to 2027 Meanwhile, certain changes in the One Big, Beautiful Bill would be scheduled to roll out gradually, some not taking effect until early 2027, which is after the mid-term elections, Mortenson noted. Among them, significant cuts proposed to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP, once commonly known as food stamps could overwhelm an already overburdened emergency food assistance network struggling to keep up with increased demand since the outset of the pandemic, said food shelf providers on the call. Certain aspects of the bill are predicted to increase energy costs for many families, which will have a trickle-down effect as households reduce food budgets to compensate, said Zach Rodvold, a spokesperson for Second Harvest Heartland, a hunger-relief organization that supports more than 1,100 food shelves and food programs. For low-income families balancing budget priorities, that means more trips to food shelves to make ends meet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Food shelves will see very quickly an increase in demand and certainly over a period of years, there will be a major increase in demand, barring some other kind of intervention, Rodvold said. Some foresee heavy impacts on retailers, especially in poor areas. More than 3,600 Minnesota retailers mostly convenience stores and groceries currently accept SNAP benefits. On some days, up to 50% of their total sales are SNAP transactions, said Steve Barthel, a spokesperson for the Minnesota Grocers Association, who predicted store closures. In lower-income neighborhoods, losing a grocery store means losing access to fresh, vital foods. Providers also predicted stark impacts on farm growers, food distributors and hospitals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im not actually getting money, said Thomas, interviewed in her apartment at Summit Hill Senior Living, where a majority of residents receive some form of public assistance. The health aide is getting money. The owner of this building is getting money. If Medicaid is cut, there are thousands of jobs that would be affected. Related Articles Ireland's Court of Appeal is to refer a matter in a case involving the former mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter Conor McGregor to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). The court is hearing an appeal by McGregor arising from a finding in the High Court last year when a woman who accused McGregor of raping her won her civil claim against him for damages. A jury found McGregor sexually assaulted Nikita Hand in a Dublin hotel in December 2018. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was ordered to pay her more than 248,000 (206,000) in damages and, subsequently, her legal costs. A group of Nikita Hand supporters at second day of the appeal [BBC] The Court of Appeal hearing ended on Wednesday afternoon and a full decision will be given at a later day. McGregor has not appeared at the appeal hearing since it began on Tuesday. What happened in the Conor McGregor appeal? On the second day of the appeal hearing, a barrister for Nikita Hand asked the court to refer papers, relating to an issue from the opening day of the appeal, to Irish public prosecutors. It followed the dramatic withdrawal of proposed new evidence by McGregor at the beginning of the appeal on Tuesday. The proposed new evidence was from a couple, Samantha O'Reilly and her partner Steven Cummins, who were former neighbours of Nikita Hand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They had previously claimed, in an affidavit, to have witnessed a row between Nikita Hand and a former partner in the home they shared at the time. A preliminary hearing had been told that McGregor believed the new evidence suggested that bruising on Nikita Hand's body could have been caused by her former partner. Ms Hand had described their claims as "lies" and she came to court yesterday prepared to take the witness stand to be cross-examined about the matter. However, the hearing began with the unexpected announcement that McGregor had decided to withdraw the proposed new evidence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His barrister said part of the reason was because other supporting evidence they wanted to introduce would not be admissible. He also said the legal team believed there was no corroboration of Ms O'Reilly's evidence, and it was not a sustainable ground. As the decision was being outlined by McGregor's legal team, judges on the three-member appeal panel sought further clarification about why the decision had been taken. One judge said she did not fully understand the reason for the withdrawal of the evidence, while a second judge said "bemused" was a kind way of describing what he was hearing about the decision. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ms Hand's lawyer said on Tuesday that she was due an apology for being "put through the wringer" about the evidence which was being dropped. On Wednesday, he said the proposed new evidence had been widely circulated in the media and the allegation were made to undermine Ms Hand's reputation. He asked the court to send papers relating to the matter to the Director of Public Prosecutions and the court agreed. McGregor co-accused appealing costs Earlier on Wednesday, the court heard that James Lawrence, who alongside McGregor was accused of rape by Ms Hand, was appealing the decision not to award him costs after the jury in the civil case last year found he did not assault her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A barrister for Mr Lawrence told the appeal court that the general principle is that "costs follow events". He said the event in this case was the finding that Mr Lawrence did not assault Nikita Hand. At the High Court trial in 2024, the judge said the two men were acting in "lockstep" in their defence of the action and it would be inappropriate to award costs to Mr Lawrence even though the jury found he did not rape Ms Hand. At the appeal this morning, Mr Lawrence's barrister said the trial judge had acted in an "incorrect manner" and that the jury had rejected that there had been collusion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A barrister for Ms Hand responded by pointing out that the 2024 trial had been told McGregor paid Mr Lawrence's legal fees, and they had been using the same legal teams until recently He said he did not want to speculate on the reason for Mr Lawrence having a different legal team now but added it was "presumably to put an air of distance between them". He also said any award of costs to Mr Lawrence would exceed the level of damages awarded to Ms Hand, and would "set at nought" the award of damages to Ms Hand One of the three judges said the barrister was making a "difficult" argument because he was asking them to look at "the consequences" of the High Court case while their responsibility is to look at the case. More on this story From Monday to Wednesday, the Senior Officials' Meeting of the Global Sustainable Transport Forum and the Transport Ministers' Meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Member States convened in Tianjin, China. #GLOBALink BOSTON Three companies involved with the rehabilitation of the primary runway at the Westfield-Barnes Regional Airport in 2013 have agreed to pay $1.37 million collectively to a settlement after admitting they submitted, or caused the submission of, false claims for payment for the construction work, according to Leah B Foley, the U.S. Attorney for Massachusetts. We were having problems with the runway 2-20 cracking and they were getting progressively worse, said Westfield Airport Commission Chair William Gonet, adding that portions of the runaway had broken away in pieces the size of boulders. The problems began in 2019 when the track, an interface between the concrete runway and the surrounding asphalt, began cracking. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The track was designed by Stantec Consulting Services Inc., a New York engineering firm and built by Lane Construction Corporation, a Connecticut construction company, each certifying that the $7.6 million rehabilitation project met the requirements of the plans and specifications. However, the track was never built, according to Foley. Because of the cracking in the area where the track should have been constructed, the city of Westfield and the state Department of Transportation began a repair project to address the issues. During the repair project, 104th Fighter Wing was forced to relocate. The defendants cut corners and misrepresented their work wasting taxpayer dollars, said Brian C. Gallagher, special agent in charge of the Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General for the Northeast. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gonet said repairing the cracking cost substantially less than what it might cost to replace the runway, which could cost upwards of $28 million. Were glad the federal government went after them, Gonet said. It was something they had to do. Westfield Mayor Michael McCabe said the settlement was in the best interest of city. The city of Westfield was responsible for 5% of the $7.6 million project with the Department of Transportation and the Department of Defense funding the remainder needed. Federal contractors must fulfill their obligations and perform the work they promise to provide, especially where their work impacts the safety of our military, Foley said. We will continue to hold contractors to their commitments to ensure that federal agencies and taxpayers get what they paid for. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As part of the settlement agreement, Northeast Paving, Lane Construction and Stantec each admitted to and accepted responsibility for facts underlying the covered conduct. After completion of the rehabilitation, Eurovia Atlantic Coast, LLC d/b/a Northeast Paving purchased some Lane Constructions assets, which is why it was included in the settlement. This settlement reflects our commitment and ongoing collaboration with law enforcement and prosecutorial partners to hold contractors accountable for failing to meet contract performance and quality standards, Gallagher said. Read the original article on MassLive. Theres a scene toward the end of Will and Harper that I cant get out of my head. Im referring to the 2024 road-trip documentary where Will Ferrell is reintroduced to his old Saturday Night Live buddy Harper Steele as a trans woman. The two zigzag through several red states, as Ferrell, star of Anchor Man, Talladega Nights and Elf, is his quirky self, posing awkward questions (How are your boobs?), donning cartoonish disguises and pulling a series of public stunts, some of which backfire. The goofiness comes to a halt when Harper drives them to Trona, Calif., a tiny town in the Mojave Desert, southwest of Death Valley. She pulls up to a dilapidated house with boarded-up windows on a small dirt plot sad to even look at. She bought the place six or seven years before, wanting to get away from the world after another holiday season of uncertainty, regret and suicidal thoughts. I just hated myself so much, she says, and breaks down crying. I just felt like a monster. Read more: Contributor: The Supreme Court failed when it decided against gender-affirming care Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She brings him inside. The house has been vandalized; theres broken furniture, walls full of graffiti, a bare mattress stained and smeared with who knows what. They step out on a small balcony overlooking an empty street with telegraph poles, the desert horizon in the distance. I was going to be a woman here, Harper tells Will. That was the plan. I was just gonna close the curtains and walk around this house and it was a safe space. Thats pretty desolate: an Emmy-winning comedy writer and producer, willing to forfeit everything, just to be a woman residing alone in the middle of nowhere. But the most desolate thing in the scene is Will Ferrells face, stricken with pathos. He has shifted from curiosity to certainty. Trans identity is real. He gets it. Transgender and cisgender people are the same in this way: Wed sooner die than live outside of our gender. The difference is that cis people dont have to face that predicament, while every trans person has. Read more: Contributor: Children's Hospital Los Angeles threw trans kids overboard Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this century, mainstream America started to catch on to the same thing about gay people: Theyre real. They were born this way. Homosexuality isnt a disease that straight people were going to catch. It took decades of LGBT organizing and fighting and (way too much) dying to get to that place. It also required a majority of straight Americans to perceive that gay identities are as real as theirs, to pave the way for marriage equality. Transgender children are equally real, though conservative politicians and Christian nationalist groups have campaigned furiously to convince us otherwise. To be sure, many children go through phases of experimenting with gender expression. The way parents know one of their children is trans is by observing if their urge to transition is consistent, insistent and persistent. Consistent means you watch, insistent means you listen and persistent means you stay patient. These three things will make it quite obvious. Theres one other thing. All parents of trans children experience a moment similar to Ferrells in the desert: They witness a person whose life is on the line, a person they must protect. Red state lawmakers, who know nothing about medicine, want us to think do no harm means stripping trans kids of medical care, lest they make permanent decisions before theyre adults. Parents of trans children, and every major American medical organization, know that do no harm means preventing the catastrophe of undergoing puberty in the wrong gender. They also want to prevent suicide, and the nightmare of being forced to live in exile from your identity, which is a living death. Even Ron Burgundy, the Anchor Man, knows that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Can we finally stop talking about trans sports? The Supreme Court Skrmetti decision handed down June 18, upholding a Tennessee law banning healthcare for trans minors, was as contorted as it was predictable. The justices had one thing to decide: Did a law explicitly targeting trans people deserve the heightened scrutiny applied to laws discriminating against protected groups or on the basis of sex? Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr., writing for the conservative majority, argued that the Tennessee law doesnt exclude any individual from medical treatments on the basis of transgender status but rather removes gender dysphoria, gender identity disorder, and gender incongruence from the range of treatable conditions. This is like saying were not targeting diabetics, just removing their insulin. Cisgender kids in Tennessee, however, can still receive hormones and puberty blockers because the state has an interest in encouraging minors to appreciate their sex. Justice Amy Coney Barrett, for good measure, claimed that transgender people dont qualify as a protected group because a) were too hard to define, and b) we dont suffer from a history of legal discrimination. The Skrmetti decision will go down as discriminatory, deadly and patently false in its claims. After the Trump administration declared trans people nonexistent (then went about trying to eradicate what doesnt exist), the court now sets a precedent and a permission structure for states to do whatever they want to us. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In her dissent, Justice Sonia Sotomayor effortlessly defined transgender people as a group, then pointed to a lengthy history of cross-dressing bans, police brutality, and anti-sodomy laws that have criminalized trans people dating back to 1843. Those searching for more evidence of de jure discrimination against transgender individuals, she added, need look no further than the present. The Federal Government, for example, has started expelling transgender servicemembers from the military and threatening to withdraw funding from schools and nonprofits that espouse support for transgender individuals. Read more: This trans author toured red-state libraries. What she found might surprise you Under New York state law I could have been arrested for cross-dressing in the 1980s, and instantly have lost my job as a public school teacher. A generation earlier, in San Franciscos Tenderloin district, police often walked into Gene Comptons cafeteria, a gathering place for neighborhood trans women, and randomly arrested customers for female impersonation. Amanda St. Jaymes was one of them. She described repeated arrests, being stripped and locked up for refusing to let them shave her head. One girl [spent] 60 days in the hole because she wouldnt let them cut her hair. Thats how important it was to us back then. In Screaming Queens: The Riot at Comptons Cafeteria (another movie worth watching), historian Susan Stryker chronicles, through firsthand accounts, the first known instance of collective militant queer resistance to police harassment in United States history. It started with a police raid on a hot August night in 1966 (three years before Stonewall). When one of the cops grabbed one of the queens, she flung coffee in his face, and a riot erupted. Tables were turned over, people threw everything in sight, plate glass windows were smashed. They kicked and punched and beat the police with their heavy purses. The cops retreated outside to call for backup. But cafeteria customers, maybe sixty in all, poured into the streets through the broken doors and windows and kept fighting in fearless feminine wrath. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There was a lot of joy after it happened, said St. Jaymes. A lot of [us] went to jail, but there was a lot of I really dont give a damn. This is what needs to happen. The Comptons riot demonstrates that transgender identity was as real 60 years ago before we even had the word transgender as it is now. I just ask you as my friends to stand up for me, Harper Steele wrote in her coming out letter. I make that same appeal here, and I thank everyone who is standing up for trans people, as well as those who one day will. Were real. We need you. Diana Goetsch is a poet, essayist and journalist and the author of the memoir, This Body I Wore. 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. British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer leaves 10 Downing Street to attend Prime Minister's Questions in the House of Commons on July 2, 2025. Credit - Carl CourtGetty Images The U.K. Parliament narrowly progressed a controversial bill on Tuesday evening that stands to limit access to key welfare payments, should it become enacted. Titled the Universal Credit (UC) and Personal Independence Payment (PIP) Bill, the measure looks at increasing the requirements needed to access certain disability and mental health benefits. The proposal has been labeled "Dickensian" by some disapproving lawmakers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Changes to PIP would apply to England and Wales, whilst UC adjustments would apply to England, Wales, and Scotland. The bill states that both changes would apply to Northern Ireland, with corresponding provisions. Proposed changes to PIP mean that those with physical or mental illness, or disablement, would need to meet a higher threshold regarding their abilities and assistance needs in order to receive financial support. The bill would also rebalance Universal Credit payments, removing access for disabled people under the age of 22 to additional funds, whilst slightly increasing the standard allowance for all UC claims related to disability affecting a persons ability to work. The Labour Party leader and U.K. Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, has faced significant backlash on the bill submitted by his own party. While strong criticism has come from his oppositionthe Conservative Partymembers within his own party have also rebelled against the measure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Starmer faced a flurry of queries from Members of Parliament (MPs) during Prime Minister's Questions in the House of Commons on Wednesday. We have to get on and reform, we have a broken system that is not working for those who use the system, it is not working for the taxpayer we have to get on and reform it in the way that we set out yesterday, Starmer said, responding to Liberal Democrat MP Victoria Collins, who argued that people are living in limbo as a result of the bill controversy and last-minute concessions. Chancellor Rachel Reeves could be seen behind Starmer, seemingly becoming tearful at points during the session. Reeves now needs to produce solutions for a bill that may not save the government any money, despite that being its original hallmark. (The Chancellors spokesperson has since said that Reeves was upset over a personal matter, and that it will not be discussed in any further detail.) Still, the turmoil caused by the welfare bill is making an impact across party lines. Speaking out against the bill on Tuesday, Labour MP Imran Hussain said: I have always promised my constituents in Bradford East that I will never vote for anything that will increase poverty, deprivation, or deepen the health inequalities in my constituency." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite changes to the bill, the potential impact of the measure is a ticking time bomb, says Liz Howard, a social worker and professional officer for the British Association of Social Workers. There's a real risk that people are going to fall through the gaps and that we might see an increase in deaths and homelessness, she says. Read More: Starmer, the Man Who Wants to Fix Britain Heres what to know about the controversial welfare bill that has prompted politicians across all major parties to speak out. Why is the bill proving controversial? The bill focuses on two aspects of welfare payments: PIP and Universal Credit claims. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PIP is claimed by 3.7 million people in England and Wales with long-term physical or mental health conditions, providing funds to help support those in need. The bill is proposing higher thresholds for claims to help with mobility, whilst claims for daily living assistance will not change. As of now, people can claim either 29.20 ($40) or an enhanced rate of 77.05 ($105) a week in mobility payments. Claimants can receive the enhanced rate based upon their circumstances (such as if they have terminal illness). Regarding Universal Credit, three million claimants currently have no requirement to find work due to their health. The base rate of UC is just over 400 ($548) for someone single and aged 25 or over. Claimants of all ages can receive a top-up payment if they have difficulty working due to a disability or long-term health issue. This can be up to 423 ($580), but under the proposed bill, claimants aged under 22 will no longer be able to receive this top-up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The most immediate impact of this would be claimants having to adjust their spending choices, such as much-needed assistance with cleaning, cooking, and transport, according to Dave Finch, assistant director of the UK-based Health Foundation. If people are expecting that they [might] lose entitlements in future, then that can create fear or anxiety, which could also have a negative impact on their health, says Finch, highlighting the rippling effects of the bill. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) initially estimated that another 250,000 people, including 50,000 children, could be pushed into relative poverty in the financial year ending 2030. That overall figure was reduced to 150,000 after some initial changes to the bill on Monday. People would be faced with a reduced budget and [difficult] decisions. Do you need to reduce some essentials, like your food, your heating bills, or do you reduce some of the healthcare support you receive? Finch says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Restricting access to PIP could also deprive people of access to other services in a system already described as "inadequate" after austerity and funding cut impacts have been felt in health and social services, according to long-time social worker Howard. PIP is what we call a marker of need that can enable support to people provided by their local council or the NHS [National Health Service]. If PIP is cut, that's going to mean that a lot of people who are very vulnerable are going to be erased from the system, she explains. Disabled people themselves have fought really hard to have that right to self determination and be in the workplace. It really feels like the welfare reforms that are being proposed are saying to disabled people we dont care about your future. What concessions had to be made to get the bill over the initial hurdle? Before Tuesdays vote, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Liz Kendall wrote to MPs, confirming that changes to PIP eligibility will not apply to those already claiming payments. Only new claimants from November 2026 would see the tighter restrictions. This amendment means that an estimated 370,000 will no longer be affected by the changes that were previously set to miss out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After Tuesdays additional concessions, changes to PIP will now be under review, with the findings set to be published in Autumn 2026, before any adjustments can be made. The review will be conducted by the Minister for Disabled People, Sir Stephen Timms, and independent organizations. But as many MPs have pointed out, this now leaves people in a sense of "limbo." Finch argues the last-minute concessions should have been part of the conversation all along, rather than moving straight to making short-term cuts to try and change the trajectory of spending effectively. Read More: Keir Starmer Is on the 2025 TIME100 List Dissent among Labour MPs After much deliberation on the sidelines, 333 Labour MPs, alongside three independent representatives, voted in favour of the bill, giving it the majority it needed to advance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But despite the bill passing its second reading on Tuesday evening, 49 Labour MPs showed their continued disagreement, voting no against it, even with the concessions made. Alongside the Labour MPs who directly rebelled against Starmer, a further 18 from Labour abstained from the vote. Labour MP Marie Tidball, who often campaigns on behalf of herself and others with disabilities, spoke in the House of Commons on Tuesday, tearfully saying that she would be rejecting the bill with a heavy heart. I need my constituents to know that I cannot support the proposed changes to PIP as currently drafted PIP is an in-work benefit, designed to ensure disabled people can live independently. Low-level support like PIP builds the bridge to the de-institutionalisation of disabled people, keeping us out of the dark corners of hospitals, prisons, and social care settings, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, Labour MP Rachael Maskell called the cuts Dickensian, adding they belong in a different era and a different party, they are far from what this Labour party is for It is a matter of deep conscience for me to ensure that these precious people are treated, for once, with dignity. The wide-scale rebellion amongst Labour politicians will be a major concern for Starmer, who faces significant fragmentation within his party just under a year after winning a landslide general election. What happens now? The changes made to the watered-down bill have raised concerns over how much money the government expects to save from changes, the principal argument for enacting reform in the first place. The Institute for Fiscal Studies estimates that after no immediate changes to PIP as a result of Tuesdays amendments, the government stands to make no savings by 2030. The governments original reform was set to save 5.5 billion in the short run (by 202930) and double that in the long run when fully rolled out. Without reform to Personal Independence Payment, the watered-down bill is not expected to deliver any savings over the next four years, said IFS Deputy Director Helen Miller. This estimation also considers that within the amended bill, savings made by reducing Universal Credit allowances to new claimants based on health grounds will be offset by the increase in the benefits standard allowance. And if the bill is passed through further reviews and readings in both chambers of the British Parliament, any changes to PIP will have to wait until the government-led review publishes its findings in Autumn 2026. Disabled people havent been consulted on these changes, this would have provided a much better understanding about their impact. Making changes to the welfare system without really understanding where that fits within the rest of the [health and social care] system seems incredibly risky and damaging, Howard says. As social workers, were committed to challenging social injustice. We must be very clear that we stand in solidarity with those people who are likely to be affected, which could also be members of our own profession. Now, there is a wider concern that taxes may be raised in order to fund the concessions. On Wednesday, Starmer did not rule out tax increases. Leader of the opposition, Kemi Badenoch of the Conservative Party, queried whether the government would increase taxes in November to combat the new potential costs of the bill. Starmer replied that it would be unusual for him to give an immediate update on budgets and tax adjustments. She knows that no Prime Minister or Chancellor ever stands at the dispatch box and writes budgets in the future, he said. What else has Prime Minister Keir Starmer said? Facing questions from MPs on Wednesday, the Prime Minister came under heavy criticism for the turmoil caused by the bill. Despite opposition from those both within and outside his party, Starmer staunchly defended the bill in its latest form. Badenoch also asked Starmer how much the proposed bill would save. To which the Prime Minister replied that the bill ends mandatory re-assessment of those with severe disabilities rebalances Universal Credit that is long overdue, and it sets out a pathway to a reform of PIP." It is consistent with the principles I set out, Starmer maintained, falling short of directly responding to the question put forward. Contact us at letters@time.com. SAN JOSE (Reuters) -Costa Rica's highest court on Tuesday asked the country's legislature to strip President Rodrigo Chaves of his immunity from prosecution so he can stand trial on corruption charges. Costa Rica's attorney general's office in April alleged that members of Chaves' government awarded kickbacks to a top government ally using funds from the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI). In an extraordinary session, the court also requested Culture Minister Jorge Rodriguez, who previously acted as communication minister, stand trial in the same case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Costa Rica's National Assembly is controlled by opposition lawmakers. Chaves and Rodriguez face between two to eight years in prison if convicted. They both have denied the accusations. The attorney general's office said that a former presidential adviser was paid $32,000 with funds awarded by CABEI. Chaves and collaborators also face illicit campaign financing charges related to the 2022 campaign that brought him into office. Chaves denies the charges. (Reporting by Alvaro Murillo; Writing by Brendan O'Boyle; Editing by Sarah Morland and Kylie Madry) It is no secret that California remains one of the bluest states in the union. A Republican has not won a statewide election in nearly 20 years. Democrats enjoy huge supermajorities in the state legislature and run the states overwhelmingly progressive coastal cities. All this to say, Republicans have been boxed out of holding any considerable power in the Golden State. And those in favor of upholding public safety have borne the brunt of this. In 2014, California voters passed Proposition 47, reclassifying some theft and drug related crimes from felonies to misdemeanors at a time when violent crime was at a 38-year low. Unfortunately, the results have been disastrous for law abiding citizens. Since 2014, violent crime has increased 24%, motor vehicle theft has increased 10%, and shoplifting has increased 36%. All of this turmoil came to a boiling point in 2024 when voters went to the polls and passed Proposition 36, a tough-on-crime ballot measure that strengthens penalties for theft and drug related crimes - passing with more than two-thirds support and rolling back portions of Proposition 47 that was passed just 10 years prior. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Crime was also on the 2024 ballot in Alameda County, home to Oakland, where residents voted to remove their district attorney from office. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, violent crime has increased 34%, including a 38% increase in homicides and 93% increase in aggravated assaults. And just across the bridge in San Francisco, voters removed their district attorney from office in a recall election, a rebuke to far-left progressive activists. According to a report from the National Retail Federation, the San Francisco Bay Area ranks 2nd in the nation for organized retail crime behind none other than Los Angeles. However, voters in Los Angeles had their own solution. In 2024, incumbent progressive District Attorney George Gascon was ousted from office. His tenure as DA was marred with controversy leading to a 12% increase in violent crime, 16% increase in robberies, 20% increase in property crime, 23% increase in auto theft, and 133% increase in shoplifting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gascons successor was none other than Republican-turned-independent Nathan Hochman who served as U.S. assistant attorney general appointed by George W. Bush. Hochman beat Gascon by a staggering 20-point margin. Needless to say, when partisanship is not on the ballot, liberal voters are willing to support a candidate with at least some conservative values - namely on quality-of-life issues such as combatting high crime. LA county is hardly an anomaly. Right-of-center independents have also scored victories in San Diego County, Alameda County, and Contra Costa County - all areas dominated by a heavily Democratic electorate. Things dont appear to be looking up for California Democrats either. A new bill having just passed the State Senate would grant parole to murderers if the crime was committed before the age of 26. And protests against Immigration and Custom enforcement (ICE) raids dont appear to be helping their cause either, with riots and looting ravaging the streets of Los Angeles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With many cities and counties experiencing a crime epidemic reminiscent of the 1980s, middle-of-the-road voters crave a candidate who can restore law and order to Californias once great cities. It is axiomatic that in an electorate dominated by liberal Democrats, the Republican brand is a difficult hurdle to overcome. But center-right candidates running on an independent non-partisan line have already proven successful in forming a bipartisan coalition of voters ready to reverse the states epidemic of violent crime. Tommy Aramony is a polling and data manager at NPA Polling, a political polling firm. Experts continue to discuss whether knowing your Alzheimer's risk is worthwhile or not. A new study found that a certain type of brain scan can detect people who have early brain changes linked to everyone. The brain scan does not work for everyone, however, so experts stress that more research is needed to understand how diverse populations are affected. Theres a big debate happening right now about whether knowing your Alzheimers risk is a good or a bad thing. On the one hand, it can give you time to plan and even take steps to change your health; on the other, Alzheimers disease is terrifying, and knowing you're at high risk is understandably stressful. Still, the medical community generally agrees that understanding your Alzheimers risk is a mostly beneficial thing. It allows you to make changes in the present that could have a big impact on your brain health down the road, potentially lowering that risk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pinpointing who will and wont get Alzheimers disease is tricky for doctors, but new research suggests it may soon get easierfor some people. Scientists discovered that a certain type of brain scan can detect people who have early brain changes that are linked to Alzheimers disease. Unfortunately, it doesnt work for everyone. Here's what the research found, plus what neurologists want you to keep in mind. Meet the experts: Clifford Segil, DO, is a neurologist at Providence Saint Johns Health Center in Santa Monica, CA; Amit Sachdev, MD, MS, is the medical director in the Department of Neurology at Michigan State University. What did the study find? The study, which was published in the journal Imaging Neuroscience, analyzed brain scan data from more than 675 older adults who participated in the Health and Aging Brain Study-Health Disparities study. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The researchers specifically looked at tau PET, which uses a radioactive tracer to help researchers look at tau, abnormal proteins in the brain that are linked to Alzheimers disease. The scans let researchers create tau cut-points, which are a new type of biomarker thats used to see whether a brain scan shows an amount of tau protein in the brain thats high enough to suggest that someone has early signs of Alzheimers disease. The researchers say this new benchmark could help doctors interpret tau PET scans in the future to better determine who is at risk of Alzheimers disease. Heres the catch: While this was an effective way to determine Alzheimers disease risk in people who had another abnormal protein called amyloid, it also only worked for people who were Hispanic or non-Hispanic White. In participants who were non-Hispanic Black, the tau cut-points werent as helpful. As a result, the researchers concluded that more studies are needed to try to better understand how tau impacts diverse populations. Why might this scan help predict Alzheimers disease in some people? The scan relies on looking for markers that have been put in place to try to detect Alzheimers disease, says Amit Sachdev, MD, MS, the medical director in the Department of Neurology at Michigan State University. The National Institute of Aging promotes a system for defining Alzheimers disease based on amyloid, tau and neuro-degeneration, he explains. Amyloid is the most classic associated finding. Tau can be helpful, especially when there is some question as the diagnosis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Clifford Segil, DO, a neurologist at Providence Saint Johns Health Center in Santa Monica, CA, says that more research is needed. This studys different outcome for different races demonstrates the unclear clinical significance of a positive tau brain scan, he says. Why is early detection important? There are medications that can help remove the amyloid deposits that build up in the brain, Sachdev says. Unfortunately, theyre not perfect. These anti-amyloid therapies carry risk, he says. If a patient is going to incur the risk, we want to know that there is good function to preserve. Who should consider getting this scan? This scan may be helpful in people who have already had blood and spinal fluid studies to look for Alzheimer's disease markers and didnt get clear results, Sachdev says. But Segil stresses that tau PET scans with this new benchmark arent quite ready for the general public. Patients with memory loss should all obtain structural brain imaging with an MRI, he says. Doctors may also recommend additional tests depending on symptoms youre having, if any, he says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Basically, if you're concerned about your Alzheimer's disease risk, it's a good idea to talk to a healthcare professional. They can listen to your concerns and help suggest personalized guidance from there. You Might Also Like A Progress Pride flag at the centre of a row between Reform UK and the chief executive of Warwickshire County Council should not have been flown as the authority did not have the correct permission to fly it, it has been revealed. The discovery came after Monica Fogarty, the chief executive, refused to remove the flag before the end of Pride month, following a written request from the authority's interim leader, Reform UK's George Finch. Warwick District Council said advertising consent was required to fly the Progress flag and, while an application was not submitted, neither had it received an official complaint. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The BBC has approached the county council for a response. The row started when Finch requested the flag be removed after he replaced Rob Howard as the authority's leader. Ms Fogarty responded to the acting leader in an email and said the authority did not have a "formal policy" for flying flags. She suggested Finch should look for the council to vote on one if he wished to introduce it. Warwick District Council said, unlike the Rainbow flag, advertising consent was required to fly the Progress Pride flag [BBC] Reform UK previously accused the chief executive of a "coup d'etat", in a claim made by the party's head of government efficiency, Zia Yusuf. Nigel Farage, the party's leader, took to X and suggested Ms Fogarty believed she "knew better than the people" and she "should look for a new job". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson for Warwick District Council, the planning authority for Warwick, said "advertising consent" was needed to fly the Progress Flag and they did not get an application for it to be flown at the county council's headquarters, Shire Hall, in the county town. "The council has not received an enforcement complaint, so there is no active enforcement investigation," they added. The Progress flag, which was flown outside the headquarters in Warwick, differs from the Rainbow flag as a result of adaptations over the years. It includes colours such as black, brown, pink, pale blue and white stripes, to represent marginalised people of colour in the LGBTQ+ community, as well as the trans community and those living with HIV/AIDS. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reform does not have overall control of the council in Warwickshire, although it is the largest party. The group has been contacted by the BBC for their response to the authority's omitted consent application. The Progress Flag has since been removed from Shire Hall following the end of Pride Month. Follow BBC Coventry & Warwickshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram. More on this story Related internet links PENNFIELD TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) A man accused of fatally shooting his girlfriend last month had previously pointed a gun at her, Calhoun County detectives say they were told by someone familiar with the family. The shooting happened June 3 on Gorsline Road near 12 Mile Road in Pennfield Township, northeast of Battle Creek. When Calhoun County Sheriffs Office deputies arrived, they found 34-year-old Ofellia Baldwin outside a home with a gunshot wound to the head. She was taken to the hospital, where authorities say she died on June 13. Pennfield Township murder suspect arrested in California Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to court documents filed by investigators, Baldwins son told detectives that his mother and boyfriend Kyle McNutt, who lived with them, had been arguing the day of the shooting. The son said his mother was angry and didnt like her life, the court document says in part. The son also told detective the gun was McNutts and that he had it earlier in the day. (The son) stated that Kyle normally carries the gun with him and (the son) saw him bring it in the car, the court document says. The son told detectives that McNutt and his mother took him and his baby brother to go to the store. While in the car near the house, his mother got the gun, the son said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement (The son) stated that she grabbed the gun and acted like she was gonna do it and she was putting it down and it went off, the document says. But the sons father told investigators that McNutt had long abused Baldwin and had previously pointed a gun at her head. (The sons father) stated that he is concerned that Kyle had threatened (the son) into telling authorities that Ofellia shot herself, the document says. McNutt, 36, was arrested in Los Angeles Friday morning, online jail records show. He is being held there pending extradition back to Michigan to face charges of open murder, felony firearm and two counts of first-degree child abuse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 JOSE, Calif. (KRON) For years, the City of San Jose says St. James Park has been the hub of unhoused people, crime and drug dealing. Now city leaders are telling drug dealers in the area to stay out or get arrested. Known gang member had loaded gun near access to children: SCSO Ricardo and Jovana Mendez come to St. James Park at least once a week to hand out food to dozens of unhoused people. The park is considered one of the epicenters of homelessness in downtown San Jose. The city says its been this way for years, adding the drug issue there is becoming rampant. San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan hopes the buck stops with him. That approach is a new court order by the city that targets around eight specific drug dealers who have already been in the justice system. The order adds if theyre seen within 100 yards of St. James Park that they will be arrested. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Homeless advocates who do work in St. James and unhoused people there say they support getting rid of the drug dealers who operate in this area. They say they dont want to clear out the park entirely, seeing they get a lot of resources and food here. Homeless advocate Todd Langton says Mayor Mahan should also target drug dealers around the city, not just those targeting unhoused people adding it will only lead to more unhoused people displaced without anywhere to go. 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. 24,739 people played the daily Crossword recently. Can you solve it faster than others? 24,739 people played the daily Crossword recently. Can you solve it faster than others? BEIJING, July 2 (Xinhua) -- China looks forward to working with all parties to consolidate the BRICS strategic partnership and hopes Chinese Premier Li Qiang's upcoming visit to Egypt will carry forward the traditional friendship between the two countries, a foreign ministry spokesperson said Wednesday. Premier Li will attend the 17th BRICS Summit upon invitation in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from July 5 to 8. At the invitation of the Prime Minister of Egypt Mostafa Kamal Madbouly, Li will pay an official visit to Egypt from July 9 to 10. At a regular press briefing, spokesperson Mao Ning said the BRICS cooperation mechanism is the most important platform for solidarity and cooperation among emerging markets and developing countries. It is also an important force for pursuing an equal and orderly multipolar world and fostering universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, she added. She noted that China looks forward to working with all parties to consolidate the BRICS strategic partnership, making contributions to upholding multilateralism, promoting common development and improving global governance, and promoting high-quality development of the greater BRICS cooperation. On Li's visit to Egypt, Mao said China and Egypt are comprehensive strategic partners, and in recent years, under the strategic guidance of the two countries' leaders, the bilateral relationship has flourished, political mutual trust has been deepened, and practical cooperation in various fields has yielded fruitful results. During the visit, Premier Li will have in-depth exchanges of views with Egyptian leaders on developing China-Egypt relations, deepening mutually beneficial cooperation and issues of common concern, she added. "China looks forward to promoting the traditional friendship with Egypt through this visit, deepening mutually beneficial cooperation, and promoting China-Egypt relations toward the goal of building a community with a shared future for the new era," Mao said. ST. LOUIS An appeals court has upheld the expungement of misdemeanor convictions for Mark and Patricia McCloskey, a Central West End couple who gained national attention for pointing guns at protesters in 2020. According to our partners at the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, the Eastern District Missouri Court of Appeals confirmed the decision on Tuesday to expunge the McCloskeys convictions, moving them closer to reclaiming their firearms. During the ruling, the court also dismissed claims by the police department that the McCloskeys posed a threat to public safety. This decision comes after the couple was pardoned by former Governor Mike Parson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bank robbery suspect arrested in suburban home neighbors say they warned about The ruling comes after the McCloskeys claimed they felt threatened when demonstrators walked onto their private street during global protests that followed the death of George Floyd in 2020. During the incident, Mark McCloskey emerged from his home with an AR-15-style rifle, and Patricia McCloskey waved a semi-automatic pistol. Following the incident, Mark McCloskey pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor fourth-degree assault charge in 2021, while his wife, Patricia, pleaded guilty to a harassment charge. Both avoided jail time, but courts ordered them to surrender their firearms. In an attempt to retrieve the firearms, Mark McCloskey is currently pursuing legal action, with a hearing scheduled for December. The case was previously suspended as the appeal was still pending. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All facts in this report were gathered by journalists employed by KTVI. Artificial intelligence tools were used to reformat from a broadcast script into a news article for our website. This report was edited and fact-checked by KTVI staff before being published. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2. Coventry funeral home owner loses license after allegedly stealing from clients HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) A funeral home owner accused of stealing over $80,000 from his clients had his funeral service license revoked Tuesday. According to a representative with the Connecticut Funeral Directors Association, the decision was made by vote of the Connecticut Board of Examiners of Embalmers & Funeral Directors during a virtual meeting. PLEA: Coventry funeral home owner accused of stealing money from clients Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Philip Pietras funeral service license had been suspended in May, following accusations he misused prepaid funeral funds. Ever since Mr. Pietras arrest on April 6 on charges of improprieties involving misuse of prepaid funeral monies, Connecticut Funeral Directors Association (CFDA) members have been very concerned for these families, and stress that this case is extremely unusual, the board said in a statement ahead of Tuesdays meeting. The 51-year-old owner of Pietras Funeral Home in Coventry turned himself in to police in April. He was charged with first-degree larceny, which he pleaded not guilty to in June. Last year, an employee with a company that assists people with disabilities alerted state police to a discrepancy involving a client payment for a funeral fund. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ARREST: Coventry funeral home owner suspected of stealing over $80K from clients The alleged victims had been depositing money towards pre-payment funeral funds, but Pietras is accused of re-routing the money for his own use. The investigation found roughly $81,300 missing from about eight client accounts. Sheila Lawlor of Vernon said nearly $6,000 was stolen from her, while Galen Beaupre said $20,000 was taken from him. I have cried every single day since I heard about this, and I am totally devastated that this person that I knew would do something like this not only on me but so many other people, Lawlor said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Lawlor, she planned to use those funds for funeral arrangements so that her family would not have to pay for it. News 8 has reached out to the Department of Public Health for comment. Pietras is due in Tolland court on Aug. 1. When asked to comment in June, John OBrien, Pietrass attorney, said, Its an ongoing investigation, thank you. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com. Jul. 2A longtime Portland seafood business has filed for bankruptcy and is looking to sell the company. Cozy Harbor Seafood Inc., which owns Art's Lobster Co. and Casco Bay Lobster, announced Wednesday in a news release that it is seeking Chapter 11 protection with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Maine. Cozy Harbor which operates processing and packing facilities on St. John Street, at the Portland Fish Exchange and on Union Wharf in Portland will continue operating while it reorganizes its finances and pursues a court-supervised sale. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The company anticipates its workforce to remain intact and customers will continue to enjoy Cozy Harbor Seafood products," the news release says. Cozy Harbor says that, like many other seafood companies, it has encountered financial challenges since the COVID-19 pandemic. "For more than 45 years, Cozy Harbor Seafood has been a leader in sharing Maine's iconic lobster catch with the world, while being a reliable partner for our local fishermen and working waterfronts," Cozy Harbor president and co-founder John Norton said in the release. "Despite the many challenges we've faced over the last 45 years, our business is woven into the social, cultural and economic fabric of Maine and that is worth saving, which is why we have made this difficult, yet important decision. "Chapter 11 is a proven process that will help us to continue doing what we do best processing, packing and selling premium-quality seafood while we position the company for long-term success, potentially under a new owner." Copy the Story Link CHICAGO (WGN) Chicago police seek the publics help in locating a missing woman who the department says has depression. Kaci OHara, 24, was last seen around 6 p.m. on Monday, June 23. She stands 5 feet tall, weighs 120 pounds, and has black hair and brown eyes. According to Chicago police, the last known location was in the area of 9200 S. Racine. OHara is also known to frequent the 7600 block of S. Colfax and the south suburban area of Flossmoor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shocked: Grundy County health board quietly cuts mental health program Police add that OHara also suffers from suicidal thoughts. Anyone with additional information may leave an anonymous tip at cpdtip.com. LATEST CASES: Missing people in Chicagoland Tipsters may also call Area Two SVU detectives at (312) 747-8274. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. CRANSTON, R.I. (WPRI) Cranston residents are speaking out against a proposed housing subdivision that would add dozens of new homes to the Fiskeville neighborhood. The proposal specifically calls for the creation of 44-unit housing development between Winifred Street and Vaughn Lane. Dozens of residents attended Tuesday nights Cranston City Planning Commission meeting to share their concerns, which include negative environmental and logistical impacts Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The access to this land would require the removal of some private property, including driveways, yards, garages, and in one case, a womans home, Cranston resident Jessica Salter said. There are big ramifications, far more than just widening the road. Though the vast majority of residents who live nearby are open to adding new homes in the neighborhood, their main concern is how this proposal will affect the land its being built on. The parcel of land is home to old forests, historically-protected stone walls and a variety of animal habitats. The residents are also concerned about potential flooding, which would not only harm those living in the neighborhood, but also Rhode Island as a whole. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are in proximity to the Pawtuxet River, resident Sonya Hanson-Meysembourg said. So, runoff from homes, lawn chemicals, salt from the roadways in the winter, that will eventually end up in the river. The environmental impact is huge. Representatives for the developer, 777 Main Street LLC, attended Tuesday nights meeting and told the commission that a site visit is scheduled for July 17. I know that its a touchy subject in this neighborhood, one representative said. Thats why we wanted to make sure [the site visit] was announced. Several residents pleaded with the commission to reject the proposal and take their concerns into consideration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I ask the [commission] to realize the plans are completely non-buildable as a 44-unit cluster housing development, another resident said. The designer and planner knew that from the start and had to use acts of deception to submit these bogus plans to you. The commission recommended continuing the discussion on the proposal to their next meeting, which is slated for Aug. 5. Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the new 12+ smart TV app. Follow us on social media: Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Subscribe Now Daily Roundup Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com. DENVER (KDVR) A driver who was extricated from their vehicle following a crash that closed the eastbound lanes of Interstate 70 at Kipling Street last month is now facing a DUI summons. According to the Wheat Ridge Police Department, the crash was reported at about 2:45 a.m. on Saturday, June 28, on I-70 eastbound near Kipling Street. The driver was found responsive, and Arvada firefighters extricated them from their truck. RTD director stripped of duties after investigation finds unprofessional conduct Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The driver had minor injuries and was taken to the hospital. On Tuesday, the police department reported that the driver appeared to have struck an unoccupied vehicle that was on the side of the road and flipped the truck. The driver also allegedly had multiple open beer cans in the truck, and officers reported an odor of an alcoholic beverage on their breath. The driver was issued a summons for DUI. They were not identified by the police department. In a comment reply on Facebook, the police department said that they did not arrest the driver because a DUI in Colorado is a misdemeanor, unless there are three or more prior convictions on the suspects record, which pushes the charge to become a class 4 felony. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The agency also noted that through May, officers in Wheat Ridge have made 20% more DUI arrests compared to the same time in 2024. Especially ahead of the holiday weekend, consider this a warning, the agency wrote on social media. Dont drive drunk in Wheat Ridge. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. A dramatic collision involving a vehicle transporter and a big rig has left lanes closed on the southbound 405 Freeway through the Brentwood area of Los Angeles during the Wednesday commute. The incident was reported around 2:15 a.m. on the southbound 405 near West Sunset Boulevard, according to the California Highway Patrol incident log. Video showed that a big rig had hit the car hauler from behind, pushing a portion of the haulers ramp through the back of the trucks cab. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials have not confirmed any injuries resulting from the crash, but freelance media firm KNN reported that two people were seriously hurt. A big rig crashed into the back of a car carrier on the 405 Freeway in the Brentwood area on July 2, 2025. (KNN) All southbound lanes appeared to be temporarily closed as emergency crews responded to the scene. The two left lanes and the Getty Center Drive ramp to the southbound 405 remained closed as of 5 a.m. Heavy delays were building as commuters attempted to make their way through the Sepulveda Pass. The closure was expected to remain in place until around 7:20 a.m. The cause of the crash remains under investigation. Wednesdays crash marks the second major incident on the same stretch of freeway in a little more than a week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On June 23, Los Angeles Police Department Sgt. Shiou Deng was killed on the 405 near Getty Center Drive when he was struck by a vehicle while attempting to render aid at a traffic collision. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Felonies The following people were booked into the Lee County-Tupelo Adult Jail in connection with felony charges ending Tuesday at 11 a.m. Michael George Campanaro, 40, of Pontotoc, was arrested by the Lee County Sheriffs Office, possession of methamphetamine, careless driving, possession of paraphernalia. Charleston E. Depriest, 52, of Tupelo, was arrested by the Tupelo Police Department, aggravated domestic violence, possession of marijuana. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Steven Lee Hall, 42, of Saltillo, was arrested by the Lee County Sheriffs Office, grand larceny, no insurance. Kadejah Martin, 31, of Verona, was arrested by the Tupelo Police Department, felony eluding, resisting arrest. Clayton E. Thomas, 41, of Tupelo, was arrested by the Tupelo Police Department, warrant for grand larceny. Lee County Sheriffs Office The following reports were filed Tuesday by the Lee County Sheriffs Office. An Old Highway 45, Saltillo, man said he noticed on June 21 that his Xfinity phones had been forwarded. An unknown person had gotten into the phone account and gained access to his banking information with Renasant Bank. On June 24, he noticed to bank transactions for $6,000 and then $14,000. He also got a text from Bank of America that someone tried to add themself an authorized used on his Visa card. There were also requests for checks for $15,000 and $20,000 through a separate account with a different bank. Cadence Bank denied those transactions. Anyone with information on any of these reports is urged to call the Lee County Sheriffs Office at 841-9041, the Tupelo Police Department at 841-6491 or Crime Stoppers of Northeast Mississippi at (800) 773-TIPS or download the P3 Tip App and leave an anonymous tip that way. The White House on Tuesday marked Donald Trumps visit to his administrations controversial new migrant detention center in Floridas Everglades which has been dubbed Alligator Alcatraz with an at least partially AI-generated social media post that was swiftly condemned as shameful by critics, but predictably cheered by the presidents MAGA base. The picture (see it here) showed Trump standing alongside three alligators wearing caps labeled ICE, referring to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency that Trump has instructed to carry out the largest mass deportation program in history. Alligator Alcatraz: Make America Safe Again, the image and post were captioned. It echoed an image shared by the Kristi Noem-run Department of Homeland Security this weekend, which showed four alligators with ICE caps in front of a prison-esque fence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump and his allies have gone to great lengths to hype the new facility, which is surrounded by wetlands inhabited by pythons and alligators, and the potentially grisly consequences that may face migrants who try to flee. There is only one road leading in, and the only way out is a one-way flight. It is isolated and surrounded by dangerous wildlife and unforgiving terrain. The facility will have up to 5,000 beds to house, process and deport criminal illegal aliens, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt giddily said of the center. Trump himself, meanwhile, has said: Snakes are fast but alligators were going to teach them how to run away from an alligator. ... Dont run in a straight line, run like this, he said while making a zigzag motion with his hands. You know what, your chances go up about 1%. Related... Health care experts warn that the GOP megabill could have devastating consequences for Georgia hospitals, particularly those in rural areas, where health care providers rely on funding from Medicaid to sustain their facilities. Jill Nolin/Georgia Recorder After more than 24 hours of continuous debate, the U.S. Senate has passed the GOPs signature tax break and spending cuts package, which proponents often refer to as the big, beautiful bill. However, critics of the bill warn that provisions cutting Medicaid spending could devastate Georgians access to health care, particularly in rural parts of the state. The heart of the nearly 1,000-page legislation extends and expands the 2017 tax law to keep individual income tax rates at the same level and establishes permanent tax breaks for business investments as well as research and development costs. The tax cuts are estimated to cost nearly $4.5 trillion over 10 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill also blocks Medicaid funding to Planned Parenthood and shifts significant costs of the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, to states for the first time. Sustaining Georgias current SNAP program is projected to cost the state $812 million annually. Because the bill was amended in the Senate, it will have to return to the House for another vote before it can advance to the presidents desk. Sen. Jon Ossoff condemned the GOPs signature tax break and spending cuts package, which narrowly passed the Senate after more than 24 hours of continuous debate. Screenshot. Georgias two senators, Democrats Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock, condemned the bills passage, and urged members of the House to oppose the legislation. The Senate just voted for legislation that will kick millions off their health care, close rural hospitals, and increase health care costs for everyone, all to give billionaires a tax break, Warnock said in a statement. Todays vote is a disappointing reminder that Washington politicians arent working for ordinary people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ossoff, who is running for re-election in 2026, also emphasized the impact that the bills cuts will have on Georgias access to health care across the state. This bill is a trillion dollar cut to Medicaid, he told reporters shortly after the bill passed out of the Senate. Seventy percent of Georgia seniors in nursing homes are on Medicaid. Half of all births in Georgia are covered by Medicaid. Forty percent of all children in Georgia are covered by Medicaid, and I have been warning for months that this gutting of the Medicaid program puts Georgia seniors, Georgia mothers, Georgia children at risk. Reduced access to health insurance coverage is one of the biggest factors opponents of the bill have seized on, and one that could have downstream effects throughout Americas entire health care system. According to a report from KFF Health News, an estimated 310,000 people across Georgia would lose access to health insurance by 2034 under the bill, due to changes the bill imposes on both Medicaid and Affordable Care Act coverage. That number could rise to 750,000 if Congress allows enhanced tax credits for those insured through the ACA to expire this year. Health care experts also warn that the bill could have devastating consequences for Georgia hospitals, particularly those in rural areas, where health care providers rely on funding from Medicaid to sustain their facilities. An estimated 310,000 people across Georgia may lose access to health insurance by 2034 under the GOP megabill, according to KFF Health News. The loss in revenue is expected to hurt struggling rural hospitals. Cuthberts hospital closed in 2020. Jill Nolin/Georgia Recorder According to a report from researchers at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, four hospitals in rural Georgia are at risk of reducing services or closing altogether under the megabill: Fannin Regional Hospital in Blue Ridge, Flint River Community Hospital in Montezuma, Irwin County Hospital in Ocilla, and Washington County Regional Medical Center in Sandersville. Three of those hospitals are in districts represented by Republican congressmen who voted in favor of the bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last week, the Georgia Hospital Association signed a letter alongside hospital associations from 13 other states urging Senator Majority Leader John Thune to preserve and strengthen Medicaid in the Senates version of the legislation. Stable funding is vital not only for serving Medicaid beneficiaries but also for providing care to all patients, including the uninsured, those with commercial insurance, and our seniors and disabled patients on Medicare, the letter states. Severe cuts to Medicaid inevitably would lead to cuts in healthcare services for all Americans. Though the bill was later amended to include a $50 billion fund to support rural hospitals, critics of the bill worry that the money will not be enough to offset the strain rural providers will face due to sweeping Medicaid cuts. Rural hospitals in Georgia are projected to lose $540 million over the next 10 years, according to a report from the American Hospital Association. The House is expected to take another vote on the bill this week to meet President Donald Trumps imposed July 4 deadline for passing the legislation. However, if the House amends the bill further, it will have to return to the Senate for another vote. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE KAMPALA/MOGADISHU, July 2 (Xinhua) -- The Ugandan military said Wednesday that one of its helicopters crashed in the Somali capital of Mogadishu, with five of the eight people on board feared dead. Felix Kulayigye, spokesperson for the Ugandan military, told Xinhua that three people on board survived, while a search operation is still underway. "Eight people were on board. Three made it out safely but with severe burns," said Kulayigye. "The search is still on. They are fighting the fire." According to Kulayigye, a team will soon be dispatched to Mogadishu to investigate the cause of the crash, which occurred about 200 meters from the runway at Aden Adde International Airport on Wednesday morning. The helicopter was returning from a routine escort mission at the time of the incident. The Ugandan military has ruled out the possibility of an external attack, with Kulayigye saying that Mogadishu has largely been cleared of the al-Shabab militant group, making it unlikely that the Mi-24 helicopter was shot down. "Being an attack helicopter, it was loaded with rockets, so the rockets caused the fire. If it was an external action, we would not be talking about investigations because we would have known the cause," he said. "Of course it (the crash) does affect the proficiency of escort duties for those convoys that carry logistics. When one helicopter is out of action, you certainly feel the pinch. But it will not stop the work that is being done," Kulayigye added. The African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) confirmed the accident, saying that the helicopter, operated by the Uganda Peoples' Defense Forces contingent, crash-landed at around 7:30 a.m. local time (0430 GMT) after departing from Baledogle Airfield, about 90 kilometers northwest of the Somali capital. "Three of the eight passengers on board were immediately rescued and rushed to the AUSSOM Level II hospital in Mogadishu for medical attention," AUSSOM said in a statement issued in Mogadishu. Ahmed Macallin Hassan, director general of the Somali Civil Aviation Authority, said flight operations at the airport were continuing as normal, although a section of the runway has been temporarily closed due to debris from the crash. Last September, the Ugandan military lost a transport helicopter while flying from Mogadishu to Baledogle Airfield. All four peacekeepers on board survived that incident, according to the military. Uganda has been one of the key troop-contributing countries to the African Union peacekeeping mission in the Horn of Africa since 2007. Pahlavi has been actively supporting Iranian dissidents, particularly since Israel conducted Operation Rising Lion, striking Iranian military and nuclear facilities. Iran's Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi announced on Tuesday that he will "convene a summit of national cooperation" on Iran sometime "in the coming weeks." The "gathering will be held in Europe, and invitations are currently being sent out," Pahlavi wrote on X/Twitter. "I invite those forces who believe in the three principles of Irans territorial integrity, individual freedoms and equality of all citizens, and the separation of religion from government, and who respect the Iranian people's right to choose the form of their future democracy, to participate in this conference," he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Our goal is to expand our national cooperation and present a roadmap for a democratic transition and the reconstruction of the country," he concluded. Pahlavi has been actively supporting Iranian dissidents, particularly since Israel conducted Operation Rising Lion, striking Iranian military and nuclear facilities. Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of the last Shah of Iran, speaks during a press conference about the situation in Iran and the need to support Iranians, in Paris, France, June 23, 2025. (credit: REUTERS/Abdul Saboor) Recent anti-regime statements Pahlavi released a video on June 17 in which he stated that plans are in place for a 100-day transitional period if the Islamic Republic regime falls, adding that The Islamic Republic has reached its end and is in the process of collapsing. On June 23, he held a press conference in Paris, calling for regime change in Iran and announcing that he would be forming an opposition front, referring to this as Iran's "Berlin Wall moment." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A trusted source still in Tehran told The Jerusalem Post on Sunday that The people of Iran were not upset when the attack on the regime began. On the contrary, they rejoiced as regime leaders were eliminated one by one. Their question was never, Why did this war start? but rather: Why did it stop? Why didnt it continue? Why were we abandoned? Alex Winston and Yuval Barnea contributed to this report. The 2020s have so far been an incredibly hostile era to protest in the United States. The latter stages of the first Trump Administration witnessed police backlash to peaceful Black Lives Matter demonstrations and during Joe Bidens presidency, thousands of pro-Palestine student activists across the country suffered police violence and arrest. Trumps second term has unleashed a torrent of assaults on protest and dissent, from revoking visas and disappearing activists, to withholding federal funds from universities that wont dismantle diversity initiatives. These attacks on political expression strike at the heart of American democratic principles. Not only does the Constitution protect free speech, the nations founding history also seemingly legitimizes the right to protest. The United States is, after all, a country born of dissent. As a result of that history, those rights and freedoms were enshrined into the very first amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Or so the story goes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While American history is full of those claiming the Revolutionary right to resist, it is also full of officials fighting to shut them down. The historical record demonstrates that since the dawn of the republic, the right to protest has been challenged and contested by those in power. Recognizing this legacy is critical as the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence approaches in 2026. To many early Americans, particularly those within the Washington and Adams administrations, self-government rendered popular protest illegitimate and obsolete. While dissent may have been required to protect colonial liberties under British imperialism, Americans now governed themselves. Samuel Adams, a former Patriot leader, declared that while protest had served an excellent purpose during the Revolution, as we now have constitutional and regular governments and all our men in authority depend on upon the annual, free elections of the people, we are safe without [it]. As Adams viewed it, to resist government power was to oppose the will of the majority, which was, in essence, to trample upon the Revolutions achievements and instead embrace tyranny. Discontented citizens should wait for recourse at the next election. Until then, they should keep quiet. The Whiskey Rebellion, a 1794 tax resistance in western Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Maryland, offered the first opportunity for a strong state crackdown on popular dissent. The whiskey rebels, as the activists critics referred to them, drew upon the tactics, rhetoric, and ideologies of the American Revolution and earlier protest movements to oppose a new tax on whiskey that disproportionately burdened the western economy. These frontiersmen organized committees of noncompliance, circulated petitions, raised liberty poles, and terrorized local tax officials to pressure for repeal. They claimed to defend the spirit of 1776 by resisting an unjust tax, just as the Patriots had done under the British. But those in power refuted these links and instead emphasized the disloyalty and illegitimacy of disobeying the will of the majority. They quarrel with a constitution and government purchased at the expense of much blood and treasure, and framed by themselves, proclaimed the Pennsylvania Chief Justice. They despise the rulers of their own choice, and trample on laws of their own making. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Washington Administration came down hard on the whiskey rebels. The president led 15,000 federalized militiamen from Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania into the westthough no rebel army materialized to oppose them. Still, federal forces arrested hundreds of activists, some on charges of treason. Although Washington ultimately chose to pardon everyone involved in the Whiskey Rebellion, the government had proved its point; it would not allow such displays of opposition. President John Adams used the same playbook when another tax resistance in Pennsylvania broke out during his term. In 1799, citizens in the eastern part of the state organized to resist a new property tax that unfairly targeted farmers over land speculators. The tax imposed higher rates for those who improved their holdings, building houses and clearing farmland, and lower rates for those who merely held onto their plots as an investment. Once the Adams Administration threatened to send in troops, protestors quickly backed down and promised to obey the law. Nevertheless, Adams followed through and nearly 3,000 men marched on eastern Pennsylvania, despite the residents having already acquiesced to the law. Government should not cringe, declared one official in justification of the mission. Clearly, this show of federal strength was not about enforcing law and order; it was intended to prevent future protests by sending a clear message to those who had dissented. The Adams Administration also used legislation to try to silence its critics. In 1798, Congress passed the Sedition Law, which made it a federal crime to state or print criticism of the government. They used this law primarily to imprison newspaper editors loyal to the opposition party, but also occasionally employed it to punish protestors. For instance, federal authorities used it to arrest and charge two activists in Dedham, Massachusetts for raising a liberty pole criticizing the Adams Administrations policies. One of them, despite not even being present on the day of the pole-raising, received the harshest sentence issued under the Sedition Law: a $480 fine and eighteen months imprisonment. He ended up serving two years because he could not afford the fine. One can, of course, look beyond the founding period to find other examples of state repression of dissent. Government officials and police have attempted to muzzle activists fighting for every progressive cause in the nations history: abolition, Indigenous rights, suffrage, feminism, LGBTQ+ rights, Black civil rights, environmentalism, and so on. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Perhaps we should understand the Revolution nearly 250 years ago not as the birth of an American protest tradition, but as the origin of its potential demise. In the early years of the republic, a tradition of repressing dissent arose alongside dissent itself. In that sense, those who appeal to founding principles to counter recent authoritarian tactics are on a fools errand. As Americans today courageously rise to protest, they are engaging in a 250-year-old battle pitting the people against a state that may wish to silence them. Shira Lurie is the author of The American Liberty Pole: Popular Politics and the Struggle for American Democracy in the Early Republic and the Special Series Editor for the Road to 250. The Road to 250 series is a collaboration between Made by History and Historians for 2026, a group of early Americanists devoted to shaping an accurate, inclusive, and just public memory of the American Founding for the upcoming 250th anniversary. Made by History takes readers beyond the headlines with articles written and edited by professional historians. Learn more about Made by History at TIME here. Opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of TIME editors. Write to Made by History at madebyhistory@time.com. COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) Columbus State University announced today the arrival of 20 pallets of historical military materials which will assist in expanding the universitys archives. The CSU Library Archives acquired papers from the personal collection of the longest serving Secretary of the Army, John O. Marsh, who served in his position from 1981-1989. The arrival of material includes nearly 1,500 boxes that the university says offers unparalleled insights into the post-Vietnam transformation of the U.S. Army. These collectionsnow highlighted with the materials from John Marsh, make Columbus State an indispensable resource for understanding the evolution of the U.S. military in the 20th and 21st centuries, said David M. Owings, who leads CSUs Archives and Special Collections. The richness and diversity of these papers will support scholars, students, veterans, and the general public in new and exciting ways. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The military history archives was the result of a partnership with the Richard R. Hallock Endowment for Military History and the Hallock Distinguished University Chair in Military History. The university says these initiatives have helped make CSU a regional leader in military history, scholarship and public programming. The collections of archival material at the university will assist in its partnership with Ft. Benning. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. SIOUX FALLS S.D. (KELO) Custer County Search & Rescue is reminding hikers to stay hydrated after one hiker called for help from exhaustion. Protecting your dogs from Fourth of July anxiety A Facebook post said an elderly hiker at the top of Black Elk Peak was complaining of dizziness. She was given fluids but was still cramping. A crew member took an ATV to the wilderness boundary and then hiked to the hiker. Another crew member followed after. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Custer Ambulance was waiting at the wilderness boundary on stand-by incase the patient needed more help, the post said. Thankfully we were able to get her feeling well enough to walk, and she was escorted down to the wilderness boundary where we gave her and her party an Uber in our 2 UTVs down to the trailhead at approximately 17:50, Along the way, the crew ran into more hikers that ran out of water. We expect more exhaustion\dehydration calls Wednesday and Thursday. they wrote. Temps in the Black Hills are expected to get higher for the weekend. The latest forecast is found on our KELOLAND Weather page. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com. EAU CLAIRE A new technical diploma at Chippewa Valley Technical College looks to certify people looking to become library directors. The Library Director program is a one-year, 12-credit technical diploma for those who already have at least 54 college credits and need only a few courses to be eligible for a library director position. Jennifer Cook, Library and Information Services Program Director at CVTC, said, Since we started the library program, we have had a number of students who already have degrees or some college credits and have found themselves in the role of library director. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Library Director diploma consists of four classes that the Wisconsin Department of Instruction have determined library directors will need in order to be a director in a small public library. The classes include: Basic and Advanced Library Administration, Outreach and Community Services and Managing and Organizing Collections. The classes can be taken over the course of a year, two in the fall and two in the spring. Online courses of the technical diploma would bring a grade III certification, which Cook said refers to libraries serving a population of 3,000 people or less. Grade II and I certifications would allow those to operate at libraries serving larger populations. With the introduction of a new program, all technical colleges go through a process of getting approval by the Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) and the WTCS state board. We have to show them the need for the program, the strength of the program and the market demand for such a program, Cook said. Because we went through this process when we created the Library and Information Services and could track how many students came to the college for these four classes we were able to show the need for the new certificate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CVTCs new program is expected to start in the fall, as applications are currently open. Small libraries in the state of Wisconsin are truly centers of their community, Cook said. This program will help students who live and work in these small communities serve their communities. Libraries need to be flexible, advocate for their communities and be a place where all community members are welcomed with open arms. Our students come out of the program prepared to do all of these things, and are ready to serve their communities in the best way possible. My hope is that we build strong community spaces with library directors who are trusted by their community and community members. Libraries have always been part of the state of Wisconsin and I am excited that the students I work with are in the position to keep that tradition alive. I have graduated so many students that will be great library directors and library workers, and I know any community would be lucky to have them. SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) The Chatham County District Attorney made a decision in the use of force case against three Savannah Police officers; on the same day that the suspect appeared in court for the first time. The investigation into the three Savannah Police Department (SPD) officers stems from the July 2024 arrest and injuries of Markel Robinson. Robinson was wanted in connection to a series of charges including rape, aggravated assault, false imprisonment and battery. The incident nearly cost two officers their jobs, but DA Shalena Cook Jones said the officers actions werent worth criminal charges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jones said the body camera video from July 2024 showed the officers trying to make a peaceful arrest. Robinson was reportedly run from officers, had to be pulled off a fence he was trying to climb and continued to fight police. Cook-Jones said she spent hours poring over the four body camera videos. She said she believes Robinsons actions when police first came to the hotel he was holed up in affected the officers mentality for the tense moments to come. Team of North Korean IT workers indicted: FBI Atlanta issues warning What he does, knowing that hes wanted by the police is he comes to the door when they tell him they are outside, Cook-Jones said. The (hotel room) window opens. He sees its police outside. opens to the door and then closes the door back and deadbolts it. Now they dont know if he has a weapon. They dont know if he has a hostage. They dont know how many weapons they he might have. They dont know if there are any other people in the room. So, what he has done just now is increase the risk of danger to those police officers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Robinson then ran from the officers and tried to jump over a fence to safety, but was pulled back in. Whats different between this case and a George Floyd or even Ahmad Arbery or any of the cases that we look at around the nation is that they had a valid warrant for him, said Cook-Jones. They had a right to be there. He was not a citizen who was just walking down the street and got randomly accosted by dangerous racist cops. Thats not this story. He was wanted. It took more than nine officers with all of this gear to chase him and to bring him into custody. While the arrest itself, caught on SPD body camera, was hard to watch, Jones said she believes the officers did not use excessive force. Now the body blows that you saw, the punches to his body, DA Cook-Jones said. These are reasonable techniques by law enforcement to force compliance. The law says that if an officers force is reasonable to accomplish the necessary detention, then it is lawful and not illegal and therefore not criminal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Terrifying and scary: 15-year-old charged in mothers murder Those strikes are intended to accomplish compliance as ugly and as unfortunate as they might be. Because at this point in the arrest, his left arm is still underneath his body and officers still suspect that they may have a weapon, that he may have a weapon, which means that until both hands are in handcuffs, he is a danger to them. Robinson didnt have a gun in his waistband; it was just a cell phone. Not a strike took place after he was in cuffs. And that is critically important because he could have avoided all of this injury to himself if he had complied in the very beginning, said Cook-Jones. He could have offered not only physical compliance, but verbal compliance. Okay. I admit Im showing you my hands. He did none of that. He had ample opportunity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sergeant Samuel Hunt and Corporal Alan Contreras were recommended to be terminated by the SPD Use of Force Board. Hunt ultimately faced a five-day suspension after appealing the firing. GBI investigating Richmond Hill police officer Contreras reportedly left the department before the official investigation began. Sergent Brent Minton, who was not recommended to be fired, also faced a five-day suspension. The district attorney said while it happened in July of 2024, she first found out about this incident in February of 2025 from an anonymous letter sent to her office. She started asking questions then but ran into roadblocks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We need to remove the cloak of secrecy around these kinds of incidents and be transparent with the community so that we can adopt a culture that addresses these issues. DA Jones asked Chief Gunther for the body camera footage and files connected to Robinsons arrest. She said her office was then referred to the City Attorneys Office because the matter was still being investigated by SPDs internal team which made them not subject to an Open Records Request. Initially I (the DAs office) was told by SPD that I needed to send them a subpoena if I wanted to investigate misconduct of one of their law officers, said Cook-Jones. And it was nobody should have to jump through this many hoops. No, the district attorney should not have to jump through this many hoops. She added, Ive worked closely with Chief Gunther, and I have found him to be reasonable. But his department is owned by the Mayor and the City Manager and if they tell him that he cant release the video or then he cant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement WSAV asked if the Mayor or the City of Savannah attempted to hide the video or block her from seeing it in a timely manner. Thats a tricky question, Andrew, because I am saying that it took much longer for me to get these videos than it should have as the district attorney of Chatham County, she said. And I am saying that being told as a District Attorney to issue a subpoena to get the records completely preposterous. Statesboro Fire building first new station in 24 years She said that she knows that the city has a different process, but that when she asks for records or evidence, they should comply. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They have a PR board, personnel issues, and there are multiple reasons why they might be slow to provide that information. I dont work for them. I dont know, she said. But I know that as the District Attorney, when I demand to get records about law enforcement, if you want me to prosecute your cases, youre going to have to give me the evidence that I ask for. And there should not be any stalling or obstruction. Eventually the DA did get the video and was able to make her final decision clearing the officers of any potential criminal charges. I have found officers, detectives and investigators in speed to be some of the best we have, Cook-Jones told WSAV. They are doing investigations that help us make good cases to prosecute. I enjoy working with them and Im super glad to have them. We have even had some come work for our office, What I also what I have found is that a lot of times its not the people who are doing the work. Its the clash at the top. Cook-Jones added, I do not have the problems with any other department in our county that I have encountered in Savannah. I have found Chief Gunther very cooperative, but I have not found the people who control him to be cooperative with my office at any point since Ive been here, said the DA. Im hoping that will change because we have a lot that we can do for this community if we work together. It just hasnt happened yet, but that doesnt mean it wont. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. SAN FRANCISCO - A San Francisco man is recovering after he was stabbed in a bar bathroom in what authorities described as an unprovoked attack. The stabbing occurred around 1:29 a.m. on June 24 at a bar in the 1800 block of Divisadero Street, according to the San Francisco District Attorneys Office. The San Francisco Standard reported that the location was Fishbowl Bar & Grill. Victim was followed to the bathroom What we know Prosecutors said the suspect, 43-year-old Patrick Hamer, followed the victim into the bathroom and stabbed him multiple times in the face, neck and chest. After the attack, Hamer allegedly fought with other patrons who tried to intervene before fleeing the scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was arrested two days later in the 1400 block of Valencia Street and remains in custody. Hamer has been charged with attempted murder and mayhem. Victim is a San Francisco bartender What they're saying According to a GoFundMe campaign created to help with the victims medical expenses, he is a local bartender and is well-respected among his colleagues. "Recently, TJ was the victim of a completely unprovoked and random act of violence," the fundraiser stated. "He was attacked and stabbed, sustaining serious injuries that left him in the ICU, where he remains as he fights to recover. It was touch and go for a while, but TJ is resilient, strong, and fighting every day to heal." The Standard reported that the victim had finished a bartending shift at The Snug and went to grab a beer with a friend at the Fisbowl. To donate to his GoFundMe, click here. The Dalai Lama has confirmed that he will have a successor chosen in accordance with past tradition, ending years of speculation about the centuries-old office. In a video message on Wednesday, just days before his 90th birthday, the Tibetan spiritual leader said the Gaden Phodrang Foundation, which he established to preserve the institution, will have the power to recognise his future reincarnation. Tibetan Buddhist leaders will search for his successor, he added, stressing that no one else has any such authority to interfere in this matter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 14th Dalai Lama said he had received many messages in recent years from Buddhists calling for the offices continuation. In accordance with all these requests, I am affirming that the institution of the Dalai Lama will continue, he added. He made the comments during a three-day religious conference in Dharamshala, the northern Indian town where he has been based since 1959, when he fled Tibet for India after a failed uprising against China. Speaking to Al Jazeera, the Tibetan writer and activist Tenzin Tsundue described the Dalai Lamas announcement on Wednesday as a punch in the face for China, which governs the Tibet Autonomous Region and which has claimed that it has the power to appoint his successor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Nobel Peace Prize-winning Dalai Lama, whom China brands a separatist, has previously warned Beijing not to meddle in the system of reincarnation of lamas, let alone that of the Dalai Lama. In response to his comments on Wednesday, China said the Dalai Lamas succession must be approved by the central government in Beijing. Thupten Ngodup, a spiritual adviser to the Dalai Lama, said that ordinarily there would not be talk of a successor during the current leaders lifetime. But this discussion is happening now mainly because the Chinese government is interfering with the reincarnation of His Holiness, he told Al Jazeera. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Tibetan Buddhism, it is believed that the spiritual leader will be reincarnated in the body of a child. Monks attend the 15th Tibetan Religious Conference in the northern hill town of Dharamshala, India, on July 2, 2025 [Anushree Fadnavis/Reuters] Born into a farming family on July 6, 1935, the current Dalai Lama was chosen for the role at the age of two. A search party sent by the Tibetan government picked him after he identified items belonging to his predecessor, according to his website. In the winter of 1940, he moved to Lhasa, the Tibetan capital, where he became his peoples spiritual leader. His successor can be of any gender and does not have to hold Tibetan nationality, an official at the Dalai Lamas trust said on Wednesday. In 2011, the Dalai Lama handed political authority to a democratically elected Tibetan government-in-exile. Tenzin Gyatso has said on multiple occasions that he may be the last Dalai Lama. But as thousands of Tibetan Buddhists gather in the northern Indian town of Dharamsala to celebrate his 90th birthday on July 6, spilling out of temples into nearby parking lots and courtyards in the Himalayan foothills, the spiritual leader of a religion whose future has been mired in uncertainty offered a more affirming message. The institution of the Dalai Lama will continue, the 14th Dalai Lama said in a statement on Wednesday at the start of the three-day 15th Tibetan Religious Conference. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Dalai Lama had previously said that his 90th birthday would be a point at which he would evaluate whether or not the 600-year-old institution would persist, amid ongoing repression by China. His resolute answer, however, signals more challenges ahead. The Dalai Lama outlined a succession process that puts him and the religion even more at odds with Beijing, which has long accused him of being a separatist and insisted on exercising influence over Tibetan Buddhist leadership. Heres what to know. Chinas relationship with the Dalai Lama The question of whether or not there would be a future Dalai Lama at all, and how they will be chosen, carries high geopolitical stakes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Historically, the Dalai Lama has played a dual spiritual and political leadership role. But the current Dalai Lama fled to India after China seized control of Tibet in the 1950s. He set up a Tibetan government-in-exile in Dharamsala, though transferred his formal political authority to an elected leader in 2011. Beijing continues to view the Dalai Lama as a threat because of the symbolic influence he has for Tibetan Buddhists, both inside China and scattered around the globe, and his advocacy for autonomy and religious freedom for this homeland. Exiled Tibetan leaders and human rights advocates have accused the Chinese government of cultural genocide through the separation of families in the region, censorship of the Tibetan language and culture, mass surveillance, harsh penalties for dissent, and the destruction of homes. Imperial China has in the past insisted, by way of a 1793 ordinance, that the reincarnation process and identification of a successor must have its approval. (China has similarly tried to exercise control over other religious institutions.) Today, even the officially atheist Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is insisting that it has final say on who will next lead the six-century-old institution. The Dalai Lama and Tibets government-in-exile have rejected Chinas assertion and said that any candidate imposed by Beijing would not be recognized. The Dalai Lama formalized this in a 2011 edict that empowers only his office with the ability to recognize the future Dalai Lamawhich he reaffirmed in his latest announcement. How the Dalai Lama says his successor will be chosen Under the 2011 edict, only the Gaden Phrodrang Trust, the office of the Dalai Lama, can identify the next reincarnation. The selection process is not clearly defined, but involves interpreting spiritual signs, turning to the Dharma protectorsBuddhist deitiesand consulting the heads of Tibetan Buddhist traditions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Traditionally, after the death of the incumbent, there will be a search for a child reincarnation in Tibethistorically a boy, although the Dalai Lama has said before that he could return as a girl. After a child is chosen and confirmed, he then spends many years studying to assume his role. The current Dalai Lama was recognized when he was two years old. But the Tibetan spiritual leader has said in the past that his successor would be born outside China, and with Chinese control of the Himalayan region, the search may have to take place elsewhere. China has asserted its influence over Tibetan Buddhist leadership selection before. The Dalai Lama identified a young boy for the role of the Panchen Lama, the second highest figure in Tibetan Buddhism, after the 10th Panchen Lamas death in 1989. But the six-year-old was detained by Chinese officials in 1995 and allegedly has not been seen since. Beijing picked its own alternative Panchen Lama, who pledged loyalty to the CCP. On Wednesday, the Dalai Lama again emphasized that his office has the sole authority to name his successor and that followers should reject a potential Beijing-appointed Dalai Lama, drawing ire from China. No one else has any such authority to interfere in this matter, the Dalai Lama said in his statement. How China has responded Because of the symbolic importance the Dalai Lama holds to Tibetan people, even after his exile, as well as the regions cultural distinctions from the rest of China, choosing the next Dalai Lama is all the more politically important to Beijing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Already, China has rejected the Dalai Lamas statement, saying the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama must adhere to the principles of domestic search in China and approval by the central government. Specifically, Chinas foreign ministry said the successor can only be chosen by a lot-drawing system introduced in 1792. Should China insist on conducting its own selection, we may end up with two Dalai Lamas, observers believe. That could become a further point of friction between China on one side and Tibet and its supporters, including the U.S. and India, on the other. Penpa Tsering, the former speaker of Tibets government-in-exile parliament, said Wednesday, we not only strongly condemn the Peoples Republic of Chinas usage of reincarnation subject for their political gain, we will never accept it. Youdon Aukatsang, a member of Tibets parliament-in-exile, similarly told the BBC that a Beijing-chosen Dalai Lama will not be recognised, not only by the Tibetans but the world will not recognise it because China doesnt have the legitimacy to find the future Dalai Lama. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite all these years of trying to control the hearts and minds of Tibetan people inside Tibet, she added, China has completely failed. Charlie Campbell contributed. Contact us at letters@time.com. Exiled Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama has confirmed he will have a successor, putting to rest speculation over whether the 600-year-old institution will end when he dies. In a video message keenly-awaited by his followers, he said only the trust that he founded could appoint his successor and "no-one else has any authority to interfere in this matter". According to Tibetan tradition, Dalai Lamas are "reincarnated" after they die. China annexed Tibet in 1950 and the current Dalai Lama lives in exile in India, making succession a highly contentious issue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beijing rejected the statement, saying his successor would be from inside China and must be approved by the government. Hundreds of followers gathered on Wednesday to hear the long-awaited announcement in the Indian town of Dharamshala where the Dalai Lama lives. The Dalai Lama Library and Archive centre, where the video message was broadcast, resembled a sea of maroon with monks from all over the world in attendance. "I am affirming that the institution of the Dalai Lama will continue," the Dalai Lama's statement said. He reiterated that "the Gaden Phodrang Trust, the Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama... should accordingly carry out the procedures of search and recognition in accordance with past tradition". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dharamshala is holding the Dalai Lama's milestone 90th birthday celebrations which began on Monday - his birthday according to the Tibetan lunar calendar - and will conclude on 6 July, his official birthday. Celebrations will be attended by more than 7,000 guests, including a number of Indian ministers. Hollywood actor Richard Gere, a long-time follower, is also taking part. Monks from all over the world had gathered to hear the Dalai Lama [Reuters] In the past, the Nobel Peace Prize-winning spiritual head of Tibetan Buddhism had been torn between whether to continue with the post of Dalai Lama or not. A few years ago, he said his successor might be a girl, or that there might be no successor at all. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But in recent years, he had also said that if there was widespread support among Tibetans-in-exile for the post - which there is - then it would continue and his office would choose a successor. He has always insisted that his successor must be born outside China and his reiteration of the same on Wednesday did not go down well with Beijing. A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said that the Dalai Lama's reincarnation must comply with Chinese laws and regulations as well as "religious rituals and historical conventions" and would need to be approved by Beijing. Even though the Dalai Lama has always advocated a "middle way" to resolve the status of Tibet - genuine self-rule within China - Beijing regards him as a separatist. It says the standard of living of people in Tibet has greatly improved under its rule and denies suppressing their human rights and freedom of expression. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hollywood actor Richard Gere (right) is a long-time follower of the Dalai Lama [Getty Images] The Dalai Lama's message "affirming that the continuation of the institution" has been welcomed by his followers. Tsayang Gyatso, a 40-year-old businessman, said that for most Tibetans, the announcement is "a great relief and a moment of happiness". "I always had a belief that the reincarnation will come. But having heard it from His Holiness, I feel elated," he told the BBC in Dharamshala. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Gyatso, who had travelled from Delhi, said he felt "blessed to be here in person to witness His Holiness's birthday". He said there was "a lot of propaganda from China on the appointment of the next Dalai Lama" which made him fear that the appointment process could be corrupted "but all that has been put to rest by His Holiness's announcement". Robert Barnett, a Tibet scholar at the School of Oriental and African Studies in London, told the BBC that the Dalai Lama's "message is indirect signalling" to China. "He's signalling two things here. One is he's going to decide on his reincarnation, not China. And the other is he's showing China that he's made this decision through a kind of popular - almost democratic - process of asking the community whether they want his institution to continue." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That's a signal to China that his legitimacy is based on consent and not on force, Prof Barnett said. Sunday's birthday celebrations will be attended by more than 7,000 people [Getty Images] Experts, however, say China is also expected to name its own Dalai Lama. Dibyesh Anand, professor of International Relations at the University of Westminster, said, "After a period of a few months or a few years, they will have their own proteges identify a small boy as the next Dalai Lama and impose that. Of course, a majority of Tibetans are going to reject it and the majority of people in the world are going to make fun of it. But remember China has immense authority in terms of resources so they will try to impose that." Youdon Aukatsang, an MP in the Tibetan parliament-in-exile, told the BBC that "despite all these years of trying to control the hearts and minds of Tibetan people inside Tibet", Beijing has "completely failed". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Dalai Lama chosen by China, she says, "will not be recognised, not only by the Tibetans but the world will not recognise it because China doesn't have the legitimacy to find the future Dalai Lama". "We are concerned but we know that irrespective of our concern, China will come up with their own Dalai Lama, we will call it the Chinese-recognised Dalai Lama. I am not worried that Dalai Lama will have any credibility in the Tibetan world or the Buddhist world." China intensifies anti-drug campaign with digital technology Xinhua) 13:41, June 27, 2025 BEIJING, June 26 (Xinhua) -- In a dim karaoke room, lights flicker to a thumping beat. Drugs sit openly on the table, untouched. This isn't real -- it's virtual reality (VR), designed to trigger the cravings addicts fight against every day. At the Tiantanghe Drug Rehabilitation Center on the southern outskirts of Beijing, this high-tech form of therapy plunges recovering addicts into virtual recreations of the places they find most tempting -- KTV lounges and hotels. Across the country, many drug rehabilitation centers have, like Tiantanghe, introduced this innovative therapy as part of a broader initiative to enhance their rehabilitation efforts. "Some may think they've overcome their addiction," said Wen Xinhua, a rehabilitation officer at the center. "Others might not even recognize the deep triggers buried within them. But once they put on the VR headset and face real-world temptations, their brainwave data reveals the truth." This data helps gauge the severity of addiction and acts as a crucial checkpoint for those who believe they've overcome their struggles. It's the ultimate test, proving whether they're truly prepared to re-enter society without relapsing. Wen introduced this concept as he led recent visitors from all walks of life around the center during its weeklong Open Day event. The event was held in conjunction with International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, which was on Thursday. The United Nations designated the day as June 26, one day after the anniversary of Qing Dynasty official Lin Zexu's destruction of about 1,400 tonnes of foreign-smuggled opium in south China in 1839. Lin's move is regarded as a milestone chapter of China's battle against opium, and the Chinese people's resolve to eliminate drugs has never wavered. Since 1949, the Chinese government has worked tirelessly to control drugs. For example, cultivating and using marijuana are strictly forbidden, with traffickers facing the death penalty in extreme cases. In 2024, Chinese authorities concluded 37,000 drug-related criminal cases, making 62,000 related arrests and seizing 26.7 tonnes of narcotics nationwide, according to the Ministry of Public Security. The majority of drugs seized in China originated from abroad, according to a report from the Office of China National Narcotics Control Commission. Throughout 2024, China seized 16.3 tonnes of narcotics from overseas sources, representing a 20 percent year-on-year decrease. The Golden Triangle region remained China's primary drug source, accounting for 76 percent of all seized foreign narcotics. Li Xiaoguang, a senior judge of the Supreme People's Court, highlighted the rise of new types of drugs in China, which he said are outpacing traditional drug offenses in number, at a recent news conference. They come in various forms -- often disguised as candy, stamps or cigarettes, making them deceptive and difficult to detect, Li said. He also noted a troubling trend of younger individuals becoming increasingly involved, both as victims and as offenders. Strengthening education on drug prevention for young people -- particularly students in elementary and secondary schools -- is a key component of China's drug control efforts. In a recent anti-drug educational seminar at a primary school in Linfen, north China's Shanxi Province, VR technology was used to simulate the uncomfortable effects of drug use. Students wore VR headsets to experience the physical toll of addiction, dangerous behaviors resulting from hallucinations, and the emotional devastation drugs can bring to families. The immersive experience gave them a stark, firsthand look at the destructive impact drugs can have on both the body and the mind. "Putting on the VR glasses was like seeing what happens when people take drugs for real. It was really scary! I'll definitely stay away from drugs," one student said. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Sean Combs told his family Ill be home soon and I love you as he was escorted from the courtroom by US Marshals after being acquitted of the most serious charges in his federal trial. Sean Combs told his family Ill be home soon and I love you as he was escorted from the courtroom by US Marshals after being acquitted of the most serious charges in his federal trial The 55-year-old music mogul, widely known as Sean Diddy Combs, was cleared of racketeering conspiracy and two counts of sex trafficking on Tuesday (02.07.25) charges that carried potential life sentences following three days of jury deliberation in the US District Court in Lower Manhattan. Combs was, however, convicted on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. Each count carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison but no mandatory minimum, opening the possibility Combs could walk free depending on the judges decision. His sentencing has not yet been scheduled. Following the verdict, Combs pumped his right fist in celebration, embraced his family and legal team, and mouthed Thank you. Thank you, to the jury, according to The New York Times. He also reportedly smiled and placed his hands together in prayer. Marc Agnifilo, Combs lead attorney, immediately urged Judge Arun Subramanian to release his client ahead of sentencing, pointing out Combs had been acquitted of the most serious charges. Mr Combs has been given his life by this jury, Agnifilo said. He would be nothing short of a fool to breach his terms of any bail conditions. The defence proposed Combs be allowed to return to his home in Miami, Florida, under strict conditions, including a $1million bond. Lead US Attorney Maurene Comey opposed the request, citing legal standards requiring a person found guilty to remain in custody unless a judge determines they are neither a flight risk nor a danger to the community. A person found guilty shall be detained until the judicial officer finds he is not likely to flee or be a danger, Comey said. The judge had been expected to issue a decision at 1pm EST on Tuesday, but the hearing was delayed until 5pm. As he exited the courtroom, Combs shouted Dream Team toward his defence counsel. Outside the courthouse, supporters of Combs marked the moment by pouring baby oil on each other in celebration. BANGKOK, July 2 (Xinhua) -- A reception celebrating the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Thailand was co-hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Thailand and Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bangkok on Monday. More than 2,000 guests attended the reception, including Phumtham Wechayachai, Thailand's deputy prime minister, Maris Sangiampongsa, Thailand's foreign minister and some other ministers, as well as ambassadors from various countries, representatives of Chinese institutions and international students. Phumtham said Thailand and China have close relationships and deep feelings in all fields. The slogan of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Thailand and China, "China and Thailand, One Heart, One Community, Shared Future," fully reflects the firm confidence and determination of the two peoples to forge ahead to create a better future. Maris said the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between Thailand and China has created tangible development dividends and people's well-being for both countries, making important contributions to regional peace and stability. Wu Zhiwu, charge d'Affaires ad interim of the Chinese Embassy in Thailand, said that China and Thailand have worked together in times of challenges over the past 50 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations and the friendship has remained even stronger. He noted that China is willing to be a reliable and dependable partner of Thailand, strengthen the alignment of development strategies with Thailand, and promote closer, more meaningful and more resilient China-Thailand relations to reach new levels. The guests watched a video celebrating the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Thailand, a photo exhibition and cultural performances. The spiritual leader reaffirms that the Gaden Phodrang Trust has "sole authority to recognise the future reincarnation" and that "no one else has any such authority to interfere in this matter". The Dalai Lama said Wednesday that the 600-year-old Tibetan spiritual institution would continue after his death, reassuring Buddhist followers around the globe and saying his office "exclusively" would name his successor, even as China insisted it would. Followers of the Dalai Lama laud his tireless campaign for greater autonomy for Tibet, a vast high-altitude plateau in China about the size of South Africa. It is a landmark decision for Tibetans, many of whom had feared a future without a leader, as well as for global supporters who see the Dalai Lama as a symbol of non-violence, compassion and the enduring struggle for Tibetan cultural identity under Chinese rule. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Tibetans, Tenzin Gyatso is the 14th reincarnation of the Dalai Lama. He and thousands of other Tibetans have lived in exile in India since Chinese troops crushed an uprising in the Tibetan capital Lhasa in 1959. The charismatic Nobel Peace Prize-winning Buddhist had previously said the institution of Dalai Lama would continue only if there was popular demand. He said Wednesday he had received multiple appeals over the past 14 years from the Tibetan diaspora, Buddhists from across the Himalayan region, Mongolia and parts of Russia and China, "earnestly requesting that the institution of the Dalai Lama continue". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "In particular, I have received messages through various channels from Tibetans in Tibet making the same appeal," he said in a video broadcast at the start of a meeting of religious leaders in the Indian Himalayan town where he has lived for decades. "In accordance with all these requests, I am affirming that the institution of the Dalai Lama will continue," he added, according to an official translation. The announcement was made ahead of his 90th birthday on July 6. - 'Historic' - While China condemns him as a rebel and separatist, the internationally recognised Dalai Lama describes himself as a "simple Buddhist monk". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many exiled Tibetans fear China will name its own successor to bolster control over a territory it poured troops into in 1950. But the Dalai Lama said Wednesday that responsibility for identifying the 15th Dalai Lama "will rest exclusively" with the India-based Gaden Phodrang Trust, the office of the Dalai Lama. Samdhong Rinpoche, a senior Tibetan leader from the Gaden Phodrang Trust, told reporters that the Dalai Lama was "in excellent health" and that, at this time, there were "no further instructions for succession". However, Rinpoche said the next Dalai Lama could be of "any nationality", and would come from a place where there is "access to freedom". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement China said on Wednesday that the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama "must be approved by the central government" in Beijing, and that it would be carried out "by drawing lots from a golden urn", foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told reporters. That urn is held by Beijing, and the Dalai Lama has already warned that, when used dishonestly, it lacks "any spiritual quality". The Dalai Lama handed over political authority in 2011 to an exiled government chosen democratically by 130,000 Tibetans globally. At the same time, he warned that the future of his spiritual post faced an "obvious risk of vested political interests misusing the reincarnation system". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 1995, Beijing selected a Panchen Lama, another influential Tibetan religious figure, and detained a Dalai Lama-recognised six-year-old, described by rights groups as the world's youngest political prisoner. The Dalai Lama's announcement about the continuation of the role was welcomed with relief by Tibetans, including by Jigme Taydeh, a civil servant with the India-based Tibetan government. "Whilst we rejoice at this confirmation of its continuation, we stringently object to China's interference and plans to install a puppet Dalai Lama", he said. "Neither the Tibetans nor the world would recognise such mischief." burs-pjm/lb The Dalai Lama has announced that he will have a successor after his death, continuing a centuries-old tradition that has become a flashpoint in the struggle with Chinas Communist Party over Tibets future. Tibetan Buddhisms spiritual leader made the declaration on Wednesday in a video message to religious elders gathering in Dharamshala, India, where the Nobel Peace laureate has lived since fleeing Tibet after a failed uprising against Chinese communist rule in 1959. I am affirming that the institution of the Dalai Lama will continue, the Dalai Lama said in the pre-recorded video, citing requests he received over the years from Tibetans and Tibetan Buddhists urging him to do so. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Gaden Phodrang Trust has sole authority to recognize the future reincarnation; no one else has any such authority to interfere in this matter, he added, using the formal name for the office of the Dalai Lama. The office should carry out the procedures of search and recognition of the future dalai lama in accordance with past tradition, he said, without revealing further details on the process. The Dalai Lama has previously stated that when he is about 90 years old, he will consult the high lamas of Tibetan Buddhism and the Tibetan public to re-evaluate whether the institution of the dalai lama should continue. Wednesdays announcement delivered days before his 90th birthday this Sunday sets the stage for a high-stakes battle over his succession, between Tibetan leaders in exile and Chinas atheist Communist Party, which insists it alone holds the authority to approve the next dalai lama. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Asked about the Dalai Lamas statement, a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry reiterated Beijings long-held stance that the spiritual leaders reincarnation must comply with Chinese laws and regulations, with search and identification conducted in China and approved by the central government. In a memoir published in March, the Dalai Lama states that his successor will be born in the free world outside China, urging his followers to reject any candidate selected by Beijing. That could lead to the emergence of two rival dalai lamas: one chosen by his predecessor, the other by the Chinese Communist Party. Both the Tibetan exile community and the Chinese government want to influence the future of Tibet, and they see the next dalai lama as the key to do so, said Ruth Gamble, an expert in Tibetan history at La Trobe University in Melbourne, Australia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Samdhong Rinpoche, a senior official at the Dalai Lamas office, told reporters on Wednesday that any further information about the procedures or methods of the Dalai Lamas reincarnation would not be revealed to the public until the succession takes place. Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama speaks in a previously-recorded video message at the start of the 15th Tibetan Religious Conference in Dharamshala, India on July 2, 2025. - @DalaiLama/X Struggle over succession Over a lifetime in exile, the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, has become synonymous with Tibet and its quest for genuine autonomy under Beijings tightening grip on the Himalayan region. From his adopted hometown of Dharamshala, where he established a government-in-exile, the spiritual leader has unified Tibetans at home and in exile and elevated their plight onto the global stage. That has made the Dalai Lama a persistent thorn in the side of Beijing, which denounces him as a dangerous separatist and a wolf in monks robes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since the 1970s, the Dalai Lama has maintained that he no longer seeks full independence for Tibet, but meaningful autonomy that would allow Tibetans to preserve their distinct culture, religion and identity. His commitment to the nonviolent middle way approach has earned him international support and the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989. The Dalai Lama has long been wary of Beijings attempt to meddle with the reincarnation system of Tibetan Buddhism. Tibetan Buddhists believe in the circle of rebirth, and that when an enlightened spiritual master like the Dalai Lama dies, he will be able to choose the place and time of his rebirth through the force of compassion and prayer. But the religious tradition has increasingly become a battleground for the control of Tibetan hearts and minds, especially since the contested reincarnation of the Panchen Lama, the second-highest figure in the religion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 1995, years after the death of the 10th Panchen Lama, Beijing installed its own panchen lama in defiance of the Dalai Lama, whose pick for the role a six-year-old boy has since vanished from public view. Under Tibetan tradition, the dalai lamas and the panchen lamas have long played key roles in recognizing each others reincarnations. Experts believe Beijing will seek to interfere in the current Dalai Lamas succession in a similar way. Theres a whole series of high-level reincarnated lamas cultivated by the Chinese government to work with it inside Tibet. (Beijing) will call on all of those to help establish the Dalai Lama that they pick inside Tibet, Gamble said. Theres been a long-term plan to work toward this. A resolution of gratitude statement released by Tibetan Buddhist religious leaders gathering in Dharamshala on Wednesday said they strongly condemn the Peoples Republic of Chinas usage of reincarnation subject for their political gain and will never accept it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For his part, the current Dalai Lama has made clear that any candidate appointed by Beijing will hold no legitimacy in the eyes of Tibetans or followers of Tibetan Buddhism. It is totally inappropriate for Chinese Communists, who explicitly reject religion, including the idea of past and future lives, to meddle in the system of reincarnation of lamas, let alone that of the Dalai Lama, he writes in his latest memoir, Voice for the Voiceless. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Dallas Animal Services (DAS) is launching Mission Pawsible this month to help save animals. The agency aims to place 1,200 animals in loving homes by the end of July, according to a press release. Mission Pawsible took inspiration from a summer blockbuster thriller, changing every adopter into a lifesaving operative. Were calling on every neighborhood, family, and pet lover to step up, save a life, and be the Mission Pawsible hero these pets are waiting for, said DAS Director Paul Ramon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Friends of Dallas Animal Services the shelters nonprofit fundraising partner is helping provide limited-edition Mission Pawsible T-shirts to the first 1,200 adopters, ready-for-deployment adoptable pet profiles, a live mission dashboard, and themed weekends with giveaways, photo ops, and adoption spotlights. Those who refer a friend to adopt and are named by that friend will both be entered to win one of five pet-themed gift baskets valued at $100 each. No purchase necessary just a shared mission to save lives. Adoptions in July are free and include microchipping, spaying or neutering surgery, and vaccinations. Interested residents can visit the shelters website or stop by in person at 1818 N. Westmoreland Road, open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mission Pawsible aims to boost community engagement and pet adoptions during the shelters busiest time of year. Kennel occupancy is currently 149% for dogs and 136% for cats. At a time when shelters across Texas are overcrowded, this campaign is exactly the kind of creative, community-driven action that makes a real difference, said Sophia Proler, South Central Director for Best Friends Animal Society. Were proud to support their work and every adopter who answers this call to help pets in need. DAS hopes to maintain a 90 percent save rate, according to the release. The shelter had a 75.7 percent live release rate in May. Officers also recently rescued a dog and a kitten from local highways, as The Dallas Express reported. Dallas Animal Services led Texas in pet adoptions in 2024, as The Dallas Express also reported. That same year, the agency topped all other shelters in the U.S. with the highest year-over-year adoption increase. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Dallas Express reached out to Dallas Animal Services, but did not hear back in time for publication. We are on track for another banner year of adoptions, Ramon said. We know Dallas doesnt back down from a challenge. A previously convicted El Paso-area child molester was sentenced to life plus 10 years in federal prison for distribution of child pornography, including taking illicit photos at his home in Anthony, Texas, court documents stated. Mark Martinez, 57, was described in a statement by FBI El Paso Special Agent in Charge John S. Morales as a "dangerous child predator" in a case highlighting "the disturbing reality of sexual exploitation." FBI agents with the Violent Crimes Against Children Squad found more than 2,300 photos and 138 videos of child sexual abuse material, known as CSAM, on a computer tablet and two cell phones, according to criminal complaint filed by an FBI agent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: 'Horrific crime': El Paso FBI arrests accused child porn distributor in national crackdown Mark Martinez, a previously convicted child sex offender from Anthony, Texas, was sentenced to life plus 10 years in federal prison in El Paso federal court on June 30, 2025, after pleading guilty to possessing, producing and distributing child pornography. Martinez was sentenced on Monday, June 30, in federal court in El Paso after pleading guilty last August to five counts of producing, possessing and exchanging child sex abuse material, sex offender registration violations and committing a sex crime as a registered sex offender, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Texas said in a statement. In 1991, Martinez was convicted of sexually assaulting an 8-year-old boy, was sent to state prison, released and was required to register as a sex offender, according to Texas public sex offender registry and the U.S. Attorney's Office. Child porn case goes as far back as 2020 An FBI complaint affidavit stated that an online child pornography investigation had flagged a person, later identified as Martinez, as far back as 2020. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Violent crime: 'I'm hit.' Bodycam video shows El Paso police shootout that killed man, wounded officer In March 2020, the FBI learned that an undercover law enforcement operation flagged a person using the moniker "naughty_daddy4young" suspected of receiving and sharing child porn on the Kik messaging service, the complaint stated. In January 2021, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received information that a person was attempting to solicit nude photos from a juvenile in Colorado from a phone number traced to Martinez, the FBI complaint stated. FBI agents search homes in Anthony, Texas The investigation found that Martinez lived on Kelwood Street and from time to time lived with his mother on 3rd Street, both homes are in Anthony, Texas, the complaint stated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Aug. 26, 2022, FBI agents served search warrants at both locations, seizing two cell phones and a computer tablet belonging to Martinez, where the CSAM was found during an extensive forensic search in October, the complaint stated. John S. Morales, El Paso FBI special agent in charge. One of the cell phones contained several pornographic photos of a girl, about 5 to 6 years old, which had been taken the previous month (July) at the home on 3rd Street, the complaint stated. The photos had geolocation information matching the home and an ornate patterned rug in the background in a photo matched a rug in the main living area of the house. The digital devices also included files with downloaded videos of young girls being raped, the complaint stated. One device also contained Telegram messaging chats were Martinez admitted to sexually molesting a child, authorities said. The child's connection to Martinez, if any, was not explained in the complaint. Child porn suspect arrested at New Mexico border In October 2022, a warrant for Martinez's arrest was issued, but by that time he had already left to Mexico without reporting to his registration officer, the U.S. Attorney's Office said in statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When Martinez returned to the U.S., he was arrested at the border port of entry in Columbus, New Mexico, on March 3, 2023. He had been held at the El Paso County Jail since that time. Courts: Hudspeth man gets 50-year prison term for sexually abusing girls for more than a decade "Placing this child predator behind bars for the rest of his life makes certain this predator will never again harm another child," U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons for the Western District of Texas said in a statement. "The facts of this case are incredibly disturbing," Simmons said. "And I thank all of our law enforcement partners for their work investigating this case, which led to this repeat offender's ultimate conviction, and life imprisonment." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Daniel Borunda may be reached at dborunda@elpasotimes.com and @BorundaDaniel on X. This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: El Paso-area 'child predator' gets life in prison plus 10 years You won't find much fun at Pleasure Beach this summer. The popular shoreline spot in Bridgeport, Connecticut, has been closed to the public for the 2025 season due to multiple tick species that were found in the area. City officials from Bridgeport announced the closure on social media, saying that "extensive consultation with state environmental experts" led to the decision. Several different types of ticks were found along the beaches, including the invasive Asian longhorned tick. These ticks were first discovered in the United States in 2017 and, while unlikely to cause Lyme disease, they carry other pathogens that both humans are animals are susceptible to. Both Pleasure Beach and the nearby fishing pier will remain closed until further notice, but city officials are hopeful about opening the area up to the public in the 2026 summer season. "In the interest of public health and environmental safety, the Facebook post reads, "the city will be conducting a series of treatment and containment efforts throughout the area." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ticks are a growing problem across the United States, and the northeast especially. Different species can spread diseases like Lyme, Babesiosis, Alpha-Gal Syndrome, and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. Related: Surfer Headbutted by Shark in Wild Video The statement isn't all negative. Apart from the tick infestation, city officials say the locally protected Audubon birds nesting along the beaches have boomed in population over recent years. They state that reduced human contact will help the bird species continue to populate to a healthier number. "Given the island's sensitive ecosystem, managing the risks of cross-contamination requires deliberate, long-term planning," the statement says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Disappointed locals offered up creative solutions in the comments, ranging from employing predator Guinea hens and opossums to spraying hazardous chemicals along the natural waterfront. Dangerous Tick Outbreak Will Close Popular Beach All Summer, Officials Say first appeared on Men's Journal on Jul 2, 2025 A Danish national was arrested in Denmark on allegations of gathering information on Jewish locations and people in Berlin for Iranian intelligence and will be extradited to Germany, German and Danish authorities announced Tuesday. The man, identified only as Ali S. under German privacy law, was arrested Thursday in the Danish city of Aarhus, according to German prosecutors. He was directed by an Iranian intelligence service earlier this year to gather information on "Jewish localities and specific Jewish individuals" in Berlin, prosecutors said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The suspect is accused of spying on three locations in June, presumably in preparation for further intelligence activities, including possible terrorist attacks on Jewish targets, prosecutors said. Iran, Following Trump Strikes, Says 'The Doors To Diplomacy Will Never Slam Shut' Iran's flag flies in front of the Iranian Embassy in Berlin. Iranian Ambassador to Germany Majid Nili Ahmadabadi was summoned to the German Foreign Ministry Tuesday. Read On The Fox News App "If this suspicion were confirmed, it would be an outrageous incident that would once again demonstrate that Iran is a threat to Jews all over the world," German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said after visiting a Jewish synagogue in the Ukrainian city of Odesa during a visit to the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Iranian Embassy in Berlin denied the allegations as "unfounded and dangerous accusations" that it argued appeared to be an attempt to distract from recent Israeli attacks on Iran. "Previous discussions with relevant German authorities have already highlighted that certain third parties are attempting to divert public perceptions from the actual events through artificial staging," the embassy said in a statement. The suspect, identified only as Ali S., was arrested Thursday in the Danish city of Aarhus. German security authorities stepped up protection for Jewish and Israeli sites in response to the 12-day war last month between Israel and Iran. During the conflict, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Germany was prepared for Iran to target Israeli or Jewish targets in the country. The suspect allegedly took photos of buildings, including the headquarters of the German-Israeli Society and a building where the President of the Central Council of Jews in Germany, Josef Schuster, was believed to sometimes stay, according to Der Spiegel magazine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The extended arms of Iranian terror must have no place in Germany," a statement from the German-Israeli Society said, calling on the European Union to list Iran's Revolutionary Guards Corps as a terrorist organization. Iran-linked Hackers Threaten To Release New Trove Of Emails Stolen From Trump's Inner Circle After Strikes Schuster added that "the German government should not only remain vigilant but also take active political action against the Iranian regime. There can be no other consequence for this allegedly planned terrorist attack." Ali S. will be moved from Denmark to Germany, where he will be brought before an investigating judge of Germany's Federal Court of Justice, prosecutors said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The suspect was remanded in custody until July 23, pending extradition to Germany, according to Denmark's national security and intelligence service. Reuters contributed to this report. Original article source: Danish national wanted in Germany arrested after allegedly spying on Jewish targets for Iran Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) could soon make the largest cuts in history. DART officials discussed options like cutting routes and reducing service frequency in a virtual pre-public hearing on July 1. These are part of the largest service cuts in agency history, according to the agencys website. Meanwhile, multiple cities have requested new DART services. We did not do this quickly or easily. We did it over the course of a long period of time, DART Senior Manager Hans-Michael Ruthe said in the meeting. In looking at which ones to identify, we considered, first and foremost, what alternative services would be left behind. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The state House considered HB 3187 earlier this year, which would have enabled 25 percent of a citys sales tax to go toward a general mobility program. DART Representative Jeamy Molina told The Dallas Express, It would have killed DART. Though the bill ultimately stalled in the state House, Molina said DART engaged in a good faith effort to find a solution in the meantime. The DART board of directors approved a general mobility program in March, which would redistribute 5 percent of the agencys sales tax revenue among seven eligible member cities for two years. This $42-43 million drop in funds, according to Molina, combined with cities requests for new services, led DART to make these cuts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cities have sunk $17 billion into DART since 1984, and the agency faced criticism in 2008 for a $900 million accounting error. Since DART passed the recent general mobility plan, it is tightening its belt with the recent cuts. Molina said DART has had 15 pre-public community meetings so far, with an upcoming public hearing at DART headquarters on July 8. Molina said the agency will officially decide on the cuts at the end of August budgeting. Cutting Bus Routes DART is considering cutting the following bus routes: 209 McKinney/Cole 225 Nursery 234 Parker Road 242 Walnut Hill 254 Legacy 255 Story Road 305 Addison Express 378 Red Bird Express 383 Lake Ray Hubbard Express Prolonging Wait Times DART could also reduce service frequency, which would increase passenger wait times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ruthe said the agency tried to focus its frequency reductions on the mornings and afternoons, which he said are traditionally considered rush hour periods, but ridership has recently been growing faster midday and on weekends. He also said officials tried their best to keep the current hours of operation. For the light rail, the current maximum wait is 15 minutes, and it can sometimes be up to 20 minutes after 7 p.m. Under the proposed changes, the maximum wait during the midday peak would be 20 minutes, and 30 minutes after 7 p.m. For the silver line specifically, the wait time is currently a maximum of 30 minutes, which would become an hour. For frequent bus routes, most wait times would be adjusted to 20 minutes during the midday peak, while routes 28, 41, and 47 would increase to 30 minutes. After 7 p.m., wait times would increase from 20 minutes to 30 minutes. For local bus routes, the wait times would increase from a maximum of 15 minutes during the peak to 20 minutes. After 7 p.m. and on weekends, they would increase from 30 minutes to 1 hour. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For local coverage bus routes, the wait times during weekday peaks would remain at 30 minutes. During the week, and on weekends, they would increase from 40 minutes to an hour at midday. For express buses, route 306 currently with a wait time of 15 minutes would increase to 20 minutes. Changing Fares DART may also change its fare program. For regional fares, officials proposed replacing the TRE one-way pass with a 3-hour pass $6 for regional, and $3 for regional reduced. The day pass would decrease from $12 to $9 for regional passes and increase from $3 to $4.50 for regional reduced passes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DART could add a $96 regional reduced monthly pass and cut the annual pass. For corporate annual passes, officials proposed keeping the local monthly pass at $126 and raising the local annual pass to $945. They could reduce the discount to 37.5 percent. Cutting Back Disability Rides DART could reduce the number of paratransit rides for disabled passengers. Patrick McCurley, DARTs director of fare policy and revenue, said the Americans with Disabilities Act only requires paratransit rides within three-quarters of a mile of fixed routes, so the agency would cut back accordingly. DART estimates this would affect 17 percent of paratransit trips. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If DART doesnt make service area cuts, it may double the paratransit fees from $3 to $6. For trips beyond a three-quarters-of-a-mile radius, the agency could charge a $10 fare. Carrollton City Councilman Richard Fleming said in the meeting that he is concerned about these paratransit fare increases. We have to be mindful of the fare increase for our most vulnerable population, he said. After a DART paratransit driver sexually assaulted a disabled woman in 2022, her family sued the agency, as The Dallas Express previously reported. Her lawyer pointed to a history of sexual assault by paratransit drivers and called for accountability. We do everything to make sure that our customers feel safe when theyre riding any part of our system, and so well continue to make sure that were looking at different ways to do that, Molina said. Reworking Curb-To-Curb DART could also make changes to GoLink its on-demand, curb-to-curb service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials could change the service to use rally points for pickups and drop-offs, requiring a distance-based premium fare for curb-to-curb service. Or, if the agency keeps curb-to-curb service, it would charge per mile. The agency is considering cutting GoLink in South Dallas, which covers nine square miles. This will still leave four light rail stations and five bus routes in place. Officials may cut GoLink zone to zone pilot services in Rylie/Kleberg, Rowlett/Southeast, Garland, North Dallas, and Plano. The agency is also considering cutting all existing GoLink zones in Plano, replacing them with a citywide GoLink. New Services Multiple cities have contacted DART requesting new services, DART officials said. The agency could offer new services in Addison, Carrollton, Highland Park, Plano, Rowlett, and University Park. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DART is considering an Addison GoLink zone, which would cover approximately five square miles and operate daily from 5 a.m. to midnight. It is also considering a shuttle route, with 15-minute service on weekdays from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. and weekends from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. During other times, service would be every 30 minutes. The agency is considering a citywide Plano GoLink zone, covering 72 square miles. This would replace the multiple existing zones. Officials are also considering two shuttle routes, running every 15 minutes on weekdays from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. Another shuttle route could run every 30 minutes on weekdays from 7 p.m. to midnight, and on weekends from 5 a.m. to midnight. In Carrollton, DART could expand the Keller Springs and Northwest Carrollton GoLink zones. In Highland Park, the agency could expand services to Love Field, Ruthe said. The plan suggests worker access locations in Highland Park Village, the Dallas Country Club, and construction sites. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement University Park requested expanded services for day laborers, according to Ruthe. He said parking is limited, so DART is considering a new parking program to help them get around. The plan suggests worker access locations in Snider Plaza and construction sites, as well as parking at Mockingbird Lane and Inwood Road, accessible by GoLink. Maintenance Issues DART has recently been struggling to maintain buses, with drivers reporting breakdowns, mechanical issues, and poor conditions. Molina said earlier this year that the board approved the purchase of 400 new buses to replace the existing fleet, which will be phased in starting in 2026. We understand that we have an aging system, and our employees do everything they can to try to maintain our current fleet. But we did approve the purchase of new buses, Molina said. Molina asked residents to attend the upcoming hearing on Tuesday, July 8, at 6 p.m. at DART headquarters. Everyone that shows up will have two minutes to speak and provide their input as to what they think of these cuts and their priorities. The Davenport City Council is set to consider a resolution to pay for changes for a quiet zone along the Mississippi riverfront. The move is in response to the increased rail traffic from the Canadian Pacific Kansas City Railroad. The project would require the city and the railroad company to meet federal regulations for a quiet zone. Davenport would move sidewalks near public crossings. The total cost of the project would be around $4.2 million. Money from state and federal grants and the citys capital program would pay for the project. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com. David Hoggs political group is backing Gen Z activist Deja Foxx in an upcoming Arizona congressional primary that could test voters appetite for generational change. Leaders We Deserve announced its endorsement of Foxx ahead of the July 15 primary for a special election in Arizonas safe-blue 7th District, describing the 25-year-old candidate as holding Republicans and career politicians' feet to the fire since she was 15 years old. Deja has lived it relying on Medicaid, Section 8 housing, and food stamps working at a gas station to live on her own while her single mother struggled with addiction, Hogg said in a statement, shared first with POLITICO. Deja knows people like her havent been seen in politics, and she has translated her story to represent a new vision of generational change that speaks truth to Trumps cruel policies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If victorious, the 25-year-old Foxx would become the youngest member of Congress. The endorsement is the latest from Leaders We Deserve, a PAC thats pledged to spend $20 million through 2026 and attracted ire from many establishment Democrats over its vow to primary asleep-at-the-wheel incumbents. Hogg, who is 25 years old, was voted out of his role as vice chair at the Democratic National Committee on a technical matter after the backlash to that plan. The group has not yet endorsed against any incumbents ahead of potential 2026 primaries. Foxx garnered national attention as a high schooler challenging then-Arizona Sen. Jeff Flake over Planned Parenthood funding at a town hall. She is now among five candidates competing to replace the late Rep. Raul Grijalva (D-Ariz.), who died in March after battling lung cancer. His daughter Adelita Grijalva, a former member of the Pima County Board of Supervisors, has received the most endorsements from lawmakers and is generally regarded as the favorite. Also running is Daniel Hernandez, a former state representative and intern to Rep. Gabby Giffords (D-Ariz.), who was credited with helping to save her life when she was shot in 2011. A poll commissioned by Foxxs campaign and released Tuesday found her at 35 percent , still second behind Grijalva but up 25 points from her standing in a poll a few months earlier. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The endorsement is the PACs second for a special congressional election this year; the group previously backed state Del. Irene Shin for the upcoming special election in Virginias 11th District to replace the late Rep. Gerry Connolly. It is also backing Illinois state Sen. Robert Peters in an open primary in that states 2nd District next year and endorsed Zohran Mamdani in the New York City mayoral primary. The groups track record has been mixed with these first endorsements: Shin lost last weeks primary in Virginia, while Mamdani, a 33-year-old democratic socialist, won in New York. I'm proud to be in this fight with Leaders We Deserve, an organization that understands the power of young people to transform politics and fight for communities that have been left out, Foxx said in a statement. Grijalva snagged the backing of Democratic Arizona Sens. Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego, and progressive leaders Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.). That puts the Hogg PAC at odds with major figures in both wings of the Democratic party. The winner of this primary will almost assuredly prevail in the special election, scheduled for September. TOKYO, July 2 (Xinhua) -- An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 5.5 struck off Tokara islands in southern Japan on Wednesday, the country's weather agency said. The temblor occurred at 3:26 p.m. local time, originating at a depth of approximately 10 km, said the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA). The quake's epicenter was located at a latitude of 29.2 degrees north and a longitude of 129.2 degrees east. Toshima village in Kagoshima prefecture experienced a seismic intensity of lower 5 on the Japanese scale of 7. Other areas that registered an intensity of 3 or higher were currently being monitored. Authorities advise residents to stay alert for further information and potential aftershocks. Since late June, a persistent earthquake swarm has rattled Tokara Islands, including Toshima village, in Kagoshima prefecture. The Ford Edsel. New Coke. The Sony Betamax. Theranos. Google Glass. Yugoslavia. The 1964 Philadelphia Phillies. The Breakfast at Tiffanys musical. The War Powers Act. Of the many great ideas that turned into colossal duds, the War Powers Act may be the champion. Conceived in idealism, tested by realism, it represents a huge failure of a brave idea largely because American presidents have grown so powerful and so independent that whether theyre Republicans or Democrats, they have no respect for a measure lawfully passed by Congress and congruent with the founders conceptions of the separation and balance of powers. If you doubt it, look at the missile-and-bomb barrage of Iran. Its the greatest understatement in this age of overstatement to say that Donald Trump gave no thought whatsoever not even a mere MAGA nanosecond to the War Powers Act. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres enough blame, like so much in American politics, to go around. There is, of course, a good reason, besides his broad conception of executive power, why Trump might not have sought advance congressional approval for his action, or at least consulted with members of both parties on Capitol Hill. Whether you approve of the Midnight Hammer attack as a justifiable, even indispensable, effort to prevent Iran from developing and then possessing a nuclear weapon, or whether you deplore the abandonment of negotiations and believe the entire operation was ill-advised even if well-executed, you must concede that it was born in stealth and was conducted in stealth. The whole point was surprise. And though Trump prides himself on ignoring, even flouting, presidential precedent, in this case if no other, he has history on his side. Every president the Democrats as well as the Republicans since Congress voted the War Powers Act into law in 1973, over President Richard Nixons veto, has defied its intent and its practice. The politics of presidents and the War Powers Act is best viewed through a vast mirror. When Republican presidents defy the act, Democrats howl. When Democratic presidents do so, Republicans bay at the moon. (An intriguing exception: George W. Bush, still reviled by both Republicans and Democrats for his use of military force in Iraq. He asked for such approval and got it.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This history is why House Speaker Mike Johnson was able to brush aside demands for a War Powers Act vote, arguing that Joe Biden had repeatedly used force in the Middle East and that Barack Obama bombed Libya for eight months, both without congressional approval. Presidents of both parties clearly have been saying to their rivals in the opposite party: What are you going to do about it? The answer: Nothing. Even so, given that Trump indicated publicly that military force was possible against Iran, he could have asked for broad, non-specific congressional support for his actions that wouldnt have compromised the details of the operation. But hes not in the habit of following the wisdom of Bush. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reps. Thomas Massie, a Kentucky Republican, and Ro Khanna, a California Democrat, introduced a resolution days before Trump sent the B-2 aircrafts aloft and ordered the Tomahawk cruise missiles readied for battle. It would have forced the president to terminate the use of American military personnel in Iran without congressional authorization. Of course, Trump has dismissed Massie, who has represented a district splashed on the banks of the Ohio River since 2012, as not MAGA, perhaps because of the lawmakers original sin: winning a bachelors degree in electrical engineering and a masters in mechanical engineering from that den of intellectual iniquity and known hellscape of anti-American thought, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He said of Massie, who likely faces a Trump-supported primary challenge, that MAGA doesnt want him, doesnt know him, and doesnt respect him. Massies view: When two countries are bombing each other daily in a hot war, and a third country joins the bombing, thats an act of war. Im amazed at the mental gymnastics being undertaken by neocons in D.C. (and their social media bots) to say we arent at war ... so they can make war. For his part, Khanna, a radical moderate thought to be among the most thoughtful members of todays Democratic Party, took issue with Trumps comments about regime change in Iran, saying the president was joking around about regime change and adding, That is not funny. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I engaged in an email exchange with Khanna last Sunday night, and he told me that Congress needed to explore the consequences of the Iran attack; to ask if the action would increase the security of the United States or put American troops in danger; and to explore whether it might prompt Tehran to accelerate its rush to produce a nuclear weapon. The next day, Johnson said, I dont think this is an appropriate time for a War Powers Resolution (vote), and I dont think its necessary. For 80 years, presidents of both parties have acted with the same commander in chief authority under Article II (of the Constitution). The speakers big error wasnt his politics. Its his math. He should have said 75 years, which would place the argument in 1950, when Harry Truman, a Democrat, described American involvement in Korea not as a war but, instead, as a police action. Wars require congressional approval. Police actions dont. Thats why John F. Kennedy, Lyndon Johnson and Nixon could conduct the Vietnam conflict without a congressional declaration of war. So, too, George H.W. Bush in Iraq, and the military operations ordered by the presidents who followed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heres the problem: the collision between the War Powers Act, which requires congressional involvement unless the country is under attack (which it wasnt two weeks ago), and the Constitution, which clearly allocates to Congress the power to declare war but also asserts that the president is the commander in chief. But dont expect the Democrats to file legal action against the president and if they do, they may regret it. The War Powers Act has never been fully tested before the Supreme Court. If the Democrats toss that political grenade across Capitol Hill to the high court, they can expect the current jurists to side with the president or to finesse the matter sufficiently that the Democrats next president can act without congressional authority as well. Then watch for the Republicans to call for a vote on the War Powers Act. Its inevitable. July 2 (UPI) -- On this date in history: In 1776, the Second Continental Congress formally adopted a resolution for independence from Britain. In 1788, it was announced in the U.S. Congress that the new Constitution had been ratified by the required nine states, the ninth being New Hampshire. In 1839, slaves being shipped to Cuba revolted and seized the ship Amistad, leading to an eventual end of the African slave market. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 1881, U.S. President James Garfield was shot by Charles J. Guiteau, a mentally unstable lawyer and office-seeker. Garfield died Sept. 19 and was succeeded by Vice President Chester Arthur. Guiteau was convicted and hanged in 1882. On July 2, 1992, the 1 millionth Corvette rolled off the production line in Bowling Green, Ky. File Photo courtesy of Chevrolet In 1900, the world's first rigid airship was demonstrated by Ferdinand Graf von Zeppelin in Germany. In 1917, Greece declared war on the Central Powers, joining World War I on the side of Britain, France, Russia and Italy. On July 2, 1943, Lt. Charles Hall became the first African-American pilot to shoot down a Nazi plane in World War II during an Allied assault on three Italian air bases. Seated in his P-40L Warhawk, Hall points to a freshly painted swastika marking his kill. File Photo courtesy of the U.S. Air Force In 1934, 6-year-old Shirley Temple signed a contract with Fox Film Corp. She went on to become one of the biggest movie stars of the era. Her mother told United Press that to keep her daughter grounded, she would tell her "You're not so good as an actress, Shirley." File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI Aviator Amelia Earhart sites in the cockpit of her Electra airplane. Her plane went down in the Pacific on this day in 1937. UPI File Photo Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 1937, U.S. aviator Amelia Earhart and navigator Frederick Noonan were reported lost over the Pacific Ocean. They were never found. In 1932, Earhart became the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean and later that year was the first woman to fly solo non-stop from coast to coast in the United States. In 1943, Lt. Charles Hall became the first Black American pilot to shoot down a Nazi plane in World War II during an Allied assault on three Italian air bases. Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower personally congratulated Hall when the escort squadron returned to base. In 1962, the first Walmart store opened -- in Rogers, Ark. In May 2018, the retail outlet topped the Fortune 500 list for the sixth year in a row as the first U.S. company with $500 billion in yearly sales. In 1964, the U.S. Civil Rights Act of 1964 became law with the signature of President Lyndon B. Johnson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 1976, North and South Vietnam reunited, forming the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and naming Hanoi the capital. In 1986, the U.S. Supreme Court endorsed numerical hiring goals for minorities, rejecting the Reagan administration view that affirmative action be limited to proven victims of race discrimination. In 1992, the 1 millionth Corvette rolled off the production line in Bowling Green, Ky. The white convertible was later damaged when a sinkhole opened up under the National Corvette Museum in 2014. A full restoration was completed a year later. In 1993, Islamist extremists set fire to a hotel in Sivas, Turkey, in an apparent attempt to kill the translator of British author Salman Rushdie's novel The Satanic Verses. Thirty-five people died. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2002, American Steve Fossett completed the first round-the-world solo flight in a balloon, reaching Queensland in the Australian outback to finish a 13-day, 19,428-mile trip that began in Western Australia. Pilot Steve Fossett's Bud Lite Spirit of Freedom balloon crosses the south Australian coast July 3, 2002. Fossett was successful in his bid to complete the first solo circumnavigation of the world by balloon. File Photo by Trevor Collens/UPI In 2015, 62 people were killed in the Philippines when a crowded ferry carrying nearly 200 people abruptly capsized -- just minutes after it left port. In 2019, the European Union elected German Defense Minister Ursula von der Leyen as the first female leader of the European Commission. In 2024, a Hindi gathering in India's Uttar Pradesh state ended with a panicked stampede that killed more than 100 people. LOS ANGELES (AP) At a federal immigration building in downtown Los Angeles guarded by U.S. Marines, daughters, sons, aunts, nieces and others make their way to an underground garage and line up at a door with a buzzer at the end of a dirty, dark stairwell. Its here where families, some with lawyers, come to find their loved ones after theyve been arrested by federal immigration agents. For immigrants without legal status who are detained in this part of Southern California, their first stop is the Immigration and Customs Enforcement processing center in the basement of the federal building. Officers verify their identity and obtain their biometrics before transferring them to detention facilities. Upstairs, immigrants line up around the block for other services, including for green cards and asylum applications. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On a recent day, dozens of people arrived with medication, clothing and hope of seeing their loved one, if only briefly. After hours of waiting, many were turned away with no news, not even confirmation that their relative was inside. Some relayed reports of horrific conditions inside, including inmates who are so thirsty that they have been drinking from the toilets. ICE did not respond to emailed requests for comment. Just two weeks ago, protesters marched around the federal complex following aggressive raids in Los Angeles that began June 6 and have not stopped. Scrawled expletives about President Donald Trump still mark the complex's walls. Those arrested are from a variety of countries, including Mexico, Guatemala, India, Iran, China and Laos. About a third of the county's 10 million residents are foreign-born. Many families learned about the arrests from videos circulating on social media showing masked officers in parking lots at Home Depots, at car washes and in front of taco stands. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Around 8 a.m., when attorney visits begin, a few lawyers buzz the basement door called B-18 as families wait anxiously outside to hear any inkling of information. 9 a.m. Christina Jimenez and her cousin arrive to check if her 61-year-old stepfather is inside. Her family had prepared for the possibility of this happening to the day laborer who would wait to be hired outside a Home Depot in the LA suburb of Hawthorne. They began sharing locations when the raids intensified. They told him that if he were detained, he should stay silent and follow instructions. Jimenez had urged him to stop working, or at least avoid certain areas as raids increased. But he was stubborn and always hustled. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He could be sick and hes still trying to make it out to work, Jimenez said. After learning of his arrest, she looked him up online on the ICE Detainee Locator but couldn't find him. She tried calling ICE to no avail. Two days later, her phone pinged with his location downtown. My moms in shock, Jimenez said. She goes from being very angry to crying, same with my sister. Jimenez says his name into the intercom Mario Alberto Del Cid Solares. After a brief wait, she is told yes, hes there. She and her cousin breathe a sigh of relief but their questions remain. Her biggest fear is that instead of being sent to his homeland of Guatemala, he will be deported to another country, something the Supreme Court recently ruled was allowed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 9:41 a.m. By mid-morning, Estrella Rosas and her mother have come looking for her sister, Andrea Velez, a U.S. citizen. A day earlier, they saw Velez being detained after they dropped her off at her marketing job at a shoe company downtown. My mom told me to call 911 because someone was kidnapping her, Rosas said. Stuck on a one-way street, they had to circle the block. By the time they got back, she says they saw Velez in handcuffs being put into a car without license plates. Velezs family believes she was targeted for looking Hispanic and standing near a tamale stand. Rosas has her sister's passport and U.S. birth certificate, but learns she is not there. They find her next door in a federal detention center. She was accused of obstructing immigration officers, which the family denies, but is released the next day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 11:40 a.m. About 20 people are now outside. Some have found cardboard to sit on after waiting hours. One family comforts a woman who is crying softly in the stairwell. Then the door opens, and a group of lawyers emerge. Families rush to ask if the attorneys could help them. Kim Carver, a lawyer with the Trans Latino Coalition, says she planned to see her client, a transgender Honduran woman, but she was transferred to a facility in Texas at 6:30 that morning. Carver accompanied her less than a week ago for an immigration interview and the asylum officer told her she had a credible case. Then ICE officers walked in and detained her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since then, its been just a chase trying to find her, she says. 12:28 p.m. As more people arrive, the group begins sharing information. One person explains the all-important A-number, the registration number given to every detainee, which is needed before an attorney can help. They exchange tips like how to add money to an account for phone calls. One woman says $20 lasted three or four calls for her. Mayra Segura is looking for her uncle after his frozen popsicle cart was abandoned in the middle of the sidewalk in Culver City. They couldnt find him in the system, she says. 12:52 p.m. Another lawyer, visibly frustrated, comes out the door. Shes carrying bags of clothes, snacks, Tylenol, and water that she says she wasnt allowed to give to her client, even though he says he had been given only one water bottle over the past two days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The line stretches outside the stairwell into the sun. A man leaves and returns with water for everyone. Nearly an hour after family visitations are supposed to begin, people are finally allowed in. 2:12 p.m. Still wearing hospital scrubs from work, Jasmin Camacho Picazo comes to see her husband again. She brought a sweater because he had told her he was cold, and his back injury was aggravated from sleeping on the ground. He mentioned this morning (that) people were drinking from the restroom toilet water, Picazo says. On her phone, she shows footage of his car left on the side of the road after his arrest. The window was smashed and the keys were still in the ignition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I cant stop crying, Picazo says. Her son keeps asking: Is Papa going to pick me up from school? 2:21 p.m. More than five hours after Jimenez and her cousin arrive, they see her stepfather. He was sad and hes scared, says Jimenez afterwards. We tried to reassure him as much as possible. She wrote down her phone number, which he had not memorized, so he could call her. 2:57 p.m. More people arrive as others are let in. Yadira Almadaz comes out crying after seeing her nieces boyfriend for only five minutes. She says he was in the same clothes he was wearing when he was detained a week ago at an asylum appointment in the city of Tustin. He told her he'd only been given cookies and chips to eat each day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It breaks my heart seeing a young man cry because hes hungry and thirsty, she says. 3:56 p.m. Four minutes before visitation time is supposed to end, an ICE officer opens the door and announces it's over. One woman snaps at him in frustration. The officer tells her he would get in trouble if he helped her past 4 p.m. More than 20 people are still waiting in line. Some trickle out. Others linger, staring at the door in disbelief. ST. MARY'S COUNTY, Md. - Severe storms swept through D.C., Maryland and Virginia Tuesday evening. A severe thunderstorm watch was in effect until 9 p.m. for D.C., Maryland and northern Virginia. The main hazard was damaging wind. A tornado warning was also issued for parts of St. Mary's County and Calvert County in Maryland. Residents were advised to seek shelter for the duration of the warning, which remained in place until 8:15 p.m. What we know According to the National Weather Service, scattered strong to severe storms, excessive rainfall, and flooding are expected across parts of the Mid-Atlantic into the Northeast throughout Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The region remains under a slight risk for severe weather with multiple rounds of storms possible through the evening, with some producing downpours, damaging wind gusts and lightning. The National Weather Service says flash flooding is possible in low-lying and flood-prone areas. Severe thunderstorms threaten DC region Tuesday Take precautions NWS issued reminders for those in the path of the storms. They say a severe thunderstorm watch means conditions are favorable for severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area. Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements and possible warnings. Severe thunderstorms can and occasionally do produce tornadoes. The Department of Justice has charged an alleged Chinese spy in Houston with passing national security information to China. Liren Ryan Lai, 39, allegedly traveled from China to Houston, where he spied on America for Chinas principal foreign intelligence service, the Ministry of State Security. The Justice Department will not stand by while hostile nations embed spies in our country, said Attorney General Pam Bondi in the release. We will expose foreign operatives, hold their agents to account, and protect the American people from covert threats to our national security. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lai and fellow Chinese national Yance Chen, 38, were arrested June 28 for overseeing and carrying out various clandestine intelligence taskings for China, the release said. Chen was a legal permanent resident in Happy Valley, Oregon. They appeared in federal court on June 30 to face charges from the Northern District of California for acting as agents of the Peoples Republic of China. Two Chinese nationals were caught spying on our Navy and trying to recruit American service members for the CCPs intel service. Our FBI wont stand for it. We tracked them, we stopped them, and were not done yet. Espionage on U.S. soil will be met with full force. pic.twitter.com/VB6lQYuHWM FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) July 1, 2025 The suspects allegedly organized a dead drop of cash for national security information provided to China, recruited military members as Chinese assets, and gathered intelligence about Navy service members and bases. Houston does not have an official Navy base, but it is home to Ellington Field Joint Reserve Base, which is home to the Air Forces 147th Attack Wing. The facility also hosts the Navy Reserve Center-Houston. The FBI arrested two Chinese nationals who were allegedly attempting to recruit U.S. military service members on behalf of the PRC, said FBI Director Kash Patel in the release. The Chinese Communist Party thought they were getting away with their scheme to operate on U.S. soil, utilizing spy craft, like dead drops, to pay their sources. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lai allegedly recruited Chen to work for the Chinese intelligence agency, the MSS, around 2021, according to the release. While in Guangzhou, China just inland from Hong Kong they reportedly worked in January 2022 to organize a $10,000 dead drop for information provided to the MSS. They reportedly worked with others in America to leave a backpack with cash at a day-use locker in Livermore, California. Lai and Chen allegedly continued to work on behalf of the Chinese government, identifying potential assets in the Navy to recruit for espionage, according to the release. Lai traveled from China to Houston on a tourist visa in April 2025. He claimed he was in the area for an online retail business, and would stay in Houston for two weeks. But more than four weeks after his arrival on May 9 he drove with a companion from Houston, through New Mexico and Arizona, to Southern California. He reportedly returned to Texas on May 15. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The MSS allegedly gave Chen information on how to engage and recruit future Navy sailors. Lai reportedly directed him in 2022 and 2023 to visit a naval installation in Washington state and a Navy recruitment center in San Gabriel, California. While in the recruitment center, Chen allegedly obtained personal information for recruits that he transmitted to an intelligence officer in China. At one point, he began contacting a Navy employee through social media and gave information about the employee to Chinese intelligence. Then, Chen traveled to Guangzhou in April 2024 and March 2025 to meet MSS intelligence officers, discussing tasks and compensation. The suspects are facing federal charges for acting as agents of foreign governments without notifying the attorney generals office. According to the release, if convicted, Lai and Chen could face up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chinas government conducts intelligence activities against America through multiple arms, including the Ministry of State Security, per the release. The MSS handles civilian intelligence collection, and conducts counterintelligence and foreign intelligence, seeking political, economic, and security information. The MSS and its bureaus are tasked with conducting clandestine and covert human source operations, of which the United States is a principal target, the release reads. The FBIs San Francisco office is leading this investigation, assisted by the bureaus field offices in Houston, Portland, and San Diego. NCIS provided valuable assistance. The PRC has for years attempted through various means to recruit U.S. service members as intelligence assets due to their access to sensitive military information, said NCIS Director Omar Lopez in the release. He said NCIS and the Navy are committed to working together to root out efforts to compromise critical warfighting and shipbuilding capabilities. A week before US President Donald Trump reimposes steep tariffs on dozens of economies, including the EU and Japan, many are still scrambling to reach a deal that would protect them from the worst. The tariffs taking effect July 9 are part of a package Trump imposed in April citing a lack of "reciprocity" in trading ties. He slapped a 10 percent levy on most partners, with higher customized rates to kick in later in countries the United States has major trade deficits with. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But these were halted until July to allow room for negotiations. Analysts expect countries will encounter one of three outcomes: They could reach a framework for an agreement; receive an extended pause on higher tariffs; or see levies surge. - 'Framework' deals - "There will be a group of deals that we will land before July 9," said Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent last Friday on CNBC. Policymakers have not named countries in this group, although Bessent maintains that Washington has been focused on striking deals with about 18 key partners. "Vietnam, India and Taiwan remain promising candidates for a deal," Asia Society Policy Institute (ASPI) vice president Wendy Cutler told AFP. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Without a deal, Vietnam's "reciprocal tariff" rises from the baseline of 10 percent to 46 percent, India's to 26 percent and Taiwan's to 32 percent. Josh Lipsky, international economics chair at the Atlantic Council, cited Indian negotiators' extension of their US trip recently in noting that it "seems like a frontrunner." "Japan was in that category, but things have set back a little," Lipsky said, referring to Trump's criticism Monday over what the president called Japan's reluctance to accept US rice exports. The deals, however, will unlikely be full-fledged trade pacts, analysts said, citing complexities in negotiating such agreements. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since April, Washington has only announced a pact with Britain and a deal to temporarily lower tit-for-tat duties with China. - Extended pause - Bessent has also said that countries "negotiating in good faith" can have their tariffs remain at the 10 percent baseline. But extensions of the pause on higher rates would depend on Trump, he added. "With a new government, (South) Korea looks well positioned to secure an extension," Cutler of ASPI said. Lipsky expects many countries to fall into this bucket, receiving an extended halt on higher tariffs that could last until Labor Day, which falls on September 1. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bessent earlier said that Washington could wrap up its agenda for trade deals by Labor Day, a signal that more agreements could be concluded but with talks likely to extend past July. - Tariff reimposition - For countries that the United States finds "recalcitrant," however, tariffs could spring back to the higher levels Trump previously announced, Bessent has warned. These range from 11 percent to 50 percent. Cutler warned that "Japan's refusal to open its rice market, coupled with the US resistance to lowering automotive tariffs, may lead to the reimposition of Japan's 24 percent reciprocal tariff." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump himself said Tuesday that a trade deal was unlikely with Japan and the country could pay a tariff of "30 percent, 35 percent, or whatever the number is that we determine." Lipsky believes the European Union is at risk of having tariffs snap back to steeper levels too -- to the 20 percent unveiled in April or the 50 percent Trump more recently threatened. An area of tension could be Europe's approach to digital regulation. Trump recently said he would terminate trade talks with Canada -- which is not impacted by the July 9 deadline -- in retaliation for the country's digital services tax, which Ottawa eventually said it would rescind. This week, EU trade chief Maros Sefcovic is in Washington in a push to seal a trade deal, with the EU commission having received early drafts of proposals that officials are working on. bys/sla Gary Terry could be the next inmate to face the death chamber, shown above, after a judge decided he did not have an intellectual disability. (Provided by the S.C. Department of Corrections) A death row inmate could be the seventh scheduled for execution in the past 10 months after a Lexington County judge decided this week he did not have an intellectual disability. Gary Terry was convicted in 1997 of raping and killing a neighbor in her West Columbia home. Terry, now 57, has claimed that he and 47-year-old Urai Jackson were having a consensual relationship but that he struck her over the head during an argument, accidentally killing her. Gary Terry. (Provided/SC Department of Corrections) After running out of normal appeals, Terry received a temporary reprieve after claiming that he had an intellectual disability, which would mean he couldnt be executed. Brain scans showed that Terry had damage in the part of his brain responsible for controlling focus and behavior, likely caused by a small stroke, his attorneys argued in court filings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Terrys attorneys failed to prove in court that Terry had enough damage to his brain to warrant pausing his execution, meaning his death sentence must be carried out, Circuit Court Judge Robert Hood wrote in a decision filed Tuesday. Terrys attorney did not respond to a request for comment Wednesday. Its unclear whether there will be additional appeals and when an execution might be scheduled. The state Supreme Court typically sends out death warrants on Fridays, but because this Friday is a holiday, the soonest Terry might receive a warrant would be July 11. By state law, executions must take place at 6 p.m. on the fourth Friday after a death warrant is issued. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In order for inmates to avoid the death chamber, they must prove they have significantly subaverage general intellectual functioning that causes adaptive behavior before the age of 18, Hood wrote. Scans of Terrys brain showed dead tissue and decreased blood flow to part of his brain. He suffered multiple head injuries before the crime for which he was convicted, including while working for a tree company in Florida, in a motorcycle accident and during a fight in which someone hit him over the head with a board, his mother testified during his 1997 trial. Terry also started lashing out and showing problems with impulsivity after sniffing glue and losing consciousness when he was 13, his mother testified. He was later diagnosed with intermittent explosive disorder, a mental health condition that causes short bouts of rage, as well as antisocial personality disorder and alcohol dependance, according to court filings. Still, Terrys intellectual functioning remained in the low-average range, which is not enough to constitute an intellectual disability. An expert who testified during Terrys 1997 trial agreed with that conclusion, and the experts who testified on behalf of Terry during a 2024 hearing in Lexington County failed to prove any different, Hood wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The record also shows a history not of intellectual disability but of learning disabilities and drug use, which began as a teenager, and later in life, head injuries, Hood wrote. Terry is one of 25 inmates on South Carolinas death row. One inmate is held in California for crimes committed in that state. Six other inmates have been put to death since the state resumed executions in September. That followed a 13-year unintended hiatus, during which the states supply of lethal injection drugs expired and couldnt be restocked. Under an updated law keeping nearly all information about executions secret, officials were able to obtain pentobarbital, a sedative that is lethal in large doses. Last July, the state Supreme Court officially allowed the process to resume by ruling that electrocution and firing squad a method legislators added to state law in 2021 were constitutional. Two inmates have since elected to die by firing squad. The rest have chosen lethal injection. Its now official: New York State Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani is the Democratic nominee for mayor of New York City, having toppled disgraced former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, the establishment pick, in a wild primary that has already had seismic effects throughout the party. A 33-year-old Democratic Socialist, he will go up against the Republican nominee, Curtis Silwa, a scandal-ridden Mayor Eric Adams, and, potentially, Cuomo again in November, looking to become the first Muslim, first Indian-American, and first millennial leader of the Big Apple. Mamdanis momentous campaign has provided a promising template for progressive candidates focused on kitchen-table issues. Initially an underdog with little name recognition, he built a powerful ground game of grassroots volunteers who knocked on over a million doors and was a near-constant presence in the streets of the city himself as he walked the five boroughs meeting voters. The enthusiasm for his messaging on making New York more affordable for all by freezing rent hikes, building affordable housing, strengthening social services, eliminating bus fares, and creating city-owned grocery stores helped drive a surge in voter registration, while his teams social media savvy ensured that these policies made a big splash across the internet. Naturally, Mamdanis success has been met with bruising attacks, some from the centrist segment of his own party, others from right-wingers who paint him as a dangerous far-left radical. Once he had eclipsed Cuomo, it was inevitable that Donald Trump would go after him, and the president spared no time smearing and threatening the upstart candidate. By now, the waters have been thoroughly muddied with misinformation about Mamdani, much of it characterized by Islamophobic hate. Below, we debunk some of the most viral and persistent lies so far. Mamdani is not in the country illegally This is among the more flagrantly false claims about Mamdani, floated on Tuesday by the president himself. A lot of people are saying hes here illegally, Trump said at a press conference with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, adding, You know, were going to look at everything. The comments seemed to echo a call last week from Rep. Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.) to denaturalize and deport Mamdani, whom he gave the racist nickname little Muhammad in a post on X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mamdani was born in Uganda to Indian parents and lived for a short time in South Africa before his family moved to New York in 1998, when he was seven years old. He was naturalized as a U.S. citizen in 2018. While its true that Trumps Justice Department is moving aggressively to strip citizenship from naturalized immigrants there are some 25 million living in the country and the administration even wants to block the constitutional right of birthright citizenship, Mamdani is a legal resident, plain and simple. The president of the United States just threatened to have me arrested, stripped of my citizenship, put in a detention camp and deported, Mamdani said in a statement on Tuesday. Not because I have broken any law but because I will refuse to let ICE terrorize our city. He called Trumps comments an attack on democracy that menaced New Yorkers, adding, We will not accept this intimidation. He does not have any connection to 9/11 or jihadist terrorism The MAGA right responded to Mamdanis primary victory with a blitz of Islamaphobic fury that had nothing to do with anything he has ever said or done, as a politician or otherwise. Donald Trump Jr. shared an X post that suggested New Yorkers were voting for another 9/11. Rep. Nancy Mace posted a photo of Mamdani attending an Eid service at the Parkchester Islamic Center in the Bronx with the caption: After 9/11 we said Never Forget. I think we sadly have forgotten. Commentators Charlie Kirk and Benny Johnson also invoked the specter of the 9/11 attacks which occurred when Mamdani was nine years old and living in New York himself. He has no connection to the terror plot and has never expressed support for it or the extremist group Al-Qaeda. Likewise, there is no basis to claims from Trump zealots, including Laura Loomer, that Mamdani is a jihadist Muslim or has ties to Iran or the Muslim Brotherhood and can be arrested on terrorism charges. Insinuations that he would impose Sharia law on New York as from Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, who posted an AI-generated image of the Statue of Liberty wearing a black burka also lack any grounding in reality. All in all, these are just a rehash of the xenophobic outbursts that dominated cable news in the aftermath of 9/11 itself and eventually mutated into birther and secret Muslim conspiracy theories about Barack Hussein Obama. Which, not incidentally, launched Trumps political career. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mamdani has meanwhile faced criticism for certain lyrics from his years as a rapper in the 2010s. On Salaam, a track he released as his MC persona Mr. Cardamom, he shouted out his support for the so-called Holy Land Five, Palestinian-American organizers for what was at one point the largest Muslim charity in the U.S. The group was convicted in 2008 of providing material support to the militant group Hamas, designated as a terrorist organization. The advocacy group Human Rights Watch has argued that the defendants in the landmark War on Terror case were never accused of directly funding terrorist organizations or terrorist attacks, nor were the Palestinian charities they funded accused of doing so, and other civil rights attorneys have found significant fault with how the charges were prosecuted. Mamdani hasnt actually said or done anything antisemitic As the primary race tightened, Cuomo appealed to New Yorks significant Jewish population by telegraphing strong support for Israel and arguing that antisemitism was a defining issue of this election cycle as if to suggest his leading opponent harbored some innate loathing for Jews. After Mamdani won, prominent Democrats offered baffling remarks in the same vein. Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) appeared on CNN to declare, I dont associate myself with what he has said about the Jewish people, though he failed to specify anything offensive Mamdani had supposedly said. In an even more outrageous incident, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) responded positively to caller during a radio interview who ranted about fictional threats facing the Jewish community from Zohran Mamdani, with the senator going as far as to imply that Mamdani had supported global jihad. (Her office later said she misspoke, and Gillibrand apologized to Mamdani during a phone call Monday night.) On social media, Elisha Wiesel, the son of Holocaust survivor and author Elie Wiesel, shared a video in which he urged New Yorkers not to vote for Mamdani, after showing footage of Adolf Hitler and Nazi concentration camps. The claims of antisemitism seem focused around his stance on Israel: Mamdani cofounded a chapter of the activist group Students for Justice for Palestine at his college, and has advocated for equal rights for Israelis and Palestinians in Israel, as well as an end to the war in Gaza. When confronted with questions about why he had not co-sponsored an annual New York state Holocaust Remembrance Day resolution, he answered that he had voted for the symbolic measure every year, and backed the allocation of more funds to survivors. He said his office had a blanket policy of not signing resolutions emailed to his office. Since taking office in 2021, he has also made public statements commemorating Holocaust Remembrance Day each year. Many Jewish New Yorkers supported Mamdanis run, organized on his behalf, and endorsed him, including the citys highest-ranking Jewish politician, Comptroller Brad Lander, who condemned Cuomo for the weaponization of antisemitism. Mamdani, meanwhile, used his candidacy to speak about the threat posed by rising antisemitism and his plans to increase city funding to combat hate crimes. He did not call to globalize the intifada In the ongoing attempts to portray Mamdani as an Islamist extremist, one phrase has become a sticking point. During a June appearance on The Bulwark podcast FYPod a week before the primary election, Mamdani was asked if he was uncomfortable with the slogan globalize the intifada, usually interpreted as a call to make Palestinian liberation a worldwide movement through a mass uprising against Israeli oppression. The word intifada, which in a more literal translation means to shake off, or struggle, has also been used to describe violent rebellion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To me, what I hear in so many is a desperate desire for equality and equal rights, Mamdani said, remarking that it would be Trumpian to try to police such language. As a Muslim man who grew up post-9/11, Im all too familiar in the way in which Arabic words can be twisted, can be distorted, can be used to justify any kind of meaning, he added. Across social media, this exchange was indeed twisted by right-wing media to push the falsehood that Mamdani had personally called to globalize the intifada. Then, on a Meet the Press appearance Sunday, he repeatedly declined to condemn the phrase in an interview when host Kristen Welker brought it up. Thats not language that I used, Mamdani said, truthfully. The language that I used and the language that I will continue to use to lead the city is that which speaks clearly to my intent, which is an intent grounded in a belief in universal human rights. Nonetheless, that same day, Democratic House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries appeared to indicate that he incorrectly believed Mamdani had used the phrase, saying, Hes going to have to clarify his position on that as he moves forward. Jeffries, whose congressional district encompasses several Brooklyn neighborhoods, has yet to endorse a mayoral candidate. Hes not a communist It hardly matters what your actual politics are if you run as a Democrat and Trump has his sights on you: Hes going to call you a communist. If a lifelong centrist like Joe Biden couldnt escape the label, what hope does a young progressive have? Sure enough, Trump trashed Mamdani as a 100% Communist Lunatic on Truth Social as soon as it became clear that he had run away with the primary. Weve had Radical Lefties before, but this is getting a little ridiculous, the president fumed. Other conservatives followed suit, denouncing Mamdani as a would-be authoritarian far to the left of Sen. Bernie Sanders. As a cheap scare tactic, the Communist Boogeyman line is far older than Trump himself, and Mamdanis promises to expand childcare and fight for a $30 minimum wage dont exactly sound like a vision for some Stalinist dystopia. He is not aiming for government takeovers of private industry and property, and his proposed taxes on the top one percent are meant to subsidize social programs in a way that resembles socialism as it exists in various European countries. His criticism of wealth inequality he has said I dont think we should have billionaires does not define him as a communist. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No, I am not, Mamdani said in his Sunday interview on Meet the Press, in response to Trump calling him a communist. I have already had to start to get used to the fact that the president will talk about how I look, how I sound, where Im from, who I am, ultimately because he wants to distract from what Im fighting for. Im fighting for the very working people that he ran a campaign to empower, that he has since then betrayed. More from Rolling Stone Best of Rolling Stone Sign up for RollingStone's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. A decade after Flint, Michigan, was beset by widespread lead contamination, officials confirmed the city has replaced its lead pipes, as ordered by a federal court. Flints lead crisis began in 2014, when the city began drawing water sourced from the Flint River instead of from Lake Huron. The river water was more corrosive than the lake water, and the city failed to take the additional steps needed to prevent lead from leaching out of pipes and into drinking water, in violation of federal law. Tests of drinking water later revealed heavy contamination, and children were found to have high levels of lead in their blood, putting them at risk of brain damage. Flint also saw an outbreak of Legionnaires disease, a lung infection that killed 12 people. Scientists said the outbreak was linked to iron leaching from pipes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2017, a federal court ordered the city to replace all lead pipes within three years, a deadline that officials failed to meet. The citys overall management of the program was ineffective, Sarah Tallman, of the Natural Resources Defense Council, told the Associated Press. Only eight years later is the project finally complete. State officials told a federal court this week that the city has excavated more than 28,000 properties in search of lead water lines and replaced nearly 11,000 pipes. Notably, some 700 households declined to have their pipes replaced. Under former President Joe Biden, the EPA finalized a rule that would require water utilities across the country to replace lead pipes. The rule is now facing a legal challenge, however, and it is unclear if the Trump administration will defend it in court. ALSO ON YALE E360 How Climate Change Puts the Safety of Drinking Water at Risk NEW MEXICO (KRQE) The state of New Mexico recently defunded a district attorney, saying she couldnt keep or hire staff because of her incompetence. The state now has a plan to fix the McKinley County District Attorneys Office operations, but the DA isnt allowing that to happen quite yet. San Juan County District Attorney Jack Fortner has tried email, phone calls, and even a mediation hosted by the Governors Office to get McKinley County District Attorney Bernadine Martin to meet with him in person. Now out of time, he showed up at her office at 9 a.m. on Tuesday the day the fiscal year began. The state legislature had put Fortner in control of the McKinley County DA Offices budget. Its on her: Senator defunds DA citing attitude, staff shortage Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When Fortner asked if Martin was available to speak, he was surprised to find she was. Martin let Fortner in, along with his staff an HR employee and office manager who were ready to begin onboarding the staff under his payroll. Plus, attorneys prepared to help with her countys caseload. But then, Martin closed the door. The state defunded Martins office after years of complaints from the community and police. She should have eight assistant prosecutors, but for more than six months, shes had zero. As we shared in a KRQE investigation Monday night, the sheriff says this staffing shortage has led to criminals not being held accountable. On top of that, KRQE News 13 is told Martin has created a hostile work environment. After their meeting, KRQE asked the DA again if she would talk with us. She said no, saying she had just met with Fortner. Their meeting lasted about half an hour. Fortner said he was not expecting her to co-operate, but found Martin was very cooperative, and that they had a good discussion. But she wont let him have any say in her offices operation just yet. Fortner says Martin asked him to hold off for at least two more weeks, as shed like to hear from the New Mexico Supreme Court first. Just last month, Martin petitioned the justices to weigh in on whether the legislature and governor have the right to defund her DA Martin assured me that she has legal coverage for two weeks, said Fortner. She has funds for her staff for two weeks. And so I said, as soon as you need us, were here.' Still, it remains unclear if the court will hand down a decision that soon. Fortner says that its her office, and I cant intrude without her cooperation. They agreed to talk in a week, and see what happens. Now, Martin could be removed before then. The governor asked the attorney general to investigate whether Martins conduct amounts to gross incompetence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New Mexico Department of Justice spokesperson Lauren Rodriguez released the following statement: We are actively investigating whether District Attorney Bernadine Martins conduct meets the legal standard of gross incompetence, as outlined in state statute, which is necessary to pursue her removal from elected office. As with any investigation, she is entitled to due process, and we remain committed to upholding 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 KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. SYDNEY, July 2 (Xinhua) -- Residents of the Australian state of New South Wales (NSW) have been told to avoid contact with bats after a man who was bitten contracted a deadly virus. The NSW Department of Health said on Wednesday that the man in his 50s is in critical condition in hospital with the state's first confirmed human case of Australian bat lyssavirus. Australian bat lyssavirus is a virus closely related to rabies that affects the central nervous system and is transmitted to humans when saliva from an infected bat enters the body through a bite or scratch. There have been three previous confirmed human cases of Australian bat lyssavirus in the northeastern state of Queensland between 1996 and 2012, all of which were fatal. NSW Health Director in Health Protection Keira Glasgow said that the man from the state's north was bitten by a bat several months ago and received treatment following the injury. She said in a statement that further investigation is underway to determine whether further exposure or factors played a role in his illness. "It is incredibly rare for the virus to transmit to humans, but once symptoms of lyssavirus start in people who are scratched or bitten by an infected bat, sadly, there is no effective treatment," Glasgow said. People have been advised to assume that any bat in Australia could carry lyssavirus and to avoid touching or handling bats. Anyone who is bitten or scratched by a bat is advised to seek urgent medical attention, including treatment with rabies immunoglobulin and rabies vaccine. Delaware County District Attorney Shawn Smith announced Wednesday, July 2 updates on two cases with felony charges. On Tuesday, July 1, Keith Ward, 62, of the Bronx, appeared before Judge John L. Hubbard in Delaware County Court and pleaded guilty to third-degree grand larceny, a Class E felony. The Delaware County Sheriffs Office received a complaint about forged check at the NBT Bank in Grand Gorge in March 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After conducting an investigation, Investigator Cody Tromblee determined that Ward had attempted to cash a forged check. After further collaboration with the New York State Police, Tromblee determined that Ward was part of a group that had been involved in similar crimes in Otsego County. On July 11, 2024, Chief Assistant District Attorney Richard D. Northrup Jr. presented the case to the Delaware County Grand Jury and obtained an indictment. Ward failed to appear in court to be arraigned on the indictment, and the Delaware County Court issued a warrant. Ward was ultimately taken into custody on the warrant and was remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility without bail. Prior to pleading guilty on Tuesday, Ward admitted that he had been strung out on drugs and agreed to cash these forged checks in exchange for payment. After accepting Wards guilty plea, Hubbard sentenced him to one and a half to three years in state prison. Ward was on parole at the time he committed the felony, and it is anticipated that he will receive additional prison time as a result of violating parole. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Smith commended Tromblee, Senior Investigator Chris Erwin and Roxbury Constable Steve Williamson for their thorough investigation into this case. This was a collaborative effort between the Sheriff and the New York State Police, Smith said. Thanks to their thorough investigation, my office was able to obtain this conviction and prison sentence. Financial crimes dont go unnoticed in Delaware County. My office will continue to partner with law enforcement to ensure that anyone guilty of a crime is held accountable. The other announcement from Smith stated that on Tuesday, Steven Caiati, 47, of Starlight, Pennsylvania, appeared before Hubbard and pleaded guilty to one count of tampering with physical evidence, a Class E felony, and one count of driving while ability impaired by drugs, an unclassified misdemeanor. Prior to pleading guilty, Caiati admitted that he was under the influence of methamphetamine while he was driving on a public highway. Caiati also admitted that when he was being pulled over, he attempted to conceal his remaining stash of methamphetamine so that the police could not find it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a result of the conviction, Caiati will be required to pay a fine of $1,270 while also having his drivers license suspended for six months. Caiati was sentenced to time served, about 90 days, and extradited to Pennsylvania, where his parole will be violated as a result of this felony conviction. On March 19, Delaware County Sheriffs Deputy Lucas Elmore made a routine traffic stop for vehicle equipment violations and located methamphetamine and other contraband in Caiatis vehicle during a search. He also found Caiati to be violating other vehicle regulatory violations while operating without a seatbelt or proper license. Caiati subsequently failed a drug influence evaluation. Smith commended Elmore and the Delaware County Sheriffs Office for a thorough investigation. As a result of Deputy Elmores attention to detail, this routine traffic stop led to a felony conviction and the removal of a dangerous driver from our roads, Smith said. An opportunity to see fireworks from afar without the noise proved very popular last year at Beavertail State Park in Jamestown. (Photo by Katrin Ray Shumakov/Getty images) Much like the sound level from across the bay on the Fourth of July, the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) isnt making noise about the opportunity for viewing fireworks from Beavertail State Park in Jamestown. DEM spokesperson Kimberly Keough confirmed to Rhode Island Current that the state park will remain open Friday night for viewing of the city of Newports annual pyrotechnics show in the distance without having to deal with loud noise. The display is slated to kick off at 9:15 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Department has promoted the viewing since 2019 as a way for people who are sensitive to loud noises to enjoy the holiday fireworks. But the state is no longer referring to the event as Quiet Fireworks or promoting it at all. Thats because last year proved a little too popular. Last year, emergency responders had difficulty gaining access because of the number of cars in the park, Keough said in an email Wednesday. We dont have an exact number. Last year there were more cars than spots available (150), with cars parking along roadways in both directions. Due to this public safety concern and staffing constraints, the event is not being promoted; however, people are still welcome to park and enjoy the fireworks, she continued. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To avoid the kind of traffic congestion that occurred last year, Keough said the DEM will have two law enforcement officers at the park while Jamestown police will monitor the entrance. Parking will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, and the park will close once the lots are filled. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Rep. Jim McGovern (D-Mass.) quipped that Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) was a cheap date for voting for President Trumps giant tax and spending package, seemingly for a tax break for fishermen, during a House Rules Committee hearing on Tuesday. The comment came after Rep. Joe Neguse (D-Colo.) asked House Ways and Means Committee Chair Rep. Jason Smith (R-Mo.) about a new tax break for whalers and fishermen. It was one of many Alaska-specific items that were added to the bill in the final weeks. Are you talking about allowing someone who uses a harpoon to deduct the cost of that harpoon? Thats correct, thats included, Smith responded. Its a business expense. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a new tax break, Neguse interrupted. Its a business expense that was capped at $10,000 and now they can deduct it, Smith continued. Up to $50,000, right? Neguse added, which Smith confirmed. Why was that added? I think we all know, right? Neguse asked while smiling, seemingly referring to Murkowski, who was initially a no on the bill but flipped after grueling, last-minute negotiations. She sealed the deal as a crucial 50th vote for Republicans. Youd have to talk to the senators, Smith responded. McGovern, a ranking member of the House Rules Committee, later interrupted Neguse to ask if that addition to the bill was all it took for Republicans to get a yes from Murkowski. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Is that all it took? McGovern asked Neguse. Im not sure, Neguse responded. Boy, shes a cheap date, McGovern said before Neguse continued questioning Smith. The bill, which passed in the Senate on Tuesday and now heads to the House, creates a tax exemption for fishers from western Alaskan villages and a separate provision that gives some whaling captains in the state the ability to deduct $50,000 of their expenses, a fivefold increase. Murkowski said on Tuesday the process that led her to vote for the bill was agonizing, noting that she hopes more will be done to improve the bill. She also said she struggled mightily with the potential impact of cuts to Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program on vulnerable populations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is probably the most difficult and agonizing legislative 24-hour period that I have encountered, and Ive been here quite a while and you know Ive got a few battle scars underneath me, Murkowski told reporters. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 Pennsylvania congressman ripped Sen. John Fetterman for complaining about having to be in the Senate to vote on the GOP budget instead of going to the beach. Rep. Brendan Boyle told The Bulwark Tuesday that members are damn lucky and privileged to be here, and that if you dont want to be here, leave. Fetterman had admitted to reporters Monday, as the Senate was gearing up for a series of votes, that he had no desire to be on Capitol Hill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oh my God, I just want to go home! he said, adding: My family is going to be back [from the beach] before we get out! Fetterman added that the process wasnt that interesting. Im going to vote no. Theres no drama [about how] the votes are going to go, he said of Trumps One, Big, Beautiful Bill. In fact, the only interesting votes are going to be on the margin, whether thats [Republican Senator Susan] Collins, or [Republican Senator Ron] Johnson... But all the Democrats, we all know how thats going to go. Fetterman has also been criticized for breaking with his party on a host of issues of late. / Elizabeth Frantz / REUTERS The Senate ultimately passed the legislation in a 51-50 vote Tuesday afternoon, with Republican Senators Susan Collins, Rand Paul, and Thom Tillis joining Fetterman and all other Democrats in opposition, leaving Vice President J.D. Vance to cast the tie-breaking vote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill now heads back to the House. Boyle said there is nowhere he would rather be to prevent it from becoming law. The sacrifices that members of Congress make, especially those of us who have families with young childrenthose are real, the ranking House Budget Committee member said, acknowledging that both he and Fetterman have families. My wife and daughter, right now, I just left them even though I promised I would be with them this week. So I dont minimize that. Boyle said there is no place he would rather be than in Congress fighting the GOP's budget bill. / EVELYN HOCKSTEIN / REUTERS However, this week will determine whether or not millions and millions of Americans get to keep their healthcare, Boyle explained, in light of the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office finding that the GOP bill would kick 11.8 million Americans off their health insurance by 2034. To me, this is one of the most important things I will ever do, he added. There is no place I would rather be than right here, right now, and if I can make a difference and stop this bill from happening, I will do whatever it takes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Boyle continued: And that should be the attitude, frankly, of every Democratic member of the House and Senate... If youre here, youre damn lucky and youre privileged to be here. You should want to be here, and if you dont want to be here, then leave. Fetterman has lately distanced himself from the progressive wing of the party, including with his staunch support for Israel and his post-election meeting with Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago. Meanwhile, concerns remain about the senators health after his 2022 stroke, with former and current staffers describing erratic and manic behavior. Fetterman has rejected calls to resign. The Senator did not immediately return The Daily Beasts request for comment. Speaking on the House floor, Rep. Jim McGovern (D-Mass.) tore into his colleagues on the other side of the aisle, frustrated with their apparent willingness to shepherd a version of President Donald Trumps so-called Big Beautiful Bill into law. I say to my Republican colleagues: Whats wrong with you people? McGovern said Wednesday during a period of debate on the massive piece of legislation. As ranking member of the House Rules Committee, McGovern oversaw his partys speaking time on the floor. The Democrats used it to hammer home the impact the bill would have on essential government benefits, with big cuts to the SNAP food assistance program and Medicaid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In this bill, you provide a $2 billion tax break for gun silencers, but you cut SNAP benefits for vulnerable families, which, by the way, is on average $2 per person, per meal, McGovern went on, raising his arms for emphasis. Jesus Christ, what are you people thinking? he added. The Republicans bill includes an array of tax breaks that benefit only small segments of the population. One of them removes a $200 tax on gun silencers, or suppressors, that would cost about $1.5 billion, according to Everytown for Gun Safety. SNAP, formerly known as food stamps, has helped people living at or below the federal poverty line since the Great Depression. If Republicans get their way, millions of Americans on the program would see their benefits shrink or disappear entirely. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With McGoverns help, some 100 Democrats took the podium on Wednesday to ask their Republican colleagues for permission to introduce an amendment to Trumps bill that would shield Medicaid and SNAP programs from cuts. Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-N.C.), chair of the House Rules Committee, refused to give in, requiring Speaker Pro Tempore Mike Simpson (R-Idaho) to deny each person in turn. The Democratic action began with members of the Congressional Black Caucus, but soon evolved to include members of all backgrounds. At one point, McGovern asked Foxx for some of her time slots because so few Republicans were standing up on the floor to defend the legislation. Nice try, Mr. McGovern, Foxx replied. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McGovern responded: In Congress, we can measure how much people really believe in their position by whether theyre willing to come and join their leaders on the House floor. I count four members on the Republican side. Weve got over 75 over here. But if I were them, I wouldnt want to be associated with this bill, either. McGovern previously called out Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) for voicing opposition to the version of the bill her chamber produced but voting for it anyway. Murkowski had managed to carve out exceptions for her state, shielding her constituents from the worst of the bill. The measure is now back in the House. Concerns from some Republican lawmakers managed to stall the bills progress on Wednesday, leaving just two days until Trumps arbitrary July 4 deadline for its passage. Related... Lisa Murkowski was hammered on social media after voting Tuesday to advance Donald Trumps big, beautiful budget reconciliation bill through the Senate and paving the way for its final passage. After her vote Tuesday, the Alaska senator told reporters in Congress that she hoped the House would make changes to the bill before sending it back to the Senate. Reconciliation is never a very dignified process, but we were operating under a timeline that was, basically an artificial timeline, said the senator. And I think rather than taking the the deliberative approach to good legislating, we rushed to get a product out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My hope is that the House is going to look at this and recognize that we're not there yet, she said. Do I like this bill? No. But I tried to take care of Alaskas interests. That quote went on to be pilloried by numerous Democrat-aligned figures on Twitter and other media platforms. Lisa Murkowski told reporters she disliked the big, beautiful bill after voting for it on Tuesday (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) House Speaker Mike Johnson is showing no interest in going back to the drawing board, however, even in the face of threats to vote against the legislation from nearly two dozen House Republicans. We knew we would come to this moment. We knew the Senate would amend the House product. I encouraged them to amend it as lightly as possible. They went a little further than many of us would have preferred, but we have the product now, Johnson said on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the president said, its his bill. Its not a House bill, its not a Senate bill, its the American peoples bill. But even with Johnsons latest rollover to the partys leader, Murkowski was due to become Washingtons target for scorn after the Senates vote. Her support for the measure came after an intense lobbying campaign that involved Alaska-specific sweeteners added to the package, including a delay on penalties for the work requirements she and her Republican colleagues supported in the bill. Democrats and even some Republicans, like Republican no-vote Sen. Rand Paul, accused her of attempting to soften the effects of the legislations deep spending cuts in her state, while hanging the rest of the country out to dry. The Kentucky libertarian, commenting to reporters after the bills passage, said that Murkowski wanted a bail-out for Alaska at the expense of the rest of the country, a remark that earned NBCs Ryan Nobles a 10-second stare-down from Murkowski when Nobles repeated the quote to her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Murkowski then told Nobles she would make no excuses for fighting for her state. She maintained in multiple gaggles with reporters over Tuesday that Alaskas intensely rural population led to a set of unique circumstances that needed to be addressed around work requirements and food stamp eligibility. That explanation didnt satisfy the other side of the aisle. Shes a cheap date, quipped Rep. Jim McGovern during a session of the House Rules Committee on Tuesday, commenting about a tax break for whaling that he inferred was included to win over Murkowski. The national Democratic Party meanwhile set to work on a particularly aggressive effort to highlight Murkowskis criticism of the bill, which she raised again and again in comments to reporters after the vote. Murkowski, however, is not up for re-election until 2028 and doesnt represent the most appealing of a target for the party anyway, given her centrist bent and Alaskas political landscape. As a result, Democrats are focusing on another central figure in the GOP effort to get the big, beautiful bill to Donald Trumps desk his top deputy and link to Congress, Vice President JD Vance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Though he only served in the Senate for a fraction of one term before joining Trumps presidential ticket (in both cases with Donald Trump Jr.s backing), Vance maintains strong ties within the GOP Senate caucus and was hard at work leaning on them over the weekend, according to Republican senators. Sen. Markwayne Mullin, an ally of Vance who spoke to reporters after the vote Tuesday, referred to the vice president as the White Houses closer on the budget deal. JD Vance is seen by Democrats and Republicans alike as being the most likely person to win the GOP nomination in 2028 (AP) A number of prominent Democrats used social media posts to highlight Vances role as the tiebreaker in Tuesdays vote, including two men thought to be eyeing possible runs for president in 2028: Pete Buttigieg and Gov. Gavin Newsom of California. Buttigieg said in March that he thought seriously about running for Senate in 2026, but decided against it. Both are thought to harbor strong ambitions for future political office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What happened to you @JDVance author of Hillbilly Elegy now shrugging off Medicaid cuts that will close rural hospitals and kick millions off healthcare as minutiae? wrote Ro Khanna, a Democratic congressman representing Silicon Valley who is one of Vances top critics in his public statements. The strategy is far from random. Vance, along with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, are considered to be two of the top contenders for the Republican presidential nomination in 2028 now that Donald Trump himself has waved away the idea of challenging the Constitutional ban on presidents serving for more than two terms. Still relatively new to politics, Vance nevertheless has strong political backing and a key ally in the presidents oldest son, Trump Jr. The former senator also proved to be a formidable debate opponent during his 2024 televised matchup with Gov. Tim Walz, Kamala Harriss running mate, and demonstrated an ability to leapfrog past more experienced candidates when he vaulted into the lead in his race for Senate in 2022. All that is to say, Democrats clearly are looking to weaken Vance (and likely Rubio, too) as the party looks to take on a more aggressive, punchy approach to fighting the GOP after the debacle of 2024. An Emerson College poll in June found that Vance is the strong favorite among Republican voters to be the 2028 nominee. President Donald Trump was not telling the truth, by his own admission. After bombing Iran without congressional authorization, citing an imminent threat posed by a nuclear program that has been an imminent threat for the last 30 years, the president was quick and eager to claim vindication via total obliteration. The Islamic Republics nuclear enrichment capabilities, and its stockpiles of highly-enriched uranium, he insisted within hours of the strikes, were straight-up gone. Tonight, I can report to the world that the strikes were a spectacular military success, he claimed in a televised address, asserting that the attacks on the sites at Fordo, Natanz and Esfahan had been completely and totally obliterated, and with them the threat posed by what Iran insists is a civilian nuclear energy program. Except: How could anyone really know that? The isotopes had not even settled and already people were out there making confident claims about what had or had not transpired. Thats a point that Trump himself shifted to days later, after someone with access to a classified Defense Intelligence Agency report leaked it to the media, revealing that the bunker-busting strikes would likely prove only to be a hiccup, setting back Irans nuclear program not by basically decades but, per one U.S. official, by a few months, tops. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Commenting on the report, Trump engaged in his usual, tiresome bombast and predictable doubling down on a bogus claim. Its been obliterated totally obliterated, he insisted. But then he undercut himself: They did a report, but it was like, if you look at the dates, its just a few days after it happened. So they didnt see it. I would say issue the report when you know what happened, Trump added. Of course, if it is too early to claim failure then it is also too early to claim success. As Trump conceded, in the hours and days after the attack on Iran, no one really knew what the hell was going on; left unsaid, but implicit, was that he didnt either. The reporting since has demonstrated the need for skepticism, particularly with respect to claims from this administration. Intercepted communications have now revealed Iranian officials remarking that the attack was less devastating than they had expected, The Washington Post reported, citing U.S. officials who had seen the classified intelligence. Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, has also said that damage to its declared centrifuges aside Iran could likely begin enriching uranium again in a matter of months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then theres the fact that Iran, before the strikes, had a large supply of highly-enriched uranium; not enriched to the degree necessary for a weapon, but not far from it. It also now has an added incentive to build a nuclear bomb, having been provided with one more example of how the lack of such a deterrent makes the country susceptible to attack. All told, nuclear arms control expert Jeffrey Lewis wrote in a piece for Foreign Policy, Iran likely retains the 900 pounds of highly enriched uranium that the IAEA said Iran had produced, as well as an extensive network of underground facilities to produce centrifuges, enrich the material further, and assemble it into a small stockpile of nuclear weapons if thats what it chooses to do. Trump has lied about or at best, is in living denial of that fact too: that, even if its declared centrifuges were indeed obliterated, Iran likely retains the nuclear material it already produced. I think all of the nuclear stuff is down there, Trump told reporters while attending the NATO summit at The Hague, referring to the Fordo enrichment facility, because its very hard to remove and we did it very quickly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Commercial satellite imagery, by contrast, shows a line of trucks coming and going from Fordo in the days ahead of the telegraphed strike, at the least suggesting there was indeed time to haul material away from the facility and others, like the one targeted at Isfahan, believed to have stored the countrys highly-enriched uranium. Iran has made no secret that they have protected this material, the IAEA director general told CNN, saying he believed Irans uranium stockpile per The New York Times, stored in special casks small enough to fit in the trunks of about 10 cars had indeed been moved. All of which is to say that Marco Rubio is right. I hate commenting on these stories, Trumps secretary of state told Politico in the immediate aftermath of the strike, because often the first story is wrong and the person putting it out there has an agenda. Rubio was referring to the leak of classified U.S. intelligence undermining official claims, not having a sudden fit of self-awareness, but the point is a good one: Dont trust the first story out the gate, especially when its delivered by an unapologetic deceiver like Trump, who cares not whether what he says is true. Those concerned about the proliferation of lies under the present administration, which pairs its disregard for objective truth with brutish lawlessness at home and abroad, should then welcome any correction, even if doing so requires transgressing long-standing norms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The information we had in the intelligence committee was not the same information being given to the American people. I couldnt believe it, Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., said in 2007, referring to the Bush administrations case for invading Iraq some four years earlier. I was angry about it, Durbin said on the Senate floor, speaking of all the claims about phantom weapons of mass destruction, [but] frankly, I couldnt do much about it because, in the intelligence committee, we are sworn to secrecy. We cant walk outside the door and say, The statement made yesterday by the White House is in direct contradiction to classified information that is being given to this Congress. And so a couple hundred thousand Iraqis and thousands of U.S. soldiers were killed in a war that did not need to happen and might have been prevented had official assertions been further undercut by leaks of the more accurate intelligence. Durbin kept his word, but at what cost? Start your day with essential news from Salon. Sign up for our free morning newsletter, Crash Course. Some Democrats, unfortunately, have not yet abandoned this 2003 mindset. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Leaks are never ok, of course not, Rep. Jim Himes, D-Conn., the top Democrat on the House intelligence committee, recently told the BBC. Himes was himself critical of Trumps strike on Iran, and the subsequent claims he made, but was easily goaded into condemning the person who exposed the presidents falsehoods. I hope whoever leaked this information is identified, he said, and made an example of. In that, this Democratic lawmaker joins the Trump administration and an FBI led by a loyalist, Kash Patel, in seeking out the anonymous, low-level loser in the intelligence community who enabled Democrats and others to point out that the president was misleading the public about matters of war and peace. It is perhaps understandable that a member of Congress would not actively solicit a leak, if only to avoid prosecution themselves, but why in this era of lawlessness and authoritarianism would a member of the opposition actively demand retribution? In Trumps first stint in office, we saw what this looked like: Reality Winner, a former intelligence contractor, was sentenced to more than five years in prison for leaking a classified report showing that the Russian government had indeed infiltrated U.S. election systems. Second-term Trump, emboldened by a Supreme Court that has repeatedly given permission to do as he pleases, is eager to make more examples of truth-tellers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Democrats are the ones who leaked the information on the PERFECT FLIGHT to the Nuclear Sites in Iran. They should be prosecuted! he posted on Truth Social last month. Its a point he doubled down on in an interview on Fox News: They should be prosecuted, he said, referring to Democrats and anyone else who might have shed light on his imperfect air strikes. Investigators, he said, could catch the leaker and their accomplices easily, he continued. You go up and tell the reporter, national security, who gave it? You have to do that. And I suspect well be doing things like that. An authoritarian leader is deploying uniformed soldiers and masked, secret police on the streets of American cities, unilaterally sentencing legal immigrants to life in a foreign prison and asserting the right to ignore the law and strip newborn children of the citizenship guaranteed by the Constitution. In such a lawless environment, it is beyond absurd for one side for those already being targeted for political prosecution to insist that an example be made of those who would dare expose official falsehoods. Anyone who cares about the truth should be applauding those who tell it, not demanding fidelity to rules that no longer apply. The post Democrats still havent learned their lesson as they target Iran leaker instead of Trumps lies appeared first on Salon.com. Ukrainian arms companies could soon be able to produce weapons and ammunition in NATO member Denmark. Danish Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen announced in Copenhagen on Wednesday that talks on the subject are currently under way with the Ukrainian government. The minister said he expects progress on the talks to become clear by September or October, highlighting drones and missiles as examples of defence equipment that could be produced in Denmark. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Production in Denmark would enable Ukrainian companies to make manufacturing significantly safer from Russian attacks. If Russia were to attack sites in Denmark, Moscow would run the risk of a counterstrike by NATO. According to Poulsen, further political talks are necessary because it is currently not legally possible for Ukrainian arms companies to relocate their production to other European countries. New legislation would first have to be enacted in Ukraine, he said. Poulsen made his comments at a press conference on the Danish EU Council Presidency, which has just begun. Its motto is "A strong Europe in a changing world," and it will focus in particular on security issues and the competitiveness of the EU. DENVER (KDVR) Despite a rally by Denver city employees on Tuesday morning, the Denver Career Services Board voted 4 to 1 to change how Denvers layoffs are enacted. City employees, alongside a coalition of labor unions that represent city workers, say the rule change will endanger the livelihoods of Denvers city workers. The rule change means that a longstanding seniority-based system for determining layoffs will be replaced with a merit-based approach. Denver mayor announces furloughs, $250M budget shortfall over next 2 years Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Todays vote was an insult to the workers who show up every day to keep this city running, said Mike Wallin, President of AFSCME Local 158. We fought hard to stop these changes and we did force the City to at least add back in some measurement of tenure. But ultimately, the City decided to betray both us and Denver residents with this decision. Only Ashley Kilroy, the boards co-chair, voted against the rule change. Stronger Denver, which represents Teamsters Local 455, Teamsters Local 17, SEIU Local 105, IATSE Local 7, the Denver Area Labor Federation, CWA and AFSCME Colorado, said that Kilroy called the new layoff framework arbitrary and capricious, and said she warned of potential favoritism. The changes approved by the board on Tuesday include: Refine layoff evaluation criteria: The city says that layoff decisions will be based on performance history, skills, abilities and length of service, with exceptions for employees entitled to military service credits. Remove bumping rights: Employees can no longer displace or bump other employees in lieu of being laid off Add layoff protections for workers nearing retirement eligibility: Workers within 90 days of retirement eligibility now have protections Refine reinstatement rules: Eligible former employees will be listed for a year after the fiscal layoff, unless removed for cause. Employees will still receive 30 days notice, and the city will continue to recognize experience and military service Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At this time, no layoffs have been announced. The rule change is an important step toward ensuring our workforce meets the needs of our residents even during difficult economic times, said Mayor Mike Johnston in a Denver Office of Human Resources release. I appreciate the boards careful consideration and the many city employees who shared their feedback and helped shape a rule that meets the needs of our employees and our community. Stronger Denver noted that the Denver City Council has been vocal against the rule change, with 11 of the 13 members signing a letter opposing the rule changes. The letter noted that Denver voters decided to allow collective bargaining among city employees, and that collective organizing has been ongoing for the workers, with union negotiations on the horizon. These changes are a necessary step to ensure we retain the best people to serve the residents of Denver, prioritizing performance history, abilities, skills, and length of service, said Kathy Nesbitt, Executive Director of the Office of Human Resources, in the citys announcement of the rule change. Rule 14 is now better aligned with our merit-based system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement City of Boulder, facing up to $10M budget shortfall, freezes hiring for vacant positions The city says the changes are designed to ensure the city can meet the needs of residents with skilled, knowledgeable workers, as the city faces a projected $200 million budget shortfall next year. As workers brace for the impending layoffs, they will continue to organize, stay vigilant against managerial abuse of this new system, and prepare for the historic implementation of collective bargaining rights in the new year, Stronger Denver said in a release. Rallygoers on Tuesday sought to have these changes discussed at the bargaining table with unions later this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. OCONEE COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA) A man is facing a slew of charges after authorities were exposed to an unknown substance during a traffic stop in Seneca. The Oconee County Sheriffs Office initiated a traffic stop Tuesday at the QT on Highway 123 due to a vehicle matching the description of a suspected intoxicated driver. The driver was identified as 42-year-old Ryan Cameron Baker, of Seneca. While apprehending Baker, deputies reported that the suspect had a bag containing a purple-colored powdery substance near his mouth. According to the incident report, a deputy tried to smack the bag out of Bakers hands, but the suspect latched onto the item with his teeth, causing the unidentified powder to cover two deputies on the scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Seneca Police Department and another deputy arrived at the scene to assist in arresting Baker. Once the suspect was secured, officials who were contaminated by the substance believed to be fentanyl were taken to Oconee Memorial Hospital. It was reported that deputies were treated and cleared following the exposure. The sheriffs department announced Wednesday morning that Baker has been charged with the following: Resisting arrest (three counts) Trafficking fentanyl Possession of a Schedule I/II controlled substance (two counts) Distribution of methamphetamine Possession of marijuana Possession of a weapon during a violent crime Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Baker was booked into the Oconee County Detention Center, where he remains in custody. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS. SEVILLE, Spain, July 2 (Xinhua) -- At the Fourth United Nations Conference on Financing for Development (FFD4), global partners announced a new Action Plan to scale up private sector investment in developing countries through blended finance. A key outcome under the "Compromiso de Sevilla," the plan includes the launch of a UN-supported Borrowers' Forum to help direct financing to underserved markets. UNCTAD Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan introduced the plan, which focuses on addressing poverty, economic growth, and climate risks by combining public resources with private capital. The initiative includes a special track for Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Africa, aiming to tailor blended finance strategies to local contexts and boost investment in priority sectors. A broad coalition backs the effort, including the OECD, African Union Commission, UN Capital Development Fund, UN Economic Commission for Africa, and development agencies from Finland, Norway, and Switzerland, alongside private sector groups like the GISD Alliance and Convergence Blended Finance. Despite global financial assets doubling to 482 trillion U.S. dollars in the past decade, only 5 percent is invested in developing countries (excluding China), with even less reaching the world's 44 Least Developed Countries, home to 880 million people. The Action Plan sets measurable goals: endorsements from 16 OECD countries and 54 developing countries by March 2026, and implementation starting June 30, 2026. It aims to standardize scalable blended finance models aligned with national and global development priorities. UNCTAD emphasized that as traditional aid streams decline, blended finance is gaining traction as a key tool to mobilize private capital for development. The Action Plan is one of several proposals supporting the FFD4 Outcome Document. HOLLAND TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) Deputies say a motorcyclist was airlifted to the hospital after a crash in Holland Township overnight. It happened around 12:05 a.m. Wednesday on Greenly Street just east of 128th Avenue. According to the Ottawa County Sheriffs Office, the motorcycle went down, causing its driver to fall off and hit the ground. Deputies said the driver described as a 47-year-old man from Holland Township was rushed by ambulance to a local hospital, then flown by Aero Med to a Grand Rapids hospital. His injuries are considered life-threatening. The sheriffs office did not release any more information about what led up to the crash. Deputies continue to investigate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com. SANTA NELLA, Calif. A California woman has been arrested on dozens of cruelty charges after deputies said she left over 100 cats in a U-Haul van, enduring extreme heat. Merced County Sheriff's deputies discovered the 134 cats, 28 of which were dead, about 5:30 p.m. Sunday in the parking lot of a Taco Bell in Santa Nella. How To Watch Fox Weather Arriving deputies first on the scene observed at least 20 cats in distress through the vehicle's window. Animal control officers were quickly dispatched. No food or water was located inside the vehicle. The felines ranged in age from one week to 8 years old. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All the cats were seized and taken to the Merced County Animal Shelter and later under the care of the Atwater Veterinary Center. Once the cats are medically cleared, they will be available for adoption, deputies said. "Once the cats are healthy enough to be adopted, they will be posted on the Merced County Animal Shelter's webpage, as well as on the Merced Sheriff Animal Services' social media platforms," deputies said Tuesday. The owner of the cats, identified as a 69-year-old woman from Long Beach, was arrested on 93 counts of animal cruelty and booked into the Merced County Jail. "The Merced County Sheriff's Office would like to remind the public that leaving any animal in a vehicle during the summer months is very dangerous," deputies said. "On a warm day, temperatures inside a car can soar to extreme levels in just a few minutes, even with the windows open." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This can lead to heatstroke, dehydration and even death of the animal left inside, authorities added. "Please ensure that when you're traveling with your pet, they're provided with a cool place to stay, offering plenty of shade, lots of water and food," the sheriff's office said. Original article source: Deputies: Over 100 cats found sweltering in California van; owner arrested on cruelty charges Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis followed nationwide calls to defund public media with his budget vetoes, axing about $5.7 million from public radio and television stations June 30. DeSantis struck out $1.3 million for public radio stations and about $4.4 million for public television stations when signing the state's 2025-26 budget. The governor vetoed about $567 million in programs and projects overall, which put a roughly $117 billion spending plan into effect July 1. These cuts included $370,400 to each public television station as recommended by Education Commissioner Manny Diaz Jr., and radio stations that had been allotted $100,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 2025-2026 Florida Budget: Florida funds: After vetoes, DeSantis signs roughly $115B budget Public media funding has made national headlines after President Donald Trump encouraged lawmakers to axe it earlier this year. DeSantis has not weighed in on this discussion; a request for comment is pending with his office. The Florida Channel, which is funded by the Florida Legislature, is unscathed. It streams the governor's press conferences, committees and legislative floor sessions and public board meetings to viewers across the state and over cable television. Budget vetoes: DeSantis vetoes almost $600 million in line items from next year's state budget Public radio stations will be affected but how? Yet public radio programs in Florida, including WUSF, WUFT, WLRN and WFSU, will feel the effects of budget cuts. Exactly how, including staff layoffs and whether any programs or stations will disappear, is as yet unclear. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement WFSU general manager David Mullins released a statement in May saying the public media station was monitoring the situation and that impacts were uncertain. WLRN chief executive officer John Labonia said DeSantis' cuts came as a surprise, the day before their fiscal year began. Labonia said up until DeSantis' signature, they believed public funding for local stations was still intact. Labonia called the veto "very disappointing," but that he believed the station would absorb the loss and still be able to continue its work. He also said he's unsure the motive from the governor's office since funds from the public radio emergency network and the Florida Channel were not cut. Michael Braun, a managing editor for WGCU, wrote in a Facebook post that public media outlets "got the bad news" that DeSantis axed public broadcasting: "We will survive this." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement WJCT president David McGowan said in a statement that he's "extremely disappointed" with the governor's decision to veto funds that "have supported the work of local public television and radio stations across the state." In 2023, DeSantis vetoed renovations for public radio and television stations, but requests for that money were not in the budget this year. Requests for comment are pending with the Florida Press Association and Protect My Public Media. Trump executive order: Can I still tune in to PBS and NPR? What to know after Trump's order to cut funding Florida follows the national call to cut public media In May, Trump issued an executive order that "ceases federal funding to NPR and PBS," saying that his administration would not support "biased and partisan news coverage." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In response, congressional members in the House voted mid-June to cut federal funding of public media outlets for the next two years. The Senate is pending a vote, but is expected to vote in the first weeks of July. NPR and three local stations filed a First Amendment lawsuit against the Trump administration late May. The lawsuit says that the president's order "thwarts Congresss intent and the First Amendment rights of Plaintiffs to be free from the governments attempts to control their private speech, and their rights to be free from retaliation aimed at punishing and chilling protected speech, journalistic activities, and expressive association." And Christine Diers, the executive director of the Public Media Journalists Association, called this a broader national issue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said her organization, which has a membership made up of public media reporters nationwide, is very concerned because "we believe that public media does an excellent job of providing ethical and unbiased coverage in their communities." It "just feels like a lot of power for one person to say, 'Oh well, I don't like that funding, so we're just going to take it out of the budget that was passed by a Legislature that was elected by the people,' " Diers said of DeSantis. This reporting content is supported by a partnership with Freedom Forum and Journalism Funding Partners. USA Today Network-Florida First Amendment reporter Stephany Matat is based in Tallahassee, Fla. She can be reached at SMatat@gannett.com. On X: @stephanymatat. This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: DeSantis cuts millions from public radio, TV in new budget MONTICELLO, Fla. - Gov. Ron DeSantis unveiled a statue of Former President Thomas Jefferson on Wednesday morning in Monticello, Florida, to help celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence coming in 2026. What we know Gov. DeSantis unveiled the new bronze statue at a news conference at 9 a.m. on Wednesday at the Jefferson County Courthouse, which is located at 1 Courthouse Circle, Monticello. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the event, DeSantis showcased a new Thomas Jefferson statue as part of the celebrations ahead of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence coming in 2026. CLICK TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX LOCAL APP Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis unveiled a statue of former president Thomas Jefferson on Wednesday morning. DeSantis spoke about some of Jefferson's top achievements as president, including serving as the primary author of the Declaration of Independence, securing the Louisiana Purchase, which doubled the size of the United States, and his support for the Lewis and Clark Expedition. DeSantis also unveiled Florida's 250th America logo. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis unveiled Florida's 250th America logo on Wednesday morning. What's next DeSantis said statues of other former presidents, including Alexander Hamilton, James Madison and Franklin Roosevelt, will be unveiled in the near future. The governor said he has not yet decided where all the statues will be placed. The story of America makes everyone free What they're saying "With a single sheet of parchment and 56 signatures, America began the greatest political journey in human history," said President Donald Trump. "The story of America makes everyone free." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We want our young people to understand what went into this country being formed," DeSantis said. "Jefferson really provided the lyrics that has allowed a lot of people to do very well as a result of the principles he articulated. We've done more to stress American civics since I've been governor than we've ever done in the history of Florida." Statue of George Washington unveiled at Florida Capitol The backstory In February, DeSantis helped to unveil a statue of Former President George Washington at the Florida Capitol. The bronze statue of the United States' first president was also displayed in preparation for the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The statues are part of DeSantis' $117.9 billion budget proposal that includes $1 million in cultural and museum grants for projects related to the 250th anniversary. When is America's 250th birthday? Timeline On July 4, 2026, the United States will commemorate and celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. SIGN-UP FOR FOX 35'S BREAKING NEWS, DAILY NEWS NEWSLETTERS The one-year countdown to Americas 250th birthday will kick off on July 3, 2025, at the Iowa State Fairgrounds, with a Salute to America celebration featuring remarks by President Trump. The Source This story was written based on information shared by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in a news release and press conference on July 2, 2025. Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed a bill intended to limit his officials from asking lobbyists and donors for campaign contributions while on the clock. HB 1445, which passed with a single no vote in the Republican-controlled Legislature this year, would in part have prohibited state officials from using their position to solicit campaign contributions. The legislation was in part a reaction to NBC News reports since 2023 that taxpayer-funded officials in his administration were asking lobbyists for campaign donations, raising ethical concerns. Lobbyists represent companies that receive contracts from the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At least some of those calls were made during traditional working hours, NBC News reported. A DeSantis spokesperson told the outlet it was completely untrue. Spokespeople for his administration have justified state officials soliciting lobbyists for donations in their free time. DeSantis, who had said he would veto the bill, did not address the issue in a memo Tuesday. Instead, he took issue with another provision in the bill, which required members of the state university systems Board of Governors and various boards of trustees to either be a Florida resident or a graduate of the university they were appointed to represent. DeSantis wrote that it was unconstitutional to place residency requirements on some of those board members, citing a 51-year-old Florida Supreme Court opinion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill was the product of a legislative session that exposed long-standing rifts between the governor and the Republican lawmakers he has consistently bent to his will over the years. House Republicans this year dug into DeSantis spending and governance, uncovering his administrations diversion of $10 million from a Medicaid settlement to the Hope Florida Foundation. One Republican lawmaker said that money then illegally ended up in a political committee controlled by the governors then-chief of staff, James Uthmeier. An earlier version of HB 1445 would have prohibited state employees from collecting or soliciting contributions on behalf of a political committee. Lawmakers also found that Florida taxpayers were paying for DeSantis officials to commute from homes hundreds or thousands of miles away from their headquarters in Tallahassee. The states top IT officials were living in Virginia and other states, racking up $56,000 in travel expenses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement HB 1445 would have prohibited those employees from being reimbursed for their commuting expenses. The bill was sponsored in the House by then-Rep. Debbie Mayfield, a Melbourne Republican who switched from supporting DeSantis to backing Donald Trump in last years GOP presidential primary. After she filed to run for a state Senate seat this year, DeSantis administration took the extraordinary step of ruling her ineligible to run for the seat because of term limits, which Mayfield said was payback for switching her endorsement. The Florida Supreme Court overruled the state in a unanimous decision. My goal was and remains ensuring that key roles in state government are filled by Florida-based leaders, not absentee figureheads, Mayfield wrote in a text message Tuesday. We started the discussion and I look forward to working with the governor to find ways to ensure state government works efficiently, that our leaders are held to the highest standards of performance, and that Floridas leaders are rooted in Florida and invested in our success. Gov. Ron DeSantis delivers remarks during a press conference in Jacksonville on Jan. 10, 2025. (Screenshot from Florida Channel) Gov. Ron DeSantis has vetoed a bill that was intended to limit state and local officials from using their official authority or influence to solicit campaign contributions. The legislation (HB 1445) sponsored by Melbourne Republican Debbie Mayfield also would have prohibited reimbursement for transportation expenses of agency heads who live outside of Tallahassee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The legislative proposal was introduced after NBC News reported that two top staffers in the governors office were calling state lobbyists to raise money for a political committee aligned with the governor at the same time that news surfaced that First Lady Casey DeSantis was considering a run for governor. State officials denied the report. The bill was passed unanimously in the Senate and 97-1 in the House. Palm Beach Republican Mike Caruso, an ally of the governor, was the only dissenter. Veto override? Speaking on Matt Gaetzs program on the One America News Network on Tuesday night, Miami-Dade House Republican Juan Porras called the veto irresponsible and said the Legislature could attempt to override it. If there were any bill that the Legislature would override the governors veto, it probably would be this one, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think in my opinion [its] irresponsible that the governor decided to veto this, Porras added. I think it looks bad on his part. But I do think this is something that all of the Legislature could probably get behind and override if the Senate probably were to agree. I might know someone over there, Gaetz quipped, referring to his father Don Gaetz who won re-election to the Senate last year after serving as Senate president in 2012-14 and now chairs the Ethics and Elections Committee. The veto was no surprise, since the governor blasted the proposal earlier in the session. Thats when the legislation called for all executive branch appointees who live outside the state capital to have to move to Tallahassee. Theyre saying all the agency heads must live in the swamp, DeSantis said during a press conference in Pensacola in April. I want to drain the swamp; I dont want to refill the swamp. Where are they getting this? Its an asinine proposal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawmakers later removed that provision, but kept the language that would prohibit executive directors of executive branch departments, secretaries of executive branch departments, and chief administrative officers of government entities housed under the executive branch from being reimbursed for transportation expenses incurred between their residences and department headquarters. It would also have prohibited per diem and subsistence allowance when remaining overnight in their county of residence. The bill also required members of the states Board of Governors to be U.S. citizens and either a Florida resident or a graduate of a state university. It also required members of a state university board of trustees to be U.S. citizens and either a Florida resident or a graduate of the university overseen by such a board. In his letter explaining his veto of the legislation on Tuesday, DeSantis focused only on that provision only of the proposal. CS/HB 1445 attempts to impose additional eligibility criteria by requiring members of the BOG [Board of Governors] and BOT [Board of Trustees} to be either a resident of this state or a graduate of [a/the] state university. However, the Florida Supreme Court has consistently held that statutes imposing additional qualifications for office are unconstitutional where the basic document of the constitution itself has already undertaken to set forth those requirements. Bad blood The governors veto of Mayfields bill comes with some history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She had originally supported DeSantis run for president in 2023 but, along with a handful of GOP state lawmakers, publicly flipped their support to Donald Trump during a Republican presidential summit in Orlando that fall. Mayfield served the past eight years in the Senate before being term-limited in 2024. She won a House seat last fall but decided to run again for her old seat earlier this year once it became vacant following Randy Fines decision to run for Congress. The Florida Department of State attempted to deny her the ability to run for that seat, saying it would violate the state term limit law. She challenged that decision and won in state court a week later, and ultimately won that Senate seat last month. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) Despite a weekend-long email and telephone campaign from Ohio teachers and retirees, Gov. Mike DeWine let stand an overhaul of the State Teachers Retirement System Board. The governor did not veto a late-night amendment to the budget that changes the composition of the 11-member board. Now, there will be 15 members the vast majority political appointees, with teacher representatives going from seven down to just three. Teachers and retirees had been fighting for control of their pension, and now they say they are being silenced by politicians. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police ticketing quotas will soon be illegal in Ohio But they are not willing to accept defeat. It took years for teachers to vote on to the board a majority of so-called reformers, who were demanding investment transparency and a return to cost of living increases that were promised but taken away. Now, critics say the governor and state legislatures have taken action that will likely end up in the third branch of government the courts. They built the pension through their hard work and their money, said David Pepper, former Democratic party chair. And they live off the pension and how well it does for the rest of their lives. So having them have a majority stake in that board made sense. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But at 1 a.m., Rep. Adam Bird (R-New Richmond) slid into the budget an amendment that even his fellow pension committee members did not see coming the radical overhaul of the STRS board with no hearings and no vote in either the House or Senate. Pepper has an online story detailing what he calls the unlawful pension takeover. Were talking about a political system that is right now being featured in two HBO documentaries for how broken and corrupt, this and the corruption is from the political system, Pepper said. Its the politicians in that Statehouse who are the ones who continue to get themselves in trouble for corruption. What the states new flat income tax will mean for Ohioans Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Also online, a retiree watchdog group is setting their sights on Bird, saying that because he took them out of their pension, they want him out of office. You know, hes getting paid by a different group of people than Im getting paid by, said Robin Rayfield, executive director of ORTA. I work for teachers. He works for big money Wall Street. Bird has not returned any calls from NBC4, but has pointed to accusations that a current and former board member pushed an unstable investment scheme. In a message to NBC4 last week, he said: The ongoing turmoil has clarified the need for the General Assembly to rebalance the board composition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The retirees say the state investigation is a smoke screen for a power grab, with lawmakers taking control of the $90 billion pension away from the 500,000 people who paid for it. And they did it in the dead of night. If they had a hearing on this, on this exact proposal, you might have had protests at the Statehouse of thousands of people, maybe tens of thousands, Pepper said. You would have had jam packed hearings with very credible opposition. Any by sneaking this through, they avoided what they knew would be a nightmare. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Wisconsin students are not back to pre-pandemic levels of achievement, despite school districts receiving over $2.3 billion in state and federal pandemic relief funds, according to a recent report by the Wisconsin Policy Forum, using data from the state Department of Public Instruction. The money was used from spring 2020 to fall 2024 to help students adapt to virtual learning and recover from academic setbacks caused by school closures. What pandemic relief funding was provided? Wisconsin school districts received $46.6 million in Governor's Emergency Education Relief funds allocated by the state, as well as $158.5 million in federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief funds, $685.4 million in ESSER II funds and $1.43 billion in ESSER III funds, from 2020 to 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement GEER I funds were given to districts most affected by COVID-19 based on how many students needed academic support and their ability to access learning. ESSER funds provided aid to districts serving more students from low-income households. The median amount of aid received across all funds was $1,784 per pupil, according to the Policy Forum report. Milwaukee Public Schools received the greatest portion of funding at $11,923 per pupil, the report said. Sara Shaw, Policy Forum deputy research director, said Congress allowed the money to be used broadly, for a variety of expenditures, so schools could address local needs and spend the money according to their particular needs. "This was meant to be a way of quickly getting the money to schools based on their level of need," Shaw said. The money was intended as a resource to mitigate the effects of the pandemic in schools and address institutional inequalities, Shaw said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For ESSER III funds, districts were required to spend at least 20% to address the decline in academic achievement, which Shaw said was considered a priority. Where are Wisconsin students still struggling the most? A nationwide assessment by the Nation's Report Card shows that the pandemic harmed students' achievement levels in mathematics and reading. Student scores in these two categories have not returned to pre-pandemic levels. Wisconsin ranked 16th among states in terms of recovery in math and 30th in reading between 2019 and 2024. Average math achievement in 2024 was a third of a grade level below 2019 levels. Average reading achievement was half a grade level below. "Those are decently large numbers, and that's not just the immediate pandemic recovery," Shaw said. "We're now several years out." Attendance is an ongoing issue Chronic absenteeism skyrocketed after the peak of the pandemic, Shaw said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A student is considered to be chronically absent if they miss at least 10% of school days in the year, or about 18 days. Shaw said absenteeism is a problem because if students aren't in school, it's hard for them to develop relationships with peers and trusted adults. In 2022, the Wisconsin chronic absenteeism rate was 23%, and in 2024, 18%. But before the pandemic in 2019, the rate was 13%. "That's speaking to some real shift in the relationship between kids and going to school," Shaw said. "That's very concerning to us." More: COVID absenteeism hit these schools hardest. Here are 5 takeaways about its impact on kids Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: Anxiety, illness, missing the bus: all can lead to chronic absenteeism. What can Wisconsin schools do to get students back in class? According to the Policy Forum report, school districts could use federal aid to create programs to combat chronic absenteeism, but efforts would've only been temporary as the grants expired. The report mentioned that these programs also could have added to districts' financial challenges and would have required additional staffing of temporary positions, which can be difficult to fill. Shaw also said summer school enrollment has not returned to pre-pandemic levels, and that poor student mental health remains a concern after the pandemic. Which students have fallen the furthest behind? Although the Policy Forum report didn't focus specifically on this topic for Wisconsin, Shaw noted that the state has had the largest standardized test scoring gap between Black students and White students for years. This gap widened after the pandemic, she said, which exacerbated existing inequities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nationally, Shaw said, it appears elementary students fell behind more when compared to older students. Researchers don't know for certain whether Wisconsin followed this pattern, but Shaw said it's a concern for the state to pay attention to. "What we found after the pandemic's peak is that the amount by which age groups had increased in their absenteeism was higher for the younger grades," Shaw said. "That, at its worst, could mean that these youngest learners are having their habits shift the most in a way that could continue to define their entire school trajectory." How did MPS use funding compared to other districts? Of the pandemic relief funds spent statewide, 33% was spent on preparedness and response to COVID-19 while 43% was spent on addressing long-term school closures related to the pandemic. Those numbers were flipped for MPS. Shaw said MPS spent nearly half of its funding on preparedness and response, and only 28% on long-term closures. While facilities spending (covered by preparedness and response funds) doesn't directly address student learning, she said, students' learning is affected by the physical environment they're in. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Managing aging facilities is among the priorities for MPS' new superintendent, Brenda Cassellius. "For MPS, particularly, we're in the middle of a lead paint crisis," Shaw said. "That seems to really illustrate the importance of doing basic maintenance in schools to make sure that the environment is still healthy for students." More: Timeline: Here's what we know about lead paint management in Milwaukee Public Schools Documents show MPS spent at least $235.4 million in pandemic relief funds on facilities projects, including new carpeting and flooring, bug screens, lockers, carbon dioxide detectors, water fountains, fire alarms, furniture, painting and replacement of window systems. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The district confirmed that no federal relief funding was used for repainting projects associated with lead stabilization or remediation. District and city officials have said MPS lapsed in meeting internal protocols for management of lead paint. The district has since pledged to update internal policies and follow them. How much of the relief funding was spent? Shaw said one of the biggest takeaways from the report is that, despite a fear that school districts wouldn't know how to use the money and would have to send some back to the federal government, almost all the funding has been spent. According to the report, only 0.01% went unused. As federal dollars have dried up now, Shaw said, she hopes that those who are financing school districts continue to think about how to address student recovery needs. "As much as everyone wants the pandemic to be over, we have a lot of evidence that it is not over in terms of its lingering effects on students' well-being and on their academic achievement," Shaw said. Contact Mia Thurow at mthurow@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: WI students set back by pandemic despite millions in federal funding CANFIELD TWP., Ohio (WKBN) Mahoning County Sheriffs detectives are looking for a suspect in what is being described as a possible road rage incident from late Tuesday night. Read next: YPD identifies family of child found walking on South Side street Authorities believe the incident started shortly before 11 p.m. near the corner of West Boulevard and U.S. 224 and proceeded to the area behind Wendys on 224 in Canfield. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the alleged victim was trying to leave, the suspect reportedly pulled a weapon and started firing. According to a police report, Boardman police got the call and were assisting when an officer on patrol spotted a suspected vehicle, but the driver took off when the officer tried to pull the vehicle over. A chase ensued but only lasted about three minutes and traveled about two miles. During that time, the officer said the driver blew through stop signs and was speeding. Detectives could be seen Wednesday morning searching for evidence. No one was hurt, and at this point, no one has been arrested. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Patty Coller contributed to this report. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. The court said that there is reasonable suspicion against Rotter and ruled that he poses "a high level of risk" to society. Chaim Rotter was named on Thursday morning as the Bnei Brak neighborhood watch group Shomrim official suspected of sexually assaulting minors. Rotter is a prominent figure in ultra-Orthodox society and the head of the Shomrim organization in Bnei Brak. The Petah Tikva Magistrate Court extended until next Thursday the detention of Rotter said to be a senior figure in the Shomrim organization in Bnei Brak by eight days, on suspicion of dozens of rapes of children and adults over serveral years. He was apprehended by the Israel Police at Ben-Gurion Airport late Wednesday night. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By press time, his name had not yet been cleared for publication. Rotter flew out of Israel about two weeks ago, and was arrested upon his return and taken in for questioning. Chaim Rotter arrives to a court hearing at the Magistrate's Court in Tel Aviv, July 2, 2025 (credit: AVSHALOM SASSONI/FLASH90) At the hearing on Wednesday, the Rotter was silent when asked if he wished to respond to the allegations. One of his alleged victims, Meir (an alias), called out, He raped me. You are evil, you are cursed. I am sick. He almost cut off my penis. He raped the mother of my child. The judge tried to calm things down and directed the complainant to provide testimony to the investigative unit. The court said that there is reasonable suspicion against Rotter, that he poses a high level of risk to society, and is suspected of obstructing the investigation. His lawyer said the reason he stayed out of the country was because of the war with Iran and flight cancellations, and that he returned to face the allegations against him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement About three weeks ago, a police investigation was opened after a complaint was levied against the man, around a decade after the last complaint. More came in, and at present, there are about six open cases dating back about 15 years. Police had also requested that the gag order placed on the case be lifted and that his name be publicized, so that more alleged victims would feel comfortable coming forward. Testimony from alleged survivor of abuse A lawyer representing some of the victims said, There are more who are afraid to speak up and file a complaint. The rumors about this man have circulated in Bnei Brak for a very long time. Ynet noted that all the victims are aged 12 and up. Meir, 39, from Tel Aviv, who called out during the hearing, told Walla, There is no comfort for what he did I am hopeful that justice will be carried out. In early 2013, he fell in love with my wife, now my ex-wife, and made my life hell. He desecrated her and did horrors to her in front of our eight-month-old daughter, stole my belongings, and barred me from entry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shomrim operates as a local community police. It happened several times, Meir said. Once, he told me to come [over] to either pick up my tefillin or see my daughter. He said, 'Now were going to beat him up.' I told him I missed my daughter I found myself on the floor, pinned to the stairs, as he hit me in the face. He said, He told me, Ill tear off your [genitals], Ill castrate you. They beat me until I was dehydrated and I faint, and no one helped me They tortured me. Meir continued, After 20 minutes of them beating me up, he and another 40 people, including a police officer, showed up. No matter how much I explained to him [the situation], he immediately cuffed me and took me away, as if I were the criminal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He described the helplessness of dealing with him and defined him as the Chief of Police of the ultra-Orthodox sector in Israel They took my dignity, my honor, my wife, my house. Meir described the mental damage left by the abuse: The beatings and the sexual assault also cause flashbacks. Suddenly, I go into panic and anxiety... I didnt do anything. He called on law enforcement to see justice through. Meir described to Walla another instance, in 2017, where he was sitting outside, and was suddenly surrounded by the man and his cronies. I told him, Leave me alone. Within seconds, they took my phone, dragged me to the floor, and began to jump on me as though I were a trampoline, including on my genitals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He told me I was a rapist and a terrorist. I experienced a clinical death there on the floor. He said that, like in 2013, police arrived and arrested him, and that when he arrived at the station, they said there was no relevance to opening a case. He did it for money, said Meir. Shomrim is funded by the Bnei Brak municipality, so they have connections and can do whatever they want... There is no coming back from that. There are police in Bnei Brak - there is no need for Shomrim, he said. Rabbi Chaim Rotter and ultra-Orthodox Jewish members of The Guards, a civilian patrol of volunteers safeguarding the streets of the ultra orthodox city of Bnei Brak at nights, July 5, 2013. (credit: YAAKOV NAUMI/FLASH90) The complaint from a decade ago was filed by Yossi, who is about 40 years old, grew up in Bnei Brak, and today lives in Tel Aviv, per Ynet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He told Ynet that he was sexually abused by the Rotter, who also raped his wife and stole items from him. Also at the court hearing on Wednesday, Yossi said, He murdered my soul, time after time after time. He took advantage of me and knew no one would do anything to him. Everyone is afraid of him. I am still not fully alive today because of him, and what happened to me happened decades ago. "The man who destroyed my life was finally arrested. If the police had taken my case seriously in 2016, they could've saved so many other young boys who became victims." The case was closed, he said. Magen, an organization that fights sexual assault in the haredi community, said, Another wall of silence fell today and is crumbling before our eyes. We are witnesses to silencing attempts, including through threats. We will be with the victims every step of the way, until justice sees the light. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet (2nd, L) and Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong (3rd, L) inspect the guard of honor at the Peace Palace in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, July 2, 2025. Cambodia and Singapore on Wednesday vowed to further boost bilateral relations and cooperation. The commitment was made during a meeting between Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and his visiting Singaporean counterpart Lawrence Wong in Phnom Penh, said a news release from the Cambodian prime minister's spokesperson unit. (Photo by Nitola/Xinhua) PHNOM PENH, July 2 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia and Singapore on Wednesday vowed to further boost bilateral relations and cooperation. The commitment was made during a meeting between Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and his visiting Singaporean counterpart Lawrence Wong in Phnom Penh, said a news release from the Cambodian prime minister's spokesperson unit. "The two leaders are committed to further strengthening and expanding close cooperation between the two countries," the news release said. "They discussed and agreed to continue strengthening and expanding cooperation in many important areas such as trade, investment, finance, people-to-people connectivity, defense, security, agriculture, food security, energy, and human resources development," it added. The two prime ministers also exchanged views on cooperation within regional and international frameworks for the benefit of both countries and peoples, the news release said. Wong arrived in Phnom Penh on Wednesday morning for a one-day visit. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet (R) shakes hands with Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong at the Peace Palace in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, July 2, 2025. Cambodia and Singapore on Wednesday vowed to further boost bilateral relations and cooperation. The commitment was made during a meeting between Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and his visiting Singaporean counterpart Lawrence Wong in Phnom Penh, said a news release from the Cambodian prime minister's spokesperson unit. (Jadina Lon/Agence Kampuchea Press/Handout via Xinhua) The Brief An ICE raid in Detroit led to the arrest of a illegal immigrant from Honduras on Monday. The arrest went down in the area of Joy Road and Livernois, although demonstrators were activated during the raid. Detroit police claim two activists interfered in the ICE arrests and took them into custody. DETROIT (FOX 2) - An ICE raid in Detroit was intercepted by activists and a federal vehicle was allegedly damaged during a protest Monday. The backstory The incident, which took place near Livernois and Joy Road, is now under investigation by Detroit police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Social justice organizer Tristan Taylor said the reaction is just the latest from those concerned in communities nationally at the raids. "People all across the country have been responding to the kidnappings - because that's what they are - of individuals by ICE," he said. In witness video courtesy of Detroit Will Breathe, arrests could be seen being made. ICE officials say they were there to arrest an illegal migrant from Honduras - who had already been removed from the US twice. Federal authorities said they had obtained a search warrant to enter the home and make an arrest. Law enforcement said he had previously fled from ICE officers earlier the same morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Taylor said it was upsetting to neighbors for law enforcement to descend on the community with assault rifles. Tensions ran high while activists from Detroit Peoples Assembly witnessed what happened next. "The federal agents got tired of waiting and busted down the door," said Nelson Garay, the Detroit People's Assembly. Once outside, activists say the person was put in an unmarked vehicle which then tried to drive away. "(They) escaped with the detainee through a grass field," Garay said. That was when an independent demonstrator decided to move in. "Hopped in his truck to try to cut off the ICE agents' trucks," Garay said. "He cut off the truck but there was no actual impact." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Detroit police were already at the scene because the federal agency requested they be there to keep the peace. DPD is investigating after this demonstrator allegedly interfered with the federal investigation. "As an organization, we dont endorse hopping into your cars to try to cut off federal vehicles as they drive away," Garay said. "But at the same time, this is an expression of folks who are incredibly frustrated." Detroit police took this demonstrator into custody and another person was also arrested for malicious destruction of property of a separate federal vehicle. Police then used pepper spray after protesters entered the street and approached a scout car. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Were not endorsing any radical action as an organization, but at the same time if people decide to take on their own, were not here to condemn them either," Garay said. ICE released a statement from a spokesperson that said: "It is a crime to obstruct or otherwise interfere with an ICE arrest and anyone involved may be subject to prosecution under federal law." As the police investigation continues these activists say they stop resisting. "We as an organization and community will continue to resist the fascist agenda of the Trump administration and their attempts to scapegoat immigrants." The Source Information from the Detroit police, ICE and interviews with Detroit activists contributed to this report. The Brief A 17-year-old boy critically injured in a shooting at King Apartments, Detroit; neighbors shocked by the reckless gunfire. Gunfire missed dozens of children playing outside; police urge witnesses to cooperate in the investigation. King Apartments, a Green Light location, has cameras; DPD hopes footage aids in identifying the shooter. DETROIT (FOX 2) - A teen boy was shot in the head in the middle of the day in Detroit, with dozens of children walking around. Timeline Neighbors are calling it a miracle that gunfire missed dozens of children playing outside in Detroit. Sadly, a 17-year-old boy was shot in the head. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Unfortunately, right now he's critical; he's fighting for his life," said Detroit Police Commander Jevon Johnson. The 17-year-old was rushed to the hospital Tuesday afternoon after being shot in the head. A neighbor, whom FOX 2 will call "Tina," called it a miracle that no one else was hurt. What led up to the shooting is unclear. What they're saying According to police, neighbors like "Tina" say gunfire sprayed throughout the parking lot, hitting cars and homes, and then the shooter got away quickly. "This is not making any sense; it could have been astronomical with a lot of kids out here," Tina said. "For you to not be able to sit on your porch is senseless." Dig deeper The apartments are a Green Light location, which means cameras are strategically placed throughout, and the hope of the Detroit Police Depratment is that witnesses will cooperate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "If you are a witness and you want to come forward at a later time, we encourage people to do that," said Johnson. "I know it's getting hot; everybody needs to pack their patience and be understanding of each other. Gun violence is not the way." This is one of several shootings in Detroit just since the start of summer, with child victims. Watch FOX 2 Detroit LIVE After a nearly two-month trial and the often-emotional testimony of more than 30 witnesses, hip-hop mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs has been acquitted of the major charges against him racketeering and two sex trafficking counts but a jury found him guilty of transportation to engage in prostitution. Prosecutors alleged Combs lured women into romantic relationships, forced them through emotional, physical and financial manipulation to take part in days of highly coordinated, drug-fueled sex parties called "freak offs" with male escorts that he directed, and then blackmailed them with videos he recorded of the encounters. Combs, whose Miami and Los Angeles mansions were raided in April 2024, was charged with racketeering for leading what prosecutors alleged was a criminal organization over the course of two decades that operated on sex trafficking, kidnapping, drug offenses and forced labor, among other crimes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the defense never denied his extravagant sex life, the Grammy-award-winner has continually maintained his innocence and pleaded not guilty to all charges. He has also denied allegations brought forward in approximately 80 sexual assault lawsuits, which detail alleged incidents dating back to the 1990s. How long could Diddy be in prison? Transportation to engage in prostitution carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. Combs faced a maximum sentence of life in prison for the racketeering charge. Sex trafficking has a 15-year mandatory minimum and maximum of life in prison. What is racketeering? Racketeering does not refer to a specific crime, but to a coordinated pattern of illegal activity as part of a larger enterprise to generate profit, generally for a criminal organization. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Federal law prohibits a variety of activities relating to any such enterprise that affects interstate or foreign commerce with the Racketeer-Influenced and Corrupt Organization (RICO) Act. To prove Combs was racketeering, prosecutors would have had to prove he willingly entered into a pattern of illegal activity that affected interstate commerce with one or more other people. Florida Statutes define racketeering activity as acts meant to commit, attempt to commit, conspire to commit, or get someone else to commit a wide variety of crimes including illegal gambling, homicide, kidnapping or human trafficking, burglary, computer-related crimes, animal fighting, weapons trafficking, public assistance fraud, helping a noncitizen to vote and many more. What is the Mann Act? Comb's prostitution-related charges violate the Mann Act, a law that makes it a federal crime to transport someone across state lines for prostitution. What was Sean 'Diddy' Combs charged with? Was his Florida home raided? Combs, who owns two mansions in Florida, was arrested in August 2024 and charged with two counts of sex trafficking, two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution and one count of racketeering. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the raids of Combs' Miami and Los Angeles homes earlier that year, law enforcement seized "more than 1,000 bottles of baby oil and lubricant," which the indictment said was used when Combs and his employees booked hotel rooms for "freak offs," along with extra bedsheets and lighting. Police also seized "evidence" of the crimes in the indictment and three AR-15s with scratched-off serial numbers. Along with the "freak offs" and abuse, the indictment also alleged Combs punched, struck, dragged and kicked various women since at least 2008, and forced employees to "cover up his abuse and commercial sex" operation. Other incidents listed in the indictment include an armed kidnapping and blowing up a car. One element that featured prominently in the trial was an infamous video that allegedly showed Combs beating, kicking, and dragging his former girlfriend of a decade Casandra "Cassie" Ventura Fine in a hotel hallway. Ventura Fine testified early in the trial about her participation in his alleged "freak offs," the physical and emotional abuse she said she faced, and the drug addiction she'd developed after using various substances, in part to cope. She also detailed alleged repeated physical abuse, which was captured in photographs shared with jurors. Who is Sean 'Diddy' Combs? Sean Love Combs, 55, also known as P. Diddy, Puff Daddy or Diddy, is an R&B artist, rapper and record producer and executive. He owns his own record label, Bad Boy Records, which he founded in 1993. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Diddys been nominated for myriad industry accolades, from Peoples Choice awards, to lifetime achievement awards and Grammys. Hes got 18 trophies under his belt and has been nominated for awards more than 60 times throughout his multi-decade career. Before the arrest, Combs was in the news for a string of serious sexual and domestic abuse allegations. Hes facing multiple lawsuits accusing him of rape and sexual assault. Will President Trump pardon Sean 'Diddy' Combs? It's possible. The president has the power to pardon federal crimes. He mentioned the possibility on May 30. "Nobody's asked" about a pardon, Trump said. "But I know people are thinking about it. I know they're thinking about it. I think some people have been very close to asking. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I haven't spoken to him in years. He really liked me a lot." If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence, RAINN's National Sexual Assault Hotline offers free, confidential, 24/7 support in English and Spanish via chat and at 800-656-4673. (This story was updated to add new information.) This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Sean 'Diddy' Combs' verdict is split decision. What is racketeering? Sean Diddy Combs has been denied bail and will remain behind bars while awaiting sentencing in his federal trial, where he was found guilty on two counts of transportation for prostitution but dodged the more serious charges of sex trafficking and racketeering. The judge set a sentencing date for October 3 at 10 a.m. ET. After the jury revealed the verdict early Wednesday morning, Combs attorney Marc Agnifilo told the judge that he should be released on appropriate conditions as early as today. The prosecution countered the request, stating that it posed a real risk to let him walk free. More from Variety Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Judge Arun Subramanian, who is presiding over the case, stated that he wanted to read letters from both sides before making his decision regarding bail. In its letter, Combs legal team proposed a bail package including a $1 million bond; travel restrictions to certain areas of Florida, California and New York or New Jersey; surrendering his passport; and drug testing. The government, meanwhile, argued that he should be detained as his charges under the Mann Act require detention, and stated that the only conceivable basis for release here is the existence of exceptional circumstances.' Prosecutors wrote that even if detention was not mandatory here, which it is, the defendant cannot meet his burden to show by clear and convincing evidence that he is not likely to flee or pose a danger to any other person or the community. They note that the guidelines based on preliminary calculations dictate that the duration of imprisonment ranges from 51 to 63 months, or roughly four to five years. In their response to the governments letter, Combs attorneys argued that prosecutors were overstating his sentencing exposure and noted that he was not convicted of a violent crime. They said that detention is not necessary due to his exceptional circumstances, including looking after his children as well as his mother, Janice Combs, who is 85 years old and would like him to be her primary caretaker. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr. Combs should be released on bail today, they wrote. It would be unjust to continue detaining Mr. Combs at the MDC even one day longer, especially since given the sentencing guidelines for these prostitution offenses he would otherwise be entitled to serve any additional time imposed at a lower-security facility. On 5 p.m. on Wednesday, the parties reconvened in the federal courtroom, where the judge announced his ruling. Subramanian said it would be impossible for Combs to prove he would not pose a danger to others if released on bail. Using the defense attorneys own words against them, the judge provided examples from the trial in which they admitted to Combs pattern of violence. You full-throatedly in your closing argument told the jury that there was violence here, Subramanian said to Agnifilo, quoting his summation on Friday: We own the domestic violence. We own it.' The judge said the defense had prevailed on getting Combs acquitted on racketeering and sex trafficking charges, but domestic violence is violence. The evidence of such violence, the judge said, will not be considered with respect to Combs sentencing, but it can be considered when determining bail. Agnifilo, in search of a glimmer of hope, told the judge that Combs had enrolled in a batterers program and went to meetings in New York before he was arrested in September 2024. Combs has been a remarkable prisoner and is working on himself, Agnifilo added. I think we should trust him. Hes not going to flee. Hes been given his life back. Hes going to have next chapters of his life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Combs was found guilty on two of the less serious charges in his federal trial, with each carrying a 10-year maximum sentence. The hip-hop mogul was facing a maximum of life in prison if the jury found him guilty on racketeering and sex trafficking charges. Following his detainment in September 2024, Combs had previously offered a $50 million bond backed by equity in his homes and the promise of security monitoring, yet was denied bail three times before withdrawing his bid in December. After the verdict was read Wednesday, the mood among the defense team was celebratory, and Combs seemed relieved and overjoyed. The verdict arrived after an intense eight-week trial where several of Combs former employees and romantic partners testified about his behavior over the years. Combs was accused of coercing multiple women into freak-offs with male escorts that he transported across state lines. His former girlfriend, Casandra Cassie Ventura, was a key witness in the federal trial, appearing for a four-day testimony where she alleged that Combs routinely assaulted and psychologically abused her. Following the verdict, Venturas attorney Douglas H. Wigdor released a statement commending her strength and coming forward with accusations that inevitably led to the federal case. She displayed unquestionable strength and brought attention to the realities of powerful men in our orbit and the misconduct that has persisted for decades without repercussion, he said. This case proved that change is long overdue, and we will continue to fight on behalf of survivors. Best of Variety Sign up for Variety's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Before and after U.S. President Donald Trumps decision to bomb three Iranian nuclear facilities on June 22, critics compared his actions to the months preceding and following the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003. Prior to Operation Midnight Hammer, as the airstrikes were called, when it was still uncertain whether Trump would follow through on his threat to bomb the sites, Steve Coll already pointed to both the political use of intelligence and the Trump administrations insistence that the U.S. public simply had to trust it had evidence to justify a preemptive attack as similarities to 2003. After the airstrikes, when it looked like the U.S. might be joining Israel in an escalating conflict with Iran, Al Jazeera characterized the language and rhetoric used by world leaders as sounding all too familiar, drawing eerie comparisons to the lead-up to the Iraq war more than two decades ago. For those arguing against bombing Irans nuclear program, the Iraq analogy is a powerful one to make. Operation Iraqi Freedom is widely viewed as an expensive U.S. foreign policy blunder that accomplished little more than eroding public trust in the foreign policy establishment. Tremendous amounts of blood and treasure were expended to oust Saddam Hussein, beat back multiple Islamist insurgencies and install a shaky democracy. The ostensible justification for the invasionIraqs purported pursuit of a weapons of mass destruction programproved to be unfounded. Indeed, in light of all this, the attempt by critics to connect the airstrikes on Iran with the most infamous foreign policy blunder of the 21st century was itself political, designed to sow doubt about Trumps decision. The question is whether the analogy is justified. Analogical reasoning in international relations is both extremely common and of extremely variable utility. In his book Analogies at War, Singaporean political scientist Yuen Foong Khong warned that policymakers use analogies to perform specific cognitive and information-processing tasks essential to thinking about policy choices. Analysts and citizens are no different, sometimes going so far as to compare real-life situations to fictional parallels. The danger is that analogies function as poor substitutes for well-developed theory, leading many to extrapolate outcomes without thinking seriously about causal logic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the case of the Iran attack, the parallels to Iraq in 2003 are hard to miss. From a 30,000-foot-high perspective, the most obvious one is that the U.S. chose to launch a preventive attack against an enduring rival in the Middle East suspected of developing weapons of mass destruction. Furthermore, the intelligence that justified the 2003 invasion proved to be mistakensome would argue intentionally so. Infamously, the administration of then-President George W. Bush presented stovepiped intelligence claiming that Iraqs weapons of mass destruction program was active, when it turned out to be long dormant. To get more in-depth news and expert analysis on global affairs from WPR, sign up for our free Daily Review newsletter. There are echoes of this behavior today. When confronted with a recent U.S. intelligence finding that contradicted his claims that Iran was close to developing a nuclear weapon, Trump told reporters, I dont care. In a televised interview after the attack had taken place, Vice President JD Vance said, Of course we trust our intelligence community, but we also trust our instincts. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who doubles as Trumps national security adviser, went even further, dismissing the recent finding as irrelevant and insisting that the U.S. public should forget about intelligence. Following the invasion of Iraq in 2003, the U.S. was ultimately able to prove conclusively that Iraqs WMD program was long shuttered, because U.S. forces occupied the country. This time around, that is not an option. Another disturbing parallel with the 2003 Iraq War is the premature declaration of victory. On May 1, 2003, Bush gave his notorious Mission Accomplished speech on the deck of the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, an event his communications director later described as one of the big regrets of my life. Similarly, after the airstrikes on Iran, Trump gave a brief White House speech asserting that Irans key nuclear enrichment facilities, particularly the underground uranium enrichment facility at Fordow, had been completely and totally obliterated. Subsequent reporting in CNN, the New York Times and the Atlantic, however, revealed that a preliminary Defense Intelligence Agency finding contradicted Trumps claims. While the CIA assessment that was then quickly released was more friendly to Trump, subsequent reporting and statements by the director of the United Nations nuclear watchdog agency cast doubt on that assessment. The entire back and forth offers a stark reminder about the dangers of politicized intelligence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Finally, just as with Iraq, the Trump administrations designs seemed to experience mission creep in the days after the attack. For the Bush administration, Operation Iraqi Freedom was ostensibly about eliminating Saddam Husseins WMD program, even if it required regime change to do so. By January 2005, however, Bushs second inaugural address ratcheted up U.S. aims even further, to promoting democratization across the regionthrough the use of military force if necessary. Trump has raged against the Iraq War for years, and in the days following the attack on Iran, Vance and Rubio insisted that the administrations goal was not regime change in Tehran. Yet, almost simultaneously, while acknowledging on social media that regime change was no longer in vogue, Trump suggested that if Irans theocratic regime continued on its present course, why wouldnt there be a Regime change? By last weeks NATO summit, Rubio had followed suit, saying that he saw regime change as likely if Irans leaders didnt change course. The parallels between Iraq in 2003 and Iran in 2025 clearly exist, which is why it is so tempting to lean on the analogy. But it is important to stress the differences as well, because they point to how things might play out in Iran, in ways that are both better and worse than they did in Iraq a generation ago. Perhaps the most important distinction is that the attacks on Iran have been limited to an air campaign. As Max Boot noted last week, there is little chance of either Israel or the United States sending ground troops to invade Iran because of the risk of another quagmire in a nation that has more than 90 million people, or twice the population of Iraq. International relations scholars like Robert Pape are extremely skeptical about the utility of air power to achieve foreign policy goals. Without an escalation to the use of ground forces, however, the risk of extended U.S. military involvement in Iran is much lower. In other words, even if Operation Midnight Hammer proves to be a failure, it will be a more modest and less costly failure than Operation Iraqi Freedom. A related difference is U.S. public opinion about the use of force. The Bush administration launched a concerted, monthslong public relations campaign to justify the invasion of Iraq. The result was that by early 2003, there was bipartisan support in Congress for an attack, and a majority of the U.S. public supported military action as well. Public opinion subsequently soured when it became clear that the mission accomplished claim proved to be false. In contrast, the Trump administration barely bothered to make a public case for attacking Iran. Unsurprisingly, then, despite the limited nature of the bombings, a majority of the U.S. public disapproves of the airstrikes. This will also function as an important public constraint on any attempt by the Trump administration to widen the conflict. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Finally, the U.S. was the chief instigator and architect of the invasion of Iraq in 2003, with the U.S. military shouldering the greatest burden in launching the attack and occupying the country. That is not true this time around. Not only did the government of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu instigate the campaign against Iran, there is some evidence that Israel did so despite Trumps desire to give more time for negotiations seeking a diplomatic solution to the standoff over Irans nuclear program to play out. Indeed, the fact that the United States would not be on the hook for this conflict might be one reason Trump decided to opt in. Most of the differences between Iraq in 2003 and Iran in 2025 suggest lower risks of a foreign policy quagmire this time around. There is, however, one caveat to that conclusion. Following the invasion of Iraq in 2003, the U.S. was ultimately able to prove conclusively that Iraqs WMD program was long shuttered, because U.S. forces occupied the country. And even with the U.S. military in control on the ground, it took months to do so. This time around, that is not an option. Already, there are considerable doubts about whether Irans nuclear program was obliterated or merely suffered a setback. Furthermore, regime change is highly unlikely given the campaigns exclusive reliance on air power. So those doubts are likely to linger indefinitely. This means that, in the near future, Irans theocratic regime might well possess the means to produce a nuclear weapon. And after Operation Midnight Hammer, it will be strongly incentivized to do so. Daniel W. Drezner is distinguished professor of international politics and academic dean at the Fletcher School at Tufts University. He is the author of Drezners World. The post The Differences Between Iraq in 2003 and Iran in 2025 Matter, Too appeared first on World Politics Review. FRUITA, Colo. (KREX) On Tuesday, July 8, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Mesa County Womens Network (MCWN) will host an exclusive behind-the-scenes paleo night at Dinosaur Journey Museum, located at 550 Jurassic Court. The Director of Palentology and featured event guest, Dr. Julia B. McHugh, will lead the evening by focusing on Western Colorados dinosaur history and paleontological research taking place locally. Typically closed to the public, attendees will be able to embark on a behind-the-scenes tour of the Dinosaur Journey labs. This is more than just a lecture its a chance to connect with our local heritage and gain a deeper appreciation for the world-class science being done in our community, said event organizers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Refreshments will be provided. As space is limited, it is recommended that interested attendees RSVP for the event online by visiting MCWN.US. Tickets are free for MCWN members and $35 for non-members. Mesa County Womens Network is a nonprofit founded in 1989, focusing on empowering and uplifting women in personal and professional spheres. MCWN hosts networking lunches, educational workshops, community resources, mixers and social gatherings for its members. More information about MCWN can be found on its website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WesternSlopeNow.com. A disabled NHS employee has received more than 233,000 in compensation after it was found she was unfairly dismissed and discriminated against by a trust. Kelly Ruddock resigned from her role as a medical secretary at West Suffolk Hospital's mental health complex Wedgwood House, in Bury St Edmunds, in September 2021. She left after being told she was required to take on a "ward based" role, which she could not fulfil because of her "substantial disabilities". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An employment tribunal ruled the Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust had failed to make reasonable adjustments for Mrs Ruddock and she had been a "victim of unlawful discrimination and unfairly dismissed". The trust apologised to Mrs Ruddock for "what she experienced and the distress that was caused". An employment tribunal ruled Kelly Ruddock was unfairly dismissed and discriminated against [Getty Images] Mrs Ruddock started working as a medical secretary in July 2017, having previously been employed by the trust as an agency worker in 2012. She has a number of health conditions including fibromyalgia and the lasting effects of a spinal injury sustained in a crash. When she carried out certain movements she would experience pain and on some occasions her back would spasm, leaving her immobile for up to 30 minutes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following an administration review, she was told she would become a senior ward administrator a role which would be "predominantly ward based". She feared she would "suffer a significant exacerbation of her symptoms" if she worked on a ward, concerns which an occupational health report said were valid. As part of the trust's redeployment policy which applies to staff who, for example, have ill health Mrs Ruddock was interviewed for a different role. Despite meeting the criteria for the job it was instead given to another candidate who was not requiring redeployment. The employment tribunal ruled the trust had "failed" to follow its redeployment policy and that Mrs Ruddock should have been appointed to that role. 'Substantial disadvantage' The trust said that in a ward-based role Mrs Ruddock's day-to-day job would actually have remained "unchanged". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The tribunal panel ruled that was never communicated to Mrs Ruddock and, if it had been, "she would have remained in post" and not resigned. "A later advertisement for the post described it as 'ward based', so we do not accept it was the intention for the post to remain as it was," the panel said. During the tribunal, the trust also accepted that working in a ward-based environment would have put Mrs Ruddock at a "substantial disadvantage in comparison with those who are not disabled". Jeremy Over, the chief people officer at the trust, said he respected the decision and outcome of the tribunal and that "changes to benefit our staff and enhance our culture" had been made. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We launched a new reasonable adjustments toolkit to better support staff with a disability and prevent similar situations occurring in the future," he said. Follow Suffolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X. Related internet links More on this story Passengers on a Disney Dream cruise ship have described the moment a horrified mom realized her five year-old daughter fell overboard. The little girl plunged from the fourth deck of the $900 million Disney Dream on Sunday morning as it was returning to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, following a four-night cruise in the Bahamas. Her mother screamed after she went into the water and then had to watch as her husband jumped 45ft to rescue her, according to witnesses. The dad had to tread water for up to 20 minutes before both were pulled aboard the ships rescue boat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A post from a passenger on the cruises Facebook page said the mom was yelling she's five and can't swim when the accident happened, while other witnesses described her terror as the dramatic incident unfolded. Shannon Lindholm, from Houston, was on the cruise with her husband and their two kids when she heard the man overboard announcement. She watched the rescue unfold from the fourth floor deck, where the girl is believed to have fallen from. The father was rescued from the water after jumping in to save his daughter (TikTok) I saw the mom's face of terror when she was waiting for them to be rescued, and I saw her face of relief when they brought them on board, Lindholm told People. They brought her over, and obviously she was extremely relieved and incredibly grateful, and it was just very quick from there, said Lindholm, adding that the rescue was a miracle times two. The Disney Dream cruise ship was returning to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, following a four-night cruise in the Bahamas (AFP via Getty Images) Another passenger, Monica Shannon, was on vacation with her husband and young child and waiting to meet Disney princesses when the fall happened. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I kind of see something really fast flew by, I didn't think anything of it, Shannon told CBS News. Shannon was on the third floor deck at the time, one below where the girl plunged from. I just figured it was maybe a part of the show or just the experience, but about five minutes later we heard that someone flew overboard, she said. Another passenger named Chandler told People magazine about the moment the girl hit the water. It sounded like hitting the pavement, she said. There was some kind of commotion ... Then this awful scream from what I assume is the mother and then this massive splash. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chandler said she was with her family when the commotion began, and Mr. M.O.B., meaning man overboard, blared out over the ships intercom as it traveled between Nassau and Grand Bahama Island. Disney rescue crew pulled the father and his daughter aboard, who had been in the water for up to 20 minutes (Janice Martin-Asuque/TMX) The woman said she didnt think rescuers would be able to locate the dad and daughter, who have not yet been identified, and told her nine-year-old daughter Harper: They were probably gone. Passenger Gar Frantz says he was near the fourth deck jogging track when the little girl fell. People were screaming, the baby's in the water, the babys in the water, he recalled to the Daily Mail. I thought they were dying. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Video shared online shows the yellow rescue boat quickly bobbing through the waters to reach the father and daughter as horrifying onlookers watched from on top of the ship. Travelers erupted into rapturous applause as the rescue teams threw out a rope for the pair to grab onto and safely pulled them onto the jetty. Video shows the dad and daughter rescue after the five-year-old fell overboard (Janice Martin-Asuque/TMX) Everybody was cheering because you could see them lift them into the boat and they had the baby in their arms, Frantz said. The Broward County Sheriffs Office praised the Disney crew for the successful effort. Clearly, their training and readiness paid off because they executed a successful ocean rescue, it said in a statement. This family is so blessed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement BSO detectives dont currently suspect anything suspicious, but they continue to investigate the circumstances that led to the child going overboard. Disney Cruise Line commended its crew in a statement to People for their exceptional skills and prompt actions, adding, this incident highlights the effectiveness of our safety protocols. A convicted British paedophile allegedly took the nine-year-old girl he was due to marry in Disneyland Paris on holiday with her mother the year before their fake ceremony. Jacky Jhaj, 39, who was described in a previous court case as a dangerous sexual predator, was arrested at the fake wedding, which took place at dawn on June 21 at the resort for a reported cost of 130,000 (111,140). An actor hired to play the father of the bride told The Telegraph that Jhaj had known the girl and her mother for a year and that the three of them had gone on holiday together. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This Ukrainian woman [the mother] told me that she had known this Jacky for a year. He paid her money and helped her family, said Vitalijs, 54, who declined to give his surname for security reasons. They went somewhere together to relax, the three of them. I think he won her over with gifts, he added. A video of the fake wedding was shared online - Facebook/M6 Info Police were called to the theme park after staff were alerted to the fact the bride, a Ukrainian national wearing a wedding dress and reportedly tottering on high heels, was a young child. Jhaj, who rented the resort outside of its opening hours for the fake wedding, was remanded in custody and charged with fraud, breach of trust, money laundering and identity theft. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He has also been placed under assisted witness status for corruption of a minor. The child and her 41-year-old mother were released without charge. Vitalijs, who told The Telegraph he was a former Soviet special forces sergeant, claimed he had foiled the plot. I know how to recognise threats and act in critical situations. I have special military training. This time, I couldnt stay silent, he said, adding that he had been in a separate special forces unit of the GRU airborne troops just before the fall of the Soviet Union. He said Jhaj told him the bride would be played by the nine-year-olds mother, who he met a month before at a casting for the event in Brno, in the Czech Republic. Jacky Jhaj was described in a previous court case as a dangerous sexual predator Vitalijs said: I was paid 150 for the casting. They promised to pay 500 for one hour of filming in Paris, he said. Previous reports had suggested he had been offered a far higher sum. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was only informed that the bride was in fact the child and not the mother five hours before the ceremony. He then refused to take part and was banned from attending by Jhaj. However, he went to Disneyland to inform management of the involvement of a minor. I knew I had to act. I snuck into Disneyland without a pass. One of the employees accompanied me. I had a handwritten note with me that said: This is not a real wedding. The girl is nine years old! I approached the building... and could see that the ceremony was taking place on the second floor. I entered the first floor and saw a Disneyland employee who had been present at the online meeting. I immediately handed her the note. The [fake] wedding was stopped immediately. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vitalijs said when he went to the police station, officers showed him a British passport with his photo on it. I found out that my passport had been forged. I only remember the first name, Mikhail. I dont remember the surname. I remembered that this girl in Riga had asked me for a passport photo for a pass to Disneyland, he said, referring to another event organiser. Of course, I [told the police] that it wasnt me and that it wasnt my passport. After the foiled event, he said he met the mother and the child at the police station when all three were released without charge. Vitalijs said that after his service in Soviet special forces, he went on to train in London to become an international bodyguard and was employed to protect several French film stars, including Alain Delon and Catherine Deneuve. 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. Body camera footage shows the recent rescue of a young man and his two cats in Somerset, Massachusetts. Officer Brennan Cardoza waded into knee-deep muddy water in late June to locate a 19-year-old who had gotten lost in a swampy area of town. The teenager reported that he had gotten lost while going on a walk and had been wandering around the dense swamp for seven hours. He told officers he left without his cell phone or sufficient water. In the body camera footage, the officer pushes his way through tall reeds growing out of the water until finding the visibly disoriented young man. Muddy, nasty area where you wouldnt want to be," Cardoza told local news affiliate WPRI, "it was difficult to see, I had to call out for the gentleman." Police began their search after the boy's parents called the Somerset Police Department to report him missing, saying he never came home from his walk. Nearby neighbors had heard cries out for help but could not locate where they were coming from. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Massachusetts police also utilized a drone to locate the missing teen as the officers searched through the thick branches. The drone played a pre-recorded message instructing the young man to continue calling out until officers were able to find him. Once recovered, the drone also helped Officer Cardoza and the teen find their way out of the area. Thankfully, this was successful, said Officer Trenholme, who piloted the drone. The young man and his two cats made it back home with no injuries. 'Disoriented' Man, Pet Cats Rescued From Swamp first appeared on Men's Journal on Jul 2, 2025 LONDON, July 2 (Xinhua) -- The Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem) launched an official enforcement investigation into National Grid Electricity Transmission on Wednesday, following the North Hyde Substation fire, which caused a major power outage that shut down Heathrow Airport in March. A report published by the National Energy System Operator (NESO) on Monday has found that the National Grid missed two chances to prevent the catastrophic equipment failure at a nearby substation. First, in 2018, when elevated moisture levels were detected in oil samples from a key component, and another in 2022, when essential maintenance was delayed. Experts say the fire at North Hyde Substation was likely triggered by moisture entering a high-voltage electrical insulator known as a bushing. The bushing led to an explosion and fire that knocked out power to the airport, disrupting more than 270,000 passenger journeys and cancelling around 1,300 flights. According to NESO, the National Grid failed to act on warning signs. Despite identifying a fault, no steps were taken to remove or repair the damaged transformer. Fintan Slye, NESO chief executive, said, "They identified a fault (but) for some reason the transformer didn't immediately get pulled out of service and get repaired." The report added that the design of Heathrow's internal power network -- the loss of just one of three external supply points -- led to a total blackout of operationally critical systems, suspending airport functions for approximately 16 hours. Also on Wednesday, Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said on social media X that the report was "deeply concerning," stating that "known risks were not addressed" by National Grid Electricity Transmission, which is affiliated with the National Grid. Police have ruled out foul play in March and said that there was no evidence of suspicious activity. PHOENIX - From a disturbing case involving over 100 cats in California to a new wildfire that is burning in Arizona, here's a look at some of the top stories on FOX10Phoenix.com for Tuesday, July 1, 2025. 1. California investigating "disturbing" animal cruelty case 2. Road rage shooting under investigation in the East Valley 3. Latest on Monarch Fire 4. Florida Republicans selling "Alligator Alcatraz" merch 5. Latest on the Oak Ridge Fire Also, your weather forecast for tonight DES MOINES, Iowa New fireworks laws in Des Moines are expected to result in more sales and use during the holiday week. Fireworks are now allowed on private property in the states capital city on July 3rd between 9 a.m. and 10 p.m., and on July 4th between 9 a.m. and 11 p.m. They are not permitted on public property, like city parks. As a result of looser laws, fireworks retailers are now gearing up for more sales this year. This is the case for Freedom Fireworks, a locally owned business with nine tents across Central Iowa. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At some of our locations, we did add more registers just in case to help reduce the lines. That way our customers can come right in and they can get in and get out and not have to stand in line, said owner James Kaczinski. Black Cat Ice Cream closes Drake Neighborhood location One of his tents is located on Merle Hay Road in Des Moines. One of his signs is catching the attention of many commuters. The sign reads, pre-tariff pricing. We order a year in advance and when the tariffs started happening, thats the time that most shipments start coming in. So, there were a lot of people that were hit with tariffs; luckily we were able to get underneath that, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Independence Day already results in more calls for service from firefighters. With increasing firework sales, officials with the Des Moines Fire Department say they will be adequately staffed during the holiday. What well typically see is some injury-related calls coming in, but were a busy department. And with the amount of dry vegetation weve had here recently, even with some rain weve recently had, the chances of some of this vegetation catching fire are increasing, said firefighter Ahman Douglass. Last year, the department responded to 16 fireworks-related fires. Apart from starting fires, fireworks can also result in injuries. Douglass said that one of the most common items people use to celebrate the 4th of July is a sparkler. They are typically considered family-friendly, but Douglass said they result in the highest amount of injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sparklers burn between 1,800 and 3,000 degrees Fahrenheit. Douglass recommends supervising children at all times when handling sparklers. He also recommends having a bucket of water nearby to safely dispose of the sparkler. A citation for violating fireworks laws can carry a $200 fine, according to Des Moines Police. Iowa news Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com. NEW YORK CITY (PIX11) More than a dozen people have been arrested in connection with a bribery scheme for drivers licenses in Queens, the Staten Island District Attorney announced Tuesday. The long-term investigation conducted by the district attorney, the New York State Inspector General, and other agencies led to the indictment of 14 people, including government employees and workers at a Queens driving school. More Local News Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the D.A., multiple DMV examiners are accused of accepting cash to falsify road test results or to allow people to bypass the test altogether. Some even allowed residents to fraudulently obtain learners permits. Additionally, others were taken into custody for taking road tests on behalf of unqualified applicants, the district attorney announced. More: Latest News from Around the Tri-State Countless individuals are now driving on our roads without ever having demonstrated the basic skills necessary to do so safely, said District Attorney Michael E. McMahon. Let me be clear, this was not a victimless crime. This has created a public safety crisis, putting innocent lives at risk each day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The workers are alleged to have used deceptive social media practices and strategic advertising to target Chinese residents and guarantee drivers licenses regardless of immigration status, language and driving skill, said Ricky J. Patel, the New York Special Agent in Charge for Homeland Security Investigations. The DMV employees, driving school workers and the people who employed their services all face various charges, including impairing the integrity of a government licensing examination, falsifying business records, tampering with public records, identity theft and more. Dominique Jack is a digital content producer from Brooklyn with more than five years of experience covering news. She joined PIX11 in 2024. More of her work can be found here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. Police arrested a man suspected in five cold-case rapes in Fresno, connecting him to the unsolved cases through DNA evidence, Chief Mindy Casto said Tuesday. Investigators used DNA collected from a distant female relative in another state to connect Cesar Flores, 55, of Fresno to rapes that occurred in Fresno County between 2016 and 2021, Casto said. Investigators also collected a DNA sample from a close relative of Flores. He was arrested without incident at his home just outside west Fresno around 9 a.m. Tuesday, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is one of the days that you live for. A lot of days are a grind, and I tell my officers all the time, they make a difference every day, Casto said. They just may not realize it, but its a day like today, when you can put someone behind bars whos out there victimizing women in this community and creating fear. A genealogical expert in Yolo County made the genetic connection, according to Casto. Police said Tuesday they did not have details on how the expert made the discovery. Police said four of the rapes took place in west and central Fresno, and the fifth was in a rural part of the county west of the city. All of the women were not known to Flores, who police said he approached in public. They also accused him of using a knife in some of the attacks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Flores had not been booked into Fresno County Jail as of Tuesday afternoon. The Fresno County District Attorneys Office planned to arraign Flores before the Fourth of July. He faces 14 felony counts, according to Deputy District Attorney Steven Wright. Along with five counts of rape, he was also accused of kidnapping, forcible sodomy and enhancements for the use of a knife. If Mr. Flores is found guilty of all those charges and allegations, hes facing a possible term of 264 years to life in state prison, he said. Police said Flores had no previous criminal record or contact with officers beyond traffic stops. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Floress bail was set at $1.7 million. Anyone with information on the cases was asked by police to call detectives at 559-621-2494 or 559-621-2437. You can provide tips to Valley Crime Stoppers at 559-498-7867. Callers may remain anonymous. A 35-year-old doctor in training is accused of stealing fentanyl from children at a Washington hospital, federal officials said. Andrew Voegel-Podadera was charged with two counts of acquiring a controlled substance by misrepresentation, fraud, deception and subterfuge, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration said in a July 1 news release. Voegel-Podadera, an anesthesiologist resident, told investigators he stole medication from both children and adult patients over the course of a year, and would sometimes administer it intravenously while working, authorities said in a federal complaint. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Drug addiction spares no one. It can impact anyone. And the literature, in particular, shows greater incidents of drug addiction among medical practitioners than other segments of society because of their exposure and access, his attorney, Ronald J. Friedman, told McClatchy News by phone July 2. Dr. Voegel is responding to the matter as best as he can. Hes enrolling in a Washington Physicians Health Program in Washington state designed to help medical professionals stabilize and treat their addiction. An investigation into Voegel-Podadera was prompted Dec. 27, when a doctor he was working under at the Seattle Childrens Hospital suspected he was diverting controlled substances, a special agent said in the complaint. That day, Voegel-Podadera treated three children at the hospital, authorities said. A record of the medication given to those patients said he administered fentanyl and hydromorphone both potent and powerful narcotics, the agent said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His records indicated there was wastage in the syringes, yet when the hospital tested them it found nothing but saline solution, according to the complaint. The physician also suspected Voegel-Podadera was working while under the influence of drugs because of his behavior and unexplained delays and absences from the operating room, officials said in the DEA release. During the investigation, Voegel-Podadera told authorities he had been stealing medicine since January 2024 while on rotations at the University of Washington Medical Center and Harborview Medical Center, prosecutors said. He told authorities he would draw up the medication, take some and give some to patients, the special agent said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He is accused of stealing fentanyl, remifentanil, sufentanil and hydromorphone, among other medications, prosecutors said. The DEA suspended Voegel-Podaderas prescribing abilities June 12, and he was arrested June 24. Diverting medicine away from infant patients is despicable, doubly so if the person involved is a doctor, David F. Reames, special agent in charge for the DEA Seattle Field Division, said in the news release. If you or a loved one shows signs of substance use disorder, you can seek help by calling the national hotline at 1-800-662-4357 or find treatment using SAMHSA's online locator. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Teen is lured to NY hotel for sex acts, feds say. His mom helps solve the case Woman assaulted by boss accused of yearslong sex harassment in Georgia, feds say Social Security worker steals $110K from 28 people while working in GA, feds say BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) Every year, injuries and deaths are reported during Fourth of July celebrations from fireworks or crashes. Health experts are reminding families to be safe this holiday. Dr. Chuck Burnell, the chief medical officer for Acadian Ambulance, said its important to practice safety habits around fire, water and heat. Forty percent of fireworks injuries this holiday will be children under the age of 15, he said. Its very important to have adult supervision working with those. These things will get 3,000 degrees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For families spending time in swimming pools, at the beach or on a boat, Burnell urged parents and children to wear life jackets and do not drink alcohol on the water or the roads. Burnell is already seeing more patients with heat exhaustion and heat cramps this time of year. Hydration is key, he said. Make sure you have enough fluids and electrolytes in you before you get out in that hot environment. Fourth of July: Events with music, parades, fireworks shows in, near Baton Rouge Latest News Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Louisiana First News. A legal group co-founded by top White House aide Stephen Miller has filed a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, seeking an investigation of the Los Angeles Dodgers diversity, equity and inclusion policies. The America First Legal complaint, filed on Monday, claims that the Dodgers DEI policies appear to discriminate against employees, or prospective employees, solely because of their skin color or sex. They cite a reference on the teams DEI page that outlines recruitment efforts, including sponsoring programs geared toward women and people of color. More from Deadline Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They also take issue with business resource groups, such as those aimed at Asian professionals and the Black Action Network. Although the complaint acknowledges that the groups appear to be open for all employees to join, some of them appear to provide material employment benefits to employees based on their race, color, sex or national origin. As an example of the benefits, America First Legal pointed to language describing the Dodgers Womens Opportunity Network, described as offering a safe and equitable space for women to thrive and a place to demonstrate that women add tangible value to the organizations success. The complaint follows an incident on June 19 in which masked agents appeared near one of the Dodgerss gates to its parking lot. Protesters gathered in the area, and the Los Angeles Police Department arrived at the scene, and the agents left. The Dodgers posted that that morning, ICE agents came to Dodger Stadium and requested permission to access the parking lots. They were denied entry to the grounds by the organization. Immigration and Customs Enforcement denied that its personnel were present, but Department of Homeland Security said that Customs and Border Patrol vehicles were in the stadium parking lot very briefly, unrelated to any operation or enforcement. America First Legal cited the incident in a press release announcing the EEOC complaint. It also pointed to a $1 million contribution the Dodgers made to provide financial assistance to immigrant families of those impacted by the ICE raids. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Dodgers employment page states that it will consider all applicants without regard to national origin, race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability, military status, citizenship status, pregnancy or related medical conditions, marital status, ancestry-ethnicity or any other characteristic protected by applicable state or federal civil rights law. But the America First Legal complaint argues that the statement is contradictory and that it should not shield the organization from scrutiny or protect it from liability for discriminating in furtherance of DEI goals. The Dodgers have not yet commented on the complaint. Also named is Guggenheim Partners LLC, whose CEO Mark Walter is chairman and controlling owner of the Dodgers. Also last month, the 8x World Series champs who have a very significant Latino fan base and a stadium built on land appropriated from mostly Mexican families in 1958 announced a $1 million donation in partnership with the City of Los Angeles, as well as several local organizations, to provide financial assistance for families of immigrants impacted by the raids. Whats happening in Los Angeles has reverberated among thousands upon thousands of people, and we have heard the calls for us to take a leading role on behalf of those affected, said Dodgers president and CEO Stan Kasten. We believe that by committing resources and taking action, we will continue to support and uplift the communities of Greater Los Angeles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration has targeted DEI programs across the federal government, at universities and even at private corporations. The presidents appointee to lead the FCC, Brendan Carr, has launched investigations of DEI practices at media and communications companies including Comcast and Disney. Best of Deadline Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. PIERRE, S.D. (KELO) If it seems like youve been seeing a lot of Toby Doeden ads on South Dakota TV stations lately, thats because you have. And if it seems like those spots have been the only ones on the air during the past month, thats because they were. Minnesota State Trooper dies at South Dakota lake Doeden, who has never before run for a statewide office, has been spending many, many thousands of dollars trying to convince South Dakota voters that he should be elected next year as our states next governor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Doedens ads began airing on South Dakota TV stations in late May. Public records for the Sioux Falls TV market show that hes been spending $12,140 a week for 44 spots on KELO, $5,575 a week for 57 spots on KSFY, $1,595 a week for 31 spots on KDLT, and nothing on KTTW. In the Rapid City TV market, public records show hes been spending $6,220 a week for 40 spots on KNBN, $4,020 a week for 41 spots on KOTA, and $1,540 a week for 28 spots on KEVN. The Federal Communications Commission requires licensed broadcast stations to maintain files on how much candidates seek to spend on advertising. Doeden currently is on a bus tour of western South Dakota, with his website showing 19 more campaign events scheduled in July. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Doeden no longer has the TV messaging to himself, however. Congressman Dusty Johnson announced this week that hes running for governor. His campaign recently contracted to spend $22,200 for 122 ads to run on KELO through July 20. Records show no spending on TV ads so far by a third announced candidate for governor, state Representative Jon Hansen. South Dakotas current governor, Larry Rhoden, hasnt said whether he plans to run. Rhoden previously was South Dakotas lieutenant governor. He became governor in January after Kristi Noem resigned to become U.S. Homeland Security secretary. Rhoden, Johnson, Hansen and Doeden are Republicans. The Republican primary election is June 2, 2026. The 2026 general election is November 3. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Democratic field for governor has one potential candidate at this point, Robert Arnold, who has filed organizational paperwork. The South Dakota Constitution requires that the governor be at least 21 years of age. Arnold is 19 but says he will turn 21 by the election. South Dakota voters last elected a Democrat as governor in 1974. One independent, Terry Gleason, has filed organizational paperwork. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. KANSAS CITY, Mo. After spending more than two years in a shelter, patiently waiting for her knight in shining armor, Prunella finally got her Cinderella story. The word came in from Kansas City that Im now officially adoptedIve now fully taken over my new home and family, her new family posted on Instagram. Im now officially Princess Prunella Marie Baca. Prunella has been in a shelter for two years waiting for her forever home After she was found as a stray, the Missouri Pit Bull Rescue (MPR) a small rescue group based out of Kansas City took her in. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They decided to name her Prunella because it means small plum in Latin. The shelter said plum flowers symbolize perseverance and hope, as well as thriving in adverse circumstances. For more than two years, Prunella had been patiently waiting to find her forever family. April 7 officially marked two years, 730 days, since she arrived at the shelter. She has spent almost half her life in a shelter, Jessica Donahoo, a volunteer for MPR, said. Now, Prunella has found her forever family in Texas, and she seems to have adjusted quite well to life in the Lone Star state. Donahoo said everyone at MPR is so excited for her. Prunellas dad said on Instagram that she loves tortillas, ice cream, taking naps and guarding the neighborhood. You can follow Prunellas adventures in Texas on Instagram @missprunellamarie. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Dolton officials are moving ahead with plans to buy Pope Leo XIVs childhood home in the village, hoping to snap up the modest brick home that has gained international attention ahead of a planned auction. The Village Board at a special meeting Tuesday voted unanimously to move forward on buying the house at 212 East 141st Place, and said there are plans to buy an adjacent home. Mayor Jason House told reporters after the meeting he hoped the village could close on the purchase in a couple of weeks, but that the final purchase price is still up in the air. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement House said the chance to buy the home is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and a historic movement moving forward for Dolton. We can either seize the moment and move it forward or we can let that moment to go an investor, House told the audience. An auction of the home by New York-based Paramount Realty USA is scheduled to close by 4 p.m. Chicago time July 17, according to Paramounts website. A reserve price of $250,000 is set for the home. The auction was to close last month but was extended. A resident filed a federal lawsuit seeking to block the village from using taxpayer funds to buy the home, but a judge recently said Dolton could proceed with plans to secure the property from its current owner. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Robert Francis Prevost lived with his parents and sibilings for many years in the home, and its become a tourist destination since his election as pope. Dolton has had to have police regularly patrol the neighborhood. Before the Village Board vote, residents said they were concerned about the money being spent considering the villages financial condition, with a massive backlog of unpaid bills and streets that are in poor condition because the funds are not there to repair them. The Rev. Ryan Reese, a village resident and pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lansing, said board members have a difficult situation figuring our the finances of the community and that we need to make sure the funding (the village has) is spent wisely. Reese said there are numerous infrastructure issues facing the village, such as the condition of streets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im not sure this is the first priority, he told trustees before the vote. Resident Mary Avent, recently elected as a trustee in Thornton Township, said that she too is concerned about the state of village finances and not just the initial outlay for the home, but also ongoing maintenance costs. With the state were in, my concern is, do we have the money? she asked. House acknowledged there is a concern about buying the home given the financial position his administration inherited. He said he and the trustees know the list of priorities is long, including fixing streets and addressing the backlog of bills. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are fully committed and will be doing both, he said of buying the home and taking care of other issues. You will see streets repaved as quickly as the end of this week, the mayor said. Trustee Kiana Belcher said she agreed buying that home will help the village by spurring more tourism and business development. In the long run I think this is going to benefit our community, she said. Trustee Ed Steave said he also backed the purchase and said board members are very well aware of the potholes and the stuff weve got to overcome. We can do this great thing at the same time, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prevost lived in the home from his birth in 1955, and his parents lived there until they sold it in 1996. Since Prevost was named the leader of the Roman Catholic Church May 8, the house has drawn significant interest from the public, and Steave said that there are busloads in and out of our town filled with people who want to view the home. A group of nuns from Alma, Michigan, took photos Wednesday in front of the home, stopping by while in the area to pick up items donated to their convent. Donna Sagna, who lives next door to the popes childhood home, led the nuns in a prayer and wished them well in their travels. She said she is happy the village purchased the home and hopes the positive ambience and pilgrimages to Dolton continue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sagna also raised concerns about the villages priorities, as she said others living in the neighborhood struggle with basic needs. I think the attention needs to go to the community, Sagna said. There are people that live on this block that need social services. Southtown reporter Olivia Stevens contributed to this article. BEIJING, July 2 (Xinhua) -- Heavyweight guests from home and abroad are gathering in Beijing for the 2025 Global Digital Economy Conference, calling for global cooperation to foster the digital economy and develop "digital-friendly cities" worldwide. Commencing in the Chinese capital on Wednesday, the conference brings together global leaders to forge consensus on digital development through city-level cooperation, technological innovation and application, and the promotion of inclusive, sustainable growth. Highlighting the key role of digital technology in urban development, Zhuang Rongwen, head of the Office of the Central Cyberspace Affairs Commission, said that the internet has unique advantages to facilitate global cooperation. Cities around the world should leverage these advantages to strengthen exchange and cooperation in the fields of the digital economy and artificial intelligence, thereby creating a favorable environment and vast opportunities for urban development, Zhuang said. Fu Hua, president of Xinhua News Agency, said that as China's national news agency, Xinhua has long been dedicated to chronicling China's digital development, and is eager to enhance cooperation with all stakeholders in advancing the digital economy. To that end, the news agency will strive to showcase China's progress in developing digital-friendly cities, while also reporting on stories of exchange between Chinese and international cities, Fu said. Beate Trankmann, resident representative of the United Nations Development Programme in China, commended Beijing's advancements in digital development. She said that the Chinese capital has made multiple pioneering efforts that offer important experience for the global community, such as using digital technology to enhance governance. "As a pioneer in developing a globally digital-friendly city, Beijing has not only integrated a digital-friendly philosophy into its urban development strategy, but has also set an example for the world through its various innovative practices," said Zhang Xiangchen, deputy director general of the World Trade Organization (WTO). The transformation in the digital age represents not only a technological breakthrough but also an evolution in the concept of global cooperation, Zhang said. He added that the WTO will continue to act as a multilateral platform, ensuring that technological advancements contribute to human well-being and global development in an improved manner. Outgoing Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin headlined a major rally Monday for the statewide Republican ticket in the 2025 election, visiting the heavily-Democratic confines of Fairfax County to deliver their message and draw contrasts between themselves and blue states like their trans-Potomac neighbor. Youngkin, his potential successor, GOP nominee Winsome Earle-Sears, lieutenant gubernatorial nominee John Reid, Attorney General Jason Miyares and former FBI Agent Stewart Whitson; the Republican hoping to win a major upset for the late Rep. Gerry Connollys seat, all spoke to a crowd of more than 500 that packed into the sweltering Vienna fire hall on Monday. "Are you ready to sweep?" Youngkin fired up the crowd, hearkening back multiple times to his own sweep in 2021, when he, Earle-Sears and Miyares all won upset victories against former Gov. Terry McAuliffe, who was leading the Democratic ticket then. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Youngkin said he and the statewide candidates assembled all proved that Virginia could bounce back from the McAuliffe-Northam era, which he characterized as pockmarked by COVID-19 lockdowns, and businesses and families fleeing the state. Potential Youngkin Successor Focused On Message In Tough Race To Keep Swing-state 'Red' From left, Virginia AG Jason Miyares, Terrence Sears, Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, Del. Delores Oates, Gov. Glenn Youngkin and John Reid "The last time the Democrats had full control of the commonwealth of Virginia, they tried to turn her into California. Or as Winsome said, maybe even Maryland," Youngkin said, contrasting the Old Dominion with the Old Line State in terms of taxation, education and business-friendly environs. Read On The Fox News App Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Youngkin said that since about the end of the administration of Gov. Bob McDonnell in 2014, Virginia progressively sank to the bottom third of the U.S. in job growth, and a decade straight of more people leaving than moving in. "Don't Maryland my Virginia," he said. Across the Potomac, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore has been widely rumored as a potential 2028 Democratic presidential candidate, while Republicans, including predecessor Larry Hogan, have criticized tax hikes and budget woes. Fox News Digital reached out to Moore for a response to Youngkin. Both Youngkin and Earle-Sears had just returned from the Monday ribbon-cutting of the countrys now-northernmost Buc-ees travel center near Harrisonburg, which the duo said proved Virginia is "open for business" and added hundreds of jobs in Rockingham County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That theme carried into Wednesday, as Earle-Sears pledged to build on the past four years of progress and focus on convincing rural communities that Richmond hasnt forgotten them. There were also references made to New York City Democratic mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani, a democratic socialist from Queens. Virginia Republicans Pick Radio Host To Run Alongside Winsome Sears In Race To Replace Youngkin Earle-Sears warned that some candidates in Virginia in this years election are espousing "ideas that are socialist in nature." Virginias GOP ticket is notably diverse, with Earle-Sears, Reid who would be the first gay statewide officeholder and Miyares, who is of Cuban descent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Outside the fire hall, amid sporadic thundershowers and incredible humidity, a few dozen left-wing demonstrators utilized a megaphone to protest the event, holding signs and banners claiming Republicans are trying to kill Medicaid. Also in attendance was Whitson, who has a major climb to defeat Connolly confidant and Fairfax County Supervisor James Walkinshaw. But the ex-G-man was upbeat, saying Democrats who ushered in years of "destructive" policies like DEI and reckless spending have "destroyed our economy," and the folks in the Washington suburbs he hopes to represent are realizing that as well. "It's time for us to have a U.S. congressman in Northern Virginia who actually cares about the people and the issues that matter," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Miyares reflected on the changes hes seen under four years of Republican control of the executive branch, quipping that Virginia in 2021 had been "like when you watch those mafia movies and the guy wakes up in the trunk of the Buick and he doesnt know where hes headed, but he knows its not a good final destination." Reid called Wednesday "commitment day," as he spoke before the assembled GOP ticket. Miyares faces Del. Jerrauld "Jay" Jones, D-Norfolk, Reid faces state Sen. Ghazala Hashmi, D-Chesterfield, and Earle-Sears faces former Rep. Abigail Spanberger, D-Va, in the general election. Original article source: Dont Maryland my Virginia: Youngkin, 2025 GOP ticket rallies together for first time ahead of key election RANTOUL, Ill. (WCIA) One Champaign County village will see some major changes at one of its grocery stores soon. County Market is one of Rantouls only two grocery stores and it will have a new name and look in September. Along with the change comes a reduction in size and a short-term closing period for remodeling. Central Illinois libraries receive funding for technology, construction improvements Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Niemanns owns both County Market and Price Cutters. A spokesperson for Niemanns confirmed all associates will be retained through the transition. Rantoul Mayor Samuel Hall III said itll be a change for the community but one that could potentially bring better prices to town. Change is difficult. You know, a lot of times, it also brings lots of opportunities, Hall said. In Rantoul changes to your shopping aisle are coming soon. County Market informed us a few months or so ago that they need to downsize. So theyre going to downsize and rebrand, rebrand to a grocery store titled Price Cutter, Hall said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement County Market is one of only two grocers available in the village. And a full remodeling beginning Aug. 4 will cause a temporary closure. Hall said that pause in service does bring up concerns of a short-term food desert. Seven new vehicles added to Champaign Co. transportation system Anytime theres change, theres some hiccups and bumps and maybe even a little bruises. And the plan is just to kind of come out better, you know, once its all said and done. But yeah, theres a little bit of concern, Hall said. The store will begin a sell-down this next week. WCIA reached out to Niemanns Foods for a statement. Price Cutter offers great value and variety, complete with a deli and fresh meat. Our customers will love the prices and a new shopping experience. Spokesperson Gerry Kettler Illinois American Water expanding income-based assistance program for residents Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite his concerns Hall hopes this next chapter brings good prices and better food. Residents on the east side of town will still be able to obtain and purchase food of great quality, but it will be at a condensed and maybe even a lesser expense. So I dont see any I dont see any issue after we get through this transition period, Hall said Remodeling and rebranding should take about a month to six weeks. Mayor Hall said hes expecting a reopening in mid-September. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Originally appeared on E! Online The National Park Service isn't rushing to add President Donald Trump's face on Mount Rushmore. While Trump has previously floated the idea of having his own visage be carved next to those of past presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln on the South Dakota-based national monument, the government agency says it cannot be done due to the lack of stable surfaces on the rockface. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The carved portion of Mount Rushmore has been thoroughly evaluated," the park service told the New York Times in a statement published June 27, "and there are no viable locations left for additional carvings." Paul Nelsona geomechanical engineer who oversaw the Rock Block Monitoring System on the memorialagreed with the assessment, telling the outlet that it would be "extremely difficult, if not impossible, to carve an additional face on Mount Rushmore" due to existing fractures in the granite. "One of the concerns about an additional face is that you could activate these fractures," he explained. "If you remove material, you could be removing support." More from E! Online Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moreover, experts believe that attaching a pre-carved face to the monument would also be next to impossible. As former superintendent of Mount Rushmore National Memorial Dan Wenk put it, "Theyre fighting against the reality of the rock." SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images But that's not for a lack of trying. After all, Florida congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna did introduce legislation in January to have Trump's face carved onto Mount Rushmore. (The proposal remains with the House Committee on Natural Resources, per the Congress' official website.) Interior Secretary Doug Burgum also pushed to have the POTUS' face on Mount Rushmore, telling Fox News anchor and Trump's daughter-in-law Lara Trump in March without providing any backing evidence, "They certainly have room for it there." For a complete guide on Trump's cabinet, keep reading. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vice President JD Vance Ohio native JD Vance worked in venture capitalism before penning the best-selling 2016 memoir Hillbilly Elegy and pivoting to politics. The Yale-educated lawyer and former Marine was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2022 and, after less than two years in office, was picked to be Donald Trump's 2024 running mate. As vice president, in addition to being first in line to the presidency, Vance is on hand to be a deciding vote should Senate Republicans need a tie-breaker to pass legislation. He has been married to law school sweetheart Usha Vance since 2014 and they share three children. Secretary of State Marco Rubio Former Florida Sen. Marco Rubio was a fierce critic of Trump when they both ran for president in 2016 but has since become a supporter of his former antagonist's agenda. The Miami native, born to Cuban immigrant parents, was the first and only nominee for Trump's second cabinet to be confirmed by the Senate with unanimous bipartisan support, 99 to 0. (Now former Ohio Sen. Vance is the one-seat vacancy. Rubio was technically still in the Senate then and so was able to vote for himself.) Rubio (shown here with Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly) has been married to former Miami Dolphins cheerleader Jeanette Dousdebes since 1998 and they share two daughters and two sons. Secretary of Treasury Scott Bessent Scott Bessent's four decades of experience in global investment management include his time as CEO of hedge fund Key Square Capital Management and Chief Investment Officer of Soros Fund Management (as in prominent Democratic donor George Soros). He also taught economic history at his alma mater Yale and, with his family, established the McLeod Rehabilitation Center at the Shriners Childrens Hospital in his home state of South Carolina. According to his government bio, he and his husband and two children split their time between Washington, D.C., and Charleston, S.C. "In a certain geographic region at a certain economic level, being gay is not an issue," he told the Yale Alumni Magazine in 2015 ahead of the U.S. Supreme Court's decision that legalized same-sex marriage nationwide. "Whats fantastic is now, people in the rest of America, whether blue collar or white collar, have access to everything. If you had told me in 1984, when we graduated, and people were dying of AIDS, that 30 years later Id be legally married and we would have two children via surrogacy, I wouldnt have believed you." Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth Army National Guard veteran Pete Hegseth had been serving as cohost of Fox News' Fox & Friends Weekend since 2017 when Trump tapped him to be Defense Secretary. Past controversial statements about diversity and women in the military, a 2017 sexual assault allegation (which Hegseth has vehemently denied), reports of drinking on the job (also denied) and a 2018 email from his mother (that she later disavowed) calling him "an abuser of women" threatened to derail his nomination. But he was narrowly confirmed by the Senate with no Democratic votes and three Republicans dissenting. Hegseth shares three kids with second ex-wife Samatha Deering and has a daughter with third wife Jennifer Rauchet Hegseth, a former producer on Fox & Friends. They tied the knot at Trump National Golf Club in Colts Neck, N.J., in 2019. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Attorney General Pam Bondi After Trump's original pick, scandal-plagued former Rep. Matt Gaetz, withdrew himself from consideration, the then-president-elect went with former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondia member of his defense team during his first impeachment trialto lead the U.S. Department of Justice. She spent 18 years as a prosecutor with the Hillsborough County State Attorneys Office before becoming Florida's first female attorney general in 2011. Toward the end of her tenure she cohosted Fox News' The Five for three days in 2018, sparking questions about the ethics of doing so while still an elected official. "She is often on national news," a spokesperson told the Tampa Bay Times, noting that she wasn't paid for her hosting gig. "The attorney general is always working. She is available 24/7 and works even when out of the state." Twice-divorced, Bondi has been romantically linked to Varner Wakefield Equity Partners founding principal John Wakefield since 2017. He has three children from a previous relationship. Secretary of Interior Doug Burgum Another 2024 presidential hopeful turned Trump supporter, billionaire software entrepreneur and venture capitalist Doug Burgum served as governor of North Dakota from 2017 until he was picked to head up the Department of Interior, which is responsible for the management of roughly 480 million acres of federal land, balancing resource development and conservation. After growing up in tiny Arthur, N.D., population 325, Burgum attended North Dakota State and started a chimney sweeping business that he credits for helping him get into Stanford's business school. "The [college] newspaper wrote a story about me as a chimney sweep and ran a photo of me sitting on top of an icy chimney in below-freezing weather in Fargo," he told Forbes in 2017. "The story made the AP wire service. I was later told it caused quite a stir in the Stanford admissions office." Burgum shares three children with ex-wife Karen Stoker and has been married to Kathryn Helgaas since 2016. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins Glen Rose, Texas, native Brooke Rollins has a degree in agricultural development from Texas A&M and got her JD from University of Texas School of Law. During the first Trump administration she was director of the Domestic Policy Council and Assistant to the President for Strategic Initiatives in the White House. Before being picked to lead the Department of Agriculture, Rollins was CEO and president of the America First Policy Institute, a think tank she founded in 2021 to promote Trump's public policy agenda. According to her government bio, she and husband Mark Rollins spend most of their free time at home in Fort Worth "taxiing their four very active children to baseball games, cattle shows, piano lessons, and Aggie football games." Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick Before joining Trump's cabinet, Howard Lutnick was CEO and president of financial services firm Cantor Fitzgerald, where he rose through the ranks after being hired as a young broker in 1983. The New York-headquartered company infamously lost 658 employees in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks when one of four hijacked planes hit the World Trade Center's North Tower. "I went to 20 funerals a day for 35 days," Lutnick, whose brother Gary was among those killed, told BBC News in 2006. "So there were times I couldn't even go to my great friends' funerals. One day, my best friend's brother was being buried at the same exact time as my roommate from college's brother. So my wife went to one and I went to one." Asked how he was able to move forward, he said, "I would describe it like being on a surf board on a giant wave, and that if you ever looked back, the wave would get you and maybe I wouldn't be able to function." Lutnick has four children with wife Allison Lambert. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer Lori Chavez-DeRemer served as mayor of Happy Valley, Ore., from 2011 to 2019 and then became the first Republican woman to be elected to Congress from her state in 2022. She lost her bid for re-election, however, leaving the California nativeand pro-union daughter of a Mexican-American Teamster dadopen to serving in Trump's second cabinet. Chavez-DeRemer is a mom of twin daughters with her high school sweetheart husband Dr. Shawn DeRemer. Marking their 33rd wedding anniversary in 2024, she wrote on Instagram, "The years fly by because we are willing to be committed to a 'great love' thats always worth fighting for." Less than two weeks after she was confirmed as Labor Secretary on March 11, 2025, the DeRemers became grandparents. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Lifelong Democrat Robert F. Kennedy Jr. threw his support behind Trump after his own 2024 candidacy fizzled. The third of Robert F. Kennedy and Ethel Kennedy's 11 children, the environmental lawyer who's now overseeing the so-called "MAHA" (make America healthy again) movement, has been known more in recent years for questioning the safety of vaccines and psychotropic drugs and prompting the ire of his own family. While sister Kerry Kennedy slammed his "inexplicable effort" to "desecrate" their father's memory by endorsing Trump, cousin Caroline Kennedy called him a "predator" in a January 2025 open letter urging the Senate to not confirm him as HHS secretary. On the personal front, Kennedy is a father of six: Two kids from his first marriage, to Emily Black, and four children with late second wife Mary Richardson, who died by suicide in 2012. He has been married to Curb Your Enthusiasm alum Cheryl Hines since 2014. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Scott Turner Former NFL player Scott Turner represented Texas' 33rd district in Congress from 2013 to 2017 before Trump appointed him director of the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council in 2019. My mom and dad and my godparents always taught me to serve others, he said in a 2016 NFL Player Engagement interview. They always instilled in me to look out for other people and to work hard and to have a tremendous faith...Its not easy; you just have to make up in your mind thats what youre going to do. Also an entrepreneur and Baptist pastor, he has been married to wife and fellow University of Illinois alum Robin Turner since 1995. In 2009 the couple adopted Scott's nephew Solomon, who played football at Baylor and Hawaii before walking on at Illinois. Had it not been for my uncle and my aunt, I dont know where I would be, Solomon told Big Ten news site Saturday Tradition in 2022. Personally, it just means the world to me, not only for him to be my father figure, but to come here and do this part, its almost like Im giving back to him like a thank you." Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy Sean Duffy first made a name for himself in 1997 as a housemate on The Real World: Boston. He shares nine children with The Real World: San Francisco alum Rachel Campos-Duffy, whom he met competing on Road Rules: All Stars in 1998 and married the following year. Duffy spent eight years as Ashland County District Attorney in his home state of Wisconsin before serving in Congress from 2011 to 2019. He resigned from office that August, citing his yet-to-be-born ninth child's health issues. "After shes born, whether its two to six months after life, shes going to need open-heart surgery," he explained on Fox & Friends. "They gotta crack her open and fix the heart." Duffy added, "I love politics, but I love my family, and I think its always a balance. The schedules are grueling. Im out in D.C. four days a week, and then Im back with Rachel." Traveling around his district meeting people, he said, "we get beat up a little bit as members of Congress. Were a favorite punching bag." On The Real World, "I was forced to live with people who were so different than me," he told NCTA in May 2019. "When I first got there, I saw the stark differences I had with my roommates. But when I left, I realized I had way more in common with them than I ever imagined." He compared the experience to crossing the aisle in Congress: "It's amazing the kind of legislation you can work on together and how many points of agreement you actually have." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Secretary of Energy Chris Wright Self-described "energy nerd" Chris Wright is the founder of Pinnacle Technologies, which, according to his Energy Department bio, "created the hydraulic fracture [a.k.a. fracking] mapping industry." Before his cabinet nomination, he served as CEO of Liberty Energy, the United States' second-largest fracking company. Wright"a passionate father, grandfather, skier, cyclist, climber, and outdoor enthusiast," per his bioand wife Liz Wright lived in Colorado before relocating to D.C. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon Linda McMahon (nee Edwards) was 17 when she married 21-year-old husband Vince McMahon in 1966, after she finished high school. She studied to be a French teacher but ended up co-running the family business, World Wrestling Entertainment, from 1980 until 2009. McMahon served as Administrator of the Small Business Administration from 2017 to 2019 during Trump's first term. After he was elected again in 2024, the grandmother of six co-chaired his transition team and was picked to head up the U.S. Department of Educationwhich Trump wants to dismantle. "I'm really all for the presidents mission, which is to return education to the states, McMahon told the New York Times. I believe, as he does, that the best education is closest to the child." While they're still married, McMahon's attorney confirmed in November 2024 that the former WWE executive and her husband are separated, according to the Washington Post. Their son Shane McMahon and daughter Stephanie McMahon are both former professional wrestlers and son-in-law Paul "Triple H" Levesque is chief content officer of WWE. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins U.S. Air Force Reserve Col. Doug Collins is a lawyer and former Georgia State House representative, congressman and military chaplain. But, according to his VA bio, he's "foremost a husband to Lisa and father to daughter Jordan and sons Copelan and Cameron." Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem Governor of South Dakota since 2019, Kristi Noem was rumored to be on the short list of possible running mates for Trump in 2024, until she wrote about shooting her family's unruly dog in her memoir No Going Back. Unfazed by controversy, Trump picked Noem, who also served in Congress from 2011 to 2019 and sat on the House Armed Services Committee, to head up the Department of Homeland Security, which is responsible for protecting the United States from internal and external threats. The onetime South Dakota Snow Queen married husband Bryon Noem in 1992 and they share three children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App Donald Trump is consolidating his reputation as a peace president. After the US facilitated an end to the Israel-Iran war and a de-escalation of the festering Democratic Republic of the Congo-Rwanda conflict, Trump has turned his attention to Israels war against Hamas. In a Truth Social post, the American president claimed that Israel had agreed to a 60-day-ceasefire in Gaza and urged Hamas to accept a deal because it will not get better. Strong words, but is Trumps optimism about peace in Gaza warranted? Hamas and its main sponsor Irans current vulnerabilities play into Trumps hands. Israeli public opinion adds to this positive outlook. Even though only 21 per cent of Israelis surveyed in a February-March 2025 Pew Research poll believe in peaceful coexistence with Palestinians, the popularity of a long-term occupation of Gaza has nosedived. The clout of pro-peace voices, ranging from hostage families to opposition leader Yair Lapid, has also grown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite these trends, though, history shows that there are reasons for pessimism. The last two truce-for-hostage release deals in November 2023 and January 2025 dramatically unravelled and morphed into higher-intensity conflict. Many of the same factors that caused peace to fail in the past are still impeding the path to a sustainable ceasefire today. The biggest roadblock to peace is Hamass continued influence in the Gaza Strip. Israel has assassinated Hamass senior leadership figures such as Yahya Sinwar, Mohammed Deif and Ismail Haniyeh, and most recently killed Hakham Muhammad Issa Al-Issa, the logistical mastermind of the October 7 attacks. Despite claiming these big scalps, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu cannot claim victory in his maximalist goal of eradicating Hamas. This failure is causing Netanyahus far-Right coalition partners to push for continued war in Gaza. On Monday, Israeli finance minister Betzalel Smotrich confidently declared that an end to the Gaza War will not happen, and that Netanyahu is not ready to sue for peace. Israeli national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, meanwhile, is forming an intra-Cabinet coalition with Smotrich to thwart the deals implementation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Aside from creating political rifts in Netanyahus orbit, Hamass survival paves the way for a longer-term Israeli military presence in Gaza. Israeli defence minister Israel Katz wants Israeli forces to remain in security zones in Gaza and provide a buffer to protect Israeli communities. This stipulation could cause Hamas to reject the ceasefire deal and diminish the prospects of the release of the 50 remaining Israeli hostages. A lack of clarity on the path to a Palestinian state, the probable expansion of Israels West Bank settlement infrastructure and the continued bellicosity of Yemens Houthi militants create an even more perilous environment for peace. Trumps sincere interest in ending the Gaza War should be commended, but sometimes good intentions may not be enough. 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. When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Credit: optimistic7liss / Getty Images The "magnitude" of the Texas flood disaster has "exposed gaps" in the state's "ability to warn people" and renewed calls for "better monitoring system," The Washington Post says on Monday's front page. Dozens "still missing," The Boston Globe says, as the search for "survivors" and "answers" continues. "Agony" of families affected by Camp Mystic flooding "felt deeply across Texas," says The New York Times. In devastated Kerrville, the community has "come together in prayer" as faith and grief "intertwine," The Dallas Morning News says. In other U.S. news, Ohio students will soon have to "put down" their cell phones during the school day, says The Columbus Dispatch, after state lawmakers "prohibited them" in finalized state budget. Meanwhile, "fight goes on over teaching ethnic studies in S.F. schools," the San Francisco Chronicle says. Credit: Washington Post Credit: Boston Credit: NYT Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Credit: Dallas Credit: Columbus By Andrius Sytas VILNIUS (Reuters) -The West needs to keep up pressure on Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko to try to force democratic change, newly released dissident Siarhei Tsikhanouski told Reuters. Tsikhanouski, who walked free last month after more than five years in prison, said now was not the time to contemplate easing sanctions on Lukashenko, a Russian ally who has ruled the former Soviet state for 31 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over the past year, Lukashenko has released more than 300 opposition figures and activists from jail. Another 16, including some convicted of "extremism," were pardoned on Wednesday. Tsikhanouski, who had attempted to run in the 2020 presidential election, is, by far, the most prominent opponent that Lukashenko has freed to date. The move raises questions about what he wants in return, and how the West should respond. "He should be told: you will face even bigger pressure if you dont stop repressions... The release of prisoners is not enough: he needs to stop further jailings, and sanctions should only be relieved if he agrees to undertake some political reforms," Tsikhanouski, 46, said in an interview in the Lithuanian capital Vilnius. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The West has a chance to achieve a democratic country" in Belarus, he added. Lukashenko says there are no political prisoners in Belarus and that those behind bars are law-breakers who chose their own fate. His spokeswoman has said he freed Tsikhanouski "strictly on humanitarian grounds with the aim of family reunification". 'NEED TO PUNCH THROUGH' Belarus, a country of just 9 million people, is of strategic importance because it borders Russia, Ukraine and NATO members Poland, Lithuania and Latvia. Lukashenko, a close Russian ally, allowed President Vladimir Putin to attack Ukraine from Belarus during the 2022 Russian invasion, and later agreed to host Russian nuclear warheads. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The trigger for Tsikhanouski's release was a trip to Belarus by U.S. presidential envoy Keith Kellogg, the most senior U.S. official to visit the country in more than five years. Freed together with 13 others, he was driven across the border into Lithuania for an emotional reunion with his wife Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, the exiled leader of the Belarus opposition. "By releasing me, (Lukashenko) indicates he is ready to release people whom he considers his personal enemies," said Tsikhanouski. "I was jailed by him to shut me up. Now he released a strong and armed person because my word is my weapon ... I plan to use it, so that the regime collapses, Belarus becomes democratic and joins the European family." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A firebrand who captured the imagination of many in 2020 with his social media videos mocking the leadership, Tsikhanouski says his goal was to encourage alternative points of view inside Belarus, where government opponents risk jail. Human rights activists say around 1,150 critics of the government remain behind bars. Many Belarusians have "lost belief and enthusiasm," Tsikhanouski said. "We need to punch through... The war needs to be fought inside the heads of the people." Looking gaunt, he told Reuters his weight has fallen to just 77 kilograms (170 pounds) from 135 kg when he entered prison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At a press conference the day after his release, he broke down in sobs as he recounted how his 9-year-old daughter had not recognised him on his return. "I start feeling tired by lunch time. I need a nap," he said when asked how he was recuperating. "But the love of my close ones, my wife, the children, it helps my psychological health. I am recovering fast." (Reporting by Andrius Sytas in Vilnius; Editing by Mark Trevelyan and Bernadette Baum) SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) The Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center is offering visitors a chance to get to know their resident educational animal ambassadors up close. On Wednesday, July 2, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Center is hosting Meet the Animals. The outdoor, open house-style event will feature box turtles, snakes, a screech owl and a barred owl. Stations where attendees can meet the animals will be located on the Nature Center lawn. Registration is not required, but parking is limited. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An ice cream truck from South Dakota State University will also be on the premises. A portion of the sales will go to the Nature Center to help fund the animals care and educational programs. Library of Things now available at Sioux City Public Library Visitors are also encouraged to check out the exhibit gallery and outdoor Nature Playscape, or to take a hike on the Centers trails. The Nature Center is located at 4500 Sioux River Road (also known as Highway 12) in Sioux City. For more information about this and other programs, you can reach out to Woodbury County Conservation by phone at (712) 258-0838, by email at camps@woodburyparks.org, or online here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports. Alex Braswell and former U.S. Sen. Doug Jones pose for a photo after the House District 11 Democratic nominee received Jones' endorsement. Jones will be in Cullman County to campaign for Braswell on July 29. (Courtesy Alex Braswell) Former U.S. Sen. Doug Jones has endorsed and plans to campaign for a Democratic Alabama House candidate running in a district taking in Cullman and Blount counties. Jones said in an interview Tuesday that he endorsed Alex Braswell, a 30-year-old American Sign language interpreter, in the House District 11 contest because she impressed him with her knowledge of issues affecting Alabamians. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont know how many candidates that Ive ever talked to that had done their homework about whats going on in the state, whats going on in the district. She has, he said. Shes the first woman nominee in that district. I think thats important too. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX House District 11 has been solidly Republican in the past, but Jones said that endorsing candidates in special elections is important. Those that dont particularly care for me or Democrats, theyre either going to ignore it, or its going to drive them to the polls to vote for her opponent, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Braswell said she hopes the endorsement will bring more attention to Democrats in Alabama. If people should feel inclined to donate because I have Doug Jones endorsement, its more than welcome. But that was not the goal, she said. Its always been to bring more attention to the Cullman County Democratic Party. Braswell has raised over $7,000, according to campaign finance records. Her opponent, Heath Allbright, has raised over $105,000, according to campaign finance records. Jones plans to hold a town hall on July 29 for Braswell in the district prior to the general election on Aug. 26, which he hopes will attract people from all parties. Braswell said the venue is not reserved yet, but the event will begin at 6 p.m. Jones said the campaign event will also be an opportunity for his wife, Louise, who is from Cullman County, to go home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im hoping that whatever people ultimately decide, that the endorsement of a former United States senator will at least get people looking at her platform, what she stands for, and listen to her, he said. I think thats the most important piece of this, is just to bring this election to the attention of voters, regardless of how they end up voting. Braswell announced the endorsement on her Facebook page Monday morning and said in an interview Tuesday that Jones has been a role model for her. I think it will help us complete our overall goal to win this election, Braswell said. Jones, who served in the U.S. Senate from 2018 to 2021, said he had not made a concrete decision on his political future, including running for Alabamas governor in 2026. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is about the candidates that are running in this special election. Ive told people right now, my wife and I are staying in this fight, he said. I think that the direction the states headed, Im concerned about it. Im concerned about where the country is headed, and so were going to still stay active and vocal. What that means going forward, we havent fully developed yet. While Braswell is the only candidate endorsed by Jones right now, he said he would listen to any candidate that called him. There are currently three House special elections in Alabama: District 11, 12 and 63. There will soon be one in District 13 following former Rep. Matt Woods, R-Jasper, being elected to the state Senate in District 5. There is one Democratic candidate in each of the special elections. A message seeking comment from Allbright was left Tuesday afternoon. PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. (DC News Now) As rain rolled across the DMV overnight, a tree and several power lines fell across a roadway in Nokesville, prompting traffic delays for commuters Wednesday morning. In a post on X shortly after 5:30 a.m., the Prince William County Police Department said a tree and power lines had fallen in the 14400 block of Aden Road, blocking the roadway in both directions. Police are assisting at the scene, and drivers are encouraged to use alternate routes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Check DCNewsNow.com for updates. To keep up with the latest news and weather updates, download our Mobile App on iPhone or Android. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live. Jul. 2They've arrived without fail on every major holiday for the last 50 years or so American flags dotting Waynesville's Main Street. They pop up in front of businesses and expand outward into Hazelwood, down Russ Avenue, even all the way to Asheville Highway. But they don't get there by magic. If you're like most folks, you might assume the Town of Waynesville has something to do with this patriotic display. But it's actually the Kiwanis Club of Waynesville that handles the flags, in partnership with the businesses the flags stand in front of. At least that's how it's supposed to work. Just lately the Kiwanis have been picking up more of the load than the businesses, thanks to a lapse in communication the organization is hoping to rectify. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here's how it works. The Kiwanis charge Waynesville businesses an initial "setup" fee of $100, then $50 every year after that. It's a no-stress deal for the businesses. At some point in the past, business owners were in charge of set-up and takedown. But these days, the Kiwanis members handle all that, plus storage in between holidays, thanks to a partnership with the Town of Waynesville. And it's all in support of a good cause. "It is a way for us to raise funds to support grants and scholarships that we hand out each year to deserving students and teachers and other programs, because our mission, of course, is geared towards children and adolescents," said Kiwanis Club of Waynesville President Pat Ryan. The Kiwanis have been doing it for so long, Ryan said, that as Waynesville businesses change hands, the new owners often don't know where the flags come from. In the past, the Kiwanians have sometimes continued putting up flags in front of businesses that have stopped making the yearly payment especially on big holidays like the Fourth of July. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Then we made the decision a couple months ago ... we're just going to put the flags out in front of the businesses that actually subscribe to the service," said Eva Hansen, secretary and past president of the Waynesville Kiwanis. "And we're going to advocate as strongly as we can to get other businesses to support this." '"It's really a sad state of affairs right now, to be honest," Ryan echoed. "There are 52 storefronts on what we call Route One, which is the heart of Main Street. And right now, this last year we only had 20 businesses participating. So we've recently only been putting out 20 flags (in downtown Waynesville.) We certainly would like to put more out." The pair recently went before the Downtown Waynesville Commission to request $2,000 in funding to partially subsidize the cost of the flags. Ryan is hoping a helping hand plus a little publicity will get more businesses on board. "We could waive the setup expense," he explained. "We could buy more new flags. Because some of the flags aren't in the shape that we really want them to be in. But they don't come free." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jessica Garrick, owner of The Southern Loft on Main Street, said she participated in the flag sponsorship program when she first opened up about six years ago. "And then I'm not sure what happened," she said. "They never asked again, but I always got a flag. I honestly didn't know anything else about it." When Hansen and Ryan showed up at the DWC meeting to request funding, Garrick realized there'd been a miscommunication somewhere along the way. She immediately jumped on board with a new sponsorship. "I definitely want one in front of my store," she said. "It's something I enjoy and I believe in, so I wanted to take part in that." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I think that we could probably do a better job of letting people know that the businesses are in partnership with us, and are sponsoring those flags," Ryan acknowledged. Talking up the flag Hansen said her favorite part of the flag program is interacting with passers-by who stop and thank her while she's setting up flags on her route. " And what's really fun is with some more obscure holidays, people are like, 'Why are you putting flags out today?' So it's a chance to say, 'Hey, it's Flag Day or Juneteenth,' and talk a little bit about what that means," she added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With something like 150 flags going out over 12 times a year, it's a major operation for the Kiwanis. They divide up into teams and each take a "flag route," Ryan explained, usually early in the morning so parking is easier. Haywood County has a higher-than-average amount of veterans as compared to the rest of North Carolina, Hansen said. And Ryan noted that $50 spread out over the year is a pretty good bang for buck, especially as the payments ultimately go toward helping kids. "And without fail, people comment on how good Main Street looks lined with flags," he said. "So I think it's a very positive message that's sent by the Main Street businesses. It's a win-win all around." THE HAGUE, July 2 (Xinhua) -- Dutch airline KLM's ground staff will strike on next Wednesday, or July 9, demanding higher wages, unions CNV and FNV announced Wednesday. The strike comes as the summer holiday season officially begins in parts of the Netherlands, making airports particularly busy. KLM spokesperson Anoesjka Aspeslagh warned that "If the strike goes ahead, we will be forced to cancel several flights on July 9," adding that the airline is still assessing the full impact of the planned action. The strike centers on negotiations for a new collective labor agreement (CLA) covering approximately 14,000 KLM ground staff, including platform workers, passenger service employees, technicians, and office staff. The current CLA expired on March 1. Earlier, KLM and Schiphol Airport described the planned action as disproportionate, especially with around 161,000 passengers expected to be affected. The Brief Residents in Cross Creek Ranch have found 2030 dead rabbits and suspect intentional poisoning. The deaths do not appear linked to a known virus, raising concerns about potential harm to pets and wildlife. Officials have yet to respond to inquiries; residents are calling for answers and action. FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas - Residents in the Cross Creek Ranch neighborhood say theyve discovered dozens of dead rabbits in recent weeks and many fear its not a coincidence. Fort Bend County residents concerned regarding dead rabbits in neighborhood Homeowners in the Fulshear-area community told FOX 26 that between 20 and 30 rabbits have turned up dead in neighborhood fields. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It makes me want to move out of here," said resident Wendy Zhu. "Its really disturbing." While Cross Creek Ranch is known for its population of wild cottontail rabbits often considered part of the charm of the community whats happening to them has left many residents alarmed. The cause of death remains unclear. Zhu said she contacted the Fort Bend County biologist to investigate, and was told theres no known virus affecting the rabbit population in the area. What they're saying "Rabbits do not die in that many numbers at once that just doesnt happen. Thats not normal," said Karen Lasater, a Board member of the 501c3, Houston Rabbit Resource. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I thought maybe it was RHDV [Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus]," said Lasater. "But the symptoms dont match. RHDV usually causes bleeding from the eyes and nose." The rabbits in the photos do not have any apparent bleeding or marks from predators. "To me, I'm concerned it's poisoning. Someone is throwing out poison and trying to kill the rabbits, maybe because they're eating their grass," said Zhu. One person commented in a local social media thread claiming their dog nearly died after picking up one of the dead rabbits, suggesting the animals may have been poisoned. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The concern is that the poison stays in the rabbit even after death," said Lasater. FOX 26 reached out to the local homeowners association, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department game warden, and the Fort Bend County biologist for comment, but has not yet received a response. Residents say they hope the deaths stop and that whoever may be responsible is held accountable. "When I see this, its heartbreaking," said Zhu. "I feel like I need to do something." The Source Accounts and photos from residents of Cross Creek Ranch. NICHOLASVILLE, Ky. (FOX 56) Nicholasville police are searching for the person who shot four people, including two children, on Tuesday night at a busy intersection. Read more of the latest Lexington & central Kentucky news Officers have described it as a drive-by shooting. It reportedly happened just before 10 p.m. on July 1 at the intersection of U.S. Highway 27 and Brannon Road. According to investigators, the car was shot around 22 times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Assistant Chief Major Matt Marshall told FOX 56 the adults were known by federal authorities, and they believe the shooting may have been linked to a feud. The victims are reportedly not cooperative with police. We have reason to believe that this was a result of some kind of feud. Were confident that were going to be able to make an arrest in this case. The investigation is going very well, but we would like it to go quickly. We want to avoid escalating violence. We want to avoid retaliation, and we want to protect our community, Marshall said. Nicholasville police said that two adults and two children were inside the vehicle when shots were fired. Officers said they drove themselves to the UK Medical Center, where they told hospital staff theyd been shot in Nicholasville. Unfortunately, the two small children also sustained wounds. One of which was a gunshot wound to the leg. The other child, more of a skimming of a bullet across the foot The male, the father, sustained a gunshot wound to the pelvic area. The mother received a wound, a graze, across the forehead, Marshall said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All four received non-life-threatening injuries. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: No arrests have been made, and the investigation is ongoing. If you have any information, please call Nicholasville police. Payden Hinkle contributed to this story. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News. A vehicle struck a pedestrian and power pole in Tacoma Wednesday morning, leaving many without power. Officers were dispatched at 4:48 a.m. to the 7600 block of Pacific Avenue for the crash. The driver of the vehicle had hit the pedestrian before colliding with the power pole, Tacoma Police Department spokesperson Sgt John Correa told The News Tribune. Both of the northbound and southbound lanes were closed as a result of the crash, the department posted on X. Officers are investigating an injury collision at 7600 Pacific Ave involving a struck power pole. Both northbound & southbound lanes are CLOSED, and there is a power outage in the area. Please use alternate routes. pic.twitter.com/htym1Z6HjT Tacoma Police Department (@TacomaPD) July 2, 2025 Traffic signals nearby and housing developments lost power, Correa said. Nearly 2,000 people were without power for a few hours, Fox13 reports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The pedestrian was taken to a hospital with no significant injuries, Correa said. The driver was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence. After an hour and a half, the roadway was back open. Crews continued to work on the damaged power pole. Nearby traffic signals may still be out, the X post said. Around 90 people are still without power as of 7:50 a.m., according to Tacoma Power Utilities. A driver was charged with DUI on Tuesday after crashing into a pole in Colchester. Emergency crews in the evening hours responded to the area of 85 New London Road on the report of a car into a pole involving wires that had come down, according to Connecticut State Police. The driver was not injured and was able to get out of the vehicle on their own, state police said. The individual was arrested on a DUI charge, according to state police, who did not immediately release the identity of the driver. Crews from Eversource responded to address the damage to the utility pole. The road was closed in the area of the crash as crews were at the scene. OZARK, Mo. A man from Webb City has been charged in the fatal crash that killed Christian County Deputy Sheriff Mike Adams and his wife, Ashley, outside of Highlandville on Monday, June 30. Online court records state that 40-year-old Garrett Cleaver is charged with two counts of second-degree murder, two counts of aggravated fleeing a stop or detention resulting in death, one count of aggravated fleeing a stop resulting in injury and one count of second-degree assault. Cleaver has a criminal history out of Kansas and Missouri, court records state, as he was convicted of vehicular homicide and received numerous resisting arrest charges. He also had a warrant for failing to appear in Jasper County for resisting arrest and tampering with a motor vehicle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the probable cause statement, a Ford F-150 truck allegedly driven by Cleaver was seen leaving the area of a known drug house with non-functional headlights, and a Christian County deputy tried to make a traffic stop on the vehicle. Really scary: Witnesses describe crash scene that left deputy and wife dead The truck fled from the deputy and started speeding on Melton Road, then drove through a field during the pursuit before reversing course. The deputy lost sight of the truck until they spotted it crashing into a Honda minivan. Deputy Adams and his wife, who were in the Honda, died at the scene, and an infant in the Honda was taken to the hospital with serious head injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Court documents state that a video taken by a witness shows that the Ford F-150 went airborne on Melton Road due to its high speed and lost control when it landed back on the ground, crashing head-on into the Honda. Mondays crash was a senseless tragedy that claimed the lives of an outstanding deputy and a beloved community member, Sheriff Brad Cole said in a news release. We are continuing with a thorough investigation, and these charges reflect our commitment to pursuing justice for the Adams family. This is another case where the suspects criminal history in multiple states reflects a failure on the part of the criminal justice system to keep a dangerous person off the streets and to protect innocent citizens. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOLR - OzarksFirst.com. A man is on the run after a police chase through Montgomery County on Tuesday. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Riverside Police shared photos on social media of a man they say is suspected of stealing a large box truck from the U-Haul on Harshman Road. Moraine Police confirmed on Wednesday that the man is the suspect accused of leading police on a chase in the box truck. The chase ended in a crash on Interstate 75 Tuesday afternoon. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As reported on News Center 7 at 5:00, police said the driver first refused to pull over near State Route 741 and Dorothy Lane, but they stuck a GPS device on the truck, stopped the chase, and tracked him to Troy Street in Dayton. Thats when Moraine Police said they tried pulling him over again, but he escalated things from the stolen truck. Again, it fled and in doing so, it actually struck a detectives car, Sgt. Andrew Dyer, of Moraine Police, said. The truck hit stop sticks and crashed along I-75 just before the SR 725 exit. All three people in the truck took off into the woods. Police ended up catching the two passengers. Moraine Police Sergeant Andrew Parish said both were arrested on unrelated warrants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One passenger was also taken to a local hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. He received treatment and was released before being booked in the Montgomery County Jail. Riverside Police told News Center 7 on Wednesday that Moraine Police has taken over the entire case since they have the most serious charges against him. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Border agents in the U.S. and Canada seized cocaine, methamphetamine and marijuana worth more than $31.6 million over the past several weeks from commercial shipments at ports of entry in Texas and Michigan; along with Point Edward, Ontario, and Montreal, Quebec. Supply chain risk management firm Overhaul also recently helped authorities recover stolen cargo from trains in three separate cases in California and Illinois. Blue Water Bridge port of entry The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) seized 161 bricks of cocaine worth more than $20.15 million at the Blue Water Bridge in Point Edward, Ontario, on June 12. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Blue Water Bridge port of entry connects Port Huron, Michigan, with Ontario. Canadian border agents seized $20.15 million worth of cocaine at the Blue Water Bridge in Point Edward, Ontario, on June 12. (Photo: Courtesy) Agents for the Canada Border Services Agency said the drugs were discovered in a tractor-trailer crossing from the U.S. into Canada. Karamveer Singh, 27, of Brampton, Ontario, was arrested and charged with importation of cocaine, and possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking. Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge found $6.7 million in methamphetamine concealed in a shipment of tomatillos from Mexico. Border agents found $6.7 million in methamphetamine concealed in a shipment of tomatillos arriving from Mexico in Pharr, Texas. (Photo: Courtesy) On June 10, CBP officers were checking a tractor-trailer arriving from Mexico at the bridge in Pharr, Texas, when they found 166 packages of alleged methamphetamine concealed in the shipment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CBP seized the narcotics and the tractor-trailer, and the case was turned over to the Department of Homeland Security. Colombia-Solidarity International Bridge More than $4.85 million in cocaine was seized by border agents on June 3 at the Colombia-Solidarity International Bridge in Laredo, Texas. U.S. Customs and Border Protection were inspecting an empty 2013 Fontaine commercial trailer and discovered 149 packages containing 363 pounds of alleged cocaine. CBP seized the narcotics and the trailer, and the case was turned over to the Department of Homeland Security. Montreals Marine and Rail Service The Canadian Border Services Agency seized $4.8 million worth of marijuana at Montreals Marine and Rail Service on April 30. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers discovered 1415.37-pounds of drugs concealed in 1,023 vacuum-sealed packages hidden in custom-built crates and surrounded by bundles of engineered wood in a shipping container, according to a news release. Authorities said the shipping container was bound for Spain. The marijuana was seized and turned over to the Royal Canadian Mountain Police, which is investigating the matter. Overhaul helps recover pilfered rail freight Supply chain risk management firm Overhaul recently worked with law enforcement to recover stolen rail freight cargo from three separate pilferage cases in California and Illinois. In California, both incidents occurred on June 19, according to a news release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both thefts occurred on different trains targeting the same product type, battery operated power tools, Overhaul said. The first recovery was completed on the same day of the theft, with officers from BNSF Railway responding to the location of an alert indicating that a container had been opened. The pilfered cargo was found near the tracks at the indicated location near Needles, California, a common tactic for thieves who plan to return to collect the stolen goods, Overhaul said. The second recovery was completed on June 23 in the Los Angeles area, with Overhaul working with BNSF police and the California Highway Patrol, who were able to track the stolen cargo over the weekend to a warehouse facility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The third case occurred around June 26, when Overhaul said helped authorities facilitate the recovery of 70 boxes of rail freight after a pilferage incident near an intermodal facility in Chicago. The post Drug busts at border ports in US, Canada top $31M; rail theft surging appeared first on FreightWaves. PARIS Dsm-firmenich has named Jonathan Simon its next president of fine fragrance. In the position he will succeed Jerry Vittoria, who retires from the company July 1, 2026, after 35 years there. More from WWD Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heading the Fine Fragrance teams since 2017, Vittoria is recognized for his outstanding leadership and enduring impact on Dsm-firmenichs Fine Fragrance business and the fragrance industry, the company said in a statement. The handover between Vittoria and Simon will happen over the coming year, through a well-structured and orchestrated transition plan. It is the perfect moment for us to make this move and prepare for the future, said Emmanuel Butstraen, chief operations officer and president of Perfumery and Beauty at Dsm-firmenich, in a statement. We want to warmly thank Jerry for his outstanding contributions to our Fine Fragrance business over the last decade, skillfully navigating the evolution and changes, while at the same time growing our business significantly, Butstraen continued. Jonathan will propel our Fine Fragrance business into a new era, establish our leadership and continue our transformation driven by innovation and sustainability. His strong sense of luxury, passion for the product and obsession for our customers will truly make a difference. Simon, who is based in Singapore, joined Dsm-firmenich in 2020 from P&G Global Beauty Care. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since 2024, hes been the global leader of the P&G account with significant contributions, further evolving and enhancing our strong partnership with P&G teams, Dsm-firmenich said. Prior to that, the executive worked at LOreal for a dozen years, focused on fine fragrances and the LOreal Paris brand. The citizen of France and New Zealand has been based in countries including Japan, China and Singapore. Simon will be located in Paris for his new position. Best of WWD Sign up for WWD's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Jul. 2Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy on Wednesday called for a special session to begin in Juneau next month on the topic of enacting education reforms and creating a new agriculture department. The one-month special session proclamation comes after lawmakers in the House and Senate majorities have largely rejected Dunleavy's priorities on education reform. Lawmakers succeeded in overriding Dunleavy's veto of an education funding bill shortly before adjourning their regular legislative session in May. House Speaker Bryce Edgmon, I-Dillingham, said shortly after Dunleavy announced the special session that there was "no prior indication" that a special session was under consideration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senate President Gary Stevens, R-Kodiak, called Dunleavy's announcement "disappointing." "The legislature addressed both of these issues during the regular session, and rather than respecting that process, the Governor is doubling down on proposals that failed to gain legislative support," Stevens said in a written statement. After Dunleavy vetoed education funding from the budget in June, lawmakers vowed to vote on overriding his veto when they reconvened in January. But leaders of the Senate and House said they would not convene a special session themselves to override the governor over the summer because they wanted to make sure all members were present for the vote, and one member of the bipartisan majority in the Senate was deployed out of the country with the National Guard through the summer. It was not immediately clear whether that member, Sen. Forrest Dunbar, D-Anchorage, would be able to return to the state for the special session, or how his absence could impact legislative outcomes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anchorage Democratic Sen. Bill Wielechowski took to social media to accuse Dunleavy of intentionally calling a special session when one member of the bipartisan caucus was absent in order to increase the odds that lawmakers would fail in overriding the governor's vetoes, which include nixing a bill meant to clarify the legislative auditor's role in reviewing oil and gas tax revenue. Wielechowski also noted that Dunleavy vetoed $250,000 in funds approved by lawmakers for the purpose of holding a special session. "After vetoing special session funds, Gov. Dunleavy is now calling us into special session. The reason he is doing this is because the Legislature is required to vote to override vetoes on education and oil and gas audit bills which potentially are worth billions of dollars in additional oil tax revenue to Alaska immediately when they go back into session," Wielechowski wrote. "The vote will be very close and he knows at least one member is deployed in the military overseas, making it less likely the vetoes will be overridden." Lawmakers have convened an education task force that in August was expected to begin several months of work on examining potential education reforms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "That task force is designed to carefully evaluate funding needs, long-term reform options, and student outcomes. It should be allowed to do its work rather than be bypassed in a rushed special session," Stevens said in his statement. Dunleavy did not immediately say what education reforms he sought. His office said in an email that an education bill would be available during the first day of the session. He has previously demanded the creation of open enrollment laws, enhancing funding for homeschooling programs and creating new avenues for forming charter schools, among other ideas. "Enacting a few necessary reforms to our public education system can elevate those children struggling in Alaska's school system," Dunleavy said in a written statement. "As elected officials we must do all we can to put the next generation on the path to a successful and prosperous future, and that starts with a solid public education." Also on the agenda for the special session, Dunleavy said, was the creation of a new Department of Agriculture. He previously sought to create a new agriculture department through an executive order, which lawmakers rejected in March in a 32-28 vote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alaska's agriculture programming is currently housed within the state's Department of Natural Resources. Dunleavy previously estimated the creation of the new department would come at a cost of $2.7 million, but lawmakers including Senate Majority Leader Sen. Cathy Giessel, R-Anchorage, have said it could cost far more, and that the idea should come through a bill rather than an executive order. Dunleavy said Wednesday he would again propose the idea through an executive order. "Splitting the Division of Agriculture away from DNR into a department will elevate food security and support our hard-working farmers while growing the agricultural sector," Dunleavy wrote. Stevens said that Dunleavy himself had raised concerns over expanding government at a time of low oil revenue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Now he wants to expand government by creating an entirely new department. That contradiction does not escape Alaskans, especially as essential services are being cut under the guise of fiscal restraint," Stevens wrote. Under Dunleavy's proclamation, the 30-day special session would begin at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 2 in Juneau. Queen Maxima of the Netherlands said that viral moment with President Donald Trump wasnt quite what it looked like to some observers. The queen and King Willem-Alexander met with Trump last month during the NATO summit at The Hague. In footage that took off across social media, she made a gesture with her mouth one that some thought was mocking Trumps own distinctive mouth movements. But she said thats not what happened at all. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I said thank you to someone who had helped, she told AD, a Dutch news site, according to a translation by The Daily Beast. She called the encounter pleasant. The moment didnt just take off on social media. It also became fodder for right-wing media, with Fox News contributor Raymond Arroyo joking that the gesture might cause Trump to send a personalized bunker buster bomb to the Netherlands. Related... SYDNEY, July 2 (Xinhua) -- Australian researchers have developed an innovative technology that could transform urban search and rescue operations by deploying "cyborg" beetles to locate disaster survivors more quickly. These "cyborg" beetles are live darkling beetles fitted with microchip backpacks that enable rescuers to remotely guide them through rubble by sending electrical signals to their antennae or forewings, harnessing the insects' natural agility, according to a statement released Tuesday by the University of Queensland (UQ), which led the research. "Beetles possess many natural gifts that make them the masters of climbing and maneuvering in small, complex spaces such as dense rubble, that are difficult for robots to navigate," said UQ's Thang Vo-Doan, the study's lead author. The project shows these "cyborg" beetles can be guided both sideways and up walls, something small robots struggle with due to their lack of natural agility and environmental sensing, said research assistant Lachlan Fitzgerald. While initial tests used a tethered power supply, the beetles can carry batteries of their own weight, and researchers are now working to add cameras and improve power systems for real-world use. Vo-Doan said the goal is to develop a tool that can swiftly locate and assess trapped individuals, providing vital information to rescuers, with field tests expected within five years. The research, published in Advanced Science, is a collaboration between the UQ Biorobotics Lab, the UQ School of the Environment, the University of New South Wales, and Singapore's Nanyang Technological University. BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) Some East Baton Rouge Parish residents can benefit from a program that replaces or repairs broken air conditioning units as hot summer temperatures increase. Operation Stay Cool is funded with federal dollars and will be available for eligible Baton Rouge residents who earn an income lower than 60% of the state median. Up to $1,000 in aid for AC units is possible. The parish Office of Social Services will work with residents to coordinate fixes or replacements. At the end of the day, our goal is to repair and replace broken AC units for residents in need, Mayor-President Sid Edwards said. He said its part of his dedication to public health in the area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Emergency Medical Services Director Chris Landry described the program as a life-saving initiative that puts action behind prevention. The Louisiana Department of Health reported 339 Capital Region emergency department visits for heat-related illness in 2024. Every year our EMS team responds to emergencies caused by extreme heat, many that are involving our elderly population, the young and those without access to air conditioning. The truth is that heat-related illnesses can quickly become life-threatening if not addressed, Landry said. Dr. Murelle Harrison with the Gardere Initiative said she works tirelessly for the Gardere area and knows people who will appreciate the program. We have the second largest ALICE population in EBR, which means a significant number of our residents have to make choices between whether theyll repair their AC or keep their utilities on, Harrison said. LDH shares ways to avoid heat-related illness: Stay hydrated. Stay informed of weather forecasts and heat advisories. Stay in air-conditioned spaces. Keep your home cool. Wear sunscreen, hats and sunglasses outside and loose-fitting, lightweight and light colored clothing. Avoid outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day. Never leave children or pets alone in cars. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rising summer heat increases risk of child deaths in hot cars Health officials said anyone working outside should drink water every 15 minutes, take frequent rest breaks and have a shady or cool place to take breaks. How to apply for Operation Stay Cool Division of Human Development & Services Director Leander Zanders suggests that residents apply as soon as they can. Documents needed to apply include proof of income, photo ID, Social Security cards for all household members and a utility bill or printout. Edwards office said to act fast because the money will be doled out on a first-come, first-served basis, and theres a set allocation from the Federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Residents can visit the Office of Social Services at 4523 Plank Road or speak with a case manager at local community centers to get help with the application process and ask questions. Where to find community centers: Chaneyville Community Center (13211 Jackson Road, Zachary). Charles R. Kelly Community Center ( 3535 Riley St., Baton Rouge). Dr. Leo Butler Community Center (950 East Washington St., Baton Rouge). Dr. Martin L. King Community Center (4000 Gus Young Ave., Baton Rouge). Jewel Newman Community Center (2013 Central Road, Baton Rouge). The application can also be completed online. Physical copies of the application can be emailed to ossfrontdesk@brla.gov, faxed to 225-358-4513 or dropped off at the Plank Road office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Exercising or playing sports in extreme heat can be extremely dangerous Latest News Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Louisiana First News. LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) East Lansing Mayor George Brookover will not seek reelection in the upcoming city election, he announced Monday. It has been an honor to serve the residents of East Lansing on council and as mayor, Brookover said. Hopefully those elected in the future will strive to bring our diverse community together rather than seek division. I sincerely thank East Lansing residents for the opportunity to serve and lead. Brookover, whose father also served as mayor in the past, was first elected to the city council in 2021 and has served as mayor since 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He plans to serve his full term in office. Brookover is a graduate of East Lansing High School and got a bachelors degree in Industrial and Labor Relations from Cornell University. He later graduated from the University of Michigan Law School. Before being elected mayor, Brookover was on the East Lansing Public Schools Board of Education from 2003 to 2011, and served three years as board president. He was also previously appointed to the East Lansing Housing and Community Development Commission and East Lansing Planning Commission. After leaving office, he plans to continue practicing law in East Lansing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. EMERALD ISLE, N.C. (WNCT) Bad news beach goers. The Town of Emerald Isle is continuing to fly their red flag on the beaches Wednesday. Meaning, life threatening rip currents are likely in the swim and surf zones. They arent the only ones to receive the label of high rip current risk from the National Weather Service. Atlantic, North Topsail, Hammocks, Indian, Pine Knoll Shores, Ocracoke, Hatteras Village, Frisco, Cape Lookout and Shackleford Banks all have the risk of life threatening rip currents. Emerald Isle suggested that visitors and residents enjoy the sun and sand, but need to stay out of the ocean Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage) Umiya Sushi, an all-you-can-eat sushi restaurant chain with plans to open a San Angelo location, has officially made its way into the City of San Angelos permits report. Heres what we know thus far. The City of San Angelos June 2025 permits and inspections report lists a Umiya Sushi restaurant located at 4384 Sherwood Way as a pending commercial project. The project has an estimated cost of $220,000. San Angelo multimillion-dollar pickleball complex, grill opening delayed Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The address currently belongs to the building formerly occupied by San Angelos Hooters restaurant. The Hooters location closed in June 2024, alongside as many as 40 restaurants nationwide designated as underperforming by the company. Umiya Sushi first came to the public eye in San Angelo in March, when it was learned that a banner hung on the building advertised that Umiya Sushi would be coming soon. Umiya Sushi has multiple restaurants operating in Texas, including in San Antonio, Corpus Cristi, McAllen, Humble and Frisco. The chain sells food items such as sushi rolls, sashimi, hibachi and teriyaki dishes, fried rice and tempura, according to a dinner menu for a San Antonio location. Concho Valley Homepage has reached out to the City of San Angelos Building Permits and Inspections Department for more information regarding the restaurant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. As Christianity declines in the West, the faith is flourishing in sub-Saharan Africa, which is seeing the fastest growth in Christianity the world over. By 2060, more than 4 in 10 Christians worldwide are expected to live in sub-Saharan Africa, compared with just 1 in 10 in 1970, according to Pew Research. But this growth is coming at a cost. Unlike their counterparts in the U.S., African Christians increasingly risk violent death for their beliefs. Nigeria, home to one of Africas largest and fastest-growing Christian populations, has also become one of the worlds deadliest places to practice the faith. On June 13, about 200 Christians were massacred by a group of jihadists in Yelwata, a town located in Benue State, which is almost entirely Christian. Most of the victims were internally displaced people sheltering at a nearby Catholic mission, many of them women and children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This tragically is not unusual in Nigeria. During Holy Week, more than 150 Christians were killed in targeted attacks across central Nigeria. Some watchdog groups estimate that more than 50,000 Nigerian Christians have been killed by Islamist extremists since 2009. The State Department reports that fatal attacks in Nigeria are ongoing. Moreover, in this violent region, the atrocities arent limited to Christians. Innocents of all faiths fall victim to militants, including members of the Muslim faith, which is also growing rapidly in sub-Saharan Africa. Some reports estimate that tens of thousands of moderate Muslims also have been killed by extremists in Nigeria, reflecting the broader toll of militant violence. Bishop Wilfred Chikpa Anagbe, a Catholic leader in Benue State where the atrocities occurred, testified in March before the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, pleading with officials to take notice of whats happening. He described his home as one of the most dangerous and insecure places for Christians, and his testimony came months before the June 13 attack. He noted that villagers sometimes are warned in advance of attacks and that even if they contact police for protection, no help comes and the slaughters happen anyway. Constitutionally, we are a secular country, but our unity has been fragile, he said. We live in fear because at any point, it can be our turn to be killed. But to remain silent is to die twice, so I have chosen to speak. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pope Leo offered a timely prayer for Nigeria during a June 15 address in St. Peters Square. I pray that security, justice and peace prevail in Nigeria, a beloved country that has suffered various forms of violence, he said. We do not know the sort of fear of which Bishop Anagbe spoke because we live in a country that believes in the right to religious freedom. Its why we find alleged hate crimes such as the May slaying of a young Jewish couple, Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, in Washington, D.C., so devastating. We feel as if we are shielded from the sectarian violence that afflicts other parts of the globe by virtue simply of being American and when hate-based violence occurs here, that confidence is undermined. The First Amendment protects all our religious freedoms, hardly limited to the three great Abrahamic religions, but it doesnt guarantee them. We write this not only to spotlight the horrors others face for expressing their faith, but to remind ourselves that Americas religious liberty is rare, fragile and worth protecting. _____ When Water Tower Place opened its cosmopolitan doors in 1975, the audacious notion was that all of the upscale delights of a suburban shopping center could be replicated on prime Magnificent Mile real estate by a building that soared 74 stories on a tight urban footprint. Anchored by Marshall Fields and Lord & Taylor, Urban Retail Properties had given Chicago its first vertical mall. There were always ritzy hotel rooms and condominiums (four units housing Oprah Winfrey) on the highest floors, of course, but hordes of shopaholic residents and tourists still relished traveling skyward in Water Towers gilded glass elevators in search of clothes at Abercrombie and Fitch, Benetton, Fiorucci or Laura Ashley. A camera store, Shutterbug, was up on 7. Fans of art and architecture books could ascend to Rizzoli. Diners could rise in search of Japanese cuisine. In the hierarchy of Water Tower in the last two decades of the 20th century, the higher you were in the retail center, the more exclusive you could claim to be. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The anchor department stores helped the tenants on the upper floors, of course. Customers would spill out of Marshall Fields on 6 and take the elevator down, stopping at other stores along the way. All of that is no more. If ever there was a moment to write the obituary of the vertical mall, Water Tower is the ideal corpse. But we come today not to bury what once was the epitome of retail aspiration in Chicago but to outline the chance for a rebirth. Water Towers problems hardly are confined to this mall alone, of course, but are symptomatic of the broad, internet-induced malaise that has afflicted brick-and-mortar retail. Amazon founder Jeff Bezos had plenty of money to spend on his Venetian wedding in the last few days, but malls such as Northbrook Court and others now have become melancholy destinations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the case of Water Tower, Brookfield Property Partners walked away in 2022 as retail vacancies exploded, turning over the keys to its lender, MetLife Investment Management. By 2023, MetLife seemed to have given up on the idea that consumers would climb for a shopping experience. Water Towers malaise began to spread, impacting most of the upper reaches of North Michigan Avenue, once Chicagos most sought-after retail block. High-profile stores such as Borders, Ghirardelli Chocolate Co. and Filenes Basement closed across the street. Tourists in search of nostalgia found their destination of choice had changed for the worse. Last week, MetLife tapped commercial real estate services firm JLL to actively market floors 4 through 8 for sale or lease, CoStar News reported. Theres a massive 500,000 square feet up there and marketing documents say that MetLife has become resigned to the limits of its retail footprint being just floors 1, 2 and 3. Lots of suburban malls have, or had, three floors. In essence, MetlLfe was for the first time announcing its intention to kill the verticality of Chicagos original vertical mall by cleaving the building in two, meaning it could have two separate owners. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But what happens to floors 4 through 8 seems to us more important than you might think. North Michigan Avenue remains in serious need of help, even as the section of Boul Mich near the riverwalk shows signs of renewal, with landlords snapping up commercial space at discount rates, like recently at Tribune Tower. North American Real Estate last week completed the purchase of the 47,000-square-foot retail space on the ground floor of the former home of this newspaper at 435 N. Michigan Ave., CoStar News reported. CoStar did not report the purchase price, but you can bet the value has come down from prices floated prior to the pandemic, especially since Tribune Tower has struggled to find tenants in its new, post-Tribune configuration. To the north, though, there has been even less action, although there is greater potential for radical change. Take, for example, the stalled plan to better connect the Magnificent Mile to the shimmering lake through a wide and architecturally splendiferous new pedestrian bridge crossing DuSable Lake Shore Drive and connecting Michigan Avenue directly to Oak Street Beach and the beautiful Lakefront Trail without forcing pedestrians through a grim underpass. Little has happened since that impressive scheme was envisioned, even though it would be a game-changer when it comes to opening up the Mag Mile to the water and to points north and south. To blow this opportunity as Lake Shore Drive is re-envisioned in coming months would be a huge mistake. One idea we like for the top floors of Water Tower was developed by the group trying to get Chicago to imagine its downtown as a cultural stadium, filled with cool new streetscape ideas, restaurants, markets, public art and free, digitally powered tourist attractions. Lou Raizin, one of the leaders of Team Culture, pitched the idea of opening up the massive repositories of the citys major museums, which have room only to display a small portion of their collections, and allowing visitors to access and walk through them, as already is the case with museums in New York, London and Rotterdam. Thats an ideal use for those floors, especially since the Museum of Contemporary Art is a neighbor, although it raises the question, of course, as to who would foot the bill, relatively modest as it would be. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This we know. Water Tower does not need more dentists offices or cosmetic surgeons or tacky torture museums. Vertical malls may, alas, be a thing of the past, but 500,000 square feet is a formidable chunk of real estate in what once was one of the most exciting and aspirational blocks in the Midwest. It needs to be classy to draw the eye and attract both residents and visitors alike. You just have to look up to see the possibilities. Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com. The Trump administration has accused states and schools of using federal education grants earmarked for immigrants children and low-income students to help fund a radical leftwing agenda. The administration this week withheld more than $6 billion intended for after-school and summer programs, English language instruction, adult literacy and more, saying it would review the grants to ensure they align with President Donald Trumps priorities. The freeze sent schools and summer camp providers scrambling to determine whether they can still provide programs like day camps this summer or after-hours child care this fall. On Wednesday, the Office of Management and Budget said an initial review showed schools used some of the money to support immigrants in the country illegally or promote LGBTQ+ inclusion. The administration said it hadn't made any final decisions about whether to withhold or release individual grants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many of these grant programs have been grossly misused to subsidize a radical leftwing agenda, the Office of Management and Budget said in a statement. It said New York schools had used money for English language instruction to promote organizations that advocate for immigrants in the country illegally. Washington state used the money to direct immigrants without legal status toward scholarships the Trump administration says were intended for American students. Grant funds also were used for a seminar on queer resistance in the arts, the office said. Officials from New York and Washington state didn't immediately respond to requests for comment. Advocates for low-income and immigrant children connected the grant freeze to the Trump administration's larger crackdown on immigrants. Two of the federal programs put on hold were appropriated by Congress to help support English proficiency of students still learning the language and migrant children who move with their parents to follow agricultural and other jobs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement School districts use the $890 million earmarked for English learners in a wide range of purposes, from training teachers' aides who work with English learners, to running summer schools designed for them, to hiring family liaisons who speak the parents native languages. The $375 million appropriated for migrant education is often used to hire dedicated teachers to travel close to where students live. By cherrypicking extreme examples, the administration is seeking to conflate all students learning English with people who are in the country illegally, said Amaya Garcia, who directs education research at New America, a left-leaning think tank in Washington, D.C. In reality, the majority of English learners in public schools were born in the United States, according to data from the Migration Policy Institute. The way theyre framing it is that were using this money for undocumented students and families," said Margarita Machado-Casas, president of the National Association of Bilingual Educators. "Its a distraction. A distraction from whats actually happening: that 5.3 million English learners who speak lots of different languages, not just Spanish, will suffer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even if the students lack legal status, states may not deny public education to children in the country illegally under a 1982 Supreme Court decision known as Plyler v. Doe. Conservative politicians in states such as Oklahoma, Texas and Tennessee have pursued policies that question whether immigrants without legal residency should have the right to a public education, raising the possibility of challenges to that landmark ruling. Meanwhile, states and school districts are still trying to understand what it will mean for their students and their staff if these funds never arrive. In Oregon, eliminating grants for English learners and migrant students would "undermine the states efforts to increase academic outcomes for multilingual students, promote multilingualism, close opportunity gaps and provide targeted support to mobile and vulnerable student groups, said Liz Merah, spokeswoman for the state's Department of Education. ____ Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Associated Press writer Collin Binkley contributed from Washington. _____ The Associated Press education coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find APs standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org. MONTPELIER, Vt. (ABC22/FOX44) Step one of reforming and replacing Vermonts education funding system is now complete, as the states Republican Governor Phil Scott officially signed the Education Transformation Bill into law Tuesday afternoon. The landmark decision is one that many Vermont state lawmakers say theyre proud to be a part of, with some describing it as the most important education bill in state history. The bill sets the groundwork for the creation of a new education system to now begin, after the states dealt with decades of struggles caused by the current system. For too long, Vermonters have faced property tax increases year after year, while our student population and test scores have continued to decline, Governor Scott said moments before signing the bill Tuesday afternoon. The bill that passed creates a blueprint to build one of the best education systems in the nation, focused on students, putting them ahead of all the other drama that has muddied the conversation for years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This legislation is the most significant education transformation we have seen in decades, said House Speaker Jill Krowinski, a Democrat. This legislation rips off the duct tape and baling twine that have held our education and property tax system together over the last decades, said Democratic State Representative Emilie Kornheiser, Chair of the House Ways and Means Committee. Vt. House and Senate pass education transformation bill State lawmakers who did the most legwork on the bill thanked Governor Scott for his signature, and reflected on just how we got here, touting a year of spirited debate and a Town Meeting Day cycle that led to some of the largest property tax increases in state history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you go back to November, voters sent a very clear message, Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Baruth, a Progressive Democrat, began. We heard that message, and we stayed focused on that message, which was that property taxes had gotten too high and our system was too volatile. I want to stay here to watch my grandsons graduate from our public school. Many of us are not sure we can afford to do that, said Democratic State Senator Ann Cummings, Chair of the Senate Finance Committee. Im really grateful to have had the opportunity to work with all of my colleagues. Ive never seen so much bipartisanship as Ive seen this year. Although the legislative session is over, work on related bills meant to follow and build upon this one will begin immediately. Over the next week or two, Governor Scott, Senate President Pro Tempore Baruth, and House Speaker Krowinski will pick members of a task force that will draw up the map of the new school districts, turning Vermonts over 100 small districts into just about a dozen big ones. The task force will then present their ideas to the full legislature next January. In the short term, the redistricting task force will begin contemplating new districts, and the agency will be providing analysis and recommendations on everything from cost drivers in special education to statewide graduation requirements, explained Zoie Saunders, Secretary of the Vermont Agency of Education. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Students can live in adjacent towns and have very different experiences. Its past time to address these inequities, said Democratic State Representative Peter Conlon, Chair of the House Education Committee. And we must not take our eyes off addressing the significant cost drivers in education, including, and especially, the high cost of healthcare. Vermont Gov. Phil Scott signs $9.1 billion FY26 state budget With years of work still ahead of them, legislators again reminded each other of exactly why they are doing this. The heart of all of this work is our kids and their future, Krowinski said to the room. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It will be the best education system in the country, Saunders added. While the Education Transformation Bill does have tripartisan support, there are also people across the state who denounce it, including some teachers, superintendents, and school board members. Senator Baruth acknowledged and tried calming those concerns, saying that when youre swapping out an entire state financing system, anxiety is understandable. I want those people to know that this bill is very carefully designed, Baruth said. It rolls out not all at once. It rolls out after we gather additional information and data, design maps that make sense for the entire state We will have another vote next year to continue this effort. So people will have a chance to speak with their representatives and the entire process will begin over again. I think if you look at any industry, business, sector, and you tell them youre going to transform the way they make their money or spend their money, they are not interested in transformation, Baruth added. My hope is that as they see the reality of the bill, the free-floating anxiety will lessen, and well have stronger buy in. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republican State Senator Scott Beck, the leader of Vermont Senate Republicans, also chimed in on the worries, saying the task force and legislators will work to put safety nets in place over the next nine months to try ensuring potential mistakes and failures caused by the bill are far less 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 ABC22 & FOX44. COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) After months of discourse about public school funding and property tax relief, the state has settled on its funding plan. Public school funding in Ohio has been a major talking point this budget cycle, but the state has finally determined how districts will be funded over the next two years. Gov. Mike DeWine vetoed some of the more controversial changes to public school funding, but some public school advocates still say the budget will underfund districts. See previous coverage of the budget in the video player above. In signing this budget, I line-item vetoed several provisions related to property taxes. I felt that these ideas were thoughtful, but I was also concerned that imposing them now, all of them at once on our local schools, would create a huge, huge problem, DeWine said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What the states new flat income tax will mean for Ohioans Regardless of these vetoes, Governor DeWine failed, through multiple steps in this process, to propose and fight for full and fair funding for Ohios schools, Melissa Cropper, Ohio Federation of Teachers president, said. How are schools funded in Ohio? Ohio schools are funded through state, local and minimal federal sources, with state funding allocated in the budget and local funding typically coming from property tax levies. State shares for public schools are determined through the Fair School Funding formula, a bipartisan plan introduced in 2022. The formula calculates state funding based on each districts circumstances to try to more equitably fund public schools. Under this formula, a district with more demonstrated financial need should get more state funding. For example, Columbus City Schools, the states largest district, received $350.1 million in its last state formula payment where the much smaller Bexley City Schools, which benefits from substantial property tax support, received just $20.5 million. Where did funding end up in the 2026-2027 budget? In the final budget, the Fair School Funding formula is mostly implemented. Public school advocates said this is a big improvement from the House version of the budget, which scrapped the plan entirely, but it still falls short of the formulas promise to public school districts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advocates say the plan underfunds districts because the formula inputs will be out of sync. Under the budget, school districts will update the formula using 2025 financial data, but the state will estimate costs using 2022 pricing. By only adjusting school districts inputs, the formula will calculate schools as demonstrating less financial need, resulting in less state money. Ohio Education Association President Scott DiMauro called the final version a knockoff version of the Fair School Funding Plan. DeWine said it was the largest investment into public schools in the states history. DeWine signs bill banning police ticketing quotas The final draft allocated $8.15 billion in Fiscal Year 2026 and $8.26 billion in FY 2027 to traditional school funding, making DeWines claim accurate, although advocates say it lacks key context. The Ohio Education Association, which represents nearly 120,000 Ohio educators, said the bill still underfunds public schools by $2 billion. What didnt make the cut? Although advocates are still concerned about public school funding, DeWines vetoes eliminated provisions that troubled many districts, including property tax relief proposals. DeWine said property tax relief is a major concern, but the budget items did not guarantee long-term tax relief and would have created significant barriers for districts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We must address these legitimate concerns that Ohio voters are talking to us about, DeWine said. Accordingly, I will be convening a working group, to be formalized and announced in the coming weeks, which will make recommendations to the General Assembly and to me about how we can provide meaningful property tax relief to Ohioans and still fund our schools. DeWine vetoed a limit on how much money school districts could carry over from school year to school year, easing the fears of many districts that rely on long-term financial planning. The budget would have stopped districts from carrying over more than 40% of their general fund expenses, returning the remaining funds to residents as property tax relief. I think the short answer here is that while the legislature tried to spin the property tax changes as tax relief; in reality, they (particularly the 40% cash balance cap) would have been extremely destabilizing for schools and very confusing for taxpayers, Howard Fleeter, a well-established research consultant with the Ohio Education Policy Institute, said in an email. DeWine also removed a 20-mill floor calculation provision, which affects how much property tax revenue schools can collect as home prices rise. Without the veto, State Rep. Allison Russo (D-Upper Arlington) said the 20-mill floor change would have cost districts millions of dollars. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DeWine also removed restrictions the budget would have placed on school property tax levies. Before the veto, districts would no longer have the authority to enact several emergency and fixed-sum levies. DeWine said these levies allow for important funding for districts, hence the veto. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Scott Schneider, Ph.D., dean of adult education and literacy at Eastern Iowa Community Colleges (EICC), has been named the 2025 Outstanding Administrator of the Year by the Iowa Literacy Council (ILC), according to a news release. Scott Schneider, Ph.D. (Eastern Iowa Community Colleges) The statewide honor recognizes Schneiders work in reshaping adult education with a student-first focus. His efforts have made programs more accessible, efficient, and aligned with real-world needs, especially those facing barriers to education. Schneider was presented with the surprise award on June 26 at EICCs High School Equivalency (HSE) Diploma Ceremony. He will be formally recognized in July at the ILC Summer Conference. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Scott embodies what this honor represents, said Office Coordinator and Data Manager Megan Linzy-Johnson, who is a graduate from the HSE program herself and works with Schneider at EICCs West Davenport Center. She nominated him for the award. Hes an educational leader whose innovation, dedication, and community-driven approach have transformed adult education in our region, she added. Ashlee Spannagel, vice chancellor of workforce development, also praised Schneiders impact on the college and community. Congratulations to Dr. Schneider on this well-deserved recognition, Spannagel said. His visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to student success have transformed adult education at EICC and beyond. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Schneider said the award reflects a team effort and the collective passion of those who work alongside him. I have the honor and privilege to work with some of the brightest and most passionate individuals one could imagine, he said. They establish meaningful connections with their students and create an atmosphere of mutual trust and respect. This is truly a recognition of a collective team effort. He also emphasized the inclusive and student-centered philosophy that guides the program. Each and every day, we are blessed with the opportunity to change peoples lives, he said. Our students come to us with a variety of backgrounds and personal obstacles. Together, we identify each individuals unique motivators and create a learning plan that best fits their needs. All are welcome and everyone has a place at the table. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under Schneiders leadership, EICC introduced the Skills to Success model, which lets students jump into coursework without delays. He also expanded remote access to services like registration and testing, reducing transportation barriers. Programs like Fast Track push high-performing students forward, and flexible alternatives like Credit Recovery support those who need a different path. Schneider also built systems to help students continue their education. He introduced a program to reward high school equivalency diploma graduates with a three-credit scholarship, making the next step more attainable. His focus on people sets him apart, Linzy-Johnson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dr. Scott changed the course of my life, and the lives of so many others by believing in us before we believed in ourselves. His leadership has created a program where second chances are real, where every student matters, and where hope turns into achievement. We are who we are because he saw our potential and never gave up on us, she said. Schneider developed a faculty training series based on student retention research and holds regular staff development sessions to align instructors and support teams around student needs. Beyond the classroom, his partnerships have expanded access for immigrants, refugees, and individuals returning from the justice system. He works with groups like QCAIR, World Relief, and the Safer Foundation to build pathways into education. Schneider also helped open a Student Success Center and community food pantry at the West Davenport Center. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His leadership, vision, and heart have made a lasting impact on both the individuals we serve and the broader community. I cant think of anyone more deserving of the 2025 Outstanding Administrator of the Year Award, Johnson said. Schneider has led EICCs adult education efforts for the past 10 years. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com. TOKYO, July 2 (Xinhua) -- Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on Wednesday emphasized the importance of safeguarding national interests during tariff negotiations after the United States threatened to increase tariffs on Japan. Speaking at a party leader debate, Ishiba said Japan is the largest investor in the United States and one of the biggest creators of jobs there, making it "a different case from other countries." While reducing U.S. trade deficit is important, he emphasized that investment, rather than tariffs, is the fundamental solution. The remarks came as U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed skepticism over the ongoing negotiations with Japan, floating the idea of further increasing tariffs to 30 percent or 35 percent. Japan currently faces a 25 percent U.S.-imposed tariff on automobiles and auto parts, and a 50 percent tariff on steel and aluminum. Despite prior ministerial-level rounds of negotiations, little progress had been made in the country's attempt to seek tax exemption. In 2024, Japan's automobile exports to the United States made up 28.3 percent of Japan's total exports to the country. According to the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association, approximately 1.37 million vehicles were exported to the United States in 2024. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) A 24-year-old man is dead after a T-bone crash involving a motorcycle on Tuesday night, July 1, near the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), according to the El Paso Police Department (EPPD). 1 person hurt in crash involving scooter near UTEP As weve previously reported, shortly after 9 p.m. on July 1, officers with the Special Traffic Investigations unit were dispatched along the 2500 block of North Mesa to assist in investigating a crash, according to EPPD. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to EPPD, a preliminary investigation revealed that a small SUV was exiting a private drive and approaching the intersection of Robinson Avenue and North Mesa Street. The SUV pulled out into Mesa and was T-boned by a motorcycle, which was traveling northbound on Mesa, EPPD said. EPPD identified the motorcyclist as 24-year-old Cody Arthur McCuan. EPPD said McCuan was transported with serious injuries but later died at the hospital. The driver of the SUV was not hurt. According to EPPD, failure to yield the right-of-way at a stop sign on behalf of the SUV may be a contributing factor. Additionally, speed on behalf of McCuan may also be a contributing factor, according to EPPD. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is the 31st traffic fatality this year inside the City limits, compared to 32 this same time last year, EPPD said. The Special Traffic Investigations unit is continuing the investigation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News. A new album and art installation by Northern Irish electronic music duo Bicep combines Arctic field recordings and indigenous-inspired music to document the effects of climate change. Titled an Inuit-language word meaning look the project highlights Greenlandic and Arctic ice sheet loss, which has quadrupled since the 90s, by augmenting the duos traditional club music with the sounds of creaking ice sheets and indigenous-language vocals. A traveling festival exhibition, meanwhile, sets the music to infrared-film vignettes of the far north played on giant screens. Its easy to switch off with climate change, Biceps Andy Ferguson told The Guardian. If it starts people on a journey to learn more about Greenland then its achieved something. Wednesday morning brought blowback to the settlement between Paramount Global and President Trump from Democratic lawmakers and regulators. Sen. Elizabeth Warren said that she is demanding an investigation into the settlement, and said that she will soon introduce new legislation to rein in corruption through presidential library donations. More from The Hollywood Reporter Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With Paramount folding to Donald Trump at the same time the company needs his administrations approval for its billion-dollar merger, this could be bribery in plain sight, Warren said in a statement. Paramount has refused to provide answers to a congressional inquiry, so Im calling for a full investigation into whether or not any anti-bribery laws were broken. In addition, Democratic FCC commissioner Anna Gomez released a statement requesting that the broadcast regulator, chaired by Brendan Carr, bring the pending Paramount-Skydance transaction to a full-commission vote. This moment marks a dangerous precedent for the First Amendment, and it should alarm anyone who values a free and independent press, Gomez said. Approving this transaction behind closed doors would be a shameful outcome that denies the American people the transparency and accountability they deserve, especially when press freedom is at stake. The settlement between Paramount and Trump will see the media giant pay $16 million ($15 million to a future presidential library and $1 million in legal fees), but it will not include an apology. That said, the settlement does require that 60 Minutes release any future transcripts with presidential candidates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Paramount had said previously that this lawsuit is completely separate from, and unrelated to, the Skydance transaction and the FCC approval process. We will abide by the legal process to defend our case. Still, the pending license transfer at the FCC has raised alarm bells, with Democratic members of Congress and outside groups suggesting that if the FCC approves the deal after a settlement, Paramount executives could be exposed to anti-bribery laws. The Paramount settlement is similar in scale to a settlement from Disney over an ABC News broadcast. Inside CBS News, staffers expressed anxiety and relief at the settlement, angry at the precedent it sets, but relieved that they can move on without it hanging over their work. Best of The Hollywood Reporter Sign up for THR's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. After three weeks of relative silence, Elon Musk returned to the spotlight with a political moonshot. Pointing his rockets at the one big, beautiful bill and its loyal lawmakers, Mr Musk threatened to blow up the two-party US system by doing what few have dared: launch one of his own. If this insane spending bill passes, the America Party will be formed the next day, he wrote in a string of firebrand posts on Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our country needs an alternative to the Democrat-Republican uni-party so that the people actually have a VOICE. By Monday evening, the tech billionaire was suggesting specific action, vowing to tank congressmen who dared vote for the flagship tax and spend bill by funding their political rivals. In any event, it appears to have been just a threat. Yet Mr Musks ambition for a new America Party is the latest example of what many view as the biggest threat to Donald Trumps second term; the tech billionaire himself. His incredible wealth, time inside the West Wing and influence will help him recruit supporters. Perhaps all he is missing is the charm of Mr Trump. Elon Musk became a close friend of Donald Trump before their major fallout - Evan Vucci/AP The States winner-takes-all style elections make it almost impossible for those outside of the two main American parties: Republicans and Democrats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet there is, it seems, some appetite for a third party. In a poll on his X account, Mr Musk asked if it was time to create a party that actually represents the 80 per cent in the middle. A total of 5.6 million people voted, with 80.4 per cent responding yes. It is a result repeatedly cited by the tech billionaire as evidence that most Americans want a political alternative. Is it time to create a new political party in America that actually represents the 80% in the middle? Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 5, 2025 The key question is, would you actually vote for such a third party? John Mark Hansen, the Charles L Hutchinson distinguished service professor in the department of political science at the University of Chicago, said. And typically, a vote for a third party is a wasted vote, so people dont vote for third parties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If success is actually creating a party that is durable, that is around for more than one election cycle and that has candidates running on its line... then this doesnt have much of a chance. There are questions over whether Mr Musks influence would have the durability to last for more than one election cycle. Still, never before has someone with the unique combination of star power and resources taken interest in giving the two-party duopoly a run for its money. Musk could self-finance campaign With a net worth of $409.8 billion (298.4 billion), Mr Musk has the means to self-finance a campaign on a scale never seen before. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By the end of Trumps presidential campaign, Mr Musk had ploughed $277 million into the party, making him their largest donor. With plenty of change spare, he had a go at influencing Wisconsins supreme court election. With his other affiliated groups, he spent over $20 million in the hopes of getting a return on his investment. But despite the cash injection, his preferred candidate still lost. Mr Musk could afford nationwide advertising, tech-savvy targeted marketing and some of the brightest political strategist money can buy. Such financial might means he wouldnt be dependent on traditional donors, a selling point for his anti-establishment campaign. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then there is his popularity. Just under half of American adults (42 per cent) say they have a favourable view of Mr Musk, according to a Pew Research Centre survey earlier this year. Perhaps more importantly, roughly 73 per cent of Republicans (including a staggering 84 per cent of conservative Republicans) view him favourably. His spectacular fallout with the president, in which he accused Mr Trump of being in the Epstein files, did little to dent the Tesla bosss popularity inside the Maga base either. Third party could swing close election And so with his maverick image, he has the potential to attract voters fed up with the establishment. But with a narrow set of political opinions, he stands little chance of success. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A lot of Americans will tell you they want a third party, and that they are dissatisfied with both Democrats and Republicans, Peter Loge, the director of the School of Media and Public Affairs at the George Washington University told The Telegraph. A lot of people agree. What they disagree about is what that should look like. The problem is, you cant have a political party representing a whole nation of people who just agree with you. While a third party is unlikely to have any impact by way of seats, its real damage to Mr Trump and the Republicans will be by syphoning away a chunk of their voters. Even a small third-party vote can swing a close election. In 2000, Ralph Nader, under the green party won only 2.7 per cent of the vote. Yet his few millions in Florida and other swing states is credited to tipping the election in favour of George W Bush. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is a scenario that could prove devastating to the Republicans who face tight races in the midterms next year. While a third party stands little chance of success Mr Musk can really cause harm to Mr Trump by primarying Republicans and running campaigns. Mr Musk can use attack ads to discredit Republicans Specific action, like funding individual lawmakers and discrediting opponents with attack ads, is Mr Musks best chance of vengeance. It is a move he has floated already, announcing he would be backing Republican Kentucky GOP Congressman Thomas Massie, a dissenter of Mr Trumps bill, in his re-election bid next year. I do think probably the most effective way to gum up the works would be to sponsor independent candidates, Mr Hansen added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If theres someone there who could syphon votes away [in swing seats] even in protest from the Republican candidate, Mr Musk could get his revenge. 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. Elon Musk said that wielding a chainsaw at CPAC "lacked empathy." "Milei gave me the chainsaw backstage and I ran with it," he wrote on X. Musk is now in a deadlock with Trump over the president's big spending bill. Elon Musk said that brandishing a chainsaw onstage in February probably wasn't such a good idea. Musk who's been on a tear criticizing President Donald Trump's spending bill was posting on X about the debt ceiling on Tuesday. That got a response from an X user who criticized Musk for his actions in February. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Maybe you shouldn't have taken the chainsaw on stage and acted a fool. Maybe you could have gotten more done if you weren't so worried about looking cool," the X user, Jim Spradlin, wrote, responding to one of Musk's Tuesday tweets on government spending. "Valid point. Milei gave me the chainsaw backstage and I ran with it, but, in retrospect, it lacked empathy," Musk replied, referring to Javier Milei, Argentina's president. That moment at the Conservative Political Action Conference in February has become an iconic image of Musk's time helming the Department of Government Efficiency. "President Milei has a gift for me," Musk said onstage at CPAC. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Milei then walked out from backstage and handed the chainsaw to Musk, who lifted it over his head and brandished it briefly while growling. "This is the chainsaw for bureaucracy," Musk said, chainsaw aloft. Now, things are different with Trump and Musk. Musk has become one of the most vocal opponents of Trump's "big, beautiful bill." Musk started criticizing the bill in June, leading to an ugly, public fallout with Trump that seemed to clear up. But he reignited his criticism on Saturday, posting on X that the president's signature tax bill which would cut an electric vehicle tax credit that has helped Musk's Tesla "will destroy millions of jobs in America and cause immense strategic harm to our country." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Utterly insane and destructive. It gives handouts to industries of the past while severely damaging industries of the future," he wrote. He also threatened to form a new political party and fund primary opponents to any lawmakers who help pass the spending bill. In response, Trump has suggested at press events and in a post on Truth Social that DOGE could look into slashing Musk's government contracts. "I don't know. We'll have to take a look. We might have to put DOGE on Elon. You know what DOGE is? The monster that might have to go back and eat Elon," Trump said at the White House on Tuesday. "Wouldn't that be terrible? He gets a lot of subsidies." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Musk then wrote on X: "So tempting to escalate this. So, so tempting. But I will refrain for now." Musk and representatives for Milei did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Business Insider. Read the original article on Business Insider Elon Musk has started multiple successful companies that have accomplished incredible technological feats. His latest ambition may be significantly more difficult to achieve: starting a new American political party for the masses. Citing his disappointment in President Donald Trump and his massively expensive domestic policy bill, Musk said he would form the America party the day after the Big, Beautiful Bill passes, if Congress approves it. Musk has called Democrats and Republicans the uniparty because government deficits have risen dramatically under administrations and Congresses controlled by both parties. He says he wants to build a fiscally conservative party that reins in spending although hes presented few other details of what the partys platform might be. Experts in campaign finance and political science say theres a reason no third party has ever truly successfully challenged Americas two-party system: It is financially and legally difficult to create a new party, and voters and candidates are hesitant to join. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Third-party movements in the US have generally arisen out of some sort of set of deep-seated grievances, Emory University political science professor Alan Abramowitz told CNN. It was not just some wealthy person whos decided they wanted to start a third party. Its not clear how much if any preparation has been done to stand up the party. A spokesperson for Musks political action committee, America PAC, declined to comment. A senior White House official brushed off Musks criticism of the bill. No one really cares what he says anymore, the source said. Two Republicans close to the White House said that it was also unclear how Musks threats might play out in the midterm elections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Of course, members dont want to be primaried, one of the sources said. Its unclear if hes actually going to get involved. A few weeks ago he apologized and called Trump. Musk may be the richest person on Earth, but he could also encounter some financial resistance himself. Former DOGE adviser and Trump supporter James Fishback said he is launching his own super PAC to counter Musks money in congressional races. Fishback, who runs an investment firm, said he will provide $1 million in initial funding to the super PAC, which will be called FSD PAC, an abbreviation for Full Support for Donald. He told CNN that the super PAC will work to back Trumps agenda and against anyone who threatens to sabotage that agenda, including Musk. Legal hurdles American political parties are governed by laws and rules not just from the Federal Election Commission but also from the states, including around which parties can appear on ballots. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The system is sort of set up to almost make it impossible for third parties to be successful, Abramowitz said. Funding a new party has its own hurdles. The McCain-Feingold Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2022 set strict limits on donations to political parties. The current limit is just under $450,000 spread across different party purposes. Musk would need thousands of co-donors to help him fund his party, said Lee Goodman, an attorney and former chair of the FEC. One very wealthy individual cannot capitalize a new national political party, the way he might start a business, because of federal contribution limits, Goodman told CNN. The prospect of a wealthy founder seed funding a national party to participate in federal elections around the country is not feasible in the current regulatory system. Bradley Smith, another former FEC chair and who is now a law professor at Capital University Law School, said there are some ways around the current regulations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is some case law suggesting that some of the organizational activities of a party and starting a party right can be funded with larger contributions, until it actually qualifies for party status under the election commission regulations, Smith said, but he noted its complex and difficult to do. You can fund super PACs all you want. But you cant fund a political party, as a strange part of American law, he added. Super PACs are not legally allowed to coordinate spending with parties or candidates, although previous candidates have tested these limits, as nothing prohibits coordination when the information is shared publicly. Coordination has, in fact, become commonplace, the nonpartisan Campaign Legal Center has said. Then theres getting on the actual ballots. States have different rules, such as requiring a certain number of signatures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It would take years and might require changes in laws around the country that currently favor two major political parties, Goodman noted Political hurdles Beyond the legal and logistical hurdles, theres convincing candidates to join and voters to cast their ballots for them. Despite varying approval levels, party loyalties remain strong, Abramowitz said, especially among Republicans, who have coalesced around Trump. The biggest obstacle is just that its very difficult to convince people to vote for a third-party candidate because the argument is always youre wasting your vote. Youre voting for someone who has no chance of winning elections, Abramowitz said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Candidates may also be wary. Democrats are unlikely to run under the America Party because Democrats hate Elon Musk, Abramowitz said. And Republicans have clearly shown that theyre much more attached to Donald Trump than they are to Elon Musk. Republicans highly approve of Trump, according to CNN Chief Data Analyst Harry Entens aggregation of available polling data. Some 90 precent of Republicans approve of Trumps performance thus far in this presidency, and he is doing better in approval ratings five months into the presidency than former Republican presidents. And in 96% of the 2024 primary races where Trump endorsed, those candidates won. If creating a new political party proves too difficult, Musk could still hold a lot of sway through his super PAC, to which he can send unlimited funds. That PAC can then support independent candidates, who could also have an easier time getting on ballots. Independent spending, individually or via a super PAC, remains the most legal and practical mechanism for a wealthy individual to have a say in national politics, Goodman said. CNNs Kristen Holmes and Fredreka Schouten contributed reporting. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com WASHINGTON (AP) Though patients don't rush through the doors of this emergency room anymore, an empty hospital in Williamston, North Carolina, offers an evocative illustration of why Republican Sen. Thom Tillis would buck his party leaders to vote down President Donald Trump's signature domestic policy package. Martin General is one of a dozen hospitals that have closed in North Carolina over the last two decades. This is a problem that hospital systems and health experts warn may only worsen if the legislation passes with its $1 trillion cuts to the Medicaid program and new restrictions on enrollment in the coverage. Tillis' home state showcases the financial impact that more Medicaid dollars can have on hospitals in rural and poor regions throughout the country. Tillis said in a floor speech on Sunday, explaining his vote, that the GOP bill will siphon billions of dollars from Medicaid recipients and the health system in his state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republicans are about to make a mistake on health care and betraying a promise, said Tillis, who has announced he will not seek re-election because of his opposition to the bill. Along with Republicans Susan Collins of Maine and Rand Paul of Kentucky, he joined all Democrats in voting against the bill. Tillis later accused the president and his colleagues of not fully grasping the full impact of the bill: We owe it to the states to do the work to understand how these proposals affect them. How hard is that? I did it. For Martin General Hospital in Williamston, North Carolinas decision to expand Medicaid came just too late. The emergency room abruptly closed its doors in the eastern North Carolina county that's home to more than 20,000 people in August 2023. The closest hospital is now about a 30-minute drive away. Then-Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper faulted the state's failure to expand the Medicaid program to more low-income adults sooner to prevent Martin General's closure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement North Carolina began offering Medicaid expansion to its residents in December. Today, more than 673,000 people are receiving this coverage. Now, Tillis and other state officials are worried the Republican bill, which will limit how much Medicaid money is sent back to providers, threatens funds for hospitals in their state again. And it could trigger a state Medicaid law that would close down North Carolina's otherwise successful expansion of coverage unless state legislators make changes or locate funds. The Medicaid dollars that Republicans seek to scale back in their bill have helped buttress the remaining rural hospitals across North Carolina, said Jay Ludlam, a deputy health secretary who leads North Carolina Medicaid. This has been a lifeline for our rural hospitals here in North Carolina and has helped provide and keep them open, Ludlam said. Rural hospitals play an integral role in communities both as a point of access for health care but also for the local economy because of the contributions that those hospital and hospital systems make to those communities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republicans have responded to concerns with a provision that will provide $10 billion annually to rural hospitals for five years, or $50 billion in total. Around the country, 200 hospitals have closed or shuttered emergency services in the last two decades, many of them in red states across the southeastern and midwestern U.S. States that have declined to expand Medicaid coverage, the health insurance program for the poorest of Americans, have seen the closures accelerate. Tennessee, for example, has shed 500 beds since 2014, when a federal law first allowed states to expand Medicaid coverage to a greater share of low-income people. Its one of 10 states that has not expanded Medicaid. More than 300 hospitals could be at risk for closure if the Republicans' bill becomes law, an analysis by the Cecil G. Sheps Center at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found last month. The center tracks rural hospital closures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Substantial cuts to Medicaid or Medicare payments could increase the number of unprofitable rural hospitals and elevate their risk of financial distress, the analysis concluded. In response, hospitals may be forced to reduce service lines, convert to a different type of health care facility, or close altogether. Associated Press writer Gary D. Robertson in Raleigh, North Carolina, contributed to this report. The new General Assembly Building in Richmond's Capitol Square. (Photo by Markus Schmidt/Virginia Mercury) In July 2020, the Virginia Clean Economy Act went into effect, setting the commonwealth on a path towards zero-emissions in its energy production by 2050. The lofty goals were designed to combat climate change and prepare Virginia to fulfill future electricity demands. Now as the state grapples with energy needs that have expanded since the passage of the bill and with looming changes to federal energy policy there are questions about if, and how, the law should be changed. Where it started The law, first proposed by Del. Rip Sullivan, D-Fairfax, put Virginia ahead of the curve concerning decarbonization of the grid. It was voted into law largely across party lines with only a few Republicans joining Democrats, who held control of both chambers at the time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A foundational component of the law focuses on the states two largest utility companies: Dominion Energy, which serves 2.7 million customers in Virginia; and Appalachian Power Company that serves nearly 530,000 customers statewide. The law requires the companies to produce their energy from 100% renewable sources by 2045 and 2050, respectively. Solar and offshore wind must make up two-thirds of energy production by 2035. VCEA mandated 16,100 MW of solar and onshore wind, 5,200 MW of offshore wind, 2,700 MW of energy storage capacity be generated in the public interest. To that end, Dominion is aiming to have 80% of its new power generation come from renewable energy sources in the next 15 years, distributed as follows: Solar: 45% Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Natural Gas: 20% Battery Storage: 15% Offshore Wind: 15% Nuclear (Small Modular Reactors): 5% Dominion is currently building the largest offshore wind projects in the country off the shores of Virginia Beach. The utility states the 2600 megawatt project will be able to power 660,000 homes at peak output. The cost of the project has steadily increased as construction progressed and now totals over $10 billion dollars, adding an estimated 43 cents to customers monthly bills. Dominion is required by the law to petition the SCC for approval of 5200MW of wind power by 2035; the offshore wind project will bring the company halfway to that goal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The VCEA also ordered reductions in energy sales through efficiency programs. This was partially helped through the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, which brought in hundreds of millions of dollars to the state for efficiency programs through selling pollution credits over the cap of carbon emissions implemented on energy facilities. However, Gov. Glenn Youngkin removed the state from RGGI, claiming the cost that was ultimately added to utility bills was a tax on consumers. Courts have ruled his removal was unlawful. Virginia has not been added back into RGGI while appeals play out. It is likely the states membership in the program will not be determined until a new governor takes office in 2026. When the VCEA was initially passed, it was really about replacing power generation with newer, cleaner forms of power generation, said Aaron Ruby, Director of Virginia and offshore wind media for Dominion Energy. Today in Virginia, were not replacing generation. Were adding new generation. We need as much power generation as we can get from every source. Since the implementation of the law, each year has benchmark requirements for Phase I and Phase II utilities to use renewable energy. In 2026, Phase I utilities must be at 17% and Phase II must be at 29% otherwise they must buy renewable energy credits or face penalties of $45 per megawatt hour. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dominion reports they have petitioned the SCC for 4500 MW of solar power of the 16100MW required by the VCEA. As for energy battery storage, Dominion has petitioned for 550 MW out of the 2700MW requirements. Relatedly, in 2021, the General Assembly passed the Clean Cars Standard as part of the states goals of cutting emissions. The law mirrored Californias standard that banned the sale of gas-only cars after 2035. Virginias law ramped up percentages of new cars and trucks required to be zero emissions vehicles along the same time as California. The challenge Since the VCEA was passed, Virginias electricity needs have exploded due to the construction of power-hungry data centers and more extreme temperatures that put a strain on the grid. Virginia is the home to over a third of the worlds data centers, with more being proposed across the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is a growing concern as more come online that the cost of that energy use will ultimately land in the laps of consumers. Expanding the energy profile in the state through renewables is a slow-moving process, as county governments debate solar siting ordinances and where transmission lines should be built. Republicans in the statehouse want to see more natural gas plants and small nuclear reactors built to meet the demand. They see gas as a more reliable energy source in extreme weather that creates more jobs than a solar farm would. This cant really be a piecemeal approach. I think we really got to look at the whole scheme here that was put in place with the VCEA, said Del. Chris Obenshain, R-Montgomery. I think weve got to go back to the drawing board. I think the VCEA is totally unrealistic. It was implemented without really a plan to make it workable and that the cost of it is being passed on to consumers. Democrats acknowledge the fluidity of Virginias power needs but say the VCEA is still a valuable tool to help meet those needs responsibly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We understood at the outset that we were setting a 30-year goal and that conditions and technology would change in ways we couldnt anticipate in 2020. We knew that it would need to evolve and adapt, while keeping with the spirit of the legislation, and that wed have to address those issues throughout the life of the law, Sullivan said in a statement. Indeed, we have made adjustments to the VCEA since it passed. The General Assembly has been unable to pass statewide regulations for solar farms and data centers. This has led to fierce debate in counties over whether both large scale solar farms and small community arrays should be allowed to be built. City and county officials also have had to determine rules for data centers as stress on local transmission lines becomes a growing concern. We can still achieve those targets through varying forms of solar, wind and storage, but because of the increased level of electrification across the state commonwealth, we need to plus-up on storage components, said Jim Purekal, Director of Advanced Energy United, a group that was integral in passing the 2020 law. Dominion has warned that with the increased demand they need to build multiple natural gas plants to serve during peak energy use times. Those plans, including a proposal to build a natural gas plant in Chesterfield, have often met community opposition since it would move the needle back on the carbon neutral goals the VCEA lays out. Others believe investing in energy storage is the right path to meet those peak demands. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont believe we have had a local government deny a permit for a solar project, we have seen counties impose various different limitations on solar development or restrictions for a certain project, Ruby said. At a certain point, we decided not to pursue a given project any further at least for the time being. Whats next There have been numerous attempts to revise or outright repeal the VCEA. The latest attempts in the 2025 legislative session aimed to add hydrogen and fossil fuels to the states Renewable Portfolio Standard, expand nuclear power, lessening the requirements for emission reductions, and removing the financial incentives to comply with the RPS. All of those bills failed during the session. All of those efforts have been struck down, have been pushed to the side, in some cases havent even been considered or havent even been given a hearing weve continued to try to get our colleagues to understand the problems that the VCEA has created and specifically how those hurt our constituents, Obenshain said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There have also been efforts to strengthen the law in its goals for emission reduction and meeting the power demand. Sullivan passed legislation this year that would expand power storage for the two large utility companies. I tried to improve the VCEA during the last session of the General Assembly, with a bill that would have accelerated and expanded its energy storage provisions, enhancing reliability and helping to lower energy costs for Virginias families, Sullivan noted. But the Governor chose to veto it. Gov. Glenn Youngkin first offered an amendment that completely repealed the VCEA, which the General Assembly ultimately rejected. The bill then met Youngkins veto pen. Adding in requirements for the petitioning of additional storage technologies will not change the fact that the law is misguided and does not work. Long-duration energy storage is an expensive technology and if utilities believed it to be the best technology to meet demand, they would be actively seeking permission to build them, Youngkin said in his veto message. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advanced Energy United, an advocacy group that represents businesses and energy companies and lobbies for public policies on consumer costs and grid reliability, believes like Sullivan that more energy storage will enable the state to meet its energy demand in peak usage times or after storms. As for the Clean Car Standard, its future is uncertain after President Donald Trump signed multiple bills to rescind the California law that Virginias legislation is tied to. The build out of electric vehicle charging stations in the state has also been put almost entirely on hold after funding for the projects was cut. The state was set to receive $100 million over five years to build charging stations along every 50 miles of the interstate. Fifty-one of the 53 projects lost their funding, marking a significant setback for the states shift towards zero-emission vehicles. Ruby said Dominion is one of many stakeholders invested in the implementation of the VCEA. With a new slate of legislators and a new governor coming in next year, the utility plans to meet with them to determine how to best move forward with the law. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE BALTIMORE A conflict is growing between Gov. Wes Moore and the Maryland General Assembly over the best ways to generate energy and lower utility bills for state residents. It didnt go far enough, Moore said in mid-June of a comprehensive package of energy bills sponsored by legislative leadership. Last week, state Senate President Bill Ferguson, who co-sponsored one of the bills with House Speaker Adrienne A. Jones, both Democrats, said that some of the work in the energy arena that the General Assembly took up in 2025 is some of the more important work that weve done in the last 20 years in regard to incentivizing additional generation in the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont know what the governor was talking about when he said that. I genuinely dont know what he was referencing, Ferguson said. I think that we did incredibly important work to make it easier for all sorts of cleaner energy from natural gas, to wind, to solar, to batteries we ran the gamut in trying to incentivize and encourage new generation as quickly as possible. The governor instead propped up his ENERGIZE Act, which did not pass this year, as the bill that could have boosted energy generation in the state. We introduced legislation this year that would have allowed more nuclear into the state, that would have allowed nuclear to be seen as a clean energy source which it is and so, Im proud of the work we did in partnership with the legislature, but I want to be crystal clear: It did not go far enough, and we need to be able to do more, Moore said. But, according to Mike Tidwell, the director of the Chesapeake Climate Action Network, the generation under his legislation may have been costly and slow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As introduced, Moores bill would have established a 100% clean energy goal for the state, incorporated nuclear into the states clean energy portfolio standard, altered the process and requirements for offshore wind energy projects to allow them to be directly connected to the PJM grid rather than a central point on the Eastern Shore, and increased solar alternative compliance payments. It also would have created a nuclear energy procurement process through the Maryland Public Service Commission (MPSC), funded by surcharges on ratepayers energy bills. Ferguson said Thursday that the legislature tried where it could to incorporate measures from his legislation to expedite nuclear energy expansion in Maryland, but that the increased energy costs that would have been passed on to ratepayers under Moores bill was not tenable. That was not something that we were going to tolerate, Ferguson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moores bill passed out of the House chamber, but with most of the meaningful measures removed. The legislation that died in the Senate chamber would have only incorporated nuclear energy into the states clean energy portfolio standard and set the clean energy goal. In the debate over energy policy this legislative session, Republicans hailed nuclear as a panacea for the states energy woes. I think nuclear is the future, largely, of widescale energy production not just in Maryland, but in the United States, Senate Minority Whip Justin Ready, a Carroll County Republican, said in an interview Monday. Tidwell said that the Chesapeake Climate Action Network supported the ENERGIZE Act, which he called a good faith effort on behalf of the Moore administration to figure out if theres a way primarily through nuclear to bring more generation online. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, Tidwell said that nuclear tends to be very expensive when compared to alternatives like solar, wind and battery storage. It also has a lengthy permitting process. It could take a decade to go nuclear and I think the permitting process is going to be multiple years, he said. Frankly, most people dont want a nuclear powerplant where they live. Ready acknowledged the lengthy permitting process for nuclear. He lamented the notion that Maryland policymakers have spent nearly a decade focusing on wind generation, when he said that the state could have stronger nuclear generation now if the focus had shifted years ago. Part of the reason it takes so long is all of the regulatory red tape, he said. Certain groups were very much opposed to it, and now have eased off of it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This session, the General Assembly leadership sponsored a package of energy bills aimed at lowering continuously climbing utility bills and making Maryland more energy independent. Republicans generally opposed the energy package during the legislative session, saying they dont believe that it will provide real relief to Marylanders pocketbooks. Jones and Ferguson introduced the Next Generation Energy Act the largest of the three bills which requires the MPSC to solicit proposals for new energy generation sources to meet energy needs during peak summer hours. This would allow the state to phase out coal and oil while maintaining enough power generation for when those plants close. The legislation does not mandate the closure of existing oil or coal plants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Next Generation Energy Act will also provide up to $200 million in utility bill rebate payments based on usage by residential electrical customers during peak summer and winter months. The MPSC announced Friday that the first round of payments will be issued in either August or September. Second payments are expected to be disbursed in January or February 2026. In mid-June, the governor announced a similar program that he brokered between Exelon, the parent company of Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE) and Pepco, and local nonprofits to issue up to $19 million in one-time payments to low- and middle-income utility customers. The $19 million is being donated by Exelon. The governors office recommends that interested ratepayers reach out to their local energy companies for information on eligibility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Exelon had a net income of $2.46 billion in 2024. Moore also signed legislation sponsored by House Economic Matters Committee Chair CT Wilson and Senate Education, Energy and the Environment Chair Brian Feldman, both Democrats, that will set statewide standards for solar energy and battery storage projects. The governor vetoed the packages third bill, sponsored by House Economic Matters Vice Chair Brian Crosby and Sen. Katie Fry Hester, both Democrats, which would have established an independent office within the MPSC to end the states reliance on PJM Interconnection for energy load forecasting. PJM Interconnection operates the electrical grid that powers Maryland, as well as Delaware, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia and Washington, D.C. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moore has publicly railed against PJM, saying last week that its inefficient and outdated processes as a cause for the increases. We are watching this unbelievable rise in the way that they are charging ratepayers, he said. Its unsustainable, and its really damaging. While Maryland has lackluster energy generation and is experiencing extreme hot and cold temperatures this year, the cost increases that ratepayers in the state are seeing result from increased prices to deliver electricity to Maryland homes, which have risen significantly in recent years. For example, BGEs electricity delivery rate has increased by 30% since 2020. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When the package was announced in February, Crosby said that the creation of the office would have allowed Maryland to look ahead at its energy needs years down the line to plan accordingly to get in front of energy crises. In his veto letter, Moore said that the work the new office would have done is duplicative of some of the responsibilities performed by the MPSC, the Maryland Energy Administration and the Power Plant Research Program. Additionally, the governor said that the cost of the new office could add up to nearly $29 million over five years a burden ratepayers would inevitably bear. This cost would ultimately be passed along to ratepayers at a time when we are actively working to limit their burden, not add to it, he wrote. While he is concerned about high costs for ratepayers, the fiscal note prepared for Moores bill by the nonpartisan Department of Legislative Services said that his preferred measure could have prompted an increase in electricity rates. Tidwell said he thinks it was a mistake for the governor to veto Hester and Crosbys bill. If those existing entities were already doing a good job in managing our grid in Maryland, then we wouldnt be in the crisis were in with high utility bills and insufficient generation, he said. Weve got to do a better job of planning, period because PJM is wildly incompetent. The legislature has the ability to override Moores veto if it can secure a three-fifths majority vote when it next convenes. ------------- A natural gas flare is seen on an offshore oil drilling rig in Cook Inlet, Alaska. (Stock photo by Paul Souders/Getty Images) Do you remember the shocking images from the Exxon Valdez or Deepwater Horizon oil spills? The oil-slicked birds, the wrecked beaches, the empty fishing boats, and worst of all, the stories of lost lives? The Trump administration wants to bring polluting and dangerous oil and gas offshore drilling back including to our New England shores. Here at the Conservation Law Foundation, were joining a lawsuit to stop this reckless plan. In the chaos of the first months of the new regime, youd be forgiven for overlooking this news story, but we cant let it go unnoticed. In one of the most outrageous moves coming out of the Trump administration, the president has issued a series of executive orders pushing to open our iconic coastal waters to oil and gas drilling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They want to exploit the waters of the Outer Continental Shelf, which make up much of the ocean surrounding the U.S. They want to loosen rules designed to protect the marine environment and the coasts. They even want to review national marine sanctuaries and monuments, the national parks of the sea, to see if we can plant some oil derricks on them as well. That means oil rigs in our lobster grounds. Pipelines cutting through fragile marine sanctuaries. The constant threat of spills on our coasts. If youre wondering, Hey, didnt Biden ban drilling in the Outer Continental Shelf? Yes, he did, and no, President Donald Trumps attempt to reverse the ban isnt legal. Thats what the lawsuit is about. Trump claims the U.S. is in an energy emergency. Spoiler alert: Were not. In fact, were producing more fossil fuels than ever before. This isnt about energy security. Its about handing over our ocean to polluters. This flimsy justification wont hold up in court, which is why weve joined Earthjustice and many other environmental organizations to challenge it. In the last year alone, climate change has fueled a hurricane that swamped North Carolina, wildfires that leveled whole neighborhoods in Los Angeles, and floods that wiped out Vermont communities. As the environmental, financial, and human costs soar before our eyes, we need to be ramping down our fossil fuel production, not ripping up the seafloor in search of more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In one of the most outrageous moves coming out of the Trump administration, the president has issued a series of executive orders pushing to open our iconic coastal waters to oil and gas drilling. Fossil fuels pose an enormous danger to our climate, but they also pose a more immediate danger to everyone who has to interact with them. One study found that between 1968 and 2011, fossil fuel accidents claimed the lives of almost 5,000 Americans. Lets not forget that offshore drilling is a messy, high-risk business. The previously mentioned Exxon Valdez and Deepwater Horizon catastrophes have dominated the news, but in 2003 an oil barge hit rocks off our own Cape Cod coast and dumped 98,000 gallons of oil into the waters of Massachusetts and Rhode Island. The oil fouled beaches and marshes and, according to NOAA, killed countless birds while destroying oyster, clam, and fish habitat. Our ocean is too precious to New Englands way of life to risk with dangerous, unnecessary oil drilling. Offshore drilling destroys seafloor habitats, pollutes our waters, and risks destructive oil spills. A New England ocean littered with oil rigs could mean an end to summer holidays on the beach, our iconic lobster industry, thriving fish populations, and more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats why the Conservation Law Foundation is stepping up to stop the Trump administrations reckless plan to bring offshore drilling to our shores. Weve fought attempts to drill in our waters for decades, and were not stopping now. The Trump administrations offshore drilling plan is an insult to every New Englander who values our ocean, our way of life, and our future. We will not let anyone turn our coast into another oil-soaked headline. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Sean Diddy Combs trial has been branded a total failure of the justice system. Sean Diddy Combs trial has been branded a total failure of the justice system The 55-year-old rapper said nothing as his mixed verdict was read on Wednesday (0.07.25) after spending nearly a year behind bars before he heard a jury acquit him of racketeering and sex trafficking charges that could have resulted in a life sentence. Former federal prosecutor Neama Rahmani, president of Los Angeles-based West Coast Trial Lawyers, and who has been following the case since the beginning spoke to The U.S. Sun about the outcome. He said: Todays verdict is nothing less than a complete and total failure by the prosecution in what will go down as the most expensive prostitution trial in American history. The trial, held at a Manhattan federal courtroom, concluded on Wednesday with Combs known professionally as Diddy found guilty of two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. Each count carries a potential maximum sentence of 10 years, with no mandatory minimum. The charges stemmed from a September 2024 arrest, after which Combs was denied bail multiple times and has remained in custody at Brooklyns Metropolitan Detention Center. Rahmani, 45, president of Los Angeles-based West Coast Trial Lawyers and a former federal prosecutor, also told The U.S. Sun: Even though the Mann Act carries a potential 10-year maximum sentence, Diddy is going to get time served or close to it. His sentencing guideline range may be as low as 1521 months. He added: The jury has spoken and prosecutors in the prestigious Southern District of New York should take this very embarrassing loss and move on. In a letter obtained by The U.S. Sun, prosecutors wrote to Judge Arun Subramanian following the verdict, noting a preliminary sentencing range of 51 to 63 months. They added the Government has not had adequate time to carefully consider all potentially applicable Guidelines provisions. Rahmani said the prosecution failed to secure cooperation from Combs inner circle, including figures identified only as KK and D-ROC, and called the sex trafficking charges weak, citing jury exposure to evidence of consent. John Day, a 49-year-old criminal defence attorney based in New Mexico, also criticised the case. They presented a tsunami of evidence against Diddy over many weeks, and the jurors did not buy their story, he told The U.S. Sun. He added: The government was trying to convince the jury that RICO which was designed to go after the Mafia and mob organised crime families should be applied to baby oil and Diddys high-flying lifestyle in the music business, and the jury just was not convinced. John added: In retrospect, the prosecutors aimed too high with the RICO charges. Hes likely to get some time in federal prison maybe more than three or five years, but not the full 20 years hes facing after convictions on the two counts. Rosie ODonnell, 62, was among the celebrities expressing anger after the verdict. In a post on Instagram, she said: I guess a jury just never wants to believe that a woman stays because of power and coercion wow they just think women stay because what? Money fame they love the abuse what a f****** joke this decision got me angry #cassie. Prosecutors did not call any of the civil plaintiffs who have filed lawsuits against Combs but did not have direct relationships with him. Witnesses who testified included former girlfriends and employees. One such witness, referred to as Jane, testified under an alias. Combs legal team, in a letter to Judge Subramanian, argued he is not a flight risk and has been a model inmate. Reasonable conditions would ensure he would not have the ability to arrange to meet with escorts in the future, the letter stated. The defence further asserted the jury unambiguously rejected the governments allegations that Mr Combs ran a years-long criminal enterprise or engaged in sex trafficking the core of the governments case. BEIJING, July 2 (Xinhua) -- China's State Administration for Market Regulation on Wednesday said that it has released a series of national standards for emerging industries such as artificial intelligence (AI). Seven national standards have been released -- covering AI, information technology and the Internet of Things -- to provide technical support for the expansion of digital services and applications, the administration said. Another five national standards cover data centers, cybersecurity technologies, and systems and software engineering, supporting deeper integration and interconnection throughout the digital economy. The administration has released national standards on the safety of electric earthmoving machinery and the general requirements for battery-swap systems, improving the standards system for the electrification of traditional construction equipment and supporting the green transformation and upgrading of traditional industries, the administration said. It has also released a range of national standards covering such areas as elderly care and child care, transportation and energy, agriculture and rural development, and green and low-carbon development. JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) Entergy Mississippi contributed $628,000 to help older adults and customers with disabilities with their bills. According to the company, the bill assistance, which includes contributions from employees, customers and shareholders, is distributed through Entergys The Power to Care program. The company announced the contributions during Beat the Heat Day events, where they gave away fans and energy efficiency kits to households in need. HVAC issues lead to closure of Willie Morris Library Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During Beat the Heat Day, employee volunteers teamed up with community action agencies to provide the free resources to customers in Attala, Claiborne, Hinds and Sunflower counties. High temperatures in our service area are notorious for causing higher utility bills, which leaves many of our customers struggling to make ends meet. Its why were thankful for our community partners who help us get these important resources to homes in need, said Valarie Mabry, public affairs analyst at Entergy Mississippi. Community action agencies that partnered with Entergy for Beat the Heat Day included Oprah Winfrey Boys and Girls Club (Attala), AJFC Community Action Agency (Claiborne), New Horizon Ministries (Hinds), and Boss Lady Workforce Development (Sunflower). Close Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJTV. The Oak Ridge Fire on the Navajo Nation has burned about 10,623 acres with zero percent containment as of July 2, four days after the blaze first ignited. Evacuations are still in place in some areas. Many were concerned that the fires size and a lack of earlier containment signaled trouble. But Bill Morris, a spokesperson for the Southwest Area Complex Incident Management Team, which assumed command of the wildfire on June 30, offered reassurance. He explained what containment of a fire is: "It doesn't mean it's out. It means the beast is in a cage. It's about being caged up, but it's being held at the moment." "Containment means if we have a fire line around it," Morris said to The Arizona Republic. "It's really just measured by it not being completely controlled, but we feel semi-confident that the fire's no longer gonna move at a certain point. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "But that's a very common misconception a lot of the times in fire, is that zero containment may seem like zero progress, but it's not the case," he said. On June 2, the fourth day of the Oak Ridge Fire, the team was hopeful that moderate weather would help it make progress. The high temperature was forecast to be 81 degrees, and winds are expected to come from the east at 1015 mph. Humidity is expected to drop to around 28% but should recover to 75% overnight. Theres a 40% chance of thunderstorms during the afternoon of June 2, though they arent expected to bring much rain. However, the outflow winds from these storms could reach speeds of 3040 mph. Hot, dry, and windy conditions are expected to return on July 3 and July 4. Individuals with asthma or other cardiopulmonary conditions are urged to take precautions in areas affected by smoke. Are there evacuations on the Oak Ridge Fire? As of July 2, evacuations remain in place for some communities. Hunters Point and Oak Springs north of mile marker 12 and west of Navajo Route 12, extending north to El Paso Gas Station Road as well as the Klagatoh Pump Station Area are currently under a Go evacuation order, the Southwest Area Complex Incident Management Team reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Residents of Saint Michaels along roads 603, 604, and 605, as well as Navajo Telecommunications Road, are under a Set order, meaning residents should be ready to leave at a moment's notice. The communities of Klagatoh and North Klagatoh are also under a Set order. The Summit Area remains under a Ready status. How is weather affecting the Oak Ridge Fire? With monsoon season underway, the added moisture could be helpful, but the accompanying winds are a major concern, said Jerry McGraw, who works with Puerto Valley Fire District in Sanders, Arizona, and is working with many others on the Southwest Area Complex Incident Management Team on the Oak Ridge Fire. In Arizona, monsoon thunderstorms often called "thunder cells" are common this time of year. But when these cells roll in, they bring strong, often violent outflow winds. These gusts can shift direction suddenly, spreading fires, carrying embers beyond control lines, and threatening areas that were previously contained, McGraw explained, and that is what they are watching. The Oak Ridge Fire is seen burning west of St. Michaels. "We are starting to see pre-monsoon but we all know that they say rain, it could mean a few drops and the wind comes with that," said McGraw to the Republic. "That is what we are concerned about. The thunder cells we are talking about come in Arizona is one of those places where you can stand right here and it's pouring rain, but you can walk 50 feet and it's dry as a bone." Morris said the Oak Ridge Fire is entirely wind-driven. With the area experiencing a long-term drought, he explained that the fire's fuel pinon and juniper trees, brush and timber is especially dry and receptive to fire. After the June 30 community meeting, winds picked up substantially and the outflow winds pushed the fire six miles in a matter of a couple of hours. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The things that drive a fire are fuel, weather and topography," Morris said. "The steeper it is, the more that drives a fire. This is in the flats but the fuels are dry and the weather has been the wind." How many fire personnel are working on the blaze? More than 500 fire personnel were assigned under the Southwest Area Complex Incident Management Team, which is made up of firefighters from across the country. Morris said the initial response, led by the Bureau of Indian Affairs Wildland Fire Management including the Navajo Region and the Navajo Nation Fire Department did an outstanding job in the early stages. But as the fire grew, it quickly became too much for the approximately 55-person crew to handle on its own. "The initial attack and extended attack forces that were here did a great job jumping on this, Morris said. Evacuating people in the path of the fire, extinguishing the fire wall as best they could but it didnt take long at all for the incident commanders there to say, We are not going to stop this thing. Mother Nature is angry and pushing it hard. They did a really good job, but no one was going to stop this. If we had all the resources we have here today when it started, my opinion is we still wouldnt have stopped it, because the winds were so extreme. How can I help with donations? Shelters for evacuees are set up at the Window Rock Fighting Scouts Event Center on Navajo Route 12 south of the Window Rock High School. A new evacuation shelter was established at the Ganado Field House. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Donations can be taken at the evacuation shelters. A large animal shelter was set up at the Dean C. Jackson Memorial Arena in Saint Michaels. Livestock Evacuation Support can be contacted at 505-422-7382. Donations for Livestock can be reached at 928-410-9656 and 928-270-8062. Donations are still being accepted at the Fighting Scouts Events Center. The donation drop-off at the Wellness Center on the Window Rock Fairgrounds is no longer a drop-off location. When dropping off donations, here are the recommended items: Ladies' clothing (shirts, pants, bra, underwear, socks all brand new) Undergarments and clothing for men, women and children all brand new Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Towels, wash clothes, hand towels, laundry baskets all brand new Cots all brand new Bedding, blankets all brand new Mattresses all brand new Pillows all brand new Packaged foods, non-perishable foods Face masks Fighting Scouts Event Center is located on Navajo Route 12, Fort Defiance, AZ 86504. Impacted chapters are managing their donations independently from the Fighting Scouts Event Center. For any questions, call 505-422-7382. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Monsoon winds drive Oak Ridge Fire to blaze over 10K acres Jul. 1Environmental advocacy organizations and individuals are forging ahead in their efforts to halt oil and gas production in New Mexico until stricter enforcement measures are put in place over the industry. A coalition of plaintiffs on Tuesday filed an appeal to the New Mexico Supreme Court, seeking to overturn the dismissal of a lawsuit by the New Mexico Court of Appeals last month. The lawsuit, initially filed in 2023, alleges pollution that comes from the oil and gas industry violates the state Constitution, specifically a clause that requires the control of pollution and the degradation of natural resources. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oil and gas revenues make up around a third of the state's budget most years, especially since production of the resources has boomed over the past decade. Despite a lower court denying a dismissal of the oil and gas lawsuit in June 2024, the state Court of Appeals last month found that the pollution control clause "neither creates nor recognizes an enforceable right to a certain amount of pollution control," according to Judge Miles Hanisee's ruling. Plaintiffs' attorney Gail Evans, with the Center for Biological Diversity, described the dismissal as unfair and said the court misread the pollution control clause. "We believe the Court of Appeals simply got it wrong by saying that this clause is unenforceable and by saying essentially that the Legislature can do what it likes, that it can choose to put oil and gas money over the protection of our health and our environment," Evans said at a Tuesday news conference. "We are hopeful that our state Supreme Court will step in." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The state has a chance to respond to the appeal before the Supreme Court decides whether it'll hear the case. "The state Supreme Court has never reviewed the pollution control clause," Evans added. Cuts to the Environmental Protection Agency are forcing it to curb much of its research work, leaving it with an abundance of lab animals so it's holding an adoption drive. EPA staff at a research office in North Carolina have launched an adoption campaign for their lab rats and zebrafish in response to cuts to its research projects introduced by the Donald Trump administration, according to the Wall Street Journal. A research and development official at the EPA said that scientists were having a difficult time obtaining supplies for even basic testing, which led to an oversupply of lab animals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The EPA has about 20,000 animals in its labs, including rabbits, mice, and rats. The animals are generally used to gauge the safety of environmental pollutants. For those interested in having their own rat or zebrafish, the animals are available at the EPA's Research Triangle complex in North Carolina, according to a report by the Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility. The Environmental Protection Agency is putting its lab rats and zebrafish up for adoption as changes by the Trump administration shutter much of its research (Shimpei Ishiyama & Michael Brecht) The EPA is in the process of shuttering its Office of Research and Development, and will instead replace it with a much smaller office called the Office of Applied Science and Environmental Solutions. It will use the acronym OASES. The new office will focus on shorter-term projects that are "statutorily required functions" rather than long-term research, like the effects of potentially harmful chemicals, according to a fact sheet that was emailed to the office's employees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The plan will result in the elimination of more than 1,000 science positions, which accounts for three quarters of the total office's staff. The reductions are currently on hold pending a preliminary federal court injunction challenging the cuts. PEER Science Policy Director Kyla Bennett, a scientist and attorney formally with EPA, said the cuts amounted to the EPA "abandoning its status as a premier scientific organization." Scientific research is vital to EPAs core mission of protecting public health and the environment, but that mission is quickly eroding," she said in a PEER press statement. PEER warned that the cuts would make the EPA more dependent on research from chemical companies, which may be incentivized to hide the harmful effects of certain chemicals, and will force the agency to abandon ongoing research that relies on lab animals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lee Zeldin, Trump's administrator of the EPA, told the Wall Street Journal that changes at the agency reflect the priorities that Trump campaigned on and that voters supported. He described the changes as eliminating waste and "fraud" that the Biden administration allegedly tolerated. A group of approximately 400 EPA employees signed a public letter sent to Zeldin on Monday claiming that the Trump administration is ignoring science for the benefit of corporate polluters. Amelia Hertzberg, an environmental protection specialist at the EPA who signed the letter told the Wall Street Journal that Zeldin under Trump is "fundamentally changing the mission of the EPA when he focuses on industry needs above human health and the environment." An EPA spokeswoman told the paper that the agency was "bound by laws established by Congress not what some would like the laws to say." Bennett said the EPA is "undergoing an ill-advised scientific self-lobotomy." Instead of developing a strategic plan for meeting its scientific needs, Trumps EPA has decided to largely abandon scientific research except when it is specifically mandated by law, thus embracing some short-term savings to its long-term detriment. The European Commission proposed a binding 90% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2040, compared to 1990 levels, as it unveiled its new EU climate target on Wednesday. The European Union aims to become climate neutral by 2050, meaning that no more greenhouse gas emissions are generated than can be absorbed either by nature or by technical means. Currently EU countries are obliged to cut climate-damaging emissions across the bloc by 55% compared to 1990 by the end of the decade. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since the EU's climate law was first adopted by capitals and the European Parliament in 2021, opponents of the bloc's climate action and environmental ambitions have gathered force, arguing that the measures hamper economic progress. "We are not choosing between the economy and the green agenda, we are choosing both. Europe reaffirms its commitment to a fair, ambitious, and competitive green transition," said commission Vice President Teresa Ribera. "Agreeing on the 90% climate target provides us with a clear lighthouse to guide our future actions," she added. The bill presented on Wednesday has to be negotiated by EU countries and the European Parliament before the new climate target can enter into force. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under the plans, member states would be granted more flexibility to achieve the climate targets. So far, they have only been able to count domestic greenhouse gas reductions. From 2036, the proposal allows carbon credits from non-EU countries to count for up to 3% of the overall 90% reduction compared to 1990 levels. The German government had called for such a mechanism ahead of the presentation of the target. UN climate talks The EU climate targets are linked to the United Nations' Paris Agreement on climate change, which was adopted 10 years ago, with the aim to limit global warming to well below two degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under the agreement, the EU has to submit a climate action plan for the period up to 2035 ahead of the UN Climate Change Conference, dubbed COP30, in Brazil in November. EU Climate Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra said he hopes for an agreement by member states and the EU parliament on the details of the new 2040 target in time for the climate conference. In May, the commission said that EU countries were on track to cut harmful greenhouse gas emissions by 54% by 2030, bringing them close to the EU's target of 55%. The bloc's executive arm also urged capitals at the time to stay on course and to fully implement their reduction plans. The European Unions foreign policy chief has urged China to end restrictions on the export of rare earth elements and warned that Chinese firms support for Russias war in Ukraine posed a serious threat to European security. The statement from Kaja Kallas came on Wednesday after a meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Brussels. The EU is seeking to improve its relations with China amid United States President Donald Trumps tariff war, which has rocked major trading powers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But instead of improvements, a trade spat has only deepened between Brussels and Beijing over alleged unfair practices by China. The 27-nation bloc is also railing against the flow of vital tech to Russias military through China. On Wednesday in her meeting with Wang, Kallas called on China to put an end to its distortive practices, including its restrictions on rare earths exports, which pose significant risks to European companies and endanger the reliability of global supply chains, a statement from her office said. On trade, Kallas urged concrete solutions to rebalance the economic relationship, level the playing field and improve reciprocity in market access. She also highlighted the serious threat Chinese companies support for Russias illegal war poses to European security. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement China says it does not provide military support to Russia for the war in Ukraine. But European officials say Chinese companies provide many of the vital components for Russian drones and other weapons used in Ukraine. Kallas called on China to immediately cease all material support that sustains Russias military industrial complex and support a full and unconditional ceasefire and a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. Wednesdays discussions were to lay the groundwork for a summit between EU and Chinese leaders on July 24 and 25. European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will travel to China for the summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier in the day, Wang also met Costa as part of those preparations. In that meeting, Wang called on both sides to respect each others core interests and increase mutual understanding, adding that unilateralism and acts of bullying have seriously undermined the international order and rules, according to a Chinese Foreign Ministry statement. Chinas Foreign Minister Wang Yi, left, shakes hands with European Council President Antonio Costa during a meeting in Brussels [Francois Walschaerts/AFP] Besides discussions on improving bilateral ties, Kallas and Wang also discussed the situation in Iran. While both leaders welcomed the de-escalation between Israel and Iran, Kallas said she had urged Iran to immediately restart negotiations on its nuclear programme and that Europe stands ready to facilitate talks, according to a statement from her office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kallas and Wang also agreed on the importance of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty as the cornerstone of the global nuclear non-proliferation regime. The EU, the United Kingdom, France and Germany are parties to a 2015 nuclear deal with Iran that the United States abandoned in 2018, which they hope to revive. Iran has always said its nuclear programme is peaceful and denies seeking a weapon. The EU on Wednesday unveiled its long-delayed target for cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 2040, but with contested new flexibilities built in to win over the most sceptical member states. After months of tough negotiations, Brussels announced it would stick to the headline objective announced last year of cutting emissions by 90 percent by 2040, compared to 1990 levels. The proposal comes as much of Europe roasts in an early summer heatwave, which scientists say are becoming more intense, frequent and widespread due to human-induced climate change. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 2040 target -- which needs sign off from the European Union's member states and parliament -- is a key milestone towards the bloc's goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2050. Brussels says the EU has already cut climate-warming emissions by 37 percent relative to 1990 but its green agenda faces pushback with a rightward shift and rising climate scepticism in many European countries. EU climate chief Wopke Hoekstra acknowledged the "sensitive" debate, saying Brussels was keeping an "ambitious" goal while being "pragmatic and flexible on how to achieve it". To sway resistant capitals, the European Commission proposes that from 2036, the bloc's 27 countries can count carbon credits purchased to finance projects outside Europe, for up to three percent of their emission cuts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Climate campaigners are broadly opposed to the measure. Backed by scientific studies and the commission's own science advisers, they say factoring in international credits -- for things like tree-planting or renewable-energy projects -- risks undermining the EU's own efforts to shift away from fossil fuels. "While this is a step in the right direction, by sneaking in international offsets and leaning heavily on supposed future carbon removals, the European Commission has built loopholes into the heart of the proposal," WWF EU said. "Three percent is not insignificant," echoed Neil Makaroff, an expert at the climate-focused Strategic Perspectives think tank. "These are potentially considerable sums that will be spent abroad instead of financing the transition" in Europe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "But there's a political compromise to be found," said Makaroff -- stressing the importance of "delivering" on the headline target. - EU stands 'firm' - To reach the 2040 and 2050 objectives, Europe's industry and citizens will have to undertake major transformations including increased uptake of electric cars, the gradual phasing out of fossil fuels and making buildings more energy-efficient. "Today we show that we stand firmly by our commitment to decarbonise Europe's economy by 2050," EU chief Ursula von der Leyen said. EU environment ministers will discuss the objective at a meeting in mid-July, ahead of a vote expected on September 18. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement EU lawmakers also need to greenlight the target, which requires the support from the biggest group in parliament, the centre-right EPP. To win others over, Brussels also proposes to make it more financially attractive for companies that capture and store CO2. The commission's hope is that the 2040 objective will be approved before the UN climate conference (COP30) in November in the northern Brazilian city of Belem. But that gives little time for negotiations with sceptical nations, with whom Hoekstra has already spent months trying to build a compromise. For some states, including the Czech Republic, the 90-percent target is unrealistic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, others including Italy and Hungary worry about the burden of decarbonising heavy industry at a time when Europe is working to strengthen its industry in the face of fierce competition from the United States and China. - 'Not strain ourselves' - French President Emmanuel Macron wants guarantees for the decarbonisation of industry and support for nuclear energy, the largest source of power in France. But the commission can count on the support of other countries including Spain and Denmark, which took over the rotating EU presidency this week. And the three-percent "flexibility" -- which mirrors demands made in the new German government's coalition agreement -- should help keep the economic powerhouse on board. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When it comes to Europe's international commitments, Macron has also stressed the bloc is only bound to present a midway target for 2035 at COP30 in Belem, and not the 2040 objective. "Let's not strain ourselves," Macron told reporters last week. "If we have (a 2040 target) for Belem, great, but if it takes longer, let's take the time." adc/raz/ec/giv A punishing early summer heatwave that has already scorched western and southern Europe spread east Wednesday, bringing extreme weather warnings to Germany and reportedly causing motorways to buckle. But some relief is due to arrive from the Atlantic and spread across the continent. Germany's national weather service (DWD) warned of "exceptionally high" temperatures reaching close to 40C degrees (104F) in places Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Berlin, 18-year-old Nora said her strawberry stand on the side of the road felt "like a sauna" before temperatures had even reached their peak. Her boss had told her to close the stall if she felt unwell, as the German capital sweated under a hot sun, Nora told AFP. The heat was causing disruptions to transport, with Germany's national rail operator Deutsche Bahn warning of impaired services in the west of the country, where temperatures were highest. In the north-west close to the city of Bremen, the heat had caused the surface of the motorway to buckle in places, creating a danger for drivers, local media reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The acute high temperatures added to an extended period of unusually hot and dry weather through the first half of the year. As well as an increased risk of forest fires, Germany's rivers are also running low, causing problems for navigating the country's waterways. - 'Strange' - In the eastern city of Dresden, the level of the Elbe river has sunk to just 64 centimetres (25 inches), compared with an average of around two metres. Holger Boehme, the owner of a floating theatre said it was "strange" to see the usually wide river shrink to a fraction of its usual size. "There has always been high water and low water, but this type of extreme high water and extreme low is truly new in recent years," Boehme told AFP. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The current levels of Germany's rivers were typically more likely to be seen at the end of the summer, Matthias Roeser from the Federal Association of German Inland Navigation said. In France, temperatures had cooled slightly overnight into Wednesday but remained high. Paris was expected to experience highs of around 35C after hitting 40C on Tuesday, according to weather service Meteo-France. French Health Minister Catherine Vautrin confirmed it was "too early to take stock" of the consequences of the heatwave. But for the Paris metro area there had been a "serious" increase in emergency services' activity of around 15 percent as the mercury rose. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An official estimate of the excess mortality linked to the heatwave would take two weeks for French authorities to compile, the ministry indicated. - 'Feel the heat' - Residents in Spain and Italy may have to wait until the weekend before they experience a drop in temperatures. In Madrid, care worker Grace Guerrero, 65, told AFP she could really "feel the heat" but the air was cooler at her home outside the Spanish capital. A 75-year-old man died in the southern city of Cordoba, bringing the total number of heat related deaths over the last 10 days in Spain to at least four. Barcelona adopted plans to extend protections for sanitation workers in heatwaves, including more water breaks, after a woman died Saturday following her shift. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Italy, at Rome's ancient forum, archeological excavation work stopped early at around 12:30 pm (1030 GMT) as temperatures soared to 35C. Elena Civitelli, an archeologist with two decades of experience, told AFP she could not remember "suffering so much in the early hours of the morning" as she had in recent days. In Belgium, the Atomium attraction in Brussels, where highs of 34C were expected, was also set to maintain reduced opening hours for the second day in a row on Wednesday to spare visitors from the afternoon heat. But coastal areas in Belgium were already experiencing lower temperatures Wednesday, and cool winds blowing in from the Atlantic were expected to see highs in France drop to near 28C on Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The colder front would however bring with it the possibility of heavy thunderstorms, according to Meteo-France. The German weather service also warned of storms in eastern Germany and had already issued the weather warnings for severe winds and rain in isolated areas in the western part of the country as of Wednesday afternoon, with temperatures expected to drop to around 30C or below over the next two days. burs-sea/jsk/gv The European Commission is expected on Wednesday to propose a new binding emissions reduction target for the European Union for the year 2040 with the aim of becoming climate-neutral by 2050. Last year, the commission already recommended a 90% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2040 compared to 1990-levels. The upcoming bill is expected to turn the recommendation into an EU law. Currently EU countries are obliged to cut climate-damaging emissions across the bloc by 55% compared to 1990 by the end of the decade. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In order to limit climate change, the EU aims not to emit more greenhouse gas emission than what can be absorbed either by nature or by technical solutions by 2050. In May the commission said that EU countries were on track to cut harmful greenhouse gas emissions by 54% by 2030, bringing them closer to the EU's target of 55%. The bloc's executive arm also urged capitals at the time to stay on course and to fully implement their reduction plans. The EU climate targets are linked to the United Nations' Paris Agreement on climate change, which was adopted 10 years ago, with the aim to limit global warming to well below two degrees Celcius. Under the agreement, the EU has to submit a climate action plan for the period up to 2035 ahead of the UN Climate Change Conference, dubbed COP30, in Brazil in November. Two people have died in France due to heat-related issues and more than 300 have received emergency treatment, French Environment Minister Agnes Pannier-Runacher said on Wednesday, as much of Europe swelters under a heatwave. Much of France experienced extreme heat on Tuesday, with the highest alert level triggered in 16 departments, including Paris. Temperatures reached over 41 degrees Celsius in southern and central France, while the capital recorded 38 degrees. Media reported that some parts of France experienced the highest temperatures ever recorded in July. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The top alert level, red, is currently only in place for four areas, although temperatures are expected to reach up to 39 degrees Celsius. Some schools remain closed, with relief from the heat anticipated on Thursday. In neighbouring Germany, the meteorological service predicted the hottest day of the year so far, with temperatures set to reach 40 degrees Celsius. Deadly farmland fire in Spain A massive fire during the heatwave has claimed the lives of two people in Spanish farmland and bushland. The bodies of a farmer and one of his employees were discovered during firefighting operations in the area of Torrefeta near the Catalonian town of Cosco, the regional government announced late on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The victims had been trapped in their vehicle by the flames and had make an emergency call. The fire, approximately 90 kilometres north-west of Barcelona, destroyed at least 5,000 hectares of land, according to media reports. Hundreds of firefighters were deployed, and around 20,000 residents of the region were temporarily advised not to leave their homes. Some were evacuated as a precaution. The fire broke out on Tuesday, on agricultural land that has been severely dried out by intense heat, for reasons that were initially unclear. Fanned by strong winds, the flames spread at a speed of up to 30 kilometres per hour through grain fields, the Segre newspaper reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A huge cloud of smoke and ash formed, up to 14 kilometres high, and was carried by stormy winds to the city of Lleida, about 60 kilometres away. The fire brigade announced on X that the fire is now under control. Swiss nuclear precautions In Switzerland meanwhile, one of the reactors at the Beznau nuclear power plant, near the German border, has been shut down due to warm river water, the operating company Axpo announced on Wednesday. The second reactor is operating at half capacity. These measures are aimed at protecting the ecosystem of the River Aare, in line with strict environmental regulations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Excessive warming of the already warm watercourse is to be prevented during hot summer periods so as not to put additional strain on flora and fauna," Axpo said in a statement. The river provides cooling water for the nuclear power plant, which is then fed back into the river at a slightly higher temperature. The two reactors in Beznau began operation in 1969 and 1971, making them some of the oldest nuclear power plants still in operation worldwide. KABUL, July 2 (Xinhua) -- Over 256,000 Afghans returned home from Iran in June, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM). "The scale of returns is deeply alarming and demands a stronger and more immediate international response. Afghanistan can not manage this alone," the IOM said in a statement. The IOM recorded 714,572 Afghan migrants returning from Iran between January and June 2025. The record movement was pushing border resources to the brink, while critical funding gaps hindered the ability of IOM and partners to provide assistance, reaching only 10 percent of those in need, the statement said. Nearly 7 million Afghan refugees, most of whom are undocumented, are currently living abroad, with most living in Iran and Pakistan. The Trump administration's decision to halt deliveries of key military aid to Ukraine has caught European partners off guard and prompted urgent requests for clarification, Bloomberg reported on July 2, citing unnamed sources. The pause affects the delivery of several weapons critical to Ukraine's defense, including Patriot air defense missiles, precision-guided artillery shells, Hellfire missiles, and munitions for F-16 fighter jets. The White House confirmed the hold, describing it as part of a broader reassessment of U.S. military stockpiles. Since U.S. President Donald Trump took office in January, the U.S. has not approved any new military aid packages for Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Bloomberg, some European allies hope the Trump administration will soften or reverse the decision. The timing of the pause has raised particular concern as Ukraine faces one of the most intense waves of Russian missile and drone attacks since the start of the war. In his evening address on July 2, President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukrainian and U.S. officials are working through the aid issue at a "working level," including discussions on critical air defense support. Ukraine's Defense Ministry said it has not received any formal notification of delays or cancellations but has requested urgent consultations with U.S. defense officials. The Foreign Ministry also summoned U.S. Charge d'Affaires John Ginkel, warning that "any hesitation" in military support would encourage further Russian aggression. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Kremlin welcomed the decision, with spokesperson Dmitry Peskov saying, "The fewer weapons that are supplied to Ukraine, the closer the end of the (war)." NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte expressed understanding of Washington's desire to safeguard its stockpiles but said that "Ukraine cannot do without all the support it can get." U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth previously signaled a shift in policy, indicating that future defense budgets would prioritize domestic needs over military support for Ukraine. Read also: Major casualties among civilians US freeze on air defense missiles is terrible news for Ukraine Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. The European Free Trade Area - made up of Switzerland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Iceland - has followed the example of the European Union and concluded a free trade agreement with the South American economic bloc Mercosur. This creates a free trade zone with almost 300 million people and a combined economic output of over $4.3 trillion. "Both sides will benefit from improved market access for more than 97% of their exports, which will boost bilateral trade and bring benefits to businesses and people," the two organizations said in a joint statement issued on Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement EFTA's four European states have been negotiating a free trade agreement with the Mercosur states of Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay since 2017. The agreement covers goods, services, investment and intellectual property protection. The removal of customs duties is intended to boost trade. The 27-nation EU concluded a similar agreement with the Mercosur countries in December 2024 after 25 years of negotiations. However, the agreement still has to be ratified by the parliaments of all the member states. Farmers in Spain and France have protested against it because they fear cheaper competition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The EFTA has lost much of its importance over the decades. Founded in 1960, the association formerly included countries such as Austria, Britain, Denmark, Sweden and Portugal before they joined the EU. Today's EFTA countries have a combined population of around 15 million HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) The Evansville Police Foundation announced it lost a horse. The Evansville Police Foundation says after an extended illness, Scotty the horse passed away on June 29. Scotty joined the Mounted Patrol in the summer of 2019. He was a 16 hand Palomino, quarter horse gelding. He also attended the Kentucky Horse Park Mounted Police Colloquium each year and helped EPD Mounted Patrol win second place in the team competition in 2023. VHS provides recommendations on keeping pets safe July 4th Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials say Scotty was a gentle giant who served the community with strength, calmness and loyalty. He participated in over 60 community engagements each year. Whether patrolling Evansville events or bringing smiles to children at school visits, he made a lasting impact. Officials say Scotty will be deeply missed. A spokesperson for the Evansville Police Foundation posted, Thank you for standing with us in honoring Scotty and supporting those who serveon two legs and four. (Courtesy: Evansville Police Foundation) (Courtesy: Evansville Police Foundation) (Courtesy: Evansville Police Foundation) (Courtesy: Evansville Police Foundation) (Courtesy: Evansville Police Foundation) (Courtesy: Evansville Police Foundation) (Courtesy: Evansville Police Foundation) (Courtesy: Evansville Police Foundation) Eyewitness News. Everywhere you are. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW). When it comes to portraits of Donald Trump, everyone is truly a critic especially the president himself. Colorado lawmakers discovered that earlier this year when Trump griped that a portrait of himself thats been hanging in the state Capitol for nearly six years was purposefully distorted. Although Sarah Boardman, the artist who painted the portrait, said she completed the portrait accurately, without purposeful distortion, political bias, or any attempt to caricature the subject, actual or implied, her opinions were brushed aside. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The complaining apparently worked, because lawmakers quickly announced Boardmans portrait would be removed and replaced with something more to the presidents liking. The new portrait by Tempe, Ariz., artist Vanessa Horabuena was donated by the White House a month or so ago and was placed in the Capitol this week. The new portrait makes Trump resemble NBC Datelines Keith Morrison, while the old one made him resemble JD Vance (sans beard and alleged guyliner). You can compare and contrast the new work on the left with the old portrait on the right. The Colorado state Capitol is now featuring a new portrait of Donald Trump (L) after the president complained about the previous one (R). AP/AP Art is in the eye of the beholder, and many people had thoughts about the new portrait. The Colorado State Capitol replaced Trumps portrait...with another terrible Trump portrait. Bold choice. pic.twitter.com/IP8B0mxLNC Gabe Sanchez (@iamgabesanchez) July 2, 2025 What do you think about the new Trump portraitat the Colorado State Capitol? Not really an upgrade from the abomination they had before. LeftLaneLois Fascism is not American! (@lois_left) July 2, 2025 Trumps Worst Portrait Ever Replaced With One Donated by White House https://t.co/egXHi9jcON what a crock of crap from this narcissist thug Trump White House alexander bowen (@alexand65349161) July 2, 2025 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A terrible portrait replaced by a cartoon. Trumps Worst Portrait Ever Replaced With One Donated by White House https://t.co/sGhiNevpKS ken benson Shah of Greater Idaho (@borntoraisehogs) July 2, 2025 Trump is finally happy with his new portrait at the Colorado Capitol they replaced the one he cried was distorted. But now the real question is: Which one's actually distorted the painting, or the man in it? #Trump#PortraitDrama#MAGAArtCritic#ColoradoCapitolpic.twitter.com/1pkJW6mMSE ARIKA (@nidhisj2001) July 2, 2025 Trump happy with his new portrait The Colorado State Capitol replaced the painting he whined was distorted with a new one. So which one looks more distorted to you? pic.twitter.com/Ly9iLlYNsm brane mijatovic (@brane_mija64426) July 1, 2025 Trump happy with his new portrait The Colorado State Capitol replaced the painting he whined was distorted with a new one. So which one looks more distorted to you? pic.twitter.com/Ly9iLlYNsm brane mijatovic (@brane_mija64426) July 1, 2025 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related... Former Beechwood Superintendent Mike Stacy never told the Kentucky Board of Education about a teacher who was accused of grooming and having sexual contact with a teenager who attended the school. Now, he's out of a job and has agreed to not renew his educator certification in the state of Kentucky. Stacy told The Enquirer this spring that he was leaving his job and his $168,167 pay because he was eligible for retirement and had a new employment opportunity outside of the K-12 education realm. Superintendent Mike Stacy, of Beechwood Independent Schools, is retiring from the school district at the end of the 2024-2025 school year. "It's almost become a superhuman job. It's almost more than one person can do," he said at the time. A records request to the district revealed no grievances filed against him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Documents from the Kentucky Department of Education's Education Professional Standards Board tell a different story one in which he was accused of creating an "unreasonably dangerous situation for all students in the Commonwealth." The allegations against him stem from a 2022 incident in which former Beechwood teacher faced a slew of allegations, including that he groomed and had "sexual contact" with at least one student or former student. Stacy, the documents state, was obligated under state law to report the incident to the board, which has the authority to suspend or terminate teachers' licenses. He didn't. Stacy did not return a phone call from The Enquirer seeking an interview. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The district said in a statement that Stacy never reported the incident to the standards board because he didn't believe the report was warranted for a variety of reasons. For instance, the district never received a complaint about the teacher from students or former students and the teacher was never charged with a crime. Here's how Stacy's inaction led to an agreement with the Education Professional Standards Board that eventually ended his career in in education. 'A little bit of grooming' On March 23, 2022, Kentucky State Police interviewed a Beechwood teacher who was employed at the district from 2017-2022. Since he was never charged with a crime, The Enquirer is not naming him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But according to documents from the standards board, the state police detective reported that the teacher admitted to having "sexual contact" with a student. During the interview, the teacher allegedly agreed that there was "a little bit of grooming going on" with two kids. The documents state the teacher also admitted to sending at least one student or former student photos of himself without a shirt on, worked out at the gym with the person and had "sexual contact" with the person. But he told police he wasn't sure if the sexual contact happened while the young person was a student. It's unclear where the interview took place within the district, but Stacy and Justin Kaiser, Beechwood High School principal, were both in the room where it happened, the documents note. Kaiser was appointed superintendent in May 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The teacher resigned from his job that spring and surrendered his educator certification in May 2024 after someone filed a complaint against him with the Kentucky Board of Education. 'Bad decision making' or an ethics violation? The standards board also received a complaint against Stacy last year. In it, the complainant said Stacy was legally obligated to report the teacher to the standards board following the man's resignation. The complaint cited Kentucky state law 161.120, which gives a long list of reasons teachers can be reported to the board for an investigation. That includes engaging in sexual contact with a student, dishonest or immoral behavior, and careless disregard of the welfare of others. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Stacy never filed a report on the teacher. Stacy said in the standards board documents that he was in-and-out of the detective's interview with the teacher and did not hear the man admit to grooming students. "I was told by the detective that he didn't have enough to even detain (the teacher) for further questioning because he and the alleged victim were holding to the claim that the relationship was post graduation," he wrote. Stacy also said he gave the teacher two options after the interview: to resign or risk an open investigation that would include all the band students at the school. The teacher decided to resign. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I had no information to sustain an ethics violation from facts presented by the state police detective, or the part of the interview I heard," Stacy wrote. "Bad decision making, yes ... bad decisions do not necessarily equal an ethics violation." In May, Stacy agreed to an order with the standards board that prohibited him from renewing his educator certification and barred him from seeking employment that requires the certification in the state of Kentucky. Beechwood: There was no 'cover up' Kaiser, the district's new superintendent, did not respond to an emailed request from The Enquirer for an interview about the incidents. Instead, the district said in a statement through attorney Jeremy Deters that there was never an attempt by Stacy to "cover up" the allegations against the teacher. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Beechwood does not condone employee misconduct, and Dr. Stacy never attempted to cover up or hide any alleged inappropriate behavior by the teacher in question. ... Dr. Stacy never received any report from any student or former student alleging misconduct by the teacher," the statement said. The statement goes on to say that Stacy did not make the report because he did not "reasonably believe he had information that would warrant such a report," because the teacher was never charged with a crime. State law, however, does not require criminal charges to be filed against a teacher in order to be investigated by the standards board. The statement confirmed that the 2022 investigation stemmed from complaints about a former teacher and a student who graduated in 2020. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Enquirer has requested public records from the standards about any grievances filed against Kaiser to determine if a complaint has been filed against him for not reporting the teacher. (This story was updated to add a video.) This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Beechwood superintendent gives up teaching license amid controversy A former Boston police sergeant detective was indicted in connection with an intoxicated man who was beaten the night of the St. Patricks Day parade in March, Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Haydens office said Wednesday. On June 25, Christopher Cunniff, 59, of Quincy, was indicted on charges of aggravated assault and battery and aggravated assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, Haydens office said in a short statement. Two days later, the Massachusetts Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Commission issued a suspension order for Cunniff. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors accuse Cunniff of beating a man who was intoxicated and left the man in a South Boston driveway at around 11 p.m., Haydens office said. Officers observed the victim to have contusions on his face and head, according to a police report obtained by the Boston Globe. Officers also observed the victims left eye to be heavily swollen. Cunniff, who was assigned to the departments domestic violence unit, retired "from the department the same week after learning of the investigation by" Haydens office and the Boston Police Departments Anti-Corruption Division, Haydens office said. More information is expected to be released ahead of Cunniffs arraignment, scheduled for July 10, the statement read. More local crime stories Read the original article on MassLive. DENVER (KDVR) A former Commerce City teacher, Michelle McMillan, 44, has been charged with felony sexual assault on a child by one in a position of trust, following a police investigation of an incident in 2016. Commerce City Police Department said in a press release that the victim came forward to a parent in December 2024, alleging that back in 2016, when the victim had been attending Landmark Academy, was when the alleged sexual assault was committed by McMillan. Lakewood child caretaker sentenced for child abuse Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the time, McMillan was employed by the school as a teacher. The investigation by the Commerce City Police Department and Brighton Police Departments combined Sexual Assault Task Force, detectives issued a warrant for McMillans arrest late last week, the agency said. Following the charge, McMillan turned herself in on June 29 to the Adams County Detention Facility. FOX31 Newsletters: Sign up to get breaking news sent to your inbox FOX31 reached out to the Brighton 27J School District and has not heard back yet on McMillans employment status. The 17th Judicial District Attorneys Office stated that any further questions regarding this case should be directed to its office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. By Matt McKnight, Eric Cox and Steve Gorman BOISE, Idaho (Reuters) -The man accused of fatally stabbing four University of Idaho students in 2022 pleaded guilty on Wednesday to first-degree murder in a deal with prosecutors that spares the former criminal-justice doctoral student from the death penalty. Under the plea agreement, Bryan Kohberger, 30, will serve four consecutive life terms in prison for a rampage that stunned the small college town of Moscow, Idaho, and drew national media attention. He also waived his rights to appeal or seek a sentence review. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The plea deal left unanswered lingering questions that a trial might have explored, such as Kohberger's motives. Formal sentencing was tentatively set for July 23, the week when jury selection would have begun in the case. Kohberger had previously pleaded not guilty. Relatives of at least two of the victims attended Wednesday's hour-long hearing in Idaho's Fourth Judicial District Court in Boise, the state capital. The families were divided about the plea deal. Asked by Judge Steven Hippler how he pleaded to each of the charges, Kohberger, wearing a shirt and tie and seated beside his lawyers, answered, "guilty" in a steady voice, exhibiting no visible emotion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kohberger also said under questioning that he was entering his plea freely, he believed it to be in his best interests, was satisfied with his legal counsel and understood the consequences. At the time of the murders, Kohberger was pursuing a doctorate degree in criminal justice at Washington State University in Pullman, Washington, a short distance from Moscow in northwestern Idaho. Authorities have not suggested a motive for the murders, which occurred during the early morning hours of November 13, 2022, in an off-campus house shared by five women. Three of the roommates - Xana Kernodle, 20, of Avondale, Arizona; Madison Mogen, 21, of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho; and Kaylee Goncalves, 21, of Rathdrum, Idaho - were found slain inside the house along with Kernodle's boyfriend, Ethan Chapin, 20, of Conway, Washington. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All suffered multiple stab wounds from a hunting knife, according to authorities. 'SEXUAL COMPONENT' RULED OUT Outlining the prosecution's case, Latah County Prosecuting Attorney Bill Thompson told the court Kohberger planned the violence and purchased the knife online about eight months before the killings. The knife's sheath was recovered, but the murder weapon was never found. Thompson said there was no evidence of sexual assault among the victims or a "sexual component" to the killings. As evidence Kohberger sought to cover up his crimes, Thompson said investigators found he had meticulously cleaned the inside of his car, which he used as the getaway vehicle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The defendant had studied crime," Thompson said. "He had done a detailed paper on crime-scene processing. ... He had that knowledge and skill." Kernodle and Chapin had attended a party the night before, while best friends Mogen and Goncalves had visited a local bar and food truck. All four returned to the house before 2 a.m. Their bodies were found hours later that morning. Two other women in the house at the time survived unharmed. According to prosecutors, a surviving roommate told investigators she heard someone crying in one of the victims' bedrooms and opened her door to see a man, clad in black, walk past her and out of the house. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities said they linked Kohberger to the murders using DNA evidence, cell phone data and video footage. He was arrested weeks after the killings in Pennsylvania, where he was visiting family, and was returned to Idaho to face charges. The family of Goncalves criticized the plea agreement as a "secretive deal and a hurried effort to close the case without any input from the victims' families," according to a statement. Her father, Steve Goncalves, said outside the courthouse on Wednesday the four life sentences did not represent justice. But Mogen's mother and some other family members said in a statement they "support the plea agreement 100%" as "the best possible outcome for the victims, their families and the state of Idaho." (Reporting by Matt McKnight and Eric Cox in Boise, Idaho; Additional reporting and writing by Steve Gorman in Los Angeles; Editing by Cynthia Osterman) YAZOO CITY, Miss. (WJTV) A former Federal Bureau of Prisons Correctional Officer pled guilty to engaging in a sexual act with a federal prisoner at the Federal Correctional Complex in Yazoo City. Hinds County man pleads guilty in child porn coercion case Prosecutors said Parker M. Triplett, 25, was taken into federal custody of the United States Marshal Service until her sentencing, which is scheduled for September 24, 2025. She faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison. Parker M. Triplett (Courtesy: Madison Co. Detention Center) The Department of Justice, Office of the Inspector General investigated the case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJTV. Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. WEBER COUNTY, Utah (ABC4) The former Tremonton fire chief, previously accused of discussing and exchanging graphic sexual images of children, has been charged with the sexual abuse of a child. Ned Brady Hansen, 54, is facing a new charge of aggravated sexual abuse of a child, a first-degree felony. He was previously charged with eight counts of aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor in March 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hansen and the former Box Elder Judge Kevin Christensen were allegedly found to be connected in discussions of sexual crimes against children. They exchanged child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and at points mentioned abuse of children in their real lives. Ned Brady Hansen, 54, appears virtually in a Weber County Court for his initial appearance after being accused of multiple child sex crimes. PREVIOUSLY: Tremonton fire chief and Box Elder judge linked in child abuse case, documents say According to documents, following Hansens arrest in January, a female child under the age of 10 over whom [Hansen] occupied a position of special trust told her parents that she believed that he had sexually abused her. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) performed an interview with the child victim. She told law enforcement that Hansen had sexually abused her on multiple occasions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the review of alleged messages sent by Hansen and exchanged with other adult users, they discovered that he had discussed his engagement in the sexual abuse of underage children in the past and described his abuse of this child victim. The ways he described the sexual abuse of the underage child matched up with the account that she shared during the interview. Hansen also explained that he purposefully took care to ensure that his sexual abuse can be justified as otherwise normal behavior, describing the actions he took as very careful. Hansen and Christensen are both scheduled to appear in court tomorrow, July 3, on their charges at 2 p.m. Latest headlines: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. In Jingdezhen, China's world-renowned "porcelain capital", young artists from across the world are pursuing their ceramic dreams. Thousands of international students are gathering here to learn the time-honored techniques, crafting unique works that combine and bridge cultures. Produced by Xinhua Global Service An expedition to a remote and tiny island this fall will attempt to locate Amelia Earhart's plane in the Pacific Ocean. The effort, announced Wednesday by the Purdue Research Foundation and Archaeological Legacy Institute, will focus on a "visual anomaly" in satellite and other imagery in a lagoon at Nikumaroro, an island located between Hawaii and Australia. Nikumaroro was previously known as Gardner Island. A team will travel in November to inspect what is dubbed the Taraia Object to find out if it is Earhart's aircraft. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "What we have here is maybe the greatest opportunity ever to finally close the case," Richard Pettigrew, the institute's executive director, said in a news release. "With such a great amount of very strong evidence, we feel we have no choice but to move forward and hopefully return with proof." Amelia Earhart at a refueling stop in Khartoum, Sudan, with the Lockheed Electra 10E in which she was attempting a circumnavigational flight of the world, June 13, 1937. On a subsequent stage of the journey, Earhart and Noonan disappeared over the central Pacific Ocean near Howland Island and were later presumed dead. / Credit: Getty Images Earhart and navigator Fred Noonan disappeared over the central Pacific 88 years ago on July 2. Flying a Lockheed 10-E Electra, Earhart was trying to become the first female aviator to circle the world when they vanished. Various theories have since emerged about their fate. One of them suggests Earhart landed instead of crashed, and was marooned on an island where she died. As the Purdue Research Foundation and Archaeological Legacy Institute note, this idea is called the Nikumaroro hypothesis. The International Group for Historic Aircraft Recovery, a nonprofit organization based in Pennsylvania, has collected evidence it says supports the theory. A field team plans to travel from the Marshall Islands on Nov. 5 and spend five days inspecting the Taraia Object, the foundation and Archaeological Legacy Institute said in its news release. If the effort confirms the plane's identity, excavations will take place next year to try to return what remains of the aircraft. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earhart worked for Purdue University, and the Purdue Research Foundation helped fund her attempted flight around the world, the news release said. "Both Earhart and her husband and manager, George Putnam, expressed their intention to return the Electra to Purdue after her historic flight," Steven Schultz, senior vice president and general counsel of Purdue University, said. "Based on the evidence, we agree with ALI that this expedition offers the best chance not only to solve perhaps the greatest mystery of the 20th century, but also to fulfill Amelia's wishes and bring the Electra home." Victim's father speaks out about Kohberger guilty plea, "He's not gonna take accountability" Extended interview: Iran's foreign minister Abbas Araghchi speaks to CBS News after U.S. strikes Trump meets with lawmakers ahead of House budget bill vote A conservation effort in Texas almost a decade in the making is finally bearing fruit or in this case, adorable predators. Nesting boxes were installed on Padre Island in 2016, and they finally have some squawking tenants. A pair of endangered aplomado falcon chicks was recently discovered by conservationists. The welcome discovery comes after Hurricane Harvey seemingly wiped out the majority of breeding pairs in 2017. "It's very rewarding," Scott Cross, Nueces County Coastal Parks director, told KIII 3 News. "How often do you get a chance to start some kind of conservation effort and then see it all the way to full cycle?" Photo Credit: iStock The aplomado falcon was once abundant across the prairies of the Lone Star State, but it was all but gone by the early 1900s because of habitat loss. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the U.S. Geological Survey, 99% of the United States' coastal prairie lands have been lost to agriculture, range improvement, and urban development. Pesticides used to control prairie dog populations also contributed to this massive population decline by disrupting the food web and poisoning the falcons. As birds of prey, aplomado falcons contribute to the health of ecosystems by managing prey populations of small birds, rodents, and reptiles. Padre Island is an ideal spot for reintroduction and conservation efforts. As the National Park Service notes, it's one of the last remaining intact coastal prairie habitats in the country. The story highlights the importance of local conservation efforts and serves as a reminder of nature's resilience. Endangered species can and will thrive once more if they are just given the opportunity. It takes time, effort, and raising awareness of key issues. The chicks on Padre Island have been tagged, and researchers are hopeful they are just the beginning of a bright new era for these striking birds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tom Hudson of The Peregrine Fund, a nonprofit that supports the conservation of birds of prey, said it was amazing for the long-term efforts come to fruition. "It's extremely cathartic to have released the grandfather of this bird, and then four years later they're nesting right here at the hack site where their grandfather was released from," he said. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. ESPARTO, Calif. (AP) Seven people were missing Wednesday following an explosion at a fireworks warehouse in rural Northern California that caused a massive fire that spread to farm fields and forced evacuations in the surrounding community, authorities said. Two people were injured and received medical care, Esparto Fire Chief Curtis Lawrence said at a news conference Wednesday. Lawrence provided no further information other than to say the two were OK, and it wasn't known if the victims worked at the facility. Emergency crews and investigators were working with the propertys owner and monitoring the area using drones to find the missing individuals, said the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. It was not immediately clear if those missing worked at the warehouse or lived nearby. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People were urged to avoid the area after the Tuesday night blast, which set off a barrage of fireworks and caused a blaze that led to other spot fires and collapsed the building near Esparto in Yolo County about 40 miles (64 kilometers) northwest of Sacramento. The cause of the explosion was under investigation. The fire will take time to cool, and once it does, explosive experts must safely enter the site to assess and secure the area, the Yolo County Sheriff's Office said in a statement late Tuesday. Syanna Ruiz, 18, told the Sacramento Bee that her boyfriend, Jesus Ramos, and two of his brothers were missing. Tuesday was Ramos's first day on the job at the warehouse, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They were all three incredible men who had so much coming for them, that had so much coming their way, Ruiz said. Im just praying to God that some way, somehow, theyre OK." The fire was held at nearly 80 acres (33 hectares) after scorching surrounding agricultural fields, officials said. The property is owned by "an active pyrotechnic license holder, Cal Fire said in a statement Wednesday. This type of incident is very rare, as facilities like this are required to not only follow our stringent California pyrotechnic requirements, but also federal explosive storage requirements. The state fire marshals website listed the license for the facility as belonging to Blackstar Fireworks. The owner who was listed did not respond to an email from The Associated Press requesting comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gov. Gavin Newsom's office said it was tracking what happened and that state ground and air resources were deployed. The State Fire Marshal has sent an arson and bomb investigation team, and stands ready to provide additional support as needed, the governor's office said on the social site X. Officials in nearby Sutter and Yuba counties announced Wednesday that they were exploring alternatives for Fourth of July celebrations after their fireworks were destroyed in the blast. Kohberger pleads guilty to Idaho student murders, avoids death penalty Bryan Kohberger pleaded guilty Wednesday to murdering four University of Idaho students, admitting to all five counts in the indictment as part of a plea deal that removes the possibility of the death penalty. Kohberger, who was set to go to trial this month, instead entered guilty pleas to four counts of first-degree murder and one count of burglary in a Boise courtroom. The courtroom remained quiet and orderly throughout the hearing as Judge Steven Hippler warned those in attendance not to attempt to influence the courts decision. Bryan Kohberger, charged in the murders of four University of Idaho students, appears at the Ada County Courthouse, Wednesday, July 2, 2025, in Boise, Idaho. (AP Photo/Kyle Green, Pool) Bryan Kohberger, charged in the murders of four University of Idaho students, appears at the Ada County Courthouse, Wednesday, July 2, 2025, in Boise, Idaho. (AP Photo/Kyle Green, Pool) Bryan Kohberger, charged in the murders of four University of Idaho students, appears at the Ada County Courthouse, Wednesday, July 2, 2025, in Boise, Idaho. (AP Photo/Kyle Green, Pool) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bryan Kohberger, charged in the murders of four University of Idaho students, appears at the Ada County Courthouse, Wednesday, July 2, 2025, in Boise, Idaho. (AP Photo/Kyle Green, Pool) Bryan Kohberger, charged in the murders of four University of Idaho students, appears at the Ada County Courthouse, Wednesday, July 2, 2025, in Boise, Idaho. (AP Photo/Kyle Green, Pool) Bryan Kohberger, charged in the murders of four University of Idaho students, appears at the Ada County Courthouse, Wednesday, July 2, 2025, in Boise, Idaho. (AP Photo/Kyle Green, Pool) Bryan Kohberger, charged in the murders of four University of Idaho students, appears at the Ada County Courthouse, Wednesday, July 2, 2025, in Boise, Idaho. (AP Photo/Kyle Green, Pool) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bryan Kohberger, charged in the murders of four University of Idaho students, appears at the Ada County Courthouse, Wednesday, July 2, 2025, in Boise, Idaho. (AP Photo/Kyle Green, Pool) Bryan Kohberger, charged in the murders of four University of Idaho students, appears at the Ada County Courthouse, Wednesday, July 2, 2025, in Boise, Idaho. (AP Photo/Kyle Green, Pool) Bryan Kohberger, charged in the murders of four University of Idaho students, appears at the Ada County Courthouse, Wednesday, July 2, 2025, in Boise, Idaho. (AP Photo/Kyle Green, Pool) Bryan Kohberger, charged in the murders of four University of Idaho students, appears at the Ada County Courthouse, Wednesday, July 2, 2025, in Boise, Idaho. (AP Photo/Kyle Green, Pool) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bryan Kohberger, charged in the murders of four University of Idaho students, appears at the Ada County Courthouse, Wednesday, July 2, 2025, in Boise, Idaho. (AP Photo/Kyle Green, Pool) Bryan Kohberger, charged in the murders of four University of Idaho students, appears at the Ada County Courthouse, Wednesday, July 2, 2025, in Boise, Idaho. (AP Photo/Kyle Green, Pool) Bryan Kohberger, charged in the murders of four University of Idaho students, appears at the Ada County Courthouse, Wednesday, July 2, 2025, in Boise, Idaho. (AP Photo/Kyle Green, Pool) Bryan Kohberger, charged in the murders of four University of Idaho students, appears at the Ada County Courthouse, Wednesday, July 2, 2025, in Boise, Idaho. (AP Photo/Kyle Green, Pool) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There have been calls for the public to contact me or my staff. That has been extraordinarily disruptive, Hippler said, adding that he had not read any of the messages or listened to any voicemails. The agreement includes four fixed life sentences, one for each murder charge, and 10 years for burglary. All sentences will run consecutively. Kohberger waived his right to appeal and acknowledged that he understood the consequences of the plea. The judge scheduled sentencing for July 23 at 9 a.m. Judge Hippler: "Are you pleading guilty because you are guilty?" Bryan Kohberger: "Yes." Gary Horcher (@GaryKIRO7) July 2, 2025 No visible emotion in court Kohberger, who maintained eye contact with the judge throughout the hearing, appeared emotionless. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His responses were short and directmostly yes or nowith no change in tone or demeanor, even as he admitted to the killings of Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin. Judge Hippler said the court was not bound to the sentencing recommendations in the plea deal but noted that they represent the maximum penalties allowed under Idaho law. Kohberger confirmed he understood the charges and the rights he was giving up, including his right to appeal and to ask for a lighter sentence. When asked whether anyone had threatened or promised him anything in exchange for the plea, Kohberger said no. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also said he had not taken drugs or alcohol before the hearing and that he was thinking clearly. These are notes from Bryan Kohbergers court hearing from prosecutors- these details were never released before now. Prosecutor Bill Thompson became emotional when reading this. pic.twitter.com/KgIoNuj3vm Gary Horcher (@GaryKIRO7) July 2, 2025 Evidence summary presented Prosecutors presented a summary of the evidence they would have introduced at trial. That included surveillance footage, phone records, and DNA evidence linking Kohberger to the crime scene. According to the state, Kohberger purchased a KA-BAR knife and sheath in March 2022. By July, he had moved from Pennsylvania to Pullman, Washington, to begin a PhD program in criminal justice at Washington State University. Between July and November, Kohbergers cellphone connected to a tower near the victims residence 23 times during nighttime hours. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the morning of Nov. 13, 2022, prosecutors say Kohberger turned off his phone and drove into Moscow, Idaho, where his vehicle was recorded circling the neighborhood around 3:30 a.m. Surveillance showed him parking behind the victims house and entering through a sliding glass door. Inside, Kohberger killed Mogen and Goncalves on the third floor and left a knife sheath on Mogens bed. The Idaho State Police later matched DNA from the sheath to Kohberger. Prosecutors said Kernodle was awake during the attack and two surviving roommates saw a masked man dressed in black leaving through the kitchen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fifteen minutes later, Kohbergers vehicle was seen speeding away. His phone was turned back on around 4:48 a.m. and pinged south of Moscow before returning to Pullman. Surveillance footage later captured him in Pullman and at businesses in the Lewiston-Clarkston Valley. In the days after the murders, Kohberger searched online for replacement knife sheaths and tried to delete his purchase history. He also changed his car registration from Pennsylvania to Washington, a detail prosecutors say was intended to avoid identification, since Pennsylvania doesnt require front license plates. When police searched his apartment weeks later, they found it thoroughly cleaned. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His vehicle had been disassembled, and a bucket of cleaning supplies sat nearby. Authorities described his efforts to cover up the crime as calculated, noting that Kohberger had previously written a paper on crime scene processing. Victims families divided on plea The families of Madison Mogen and Ethan Chapin supported the plea deal. We embark on a path of hope and healing, said Leander James, an attorney for the Mogen family. But others opposed it. Steve Goncalves, father of Kaylee Goncalves, said he had urged the court to reject the agreement. This isnt what we should be doing. You dont deal with terrorists and you dont deal with people who kill your kids in their sleep, Goncalves said after the hearing. A letter from prosecutors to the families explained that the plea was intended to ensure a conviction and avoid the uncertainty and trauma of a lengthy trial and appeals process. Kohberger will remain in custody until sentencing, where families will have the opportunity to deliver victim impact statements. Judge Hippler confirmed the gag order on the case will be lifted. After nearly 24 hours of debate - starting yesterday morning and stretching overnight - the US Senate approved Donald Trump's massive tax-cut and spending bill Passing by the narrowest of margins, the bill contains key parts of the agenda he campaigned on last year. Trump celebrated its passage during a visit to a migrant detention facility in Florida. "It's a great bill," he said. "There is something for everyone." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But in fact, while lawmakers may have got "something" they wanted, they had to make concessions to achieve that. Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski said she worked hard to ensure the bill provided for her state and ultimately voted for it, but was still unhappy. She called the process "rushed". "My hope is that the House is going to look at this and recognise that we're not there yet," she told reporters just outside the Senate floor, moments after the vote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a game of political ping-pong, the bill now returns to the House, which passed its version of the bill weeks ago. If the narrow Republican majority in that chamber gives final approval, perhaps as early as Wednesday, the legislation can be presented to the president for his signature. But it may be a tough pill for some House Republicans to swallow. It includes massive new funding -$70bn - for Trump's immigration priorities. It boosts defence spending and makes the tax cuts Republicans passed in Trump's first term permanent. To offset this loss, it cuts funding for Biden-era environmental programmes and Medicaid, the health insurance programme for low-income Americans. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) speaks to the press after the Senate passes US President Donald Trump's sweeping spending and tax bill, on Capitol Hill on July 1 [Reuters] The financial ledger isn't nearly balanced, however, as the package adds more than $3tn to the federal debt and raises the US borrowing authority by $5tn. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fiscal hard-liners have complained that the Senate watered down some of their original budget cuts. The right-wing House Freedom Caucus said the Senate proposal could add $650bn (472bn) to the deficit each year. "It's not what we agreed to," caucus members said in a social media post on Monday. And centrists still are concerned about cuts in the bill, including reductions in federal payments covering health insurance for low-income Americans. The original House version was a balancing act that kept the various factions within the Republican Party just satisfied enough to vote yes. The Senate version now landing back in their laps may disrupt that balance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the pressure on House Republicans to sign off on what Trump has called his "big, beautiful bill" will be enormous. The president has said he views the legislation as an integral part of his political legacy a lasting change in government policy that, unlike executive orders, a future president cannot easily undo. [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. Claim: A migrant detention center known as "Alligator Alcatraz" was expected to open in Florida in 2025. Rating: Rating: True Amid an immigration crackdown led by U.S. President Donald Trump's administration, posts that made the rounds online in late June 2025 claimed a migrant detention center known as "Alligator Alcatraz" would soon open in Florida. For example, one X user shared the following post: BREAKING: President Trump is likely attending the grand opening of ALLIGATOR ALCATRAZ in Florida on Tuesday, per Palm Beach Post This is going to be AMAZING Thousands of illegals housed surrounded by gators and pythons, right next to an airport where they can be flown pic.twitter.com/SbLcRQH5aT Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) June 29, 2025 Similar claims circulated on Facebook. An account called "Donald Trump for President" shared this message on June 29, 2025: HUGE: Alligator Alcatraz is set to open in 2 DAYS Thousands of illegal aliens will be housed in the middle of the Florida Everglades surrounded by gators and pythons - and because it's at an airport, they can be deported EASILY! Construction is moving swiftly. Snopes readers also emailed us and searched our website to ask whether "Alligator Alcatraz" was real. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A new temporary detention center known as "Alligator Alcatraz" officially opened in Florida on July 1, 2025, according to federal officials and Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier. Therefore, we've rated this claim true. As Snopes previously reported, Uthmeier proposed the detention center for migrants known as "Alligator Alcatraz." He posted a video detailing plans for such a facility on his verified X and Facebook accounts on June 19, 2025, and previously discussed the proposal during a segment with "Fox Business." At the time, Uthmeier described "Alligator Alcatraz" as a "one-stop shop to carry out President Trump's mass deportation agenda." In his video shared on social media, he said, in part: Florida has been leading on immigration enforcement, supporting the Trump administration and ICE's efforts to detain and deport criminal aliens. The governor tasked state leaders to identify places for new temporary detention facilities. I think this is the best one, as I call it, Alligator Alcatraz. This 30-square-mile area is completely surrounded by the Everglades [and] present a efficient, low cost opportunity to build a temporary detention facility because you don't need to invest that much in the perimeter. People get out, there's not much waiting for them other than alligators and pythons. Nowhere to go, nowhere to hide. The federal government confirmed several days later that it was partnering with Florida on "Alligator Alcatraz." In an X post shared on June 23, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) wrote: We are working on cost-effective and innovative ways to deliver on the American people's mandate for mass deportations. Alligator Alcatraz will expand facilities and bed space in just days, thanks to our partnership with Florida. In the days leading up to the opening of "Alligator Alcatraz," the Florida GOP also advertised official merchandise available to purchase online. Trump tours new detention center on opening day White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced that Trump and DHS Secretary Kristi Noem would travel to Florida on July 1, 2025, for the opening of a new migrant detention center at Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport. The facility located "in the heart of the Everglades" would be "informally known as Alligator Alcatraz," Leavitt said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Uthmeier also announced the opening of "Alligator Alcatraz" in a post on July 1, 2025. The "state-operated facility" located in Ochopee, Florida, is "expected to have up to 3,000 beds," U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) said in an X post. Florida is planning to hold another 2,000 people in a separate detention center at a National Guard facility called Camp Blanding, state Gov. Ron DeSantis said during the visit to "Alligator Alcatraz." Construction on that facility is expected to start "right after" Independence Day, according to Florida Division of Emergency Management Executive Director Kevin Guthrie. During the visit, Noem encouraged other states to explore similar options. She said, in part: Florida was unique in what they presented to us and I would ask every other governor to do the exact same thing. This is unique because we can hold individuals here. They can have their hearings to get due process and immediately be flown back to their home countries. Prior to the opening of "Alligator Alcatraz," Noem also told CBS News that the detention facilities in Florida would be funded "in large part" by the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Shelter and Services Program, an initiative created by Congress that "provides financial support to non-federal entities" to offer shelter and related services to migrants released from DHS custody. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The "Alligator Alcatraz" detention center is expected to cost $450 million a year, a U.S. official told The Associated Press. Snopes archives' contributed to this report. Sources: X (Formerly Twitter), 19 June 2025, x.com/AGJamesUthmeier/status/1935741644101374271. Accessed 20 June 2025. Facebook.com, 19 June 2025, www.facebook.com/agjamesuthmeier/videos/1950662342406348/. Accessed 20 June 2025. Fox Business. "Florida Officials Want to Turn a Piece of the Everglades into the State's Largest Immigration Facility." Fox Business, 17 June 2025, www.foxbusiness.com/video/6374484480112. Accessed 20 June 2025. X (formerly Twitter), 23 June 2025, https://x.com/DHSgov/status/1937300544575385790. Accessed 1 July 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt Briefs Members of the Media, June 30, 2025." The White House, 30 June 2025, www.whitehouse.gov/videos/press-secretary-karoline-leavitt-previews-president-trumps-upcoming-trip-to-alligator-alcatraz/. Accessed 1 July 2025. Payne, Kate. "Trump toured Florida's immigration detention center in the Everglades. Here's what to know." apnews.com, 1 July 2025, https://apnews.com/article/florida-alligator-alcatraz-immigration-detention-trump-desantis-cc060aa6528acbd91a87ec1922578146. Accessed 1 July 2025. LiveNOW from FOX. "President Trump on Migrant Detention Center, 'Alligator Alcatraz.'" YouTube, 1 July 2025, www.youtube.com/watch?v=3X_yJLf-D0M. Accessed 1 July 2025. "President Trump Participates in 'Alligator Alcatraz' Roundtable Discussion | LiveNOW from FOX." YouTube, 1 July 2025, www.youtube.com/watch?v=UoeuYX_rl_g. Accessed 1 July 2025. Camilo Montoya-Galvez. "Florida to Receive Federal Funds to Build Immigration Detention Sites, Including 'Alligator Alcatraz,' Noem Says." Cbsnews.com, CBS News, 23 June 2025, www.cbsnews.com/news/alligator-alcatraz-florida-immigration-detention-centers-dhs-secretary-noem/. Accessed 1 July 2025. Claim: An Amish family from Pennsylvania mysteriously disappeared in 1992, only for the case to be cracked open a decade later thanks to a clue found in a photograph. Rating: Rating: False A rumor circulating online in June 2025 claimed an Amish family from Pennsylvania mysteriously disappeared in 1992, only for the case to be cracked open a decade later thanks to a clue in a photograph. According to one account of the story, "a single, overlooked detail in a family photograph cracked open the case, exposing a chilling conspiracy that had lain buried with the family's bones." The story further purported that the tale ended with the case being solved and closure being given to surviving family members. Snopes readers searched the website to see if the rumor was true thanks to its spread across social media. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For example, on June 25, 2025, a Facebook user posted (archived) the story, receiving nearly 8,000 likes at the time of this writing. The post displayed a picture of the alleged Amish family in question posing for a photo on their porch, with a line of laundry including a yellow vest labeled "police" behind them. The story began, "Amish Family Vanished in 1992 10 Years Later the Community Spots a Crucial Detail." (Riya Sarma on Facebook) Other social media users on TikTok (archived) and many more on Facebook (archived, archived, archived) also shared the same claim. Some of those posts featured links in top comments leading to articles hosted by WordPress blogs, such as one advertisement-filled story hosted on the website ustodaynews24h.com. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, searches of Bing, DuckDuckGo, Google and Yahoo found no news media outlets reporting about an Amish family going missing in 1992 nor any reports of a break in the case in 2002, 10 years later. Prominent news media outlets would have widely reported this case if it were true. Rather, the YouTube channel that first posted the story fabricated the entire tale as one of dozens of fake videos that depicted fabricated stories about strange disappearances. This type of content is known as AI slop, meaning low-quality clickbait created using generative artificial-intelligence tools such as ChatGPT or Midjourney. Some users who shared these types of videos on Facebook aimed to earn advertising revenue on websites linked from the aforementioned Facebook posts. As we'll lay out in this article, the story about a missing Amish family amounted to fiction, and as a result we've rated the claim false. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An examination of the YouTube page's stories found multiple indications of artificial intelligence-generated images and text. For example, regarding the picture included in the posts, the Sightengine AI-detection website found a 98% probability that someone "likely" generated the image seen in the video with AI. (Sightengine) The AI text detectors GPTZero and Quillbot also found a high probability that the text of the story that appeared in the article was the product of AI software. The video presenting the rumor included a disclaimer in the description that it featured "altered or synthetic content" and had "sound or visuals" that were "significantly edited or digitally generated." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Further, Amish people typically do not pose for photographs. According to a feature about Amish photography on PBS, "the Amish believe any physical representation of themselves (whether a photograph, a painting, or film) promotes individualism and vanity, taking away from the values of community and humility by which they govern their lives." Finally, it is highly unlikely that a bright yellow "police" vest in the background of the famously photo-averse Amish community would go unnoticed for so many years, particularly if it were linked to missing people. Snopes has reported on other AI-fabricated stories, such as one about a doctor creating dimension-crossing glasses that drove his daughter insane and another about tech billionaire Elon Musk reuniting a mother and daughter and then buying them a house. Sources: The Amish and Photography | American Experience | PBS. https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/amish-photgraphy/. Accessed 30 June 2025. (NewsNation) The White House has posted a mythbuster fact sheet defending its proposed Medicaid changes in President Donald Trumps big beautiful bill but is it accurate? The nearly 1,000-page megabill outlines the removal of at least 1.4 million immigrants who are in the United States unlawfully from Medicaid, the administration said. According to the White House, doing so would strengthen Medicaid for the American citizens for whom the program was designed pregnant women, children, people with disabilities, low-income seniors, and other vulnerable low-income families. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats not entirely true. Can illegal immigrants join Medicaid? No, immigrants who have entered and remained in the U.S. illegally are not eligible for Medicaid. Although they might benefit from some of its services including emergency care they arent eligible for federally funded Medicaid coverage. The Congressional Budget Office and research organizations such as the Kaiser Family Foundation and Georgetown Universitys McCourt School of Public Policy corroborate these restrictions. Trump-Musk feud reignites over the big, beautiful bill The White Houses 1.4 million estimate appears to refer to those with questionable immigration status who will lose coverage due to reductions in state health care programs currently providing them with assistance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These programs are funded by the states, not through federal Medicaid dollars. Emergency care available for undocumented patients Some emergency services provided by hospitals are available to people lacking a Medicaid-eligible immigration status. Services include those requiring immediate attention to prevent death, serious harm or disability, although states have some discretion to determine reimbursable services, according to the KFF. 5 takeaways as Senate ships Trumps megabill to House The foundation estimated emergency care for undocumented patients accounted for less than 1% of Medicaid spending from 2017 to 2023. What does big, beautiful bill plan for Medicaid? Trump and most congressional Republicans claim the reductions arent true cuts, arguing that no one who should be on Medicaid will lose benefits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were cutting $1.7 trillion in this bill, and youre not going to feel any of it, Trump said at the White House last week. 5 takeaways as Senate ships Trumps megabill to House But experts and health advocates say a recent CBO analysis confirms that despite Trumps repeated pledges to only cut waste, fraud and abuse in Medicaid, the legislation would enact an unprecedented reduction in the program currently used by more than 70 million low-income Americans. This bill isnt being crafted to improve health care in America, or to improve the Medicaid program, or to improve the [ACA]. The purpose of these cuts in the bill is to try to find savings to pay for tax cuts, said Andrea Ducas, vice president of health policy at the Democratic-aligned Center for American Progress. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NewsNation partner The Hill contributed to this report. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation. By Andy Sullivan WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The Republican-controlled Congress could soon give final approval to a sweeping tax and spending bill that incorporates many of President Donald Trump's top domestic priorities. Here is a summary of the major elements of the legislation, which Trump hopes to sign into law by the July 4 Independence Day holiday: TAXES * Makes permanent the lower individual and business taxrates in Trump's 2017 tax cut package that are due to expire atthe end of the year * Creates new tax breaks until 2029 for tipped income,overtime pay, people over 65 and interest on domestic auto loans * Expands a tax break for state and local tax (SALT)payments from $10,000 to $40,000 until 2029 * Expands and makes permanent business tax breaks forequipment purchases, research and development costs and interestexpenses * Total tax revenue would be $4.5 trillion less over 10years, according to the Congressional Budget Office Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement HEALTHCARE * Establishes a work requirement for adult participants inthe Medicaid health plan for the poor * Excludes many non-citizens from Medicaid * Prohibits Medicaid funding for transgender transitionservices and organizations like Planned Parenthood that provideabortion services * Restricts "provider taxes" that some states use to boostfederal Medicaid payments * Includes $50 billion for rural hospitals to offset theimpact of the provider-tax clampdown * Changes would leave nearly 12 million more people withoutinsurance coverage, according to the CBO ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT * Eliminates incentives for electric vehicles, residentialsolar and battery systems, heat pumps, energy-efficientappliances and home efficiency upgrades * Expands oil and gas drilling in the Gulf of Mexico, Alaskaand other federal lands * Ends incentives for clean electricity and green energyproduction * Cuts funding for environmental enforcement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement IMMIGRATION * Funds border wall construction * Increases staffing for immigration enforcement, bordercontrol, immigration courts * Increases detention capacity for immigration enforcement * Imposes fees of up to $5,000 for immigrant work permits,court hearings and other matters * Imposes a 1% tax on funds sent by immigrants to their homecountries STUDENT AID * Tightens student loan repayment programs * Scales back some student loan programs * Limits the government's ability to cancel student debt FOOD ASSISTANCE * Increases work requirements for some of the 41 millionparticipants in the SNAP food aid program * Shifts some costs from federal government to states * Bars some non-citizens from benefits * Reduces costs by $186 billion Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DEBT * The bill would increase the $36.2 trillion U.S. governmentdebt by $3.4 trillion, according to the CBO * Includes a debt-ceiling increase of $5 trillion OTHER PROVISIONS * Eliminates taxes on firearms silencers * Gives the government the power to strip tax-exempt statusfrom "terrorist supporting" organizations * Does not prohibit states from regulating artificialintelligence, as an earlier version of the bill did * Allows courts to require plaintiffs to post a bond whenthey sue to block government policies * Expands tax break for Native American whale hunters (Reporting by Andy SullivanEditing by Frances Kerry) The Kyiv Independents Chris York sat down with Michael McFaul, an academic and former U.S. ambassador to Russia (20122014), to discuss the state of the Ukraine-Russia peace process following U.S. President Donald Trumps failed effort, the threat of U.S. disengagement, and a congressional bill introducing new sanctions against Russia and its trading partners supporting its war machine. Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. ADDIS ABABA, July 2 (Xinhua) -- The Ethiopian House of Peoples' Representatives, the lower chamber of the parliament, has approved a law to allow foreigners to own properties in Ethiopia. Under the previous laws in Ethiopia, foreign nationals were not allowed to own houses in Ethiopia. The new law approved Tuesday contains many detailed provisions, one of which is that individuals who are not Ethiopian citizens must allocate at least 150,000 U.S. dollars to own residential properties in Ethiopia. It is expected that the new policy would help increase investment flows, stimulate the development of the real estate sector, and create a wide range of job opportunities for the East African country. According to the Ethiopian government, various efforts have been made to pass the law, which was enriched through resource-raising discussions, particularly in light of the government's desire to expand investment opportunities. DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) CareFlight responded to a crash in Darke County on Tuesday evening. According to the Darke County Sheriffs Office, the crash occurred around 7:01 p.m. at the intersection of Stingley Road and New Madison-Coletown Road. Deputies were joined by crews from Greenville Township Fire and Rescue, Grenville City Fire and Tri Village Rescue. While the crash remains under investigation, the initial determination is that the driver of a Nissan Altima failed to yield at a stop sign while traveling north on New Madison-Coletown Road. In so doing, the Altima crashed into a Jeep Grand Cherokee that was approaching from westbound Stingley Road. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The driver of the Altima was transported to an area hospital for minor injuries, while the passenger was transported to a hospital by CareFlight. The condition of the passenger is unknown. The occupants of the Jeep were uninjured. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Rev. Jason Cook, a minister at Tapestry, a Unitarian Universalist congregation, wore his traditional white collar and a colorful stole resembling stained glass when he arrived at immigration court in Santa Ana last Friday. For several weeks, Cook and clergy members from a cross section of religions have been showing up at courtrooms in Orange County, Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego to stand with immigrants during their deportation hearings. The practice was launched after faith leaders learned that many immigrants seeking asylum were being whisked away by federal agents after what had been billed as routine court appearances, and locked up in remote detention facilities without a chance to prepare or say goodbye to family. They have sought to use their presence to comfort migrants and lend a sense of moral authority to the proceedings. They have also taken to the courtroom benches to bear witness with silent prayer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Friday, clergy members roamed the courthouse halls in search of Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. If plainclothes agents sat outside a courtroom, it was a good indication that the migrants inside had been targeted for expedited removal once their cases were heard. Clergy members hand out informational fliers to immigrants arriving for deportation hearings at a Santa Ana courthouse. (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times) Cook knows the presence of clergy won't necessarily change the outcome of the legal proceedings though in at least one instance last month, ICE agents scattered when clergy showed up at a courthouse in San Diego. If nothing else, they hope to offer spiritual comfort, so the immigrants know theyre not forgotten. Theres a big piece of [our faith] that's about welcoming the stranger, about treating immigrants with compassion and care, Cook said. Were there trying to appeal to a higher authority than ICE. Many of the immigrants being detained at immigration court are asylum seekers who came into the country using the CBP One mobile app that the Biden administration had employed since early 2023 to create a more orderly process of applying for asylum. Migrants could use the app once they reached Mexican soil to schedule appointments with U.S. authorities at legal ports of entry to present their bids for asylum and provide biographical information for screening. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Trump shut down the CBP One app hours after taking office in January. His administration has given ICE officials the power to quickly deport tens of thousands of immigrants who were granted legal entry to the U.S. for up to two years through the CBP One program, and is waging legal battles to roll back protections for hundreds of thousands of migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela who were granted temporary parole while seeking asylum. Faith leaders say the work is an extension of their services for immigrants, who often attend their churches in sizable numbers. In the past, some places of worship have opened up their doors to shelter undocumented immigrants at risk of being deported. In L.A., faith leaders have organized food drives for immigrants afraid to leave their homes, as well as vigils and peaceful marches at the downtown Los Angeles federal building. In Los Angeles and Orange counties, the nonprofit Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice has mobilized clergy and provided trainings for court visits. In the Inland Empire, clergy members have gone into grape fields to hand out "Know Your Rights" cards. "Throughout history, across the world, clergy and faith leaders and spiritual leaders have played a really catalytic role in bending the arc toward moral justice, said Joseph Tomas Mckellar, executive director of PICO California, the largest faith-based community organizing network in the state. When they do it right, they leave space for others to walk the walk, as well. Rev. Dr. Terry LePage informs a visitor with an appointment about the presence of ICE agents and of their legal rights at the Santa Ana Immigration Court in Santa Ana, CA on Friday. Rev. Page says she has attended immigration hearings nearly daily. (Myung J. Chun/Los Angeles Times) On June 11, the Catholic Diocese of San Diego reached out to area clergy to ask for help in expanding efforts to accompany migrants to their hearings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Father Scott Santarosa, of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, said the letter garnered so much interest, they had to limit the number of clergy who could attend. That Friday, which also coincided with World Refugee Day, they held a Mass before arriving at immigration court. We weren't planning to block or get in the way or do anything to disrupt. We just planned to be present and observe and say with our presence to migrants and refugees, Hey, youre not alone,' he said. One Venezuelan asylum seeker, who asked not to be identified for fear of retribution if she is deported back to her home country, had a hearing scheduled in L.A. County in early June with her children. She arrived in the U.S. in December after entering through the CBP One app. The June hearing would be her first. She knew she was at risk of deportation and wondered whether to attend her hearing. She shared her fears with an area pastor, who offered to go with her. On the morning of her hearing, she arrived at court accompanied by three pastors and a translator. She felt protected, she said, when the judge granted a future court hearing and she was allowed to leave. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Everything went well, she said. I feel as if it was because of the Christian support that I had at that moment. Cook, the Unitarian Universalist minister in Orange County, said he attends court at least twice a week. Initially, ICE agents seemed averse to confronting religious leaders, and in some cases, left the courthouse when clergy members arrived. But over time, Cook said, the agents have gotten more confrontational, telling clergy they must stay 10 feet away from agents. He said he watched one ICE agent push a clergy member against the wall after she tried to escort an immigrant out of court. Members of the Orange County Catholic Worker community offer a silent prayer of consolation and justice for migrants who will appear in immigration court that day. (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times) They have carried on, he said, because the work feels important and aligned with their mission of faith. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What we are is conscience on display for these folks, and if that triggers shame or reflection, thats a good thing, Cook said outside a courtroom, not far from ICE agents. Dave Gibbons, founder of the Newsong Church in Santa Ana, said he took a break from court visits after a Central American couple he was escorting got pulled away and detained in front of their child. He broke down in tears recounting the episode for his congregation. But he was determined to return. We believe its at the heart of the gospel, Gibbons said. Theres nothing more sacred than standing alongside those being marginalized. Rev. Terry LePage, a community minister in Orange County, has attended immigration hearings nearly daily. She spent Friday morning handing out fliers that notified migrants headed to hearings of their rights and warning that ICE agents were present. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That morning, clergy members encountered a Haitian man who had been granted temporary protected status during the Biden administration. He arrived for his asylum hearing without an attorney. He wore a crisp white shirt and carried his documents in a black case. Clergy leaders urged him to contact his family and let them know that he might be detained. But the man, who spoke Spanish, was sure he would be allowed to return home. Inside the courtroom, a Department of Homeland Security attorney argued that the mans case should be dismissed, a request the judge granted despite the migrant's pleas. Seated in the audience, Thomas Crisp, an Orange County chaplain, watched in dismay and offered a few last words of comfort: May God bless you. The Haitian man made it two steps out of the courtroom before he was swarmed by federal agents and ushered down an emergency exit stairwell. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This article is part of The Times equity reporting initiative , funded by the James Irvine Foundation , exploring the challenges facing low-income workers and the efforts being made to address Californias economic divide. 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. FALL RIVER, Mass. (WPRI) The Roman Catholic Diocese of Fall River revealed on Tuesday that Father Jay Mello, a priest accused of sexual misconduct, wont be returning to St. Michael and St. Joseph parishes. According to the Diocese, none of the allegations involved minors. The Diocese said a board composed of nonordained members of the church evaluated the evidence and made recommendations to Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha. The Bishop then reviewed the evidence and recommendations himself. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bishop da Cunha has determined that some, though not all, of the allegations were credible, including credible allegations that Father Mello abused his position of power as a priest and engaged in sexual misconduct with two parishioners he was counseling, the Diocese said in a statement. As a result, Mello is currently prohibited from practicing public ministry. BACKGROUND: Diocese gives update on Fall River priest on leave The Diocese said it is offering supportive services to victims of clergy abuse and the parishes affected by this case. Attorney Mitchell Garabedian said he represents one of the people who came forward with allegations against Mello. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Garabedian said his client was sexually abused by Mello in 2011 when they were 28 years old. The claimant did not consent to having sex with Fr. Mello, Garabedian said in a press release. He also noted that his client directly informed Bishop Coleman of the sexual abuse back in 2012. Clergy sexual abuse of either minors or adults is criminal and reprehensible, Garabedian added. The evidence in this matter further indicates that the Catholic Church is incapable of supervising itself with regard to the protection of children of adults. Garabedian urged victims to report sexual abuse to the police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 12 News asked the Diocese where Mello will be going; however, they did not comment on his future role. The Diocese also did not comment on whether the abuse was reported in 2012. RELATED: Pope Leo XIV affirms celibacy for priests, demands firm action on sex abuse Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the new 12+ smart TV app. Follow us on social media: Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com. Cameron, Tx (FOX 44) The Tunnel to Towers Foundation has announced it is fully paying the mortgage on the home of fallen Cameron Police Sgt Joshua Clouse. Our biggest financial burden has been our home, and having Tunnel to Towers remove that burden is an incredible blessing, said Sgt. Clouses wife, Stephanie Clouse. Knowing that I can focus on my children without the weight of that worry is beyond words. I am so grateful for this organization. Sgt. Clouse was killed in the line of duty May 11, 2023 while attempting to reach a barricaded suspect on East 7th Street in Cameron. Albert Rafael Acosta was wanted in a domestic violence case, accused of shooting his spouse. Other officers returned fire as Clouse fell wounded. Clouse was taken to a hospital and later died. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Josh went in on his day off to helphe decided to be the first person in the door, holding the shield. He told the other officers, Im going in first so no one else gets hurt. As soon as they entered the house, the suspect opened fire, said Stephanie. A Milam County grand jury No Billed Captain John Vargas from the Milam Co. Sheriffs Office, Officer Stephen Wall from Rockdale Police, and Det. Justin Anastasiades and Lt. Antony Maskunas from Cameron Police, ruling that they were justified in using deadly force in the shooting of Acosta. Sgt. Clouses service started immediately after high school, when he enlisted in the military in 2001. His goal was to make a career of his military service, but he suffered a back injury and was honorably discharged in 2005. He graduated from the police academy and began his career with the Milam County Sheriffs Department in 2007, before joining the Cameron Police Department. He started working at the police department because he wanted to help others and make a difference in our town, said Stephanie Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sergeant Clouse spent his life trying to make the world around him safer for all of us, first as a soldier and then as a first responder. Tunnel to Towers honors his memory and service to country and community by ensuring Stephanie and her boys can stay in the home they shared forever, said Tunnel to Towers Chairman and CEO Frank Siller. Sgt. Clouse and his family. As part of its mission to honor the sacrifices of first responders who give their lives in the line of duty, Tunnel to Towers is ensuring that 25 families nationwide will have a place to call home free from the financial burden of a mortgage this Independence Day. Born from the tragedy of 9/11, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation carries out its mission to do good by providing mortgage-free homes to Gold Star and fallen first responder families with young children and building specially adapted smart homes for catastrophically injured veterans and first responders. Tunnel to Towers is also committed to eradicating veteran homelessness and helping America to Never Forget September 11, 2001. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Jul. 1Every American flag on the interstate from Spokane to Coeur d'Alene was lowered to half-staff, waving in the wind, as a formal procession for two Idaho firefighters killed in the line of duty passed by Tuesday. Around 300 first responders from agencies across the region, their families and community members lined the streets to honor Kootenai County Fire and Rescue Battalion Chief Frank Harwood and Coeur d'Alene Fire Department Battalion Chief John Morrison, who were shot and killed Sunday while responding to a wild fire near Coeur d'Alene. The fallen firefighters and their loved ones were headed to Coeur d'Alene's English Funeral Chapel from the Spokane County Medical Examiner's Office. "It's unbelievable ... to see this level of support is overwhelming," Spokane Valley Battalion Chief John Leavell said, his voice breaking. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Members of Kootenai County Fire and Rescue and the Coeur d'Alene Fire Department appeared to have their own private opportunities to bid farewell to the fallen battalion chiefs from their ranks, with dozens of members filing into the back of the medical examiner's office and exiting around 10 minutes later. Somber music played by a man with bagpipes echoed around the medical examiner's building. Those present shook hands, embraced and consoled one another. "Something like what happened the other day, there is no level of training to prepare for that," Leavell said. "It gives everybody some pause. It could've been any one of us." After an hour and a half of filing down the interstate, with hundreds of people paying their respects on the overpasses, the ambulance carrying one of the slain firemen pulled in and parked at the funeral home. The driver covered his eyes and dropped his head. As seven first responders removed one coffin draped in an American flag from a Kootenai County ambulance, the sound of bagpipes again filled the air. Another coffin was removed from a hearse and wheeled into the funeral home, as people, presumably the firefighters' families, stood beside and watched. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement First responders saluted the dead as they stayed quiet, tears rolling down their cheeks. Citizens wearing Kootenai County Fire and Rescue shirts covered their mouths as they sobbed, and firefighters hugged each other without words. Silence filled the air as people stood by waiting to find their loved ones and friends in the crowd again after the procession. It remained quiet outside, besides the sound of passing cars. "I love you, dude," one firefighter said to another. A different firefighter approached his friend and asked if he was OK. The two nodded in silence as one wiped tears from his face. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Spokane resident Jill Delaney said it was important to her to show her support to the victims' families and the region's first responders, which is why she brought her flag off her front porch to wave across the street from the Spokane County Medical Examiner's Office. She expected a large turnout because the Inland Northwest is such a tight-knit community. "Spokane to Coeur d'Alene, we're all in this together, and we're all mourning," Delaney said. "I wanted whoever was showing up today to know that we were in this together and we support them. This was my part, and I know people will take it over on I-90, and Coeur d'Alene will have it on their end." While dozens of fire trucks, police vehicles and ambulances took to the partially blocked-off interstate, those on the overpasses held American flags. Others held their loved ones. Amanda Knutson, who stood on the Argonne Road overpass, said her husband works for law enforcement in Spokane County. She hoisted her 4-year-old son Ollie onto her shoulders to watch the emergency vehicles pass. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "He had to be here," Knutson said of Ollie. "He's been making his own processions with his Hot Wheels cars." Sylvia Passe joined friend Carol Snyder, both of Spokane Valley, to show support for the fallen firefighters. She joined the crew of first responders and civilians on the Argonne Road overpass. "We just wanted to show our respect. It just makes me want to cry," said Passe, who is a U.S. Marine veteran and volunteer for the University SCOPE office. "I wish we weren't here, but I wouldn't want to be anywhere else." Jeremy Snider was at a job site on Tuesday when he learned the procession was coming through. He brought his 9-year-old son Nolan to watch. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Sniders live at the base of Canfield Mountain near where the fire and shooting took place in Coeur d'Alene. "We were at the lake on the boat. We ran home to get some stuff. That's when everything started to go down," Snider said. "I got home just before they shut the streets down. It's a super scary deal." The father and son joined the crowd at Nolan's request. "I came to see what it was all about," Nolan said, "and to support the firefighters and policemen." Snider said it was important to have his son witness the event. "We came to support law enforcement and shed a few tears," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jerry McCoury, 69, works for Fire District 10 support services. He joined his fellow firefighters, who all wore black bands over their badges and saluted on Tuesday as the hearses rolled underneath on I-90 headed east. "We are out there trying to do something for people who need help," McCoury said. "You don't expect this to happen. Now, you are always looking over your shoulder." At the overpass on Thor Street, over 100 people lined the west sidewalk, some holding small and large American flags. A Spokane Fire Department ladder truck that was parked on the curb extended its ladder toward the blue sky and hung an enormous American flag at the top of the ladder. Firefighters dressed in navy blue shirts and pants stood on top of the truck and saluted as the procession went by. Almost continuous supportive honks from drivers passing by on the interstate below and rang out on Thor Street before the procession passed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Devony Audet and her 12-year-old daughter Anastasia were among the supporters on the overpass. Audet called the fatal shooting on Canfield Mountain devastating. "These men served our communities sacrificially," Audet said. "And any tragedy is awful, but when it's people who served so selflessly, it's just, really, like an extra layer of devastation." Audet, of Spokane, said it was great to see the turnout, especially in a polarized era. She said it's important for communities to come together in good and bad times. "It's great to see that we still have so much in common," she said. "I think often times we focus on what divides us, but if we spent more time realizing there's so much more that unites us, I think it'd really benefit society." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shelley Storey Desmet was holding a big American flag she pulled off her Spokane home. She said the horn honking gave her "goose bumps." "It's horrendous," she said of the shooting. "It is so sad." Besides honoring Morrison and Harwood, she said she hoped the support from residents showed firefighters are loved more than they understand. "We're with you," she said. Sheena Bryant stuck a small American flag in the chain-link fence on the overpass. She lives in Spokane but was born and raised in Coeur d'Alene. She said she was furious about the tragic events on Canfield Mountain and wanted to show her 8-year-old son, Jamison Bryant, donned in red, white and blue shorts and a red shirt, the significance of supporting first responders. She said she wasn't sure what was going to make her cry more the supporters on the overpass or watching the fallen firefighters "go home." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's a good community," Bryant said of Coeur d'Alene. "And we need to stick together." Kootenai County Fire and Rescue Chief Chris Way and Coeur d'Alene Fire Department Chief Tom Greif thanked the community for its support in a news release Tuesday. "As Fire Chiefs you never fully understand, appreciate or can define community support until you see it," the fire chiefs wrote in the release. "Today we saw and understood community support! The process of laying our fallen heroes to rest took another step forward today with the formal processional from the Medical Examiner's office in Spokane back to Coeur d'Alene. This important tradition allowed the families and our firefighters to remember and honor the incredible husbands, fathers, men and leaders that they were." The chiefs said not one overpass, exit, street or parking lot was empty during the 40-mile procession. "Our incredible communities showed their respect with signs, flags, waves and cheers," they said. "To say we felt the love would be an understatement! Please know this and all of the other incredible displays of the affection you have for YOUR first responders is second to none and it does not go unnoticed." For a group of women waiting for the slain firefighters to arrive at the English Funeral Chapel & Crematory, their presence was about hope and prayer. In some ways, they said, God will work to help heal the community, but the hurt won't go away. "We are praying for firefighters, for law enforcement, for their brothers and sisters. We know God works to the good in all things, and he will work to the good in this. We are praying he will bring revival to the community," said Patty Breuchaud, who has lived in Coeur d'Alene for 50 years. When a tragedy happens in North Idaho, people tend to focus on the area's past incidents of hate, the women said , but not their pain. "We are not like they have us portrayed. We are not them. Just like every community, we have bad people," said Renee Coffeen, who was also awaiting the firefighters' arrival. "We are bigger, and the community's voice is bigger than that right now." The women shed a few tears as they gestured to the firetruck parked at the funeral home. "They are heroes," Coffeen said. "This will never leave us." People and emergency vehicles line the Argonne Road bridge over Interstate 90 on Tuesday as the procession approaches carrying the bodies of two firefighters killed Sunday in Coeur d'Alene. Criminal charges are pending against a Niagara Falls man in connection with the murder of another man late Monday night. Arthur Hicks, 53, was taken into custody around 12:30 p.m. Tuesday after Criminal Investigation Division (CID) detectives located him in the 1000 block of North Avenue. The man was found inside a tent in a wooded area near Amtrak railroad tracks. He was reportedly taken into custody without incident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Law enforcement sources said he was charged with second-degree murder and arraigned Wednesday in Niagara Falls City Court. Detectives had been searching for the suspect since the discovery of the body of a man in the area of Main Street and Michigan Avenue at around 11:45 p.m. Monday. Police located the unresponsive man in front of the Rapids Theatre building. Officers said the victim was unresponsive and appeared to have been severely beaten. Niagara Falls firefighters and EMTs were rushed to the scene and attempted to treat the victims wounds but he was later pronounced dead at the scene. Police have not released the victims name. CID detectives said their investigation of the homicide is continuing and asked that anyone with information regarding the incident contact them at 716-286-4553. Televangelist and preacher, Jimmy Swaggart died at 90 after suffering a cardiac arrest weeks prior. The family announced Swaggarts death on Tuesday, July 1. Our hearts are heavy as we share that Brother Swaggart has finished his earthly race and entered into the presence of His Savior, Jesus Christ, Swaggarts family posted on Facebook. Today was the day he has sung about for decades. He met his beloved Savior and entered the portals of glory. At the same time, we rejoice knowing that we will see him again one day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weeks before his death, Swaggart suffered a cardiac arrest at his Louisiana home on June 15, which led to his hospitalization within the state, according to USA Today. The family wrote on June 17 via Facebook that Swaggarts condition had not changed and that we continue to trust the Lord and give Him time to work, knowing that His ways are perfect. The televangelist built a religious organization that went from a small local church to a global media empire, WWL reported. Swaggart launched The Campmeeting Hour in 1969, which aired on over 700 U.S. stations, according to USA Today. He then created The Jimmy Swaggart Telecast in 1973, which reached more than 100 countries each week and was translated into more than a dozen languages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Swaggart was involved in a series of prostitution scandals, which led to his suspension and defrocking during the 1980s, USA Today reported. In 1988, he delivered his infamous I have sinned speech on live television. Yes, we had a rather large bump in the road, Swaggart Ministries spokesperson Megan Kelly told WWL. But he has come back and the comeback story has been far greater than anything else. The lives saved. The lives that have been touched through his ministry are endless. Kelly added that Swaggarts health had been declining for several years. The latest from MassLive Read the original article on MassLive. NEED TO KNOW Family members Shaun and Zabar McKellar, their 15-year-old son Kason and grandfather Billy McKellar, 79, died in the June 28 car crash in Terrell, Texas, according to reports Evan McKellar is the only family member to reportedly have survived the incident and is in critical condition in hospital Alexis Osmani Gonzalez-Companioni, 27, was charged with five counts of manslaughter in relation to the crash Four members of the same Fort Worth family have been revealed as among the victims of a recent multi-vehicle crash in Texas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shaun and Zabar McKellar died along with their 15-year-old son Kason and grandfather Billy McKellar, 79, when a semi-truck crashed into several vehicles on Interstate 20 in Terrell on Saturday, June 28, NBC News and CBS News reported, citing the Texas Department of Public Safety. Evan McKellar, 20, was the only family member to survive the crash. She had been riding with her family in a Ford F-150 truck at the time and was sent to the ICU at Parkland Hospital with critical injuries, according to the outlets. The fifth victim who died in the crash has been identified as the driver of another vehicle, 49-year-old Nicole Gregory from Dallas, per NBC News. She died at the scene. The crash happened after a semi-truck hit two 18-wheelers and three passenger vehicles, causing a mass casualty event, CBS reported at the time of the incident, citing the Terrell Volunteer Fire Department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alexis Osmani Gonzalez-Companioni, 27, allegedly told police that he fell asleep at the wheel before crashing into the back of a pickup truck carrying five people at around 2:40 p.m. local time, KLTV, CBS News Texas and the Fort Worth Star-Telegram previously reported. Gonzalez-Companioni was charged with five counts of manslaughter and an additional count of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon related to the crash, PEOPLE confirmed. He is currently in custody at the Kaufman County Jail. The McKellar family were coming back from a trip in East Texas at the time of the crash, the familys attorney John Nohinek, of Witherite Law Group, told NBC News at the time. Our focus as attorneys turns toward trying to locate the source, from a legal standpoint, of the wreck, he told the outlet. While the family grieves, we work to make sure that we get this information as soon as possible. Its very important information to get an idea of what was happening inside that vehicle at the time. Kaufman County Jail Suspect Alexis Osmani Gonzalez-Companioni Suspect Alexis Osmani Gonzalez-Companioni Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. The loss of the McKellars has been described as heartbreaking by loved ones. We lost a beautiful family in a tragic motor vehicle accident in Terrell, Texas, Kirbie Nichols wrote on a GoFundMe page supporting the family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This unimaginable tragedy has deeply touched the hearts of many, and we are incredibly grateful for the overwhelming love, prayers, and support shown during this time. So many have reached out asking how they can help or give back to the family in this moment of sorrow, the page read. According to CBS News, Kason was a student at North Crowley High School, while Evan McKellar is a college student. PEOPLE has contacted Texas Department of Public Safety for comment. Read the original article on People A federal judge in Texas has ruled that the family of the man charged in the deadly Molotov cocktail attack in Boulder, Colorado, can be deported, dismissing a challenge to their removal filed last month. Hayam El Gamal, the wife of Mohamed Sabry Soliman, was apprehended following the attack and was initially slated for expedited deportation. Chet Strange/Getty Images - PHOTO: Police cordon off Pearl Street following an attack on the Pearl Street Mall, June 1, 2025, in Boulder, Colo. The deportation case involving Soliman's wife and five children was transferred to Texas. Last month, a judge issued a temporary order halting the familys deportation, which remained in place until now. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dismissing the family's legal challenge, U.S. District Judge Orlando Garcia wrote, Upon review of the parties advisories, the record, and the applicable law, the Court finds that it lacks jurisdiction to grant Petitioners the relief they seek and must dismiss this case without prejudice. Soliman has been hit with several state charges, including first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder and assault. A preliminary hearing in the state case is set for July 15. Soliman, who is being held in federal custody, has pleaded not guilty to federal hate crime charges. Boulder Police Department - PHOTO: Booking photo of Mohamed Soliman. Authorities said Soliman threw Molotov cocktails at a group of marchers who were advocating for the release of the Israeli hostages outside the Boulder courthouse on June 1, yelling "Free Palestine" during the attack. Earlier this week, authorities said 82-year-old woman hurt in the attack had died. Some family members of the Idaho college students killed in a brutal 2022 stabbing are slamming a plea deal that prosecutors made with Bryan Kohberger, the suspect charged in the case. Idaho has failed. They failed me. They failed my whole family, Steve Goncalves, the father of one of the victims, Kaylee Goncalves, said in a Tuesday interview on NBCs Today show. In a letter sent to victims relatives, prosecutors announced that Kohberger intended to plead guilty to four counts of first-degree murder for the killings of Kaylee Goncalves, Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle and Madison Mogen, four Idaho college students who were stabbed to death at an off-campus house. As a result of the plea, Kohberger is set to face a life sentence without parole and avoid the death penalty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Members of the Goncalves family have emphasized that theyd like to keep the death penalty on the table, and members of the Kernodle family want Kohberger to face a jury trial, which was previously set to begin in August. Meanwhile, relatives of both Mogen and Chapin have said they support the agreement that prosecutors reached. If you get that quick death sentence, you dont have to spend decades thinking about how terrible you made the world, Ben Mogen, Madison Mogens father, told CBS News. The opposition certain family members have expressed to the recent developments underscores the role prosecutors have in reaching these types of agreements. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Victims may have the opportunity to be heard on an issue, but ultimately, it is the state, it is the prosecutors who make this final decision, and it is very common for victims and their families to be very upset with the decision that the prosecutors make, NBC News legal analyst Danny Cevallos said on Today. Prosecutors have said they consulted available family members before they offered the plea agreement, though both Goncalves and Kernodles relatives say that they previously expressed their opposition. We DID talk to the prosecution on Friday about the POSSIBILITY of a plea deal and it was a HARD NO from our family, the Goncalves family posted on Facebook. Kim Kernodle, Xana Kernodles aunt, similarly told TMZ that her family told prosecutors they werent interested. Kohbergers family issued a statement on Tuesday requesting privacy, respect and responsible judgment from members of the media during this time. We will continue to allow the legal process to unfold with respect to all parties, they said. Kim Kernodle has urged the judge to delay a decision on the plea deal, which is expected to be made during a hearing scheduled for Wednesday. KABUL, July 2 (Xinhua) -- Police have arrested 21 alleged criminals over the past 24 hours across Afghanistan, the country's Ministry of Interior Affairs said on Wednesday. "All the arrested 21 criminals involved in theft, murder, and gambling were arrested from Herat, Balkh, Nuristan, Paktika and Khost provinces," the ministry said in a statement posted on its X account. Police have also discovered nine pieces of assault rifles and two pieces of anti-vehicle mines from the northern Sari Pul and eastern Paktia provinces, respectively, the statement added. A sheep farmers ex-wife has lost a Supreme Court fight over 80 million he gave her to avoid potentially paying inheritance tax. In 2017, Clive Standish, a 70-year-old farmer and former chief financial officer of UBS, transferred assets to his wife, Anna, with a plan to place the money in an offshore trust for the benefit of their two children. But when she began divorce proceedings after 15 years of marriage in 2020, the assets remained in her name. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The marital assets at the time of the split were 132 million, almost all of which had grown from the 57.3 million fortune that Mr Standish brought into the marriage. In 2023, a High Court judge awarded Mr Standish 87.6 million and Mrs Standish 45 million. Mr Standish appealed against the decision, arguing that most of the money, including the 80 million of assets that he transferred, was earned before the marriage. Last year, the Court of Appeal ruled Mrs Standishs share should be reduced to 25 million, representing her contribution having raised their children and looked after the home. Clive Standish argued that most of the money, including the 80 million of assets that he transferred, was earned before the marriage Mrs Standish, 56, subsequently went to the Supreme Court in a bid to have the ruling overturned and reclaim the 20 million. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Wednesday, five of England and Wales most senior judges upheld the decision, saying that putting the 80 million into her name to avoid tax did not turn it into matrimonial assets. Tax planning schemes to save tax, involving transfers of assets from one spouse to another, are commonplace, said the court in its ruling. The problem for the wife is that there is nothing to show that, over time, the parties were treating the 2017 assets as shared between them. Rather, the transfer was in pursuance of a scheme to negate inheritance tax and it was for the benefit exclusively of the children. The parties intention was that the 80 million should not be retained by the wife. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Standish retired in 2007, living off the profits of a 28 million sheep farm in Australia. Meanwhile, the couple enjoyed life at Moundsmere Manor, an 18-bedroom mansion set in 83 acres near the Hampshire village of Preston Candover, on the site of an original manor once owned by Henry VIII. Clive and Anna Standish lived in this 18-bedroom mansion in Hampshire - Savills Tim Bishop KC, for the husband, had said during the Court of Appeal hearing that in June 2004 the husband was worth 57.3 million, while the wife has no significant pre-marital wealth. Mr Standish moved to Australia in 1976 before moving back to England with his family in 2010. This situation left him open to a potentially huge inheritance-tax hit when prospective changes were announced in 2016. These affected anyone with a British domicile of origin returning to the UK from a country they had made their new permanent home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the face of this, he commenced a process to shield his property from [inheritance tax] by transferring his assets to the wife to hold for a period and for the wife then to settle the transferred assets into a trust. The husband made the transfers in March 2017, but the wife failed to transfer the assets into trust by the time the marriage ran into problems in 2019 and then broke down finally in 2020, the barrister said. Richard Todd KC, for Mrs Standish, argued that the 80 million was the wifes property and everything else apart from the sheep farm ought to be equally split, leaving each of the former spouses with 56.3 million. Not shared on an equal basis But delivering the Supreme Court ruling, Lord Burrows and Lord Stephens agreed with the Appeal Court and dismissed the appeal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There was no matrimonialisation of the 2017 assets because, first, the transfer was to save tax and, secondly, it was for the benefit of the children not the wife, they said. The 2017 assets were not, therefore, being treated by the husband and wife for any period of time as an asset that was shared between them. They added: Transfers of capital assets with the intention of saving tax do not, without some further compelling evidence, establish that the parties are treating the capital asset as shared between them. The 2017 assets comprise, first, the husbands pre-marital assets and, secondly, earnings that the husband made in the years 2004-2007 to which the wife contributed by being the home-maker and child carer during those years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is not in dispute that the latter constitutes matrimonial property. That should be shared on an equal basis. The Court of Appeal assessed the latter, i.e. the matrimonial property, as comprising 25 per cent of the 80 million, so that that 25 per cent was to be shared equally, and the former, i.e. the pre-marital assets/non-matrimonial property, as comprising 75 per cent of the 80 million. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. The farming sector "wasn't listened to" by the Welsh government over bluetongue restrictions in Wales, according to industry bodies. Since Tuesday, all cattle, sheep and goats being transported across the border from England need to test negative for the disease before they can be moved into Wales. The Welsh government said it was trying to prevent the virus from entering Wales. But on Wednesday a Senedd committee heard the policy was "another nail in the coffin". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Spread by midges, bluetongue presents no threat to food safety or human health, but can be fatal for livestock, including sheep and cattle. Following a UK government decision, the whole of England has been designated as a restricted zone since Tuesday. That means animals can be moved within England without restriction. The decision has prompted the Welsh government to impose strict rules on the movement of livestock into Wales from England as it attempts to prevent the virus from crossing the border. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Animals coming into Wales to be slaughtered can still be transported without a pre-movement test. However, their slaughter must take place within 24 hours and "the movement must take place after dawn and be completed before dusk". On Wednesday, the British Meat Processors Association Chief Executive Nick Allen told the Senedd's economy committee the policy would "undoubtedly" raise questions about the viability of some meat processing plants in Wales. At the Monmouthshire livestock market, near Raglan, farmers are worried about what the restrictions will mean [BBC] "It's going to cause problems and it's going to make your plants in Wales less competitive because it's going to be harder to bring animals into Wales," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Allen told the committee the main meat processing plants brought in a third of their animals from outside Wales on average. "Frankly, it's another nail in the coffin," he added. Mr Allen said he had discussed the concerns with the Welsh government "two weeks ago". Asked what response he was given, Mr Allen said "the industry wasn't listened to". Animals being transported to be kept alive, for example for breeding, will have to undergo testing or be vaccinated before they can be brought into Wales. The Association of Independent Meat Suppliers Chairman John Thorley told the committee that ordinarily a lot of stock would be moved around the UK at this time of year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also claimed the "artificial boundary" now in place between Wales and England was "creating trading difficulties not only that will create very little benefit, but which will cause huge difficulty". Related stories FARMINGTON, N.M. (KRQE) A woman in Farmington is facing charges for allegedly running a massage parlor that offered sexual acts for customers, according to the Farmington Police Department. Story continues below Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An arrest warrant for 53-year-old Fu Shuping has been issued, police said. Shuping has been charged with human trafficking, racketeering, kidnapping, extortion, and promoting prostitution. Police said a woman made a report in April 2024, alleging that she traveled to Farmington to accept a legitimate job as a massage therapist. When she arrived at the massage parlor, owned by Shupin, she was reportedly told to perform sexual acts on customers. Investigators determined that Shuping is linked to multiple massage parlors operating in the Farmington area, as well as others throughout New Mexico and across the United States, according to Farmington Police. The investigation remains ongoing, officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. NEED TO KNOW At least one person is dead following a multi-vehicle crash involving a motorcycle and Tesla on a highway in southern California on June 30 Multiple people were also hospitalized following the incident Investigators were at the scene until around noon the next day At least one person is dead following a multi-vehicle collision involving a motorcycle and a Tesla in southern California, according to reports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Monday, June 30 at just after 8 p.m. local time, a motorcycle, red Tesla and possibly two other vehicles were involved in a crash on Interstate 805 near Telegraph Canyon Road in Chula Vista, resulting in at least one fatality, NBC affiliate KNSD, ABC affiliate KGTV and CBS affiliate KFMB reported. A spokesperson for California Highway Patrol (CHP) told KGTV that multiple people were also hospitalized following the deadly crash. CHP and the Chula Vista Police Department did not immediately respond to PEOPLEs requests 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. Following the incident, the damaged Tesla was seen on its side, with the motorcycle close by, KNSD reported. Traffic was impacted for hours following the collision. According to the outlet, a big swath of the highway was blocked off, and three lanes of traffic werent reopened until around noon the next day. Read the original article on People The fate of a landmark trade deal with the European Union, which France is trying to block, loomed over a gathering of South America's Mercosur bloc which began Wednesday in Buenos Aires. Brussels in December struck a deal with Mercosur's founding members -- Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay -- to create a free trade zone of around 700 million consumers. The agreement has been 25 years in the making, but still needs to be ratified by EU member states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It has faced stiff opposition from France, where farmers worry about being undercut by less-regulated Latin American peers. "Today, the ball is in Europe's court," Ariel Gonzalez Levaggi, director of the Center for International Studies at the Pontifical Catholic University of Argentina, told AFP. But "there isn't much willingness on the part of Brussels to move forward, mainly because of the French resistance," he added. While waiting for a breakthrough, Mercosur foreign ministers meeting Wednesday in Buenos Aires announced a free trade agreement with the European Free Trade Association, made up of non-EU members Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement - 'Lowest ebb' - EU and South American backers of the EU-Mercosur deal had hoped US President Donald Trump's tariffs blitz could breathe new life into it. For Florencia Rubiolo, a researcher at Conicet, Argentina's scientific and technical research council, it would also show Argentina's libertarian President Javier Milei that there is value in being part of Mercosur. Milei is gunning for a free trade deal with the United States, and has suggested he could walk away from Mercosur if necessary to clinch an agreement with Washington. The biannual Mercosur leaders' summit, which takes place Thursday, comes at a low point in relations between Brazil and Argentina, South America's biggest and second-biggest economies respectively. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Milei, a huge fan of Trump, has made no secret of his disdain for Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, referring to the veteran leftist in the past as "corrupt" and a "Communist." Lula has accused the Argentine of talking "nonsense." The tensions could be exacerbated if Lula uses his trip to Buenos Aires to visit Argentina's left-wing ex-president Cristina Kirchner, who is serving a six-year sentence for fraud under house arrest. Kirchner has received permission from judicial authorities for Lula to pay her a solidarity visit, in a move likely to anger her arch-nemesis Milei. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We may be experiencing the worst period in relations between Brazil and Argentina, in terms of political convergence," Juliana Peixoto, an expert in international relations at the Latin American Faculty of Social Sciences, told AFP. She said she nonetheless expected Mercosur, which also includes Bolivia, to endure the tensions. "It has a small but stable core of trade and has other related agendas that allow it to survive," she said. lm/cb/jgc/acb MEMPHIS, Tenn. An undocumented fathers arrest was caught on camera after Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents came to his home. The family is now claiming that their Fourth Amendment rights, which protect individuals from unreasonable searches and seizures, were violated. WREG is digging deeper and took the case directly to an immigration attorney, who said this situation raises questions. Patted down and taken away. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Edgar Perez said all he could do was watch as his father, Jerardo Granados, was arrested on Tuesday morning by ICE agents. It just has me so distraught because I not only seen my father get taken away, I saw them ask my 17-year-old brother to translate and tell his own father he is going to get deported, Perez said. Could cost you your freedom: Immigration attorneys warn clients of ICE arrests at Memphis court Perez told WREG that his father has been in the United States for 23 years after leaving Mexico. While he understands why people would argue that, since his father was undocumented, he should be deported, Perez said that his father had done nothing wrong. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I understand that, but the whole point of these deportations happening is because of the rise of crime, Perez said. Somebody who has never committed a crime is now being treated as the same level as a criminal. Like, there should be some separation of process, some due process. The family said the arrest leaves them with questions, claiming that a warrant wasnt produced. Its either they saw him and they identified him as some immigrant because of the color of his skin or theyre using this for G25 for something malicious and not informing the people, Perez said. Andrew Rankin, an immigration attorney, said it is possible ICE agents used a registration form to make the arrest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That could very well may be its the G25R, Rankin said. [The] R standing for registration, that is this idea that most non-citizens need to register their information. However, looking at the video as is, Rankin said he has questions. Lightning strike destroys Arlington home during storm: Photos I didnt see a warrant, Rankin said. If they had one, they should be able to produce it. If they are acting without a warrant, they have to comply with federal law. Rankin told WREG that, according to federal law, to operate without a warrant, two things must happen: ICE agents must have a reason to believe a person is undocumented and prove that same person would likely run before a warrant could be obtained. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This was a calm situation, a calm scene, Rankin said. What was stopping them from bringing out paperwork if they had it? Rankins said, unfortunately, even if the family can get Jerardo Granados released on bail, the reality of their situation is just getting started. He still has to find a way to stay here and if he has tried already and didnt have any success, the family may have to take the long view on this stuff, Rankin said. WREG did ask the family how Granados was able to remain here for over two decades. The answer? A lack of information and proper channels to find a path to citizenship. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. The Federal Bureau of Investigation has selected a new headquarters building in Washington, D.C., after nearly two decades of failed attempts to find a permanent new space, the Bureau announced on Tuesday. The FBI has been headquartered in downtown D.C. at the J. Edgar Hoover building since 1975 but structural problems have plagued the building for the last 20 years, leading to redevelopment and relocation projects that until Thursday had not successfully been resolved. "This is a historic moment for the FBI," FBI Director Kash Patel said in a statement, adding he is "ushering FBI Headquarters into a new era and providing our agents of justice a safer place to work." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Bureau and the U.S. General Services Administration selected the Ronald Reagan Building, blocks away from the Hoover building, as the new location. It was home to the U.S. Agency for International Development until this year, when the Trump administration consolidated USAID into the State Department and allowed Customs and Border Protection to take over the building's lease. "Moving to the Ronald Reagan Building is the most cost effective and resource efficient way to carry out our mission to protect the American people and uphold the Constitution," Patel continued. It is unclear when the FBI will begin its transition out of the Hoover building. In a March speech at the Justice Department, President Trump said his administration is "going to build another big FBI building right where it is, which would have been the right place, because the FBI and the DOJ have to be near each other." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "They were going to build an FBI headquarters three hours away in Maryland, a liberal state," Mr. Trump said, adding that the state's political leadership had "no bearing" on his decision to cancel a previous Biden administration plan to move the headquarters to Maryland. During his first term, Mr. Trump abandoned a plan to move the FBI to one of three locations in Maryland or Virginia, instead proposing a smaller headquarters in Washington to replace the Hoover building. Under the Biden administration in 2023, the GSA chose a site in Greenbelt, Maryland, to serve as the new location for the FBI headquarters. The decision came after a 15-year debate on whether the headquarters should be relocated to Maryland or Virginia. Democratic members of Congress from Maryland blasted the decision to scrap plans for a new Maryland headquarters, saying that Congress "appropriated funds specifically for the purpose of the new, consolidated campus to be built in Maryland." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Simply moving down the street would ignore the real threats the Bureau faces and further jeopardize the safety of those protecting our communities," the Maryland lawmakers said in a joint statement. "That's why we will be fighting back against this proposal with every tool we have." In May, Patel told Congress his goal is to move about 10% of the Bureau's Washington workforce about 1,500 people away from the D.C. area and redeploy them across the country, including a sizable number of personnel at the FBI's facility in Huntsville, Alabama. In an interview with Fox News the same month, Patel called the Hoover building "unsafe for our workforce." Details from inside the courtroom as Sean "Diddy" Combs jury announced verdict Split verdict in Sean "Diddy" Combs' sex trafficking and racketeering trial | Special Report House Republicans scramble to meet Trump's Fourth of July deadline on budget bill NEW YORK The FBI and Department of Homeland Security have said lone wolf attacks pose the biggest threats to July 4 celebrations this year in New York City and San Francisco. Intelligence bulletins sent out ahead of the holiday warn of copycat attacks and homegrown extremists, according to ABC News. We are concerned about the potential threat of copycat attacks inspired by the 2025 New Years Day vehicle-ramming attack in New Orleans and continued messaging (from foreign terrorist organizations, or FTOs) calling for attacks against Western targets, two such bulletins read. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials warn that attackers in New York City and San Francisco could be motivated by a broad-range of grievances, with particular concern over outrage tied to the conflict between Israel and Hamas. Of these actors, U.S.-based violent extremists supporting FTOs and (domestic violent extremists) not linked to FTOs represent two of the most persistent threats, the bulletins say. Lone offenders, in particular, remain a concern due to their ability to often avoid detection until operational and to inflict significant casualties. The agencies specifically cite worries of malicious actors and violent extremists entering July 4 event areas and First Amendment-protected demonstrations with weapons, chemical irritants, bodily fluids or other hazardous materials. Drones could also pose a threat, authorities say. The warning comes weeks after an Egyptian man in Boulder, Colorado used Molotov cocktails to attack a march in support of Israeli hostages, leading to at least one death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A lone shooter killed seven and wounded dozens of others during a 2022 Fourth of July parade in Highland Park, Illinois, while the New Years Day attack in New Orleans claimed the lives of 14 victims. _____ SIOUX FALLS S.D. (KELO) Here are this mornings top stories with KELOLAND On the Go. The Federal Communications Commission Chairman will announce his policy plans during a speech today in Sioux Falls. FCC Chairman unveiling policy agenda in Sioux Falls Wednesday One year behind bars for every year that she was stealing. Thats how a South Dakota circuit judge arrived at a sentence of 13 years in state prison for Lonna Carroll yesterday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From the courtroom: The sentencing of Lonna Carroll Fireworks may already be going off for the Fourth of July, but there are still regulations that people need to know about. In Minnehaha County, fireworks are allowed from June 27 to the first Sunday after July Fourth, but each city has its separate ordinances and regulations. Firework Laws in Sioux Falls, Minnehaha County and SD The forecast today shows dry skies this afternoon, with redeveloping thunderstorm chances in the northwest late this evening and overnight. We expect the hottest temperatures of the week to arrive tomorrow, with many areas near 100 in central and western SD. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hot weather ahead; Thunderstorm chances on the 4th of 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 KELOLAND.com. Ukrainian officials say that despite media reports that the Trump administration is halting the delivery of critical air defense interceptors and other munitions, at least some U.S. arms continue to be provided and they have not been informed that these transfers will no longer be made. The news comes at a particularly critical time, as Russia has stepped up its aerial attacks. Earlier this week, Moscow launched its largest air barrage of the war, firing 477 drones and 60 missiles, according to the Ukrainian Air Force. Overall, major and relatively sudden shortfalls in planned weapons deliveries could have wide-ranging impacts on the battlefield. On Wednesday, a top aide to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that the Patriot interceptors are still being provided. Deliveries are ongoing as of today, Mykhailo Podolyak, advisor to the Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, told the Ukrainian FREEDOM TV news outlet. It would look very strange it would look inhumane to stop supplying interceptor missiles, especially for Patriot systems, which clearly and significantly protect civilians across Ukraine. Arms supplies from the United States to Ukraine continue, advisor to the Head of the Presidential Office Mykhailo Podolyak said on the FREDOM TV channel on Wednesday, adding, however, that "difficult negotiations" are ongoing with American partners. pic.twitter.com/EdM8UrTdPu Hromadske Int. (@Hromadske) July 2, 2025 Kyiv has not been officially informed about the arms cutoff, according to the Ukrainian Defense Ministry (MoD). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine has not received any official notifications about the suspension or revision of the delivery schedules of the agreed defense assistance, so we proceed from the factual data and check the details for each element of the supply, the MoD said in a statement Wednesday morning Eastern time. The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine has requested a telephone conversation with colleagues from the United States to further clarify the details. The results of contacts with our American partners will be further reported at the level of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine. On Tuesday, National Public Radio reported Nick Schifrin said on X that the U.S. halted deliveries of PAC-3 MSE interceptors for the Patriot air defense system, guided multiple launch rocket systems (GMLRS ) ground-to-ground guided munitions fired by U.S.-made Army High Mobility Rocket System (HIMARS) and M270 MLRS, 155mm artillery rounds, Stinger man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS), AIM-7 Sparrow air-to-air missiles, and Hellfire missiles. In addition to that list, a retired high-ranking Ukrainian officer told The War Zone on Wednesday that the U.S. is also halting delivery of repurposed U.S.-supplied heat-seeking AIM-9M Sidewinder air-to-air missiles Ukraine uses as an effector on some of its so-called FrankenSAM air defense systems. BREAKING: White House confirms it has halted weapons that Ukraine was scheduled to receive, including PAC3 Patriots, 155mm artillery rounds, GMLRS, Stinger, AIM-7, and Hellfire missiles.@AnnaKelly47 tells me: This decision was made to put Americas interests first following a Nick Schifrin (@nickschifrin) July 1, 2025 We asked the White House to confirm that the U.S. would no longer send these weapons to Ukraine and received an answer provided to the media on Tuesday that the decision was based on preserving Americas weapons stocks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This decision was made to put Americas interests first following a DOD review of our nations military support and assistance to other countries across the globe, Deputy White House Press Secretary Anna Kelly said. The strength of the United States Armed Forces remains unquestioned just ask Iran. Matthew Whitaker, the U.S. Permanent Representative to NATO, doubled down on Kellys statement, telling Fox News on Wednesday that This is what America First looks like. We first have to take care of the United States needs. US Permanent Representative to NATO Matthew Whitaker on the Pentagon halting munitions' deliveries to Ukraine: "This is what America First looks like. We first have to take care of the United States' needs." pic.twitter.com/OUjh9hSRPH Status-6 (Military & Conflict News) (@Archer83Able) July 2, 2025 The Pentagons policy chief Elbridge Colby drove the decision, which was made after a review of Pentagon munitions stockpiles, leading to concerns that the total number of artillery rounds, air defense missiles and precision munitions was sinking, Politico reported, citing three people familiar with the issue. Politico was the first to report on the arms cutoff. America First Ukraine Left Waiting: the U.S. is cutting part of its promised aid to Kyiv The Pentagon has halted deliveries of dozens of Patriot interceptors, over 100 Hellfire missiles, and dozens of Stingers the munitions are now needed by America itself, Politico pic.twitter.com/evomu4u79d NEXTA (@nexta_tv) July 2, 2025 There have long been concerns about U.S. stocks running low as challenges from China are increasing and the possibility of renewed hostilities with Iran remains. This is on top of the threat that looms over Europe from Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is unclear at this point how many weapons are included in the Trump administrations decision or how quickly its effects will be felt on the battlefield, though some U.S. officials said on Tuesday that the munitions were not scheduled to be shipped to Ukraine for several months, according to The New York Times. Only last week, after meeting President Volodymyr Zelensky on the sidelines of a NATO meeting in The Hague, Mr. Trump said he was open to selling more weapons to Ukraine. But by that time, the pause was already being planned at the Pentagon. Ukraines Foreign Ministry told U.S. Charge dAffaires John Ginkel that any delays in U.S. military aid would only prolong the war, the Foreign Ministry said, according to the Kyiv Independent. Ginkel met Deputy Foreign Minister Mariana Betsa at the request of Ukraines chief diplomat, Andrii Sybiha. The Ukrainian side warned that any delay or hesitation in supporting Ukraines defense capabilities will only encourage Russia to continue war and terror, rather than pursue peace. Aid delays will 'encourage Russia to continue war,' Ukraine tells US envoy. Ukraine warned that "any delay or hesitation in supporting Ukraine's defense capabilities will only encourage Russia to continue war and terror, rather than pursue peace."https://t.co/Abz7sfTWyr The Kyiv Independent (@KyivIndependent) July 2, 2025 Not surprisingly, the news of the arms cutoff was greeted with glee in Moscow. As far as we understand, the reason for this decision was empty warehouses, lack of these weapons in warehouses. But in any case, the fewer weapons are supplied to Ukraine, the closer the end of the special military operation, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters in a phone call, using the Kremlin moniker for Russias unprovoked war on Ukraine. Analysis: Aside from coming at a time when Russian drones and missiles are being launched at Ukraine in record numbers, the Trump administrations decision to stem the flow of arms to Ukraine was made as Russia is pressing a big push at the northern Ukrainian region of Sumy in addition to continuing its slog in the east. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this year, U.S. officials announced a temporary pause on providing arms and some intelligence products to Ukraine in the wake of the blowout between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during an Oval Office press conference called to discuss the peace process. Given Russias intent to keep fighting on the ground and attacking Ukrainian cities from the air, this cutoff could have far more devastating implications for Ukraine than the previous Trump administration move. After nearly three and a half years of continuous large-scale fighting following Russias invasion and tens of billions of dollars in hardware transferred, as well as supplying Israels war against Hamas, Hezbollah, and later Iran, and dealing with the Houthi crisis around the Red Sea, American weapons stockpiles are under extreme pressure. Chronically underestimating stockpile requirements, very limited production capacity that is challenging to rapidly expand, and the unique nature of many of the components that go into advanced weapons means that restocking Americas munitions dumps will take time. Clearly the depletion rate is vastly outstripping even a growing production rate for many of these weapons as large investments have been poured into expanding the industrial base. Having transferred many legacy systems that had been held in reserve means that there is no fallback should more advanced munitions inventories run dry in a sustained conflict, and especially one of large scale. And this is becoming a glaring worry in regards to China. PAC-3 MSE missile being moved during production. (Lockheed Martin) What we dont know is what these stockpiles actually look like at this point and what logic is behind the inventory levels being set for them. While the U.S. messaged repeatedly under the Biden Administration that the weapons would continue to flow without end as long as Russia continues its assault, that statement never matched reality. Nor did it take into account the subsequent conflicts that have since come and gone putting additional pressure on the stockpile. As we have stated for years, Americas weapons coffers are not a bottomless pit. Far from it in fact. And replenishing it takes many years or even decades, not just a matter of months, and huge amounts of money. Biden chose not to leverage the Defense Production Act in order to force industry to produce critical weapons at a faster pace after the war in Ukraine broke out. As many warned, that may have been a major misstep in retrospect. But still, Trump hasnt done it either. At the same time, there is major distrust with the current administration among many of Ukraines staunchest advocates. Without knowing what the stockpile actually looks like at this time, and getting independent analysis on its status, many will accuse the White House of turning its back on Ukraine when doing so isnt necessary, at least from an American military logistical standpoint. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With major increases in production of key weapons still in the process of being realized and the worlds available surplus arms cabinet having already been raided to sustain the war, it isnt clear what Ukraine will be able to do. Europe could step up even further, but they are scrambling to build up its own weapons inventories after decades of notorious neglect. The U.S. has long been viewed as the default supplier that will step in once many NATO countries shallow inventories are depleted. All the warning signs were there that this was the case, so its not like this is some new revelation. Now, with the U.S. being a less reliable or at least less generous security partner, European allies are trying to snap up whatever they can while building out new infrastructure for expanded local production. Once again, this will all take years to realize. would have target sets numbering in the 10s and even 100s of thousands. Conflicts can last far longer than academics, generals and wargamers predict. This means buying more precision weapons and stockpiling AND another route, which we will be talking about this week. Tyler Rogoway (@Aviation_Intel) October 16, 2022 Based on the list of weapons we have seen so far, the biggest issue for Ukraine will be defending its skies from the constant onslaught of Russian missiles and drones. Massive barrages are soaking up throngs of effectors. While Ukraine has become more restrained in its use of its most capable and expensive missiles, in addition to coming up with new methods for dealing with long-range drones and some cruise missiles, its simply a numbers game one that Russia will be increasingly capable of winning. Shahed-136 one-way attack drones are being produced at an alarming rate and in more advanced forms. Russia has spun-up its industrial base to a wartime level. Supplies from China have helped greatly in this manner. Russias ability to produce Shahed-136 drones which were originally imported from Iran has exploded and will only continue to grow. The Shahed-136 has also become the primary standoff munition used to attack Ukrainian population centers. Russia is also doing all it can to provide a stream of more advanced cruise and ballistic missiles to rain down on Kyiv and other locations. As such, a pairing back of missile supplies to Ukraine is clearly a very welcome revelation in Moscow. The potential drawdown or even halt of 155mm artillery rounds and M31 guided artillery rockets is also very concerning. While artillery is critical to providing consistent fire support along the front a capability in which Russia already has a large advantage in volume the GMLRS rounds give Ukraine the ability to make rapid precision strikes 50 miles from the rockets launch point. These weapons have become a staple of the conflict and Ukraine uses them for surgical destruction of everything from air defense sites to gatherings of personnel to artillery emplacements to bridges to command nodes. A technician of Germanys Rheinmetall works on 155mm ammunition that will be delivered to Ukrainian Forces. While Europe has been supplying Ukraine with key munitions like 155mm shells, they cannot come close to making up for what would be lost if the U.S. were to stop doing so on its end. (Photo by Axel Heimken / AFP) AXEL HEIMKEN We will have to see how this all plays out and just how big of a drop-off in deliveries Ukraine will face in the long term. Europes response will also be of great interest. But whatever the case may be, it seems clear that the lifeline the U.S. was providing to Ukraine in the form of weapons especially advanced types is not going to be what it once was. Contact the author: howard@thewarzone.com BERLIN, July 2 (Xinhua) -- Humanity has entered a "new era of drought," as the world grapples with an escalating systemic drought risk, Daniel Tsegai, program officer at the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), said in a recent interview with Xinhua. "Drought was once primarily associated with rainfall and agricultural production," Tsegai said. "But today, it has become a multi-sectoral, systemic shock. No sector, no part of the economy, and no country is immune to its impacts." Therefore, Tsegai said that drought today is no longer an isolated climate event confined to rural farming regions. The "cascading and spiraling impacts of droughts" are widespread and multidimensional; even megacities are facing water scarcity and extreme drought risks. He noted that the nature of droughts is changing: they are becoming more frequent, more intense, more widespread, and increasingly unpredictable. One particularly alarming trend is the rise of "flash droughts," which develop rapidly over a short time and intensify without sufficient early warning, severely affecting agriculture, water supply, and urban operations. Traditional approaches to drought are no longer sufficient, Tsegai said. "When we talk about drought, we shouldn't just look up to see if it's raining. We need to look down and ask: can we still grow crops? Do we still have the capacity to restore degraded land?" According to the Drought Hotspots Around the World 2023-2025 report that was released Wednesday, the frequency of drought events globally increased by 30 percent between 2000 and 2019. Despite being labeled a "silent disaster," the impacts of drought are never silent. "Drought is a threat multiplier," Tsegai said. "It affects food, water, biodiversity, health, and energy -- these are all pillars of society that drought is scrambling in front of our eyes." He highlighted the unequal impacts of drought across populations and regions, noting that around 85 percent of those affected live in low and middle-income countries. "Drought knows no boundaries, but drought knows gender," he said. "In some areas, drought causes hunger, school dropouts, even forces girls into early marriage." The discussion on drought has been shifting in recent years. "It's very important that we talk about drought as being an economic issue as well," he said. "It is costing countries between one and ten percent of their GDP, depending on the country. The losses are significant." Drought is indeed "expensive," but the real problem, Tsegai said, lies in the lack of preparedness. Citing recent studies, he noted that "a one-dollar investment in drought resilience brings about seven dollars in recovery." Nevertheless, many countries are still stuck in reactive responses, lacking proactive and forward-looking strategies to deal with drought effectively. Tsegai noted that over 80 countries have developed national drought plans, but the key challenge lies in putting them into action. "We need to improve irrigation technology so that we can really help to minimize the waste of water. Investing in watershed restoration and indigenous crop systems pays back many times over in avoided losses," he said. He also highlighted the importance of "nature-based solutions, land restoration, land rehabilitation, and rainwater harvesting." "This is not a matter of choice, but a necessity," he said. Tsegai stressed that tackling drought requires moving beyond short-term emergency responses toward building long-term resilience. He said that drought is not a challenge confined to a single sector, such as agriculture or water; rather, it acts as a "connector," affecting everything from tourism and energy to education and public health. As such, he stressed the need for cross-sectoral and multi-level cooperation, involving ministries, local communities, and national governments alike. Speaking about China's role in global drought governance, Tsegai said the country has accumulated extensive experience in land restoration and drought-resilient technologies, and is sharing that experience with drought-prone regions like Africa and Central Asia. "China's support has played a central role in regions like Central Asia and has been widely welcomed," he said. "In Africa, China is helping to shift the paradigm from a reactive approach to a more proactive one, focusing on building drought resilience in advance." Tsegai noted that "the biggest problem with drought management approaches is the short-termism." He emphasized that China not only provides technical expertise and investment, but also supports capacity building, which has "a long-term effect on the change that we want." "About 130 countries have committed to land-degradation-neutrality (LDN) under the UNCCD," he said, adding that China's experience, technologies, and know-how will play a constructive role in this global process. The death of a Nicaraguan military officer turned activist in Costa Rica is raising concerns, as the New York Times reports this marks the sixth time a Nicaraguan opponent has been killed or abducted in Costa Rica since 2018. NBC News' Priya Sridhar explains the growing fears and questions about whether Nicaragua could be violently silencing dissenters, even outside its borders. CHINCOTEAGUE, Va. - When Azania Lane-Majestic arrived at the beach with her family in June, her initial excitement gave way to concern. No lifeguards could be seen despite heavy, pounding surf. The presence of lifeguards provides an extra level of security, said Lane-Majestic, of Pittsburgh. Lifeguards are an important extra set of eyes. Subscribe to The Post Most newsletter for the most important and interesting stories from The Washington Post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just as scores of vacationers descend on national parks for summer fun and, of course, the July Fourth weekend, some beaches run by the National Park Service are curtailing lifeguard hours. Some are still trying to staff up, and at least some are open for swimming with no lifeguards. The reason: The Trump administration slashed jobs, offered buyouts to employees and implemented a hiring freeze at the National Park Service. State and local lawmakers, as well as some advocacy groups, say the actions have left some federal parks with a dangerous shortage of lifeguards. The Park Service declined to address specific questions about this situation because it is considered a personnel issue. Fewer than half of the 7,700 seasonal federal park positions such as lifeguards had been filled as of late May, said Bill Wade, executive director of the Association of National Park Rangers, a membership group that has sought to get dismissed employees reinstated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some of the nations most popular beaches are managed by the Park Service, which saw about 1,000 employees laid off in February by the U.S. DOGE Service, which stands for Department of Government Efficiency, which was created by executive order and overseen by billionaire Elon Musk through May. An estimated 2,500 permanent Park Service workers - or about 13 percent of the total workforce - also accepted buyouts or early retirements offered by the Trump administration in its effort to downsize the federal government. An administration freeze on seasonal hiring also delayed recruitment for lifeguard positions, Wade said. - - - Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Swimmer safety Great Kills Park Beach on Staten Island in New York will have lifeguards only on Saturdays and Sundays, although lifeguards staffed the beach Thursdays through Sundays in previous years, according to information on the Park Services website and 2024 lifeguard hours posted by the National Park Planner, a nongovernment resource on more than 160 national parks. And the safety of swimmers at the Gateway National Recreation Areas Sandy Hook, a six-mile-long barrier beach peninsula in New Jersey, could be at risk, said Rep. Frank Pallone Jr. (D-New Jersey). He is calling on the Trump administration to answer questions by June 30 about why the Park Service is failing to hire the necessary lifeguards and other essential personnel, according to a June 9 letter to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum. I am gravely concerned about the ramifications of the Trump Administrations policies on Sandy Hooks future as a place for safe recreation, Pallone wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Interior Department declined to comment on the letter but said lifeguard shortages are a nationwide concern, even outside public lands. At the National Park Service, we are expecting our lifeguard staffing to pick up as summer goes on, said J. Elizabeth Peace, a spokeswoman for the Interior Department. We appreciate the publics understanding and cooperation as we work to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all. Its important for the public to learn how to recognize hazards such as riptides, she said, and they should understand that ocean swimming is different from swimming in a lake or pool. People should be alert for strong ocean currents, powerful waves and underwater obstacles, and they shouldnt turn their back on the ocean because they risk being knocked down by larger, unexpected waves. - - - Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lifeguard shortages Each year, about 4,000 people drown in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Its the second-leading cause of unintentional injury death for children ages 5 through 14. About 50 percent to 75 percent of drownings occur in open water such as oceans, lakes, rivers and ponds, according to the CDC. According to some estimates, the chance of drowning at a beach protected by lifeguards can be less than 1 in 18 million, the CDC says. The impact of the administrations actions on lifeguards at national parks has been a concern for the United States Lifesaving Association, a nonprofit for beach lifeguards and open-water rescuers, said B. Chris Brewster, chair of the groups national certification committee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lack of lifeguards will undoubtedly result in death and injury that would otherwise be prevented, he said in an email. The Park Service cuts come amid an overall national shortage in lifeguards that already raises the risk for swimming at beaches and pools. About a third of the countrys 309,000 public swimming pools remained closed last year or opened sporadically because of the shortage, according to the American Lifeguard Association. The shortage is hitting the popular beach in Chincoteague, on Virginias Eastern Shore, just as the high season kicks in. The beach is known for the wild ponies, which can be seen roaming Assateague Island National Seashore, a 37-mile-plus barrier island off the coast of Maryland and Virginia. Assateagues southern entrance in Virginia is part of a National Wildlife Refuge, and its northern entrance is in Maryland. The Park Service manages most of the Maryland district and the recreational beach within the Chincoteague refuge. There were recently no lifeguards on duty in either state at the recreational beaches in Assateague Island National Seashore. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lifeguards made dozens of rescues last year. On June 10, amid the choppy surf, a 4-year-old child was rescued by a bystander, according to the Chincoteague mayor and posts on a town groups Facebook page. That little boys family would be planning his funeral right now and only if they were able to recover the body, one resident posted. This lifeguard issue is VERY REAL VERY SERIOUS. Chincoteague Mayor Denise Bowden said she has been given varying reasons for the lack of lifeguards, including no money for hiring and the federal budget freeze. She worries the local emergency medical services will be stretched thin responding to calls about swimmers that would normally be handled by lifeguards. Lizzie Dattilio, of Hagerstown, Maryland, has come to the area for years and values the lifeguards who have helped protect her four children, ages 10, 7, 5 and 3, she said. Visiting Chincoteague on June 10, she was surprised that the large white stands where lifeguards typically perch were gone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We didnt realize there werent lifeguards, she said while watching her children run toward the surf. Its crazy. - - - KFF Health News, formerly known as Kaiser Health News (KHN), is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF - the independent source for health policy research, polling, and journalism. Related Content Arthur Ashes knack for reinvention led him to history at Wimbledon Newlywed detained by ICE freed after 141 days and two deportation attempts The Met opens a dazzling wing of non-European art A patient has blood drawn as he receives a free HIV test from a medical assistant in Miami. The giant tax and spending bill under consideration in the U.S. Senate would bar clinics that provide abortions which tend to be testing sites for sexually transmitted infections from accepting Medicaid. Photo by Joe Raedle | Getty Images TALLAHASSEE, Fla. Dallen Michael Greene still remembers the fear he felt when he was diagnosed with HIV in 1999. My heart literally sank to my knees and to my ankles, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That fear is what led the 56-year-old resident of Broward County, Florida, to become a mentor and patient guide for the newly diagnosed. Hes a clinical manager at Community Care Resources of Florida, a nonprofit that offers testing for sexually transmitted infections. Greene said friends and patients feel some of that same panic and alarm as they worry whether federal action will hinder their access to treatments. President Donald Trumps budget proposal for fiscal year 2026 requests significant reductions to HIV prevention and surveillance programs while preserving other parts of the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program, the nations HIV care and treatment safety net. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, the U.S. Senate is considering Trumps big, beautiful bill, the giant tax and spending plan the U.S. House approved last month. Several of its provisions would affect HIV care, including one that bars clinics that provide abortions which tend to be testing sites for sexually transmitted infections from accepting Medicaid. The bill also would impose work requirements and more frequent eligibility checks on many Medicaid recipients, potentially interrupting coverage for HIV patients who take medications to suppress the virus, which prevents them from infecting others. At the same time, some state health departments say they have yet to receive official notice from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that their federal HIV/AIDS grants will be renewed. Renewals are for prevention and surveillance grants through May 2026. Thats left county health agencies and nonprofits scrambling for funds to continue HIV/AIDS outreach and testing programs. Some already have laid off staff, including critical disease contact tracers. For HIV patients and their health care providers, it all adds up to troubling uncertainty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People are feeling like theyre going to be totally by themselves, and that theres no resources that are going to be available for them, Greene said. A spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services insisted that HIV/AIDS programs are a high priority for the administration, and will continue under a proposed new agency that would be called the Administration for a Healthy America. Living longer People with HIV are living longer because of new drug treatments. But annually, the U.S. sees nearly 32,000 new HIV infections. State and public health agencies rely on contact tracing and public education to try to limit new infections. But they are hindered by persistent stigma surrounding HIV, lack of access to care, homophobia and the fact that a disproportionate number of people with HIV are poor. Anyone, regardless of sexual orientation, can contract HIV, but Black and Latino men with male partners and Black women and transgender women have disproportionately high infection rates. New infections are more prevalent in the South. The operable term is safety net. And youre cutting holes in it. The more holes, the more stuff falls through. Rob Renzi, chief executive officer of Big Bend Cares The operable term is safety net. And youre cutting holes in it. The more holes, the more stuff falls through, said Rob Renzi, chief executive officer of Big Bend Cares, a Tallahassee-based nonprofit that provides HIV services to the surrounding eight-county area of North Floridas sprawling rural communities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Three dozen North Florida HIV patients rely on housing assistance from the nonprofit, which receives federal funds through Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS one of the initiatives that Trumps budget proposal would eliminate. Without the funds, those residents could become homeless, Renzi said. Another 17 people housed through a separate federal grant the organization uses for previously incarcerated HIV patients could also lose housing. Taking an HIV pill is down on your list if you have no food or place to sleep, Renzi said. Uncertain grants Emily Schreiber, senior director of policy and legislative affairs at the National Alliance of State and Territorial AIDS Directors, said Wednesday the CDC began rolling out the delayed grants. But the uncertainty has already caused damage. Raynard Washington, director of the Mecklenburg County Public Health Department in North Carolina, said his agency laid off six workers including five contact tracers after it did not receive a grant renewal notice. Contact tracers ensure a person knows about their positive diagnosis and try to identify the patients partners so they can get care and testing, too. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The quicker we can close the loop with the contact tracing, can notify partners to get partners tested [and] in treatment, the quicker that were able to actually stop transmission from happening in the community, Washington said. He added that the more people that we have accessing prevention services like PrEP, the less opportunity we have for new infections. Even if the agency receives a renewal notice, rehiring the workers would be costly, he said. Dr. Thomas Dobbs, dean of population health at the University of Mississippi Medical Center and former state public health officer, said his states HIV infection rates have remained steady over the past decade. He worries federal cuts and delays will stall progress and disproportionately hurt marginalized communities. People in Mississippi dont have riskier sexual behaviors than people in California, he said. Rather, the system has not been adequately designed and resourced and engaged to treat them. Dobbs described the cuts as pretty shortsighted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Coastal Bend Wellness Foundation in Corpus Christi, Texas, serves a 12-county area that includes many rural communities, said Chief Executive Officer Bill Hoelscher. He said his group relies on federal funds issued through the state for HIV testing and risk reduction. But a letter from the Texas Department of State Health Services, dated May 30, instructed the nonprofit to refrain from incurring costs starting May 31, as the state hadnt received grant renewal notices from the CDC. The renewal period for the next grant cycle begins July 1. Hoelscher applied but hasnt yet heard back. Usually, we have a renewal in place and were ready to go by. But we have not heard from them [the CDC], he said. If we dont hear from them then July 1, effectively, there will be no more government-funded HIV testing by us. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a June 13 letter to the CDC, Texas state health officials asked for a status update on the grants. But as of Wednesday, the state hadnt received a response, said spokesperson Lara Anton. We have been writing furiously for emergency funds through other grants, foundations, trying to see if we can get some help to shore it up until we figure out what to do, Hoelscher said. Skipping pills In Maryland, many patients participate in a state program that helps pay for HIV medications. The uncertainty about federal money is causing alarm among some patients. We have already received calls like, Hey, should I start skipping pills? Should I start doing every other day? Do I need to build a war chest of medications? said Peter DeMartino, director of infectious disease prevention and health services at the Maryland Department of Health. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The CDC reportedly reinstated several HIV prevention staff that had been part of mass federal layoffs. But DeMartino and health officials in other states say their departments are still missing their federal partners. DeMartino said one CDC assignee whose position was eliminated had worked at his office for nearly two decades. Back in Broward County, nonprofits and clinics are struggling to keep programs going as they await federal notices. Will there be enough funds? Greene said. Were not sure how much money were going to receive or when its going to come. So thats a very scary thing. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stateline reporter Nada Hassanein can be reached at nhassanein@stateline.org. Stateline is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Stateline maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Scott S. Greenberger for questions: info@stateline.org. A federal judge in Brooklyn has blocked the Trump administrations attempt to end temporary protected status for Haitian migrants ahead of schedule, ruling that the Department of Homeland Security violated the law in its rush to strip deportation protections and work permits from over half a million people. The ruling comes after DHS, under Secretary Kristi Noem, rescinded former President Joe Bidens 18-month extension of Haitis TPS designation earlier this year. Originally extended through February 3, 2026, the Trump administration sought to cut the designation short, first setting a new end date of August 3, then pushing its effective date to September 2 last week. In a decision issued Tuesday, US District Judge Brian Cogan said Noem failed to follow the timeline and procedures mandated by Congress, including a review of current conditions in Haiti before ending TPS. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Secretary Noem does not have statutory or inherent authority to partially vacate a countrys TPS designation, Cogan wrote, her partial vacatur must be set aside as unlawful under the (Administrative Procedure Act.) He added that plaintiffs injuries are actual and imminent. They cannot be remedied by an award of money damages. If the partial vacatur remains in effect until the final resolution of this case, plaintiffs will lose their right to live and work in the United States based on what the Court has already found was an unlawful action. DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement that the ruling delays justice and seeks to kneecap the presidents constitutionally vested powers under Article II. Haitis TPS was granted following an earthquake that took place over 15 years ago, it was never intended to be a de facto asylum program, yet thats how previous administrations have used it for decades. The lawsuit, filed in March by nine Haitian TPS holders and advocacy groups including the Haitian Evangelical Clergy Association and Service Employees International Union 32BJ, argued that the sudden rollback upended lives and forced families to prepare for deportation far earlier than expected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cogan, a George W. Bush appointee, said the plaintiffs are likely to succeed on the merits and ordered the government to keep Haitis TPS designation in place until at least February 2026, unless it is lawfully terminated. The ruling does not prevent DHS from ending the designation in the futureso long as it complies with statutory requirements. A related case, Haitian Americans United Inc. v. Trump, is also underway in federal court in Massachusetts, raising similar claims. This story has been updated with additional developments. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com NEW YORK (AP) A federal judge in New York on Tuesday blocked the Trump administration from ending temporary legal status for more than 500,000 Haitians who are already in the United States. District Court Judge Brian M. Cogan in New York ruled that moving up the expiration of the temporary protected status, or TPS, by at least five months for Haitians, some of whom have lived in the U.S. for more than a decade, is unlawful. The Biden administration had extended Haitis TPS status through at least Feb. 3, 2026, due to gang violence, political unrest, a major earthquake in 2021 and several other factors, according to court documents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But last week, the Department of Homeland Security announced it was terminating those legal protections as soon as Sept. 2, setting Haitians up for potential deportation. The department said the conditions in the country had improved and Haitians no longer met the conditions for the temporary legal protections. The ruling comes as President Donald Trump works to end protections and programs for immigrants as part of his mass deportations promises. The judge's 23-page opinion states that the Department of Homeland Security 's move to terminate the legal protections early violates the TPS statute that requires a certain amount of notice before reconsidering a designation. When the Government confers a benefit over a fixed period of time, a beneficiary can reasonably expect to receive that benefit at least until the end of that fixed period, according to the ruling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The judge also referenced the fact that the plaintiffs have started jobs, enrolled in schools and begun receiving medical treatment with the expectations that the country's TPS designation would run through the end of the year. Tricia McLaughlin, spokeswoman for the Homeland Security Department, said the Trump administration would eventually prevail and that its predecessors treated TPS like a de facto asylum program. "The Trump administration is restoring integrity to our immigration system to keep our homeland and its people safe, and we expect a higher court to vindicate us in this. We have the law, the facts, and common sense on our side, McLaughlin said. Manny Pastreich, president of the Service Employees International Union Local 32BJ, which filed the lawsuit, described the ruling as an important step but said the fight is not over. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We will keep fighting to make sure this decision is upheld," Pastreich said in a statement. "We will keep fighting for the rights of our members and all immigrants against the Trump Administration in the streets, in the workplace, and in the courts as well. And when we fight, we win." DHS did not immediately respond to an email from The Associated Press requesting comment. But the government had argued that TPS is a temporary program and thus the termination of a countrys TPS designation is a possibility beneficiaries must always expect." Haiti's TPS status was initially activated in 2010 after the catastrophic earthquake and has been extended multiple times, according to the lawsuit. Gang violence has displaced 1.3 million people across Haiti as the local government and international community struggle with the spiraling crisis, according to a report from the International Organization for Migration. There has been a 24% increase in displaced people since December, with gunmen having chased 11% of Haitis nearly 12 million inhabitants from their home, the report said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In May, the Supreme Court allowed the Trump administration to strip Temporary Protected Status from 350,000 Venezuelans, potentially exposing them to deportation. The order put on hold a ruling from a federal judge in San Francisco that kept the legal protections in place. The judge's decision in New York also comes on the heels of the Trump administration revoking legal protections for thousands of Haitians who arrived legally in the U.S. through a humanitarian parole program. A federal judge in Oregon has ordered the immediate release of a 24-year-old migrant from Mexico who was arrested after a routine asylum hearing and then held in an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facility for nearly a month. Judge Michael H. Simon ordered the migrant, known as Y-Z-L-H, be released from custody, arguing the government had no right to detain him given his temporary legal status, or parole, was still valid through July 2025, according to The Oregonian. Simon granted the mans habeas petition, finding that ICE officers had unlawfully and without justification detained the man in violation of the Administrative Procedure Act. A federal judge in Oregon has ordered the release of a Mexican migrant who had been held in an ICE detention facility for nearly a month after agents arrested him moments after a routine asylum hearing. Trump 'Working On' Deportation Exemptions For Illegal Farm And Hospitality Workers Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The migrant came to the U.S. in July 2023 and claimed he had been threatened by the violent Mexican cartel Familia Michoacana. U.S. officials let him stay temporarily on humanitarian grounds and he applied for asylum about a year ago. On June 5, he went to Portland Immigration Court for an asylum hearing and asked for more time to find a lawyer. Read On The Fox News App The government moved to dismiss his asylum case and the judge granted the dismissal over his objection. The migrant is still appealing this decision. As soon as he walked out of the courtroom, he was arrested by ICE agents and taken to Tacoma detention facility in Washington state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Attorneys for Innovation Law Lab, an Oregon-based nonprofit legal organization that is representing the migrant, argued at the hearing that federal authorities had no lawful basis for arresting the man and had not formally revoked his temporary parole status, allowing him to remain in the United States. The judge agreed and said that ICE failed to follow due process as they didnt explain or justify why they arrested him. Government lawyers said the arrest was allowed because it was up to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noems discretion, but the judge rejected that, saying executive agencies must follow the law and cant just do whatever they want. An aerial view of detainees exercising in an outdoor recreation area at the Northwest ICE Processing Center in Tacoma. Self-deport Or End Up In 'Alligator Alcatraz,' Noem Warns Migrants During Trump Visit Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "How do we know whether the secretary has complied with the law unless the secretary tells us the basis for the ruling," Simon asked, per The Oregonian. "Isnt the whole purpose of checks and balances that the executive branch must follow the law that Congress writes and the judiciary is here to ensure that the executive branch only takes those actions that are authorized by law?" The government initially claimed it had notified the migrant in April that his temporary status would end that month, but later reversed course in court filings, acknowledging that his parole was in fact valid through July 19, 2025, per the outlet. A day before his arrest, Y-Z-L-H was granted a five-year work permit a result of an October 2023 policy change by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), which extended the validity period of employment authorization for asylum seekers. He lives in Newport, Oregon and has no criminal record. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Innovation Law Lab has been involved in several high-profile immigration cases, particularly those challenging U.S. policies that impact asylum seekers. One notable case came in 2020, when the group sued the federal government over former President Donald Trumps "Remain in Mexico" policy, which forced asylum seekers to wait in Mexico while their claims were processed in U.S. courts. The group argued the policy violated U.S. immigration law and international human rights protections. A federal appeals court agreed and blocked the policy, but the Supreme Court later vacated that ruling after the Biden administration ended the program. Original article source: Federal judge orders Mexican migrant seeking asylum to be released by ICE RUSSELLVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) A 19-year-old woman is speaking out just two days after being struck by lightning while on her phone. Scrolling on Instagram turned into the unexpected for Lisa Henderson on Sunday night, as storms passed through Russellville. 29 dogs rescued from same Lauderdale Co. home where 82 were confiscated in January I heard the lightning strike, and then I heard a loud pop, and all I heard was ringing in my ear, Henderson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Henderson says she was holding her phone, which was plugged into a charger on an extension cord, when the lightning struck. I felt like stinging and stuff from my fingers to here, feels like I stuck a fork in a light socket, after that I couldnt comprehend things, and I started crying for 5 minutes, Henderson said. Henderson tells me she threw her phone across the room the moment she felt the shock waves. Luckily, I thought to throw my phone, Henderson said. If I wouldve kept it, I couldve been electrocuted even more than I was. Get breaking news, traffic and weather alerts directly to your smartphone. Download the News 19 App Henderson tells News 19 that she then remembers small glimpses of the ambulance ride. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I tried telling them my name, I had trouble with that, I tried telling them my age, I almost said 18, but Im 19, so it took me a minute to process my age, Henderson said. When she got to the hospital, Henderson told News 19 that doctors told her she was lucky the shock did not get close to her heart. According to the National Lightning Safety Council, the odds of being struck by lightning in a year are 1 out of 1,600,000, and Henderson says she cannot believe it happened to her. Its an uncommon thing to get electrocuted by something like that, Henderson said. Henderson was sent home from the hospital on Monday. She tells News 19 that she is a little sore around her right wrist, right arm and her chest area, but she says she is grateful to be alive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. By Kirsty Needham SYDNEY (Reuters) -Fiji is opposed to China setting up a military base in the Pacific Islands, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka said on Wednesday, adding that it did not need such a base to project power, as shown by an intercontinental ballistic missile test. Strategically placed between the United States and Asia, the Pacific Islands are a focus of rivalry between Washington and Beijing for security ties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The islands were trying to cope with a big, powerful China seeking to spread its influence, Rabuka told the National Press Club in the Australian capital, adding that Beijing understood he would lobby other Pacific leaders against such a base. "Pacific leaders in all their recent discussions have tried to go for policies that are friendly to all and enemies to none - and it is a fairly tough course to steer, but it is possible," he added. The Pacific would feel the impact of any conflict over the Taiwan Strait between major powers, a possibility already being planned for by China and other nations, he said. Fiji opposes establishment of a military base by China, he said, in response to queries on Beijing's security ambitions in a region where it already has a security pact with the Solomon Islands and a police presence in several nations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "If they want to come, who would welcome them?" he said. "Not Fiji." China's embassy in Fiji did not immediately respond to a request for comment, and Beijing has previously ruled out establishing a military base in the Solomon Islands. China did not need a base to project power, Rabuka added, as Beijing tested an intercontinental ballistic missile in September that flew over Fiji to land in international waters. China showed off its coast guard to 10 visiting leaders of Pacific islands in May, after registering two dozen of its vessels with a regional fisheries commission last year, though it has yet to start South Pacific patrols. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement China's coast guard would need to "observe our sovereignty, our sovereign waters", Rabuka said. Fiji's cooperation with China to develop infrastructure should not affect how it interacts with Australia, New Zealand and the United States, he added. To manage strategic competition in the region, Rabuka is trying to build support for an Ocean of Peace treaty to ensure outsiders respect its unity and the "rejection of coercion as a means to achieve security, economic or political advantage". Leaders of the 18 members of the Pacific Islands Forum will consider the pact at a meeting in September. (Reporting by Kirsty Needham in Sydney, Editing by Clarence Fernandez) MANILA, Philippines The Philippines is ramping up its maritime defense posture with plans to establish and upgrade several naval bases in critical areas across the archipelago, including an island base under a basing agreement with the United States and a former American base in Luzon. Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro told reporters last month about plans to speed up infrastructure works in Balabac Island, a joint Air Force and Navy base in the southern end of Palawan province. The island is a strategic location for the country, Teodoro said, adding that the increased presence of the military there will deter potential surveillance activities in the main island of Palawan, where the government worries about suspected Chinese espionage sleeper cells. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The remote island of Balabac is located 140 nautical miles from Mischief Reef, a China-controlled island in Philippine waters. Mischief Reef lies within the Philippines exclusive economic zone, a claim backed by a 2016 arbitral tribunal ruling. China has rejected the ruling and continued to militarize the features it occupied within areas in what the Philippine government calls the West Philippine Sea. US Typhon missile system in Philippines is a subtle headache for China The island base is also one of the Philippines bases under a basing agreement with the U.S., a pact which enables the U.S. to send troops on a rotation basis, preposition military assets, and funnel funds to support base upgrades. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The broader basing agreement encompasses a total of nine Philippine military sites: six Air Force bases, two Army bases, and one Navy base located in northern Luzon. Aside from Balabac, the Navy is pursuing the construction of additional bases across the archipelago. The plan comes amid regional tensions in the South China Sea, where Navy sailors have faced harassment from Chinese fleets, and as the Navy acquired warships to enhance external defense capabilities. The Strategic Basing Plan initiative, set to materialize in 2040, aims to enhance the Navys presence in key maritime corridors and to upgrade the infrastructure at current bases to accommodate both existing and incoming fleets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bases are not only for the new ships but also for the old ones, Rear Adm. Roy Vincent Trinidad, spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea and Inspector General of the Navy, told Defense News. The Philippines has enhanced its naval forces in recent years by acquiring frigates, offshore patrol vessels, sealift vessels, fast attack crafts, radars, and missile systems. The Navy is also set to receive additional corvettes from South Korea. We want to look at other areas where we can base our ships, he said. But the larger goal is to be able to have a stronger naval footprint in that part of the country, Trinidad said. The Navy plans to establish 28 forward operating bases or small Navy outposts in strategic locations near the West Philippine Sea and the Philippine Rise in the countrys northeast, which has seen increased incursions from Chinese research vessels since last year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among the largest projects are the naval base in Subic Bay and the naval support base in Mindanao, Trinidad said. Plans to convert these areas were confirmed during the Navys 127th anniversary ceremony in May wherein President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced the upcoming groundbreaking at Naval Station Nabasan. This will be followed by Chiquita and Grande Islands in Subic Bay, he said. These areas are located across the Agila Subic Shipyard, formerly the Hanjin shipyard, which in 2022 was acquired by U.S. private equity firm Cerberus Capital Management. Like Palawan, the islands made headlines in March after authorities captured and detained Chinese and Filipino nationals suspected of espionage based on these islands. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, the naval support base in Natividad, Misamis Oriental province in Mindanao, is expected to accommodate ships from Sangley Point. For now, these areas will be declared military reservation camps, and then later developed as naval bases, Trinidad said, adding that they are only waiting for the presidential proclamation documents to come out. Improvements are being made at the existing bases, including enhancements to Naval Base Rafael Ramos in Cebu, which will accommodate the frigates and sealift vessels. To further streamline the countrys external defense strategy, the military is exploring joint basing between the Navy and the Air Force, Trinidad said. This is the thrust of the [Department of National Defense] bases do not need to be exclusive. It would be good for us on the resource management side to do joint basing rather than developing our bases individually, Trinidad said. The final drop-in sessions for Covid spring booster vaccination programme are being held this week for those over the age of 75 and other vulnerable groups. The first of two walk-in sessions takes place from 14:00 until 16:00 BST at the vaccination hub at Noble's Hospital, with the second between 10:00 and 14:00 on Thursday. Those eligible include people who will have turned 75 by 4 July, care home residents and those who are immunosuppressed over the age of six months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It marks the end of the 2025 spring booster programme, which was launched in April in line with advice from the UK's Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation. Manx Care said no appointments were needed for either of the sessions. Calling for those eligible to take up the offer, the health care provider has urged people to "stop by and get vaccinated" to "protect yourself and your loved ones". Read more stories from the Isle of Man on the BBC, watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer and follow BBC Isle of Man on Facebook and X. More like this story Related internet links GAZA, July 2 (Xinhua) -- Hamas said on Wednesday that it is conducting consultations to discuss Gaza ceasefire proposals put forward by mediators. The Palestinian militant group said in a statement that it is "acting with a high sense of responsibility" and holding consultations on the mediators' proposals to reach an agreement that ensures an end to Israeli aggression, the withdrawal of Israeli forces, and the delivery of urgent humanitarian relief to the Gaza Strip. "The mediators are making intensive efforts to bridge the gap between the parties, reach a framework agreement, and begin a new round of serious negotiations," it said. U.S. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that Israel had agreed on terms for a 60-day ceasefire and urged Hamas to accept the deal. "I hope, for the good of the Middle East, that Hamas takes this Deal, because it will not get better -- IT WILL ONLY GET WORSE," Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social. Hamas and Israel have held several rounds of indirect negotiations over the past months, but no final ceasefire agreement has been reached. In previous talks, Hamas demanded a complete end to the war, while Israel insisted on a temporary ceasefire. Israel resumed its military campaign in Gaza on March 18, ending a two-month ceasefire. Since then, at least 6,454 Palestinians have been killed and 22,551 others injured, according to data released by Gaza's health authorities on Wednesday. The total Palestinian death toll since the conflict erupted in October 2023 has risen to 57,012, with 134,592 others wounded, the health authorities said. The penalty if convicted of driving the wrong way on a Rhode Island highway or onramp or offramp has increased from $85 to $500. (Photo by Sundry Photography/Getty) Rhode Island now has one of the highest maximum fines in New England for those convicted of driving the wrong way on a highway or a highway entrance or exit ramp after after Gov. Dan McKee signed legislation significantly increasing the penalty into law last week. The penalty if convicted is now a fine of up to $500 and the suspension of a drivers license for up to six months under legislation sponsored by House Deputy Speaker Raymond A. Hull, a Providence Democrat, and Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Matthew L. LaMountain, a Warwick Democrat. Previously the maximum fine was $85. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McKee signed the legislation on June 26. We have all seen the tragic news stories about horrible accidents occurring because people were driving the wrong way on the highway, Hull said in a statement. Such actions are beyond dangerous for the driver and anyone else unlucky enough to be using the road at the same time. Hopefully, these increased penalties will deter such unsafe behavior. Driving the wrong way on the highway puts everyone at considerable risk and this danger is only increased if it takes place during the night, LaMountain said in a statement. This legislation will hold people accountable for such hazardous conduct and hopefully, it will protect innocent people on our states highways from becoming victims in catastrophic accidents. In Massachusetts, traveling in the wrong direction could lead to a fine between $50 and $500, the higher range for Bostons Sumner, Callahan, or Ted Williams tunnels. The maximum fine for a wrong way highway violation is $220 in Vermont, $183 in Connecticut, $180 in Maine and $150 in New Hampshire, according to state police officials in those states. But other charges may apply as well. In Maine, for example, an additional charge of driving to endanger is punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 and six months in jail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The legislation received strong support from AAA Northeast. Fatal wrong-way driving crashes on U.S. divided highways led to 2,008 deaths between 2015 and 2018, according to a report by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety cited in a letter submitted to the House Committee on Judiciary in March by AAA Northeast Vice President of Public and Government affairs Mary Maguire. That number represented a dramatic spike in fatalities across the country: A total of 375 deaths resulted from wrong-way driving in the years spanning 2010 to 2014. Alcohol impairment, increasing age and driving without a passenger were identified as three main factors contributing to wrong-way driving, the AAA report found. Approximately 43% of fatal crashes in Rhode Island involve drunk driving, which ties the state with South Carolina for the highest percentage of alcohol-related fatal crashes in the nation. The national average is 30%. The Rhode Island Department of Transportation installed wrong way driver detection systems at 24 high-risk areas, mostly in the Providence area, in 2015. A driver who enters a highway off-ramp activates a series of flashing signs and the system also notifies the Rhode Island State Police and takes a picture of the vehicle. The system displays a message on overhead signs to warn drivers heading in the opposite direction. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now) Fire departments from Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia all gathered at the Montgomery County Public Safety Training Academy Tuesday, urging people not to use fireworks this holiday weekend. Fireworks are dangerous, Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS) public information officer Pete Piringer said. Leave them to the professionals. More celebration, less fireworks: Fourth of July events in the DC area that arent all about fireworks Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MCFRS Chief Corey Smedley said fireworks are dangerous because they can cause fires, serious injuries, and put lives at risk. In Maryland, all fireworks are illegal in Montgomery and Prince Georges counties, and the consequences for breaking the law could be costly. Up to $1,000 in fines and six months in jail, Prince Georges County Fire and EMS Assistant Chief Aaron White said. Fire officials said last year, almost 15,000 injuries and 11 deaths were caused by fireworks nationwide. A live demonstration was put on Tuesday at the Public Safety Training Academy to show just how harmful they can be. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Northern Virginia, certain fireworks are permitted in Arlington County with restrictions. Anything that explodes, launches, travels more than 12 feet is illegal. Using fireworks on public property its all prohibited, Arlington County Fire Department Assistant Chief Jason Jenkins said. Washington, DC to welcome new FBI Headquarters Specific fireworks are also allowed in the District. However, DC Fire and EMS Fire Marshal Edward Kauffman said illegal fireworks have proven to be destructive. Last year, illegal fireworks sparked a massive apartment fire in Southeast D.C., leaving 76 people without a home, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fire officials agree that the best way to enjoy fireworks safely this Fourth of July is to go to one of the many professional displays across the DMV. A list of those locations 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 DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live. LONDON (AP) An electrical substation fire that shut down Heathrow Airport, canceling more than 1,300 flights, was caused by a preventable technical fault identified almost seven years earlier, a report found Wednesday. Europes busiest air hub shut for about 18 hours in March after a fire knocked out one of the three electrical substations that supply Heathrow with power. More than 270,000 passengers had journeys disrupted. Counterterrorism police initially led the investigation into the fire, which came as authorities across Europe girded against sabotage backed by Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Though authorities quickly ruled out vandalism or sabotage, the fires huge impact raised concern about the resilience of Britains energy system to accidents, natural disasters or attacks. The government ordered an investigation into any wider lessons to be learned on energy resilience for critical national infrastructure. The report by the National Energy System Operator said that an elevated moisture reading had been found in oil samples at the substation in west London in July 2018, but action wasn't taken to replace electrical insulators known as bushings. It said that the March 20 blaze was caused by a catastrophic failure in one of the transformers, most likely caused by moisture entering the bushing causing a short circuit that ignited the oil. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The report also said Heathrow underestimated the likelihood of losing one of its three power sources, and as a result, its internal electrical distribution network was not designed or configured to take advantage of having multiple supply points to provide quick recovery following such a loss. Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said that the findings were deeply concerning. He said that energy industry regulator Ofgem had opened an investigation into whether the substations operator, National Grid Electricity Transmission, had breached its license conditions. National Grid said that Britain has one of the most reliable networks in the world, and events of this nature are rare. National Grid has a comprehensive asset inspection and maintenance program in place, and we have taken further action since the fire. DENVER (KDVR) A fire sparked on Denver International Airport property on Tuesday afternoon because of a lightning strike, DIA confirmed, and was contained within an hour. The fire was reported near 88th and Gun Club Road at about 4:22 p.m., which is west of the airfield. The airport told FOX31 that there was no impact to operations, but the airport had been placed on a ground delay before the fire sparked due to thunderstorms in the area. FOX31 Weather: View the latest Denver forecasts, maps and radar Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One resident told FOX31s Shaul Turner he heard loud thunderclaps from the storm from two miles away. I moved from Indiana and this is something I havent seen before, he said. The airport had been on a ground delay since 3:30 p.m., according to the Federal Aviation Administration, which lasted until 8 p.m. due to thunderstorms. The ground delay was causing an average of 62-minute delays for flights arriving at the airport. Turner spoke to another nearby resident who says he saw lightning strike. When I looked back, I saw it hit the ground, so I got scared, he said. According to FlightAware, a flight-tracking website, about 764 flights were delayed at DIA as of 8:30 p.m. The majority of flights experiencing delays were through Southwest Airlines, United Airlines and SkyWest, according to FlightAware. A fire sparked at Denver International Airport on Tuesday, July 1, 2025. (Courtesy Sharie Ashbrook) A fire sparked at Denver International Airport on Tuesday, July 1, 2025. (Courtesy Sharie Ashbrook) A fire sparked at Denver International Airport on Tuesday, July 1, 2025. (Courtesy Sharie Ashbrook) The Denver Fire Department was on scene as of 5 p.m. and said that they were investigating possible multiple grass fires, with an unknown cause and unknown extent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fires were contained as of 5:22 p.m. Aurora Fire Rescue was also tapped to respond to a second possible grass fire south of the airport while Denver crews continued to mitigate issues on DIA property. However, the crews were called off shortly after they were asked to respond. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Firefighters Killed in Idaho Ambush Identified originally appeared on L.A. Mag. Wess Roley took his own life after executing on two veteran Fire Department Chiefs and wounding a fire fighter on Sunday afternoon, Idaho officials say Courtesy Kootenai County Sheriff The 20-year-old gunman who ambushed firefighters whom he lured to the scene by sparking a blaze with a flint fire starter may have been perched in a tree when he began shooting at Idaho first responders, killing two veteran chiefs and critically wounding a third firefighter, Kootenai County Sheriff Robert Norris said. Wess Roley, who had ties to California and Arizona before he moved to Idaho, was apparently living out of his car before he rained bullets on the firefighters who responded to a call for a brush fire at Idaho's Canfield Mountain, a popular recreation area. The blaze, which continues to burn across 26 acres, was sparked by Roley, officials believe, to lure his victims to the scene where they were ambushed from above. The motive remains unclear, but officials say Roley had exchanged words with firefighters about moving the car he was sleeping in. There was an interaction with the firefighters, Norris told reporters. It has something to do with his vehicle being parked where it was. After an hours-long shootout, officials found Roleys body in the mountains where he had taken his own life. The International Association of Fire Fighters union identified the slain firefighters as Coeur dAlene Fire Battalion Chief John Morrison, 52, and Kootenai County Fire and Rescue Battalion Chief Frank J. Harwood, 52. Morrison began his career with the Coeur dAlene department in 1996. He held the ranks of firefighter engineer, captain, battalion chief, and was also a longtime paramedic over his 28 years of service. Harwood, a veteran of the Army National Guard, had been with the county fire department for 17 years, Kootenai County Fire and Rescue Battalion Chief Frank J. Harwood, 52, and Coeur dAlene Fire Battalion Chief John Morrison, 52, were executed by a man with former ties to California on Sunday Courtesy Coeur d'Alene Fire Department Coeur dAlene Fire Department Fire Engineer David Tysdal, 47, was critically wounded. "In no civilized nation should firefighters be targets for violence," IAFF President Ed Kelly said. "Our prayers are with the loved ones of John Morrison Jr. & Frank Harwood, and with their brothers and sisters on the job. Were also praying for Dave Tysdal, who remains hospitalized." Roley's family in Arizona, released a statement on behalf of the family offering "heartfelt condolences to the families of those whose lives were taken and to the community of Coeur dAlene at large." "There are no words that can suffice for this tragedy and the infinite losses suffered by those affected by this shooting," the family's statement said. "We do not understand why this happened or how this came about. Our hearts and spirits are broken for the lost and hurting, and for our own loss as well. We intend to fully cooperate with authorities in seeking answers." This story was originally reported by L.A. Mag on Jul 1, 2025, where it first appeared. ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) Fourth of July celebrations have already begun in Illinois, including right here in the stateline. That means families have already spent money on fireworks while others are still in search of theirs. Keep in mind that Illinois is one of three states that do not allow some or all types of consumer fireworks according to the states Pyrotechnic Use Act. Here is a list of fireworks that are banned under the act: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Handheld fireworks Bottle rockets Skyrockets Roman candles Chasers Buzz bombs Ground items other than those identified as approved Consumer Fireworks Helicopters Missiles Pinwheels or any other twirling devices Planes Sky Lanterns Firecrackers (all types) Those caught violating the Pyrotechnic Use Act can face fines of between $50 to $2,500, depending on the specific violation and the location within the state. In some cases, because violating the act is a Class A misdemeanor, some offenders could be sentenced to jail. In addition to the Illinois ban, federal law prohibits the use of M-80s, cherry bombs, and certain other products. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is also illegal to buy fireworks in Wisconsin, Indiana, or a neighboring state and bring them into Illinois. According to the Illinois Policy Institute, most fireworks were outlawed in Illinois in 1942, when state Rep. William G. Thon, R-Chicago, drafted the Pyrotechnic Use Act. Since then, there have been numerous failed attempts to legalize the use of consumer fireworks. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission National Electronic Injury Surveillance System, emergency rooms treated more than 10,000 fireworks-related injuries in 2022. There is roughly eight to 11 deaths every year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The most common injuries are to the hands and fingers, while the legs and head are the next-most-injured. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyStateline | WTVO News, Weather and Sports. Seven people are missing after multiple explosions at a warehouse in Northern California that sent bright fireworks across the area and ignited a brush fire. The location is owned by an active pyrotechnics license holder, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. Emergency crews were searching the property for the missing individuals Wednesday, and investigators were also surveying the area with drones. Authorities have not identified any of the missing, but relatives said some were working at the warehouse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement News footage showed the explosions were sparked by a fire at the pyrotechnics facility, which is in the rural Yolo County community of Esparto about 40 miles northwest of Sacramento. Residents in Esparto and some in Madison remained under an evacuation order as of Wednesday afternoon due to the burning pyrotechnic materials. Although "there is a reduced risk today" of the brush fire spreading to homes, it's "a risk that still remains," Cal Fire said in a news release. Officials are working to determine that everything done at the warehouse was in line with license requirements for a pyrotechnics facility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This type of incident is very rare, as facilities like this are required to not only follow our stringent California pyrotechnics requirements, but also federal explosive storage requirements," Cal Fire said. On Wednesday, family members of some of the missing waited at a checkpoint for answers as emergency crews continued to search the area. One of those waiting was Syanna Ruiz, who said her boyfriend, Jesus Ramos, 18, was working at the warehouse on Tuesday when the fire started, according to reporting from the Sacramento Bee. She identified two others who were still missing: Ramos' brother, Johnny Ramos, and his stepbrother, Junion Menendez. "They were all three incredible men who had so much ... coming their way, Ruiz told reporters. Im just praying to God that some way, somehow, theyre OK, that theyre just unable to communicate with us at the moment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The warehouse fire and its explosive aftermath came just days before the Fourth of July holiday. The fire chief of the Esparto Fire Protection District, Curtis Lawrence, said in an update Wednesday that crews who responded to the incident found "commercial buildings well involved and numerous explosions." The explosions sent debris across the area that ignited multiple spot fires, according to officials. A blaze ignited by the explosions, dubbed the Oakdale fire, started about 6 p.m. Tuesday in Esparto, authorities said. The Yolo County Sheriff's Office warned residents to avoid the area for several days while it investigates the cause of the blast. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The fire will take time to cool, and once it does, explosive experts must safely enter the site to assess and secure the area," the Sheriff's Office said in a Facebook post. Video of the warehouse where the explosions occurred showed plumes of thick black smoke emanating from the structure, and helicopter video from KCRA-TV showed a burning warehouse with bright sparks shooting out of the structure, followed by a large explosion. Read more: L.A. to pay $21 million in settlements tied to botched fireworks detonation by police The fire started in a sparsely populated area in the warehouse and video shared on social media showed at least two noncommercial buildings burning in the blaze. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By Wednesday night, the Oakdale fire was at 78 acres with no containment as it was burning in fire-friendly weather conditions. San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan told KCBS 106.9 FM/740 AM that the fireworks for a Fourth of July show planned at San Joses Lake Cunningham were lost in the Yolo County incident. The show is unlikely to be able to move forward as a fireworks show, Mahan told the radio station. A festival will still be held at the site near the home of CaliBunga Waterpark, formerly known as Raging Waters. Officials are looking at the possibility of putting together a last-minute drone show. Were praying for the folks who are directly affected by this terrible tragedy. Its just heartbreaking, Mahan told the radio station. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fireworks shows are still expected Friday at other area venues, such as Excite Ballpark following a San Jose Giants minor league baseball game, and at the Californias Great America theme park in Santa Clara. Above-normal temperatures are expected to linger through Wednesday, bringing moderate heat risks across the region. The incident is the latest example of how quickly a fireworks mishap can turn from bad to worse. In 2020, a couple set off a pyrotechnic during a gender-reveal party in San Bernardino County. The special occasion sparked a 22,000-acre fire that killed a U.S. Forest Service wildland firefighter, destroyed five homes and forced hundreds to evacuate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Times staff writer Rong-Gong Lin II contributed to this report. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Press freedom groups and First Amendment advocates slammed Paramounts $16 million settlement with President Donald Trump, saying the decision emboldened Trumps attacks against an already-battered news industry. The lawsuit is just as frivolous today as it was yesterday, theres zero substance to it, said Bob Corn-Revere, chief counsel for the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression. All this really shows is that sometimes, a bully can get his way. The lawsuit alleged that CBS News had deceptively edited a 60 Minutes interview with Kamala Harris, then-vice president and Trumps opponent in 2024, to portray her in a more favorable light. Originally, Paramounts legal team wrote that the suit was an affront to the First Amendment and is without basis in law or fact. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But in settling, Paramount the parent company of CBS has drawn the ire of media groups pledged to protecting freedom of the press. Clayton Weimers, executive director of Reporters Without Borders, wrote in a statement the decision was shameful and accused Paramount executives of rewarding Trump for his petty legal assault. Some of the critics charge that in settling the lawsuit, Paramount executives, including Paramount Global Chair Shari Redstone, engaged in a quid pro quo with the Trump administration so that it would approve its merge to Skydance. Paramount did not respond to requests for comment on the settlement or the lawsuit. Several Democratic senators have also decried the move, pledging to probe the then-rumored settlement in May, indicating Paramount may be engaging in potentially illegal conduct. One of the senators, Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) posted on X Wednesday indicating he will be first in line calling for federal charges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were not privy to anything that went on behind closed doors, but it appears to be extortion in plain sight, Corn-Revere said. In May, the Freedom of the Press Foundation which says it is a Paramount shareholder pledged to file a lawsuit if the settlement went through. It would allow shareholders to recoup damages from harm to Paramount that has been caused to it by misconduct of its officers and directors, Seth Stern, director of advocacy for the Freedom of the Press Foundation, said in an interview Wednesday. There is no reasonable explanation, or I should say, no reasonable and lawful explanation, for paying $16 million to settle a ridiculously frivolous lawsuit, Stern said. Though the organization has yet to file the derivative lawsuit, Stern said that they have already sent an information demand letter to Paramount and will send another Wednesday. According to Stern, shareholders are entitled to some information about the corporations affairs under law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are looking for the information to which we are entitled on why this decision was made to pay a settlement to Trump that is far, far exponentially in excess of any value that anyone who knows the first thing about First Amendment law believes that his claims have, he said. Stern said he would hope that the corporation would not object to transparency. For an organization that owns a news outlet to hide the ball about why it made this extremely consequential move, would just sort of add insult to industry, he said. Republican Jack Ciattarelli and Democrat Mikie Sherrill will face off in November to succeed Gov. Phil Murphy in 2025. (Photos by Hal Brown and Amanda Brown) Rep. Mikie Sherrill, the Democratic nominee for governor, is entering the general election season with a double-digit lead over her Republican rival, Jack Ciattarelli, according to a new Rutgers-Eagleton poll released Wednesday. The first major gubernatorial poll since the June primary shows Sherrill with 51% of voters support, and Ciattarelli with 31%, if the Nov. 4 election were held today. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Including voters who lean toward a candidate, her lead grows by one point. About 3% say theyd vote neither, and 6% are uncertain. While Sherrill holds a comfortable edge, the poll also suggests economic issues could take front and center to narrow the race as November approaches. Pollsters also found an intense national political landscape will have an impact yet to be seen, and that this gap will likely shrink in the next several months. Early polling on the governors race should serve as a baseline or a barometer of how voters are feeling in the moment not as some crystal ball predicting the future four months from now, said Ashley Koning, an assistant research professor and director of the Eagleton Center for Public Interest Polling. A lot can happen between now and November. She said 2021 showed how much a race can shift in just a few months. Ciattarelli, who was also the GOP gubernatorial candidate then, narrowly lost to Gov. Phil Murphy in a closer-than-expected race. Polls had showed Murphy ahead by double digits, but he only won by about three points. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Donald Trump remains a looming presence in the race, with 52% of voters polled saying Trump plays a major factor in their vote, Wednesdays poll showed. Nearly three-quarters of Sherrill supporters cited Trump as a top concern, compared to 27% of Ciattarelli backers. Koning noted that while Trumps endorsement of Ciattarelli may have boosted him in the primaries, these numbers are an early sign that the endorsement could play out differently in the general election. Trumps influence appears to be more of a benefit to Sherrill right now, said Koning. With four months to go, both campaigns are battling for the bloc of independent voters that could sway the race. Sherrill, whose name recognition and favorability has surged since April, has been seen as the more moderate candidate between the two, according to the poll. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ciattarelli, a former assemblyman, still commands strong enthusiasm from the Republican base, with about 80% of his supporters saying they are very or somewhat enthusiastic. But Sherrill outpaces him nearly 2-to-1 on health care, education and infrastructure. She loses her edge on taxes and affordability, the two biggest issues New Jerseyans face, the poll states. On handling taxes, Sherrill leads 39% to Ciattarellis 34%, and on cost of living, 45% say theyd trust Sherrill more while 29% support Ciattarelli. Voters also are split on who would handle crime and safety better 39% support Sherrill compared to 37% backing Ciattarelli. Ciattarellis team took to social media to blast the poll. Chris Russell, a political strategist for the candidate, called it pure fantasy and compared it to 2021 polls that they said incorrectly predicted the gubernatorial results. He also suggested the data contains inaccurate calculations and methodological malpractice, saying Kamala Harris and Murphy supporters were overrepresented. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Koning said that claim is inaccurate and incorrect. Polls are not meant to be crystal balls but rather snapshots in time of current public opinion and are therefore not intended to predict election outcomes, especially this far out. Our scientifically grounded methodology follows best practices in the survey research industry, she said in a statement Wednesday evening. Seventy-eight percent of voters said they will definitely cast ballots in the November election, and another 15% said probably. Pollsters surveyed 621 adults, including 579 registered voters, in mid-June. The poll has a margin of error of 5.4 percentage points. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The first African leaders summit of US President Donald Trumps second term will be held next week in Washington, with heads of state from Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, and Senegal. The news was first reported by African Intelligence and confirmed to Semafor by a person familiar with the plans. The meeting, which will take place from July 9 -11 and will be attended by Trump, is likely to focus on US economic opportunities in West Africas critical minerals sector as well as regional security. The surprise meeting comes as plans were being finalized for a wider US-Africa summit due to take place in September in New York, though next weeks meeting may seek to capitalize on a period of intense US-Africa diplomacy, following a US-brokered ceasefire between DR Congo and Rwanda signed last week at the White House. KABUL, July 2 (Xinhua) -- A total of 30 Afghan nationals who were released by Pakistan from prisons have returned home, the Radio and Television of Afghanistan said on Wednesday. The Afghans were back in Afghanistan on Tuesday, and all of them received necessary aid at the crossing point. Pakistan released 25 Afghan nationals from jails and sent them back to Afghanistan last week. Nine people were hospitalized Wednesday morning because of possible drug exposure inside Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall in Downey, officials said. Vicky Waters, the communications director for the L.A. County Probation Department, which oversees the juvenile halls, said the hospitalizations were due to "a suspected overdose and possible exposure to an unidentified substance" which occurred around 8 a.m. Wednesday. Officers deployed Narcan, a nasal spray commonly used to reverse the impacts of an opiate overdose, to those who were exposed, Waters said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eight staff members and one youth in custody were affected, but all remain in stable condition, according to Waters. Some have already been released from the hospital. Los Padrinos was still on "lockdown," meaning youths were confined to their rooms and visitation is suspended, as of Wednesday afternoon, according to Waters. Downey police and fire officials responded to the hall, as well as hazardous materials crews, according to Waters. Supervisor Janice Hahn, whose district includes Los Padrinos, said she was praying for the recovery of the youth and staff, which included both probation and medical personnel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Youth in our care, Probation staff, and medical staff were all possibly exposed to and sickened by a toxic drug that should never have been able to enter this facility," said Hahn in a statement. "We will get to the bottom of how this was allowed to happen." Read more: A.G. Bonta considers stripping county control of L.A.'s chaotic juvenile halls The latest incident comes amid ongoing issues with drugs in the county's juvenile halls. On Monday, Alejandro Lopez, an employee for a nonprofit tutoring company, was arrested at Los Padrinos and allegedly found in possession of 170 pills believed to be Xanax. The Los Angeles County District Attorney charged both Lopez, 21, and Orlando Cuevas, 18, Wednesday with possessing Xanax for sale. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The probation department said Lopez works for StudentNest, a Fresno-based tutoring service. Last month, L.A. prosecutors charged a probation officer with smuggling Xanax into the Secure Youth Treatment Facility at Barry J. Nidorf Juvenile Hall in Sylmar. Several youths also suffered drug overdoses at Los Padrinos in April, not long after probation officials found a large quantity of Xanax inside the facility. "Were starting to catch people," said Eduardo Mundo, head of the Probation Oversight Commission, which serves as a county watchdog for the troubled department. "When you catch someone, it means the process is working." Mundo said he'd seen security at the hall tighten lately, with dogs sniffing all who enter from top to bottom and more attention paid to the sky scouting for drones. And yet, he notes, clearly drugs are still getting in. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The people who do bring drugs in... they're having to be pretty creative," he said. Los Padrinos remains the subject of major scrutiny by state and county officials. In May, a judge ordered more than 100 youths to be moved out of the Downey hall after the facility repeatedly failed investigations carried out by a state oversight body. California Atty. Gen Rob Bonta also said earlier this year he was mulling a state takeover of L.A. County's juvenile justice system after years of scandals, riots, drug overdoses and allegations of officers abusing youths. 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. AMANDA, Ohio (WCMH) The Fairfield County Emergency Management team discusses the recent impact of excessive rainfall on the community. NBC4 first reported flooding at homes in Ross County, but Fairfield County was also impacted by flash flooding today. According to the Fairfield County Emergency Management Agency, the damage was isolated to the Clear Creek Township area. Fairfield County EMA Director Jon Kochis says theyve seen a lot of flash flooding due to overloaded creeks that are affecting roadways, culverts, and ditches. He says crews have also come across a few damaged homes due to the amount of water that came up so quickly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We had one incident related to a home propane tank that came loose from a secured area, I guess. So a propane tank, it can actually float in water and come off its mounts, and it causes a small leak, said EMA Director Jon Kochis. Nonprofit rescues dogs across Ohio from euthanasia A portion of Winchester Southern Road is also closed as a culvert was washed away from the heavy rainfall that happened earlier in the day. As crews continue repairs, its advised that residents avoid that area as there is a large hole in the road. Kochis says they are going to continue to monitor for any more potential storms, but for now, there are things he wants the community to know. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Traveling motorists is the biggest deal with roadways. So if you see a roadway that is covered in water, assume that its fast-moving water and that it could wash your car off, there could be debris in there. So we just give people the notion never to drive in a flooded roadway. Kochis says as of right now, no injuries have been reported. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV. Florida Blue policyholders have been notified that due to a contract impasse, Broward Health is no longer in the health insurers network. The change took effect on July 1, ending, at least temporarily, a contract that has been in place more than 30 years. That means that Florida Blue policyholders including individual members, members of employer-based plans, marketplace members and Medicare Advantage members must now pay higher rates to access certain services and in-patient visits to Broward Health facilities. Related Articles Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Also affected are members of Florida Blues Health Options Inc. and New Direction Behavioral Health plans, plus other insurers affiliated with the national Blue Cross Blue Shield network, known as Blue card members, a Florida Blue spokesman said. Medicare Supplemental and Medicap plans are not impacted, according to information on Broward Healths website. Both sides said they hoped the impasse would be resolved. The change follows what both sides said were months of negotiations that failed to result in a new contract. Broward Health, a cornerstone of health care in South Florida, has been a partner of Florida Blue for decades, and the two organizations have always reached an agreement without any disruption for members, Florida Blue said in a news release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The statement continued, Florida Blues goal from the start has been to keep Broward Health in network to maintain the relationship between doctors and members while protecting members from significant and unnecessary health care cost increases. Florida Blue said that the 18,000 members were notified in May that the change would take effect if an agreement wasnt reached by July 1. Members who were notified, the insurer said, included patients who have used a Broward Health facility over the past six months or who have a Broward health primary care doctor. The insurer said that Broward Health is seeking a rate increase that is significantly higher than its previous request. Theyre demanding 10 times what they asked for and Florida Blue agreed to during the last negotiation three years ago, the news release said. The request would increase rates by 60% forcing Florida Blue members overall to pay $150 million more over the next three years, the insurer said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jennifer Smith, Broward Health vice president of communications, said in an interview on Tuesday that Florida Blue has misstated that the hospital system left the negotiating table. We were talking with them on June 30, she said. Asked about the 60% increase that Florida Blue said Broward Health is seeking, Smith said, I dont think the numbers are exact, but thats how much theyre underpaying us compared to what theyre paying other health systems and compared to what others are paying us. Thats how far undervalued they have us. Florida Blue, she said, by far is the lowest managed-care payer for us. Florida Blues statement also contended, In addition, Broward Health is also demanding a change in how they get paid from a predictable, fixed-rate (schedule) to a system where they set their own prices. This would let Broward Health raise prices at any time for medical treatments and drugs, based on their hospital-billed charges, without any warning or agreement from Florida Blue. This would lead to surprise bills for patients. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Smith responded, This is simply incorrect. We have never requested this nor has this been part of any of our proposals to Florida Blue. Broward Health operates five hospitals, one of which is a childrens hospital, and more than 50 physician and ambulatory locations in northern Broward County. On its website, Broward Health said that Florida Blue has historically undervalued the care our team members provide. It added, Our discussions with Florida Blue are about fairness; we are simply asking that Florida Blue reimburse our team at levels that are comparable to what they reimburse other health care providers in South Florida, (and) comparable to rates provided by other insurance companies for the same services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Certain patients and circumstances will allow Florida Blue members to continue seeing their Broward Health team under in-network status for a period of time, Florida Blue said. State and federal protections called Continuity of Care cover pregnant women and others undergoing treatment for serious and complex health conditions, or in post-operative care following surgery, the insurer said. Emergency room and emergency services are always covered at in-network cost share, even at out-of-network facilities. This means Florida Blue members can still go to Broward Health for emergency care, the release said. Affected members are advised to log into their Florida Blue member accounts to select other in-network hospitals, physicians or clinical sites. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Smith said Broward Health also is helping its patients. We are going to do everything in our power to care for the patients impacted by this and are actively speaking solutions to keep them at in-network rates, because we actually care about the patients, she said. Ron Hurtibise covers business and consumer issues for the South Florida Sun Sentinel. He can be reached by phone at 954-356-4071 or by email at rhurtibise@sunsentinel.com. A Florida police bomb squad used explosives on various household items to educate the public about fireworks dangers ahead of July Fourth. The Fort Lauderdale Police Bomb Squad demonstrated the potential harm fireworks can inflict on the human body, using explosives similar to an M-80 on a paint can, cantaloupe, and watermelon. Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue and Broward Health released a video of the demonstration to educate the community about safety and address common fireworks-related injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The Fourth of July is one of the busiest times of year for our emergency departments," said Dr. Robert Chisholm, an emergency physician at Broward Health. "We typically see an increase in visits due to fireworks and sparkler injuries, dehydration and heat-related illnesses, food poisoning, severe sunburns, and alcohol-related accidents." Crews Respond To Massive Explosions At Fireworks Facility In California Officials also tested sparklers on raw chicken to show what kind of injuries the hand-held firework can cause to human skin. Read On The Fox News App Fireworks-related injuries and deaths typically spike around the holiday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fourth Of July History: Why Americans Mark The Occasion With Fireworks The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) urged caution last week, reporting 11 fireworks-related deaths and an estimated 14,700 injuries last year. Most deaths involved misuse or device malfunctions. According to the CPSC, deaths increased 38% in 2024 compared to the previous year, while injuries spiked 52% during the same period. Sparklers accounted for about 1,700 emergency room visits in 2024, the CPSC noted. Original article source: Florida bomb squad demonstrates damage fireworks can inflict using watermelon A migrant detention center surrounded by alligators that could potentially eat escapees is being exploited to raise money for the MAGA set. The Florida Republican party is selling merch of the so-called Alligator Alcatraz in the Everglades despite ethical concerns. The $30 T-shirts with a logo featuring an alligator and python on an entry walk, plus hats ($27) and beverage sleeves ($15), reportedly had brisk sales in its first few days online. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weve sold thousands of shirts, thousands of hats, and thousands of koozies since then, Florida GOP chair Evan Power told WPTV on Tuesday. Amid criticism from human rights advocates about the center, Power said he had no moral reservations about the souvenirs: It fires up our voters because theyre just tired of the Biden Administration prioritizing illegals over residents of Florida and residents of the United States of America. President Donald Trumps making light of the reptile security force perhaps emboldened merchandisers further. Theres even Alligator Alcatraz baby wear circulating online. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump acknowledged the concept was that the alligators would attack inmates if they make a break for it. This is not a nice business, he said, joking that immigrants would have to learn how to run away from the predators. He later quipped that alligators didnt have to be paid much either. Related... After months of waiting for federal approval to deputize Florida National Guard Judge Advocate General Corps officers (JAGs) as immigration judges, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and President Donald Trump indicated during a visit to the newly opened "Alligator Alcatraz" at the Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport that the plan will move forward. According to Florida's 37-page Immigration Enforcement Operations Plan submitted by state officials in May, the Florida National Guard has nine field-grade JAGs suitable for training as immigration judges, and can be trained within six weeks of Justice Department approval. "The Florida National Guard has offered JAGs to be trained as immigration judges to expedite the legal process at the request of the federal government," and speed up immigration deportations, per the document. After touring Florida's newest immigration detention facility in the Everglades, Trump expressed approval for the plan. "On January 20, I signed an executive order empowering governors and state police to be deputized to enforce federal immigration laws, and Ron's already taken advantage of it," Trump said. Later, while answering questions from reporters, Trump added, "Yes, he has my approval. That wasn't too hard to get, was it?He didn't even have to ask me." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Legal experts have expressed concerns about this plan given the intricacies of immigration law. "Immigration law is very complex," Fola Olubunmi, an immigration attorney, told WINK News. "With immigration judges, you have to have a certain amount of experience and understanding of the laws in order to be able to do that job." Deputizing and quickly training JAGs in immigration could mean "hav[ing] people on the bench that don't understand the process, don't understand immigration law," Olubunmi said. "And so what we're going to see a lot of is justhe or she is going to sit there. They're going to listen, but then they're just going to deny." Incorporating JAGs into Florida's immigration enforcement is the last piece of the state's immigration blueprint. Along with deputizing the National Guard to act as immigration judges, the plan outlines enhancing intelligence collection and coordination between agencies, training 47,000 law enforcement officers to act as immigration officers under the 287(g) program, and constructing more detention centers to hold up to 10,000 people. Much of this plan has already taken shape. The sharing of surveillance data between the Florida Highway Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was confirmed in public records; more than half of 287(g) agreements are in Florida, and the newly opened Alligator Alcatraz has the potential to hold up to 5,000 migrant detainees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Florida intends to seek reimbursement from the federal government, the plan acknowledges that the state may have to act independently and may not be fully repaid, making a "long-term immigration support missionfiscally untenable," according to the plan. DeSantis invoked the "rule of law" in a news conference on Monday for why the Sunshine State must attempt to mass deport undocumented Florida denizensof which there are an estimated 1.2 million currently in the statealongside the Trump administration's immigration crackdown. However, the roadmap shows little regard for due process or constitutional protections, and advocates for "an overreach of state authority and displacing federal law," which "may result in false imprisonment and exorbitant costs," as reported by the Tallahassee Democrat. "This basically would change how immigration detention is managed, and that flies in the face of several decades of litigation that have established constitutional protections for people in detention and how you even get to be put in detention," Elizabeth Ricci, an immigration attorney in Tallahassee, Florida, told the Democrat. The post Florida Plans To Deputize 9 National Guardsmen as Immigration Judges To Increase Deportations appeared first on Reason.com. The Brief Florida Republican leaders are selling Alligator Alcatraz merchandise in two online shops. One of the shops is run by the Republican Party of Florida, the other is run by Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier. Democrats are calling the online stores, "flat out wrong." FLORIDA - Alligator Alcatraz merchandise is "selling like hotcakes," the Chairman of the Republican Party of Florida said Tuesday, after a pair of online shops began selling t-shirts, hats, Koozies and other items. What we know The online store run by the state GOP is selling a handful of items, while Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier's shop is offering a wider variety of items, including buttons and bumper stickers. Evan Power, Chairman of the Republican Party of Florida, said party leaders saw an opportunity with the national spotlight on Alligator Alcatraz. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Alcatraz [prison], when it was first created back in San Francisco, was a big deal. We thought that that was a good title when we heard that James Uthmeier came up with that title. We liked it. We came up some ideas and then once we put them up, they started selling like hotcakes and it's just taken off from there," Power said. "The goal is to raise awareness to what the policy is. But second of all, when you sell merch, you get names, you get emails, and then you make some money off of all of it." Most of the merchandise is being sold for between $20-30. Power said the proceeds will go back into the Florida GOP. Uthmeier, who announced the site on social media, urging supporters to "get your gear to show support," didn't respond to a request for comment. It's unclear how he plans to use the proceeds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PREVIOUS: Trump visits Florida's 'Alligator Alcatraz' as new ICE detention center opens Tuesday The other side Democrats have said the two online stores are in poor taste. "This is a stain on the conscience of Florida," said Hillsborough County State Rep. Fentrice Driskell, the House Minority Leader. "It's all fun and games until it's your own family, right? And we've now read enough accounts that there are people who are lawfully present in the United States, even some United States citizens who've been getting caught up in all of these stunts." While Driskell believes the detention center is a mistake, she thinks the focus should be on ensuring the facility is safe, not on making a quick buck. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "You really have to ask yourself, where have we gone wrong as a society if it's at the point where people are making fun of other families heartaches and pain?" she said. "I never thought I'd see the day in America where people profiteering off of effectively what could be a concentration camp." CLICK HERE:>>>Follow FOX 13 on YouTube The Source Information for this story was gathered by FOX 13's Aaron Mesmer. Editor's note: This story contains descriptions of an attempted suicide and child sexual abuse that readers may find disturbing. WEST PALM BEACH Jurors took just under two hours to convict a former teacher of sexually abusing his 16-year-old student but acquit him of aiding in her suicide attempt. Damian Conti, 37, maintained that his relationship with the girl was never sexual. The former AP English teacher turned down 10- and 25-year plea offers and now faces up to 120 years in prison for four counts of unlawful sexual activity with a student. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The jury's verdict followed four days of graphic evidence and testimony presented almost entirely by prosecutors. Assistant State Attorneys Alexa Ruggiero and Nicole Corring used phone records, surveillance footage and witness testimony to portray Conti as a predator one who plied a vulnerable girl with gifts and attention, then drove her to attempt suicide once his crimes came to light. "She went on TikTok to find out how to tie a noose," Corring said. "All the while, Damian Conti Googles 'criminal defense attorney,' 'statutory rape.' " Jurors sifted through internet records showing Conti had searched penalties for child sex crimes shortly before his arrest. They read text messages in which the teacher described intimate acts with the teenager, complimented the taste of her body and discussed the curve of his own anatomy. They heard the student, now 18, recall the charismatic, attentive and touchy way Conti acted around her, the visits he made to her workplace after school and the moment their encounters turned sexual. At Ruggiero's prompting, she walked jurors through each place she said Conti touched her, and where she touched him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I remember my legs being very shaky," she said of the first occasion. "On the drive home, I was very upset." Meanwhile, Conti's attorney questioned the thoroughness of the investigation and the accuracy of the student's testimony. Assistant Public Defender Lily Boehmer said the girl had ulterior motives including her family's civil lawsuit against SouthTech for testifying against the man she once said she loved. Assistant Public Defender Lily Boehmer (right) makes closing arguments in the trial of Damian Conti on June 30. He is the former SouthTech Academy teacher convicted of sex crimes with a student. Rather than present her own evidence, Boehmer zeroed in on what prosecutors' lacked: dates, locations and explicit detail of each sex act as well as the DNA to corroborate it. The girl described countless sexual encounters in the back seat of her car, but detectives never swabbed the space for DNA. "They 'sexted' about things that they never did," the lawyer said, pointing to select messages the girl testified were mere fantasy. "They pushed the boundary, but they never crossed it." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Conti's recorded confession was harder to explain. Played aloud for jurors, he described the way he and the teen "just connected," first over school email, then text and Instagram, then in the back seat of her car. "She was really happy that someone showed her care," he said. "She doesn't get a lot of affection at home." Former SouthTech teacher Damian Conti on June 30 during his trial. He discussed the struggles he'd had at his own home "I wasnt happy with my marriage. Being a fathers been hard" and the reasons he believed the girl attempted suicide: fear of her parents, he said, and "the guilt of destroying my life." Conti initially said he had sex with the girl once but, after prodding from the detective, amended the answer to a "couple" of times. He said he used protection, and that the girl was always in charge, always consenting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under Florida law, the age of consent is 18. Those who are 16 and 17 can legally consent only to a partner younger than 24. Boehmer called Conti's confession a "last-ditch effort" to stop the teen from hurting herself. "It might not have been the most logical, but that's what happened," she said. "He was under stress." Jurors unconvinced Conti wanted girl dead Palm Beach County Judge Howard Coates, Jr., speaks with attorneys during closing arguments in the trial of Damian Conti at the Palm Beach County Courthouse in downtown West Palm Beach, Fla., on June 30, 2025. He is the former SouthTech Academy teacher accused of having an inappropriate relationship with a student. Though she didn't persuade jurors to acquit Conti of child sex abuse, Boehmer succeeded in overcoming the allegation of attempted assisted suicide. The charge stemmed from Conti's actions hours before his arrest on Feb. 6, 2024. A student discovered inappropriate texts between Conti and the girl that morning and reported them to SouthTech Academy administrators. Then-principal Eileen Turenne, who announced her retirement days later, suspended Conti from the campus of the Boynton Beach school and sent the girl home without notifying her parents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The girl testified that she left the school feeling scared and anxious. Conti's panic compounded her own. "I was looking to him for a sense of direction, but I couldn't find that direction," she said. She told him to meet her at a Home Depot near Lake Worth Beach. Prosecutors in the trial of former teacher Damian Conti showed jurors this photo on June 24, of Conti kissing a teenage student at SouthTech Academy. Assistant State Attorney Alexa Ruggiero stands in front of the photo. There, she told Conti she wanted both of them to kill themselves. Jurors watched surveillance-camera footage of the girl buying 30 feet of rope and 15 feet of chain while Conti stood beside her. She testified that Conti told her repeatedly not to go through with it. Nevertheless, Conti held her car keys while she bought the rope, then handed them back to her after she finished paying. He remained in the Home Depot parking lot while she drove away. After a seven-minute call to his therapist and a four-minute call to the girl, Conti called 911. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors said Conti deliberately waited before he called 911 in hopes that the girl would be dead before deputies found her. She nearly was. Jurors watched body-camera footage of the rescue and revival behind a nearby church off Hypoluxo Road. Boehmer emphasized the fact that the girl chose to attempt suicide alone, that Conti discouraged her from doing it, and that if he truly wanted her dead, he wouldn't have called 911. Jurors weren't the only ones persuaded by the argument. Circuit Judge Howard Coates considered dismissing the charge altogether ahead of closing arguments and said he would decide only after the verdict was announced. It came at 4:30 p.m. on June 30. Beyond a clenched jaw, Conti did not visibly react. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The teen was not present. Victoria Mesa-Estrada, an attorney who represents the girl and her family in the civil lawsuit against SouthTech Academy, called the verdict "a clear affirmation that justice was partially served and accountability upheld." "This is a step in the right direction to permit this young woman to heal from this trauma that she suffered at the hands of her teacher," she wrote. "However this is far from over." SouthTech Academy knew of Contis predatory tendencies and still failed to take action, the attorney wrote. She promised to continue pursuing justice on the girl's behalf. Coates will sentence Conti to prison on Aug. 15. The teen girl, who collapsed and wept on the courtroom floor after she finished testifying, will have an opportunity to address Conti directly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, the Palm Beach County Victim Services and Rape Crisis Center can help. Reach their helpline at 561-833-7273, or toll-free at 866-891-7273. The 211 community helpline and crisis hotline also provides suicide prevention, crisis intervention, information, assessment and referral to community services for people of all ages. Hannah Phillips covers criminal justice at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach her at hphillips@pbpost.com. Help support our journalism and subscribe today. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Florida teacher convicted of sex crimes, cleared in suicide attempt A Florida teen is behind bars after threatening to shoot up a McDonalds for messing up his order, according to the Polk County Sheriffs Office. Dayton Schaffer, 18, is charged with a false report concerning the use of a firearm against a person(s) and misuse of a two-way communication device, according to the sheriff's office. Schaffer was arrested after the manager of a north Lakeland McDonald's called the police to report that someone had called threatening to shoot up the restaurant for getting his order wrong, according to the PCSD. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Florida Man Shot After Pointing Bb Gun That Resembled 'Realistic-looking' Rifle At Officers: Police The person, later identified as Schaffer, allegedly made three calls to the location at around 11:30 p.m. on June 30. According to the post on X, Schaffer admitted to the officers that he had made the phone calls. When asked why, he allegedly told police it was because McDonald's messed up his $5 meal deal. Read On The Fox News App Florida Man Arrested After Surveillance Footage Captures Daylight Road Rage Shootout Schaffer claimed that it was a joke, but the Polk County Sheriffs Department said on X that they didnt get the punchline. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was ultimately arrested by Polk County deputies. According to the official Florida Legislature website, a false report can carry a second-degree felony charge. The misuse of a two-way communication device can carry a third-degree felony charge. Original article source: Florida teen threatens to shoot up McDonald's after $5 order is messed up: police OCHOPEE, Fla. (AP) The first group of immigrants were scheduled to arrive Wednesday night at a new detention center deep in the Florida Everglades that officials have dubbed Alligator Alcatraz, the state's attorney general said. Alligator Alcatraz will be checking in hundreds of criminal illegal aliens tonight," Florida Republican Attorney General James Uthmeier said on the social platform X. "Next stop: back to where they came from. It wasn't immediately clear precisely when the detainees would arrive or where they were coming from. They were being brought to the facility on buses, officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The facility, at an airport used for training, will have a capacity of about 3,000 detainees when fully operational, according to Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis. The center was built in eight days over 10 miles (16 kilometers) of Everglades. It features more than 200 security cameras, 28,000-plus feet (8,500 meters) of barbed wire and 400 security personnel. Immigrants who are arrested by Florida law enforcement officers under the federal government's 287(g) program will be taken to the facility, according to a Trump administration official. The program is led by Immigration and Customs Enforcement and allows police officers to interrogate immigrants in their custody and detain them for potential deportation. The facility is expected to be operating with 500 to 1,000 beds within days, according to the official, who was not authorized to speak publicly about the details of the detention facility. It is then supposed to be expanded in 500 bed increments until it has an estimated 5,000 beds by early July. Environmental groups and Native American tribes have protested against the center, contending it is a threat to the fragile Everglades system, would be cruel to detainees because of heat and mosquitoes, and is on land the tribes consider sacred. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It's also located at a place prone to frequent heavy rains, which caused some flooding in the tents Tuesday during a visit by President Donald Trump to mark its opening. State officials say the complex can withstand a Category 2 hurricane, which packs winds of between 96 and 110 mph (154 and 177 kph), and that contractors worked overnight to shore up areas where flooding occurred. DeSantis and other state officials say locating the facility in the rugged and remote Florida Everglades is meant as a deterrent, and naming it after the notorious federal prison of Alcatraz, an island fortress known for its brutal conditions, is meant to send a message. Its another sign of how the Trump administration and its allies are relying on scare tactics to try to persuade people in the country illegally to leave voluntarily. State and federal officials have touted the plans on social media and conservative airwaves, sharing a meme of a compound ringed with barbed wire and guarded by alligators wearing hats labeled ICE for Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The Republican Party of Florida has taken to fundraising off the detention center, selling branded T-shirts and beer koozies emblazoned with the facilitys name. _____ Anderson reported from St. Petersburg, Florida. Associated Press reporters Gisela Salomon in Miami and Kate Payne in Tallahassee, Florida, contributed. SAN JOSE, July 1 (Xinhua) -- Costa Rica's Supreme Court on Tuesday requested Congress, in an unprecedented move, to strip President Rodrigo Chaves of his legal immunity from prosecution so he can stand trial on corruption charges. The court ruled 15-7 in favor of referring the case to the legislature for final approval. Chaves was accused by the attorney general of forcing a communications services company contracted by the presidency to transfer 32,000 U.S. dollars to his former image advisor, Federico Cruz. The case came to light in 2023 after leaked audio recordings that allegedly revealed discussions about the contracts. Chaves has denied the accusations, and his office has not yet commented on the ruling. Nine flights costing less than $100 depart from Cincinnati in July. Domestic airfare is hitting its lowest level in three years, according to data from Hopper, a travel website that tracks airfares. The average summer 2025 plane ticket is landing at $265, compared to $274 last year and $310 in 2023. Of course, prices are expected to spike during federal holiday weekends, including the Fourth of July and Labor Day Weekend. Looking to join in on the summer travel boom for cheap? We combed through July deals on Kayak, a travel website that filters through plane ticket rates from hundreds of sites, to find the most affordable nonstop, round-trip flights leaving Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG). Advertisement Advertisement Here's which major cities you can fly to nonstop from CVG for $100 or less this July. Note: Routes, schedules and prices are subject to change. Make sure to double-check with your preferred airline for flight availability. CVG is offering flights to major U.S. cities under $100 this July. Fly to these major US cities from Cincinnati for under $100 in July Get the most bang for your buck with these round-trip, nonstop flights departing from Cincinnati in July 2025: Atlanta, Georgia: $78 (Frontier), Departs: July 25. Returns: July 28. Charleston, South Carolina: $81 (Allegiant Air), July 20-24. Fort Myers, Florida: $99 (Frontier), July 8-10. Houston, Texas: $98 (Frontier), July 17-24. Jacksonville, Florida: $99 (Allegiant Air), July 12-19. Miami, Florida: $89 (Frontier), July 28-31. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina: $82 (Allegiant Air), July 12-26. Norfolk, Virginia: $80 (Allegiant Air), July 21-25. Orlando, Florida: $93 (Allegiant Air), July 19-23. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Fly for less than $100 from Cincinnati to these cities (and beaches) Foreign students should be made to pay an upfront 10,000 surety to prevent them claiming asylum, a think tank has urged. Policy Exchange said there was increasing evidence that overseas students were using their study visa as a back door to long-term work or settlement in the UK, including through claiming asylum. Home Office figures showed that 16,000 of those who claimed asylum in 2024 had arrived in the UK on a student visa, nearly one in six (15 per cent) of all asylum claims, according to the think tanks report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It suggested that foreign students could be required to provide a 10,000 surety that they would comply with the conditions of their visa and leave on completion of their studies. The report said the aim would be to prevent over-staying and abuse of student working rights. The deposit would be forfeited if they breached the terms of their visa or if they made an asylum claim which was denied. Prospective international students could also be required to undertake a commitment not to seek asylum whilst in the UK on a student visa. This would enable the Government to make the case that they have entered on a false promise in violation of immigration law if they then did so. In a foreword to the report, author David Goodhart said the university sector had become a backdoor for unprecedented levels of migration that is neither beneficial, short term nor controlled. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What must cease is the marketing of our universities as a backdoor to long-term migration. The failure to address this has meant we have welcomed far too many who have been incentivised to come here for the wrong reasons, he said. Restoring control to the international student regime would serve as a vital first step to addressing popular disillusionment with both the UKs immigration system and its higher education sector. Research by Policy Exchange found 43 per cent of all non-travel visas last year were issued to international students and their dependents with those using the graduate route increasingly studying short postgraduate taught courses at low ranked universities. Of those arriving on student visas, 40 per cent transferred to a different visa within 12 months in 2023 up from just three per cent in 2019. The number of individuals transferring directly from study visas to health and care worker visas rose by 560 per cent between 2022 and 2023. Warning system The report recommended that the graduate visa route should be ended for all students other than those on postgraduate research degrees. It said the English standards required for incoming students should be raised. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Students from European Union member states should not be granted access to domestic fee rates or the student loan book, it said. And universities should be required to collect new data on the work undertaken by international students and their impact on the student experiences of domestic students. Labours white paper proposed limiting the graduate visa from two years to 18 months and consideration of a six per cent levy on the 12 billion-a-year fee income that universities generate from overseas students. It said the money would be reinvested in the higher education and skills system as part of proposals to boost training of domestic workers to reduce reliance on foreign staff. To prevent the misuse of student visas, universities will now be required to ensure at least 90 per cent of foreign students complete their courses and at least 95 per cent turn up for them. A new red-amber-green warning system will tell the public how universities are performing in achieving compliance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Universities close to failing on their metrics will have to draw up an action plan and face limits on the number of new foreign students they can recruit. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. U.S.-Russian dual citizen Ksenia Karelina, a former ballerina, said shes been really, really happy since she was released from Russia in a prisoner exchange in April. It feels amazing. It feels so great. And Im just overwhelmed with feeling of happiness and gratitude now, Karelina said in an exclusive interview on NewsNations Cuomo, when anchor Chris Cuomo asked how it feels to be back home. Its so great to feel this, like, sunshine on my skin, feel my loved one next to me, every morning and every night, and Im just really, really happy now, she added, gesturing to her boyfriend, Chris van Heerden, who joined her for the interview. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Karelina was arrested in February 2024 in Yekaterinburg after returning to Russia to visit her family. A Russian court convicted her of treason for donating just north of $50 to a U.S.-based Ukrainian charity, and she was sentenced to 12 years in prison. The State Department, which previously determined Karelina had been wrongfully detained, announced in April that President Trump had secured her release and that she was on a plane back home to the United States. Karelina was released in exchange for Arthur Petrov, a dual Russian-German national. Trump met with Karelina in the Oval Office in May. The meeting was closed to press, but the White House posted footage, and the president could be heard telling the former ballet dancer, Congratulations. Thats very nice. Thats a great honor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) A former employee at a Baton Rouge group home accused of abusing a disabled resident was charged with cruelty to persons with infirmities. Megan Ambeau, 34, who worked as a Direct Care Staff member at the A.B. Horn Group Home on Main Street, is accused of physically assaulting a 42-year-old resident, identified as M.M., on Nov. 10, 2023. According to an arrest warrant, M.M. is nonverbal and has severe intellectual disability, autism, schizophrenia, and seizures. Staff took her to urgent care after they saw swelling, bruising and a deformity on her nose. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the warrant, two coworkers witnessed parts of the alleged abuse. One employee reported seeing Ambeau straddling M.M. in a chair and twisting her nipples, while M.M. screamed and cried. The second witness said Ambeau punched M.M. in the face, causing a cracking sound and visible facial injuries. Suspect accused of stealing ambulance from Baton Rouge hospital arrested She was later referred to Baton Rouge General, where doctors diagnosed her with a broken nose. Ambeau was fired from her position, reported to the Louisiana Department of Healths Exclusion Board, and is now facing one count of cruelty to persons with infirmities. A warrant for her arrest was approved on June 18. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill said Ambeau was booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison and a bond was set at $100,000. Latest News Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Louisiana First News. Assistant U.S. Attorney Maurene Comey played a leading role on the eight-member team that prosecuted rapper Sean "Diddy" Combs in a sex trafficking and racketeering trial that came to a close Wednesday with mixed results. The daughter of former FBI Director James Comey, Maurene Comey faced a setback when the jury found the performer not guilty of some of the most serious charges, including racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking. However, the jury did side with prosecutors on two counts, finding Combs guilty of violating the Mann Act of 1910 by transporting women across state lines for prostitution. Missing Key Witness Cripples Diddy Prosecution As Trial Hits Roadblocks Before It Begins: Expert Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maurene Comey was a prosecutor in the Jeffrey Epstein trial prior to his death in prison and also had a lead role in Ghislaine Maxwells trial. She leads the violent and organized crime unit in the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Southern District of New York (SDNY). Diddy Jurors Face 'Battleground' As Deliberations Begin In Rapper's Federal Trial: Expert Read On The Fox News App Maurene Comey and Sean Combs SDNY is the same stepping stone her father, James Comey, used to catapult himself to national prominence. The ex-FBI director and prominent Trump foe worked similarly as a federal prosecutor there in the 1980s, when noted Trump ally Rudolph Giuliani was the Reagan-appointed U.S. attorney. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He returned to Manhattan in the 2000s after former President George W. Bush appointed him to the role once held by "Americas Mayor." Lately, the elder Comey received blowback for posting a photo of stones on a beach in the shape of "86 47," which many observers considered to be a wish for President Donald Trump's death with "86" being a cipher for "kill" and "47" denoting Trump as the 47th president. Diddy Prosecutors Argue Rapper Used Inner Circle, Money To Cover Up Alleged Sex Crimes In Closing Arguments In court, Maurene Comey offered the prosecutions rebuttal prior to the jury being sent off to deliberate the charges against Combs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maurene Comey argued from the dais that Combs "never thought the women he abused would have the courage to speak out loud what he had done to them," and suggested the rapper believed he was "untouchable." She also offered arguments that Combs had been involved in firebombing a Porsche owned by rapper Scott "Kid Cudi" Mescudi, according to TMZ. At the close of the trial, Maurene Comey argued to Judge Arun Subramanian that Combs should be denied the bond requested by defense attorney Marc Agnifilo. "There is serious relevant conduct here that will merit a lengthy period of incarceration," she said, according to the New York Post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While occupationally a proverbial chip off the old block, Maurene Comey has remained largely silent during James Comeys recurring controversies, from his "86 47" post that drew demands for investigation by the Secret Service to his rhetorical battles with Trump. Original article source: Former FBI Director Comey's daughter suffers high-profile loss as prosecutor in Diddy trial OXFORD, Miss. (WJTV) A former federal probation officer was sentenced to 10 years in prison for receiving child sexual abuse materials, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office. Prosecutors said Lonnie Everill, 46, of Water Valley, pled guilty to one count of receiving child pornography on January 14, 2025. According to court documents, Everill was initially investigated after engaging in chats with another social media user regarding their sexual interest in children. When investigators reviewed the contents of the account attributable to Everill, they found images and videos of prepubescent minors engaged in sexual conduct. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over the course of four months, prosecutors said Everill had sent and received a number of images and videos of child sexual abuse material, as well as selfies and images of local minors not engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Mans citizenship revoked for naturalization fraud During his time as a probation officer, prosecutors said Everill had structured his career to focus on the rehabilitation and supervision of sexual offenders. He was employed in Utah, California, South Carolina, and Mississippi. U.S. District Judge Dan Jordan sentenced Everill to 120 months in federal prison. In handing down the prison term, the court held him accountable for more than 1,400 images. Everill was further ordered to pay $3,000 in restitution to the victims in the images he possessed and an additional assessment of $10,000. He will also have to comply with numerous requirements designed to restrict his access to children and the internet and will be ordered to register as a sex offender. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the court, many of the images and videos Everill possessed were of very young children and toddlers being raped. Everills betrayal of trust has been truly staggering, stated U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner. His criminal conduct affected victims, the community, and undermined the credibility of the great federal probation officers in this district. I truly appreciate the exceptional prosecution led by AUSA Parker King and FBI Supervisory Agent Ryan Berthay that uncovered his crimes and brought him to justice. This case was investigated by the FBI. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Subscribe Now Daily News Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJTV. Alexanders release was seen as a gesture from Hamas to Trump, and the two spoke over the phone shortly after his return to Israel. Former Gaza hostage Edan Alexander will meet with US President Donald Trump at the White House on Thursday, several days before Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to arrive in Washington for his meeting with the president, N12 reported on Wednesday. Alexander, who was released from Hamas captivity in May after 584 days of captivity, will also meet with First Lady Melania Trump and is expected to thank the president for his role in securing his release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alexanders release was seen as a gesture from Hamas to Trump, and the two spoke over the phone shortly after his return to Israel. Netanyahu to visit Washington on Monday Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced earlier this week that hewill visit Washington next Monday. Former hostage Edan Alexander and Israeli chef Eyal Shani on May 22, 2025. (credit: SCREENSHOT/X/STAGEONEVC/VIA SECTION 27A OF THE COPYRIGHT ACT) On Sunday, US President Donald Trump called for a deal to be made in Gaza and to "get the hostages back!!!" in a post to Truth Social. Israel has given the green light for a Qatari-modified version of the Witkoff framework for a hostage deal, and all sides are awaiting a response from Hamas. Amichai Stein contributed to this report. COLUMBIA, S.C. (WSAV) Andre Bauer announced his campaign for U.S. Senate in South Carolina on Wednesday in a social media post. Bauer formerly served in the South Carolina House of Representatives, was a state senator and the lieutenant governor from 2003-2011. Bauer was a Major in the South Carolina State Guard from 2010 2015 and later appeared as a political analyst and commentator on CNN from 2016 2019. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In his X post, Bauer said, As a proven conservative fighter, I will unapologetically stand with President Trump and the America First agenda and will fight to put South Carolina first 100% guaranteed! Bauer will challenge Senator Lindsey Graham for the Republican Party primary. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. The former mayor of Newtown says his decision to resign before the end of his term was not influenced by a federal lawsuit filed by the village's police chief. Mark Kobasuk's resignation went into effect June 30, leaving Vice Mayor Terry Fairley in charge of the quiet bedroom community of 2,702. The end of Kobasuk's tenure as mayor was under the cloud of a lawsuit by Newtown Police Chief Tom Synan, which alleged a personal vendetta by the mayor and retaliation for the chief refusing to permit conduct he believed was illegal. That lawsuit is ongoing in federal court in Cincinnati. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Chief Synan's lawsuit was not a factor in my decision to resign from my position as Mayor," Kobasuk wrote in a July 1 statement emailed to The Enquirer. More: In an Ohio village, an 8-year feud between its police chief and mayor goes to court "The allegations contained in Chief Synan's lawsuit are highly inflammatory and were written with the intent of (eliciting) outrage from the residents of Newtown," Kobasuk wrote. "I am confident as the lawsuit progresses that a true picture of the facts will be revealed." In his resignation letter, Kobasuk wrote that while he and his wife had planned to build a house on their Kentucky farm over the next several years, their plans changed when a property near the farm became available for purchase. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuit was initially filed in Hamilton County Common Pleas Court in March 2024 but was later removed to federal court. It claims the mayor engaged in a yearslong feud with Synan that resulted in a cycle of relentless harassment, bullying, retaliation and defamation by Kobasuk against the police chief. Court filings state that Synan, a nationally renowned figure in the fight against the opioid crisis, came away from a February 2024 meeting with Kobasuk believing his firing to be imminent. Attorneys representing Synan, the former mayor and the village have remained silent on how Kobasuk's resignation might affect the ongoing litigation. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Ex-Newtown mayor: Police chief's lawsuit 'not a factor' in resignation SILVER SPRING, Md. (DC News Now) A former senior human resources employee for the Peace Corps was charged Wednesday with wire fraud, theft of government funds and making false statements to federal agents. The U.S. Attorneys Office (USAO) said 64-year-old Evester Edd, of Silver Spring, schemed to defraud the government out of thousands of dollars by working as a federal employee and contractor at the same time. He worked for the U.S. Peace Corps (USPC) as a Human Resources Specialist, Employee Labor Relations Expert from 2018 until his suspension in November 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Starting in or around 2023, he began contracting for outside agencies, including the Federal Housing and Finance Agency (FHFA) and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), according to court documents obtained by DC News Now. DC Council passes emergency legislation extending juvenile curfew Edd reportedly submitted time sheets to at least three different federal agencies for overlapping periods of time, essentially double-billing the United States for tens of thousands of dollars, the USAO detailed. He is also accused of making false statements. When completing documentation for security clearance, for example, he reportedly misrepresented his relationship with some Nepalese women living in Canada and Nepal, according to court documents. He was also dishonest during an interview with federal agents about the online accounts he created, actions he took and money he sent to the women in exchange for nude images. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If convicted on the charges handed down against him, Edd could spend decades in prison, face significant fines, and/or pay restitution, according to the USAO. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. CARACAS, July 1 (Xinhua) -- The Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America-People's Trade Treaty (ALBA-TCP) on Tuesday strongly condemned the U.S. policy to reinforce economic aggression and blockade against Cuba. In a statement, the bloc denounced Washington's decision to reactivate and update Presidential Memorandum No.5 from the Trump administration, which strengthens the U.S. blockade against Cuba. The decision signals intensified U.S. attempts to enforce regime change and disrupt Cuba's key sectors, including tourism, healthcare, migration, cultural and academic exchange, and access to technology, said the bloc. The real intention of the U.S. government is to dominate Cuba and control its future, it said, reiterating its unwavering solidarity with the Cuban people and government in defending their sovereignty, freedom and self-determination. The member states also reiterated their commitment to peace, security, diplomacy, non-interference and the right to self-determination, it added. ALBA-TCP, comprising Antigua and Barbuda, Bolivia, Cuba, Dominica, Grenada, Nicaragua, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Saint Lucia, and Venezuela, is an intergovernmental organization that aims for social, political and economic integration of Latin American and Caribbean countries. This story was originally published on MyNorthwest.com. James Fry, a former chief of the Moscow Police Department, has accepted the position to lead the West Richland Police Department in Washington. Fry retired from the Moscow Police Department after a 30-year career, including eight years as its chief. Notably, during his tenure, he oversaw the Bryan Kohberger investigation after four University of Idaho students were murdered in their apartment in November 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His experience, credentials, and proven leadership will be invaluable as we continue to grow as a community and invest in the safety and well-being of our residents, Mayor Brent Gerry said in a news release announcing the hiring. Fry arrives in West Richland after then Police Chief Thomas Grego received a vote of no confidence from the West Richland Police Officers Association. Former Wenatchee Police Chief Steve Crown took over as the interim police chief in March after Grego retired in February. Grego was accused of harassment, retaliation, and abuse within the 17-person department. James Frys police career Fry began working at the Moscow Police Department in 1993 as a reserve officer, becoming a permanent member of the department two years later. He then served as the departments detective unit lieutenant and the captain of the campus division, before eventually becoming chief. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He retired last year so he could run for sheriff of Latah County, but he ultimately lost to the incumbent. The Moscow Police Department received national attention in November 2022 after the murders of four University of Idaho students. The department led the investigation of the stabbing deaths alongside federal investigators. Follow Frank Sumrallon X. Send news tips here. SARDIS, Miss. (WJTV) The former Town of Sardis Water Department Clerk pled guilty to one count of embezzlement of public funds. State Auditor Shad White said Lisa Goodson took cash from water payments and then deleted the transactions from the payment system to hide the theft. Former Sardis Fire secretary pleads guilty to embezzlement My office will continue to crack down on cases like this so we can ensure that your tax dollars are spent properly, said White. Im grateful that were able to work with prosecutors around the state on cases like this. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Goodson was prosecuted by the Panola County Circuit Court. She was sentenced to 10 years post release supervision and has been ordered to pay $1,100 in fines and $1,531.68.00 in restitution. Lisa Goodson (Courtesy: State Auditors Office) Suspected fraud can be reported to the Auditors office by clicking the red button at www.osa.ms.gov or calling 1-(800)-321-1275 during normal business hours. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJTV. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) A former speaker of the Tennessee House of Representatives has requested a new trial after a jury found him and his former aide guilty for their connection to a scheme to defraud the state. On May 16, 2025, a 12-person jury found former Tennessee House Speaker Glen Casada guilty on 17 of 19 counts. Meanwhile, his former aide, Cade Cothren, was found guilty on all counts. Both men were accused of pushing the state to use a company started by Cothren. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, the scheme began in 2019 when Casada and Cothren deceived their former colleagues and officials at the State of Tennessee in an effort to obtain state funds for Phoenix Solutions, Cothrens political consulting business. Have breaking news come to you: Subscribe to News 2 email alerts A four-week trial and days of deliberations resulted in a guilty verdict for Casada. He was released on his own recognizance until sentencing, which is scheduled for Sept. 12. However, a court filing states the former speaker and his former chief of staff are now seeking a new trial on the grounds that the jurys verdict was against the manifest weight of the evidence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CASADA-NEW-TRIALDownload Attorneys argue that the government failed to show proof beyond a reasonable doubt as it relates to the second count of the indictment, which was obtaining property by fraud. In addition, the filing also states that Casada is entitled to a new trial because the government also failed to prove that he was paid money in exchange for an official act instead of a legitimate business relationship. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com Despite the governments witnesses consistent use of legal buzzwords to try to carry them to a conviction, the proof also did not establish that Casada engaged in a scheme of official acts to get Phoenix Solutions invoices approved in exchange for payment, the filing reads, in part. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Though jurors found Casada guilty of use of money laundering, lawyers argue that there is simply no evidence that suggests the former speaker played any role whatsoever in this conduct. The filing adds that Phoenix Solutions bank accounts were controlled by Cothern, whereas Casadas role was limited to primarily to recruiting business. The former speaker has submitted a motion for a new trial based on some of the arguments listed above. As of publication, the court has not submitted a ruling on the motion. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. VIROQUA, Wis. (WLAX/WEUX) According to a joint statement from the Vernon County Sheriffs Office and the Reedsburg Police Department, 33-year-old Ashley Benson of Coon Valley was arrested on multiple charges, including sexual assault of a child. She was booked for the sex assault of a student by school staff and the second-degree sexual assault of a child. Officials say Benson previously worked at both a private and public K-12 school in the Viroqua area, and one victim has been identified at this time. Benson had a $5,000 signature bond set in court and shell be back in court on July 22nd. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX2548 & WIProud. For two days, the Mariposa County Sheriffs Office conducted a search for a man who was reported as an "at risk missing person" near Yosemite National Park. The search included helicopters, an off-highway vehicle unit and law enforcement search and rescue, according to a sheriff's office news release. The missing man, Nathan Baptista, was last seen on June 27 when he told family members he was going to ride his dirt bike near a mine and a tower but offered no additional details, according to a sheriff's office social media post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Search teams covered more than 500 miles of rugged terrain before the sheriff's office investigations unit uncovered that Nathan Baptista had an active federal warrant out for his arrest, tied to an aggravated sexual abuse charge. Baptista, 38, who weighs around 165 pounds and is 5'9", allegedly violated his probation in connection with the charge, officials said. He was driving a white Chevrolet S10 pickup truck with California license plate 7B48533. Anyone with more information has been asked to contact authorities. Read more: Ex-police chief, convicted killer who escaped from Arkansas prison, is captured "As of now we now feel confident that this case has shifted from an 'At Risk Missing Person' to an absconding fugitive from federal law enforcement who is no longer in Mariposa County," according to the sheriff's office news release. "Surveillance footage has confirmed that his truck and dirt bike were seen in the Fresno area." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Baptista was charged last year with aggravated sexual abuse after he was accused of raping and strangling a female park employee, according to federal prosecutors. Both Baptista and the woman worked for a company that operates the parks hospitality services. The alleged rape happened the night the woman met Baptista, prosecutors said. Baptista is awaiting trial, and it is not clear if he is currently out on bail. 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. FORT SMITH, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) A Fort Smith man accused of killing a woman in her home earlier this year has been found mentally fit to stand trial, according to court documents. Marvin Davis, 58, is facing first-degree murder, aggravated residential burglary while armed with a deadly weapon charges. He is also being charged as a habitual offender. Davis has pleaded not guilty to those charges. Davis is accused of killing Dorothy Edmonds, 65, in her home on South 11th Street in Fort Smith on March 16. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On April 29, the judge assigned to Davis case ordered a forensic mental exam after the defense attorney. The psychiatrists report was filed on June 27. Dr. Ethan Atwood from the Arkansas State Hospital examined Davis for around one hour on June 2, according to the report. Atwood diagnosed Davis with severe stimulant use disorder involving an amphetamine-type substance and with moderate phencyclidine (PCP) use disorder in sustained remission, the report said. He said that Davis had the capacity to understand the proceedings against him. Arkansas man sentenced to 10 years for robbing Oklahoma bank Davis talks about the alleged murder During the examination, Davis talked with Atwood about the alleged crime. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the reports official account of the offenses, Davis said he knew Edmonds son and stayed at her house two days before her death after traveling from Ozark to Fort Smith. The report said Davis and Edmonds son were drinking and doing drugs. Davis said he could not remember much around the time Edmonds was killed due to taking drugs. Davis said during an interview with detectives, which was included in the report, that Edmonds [might] have caught me stealing and I probably, I probably did that to her, according to the report. He told police he guessed he had bludgeoned and stabbed her, and the incident occurred in the living room, outside of the victims bedroom. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Davis said after law enforcement left Edmonds home, he returned and took more items. Davis is being held in the Sebastian County Detention Center on a $250,000 bond, and his next court date is set for September. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) Springfield police arrested four suspects in connection with illegal firearm possession and drug distribution on Tuesday. According to the Springfield Police Department, detectives were granted a search warrant for a residence on the 200 block of Plainfield Street. On Tuesday at approximately 8:45 a.m., the search was conducted by members of the Springfield Police Firearms Investigation Unit, Springfield Emergency Services Unit, Hampden County Sheriffs Department, and United States Marshals Fugitive Task Force. Man rescued after fall at West Springfield BMW Dealership Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the search detectives located and seized over $23,000 in cash, an extended firearm magazine loaded with 31 rounds of ammunition, approximately 182 clonazepam pills, firearms accessories and parts, approximately 20 strips of suboxone, approximately 3.7 grams of cocaine, 48 rounds of ammunition, and a firearm loaded with eight rounds of ammunition. Courtesy of the Springfield Police Department. Four suspects were also arrested during the search: 20-year-old Jemsen Ortiz, 42-year-old Angel Vazquez, 42-year-old Erika Ramos-Davilla, and 24-year-old Amarilys Calderon-Ramos, all of Springfield. Ortiz and Vazquez had been previously arrested by Springfield Police in February 2024 for possessing five illegal firearms, including a machine gun. Ortiz was currently out on bail with an electronic monitoring ankle bracelet for a pending case in Hampden Superior Court. Courtesy of the Springfield Police Department. Jemsen Ortiz is charged with: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Possession of a Firearm without an FID Card Possession of Ammunition without an FID Card Improper Storage of a Firearm Possession with the Intent to Distribute a Class B Drug (Suboxone) Conspiracy to Violate Drug Law Courtesy of the Springfield Police Department. Angel Vazquez is charged with: Possession with the Intent to Distribute a Class B Drug (Suboxone) Possession with the Intent to Distribute a Class B Drug (Cocaine) Possession with the Intent to Distribute a Class E Drug (Clonazepam) Conspiracy to Violate Drug Law Courtesy of the Springfield Police Department. Erika Ramos-Davilla is charged with: Possession with the Intent to Distribute a Class B Drug (Suboxone) Possession with the Intent to Distribute a Class B Drug (Cocaine) Possession with the Intent to Distribute a Class E Drug (Clonazepam) Conspiracy to Violate Drug Law Courtesy of the Springfield Police Department. Amarilys Calderon-Ramos is charged with: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Possession of a High-Capacity Magazine Local News Headlines WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP. An oil-drilling barge has sunk in the Gulf of Suez, killing at least four crew members and leaving four others unaccounted for. The Egyptian government said on Wednesday that 22 people were injured when the Adam Marine 12 sank the previous night in the Gebel el-Zeit area in the Gulf of Suez. The barge was being towed to a new location when it capsized, Egyptian media reported. Four of the injured people were airlifted to hospital, with 18 others transported by ambulance, Egypts Ministry of Health said on social media. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources posted pictures of Minister Karim Badawi visiting survivors in El Gouna hospital in Hurghada on Wednesday, accompanied by Labour Minister Mohammed Jibran and Red Sea Governor Amr Hanafi. Hanafi said ships from the Egyptian navy joined the search-and-rescue efforts for the missing crewmen. Gebel el-Zeit is a major Egyptian oil production site about 300km (186 miles) south of the Suez Canal. Four people were criminally charged in a North Texas federal court on Tuesday in connection with a multi-billion dollar crackdown on nationwide healthcare fraud, federal attorneys said. Nationwide, the crackdown resulted in charges against 324 defendants, 96 of whom are doctors or other licensed professionals, according to a statement from the U.S. Attorneys Office in North Texas. The charges against the four Texas defendants include billing Medicare, Tricare and other insurers for millions of dollars in false or fraudulent claims or services that were never performed. Demetrious Gilmore, 46, of Lubbock was charged by indictment with conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud, according to the statement. Through his businesses, Gilmore allegedly submitted $19 million worth of phony claims to a federal workers compensation program, according to the indictment. The claims were for benefits, items and services that were ineligible for coverage, not necessary or never performed. Federal authorities seized $1 million from accounts controlled by Gilmore, according to the statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gary Martin, 62, of McKinney was charged by indictment with soliciting and receiving kickbacks for referrals to federal healthcare programs, according to the statement. Martin allegedly submitted $73 million in fake claims to Medicare for over-the-counter COVID-19 tests in 2023. Once Medicare paid the reimbursement for the tests, a co-conspirator of Martins paid a kickback based on the reimbursement, federal attorneys said. Khadeer Khan Mohammed, 44, of India was charged by indictment with healthcare fraud, according to the statement. Mohammed allegedly submitted $93 million in fraudulent claims to Medicare for genetic testing that was never requested, ordered or performed, federal attorneys said. Mohammed submitted the claims using identifying information of physicians who had no relationship to the patients for whom the claims were submitted. $65 million of Mohammeds claims were paid and authorities seized $6 million from accounts Mohammed controlled, according to the statement. Olatunbosun Osukoya, 67, of Plano was charged by indictment with conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud, according to the statement. Osukoya allegedly submitted over $25 million in phony claims to Medicare, Tricare and other insurers for electroencephalogram testing. Osukoya allegedly sought out patients with insurance plans to undergo EEG tests, then recruited and paid kickbacks and bribes to physicians to refer those patients to a specific company, federal attorneys said. Osukoya was paid over $5 million for the fraudulent claims and paid out over $450,000 in bribes and kickbacks. These individuals lined their own pockets, egregiously stealing beneficiaries identities and pillaging the coffers of federal programs, said Acting U.S. Attorney Nancy Larson. We will never tolerate this behavior and will relentlessly pursue prosecution of these offenders to the fullest extent possible. Fourth of July on the Esplanade: Heres everything you need to know Bostons iconic Fourth of July festivities are set to welcome thousands of visitors from across the country to the Esplanade for a day of music, fireworks, and patriotic celebration. The highlight of the event is the annual Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular, led by conductor Keith Lockhart. This years lineup features star-studded performances by LeAnn Rimes, Leslie Odom Jr., and Bell Biv DeVoe. Also taking the stage are the Soldiers Chorus of the United States Army Field Band and the Boston Childrens Chorus, adding a special patriotic touch. Celebrations will take place along Charles River, at the DCR Hatch Shell located at 47 David G. Mugar Way in Boston. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Shell is on the Charles River Esplanade between the Longfellow and Massachusetts Avenue Bridges, and the Mugar Family Fireworks can be seen on both the Boston and Cambridge sides of the river. The Oval, or the grass-filled area directly in front of the Hatch Shell, opens at 12 p.m. on July 4. Admission is on a first-come, first-served basis. The Oval and Island entrances to the Esplanade are best accessed from Storrow Drive at Berkeley, Clarendon, and Dartmouth Streets. There are over 350 portable restrooms located in Boston and Cambridge. The Oval opens at noon on July 4. The live concert will start at 7 p.m. with fireworks beginning around 9:40 p.m. Spectators entering the Oval and the Island/Lagoon areas will be required to pass through one of the bag check/screening entrances and will receive a clearance tag for their bags. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are over 350 portable restrooms located in Boston and Cambridge. The event is planned to take place rain or shine. Light or intermittent rain will not cancel either the concert or the Mugar Family Fireworks. Mass State Police says additional officers will be on guard. They will also deploy plainclothes officers throughout the city. A tip for those attending is if you see something say something. Another clear message for Bostonians is to leave the fireworks to the professionals. Undersecretary Gina Kwon says in the past five years, illegal fireworks have caused almost 200 serious injuries and 500 fires in Massachusetts, many involving kids and teens. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They are illegal and the police will confiscate them, said Kwon. FBI Boston says there are no credible threats at this time. FBI Boston is doing terrorism taskforce will be actively scrubbing all available intelligence and we will continue to work closely with our partners should any potential threats to public safety emerge, said Special Agent in Charge Ted Docks. For more information on the Esplanade celebration, visit the BSO website. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW Victoria Beckham has signed a 10-year deal with Safilo Group. Victoria Beckham has signed a deal with Safilo Group The 51-year-old fashion icon has inked a global licensing agreement with the brand until December 2035, which will include the design, manufacturing and distribution of eyewear collections including optical and sun, with the full range to be unveiled for the spring 2026 season. In a statement to Women's Wear Daily, Victoria said: Im thrilled to be working with Safilo to take Victoria Beckham Eyewear to the next level. Their expertise in the field is unparalleled, with a longstanding reputation for exceptional quality and craftsmanship. "With their global reach and industry-leading capabilities, Im excited about the opportunities ahead and cant wait to bring our shared vision to life. The former Spice Girls star previously had a deal with Marchon for her Victoria Beckham Eyewear brand. Angleo Trocchia, chief executive officer of Safilo, added: We are excited to welcome to our portfolio one of the industrys most iconic creative directors. Together, we aim to strengthen the brands position as a global eyewear reference in womens fashion, offering uniquely designed and beautifully crafted pieces that stand out for their attention to detail, minimal design, and sophisticated aesthetics a luxury proposition empowered by the influence and legacy of Victoria Beckham, who has successfully built and affirmed her brand within the fashion industry. He noted that the arrangement will "further enhance the womens portfolio within Safilos brand architecture and strengthen our presence in the luxury segment". The Italian eyewear brand has collaborated with Victoria's husband David too, having unveiled their first Eyewear by David Beckham collection in 2020. Last year, Safilo confirmed a perpetual license agreement with Authentic Brands Group for Eyewear by David Beckham, replacing the previous contract, which was set to expire in December 2030. ANKARA, July 2 (Xinhua) -- Turkish security forces have seized 825 kg of heroin and detained 30 suspects linked to an international drug trafficking organization in an operation across seven provinces, Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said Wednesday. The operation, based in southeast Turkiye's Adana and extending to Hakkari, Hatay, Istanbul, Van, Diyarbakir and Mersin provinces, targeted an organized criminal network allegedly led by a fugitive abroad identified as S.I., the minister said on the social media platform X, without specifying the time frame of the operation. Simultaneous raids were carried out at 38 locations under the direction of the Adana Chief Public Prosecutor's Office and the Anti-Narcotics Department of the General Directorate of Security, the Turkish minister said. Authorities confiscated unlicensed firearms and a significant number of digital materials during the raids, he added. Turkiye, located at the crossroads of Asia and Europe, remains a key transit route in international drug trafficking. Turkish security forces regularly conduct operations to combat those crimes. Alongside parades and fireworks, some Wisconsin cities will see protests, marches or even boycotts on the Fourth of July. As President Donald Trump's administration continues cracking down on immigration, school funding and other programs, local and national organizers are encouraging residents to spend part of their Independence Day in protest. The July 4 actions come after last months nationwide No Kings protests, which drew tens of thousands of people in more than 50 cities across Wisconsin. Here are the protests and boycotts planned in Wisconsin for Fourth of July: Are protests planned for Fourth of July in Wisconsin? Fourth of July actions are planned in a handful of cities across Wisconsin, including Milwaukee and Madison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Fourth of July, Womens March is hosting Free America actions across the country, encouraging people to organize marches, rallies, parades, block parties or barbecues in protest. Together, we must Free America from the grip of greedy billionaires who rig the system for themselves, the Womens March website says. Here are the July 4 protests planned in Wisconsin, according to Womens March: Milwaukee (Downtown) : The Milwaukee Alliance Against Racist & Political Repression is hosting a Peoples Independence Day march at 1 p.m. on July 4 at Red Arrow Park, 920 N. Water St. Milwaukee (Bay View) : Supporters can join State Rep. Ryan Clancy, D-Milwaukee, as he marches in the Bay View Fourth of July parade. Meet 8:30 a.m. at 2301 S. Kinnickinnic Ave. Green Bay : A Free America action is scheduled from 1 to 2 p.m. on July 4 at 100 E. Walnut St. Madison : The Madison Area Democratic Socialists of America is hosting a Solidarity BBQ from 6 to 10 p.m. on July 4 at Brittingham Park, 829 W. Washington Ave. Oshkosh: A Free America action is scheduled for 11 a.m. on July 4 at Opera House Square, 315 N. Main St. Neenah: Organizers are hosting a Sidewalk Chalk for Freedom event from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on July 4 at Riverside Park, 500 E. Wisconsin Ave. Are boycotts planned for July 4 in Wisconsin? Yes, there is a nationwide boycott planned for the Fourth of July. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The action, called the July 4 Silent Protest, was organized by The People's Union USA, the group behind other consumer spending freezes throughout 2025. John Schwarz, the group's leader, told The Arizona Republic in May the boycotts aren't directly related to companies' DEI positions, but rather to "hold corporations and corrupt systems accountable." The group is calling for consumers to not participate in parades or firework shows, as well as not shopping at big retailers, according to an Instagram post. If you do anything, support small, local businesses, or stay home with your loved ones, the caption said. Let silence speak louder than fireworks. What retailers are being boycotted in July? Aside from The Peoples Union USAs silent protest on July 4, the advocacy group has also called for a month-long boycott of these retailers: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Amazon Home Depot Starbucks Walmart, McDonald's and Lowes will be the targets of a similar month-long action in August. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Free America, No Kings protests on July 4: What to know in Wisconsin Critics are saying Fox News pundit Jason Chaffetz is full of beans for his burrito reference to criticize New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani. (Watch the video below.) Chaffetz, a former GOP House member, teamed with host Laura Ingraham on Tuesday to spread more conservative alarm about Mamdani after he won the Democratic primary last week. In what was meant to be a cheeky musing on Mamdanis progressive proposals, which include free child care and buses plus city-owned groceries, Chaffetz delved into the sacred territory of burritos. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Said Chaffetz: Hes just like, Hey, lets put root beer in all the drinking fountains, everything will be free. Look at how I eat my burrito with my fingers. And trust me, hes in this fancy package with a bright smile, but that is not going to fix the problems of New York City. Chaffetz: Hes just like lets put root beer in all the drinking fountains. Everything will be free. Look at how I eat my burrito with my fingers pic.twitter.com/09COOLebg8 Acyn (@Acyn) July 1, 2025 Observers bit back hard at Chaffetzs suggestion that Mamdani would be a rebel for consuming a burrito with his hands. How else do you eat a burrito? someone asked, calling Chaffetz a goddamn dolt! I didnt even know people ate burritos with utensils, another wrote on X, formerly Twitter One Mamdani fan remarked that their obsession with slandering him with the dumbest criticisms only makes us like him more lol. how else would you eat a burrito???!? pablo (@uid0sec) July 2, 2025 Of course us true blooded Mexicans only eat burritos with a spoon like civilized people. Alex Florez (@KamiSawZe) July 2, 2025 Are people not eating burritos with their fingers ? TrixstarRS (@TricstarRS) July 2, 2025 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement have I been eating burritos wrong Jorge Ribas (@jribas) July 2, 2025 Related... The village manager of Fox Point, who was recently charged in connection with a fatal crash on Interstate 94 in Waukesha County, will remain with the village and use accrued paid time off as the investigation and legal process unfolds. On June 30, the Fox Point Village Board and select staff members met in a closed session to discuss Village Manager Scott Botcher's "work status and need for leave," according to the meeting agenda. The only public-facing action taken was a vote to approve a motion accepting Botcher's request to take personal time off, Village President Christine Symchych told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel via email July 2. Motorcyclist Colton Jose of Sussex, 29, rear-ended an SUV June 25 while attempting to brake for heavy traffic on I-94 westbound in the Town of Delafield, according to a criminal complaint filed June 27 and Wisconsin State Patrol reports. Jose was thrown into the next lane where another vehicle, allegedly driven by Botcher, struck him and drove away. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jose was pronounced dead at the scene. In the days since, his family has set up a GoFundMe page to raise money for funeral expenses. Botcher, 62, was charged June 27 with one misdemeanor count of hit and run attended vehicle. The charge carries a maximum penalty of six months in jail and a fine of between $300 and $1,000, according to the complaint. Prior to the June 30 meeting, Symchych told the Journal Sentinel in an emailed statement that the village is still gathering information about the "horribly sad" incident and will not rush to any judgment. "Scott has served the Village for more than a decade," Symchych said. "Scott is a human being, and the village will treat him with grace and dignity during this difficult time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Right now, we are focusing on our team at the village," Symchych wrote, adding that staff are well positioned to ensure operations continue uninterrupted. "Their attention is on doing the good work for the community, and their dedication and focus are greatly valued during this difficult time." According to the motion approved by village trustees June 30, Symchych will take over "day to day interactions with the village manager on behalf of the board." Included in the closed session to deliberate on Botcher's work status were Assistant Village Manager Kevin Ausman, Village Attorney Eric Larson, Clerk and Treasurer Sara Bruckman, Engineering and DPW Director Scott Brandmeier and Police Chief Christopher Freedy. Contact Claudia Levens at clevens@gannett.com. Follow her on X at @levensc13. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Fox Point employee charged in fatal crash will use paid time off PARIS (Reuters) -France must better regulate private schools and allow prosecutions for abuse of pupils whenever it was committed, two lawmakers said in a report published on Wednesday after allegations of decades of abuse at a Catholic school. The parliamentary investigation into French schools was triggered by dozens of complaints of physical and sexual abuse by staff and religious members from former pupils of Notre-Dame de Betharram, where many pupils lived on site during term. "Aside from the women serving us food at the canteen, everyone was part of the violence," the report quotes Didier Vinson, a former pupil of Betharram, in the southwest of the country, as saying. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other former pupils and ex-students from other schools also recounted similar experiences and accounts of physical violence and sexual abuse in the report. Prime Minister Francois Bayrou's eldest daughter, who was a pupil in Betharram, in April described being violently hit by a now-deceased priest at the school in the 1980s. In total, some 250 complaints have been filed against at least 26 alleged perpetrators, the report said. At least 90 of the complaints concern sexual abuse by at least 15 perpetrators. Management at the school, which has been renamed Le Beau Rameau, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. It is not known to have commented publicly on the allegations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The allegations have taken on a political dimension, with Bayrou, a former education minister and a prominent politician in the region where the school is located, accused by opponents of lying when he said he did not know about the scandal. His daughter, Helene Perlant, said she had not told her father until the week her allegations were published in Paris Match. Bayrou has repeatedly rejected any wrongdoing, saying he had not been aware of the abuse. REPORT RECOMMENDATIONS The report's authors, Paul Vannier from the hard left France Unbowed and Violette Spillebout, from President Emmanuel Macron's centrist party, now plan to work on draft legislation that would scrap the statute of limitations for abuse against minors. Vannier said he also wants parliament to act against Bayrou, whom he accused of lying. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many of the Betharram complaints concern alleged abuse committed as far back as the 1950s. The statute of limitations is currently 30 years for rape and 10 years for sexual assault. "This report makes a damning observation, that of a major failure of the state in the control and prevention of violence in schools," Vannier told a news conference. The lawmakers wrote in their report that the situation was worse in private, Catholic schools. They cited "an explicitly stricter educational model" and a "particularly pervasive code of silence". There are about 2 million pupils in Catholic schools in France. French state-run schools are secular under France's constitutional separation of religion and state. Most of the country's private schools are Catholic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawmakers want the state to create a compensation fund for victims and acknowledge its responsibility for what they say were insufficient checks on what was going on within private schools, and in particular boarding schools. Among the measures they call for are regular, unannounced inspections of all schools and enhanced training for all school staff on detecting and handling abuse. They say inspections in private schools, unlike for public schools, are way too rare. Asked to comment on the report, government spokesperson Sophie Primas expressed her solidarity with the victims but did not say what new policies the government could adopt. Alain Esquerre, a whistleblower in the Betharram case and a spokesperson for the victims, welcomed the report's findings. "Over the decades, this school did anything and everything with the children," he told RTL radio on Wednesday. (Reporting by Elizabeth Pineau and Ingrid Melander;Editing by Alison Williams) By Elizabeth Pineau and Michel Rose PARIS (Reuters) -French far right leader Marine Le Pen may have decided to let Prime Minister Francois Bayrou survive this time round, but his days might be numbered. Bayrou survived his eighth no-confidence motion on Tuesday, after a truce struck with the Socialists collapsed over his failure to soften France's pensions reform but Le Pen's far-right National Rally (RN) declined to join the mutiny. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Together, the RN and left-wing lawmakers have the numbers to topple the government. Although RN lawmakers, the biggest bloc in parliament, allowed Bayrou to fight another day, their benevolence is unlikely to last long. Le Pen's troops have made it clear that budget talks this autumn will be crunch time for Bayrou, who is struggling to push 40 billion euros in savings through a divided parliament to lower the euro zone's largest deficit and appease increasingly alarmed investors and EU beancounters. "Voting a motion of no-confidence would be a very bad signal to ratings agencies and the IMF. It would be extremely damaging for the country," former Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne, now the education minister in Bayrou's government, told Reuters. Boosted by their newfound power over Bayrou's future, the RN is making ever stricter budgetary demands that are virtually impossible for him to meet. During last year's budget, Le Pen orchestrated the ouster of Bayrou's predecessor Michel Barnier after he refused to respect just one of her four budgetary red lines.Boris Vallaud, the lower house Socialists' leader, said Bayrou's chances of making it to year's end were "very small." RN lawmaker Jean-Philippe Tanguy was less emphatic, saying: "It'll depend on the budget." A June 30 Ifop poll showed Bayrou, never popular, now has an 80% disapproval rating, his worst yet. He will present an outline of his 2026 budget by mid-July, with the text unveiled in late-September. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Bayrou aide said it was too soon to write him off: "I wouldn't underestimate Bayrou's ability to find compromises." CALCULATIONS RN sources told Reuters Le Pen believes it will be less costly to topple Bayrou in the autumn than now, when the geopolitical situation is fraught. The RN itself is also less unified than it was, after Le Pen was convicted of embezzlement in March, knocking her out of the 2027 presidential race. She aims to overturn her ban, but it has raised the profile of her No. 2, Jordan Bardella, the party president, who will run in 2027 if she cannot. Bardella, who is increasingly showing signs of independence from Le Pen, is keen to push the party towards a more fiscally conservative position and shed some of Le Pen's more socially-minded cost-of-living measures, one RN source said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The source said the RN's 2025 red lines will be maintained and even hardened, by refusing any tax rises in the 2026 budget. Previously it had tolerated tax increases for the wealthiest. The party has also hardened its position on French energy policy, turning against renewables and making nuclear energy a symbol of French national pride that it wants to turn into a key plank of its industrial manifesto. The RN could even file a no-confidence motion if Bayrou decides to bypass parliament to pass a multi-year energy plan by decree. "That would be a casus belli," the source said. In private, Le Pen's lawmakers say they would cast a favourable eye on Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu, who they see as closer to their line on law and order, as a possible successor to Bayrou. From July 8, Macron can dissolve parliament again and call fresh legislative elections. But he may be wary of plunging France back into chaos at a time of multiple global conflicts and economic uncertainty stemming from U.S. President Donald Trump's trade wars. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dissolving parliament would have the benefit of dislodging Le Pen from her parliamentary seat, but many Macron allies think a new election would be ill-advised, with opinion polls showing the RN and Bardella more popular than ever. "The chances of getting a more governable Assembly than the current one are close to zero," Borne warned. (Writing by Michel RoseEditing by Peter Graff) NEED TO KNOW One Night in Idaho: The College Murders, a new Prime Video docuseries premiering July 11, and a book debuting on July 14, The Idaho Four: An American Tragedy, by James Patterson and Vicky Ward, shed new light on the shocking 2022 Idaho murders In a surprise move, on Monday, June 30, Bryan Kohberger, 30, asked to plead guilty to the murders to avoid the death penalty University of Idaho student Hunter Johnson, who found the bodies of Xana Kernodle and her boyfriend Ethan Chapin, and girlfriend, Emily Alandt, are speaking out for the first time since the shocking 2022 murders in this week's issue of PEOPLE After a carefree Saturday night out in the lively college town of Moscow, Idaho, the residents of 1122 King Road returned to their off-campus rental home to debrief on the night. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement University of Idaho seniors Kaylee Goncalves and Maddie Mogen, both 21, spent most of the night of Nov. 12, 2022, at The Corner Club, a popular hangout downtown, stopping afterward at a food truck before getting a ride home from a designated driver. Juniors Xana Kernodle and her boyfriend Ethan Chapin, both 20, hung out at his fraternity, Sigma Chi, with his triplet brother, Hunter Chapin, until about 2:15 a.m., when they walked across the street and back to Xanas house. Housemate Dylan Mortensen could hear her friends talking through the walls of her room, which was next to the living room, according to a new book debuting July 14, The Idaho Four: An American Tragedy, by James Patterson and Vicky Ward. Shortly after, everyone headed to their rooms when Dylan thought she heard someone say in a terror-tinged voice, Theres someone here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those three chilling words marked the start of a nightmare the brutal stabbing of Kaylee, Maddie, Xana and Ethan in one of the most heinous crimes ever on a college campus. Related: Best Friends of University of Idaho Murder Victims Speak Out: What We Saw (Exclusive) New details about what happened inside that house are revealed in the explosive book, as well as in a new Prime Video docuseries premiering July 11, One Night in Idaho: The College Murders, and in PEOPLEs exclusive cover story this week. Based on hundreds of interviews, the book goes in-depth into the lives of the promising young victims and what happened inside that house when an assailant crept in and left the mark of evil behind. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When Bethany heard someone say someone was in the house, she peeked out of her room, didnt see anything and went back to bed. For more about the Idaho murders and what the best friends saw, subscribe now to PEOPLE or pick up this week's issue, on newsstands Friday. Moments later, when she thought she heard someone crying, she cracked open the door and heard a man say, Its okay. Im going to help you, followed by a thud and then barking from Kaylees dog, Murphy. When Dylan opened the door again, she thought she saw a man in the hallway dressed in black and wearing a mask. She thought he was a firefighter because of the way he was dressed and because it looked like he was holding a firefighting tool in his hand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related: Frantic Texts Went Unanswered Then Friends of the Idaho Murder Victims Found the Unthinkable: Inside a Night of Horror At one point, he looked her straight in the eyes but kept walking. Panicked, she called Bethany Funke, the housemate whose room was on the ground floor, telling her what she saw, before trying the three other housemates, who didnt answer any of her calls or texts. Bethany tried to make sense of the situation, texting Dylan that the figure she saw could have been Xana, who was wearing all black. No its like a ski mask almost, Dylan clarified. Like he had soemtbing (sic) over is for head (sic) and little nd (sic) mouth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bethant (sic) Im not kidding o (sic) am so freaked out, she wrote, with Bethany replying, So am I. 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. At Bethanys urging, Dylan ran down to her room, where the two huddled together in fear, not knowing what was going on in their house. Suspect Will Plead Guilty In Dec. 2022, Bryan Kohberger was arrested and charged with four counts of first-degree murder in connection with the quadruple homicides. With a not guilty plea entered on his behalf, his trial was set to begin in August. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a surprise move, on Monday, June 30, the former graduate student, 30, asked to plead guilty to the murders to avoid the death penalty, according to a letter prosecutors sent to victims family members, The New York Times reports. Related: Bryan Kohberger to Plead Guilty to Murders of 4 Idaho College Students, Sparing Him Death Penalty Under the proposed plea deal, if approved by the judge, he would be sentenced to four consecutive life terms in prison. The Idaho Four: An American Tragedy by James Patterson and Vicky Ward is on shelves July 14 and available now for preorder, wherever books are sold. Read the original article on People (WSPA) The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources will offer free boat inspections at select rivers and waterways around the Upstate. According to SCDNR the July Fourth weekend is one of the busiest boating times of the year in South Carolina. Boating safety officers will be on hand at lakes in Spartanburg, Pickens, Anderson, Oconee, and Greenwood this weekend to give free inspections required for boat safety equipment and motors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those who are not in compliance with safety regulations or registration requirements will not be ticketed during the complimentary inspections. Instead, they will be given an opportunity to correct the problem before they launch their boat. SCDNR officers will also be available to answer questions and give boaters tips on how to stay safe on the water. Inspections will run 9 11 a.m. Friday Sunday. On Friday inspectors will be at Lake Bowen in Spartanburg County and Twin Lakes in Pickens County. On Saturday officers will be at River Fork Landing on Lake Hartwell in Anderson County and South Cove on Lake Keowee in Oconee County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sunday, officers will be at the Hwy 72 landing in Greenwood County and at Seneca Creek on Lake Hartwell. To report boating violations such as reckless operation or an intoxicated boat operator, call the SCDNR toll-free, 24-hour hotline at 1-800-922-5431 or dial #DNR on your cell phone. For a copy of South Carolinas boating regulations, to find out about local boating safety courses, or to obtain a free float plan form, contact the SCDNR boating safety office at 1-800-277-4301 or visit http://www.dnr.sc.gov/education/boated.html. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. SAVANNA, Ill. (WTVO) Officials arrested 59-year-old Mark Feltmeyer, of Freeport, after a chase that resulted in multiple officers being injured. The pursuit began with a stolen car report in Freeport on June 25, which resulted in a chase that led to Savanna. Mark Feltmeyer. Photo: Illinois State Police According to the Jo Daviess County Sheriffs Department, around 10:19 p.m., a Freeport police officer attempted to stop the driver of a stolen car, but the suspect sped from the scene, nearly hitting a squad car and another vehicle in the process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The officer lost sight of the offender, but later that evening, Jo Daviess deputies spotted the car in Hanover, 42 miles away, and engaged in a pursuit, but the suspect got away. At 3:40 a.m. the next day, police 13 miles away in Savanna located the suspect vehicle and another chase began. Authorities said the suspect rammed the squad car and disabled it. At 3:45 a.m., police said shots were fired, and again at 3:48 a.m. as officers and deputies from Carroll County, the Savanna Police Department, and Mount Carroll joined the chase. The suspect then crashed into a Mount Carroll Police Department squad car at 3:49 a.m. at the intersection of Chicago Street and Park Street in Savanna. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As police closed in, more shots were fired, and ambulances were called to the scene. Authorities said multiple officers were injured in the incident and were taken to local hospitals for injuries deemed non-life-threatening. Feltmeyer was injured during the shootout and taken to a local hospital. He was taken into custody shortly after being released. Feltmeyer is charged with possession of a stolen motor vehicle, three counts of criminal damage to government property, three counts of aggravated fleeing, three counts of attempting to elude a peace officer, two counts of aggravated assault to a peace officer, driving on a suspended license and two counts of resisting or obstructing an officer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Illinois State Police are still investigating. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyStateline | WTVO News, Weather and Sports. A French court sentenced three former Ubisoft executives on Wednesday to suspended prison terms for enabling a culture of sexual and psychological harassment at the gaming giant. Thomas Francois, a former editorial vice president who was also convicted on a charge of attempted sexual assault, received the heaviest sentence of a suspended three-year term. Among the three defendants, he faced the most damning allegations, including forcing an employee to do a headstand while in a skirt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the trial, the court heard that Francois would greet employees using inappropriate names, attempt to touch people's genitals as part of a so-called "game", and try to kiss male employees by surprise. Francois testified during the trial that he "lacked perspective" during the incidents from 2012 to 2020, when he was aged 38 and 46, saying he believed at the time that he was "treating people with respect". For his part, former chief creative officer Serge Hascoet was given an 18-month suspended sentence for psychological harassment and complicity in sexual harassment. Hascoet told the court he was unaware of the harassment happening outside of his glass office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But he also instructed his female assistants to perform personal tasks for him not linked to their qualifications, such as picking up his daughter from school or crossing Paris to buy him peanuts, justifying the behaviour as something typically "seen in movies". A third executive, former games director Guillaume Patrux, received a 12-month suspended sentence for harassment on a "smaller scale". The court ordered Francois to pay a 30,000 euro ($35,340) fine, while Hascoet was fined 45,000 euros and Patrux 10,000 euros. During the trial, the defence lawyers insisted that their clients had never received any disciplinary warnings from human resources. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ubisoft started investigations after the media reported the claims, leading to wider criticism of the gaming industry in France. Hascoet and Francois left the company in 2020, along with Patrux, following internal investigations. amd-meh-ekf/ah/cw A French court sentenced three former Ubisoft executives on Wednesday to suspended prison terms for enabling a culture of sexual and psychological harassment at the gaming giant. Thomas Francois, a former editorial vice president who was also convicted on a charge of attempted sexual assault, received the heaviest sentence of a suspended three-year term. Among the three defendants, he faced the most damning allegations, including forcing an employee to do a headstand while in a skirt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the trial, the court heard that Francois would greet employees using gendered insults, attempt to touch peoples' genitals as part of a so-called "game", and try to kiss male employees by surprise. Francois testified during the trial that he "lacked perspective" during the incidents from 2012 to 2020, when he was aged between 38 and 46, saying he believed at the time that he was "treating people with respect". For his part, former chief creative officer Serge Hascoet, 60, was given an 18-month suspended sentence for psychological harassment and complicity in sexual harassment. Hascoet told the court he was unaware of the harassment happening outside of his glass office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But he also instructed his female assistants to perform personal tasks for him not linked to their qualifications, such as picking up his daughter from school or crossing Paris to buy him peanuts. "It's what we see in films," said Hascoet during the trial to justify the behaviour. "Films are not reality," the presiding judge replied. A third executive, former games director Guillaume Patrux, received a 12-month suspended sentence for bullying that was on a "smaller scale" but "particularly intense for his team". The court ordered Francois to pay a 30,000 euro ($35,340) fine, while Hascoet was fined 45,000 euros and Patrux 10,000 euros. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement -'Held accountable'- During the trial, the defence lawyers insisted that their clients had never received any disciplinary warnings from human resources. Ubisoft launched an internal investigation in 2020 after anonymous testimonies emerged on social media accusing the company of a toxic work culture. The gaming industry has been scrutinised for years over its treatment of women and minorities in the workplace -- and the way they are depicted in games. Hascoet resigned from his post as chief creative officer after the allegations surfaced in the media. Francois and Patrux were dismissed for serious misconduct following an internal inquiry in 2020. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A lawyer for the civil parties hailed the decision on Wednesday as a broader victory against workplace harassment. "This is a very good decision today, and for the future, said Maude Beckers. "For all companies, it means that when there is toxic management, managers must be held accountable and employers can no longer let it slide," she added. amd-meh-ekf/ah/cw This photo taken on June 5, 2025 shows the view of an ecological park at a former mine pit in west Fushun City, northeast China's Liaoning Province. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong) SHENYANG, July 2 (Xinhua) -- Standing on the viewing platform of a coal mining museum in Fushun City, visitors can overlook a vast mine pit that is 6.6 km long, 2.2 km wide and 420 meters deep. After years of restoration, the once-dusty coal pit has transformed into a lush green space covered with vegetation and flowers, poised for redevelopment as a park. Located in northeastern China's Liaoning province, Fushun's annual coal production once accounted for one-eleventh of the country's total. This mine, located west of Fushun, began operational in 1901 and had extracted over 280 million tonnes of coal before closing in June 2019. Restoring the environment of abandoned mine pits is a common challenge worldwide. Faced with this large mine pit spanning over 10 square kilometers, local authorities must address the wastelands, exposed slopes, and ecological damage caused by mining for over a century. In the backfilling area, workers operate bulldozers and loaders to stabilize the terrain with mudstone, lean ore and mineral waste. The soil is compacted and treated for fire prevention and water retention. It is also enriched to support plant growth and ensure high survival rates for new vegetation. After backfilling, workers spread a one-meter-thick layer of soil. To date, over 3.9 million trees of more than 40 varieties have been planted, creating a diverse ecosystem of trees, shrubs and grasses. "The restoration has significantly improved the environment," said Zhang Zhenyu, who worked on this mine pit restoration project for an eco-environment company. "Vegetation and biodiversity have increased, air quality has improved, and soil pollution levels -- including those of arsenic, plumbum, and nickel -- are declining." At the bottom of the vast pit, workers in hard hats clear dead leaves and tend to plants. On the observation deck above, locals and museum visitors pause to enjoy the lush greenery that now covers the once-barren landscape. "The sky is bluer, and there are more birds now," said Zhu Chenghao, a nearby resident. In the past, dust and waste from mining polluted the air. Today, however, tens of thousands of honey locust and ash trees thrive across the restored slopes. "Before, the wind blew dust everywhere and every breath smelt like dust. But now, I like coming here for walks under the trees, where the shade and fragrance are refreshing," he added. Future plans include transforming the site into a low-carbon demonstration zone with cultural, recreational and ecotourism facilities. Similar transformations are unfolding across China. In Yucun Village, east China's Zhejiang province, where quarrying once dominated the local economy, abandoned mining sites have been transformed into cultural landmarks. The former pits and old factories now house youth libraries, vibrant farmlands and trendy spots. Cafes and teahouses with cultural themes have become popular attractions, marking the village's successful transition to an economy driven by ecotourism and innovation. In Qian'an City, north China's Hebei province, locals have converted mine pits into cold-water fish farms. They also cultivate vegetables such as lettuce and water spinach on floating platforms, to maximize resource utilization by growing fish and vegetables simultaneously. By the end of 2024, China had rehabilitated over 333,300 hectares of abandoned mines, including 26,200 hectares in 2024 alone, according to the Ministry of Natural Resources. "Mine restoration must address geological risks and ecological recovery while exploring adaptive reuse, like farming or cultural industries, and maintain post-restoration monitoring to prevent land degradation," said Hu Haifeng, professor of Taiyuan University of Technology. Workers prune plants at a former mine pit in west Fushun City, northeast China's Liaoning Province, on June 5, 2025. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong) This photo taken on June 5, 2025 shows a view of the former west mine pit after restoration and greening in Fushun City, northeast China's Liaoning Province. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong) Workers water plants at an ecological park of a former mine pit in west Fushun City, northeast China's Liaoning Province, on June 5, 2025. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong) A series of mysterious explosions on oil tankers has raised concerns across the global maritime industry, with observers suggesting the attacks may be part of a state-sponsored sabotage campaign. Source: Financial Times Details: Five vessels have been struck by deliberate explosions since the beginning of the year. The latest incident happened last week when an explosion flooded the engine room of the Greek tanker Vilamoura off the coast of Libya. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All of the targeted ships had called at Russian ports within weeks before the attacks, prompting some security experts to suspect possible Ukrainian involvement. Kyiv has not commented on these cases, although Ukrainian services have previously carried out covert operations against Russian interests. One security adviser said that "all fingers had pointed" to Ukraine. However, the nature of the latest explosion, which occurred in the vessels bottom rather than its side, led to alternative theories regarding the saboteurs. Four of the affected vessels had visited ports in Libya, a country situated between rival factions that fund themselves through oil exports. All five tankers also had a record of stopping near Malta for resupply. The attack on the Vilamoura follows a pattern of similar incidents one in January and three more in February. Most took place in the Mediterranean Sea, though one tanker was struck in the Baltic Sea. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Martin Kelly, head of advisory for the maritime security firm EOS Risk Group, said that only some aspects of the latest incident resembled the earlier attacks. "There remains a range of alternative possibilities including Libyan actors, and other state actors which have the capability and possibly motive," he said. Four of the damaged tankers are owned by Greek and Cypriot shipping companies. The Vilamoura, which was hit last week, belongs to Cardiff Group, a company controlled by Greek shipping magnate George Economou. The Seacharm, targeted in January off the coast of Turkiye, and the Seajewel, attacked in February near Italy, are both owned by Thenamaris, a major shipping group controlled by Nikolas Martinos. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Grace Ferrum, damaged in February near Libya, is owned by the Cypriot company Cymare. Another vessel, the Koala, was damaged in an explosion in the Russian port of Ust-Luga in February. In May, it was added to the EU sanctions list for violating rules for transporting Russian oil. There have been no recorded violations of the G7-imposed US$60-per-barrel price cap for the other tankers. Tracking data indicates that the ships were mainly called to Russian ports to export Kazakh crude, which is not subject to sanctions. Background: The Vilamoura, carrying one million barrels of oil, suffered an explosion off the coast of Libya. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Jul. 1MORGANTOWN As Morgantown residents look ahead to celebrating the Fourth of July this coming weekend, officials are advising caution on local waterways due to the recent flooding that has left behind debris and runoff in Cheat Lake and surrounding streams. The heavy rains that came through West Virginia may have subsided, but the impact on local waterways may lingerespecially as crowds head to cool off during hot weather. "At this time, the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection is not aware of any major water quality issues stemming from the recent flooding in north-central West Virginia, " chief communications officer Terry Fletcher said. "However, it's important to note that WVDEP does not typically issue advisories related to recreational use or swimming." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even in the absence of official advisories, Fletcher emphasized that residents and visitors should still proceed with care. "After heavy rains or flooding, natural water bodies, such as Cheat Lake and nearby streams, can carry increased levels of bacteria, debris, or other runoff that may pose short-term risks to swimmers and boaters, " he said. "While these conditions often resolve fairly quickly, we recommend that citizens use their best judgment, particularly in areas with visible discoloration, floating debris, or strong currents." Floating logs, branches, and even manmade materials like plastic containers can carry bacteria into the water. Still, residents are still encouraged to enjoy their time in the water while staying mindful. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fletcher emphasizes, "While these conditions often resolve fairly quickly, we recommend that citizens use their best judgement." Safety tips for the water:Avoid swimming in areas with murky or discolored water.Watch for floating debris or submerged hazards.If you are unsure about water conditions, wait at least 24-to-48 hours after a major rainfall before entering water.Watch for local weather alerts. LIVONIA - The Livonia First Responder Foundation is collecting funds to help a family after a tragic hit-and-run crash.Tia Robinson of Detroit and her 3-year-old twins, Khalil and Khloe, were walking across Merriman Road near Lyndon Street at about 10:46 p.m., June 29, when they were struck by a vehicle driven by a 47-year-old Mount Morris woman who fled the scene. Khalil died. Tia Robinson and Khloe were hospitalized in critical condition and Tia remained critical as of July 2, Livonia Police Captain Eric Marcotte said, while Khloe was showing some improvement. The Livonia First Responder Foundation has established a collection on its website, asking the community to support the Robinson family. The site, which has a button to click to make a donation, notes that 100% of proceeds will go to the Robinson family. "This is a tragedy and we want to do what we can to support the family," said Curtis Caid, president of the foundation and former Livonia police chief. "Dealing with something like this, the magnitude reverberates. A mom and her two toddlers were devastatingly injured. Those images stay with you. It's an honor to do what we can. I spoke with the parents of (Tia), and the grandparents of (Khalil and Khloe), and they support and endorse our ability to do that."Police have not yet named the suspect in the crash, who they located with the help of numerous eyewitnesses, they said. Marcotte said a request for charges has been submitted to the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office and he hopes for an arraignment soon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Livonia First Responder Foundation was established about four years ago with a mission "to empower Livonias first responders to go above and beyond in ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of their team members and the community." Caid noted that last year, the foundation supported the Drake family, who lost their 2-year-old son when a tree fell on their home during a tornado. Additionally, a separate gofundme raised nearly $470,000 for the Drakes. Caid is hopeful the community will rally again. Donations have started arriving and he said they will be forwarded on to the grandparents as they make funeral arrangements for Khalil."Dealing with tragedies such as these is awful, but it is heartwarming to see the generosity of people who want to support us, however they can," Caid said.Besides the donation button on the Livonia First Responder Foundation website, those wishing to mail a check can do so as well. Checks can be made payable to the Livonia First Responder Foundation, with "Robinson Family" in the memo line, and sent to 37637 Five Mile Road, Ste. 911, Livonia, MI 48154. This article originally appeared on Hometownlife.com: Fundraiser underway for mom, twins struck in Livonia hit-and-run crash The Swiss technology company Keleops acquired the G/O Media title Kotaku on Wednesday, marking the latest step in the slow dissolution of G/O Media. Financial details were not disclosed. This is the second asset Keleops has acquired from G/O Media, after it snapped up Gizmodo in June 2024 for an unknown price. Following the spin-off, G/O Media now has only one remaining editorial title, The Root, since it began its efforts last January to pare down its portfolio. G/O's piecemeal wind-down continues The deal marks the penultimate sale in a broader 15-month unwinding of G/O Media, whose assets have been gradually sold off one by one. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beginning with the sale of Lifehacker to Ziff Davis in March 2023, G/O Media has since offloaded Jezebel, Deadspin, Quartz, The Onion, and Gizmodo, among others. The company had begun pursuing individual buyers after abandoning its search for a portfolio-wide acquisition, as ADWEEK previously reported. The move reflected both strategic necessity and a grim outlook for digital publishing, where traffic has declined and monetization models face growing pressure. "It's fair to say they're looking to divest," a source told ADWEEK at the time. "There is not that much positivity about the future of publishing, so they're trying to extract as much value as possible." Keleops expands U.S. footprint Keleops, founded in 2014 as a performance marketing firm, has rapidly evolved into a digital media operator with a particular focus on consumer technology. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The company owns several French-language tech sites, including 01net and Presse-citron, and entered the U.S. market with its Gizmodo acquisition last year. With Kotaku, the company is deepening its presence in English-language publishing, as the company plans to invest in Kotaku's editorial growth and maintain its existing team, according to chief executive Jean-Guillaume Kleis. The company makes its money through a mix of display ads, branded content, and affiliate revenue-without relying on subscriptions-and currently reaches around 20 million monthly visitors, according to Keleops. "Gaming is a powerful and vibrant space," Kleis said in the announcement. "Kotaku has been a defining voice in that arena, and we're excited to help it grow." Private equity exits, European buyer steps in Great Hill Partners, which formed G/O Media in 2019 after buying Gizmodo Media Group and The Onion from Univision for roughly $40 million, had hoped to execute a textbook private equity turnaround: acquire cheaply, invest, and sell for a profit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But internal instability, union tensions, and shifting ad economics made for a bumpier road. After reportedly recouping its original investment through the Lifehacker sale, Great Hill moved to divest. The G/O portfolio's reliance on programmatic advertising, aggregation-heavy editorial models, and third-party traffic sources left it exposed to industry headwinds ranging from AI disruption to signal loss. Keleops, meanwhile, sees opportunity in exactly that gap-buying distressed but recognizable tech brands and relaunching them with fresh investment and operational support. After acquiring Gizmodo, the company said it planned to open a New York office and saw potential to "do the same thing with Gizmodo" that it had done with 01net: modernize operations and grow staff while honoring the brand's editorial legacy. A legacy brand in a niche vertical Kotaku, founded in 2004, helped define a generation of digital games journalism and has maintained its voice through the rise and fall of several parent companies. While it has faced staffing cuts and traffic declines in recent years, the brand still holds sway among gaming audiences. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its sale to Keleops suggests the site may yet find a stable home, something that has eluded many of its peers in the post-Gawker era. "We're proud of Kotaku's legacy," G/O Media CEO Jim Spanfeller said in a statement, "and we look forward to seeing it thrive in its next chapter." A 37-year-old man with a lengthy criminal history has now been sentenced as a federal career offender. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Last Friday, Roderick Terrell Ferrell, 37, of Albany, was sentenced to 10 years in prison followed by six years of supervised release. This is after Ferell pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of cocaine in Oct. 2024. He was sentenced as a career offender. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to court documents, investigators worked on the case from 2021 to 2024. The US Attorneys Office of the Middle District of Georgia said agents received information from various confidential sources that the 37-year-old was distributing cocaine supplied by a metro-Atlanta unnamed co-conspirator. Authorities conducted a search warrant at another dealers home and seized cocaine. Agents learned that Ferrell had sold at least 18 ounces of powder cocaine. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation and Lee County deputies then conducted a controlled buy from Ferrell on Nov. 8, 2021, where the Albany man sold two ounces of powder cocaine for $2,150. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then Ferrell reported that he had been pulled over by GSP and Lee County deputies on Oct. 13, 2022, and had $30,000 from a recent drug transaction. On Nov. 30, 2023, GSP pulled Ferrell over and found 10 pounds of marijuana in 10 plastic vacuum-sealed bags in the back cargo area. Ferrell said he was transporting the drugs to Camilla, Ga., the US attorneys office said. TRENDING STORIES: The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) launched a money laundering investigation into Ferell and learned he had laundered $383,057 in drug proceeds between his bank account, CashApp, a local business, and a co-conspirators accounts from 2021 to 2023, despite having no employment or declaring any income on his taxes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The investigation also revealed that Ferell and his girlfriend used drug proceeds to purchase a 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE, luxury goods from Christian Dior, Louis Vuitton, Saks, Gucci, and Balenciaga, take luxury vacations, rent a home near Atlanta, and invest in a local business that was never operational. At sentencing, Ferrell was held accountable for distributing 6.5 kilograms of cocaine and 47 kilograms of marijuana. Ferrell also has several prior felony convictions, including robbery by force, terroristic threats and possession of cocaine with intent to distribute in Dougherty County. While attempting to portray himself as a successful businessman and aspiring restaurateur. The problem was he was neither, the Lee County Sheriffs Office said. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Georgia deputies said a tragic accident happened in the death of a 59-year-old man. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] A little after 8:30 p.m. on Monday, Hart County deputies and first responders were called to the 7200 block of Mount Olivet Road. Deputies said Matthew Hill, 59, was riding in the bed of a pickup truck while holding a camouflage hunting blind. Witnesses said the wind blew the hunting blind from the truck, pulling Hill out with it. TRENDING STORIES: STORY 1 STORY 2 STORY 3 The 59-year-old was lifeflighted due to the severity of his injuries, deputies said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hill died from his injuries on Tuesday. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time. The incident remains under investigation" Hart County Sheriffs Office said. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] An Army corporal from Galesburg missing for 75 years during the Korean War has been accounted for. The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) said in a news release that U.S. Army Cpl. Paul Eugene Hoots, 25, of Galesburg, who was killed during the Korean War, was accounted for in November 2024. His family has recently received a full briefing on his identification, so more details on his identification can be shared. Paul Hoots (DPAA) Paul Hoots (DPAA) Hoots was assigned to K Company, 3rd Battalion, 34th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division in July 1950. He went missing in action after his unit engaged the North Korean Peoples Army in the area of Chonan, South Korea, on July 7. At the time, the circumstances surrounding his loss were not immediately recorded and there was no evidence that he was a prisoner of war. His unit reported him missing in action on July 8, 1950. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Remains were recovered by the American Graves Registration Service Group (AGRSG) near Suwon in October 1950. The remains could not be connected to an unaccounted-for soldier, so they were designated Unknown X-16 Taejon and interred at the temporary United Nations Military Cemetery Taejon. The AGRSG searched the battlefield where Hoots was lost in 1952 but could not find remains that could be identified as his. The U.S. Army issued a presumptive finding on December 31, 1953. Paul Hoots (DPAA) All identification efforts were moved to Kokura, Japan in December 1950. Since Unknown X-16 Taejon could not be connected with a Korean War loss, the remains were transferred to the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, also known as the Punchbowl, in Honolulu on February 8, 1956. Paul Hoots (DPAA) The DPAA proposed a plan to disinter 652 Korean War Unknowns from the Punchbowl in July 2018. On June 10, 2019, DPAA disinterred Unknown X-16 Taejon as part of Phase Two of the Korean War Disinterment Project and sent the remains to the DPAA laboratory for analysis. Scientists used dental and anthropological analysis, as well as chest radiograph comparison and circumstantial evidence to identify Unknown X-16 Taejon as Hoots. Scientists from the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System used mitochondrial DNA analysis to confirm his identity. Paul Hoots (DPAA) Hoots name is recorded on the Courts of the Missing at the Punchbowl, along with others who are still missing from the Korean War. A rosette will be placed next to his name to show he has been located. He will be buried in Galesburgs Linwood Cemetery on July 24. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Click here for the most up-to-date statistics on DPAA efforts to identify remains from the Korean War. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com. Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) is headlining an emergency virtual town hall hosted by the Alaska Democratic Party on Wednesday, ramping up speculation over his potential 2028 ambitions. The virtual town hall, which also includes a handful of local Alaskan lawmakers, is expected to touch on the negative implications for health care access from Republicans massive tax and spending bill, which is currently being taken up again in the House, and the attacks to the Alaskan educational system that state Republicans have pushed during the most recent legislative session, according to a press release. Gallegos participation in the event was first shared with The Hill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Donald Trump, Lisa Murkowski, and Dan Sullivan sent a clear message to the American people today: Your kids, your job, and your elderly relatives dont matter. This is one of the worst bills in the history of Congress, said Democratic National Committee (DNC) Chair Ken Martin in a statement, ridiculing President Trumps megabill as a billionaire budget scam. Thats why the Alaska Dems are now convening an emergency town hall to let the people of Alaska know exactly how Murkowski and Sullivan sold them out, Martin added. Billionaires dont need a break working Alaska families do. Gallego in his own statement rebuked both Alaska GOP Sens. Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan, saying they sold out Alaska voting for billionaire tax cuts while gutting health care for kids and warning that Alaskans would be negatively impacted by Republicans major policy bill. People will die because of these cuts, thousands will lose coverage, and families will face impossible choices, the Arizona Democrat continued. We cant let them get away with it, and thats why Im fighting back because Alaskans deserve better. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The town hall comes one day after Senate Republicans narrowly passed Trumps agenda-setting bill, which looks to extend his 2017 tax cuts in addition to other GOP priorities. One of Democrats top concerns over the bill is the major cuts to Medicaid, with millions projected to lose their health insurance. Its not the first time Gallego has participated in a town hall outside of his state. In May, he was part of a town hall in Bucks County, Pa., which was hosted by the Pennsylvania GOP and county Republican Party. The first-term senator has also weighed in on several Senate races ahead of the 2026 midterms, backing Reps. Chris Pappas (D) in New Hampshire and Angie Craig (D) in Minnesota, fueling questions around Gallegos future political aspirations. He also acknowledged in an interview with NBC News earlier this year that he has thought about running for president, but he noted he wasnt placing his focus on a presidential bid at the moment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Arizona Democrat defeated Republican Kari Lake in November to replace former Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.) despite Democrats losing the state at the presidential level. He was one of several Senate Democrats who outperformed the top of the ticket last cycle. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The average price of gasoline in New York stands at $3.17 per gallon, unchanged from last week, and for the first time in three weeks, the national average decreased 3.8 cents from a week ago standing at $3.14. According to GasBuddy data, the national average is up 1.1 cents compared to a month ago and 32.1 cents per gallon lower than a year ago. Prices in New York State are up 10 cents from a month ago but 38.3 cents per gallon lower than a year ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The national average price of gasoline has resumed its decline, with falling prices driven by easing tensions in the Middle East just weeks after those same tensions had pushed prices higher, Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, said. For motorists planning to hit the road for Independence Day, gas prices are expected to continue falling nearly coast to coast in the lead-up to July 4. "Relief could expand as the holiday weekend approaches, with the national average on track to hit its lowest July 4 level since 2021 at $3.15 per gallon, we project. As long as tensions in the Middle East remain contained and the U.S. avoids a major hurricane, we could see the national average fall below $3 per gallon later this summer. The top 10% of gas stations have a reported average of $4.37 per gallon and the bottom averaging $2.58. California has the highest average price per gallon at $4.53, followed by Washington and Hawaii tied at $4.39. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The state with the lowest average price is Oklahoma at $2.67 per gallon, followed by Mississippi at $2.68 and Texas at $2.72. The most common price per gallon encountered by motorists in the U.S. remains unchanged at $2.99. As of Monday, these are the reported prices per gallon from stations around the North Country: Plattsburgh Luckys (New York 3) $2.97 Mobil (Military Turnpike) $2.99 Sams Club (membership required) $3.01 Sunoco (Margaret Street) $3.03 Mobil (Rugar Street) $3.07 Shell $3.09 Maplefields (New York 3) $3.09 Stewarts Shops (Rugar Street) $3.09 Stewarts Shops (South Catherine Street) $3.09 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stewarts Shops (Cornelia Street) $3.09 Champlain Sunoco (cash only) $3.29 Mobil $3.29 Irving $3.29 Valero $3.29 Malone Mountain Mary 107 $3.19 Parkway Express $3.19 Mobil $3.19 Stewarts Shops $3.19 Ticonderoga Mobil (Wicker Street) $3.29 Stewarts Shops $3.38 Maplefields $3.49 Saranac Lake Mobil (Lake Flower Avenue) $3.49 Mobil (Broadway) $3.49 Stewarts Shops $3.49 Ray Brook Sunoco (cash only) $3.39 Crown Point Mobil $3.49 Keene Stewarts Shops $3.54 Schroon Lake Sunoco $3.59 Peru Stewarts Shops $3.29 Keeseville Sunoco $3.29 Chazy Stewarts Shops $3.14 A Texas megachurch that has been losing members and facing mass layoffs amid allegations that its pastor sexually abused a young girl for years, announced it would be cutting services. Gateway Church, which once regularly drew over 100,000 worshippers, says it will be cutting Saturday services at nearly all of its locations, excluding its main Southlake campus. "As we continue to strengthen our relationship with the Gateway Church family and community, were making a shift at several of our DFW campuses by hosting our church services on Sundays only," a church spokesperson told WFAA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This adjustment will allow us to minister to and love our congregation well while prioritizing the needs of our individual campus communities. Throughout all our locations, our commitment to loving God and loving people remains unchanged." The church, one of the largest American megachurches, has previously acknowledged decreased attendance and financial issues, which it said last month would soon amount to mass layoffs of staff. The church did not specify how many people would lose their jobs. Gateway Church is slashing its Saturday services at nearly all of its campuses as the church struggles to regain a following after its pastor, Robert Morris, faced sex abuse allegations. (Copyright 2020 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) Turmoil at the church comes after a grand jury indicted its pastor, Robert Morris, in March on five counts of lewd or indecent acts with a child. Morris, who founded Gateway Church 25 years ago, is currently out on bond while awaiting trial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The pastor has pleaded not guilty but stepped down from his role at the church in June 2024. Morris alleged abuse began in 1982 when his accuser, Cindy Clemishire, was 12 years old and Morris was a traveling evangelist staying with her family in Hominy, Oklahoma. Clemishire alleges that the abuse spanned years. She filed a lawsuit last month against Morris, seeking at least $1 million for slander, defamation and intentional infliction of emotional distress in the years following his abuse. Morris has acknowledged he had been sexually immoral when he was younger, but in the past year has continued to claim his alleged abuse of Clemishire was an extramarital affair. The former pastor, who served on President Donald Trumps spiritual advisory board in 2016 during his first presidential campaign, has filed a lawsuit against Gateway for over $1 million in deferred compensation and intellectual rights to his books, sermons and social media. MEXICO CITY, July 1 (Xinhua) -- Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced Tuesday that Mexico and the United States agreed to gradually reopen the border for cattle trade starting July 7, following a suspension in May due to the New World screwworm (NWS) outbreak. Speaking at a morning press conference, Sheinbaum said the reopening would be phased to monitor the pest situation. "The U.S. wants to monitor how the outbreak behaves before fully reopening. We've insisted the screwworm is contained, mostly in southern regions, but the key is that an agreement has been reached," Sheinbaum said. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) suspended Mexican cattle imports on May 12 for 15 days over a screwworm scare, but the restriction was extended beyond that period. The United States is cautious about the reopening as the NWS could pose a serious threat to the country's agricultural industry. According to the USDA, the NWS is a devastating pest whose maggots burrow into the flesh of a living animal and cause serious, often deadly damage to the animal. Although the USDA eradicated the NWS from the United States in 1966, there is a constant risk of reintroduction into the country. Dr Marwan Sultan was the director of the Indonesian Hospital in north Gaza [Gaza Ministry of Health] The director of Gaza's Indonesian Hospital has been killed in an Israeli air strike on his home in Gaza City along with several family members, a relative has confirmed. Dr Marwan Sultan and his loved ones died on Wednesday in their apartment in the southwestern Tal al-Hawa area, according to the Hamas-run civil defence agency. The Israeli military said it had struck a "key terrorist" from Hamas in the Gaza City area and that claims "uninvolved civilians" were harmed as a result of the strike were being reviewed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, at least five people were killed and others injured, including children, in a strike on the al-Mawasi "safe zone", one of several other attacks reported by news agencies. Ahmed Al-Sultan, a relative of Dr Sultan's, told BBC Arabic that they heard an explosion during Wednesday's strike and went up to the apartment. "I found Marwan, his wife, his daughters, and his son-in-law, Mohammed, all martyred," he said. The Hamas-run health ministry said Dr Sultan had a long career in medicine, and condemned "this heinous crime against our medical cadres". It added that Dr Sultan's career was one of compassion "during which he was a symbol of dedication, steadfastness and sincerity, during the most difficult circumstances and most trying moments experienced by our people under continuous aggression". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dr Sultan was the director at the Indonesian Hospital, declared out of service by the health ministry after what the UN later described as "repeated Israeli attacks and sustained structural damage". The Israeli military had said it was fighting "terrorist infrastructure sites" in the area. There are now no functioning hospitals in the north Gaza governate, according to the UN. The health ministry accused the Israeli military of targeting medical and humanitarian teams. In its statement, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it "regrets any harm to uninvolved individuals" and "operates to mitigate harm to them as much as possible". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The IDF said Hamas "systematically violates international law while using civilian infrastructure for terrorist activity and the civilian population as human shields". But Dr Sultan's doctor's daughter, Lubna al-Sultan, said "an F-16 missile targeted his room exactly, right where he was, directly on him". "All the rooms in the house were intact except for his room, which was hit by the missile. My father was martyred in it," she told the Associated Press. She said he was "not affiliated with a movement or anything, he just fears for the patients [he] treats, throughout the war". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Across Gaza, at least 139 people were killed by Israeli military operations in the 24 hours before midday on Wednesday, the health ministry said. In the al-Mawasi area of Khan Younis, at least five people were killed and others, including children, wounded in an Israeli strike that hit a tent housing displaced people, news agencies reported. Family members of those killed said it hit at 00:40 local time (22:40 BST) while they were sleeping. Tamam Abu Rizq told AFP the strike "shook the place like an earthquake", and she "went outside and found the tent on fire". The al-Mawasi area was declared a "safe zone" by the Israeli military, as the UN says 80% of Gaza is either an Israeli military zone or under an evacuation order. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "They came here thinking it was a safe area and they were killed... What did they do?" Maha Abu Rizq said. At the scene, surrounded by destruction and a jumble of personal items, one man held up a pack of nappies and asked: "Is this a weapon?" Footage recorded by AFP shows men getting out of a car in front of nearby Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis and rushing inside carrying blood-covered children in their arms. Inside the hospital, young children cry as doctors treat their wounds. Palestinians inspect the damage at the site of a strike on a tent sheltering displaced people in Khan Younis [Reuters] Women weep over the bodies of their relatives in funerals at the hospital in other AFP footage. "Anyone of any religion must take action and say: Enough! Stop this war!" Ekram al-Akhras, who lost several cousins in one of the strikes, said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Gaza City, another four people from the same family were killed in an Israeli air strike on a house, news agencies reported. The four people killed were Ahmed Ayyad Zeno, his wife Ayat Zeno, and their daughters, Zahra Zeno and Obaida Zeno, according to Palestinian news outlet WAFA. The BBC has contacted the IDF for comment about the two incidents. At Nasser Hospital, people grieve those killed in an overnight Israeli strike on a tent [Reuters] Rachel Cummings, who is working in Gaza with Save the Children, told reporters that during "wishing circles" at the charity's child-friendly spaces, children have recently been "wishing to die" in order to be with their mother or father who has been killed, or to have food and water. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a heatwave spread across the UK and Europe this week, temperatures also topped 30C in Gaza. Displaced people living in tents said they were struggling to stay cool without electricity and fans, and with little access to water. Reda Abu Hadayed told the Associated Press the heat is "indescribable" and her children cannot sleep. "They cry all day until sunset, when the temperature drops a little, then they go to sleep," she said. "When morning comes, they start crying again due to the heat." Israel has continued to bomb Gaza and control the entry and distribution of humanitarian aid as mediators meet to negotiate a potential ceasefire proposal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hamas attacked Israel on 7 October 2023, killing around 1,200 people and taking 251 back to Gaza as hostages. Since then, Israel's military offensive in Gaza has killed more than 57,000 people, including more than 15,000 children, according to the territory's Hamas-run health ministry. GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn. (FOX 9) - Attorneys on behalf of a former General Mills employee have filed a discrimination and retaliation lawsuit against the Minnesota-based company, alleging it placed him on involuntary leave after he reported "racially offensive" materials that were distributed as "fun facts" during Black History Month some of which referenced sensitive historical events such as the Tulsa Massacre, and Black Codes. The Brief Attorneys representing a former General Mills employee have filed a discrimination and retaliation lawsuit. The complaint alleges L. Lee Tyus Jr. reported literature distributed during Black History Month detailing "fun facts" about sensitive historical events as offensive. He then created a document that shared the contact information of other employees who were also said to be offended before he was terminated. General Mills Black History Month lawsuit What we know Filed by Storms Dworak LLC on behalf of former employee L. Lee Tyus Jr. on June 27, the lawsuit alleged General Mills violated the Minnesota Human Rights Act when it disciplined and terminated Tyus after he reported the materials he found to be racially offensive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the complaint, General Mills distributed flyers during Black History Month that labeled the Tulsa Race Massacre and other acts of racial violence as "Fun Facts." Tyus, who is Black, reported his concerns internally through the companys ethics platform. However, the lawsuit alleges that after doing so he was placed on involuntary leave. A copy of the Black History Month "Fun Facts" allegedly shown to employees. (Supplied) Upon his return, Tyus created a document that shared contact information of other employees who were said to be offended by "calling the Tulsa Race Massacre (Black Wall Street Massacre) Fun" as part of the literature. Shortly after placing copies of the document in the breakroom, the complaint alleges that Tyus was escorted out and fired. What they're saying "General Mills has a national brand and a deep Minnesota footprint. In my view, that kind of presence comes with responsibility and a company of this size should be modeling what it means to support employees who speak up not firing them. Mr. Tyus did what every employee should feel safe to do he stood up, spoke out against what he believed was discrimination, and reported it. That took courage," said Naomi Martin of Storms Dovak LLC in a statement. "And its exactly the kind of action the Minnesota Human Rights Act exists to protect. We brought this case because no one should face retaliation for doing the right thing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When reached by FOX 9, General Mills representatives provided the following statement: "While we do not comment on pending litigation, I can share that General Mills does not tolerate discrimination or retaliation." The Source information provided in a lawsuit filed by Storms Dworak LLC. Russia has lost 1,022,090 troops in Ukraine since the beginning of its full-scale invasion on Feb. 24, 2022, the General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces reported on July 2. The number includes 1,110 casualties that Russian forces suffered just over the past day. According to the report, Russia has also lost 10,985 tanks, 22,931 armored fighting vehicles, 53,786 vehicles and fuel tanks, 29,794 artillery systems, 1,427 multiple launch rocket systems, 1,191 air defense systems, 420 airplanes, 340 helicopters, 43,013 drones, 3,436 cruise missiles, 28 ships and boats, and one submarine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Ukraine to exit mine ban treaty, citing war demands, realities on the ground Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. DOTHAN, Ala (WDHN) A man living in Dothan has been arrested after police say he assaulted a masseuse in Georgia six years ago before fleeing the state. Lt. Scott Owens with the Dothan Police Department tells WDHN that Christopher Guetter was arrested on Tuesday at a nursing home in Dothan. Guetter was booked into the Houston County Jail on a fugitive from justice charge and is being held until he can be extradited to Georgia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Guetters public arrest warrant claims he was wanted on an attempted rape charge out of Fulton County, Georgia, and fled from justice. According to a social media post from the Roswell Police Department and multiple media reports, Guetter was initially arrested in 2019 after entering a massage parlor in Roswell, Georgia, and during a massage, Guetter claimed he was a police officer with the Roswell Police Department and handcuffed the masseuse. Police reports say Guetter then performed indecent acts in the presence of the masseuse before fleeing. In a message to WDHN, RPD Public Information Officer Tim Lupo stated that Guetter was released from the Fulton County Jail in 2020 but failed to appear at multiple court dates relating to the charges. A warrant was issued for his arrest in 2020. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement WDHN has reached out to the Fulton County Sheriffs Office 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 WDHN - wdhn.com. ATLANTA - A man was sentenced to more than 10 years in prison for robbing a Georgia bank and attempting to rob 3 more. What we know The U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia said Khyri Deandre Brown, 28, will spend a decade behind bars for his crime spree. The backstory The crimes began on Nov. 17, 2023, when Brown attempted to rob a Wells Fargo in Hampton. The U.S. Attorney's Office said Brown walked up to a teller with a Pringles can and demanded money. He then reached into his waist like he was reaching for a gun, they said. Brown ran away before the teller could give him any money. The next day, Brown tried to rob a Truist Bank in Atlanta with a Pringles can, officials said. Brown told the bank teller he was robbing the bank, and pulled out a gun, pointing it at the teller. Officials said the teller struggled to open her drawer, so Brown ran away without any money. Five days later, on Nov. 22, 2023, Brown went into a Truist Bank in Marietta. He approached a cashier, said he was robbing the bank, and then left without any money, according to the U.S. Attorney's office. The last bank robbery happened on Nov. 27, 2023. Officials said Brown walked into a Fifth Third Bank carrying a Pringles can. Brown walked up to a bank employee, lifted his shirt to show a gun in his waistband, and demanded money, officials said. Brown walked around the counter, grabbed money from the teller's drawer, and placed the cash inside the Pringles can. He ran away after getting the money. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dallas police arrested Brown on Nov. 29, 2023 after they pulled him over. Officers said they found a gun, a Pringles can and a large amount of cash. What's next On June 30, 2025, Brown pleaded guilty to one count of armed bank robbery, one count of attempted armed bank robbery, and one count of brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. A federal judge sentenced Brown to 10 years and 5 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release. Read more: Georgia man sentenced to life for sex trafficking young teen What they're saying "Brown repeatedly threatened the lives of bank employees and customers by robbing or attempting to rob banks at gunpoint," said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. "This case exemplifies how law enforcement partnerships facilitate the successful prosecutions of dangerous offenders like Brown, whose crimes spanned multiple jurisdictions. Seamless coordination by our federal and local law enforcement partners brought Brown to justice and ended his reign of terror." The Source Information in this article came from a press release written by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Georgia. The Georgia Public Service Commission approved a plan by Georgia Power to freeze base power rates through the end of 2028. Georgia Power announced the plan approval Tuesday. The PSC said storm costs, including for Hurricane Helene damage, will be addressed in a separate proceeding. Base rates reflect what customers pay for electricity under the rate they choose, exclusive of fuel costs. The approval comes after an agreement between Georgia Power and Georgia PSC Public Interest Advocacy Staff in May, which recommended an extension of the existing alternate rate plan previously approved by the Georgia PSC in 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Georgia Power and commissioners say that the data centers that are moving into Georgia will pay their fair share. New rules will allow Georgia Power to charge data centers for the increased cost of infrastructure and energy. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] At Georgia Power, we appreciate that our customers depend on us to deliver reliable and affordable energy every day to power their homes and businesses that is our focus every day, with every decision we make, said Kim Greene, chairman, president and CEO of Georgia Power. The rate freeze resulting from this plan is a great result for customers, balancing the mutual benefits of extraordinary economic growth among all stakeholders and helping to ensure that we remain equipped to continue supporting growth in this state, Greene said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At a public hearing June 23 ahead of the Georgia PSC vote, some expressed concern and skepticism about the plan, particularly when it comes to making sure the data centers pay their fair share, Channel 2s Michael Doudna reported. Georgia Power projects demand to increase by 8,200 megawatts by 2031. For comparison, the newly completed Plant Vogtle has a total generating capacity of approximately 4,800 megawatts. Georgia Power said around 80% of the projected demand is from data centers. RELATED STORIES: [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] The Georgia Department of Revenue gave an update Tuesday on the states progress with sending out its special tax refunds for 2025. The department says it expects most eligible taxpayers who filed by the May 1 deadline should receive their checks by early August. So far, the state says it has distributed $621 million. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] This is a $133 million increase from our previous report on 6/26. We are on pace with the previous surplus refunds issued, a spokesperson told Channel 2 Action News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The General Assembly passed House Bill 112 earlier this year that authorized $1 billion for the refunds. Gov. Brian Kemp signed it in April. Georgia taxpayers who are eligible can receive a one-time refund between $250-$500 based on their 2023 tax return filing status: $250 for single filers or married individuals filing separately $375 for heads of household $500 for married couples filing jointly Georgians must have filed their tax returns for both 2023 and 2024 to be eligible. You will receive your refund via direct deposit or check based on the instructions from your tax form. The payments will likely show up with the label GASTTAXRFD. While it may look like a gas tax refund, the Georgia Department of Revenue says it actually stands for Georgia (GA) State (ST) Tax (TAX) Refund (RFD). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You can check your eligibility for the refund here. You will need to select the tax year, enter your Social Security number or taxpayer identification and your federal adjusted gross income. RELATED STORIES: [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has said that supplying Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine remains "an option" but stressed that Germany "will not become a party to the war". Source: InterfaxUkraine citing Merz in an interview with the German news service Tagesschau Quote: "It has always been clear that, if we supply Taurus missiles, the weapons will be used not by German soldiers but by Ukrainians. The same applies to the other cruise missiles supplied by the United Kingdom or France." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: Merz said the Taurus system is extremely complex and training Ukrainian troops to operate it would take at least six months. Quote: "Our problem is that this system is extraordinarily sophisticated and that it takes at least half a year to train soldiers on it. Are they already being trained? We have not yet agreed on that. I spoke to Zelenskyy about it and I have discussed it within the coalition. We have not begun. It is and remains an option." Details: Merz emphasised that Germany would no longer announce publicly which particular weapons it is transferring to Ukraine in order not to allow Russia to gauge Western actions precisely. Quote: "I have also said that, in future, we will no longer discuss publicly what weapons we supply or what we are doing to support Ukrainian soldiers, because I want Putin to have a certain element of uncertainty about our military actions." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Only one thing is absolutely clear and I repeat it here: Germany will not become a party to the war." Previously: Merz said that he does not intend to hold telephone conversations with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, as previous contacts have failed to de-escalate the situation in Ukraine. Background: Merz has previously supported supplying Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine. However, when the Merz government came to power in early May, it decided to limit public information on what weapons systems it would supply. Germany's ruling CDU/CSU bloc is increasingly calling for Taurus missiles to be provided to Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy hinted that dialogue on Taurus missiles between Ukraine and Germany is ongoing, but made it clear that all discussions are confidential and behind the scenes. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! German exporters advised the European Union to keep calm in its trade negotiations with the United States and to remind Washington that at stake is not only goods - but also services, where the US runs a surplus with the EU. "Brussels should stick to its course, not get nervous, and also point to the services sector, where the EU has a deficit with the US," Dirk Jandura, president of the Federation of German Wholesale, Foreign Trade and Services (BGA), told the Bavarian media group in comments published on Wednesday. "I generally think that the EU is pursuing a deliberately factual and strategically skilful approach," Jandura said. "It has essentially united the interests of the member states while negotiating with the US on equal footing. And it has done so without escalating the conflict." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement US President Donald Trump's plans to impose additional tariffs starting July 9 if the EU does not make concessions to the US on trade issues. The trade group said if the EU can't get an agreement with the US it would not be catastrophic. The importance of the US as a trading partner should not be underestimate - or overestimated. "If no good solutions can be found with the US, it would certainly have very negative consequences," Jandura said. "But it would not be the end of the world. We should keep a cool head." German Development Minister Reem Alabali-Radovan has warned of severe consequences for people living in poverty following the official closure of the US Agency for International Development (USAID). "Neither Germany nor Europe can fill the gap left by the US, which has been by far the world's largest donor," she said in Berlin on Wednesday, according to a statement from her ministry. "But we must prevent the worst from happening." On Tuesday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the formal end of USAID, which for decades served as Washington's primary foreign aid agency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He justified the decision by arguing that development goals had rarely been met and that, instead, instability had often increased along with anti-American sentiment. Minister: Germany now largest donor in many areas Alabali-Radovan, of the centre-left Social Democrats, noted that with the US withdrawal, Germany is now the largest donor in many sectors. "I want to use this new weight to help shape the restructuring of international cooperation strategically," she said. The minister added that she was counting on closer cooperation within the European Union and on reforms to make the United Nations fit for a future without USAID. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement USAID had run global aid programmes ranging from HIV/AIDS relief to post-conflict reconstruction. A recent study warned that cuts to the agency could result in more than 14 million additional deaths over the next five years. According to the research published in The Lancet, around 5 million of those could be children under the age of five. This photo taken on July 1, 2025 shows a model of the quantum satellite "Micius" at China Telecom Quantum Group, in Hefei, capital of east China's Anhui Province. (Xinhua/Zhang Cheng) by Xinhua writers Yao Yuan and Cheng Yunjie HEFEI, July 2 (Xinhua) -- Residents of Hefei say the city has two suns -- one suspends in the sky and the other lies in an industrial park in the city's suburb. Hefei, capital of east China's Anhui Province, is home to the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST). It has been dubbed China's "artificial sun" due to its unique fusion process, which simulates that of the sun. This facility lies at the heart of the country's quest for commercial fusion power, an almost inexhaustible source of clean energy. Earlier this year, the EAST set a new world record by maintaining a steady-state high-confinement plasma operation for 1,066 seconds. Motivated by its success, engineers are now busy building a new facility nearby -- the Burning Plasma Experimental Superconducting Tokamak (BEST) -- which is expected to showcase fusion electricity generation for the first time in history. Technological breakthroughs are impressive, but equally noteworthy is the emergence of a booming industry surrounding these experimental facilities. While it may take another decade or two for commercial fusion to become a reality, the growth of the sector so far has been remarkable. Engineers have designed a security check equipment utilizing a spin-off technology of fusion, which has been deployed at the city's metro system. Another byproduct is a proton therapy system for treating multiple cancers, which will soon begin clinical operations. "We aim to 'lay eggs along the way,' fostering new high-tech companies along our journey toward eventually realizing fusion power," said Yang Qingxi, deputy director of the BEST department of Fusion Energy Tech., the company that is building the BEST. The company exemplifies the new strategy adopted by Chinese cities like Hefei to foster new industries from cutting-edge technologies. This approach leverages spin-off technologies from frontier research and focuses on quickly building a supply chain around these technologies. Nationwide, the Chinese government has called for establishing a growth mechanism for investment in future industries, including quantum technology, bio-manufacturing, embodied intelligence and 6G. This has spurred a swift market response to transform lab-based research into operational technologies with market impact. In Hefei, which hosts the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) and several national labs, future industries including fusion energy, quantum information and commercial space industry are picking up steam. In the fusion sector, an industrial chain was built from scratch in just a few years. The city now hosts nearly 60 fusion-related companies, many of them being suppliers of materials and equipment needed in the construction of experimental facilities. "Our superconductors used to rely on imports, which means longer delivery time and insufficient supply. Now domestic companies have managed to greatly raise the output," said Yan Jianwen, chairman of Fusion Energy Tech. "For them, it will become a gigantic industry if fusion energy is realized." The city's quantum ascendance, derived from groundbreaking researches by USTC, has also fostered a thriving application ecosystem. Its "Quantum Avenue" has attracted dozens of tech firms to commercialize quantum technologies, including quantum computing, measurement and communication. China Telecom Quantum Group, located near the avenue, displays a wide range of scenarios for its quantum products, from earthquake detection using quantum measurement to eavesdropping-proof phone calls powered by quantum communication. "You can simply apply for a SIM card with quantum services to protect your phone from eavesdropping," said Lyu Pin, chairman of the group, adding that such encrypted message and call services have nearly 6 million users, including many entrepreneurs fearing commercial espionage. Quantum communication offers nearly unhackable data transmission, as any attempt to intercept or wiretap the quantum information will cause them to collapse and be detected. "As public awareness of privacy protection rises, the user base of quantum communication is projected to reach tens of millions in the near future," he said. Lyu attributes the successful application of quantum technology to close collaboration between the company and researchers, as well as a supportive city government, which moves fast to green-light the application of new technologies. "It usually takes decades and a lot of luck for basic science like quantum technology to enter the market, so it is very important to generate rewards through timely marketization, and for the government to facilitate this process," said Zhang Jianxiao, who heads the group's sci-tech innovation and strategic development department. The city government of Hefei has set up an office dedicated to research-to-industry transformation and is soliciting companies that can form a supply chain for budding industries, said Li Chen, an official with Hefei's development and reform commission. "For companies and research institutes, pursuing commercialization opportunities as they develop helps generate profits and resources to better advance technologies," he said. "For the government, this means finding new future industries and new growth points." Students view a model of the Burning Plasma Experimental Superconducting Tokamak (BEST) at an exhibition hall in Hefei, capital of east China's Anhui Province, July 1, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhang Cheng) This photo taken on July 1, 2025 shows the one-eighth vacuum chamber and overall installation system, one of the key subsystems of the Comprehensive Research Facility for Fusion Technology (CRAFT), in Hefei, capital of east China's Anhui Province. (Xinhua/Zhang Cheng) This photo taken on July 1, 2025 shows the "Tianyan-504" superconducting quantum computer at China Telecom Quantum Group, in Hefei, capital of east China's Anhui Province. (Xinhua/Zhang Cheng) During World War II, President Roosevelt said that the United States must be the great arsenal of democracy. The speech was made on December 29, 1940, nearly a year before the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and the countrys formal entry into the war. At the time, Roosevelt was referring to the military equipment and supplies that America needed produce and send oversees to the United Kingdom to combat Nazi Germany. The country actually took a similar role in the previous war, which resulted in an attack on an expected place: the Statue of Liberty. The Black Tom railroad yard after the bombing. (National Archives) For the European powers who started it, World War I began in 1914. Although the United States remained officially neutral until 1917, it sold materials and equipment to the Allied nations of the Triple EntenteRussia, France, and Britainto aid their war effort. Naturally, this did not sit well with the Central Powers of Germany, Austria-Hungary, and the Ottoman Empire. While the Central Powers were prohibited from attacking America directly, the war material being sold to the Allies was seen as fair game. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One such shipment was assembled at the Black Tom railroad yard, now part of Liberty State Park, in New York Harbor. There, train cars were packed with 2 million tons of war material ready to be shipped to England. But in the early morning darkness of Sunday, July 30, 1916, the entire shipment exploded in an incredible blast. The scale of the Statue of Liberty in the background highlights the enormity of the explosions blast radius. (National Archives) The explosion shattered windows all across lower Manhattan and Jersey City and peppered the Statue of Liberty with shrapnel. Three men and an infant were killed by the sheer explosive energy, with more than 100 other people wounded. The crater left by the blast measured 175 feet by 375 feet. Total damage was calculated at $45 million ($1.127 trillion in 2021), with damage to Lady Liberty costing $100,000 ($2.5 million in 2021) alone. It was one of the largest non-nuclear explosions in history. This heinous attack was the handiwork of German agents who had infiltrated the United States to sabotage its support of the Allies. At the time, Americas national security and intelligence networks were practically nonexistent, so the most capable investigators on the case were the NYPDs Bomb Squad, and even they were unable to identify the German saboteurs at the time. Americas ability to investigate the attack with extremely limited at the time. (National Archives) Congress responded with the Espionage Act, which outlawed a variety of crimes associated with the German agents, along with other wartime laws. The following year, Congress enacted the Sabotage Act. These laws granted the Bureau of Investigation, the predecessor of the FBI, the power and jurisdiction to conduct a wide range of national security investigations. It proved effective, as German intrigues on American soil practically disappeared. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Along with other government agencies, the Bureau pursued the Black Tom bombing case after the war and identified the German agents. In the end, Germany was made to pay reparations for the attack against a neutral country. The explosion damaged the railroad yard and the loading docks. (National Archives) The Black Tom bombing, along with Germanys unrestricted submarine warfare and the Zimmerman Telegram, eventually led to Americas entry into World War I. During World War II, the Espionage and Sabotage Acts, along with the specific case of the Black Tom bombing, were used by Roosevelt as justification for the internment of Japanese Americans. Dont Miss the Best of Mighty History 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. German taxi drivers took to the streets in a dozen cities nationwide on Wednesday, calling for stricter regulations for car-hire services such as Uber. Taxis paraded through the western cities of Dortmund and Dusseldorf in the morning. Further protests were organized in the capital Berlin as well as other major cities including Stuttgart, Bremen, Mainz and Cologne. They followed rallies in financial hub Frankfurt on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We are demanding equality of arms: minimum prices for everyone, not just for us," said Michael Oppermann, managing director of the German Taxi and Rental Car Association. In the capital Berlin, several hundred taxis processed through the Tiergarten park, which is next to the parliament building. The protests by taxi drivers snarled downtown traffic in the affected cities. The taxi industry sees car-hire platforms such as Uber and Bolt as unfair competition because their prices are not regulated by the authorities. They are therefore calling on local authorities to introduce minimum prices for the platforms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It is unacceptable that we, as a proper taxi industry, have regulated tariffs and Uber, Bolt and co. can do what they want," Patrick Meinhardt, managing director of another German taxi and rental car association, said at a demonstration in Hanover. Oppermann echoed the message, saying: "We have nothing against competition. But it's only fair to have this with more closely aligned prices." The head of Bolt in Germany, Christoph Hahn, has rejected this measure, saying: "Minimum prices will not save the taxi industry." "Such a measure would only be at the expense of consumers, who would then probably switch back to their own cars," Hahn said in a press release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So far, no German city has introduced minimum prices for car hire companies. Berlin has been examining such a measure since January. The city of Leipzig had already set minimum rates for hire cars in 2021. One company took legal action against this. The Leipzig Administrative Court ruled in November last year that the minimum prices were permissible in principle, but that the city had set them too high. Similar lawsuits are expected in Berlin in the event of a similar ruling. German taxi drivers are taking to the streets in cities nationwide on Wednesday, calling for stricter regulations for car-hire services such as Uber. "We are demanding equality of arms: minimum prices for everyone, not just for us," said Michael Oppermann, managing director of the German Taxi and Rental Car Association. Protests are planned in Berlin as well as other large cities including Frankfurt, Stuttgart, Mainz and Cologne. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the capital, there will be a taxi parade through the Tiergarten park, which is next to the parliament building, expected to cause traffic disruption in the city centre. The industry sees car-hire platforms such as Uber and Bolt as unfair competition because their prices are not regulated by the authorities. They are therefore calling on local authorities to introduce minimum prices for the platforms. The head of Bolt in Germany, Christoph Hahn, has rejected this measure, saying: "Minimum prices will not save the taxi industry." "Such a measure would only be at the expense of consumers, who would then probably switch back to their own cars," he said in a press release. The German government has allocated funding to produce more than 500 An-196 Liutyi UAVs, designed for long-range strikes against Russia. Source: Ukrinform with reference to German newspaper Welt Details: This marks Germanys first contract for Ukrainian long-range drones, following Chancellor Friedrich Merzs pledge to bolster Ukraines long-range strike capabilities. The purchased drones will have a flight range exceeding 1,200 km and carry a 50 kg warhead. They are expected to be ready within the coming month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul recently announced plans to deepen cooperation with Ukraine in weapons manufacturing, stating that Berlin would step up its military support for Kyiv. He said that Germany had agreed to strengthen cooperation with the arms industry and aimed to establish new joint ventures to help Ukraine produce more and faster for its own defence, given the countrys enormous needs. Background: Ukraine used upgraded Liutyi kamikaze drones to strike the Russian Kupol plant in Izhevsk. These drones feature a more streamlined design, allowing longer flight distances and better protection against Russian radars. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Germany has introduced additional measures to crack down on Russia's shadow fleet in the Baltic Sea. Source: Germany's Federal Foreign Office, as reported by The Maritime Executive, a news outlet covering maritime news, jobs, events and industry analysis Quote from The Maritime Executive: "German authorities starting today, 1 July, are immediately asking passing tankers about their insurance coverage to protect against oil pollution." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: The Federal Foreign Office noted that such data is usually unknown, as these vessels avoid reliable insurers and European ports. "Our goal is very clear: We will increase the pressure on the Russian shadow fleet and protect the Baltic Sea habitat," said Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul. Efforts will focus on inspecting ships passing the German island of Fehmarn, near a key shipping route 12 miles [roughly 19 km] from Sweden. Germany warns that any violations detected could lead to action by the state whose flag the offending vessel flies. Such violations may also serve as grounds for inclusion in sanctions programmes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quote from The Maritime Executive: "Germany in January 2025 took more direct action detaining the Panama-flagged tanker Eventin (152,000 dwt) after the vessel blacked out and had to be rescued in the Baltic. It later moved to seize the vessel and its cargo after saying it was a shadow fleet tanker in violation of regulations. Germany took control of the tanker, which continues at anchor, while the case was to be reviewed by the German courts." Background: On 23 June, it was reported that Russia used a military ship to escort sanctioned tankers through the English Channel. Two sanctioned tankers and a Russian military ship entered the English Channel simultaneously, heading for Russian ports to load oil. On 20 June, Denmark reportedly began deploying maritime drones in the Baltic Sea. Amid growing concerns over hybrid threats from Russia, these drones will assist in protecting undersea infrastructure and monitoring vessels. It was also reported that Russia had begun using military ships to escort shadow fleet tankers in the Gulf of Finland. The Finnish Navy has confirmed an increase in military activity in the region. Frances Navy has deployed the 101-metre reconnaissance vessel Dupuy de Lome to the Baltic Sea for the first time to intercept radio signals related to Russian activity. On 2 June, it was reported that the Swedish government announced tighter supervision of foreign ship insurers to combat the so-called Russian "shadow fleet". Starting on 1 July, the Swedish Coast Guard and Maritime Administration will collect information on insurance not only for ships entering Swedish ports, but also for those passing through the country's territorial waters and exclusive economic zone. As reported earlier, in May, the Estonian Navy attempted to stop the tanker Jaguar, which was passing through international waters in the Gulf of Finland en route to the port of Primorsk. In response to the actions of the Estonian forces, Russia sent a fighter jet which, according to Estonia's military, violated the country's airspace. Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal stated that his country would continue inspecting ships belonging to Russias "shadow fleet" despite the recent airspace violation by a Russian fighter jet. On 18 May, Russian authorities detained a tanker in Russian territorial waters after it had left the port of Sillamae, Estonia, carrying shale oil. The vessel was released on 19 May. Following Russias seizure of the Green Admire oil tanker, Estonia decided to avoid the route passing through Russian territorial waters. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! The German government expressed concern on Wednesday about the recent wave of arrests targeting Turkey's largest opposition party, the Republican People's Party (CHP). A wave of arrests this week in the CHP stronghold of Izmir "reinforces our concerns about democracy and the rule of law in Turkey," said a Foreign Office spokesman in Berlin. The crackdown on the CHP was taking on ever greater dimensions. "The impression that political rivalry in Turkey is increasingly being conducted through the judiciary is unfortunately not new," the spokesman added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This casts a worrying light on the Turkish judicial system and fuels doubts about the independence of the Turkish judiciary and police investigations, the spokesman said when asked whether Turkey was still a functioning democracy. He raised the expectation that the allegations will be clarified as quickly as possible and transparently within the framework of a constitutional process. In a large-scale operation against the CHP-led city administration of Izmir, 126 people were arrested. Those arrested include former mayor Tunc Soyer and CHP provincial chairman Senol Aslanoglu, according to the state news agency Anadolu. Izmir, Turkey's third-largest city after Istanbul and Ankara, is considered one of the most important strongholds of the social democratic CHP. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on July 1 that the decision to supply Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine remains under consideration but stressed that Germany will not become a party to the war. "It has always been clear that if we supply the Taurus, this weapon will be used not by German soldiers, but by Ukrainians," Merz told Tagesschau. "By the way, the same applies to other cruise missiles supplied by the United Kingdom or France." The Taurus is a powerful cruise missile capable of striking targets at a distance of 500 kilometers (300 miles) a greater range than the long-range weapons Ukraine has received from other partners. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speaking to the outlet, Merz highlighted the complexity of the Taurus system, noting that it requires extensive training before Ukrainian forces can operate it. In terms of range, speed, and payload, the Taurus missile is similar to the Storm Shadow, which is produced by MBDAs French division. The key difference lies in the warhead design Taurus can be programmed to detonate after penetrating fortified targets, such as bunkers or reinforced facilities. Possible targets for Taurus missiles. (Nizar al-Rifal/The Kyiv Independent) The problem for us is that this system is extremely complex, and training soldiers on it takes at least six months. Are they already being trained? We haven't agreed on that yet, he said. I discussed this with President (Volodymyr) Zelensky, and I also raised it within the coalition. We havent started yet. It is and remains an option. The chancellor also added that Germany would no longer publicly disclose details about its military support to Ukraine in order to prevent Moscow from assessing the full scope of Western assistance. Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Germany has provided Kyiv with approximately 47.8 billion euros (about $51.8 billion) in total bilateral support, making it Ukraines second-largest country donor. This aid includes military equipment, humanitarian assistance, support for refugees, infrastructure repair, and financial aid for energy and winter relief, with military support alone totaling around 28 billion euros ($30 billion). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Ukraine to exit mine ban treaty, citing war demands, realities on the ground Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. BERLIN (Reuters) -Germany and Britain will on July 17 sign a defence treaty that includes a mutual assistance clause in the event of a threat to either country, the Politico news outlet reported on Wednesday. The report came almost a year after British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and then-German Chancellor Olaf Scholz issued a joint declaration promising closer cooperation on issues from trade to security. That broad agreement is now being finalised, according to Politico, and a key area is defence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It will include a section stating that any strategic threat to one country would represent a threat to the other and the accord is expected to be signed on July 17, it reported, citing two London-based officials. Although both countries are committed to NATO, the defence agreement highlights a shift among European states, including Germany under Chancellor Friedrich Merz, to work more closely together and rely less on the U.S. under President Donald Trump. A spokesperson for the German defence ministry said on Wednesday that he had no new developments to impart when asked about the Politico report at a government press conference in Berlin. Germany and Britain launched negotiations in August 2024 on a bilateral treaty covering a broad range of areas, from defence and security cooperation, to labour and economic growth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We are in the final stages of finalising the treaty," a spokesperson for the foreign ministry said at the same press conference, adding that the German cabinet would sign off on it before the end of July. Britain's government did not immediately respond to a request for comment. (Reporting by Sabine Siebold, Alexander Ratz, Rachel More and Markus Wacket; writing by Madeline Chambers; editing by Miranda Murray, Rachel More and Mark Heinrich) A member of Wapiti Lake Pack is photographed near the Firehole River in Yellowstone National Park in July 2020. The Wapiti Lake Pack is one of nine wolf packs that was living in Yellowstone as of December 2024. (File photo courtesy of Jim Peaco/Yellowstone National Park) EDITORS NOTE: This is the final installment of Howl, a five-part written series and podcast season produced in partnership between the Idaho Capital Sun, States Newsroom and Boise State Public Radio. Thirty years after wolves were brought back from near extinction in the U.S. Rocky Mountains, the state of Idaho is back in the wolf-killing business. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Based on direction from the Idaho Fish and Game Commission, the Idaho Department of Fish and Game is working to reduce the states wolf population by more than 60% over six years. According to the Idaho Gray Wolf Management Plan 2023-2028, the states goal is to reduce the wolf population down from the estimated average of 1,270 wolves to a new average of about 500 wolves, with a low of about 350 wolves. Based on the population dynamics in Idahos wolf population, the state estimates humans would need to kill about 37% of Idahos estimated wolf population each year for six years to reach the goal of an average population of 500 wolves While nearly everyone in the wolf debate says its extremely difficult to get an accurate count of the animals within the states borders, some wolf advocates dont agree with Idaho officials on how many wolves are actually in the state due to the research methods used until recently. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And some worry that if the state doesnt have an accurate wolf population count, it doesnt know how many wolves should be killed under the management plan. Current wolf hunting, trapping policies a grim reminder of eradication campaign from the past, early wolf member of wolf management team says Idaho legislators are driving the policy by responding to concerns from farmers and ranchers who have had animals like sheep and cattle killed by wolves. Between 2014 and 2023, wolves in Idaho killed a minimum of 1,291 domestic livestock animals, according to state records. The losses affected 299 different ranchers and farmers. But for Marcie Carter, one of the early members of the Nez Perce Tribes program that managed wolves in Idaho, the expansion of wolf hunting and trapping and the government-sponsored killing of wolves in Idaho is a grim reminder of the eradication campaign that nearly killed off all wolves in the U.S. Rocky Mountains by the 1940s. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wolves are a native species in Idaho and all across the U.S. But as setters moved West, the U.S. government passed wolf-killing bounties meant to encourage westward expansion. By 1926, rangers had killed the last wolves in Yellowstone National Park. The last wolf in Idaho was killed in the 1930s, according to the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. In one of the most successful and controversial wildlife comeback stories in American history, the U.S. government reintroduced wolves to Yellowstone and Idaho in 1995. Wolf b-roll footage We did all this great work, and we spent hours and hours out in the woods and then to come to this point where theyre treated like vermin, its really disorienting, said Carter, who now works as the watershed coordinator for the Nez Perce Tribes Department of Fisheries Resource Management. The impact of wolves on livestock in Idaho Having livestock killed is a big deal to the rancher who owns that animal. But some wolf advocates say that, big picture, the number of livestock killed by wolves is pretty low every year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From 2018 to 2022, there were an average of 259 livestock deaths each year in Idaho that were deemed confirmed or probable wolf kills, according to the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. (Depredation is the term officials use when a predator like a wolf kills or maims livestock like cattle. Idaho Department of Fish and Game officials said confirmed or probable determinations are dependent on sufficient evidence remaining, which is dependent on very rapid detection and investigation of the carcass and minimal disturbance by scavengers. Those criteria often arent met in remote environments, therefore the documented confirmed and probable depredations should be considered a minimum number, Fish and Game officials said.) Thats in a state with about 2.5 million head of cattle and 235,000 sheep including on feedlots and dairies where wolves and other predators are not present. That means wolves kill an average of about 0.01% of Idahos combined cattle and sheep population each year. How does Idaho estimate its wolf population? All sides in the wolf debate agree it is extremely difficult to produce an exact population count of wolves in Idaho. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The state is too big, the terrain is too rugged and wolves are too elusive for that to happen. Instead, officials use multiple different techniques to estimate that wolf population. Until recently, Idaho Fish and Game officials used wildlife trail cameras and a statistical model to estimate the states wolf population. Some outside researchers expressed concern with the accuracy of using wildlife cameras to estimate wolf populations. Scott Creel, an ecologist and conservation biologist who works for Montana State University, has studied carnivores since 1987 and studied wolf-elk interactions since the 1990s. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Creel has been critical of wolf population methods used in Montana and Idaho. I was frustrated with seeing methods being used to estimate wolf numbers that were very indirect and, in my opinion, were unlikely to produce accurate estimates, Creel said. I was particularly worried that the methods I was seeing used would produce estimates that wouldnt change, even if the wolf numbers were really changing. So the wolf population would appear to be constant, even though the policy changed just because of the way we were counting them, which is extremely oblique in both of the two methods that I was reviewing. A human hand shows how large this wolf print on the Blacktail Ponds Trail actually is. (File photo courtesy of Jacob W. Frank/Yellowstone National Park) The Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks declined an interview request for this story. Creel stressed that accurately estimating wolf populations is extremely difficult. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Idaho Department of Fish and Game officials disagree with Creels criticism, but acknowledged trail cam population estimation methods become less reliable when the number of images of wolves from the trail cameras declines. In July 2024, Idaho Fish and Game announced a new wolf population estimation procedure. Instead of using trail cams, officials are using new methods involving combination of genetic and information taken from a tooth of every wolf mortality documented by the state, information on the biological range of wolf population dynamics, a statistical model, and actual wolf hunting and mortality data. Its called the ABC method, short for Approximate Bayesian Computation, which Idaho Fish and Game officials said has been used widely in other scientific fields like epidemiology and population genetics. Biometricians use that method to estimate the total number of new litters of wolf pups each year and the average estimated wolf population. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When he introduced the new wolf population estimate in July 2024, Idaho Fish and Game Wildlife Bureau Chief Shane Roberts said the new population estimation method independently produced similar population estimates to the trail cam methods population estimates from 2019 to 2022 using different data. Roberts said that gives him confidence the new method produces consistent and reasonable population estimates. He also said it backs up the old trail cam method that outside researchers have publicly criticized. Although no population estimation technique is perfect, we now have an independent source of information that validates the camera-based estimates that weve been using to guide wolf management since 2019 and refutes the idea that those estimates are wildly erroneous, as some have claimed, Roberts said during the July 2024 Idaho Fish and Game Commission meeting. But for 2023, the trail cam method and the new method produced different population estimates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new method estimated 1,150 wolves, while the trail cam method estimated 840 wolves, Roberts said. Even though it has been a year since Idaho Fish and Game officials announced their new estimation methods, the methods do not appear on the Idaho Department of Fish and Games website for public review. Howl reporters Clark Corbin and Heath Druzin asked Idaho Fish and Game officials for a copy of the states new methods for estimating the wolf population. In March, Fish and Game officials said the only available information is a YouTube video of officials announcing their wolf population presentation. The relevant discussion takes place more than four hours into a six-hour Idaho Fish and Game Commission meeting on July 24, 2024. Officials said they are working to publish their methods. We are in the process of preparing a manuscript for peer-reviewed publication on the method, which we hope to have submitted for publication later this spring or early summer, Roberts said in March. As of June 24, the department had not yet published its new wolf population estimation methods in a peer-reviewed publication. Roberts said June 24 that officials are close to submitting it and hope to have it submitted for peer-reviewed publication before the upcoming July 17 Idaho Fish and Game Commission meeting. Despite questions and criticisms of past methods, Roberts said he is confident in using the new population estimation to drive wolf management decisions in Idaho. Because we were able to produce five years of virtually identical estimates between (the new methods) and the camera-based methods weve used before, we are confident this transition will result in consistent information to inform wolf management in the state, Roberts said during the July 2024 Idaho Fish and Game Commission meeting. Why Idahos wolf population estimate is important Bob Crabtree, who founded the Yellowstone Ecological Research Center, said accuracy in wolf population estimates is extremely important. Its like asking a business owner to try to make a profit or try to avoid losing money by not knowing what items they have on the shelves that they stock in their store, Crabtree said. Population size, or abundance, is the No. 1 criteria used to successfully manage and conserve and restore wolves. And without it, you just cant. Many wolf laws and policies rely on wolf population estimates. State Sen. Van Burtenshaw, a Republican rancher from the town of Terreton, Idaho, sponsored Senate Bill 1211, which Gov. Brad Little signed into law in 2021. The law removed the limit on the number of wolf tags hunters could buy each year, legalized wolf trapping year round on private property and allowed the state of Idaho to contract with federal agencies and other third parties to kill wolves. Burtenshaw said he pushed for the law because his constituents told him there are too many wolves eating too much livestock. The big thing was the amount of farmers and ranchers that were dealing with significant losses because of the wolf population, Burtenshaw said. Originally when the wolf was reintroduced, they were talking about 150 or something in the Idaho region. And we had well over 1,500, almost 1,600, for a long time. So the depredation cost was huge to those that had livestock and other animals as well. That population has kind of got out of balance, and thats what were trying to figure out is where that balance is, Burtenshaw said. Contribute to the nonprofit Idaho Capital Sun Howl is the largest investment in time and resources weve put toward one project at the Idaho Capital Sun. If you find value in what we do, you can support work like this with a one-time or recurring donation at IdahoCapitalSun.com/Donate. To read the weekly installments of Howl, released every Wednesday morning, sign up for our free email newsletter, IdahoCapitalSun.com/Subscribe. The impact of wolf hunting in Idaho Idaho sold more than 53,000 wolf tags to hunters in 2023 even though there are only an estimated 1,150 wolves in the state, according to documents provided by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. More than half of those wolf tags were sold in the popular sportsmans package, which includes a hunting/fishing combo license and tags for deer, elk, bear, wolf, mountain lion, turkey, salmon and steelhead. (State officials said they do not know the percentage of hunters who bought a wolf tag because wolves are the primary animal they are hunting vs. the percentage of hunters who primarily hunted other animal species but still bought a wolf tag.) From the 2019-20 wolf hunting season through the 2023-24 hunting season, hunters and trappers killed an average of more than 400 wolves a year in Idaho, according to Idaho Fish and Game. This graphic shows wolf hunting data in the state of Idaho from 2009 to 2025. Note the 2024-2025 season data is incomplete. (Graphic courtesy of Idaho Department of Fish and Game) In addition to expanding wolf hunting and trapping, Idaho also financially reimburses expenses for hunters who successfully kill a wolf. Since 2019, the state of Idaho has paid out $849,750 in reimbursements to successful wolf hunters, according to data provided by the Idaho Fish and Game. The money is Idaho Fish and Game funding that is transferred to the Wolf Depredation Control Board for the Foundation for Wildlife Managements reimbursement program, Fish and Game officials said. Separately, the foundation has applied for and received Idaho Fish and Game Commission Challenge Grants. Our end (goal) in this originally was focused on trying to direct the harvest where we were seeing the greatest impacts chronic livestock depredation, elk populations below objective, where predation was a factor to try to focus that effort where harvest at that time was not sufficient to stabilize the wolf numbers, said Idaho Fish and Game Deputy Director of Operations Jon Rachael, who was an original member of the wolf recovery team. In the context of hunting, the word harvest means successfully killing a game animal such as a wolf. The reimbursement money can be used for firearms, ammo, traps, trail cameras, gear, license fees, fuel and even ATV vehicles used to scout or hunt wolves, according to the foundation. Rusty Kramer, the president of the Idaho Trappers Association, said he has used state reimbursement money to make payments on his truck, which he uses when he is tracking and trapping wolves. The standard reimbursement in Idaho is capped at $750 per wolf. But in areas where elk populations are below their objective, or livestock have been repeatedly killed by wolves, the reimbursement limit increases to $2,000 per wolf. Some wolf supporters call the program a bounty system and scoff at the idea of the state sending checks to people who shot wolves to help pay off their trucks and ATVs. But Idaho Fish and Game officials insist it is only a reimbursement program not a bounty. Any of the funds that come from the state of Idaho, from the Wolf Depredation Control Board, or, in the past, from the Fish and Game Commission Challenge Grants did require that this money was not just a straight payment of a certain amount, but rather the individual claiming compensation present evidence of their expenses, Rachael said. And so in that regard, it was compensation for their investment of buying traps or fuel to run a trap line. U.S. Department of Agriculture confirmed it killed juvenile wolves in Idaho When the state kills wolves, it doesnt just kill adult wolves that are confirmed to have attacked livestock. The state, other government agencies like the U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services and third party contractors can kill wolf pups in their dens and their nursing mother even if those specific wolves never attacked a cow or sheep. You can kill wolf puppies, said Carter Niemeyer, a former government trapper who helped bring wolves back to Idaho and Yellowstone National Park 30 years ago and opposes killing wolf pups and many of Idahos wolf policies. Theyre plum legal if you kill them at a day old. Stomp their head in with your boot if you want to. Carter Niemeyer howls while looking for wolves just outside of the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness. (Photo by Heath Druzin for the Idaho Capital Sun) Students at Timberline High School in Boise spoke out a few years ago after the U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services killed wolf pups from a pack that the school symbolically adopted, the Idaho Capital Sun previously reported. In an October 2021 letter to Suzanne Asha Stone, a prominent Idaho wolf expert and a member of the wolf reintroduction team, former U.S. Department of Agriculture Undersecretary Jenny Lester Moffitt, confirmed the government killed eight juvenile wolves in Idaho in an attempt to relocate the larger pack and reduce the number of livestock killed. Carter, who was on the Nez Perce Tribes wolf reintroduction team in the 1990s, is sickened that the state would authorize the killing of wolf pups that never disturbed livestock. I mean, its one thing to shoot an adult, Carter said. But to trap puppies in the den hole? Its just so awful. And I dont understand how people can be that hateful to one species of animal that has a right to be here. But for sure, the state has not done their due diligence. Ill just stop there, Carter added. The state of Idaho is not taking care of this species. Since wolves were removed from the Endangered Species List in 2011, the USDA Wildlife Services and other agencies have killed 961 wolves in Idaho, according to Idaho Department of Fish and Game documents. Since 2018, Idaho Fish and Game has spent $817,668 on lethal control actions to kill wolves in Idaho, according to documents the department provided. That total specifically refers to Idaho Fish and Game funding through the Wolf Depredation Control Board that was not spent on reimbursements made by the Foundation for Wildlife Management. One of Idahos policies is that even when nonlethal tools are available to reduce conflicts between livestock and wolves, the state can kill wolves without first trying the nonlethal tools. Livestock producers may use deterrents to aid in protecting their property; however, they are not a prerequisite for lethal removal, the Idaho Gray Wolf Management Plan 2023-2028 states. Regardless of use or success of nonlethal methods, landowners may request a special kill permit from IDFG for use on lawfully permitted public and private lands. IDFG will continue to employ lethal removal as needed to address both individual depredations and overall population goals 30 years after wolf reintroduction, some of the people who brought wolves back worry about their future Longtime wolf advocates say the government-sponsored killing of wolves and expansions in hunting and trapping is reducing the number of wolves. Now, 30 years after the first wolves were returned to Idaho and 14 years after they came off the Endangered Species List, several prominent members of the team that brought wolves back worry about the threats wolves face today. Niemeyer is a longtime government trapper who has tracked wolves across Idaho and Montana since before reintroduction in 1995. Intimately familiar with wolves, he was a member of the team that traveled to Canada 30 years ago to capture wolves to reintroduce them to Idaho and Montana. For years after reintroduction, Carter studied the packs and knew the location of many dens in central Idaho. Niemeyer was so confident in his ability to find wolves that he regularly guided donors who supported conservation organizations into the wild to see wolves. He knew the landscape well enough he could set up camp just close enough for the donors to see and howl for wolves as Niemeyer cooked cowboy-style dinners for the group. But those days are over. Over the last few years, Niemeyer said he and his longtime contacts are no longer seeing wolves in the wild the same places they always used to. When theyre in there, they see virtually little or no sign of any wolf existence in the Frank, Niemeyer said, referring to the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness. If you put together what Im seeing, or better yet, what Im not seeing. Nobodys finding any wolf evidence. So where are these 1,300 or 1,500 wolves? Niemeyers luck isnt any better than his friends. During a Howl reporting trip in July 2024, Niemeyer found wolf scat and wolf tracks, but no wolves. And during another, separate expedition in 2024, he said he struck out entirely he didnt even see a wolf track. The Big Buck Pack, Steel Mountain Pack, Jackson Pack, Archie Pack, I can name all these packs up there, Thorn Creek theres no packs in those places anymore, mostly because of domestic sheep that came in there and Wildlife Services just went to hammering wolves, Niemeyer said. And then youve got the recreational hunting and trapping that started when (wolves) were delisted. Youll still find a wolf track up in that country, Niemeyer said. But to say theres anything like the numbers there were, I dont believe it. You wouldnt convince me. Carter worries about new expanded wolf hunting, trapping and lethal control policies in the state of Idaho. The state of Idaho is going to if they havent already plunge wolves back towards extinction, at least in Idaho, Carter said. How do you manage if you dont know how many you have? Carter added. She isnt alone in worrying about the state management of wolves and the removal of limits on hunting and trapping. Is it a violation of our treaty? Nez Perce Tribal Executive Committee Chairman Shannon Wheeler said. Is it a violation of something that we were meant to protect? Of course it is. Of course its a violation of what was here in 1855 and before then. And thats a part of tamaalwit, or the unwritten law, which we know that Article Three and the Treaty of 1855 with the Nez Perce represents. Some members of the wolf reintroduction teams say attitudes are even worse today than they were 30 years ago. Our countrys worse now than it was in terms of polarization, so those extreme divisions have only widened and become more cemented, said Stone, executive director of the International Wildlife Coexistence Network and a co-founder of the Wood River Wolf Project. Back then, if I had told anyone from the opposition that didnt want to have wolves back that they would be trapping and killing wolves 365 days of the year, using bounties to kill even pups in the den, they would have told me I was crazy and that would never happen never happen. And were living it today. That is the reality on the ground today. Doug Smith, who headed up the wolf project at Yellowstone National Park for nearly 30 years ties his shoelaces before setting out on the trail to scout for wolves on July 10, 2024, at Yellowstone National Park. (Photo by Pat Sutphin for the Idaho Capital Sun) Stone isnt alone. Oh, Im pretty worried, said Doug Smith, who headed up the wolf program at Yellowstone National Park for nearly 30 years until he retired in 2022. Attitudes havent changed, Smith said. The fact is, theyre worse now. Ive been studying wolves for over 40 years, and wolves have always been controversial. Theres always been people who like wolves and people who hate wolves. Now its like people are willing to do anything to get rid of wolves or anything to protect wolves, and they dont want to talk to each other. I dont think thats progress, and right now the anti-wolf forces are winning in Idaho and Montana especially. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE idaho-gray-wolf-management-plan-2023-2028 Journalists Clark Corbin and Heath Druzin reported and wrote Howl over the course of 14 months, trekking deep into the backcountry in some of the most remote places in the Lower 48 chasing the story of Americas wildest and most controversial wildlife comeback story wolf reintroduction. Donald Trump's signature tax and spending bill was in limbo early Thursday as Republican leaders in the US Congress scrambled to win over a group of rebels threatening to torpedo the centerpiece of the president's domestic agenda. Trump is seeking final approval in the House of Representatives for his Senate-passed "One Big Beautiful Bill" -- but faces opposition on all sides of his fractious party over provisions set to balloon the national debt while launching a historic assault on the social safety net. As midnight (0400 GMT) struck, House Speaker Mike Johnson was still holding open a key procedural vote -- the bill's last hurdle before it can advance to be considered for final approval -- more than two hours after it was first called. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With no clear sign of the stalemate breaking, his lieutenants huddled in tense meetings behind the scenes with the rebels who had either voted no or had yet to come to the House floor. "We're going to get there tonight. We're working on it and very, very positive about our progress," Johnson told reporters at the Capitol, according to Politico. Originally approved by the House in May, Trump's sprawling legislation squeezed through the Senate on Tuesday by a solitary vote but had to return to the lower chamber Wednesday for a rubber stamp of the Senate's revisions. The package honors many of Trump's campaign promises, boosting military spending, funding a mass migrant deportation drive and committing $4.5 trillion to extend his first-term tax relief. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But it is expected to pile an extra $3.4 trillion over a decade onto the country's fast-growing deficits, while forcing through the largest cuts to the Medicaid health insurance program since its 1960s launch. While moderates in the House are anxious that the cuts will damage their prospects of reelection, fiscal hawks are chafing over savings that they say fall short of what they were promised by hundreds of billions of dollars. Johnson has to negotiate incredibly tight margins, and can likely only lose three lawmakers among more than two dozen who have declared themselves open to rejecting Trump's bill. - 'Abomination' - Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republican leaders had been hoping to spend just a few hours on Wednesday afternoon green-lighting the package, although they have a cushion of two days before Trump's self-imposed July 4 deadline. The 887-page text only passed in the Senate after a flurry of tweaks that pulled the House-passed text further to the right. Republicans lost one conservative who was angry about adding to the country's $37 trillion debt burden and two moderates worried about almost $1 trillion in health care cuts. Some estimates put the total number of recipients set to lose their health insurance at 17 million, while scores of rural hospitals are expected to close. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Legislation in the House has to go through multiple "test" votes before it can come up for final approval, and a majority must wave it through at each of these stages. There were warning signs early in the day as the package stumbled at one of the first steps, with a straightforward vote that ought to have taken minutes remaining open for seven hours and 31 minutes -- making it the longest House vote in history. Johnson had made clear that he was banking on Trump leaning on waverers, as he has in the past to turn around contentious House votes that were headed for failure. The president has spent weeks cajoling Republicans torn between angering welfare recipients at home and incurring his wrath. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump pressured House Republicans to get the bill over the line in a private White House meeting with several holdouts on Wednesday. "What are the Republicans waiting for?," he posted on his Truth Social platform just after midnight. "What are you trying to prove??? MAGA IS NOT HAPPY, AND IT'S COSTING YOU VOTES!!!" House Democrats have signaled that they plan to campaign on the bill to flip the chamber in the 2026 midterm elections, pointing to analyses showing that it represents a historic redistribution of wealth from the poorest Americans to the richest. "Shame on Senate Republicans for passing this disgusting abomination," House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries told reporters. ft/abs/mtp HANGZHOU, July 2 (Xinhua) -- The first all-cargo air route between east China's Zhejiang Province and Central Asia was launched Wednesday, in the latest move to boost trade connectivity. A Boeing 767 freighter, operated by cargo airline My Freighter from Uzbekistan, departed from Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport in Hangzhou, capital of Zhejiang Province, carrying over 50 tonnes of daily necessities, clothing and other goods bound for Tashkent, capital of Uzbekistan, early Wednesday morning. This is also the second international all-cargo air route launched by Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport this year, increasing the number of its regular international all-cargo air routes to 20, with flights reaching nearly 100 per week. All airports in Zhejiang Province now operate 53 international all-cargo air routes. The route operates twice a week, on Wednesdays and Sundays, and the flight takes about six hours. The return flights will bring fresh fruit and other specialty agricultural products from Uzbekistan into China. Xu Jie, an official with Zhejiang Donglixin Supply Chain Management Co., Ltd., said more flights will be added to the route in the future in response to strong market demand. Customs authorities at Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport said they would further improve the efficiency of customs clearance and reduce logistics costs in a bid to further boost international cargo trade. On a Tuesday evening in northern Virginia, Republicans on edge across the state finally got their wish: a campaign event featuring gubernatorial nominee Winsome Earle-Sears, backed by incumbent Gov. Glenn Youngkin, who beat a Democrat four years ago. A racially diverse crowd was packed into a firehouse waving signs that read Axe the Tax, a nod to an Earle-Sears campaign pledge to eliminate the states car tax. Youngkin lauded Earle-Sears biography and work as the states lieutenant governor. At the end, he appeared on stage with the entire GOP ticket, clapping along to the tune of the classic disco song Aint No Stoppin Us Now. We havent come this far to only go this far, Earle-Sears told the crowd. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But things are much different from four years ago, when Youngkin beat Democrat Terry McAuliffe as a businessman and first-time candidate tapping into voter frustration with the Covid-19 pandemic and the handling of race and diversity in schools. Earle-Sears faces headwinds caused by some of President Donald Trumps policies and concerns among some in her own party about whether shes running an effective campaign. The environment is just different and the things that are outside of a candidates control are worse for Republicans in 2025 than they were in 2021, said Kyle Kondik, managing editor of Sabatos Crystal Ball at the University of Virginia. Earle-Sears is facing Democrat Abigail Spanberger, a former congresswoman who has outraised her so far. Kondik also cited Earle-Sears lack of personal wealth to self-fund her campaign as Youngkin did and her past comments minimizing the impact of these federal cuts as potential drawbacks. Lining the sidewalk outside of the firehouse Tuesday night were demonstrators calling attention to the proposed federal cuts to Medicaid. The US Senate just hours earlier had passed Trumps far-reaching domestic policy bill that could cause millions of people to lose coverage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I cared for a lot of people and now Im in a situation where I may not have a roof over my head, said Laura Lynn Clark, a 62-year-old former home care provider of Richmond. Earle-Sears response to these critics sounded a more sympathetic note than what she previously said about federal workers and suggested a shift in her approach. What I love about America, as an immigrant, that people can protest and let their government know how they feel about everything, she told CNN. Whatever comes down, were ready. We have the ability. Were going to make sure that people are made whole, she added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earle-Sears, 61, was born in Jamaica and immigrated to the United States when she was six. She later served in the U.S. Marine Corps and directed a Salvation Army homeless shelter. Core to Earle-Sears election argument is that she is part of a winning team that has delivered the past four years in Virginia on everything from pro-business deregulation to reopening schools after the pandemic. In her allies telling, she would be an extension of the states prosperity. Thats despite Virginia being one of 17 states with separately elected lieutenant governors. We have a winner. We have a Marine who knows how to fight, who understands what America is about, because she understands that everything that she values today, everything she thanks an almighty God for, came from this country. Winsome Sears loves America, Youngkin told the crowd Tuesday night. But Earle-Sears has been intentional about drawing contrasts with Youngkin during her time as his deputy, tacking to the right of him on everything from same-sex marriage to access to abortion. Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin and Lieutenant Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears attend the Drivers Meeting prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Cook Out 400 at Martinsville Speedway on March 30 in Martinsville, Virginia. - Logan Riely/Getty Images She has also held few public events, particularly compared to Spanberger. Instead, shes mostly gone to private events that have been closed to the media. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some chairs of county parties have publicly questioned whether shes doing enough, particularly in a state that leans Democratic in national elections. Trump lost Virginia by nearly 6 points last November, an improvement from his 10-point defeat in the state four years earlier. Every single soul can look and see all the places I have been, Earle-Sears told CNN in a recent phone interview as she was driving between campaign stops. I used to have to drive myself to every place, racking up miles here and there, because I do not get a driver. The governor does. I dont get security. The governor does. And so Ive been doing a lot of it myself. I dont know what other people are seeing, but its going to be all right, she said. Ken Nunnenkamp, executive director of the Virginia Republican Party, defended Earle-Sears and said it would take time for her to reach all parts of the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also argues Earle-Sears candor would be appreciated by voters. Whether or not you agree with Winsome, you sure as heck know where she stands, he said. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com PHILADELPHIA Voters in one of the most divided states in the country moved closer together on immigration, climate change and voter ID requirements after spending just a few days together. A diverse set of nearly 200 Pennsylvanians from the states big cities, far-flung towns and upscale suburbs found common ground on those and a number of other hot-button topics after meeting in a hotel in downtown Philadelphia last month as part of an audacious experiment: If people got offline and actually talked face-to-face, would they become less polarized? Political scientist James Fishkin, who leads Stanford Universitys Deliberative Democracy Lab, has tested that theory across the globe, and each time the answer has been yes. But every year in the modern era of hyper-partisan American politics, it has become a riskier bet to make. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even in President Donald Trumps second term, though as wars rage across the globe, technology rapidly evolves and disaffected populists in both parties surge the results came back the same. Good-faith conversation can still help turn down the temperature on even some of the most controversial issues in national politics. When people have strong views, they very often have never considered the other side. And a lot of political scientists say, Well, that's because they're entrenched and calcified and they're in their filter bubbles, Fishkin said. But they're not quite calcified. They are movable. Heres how the experiment known as America in One Room: Pennsylvania worked: Over the course of four days, voters broke into groups of a dozen or so people to discuss a wide range of policy proposals with a moderator who helped keep the peace. The voters were selected to represent the states electorate demographically, politically and geographically. They heard from former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, a 30-year-old Republican state lawmaker and advocacy group leaders across the political spectrum. And throughout the event, they took opinion surveys, the results of which were shared with POLITICO ahead of their official release. Support for a national proposal to hand out more visas to so-called low-skilled workers doubled from only 25 percent of participants at the beginning of the study to 50 percent by the end of deliberations. The number of voters favoring a plan to work with other nations to adopt net-zero greenhouse gas emission policies rose from 42 to 55 percent after they exchanged views. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pennsylvanians came together on conservative ideas, too. Voter ID requirements went from winning over 68 percent of voters to 73 percent and became backed by a majority of Democrats. Six in 10 voters initially championed free college tuition at public colleges, but support dropped to 46 percent by the end of the event. The findings underscore the extent to which social media, geographic sorting and partisan echo chambers often fuel partisanship in the U.S. and point to potential fixes. When you have long-form ability to discuss politics face to face, you can convey nuance and you can understand the emotions, drivers and backgrounds of the people that you're speaking to, said Henry Elkus, a co-organizer of the event and founder of Helena, a Los Angeles-based nonprofit with a wide-ranging mission to find solutions to some of the worlds biggest problems. I think that's the real lesson here, he said, is that democracy does work as intended when people actually are civil and can sit down with one another. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the fight against polarization has only gotten harder in recent years. Voters faith in democracy has eroded since the organizers first gathered the biggest-ever in-person representative sample of American voters in 2019 and proved that extremism melts away in optimal conditions. Trump has aggressively tested the limits of presidential power, daring Congress and the courts to stop him. The polarization of media including social media has deepened. Elkus isnt deterred by those trends, saying, You don't tell firefighters to stop fighting a fire if it seems hopeless. He argued that democracy has to be updated and this project is an attempt to interject and kind of help that growth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One participant in the event, 32-year-old HVAC technician Matthew Drummond, said he preferred learning about policy issues by talking about them with other Pennsylvanians to following the news or social media. It allows you to be able to change your mind, said Drummond, a Trump supporter from the deep-blue Philadelphia suburbs of Montgomery County. Hearing other peoples views, it can play a factor. Michele Berkowitz, another attendee who talked through issues in the breakout group with Drummond, said the project sounds wonderful in theory. But the 73-year-old retiree from the purple Bucks County a fan of Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) was skeptical of its real-world impact. Unless the politicians and the people that make policy and people that work in the consultancies and such can actually take the information gleaned from us and apply it to something to make change, I dont know, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The organizers of the experiment said they are working to make the process available to larger groups of people, including through the use of artificial intelligence. Ultimately, they hope to bring it to millions. They have also been teaming up with elected officials to try to show that their so-called deliberative polling process can be utilized to craft policy and make the difference that Berkowitz wants. The speaker of the Pennsylvania state House, Democrat Joanna McClinton, attended the event and said that she plans to use the results to help influence voting rights and election administration legislation she has introduced. McClinton said she will leverage the reports findings to prioritize the policies that garnered the most support. Along with showing that voter ID is popular, the poll revealed that a proposal to expand in-person early voting was backed by 71 percent of participants by the end of the event, up from 61 percent initially. The same plan shifted from garnering a minority of support among Republicans to a majority. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The organizers also polled participants on their feelings about the state of American democracy before and after the event and found a significant shift. Three-quarters said they were dissatisfied with it at the beginning; by its conclusion, that number dropped to 54 percent. Still, thats a majority of the voters who walked out of the long weekend still feeling dissatisfied with how democracy is going in the country. In 2019, nearly 14 million citizens of California filed a class action lawsuit in the state against Google. The reason for the class action suit was that "Google collected information from idle phones running its Android operating system for company uses like targeted advertising, consuming Android users cellular data at their expense." Now, a jury has decided on the outcome of this lawsuit, saying that Google has to pay $314 million to the users, per The Guardian. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "A jury in San Jose, California, said on Tuesday that Google misused customers cellphone data and must pay more than $314.6m to Android smartphone users in the state, according to an attorney for the plaintiffs." The lawsuit states that Alphabet Google performed "mandatory and unavoidable burdens shouldered by Android device users for Googles benefit" while also "sending and receiving information" while being idle. Google spokesperson Jose Castaneda did say the company plans to appeal the lawsuit verdict while the company also said no users were harmed through this incident. On the contrary, this isn't the only such case for Google. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another case was brought to the court on behalf of the remainder of the states, although that specific case has a trial date in April 2026. Google also claims that users consented to such rules in the privacy policies regarding this case, and with the company planning to appeal, it could be time before this gets some clarity. Related: In-N-Out Burger Being Sued for $3.2 Million Google in Danger of Paying $314 Million to Smartphone Users in One Major US State first appeared on Men's Journal on Jul 2, 2025 Rep. Maxwell Frost (D-Fla.) struck a nerve with House Rules Committee Chair Virginia Foxx (R-N.C.) on Wednesday while lobbying against the Trump-backed big, beautiful bill. You see, they say theyre pro-life because they want the baby to be born, go to school, and get shot in the school. Die in the schools, die on the streets, Frost said during his testimony before being interrupted. Foxx abruptly banged the gavel and told the Florida lawmaker hed gone over the cliff while railing against the legislation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I meant every word, Frost told the chair. The young Democrat was the last to testify in favor of sustaining in the bill the health care tax credits for low-income families and individuals in need of financial relief for medical services. Democrats and Republicans have been feuding over Medicaid work requirements proposed in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act that could strike millions from coverage. The Senate bill is now being considered for revisions in the House as GOP members work to meet the July 4 deadline President Trump set to sign the bill into law. Foxx said that just because lawmakers differ on their approach to solving medical crises, they are not in favor of people being shot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Might be good to leave your words. Because thats how you feel. But you are not going to come into this room and impugn our integrity. You will not, Foxx said as she urged Rep. Austin Scott (R-Ga.) to withdraw his motion to strike Frosts words from the record in an effort to reflect his disdain. We are pro-life people, from conception to natural death, most of us are. And dont you come in here and say, we want to preserve life so people can get shot, she added. Frost shot back at Foxx, who has served 10 terms in the lower chamber. Thats what Ive seen, he told her. Frost has openly criticized the Trump administration for its federal spending cutbacks and crackdown on illegal immigrants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Texas Gun Rights is throwing its weight behind Leigh Wambsganss, the longtime activist who now appears to be the early frontrunner in the special election for Senate District 9. The groups political arm, Texas Gun Rights PAC, announced its endorsement on June 1, praising Wambsganss as a fierce defender of Second Amendment rights and crediting her with helping secure the states recent ban on red flag laws. Shes the authentic choice, said Executive Director Chris McNutt via X. We call on all patriots to unite behind her, as no other candidate is needed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wambsganss, who declared her candidacy just days ago, has apparently already raised more than $350,000, which she believes is a state record for a Senate campaign launch. I announced my candidacy on Friday afternoon June 27. And by Monday evening we had deposited over $350,000 into the campaign account, she said. I think thats a record for a Texas State Senate campaign. Tarrant County Sheriff Bill Waybourn, who has also endorsed her, joked, She could have been cited for speeding. Her early fundraising blitz has been matched by a flood of endorsements from some of the most influential Republicans in the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, Sen. Tan Parker, Tarrant County Judge Tim OHare, and dozens of other local, state, and national leaders have backed Wambsganss. She has also drawn support from Southlake City Council member Frances Scharli, Pastor Bill Ramsey, and grassroots groups, including the True Texas Project. The race was triggered by the June 18 resignation of Sen. Kelly Hancock, a Republican from North Richland Hills who left to become chief clerk of the Texas Comptrollers Office. Gov. Greg Abbott has set the special election for November 4. Hancock, who intends to run for comptroller in 2026, had served in the Senate since 2013. Rep. Nate Schatzline previously announced plans to run for Hancocks former post, but he withdrew after Wambsganss entered the race. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wambsganss came to prominence as the Chief Communications Officer at Patriot Mobile, an institution that played a key role in the successful campaigns against Critical Race Theory in Carroll ISD and other places. She served as a congressional staffer during the Republican Revolution of the 1990s and has decades of experience in volunteer organizing, according to her Grabien bio. I am not a career politicianIm a battle-tested conservative who gets results, she said in her announcement. I dont need a paycheck to fight for whats rightIve been doing it my whole life. Wambsganss holds degrees from Dallas Baptist University and the University of Central Oklahoma and lives in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. With a series of votes already underway, Republican leaders and White House officials have accelerated their all-hands-on-deck push Wednesday to get the GOP megabill through the House and to President Donald Trump's desk. Multiple groups of House Republican lawmakers who have aired grievances with the Senate-passed version of the domestic policy bill have met Wednesday with Speaker Mike Johnson and have visited the White House to speak with Trump, who has demanded the bill get done by July 4. Some potential holdouts sounded close to backing the sweeping legislation. In the end, its hard to vote against making tax cuts permanent and fixing defense, said Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.), who announced his retirement this week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But a key group of conservative hard-liners signaled it was ready to dig in and fight for additional changes to the 887-page bill passed by the Senate. House leaders held a procedural vote open for more than an hour Wednesday afternoon as they negotiated with the holdouts. Rep. Andy Harris, chair of the House Freedom Caucus, called on Trump to order senators back to town for further negotiations a demand that would almost certain mean missing Trump's July 4 deadline for final passage. The Maryland Republican said he was ready to vote down the "rule" governing final debate of the megabil until it's brought back closer to the House version. There's a little work left to be done, but if the president calls the Senate back in town, we should be able to do it, he said, adding, I haven't spoken to the president about it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republican leaders, however, have been intent on keeping the bill moving as quickly as possible, cognizant that any significant delays could only embolden the intraparty holdouts. Asked about voting plans Wednesday morning, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise said Wednesday morning he expected final passage "sometime today." That could change if the holdouts band together and decide to withstand the lobbying blitz. Republicans were closely eyeing the early procedural votes; with full attendance, four GOP defections could sink the bill. If theres four [GOP 'nos'], theres going to be 20 and its going to be a jailbreak, said one House Republican granted anonymity to candidly describe internal dynamics. After a series of meeting with various groups of holdouts, Johnson professed confidence Wednesday afternoon: I feel good about where we are and where were heading. GOP leaders managed to eke out a 212-211 victory on an early procedural vote forced by Democrats, but more crucial votes will follow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A White House pressure campaign started ramping up Monday night, when Trump, Vice President JD Vance and senior administration officials began a new round of public praise for the sweeping legislation which includes a $5 trillion debt limit hike and deficit spending that has made many congressional Republicans anxious. The White House officials have sought to tamp down the deficit concerns by encouraging members to ignore the costs of extending the 2017 tax cuts that are set to expire at the end of this year. Trump on Wednesday touted the bill's "GROWTH, which will be the primary reason that the Big, Beautiful Bill will be one of the most successful pieces of legislation ever passed." "Our Country will make a fortune this year, more than any of our competitors, but only if the Big, Beautiful Bill is PASSED!" he wrote on Truth Social. "Republicans, dont let the Radical Left Democrats push you around." A senior White House official said Trump is closely engaged on getting the bill passed. Hes been working the phones pretty consistently over the last several days, and members have been calling him as well, the official said. Hes going to get it over the finish line. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Leaders are also still dealing with objections from dozens of members concerned about the Medicaid provisions in the bill. The Senate deepened the cuts to the joint federal-state program in some respects, including by curtailing medical provider taxes a key state financing mechanism. Some of those members traveled to the White House Wednesday morning to meet with Trump. Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.), who attended the meeting as chair of the GOPs Main Street Caucus, said he believed Trump "closed out just about everybody" who attended. Donald Trump is the best closer in the business, and we're going to get it done, he said, adding that passage beats the hell out of failure. Johnson and White House officials are looking for ways to assuage grumpy members without agreeing to changes to the Senate-passed bill which would require potentially weeks of additional negotiations and sending the bill back across the Capitol for more action. Johnson has already floated the potential of doing at least one and possibly two other party-line policy bills before the end of the Congress next year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We're working through everybody's concerns and letting them know this is the best possible product we can produce," Johnson said Wednesday. Stormy weather rolling through the mid-Atlantic was another brief complication. Many members saw their flights back to Washington canceled or delayed Tuesday night and Wednesday morning. Johnson said in the morning he was "worried about flights" and acknowledged timelines could slip, but all but a handful of members were back by midday. Democrats, who are threatening to force procedural votes to delay the megabill's consideration, had only one absentee on the early procedural vote. Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-Ohio) was spotted at the Capitol Wednesday after missing weeks of votes due to a medical issue. Mother Nature's not cooperating, but people are going to be here, said Rep. Katherine Clark of Massachusetts, the minority whip. Ben Jacobs and Katherine Tully-McManus contributed to this report. CORRECTION: A previous version of this story misidentified Rep. Dusty Johnson's home state. SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) As Utahs firefighters continue to battle devastating fires in Southern Utah, Gov. Spencer Cox declared Wednesday, July 2, 2025, as Wildland Firefighter Day in the Beehive State. The declaration, the Governor said in a media release, recognizes the courage and dedication of the men and women who protect lives, homes and natural landscapes in Utah from wildfires. As of July 2, Utah has experienced 438 wildfires, 331 (roughly 75%) of which were human-caused. With July 4 celebrations just around the corner, Gov. Cox is urging Utahns to be responsible when lighting fireworks and follow all local fire safety guidelines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Firefighters urge safe celebrations as firework stands spring up across Utah Our wildland firefighters are heroes. They face incredible risks to keep us safe and protect the places we love, said Gov. Cox. We owe them our gratitude, and that starts with doing our part. This summer, use fireworks wisely, follow local rules, and help prevent the next fire. ABC4 has put together a comprehensive list of where you can and cant light fireworks when celebrating Independence Day this week and Pioneer Day later this month. Gov. Coxs declaration can be found in its entirety below: Wildland-Firefighter-Day-25Download Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Gov. Tony Evers signed bills into law launching efforts to bring nuclear power to Wisconsin and creating and expanding programs to help children in crisis. Evers talks to reporters in March. (Photo by Baylor Spears/Wisconsin Examiner) Ahead of floor sessions for the Senate and Assembly to vote on the budget, Gov. Tony Evers signed bills into law launching efforts to bring nuclear power to Wisconsin and creating and expanding programs to help children in crisis. The bills passed the Senate and Assembly in floor sessions in June where debate centered heavily on the lack of funding attached to them. Evers had earlier told lawmakers to include the funding or he would veto the legislation, Democrats agreed the funding should be included, while Republicans said the funding would come in the budget if Evers signed the bills without any changes. State funding for the bills was included in the budget plan approved by the budget committee Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One law, 2025 Wisconsin Act 11, will create a Nuclear Power Summit Board in Wisconsin responsible for putting on a summit in Madison to advance nuclear power and fusion energy technology. The summit must be held within one month after instruction starts at the new engineering building at UW-Madison. Construction on the building, which is estimated to cost $419 million, started in April and is supposed to be finished in 2028. The funding for the building was approved by the Legislature and Evers in 2024. Evers also signed 2025 Wisconsin Act 12, which requires the Public Service Commission to conduct a study to determine potential sites for a nuclear power plant. The state budget bill includes $2 million to fund the study. Evers said the bills would help the state pursue an innovative, clean energy future and bring more clean jobs to our state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wisconsin currently has one active nuclear power plant. The Point Beach Nuclear Plant located in Two Rivers, which first came online in the 1970s, has two tractors and provides about 16% of the states energy, according to the conservative think tank the Badger Institute. A Kewaunee nuclear power plant shut down in 2013. We cant afford to choose between mitigating climate change and protecting our environment or creating good-paying jobs and building a strong economy, and by working toward clean energy options Wisconsinites can depend on in the future, were doing both, Evers said. We must continue our efforts to help lower energy costs and improve energy independence by reducing our reliance on out-of-state energy sources, and these bills are an important step in the right direction. Evers also signed Senate Bill 106, now 2025 Wisconsin Act 9, that will create psychiatric residential treatment facilities (PRTFs) in the state. The law is the result of a study committee on the emergency detention and civil commitment of minors and aims to reduce the number of youth in crisis who are sent out of state for care by offering long-term mental health treatment closer to home. The budget will include $1.79 million for grants to psychiatric residential treatment facilities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another law, 2025 Wisconsin Act 10, which is also a result of the study committee, instructs the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) to create a statewide portal to facilitate the sharing of safety plans for minors with designated safety plan partners. The budget includes about $819,000 in state funding for the program and the agency will get one staff position to run the portal. Sen. Jesse James (R-Thorp), who served as chair of the study committee, has championed the legislation this session. At a press conference ahead of the Senate floor session, James said his focus has been on supporting Wisconsins children and that the issues are personal for him as a father and a law enforcement officer. I believe there are real positive changes within our reach. Its about recognizing the opportunities in front of us and taking decisive action when that moment comes, James said. This budget is packed with great projects. We increase funding for our child advocacy centers. We take care of our child victims in a safe environment. We establish funding for psychiatric residential treatment facilities to keep children with intense mental health treatment needs closer to home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another law, 2025 Wisconsin Act 13, officially recognizes new child advocacy centers in state statute and expands the number of them that are eligible for the Wisconsin Department of Justices child advocacy grant program. The centers work with law enforcement to investigate child abuse and neglect and provide children with resources and support. The budget will include $2 million to support the grants. The final piece of legislation is 2025 Wisconsin Act 14, to distribute hearing protection devices to state and local law enforcement and firefighters. The budget will include $2.6 million to fund the program. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX During an appearance at a Bronzeville restaurant on Wednesday with his new running mate, Gov. JB Pritzker dismissed any suggestion that he was ignoring other areas of the state when he chose a fellow Chicagoan for his 2026 reelection bid. The governor a day earlier announced he had selected Christian Mitchell, a former state representative for parts of the South Side and a former deputy governor, to run as lieutenant governor, and their visit to Peachs restaurant on 47th Street was their first public joint appearance. When youre a state rep, you dont just represent the people in your district. You are also are voting on things that are good for people all across the state, Pritzker said, standing next to Mitchell by a case of sweet drinks and cake in the crowded restaurant. We have passed bills that have been highly beneficial to job creation, expansion of health care, funding of education for people who live in whether its Anna, Carbondale or Quincy or Champaign. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pritzkers partner in his first two terms, Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, is running to succeed retiring U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, which left the position open. Stratton and Mitchell are both Black and live on the South Side, bringing a different perspective to the ticket than the governor. The Chicago versus downstate dynamic in has been an source of friction in state politics for years, and Pritzkers choice figures to play into that issue going forward. For his part, Mitchell, 38, said he is ready to meet people from all over Illinois. In a tavern, at a bar, at a coffee shop, Im willing to go anywhere, because my goal is to represent all of Illinois, he said, after he and Pritzker spent about a half hour greeting a crowd of supporters and early lunch customers at Peachs, whose website features a photo of former President Barack Obama at the restaurants counter. Mitchells agenda as a legislator meshed closely with Pritzkers initiatives during the governors two terms. Mitchell was among a group of legislators who called for a task force to study the possible legalization of recreational marijuana, and he introduced a proposal to eliminate cash bail both ideas that eventually became reality after Pritzker became governor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the 2018 election cycle, Mitchell also served as executive director of the Illinois Democratic Party, becoming the first African American to hold the position. He was a deputy governor in the Pritzker administration from 2019 to 2023 and a lead strategist on energy issues, including the landmark 2021 Climate and Equitable Jobs Act. Since 2023, hes overseen government relations and other offices at the University of Chicago, his alma mater. Pritzker has repeatedly said the next lieutenant governor will have to fill the legacy being left by Stratton. Stratton raised more than $1 million in her first quarter as a Senate candidate, according to her campaign, trailing fellow Democratic candidate and U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi of Schaumburg, whose campaign reported it raised more than $3.1 million. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Krishnamoorthi, one of the top fundraisers in the House, ended the quarter with $21 million on hand, according to his campaign. Stratton has only had a few months to build up her operation, Pritzker noted when asked about the fundraising numbers Wednesday. The extent to which Pritzker, a billionaire who spent $350 million on his first two campaigns for governor, ends up supporting Stratton financially remains to be seen. You have to remember that Juliana has not had to raise money as lieutenant governor for me, and so shes going against people who have raised money for the last number of years, Pritzker, who quickly endorsed Stratton this spring, said. She doesnt need to have as much as anyone else in the race. She is somebody that people all across the state know and admire. Leigh Gwathney, Chair of the Board of Pardons and Paroles speaks during a hearing in Montgomery, Ala., on Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023. Gov. Kay Ivey is expected to announce Gwathney's reappointment or the appointment of a new parole board member in the coming days. (Photo/Stew Milne for the Reflector) Gov. Kay Iveys office said Wednesday it plans to name a member of the Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles within the next few days, whether or not thats Chair Leigh Gwathney. The governor is in receipt of the list of nominations. She is reviewing and will make a determination by the Monday deadline, Gina Maiola, a spokesperson for the governor, said in a statement Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gwathneys fate has become the subject of public contention, with the boards falling level of parole grants and responsiveness to the Legislature at the center of the discussion. In a letter released Tuesday, Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall and several sheriffs and prosecutors praised Gwathney and urged Gov. Kay Ivey to reappoint her to another term amid concerns from civil rights groups about declining parole rates and attempts to flaunt oversight from the Legislature. Reappointing Leigh Gwathney is about more than leadership its about protecting Alabama families from violent criminals and honoring the voices of victims who too often go unheard, the letter said. Ms. Gwathney has never lost sight of whats at stake: the safety of our citizens and the dignity of those who have suffered at the hands of violent offenders. Ivey will choose from a list of candidates submitted by the lieutenant governor, the speaker of the Alabama House of Representatives and the Alabama Senate president pro tempore. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Marshall, as well as sheriffs, police chiefs and prosecutors, commended Gwathneys commitment to public safety. More importantly, her willingness to continue to serve in the face of unprecedented and unwarranted criticism by the liberal media shows a level of courage, conviction, and dedication to the cause that is rarely seen in Montgomery, Marshall said in the letter. Ms. Gwathney has earned the trust and respect of law enforcement, prosecutors, and crime victims across our state, all of whom now have a stake in seeing her reappointed. Gwathney was appointed to the board in 2019 after the Legislature made a series of changes to parole laws following the 2017 release of Jimmy ONeal Spencer. Spencer, who was misclassified in the system, was convicted and sentenced to death in 2022 of murdering three people during a series of robberies in 2018. The victims included a 7-year-old child. The Legislature enacted a law that set stricter rules and regulations for applicants to be granted parole, especially if they commit violent offenses. Parole rates have plummeted under Gwathneys tenure, going from more than 50% in 2017 to 8% in 2023 before increasing to about 26% in 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Criminal justice advocates have criticized the parole board for declining parole rates and not adhering to parole guidelines. The guidelines, though not binding on the board, are meant to serve as a guide for the parole board to follow when making parole determinations. Along with the declining parole rates, the conformance rate, the frequency with which the parole board follows the guidelines, has also declined to the point that members decisions align with the parole guidelines only about a quarter of the time. At an October meeting of the Joint Prison Oversight Committee, Gwathney struggled to answer direct questions about the parole guidelines and the boards apparent lack of conformance with them when determining parole. Over the past year, several lawmakers proposed legislation aimed at reforming the parole board, even going as far as to make funding for the Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles contingent on the members adopting updated parole guidelines as required by the law. KATHMANDU, July 2 (Xinhua) -- Nepal welcomed 577,689 foreign tourists in the past six months of this year, down 0.91 percent over the same period of last year, the Nepal Tourism Board said on Wednesday. A total of 583,016 foreigners visited Nepal in the first six months of 2024. Tourism is a major foreign currency earner and job creator for Nepal. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Oregon Governor Tina Kotek signed an executive order Wednesday morning banning the use of cell phones by students in K-12 public schools in an effort to improve student educational outcomes and mental wellbeing. In a press release Wednesday morning, Koteks office shared Executive Order 25-09, which they said will address the governors goals of delivering high-quality education and protecting young learners safety, health, and wellbeing. Oregons schools should be a place where students find belonging, support, and the joy of learning something new. Governor Kotek said. The research is clear: cell phone use can create a trifecta of consequences for our young people mental health issues, safety in school, and distraction from learning. I signed this order to stand up for the promise of every student in every corner of the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im sorry: ODOT director explains 600 employees to be laid off in coming days in email Phone bans in schools have seen popularity across party lines and even with students. House Bill 2251 passed through the House earlier in 2025 and would have banned phones in schools, but didnt make it through the Senate. Kotek said in May she was exploring ways to implement the ban. State Rep. Kim Wallan, who was the chief sponsor of the bill, shared that she is grateful that the order is in place and that she plans to reintroduce the bill to get the policies codified into law. I was the chief sponsor of the bill to eliminate cell phone use by students during school hours. It passed the House, but didnt make it out of committee in the Senate, Wallan said. I am very glad we will have this order in place and I do plan to reintroduce the bill so that we have this important policy in statute. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the school level, Gustavo Barraza, a graduating senior from Milwaukie High School, shared that when they introduced a phone ban at their school, students became more focused and more connected with one another. As a student leader at Milwaukie High School, I worked with teachers to help support our move to a phone-free school day. We saw right away how much better things felt. People were more focused and more connected, Barraza said. A lot of issues at school start with phones, or get worse because of them. Some of my closest friends came from being more present at school, and those relationships helped shape who I am today. Thats why Im glad Governor Kotek is stepping up to help students by making this a priority. According to the executive order, Oregon school districts will need to have a phone policy in place by the end of October 2025, and the policies must be in effect by Jan. 1, 2026. Koteks office said the order also allows for flexibility within different districts, creating allowances for students who need phones for medical reasons or to help students with disabilities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The concept of a phone ban in schools was long championed by people like State Senator Lisa Renolds, whose similar bill failed last legislative session. In Addition, current Multnomah County Commissioner Julia Brim-Edwards advocated for a similar phone ban in her former role as a Portland Public Schools Board Member. We couldnt just have, like, please put your phone away, there had to be actual consequences so we built that in and Im glad to see the governor also has that in her executive order. The executive order includes the stipulation that students wont lose class time as a punishment for violating the phone ban, though there are other disciplinary measures districts can take. It also sets clear guidelines for districts, including how to store the 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 KOIN.com. Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly and Republican House Speaker Dan Hawkins, photographed during Kelly's 2025 state of the state speech in January, disagreed on the appropriateness of the Legislature's decision to compel the governor to make 1.5% spending reductions in state agencies. (Grace Hills/Kansas Reflector) TOPEKA Gov. Laura Kelly denounced across-the-board spending reductions ordered by the Kansas Legislature that sliced $189,000 from the Kansas School for the Deaf and $124,000 from the Kansas School for the Blind. The Kansas Adjutant Generals Office lost $118,000 because of the budget mandate, while the Kansas Office of Veterans Services was nicked for $64,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was all part of the $7.1 million reduction required by a bill approved by the House and Senate that took effect Tuesday with start of the state governments new fiscal year. The Legislature mandated the governor take the money out of state general fund operating expenditures, which included agency salaries, contractual services, commodities and capital expenses. Kelly said the Legislatures preference for blanket reductions, rather than precision adjustments, was flawed because the result was neither targeted nor thoughtful. As governor, I have worked to get Kansas back on the right fiscal track and provide Kansans with the resources they need to prosper without risking the future of the state, Kelly said. I share the Legislatures goal to reduce spending where possible and to increase efficiency in state government. However, the Legislatures mandate to cut state agencies budgets across the board is not the way to increase efficiency. Kansas House Speaker Dan Hawkins, a Wichita Republican who is a candidate for state insurance commissioner, said the governor was wrong to oppose what he viewed as the small 1.5% reduction in spending decreed by Senate Bill 125. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The House voted 89-36 for the bill and Senate approved it by a margin of 24-16. Kelly said the Legislature compelled her to strip millions of dollars from state agencies managing programs that were vital lifelines to the most vulnerable Kansans. The cuts required of the governor took the biggest bite out of the Kansas Department for Children and Families by stripping $2.2 million from the agency. The second-largest loser in the Legislatures budget was the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services, which lost $1 million. Taken together, the two agencies serving children, seniors and people with disabilities absorbed 44% of the reduction because a larger portion of their budgets came from the state general fund. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hawkins, who controls the debate calendar in the House, said Kelly didnt present options for shrinking state spending to the 2025 Legislature. This year the Legislature forced her hand with a small 1.5% across-the-board reduction, Hawkins said. I challenge Governor Kelly to come to the table before next session with meaningful ideas on how to make government agencies more efficient and reduce spending. He said if Kelly declined to present the 2026 Legislature with potential steps for lowering expenditures, you can expect to see another across-the-board reduction. Typically, the starting point for annual budget debates in Kansas would be a governors recommended budget. GOP legislative leadership departed from precedent by establishing a special committee that drafted a budget bill for consideration by the 2025 Legislature. The objective was to set aside Kellys preferences so House and Senate members could concentrate on their objectives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The final budget bill approved by the Legislature included the 1.5% across-the-board cut to state general fund expenditures. Other reductions above $100,000 to meet the Legislatures directive: Kansas Board of Indigents Defense Services, $919,000; Kansas Department of Health and Environment, $799,000; Office of Information Technology Services, $247,000; Kansas Department of Education, $314,000; Kansas Department of Revenue, $266,000; Kansas Department of Agriculture, $219,000; Kansas Department of Administration, $146,000; and Kansas Department of Labor, $142,000. And, cuts to agencies with annual budgets at or below $5 million: Kansas Historical Society, $75,000; Office of the Governor, $73,000; Kansas State Library, $45,000; Kansas Board of Tax Appeals, $22,000; Kansas Guardianship Program, $21,000; Kansas Human Rights Commission, $18,000; Kansas Office of Child Advocate, $11,000; Kansas Public Disclosure Commission, $8,000; and Kansas Department of Commerce, $2,000. WASHINGTON (WCBD) South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster will be at the Department of Homeland Security Headquarters on Wednesday to chair the first meeting of President Trumps Homeland Security Advisory Council. The council will provide advice and recommendations to the Homeland Security secretary. It is made up of leaders from state and local government, first responders, the private sector, and academia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The meeting is set for 10 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 WCBD News 2. Jul. 1Gov. Janet Mills won't sign a bill passed by Maine lawmakers to limit local law enforcement's ability to work with federal immigration authorities, likely leaving the legislation in limbo until next year. Mills will wait to take action until the next legislative session, when she will either veto the measure or allow it to become law without her signature. "The Governor understands the motivation behind the legislation," Mills spokesperson Ben Goodman said in an email Tuesday. "She believes, however, that the legislation as enacted which is billed as attempting to provide clarity to Maine law enforcement does the opposite. The bill is both overly broad and confusing, as it establishes a complicated legal regime of the type of interactions that are or are not permitted with federal law enforcement." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill, LD 1971, was approved 75-73 in the House of Representatives and 20-14 in the Senate last month, and was among the most controversial of the legislative session that ended last week. Mills did not act on the bill before the Legislature adjourned, removing her ability to issue a veto until the next session. She still had 10 days after enactment to sign the bill into law, but that deadline passed Monday. As a result, the measure will be held until the Legislature returns for at least three more days, at which point the governor may veto the bill or allow it to become law without her signature. The next scheduled session will begin in January, although a special session could be called before then and trigger action on the bill. Rep. Deqa Dhalac, D-South Portland, the bill's sponsor, did not respond to voicemail messages or an email asking about the status of the bill and her reaction to it being held. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Democratic leaders said they want to work with the governor to address her concerns and find a way forward for the bill. "Here in Maine, we continue to see and hear horrifying stories of people being detained without due process including folks who are legally present in our state," said House Speaker Ryan Fecteau, D-Biddeford, and Senate President Mattie Daughtry, D-Brunswick, in a written statement. "This bill seeks to ensure that all Maine people have access to justice and due process. "Due process is not some sort of aspiration. It is a cornerstone of our nation's Constitution. We are committed to working with the Governor to address her concerns with the bill and find a path forward that reinforces fidelity to these core American principles." The bill was one of two that came forward this year aimed at limiting local and state collaboration with federal immigration authorities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both measures followed President Donald Trump's efforts to fulfill a campaign promise to conduct the largest mass deportation effort in American history. Trump originally said he would focus on violent criminals in the country illegally, but his administration has been detaining people who are not accused of crimes, and in some cases deporting them without due process, sometimes in violation of court orders. The second bill, LD 1259, which would ban agencies from entering into contracts with federal immigration enforcement authorities, was carried over to the next session. Dhalac's bill would prohibit state, county and local law enforcement officers from investigating, detaining or searching a person solely for immigration enforcement purposes. It also would not allow local officers to be placed under the supervision of federal authorities for the purpose of working on immigration enforcement, or allow local law enforcement to use federal immigration officers as interpreters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill would still allow local entities to participate in various task forces with federal agencies and to assist federal agents in criminal investigations, including executing warrants and sharing information on suspected criminal activity. Additionally, federal immigration agents could interview someone in custody with a court order. If Mills does ultimately allow the bill to become law, it will likely be many months before it takes effect since the Legislature is not scheduled to come back until January. Bills that are held and become law take effect following the session they were held over to, typically taking effect 90 days after adjournment. The bill generated significant debate in both the House and Senate after drawing support from immigrants rights advocates at a public hearing in May. Maine State Police testified against the bill at the time, saying it was too restrictive and would significantly reduce their ability to work with federal authorities, although the final version of the bill was amended to clarify some of its provisions. It passed the Legislature largely along party lines, with two Democrats, Stephan Bunker of Farmington and Dani O'Halloran of Brewer, joining Republicans in opposing the bill during the final House vote, while Sen. Rick Bennett, R-Oxford, joined Democrats in supporting it in the Senate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republicans accused Democrats of trying to create a sanctuary state, which they said would make Maine a magnet for people who are in the country illegally, jeopardize federal funding and compromise public safety. A fiscal note attached to the bill said it could risk up to $14 million in grant funding related to law enforcement work with immigration enforcement efforts. Democrats argued that the bill would ensure Maine's law enforcement community can use its resources to focus on criminal activity and maintain trust with members of the immigrant community, many of whom, they said, are not going to work or school, or reporting criminal activity to police out of fear of deportation. "Currently, local law enforcement is diverting Maine's public safety resources to engage in civil immigration enforcement across our state, which is causing widespread and growing harm," Dhalac said in testimony to a legislative committee in May. "The results include a loss of public trust and a loss of public safety information as people are deterred from reporting crimes, including domestic violence, asking for police assistance, serving as witnesses in criminal cases and more." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said the bill clarifies the responsibilities of local law enforcement when it comes to immigration matters. "Specifically, it ensures that our local and state law enforcement agencies can focus on their primary mission: safeguarding our communities and upholding state laws," she said. Copy the Story Link By Jan. 1, 2026, Oregon schools must fully implement a policy of banning cellphone use during the school day under a new executive order issued by Gov. Tina Kotek. (Getty Images) By the middle of the upcoming school year, Oregon students will not be allowed to use their cellphones in school. Gov. Tina Kotek on Wednesday issued an executive order to Oregons 197 school districts, requiring they adopt a policy for banning student cellphone use by Oct. 31, 2025. Those policies must be fully implemented by Jan. 1, 2026, the order reads. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The move follows the Legislatures failure to pass a similar, bipartisan bill House Bill 2251 during the recent legislative session. That bill would have, with some exceptions, required districts to ban cellphones for all grades, and enforce penalties on students who violate cellphone policies. But it failed to clear a key Senate committee vote. It faced opposition from powerful school board and school administrator groups, which expressed concerns about the state mandating policies that they felt school districts themselves should handle. Some school district leaders testified that enforcing the ban would be prohibitively expensive for them to do. But State Rep. Lisa Reynolds, D-Beaverton, a doctor and chief sponsor of the bill that failed to pass, said in a news release that she was glad Kotek stepped in. By getting cellphones out of our schools, Governor Kotek is putting students first, she said. Every Oregon student deserves a distraction-free, harassment-free learning environment that fosters curiosity and community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The order technically bans all personal electronic devices, which includes any portable, electrically powered device capable of making and receiving calls and text messages, and that can access the internet independently from the schools wireless network, such as a smart watch. It does not include laptops or other devices that support classroom activities. In November, the Oregon Department of Education issued guidance to districts on limiting or ending cellphone use in schools. State law currently requires every school district to have policies about cellphones and personal electronic devices, but each district gets to set its own rules. At least eight Oregon school districts have already either banned use in individual classes or in schools altogether, according to the state education department. Full bans have been enacted at some middle and high schools in the Lincoln County School District, Portland Public Schools, and in the Nyssa School District. The Lake Oswego School District bans cellphones for students in all K-12 schools. Kotek in a news release said that model policies for schools that already have prohibitions in place will be made available, and the state will offer some flexibility in implementation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The research is clear, Korek said, cellphone use can create a trifecta of consequences for our young people mental health issues, safety in school, and distraction from learning. A growing body of research and teacher surveys show student cellphone use in schools is hindering more than helping the school experience. In a May 2023 advisory, then-U.S. Surgeon General Vivek H. Murthy recommended parents set limits on phone use, and in June 2024, Murthy called for health warnings on social media platforms for younger users, who research shows are suffering from higher rates of mental health issues when spending hours on the platforms each day. A Pew Research Center survey from October 2023 found that more than two-thirds of U.S. adults favor banning cellphones during class, and almost two-thirds of high school teachers said cellphones have become a major distraction and impediment to learning. The order makes Oregon one of at least 19 states that have adopted statewide cellphone bans in schools. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX If you are a multi-millionaire, congratulations, because this bill is for you, said the Maryland governor and rising Democratic Party star. Maryland Governor Wes Moore sounded off after the U.S. Senate voted to pass President Donald Trumps One Big Beautiful Bill, which Democrats and civil rights advocates say is far from beautiful. I cannot explain enough how completely heartless this bill is and how deeply devastating it will be to the people of the state of Maryland, said Americas only Black governor in a video message after being briefed on the tax and budget legislation that now goes back to the U.S. House of Representatives for a final vote before Trumps signature. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moore, who has made closing the racial wealth gap in his state a major priority, explained, If you are a multi-millionaire, congratulations, because this bill is for you. The bill permanently extends Trumps 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act to the tune of $3.8 trillion in federal tax cuts, which experts say will overwhelmingly benefit the nations wealthy and corporations and drive up the nations debt. He lamented, But if you are everyone else, if youre all of our working families, one of our seniors, our public servants, you are getting hosed! If passed in its current form, the so-called Big Beautiful Bill will cut $930 billion in Medicaidthe largest cut to the social safety net program since its creation in 1965. Gov. Moore said as a result, Close to 200,000 Marylanders could lose their health coverage overnight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He continued, And rural hospitals in the state of Maryland, rural hospitals could lose a quarter of a billion dollars in funding in the stroke of a pen; to our working families who are just trying to take care of each other, to our seniors who deserve to age in dignity, to people with disabilities. The BBB also makes historic cuts to food assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, totaling $230 billion. They are trying to take your food assistance away that helps you to pay for your groceries and helps you to provide for your families, Moore told his constituents. Referencing Trumps controversial decision to send the National Guard and U.S. Marines to Los Angeles to respond to mass protests of his immigration policies, Moore described a stark reality if the presidents agenda is passed into law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration has already tried to sever the relationship between the federal government and our states, but this bill, it severs the relationship between the federal government and its people. You, said Moore. The governor added, Heres one thing that I know about this state, though, we are tough, we are resilient we stay together. And Marylanders. We leave no one behind. More must-reads: AUSTIN (KFDX/KJTL) After completing the multi-step training and certification process, Governor Greg Abbott has announced that the City of Texarkana is now designated as a Film Friendly Texas Certified Community by the Texas Film Commission. Texarkana is now one of more than 200 Film Friendly Texas Certified Communities across the state that have received training from the Texas Film Commission on media industry standards, best practices and how to effectively accommodate on-location filming activity within their community. Sean Diddy Combs acquitted of most serious charges, convicted of prostitution-related offenses Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were proud to join other communities across Texas in receiving this Film Friendly Texas designation, said Texarkana Mayor Bob Bruggeman. Texarkana is ready to welcome film and media projects, and we look forward to the opportunities this will bring from creative storytelling to meaningful economic growth for our community. For more than 50 years, the Texas Film Commission has helped grow local jobs and economies by fostering Texas as a premier location for film, television, commercial, animation, visual effects, video game and extended reality production. To learn more about all that the Texas Film Commission has to offer, visit the Film Friendly Texas website. For info on cast, crew and digital media job opportunities in Texas, visit the Texas Film Commissions Job Hotline 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 Texomashomepage.com. This summers record heat and soaring utility bills has shown that we need to focus on lowering electricity costs for working families not raising them. And as our state continues to grow, we need to diversify our energy portfolio so that we are not overly reliant on natural gas and its volatile fuel markets. Recent independent analysis of Senate Bill 266 shows that this bill could cost North Carolina ratepayers up to $23 billion through 2050 due to higher fuel costs. This bill not only makes everyones utility bills more expensive, but it also shifts the cost of electricity from large industrial users onto the backs of regular people families will pay more so that industry pays less. Additionally, this bill walks back our states commitment to reduce carbon emissions, sending the wrong signal to businesses that want to be a part of our clean energy economy. My job is to do everything in my power to lower costs and grow the economy. This bill fails that test. Grambling State University (Rachel Mipro/Louisiana Illuminator) Grambling State University is launching a foundation to support its mission to receive a prestigious research designation currently held by only 13 historically Black colleges and universities. The GR2 Foundation: Grambling Research and Resource Foundation is a nonprofit entity separate from Grambling State that will support the universitys academics through philanthropic fundraising. Many other universities already work with similar foundations for this. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement GR2 is the engine behind our next chapter, said Grambling President Martin Lemelle. As we rise toward R2 status, we are laying the groundwork for a stronger, smarter, and more sustainable Grambling State. The Carnegie Classification of Institutes of Higher Education recognizes three levels of research institutions: R1 or R2, meaning they are doctoral degree-granting institutions with either very high or high levels of research activity and Research Colleges and Universities, which goes to schools who spend at least $2.5 million annually on research, regardless of whether they confer doctoral degrees. To obtain R2 status, Grambling will need to spend $5 million annually on research and confer at least 20 doctorate degrees. The school recently secured over $12 million in research funding, according to a university press release, including $7 million from the National Science Foundation. Overall, there has been a dip in Gramblings research spending over the past decade. In 2023, the most recent year in which data is available, Grambling spent less than $500,000 on research, and does not presently have a research ranking. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theodore Callier, Gramblings vice president for research, said launching the foundation will allow the university to scale its success in securing external funding. Louisianas other R2 institutions include Southern University, one of the 13 HBCUs with the designation, Louisiana Tech, the University of New Orleans and LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans. Louisianas R1 universities are LSU, Tulane and the University of Louisiana Lafayette. Xavier University of Louisiana, University of Louisiana Monroe, Southeastern Louisiana University and LSU Health Sciences Center Shreveport are designated as research colleges and universities. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE A Humboldt ambulance in November 2022. (John Hult/South Dakota Searchlight) Motorized cots and chairs, emergency medical technician training and life support dummies are among the purchases made by local ambulance services through two rounds of grant awards from the South Dakota Department of Health. Some of those items came up during the first meeting of the Legislatures Emergency Medical Services Interim Committee this week in Pierre. That body is studying ways to maintain the viability of the states ambulance services, which operate without state funding through a hodgepodge of paid, paid-per-call and volunteer frameworks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The $7.5 million in grants for local agencies originated with federal COVID relief funding. Former Gov. Kristi Noem asked lawmakers to set aside $20 million of that money in 2022 to bolster local ambulance services. The money came in three phases. The first $1.7 million was used to fund Telemedicine in Motion, which uses electronic tablets in ambulance vehicles to connect paramedics and other mobile medical providers to doctors who can help guide their responses. In the second phase, the state purchased and distributed LIFEPAK 15 patient monitors and defibrillators, along with training for their use, at a cost of $11.6 million. The third step involved $7.5 million in grants to individual ambulance providers. Those were made available after the completion of a statewide assessment of sustainability for emergency medical services, paid for during the second funding phase. To apply, applicants were required to read the assessment and ask for items that could fill the gaps identified by the report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We said, If you want to apply for a grant, you have to be able to read the study, to read what was done statewide, Marty Link, the Health Departments director of emergency medical services, told the committee on Monday. We didnt want that just sitting on the shelf. Equipment, training purchased through grant awards Among other things, the sustainability report cited recruitment and retention, an aging volunteer base and funding for equipment as major needs. To that end, dozens of local agencies applied for grants to purchase motorized power cots and stair chairs, which allow medics to transfer patients without the physical strain. Fifteen of the 44 grants in round one, awarded in July 2024, included one or more power cots and chairs, distributed across 14 communities. Some of those grants also included money for instructor training, training classes, medical simulation mannequins and software. Another 18 of the round two grants awarded last November involved the purchase of mobile people-movers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With an aging workforce and patients who are getting larger and larger, it helps us get people safely in and out of the house, said Alan Perry, who heads up the ambulance service in Lennox and is the president of the South Dakota Emergency Medical Services Association. Perrys agency bought one power cot and one stair chair with a $45,000 grant, awarded last July. The agency got another $25,200 in the second round to produce a strategic planning report for Lennox, and to buy bright, wearable lights for use by those who respond to incidents on highways at night. Training was also a focus area. In Spink County, the ambulance service was able to hire two emergency medical technicians and put on a training course for other technician hopefuls. Twelve of the 17 people who qualified to take the national exam passed and were certified, according to the Department of Healths presentation to lawmakers on Monday. Grant money for patient transfer database The largest single grant went to the South Dakota Association of Health Care Organizations for a project that aims to boost efficiencies statewide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The group is using its $500,000 grant to set up an interfacility transfer system that it hopes will create a single portal where neighboring ambulance services can view and select available transfers by November 2026. Link pointed to that project during the study committees first meeting. Ambulances that move patients without emergency needs from one facility to another like a patient who needs to ride from a nursing home in Chamberlain to an orthopedic hospital in Sioux Falls can create hazards for their own communities by doing so, he said. Theres a lot of concern with How do we maintain that ambulance presence within our local community when we have an ambulance going over the road? Link said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX As a result, local ambulance services may decline to give the ride or ask that the patient wait for a ride, according to Tim Rave, director of the association. On any given day, Rave told South Dakota Searchlight, there are up to 80 people in the state who are in a hospital that ought to be somewhere else. Thats the kind of information the associations collected with its grant funding, Rave said, as it looks to find out how prevalent the issue is. The database the association aims to build would make it easier to alert ambulance services in any given area to patients in need of a ride, Rave said. In the future, he said, such a database could help ambulances do things like pick up patients from the hospital to which theyve just delivered a different patient and bring them home. That would allow a service to get paid both ways. Thats the sweet spot wed love to get to, but that feels a little bit like a stretch goal at this point, Rave said. Rubble surrounds the remains of a building following a deadly explosion in the town of Jibrin, in Hama province, central Syria, on July 2, 2025. At least seven people were killed and several others injured on Wednesday in a fuel tanker explosion in the town of Jibrin in Syria's central Hama province, state media reported. The explosion, which occurred when a fuel tanker caught fire, resulted in the deaths of civilians and left an undetermined number of others injured, Syrian state broadcaster al-Ikhbariya reported. (Str/Xinhua) DAMASCUS, July 2 (Xinhua) -- At least seven people were killed and several others injured on Wednesday in a fuel tanker explosion in the town of Jibrin in Syria's central Hama province, state media reported. The explosion, which occurred when a fuel tanker caught fire, resulted in the deaths of civilians and left an undetermined number of others injured, Syrian state broadcaster al-Ikhbariya reported. Emergency response teams, including civil defense and ambulance units, rushed to the scene to assist with the rescue operations and extinguish the blaze. No immediate cause was given for the fire that triggered the blast. Authorities are investigating the incident. Separately, a series of explosions were reported near the town of Al Fu'ah in Syria's northwestern Idlib province, reportedly caused by the detonation of an ammunition depot due to high summer temperatures, al-Ikhbariya said in a separate report. There were no immediate reports of casualties from the Idlib blasts. Both areas have witnessed varying degrees of instability throughout Syria's years-long conflict, though it remains unclear whether Wednesday's incidents were linked to military activity. A damaged building is seen following a deadly explosion in the town of Jibrin, in Hama province, central Syria, on July 2, 2025. At least seven people were killed and several others injured on Wednesday in a fuel tanker explosion in the town of Jibrin in Syria's central Hama province, state media reported. The explosion, which occurred when a fuel tanker caught fire, resulted in the deaths of civilians and left an undetermined number of others injured, Syrian state broadcaster al-Ikhbariya reported. (Str/Xinhua) Residents and emergency workers inspect the destruction left behind after a deadly explosion in the town of Jibrin, in Hama province, central Syria, on July 2, 2025. At least seven people were killed and several others injured on Wednesday in a fuel tanker explosion in the town of Jibrin in Syria's central Hama province, state media reported. The explosion, which occurred when a fuel tanker caught fire, resulted in the deaths of civilians and left an undetermined number of others injured, Syrian state broadcaster al-Ikhbariya reported. (Str/Xinhua) GREENSBORO, N.C. (WGHP) Luxury townhomes could be coming to a popular neighborhood in Greensboro. Some people who live nearby have some mixed feelings about it. Behind all the trees and the bushes, there is a quiet stretch of 1.32 acres of land on 3000 W. Market St., which could soon be the site of ten luxury townhomes developed by Peaceful Ridge LLC. Beth Corzine lives down the street from the proposed site and said she got a letter from the developer sometime last week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She felt strongly about speaking up. I posted it on Nextdoor so that whole neighborhood can know about it because I figured a lot of people would think its junk mail as well, Corzine said. Corzine said her biggest concern with the development site at the intersection of West Market Street and Green Valley Road is the traffic. The more people you put in a smaller place, the more concerns you have with the traffic and accidents, she said. Corzine also wondered why the developer chose luxury homes. People who cant afford million-dollar houses are the ones who need the housing, and I wish our culture and our city would address that, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the letter from Peaceful Ridge LLC, the townhomes will be compact with private garages on the ground floor of each townhouse and brownstone-style exteriors. According to the Greensboro Planning and Zoning Commission, the townhomes rezoning application requested increasing the maximum dwellings allowed from three to 10. The request was received by the city on June 6. FOX8 reached out to the developer, Joe Brady, and did not hear back. Greensboro planning and zoning officials are expected to vote on the request on 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 FOX8 WGHP. The CEO of a major regional chain of grocery stores has passed away in Eugene, OR. Market of Choice CEO Rick Wright passed away at the age of 62 from natural causes at his home on June 29, according to The Oregonian. He grew up in his family-owned company, rising through the ranks of his father Richard Wright Sr.'s business. The stores were originally known as Thrifty and Price Choppers, but were rebranded as Market of Choice, which now operates 12 stores. Wright graduated from college in 1984, hoping to do anything but the family grocery store business. "When I first entered college, I swore that I would never be in the food industry, that I would never sell groceries," he told The Register-Guard in March 2002. He joined the workforce when the economy "wasn't superb" and accepted a job from grocery wholesaler SuperValu ahead of joining his dad's business in 1990 and eventually taking over in 1997 when Wright Sr. retired. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wright saw the need to create a more "hybrid" space for grocery stores that merged natural foods with everyday items. Along the way, I came up with this idea of Market of Choice, Wright told KLCCs Oregon Rainmakers podcast in 2022. We didnt know that was going to be our name at the time, but we knew that there was this hybrid concept of bringing in a lot of local products, a lot of organics and naturals, but having some of them side-by-side with conventional products and putting them all under one roof. Wright is survived by his wife, Debbie, and their three children, Zach, Staci, and Sydney, as well as two grandchildren, Mina and Finley. Related: Grocery Store Bulk Bins Pose Disgusting Risks for Unsuspecting Shoppers Grocery Store CEO Rick Wright, 62, Dies Suddenly in Oregon Mansion first appeared on Men's Journal on Jul 1, 2025 The campaign that pushed to eliminate MCAS scores as a statewide graduation requirement via the ballot box last fall missed a deadline to report nearly $2.4 million in donations, a violation of state law. Last November, the Massachusetts Teachers Union-backed effort was successful in passing Question 2 by a wide margin, forcing state education officials to chart a future where standardized tests scores dont prevent any student from achieving a public high school diploma. It was one of the most hotly-debated Massachusetts ballot questions last fall. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last month, the state informed the Committee for High Standards Not High Stakes that it did not disclose a segment of donations by the required deadline. In a June 24 letter, the Office of Campaign and Political Finance wrote it had determined the committee broke state law by failing to timely disclose the receipt of contributions that should have been reported on a minimum of four separate late contribution reports leading up to the November 5, 2024 election. According to state law, in the two weeks prior to Election Day, campaigns are required to report last-minute donations within 72 hours of receiving them. The letter sent last month indicates the $2.4 million disclosed on Election Day (Nov. 5) when voters were already casting their ballots should have been reported on Oct. 24. Read more: New MCAS guidance says former students without diplomas get another chance Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Committees failure to file the required late contribution reports frustrated the publics interest in accurate and timely disclosure of campaign finance activity during the relevant period, state officials wrote. As a result, the committee was fined $4,000 by the state. In a statement, a spokesperson for the Massachusetts Teachers Association said the Committee for High Standards Not High Stakes amended its late October finance report when it realized it did not include some contributions. The amended filing was subject to a fine for being late, the spokesperson said. The committee paid the fine. The state of MCAS scores State education officials are currently assessing what a future requirement may look like to ensure graduates are demonstrating learning and readiness for college, careers and civic life. A survey for the public and community listening sessions held in Taunton, Worcester, Somerville, Holyoke and Barnstable wrapped up in June. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Until the state develops a new statewide requirement, school districts are resorting to local graduation standards and competency determinations set by school committees. Controversial guidance previously issued by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education said school districts can still use MCAS scores as part of their local graduation requirements. The leaders of the Massachusetts Teachers Association said the guidance circumvented the intention of the ballot question and, ultimately, the will of the voters. Similarly, the state Board of Elementary and Secondary Education recently approved the limited use of MCAS scores to determine if students are satisfying the competency determination for a high school diploma, also drawing blowback from the state teachers union. More on Politics Read the original article on MassLive. ORWELL The Grand Valley Local Schools are slightly ahead of schedule in summer preparation work, GVLS Maintenance Supervisor Terrance Hejduk said. He said the district has 24 people working in various summer maintenance operations. Hejduk said this is the fourth week of cleaning, and significant progress has been made. All the buses have been cleaned, he said. Fire hydrants and door security apparatuses have also been cleaned. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are ahead of last year, he said. Without the turf project, we are catching up on two years of projects. Hejduk said the summer staff consists of regular staff, district employees from different departments and eight or nine students. Seven past or present Grand Valley students he said. Many of the lights in the school will be upgraded to LEDs later this summer, Hejduk said. He said there has already been a walk through with the company doing the work. A 15x22 foot American flag has been placed in the school gymnasium after a donation by Roberta Cozad and Tim Leehan, Hejduk said. The GVLS Board of Education approved the transfer of more than $500,000, to be used for a chiller replacement program this summer at the school. The funds matched a grant of more than $500,000 from the state to help improve energy efficiency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The board approved a contract with All Ways Construction for asphalt work in the schools parking lot and driveways for $78,150. The district approved a variety of contracts for liability insurance, an agreement with Frontline Education for a variety of financial services, and accepted bids for milk and dairy products with Borden Dairy Company of Ohio and an ice cream contract with Hersheys Ice Cream. Three percent raises for all non-union employees were approved, except for GLVS Superintendent Bill Nye, who stipulated he would receive no raise this year. Nye said all union employees previously received three present raises. HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) HACC said it rejects the faculty unions characterization of negotiations as strike talks increase. The community college sent abc27 news a statement after the Harrisburg Area Community Education Association, the PSEA-affiliated faculty union that formed three years ago, voiced frustrations over contract negotiations between the two. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Subscribe Now ICYMI: Top 5 Stories of the Week Amy Withrow, a professor of English at HACC and co-chair of negotiations for the union, said administrators planned a 3% raise for themselves and nothing for professors. HACC said thats not quite what happened. The unions demands have created a roadblock to reaching an agreement and prevented the faculty from receiving salary increases, the college said in a statement. HACC said the union rejected the colleges last salary proposal, which included a 9.1% increase in year one and a 3% increase in years two and three. Instead, the college said the union is demanding a salary increase of 9.60% in year one, 3.85% in year two and 3.85% in year three. In addition, the union has proposed a $5,000 signing bonus for all full-time faculty, the college said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These demands are not reasonable or affordable, HACC said in a statement. It added both parties agreed wages would remain in place as negotiations continued. Along with the colleges proposed salary increases, HACC said it is prepared to offer : Yearly increases to minimum base salaries and rank promotion-related salary adjustments for full-time faculty Professional development funds for conference travel Tuition support opportunities for bargaining unit employees and their dependents Reimbursement opportunities for external educational expenses Health Care Savings contributions by the college of $1,500 for individuals and $3,000 for families for eligible employees 100% payment of premiums for the standard dental and vision insurance plan for eligible employees and their families Strike talks increase among HACC professors Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The college said it has met with the union at the bargaining table 29 times and will meet again on July 9. The union, meanwhile, has asked for binding arbitration and started polling members about the idea of a faculty strike. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. UNITED NATIONS (AP) Haitis gangs have gained near-total control of the capital and authorities are unable to stop escalating violence across the impoverished Caribbean nation, senior U.N. officials warned Wednesday. An estimated 90% of the capital Port-au-Prince is now under control of criminal groups who are expanding attacks not only into surrounding areas but beyond into previously peaceful areas, Ghada Fathy Waly, executive director of the U.N. Office on Drugs and Crime, told the U.N. Security Council. Southern Haiti, which until recently was insulated from the violence, has seen a sharp increase in gang-related incidents, she said. And in the east, criminal groups are exploiting land routes, including key crossings like Belladere and Malpasse, where attacks against police and customs officials have been reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Waly said the states authority to govern is rapidly shrinking as gang control expands with cascading effects. Criminal groups are stepping into the vacuum left by the absence or limited delivery of public services and are establishing parallel governance structures, and gang control of major trade routes has paralyzed legal commerce, leading to soaring prices for cooking fuel and rice, Haitis staple food, she said. U.N. Assistant Secretary-General Miroslav Jenca told the council the ongoing gang encirclement of Port-au-Prince and their strengthened foothold in the capital and beyond is pushing the situation closer to the brink. Without increased action by the international community, the total collapse of state presence in the capital could become a very real scenario, he warned. Gangs have grown in power since the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in July 2021 and previously were estimated to control 85% of the capital. Haiti has not had a president since the assassination. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A U.N.-backed mission led by Kenyan police arrived in Haiti last year to help quell gang violence, but the mission remains understaffed and underfunded, with only about 40% of the 2,500 personnel originally envisioned. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres proposal in February to have the U.N. provide drones, fuel, ground and air transport and other non-lethal support to the Kenya-led mission has languished in the council. In response to the gangs, the UNODCs Waly said there has been a rapid growth in the number and activities of private security companies and vigilante self-defense groups, with some trying to protect their communities while others act illegally and collude with gangs. Over the last three months," Jenca said, "these groups reportedly killed at least 100 men and one woman suspected of gang association or collaboration. He said the last three months have also seen an increase in sexual violence by gangs with the U.N. political mission in Haiti documenting 364 incidents of sexual violence involving 378 survivors just from March to April. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A new report by U.N. experts covering the period from last October through February said the gangs have exploited political turmoil and the disorganized response to Haitis security crisis, pointing to competing political ambitions and allegations of corruption within Haitis transitional governing bodies that have stymied action. While the expansion of territorial control brings gangs additional sources of revenue and bargaining power, the experts said, these attacks are also backed by individuals trying to destabilize the political transition for their own political goals. One major result is that very little progress has been made toward restoring public security or implementing the roadmap for organizing national elections by February 2026, the experts monitoring an arms embargo on Haiti and sanctions against key gang leaders said in the report to the Security Council. With a weak national police force facing acute tensions in its leadership, an army that needs rebuilding, and the limited ability of the multinational force, the experts warned that the gangs will continue to have the upper hand unless stronger international support is provided. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As for vigilante groups, the experts said, they often include local police officers, some of whom actively participate in human rights violations. The Haitian National Police have also carried out a worrying number of extrajudicial killings with suspected gang members often summarily executed, the experts said, pointing to 281 summary executions by specialized police units in 2024 including 22 women and 8 children. Despite the U.N. arms embargo on Haiti, gangs continue to obtain more powerful weapons not only from regional civilian markets but from police stockpiles in Haiti and the neighboring Dominican Republic, the experts said. Editors Note: The headline on this story has been changed to more accurately reflect the impact of potential cuts on insured Oklahomans. OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) President Trumps so-called Big Beautiful Bill is heading back to the House after barely passing the Senate on Tuesday. Vice President JD Vance broke a 50-50 tie. The measure includes major cuts to Medicaid, also known as Soonercare, in Oklahoma. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Doctors are voicing their concerns, saying those in rural towns could be hit the hardest, but more than half the state is at some risk. Oklahoma healthcare leaders sound the alarm about Big Beautiful Bill With how low Oklahoma health outcomes already are, Dr. Dana Stone, with OBGYN, fears those will only get worse if this bill becomes law. I worry a lot, Dr. Stone said. Oklahoma is already a vulnerable state. We have some of the poorest health outcomes in the nation. Oklahoma ranks near the bottom when it comes to healthcare access, quality care, and public health. According to the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office, proposed Medicaid cuts could strip 12 million Americans of health insurance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nearly one in every four Oklahomans relies on Medicaid, also known as Soonercare, which also pays for 52% of births in the state. Over half of deliveries in Oklahoma are covered by Medicaid, Dr. Stone said. Almost half of kids are covered by Medicaid. Seniors, people in nursing homes, people with disabilities, really vulnerable people that if they lose their health coverage, well have difficulty accessing care and difficulty affording care. After the bill passed the US Senate on Tuesday, Senator James Lankfords office shared a video to dispel what he calls falsehoods. This absolutely does not cut off Medicaid funds, Sen. Lankford said. Let me tell you what it does: it adds a work requirement to Medicaid, the same kind of work requirement that Bill Clinton put in for the social safety net in 1996. It puts in the same work requirement as Medicaid. No, its not for disabled children or pregnant moms. Its for able-bodied adults for no child. We add in that work requirement, we think its important. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, there are worries about possible impacts on rural hospitals. I think the rural hospitals that some of the care for people came in that they couldnt pay for, now they got compensated for that, and that gave them the ability to stay open there, Dr. Stone said. Apparently, a third of Oklahoma hospitals are vulnerable to closure, and they feel that at least 23 hospitals in Oklahoma could immediately be at risk of closing with Medicaid cuts. Sen. Lankford says that wont be the case. To hear some people say, Oh my gosh, this is something right away thats going to close down hospitals, thats not true, Sen. Lankford said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dr. Stone says shes already seeing those in rural towns drive great distances for healthcare, and it will only increase. We have people that come from western Oklahoma and kind of mid-central Oklahoma who drive, you know, 2 hours routinely to come get care and deliver their babies because its not available in their communities, Dr. Stone said. The longer you have to drive to get care, the poorer your outcomes are going to be. Dr. Stone says if patients lose coverage, there wont be enough people going to rural hospitals to keep them open. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City. The Palestinian militant group Hamas is considering new proposals from mediators aimed at bringing about a ceasefire in the Gaza war. "We are approaching the matter with great responsibility," the group said on its Telegram channel on Wednesday. US President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that Israel had agreed to the conditions for a ceasefire in the Gaza war, now in its 21st month. This was Hamas' first response to Trump's announcement. The US, Egypt and Qatar are mediating between Israel and Hamas, with the two Arab states primarily in contact with the Palestinian side. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We are holding national consultations to examine the proposals of our mediating brothers," Hamas said. According to Trump, Israel has agreed to the latest proposals from Egypt and Qatar for a 60-day ceasefire. It is unclear whether these proposals address the central sticking point in previous rounds of negotiations - Hamas' demand for a firm commitment that the ceasefire will lead to a permanent end to the war. The war was triggered by the attack on Israel by Hamas and other groups on October 7, 2023, in which around 1,200 people were killed and more than 250 were taken hostage and abducted to Gaza. Since then more than 56,500 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza, according to the Hamas-controlled health authority. The figure does not distinguish between civilians and combatants, and cannot be independently verified. Palestinians carry an injured person out of Al-Baqa Cafe after it was hit by an Israeli airstrike. Omar Ashtawy/APA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa Hostage families and supporters rally, calling for the return of the remaining 50 hostages in Hamas captivity, June 28, 2025. (photo credit: Adar Eyal) "For the first time, there is real optimism that Hamas will say yes," two sources familiar with the talks told The Jerusalem Post. Following Israels green light for the Qatarihostage deal proposal, which is essentially the Witkoff framework with some modifications, officials in Israel, the US, and the mediating countries are now awaiting Hamass response. "For the first time, there is real optimism that Hamas will say yes," two sources familiar with the talks told The Jerusalem Post. An Israeli official also confirmed that there is a growing belief that this time, Hamas may accept the deal. "Qatar is applying immense pressure on the group," the sources added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a Truth Social post published Wednesday morning, former President Donald Trump warned Hamas, saying: "I hope, for the sake of the Middle East, that Hamas takes the dealbecause if not, things will only get worse for them, not better." The current proposal on the table includes the release of 10 Israeli hostages: eight on the first day and two on Day 50, as well as the return of 18 bodies of murdered Israeli hostages. In exchange, there would be a two-month ceasefire, during which negotiations would take place over a permanent end to the war, with each side presenting its demands at the table. Israel's approval came after a meeting between Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer and Trumps Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff. Multiple sources told TheJerusalem Post that Israel agreed, under certain conditions, to continue talks about ending the war even after the 60-day ceasefire period. US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff speaks at the White House in Washington, D.C., US, May 28, 2025 (credit: REUTERS/LEAH MILLIS) Israel still undecided over terms of IDF withdrawals from Gaza Regarding an Israeli withdrawal during the ceasefire, two sources noted that negotiations are still ongoing over the scope of the withdrawal and the future deployment of Israeli forces. On Wednesday, Foreign Minister Gideon Saar commented on the status of the deal, saying, "We are serious about reaching a hostage deal and a ceasefire. We have accepted the proposals of special envoy Witkoff. There are positive signs of a breakthrough. Our goal is to begin proximity talks as soon as possible." The ultimatum stated that Abu Shabab is accused of "treason, collaborating with hostile entities, forming an armed gang, and insurrection." Hamass Interior Ministry announced on Wednesday that a court has issued a 10-day ultimatum to Yasser Abu Shabab, the leader of a Gazan militia, to surrender or face trial. Abu Shabab is the leader of a well-armed Bedouin clan defying Hamass control of the Palestinian enclave. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ministrys statement said the decision was taken by what it called a Revolutionary Court. Abu Shabab, who does not recognize the authority of Hamas and accuses them of hurting the interests of Gazans, has 10 days to surrender, it said. The ultimatum stated that Abu Shabab is accused of treason, collaborating with hostile entities, forming an armed gang, and insurrection. Additionally, residents of the Gaza Strip were asked to provide information on his whereabouts and warned that anyone withholding such information would be considered as harboring a fugitive who failed to appear in court. The court urged Palestinians to inform Hamas security officials about the whereabouts of Abu Shabab, who has so far remained beyond their reach in the Rafah area of southern Gaza held by the IDF. There was no immediate response from his group to the surrender order. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hamas, which accuses Abu Shabab of looting UN aid trucks and alleges that he is backed by Israel, has sent some of its top fighters to kill him, two Hamas sources and two other sources familiar with the situation told Reuters last month. Abu Shababs group told Reuters at the time that it is a popular force protecting humanitarian aid from looting by escorting aid trucks, and it denied getting support from Israel or contacts with the Israeli army. It accused Hamas of violence and muzzling dissent. Israel has said it has backed some of Gazas clans against Hamas but has not said which. Denying collaboration with Israel Abu Shabab previously denied to Army Radio that his militia had received any backing from Israel, though it is unclear how Hamas would treat his interview with an Israeli media outlet, given the terror groups restrictive laws against communicating with Israelis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He asserted that the militias weapons were collected from local people. Yisrael Beytenu chairmanAvigdor Liberman previously claimed that Israel was arming opposing militia groups and crime families, a claim denied by the Prime Ministers Office. Children play in water during a heatwave in Haarlem, the Netherlands, on July 2, 2025. The Netherlands has been hit by its first official heat wave in three years, prompting the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI) to issue an orange code alert for extreme heat in the country's southeastern region. (Photo by Sylvia Lederer/Xinhua) THE HAGUE, July 2 (Xinhua) -- The Netherlands has been hit by its first official heat wave in three years, prompting the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI) to issue an orange code alert for extreme heat in the country's southeastern region. The KNMI announced Wednesday morning that the temperature in De Bilt, the national reference weather station located in the province of Utrecht, exceeded 30 degrees Celsius at 11:20 a.m. local time (0920 GMT). This marked the fifth consecutive day of elevated temperatures, officially meeting the criteria for a national heat wave. This is also the 31st official heat wave in the Netherlands since national temperature records began in 1901. The longest heatwave on record in De Bilt lasted 18 days, from July 29 to Aug. 15 in 1975. According to KNMI guidelines, a national heat wave is declared when temperatures in De Bilt reach at least 25 degrees Celsius for five consecutive days, with at least three of those days surpassing 30 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, the KNMI has issued a code orange warning for extreme heat in the southeastern provinces of North Brabant, Limburg and Gelderland. The agency warned of health risks, particularly for older adults and vulnerable individuals, including dehydration and heat exhaustion. In the rest of the country, code yellow remains in effect, indicating potentially dangerous but less severe conditions. In addition to the heat, the KNMI issued another code orange alert Wednesday afternoon for severe thunderstorms expected in the eastern part of the country. The agency warns of significant disruptions to traffic, outdoor activities, and events. There is also a risk of fires and property damage due to lightning strikes. People row paddle boards across the Spaarne River during a heatwave in Haarlem, the Netherlands, on July 2, 2025. The Netherlands has been hit by its first official heat wave in three years, prompting the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI) to issue an orange code alert for extreme heat in the country's southeastern region. (Photo by Sylvia Lederer/Xinhua) Children cool off in water during a heatwave in Haarlem, the Netherlands, on July 2, 2025. The Netherlands has been hit by its first official heat wave in three years, prompting the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI) to issue an orange code alert for extreme heat in the country's southeastern region. (Photo by Sylvia Lederer/Xinhua) Hamas official Taher al-Nunu said that Hamas was ready and serious regarding reaching an agreement. Hamas officials have doubled down on demands that a new hostage deal agreement would see a complete end to the war, the Associated Press (AP) reported on Wednesday, citing an official from the terror group. Hamas official Taher al-Nunu said that Hamas was ready and serious regarding reaching an agreement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He added that the terror group was ready to accept any initiative that clearly leads to the complete end to the war. A delegation from Hamas is expected to meet with mediators in Cairo on Wednesday, an Egyptian official confirmed to AP. Negotiations continued based on an altered version of US envoy Steve Witkoff's framework that would see the remaining 50 hostages, less than half of whom are still alive, released after being held for over 600 days in captivity. Hopes for a new hostage deal US President Donald Trump claimed that "Israel has agreed to the necessary conditions to finalize the 60 Day CEASEFIRE, during which time we will work with all parties to end the War," in a post on Truth Social on Tuesday night. Donald Trump y Benjamin Netanyahu (credit: Flash90/Miriam Alster, REUTERS/LEAH MILLIS, REUTERS/RONEN ZEVULUN) In the post, Trump confirmed that his "representatives had a long and productive meeting with the Israelis today on Gaza." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The Qataris and Egyptians, who have worked very hard to help bring Peace, will deliver this final proposal," he added. "I hope, for the good of the Middle East, that Hamas takes this Deal, because it will not get better IT WILL ONLY GET WORSE," he continued. While Trumps comments have reignited hopes of returning the remaining hostages, Israel has repeatedly refused agreements that would have seen the conflict end in the Gaza Strip with Hamas still in control. Hamas officials have repeatedly bragged to Arab media that they would repeat the October 7 attack, an invasion in 2023 which saw terrorists rampage through southern Israel and murder over 1,200 people. Hamas and Israel staked out their positions Wednesday ahead of expected talks on a Washington-backed ceasefire proposal, with the militant group suggesting it was open to an agreement while the Israeli prime minister vowed there will be no Hamas in postwar Gaza. Both stopped short of accepting the proposal announced by U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday. Hamas insisted on its longstanding position that any deal bring an end to the war in Gaza. Trump said Tuesday that Israel had agreed on terms for a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza and urged Hamas to accept the deal before conditions worsen. The U.S. leader has been increasing pressure on the Israeli government and Hamas to broker a ceasefire, and hostage agreement and bring about an end to the war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump said the 60-day period would be used to work toward ending the war something Israel says it wont accept until Hamas is defeated. He said that a deal might come together as soon as next week. But Hamas response, which emphasized its demand that the war end, raised questions about whether the latest offer could materialize into an actual pause in fighting. Hamas official Taher al-Nunu said that the militant group was ready and serious regarding reaching an agreement. He said Hamas was ready to accept any initiative that clearly leads to the complete end to the war. A Hamas delegation is expected to meet with Egyptian and Qatari mediators in Cairo on Wednesday to discuss the proposal, according to an Egyptian official. The official spoke on condition of anonymity, because he wasnt authorized to discuss the talks with the media. Disagreement on how the war should end Throughout the nearly 21-month-long war, ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas have repeatedly faltered over whether the war should end as part of any deal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hamas said in a brief statement Wednesday that it had received a proposal from the mediators and is holding talks with them to bridge gaps to return to the negotiating table to try to reach a ceasefire agreement. Hamas has said that its willing to free the remaining 50 hostages, less than half of whom are said to be alive, in exchange for a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and an end to the war. Israel says it will only agree to end the war if Hamas surrenders, disarms and exiles itself, something the group refuses to do. I am announcing to you there will be no Hamas, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said during a speech Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An Israeli official said that the latest proposal calls for a 60-day deal that would include a partial Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and a surge in humanitarian aid to the territory. The mediators and the U.S. would provide assurances about talks to end the war, but Israel isnt committing to that as part of the latest proposal, the official said. The official wasnt authorized to discuss the details of the proposed deal with the media and spoke on condition of anonymity. It wasnt clear how many hostages would be freed as part of the agreement, but previous proposals have called for the release of about 10. Some 50 hostages remain, many of them thought to be dead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im holding my hands and praying that this will come about, said Idit Ohel, mother of Israeli hostage Alon Ohel. I hope the world will help this happen, will put pressure on whoever they need to, so the war will stop and the hostages will return. On Monday, Trump is set to host Netanyahu at the White House, days after Ron Dermer, a senior Netanyahu adviser, held discussions with top U.S. officials about Gaza, Iran and other matters. Trump issues another warning On Tuesday, Trump wrote on social media that Israel had agreed to the necessary conditions to finalize the 60 Day CEASEFIRE, during which time we will work with all parties to end the War. I hope, for the good of the Middle East, that Hamas takes this Deal, because it will not get better IT WILL ONLY GET WORSE, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps warning may find a skeptical audience with Hamas. Even before the expiration of the wars longest ceasefire in March, Trump has repeatedly issued dramatic ultimatums to pressure Hamas to agree to longer pauses in the fighting that would see the release of more hostages and a return of more aid for Gazas civilians. Still, Trump views the current moment as a potential turning point in the brutal conflict that has left more than 57,000 dead in the Palestinian territory. Gazas Health Ministry said the death toll passed the 57,000 mark Tuesday into Wednesday, after hospitals received 142 bodies overnight. The ministry doesnt differentiate between civilians and combatants in its death count, but says that more than half of the dead are women and children. Since dawn Wednesday, Israeli strikes killed a total of 40 people across the Gaza Strip, the ministry said. Hospital officials said four children and seven women were among the dead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Israeli military, which blames Hamas for the civilian casualties because it operates from populated areas, was looking into the reports. The war began on Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking roughly 250 hostages. The war has left the coastal Palestinian territory in ruins, with much of the urban landscape flattened in the fighting. More than 90% of Gazas 2.3 million population has been displaced, often multiple times. And the war has sparked a humanitarian crisis in Gaza, pushing hundreds of thousands of people toward hunger. Hospital director killed The director of the Indonesian Hospital, Dr. Marwan al-Sultan, was killed in an apartment in an Israeli strike west of Gaza City, a hospital statement said. The hospital is the Palestinian enclaves largest medical facility north of Gaza City and has been a critical lifeline since the start of the Israel-Hamas war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The hospital was surrounded by Israeli troops last month, and evacuated alongside the other two primary hospitals in northern Gaza. The bodies of the doctor, his wife, daughter and son-in-law, arrived at Shifa Hospital torn into pieces, according to Issam Nabhan, head of the nursing department at the Indonesian Hospital. Gaza lost a great man and doctor, Nabhan said. He never left the hospital one moment since the war began and urged us to stay and provide humanitarian assistance. We dont know what he did to deserve getting killed. In central Gaza, the Al Awda Hospital said an Israeli strike near the entrance of a school housing displaced Palestinians killed eight people, including three children, and wounded 30 others. The hospital also said that Israel struck a group of Palestinians who gathered near the entrance of the hospitals administration building in Nuseirat refugee camp. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And an airstrike last week killed alleged Hamas members Musab Yaser Abdallah Jilban and Abd al-Latif Musa Hajjaj Barbah, Israel said Wednesday. The two allegedly took part in the June 24 attack where seven Israeli soldiers were killed when a Palestinian attacker attached a bomb to their armored vehicle. Israel did not say how the two were suspected to be involved. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW CAIRO (Reuters) -The Hamas-run interior ministry in Gaza on Wednesday ordered the leader of a well-armed Bedouin clan defying the group's control of the Palestinian enclave to surrender and face trial, accusing him of treason. A ministry statement said the decision was taken by what it called a "Revolutionary Court". Yasser Abu Shabab, who does not recognise the authority of Hamas and accuses the militants of hurting the interests of Gaza, had 10 days to surrender, it said. The court urged Palestinians to inform Hamas security officials about the whereabouts of Abu Shabab, who has so far remained beyond their reach in the Rafah area of southern Gaza held by Israeli troops. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Abu Shabab group described the Hamas court's order as a "sitcom that doesn't frighten us, nor does it frighten any free man who loves his homeland and its dignity", in a post on the Facebook page that usually carried the group's announcements. Hamas, which accuses Abu Shabab of looting U.N. aid trucks and alleges that he is backed by Israel, has sent some of its top fighters to kill him, two Hamas sources and two other sources familiar with the situation told Reuters last month. Abu Shabab's group told Reuters at the time that it was a popular force protecting humanitarian aid from looting by escorting aid trucks and denied getting support from Israel or contacts with the Israeli army. It accused Hamas of violence and muzzling dissent. Israel has said it has backed some of Gaza's clans against Hamas, but has not said which. (Reporting by Nidal al-Mughrabi; editing Philippa Fletcher and Alex Richardson) CAIRO (AP) Hamas and Israel staked out their positions Wednesday ahead of expected talks on a Washington-backed ceasefire proposal, with the militant group suggesting it was open to an agreement while the Israeli prime minister vowed that there will be no Hamas in postwar Gaza. Both sides stopped short of accepting the proposal announced Tuesday by U.S. President Donald Trump. Hamas insisted on its longstanding position that any deal bring an end to the war in Gaza. Trump said Israel had agreed on terms for a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza and urged Hamas to accept the deal before conditions worsen. The U.S. leader has been increasing pressure on the Israeli government and Hamas to broker a ceasefire and hostage agreement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump said the 60-day period would be used to work toward ending the war something Israel says it won't accept until Hamas is defeated. He said a deal might come together as soon as next week. But Hamas' response, which emphasized its demand that the war end, raised questions about whether the latest offer could materialize into an actual pause in fighting. Hamas official Taher al-Nunu said the militant group was ready and serious regarding reaching an agreement. He said Hamas was ready to accept any initiative that clearly leads to the complete end to the war. A Hamas delegation was expected to meet Wednesday with Egyptian and Qatari mediators in Cairo to discuss the proposal, according to an Egyptian official. The official spoke on condition of anonymity, because he wasn't authorized to discuss the talks with the media. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Disagreement on how the war should end Throughout the nearly 21-month-long war, ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas have repeatedly faltered over whether the war should end as part of any deal. Hamas said in a brief statement Wednesday that it had received a proposal from the mediators and was holding talks with them to bridge gaps to return to the negotiating table. Hamas has said it's willing to free the remaining 50 hostages, less than half of whom are said to be alive, in exchange for a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and an end to the war. Israel says it will only agree to end the war if Hamas surrenders, disarms and exiles itself, something the group refuses to do. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I am announcing to you there will be no Hamas, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said during a speech Wednesday. An Israeli official said the latest proposal calls for a 60-day deal that would include a partial Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and a surge in humanitarian aid to the territory. The mediators and the U.S. would provide assurances about talks to end the war, but Israel isn't committing to that as part of the latest proposal, the official said. The official wasn't authorized to discuss the details of the proposed deal with the media and spoke on condition of anonymity. It wasn't clear how many hostages would be freed as part of the agreement, but previous proposals have called for the release of about 10. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im holding my hands and praying that this will come about," said Idit Ohel, mother of Israeli hostage Alon Ohel. I hope the world will help this happen, will put pressure on whoever they need to, so the war will stop and the hostages will return. On Monday, Trump is set to host Netanyahu at the White House, days after Ron Dermer, a senior Netanyahu adviser, held discussions with top U.S. officials about Gaza, Iran and other matters. Trump issues another warning On Tuesday, Trump wrote on social media that Israel had agreed to the necessary conditions to finalize the 60-day ceasefire, "during which time we will work with all parties to end the War. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I hope, for the good of the Middle East, that Hamas takes this Deal, because it will not get better IT WILL ONLY GET WORSE, he said. Trumps warning may find a skeptical audience with Hamas. Even before the expiration of the wars longest ceasefire in March, Trump had repeatedly issued dramatic ultimatums to pressure Hamas to agree to longer pauses in the fighting that would see the release of more hostages and a return of more aid for Gazas civilians. Still, Trump views the current moment as a potential turning point in the brutal conflict that has left more than 57,000 dead in the Palestinian territory. Gaza's Health Ministry said the death toll passed the 57,000 mark Tuesday into Wednesday, after hospitals received 142 bodies overnight. The ministry does not differentiate between civilians and combatants in its death count, but says that more than half of the dead are women and children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since dawn Wednesday, Israeli strikes killed a total of 40 people across the Gaza Strip, the ministry said. Hospital officials said four children and seven women were among the dead. The Israeli military, which blames Hamas for the civilian casualties because it operates from populated areas, was looking into the reports. The war began on Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking roughly 250 hostages. The fighting has left the coastal Palestinian territory in ruins, with much of the urban landscape flattened in the fighting. More than 90% of Gaza's 2.3 million population has been displaced, often multiple times. And the war has sparked a humanitarian crisis in Gaza, pushing hundreds of thousands of people toward hunger. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hospital director killed The director of the Indonesian Hospital, Dr. Marwan al-Sultan, was killed in an apartment in an Israeli strike west of Gaza City, a hospital statement said. The hospital is the Palestinian enclaves largest medical facility north of Gaza City and has been a critical lifeline since the start of the war. The hospital was surrounded by Israeli troops last month and evacuated alongside the other two primary hospitals in northern Gaza. The bodies of the doctor, his wife, daughter and son-in-law, arrived at Shifa Hospital torn into pieces, according to Issam Nabhan, head of the nursing department at the Indonesian Hospital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gaza lost a great man and doctor," Nabhan said. "He never left the hospital one moment since the war began and urged us to stay and provide humanitarian assistance. We dont know what he did to deserve getting killed. In central Gaza, the Al Awda Hospital said an Israeli strike near the entrance of a school housing displaced Palestinians killed eight people, including three children, and wounded 30 others. The hospital also said Israel struck a group of Palestinians who gathered near the entrance of the hospitals administration building in Nuseirat refugee camp. In other developments, Israel said an airstrike last week killed two Hamas members who allegedly took part in a June 24 attack in which seven Israeli soldiers were killed when a Palestinian attacker attached a bomb to their armored vehicle. ___ Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bassem Mroue reported from Beirut. Moshe Edri in Tel Aviv, Israel, Kareem Chehayeb in Beirut, and Josef Federman in Jerusalem, contributed to this report. ___ Follow the APs war coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war The Palestinian group Hamas says it is studying new proposals for a temporary ceasefire in Gaza, but insisted it is seeking an agreement that would bring an end to Israels war. Hamas said in a statement on Wednesday that it had received proposals from the mediators and is holding talks with them to bridge gaps to return to the negotiating table and try to reach a ceasefire agreement. The group said it was aiming for an agreement that would end the Gaza war and ensure the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the enclave. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The announcement comes a day after United States President Donald Trump said Israel had agreed to a proposal for a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza and urged Hamas to accept the deal before conditions worsen. Trump has been increasing pressure on the Israeli government and Hamas to broker a ceasefire and an agreement for the group to release the Israeli captives held in Gaza. Trump said the 60-day period would be used to work towards ending the war something Israel says it will not accept until Hamas is defeated. Trump is due to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu next week. But Hamass announcement, which emphasised its demand that the war end, raised questions about whether the latest offer could materialise into an actual pause in fighting. Shortly after the Hamas statement, Netanyahu said there will be no Hamas in post-war Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israeli officials have warned that the countrys military will escalate its operations in Gaza if ceasefire negotiations do not advance soon, according to the US-based Axios news outlet. Well do to Gaza City and the central camps what we did to Rafah. Everything will turn to dust, the outlet quoted a senior Israeli official as saying. Its not our preferred option, but if theres no movement towards a hostage deal, we wont have any other choice. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said any opportunity to free captives held in Gaza should not be missed, adding that there is a lot of support, both in the cabinet and within the public at large, for the US-backed proposal. The proposal, though, has not been publicly backed by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Al Jazeeras Hani Mahmoud, reporting from Gaza City, said Palestinians mistrust Trump and have been disappointed several times by mooted ceasefires that have failed to materialise. There are headlines that are talking about a potential agreement and an end to the genocide, but what were seeing on the ground, the reality tells a different story. An average of 100 to 120 Palestinians are killed every single day, he said. So for a lot of people, there is a lot of hypocrisy going on. If you talk about a ceasefire, then you need to create the conditions that would lead to a ceasefire, not an escalation, and what we are seeing on the ground is definitely an escalation. Hospital director killed In Gaza, Israeli forces killed at least 78 people on Wednesday, according to Palestinian health authorities. Hospital officials said four children and seven women were among the dead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among the victims was Dr Marwan al-Sultan, director of the Indonesian Hospital, who was killed in an Israeli strike on a residential building in an area southwest of Gaza City, according to our colleagues at Al Jazeera Arabic. His wife and children were also killed in the attack. Al-Sultan was a key source of information from Gaza, reporting on the conditions of Palestinians in the north of the besieged enclave. He had repeatedly called on the international community to press for medical teams safety, including when the Israeli army laid siege or struck the Indonesian Hospital, the largest medical facility north of Gaza City. Israels war on Gaza has killed at least 56,647 people and wounded 134,105, according to Gazas Health Ministry. An estimated 1,139 people were killed in Israel during the Hamas-led October 7, 2023 attacks, and more than 200 were taken captive. The war has left the coastal Palestinian territory in ruins, with much of the urban landscape flattened in the fighting. More than 90 percent of Gazas 2.3 million population has been displaced, often multiple times. The war has caused a humanitarian crisis in Gaza, pushing hundreds of thousands of people to famine-like conditions. NEED TO KNOW Amelia Earheart was the first woman to fly alone across the Atlantic Ocean and had aspirations to be the first to fly around the world However, she never finished her journey after her plane failed to land in the Pacific island where it was set to refuel No one has found Earheart's body or the remains of her plane since it disappeared, leaving mystery around the event nearly 90 years later Amelia Earhart left a timeless legacy in life and in death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After falling in love with aviation at a young age, Earhart went on to receive numerous accolades for her piloting feats across the United States in the years to follow. It was in 1932, however, that she made trailblazing history and became the first woman to fly alone across the Atlantic. Soon after, Earhart swiftly set her eyes on her next big adventure, and, in 1937, she set out to become the first woman to fly around the world. Embarking on the trip alongside her navigator, Fred Noonan, Earhart started the difficult journey in June that year. However, while circumstances were smooth-sailing at the start, things quickly took a somber turn on July 2, 1937. After a number of technical difficulties, including a malfunctioning radio system, Earhart and Noonan never made their landing on an island where they were expected to refuel their aircraft and disappeared near the pitstop. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its one of the greatest mysteries of the 20th century, Dorothy Cochrane, curator of general aviation at the National Air and Space Museum in the Smithsonian Institute, explained in a 2007 editorial for the museums magazine. She continued, She was the best-known American woman pilot in the world and she just disappeared off the face of the Earth." So what happened to Amelia Earhart? Heres everything to know about the legendary aviators last flight and what has been unearthed since. What happened to Amelia Earhart? AP Amelia Earhart. Earhart began her famed voyage around the world on June 1, 1937, with Noonan by her side. The pair boarded a twin-engine Lockheed Electra and began their publicized journey by departing from Miami. Following a few refueling stops eastward, they landed in Lae, New Guinea, almost a month later on June 29, having completed 22,000 miles out of their anticipated 29,000-mile journey. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On July 2, they recommenced their journey and headed toward Howland Island, a tiny destination in the Pacific Ocean, to refuel. Earhart and Noonan were expected to fly around 2,600 miles to reach the spot, subsequently arriving the morning of the next day, however, it was notoriously difficult to locate, according to Britannica. In an attempt to ease their navigation, a U.S. Coast Guard cutter named Itasca was stationed near Howland and was in radio contact with Earhart. While her calls with the Itasca began as routine reports, Earharts status updates gradually became more of a cause for concern as she pointed out unfavorable weather conditions like cloudy skies, and more pressingly, that the plane was running out of fuel. To complicate matters, the signal between Earharts plane and the Itasca was troubled, and the last transmission the cutter received from Earhart heard her saying, We are running north and south, while also indicating what compass coordinates they were flying by. However, the plane never arrived, and an extensive search operation the biggest by the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard in American history up to that point looking for Earhart and Noonan ensued. Around two weeks later, on July 19, the search efforts were called off, and the pair were declared lost at sea. Were Earhart and Noonan declared dead? Topical Press Agency/Getty American aviatrix Amelia Earhart with her navigator Captain Fred Noonan at Parnamerim airfield on 11th June 1937 in Natal, Brazil. A year and a half after the search operations, Noonan and Earhart were both declared dead in absentia on Jan. 5, 1939. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The term indicates that someone is legally declared deceased, despite the lack of direct proof of their death. What is the leading theory on Earharts disappearance? NY Daily News Archive/Getty Front page of the Daily News dated July 3, 1937. Following an investigation into the aircrafts disappearance, the U.S. government concluded that Earharts plane ran out of fuel and crashed into the Pacific Ocean, per Britannica. This is also the prevailing theory in general by experts and researchers on what happened to Earhart, despite her plane never being found and the circumstances of what happened after the crash remaining unclear. Tom Crouch, the senior curator of aeronautics at the National Air and Space Museum, said in the 2007 editorial that its likely that Earharts plane is resting at the bottom of the ocean with some of her belongings, like her leather jacket, surviving the environment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The notion of seeing images of Amelias leather jacket 18,000 feet down [disturbs] me, Crouch said. He noted that the Titanic, which came to rest at 13,000 feet in the Atlantic Ocean, had a host of artifacts that remained relatively intact, meaning that along with her jacket, Earharts shoes and teeth have also likely survived as well. I want to know where she is, but theres something uncomfortable about finding out, Crouch added. Im convinced that the mystery is part of what keeps us interested. In part, we remember her because shes our favorite missing person. What do other theories suggest about Earharts disappearance? The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Portrait of aviatrix Amelia Earhart in 1932. In light of the mystery shrouding Earharts disappearance, several other theories besides fuel depletion have emerged in hopes of finding an answer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One theory, according to Britannica, suggests that Earhart and Noonan were taken captive by Japanese forces after encroaching upon Japanese-occupied islands. Another more popular theory assumes that Earhart and Noonan continued flying south after not finding Howland and crash-landed on Gardner Island, now known as Nikumaroro Island, in the western Pacific Ocean. The hypothesis has been largely supported by the findings of Richard Jantz, an anthropology researcher, per the BBC. In 2018, he re-examined seven bone measurements, initially studied in 1940 by physician DW Hoodless, and found that they were more similar to Earharts than 99% of individuals from a large reference sample. However, no direct link between Earhart, like her plane or a perfectly matched DNA sample, has ever been found on Nikumaroro. Have people continued to search for Earhart and her aircraft? AP In a March 10, 1937 file photo American aviatrix Amelia Earhart waves from the Electra before taking off from Los Angeles, Ca. Over the years, several expeditions trying to find Earharts plane have ultimately failed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although these search efforts date back to 1937, a more recent inquiry into Earharts plane occurred in 2024. Deep Sea Vision, a company that specializes in unmanned underwater vehicles, released a sonar image in January 2024 of what they said appeared to be Earharts Lockheed Electra aircraft, according to CBS. The researchers surveyed over 5,200 square miles of the Pacifics ocean floor to capture the image, but several months later, they found that the potential aircraft was actually a rock formation. What legacy did Amelia Earhart leave behind? Universal History Archive/UIG/Getty American Aviation Pioneer Amelia Earhart. Earhart left as much of a legacy on land as she did in the sky. A champion of womens rights, Earhart was a member of the National Womans Party and was one of the earliest supporters of the Equal Rights Amendment. In 1929, she helped establish the Ninety-Nines, an organization for female pilots, and became their first president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During a 2012 State Department event honoring Earhart's legacy, former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton touched upon her continued impact in inspiring people to pursue their wildest dreams, regardless of gender. There was this woman, Amelia Earhart, who, when it was really hard, decided she was going to break all kinds of limits social limits, gravity limits, distance limits, Clinton said at the time. Nobody was there to tell Amelia Earhart she couldn't do what she chose to do." She gave people hope and she inspired them to dream bigger and bolder, Clinton continued. When she took off on that historic journey, she carried the aspirations of our entire country with her. Read the original article on People HARRIS COUNTY, Ga. (WRBL) The Harris County School District is urging parents and guardians of students to complete online registrations for the upcoming 2025-2026 school year. School officials say that as of Wednesday, July 2, more than 1,600 students have not completed the required registration. Completing online registration is not just a formality its how we build classes and assign teachers, said Shelia Baker, assistant superintendent of student services. We need every family to complete the process now to ensure their child is included in classroom planning and to avoid disruptions at the start of school. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Without registering students, the school district warns that students will not be assigned to a class or teachers. To complete registration, parents must upload the following documents: Three proofs of Harris County residency dated within the last 60 days, such as a power bill, water bill, gas bill, landline phone bill, Harris County car registration, or a mortgage or rental agreement. Not accepted items include voter registration cards, cell phone bills, and month-to-month leases. A parent or guardians photo ID. (ID must match the address on the additional documentation for Harris County proof of residency) For students new to the district: a birth certificate, Social Security card, Georgia Student Immunization Form 3231, and Georgia Student Dental, Hearing, and Vision Form 3300. Current HCSD families should complete the process through their existing Parent Portal account by visiting www.harris.k12.ga.us/OLR and clicking Existing Student Registration. Once logged in, users should select More, then HC Online Registration, followed by Annual Residency Verification 25/26. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Families who are new to the district should visit the same website and click New Student Registration, then select Online Registration for New Students 25/26. For assistance with creating or accessing a Parent Portal account, contact: Deb Slayton , student information system coordinator slayton-d@harris.k12.ga.us, (706) 628-4206, ext. 1413 Beth Brown brown-b@harris.k12.ga.us, (706) 628-4206, ext. 1419 Jennifer Villegas villegas-j@harris.k12.ga.us, (706) 628-4206, ext. 1418 Jennifer Saxton saxton-j@harris.k12.ga.us, (706) 628-4206, ext. 1412 Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. CLARKSBURG, W.Va. (WBOY) The Harrison County Commission decided Wednesday to intervene in the partially collapsed building that has caused a main road in Shinnston to be closed for more than a week. The commission unanimously approved a memorandum of understanding with the City of Shinnston, giving the county permission for an emergency demolition of the building. The commission also voted to declare 720 Hood Avenue in Shinnston an Emergency Nuisance Property so the county can tear it down. Harrison County Commission meeting on July 2, 2025 (WBOY image) The vacant Hood Avenue property partially collapsed on June 22, leading to the West Virginia Division of Highways closing the road for safety reasons. As of the most recent update to the commission, the DOH said the road can absolutely not be reopened until the building is demolished. However, once the building is in a pile, both lanes of the road can be safely reopened. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement West Virginia school discipline bill officially in effect. What changes? The demolition will be funded with money from the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Usually, the county does not get involved within a municipality to tear down a structure. That is their responsibility, and we have no jurisdiction. But since the DEP is stepping in to help fund the demolition of this property, they have to run through the county, Harrison County Administrator Laura Pysz-Laulis explained at Wednesdays meeting. As far as the timeline of the project, Pysz-Laulis said right now, its up in the air. Before the building can be torn down, a structural engineer will have to look at it and some environmental work will have to take place. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A total of 14 properties were deemed Emergency Nuisance Properties during the meeting, but the Hood Avenue building will be the first priority. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. HONOLULU (KHON2) Visitor numbers to Hawaii are holding steady, but one industry is feeling the slowdown weddings. Is it safe for foreign tourists to visit Hawaii? 15 facts to know Some of the businesses we spoke to say bookings are down, especially for clients from Japan. Kana and Fumiya Akahori are here from Japan for a babymoon. They couldnt think of a better place to celebrate. Its so beautiful in Hawaii with the ocean and scenery, said Fumiya Akahori, a visitor from Japan. Its a very special place. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But visitors like them are coming less often. According to the latest figures from the state, total visitors are up so far this year compared to last. But visitors coming to get married, on a honeymoon, or both are all down. John Chisholm has been taking wedding pictures for about 8 years now. He says business is down at times half as much as before COVID. Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news It really oscilates now, said John Chisholm, Toes in the Sand photography. It doesnt follow any pattern that it used to follow pre-COVID. Now you really cant tell, you could have a busy month, a slow month, its not following any of the calendar. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We spoke to several wedding coordinators off-camera. None of them could be specific on one simple reason for the slowdown, but they mentioned a couple of things. One, fewer Japanese visitors means fewer Japanese weddings. And two, cost. With the price of everything in Hawaii seemingly going up from hotels to airfare to food, they just feel like these couples are spending their wedding money on something else, or somewhere else. Tourists that comes from Japan is a really high quality visitor, said Chisholm. They tend to spend a lot of money, tend to do a lot, so Id like to see it continue. Its a good thing for Hawaii. Its a good thing for Japan. It was a pretty busy day at Ala Moana Beach Park with several couples taking pictures throughout the day, showing that Hawaii is still the place for a destination wedding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pictures are nice and then the amenities that go along with it, said Chisholm. Hawaiis such a great place to come and have a honeymoon afterwards. And I think thats one of the reasons why people come here. Check out more news from around Hawaii And hopefully, the reason why they come back. Yes we hope to come back very soon, said Akahori. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. WASHINGTON Missouri U.S. Senators Josh Hawley and Eric Schmitt voted in favor of the One Big Beautiful Bill, a reconciliation package backed by President Donald Trump that includes significant tax breaks and spending reductions. The 100-member Senate body voted 50-50 on the legislation, requiring Vice President J.D. Vance to ultimately cast the tiebreaking vote. Vance voted in favor, and the bill now advances to the U.S. House of Representatives. Passing by the narrowest of margins, Hawley and Schmitt both Republicans backed the measure. Hawleys vote came despite previous concerns about proposed cuts to Medicaid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Car crashes into fireworks tent near Festus Walmart; 5 injured In May, Hawley warned Republicans that reducing Medicaid, one of the megabills key cost-cutting measures, could backfire, turning against needs of working-class votes, risking access to healthcare and threatening the partys long-term political standing. According to the Associated Press, the bill would impose $1.2 trillion in spending cuts, largely to Medicaid and food stamps programs, and some opponents warned it could results in millions of people losing Medicaid coverage. In a news release Tuesday, Hawley claimed the bill includes new sources of funding for rural hospitals that could help Missouri Medicaid recipients, though specific provisions that may enable such funding remain unclear as the bill is broadly characterized by major Medicaid cuts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Big Beautiful Bill also includes the expansion of the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act, RECA, a long-standing priority for Hawley. This would broaden eligibility to compensate St. Louis-area victims of radioactive waste. RECA is generational legislation for Missouri and will finally deliver justice for survivors in the St. Louis region. And when this reconciliation bill is signed into law, Missouri will also see new health care funding and big tax cuts for working families. I call on the House to quickly pass this legislation and send it to President Trumps desk, said Hawley via his news release. But let me be clear, I will continue to do everything in my power to reverse future cuts to Medicaid. If Republicans want to be the party of the working class, we cannot cut health insurance for working people. Close Thanks for signing up! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News Schmitt, who offered no public criticism of the megabill, also affirmed his support for the legislation. I proudly voted to move forward with President Trumps America First agenda today. The One Big Beautiful Bill will prevent the largest tax hike in American history, secure our border, fund deportations, create American jobs, and keep our country safe. This is a win for families across Missouri, and I look forward to continuing to work with President Trump to usher in Americas Golden Age, said Schmitt via a Tuesday news release. Meanwhile, three Republican senators Thom Tillis of North Carolina, Susan Collins of Maine and Rand Paul of Kentucky joined all Democrats in voting against the Big Beautfiul Bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The legislation previously had a self-imposed deadline of July 4 to reach President Trump, though its unclear whether that timeline will be met. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. JAKARTA, July 2 (Xinhua) -- The Indonesian government has officially enacted a new regulation to involve local communities in oil drilling efforts, particularly in old wells, as part of a broader strategy to boost national oil and gas production, which has been declining in recent years. According to the ministerial regulation on the management of work areas to increase oil and natural gas production, the government will grant legal business permits for local enterprises to establish platforms or organizations that enable the participation of local communities living around the oil fields. These community-based entities will participate in activities such as drilling and managing old wells. The regulation aims to support Indonesia's energy resilience agenda and is one of the government's efforts to achieve energy self-sufficiency, said Deputy Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Yuliot Tanjung. "Our optimistic (production) target is around 10,000 to 15,000 barrels per day," Tanjung said in a press release on late Tuesday. According to the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Indonesia's oil and gas production has continued to decline in recent years due to depleting reserves and exploration challenges. The United States Environmental Protection Agency says it wants to reconsider a ban on the last remaining asbestos type known to still be in use in the country, as first reported by the New York Times. In response, many health advocates have voiced concerns. What's happening? In March 2024, the EPA announced what it called a "final rule" prohibiting ongoing use, manufacturing, and import of chrysotile or "white" asbestos, the only known form of asbestos still in use in the U.S. Meanwhile, a phase-out process lasting up to 12 years was put in place for some industries. Then-EPA Administrator Michael Regan emphasized the significance of the ban. "The science is clear asbestos is a known carcinogen that has severe impacts on public health," Regan said in a statement. "President Biden understands that this concern that has spanned generations and impacted the lives of countless people. That's why EPA is so proud to finalize this long-needed ban on ongoing uses of asbestos." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, just over a year later, the Trump administration has signaled a desire to reconsider the ban. In June, the EPA, under new leadership, filed a motion with the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in an effort to "reassess the challenged rule," expecting that the "reconsideration process will take approximately 30 months." The agency also noted in its filing that it sought to assess whether the 2024 rule "went beyond what is necessary to eliminate the unreasonable risk and whether alternative measuressuch as requiring permanent workplace protection measureswould eliminate the unreasonable risk." Why could a reversal of the asbestos ban be concerning? Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring mineral fibers known for their strength and resistance to heat, fire, and chemicals. These properties led to widespread use of the material in various products, particularly in construction and manufacturing. While the history of asbestos use dates back centuries, commercial applications appear to have spiked in the late 1800s. The EPA first began to ban forms of the substance in 1973. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As noted by the Mayo Clinic, asbestos fibers can irritate and scar lung tissue, which can make it difficult to breathe. As asbestosis progresses, more and more lung tissue can become severely scarred. These symptoms can often take decades to show up after the initial exposure to asbestos fibers. Linda Reinstein, president and co-founder of the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization, told the New York Times that pushing back the chrysotile asbestos ban would "move the nation backward, once again putting lives at risk." Michelle Roos, executive director of the Environmental Protection Network, told the Associated Press this was "yet another alarming signal that this administration is operating without limits as they dole out favors to polluter lobbyists." What's being done about the current use of asbestos? A 2024 summary from the World Health Organization noted that many people are still exposed to asbestos today. The group estimated that, worldwide, more than 200,000 deaths are caused by occupational exposure, especially among construction workers. More than 70% of these deaths stem from work-related cancers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Because of the long-term and prevalent use of asbestos, many older buildings may still contain large amounts of the hazardous material. When these buildings undergo renovations or are completely demolished, they have the potential to expose workers and others to toxic dust. Not only can this lead to asbestosis, but it can also cause cancer of the lung, larynx, and ovaries as well as the cancer mesothelioma. In 2023, Senator Jeff Merkley and Representative Suzanne Bonamici introduced the Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now Act. The legislation aimed to prohibit the manufacture, processing, and distribution of asbestos for commercial uses. "Any expert will tell you there simply is no level of exposure to asbestos that is safe for the human body," Merkley said in a statement. "We've known for generations that asbestos is lethal, yet the U.S. has continued to allow some industries to value profits over people." The AP reported that the American Chemistry Council, where the EPA official who wrote the court filing used to work, "supports the agency's move to ensure rules 'use a risk-based approach consistent with the best available science.'" 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. An Afghan woman and her child browse through donated clothing at Fort Pickett in December 2021 in Blackstone, Va. Afghans brought to the United States after the war, many having helped U.S. armed forces, are now among the immigrants with legal status facing a possible loss of public benefits under the Senate tax and spending package passed Tuesday. (Photo by Jon Cherry/Getty Images) Provisions in the new tax and spending bill passed by the U.S. Senate early Tuesday would go even further than the House bill in removing health care and other benefits from immigrants with legal status. The House version of the massive tax and spending bill penalized states providing health care for some immigrants with legal status as well as those that chose to spend state money to enroll immigrants without legal status in Medicaid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the Senate bill is even tougher on immigrants here legally and illegally, reducing benefits for most refugees and immigrants on humanitarian parole, including Afghans and Ukrainians who helped the United States in wars overseas and in return were promised safe haven and a safety net in the United States. The Senate bill also cuts state reimbursement for emergency care in the states that expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. That would force those states to pay more for emergency care for immigrants, cut back services or drop out of Medicaid expansion, a potentially catastrophic move for low-income U.S. citizens as well as new immigrants. The bill passed with three dissenting Republican votes, from U.S. Sens. Rand Paul of Kentucky, Susan Collins of Maine and Thom Tillis of North Carolina. Vice President JD Vance broke the tie. The bill, officially the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, now returns to the House for final passage before going to President Donald Trump to be signed. Advocates and experts see repercussions as refugees and other legal immigrants lose health insurance and turn to already-stressed hospitals and charities for help. It could be a nail in the coffin for some rural hospitals that are in financial trouble and scaling back services. Hospitals are required to serve anyone who arrives for emergency care, regardless of their ability to pay. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In our state, its going to be absolutely devastating for rural hospitals, said Kate Woomer-Deters, a senior attorney at the North Carolina Justice Centers Immigrant & Refugee Rights Project. Refugees are not going to go home just because they lost their health care coverage. Theyre still going to be showing up at the door of hospitals and clinics needing care. Some groups, such as Afghans, Ukrainians and Iraqis, were often brought here after helping the U.S. in war efforts, putting their lives in danger and making life in their home country untenable. In the case of the Afghans, this is pretty much a knife in the back to those folks who helped the United States when the United States needed help in their country, said David Meyer, a board member of the Bloomington Refugee Support Network in Indiana, where he personally helps seven refugee families from Afghanistan, Honduras, Iraq, Nicaragua and Syria. The Senate bill takes Medicaid, the Affordable Care Act and even food stamps off the table for most refugees. There are a few narrow exceptions for people with green cards, some Cuban migrants waiting for citizenship, and some Micronesians and Marshall Islands natives with treaty rights, said Shelby Gonzales, vice president for immigration policy at the progressive Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That also applies to immigrants with legal status who dont have green cards: people with asylum, immigrant victims of domestic violence, immigrant victims of sex trafficking and parolees such as Afghans admitted due to urgent humanitarian reasons, as well as to refugees. Its not going to help hospitals. Its not going to help individuals. Its not going to help states. Theres going to be some cost-eating by all of them. Shelby Gonzales, Center on Budget and Policy Priorities Theres going to be more emergency health care needs because uninsured people will be delaying care, Gonzales said. Its not going to help hospitals. Its not going to help individuals. Its not going to help states. Theres going to be some cost-eating by all of them. The bill also cuts funding for expansion states to pay for emergency care in hospitals. Increased costs could force some states to drop Medicaid expansion altogether, spreading the pain to low-income U.S. citizens as well, Gonzales said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its one more reason states are looking at their budgets and theyre having to make decisions about their Medicaid expansion program, Gonzales said. In Indiana, Meyer said, Afghan women especially often need food stamps, formally known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, to get by at first. It takes them a long time to learn to read and write since they were not allowed to attend any school under the Taliban. They arrived in our community totally illiterate in their native language and starting from scratch learning English, so thats a huge impediment to being gainfully employed, Meyer said. Even once theyve become self-sufficient enough to get off food stamps and Medicaid, many still need the support of the Affordable Care Act to get health care. Removing all subsidized health care would have a devastating effect on those families, and not just Afghans but Syrians, people from the Democratic Republic of Congo and others that have been relocated to south-central Indiana, Meyer said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Indiana hosted more than 10,500 of the nearly 460,000 refugees who arrived in the United States between 2013 and 2023, according to a 2023 report from the nonprofit Immigration Research Initiative. In fiscal 2024, another 1,380 arrived in Indiana, mostly from Congo and Burma, but including 90 people from Afghanistan, according to State Department records. In North Carolina, there were 276 new Afghan refugees in fiscal 2024 among 2,730 total new refugees. Even professional Afghans such as doctors and lawyers struggle at first in low-wage jobs, said Woomer-Deters, of the North Carolina Justice Center. It takes time for them to get accreditation and language skills to practice their professions here, she said. A lot of these folks need their food stamps, Medicaid they need these programs for an adjustment period when they get here. And these are people weve invited to come and have vetted, she said. A Congressional Budget Office report June 29 estimated that almost 12 million people, including 1.4 million immigrants covered by state-only programs, would lose health insurance under the Senate plan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Republican response to an earlier CBO report emphasized that the bill would save states $13.1 billion in Medicaid spending over 10 years, freeing up resources they can choose to reinvest to further strengthen care for the most vulnerable Americans. The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, however, called that conclusion misleading in its own response in turn. These savings would largely result from millions of people losing health coverage hardly an outcome worth celebrating, the response said. Leonardo Cuello, a research professor at Georgetown Universitys McCourt School of Public Policys Center for Children and Families, said there was one small positive change in the Senate version compared to the House version. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement States will no longer be penalized for using the option to cover some immigrant children and pregnant women. And the Senate version would not penalize expansion states for offering Medicaid to immigrants on humanitarian parole, but only because that help for parolees was ended in entirely, along with help for refugees and other kind of immigrants with legal status who lack green cards, Cuello said. In other words, they are blocking all paths to health care, Cuello said in an emailed statement. This is not an attack on the undocumented. Its an attack on lawfully present immigrants. Stateline reporter Tim Henderson can be reached at thenderson@stateline.org. Stateline originally published this article. Like the Alaska Beacon, Stateline is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Stateline maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Scott S. Greenberger for questions: info@stateline.org. An Afghan woman and her child browse through donated clothing at Fort Pickett in December 2021 in Blackstone, Va. Afghans brought to the United States after the war, many having helped U.S. armed forces, are now among the immigrants with legal status facing a possible loss of public benefits under the Senate tax and spending package passed Tuesday. (Photo by Jon Cherry/Getty Images) Provisions in the new tax and spending bill passed by the U.S. Senate early Tuesday would go even further than the House bill in removing health care and other benefits from immigrants with legal status. The House version of the massive tax and spending bill penalized states providing health care for some immigrants with legal status as well as those that chose to spend state money to enroll immigrants without legal status in Medicaid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the Senate bill is even tougher on immigrants here legally and illegally, reducing benefits for most refugees and immigrants on humanitarian parole, including Afghans and Ukrainians who helped the United States in wars overseas and in return were promised safe haven and a safety net in the United States. The Senate bill also cuts state reimbursement for emergency care in the states that expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. That would force those states to pay more for emergency care for immigrants, cut back services or drop out of Medicaid expansion, a potentially catastrophic move for low-income U.S. citizens as well as new immigrants. The bill passed with three dissenting Republican votes, from U.S. Sens. Rand Paul of Kentucky, Susan Collins of Maine and Thom Tillis of North Carolina. Vice President JD Vance broke the tie. The bill, officially the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, now returns to the House for final passage before going to President Donald Trump to be signed. Advocates and experts see repercussions as refugees and other legal immigrants lose health insurance and turn to already-stressed hospitals and charities for help. It could be a nail in the coffin for some rural hospitals that are in financial trouble and scaling back services. Hospitals are required to serve anyone who arrives for emergency care, regardless of their ability to pay. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In our state, its going to be absolutely devastating for rural hospitals, said Kate Woomer-Deters, a senior attorney at the North Carolina Justice Centers Immigrant & Refugee Rights Project. Refugees are not going to go home just because they lost their health care coverage. Theyre still going to be showing up at the door of hospitals and clinics needing care. Some groups, such as Afghans, Ukrainians and Iraqis, were often brought here after helping the U.S. in war efforts, putting their lives in danger and making life in their home country untenable. In the case of the Afghans, this is pretty much a knife in the back to those folks who helped the United States when the United States needed help in their country, said David Meyer, a board member of the Bloomington Refugee Support Network in Indiana, where he personally helps seven refugee families from Afghanistan, Honduras, Iraq, Nicaragua and Syria. The Senate bill takes Medicaid, the Affordable Care Act and even food stamps off the table for most refugees. There are a few narrow exceptions for people with green cards, some Cuban migrants waiting for citizenship, and some Micronesians and Marshall Islands natives with treaty rights, said Shelby Gonzales, vice president for immigration policy at the progressive Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That also applies to immigrants with legal status who dont have green cards: people with asylum, immigrant victims of domestic violence, immigrant victims of sex trafficking and parolees such as Afghans admitted due to urgent humanitarian reasons, as well as to refugees. Its not going to help hospitals. Its not going to help individuals. Its not going to help states. Theres going to be some cost-eating by all of them. Shelby Gonzales, Center on Budget and Policy Priorities Theres going to be more emergency health care needs because uninsured people will be delaying care, Gonzales said. Its not going to help hospitals. Its not going to help individuals. Its not going to help states. Theres going to be some cost-eating by all of them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill also cuts funding for expansion states to pay for emergency care in hospitals. Increased costs could force some states to drop Medicaid expansion altogether, spreading the pain to low-income U.S. citizens as well, Gonzales said. Its one more reason states are looking at their budgets and theyre having to make decisions about their Medicaid expansion program, Gonzales said. In Indiana, Meyer said, Afghan women especially often need food stamps, formally known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, to get by at first. It takes them a long time to learn to read and write since they were not allowed to attend any school under the Taliban. They arrived in our community totally illiterate in their native language and starting from scratch learning English, so thats a huge impediment to being gainfully employed, Meyer said. Even once theyve become self-sufficient enough to get off food stamps and Medicaid, many still need the support of the Affordable Care Act to get health care. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Removing all subsidized health care would have a devastating effect on those families, and not just Afghans but Syrians, people from the Democratic Republic of Congo and others that have been relocated to south-central Indiana, Meyer said. Indiana hosted more than 10,500 of the nearly 460,000 refugees who arrived in the United States between 2013 and 2023, according to a 2023 report from the nonprofit Immigration Research Initiative. In fiscal 2024, another 1,380 arrived in Indiana, mostly from Congo and Burma, but including 90 people from Afghanistan, according to State Department records. In North Carolina, there were 276 new Afghan refugees in fiscal 2024 among 2,730 total new refugees. Even professional Afghans such as doctors and lawyers struggle at first in low-wage jobs, said Woomer-Deters, of the North Carolina Justice Center. It takes time for them to get accreditation and language skills to practice their professions here, she said. A lot of these folks need their food stamps, Medicaid they need these programs for an adjustment period when they get here. And these are people weve invited to come and have vetted, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Congressional Budget Office report June 29 estimated that almost 12 million people, including 1.4 million immigrants covered by state-only programs, would lose health insurance under the Senate plan. A Republican response to an earlier CBO report emphasized that the bill would save states $13.1 billion in Medicaid spending over 10 years, freeing up resources they can choose to reinvest to further strengthen care for the most vulnerable Americans. The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, however, called that conclusion misleading in its own response in turn. These savings would largely result from millions of people losing health coverage hardly an outcome worth celebrating, the response said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Leonardo Cuello, a research professor at Georgetown Universitys McCourt School of Public Policys Center for Children and Families, said there was one small positive change in the Senate version compared to the House version. States will no longer be penalized for using the option to cover some immigrant children and pregnant women. And the Senate version would not penalize expansion states for offering Medicaid to immigrants on humanitarian parole, but only because that help for parolees was ended in entirely, along with help for refugees and other kind of immigrants with legal status who lack green cards, Cuello said. In other words, they are blocking all paths to health care, Cuello said in an emailed statement. This is not an attack on the undocumented. Its an attack on lawfully present immigrants. This story was originally published by Stateline. Like Maine Morning Star, Stateline is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Stateline maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Scott S. Greenberger for questions: info@stateline.org. Stateline reporter Tim Henderson can be reached at thenderson@stateline.org. An Afghan woman and her child browse through donated clothing at Fort Pickett in December 2021 in Blackstone, Va. Afghans brought to the United States after the war, many having helped U.S. armed forces, are now among the immigrants with legal status facing a possible loss of public benefits under the Senate tax and spending package passed Tuesday. (Photo by Jon Cherry/Getty Images) Provisions in the new tax and spending bill passed by the U.S. Senate early Tuesday would go even further than the House bill in removing health care and other benefits from immigrants with legal status. The House version of the massive tax and spending bill penalized states providing health care for some immigrants with legal status as well as those that chose to spend state money to enroll immigrants without legal status in Medicaid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the Senate bill is even tougher on immigrants here legally and illegally, reducing benefits for most refugees and immigrants on humanitarian parole, including Afghans and Ukrainians who helped the United States in wars overseas and in return were promised safe haven and a safety net in the United States. The Senate bill also cuts state reimbursement for emergency care in the states that expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. That would force those states to pay more for emergency care for immigrants, cut back services or drop out of Medicaid expansion, a potentially catastrophic move for low-income U.S. citizens as well as new immigrants. The bill passed with three dissenting Republican votes, from U.S. Sens. Rand Paul of Kentucky, Susan Collins of Maine and Thom Tillis of North Carolina. Vice President JD Vance broke the tie. The bill, officially the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, now returns to the House for final passage before going to President Donald Trump to be signed. Advocates and experts see repercussions as refugees and other legal immigrants lose health insurance and turn to already-stressed hospitals and charities for help. It could be a nail in the coffin for some rural hospitals that are in financial trouble and scaling back services. Hospitals are required to serve anyone who arrives for emergency care, regardless of their ability to pay. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In our state, its going to be absolutely devastating for rural hospitals, said Kate Woomer-Deters, a senior attorney at the North Carolina Justice Centers Immigrant & Refugee Rights Project. Refugees are not going to go home just because they lost their health care coverage. Theyre still going to be showing up at the door of hospitals and clinics needing care. Some groups, such as Afghans, Ukrainians and Iraqis, were often brought here after helping the U.S. in war efforts, putting their lives in danger and making life in their home country untenable. In the case of the Afghans, this is pretty much a knife in the back to those folks who helped the United States when the United States needed help in their country, said David Meyer, a board member of the Bloomington Refugee Support Network in Indiana, where he personally helps seven refugee families from Afghanistan, Honduras, Iraq, Nicaragua and Syria. The Senate bill takes Medicaid, the Affordable Care Act and even food stamps off the table for most refugees. There are a few narrow exceptions for people with green cards, some Cuban migrants waiting for citizenship, and some Micronesians and Marshall Islands natives with treaty rights, said Shelby Gonzales, vice president for immigration policy at the progressive Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That also applies to immigrants with legal status who dont have green cards: people with asylum, immigrant victims of domestic violence, immigrant victims of sex trafficking and parolees such as Afghans admitted due to urgent humanitarian reasons, as well as to refugees. Its not going to help hospitals. Its not going to help individuals. Its not going to help states. Theres going to be some cost-eating by all of them. Shelby Gonzales, Center on Budget and Policy Priorities Theres going to be more emergency health care needs because uninsured people will be delaying care, Gonzales said. Its not going to help hospitals. Its not going to help individuals. Its not going to help states. Theres going to be some cost-eating by all of them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill also cuts funding for expansion states to pay for emergency care in hospitals. Increased costs could force some states to drop Medicaid expansion altogether, spreading the pain to low-income U.S. citizens as well, Gonzales said. Its one more reason states are looking at their budgets and theyre having to make decisions about their Medicaid expansion program, Gonzales said. In Indiana, Meyer said, Afghan women especially often need food stamps, formally known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, to get by at first. It takes them a long time to learn to read and write since they were not allowed to attend any school under the Taliban. They arrived in our community totally illiterate in their native language and starting from scratch learning English, so thats a huge impediment to being gainfully employed, Meyer said. Even once theyve become self-sufficient enough to get off food stamps and Medicaid, many still need the support of the Affordable Care Act to get health care. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Removing all subsidized health care would have a devastating effect on those families, and not just Afghans but Syrians, people from the Democratic Republic of Congo and others that have been relocated to south-central Indiana, Meyer said. Indiana hosted more than 10,500 of the nearly 460,000 refugees who arrived in the United States between 2013 and 2023, according to a 2023 report from the nonprofit Immigration Research Initiative. In fiscal 2024, another 1,380 arrived in Indiana, mostly from Congo and Burma, but including 90 people from Afghanistan, according to State Department records. In North Carolina, there were 276 new Afghan refugees in fiscal 2024 among 2,730 total new refugees. Even professional Afghans such as doctors and lawyers struggle at first in low-wage jobs, said Woomer-Deters, of the North Carolina Justice Center. It takes time for them to get accreditation and language skills to practice their professions here, she said. A lot of these folks need their food stamps, Medicaid they need these programs for an adjustment period when they get here. And these are people weve invited to come and have vetted, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Congressional Budget Office report June 29 estimated that almost 12 million people, including 1.4 million immigrants covered by state-only programs, would lose health insurance under the Senate plan. A Republican response to an earlier CBO report emphasized that the bill would save states $13.1 billion in Medicaid spending over 10 years, freeing up resources they can choose to reinvest to further strengthen care for the most vulnerable Americans. The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, however, called that conclusion misleading in its own response in turn. These savings would largely result from millions of people losing health coverage hardly an outcome worth celebrating, the response said. Leonardo Cuello, a research professor at Georgetown Universitys McCourt School of Public Policys Center for Children and Families, said there was one small positive change in the Senate version compared to the House version. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement States will no longer be penalized for using the option to cover some immigrant children and pregnant women. And the Senate version would not penalize expansion states for offering Medicaid to immigrants on humanitarian parole, but only because that help for parolees was ended entirely, along with help for refugees and other kind of immigrants with legal status who lack green cards, Cuello said. In other words, they are blocking all paths to health care, Cuello said in an emailed statement. This is not an attack on the undocumented. Its an attack on lawfully present immigrants. Stateline reporter Tim Henderson can be reached at thenderson@stateline.org. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stateline is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Stateline maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Scott S. Greenberger for questions: info@stateline.org. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX An Afghan woman and her child browse through donated clothing at Fort Pickett in December 2021 in Blackstone, Va. Afghans brought to the United States after the war, many having helped U.S. armed forces, are now among the immigrants with legal status facing a possible loss of public benefits under the Senate tax and spending package passed Tuesday. (Photo by Jon Cherry/Getty Images) Provisions in the new tax and spending bill passed by the U.S. Senate early Tuesday would go even further than the House bill in removing health care and other benefits from immigrants with legal status. The House version of the massive tax and spending bill penalized states providing health care for some immigrants with legal status as well as those that chose to spend state money to enroll immigrants without legal status in Medicaid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the Senate bill is even tougher on immigrants here legally and illegally, reducing benefits for most refugees and immigrants on humanitarian parole, including Afghans and Ukrainians who helped the United States in wars overseas and in return were promised safe haven and a safety net in the United States. The Senate bill also cuts state reimbursement for emergency care in the states that expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. That would force those states to pay more for emergency care for immigrants, cut back services or drop out of Medicaid expansion, a potentially catastrophic move for low-income U.S. citizens as well as new immigrants. The bill passed with three dissenting Republican votes, from U.S. Sens. Rand Paul of Kentucky, Susan Collins of Maine and Thom Tillis of North Carolina. Vice President JD Vance broke the tie. The bill, officially the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, now returns to the House for final passage before going to President Donald Trump to be signed. Advocates and experts see repercussions as refugees and other legal immigrants lose health insurance and turn to already-stressed hospitals and charities for help. It could be a nail in the coffin for some rural hospitals that are in financial trouble and scaling back services. Hospitals are required to serve anyone who arrives for emergency care, regardless of their ability to pay. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In our state, its going to be absolutely devastating for rural hospitals, said Kate Woomer-Deters, a senior attorney at the North Carolina Justice Centers Immigrant & Refugee Rights Project. Refugees are not going to go home just because they lost their health care coverage. Theyre still going to be showing up at the door of hospitals and clinics needing care. Some groups, such as Afghans, Ukrainians and Iraqis, were often brought here after helping the U.S. in war efforts, putting their lives in danger and making life in their home country untenable. In the case of the Afghans, this is pretty much a knife in the back to those folks who helped the United States when the United States needed help in their country, said David Meyer, a board member of the Bloomington Refugee Support Network in Indiana, where he personally helps seven refugee families from Afghanistan, Honduras, Iraq, Nicaragua and Syria. The Senate bill takes Medicaid, the Affordable Care Act and even food stamps off the table for most refugees. There are a few narrow exceptions for people with green cards, some Cuban migrants waiting for citizenship, and some Micronesians and Marshall Islands natives with treaty rights, said Shelby Gonzales, vice president for immigration policy at the progressive Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That also applies to immigrants with legal status who dont have green cards: people with asylum, immigrant victims of domestic violence, immigrant victims of sex trafficking and parolees such as Afghans admitted due to urgent humanitarian reasons, as well as to refugees. Theres going to be more emergency health care needs because uninsured people will be delaying care, Gonzales said. Its not going to help hospitals. Its not going to help individuals. Its not going to help states. Theres going to be some cost-eating by all of them. The bill also cuts funding for expansion states to pay for emergency care in hospitals. Increased costs could force some states to drop Medicaid expansion altogether, spreading the pain to low-income U.S. citizens as well, Gonzales said. Its one more reason states are looking at their budgets and theyre having to make decisions about their Medicaid expansion program, Gonzales said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Indiana, Meyer said, Afghan women especially often need food stamps, formally known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, to get by at first. It takes them a long time to learn to read and write since they were not allowed to attend any school under the Taliban. They arrived in our community totally illiterate in their native language and starting from scratch learning English, so thats a huge impediment to being gainfully employed, Meyer said. Even once theyve become self-sufficient enough to get off food stamps and Medicaid, many still need the support of the Affordable Care Act to get health care. Removing all subsidized health care would have a devastating effect on those families, and not just Afghans but Syrians, people from the Democratic Republic of Congo and others that have been relocated to south-central Indiana, Meyer said. Indiana hosted more than 10,500 of the nearly 460,000 refugees who arrived in the United States between 2013 and 2023, according to a 2023 report from the nonprofit Immigration Research Initiative. In fiscal 2024, another 1,380 arrived in Indiana, mostly from Congo and Burma, but including 90 people from Afghanistan, according to State Department records. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In North Carolina, there were 276 new Afghan refugees in fiscal 2024 among 2,730 total new refugees. Even professional Afghans such as doctors and lawyers struggle at first in low-wage jobs, said Woomer-Deters, of the North Carolina Justice Center. It takes time for them to get accreditation and language skills to practice their professions here, she said. A lot of these folks need their food stamps, Medicaid they need these programs for an adjustment period when they get here. And these are people weve invited to come and have vetted, she said. A Congressional Budget Office report June 29 estimated that almost 12 million people, including 1.4 million immigrants covered by state-only programs, would lose health insurance under the Senate plan. A Republican response to an earlier CBO report emphasized that the bill would save states $13.1 billion in Medicaid spending over 10 years, freeing up resources they can choose to reinvest to further strengthen care for the most vulnerable Americans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, however, called that conclusion misleading in its own response in turn. These savings would largely result from millions of people losing health coverage hardly an outcome worth celebrating, the response said. Leonardo Cuello, a research professor at Georgetown Universitys McCourt School of Public Policys Center for Children and Families, said there was one small positive change in the Senate version compared to the House version. States will no longer be penalized for using the option to cover some immigrant children and pregnant women. And the Senate version would not penalize expansion states for offering Medicaid to immigrants on humanitarian parole, but only because that help for parolees was ended in entirely, along with help for refugees and other kind of immigrants with legal status who lack green cards, Cuello said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In other words, they are blocking all paths to health care, Cuello said in an emailed statement. This is not an attack on the undocumented. Its an attack on lawfully present immigrants. Stateline reporter Tim Henderson can be reached at thenderson@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. The Palm Beach Post is starting a series of health columns focused on navigating the financial and physical challenges to emerge as more and more people reach advanced age and, along with their children, confront a reality for which they will need help preparing. We want to hear what questions you have as you and your loved ones enter new territory. Post insurance reporter Anne Geggis will take your questions about the ways to plan for living the best life even into advanced years. Email her at ageggis@gannett.com. As much as government health care insurance seems the perfect cushion for the shock of getting older, alas, the care in Medicare doesnt mean your medical needs are taken care of for life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The sign-up for the federal health insurance program primarily for those 65 and older comes easily: for most, on your birthday, if youve enrolled in Social Security. Medicare is the second-largest expenditure in the federal budget (behind Social Security). But it doesnt come without costs to policyholders, and it omits services commonly found in employer-sponsored health insurance. That presents some decisions to make. Over its 60-year history big birthday coming in July its grown to cover some 66 million people and accumulated much fine print since President Harry Truman became the first Medicare beneficiary. The official users manual is 128 pages. What the future holds is cloudy. A report from the Medicare trustees released June 18 shows that, if all trends continue, the government will not be able to sustain the current level of benefits by 2033, three years earlier than last year's report. Terrifying, right? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For now, its not quite as easy as A-B-C qualify, sign up and then go to the doctor. But Medicare does have parts A, B, C and D, which will be a crucial foundation for knowing Medicare basics. Heres your primer on how it works, whats covered and whats not. An example of a Medicare card. How do I sign up for Medicare? Most people will be signed up automatically for Medicare Part A, which pays for hospitalizations, and Medicare Part B, which pays for some doctor visits, preventive care, like vaccines, and outpatient medical care, if they have been collecting Social Security checks four months before turning 65. It functions like a fee-for-service system; patients are not limited to any network of doctors, the doctor only needs to accept Medicare. And beneficiaries dont need a doctors referral to go to a specialist. Its essential that Medicare enrollees can get the help they need to better understand their options. Medicare Part C, also known as Medicare Advantage, is an alternative to traditional Medicare that more closely mirrors managed care plans, limiting beneficiaries to a network of doctors and requiring a referral to see a specialist. Its administered by commercial insurers. Just like Medicare Part D, which is the benefit that helps pay for prescriptions, beneficiaries can enroll only during specific periods. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you are new to Medicare, you can get on Medicare Advantage within the first three months of Medicare eligibility, or during specific, annual enrollment periods: either from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7 (the open enrollment period for everyone) or during the Medicare Advantage open enrollment period from Jan. 1 to March 31. More: Where $2 prescription drug prices, Obamacare stand in Trump executive order onslaught If youre not getting Social Security checks, dont delay signing up for Medicare as you near age 65. You have seven months to sign up, stretching from the three months before your 65th birthday, your birthday month and then three months after that. Unless you have other coverage thats similar in value, like a typical employer-sponsored insurance plan, delaying enrollment can earn you a penalty on your future premium payments that potentially lasts as long as you have Medicare. For more help, go to medicare.gov or ssa.gov. What? Theres a premium? How much does Medicare cost? Medicare Part A is free to most people if they or their spouse have been paying Medicare taxes for at least 10 years. For Medicare Part B, the standard monthly premium for 2025 is $185. It could be more if your yearly income in 2023 was more than $106,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For Medicare, parts C and D, the premium will vary depending on which plan you choose. What are the services that Medicare pays for? One of the biggest Medicare misconceptions, according to one health policy research nonprofit, is that it covers long-term care in a nursing home, or at-home health services in the event of a long-term illness or disability. Medicare Part A, in traditional Medicare, and Medicare Advantage will cover the first 100 days at a facility, if skilled care is needed such as help changing a sterile wound dressing or getting injections. If you dont need medical services, help with activities of daily living, such as bathing and dressing, are not covered, however. More: What is 'bloodless medicine'? Why Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center offers it for surgery Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Polling found that 23% of adults rising to 45% of those aged 65 and older assume that Medicare would pay for time in a nursing home or an assisted living if they had a long-term illness or disability, according to KFF, a national health policy research nonprofit formerly known as the Kaiser Family Foundation. Traditional Medicare doesnt cover other services that some familiar with employer-sponsored healthcare might have come to expect. Medicare Advantage plans may cover them, depending on what plan youve purchased. Among the medical services traditional Medicare doesnt cover: Dental care, except in rare circumstances. Some dental services may be covered if youre admitted to a hospital and the dental care is linked to the success of some other treatment, like a transplant surgery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Routine eye exams and glasses. Treatment of cataracts, however, is covered, as is a yearly exam for retinopathy for diabetics. Hearing aids or tests. If your doctor orders a diagnostic hearing and balance exam to find out whether you need further medical treatment, however, it is covered. Chiropractic services like massage, acupuncture and x-rays a chiropractor orders. Manual manipulation of the spine is covered if its correcting a specific condition known as vertebral subluxation. Foot care that involves removing calluses or corns and nail clipping if you dont have diabetes. Medically necessary treatment for conditions like hammer toe, bunions and heel spurs are covered, however. Does Medicare involve deductibles? How high is the maximum out-of-pocket expense? Medicare Advantage costs vary according to the plan you choose. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For traditional Medicare Part A, a beneficiary this year can expect to pay $1,676 for the first 60 days of hospitalization. For hospital days 61 through 90, the patient is responsible for $419 per day. For traditional Medicare Part B, when you go to a doctor, or get outpatient treatment, Medicare beneficiaries pay the first $257 in medical costs before Medicare benefits kick in, paying 80% of the cost. The 20% that the patient picks up after meeting the deductible is known as coinsurance. For traditional Medicare, there is no cap on your maximum out-of-pocket expense, which is why people often purchase what are called "Medigap" policies to protect themselves from catastrophic medical bills. Some Medigap policies will pay 100% of the cost for approved services after the beneficiary kicks in a certain amount, either $7,200 or $3,610, depending on the plan. Anne Geggis is the insurance reporter at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach her at ageggis@gannett.com.Help support our journalism. Subscribe today Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you think the issue of protecting senior healthcare is a subject worth reporting by The Palm Beach Post, please consider donating to support local journalism. To donate, go here. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Medicare premiums and co-pays don't end with retirement CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) Hospital industry leaders say the latest version of President Donald Trumps Big, Beautiful Bill dramatically limits access to Medicaid across North Carolina. This past weekend, NC Senator Thom Tillis claimed more than 600,000 people stand to lose healthcare coverage. Theres no other way to say it, its a cut to North Carolinas Medicaid program, said Josh Dobson, President and CEO of the North Carolina Healthcare Association. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dobson told Queen City News his group estimates changes made and approved by the Senate would cut $38 to $50 billion in Medicaid funding over ten years. The Senates version, which was passed and sent over to the House on Tuesday, reduces taxes on healthcare providers. But without the revenue from those taxes, states like North Carolina would be unable to both pay their share of Medicaid costs and qualify for additional funding from the federal government. Were asking to basically just leave North Carolinas program as it is. If you want to rein in growth like the United States House of Representatives did, were okay with that, said Dobson. US Rep Tim Moore (R NC 14), who represents parts of the Charlotte Metro and Western NC said he preferred what the House originally sent, but will not oppose the Senate version, At the end of the day, I like so many, Im going to vote for it because Im going to stand with our President. Moore shares the position of several local and state GOP leaders who argue the state itself will be able to find ways to adjust spending and make sure those who qualify for Medicaid can still get it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our legislative leaders, who are in charge of the North Carolina legislature now have issued a public statement stating that they believe that the state will be able to adjust their spending priorities and take care of those issues, added Moore. As for Tillis, he remains opposed to the measure. Ive done what Im going to do, Ive told my staff Ive rested my case, the fiscal research is out there, Ill leave it to the members of the House to decide how that goes, he told reporters. The House could cast a final vote as soon as Wednesday. QCNEWS.COM MORE POLITICAL NEWS Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. The Brief Multiple dog owners who used Kwong (Tony) Chun Sit's services reported getting a text message from him saying their dog had died in their sleep and was already cremated. Sit and his girlfriend Tingfeng Liu are facing multiple felony charges. Autopsies performed on some of the animals show they died of heatstroke and at least one from blunt force trauma. IRVINE, Calif. - Several heartbroken dog owners are speaking out and seeking justice after an Irvine dog trainer was charged with the death of 11 dogs. The backstory Dog trainer Kwong (Tony) Chun Sit, 53, and his girlfriend Tingfeng Liu, 23, appeared in court Tuesday pleading not guilty. Last week they were formally charged with multiple felony counts after an investigation revealed that 11 dogs died while in his care. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sit is facing 11 felony counts of animal cruelty, 11 felony counts of animal abuse by a caretaker, seven misdemeanor counts of attempting to destroy evidence, and one misdemeanor count of destroying evidence. Liu is facing one felony count of accessory to a felony, one misdemeanor count of destruction of evidence, and two misdemeanor counts of attempted destruction of evidence. Tingfeng Liu and Kwong (Tony) Chun Sit in court Tuesday, July 1, 2025 According to Irvine Police, they recovered the bodies of 11 dogs from different crematoriums that had been dropped off by either Sit or Liu. Autopsies performed on some of the animals show they died of heatstroke and at least one from blunt force trauma. Sit was a trainer at Happy K9 Academy. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Families demand answers What they're saying Multiple dog owners report getting a text message from Sit saying their dog had died in its sleep and was already cremated without the owner's knowledge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One after another, dog owners spoke Tuesday at the Harbor Justice Center in Newport Beach as Sit and Liu sat in court. "On the day we were supposed to pick him up, June 18th, I got a text message from Tony Sit, who was the trainer that he's been lovingly cremated," dog owner Mariz Arcangel said crying. "I was trying to get him to become my service dog since I am veteran." Aimee Gutierrez was expecting to get a progress video of Saint but instead got the heartbreaking message many other also received. "We went public on Facebook with the story of not knowing what to do and finding out there were so many other victims that was definitely a shock," said dog owner Yadira Adan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It's unimaginable for the adults and heartbreaking for the children. "This is the hardest part, is them [kids] not understanding what happened, why it happened and losing a friend like that," Adan added. What's next Both suspects are fighting their very high bail, which is over half a million dollars. Prosecutors explain they were packed with passports to China when they were arrested, so they are considered a flight risk. Investigators also believe there are additional victims and urge them to come forward. The Source Information for this story came from statements made by dog owners during court and previous FOX 11 reports. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth met with Indias Minister of External Affairs, S. Jaishankar, on July 1 to advance the growing U.S.-India defense partnership, as both nations eye rising aggression in the Asia-Pacific region. The two officials discussed major pending U.S. defense sales to India, the upcoming 10-Year Defense Framework agreement, and key policy reviews related to advanced military technologies, according to a Pentagon readout released July 2. The meeting follows the February 2025 joint statement by President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which emphasized deeper military and strategic cooperation between the two democracies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hegseth and Jaishankar also signaled strong support for the next INDUS-X Summit a bilateral defense tech forum and the launch of the Autonomous Systems Industry Alliance (ASIA), a new initiative focused on collaboration in unmanned and autonomous weapons systems. Secretary Hegseth looks forward to future high-level bilateral meetings with India later this year in order to continue building the dynamic U.S.-India defense relationship, said Senior Defense Spokesman Col. Chris Devine. The U.S.-India military partnership has gained momentum in recent years as both countries seek to counterbalance Chinas growing assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific. HELENA-WEST HELENA, Ark. City leaders in Helena-West Helena, Arkansas, are taking the first steps toward normalcy after Mayor Christopher Franklin was removed from office by a district court judge on Monday. The removal comes after Franklin was charged with four counts of failing to pay or file state income taxes. The first Helena-West Helena city council meeting was held on Tuesday after the mayor was removed from office on Monday. Mayor Christopher Franklin (St. Francis Co Jail) Because three members were absent and only three members were present, there was no quorum, so no official action was taken. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ASP: Helena-West Helena mayor arrested for not paying taxes Had he resigned the City Council would have authority, but because he was removed, the Governor is going to appoint someone to serve as the Mayor, and so thats how the remainder of the term will be carried out is through an appointment or order from Governor Huckabee Sanders, said Andre Valley, Helena-West Helena City Attorney. Its sad that we have to change mayors, but he has no one to blame but himself; he caused his own problem not paying his taxes, said Joe St. Columbia, Sr., HWH Ward 2 Position 1. Councilman Joe St. Columbia. Sr. missed the Tuesday meeting for personal reasons, but said he feels things are moving as well as can be expected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I went to City Hall this morning and everything looked real nice. All the departments are functioning. I saw a lot of activity the grass cutting going on, various things happening, the services of the City are moving as normal, said Councilman Columbia, Sr. Im optimistic about things. Im sure the Governors going to appoint someone who can manage things for us, and I will work a hundred percent with that person, said Councilman Columbia Sr. During the interim, Valley said there will be no hiring or firing, and the city will be concerned with getting operations and finances in order. Councilman Don Etherly will preside over council meetings, while day-to-day administrative duties will be handled by the city clerk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. KABUL, July 2 (Xinhua) -- Police discovered and confiscated more than 5.7 tons of illegal drugs in northern Afghanistan's Takhar province on Wednesday, provincial police spokesman Nizamudin Omir said. Smugglers were attempting to take the contraband -- more than 5.7 tons of opium poppy hidden in two oil tankers -- out of the province, but were identified and intercepted by police. During the inspection, police discovered the drugs and arrested two smugglers, the official further said. This is the second-largest consignment of illegal drugs that has been discovered in Takhar province over the past week. WASHINGTON (AP) Roughly 11.8 million adults and children will be at risk for losing health insurance if Republicans' domestic policy package becomes a law. The losses won't come all at once. The GOP's One Big, Beautiful Bill Act makes changes that will whittle away at enrollment through federal health care programs like Medicaid and Obamacare over a decade in order to wrest nearly $1 trillion from Medicaid, the Affordable Care Act, and the Children's Health Insurance Program. The bill is likely to reverse years of escalating health insurance rates in the U.S., gains that have also been marked by record spending on federally-funded health care coverage. Roughly 78 million adults and children are enrolled in Medicaid's programs while 24 million people are enrolled in the ACA's marketplaces. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Medicaid is a joint federal-state venture that is administered by the states. The program goes by different names in some states, like Medi-Cal in California, BadgerCare in Wisconsin, or MassHealth in Massachusetts. A look at some of the ways in which people may lose health care coverage under the GOP's plan: Medicaid or Obamacare enrollee? Your income and eligibility will be checked closely and more often. Under the GOP's plan, states will need to verify a person's income to check Medicaid eligibility every six months. People who are homeless or transient may miss notices from the government to fill out paperwork more frequently, said Martha Santana-Chin, the CEO of L.A. Care Health Plan, which provides Medicaid for millions of Los Angelenos. They'll lose their coverage if they don't respond. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The life experience of these individuals is not necessarily one that allows them the luxury of having to work through onerous paperwork, Santana-Chin said. When Texas increased income eligibility checks between 2014 and 2019, for example, thousands of kids lost coverage in the state. Critics faulted the frequent checks, too, for the state having the highest rate of uninsured children in the nation at the time. States will also be required to check enrollees addresses and death records more frequently. People enrolled in the ACA's marketplace coverage will also be subject to more scrutiny over their reported income and face penalties if they end up earning more than they expected when signing up for the coverage. They'll have to wait for the government to verify their information, too, before getting coverage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It will be a sharp contrast from employer-based coverage, where people are re-enrolled every year unless they opt out. Is your child enrolled in coverage? States will be allowed to delay kids from enrolling in the Childrens Health Insurance Program in some cases. They will be allowed to temporarily block parents from enrolling their children if they are behind on paying the premiums for the coverage. Those premiums for kids coverage can run as much as $100 a month in some states, according to health policy research firm KFF. States will also be able to introduce a waiting period for kids who are being transitioned from private health insurance plans to Medicaid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Biden administration prohibited states from locking out parents from enrolling their kids in coverage over missed payments or a waiting period when transitioning from private health insurance. Are you an immigrant? Getting coverage may get harder. The bill narrows the definition of who qualifies for lower Obamacare, restricting access for thousands of refugees and asylum seekers who come to the U.S. every year. States that offer Medicaid coverage to cover immigrants who may not be here legally will also receive less money from the federal government. Several states allow immigrants to enroll in Medicaid, paid for only using state tax dollars. But the bill threatens that coverage by lowering the rate the federal government pays for all legal residents from 90% to 80%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That will lead some states to drop their program for immigrants entirely rather than lose federal funding. Already, California has announced a freeze on any new enrollment for the state funded Medi-Cal for all immigrants. Illinois, meanwhile, halted its program this month. Able-bodied? Youll have to work, volunteer or go to school. Most coverage losses are expected to come from the GOP's proposed work requirement. People aged 19 through 64 will be required to work, volunteer or go to school for 80 hours per month in order to qualify for Medicaid under the new law. They'll be exempt if they're disabled, pregnant or parent a child who is 14 or younger. Ultimately, some people will decide they don't want to work and don't need the coverage, said Michael F. Cannon, director of health policy studies at the libertarian think tank Cato Institute. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It can encourage people who dont value Medicaid coverage not to sign up for it, Cannon said. And that saves the government money. Most Medicaid enrollees already work, attend school, have a disability or are caregivers, which should exempt them from the requirement. Only about 8% of enrollees report not working or being unable to find work. In some cases, people will lose coverage even if they're working. They will fall victim to bureaucratic errors, overlooked forms, or trouble getting all of the documents like proof of employment and tax forms together to prove to the government that they're working. Verifying work will be especially difficult for people who don't have access to the internet, a computer or phones. That's how some people lost coverage in Arkansas, which tried to enact work requirements in 2018. Roughly 18,000 people were pushed off Medicaid within seven months. A federal judge later blocked the requirement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Enrolled in both Medicare and Medicaid? It will be harder to apply Millions of people qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid, often because of a disability. The GOP bill will roll back requirements of the ways the Biden administration streamlined enrollment for those people, including a rule that required states to automatically enroll people into coverage if they qualify for supplemental income because of a disability. By rescinding these rules and no longer requiring states to make some of these simplifications, its likely that some people will lose coverage because they get caught up in these paperwork burdens, said Jennifer Tolbert, director of state health policy at KFF. MOUNTAIN VIEW, Ca. (KTAL/KMSS) In the past, if you asked Google, How old was George Washington? it could for sure give you a direct answer. However, if you were to type a general follow-up like, What about Donald Trump? things would get a lot more general. Google Search would not link your second question to be a continuation of the first question about age. Now, that is all changing. With Googles new search upgrades, users are able to easily switch back and forth between standard Google Search and a more conversational AI Mode. Google, the worlds number one search engine according to Statista, has become even stronger with the release of this new addition to its software. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Diving headfirst into the AI assistant world with the launch of Google Gemini, an AI model built in 2023 to compete directly with ChatGPT. Google Gemini provides direct access to Googles vast database and AI models on your device, enabling users to receive help with writing, brainstorming, learning, and more in a way that is more like chatting with a pal. So what is the difference with AI mode? Well, what better way to test Google AI mode directly than to ask it directly, so I did. (Photo by Jaque Silva/NurPhoto via Getty Images) If Gemini was already a chatbot, how is AI mode any different? Gemini is a tool that answers questions about many topics. AI Mode is a feature in Google Search that uses Gemini to assist in finding information online. When using AI Mode in Google Search, it uses Geminis abilities to understand the question, even if it is complex. It then searches the web using query fan-out to find relevant information. This process involves breaking the larger question into smaller ones and searching for each simultaneously. The result is a clear, easy-to-understand answer with links to the original sources, creating a more interactive and helpful search experience. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Essentially, AI Mode brings the conversational follow-up style directly to Google Search, rather than requiring the Gemini app. Its like Google Gemini, got new fancy shoes that help it run faster and go more places, instead of being limited to the house. According to the Google Search blog page, AI Mode uses Gemini 2.5s advanced reasoning, thinking, and multimodal capabilities to help with even your toughest questionsAsk your question all in one go, with all the details you care about. AI Mode does the heavy lifting, intelligently organizing information with simple breakdowns and helpful links to explore more on the web. Now that we know what it is, what more can it do? Shopping The new AI Mode shopping experience brings together Gemini capabilities combined with a Shopping Graph to help you browse for inspiration, think through considerations and narrow down products. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Say you tell AI Mode youre looking for a cute travel bag. It understands that youre looking for visual inspiration and so it will show you a beautiful, browsable panel of images and product listings personalized to your tastes. The Shopping Graph has more than 50 billion product listings, from global retailers to smaller local shops, each with details like reviews, prices, color options and availability, refreshing 2 billion of the products every hour. Is it safe? Google list its AI Principles and safety policies that are implemented across its products. It also adds new protections to account for Geminis capabilities as technology advances. A Google Gemini blog shares that at each stage of development, Google considers potential risks and works to test and prevent them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They also build dedicated safety classifiers to identify and sort out content involving violence or negative stereotypes. Combined with robust filters, this stacked approach is designed to make Gemini safer and more inclusive for everyone. This is all in addition to addressing the known challenges the models may struggle with, like factuality, attribution and corroboration. They firmly state, Responsibility and safety will always be central to the development and deployment of our models. How can I access it? Google AI Mode has officially launched. You can find it by visiting www.google.com/aimode or you can access it directly from Google Search by clicking the AI Mode button in the top left, next to All. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTALnews.com. NORTH CAROLINA (QUEEN CITY NEWS) Elisa Baker, the woman at the center of a child murder case that once made national headlines, has officially been transferred from a North Carolina state prison to a federal facility, officials confirmed with Queen City News. Baker was moved on Wednesday morning, July 2, from Anson Correctional Institution in Polkton to begin serving a federal sentence related to a prescription drug conspiracy. She had been serving an 18-year state sentence for the second-degree murder of her 10-year-old stepdaughter, Zahra Baker. Federal Charges: Conspiracy with intent to distribute prescription drugs Her federal sentence stems from a 2013 conviction for conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, including oxycodone, hydrocodone, and alprazolam. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Western District of North Carolina, Baker distributed tens of thousands of pills across the state between 2006 and 2010, maintaining homes in Granite Falls, Hudson, and Hickory as part of the illegal operation. Court records show Baker got the pills using multiple prescriptions and other sources in Catawba County. She pleaded guilty in 2012 and was sentenced in 2013. At the time, the judge ruled that her federal sentence would begin only after completing her time for Zahras murder. State Charges: Second-degree murder Bakers name became widely known in 2010 following the disappearance and death of her 10-year-old stepdaughter, Zahra. As FOX News reported at that time, Zahras dismembered remains were found scattered across multiple sites in Catawba and Caldwell counties. The little girl was reportedly a bone cancer survivor who wore a prosthetic leg and used hearing aids. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to FOX News, Baker pleaded guilty in 2011 to second-degree murder, obstruction of justice, and unrelated charges in connection with Zahras death. The girl had reportedly moved to North Carolina from Australia after her father met Elisa online and brought her to the U.S. Zahras death was ruled as the result of undetermined homicidal violence, and investigators never fully explained the circumstances surrounding how she died, multiple outlets reported. Now that Bakers transfer is complete, she will serve her 10-year federal sentence without the possibility of early release. Once her federal time is served, she will also face three years of court supervision, as outlined in the original 2013 sentencing. Elisa Baker, center, is escorted from the federal courthouse in Charlotte, N.C., Thursday, May 26, 2011 after an appearance on charges of trafficking prescription medications. Prosecutors say Baker, 43, distributed and planned to distribute drugs including oxycodone and hydrocodone between 2006 and last October. Baker is also charged in the death of her step-daughter, Zahra Baker. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton) Elisa Baker, center, is helped from a van by U.S. Marshals as she arrives at the federal courthouse for a hearing in Charlotte, N.C. Thursday, Jan. 5, 2012. Baker is charged with distributing painkillers including oxycodone and anti-anxiety drugs in Catawba and Caldwell counties over four years. The charges could carry penalties of more than 100 years in prison and $4 million in fines. Baker pleaded guilty to the murder of her disabled 10-year-old stepdaughter, Zahra Baker, last year. Her trial on the drug charges is scheduled to start on Monday, Jan. 9. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton) Elisa Baker arrives at the federal courthouse for a hearing on federal drug charges, in Charlotte, N.C., Thursday, Jan. 5, 2012. Baker is charged with distributing painkillers including oxycodone and anti-anxiety drugs in Catawba and Caldwell counties over four years. The charges could carry penalties of more than 100 years in prison and $4 million in fines. Baker pleaded guilty to the murder of her disabled 10-year-old stepdaughter, Zahra Baker, last year. Her trial on the drug charges is scheduled to start on Monday, Jan. 9. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton) MORE FROM QCNEWS.COM Crime & Public Safety Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. A hiker is dead after being hit by an uprooted tree in Ohio on Tuesday. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] This happened in Hocking Hills at Conkles Hollow State Nature Preserve in the Lower Rim Trail in Hocking County, according to our news partner, WBNS-TV, in Columbus. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Hocking County Coroners Office told WBNS that a person died when an uprooted tree fell and hit them. That persons identity has not yet been released. The incident is being investigated by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, WBNS says. The death came after flooding had been reported throughout Ohio, especially in Hocking County. Hocking Hills State Park said on its social media page that all trails are back open. Be advised of partial flooding on some trails. It is important to stay on (the) trail at all times. Use your best judgment while hiking, they said on their Facebook page. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] That deep-bass rumble you may have been hearing since June 24 is the sound of heads exploding on Wall Street and in certain Democratic Party smoke-filled rooms, provoked by the victory of self-described "Democratic socialist" Zohran Mamdani in New York City's Democratic primary for mayor. Here's my personal response to the handwringers over Mamdani's convincing win: Now you know what some of us have been living through. To be precise, they're reacting to the sudden inversion of a political world they thought they had in hand; it resembles the feeling we've felt as Donald Trump runs rampant over political norms that have been in place since the 1930s, or longer. It's officially hot commie summer. Billionaire Daniel Loeb expresses horror at Mamdani's election victory Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There's an important distinction between the Mamdani and Trump effects Mamdani's is based on his standing up for the middle- and working class, Trump's on squeezing those people dry. Partisan forces are already mustering to deny Mamdani what has been close to a Democratic birthright since 1945 the New York mayoralty (with the exceptions of Lindsay, Giuliani and Bloomberg). The question is why? History offers some answers. First, a quick look at some of the proposals Mamdani advocated during his campaign. They include a freeze on rents in the city's million rent-stabilized apartments, paired with a commitment to build 200,000 new rent-stabilized apartments over time. Mamdani proposed establishing city-owned grocery stores; that sounds like socialism, all right, but as John Cassidy explained in the New Yorker, Mamdani was talking about a pilot project of five stores, all to be located in "food deserts" low-income neighborhoods that established supermarket firms don't touch. Then there's free bus transportation and free universal child care for families with children 6 weeks to 5 years old. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As for where the money for these initiatives would come from, Mamdani proposes a city wealth tax 2 percentage points on individual incomes over $1 million and said he would ask the state Legislature to increase the state corporate tax. Read more: Hiltzik: Inside the GOP's secret plan to destroy Medicaid With these plans on the table, Mamdani's victory provoked the city's billionaire class and its water carriers to rhetorical paroxysms, including forecasts of economic armageddon for the city. Former Treasury Secretary Lawrence Summers, for example, pronounced himself "profoundly alarmed" by, among other things, Mamdani's "Trotskyite economic policies." Summers didn't explain which policies he meant and what made them "Trotskyite." I asked him for a clarification but haven't received a reply. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What I learned from my professors of post-revolutionary Russian history, however, is that Trotsky advocated a policy known as "permanent revolution," which meant spreading a culture of Marxism from the Soviet Union to other countries; this was a counterweight to Stalin's ideology of "socialism in one country," which was Stalin's way of chickening out on conflict with countries outside the USSR. In any case, the debate was settled in Stalin's favor, not through reasoned debate but via an ice ax buried in Trotsky's skull by an assassin in 1940. Anyway, the debate was over politics much more than economics. The coalescing of the anti-Mamdani forces, especially the alliance between billionaires and machine Democrats, bears curious similarities to the attacks on another self-professed socialist running for public office as a Democrat. He was Upton Sinclair, who ran for governor of California in 1934 on a platform he called "EPIC," for "End Poverty in California." Sinclair had become world-famous with the publication of "The Jungle," his bestselling expose of the meatpacking industry in 1906, when he was 26. He followed up with a series of investigative novels about the coal and oil industries and the Sacco and Vanzetti case, as well as militant tracts on religion, the newspaper industry, finance and education. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Hiltzik: Trump's move to kill federal consumer watchdog will protect Big Business but cost consumers billions He moved to Southern California in the 1920s and twice ran unsuccessfully for the state Legislature as a Socialist. He came out of political retirement in 1934 in part because the long-running GOP domination of California politics looked to have run out its string the colorless Republican governor, Frank Merriam, was detested for upholding a sales tax that overburdened the middle class and vetoing an income tax, thereby leaving the upper classes in full possession of their wealth. Meanwhile, the Democrats had been left in disarray by their years in the wilderness. In the primary, Sinclair was opposed by seven challengers. But he was unique among the Democrats in speaking directly to the disaffected and dispossessed middle class. These voters gravitated to Sinclair by default, observed Carey McWilliams, that indefatigable chronicler of California politics. Sinclair announced, in a campaign book titled "I, Governor of California and How I Ended Poverty A True Story of the Future," proposals that included replacing the sales tax with a progressive income tax and estate tax, and providing a state pension for seniors and the needy of $50 a month. I say positively and without qualification we can end poverty in California I will put the job through, and it wont take more than one or two of my four years, he wrote in the book. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The similarities to the present-day Democratic Party are inescapable. Despite their narrow loss to Trump in the 2024 election, the Democrats, with their sclerotic leadership, appear to have little clue about how to regain voters' favor. Mamdani's main rival in the primary was former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who had resigned that office amid a miasma of sexual harassment accusations. Mamdani's victory was so complete that Cuomo conceded before all the ballots were counted. Cuomo says he will stay in the race until the general election in November. The Times, among other newspapers, lampooned Upton Sinclair's "EPIC" gubernatorial campaign in 1934 (Los Angeles Times) Sinclair's primary victory unleashed an immediate backlash from establishment Democrats, who made common cause with Republicans and industrialists. Californias movie industry, which was led by some of the states most reactionary businessmen, produced newsreels and still photographs depicting tramps and hobos surging over the state line to partake of EPICs generous pensions, much of the documentation drawn from feature films then in production. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Hiltzik: The richest Americans finished paying their Social Security taxes last week. Most of us will pay all year The daily newspapers, including the rock-ribbed conservative Los Angeles Times, lampooned Sinclair mercilessly. It was soon lost on nobody that his proposals, popular as they were, did not pencil out fiscally. Sinclair lost the 1934 election. Merriam was reelected with a 49% plurality. Sinclair returned home to Pasadena to write his campaign memoir, which he mordantly entitled "I, Candidate for Governor And How I Got Licked." But he took solace in the fact that Merriam actually implemented some of his proposals, including replacing the sales tax with an income tax. A similar wave may be building against Mamdani, a native of Uganda who became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 2018. (Trump has questioned whether Mamdani is a legal resident.) Establishment Democrats have seized on his appeals for fair treatment of Palestinians in Gaza and throughout the Middle East as though he is promoting antisemitism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, who represented an upstate New York district in Congress before moving to the Senate, accused him of having made references to "global jihad" and called on him to denounce the phrase "globalize the intifada." In fact, he never used either phrase. She later apologized for "mischaracterizing Mamdani's record." Democratic Rep. Laura Gillen, who represents a suburban Long Island district, accused him falsely of calling for "violence against Jewish people." Neither of the two Democratic leaders in Congress, Sen. Chuck Schumer and Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, has endorsed Mamdani even in the wake of his primary victory. Read more: Hiltzik: Trump's glorification of the 1890s in America displays his dangerous ignorance of economics and history Mamdani said, in a June 29 interview on NBC's "Meet the Press" during which anchor Kristen Welker pressed him to condemn the phrase "globalize the intifada," that "that is not the language I would use." He talked of his "belief in universal human rights.... That includes the belief that freedom and justice and safety are things that, to have meaning, have to be applied to all people, and that includes Israelis and Palestinians alike." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among the differences between Sinclair and Mamdani as Mark Twain is said to have observed, history doesn't always repeat itself but it does rhyme Mamdani can make a plausible case for covering the costs of his proposals through a wealth tax. His chief obstacle may be politics, chiefly the state Legislature's resistance to the many proposals that require its assent. Given that money is the mother's milk of American politics, the greater threat to Mamdani's candidacy may come from Wall Street's denizens. "It's officially hot commie summer," billionaire hedge fund manager Daniel Loeb tweeted the day after the primary. Others predicted that Mamdani's election would drive wealthy people out of New York. Real estate executive Danny Fishman told the Wall Street Journal that Mamdani's mayoralty would be the death penalty for the city. And it would be the best thing to happen to Miami and Palm Beach since Covid. Yet others question whether anything like a Mamdani mayoralty would really provoke millionaires and billionaires to decamp. High-rise New York apartments have acquired totemic significance for the superrich. Residences in Florida can't approach the bragging rights endowed by co-ops in the Manhattan clouds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mamdani's overwhelming victory should give smart Democrats a road map to the way forward in the 2026 midterms and the 2028 presidential election. Plainly, he spoke to a deep-seated desire by voters for an escape from a domestic oligarchy's domination of politics. "Taken together," 31 economists wrote in an open letter supporting his candidacy, "Mamdanis responsibly costed economic policies form a coherent agenda that rejects austerity and embraces the citys power to make life more affordable for New Yorkers." As Republicans in Congress move ahead with a budget plan that will raise prices for ordinary Americans on healthcare, housing, child care, and so many other aspects of daily life, is that really a message that Democrats can afford to ignore? Get the latest from Michael Hiltzik Commentary on economics and more from a Pulitzer Prize winner. Sign me up. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. The mayor of Hiroshima has invited President Donald Trump to visit the city after his comments comparing the atomic bombing of 1945 to his own decision to strike Irans nuclear facilities. The nuclear bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945 preceded the end of the Second World War, with the U.S. and its allies defeating Japan. As he attended the NATO summit in the Netherlands last week, Trump compared the American strikes on Iran to the nuclear attack on Japan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That hit ended the war. I dont want to use an example of Hiroshima, I dont want to use an example of Nagasaki, but that was essentially the same thing, said Trump. That ended that war and this ended this war, he added. President Donald Trump faced pushback from the mayor of Hiroshima after comparing his Iran strikes to the nuclear blasts of 1945 (Getty) Trumps comments incited an angry backlash in Japan, with Hiroshimas city assembly passing a resolution condemning statements that justify the use of atomic bombs. Survivors also held a small protest at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial. The mayor of the city, Kazumi Matsui, has pushed for nuclear disarmament for years. It seems to me that he does not fully understand the reality of the atomic bombings, which, if used, take the lives of many innocent citizens, regardless of whether they were friend or foe, and threaten the survival of the human race, he told reporters on Wednesday, according to The Japan Times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I wish that President Trump would visit the bombed area to see the reality of the atomic bombing and feel the spirit of Hiroshima, and then make statements, Matsui added. About 140,000 people died in Hiroshima and 74,000 in Nagasaki from the bombings and the effects of radiation. Last month, Tulsi Gabbard, the director of national intelligence, issued a warning against the use of nuclear weapons after visiting Hiroshima. I recently visited Hiroshima in Japan and stood at the epicenter of a city that remains scarred by the unimaginable horror caused by a single nuclear bomb dropped in 1945, 80 years ago, she said in a video shared on social media. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its hard for me to find the words to express what I saw, the stories that I heard, the haunting sadness that still remains. This is an experience that will stay with me forever, she added. Gabbard faced criticism from Trump after saying that Iran wasnt building a nuclear weapon ahead of the U.S. strikes. She subsequently said that Iran would be able to build a weapon within weeks. In October last year, the Japanese anti-nuclear weapon group Nihon Hidayanko was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. The group consists of survivors from the bombings. The Norwegian Nobel Committee said at the time that the group was given the award for its efforts to achieve a world free of nuclear weapons and for demonstrating, through witness testimony, that nuclear weapons must never be used again. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nuclear weapons are yet again a source of unease across the world amid conflicts in the Middle East and between Ukraine and Russia, one of the worlds foremost nuclear powers. "The nuclear powers are modernizing and upgrading their arsenals; new countries appear to be preparing to acquire nuclear weapons; and threats are being made to use nuclear weapons in ongoing warfare," the committee said in October. "At this moment in human history, it is worth reminding ourselves what nuclear weapons are: the most destructive weapons the world has ever seen." A Hispanic heritage flag could hang in Milwaukee city buildings and facilities every year during Hispanic Heritage Month under a proposal that got the backing of a Common Council committee. The move comes amidst a flurry of flag-related debates related to the city's official flag. This proposed flag for Milwaukee would be called Avanzando Hispanic Heritage Flag. In 2022, Common Council approved a resolution to officially recognize Hispanic Heritage month from Sept. 15- Oct. 15, but the city has never flown a flag like it does, for example, during pride month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Avanzando is an employee resource group for the City of Milwaukee that focuses on the advancement of the Hispanic/Latinx community. Rendering from the legislation of the new Hispanic heritage month flag that will fly from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. In Spanish, Avanzado means moving forward, which is what the resource group is looking to achieve with the installment. "Our city is a special melting pot of different cultures which make up a rich fabric that distinguishes the City of Milwaukee from many others in the state of Wisconsin," Jessica Sanchez, Chair of Avanzando said at the July 2 meeting of the Public Works Committee. The design rendering includes over 20 flags for countries that represent Latino culture. They hope the flag is a symbol for "unity, pride, resilience, strength and achievements." This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee committee approves 'Avanzando Hispanic Heritage Flag' PIPESTEM, WV (WVNS) Hinton native Earl Halloran will be honored at a ceremony in McKeever Lodge at Pipestem Resort Resort State Park on Saturday, July 5, 2025, at 3 p.m. Scott Hill is the activities coordinator at Pipestem Resort State Park. He explained Halloran was one of the first pilots in World War One. For that time period, Hill equated piloting any kind of aircraft to being an astronaut or working for NASA in the 1960s. Devil Anse Hatfield inducted into the West Virginia Hall of Fame, with his great grandson in attendance Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This induction means a lot to this hall of fame, as part of the park is set in Summers County, where Halloran was from. We have a lot of childrens groups and student groups [come through]. It is great to be able to point to him and say, Hey, he is from where you are not sort of is from where you are right here in Hinton. It is really good to have those real close folks [in our Hall of Fame]. We have a couple of them that are really close, said Hill. Halloran did a lot for the flight community in West Virginia forming the Hinton Aero Club, barnstorming across the state, and much more. He also established a bus line and car dealership in Hinton. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Halloran has passed away, but his family will be at the lodge to commemorate his big day at Pipestem. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. (PUEBLO COUNTY, Colo.) A historic schoolhouse in Pueblo County has been revitalized and returned to its trademark red color thanks to the efforts of one dedicated Pueblo County School District 70 (D70) alumnus. Built in 1876 and originally known as River View School, the North Mesa Little Red Schoolhouse became a part of the North Mesa Elementary School campus, though it was in desperate need of a facelift. Moved by the sight of the schoolhouses fading exterior, Brad Ward, a local painter and proud D70 alum, stepped in to restore the historic building. With the help of his employees Sean Kingston and Mike Sullivan, and paint donated by Sherwin-Williams, the schoolhouse has been lovingly returned to its iconic bright red color, just in time for the 202526 school year. Ward, whose children and grandchildren have all attended school in the building, said the project was deeply personal. Courtesy: Pueblo County School District 70 Courtesy: Pueblo County School District 70 Courtesy: Pueblo County School District 70 Courtesy: Pueblo County School District 70 I am grateful to be able to do what I do and love because the Lord has provided for me, Ward shared. Im grateful to be able to give something back to the community that has been so good to me. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although nearly 150 years old, the Little Red Schoolhouse continues to serve as an educational space for students at North Mesa Elementary, making its preservation even more meaningful. This project has brought renewed energy to our campus and the entire Mesa, said D70 spokesperson, Lynnette Bonfiglio. Brad Wards act of service speaks volumes about the kind of people who call our district home. This project is more than a restoration, it reflects the heart of our community and is a reminder of our legacy schools are not simply buildings, but cornerstones of memory and tradition. Thanks to Brad Wards generosity and love for this school, the Little Red Schoolhouse shines once again. His gift honors the past while inspiring pride for the future. We are deeply grateful. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Leaders We Deserve, a political group founded by David Hogg and Kevin Lata, announced Wednesday it would support Gen Z influencer Deja Foxx, whos running to succeed the late Rep. Raul Grijalva (D-Ariz.). A special election to fill the remainder of his term is set for September, with a primary on July 15. Deja Foxx has been holding Republicans and career politicians feet to the fire since she was 15 years old. Shes an organizer who has carved her own path after experiencing homelessness and working at a gas station and she is ready to fight for [Tucson], her hometown, Hogg said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hogg noted, too, that she stood up to Arizonas former Republican Senator Jeff Flake referring to an exchange she had with Flake when she was 16 years old that later went viral in which she pressed him on reproductive care access. Deja knows people like her havent been seen in politics, and she has translated her story to represent a new vision of generational change that speaks truth to Trumps cruel policies, he added. Foxx, in her statement, said she was excited to work with the group as she faces a crowded primary field for the Democratic nod for Arizonas 7th Congressional District. Im proud to be in this fight with Leaders We Deserve, an organization that understands the power of young people to transform politics and fight for communities that have been left out, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Foxx is running to finish out the remainder of Grijalvas term in the House; Grijalva died in March at the age of 77 over complications of his cancer treatments. The late lawmakers daughter, former Pima County Supervisor Adelita Grijalva, is also running in the Democratic primary, in addition to businessman Patrick Harris Sr.; former state Rep. Daniel Hernandez, who helped save former Rep. Gabby Giffordss (D-Ariz.) life after the 2011 Tucson-area shooting; and doctoral student Jose Malvido Jr. Adelita Grijalva has received endorsements from top Democrats in the Grand Canyon State and beyond, including Sens. Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego, progressive Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.). Hernandez has received endorsements from a mix of former and current Arizona legislators, the Teamsters and several U.S. House members, among others. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The special election to fill the seat will be Sept. 23; given the districts reliably blue leanings, whoever wins the July primary will be the heavy favorite to win in the fall. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Jerry Bruckheimer has revealed plans for a sequel to Crimson Tide. Jerry Bruckheimer has revealed plans for a sequel to Crimson Tide It comes 30 years after the submarine thriller debuted in cinemas. Speaking this week, the 80-year-old Hollywood producer was quoted by Variety saying: We have a really good director and writer talking to the navy right now about whats going on under the water. Jerry made the comments during an appearance on The Rich Eisen Show, where he discussed the legacy of the original 1995 film and his hopes for a follow-up. Crimson Tide, directed by Tony Scott and written by Michael Schiffer, followed a tense stand-off between a commanding officer and his executive officer on a US nuclear submarine. Denzel Washington, now 69, starred opposite Gene Hackman, who died in February aged 95. Jerry said Denzel may return to reprise his role, depending on the quality of the screenplay. If we give him a good script, I think hed do it, he said. A source close to Washington confirmed to Variety any involvement would be script-dependent and no final screenplay currently exists. If Denzel does sign on, he will need a new co-star. Genes death earlier this year rules out a return for his character, Captain Frank Ramsey. Other key figures from the original production, including director Tony Scott and writer Robert Towne, have also passed away. Jerry paid tribute to their contributions, saying: We had Tony Scott, a phenomenal director. We had Quentin Tarantino and Robert Towne, two of the greatest writers and directors, writing on that movie I dont know if Ill ever replicate that kind of writing for a film. Although Michael Schiffer was the credited screenwriter for Crimson Tide, the script underwent numerous rewrites during development. At various stages, stars such as Warren Beatty, Al Pacino, Tommy Lee Jones and Brad Pitt were considered for lead roles before Denzel and Gene were cast. Jerry, who appeared on the show to promote F1, starring Brad Pitt and directed by Joseph Kosinski, is no stranger to long-gestating sequels. He referenced the 36-year wait between Top Gun and Top Gun: Maverick, which he also produced alongside Tom Cruise. And he confirmed a third instalment is in active development, saying: I cant talk about (the story) yet, but its a real good one. A spokesperson for Disney, the studio behind Crimson Tide, declined to comment on the proposed sequel. WUHAN, July 2 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing has called for efforts to empower the manufacturing sector with science and technology, accelerate industrial innovation, and continue to promote the high-quality development of the manufacturing industry. Zhang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks during an inspection tour in central China's Hubei Province from Tuesday to Wednesday. He urged efforts to advance new industrialization and promote the high-end, intelligent, and green development of the manufacturing industry. The deep integration of technological innovation and industrial innovation should be vigorously promoted, and the in-depth integration of the digital economy with the real economy should be further advanced, he said. Efforts are needed to focus on smart manufacturing and accelerate the cultivation of vertical models in various industries, so as to transform artificial intelligence into new quality productive forces through its wide application in the manufacturing sector, Zhang said. Recently, some regions in China have been hit by heavy rain. The vice premier stressed that top priority should always be given to ensuring people's lives and safety and minimizing casualties. SPRINGFIELD A Holland man has been indicted in Hampden Superior Court for murder in connection with the death of Austin Schepper, a Sturbridge man who was reported missing three weeks before his body was found off Union Road. Jonathan Poirier, 30, was arrested previously and charged with murder after his arrest in March. On June 25, he was indicted by a grand jury on one count of first-degree murder, one count of armed robbery with a firearm, two counts of conspiracy to commit trafficking in firearms, one count of larceny of $1,200 or less, one count of larceny over $1,200, one count of unlawful possession of ammunition without FID card, and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police records reveal fresh details about the investigation into Scheppers death, including that two suspects siphoned $2,500 from his bank account after he went missing. Court documents show his mother called Sturbridge police on Feb. 15 when her 29-year-old son, who was autistic, had not been seen or heard from in four days. Police scrutinized Scheppers financial information and discovered withdrawals were made from his account over five days after he vanished. These charges were captured at various locations to include a Cumberland Farms at 3 Main Street, Brimfield, the Southbridge Credit Union at 179 Main Street in Southbridge, and the Walmart Superstore at 100 Charlton Road, Sturbridge. These locations had active surveillance or ATM cameras, which captured the user of Austin Scheppers debit card, a police report reads. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Using the surveillance footage, investigators tracked the cars two men were driving as they made withdrawals. The police report adds that investigators recovered Scheppers car in a grocery store parking lot in Sturbridge on Feb. 16. Surveillance footage from the supermarket revealed that a darkly clothed individual parked Austins vehicle at the supermarket on February 11, 2025, and walked East toward Southbridge center. The male party did not return for the vehicle, a police narrative reads. The withdrawals occurred between Feb. 12 and 17, police said. Poirier was soon identified by a witness as the man who made the cash withdrawals, according to court documents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When police downloaded information from Poiriers cellphone, they discovered he was attempting to sell guns, despite that his license to own a handgun was revoked after a domestic violence incident. In a statement, Hampden District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni voiced his commitment to the Scheppers. We stand with the family and community of Holland, as we continue to mourn the loss of Austin Schepper. Now, our attention turns to this case and seeking justice for the victim and his loved ones. I appreciate the efforts of the investigators, with whom we will continue to collaborate through the prosecution of this case, he said. Poirier has been held without the right to bail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The investigation remains ongoing by the Hampden District Attorneys Office in conjunction with the State Police Detective Unit assigned to the Worcester District Attorneys Office, and Sturbridge and Holland Police departments. Read the original article on MassLive. The Holy Cross and Blessed Sacrament parishes in Olyphant and Throop consolidated into one Tuesday, taking on a new identity and becoming one of the first Roman Catholic churches worldwide to name itself after the soon-to-be first millennial saint. The two long-linked Midvalley parishes embarked on the consolidation process one year ago, culminating midnight Tuesday when they became the Blessed Carlo Acutis Parish. It will be renamed the St. Carlo Acutis Parish in September when the late Italian teen is canonized by Pope Leo XIV and officially becomes a saint, said the Rev. Scott P. Sterowski, pastor of the consolidated parish that encompasses 2,200 families. We are probably one of the first parishes in the world to be named after Carlo Acutis, Sterowski said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the Catholic News Service, Acutis was born in 1991 and raised in Milan, where he used his technology skills to evangelize, and he was recognized for his joyful faith and compassion for others until his death from leukemia at 15 years old. * The Rev. Scott P. Sterowski, pastor of the newly consolidated Blessed Carlo Acutis Parish, poses for a photo outside St. Patricks Church, 200 Delaware Ave., Olyphant on Tuesday morning. (CHAD SEBRING/STAFF PHOTO) * Blessed Sacrament Parish, 215 Rebecca St., Throop. (CHAD SEBRING/STAFF PHOTO) Show Caption 1 of 2 The Rev. Scott P. Sterowski, pastor of the newly consolidated Blessed Carlo Acutis Parish, poses for a photo outside St. Patricks Church, 200 Delaware Ave., Olyphant on Tuesday morning. (CHAD SEBRING/STAFF PHOTO) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Expand Acutis had used his computer prowess to create an online exhibit about more than 100 Eucharistic miracles recognized by the church over centuries, the Associated Press reported. Acutis was named venerable in 2018 after the church recognized his virtuous life; he was declared blessed in 2020 after the Vatican dicastery that studies sainthood recognized a miraculous healing through Acutis intercession when a child in Brazil recovered in a scientifically inexplainable manner; and the church paved the way to his sainthood last year when it attributed a second miracle to him the complete healing of a Costa Rican student in Italy from major head trauma in a bicycle accident after her mother prayed at Acutis tomb, according to the AP. The late teen was initially set to become canonized as a saint April 27, but the death of Pope Francis postponed those plans. Pope Leo will now canonize Acutis on Sept. 7. Naming the parish after Acutis represents vibrancy and life in his church, Sterowski said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It speaks of a modern day witness to the faith that inspires not only young people, but people of all ages, he said. The former Holy Cross Parish and its St. Patrick Church, 200 Delaware Ave., Olyphant, and the former Blessed Sacrament Parish and its St. Anthony of Padua Church, 215 Rebecca St., Throop, first linked in 2010, Sterowski said. Under a linkage, parishes remain independent but share a pastor; a consolidation occurs when parishes unite into one under a decree by the bishop. The consolidation process began around June 2024 when Sterowski was instructed by the Diocese of Scranton to organize a parish council that would look at the future of the parish within the context of the present reality of where we were at that point, Sterowski said. Through dialogue, through moving forward, looking at our parishes realistically, it was recommended that the two parishes in Olyphant and Throop be consolidated into one new parish community, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As part of the consolidation, parishioners suggested names for their new parish, with the top three selections submitted to the Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, bishop of Scranton, who chose to name the consolidated parish after Acutis, Sterowski said. I was deeply moved to see that one of the top choices was Carlo Acutis, Bambera said in a statement Tuesday. His life and witness are already inspiring a new generation of Catholics, especially our young people. Bambera said the consolidated parishes have a combined 217 children in K-8 religious education and 79 more attending nearby Catholic schools. So this new parish is already full of young hearts eager to learn and live their faith, he said. Naming this parish after Carlo Acutis soon to be canonized as the Churchs first millennial saint will not only connect this vibrant local church to the universal Church but will help its parishioners look to the future with hope, joy, and a missionary focus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The consolidation is part of the dioceses Vision 2030 Pastoral Planning Process that reflects an opportunity for two wonderful communities to come together more closely in prayer, fellowship, and shared mission as one family of faith, the bishop said. The Vision 2030 process originally Vision 2020 addresses the changing realities of the Catholic church in Northeast Pennsylvania across the 11-county diocese. Launched in January 2022, Vision 2030 revised the Vision 2020 plan and called for linkages and consolidations throughout the diocese. Vision 2030 attributes the restructurings to significant challenges faced by the diocese due to changing demographics, including fewer parishioners supporting the mission of the church, financial challenges and parish infrastructure needs, and diminishing numbers of ordained priests as retiring priests outpace incoming ones. The new parish is not the first time parishioners in Olyphant and Throop experienced consolidation. The former Holy Cross Parish came from the consolidations of the Holy Ghost, St. Michael the Archangel and St. Patrick parishes in 2010, according to the parishs website. Likewise, Blessed Sacrament formed from the St. Anthony, St. Bridget and St. John the Baptist parishes in 2009. The latter also considers the former St. Mary Parish as part of its heritage, which closed in 1997. Those consolidations came from then-Bishop Joseph F. Martinos Called to Holiness and Mission plan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sterowski previously oversaw the consolidation of multiple Scranton churches that led to the formation of St. Paul of the Cross Parish in South Scranton, which later consolidated with the St. John Neumann Parish in November 2023 to form St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish. That experience gave Sterowski a deeper understanding and sensitivity regarding how people feel about the process, he said, explaining he was cognizant of parishioners feelings of having to let go of certain things that, for them, were very important and sacred in their lives, he said. Change is not easy in any shape or form, he said. While the consolidation process at some parishes has included selling off church property, Sterowski said his parish only has its two churches and their rectories, with other churches, buildings and convents already sold under previous pastors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The only new impact from the consolidation is one less weekend Mass in Throop, he said. Looking ahead, he said his parish plans to hold a mix of family-centered and liturgical-centered special events to celebrate Acutis canonization in September. Blessed Carlo Acutis speaks to our modern age that holiness is possible at any age, and his life, his source of holiness, was a life centered upon the Eucharist, upon devotion to Mary and a life of prayer that prompted him to reach out to the poor, to catechize young people and to live a life of charity and love in the midst of the world, Sterowski said. The Hong Kong government said Wednesday it will propose legislation to recognise a limited set of rights for same-sex couples whose marriages are registered abroad, as it seeks to comply with a landmark court ruling. The city's top judges had unanimously defined marriage as "confined to opposite-sex couples" in September 2023. But the same ruling also ordered the government to create an "alternative framework" within two years that recognises same-sex couples' legal rights. In a policy paper published on Wednesday, the Hong Kong government wrote that it "recommends legislation to allow same-sex couples to apply for registration under a newly established registration mechanism". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The proposal is limited to healthcare-related rights -- such as hospital visits, making medical decisions, sharing medical information and organ donation -- and rights related to a deceased person's body. To be eligible, adult couples must have been lawfully married abroad, with at least one person a Hong Kong resident. "There are different views in society regarding the legal recognition of same-sex couples' relationships," the government added. "We must make careful deliberations and... strike a balance, to avoid causing social rifts and affecting social harmony." The 2023 top court ruling was in response to a legal challenge by LGBTQ activist Jimmy Sham, who recently completed his prison sentence over an unrelated national security offence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sham said limiting eligibility to same-sex couples with overseas-registered marriages would create financial and practical hurdles. It "seems not to comply with the principle of equality, and I am doubtful if it complies with the court's ruling", he told AFP. Sham said he did not understand how the government narrowed down to two categories of rights and argued for including more, such as those related to insurance policies and private property that he said would not cost taxpayer dollars. "I hope there will be public hearings in the legislature to accommodate different voices, to show that Hong Kong is actually very diverse," he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement - 'Inherently unfair' - Jerome Yau, co-founder of the advocacy group Hong Kong Marriage Equality, said the eligibility restrictions were "inherently unfair and could lead to further litigation". Yau said his group previously submitted views to the government but he was not aware of any public consultation on the issue. Lawmakers will discuss the issue on Thursday, Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Erick Tsang told journalists, according to local newspaper Ming Pao. He declined to specify a target date for passing the bill. Hong Kong reformed its legislature in 2021 so that only those loyal to Beijing can hold office, ousting pro-democracy lawmakers en masse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Members of the pro-Beijing camp have spoken out against legal recognition of same-sex couples' rights, insisting that Hong Kong society only tolerates marriage between a man and a woman. Pro-Beijing lawmaker Priscilla Leung wrote on Facebook on Wednesday that the proposal will "open a Pandora's box and cause endless disputes in society". But support for same-sex marriage in Hong Kong has grown over the past decade and hit 60 percent in 2023, according to a survey conducted jointly by three universities. Last year, LGBTQ rights activists notched another legal victory with the top court affirming housing and inheritance rights for same-sex couples. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wednesday's policy document does not mention rights related to housing, inheritance or taxes. More than 30 countries around the world have legalised marriage equality since the Netherlands became the first to do so in 2001. China is not among them, nor does it have specific laws prohibiting discrimination against LGBTQ people. hol/rsc HONG KONG (AP) Hong Kongs government on Wednesday proposed a registration system that would recognize same-sex partnerships formed overseas, granting such couples more rights in the city. In a document submitted to the legislature, the Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau said the proposed system would allow registration for same-sex adult couples who have married, formed civil partnerships or civil unions overseas, provided these relationships were legally recognized in those jurisdictions and one of them is a Hong Kong resident. After the registration, the couples would have rights including the ability to participate in medical decisions for their loved ones, provided consent is given. For mentally incapacitated adult patients, their partners can take part in the decisions as guardians. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They would also enjoy the right to handle after-death matters for their partners, including claiming the bodies and deciding whether their remains can be used for medical treatment, education or research. Same-sex couples cannot get married or register for civil partnerships in Hong Kong. But authorities recognize same-sex marriages registered abroad for taxation and civil service benefits and other practical reasons, such as dependent visas. Many of the governments concessions were won through legal challenges and the city has seen growing social acceptance toward same-sex marriage in recent years. The government proposal came in response to the top court's landmark ruling in 2023 in favor of a framework for recognizing same-sex couples' rights. The ruling did not grant full marriage rights to same-sex couples but was a partial victory for prominent pro-democracy activist Jimmy Sham, who fought a five-year legal battle over the recognition of same-sex marriages registered overseas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sham, who was sentenced to over four years for his role in an unofficial primary under a Beijing-imposed national security law, was released from prison in May. In an interview with The Associated Press, Sham said heterosexual couples were not required to register their marriages overseas to get the recognition locally and questioned why same-sex couples had to do so. He also suggested that the government allow same-sex couples to enjoy equal prison visiting rights as heterosexual couples. I hope the government will listen to opinions from society and the community, and try to develop a solution that doesnt exceed societys acceptance level, while meeting the expectations of same-sex couples and avoiding legal challenges, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jerome Yau, co-founder of non-governmental organization Hong Kong Marriage Equality, said the government document was very conservative and far from acceptable. He said he failed to see the logic of only making those who are married or have formed partnerships overseas eligible for the measures. We believe that will create an obvious inequality in the sense of local same-sex couples who are not married overseas won't be eligible to register the relationships. I think thats unfair, and potentially that will lead to further litigation, he said, adding that he hoped the bill would come with more details. The government is expected to table a bill in the legislature at a later date. Lawmakers will discuss the document on Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some pro-Beijing legislators have spoken out against granting same-sex couples equal rights, upholding the traditional view that marriage should only be between men and women. The government said its proposals were made after considering the citys actual situation, adding that there are different views over the recognition of same sex partnerships and it would have to strike a balance to avoid dividing society. By Jessie Pang and James Pomfret HONG KONG (Reuters) -The Hong Kong government is proposing to establish a registration system for same-sex couples who are married or registered overseas to receive legal recognition, according to an official document released on Wednesday. The proposal - detailed in a government paper to be discussed in Hong Kong's legislative council on Thursday - comes after Hong Kong's top court in September 2023 partially approved a landmark appeal by an LGBTQ activist for recognition of same-sex marriages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The judges dismissed activist Jimmy Sham's appeal that he had a constitutional right to a same-sex marriage in Hong Kong, but gave the government two years to ensure that rights such as access to hospitals and inheritance could be protected for same-sex couples. Responding to the judgment, the government document proposed the new registration system to essentially allow a same-sex couple's partnership to be legally recognized. It stipulates that both partners must be of the same sex and at least 18 years old, with at least one being a Hong Kong resident. They would have rights related to medical matters concerning their partner, including hospital visits, access to medical information and organ donations, as well as the right to handle a partner's post-death affairs, including applying for a death certificate, claiming the body and arranging funeral matters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Same-sex couples applying for legal recognition under the proposed mechanism must have registered a valid same-sex marriage, civil partnership or civil union overseas. ACTIVIST QUESTIONS EQUALITY In Asia, only a few places including Taiwan, Nepal and Thailand currently allow same-sex unions, as the region's largely conservative values still dominate politics and society. The Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau wrote in the paper that the proposed new system - which requires legislative approval - had taken into account Hong Kong's current social system and traditional values while seeking to avoid social divisions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It is essential to establish appropriate registration requirements under an alternative framework that aligns with practical realities and public expectations, while safeguarding registrants' rights and preventing abuse," the bureau wrote. But Sham, who first challenged the government in court, said the proposal offered a minimal level of protection, especially the stipulation that couples needed to be married abroad. "(This) doesn't seem to meet the conditions of equality in registration," Sham told Reuters. "I doubt it fully complies with what the judge required." (Reporting by Jessie Pang and James Pomfret; Editing by Andrew Heavens, James Pomfret and Jan Harvey) We need to recognize that our youth are struggling. A key piece of solving this problem lies not in seeking justice after incidents have happened, but in prevention through belonging, writes guest columnist Lauren McCroskey. (Getty Images) This column was first published on June 30, 2025, by FaVS News. Today is a day to mourn. Two firefighters responding to a brush fire at Coeur dAlenes Canfield Mountain were shot dead and a third badly injured. Their names and photos were released: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Coeur dAlene Fire Department Battalion Chief John Morrison, 52, who had worked with the department for 28 years Kootenai County Fire Department Battalion Chief Frank Harwood, 42, who had been with the department for 17 years Coeur dAlene Fire Department Engineer David Tysdal, 47, still in critical condition after undergoing two surgeries Coeur dAlene Fire Department Battalion Chief John Morrison, Kootenai County Fire Department Battalion Chief Frank Harwood and Coeur dAlene Fire Department Engineer David Tysdal (Photos courtesy of the Coeur dAlene Fire Departments Facebook page) As the horror unfolded, we learned that the alleged shooter started the fire to draw in the unsuspecting responders and later died of a self-inflicted wound. More troubling is the news that the suspected perpetrator was a 20-year-old male. His name was Wess Roley. We may never know the motives of this individual, but what we do know is that a very young person at the beginning of his life was consumed by rage and went down a dark path. And once again, were pressed with the hard question: Why? This is a screenshot of a picture from Wess Roleys Instagram account, which is no longer up. Photo courtesy of the Kootenai County Sheriffs Office) Within the forests of the Pacific Northwest lurks a generous share of far-right extremists and white nationalists, and North Idaho has drawn the spotlight too many times. Given this history, national media immediately jumped to portray the incident as potential terrorism or perhaps another saga of North Idaho lawlessness and white supremacy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But while extremist voices in the Inland Northwest are spinning this event in ways that are politically-motivated, focus should remain on the perilous journey of this alleged suspects youth and others like him. Before a 20-year-old man lights a fire to execute firefighters, there is a younger boy who was drawn into this violent trajectory. Is it mental illness, family dynamics, bullying or something else? What we do know is that many young people today feel hopeless, neglected and unloved. When young people are lonely and isolated, they become vulnerable to unhealthy alliances in the form of a substitute family that offers a connection they have not found elsewhere. Once absorbed into a group that uses hate and violence to secure loyalty, a young person is more likely to become part of yesterdays headlines. We must be mindful that the sheltered years of the COVID epidemic transformed the lives of young people in unprecedented ways. They were deprived of social time with friends and normal rights-of-passage, such as graduation ceremonies and public acknowledgement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some young adults say they feel disenfranchised, the critical pieces of their growing up years forever lost. Adding to the mix was a slow economic recovery and shifting employment options that created anxieties older adults never had to bear. Social media, while exposing youth to vast amounts of information, can feed isolation and create echo chambers where bullying takes root and fragile self esteem can be toppled with a photo. Our youth are struggling We need to recognize that our youth are struggling. A key piece of solving this problem lies not in seeking justice after incidents have happened, but in prevention through belonging. According to a 2021 study from the Center for the Study of Social Policy, a strong sense of belonging and connectedness is among the most effective protective factors against youth violence and radicalization. The U.S. Surgeon General has similarly identified the epidemic of loneliness as a critical driver of mental health crises and community harm. In short: When young people feel like they belong, they are less likely to cause harm to themselves or our communities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Idaho for ALL, a coalition of citizens working to push back on hate and violence, is a proud partner of the Idaho Healthy Communities Challenge, a statewide initiative in collaboration with Boise State University and the Wassmuth Center for Human Rights. This project aims to prevent youth and young adult violence by addressing root causes, like social isolation, lack of purpose and community disconnection, before the harm is unleashed. This is accomplished by listening to young people, building spaces where they can thrive and supporting the adults who care for them. As we gather for Fourth of July barbecues and fireworks, lets pay attention to our young people. Be aware of isolated individuals. Talk to them. Ask questions. Show interest. Give them space to talk about this tragedy. Invite them into conversations that matter. Let them know they dont have to have it all figured out to be loved, accepted and valued. These small moments of presence can be life changing. When young people feel genuinely seen and supported, they are more likely to ask for help, to take healthy risks and to reject harmful paths. Belonging isnt created through one conversation. Its built through a culture of care, consistency and inclusion. Each of us has the power to contribute to that culture, starting now, right where we are. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX A hospital previously deemed to be providing an 'inadequate' level of services has improved, according to a follow-up inspection. The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has moved York Hospital, run by York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, from an overall rating of 'inadequate' to 'requires improvement' after inspectors visited in January. Alan Stephenson, CQC deputy director of operations for the north, said it was "positive" to see improvements had been made, but "more work was needed". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "They should continue to build on these foundations, ensure their improvements are embedded and sustained, and we'll continue to monitor them to make sure this happens," he said. Simon Morritt, Chief Executive, York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said the improvements were "a testament to the dedication and professionalism of our staff". "We're particularly pleased the CQC noted that most patients and their families felt treated with compassion and kindness, a reflection of the values we work hard to uphold every day," he said. "We know there is more to do. Our focus now is on embedding the improvements we've made, strengthening leadership at every level, and creating a culture where both patients and colleagues feel safe, supported, and valued." Long waiting times The inspection identified the following improvements: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Urgent and emergency care has improved from inadequate to requires improvement, as have the ratings for being safe and responsive Well-led has improved from inadequate to good Effective and caring have improved from requires improvement to good Overall, medical care has been re-rated as requires improvement, as well as for being safe, effective, responsive and well-led Caring has been re-rated as good However, the CQC report did raise concerns about "breaches relating to safe care and treatment, premises and equipment", and further highlighted issues around good management and staffing in medical care. Areas that were earmarked for improvement included tackling long waiting times, and more training for staff risk-assessing people with mental health needs in urgent and emergency care services. In medical care services, it was found that the service "did not consistently maintain the environment" to ensure it was fit for purpose, and there were issues with ensuring people's information was accurate and kept secure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Stephenson added: "When we inspected urgent and emergency care and medical care services at the York Hospital, it was positive to see that some improvements had been made since our previous inspection. "However more work was needed across both services to improve the standard of care people were receiving." CQC said it would continue to monitor the Trust, and has requested it submits an action plan showing what steps it will take in response to the concerns raised. "The Trust has made some improvements, but they have more work to do to make sure people are safer and leadership continues to improve, as we know that better leaders mean better care," the inspection report concluded. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Listen to highlights from North Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North. More on this story Related Internet Links A secure hospital ward for people with complex learning disabilities is to be closed within weeks, leaving families struggling to arrange suitable care for vulnerable patients, the BBC has learned. The ward at Woodland View Hospital, in Ayrshire, is to shut on 14 July after health chiefs said it had "fallen short of our standards and expectations". Experts told the BBC it was "nonsensical" to close a ward at such short notice and hospital transitions of this kind usually take a minimum of three to six months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Andrew Malcolm, who has fought to get his 21-year-old son Fraser out of the hospital for four years, said it was not possible to get a suitable care package in place so quickly. Fraser used to help his dad renovate a sailing boat [BBC] "None of the care providers can react in that time, it's not safe, it is not ethical," he said. Woodland View, near Irvine, is a 206-bedroom mental health facility and community hospital which was built in 2016. Ward 7A is an eight-bed unit that provides assessment and treatment for patients who have complex health care needs, often associated with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. Fraser, from West Kilbride in North Ayrshire, is one of six patients who will have to leave the ward when it closes on 14 July. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He went into the unit in 2021 for a 12-week assessment because he was struggling to regulate his behaviour. His parents have been trying to get him out of the hospital and into suitable care since. Doctors said he was ready to leave the ward three years ago but no package of support was agreed. His parents have now received a letter from the health board telling them the ward will close within weeks. Fraser, now 21, has been in the hospital for four years [BBC] Caroline Cameron, director of North Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership, said the ward was an increasingly unsuitable physical environment and there had been "incidences of violence and aggression". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said they had struggled to recruit and retain staff and there had been challenges moving patients out to more appropriate community settings. "Despite a focused and intensive support over a period of time, the challenges in Ward 7A have not improved and it is no longer suitable for patients to remain there," she said. Fraser with parents Andrew and Karen [BBC] Fraser has limited speech and complex needs but his parents says that before he went into hospital he lived a full life. He attended a special school, regularly went sailing and on holiday with his family and was helping his dad renovate a sailing boat. His mother Karen said: "People go into hospital to get made better, not worse - and Fraser's so much worse now than he was when he went in there." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His parents have raised a number of safety concerns about his care. Earlier this year Fraser was hospitalised after swallowing the handle of a spoon. However, his dad Andrew told BBC Scotland that complex cases like Fraser's need a proper transition plan. He said: "You can't have somebody locked in hospital who's now de-skilled, profoundly deaf, non-verbal, and just told they are free to go home." His parents says that before he went into hospital Fraser lived a full life. [BBC] Consultant clinical psychologist Prof Andy McDonnell told the BBC the proposal to move Fraser with four weeks' notice was "nonsensical". He said a plan to put him with agency workers until a care team can be recruited was "insane" because to a patient they are just "a bunch of strangers". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prof McDonnell, who is a director of Studio Three, a company which specialises in transitioning people with complex needs out of hospital, said the proposals on offer for Fraser had all the hallmarks of a "botched transition", with a high likelihood of people getting injured. He said transitioning people with autism, who are often suffering from complex trauma or PTSD as well, needed to be very carefully planned. "In my experience, the first year can be quite rocky for a lot of people," Prof McDonnell said. Lawyer Claire Currie, who represents the Malcolm family, said the timeframe for the ward closure was "unprecedented". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said: "I am aware that some of the patients have not left the ward in months, if not years. "Sadly, they consider that environment their home. "I am very concerned for any individuals who may be suddenly moved without transition planning or proper preparation." Fraser's parents have raised a number of safety concerns about his care [BBC] In early 2022 ministers pledged that by March 2024 significantly fewer people with learning disabilities will be stuck far from home or in hospitals. A pledge they didn't meet. The Scottish government set up a register of those with learning disabilities stuck in hospital or inappropriate out of area placements in an effort to move people on from institutional care. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The latest figures show 1,264 people are on register with 318 classified as urgent. Of those there were 157 people in hospital, of which 74 were classified as a delayed discharge. Mental Wellbeing Minister Tom Arthur said: "I am sorry to hear of this difficult situation and can fully understand the stress that it is causing to the patients and their families. "I understand that the decision to close the ward has been taken as a result of continuing and escalating concerns about the sustainability of service delivery in the ward." He said the health board was working together with the patients and their guardians to ensure robust transition plans are in place. SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) Happy Tuesday, Utah! Our Tuesday afternoon will feature a mix of clouds and sunshine across the state. We may begin to tap into a bit of monsoonal moisture, leading to a chance for isolated storms to develop over the higher terrain, and possibly drift into the valley areas. A Red Flag Warning has been issued for parts of central and southern Utah Tuesday for the risk for dry lightning and possible fire ignitions due to the lightning. Tuesday high temperatures will be in the upper 90s to 100 for the Wasatch Front and near 106 for SW Utah. A Heat Advisory is in effect for eastern Box Elder county, the Wasatch Front, and Tooele Valley for this afternoon through Tuesday late evening. The combination of near triple digit heat Monday, and triple digit heat Tuesday will help to increase the heat risk danger for northern Utah Tuesday. Increasing moisture thanks to a monsoonal tap will help to aid in more clouds and moisture around the Beehive state for the middle of the work week. Look for chances for showers & storms on an isolated to scattered basis to increase. No washouts are in the forecast, but the chance for some pop-ups will become more widespread. Highs will cool due to the extra clouds and showers to the low to mid 90s along the Wasatch Front, and potentially below 100 for SW Utah. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Later this week, just in time for the 4th of July, we will begin to dry things out and heat things up. Friday will feature mostly sunny to partly sunny skies, with a very slight chance for a pop-up across northern Utah. Southern Utah will be dry and hot. Highs across southern Utah will warm back to near 100, while highs across northern Utah will warm into the low to mid 90s. It gets even hotter and drier for the weekend with sunny skies and hot temperatures. Highs will warm back to the upper 90s across the north, and 100+ for SW Utah! Well keep you updated in our 4Warn Weather forecast both on-air and online, we are Good4Utah! Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. The House is debating ahead of a key test vote for President Donald Trump's tax and immigration megabill to send it to the floor for a final vote but it was unclear Wednesday morning if Speaker Mike Johnson has the votes to get it passed. Johnson faces opposition from factions within his caucus, particularly among fiscal hawks, that puts passage in question. In addition to that, storms Tuesday snarled travel to Washington. In an earlier procedural vote Wednesday, eight Republicans were absent. With a razor-thin majority, Johnson can afford only three defections if all members are voting and present. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement House Majority Leader Steve Scalise cast some doubt that Republicans will succeed today, questioning aloud whether the House will pass the presidents bill on Wednesday. We'll see some time later today if we can get that done, Scalise told reporters. So we still have some more conversations with members. Obviously, members have gone through the changes that the Senate made, and you know, some of them take us a little bit backwards. Some of them are a little bit better. The House must first pass a rule, which is a procedural motion to advance legislation, to consider final passage of the bill. It is unclear if that will pass. The House took up the bill Tuesday night after a nail-biter vote in the Senate with Vice President JD Vance casting the tiebreaker vote after it split 50-50. GOP Sens. Thom Tillis, Rand Paul and Susan Collins voted against the measure, along with every Democrat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The legislation passed the House Rules Committee early on Wednesday with a 7-6 vote. Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images - PHOTO: Speaker of the House Mike Johnson walks to depart the U.S. Capitol, July 2, 2025 in Washington. Republican backers of the Senate bill have touted its roughly $4 trillion in tax cuts and new funding for border security, plus the inclusion of key Trump campaign pledges such as no taxes on tips and overtime. The legislation also guts Biden-era clean energy initiatives; slashes entitlement health programs like Medicaid and SNAP, which are intended to help the nation's most vulnerable Americans; and includes a plan to lift the cap on the state and local tax deduction, currently set at $10,000, to $40,000. The Senate version is projected to add roughly $1 trillion more -- and $3.3 trillion in total -- to the deficit over the next decade when compared with the version passed by the House in May, according to an estimate from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The CBO also found that 11.8 million people could go uninsured over the next decade due to cuts in Medicaid, which emerged as a critical issue among several of the Senate Republican holdouts. MORE: Trump admin live updates: House Rules Committee advances megabill to floor Johnson said Tuesday evening that some members were facing problems getting back to Washington, D.C., after more than 1,200 flights were canceled or delayed across the country because of storms in the eastern U.S. Nonetheless, Johnson told Fox News' Sean Hannity on Tuesday night that he expects a vote in the House on Wednesday or Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Assuming we have a full House, we'll get it through the Rules Committee in the morning," he said. "We'll move that forward to the floor, and hopefully we're voting on this by tomorrow or Thursday at latest, depending on the weather and delays and travel and all the rest." Andrew Harnik/Getty Images - PHOTO: House Majority Leader Steve Scalise speaks to reporters as he arrives at the U.S. Capitol Building, July 2, 2025 in Washington. Johnson and top Republican leaders said in a statement that the House will consider the bill "immediately for final passage" -- with renewed intent to put the measure on Trump's desk by July 4. "The American people gave us a clear mandate, and after four years of Democrat failure, we intend to deliver without delay," the leaders said. "This bill is President Trump's agenda, and we are making it law. House Republicans are ready to finish the job," they added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump told ABC News' Chief White House Correspondent Mary Bruce on Tuesday that he expects the bill "to go very nicely" in the House. Asked about the House Republicans who were unhappy with the Senate's version of the legislation, the president said, "Well, I just heard that about the Senate, and the bill just passed, and it tells you there's something for everyone." MORE: What's next for Trump's sweeping policy bill as House takes up Senate version "I mean, we have -- it's a great bill," he continued. "There is something for everyone, and I think it's going to go very nicely in the House. Actually, I think it will be easier in the House than it was in the Senate." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump disputed the CBO's projection that the bill would cause 11.8 million Americans to lose their insurance. "I'm saying it's going to be a very much smaller number than that and that number will be waste, fraud and abuse," he said, though did not say where he was getting such data or analysis from. Several House Republicans were at the White House Wednesday morning for meetings as Trump ramped up pressure on his party to pass the bill. Vance arriving as well. An administration official said the White House is holding multiple meetings on the White House complex with Republicans. The president is expected to engage directly with members throughout the day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some of the lawmakers spotted entering the White House included Reps. Jeff Van Drew, Rob Bresnahan, Dusty Johnson, Dan Newhouse, Mike Lawler, Andrew Garbarino. Those lawmakers are part of the Main Street Caucus -- a group of lawmakers who bill themselves as "pragmatic" conservatives focused on getting things done. Vance was also spotted arriving at the White House. The House process began Tuesday with a meeting of the Rules Committee, which approved the bill by 7-6 after almost 12 hours of discussion. GOP Reps. Ralph Norman and Chip Roy sided with Democrats in voting against the measure in committee. Roy was among the early critics of the bill, saying he was "not inclined to vote" for the legislation as amended. Roy has previously threatened to withhold support on critical votes, only to ultimately side with the president. Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images - PHOTO: Democratic House members hold up four fingers, signifying the number of Republicans they need to vote with them, to stop Trumps Big Beautiful Bill, during a press conference on the steps of the Capitol in Washington, July 2, 2025. Roy said "the overall deficit number is not good" in the bill the Senate passed, suggesting it violates the House's budget framework. "It's front-loaded versus back-loaded, as we all know. I think it got worse. I think SALT got worse. It got more expensive," he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After Tuesday's Senate vote, Majority Leader John Thune said he and his colleagues had delivered a "strong product" to the House, but also acknowledged there may be more hurdles before the legislation reaches Trump's desk. "Well, we'll see," Thune said when asked about the bill's chances. "I mean, you know how hard it was to pass it -- I think the House, I appreciate the narrow margins they have over there." "I think we took what they sent us and strengthened and improved upon it," he added. "And so I'm hopeful that now, when it gets sent over there, as they deliberate about how they want to handle it, they'll find the goals that are necessary to pass it." MORE: Trump says he'll 'look' at deporting Musk as feud reignites ABC News' John Helton, Isabella Murray, Mary Bruce and Alex Ederson contributed to this report. BEIJING, July 2 (Xinhua) -- China on Wednesday urged the United States to immediately lift sanctions against Cuba and remove Cuba from the list of "state sponsors of terrorism." Foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning made the remarks at a regular press briefing when asked to comment on U.S. President Donald Trump signing a memorandum on Monday to toughen U.S. policy on Cuba. Mao said over the past 60-plus years, the United States has imposed a brutal blockade and illegal sanctions on Cuba, seriously violating Cuba's right to subsistence and development, violating the basic norms governing international relations, and causing profound disasters to the Cuban people. China firmly supports Cuba in following a development path that suits its national conditions and opposes the U.S. unilateral sanctions under the guise of so-called freedom and democracy, Mao said. To lift sanctions against Cuba and remove it from the list of "state sponsors of terrorism" is also a common call from the international community, the spokesperson added. NASSAU COUNTY, N.Y. (PIX11) A house in Lawrence caught fire Tuesday evening, and police believe it may have been struck by lightning, according to the Nassau County Police Department. Flames were coming from the rooftop of the home on Juniper Circle North around 6:40 p.m., officials said. No one was injured in the fire, police said. More Local News First responders decided the fire could have been started by a lightning strike. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The region saw rain and thunderstorms Tuesday evening. There were reports of flooding in some areas, like the Jersey shore. New York and New Jersey saw damaging winds, a chance of flooding and downpours. Emily Rahhal is a digital reporter who has covered New York City since 2023 after reporting in Los Angeles for years. She joined PIX11 in 2024. See more of her work here and follow her on Twitter here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. The House Education Committee is probing Columbia University leaders over messages that appeared to downplay fears of antisemitism on the Ivy League campus last year. A new letter, penned by chairs Rep. Tim Walberg (R-MI) and Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY), demands that Columbia University President Claire Shipman clarify a series of messages, including one that labeled concerns about the hostile antisemitic sentiment that has permeated the Manhattan campus as irrational and threatening. Republican lawmakers said theyre seeking insight to decide if new legislation is needed to hold university leaders more accountable as volatile anti-Israel protests rage on campuses nationwide. Acting Columbia University president Claire Shipman. AP In the Oct. 30, 2023, WhatsApp message to then-president Minouche Shafik, Shipman wrote, People are really frustrated and scared about antisemitism on our campus and they feel somehow betrayed by it. Which is not necessarily a rational feeling but its deep and it is quite threatening. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She suggested creating a task force to take the pressure off Shafik, who later resigned in August 2024. New York GOP Rep. Elise Stefanik speaking at a hearing. AP Your description that people feel somehow betrayed and that this is not necessarily a rational feeling, but that it is threatening is perplexing, considering the violence and harassment against Jewish and Israeli students already occurring on Columbias campus at the time, the letter stated. The lengthy memo, which included the troubling texts, was sent to the embattled institution Tuesday. In another message sent on Jan. 17, 2024, then-Columbia trustee Shipman urged that someone of Middle Eastern or Arabic descent join the university board quickly a move the pair of pols said violates Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Pro-Palestinian rally at Columbia University with signs and flags. James Keivom Were Columbia to act on this suggestion and appoint someone to the board specifically because of their national origin, it would implicate Title VI concerns, the scathing letter sent to the Ivy League explained. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Committees request for clarification will inform its understanding of Columbias compliance with Title IV and current approach towards discrimination in appointments. In addition, this statement raises troubling questions regarding Columbias priorities just months after the October 7 attack, which was the largest massacre of Jews since the Holocaust. A Columbia spokesperson told The Post that the text messages, which were submitted to the Committee last fall, are being shared out of context and reflect a particularly difficult moment for university leaders focused on deescalating tensions on campus. Rally at Columbia University protesting the conflict in Gaza. James Keivom Columbia is deeply committed to combating antisemitism and working with the federal government on this very serious issue, including our ongoing discussions to reach an agreement with the Joint Task Force to Combat Antisemitism, the spokesperson said. Acting President Claire Shipman has been vocally and visibly committed to eradicating antisemitism on campus; the work underway at the university to create a safe and welcoming environment for all community members makes that plain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The latest inquiry into the university comes about a year after it quickly became the epicenter of vicious anti-Israel protests, with agitators forcing Columbia to lock down when tent encampments descended into chaos resulting in dozens of arrests and widespread destruction. Protesters barricaded themselves at Columbias Hamilton Hall. Getty Images At the height of the mayhem, dozens of masked rioters in keffiyehs smashed their way inside Hamilton Hall in a savage takeover. The violence served as the catalyst for the Trump administration yanking roughly $400 million in grants and contracts from the elite school in March over its failure to stamp out antisemitism on campus. Shipman, who stepped into her position in March, subsequently caved to a list of Trumps demands by agreeing to a slew of policy changes, including a mask ban and allowing campus cops to arrest students or boot them off when deemed appropriate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The flurry of new campus reforms also now requires protesters and demonstrators to identify themselves when asked or else face disciplinary action. In a statement to The Post, the Columbia Jewish Alumni Association called for Shipman to resign immediately over the lack of empathy and disregard over justified fears of antisemitism. Interim President Shipmans statements are extremely offensive and unacceptable. They cannot be explained by taken out of context,' the statement read. Her lack of empathy and disregard for a board member concerned with student safety as well as deliberate isolation and a suspicion of withholding of information from a board member makes her not fit to serve in the office of president of Columbia University. Opposition to the presidents big, beautiful bill is growing in the House of Representatives. The House Freedom Caucus released a three-page memo Wednesday heavily criticizing the Senates version of Donald Trumps exorbitantly expensive tax cut, flaming the Senate draft for adding pork where the House had proposed cuts. The caucuss three chief complaints include that the bill actually increases the deficit, waters down cuts to proposed Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act funding, and fails to ensure illegals are fully removed from Medicaid rolls. (Undocumented immigrants are already ineligible for federally funded Medicaid.) The invite-only Freedom Caucus, which unlike other groups on Capitol Hill does not publicize its roster, is estimated to have at least 49 members or lawmakers affiliated with its agenda, Pew Research calculated in 2023. Thats far more than enough to torpedo the billHouse Speaker Mike Johnson can afford to lose just three votes to keep the bill alive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the hard-line fiscal conservatives arent the only party members opposing the bill: Moderates are worried about the high cost the legislation will have on safety-net programs, including some $880 billion in cuts to Medicaid, and swing-district Republicans are worried about political backlash in their Democrat-led states. Any of these groups have the muster to keep the bill from passing. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene said Tuesday that theres no chance Republicans will be able to pass the bill through the House, deriding the situation on Steve Bannons War Room podcast as a shit show in which Republicans simply dont have the votes. Beyond that, Johnson is concerned about simply having enough of his caucus in attendance to advance the vote. Several lawmakers have already posted on social media that their flights back to Washington have been delayed or canceled in light of severe thunderstorm warnings, fueling concerns that the inclement weather could push back the vote into Wednesday night or even Thursday. I am worried about flights, Johnson told Politico Wednesday morning. We dont know if we have a full House. So thats what were working on. July 2 (UPI) -- House members are meeting to debate U.S. President Donald Trump's key Senate-passed domestic policy bill, with lawmakers still aiming for a July 4 deadline to pass it. Members went over over a key procedural vote Wednesday morning after the House Rules Committee pushed the Senate version overnight, setting the stage for a possibly dramatic and uncertain floor vote to pass Trump's broad tax and spending bill. On Tuesday, House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., said in a joint statement with House GOP leaders that they will "work quickly" to pass the bill and put it on Trump's desk "in time for Independence Day." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Don't let the Radical Left Democrats push you around," Trump posted Wednesday morning on social media. "We've got all the cards, and we are going to use them." The new version of the legislation, titled the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" includes steeper cuts to Medicaid, a debt limit increase, rollbacks to green-energy policies, and changes to local and state tax deductions. Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, speaks during a television interview at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI "All legislative tools and options are on the table," House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., said Tuesday after the Senate vote. It extends trillions in dollars in tax cuts, largely for the wealthiest Americans, but substantially cuts healthcare and other nutritional programs in order to partially beef-up border security and defense spending. Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, looks on during a television interview at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI According to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, Trump's Senate-passed bill would add at least $3.3 trillion to America's debt over the next decade, which is a trillion-dollar increase from the bill's last version. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., has accused GOP lawmakers of "trying to rip away healthcare from 17 million Americans" with Medicaid cuts stemming from Republicans' legislation. Rep. Madeline Dean, D-Pa., holds a binder during a television interview at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI Meanwhile, provisions stripped from the House included the sale of public land in over 10 states, a 10-year moratorium for states to regulate AI and an excise tax on the renewable energy industry. "Every single House Democrat will vote 'hell no' against this one, big ugly bill," Jeffries wrote. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R, pictured June 24 with Rep. Steve Scalise, R.L.a.,) said Tuesday in a joint statement with House GOP leaders, including Scalise, that they will "work quickly" to pass Trump's massive tax and spending bill "in time for Independence Day." Photo by Annabelle Gordon/UPI. On Wednesday, a GOP fiscal hawk was critical of the Senate's new product. It "violated both the spirit and the terms of our House agreement" in attempts to reduce the national debt, Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, told USA TODAY. House Speaker Mike Johnson (pictured in January) said Tuesday that House GOP leaders will "work quickly" to pass Trump's massive tax and spending bill "in time for Independence Day." File Photo by Jemal Countess/UPI Any newer alterations in the House will again require Senate approval or force a committee conference of both the Senate and House to hash out a final version. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The initial version passed the House in a 215-214 vote in May and the Senate on Tuesday after a four-day "vote-a-rama" in a 51-50 vote that saw three GOP defections in the tie-breaker vote cast by Vice President JD Vance. House Majority Whip Tom Emmer, R-Minn (C), leaves the House Chamber at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI Meanwhile, the president is expected to meet at the White House with a handful of House Republicans to help bring his tax bill to the finish line. The hardline conservative House Freedom Caucus members also are expected to meet with Trump. Rep. Mike Lawler, a moderate New York Republican, was seen Wednesday with other colleagues entering the West Wing, but it was not immediately clear which GOP lawmakers arrived. It arrives in the face of what former White House adviser Elon Musk called in a June 30 X post "the biggest debt increase in history," saying members of Congress who campaigned on spending reductions, "should hang their head in shame!" and added "they will lose their primary next year if it is the last thing I do on this Earth." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's unconscionable, it's unacceptable, it's un-American and House Democrats are committing to you that we're going to do everything in our power to stop it," according to Jeffries. He called out Pennsylvania Republicans Rob Bresnahan, Scott Perry and their California House colleagues David Valadao and Young Kim, whose districts in particular will be hard hit by Trump's medicaid cuts. "All we need are four Republicans, just four," added New York's Jeffries. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.) is calling on the White House and the Department of Defense (DOD) to hold an emergency briefing on the Pentagons recent pause in shipments of some air defense missiles and munitions to Ukraine. I respectfully request an emergency briefing from the White House and the Department of Defense on the Pentagons recent review of our nations weapons and munitions stockpiles, as well as the decision to withhold urgent, lifesaving military assistance to Ukraine, Fitzpatrick, a vocal ally of Ukraine in Congress, said in a Wednesday letter to the White House. The Pennsylvania Republican wrote that while the United States needs to continue to strengthen our Defense Industrial Base here at home, we can and must simultaneously provide urgently needed assistance to our allies who are defending their freedom from brutal invading dictators. To not do both is unacceptable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fitzpatricks one-page letter came a day after news reports revealed that the DOD halted the delivery of some missiles and munitions to Ukraine over concerns of U.S. military stockpiles being depleted. The Department of Defense continues to provide the President with robust options to continue military aid to Ukraine, consistent with his goal of bringing this tragic war to an end, Elbridge Colby, DODs under secretary for policy, said in a statement on Tuesday. At the same time, the Department is rigorously examining and adapting its approach to achieving this objective while also preserving U.S. forces readiness for Administration defense priorities. When asked for comment about the letter, White House spokesperson Anna Kelly told The Hill the decision was made to put Americas interests first following a DOD review of our nations military support and assistance to other countries across the globe. The strength of the United States Armed Forces remains unquestioned just ask Iran. The White House provided the same statement on Tuesday when confirming the reports about the halt of weapons transfers to Ukraine. The Hill has reached out to the Pentagon for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. government has provided tens of billions of dollars to Ukraine in military aid since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The decision to pause the delivery of weapons to Kyiv has been met with criticism from some Democrats in Congress, with Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-Ohio) claiming that Colby is taking action that will surely result in the imminent death of many Ukrainian military and civilians. Russia has continued to pound Ukraine, launching a massive aerial attack on Sunday with more than 60 missiles and 477 drones, per Ukraines air force. The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry said Kyiv emphasized that any delay or procrastination in supporting Ukraines defense capabilities will only encourage the aggressor to continue the war and terror, rather than seek peace. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ministry added that it was looking for clarity from the Trump administration, saying it was not officially notified of any pause in shipments from Washington. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. WASHINGTON (NewsNation) House Republicans are sprinting toward a final vote on President Donald Trumps one big, beautiful bill, after it narrowly passed in the Senate on Tuesday. The tax and spending cuts package was secured in a 50-50 split, broken by Vice President JD Vance. Now, Republican leaders are hoping to expedite a final vote before the July 4 deadline. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., has promised swift action, and a final vote could occur as early as Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But with only a small margin for error, some Republicans have already signaled they wont support the bill. Fact check: Are there 1.4M illegal immigrants on Medicaid? Discontent emerges over big, beautiful bill A moderate House Republican, speaking anonymously to NewsNation partner The Hill, said that everyone is complaining, and no one is happy with the Senate version. The bill faces hurdles in the House from Republicans who are still uneasy about the Senates final changes. Some Republican lawmakers have remained skeptical, particularly regarding spending and health care provisions, including Medicaid changes. As House lawmakers prepared to weigh in on the legislation, Rep. Keith Self, R-Texas, told Morning in America on Tuesday that the bill would burden future generations with debt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump-Musk feud reignites over the big, beautiful bill Does the Senate have no conscience? he asked. Are we going to put all of this spending on our children and grandchildren in terms of the debt? No, Im not pleased. The Congressional Budget Office has suggested the measure would increase the federal deficit and leave a greater number of Americans without health insurance over the next decade. Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., and Ralph Norman, R-S.C., have publicly announced their plans to vote against the bill. Trump urges House GOP to unite behind big, beautiful bill Trump remained optimistic Tuesday that he would sign the bill by Friday and continued to urge Republicans to rally behind the legislation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We can have all of this right now, but only if the House GOP UNITES, ignores its occasional GRANDSTANDERS (You know who you are!), and does the right thing, which is sending this Bill to my desk, Trump wrote on social media. The American People need and deserve it. They sent us here to, GET IT DONE! House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has said Democrats will use every legislative tool available, potentially setting up hours of debate before any final vote. House vs. Senate versions of big, beautiful bill Republicans have said the legislation is crucial ahead of a potential massive tax increase in December, when tax breaks from Trumps first term are set to expire. The legislation contains about $4.5 trillion in tax cuts. The existing tax rates and brackets would become permanent under the bill. It would temporarily add new tax breaks that Trump campaigned on, including no taxes on tips, overtime pay, the ability to deduct interest payments for some automotive loans, and a $6,000 deduction for older adults who earn no more than $75,000 a year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senate megabill marks biggest Medicaid cuts in history Before Tuesdays Senate vote, a provision was added that would provide $10 billion annually to rural hospitals for five years, or $50 billion in total. The Senate bill had originally provided $25 billion for the program, but that number was upped to win over holdout GOP senators and a coalition of House Republicans warning that reduced Medicaid provider taxes would hurt rural hospitals. Altogether, the Congressional Budget Office has projected the bill would increase federal deficits over the next 10 years by nearly $3.3 trillion from 2025 to 2034. Or not, depending on how one does the math. Senate Republicans are proposing a unique strategy of not counting the existing tax breaks as a new cost because those breaks are already current policy. Republican senators say the Senate Budget Committee chairman has the authority to set the baseline for the preferred approach. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under the alternative Senate GOP view, the bill would reduce deficits by almost half a trillion dollars over the coming decade, the CBO said. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation. WASHINGTON (AP) House Republicans strained through a day of starts and stops trying to advance President Donald Trump's tax and spending cuts package, GOP leaders working almost around the clock to persuade skeptical holdouts to send the bill to his desk by the Fourth of July deadline. A procedural roll call that started late Wednesday night was held open into Thursday morning as several Republicans refused to give their votes. With few to spare from their slim majority, the outcome was in jeopardy. House Speaker Mike Johnson had recalled lawmakers to Washington, eager to seize on the momentum of the bill's passage the day before in the Senate, and he vowed to press ahead. Our way is to plow through and get it done," Johnson said, emerging in the middle of the night from a series of closed-door meetings. He expected votes later Thursday morning. We will meet our July 4th deadline. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But as voting stalled Trump, who hosted lawmakers Wednesday at the White House and spoke with some by phone, lashed out in a midnight post: What are the Republicans waiting for??? What are you trying to prove??? He also warned starkly of political fallout from the delay COSTING YOU VOTES!!! The idea of quickly convening to for a vote on the more than 800-page bill was a risky gambit, one designed to meet Trump's demand for a holiday finish. Republicans have struggled mightily with the bill nearly every step of the way, often succeeding by the narrowest of margins just one vote. Their slim 220-212 majority leaves little room for defections. Several Republicans are balking at being asked to rubber-stamp the Senate version less than 24 hours after passage. A number of moderate Republicans from competitive districts have objected to the Senate bill's cuts to Medicaid, while conservatives have lambasted the legislation as straying from their fiscal goals. It falls to Johnson and his team to convince them that the time for negotiations is over. They will need assistance from Trump to close the deal, and lawmakers headed to the White House for a two-hour session Wednesday to talk to the president about their concerns. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president's message was, Were on a roll, said Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C. He wants to see this. Republicans are relying on their majority hold of Congress to push the package over a wall of unified Democratic opposition. No Democrats voted for bill in the Senate and none were expected to do so in the House. Hell no! said House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, flanked by fellow Democrats outside the Capitol. In an early warning sign of Republican resistance, a resolution setting up terms for debating Trump's bill barely cleared the House Rules Committee on Wednesday morning. As soon as it came to the full House, it stalled out as GOP leadership waited for lawmakers who were delayed coming back to Washington and conducted closed-door negotiations with holdouts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By nightfall, as pizzas and other dinners were arriving at the Capitol, the next steps were uncertain. Trump pushes Republicans to do the right thing The bill would extend and make permanent various individual and business tax breaks from Trump's first term, plus temporarily add new ones he promised during the 2024 campaign. This includes allowing workers to deduct tips and overtime pay, and a $6,000 deduction for most older adults earning less than $75,000 a year. In all, the legislation contains about $4.5 trillion in tax cuts over 10 years. The bill also provides about $350 billion for defense and Trump's immigration crackdown. Republicans partially pay for it all through less spending on Medicaid and food assistance. The Congressional Budget Office projects the bill will add about $3.3 trillion to the federal debt over the coming decade. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The House passed its version of the bill in May by a single vote, despite worries about spending cuts and the overall price tag. Now it's being asked to give final passage to a version that, in many respects, exacerbates those concerns. The Senate bill's projected impact on the nation's debt, for example, is significantly higher. Lets go Republicans and everyone else, Trump said in a late evening post. The high price of opposing Trump's bill Johnson is intent on meeting Trump's timeline and betting that hesitant Republicans won't cross the president because of the heavy political price they would have to pay. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They need only look to Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., who announced his intention to vote against the legislation over the weekend. Soon, the president was calling for a primary challenger to the senator and criticizing him on social media. Tillis quickly announced he would not seek a third term. One House Republican who has staked out opposition to the bill, Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky, is being targeted by Trump's well-funded political operation. Democrats target vulnerable Republicans to join them in opposition Flanked by nearly every member of his caucus, Democratic Leader Jeffries of New York delivered a pointed message: With all Democrats voting no, they only need to flip four Republicans to prevent the bill from passing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jeffries invoked the courage of the late Sen. John McCain giving a thumbs-down to the GOP effort to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, and singled out Republicans from districts expected to be highly competitive in 2026, including two from Pennsylvania. Why would Rob Bresnahan vote for this bill? Why would Scott Perry vote for this bill? Jeffries asked. Democrats have described the bill in dire terms, warning that Medicaid cuts would result in lives lost and food stamp cuts would be literally ripping the food out of the mouths of children, veterans and seniors, Jeffries said Monday. Republicans say they are trying to right-size the safety net programs for the population they were initially designed to serve, mainly pregnant women, the disabled and children, and root out what they describe as waste, fraud and abuse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The package includes new 80-hour-a-month work requirements for many adults receiving Medicaid and applies existing work requirements in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, to more beneficiaries. States will also pick up more of the cost for food benefits. The driving force behind the bill, however, is the tax cuts. Many expire at the end of this year if Congress doesn't act. The Tax Policy Center, which provides nonpartisan analysis of tax and budget policy, projected the bill would result next year in a $150 tax break for the lowest quintile of Americans, a $1,750 tax cut for the middle quintile and a $10,950 tax cut for the top quintile. That's compared with what they would face if the 2017 tax cuts expired. ___ Associated Press writers Mary Clare Jalonick and Matt Brown contributed. Footage released by Houthi Military Media says to show a launch of missile, which the Houthis say they fired at Israel, at an unknown location in this screen grab obtained from a handout video released on December 19, 2024. (photo credit: HOUTHI MILITARY MEDIA/via REUTERS) While the Houthis claimed to have targeted Israel with a hypersonic Palestine 2 missile, there is no evidence that it is actually hypersonic. The Houthis claimed to have targeted central Israel with their Palestine 2 hypersonic missile on Tuesday night, but there is no evidence that it is hypersonic. Hypersonic weapons usually refer to missiles that maneuver at hypersonic speeds over Mach 5. While ballistic missiles may reach hypersonic speeds, they follow a known trajectory, rather than maneuvering. Hypersonic weapons usually refer to missiles that maneuver at hypersonic speeds over Mach 5. While ballistic missiles may reach hypersonic speeds, they follow a known trajectory, rather than maneuvering. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Houthis Al-Masirah media said, In an official statement, the [Houthi] forces confirmed that the operation [Tuesday night] accurately achieved its objective, causing widespread panic among Zionist settlers, with millions fleeing to shelters and airport operations coming to a complete halt. The Houthis also released a statement that emphasized that these operations come as part of Yemens continued support for the Palestinian people and its rejection of the ongoing genocide being committed against them. It reaffirmed the Yemeni peoples determination to fulfill their national and religious duties toward the Palestinian cause. The Houthis said they will continue to back Hamas, continuing to use their hypersonic and ballistic missiles, and that they will target Ben-Gurion Airport, as well as Eilat. They also said theyre proud of their broader regional confrontation with Israel. The first of two Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) interceptors is launched during a successful intercept test (credit: Wikimedia Commons) The Houthis have successfully disrupted air traffic at Ben Gurion Airport These operations included disrupting air traffic at Lod airport [Ben-Gurion] and preventing Israeli ships from navigating the Red Sea toward the port of Umm al-Rashrash [Eilat] in southern occupied Palestine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The report also said that since the October 7 Hamas massacre, the Houthis have not only issued statements of solidarity but have also taken direct action. These actions have ranged from missile strikes targeting critical military installations in occupied territories to high-impact naval operations that have disrupted Israeli-linked shipping through the Red Sea, it said. The report noted that four days ago, the Houthis carried out another attack, this time with a Zulfiqar-type missile. These missiles and the technology behind them all have origins in Iran. With Gods help... Yemen will continue its supportive operations until the aggression against Gaza ceases and the blockade is lifted, the Houthis said. Jul. 2Hundreds of Haitians living in Maine under temporary protected status may soon face the possibility of deportations after the federal government announced it will revoke legal protections for those fleeing civil war and natural disasters, which have ravaged the country in recent decades. The termination of temporary protected status, or TPS, will affect some 500,000 Haitians in the U.S. legally, at least 200 of whom are in Maine, according to the Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project. TPS allows people to live in the U.S. when their homelands are made unsafe by wars or natural disasters. It has been given to immigrants from countries marred by civil conflict like Afghanistan or rocked by natural disasters like Nepal. The Trump administration has terminated TPS for both of those countries as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Department of Homeland Security posted a formal notice Tuesday that it is terminating TPS for Haiti effective Sept. 2, saying in a memo that while the country is still consumed by violent conflict, "it is contrary to the national interest to permit Haitian nationals (or aliens having no nationality who last habitually resided in Haiti) to remain temporarily in the United States." "Gang violence in Haiti persists as armed groups operate with impunity, enabled by a weak or effectively absent central government," the memo reads. "This breakdown in governance directly impacts U.S. national security interests, particularly in the context of uncontrolled migration." The government's decision to end TPS implies that Haiti is safe enough for immigrants to return to, said Sue Roche, executive director of the ILAP. But she said the State Department's own travel advisories contradict that notion, as the agency warns against travel to Haiti because of the risk of mob killings and gang-related kidnappings. Roche said she believes the decision is based more in racial bias than in reality. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "For the Trump administration to claim that conditions in Haiti are anything but catastrophic and life-threatening is absurd," Roche said in a written statement. "The termination of TPS for Haiti shows the extent of the administration's disrespect for our laws, racial animus, and abject cruelty, and it places the lives of Maine residents at risk." Haiti has been under TPS since a massive earthquake rocked the island nation in 2010. It has remained under the designation ever since, as civil wars, hurricanes and more earthquakes have torn through the country. While the DHS memo acknowledges Haiti's "concerning" situation, it emphasizes that the U.S. must "prioritize its national interests," and extending the legal protections to Haitians run counter to that, the administration says. DHS advised TPS holders to return to Haiti using a mobile application called CBP Home, according to the Associated Press. "DHS records indicate that there are Haitian nationals who are TPS recipients who have been the subject of administrative investigations for fraud, public safety, and national security. These issues underscore a conflict with the national interest of the United States," the agency wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The TPS designation provides broader and more accessible protections for immigrants than the established asylum system, according to ILAP policy director Lisa Parisio. While asylum applicants must prove their lives are in personal danger due to the threat of persecution for their race, politics or other protected grounds, TPS broadly provides legal protections to entire nationalities. But TPS applies only to people already in the U.S. "at the time that something catastrophic happens in their home country which makes it impossible for them to safely return," Parisio said. "Following the aftermath of World War II, the United States made promises through various international treaties that we would never again return people to countries where their lives or freedom would be at risk. So TPS is one of the main humanitarian programs in our immigration system," Parisio said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Donald Trump campaigned on a pledge to ramp up mass deportations, in part by scaling back TPS protections. Trump highlighted Haitian immigrants in particular when he claimed without evidence during a presidential debate that they were abducting and eating pets in Ohio. Revoking TPS could also affect Maine's blueberry farms and Christmas tree industry, the ILAP said in a press release, both of which rely on Haitian immigrants for seasonal work each year. Maine nonprofits that do humanitarian work in Haiti have also been forced to scale back their work funding maternal and child care facilities after the administration revoked hundreds of thousands of dollars they received in USAID grants. "With the stroke of a pen, an entire community will suffer. Others will step in to try to help, but they won't be able to fill the void. These women and children will suffer," Perry Newman, executive director of nonprofit Konbit Sante, said at the time in February. "Many lives will be changed, and sadly, some lives will be lost." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copy the Story Link We believe it's important to offer commenting on certain stories as a benefit to our readers. At its best, our comments sections can be a productive platform for readers to engage with our journalism, offer thoughts on coverage and issues, and drive conversation in a respectful, solutions-based way. It's a form of open discourse that can be useful to our community, public officials, journalists and others. We do not enable comments on everything exceptions include most crime stories, and coverage involving personal tragedy or sensitive issues that invite personal attacks instead of thoughtful discussion. You can read more here about our commenting policy and terms of use. More information is also found on our FAQs. Show less President Donald Trump participates in a walking tour of the immigration detention center nicknamed Alligator Alcatraz, Tuesday, July 1, 2025, in Ochopee, Florida. (Official White House Photo by Daniel Torok) Hundreds of immigrants awaiting deportation will arrive Wednesday night at the detention center the state built in the Everglades, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced on X. A spokesperson for the governors office told reporters Wednesday morning that the timing for arrival of detainees depended on the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The operations at the Everglades Center that Uthmeier and Gov. Ron DeSantis have referred to as a one-stop shop for deportations are starting a day after President Donald Trump visited and urged other states to build similar sites. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Uthmeier didnt offer specifics of the number of people set to arrive at the site at the Miami-Dade Collier Training and Transition Airport or where they are coming from. DHS and Uthmeiers office didnt immediately respond to questions from Florida Phoenix. Alligator Alcatraz will be checking in hundreds of criminal illegal aliens tonight, Uthmeier wrote, using Florida officials name for the site. Next stop: back to where they came from. During his Tuesday visit, Trump said the center would house some of the most vicious people on the planet. Around 71% of immigrants detained have had no criminal record, according to the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse at Syracuse University. But while immigrants in the country without authorization start to arrive at the Everglades tent and trailer center, which has a capacity of 3,000 people, the DeSantis administration is already moving to open another 2,000-person detention center in Camp Blanding, the primary training center for the Florida National Guard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ahead of the start of operations, water seeped into a tent and created large puddles following a storm, where state and federal officials had posed for pictures and Gov. Ron DeSantis answered questions from the press on Tuesday. Stephanie Hartman, a spokesperson from the Florida Division of Emergency Management, and DeSantis communications director, Bryan Griffin, said the seams that allowed the water to come in had been fixed overnight. Griffin also told reporters Wednesday morning that FDEM would be in charge of the facility with oversight from DHS. Meanwhile, Democrats in the state Legislature and Congress sent letters to Uthmeier and DeSantis condemning the operation and demanding answers about the governors speedy takeover of the land owned by Miami-Dade County using authority under a state of emergency on illegal immigration he first declared in 2023. Floridas Democratic Congressional delegation expressed its concerns about environmental damage and the treatment of immigrants, who will sleep in bunk beds inside tents with A/C during the rising summer temperatures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We urge you to immediately reverse course, halt construction activity, and fully withdraw the proposal to establish any detention facility at the Dade-Collier site, the Democrats wrote. We further request that you commit to transparent and science-based environmental review process for any future development plans affecting the Everglades region. Environmental groups are waiting for a response from a federal judge out of the Southern District of Florida on their request to temporarily halt the Everglades detention center. Friends of the Everglades and the Center for Biological Diversity filed suit Friday, arguing that the hasty, eight-day construction at the site violates the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), requiring public input and analysis of potential harms before construction. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX ANKARA, July 2 (Xinhua) -- The Turkiye-China Media Forum was held on Wednesday in Ankara, bringing together media professionals, government officials, and academic experts from both countries for in-depth discussions on media cooperation and the latest industry trends. Hosted by Turkiye's Presidential Directorate of Communications, the one-day event featured two thematic panel sessions: "A Strategic Partnership in the Emerging Global Communication Architecture: Turkiye and China" and "Artificial Intelligence and Innovative Technologies in Strategic Communication." In his opening remarks, Chinese Ambassador to Turkiye Jiang Xuebin noted that this year marks the 15th anniversary of the establishment of the China-Turkiye strategic cooperative relationship. He called for concerted efforts from the media and other sectors to deepen mutual understanding and trust between the two countries, promote exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations, and uphold international fairness and justice. Fahrettin Altun, head of media and communications of the Turkish presidency, said that the relationship between Turkiye and China has been shaped by mutual respect, multifaceted cooperation, and cultural affinity. "This relationship, which embodies the spirit of the ancient Silk Road, is now finding a strong new foundation in the field of media and communications," he added. Jul. 1CHARLESTON Changes to hunting regulations are going into effect today for deer, wild turkey and black bear seasons. The changes, which were released in the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources's annual Hunting and Trapping Regulations Summary, affect season dates, county openings and several statewide rules. Key dates for the upcoming seasons include:Deer archery and crossbow season: Sept. 27 through Dec. 31Buck firearm season: Nov. 24 through Dec. 7Antlerless deer seasons: Open with some changes ; hunters should check local county restrictions.Fall turkey season: Oct. 12-20, with select counties remaining open for an additional week.Black bear archery and crossbow season: Sept. 27 through Dec. 31Firearm black bear season: Same dates as buck firearm season, Nov. 24 through Dec. 7 In addition to season dates, hunters should be aware of new rules, including deer carcass transportation regulations in Grant County and baiting and feeding restrictions in Pendleton County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new regulations also remove minimum age restrictions for youth seasons and lift the maximum caliber limit for hunting coyotes at night. The Small Arms Hunting Stamp (Class A1) for handgun hunting has been eliminated. Hunters may now use UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) and one leashed dog to track and locate mortally wounded deer, bear, wild turkey and wild boar. "These changes reflect our ongoing commitment to responsible wildlife management while supporting West Virginia's strong hunting traditions, " WVDNR Director Brett McMillion said in a statement. "With world-class opportunities across the state, we encourage all hunters to take time to review the new regulations before heading afield this fall." A man who exchanged gunfire with police Sunday had earlier stabbed his wife to death, then died in an explosion inside his home during a standoff with a SWAT team. That information was released Tuesday by the Cache County Attorneys Office. Investigators say Jorge Andrade, 45, stabbed his wife, Holly Andrade, in their mobile home at the Valley View Mobile Home Park, 560 Valley View Drive in Hyrum. She suffered multiple knife wounds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Sunday, Jorge Andrades sister called police early Sunday and said her brother had told her that he just murdered his wife Holly Andrade and was waiting to engage police at his residence, the county attorneys office said in a statement. A Cache County sheriffs deputy responded to the homicide call unaware Andrade was lying in wait, the statement said. Nearly immediately upon his arrival in his patrol vehicle, he began receiving gunfire from Andrade. After other officers and a SWAT team arrived, Andrade began firing at them and the officers returned fire. Negotiations teams made contact with the suspect and the suspect sent pictures of his bomb vest and what appeared to be explosives inside the house, Cache County Sheriff Chad Jensen said Sunday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the subsequent standoff, Logan police sent an armored police vehicle to assist. After some minutes, an explosion detonated inside the trailer and no further shots were fired or heard, the attorneys office said. Not knowing whether Andrade was still alive, officers used the armored car with a ram attachment to try and break into the mobile home. With the help of another armored police vehicle, deputies were able to breach the mobile home and use drones to assess the situation, according to the county attorneys office. From drone images, investigators were able to determine that both occupants were dead. The Northern Utah Critical Incident Protocol Team has begun an investigation to determine whether officers were justified in firing at Andrade. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is investigating reports of a suspected drone attack near the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant in Ukraine. The plant's operators said vehicles were damaged, the Vienna-based agency said on Tuesday. In a report on the incident, the power plant operators said six drones had been involved in an attack reportedly carried out on Friday. The incident occurred outside the site's perimeter about 600 metres from the nearest reactor, the IAEA said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zaporizhzhya is the largest nuclear facility in Europe. The six reactors have been shut down for some time following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine more than three years ago. The IAEA team in Zaporizhzhya was shown a truck that was allegedly hit by a drone on Friday. However, the team could not identify any damage or drone debris, as they were too far from the vehicles, it was reported. They did, however, observe burnt grass and other scorched vegetation. 'Playing with fire' "If this report is confirmed, it would represent a completely unacceptable attack in the proximity of a major nuclear power plant," IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Whoever is behind such attacks is playing with fire. It must stop immediately," Grossi said, The IAEA boss warned that too many drones are flying dangerously close to Ukrainian nuclear power plants, jeopardizing nuclear safety. In February, a drone severely damaged a structure built to contain the damage to the nuclear reactor from the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear power plant melt down. It is designed to prevent any radioactive release from the reactor unit 4, which was destroyed in the 1986 Chernobyl disaster. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported then that a Russian drone had damaged the protective structure of the Chernobyl plant, which suffered a catastrophic accident nearly 40 years ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No increased radiation levels were reported following the February incident. The Kremlin denied any Russian attack on the Chernobyl plant. The IAEA has played a central role in protecting and monitoring the condition and safety of Ukraine's nuclear power plants since the start of Russia's war on Ukraine in February 2022. The agency regularly sends expert teams to active reactor sites in Rivne and Khmelnytskyi and has maintained a permanent presence at the Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant since September 2022. Russian forces took control of the plant from Ukraine in March 2022. Immigration and Customs Enforcement clapped back at Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass after she suggested that federal immigration authorities "go home." "We would like for the ICE raids to stop. We would like the array of federal officials or civilians dressed as federal officials to go home," she said at a news conference on Tuesday held in response to the Department of Justices lawsuit against the citys sanctuary policies. When asked if there could be a deal made between ICE and the Department of Homeland Security, she doubled down. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement La Mayor Bass Claims Immigration Enforcement Creating Ghost Town Effect Comparable To Covid Lockdowns Mayor Karen Bass speaks at a prayer vigil in Grand Park as a curfew goes into effect after days of protests in Los Angeles on June 10, 2025. "I dont know if theres a deal to be made. Like I told you, the deal that needs to be made is for them to go home," the Democrat said. ICE directly responded, noting that they will continue their operations in the city and in the region. Read On The Fox News App "ICE isn't going anywhere and will continue to do what Mayor Bass has utterly failed to do protect the citizens of Los Angeles. If she wants distance from federal law enforcement, I'm sure there is an upcoming diplomatic trip to Ghana," Emily Covington, assistant director, ICE Office of Public Affairs, said in a statement to Fox News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement La Mayor Hits Back At Trump Marine Deployments Saying 'We Don't Want Them Here' Residents surround federal and Border Patrol agents after an immigrant raid in Bell, California, on June 19, 2025. The comment hearkened back to the mayors controversial visit to the African country earlier this year, which she visited to attend the countrys presidential inauguration. Click Here For More Immigration Coverage She returned from the trip as fires were ripping through the city of Los Angeles, which destroyed significant portions of the beach-side community of Pacific Palisades. The National Weather Service warned about the fire risk before she left on the trip, and the Los Angeles Times reported that her staff were aware that fires were possible. Bass later expressed regret over the trip, saying it was a mistake to travel at the time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Absolutely it is, and I think that I have to demonstrate that every day by showing what we're doing, what is working, what are the challenges," Bass said in an interview with NBC Los Angeles in February. Mayor Karen Bass Handling Of La Riots Adds To Decades Of Political Baggage A rioter waves a Mexican national flag next to a car on fire during a protest following federal immigration operations in the Compton neighborhood of Los Angeles on June 7, 2025. The mayor re-entered the national spotlight in June as anti-ICE protests and riots broke out in the city, amid news that the agency was conducting illegal immigration sweeps in the area. President Donald Trump then deployed the National Guard, which resulted in a legal challenge from Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom. Bass said ICE and the National Guard served as instigators for the civil unrest, which she condemned the violent elements of while encouraging peaceful protest. "Last Thursday, ICE entered our city and provoked the city by chasing people through Home Depots and car washes and showing up at schools and, today, showing up at emergency rooms and homeless shelters," Bass said last month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "ICE intervened as a pretext to federalize the National Guard, and then, in the White House, the National Guard was complimented for the work that they did to keep peace in the city Saturday night. But I will tell you, the Guard didn't even arrive here until Sunday. They used this as a pretext to send the U.S. Marines into an American city, which will target our own citizens," she added. Original article source: ICE flips script on Los Angeles mayor after telling authorities to 'go home' An ICE Homeland Security Investigations probe in Maryland led to the sentencing of a man who "used his position of authority" to sexually abuse a 2-year-old and who produced and distributed child sex abuse material online. U.S. District Judge Ellen Lipton Hollander sentenced Maryland man Mark Rice, 38, to 30 years in federal prison and a lifetime of supervised release for producing and distributing child sexual abuse material. The sentence was part of a plea deal. A statement by the Department of Justice said Rice pleaded guilty to one count of producing child sexual abuse material, one count of distributing child sexual abuse material, and one count of possessing child sexual abuse material. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the DOJ, the charges stemmed from Rice "sexually abusing two minors in his care" while using social media platforms such as Reddit, Telegram, and Kik to distribute materials depicting his victims and to solicit and access materials depicting other children. Doj Directs Us Attorneys To Seek To Revoke Citizenship Of Naturalized Americans Over Crime In a Tuesday statement, ICE said the investigation began in April 2023 when the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received a cyber tip from Reddit regarding the distribution of child sexual abuse material. Authorities traced the tip to an IP address associated with Rices residence in Elkton, Maryland. Read On The Fox News App Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maryland State Police questioned Rice regarding the abuse materials, and though he denied the allegations, he was later "observed deleting photos from his phone." According to ICEs statement, when Rice showed officers his phone, investigators were able to spot child sexual abuse material in a thumbnail image. Authorities then uncovered additional material in his recently deleted folder. Washington Post Reporter Arrested On Child Pornography Charges After Fbi Search And Is Placed On Leave A law enforcement officer walks past an ICE logo ahead of a press conference on Thursday, May 11, 2017, at the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement headquarters in Washington, D.C. ICE Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) reportedly discovered more than 600 child sexual abuse images across Rices devices. Investigators also found that Rice used Reddit to connect with people with whom he traded abuse materials using encrypted messaging platforms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to ICE, Rice began abusing his first victim when she "was less than 3 years old." He created photographic evidence of the abuse and also documented his abuse of another minor. In the statement, ICE HSI Baltimore Special Agent in Charge Michael McCarthy called the sentencing a "powerful reminder that those who exploit and abuse children will be relentlessly pursued and held accountable." Maryland Man, Accused Ms-13 Gangbanger, Could Face Death Penalty Over Deadly Border Disaster: Fmr Prosecutor A pedestrian walks past the downtown Baltimore skyline in Federal Hill park in Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. Photographer: Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images "There is no place in society for predators who create and distribute child sexual abuse material," said McCarthy. "These crimes shatter lives, and HSI will never waver in our mission to bring justice to victims by targeting those who commit these horrific acts." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kelly Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, called Rice "a dangerous predator." "This sentence reflects the gravity of exploiting the most vulnerable members of our communities," said Hayes. "Were committed to working with our law-enforcement partners to aggressively prosecute those who sexually abuse children and participate in networks that perpetuate such exploitation." Original article source: ICE investigation leads to prison sentence for 'dangerous predator' who abused 2-year-old The entrance to the Anchorage Correctional Complex is seen on Aug. 29, 2022. (Photo by Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon) The Alaska Department of Corrections announced that 35 men that were arrested and detained by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement from out of state and held at the Anchorage Correctional Complex were transferred out of state on Monday. ICE transferred 42 men to Alaska from out of state on June 8, as part of an ongoing agreement between the Department of Corrections and the U.S. Department of Justice, amid a nationwide deportation crackdown. The move sparked daily protests, a fact-finding hearing by the Alaska House Judiciary Committee, and concerns from attorneys and the American Civil Liberties Union of Alaska around the punitive conditions of detention, violations of due process and criminal confinement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson for the Department of Corrections said department Commissioner Jen Winkelman was not available for an interview on Tuesday to discuss the transfer, concerns around conditions of detention, and ongoing plans to house ICE detainees in Alaska. The ICE detainees who were transferred due to severe overcrowding in the Washington facility are no longer in the custody of the Alaska Department of Corrections, said DOC spokesperson Betsy Holley in an email, in which she included the italics and underlining. She added that all questions on the details of the transfer should be directed to DHS/ICE. Cindy Woods, a senior immigration law and policy fellow with the ACLU of Alaska, said the transfer was not unexpected, since DOC had said they agreed to hold detainees for 30 days. She also said she and several other attorneys were not notified of the transfers. Yesterday evening, I flagged the attorneys that I know represent folks who had been transferred, to let them know that they were being transferred again, and but none of them had been told by ICE prior to that, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Woods said all the detainees were going through civil immigration proceedings, and faced no criminal charges. These individuals were all in civil detention, so they were not being detained as part of an ongoing criminal proceeding. They were all in administrative immigration proceedings, she said, and a number of the men have applied for or received asylum protections. And then there were also a handful of folks who were waiting for their immigration proceedings to commence, she said. And so (they) were waiting for the opportunity to speak with a judge about either a potential asylum claim or some other request for immigration relief. The ICE transfer of detainees to Alaska DOC custody raised serious concerns around standards of detention from legislators and advocates. Attorneys testified before the June 20 hearing of the Alaska House Judiciary Committee that despite no criminal charges, their clients reported that they were subject to lengthy lockdowns, overuse of handcuffs and overcrowding sleeping three to a cell. In addition, they were denied or had limited access to calls with family and attorneys, regularly strip-searched after visits with attorneys, and subjected to use of force by DOC staff members, who pepper-sprayed a unit to stop a verbal demonstration on June 12, the attorneys said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ACLU of Alaska sent a letter on Saturday to Alaska state officials and ICE demanding detainees be removed from Anchorage Correctional Complex custody, and a stop to any additional transfers unless and until constitutionally adequate conditions of confinement and attorney access can be guaranteed. The letter provided further detail on the pepper-spray incident: This verbal demonstration consisted of detainees requesting access to their belongings, including an individual who was trying to access his property to get the phone number for his consulate. Following the incident, many individuals experienced respiratory distress, including coughing, burning sensations in their mouth, nose, and eyes, and nosebleeds, and did not receive medical attention. They were also unable to change their clothes for an extended period of time. Holley said in the Department of Corrections emailed response to an interview request that the state did not make the call to transfer the detainees. The decision to transfer these detainees out of Alaska rested solely with the federal government. The decision was not influenced by the recent House Judiciary Committee hearing or the letter issued by the ACLU this past weekend, Holley said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is important to note the Alaska DOC routinely houses both civil detainees and federal prisoners. While we do not currently know whether ICE will request additional placements in the future, the Alaska DOC remains fully prepared to support DHS/ICE in coordinated efforts that prioritize public safety and the efficient use of government resources. The ACLU filed a class action lawsuit against the Department of Corrections in May challenging what they say is inadequate, dangerous and inhumane health care provided for incarcerated Alaskans. Woods said the DOC protocols and detention conditions are unnecessary, and violated the mens right to due process. The conditions that they were all held in were punitive, whether or not that was the intention of the government, and such punitive nature are clearly outside the scope of the law, and especially when it comes to the standards and the requirements for civil detainees, who are not being held under criminal charges, she said. ICE did not respond to requests for comment about why the detainees were transferred to and from Alaska. Woods said she was able to search in the ICE inmate locator and confirm the men were transferred back to the ICE detention facility in Tacoma, Washington, with reportedly better conditions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Woods said detainees reported the experience in DOC custody as humiliating. They were being held in really substandard conditions, being subjected to pepper spray and strip searches, and handcuffs, and all of those things. And so it was really hard for a lot of people to deal with that shift, she said, referring to being transferred from Washington state to Alaska custody. And especially because they were also largely cut off from those outside relationships that sustained them, particularly those who, you know, regularly spoke with their children and their parents and their loved ones who were not located in the United States having that kind of completely shut off really impacted the individuals who experienced that. On Friday, seven U.S. congressional representatives from Washington and Oregon sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security questioning why detainees were transferred to Alaska, as well as the cost and criteria for who is transferred. The letter also raised concerns that ICE is wasting taxpayer dollars, flying dozens of people between detention centers thousands of miles apart, in efforts that do nothing to help protect Americans. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX As immigration operations continue across Southern California and the U.S., a new app that allows users to report sightings of ICE agents in their area is gaining attention and controversy. The platform, called ICEBlock, was launched in April in response to President Donald Trumps crackdown on immigration and the mass protests that followed, according to the apps creator, Joshua Aaron. The app allows users to report sightings of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity in what Aaron said is an effort to protect bystanders from physical confrontations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats what this whole thing is about, is getting it into as many peoples hands as possible so that everybody can protect themselves and their communities from what is going on in this country, Aaron told KTLAs Lindsey Pena. Joshua Aaron, developer of the ICEBlock app said the platform allows users to report sightings of ICE agents and immigration enforcement activity in their community. (KTLA) The ICEBlock app allows users to report sightings of ICE agents and immigration enforcement activity in their community. (KTLA) The ICEBlock app allows users to report sightings of ICE agents and immigration enforcement activity in their community. (KTLA) Joshua Aaron, developer of the ICEBlock app, speaks with KTLA on July 1, 2025. (KTLA) The ICEBlock app allows users to report sightings of ICE agents and immigration enforcement activity in their community. (KTLA) Aaron said reports submitted to the app are anonymous and users can report ICE sightings within five miles of their current location. They can also receive push notifications of activity in their area. To keep the app 100% anonymous, Aaron said its is only available on iOS because he claimed that offering the app on Android wouldve required them to collect user data, which he wanted to avoid for user safety. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He emphasized that he is not trying obstruct law enforcement operations, but instead, protect civilians from possibly violent encounters in their communities. This app does not dox anybody, he said. There are no photos or videos. This app is to inform, not obstruct. We do not condone violence against officers of the law or against federal officials of any kind. This is simply to help people avoid the confrontation in the first place. The app has around 20,000 users, most of them based in Los Angeles, and has garnered criticism and pushback from the White House and federal officials, with some concerned about potential safety issues for agents. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt criticized the app in a recent briefing saying, Surely, it sounds like this would be an incitement of further violence against our ICE officers who are just simply trying to do their jobs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Southern California influencer uses platform to alert residents of immigration raids In a statement, acting ICE director Todd Lyons said, An app that basically paints a target on federal law enforcement officers backs is sickening. Aaron, however, stands by the apps purpose to inform residents of immigration enforcement activity. In recent years, ICE has faced criticism for alleged civil rights abuses and failures to adhere to constitutional principles and due process, making it crucial for communities to stay informed about its operations, read a statement on the apps website. Aaron said that despite the pushback and threats hes received, he hopes more people will download and use the app to report sightings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Youre going to get blowback, youre gonna get threats, he acknowledged. I got three death threats last night through email. I cant live in fear and this is way more important because if we can save one persons life, if we can just help one person avoid an encounter or some horrible situation, thats all that matters. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. After years of closure, the fully renovated Archaeological Museum of Thera in the heart of Santorini has reopened its doors - reviving a significant modernist building and enriching the islands cultural offerings. The building, originally constructed after the devastating 1956 earthquake, had long required extensive modernisation. With a 750,000 investment, the site was structurally reinforced, energy upgraded, made accessible, and outfitted with modern museum infrastructure. Renovation highlights include restoring the original mosaic floor, skylights that flood the space with Cycladic light, glass windows, and the iconic palm tree in the atrium. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related The Daughter of Thera on display at Santorini's Archaeological Museum - Credit: Andreas Santrouzanos But the museums true centrepiece is the "Daughter of Thera" - a 2.48-metre marble statue from the Archaic period, unearthed in 2000 at Ancient Theras necropolis, Sellada. After a study led by Professor Emeritus Vlassis Koumousis, the statue has been installed on a specially engineered seismic base developed by the National Technical University of Athens to protect it against earthquakes of up to magnitude 8. General view of the exhibition "Cycladic Women: Untold Stories" - Credit: Andreas Santrouzanos Another major draw is the exhibition "Kykladitisses: Untold stories of women in the Cyclades", readapted from the Museum of Cycladic Art in Athens. It includes 180 rare artefacts - many shown for the first time or returning home to the Cyclades after decades. From figurines and frescoes to jewellery and funerary monuments, the exhibition explores the often-overlooked roles of women across Cycladic history: goddesses, merchants, priestesses, courtesans, migrants, and more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a historic day for us, says Dr Dimitris Athanasoulis, Director of the Ephorate of Cycladic Antiquities. We installed inside the museum, in its new permanent location, the famous Daughter of Thera. It is one of the most important examples of ancient Greek plastic art of the Archaic period." He adds: "Our joy, as I said, is great, because Santorini, which has a huge wealth of monuments and museums, is endowed with another great museum, which will contain not only the Daughter but also the Cycladic women, the largest Pan-Cycladic exhibition ever organised and the largest archaeological exhibition ever organised in the Cyclades." General view of the exhibition "Kykladitisses: Untold stories of women in the Cyclades" - Credit: Andreas Santrouzanos General view of the exhibition "Kykladitisses: Untold stories of women in the Cyclades" - Credit: Andreas Santrouzanos The exhibition aims to challenge gender stereotypes by highlighting the lives of Cycladic women in both public and private spheres - through love, death, religion, festivals, and community expectations. There are 12 sections which explore their relationship with eroticism, death and mourning, their participation in religious events and Dionysian festivals, violence and the restrictions imposed on them by the community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A statue of Aphrodite is featured in the section on eroticism, while the burial monument of Parthenika, a Theraic work, has been placed in such a way that its installation and its remains are in direct visual contact with the original monument in the museum's atrium. General view of the exhibition "Kykladitisses: Untold stories of women in the Cyclades" - Credit: Andreas Santrouzanos General view of the exhibition "Kykladitisses: Untold stories of women in the Cyclades" - Credit: Andreas Santrouzanos Dr Panagiotis Joseph, Scientific Director of the Museum of Cycladic Art, describes the Santorini version of the show as essentially another exhibition. "We have the same objects, the same narrative, but the space of the museum, its architecture, its lighting, this history that the building itself carries and the dialogue it has with both the caldera and the Cycladic light, to say something quite commonplace, have shaped the exhibition in a completely different way," he explains. The atrium of the Archaeological Museum of Thira - Credit: Andreas Santrouzanos For the exhibition in Santorini, as well as in Athens, the Museum of Cycladic Art has created a complete bilingual audio guide, with narratives of the stories of the women of the Cyclades and the general theme of the exhibition. In addition, selected objects are accompanied by a QR-code through which visitors can read extensive and detailed information about the objects on their phones, using the Museum's app. The Archaeological Museum of Thera is now open to the public and is dynamically integrated into the cultural map of the Cyclades. The temporary exhibition "Kykladitisses: Untold stories of women in the Cyclades" runs until 31 October. The man charged in the stabbing deaths of four University of Idaho students in November 2022 has agreed to plead guilty, according to an attorney for a victims family, but the family says it opposes any deal that would take the death penalty off the table. Shanon Gray, an attorney for the family of Kaylee Goncalves, said the family has requested that a change of plea hearing for Bryan Kohberger set for Wednesday be delayed so that families could travel to Boise to attend. The family of Ethan Chapin, another of those killed, supports the plea deal, said family spokesperson Christina Teves on Tuesday. Karen and Scott Laramie, the mother and stepfather of Madison Mogen, plan to make a statement through their attorney, Leander James, after the hearing. Relatives of Xana Kernodle did not immediately respond to interview requests. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors stressed in a letter to victims families, obtained by ABC News, that they had met with available family members last week before extending the offer. What happens when surviving families of crime victims or victims themselves disagree with prosecutors? Heres a little more on what rights and recourse victims do and dont have in the U.S. and in Idaho. A movement to address the needs and well-being of victims of crime started in the 1970s and made grassroots advancements, like the first victims help hotline. Laws addressing the rights of crime victims followed in the 80s, 90s and 2000s, and are relatively new for the criminal justice landscape. The 2004 federal Crime Victims Rights Act granted eight specific rights to victims in federal criminal cases including the right to be protected from the person accused of committing the crime, the right to reasonable and timely notice of proceedings, the right to restitution and the reasonable right to confer with the prosecution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement States were left to pass laws that governed victims rights for state-level criminal prosecutions. Every state has some form of law addressing the rights of crime victims that vary. Most, at minimum, provide the right to seek restitution or to be informed about court hearings in advance. Many states have passed larger packages sometimes called a victim bill of rights. Really, what these laws are designed to do is to make sure that victims are meaningful participants in the architecture of justice, said Meg Garvin, the executive director of the National Crime Victim Law Institute. Idahos Constitution outlines 10 rights of crime victims, including to be treated fairly and respectfully, the right to notification of case events and to attend those events, and the right to communicate with prosecutors, among others. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It also specifically allows for victims to be heard, upon request, at all criminal justice proceedings considering a plea of guilty, sentencing, incarceration or release of the defendant, unless manifest injustice would result. It was unclear Tuesday if any of the families had requested to make a statement at that hearing, but Garvin said that would be a meaningful opportunity for them to speak to the court. When a court decides to accept or reject a plea agreement, it has to be done in the interest of justice, she said. Its a victims right to have input in the prosecution, but also to make sure the court knows how they feel about a plea. The victims dont have control over the outcome, but they can offer something that helps the court analyze whether the plea is in the interest of justice. Judges can reject plea agreements in Idaho, but it is a rare occurrence. The judge in Kohbergers case previously denied a defense attorney motion to remove the death penalty from consideration that had argued Kohbergers autism diagnosis made him less culpable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The right to confer covers a broad range of communication with prosecutors, but largely means being kept informed and participating as a case proceeds. That can mean having conversations before a bail hearing to propose conditions of a defendant being released that increase a victims feeling of safety, or strategizing victim impact statements before sentencing. It does not mean that victims or their families get the final say in how prosecutors try a case or whether they can offer or approve a plea agreement. There is no appeals process for victims or families who disagree with a prosecutors decision, but that doesnt mean there isnt recourse if a victim believes their rights have been violated. Garvin said not providing an opportunity for meaningful victim input can lead to courts reconsidering sentences or overturning outcomes and holding new hearings. She cited the recent case of Adnan Syed in Maryland, whose murder conviction had been vacated in 2022 after Baltimore prosecutors said they had uncovered issues with the initial prosecution. The victims family later succeeded in getting the conviction reinstated after challenging the ruling on procedural grounds, arguing they didnt receive proper notice to attend the hearing that freed Syed from prison a victims rights violation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the letter sent to the families of the Idaho victims Monday, prosecutors wrote, Your viewpoints weighed heavily in our decision-making process, and we hope that you may come to appreciate why we believe this resolution is in the best interest of justice." Goncalves family wrote in Facebook posts that family members had spoken to prosecutors multiple times from Friday to Monday to register their objections to a plea and explain their views about pushing for a conviction at trial and the death penalty. The statement said the Friday discussions were vague, and that the whole process moved incredibly fast despite nearly two years of preparations and waiting for a trial that had been scheduled to start in August. Originally appeared on E! Online Chilling details on the University of Idaho murders emerged as Bryan Kohberger entered his guilty plea. Speaking in court at the Ada County Courthouse in Boise, Idaho, July 2, prosecutor Bill Thompson at times got emotional as he recounted the suspected timeline of eventslargely pointing to phone data and surveillance footageon November 13, 2022, when Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin were fatally stabbed in an off-campus home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thompson said that after Kohberger drove his Hyundai Elantra to Moscow, Idaho, turned off his cell phone (it would remain off for nearly two hours) and stalked the students' residence at 1122 King Road, he slipped into their home through a sliding door on the back side of the house that leads to the kitchen around 3 a.m. The prosecutor alleged that the 30-year-old then proceeded to go to the third floor of the residence where he stabbed and killed Mogen, 21, next to whose body he's suspected to have left a knife sheath. (While they never uncovered the murder weapon, investigators would later use DNA found on the sheath to connect Kohbergerwho had purchased a knife and sheath on Amazon earlier in the yearto the murders.) After also killing a sleeping Goncalves, 21, on the third floor, Thompson said that Kohberger then encountered, 20-year-old Kernodle, who was awake and had recently placed a DoorDash order, and also stabbed her to death with a large knife. He then made his way to her bedroom on the second floor, where he then killed Chapin, her sleeping boyfriend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Each victim suffered multiple wounds," Thompson said. "I will state for the record that there is no evidence there was any sexual component or sexual assault on any of the victims. I want to make that clear, so there's no speculation." More from E! Online After also killing a sleeping Goncalves, 21, on the third floor, Thompson said that Kohberger then encountered, 20-year-old Kernodle, who was awake and had recently placed a DoorDash order, and also stabbed her to death with a large knife. He then made his way to her bedroom on the second floor, where he then killed Chapin, her sleeping boyfriend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Each victim suffered multiple wounds," Thompson said. "I will state for the record that there is no evidence there was any sexual component or sexual assault on any of the victims. I want to make that clear, so there's no speculation." Ted S. Warren-Pool/Getty Images The prosecutor also noted that two of the victims' roommatesDylan Mortensen and Bethany Funkewere sleeping in the house at the time but were left unharmed. Funke, Thompson said, looked out the door of her bedroom and "saw the defendant dressed in black" and "holding some sort of container in his hand" before watching him slip out the same sliding door he entered their home in. After driving back to his home in Pullman, Washington, Thompson said, Kohberger seemingly returned to 1122 King Road later that morning around 9 a.m., where he lingered for about 10 minutes before going back home again. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When he returned home, the attorney said Kohberger took a selfie wearing all black in his bathroom. He would be apprehended weeks later at his parents' home in Pennsylvania. Ted S. Warren - Pool/Getty Images Thompson's recounting of evidence came just before Judge Steven Hippler approved Kohberger's guilty plea . Kohberger had previously pled not guilty back at his May 2023 arraignment, but took a plea deal weeks before his July murder trial was set to start. As part of the deal, he would admit to killing all four college students as well as committing first-degree burglary but would be spared the death penalty. "Are you pleading guilty because you are guilty?" Hippler questioned Kohberger at his latest hearing, who replied with a firm, "Yes." When asked if he killed each victim "willingly, unlawfully, deliberately and with premeditation and malice with forethought," Kohberger also replied, "Yes." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kohberger is set to be sentenced on July 23, where he faces a fixed life sentence on the four counts of murder as well as 10 years for the burglary charge, though Judge Hippler noted that he is not bound by the agreement. Keep reading for more about the case... Who Were Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Ethan Chapin and Xana Kernodle? Kaylee Goncalves, 21, Madison Mogen, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and her boyfriend Ethan Chapin, 20, were University of Idaho students who lived in an off-campus apartment. On Nov. 12, 2022the night before their bodies were foundGoncalves and Mogen were at a nearby sports bar, while Kernodle and Chapin were at the latters fraternity party. By 2 a.m. on Nov. 13, the four roommates and Chapin were back at the three-story rental house. Goncalves was a senior majoring in general studies at the College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences. She was expected to graduate in December before heading to Austin, Texas, for a job at a marketing firm, her friend Jordyn Quesnell told The New York Times. Mogen, who was studying marketing, was best friends with Goncalves since the sixth grade. She had plans to move to Boise after graduation, family friend Jessie Frost shared with The Idaho Statesman. Kernodle was a junior majoring in marketing, the University said at the time. She and Chapinwho majored in recreation, sport and tourism managementhad been dating since the spring, the roommates neighbor Ellie McKnight told NBC News. Were There Any Survivors? Two roommates, Dylan Mortensen and Bethany Funke, had been home at the time of the murders. In text messages that were unsealed March 6, 2025, Mortensen and Funke tried contacting their roommates on Nov. 13 after the former saw a masked man moving through the house, according to documents obtained by E! News. "No one is answering," Mortensen texted Funke at 4:22 a.m. "I'm rlly confused rn." She continued to reach out to their roommates, urging them to respond. "Pls answer," she texted Goncalves at 4:32 a.m. and again at 10:23 a.m. "R u up??" At 11:58 a.m., a 911 call was placed after Kernodle was found unresponsive, per an additional motion obtained by E! News. A woman named A1 in the transcript described the current situation to the operator. "One of the roommates who's passed out and she was drunk last night and she's not waking up," she said on the phone. "They saw some man in their house last night." Who Is Bryan Kohberger and How Was He Found? Bryan Kohberger, who was charged with four counts of first-degree murder and one count of burglary, was a doctoral candidate at Washington State University. Over one month after the bodies of Gonclaves, Mogen, Kernodle and Chapin were discovered, Kohberger was taken into custody Dec. 30 in Monroe County, Penn. He was extradited to Idaho Jan. 4, 2023. As for how authorities connected him to the killings? DNA was found on a knife sheath that was left at the crime scene, prosecutors revealed in June 2023 court documents, per NBC News. When the DNA didn't match anyone in the FBI database, authorities ran the DNA through public ancestry websites to create a list of potential suspects, according to the filings. After learning that Kohberger had driven to his parents' home in Monroe County, local officials then went through their trash and found DNA that tied him to that found on the sheath. What Was Kohbergers Initial Defense? At the moment, a motive for the attack has not been detailed and a gag order prevents many involved in the case from speaking publicly, NBC News reported. However, the unsealed documents provided some insight into their initial arguments. Kohberger's attorneys argued in a motion obtained by E! News to strike the death penalty that Kohbergerwho initially faced death penalty if found guilty on all countshas autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and that executing him would violate the Eighth Amendment's prohibition on "cruel and unusual punishment." His defense argued that Kohbereger "displays extremely rigid thinking, perseverates on specific topics, processes information on a piecemeal basis, struggles to plan ahead, and demonstrates little insight into his own behaviors and emotions." "Due to his ASD, Mr. Kohberger simply cannot comport himself in a manner that aligns with societal expectations of normalcy," the motion said. "This creates an unconscionable risk that he will be executed because of his disability rather than his culpability." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Where Was the Trial Set? Initially, Kohberger had a judge enter a not-guilty plea to the first-degree murder charges on his behalf after remaining silent at his May 2023 arraignment. Although his trial was set to begin Oct. 2, 2023, Kohberger waived his right to a speedy trial in August 2023. His trial datewhich was scheduled to take place in Ada County, more than 300 miles from Latah County, where the killings took placewas set to begin Aug. 11, 2025. Latah County Judge John Judge previously ruled in favor of the transfer request made by Kohberger's defense in September 2024 based on "presumed prejudice" if the trial remained in Latah County. Ada County Judge Steven Hippler denied the defense's request to suppress key DNA and other evidence, including cell phone and email records, surveillance footage, past Amazon purchases and DNA evidence in the trial. What Was the Verdict in the Trial? Kohberger's murder trial was abruptly canceled after he took a plea deal from prosecutors on June 30, 2025. In accepting the deal, Kohberger agreed to plead guilty to four counts of murder and one count of burglary, as well as waive his rights to appeal and ask for a more lenient prison sentence. He entered his guilty plea on July 2, 2025, confirming with a "yes" after the judge asked if he killed all four victims "willingly, unlawfully, deliberately and with premeditation and malice with forethought." Did Kohberger Take a Selfie After the Murders? A selfie Kohberger took the morning after the murders took place was introduced in March 2025. The photograph, which sees him in front of a shower showing a thumbs up, displays how he may fit the description a witness identified as "D.M." gave in filings, who said the perpetrator had "bushy eyebrows." Steve Gonclaves, the father of victim Kaylee, later reacted to the image calling it a "trophy" in an interview with Fox and Friends. "I know the timeline, I know that he had just returned to the crime scene and he had come back," Gonclaves said. "He had realized that nobody had called 911." As he put it, "To him, thats his little trophy to let him know like, Hey, I got away with it, nobodys on me. What Did Kohberger Google Before the Murders? In a 2025 Dateline documentary about the murders, a former classmate of Kohbergers detailed a peculiar text she received from him after making his acquaintance at a party. I definitely felt a little obligated to chat with him, because to me, he seemed a little awkward, the studentidentified as Hollyexplained. Kind of like you might expect for a PhD student who didn't know anyone at the party and was maybe trying his best to kind of get out there and be social and make friends. The following day, Holly said she received a text from him, which she described as overly formal. Hey, I am pretty sure we spoke about hiking trips yesterday, Bryans text from July 10, 2022 at 1:19 p.m., read, per Dateline. I really enjoy that activity, so please let me know. Thanks! Elsewhere in the Dateline documentary, Kohbergers browsing history was found to have included searches for Ted Bundy, Britney Spears song Criminal, and the term University of Idaho Murders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App WINDHOEK, July 2 (Xinhua) -- Namibia's Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) has partnered with the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) to validate its draft Communication and Behavior Change Strategy. The initiative, which kicked off Wednesday with a three-day workshop in Otjiwarongo, central-north Namibia, is a key component of the Implementation Action Plan for the National Food and Nutrition Security Policy (NFNS), which was revised in 2021. The PM's office said the strategy aims to empower Namibians to make informed food and nutrition choices, ultimately ensuring universal access to adequate, safe, and nutritious food, as well as clean water, throughout their lives. "It also seeks to promote the dissemination of clear, targeted information on the importance of food and nutrition security countrywide," the office added. The workshop brought together participants from various NFNS working groups, key stakeholders, and government communication practitioners, emphasizing a collaborative effort to tackle the country's food insecurity challenges it faces. According to the 2024 Global Hunger Index, Namibia suffers from a serious level of hunger, ranking 86th out of 121 countries. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification Analysis for July 2024 to June 2025 showed that food insecurity is likely to deteriorate because of the start of the lean season and rising prices from October 2024 to March 2025, with 1.26 million people likely to face crisis or worse conditions. Steve Gonvalves, father of Idaho murder victim Kaylee Goncalves, spoke to the press outside of the Idaho courthouse after a plea deal was offered and accepted by Bryan Kohberger on Monday. Gonvalves, along with the other four families, was enraged that they were not consulted on the terms of the plea deal that would sentence Kohberger to a lifetime in prison. He claimed that the prosecuting attorney did not give "the common courtesy to negotiate with [the families]". Bryan Kohberger appeared in court on Wednesday, July 2nd, 2025, to plead guilty to killing four Idaho college students in December 2022. Speaking to the press outside the courthouse, Mr. Gonvalves said, "We didn't agree to this. We didn't agree on any of it." The longrunning University of Idaho homicide case has reached a decisive turn: Bryan Kohberger, the former Washington State University criminology Ph.D. student accused of killing four undergraduates in 2022, pleaded guilty in court Wednesday as he accepted a deal. The deal involved Kohberger agreeing to plead guilty in exchange for four consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole, waiving all appeals and sparing himself the death penalty. Kohberger admitted to killing the four students on Nov. 13, 2022. On Wednesday Judge Steven Hippler accepted Kohberger's plea in Boise's Ada County Courthouse Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A formal change of plea hearing is set for 11 a.m. local time Wednesday in Boise's Ada County Courthouse. If the agreement is accepted by the judge, sentencing is expected before the end of July, closing one of Idahos most closely watched criminal cases. Here's a timeline of the events leading up to Kohberger's plea deal. Bryan Kohberger Expected To Officially Plead Guilty: Whats Next Read On The Fox News App Bryan Kohberger and his alleged victims, clockwise from top left, Madison Mogen, Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle and Kaylee Goncalves. "Saturday is for the girls," read a sign seen hanging through one of the windows at 1122 King Road, an off-campus rental house in Moscow, Idaho, which was home to five University of Idaho students. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These included Madison Mogen, a 21-year-old senior majoring in marketing; her best friend Kaylee Goncalves, also 21, who had recently moved out but was visiting for the weekend; Xana Kernodle, a 20-year-old junior majoring in marketing; and two other roommates. Though not a roommate, Ethan Chapin, Kernodles 20-year-old boyfriend, was staying overnight at the house and was among the four victims. The two surviving roommates were both home at the time but were unharmed during the attack. The house at 1122 King Road in Moscow, Idaho, behind police tape on Nov. 15, 2022. Police say four University of Idaho students were stabbed to death inside on Nov. 13. Bryan Kohberger Accepts Plea Deal In Idaho Student Murders Case On the frigid night of Nov. 12, 2022, roommates Mogen and Goncalves ended an evening at Moscows Corner Club and a downtown food truck, while Kernodle and Chapin walked back from the Sigma Chi fraternity house only 200 yards away. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shortly after 4 a.m. on Nov. 13, police say a lone intruder entered 1122 King Road and fatally stabbed the four students in a blitz that lasted roughly 15 minutes. 4 a.m.: Suspect arrives at house Between 4 and 4:17: Time of murders 4:19: Roommate calls three victims; no one answers 4:22 to 4:24: Surviving roommates text each other from inside the house 4:27: Roommate calls victims again, no one answers 4:32: Roommate texts Goncalves 'Pls answer' 10:23: Surviving roommate texts victims, no one answers 11:39: Roommate calls her father 12 p.m.: 911 call placed from roommate's phone. The investigation led authorities to Kohberger, a criminology Ph.D. student at Washington State University. He was arrested in December 2022 in Pennsylvania after forensic evidence linked him to the murders, including DNA found on a knife sheath at the crime scene and cellphone data placing him near the victims' home multiple times. Bryan Kohberger, who is accused of killing four University of Idaho students in November 2022, is escorted into a courtroom for a hearing in Latah County District Court on Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023 in Moscow, Idaho. Kohberger was extradited to Idaho on Jan. 4, 2023. He had waived his right to an extradition hearing in Pennsylvania the previous day. He was booked into the Latah County Jail in Moscow, Idaho. Bryan Kohberger, 28, is accused of killing Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Kaylee Goncalves and Madison Mogen. On May 17, 2023, a grand jury in Latah County, Idaho, indicted Kohberger on five felony charges: four counts of first-degree murder and one count of burglary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bryan Kohberger Allegedly Searched Pictures Of Female Students, Some Were Close To Alleged Victims On May 22, 2023, Kohberger was arraigned in Latah County on charges including four counts of first-degree murder and one count of felony burglary. During the arraignment, Kohberger chose to "stand silent," meaning he did not enter a plea. As a result, the judge entered not guilty pleas on his behalf. Latah County Senior Deputy Prosecutor Ashley Jennings and Latah County Prosecutor Bill Thompson arrive at the Ada County Courthouse for a hearing in the Bryan Kohberger case on Wednesday, April 9, 2025 in Boise, Idaho. On June 26, 2023, Latah County Prosecutor Bill Thompson filed a formal notice of intent to seek the death penalty against Kohberger. This filing occurred within the 60-day window mandated by Idaho law following Kohberger's arraignment on May 22, 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Defendant waives right to a speedy trial, postponing proceedings. Kohberger's attorney, Anne Taylor, cited the need for additional time to prepare the defense. Kohberger accepts a plea deal: guilty pleas in exchange for life without parole and a waiver of appeals. Bryan Kohberger Selfie From Days Before Arrest Seen For First Time Bryan Kohberger, charged in the murders of four University of Idaho students, appears at the Ada County Courthouse, Wednesday, July 2, 2025, in Boise, Idaho. Kohberger appeared in the Ada County Courthouse to officially plead guilty to four counts of first-degree murder and one count of felony burglary. He will be sentenced on July 23 at 9 a.m. to four consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole. Ethan Chapin, Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen and Xana Kernodle, who were stabbed to death Nov. 13. Immediately following the hearing, the Mogen family issued a heartfelt statement through their attorney, Leander James, on the steps of the courthouse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We now embark on a new path," James said on behalf of the family. "We turn from tragedy and mourning. We turn from darkness and uncertainty of the legal process to the light of the future. We have closure. We embark on a path of hope and healing. We invite all of those who have mourned with us to join us, and we wish you well." The sentiment drew a stark contrast compared to remarks made by Steve Goncalves, the father of Kaylee Goncalves, as he arrived at the courthouse but chose not to attend the hearing. "He's going to own this," Steve Goncalves said of Judge Steven Hippler. "He's gonna inherit what [Bill] Thompson did. And he's the only one that can fix it. He's the one who can make it right. He needs to protect those other surviving victims and make this person say that they had nothing to do with it. He did it solely, he did it all on his own. And nobody else was responsible." When asked by reporters if he felt justice was served, the grieving father went on to slam the court's decision to hand down four life sentences to Kohberger, saying, "No, of course not. It's daycare." Fox News Digital's Audrey Conklin contributed to this report. Original article source: Idaho murders timeline: Bryan Kohberger plea caps yearslong quest for justice NEED TO KNOW Four students from the University of Idaho were stabbed to death at a home in Moscow, Idaho, on Nov. 13, 2022 The victims include Madison Mogen, 21, Kaylee Goncalves, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and Ethan Chapin, 20 Bryan Kohberger was arrested more than a month after the murders and entered a guilty plea on July 2, 2025 The court proceedings involving the brutal killings of four students at the University of Idaho on Nov. 13, 2022, are coming to an end. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On July 2, Bryan Kohberger pleaded guilty to four counts of first-degree murder and one count of burglary after he reportedly agreed to a plea deal days earlier. He is expected to be sentenced in the coming days to four life sentences plus an additional 10 years for a burglary charge. Madison Mogen, 21, Kaylee Goncalves, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and Ethan Chapin, 20, were all stabbed to death in bedrooms on the second and third floors of a home in Moscow, Idaho. The killing shocked the campus of the University of Idaho, where all four victims attended, especially as the case began with no suspects or apparent motive. More than a month after the murders took place, Kohberger was arrested in Pennsylvania in connection with the murders the same day a memorial was scheduled for best friends Mogen and Goncalves. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It was amazing they caught him the night before their memorial such a blessing and relief for all of us," Jessie Frost, a family friend of Mogen's, told PEOPLE. "It brought a little peace that day." In May 2023, Kohberger was indicted by a grand jury. Though at the time, he pleaded not guilty to four counts of murder and one count of felony burglary. Here's a complete timeline of the case and legal proceedings. Aug. 21, 2022: Bryan Kohberger's cellphone was in the vicinity of the home where the killings took place David Ryder/Getty Images; Latah County Sheriff's Office/UPI/Shutterstock 1122 King Road in Moscow, Idaho and Bryan Kohberger, the main suspect in the Idaho killings According to a probable cause affidavit released in January 2023, Kohberger's cellphone pinged in the area of the 1122 King Road home where the killings took place on at least 12 occasions prior to Nov. 13, 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "All of these occasions, except for one, occurred in the late evening and early morning hours of their respective days," the affidavit reads. On Aug. 21, 2022, Kohberger's cellphone was in the vicinity of the home from approximately 10:34 p.m to 11:35 p.m. At 11:37 p.m., Kohberger was stopped by a Latah County Sheriff's Deputy while driving a white Hyundai Elantra, the affidavit alleges. The same vehicle was taken from Kohberger's parents' home on the day of his arrest. Late October 2022: Bryan Kohberger messaged one of the victims on Instagram In January 2023, an investigator familiar with the case told PEOPLE that Kohberger sent a series of messages to one of the victims on Instagram. In late October, an account that authorities believe belonged to Bryan Kohberger sent a greeting to one of the female victims, the source said. When he didn't get a reply, he sent several more messages to her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "He slid into one of the girls' DMs several times but she didn't respond," the source told PEOPLE. "Basically, it was just him saying, 'Hey, how are you?' But he did it again and again." Authorities have not said if the victims knew Kohberger, but the suspect's now-deleted Instagram account which was reviewed by PEOPLE before it was removed followed the accounts of Mogen, Goncalves and Kernodle. According to a former employee at the Mad Greek restaurant in Moscow, Idaho, Kohberger ate at the restaurant where two of the victims, Mogen and Kernodle, worked as servers. Nov. 13, 2022: Four students from the University of Idaho are killed On Sunday, Nov. 13, 2022, Chapin, Mogen, Kernodle and Goncalves were found stabbed to death in an off-campus apartment from an apparent knife attack near the University of Idaho. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the probable cause affidavit, authorities believe the killings took place between 4 and 4:25 a.m. Authorities confirmed that two additional roommates were home during the attack but slept through it and were unharmed. Nov. 17, 2022: The students' deaths are ruled as homicides Several days after the killings took place, an Idaho coroner revealed the four victims were stabbed to death, and their deaths were officially ruled homicides. Latah County Coroner Catherine Mabbutt told NBC News that authorities suspect a large knife was used. "It would have had to have been ... not a pocket knife," she said. "It would have been a bigger knife." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mabbutt also told the outlet that their wounds "were pretty extensive" and the crime scene was unlike anything she'd experienced before. Nov. 30, 2022: A vigil is held for the victims at the University of Idaho instagram(2) Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen On Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2022, loved ones and fellow students gathered at the University of Idaho to remember the four young students who were killed. During the vigil which began and ended with a live choir Ethan's mother Stacy Chapin, Kaylee's father Steve Goncalves and Maddie's father Ben Mogen spoke about their children on campus with hundreds in attendance. Dec. 30, 2022: Bryan Kohberger is arrested and charged with four counts of murder and one count of felony burglary During a press conference on Friday, Dec. 30, 2022, Moscow Police Chief James Fry confirmed that Bryan Kohberger was arrested in Pennsylvania in connection with the murders of Chapin, Kernodle, Mogen, and Goncalves. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Latah County Prosecutor Bill Thompson confirmed during the press conference that Kohberger was charged with four counts of first-degree murder and felony burglary. Chapin's family later released a statement about the arrest, saying, "We are relieved this chapter is over because it provides a form of closure ... However, it doesn't alter the outcome or alleviate the pain. We miss Ethan, and our family is forever changed." Jan. 2, 2023: Bryan Kohberger's family breaks their silence in a statement Following Kohberger's arrest, the suspect's family broke their silence in a statement sent to PEOPLE by Bryan's lawyer Jason A. LaBar. "First and foremost, we care deeply for the four families who have lost their precious children," wrote the suspect's father, Michael Kohberger, his mother, Marianne Kohberger, and his sister, Amanda. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They added, "There are no words that can adequately express the sadness we feel, and we pray each day for them. We will continue to let the legal process unfold and as a family we will love and support our son and brother." They continued, "We have fully cooperated with law enforcement agencies in an attempt to seek the truth and promote his presumption of innocence rather than judge unknown facts and make erroneous assumptions. We respect privacy in this matter as our family and the families suffering loss can move forward through the legal process." Jan. 3, 2023: Bryan Kohberger waives his extradition Matt Rourke/AP/Shutterstock Bryan Kohberger on Jan. 3, 2023 On Jan. 3, 2023, Kohberger appeared in a Pennsylvania courtroom and waived his extradition to Idaho, meaning that he agreed to return to Idaho to face the charges against him. Jan. 4, 2023: Bryan Kohberger is transported to Idaho The following day, Kohberger was transported to Idaho. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for Jan. 12, where he will enter a plea to the charges against him. Jan. 5, 2023: Probable cause affidavit is released, revealing new details about the case After Kohberger was returned to Idaho, the probable cause affidavit was released, shedding light on what led investigators to arrest Kohberger. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the affidavit, which was reviewed by PEOPLE, a sheath of the knife used in the stabbings was left at the scene in the bed where Mogen and Goncalves were found deceased. This is where detectives found DNA linking Kohberger, according to the affidavit: Agents took trash from Kohberger's parents' home in Pennsylvania to test for a DNA match. Per the affidavit, one of the surviving roommates said they saw the killer, described in the affidavit as "a figure clad in black clothing and a mask," who walked past her as he left the crime scene. The roommate also said she heard crying on the night of the killings, as well as a male voice saying something along the lines of "It's OK, I'm going to help you." Kohberger was linked to the crime scene from DNA and cell phone pings, the affidavit alleges. Around 4:20 a.m., a white sedan referred to as "Suspect Vehicle 1" in the affidavit was seen leaving the area of the home at a fast rate of speed, the affidavit alleges. According to the document, the vehicle and phone associated with Kohberger returned to the scene between 9:12 a.m. and 9:21 a.m. Jan. 10, 2023: A police source tells PEOPLE Bryan Kohberger spoke about Idaho students during his extradition While he was being extradited from his home in Pennsylvania and then booked into the Latah County Jail, a police source told PEOPLE that Kohberger made small talk with officers, including making mention of the Idaho students who were killed. "He seemed really nervous," a police source who was involved in the process told PEOPLE. "He was narrating to himself everything that was happening. At one point, he was saying something to himself like 'I'm fine, this is okay.' Like he was reassuring himself that this whole thing wasn't awful." Kohberger was read his Miranda rights during his arrest, and cannot be questioned about the case without an attorney present. He didn't speak directly to officers about the case, but the police source said that he did make an offhand comment about it. "He did say, 'It's really sad what happened to them,' but he didn't say anything more," the source said. "He's smarter than that." Jan. 18, 2023: Authorities detail the items they seized from Bryan Kohberger's residence In newly unsealed search warrant records, authorities detailed the items they seized from Kohberger's residence after he was arrested and charged with the murders of four University of Idaho students. The items seized from Kohberger's residence include one disposable black glove, receipts from Walmart and Marshalls, a dust container vacuum, possible hair strands, one "Fire TV" stick, one possible animal hair strand, one computer tower, an item with a dark red spot, two pieces of an uncased pillow with a "reddish/brown" stain and mattress covers, according to the search warrant, which was obtained by PEOPLE. May 17, 2023: Bryan Kohberger is indicted Kohberger was indicted by a grand jury in May 2023. The indictment allowed prosecutors to bypass the previously scheduled June 26 preliminary hearing, which meant the two surviving roommates would not need to be cross-examined. May 22, 2023: Bryan Kohberger enters a not guilty plea Days later, a judge entered not guilty pleas for Kohberger after he was "standing silent" in the courtroom, according to reporters who were present in the courtroom. Aug. 23, 2023: Bryan Kohberger waives his right to a speedy trial In August 2023, Kohberger's trial, which had been scheduled to begin on Oct. 2, was delayed indefinitely when he signed a waiver for his right to a speedy trial. That same month, Kohberger's attorneys declared his alibi claim in a new court filing. Mr. Kohberger has long had a habit of going for drives alone, his lawyers wrote in the filing. Often he would go for drives at night. He did so late on November 12 and into November 13, 2022. His lawyers added that Kohberger is not claiming to be at a specific location at a specific time; at this time there is not a specific witness to say precisely where Mr. Kohberger was at each moment of the hours between late night November 12, 2022 and early morning November 13, 2022. Jan. 26, 2024: Bryan Kohberger appears in court Kohberger appeared in court for two hearings in January 2024. Newsweek reported that the first hearing was closed to the public and was to address the defense's motion to dismiss the indictment on claims of a biased jury, insufficient evidence and other claims. During the second hearing, which was live-streamed, Judge John Judge dismissed the defense's motion to dismiss the indictment and the appeal to take their claims to the Idaho Supreme Court. The prosecution has requested a summer 2024 trial date, while the defense is asking for March or summer 2025. Judge Judge said that he needed more time to set a new trial date, apologizing to the families of the victims. Sept. 6, 2024: A judge rules Bryan Kohberger's trial will not take place in Moscow In an order filed by Judge John C. Judge, he granted Kohbergers attorneys' change of venue motion, citing that letting the trial play out locally could lead to prejudicial media coverage. Considering the undisputed evidence presented by the defense, the extreme nature of the news coverage in this case, and the smaller population in Latah County, the defense has met the rather low standard of demonstrating a reasonable likelihood that prejudicial news coverage will compromise a fair trial in Latah County, the judge wrote. April 28, 2025: New details about the victims' final hours emerge A court order granted the prosecutors' request to present text message exchanges between the surviving roommates and testimony about the night the victims were killed, revealing new details about the murder. The text messages revealed that Goncalves and Mogen had discussed going back out with their roommates, who were identified as D.M. and B.F. in court documents, the night they were stabbed, but ultimately decided against it. Around 4 a.m., D.M. said she "heard strange noises and crying coming from the bathroom" and discovered a person "dressed in black with a ski mask on walking by her bedroom door." At 4:26 a.m., D.M. unknowingly saw Kernodle's dead body "lying on the floor of her bedroom," though at the time she "thought Xana was drunk." She then locked herself in B.F.'s bedroom, where they stayed for eight hours trying to reach the victims. June 30, 2025: Bryan Kohberger reportedly agrees to accept a plea deal Ahead of the trial that was set to begin in August 2025, a letter from prosecutors to the victims' families that was obtained by ABC News revealed that Kohberger had reportedly accepted a plea deal. At a July 2 hearing, he is expected to plead guilty to four counts of first-degree murder and one count of burglary. If confirmed by a judge, accepting the plea deal also means waiving his rights to an appeal. July 2, 2025: Bryan Kohberger pleads guilty and confesses to the murders of the four University of Idaho students After signing a plea deal two days prior, Kohberger entered a guilty plea to four charges of first-degree murder and one count of burglary in an Idaho courtroom on July 2. He is expected to be sentenced to four life sentences plus an additional 10 years for the burglary charge. Kohberger will avoid the death penalty, but has waived his rights to an appeal. Read the original article on People The military said they received intelligence from interrogations in recent weeks, leading soldiers to carry out nighttime operations and arrest several terrorists. IDF soldiers arrested members of an Iranian terrorist cell while operating in southern Syria, the military said on Wednesday. The military said they received intelligence from interrogations in recent weeks, leading soldiers to carry out nighttime operations and arrest several terrorists. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the operation, soldiers located weapons in the areas where the terrorists were arrested, including several firearms and grenades, the IDF said. One of the commanders in the field said that they are "working day and night to ensure that the residents of the Golan Heights can sleep in peace." "We will not allow terrorist organizations or hostile elements to establish themselves in this area." Ongoing IDF presence, operations in southern Syria Earlier this week, the IDF's 210th Division arrested several suspects in southern Syria. The division's forces were also deployed from the Mount Hermon area to the "border triangle," which refers to the borders of Israel, Syria, and Jordan. In May, the division uncovered combat equipment, including several rocket shells and landmines in southern Syria, the military said. This is a developing story. IDF soldiers seen operating in southern Syria, in pictures dated to March 2025 (photo credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON The elite IDF unit 504 provided intelligence that led to the arrests of multiple members of an Iranian terrorist cell in southern Syria. The IDF arrested members of an Iranian terrorist cell while operating in southern Syria following receiving special intelligence from interrogations of other Syrian operatives by the elite Unit 504, the military said on Wednesday. Intelligence that Unit 504 (the IDFs Mossad) acquired during interrogations of operatives it captured in Syria opened up the ability to plan and execute the nighttime operations, which led to the arrests. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the past, before the Assad regime fell, the air force did kill Iranian operatives moving around in Syria as part of its often under-the-radar war between wars, but it rarely was able to capture such Iranians, which would require more boots on the ground and for longer. During the operation announced Wednesday, the IDF also located weapons in the areas where the terrorists were arrested, including several firearms and grenades. One of the commanders in the field said they are working day and night to ensure that the residents of the Golan Heights can sleep in peace. We will not allow terrorist organizations or hostile elements to establish themselves in this area. On June 11, Unit 504s interrogations of other operatives in Syria led to the arrest of Hamas terrorists in Beit Jinn in Syria. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In January, the IDF released unusual footage that showed the interrogation of a Hamas terrorist by Unit 504 after he had been arrested at Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza. Anas Muhammad Faiz al-Sharif was captured during an operation by the IDFs 401st Brigade and Unit 504 near the hospital and transferred to Israel for questioning. During his interrogation, Sharif outlined his role within Hamas and revealed how it uses the hospital as a base for operations. He disclosed that hospital grounds were used to transport equipment and weapons for launching attacks against Israeli forces. The role of Unit 504 Also, in January, the IDF announced that it was greatly expanding Unit 504s human and financial resources to take on a much larger role on the various Palestinian, Lebanese, and Syrian fronts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Unit 504 was always operating in Lebanon and Syria, even in those countries, its footprint was smaller before the current war, given that those countries borders were less porous. Further, for more than a decade until the current war, Unit 504 had exited Gaza, leaving it entirely to the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) to recruit human spies. However, immediately following October 7, 2023, Unit 504s Gaza Division was reestablished. Typically, the Shin Bet handles a small number of strategic-level interrogations, such as a long-term project to locate an enemy leader or major threat, whereas Unit 504 might handle lower-level interrogations to assist with real-time tactical operations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet, Unit 504s locating Iranians to arrest in Syria signals using them for even more strategic issues. Earlier this week, the IDFs 210th Division arrested several suspects in southern Syria. The divisions forces were also deployed from the Mount Hermon area to the border triangle, which refers to the borders of Israel, Syria, and Jordan. In May, the division uncovered combat equipment, including several rocket shells and landmines in southern Syria, the military said. This is the first time that no community in the Gaza border area is under a closed military zone order. The IDF has reduced the closed military zone surrounding Gaza and has permitted the opening of additional civilian areas in the western Negev, it announced Wednesday. This is the first time that no community in the Gaza border area is under a closed military zone order. The order took effect as of 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday and follows a situation assessment. The order will expire on August 31 of this year at 11:59 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The military said it is still on alert to defend the area. The order was imposed at the beginning of the war in October 2023 and has been in effect since then. The decision was made in full coordination with local authorities. 1,200 ISRAELI flags are planted amid the destruction in Kibbutz Kissufim, near the Gaza Strip, symbolizing the number of people murdered by Hamas on October 7, 2023. Wikipedia seeks to scapegoat Israel for its campaign against Hamas, the writer charges. (credit: Chen Schimmel/The Jerusalem Post) Closed military zone still applies to select roads The closed military zone will still apply to Road 4 from the intersection of Kibbutz Yad Mordechai to the Erez Crossing; Road 3411 from Zikim army base to Zikim Beach, and Zikim army base to the border of the security barrier of Gaza; Road 25 from Sa'ad North Junction to the border of the security border with Gaza; Road 242 from Kisufim Junction to Kisufim Crossing; Road 240 from the Hulit Junction to the Gaza Strip border; and Road 232 from Avshalom Junction to the Kerem Shalom Crossing. The notice also states that entry and exit to areas that are designated as closed military zones will be allowed for permanent residents of nearby localities, and upon presenting identification for farmers in these areas who have received authorization from the designated military authority to enter for agricultural work, 24 hours in advance; and for those engaged in essential work according to the defense policy disseminated by the Home Front Command. Sgt. Michalovich was killed, and eight were wounded in a series of incidents in the Shujaiya neighborhood in eastern Gaza City that began at around 9:00 a.m., according to Army Radio. The IDF announced the death of Sergeant (Sgt.) Yaniv Michalovitch in Gaza City on Wednesday. Michalovitch, 19, from Rehovot, served in the 98th Division, in the Armored Corps 82nd Battalion, in the 'Sa'ar Magolan' 7th Brigade. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sgt. Michalovich was killed, and eight were wounded in a series of incidents in the Shujaiya neighborhood in eastern Gaza City that began at around 9:00 a.m., according to Army Radio. In the first incident, terrorists launched two RPG rockets at a building in which an Egoz unit was stationed. As a result of the strike, one soldier was moderately wounded and another was lightly wounded. Approximately 20 minutes later, another anti-tank missile was fired at the tank carrying the 7th Brigade. The tank was operating with the goal of locating the terrorists from the first incident. As a result of the missile strike on the tank, Sgt. Michalovitch was killed, and the other soldiers in the tank were wounded - two seriously and one moderately. IDF troops operate in Gaza, July 2, 2025. (credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT) Immediately following the two incidents, the IAF carried out several airstrikes to facilitate the evacuation of the wounded to a hospital and to attempt to kill the terrorists. The IDF is investigating whether the same terrorist cell that fired the two anti-tank missiles was struck. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the first two incidents, a Hamas sniper fired from a mosque at the Egoz troops, and one soldier was seriously wounded. Following this, a D-9 engineering vehicle hit an explosive device, wounding two soldiers, one moderately and one lightly. The wounded soldiers were all evacuated to a hospital to receive medical treatment, and their families have been notified. IDF announces the deaths of eight soldiers in the past week The IDF announced the death of Sgt. Yisrael Natan Rosenfeld, who served in the IDF's 601st Combat Engineering Battalion under the 401st Brigade, on Sunday. He was killed after being hit by an anti-tank missile in Jabalya. The incident occurred while Rosenfeld and his battalion were investigating a report of there being an explosive device in a building. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last Wednesday, the military announced the death of seven soldiers from the IDFs Combat Engineering Corps in an incident where a Hamas terrorist attached an improvised explosive device to a Puma-style troop transport vehicle in Khan Yunis. Michalovitch marks the ninth soldier killed in Gaza within the past week. This is a developing story. ILION, NY (WUTR/WFXV/WPNY) An Ilion child was seriously injured in the streets of the village Tuesday night after they were hit by a car. Ilion Police have confirmed eyewitness reports that a six-year-old boy was hit by a car on West North Street just before 8 pm on Tuesday, July 1. Eyewitness reports claim that the boy was riding his bike on West North Street. According to eyewitness reports, the boy was hit by a black Jeep with Connecticut plates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ilion Police say that the boy suffered a serious leg injury. The boys condition is currently unknown, and the accident remains under investigation by the Ilion Police. The Ilion Fire Department also assisted officers at the scene. This is an ongoing investigation. We will provide more information as it becomes available to us. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WUTR/WFXV - CNYhomepage.com. A karaoke bar could lose its licence after illegal workers and "suspicious" massage rooms were found during police searches. West Yorkshire Police officers, licencing officers from Kirklees Council and immigration officers from the Home Office carried out a joint operation in Huddersfield on 25 April. The discovery of the illegal workers at Hao Lai Karaoke Bar, on Kirkgate, as well as three massage rooms in the basement, resulted in two women being detained and one man arrested. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The police have asked the council to review the bar's licence, despite its holder saying any illegal activity had been "quickly stopped". The review hearing will take place on 7 July. The Home Office and police have also asked the local authority to "seriously consider" revoking the bar's licence altogether. A spokesperson for West Yorkshire Police said: "The operators have no regard for UK laws, and revocation of this licence will send a strong message to other business operators within Kirklees considering employing illegal workers. "The current fine for employing illegal workers can be up to 60,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The use of illegal workers may also indicate that the workers could be victims of people smuggling or modern-day slavery." In the summer of 2024, the force also received intelligence about illicit sexual activities taking place in the rooms below the bar, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service. Documents said that when visiting the premises, officers found a bed in one room, along with empty condom wrappers and baby wipes. At the time, officers informed the premises licence holder, who was working behind the bar, that such activities must cease immediately. Officers returned to the premises in September 2024, where they found the bed had been replaced with a massage table and "no evidence" of sexual activity was present. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several other breaches of the licensing objectives were noted by Kirklees Council licensing officers in the latest investigation, including a lack of CCTV recordings, failure to maintain refusal logs, no incident log being available for inspection, and no evidence of training logs. In submissions ahead of the hearing, the bar's licence holder denied employing any staff who did not have the right to work in the UK. Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North. Related internet links The American Civil Liberties Union and other advocacy groups came together Wednesday morning to announce a lawsuit against the federal government related to recent immigration raids. The ACLU, the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, the Los Angeles Worker Center Network and others appeared at Bubble Bath Hand Car Wash in Torrance, the site of a contentious immigration raid last month. Supporters hope their suit can be granted class-action status to fight the Department of Homeland Security and other federal agencies that they say are unlawfully detaining people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maria, the wife of one of the men who was taken by federal agents, said he was just going to work to support his family. We just want him to come home, she said. Hes never done anything wrong. Hes a hardworking person. If he had his last dollar, hed give it up to you, and its just heartbreaking for us. Angelica Salas, executive director of CHIRLA, said its critical that we claim our rightful rights under the Constitution. This lawsuit speaks to protecting our basic freedoms in the middle of an onslaught by our own government, she said. This attack on our community is comprehensive and cruel, involving the illegal snatching and grabbing of community members off the street, like at this car wash, then subjecting them to unconstitutional and dehumanizing confinement conditions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement issued to KTLAs Kimberly Cheng, DHS Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Tricia McLaughlin said that any claims that individuals have been targeted by law enforcement because of their skin color are disgusting and categorically FALSE. DHS enforcement operations are highly targeted, and officers do their due diligence, she said. Any claim that there are subprime conditions at ICE detention centers are false. In fact, ICE has higher detention standards than most US prisons that hold actual US citizens. All detainees are provided with proper meals, medical treatment, and have opportunities to communicate with lawyers and their family members. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. CAIRO, July 2 (Xinhua) -- At least four people were killed and another 22 injured after a barge capsized in the Gulf of Suez, Egypt's health ministry said Wednesday. The injured have been rushed to local hospitals while rescue is still going on, the ministry said in a statement. Chairman of the Suez Canal Authority (SCA) Osama Rabie said on Wednesday that the capsizing occurred in an area called Gabel El-Zeit, a prominent Egyptian oil production site around 209 km south of the Suez Canal. He said traffic movement remains regular and has not been impacted as the accident happened outside the course of the Suez Canal, adding that the SCA is prepared to cooperate with concerned agencies to provide necessary help. The Egyptian Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources confirmed on Tuesday that the offshore barge "Adam Marine 12," owned by the Offshore Shukheir Oil Company, capsized earlier in the day in the Gulf of Suez. In a statement, the ministry said it was closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with relevant authorities and companies in the area. A team led by Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Karim Badawi and Minister of Labor Mohamed Gobran has arrived at the site for rescue operations, said the statement. A New York judge on July 2 blocked the Trump administration order to revoke Temporary Protected Status from 500,000 Haitians living in the U.S. on Sept. 2. The decision has granted temporary relief to about 128,000 Haitians TPS holders who live in Florida. Many have lived in South Florida for a decade and hold crucial jobs in healthcare, hospitality, agriculture and construction the industries in the Sunshine State already facing steep labor shortages. Byrnes Guillaume, an attorney in West Palm Beach who was born in Haiti, said the back-and-forth has left many Haitians confused and uncertain about their future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This just buys us some time," Guilliaume said. "These are people we're dealing with. They are not chess pieces." Long troubled by poverty, political corruption and violence, Haiti is going through one of its worst moments of unrest, with gangs controlling many of the areas in its capital, Port-Au-Prince. Most Haitians in the United States say they don't have a safe place to return to if they have to go back to the Caribbean nation, which is 750 miles from Miami. They choose America: Why people are becoming US citizens amid Trump immigration crackdown What is Temporary Protected Status? Temporary Protected Status is a humanitarian designation given to people from specific countries who are suffering from armed conflict, a natural disaster or other "extraordinary and temporary" conditions that make returning home unsafe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Former President Barack Obama extended it to thousands of Haitians in the wake of the 2010 earthquake. It allows people covered by it to live and work in the United States, but they are not considered permanent residents, nor do they have a pathway either to permanent residency or citizenship. In order to obtain TPS, immigrants must pass a full background check and they may not have any previous felony convictions or two or more misdemeanors. Having Temporary Protected Status allows people to get a driver's license and receive a Social Security number, a requirement to work legally in the United States, and to file taxes, but they do not have access to any federal public benefits, including Social Security benefits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The designation prevents people from being deported to their native countries. They choose America: Think it's easy to become a U.S. citizen? These facts will make you think again Judge: End of TPS for Haitians did not give them enough notice The Department of Homeland Security announced on June 27 that the current TPS designation for Haiti it sought to end by Aug. 3 will officially be terminated on Sept. 2, the day after Labor Day. DHS argued conditions in the Caribbean nation had improved and no longer met the conditions to grant TPS, which allows people from specific countries to live and work in the United States and avoid deportation. U.S. District Judge Brian M. Cogan issued a 32-page order on July 1 that found DHS' order to terminate early the TPS designation for Haitians set to expire of the end of the year was unlawful. The move would have left them undocumented, without work permits and at risk of deportation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cogan said the move by DHS violates their own parameters of TPS that require a certain amount of notice to beneficiaries who expected to continue going to work, school, and medical treatment until at least the end of the year. A California judge issued a similar ruling this year to stop TPS for 530,000 Venezuelans living in the U.S., which the Trump administration appealed to the Supreme Court. An emergency Supreme Court ruling in May allowed the Trump administration to remove TPS protections for 350,000 Venezuelans while the case plays out in the lower courts, which could take months. It was not immediately clear when deportations for those Venezuelans would begin. Cherfilus-McCormick: End of TPS at odds with U.S. Haiti travel warning The order to revoke TPS from 500,00 Haitians comes weeks after the Trump administration revoked humanitarian protected status of for 210,000 Haitian nationals who came to the U.S. through the Biden-era humanitarian parole program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Humanitarian parole allows people to live in work in the U.S. if they have a person who can sponsor them and support them financially. It does not provide a path to citizenship but protects people from deportation. Then in June, Trump announced a travel ban to and from the Caribbean nation. The decision to end TPS and humanitarian parole had upended the lives for many Haitians in South Florida who have lived here for years and even decades, Guilliame said. "They relied on that," Guillaume said. "Now, essentially ending that contractually sets them back. What are they going to do with the houses that they purchase? What are they going to do with cars that were bought? What will happen to their U.S. born kids? It's detrimental to their living situation." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Guillaume added it will also wreak havoc on South Florida's labor force in which Haitians hold crucial jobs as nurses, senior caretakers, chefs, servers and store clerks. "If some of these people are going to be gone, who's going to take care of patients and nursing homes?" he added. U.S. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, a Haitian-American and a Democrat whose district includes part of Palm Beach County, said she found the decision to end TPS for Haitians decision "deeply concerning." "While DHS claims that conditions in Haiti have improved, this assessment appears inconsistent with the State Department's own travel advisory, which warns of widespread violence, kidnappings and civil unrest. If the country is considered unsafe for U.S. travelers, it raises serious concerns about sending families back at this time," Cherfilus-McCormick said in a prepared statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She called on Trump to reconsider the decision and for Congress "to provide a permanent solution for TPS holders." Valentina Palm covers Royal Palm Beach, Wellington, Greenacres, Palm Springs and other western communities in Palm Beach County for The Palm Beach Post. Email her at vpalm@pbpost.com and follow her on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, at @ValenPalmB. Support local journalism: Subscribe today. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Haitians with TPS ending Sept. 2 get temporary reprieve from judge As Americans prepare to celebrate Independence Day, several activist organizations with progressive and far-left affiliations are planning demonstrations across the country, including in Texas. As previously reported by The Dallas Express, activist groups have held a series of demonstrations in cities such as Los Angeles and Dallas. Organizers now plan to stage protests on July 4 under banners like No Kings Day and Free America. In Austin, near the Texas Capitol, a recent demonstration resulted in nine arrests, including one felony assault of a peace officer and multiple charges of resisting arrest, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Womens March organization and other far-left groups, including Indivisible and 50501, have scheduled demonstrations for July 4 in cities across the country, including several in Texas. The Womens March website encourages participants to gather on porches, in town squares, backyards, and streets to stand for real freedom and redefine what they describe as a Free America. A protest planned in Denton, Texas, invites participants to hold up signs spelling NO KINGS on an overpass. Signs are provided. Show up and grab a letter we wont go back to living in tyranny, the event listing reads. In South Dakota, the Womens March is hosting a pre-picnic demonstration. A flyer reads: Bring your friends, family, flags, and protest signs as we raise our voices against the ongoing erosion of our democratic values. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Promotional flyers include slogans like: The planned protests have drawn online criticism. Social media users have voiced opposition to the events. One user wrote, Go ahead and protest on Americas birthday, and see how far that gets you. Another user commented, These people despise everything that America stands for. Every time theres a patriotic celebration, they try to counter it with protests, a separate account posted. The Dallas Express reached out to Womens March and Indivisible for comment but did not receive a response by the time of publication. The midnight settlement between Paramount Global and President Donald Trump was greeted by CBS News employees with what one called a reaction of disgust and relief. Disgust, because universally within CBS News and at 60 Minutes, the lawsuit (which was about the editing of an interview the program conducted with former Vice President Kamala Harris) was perceived as baseless, and a multimillion-dollar settlement cut by corporate executives is seen as unwarranted. Relief because the months-long melodrama over the suit appears to be over (though there are still some big loose ends that need to be tied). More from The Hollywood Reporter Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Perhaps most importantly, there is what sounds like widespread relief that CBS or the program will not be forced to apologize for something that they do not believe warrants an apology. Or as Paramount co-CEO George Cheeks emphasized at the companys shareholder meeting Wednesday morning: Yes, the company has agreed in principle to settle the lawsuit, and as reported, it does not include an apology. CBS News chief Tom Cibrowski also emphasized that there is no apology on an editorial call with staff Wednesday morning, and thanked employees for tuning out the noise as they did their jobs. If there was going to be a revolt at 60 Minutes, as some insiders feared, a forced apology could have been a tipping point. The agreement to release full transcripts of future interviews with presidential candidates is not perceived to be nearly as troubling as anything that insinuated that the show made a mistake with how it handled the Harris interview. Nonetheless, the settlement threatens journalists ability to do their job reporting on powerful public figures, the Writers Guild of America East said in a statement Wednesday. The WGAE represents many staffers on 60 Minutes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So, why settle? Look, companies often settle litigation to avoid the high and somewhat unpredictable cost of legal defense, the risk of an adverse judgment that could result in significant financial as well as reputational damage, and the disruption to business operations that prolonged legal battles can cause, Cheeks said. A settlement offers a negotiated resolution that allows companies to focus on their core objectives, rather than being mired in uncertainty and distraction. And yet there remain unanswered questions, two big ones, specifically: succession at 60 Minutes, and fear about the future of CBS News. Who will succeed Bill Owens? The shows venerable former executive producer resigned in April as corporate executives sought to assert more control over the newsmagazine, which has long operated with a degree of independence from the rest of CBS News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shortly after Owens resigned, all of the 60 Minutes correspondents sent a letter to Cheeks requesting that Tanya Simon, a longtime producer on the show and daughter of late correspondent Bob Simon, be named permanent EP. CBS has declined to name a permanent successor, and staff on the show are hoping that with the suit resolved Simon gets the nod, and if not, to understand why. Wendy McMahon, who had been leading CBS News and Stations, also resigned, telling staff that Its become clear that the company and I do not agree on the path forward. Both Owens and McMahon are said to have opposed a settlement, but were also strongly opposed to any sort of apology. And staff are quietly dreading what changes new ownership could bring to the show, or to CBS News writ large. Photos of Skydance CEO and incoming Paramount CEO David Ellison sitting a few feet from Trump at a recent UFC event in New Jersey have been making the rounds in the newsroom at the CBS Broadcast Center on West 57th, and at the 60 Minutes offices across the street. Im already beginning to think about mourning, grieving. But Im holding out hope, 60 Minutes correspondent Lesley Stahl told The New Yorker. I know theres going to be a settlement. I know theres going to be some money exchanged. I know that. And then we will hopefully still be around, turning a new page, and finding out what that new page is gonna look like. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump, in a press avail last month, told reporters, Ellisons great, hell do a great job with it, when asked about the looming Skydance takeover. While Ellison and Paramounts incoming president Jeff Shell have talked about CBS as a crown jewel asset, Shell has also been clear that it needs to be run more efficiently, and broadcast news divisions have long been loss leaders, defined by brand-defining credibility rather than profit-driven motives. On Wednesday morning, another veteran media executive joked that Trumps presidential library could be adding a 60 Minutes wing whenever it opens its doors. In addition to Paramount, Trump has settled other lawsuits with The Walt Disney Co. (over comments made by ABC News anchor George Stephanopoulos); tech giant Meta over suspensions on Instagram and Facebook after Jan. 6; and X, the platform owned by Elon Musk, over a suspension. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among the four companies, Trump has secured about $60 million earmarked for the museum, after legal fees. Best of The Hollywood Reporter Sign up for THR's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Key Points More than 90% of freshwater game fish in Southern California carry two types of parasitic flatworms (trematodes), which can lead to gastrointestinal problems, weight loss, lethargy, and in rare cases, strokes and heart attacks. The parasites were introduced via the invasive Malaysian trumpet snail, which is now present in 17 U.S. states and Puerto Rico. Proper cooking or freezing of fish kills the parasites, but a review of 125 popular YouTube videos found that 65% did not mention these safety precautions, highlighting a widespread lack of public awareness. Freshwater fish enthusiasts should be extra careful the next time they fry up their favorite catch. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In early June, researchers from UC San Diego's Scripps Institution of Oceanography released a new analysis published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases and funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), showing that 90% of freshwater game fish in Southern California contained an "introduced parasite capable of infecting humans." According to the researchers, they identified two species of flatworms called trematodes that can cause gastrointestinal distress in humans, as well as other symptoms like weight loss and lethargy. And in rare cases, they are even capable of causing strokes and heart attacks. Related: The Easiest Way to Cook Salmon? Pour a Glass of Wine Americans dont usually think about parasites when they eat freshwater fish because it hasnt historically been an issue here, Ryan Hechinger, an ecologist and parasitologist at Scripps and the studys senior author, shared in a statement. But these trematodes have now been widely introduced in the U.S., and that means that doctors and the public should be aware. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The two parasites are typically found in Southeast Asia, the researchers explained, but they probably migrated to the U.S. around 10 years ago inside the body of the invasive Malaysian trumpet snail, which is now present in 17 states and Puerto Rico. The researchers noted that the parasite typically completes its life cycle in three stages: first in the snail, then in a fish, and finally in a warm-blooded animal, such as a bird or human, after they consume the fish. The researchers observed that the Haplorchis pumilio parasite was present in 93% of the fish they collected and examined from five popular fishing spots around San Diego County. The fish included largemouth bass and bluegill. Some of the fish, they noted, carried "thousands of the parasites." The second parasite, Centrocestus formosanus, was detected at two of the five locations and in 91% of the fish. These parasites are here in the U.S., and theyre infecting fish that people are eating, Hechinger added. We hope this study can help make public health officials, doctors, and the public more aware. But the researchers want to make one thing clear: If you cook your fish properly, you should be safe. "Fully cooking fish or freezing any intended to be eaten raw for at least one week should kill the trematodes," they noted in their release, citing the Food and Drug Administration guidelines. ANDY_BOWLIN / Getty Images Trematodes are now embedded in the U.S. freshwater ecosystem thanks to an invasive snail. While infections havent been reported yet, doctors arent required to track them so they could be flying under the radar. Trematodes are now embedded in the U.S. freshwater ecosystem thanks to an invasive snail. While infections havent been reported yet, doctors arent required to track them so they could be flying under the radar. However, the researchers also conducted a social media survey and found that most Americans who eat freshwater fish probably aren't taking the proper precautions. They analyzed 125 YouTube videos, which had nearly 5 million views combined, about cooking and preparing freshwater fish, and discovered that 65% didn't mention the proper preparations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nearly 5 million views show there is widespread interest and possibly a widespread practice of folks eating freshwater fish raw, Emma Palmer, a marine scientist at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, added. Related: Eating Like a Salmon Is Better Than Eating Actual Salmon, Study Finds The good news is, Hechinger says, There havent been any reported cases of these parasites infecting Americans, but he added that this may be because "nobody is looking for cases and doctors arent required to report them. So, the team is suggesting that trematode infection be included in the list of diseases doctors are required to report to public health officials to ensure proper tracking. But for now, just make sure to follow the correct procedures the next time you cook freshwater fish, just in case. Read the original article on Food & Wine SPARTANBURG COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA) A letter from Attorney General Alan Wilson shows what may lie ahead for the South Carolina Law Enforcement Divisions investigation into former Spartanburg County Sheriff Chuck Wright. In the letter, Wilson approved a request from 7th Circuit Solicitor Barry Barnette to transfer the case to a different solicitor, given the close working relationship between Barnette, his staff and the former sheriff. SLED turned over its investigation to 10th Circuit Solicitor Micah Black, who represents Oconee and Anderson counties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PAST COVERAGE: Sheriff Wrights resignation, leave of absence and more Blacks job is to review the evidence from SLEDs investigation into Wright and Amos Durham, the former chaplain for the sheriffs office. Additionally, the letter lists potential charges that SLED had highlighted in their investigation into Wright and Durham. Possible charges against Wright include: Misconduct of a public officer Use of official position or office for financial gain Obtaining certain drugs, devices, preparations or compounds by fraud or deceit Breach of trust with fraudulent intent Durham could potentially be charged with breach of trust with fraudulent intent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Previously, Wright had announced he had taken a leave of absence on April 1, but briefly returned to work at the sheriffs office on May 20, before resigning on May 23. The letter can be found below: AG_Wilson_Letter-to-Solicitors-Barnette-and-BlackDownload Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird led the Prayer Rally for Life in the Pledge of Allegiance at the Iowa State Capitol Jan. 22, 2024. (Photo by Robin Opsahl/Iowa Capital Dispatch) Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird announced Wednesday she will not run for governor in 2026 an unexpected decision for some Iowans who thought she would be a top Republican contender in the race to fill Gov. Kim Reynolds seat. Shortly after Reynolds announced she would not seek reelection following her current term, Bird released a statement saying she and her husband would pray and consider what this decision means for our future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bird was considered a high-profile potential pick for the GOP gubernatorial nominee, having strong ties to President Donald Trump from his time in the state during the Iowa caucuses. Trump told Iowans in January 2024 that Bird will be your governor someday, I predict. She posted a video on X in May, featuring this comment, alongside other clips of Trump praising the Iowa AG, with the caption Someday But on Wednesday, Bird officially ruled out a bid for governor in the 2026 election, instead saying she plans to run for reelection as attorney general. I am absolutely determined to do justice and hold this office to prevent it from being occupied by a radical, progressive Democrat who would undo all weve accomplished, Bird said in a statement. Between now and next November, I will run a fierce reelection campaign, and I will will. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During her time since taking office after the 2022 election when she defeated longtime former Attorney General Tom Miller, a Democrat, Bird said her office has accomplished big victories on issues like supporting crime victims and law enforcement and defending constitutional rights. As she plans to run again as AG, she thanked people who encouraged her to run for governor, and said she plans to work to elect Republicans in 2026. I will also enthusiastically support our Republican nominee for Governor and the entire Republican ticket here in Iowa our party will be unified, Bird said. I remain grateful for the opportunity to serve Iowans as their Attorney General, and I look forward to earning their support again. Bird is not the only Republican potential gubernatorial candidate who has tapped out of the race. Iowa House Speaker Pat Grassley announced in late June he will run again for the Iowa House after earlier indicating he was not ruling out a gubernatorial bid. Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig also said in May he will not run for governor but instead run again as agriculture secretary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are still several Republicans who are moving forward with gubernatorial runs. Iowa Rep. Eddie Andrews, R-Johnston, and former state Rep. Brad Sherman have launched campaigns for governor, while U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra and state Sen. Mike Bousselot, R-Ankeny, have launched exploratory committees for a gubernatorial run. Bousselot released a statement Wednesday applauding Birds work in the AGs office and saying he supported her decision to run again for the position. He also said Iowa Republicans need a full ticket in 2026 that will fight aggressively for an Iowa First Agenda that complements President Trumps America First Agenda. I have been proud to fight for that agenda in the Legislature lower taxes, bringing manufacturing jobs back to Iowa, and standing firm against extremists who want to raise our taxes so the government can spend more, allow men in girls sports, and who dont support border policies that keep our communities safe, Bousselot said. I have been sharing my perspective with voters around the state, listening to feedback from Iowans, and am laying the groundwork for a potential campaign for Governor next year. Democrats including Iowa Auditor Rob Sand and former political operative Julie Stauch have also launched 2026 campaigns for governor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is also a Democrat who has announced plans to run for attorney general in 2026. Nate Willems, a lawyer and former state representative, launched his campaign for attorney general in May. Willems released a statement Wednesday saying Iowans are ready to remove Bird from the AGs office in the upcoming election. Iowans are tired of watching Brenna Bird dismantle the integrity of this office and turn it into a mouthpiece for an extreme political agenda, Willems said in a statement. Instead of protecting Iowans she has come after our most vulnerable neighbors, including children with disabilities, senior citizens, and sexual assault survivors, all to build her own national profile. Its time to turn the page and get the attorney generals office focused on helping the people of Iowa. KOSSUTH COUNTY, Iowa (KCAU) A Kossuth County, Iowa man was killed in an incident involving fireworks on Tuesday. According to a release from the Kossuth County Sheriffs Office, they were called to a fireworks accident in Whittemore shortly after 9 p.m. Story continues below Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials said that when they arrived at the scene, they found Patrick Prentice, 33, who was unconscious and had been injured while shooting off fireworks. Officials said Prentice was injured when he was holding a launcher tube while firing off fireworks. Prentice was pronounced dead at a hospital in Algona. Whittemore EMS, Kossuth County EMS, Air Med 3, the Kossuth County Medical Examiners Office, and the Kossuth County Sheriffs Office all responded to the call. The State Medical Examiner in Ankeny is conducting an autopsy. Its important to keep in mind how to safely and appropriately use fireworks during the Fourth of July holiday. KCAU 9 spoke to officials earlier this week about how to safely use fireworks, and what to do if you get injured. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. On June 13, 2025, Israel launched Operation Rising Lion, a massive campaign targeting Irans nuclear program, air defenses, ballistic missile infrastructure, and senior military leaders and nuclear scientists. Within hours, Israel Defense Forces claimed that they had control of the skies from the western border of the country to Tehran. They didnt accomplish this with airpower alone, but with covertly placed anti-tank missiles and small drones launched from inside Iran. Months before any Israeli planes crossed into Iranian airspace, Mossad operatives were smuggling in explosives, drone parts, equipment to assemble the drones, and Spike Non-Line-Of-Sight (NLOS) missiles and launchers. Iranian state media even reported that they discovered a three-story building that was functioning as a drone factory in Shahr-e Rey, a suburb-like area near Tehran. In the opening of Rising Lion, Israeli operators, safely outside Iran, launched those small drones concealed in trucks, trailers, and other vehicles, as well as Spike NLOS missiles at key air defense radars and missile batteries along with ballistic missiles and launchers. The delivery method strongly resembles Ukraines Operation Spider Web, which destroyed at least a dozen of Russias strategic bombers deep inside the country. In similar fashion, Israel is suspected to have used Irans cellular network against itself to control the drones and missiles. This one-two punch severely degraded Irans major air defenses as well as their ability to launch a counter-attack via ballistic missiles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Minutes after the Spikes and drones hit their targets, more than 200 Israeli aircraft, including F-35I Adirs, F-15-I Raams, and F-16I Soufas, all specialized versions of existing U.S. airframes designed for export to Israel, struck more than a hundred targets in Iran. The F-15I and F-16I are fourth-generation non-stealth aircraft that are more vulnerable to Iranian air defenses than the F-35, but were dropping Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAMs) on the first night. To target the underground missile storage bunkers, Israel also had to use bunker busters like the GBU-72, which are carried by their F-15 variants. Because JDAMs and bunker busters are dropped from above the targets, putting them in range of air defenses near them, this implies Israel had near-complete control of Iranian skies almost immediately. An Israeli F-35I Adir assigned to 140 Squadron, Nevatim Air Base, takes off for a mission during Red Flag-Nellis 23-2 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, March 22, 2023. Photo by William R. Lewis. The success of the operation was evident in Irans initial response, called True Promise III, which was comparatively small when looking at previous Iranian strikes on Israel. During True Promise I, in April of 2024, Iran launched over 200 drones, rockets, and missiles toward Israel, according to Israeli media. This time around, just 100 drones got airborne, and no ballistic missiles took flight. Despite claims from the Iranian government, no manned aircraft have been confirmed to have been shot down. Given how heavily defended Iranian airspace is, especially near their nuclear research facilities at Fordow and Natanz, it speaks volumes as to how compromised Irans air defenses really were and how successful the Spikes and drones were. This operation also reinforces, just like Spider Web did, how vulnerable major systems are to small drones and even anti-tank missiles. While Iran was looking to the sky with their advanced and costly air defense systems, they were taken out from the ground using cheap drones and guided missiles that first entered service in 1981. As weve written about previously, the United States lacks the defenses against this kind of attack, both at home and abroad, and that gap in protection is becoming harder to ignore. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Check out our most recent video on Task & Purpose YouTube as we dive into how Iran lost control of its airspace during Israels attack last month. The latest on Task & Purpose The historic strikes on Iran revealed more than just U.S. power on the world stage they also exposed the defense industrys potential weak points in its supply chain. Exiger CEO Brandon Daniels believes that if America can rethink how it approaches its defense supply chain, it could transform from a major vulnerability into the U.S.s greatest asset. "There are a few critical things that we saw come up in our data and start to come up as our AI was looking at the potential impacts. One is that there is a pervasive impact in terms of Israeli technology dependencies," Daniels told FOX Business. A U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber is flanked by four F-22 Raptor fighter planes during a flyover of military aircraft down the Hudson River and New York Harbor past New York City and New Jersey on July 4, 2020. Rand Paul Questions Whether Trump's Iran Attack Was A Good Idea: 'Critics Are Loving It' Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Exiger found that more than 28,000 U.S.-based companies were dependent on technology that is made, updated or maintained in Israel. As Israelis began locking down during the conflict with Iran, it put the operations of those companies at risk. Daniels emphasized that when looking down the line at companies that are further removed from the conflict, the number of impacted firms goes up to roughly 13.7 million. Daniels told FOX Business that Exiger found an "explosion" of dependencies on technology coming from the Middle East, especially when it comes to cybersecurity. He noted that Israel is one of the largest security software manufacturers in the world, which means U.S. companies are more vulnerable when Israel is in a time of war or conflict. Read On The Fox Business App Had the conflict with Iran escalated into a "full kinetic expansion," it "would have required us to substantially ramp and modify and redesign our supply chains to support systems like the B-2, which have several requirements in terms of critical minerals and magnets," Daniels said. A map of the U.S. strikes on Iran on June 21, 2025. Iran Could Look 'A Lot Worse' Down The Road Depending On How Transition Plays Out, Ex-cia Station Chief Warns Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Weve got to actually move faster to turn our supply chain into the weapon itself. Because being able to act rapidly and procure rapidly is a differentiator when it comes to wartime fighting capability," Daniels told FOX Business. While these vulnerabilities became evident during Israels war with Hamas, which started in Oct. 2023 and is still ongoing, Daniels explained that they were more pronounced during the conflict with Iran. "When you've got two major nations like Israel and Iran that are in full-scale kinetic warfare, you are going to have more exacerbated and more pronounced potential shutdowns It is much more pronounced now than when it was when Israel was going after Hezbollah or Israel was going after Hamas. It is much more pronounced when you have a nation that has such significant military capacity actually engaging with another nation," Daniels said. Daniels warns that its time to stop thinking about supply chains six days or weeks out and start thinking about them six months to six years out in order to have maximum protection. Though he believes Congress will likely focus more on supply chain visibility in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for FY2026. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I would guess and from what I'm seeing, from what's been published or the conversations I'm having this years NDAA will take this issue of supply chain visibility very seriously for the department and for the contractors that are supporting the department," Daniels told FOX Business. Multiple B-2 Spirits land for aircraft recovery as storm clouds gather Aug. 24, 2016 at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. When asked about what it would take to build a resilient defense supply chain in 2025, Daniels emphasized the need to map and account for the chain. This would mean having a full understanding of where parts are manufactured, who produces them and what goes into making them. Additionally, the suppliers need to be integrated "into an engagement platform" that would allow for more open communication and strategizing. He also added that streamlining or eliminating unnecessary regulatory standards would allow the U.S. and its allies to take back more of the manufacturing process. Original article source: Iran conflict reveals need for America to rethink defense supply chain, expert says The bill, titled Suspension of the Islamic Republic's Cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency with a Two-Urgency Requirement, was originally put forward in parliament last month. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian announced on Wednesday that Iran would suspend cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog IAEA, Iranian state media reported. The bill, titled Suspension of the Islamic Republic's Cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency with a Two-Urgency Requirement, was originally put forward in Iranian parliament last month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Given the violation of Iran's national sovereignty and territorial integrity by the Zionist regime and the United States of America with respect to the country's peaceful nuclear facilities and the endangerment of Iran's supreme interests, based on Article 60 of the 1969 Vienna Convention on Treaties, the government is obligated to immediately suspend any cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency based on the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and its safeguards, until certain conditions are met, including ensuring the security of the facilities and scientists, it read. Iran suspended work with IAEA ahead of bill passing Irans Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said on Monday that the country cannot be expected to ensure usual cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency when the security of agency inspectors cannot be guaranteed days after nuclear sites were hit by Israeli and US strikes. A satellite view shows an overview of Fordow underground complex, after the U.S. struck the underground nuclear facility, near Qom, Iran June 22, 2025 (credit: MAXAR TECHNOLOGIES/HANDOUT VIA REUTERS) Iran has halted collaborating with the IAEA "until the safety and security of our nuclear activities can be guaranteed," the country's foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, posted on X/Twitter on Friday. He also indicated that Tehran may reject any request by the head of the UN nuclear watchdog, the IAEA, for visits to Iranian nuclear sites. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The decision was made because the agency's Director-General, Rafael Grossi, had facilitated a resolution against the Islamic Republic by the IAEA's Board of Governors that was "politically motivated," Araghchi claimed. The Islamic Republic official also added that the strikes on the country's nuclear facilities by US and Israeli forces also factored into the decision. Araghchi claimed that the strikes were "blatant violations of IAEA safeguards," and that Grossi failed to condemn them. Araghchi also claimed that Grossi's wish to visit the nuclear strikes that were struck is "meaningless and possibly even malign in intent." Grossi then emphasized the need for IAEA inspectors to continue their verification activities in Iran. Emergency workers rush rescued people to hospital in Egypt's Red Sea Province, July 2, 2025. The Egyptian Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources confirmed on Tuesday that the offshore barge "Adam Marine 12," owned by the Offshore Shukheir Oil Company, capsized earlier in the day in the Gulf of Suez. (Red Sea Government of Egypt/Handout via Xinhua) CAIRO, July 2 (Xinhua) -- At least four people were killed and another 22 injured after a barge capsized in the Gulf of Suez, Egypt's health ministry said Wednesday. The injured have been rushed to local hospitals while rescue is still going on, the ministry said in a statement. The Egyptian Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources confirmed on Tuesday that the offshore barge "Adam Marine 12," owned by the Offshore Shukheir Oil Company, capsized earlier in the day in the Gulf of Suez. In a statement, the ministry said it was closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with relevant authorities and companies in the area. A team led by Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Karim Badawi and Minister of Labor Mohamed Gobran has arrived at the site for rescue operations, said the statement. A rescued person is treated at a hospital in Egypt's Red Sea Province, July 2, 2025. The Egyptian Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources confirmed on Tuesday that the offshore barge "Adam Marine 12," owned by the Offshore Shukheir Oil Company, capsized earlier in the day in the Gulf of Suez. (Red Sea Government of Egypt/Handout via Xinhua) Emergency workers rush rescued people to hospital in Egypt's Red Sea Province, July 2, 2025. The Egyptian Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources confirmed on Tuesday that the offshore barge "Adam Marine 12," owned by the Offshore Shukheir Oil Company, capsized earlier in the day in the Gulf of Suez. (Red Sea Government of Egypt/Handout via Xinhua) Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has approved a law to halt cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), a move which will likely obscure any attempt by Tehran to restart its damaged nuclear program. Wednesdays decision comes a week after Irans parliament passed a law to suspend cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog. Iran blames the IAEA for collaborating with Israel and providing a pathway for strikes on its nuclear facilities, an accusation which the agency denies. Pezeshkian ordered Irans Atomic Energy Organization, the Supreme National Security Council, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to begin implementing the law, state-run news agency IRNA said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its unclear when and how the new law will be implemented, but the decision could pave the way for Iran to rebuild its nuclear program without inspections or monitoring from the IAEA. Iran is a signatory to the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), which requires members to allow monitoring and inspections of facilities to confirm the peaceful nature of nuclear programs. We are aware of these reports. The IAEA is awaiting further official information from Iran, an IAEA spokesperson told CNN. The US State Department said Irans decision was unacceptable and called for Tehran to cooperate fully without further delay. Spokesperson Tammy Bruce said this comes at a time when Iran has a window of opportunity to reverse course and choose a path of peace and prosperity. Germany said that Pezeshkians move sends a disastrous signal. For a diplomatic solution it is essential for Iran to work with the IAEA, German foreign ministry spokesman Martin Giese told reporters, as reported by Agence France-Presse (AFP) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement UN Secretary-General Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric called Irans decision concerning at a press briefing on Wednesday. He reiterated Secretary-General Antonio Guterres calls for Iran to cooperate with the IAEA. Israel launched an unprecedented attack on Iran last month that targeted its military commanders, nuclear facilities and the scientists who develop its atomic program. In the week that followed, the United States launched supportive strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities in Natanz, Isfahan and Fordow. A 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran ended with a ceasefire last week. Iran said its facilities were badly damaged in the attacks but that it intends to continue enriching uranium to continue its peaceful nuclear program. On Sunday, the IAEA said US strikes on Iran fell short of causing total damage to the program and that Tehran could restart enriching uranium in a matter of months. Rafael Grossi, director general of the IAEA, at the UN nuclear watchdog's headquarters in Vienna, Austria, last month. - Christian Bruna/Getty Images Days before Israel attacked the Iranian facilities, the IAEA said it could not verify that Tehrans nuclear program is entirely peaceful and issued a report saying Iran was enriching uranium to near weapons-grade levels. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That document triggered an IAEA resolution censuring Iran, fueling outrage across the Iranian government who accuse the agency and its director general, Rafael Grossi, of being biased. Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei has repeatedly denied Iran is building a bomb and says weapons of mass destruction are forbidden under Islam. The country began enriching uranium to higher levels after US President Donald Trump withdrew in 2018 from a nuclear agreement signed between the Obama administration and Iran. CNNs Jennifer Hansler contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) Irans president on Wednesday ordered the country to suspend its cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency after American and Israeli airstrikes hit its most-important nuclear facilities, likely further limiting inspectors' ability to track Tehran's program that had been enriching uranium to near weapons-grade levels. The order by President Masoud Pezeshkian included no timetables or details about what that suspension would entail. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi signaled in a CBS News interview that Tehran still would be willing to continue negotiations with the United States. I dont think negotiations will restart as quickly as that, Araghchi said, referring to U.S. President Donald Trump's comments that talks could start as early as this week. However, he added: The doors of diplomacy will never slam shut. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pressure tactic Iran has limited IAEA inspections in the past as a pressure tactic in negotiating with the West though as of right now Tehran has denied that there's any immediate plans to resume talks with the United States that had been upended by the 12-day Iran-Israel war. Iranian state television announced Pezeshkian's order, which followed a law passed by Irans parliament to suspend that cooperation. The bill already received the approval of Iran's constitutional watchdog, the Guardian Council, on Thursday, and likely the support of the country's Supreme National Security Council, which Pezeshkian chairs. The government is mandated to immediately suspend all cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency under the Treaty on the Nonproliferation of Nuclear Weapons and its related Safeguards Agreement, state television quoted the bill as saying. "This suspension will remain in effect until certain conditions are met, including the guaranteed security of nuclear facilities and scientists. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It wasnt immediately clear what that would mean for the Vienna-based IAEA, the United Nations nuclear watchdog. The agency long has monitored Irans nuclear program and said that it was waiting for an official communication from Iran on what the suspension meant. A diplomat with knowledge of IAEA operations, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the situation in Iran, said that IAEA inspectors were still there after the announcement and hadnt been told by the government to leave. Israel condemns the move Iran's decision drew an immediate condemnation from Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Iran has just issued a scandalous announcement about suspending its cooperation with the IAEA, he said in an X post. This is a complete renunciation of all its international nuclear obligations and commitments. Saar urged European nations that were part of Iran's 2015 nuclear deal to implement its so-called snapback clause. That would reimpose all U.N. sanctions on it originally lifted by Tehrans nuclear deal with world powers, if one of its Western parties declares the Islamic Republic is out of compliance with it. Israel is widely believed to be the only nuclear-armed state in the Middle East, and the IAEA doesn't have access to its weapons-related facilities. Tammy Bruce, a spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, separately said it was unacceptable that Iran chose to suspend cooperation with the IAEA at a time when it has a window of opportunity to reverse course and choose a path of peace and prosperity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Iran's decision stops short of experts' worst fears Iran's move so far stops short of what experts feared the most. They had been concerned that Tehran, in response to the war, could decide to fully end its cooperation with the IAEA, abandon the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty and rush toward a bomb. That treaty has countries agree not to build or obtain nuclear weapons and allows the IAEA to conduct inspections to verify that countries correctly declared their programs. Irans 2015 nuclear deal allowed Iran to enrich uranium to 3.67% enough to fuel a nuclear power plant, but far below the threshold of 90% needed for weapons-grade uranium. It also drastically reduced Irans stockpile of uranium, limited its use of centrifuges and relied on the IAEA to oversee Tehrans compliance through additional oversight. The IAEA served as the main assessor of Iran's commitment to the deal. But Trump, in his first term in 2018, unilaterally withdrew Washington from the accord, insisting it wasnt tough enough and didnt address Irans missile program or its support for militant groups in the wider Middle East. That set in motion years of tensions, including attacks at sea and on land. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Iran had been enriching up to 60%, a short, technical step away from weapons-grade levels. It also has enough of a stockpile to build multiple nuclear bombs, should it choose to do so. Iran has long insisted its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, but the IAEA, Western intelligence agencies and others say Tehran had an organized weapons program up until 2003. Suspension comes after Israel, US airstrikes Israeli airstrikes, which began June 13, decimated the upper ranks of Irans powerful Revolutionary Guard and targeted its arsenal of ballistic missiles. The strikes also hit Irans nuclear sites, which Israel claimed put Tehran within reach of a nuclear weapon. Iran has said the Israeli attacks killed 935 Iranian citizens, including 38 children and 102 women. However, Iran has a long history of offering lower death counts around unrest over political considerations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Washington-based Human Rights Activists group, which has provided detailed casualty figures from multiple rounds of unrest in Iran, has put the death toll at 1,190 people killed, including 436 civilians and 435 security force members. The attacks wounded another 4,475 people, the group said. U.S. intelligence suggests the facilities were completely obliterated by the strikes, Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell told reporters Wednesday in a briefing, repeating the Trump administration's assertion. He said the operation set back Iran's nuclear program by up to two years. We destroyed the components they would need to build a bomb, Parnell said. We believe Irans nuclear capability has been severely degraded. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ___ Associated Press writers Stephanie Liechtenstein in Vienna, Amir Vahdat and Nasser Karimi in Tehran, Iran, Tia Goldenberg in Tel Aviv, Israel, and David Klepper and Matthew Lee in Washington contributed to this report. Iran has enacted its temporary suspension of cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). President Masoud Pezeshkian has signed the corresponding legislation, the Tasnim news agency reported on Wednesday. The decision means that Iran will not allow IAEA inspectors into the country until the "security" of its nuclear facilities is guaranteed. For this to occur, the Vienna-based organization must condemn the attacks by the US and Israel on Iran's nuclear facilities and recognize the Iranian nuclear programme, parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said in recent days Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many details of the new regulation remain unclear. According to the spokesman for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, IAEA nuclear inspectors are still in the country. However, they are not permitted access to the damaged nuclear facilities that Israel and the US had bombed during the war with Iran. A ceasefire is now in effect. Iran officially suspended its cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog on Wednesday, a move the United States described as "unacceptable". It came after last month's 12-day conflict between Iran and Israel, which saw unprecedented Israeli and US strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities and sharply escalated tensions between Tehran and the International Atomic Energy Agency. On June 25, a day after a ceasefire took hold, Iranian lawmakers voted overwhelmingly to suspend cooperation with the Vienna-based IAEA. State media confirmed on Wednesday that the legislation had now taken effect. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The law aims to "ensure full support for the inherent rights of the Islamic Republic of Iran" under the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, with a particular focus on uranium enrichment, according to Iranian media. Washington, which has been pressing Tehran to resume the negotiations that were interrupted by Israel's resort to military action on June 13, hit out at the Iranian decision. "We'll use the word unacceptable, that Iran chose to suspend cooperation with the IAEA at a time when it has a window of opportunity to reverse course and choose a path of peace and prosperity," State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce said. The spokesman for UN chief Antonio Guterres said the decision was "obviously concerning". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Separately, the Pentagon said on Wednesday that US intelligence assessments indicated that the strikes on Iran's nuclear sites set the country's atomic programme back by up to two years. "We have degraded their programme by one to two years at least -- intel assessments inside the (Defense) Department assess that," Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell told journalists, later adding: "We're thinking probably closer to two years." While IAEA inspectors have had access to Iran's declared nuclear sites, their current status is uncertain amid the suspension. On Sunday, Iran's ambassador to the United Nations, Amir Saeid Iravani, said the inspectors' work had been suspended but denied there had been any threats against them or IAEA chief Rafael Grossi. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said that the "inspectors are in Iran and are safe", but "their activities have been suspended, and they are not allowed to access our sites". - 'Deceptive and fraudulent' - The new legislation did not specify any exact steps following the suspension. The ISNA news agency cited lawmaker Alireza Salimi as saying that the inspectors now needed approval from Iran's Supreme National Security Council to access nuclear sites. Separately, the Mehr news agency cited lawmaker Hamid Reza Haji Babaei as saying that Iran would stop allowing IAEA cameras in nuclear facilities, though it was unclear if this was a requirement of the new law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After parliament passed the bill, it was approved by the Guardian Council and President Masoud Pezeshkian formally enacted the suspension on Wednesday, according to state television. In response, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar urged European signatories of the 2015 nuclear deal to trigger the "snapback" mechanism and reinstate all UN sanctions on Iran. The snapback, set to expire in October, was part of the nuclear accord that collapsed after Trump unilaterally withdrew from it in 2018. Iran began scaling back its commitments a year later. Iranian officials have warned that the mechanism could prompt their withdrawal from the non-proliferation treaty. Israel, widely believed to possess nuclear weapons, is not an NPT signatory. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Germany's foreign ministry spokesman Martin Giese said that Iran's move to suspend cooperation with the IAEA was a "disastrous signal". Since the Israeli and US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, Tehran has sharply criticised the IAEA for its silence and condemned a June 12 UN resolution accusing Iran of non-compliance, which Iranian officials say provided a pretext for the attacks. On Wednesday, senior judiciary official Ali Mozaffari accused Grossi of "preparing the groundwork" for Israel's raids and called for him to be held accountable, citing "deceptive actions and fraudulent reporting". - Damage - Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Iran has rejected Grossi's requests to visit bombed sites, saying they smacked of "malign intent". Britain, France and Germany have condemned unspecified "threats" against the IAEA chief. On Monday, Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said that the vote to halt cooperation reflected public "concern and anger". Israel's 12-day war killed top Iranian military commanders and nuclear scientists and drew waves of retaliatory drone and missile fire. On June 22, Israel's ally the United States launched unprecedented strikes of its own on Iranian nuclear facilities at Fordo, Isfahan and Natanz. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than 900 people were killed in Iran during the conflict, according to the judiciary. Iran's retaliatory attacks killed 28 people in Israel, according to authorities. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has acknowledged "serious" damage to the sites. But in a recent interview with CBS, he said: "One cannot obliterate the technology and science... through bombings." pdm-lb/kir/jsa/gv/bc Iran has formally suspended cooperation with the United Nations nuclear watchdog, a move likely to deepen fears that Tehran may be more determined than ever to pursue an atomic bomb. The move blocks the International Atomic Energy Agency from inspecting Iranian nuclear facilities, unless approved by Tehrans Supreme National Security Council. Tehran had criticized the IAEA after it declared the country to be in breach of its nonproliferation commitments, just a day before Israel began a 12-day aerial campaign against Iran. The decision comes as Irans foreign minister on Tuesday appeared to downplay hopes of US-Iran negotiations restarting, with Germany saying Tehran had sent a disastrous signal. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian ratified legislation Wednesday suspending the countrys cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) after American and Israeli airstrikes targeted its most important nuclear facilities, further blocking international inspectors insight into Tehrans nuclear activities. Iran claims its nuclear activities are for peaceful purposes and said it is suspending cooperation with the IAEA, the United Nationss nuclear watchdog, until unnamed conditions are met which includes ensuring the security of Irans facilities and scientists. Israel claimed it killed 14 Iranian nuclear scientists in its wide-scale attacks across the country over the course of 12 days. The Iranian government claims the signed law suspending cooperation with the IAEA is taking place under the framework of the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and its related safeguards. The NPT is an international treaty with 190 countries that requires cooperation with the IAEA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That implies that they have to work with the agency, IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi told CBS on Sunday, following the Iranian Parliaments passage of the law. An international treaty, of course, takes precedence. You cannot invoke an internal law not to abide with an international treaty, he continued. But Iran is not saying that at the moment, and I think this is constructive. Top Iranian officials have also indicated it is not looking to quickly restart talks with the U.S. over their nuclear program. In order for us to decide to reengage, we will have to first ensure that America will not revert back to targeting us in a military attack during the negotiations, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in an interview with CBS and that aired Sunday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Araghchi added, The doors of diplomacy will never slam shut. President Trump has showcased optimism in coming to an agreement with Tehran over its nuclear program and said he permits their export of oil to fund the countrys reconstruction, rhetoric and actions that are in stark contrast to Israels push to exert greater pressure. Trump is expected to host Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Monday, where the Israeli leader has said it is important to take advantage of the success of the attacks against Iran. Israels Foreign Minister Gideon Saar on Wednesday called for the imposition of punishing sanctions on Iran under the so-called snapback mechanism related to the Obama-era nuclear deal. Snapback would require European signatories to the deal Germany, France and the U.K. to vote to snapback U.N. sanctions on Iran suspended with the signing of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. The ability to snapback sanctions ends on Oct. 18. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The time to activate the Snapback mechanism is now! Saar posted on social platform X. Iran has just issued a scandalous announcement about suspending its cooperation with the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency), the foreign minister continued. This is a complete renunciation of all its international nuclear obligations and commitments. He added, The international community must act decisively now and utilize all means at its disposal to stop Iranian nuclear ambitions. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. July 2 (UPI) -- The Iranian government has suspended cooperation with the U.N.'s International Atomic Energy Agency until the security of Iran's nuclear facilities and activities is assured. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian announced the suspension via state-run media on Wednesday after the Iranian Parliament passed a resolution ending cooperation with the IAEA on June 25, Politico reported. The resolution requires the IAEA to obtain permission from Iran's Supreme National Security Council prior to entering Iran, which will only be granted when "security of the country's nuclear facilities and that of peaceful nuclear activities is guaranteed," Iran's state-run Mehr News Agency reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Iranian lawmakers also accused IAEA Director Rafael Grossi of Argentina of producing "politically motivated reports" of non-compliance with international agreements that lead to the June 21 U.S. strikes on three Iranian nuclear enrichment facilities. Grossi is banned from entering Iran, which last week removed surveillance cameras from its nuclear sites. Israel also attacked Iran's nuclear program over a 12-day period and claimed 14 Iranian nuclear scientists died in targeted aerial strikes, according to The Hill. Grossi on Sunday told CBS News Iran can't ban the IAEA from inspecting its nuclear program and related facilities because it is subject to an international treaty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "You cannot invoke an internal law not to abide with an international treaty," Grossi said, adding that an international treaty takes precedence over a national law. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghachi on Sunday told CBS News Iranian leaders would need assurances that the United States would not attack Iran while its leaders negotiate with the IAEA while resuming its nuclear energy program. Iran's suspension of the IAEA inspections drew criticism from leaders in the United Kingdom, Germany and France, in addition to President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Trump and Netanyahu are scheduled to meet at the White House on Monday to discuss the situation in Iran. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, officials in Germany, France and the United Kingdom could impose sanctions on Iran for suspending the IAEA inspections. Officials in the three nations on Monday in a joint press release condemned Iran for making "threats" against Grossi. The Nuclear Forensics International Technical Working Group also met in Bologna, Italy, on Tuesday to discuss the scientific analysis of nuclear materials to deter "nuclear terrorism" and ensure public safety. The ITWG has met over the past three decades to "make the world safer through the advancement of nuclear forensics best practices." A hardline Iranian cleric has announced a fundraiser to kill Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu. Abdolmajid Kharaghaani, who has a large following on social media, said the funds would be used to hire an assassin to murder the US president and the Israeli prime minister. In a recent interview, he said that a campaign has been launched with the title of fundraising for murdering Trump and for murdering Netanyahu, adding: They do this for $10 million to $20 million in European countries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Such operations should be calculated and conducted in consultation with Iranian security agencies, Mr Kharaghaani said. The cleric also argued that civilians should get involved in efforts to assassinate enemy leaders, saying: Its not only the military commanders responsibility to kill the heads of the enemy. The public should get involved and make the scene dangerous, so that people like Trump and Netanyahu wont dare to make statements that are big for their mouth. Kharaghaani does not hold a prominent position within Irans religious hierarchy and has little official power. However, his views reflect those of some hardline Iranian groups. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It came as Masoud Pezeshkian, Irans president, signed a law on Wednesday suspending the countrys cooperation with the UNs nuclear watchdog. The move will leave the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) unable to monitor any renewed nuclear activity in Iran or track the countrys large stockpile of enriched uranium. Last week, Naser Makarem Shirazi, the grand ayatollah, issued a fatwa saying that any person or regime that threatens the leadership and religious authority of Iran is a mohareb one who wages war against God and should be put to death. He added that Muslims or Islamic regimes co-operating with a mohareb should also be killed, saying it was forbidden under Islamic law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fatwa was issued after Mr Trump said on June 17 that he knew the location of Ali Khamenei, Irans supreme leader, but would not target him at least for now. Irans Centre for Elite Affairs and Superior Talents of Seminaries, an office for training clerics, said it was ready to implement Shirazis fatwa and described threats against Khamenei as cowardly foolishness. Alireza Panahian, another cleric close to Khamenei, said that every Muslim anywhere in the world must sacrifice their life and kill the enemies of the supreme leader. Iranian state media has also called for the death of Rafael Grossi, the director general of the IAEA. Keyhan, a hardline newspaper, described Mr Grossi as a bold Mossad spy and demanded that he be tried and executed upon arrival in Iran for spying for the Mossad and participating in the murder of the oppressed people of our country. 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. KAMPALA, July 2 (Xinhua) -- The Ugandan military said Wednesday that one of its helicopters crashed in the Somali capital of Mogadishu, with five of the eight people on board feared dead. Felix Kulayigye, spokesperson for the Ugandan military, told Xinhua by telephone that three of those on board survived, while the search operation continues. "Eight people were on board. Three made it out safely but with severe burns," said Kulayigye. "The search is still on. They are fighting the fire." The military is investigating the cause of the crash, which occurred at Aden Adde International Airport on Wednesday morning, the spokesperson added. Last September, the Ugandan military lost a transport helicopter while flying from Mogadishu to Baledogle Airfield, about 90 km northwest of the Somali capital. All four peacekeepers on board survived the accident, according to the military. Uganda has been one of the troop-contributing countries to the African Union peacekeeping mission in the Horn of Africa since 2007. Israel has agreed to a proposal led by the Trump administration for a 60-day ceasefire, during which time President Donald Trump said all parties will work to end the war in the Middle East. "My Representatives had a long and productive meeting with the Israelis today on Gaza," Trump said in a post on Truth Social on Tuesday. "Israel has agreed to the necessary conditions to finalize the 60 Day CEASEFIRE, during which time we will work with all parties to end the War. "The Qataris and Egyptians, who have worked very hard to help bring Peace, will deliver this final proposal," Trump added. "I hope, for the good of the Middle East, that Hamas takes this Deal, because it will not get better IT WILL ONLY GET WORSE. Thank you for your attention to this matter!" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israeli Minister of Foreign Affairs Gideon Sa'ar said Monday, "Israel is serious in its will to reach a hostage deal and ceasefire in Gaza." Trump Pressures Israel To End Gaza Conflict As He Eyes Abraham Accords Expansion Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar shakes hands with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio as he arrives in Israel, on the first leg of his Middle East trip, in Tel Aviv, Israel, Feb. 15, 2025. He pointed to Jerusalems acceptance of a recent proposal presented by Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, but which Hamas rejected as it did not include a solution to a permanent ceasefire and a plan to withdraw Israeli forces from Gaza. Read On The Fox News App Witkoff is expected to head to Cairo in the coming days to begin hashing out new negotiations. Trump Announces Historic Iran And Israel Ceasefire Agreement To End '12 Day War' Palestinians made their way with belongings as they fled their homes, after Israeli air strikes, in the northern Gaza Strip May 16, 2025. The president has been pushing for Israel to end its conflict in Gaza and to secure a hostage deal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ending Israels military operations in Gaza will prove a crucial step in expanding Trumps ambitions to bring new nations into the Abraham Accords. Israel Agrees To Trump-backed Ceasefire Proposal To Free Gaza Hostages: White House President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meet at the White House in Washington, D.C., Feb. 4, 2025. "We have opportunities in front of us," Saar said, echoing Jerusalems ambitions to reach a deal. "We paid for the new reality in the Middle East with the blood of our soldiers and citizens." "Israel is interested in expanding the Abraham Accords circle of peace and normalization. We have an interest in adding countries, such as Syria and Lebanon, our neighbors, to the circle of peace and normalization while safeguarding Israel's essential and security interests," he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prior to today, Trump had not detailed which nations are interested in normalizing diplomatic relations with Israel, though nations like Saudi Arabia have made clear that so long as Palestinians continue to suffer in the Israel-Hamas conflict, normalization is off the table. Fox News Digitals Caitlin McFall contributed to this report. Original article source: Israel accepts Trump-led ceasefire plan that could end Gaza war within 60 days China and Russia stood by Iran in March after the US demanded nuclear talks with Tehran, with senior Chinese and Russian diplomats saying dialogue should only resume based on "mutual respect." Israel has called on China to use its economic and political influence to curb Iran's military and nuclear ambitions, Bloomberg reported on Tuesday. China is the only one capable of influencing Iran, Consul-General in Shanghai Ravit Baer said. Iran would collapse if China didnt buy its oil, she added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both China and Russia stood by Iran in March after the US demanded nuclear talks with Tehran, with senior Chinese and Russian diplomats saying dialogue should only resume based on "mutual respect" and all sanctions ought to be lifted, The Jerusalem Post previously reported. They can pressure Iran. They have political power over Iran. They can help change its malign activities in the region, she said. There are many things China can do. Silence during the Israel-Iran war However, despite the fact that both countries have close relations with the Islamic Republic, neither offered assistance in the 12-day war between Israel and Iran. A satellite view of the Fordow underground complex, after the US struck the nuclear facility, near Qom, Iran June 22, 2025. (credit: Maxar Technologies/Handout via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS ) I dont think China is interested in being a mediator between Israel and Iran, Baer said. Being a mediator is a big responsibility, requires lots of money, and hard decisions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Bloomberg, Baer added that Israels relations with China, its second-largest trading partner after the US, havent worsened much despite conflicts since 2023. Were still having good conversations, she said. Even if we disagree politically, it doesnt mean you cannot cooperate. This is a developing report. An assault by Israeli settlers on soldiers in the occupied West Bank drew condemnation from across the political spectrum, including an unusual rebuke from far-right ministers who typically support the settlement movement. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, considered the two most hardline members of the ruling coalition, called for the perpetrators to be held accountable. The army said dozens of "civilians" attacked its forces on Sunday night at a military base in the central West Bank, vandalising army vehicles and a security installation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Israeli media, the attackers were settlers who targeted the commander of the military's Binyamin Regional Brigade, calling him a "traitor". The attack was widely seen as a reprisal for the arrest of six settlers two days earlier. In that incident, the commander and troops were attacked as they tried to stop settlers entering a closed military zone near the Palestinian village of Kafr Malik. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned both attacks, saying "no law-abiding country can tolerate acts of violence and anarchy". Ben Gvir was among the last senior figures to react. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Harming our security forces, security installations and the soldiers who are our children, brothers and defenders, crosses a red line, and must be treated with the utmost severity," he wrote on X. A lawyer, Ben Gvir gained a name for himself before entering politics by defending in court several settlers accused of attacking Palestinians in the West Bank. Smotrich wrote on X: "Violence against (Israeli) soldiers and our beloved police forces and the destruction of property are unacceptable." - West Bank violence - Israel has occupied the West Bank since 1967 and violence has surged there since Israel launched its offensive in Gaza following Hamas's October 2023 attack. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since then, Israeli troops or settlers in the West Bank have killed at least 947 Palestinians -- many of them militants, but also scores of civilians -- according to Palestinian health ministry figures. At least 35 Israelis, including both civilians and security forces, have been killed in Palestinian attacks or Israeli military operations, according to Israeli official figures. But settler attacks on army positions are rare. "It was too much, even for the far-right," said Simon Perry, a security expert and associate professor in the criminology department at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The rioters went overboard," he told AFP. Nimrod Goren, an expert on foreign relations and a veteran commentator on Israeli politics, said the far-right's outrage at the assault was merely "lip service", however. Violent assaults by Israeli settlers against Palestinians have become common since 2023, without drawing any criticism from the political class, he noted. "But when soldiers are affected, all of a sudden people are alerted," said Goren, who is chairman of the Israeli foreign policy think tank Mitvim. - Settlers' eviction drive - According to the two Israeli experts, the rioters were part of an informal movement known as the hilltop youth, whose goal is to evict Palestinian residents and establish settlements in the West Bank without government approval. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The movement constitutes a fringe, even among the Religious Zionist movement, the ideological backbone of the settlement enterprise. Several human rights NGOs have denounced the rise in violence committed by the settlers, and their perceived impunity. Shortly after his appointment in November 2024, Defence Minister Israel Katz announced an end to administrative detention for West Bank settlers, a practice that allows security forces to detain suspects without charge. Israeli media say the move embolded extremist settlers and led to a wave of attacks in the Palestinian territory. On Tuesday, the Israeli press reported that Katz would not bring it back, contrary to the opinion of Israel's Shin Bet security service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The measure is still in place for Palestinians. The recent settler violence against army positions in the West Bank even prompted condemnation from leaders within the movement. "Those who wish to protest must act according to the law and not confront the army," Oded Revivi, a former mayor of the Efrat settlement, and a prominent settler figure, told AFP. There are around 160 Israeli settlements scattered throughout the West Bank, which the UN considers illegal. Their residents number about 500,000, living among a population of three million Palestinians. glp/acc/rlp/kir A fragile ceasefire has ended 12 days of war between Israel and Iran, a war that also saw the United States strike key Iranian nuclear facilities. This moment demands a deeper look at the potential long-term consequences for the regions geopolitical future. The end of a chapter The IsraelIran war marks the close of one of the most consequential chapters in modern Middle Eastern history: Irans aspiration for regional hegemony, driven by its Shiite clerical regime that came to power in 1979. For decades, Iran pursued regional domination, entrenching itself in Gaza, Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, the West Bank and Yemen through violent proxies that left devastation and instability in their wake. Cloaking its ambitions in the rhetoric of resistance and claiming to defend the Palestinian cause, Iran exploited a powerful narrative to justify its interventions, even as it undermined Arab sovereignty and inflicted widespread harm across the region. People attend the funeral procession of Iranian military commanders, nuclear scientists and others killed in Israeli strikes, in Tehran, Iran, June 28, 2025. The success of Iran's strategy can be attributed in large part to the weakness of Arab regimes and the Wests reluctance to confront Tehrans growing aggression. The collapse of Irans deterrence triangle Irans strategy for regional domination relied on a three-part deterrence structure: its missile and drone arsenal, its network of proxies including Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, Islamic Jihad, and Iraqi Shiite militias and its nuclear program. Together, these elements shielded one another and gave the regime a sense of immunity as it expanded its influence through violence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That architecture began to unravel after the Oct. 7 Hamas-led massacre, an Iranian-backed attack meant to boost Tehrans regional leverage. Instead, it triggered a war in which Israel dealt heavy blows to Hamas and Hezbollah and exposed Irans air defense vulnerabilities. For the first time since the 1980s, the regime came under direct major military attack at home, shattering its image of deterrence. The fallout included the collapse of the Assad regime in Syria, one of Irans most strategic assets, and marked the dramatic collapse of Irans regional ambitions. Internal fractures and the growing threat to regime stability The collapse of Irans strategy, the regimes humiliating defeat in the war, the succession battle over the next Supreme Leader, combined with the countrys deep economic, environmental and social crises, are expected to intensify internal tensions and power struggles within the regime. Under these conditions, a renewed outbreak of civil unrest is possible, including violent uprisings in regions with a longstanding tradition of armed resistance to the regime, such as Baluchistan, Iranian Kurdistan, and Khuzestan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Such developments could pose a serious threat to the regimes survival. A window of opportunity for regional stability As Irans vision of regional hegemony collapses, Israel is solidifying its position as the leading regional power. This shift creates a rare and critical window of opportunity. This moment could usher in a new era led by states whose agendas are no longer dictated by hegemonic ambitions rooted in radical ideologies or advanced by semi-state actors serving those aims. However, a critical condition for the realization of this window of opportunity is that any agreement between the West led by the United States and the Iranian regime must fulfill the conditions set forth by the U.S. president, foremost among them: a ban on uranium enrichment within Iranian territory, limitations on Irans missile program and the inclusion of a strict and rigorous enforcement mechanism. Several developments illustrate the potential of this new chapter: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Progress in normalization between Israel and Saudi Arabia, framed within a broader regional alignment led by Egypt, Israel, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, working in concert to build a stable Middle East. A constructive approach to the IsraeliPalestinian conflict, enabled by the weakening of Iranian influence and supported by pragmatic Arab actors providing a regional scaffold for gradual agreements. Agreements or red-line understandings between Israel and Lebanon or Syria, which could help defuse tensions and lay the groundwork for future diplomatic relations. The decline of Iranian-backed semi-state actors, who operate within national borders while serving external agendas. This shift coincides with a growing recognition of the principle that military power must be solely in the hands of sovereign states. Opinion: Trump drops another bomb in unhinged 24-hour Truth Social 'ceasefire' journey Opinion: Gaza: Neutralizing Hamas takes more than protests. Washington must be credible Breaking the grip: The unspoken paradox Avi Melamed There is a profound paradox at the heart of this moment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For years, much of the Arab world publicly portrayed Israel as the regions greatest threat, despite knowing full well that it was Iran, through its violent proxies, that was steadily seizing Arab capitals and undermining Arab sovereignty. Yet too weak and too afraid to confront Tehran, the Arab world effectively came to terms with Irans growing grip. Long vilified in Arab discourse, it is Israel, through the blood of its soldiers and the suffering of its civilians, that now offers the Arab world a historic opportunity to free itself from Irans suffocating grip. That reality should not be ignored. Nor should its irony be lost. Avi Melamed is a former Israeli intelligence official who went on to serve as deputy and then as senior Arab affairs adviser to Jerusalem Mayors Teddy Kollek and Ehud Olmert, operating as a negotiator during the first and second intifadas. He is the author of Inside The Middle East | Entering A New Era, and his latest docuseries, The Seam Line, available on the Izzy streaming platform, focuses on Jerusalems flashpoints and his work during the intifadas. This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Israel-Iran War will have major consequences | Opinion The EBU will discuss a call from Icelands public broadcaster to ban Israel from the Eurovision Song Contest in its upcoming meeting of the EBU General Assembly in London. Israeli artists performing in Eurovision should only be allowed to perform under a "neutral flag," the president of Iceland's national broadcaster RUV suggested on Tuesday. Writing in Icelandic newspaper Visir, Stefan Jon Hafstein called on the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) to review his proposals regarding Israel's inclusion in future Eurovision events, which includes the option of suspending Israeli participation "until international investigations are available with conclusive results." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "At most, independent Israeli artists are allowed to compete under a neutral flag provided they declare support for Eurovision's core values, including human rights for all," Hafstein wrote. A person holds an Israeli flag during the second semi-final of the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest, in Basel, Switzerland, May 15, 2025. (credit: REUTERS/DENIS BALIBOUSE) Will Israel be kicked out of the Eurovision Song Contest? The EBU will discuss a call from Icelands public broadcaster to ban Israel from the Eurovision Song Contest in its upcoming meeting of the EBU General Assembly in London on Thursday and Friday. Prior to this years Eurovision competition in May, where Israels song, New Day Will Rise, performed by Yuval Raphael, came in first in the popular voting and second overall, there were calls from artists and broadcasting authorities throughout Europe to ban Israels participation due to the war in Gaza. Calls to ban Israel came recently from Eurovision contestants from this year and previous years, including this years winner, JJ from Austria. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The EBU has consistently said it will not ban Israel, as Eurovision is a contest between broadcasting authorities rather than governments, and that KAN, Israels state broadcaster, has not broken any Eurovision rules. Hannah Brown contributed to this report. By Howard Goller (Reuters) -Cabinet ministers in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party called on Wednesday for Israel to annex the Israeli-occupied West Bank before the Knesset recesses at the end of the month. They issued a petition ahead of Netanyahu's meeting next week with U.S. President Donald Trump, where discussions are expected to centre on a potential 60-day Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal with Hamas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The petition was signed by 15 cabinet ministers and Amir Ohana, speaker of the Knesset, Israel's parliament. There was no immediate response from the prime minister's office. Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, long a confidant of Netanyahu, did not sign the petition. He has been in Washington since Monday for talks on Iran and Gaza. "We ministers and members of Knesset call for applying Israeli sovereignty and law immediately on Judea and Samaria," they wrote, using the biblical names for the West Bank captured by Israel in the 1967 Middle East war. Their petition cited Israel's recent achievements against both Iran and Iran's allies and the opportunity afforded by the strategic partnership with the U.S. and support of Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It said the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack on Israel demonstrated that the concept of Jewish settlement blocs alongside the establishment of a Palestinian state poses an existential threat to Israel. The task must be completed, the existential threat removed from within, and another massacre in the heart of the country must be prevented, the petition stated. Most countries regard Jewish settlements in the West Bank, many of which cut off Palestinian communities from one another, as a violation of international law. With each advance of Israeli settlements and roads, the West Bank becomes more fractured, further undermining prospects for a contiguous land on which Palestinians could build a sovereign state long envisaged in Middle East peacemaking. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel's pro-settler politicians have been emboldened by the return to the White House of Trump, who has proposed Palestinians leave Gaza, a suggestion widely condemned across the Middle East and beyond. (Reporting by Howard Goller; Editing by Daniel Wallis) Most of the Israeli government backs a Gaza agreement that includes the release of hostages, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said on Wednesday. "If the opportunity arises, we must not miss it!" Saar wrote on the platform X. He said a large majority of the Israeli population also supports a deal, as shown by repeated surveys. However, far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir is determined to prevent a deal. Israeli media reported that Ben-Gvir contacted far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich to coordinate their approach on this matter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Relatives of the hostages have heavily criticised the two politicians. Ben-Gvir opposes ending the Gaza war as long as the Palestinian militant Hamas organization is not defeated. Opposition leader Jair Lapid told Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that his party would support the parliament to ensure the ceasefire deal could be implemented, despite Ben-Gvir and Smotrich's resistance. On Tuesday, US President Donald Trump announced that Israel had agreed to the necessary conditions for a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza. During this time, the United States would work with all parties to end the war. Trump called on Hamas to agree to the deal. Israel also hopes that Trump can successfully place limits on Iran's ballistic missile supply, but this is even more uncertain. Israel is feeling ascendant after its significant achievements against Iran during the June 13-24 war. Still, sources have said that the current strategy going forward is overwhelmingly banking on the US nailing Tehran down to a tough and long new nuclear deal. If the US does not secure such an airtight deal, Israel is unclear on what its strategy or next steps would be. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In contrast to the ceasefire deal and end of the war with Hezbollah on November 27, 2024 which in and of itself set clear limits on Hezbollah's right to rearm and clearly outlined how Israel could proactively enforce those limits, the Iran ceasefire simply stopped the fighting between the sides with zero provisions regarding the future. This lack of a clear plan and certainty is true about how much Israel thinks it can hold back the Islamic Republic from rebuilding its heavily damaged nuclear weapons program, and sources have indicated that the plan may even be less clear regarding imposing and enforcing limits on Iran's ballistic missile program. Jerusalem's ideal world would be a US-brokered deal that ends Iran's nuclear program or ends its uranium enrichment and advanced centrifuges for a period of multiple decades, as well as keeps its quantity of ballistic missiles with a range to hit Israel down at the current 500-1,000 total missiles level. But what if Iran only agrees to certain concessions, but not others? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For example, Iran could agree not to enrich uranium for the next year or two, during a period of time when it may not in any event be able to do so after the Israeli and American attacks, followed by enriching uranium at "low levels" like it did under the 2015 JCPOA nuclear deal. This would basically be accepting the offer that US President Donald Trump was offering them before the war, except now they would be "losing" nothing because they cannot, at least for some period of time, do very much uranium enrichment right now anyway. Would Trump reject such a deal and potentially allow Iran to rebuild its nuclear program with no limits and no IAEA inspectors? The part about the IAEA inspectors is not theoretical, as since June 13, the UN nuclear inspectors have had no access to any aspects of the Iranian nuclear program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In fact, as of Wednesday, Iran also formally announced that it has indefinitely cut ties with the IAEA. IAEA board and chief Rafael Grossi hold exceptional meeting about Israel's strikes on Iran, June 16, 2025 (credit: REUTERS/ELISABETH MANDL) This does not mean that Jerusalem and Washington are blind about what is happening in Iran. On Tuesday, The Jerusalem Post reported that Israeli satellites took tens of millions of photos of Iranian territory leading up to and ruing the 12-day war. But wherever the IAEA had electronic surveillance, it had 24-7 surveillance even indoors, even underground, something which is difficult even for top intelligence agencies to achieve. In short, IAEA inspections have never been sufficient by themselves, but they are crucial and invaluable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If the world was partially blind regarding Iran's nuclear program when Iran rolled back cooperation with the IAEA in 2021 and again in 2022, it is truly blind now. The only good news so far on the nuclear front is that even Iran is starting to admit that its nuclear facilities, including Fordow, were badly damaged. This means that even if the world is blind, there could be several months or more of little new progress by Iran toward reconstituting its nuclear program, no matter how hard it tries. Prior to the war, the Islamic Republic's ballistic missile program was not even on the table. Now, Israel will try to inject it onto the table, arguing that Iran's three massive ballistic missile attacks on the Jewish state in April 2024, October 2024, and this month make it a new existential threat. Potential partial deals that Trump can reach, and the security implications for Israel What if Trump settles for a nuclear deal, but with no limits on ballistic missiles? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel was worried about Iran building a facility which could jump its missile inventory from 2,500 to 4,000 in around a year or so, and to 8,800 in around two years. Such numbers could overwhelm Israel's missile shield in a far more devastating way than even the 28 Israelis killed and 1,250 wounded from the 12-day war. Presumably, then, Israel would attack before the numbers ballooned that much. But how soon would Israel attack? When will the numbers get back to the pre-war 2,500 level? Earlier, such as when Iran builds and starts to operate a new ballistic missile production facility? Or yet earlier, as soon as it starts to build such a facility? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Or maybe Israel can agree to Iran building unlimited ballistic missiles as long as their range falls below the 1,500 kilometer range to hit the Jewish state, given that many Iranian missiles do fall below that range. Will Jerusalem really risk ballistic missile attacks on hospitals, universities, and central Israel just to stop a facility from being built? And if it won't, will it get harder to respond even as the process goes forward because Israeli leaders will need to admit they are afraid of the Iranian response? Jerusalem has some time to let Trump try to resolve these issues. But if Trump cannot resolve them in the coming weeks or months, Israel will likely need to make some clear, hard, and uncompromising decisions about being ready to enforce certain limits, with coordination with the US and a yellow light to strike, even if there is not full-throated approval. James Carville says he wouldnt put anything past Donald Trump in his bid to keep Democrats from winning back Congress in the upcoming midterm elections even suggesting the president might cancel elections entirely to keep the GOP in power. The longtime Democratic strategist offered his speculation on Tuesdays edition of The Jim Acosta Show, in response to a viewer question about whether Carville is worried about potential vote tampering from Trump and his senior aide, Stephen Miller. In a short word, yes, Carville answered. In the longer words, very. OK? I think what may happen, hes going to see the writing on the wall in Virginia this is what I think is going to happen and New Jersey also. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And hes going to see retirements, and people are going to start coming in, and saying, Since I know were getting ready to lose, I got to change and I got to get some distance, he continued. And hes going to see all that coming and I dont put anything past him. Acosta argued that the president doesnt want Democrats to regain control of the House and Senate, as that could trigger impeachment proceedings against him. Carville said nothing would surprise him, including Trump trying to fully call the election off. The strategist, who famously helped elect Bill Clinton to the White House in 1992, repeatedly predicted Democratic nominee Kamala Harris would beat Trump last year, though he admitted ahead of her defeat in November that he was scared to death of the election. Carville has since routinely criticized the president on a variety of issues, including the steep international tariffs Trump imposed earlier this year and his acceptance of a $400 million airplane from the government of Qatar. James Carville said elections are no longer guaranteed, as President Donald Trump (above) is "a whole new thing." Evan Vucci/Associated Press Acosta appeared taken aback on Tuesday by the scary shit Carville was predicting, but agreed Trump may be determined to stay in power. He said Trump has already tried to steal one election before, after all, in reference to the lies and lawsuits he promoted following the 2020 contest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He can think of things like that, that we cant, because were not accustomed to thinking like that, Carville told Acosta. We always assume theres going to be an election, in your case, How do I cover the election? My case, How do I affect the election? This is a whole new thing, the strategist warned. But the person that wrote in on this, you know, people come up to me all the time and say, James, Im really scared. I say, You should be. You have every reason to be scared. Dont kid yourself. Related... Democratic strategist James Carville said in an interview this week that hes "very" worried that President Donald Trump and his administration will cheat in the 2026 midterm elections. During an appearance on "The Jim Acosta Show" on Tuesday, Carville told the former CNN anchor he thinks theres a major risk of Trump tampering with votes in the 2026 midterm elections to make sure the Democratic Party doesnt gain any ground to oppose his second-term agenda. "In the short word, yes," Carville said in response to Acosta repeating a viewer asking whether they believe Trump will end up "tampering" with the midterm votes. "In the longer words, very." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carville Accuses Jewish Donors Of Abandoning Democrats For Gop Because They Just Want Their F-----g Tax Cut Democratic strategist James Carville warned that he's "very" worried about President Trump stealing the 2026 midterm elections. Carville predicted that Trump is going to get worried about congressional Republicans' hold on power once he starts seeing the results of major elections over the next year or so. "And I think what may happen, hes going to see the writing on the wall in Virginia," Carville said, mentioning the upcoming 2025 governors election between Republican Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, and former Democratic congresswoman Abigail Spanberger. Read On The Fox News App "This is what I think is going to happen," he continued. "And [Trumps] going to see retirements and people are going to start coming in." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carville also predicted Trump would see these races and say, "Were getting ready to lose. I gotta change and I gotta get some distance, and hes going to see all that coming." New York Times Attorney Tells Trump No Apology Coming For Coverage Of Iran Strikes During his Tuesday interview on "The Jim Acosta Show," Democratic strategist James Carville told viewers who are scared of Trump that they have "every reason to be." "I dont put anything past him nothing to try to call the election off, to do anything he can. He can think of things like that, that that, you know, we cant because were not accustomed to thinking like that. We always assume theres going to be an election. In your case, How do I cover the election? In my case, How do I affect the election?" he said. Carville mentioned that people often share these kinds of concerns, saying they're scared of what Trump might do. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I say, you should be," Carville said. "You have every reason to be scared. Dont kid yourself." "This is scary s---," Acosta, a Trump critic, responded. "And hes already tried to steal one election before, so, I mean, whats to say hes not going to try to steal more?" The White House fired back in a comment to Fox News Digital. "President Trump has taken more action to restore the integrity of our elections on behalf of the American people than any president in modern history. According to the Democrats, voter fraud doesnt exist but clearly they are already searching for copouts preparing to lose big again in the midterms," spokesperson Taylor Rogers said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Click Here For More Coverage Of Media And Culture Several of Carville's prior predictions about Trump didn't come to pass. Ahead of the 2024 presidential election, the former Bill Clinton advisor declared in a New York Times column that former Vice President Kamala Harris would win the presidency. In March, Carville said that Trumps presidency had already collapsed just months into the second term. Original article source: James Carville tells ex-CNN host he's worried Trump will tamper with 2026 midterm elections KAMPALA/MOGADISHU, July 2 (Xinhua) -- Five people were killed and six others injured when a Ugandan military helicopter crashed Wednesday in the Somali capital of Mogadishu, according to a statement issued by the Ugandan military. The statement said the helicopter was carrying eight personnel, including six crew members. The pilot, co-pilot, and flight engineer survived but sustained serious injuries and severe burns. The other passengers were killed, while three civilians on the ground were also injured. The Mi-24 helicopter went down about 200 meters east of the North Ramp at Aden Adde International Airport in Mogadishu, triggering a detonation of onboard munitions and causing damage to nearby structures, the statement added. All the injured, both crew members and civilians, were evacuated to a nearby African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) hospital for treatment. A joint emergency response team comprising firefighters from Mogadishu airport and the United Nations, along with ATMIS explosive ordnance disposal personnel responded to the scene and is supporting rescue operations. According to Ugandan military spokesperson Felix Kulayigye, a team will soon be dispatched to Mogadishu to investigate the cause of the crash. The helicopter was returning from a routine escort mission at the time of the incident. The Ugandan military has ruled out the possibility of an external attack, with Kulayigye saying that Mogadishu has largely been cleared of the al-Shabab militant group, making it unlikely that the Mi-24 helicopter was shot down. "Being an attack helicopter, it was loaded with rockets, so the rockets caused the fire. If it was an external action, we would not be talking about investigations because we would have known the cause," he said. "Of course it (the crash) does affect the proficiency of escort duties for those convoys that carry logistics. When one helicopter is out of action, you certainly feel the pinch. But it will not stop the work that is being done," Kulayigye added. The African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) confirmed the accident, saying that the helicopter, operated by the Uganda Peoples' Defense Forces contingent, crash-landed at around 7:30 a.m. local time (0430 GMT) after departing from Baledogle Airfield, about 90 kilometers northwest of the Somali capital. "Three of the eight passengers on board were immediately rescued and rushed to the AUSSOM Level II hospital in Mogadishu for medical attention," AUSSOM said in a statement issued in Mogadishu. Ahmed Macallin Hassan, director general of the Somali Civil Aviation Authority, said flight operations at the airport were continuing as normal, although a section of the runway has been temporarily closed due to debris from the crash. Last September, the Ugandan military lost a transport helicopter while flying from Mogadishu to Baledogle Airfield. All four peacekeepers on board survived that incident, according to the military. Uganda has been one of the key troop-contributing countries to the African Union peacekeeping mission in the Horn of Africa since 2007. WASHINGTON A Jan. 6 defendant who plotted to murder FBI special agents who investigated him over his actions at the Capitol was sentenced to life in prison on Wednesday. Edward Kelley was convicted in November of conspiracy to murder employees of the United States; solicitation to commit a crime of violence; and influencing or retaliating against federal officials by threat. President Donald Trump pardoned Kelley, alongside roughly 1,500 other Jan. 6 defendants, in January. U.S. District Judge Thomas A. Varlan imposed the sentence on Wednesday during a hearing in Knoxville, Tennessee. Edward Kelley at the Capitol on Jan.6, 2021. (U.S. District Court) Kelley's team argued that Trump's pardon should apply to his conduct in the murder plot. While the Justice Department had argued that the pardons should apply to separate gun cases against other Jan. 6 defendants, they said the pardon did not apply to Kelley's conduct. A federal judge ruled that Trump's pardon did not apply to the murder plot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Federal prosecutors sought life in prison for Kelley, calling him remorseless" and writing that he had "shown neither a capacity nor desire" to rehabilitate. "On the contrary, Kelley not only believes the actions for which he was convicted were justified but that his duty as a self-styled patriot compelled him to target East Tennessee law enforcement for assassination, federal prosecutors wrote in a sentencing memo. Kelley, prosecutors wrote, "committed crimes that are serious, violent, and all designed to achieve the same end: the murder of federal, state, and local law enforcement." Kelley "formed a self-styled militia to attack the FBI," and "conducted combat drills to realize his plan," they wrote. He "strategized ways to bomb the FBI Knoxville office" and "identified a 'hornets nest' at which to store his various weapons at 'arms reach.'" Kelley also "devised a kill list of individual agents to be targeted" and then "gave the go-ahead command 'start it' to his confederates, noting that 'every hit has to hurt.'" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kelley's lawyer wrote that "no individual was directly threatened with harm or violence by Kelley, and no one was injured" and that "Kelley does not deserve the same sentence as an actual 'terrorist' who injured or killed hundreds or thousands" of Americans. Austin Carter, who admitted that he conspired with Kelley in the murder plot and pleaded guilty, is scheduled to be sentenced next month. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Jane Fonda, Cynthia Nixon, Sally Field and several other celebrities are demanding that Amazon address allegations that pregnant warehouse workers are not receiving reasonable accommodations, causing health complications and even miscarriages. The Hollywood personalities, who include Lily Tomlin, Chelsea Handler, Rosario Dawson and Pamela Adlon, signed a letter sent Thursday to Edith Cooper, the chair of Amazons leadership development and compensation committee. The federal Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, which went into effect in June 2023, requires employers to grant reasonable accommodation to an employees limitations having to do with pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions. For warehouse workers, this means the company would have to allow pregnant workers to take additional, longer or more flexible breaks, accommodate requests for light duty or help with lifting or other manual labor and meet other reasonable requests. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Pregnant workers have new federal protections. What are your rights in California? The company said that it does meet reasonable requests. However, the letter argues that Amazon is violating the law, saying several workers have shared stories about being forced to work at a breakneck pace while pregnant. Some have faced severe health complications, miscarriages, and total loss of income with no ability to access parental leave benefits as Amazon workers are either terminated or quit due to their impossible circumstances, the letter said. The letter was posted online on the website of Expose Amazon, an organization focused on sharing stories of warehouse employees experiences with injuries and detailing working conditions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Erica Smiley, the executive director of Jobs with Justice, said the organization and other groups have received nearly 150 accounts from current and former Amazon workers who faced difficult working conditions while pregnant, including having to climb ladders or do dangerous tasks even in later stages of pregnancy. When we were starting to talk to Amazon workers, we thought the big issue was going to be wages, and the fact that the issue is actually, We don't want to die or lose our children, is shocking to us, said Smiley, whose group helped to organize the letter. I thought I had lost my capacity for outrage, but this was just incredibly outrageous. Read more: 'The algorithm fired me': California bill takes on Amazon's notorious work culture Ali Stephens, a director for the people, experience and technology department within Amazon's human resources team, told The Times on Tuesday that the vast majority of pregnancy-related accommodations the company receives are approved. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Examples of those accommodations include additional breaks and exceptions to policies, like one that requires specific employees to be required to drive powered industrial trucks. Pregnant employees can also ask to be seated while working. If an employee identifies what they believe to be an unsafe work condition or sees that policies designed to protect employees are violated, they should report it immediately, Stephens said. Ensuring all our employees, including expectant mothers, feel safe and supported is extremely important to us," an Amazon spokesperson said. "We have comprehensive policies and programs for employees who may need accommodations or restricted work. We're committed to ensuring that they have the assistance they need to perform their jobs through our robust accommodation process." Warehouse workers have reportedly been requesting a meeting with Cooper, to whom the letter is addressed, and Amazons board of directors and vice president of safety since July 2024, according to the letter, but theyve been unsuccessful. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The celebrity campaign comes just ahead of Prime Day , now a four-day sitewide sale. The popular event is a major cause of injuries for warehouse workers in Amazons facilities across the United States, according to a 2024 report by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), former chair of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Read more: Amazon ignored internal warnings of warehouse injuries, Senate probe finds Amazon responded to the July report and the findings of an additional report published in December by saying they were both wrong on the facts and feature selective, outdated information that lacks context and isnt grounded in reality. From 2019 to 2024, Amazons delivery speed has increased while injury rates have decreased, the company has said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During those five years, the companys worldwide recordable incident rate, or how often an injury or illness occurs at work, improved by 34% and the worldwide lost time incident rate, or the number of injuries and illnesses that result in at least one day away from work, improved by 65%, according to a May proxy statement . A shareholder proposal had requested that the board of directors commission an independent audit and report of the working conditions and treatment that Amazon warehouse workers face. The board rejected the ask, arguing that the company had already publicly disclosed its workforce incident rates and is already subject to regulatory oversight. Sign up for our Wide Shot newsletter to get the latest entertainment business news, analysis and insights. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. TOKYO (AP) Japan's Emperor Naruhito said Wednesday that he will honor thousands of Japanese prisoners of World War II who were held under harsh conditions in Mongolia when he visits the country next week. Naruhito, marking the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII, has been visiting some of the places where the bloodiest battles and bombings occurred, including Iwo Jima, Okinawa and Hiroshima. It's part of his effort at atonement and remembrance of the tragedy of war fought in the name of his grandfather, Emperor Hirohito. I will pay tribute to the Japanese people who unwillingly died in the distant land away from home, and think of their hardships, Naruhito said at a news conference ahead of his July 6-13 trip to Mongolia. His Harvard-educated former diplomat wife, Empress Masako, will accompany him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just before the end of the hostilities in 1945, the Soviet Union had declared war on Japan, taking most of about 575,000 Japanese POWs to Siberia. But around 12,000 to 14,000 of them were taken to Mongolia, which was fighting alongside the Soviets against Japan. Most of the POWs were put to hard labor and construction work for the Mongolian government's headquarters, a state university and a theater that are still preserved in the capital Ulaanbaatar. The prisoners toiled under harsh conditions and scarce food. Japanese records show about 1,700 of them died in Mongolia. As we mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the war this year, we should never forget the pain and sorrow of the people, Naruhito said. I believe it is important to not forget those who died, deepen understanding of the wartime past and to nurture the peace-loving heart. Naruhito has repeatedly stressed the importance of telling the war's tragedy to younger generations, pledging to contribute to efforts to promote the understanding of history and the determination for peace. The emperor's trip to Mongolia will be his second since he visited in 2007 as crown prince to mark the 35th anniversary of the diplomatic ties between the countries. When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Credit: Illustration by Julia Wytrazek / Getty Images The Albanian government has approved a controversial $1.4 billion deal with Donald Trump's son-in-law to develop the island of Sazan into a "luxury resort", said Balkan Insight. Sazan, an uninhabited island off the southern city of Vlore, was an "isolated military outpost" of Fascist Italy and later of Communist-era Albania. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jared Kushner's investment firm, Affinity Partners, has "big plans for tiny Albania", said Air Mail, and although "not all of the plans are crazy", they have already elicited plenty of opposition. Lavish and Jurassic Albania's "Cold War designation" as the "North Korea of Europe" means it is one of the last undeveloped spots in Western Europe. Affinity's plans include a 1,100-acre luxury resort on the country's Adriatic Coast, with 6,000 hotel rooms and villas. Architectural plans for the project show "modernist multistorey structures" built along the shore, dunes and headlands around the Narta lagoon, a spot currently "prized by birders for its rich avian diversity", said The New York Times. On Sazan itself, which lies about six miles off the coast from the edge of the lagoon, within a national marine park, the firm wants to build a "similarly lavish" 1,400-acre resort community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The island's landscape is "Jurassic", said The Guardian, with "ferns, giant lavender, plumbago, rosemary, broom and laurels" growing on its central mountain, which enjoys "dramatic sunsets" and "dizzyingly beautiful" views. More corruption Negotiations about the sale of Sazan were "kept secret" from residents and parliamentarians, who weren't aware of the $1.4 billion deal until it was reported in the media. Those reports "have stirred resentments among some local landowners who question whether the Albanian government is courting Mr Kushner in order to curry political favour with his father-in-law", said The New York Times. The prime minister, Edi Rama, has forcefully denied this suggestion. With Sazan "on the verge" of becoming a "mecca for ultra-luxury tourism", there are lots of questions from environmentalists, said The Guardian. The area is "prized for its biodiversity", said the NYT. A local ornithologist said that there will be a "tremendous" ecological and economic cost to development. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kushner, who is married to the US president's daughter Ivanka Trump, and his team have dismissed the concerns. Asher Abehsera, the executive overseeing the developments, said the firm recognises the "rich biodiversity and natural landscape" of the area and have a "master plan" designed to "restore and improve ecological conditions". But even so locals have "expressed fears of overtourism" and water shortages, or that they would lose their land or public access to the lagoon and beaches. Others said that "more infrastructure" would only mean "more government corruption". Albanians are "not anti-tourism", said one. They're just "against tourism that will destroy our land and our traditions". An enraged Bronx man fatally stabbed the mother of his two daughters over the weekend because he thought she was cheating on him, according to cops and a relative. A child described as family was home at the time of the attack, although its unclear whether the youngster was one of the couples kids, sources said. Khaleel Cooper, 39, is accused of knifing 40-year-old Tamara Rowe in her chest and right arm in their sixth-floor unit on East 232nd Street near White Plains Road in Wakefield on Saturday, authorities said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rowes brother called 911 when he found his sisters lifeless body during a wellness check in the apartment around 8:35 p.m. Saturday, police sources said. Khaleel Cooper, 39, was charged in the Bronx murder of his 40-year-old girlfriend, Tamara Rowe, cops said. Kyle Mazza/NurPhoto/Shutterstock She was rushed to Montefiore Medical Center, where she succumbed to her injuries. The troubled couple met in Jamaica, where they had their first daughter, who is now 9 or 10, and then their second child, now 2-and-a-half, in the US, according to a female relative who did not want to be identified. Cooper had planned to start a trucking business as his family had in Jamaica but decided against it since Rowe wasnt a fan of the idea, the woman said. A child was home at the time of the deadly violence, police said. Kyle Mazza/NurPhoto/Shutterstock Rowe meanwhile worked the night shift at a Queens restaurant, and Cooper grew suspicious when a man brought her home one night, the kin said. Rowe usually takes MetroNorth and she wasnt calling Cooper as much, either, the relative said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He felt like, I stopped my life for you. You and I would eventually get married, the family member said. He felt like she was sneaking around, and he didnt like it, she added. Tensions came to a head when Cooper claimed he put a recorder under the bed and captured Rowe having phone sex with another man but she denied this, according to the relative. He told me he loved her so much, the family member said. He said, We dont have any issues. He was even crying, thats how hurt he was. Cooper was charged with murder, manslaughter, endangering the welfare of a child and criminal possession of a weapon in the slaying, police said. Cooper has no prior arrests, authorities said. Kyle Mazza/NurPhoto/Shutterstock He has no prior arrests, authorities said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His arraignment in Bronx Criminal Court was pending Tuesday. We never thought it would be stabbing and killing, the relative said. Im sad that shes no longer with us, but I feel bad for him too because nobody deserves that, the way she treated him, but also nobody deserves to die. Now, the couples two girls lost everything, according to the family member. They didnt just lose a mom, they lost their dad, too. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) on Wednesday invoked the late-Sen. John McCains (R-Ariz.) dramatic and decisive vote to sink the Republicans 2017 effort to repeal ObamaCare during President Trumps first term as Jeffries argued against the GOP megabill. What type of party would bring a bill to the House floor that rips away Medicaid from those in need? What kind of party would bring a bill to the House floor that literally robs food from the mouths of children, veterans and seniors? And all of this is being done to provide massive tax breaks to their billionaire donors. Its unconscionable; its unacceptable; its un-American, Jeffries said. All we need are four Republicans just four to show John-McCain-level courage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the minority party in the House, Democrats are powerless to block Trumps domestic agenda if GOP leaders can rally the votes to pass it. But thats not stopping them from making the vote as uncomfortable as possible for on-the-fence Republicans, especially those facing tough reelection in battleground districts. As part of that public messaging campaign, scores of House Democrats took to the steps of the Capitol Wednesday morning to highlight the most controversial elements of the Republican legislation, including steep cuts to low-income health and nutrition programs. Jeffries and other Democrats called out several Republican lawmakers by name, including Reps. Scott Perry (Pa.), Rob Bresnahan (Pa.), David Valadao (Calif.) and Young Kim (Calif.). All of them are facing tough reelection contests next year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The display comes as Republican leaders are scrambling to lock down enough votes to advance the measure on the floor. A procedural vote is scheduled early Wednesday afternoon, but several hard-line conservatives are threatening to block the measure. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Gun instructor Tony Simon of Ewing runs The Second Is for Everyone diversity shoots at gun ranges around New Jersey. He said he found the firearms culture in New Jersey "ridiculously white" when he moved here from Virginia in 1993 and aims to change that. (Photo courtesy of Tony Simon) Paterson police denied Mahmoud Mo Ramadans request for a gun carry permit after he hounded them and the mayor about their poky pace in processing his application. Sharon Palombi got denied in South Toms River because of her past police involvement as a crime victim. And Leonard Mirabals extensive but non-criminal driving infractions prompted Carlstadt cops to refuse his carry request. New Jersey law lays out several documentable reasons why police can deny carry permits, including if applicants have criminal convictions, histories of addiction or mental health disorders, or active restraining orders. But it also allows officers to make subjective judgments and reject applicants they deem lack the essential character of temperament necessary to be entrusted with a firearm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Consequently, a growing, disgruntled group of applicants including Ramadan, Palombi, and Mirabal have successfully challenged denials, which two recent studies found have disproportionately impacted people of color in New Jersey. Now, a Republican state lawmaker wants police to answer to the Legislature and the public on the issue, by mandating monthly reporting on permit denials. Municipalities would have to publicly detail their reasons for denying firearm purchaser identification cards and gun carry permits under a bill Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia (R-Sussex) introduced Monday. The measure also would require reporting on the age, race, gender identity, and ethnicity of denied applicants. There are barriers to exercising your Second Amendment prior felonies, mental health concerns that are valid concerns. But the color of your skin is not a valid concern, Fantasia said. There should be no subjective measures. When you allow subjective measures into the conversation, that leaves it up to people, to personalities, to preconceived notions, and to bias, and thats what we want to remove. There should never be bias associated with your ability to exercise a constitutional right. The attorney generals office already publicly reports applicant demographics but does no analysis of denials and attributes more than two thirds of them to unspecified public health, safety and welfare concerns or just other disapproval reasons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement John Petrolino, a firearms instructor and freelance writer who focuses on Second Amendment issues, dove into the data last year and found that Black applicants were denied permits for subjective reasons at twice the rate of whites. Academic researchers with the nonprofit Rise Against Hate drilled deeper into the data and determined the denial disparities reflected major systemic issues, given that people of color applying for carry permits passed the same initial screening requirements (to get firearm ID cards) as white carry applicants. Those researchers also found that denials disproportionately impacted Hispanic applicants too, and that disparities (for subjective and objective reasons) were worst in Ocean, Gloucester, and Cumberland counties. They recommended policymakers mandate more detailed explanations for denials, anti-bias training for law enforcement officers overseeing permit decisions, and increased transparency to eliminate disparities they deemed systemic. Spokespeople for the attorney generals office did not respond to a request for comment about racial disparities in denials. Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia (R-Sussex) wants more thorough public reporting of the reasons why police deny applications for gun carry permits. (Dana DiFilippo | New Jersey Monitor) Targeting restrictions in court and municipal ordinance Fantasia, a longtime gun owner and hunter, said she relies on firearms for protection, as both a single mother of three and someone who was held up at gunpoint at the fast-food restaurant where she worked when she was 17. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ever since then, its always been imprinted in me, Fantasia said of her enthusiasm for gun rights. She has introduced other gun-related legislation in Trenton, including measures that would create Second Amendment license plates and allow school security officers with carry permits to take their guns onto school grounds and buildings. She hasnt yet lined up a Senate sponsor for her bill to mandate public reporting on denials, but she thinks it should have broad, bipartisan appeal because its about transparency and disparities. It really is an issue of: why are we discriminating? she said. The bill, which Assemblyman Bob Auth (R-Bergen) also signed on to sponsor, would require the state attorney generals office to report in detail on denials dating back to June 2022. Thats when the U.S. Supreme Court, in a landmark ruling known as Bruen, declared gun owners have a constitutional right to carry guns, and states cannot require gun owners to prove a need to take firearms outside their homes or businesses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Applications for carry permits have soared in New Jersey since Bruen, with police fielding almost 77,000 between Bruen and May 31, data shows. Less than 1,500 of them were for renewals; the rest were new applicants, the data shows. Four hundred applicants were denied. The New Jersey Firearms Owners Syndicate is pushing for Fantasias legislation, which has the same goals as a measure now stalled in Congress. Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Kentucky) introduced a bill in March that would mandate federal reporting on permit denials. The syndicate endorsed Fantasias reelection bid in May and named her Legislator of the Year. Joe LoPorto, the groups director of legal operations, said Bruen was clear that subjective denials cannot stand. Joseph LoPorto is a gun-rights advocate. (Dana DiFilippo | New Jersey Monitor) The whole point was to establish that law enforcement agencies couldnt arbitrarily decide who and who couldnt exercise their rights, LoPorto said. For Second Amendment purposes, background checking should be straightforward. There really shouldnt be subjective standards at all, and were not getting enough information on why these denials are coming out the way that they are. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ramadan seconded that sentiment, saying his fight isnt just one of principle. His permit denial kept him from landing a job in armed security, he said. I think the answer here is, literally, just follow what the Constitution says and stop trying to abuse your authority, Ramadan said. The bill is part of a widening strategy gun-rights groups have undertaken since Bruen to try to dismantle New Jerseys famously tough gun restrictions. Gun owners challenged a state law Gov. Phil Murphy signed in December 2022, in response to Bruen, that barred guns from sensitive places like arenas, polling places and beaches, created new training requirements, and hiked permitting fees, among other things. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nearly two years since lawyers argued the matter in court, the federal appellate court still has not issued its ruling. The law, though, largely remains on hold until the court challenge is resolved. Gun owners have also taken their fight to municipal meetings around the state, lobbying local officials to give up the higher gun-permit fees state legislators mandated in the December 2022 law. Englishtown and Franklin recently became the first towns statewide to authorize municipal officials to refund $150 the local portion of permit fees to applicants. LoPorto said officials in about a dozen other towns, including Park Ridge, Dumont, Absecon, and West Amwell, also are considering dropping the local fees. Its as much about providing relief for the residents of these towns as it is about sending that statewide message that this is fundamentally unfair, LoPorto said of the push to eliminate such fees. Gun instructor Tony Simon of Ewing runs The Second Is for Everyone diversity shoots at gun ranges around New Jersey. (Photo courtesy of Tony Simon) When Tony Simon moved to New Jersey from Virginia in 1993, he found the firearms culture here ridiculously white. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now Simon, a firearms instructor and military veteran who lives in Ewing, runs The Second Is for Everyone diversity shoots at gun ranges around the state to bring people into the gun community who have historically felt excluded. The subjective judgments built into the gun permitting process in New Jersey ensure police will not enforce gun regulations equally, and denial disparities will persist, Simon said. I think its a racist system, he said. You go in. They say: Well why do you want a gun? Why do you need a gun? They make it complicated. Ive heard stories from people: They treated me like a criminal, an international drug dealer, a terrorist. When you have rules like this, its not going to be enforced in Berkeley Heights, in the high-end neighborhoods. Its going enforced on the poor people and the brown people. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Jihadist fighters have launched a series of simultaneous attacks on military posts across numerous towns in Mali - the third major assault on the army over the last month. Mali's army said it repelled Tuesday morning's attacks, allegedly "neutralising" more than 80 militants, without saying if there were any other casualties. However, Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM), an al-Qaeda-linked group who said it was behind the attacks, said it had taken control of three army barracks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For more than a decade Mali has been wracked by a deadly Islamist insurgency, as well as attacks from separatist movements. In a statement broadcast on national TV, army spokesperson Souleymane Dembele said: "The enemy suffered significant losses in every location where they engaged with the security and defence forces." Col Dembele added that the army recovered weapons, vehicles and motorcycles from the assailants. Earlier, the armed forces said that the attacks had occurred across seven towns and cities, including Binoli, Kayes and Sandere, near the border with Senegal. There were also attacks further north, near Mali's frontier with Mauritania. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A resident of Kayes told the BBC that gunshots could be heard "everywhere" during the attack. "The police station was damaged, as well as the governor's house," he said, adding that casualty figures were still unclear. JNIM called its attack "co-ordinated and high quality" in a statement posted on social media. They did not detail any casualties. The group has also said it carried out two other significant recent attacks. On 2 June, militants targeted both an army camp and airport in the ancient, northern city of Timbuktu. Just a day before, a raid killed at least 30 soldiers in the centre of the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The attacks, the latest sign of rising insecurity in Mali and the wider Sahel region, came after the United States Africa Command warned about growing efforts by various different Islamist militant groups which operate in the Sahel to gain access to West Africa's coastline. During a press conference in May, the commander of United States Africa Command (Africom), Gen Michael Langley, described recent attacks in Nigeria, the wider Sahel, and the Lake Chad Basin as deeply troubling. He warned that the groups' access to the coast would significantly boost their capacity for smuggling and arms trafficking. You may also be interested in: [Getty Images/BBC] Go to BBCAfrica.com for more news from the African continent. Follow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica BBC Africa podcasts Jim-Dennys diner in downtown Sacramento will shut down for the second time in five years after owner NGina Guyton was given an eviction notice and told to vacate the building by the end of July by the buildings landlord, Guyton said in a post on the restaurants Instagram Tuesday. Guyton said the iconic diner at 816 12th St. would serve its last meals Wednesday. Her Jim-Dennys was a rebooted version of the American diner that was a landmark in downtown for 85 years before closing in February 2020. Guytons reboot opened on Sept. 2, 2023, and featured foods like a hot dog with mango salsa and takis compared to the more traditional pancakes, burgers and other diner foods of the original. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Guyton previously ran Southside Park soul food spot South with her ex-husband, Ian Kavookjian. Despite its popularity, the restaurant abruptly closed in June 2022. NGina Guyton stands in front of Sacramentos landmark Jim-Dennys on Sept. 27, 2023, weeks after she reopened the historic diner. On Tuesday, July 1, 2025, she announced the restaurant would close after she received an eviction notice from the buildings owner. In the post, Guyton said her landlord offered to eventually sell her the building in November 2023 but, went back on his word in April by sending her the eviction notice. Guyton said she worked to pool investors to buy the building after receiving the notice, but was unable to convince the landlord to sell. Guyton said she had gone to court to challenge the sale, but was denied due to the prior agreement being verbal and non-binding. At the end of the day, Im proud of what we did. We were up against so many issues even before we opened. It felt like every week was something, but we still fought, Guyton wrote in the caption of the Instagram post. I hate hearing about the possible future of Jim-Dennys, it makes my heart sick, but we had a damn good time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the comments of the post, many longtime patrons and community members expressed their support for Guyton and Jim-Dennys. Multiple comments included the broken-heart emoji and many commenters saying they would support Guytons next restaurant project. The eatery first opened in 1934 as a modest hamburger stand at 16th and J streets, launched by partners Jim Van Nort and Dennis McFall. Van Nort, a Salt Lake City native and World War II veteran, moved the restaurant to 12th St. in 1945 after returning from service in Europe. There, the diner became a mainstay offering simple fare, 10 red stools at a counter, and no-nonsense service that made it a beloved institution. For decades, according to previous Bee reporting, Jim-Dennys served up its signature Superburgers and hubcap-sized pancakes to everyone from construction workers to lawmakers. Van Nort ran the place until 1988, when he retired. The diner remained in operation under new owners. Customers wait outside Jim-Dennys during the lunch rush in 2020, days before the original Sacramento diner closed after 85 years. The landmark reopened in 2023 under new ownership, but its owner said the diner would shut down again after the landlord served her an eviction notice. Customers dine inside Jim-Dennys on Sept. 27, 2023, weeks after the Sacramento landmark reopened.Owner NGina Guyton said the diner, which had shut down in 2020, would again close following an eviction notice from the buildings owner. By the early 2000s, the Lane family had taken over. They carefully preserved the retro vibe, right down to the original cash register, and even celebrated Jim-Dennys 75th anniversary in 2009 with a daylong community festival. Later that year, the diner gained national attention when it was featured on the Travel Channels Man vs. Food. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But in January 2020, amid rising rents and the temporary closure of the Sacramento Convention Center, the McCune family then operating the diner announced it would shut down. The final day of service came on Feb. 2, 2020, ending an 85-year run. Despite talk of revival, the pandemic stalled further plans. Then came Guyton, who gave Jim-Dennys new life with a modern twist. Her version kept the spirit of the original but swapped in a California-influenced menu and implemented a no-cash policy after security incidents amid several incidents of crime. Despite praise for the reboot and a new outdoor dining space, Jim-Dennys will once again close its doors. SPRINGFIELD, MO One of the most prominent, controversial religious figures of the 1980s has died. The family of Jimmy Swaggart announced the preacher passed away on Tuesday at the age of 90. He was hospitalized back in June for an illness. Decades ago, Swaggart was an Assemblies of God televangelist whose program reached millions of people worldwide. He rose to prominence in the 1980s when old-time religion was going high tech. Television preachers like Jimmy Swaggart became superstars as they beamed their messages to the masses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Swaggarts rise was followed by a big fall. His ministry and reputation had crumbled by the early 1990s after he was accused of visiting prostitutes. Swaggart never officially admitted to the claims, but alluded to wrongdoing in his now-famous I Have Sinned sermon. Shortly after, the Springfield-based Assemblies of God denomination announced it planned to remove Swaggart from ministry for failing to submit to rehabilitation for moral failure. He continued pastoring his non-denominational church in Louisiana until his recent hospitalization. Swaggarts downfall was one of at least two major ministry scandals during that era, which thrust Springfield- and the Assemblies of God- into the national spotlight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before his scandal broke, the denomination was focused on fellow tv minister Jim Bakker, who was also caught up in his sex scandals of his own, and accusations of defrauding donors of tens of millions of dollars. At this time, Swaggart used his national platform to point a finger and criticize Jim Bakker for his alleged sins. The Assemblies eventually removed Bakker from ministry. He was later convicted of fraud and sent to prison for several years. After his release in 1994, Bakker moved to the Ozarks. He started a new ministry and TV program in Blue Eye, which he continues to run. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOLR - OzarksFirst.com. SYDNEY, July 2 (Xinhua) -- A man has been hospitalized with critical injuries and hundreds of properties have been flooded amid heavy rain and destructive winds on Australia's east coast. A severe storm system crossed the coast on Tuesday, triggering widespread emergency warnings in the state of New South Wales (NSW), and intensified overnight as trees were brought down and buildings damaged. NSW Police said on Wednesday that a 55-year-old male has been hospitalized in a critical condition after a tree fell and crushed the driver's cabin of his semi-trailer truck in the town of Moss Vale, 105 km southwest of Sydney, at about 10:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Officers attended the scene and extracted the unconscious man from the vehicle. He was treated at the scene for serious head and torso injuries before being taken to hospital in a critical condition. According to the NSW State Emergency Service (SES), about 200 properties in the state's South Coast region, 180 km south of Sydney, were flooded overnight after some regions received more than 200 millimeters of rainfall in a 24-hour period. As of 8 a.m. local time on Wednesday, more than 35,000 homes and businesses in NSW were affected by blackouts. Sydney Airport said it expects cancellations and delays to continue throughout Wednesday, and strong winds have also forced cancellations at Brisbane Airport in the northeastern state of Queensland. Millions of residents of Sydney and the cities of Newcastle to the north and Wollongong to the south have been advised to avoid non-essential travel, and public transport services have been widely disrupted. Debbie Platz, deputy commissioner of the NSW SES, told Nine Network television that many residents across the state have heeded warnings and prepared their homes, preventing further damage. She said the southern flank of the storm impacting Wollongong and surrounding regions is now the authorities' area of greatest concern. The Bureau of Meteorology said in a severe weather warning that the low-pressure system is expected to move east back out to sea later on Wednesday. Welcome back to another exciting and patriotic episode of I Never Knew That! Founding Father John Hancock played a significant role in America's founding and is best known for being the first person to sign the Declaration of Independence. But he also had a big reputation for smuggling goods into the colonies. Biography.com editor Catherine shares all the details about Hancock's shipping business and how he almost went to prison for it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you enjoyed the video, let us know at editor@biography.com, and be sure to check out our most recent episode about Elvis Presley's last roller coaster ride. You Might Also Like SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) Chula Vista Mayor John McCann has conceded to his opponent, Imperial Beach Mayor Paloma Aguirre, in the race for the District 1 seat on the County Board of Supervisors. McCanns campaign sent a statement confirming McCann congratulated Aguirre Wednesday morning. Aguirre takes early lead in San Diego County D1 Supervisor special election Despite the outcome, I am proud that my campaign presented a clear statement in support of reducing the cost of living, getting the homeless off the streets and keeping our community safe, McCann said in the statement. These are the principles that have guided me as Mayor of Chula Vista and will continue to be important objectives as I work on behalf of the city I love. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He continued, I called to congratulate Mayor Aguirre this morning and offer my assistance with the critical challenges facing South County. We have worked closely together to address the ongoing Tijuana River sewage pollution and that environmental crisis will continue to be an important partnership for us. Additionally, I know we will work together on improving South County homeless programs and strengthening public safety. McCann also thanked the volunteers who supported his campaign. More District 1 Supervisor Special Election Stories Tuesday was the final day of voting in the special election to fill the vacancy left by former county supervisor and board chair Nora Vargas last November. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Aguirre took an early lead after 8 p.m. Tuesday. She issued a statement of her own, thanking her opponent for a hard-fought campaign. Ive spent my life, from organizing in forgotten neighborhoods to standing up as a small-town Mayor, fighting for working people and to fix the sewage crisis, and Im not going to the County to back down Im going to double down and deliver, Aguirre stated. Now, lets get to work. Senator Steve Padilla (D-San Diego) issued the following statement, congratulating Aguirre: San Diego County has elected a leader of conscience, tenacity, and vision. Paloma Aguirre is a tireless champion for working families, a dedicated public servant, and a dear friend. As Mayor of Imperial Beach, she has been a critical partner in our work to bring meaningful solutions to the ongoing cross border pollution crisis plaguing southern San Diego and I look forward to continuing that partnership as she steps into this new role. Congratulations Paloma! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement District 1 includes the cities of Chula Vista, Imperial Beach, National City, and some communities in the City of San Diego, such as Barrio Logan, East Village, Golden Hill and more. District 1 also includes the unincorporated areas of Bonita, East Otay Mesa, Lincoln Acres, Sunnyside and La Presa. The election results are still considered unofficial until they are certified by the Registrar of Voters on or before July 16. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News. JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) Dr. Erin Slater began her tenure as the superintendent for Johnson City Schools on Tuesday, bringing over 30 years of experience in various roles to the position. Ive been a classroom teacher in a couple of different grade levels, and that really gave me the foundational skills to understand the workings of a school district and the workings of a school, Slater said. So having worked with different teams at different grade levels, I think, gave me a great foundation to know what a good classroom instruction looks like. Her experience includes being an assistant principal and principal, as well as an assistant superintendent and superintendent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Having that experience brought to Johnson City, I think, gives me a unique perspective on building on the wonderful things that are happening here. She said the systems security protocols are one of those things she intends to build on. I was extremely impressed at how security and safety is addressed in this district, Slater said. In todays age, [its important] to make sure that we have a system in place and security features in place, because our children are our number one priority and our number one responsibility. Slater said she can bring new eyes and perspectives to things that can be improved. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Itll start with teachers on high-level instructional strategies, Slater said. What does high-level instruction look like? Making sure that students are engaged, that were getting out of students what we need so that they can perform and be productive. News Channel 11 asked Dr. Slater about school vouchers, minimum teacher salaries and technology in the classroom. She comes from a state in which school vouchers have been established for a few years. The state of Iowa was probably three years ahead of the state of Tennessee as far as implementing a voucher system coming from legislation, Slater explained. What my job is as a public school superintendent is to tell the story of Johnson City Schools and brag about all the wonderful things that were doing and the opportunities that we offer here in Johnson City. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Slater also explained that Johnson City Schools already pays well above the state-required minimum. We pride ourselves on being one of the highest paid districts, to attract and retain the most high quality candidates as possible, Slater said. As for technology in the classroom, Slater said her goal is to create responsible digital citizens. There are times when its very appropriate to use technology and instruction, and theres times where it really is better to have that face-to-face interaction, Slater said. But they have access to the resources that are appropriate for them to continue and extend their learning. So we just have to make sure that were educating students on what we model as responsible digital citizens, of how to use technology in an appropriate and in a learning way. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her goal now is to establish herself within the community and create relationships as a public servant. I want to be visible so that parents can see that, thats important to me, Slater said. What we offer and what we do with kids is very important. So I want to make sure that visibility is the number one thing that I am focused on and looking towards. I feel very lucky to be a part of this organization and this city. The school system is holding a meet and greet for those interested in meeting Dr. Slater on Tuesday, July 15, at the central office board room. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. 3-3: 3-302.11 (A) Type: [Violation] Violation Code: 3-302.11 (A) Priority Packaged & Unpackaged Food Separation, Packaging, and Segregation Food items stored in non-foodgrade shopping bags in the freezer. Comments: Food items stored in non-foodgrade shopping bags in the freezer. Corrective Actions: Food may only be stored in contact with food grade articles. 3-3: 3-304.12 Type: [Violation] Violation Code: 3-304.12 Core In-Use Utensils, Between-Use Storage Scoop used for rice is stored on top of the rice cooker, which has debris accumulations present. Comments: Scoop used for rice is stored on top of the rice cooker, which has debris accumulations present. Corrective Actions: Store in-use utensils or dispensing utensils in one of the following manners: 1) In the food with their handles above the top of the food and the container. 2) In food that is not potentially hazardous with their handles above the top of the food within containers or equipment that can be closed. 3) On a clean portion of the food preparation table or cooking equipment only if the in-use utensil and the food-contact surface of the food preparation table or cooking equipment are cleaned and sanitized every 4 hours. 4) In running water of sufficient velocity to flush particulates to the drain. 5) In a clean, protected location if the utensils are used only with a food that is not potentially hazardous. 6) In a container of water if the water is maintained at a temperature of at least 135F and the container is cleaned and sanitized at least daily. 3-3: 3-302.11 (B) Type: [Violation] Violation Code: 3-302.11 (B) Core Packaged & Unpackaged Food Separation, Packaging, and Segregation Multiple containers of food items stored uncovered throughout the establishment, including the prep area, dry storage area, and walk in cooler. Comments: Multiple containers of food items stored uncovered throughout the establishment, including the prep area, dry storage area, and walk in cooler. Corrective Actions: Unless food is being cooled, maintain all food containers closed or covered to prevent contamination from environmental sources. 4-6: 4-602.13 Type: [Violation] Violation Code: 4-602.13 Core Nonfood-Contact Surfaces Cleaning Heavy frost buildup in the chest freezer on the west wall of the drink area. Comments: Heavy frost buildup in the chest freezer on the west wall of the drink area. Corrective Actions: Clean all equipment on a routine basis to avoid accumulations. 4-7: 4-703.11 Type: [Violation] Violation Code: 4-703.11 Priority Hot Water and Chemical Chlorine sanitizer is dispensed and applied at less than 50 ppm chlorine in the dish machine. Comments: Chlorine sanitizer is dispensed and applied at less than 50 ppm chlorine in the dish machine. Corrective Actions: Chlorine sanitizer concentrations must be dispensed and applied between 50 & 100 ppm. 5-2: 5-205.11 Type: [Repeat,Violation] Violation Code: 5-205.11 Core Using a Handwashing Sink Handwashing sink is obstructed by stools. Comments: Handwashing sink is obstructed by stools. Corrective Actions: Train food employees that handwashing sink must be accessible at all times. 5-4: 5-402.12 Type: [Violation] Violation Code: 5-402.12 Core Grease Trap Easily Cleanable Lid to the grease trap below the dish machine is heavily rusted. Comments: Lid to the grease trap below the dish machine is heavily rusted. Corrective Actions: Provide a grease trap that is easily accedible for cleaning. 6-1: 6-101.11 Type: [Repeat,Violation] Violation Code: 6-101.11 Core Surface Characteristics Floor, Walls, Ceilings Raw lumber utilized for cabinets, shelves, and tables in the drink and kitchen areas are not smooth, durable, easily cleanable, and non-absorbant in areas subject to moisture. Comments: Raw lumber utilized for cabinets, shelves, and tables in the drink and kitchen areas are not smooth, durable, easily cleanable, and non-absorbant in areas subject to moisture. Corrective Actions: Use approved materials. 6-5: 6-501.12 Type: [Repeat,Violation] Violation Code: 6-501.12 Core Cleaning, Frequency and Restrictions Debris residue present on floors, walls, and hard to reach areas. Comments: Debris residue present on floors, walls, and hard to reach areas. Corrective Actions: Clean facility as often as necessary to keep them clean. 6-5: 6-501.111 (A) Type: [Violation] Violation Code: 6-501.111 (A) Priority Controlling Pests, Minimize Presence Live roaches observed in beverage area, dish area, and dry storage area. Comments: Live roaches observed in beverage area, dish area, and dry storage area. Corrective Actions: Minimize the presence of pests on the premises. 7-2: 7-202.12 Type: [Violation] Violation Code: 7-202.12 Priority Conditions of Use Multiple pesticide containers present throughout the facility that are not labled for use in a food establishment and appear to be in use. Comments: Multiple pesticide containers present throughout the facility that are not labled for use in a food establishment and appear to be in use. Corrective Actions: Change procedures and provide training to employees on proper use of toxic chemicals. Ensure that manufacturer use directions are included in labeling. Only utilize pesticides that are labeled for use in a food establishment. Use certified, licensed applicators to apply restricted use pesticides. Remove any pesticides that are not labeled for use in a food establishment. 7-2: 7-209.11 Type: [Repeat,Violation] Violation Code: 7-209.11 Core Storage Personal Care Items Employee food items stored amongst establishment food throughout the kitchen and in multiple coolers. Comments: Employee food items stored amongst establishment food throughout the kitchen and in multiple coolers. Corrective Actions: Store employee personal care items and food in areas designated for personal belonging. 7-3: 7-301.11 Type: [Violation] Violation Code: 7-301.11 Priority Separation Retail Toxin Storage Toxins stored above and amongst food items in kitchen and dry storage area. Comments: Toxins stored above and amongst food items in kitchen and dry storage area. Corrective Actions: Store toxic materials below or away from food and equipment. Josh Duggar Reportedly Faces More Jail Time After Prison Shake-Up originally appeared on Parade. Former 19 Kids and Counting star Josh Duggars prison sentence has reportedly been extended by two months, and hes been moved out of his dormitory-style housing to a different section of the detention facility where he's currently housed. The former reality star was originally scheduled for release in October 2032, but that date has now been pushed back to December. The US Sun reports the former reality television star is facing even more time at Seagoville Detention Center in Dallas, Texas. Josh initially had a release date of October 2, 2032, but this date has allegedly been pushed to December 23 of the same year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is reportedly the second time Josh's release date has been postponed. He was originally set to be freed on August 12, 2032. The first postponement came after Duggar was found with a cell phone in February 2023. Prisoners are not allowed to have cell phones while incarcerated. Parade Daily SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox He was reportedly sent to the SHU, known as solitary confinement, as part of his punishment for breaking prison rules. Furthermore, more time was added to his sentence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Sun reports that Duggar has since been moved out of a remodeled honors dorm on Seagoville's grounds, where he was housed with other inmates and had access to special privileges such as a washer, dryer, and microwave. The outlet did not report the reasons why he was moved out of the facility. The U.S. Sun quoted a prison insider who alleged Duggar's postponed release date could be due to a disciplinary action." No further details regarding these allegations were provided by the source. Parade previously reported that Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar's firstborn son was arrested on April 29, 2021, on two charges of receiving and possessing child sexual abuse materials following an investigation conducted by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Fayetteville beginning in November 2019. He pleaded not guilty, but a grand jury found him guilty in December 2021. Duggar was subsequently sentenced to just over 12 years, ordered to pay $50,000 in fines, register as a sex offender, and serve 20 years of supervised release. Kris Connor/Getty Image Duggar remains married to his wife of 16 years, Anna Duggar. They are the parents of seven children: Mackynzie, Michael, Marcus, Meredith, Mason, Maryella, and Madyson. Josh Duggar Reportedly Faces More Jail Time After Prison Shake-Up first appeared on Parade on Jul 2, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 2, 2025, where it first appeared. A federal judge in New York blocked the Trump administration from ending deportation protections for Haitians ahead of the date set under the Biden administration, the latest blow to efforts from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to end the legal status. U.S. District Court Judge Brian Cogan ruled Noem could not issue a partial vacatur of a decision by her predecessor that gave Haitians Temporary Protected Status (TPS) until February of next year. In February, Noem signed an order seeking to advance that date, moving to end protections for Haitians this August. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Plaintiffs injuries far outweigh any harm to the Government from a postponement. Without a postponement, plaintiffs face the termination of Haitis TPS designation on September 2, 2025 and the subsequent loss of their legal right to live and work in the United States, despite this Courts finding that Secretary Noems partial vacatur of Haitis TPS designation was unlawful, Cogan wrote. Roughly 350,000 Haitians living in the U.S. have TPS. Noem has also sought to end TPS protections for other countries such as Venezuela and Afghanistan. The Supreme Court in May agreed to lift a lower court ruling that blocked Noems efforts to end TPS for Venezuela. But amid a series of court rulings questioning the validity of her efforts to vacate designations made under the Biden administration, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has begun following the notice and comment rulemaking process required for terminating TPS designations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That process requires the agency to consider the safety of the country in lifting protections from deportation to those from countries experiencing natural disasters or civil unrest. Last week, Noem formally moved to end TPS protections for Haitians for this September. This decision restores integrity in our immigration system and ensures that Temporary Protective Status is actually temporary, the DHS said in a release, noting that Haiti was first designated for TPS due to a devastating earthquake. The environmental situation in Haiti has improved enough that it is safe for Haitian citizens to return home. We encourage these individuals to take advantage of the Departments resources in returning to Haiti, which can be arranged through the CBP Home app. Haitian nationals may pursue lawful status through other immigration benefit requests, if eligible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the State Department still lists Haiti as a Level 4: Do Not Travel country due to kidnapping, crime and civil unrest. Under the Biden administration, the DHS cited a wide variety of dangerous conditions in Haiti, including as recently as last year. Haiti continues to experience simultaneous economic, security, political, and health crises. Haitian gangs are the primary source of violence and instability in Haiti and pose an increasing threat as they continue to escalate and expand their influence and geographic presenceSince early March 2024, the gangs have also attacked the capitals primary airport and major port terminals, and blocked roads to access the city. An ongoing political impasse has left Haiti without a functioning democratically elected national government and hindered Haitis ability to respond to the gang-driven violence, the Biden administration wrote in extending the TPS designation for Haiti. At the same time, Haiti struggles through a humanitarian crisis, with many citizens having limited access to safety, healthcare, food, water, and economic opportunity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. A federal judge on Wednesday blocked President Trumps asylum ban at the southern border, determining it ran afoul of immigration laws protecting the rights of those seeking refuge in the U.S. The decision blocks a Day 1 order from Trump seeking to end asylum for all but those who entered the U.S. at ports of entry arguing the move was needed to prevent an invasion at the border. But U.S. District Court Judge Randolph Moss said Trump went beyond his authority in drastically limiting asylum for those fleeing persecution and danger. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moss found Trumps order violated the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), which lays out strict guidelines for who qualifies for asylum and how they can seek the protections including by crossing between ports of entry. The West will not survive if our sovereignty is not restored, Stephen Miller, the architect of the White Houses immigration policy, responded to the ruling on X. Nothing in the INA or the Constitution grants the President or his delegees the sweeping authority asserted in the Proclamation and implementing guidance, Moss wrote in his 128-page opinion. The judge rejected that Trump had inherent presidential authority over admission decisions into the country, even if federal law didnt give him the power. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To hold otherwise would render much, if not most, of the INA simply optional, wrote Moss, an appointee of former President Obama. Moss postponed his ruling for 14 days, which gives the administration an opportunity to ask an appeals court to intervene. The legal battle began in early February, just days into Trumps presidency and soon after he signed the proclamation on Inauguration Day. Represented by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), 13 anonymous asylum seekers sued alongside three immigration nonprofits, the Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services, Las Americas Immigrant Advocacy Center and the Florence Project. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The administration had agreed to not deport any of the 13 people as the litigation progresses, but Wednesdays ruling now covers anyone impacted by Trumps proclamation nationwide. This is a hugely important decision. Not only will it save the lives of families fleeing grave danger, it reaffirms that the president cannot ignore the laws Congress has passed and the most basic premise of our countrys separation of powers, ACLU attorney Lee Gelernt said in a statement. The judges decision does not, however, apply to people already removed from the country. Moss noted those cases pose difficult questions and will be addressed later. A number of migrants who have crossed the border in recent years have done so turn themselves over to Border Protection officials in order to make the claim. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the uptick in those seeking the protections over the past several years has made the process a target for Republicans, who argue the system is being abused. Asylum seekers cannot be granted the protections if they are fleeing what is deemed generalized violence and many who seek the status do not receive it when their case is considered by the Department of Homeland Security or in immigration court. But a years-long backlog in reviewing such cases means applicants may spend years in the U.S. before their claims are fully weighed. During the first Trump administration, Trump used Title 42 to block migrants from seeking asylum at the border, closing off the process and allowing them to be swiftly expelled instead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Former President Biden kept those same limitations in place for over two years. Updated 5:36 p.m. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. A US federal judge on Wednesday blocked President Donald Trump's bid to ban migrants who have illegally crossed the US-Mexico border from making asylum claims. District Judge Randolph Moss, in a case brought by immigrant rights groups and asylum seekers, said Trump's proclamation barring asylum requests exceeded his legal authority and is a violation of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). "Congress has crafted detailed rules and procedures that would be rendered meaningless if an agency were free to adopt its own rules and procedures in place of those that Congress enacted," Moss said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The judge said asylum applications are governed by the INA and the president cannot "adopt an alternative immigration system which supplants the statutes that Congress has enacted." Trump campaigned for president promising to expel millions of undocumented migrants from the United States, and he has taken a number of actions since returning to the White House in January aimed at speeding up deportations and reducing border crossings. But his mass deportation efforts have been thwarted or stalled by numerous courts, including the Supreme Court, over concerns that migrant rights to due process are being ignored. In his opinion, Moss said the court "recognizes that the Executive Branch faces enormous challenges in preventing and deterring unlawful entry into the United States and in adjudicating the overwhelming backlog of asylum claims." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "But the INA, by its terms, provides the sole and exclusive means for removing people already present in the country," the judge said. Moss, an appointee of former president Barack Obama, put his ruling on hold for 14 days to give the Trump administration time to appeal. White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller condemned the judge's decision. "A marxist judge has declared that all potential FUTURE illegal aliens on foreign soil (eg a large portion of planet earth) are part of a protected global 'class' entitled to admission into the United States," Miller said on X. cl/sst Judges in federal courts have issued two major blows against the Trump administrations multi-pronged immigration crackdown, ruling on Wednesday that the government cannot block undocumented migrants who enter the United States outside of authorized ports of entry from applying for asylum, and in a separate ruling that it cannot revoke a Biden-era extension of Temporary Protected Status for over half a million Haitian migrants. D.C. District Court Judge Randolph Moss ruled on Wednesday that nothing in the Constitution or the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) of 1952 grants the President or the [Department of Homeland Security] authority to replace the comprehensive rules and procedures set forth in the INA and the governing regulations with an extra-statutory, extra regulatory regime for repatriating or removing individuals from the United States, without an opportunity to apply for asylum. The INA, by its terms, provides the sole and exclusive means for removing people already present in the country, Moss wrote, adding that the president cannot, by proclamation, grant the executive unilateral authority to limit the rights of aliens present in the United States to apply for asylum. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The decision deals a heavy blow to President Donald Trumps efforts to curtail asylum claims at the southern border, and grants broad class protections to migrants who have been denied access to the asylum process under Trumps January order seeking to realign the nations refugee policies. Hours earlier, a separate judge in New York District Court ruled that the administration and the Department of Homeland Security could not eliminate an extension of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitian migrants. TPS is a humanitarian form of legal immigration status granted to individuals from certain nations experiencing natural disasters, wars, or other forms of political instability. Over 550,000 migrants from Haiti benefit from TPS designations, which allow them to work in the United States and protect them from deportation. In February, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem issued a proclamation stating that a 2024 extension to TPS designations for Hatians would be rolled back, meaning their legal status would expire on August 3, 2025, instead of in February 2026. Judge Brian Cogan ruled on Wednesday that Noems attempted clawback was unlawful. When the Government confers a benefit over a fixed period of time, a beneficiary can reasonably expect to receive that benefit at least until the end of that fixed period, he wrote, noting that Noem does not have statutory or inherent authority to partially vacate a countrys TPS designation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Citing existing immigration statutes, Cogan wrote that the Secretary of Homeland Security may not publish a termination of a TPS designation that becomes effective before 60 days after the publication of notice in the Federal Register, or the expiration of the most recent previous extension, whichever is later [] In other words, Secretary Noem cannot reconsider Haitis TPS designation in a way that takes effect before February 3, 2026. Noem and the administrations targeting of Haitian migrants is notable given the string of racist smears the president and Republicans leveled against the community over the course of the 2024 election cycle. Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance leaned into baseless rumors that Haitian migrants who they claimed were undocumented were killing and eating family pets and local wildlife in the town of Springfield, Ohio. Despite most Haitians residing in the U.S. on a temporary basis having lawful TPS status, Trump wielded the false accusations as an argument for his proposed mass deportation program and anti-immigrant nativism. The two decisions come days after the Supreme Court placed limitations on the ability of federal and circuit courts to enjoin policies issued by the Trump administration at a national level. The decision stemmed from a challenge to Trumps efforts to rewrite the Constitution and revoke birthright citizenship for the children of migrants. Trump called the Supreme Courts decision a GIANT WIN, but even as the administration is celebrating what it views as a terminal blow to the power of the lower courts, the judiciary is signaling that it will force the highest court to explain itself in greater detail, and continue placing speed bumps in front of the president in the meantime. More from Rolling Stone Best of Rolling Stone Sign up for RollingStone's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. A federal judge in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday blocked the Trump administration policy that restricts migrants who cross the southern border from seeking asylum. In a 128-page order, U.S. District Judge Randolph Moss wrote that President Donald Trump cannot "adopt an alternative immigration system," saying that Trump has exceeded his legal authority as president. In an executive order issued in January, Trump declared that the situation at the southern border constitutes "an invasion of America" and suspended the ability of migrants to seek asylum. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: DOJ looking at denaturalization for American citizens convicted of certain crimes The Supreme Court, in a ruling last week, limited judges' power to block the president's executive orders on nationwide basis. But in his order Wednesday, Judge Moss concluded that "this is one of the rare cases in which injunctive relief is required." Judge Moss said he recognizes that while the executive branch "faces enormous challenges in preventing and deterring unlawful entry" into the U.S., neither the Constitution nor the Immigration and Nationality Act "provides the President with the unilateral authority to limit the rights of aliens present in the United States to apply for asylum." John Moore/Getty Images - PHOTO: Migrants prepare to be transported by Border Patrol agents after crossing the U.S.-Mexico border, Jan. 20, 2025 near Sasabe, Ariz. The federal judge granted the plaintiffs' request to certify a class of all people covered by Trump's executive order, and stayed his decision for 14 days to allow the Trump administration to appeal and to "prepare to implement the Court's order." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In response to the ruling, Lee Gelernt, an attorney with the ACLU, told ABC News that the "decision's importance cannot be overstated." "The ruling is critical for those fleeing gruesome danger and reaffirms that the president in our system of government cannot simply give the back of his hand to laws passed by Congress," Gelernt said. KABUL, July 2 (Xinhua) -- The Afghan Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with a local aid agency to assist returnees, displaced people, and needy families, the ministry said in a statement on Wednesday. According to the MoU, over 952,000 U.S. dollars will be raised to benefit 210,140 people, the statement said. The agency will distribute foodstuffs and implement public utility projects in the provinces of Kabul, Kapisa, Panjshir, Parwan, Wardak, Logar, Paktia, Paktika, Khost, Ghazni, Bamiyan, Daykundi, Herat, Farah, Badghis, and Ghor. The Afghan interim government has called on local and international organizations to invest in the country to address its economic hardship and create jobs. PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) The former Providence patrolwoman arrested during a drug raid in Pawtucket last week may soon be released on home confinement. Destiny Viera, 25, was taken into custody Friday morning in connection with a months-long narcotics investigation. Viera is facing several charges, including manufacturing, delivering or possession with intent to deliver fentanyl and cocaine. She was ordered held without bail at the ACI during her initial court appearance Monday. Destiny Viera David Cooper, Vieras attorney, argued that her safety is at risk while incarcerated because of her prior profession. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shes in prison with people who have been arrested by Providence police, Cooper said during Vieras initial arraignment. Threats are being made toward her. Cooper also urged the judge to consider Vieras lack of a criminal history, and the lack of evidence that she possessed or sold any drugs. She went out with the wrong guy who put himself in his position and dragged her into it, Cooper said. Shes a young woman whos never been arrested for anything and never been accused of anything. RELATED: Former Providence police officer charged in drug raid held without bail Viera agreed Wednesday to push her bail hearing out two weeks so the judge has time to consider releasing her on home confinement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its highly unlikely that you would be granted bail without a home confinement condition, Rhode Island Superior Court Judge Jeffrey Lamphear explained to Viera. It will take some time to do that review. Providence Police Chief Oscar Perez told 12 News Viera graduated from the 72nd Training Academy in September and was a probationary officer. Jaylan Lopez Perez said Viera will not be retained by the Providence Police Department due to the seriousness of the charges shes facing. Jaylan Lopez, 24, was also taken into custody during the drug raid and is facing the same charges as Viera. Lopez waived his right to a bail hearing Wednesday and also requested to be released on home confinement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lamphear said that, if he decides Lopez can be released on home confinement, then he would also have to post $50,000 surety bail. Both Viera and Lopez will remain at the ACI until their next court date, which is slated for July 16. Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the new 12+ smart TV app. Follow us on social media: Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com. The Brief A Detroit judge delays ruling on lawsuit against importing radioactive waste into Wayne County, with residents hopeful for a favorable decision. Residents met with state officials about landfill expansion; EGLE reviews application for compliance with federal and state laws. Republic Services claims landfill meets safety standards; neighbors view court case as crucial defense against waste storage expansion. WAYNE COUNTY, Mich. (FOX 2) - A Detroit judge is looking over a lawsuit to stop more radioactive waste from being imported into Wayne County. What they're saying Residents say they are somewhat optimistic the judge will rule in their favor, but they are eager for progress on an issue that has persisted for a long time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It also showed us that hes taking this very seriously, and its really heartening to hear that hes delivering intently on this and listening to the community as well as big business," said Chris Donley, who is against the ruling. The backstory The case dates back to late last summer when a decision was made to allow the delivery and storage of about 4,000 gallons of radioactive groundwater and 6,000 cubic yards of radioactive waste, shipped into Wayne County from the Manhattan Project of World War II, the historic program used to develop nuclear weapons. The judge placed a temporary restraining order on the matter as both sides debated an issue that remains contentious nearly a year later. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "There are 365,000 people living within a ten-mile radius of this facility, think of that, right on the shores of the Huron River Watershed, its an economically very vital area," Donley said. Local perspective Meanwhile, concerned residents met with state environmental officials last week to get an update on the landfills application to expand its facility, allowing for even more waste to be stored. Neighbors hope that the expansion will not be approved. Republic Services, which runs the landfill, sent FOX 2 a statement saying, "Wayne Disposal Inc. is a highly engineered facility, designed to safely and compliantly manage complex and hazardous waste streams that are generated through a variety of industrial and other processes. The landfill meets or exceeds all regulations and is an important asset that helps protect the community and the environment. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) and USACE have confirmed that the material from the Niagara Falls Storage Site does not pose a risk to public health or the community." What's next Neighbors FOX 2 talked with say they feel the court case is the biggest line of defense. "Judge Cox didnt explain the decision, but I imagine its because he understands how serious his decision is on our entire county and state," said Janeen Rippey. A New York City jury found Sean Diddy Combs guilty of two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. The jurors acquitted him of the three more serious counts against him: one count of racketeering and two counts of sex trafficking. U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian, who presided over the trial, denied Combs request for release on bond while he awaits sentencing, telling the court that its impossible to show Combs poses no danger to the community. DENVER (AP) A federal judge on Wednesday ended an order blocking the deportation of the family of the man charged in the fatal firebomb attack in Boulder, Colorado, noting government lawyers say the man's relatives are not being rushed out of the country as the White House originally stated. Hayam El Gamal and her five children were detained by immigration agents on June 3, two days after her husband Mohamed Sabry Soliman was accused of throwing two Molotov cocktails at people demonstrating for awareness of Israeli hostages in Gaza. Prosecutors announced Monday that an 82-year-old woman who was injured in the attack had died. U.S. District Judge Orlando L. Garica dismissed the family's lawsuit challenging their detention by immigration authorities. The ruling noted that El Gamal and her children ages 4 to 18 are not eligible for expedited deportations because they have been in the country for over two years, which he said lawyers for the Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement have acknowledged. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Soliman is an Egyptian national who federal authorities say was living in the U.S. illegally. He is being prosecuted in both state and federal court for the attack, which prosecutors say injured a total of 13 people. Investigators say he planned the attack for a year and was driven by a desire to kill all Zionist people. He has pleaded not guilty to federal hate crimes charges but hasn't been asked to enter a plea in the state case, which now includes a murder charge. On the day El Gamal and her children were arrested, the White House said in social media posts that they COULD BE DEPORTED AS EARLY AS TONIGHT and that six one-way tickets had been purchased for them, with their final boarding call coming soon." Those statements led a federal judge in Colorado to issue an emergency order temporarily blocking the family's deportation, Garcia said. The case was later transferred to Texas, where the family is being held in an immigration detention center for families. Garcia is based in San Antonio. Because the family is in regular deportation proceedings, there is no longer any reason to block their deportation, Garcia said. Regular proceedings can take months or even years if decisions are appealed. He also turned down the family's request to be released from the detention center in the meantime, saying they can pursue release through the normal bond process in the immigration system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawyers for the family had challenged their detention as unconstitutional because they said it was intended to punish them for Soliman's actions. According to a court filing by El Gamal's lawyers, one of the immigration agents who arrested them told her, You have to pay for the consequences of what you did. Garcia said immigration authorities have discretion in deciding who to detain and he did not have authority to review their decision to detain El Gamal and her children. Lawyers for the government said they are being lawfully held because they are accused of overstaying their visas. One of the family's attorneys, Niels Frenzen, said they hoped to get the family released from the detention center while the deportation proceedings continue. An email seeking comment from the Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement was not immediately returned. A federal judge extended a temporary restraining order for two weeks in a lawsuit against the Department of Defense (DOD) over funding cuts related to indirect costs for military-based research, according to a Tuesday-evening order. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology joined a group of 11 other universities, including Brown University in Rhode Island, and three higher education organizations that filed a complaint against the DOD. U.S. District Judge Brian E. Murphy initially issued the temporary restraining order on June 17. He will hear arguments from the parties on Wednesday at 11 a.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Boston University also supported the lawsuit as a member of the Association of American Universities. The lawsuit comes after the DOD announced that it would limit facilities and administrative reimbursements to a 15% cap for all DOD research grants. Facilities and administrative costs include maintenance and administrative staff, research facilities and safety expenses, among others, which the group cites as being essential costs in maintaining the countrys status as a leader in military technology research. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MIT received $107 million in funding from the DOD in the 2024 fiscal year, according to court filings. The institution estimates that a 15% cap on facilities and administrative expenses by the DOD would result in an estimated loss of $21 million annually. MIT has expressed it intends to apply for new funding awards from the DOD in addition to pending funding proposals. MIT is also involved in lawsuits against other federal organizations over cuts to indirect costs in other departments, namely the National Institute of Health, the Department of Health and Human Services and the National Science Foundation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DODs latest action would have an immediate and dire effect on our national security by disrupting research designed to help our military, the group of those suing said in a statement released Monday. Gustavo Atencio Flores contributed to this reporting. More Higher Ed Read the original article on MassLive. POTTSVILLE A 29-year-old New Jersey man charged with aggravated assault, lighting a womans foot on fire and other offenses is requesting his bail be amended and a set of charges dismissed in Schuylkill County Court. Naszier Colburn, who remains jailed in Schuylkill County Prison, appeared for a motions hearing Wednesday before Judge William L. J. Burke. Due to the length of the testimony, the proceeding was continued for a later date; a new date was not yet announced as of Wednesday afternoon. Pottsville police initially charged Colburn on March 6, 2024, with felony charges of strangulation, aggravated assault and other offenses against the victim. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a separate case, police charged Colburn on May 31, 2024, with felonies of aggravated arson, aggravated assault, intimidating a victim; a misdemeanor count of simple assault; and a summary count of harassment for incidents stemming from March through April 2024, against the same victim. In this case, police accused Colburn of choking and beating the woman on several instances in front of her children. The victim was pulled around the residence by her hair and lighter fluid was used to set her foot on fire, leaving injuries, police said. Colburns attorney, Douglas J. Taglieri, made motions to dismiss the most recent set of charges and to set nominal bail so that the defendant can reside with his family until the case is adjudicated. The defense is requesting the motions be made based on violation of Rule 600, which establishes the defendants right to a speedy trial. Colburn, who appeared via videoconference from county prison, said if his bail request is granted, he would stay at his grandmothers home in Lindenwold, New Jersey, where some of his other family members also reside. Colburn said he holds a bachelors degree in marketing and said he would seek employment during his stay. He would attend all required court proceedings and also comply with any monitoring procedures as ordered by the county probation office, he said. Colburn has been jailed in Schuylkill County Prison since Dec. 17, 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Dec. 30, Colburn waived his right to a preliminary hearing in front of Magisterial District Judge James Reiley for the second set of charges and was remanded back to prison. Bail was denied in this case because he was likely to not appear for court proceedings, per court records. He was ordered to not have contact with the victim. Cross-examined by Assistant District Attorney Andrew Bench, Colburn confirmed he had been charged with felony robbery as a juvenile in 2012. Asked if he knows court cases dont just disappear, Colburn said yes. Bench also noted Colburn had done nothing to answer to the recent charges until he was arrested, six months after the fact. Pottsville police Cpl. Anna Malocu-Flail, who charged the defendant, and the alleged victim testified Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The defenses witnesses included some of Colburns relatives in Lindenwold, New Jersey. They said they are willing to have Colburn reside at their home. The hearing, which began at 2 p.m. Wednesday, was cut short and continued for a later date as the commonwealth did not have time to call its remaining witnesses. DENVER (KDVR) On Wednesday, a judge dismissed a petition filed by the Boulder terror attack suspects family, which will ultimately allow their deportation process to continue. The U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas on Wednesday dismissed a petition for the release of the family of Mohamed Sabry Soliman, who is accused of attacking a group of peaceful protesters in Boulder in June. Wife of Boulder terror attack suspect speaks out: We are treated like animals Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Soliman is facing hate crime and first-degree murder charges after allegedly throwing Molotov cocktails at a group that was advocating for the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza on the Pearl Street Mall. The attack ultimately killed one person and injured 29 people. Soliman was arrested, and days after the June 1 attack, his wife and five children, all Egyptian nationals who lived in Colorado Springs, were taken into immigration custody. While the family wasnt involved in the attack, it was rumored that they were going to be quickly deported before a federal judge issued a temporary order to prevent their deportation at the time. The family was transported to the Dilley Immigration Processing Center in West Texas, which is where they are now awaiting deportation proceedings. While there are still processes before the family could be deported, a petition was just dismissed. Deportation continues for Boulder attack suspects family According to the dismissal order, Hayam El Gamel, Solimans wife, filed a petition arguing that the detention and expedited removal proceedings violated their rights and asked to prevent their deportation and their immediate release. However, the judge said that this was dismissed because the family is receiving the correct and full process under the Immigration and Nationality Act. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Family of Boulder terror attack suspect will face immigration proceedings in Texas The dismissal order said there was confusion about the removal process after the White Houses social media posts stated that they were in custody for expedited removal, however, this wasnt the case, and the family is scheduled for a second, continued removal hearing on July 11. The court also dismissed the claims that theyre being punished for the actions of a family member, as their arrest warrants showed probable cause to be deported, as the notice to appear showed that they either lacked immigration status or are removable under the U.S. immigration law. The order stated that after looking into whether the family was subjected to expedited removal proceedings and if there was a basis for the orders keeping them from being deported, the court ruled to dismiss the case without prejudice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While this proceeding continues the deportation process, the judge said there is still an opportunity to be released from detention while their removal proceedings continue, and they can petition the 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 FOX31 Denver. Jul. 2The Trump administration overstepped its authority by moving to revoke legal protections for Haitian citizens legally in the U.S. in the coming weeks, a federal judge ruled. But the ruling issued late Tuesday may be a temporary reprieve for those living in Maine and other states because the protections are due to expire in February unless extended. The Department of Homeland Security announced earlier this week that it was terminating temporary protected status, or TPS, effective in September for some 500,000 Haitians living in the United States, including at least 200 in Maine, according to the state's Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A TPS designation allows people to live in America when their homelands are deemed unsafe because of wars or natural disasters. Unlike asylum applications, which much be filed individually, TPS applies broadly to entire nationalities. The Biden administration had previously extended Haiti's TPS designation through February 2026. But in a formal notice issued Tuesday, DHS said Haiti's TPS designation would expire in August and be terminated in September, adding that "it is contrary to the national interest" for Haitian nationals to remain in America. The agency's memo said conditions had improved enough for Haitians to return home while simultaneously noting the country remains embroiled in violent armed conflict and lacks a stable central government. Hours later, a federal judge in New York reversed DHS' decision. District Court Judge Brian M. Cogan ruled DHS exceeded its authority by terminating Haitians' legal protections before TPS was set to expire next year. "Because Secretary Noem does not have statutory or inherent authority to partially vacate a country's TPS designation, her partial vacatur must be set aside as unlawful under the (Administrative Procedure Act,)" Cogan wrote in his decision. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DHS did not immediately return an email seeking comment about the agency's decision to terminate Haiti's TPS or Cogan's ruling reversing it. The decision was celebrated by immigration activists nationwide. The Institute for Justice and Democracy in Haiti described it as "a major legal victory" in a statement. "We will continue to prepare to challenge the expected decision to not renew TPS in February, as we did successfully in 2018," the U.S.-based nonprofit's statement read. "We do expect the administration to appeal, perhaps taking paths not supported by settled precedent. But we will keep fighting there too." Haiti has been under TPS since 2010, when an earthquake devastated the island nation. It has since been marred by constant civil war and armed conflict plus additional earthquakes and hurricanes in recent years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cogan noted that plaintiffs in the case "have enrolled in schools, taken jobs and begun courses of medical treatment in the United State in reliance on Haiti's TPS designation lasting until at least February." DHS' termination of Haiti's legal protections would have opened hundreds of thousands of people up to deportation when it would have taken effect in early September. Cogan's decision gives Haitian immigrants at least six more months to prepare for the potential end of their TPS designation. Maine immigration advocates and nonprofits panned the administration's termination of TPS. Sue Roche, director of the Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project, said her organization works with hundreds of Haitians in Maine under TPS. The organization said terminating Haiti's TPS could hurt Maine's blueberry farms and Christmas tree industry, both of which rely on Haitian immigrants for seasonal work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The termination of Haiti's TPS implies the country is safe enough to return to, Roche said this week, a notion that contradicts the agency 's own travel advisories, which warn against travel to Haiti because of the risk of mob killings and gang-related kidnappings. "The country is experiencing extreme violence, rampant kidnappings, and one of the highest rates of food insecurity in the world," Roche said in a statement. "We expect to see swift challenges in the courts and continue to call on Maine's Congressional delegation to take action to protect TPS holders and other immigrant communities in Maine." Copy the Story Link A federal judge grappled for over an hour on Wednesday with an effort to force the Trump administration to provide American Sign Language interpreters at White House press briefings. The case, brought by the National Association of the Deaf, alleges that, in failing to provide sufficient ASL interpretation, the White House is violating deaf Americans rights under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 from accessing critical information in real time. US District Judge Amir Ali, one of former President Joe Bidens final appointees, did not immediately issue a ruling, but he appeared sympathetic to the groups arguments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Without live ASL interpretations readily available at White House briefings, NAD attorney Ian Hoffman argued, deaf Americans are deprived of their ability to participate in the democratic process. The Biden administration had staffed all of its press briefings with qualified ASL interpreters, but that policy was discontinued by the Trump White House earlier this year. In court on Wednesday, the Justice Department argued that the current accessibility services offered by the administration including live closed captions and written transcripts are sufficient in providing the deaf community with meaningful access to White House information. In briefings, the NAD had pushed back on this argument, asserting that ASL and English are distinct languages and that closed captioning is especially inaccessible to the many thousands of deaf persons fluent only in ASL. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ali pressed Hedges about the utility of written transcriptions. How does it help to point to things that may not be adequate? he said, asking why DOJ hadnt presented evidence to show that written means were sufficiently able to inform the deaf community. Hodges responded that the burden was on the plaintiffs to show that more thorough ASL translations were necessary and repeated her previous claim that the type of services provided should be at the discretion of the White House. The National Association for the Deaf also took aim at the first Trump administration in 2020 for its failure to provide ASL interpretation during important Covid-19 briefings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In that suit, a federal judge ordered the White House to provide in-frame videos of ASL interpreters during televised press events. In his ruling, US District Judge James Boasberg specifically clarified that written means such as transcripts and closed captions the methods emphasized by the DOJ may constitute a reasonable accommodation under some circumstances, but not here. After Boasbergs order, the first Trump White House began providing ASL interpreters for all pandemic-related press events. When Biden took office in 2021, his administration expanded accessibility programs and began staffing all press briefings with ASL interpreters. But on the first day of his second administration, Trump halted the use of all ASL interpreters at White House briefings, prompting the lawsuit filed in May. The courtroom on Wednesday was flooded with members of the deaf community showing their support for the plaintiffs. ASL interpreters provided live translations throughout the duration of the nearly 90-minute hearing. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Jul. 2BIDDEFORD A jury will now decide whether a man is guilty of murder in connection with a Biddeford shooting two years ago. Lorenze Labonte, 27, is charged with murder in the killing Ahmed Sharif on Nov. 24, 2023. Sharif, then 27, was staying with Labonte's sister at their mother's apartment in Biddeford when prosecutors say Labonte, wearing gloves and a mask, shot Sharif and then fled to New Bedford, Massachusetts for the evening. Labonte's attorneys called no witnesses. Labonte declined to testify and chose not to let the jury consider a manslaughter charge, which could have entailed a lesser sentence. If convicted by the jury, Labonte faces 25 years to life in prison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A prosecutor suggested Wednesday that Labonte believed Sharif had given a friend's sister drugs, leading to her overdosing, and that Labonte was upset Sharif was spending time with Labonte's 18-year-old sister, Ariana Tito. "He took Ahmed Sharif's life for what?" Assistant Attorney General Jennifer Ackerman said in closing arguments. "For street cred for his best friend? To show his sister that what he said means business? To protect her from this man ... who he claims somehow hurt his best friend's sister? He doesn't get to decide who lives and dies. He doesn't get to decide who is worthy of this life, because he cannot control the people in his life." Labonte's attorney Verne Paradie reminded the jury his client can only be found guilty if it's "almost certainly true" from the evidence that Labonte shot Sharif. But that evidence is purely circumstantial, Paradie said. The prosecution's videos and testimony only place Labonte at the scene, and the jury never heard anyone testify that they saw Labonte shoot Sharif. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's not that he 'possibly' did it, or 'perhaps' he did it. ... It's not even 'probably' he did it," Paradie said. "That's not enough." In closing arguments, Ackerman shared Snapchat messages with the jury that she said showed Labonte and Tito were fighting about Sharif an hour before the shooting. Using his then-fiancee's Snapchat account, Ackerman said Labonte confronted Tito about a picture she uploaded that showed Sharif in her bedroom. "He shouldn't have even been allowed in there," Labonte appeared to write in the message. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I can have who I want in my room," Tito replied. Ackerman also played recorded jail calls in which she said it appears Labonte is referencing Sharif and his belief about the overdose. "He wants to control what his sister is doing. She's not having it," Ackerman argued. "And what does he do? He puts a mask on his face, a hoodie on his body, he puts gloves on his hands, and he arms himself with a .45 caliber firearm." Labonte then called a few friends and asked them to drive him to Biddeford, Ackerman said, citing testimony from two men last week. Ackerman replayed surveillance camera videos from other homes near the Biddeford apartment, which showed a gray Chevy Equinox pull into the apartment's driveway. A man with his face covered gets out of the car and approaches the house. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The videos don't clearly identify who the man was, nor do they capture the shooting, but Ackerman said the man approaches the home "like he owns the place" suggesting this was not a stranger, as one friend testified that Labonte instructed him to tell police. Tito also told police the shooter was a short, unnamed man. Ackerman suggested she was protecting Labonte from detectives. Tito, who is serving an eight-year sentence for shooting Labonte's ex-fiancee, did not testify in her brother's trial. Paradie scrutinized Ackerman's theory and questioned why police didn't fully investigate Tito as a suspect or other potential leads. Paradie said the police zeroed in on Labonte, suffering from "tunnel vision," and that investigators failed to explore all of the forensic evidence, including testing various items for Labonte's DNA. The case's lead detective testified Tuesday such DNA evidence wouldn't be reliable in this case, because Labonte had previously lived at the Biddeford apartment and they would have found his DNA there regardless. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copy the Story Link We believe it's important to offer commenting on certain stories as a benefit to our readers. At its best, our comments sections can be a productive platform for readers to engage with our journalism, offer thoughts on coverage and issues, and drive conversation in a respectful, solutions-based way. It's a form of open discourse that can be useful to our community, public officials, journalists and others. We do not enable comments on everything exceptions include most crime stories, and coverage involving personal tragedy or sensitive issues that invite personal attacks instead of thoughtful discussion. You can read more here about our commenting policy and terms of use. More information is also found on our FAQs. Show less Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, a staunch ally of President Donald Trump, said she doesn't think House Speaker Mike Johnson has the votes to pass the "big, beautiful" tax cut and spending bill at the moment. Speaking to former Trump advisor Steve Bannon in his podcast "War Room," the lawmaker was highly critical of the bill's negotiation process, especially considering it just cleared the Senate with several changes and Trump said he wants to sign it by July 4. BREAKING: Marjorie Taylor Greene just announced on the Steve Bannon show that Trump's Big Bullshit Bill doesn't have enough votes in the House. This is far from over I cant imagine [it passing].. Johnson does NOT have the votes. She even called it "a shitshow." pic.twitter.com/V9RknCo4eP CALL TO ACTIVISM (@CalltoActivism) July 1, 2025 "There's no way Johnson has the votes in the House for this," Greene added, describing the expectation to approve it soon "not realistic." "This is far from over. It's a dire situation. We're on a time clock that has been set on us. We have a lot of pressure. Also given the fact that there's 435 members on Congress and it's hard for us to get an agreement on anything. This whole thing is a s---show," Greene added. The New York Times also noted that Johnson has his work cut out for him. The outlet recalled that he won over holdouts by offering different concessions, but will now have to negotiate again after the Senate made significant changes to the bill. It added that several Republicans who supported the bill have criticized the version that emerged from the Senate, and Johnson can lose just three votes if all lawmakers vote. Two GOP Reps. voted against the bill in May: Warren Davidson and Thomas Massie. Now, others have come out to speak against its current iteration: Ralph Norman, Marlin Stutzman, Andy Ogles, Chip Roy, Andy Harris and David Valadao are some who, for different reasons, voiced their opposition to the bill. "The bottom line is the House will have its say, and this will not sail through the House. We're going to have to negotiate with the Senate one more time," said Andy Harris. Deficit hawks are criticizing how much amendments will add to the deficit and moderates are expressing concern about cuts to Medicaid. The Congressional Budget Office estimated that the bill will add some $3.3 trillion to the national debt over the next 10 years and that nearly 12 million people will be out of insurance in the same period. The White House says it will decrease it by $5 trillion. Originally published on Latin Times Photo taken on July 2, 2025, shows a demonstration of Jingdezhen porcelain craft during Jiangxi Day of China Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka in Osaka, Japan. Jiangxi Day of China Pavilion was held Wednesday at Expo 2025 Osaka, with more than 120 guests attending the opening ceremony. Under the theme of "Building a Jiangxi Model of Beautiful China and Envisioning a Green Development Future for Jiangxi," the event featured exhibitions, investment promotions, cultural performances and intangible cultural heritage products display. (Xinhua/Tu Yifan) OSAKA, Japan, July 2 (Xinhua) -- Jiangxi Day of China Pavilion was held Wednesday at Expo 2025 Osaka, with more than 120 guests attending the opening ceremony. Under the theme of "Building a Jiangxi Model of Beautiful China and Envisioning a Green Development Future for Jiangxi," the event featured exhibitions, investment promotions, cultural performances and intangible cultural heritage products display. Xiong Keping, deputy secretary-general of Jiangxi provincial government, said in his speech that with the event, Jiangxi has brought the beauty of ecology, the brilliance of science and technology, the charm of culture and the sincerity of cooperation, telling the world a wonderful and exciting Jiangxi story. It is hoped that the Osaka Expo can become a link to further expand the space for international cooperation and allow "Jiangxi manufacturing" and "Jiangxi wisdom" to reach a broader market, Xiong added. At the opening ceremony, a promotion conference highlighting the province's distinctive industries, cultural and tourism resources and business environment witnessed the signing of five investment and trade cooperation projects, involving an amount of more than 1.6 billion yuan (223.3 million U.S. dollars), covering fields such as new energy, new materials, and equipment manufacturing. Throughout the day, the exhibition and performance of Jiangxi's intangible cultural heritage items, as well as interactions between Jiangxi artisans and visitors became a major highlight of China Pavilion. Various activities featuring tea-picking opera, tea-making techniques, Jingdezhen porcelain craft, paper-cutting and egg carving allowed visitors to personally experience the unique charm of Jiangxi's intangible cultural heritage. Opening ceremony of Jiangxi Day of China Pavilion is held at Expo 2025 Osaka in Osaka, Japan, on July 2, 2025. Jiangxi Day of China Pavilion was held Wednesday at Expo 2025 Osaka, with more than 120 guests attending the opening ceremony. Under the theme of "Building a Jiangxi Model of Beautiful China and Envisioning a Green Development Future for Jiangxi," the event featured exhibitions, investment promotions, cultural performances and intangible cultural heritage products display. (Xinhua/Tu Yifan) 3rd UPDATE, 7:15 AM: After less than an hour of deliberation today, the jury in Sean Diddy Combs sex-trafficking trial have a verdict. They are returning to the lower Manhattan courtroom, where the Bad Boy Records founder, his lawyers and family, are already assembled. More from Deadline Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 2nd UPDATE, July 1 PM: The jury in Sean Diddy Combs sex-trafficking trial will be back Wednesday to deliberate on the racketeering charge against the much-accused Grammy winner. After a white-knuckle final hour Tuesday in the lower Manhattan courtroom, where it looked like there could be a mistrial or a partial verdict, the eight men and four women panel have just left for the day with a promise to return. They will get back into it at 9 a.m. ET tomorrow on Count 1, the racketeering charge. While what the partial verdicts are is still sealed and unknown, the jury had reached some consensus on the two sex-trafficking charges and the two charges of transportation to engage in prostitution that Combs faces. What is known is that if those verdicts are guilty, the not guilty pleading and plea deal refusing Combs (who is facing life behind bars) will be looking at some not insignificant prison time, even with an expected appeal. With the July 4th holiday coming up fast, it is very likely, based on human behavior, that there could be a conclusion of sorts to this trial, which started on May 12, by EOD Wednesday. Tuesday was the second day of deliberations by the jury. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 1st UPDATE, 1:45 PM: The jury in Sean Diddy Combs sex-trafficking trial have a partial verdict, but in a rare moment of agreement both the prosecution and the defense want them to continue deliberations. Right near the end of this second day of the eight men and four women of the jury being behind closed doors, the panel sent a note to Judge Arun Subramanian saying they are stuck. In a situation reminiscent of the latest Harvey Weinstein retrial just a few weeks ago, the jurors have a verdict on four of the five charges against the Bad Boy Records founder, but cant reach a conclusion on the sprawling racketeering charge. Unlike in the Weinstein case, which saw guilty verdicts on some counts and another retrial in the offering, both sides have given the Judge proposals to keep the jury going. The U.S. Attorneys office of the Southern District of New York want Judge Subramanian to give the 12 jurors an variation on an Allen That would ask them to take time to think about their own POV, the evidence, and any bias they might have that is preventing them from coming to a verdict. The Marc Agnifilo, Teny Geragoes and Brian Steel-led 10 lawyer defense want the jury to keep talking but dont think theres a need to take it to Def Con 3 with an Allen charge, yet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Combs is in the lower Manhattan courtroom right now as his fate and freedom is being determined in very real-time. After months of allegations, a very quickly settled ($20 million) abuse and assault suit from former girlfriend Cassie Ventura, raids by Homeland Security, and a slew of civil suits, Combs was arrested on September in New York City. The All About the Benjamins performer is facing federal charges of racketeering, sex trafficking, transportation to engage in prostitution and more. Having failed repeated to secure a $50 million bail, he has been in custody at Brooklyns Metropolitan Detention Center ever since. If found guilty on all the charges 55-year-old Combs could spend the rest of his life in a federal prison. Even a partial verdict would see Diddy behind bars for years. MORE Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PREVIOUSLY, JUNE 30 AM: Sean Diddy Combs fate is now in the hands of the 12 people on his New York jury. The eight men and four women in the Bad Boy Records founders six-week long sex-trafficking trial have officially begun their deliberations. Arrested in September, as dozens of civil cases of abuse and assault piled up, the much-accused Combs is up against federal charges of racketeering, sex trafficking, transportation to engage in prostitution and more. Last week, the Department of Justice prosecutors dropped and downgraded some of the claims in what they called an move to streamline the case. That turn did little to actually alter the composition of the matter, or its potential outcome. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In custody at Brooklyns Metropolitan Detention Center for the past nine months, despite numerous failed attempts at getting out on a $50 million bail, the 55-year old Combs could spend the rest of his life behind bars if the jury delivers a guilty verdict. The evidence is the testimony and the exhibits, Judge Arun Subramanian told the jurors in his lower Manhattan courtroom this morning. RELATED: Judge Rejects Sean Diddy Combs Latest Motion For Mistrial In Sex-Trafficking Case The eight words in that sentence by the judge raised by implication the sometimes gut wrenching tales of alleged violence and degradation at Combs hand given under oath by the likes of Combs former longtime girlfriend Cassie Ventura (who was heavily pregnant during her testimony), and, under pseudonyms used at trial by fellow sexual assault accusers Jane and former Combs employee Mia. As well, various ex-staffers to the Grammy winner, male escorts hired for the drug propelled and frequently filmed freak-off sex sessions, law enforcement, hotel security guards, and others took the stand during the trial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You are the sole and exclusive arbiters of the facts, he added. The federal judge then advised them to carefully look at each witness credibility, the truth and importance of their testimony. Size him or her up. You must decide. With closing arguments by prosecutors from the U.S. Attorneys office of the Southern District of New York and Combs 10-lawyer strong defense over late on June 27, the main business today for Judge Subramanian, besides reading the charges themselves, was giving the jurors their formal instructions. Dull but significant by definition, the instructional process in the proceedings at this point in any criminal trial is all about establishing parameters. RELATED: Sean Diddy Combs Jury Set To Begin Deliberations The importance of those boundaries of sorts was made very clear last week by the effort and horse-trading by the parties on what the judge could and could not tell the jury to consider. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All said and done, it took Judge Subramanian just over an hour to read out the jury instructions Monday morning. As he has been every day of his trial and during most pre-trial hearings, Combs was in attendance today. Though some of the Combs children have been present at trial more than others over the past month and a half, a parade of vehicles dropped off a full contingent of Combs sons and daughters to pack the courtroom Monday. Even before the heavily media covered and often horrifically sordid and harrowing trial began on May 12, Judge Subramanian had said he wanted to try to make sure things were done by the July 4 holiday. In that sense, he successfully made his own deadline. Certainly, the judge was helped in no small part by the defenses case lasting around 30 minutes last week, with no witnesses, no testimony and, most telling and unsurprising, no Diddy taking the stand. However, with all the nastiness and nuances of this matter, a verdict by the non-sequestered jury in the next three days seems a long-shot but not impossible. Not impossible at all. Best of Deadline Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Cook County prosecutors on Wednesday asked a jury to hold a former Chicago Public Schools dean accountable for allegedly using his position of power to coerce a student into a sexual relationship. One day earlier, jurors began hearing testimony on Tuesday in the case against Brian Crowder, 43, who is facing multiple felony sex charges that allege he had a relationship with the student from around 2013 to 2016. The conduct allegedly took place while he was serving as an associate dean at the Social Justice High School, a part of Little Village Lawndale High School. In their final pitch to the jury at the Leighton Criminal Court Building, the state displayed a smiling photograph of a girl and asked the jury to remember that she was a child. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She was young. She was vulnerable, said Assistant States Attorney Sarah Kofoed. The defendant saw that saw a young impressionable girl was looking for love, and he moved in on that. The Tribune is not naming the woman because she is alleged to be the victim in a sexual assault case. During closing arguments, though, Crowders attorneys called the relationship a friendship and said the case was a matter of he said/she said. They argued that she sought money from Crowder. Youre not called upon to decide whether Brian Crowder should be employed at Chicago Public Schools, attorney Barry Sheppard said. Bad judgment doesnt make you a criminal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The jury began deliberating around 4 p.m. The woman, who is now 26, testified for hours on Tuesday, describing how Crowder first approached her in the schools lunch room when she was around 15 and asked her for her SnapChat username. She was initially confused, she said, but he reassured her he wouldnt add her as a friend. That makes sense in my head because he was my school dean, she testified. But he did connect with her on the app, and began sending her inappropriate messages, she said. They soon developed a relationship. The woman told the jury that Crowder forced her to get abortions when she got pregnant twice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She wept as she watched the closing arguments a day after she testified. He wasnt just a teacher. At that point he was the dean of discipline, Kofoed said, adding that he controlled whether she received punishments at school. He controlled the relationship because he was in power. During the states rebuttal, Assistant States Attorney John Sviokla addressed the defenses argument of a financial motivation. She looked to be made whole in some capacity, he said. The case went before a jury as CPS handling of sexual abuse allegations has been the subject of scrutiny in recent years and as Crowder is also named in a 2024 lawsuit that accuses CPS of failing to protect its students. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2018, the Chicago Tribunes Betrayed investigation revealed failures in how the nations fourth largest school district handled allegations of abuse, including neglecting to report accusations to police or child welfare investigators and failing to conduct effective background checks. The civil complaint filed by the woman against Crowder and the school district heavily references the Tribunes investigation and alleges that CPS at the time did not track child abuse by its employees or agents in a publicly available format. The suit also accuses employees at Little Village Lawndale High School of failing to act when an inappropriate relationship between Crowder and the student was noticed by others who would joke about how much time was spent alone between Crowder and the student. At one point, the suit alleges, the student told a teacher about her relationship with Crowder, but the teacher never took steps to report or stop the abuse. Jul. 2BIDDEFORD A jury has sided with prosecutors, finding Lorenze Labonte killed a man two years ago who he didn't want hanging out with his younger sister. Labonte, 27, was found guilty of murder on Wednesday in the death of Ahmed Sharif on Nov. 24, 2023. Sharif, 27, was staying with Labonte's sister at their mother's apartment in Biddeford when prosecutors say Labonte, wearing gloves and a mask, shot Sharif and then fled to New Bedford, Massachusetts. The jury reached its verdict after about three hours of deliberation almost immediately after jurors asked the court to replay a garbled recording of a call Labonte, now 27, made from jail, in which he says his 10-year-old sister "told on me." The girl had told police that Labonte was at their apartment before the shooting and told her to leave because of an argument he was having with his other sister, 18-year-old Ariana Tito. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Labonte was silent until the jury left the courtroom. As he was being taken away, he shouted, prompting one of Sharif's relatives to shout back, despite a warning from the judge beforehand that they remain calm. "I have been impressed that you have treated this court with respect during this trial," Superior Court Justice James Martemucci told Labonte before the verdict. "I just ask you to do your very best to use appropriate decorum." Several court marshals escorted Sharif's family to the parking lot and waited for them to drive away. Sharif's family was grateful for the jury's verdict, his brother said in a written statement Wednesday night. He said they were offended by Labonte's actions in court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "He murdered my brother and still found a way to mock our pain right there in court," Badr Sharif wrote. "I have no mercy for him. I hope he never breathes free air again. That kind of evil shouldn't get another chance. And still even after all that, I looked at his mother and felt something. I don't know what it was, but no mother deserves to watch her child turn into that." Labonte's attorney, Verne Paradie, said they were "disappointed by the verdict." "This is a very young man, and obviously this will affect the rest of his life. I'm certain he's quite upset," Paradie said after court. The defense team called no witnesses. Labonte declined to testify and chose not to let the jury consider a manslaughter charge, which could have entailed a lesser sentence. His sentencing will be scheduled at a later date. He faces 25 years to life in prison. Paradie said they plan to appeal the verdict. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Assistant Attorney General Jennifer Ackerman suggested that Labonte believed Sharif had given a friend's sister drugs, leading to her overdosing, and that Labonte was upset Sharif was spending time with Tito. "He took Ahmed Sharif's life for what?" Ackerman said in closing arguments Wednesday morning. "For street cred for his best friend? To show his sister that what he said means business? To protect her from this man ... who he claims somehow hurt his best friend's sister? He doesn't get to decide who lives and dies. He doesn't get to decide who is worthy of this life, because he cannot control the people in his life." Paradie had told the jury he felt the evidence was purely circumstantial. The prosecution's videos and testimony only place Labonte at the scene, and the jury never heard anyone testify that they saw Labonte shoot Sharif. In closing arguments, Ackerman shared Snapchat messages with the jury that she said showed Labonte and Tito were fighting about Sharif an hour before the shooting. Using someone else's Snapchat account, Ackerman said, Labonte confronted Tito about a picture she uploaded that showed Sharif in her bedroom. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "He shouldn't have even been allowed in there," Labonte wrote. "I can have who I want in my room," Tito replied. "He wants to control what his sister is doing. She's not having it," Ackerman argued. "And what does he do? He puts a mask on his face, a hoodie on his body, he puts gloves on his hands, and he arms himself with a .45 caliber firearm." Labonte then called a few friends and asked them to drive him to Biddeford, Ackerman said, citing testimony from two men last week. She replayed surveillance camera videos from other homes near the Biddeford apartment, which showed a gray Chevy Equinox pull into the apartment's driveway. A man with his face covered then gets out of the car and approaches the house. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The videos don't clearly identify who the man was, nor do they capture the shooting, but, Ackerman said, the man approaches the home "like he owns the place" suggesting this was not a stranger, as one friend testified that Labonte instructed him to tell police. Tito also told police the shooter was a short, unnamed man. Ackerman suggested she was protecting Labonte. Tito, who is serving an eight-year sentence for shooting Labonte's ex-fiancee, did not testify in her brother's trial. Before the verdict, Paradie scrutinized Ackerman's theory and questioned why police didn't fully investigate Tito as a suspect or other potential leads. Paradie said the police zeroed in on Labonte, suffering from "tunnel vision," and that investigators failed to explore all of the forensic evidence, including testing various items for Labonte's DNA. The case's lead detective testified Tuesday that such DNA evidence wouldn't be reliable in this case, because Labonte had previously lived at the Biddeford apartment and they would have found his DNA there regardless. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This story has been updated. Copy the Story Link We believe it's important to offer commenting on certain stories as a benefit to our readers. At its best, our comments sections can be a productive platform for readers to engage with our journalism, offer thoughts on coverage and issues, and drive conversation in a respectful, solutions-based way. It's a form of open discourse that can be useful to our community, public officials, journalists and others. We do not enable comments on everything exceptions include most crime stories, and coverage involving personal tragedy or sensitive issues that invite personal attacks instead of thoughtful discussion. You can read more here about our commenting policy and terms of use. More information is also found on our FAQs. Show less Following weeks of trial and after three days of deliberation, the jury in the Sean Diddy Combs trial delivered a verdict on Wednesday morning. Combs, 55, was convicted of two of the five charges against him and was acquitted on the other three, according to NBC. The charges he was acquitted of, sex trafficking and two counts of racketeering, were the charges that could have landed him in prison for life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the jury found Combs guilty of two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution, which could mean a jail sentence of up to 10 years, per The Associated Press. The verdict is also likely to end his career as a music executive. During the eight-week trial, prosecutors called 34 witnesses, including two of Combs ex-girlfriends. Reporters work outside Manhattan federal court, on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, in New York. | Yuki Iwamura How long was the trial? Jury selection for the trial against Combs began on May 5. Over the course of the weekslong trial, the prosecution called 34 witnesses to the stand. The witnesses included two of Combs ex-girlfriends, per the AP. Rapper Scott Mescudi, known as Kid Cudi, also testified against Combs, speaking about the abusive relationship between Combs and his ex-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura. Ventura served as the prosecutions star witness throughout the trial. Rapper Scott Mescudi, known as Kid Cudi, leaves federal court after testifying at the trial of Sean "Diddy" Combs in New York, Thursday, May 22, 2025. | Richard Drew Before reaching a verdict, the jury deliberated for over 13 hours over the course of three days, per the AP. The jury was made up of eight men and four women. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to NBC, throughout the trial the jury heard the prosecution accuse Combs of leveraging his power, wealth and influence as the head of a criminal enterprise to sexually abuse and exploit women for his own gratification over two decades. The defense argued that the case against Combs was exaggerated and that he was on trial for living a swingers lifestyle that included violent behavior and drugs, but that it was all consensual. What was Diddy convicted of? Combs was convicted of two counts of transportation for purposes of prostitution, which has a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. Between the two charges, he could be sentenced to up to 20 years in prison. Music mogul and entrepreneur Sean "Diddy" Combs arrives at the Billboard Music Awards, May 15, 2022, in Las Vegas. | Jordan Strauss The music mogul was convicted of flying people around the country, including his girlfriends and paid male sex workers, to engage in sexual encounters in violation of the federal Mann Act, according to the AP. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Mann Act was created in 1910 and prohibited the interstate or foreign transport of a female for prostitution, debauchery or for any other immoral purpose. In 1986, it was updated to be gender neutral and was changed from trying to legislate morality, instead saying any sexual activity for which any person can be charged with a criminal offense, per the AP. Will Combs be released ahead of his sentencing? Combs lawyers have asked for him to be released from federal detention ahead of his sentencing, per NBC. He has been in federal detention for nearly a year. His lawyers asked for him to be released on conditions to his home in Miami with a $1 million bond. Marc Agnifilo, defense attorney for Sean Diddy Combs, arrives at court on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, in New York. | Yuki Iwamura As prosecutors push back against the request to have Combs released, the judge asked both sides to submit letters with their arguments by this afternoon, according to USA Today. Prosecutors said a convicted person should be detained unless theyre not likely to flee, and the burden is on Combs and his lawyers to show he wouldnt leave the country, per NBC. How Combs and his team reacted to the verdict Combs family, including his mother and six adult children, have been regulars in the courtroom throughout the trial, per CNN. Janice Combs, right, mother of Sean "Diddy" Combs, reacts outside Manhattan federal court after Combs was convicted of a prostitution-related offense but acquitted on the most serious charges at his New York trial, Wednesday, July 2, 2025, in New York. | Yuki Iwamura Before being led out of the courtroom, Combs knelt down in front of his chair and bowed his head as if he was praying. He then stood up and faced the gallery, which prompted the gallery to clap and cheer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Combs faced his family, smiling, and said, Thank you. Love you mom. I love you. I love you. I love you, according to CNN. Sean Diddy Combs, center, motions a heart sign to his family in attendance as he is escorted out of lock-up by U.S. Marshals on the first day of trial, Monday, May 12, 2025, in New York. | Elizabeth Williams After Combs had left the courtroom, his family began chanting dream team to the defense lawyers who embraced each other and hugged Combs family members. As Combs family left the courthouse after the verdict was released, their van was swarmed by a crowd of supporters shouting Free Puff! Free Puff! Free Puff! per NBC. What Venturas lawyer said about the trial and verdict Douglas Wigdor, a lawyer for Combs ex-girlfriend Ventura, said there was a lot of mixed emotions in that courtroom after the verdict was read, per CNN. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wigdor added that Ventura paved the way for Combs to be convicted on some of the charges against him. Douglas Wigdor, defense attorney for Cassie Ventura, arrives at court on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, in New York. | Yuki Iwamura This entire criminal process started when our client Cassie Ventura had the courage to file her civil complaint in November 2023. Although the jury did not find Combs guilty of sex trafficking Cassie beyond a reasonable doubt, she paved the way for a jury to find him guilty of transportation to engage in prostitution, Wigdor said, per CNN. He continued: By coming forward with her experience, Cassie has left an indelible mark on both the entertainment industry and the fight for justice. Wigdor also praised Ventura for the courage she displayed throughout the trial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She displayed unquestionable strength and brought attention to the realities of powerful men in our orbit and the misconduct that has persisted for decades without repercussion. This case proved that change is long overdue, and we will continue to fight on behalf of survivors, Wigdor said, according to USA Today. What the prosecution said about the verdict Following the verdict, Jay Clayton, the U.S. attorney for New Yorks southern district whose office prosecuted Sean Diddy Combs for this trial, and Ricky Patel, special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations New York field office, released a statement, per CNN. Sex crimes deeply scar victims, and the disturbing reality is that sex crimes are all too present in many aspects of our society. Victims endure gut-wrenching physical and mental abuse, leading to lasting trauma. New Yorkers and all Americans want this scourge stopped and perpetrators brought to justice, the statement said. Prosecuting sex crimes requires brave victims to come forward and tell their harrowing stories. We and our law enforcement partners recognize the hardships victims endure and have prioritized a victim-centered approach to investigating and prosecuting these cases, the statement continued. Their statement also thanked SDNYs Civil Rights Unit, NYPD and others who work to combat human trafficking and other sex crimes and who also worked to convict Combs, according to CNN. The Enquirer's Just Askin' series aims to answer the questions that no one seems to have an answer for, except maybe Google. Duke Energy, which provides electric service to over 910,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in Ohio and Kentucky, is responsible for maintaining its power lines. This can mean protecting electrical infrastructure from trees, which can disrupt power or cause outages if they grow into equipment or fall across power lines. Can Duke cut down or trim trees on private property? In short, yes, Duke Energy can trim or cut down trees if they threaten electrical lines without necessarily obtaining permission from property owners. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Duke Energy, the company must prune trees or remove them entirely if they are located near power lines and could interfere with power distribution. It will attempt to notify and ask permission of residents prior to tree-related maintenance work, but according to its website, trees may be trimmed or removed without notification. Duke Energy says it balances trying to minimize tree-related power outages and "good arboricultural practices," which include pruning limbs where they join other limbs or at the trunk of the tree to prevent unhealthy stub cuts. The utility company conducts scheduled tree maintenance to prevent emergencies but also responds to more urgent situations threatening overhead or underground power lines. Will Duke clean up tree-trimming debris? The company said it does not always clean up debris after trimming trees or severe weather events, leaving disposal of the wood up to property owners. Can I get Duke to trim my trees? Residents can request that Duke Energy trim trees posing a risk to primary power lines, but trees growing near service lines the power line located between a pole and the meter at a residence or business that brings electricity to an individual location are the responsibility of the property owner. Duke Energy can de-energize service lines ahead of any tree work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Duke Energy says it "makes every effort" to only trim a tree, before resorting to cutting one down entirely. The utility company acquires easements from property owners before building new power lines, which grants it access to the property for construction and maintenance. What's your experience with Duke Energy and your trees? Email Annie Goldman at agoldman@gannett.com. Do you have a question for Just Askin'? Send it to us at justaskin@enquirer.com. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Just Askin': Can Duke Energy cut down your trees? Former FBI agent and January 6 rioter Jared L. Wisewho shouted Kill em! Kill em! Kill em! while the mob attacked law enforcement at the Capitolis now part of Trumps Department of Justice. Wise will act as counselor to Ed Martin while the latter heads the Weaponization Working Group, a committee tasked with enacting revenge on the presidents political enemies, particularly those involved in investigating January 6. This means that a man who broke into the Capitol in a face mask and called for the deaths of police officers is now playing a key role in an agency that is attacking those who criticize and question the events of that infamous day. Wise worked for the FBI from 2004 to 2017 before joining the far-right propaganda think tank Project Veritas, where he infiltrated teachers unions across the Midwest. Wise was officially charged with two felonies and four misdemeanor counts in 2023, including trespassing and disrupting the orderly conduct of government. All of his charges were dropped by Trump, along with those of the hundreds of other insurrectionists he pardoned. This should all but confirm that there is not an ounce of MAGA remorse or discomfort about the January 6 insurrection. They have time to play Nixon and attack protesters across the country for acting against ICE raids and speaking out on Palestine, while venerating people who are proud and obvious threats to the U.S. government. Gastonia Police K-9 Ozzy and his handler successfully captured a wanted felony suspect after an intense three-hour search Sunday in Gastonia, police said. Officers were dispatched to assist bail bondsmen who had attempted to take Zachary Goldston-Wynn into custody at Lineberger Park, according to a release from the Gastonia Police Department. ALSO READ >> K-9 units help nab car theft suspect in Gastonia despite triple-digit heat Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the encounter, Goldston-Wynn threw a child before fleeing on foot, prompting a search by the K-9 and his handler, Nikki Warlick. The search for the fugitive spanned over three hours and covered four miles, leading the team to a construction site off West Sixth Avenue. Ozzy exhibited a strong alert on the front porch, prompting officers to investigate further. Officers located a crawl space door at the rear of the house. After several warnings went unanswered, Ozzy was sent to search the crawl space, where he successfully apprehended Goldston-Wynn in extremely tight and hazardous conditions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Goldston-Wynn was wanted on multiple outstanding warrants across several counties in North Carolina, including charges such as breaking and entering, felony larceny, and possession of stolen goods. In addition to the outstanding warrants, Gastonia Police charged Goldston-Wynn with breaking and entering, resisting a public officer, child abuse, and littering as a result of the incident. Ozzy is a Belgian Malinois and is considered a dual purpose K-9, capable of both tracking and apprehending suspects. Corporal Warlick is the first female K-9 handler in Gaston County. VIDEO: Former officer speaks out after K-9 Blitzs death during traffic stop in Wadesboro The Brief A little boy in Maricopa County chased his dog and ended up lost, but thanks to a Maricopa County Sheriff's Office K-9, he was quickly found. It all happened on June 22 near 299th Avenue and McDowell Road in Buckeye. K-9 Piper, a bloodhound, was able to find the little boy within three hours of the report using his scent. MARICOPA COUNTY, Ariz. - A Maricopa County Sheriff's K-9 tracked down a little boy in the desert about three hours after the child wandered off with his dog. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The reunion was all caught on camera. The backstory K-9 Piper is the reason the little boy has been found and is back with his family. It, of course, was an emotional reunion for five-year-old Zayden and his parents. On June 22, Zayden was found in the desert with his dog, Marcy. Maricopa County deputies say the boy, who's autistic and non-verbal, chased after his dog that night and was seen running toward Tonopah Salome Highway from the area of 299th Avenue and McDowell Road in Buckeye. Dig deeper All a bloodhound named Piper needed to find the boy was his scent. "The mom actually had a pair of socks that were in her purse that he was wearing earlier that day, and then as well as his car seat. So with that, I take the socks and the car seat, put them in a little bag with some gauze, and then that gauze will absorb the boy's scent," said Maricopa County Sheriff's Deputy Stephen Lopez. Maricopa County Sheriff's Deputy Stephen Lopez This is what Piper is trained to do. Track one specific scent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "So this track in particular was about two miles, so she tracked for about 45 minutes," Deputy Lopez said. "From the time the call got kicked out to the time that we located him was right around three hours." Zayden was found safe. He was quickly back in the hands of his mom thanks to the swift action of MCSO and K-9 Piper. The sheriff's office says it's difficult to track in Arizona because of the heat. The scent burns off faster, which means less time for the dogs to track. [Source] Former Vice President Kamala Harris is seeing less support for a potential 2028 presidential bid, according to a new poll, as sources say she is leaning toward a 2026 gubernatorial run in California. Key findings: The latest Emerson College survey shows Harris capturing 13% of Democratic primary voters a sharp decline from the pollsters November survey, when she secured 37% support shortly after her 2024 presidential loss. Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg leads the latest poll with 16%, while California Gov. Gavin Newsom holds 12%. However, Buttigiegs lead comes with limitations as he registered zero support from Black voters, while Harris commands 30.1% backing in that community. The survey, which was conducted from June 24-25 among 1,000 registered voters, found 23% of Democrats remain undecided. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement California Governor Harris?: Sources recently told The Hill that Harris is considering running for California governor, with one claiming that the prospect has given her a glimmer in her eyes. Harris, who has been meeting privately with longtime supporters in recent Bay Area visits to assess Californias current political landscape, has established an end-of-summer deadline for her decision and intends to use a July vacation for further deliberation. Democratic fundraisers, however, express mixed reactions to her potential run. Mather Martin, a San Francisco fundraiser who previously worked on Harris campaigns, told Politico, There was more enthusiasm at first. I think it waned a bit. Several major donors reportedly worry her candidacy could reopen wounds from her 2024 loss, with some seeking guarantees about her campaign approach and chances of victory. Trending on NextShark: SCOTUS hands Trump major win on birthright citizenship This story is part of The Rebel Yellow Newsletter a bold weekly newsletter from the creators of NextShark, reclaiming our stories and celebrating Asian American voices. Subscribe free to join the movement. If you love what were building, consider becoming a paid member your support helps us grow our team, investigate impactful stories, and uplift our community. Subscribe here now! Trending on NextShark: Asian American lawyers continue constitutional fight despite SCOTUS setback Download the NextShark App: Want to keep up to date on Asian American News? Download the NextShark App today! KANSAS CITY, Mo. Kansas City is looking for artists to design and install permanent public art for the Buck ONeil Bridge Skate Park. Two to five semifinalists will be asked to advance to the Request for Proposal phase and propose designs. The semifinalists will be paid a stipend of $3,000. Art for this project may include, but is not limited to, mosaics, cast concrete, sculptures, and murals. Grocery store in downtown Kansas City, Kansas, to close at end of 2025 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In October 2024, Kansas City and New Line Skateparks held a kick-off design meeting for the Buck ONeil Bridge all-wheels skate park project. This was to get help get the community involved with the project and seek input on how they can make improvements. The total budget for the project is $200,000. There will be a virtual question-and-answer period with the public art administrator on July 15 and 16. Download WDAF+ for Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV For more information or to apply, you can click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. HANOI, July 2 (Xinhua) -- General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee To Lam on Wednesday welcomed a new trade agreement with the United States during a phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump, Vietnam News Agency reported. He urged Washington to soon recognize Vietnam as a market economy and to lift export restrictions on certain high-tech goods. The two leaders also discussed major directions and measures to further strengthen the Vietnam-U.S. comprehensive strategic partnership in the coming years. Predatory towing has long been a thorn in the side of American drivers whether their car breaks down at home or they're forced to move it after a crash. But a Kansas City woman just won a $7.1 million judgment against a local towing company, sending a message to the U.S. towing industry: illegal practices wont go unpunished. IBISWorld estimates the towing industry is worth $14.4 billion as of 2024. Attorney Brianne Thomas, a partner at Boyd Kenter Thomas & Parish LLC, calls it a righteous fight, one that began in 2022, when her client parked a food truck in an empty lot behind a shuttered restaurant. There were no signs forbidding parking, no fences, and no warnings. And yet, within 30 minutes, the truck her entire livelihood was towed away. They were successful, they had her truck for 699 days, Thomas told Fox 4 Kansas City. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, with a verdict in hand, the case is being seen as a wake-up call for the towing industry. Don't miss She fought an illegal tow and won big The womans food truck was the only vehicle in the lot at the time of the tow. Under Missouri law, a property owner must be present for a tow to be considered legal, but no one was on-site. They towed the truck after 30 minutes; they towed illegally, Thomas told Fox 4. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Instead of paying the thousands of dollars the company demanded to release the truck, the woman filed a complaint with the Attorney Generals office. That decision paid off: a jury has now awarded her $6.9 million in punitive damages, plus $200,000 in compensatory damages. The people of Kansas City spoke loud. They spoke not just to this community but to the entire towing industry, and they said its not going to happen here, its not going to happen anywhere, Philip Danaher, an attorney at Danaher Law Firm, told Fox 4. As for the tow company, it appears to have shut down. Its office is now up for sale, and calls to the listed number go unanswered. A neighbor near a second location confirmed the business ceased operations within the last month. Read more: You dont have to be a millionaire to gain access to this $1B private real estate fund. In fact, you can get started with as little as $10 heres how Protecting yourself from predatory towing Predatory billing affects 29.8% of crash-related tows in the U.S., according to the Department of Transportation, but there are ways to avoid becoming a victim. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Know your local laws. Towing rules vary by city and state, and the definition of a legal tow isnt always obvious. Look up your areas rules, especially if you regularly park in commercial or high-traffic zones. Be alert for warning signs. Watch for signage, fencing, painted curbs and fire lanes, even in empty lots. If youre unsure whether its private property, play it safe and park elsewhere. Document the scene. If your car is towed, take photos of where it was parked, and ask for a copy of the tow authorization. Dont just pay the fee. If something seems off, like missing signage or an unusually high bill, you dont have to accept it. File a formal complaint. Thats exactly what the Kansas City woman did when her truck was taken without cause, and it made all the difference. She reported the incident to the Missouri Attorney Generals office, and, after a lengthy legal battle, won a $7.1 million verdict. Her story is proof that taking action can lead to real accountability. A tow shouldnt wreck your livelihood, but if it does, legal recourse is an option, and fighting back can work. What to read next Stay in the know. Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise sent straight to your inbox every week for free. Subscribe now. This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind. People charged with crimes in Sedgwick County face unnecessary jail time, excessive bond amounts and unequal treatment, according to a new report from the American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas. (Getty Images) TOPEKA An examination of Sedgwick Countys bail system found practices that exacerbate inequality within the criminal justice system, leading advocates to request change. A key finding from a recently released report from the American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas revealed that the countys bail system penalizes poverty, perpetuates racial disparities, and undermines the presumption of innocence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The report found that the money bail system in Sedgwick County, home to Wichita, results in many people who havent yet been convicted of a crime spending more time in jail because they cant afford to pay for their release ahead of a trial. Lindsay Callender, a policy associate with the ACLU of Kansas, said pretrial jail time should be reserved for ensuring court appearances, preventing harm to the public and avoiding judicial interference. But instead, many people spend up to months behind bars awaiting trial for low-level, nonviolent offenses simply because they cant post bond, regardless of their guilt or innocence, Callender said in a news release. Judges in Kansas often apply bail uniformly, the report said, without consideration for individual circumstances. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The report urged judges to set bonds, the conditions of a persons release on bail, based not on a set schedule but on individual assessments of flight risk, the danger to the public and financial standing. The average total bond amount for people charged with crimes in Sedgwick County is more than $104,000, while the average income is less than $90,000. The median income is lower at around $66,000. The median bond amount for people facing nonviolent charges in Sedgwick County is $1,500, which the report said can be burdensome for low-income groups. The report found that Sedgwick Countys bail system mostly punishes people accused of committing nonviolent crimes, making up about 84% of all charges awaiting trial. More than half of those charges were tied to procedural violations, which the ACLU attributed to issues of poverty or substance use. Around 15% of the nonviolent charges were drug-related. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Men make up the majority of the population in the Sedgwick County jail. Black individuals make up around one-third of the jail population and about 9% of the countys general population. The report said the racial and gender inequalities in Sedgwick Countys bail system are extreme even by standards of the American justice system. It continued: Black individuals are more likely to be charged, held on bail, held longer, and held on higher amounts. Women, who make up just over a quarter of the incarcerated population, face distinct and compounded hardships, from financial strain to exacerbated mental health challenges. A majority of Kansas voters that the ACLU polled statewide in 2023 expressed concern about inequalities in the states criminal legal system. More than half of those polled said the system carries different standards of justice for the rich and the poor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Micah Kubic, executive director of the ACLU of Kansas, said the issues within Sedgwick Countys bail system didnt come from nowhere. It is directly tied to decades of over-policing, surveillance, and disinvestment in vulnerable neighborhoods, Kubic said. Bail policy is set by statute in Kansas, leaving change up to legislators. A small handful of states have abolished commercial bail bonds, including Nebraska, and others have implemented reforms, which can include personal recognizance bonds. Those allow someone charged with a crime to be released from jail before a trial, but it is dependent on the person showing up for court. The report suggested the Sedgwick County District Attorney, whose office did not respond to requests for comment, issue a memo requiring its staff to seek personal recognizance bonds for all defendants charged with crimes that dont involve other people. Assault, murder and rape would be exempt for this requirement, and the report recommends the office tailor any cash bail amounts to the individuals circumstances, including ability to pay. Kubic said elected officials have an opportunity to alleviate cycles of harm within Sedgwick Countys bail system. Sedgwick Countys money bail system causes financial destruction, employment disruption, and strain on familial relationships that lead to broader socioeconomic consequences for communities and it makes all of us less safe, Kubic said. Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul has joined a multistate lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Education after it abruptly terminated $1 billion in five-year grants, including $10 million in Wisconsin, meant to support school-based mental health programs, his office announced on the evening of July 1. The federal department took issue with programs that educated mental health professionals about systemic racism and trained therapists to focus on race-related stress and trauma, among other things, said Madi Biedermann, a spokesperson for the Education Department, according to USA Today. Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul, left, has joined a multistate lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Education after it abruptly terminated $1 billion in five-year grants meant to support school-based mental health programs. The school-based mental health grants were established with bipartisan Congress after the 2018 Parkland, Florida, school shooting the deadliest high school shooting in U.S. history and expanded after the 2022 Uvalde, Texas, school shooting the deadliest school shooting in Texas' history. Its purpose was to permanently hire 14,000 mental health professionals into schools that needed it the most. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The grant was poised to be the state's largest-ever expansion of K-12 mental health programs to date. Wisconsin had used $2.2 million of the $10 million it was awarded, which had gone toward expanding online certification pathways, developing grow your own university programs for future school-based mental health providers, and offering statewide training and professional development to improve retention rates of mental health professionals. But on April 29, the state Department of Public Instruction received an email titled "Notice of Non-Continuation of Grant Award" informing the state agency that the Trump administration had determined "not to continue your federal award in its entirety, effective at the end of your current grant budget period." The remaining $8 million, set to run through 2029, was not be awarded. As a result, DPI has frozen all grant activities and withdrawn funds meant for related projects. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In his statement, Kaul described the cuts as "awful policy" and "unlawful." Kaul cited recent data from the Wisconsin Youth Risk Behavior Survey that found 59% of Wisconsin high school students experienced at least one mental health challenge in the last year. He cited DPI's reports on soaring student-to-provider ratios well above the national recommendations. But most notably, he cited the impacts. The funding cuts have marred efforts to train 24 school psychology graduates at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, who were set to work in high-need schools after graduation. Although 19 students were on track to graduate, the university projects a loss of more than $2.8 million. That funding loss, the institution warned, means some students may not be able to finish their degrees or afford to work in the schools once they graduate. In filing this lawsuit, Wisconsin joined attorneys general in California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Mexico, New York, Nevada, Oregon, Rhode Island and Washington. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Wisconsin sues Education Department over youth mental health fund cuts The U.S. Air Force has developed a means to launch small drones from its KC-135 aerial refueling tankers, and is now looking at adding that capability to the fleet. The service says the tankers could send out uncrewed aerial systems to help defend themselves from incoming threats and just provide useful additional situational awareness, as well as to potentially perform other missions in the future. Work on the prototype KC-135 Drone Delivery Mechanism (DDM) was completed sometime in Fiscal Year 2024, which ended on Sept. 30 of last year. However, the milestone only appears to have been disclosed in the Air Forces proposed budget for the 2026 Fiscal Year, the release of which started last week. This is something that has been in the works since at least 2023. A KC-135 tanker. USAF The DDM line item in the budget request describes the system as being intended to provide onboard defensive/ISR [intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance] capability for operations in [a] contested environment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The drone delivery mechanism capable of launching unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) from a KC-135 in flight [is] to provide an onboard defensive capability, it adds. A prototype integrating a common launch tube (CLT) with a modified KC-135 aft hatch door [was used] to produce and determine the viability of this concept. The CLT is a standardized aerial launch system that the U.S. military uses on various platforms, particularly fixed-wing special operations aircraft and drones, to fire precision-guided munitions and small uncrewed aerial systems. While the budget line does not name any specific type of drone to go along with the DDM, Raytheons Coyote and Andurils ALTIUS-600 are prime examples of designs in service with Americas armed forces today that can be launched via CLT. A Common Launch Tube. Systima CLTs seen loaded into launchers built into the rear cargo ramp of an AC-130W Stinger II special operations gunship. USAF Now, Air Mobility Command and Air Force Life Cycle Management Center [are] in discussions on [the] best approach to transition the KC-135 Drone Deliver Mechanism (DDM) to the appropriate POR [program of record] and implement the capability on the KC-135 fleet, according to the Air Forces latest budget request. The Air Forces interest in using the KC-135 as an aerial launch platform for up to 100 small drones first emerged publicly in January 2023 in a leaked memo from now-retired Gen. Mike Minihan, who was then-head of Air Mobility Command (AMC). Minihans missive was centered on an ominous warning about the prospect of a high-end fight with China by 2025, and implored his command to take a host of new steps to prepare for that contingency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On several subsequent occasions, Minihan talked further about how KC-135-launched drones could be used to help defend those tankers and act as additional sensor nodes, as well as perform a host of other potential missions. He also regularly highlighted how the CLT would offer a readily available launch mechanism. Now-retired Gen. Mike Minihan seen while he was head of AMC. USAF If youre a KC-135, and you have something like that I can shoot a decoy out. I can shoot something that can go take a rescue raft to a downed Airmen. I can shoot something that can take a battery to a soldier on an island that needs to get his radio or her radio up to speed, Minihan told TWZ and other outlets at a media roundtable on the sidelines of the Air & Space Forces Association Warfare Symposium in February 2024. You know, I can do precision navigation timing. I can have something go down and look at the airfield that Im about to land on and understand where the craters are, and if the airfield is serviceable. At that time, Minihan said a demonstration of that capability was set to come later in the year, which we now know occurred. In a defensive role, which the Air Force budget documents say the DMM system is primarily focused on now, KC-135-launched drones could also carry small jammers. Uncrewed aerial systems fitted with various sensors could also help spot threats and otherwise provide additional situational awareness. It is unclear whether some type of defensive anti-air interceptor could be developed that fits inside CLT and that would be capable against something like a modern adversary missile. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As noted, Minihan repeatedly raised the possibility of drones deployed from KC-135s eventually taking on other missions, including signal relay and even combat search and rescue support. Ostensibly defensive decoys could be used to help clear pathways into forward areas for other friendly aircraft, too. Kamikaze drones could be launched to help provide close air support or overwatch in low-threat areas, as well. In general, CLT launchers are often reloadable from within the aircraft they are mounted on, which could allow KC-135s to fire various payloads via the DMM as required. In addition, the tankers have significant internal payload space given their secondary cargo-carrying mission, which could give them substantial magazine depth when configured for the drone-launching role. If large groups of drones could be deployed in a fully networked swarm, it would open up additional operational possibilities. TWZ previously detailed the benefits of this kind of drone swarm launch capability in laying out a broader case for reconfiguring P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol planes as multi-role arsenal ships, which you can read more about here. A drone launcher that works on the KC-135 could also conceivably be adapted to the KC-46 tanker. A KC-46, at left, moves in to refuel from a KC-135, at right, during a test. USAF All this being said, it is not surprising that defensive capabilities are top of mind when it comes to the DMM. The Air Forces tanker fleets will be in high demand during any future major conflict, especially a high-end fight against China across the broad expanses of the Indo-Pacific region. In turn, those aircraft will be top targets in increasingly more diverse and complex threat ecosystems. The Air Force warned just in January that U.S. forces look set to be facing anti-air missiles with ranges of up to 1,000 miles by 2050. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just how much added defensive capability the KC-135s will gain from the drone launchers remains to be seen. The Air Force has been exploring next-generation aerial refueling concepts, including stealthy tankers and new boom-equipped refueling pods that tactical jets could carry, as part of a Next Generation Air-refueling System (NGAS) system of systems. However, many prospective NGAS capabilities are still seen as being years away from entering operational service at best. Air Force officials have repeatedly highlighted how add-on defensive systems for existing non-stealthy tankers might be a more viable, not to mention economical, option in the near term. A rendering of a notional stealthy aerial refueling tanker. Lockheed Martin Skunk Works There are other ways that you can enhance survivability of air refueling aircraft, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin said in March. You can do it through electronic warfare. You can do it through, you know, escort support. There are different ways that you can do that, and so this is all part of the entire NGAS evaluation. In a broad brush, theres a variety of ways to survive. We can continue to upgrade the [existing tanker] fleets and put defensive systems on it, just like weve upgraded the navigation [systems], engines, and more over the past decades, AMCs current head, Air Force Gen. John Lamontagne, also said in March. We can also team up with other partners in the joint force, and have them defend us. And so a variety of ways to do it, even if we dont pursue NGAS. This general viewpoint is reflected right in the NGAS line item in the Air Forces 2026 Fiscal Year budget request. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alternatives for more survivable tanking capability could potentially be addressed through more resilient connectivity and on-board and off-board self-protection, it notes. Acquisition strategies for any or all of these options would be directly related to requirements that will be refined through the FY 2026 activities including, but not limited to, market research and concept refinement as well as high fidelity modeling and simulation. Any future contracts would consider a phased contracting approach as part of the acquisition strategy to facilitate maximum competition for the max amount of time feasible based on requirements, schedule and funding. The Air Force is asking for $12.96 million for NGAS in the upcoming fiscal cycle, which is a relatively small amount, but also nearly double what it received for this effort in Fiscal Year 2025. In the meantime, the Air Force looks to be pressing ahead with giving the KC-135 fleet the ability to launch drones as a more immediate way to bolster the defensive capabilities of those tankers. Contact the author: joe@twz.com A young child in Kent County who recently traveled with family internationally now has measles, the county health department announced July 2. It is the second confirmed measles case in Kent County since April, the health department said, and is Michigans 17th confirmed case of the highly contagious virus in 2025. Were seeing a troubling resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases like measles, both here and around the world, said Dr. Adam London, health officer for the Kent County Health Department, in a statement. This latest case is a reminder that traveling to or from areas with ongoing outbreaks can put vulnerable people at risk. Vaccination remains our best defense. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The child exposed others to the virus at the Helen DeVos Children's Hospital's emergency room, 100 Michigan St. NE in Grand Rapids, between 11:38 p.m. June 27 and 12:06 a.m. June 28. Measles is so contagious, it can spread through the air when a person with the infection breathes, coughs or sneezes. Those viral particles can remain in the air for as long as two hours after a person leaves, infecting others. The Kent County Health Department said in this latest case, only one exposure site has been identified so far, but "more may become available as the investigation continues." The reason the window of exposure at the children's hospital is shorter than two hours is because it has an air exchange system that rapidly filters the air, killing viral particles within 28 minutes, said Kent County Health Department spokesperson Christina Anthony. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone who was exposed at the hospital is urged to monitor for measles symptoms until July 19. Measles symptoms typically begin 714 days after exposure, but it can take as long as 21 days after exposure for them to appear, the health department said. What are the symptoms of measles? According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, measles symptoms include: Fever, which may rise above 104 degrees. Respiratory symptoms such as runny nose, cough. Red, watery eyes that can develop into pink eye or conjunctivitis. Two to three days after symptoms begin, tiny white spots, known as Koplik spots, may develop on the inner cheeks, gums and roof of the mouth. Three to five days after symptoms begin, a rash that is red, raised and blotchy appears. It usually begins on the face and spreads to trunk, arms and legs. Measles, which can cause a rash like shown above, is on the rise in Texas. How serious is a measles infection? Measles can cause serious illness, long-term disability and death in people of all ages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As of July 1, the CDC confirmed 1,267 measles cases in 37 states in 2025. Of them, 155 people 12% of those infected this year have been hospitalized, and three people have died. There have been two outbreaks of measles in Michigan this year, which is defined as three epidemiologically linked cases. The most recent outbreak was confirmed June 23 by the Grand Traverse County Health Department, and currently involves three cases. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services reports that exposure sites still within the 21-day active monitoring window tied to that outbreak include: 5:30 p.m-10:30 p.m. June 12 at the Cinema Carousel, 4289 Grand Haven Road, Muskegon. 12:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. June 14 at the Walmart Supercenter, 2640 Crossing Circle, Traverse City. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another outbreak involving four cases was identified in April in Montcalm County. The best way to avoid measles infection is to get vaccinated, health officials say. About 92% of the people who've had confirmed measles cases in the United States this year were either unvaccinated or their vaccination status was unknown, the CDC reported. One dose of the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine provides about 93% protection against the virus, and two doses offer about 97% coverage, the CDC says. It recommends the following for MMR vaccines: A first dose for children at 12 months-15 months old, with a booster dose administered between ages 4 and 6. Anyone born during or after 1957 without evidence of immunity against measles or documentation of having been vaccinated with two doses of MMR vaccine should get vaccinated. People exposed to measles who cannot document immunity against the virus should get post-exposure prophylaxis a dose of the vaccine to potentially provide protection within 72 hours of initial exposure, or immunoglobulin within six days of exposure. The CDC changed its recommendations in 1989 from one dose of the MMR vaccine to two doses, which provides longer-lasting and more robust protection. People born between 1957 and 1989 who have had just a single dose of the vaccine may be at a higher risk of contracting the virus in an outbreak setting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many medical providers and pharmacies have it available. In addition, local health departments often can provide the MMR vaccine. In Kent County, you can find details about the health department's immunization clinics' hours and locations at https://www.kentcountymi.gov/257/Clinic-Hours-Locations. What should I do if I have measles symptoms? The Kent County Health Department urges anyone who becomes ill with measles-like symptoms to call a health care provider before visiting a clinic or medical office to avoid exposing others. The health department can be reached 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays at 616-632-7228, or you can call 2-1-1 for support on weekends and evenings. More: 2 Michigan residents with measles exposed others to virus in Kent, Oakland counties Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: What are the symptoms of measles? And other answers to common questions. Measles can cause severe illness, especially in young children, pregnant individuals, and people with weakened immune systems, said Dr. Kristin Oldenberg, Kent County Health Department's medical director, in a statement. The MMR vaccine is both safe and highly effective. If youre unsure of your vaccination status, now is the time to check and protect yourself and your family. Contact Kristen Shamus: kshamus@freepress.com. Subscribe to the Detroit Free Press. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Child in Kent County is Michigan's 17th case of measles this year FRANKFORT, Ky. (FOX 56) On Wednesday, Kentuckys attorney general announced a lawsuit against RealPage, Inc., to target unlawful price increases. According to a news release, Attorney General Russell Coleman filed the suit against RealPage in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky. The suit named RealPage, a multibillion-dollar real estate software and service company in Texas, and several landlord organizations. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Coleman said roughly 560,000 Kentucky households are renters, and in 2023, 47.5% of renters were spending at least 30% of their income on rent. The news release said that since 2016, RealPage has collected sensitive and nonpublic data, including rental applications, new leases, and renewal offers, from competing landlords to recommend new prices for clients. RealPage replaces competition with coordination. It does so openly and directly, and renters in Kentucky are left paying the price, the complaint reads. Coleman alleged RealPage and the landlord organizations engaged in unlawful price fixing, violating federal antitrust laws and Kentuckys Consumer Protection Act. LATEST KENTUCKY LISTS AND RANKINGS: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Attorney General asked the federal court to prevent the defendants from continuing their actions and pay civil penalties up to $10,000 for each violation. Out-of-state corporations are taking advantage of Kentuckians, and theyre circumventing the free market to do it, Coleman said. These predatory businesses will face serious consequences in Kentucky. RealPage was also mentioned in a similar price-fixing lawsuit in D.C. in June. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News. Key West city commissioners have voted to void an agreement between the police department and federal government on illegal immigration enforcement prompting a threat of punishment from the DeSantis administration. In a 5-1 vote Tuesday, the City Commission said the agreement, which allows police officers to stop, question and detain undocumented immigrants, was not enforceable because it was approved by the police chief and not the city manager by way of elected officials. I try not to make decisions with my heart because it can get me into trouble, said Commissioner Donald Lee, the citys former police chief, who voted to sever the so-called 287(g) agreement, named after a section in the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement READ MORE: Govern yourselves accordingly: Florida goes after city that rejected ICE partnership Tonight, I am going to make a decision from my heart, and I hope it doesnt get the city in trouble, Lee said. Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier said in a letter to the city Wednesday morning that the commissioners broke state law with the decision, and his office is prepared to take action against the Southernmost City including the removal from office of those who voted for the resolution. He cited several examples from this year of federal agents arresting immigrants in the Keys who had previous convictions for serious crimes, including child sexual battery, homicide and elder and animal abuse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We think those facts are far more compelling that the nonsensical sloganeering of misinformed protesters, Uthmier wrote. In Florida, law enforcement departments that operate county jails must enter partnerships with the federal government so their officers can carry out limited immigration agent functions. State statutes do not explicitly require local and municipal police departments to join these agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, known as the 287(g) program. But DeSantis and his administration have put pressure on local officials, saying that their departments must join to comply with the states sanctuary city laws, which prohibit local governments from limiting collaboration with ICE. READ MORE: Bunk beds and 28,000 feet of razor wire. Look inside Floridas Alligator Alcatraz In correspondence, Uthmeiers office has threatened local officials in Orlando and Ft Myers with removal from office if their local governments dont agree to have their police departments join 287(g) agreements. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DeSantis Tuesday told reporters at the opening of the new Alligator Alcatraz immigration detention facility in the Everglades that Key West officials could face suspension as a result of not upholding the agreement. READ MORE: Its official: Alligator Alcatraz is not a nickname. Its Floridas name for detention site I think the attorney general has weighed in on that, and Ill let him do the analysis and sent them whatever warnings need to be sent. But, the reality is, you have a responsibility for full participation, DeSantis said. And, you can virtue signal and try to make political statements, but the reality is, local governments have to abide by Florida law. Key West Police Chief Sean Brandenburg explains to City Commissioners his decision to enter into an agreement with U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcements crackdown on illegal immigration during a meeting Monday, June 30, 2025. Residents and business owners packed City Hall for the meeting to protest the agreement, saying undocumented immigrants who live and work in the city are living in fear already because of ICE agents who have been operating in the Keys since the Trump administration began its mass deportation program earlier this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bobi Lore, owner of the Island House Key West Resort on Fleming Street, said masked, unnamed, unnumbered and heavily armed ICE agents are spreading terrorism in the city, and he said local police officers should not be helping them. Everybody is afraid. It doesnt matter whether were talking about immigrants. This is not about immigrants anymore. This is about a deep fear and intimidation practice that is being spread throughout the entire country, Lore said. But for Key West, a place we consider paradise, a place we consider one of the best places on this earth to live, work and be, its just completely unacceptable. READ MORE: Do FL cities need to do immigration enforcement? City of South Miami sues to find out Police Chief Sean Brandenburg singed the agreement with ICE in March, he said, because he was told by colleagues in other municipalities that if he didnt, he faced removal of office by the governor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It has been made abundantly clear that entering into the 287(g) is the law, and I am trying to follow the law, Brandenburg told commissioners. Commissioner Samuel Kaufman said he did not know the city had entered into the agreement until last month when a group of business owners told him that their employees have been detained by ICE who have legal status to be in the country, including asylum seekers and those with permanent legal residency, or Green Card holders. They then told him that Key West police entered into the 287(g) agreement. No way, I didnt believe it, Kaufman said, adding later in the meeting, Why was I informed by constituents three months after that agreement was put in place? Thats just improper. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The meeting held Monday was to terminate the agreement, but Kaufman, who is trial and litigation attorney, changed the resolution, arguing there was nothing to terminate because, in his view, it was not singed by the city manager under the delegation of the city council. The agreement is void, he said. So, we dont have to terminate the agreement. The resolution to end the agreement was approved by Commissioner Monica Haskell, who introduced it, Kaufman, Lee and Commissioners Mary Lou Hoover and Aaron Castillo. Commissioner Lissette Cuervo Carey voted against it. Carey told the Herald having a mother and grandmother who immigrated from Cuba to Key West in the 1950s, she is a supporter of legal immigration, but, I believe in upholding and respecting the laws of the State of Florida. As a public servant, I am committed to making decisions that balance compassion, legal integrity, and the best interests of our city. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carey said she heard from constituents who were concerned about defying the state. Having done extensive research on this issue and after reviewing how similar decisions have affected cities like Fort Myers I recognized the potential consequences, including the risk of losing critical funding and other repercussions that could significantly impact our city. Based on this understanding, I felt it was important to vote the way I did, she said. READ MORE: Trump OKs using National Guard as immigration judges at Florida detention center Chris McNulty, executive director of the Queer Keys Community Center, said several of his immigrant friends wanted to speak at the meeting, but were afraid doing so would put them at risk of detention from ICE. And while he said more Key West immigrants speaking out would make a powerful statement, he has been advising them to keep a low profile. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I love my community, and I love my immigrant friends, and I am pained that they are afraid, and I am actually afraid for my immigrant friends who are not afraid, McNulty said. Miami Herald immigration reporter Syra Ortiz Blanes contributed to this report. Last October, a 13-year-old boy in Wisconsin used a picture of his classmate celebrating her bat mitzvah to create a deepfake nude he then shared on Snapchat. This is not an isolated incident. Over the past few years, there has been case after case of school-age children using deepfakes to prank or bully their classmates. And it keeps getting easier to do. When they emerged online eight years ago, deepfakes were initially difficult to make. Nowadays, advances in technology, through generative artificial intelligence, have provided tools to the masses. One troubling consequence is the prevalence of deepfake apps among young users. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If we would have talked five or six years ago about revenge porn in general, I dont think that you would have found so many offenders were minors, said Rebecca Delfino, a law professor at Loyola Marymount University who studies deepfakes. Federal and state legislators have sought to tackle the scourge of nonconsensual intimate image (NCII) abuse, sometimes referred to as revenge porn, though advocates prefer the former term. Laws criminalizing the nonconsensual distribution of intimate images for authentic images, at least are in effect in every U.S. state and Washington, D.C., and last month President Donald Trump signed a similar measure into law, known as Take It Down. But unlike the federal measure, many of the state laws dont apply to explicit AI-generated deepfakes. Fewer still appear to directly grapple with the fact that perpetrators of deepfake abuse are often minors. Fifteen percent of students reported knowing about AI-generated explicit images of a classmate, according to a survey released in September by the Center for Democracy and Technology (CDT), a center-left think tank. Students also reported that girls were much more likely to be depicted in explicit deepfakes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to CDT, the findings show that NCII, both authentic and deepfake, is a significant issue in K-12 public schools. The conduct we see minors engaged in is not all that different from the pattern of cruelty, humiliation and exploitation and bullying that young people have always done to each other, said Delfino. The difference lies in not only the use of technology to carry out some of that behavior, but the ease with which it is disseminated. Policymakers at the state and federal level have come at perpetrators of image-based sexual abuse hard and fast, no matter their age, Delfino said. The reason is clear, she said: The distribution of nonconsensual images can have long-lasting, serious mental health harms on the target of abuse. Victims can be forced to withdraw from life online because of the prevalence of nonconsensual imagery. Image-based sexual abuse has similar negative mental health impacts on survivors as those who experienced offiline sexual violence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Delfino said that under most existing laws, youth offenders are likely to be treated similarly to minors who commit other crimes: They can be charged, but prosecutors and courts would likely take into account their age in doling out punishment. Yet while some states have developed penal codes that factor a perpetrators age into their punishment, including by imposing tiered penalties that attempt to spare first-time or youth offenders from incarceration, most do not. While most agree there should be consequences for youth offenders, theres less consensus about what those consequences should be and a push for reeducation over extreme charges.. Jail time offers answers and questions A 2017 survey by the Cyber Civil Rights Initiative (CCRI), a nonprofit that combats online abuse, found that people who committed image-based sexual abuse reported the threat of jail time as one of the strongest deterrents against the crime. Thats why the organizations policy recommendations have always pushed for criminalization, said Mary Anne Franks, a law professor at George Washington University who leads the initiative. Many states have sought to address the issue of AI-generated child sexual abuse material, which covers deepfakes of people under 18, by modifying existing laws banning what is legally know as child pornography. These laws tend to have more severe punishments: felonies instead of misdemeanors, high minimum jail time or significant fines. For example, Louisiana mandates a minimum five-year jail sentence no matter the age of the perpetrator. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While incidents of peer-on-peer deepfake abuse are increasingly cropping up in the news, information on what criminal consequences youth offenders have faced remains scarce. There is often a significant amount of discretion involved in how minors are charged. Generally, juvenile justice falls under state rather than federal law, giving local officials leeway to impose punishments as they see fit. If local prosecutors are forced to decide between charging minors with severe penalties that are aimed at adults or declining to prosecute, most will likely choose the latter, said Lindsay Hawthorne, the communications coordinator at Enough Abuse, a Massachussetts-based nonprofit fighting against child sexual abuse. But then this throws away an opportunity to teach youth about the consequences of their actions and prevent reoffending. Charges that come at a prosecutors discretion are more likely to disproportionately criminalize youth of color and LGBTQ+ youth, she said. A different approach to incarceration Delfino said that in an ideal case, a judge in juvenile court would weigh many factors in sentencing: the severity of the harm caused by deepfake abuse, the intent of the perpetrator, and adolescent psychology. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Experts say that building these factors directly into policy can help better deal with offenders who may not understand the consequences of their actions and allow for different enforcement mechanisms for people who say they werent seeking to cause harm. For example, recent laws passed this session in South Carolina and Florida have proportional penalties that take into account circumstances including age, intent and prior criminal history. Both laws mirrored model legislation written by MyOwn Image, a nonprofit dedicated to preventing technology-facilitated sexual violence. Founded by image-based sexual abuse survivor Susanna Gibson, the organization has been involved in advocating for strengthened laws banning nonconsensual distribution of intimate images at the state level, bringing a criminal justice reform lens into the debate. Under the Florida law, which took effect May 22, offenders who profit from nonconsensual intimate images distribution are charged with felonies, even if for a first offense. But first-time offenders who use intimate images to harass victims are charged with a misdemeanor; if they do it again, they then are charged with a felony. This avoids sweeping criminalization of people who may not fully understand the harm caused by their actions, Will Rivera, managing director at MyOwn Image, said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement South Carolinas newly passed law addressing AI-generated child sexual abuse material, meanwhile, explicitly states that minors with no prior related criminal record should be referred to family court, and recommends behavioral health counseling as part of the adjudication. A separate South Carolina law banning nonconsensual distribution of intimate imagery also has tiered charges depending on intent and previous convictions. Beyond criminalization Experts are mostly united in believing that incarcerating youth offenders would not solve the problem of image-based sexual abuse. Franks said that while her group has long recommended criminal penalties as part of the answer, there need to be more policy solutions for youth offenders than just threatening jail time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Amina Fazlullah, head of tech policy advocacy at Common Sense Media, said that laws criminalizing NCII and abusive deepfakes need to be accompanied by digital literacy and AI education measures. That could fill a massive gap. According to Stanford, there currently isnt any comprehensive research on how many schools specifically teach students about online exploitation. Since most teens arent keeping abreast of criminal codes, AI literacy education initiatives could teach young users what crosses the line into illegal behavior and provide resources for victims of nonconsensual intimate imagery to seek redress. Digital literacy could also emphasize ethical use of technology and create space for conversations about app use. Hawthorne noted that Massachusettss law banning deepfakes, which went into effect last year, directs adolescents who violate it to take part in an education program that explains laws and the impacts of sexting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ultimately, Franks said, the behavior that underlies deepfake abuse isnt new, and so we do not need to rewrite our responses from scratch We should just stick to the things that we know, which dont change with technology, which is consent, autonomy, agency, safety. Those are all things that should be at the heart of what we talk to kids about, she said. Like abstinence-only education, schools shaming and scaring kids about more common practices like sexting is not an effective way to prevent abuse, Franks said, and can discourage kids from seeking help from adults when they are being exploited. Franks noted that parents, too, have the power to instill in their children agency over their own images every time they take a photo. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She also said there are myriad other ways to regulate the ecosystem around sexually explicit deepfakes. After all, most policy around deepfakes addresses harm already done, and laws like the federal Take It Down Act put a burden on the victim to request the removal of their images from online platforms. Part of addressing the problem is making it more difficult to create and rapidly distribute nonconsensual imagery and keeping tools for deepfakes out of kids hands, experts said. One avenue for change that advocates see is applying pressure on companies whose tools are used to create nonconsensual deepfakes. Third parties that help distribute them are also becoming a target. After a CBS News investigation, Meta took action to remove advertisements of so-called nudify apps on its platforms. Frank also suggested app stores could delist them. Payment processors, too, have a lot of power over the ecosystem. When Visa, Mastercard and Discover cut off payments to PornHub after a damning New York Times report revealed how many nonconsensual videos it hosted, the largest pornography site in the world deleted everything it couldnt confirm was above board nearly 80 percent of its total content. Last month, Civitai finally cracked down on generative AI models tailored around real people after payment processors refused to work with the company. This followed extensive reporting by tech news site 404 Media on the image-platforms role in the spread of nonconsensual deepfakes. And of course, Franks said, revamping the liability protections digital services enjoy under Section 230 could force tech companies hands when it comes to liability, compelling them be more proactive about preventing digital sexual violence. A version of this article first appeared in Tech Policy Press. The post Kids are making deepfakes of each other, and laws arent keeping up appeared first on The 19th. News that represents you, in your inbox every weekday. Subscribe to our free, daily newsletter. The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry summoned the deputy head of the US embassy in Kiev, John Ginkel, on Wednesday in light of Washington's partial freeze on US weapons deliveries. Earlier, the Pentagon had announced a halt to deliveries of certain weapons - including air defence missiles - pledged under former US president Joe Biden. The move was attributed to concerns over diminishing US weapons stockpiles. During the talks in Kiev, Deputy Foreign Minister Mariana Betsa emphasized the "importance of continuing the delivery of previously allocated defence packages," according to a statement from the ministry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She highlighted the need to strengthen Ukraine's air defences. Betsa was acting on instructions from Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha. "Any delay or slowing down in supporting Ukraine's defence capabilities would only encourage the aggressor to continue war and terror, rather than seek peace," the statement added. While expressing support for US peace efforts, Ukraine emphasized that meaningful progress requires strengthening its defence capabilities and applying "coordinated trans-Atlantic pressure on the aggressor." The Defence Ministry in Kiev said it has not been officially informed about any "suspension or revision of the delivery plans for the agreed military aid." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The Ukrainian Defence Ministry has requested a telephone conversation with counterparts in the US for additional clarification of the details," it wrote on social media. Moscow welcomes US decision The news out of Washington met with a positive response from the Kremlin. "The fewer weapons Ukraine receives, the closer the end of the special military operation," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said according to Russian news agency Interfax. Moscow officially refers to its three-year war of aggression against Ukraine as a "special military operation." Prioritizing US interests The US decision affects previously pledged deliveries including air defence missiles and ammunition, according to Politico and NBC News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The weapons in question include missiles for Patriot air defence systems, precision artillery rounds, Hellfire and other missiles that Ukraine launches from its F-16 fighters and drones, according to the reports. The White House did not confirm any details when asked. However, deputy White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly said in a statement that "this decision was made to prioritise America's interests after the Department of Defense reviewed our nation's military support and assistance to other countries around the world." Can Europe plug the gap? European aid has already surpassed the US, according to Germany's Kiel Institute for the World Economy (IfW). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The IfW reported last month that Europe had provided a total of 72 billion ($84.7 billion) in military aid this year, compared to $65 billion from the US, counting deliveries through April. Germany in particular could play a crucial role in strengthening air defence. Berlin has supplied Kiev with US Patriot systems from its Bundeswehr stock, as well as domestically produced Iris-T systems. According to the German government, six such systems are now in Ukraine and have proven effective in protecting cities. However, they are designed for short and medium-range applications. The anti-aircraft Gepard tanks supplied by Germany provide a defence against drones. Ballistic missiles can currently only be intercepted with Patriot systems, however. KILLEEN, Texas (FOX 44) UPDATE: The victim of the homicide case at Killeens Club Krush has been identified. The Killeen Police Department has identified the victim as 22-year-old Frederick Lee Sanders, Jr. A person of interest has been identified, who is in custody on unrelated charges. The investigation remains active. Detectives believe there were individuals at the club who may have witnessed the incident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The department says officers were originally flagged down by Club Krush security guards in the 2300 block of E. Central Texas Expressway at approximately 3:25 a.m. Sunday. The guards said a man was shot. Officers arrived and found Sanders suffering from a gunshot wound. First aid was administered until Killeen Fire Department EMS arrived and began life-saving measures. Police say Sanders succumbed to his injuries on scene and was pronounced dead at 3:25 a.m. by Justice of the Peace Nicola James. She ordered an autopsy to be performed at the Southwest Institute of Forensic Sciences. Detectives are asking residents and businesses in the area to review their surveillance cameras for any individuals in the vicinity around the time of the shooting. A QR Code below has been provided to submit any evidence in this case or contact the police department at 254-501-8800. (Courtesy: Killeen Police Department) Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KWKT - FOX 44. Local residents watch a firefighting plane in Lleida province, Spain, July 2, 2025. (Photo by Joan Gosa/Xinhua) MADRID, July 2 (Xinhua) -- Two farmers were killed in a wildfire that burned through 5,000 hectares in the La Segarra district of Lleida province, north-east Spain, on Tuesday, according to local emergency services. Both victims were local farmers. Reports indicate that one had gone missing, and the other was searching for him. Their bodies were recovered by the Catalan Fire Department. Around 15,000 residents were instructed to remain indoors as the fire spread rapidly under extreme conditions, with temperatures reaching 40 degrees Celsius and winds gusting at 125 km per hour. The intense head and wind contributed to the formation of a pyrocumulus cloud, reaching 14,000 meters in height. The fire started shortly after 17:00 hours local time (1500 GMT) on Tuesday and spread rapidly, fueled by high temperatures and strong winds. These conditions rekindled a second fire nearby that had previously been brought under control. The two blazes created what emergency services described as an "unprecedented simultaneous scenario" in the region. Firefighters managed to stabilize the fires late Tuesday night, and regional Civil Protection authorities lifted containment measures at 23:11 (2111 GMT). The President of the Catalan regional government Salvador Illa extended his condolences to the victims' families and urged the public to exercise extreme caution and follow all emergency services instructions. In recent weeks, a severe heatwave has been scorching Spain and much of southern Europe. Spain's state meteorological agency, AEMET, confirmed that June 2025 was the hottest on record. AEMET described June as "extremely hot," reporting an average temperature of 23.6 degrees Celsius, higher than typical July and August averages. This photo taken on July 2, 2025 shows the burned land in Lleida province, Spain. (Photo by Joan Gosa/Xinhua) This photo taken on July 2, 2025 shows the burned land in Lleida province, Spain. (Photo by Joan Gosa/Xinhua) A firefighting plane extinguishes the flame in Lleida province, Spain, July 2, 2025. (Photo by Joan Gosa/Xinhua) This photo taken on July 2, 2025 shows the burned land in Lleida province, Spain. (Photo by Joan Gosa/Xinhua) This photo taken on July 2, 2025 shows the burned land in Lleida province, Spain. (Photo by Joan Gosa/Xinhua) This photo taken on July 2, 2025 shows the burned land in Lleida province, Spain. (Photo by Joan Gosa/Xinhua) The apology, which was first reported by Politico, comes after Gillibrand had previously backed away from the comments she made, telling Rolling Stone that she misspoke. New York Democratic Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand apologized to NYC mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani Monday night over comments she made on WNYC last Thursday in which she falsely claimed Mamdani had made references to global jihad. The apology, which was first reported by Politico, comes after Gillibrand had previously backed away from the comments she made on WNYC last Friday, telling Rolling Stone that she misspoke. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the Thursday interview, Gillibrand responded to a caller who had asked her about holding Mamdani accountable for glorifying Hamas. In response, Gillibrand said, The caller is exactly the New York constituents that Ive spoken to that are alarmed. They are alarmed by past public statements. They are alarmed by past positions, particularly references to global jihad. Mamdani has declined to condemn the phrase Globalize the intifada, but has not appeared to have made references to jihad. New York State Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani, now a NYC mayoral candidate, speaks during a news conference outside the White House to announce a hunger strike to demand that President Joe Biden ''call for a permanent ceasefire and no military aid to Israel, on November 27, 2023. (credit: Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images via JTA) Among those criticizing Gillibrand for her characterization of Mamdani was New York Gov.Kathy Hochul when asked by a reporter to comment on the racism [Mamdani] is already facing, including from New Yorks own Kirsten Gillibrand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No one should be subjected to any comments that slur their ethnicity, their religious beliefs, and we condemn that anywhere it rears its head in the state of New York, replied Hochul. If elected, Mamdani would be New Yorks first Muslim mayor. Jewish Voice for Peace Action demanded Gillibrand apologize to Mamdani Jewish Voice for Peace Action, a left-wing activist group, urged followers to call the senator and demand she apologize for her rhetoric. In a readout of the call between Gillibrand and Mamdani obtained by Politico, Gillibrands team said the two had discussed the need to bring down the temperature around the issue of the war between Israel and Hamas, and that she regretted not separating her own views from the radio show callers more clearly. Gillibrand said she believes Mr. Mamdani is sincere when he says he wants to protect all New Yorkers and combat antisemitism, the readout continued. She said the GOP attacks on him are outrageous and unacceptable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gillibrands team said the pair agreed to meet in person in New York City in the near future to discuss other issues including affordability and public safety, according to Politico. Mamdanis pro-Palestinian activism is proving a challenge to the Democratic establishment, especially in New York, where support for Israel was considered a bedrock of outreach in a city with more than 1 million Jews. Following Mamdanis surprising victory in the mayoral primary earlier this month, Gillibrand was quick to demand that he clarify some of his statements on Israel and the Palestinians, while two Jewish colleagues, Sen. Chuck Schumer and Rep. Jerry Nadler, offered more praise to the candidate. Kissimmee, whose police department has been plagued with investigations over cover-ups and high-profile resignations, is the first city in the region to bring back its civilian police oversight board. Commissioners voted unanimously and without discussion on Tuesday to recreate the board that was disbanded in June. The vote comes amid a police department rocked by scandal. Former Chief Betty Holland resigned in October and three Kissimmee police officers were fired in June in a scandal involving the cover-up of a man beaten by a police officer in 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The city ended the previous oversight board last year after a state law stripped such boards of their authority to investigate misconduct. Kissimmees new board will only be able to review policies and procedures, and must have members appointed by new Chief Charles Broadway and at least one retired law enforcement officer. Both Miami and Tampa dissolved its board last year, but Tampa created a new one that only reviews policies and procedures. In Central Florida, Orlandos board was paused last year and city spokesperson Ashley Papagni said in an email there are no plans to reinstate it. Seminole County Sheriffs Office disbanded their civilian review board last year, but still operate a Citizen Advisory Committee which promotes communication between the office and the community, spokesperson Karla Mendoza said in an email. Chief Broadway has sole discretion over the five to seven members that will make up the board. In an Interview with the Orlando Sentinel, Broadway said the board is just one step to bring back trust in KPD. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The idea is to look at different protocols or special policies together and have a discussion on whether this is the best policy procedure to serve our men and women in the Kissimmee Police Department and the community, Broadway said. In an effort to build trust, Broadway said KPD will also publicize their policies online and begin publishing an annual report next year that will contain a snapshot of crime statistics, use-of-force statistics, complaints received internally and from the community and awards for the previous year. The process for who will be chosen to fill the board is still in the works, Broadway said. But he expects hundreds to apply given the recent investigations into the police department. This is just one viable solution to rebuild trust with our community, Broadway said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Former chief Holland resigned after the Orange-Osceola State Attorneys Office announced in October it was investigating her and 10 officers for attempting to block an internal probe into unlawful use of force by Officer Andrew Baseggio. A grand jury report revealed Holland and the other officers failed to report missteps to higher-ups and unlawfully tipped off Baseggio about the probes progress. In June, three Kissimmee police officers were fired and two others were demoted following a lengthy investigation into the excessive force case. Broadway was sworn in on April 1, replacing Holland. In response to the investigations, commissioners decided to bring back the board during Mayor Jackie Espinosas first city commission meeting in November. I believe that weve heard from enough citizens to understand the need for transparency and the need to create and uplift the morale again of the city with this specific topic, Espinosa said at that meeting. I also want to emphasize that we do have a lot of wonderful law enforcement officers, so lets not lose sight of that. Steve Goncalves was stunned over the weekend when he heard that prosecutors in Moscow, Idaho, had reached a plea deal with Bryan Kohberger, the man charged in the 2022 stabbing deaths of his daughter, Kaylee, and three other University of Idaho students. Just days earlier, Goncalves said he and a few of the victims loved ones told prosecutors they did not support a plea deal. Instead, they urged prosecutors to continue pursuing the death penalty in Kohbergers upcoming quadruple murder trial, which Goncalves hoped would bring much-needed closure to their families. We dont want to deal. Were not interested in that. We didnt wait two and a half years for this, the father said he told prosecutors on a Friday afternoon call. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Goncalves said he walked away from the conversation with the impression that a plea deal was not a serious option in the case, leaving him blindsided when he received an email just two days later notifying him a deal had been reached. Ultimately, it was Kohbergers attorneys who broached the possibility of a plea deal as they endured a series of legal blows to their defense strategy, Goncalves told CNNs Jim Sciutto, citing conversations with prosecutors last week. The agreement would avoid a trial by allowing Kohberger to plead guilty to all four counts of murder in exchange for the government dropping the death penalty in the killings of Kaylee Goncalves, Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle and Madison Mogen, a person familiar with the matter told CNN. Goncalves and his family have slammed the deal as hurried and secretive, saying prosecutors should have sought input from victims loved ones on the conditions of the deal. Jeff Kernodle, Xanas father, also expressed disappointment in the prosecutors decision. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kernodle mourned the deal as a missed opportunity to set a stronger precedent in how accountability should be handled in cases like this, he said in a statement Tuesday. It could have sent a message to others that these kinds of horrific crimes carry real consequences. Instead, four beautiful lives were taken, and the person responsible wont be used as an example to help prevent something like this from happening again, Kernodle added. In contrast, families of the other two victims say they support the plea deal. Ben Mogen, father of Madison, told the Idaho Statesman he was choosing acceptance, adding the plea agreement would let his family avoid a trial and allow its wounds to keep healing. Ethans mother, Stacy Chapin, told CNN affiliate KHQ her family would be in court Wednesday in support of the plea bargain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the deal is not set in stone, and the judge could require Kohberger to confess to details of the crime, a legal expert said. State District Judge Steven Hippler must approve the deal and will oversee a hearing in the case at 11 a.m. Wednesday, during which the plea agreement will be addressed, a letter from the prosecutor to a victims family says, according to an Idaho Statesman report. Closed-door plea negotiations shrouded in mystery Plea deal negotiations are often protected by a halo of privacy, so details of the closed-door conversations between prosecutors and Kohbergers attorneys are unlikely to come out unless one side steps forward, according to University of Idaho associate law professor Samuel Newton. Commonly discussed in the legal process, plea deals involve prosecutors offering a defendant incentives, such as a less severe sentence, if they accept a guilty plea, Newton said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The costs and time commitment of a death penalty case may have also played a role in both sides wanting to reach an early conclusion, Newton said. Death penalty convictions often lead to decades of painstaking appeal efforts, which he said some victims families describe as torture. The family is looking at decades of legal proceedings in a death penalty case, versus if he takes life without parole, its done and the family gets that degree of closure, Newton said. Kohbergers legal defense team has also suffered a series of losses in recent weeks which have narrowed their strategy options, including rulings barring the defense from submitting an official alibi as no one could confirm Kohbergers whereabouts at the time of the killings and rejecting their attempt to present an alternate perpetrator theory. During Wednesdays hearing, the judge is likely to question Kohberger thoroughly to make sure he understands that he would be forfeiting his right to a trial and sentencing appeals if he accepts the deal, Newton said. Kaylee Goncalves, Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle and Madison Mogen were killed Sunday, November 13, 2022 off campus at the University of Idaho. - Obtained by CNN Families push for details of the killings Both Goncalves and Kernodle have criticized prosecutors for not including provisions in the plea deal that would require Kohberger to confess to specific details of the crime. Those details could have been revealed at trial, which still leaves questions over motive and how the stabbings were carried out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Goncalves hopes Judge Hippler will require Kohberger to make statements in court that would shed light on the remaining mysteries of the case. He also believes such statements would provide the suspects supporters many of whom maintain his innocence less ground to stand on. Were all going to live with the repercussion for the rest of our lives unless Hippler steps in and says, Youre not going to just say youre guilty. Youre going to communicate some of the details so these families can actually move on and not have to be dragged through this true crime nightmare over and over and over again. Kernodle agreed, saying in his statement, Its incredibly hard to accept that a trial wont be happening. I had hoped the agreement would include conditions that required the defendant to explain his actions and provide answers to the many questions that still remain, especially where evidence is missing or unclear. Goncalves also believes the plea deal should have barred Kohberger from reaping financial gain from selling the details of his story in the future. Could Kohberger maintain his innocence? There is a slim chance Kohberger could maintain his innocence while accepting the plea deal by entering an Alford plea, an option that stems from a 1970 Supreme Court case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The benefit of the Alford plea is for a defendant who feels that theyre innocent but wants to take the deal, Newton said, noting there are no substantial differences between a regular guilty plea and an Alford plea. It has the same result as a guilty plea. Its just the defendant themselves is not going to say that they did it. If the defense went this route, the state may present a factual basis for Kohbergers guilty plea, including details of how the crime was carried out, and would require him to say guilty after the facts were read, Newton said. Like a regular guilty plea, Kohberger would likely be waiving his right to appeal as well, he added. Newton said it seems unlikely prosecutors would have agreed to a plea deal if they didnt have assurances Kohberger would take responsibility for the killings, making the chances of an Alford plea questionable. CNNs Norma Galeana and Betul Tuncer contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com The man accused of fatally stabbing four college students at an off-campus home in Idaho three years ago appears to have agreed to plead guilty to the murders. Bryan Kohberger, 30, was set to be tried in August in the murders of Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen and Kaylee Goncalves, but he is now scheduled to appear at a hearing Wednesday in Boise. Heres what we know about the development. What does the agreement say? Kohberger, a former doctoral student in criminology at Washington State University, was charged with four counts of first-degree murder and burglary in connection with the Nov. 13, 2022, killings in Moscow, Idaho. From top left, Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Ethan Chapin and Xana Kernodle. The students were found dead in a home roughly a half-block from campus. Authorities tied Kohberger to the murders through cellphone data, security camera video and DNA on a knife sheath discovered at the scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors had been pursuing the death penalty. According to Goncalves family, the Latah County Prosecuting Attorneys Office first mentioned the possibility of a plea deal Friday. They said they received an email two days later with the proposed agreement attached. According to the Idaho Statesman, the letter reportedly signed by Latah County Prosecuting Attorney Bill Thompson says the apparent deal would secure Kohbergers conviction and send him to prison for the rest of his life. This agreement ensures that the defendant will be convicted, will spend the rest of his life in prison, and will not be able to put you and the other families through the uncertainty of decades of post-conviction appeals, the letter says, according to the newspaper. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NBC News has not seen the letter, and the prosecutors office has not confirmed its authenticity. A lawyer for the Goncalves family said it appears there is a plea deal that has been offered and accepted. What do the families say about the apparent agreement? The Goncalves family said they were beyond furious with the prosecutors office after they accused officials of failing to seek their input on the agreement. After they received the proposed deal, the family said in a statement, they told the prosecutors office that they were a HARD NO and reiterated their position that authorities should seek the death penalty. After more than two years, this is how it concludes with a secretive deal and a hurried effort to close the case without any input from the victims families on the pleas details, they said in a statement Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an interview with NBCs TODAY show, Steve Goncalves said the state of Idaho had failed me" and "my whole family." A representative for Ethan Chapins family said they plan to attend Wednesdays hearing in support of the agreement. The families of Mogen and Kernodle did not respond to requests for comment. Kernodles aunt told TMZ that they wanted Kohberger to face a jury and that she hopes the judge delays any decisions related to Wednesdays hearing. In a statement, Kohberger's family asked the media for privacy, respect and "responsible judgement." "We will continue to allow the legal process to unfold with respect to all parties, and will not release any comments or take any questions," they said. "We ask that you respect our wishes during a difficult time for all those affected." When is the hearing? The hearing, which will be livestreamed, is scheduled for 11 a.m. local time at the Ada County Courthouse in Boise. Public seating is first-come, first-served, a court spokesperson said. A journalist from The Associated Press will act as a pool photographer. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com The sun sets behind destroyed buildings in Gaza on July 1, 2025. Credit - Jack GuezAFP/Getty Images Israel is open to accepting a 60-day ceasefire, President Donald Trump announced Tuesday, urging Hamas to sign the deal that he said would pave the way for a potential end to the war in Gaza. Trumps announcement comes as he expects a visit from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the White House next week. Last week, the President upped the pressure on Israel and Hamas to reach an agreement that would end the war in Gaza and release the remaining Israeli hostages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its also come a day after one of the deadliest days in Gaza, as Israeli attacks killed more than 70 people. More than 56,000 Palestinians and more than 1,700 Israelis have been killed over the course of the war that began when Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. Trumps shift in focus towards Gaza follows the tenuous ceasefire brokered between Israel and Iran in June after the U.S. joined Israel in bombing Iranian nuclear facilities. Trump may be hoping that, with a weakened Iranone of Hamas key allies in the regionHamas may be pressured to accept the conditions of this ceasefire agreement. My Representatives had a long and productive meeting with the Israelis today on Gaza. Israel has agreed to the necessary conditions to finalize the 60 Day CEASEFIRE, during which time we will work with all parties to end the War, Trump posted on Truth Social on Tuesday evening. I hope, for the good of the Middle East, that Hamas takes this Deal, because it will not get better IT WILL ONLY GET WORSE. Since the start of its war with Iran in June, Israel also intensified its campaign in Gaza. More than 100 people have been killed in Israeli attacks this week, which included a strike on a seaside cafe that killed a Palestinian photojournalist among others, strikes on a school that was sheltering displaced Palestinians, and soldiers firing on civilians seeking aid at the controversial U.S.- and Israel-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to reporters before boarding Marine One at the White House on July 1, 2025. Anna MoneymakerGetty Images Trump said that mediators Egypt and Qatar will deliver the final ceasefire proposal. The terms have not yet been publicly released, though reports say it would involve Hamas releasing 10 living Israeli hostages and 18 deceased ones during the 60-day ceasefire period. There are an estimated 50 hostages still in Gaza, of whom Israel believes around half are dead. The remaining hostages would be released upon the agreement of a permanent ceasefire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier Tuesday, Trump said Netanyahu wants to reach a ceasefire deal and teased that one would likely come next week. Israeli Minister for Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer met with Trump officials, including Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, Tuesday, and a senior Israeli official told Axios that Dermer is prepared to begin indirect talks with Hamas concerning the deal. Trump ranted over the weekend about corruption proceedings against Netanyahu in Israel, calling it a Witch Hunt, and Netanyahus hearings this week were postponed on the basis of classified diplomatic and security reasons. Read More: Trump Tries to Save Netanyahu as Israeli PM Faces Challenges at Home Earlier ceasefires have faltered Talks between Israel and Hamas have been stymied by disagreement over whether a ceasefire should include an end to the war. Hamas says a ceasefire must include the end of the war and a full withdrawal of Israels military from the Gaza Strip, which Israel has refused. Israel says it will only end its war in exchange for the dismantling and exile of Hamas, which Hamas has refused. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An offer had already been on the table. Hamas had reportedly offered to release all hostages in exchange for a full withdrawal of Israels military from Gaza and an end to the war. On Sunday, Hamas official Mahmoud Mardawi reportedly said Netanyahu insisted on a temporary agreement that releases only 10 hostages. Mardawi accused Netanyahu of setting impossible conditions aimed at thwarting the possibility of reaching a ceasefire agreement and a deal on the hostages. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during a meeting in Jerusalem on May 11, 2025. Michael Kappelerdpa/picture alliance/Getty Images Previous ceasefire proposals have only been agreed to by one side or have proved short-lived. In November 2023, six weeks after the outbreak of war, Israel and Hamas began an initial four-day ceasefire. Hamas returned 50 Israeli hostages in exchange for the release of 150 Palestinian women and children held in Israeli prisons. Israel said it would extend the truce for the release of 10 more captives per day, but Netanyahu said he did not want a permanent ceasefire until Israel achieved his aim of dismantling Hamas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ceasefire collapsed a week later in December 2023 after 110 hostages and 240 Palestinians were exchanged. Talks to extend the truce further failed as Israel refused Hamas demand for all of the roughly 10,000 Palestinian prisoners, including 400 children, to be freed, and as Hamas refused to release captive women soldiers as part of its agreement to release all women and children held in Gaza. Also that month, the U.S. vetoed a United Nations Security Council proposal to stop the war, claiming that Hamas refused to accept a two-state solution, although Hamas 2017 charter officially accepts one. Hamas at the time was reviewing a three-stage ceasefire proposal by Arab, Israeli, and U.S. negotiators that involved the release of Israeli captives, opening up of aid, and return of dead Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. Netanyahu ultimately rejected the proposal after Hamas asked for Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza, the release of at least 1,500 Palestinian prisoners, and a four-and-a-half-month ceasefire in exchange for releasing all Israeli hostages. In March 2024, the UNSC passed a ceasefire proposal with 14 out of 15 members voting in favor. The U.S. abstained, after earlier in February vetoing another ceasefire resolution on the basis that it would impact talks between the U.S., Egypt, Israel, and Qatar. Later, the U.S. said the UNSC resolution was non-binding. In May 2024, Hamas agreed to a three-stage ceasefire proposal from Egypt and Qatar that involved releasing all Israeli hostages in exchange for some number of Palestinian prisoners, increasing aid into Gaza, the gradual withdrawal of Israel from Gaza, and lifting Israels siege on Gaza since 2007. Israel, however, rejected the proposal, instead launching a new military offensive in the city of Rafah. Palestinians, carrying their personal belongings with them, migrate after the Israeli army targeted a tent camp for the displaced in Al-Mawasi in the city of Rafah in southern Gaza on May 28, 2024. Ali JadallahAnadolu/Getty Images Then-President Joe Biden also laid out a three-phase proposal at the end of May 2024 that would include the release of Israeli hostages and a full and complete ceasefire. But shortly after Biden announced the proposal, Netanyahu said Israel would not end the war until all of its goals are achieved, including the elimination of Hamas military and governmental capabilities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Netanyahu said in June that he would only accept a partial deal that returns Israeli hostages in return for pausingbut not endingthe war. In August, Netanyahu reportedly supported the terms of a so-called bridging proposal meant to meet in the middle of both sides demands after talks in Doha negotiated by the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar. Hamas, however, rejected the plan, saying its terms, which were not officially made public, included conditions that it could not agree to, such as Israels refusal of a full ceasefire and military withdrawal from Gaza. Instead, Hamas called for Netanyahu to sign Bidens earlier proposal. On Jan. 19, 2025, Israel and Hamas began a three-phase ceasefire after delayed talks and Israeli military escalation. But after the first phase had been achieved, the ceasefire collapsed in March when Israel launched fresh airstrikes on Gaza before declaring that it was resuming the war. Sticking points likely remain Its unclear whether Trumps proposal, which Hamas has not yet agreed to, will take hold or prove more lasting than prior efforts. But domestic and international pressure has mounted on the U.S., Israel, and Hamas to bring the war in Gaza to an end as it drags into its 21st month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over the weekend, protesters in Israel called for a deal that would free the remaining hostages in Gaza. Theres a deal on the table, said Einav Zangauker, the mother of one of the hostages, at the rally. What prevents it is Netanyahus refusal to end the war. Protesters demanding a ceasefire in Gaza and the return of Israeli hostages gather in Tel Aviv on June 28, 2025. Mostafa AlkharoufAnadolu/Getty Images Trump allies have suggested it is entirely on Hamas now. Take the deal, or face the consequences, former White House physician Rep. Ronny Jackson (R, Texas) posted on X. Whether those consequences could include U.S. involvement, as was the case with Iran, are unclear. Trump has on multiple occasions during his campaign and at the start of his second-term presidency vowed that the militant group will have hell to pay if it does not release all the hostages. Hamas is generally positive about the proposal, but has conditions, Hamas sources told London-based news outlet Al-Sharq Al-Awsat. Those conditions include a demand to make it more difficult for Israel to resume the war if a permanent ceasefire is not achieved by the end of the 60 days such as through the gradual release of the 10 hostages, a source involved in the negotiations told the Times of Israel. Still, while Trump has asserted that Israel is on board with a ceasefire proposal, observers suggest that may indicate the terms are unlikely to be acceptable to Hamas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If Netanyahu has agreed to another interim deal, its almost certainly with language that doesnt commit him to end war, Middle East analyst and former U.S. diplomat Aaron David Miller posted on X. The main holdup today is exactly the same as it was last year: Israels unwillingness to permanently end the war and Hamass refusal to accept anything less, added foreign policy analyst and writer Daniel DePetris. Unless Trump has found a way to crack those two irreconcilable positions, this is all theater. Contact us at letters@time.com. Its probably no surprise that the top 10 most dangerous beaches in the U.S. are in Florida, according to a 2025 analysis. While the Sunshine State is known for its dozens of beautiful, white, sandy beaches, it also gets the highest number of hurricanes and shark attacks. Those are two of the main factors that the tide and weather forecasting platform, Tideschart, used to analyze 528 beaches across the United States. The other major factor was surf-zone deaths. The surf zone is where waves begin to break as they reach the shore, deaths are often caused by three hazards in that zone: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rip Currents - these strong, narrow currents create a high-speed channel that can rip you out to sea. High Surf - large, powerful waves churned up by swells from a distant storm. Sneaker Waves - large waves that suddenly swamp the shore, taking people by surprise and sweeping them out into deeper water. (MORE: 2025 Hurricane Season Outlook) Each beach in the top 10 has experienced 126 hurricanes, but the destination with the distinction of the number 1 spot had a staggering number of shark attacks. Here are the top 10: 10. Jupiter Beach Park 23 Shark Attacks 5 Surf Zone Deaths 9. Cape Canaveral 19 shark attacks 6 Surf Zone Deaths 8. Miramar Heights Beach 0 Shark Attacks Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 10 Surf Zone Deaths 7. Palm Beach 35 Shark Attacks 7 Surf Zone deaths 6. Cocoa Beach 39 Shark Attacks 7 Surf Zone Deaths 5. Indialantic Boardwalk Indialantic Beach is a favorite with surfers, but the 8-foot swells that attract them also make this beach especially risky. It's had nine surf-zone deaths and 30 shark attacks. 4. Miami Beach Miami Beach may be Floridas most famous beach but surf conditions have caused 14 deaths and there have been 17 shark attacks. 3. Daytona Beach The powerful currents at Daytona Beach, on Floridas Atlantic Coast, are blamed for 27 deaths and there have been 67 shark attacks 2. Laguna Beach Just two miles west of Panama City Beach, Daytona Beach had the highest number of surf-related deaths - 39, with nine shark attacks recorded. 1. New Smyrna Beach South of Daytona Beach, New Smyrna Beach had more shark attacks than all the other 9 beaches combined. 277 encounters were recorded there, in addition to 12 surf-zone deaths. And while this list may seem like a beach bummer, theres no need to abandon your seaside plans. Just remember to stay aware, pay attention to high-surf and other flagged warnings and stay informed during hurricane season. (KRON) The Sonoma County Sheriffs Office said a known gang member refused to cooperate with narcotics detectives and deputies during a probation search at his home. When authorities finally entered the residence, they said the suspect was caught trying to toss a loaded high-capacity out of a back window. San Francisco drug dealer deported from U.S. three times SCSO said Juan Cardenas was taken into custody on Monday and a further search of his home uncovered an additional magazine, a loaded firearm and gang-related paraphernalia. Photo courtesy of Sonoma County Sheriffs Office. The firearm was found in an unsecured location accessible to Cardenas children, posing a significant safety risk, added the sheriffs office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cardenas faces several felony charges, including possession of ammunition and a firearm by a prohibited person, concealing evidence, child cruelty, obstructing peace officers, and violating probation. He was booked into county jail where his bail was set at more than half a million dollars. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4. VINCENNES, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) Knox County resident Tanner Bouchie has declared his candidacy for the Indiana State Senate, with his campaign centered on coal energy, rural first responders and local infrastructure, according to a press release. As a husband, father, and small business owner, I want our community to be the best place to raise a family and grow a business. We face many economic and global challenges. Strong leadership at the Statehouse can help our community thrive, said Bouchie. Bouchie is the Founder and Principal Attorney of Bouchie Law LLC, and according to the United Way of Knox County, served as in-house counsel for True Rx Health Strategists, is the Chairman of the Knox County Board of Health, the past President of the Knox County Drug Court Foundation and the Knox County Bar Association. Bouchie now works in private practice with Bouchie Law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement John Waterman seeks state senate seat Bouchie says his campaign will be centered on three key priorities: coal energy, rural first responders and local infrastructure. When it comes to coal energy, Bouchie says he supports President Donald Trumps coal agenda. In April, President Trump signed a series of executive orders aimed at boosting the struggling coal industry, which will allow some older coal-fired power plants set for retirement to keep producing electricity to meet rising U.S. power demand amid growth in data centers, artificial intelligence and electric cars. President Trumps coal agenda will help our community have affordable, reliable electricity. I will work with Governor Braun to support coal energy production and coal jobs. I will fight against destructive solar projects that make electricity more expensive and less reliable, said Bouchie. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gov. Braun signs executive order on rare earth element recovery and water management Bouchie also says he will focus on using state resources to attract and retain both paid and volunteer emergency workers. State resources can help attract and retain people to serve in these roles and help ensure adequate emergency coverage for our community, said Bouchie. Indiana ranks as one of the most injury-prone states in the United States Finally, Bouchie says the community needs stable and predictable state funding for long-term infrastructure planning. State funding needs to be structured in a way that local leaders can plan for us, rather than relying on grant applications submitted to bureaucrats in Indianapolis, said Bouche. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If elected, Bouchie would represent Indiana Senate District 39, which includes all of Knox, Daviess, Greene and Martin Counties, along with portions of Sullivan and Owen Counties. New Indiana House bill would explore states investment in Bitcoin Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyWabashValley.com. (NewsNation) The judge presiding over the Bryan Kohberger trial has criticized individuals who called in to his office in an attempt to sway his decision. Judge Steven Hippler made the comments during the change of plea hearing, where Kohberger admitted to his guilt in the deaths of four University of Idaho students in 2022. Bryan Kohberger trial: Timeline in Idaho college killings, arrest, plea deal Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I want to point out that there have been calls by some for the public to contact me and my office in an attempt to influence my decision-making in this case, Hippler began. This has been extraordinarily disruptive for court staff and the ability for them to get work done, not only in this case, but in other cases where defendants are entitled to have their cases processed, and frankly, as important, if not more so, for victims to have their cases processed. Hippler noted it was highly inappropriate, and his court would never take public sentiment into account when presiding over cases. Bryan Kohbergers former professor wonders if serial killer classes inspired him Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He added that the court could not force the state to seek the death penalty in Kohbergers case or any other. However, he did offer apologies to the families of the victims and of the defendant for the short notice for Wednesdays hearing. I like most everyone else, learned of this plea agreement Monday afternoon, and had no inkling of it beforehand. Prior to that time, I was under the belief that this case was proceeding to trial, as had been indicated, he said. Once I learned of the defendants decision to change his plea in this case, it was important that I take the plea 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 NewsNation. July 2 (UPI) -- Bryan Kohberger pleaded guilty to four counts of first-degree murder and burglary in the stabbing deaths of four University of Idaho students on Nov. 13, 2022, during a plea hearing on Wednesday. Kohberger, 30, admitted to murdering students Ethan Chapin, 20, Kaylee Goncalves, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and Madison Mogen, 21, inside their off-campus home in Moscow, Idaho, NBC News reported. The plea hearing started at 11:15 a.m. MDT, before which Ada County District Court Judge Steven Hippler asked those attending to avoid making "outbursts and demonstrations," CBS News reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Family and friends of the deceased students attended the plea hearing, which was scheduled on Monday after Hippler learned of the newly reached plea agreement between Kohberger and local prosecutors to avoid the death penalty. Each count of first-degree murder carries a maximum penalty of life in prison, now that the death penalty has been removed from the case. Kohberger also could serve up to 10 years for the burglary charge and has agreed to waive any right to appeal the outcome. Prosecutors initially sought the death penalty after police in Pennsylvania arrested Kohberger at his parents' home in the Pocono Mountains on Dec. 20, 2022, which was about six weeks after the murders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Only a jury can sentence someone to death in Idaho courts, Idaho defense attorney Edwina Elcox told Fox News. "By taking the plea deal, Bryan Kohberger has insulated himself from a sentence that would require his execution," Elcox said. "Regardless, he will likely spend the rest of his life in prison without the possibility of ever being in society again," she added. Hippler had the option of declining the plea agreement and proceeding with a jury trial that was scheduled to start on Aug. 18, but accepted it during Wednesday's hearing. Kohberger has a sentencing hearing scheduled on July 23 at 9 a.m. MDT at the Ada County District Court in Boise, Idaho. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The case's venue earlier was transferred from Latah County to Ada County to ensure a fair trial. Mogen's family was among those who attended the plea hearing and afterward thanked Latah County Prosecuting Attorney Bill Thompson for his work on the case. "This is the best outcome possible for the victims, their families and state of Idaho," Mogen's family said in a statement read by their attorney while outside the courthouse. "We lost our Maddie, our kind, loving, vivacious and caring daughter, full of purpose and promise," the family said. "We are grateful for the gift of her life, and we have grieved the loss of that life during each of these 962 days." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Goncalves family opposed the plea agreement and wanted Kohberger to go to trial and face the death penalty. In a statement emailed to UPI from their lawyer, they family lamented the lost opportunity to learn why their loved ones were murdered while criticizing Hippler, the prosecution and the U.S. justice system. "This plea did not represent the victims families, it represented an easy way out and no answers," the family said. Everyone loves the justice system until you get involved in it. Then you really see that most of the time the cases and resolutions have nothing to do with the victims." We will move on to sentencing and will be hopeful that the court will allow for some much needed grace moving forward and finally the family won't have to deal with the bumbling Latah County prosecution team." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kohberger was a graduate student pursuing a doctorate in criminology at Washington State University in Pullman, Wash., when he committed the murders. Pullman is located about 9 miles west of Moscow, and investigators found DNA evidence tying Kohberger to the murders. Kohberger did not say what his motive was for the murders, and he had no personal relationship with the victims. MOSCOW, July 2 (Xinhua) -- Russian cargo spacecraft Progress MS-29 completed its mission after spending more than six months in orbit as part of the International Space Station (ISS), Russia's state space corporation Roscosmos said in a statement on Wednesday. Its debris fell into the non-navigational area of the South Pacific Ocean, Roscosmos said. According to the company, the spacecraft undocked from the ISS's Poisk module at 21:43 Moscow time (1843 GMT) on Tuesday. A deorbit maneuver was initiated at 00:52 Moscow time (2152 GMT), allowing the spacecraft to enter Earth's dense atmosphere, where it largely disintegrated due to friction. Launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome on Nov. 21, 2024, Progress MS-29 docked with the ISS two days later. It delivered essential supplies to the ISS, including New Year gifts, fuel, drinking water, nitrogen for atmospheric replenishment and scientific equipment. The next cargo spacecraft, Progress MS-31, scheduled for launch from Baikonur Cosmodrome on Thursday, is expected to dock with the ISS on Sunday. G/O Media is down to having just one outlet under its umbrella, with the beleaguered media company selling gaming and culture-focused website Kotaku on Wednesday. Keleops, the Switzerland-based digital company with a focus on tech coverage, purchased Kotaku for an undisclosed sum. This is the second deal between G/O Media and Keleops, after the latter purchased Gizmodo in June 2024. More from TheWrap Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Root, following Wednesdays deal, is now the lone editorial brand that is part of G/O Media, the former home to several prominent sites like Deadspin, The AV Club, The Onion and Lifehacker. G/O Media has been busy selling off its media companies over the past two years as it winds down its digital operations. The company sold business site Quartz in April in a deal that saw all remaining staffers beyond editor-in-chief Dan Hirschhorn and executive editor Sarah Douglass lose their jobs. The offloading of its media brands started with the sale of Lifehacker being sold to Ziff Davis in early 2023, and Jezebel was sold later that year; one-off deals have continued to take place since then, leading up to Wednesdays latest sale. G/O Media CEO Jim Spanfeller told The New York Times on Wednesday it became clear to our investors that it was time to move on from Kotaku and its other media properties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Spanfeller said investors are not confident in the digital media space, as artificial intelligence threatens to replace writers and digital ad revenue is harder to come by. G/O Media is owned by private equity firm Great Hill Partners, which did not immediately respond to TheWraps request for comment. We are thrilled to welcome the entire Kotaku team to Keleops, Keleops CEO Jean-Guillaume Kleis said in a statement to TheWrap. Kotaku isnt just a brand its a home for gamers and a place where the culture keeps moving forward, he continued. We are honored to shape its future and make such an iconic gaming brand part of our family, as part of our bold vision for Keleops and ongoing U.S. expansion. The post Kotaku Sold by G/O Media in Latest Deal to Unwind Its Digital Operations appeared first on TheWrap. The US has not imposed any new sanctions on Russia since Donald Trump has returned to office. This enables Russia to continue acquiring microchips and military components despite the restrictions imposed after the start of its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Source: The New York Times (NYT) Details: Instead of increasing pressure, the Trump administration lifted some restrictions, including those on Karina Rotenberg, wife of Russian oligarch Boris Rotenberg. In addition, the US Justice Department disbanded the KleptoCapture task force, which had been responsible for identifying and seizing assets of individuals close to the Kremlin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over 130 newly registered companies in China, Hong Kong, and Singapore are openly advertising banned components for sale to Russia, according to trade and corporate registries. One such company, HK GST Limited, supplies chips used in Russian Kh-101 cruise missiles used in recent strikes on Kyiv. An analysis by the New York Times shows that the US has not imposed any new restrictions on Russia since early 2025. Experts warn that without regular updates, sanctions lose effectiveness, while Russia actively develops new shadow import schemes. Congress is already drafting a bill proposing a 500% duty on countries purchasing Russian energy. However, for now, European nations remain the primary drivers of sanctions policy, as US interest in deterring the Kremlins aggression appears to be waning. Read also: Russia is importing ASML equipment in parts to produce microchips. Why aren't sanctions working? Background: Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin has signed a decree allowing new foreign investors to invest in the country without restrictions on capital withdrawal. Despite EU and US sanctions, Russia has imported parts worth 1 billion for Boeing and Airbus aircraft during the years of its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Russia on Wednesday welcomed the US decision to halt some arms deliveries to Ukraine. "The fewer weapons Ukraine receives, the closer the end of the special military operation," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said according to Russian news agency Interfax. Moscow officially refers to its three-year war of aggression against Ukraine as a "special military operation." The United States is no longer fulfilling previously promised deliveries to Ukraine out of concern for its own stockpiles, media have reported. The affected deliveries include air defence missiles and ammunition, according to Politico and NBC News. Macron-Putin call Peskov commented on French President Emmanuel Macron's call on Tuesday with Russian President Vladimir Putin - their first such exchange in more than two years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The leaders had a "detailed conversation" lasting more than two hours, in which both sides presented their positions, the spokesman said. When asked whether Macron had signalled that he would accept Russian demands to take into account the "new realities" on the ground, he replied no. Russia had demanded, among other things, that Kiev recognize its territorial losses in the war and receive no further weapons in exchange for a ceasefire proposed by Ukraine, the US and EU countries. The European Union continues to supply weapons to Ukraine and is helping the country expand its arms production. Germany, for example, is financing the production of missiles. The United States' reported decision to suspend some arms deliveries to Ukraine could help bring Russia's war in Ukraine to an end, the Kremlin said on July 2, according to Russian state-controlled media. "The fewer weapons that are supplied to Ukraine, the closer the end of the... (Russia-Ukraine war)," Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters. Peskov's comments came after Politico reported that the U.S. Defense Department has paused shipments of key air defense and precision munitions to Ukraine over concerns about declining U.S. stockpiles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among the withheld items are Patriot air defense missiles, precision artillery rounds, Hellfire missiles, and other munitions used by Ukraine's F-16 fighter jets. Ukraine's Foreign Ministry summoned U.S. Charge d'Affaires John Ginkel on July 2 to voice concern over the reported pause in weapons shipments. Deputy Foreign Minister Mariana Betsa warned during the meeting that "any delay or hesitation in supporting Ukraine's defense capabilities will only encourage Russia to continue war and terror, rather than pursue peace." According to Politico, Pentagon policy chief Elbridge Colby ordered the halt in June following a review of U.S. ammunition levels. The White House confirmed the decision, saying it was part of a broader reassessment of American military aid to foreign partners. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: As US aid to Ukraine dries up, new platform connects Americans investors with Ukrainian startups "(The decision) was made to put America's interests first following a DOD review of our nation's military support and assistance to other countries across the globe," White House Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly said in a statement. The move comes as Ukraine faces intensifying Russian attacks. In June, Russia launched a record 5,337 Shahed-type attack drones at Ukrainian targets, the highest monthly total since the start of the full-scale invasion in February 2022. The U.S. has not approved any new military aid packages after U.S. President Donald Trump took office in January. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has also signaled that future U.S. defense budgets will reduce the scale of assistance to Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At a NATO summit in The Hague in late June, Trump said Washington was considering whether it could help provide more Patriot missiles to Kyiv but emphasized that U.S. and Israeli needs take precedence. "They are very hard to get. We need them too," Trump said after meeting with President Volodymyr Zelensky. The Kremlin has long argued that Western arms shipments to Ukraine only prolong the conflict and raise the risk of escalation, while continuing to attack Ukrainian cities and advance on the battlefield. Read also: Smashing previous monthly record, Russia launches 5,337 kamikaze drones against Ukraine during June Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Kroger shoppers who don't have the app can now get the same digital deals. The Cincinnati-based supermarket chain recently rolled out paper flyers mirroring its weekly digital deals. The printed handouts are now available near the entrance of Kroger stores and are updated each Wednesday, along with the current paper advertisement customers are used to. These flyers can be used just like digital coupons scanned at the checkout, Kroger confirmed to The Enquirer. The offers available digitally are then loaded directly to a customer's rewards card, and each coupon can be used up to five times in a single transaction. Advertisement Advertisement The handout is meant to help customers access the deals available on the Kroger app and website. "To make it simpler for our customers to take advantage of the full value our stores offer, we are providing an easy-to-use flyer that customers can scan to save with digital coupons," a Kroger spokesperson said. Kroger recently launched flyers to help customers access its weekly digital deals. The launch of the printed digital deals guide comes weeks after Cincinnati-based Kroger announced its intention to close 60 unprofitable stores across the country. Last month, Ron Sargent, Kroger's interim CEO, announced plans to build new stores in 2026, despite the company closing 2% of its total stores over the next 18 months. The change follows Kroger's failed attempt to take over Albertsons, which cost the company $1 billion. (This story was updated to add a photo gallery.) This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Kroger customers can now access digital deals on paper Larry Wentz - KTIV Long-time Siouxland television news anchor Larry Wentz will retire from Sioux City, Iowa NBC affiliate KTIV at the end of July. His last day on the air will be Thursday, July 31. "I can't begin to tell you how lucky I am to have spent such a big part of my career in the Siouxland community," said Wentz. "I've worked with some truly amazing, professional journalists during my time here. I'm also blessed I could end up back at my original home at KTIV. Thank you to the so many people who supported me and my family during my liver transplant, and for their continued support throughout the years." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We want to congratulate Larry on his long career in journalism and broadcasting and wish him all the best on his well-deserved retirement," said KTIV vice president and general manager, Bridget Breen. "Personally, announcing Larry's retirement is bittersweet. I, along with many other media professionals in Siouxland have enjoyed working alongside Larry all these years. He has been a trusted and respected news professional for Siouxland viewers for decades, and we will miss having him here as part of our team." Wentz began his broadcasting career at WHO Radio News in Des Moines in 1976 and later transitioned to WHO-TV. Hes worked as an anchor, news director, managing editor and reporter at stations in Des Moines, Eau Claire and Green Bay, Wisconsin. He came to Sioux City in 1991 to be the evening anchor at KTIV. "Working alongside Larry has been one of the great privileges of my career," said KTIV News 4 Today and News 4 at Noon anchor, Al Joens. "His integrity, calm presence, and deep commitment to journalism have set a high bar for all of us in the newsroom. Viewers trust him because he's always delivered the news with honesty and heart - and those of us who've shared the anchor desk with him know he's just as genuine off camera. Larry has left a lasting impact not only on KTIV but on the entire community he's served so faithfully." Wentz has also anchored the news at KCAU and KPTH/KMEG in Sioux City. He returned to KTIV in June 2023, serving as one of the anchors on KTIV News 4 at Noon. "Who the hell thought this was a good idea?" a Labour insider spluttered, incredulous, even two weeks ago, that No 10 would schedule a vote to take benefits from the disabled as the anniversary of their election victory approached. "What genius!" they mocked. They predicted drama, although not a disaster like this. The gory consequences of the decision to try and change the law on welfare this week are there for all to see. No 10 might have been hanging out the bunting, preparing to celebrate a year in office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Instead, for a few days Parliament has looked just as much of a shambles as during the head-spinning days of incessant Tory turmoil. Labour has been failing its basic mission, to look like a capable government. And the prime minister's authority has been given a hefty kick. The prime minister's authority has been given a hefty kick [Getty Images] Westminster has rushed to its default of recent years - salivating over spats and splits, chaos and confusion. But whether that enrages or entertains you, the bald facts here matter to everyone: a government that can't pass laws in Parliament can't effectively wield power. Prime ministers that can't effectively wield power can't get things done. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So can Labour move on from this almighty mess? A year of 'unintended consequences' The welfare vote fiasco is far from the first thing that has gone wrong. "They can fix it," one Whitehall source says, but "they have to realise they have caused it and smarten up how they make decisions". But Labour has had a whole "year of unintended consequences", as one MP described it. That's a diplomatic way of saying it has made plenty of mistakes and a lot has gone wrong during its first year back in No 10. If nothing else, this Government has lost the chance to make a good first impression. And some of the events have been baffling at best, and worrying at worst - Starmer tripping over leaving No 10 today, the Chancellor having tears running down her face. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As for the welfare row, one member of the government tells me that this nodded to a far broader issue within the party: it has been a "coming together of so many things that have been simmering". It is, they add, self inflicted. A senior government source says the situation "is disappointing but not overly concerning". You might wonder if they ought to sound a bit more worried. Chancellor Rachel Reeves was seen crying in the House of Commons on 2 July. A spokesperson said it was due to a "personal matter" [PA Media] What has been illustrated this week is that the leadership has not understood what its rank and file are willing to tolerate. And management of the party has been found sorely lacking, spectacularly so. Ironically one of the reasons some MPs have been so cross, even before this week, is because "the mismanagement creates a fog and a funk", where potentially punter-friendly measures, like providing more free school meals and increasing the minimum wage, are drowned out. No 10 versus the backbenches What there is, in the wake of the this week's humiliation, is an acknowledgement that things will have to be different. A senior source in government says "we can't leave as much of a gap between ministers and backbenchers", admitting "we'll have to be better at bringing them in". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The prime minister "now realises he'll have to be more into the detail", one minister says. Many insiders believe that there still needs to be a much better functioning "centre", in other words Starmer's own power base in No 10. It is no longer the "spectacularly ineffective, 70s farce" of the early weeks in No 10 that one senior figure describes, when it took days to work out exactly who was to do what; when Sue Gray and Morgan McSweeney were vying for authority; and when there was near mutiny over pay. But the source says "the legacy of these things takes time to catch up". Starmer has been accused of leaving too big a gap between No 10 and backbenchers [Reuters] Inside No 10, there has been acknowledgement it needs to run better, to improve the way decisions are made across Whitehall, well before this week's humiliation. The way power is spread across SW1 and No 10 makes it "an incredibly weak centre of government, and that was a real surprise for us", say those insiders. "If we accept that No 10 will never be a White House then you need to empower other people to make better government decisions", they say. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But others say there is a fundamental need in No 10 for the prime minister and his top team to be more concerned with "the absolute basics" of politics, warning sometimes there is a tone of being "sanctimonious" not wanting to "do the actual business of politics, even if its grubby". In other words, they can complain about the structures of Whitehall, or the difficulties of what they inherited, but, some argue, they struggle to look in the mirror. "Everyone needs to do better" including the political team, one MP argues. That might include doing fewer things, but much more effectively. One minister argues "there'll have to be far fewer priorities small boats, the NHS, welfare and the cost of living everything else will have to wait". Reasons to be optimistic Starmer has been reminded, painfully this week, that the normal activity of politics charming, cajoling, even sometimes menacing your party, still has to be done even if a party has hordes of MPs. A majority of this scale is an insurance policy, not free rein. Governments of any flavour are in trouble if the relationship between those at the top and those at the bottom break down. If links inside the party are frayed it becomes harder to present a compelling front to the public. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No 10 must develop "more emotional intelligence", and fast, one MP argues. They believe that Starmer's "human instincts need to get much sharper in year two because of what has happened in year one". Labour's vast, not so new ranks, are not willing to be bossed around. But many MPs, advisors, ministers and party insiders I've spoken to can find reasons to be optimistic, even as the embarrassment of the last seven days stings. Spin forward to the summer of 2026 and they predict that the party will be in a much better place. "People will start to notice," as one MP puts it. Another adviser says "there is hope" progress in the NHS will "take on more potency". Many are hoping that improvements in the NHS could give the government a boost [Getty Images] "We have set in train a whole bunch of things, the planning changes, big visible projects, and money for the NHS," says another MP - and voters will see, "maybe there is more going on than we thought". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another source enthuses that Labour is stacking up progress towards its target of building 1.5 million homes by 2029; that there will be new laws on the statute books rather than in the debating chamber, that protect renters; and that new rights will be given to workers. Certainly, this spring and summer has seen a flurry of announcements that set a quicker tempo. Downing Street is now "making better, more political decisions on industry, on investment", according to one senior figure. Another senior MP hopes "we have now passed a tipping point where there is suddenly a lot happening". But the question now is, will anybody notice? Starmer has never been a showman It's accepted that ministers failed to make their arguments properly to their own party when it came to the welfare mess this week. One minister told me that if they had made a better case, earlier on, they would have been able to get the plans through and avoid all the embarrassment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Telling the government's story better to the public is absolutely vital if Starmer is to make any progress towards restoring even a fraction of Labour's popularity from this time last year. This is not a revelation to Starmer's inner circle. They have always been aware that he is not a showman or a politician who can always smoothly adapt to the public situation he finds himself in, choose he right words, or convey empathy or warmth. Spelling out a new "social contract" was a rhetorical tool used by both Tony Blair and Gordon Brown [Getty Images] There is a determination to tell the story better, to define the incredibly broad "change" message that won the election, to move to more specifics, perhaps even spelling out a new "social contract" a rhetorical tool used by both Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, during their time in power. To do this, MPs tell me that Starmer needs to not only work out exactly how to explain his project but to care deeply about getting it across. "Where's the hope?" says one MP. "He needs to want it from his team, to tell the story. If he doesn't see the value in it, and they don't hire for it, then they're not going to get it." The world wreaking havoc There is a scenario where Labour uses its 12 months of turmoil and learns from it. Starmer's allies say he has so often been underestimated. When the party lost the 2021 Hartlepool by-election, he considered quitting, but instead, he fought back. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now they could cross their fingers and hope that signs of progress on the NHS turn into a convincing trend. That the big building blocks the government has put in place in the hope of giving the economy a kick start to come good. And that the situation in the Middle East doesn't spiral into anything even more dangerous, and potentially costly to the economy. But would you bet on it? Looking at the mess over the welfare plans you might not be confident, yet it would be ludicrous to conclude that the first year in office has been so bad, and the circumstances so tough, that they're a busted flush. But many MPs and Labour figures worry about what is going on in the rest of the world. "World War Three?" one of them says - they're not quite joking. The US going into recession, further spikes in the oil price, cyber attacks on this country from adversaries like Iran and Russia - there are all sorts of pressures outside the government's control that could wreak havoc with the economy. More from InDepth Don't forget there will be a budget in the Autumn, with a broad expectation that more tax rises could be on the way partly because of the costs of international turmoil, partly because of long term stubborn problems in the UK, and partly because of the consequences of the government's own choices. The backdrop to year one in government has been incredibly difficult because of these myriad factors. In the next year, the overall context may not get much easier, if at all. What happens in the rest of the world could "obliterate" the budget choices the chancellor has already made. If the economy turns for the worse because of factors around the world, all bets are off. One MP expressed some sympathy for No 10. As they put it, "What is the bandwidth when you have Israel, Iran, welfare, and the economy to deal with? There is no lightness in politics." The risk now is that the growing pains of year one could become embedded political problems in year two. After the welfare struggle, the winter fuel backtrack, and with genuine unhappiness on the backbenches, it is possible that Parliament becomes a regular obstacle for the government. "Worst case?" says an influential figure on the left, "you'll have a big collective number [in the Commons] saying, well, you are not going to do it", leaving Downing Street as an administration with a big majority but only a small chance of getting things done. "We might just continue to wobble," adds a senior source, "we have such a huge majority we should be able to be confident and stride out together but the worst case is, we are still drowning" this time next year. Local elections will be held in May next year, and the results will be incredibly important. The best case scenario at the ballot box? A member of the government says, "Next year is essentially like mid-terms we could win in Scotland, we do well in Wales and show at least some progress in England." But the worst case scenario, with Reform gnawing at Labour's vote from the right, and the Liberal Democrats and Greens from the left is "disastrous results in the locals", says one No 10 source. They predict that Labour is unlikely to hold on in Wales, that it will fail to get far in Scotland - and before long, you're in a "cycle of insecurity", one senior MP warns. Blood in the water And in the worst case scenario then? There are fears too that relationships in the party's top echelons might splinter, some with their own ambitions, wondering if they could prosper as a result of Starmer's difficulties. A senior figure in the Labour movement warns, "you have some people smelling blood in the water there is some bad behaviour in that Cabinet and people ready to manoeuvre". One senior figure reckons questions might be asked about Starmer's leadership. "It is bananas", they say, but it is not entirely impossible to imagine that within a couple of years of July 2024's history making win, there could be moves against him. Another senior source even says, "I don't think there is a cat in hell's chance he leads us into the election". That talk isn't taken seriously in No 10. "There is no evidence at all of any serious attempt taking shape," one source says. Another MP tells me, "It's ridiculous, it would undermine the thing we are most concerned about which is stopping the chaos of the Tory years." Yet another, who argues that it would be foolhardy to question whether Starmer will be the leader to take Labour into the next general election, nonetheless acknowledges the conversation is out there. "It is mindblowing, but people do go there that quickly they do talk about it." Could Starmer's bloodymindedness pay off? It was Starmer and his team's mission not just to win, but to show a sceptical public that government could actually be a force for good in their lives, not a flawed institution attached to hordes of bickering politicians more interested in the sound of their own voices than getting anything done. To make that happen they need their plans to work whether it's building houses, or bringing down NHS waiting lists, reducing the number of small boats crossing the Channel, or filling potholes, or incredibly fraught areas such as overhauling welfare or special needs education, or social care. There's an almost universal acceptance too, throughout Labour, that the government must get better at telling its story. They need to do this to recover in the polls, and avoid a situation where even after two years of a government with an enormous majority, and tens of billions of public cash being spent, the public is still angry, still unconvinced that politicians are ineffective at best - and harmful at worst. A party veteran warns, "They allowed the heart of the Labour government [to] be almost unfathomable they must recover the heart, until that is in place, no one will get what we are about." The Government must get better at telling its story, say insiders [Getty Images] But bluntly, as its been obvious in the last week, and over the last year, multiple sources say this still young government needs to improve if they are to avoid squandering the huge opportunity it still has not just No 10, not just the civil service, not just party managers, not just the Cabinet but, "it's everyone's job", a minister says. In the last 12 months, it's been perhaps surprising, as one Whitehall source suggests, that Labour "seems to have been bewildered by the normal business of politics". There is hope among many Labour insiders I spoke to that Starmer's ability to keep going, relentlessly, however bad the circumstances, will ultimately pay off, through sheer bloodymindedness, they will be rewarded in the end not with love, but a grudging respect from the electorate by 2029. But the question for the next 12 months is whether the prime minister and his party, can put this year's painfully gained wisdom to good use. BBC InDepth is the home on the website and app for the best analysis, with fresh perspectives that challenge assumptions and deep reporting on the biggest issues of the day. And we showcase thought-provoking content from across BBC Sounds and iPlayer too. You can send us your feedback on the InDepth section by clicking on the button below. A Los Angeles hospital is asking for the publics help to identify an unresponsive man who has been receiving care for the last several days. The unidentified man was found early Sunday morning, and was brought to California Hospital Medical Center in downtown L.A. for treatment. Hospital staff said he was located around 2 a.m. near the intersection of West 18th Street and St. Andrews Place in Harvard Heights. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Days after he was brought to the hospital, his identity is still a mystery as he remains unconscious and was not carrying any documentation or evidence that could shed light on who he is. Dignity Health is asking for the publics help to identify this patient who has been receiving care since June 29, 2025. (Dignity Health) Hes described as a Black man in his early 30s with black hair and brown eyes. Hes approximately 5 feet 10 inches, and weighs around 170 pounds, hospital officials said. In addition to the physical description, he also has several notable tattoos across his body, including the letters FIG on his left inner arm, and what appears to be Chief Wahoo, the former mascot of the Cleveland Indians, tattooed on his forehead and chest. Due to patient confidentiality laws, the hospital did not disclose the nature of his injuries or his current condition. Photos shared by Dignity Health showed the man unconscious and hooked up to a breathing apparatus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone with information that might help hospital staff identify him or any potential loved ones is urged to call 213-507-5495 or 213-742-5511. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Masked, unidentified agents have been systematically cornering brown-skinned people in a show of force across Southern California, tackling those who attempt to leave, arresting them without probable cause and then placing them in dungeon-like conditions without access to lawyers, a federal lawsuit alleges. The lawsuit filed Wednesday by immigrant rights groups against the Trump administration describes the region as under siege by agents, some dressed in military-style clothing and carrying out indiscriminate immigration raids flooding street corners, bus stops, parking lots, agricultural sites, day laborer corners. It seeks to block the administration's "ongoing pattern and practice of flouting the Constitution and federal law" during immigration raids in the L.A. area. These guys are popping up, rampant all over the city, just taking people randomly and we want that particular practice to end, said Mohammad Tajsar, an attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California, which filed the lawsuit with Public Counsel and other immigration and civil rights groups and attorneys. "The goal is that they think twice about doing this in other cities like Chicago or New York." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration has said it will go after sanctuary cities that curb cooperation with the federal government on immigration. Days earlier, it sued Los Angeles to overturn what it called an illegal sanctuary city law, as the region takes center stage in a pitched battle with the administration over its mass deportation plans. The complaint centers around three detained immigrants, several immigrant rights groups and two U.S. citizens, one who was held despite showing agents his identification. It states that people are fearful that their appearance alone is putting them at risk whether or not they are in the U.S. legally. And it says the practices carried out look "more like brazen, midday kidnappings" than lawful arrests. Read more: Mayor Karen Bass accuses Trump of waging 'an all-out assault on Los Angeles' Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement Wednesday, Any claims that individuals have been targeted by law enforcement because of their skin color are disgusting and categorically FALSE." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DHS enforcement operations are highly targeted, and officers do their due diligence, she said. McLaughlin called claims of poor conditions at ICE detention centers "false" and said the agency "has higher detention standards than most U.S. prisons that hold actual U.S. citizens." She said that detainees "are provided with proper meals, medical treatment, and have opportunities to communicate with lawyers and their family members." Jorge Hernandez Viramontes, one of the two U.S. citizens in the lawsuit, was working at a car wash on June 18, as he has for around 10 years, when agents who didnt identify themselves arrived and began interrogating people about their identity and immigration status, the lawsuit alleges. Hernandez Viramontes said he told them he was a dual citizen of the U.S. and Mexico and provided an ID. But agents explained that his ID wasnt enough and since he didnt have his passport, they were taking him. According to the lawsuit, agents placed him in a vehicle, drove away, then after verifying his citizenship brought him back about 20 minutes later, but not before his brother called his wife, who had become deeply worried. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They dropped him at the car wash, with no apology. Shortly after, the car wash was raided again. He and others are afraid that their Latino appearance and accent will make them a future target, the lawsuit says. The administration has been telling us that these actions are motivated by a desire to make streets safer, said Mark Rosenbaum, an attorney at Public Counsel. But its been shown now, and this is what were going to show in our case, who their true targets are and what [their] true intent is and that is to terrorize and rip from families in our communities nannies and car wash workers and farmworkers. Between June 6 and 22, immigration enforcement teams arrested 1,618 immigrants for deportation in Los Angeles and surrounding regions of Southern California, according to the Department of Homeland Security. Arrests have involved controversial roving patrols and chases. Data that run through June 10 suggest the majority of those arrested have no criminal convictions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawyers argue that the pattern of illegal conduct is the predictable result of directives from top officials to agents and officers. In May, White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller reportedly directed top Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials to go beyond target lists and have agents make arrests at Home Depots or 7-Eleven convenience stores as they sought to crank up their daily arrest numbers to 3,000. The lawsuit notes the administration dismantled internal accountability mechanisms and restraints governing the conduct of immigration agents and officers, shutting down multiple oversight agencies. Read more: California Republicans tell Trump ICE raids should focus on criminals, not ordinary workers After immigrants are detained, the lawsuit alleges that they are placed in a dungeon-like short-term processing center and ICE basement holding area in downtown L.A. known as B-18. Lawyers described the conditions as deplorable and unconstitutional and alleged that those arrested had been deprived of access to counsel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawyers accused the administration of failing to provide basic necessities like food, water, adequate hygiene facilities, and medical care. Detainees were allegedly subjected to overcrowding and did not have adequate sleeping accommodations. Under such conditions, some of those arrested are pressured into accepting voluntary departure, the lawsuit states. The government is aware that its actions are unconstitutional and contrary to officers training, but deliberately persists because this system allows it to coerce removals, avoid public accountability, and ultimately given the limited bed space at longer-term detention facilities in the area keep arrest numbers high. The lawsuit brought by a bevy of groups including the National Day Laborer Organizing Network, the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, Immigrant Defenders Law Center, Public Counsel, ACLU affiliates across the state, UC Irvine Law School and private firms stems from an existing case filed by an immigration lawyer in Pasadena on June 20. Three of Stacy Tolchins clients were picked up at bus stops and surrounded by armed agents, with no flight risk established and no warrant. If you stop people and ask questions later, you're gonna get everybody, and the law is really clear. You can't do that. That's illegal, said Tajsar. We're not saying the government can't enforce immigration laws. We're not saying the government can't investigate whether somebody is in status or is not. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But, he said, it must be done lawfully. Whats happening here is flagrantly illegal. The lawsuit names, among other law enforcement officials, U.S. Border Patrol Sector Chief Greg Bovino, who is based near the U.S.-Mexico border. Bovino, who has played a prominent role in the recent sweeps, is also under a federal injunction in Eastern District of California after a judge found his agents engaged in a pattern and practice of violating peoples constitutional rights in raids in Kern County earlier this year. Read more: Kern County immigration raid offers glimpse into new reality for California farmworkers At a news conference Wednesday morning outside the Bubble Bath Hand Car Wash in Torrance, one of the places hit by immigration agents, Maria, who was told by lawyers not to share her last name, said her husband was among the workers taken. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was just going to work to support his family, she said. When her grandchildren ask about him, she said, "I dont really know what to tell them." Emmanuel Karim Nicola-Cruz, the car wash owners son, described how unmarked vehicles blocked the exits on each side of the business, and federal agents entered restricted areas and would not respond to questions. Nicola-Cruz said he was initially under the impression that the business was being robbed, before he realized that agents were chasing down his employees. It was just a scary experience, Nicola-Cruz said. Two of my hardest workers started running, and they found probable cause to throw one onto the gate and another onto the floor ... treating these people like criminals with no dignity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Emily, the niece of another person taken by ICE, said her uncle was slammed against a gate by an agent. She said she believes the new lawsuit may be the only way to keep federal agents accountable because her family has exhausted every other option. We're asking for truth, dignity and the basic right to help our loved one," she said. "We need help. We need action. We need answers before another family suffers like ours. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Los Angeles officials announced on Tuesday that over 40 individuals have been slapped with new charges stemming from violent riots against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement efforts last month. Of the charges, prosecutors pointed to a 17-year-old juvenile accused of attempted murder, two separate instances of protesters allegedly assaulting Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department horses and a man accused of injuring a police officer with a flagpole, LA District Attorney Nathan Hochman said in a press release. "The large-scale protests may have ended for now, but our work has not," Hochman said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement La Anti-ice Rioters Face New Charges As Violence Rages District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman speaks at a news conference at the Hall of Justice ahead of protests against immigration raids on Jun.11, 2025, in Los Angeles, California. One of the suspects, a 17-year-old juvenile, is charged with one felony count of attempted murder, assault upon a peace officer, vandalism and two misdemeanor counts of rioting, according to officials. Another protester, identified as 37-year-old Patrick Munoz, is accused of jabbing a flagpole at an officer as they attempted to break up a gathering outside a local hotel on June 11. If convicted, Munoz could spend up to nine years and two months in prison. Read On The Fox News App Munoz's attorney did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Additionally, prosecutors allege 49-year-old Robert Amaya approached a family as they were leaving a protest on June 10, and subsequently pulled out a knife while approaching an 11-year-old girl and making stabbing motions at her. Amaya is charged with one felony count of assault with a deadly weapon and faces up to 13 years in state prison if convicted. Fox News Digital was unable to immediately locate an attorney representing Amaya. Dozens Of Anti-ice Rioters Arrested In La As Trump Sends In National Guard To Quell Violence Another suspect, 29-year-old Iran Castro, is accused of pulling the bridle of a sheriffs mounted deputies horse and grabbing the reins of another horse at a June 14 protest after being released on her own recognizance for separate felony charges, according to authorities. Castro is charged with two felony counts of assault upon a peace officer, two felony counts of animal cruelty and one felony count of resisting arrest. If convicted, she faces the possibility of up to 10 years and four months in prison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A second protester is also charged with allegedly assaulting an LASD horse in a separate incident, according to the press release. Authorities have accused 66-year-old Dana Whitson of pushing the animal "several times," before hitting the horses muzzle and pulling on its rein at a June 13 protest. Whitson faces the possibility of up to six years and four months in prison if convicted. Attorneys for both Castro and Whitson did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment. Los Angeles Da Delivers Scathing Warning To Violent Protesters Causing Havoc: 'We're Coming For You' A protester places debris in a fire in Paramount, Calif., on Saturday, Jun. 7, 2025. The charges come after officials spent weeks battling rioters on the streets of Los Angeles, leading to hundreds of arrests as local, state and federal law enforcement officers looked to tame the chaos stemming from outcry over immigration raids throughout the sanctuary city. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We are continuing to review evidence, identify suspects and file charges where the law has been broken," Hochman said. "I want to thank the team of investigators and prosecutors for their tireless efforts to ensure that those who committed criminal acts under the guise of protest are held accountable." Original article source: LA officials charge over 40 anti-ICE protesters who allegedly assaulted officers, horses and threatened child SEVILLE, Spain, July 2 (Xinhua) -- Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Wednesday called for a stronger multilateral system for international trade at a round-table discussion held during the 4th United Nations International Conference on Financing for Development. Speaking at the event in Seville, which was co-chaired by Moroccan Minister of Economy and Finance Nadia Fettah and Melita Gabric, Slovenia's deputy minister of foreign and European affairs and minister of development, Sanchez said tariffs impede the global economy. Industrial overcapacity and unfair competition are issues that need to be addressed, he said, but "responding with barriers only leads to collective defeat, because there are no winners in a self-enclosed economy." The Spanish leader proposed restoring the World Trade Organization to a central role in global trade, in order to strengthen the multilateral system. As well as revitalizing international trade, the round table also focused on ways to close the technological gap and provide more extensive access to digital infrastructure. Scientific knowledge-sharing and cooperation are required, Sanchez stressed, appealing for greater openness and more generosity. "Without technological cooperation, there is no fair transformation and without inclusive innovation, there is no sustainable future," he said. "If we continue to lock ourselves away in blocs, if we resign ourselves to isolation, we will all lose," Sanchez stressed, calling for open science and equitable access to knowledge. A senior minister has insisted Labour will keep its election tax promises, after a major climbdown over welfare changes left a hole in the government's spending plans. Last night, ministers offered rebel Labour MPs last-minute concessions to pass a welfare bill that was originally intended to make 5bn a year in benefits savings by 2030. The concessions mean the savings will now be delayed or lost entirely, which puts pressure on Chancellor Rachel Reeves ahead of the autumn Budget. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cabinet minister Pat McFadden told the BBC there would be "financial consequences" to the decision to water down planned cuts to disability and health-related benefits. But the minister ruled out increases in income tax, National Insurance or VAT in response to the government's decisions on welfare. "I'm not going to speculate on the Budget," McFadden said. "We will keep to the tax promises that we made in our manifesto when we fought the election last year." Helen Miller, incoming director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies think tank, said the government had moved from a position of saving 5bn to nothing by 2030. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said: "Come autumn, given the government has not been able to put through the cuts it wanted, and given that the growth might get worse rather than better, it's looking increasingly likely that, if the government needs to do something, it's going to turn to tax rises." In its election manifesto, Labour said it would not raise taxes on "working people", specifically income tax, national insurance or VAT. Reeves has committed to meeting so-called fiscal rules, which most governments in wealthy nations have in place to try to maintain credibility with financial markets. Reeves's two main rules are not to borrow to fund day-to-day public spending; and to get debt falling as a share of the UK economic output by 2029/30. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Reeves's determination to stick to these rules has led to speculation that she will raise taxes or announce spending cuts in her autumn Budget. The Labour government's expensive policy reversals on welfare and the winter fuel allowance for pensioners have made that task more difficult. Appearing on ITV's Lorraine programme, Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said welfare reform was "always difficult", and said the government has to "flatten that curve a bit" of welfare spending rising. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said: "Rachel [Reeves] will have to look at those challenges" in the Budget. The Labour rebellion over the welfare changes undermines the authority of the chancellor and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, and raises questions about their ability to enact key parts of their policy programme. Asked about the challenge to the government from its own backbenchers, Rayner said "to be fair to colleagues many of them have been raising them [concerns] privately", adding that "the process can look aggy but that's the way you get to consensus". The biggest savings in the welfare bill would have come from restricting eligibility for the personal independence payment (Pip), the main disability benefit in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But in a late concession on Tuesday evening, ministers shelved those plans and said any Pip changes would happen after a review of the benefit. In the end, MPs gave the government's Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill their initial approval, by 335 votes to 260. Though it was not enough to stop 49 Labour MPs voting against the legislation, the largest revolt of Sir Keir 's premiership. Labour's Rachael Maskell had proposed an amendment designed to halt the legislation, which was backed by a total of 44 Labour MPs. The York Central MP said she had seen the bill "disintegrating before our eyes". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maskell said she was glad there had been a public debate about the issue and "now disabled people should feel empowered to have their voice at long last in an ableist parliament". Labour MP Chris Curtis, who supported the welfare changes, said the government needed to focus on economic growth to put the finances on a stable footing. "I hope this government is going to go further and faster, and be bolder and more radical on unlocking growth in this country," he said. "The most important thing for financial stability is to ensure we get the economy growing again." Skyli Alvarez New York Citys LadyLand music festival arrived on Pride Weekend, one of dozens of weekend outings available to the citys queer and trans population and those traveling in from out of town for the festivities. I wasnt sure what to expect, given how complicated the idea of celebrating during Pride right now feels. People love to call NYC a liberal bubble, but just like everywhere else in this country, weve seen hospitals pull out of providing youth gender-affirming care and increased physical attacks on queer and trans people since the January inauguration of a president that campaigned in part on anti-queer and trans rhetoric. Headliner FKA twigs has faced visa problems this year in order to perform stateside, as the heated policing and contestation of the U.S. border continues to make headlines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So while I came to LadyLand to party and dance and see the cutting edge of dance and pop music not to mention headliners like Cardi B the politics writer in me also wondered how people were, yknow, really feeling. Like last years festival, the fashion was superb. (Ill largely let it speak for itself via photos from Teen Vogue's very own Skyli Alvarez.) Just like at WorldPride in our nations capital earlier in June, I witnessed countless Protect the Dolls shirt ripoffs and handmade homages to the original made by fashion designer Conner Ives; a particularly inspired trio of friends had bedazzled black baby tees with the slogan. Skyli Alvarez Skyli Alvarez Skyli Alvarez Skyli Alvarez Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Skyli Alvarez Skyli Alvarez Skyli Alvarez Skyli Alvarez Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I started my Saturday night chatting with up-and-comer Cortisa Star, a rapper out of Delaware who I first saw perform at a local Brooklyn trans dance night that also serves as a mutual aid hub. That was just a few months ago since then, Cortisa has walked for Miu Miu in Paris, gotten written up in Pitchfork, and was on the cover of THE FACE magazine. I ask if shes shell-shocked at how quickly its all happening. Especially compared to, like, my small town in Delaware, I'm doing crazy things every day, Cortisa says, perched on a couch in a blessedly air-conditioned backstage trailer. She tells me shes preparing for a three-week tour in Europe; the first time she had left the country was earlier this year for Miu Miu. My grandmother thought I was lying, she laughs, regarding the show. In the future, Cortisa hopes to continue pursuing modeling, as well as someday even launching her own magazine. Watching the crowd during her set a crowded and raucous party, with easily ten other girls up on stage with her, including her three sisters it all feels possible for her. Skyli Alvarez Back in the trailer, behind a cool, friendly exterior, Cortisa was feeling the pressure of doing what she does while living in a country that legislates against her existence. People really do hate us, she tells me matter-of-factly. They want us gone, but we gotta keep popping. That's the only resistance we have, is popping in their face. Skyli Alvarez Looking at 19-year-old Cortisa, with her doe eyes and braces, her rocketing-upwards star and her brash, powerful presence, its hard not to think about how young trans people consistently permit the world to see their creativity and vibrancy, undeserving as it may be, amid the anti-LGBTQ+ legislative onslaught. Several states across this country wouldve banned the festivals sets: During vogue icon Kevin Aviances DJ set, the word c*nty ricocheted over the crowd, the ratatatat sounding the starting bell of a ballroom strut. Skyli Alvarez Skyli Alvarez Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The handwringing induced by being chased around by fascists couldnt penetrate the energy of the festival. Before a transcendent performance by FKA twigs, attendees were treated to a reading of Zoe Leonards famous poem I Want a Dyke for President by event organizer Ladyfag. During the title track of twigs's latest album Eusexua, as she eerily cooed, You feel alone/youre not alone, the crowd rush, which jumped and swayed in time, helped tell the lyrics story. As she closed out the weekend, twigs shared that her music only existed because of the queer community, as so many pop stars have expressed before. LadyLand felt like a space that didn't even need that validation they just knew. Skyli Alvarez Skyli Alvarez I went to LadyLand last year with a loved one awaiting gender-affirming surgery, and we saw a girl looking all the world like '90s Kate Moss in a post-facial feminization surgery head sling. Ive thought of that girl most days. In the year since, trans communities have lost so much, but so many of my trans friends have also been able to access surgery and start HRT. Things change. Resistance sprouts, despite the forces constantly trying to squash it. I think of a phrase I saw scrawled on a wall elsewhere in Brooklyn last winter captioned with Free Palestine, a line attributed to the poet Pablo Neruda: You can cut all the flowers, but you cant stop spring. Skyli Alvarez Skyli Alvarez Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Skyli Alvarez Skyli Alvarez Skyli Alvarez Skyli Alvarez Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Skyli Alvarez Skyli Alvarez Skyli Alvarez Skyli Alvarez Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Skyli Alvarez The purple and pink in the sky faded to periwinkle, the suns sleep letting the heat release somewhat. I saw hand fans snapping with the beat at a further-off stage, could nearly hear their thwacking. I glanced up and spied, then briefly caught hold of, a lightning bug, which crawled along my palm then took off, looking at first like it was falling. I asked Cortisa Star if she had any final messages for readers at home. After a beat, she says, I want all the tr*nnies to know that we are powerful. We're gonna take over. Swipe through the gallery below to see more moments from LadyLand 2025: Skyli Alvarez Skyli Alvarez Skyli Alvarez Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Skyli Alvarez Skyli Alvarez Skyli Alvarez Skyli Alvarez Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Skyli Alvarez Skyli Alvarez Skyli Alvarez Skyli Alvarez Skyli Alvarez Skyli Alvarez Originally Appeared on Teen Vogue Want more great Culture stories from Teen Vogue? Check these out: Lafayette, LA (KLFY) With the Fourth of July around the corner, Lafayette Fire Department wants to ensure everyone celebrates safely and responsibly. Below are some important safety tips to keep in mind, especially when it comes to fireworks. Fireworks Safety: Detonate devices at least 200 feet away from structures, vehicles, and rubbish. Never allow children to light fireworks. Never operate fireworks while impaired. Light devices one at a time and monitor embers released with a bucket of water or hose nearby. Discard detonated items by wetting them down to prevent reignition and not disposing of them in a trash container immediately. Always read and follow the label directions carefully. Adults should always supervise fireworks activity. Fireworks should be placed on a hard, smooth surface before ignition. Never light fireworks in your hand. Quickly light one firework at a time, and move away quickly after lighting. Never point or throw fireworks at people, pets, cars, or buildings. Keep fireworks away from small children. Do not alter or make your fireworks. Fireworks that have been ignited and fail to immediately explode or discharge can cause injury, as they may still be active. If viewing a fireworks display, never pick up fireworks that may be left over. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 4th of July Events Around Acadiana The Lafayette Fire Department reminds citizens that it is illegal to possess, use, handle, sell or ignite fireworks within city limits of Lafayette. Fireworks may be set off only in unincorporated areas of Lafayette Parish from June 25 through July 5 from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m. and until 1:00 a.m. on July 5. Minors under the age of 18 are not permitted to possess, handle or purchase fireworks. Latest news Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLFY.com. MATTOON, Ill. (WTWO/WAWV) Lake Land College will be holding an event for high school students looking to get into a career in nursing. The event is called Introduction to Nursing and will teach high school students about different careers in nursing and provide tips on their nursing special admission process. Students will also get to meet program faculty and alumni, tour Lake Lands facilities, and receive hands-on experience in the colleges high-fidelity simulation lab. Students will also receive help on the admission process, tips for the entrance exam, available resources, and financial aid options. Lake Land College offers new way for students to get HVAC certified Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The event will take place on July 22 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Neal Halls room 101. Space for the event is limited. The first 30 individuals to sign up will be able to attend the event. Registration is online and can be found at this link. Registration is open until the day of the event. To learn more about the event, contact nursing instructor Nichole Jones at 217-234-5455 or njones8307@lakelandcollege.edu. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyWabashValley.com. SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage) Lake Nasworthy is hosting their annual fireworks show on Friday, July 4. The event is expected to draw thousands of people. The show is to begin a little after dusk, around 9 p.m. The fireworks will be launched from near the Goodfellow recreation camp, with good viewing points from Lake Nasworthy. San Angelo police advise motorists in the area to be aware of heavy traffic and people walking along the side of the road. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But especially on the holiday weekend, were gonna have an extra enforcement for DWI enforcement and just extra presence here at the lake, said SGT. John Bouligny of the SAPD. SAPD also reminds boaters that children age 13 and under must always wear a life jacket while on the water. By all means, we want you to have a great time; however, please enjoy responsibly, dont drink and drive, and if youve had a little bit too much, maybe its time to go home for the evening, Bouligny said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ConchoValleyHomepage.com. DENVER (KDVR) A Lakewood mother who made headlines last year for starting an in-home cake business to pay for her sons headstone is now facing another unimaginable loss. Angela Hernandezs younger son, Vincent Chacon, was killed while in custody at the Denver Downtown Detention Center. According to Hernandez, the family was told Chacon had been released, only to learn days later that he had died in custody. Inmate at Denvers downtown jail arrested in murder investigation of fellow inmate: police Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We received a text from Denver County Saturday saying they had released him, she said. Monday morning, they said they didnt have him there. Then Tuesday morning, the coroner called to tell me he had passed. Denver police say the suspect is 43-year-old Ricky Lee Roybal-Smith, who has a lengthy criminal history, including prior arrests for assault and domestic violence. Hernandez says her son, who was being held on a traffic charge, should never have been placed in the same unit. They need to be accountable for putting him in the same cell. Within three hours, he ends up dead, she said. The incident is now being investigated as a homicide. The Denver Sheriff Department has not yet commented on how Chacon and Smith came to be housed together. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Free on Your TV New FOX31+ App for Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV Hernandez is now planning another funeral and demanding accountability from the jail. I just want justice for my son, she said. FOX31 has reached out to the Denver County Sheriffs Department 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 FOX31 Denver. WILKES-BARRE TWP., LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) Police say a woman was arrested after she allegedly smashed her landlords head with a rock when he tried to collect late rent. According to the Wilkes-Barre Township Police Department, 60-year-old Kathleen Venegas was arrested after an assault on her landlord. Wyoming Valley Mall remains closed after a week long power outage issue Officers say Venegas repeatedly smashed her landlords head with a rock when he came to collect overdue rent Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The victim suffered significant injuries. Venegas is charged with aggravated assault and other related offenses. She remains in the Luzerne County Correctional Facility with bail set at $50,000. 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 28/22 News. Lara Trump considers run for NC Senate seat, backed by Rep. Pat Harrigan North Carolina Republicans have different takes on how they should proceed now that Sen. Thom Tillis, R-NC, isnt running for reelection. North Carolinas 2026 Senate race wide open after Tillis bows out President Donald Trumps daughter-in-law, Lara Trump, says she is considering a run. Rep. Pat Harrigan, R-NC 10, says he will back Lara Trump if she goes for the seat. House Speaker Destin Hall, R-NC 87, says North Carolina Republicans should unite behind whoever President Trump endorses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, former Lieutenant Gov. Mark Robinson says there should be an open primary. Lara Trump does not currently live in North Carolina. If she decides to run, state law requires her to be registered to vote as a Republican in North Carolina by Sept. 20. Thats 90 days before shed have to file to run in the primary. Lara Trump grew up in Wrightsville Beach and went to N.C. State University before marrying Eric Trump. VIDEO: North Carolinas 2026 Senate race wide open after Tillis bows out A new interstellar object has been spotted careening into the solar system at an extremely unusual trajectory. If its interstellar origins were to be confirmed, it'd only be the third of its kind spotted in the solar system in history. An oblong interstellar object, dubbed 'Oumuamua, was first discovered in 2017, while comet 2I/Borisov was detected in 2019. The latest addition, provisionally named A11pl3Z, has a highly unusual trajectory, leading astronomers to believe it may have also originated from outside our star system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The object was added to the International Astronomical Unions Minor Planet Center's list of confirmed Near-Earth Objects on July 1, as EarthSky reports. NASA and the Jet Propulsion Lab also list it as a near-Earth object. Scientists estimate it could be up to 12 miles across. It could also set a new speed record, ripping by the Earth with a relative velocity of around 56 miles per second, according to radio astronomer Marshall Eubanks. It's still far too early to tell what A11pl3Z actually is. Could it be a comet, like 2I/Borisov, a celestial object made of ice, dust, and small rock particles? Or could it be an asteroid, ejected from a distant star system to end up in our own? In any case, it's an exciting new discovery that could allow scientists to glean new insights into the nature of interstellar space and the alien worlds that populate it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Understandably, astronomers are thrilled to find out more about the unusual visitor. "After a few more precovery observations, and followups, it became clear this object is on a hyperbolic trajectory through the solar system," Catalina Sky Survey astronomer David Rankin wrote in a post on Bluesky, noting that its trajectory has "by far the highest eccentricity of any object ever discovered." According to Rankin, the object's eccentricity is around 6.05. In simple terms, that means it's taking far more of a "straight" path through the solar system than any object we've ever found. Our friend at Atlas seem to have discovered the 3rd interstellar object deep in the milky way. Precovery data going back to June 25th is leaving little doubt. With an eccentricity near 10, this is like nothing seen before. Comet is screaming by us. David Rankin (@asteroiddave.bsky.social) 2025-07-02T02:24:56.328Z "This is only the 3rd interstellar object ever discovered," Rankin wrote in a followup post. "'Oumuamua was the first with an eccentricity of ~1.02. Then came comet 2I/Borisov with an eccentricity of ~3.35. This object has an eccentricity of around 6, much higher than both of the previous "I" objects. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "A really neat find," he added. A11pl3Z will make a "semi-close" encounter of Mars in October and Jupiter in March of next year, Rankin said. Neither of these passes "will meaningfully affect its orbit." The blazing object will also pose no danger to Earth, as Ars Technica points out, since we will be on the other side of the Sun when it makes its next close encounter with our planet. It'll likely take some time until we can learn more about A11pl3Z. Besides, even the two previous interstellar visitors astronomers have spotted remain shrouded in mystery. Scientists still disagree about 'Oumuamua's exact origin story, almost eight years after it was spotted by astronomers using a telescope in Hawaii. Some claim it's an asteroid, while others say it's a comet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One less conventional explanation: if Harvard astronomer Avi Loeb is to be believed, the 300-to-3,300-feet-long object could be an alien "mothership" visiting the solar system from lightyears away. More on interstellar objects: Alpha Centauri Sending Stream of Objects Into Our Solar System, Scientists Propose LAS VEGAS (KLAS) A juror in the battery trial involving the man charged in Tupac Shakurs murder told a judge Wednesday that he never improperly discussed the case. On April 9, a Clark County jury found Duane Keffe D Davis, 61, guilty of fighting with another inmate in December at the Clark County Detention Center. It took the jury 90 minutes to reach its verdict. Davis, who faces a murder charge in Shakurs death, has publicly said he was sitting in the front passenger seat of the car involved in the 1996 murder near the Las Vegas Strip. Prosecutors later charged Davis with battery by a prisoner and challenging a person to a fight. They had to prove the fight with Rochlon Hamilton, another inmate in custody on a murder charge, was not self-defense. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Davis has repeatedly said he was attacked in the fight and set up. During the trial, Clark County District Court Judge Nadia Krall repeatedly told the jury not to discuss the case during any break until jury deliberations. In documents filed after the verdict, attorneys for Davis alleged several jurors discussed about inmates fighting about how the little guy has to work harder to preserve his reputation while awaiting lunch during a break. Davis attorneys were not informed about the conversation until after the verdict, they said. The juror at the center of the conversation, whose identity the judge ordered to remain confidential, said he never talked about Davis before he and other jurors began deliberating during a trial in April. The man also said he did not even know who Davis was and did not know his connection to the Shakur case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No one was talking about the case, the juror said Wednesday. I didnt even know who he was. A still image from surveillance footage from the fight involving Duane Keffe D Davis. (LVMPD/KLAS) Twelve other jurors were called into the courtroom independently and were not in the room to hear each others testimony. No other juror corroborated the defenses claims. Other witnesses included a documentarian chronicling Shakurs murder and Davis son, Duane Davis Jr. Both told the judge they overheard the conversation. Prosecutors noted the documentarian had previously paid the Davis family. Davis attorney, Carl Arnold, told Krall that it was unlikely jurors would have remembered the conversation and that the court should have removed the juror at trial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Krall denied the request for a new trial, saying the marshal learned of the information after the trial and that the jurors all testified they did not hear the reported conversation. She added that the filmmaker and Davis son had a bias to testify. Krall scheduled sentencing for Aug. 7. The trial for Shakurs murder was scheduled to begin next year. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. QUITO, July 1 (Xinhua) -- The United States deported 3,977 irregular Ecuadorian migrants in the first half of 2025, the Ecuadorian Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday. The figure includes 38 Ecuadorians who arrived Monday in the southwestern coastal city of Guayaquil on a U.S. military flight. The U.S. Embassy confirmed the deportation on social media, stating that it is enforcing the U.S. immigration laws and deporting illegal entrants. According to the ministry, 3,939 Ecuadorians were expelled via 46 flights by June 30, excluding the latest arrivals. From 2019 to 2025, the United States deported 51,107 Ecuadorians on 451 flights, with military flights being used since Jan. 28, 2025. In response, the Ecuadorian government is offering returnees a monthly stipend of 470 U.S. dollars -- equivalent to the national minimum wage -- for up to three months. Additional support includes job training, educational opportunities and scholarship programs to aid reintegration. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) A new mandatory increase to retirement contributions takes effect Tuesday for all public employees in Nevada. Police officers will contribute approximately 30% of their gross pay to retirement. The increase is more than their cost-of-living raise, which evens out to a pay reduction of about 2%. The Las Vegas Police Protective Association, the union representing metro police, emailed members a poll with four options: to either commence a strike, utilize sick leave, report for duty but refuse to leave the briefing room, or do nothing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, Nevada law states public employees, such as officers, cannot strike against their government employer, which Mayor Shelley Berkley cited when asked to address the potential of a strike during her press conference. Right now, they are in the middle of a contract that they knew about and signed, said the mayor. Were all paying our fair share. The mayor also pointed out that she is part of the PERS program. If it was up to me, of course wed be absorbing the difference. But the reality is that our PERS contribution went up $9 million. The city doesnt have $9 million, Berkley said. We cannot carve out the police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mayor Berkley added that Metro polices contract is up next year, and can be renegotiated. Metro police declined to comment. However, they did provide 8 News Now salary data. A police recruits annual salary can range between $62,549.42 to $89,043.51. However, after 20 years, it can reach up to $115,620.57. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Bryan Kohberger pleaded guilty Wednesday to murder in the fatal stabbing of four University of Idaho students in 2022. He agreed to the plea deal just weeks before his trial was to begin to avoid the death penalty, which prosecutors had said they intended to pursue. Kohberger, 30, was charged with killing Kaylee Goncalves, Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle and Madison Mogen at a rental home near campus in Moscow, Idaho, on Nov. 13, 2022. The northern Idaho farming community of about 25,000 people was rocked by the killings and hadnt seen a homicide in about five years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heres the latest: Reporters pack up their belongings After hours of waiting, preparing, and then reporting on Kohbergers guilty plea, the rush for the reporters was over. The cameras around the microphones outside the courthouse were broken down, packed into cases. Reporters retreated from the heavy heat to tents that had been erected throughout the night and created a small city of cameras and equipment. Madison Mogens family supports the plea agreement Leander James, an attorney for the parents of Madison Mogen, addressed the large press pool standing outside the courthouse on Wednesday. Reading a statement from Mogens mother and stepfather, James said, We support the plea agreement 100%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the days leading up to the plea hearing, the family of Kaylee Goncalves blasted the plea deal, and said they were firmly against it. While we know there are some who do not support it, we ask that they respect our belief that this is the best outcome for the victims, their families and the state of Idaho, the statement read. The statement continued: We now embark on a new path. We embark on a path of hope and healing. Prosecutors revealed new details about Kohbergers efforts to cover up the killings In the months leading up to the murders, Kohbergers cellphone connected to a cell tower in the area approximately 23 times, mostly at night, the prosecutor said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thompson said that Kohbergers apartment and office were scrubbed clean when investigators searched them, and his car had been pretty much disassembled internally. He also changed his car registration to Washington State after the four killings, Thompson said. FBI agents were able to collect DNA samples from the trash outside of Kohbergers parents house, where he was living at the time. Investigators determined that DNA left on a Q-Tip belonged to the father of the person who left DNA on the knife sheath found at the crime scene. The defendant has studied crime, Thompson said. In fact, he did a detailed paper on crime scene processing when he was working on his Ph.D., and he had that knowledge skillset. Families of the victims quietly left the courtroom Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They left behind tissue boxes and crumpled tissues. A clump of microphones, set up for the families or their attorneys to comment outside the courthouse, sat vacant in the hot sun half an hour after the hearing by ended. Reporters mingled as about 25 cameras trained on the microphones. It was not clear whether anyone was going to speak to the group. The father of one of the victims left the courtroom before the hearing started Kaylee Goncalves father, Steve Goncalves, left the courthouse shortly after arriving on Wednesday, before Kohberger entered the courtroom. He appeared frustrated. Im just getting out of this zoo, Goncalves said in a video posted on X. The Gonclaves family had previously said in a Facebook post that they were beyond furious at the State of Idaho for offering Kohberger a plea. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As he walked out of the courthouse on Wednesday, he told a reporter that the rest of the Goncalves family felt it was important to be in the courtroom, but that he had no plans on going back. The hearing has adjourned ___ Kohberger remained expressionless as he entered the guilty plea As Kohberger pleaded guilty, some of the victims loved ones looked down while others craned to see him. The judge will sentence Kohberger at 9 a.m. on July 23. Documents in the court file wont be unsealed until after sentencing. Bryan Kohberger formally pleads guilty to killing four University of Idaho students in a plea deal to avoid the death penalty Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ___ Prosecutor describes the evidence they had built against Kohberger Prosecutor Bill Thompson mapped out how police were able to map Kohbergers movements using data from his cellphone, and provided a precise timeline of the stabbings. Kohberger slipped through the sliding back door where the four victims were staying, Thompson said. He first killed Madison Mogen. He then killed Kaylee Goncalves. Kohberger stabbed Xana Kernodle, who was collecting a DoorDash order, as he was leaving Goncalves room. He also killed Kernodles boyfriend, Ethan Chapin, who was asleep in bed, with a long-blade knife. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kohberger left a sheath from his knife in Mogens room. Thompson emphasized that there was a single source of male DNA that matched Kohbergers left on the sheath. There is no evidence that any of the victims were sexually assaulted The prosecutor said he wanted to emphasize that point so that members of the public would not speculate about whether there was a sexual component to the crimes. Bryan Kohberger tells judge he is guilty of killing 4 University of Idaho students The hearing is ongoing and the admission is not the formal plea. Loved ones cry as the victims names are read As the judge read the names of those Kohberger is accused of killing, people in the section for families teared up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One wiped their eyes with the back of their hand. Others cried into their tissues. Kohberger remained unemotional as he confirmed to the judge that he stabbed the four victims almost three years ago. Kohberger confirms he understands the plea agreement and the consequences he is facing Judge Hippler addressed Kohberger, wearing a gray shirt and dark tie, directly to explain the possible penalties to the crime that he is set to plead guilty to. Kohberger confirmed to the judge that he was pleading guilty freely and voluntarily because he was, in fact, guilty, and not because he had some other incentive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The families maintained stoic expressions across the courtroom from Kohberger as he gave his short, affirmative answers to the judge. The judge says he learned of the guilty plea on Monday, just like everyone else The judge wasted no time to address the controversy around the decision to offer Kohberger a plea to avoid the death penalty -- a decision that one victims family has vehemently opposed. This court cannot require the prosecutor to seek the death penalty, nor would it be appropriate for this court to do that, Hippler said. He also addressed criticisms that the families were not given time to weigh in on the plea deal. I, like everyone else, learned of this plea agreement Monday afternoon and had no inkling of it beforehand. Once I learned of the defendants decision to change his plea in this case it was important that I take the plea as soon as possible. Judge admonishes those who have tried to contact the court and influence his decision Judge Steven Hippler said his court received numerous emails and phone messages ahead of the hearing, during which Hippler can accept or reject the plea agreement. He said the efforts by members of the public were inappropriate and also said that no external opinions would influence his decision. Court is not supposed to, and this court will never, take into account public sentiment in making an opinion regarding its judicial decisions in cases. I always will make decisions based on where the facts and the law lead me, period, the judge said. Kohberger watched without reaction as the judge issued his warning. The victims families sit together as they wait for the hearing to begin They waited with somber, quiet expressions. At least 100 people were in attendance in the courtroom, and nearly 12,000 people tuned in to watch a livestream of the proceeding. The victims families arrive at court About an hour before Kohberger was set to plead guilty, the family of Ethan Chapin, a 20-year-old freshman killed that night, walked into the courthouse. Ethans mother, Stacy Chapin, and father, Jim Chapin, support the plea deal, their spokesperson said Tuesday. Family members of the other slain students, including relatives of victim Kaylee Goncalves, began filing in afterward. More about the victims Dozens of reporters gather outside the courthouse Long before the sun rose on Wednesday morning, television reporters from across the country quietly set up cameras outside the courthouse in Boise, Idaho, sipping energy drinks and greeting one another. Reporters and true crime enthusiasts seeking a place in the courtroom began to trickle in as early as 2 a.m. MT nine hours before the hearing would actually begin. The group grew to some 40 people by 8 a.m., when they were let into the building, chattering about the case. The hearing is set to begin at 11 a.m. local time. ___ This item has been corrected to show that the hearing is scheduled to start at 11 a.m. local time, not 11 p.m. Victims and their families have limited input on how crimes are prosecuted The family of Kaylee Goncalves says it opposes any deal that would take the death penalty off the table. Prosecutors stressed in a letter to victims families, obtained by ABC News, that they had met with available family members last week before extending the offer. Idaho, among other states, guarantees crime victims the right to communicate with prosecutors. This right largely means being kept informed and participating as a case proceeds but it does not give victims or their families the final say in how prosecutors try a case or whether they can offer or approve a plea agreement. There is no appeals process for victims or families who disagree with a prosecutors decision, but that doesnt mean there isnt recourse if a victim believes their rights have been violated. Locals share relief and anger over the plea deal Moscow resident Luke Brunaugh, who said he lives less than a mile from where the killings happened, didnt like that a deal would mean the death penalty option would go away, saying that should be the punishment for murder. I think its just unfair to the families, said Brunaugh. It allows him to hide. He never had to really go to trial. He is answering to his crimes, but not to the fullest extent in my opinion. Heidi Barnett said she felt trepidation when her son chose the University of Idaho as his college three years ago. Visiting him in Moscow on Tuesday, Barnett said a long trial would have been very emotional for the families. I would think life in prison sometimes would be harder, so I kind of looked at it that way, she said. Im not the parent, but I would be happy with that. Kohberger decided to ac cept a plea deal only after failed efforts to strike the death penalty failed His attorneys tried to bar prosecutors from seeking the death penalty on an array of grounds that it would violate standards of decency or flout international law, that prosecutors had failed to provide evidence properly, that their clients autism diagnosis reduced any possible culpability. They challenged the legitimacy of DNA evidence and sought permission to suggest to a jury that someone else committed the crime. None of it worked, so they turned to a final option: a plea deal to avoid execution. Republican leaders in the House are sprinting toward a Wednesday vote on President Donald Trumps tax and spending cuts package, determined to seize momentum from a hard-fought vote in the Senate while essentially daring members to defy their partys leader and vote against it. Its a risky gambit designed to meet Trumps demand for a July 4 finish. Here's the latest: GOP Rep. Tim Burchett says Trump gave assurances to House members in meeting Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Burchett said Trump was very forthright with him and Freedom Caucus members at a meeting at the White House on Wednesday. The meeting lasted nearly two hours with the president, and others in the room, including Vice President JD Vance, answering questions, Burchett said. He said assurances were made to the members, including involving Medicaid. He answered a lot of my questions, Burchett said, adding that hes since talked to the president on the phone. I still am not sure. Im leaning in favor of the course. FDA official overruled government scientists on the availability of 2 COVID-19 vaccines Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Food and Drug Administrations vaccine chief, Dr. Vinay Prasad, intervened to restrict approval of two new COVID-19 shots from vaccine makers Novavax and Moderna, newly released documents show. FDA staff reviewers recommended the shots be approved for anyone 12 and older. But the FDA memos show Prasad limited the use to seniors and certain higher-risk Americans. The vaccine restriction is the latest in a series imposed by officials working under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Read more about the restricted vaccine approvals One of 2 Republicans who previously voted against Trumps bill now says hell support it Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Warren Davidson, of Ohio, had voted against Trumps tax and spending bill back in late May. He announced Wednesday hes now voting yes. Thats a big pivot as Republican leadership looks to get the bill over the finish line. They can afford few defections. Davidson posted on the social platform X: This bill isnt perfect, but its the best well get & includes major wins. He then listed examples such as new Medicaid work requirements and enhanced food stamp work requirements. He also said it secures the border. For these reasons, Im voting yes on both the rule and the One Big Beautiful Bill, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump ramps up attacks against Zohran Mamdani The president is escalating his attacks against New York Citys Democratic nominee for mayor, 33-year-old self-described democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani. In recent days, Trump has threatened to arrest him, deport him and even take over if he wins the general election in November. Mamdanis stunning, surprise victory over former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has given Republicans a new target as they seek to paint the entire Democratic Party as extreme and out of touch with voters heading into elections this fall. Read more about Trumps attacks against the GOPs new foe Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump is once again calling for the Fed chair to resign He continued his rising critiques of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell with a post on social media Wednesday once again calling for him to resign. Trump shared an article on Truth Social about calls for Powell to be investigated over testimony he gave before Congress last week, but Trump said: Too Late should resign immediately!!! Trump has been hammering Powell for not cutting the Feds key short-term interest rate. Trump to meet at White House with American hostage freed from Gaza Trump and first lady Melania Trump will meet at the White House on Thursday with Edan Alexander, the last living American hostage in Gaza, who was released in May. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The President and First Lady have met with many released hostages from Gaza, and they greatly look forward to meeting Edan Alexander and his family in the Oval Office tomorrow, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement. Alexander, now 21, is an American Israeli from New Jersey. The soldier was 19 when militants stormed his base in Israel and dragged him into the Gaza Strip. Read more about the meeting Pentagon spokesperson on Ukraine aid halt: We cant give weapons to everybody. The Pentagons chief spokesperson says the pause of weapons shipments to Ukraine is part of a review of military assistance to ensure it aligns with U.S. defense priorities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sean Parnell declined to specify the types or amounts of weaponry that will be withheld under the halt. He says the pause does not reflect any concerns about the militarys ability to defend U.S. interests. Were always assessing, you know, our munitions and where were sending them, he told reporters. We cant give weapons to everybody all around the world. The Pentagon says US strikes completely obliterated Irans nuclear sites Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell says the strikes in June set back Tehrans nuclear program by more than a year. Were thinking probably closer to two years, Parnell told reporters at his second briefing since Trumps latest term began. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We destroyed the components they would need to build a bomb, Parnell said. We believe Irans nuclear capability has been severely degraded. The Big Beautiful Bill and its impact on clean energy tax credits The bill now in the House takes an ax to clean energy incentives, including killing a 30% tax credit for rooftop residential solar by the end of the year that the Biden administrations Inflation Reduction Act extended into the next decade. Trump has called the clean energy tax credits in the climate law part of a green new scam that improperly shifts taxpayer subsidies to help the globalist climate agenda and energy sources like wind and solar. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Businesses and analysts say the GOP-backed bill will likely reverse the sectors growth and eliminate jobs. Karl Stupka, president of Raleigh-based NC Solar Now, says if the bill becomes law, companies will rush to finish as many solar jobs as they can before the credit ends. He believes he will have to lay off half of his 100 employees. Federal judge finds a Trump order suspending asylum access at the southern border unlawful The judges order throws into doubt one of the key pillars of Trumps plan to crack down on migration at the southern border. U.S. District Judge Randolph Moss says his order will take effect July 16, giving the Trump administration two weeks to appeal. In an order signed Jan. 20, Trump declared the situation at the southern border constitutes an invasion of America and that he was suspending the physical entry of migrants and their ability to seek asylum until he decides its over. Moss wrote that neither the Constitution nor immigration law gives the president an extra-statutory, extra-regulatory regime for repatriating or removing individuals from the United States, without an opportunity to apply for asylum or other humanitarian protections. Alina Habba is formally nominated for US attorney in New Jersey The White House posted the nomination of the presidents former counselor and defense lawyer to its website on Tuesday. Habba is already serving in that role on an interim basis. A spokesperson for the Senate Judiciary Committee confirmed that the panel has received the nomination. The states two Democratic senators, Cory Booker and Andy Kim, said in a joint statement that Habba has already degraded the office and pursued frivolous and politically motivated prosecutions as interim prosecutor. Its clear that Alina Habba does not meet the standard to serve the people of New Jersey, they said. We were promised Rep. Eric Burlison, a Freedom caucus member, says the changes the Senate made to the bill are simply unacceptable. Burlison says Republican leaders promised when we passed it to allow it to go to the Senate, that they would live up to the framework and any kind of tax cuts would be reciprocated with spending cuts. And it doesnt meet that framework. We were promised. And so its really about making people live up to the promises, Burlison says. Freedom Caucus chair says House votes lacking to advance Trump bill GOP Rep. Andy Harris has predicted that a key procedural vote will fail, putting Trumps tax and spending cuts bill in jeopardy of missing the presidents 4th of July deadline. The rules vote as is will fail, said Harris, before walking into House Majority Whip Tom Emmers office. Harris says he has not spoken to the president today. He says if Trump wants a bill as soon as possible, he has to get the Senate back in town as soon as possible. Otherwise this is going to drag on until the end of next week, said Harris. CIA report examines investigations into Russia and the 2016 presidential election The declassified report released Wednesday challenges the work intelligence agencies did to conclude that Russia interfered in the election because it wanted Trump to win. The memo was written on the orders of CIA Director John Ratcliffe, a Trump loyalist who spoke out against the Russia investigation as a member of Congress. It does not address that multiple investigations, including by the Republican-led Senate Intelligence Committee in 2020, that reached the same conclusion about Russias influence and motives. The report cites several anomalies that the authors say could have impacted conclusions that Russian President Vladimir Putin aspired to help Trump win. They include a rushed timeline and a reliance on unconfirmed information, including opposition research about Trumps ties to Russia that was compiled by a former British spy, Christopher Steele, whose work was financed by Democrats. Democrats use parliamentary tactics to present a united front With limited time for debate, scores of Democrats are weighing in on the House floor with their opposition to Trumps tax and spending cut bill. One by one, the lawmakers are lining up and making a simple request: Amend a resolution before the House to protect against any cuts to Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Rep. Steve Womack, R-Ark., who is presiding over the chamber, is forced to explain to each speaker that he cannot entertain the request because of an objection from Rep. Virginia Foxx, R-N.C., who is leading the debate for Republicans. Under House rules, the requests being made by Democrats must be cleared by majority and minority leadership before the chair will recognize them. Democratic members know their effort is doomed, but the tactic gives them a chance to show their unity before the cameras and get their request defending Medicaid and SNAP into the Congressional Record. Republican lawmakers leave White House meeting Rep. Stephanie Bice posted a video of her and Rep. Dusty Johnson leaving the White House after conversations with Trump. I think were going to get it done, although its going to take a little bit of time today, Johnson said. Bice added, Hopefully we can get this wrapped up by the end of the day. Education grants in limbo were used for a radical leftwing agenda, the Trump administration says The administration this week withheld more than $6 billion for after-school and summer programs, English language instruction, adult literacy and more, saying it would review the grants to ensure they align with Trumps priorities. The Office of Management and Budget said in a statement Wednesday that many of these grant programs have been grossly misused. It says New York schools have used money for English language instruction to promote organizations that advocate for immigrants in the country illegally, and that Washington state used the money to direct immigrants without legal status toward scholarships that were intended for American students. The agency says grant funds have also been used for a seminar on queer resistance in the arts. GOP Rep. Jason Smith says he texted Trump to encourage Trump on Wednesday shared on social media a text he received from Smith, in which the Missouri Republican thanked Trump for his vision, leadership and determination. Smith tells The Associated Press he has heard Trump shared his text, and that he communicates with the president quite often. My text message to him this morning was to encourage, Smith said, adding that hes never worked with someone in the executive that is engaging as much as President Trump. Air defense missiles are among the weapons the US is withholding from Ukraine, AP sources say The Trump administration will hold back delivering some air defense missiles, precision-guided artillery and other weapons to Ukraine as part of its announced pause to some arms shipments. This comes amid U.S. concerns that its own stockpiles have declined too much, officials said. The details on the weapons in some of the paused deliveries were confirmed by a U.S. official and former national security official familiar with the matter. They both requested anonymity to discuss what is being held up as the Pentagon has yet to provide details. The pause includes some shipments of Patriot missiles, precision-guided GMLRS, Hellfire missiles and howitzer rounds. One official said other weaponry being held up includes the AIM-7 Sparrow, Stinger missiles and AT-4 grenade launchers. Defense Department official Elbridge Colby says Pentagon officials have aimed to provide Trump with robust options to continue military aid to Ukraine, consistent with his goal of bringing this tragic war to an end. ___ By Associated Press reporters Aamer Mahdani and Lisa Mascaro. The White House says arrests for illegal border crossings from Mexico fell 30% during June The Border Patrol made 6,070 arrests in June, down from 8,725 in May, setting a pace for the lowest annual clip since 1966. On June 28, the Border Patrol made only 137 arrests, a sharp contrast to late 2023, when arrests topped 10,000 on the busiest days. Arrests dropped sharply when Mexican officials increased enforcement within their own borders in December 2023 and again when then-President Joe Biden introduced severe asylum restrictions in June 2024. They plunged even more after Trump became president in January, deploying thousands of troops to the border under declaration of a national emergency. AOC says Do the math Liberal leader Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez said Trump often mocks her intelligence, but you dont have to be smart to assess the deal theyre getting under the bill, she said. For example, the bill offers no taxes on tipped income up to $25,000. Compare that to losing health care and food stamp cuts, she said. Is that worth it you? she asked. Losing all your health care? Not being able to feed your baby? Trump meets with GOP lawmakers at the White House The president is holding the meetings with Republican lawmakers as he works to push his legislative agenda over the finish line, according to two White House officials who spoke on condition of anonymity because they werent authorized to discuss private conversations. Trump was meeting with moderate representatives in the Cabinet Room and is also expected to talk with members of the conservative Freedom Caucus. A final vote in the House could come today, which would be the final step before Trump signs the legislation. Collin Binkley and Chris Megerian More from the House debate on Trumps bill before key procedural vote Rep. Mike Haridopolos, a Florida Republican, said voters wanted change for one simple reason: It's too expensive to live in America. He said the bill was designed to help those very people hurt in the last four years. People who earned tips, who earned overtime, people who earned Social Security get a big tax cut, he said. Rep. Nancy Pelosi, a California Democrat and former speaker, took aim at what Republicans are calling the one, big beautiful bill. If beauty is in the eye of the beholder, then GOP, you have a very blurred vision of what America is about, Pelosi said. Is it beautiful to cut off food from seniors and children? She also invoked her own personal path about coming to Congress to stand up for children. The House opens debate on Trumps big bill and its fiery Debate has begun on the bill actually, the procedural debate for considering the bill and lawmakers arent holding back. This is robbery, said Rep. Jim McGovern of Massachusetts, the top Democrat on the Rules Committee. He said its taking from the nations most vulnerable to provide tax breaks for the rich. It is cowardly, it is a betrayal of everything this country is supposed to stand for, he said. Republican Rep. Nick Langworthy of Pennsylvania said the package will ensure Trumps 2017 tax breaks dont expire at the end of the year. This isnt extreme, its not partisan its proven policy, he said. He highlighted the bills higher child tax credit and other expanded tax breaks. Lets get this country back on track, he said. Democrats say theyll vote hell no on GOP bill Democrats have struggled to find a unified message since their key defeats in the 2024 election. But on Wednesday morning, nearly every member of the caucus stood shoulder to shoulder on the Capitol steps, rallying behind Leader Jeffries. Every single House Democrat will vote hell no against this one big ugly bill, Jeffries said to a roaring applause from behind him. And all we need are for House Republicans to join us. House Republicans head to White House for meeting Some of the more conservative members of the House Republican conference say theyre heading to the White House to talk about their concerns with the presidents tax and spending cut bill and its impact on future deficits. Rep. Ralph Norman of South Carolina says hell be a no unless something changes on a procedural vote that Republicans will need to pass to get to a vote on the bill. He says he wont be assured by promises of spending cuts on subsequent bills. Rep. Tim Burchett of Tennessee said once again lawmakers were hearing a line lets pass this and well fix it later. We never fix it later, and America knows that, Burchett said. Its the same game. He also said hes unconcerned about meeting Trumps self-imposed deadline of signing the bill on July 4, this Friday. I dont care if its July 40th, honestly, Burchett said. Trump shares details of his trade negotiation with Vietnam In a follow-up social media post, Trump said Vietnam will pay the United States a 20% tariff on all goods sent into our Territory and a 40% tariff on any transshipping. Transshipping usually means exports that come from China but pass through Vietnam to dodge tariffs on Chinese goods. In return, Vietnam will grant the U.S. TOTAL ACCESS to its market for trade, Trump said, meaning we will be able to sell our product into Vietnam at ZERO Tariff. He added that he thinks SUVs will be a wonderful addition to the various product lines within Vietnam. Trump said he reached the agreement after speaking with Vietnamese General Secretary To Lam, which he said was an absolute pleasure. Trump announces US trade deal with Vietnam He made the announcement on his Truth Social media platform. I just made a Trade Deal with Vietnam. Details to follow! the president said. It comes just before a July 9 deadline by Trump to formally set the tariff rates on goods from dozens of countries. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vows there will be no Hamas in postwar Gaza Trump said Tuesday that Israel had agreed on terms for a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza and urged Hamas to accept the deal before conditions worsen. The U.S. leader has been increasing pressure on the Israeli government and Hamas to broker a ceasefire, and hostage agreement and bring about an end to the war. Hamas said in a brief statement Wednesday that it had received a proposal from the mediators and is holding talks with them to bridge gaps to return to the negotiating table to try to reach a ceasefire agreement. Read more about the war in Gaza House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries naming names House Democrats are calling out Republicans from competitive districts as they try to drum up opposition to Trumps big bill. All we need are four, Jeffries said, referring to the number of GOP defections that would likely defeat the bill. Jeffries mentioned several Republicans from closely divided districts, including two from Pennsylvania. Why would Rob Bresnahan vote for this bill? Why would Scott Perry vote for this bill? he said. House Democrats are gathering on the steps of the Capitol to denounce the Republican bill Shame on Republicans for even bringing this bill to the House floor, House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries said. Were going to do everything in our power to stop it. Some House members road-trip it to DC for tax cuts vote With treacherous weather hampering flights into Washington, a handful of House members hit the road overnight to make it in time for Wednesdays votes. Two GOP members from South Carolina, Reps. Russell Fry and Nancy Mace, chronicled their journey on social media. Democrats also racked up the miles. Illinois Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi drove, hosting a Zoom town hall during his 14-hour drive. Reps. Chris DeLuzio of Pennsylvania and Derek Tran of California drove together after being stranded in Pittsburgh. Tesla sales fell 13% in the last three months as anti-Musk sentiment still has an effect Sales of Tesla electric cars fell as boycotts over Elon Musks political views continue to keep buyers away, a significant development given expectations that anger with the companys billionaire CEO would have faded by now. The plunging sales add to growing signs that Musks embrace of Trump and far-right politicians in Europe has had a deep and enduring hit to the Teslas brand appeal. The new figures also are a possible sign that Tesla could disappoint when it announces second quarter earnings later this month. In the first three months this year, net income fell 71%. Sales fell to 384,122 in April through June, down from 443,956 in the same period last year. During this period, Musk formally left the Trump administration as a cost-cutting czar and hopes rose that sales would recover. Read more about Teslas falling sales Pilots who bombed Irans nuclear sites will be Trumps guests for the Fourth of July Trump is hosting a Fourth of July celebration at the White House on Friday and the pilots have been invited. The Air Force will conduct a flyover of F-22s, B-2s and F-35s, the same aircraft that were used in the strikes in Iran. Trump has said the pilots are incredible. Analysis shows Trumps tariffs would cost a critical group of US employers $82.3 billion That sum could be potentially managed through price hikes, layoffs, hiring freezes or lower profit margins. The analysis by the JPMorganChase Institute is among the first to measure the direct costs created by the import taxes on businesses with $10 million to $1 billion in annual revenue, a category that includes roughly a third of private-sector U.S. workers. These companies are more dependent than other businesses on imports from China, India and Thailand and the retail and wholesale sectors would be especially vulnerable to the import taxes being levied by the Republican president. The findings show clear trade-offs from Trumps import taxes, contradicting his claims that foreign manufacturers would absorb the costs of the tariffs instead of U.S. companies that rely on imports. Read more about the analysis on Trumps tariffs Paramount to pay $16 million in settlement with Trump over 60 Minutes interview In a case seen as a challenge to free speech, Paramount has agreed to pay $16 million to settle a lawsuit filed by Trump over the editing of CBS 60 Minutes interview with then-Vice President Kamala Harris in October. Paramount told media outlets the money will go to Trumps future presidential library, not to the president himself. It said the settlement did not involve an apology. Trumps lawyer said the president had suffered mental anguish over the editing of the interview by CBS News, while Paramount and CBS rejected his contention that it was edited to enhance how Harris sounded. They had sought to get Trumps lawsuit dismissed. There was no immediate word from the White House about the settlement of the case. Read more about Trumps lawsuit over the 60 Minutes interview Trump urges House Republicans to vote for his tax and spending cuts package The encouragement comes as the Republican-controlled House sprints toward a vote Wednesday on the bill after it cleared the Senate by the narrowest of margins a day earlier. Vice President JD Vance, in his role as Senate president, cast the tiebreaking vote on the measure. Some House GOP members have voiced reservations about the bill. House Democrats are united in their opposition to the legislation. Republicans, dont let the Radical Left Democrats push you around. Weve got all the cards, and we are going to use them, Trump said in a post on his social media site. Sticky notes with encouraging words line the wall outside of the National Weather Center and the NSSL. (Photo by Chloe Bennett-Steele/StateImpact Oklahoma) In Norman, scientists are working to significantly speed up tornado warnings while finding new paths to understanding deadly storms and protecting lives and property. A cooperative institute with more than 220 employees is studying ways to update weather radar facilities, investigate the dynamics of severe storms and more. But the years-long research projects are at risk of termination under the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrations (NOAA) most recent budget estimate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A document published Monday details the deep funding cuts to the nations leading weather and climate agency, which would result in the termination of the National Severe Storms Lab (NSSL) and the University of Oklahomas Cooperative Institute for Severe and High-Impact Weather Research and Operations (CIWRO). StateImpact previously reported that the Trump administration sought to eliminate NOAAs research arm, which includes the NSSL. The new budget is a detailed version of the passback document released in April. A request for comment from U.S. Rep. Tom Cole, who chairs the House Appropriations Committee, went unanswered. U.S. Sen. Markwayne Mullin also did not respond. In a statement, a spokesperson for Sen. James Lankford said he would continue to monitor the budget request during the appropriations process. Senator Lankford believes NOAA and the National Severe Storms Laboratory in Norman do essential work in early detection, forecasting and research, the spokesperson said in an email. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The latest plan states that a fraction of NSSL research funds would be funneled to the National Weather Service. Its unclear whether the weather service would use the money for continued research or to cover operational costs. Two large research projects led by the NSSL would be terminated. The Warn-on-Forecast is creating a system to increase tornado warning lead times, which are usually just a few minutes long. In 2024, the program resulted in a 75-minute lead for residents in Iowa. The VORTEX USA project is a collaboration between meteorologists and social scientists to determine why tornadoes in the Southeast are more deadly than in other places. The program began in 2015, primarily developed by the NSSL. NOAA will evaluate options for supporting these specific activities within the NWS in the future, the document reads. Climate research and public information The budget request would terminate funding for many organizations focused on climate, weather and oceans. In Norman, the Southern Climate Impacts Planning Program works with communities on hazard mitigation plans. The documents are usually stepping stones to getting federal funds after a natural disaster. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The program, located within the National Weather Center, is funded by NOAA grants and would likely be eliminated under the budget proposal. Climate change is widely targeted throughout the budget request to recenter the agencys focus on weather, according to the document. But meteorologists say the cuts will likely also disrupt scientists understanding of naturally occurring weather patterns. By eliminating climate research, were eliminating a lot of research that is separate from climate change and has direct societal benefits, like better understanding the El Nino, La Nina phenomenon , being able to understand how to make longer-range monthly to seasonal outlooks, said Alan Gerard, meteorologist and former NSSL employee. All of that benefits agriculture, benefits business. The news came the same day the website that hosts The National Climate Assessment shut down . The report includes details on how local communities are impacted by warming temperatures and other effects of human-caused climate change. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both changes reflect the Trump administrations efforts to eliminate federally funded work on climate research. The final budget will be decided by Congress, which has until the end of September to vote on the spending or provide interim funds for an extension. This article was originally published by StateImpact Oklahoma. StateImpact Oklahoma is a partnership of Oklahomas public radio stations which relies on contributions from readers and listeners to fulfill its mission of public service to Oklahoma and beyond. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX WOODWAY, Texas (FOX 44) If you see a large law enforcement presence at South Bosque Elementary School on Wednesday and Thursday, there is no need to be alarmed. The Midway Independent School Districts Police Department is teaming up with local and regional law enforcement agencies to host ALERRT (Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training). The district says this is only a training exercise and there will be no actual emergencies. The events will take place at 1 Wickson Road. The district says this training helps build relationships, improve response strategies, and keep students and staff safe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Midway ISD Police Chief Jeff Foley hopes the training will help officers better understand school layouts and be more prepared in the event of a shooting. They have free reign of the whole building to just explore and see what rooms work best for them and get to know the layout of our buildings, Chief Foley said. So that if an emergency actually did happen, they would know where theyre going and what the building looks like when they get here. These trainings involve medical responses like learning how to use a tourniquet, the incident command system, and whos in charge during a situation. Youre going to have multiple different police departments show up, Chief Foley stated. Well, theres only one thats going to be in charge of making those decisions. And so, you learn who that is and how to recognize those people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you have any questions or concerns, you can contact Director of Communications Emily Parks at 512-791-6612 or at emily.parks@midwayisd.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 KWKT - FOX 44. Susan Shumaker, a paramedic for Humboldt Fire and Ambulance, pictured in November 2022. (John Hult/South Dakota Searchlight) Back in February, South Dakota lawmakers recognized emergency medical services as an essential service. Sort of. Essential service typically means the government has to guarantee access to said service by providing or funding it. The majority of states dont affix that designation to ambulance services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement South Dakota lawmakers voted unanimously in favor of a non-binding resolution that says the Legislature supports efforts to prioritize emergency medical service as an essential public service. There were other efforts in Pierre that didnt get quite so warm a reception. Two days after the passage of that resolution, lawmakers shot down a bill that wouldve required counties and municipalities to provide ambulance services. Eight days after that, they shot down a similar bill that wouldve created a state fund to divert some money from criminal fines to help pay for services. Instead of backing those bills, they chartered a committee to study the issue and stocked it with five senators and six representatives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Monday, that group of lawmakers convened in Pierre to talk about long-term survival for the ambulance services now provided by a mix of paid and volunteer response teams across the state. The Emergency Medical Services Interim Committee heard testimony on low passage rates for emergency medical technician exams, a decline in volunteerism and the difficulty of setting up an ambulance district, a legal entity. But one issue loomed over all others. The biggest thing I want to get across is that somebody has got to be responsible for funding us, said Maynard Konechne, director of the South Dakota Emergency Medical Services Association and a presenter during the Monday meeting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The study group, which reconvenes on July 23, is tasked with producing a report for lawmakers on the sustainability of ambulance services in South Dakota, with a focus on three areas: Staff recruitment, training and retention. Access to care in rural areas far from trauma care centers. Efficiencies in operations. Citizens expect an ambulance to show up regardless of how far they live from the nearest hospital, said Sen. Tim Reed, R-Brookings, one of the committees two leaders. That means the group and the Legislature as a whole has to be ready to change the way it thinks about emergency medical services (EMS). We have to be willing to have a conversation about how we recognize, support and potentially restructure EMS as an essential part of our public safety system, just like law enforcement or fire services, said Sen. Tim Reed, R-Brookings, co-chair of the committee. Rural areas, declining volunteers, low reimbursement rates The average emergency medical technician in South Dakota is 51 years old, according to survey data collected by the state Department of Health. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The department regulates and offers technical support to the states 121 licensed ambulance services. It also offers training, collects data, and, for the past three years, has been in the process of disbursing $20 million in COVID-era funding to modernize and bolster ambulance services across the state. Marty Link, the director of the departments Emergency Medical Services and Trauma Program, told the committee that South Dakota has 28 active emergency medical technicians (EMTs) between 70 and 75 years old and two in their 80s. Theyre doing great work, and I love them dearly, said Link, himself a longtime service provider, but aging providers are part of the reason the state urged ambulance services to apply for grants to buy power cots. The cots lift and push patients into place without the aid of paramedic muscle, which allows older providers to stay on duty a few more years. The trouble is that fewer people are signing on to be volunteer technicians, Link said, and more stringent testing requirements have become a hurdle in recent years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just 56% of the South Dakotans who took their paramedic test with the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians passed on the first try this year. EMTs arent as highly trained as paramedics, but also must pass a test, often after completing a 190-hour certification course. The passage rate for South Dakota EMT hopefuls in 2025 thus far is 72%. Paramedic and state Rep. Eric Emery, D-Rosebud, told the committee his first emergency medical course lasted eight hours. Increasing professionalization has meant a more skilled response team, he said, but its also put some people off. Twenty-eight ambulance services in South Dakota are all volunteer. Another 24 have a mix of paid staff and volunteers, and still more are paid per-call. Training can be four, five, six months of their life for something that they may not even be compensated for, Emery said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jerome Harvey of Pennington County, a volunteer firefighter, told the committee he doesnt see the volunteer model as workable long-term. The number one issue is steady state funding and realizing the fact that it is a profession, he said. We have to recognize that were on the other side of the mountain, on the other side of the pyramid, on the downhill slide in terms of volunteerism. Recruitment and retention were the number one needs identified in health department surveys of ambulance agencies, part of a 2023 sustainability assessment. On Monday, Link and Health Secretary Melissa Magstadt trumpeted the departments Telemedicine in Motion program, which has equipped 84% of South Dakota ambulance agencies with tablets that connect to doctors who can advise EMTs on how to best deal with traumatic issues. Reimbursement troubles Lemmon, in far northwestern South Dakota, is among the more rural of the states rural enclaves. Its nearest hospital is 26 miles away in Hettinger, North Dakota. Some of Lemmons ambulance services are delivered on a pay-per-call basis, but the call cost often outpaces the pay. Medicare covers about $650, Lemmon EMT Association Treasurer Carrie Derschan said, and Medicaid reimbursements pay around $400. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats about 56%, of the cost to run a patient from the Lemmon nursing home to the nearer hospital. We have to write the rest of that off, she said. A Big, Beautiful Bill packed with President Trumps policy prescriptions is currently up for debate in Congress. The bills provisions have been revised multiple times so far, but Konechne, the EMS Association leader, said he worries that its proposed cuts to Medicaid will exacerbate the issues facing the mobile medical teams. Were struggling the way it is, said Konechne. And now were going to take another hit. Theyre not doing that for police and firefighters. Next steps An increase to the base rate paid by Medicare and Medicaid in South Dakota for ambulance rides is among the funding options listed by the health department in its Monday presentation. Also suggested was funding help for training courses from the state, more investment from local communities for operational needs, and additional fees for super speeders or drunken drivers, earmarked to fund medical services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Community buy-in is already part of the funding puzzle for rural ambulance services. Spearfish pitches in $50,000 a year, that citys EMS director said. In Buffalo, a northwestern city near the Montana border, financial support for the Harding County services 2,500-square-mile coverage area comes from local businesses. They realize that we are health care, said Annette Slaba, Harding Countys EMS director. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Emery sponsored one of the bills to require counties and cities to fund ambulance services that failed to earn support back in February. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His included a plan to siphon some of the money the state collects in criminal fines into an EMS fund, from which localities could pull grants for their operations. It would have started with $1 million from the state general fund, but Emery said during debate on the measure that the fund would probably need $50 million a year to meet the states needs. Committee member Sen. Tamara Grove, R-Lower Brule, said Monday that she feels like citizens wouldnt balk at paying additional taxes for emergency medical services, as long as they understood where their money was going. We want quality people in those ambulances, Grove said. We want people who know what theyre doing and are willing to show up at our worst moments. Sen. Reed suggested that lawmakers could simplify the process of starting an ambulance district, around 20 of which exist today as multi-county, or multi-community partnerships. If state law makes it too difficult to set up those districts, Reed said, it might make sense to simplify the process to let communities take the lead. I dont think we want the state starting to draw lines, Reed said. Its best for communities to work together and figure this out. A taxing district would be a way of doing that. The Ethiopian government has imposed a fine on the use and possession of single-use plastic bags, sparking a mixed response from members of the legislature. According to The Zimbabwe Mail, Ethiopia's House of Peoples' Representatives, which is the lower of the country's two parliamentary houses, approved the proclamation banning all single-use plastic bags in the country and prohibiting retailers from selling them. The proclamation imposes a fine of 2,000 to 5,000 birr ($14.57 to $36 USD) on individuals found in possession of bags and even stricter penalties on businesses and manufacturers found selling the bags. Businesses found selling bags will be hit with fines between 50,000 and 200,000 birr (between $364 and $1,457 USD) or a jail sentence of up to five years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill faced opposition in the legislature. Several members expressed concern that the fines would place undue pressure on lower-income citizens since they would be more inclined to use the single-use bags to begin with. However, Awoke Amzaye, the Deputy Chairperson of the Standing Committee for Water, Irrigation, Lowland Areas, and Environmental Development Affairs, said the fines were a small price to pay to reduce the impact of plastic pollution on the country. "From this perspective, even if the fine were 20,000 or 30,000 birr, it would be to save the country," he said, per The Zimbabwe Mail. Plastic pollution is a massive global problem, but it can be especially troublesome in areas with less robust waste-management systems, like Ethiopia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Single-use plastic containers and bags end up being a constant presence in the environment, especially in oceans and waterways, and can create big problems. This is because the plastic used to make the bags doesn't break down, but it does break apart into tiny particles known as microplastics. These have been linked to profoundly negative health issues in humans and have been found in the bloodstream, inside the brain, and in the lungs as well. The plastic can also leach toxic chemicals into the soil and water, especially when exposed to prolonged high temperatures. Ethiopia has begun a national public awareness campaign to educate citizens about the ban and its implications and explain the environmental rationale behind it. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. The bipartisan bill gives Trump the power to give Israel the power to protect itself against "all contingencies if Iran seeks to develop a nuclear weapon." Legislators have proposed a bill authorizing US President Donald Trump to send B-2 bomber planes and bunker buster bombs to Israel if Iran is still found to be developing a nuclear weapon, Fox News reported on Wednesday. The measure was proposed by Reps. Josh Gottheimer, (D- New Jersey), and Mike Lawler (R- New York) in an effort to allow Trump to "take actions to ensure Israel is prepared for all contingencies if Iran seeks to develop a nuclear weapon." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Iran, the leading state sponsor of terror, and one of Americas top enemies, can never have a nuclear weapon. Thats why I strongly supported our military actions earlier this month. Iran has killed scores of Americans, including our service members, and repeatedly attacked our key democratic ally, Israel. Israel must be able to defend itself against Iran, and ensure that Iran cannot rebuild its nuclear capabilities," Gottheimer said in a statement, as reported by Fox. "This bill gives the president the authority to equip Israel with the tools and training they need to deter Tehran and make the world a safer place," added Lawler. The bill did note that in the case of such an event, Trump would have to justify to Congress that he felt that it was vital to America's national security. A satellite view shows an overview of Fordow underground complex, after the U.S. struck the underground nuclear facility, near Qom, Iran June 22, 2025. (credit: Maxar Technologies/Handout via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS ) The bill also noted that Trump would have to procure "certification that Israel has no other means of destroying Iran's underground nuclear infrastructure." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump secretly ordered strikes on Iran days before the US attacked the Islamic Republic's nuclear facilities with B-2 stealth bombers and bunker buster bombs. He later went on to declare that Iran's nuclear facilities were "obliterated" by the strikes. After Operation Midnight Hammer, many members of Congress had divided responses to Trump's orders to strike Iran. Israels strikes against Iran represent an escalation that is deeply concerning and will inevitably invite counterattacks. This risks not only US negotiations with Iran, but the safety of American service members, diplomats, their families, and ex-pats around the region," said Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, the ranking member on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Hardline Republican Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia noted in a post that the American people arent interested in foreign wars," and later went on to say that she was praying for peace. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In contrast, those who defended the attack stated that they were in America's best interest. I stand firmly behind Israels right to defend itself. Iran has long funded terror groups who killed Americans and has moved to develop nuclear weapons to aim at Israel, Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schulz of Florida tweeted. If Israels strikes set back Irans nuclear program, well all be safer. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson also defended the attack, saying that: Israel IS right and has a right to defend itself! The New York State Assembly passed an energy bill that aligns with its climate policy to achieve a clean economy by 2050. If Gov. Kathy Hochul signs the bill into law, certain natural gas line expansions will come to a halt. As the Democrat and Chronicle reported, lawmakers voted to repeal a rule that stretches natural gas lines to new construction within 100 feet of existing lines. The repeal means utility companies won't have to supply gas to customers in these new construction zones at the customers' expense. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Richard Schrader, the director of New York government affairs at the Natural Resources Defense Council, said the decision is a step in the right direction yet only the beginning of what the state needs to do to achieve its clean energy goals. "To fully align New York's gas utility system with its climate and affordability goals, lawmakers must pass the broader reforms in the NY HEAT Act," Schrader said. The Home Energy Affordable Transition Act, Sen. Liz Krueger said, "would save ratepayers billions of dollars every year on avoided gas infrastructure costs [and] help households transition away from dirty and expensive methane gas." The Assembly did not pass the NY HEAT Act, and natural gas advocates oppose it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The NRDC found that New Yorkers are relying less on natural gas because they have more sustainable power solutions available. But the state continues to spend hundreds of millions of dollars on gas line expansions and billions on replacement pipes. Though repealing the 100-foot rule alone will not make energy cleaner and more affordable, it is encouraging progress. Across the nation, states are passing laws to end gas line expansions into new homes and reduce communities' reliance on natural gas. Environmentally focused policies demonstrate states' sustainability commitments and set examples and precedents for others to follow. As a voter, you can keep this momentum going by supporting pro-climate action candidates and discussing local laws related to climate issues with people you know. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the New York bill's supporters, Jo Anne Simon, said it prevents gas companies from getting a "blank check to expand polluting gas pipelines" and encourages people to choose electric and heat pump options that are "less expensive, more reliable, and better for our environment." Liz Moran, the New York policy advocate at Earthjustice, said, "Today, lawmakers took a stand by putting the needs of everyday New Yorkers over the profits of greedy fossil fuel companies." 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. MSNBCs Lawrence ODonnell on Tuesday could only shake his head at a weird moment in Donald Trumps Alligator Alcatraz presser when the president appeared to totally mishear a question and went on a lengthy, rambling tangent instead. Trump was asked the simple question, said ODonnell, of how long detainees at the controversial new migrant detention center in Floridas Everglades which is surrounded by python and alligator-inhabited wetlands could expect to remain there. Would it be days, weeks or months, the president was asked. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Trump, said ODonnell, appeared to think the question was about how much time he would be spending in Florida. Trump officially moved from New York to the Sunshine State in 2019, but obviously is currently living in the White House. Trump began: In Florida? Im going to spend a lot. Look, this is my home state. I love it. I love your government. I love all the people around. These are all friends of mine. They know them very well. I mean, Im not surprised that they do so well. Theyre great people. [Florida Gov.] Ron [DeSantis] has been a friend of mine for a long time. I feel very comfortable in the state. Ill spend a lot of time here. ODonnell, who appeared on a split screen alongside footage of Trump making his comments, just shook his head. The host then nixed the Trump video and read the rest of the presidents reply out instead. The rest of the answer gets even worse. I stopped it there to spare you hearing the actual sound of the banality of Donald Trumps creeping dementia and his cruelty. Im going to read to you what he actually said, the anchor explained. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump, per ODonnell, continued with his wrong answer: Ill spend a lot of time here. I want to, you know, for four years Ive got to be in Washington. Im OK with it because I love the White House. I even fixed up the little Oval Office. I made it, its like a diamond. Its beautiful. Its so beautiful. It wasnt maintained properly, I will tell you that. But even when it wasnt, it was still the Oval Office, so it meant a lot. But Ill spend as much time as I can here. You know, my vacation is generally here because its convenient. I live in Palm Beach, its my home, and I have a very nice little place, nice little cottage to stay at, right? The president went on and on, then ended by calling it a very nice question. Watch here: Related... HOUSTON, July 1 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday urged Hamas to take a 60-day ceasefire deal, saying Israel has agreed to its necessary conditions. "I hope, for the good of the Middle East, that Hamas takes this Deal, because it will not get better -- IT WILL ONLY GET WORSE," Trump posted on Truth Social. "Israel has agreed to the necessary conditions to finalize the 60-Day CEASEFIRE, during which time we will work with all parties to end the War," Trump wrote. "My Representatives had a long and productive meeting with the Israelis today on Gaza," he said, adding that Qatar and Egypt will deliver the final proposal. According to a CNN report, the new proposal seeks to address some of Hamas' concerns, and Israeli hostages will be released in exchange for Palestinian prisoners during the ceasefire. Last week, Trump told reporters that "we think within the next week we're going to get a ceasefire" in Gaza, but did not provide further details at the time. Earlier on Tuesday, Trump said he will meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House next Monday over Iran and Gaza. It will be the third time Netanyahu has visited the White House since Trump was sworn in for his second term in January. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Monday that ending the Israel-Hamas conflict is now a priority for Trump following Israel's strikes on Iran. Israel resumed its military campaign in Gaza on March 18, ending a two-month ceasefire. Since then, at least 6,089 Palestinians have been killed and 21,013 others injured, according to data released by Gaza's health authorities on Saturday. The death toll of Palestinians has risen to 56,412 since when Hamas-Israel conflict erupted in October 2023, with 133,054 others wounded. Two lawsuits have been filed against a Texas law requiring the Ten Commandments to be displayed in public school classrooms. On Wednesday, 16 Texas families filed a lawsuit challenging a new state law that requires the Ten Commandments in all public school classrooms, alleging a violation of the separation of church and state. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas, also argued the law violated the First Amendment and right to free religious exercise. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The law requires posters to be hung in a conspicuous place in the classroom and that the commandments are in a size and typeface that is legible to a person with average vision from anywhere in the room. It also requires the commandments followed by Protestant Christians to be displayed. As a rabbi and public-school parent, I am deeply concerned that S.B. 10 will impose another faiths scripture on students for nearly every hour of the school day, said plaintiff Rabbi Mara Nathan. While our Jewish faith treats the Ten Commandments as sacred, the version mandated under this law does not match the text followed by our family, and the school displays will conflict with the religious beliefs and values we seek to instill in our child. The lawsuit is made up of Christian, Jewish, Hindu and nonreligious families represented by the Americans United for Separation of Church and State, the American Civil Liberties Union of Texas, the American Civil Liberties Union, the Freedom From Religion Foundation and Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP. For many years, the Ten Commandments were displayed in public buildings and classrooms across America to instill strong moral character in our children and among our communities. Texas returned to this tradition when the Texas Legislature passed S.B. 10 and the Governor signed it into law. As Attorney General of Texas, Governor Abbott proudly defended the Ten Commandments Monument on the Texas Capitol grounds before the Supreme Courtand won. He is confident that the Texas Attorney General will fight to defend this law as well, said Andrew Mahaleris, press secretary for Texas Gov. Greg Abbotts (R) office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is the second lawsuit filed against the law, following another in June filed by a group of faith leaders that also alleged First Amendment violations. The legal battles will likely follow a similar issue in Arkansas, after a law was passed requiring the Ten Commandments to be displayed in public school classrooms. A federal appeals court recently upheld a lower court ruling to block the Arkansas law, setting up a potential battle at the Supreme Court. Updated at 4:02 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. MARSHALL, Texas (KTAL/KMSS) If your meals get boring and repetitive or you need something to accent your cooking, a Marshall business may have the solution. Marshalls 5th annual Freedom & Fireworks Festival on July 3 Bear Creek Smokehouse is hosting a pesto-making class. Pesto originates from the Genoa region of Italy. Its name is derived from the past tense of the Genoese verb pestare, meaning to crush. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pesto is a sauce typically made by crushing pine nuts, basil leaves, garlic, olive oil, and parmesan cheese together. Pesto can be used to complement pasta, sandwiches, potatoes, as a spread, and in many other applications. Many substitutions have become common. Almonds or walnuts are often used as a substitute for the more expensive pine nuts. Basil is sometimes replaced with spinach, kale, or arugula. More adventurous cooks use avocados, broccoli, or anything else green. Bear Creek BBQ & Balloon Fest scheduled for Sept. 6 In the Bear Creek class, participants learn about the various herbs used in making organic pesto, how to cultivate them, and leave with small samples of pesto. The class is scheduled for Friday, July 25, at 6:30 p.m. Food and drinks will be provided by Bear Creek. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. At least 17 people have been killed in an Israeli airstrike on a building in the Gaza Strip, the Hamas-run civil defence agency said on Wednesday. The building in the al-Zeitoun district of Gaza City was housing families displaced by the war, the agency said, adding that seven minors were among the dead. The information could not be independently verified. The Israeli military did not immediately comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a separate Israeli airstrike, the director of the Indonesian Hospital, Marwan Sultan, and his family were killed in their home in Gaza City, according to the Hamas-run Health Ministry. The Indonesian Hospital, located in Beit Lahia in northern Gaza, was cleared by Israeli forces in May and has not been operational since. According to Gaza health authorities, more than 57,000 Palestinians have been killed since the start of the war nearly 21 months ago. The figures do not distinguish between civilians and combatants. The war began following the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel by Hamas and other Islamist militant groups, in which about 1,200 people were killed and more than 250 were taken hostage and brought into the Gaza Strip. At least two civilians were killed and 33 were injured in Russian attacks against Ukraine over the past 24 hours, according to local governors. Ukraine's Air Force said Russia launched 114 Shahed-type and decoy drones overnight from multiple directions, as well as four S-300 missiles. Air defenses shot down 40 drones, while 39 disappeared from radars or were intercepted by electronic warfare. In Kherson Oblast, Russian forces shelled a hospital in Kherson city late on July 1, injuring eight people, including patients and medical staff, Governor Oleksandr Prokudin said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two other people were injured elsewhere in the region over the past day. Attacks damaged residential buildings, a farm, a business, and vehicles across more than 30 settlements. In Kharkiv Oblast, four people were injured in attacks on Kharkiv city and six other communities, Governor Oleh Syniehubov reported. Russian forces used guided aerial bombs, various drones, and artillery. Civilian infrastructure, including houses, a transport stop, an emergency medical facility, and businesses, was damaged or destroyed. In Donetsk Oblast, two civilians were killed and 10 others injured by Russian attacks on July 1, according to Governor Vadym Filashkin. In the city of Sloviansk, a mail terminal operated by Nova Poshta, Ukraines largest postal service, was destroyed. No employees were injured, according to an official statement. In Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, five people were injured, four of whom were hospitalized, after a drone strike on Nikopol, Governor Serhii Lysak said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russian attacks damaged a private enterprise in Kryvyi Rih and a farm in the Samar district. Fires were reported in both locations. Drone and artillery strikes also hit residential and infrastructure targets in Nikopol and Pokrovske communities. In Zaporizhzhia Oblast, four civilians were injured in Russian attacks on Vasylivka and Polohy districts, Governor Ivan Fedorov reported. Over the day, Russian forces launched 376 strikes across 14 settlements, using aircraft, drones, multiple rocket launchers, and artillery. Read also: Why Norway is investing billions in Ukraines victory Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Democratic Rep. Susie Lee holds press confrence at Spanish Hills Wellness Suites in Las Vegas to highlight Medicaid cuts in GOP-backed megabill. (Photo: Jeniffer Solis) Spanish Hills Wellness Suites is one of several nursing homes in Nevada that would be forced to reduce services for medically vulnerable patients who rely on Medicaid as a result of President Donald Trumps domestic spending and tax cut bill. Tuesday morning, the Senate narrowly cleared Trumps Big Beautiful Bill which would cut $930 billion from Medicaid over the next 10 years, a major healthcare program that serves low income families and disabled people. The Senate version of the bill now goes back to the House for consideration as Congress attempts to meet Trumps self-imposed July 4 deadline. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under the bill, Nevada stands to lose about $590 million in federal Medicaid funding, resulting in more than 114,500 patients in the state losing healthcare coverage, according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office. Following the Senate vote, Democratic Rep. Susie Lee toured the Spanish Hills Wellness Suites in Las Vegas to emphasize the devastating impact the proposed bill, if passed in its current form, would have on Nevada Medicaid patients. What it will do is have an impact of forcing facilities like this one and hospitals to shut their doors. We already have a health care shortage in our state, so this will only exacerbate it, Lee said. Spanish Hills Wellness Suites houses about 150 patients who need long-term and short-term care post-hospitalization; 70% of those residents rely on Medicaid to pay. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These are long-term patients with chronic conditions whove been here for years, said Jyesebelle Ocampo, the director of nursing for the facility. Thats why theyre scared. If no one is paying, how can we operate? The Spanish Hills Wellness Suites is not unique. Nevada relies heavily on Medicaid. Approximately 800,000 Nevadans, or about 20% of the total population, are covered by the program. Medicaid is a foundational part of our health care system, with about 60% of Nevada nursing home residents relying on Medicaid to access the care that they need, said Brett Salmon, president and CEO of Nevada Health Care Association. The GOP-backed megabill would reduce access to long-term care services for people enrolled in Medicaid by reducing federal funds for nursing facilities. Long-term care providers in Nevada said those cuts could lead to reduced staffing and tightened eligibility requirements in long-term care facilities in the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Long-term care services are extremely expensive and are not typically covered by other health insurance programs. Medicaid is the primary insurer for long-term care nationwide, according to the health policy think tank KFF. Reductions in Medicaid would impact our ability to operate and care for our residents. It would strain our ability to retain staff, invest in care improvements and meet the growing demand for services that we provide our residents, Salmon said. Lee warned that reductions in Medicaid funding through the GOP-backed megabill could lead to significant funding cuts for nursing homes, including reduced services, increased costs for residents and their families, and even potential closures of facilities. Its not just hospitals and nursing homes that will turn patients away or close down, but it jeopardizes hundreds of clinics that provide breast cancer screening, critical health care and so much more, Lee said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The largest source of federal Medicaid spending cuts under the Senate bill would come from stricter work requirements on beneficiaries, including people up to age 65. Another major provision would eliminate tax credits used to purchase Medicaid through the Affordable Care Act Marketplace for those who do not meet work requirements. Lee argued Republicans in Congress were pushing the largest cuts to healthcare coverage in U.S. history in order to give tax cuts to the wealthiest Americans. The Congressional Budget Office estimates the bill will add $3.3 trillion to the national debt. Were literally asking our children, our grandchildren, to pay for these tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans, Lee said. Medicaid is a major source of health care coverage for thousands in Nevada. The Affordable Care Act allowed states to opt into expanded Medicaid coverage in 2014. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prior to the Medicaid expansion, Nevada was among the states with the highest percentage of adults with no health insurance. With the expansion, Nevadas uninsured rate dropped from 22% in 2012 to 10% in 2024, according to KFF. Most Americans have at least some connection to Medicaid, whether it be through health insurance, home health care, nursing home care, or coverage for a child, Lee added. On Sunday, before the Senate vote, the White House published a post repeatedly stating that the big beautiful bill will not cut Medicaid funding. Vice President JD Vance, who cast the tiebreaking vote Tuesday to pass the Senate bill 51-50, said in social media posts the Medicaid cuts are immaterial compared to savings the bill would bring through expanding immigration enforcement. Lee rejected those claims, calling the bill a big bullshit bill. It is a lie. When you cut $7 billion from the state of Nevada, trust me, people will lose their health care, Lee said. The robots are coming for our jobsagain. Last month, The New York Times profiled an AI startup called Mechanize, Inc., whose founders were brutally honest about its goals: to automate the entire workforce within the next 30 years. But one of them, Tamay Besiroglu, tried to assuage those who might fear such a future. As tech reporter Kevin Roose wrote, Mr. Besiroglu said he believed that A.I. would eventually create radical abundance and wealth that could be redistributed to laid-off workers, in the form of a universal basic income that would allow them to maintain a high living standard. Besiroglus assurances about a universal basic incomea policy whereby the government gives everyone in society an equal amount of moneyseemed cavalier at best, an easy way to dismiss worries that AI will put millions of people out of work. So I reached out to Besiroglu for comment. He agreed to provide comments, but once I sent him questions, he responded: Im sorry, but Im too busy to engage at this point. No matter. Hes hardly the first denizen of Silicon Valley to suggest UBI as a balm for the decimation of the workforce. Ive been intrigued by the idea for a while, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman wrote in a 2016 blog post announcing that he would help fund a UBI study (it was conducted in Illinois and Texas, and it ended last year). Im fairly confident that at some point in the future, as technology continues to eliminate traditional jobs and massive new wealth gets created, were going to see some version of this at a national scale. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Altmans archnemesis has also weighed in on this necessary policy idea over the years. Predicting that there will come a point where no job is needed because AI will be able to do everything, Elon Musk last year said society will have something even better than UBI: We wont have universal basic income. Well have universal high income. In some sense, itll be somewhat of a leveler, an equalizer. UBI existed long before AIs proponents decided to champion it; hundreds of trials have yielded positive results. But the notion that an AI revolution will magically usher in this left-favored policy is relatively newand utterly misguided. Even if AI creates an age of abundance, as Musk has predicted, there is no guarantee that this vast wealth would be distributed equally in the form of UBI or any other redistributionist policy. Governments must enact UBI, which means it requires widespread political buy-in. A question, then, for Besiroglu and the rest of UBIs proponents in the AI industry: Have you looked at whats happening in Washington lately? Americans are already deeply suspicious that AI will have a positive, rather than negative, effect on their lives. Theyre right to fear it: A rise in unemployment among new college graduates has been partly blamed on AI, and entry-level jobs may be disappearing in some industries like software engineering. Meanwhile, bosses are using the prospect of AI to scare workers: Last month, Axios reported that managers at some tech companies were warning employees that their jobs could easily be replaced by AI, while also pressuring them to learn to use AI in the workplace. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trying to motivate employees by fear almost never works, but the truth is that AI is already changing the labor marketand its too early to fully fathom how much it may transform not only the economy but how we live our lives. Even so, for UBI to be a solution to widespread, AI-fueled unemployment would require a massive leap forward in the American welfare state. So far, UBI has been limited to experiments and demonstration projects in the U.S. and abroad among targeted populations. The incomes usually max out at about $1,000 a month, which is not enough to replace work. Basic is right there in the name: UBI would create an income floor that people cannot drop below, but it is not often proposed as a way to replace entire household incomes indefinitely. When touting these programs, proponents usually point to how it helps recipients look for better jobs or go back to school. That is, UBI is a bridge to better work, not an employment replacement. At the same time, its not just cash welfare reborn, because its aim is to have fewer strings attached and be easier to access. Its not a net that holds people and keeps them safe, said Natalie Foster, president and founder of the Economic Security Project. It is a trampoline where people can have a floor that they cannot fall through and then jump up and live the lives of agency and dignity and live on their own terms, which you cant do if youre working hand to mouth, or if you are in deep economic uncertainty, which is what the future holds without bold policy interventions. There are conversations we need to have about UBI, separate from its potential as a salve for a labor apocalypse. At the same time, the development of AI requires a discussion about what the industry owes society for the damage it will cause. AIs worth is created by all of our data, all of our experiences, so everyone should have an ownership stake in that, said Michael Tubbs, the former mayor of Stockton, California, who ran an AI project in his citywhich TNR featured in 2020and now works with an organization called Mayors for Guaranteed Income. People who are going to be harmed have to have an ownership stake. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Who works, how much they work, and how theyre compensated are political questions. Productivity gains over the past several decades have led to benefits for the very richest Americans, but many of us are working harder than ever without seeing gains. If we dont tackle these issues in the right way, our future will be even more unequal than today, with the tech billionaires further enriched while the rest of us struggle to find new jobs and are encouraged to retrain or work harder. Im afraid inequality is likely to continue getting worse, said Dr. Stuart Russell, a professor of computer science at UC Berkeley. Most of the gains are likely to go to the owners of the technology. And AI may hit white-collar jobs as severely as blue-collar jobs were pummeled by past technological changes. For decades, economists and futurists have promised that technology gains will lead to increased leisurefamously, the economist John Maynard Keynes thought his grandkids would work 15 hours a weekand it largely hasnt come to pass. Its broadly true that we work less per week than our predecessors, Russell said. Having said that, were certainly not living a life of leisure: As productivity improves, we are consuming a lot more rather than working a lot less. There have been, across generations, people in society who have thought that the future that they wanted to build for the rest of uswho didnt get asked about the future that we wantedwas one without jobs, said Dr. Alondra Nelson, a leading scholar who helped draft a Blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights under President Joe Biden. I think what is different about this moment is it has now been paired with the opportunity for people who are promoting that vision of the future to also make a lot of money. Nelson pointed out that if the people developing AI fulfill part of their promises to investors about their products capabilities, they will probably sell their companies for untold billions of dollarsso their futures might very well be jobless. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres something revealing about the way AI techs speak about work, too, which Nelson finds naive. Its as if work is only a kind of burden, she said. I know that work fulfills a lot of other roles in our lives. Work is also about how we create community. Its how we shape our identities, etc. And so to just hand people money doesnt solve the sort of question, or the issue of social cohesion and the social connection, the social identities that come with having work. Thats a question that few AI evangelists are answering, or even asking. Its taken as a given that everyone desires a life of full-time leisure and has passions they would pursue if money werent an objectjust as its assumed that AI, by creating abundance and prosperity like weve never seen before, will benefit society as a whole (or even save the world, as Marc Andreessen declared). If we want better health, if we want better science, better applications in health care and climate science and education, none of these things just emerge magically out of an AI system, Nelson said. Policymakers would need to ensure those outcomesthat is, by passing laws that regulate AI. Thats not in the offing these days. (In fact, the Senates version of the Republican budget bill had a provision preventing states from regulating AI for the next 10 years, but it was struck in the eleventh hour.) Right now, the future of AI is really being shaped by a few powerful tech companies, the same companies that have concentrated their power and wealth since the internet boom and, through their sheer size and force, have been able to move forward with no regulation, Foster said. In addition to the social policy needed, its also [a question of] the policy needed to deal with these concentrated markets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement History shows us that new technology tends to create new jobs, rather than simply replacing them with automation. The fight today needs to be about what kinds of jobs AI will create, who will have access to them, and what benefits they will provide to our society broadly. That conversation should include UBI, which may be even more vital if Republicans pass their budget bill, which includes drastic cuts to the safety net. I think we need to build the political will to get there, and we need to elect people who have a bold vision for the cost of living crisis, and hold them accountable to enacting that vision, Foster said. We have the blueprints for how to do it. We just need the political will. Rapper Sean "Diddy" Combs faced a mixed verdict on July 2 as his high-profile trial came to a sudden close. Although Combs applauded and appeared joyful over the verdict, it was a mixed bag. He was acquitted of the most serious charges (sex trafficking and racketeering), which could have brought him life in prison. But he was convicted on two prostitution charges that could bring a maximum of 20 years behind bars, CNN reported. However, one prominent legal expert had a shock prediction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brian Buckmire, legal expert for ABC News, said in the live broadcast that he thinks it's possible, albeit unlikely, that Combs could get only probation. He also said that he thinks it's more likely that the judge would come down somewhere in the middle, giving Combs a sentence of three to five or six years for each charge. "For Sean Combs and his defense team, this is a massive win," Buckmire said, pointing out that the possible life-sentence charges are "gone." "When it comes to transportation to engage in prostitution, the minimum is nothing. There is a theoretical possibility that he walks out on probation," he said of the two prostitution charges. He said he doesn't think that will happen, but added, "He's not going to get 10 years. They're going to look at his criminal history, mitigating circumstances, aggravating circumstances. And I would assume that he gets something in the middle ground." Janice Combs, mother of Sean "Diddy" Combs' and King Combs walks out during a recess of Comb's sex trafficking and racketeering trial on July 01, 2025 in New York City. Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images He said there might not be an appeal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Combs being able to walk out with a sentence that is possibly "well under 10 years," Buckmire said, that's a "victory." "I'm somewhat shocked," he said of the human trafficking accusation against Combs relating to his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura. Buckmire said he was still "trying to wrap my mind around this." CNN's legal expert made similar comments. Elie Honig, a former prosecutor in New York, told CNN, He has defeated the Southern District of New York, which, I worked there they dont like losing in court. They dont lose in court a lot. And theres no way to spin this. This is a devastating setback for the SDNY, Honig said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Combs was looking at the possibility of a 15 year mandatory minimum, potentially up to life based on what based on the more serious charges where the jury found not guilty. Now hes looking at a much, much lower sentence. And to that point there is a realistic chance that (the) judge lets Sean Combs walk out today or maybe tomorrow, if it takes some time to post bail, Honig said to CNN. Combs' attorneys had argued that, although he engaged in some bad behavior, it did not meet the threshold for criminality. Related: Britney Spears' Name Dropped at Sean Diddy Combs Trial Related: Cassie Ventura Has Major Response to Sean 'Diddy' Combs Verdict Legal Expert Makes Shock Prediction About Time Sean 'Diddy' Combs Will Serve first appeared on Men's Journal on Jul 2, 2025 Sen. Josh Kassmier, R-Fort Benton, with his stack of bills at the end of the 69th Montana Legislature. (Keila Szpaller/Daily Montanan) The problem didnt start this year. In fact, it probably started, like so many things, around the COVID-19 pandemic when lawmakers had to figure out how to hold legislative meetings safely, without the spread of the virus. But as the Montana Legislature has seen a record number of bill drafts, more interim committees in between legislative sessions, and implementation of a new database because the longtime computer server was nearly dead, the number of compensatory hours, or additional work hours Legislative Services Division employees have banked has ballooned to more than 15,000 hours. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The issue, first reported by the Montana Free Press, can be broken down in a number of ways. For perspective, 15,000 hours is roughly the equivalent of two-years worth of time. In a state department that numbers around 100, that translates to an additional work-month of time off for the average full-time employee, although the director of Legislative Services, Jerry Howe, notes that the comp time is not necessarily evenly distributed among all of its employees. However, the burgeoning number of comp-time hours is an issue that continues to grow, and recently Howe and the Legislative Council, the bipartisan committee that manages the operations of the Legislature, met to talk about how to meet the challenge. Comp time, which is used as a benefit to fairly treat staff members during the long and sometimes grueling legislative session held every two years for 90 days, is a tool to avoid what would be either an oversized staff or exorbitant overtime. However, Montana law caps comp time at 120 hours per employee, Howe explained, and at the end of the year, any comp in excess of the equivalent of three full-time weeks off is wiped out, essentially shorting employees who have worked the hours but didnt get compensated. That thought keeps Howe up at night. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its not just that this happens every two years, for a busy session. Its that we have people who work here their entire careers. Employee morale is my top concern, he said. Ive got to figure out how we get our staff time to decompress, recharge the batteries and enjoy this beautiful state we all love. Montana Senate President Matt Regier, R-Kalispell, said that he wants to make sure the state is fair to its employees who have worked such long hours at the behest of the lawmakers. They deserve to either have the vacation time or a buy-out, he said. One of the other compounding factors in this comp-time puzzle is that the additional time is already on top of normal benefits, like personal time off or vacation time. More work, same staff The causes for the comp time conundrum are multi-faceted: High numbers of bills introduced, high number of amendments, extra committees during the interim, and new technology, including remote meetings that take considerably more time and expertise to run. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For example, two special committees created after the 2023 session included one established to consider voting regulations and another to look at the states judiciary, a top priority for the Republican majority. Then, there was a special committee during the 2025 session that investigated former Senate President Jason Ellsworth for ethical violations. Howe told the Daily Montanan that the committee took huge staff time, amounting to more than 1,000 hours after it was completed. During session, the Legislative Services Division wrestled with a new database to track and display the committee meetings, all the bills and their respective amendments. It replaced technology that had been in use for nearly two decades, but was on the verge of failing after the original software developer said that it would no longer be supporting it, causing Howe and his information-technology team to begin migrating to a new server and software that would normally be a four-year process. Instead, his team attempted to do it in 14 months. Also, a lawsuit now before the Montana Supreme Court regarding whether junque files, which are the drafting files kept by Legislative Services for every bill and resolution introduced, are part of Montanas public records. That lawsuit, which is being litigated in part by a coalition of media, including the Daily Montanan, has also taken considerable time, Howe said one of many atypical but not necessarily rare occurrences that has contributed to the increase in comp time. None of those things can be put off, Howe said. One thing that impresses me about the Legislative Services staff is how dedicated they are to the legislators and the legislative process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Howe said Montana has experienced busy legislative sessions previously. It has experienced busy interims the time between the legislative sessions. But, it has never experienced busy times back to back to back, seemingly without an end. That trend, Howe said, is new. No one solution, but several possible solutions Howe also identified four different options or levers, the Legislature has to address the problem, including adding full-time staff; buying out compensatory time; limiting the number of interim studies; or limiting the number of bill drafts or changing rules about bills requiring legislative hearing. We have these different levers we can pull, and we have to decide which ones to pull and when, and it will probably be a combination of all of them, Howe said. You dont get into this situation with one really busy interim or one long session. They build up. They accrue. Previously, the Legislature has considered buying back the comp time, Howe said, but that measure failed this session. In 2023, the Legislature spent $325,000 to buy down comp time. This session, there was a proposal for buying back another $300,000, but that failed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Regier has been both the Senates top leader as well as a former Montana Speaker of the House. As a part of the Legislative Council, he said lawmakers from both parties are wrestling with this issue. He said unexpected things, like the thousand-plus hours of work for the Ellsworth investigation, were unforeseen. I hope to never have another ethics committee meeting again, he said. Instead, Regier said the problem of too much work is something that is being created by the Legislature, therefore the solution probably lies within the Legislature, as well. He said that legislative leadership needs to better prioritize bills and amendments to bills which take top priority during the busy legislative session. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our legislative staff has delivered. They have an incredible work ethic, Regier said. Sometimes, our lawmakers dont know what theyre asking. For example, holding a remote session can take days of advance notice and technological hurdles for the IT department in order to ensure that public participation, mandated by state law, can be available virtually anywhere in the state. Regier said even some very small changes could make big impacts. For example, as the legislative session winds down, some lawmakers have less to do no new bills to introduce. Instead, they begin proposing topics for lawmakers to study when the Legislature is not in session. And the number of study bills and topics has ballooned. Regier suggested that simply walking back the deadline for interim study bills could help lighten the workload. Not just Montana Howe, who has worked for the Utah Legislature and stays in contact with counterparts from other states, especially those in the West, says the problem is one that many western states are experiencing as national issues bleed down into state politics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Howe said that in a place that prides itself on being a citizen Legislature, many Montana lawmakers arent experts in law or even how state code works. Sometimes, ideas from constituents come to Legislative Services scrawled on the back of a napkin or scratch paper. But taking those ideas and changing laws through the states code can take weeks or months, even for ideas that seem straightforward. These ideas seem so easy, Howe said. But most people just dont have the understanding of how laws relate to one another and how they are organized in code. Public policy is not a simple endeavor. If it were, we would not need to meet constantly and continuously. Some of the increase in work is also natural, Howe said. Montana, like many other states in the West after COVID, is growing. And that growth can challenge laws or aspects that havent been touched for years if not, decades. The policies of the 1940s and 50s dont work anymore, and the policy needs to adapt to that environment, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some of the work increase is also related to term limits. Many lawmakers request fewer bill drafts and have a better handle on state law the longer they serve in the Legislature, Howe said. However, with term limits, legislative staff is often re-teaching or explaining the legal and legislative process to new members. People kind of hit their stride when theyre nearing the end of their limits, Howe said. Howe would love to believe that the long hours and the complex back-to-back-to-back sessions and their interims were an outlier, but he said as the appetite to legislate continues to be brisk, driven in part by national politics, he is also looking ahead. And Montana, like many other states, may be called into special session to patch budget holes created by Congress. If that happens, therell be a sort of double-whammy: More demand for legislative services and less time to spend down comp time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We dont know what is in the big, beautiful bill and how will affect us, Howe said. But cuts in Congress could mean a special session in Montana as well as other states. And that translates to more staff time for Legislative Services. The French Riviera resort of Cannes is imposing what its city council calls drastic regulation on cruise ships, halving the number of very large ships allowed in its harbour and capping the daily number of passenger visits at 6,000 starting next year. The home of the world's premier film festival is joining a growing global backlash against overtourism, which recently saw uproar over Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez' Venice wedding this weekend, water-gun protests in Spain and a surprise strike at the Louvre Museum. Which cruise ships will be banned in Cannes? Less numerous, less big, less polluting and more aesthetic thats the aim of Cannes city councillors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The aim is to ban all ships carrying more than 1,300 people by 2030, city hall said in a statement. Starting next year, a maximum of 6,000 cruise passengers will be allowed to disembark per day, and the number of ships carrying more than 5,000 passengers will be cut by 48 per cent in 2026. Larger ships will be expected to transfer passengers to smaller boats to enter Cannes. Related France drew in some 100 million visitors last year, more than any other European country and more than the countrys population. The country is on the front line of efforts to balance the economic benefits of tourism with environmental concerns while managing ever-growing crowds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cannes has become a major cruise ship destination, with real economic benefits. Its not about banning cruise ships, but about regulating, organising, setting guidelines for their navigation, Mayor David Lisnard said in a statement. Cruise operators say restrictions are damaging destinations Cruise operators have called such restrictions damaging to destinations and for passengers. Related Two cruise ships were scheduled to dock in Cannes on Sunday, each bigger than the upcoming 1,300-passenger limit and with a combined capacity of more than 7,000 people. Their owners did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the new restrictions. The nearby Mediterranean city of Nice announced limits on cruise ships earlier this year, which are due to come into force on 1 July. Venice banned large ships in 2021, followed by Amsterdam and then Barcelona in 2023. Jul. 1Members of the 377th Air Base Wing at Kirtland Air Force Base gave a final salute to one colonel before welcoming another. Col. Justin D. Secrest took over as base commander for Col. Michael J. Power, who had commanded the wing since June 2023. Power will head to Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana and serve as inspector general for the Air Force Global Strike Command. Secrest said he was about a year into his Air Force career in 1989 when he saw Kirtland and thought, "This was a real Air Force base." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I never dreamed of ever being back here to do this, so it is not being taken lightly," he said during Tuesday morning's change-of-command ceremony, a military tradition where a guidon is ceremoniously transferred from one leader to the next. Secrest was previously the commander of the 90th Security Forces Group at F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Before that, he served as the 886th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron's interim commander and oversaw the end of the Air Force Security Forces mission inside Iraq's theater internment facilities. Secrest also served at Barksdale Air Force Base where he was responsible for developing and executing security policies, plans, and programs for eight installations, and overseeing training for 5,800 Security Forces, which are responsible for tasks like missile security and defending air bases around the world. At Kirtland, Secrest said he will be "joining an amazing team comprised of the most talented, capable and lethal air and space professionals in a world with a mission that is essential to national security." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 377th Air Base Wing is responsible for installation operations, security, maintenance, medical care and mission support for 25,000 military and civilian employees, 27,000 retirees and 20,000 family members who live and work on the base. This is an opportunity to follow the work that Power and his team did "and build on their huge progress to make a lasting impact on this installation and community ," Secrest said. Secrest said he not only looks forward to leading the base, but learning about his new community. "I realize we got a lot of great people here and a lot of great people that I can't wait to connect with," Secrest said. "Let's go to work." Key Points S&P 500 index ETFs make it easy to simply invest in the S&P 500 itself. You can gain this broad exposure through the iShares Core S&P 500 ETF. This ETF tracks the 500 companies comprising the S&P 500, and delivers heavy diversification to any portfolio. 10 stocks we like better than iShares Trust - iShares Core S&P 500 ETF Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) make investing easy. While you may be able to make more money by investing in individual stocks, having a good ETF in your portfolio creates a great deal of both diversification and consistency. Over the long term, the broader market, represented by the S&P 500, has produced steady gains over the decades, with gains of more than 100% in the last five years. Is this the most exciting investment prospect? Well, not when you compare it to directly investing in a flashy stock like Tesla. But finding investments that track the S&P 500 index helps to minimize risk. Let's talk about one ETF in particular. Simplicity with strength The basic investment thesis behind the iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (NYSEMKT: IVV) is straightforward: Over the long term, the U.S. stock market grows. By owning shares in IVV, you gain exposure to all 500 companies in the S&P 500, including industry leaders like Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, and Johnson & Johnson. This broad exposure helps spread out risk. If one sector underperforms, gains in another can help balance it out. If you're a new investor, or looking to build a strong core for your portfolio, the iShares Core S&P 500 ETF is a solid foundation. You're not betting on any single company to outperform. Instead, you're investing in the idea that the American economy will continue to expand over time, and that the largest companies within it will generally do well. This is a concept that superinvestor Warren Buffett has spoken about for a long time. Image source: Getty Images. Low cost and reliability Another reason IVV is so attractive is its cost. With an expense ratio of just 0.03%, it's one of the most affordable ways to gain exposure to the S&P 500. That low fee means more of your money stays invested and working for you, instead of being chipped away by fund management costs. Over time, small differences in fees can have a significant impact on your total returns. IVV's low cost makes it an efficient way to invest, especially if you're focused on maximizing long-term gains without sacrificing too much to a fund's expenses. It isn't flashy, but it works Admittedly, investing in an ETF that tracks the S&P 500 might not be the most exciting strategy. It's not going to provide the kind of dramatic, short-term returns that a hot tech stock like Tesla might offer. But it also doesn't expose you to the same level of risk. To the editor: As an Indigenous citizen, I commend guest contributor Tony Platts excellent article about UCs role in shaping a distorted and incomplete history of the Indigenous inhabitants in and around its Berkeley campus ( The California story we keep erasing, June 29). Sadly, UCs history is a microcosm of the national history of untold native tribal injustices inflicted by the U.S. government. I was roused by Yurok Tribal Court Chief Judge Abby Abinantis admonition: The hardest mistakes to correct are those that are ingrained. What mistakes are ingrained and how did it occur? In the 15th century, Pope Nicholas V gave European explorers the legal and moral right to possess Indigenous lands, to invade, search out, capture and subdue all pagans in the name of religion. That dubious right became known as the Doctrine of Discovery. It was based on the principle that presumed the superiority of European Christians. This doctrine empowered the settling and colonizing of this continent. The Doctrine of Discoverys dehumanizing principles were ingrained in our foundational documents. The language of the Declaration of Independence excludes Indigenous people ( merciless Indian savages ), and African Americans were deemed three-fifths of a person in the electoral college. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Doctrine of Discovery was referenced as legal precedent by the Supreme Court as recently as 2005 in the City of Sherrill vs. Oneida Indian Nation case. This ingrained supremacy principle is all too evident in the appalling events happening now. Woefully, the Yurok Tribal Court judge was spot-on. Harold Printup, Mar Vista This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. After the Supreme Court ruled 6-3 on Friday that parents in Montgomery County, Maryland, must be allowed to opt their children out of LGBTQ-themed elementary school lessons, reactions were swift and sharply divided. The case, Mahmoud v. Taylor, stemmed from Montgomery County's 2022 decision to incorporate LGBTQ-inclusive books into elementary classrooms. Titles included "Uncle Bobby's Wedding," which features a same-sex couple, and "Born Ready," which tells the story of a transgender child. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The school district initially allowed parents to opt out their children from exposure to the books but later reversed that policy, citing administrative burdens and in an effort to foster inclusion. In a press briefing shortly after the decision, U.S. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche praised the ruling. "Restoring the right of parents to make decisions about their children's education might seem like common sense," Blanche said, "but it took the Supreme Court to set the record straight." SCOTUS rules in favor of parents seeking to opt children out of reading LGBTQ-themed books Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For some, however, the ruling felt like a step backward. "I think the ruling is a huge setback," Beth Hoffman, a Maryland-based mom of two, whose children attend public school in Frederick County, told "GMA." "Public schools should be an inclusive space. I hope that this isn't an end-all be-all. We need to celebrate our differences and educate our youth to accept people for who they are." The Frederick County Public School District, like Montgomery County, allows parents to opt children out of its Family Life Education curriculum, part of its "Comprehensive Health Education for students in grades 5-12," according to a spokesperson. Bill Horn, a gay father of two based in Los Angeles, whose kids will be attending public school in the fall, said his initial reaction was sadness. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I feel sorry for any young person whose family takes them out of an LGBTQ+ inclusive lesson, because ultimately that lesson might save their lives," he told "GMA" in an email. Debate intensifies over parental rights and LGBTQ inclusion in public schools Mariam Zuhaib/AP - PHOTO: A U.S. Supreme Court police officer stands watch outside of the Supreme Court, June 26, 2025, in Washington. Mahmoud v. Taylor was brought by brought by a group of Christian, Muslim and Jewish parents who argued the district's curriculum opt-out change violated their religious freedom. The Supreme Court's conservative majority agreed and upheld a preliminary injunction that requires schools to notify parents and permit opt-outs when such content is used. Liberal Justices Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan and Ketanji Brown Jackson dissented, saying exposure to diverse ideas does not amount to government indoctrination but is instead the purpose of public education. While the decision applies directly to Montgomery County, it sets a precedent for similar lawsuits and policies nationwide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement following the ruling, Montgomery County Public Schools reaffirmed its commitment to diversity and inclusion, while expressing disappointment in the outcome. "Although not surprised, we are disappointed in today's ruling. This decision complicates our work creating a welcoming, inclusive and equitable school system. It also sends a chilling message to many valued members of our diverse community," the district said. "Montgomery County Public Schools remains a welcoming and inclusive school system that embraces and celebrates each and every one of our students," the statement continued. "We will maintain an environment where all students feel valued and supported. Equity is one of our core values and is foundational to who we are as a system that serves one of the most diverse communities in the United States of America." MCPS added that it is reviewing the Supreme Court's decision and developing a plan for implementation that honors both the legal directive and the district's mission. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We will continue to analyze the Supreme Court decision and develop next steps in alignment with today's decision and, as importantly, our values. Schools and families will receive further guidance prior to the start of the upcoming school year," the statement read. "MCPS will continue to have inclusive books, which reflect the rich diversity of the students and families that we serve in Montgomery County." Supporters have hailed the court's decision as a long-overdue affirmation of family values. "The Supreme Court sent a powerful message today: parents do not take a back seat to anyone when it comes to raising their kids," Grace Morrison, a board member for Kids First, a parental rights advocacy group, said in an official statement. "I am deeply grateful to have been part of this historic triumph for parental rights nationwide." Critics, however, warn that the decision could mean further marginalization of LGBTQ students and could undermine efforts to build more inclusive classrooms moving forward. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sari Beth Rosenberg, a U.S. history and AP U.S. history teacher in New York City, said the ruling could make it significantly harder to create welcoming spaces for all students. "It sends a message to LGBTQ students and families that their identities are controversial or unwelcome, which completely undermines my efforts to build a respectful, supportive learning environment," Rosenberg said. Kayla Bartkowski/Getty Images - PHOTO: The Supreme Court is seen, June 20, 2025 in Washington. "Our schools are supposed to prepare students to participate in a diverse democracy, and we can't do that if we're forced to erase entire communities from the curriculum." Differing views on liberty and inclusion Eric Baxter, vice president and senior counsel at Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, which represented the plaintiffs in the case, called the ruling "a historic victory for parental rights" in an official statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Today, the Court restored common sense and made clear that parents -- not government -- have the final say in how their children are raised," he added. But LGBTQ advocates say the ruling allows families to exempt their children from learning about diverse identities, sending harmful messages to students whose families reflect those very realities. "Every child deserves to see themselves reflected in the stories they read and to be celebrated in their classrooms for who they truly are," said Kelley Robinson, president of the Human Rights Campaign. "This ruling not only tells LGBTQ+ students that they don't belong, but that their experiences and existence are less worthy of respect. It's wrong, it's dangerous, and it's cruel, plain and simple." Ruling on online access raises censorship concerns In a separate 6-3 decision Friday, the court upheld a Texas law requiring websites with significant sexual content to implement strict age-verification systems. The law mandates that adult sites where more than one-third of content is deemed "harmful to minors" must verify users' age using secure identification before granting access. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The court's decision only affects the Texas law and not similar laws instituted in other states. Titania Jordan, chief parent officer at Bark Technologies, a parental controls company that helps parents protect their children online, said enforcing such a requirement at scale poses major technological and financial challenges, particularly for smaller platforms. Supreme Court upholds Texas' online age verification for porn sites "Sites would need to integrate reliable identity providers or build their own verification systems, which can be expensive and technically complex," Jordan told "GMA." "Implementing biometric checks or secure document scans requires strict anti-fraud measures." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, she said she supports the overall goal of the law. "Let's not lose focus of what's important here: keeping kids safer online," she said. "To protect both children and digital freedoms, any legislation should be narrowly tailored and paired with rigorous oversight to maximize data privacy." Legal experts say the ruling raises new questions about internet censorship, particularly if definitions of "sexual" content expand. Austin-based criminal defense attorney Sam Bassett noted that while the court backed Texas, it rejected the Fifth Circuit's earlier rationale. "The Fifth Circuit applied the rational basis test -- the least rigorous standard used to evaluate constitutional challenges -- agreeing with Texas that the ID requirement didn't implicate a fundamental right, since it only applied to minors," he told "GMA." STOCK PHOTO/Getty Images - PHOTO: A person uses a computer in this undated stock photo. "The Supreme Court decision did not agree with the Fifth Circuit's 'rational basis' application of First Amendment protections, yet it also rejected the higher 'strict scrutiny' standard of analysis," he continued. "The basis for their decision seems to be largely based upon an analysis that the Texas age-verification statute was targeted at limiting access only to those under the age of 18, and we have many laws which prohibit access to minors." Still, Bassett warned that if the law were applied more broadly to restrict access to non-explicit but sensitive material, such as information about gender identity or sexual orientation, it could raise serious constitutional issues. "A prohibition of access to those types of websites, in my view, would likely face a 'strict scrutiny' analysis under the First Amendment, as there is no recognized precedent to bar minors from information regarding those topics," he said. Together, the two rulings reflect a growing legal and political divide over who gets to decide what young people can see, learn and access, whether in a classroom or on the internet. Although the LGBTQ+ book ruling currently applies only to Montgomery County, legal analysts say it could shape broader education policy and religious liberty claims across the country in the years to come. "This is just the beginning," said Hoffman, the Maryland-based mom. "And I really hope it's not where we end." Libertarian National Committee Chair Steven Nekhaila has a pitch for billionaire Elon Musk: Join us, and dont fight the uphill battle of launching a third party. Making a new third party would be a mistake, Nekhaila told Score on Tuesday. The Libertarian Party is the most set-up party to be the dissident subversive party. Musks money would go a long way in advancing Libertarians. The national organization operates with a yearly budget of between $1 million and $3 million, Nekhaila said. Musk alone funneled more than $250 million into the 2024 election (mostly through his America PAC) to help catapult Trump to the presidency in November. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Once the capital is there, the doors get blown wide open, Nekhaila said. Nekhaila has not heard from Musk directly, but he said the party is trying to break through to the billionaire, who has been showing continued support for one of the most Libertarian-leaning members of Congress: Kentucky Republican Rep. Thomas Massie. Musk who in recent days reignited his war against the GOPs megabill said once the legislation passes he will immediately go forward with his new America Party. So why exactly should Musk forgo his own effort and instead join with the Libertarians? To Nekhaila its pretty simple. They have ballot access in almost every state, which many recent third-party efforts have failed to secure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres no way an independent or a new party can actually do this, he said. It takes years and years and years, and the infrastructure and everything else. It's not a fun process. Most recently, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. found success in getting ballot access in the 2024 election, but it took loads of time and resources. He ultimately removed his name from many of the ballots following his endorsement of Donald Trump. So far, Musk hasnt gotten the return on his investment he once hoped. Musk renewed his fury of the Republican megabill this week, calling the bill insane, and pledged to put money behind Massie, who is already facing an onslaught of spending from Trumps political organization. He took a big hit to his businesses. He took a big hit to his reputation, he took a financial hit, he made an investment, and got nothing in return, Nekhaila said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Libertarians are not alone in their effort to court Musk. No Labels, the political group that pushed for a centrist presidential ticket to avoid a rematch between Joe Biden and Donald Trump, is also interested in talking to Musk, said Dan Webb, a leader of the group. What hes talking about is that partisanship in the two parties has created so many huge problems that the country isnt working, as evidenced by whats going on in Congress right now, Webb said, adding that the group is trying to find out a way to reach out to him and create a line of communication. While starting a new party is surely a tall order, if anyone could pull off such a feat, it would be Musk, who as the world's richest man can pour just about unlimited resources behind the effort. There is some data to back up Musks calls for change: Americans routinely show their displeasure with the two party system. Actually making a dent in party power is a different story, but since the 2000 election, there has been a 9 percentage point increase in unaffiliated and independent voters, according to a recent NBC News analysis of voter registration in America. The analysis found that 32 percent of registered voters in states that report the data did not affiliate with the Democratic or Republican parties, up from 23 percent in 2000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shia Kapos contributed to this report. A version of this article first appeared in POLITICO Pro's Morning Score. Want to receive the newsletter every weekday? Subscribe to POLITICO Pro. Youll also receive daily policy news and other intelligence you need to act on the days biggest stories. A Tennessee man who plotted to kill FBI agents who investigated his role in the January 2021 assault on the US Capitol by supporters of President Donald Trump was sentenced to life in prison on Wednesday. Edward Kelley, 36, was convicted by a jury in November of conspiracy to murder federal employees and other charges. Kelley planned to attack the FBI office in the Tennessee city of Knoxville using car bombs and incendiary devices attached to drones, and assassinate FBI employees in their homes or in public places, according to the Justice Department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Kelley developed a 'kill list' of law enforcement and distributed the list -- along with videos containing images of his targets -- to a co-conspirator," the department said in a statement. Kelley was among the more than 1,500 people pardoned by Trump who were convicted or facing charges over the January 6, 2021 attack on Congress. He was among the first rioters to enter the Capitol building and was convicted of assaulting police officers, destroying government property and other charges. Kelley's lawyer argued ahead of his trial for the murder plot that Trump's pardon should also apply to the charges in the case, but prosecutors rejected the claim. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The defendant's conduct in this case was unrelated in both time and place to the events that occurred at or near the United States Capitol," they said in a court filing. "This case is about the defendant's entirely independent criminal conduct in Tennessee, in late 2022, more than 500 miles away from the Capitol: threatening, soliciting, and conspiring to murder agents, officers, and employees of the FBI." cl/sst CHICAGO (WGN) A lifeguard accused of shooting two teens last week, killing one, resigned from the Chicago Park District in lieu of being terminated and is ineligible for future employment with the district, a spokesperson told WGN. Charles Leto, 55, appeared in court Tuesday for a status hearing. He is charged with murder and attempted murder in the shootings of Marjay Dotson and Jeremy Herred last Thursday at Douglass Park, where he worked as a lifeguard. Dotson was killed in the shooting that was captured by a surveillance camera. Leto reportedly told police the shooting was in self-defense. Our hearts are broken, Michele Lemons wrote in an email to WGN. We extend our deepest condolences to Marjays family, friends, and the North Lawndale community, and we are keeping Jeremy and his family in our prayers. This horrific act of violence has shaken us all, and we are committed to doing everything in our power to ensure that nothing like this ever happens again. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement WGN-TV reported Monday that Leto was also involved in a 2023 shooting of two dogs in Lakeview. One dog was killed. He also told police then that he acted in self-defense and he was not charged in the case. Surveillance video shows Douglass Park shooting, lifeguard charged with murder Douglass Park shooting not lifeguards first accusation of shooting without justification Feb. 2023 | Police, SWAT engage in hours-long standoff after man shoots two dogs in Lakeview Lemons said Letos pre-employment screening did not reveal anything that would have prevented his employment with the district. She said the district is cooperating with the Chicago Police Department and conducting an internal review. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Chi North Lawndale Chamber of Commerce has started a petition calling for accountability, investment and safety at Douglass Park in the wake of the shooting. Lemons said district officials are aware of the petition and hope to soon meet with organizers and stakeholders to address their concerns and work together toward accountability, healing, and lasting change. Our parks must be sanctuariesplaces where young people are protected, not harmed, Lemons said. We will not rest until we have taken every possible step to ensure our parks live up to that promise. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV. "The October 7 massacre proved that the doctrine of settlement blocs and the establishment of a Palestinian state in the remaining territory is an existential danger to Israel." Likud ministers and Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana called on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to apply sovereignty and Israeli law to the West Bank by the end of the summer session of the Knesset in a Wednesday petition seen by The Jerusalem Post. After Israels historic achievements under the leadership of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against the evil axis of Iran and its sympathizers, the task must be completed, the existential threat removed from within, and another massacre in the heart of the country must be prevented, the petition states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The petition comes ahead of Netanyahus trip to Washington and highlights the key moment in Israels hands, including the strategic partnership and thebacking of US President Donald Trump. The October 7 massacre proved that the doctrine of settlement blocs and the establishment of a Palestinian state in the remaining territory is an existential danger to Israel. Its time for sovereignty, the petition said. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visits at the scene where a ballistic missile fired from Iran hit and caused damage at the Weizmann Institute in Rehovot, June 20, 2025. (credit: ITAI RON/POOL) Petition signatories In addition to Ohana, the petition was signed by Deputy Prime Minister, Justice Minister Yariv Levin, Defense Minister Israel Katz, Education Minister Yoav Kisch, Transportation Minister Miri Regev, Energy and Infrastructure Minister Eli Cohen, Culture and Sport Minister Miki Zohar, Economy and Industry Minister Nir Barkat, Agriculture and Raw Food Security Minister Avi Dichter, Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi, Tourism Minister, Construction and Housing Minister Haim Katz, Innovation, Science, and Technology Minister Gila Gamliel, Diaspora Affairs and Combatting Antisemitism Minister Amichai Chikli, Environmental Protection Minister Idit Silman, Women's Advancement Minister, Social Equality Minister May Golan, and Minister in the Justice Ministry, Regional Cooperation Minister, and Ministerial Liaison to the Knesset David Amsalem. Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer was the only Likud minister who did not sign the petition. He has been in Washington since Monday for talks at the White House on Iran and Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an interview in early June, US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee said that the US no longer wholeheartedly endorses an independent state for Palestinians, saying he "does not think" the issue remains a US policy. Trump has not expressed an official position. Egypt responds to Likud letter The Egyptian government released condemnation to the statement, expressing its categorical rejection of these statements, which violate international law and aim to entrench the illegal occupation of Palestinian territories, and to undermine the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination and the establishment of their independent state. The Arab Republic of Egypt emphasizes its rejection of the blatant Israeli violations in the West Bank, including military incursions, arrests, and the expansion of illegal settlement construction, which coincides with the crimes taking place in the Gaza Strip that aim to undermine all elements of life for the struggling Palestinian people, the statement said. Egypt called on the international community to intervene immediately to put an end to these flagrant violations being committed against the Palestinian people on their own land." TENNESSEE VALLEY (WHNT) As the last month of summer starts, students in the Tennessee Valley are soon to head back to school. Students throughout the area are set to go back to school soon, but when does each school district start back? You can view a full list of back-to-school dates below. Colbert County Colbert County Schools August 4 Muscle Shoals City Schools August 5 Sheffield City Schools August 7 Tuscumbia City Schools August 6 DeKalb County DeKalb County Schools August 7 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fort Payne City Schools August 6 Franklin County Franklin County Schools August 8 Russellville City Schools August 6 Jackson County Jackson County Schools August 6 Scottsboro City Schools August 4 Lauderdale County Florence City Schools August 6 Lauderdale County Schools August 7 Lawrence County Lawrence County Schools August 7 Limestone County Athens City Schools August 5 Limestone County Schools July 31 Lincoln County, Tenn. Lincoln County Schools August 5 Half Day Fayetteville City Schools August 5 Half Day Madison County Huntsville City Schools August 4 Madison City Schools August 4 Madison County Schools August 4 Marshall County Albertville City Schools August 12 Arab City Schools August 7 Boaz City Schools August 6 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Guntersville City Schools August 6 Marshall County Schools August 8 Morgan County Decatur City Schools August 7 Hartselle City Schools August 7 Morgan County Schools August 8 Parents and students can shop the back-to-school sales tax holiday from July 18-20. This sales tax holiday begins at 12:01 a.m. on the 18th and ends at midnight on the 20th. The Alabama Department of Revenue said, In 2006, a sales tax holiday was enacted pursuant to 40-23-210 to 40-23-213, Code of Ala. 1975, whereby no state sales or use tax is due on covered items as defined in the law and in the Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday Rule 810-6-3-.65. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several counties and municipalities notified the Alabama Department of Revenue whether they would participate or not in the Back-To-School tax holiday. Most have opted in, but Mooresville and Priceville have opted out of the tax holiday. Marshall County has not told ALDOR whether it would participate in the tax holiday. You can view the full list 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 WHNT.com. By Andrius Sytas VILNIUS (Reuters) -Lithuanian prosecutors said on Wednesday Russia's GRU military intelligence service had ordered the defacement of a monument to an anti-Soviet resistance leader in January 2024. Three residents of Estonia have been charged with travelling to fellow Baltic state Lithuania to carry out the act, prosecutor Rimas Bradunas told a press conference. The statue in southern Lithuanian town Merkine of Adolfas Ramanauskas, kneeling with his rifle in hand, was covered in red paint. Ramanauskas led armed resistance to the Soviet occupation of Lithuania after World War Two before being executed in 1957. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Our investigation determined that these people, acting in an organised group, were executing the orders of Russian special services, in particular GRU, to destabilise the country," Bradunas said. Russia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not immediately reply to a request for comment. Two of the three charged are dual Estonian-Russian citizens, while one is a Russian citizen. They were arrested in Estonia and handed over to Lithuania after an investigation involving the intelligence services of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia, the prosecutor said. The three, who are construction workers, were paid from a few hundred euros to a few thousand euros for their job, which lasted several months and included a survey of potential defacement targets, said Bradunas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They face up to seven years in jail if convicted on the charges, which include assisting another state to act against the Republic of Lithuania. Lithuanian prosecutors charged two people in March with attempting to start a fire at Vilnius IKEA store in May 2024, and accused Russia's military intelligence of orchestrating it. Russia dismissed the accusations as baseless and driven by what it describes as Russophobia. It has denied allegations by all three Baltic states, annexed by Moscow during World War Two but now part of NATO and the European Union, of cyber attacks, disinformation campaigns and military pressure, especially since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. (Reporting by Andrius Sytas; additional reporting by Lucy Papachristou; editing by Louise Breusch Rasmussen, Anna Ringstrom, Philippa Fletcher) MANILA, Philippines (AP) A Philippine campaign aimed at exposing China's aggression in the disputed South China Sea has shattered the illusion of China being peaceful and friendly, Lithuania's defense chief said Wednesday, urging democratic countries to stand united against an emerging axis of authoritarian countries led by China and Russia. Beginning in 2023, the campaign, which Manila calls a transparency initiative," includes publicizing images of China's aggressive actions in the disputed waters. I believe that, in this case, revealing to the world how China is harassing the Philippines navy and fishermen of the Philippines in their own waters is very important because it shatters the illusion of China being a peaceful and friendly neighbor, Defense Minister Dovile Sakaliene said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its nothing peaceful when you see water cannons being used against peaceful fishermen and theres nothing peaceful about ramming the ships of Philippines in the territorial waters of the Philippines," she added. Sakaliene expressed support to former Filipino senator Francis Tolentino while in the capital for talks aimed at deepening defense ties between the two countries. Tolentino was sanctioned by China on Tuesday for his strong criticisms of Beijings acts of aggression and for his work on two new laws, which demarcated Philippine territorial zones, including in parts of the South China Sea that Beijing claims. Sakaliene said she and her family had also been sanctioned by China and banned from entering the country for her strong criticisms of Chinas aggression and human rights record. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Welcome to the club, Sakaliene said in an interview with a small group of journalists, including from The Associated Press, in response to Chinas sanction against Tolentino. Talking about Chinas crimes is what gets you into the blacklist. "Pressure, coercion and threats is their usual method of operation, she said. Chinese officials did not immediately comment on Sakalienes remarks. During President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s administration, which began in mid-2022, the Philippines invited Filipino and foreign journalists to join its coast guard and navy patrols in the disputed South China Sea. They have witnessed an increasingly alarming spike of confrontations in the waters in recent years, with China using water cannons and dangerous maneuvers to defend its claim to the global trade route. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement China blames the Philippines for instigating the clashes. A 2016 international arbitration decision invalidated Chinas claims based on the 1982 U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea, but Beijing has rejected the ruling and continues to defy it. Sakaliene said that in the Baltic Sea, Chinese ships and crew members have helped suspected Russian fleets damage undersea oil pipelines, and data and electricity cables belonging to rival European nations like Lithuania by dragging steel anchors on the seafloor. She warned that such acts of sabotage could also be carried out in Asia by China and Russia. Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan have also been involved in the long-simmering territorial disputes in the South China Sea but they have not been as vocal against Chinas aggression as the Philippines. The United States does not lay claim to the disputed waters but has repeatedly warned that it is obligated to defend the Philippines Washingtons oldest treaty ally in Asia if it comes under an armed attack. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sakaliene warned that its crucial for countries to band together and fight an emerging authoritarian bloc consisting of China, Russia, Iran and North Korea which she said is a threat to democracy. ___ Associated Press journalists Joeal Calupitan and Aaron Favila in Manila contributed to this report. A Worcestershire woman said she felt as though she was living in a "little anxious void" as she waited for the government to vote on welfare cuts. On Tuesday evening, the welfare reform bill passed by 75 votes after offering last-minute concessions to appease Labour rebels. Elspeth Edwards, 21, from Pershore, claims 600 per month in welfare and said: "It has been an absolute emotional rollercoaster because the entire time I've not known what I can do with my life." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the prime minister said the welfare bill ends mandatory reassessment for those with severe disabilities, calling it the "right thing to do". Ms Edwards is unable to work due to her conditions, as she faints multiple times a day, is in "immense pain constantly" and suffers from severe fatigue. Speaking at the House of Commons on Wednesday, Sir Keir Starmer said it also rebalanced universal credit, which he says is "long overdue" and sets out a pathway to reform Pip. The original welfare reform bill, which would have affected Ms Edwards, included proposals to restrict eligibility for the personal independence payment (Pip) and cut the health-related element of universal credit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The changes made by the passed bill will now not include Pip, which will see no changes until a review has been completed. However, under the plans, under-22s will also no longer qualify for the health element of universal credit. 'Incredibly stressful' The government initially announced its plans for a shake-up of the benefits system in March. Discussing her life since March, Ms Edwards said it had been "incredibly stressful". "I've not known what I can do with my life," she said. "It's like I've had to put my life on pause in like anxious little bubble because I couldn't plan for university. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I couldn't even apply for university because I didn't know if I had the financial stability to be able to go. "I was basically sat in this little anxious void waiting for an answer." Follow BBC Hereford & Worcester on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram. More on this story It's not just the original FANG names, however. The Solactive FANG Innovation Index that it is meant to mirror also includes the FANG companies' most important technology peers, such as Nvidia , Palantir Technologies , and Broadcom . All told, the index and fund reflect the daily collective performance of 15 of the market's hottest stocks of its most important companies of late, multiplied by a factor of three. These are mostly tech names, of course, operating within high-demand industries like artificial intelligence (AI), mobile devices, and cloud computing, just to name a few. Cutting straight to the chase, just as the name suggests, the MicroSectors Solactive FANG Innovation 3x Leveraged ETN is an exchange-traded instrument that on any given day moves three times as much as the so-called FANG stocks like Amazon , Alphabet , Meta Platforms , and others collectively do. Don't dismiss the prospect simply because it's not drawing a huge crowd, however. That doesn't mean it doesn't have a potential place in your portfolio. There's a good chance you've never heard of it; plenty of investors haven't. This fund's $1.5 billion in assets is a pittance compared to the size of more familiar exchange-traded funds (ETFs) like the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (NYSEMKT: SPY) or the Invesco QQQ Trust (NASDAQ: QQQ), underscoring investors' lack of interest in what it offers. With that as the backdrop, investors looking to spice up their overall returns without making their portfolio more complicated might want to take a look at the MicroSectors Solactive FANG Innovation 3x Leveraged ETN (NYSEMKT: BULZ). This exchange-traded note (ETN) is not for everyone -- but it may well be a good fit for you. You typically need the former to get the latter, of course, since a greater reward requires taking on greater risk. And, you must also take the right risks ... ones that pay off rather than chew up your capital. Fortunately, just applying a little common sense and being patient will go a long way in this regard. This instrument, however, has a couple of serious downsides that might not make it worth adding to your portfolio. Investors looking for an easy way to get more out of their collective performance have had relatively few options. The so-called FANG stocks and most of their peers have been the only names to produce market-beating gains in recent years. Story Continues One key difference between BULZ and leveraged ETFs? It's not weighted by its constituent companies' market capitalizations. It's an equal-weighted investment, meaning each constituent's contribution to the ETN's net daily movement isn't crimped or augmented just by that company's smaller or bigger size. This is arguably a healthier balance. And if you're wondering, an ETN is an exchange-traded note. They trade just like ETFs, and for all practical investing purposes, can be seen as the same. The big difference is that an ETN doesn't technically hold the stocks in question. The ETN's issuer does, while its manager makes any buying and selling decisions. In this instance, the Bank of Montreal holds the underlying assets that are managed by a third-party asset manager called REX Shares. It's a broadly compelling prospect. However, there are three very specific reasons to own a piece of this exchange-traded note. Reason No. 1 to buy: An easy way to invest in all the market's most promising growth stocks One of the chief complaints about the recent market environment is that only a handful of stocks have produced most of the marketwide gains. Owning each one of them individually could require an overwhelming amount of effort, yet owning an instrument like QQQ or an S&P 100 index fund could still saddle you with too many laggards. The MicroSectors Solactive FANG Innovation 3x Leveraged ETN is one of the few ways to own most all the best names without owning too many underperformers. Reason No. 2 to buy: It's also an easy way to produce market-beating growth That being said, if an investor is specifically looking for stocks like Nvidia, Palantir, and Amazon, it's a reasonably safe bet that they're also looking for above-average performance. BULZ offers even more of this performance than they could ever achieve simply by buying and holding these tickers alone. REX uses derivatives to amplify the daily moves these stocks are making, by a factor of three. If these tickers are on the rise, BULZ is rising much, much more. Reason No. 3 to buy: BULZ is a regularly balanced equal-weight fund Finally, another one of the top complaints about recent market dynamics is how a small handful of high-performing stocks like Apple and Nvidia have caused indexes (and therefore, index funds) to become top-heavy. That just means the market's very biggest companies are now overrepresented. Should these individual mega-stocks start to peel back from their big gains, funds and indexes could take an exaggerated hit. The MicroSectors Solactive FANG Innovation 3x Leveraged ETN is reasonably well-protected from such an exaggerated setback, though. The underlying Solactive FANG Innovation Index is rebalanced to an equal weighting every month, curbing much of the potential for excessive volatility. That being said, there are even more downsides to consider before stepping into this particular leveraged fund. Reason No. 1 to avoid: Its volatility could be outright sickening Volatility is fine as long as it's working in your favor. Things dramatically change, however, when the market's darlings start to lose ground, and you're watching your positions lose value three times as quickly. This sort of loss can create a panic, and investors don't always make the best decisions under duress. Reason No. 2 to avoid: The underlying premise of the ETN could eventually fail The idea behind a FANG-focused fund that also includes most of the market's other hottest stocks makes sense right now because it's working -- these are the market's must-have names. But nothing lasts forever. There may come a time when these stocks aren't leading the marketwide bullish charge. While REX can swap the ETN's current holdings with more relevant and innovative names in the future, there's no assurance it will do so to your satisfaction. Reason No. 3 to avoid: BULZ isn't cheap to own Although it's a pittance compared to its potential upside, by index fund standards, the MicroSectors Solactive FANG Innovation 3x Leveraged ETN costs more than average to operate. Its expense ratio is in the ballpark of 1% of its assets, shaving down your annual net gains by that amount. Reason No. 4 to avoid: Even the Bank of Montreal says it's not a great "buy and hold" investment Given that it's the issuer and arguably has the most to gain by attracting new investors, you'd expect the Bank of Montreal to be the ETN's biggest cheerleader. But, nope. In its own prospectus on BULZ, the bank warns that its exchange-traded notes are "not intended to be 'buy and hold' investments." It explains, "If you invest in the notes, you should continuously monitor your holding of the notes and make investment decisions at least on each Index business day, or even intraday." In a similar time frame-minded sense, know that this particular ETN has a planned expiration date of June 28, 2041, but Bank of Montreal could also choose to shut it down anytime between now and then. Weighing the risk against the reward The downside certainly seems to outweigh the upside. And for most investors, there arguably is too much risk here to justify what's admittedly an impressive degree of potential reward. If you can read the prospectus's warning for what it actually likely is, though -- boilerplate language meant to discourage inexperienced investors from becoming a legal liability -- there's a limited-use case to be made here. Although the Bank of Montreal appears to be discouraging long-term investors while encouraging short-term-minded ones, short-term trading is already difficult to do well; this ETN could make it even trickier. True buy-and-hold investors willing to stick with these 15 stocks for years on end, despite how they perform in the meantime, conversely, would be even more rewarded for their patience with a position in BULZ. Just don't get crazy. Even these committed investors will want to keep any position in the MicroSectors Solactive FANG Innovation 3x Leveraged ETN relatively modest, as a means of limiting their risk. Should you invest $1,000 in MicroSectors Solactive Fang Innovation 3x Leveraged ETNs Due June 28 right now? Before you buy stock in MicroSectors Solactive Fang Innovation 3x Leveraged ETNs Due June 28, consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now and MicroSectors Solactive Fang Innovation 3x Leveraged ETNs Due June 28 wasnt one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, youd have $697,627!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, youd have $939,655!* Now, its worth noting Stock Advisors total average return is 1,045% a market-crushing outperformance compared to 178% for the S&P 500. Dont miss out on the latest top 10 list, available when you join Stock Advisor. See the 10 stocks *Stock Advisor returns as of June 30, 2025 Suzanne Frey, an executive at Alphabet, is a member of The Motley Fools board of directors. Randi Zuckerberg, a former director of market development and spokeswoman for Facebook and sister to Meta Platforms CEO Mark Zuckerberg, is a member of The Motley Fool's board of directors. John Mackey, former CEO of Whole Foods Market, an Amazon subsidiary, is a member of The Motley Fools board of directors. James Brumley has positions in Alphabet. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Meta Platforms, Nvidia, and Palantir Technologies. The Motley Fool recommends Broadcom. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. 3 Reasons to Buy BULZ, and 4 Reasons Not To was originally published by The Motley Fool HATTIESBURG, Miss. (WHLT) Grammy-nominated and internationally acclaimed Liverpool Legends will be at Hattiesburgs Historic Saenger Theater on Saturday, August 2. Tickets range from $45 $85 plus fees and are on sale through Ticketmaster. Liverpool Legends are four talented musicians and actors, handpicked by Louise Harrison sister of George Harrison, to honor her brothers legacy and re-create the band that changed the world forever. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Attendees will be able to experience the complete history of The Beatles. The show is narrated by Louise Harrison. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJTV. BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) A man accused of dealing drugs in Livingston Parish was arrested on multiple charges. Deon Hoggie Jones, 43, was arrested and booked into the Livingston Parish Detention Center Tuesday. Deon Hoggie Jones (Livingston Parish Sheriffs Office) The Livingston Parish Sheriffs Office said a search of a Denham Springs home led to the seizure of cocaine, marijuana, pills and more. 699.6 grams of cocaine 18.1 grams of crack cocaine 5.5 dosage units of lorazepam 4 dosage units of adderall 3 dosage units of MDMA 1 pint of promethazine Glock .40 caliber handgun (reported as stolen through St. Gabriel Police Department) Packaging material/digital scales $10,023 U.S. currency Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thank you, Livingston Parish. We appreciate you working with us to take illegal narcotics off of our streets and out of the reach of our children, Sheriff Jason Ard said. An investigation is ongoing. Suspect accused of stealing ambulance from Baton Rouge hospital arrested Latest News Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Louisiana First News. WASHINGTON Rep. Andy Harris was a key player during tax and spending bill negotiations on Wednesday, withholding support for the legislation while hoping each passing moment would improve the prospects of adding new deficit reduction measures. It was a familiar position, albeit a delicate one, for the Maryland Republican, a deficit hawk who chairs the influential House Freedom Caucus. Harris is an ardent supporter of President Donald Trump, who has been pushing support for the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, a signature mega-bill that includes tax cuts and immigration control spending. The bill delivers on Republican promises to lower taxes, secure the border, cut spending, and put Americans first, the White House said this week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, according to the Congressional Budget Offices estimates, the legislation is projected to increase the national debt by $3.3 trillion over the next 10 years. That projection put Harris in the position of either defying Trump or potentially compromising his deficit hawk credentials. Harris, whose district includes Harford County, the Eastern Shore and a portion of Baltimore County, had not yet announced his position on the bill late Wednesday afternoon. He declined to comment to reporters as he shuttled between the House floor and a private meeting of the House Freedom Caucus nearby. His office did not respond to interview requests from The Baltimore Sun. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As bill negotiations continued, Harris was publicly lobbied on X by Elon Musk, a longtime Trump supporter and former head of the Department of Government Efficiency, who has clashed with the president over the bill. How can you call yourself the Freedom Caucus if you vote for a DEBT SLAVERY bill with the biggest debt ceiling increase in history? Musk posted on X. He directed the post at Harris and Texas Rep. Chip Roy, a fellow deficit hawk who also complained about the cost of the Senate bill. Harris had some pressure on him, said Roger Hartley, dean of the University of Baltimores College of Public Affairs. Hes been saying for years that hes a deficit hawk. And will a deficit hawk be willing to put another $3 trillion on top of the deficit? Hartley said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The House originally passed the bill last spring. The Senate made extensive changes to the House version, deepening the Medicaid cuts by adding an additional work requirement and limiting the provider tax rate, which provides hospitals with additional federal funding. The Freedom Caucus posted on X that the Senate version was flawed. In addition to adding to the deficit, the caucus said the measure doesnt fully get illegal aliens off Medicaid and guts the repeal of the Green New Scam. The post referred to green energy tax credits including those for wind and solar projects that Harris opposes and which were signed into law by Democratic former President Joe Biden. Harris has often withheld support, at least initially, for Trump-backed budget plans to prod his party to offset spending increases with cuts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This spending addiction has to stop now, he posted on X during a budget debate last spring. While he is usually a staunch defender of Trump, Harris has leeway to oppose the president and other leading Republicans on budget issues because his district is considered safe. It is the only U.S. House district in Maryland with more registered Republicans than Democrats, and he is the states only GOP congressional delegation member. Harris was also a holdout when the framework for the big, beautiful bill of tax cuts, mass deportations and other policy items came up initially last spring. He ultimately voted for it, and the Freedom Caucus support was critical to its 216-214 passage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After hearing concerns from our members, the White House committed to historic spending reductions including, targeting the Green New Scam IRA tax credits as well as waste, fraud, and abuse in the expanding Medicaid program, Harris said at the time. It was uncertain whether he could extract similar promises this time. I think in the end the House Freedom Caucus will probably get some concessions in the way of additional promises, said St. Marys College political science professor Todd Eberly. I doubt they would kill Trumps signature legislation, he said. _____ You won't find any overprocessed baked food at Athens Bread Co., an Ohio-based shop serving up breads and pastries made with traditional techniques. Owner and bread baker Tim McKenna spoke with Southeast Ohio magazine about the inspiration behind the business and how his bakery is making a difference in the lives of local farmers and community members experiencing food insecurity. Established in 2014, according to the company website, Athens Bread Co. has always been committed to ensuring artisanal breads are available at affordable prices. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After founder Doug Wistendahl retired in 2021, McKenna took over after previously exploring his passion for food as a butcher and baker in New York. The Ohio University graduate told Southeast Ohio that his bread is special because of its human touch which mass-produced brands that often feature unnecessary added sugar don't necessarily have likening his handcrafted products to a mix of science and art. McKenna also sources his ingredients from local agricultural producers, demonstrating his commitment to strengthening the community's economy while reducing harm associated with transporting goods long distances. The warming climate has supercharged extreme weather events and disrupted food systems. When companies use dirty fuel-powered vehicles to ship goods rather than cleaner modes of transportation, such as electric semis, they generate pollution that contributes to this problem. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We live in a world where food sources are threatened, so it's important to have those connections with farmers because you know where your food is coming from and you can guard against some potential problems with food supply chains," McKenna told Southeast Ohio. "It makes good business sense as well as being good for the area," McKenna continued. "Not to mention that when I buy Ohio flour there's a connection to the land and it tastes different." Athens Bread Co.'s focus on sustainability and community doesn't stop there. McKenna partners with organizations including United Campus Ministry to donate unsold loaves and pastries, putting food in the stomachs of hungry people and helping to reduce food waste. According to Feeding America, 47 million people, including 14 million children, in the United States face food insecurity. It doesn't have to be that way, though. Nearly 40% of all food goes uneaten or unsold, with $145 billion meals' worth of food heading to dumps. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While major grocery retailers such as Kroger and Walmart have initiatives to reduce food waste, McKenna told Southeast Ohio that he feels like they could do more and said his partnerships with local businesses help his company more effectively tackle the issue. "I believe in feeding people and giving food to the hungry. In the food industry, there's always that risk that you're going to waste things, so it's an alignment of my values with good sense," McKenna said. "Why throw something out if I can have someone eat it who needs it?" Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more and waste less, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. Kern Countys lawmakers are declining to comment on the Senates passage of the major spending bill until after the U.S. House of Representatives casts its own vote Wednesday. The Senate narrowly passed its version of the massive piece of legislation championed by President Donald Trump on Tuesday morning, sending the bill to the House for a confirmation vote. The bill previously called the Big Beautiful Bill Act before the name was stripped by Senate Democrats contains a number of spending priorities for Republicans and the president, who has urged lawmakers to pass the legislation before Independence Day on Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The highly contentious bill now returns to the House, but Kerns delegates declined to answer questions regarding the Senate version. The offices of U.S. Rep. David Valadao, R-Hanford, and Vince Fong, R-Bakersfield, both said a full statement will be released following the House vote Wednesday. Valadaos office referred The Californian to a statement the representative made on social media over the weekend reiterating his position that he will not support a final bill that threatens vital programs. I will not support a final bill that eliminates vital funding streams our hospitals rely on, including provider taxes and state directed payments or any provisions that punish expansion states, Valadao said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vice President J.D. Vance cast the tiebreaking vote on the legislation after three Republican senators broke with their party and voted against the bill. Republicans enjoy a slim margin in the House and can only afford a handful of defectors. Some members have already expressed misgivings about the Senates version. Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, chairman of the House Freedom Caucus, posted several messages to social media Tuesday criticizing the bill, calling certain provisions a deal-killer of an already bad deal. But local advocates are hoping Valadao will be one of those defectors. More than 50 protesters gathered outside Valadaos Bakersfield office Tuesday, as they have regularly for months, to call on the representative to vote against legislation that would make cuts to Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program known as SNAP. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This morning, the Senate passed their vision of the bill, which is even worse, said Stephanie Martinez, a health care worker. What are we gonna do? The only thing thats good about this is that people are watching. My coworkers are watching. Everybodys paying attention to whats going on. The stakes for Valadao are high. His district has the highest number of Medicaid recipients in the state and his seat is the target of multiple campaigns looking to flip the district in 2026. Tuesdays demonstration was organized by the Fight for Our Health coalition, a mix of community groups, labor unions and nonprofits thats been targeting three California Republicans including Valadao. One of the people outside Valadaos office Tuesday was Randy Villegas, a Visalia Unified School District board member and the only challenger to have officially declared candidacy for the 22nd Congressional District in 2026. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I ultimately hope that he does the right thing. It shouldnt take thousands of phone calls, letters, rallies and protests outside of his office to know that our member of Congress would never take away health care from our community, said Villegas, a Democrat and member of the progressive Working Families Party. Republican Thomas Massey voted against this bill, acknowledging the trillions of dollars its going to add to the deficit in our community, Villegas said. There are Republicans who are willing to stand up and do whats right, put country above party. Valadao just isnt one of them. Valadao has mostly held onto his seat since being elected to Congress in 2013 with the exception of 2019-2021 when he was briefly ousted for a term. Hes faced a tight race in the past two elections against former Democratic Assemblyman Rudy Salas, but won by a larger margin in 2024 than 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Salas has filed paperwork to run, but has not committed to doing so, in the next election. The Associated Press reported Tuesday afternoon House Democrats were looking for ways to block the bill with Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., vowing to use all legislative tools and options to prevent its passage. In the early morning hours Tuesday, Gov. Mike DeWines office announced he had signed the states biennial operating budget, and issued 67 line-item vetoes of the contents of the bill. DeWine vetoed a group of property tax reforms that would have a significant state-wide impact. State Representative David Thomas, whose 65th district includes southern Ashtabula County, said in a press release Tuesday was a sad day for Ohio, and the four property tax reforms DeWine vetoed would have made a real difference for property owners. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I believe the Legislature is fully on the side of taxpayers and will override the Governors vetoes of these desperately-needed reforms, he said. It makes zero sense to veto efforts directly relieving our taxpayers. Property taxpayers need relief, and cannot wait another property tax bill cycle, Thomas said in the release. State Senator Sandra OBrien said she was disappointed DeWine vetoed all the property tax relief in the budget. Legislators proposed several remedies to give property tax relief, and the governor chose not to implement them, she said. It was a good night for the lobbyists. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State Representative Sarah Fowler Arthur, whose district includes the lakeshore areas of Ashtabula County, said a lot of items that were intended to make state agencies more accountable to the public were vetoed, which is frustrating. I think theres a lot of disappointment in those general areas, where were trying to increase accountability and transparency, and the governor vetoed those areas, where the state agencies would have to be more accountable or more transparent, she said. The other area Fowler Arthur said she had received a number of calls about was the veto of education savings accounts. We had planned to make sure that the state wasnt picking winners and losers with where parents could take their dollars, and the governor basically vetoed it, and said that he didnt think it had been thoroughly thought through, which is ironic, because theres been a bill addressing this for the last three years, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In DeWines explanation of the veto, he said the proposal failed to establish sufficient safeguards and accountability measures. Fowler Arthur said DeWine vetoed a number of provisions where the legislature was trying to address Medicaid fraud found during the COVID era. The legislature has until the end of the General Assembly to vote on overriding DeWines vetoes, she said. I dont know if it will be something that we rush to do, or if there is some additional deliberation that takes place over the next year or 18 months, but I would anticipate veto override votes on a number of the provisions the governor chose to veto, Fowler Arthur said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There were numerous vetoes that will have impacts on the county, but perhaps the most specific of those is the veto of the countys 2% bed tax, which funds the county Convention Facilities Authority. In his veto message, DeWine said the language in the state budget only impacted Ashtabula Countys bed tax, creating disparate treatment among counties using the it. Additionally, this preempts the right of county voters to make the decision on their taxes, DeWines veto message said. Therefore, a veto of this item is in the public interest. A press release from the CFA said there was a tremendous outpouring of local support in favor of a veto of the provision, with letters from local businesses, community leaders, industry groups and others delivered to DeWine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gov. DeWines decision was vitally important for the future economic development of our county, CFA Chair Holly Mayernick said in the release. The support of the county commissioners, our partners working to promote Ashtabula County, as well as the business and community leaders who took the time to voice their support was overwhelming and deeply appreciated. It is a welcomed reminder that our voices matter, that the political interests of the few can be held in check by the local interests of our community. Ashtabula County Commissioner Casey Kozlowski said he is extremely appreciative to DeWine for vetoing the change. We are one of 20 counties that benefit from this, high tourism counties, and we recognize that this benefits our county economically, and actually reduces the tax burden on Ashtabula County residents, he said. The bed tax is paid by visitors staying overnight in county hotels. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kozlowski said the proposed elimination of the CFAs bed tax did not get a hearing from both proponents and opponents before it was included in the bill, and DeWine recognized that. On the broader budget bill, Kozlowski said he is working on analyzing the broader impact of both the bill and the vetoes on the county. DeWine also vetoed a provision which would have changed school and educational service center boards to partisan offices, with primary elections and a political party designation. DeWine said school boards have historically been non-partisan, and changing that could have a chilling effect on candidates. The change would also have prohibited classified employees from seeking election to the office. A provision that would have eliminated the sales tax exemption on newspapers was also vetoed. CLEVELAND (WJW) Planned Parenthood has confirmed that the organizations Cleveland health center closed its doors on May 31. According to the organization, there were many factors that played a role in the shuttering of the facility on Euclid Avenue, but the number one reason was the withholding of Title X funds by the Trump administration, which Planned Parenthood said could shut down as many as 200 health centers across the country. We were able to provide low to no cost birth control, emergency contraception, cancer screening, testing and treatment for sexually-transmitted infections and unfortunately without those Title X funds, we were no longer able to sustain that health center, said Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio spokesperson Diamond Crumby. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement How Akron is working to slow down speeding drivers Meanwhile, the Cleveland Right to Life organization issued a statement that reads, in part: The closure of the Planned Parenthood facility on Euclid Avenue is a good start. Cleveland Right to Life is encouraging all pro-life advocates in the state to reach out to the various House Republicans to put the 10-year defunding of Planned Parenthood back into the One Big Beautiful Bill through the reconciliation process. In the wake of the news that the Cleveland Health Center has been shut down, the city of Clevelands Public Health Department is now offering services for anyone affected by the closing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Browns dome deal done: New stadium ready by 2029 While the funding of Planned Parenthood is the subject of intense political debate, the health department said it is focusing on the care and wellbeing of patients. We offer high quality reproductive services to people in need. We dont turn anybody away due to the inability to pay. We have access to all contraceptive methods so we offer care to women, men, teens and were here as a resource and to make sure that we give everybody the care that they deserve and that they need, said CDPH Director of Nursing Dr. Jeannie Brooks. According to Planned Parenthood, patients can also seek assistance at the organizations other health centers in Cuyahoga County, located in Old Brooklyn, Bedford Heights and Rocky River. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. First Judicial District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies told lawmakers if the case management order is implemented in her district, she predicts thousands of cases are going to be dismissed. (Photo by Patrick Lohmann / Source NM) Local prosecutors are asking state lawmakers to pressure New Mexicos highest court to either lift or change special court rules meant to expedite resolution of criminal cases. The Courts, Corrections and Justice Committee on Monday and Tuesday heard from the elected district attorneys from Santa Fe and Las Cruces, both of whom are critical of the New Mexico Supreme Courts case management order, which sets deadlines for prosecutors to disclose evidence and schedule pretrial witness interviews. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The special rule, which first went into effect in Albuquerque-area courts in February 2015, is meant to resolve criminal cases without unneeded delays and reduce case backlogs by establishing deadlines for steps leading to trial. At present, the rule applies only in the Second Judicial District in New Mexicos most populous county of Bernalillo; the Third Judicial District, in the second most populous county of Dona Ana; and the Eighth Judicial District, which covers Union, Colfax and Taos counties. First Judicial District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies, whose district covers Santa Fe, Rio Arriba and Los Alamos counties in Northern New Mexico, told the committee on Monday afternoon she expects the case management order will come to her area in January 2026. She has been in talks with First Judicial District Court Chief Judge Bryan Biedscheid about the process of adopting the special rule since the fall of 2023, according to a letter her office shared with Source NM. In that letter, she wrote that Biedscheid hasnt given her, police or public defenders the opportunity to plan and prepare for the rule. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under the rules in Bernalillo, Dona Ana and the Eighth Judicial District, the simplest cases must go to trial within about seven months and the most complex ones, including murder cases, must go to trial within approximately 15 months. The rules require more complex cases to go to trial within a year if the person is held in jail, unless the defendant agrees to a longer period or uncontrollable circumstances occur. The rule also shortens deadlines for prosecutors to make evidence available to defense attorneys. The same deadlines can be found in the proposed rule for the First Judicial District, which the Supreme Court has not yet ordered. It was not clear on Wednesday when the justices would actually make the rule final. Carmack-Altwies told the committee in preparation for the order, she asked lawmakers in the most recent session for funding to pay for 13 new positions, but only received money for one. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a result, Carmack-Altwies told the committee, if the order is implemented in her district, she predicts thousands of cases are going to be dismissed. In addition to personnel and budget concerns, Carmack-Altwies office subsequently provided Source with a statement also citing insufficient input from DAs and law enforcement to the rule; lack of computer systems that communicate with law enforcement; and crime labs that are months or years behind. People are going to get away with crime and then I believe 10-plus years down the road, youre going to see an astonishing increase in an escalation in crime, she told lawmakers. In a statement provided to Source, Barry Massey, a spokesman for the Administrative Office of the Courts, said that in each of the judicial districts in which the state Supreme Court has ordered procedural case management rules implemented since 2015, it did so with comments and input from justice partners including prosecutors, law enforcement, and the Law Offices of the Public Defender. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As for the First Judicial District, Massey wrote that the court is considering a rule there that would apply to new cases going forward after implementation. As with other rules, any changes in procedural deadlines for cases take into consideration the views and comments from local stakeholders, including the district attorneys office. Its possible that rule will be based on the provisions in the current pilot programs in the three districts, Massey said, however, no specific timeline has been set to conclude the pilot programs and determine whether to implement a statewide rule. The order has its supporters, though. Chief Public Defender Bennet Baur told the committee he believes in case management orders because in an overworked system, all parties tend to focus on the crisis in front of them, and not on the new cases coming in. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You have to hold peoples feet to the fire to get the work done on cases, especially when people are sitting in custody, Baur said. Before case management orders came around, a lot of people were languishing in jail and victims were waiting for justice, he said. Without a case management order, what pressure is there on a crime lab to actually get the results in? Baur asked. There needs to be some flexibility. They are imperfect, but I think theyre really important to make sure that the system moves. When the conversation about case management orders continued on Tuesday, New Mexico Supreme Court Chief Justice David Thomson told the committee that when courts release someone and attach a GPS monitor to their ankle, and then their case takes a year to reach a trial, those two things are not acceptable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its important to bring them to trial on a timely basis on those charges, and then a jury can decide whether that individual is guilty or not, Thomson said. Ultimately, however, lawmakers have no sway over the rules. Sen. Antonio Moe Maestas (D-Albuquerque) noted there were reasons for the case management order at the time, but he encouraged district attorneys and others to put some friendly pressure on the Supreme Court to change that. We cant do it legislatively, but those hard-and-fast deadlines are unreasonable under the circumstances, and they need to be looked at, Maestas said. This story has been updated since publication to include a statement from the Administrative Office of the Courts. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) Yet another scathing investigation is accusing former leaders of the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS) of spending tens of millions of taxpayer dollars recklesslyand in some cases, without any record of where the money even went. This time, the findings come from the Legislative Office of Fiscal Transparency (LOFT). As News 4 previously reported, earlier investigations by the State Auditor and Oklahoma Attorney Generals offices also determined the agencyunder former commissioner Allie Friesenwas burning through cash in ways they said should have been easily preventable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Financial issues found leading up to Mental Health Commissioner appointment LOFTs new report appears to reveal more of the same. LOFT found ODMHSAS consistently underestimated its largest and most critical expenses, while vastly overspending on pet projects and executive salaries. The report is pretty bad to say it plainly, State Rep. Mark Lawson (R-Sapulpa) told News 4 Tuesday. Lawson said he took up leading LOFTs investigation in March after then-ODMHSAS Commissioner Friesen announced the department had a budget shortfall, but offered few details about what caused it. We felt like we really were not getting the answers that we needed or sensing the ownership of what was taking place at that agency, Lawson said. There was a lot of finger-pointing, a lot of blame game, a lot of excuses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the report, ODMHSAS under-budgeted Medicaid costs by more than $60 million, even though it knew the true amount it needed to fund those services. When the state provided $18.5 million to fund child crisis care, LOFT investigators said the ODMHSAS kept hardly any records documenting how they spent the money, and could only document that less than $1 million actually went toward its intended purpose. Out of a $72.8 million budget earmarked for social services grants since 2020, the report says only about $11,000 ended up funding those grants, with the rest used to cover unrelated expenses. I think the culture and the practices going on at the department for a long time were insufficient, Lawson said. They were not doing a very good job, if at all, of reconciling their budget to actuals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While department leaders publicly claimed cash was tight, LOFT found that behind the scenes, they were still spending heavily on questionable items, including: An $18 million Super Bowl commercial promoting the 988 mental health hotline A half-million-dollar hip-hop Nutcracker movie, where the departments communications director served as executive producer Nearly doubling what the department spent on executive salaries in just one year LOFT also determined that the agency frequently used current-year funding to pay off overrun costs from previous years. There was a stealing from Peter to pay Pauldragging money forward that was allocated to another need, Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond told News 4 Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Drummond also saidif a new law, passed this year, had been in place when all this happened, it could have led to criminal charges for ODMHSAS officials. Governor Stitt names Interim Commissioner of ODMHSAS The legislature passed a law this year at our request that basically prevents malfeasance and misappropriation by state elected and appointed officials, he said. This is evidence item number one of malfeasance in the management of tax dollars. Governor Kevin Stitt initially vetoed that law to prevent it from going into effect, but legislators voted to override his veto, allowing it to become law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The day legislators overrode that veto, they also voted to remove Allie Friesen from her role as ODMHSAS Commissioner, whom Stitt had previously refused to use his own power to remove and instead defended. Drummond, who called on Stitt to remove Friesen several months ago, said he ultimately believes the buck on all of the issues at ODMHSAS stops with Stitt. Instead of addressing the issues, the administration played ostrich until the legislature did the governors job and removed the commissioner for cause, Drummond said. I think that the chief executive for the state of Oklahoma should be responsible for the actions of his agency appointees, and in this case, the responsible party is Kevin Stitt. Both Lawson and Drummond said theyve been pleased so far with Stitts newly appointed interim mental health commissioner and feel he is better equipped to lead the department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement News 4 reached out to Gov. Stitts office to request a response, but did not hear back. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City. DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) Three large stolen items a playground swing set, a tractor and a lawn mower were recently returned to their rightful owners in Logan County. If its not yours, do not touch it, wrote the Logan County Sheriffs Office on social media. Public asked to help ID thieves who allegedly stole 40 car batteries The office said its detectives were very busy getting these items back to their rightful owners. Photo via Logan County Sheriffs Office. 2 NEWS will update this article when more information is available. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com. If you want bulletproof reliability, Enterprise Products Partners is about as steady as it gets. It has raised its distribution for 26 consecutive years through downturns, oil price crashes, and recessions. The reason? About 85% of its revenue is fee-based with inflation-linked escalators built into its contracts. Furthermore, many of its contracts are backed by take-or-pay terms, meaning it gets paid whether customers use its services or not. In addition, it has always maintained a conservative balance sheet. The result is steady, visible cash flow, quarter after quarter, and no stress from being over-leveraged with debt. About 90% of Energy Transfer's EBITDA is tied to fee-based contracts, with many having take-or-pay provisions, giving it steady and predictable cash flow. That supports a generous and well-covered distribution yielding 7.2%, with management targeting 3% to 5% annual growth. This puts it in a strong position as power demand spikes from AI data centers and LNG exports ramp up. The company already signed a deal with Cloudburst to directly supply natural gas to a prospective Texas data center, and it continues to get inbound interest for similar projects. Meanwhile, its long-delayed Lake Charles LNG export terminal looks increasingly likely to get the green light. Energy Transfer operates one of the largest midstream networks in the United States, and it's entering a clear growth phase. The company boosted its growth capital expenditure budget from $3 billion last year to $5 billion this year, with a focus on natural gas infrastructure tied to the Permian Basin. Each brings something different to the table for investors. The pipeline sector offers investors a nice mix of high yields, predictable cash flows, and solid growth. And with natural gas demand set to climb thanks to liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports and energy-hungry AI data centers, the midstream sector looks well positioned to deliver strong returns from here. My five favorite stocks in the pipeline space are: Energy Transfer (NYSE: ET), Enterprise Products Partners (NYSE: EPD), Western Midstream (NYSE: WES), The Williams Companies (NYSE: WMB), and Genesis Energy (NYSE: GEL). Genesis may have the most potential upside because the company is in the midst of a turnaround. Story Continues Enterprise also has $7.6 billion in projects under construction, including $6 billion scheduled to come online this year. These are high-return expansions, much of them in the NGL value chain where the company is a dominant player. Despite its conservative approach, Enterprise isn't afraid to lean into growth opportunities, and it's doing exactly that right now. Enterprise is a solid option for investors who want dependable income and steady, long-term growth. Image source: Getty Images. 3. Western Midstream: A high yield with a disciplined approach If you like high yields, Western Midstream offers one of the highest in the space at 9.5%. But what makes it especially attractive is the quality of its cash flow. Most of its contracts include either cost-of-service protections or minimum volume commitments, which provide strong revenue visibility regardless of commodity prices. It's also one of the more conservatively run midstream names, with leverage below 3x and a distribution that's well covered. The company isn't chasing every growth project, but it's still investing where it sees solid returns. Its biggest project right now is the Pathfinder produced-water pipeline, an up to $450 million project that should be a solid EBITDA contributor when it ramps up. Western combines a high, sustainable payout with a measured growth strategy. That makes it a compelling stock to own over the long run. 4. Williams Companies: A growth story hiding in plain sight The Williams Companies may not yield as much as the other pipeline companies (its yield is currently around 3.2%) but it's got one of the best growth runways in the sector. Its crown jewel is its Transco pipeline system, which connects Appalachia's natural gas fields to the fast-growing Southeast and Gulf Coast. Transco continues to generate organic expansion projects, driven by coal-to-gas power plant conversions, rising LNG exports, and more recently, data center demand. The company has eight major expansions in its backlog that are scheduled to enter service between now and Q3 2030. Outside of its Transco expansion, Williams is moving into power generation with its Socrates project, a $1.6 billion investment to directly serve growing data center demand in Ohio. It's also taken a 10% stake in Cogentrix Energy, which will give it valuable power market insights to help optimize natural gas supply for next-gen power plants For investors focused more on growth than chasing the highest yield, Williams is an attractive option. 5. Genesis Energy: A high-risk, high-reward turnaround Genesis Energy is different from the other stocks on this list. It doesn't have the consistent track record of Enterprise, the massive scale of Energy Transfer, the high yield of Western Midstream, or the growth of Williams. Instead, it's a turnaround story. The company recently sold its soda ash business for $1.4 billion and quickly used the proceeds to aggressively reduce debt and clean up its balance sheet. UBS estimates the move will help Genesis save $84 million a year in interest and preferred dividend payouts, which will boost future cash flow. Genesis is now turning its focus to growing its offshore pipeline system. When the Shenandoah and Salamanca deepwater projects, which will connect to Genesis' pipeline system, come online later this year it will add significant growth. In addition, the company's marine segment is on pace for record earnings this year, as volumes begin to normalize. Taken altogether, Genesis is laying the groundwork to see a significant turnaround in its business. While its yield is more modest at 3.8%, given the change in its cash-flow profile following the sale of its soda ash business and the growth set to come from its offshore pipeline business, it will have an opportunity to significantly ramp up its distribution in the future. Genesis is a higher-risk name, but the stock has strong upside potential if the company can continue to execute. Should you invest $1,000 in Energy Transfer right now? Before you buy stock in Energy Transfer, consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now and Energy Transfer wasnt one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, youd have $713,547!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, youd have $966,931!* Now, its worth noting Stock Advisors total average return is 1,062% a market-crushing outperformance compared to 177% for the S&P 500. Dont miss out on the latest top 10 list, available when you join Stock Advisor. See the 10 stocks *Stock Advisor returns as of June 30, 2025 Geoffrey Seiler has positions in Energy Transfer, Enterprise Products Partners, Genesis Energy, and Western Midstream Partners. The Motley Fool recommends Enterprise Products Partners. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. What Are the 5 Best Pipeline Stocks to Buy Right Now? was originally published by The Motley Fool (NEXSTAR) A jury acquitted music mogul Sean Diddy Combs of the most serious offenses at his New York trial, finding him not guilty of racketeering and sex-trafficking charges but guilty of two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. Combs, 55, had faced the possibility of life in prison if convicted on all charges. A racketeering conviction alone carried a potential life sentence, while the sex trafficking charges carried mandatory minimum sentences of 15 years, or as much as life. More Local News Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The maximum sentence Combs faces for violating the Mann Act which is what he was found guilty of are significantly less harsh: A conviction carries a sentence of up to 10 years in prison for each count. Sean Diddy Combs arrives at the Pre-Grammy Gala And Salute To Industry Icons at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2020, in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Mark Von Holden/Invision/AP, File) The Mann Act makes it a federal crime to transport any individual, male or female, in interstate or foreign commerce or in any territory or possession of the United States for the purpose of prostitution or sexual activity, per the U.S. Department of Justice. More: Latest News from Around the Tri-State In Combs case, the prosecution had successfully argued that he flew people around the country, including his girlfriends and paid male sex workers, to engage in sexual encounters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Combs has been behind bars since his arrest in September. His lawyers argued that the acquittal on the most serious counts changed the legal landscape enough that he should get bail. The judge has said the bond matter will be discussed Wednesday afternoon, Deadline reported. Photos: Sean Diddy Combs family leaves court after sex trafficking verdict In any case, Diddy appeared at least somewhat satisfied with the verdict, holding up his hands in prayer after it was read, the Associated Press reported. He was also seen pumping his fist subtly. At one point after the verdict was read, he also addressed his family members who supported him in court, saying, Ill be home soon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Combs actual sentencing will be determined at a later date. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. OTTUMWA In one aspect, a chapter of history will be coming to a conclusion this month at Champion Bowl. In another, all the chapters of history in Ottumwa will be reopened once the bowling alley's upcoming renovation project is complete. Champion Bowl will be closing down for a short period of time starting on Monday to undergo renovations to the alley. All the wood on the approaches and the lanes that have seen millions of bowling balls rolled by generations of great bowlers will be replaced for the first time in over 40 years with a final four-man bowling tournament and fundraiser being held this Sunday as the final roll before the renovations begin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "They've definitely lived their life," Champion Bowl owner Mark Frymoyer said of the current lanes. "There's some delimination going on with them, but even with that the lanes are certified at a silver level by the USBC (Unitest States Bowling Congress), but if we can get it up to the gold level, we have a chance to bring in other tournaments and more an appetite for people to want to host tournaments here." Once the 'Last of the Old Lanes' tournament concludes on Sunday, the look inside Champion Bowl will be much different. Besides the new wood lanes being installed, the blue and white background that bowlers see at the other end of the lanes will also be gone. In its place will be an ode to the history of Ottumwa. Custom artwork is being done to the panels that conceal the bowling machinery, otherwise known as lane masking units, that will display several of Ottumwa's historical landmarks. "It's just something we wanted to do to honor the community and provide something unique to Wapello County," Frymoyer said. "It's something you don't see in a lot of bowling alleys. It's something that people can look up at each time they come in here and notice something that maybe they hadn't noticed before or something that can get kids asking questions about our history." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Canteen, Graham's Dairy Freez, Mars Hill Church, the American Gothic House, Mr. Quick Hamburgers, The Ottumwa Courier, Hotel Ottumwa, St. Joseph's Hospital and Lowenburg Bakery are just a few of the landmarks that will be included in the design of the panels. The Wapello County Courthouse, Ottumwa City Hall, Ottumwa High School and the train station will also be represented in the design which will also include photos of the city from decades earlier. "Anyone much younger than me isn't going to remember much about Lowenburg Bakery and what it was or where it was located," Frymoyer said of the family-owned bakery that initially opened in 1875 just 32 years after the first settlers arrived in the Ottumwa area and closed in August of 1984. "I still remember school tours in elementary school of the old bakery, which used to sit where the jail sits now. "You come over the fourth street bridge and came into town, you could always smell that fresh baked bread. That's one of the memories I have as a kid. These kids don't know what Mr. Quick's was, but all the adults and older people are always talking about it. Now, it's a chance for those younger people to see it for themselves." Frymoyer also has a chance to honor a history that includes multiple family members including a mother that worked at St. Joseph's and Ottumwa Regional Hospital as well as a father that retired as an Ottumwa police sergeant and a grandfather that retired as an Ottumwa fire department captain. The renovations will also include a photo to honor the Ottumwa fire and police departments along the sidewall of the alley. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The beauty of that is that is might give people a chance to come out and see a picture of their grandpa or great-grandpa that helped serve the community," Frymoyer said. "We're going to move all the state qualifying banners that Ottumwa High School has earned over to another wall so everyone can get a clear view of the panels while still being able to honor the great tradition of our bowling program." All told, the needed renovations will cost $330,000 with some of the cost being offset by digital advertising opportunities for businesses interested in 'supporting the wall.' T-shirts are also available for purchase through the Champion Bowl's Facebook page with proceeds going towards the project as well as the proceeds from Sunday's 'Last of the Old Lanes' tournament with check-in time at noon followed by the bowling beginning at 1 p.m. "We actually had a company in Michigan that have bought the approaches and the lanes that we're going to be taking up," Frymoyer said. "The bumpers and the gutters are still for sale." The lanes and approaches will be taken up by the staff at Champion Bowl starting this week, as well members of both the Ottumwa and Davis County High School bowling programs. Those interested in volunteering are welcome to contact Frymoyer at Champion Bowl, or simply swing to help in removing the historic lanes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We'll take all the help we can get," Frymoyer said. "We've actually had people that asked if they could buy sections of the lanes. We'd have loved to do that, but trying to store them and sell them piece by piece when we had someone that would cover the down payment on the renovations to keep everything in tact, we really couldn't piece them out like that. "This place means a lot to a lot of people. I can remember being out as a kid with my mom and dad. My dad actually had a stroke in 1997 the night after we bowled in our league. That was the last time I really had a conversation with him." Frymoyer is hopeful that, once the renovations are complete, that Champion Bowl can bring the history of the community to the eyes of people from around the state. The historic Ottumwa bowling alley is looking to bring in several tournaments including the Iowa Women's State Bowling Tournament in 2026 and the youth state bowling tournament in 2027, returning to Champion Bowl after coming to Ottumwa last spring. "We just had the Eagles State Tournament here. The Knights of Columbus is coming here soon for its state tournament. We're tentatively scheduled to host the open state tournament in 2029," Frymoyer said. "It's not only great to bring those big groups of people into town, but hopefully they'll see landmarks that they might be interesting in visiting while they're here. It's a chance to drive some business to some of those historic landmarks that are still in business. "Hopefully, it will bring back a memory from someone's childhood or give someone a chance to share in one." The president of the United States, who seems to enjoy nothing more than playing the bully, is picking on Los Angeles. But L.A. Mayor Karen Bass, not known as a public brawler until recently , is ducking punches and throwing her own jabs and uppercuts. She has accused President Trump of initiating the protests he condemned, and called Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem a liar for suggesting L.A. was a city of mayhem . I had a conversation with her Tuesday about what it's like to deal with a president like this one, but before we chatted, she stepped to the podium at City Hall, flanked by labor, business and faith leaders, and defended her turf again . Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This is essentially an all-out assault against Los Angeles," Bass said, denouncing the U.S. Justice Department's lawsuit accusing her and the City Council of hindering the battle against "a crisis of illegal immigration." Its a political stunt, Bass said several times, denying that the citys sanctuary city protections are unlawful. "We know that Los Angeles is the test case," Bass said. "And we will stand strong, and we do so because the people snatched off city streets and chased through parking lots are our neighbors, our family members, and they are Angelenos. Let me be clear. I won't be intimidated." This has not been the best year of Bass' political career. It began with the destruction of Pacific Palisades by a wildfire that started while Bass was out of town, and continued with the second-guessing of L.A.'s disaster preparedness and questions about who would lead the rebuilding effort. Throw in the lingering catastrophe of widespread homelessness and wrangling over a city budget deficit , and it was looking as though Bass might be vulnerable in a 2026 reelection bid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then came the arrival of federal agents and troops, with raids beginning June 6, and Bass started to find her footing by going against type. "Her natural instinct is to be a coalition builder to govern by consensus," said Fernando Guerra, a political science professor at Loyola Marymount University. But that doesn't work with Trump, "so she's recalibrating and saying, you know, the only thing this guy understands is confrontation." Pomona College politics professor Sara Sadhwani said Trump is attacking the heart and core of Los Angeles," and there may be unintended consequences, given the way the president's actions are unifying many Angelenos. "I think the vast majority of folks in Los Angeles, but also throughout the state, can agree that what's happening now is not OK and runs counter to our values," Sadhwani continued. And Bass is showing incredibly strong leadership. President Trump shook hands with Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass after a fire briefing in Pacific Palisades on Jan. 24. (Mark Schiefelbein / Associated Press) Even a half dozen Republican state legislators have joined the opposition, sending a letter to Trump suggesting he focus on arresting actual criminals rather than going after people who make up an essential component of the economy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As Sadhwani noted, Republican lawmakers for years have lamented federal overreach and argued in favor of states rights and local control. And yet the Trump Administration is set on telling California and Los Angeles how to govern themselves, most recently on sanctuary protections, despite court arguments that theyre protected under the 10th Amendment. After Tuesdays press conference, Bass retreated to her office and told me her support for immigrants began with her work as an activist in the 1970s. This is fundamentally who I am. But of course, having a blended family also factors into her politics on immigration. My ex-husband was a Chicano activist I have other family members that are married to people from the Philippines, Korea, Japan. I have a Greek side to my family. Read more: Pasadena mayors keepsake, a coffee can, is a reminder of when his family was undocumented Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When gathered, she said, her family looks like the General Assembly of the United Nations. And thats what Los Angeles looks like, with storylines that crisscross the globe and transcend borders. I dont see anybody [here] anywhere calling for deportations, whereas you could imagine in some cities this would be a very divisive issue, Bass said. I told her I hear quite often from people asking: "What don't you understand about the word illegal?" or from people arguing that their relatives waited and immigrated legally. I understand those perspectives, I told Bass. But I also understand context namely, the desire of people to seek better opportunities for their children, and the lure of doing so in a United States that relies upon immigrant labor and tacitly allows it while hypocritically condemning it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While serving in Congress, Bass said, she witnessed the toll wrought by the separation of families along the border. She met people who carried the trauma throughout their lives, the insecurity, the feeling of abandonment. At the very least, the mayor said, federal agents should identify themselves and they also should have warrants, and they should stop randomly picking people up off the street. The original intent, remember, [was to go after] the hardened criminals. Where are the hardened criminals? Theyre chasing them through parking lots at Home Depot? Theyre washing cars? I dont think so. U.S. Marines post guard at the Federal Building at the corner of Veteran Avenue and Wilshire Boulevard in Los Angeles on June 19. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times) In fact, the vast majority of arrestees in Los Angeles have no criminal records . As for the cost of the raids in L.A. by an administration that made a vow to shrink government Bass wanted to make a few points. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You think about the young men and women in the National Guard. They leave their families, work, their school. For what? she asked. Its a misuse of the troops. And the same thing with the Marines. Theyre not trained to deal with anything happening on the street. Theyre trained to fight to kill the enemy in foreign lands. While we were talking, Bass got an urgent call from her daughter, Yvette Lechuga, who works as senior administrative assistant at Mount St. Marys University. Lechuga said a woman was apprehended while getting off a shuttle. It seems like ICE grabbed our student, Lechuga said. Bass said her staff would look into it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We were on quasi-lockdown for a while, Lechuga said. Jesus Christ, said the mayor. steve.lopez@latimes.com 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. Jul. 1A federal grant that allowed the Flathead County Library to loan out internet hotspots dried up this week, and library trustees appear disinclined to continue the program. The hotspots, portable devices that provide wireless internet access, first became available in 2020 via a Digital Competitive Grant from the National Telecommunication and Information Administration. The Montana State Library started the hotspot program in July 2020 in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. A total of 54 counties in Montana participated in the program over the past five years and, according to the Montana State Library, 37 libraries 54% of those currently participating planned to continue the program after federal funds ended on June 30. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Drawing on the grant, the Flathead County Library had around 50 hotspots to give out to patrons. "Our approximately 50 hotspots, systemwide, are in high demand, with all units regularly checked out and a consistent waitlist for their use," Library Director Teri Dugan said. Dugan said that continuing the program would cost the library system $1,200 a year for 11 hotspots. But continuing the hotspot program struck Flathead County Library Board Trustee Doug Adams as inappropriate. " ... I am philosophically opposed to expanding welfare programs at any level of government," Adams said at the board's June 26 meeting. "That's exactly what this is." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He spoke as trustees in light of the lost funding discussed adding the program to the agenda for its July meeting. Chair Dave Ingram can put the topic on the agenda, or two trustees can call for a discussion. Adams said he opposed putting it on a future agenda. Though Trustee Jane Wheeler referenced the demand for the portable devices a Bigfork resident sent the board a letter offering to fundraise for the program Adams was unmoved. "Well, there's a demand for anything that people are willing to give away. If you get something for free, there's going to be a demand for it," Adams said, "But that's what libraries do," Wheeler replied. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trustee Carmen Cuthbertson agreed with Adams that the hotspot program went too far. "The library is part of the infrastructure of this county; we are not a welfare program," she said. "It is not our job to, I don't know, equalize broadband access or equalize anything or advocate for anything." "... We are not needs based and we are not part of the welfare programs in this county," Cuthbertson added. As of 2023, Montana had an estimated 39,343 households without internet access, according to the Montana State Library. The library hotspots ranged in use, including letting households keep up with news, connect with family and friends, access telehealth services and complete homework. The devices even kept a library open during a temporary loss of internet, according to the state library. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cuthbertson worried that patrons used the devices for less practical reasons. "We have anecdotal evidence from people saying what they do with it," Cuthbertson said. "Let's just put out there that nobody's going to say I took my hotspot up to the mountain to watch porn on it. But there's nothing to keep you from doing it." As of June 2, the Whitefish Community Library plans to continue offering hotspots after the funding ends. Officials with the Missoula Public Library posted to social media late last month that it would end the hotspot program. The Flathead County Library Board meets next on July 24. Reporter Kate Heston may be reached at 758-4459 or kheston@dailyinterlake.com. An art museum has been outbid at auction - despite what it called its "Herculean" efforts - to bring a JMW Turner painting home to the city that inspired it following its rediscovery after 150 years. Painted in 1792, when Turner was 17, The Rising Squall features a former hot spring and spa in Bristol, as seen from the east bank of the River Avon before Clifton Suspension Bridge was built. At Sotheby's auction house on Wednesday, the painting sold to a private UK collector for 1.9m, nearly eight times the estimate price. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bristol Museum and Art Gallery had been fundraising to acquire the masterpiece, but the combined total of 109,000 will now be returned to those who donated. The long-lost landscape showcases the artist's early experiments with oil paint [Sotheby's] It is the earliest-known oil painting ever exhibited by the artist, and is believed to be the only one depicting a Bristol scene. The painting had been lost for 150 years before the artist's signature was rediscovered last year during a restoration project. During its one-week campaign, more than 1,700 people contributed to the Bring Turner Home fundraiser. The 18th Century canvas is stretched over a stained wooden frame [Sotheby's] But, despite the dedication from art enthusiasts across the country, Kate Newnham, senior curator at Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, said "it just wasn't our night". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The response from the public has been simply extraordinary," she said. "Of course we would have liked a different outcome but we're still very positive, this isn't the end of the story." Ms Newnham revealed plans were under way to celebrate the public's generosity with a rare display of Turner's watercolour collection later this year - to coincide with the 250th anniversary of Turner's birth. Due to their delicate nature, the four paintings have not been exhibited for 11 years. "It will be a chance to really celebrate the work Turner did in Bristol and the inspiration he got from the amazing landscape of the Avon gorge," Ms Newnham continued. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It really was the city and landscape that got his career off to a flying start. "We are proud to be at the heart of a city that believes in access to art and culture and that comes together to support it." 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 Related Internet Links (KLFY) Two Acadiana men have been arrested in separate incidents of possession of child pornography, authorities said. Christopher Michael Ahlers, 52, of Abbeville, is charged with 50 counts of pornography involving juveniles. Jay B. Pierret, 60, of Youngsville, is charged with one count of possession of pornography involving juveniles and two counts of pornography involving juveniles under the age of 13. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ahlers was already incarcerated in the Vermilion Parish jail on related charges by the Vermilion Parish Sheriffs Office and was re-booked on the charges listed above. His bond amount is $200,000. Pierret was booked into the Lafayette Parish jail and released on $35,000 bond. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now KLFY Daily Digest Both arrests were made by the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation from tips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Ahlerss arrest was the result of a joint investigation with the LBI and the Vermilion Parish Sheriffs Office. Both investigations remain ongoing. Christopher Ahlers Jay Pierret Latest news Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLFY.com. PORT ALLEN, La. (Louisiana First) As Fourth of July celebrations approach, Louisiana law enforcement is issuing a strong warning: Drive sober or get pulled over. The message comes as part of a statewide campaign aimed at curbing impaired driving during one of the busiest travel weekends of the year. The Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over initiative will run from July 2 through July 6, with law enforcement agencies increasing patrols and setting up enforcement zones across Louisiana. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you choose to drink and drive in Louisiana, then you will be arrested and you will be prosecuted, said Attorney General Liz Murrill. Louisiana State Police Superintendent Col. Robert Hodges emphasized that troopers will be out in full force, with enhanced patrols targeting areas known for heavy holiday traffic. Were going to have enhanced enforcement efforts across Louisianaspecifically saturated patrols in areas where we know theres a high volume of traffic, Hodges said. The campaign underscores the devastating impact of impaired driving, which officials say remains one of the most preventable causes of fatal crashes in the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Impaired driving is one of the most preventable things we face, and yet it continues to devastate families across Louisiana, Col. Hodges said. State leaders say the focus is to encourage responsibility and prevent tragedy. With rideshare options widely available, theres no excuse for getting behind the wheel while intoxicated. In todays world, where you have Uber, Lyft, and friends or family who will come get you, theres just no excuse, said Murrill. As families prepare for fireworks, food, and fun, officials are reminding everyone that safety starts with a single decision: drive sober, or dont drive at all. Latest News Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Louisiana First News. Members of the environmental justice group Rise St. James are involved in an ongoing fight to keep Formosa Plastics from building a $9.4B plastic manufacturing complex in St. James Parish. (Photo courtesy Stephanie Cooper) Very few places exemplify our countrys shameful health disparities as much as Louisianas Cancer Alley. Notorious for its toxic air and alarmingly high cancer rates, this petrochemical hub between New Orleans and Baton Rouge is where oil, gas and chemical corporations make their profitable products at the expense of the local population. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a moral disgrace that neither Louisianas government nor the federal government has acted with urgency to end this well known injustice. Even United Nations human rights experts have condemned the environmental racism driving the poisoning of Cancer Alley, whose residents are disproportionately poor, Black or both. Local communities have done their best to fill these gaps. People living near polluting facilities like those in Cancer Alley have started using pollution measuring equipment to monitor air quality in their communities for themselves. This is an example of citizen science, where the collection of scientific data is crowdsourced. But lawmakers in Louisiana and beyond are trying to quash this work. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A law enacted in Louisiana last year requires that all air monitoring data that is shared publicly be collected using EPA-approved equipment. But EPA-approved air monitoring equipment has a price tag of $791,000 apiece and needs more than $200,000 a year for operation and maintenance. Its simply out of reach for the impoverished communities suffering the worst pollution. Even worse, the law says that sharing data collected using any other equipment can be punished by fines of $32,500 a day escalating to $1 million if the violation is done intentionally, willfully or knowingly. The law is specifically targeted toward community air monitoring for the purpose of alleging violations or noncompliance with the federal Clean Air Act, Louisiana Environmental Quality Act, or any other applicable law, rule, or regulation for which the state has primary enforcement authority. But now, residents of the most polluted communities in Louisiana are fighting back in federal court. Community groups including groups based in Cancer Alley, such as Rise St. James, the Descendants Project, and the Concerned Citizens of St. John are suing the state, alleging a violation of their First Amendment rights. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The law is clearly an assault on the ability of communities to advocate for themselves. Its not an isolated example either, but part of a longstanding pattern of government serving wealthy interests by restricting the ability of marginalized communities to protect their air, water, land, and livelihoods. In a 2020 report, my colleague Gabrielle Colchete and I documented a similar pattern with laws to stifle dissent, which are now on the books in 22 states, including Louisiana. At the time, we looked at states that were pushing increasingly harsh laws against people who protest fossil fuel infrastructure. We did detailed case studies (including one on Louisiana) of the political interests pushing for these laws and the environmental justice campaigners the laws were targeting. Laws attacking citizen science should be viewed similarly. And in fact these laws work together. When powerful corporations use their allies in government to block communities from being able to advocate for themselves, they have no other avenue for change except protest which is then restricted by anti-protest bills. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While these are alarming trends in general, they are particularly alarming today with an increasingly authoritarian White House thats waging an ideological attack against the very idea of environmental justice. The Trump administration has censored environmental justice data on government websites and eliminated environmental justice programs at both the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Justice. Given this political environment, theres a real danger of laws attacking community air monitoring spreading to other states a similar bill passed the West Virginia assembly last year before failing in the state Senate and eventually being taken up by Congress. Bad ideas, especially ones that benefit the wealthy and powerful, often spread far and wide. If we value clean air, clean water, and democracy, we need to be vigilant, and to fight back. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Jul. 1Wednesday will see a continuation of this week's high temperatures. According to a National Weather Service Spokane post on X, July will feature a "50-60% chance of above-normal temperatures and 33%-50% chance of below-normal precipitation." The hot, dry weather can lend itself to increased fire risks. A red flag warning is in effect for parts of central Washington on Wednesday, according to the weather service, and is expected to lift by 9 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From 9 to 11 a.m., locals can expect "a 15% chance of thunderstorms," said Daniel Butler, a meteorologist with the local NWS. If the storms come, "they will be dry, with little precipitation," he added. Wednesday afternoon will be "breezy and dry," with temperatures reaching the upper 80s and the potential of the lower 90s. Humidity is expected to settle around 20%. Tuesday saw a high of 95 degrees at the Spokane International Airport and was "hot and dry," Butler said. The record for the day is 102 degrees, set in 1924, forecasters said. Typically, the start of July comes in at 79 degrees. Caroline Saint James' 's reporting was funded by Comma's First Amendment Club. WILKES-BARRE TOWNSHIP, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) Lots of locals are picking up fireworks for the Independence Day celebration, but will tariffs on China imports prevent customers from getting a good bang for their buck? While tariffs on China have impacted prices on imports, including fireworks, people 28/22 News spoke with at one fireworks store in Wilkes-Barre Township say, regardless of prices, the show will go on. According to the American Pyrotechnic Association (APA), 99% of all consumer fireworks in the United States are imported from China, and with a 30% tariff in place on all imports from the country, its hard to imagine prices staying the same, but according to the general manager of a local fireworks store, thats exactly whats happening. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We ordered our products 12 months in advance, which took the tariffs out of the question. We ordered early and we filled the store, Keystone Fireworks General Manager Jason Helfrich explained. The APA says more than 295,000,000 pounds of consumer fireworks were purchased last year in the United States alone. That number includes everything from sparklers, snaps, and snakes to the big ones that light up the night sky. One customer 28/22 News spoke with says even with the talk of tariffs, she wasnt worried. SNAP-ed program hopes to bring agriculture to classroom I was going to buy fireworks no matter what laughs. Whether the tariff had a problem on it, we were still gonna buy them. It would just matter how many we could have, Harding resident Stephanie Davis said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the tariffs might not be affecting the prices, Davis and another customer we spoke with both agree fireworks can be expensive. The prices last year I thought were pretty high, this year they seem to be about the same, but with the sale, I think youre going to get more for your money, Davis added. Its a little expensive in here. Compared to other years, Terik Wiggins from Wilkes-Barre stated. Helfrich says hes already looking ahead to next summer and isnt worried about the prices of his firework stock going up. China has been making fireworks for over 1,000 years. It doesnt make sense to have them made in the United States, so we feel one hundred percent confident that the tariffs are not going to affect our prices next year, Helfrich continued. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trade and tariff talks between the United States and China are still in progress. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to 28/22 News. Police have questioned actor Kim Soo-hyun's attorney over allegations involving a possibly AI-fabricated audio file that has sparked public controversy and legal battles over defamation and false accusations. According to authorities at the Seoul Gangnam Police Station, attorney Bang Sung-hoon of LKB & Partners was summoned for questioning on June 18 at 2 p.m. in relation to a complaint filed by Kim Soo-hyun's camp. The legal team alleges that a now-viral audio file, purported to be a posthumous recording of late actress Kim Sae-ron implicating Kim in an underage relationship, was artificially generated. "We have completed questioning the legal representative who filed the complaint," a police official said Monday, referring to the case involving Kim Se-ui, head of the controversial YouTube channel Garosero Research Institute, which released the audio on May 7. The clip allegedly features Kim Sae-ron claiming she had been in a relationship with Kim Soo-hyun since her middle school years. The bereaved family later stated the recording was made on January 10, 2025, roughly a month before her death. However, Kim's team has strongly disputed the authenticity of the clip. "The released audio file is completely fabricated and believed to have been created using artificial intelligence (AI) or similar technology," Kim Soo-hyun's representatives said in an earlier statement. "We have filed lawsuits against Kim Yong-ho and members of Kim Sae-ron's bereaved family for defamation and false accusation." The investigation now includes a separate complaint filed by Kim Soo-hyun's team on June 23, naming both Kim Yong-ho and the late actress's relatives. The complaints cite violations under South Korea's Information and Communications Network Act and the Stalking Prevention and Deterrence Act. Police are reportedly coordinating a schedule to summon staff from the Garosero Research Institute for further questioning. "Investigations are ongoing," the official added, confirming they are looking into both defamation and false accusation claims. Kim Sae-ron, known for her breakout roles in films like A Brand New Life and The Man from Nowhere, was found dead in her Seoul apartment on February 16, 2025, at the age of 24. Her family has since released additional photos and KakaoTalk messages allegedly exchanged with Kim Soo-hyun, further complicating the public narrative. The case has reignited national discussions around the ethical use of AI-generated content and the responsibility of public figures and platforms to verify digital media before dissemination. Representatives for Kim Soo-hyun and Garosero Research Institute have not issued further statements as of press time. The American Battery Technology Company (ABTC) has announced that the US Federal Permitting Council has selected its Tonopah Flats lithium facility as a transparency priority. This priority project status underscores the project's vital contribution to domestic lithium production and bolstering US energy independence. It facilitates fast-tracking the federal permitting process of the domestic lithium mine and refinery, located on the project site in the state of Nevada. Now featured on the FAST-41 permitting dashboard, the project is a national priority, reflecting its strategic importance. ABTC CEO Ryan Melsert stated: We are excited by this selection of our Tonopah Flats lithium project as a FAST-41 critical mineral transparency project. As we are currently working through permitting efforts with multiple federal agencies for the construction of this domestic critical mineral project, the support to coordinate and fast-track these efforts is greatly appreciated. With one of the largest identified claystone resource deposits in the US, the project is integral to meeting the rising demand for lithium, a key component in high-tech applications, from energy storage and defence systems to electronic vehicles. Situated on land managed by the US Department of Interior, the project has also secured a $58m grant from the US Department of Energy for its initial construction phase. ABTC has received a letter of interest from the Export-Import Bank of the United States for $900m in financing, aimed at expanding this commercial-scale lithium mine and refinery. ABTC's alignment with the Make More in America initiative and the China and Transformational Export Program reflects strategic efforts to counter competition from China and ensure US leadership in critical mineral manufacturing. These initiatives align with President Trump's Executive Order from 20 March 2025, which mandates federal agencies to streamline the permitting process and facilitate funding and offtake agreements for critical mineral production. In April 2024, ABTC updated its initial assessment in compliance with Securities and Exchange Commission guidelines, confirming Tonopah Flats as one of the largest known lithium resources in the US. The company has already demonstrated the capability to produce battery-grade lithium hydroxide from claystone at its pilot plant. This success is the foundation for a commercial-scale refinery, partnered with Black & Veatch, aiming to produce 30,000 tonnes (t) of lithium hydroxide annually. Unlike conventional lithium sources, the US lacks large quantities of hard rock spodumene and lithium-rich brines. If air traffic control strikes, errant drones and climate protesters werent enough to contend with, the aviation industry has a new antagonist threatening to grind things to a halt: hackers. This week it emerged that the secretive Scattered Spider group who attacked M&S and Co-op are targeting the aviation industry. Charles Carmakal, an executive at Googles cybersecurity unit, said that his firm was aware of multiple incidents in the airline and transportation sector which resemble the operations [of] Scattered Spider. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sam Rubin, of Palo Alto Networks, said his company had observed Muddled Libra (also known as Scattered Spider) targeting the aviation industry. While neither Rubin nor Carmakal specified which airlines have been targeted, Hawaiian Airlines and WestJet have recently suffered cyber attacks. WestJet said the incident affected some services and software systems including its app, but neither airline suffered operational disruption due to the breach. The issue is not isolated to North America. On Monday June 30, Qantas suffered a major cyber attack, reportedly compromising the personal data of up to six million customers. Australian airline Qantas is investigating a significant cyberattack - David Gray/AFP via Getty Images A spokesperson for the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) told The Telegraph: We are aware of rumoured activity. We are in contact with the National Cyber Security Centre and have warned our industry contacts about this group and the techniques they use. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the things that the CAA would have told their industry contacts is that when Scattered Spider targets an industry, the attack tends to be sustained and relentless for a period. If aviation is next in line, how could a hack play out, and what can you do to protect your holiday? Worrying potential There are a few different avenues for the hackers. One would be to target airlines corporate infrastructure. In 2018, 380,000 British Airways customers had their credit card details stolen in a major data breach. Bookings made in a two-week window had been infiltrated in a very sophisticated, malicious criminal attack, according to the airlines former CEO Alex Cruz. The airline was later fined 20m for the security breach. A second scenario is that ground systems could be targeted. In 2015, Polands flag carrier LOT cancelled 10 flights after hackers infiltrated the computer systems that issued flight plans from Warsaws Chopin Airport. But the scale could be much bigger than this. In 2023, the US Federal Aviation Administrations Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) system suffered a three-hour outage. The result was that all flights across the US were grounded for the first time since 9/11, leaving 11,000 aircraft stuck on tarmac across the country. While this was a hardware issue, not a malicious hack, it highlights the potential impact of a sudden IT meltdown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The third, and perhaps most worrying scenario, is that in-flight systems could be infiltrated. Earlier this year, several aircraft coming into land at Ronald Reagan National Airport in Washington DC received false mid-air collision warnings, even though there were no other planes in the area. Planes coming into land at Ronald Reagan National Airport in Washington DC received false collision warnings earlier this year - Alamy The pilots receiving the alerts disconnected autopilot and climbed rapidly. It is unknown whether this was caused by the deliberate, malicious spoofing of airline systems, or if it was due to an error or another cause. Regardless, it is an example of how hackers could potentially enter the cockpit in the future, putting pilots into compromised scenarios. This weeks Qantas data breach suggests hackers are already targeting the databases of airlines. But given the nature of Scattered Spiders previous high-profile, high-impact attacks, scenarios two or three should not be ruled out. Hacking groups thrive on attention, and with families about to start jetting off on their summer holidays, the potential to attack and extort an airline is irresistible, says Matt Saunders of Adaptavist, a tech consultancy which works with major airlines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The good news is that a potential hacking attempt should not cause safety issues for passengers, as any safety-critical IT systems will already have a manual backup option which maintains the highest safety standards in the event of an unwelcome intrusion, he added. How to hack-proof your holiday There are steps that we, the passenger, can take to protect ourselves from cyber attacks. Paying for your holiday with a credit card is preferable; if somebody makes unauthorised payments on your card you will be protected by the Consumer Credit Act, meaning the process of reclaiming your lost funds will be more straightforward. Regularly changing the password for your online account with an airlines website or app will also help to protect it from the rising issue of air-mile theft. And, as always, avoid booking tickets on public Wi-Fi networks which might not be encrypted, potentially putting your data at risk. When it comes to the larger scale hacking incidents, we can only rely on the strength of airline security systems which are, by all accounts, becoming more powerful. In 2024 alone, the aviation industry spent $37bn (27bn) on IT systems, and airports spent $9bn (6.5bn). Around half of airlines and three quarters of airports are in the process of safeguarding data and upgrading IT systems. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Defending against these risks requires more than perimeter controls it demands continuous workforce education, Zero Trust principles, phish-resistant multi-factor authentication and identity verification that cant be socially engineered, stresses Jordan Avnaim of identity security company, Entrust. Recent cyber attacks on Hawaiian, WestJet and Qantas did not affect flight operations, which should give us hope. Nevertheless, the fact that the shelves in some M&S stores were empty for six weeks and its online orders were suspended to the sum of 300m shows why airports, airlines and passengers should remain on high alert. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. A section of the M69 on the border between Leicestershire and Warwickshire has reopened after being closed due to a horse on the loose. National Highways said a stretch of the motorway between junction one in Hinckley and junction two of the M6 in Coventry had been shut in both directions on Wednesday morning "due to an animal on the carriageway". Emergency services and traffic officers were sent to the scene before the road was reopened a short time later. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However National Highways warned there were still delays of about 60 minutes. Stevie Adams, a car passenger who was caught up in the delay, said: "Seeing the horse with a police car chasing it the wrong way down the slip road was not something you see every day...felt sorry for the poor horse, it must have been scared." Follow BBC Leicester on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210. Related internet links PARIS (AP) Russian President Vladimir Putin and French President Emmanuel Macron have spoken in a phone call after a period of silence between the two leaders stretching almost three years, in a move that may mark a shift in a famously fraught relationship. Or not. Both sides said Tuesday's call their first reported direct contact since September 2022 focused on recent events in the Middle East. The two leaders also discussed ending Russias invasion of Ukraine, although there is no sign that any progress was made on the issue. For Moscow, the call plays into its longtime narrative that the Western effort to isolate it over the war in Ukraine has largely failed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A look at the relationship between Putin and Macron that veered from warm to stormy over the years: Previous warm relations Macron and Putin once enjoyed a good personal relationship. The then newly elected French president first hosted Putin in 2017 at the sumptuous Palace of Versailles, west of Paris, where Putin expressed hope that among Macron and his team there would be more people who understand us unlike the French presidents Socialist predecessor, Francois Hollande. In 2021, when the Louis Vuitton Foundation exhibited the Morozov Collection one of the worlds most important collections of impressionist and modern art masterpieces the exhibition catalog featured a preface co-signed by Putin and Macron. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An Elysee presidential palace official previously told The Associated Press after one phone call that the two leaders addressed each other through interpreters with the familiar French word for you tu rather than the formal vous. Macrons harder stance on Russia Macron may have hoped to leverage this relationship when he visited Moscow in February 2022, just weeks before Russia invaded Ukraine, in last-ditch efforts to prevent the war. Once Russias full-scale invasion began on Feb. 24, 2022, he was also one of the few European leaders to keep lines of communication with the Kremlin open. In Macrons last call to the Kremlin, in September 2022, the two men discussed the safety of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant and the possibility of shipping Ukrainian grain through the Black Sea. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement None of these overtures, however, produced substantive progress. Since then, Macrons stance on Russia seems to have become harsher. He has become a strong supporter of stringent sanctions against Russia and pushed for more aid to be delivered to Ukraine. Meanwhile, Macron has become the subject of ridicule in the Russian press, an attitude encouraged by Russian officials. When images appeared in late May of Macrons wife, Brigitte, pushing her husband away with both hands on his face before the couple disembarked from a plane, Russias Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova wondered sarcastically whether the French first lady decided to cheer up her husband with a gentle stroke on the cheek and miscalculated her strength. (The Macrons downplayed the situation, saying that they were playfighting.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An initial sign Amid worsening Russia-France ties, new contact between Putin and Macron is noteworthy. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said on Wednesday that the French government had initiated the call, which ran for more than two hours. Both governments said the conversation centered on Iran, rather than the more contentious issue of Russias invasion of Ukraine. In statements released after the call, both Paris and Moscow noted their respective countries responsibilities as members of the U.N. Security Council and the importance of a diplomatic solution to any further tensions. Ukraine also featured in the two leaders conversation, but seemingly only highlighted the impasse that hung between both sides. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Macron pressed Russia to focus on the short-term actions and emphasized the urgent need for Russia to agree to an immediate ceasefire. The Kremlins statement, however, put what Moscow perceives as the conflicts long-term root causes front and center, reiterating claims that the Ukraine conflict is a consequence of Western countries' decision to ignore Russias security interests. As a result, in Moscow, reactions to the call have remained relatively cautious. Nothing lately has foreshadowed a warming in French-Russian relations. Perhaps this is an initial sign, or perhaps not," Pavel Timofeev, a staff member at the Department for European Political Studies at Moscows Institute of World Economy and International Relations, told Russian news outlet RBC. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reinitiate dialogue In France, the call received mixed reactions from those who believe in greater dialogue with Moscow, and those calling for the Kremlins continued isolation. Tatiana Kastoueva-Jean, the director of the Russia/Eurasia Center at the French Institute of International Relations (IFRI), said France and Europe were in a position with no winning options. Either they leave the dialogue with Putin entirely to the Americans, risking marginalization and vulnerability to the volatility of Trump-era politics; or they reinitiate dialogue as Emmanuel Macron just did in the hope of having some influence, she told Le Monde newspaper. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nicolas Tenzer, an expert in international relations at the Center for European Policy Analysis, also stressed that there was no room for discussion between Macron and Putin. Talking to a radical enemy who seeks normalization gives them a narrative advantage and ultimately weakens us, he said. ___ Davies reported from Manchester, England. NEW YORK (PIX11) The skies over the East River will blaze brighter than ever with the return of the Macys 49th Annual 4th of July Fireworks spectacular. This is the nations largest fireworks show to celebrate the Fourth of July. The fireworks relocated to the Hudson River last year for the first time since 2013. More Local News This Fourth of July, New Yorkers are about to witness a spectacular returnof Macys iconic fireworks, back over the East River. An event Diego Martinez says he wont be staying at home for. He is ready to come down to South Street Seaport Friday night with his girlfriend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I love everything about the fireworks. Ive been going to these ever since I was a kid, I am just really excited for this year, said Martinez. The 49th annual Macys fireworks will be launched from barges around the Brooklyn Bridge and the Seaport district. Whats even more exciting about the show? it is coinciding with NYCs 400th anniversary. It is fireworks in New York City, what more can you ask for? The fact that the whole city gets to enjoy it together, said Morgan Hahn. For some residents, the fireworks bring people together, which they say is what the city needs at this moment. It is pretty extraordinary, I think, because you have the beautiful view. There are a lot of people together and combined enjoying the fireworks, said Bianca Nieves. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Fourth of July fireworks are a main attraction for visitors. With large crowds gathering around multiple viewing locations across Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan( FS Map), businesses are looking forward to a busy day and night. And then we get a bunch of the eaters that come to my bar, so we have a lot of fun every year, stated Sam Silva. The show is expected to bring new visual effects, around 80 thousand shells, projection mapping on the bridge, and a synchronized musical score. Inspired by the enduring spirit of America. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. Officials from Immigration and Customs Enforcement have spent much of the year raising the alarm about ICE agents facing assaults as part of their duties. In April, for example, the Department of Homeland Security, which ICE falls under, asserted that assaults against ICE officers have increased 300%. A month later, that figure grew. ICE officers are now facing a 413% increase in assaults, DHS claimed in May. In June, officials added, New data reveals that ICE law enforcement is now facing a 500% increase. As July got underway, ICE said the new figures pointed to a nearly 700% increase. Part of the concern with these statistics is the reliance on percentage growth. Lets say your savings account had $1 in May, but $2 in June. You might be tempted to celebrate the 100% increase in your savings, but youd still only have a couple of bucks in the account. Or put another way, percentage increases only tell part of a larger story. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When The Washington Posts Philip Bump took a closer look at this last month, his analysis explained, That ICE uses a percentage is telling. A 413 percent increase could mean that the number of assaults went from 200 in 2024 to 1,026 in 2025 or that it went from eight to 41. It was against this backdrop that the federal agency shed new light on the data this week. The New Republic explained: On Tuesday, Bill Melugin of Fox News reported on X that DHS told him assaults against ICE and federal immigration enforcement are now up 690 percent from last year. While ICE has previously stuck to publishing percentages, Melugin was given raw data, reporting 79 assaults against immigration enforcement agents between January 21 and June 30, up from 10 that took place in the same time last year. Its important to emphasize that assaults on law enforcement personnel are wrong and shouldnt happen. A total of 79 assaults is too high a number, which ideally would be zero. But 79 assaults against ICE agents between Jan. 21 and June 30 works out to an average of roughly one assault every other day. Again, Im not condoning or defending such violence. The fact remains, however, that roughly one assault every other day doesnt sound like a crime epidemic targeting a specific agencys officers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All of this is of particular interest now because many ICE agents are conducting raids while wearing masks to hide their identities, and Trump administration officials have defended the practice by pointing to the alleged violence ICE personnel have confronted. But if these assaults arent quite as common as a 690% increase might suggest, the administration might need new talking points. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com CNN ran a report earlier this week on something called ICEBlock, an app that allows users to monitor Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids, and possibly even use the technology to avoid being taken into custody. There wasnt anything especially remarkable about the networks report there was obvious news value in the apps use and popularity though the Trump administration apparently had some real concerns about the coverage. Tom Homan, the White House border czar, for example, said this week that he believes the Justice Department needs to look at CNN because of its report. As The New York Times reported, he wasnt alone. Kristi Noem, the homeland security secretary, said on Tuesday that she was working with the Department of Justice to see if the Trump administration could prosecute CNN for publishing an article about an app that allows users to send alerts about the presence of nearby immigration agents. Were going to actually go after them and prosecute them, Ms. Noem told reporters at an appearance with President Trump in Florida. The DHS secretary went on to describe the reporting that the administration didnt like as illegal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As part of the same exchange, Donald Trump told reporters that CNN journalists may be prosecuted also for having given false reports on the attack on Iran. In case this isnt obvious, lets pause to take note of a few things. First, CNN reporting on a popular and publicly available app is perfectly legal under the First Amendment. Second, working with federal prosecutors to target a news organization for running a perfectly legal report is unambiguous authoritarianism. Third, CNNs reporting on Trumps pre-emptive military strikes in Iran wasnt false and even if it were, it wouldnt have been illegal. (If the White House has evidence of a media outlet getting a story wrong, it can ask for a correction. It cannot sic federal law enforcement on journalists.) But it's also worth appreciating the larger context. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the run-up to Election Day 2024, Trump was nearly as eager to attack the free press as he was to attack Kamala Harris. The Republican, for example, referred to journalists as the enemy of the people, media outlets as evil, and news professionals as scum. But the offensive wasnt just rhetorical. As regular readers might recall, Trump also made clear that he hoped to use governmental power to crack down on journalism he dislikes. Its why he invested so much time and energy talking about the FCC stripping TV networks of their broadcast licenses for airing coverage he disapproves of. We saw some abuses along these lines during his first term in the White House, and it stood to reason that these tactics would get worse in his second term. And then the tactics did, in fact, get worse. The president demanded that CBS face fines and punishment for airing a 60 Minutes episode he didnt like; he tried to penalize The Associated Press over its decision to call the Gulf of Mexico the Gulf of Mexico; and the White House has also taken steps to control press pools, in part to ensure sycophantic questions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those who take the First Amendments press freedoms for granted need to recognize the fact that Trump is eyeing the kind of crackdown on journalism thats unheard of in any modern democracy. This post updates our related earlier coverage. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com Donald Trumps latest rhetoric about Zohran Mamdani was controversial in its own right, but the presidents comments about the man the New York City mayoral candidate hopes to replace stood out, too. NBC News reported: Discussing the New York City mayoral race, Trump said he helped out Mayor Eric Adams, who had faced federal corruption charges. You have a good independent running, Mayor Adams, whos a very good person. I helped him out a little bit. He had a problem, and he was unfairly hurt over this question, Trump said. The president made the comments at an event in Florida on Tuesday afternoon. In case anyone needs a refresher, the beleaguered mayor was indicted by federal prosecutors on corruption charges last fall. Soon after, Adams, who pleaded not guilty, launched an unsubtle effort to cozy up to Trump and his team. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those efforts proved effective: Just three weeks into the presidents second term, former Trump defense attorney Emil Bove, in his capacity as the acting deputy attorney general, ordered federal prosecutors in New York to drop the corruption charges against the mayor. While this sometimes happens because officials conclude that theres a problem with the merits of the case or the reliability of the evidence, Bove argued, among other things, that the case should go away because of Adams willingness to work with the Trump administration on matters related to immigration and crime policy. It raised widespread and unavoidable concerns that politicians aligned with the White House were effectively eligible for get out of jail free cards. The developments were so egregious that a variety of career prosecutors by one count, 10 different lawyers resigned over the administrations handling of the case. It was easy to understand why. Indeed, the circumstances appeared scandalous: At issue was a dynamic in which a presidential administration told an allegedly corrupt public official that his legal troubles would go away if he agreed to play ball with the White House on an unrelated issue not only setting a radical precedent, but also sending a signal to other politicians facing potential corruption charges. (Bove and Adams have denied allegations of a quid pro quo.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was against this backdrop that the president, months later, voluntarily added some additional details and context, admitting to the public that he personally helped [Adams] out a little bit, suggesting that Trump wasnt just aware of the scheme, but also that he played a direct role in the developments. I can appreciate the fact that theres a lot going on, including a seemingly endless list of overlapping controversies surrounding the White House, but in a normal political environment, this would be a very big deal. This post updates our related earlier coverage. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com Occasionally, Donald Trump and his team have a day a single, 24-hour period in which the presidents authoritarian-style vision comes into focus. Consider this unsettling timeline: Monday, June 30, in the mid-afternoon: The president tried to turn the screws on Japan, one of the United States top trading partners, threatening to unilaterally impose new tariffs, without congressional approval, unless Japan agreed to his demands. Monday, June 30, in the mid-afternoon: Team Trump, as part of a multifaceted offensive against Harvard University, made a highly dubious announcement that the administration believes the school violated the Civil Rights Act over antisemitism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Monday, June 30, in the evening: Trump threatened Elon Musk, his top campaign donor and former White House adviser, saying he was prepared to have the Department of Government Efficiency re-examine the billionaires government contracts. Tuesday, July 1, in the afternoon: The president, the White House border czar, and his homeland security secretary spoke publicly about having CNN prosecuted for airing reports the White House didnt like. Tuesday, July 1, in the afternoon: After vowing to block Zohran Mamdanis agenda in New York City, Trump questioned whether the Democratic mayoral candidate is a legal citizen, said his administration is examining Mamdanis immigration status, and mused publicly about arresting the candidate. Tuesday, July 1, in the afternoon: After one of the presidents allies asked about arresting former Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, Trump directed his current DHS secretary to investigate her predecessor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tuesday, July 1, in the afternoon: Trump floated the possibility of deporting American citizens. Tuesday, July 1, in the afternoon: The president announced that he would approve a Florida plan to deputize National Guard members to work as immigration judges. Tuesday, July 1, in the afternoon: While touring a controversial detention facility for immigrants in Florida the so-called Alligator Alcatraz Trump publicly referred to Joe Biden as a son of a b---- because of a baseless conspiracy theory. Tuesday, July 1, in the afternoon: Trump, for the first time, suggested he was personally and directly involved in the scandal surrounding New York City Mayor Eric Adams and the demise of the federal corruption charges Adams was facing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tuesday, July 1, in the afternoon: Trumps lawyers accepted what two Democratic senators described as a bribe, to benefit the Republicans future library, from Paramount Global as part of a baseless lawsuit over one of the presidents conspiracy theories about CBS News and 60 Minutes. Tuesday, July 1, in the afternoon: As The New York Times reported, the Trump administration, for reasons that went unexplained, decided not to release nearly $7 billion in federal funding that helps pay for after-school and summer programs, support for students learning English, teacher training and other services. The funding was approved by Congress and scheduled to reach educators, but Team Trump decided that the money would not be available. Individually, these developments are unsettling to those who take democracy seriously, but lets not miss the forest for the trees: These arent just disconcerting stories; theyre collectively one dramatic story about a president and an administration thats increasingly overt in his indifference to the American system and the rule of law. Whats more, this 24-hour period wasnt especially unusual. Over the last six months or so, Americans have seen a great many days just like this one. Alas, theres every reason to believe there will soon be many more, too. This post updates our related earlier coverage. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com Two weeks after Election Day 2024, Republican Sen. Tommy Tuberville of Alabama assured the public that Donald Trump wouldnt choose a criminal for a governmental position. Soon after, the president started adding politically aligned ex-cons to his administrative team. But the latest example of the phenomenon is the most breathtaking. The New York Times reported: A former F.B.I. agent who was charged with encouraging the mob that stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, to kill police officers has been named as an adviser to the Justice Department task force that President Trump established to seek retribution against his political enemies. The former agent, Jared L. Wise, is serving as a counselor to Ed Martin, the director of the so-called Weaponization Working Group, according to people familiar with the groups activities. The DOJ did not immediately respond to a request for comment about Wise's new role. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For now, lets not dwell on the fact that there is no need for a Weaponization Working Group the existence of which is rooted in baseless conspiracy theories and Martins role in the administration is itself indefensible. Rather, lets talk about Wise. The Times report, which has not been independently verified by MSNBC or NBC News, added, Even in a Justice Department that has often been pressed into serving Mr. Trumps political agenda, the appointment of Mr. Wise to the weaponization task force was a remarkable development. His selection meant that a man who had urged violence against police officers was now responsible for the departments official effort to exact revenge against those who had tried to hold the rioters accountable. Its worth appreciating what urged violence against police officers means in this context. According to a June 2023 DOJ statement after Wises criminal indictment, body-cam footage from the assault on the Capitol showed Wise upbraiding police officers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But thats not all he did. From the statement: When violence against law enforcement began in front of Wise, including officers being knocked to the ground directly in front of him, Wise turned in the direction of the violence and shouted, Yeah, f--- them! Yeah, kill em! A few seconds later, as assaults continued, he shouted in the direction of the rioters attacking the police line, Kill em! Kill em! Kill em! He was later seen celebrating after breaching the Capitol. Wise might very well have been convicted, but prosecutors didn't have time to proceed with his case before the president handed out pardons to rioters. Two years after this information came to light, Wise the man who was caught on video encouraging rioters to kill police officers was hired to work in Trumps Justice Department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I realize that Trump has already found a variety of ways to reward Jan. 6 rioters with pardons and praise but this is ridiculous. The next time a Republican tries to pretend that the president is an ally of law enforcement, keep this development in mind. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com After months of legal negotiations and wrangling, the question was less about whether Paramount would settle with Donald Trump, and more about how much the presidents lawyers would agree to. As NBC News reported, that question now has an answer. Paramount has agreed to pay $16 million to settle a lawsuit brought by President Donald Trump that had alleged an interview that aired on CBSs 60 Minutes last year with Kamala Harris, his Democratic opponent for the presidency, was deceptively edited. The agreement in principle, proposed by a mediator, includes plaintiffs fees and costs and except for fees and costs will be allocated to Trumps future presidential library, Paramount Global said in a statement late Tuesday. The company did not apologize as part of the deal or admit any fault. Nevertheless, the plaintiff wasted little time in gloating: In a written statement from a presidential spokesperson, Team Trump boasted that the settlement holds the Fake News media accountable for their wrongdoing and deceit. Except thats not what happened. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By now, the basic elements of this story are probably familiar, but to briefly recap, shortly before the 2024 presidential election, its customary for the major party nominees to sit down for 60 Minutes interviews. Last fall, Harris agreed, while Trump initially accepted the invitation before backing out soon after. Harris interview wasnt especially memorable it was, however, nominated for an Emmy Award though Trump has whined incessantly about it for several months, claiming that the program deceptively edited the segment. The Republicans claims have already been thoroughly discredited, but his hysterics have only gotten worse: The president recently accused 60 Minutes of, among other things, unlawful and illegal behavior. Trump added that CBS should lose its broadcast license and pay a big price, while calling on the Federal Communications Commission to impose the maximum fines and punishment. But it was Trumps civil suit against CBS that was of particular interest, in which he asked for $20 billion in damages (thats not a typo), based on his conspiratorial beliefs about the news magazines election coverage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Given the bizarre nature of Trumps assertions, and the fact that there really wasnt anything meaningfully wrong with the broadcast, it was unclear why anyone would take the civil suit seriously, or why the case would need to be settled at all. Indeed, after Paramount Global entered settlement negotiations, critics expressed fears that the company was prepared to turn over millions of dollars, not because 60 Minutes did anything untoward, but because Paramount wants the Trump administration to approve an unrelated merger deal. Paramount on Tuesday cited a previous statement regarding the Skydance merger. This lawsuit is completely separate from and unrelated to the Skydance transaction and the FCC approval process, it said. Those assurances are unlikely to quiet concerns that the corporation is writing a $16 million check to Trumps future presidential library because Paramount hopes to influence the Trump administrations decision-making process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In fact, The Wall Street Journal reported last week, Over the past few months, Paramount leaders have been wrestling with how to pay to settle the lawsuit without exposing directors and officers to liability in potential future shareholder litigation or to criminal charges for bribing a public official. This dynamic was not lost on Capitol Hill observers. Paramount appears to be trying to settle a lawsuit that it has assessed as completely without merit, Democratic Sens. Elizabeth Warren, Bernie Sanders and Ron Wyden said in a recent letter to Chairwoman Shari Redstone. Under the federal bribery statute, it is illegal to corruptly give anything of value to public officials to influence an official act. If Paramount officials make these concessions in a quid pro quo arrangement to influence President Trump or other Administration officials, they may be breaking the law. Now that the settlement is official, and Paramount is paying Team Trump to settle a case that appears baseless, its likely these questions are poised to grow considerably louder. Wyden on Wednesday accused Paramount of paying Trump "a bribe for merger approval." He continued: "When Democrats retake power, Ill be first in line calling for federal charges. In the meantime, state prosecutors should make the corporate execs who sold out our democracy answer in court, today." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Warren had a similar reaction. "This looks like bribery in plain sight," the Massachusetts Democrat said in a statement posted to Bluesky. "Paramount folded at the same time it needs Trumps approval for a billion-dollar merger. Im calling for an investigation into whether any anti-bribery laws were broken, and Im working on a new bill to rein in this kind of corruption." This ongoing debacle has already cost the network over the last couple of months, the head of CBS News and the executive producer of 60 Minutes have both stepped down and those costs are now more than $16 million higher. As for the specific figure, The New York Times reported, The size of the settlement, $16 million, is the same sum that ABC News agreed to pay in December to settle a defamation case filed by Mr. Trump against the network and one of its anchors, George Stephanopoulos. This is a developing story. Check back for updates. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com Accenture plc (NYSE:ACN) is one of the 10 AI Stocks Making Waves on Wall Street. On June 30, Palantir, a leading provider of AI systems, and Accenture Federal Services, a U.S. federal technology company and subsidiary of Accenture LLP (NYSE: ACN), announced a landmark strategic partnership to help federal government agencies revolutionize their operations with artificial intelligence. Under the partnership, Accenture Federal has been named a Palantir preferred implementation partner for U.S. federal government customers. The two companies will team up to deploy commercial-grade, AI-powered solutions to US government agencies. Their goal is to improve key operations, make better decisions, and increase operational resilience. Accenture (ACN) and Palantir (PLTR) Partner to Modernize U.S. Government With AI The collaboration also includes a partnership between Accenture Federal Services and Palantir to train and certify Accenture Federals Data & AI team of 1,000 professionals on Palantir Foundry and Artificial Intelligence Platform (AIP). This will be done to deliver top-quality automation solutions for the federal government. What makes this partnership so uniquely powerful is Accentures expertise working with the federal government and our ability to bring commercial capabilities to government solutions, combined with Palantirs deep experience in government software. Together, we will harness the ever-growing power of AI to help the federal government succeed in its critical mission to modernize and reinvent its operationswith stronger data flows, transparency and resilienceto better serve warfighters, citizens and all its stakeholders. -Julie Sweet, chair and CEO of Accenture. While we acknowledge the potential of ACN as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If youre looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: 10 AI Stocks in the Spotlight and 10 AI Stocks Investors are Watching. Disclosure: None. Stephan Sterns trial delayed for sex crimes case involving Madeline Soto New information was released on Wednesday during a pre-trial hearing for Stephan Sterns in the sex crimes case involving Madeline Soto. Sterns trial start has been delayed until July 22, with jury selection set for July 25. Sterns was not present at his pre-trial hearing, as his appearance was waived. The reasons for the trial delay have not been disclosed, and details about the charges against Sterns remain unspecified. As more information is released, we will continue to update this story. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. A conservative legal group is trying to uncover whether the former Biden administration's focus on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives seeped into the nation's organ transplant system and led to prioritizing patients based on race. MAGA law group America First Legal is suing a number of federal health agencies to obtain documents related to the nation's organ transplant system. Specifically, they're targeting the Department of Health and Human Services, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the Health Resources Services Administration, in an attempt to compel them to turn over documents related to the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In April 2023, AFL filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request seeking documents relevant to the Biden administration's efforts to infuse DEI into the organ transplant system. However, to date, AFL says it has not received any of the requested information and, as a result, decided to sue in an effort to compel the release of it. "The Biden Administration infected the federal government with equity, replacing traditional principles of fairness and need with race-conscious criteria," said America First Legal Counsel Will Scolinos. "AFL is determined to uncover the complete scope of Biden-era DEI policies and will continue to take decisive action to restore colorblind healthcare." Noem Uncovers And Kills Multimillion-dollar, Biden-era Dei, Lgbtq Program Read On The Fox News App MAGA law group America First Legal is suing to uncover documents so that it can see if the Biden administration's efforts to infuse DEI into the federal government led to discrimination in the nation's organ transplant system. Just days after taking office in 2021, former President Joe Biden signed Executive Order 13985, directing all federal agencies to conduct "Equity Assessments" to determine whether "underserved communities and their members" faced systemic barriers to accessing federal programs. The order also required each agency to develop an action plan to address those barriers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As part of this effort, in December 2021, CMS issued a request to the public for comments on how the agency could "Advance Equity and Reduce Disparities in Organ Transplantation." "CMS is focused on identifying potential system-wide improvements that would increase organ donations, improve transplants, enhance the quality of care in dialysis facilities, increase access to dialysis services, and advance equity in organ donation and transplantation," the agency said at the time. "Communities of color have much higher rates of high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and heart disease, all of which increase the risk for kidney disease. Black Americans are almost four times more likely, and Latinos are 1.3 times more likely, to have kidney failure compared to White Americans. Despite the higher risk, data shows that Black and Latino patients on dialysis are less likely to be placed on the transplant waitlist and have a lower likelihood of transplantation. Because of these stark inequities, CMS [Request For Information] asks the public for specific ideas on advancing equity within the organ transplantation system." A box carrying an organ for transplantation can be seen on an operating room table. Blistering Report Calls For Investigation Into 5 Woke Hospitals Pushing Radical Agenda With Taxpayer Money Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, several weeks later, the HRSA announced that the "labeling of race and ethnicity information for organ donors" would "change on a number of data reports available on the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) website." According to the HRSA, the move made the data "clearer, more consistent and easier for users to interpret," and did not impact the manner in which data is collected. OPTN collects and manages data pertaining to the patient waiting list, organ donation, matching and transplantation in the U.S. HRSA also announced a "modernization initiative" for OPTN around the same time, which included plans to strengthen "equity, and performance in the organ donation and transplantation system." In its lawsuit, AFL chronicled a series of delays, non-responses and incomplete communications following its April 2023 FOIA request. AFL is hoping to obtain a judge's order requiring the release of the records it is seeking, as well as an index of any withheld material and explanations for why it could not be provided. In its lawsuit, AFL chronicled a series of delays, non-responses and incomplete communications following its April 2023 FOIA request. AFL is hoping to obtain a judge's order requiring the release of the records it is seeking, as well as an index of any withheld material and explanations for why it could not be provided. "The last administrations pervasive directives requiring consideration of immutable characteristics like race, color, and ethnicity to make healthcare more equitable should concern all Americans," Scolinos said Tuesday. "AFL is determined to uncover the complete scope of Biden-era DEI policies and will continue to take decisive action to restore colorblind healthcare." HHS declined to comment on AFL's lawsuit. Original article source: MAGA law group fights to expose how Biden's DEI agenda may have tainted life-saving organ transplants NEED TO KNOW Arpineh Masihi, a Trump supporter and Iranian immigrant, was targeted by ICE and taken from her home on June 30 Her husband, Arthu Sahakyan, told a local news station that even though he misses Masihi, he still supports the Trump administration's efforts to vet Iranian nationals When asked whether he would take his MAGA flag off their house while his wife is detained, Sahakyan replied, "No, the flag stands" A California family is standing firmly behind Donald Trump even after Immigration and Customs Enforcement came knocking on their own front door. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arpineh Masihi and her husband, Arthu Sahakyan, are proud fans of the president: they sided with him in the last election, wave his flag outside their home and even gave MAGA hats to their children. But the couple's open support of Trump's "Make America Great Again" movement didn't stop ICE from taking Masihi, an Iranian immigrant, from her home amid the administration's mass deportation efforts, reports Fox 11. Masihi, who is now in her 40s, was 3 when she came to the United States as a refugee from Iran. About 15 years ago, her green card was revoked due to a prior conviction she had for theft, and since then she's been dedicated to regaining her legal status, Sahakyan told the Los Angeles TV station in an interview. Her occasional immigration check-ins had seemingly been going smoothly until the U.S. got involved with Israel's war against Iran and began fearing retribution for bombing three of the country's nuclear sites on June 21. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shortly thereafter Masihi was detained, along with more than 130 Iranian nationals, federal sources told the outlet. "I'm very for [the United States vetting] Iranian nationals because of the sleeper cells," Sahakyan told Fox 11. "I think it will resolve a lot of issues because we'll know exactly who's in here for what reasons, even though I miss [my wife] dearly." As for Masihi getting caught in the mix, Sahakyan suggested he isn't taking it personally. "Trump is not trying to do anything bad. We understand what he's doing," he told the outlet. "He wants the best for the country. I'm just trying to make the best of it." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ICE officials arrived at their home which is adorned with Trump's "Keep America Great" flag out front in Diamond Bar, Calif., on June 30. Before leaving with the agents, Masihi briefly said goodbye to her husband and "came and kissed the kids," Sahakyan said. The family has not seen her since. Despite Sahakyan's optimism over his wife's fate, Masihi got emotional during a phone call with Fox 11 as she expressed concern for her future and her immigration status. "I'm on the list to be going to a different facility," Masihi told the outlet. While Sahakyan said he doesn't wish the experience of a family member being detained on anyone else, he still has trust in Trump's end goal. And as his wife sits in ICE detention, he intends to keep their Trump flag flying and pro-Trump signs on display. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I'm still supporting [Trump]," he said. "Even though my friends say, 'Take the flag down, you're going through a lot,' I'm like, 'No, the flag stands.' " Read the original article on People Republican Representative Derrick Van Orden made sure to let reporters know that he wasnt President Trumps bitchas he prepared to vote yes on the budget bill that will leave at least 30,000 of his constituents without health care by 2034. The president of the United States didnt give us an assignment. Were not a bunch of little bitches around here, okay? Im a member of Congress, Van Orden said, according to Punchbowl Newss Kenzie Nguyen. I represent almost eight hundred thousand Wisconsinites. Van Orden really had the audacity to take this kind of tone with reporters after a yes vote on the Houses previous version of the budget bill. He is also expected to vote yes on the new version of the bill approved by the Senate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Aside from the aforementioned health care cuts, the House-approved version of Trumps One Big Beautiful Bill Act would remove $607 million from rural Wisconsin hospitals, placing important care centers like Aspirus Stanley Hospital, the Mayo Clinic Health System-Oakridge in Osseo, and Froedtert Holy Family Memorial Hospital in Manitowoc at risk of shutting down. While the Senate bill includes slightly higher funding for rural hospitals, advocates say its still not enough given the cuts to Medicaid. It creates Medicaid winners and losers, with Wisconsin at the bottom, Wisconsin Hospital Association President Eric Borgerding wrote recently in a column for the Wisconsin State Journal. The bill passed the Senate on Tuesday and is currently under deliberation in the House, with no clear end date in sight. A top Senate ally of President Donald Trump is facing a primary challenge from the right. Former South Carolina Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer is running for the Senate in 2026, mounting a Republican primary challenge against longtime GOP Sen. Lindsey Graham. "Lindsey Graham has lost his way, and South Carolinians deserve a true conservative fighter to represent them in the United States Senate 100% guaranteed," Bauer, a wealthy developer and longtime Trump backer, charged in a statement early Wednesday, as he declared his candidacy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Graham in February kicked off his campaign for a fifth six-year term representing the red state of South Carolina in the Senate. On U.s. Strike On Iran, Graham Says Trump Showed There's A New Sheriff In Town The senator was endorsed by Trump in March and this week he announced that veteran Republican consultant Chris LaCivita, who served as co-chair of the president's 2024 campaign to win back the White House, was coming on board as his re-election campaign's senior advisor. Read On The Fox News App Bauer who unsuccessfully ran for governor in 2010 (in an election won by now-former governor, former ambassador to the U.N. and 2024 GOP presidential candidate Nikki Haley) and Congress in 2012 after serving eight years as the Palmetto State's lieutenant governor touted his Trump and MAGA credentials. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement First On Fox: Former Trump Ambassador Launches Senate Bid "One of the first leaders in the country to endorse Trump in early 2016, Andre has been on the front lines of the America First movement, and has stood firmly with Trump on every issue," his campaign touted in their email release. "Andre is a proven conservative fighter who will unapologetically stand with President Trump and put South Carolina first." Bauer stood alongside Trump at the South Carolina Statehouse in January 2023, as the former president announced his leadership team in the key early-voting primary state. Trump, at the time, called Bauer "a friend of mine, somebody that could I think run for almost any office and win." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Graham, along with Republican Gov. Howie McMaster of South Carolina, also stood alongside Trump at that event. Eight years earlier, Graham was highly critical of Trump as he was part of a large field of rivals who ran against the real estate mogul and reality TV star for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination. Former President Donald Trump greets Sen. Lindsay Graham during an election campaign event in Columbia, South Carolina, on Jan. 28, 2023. But Graham became a close friend and top ally to Trump during the president's first term. The senator has survived primary challenges from the right in his past re-election campaigns, and has been attacked for his more moderate stances on the issues of illegal immigration and climate change, as well as his advocacy for a muscular U.S. national security and foreign policy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ahead of last month's U.S. strike on Iran's nuclear facilities, Graham urged Trump to "go all-in" to prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Bauer, in his campaign launch, attacked the senator as "Globalist Lindsey Graham" and charged that he "has spent three decades sending your tax dollars overseas and funding regime change wars all over the world instead of helping South Carolinians. Lindsey voted over and over again for big spending and that has grown the national debt by trillions." Bauer also argued that "Graham has repeatedly called for amnesty for illegal immigrants." Graham, on Tuesday, hours ahead of Bauer's launch, spotlighted his efforts to help Trump's so-called "big beautiful" landmark spending and tax cut bill pass the Senate by a razor-thin one-vote margin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I just had a great phone call with President @realDonaldTrump about his excitement regarding the Senates passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill," Graham wrote in a social media post. And he highlighted that he's "incredibly proud to have led the fight to move President Trumps One Big Beautiful Bill through the Senate Budget Committee and onto full passage by the United States Senate." Graham re-election campaign spokeswoman Abby Zilch also took aim at Bauer. "Andre Bauer has spent his career chasing titles to feed his ego, running for five different offices and even trying to leverage Senator Graham and the White House for an ambassadorship. When that failed, he launched his sixth campaign proving once again, this is all about Making Andre Great Again," Zilch claimed in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republicans dominate statewide elections in South Carolina and the winner of next year's GOP Senate primary will be considered the clear frontrunner in the 2026 general election. Original article source: MAGA rival attempts to push longtime Trump ally out of Senate Jul. 2Maine's struggling hospitals are bracing for another hit to their finances after the U.S. Senate's narrow vote Tuesday to pass a sweeping tax and spending bill that is expected to cut off tens of thousands of Maine residents from Medicaid coverage. Penobscot Valley Hospital in Lincoln, a rural hospital located about an hour from Bangor, already operates on thin margins and can't absorb another significant drop in revenue, Chief Financial Officer Elisa Blethen said in an interview Wednesday. "There's not much we can close without closing the hospital entirely," Blethen said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maine hospitals, especially those in rural parts of the state, have warned in recent weeks that the proposed cuts to Medicaid would mean more uninsured patients coming in to emergency rooms for care that they can't pay for, and that the hospitals can't afford to give away even though they are required to. "Many hospitals are looking into the abyss," Steven Michaud, president of the Maine Hospital Association, told the Press Herald last month as the bill moved through Congress. The threat to rural hospitals was one of the chief reasons Sen. Susan Collins says she voted against the bill Tuesday. She was one of just three Republicans to oppose passage, but the bill passed anyway with the help of a tie-breaking vote from Vice President JD Vance. It is now back before the House of Representatives for a possible final vote this week. Sen. Angus King, I-Maine, also voted no along with all Senate Democrats. Both of Maine's members of the House, Rep. Chellie Pingree, D-1st District, and Rep. Jared Golden, D-2nd District, voted against an earlier House version of the bill last month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Collins said her efforts to cushion the impact on hospitals did have some success; the final Senate version included $50 billion for emergency assistance to rural hospitals. "I am very eager to get funding to them as quickly as possible," she said. HOSPITALS ON THE EDGE It's not yet clear how soon the Medicaid cuts would begin to erode hospital revenues. Northern Light, the state's second-largest hospital network, said in a news release Tuesday that it will have to restructure and adjust to the combination of financial pressures facing its hospitals. It did not provide any specific plans, but did say "no hospital will be closed as a part of this work, however some services offered at some locations could change." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Our focus is on improving the health of the communities we serve and safeguarding access to healthcare," Tim Dentry, president and CEO of Northern Light Health, said in a written statement. "The strategies we employ will likely include evaluating our workforce and leadership structure and maximizing revenue opportunities to strengthen our future." Northern Light Health's Inland Hospital in Waterville closed this year. Others have closed birthing centers and emergency rooms to cut costs. Northern Light A.R. Gould Hospital in Presque Isle and Northern Light Maine Coast Hospital in Ellsworth have also been identified as being at especially high risk of closing in the near future if the bill pending in Congress is signed into law, according to the Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. And a study by a national think tank, the Center for Healthcare Quality and Payment Reform, recently concluded that half of Maine's 24 rural hospitals are at risk of closing even without factoring in further cuts to Medicaid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Like hospitals and healthcare systems in Maine and across the nation, Northern Light Health faces industry headwinds including the proposed changes to Medicaid as well as increased costs for supplies, pharmaceuticals, and labor, combined with reduced post-COVID volumes, low reimbursement and high denial rates from payers, and significant costs for contract and temporary labor," Tuesday's release from the hospital network said. Lisa Harvey McPherson, vice president of government affairs for Northern Light Health, said in an email Wednesday that the network was grateful for Collins' opposition to the bill and her efforts to secure assistance for rural hospitals. "From the perspective of Northern Light Health, reducing federal funding for the MaineCare program (Maine's Medicaid program) by an estimated $5.9 billion dollars over the next 10 years will result in fewer individuals covered by MaineCare, a reduction in reimbursement for services for those with MaineCare and very likely eliminating certain services from MaineCare coverage in order to balance the financial impact," she said. "We will be working with the American Hospital Association to understand the rural hospital healthcare (funding) impact to our health system." Katie Fullam Harris, chief government affairs officer for MaineHealth, the state's largest health care system that includes Maine Medical Center and seven rural hospitals, also credited Collins, as well as the rest of the delegation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It is absolutely critical that Maine people recognize how their delegation, in particularly Senator Collins, who was under tremendous pressure, stood up and supported rural health care for the state of Maine," Harris said. "Obviously, it's too early for us to identify what the timing of cuts or impact will be as the bill has gone back to the House now. Until it is finalized, we really can't speculate on the timing of any impact," she said. The Maine Hospital Association also released a written statement thanking Collins and the rest of the Maine delegation for standing up for the state's health care networks and opposing the cuts. "Hospitals do not oppose reasonable reforms to Medicaid that recognize both areas where spending could be curbed as well as areas where spending should be increased," the association said. "None of the reconciliation proposals achieve that balance. Instead, Maine hospitals stand to lose tens of millions in reimbursement under the proposal as it currently stands." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FACING 'DEVASTATING' CUTS Penobscot Valley Hospital in Lincoln is also teetering and facing difficult choices, said Belthen, the CFO. Blethen said the independent hospital has essentially zero reserves, and runs on a $50 million budget. It finished the 2024 budget year about $900,000 in the red, and this year had to close outpatient behavioral health services for financial reasons. She said Medicaid cutbacks would be "devastating" to Penobscot Valley, and many rural hospitals. If the uninsured rate goes up, that alone would blow a hole in Penobscot Valley's budget, Blethen said based on estimates she's seen. If the percentage of uninsured patients being treated at Penobscot Valley increases from 5% to 8% of total patients seen, that's at least a $1 million revenue gap that they would have to fill, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Banks are reluctant to approve loans to Penobscot Valley, because the hospital was in bankruptcy a few years ago. Although it has since emerged from bankruptcy, it's left the hospital in a precarious financial position. "There's a great risk of additional services being cut," Blethen said, if the uninsured rate increases. Uninsured patients tend to be sicker by the time they seek care, also driving up health care costs, she said. The hospital is the closest option for many patients who would otherwise have to drive hours to Bangor or Millinocket for care if Penobscot Valley were to close. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It employs 200 full-time and part-time workers, so if it closes those jobs would be lost to the community. And without nearby health care, patients would have fewer choices. "We've had patients come here who've had a stroke or heart attack, and we've had them stabilized here before sending them to larger hospitals. We've saved people's lives," Blethen said. Staff Writer Brianna Earle contributed to this story. Copy the Story Link The halting of deliveries of air defense missiles from the U.S. will lead tomajor casualties among civilians, a deputy commander in Ukraines air defense told the Kyiv Independent. Politico reported on July 1 that the U.S. Defense Department (DOD) had halted shipments of some weapons previously promised to Kyiv out of concerns over the size of U.S. stockpiles, citing sources familiar with the matter. The aid in question included several pieces of U.S. weaponry that have been critical to Ukraines ability to conduct the war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nick Schifrin, a reporter for PBS NewsHour, wrote on X that the halt included "PAC3 Patriots, 155mm artillery rounds, GMLRS, Stinger, AIM-7, and Hellfire missiles." While the economics of losing such systems hurts the Ukrainian war effort, Ukraines military has managed to build its own equivalent to several of those since the wars outset. The critical exception is air defense. "Cutting off delivery of missiles for Patriot anti-air systems will mean a weaker air defense system over the country, and as a result, destruction of civilian infrastructure and major casualties among civilians," Oleksii, a deputy commander who coordinates mobile air defense groups in Kyiv Oblast, told the Kyiv Independent. In line with Ukrainian military policy, he asked not to be identified by last name. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Patriot missile systems are the best air defense Ukraine has ever had. More specifically, PAC-3 missiles for those systems are by far the most effective measure against Russian ballistic missiles like Iskander and Kinzhal. Ukraine is highly secretive about the anti-missile missiles that remain in its stocks, but recent Russian strikes have been far more deadly than they were a year or two prior, with interception rates of ballistic missiles in particular dropping precipitously. U.S. President Donald Trump speaks about the upcoming wildfire and hurricane seasons in Washington, DC, U.S. on June 10, 2025. (Saul Loeb / AFP via Getty Images) That is in large part because the U.S. has already been slow-walking its aid deliveries since U.S. President Donald Trump took office, particularly when it comes to air defense. Russian ballistic missiles travel several times the speed of sound. In the case of the Kinzhal, Russia touts a max speed of Mach 10. They arc far above the surface of the earth, unlike cruise missiles, which maintain a relatively low, flat trajectory, giving more time for a surface-based interception. Why Ukraine can't build Patriots and PAC-3s U.S. defense giant Raytheon has built Patriot missile launchers since the early 1980s, over the course of which it has progressively upgraded the systems software. Lockheed Martin makes the PAC-3 missiles themselves, which are uniquely good at targeting ballistic missiles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PAC-3s destroy incoming ballistic missiles by physically hitting them in the air, a feat of targeting that requires remarkably precise measurements and timing for launch calculations. They are equipped with sensors from Boeing that are able to spot proximate ballistic missiles and make the high-speed, last-minute adjustments necessary to collide with them. A Russian airstrike targeted Boeings office in Kyiv just weeks ago. The aerospace giant employs some 1,000 people in Ukraine. A Russian drone is shot down by Ukrainian air defenses during a night strike in Kyiv, Ukraine, on June 17, 2025. (Sergei Supinsky / AFP via Getty Images) Patriot air defense launchers are seen at a German military base in Sanitz, Germany, on June 11, 2024. (President Volodymyr Zelensky / Telegram) Ukrainian weapons production has been remarkably innovative since the wars start. But the interlinking expertise and precision that makes the Patriot PAC-3 system work took decades to build while backed by the budget of the U.S. Department of Defense and with nobody bombing their factories. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Raytheon, Lockheed Martin, and Boeing each individually report revenues of well over $60 billion annually, which is significantly greater than the Ukrainian governments annual tax revenue. What Ukraine does and doesn't have Ukraine still has a huge number of Soviet-made S-300 anti-air systems left over. But it is also running out of missiles for those systems and many of the other former Warsaw Pact nations that earlier in the war sent their residual stockpiles to Ukraine have run out as well. While S-300 munitions would, in theory, be cheaper to make than PAC-3s, they still require industrial facilities beyond what is required to make drones. While Russia still has them, Ukraine has never really had the chance to build them out. Ukraines major weapons factories were set up by the Soviet Union and were not designed to operate independently. Ukraine-based factories made components for complex weapons systems that were only to be completed when they joined with engines or controllers, or launch vehicles from other Soviet manufacturers. A Ukrainian soldier stands near the wreckage of an S-300 missile in Chasiv Yar, Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine, on March 6, 2023. (Diego Fedele / Getty Images) Given that the Soviet Union built them, Russia also knows exactly where many of those huge post-Soviet factories are and routinely bombs them. Can Europe fill the gap? There are European manufacturers that make theoretically comparable air-defense systems, but they have proved themselves less effective within Ukraine and, maybe more importantly, are not made at the mass scale of Patriot missiles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. government also controls the flow of Patriot systems and ammunition, meaning that if it wants to embargo Ukraines access to them, it can. Overall, the U.S. denial of sophisticated air defense to Ukraine is a serious blow for which there is no ready technological solution. "Likely or certainly that decision is aimed at weakening the tough negotiating position of our country, and at us accepting conditions that are dictated to us from outside," Oleksii said. Note from the author: Hi, this is Kollen, the author of this article. Thanks for reading. With Russian forces massing at the front and air attacks intensifying across the country, Ukraine is holding up in the face of a tense summer. If you want more stories like this, consider joining our community today to help support our work. Read also: Why Ukraine isnt building its own version of US Patriot Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Major Rental Car Company's New Policy Drives Controversy originally appeared on Parade. If you plan on hitting the road in a rental car or truck this summer, consumers are warning about a new policy that took effect at one of the biggest vehicle rental companies recently. Back in April, popular car and truck rental service Hertz announced it would employ artificial intelligence (AI) to check over its returned vehicles instead of tasking a human with the inspection. At the time, Hertz explained it partnered with Israeli AI vehicle inspection system company, UVeye, to "transform" how it maintains its vehicles and "bring efficiency and greater accuracy" to the process so it can "focus on our vehicles being ready when and where our customers want them." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Hertz intended the process to be smoother, some consumers complain that the new system is reason to "never rent from them again." Especially after hearing the story of one customer who returned his Thrifty rental vehicle (part of the Hertz Corporation) to the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and was later charged over $400 for a 1-inch scuff discovered on a tire by the AI scanner, according to a report by The Drive. The outlet reported a $250 charge for the repair, $125 for processing, and another $65 administrative fee, totaling $440. The renter said he was made aware of the fees only minutes after dropping off the car, but could not speak to a human about it. Related: Major Department Store Chain Revises Controversial Policy in Big Win for Shoppers Thats a good way by Hertz to make sure you never get a repeat customer ever again. (@Gig_Digger) June 30, 2025 Social media has now become a hot spot for concerns sparked by the "frustrating" situation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "AI can't keep a reservation right for the amount of cars on the lot," one X user said, suggesting the entire system is flawed. "What a scam," a second declared. "How many times is Hertz charging customers for the same small scuffs," another asked, worried that a scuff picked up and paid for by one renter could then be "found" by the AI again when the next renter returns it. But those who have used it say that it doesn't work that waysome are even applauding the new policy. "Customers are directed to a web portal where they can view before-and-after photos captured by the scanners," a second X (formerly Twitter) user shared. "Ive used this in Columbus OH and it was great." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I actually love this technology. It captures the before & after image of the car detail, and charges the renter who caused the damage rather than having to raise rates on the rest of us," they added. Related: Walmart Announces Huge Update Regarding Its Use of AI In a statement first shared with USA Today, a Hertz spokesperson said: "Over 97% of cars scanned with this technology show no billable damage, proving that the vast majority of rentals are incident-free. Vehicle damage has long been a common pain point across the car rental industry for customers and companies alike. At Hertz, we're using this technology to tackle this head-on." "As we continue rolling out this technology, we remain committed to ongoing innovation and continuous improvement," they added, noting that any issues flagged by a customer in the chat are reviewed by a live agent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "With regards to this specific incident, a live agent reviewed this customers escalation and manually reviewed the photos at pickup and return and confirmed the damage was new," the spokesperson said. "While we understand that some customers may hope for a different outcome, we want to ensure every case is handled fairly and objectively, using the best information available." Hertz said it's working on integrating its live agents into its app to make communicating with a customer service representative easier. The rental company, which also owns Dollar Car Rental, Thrifty Car Rental, and Firefly Car Rental, said it began the rollout of its AI scanners at the Atlanta airport this spring, but plans to expand to most major U.S. airports by the end of the year. Next:The Unexpected Thing a Formula Drift Pro Checks Before Every Road Trip Major Rental Car Company's New Policy Drives Controversy first appeared on Parade on Jul 2, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 2, 2025, where it first appeared. Rising star of the American left Zohran Mamdani is now officially the Democratic candidate for mayor of New York City, according to official primary election results released Tuesday. The 33-year-old self-declared democratic socialist defeated his nearest rival by a strong margin, winning 56 percent to former New York governor Andrew Cuomo's 44 percent in the third round of vote counting. With neither candidate winning a majority in the June 25 primary, election officials eliminated lower-ranking candidates and recounted under the ranked-choice voting process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But after Mamdani earned 43 percent outright, Cuomo -- aiming for a comeback after a sex scandal -- did not wait for the full results and conceded defeat the night of the vote, a stunning outcome for Democrats. Staunchly pro-Israel Cuomo led in polls for most of the race, with massive name recognition and support from powerful centrist figures including former president Bill Clinton. "Democrats spoke in a clear voice, delivering a mandate for an affordable city, a politics of the future, and a leader unafraid to fight back against rising authoritarianism," Mamdani said Tuesday. Born in Uganda to South Asian parents, New York state assemblyman Mamdani would be the first Muslim mayor of the heavily Democratic city if he wins the general election in November. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Polling currently shows him ahead of current Mayor Eric Adams and Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa for the November vote. Adams was elected in 2021 as a Democrat but is running as an independent. Mamdani and others have accused the mayor of allowing the Trump administration to conduct immigration raids in exchange for burying federal corruption charges against Adams. Cuomo is still weighing a possible run as an independent. - 'We shattered everyone's expectations' - The contest has catapulted Mamdani from an unknown to the national stage, with Democrats debating if he is too far-left -- his proposals include freezing rent for many New Yorkers, higher taxes on millionaires and corporations, free bus service, and universal childcare -- or just what is needed to beat back President Donald Trump's MAGA agenda. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Asked by NBC Sunday if he is a communist, Mamdani responded in the negative. He also said "I don't think that we should have billionaires," but added he wants "to work with everyone." Trump has led the Republican criticism of the man who has upended Democratic politics. "Frankly, I've heard he's a total nut job," Trump said Tuesday. Mamdani -- a hyper-adept social media user whose campaign clips showcased his accessibility and drew millions of views -- posted a video Tuesday explaining how he "shocked the establishment and redrew the political map with a campaign relentlessly focused on the needs of working people." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He noted Trump drew surprisingly strong support in New York City in the 2024 election, and explained how campaigning relentlessly in neighborhoods with minority, working class and immigrant populations, he was able to bring disaffected voters back to the Democratic fold. "We can win back voters many have written off if we give them something to vote for, not just tell them what to be against," Mamdani said. "We shattered everyone's expectations -- including our own." gl-mlm/jgc Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic Partys nominee for New York City mayor, has hit back at President Donald Trump for threatening to deport him. The president issued the warning at a press conference in Ochopee, Florida, on Tuesday after his visit to the states new Alligator Alcatraz migrant detention center. Trump was asked by a reporter about Mamdanis pledge to stand up to raids on alleged undocumented migrants by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. Well, then well have to arrest him, Trump said. Look, we dont need a communist in this country, but if we have one, Im going to be watching over them very carefully on behalf of the nation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We send him money. We send him all the things that he needs to run a government Were going to be watching that very carefully and a lot of people are saying he is here illegally, you know, were going to look at everything and ideally hes going to turn out to be much less than a communist. But right now hes a communist. Thats not a socialist. Democratic New York City mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani (AP) Mamdani, who considers himself a democratic socialist, responded with a strongly-worded statement in which he said: The president of the United States just threatened to have me arrested, stripped of my citizenship, put in a detention camp and deported. Not because I have broken any law but because I will refuse to let ICE terrorize our city. His statements dont just represent an attack on our democracy but an attempt to send a message to every New Yorker who refuses to hide in the shadows: if you speak up, they will come for you. We will not accept this intimidation. At the very moment when MAGA Republicans are attempting to destroy the social safety net, kick millions of New Yorkers off of healthcare and enrich their billionaire donors at the expense of working families, it is a scandal that [incumbent NYC mayor] Eric Adams echoes this presidents division, distraction and hate. Voters will resoundingly reject it in November. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mamdani, 33, was born in Kampala, Uganda, to Indian parents but was raised in New York and became a naturalized citizen in 2018. He has served as a New York State Assembly member representing a district of Queens since 2021. Trump also threatened to deport his former ally and donor Elon Musk on Tuesday (AFP/Getty) New York Governor Kathy Hochul was among those leaping to his defense, posting on X: I don't care if you're the President of the United States, if you threaten to unlawfully go after one of our neighbors, you're picking a fight with 20 million New Yorkers starting with me. Mamdani was only the second public figure Trump threatened with deportation on Tuesday, having already said he would look into the citizenship status of Elon Musk, the worlds richest man, his erstwhile friend, adviser and campaign donor. Since his surprise upset win over front-runner Andrew Cuomo in last weeks primary, opponents have raced to attack Mamdani, with Trump calling him a 100% Communist Lunatic on Truth Social. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president then told Fox Newss Maria Bartiromo on Sunday: If he does get in, Im going to be president, and hes going to have to do the right thing or theyre not getting any money, hes got to do the right thing. Mamdani responded to that on NBCs Meet the Press by saying: I have already had to start to get used to, get used to the fact that the president will talk about how I look, how I sound, where Im from, who I am, ultimately, because he wants to distract from what Im fighting for, and Im fighting for the very working people that he ran a campaign to empower, that he has since then betrayed. Other attacks on the candidate have included Mayor Adams accusing him of being born with a silver spoon in his mouth and Tennessee Republican Rep. Andy Ogles posting on X: Bye bye, little muhammad! If you lied on your N-400 naturalization forms, youre going home. Mamdani and Adams the latter running as an independent are likely to find themselves in a three-horse race for City Hall come November alongside Republican Curtis Sliwa, founder of the Guardian Angels anti-crime group. However, Cuomo has signalled that he could also run again, also as an independent. ADNOC Drilling Company has received a new five-year contract worth up to $800m from compatriot company ADNOC Onshore for integrated hydraulic fracturing services for conventional and tight reservoirs. This award, set to begin in the third quarter of 2025, builds on a series of recent major deals, bringing the total value of contracts secured by the company to $4.8bn over the past two months. The contract aligns with Abu Dhabi National Oil Companys (ADNOCs) strategic initiative to accelerate the development of conventional and tight reservoirs across the UAE. It encompasses the design, execution, and evaluation of multistage hydraulic fracturing treatments. These services will be implemented across various assets in Abu Dhabi to enhance oil and gas flow and optimise production. ADNOC Drilling CEO Abdulla Ateya Al Messabi said: This significant contract is a powerful endorsement of [our] expanding capabilities and our trusted partnership with ADNOC Onshore. It reflects our ability to deliver high-impact, technologically advanced fracturing services that will help unlock the UAEs energy potential. As we continue our transformation, we are proud to support the nations strategic energy goals and reinforce our position as a leader in integrated drilling and completion solutions. Under the contract, the drilling subsidiary plans to utilise advanced technologies, including proprietary fracturing simulation software, to maximise efficiency and performance. Intelligent fluid systems will adjust to reservoir conditions in real-time, while automated pumping units and blending systems will enhance operational safety and efficiency. Established in 1972, ADNOC Drilling serves as the sole drilling provider for ADNOC. In May 2025, the company acquired a 70% stake in SLB's land drilling rigs operations in Kuwait and Oman. The acquisition is expected to boost the companys earnings and cash flow from land rigs in these regions. Separately, tubular solutions provider Vallourec received an order from ADNOC to supply more than 30,000 tonnes of carbon steel tubulars with VAM premium connections. This order is part of a long-term agreement for oil country tubular goods (specialised steel pipes and tubes used for drilling, completing and producing wells) between the two companies and supports ADNOC's goal of reaching a daily production capacity of five million barrels by 2027. Production for this order will occur at Vallourecs facilities in Brazil, China, and Indonesia. "ADNOC Drilling expands revenue pipeline with new $800m contract" was originally created and published by Offshore Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. Zohran Mamdani, the official Democratic nominee for New York City mayor, ran his campaign largely on affordability, placing the New York City housing crisis at the center of his platform. A 2024 Marist Poll survey found that 73% of New York residents believe that housing affordability is a major problem in their communities. Hardly surprising, when you consider New York City is one of the most expensive cities in the world. It's also the wealthiest city in the wealthiest country in the history of the world, and yet, one in four New Yorkers are living in poverty, and the rest are seemingly trapped in a state of anxiety, Mamdani said during a Meet the Press appearance on Sunday. We've seen that this is a city that needs to be affordable for the people who build it every day. Our focus was on exactly that, and by keeping that focus on an economic agenda, we showed New Yorkers that this could be more than just a museum of what [it] once was. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mamdaniwho will face off against incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, who is running as an Independenthas argued in his campaign videos that his housing-focused policies could be the difference between you having to move to Jersey City and getting to stay in the five boroughs. Rachel Fee, executive director of the New York Housing Conference (NYHC), says that Mamdanis popularity is a testament to how New Yorkers, especially working class New Yorkers, are struggling with rising prices. New Yorkers are fed up with sky-high rents and lack of housing choice. And home ownership these days seems like a dream to achieve in another state, says Fee. It deserves the focus of the next Mayor. And I think New Yorkers seem very willing to try something different. As Mamdani ramps up his campaigning efforts, here are some of the core tenets of his plan to fix New York Citys housing crisis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read More: Zohran Mamdani Delivers Decisive Victory in NYC Primary as His Ascension Sets Off a Political Earthquake Freeze the rent A policy-turned-rallying cry of Mamdanis candidacy has been his calls to freeze the rent. This has become all the more central as the N.Y.C. Rent Guidelines Board on Monday voted for a 4.5% increase for two-year leases and a 3% hike for one-year leases. The Rent Guidelines Board, which sets the annual rent adjustments for rent-stabilized apartments, is appointed by the Mayor, and Mamdani has said he would only appoint members of the board who will work with him to freeze the rent. Roughly 70% of New York City residents are renters, and around half of them live in rent-stabilized apartments, according to 2024 data from the NYC Comptroller, and so these price decisions affect many. New York Citys Mayor Adams released a statement stating he was disappointed in the board for not adopting the lowest increase possible in rent, as he requested. But he also argued that calls to freeze the rent amount to bad policy, saying its short-sighted and only puts tenants in harms way. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mamdani has cited former NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio in his pledge to immediately freeze the rent, stating that the former Mayor actually did this three times during his tenurein 2015, 2016, and 2020. The mayoral hopeful has also said he will advocate to expand rent stabilization in Albany, the capital city of New York State. Read More: We Will Not Accept This Intimidation: Zohran Mamdani Responds to Trumps Arrest Threat A recommitment to public housing and building affordable housing Mamdani has pledged a recommitment to public housing, saying hell double the money were spending to preserve public housing, and fully fund and staff our citys housing agencies so we can actually get the work done. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, housing experts have argued that a large part of the crisis, both in New York City and nationally, is the lack of supply for affordable housing. There are many reasons for this, including that the annual turnover rate for New York City rental units is 41% lower than the national average, due to limited mobility, overcrowding, and outmigration, according to the Citizens Budget Commission (CBC). Mamdani plans to address housing shortages by constructing 200,000 new units over the next 10 years. He says these units will be permanently affordable, union-built, rent-stabilized homes. He has pledged $100 billion to this effort, funded by his plan to tax the top 1% of New Yorkers to help pay for his ambitious efforts, through city municipal bonds and by activating city-owned land. He hopes to increase zoning for residential buildings and massively increase public spending of housing. Between 2010 and 2020, New York City added just over 185,000 multi-family units in buildings with four or more homes, according to the NYU Furman Center, and only about 30% of those were affordable to low-income households. Mamdani has also he is looking to expand other affordable housing efforts including the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Developments (HPD) Senior Affordable Rental Apartments, which produces 100% affordable low-income housing for seniors and HPDs Extremely Low and Low-Income Affordability, which produces 100% affordable housing for families who earn less than $72,000 for a family of four. Hes also keen to build upon the New York City Human Resources Administrations Master Lease Program, which helps create subsidized housing for families at risk of eviction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Fee, many of these issues have already been in the works with the city of New York, but Mamdanis focus hopes to scale them up. But the Mayor cannot do it alone, Fee says, adding there will need to be some smart politics and some coalition building at the City Council and in the states capital of Albany to change zoning, public spending, and allocate funds to these initiatives. Fee also says neglecting the potential of the private sector to help fund these efforts would be a mistake. These are things that the city government has been doing, and I think he wants to bring some of them to scale. Whether they are politically achievable I think that will really test him as a politician, Fee argues. Read more: Meet Rama Duwaji, the Illustrator Who Met Zohran Mamdani on Hingeand May Become NYCs First Lady Creating a Deed Theft Prevention Office Mamdani is also vying to create a new office that works to protect homeowners from scam artists that attempt to steal deeds, an issue that has specifically affected immigrant communities and Black and Latino neighborhoods in New York. Deed theft occurs when someone takes over the title of a home without the approval or knowledge of the true homeowner. In fact, 45% of deed theft complaints received by New York in the last five years have been in Brooklyn, primarily in communities of color. Contact us at letters@time.com. Zohran Mamdanis primary election victory in the NYC mayoral race has attracted national excitement. Its clear that conservative forces, both inside and outside the Democratic Party, are worried about what it means to have a Muslim, pro-Palestine democratic socialist achieve such a level of success. With establishment and big business support rallying behind disgraced former Gov. Andrew Cuomo who lost handily to Zohran in the primary and current Mayor Eric Adams, who has collaborated with the Trump administration on ICE deportations, many will recall how these same forces moved swiftly to prevent Bernie Sanders from winning the presidential nomination in 2016. Although it remains to be seen whether Zohran will emerge victorious in the general election, what is certain is that his campaign has sparked a firestorm of discussion about what his victory means for the Democratic Party and the left. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some have chalked it up to a privileged upbringing and excellent communication skills. I recently watched one commentator explain that the policies Zohran is running on including investment in accessible transit and childcare are the same things Democrats often support, and that if only we could learn to use social media like Zohran, Democrats could start winning again. For the record number of young people who turned out to support his campaign and those across the nation who have been excited observers this analysis clearly misses the mark. Many have argued that Zohran won only in spite of his pro-Palestine and socialist politics, but if you look at the social movement and base of over 50,000 people who were inspired to turn out and volunteer, its clearly quite the opposite. One thing that separates Zohran from any other progressive candidate in the race is the support of the NYC Democratic Socialists of America a mass organization of over 10,000 members and scores of experienced campaign organizers standing ready to support his election. In addition to ready-made campaign infrastructure, effective messaging was also key. For years, Democratic Party leadership and the Israel lobby have hammered the public with the idea that any criticism of Israel is antisemitism and politically unacceptable. In the face of this, Zohran won as a pro-Palestine Muslim in a city with one of the highest populations of Jewish people on the planet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On top of that, he also won as an open socialist among an electorate that has been inundated with Red Scare propaganda for generations. Following Kamala Harriss loss last year, many party insiders argued that the party needs to move further to the right to attract more voters. If Zohrans campaign has taught us anything, its that voters dont want leaders who are more right-wing or more supportive of Israel they want leaders who speak meaningfully to the everyday struggles faced by working-class Americans across this country. On the opposite side of the country, Ive experienced many of the same dynamics albeit at a smaller scale as a democratic socialist running for the Tacoma City Council. With the support of the Tacoma DSA, our campaign has turned out a base of over 70 volunteers, recently helping us cross the threshold of having knocked on every one of the over 10,000 doors of registered voters in Tacomas 5th District. One thing Ive learned is that although interpretations of what it means to be a socialist can vary greatly among voters, what it does clearly communicate is a departure from everyday politics. In blue cities like NYC and Tacoma, it can be difficult for voters to easily distinguish between progressive and establishment candidates. This is especially true as progressives often do a poor job of differentiating themselves, while establishment picks have learned to muddy the waters by adopting progressive language while leaving policy on the cutting room floor. In the last few years alone, the cost of living has risen enormously. From the NYC election results to my conversations with voters across Tacoma, one thing is clear: Americans are ready for a different path. Running as a democratic socialist demonstrates a clear willingness to buck the status quo and fight for a program that puts the interests of working people first. If you ask me and over half a million NYC voters thats the kind of clarity we need to defeat Trump and the corporate oligarchy. Zev Cook is a community organizer and activist in Tacoma. She is currently running as a candidate for the 5th District Tacoma City Council seat. MAMOU, La. (KLFY) A Mamou woman is accused of killing a Eunice man in a hit-and-run, authorities said. Kayle Nicole Ardoin, 39, of Mamou, was arrested Tuesday by Louisiana State Police and charged with hit and run driving causing death or bodily injury. Ardoin is accused of killing Errol Deville, 55, of Eunice. Investigators said a vehicle traveling north on La. 3149 hit Deville as he was riding his motorized bicycle the morning of June 25. The vehicle struck the rear of the bicycle in the northbound lane and fled the scene without calling for assistance or rendering aid, authorities said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ardoin was booked into the Evangeline Parish jail Tuesday and subsequently released on $25,000 bond. Kayla Ardoin Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now KLFY Daily Digest Latest news Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLFY.com. HONOLULU (KHON2) Honolulu Police Department confirmed an arrest of a man connected to a string of Molotov cocktail fires. Masked man throws Molotov cocktail at truck Police said that on Monday, June 30, around 8 p.m., a 36-year-old male was found stopping traffic on a moped. He was arrested for defaced serial numbers of a moped. Police found that the same man was identified as a suspect in an arson case on Saturday, June 28, where a masked man started a fire using a Molotov cocktail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The man was also a suspect in another arson on Sunday, June 20. Both incidents happened in the Waipahu area. Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news Police said charges 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 KHON2. A man was stabbed and wounded during a bloody clash inside a Harlem subway station, police said Wednesday. The 56-year-old victim was stabbed in both shoulders as he fought with his attacker on the uptown train platform at the W. 125th St. station, cops said. Two guys got into it, an MTA worker who witnessed the attack told the Daily News. He was unconscious. He was bleeding from his face, shoulder and body. Blood everywhere. It looked bad. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of them pulled a knife and stabbed him multiple times, the worker said, adding the victim staggered up to the mezzanine and collapsed near a turnstile. Medics transported the victim to Mount Sinai Morningside in stable condition. Responding officers arrested Victor Solis, 58, at the scene and recovered the knife. Solis was charged with assault and criminal possession of a weapon. He lives in Inwood, according to cops. Solis arraignment in Manhattan Criminal Court was pending Wednesday. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) The suspect accused of fatally stabbing a 21-year-old man in a SE Portland parking lot last month was arrested on Tuesday, according to Portland police. David Marson, 40, was taken to the Multnomah County Detention Center and charged with second-degree murder and unlawful use of a weapon. On Sunday, just before 12:30 a.m., police responded to reports of the stabbing in a parking lot along Southeast Foster Road. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers say they found a man identified as 21-year-old Miguel Alvarez-Flores dead at the scene. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact 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 KOIN.com. RICHMOND COUNTY, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) A man is facing charges for what officials say was a high-speed chase across state lines with illegal drugs and a weapon of mass destruction. According to the Richmond County Sheriffs Office, deputies tried to run a traffic stop on a vehicle thought to be part of illegal drug trafficking. The vehicle fled at high speeds, prompting a chase, after the driver tried to hit patrol vehicles and deputies with his vehicle. North Carolina fugitive throws child, found in crawl space of Gastonia home: Police Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The chase lasted several miles, crossing from Richmond County, North Carolina, into Marlboro County, South Carolina. The driver, Nyshawn Jermaine Miles of Wallace, S.C., was eventually arrested without issue. Fortunately, no one was hurt in the incident. Miles has arrest warrants out of Richmond County for a firearm charge and is also wanted for charges out of two South Carolina counties. Authorities say they seized from the vehicle illegal narcotics and a gun that is considered a weapon of mass destruction. Miles is being held at the Marlboro County Sheriffs Office awaiting extradition. His charges are pending on the investigation. Federal agencies have been alerted to the weapon of mass destruction. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) After reopening a 1983 cold case last year involving the disappearance of a 27-year-old woman, Oregon officials say that the woman was murdered and an arrest has been made. With assistance from the Chico Police Department in California, 72-year-old Mark Sanfratello was arrested on June 28. He is being charged with the murder of Teresa Peroni and will be extradited back to Oregon, according to the Josephine County Sheriffs Office. The case was reopened in Feb. 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials say that on or around July 4, 1983, Peroni was last seen with Sanfratello walking into a wooded area while attending a party in the 1000 block of Illinois River Road in Josephine County Sanfratello and Peroni were known to be in a relationship. After a short time, the family of Peroni reported her missing and an investigation took place. During this initial investigation, the Josephine County Sheriffs Office found the disappearance to be suspicious in nature. However, after the investigation with the Josephine County District Attorneys Office, it was determined that there was not enough probable cause to move forward with criminal prosecution, the sheriffs office said. In 1997, a human skull was found on a nearby property. The skull was sent to the University of North Texas for examination and DNA testing. When the case was reopened in 2024, deputies say they were able to collect additional DNA evidence which allowed UNT to confirm that the skull belonged to Peroni. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After interviewing multiple people involved with Peroni, and reviewing DNA results and the original case, Sanfratello was indicted by a grand jury in Josephine County on a murder charge on June 27. He was arrested the next day. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. A man is accused of breaking into an Ohio ballpark and stealing several food and beverages throughout June. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] James Benschoter, 59, allegedly scaled the fence of Fifth Third Field in downtown Toledo several times and broke the locks on coolers, according to our CBS affiliate WTOL-11 TV. Security cameras reportedly caught Benschoter stealing the following items on the listed dates: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement June 4: 100 bottles of Pepsi products June 13: A bag of popcorn and two bags of unknown products June 23: 40 pints of ice cream and a wine cooler Toledo police have issued arrest warrants for Benschoters arrest, WTOL-11 reported. He has since been charged with four counts of breaking and entering. Police said they identified Benschoter due to several previous interactions. Benschoter has previously been charged with criminal trespassing for living in the basement of a Toledo business, according to WTOL-11. TRENDING STORIES: [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] A man is accused of striking an employee of a Dorchester furniture store while he robbed the business on Monday, Boston police say. Nirael Simmons-Davis, 29, allegedly entered BDs Furniture on Washington Street around 11:15 a.m. and put several items in a bag before trying to leave without paying, the Suffolk County District Attorneys office told Boston 25 News. When an employee tried to stop him, Simmons-Davis allegedly pulled out a taser and pointed it at the worker. Customers ran to the back to the back of the store in fear. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The DA says Simmons-Davis then hit an employee before exiting the store on a scooter. Officers found the Boston man on the scooter and attempted to cut him off before he began to flee. Officers managed to get him onto the ground, where he grabbed at his waistband and violently resisted arrest, the DA says. Officers allegedly found a taser, loose cash, and one clear bag of crack cocaine on his person. Simmons-Davis was charged with armed robbery, assault with a dangerous weapon (taser), assault and battery, possession of class B drug (crack cocaine), and resisting arrest in Boston Municipal Court in Dorchester. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Simmons-Davis is due back in court for a probable cause hearing on July 29. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW Photo by Chad Stembridge via Unsplash Being an accredited investor just isnt what it used to be. A bill designed to loosen the definition of an accredited investor, one whos eligible to invest in certain private placements, is heading to the Senate after it passed the House of Representatives in resounding fashion last week. Advocates say the proposal would democratize private markets like private equity, venture capital, hedge funds and real estate which have long been reserved for the wealthiest investors. The bill would ask the Securities and Exchange Commission to reevaluate the current definition and potentially provide a new one. Its yet another example of the industry opening up alternative products to Main Street investors. While this may be a step in the right direction for the asset managers, it remains to be seen if it is a step in the right direction for the new pool of potential buyers, said Martin Gross, president of Sandalwood Securities. READ ALSO: What Will It Take to Get More Advisors Volunteering? and Trumps Big, Beautiful Bill Is a Mixed Bag for Advisors Credit Where Accredit Is Due While the Fair Investment Opportunities for Professional Experts Act passed by a 397-12 vote in the House, it still has its detractors in the wealth management industry at large. Some financial advisors feel private offerings arent necessarily the best idea for your average investing Joe. If there is no alignment of interests, clients should not invest, Gross said. This is one area where understanding best practices around due diligence is essential. Most notably, the bill would open up the designation to holders of certain licenses, education, or job experience, like brokers and financial advisors. Proponents say a new definition would welcome financially savvy investors who dont meet the traditional income thresholds. According to investor.org, the current criteria includes: Investors must earn at least $200,000 (or $300,000 for married couples) in each of the prior two years. Or, they are required to have a net worth over $1 million, alone or together with a spouse. Anyone who holds a Series 7, 65 or 82 license. Advisors will also need to pay attention to the liquidity needs of their clients, the exposures they have in other asset classes, and risk tolerances, Gross said, adding that alternative investments come with levels of complexity and due diligence not required in public markets subject to the Investment Company Act of 1940, a law that protects investors by reducing conflicts of interest and improving transparency. Like it or not, current accredited investor rules exist for a reason, he said. Man to be arraigned on murder charge in stabbing death of woman in Brockton A man arrested in connection with the stabbing death of a woman in Brockton is slated to face a judge on Wednesday. Reynald Biamby, 44, of Bostons Mattapan neighborhood, is expected to be arraigned in Brockton District Court on a charge of murder in the killing of 36-year-old Rose Lacroix, also of Mattapan, according to Plymouth District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz. Officers responding to a report of a possible death at an apartment at 341 Centre Street just after 4 a.m. Tuesday found Lacroix dead inside and Biamby suffering from injuries, authorities said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Biamby was taken to a hospital in Boston for treatment. Detectives later sought and obtained an arrest warrant and took Biamby into custody upon his release from the hospital. Authorities described the incident as a suspected fatal domestic stabbing. State police detectives assigned to the DAs office are assisting Brockton police with an ongoing investigation. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW A dual U.S.-Canadian citizen was arrested last month for his alleged role in an attempt to smuggle a Romanian family of four into the United States, which left them dead, including two young children. Timothy Oakes, 34, from the Akwesasne Mohawk Indian Reservation (AMIR) in Canada, was arrested on June 15 while trying to enter the U.S. via the Massena, New York, port of entry, the Justice Department said. He is charged with conspiring with others to engage in alien smuggling, four counts of alien smuggling for profit, and four counts of alien smuggling resulting in death. He appeared in a federal court on Tuesday and was ordered held. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Human Smugglers Sentenced In Horrific Texas Truck Deaths Of 53 Migrants Timothy Oakes' vehicle with a light blue boat in tow on March 29, 2023, which matched the boat found in the Saint. Lawrence River during recovery efforts. His U.S.-based co-conspirators Dakota Montour, 31, and Kawisiiostha Celecia Sharrow, 43, both of Akwesasne-Mohawk, New York, and Janet Terrance, 45, of Hogansburg, New York have all entered guilty pleas. "Oakes and his co-conspirators profited from a human smuggling operation with a singular, cold-hearted aim: making money by bringing illegal aliens into the United States, regardless of the danger to human life involved," said Matthew Galeotti, head of the Justice Departments Criminal Division. "Their greed resulted in the deaths of a mother, a father, and two small children, as well as one of the defendants own brothers." Read On The Fox News App Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oakes smuggled illegal immigrants from Canada into northern New York using boats to get across the St. Lawrence River, federal prosecutors said. Knife-wielding Illegal Migrant Accused Of Threatening Us Attorney On Albany, Ny Streets He earned $1,000 per person, authorities said. In March 2023, Oakes housed a Romanian family of four, together with other aliens, for about 24 hours before allegedly taking them on his boat in an attempt to illegally bring them into the U.S. Oakes, his brother Casey, and the Romanian family were on the vessel when it capsized, killing the family, including two children under the age of 3, and his brother. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Two toddler-aged children and their parents were the tragic victims of an alien smuggling attempt gone horribly wrong," said Chief Patrol Agent Robert Garcia of the U.S. Border Patrols Swanton Sector. "Their deaths were a direct result of callous smugglers who exploited the vulnerable." Terrance, Montour, and Sharrow admitted in their plea agreements that they were employed to illegally transport the Romanian family a mother, father, 1-year-old boy, and 2-year-old girl from Canada into New York. Montour admitted that he was aware of the dangerous weather conditions on the day of the smuggling attempt high winds, freezing temperatures, and limited visibility, the Justice Department said. Original article source: Man arrested for deadly immigrant smuggling operation that killed Romanian family of four and his own brother CATAWBA COUNTY, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) Catawba County deputies discovered illegal narcotics when executing a search warrant at a Sherrills Ford residence in connection with a breaking and entering investigation. During this search at the residence on Bach Drive, deputies seized approximately 25 grams of methamphetamine, 24 grams of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. Sami Price Driggers was arrested and charged with Possession of Schedule II Narcotics, Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Driggers is being held on a $10,000 bond. Additional charges related to the breaking and entering investigation are pending. Anyone with information about criminal-related activity is encouraged to submit a tip through our confidential tipline, 828-466-ATIP (2847), our website, or the Catawba County Sheriffs Office mobile application. MORE FROM QCNEWS.COM CRIME & PUBLIC SAFETY Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) Reports said a man was arrested and a loaded semiautomatic rifle was found during an East Side traffic stop Tuesday. Alvin Sims Jr., 32, was booked into the Mahoning County jail on a charge of improper handling of a firearm in a motor vehicle, a fourth-degree felony. He is expected to be arraigned later Wednesday in municipal court. Reports said Sims was a passenger in a car pulled over just after 1:30 p.m. on Park Heights Avenue for excessive window tint. Because the driver has a suspended license, police were about to search the car before having it towed and asked if there were any weapons in the car. Sims told police no after hesitating, reports said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before police started their search, Sims told officers there was a rifle under the seat where he was sitting, reports said. Police checked and found a loaded AR-15 style rifle, reports said. A records check found that Sims was convicted of a weapons offense in 2021, reports said, but he was not charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. Jul. 2In 2019, Trevor Maxwell watched a documentary about wolves that made him cry. When a wolf was sick or injured, the documentary revealed, other wolves rallied to protect it while it healed. And if the sick wolf died, the other wolves grieved that loss. "Wolves don't go through things alone, so why should men who are diagnosed with cancer?" Maxwell asked himself. Maxwell, of Cape Elizabeth, was diagnosed with stage IV colorectal cancer in March 2018. He was 41, in the middle of his career, and his daughters were 10 and 12. "It was crushing for us," he said. He struggled with anxiety and depression, especially during the first year. "I didn't know where to turn to at that point," he added. "For a guy, it's a tough hurdle to accept that you need help." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He started attending support groups, but every space he went to had a ratio of at least three women to each man. "I thought one of two things is true," he said. "Either I'm an outlier and all these other men going through cancer don't need help and are fine, or there's lots of other guys like me who are really struggling, especially with the social and emotional burden of cancer, but they don't feel comfortable accessing resources." In 2020, he started Man Up to Cancer, a Facebook group and grassroots movement to support men affected by cancer. It's open to male cancer patients, survivors and caregivers, and it encourages vulnerability and community support. "We need a cancer wolf pack," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, the group is a Maine-based nonprofit organization with more than 3,500 members and more than 40 chapters spanning North America and even overseas. Maxwell said that these chapters give men the chance to get together in person, chat online or simply hang out. Sticking with the wolf motif, these chapters become their packs. Gerry Morin, the Maine chapter co-leader, organizes monthly meetups in addition to support calls. "We're trying to bring people together," he said. The Maine chapter, which currently has 40 members, has gone to Sea Dogs games, brewpubs and cookouts together. And they also share resources with each other. Many travel out of state for treatment, and members advise each other about the best places to go and the best hotels to stay at when they do. "There's quite a web of things out there," Morin said. "It's overwhelming when you're first diagnosed." He said that the chapter helped him navigate it all. Now, he travels to Boston once every two weeks to get treatment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Todd Milne of Scarborough joined the Maine chapter eight months ago. When he was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a rare blood cancer that he describes as "eating away at my bones," he said that he did not know much about the type of cancer. He was isolated, so a friend in MUTC said he'd reach out to some of the guys in the group. The next day, Milne woke up to 20 emails, each with heartfelt stories, recommendations and words of encouragement from people going through similar things. Three other members of the Maine chapter have the same diagnosis as Milne, and at a recent meetup, they "exchanged war stories about the treatments." "It's like having brothers who have the same cancer as you," Milne said. "It takes a lot of courage in this culture to say we're better off together," Maxwell said. In addition to talking about the social and emotional burdens of living with cancer, the men also have a space to share some of the uniquely masculine physical challenges associated with treatments, like intimacy issues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said it warms his heart to see typically reserved men police officers, military men, power lifters and truck drivers open up about their feelings. And Maxwell said the bonds run deep. "We probably say 'I love you' more than any group I've been a part of," he said. "And we have a lot of 'guy's guys.'" This sense of camaraderie culminates in an annual weekend-long retreat, the Gathering of the Wolves. This year, it's from Sept. 11 to 14 in East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. In addition to participating in traditional camp activities like archery, campfire building and communal meals, any man impacted by cancer is invited to participate in educational breakout sessions and MUTC traditions like an international cornhole tournament, all for free. This year, the group is expecting to get up to 200 attendees. It's a space for men to take a break, to be with other men who "get it" and to have deep conversations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At one campfire, a fireside remembrance, the people on the retreat read the names of the men they've lost within the past year. "We remember them as brothers," Maxwell said. He said it's hard to be in a group within which you expect to lose a lot of members, but he said "it's an honor to help walk them home." Since 2022, the year of the first retreat, MUTC's support has extended into the material. In its Pack it Forward Fundraiser, the organization ships 30 care packages a month to men undergoing cancer treatments. Cancer fighters receive a water bottle, hydration tabs, fleece cap and blanket, lip balm, skin lotion, Dude Wipes, a Man Up to Cancer coin, a folder filled with helpful resources and other items, and Maxwell said that it means more than the sum of the items. "Really, it's about knowing that there's a group of men who are there for them, send their strength and have their back," Maxwell said. The organization was incorporated as a nonprofit in 2023, and it has plans to expand. It just hired Matt Kozlovac as executive director, adding someone with nonprofit management experience to the team. Maxwell hopes that someday, any man who is diagnosed with cancer will be able to tap into the network. "I want to make sure that no man has to go through cancer alone," Maxwell said. Copy the Story Link GREENVILLE, Pa. (WKBN) A man will appear in court for a preliminary hearing next week after being charged in connection with a fatal overdose. Edward Fisher is facing felony charges of drug delivery resulting in death; criminal use of communication facility; and manufacture, delivery or possession with intent. The criminal complaint filed in the case states Fisher is a known drug dealer who provided the victim in the case, through her boyfriend, illicit drugs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On June 21, 2024, the Greenville Police Department was called for reports of an unresponsive woman who was having trouble breathing. When officers arrived, they said the victim was conscious but acting erratically and admitted to taking methamphetamine. She was taken to the hospital, where she later died. Coroner John Libonati concluded that she died of a methamphetamine overdose, stating her toxicology report showed a high level of methamphetamine, along with other prescribed and non-prescribed drugs. The officer investigating her death stated they received a tip in April of 2025 that led to evidence that was ultimately used in the filing of charges. On the day before the victims death, she messaged Fisher on Facebook requesting to buy various drugs and arranged for her boyfriend to pick them up, according to the complaint. It states they exchanged various messages discussing what she would buy, and for how much. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement June 18 of this year, the investigating officer interviewed Fisher at the Mercer County Jail, where Fisher allegedly admitted to selling the victim meth. The following exchange is detailed in the criminal complaint: Investigating officer: What is your defense? Fisher: I dont have one. Investigating officer: How can you explain these messages? Fisher: I cant. The officer stated Fisher had lost a son from a drug overdose and now the victims daughter would grow up without a mother, to which Fisher allegedly repeatedly said, stupid, stupid, stupid, and I feel bad. Fishers preliminary hearing is set for next Tuesday before Magisterial District Judge Brian Arthur. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Court records do not reflect any charges against the victims boyfriend at this time. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. MEMPHIS, Tenn. A McEwen, Tennessee man has been charged with three counts of vehicular homicide in a multi-vehicle crash on I-40 and Hollywood in May that killed a family of three. Robert Carmack, 25, who was booked in the Shelby County Jail Tuesday was also charged with four counts of aggravated assault, five counts of reckless endangerment, aggravated assault, reckless driving and failure to exercise due care. Robert Carmack (SCSO) According to police, Carmack was traveling westbound on I-40 on the afternoon of May 31 when he caused a deadly chain reaction crash. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators said Carmack sped past a TDOT flashing notification about an upcoming construction zone and rapidly and recklessly approached decelerated traffic and crashed into the back of a white 2024 Honda CR-V. Police said the impact forced the Honda to rear-end a 2013 Lexus, which in turn caused the Lexus to collide with the rear of a 2013 Hyundai. Victims of I-40 crash identified The driver of the Honda and two passengers were pronounced dead on the scene. Tonya Cannady and her two sons, Barry and Scott, were identified as the victims by her employer, Youth Villages. Tonya Cannady and her two sons, Barry and Scott (photo courtesy family) The driver of the Lexus was transported to the hospital in non-critical condition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following the death of three people, Youth Villages provided WREG with the following statement: We are deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Ms. Tonya Cannady along with her two sons, Barry and Scott, in yesterdays horrific car crash. Ms. Cannady was a wonderful part of our organization, celebrating 22 years with Youth Villages this year. She touched the lives of thousands over that time, including children and staff, most recently serving as our nutrition services manager for our West Tennessee residential locations. Our hearts go out to her family during this time. She will be missed by so many of us. Youth Villages Investigators said there were no skid marks to indicate Carmack attempted to stop before the initial impact. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. WARREN, Ohio (WKBN) A man is facing charges after a reported police chase following an investigation of a domestic incident in Warren. Around 1:45 a.m. Sunday, officers were called to a home on Hamilton Street SW to investigate a domestic violence report. Police said the suspect left prior to officers arrival and had reportedly made a threat to shoot the house up. While searching for the suspect, police say they spotted a vehicle driving away at a high speed that turned onto Nevada Avenue SW. An officer tried to stop the vehicle but said the driver, later identified as 59-year-old Christopher Bufford, ignored commands to stop and led officers on a pursuit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The vehicle pulled into the 1300 block of Hamilton Street NW, and Bufford got out and ran, according to a police report. An officer fired a Taser at Bufford and was able to take him into custody. While searching Bufford, the report states that officers found a bag containing suspected crack cocaine in his pocket. A digital scale was found in the vehicle, according to the report. At the jail, police also reported finding suspected crack cocaine in a vest pocket, $392 in cash and a bag containing an unknown white powder. Bufford is facing charges of failure to comply with a police officer, illegal conveyance and possession of drugs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD) A man cited for illegal grilling at a Berkeley County boat landing was then arrested on a federal ICE warrant, according to deputies. Deputies with the Berkeley County Sheriffs Office were patrolling a boat landing off Ranger Drive in the Cross community on June 28 when they observed several vehicles that had been previously warned at the Hatchery Boat Landing for attempting to bring charcoal grills onto the beach, which violates a county ordinance. The deputies began identifying violators and issuing citations when they discovered an outstanding warrant issued by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) against 32-year-old Marco Tulio Lopez Ramirez, according to the sheriffs office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials with the sheriffs office said Lopez Ramirez, a Guatemalan national, was arrested in North Charleston last year, prompting an investigation by ICE, and a warrant for removal from the United States was issued. Lopez Ramirez was taken to the Hill-Finklea Detention Center and then transferred to the custody of ICE. He was also cited for violating Berkeley Countys ordinance. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCBD News 2. BAY ST. LOUIS, Miss. (WJTV) A man was sentenced to three months in prison and had his U.S. Citizenship revoked for naturalization fraud. According to court documents, Felix Aguilar-Matias, 51, was convicted of naturalization fraud after pleading guilty on February 18, 2025. Ex-federal officer admits to sex act with inmate in Yazoo City In August 2014, prosecutors said Aguilar-Matias submitted an Application for Naturalization to U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS). In March 2015, he was sworn in as a US citizen. However, in October 2019, he was arrested by the Bay St. Louis Police Department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. Attorneys Office said Aguilar-Matias pled guilty and was convicted of two felony offenses and admitted that his criminal acts took place between August 2010 and December 2010. He was sentenced to 20 years in custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections (MDOC) and currently is serving that state sentence. Felix Aguilar-Matias (Courtesy: MDOC) Agents determined that Aguilar-Matias knowingly and intentionally made fraudulent representations on his Application for Naturalization to conceal his felony conduct that occurred during a time period prior to his application for U.S. citizenship. The U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement, Enforcement & Removal Operations investigated the case. Close Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJTV. Artificial Intelligence technology concept by NicoEINino via Shutterstock Easing recession concerns and a cooling of U.S.-China trade tensions have given a boost to leading artificial intelligence (AI) stocks, including Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) and Nvidia (NVDA). Over the past month, AMD stock has surged approximately 21.5%, outperforming Nvidias more modest, yet still strong, 14.4% gain. AMD Vs. Nvidia: The Better AI Pick Besides an improving macroeconomic backdrop, AMDs recent surge can be traced back to its strong Q1 earnings report that beat Wall Street estimates. Moreover, the companys strength in the data center business and solid demand for its AI-driven Instinct accelerators provide a solid foundation for long-term growth. More News from Barchart AMD posted revenue of $7.44 billion in Q1, up 36% year-over-year. That follows an increase of about 24% in Q4 2024, 18% in Q3, and 9% in Q2. The acceleration in its top-line growth rate reflects growing demand for its products, including its Instinct chips, EPYC server processors, and Ryzen desktop CPUs. www.barchart.com AMDs data center business has been a bright spot. The segment registered a 57% year-over-year increase in revenue to $3.7 billion. This growth was driven by strong demand for its server CPUs, particularly the latest 5th Gen EPYC Turin processors, alongside continued strength from the 4th Gen EPYC chips. Equally notable is AMDs continued push into the AI space. The company experienced significant double-digit growth in its data center AI business during the first quarter, driven by rising shipments of its MI325X AI accelerators. Looking ahead, AMD is accelerating the production of its next-gen MI350 chip. Further down the pipeline is the MI400 series, which AMD plans to debut in 2026, strengthening its position in high-performance computing. Furthermore, AMDs comprehensive AI portfolio, spanning GPUs, CPUs, software, and full-rack systems, positions the company for sustained growth and could drive its share price higher. That said, Nvidia remains the dominant player in the AI space. The strong demand for its industry-leading AI hardware positions it well to deliver explosive growth. Nvidia generated $115.2 billion in total revenue in fiscal 2025, led by strong momentum in its data center business. This momentum in NVDAs business is showing no signs of slowing down, with Q1 fiscal 2026 revenue coming in at $44.1 billion, up 69% from the prior year. AVON LAKE, Ohio (WJW) A man was brought to shore after a boat capsized on Lake Erie Wednesday morning, the Avon Lake Fire Department confirmed. Local teen accused of raping mother and daughter Emergency crews were called to the Miller Road Park boat ramp in Avon Lake around 10 a.m. for reports of a capsized vessel in the water. Upon arrival, crews located the boat and divers entered the water. WJW photo WJW photo Avon Lake Fire Chief Jeremy Betsa told reporters that after the man was brought to shore he was pronounced dead. He has yet to be identified, but Betsa said the owner of the boat was located. He also said it was not clear if the man was alone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Boy swept miles out to sea on inflatable mattress The boat ramp is closed to the public at this time. The Coast Guard is still searching the water and an investigation is ongoing. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. A man arrested over the weekend and who subsequently died while in custody had been discharged from the hospital minutes before he collapsed while being walked into detention, police said. Jeffrey Curtis Brake, 61, collapsed in the sally port at the Cleveland County Detention Center, still in the custody of Norman Police, while being walked up the ramp, police said. According to police, Brake was arrested following a call for a welfare check at approximately 9:29 a.m. Saturday near McGee Drive and Rowena Lane. Police said they found Brake crawling in the roadway and exhibiting signs of intoxication with narcotics. Police arrested Brake without incident and transported him to Norman Regional Hospital for treatment. There, police said, Brake was treated and released back into their custody and transported to the Cleveland County Detention Center, where he was booked on a complaint of public intoxication from narcotics, police said. According to a jail worker who asked not to be named, Brake was so intoxicated he couldnt be fingerprinted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At some point, Brake was transported back to Norman Regional Hospital for treatment, according to NPD spokesperson Sarah Schettler. We were not involved in that transport, and he was not in our custody at that time, Schettler said. Whenever we book an individual into the jail, they become the custody of the detention center, and at that point, we are not involved unless they call us back in that regard. And we were not contacted again in regards to this individual until we were contacted by the hospital staff on Sunday. On Sunday, the hospital called Norman police to take custody of Brake, who was being released as fit to be taken back to the detention center, Schettler said. However, when police arrived at the hospital, Brake was crawling in the driveway of the emergency room. Schettler said hospital officials handed the officers paperwork releasing Brake to their custody. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They provided us with documentation of his treatment, release, and his fitness-to-be detained again, Schettler said. Norman Regional Hospital officials refused to release any information about Brake, citing medical privacy laws. This time, when police returned Brake to the detention center he collapsed and had a medical emergency, Schettler said. The release states: Upon recognizing the situation, officers requested medical and assisted with life-saving measures until EMSSTAT arrived on scene to take over advanced medical care. Brake was pronounced deceased at a local hospital. There was no use of force involved in either of these contacts involving Brake. The preliminary investigation indicates his death was likely due to a medical emergency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said the cause of death is being investigated by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. Brake has a long criminal record, including misdemeanor and felony convictions, according to court records. In April, records show Brake pleaded no contest to felony domestic abuse against an unnamed woman with whom he was in a dating relationship with. In 2024, Brake was charged with indecent exposure and felony assault and battery, records show. Police said Brake was homeless at the time of this death. Months of investigative work led police to a man accused of dumping thousands of pounds of trash in Texas. The Atascosa County Fire Marshal's Office said 37-year-old Gumaro Barragan-Armendariz was arrested on felony charges of illegal dumping, the Pleasanton Express reported in May. Police began their investigation in March. Investigators said they discovered more than 5,000 pounds of trash dumped on the side of the road. Later, authorities located another 4,000 pounds of waste. The trash was collected and disposed of properly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Illegal dumping isn't an uncommon occurrence across the country. Earlier this year, police arrested a man accused of dumping more than 500 pounds of waste in North Carolina. Meanwhile, one Missouri city began removing decades of waste related to illegal dumping. The United States is responsible for more than 12% of the world's trash, per Environment America. The organization reported that Americans discard nearly 5 pounds of trash per person every day. Most of that trash ends up in landfills. In addition to soil and water pollution, waste emits air pollution too. The sector accounts for approximately 20% of human-driven methane emissions worldwide, according to the Clean Air Task Force. Methane and other polluting gases contribute to the warming of the planet. The changing climate can lead to extreme weather events such as wildfires and hurricanes. It can also have harmful effects on human health, the Environmental Protection Agency reported. According to the EPA, consumers should visit their municipality's website to learn more about the proper ways of disposing of recyclable and nonrecyclable waste. While disposing of items correctly is crucial, reducing consumer waste remains the best way to prevent pollution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Replacing single-use plastic packaging with reusable products is an easy way for consumers to reduce waste and save money. Americans spend an average of $260 per year on disposable water bottles. Purchasing a reusable bottle not only helps the planet, but it's a smart financial move too. 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. CHICAGO (WGN) A man is dead after police say he was shot in a drive-by shooting on the citys South Side overnight. According to police, the shooting unfolded just before 11:30 p.m. in the 100 block of West 79th Street in Greater Grand Crossing. Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines Officers said the victim, a 66-year-old man, was standing outside in the area when a dark sedan approached and an armed individual opened fire from inside. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following the shooting, the gunman fled the scene. The victim suffered gunshot wounds to his chest and neck and was taken to the hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. Currently, it is unclear what led to the shooting and officers say no arrests have been made. Authorities have not identified the individual killed. It was the second deadly drive-by reported by Chicago police overnight. The second unfolded just before 1 a.m. in the 12000 block of South LaSalle Street in West Pullman. LATEST CASES: Missing people in Chicagoland Anyone with information on the deadly shooting is asked to contact CPD Area Two Detectives at 312-747-8273 or dial 911. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those with information that could help authorities in their investigation can also leave a tip at CPDtip.com. Tips can be filed anonymously. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV. Jul. 2The owner and operator of two Dayton drug and alcohol recovery centers is accused of submitting more than $4 million in Medicaid claims for services that weren't provided or violated Medicaid rules. Terry Hill Jr., 59, was indicted on healthcare fraud, making false statements relating to healthcare matters and conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud in the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Ohio. Hill reportedly illegally owned and operated Recovery Street Central and Clearview Treatment Services. He was convicted of Medicaid fraud in Franklin County Common Pleas Court, which excludes him from Medicaid, according to court records. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite the conviction, Hill was part of the operational functions at the recovery centers, including hiring and firing employees, establishing and paying employees and controlling the centers' finances. He also reportedly was on the centers' bank accounts and controlled all financial transactions. The U.S. Attorney's Office claims Hill had others sign and submit Medicaid applications on behalf of the centers to cover up his ownership and involvement. Hill is also accused of transferring more than $1 million of Medicaid payments in the centers' bank accounts into his personal accounts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He directed others to submit claims for group counseling sessions facilitated by people who were not licensed and were unqualified to provide the sessions, according to court records. Hill and others reportedly submitted Medicaid claims for group counseling that exceeded the one-to-12 counselor-to-patient ratio required. His actions caused more than $4 million in fraudulent submissions to Medicaid, the indictment read. Hill has a pretrial conference scheduled for Aug. 18. His indictment was part of the Department of Justice's National Health Care Fraud Takedown initiative. Charges were filed against 324 people for allegedly committing healthcare fraud and illegal drug diversion schemes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The defendants are reportedly responsible for more than $14.6 billion in intended loss and more than 15 million pills of illegally diverted controlled substances, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office. The government has seized more than $245 million in cash, luxury vehicles and other assets in connection with the initiative. BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) A Buffalo man has pleaded guilty to a murder charge in connection to a fatal shooting in the citys University Heights neighborhood in May 2024, the Erie County District Attorneys Office said Wednesday. Ronald ONeil, 41, admitted that he shot and killed 42-year-old Darius Spates Jr. by shooting him in the back on the 3100 block of Main Street, near Winspear Avenue, in the early morning hours of May 26, 2024. Spates was taken to ECMC and pronounced dead. ONeil pleaded guilty on Tuesday to second-degree murder and second-degree criminal possession of a weapon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ONeil faces a maximum of 25 years to life in prison when he is sentenced on Aug. 8. He is being held without bail. Latest Local News Aidan Joly joined the News 4 staff in 2022. He is a graduate of Canisius College. You can see more of his work here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to News 4 Buffalo. YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) A man who was charged with a felony gun offense last month has pleaded to a misdemeanor gun charge instead. Edwin Cuevas, 28, pleaded guilty June 20 in municipal court to a count of improper handling of a firearm in a motor vehicle, a first-degree misdemeanor. He was originally charged with a fourth-degree felony count of improper handling. Court records show he was sentenced to probation and a fine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The charge stemmed from a June 7 traffic stop by city police on the North Side. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. GRAFTON, W.Va. (WBOY) A Thornton man was sentenced to 25 years in prison after admitting to second-degree murder. Burel Mingus, 51, pleaded guilty during a hearing on Friday, according to Taylor County Prosecuting Attorney John Bord. Mingus was arrested in August 2022 for shooting John Stewart three times at a home in Taylor County, killing him. According to a complaint filed at the time of his arrest, Mingus shot the victim because he took a swing at the owner of the trailer they were in. Mingus reportedly told the responding West Virginia State Police Troopers that he shot Stewart three times, including once in the head, because the victim was attempting to get up off of the floor, making verbal threats, according to the complaint. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sean Diddy Combs guilty of prostitution-related offense Burel Mingus (at time of arrest) Burel Mingus (most recent photo from West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation) Also on Friday, Mingus was sentenced to 25 years in prison for the second-degree murder charge, but he will get credit for time served. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. A man fell into a manhole in downtown Los Angeles on Wednesday, prompting an emergency response and traffic detours during his rescue. The incident at the intersection of Olympic Boulevard and Maple Avenue was reported to the L.A. Fire Department just before noon. Hazardous materials units and urban search-and-rescue units responded, and the Department of Transportation rerouted traffic. Additionally, police officers were on scene for a reported assault, though its unclear if the assault is connected to the manhole incident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fire officials said the man, a 28-year-old, was ultimately rescued, though they did not say how long that rescue operation took. He is in fair condition and was taken to a local hospital, they added. Nancy Fontan contributed to this report. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) A man accused of killing another man 14 months ago during the victims birthday party has pleaded guilty and received his prison sentence. A release from the office of the Franklin County prosecutors office said that 32-year-old Al-Saiah Griffin has pleaded guilty Wednesday to involuntary manslaughter, felonious assault, and two counts of tampering with evidence. Griffin was sentenced to serve a minimum of 25 years in prison with a maximum sentence of 30.5 years in the death of 34-year-old Tyler Goins. Sean Diddy Combs guilty of prostitution-related offense Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On May 18, 2024, Columbus police received a report of the shooting at the 4100 block of Vineshire Drive at 12:35 a.m. Goins was celebrating his birthday with Griffin and another man when an argument began. During the argument Griffin pulled out a gun and fatally shot Goins, who was pronounced dead by medics at 12:46 a.m., according to police. Griffin initially fled the scene but returned to surrender to police. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV. (Bloomberg) -- Apple Inc. lost its bid to throw out an antitrust case brought by the US Justice Department and a group of state attorneys general on Monday, a victory for the aggressive posture taken during the Biden administration and carried on by enforcers under President Donald Trump. Most Read from Bloomberg The lawsuit is an existential threat to Apple and could upend its highly lucrative mobile hardware business. The iPhone maker is accused of violating antitrust laws by blocking rivals from accessing hardware and software features on its popular devices. The government claims Apple has used its power over app distribution and the iPhones features to thwart innovations that would have made it easier for consumers to switch phones. Monopoly Power In this early stage of the case, allegations of this nature, which indicate that Apple acts in a manner to protect its monopoly power in the smartphone and performance smartphone market, are sufficient, US District Judge Julien Xavier Neals in New Jersey wrote in a 33-page ruling. Neals also said the allegations about Apples intent to monopolize the smartphone market are strong enough to continue. The complaint includes numerous statements allegedly made by Apple executives regarding the barriers set in place to maintain its monopoly. An Apple spokesperson said in an emailed statement, We believe this lawsuit is wrong on the facts and the law, and we will continue to vigorously fight it in court. A DOJ representative declined to comment. The ruling tees up years of litigation. Neals has not yet set a trial date, but antitrust cases can take years to resolve, including appeals. The DOJ sued Alphabet Inc.s Google over its search business in October 2020, with a judge ruling four years later the company violated the law. Apple could still seek to settle the case filed in March 2024 with the Trump administration, though the Justice Departments new antitrust head, Gail Slater, said at her confirmation hearing that she plans to largely continue the strict enforcement of her predecessors. In addition to the Google search suit, the US has targeted Googles advertising technology business as well as Visa Inc., Live Nation Inc. and Thoma Bravo-backed real estate software company RealPage Inc. A man convicted in a 2019 mass shooting at a Kansas City, Kansas bar 2019 was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole in Wyandotte County court Tuesday. Hugo Alberto Villanueva-Morales will also serve an additional 757 months consecutively with the life sentence for his role in a shooting at Tequila KC that left four dead and five wounded, according to a press release from Wyandotte County District Attorneys Office Public Information Officer Jonathan Carter. A Wyandotte County jury convicted Villanueva-Morales in April of capital murder of more than one victim, attempted premeditated first-degree murder, criminal possession of a firearm and five counts of aggravated assault, according to previous reporting by The Star. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The shooting took place just after 1:30 a.m. on Oct. 6, 2019, at Tequila KC, according to a Kansas City, Kansas Police Department spokesperson. Officers witnessed several people running out of the bar at 1013 Central Ave. during the shooting. Witnesses described two men, later identified as Villanueva-Morales and 29-year-old Javier Alatorre, entering the bar and opening fire into the crowd of 40 patrons. Patrons thought the bar was going to cave in as the air filled with the smoke of gunfire, according to previous Star reporting. Everardo Meza, 29; Alfredo Calderon Jr., 29; Francisco Garcia Anaya, 34; and Martin Rodriguez-Gonzalez, 58, were killed in the shooting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bartender Jose Valdez previously told The Star one of the men had been refused service earlier that night for previously causing issues at the bar. The man threw a cup at Valdez before leaving. Another patron previously told The Star that it took four people to remove the man from the bar, and he started a fight with at least one person outside. Alatorre was arrested in Kansas City, Missouri the day after the shooting, according to previous Star reporting. He was sentenced to 22 years and three months in prison for his role in the shooting after pleading guilty to four counts of first-degree murder in December 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Villanueva-Morales had been at-large for several weeks before he was arrested by state police in Michoacan in southwest Mexico. Villanueva-Morales attorneys have filed a notice of appeal to the Kansas Supreme Court following his sentencing, according to Wyandotte County court documents. A man tried to pay a Philadelphia airport guard to get through security without a ticket. He then walked past her and boarded an American Airlines flight, but was discovered before takeoff. The flight was canceled, and the man, Jonathan Beaulieu, was ordered to pay American nearly $60,000. A 32-year-old has been ordered to pay nearly $60,000 after sneaking onto an American Airlines flight and causing it to be canceled, the Justice Department announced Tuesday. Jonathan Beaulieu pleaded guilty in February over the incident that occurred in June 2024 at Philadelphia International Airport. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A security guard, referred to only as J.M., said that shortly after midnight, Beaulieu approached the TSA exit lane and claimed that he had left his phone in the airport terminal. The guard then contacted the police dispatcher, who replied that the police weren't able to search for Beaulieu's phone. Meanwhile, he started to walk past the security guard and into the airport. As the guard repeatedly told him he couldn't enter the airport, Beaulieu is said to have dropped a $50 bill on her desk. She again called the police, and after a few minutes of arguing, Beaulieu walked past her and into the airport. Police officers started searching the terminals, but by the time they realized where Beaulieu was, he had already managed to board a plane at Gate A-20. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The American Airlines jet had already pushed back and was preparing for departure when the captain was informed that a passenger had bypassed security. After the plane returned to the gate, all passengers were removed, and Beaulieu was arrested. The fact that he had boarded without being screened by the TSA meant the whole plane had to be searched due to possible security risks, leading to the flight being canceled. American Airlines reported that the cancellation cost $59,143, which Beaulieu was ordered to pay back in restitution. He was also sentenced to a year of probation for one count of evading airport security. American Airlines did not immediately respond to a request for comment sent by Business Insider. Read the original article on Business Insider Manchester Airport is plotting to challenge Gatwick as Britains second-largest travel hub, as it seeks to capitalise on growing capacity constraints in London. Chris Woodroofe, Manchesters managing director, said the airport is racing to expand by securing dozens of new long-haul routes to new destinations such as the United States, India and Thailand. Manchester, whose passenger numbers increased by 8pc to 31.5m last year, has unveiled its growth plans ahead of the completion of a new 1.3bn terminal expansion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Woodroofe said this will help to set the airport apart from the likes of London Gatwick, which remains years away from building its second runway. He is hopeful of hitting 40m passengers by 2030, putting the airport nearly on a par with Gatwick, which topped 43m passengers last year. Youve got a London market that is saturated because theres no expansion and airlines that cant grow, said Mr Woodroofe. He said that Heathrow and Gatwick were pretty much full and that when theyre competing to bring in a new airline theyre having to say you can only have a slot at this particular time. He added: In Manchester were pretty much done with our investment and have two runways with plenty of capacity, so were the only airport in the UK with proper expansion capabilities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Woodroofe said he is lobbying United Airlines and American Airlines to deploy a new generation of long-range, single-aisle jets on routes linking Manchester with US cities including Boston and Chicago. He said he is also hopeful that Virgin Atlantic will launch flights from Manchester to Los Angeles and San Francisco. Other contenders include Bangkok, about which an announcement from Norse Atlantic Airways is understood to be imminent; and New Delhi, which IndiGo, Indias biggest airline, may open up after operating its first-ever European flight to Manchester from Mumbai this week. Also on a list of target cities are Islamabad in Pakistan, Tokyo in Japan and Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, together with locations in sub-Saharan Africa and a third destination in China after Beijing and Shanghai. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Manchester, while Britains third-busiest airport behind Heathrow and Gatwick, is neck and neck with the latter in long-haul markets, offering more than 50 routes beyond Europe. However, it claims to be attracting more business destinations, utilising a catchment area of 23m people within two hours travel across northern England, southern Scotland, north Wales and parts of the Midlands, in which it has little or no long-haul competition. Strategy focused on second cities The airport said it is counting on the Government to throw its weight behind the long-haul push, with the Mumbai flights alone expected to boost UK exports by 33m a year and attract 12m of additional spending by Indian visitors. Mr Woodroofe said that beyond Heathrow and Gatwick, Manchester is competing for flights with the second cities of other large European economies, such as Milan and Barcelona. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Manchesters terminals now have space for 45m passengers, or 50pc more than last years tally. The expansion means Manchesters Terminal 2 can handle up to 35m people, while Terminal 3, home to Ryanair, will be able to take about 15m. The airports two runways, in place since 2001, could take flights carrying up to 60m people a year, Mr Woodroofe said. Gatwick attracted 43m passengers last year, close to the capacity of its single runway. It is currently awaiting a ruling on plans to increase capacity to 75m by the early 2030s by upgrading an emergency landing strip for everyday use. Mr Woodroofe said he is not worrying too much about Heathrow, given the stop-start history of plans for a third runway at Europes busiest airport. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. The Brief A 38-year-old former daycare teacher is accused of inappropriately touching a 7-year-old girl on multiple occasions during the summer of 2024. Ryan Thomas Vaughan is facing similar charges involving a 9-year-old victim in August 2024. He's charged with two counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct. MAPLE GROVE, Minn. (FOX 9) - A 38-year-old Bethel man who was a teacher at a Maple Grove daycare and is accused of touching a 9-year-old girl inappropriately is facing more charges, authorities say. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ryan Thomas Vaughan has been charged with two counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct as hes accused of sexually assaulting a 7-year-old girl during the summer of 2024, according to court documents. Sexual assault allegations The backstory According to a criminal complaint, one of the girls parents went to the police on Oct. 19, 2024, and reported their daughter had been sexually assaulted by a teacher at her daycare, which is located in Maple Grove. The girl attended the daycare center during the summer of 2024 and told one of her parents that Vaughan had touched her. The complaint states the girl told authorities that "Mr. Ryan" was a bad man who would ask her friends to sit on his lap and inappropriately touch them. She didnt disclose any abuse happening to her, but would use the word "our" when talking about what he would allegedly do to her friends. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The complaint states the girl told her therapist the alleged assault happened on multiple occasions, and he told her it was a secret. The girl told her therapist she was scared when she went to the "yellow house" for questioning. The cornerhouse is inside a yellow, single family-style home. The complaint states the girl went to a doctor back in March and explained that "Mr. Ryan" worked at the daycare center, and she said she didnt like him anymore. She reported he would touch her "pretty much every day" and that it made her feel scared. He reportedly told her it was a secret, and she felt bad about breaking her promise by talking about it. August 2024 incident What we know Vaughan was charged on Oct. 17, 2024, for a similar incident last August involving a 9-year-old girl. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the charges, police responded on Aug. 12 to a report that a child was touched inappropriately by a teacher at her school in Maple Grove. Officers then spoke to the parents of the child, who said they noticed the child's behavior was "off" for the past several weeks and that she was "displaying higher anxiety levels," the criminal complaint read. Police then spoke to the child, who detailed to officers how one of her teachers had touched her inappropriately. The complaint also alleges the girl said Vaughan told her not to tell anyone. She also said she told him several times to stop, but he wouldn't listen. The girl added this happened "multiple times over the course of the last week," the complaint alleges. The Source Criminal charges filed in Hennepin County Court SMYTH COUNTY, Va. (WJHL) A Marion woman was convicted on multiple charges after prosecutors say she defrauded the Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services. A news release from the Smyth County Commonwealths Attorney Phillip Blevinss office states Karen Michelle Brooks, 56, was convicted of the following: Felony Medicaid Fraud Felony Obtaining Money by False Pretenses Misdemeanor Identity Theft Misdemeanor Computer Fraud Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brooks was previously employed as a patient care technician for a disabled adult when prosecutors say she falsely reported her days and hours worked. The release states she also illegally accessed a co-workers account to claim time that she did not work. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Crime Watch According to prosecutors, Brookss actions led to fraudulent payments and cost thousands of taxpayer dollars that were meant for proper and actual care of vulnerable Virginians. Brooks was sentenced to 22 years in the Virginia Department of Corrections; however, the Smyth County Circuit Court suspended the sentence to adhere to the states guidelines. Instead, Brooks will be on probation without active incarceration due to her lack of a criminal history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement VSP in early stages of Lee County Public Schools investigation She was also ordered to repay $47,809.81 to the Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services and barred from ever participating in Medicare or Medicaid healthcare programs, according to Blevinss office. This case represents a disturbing betrayal of trust and a deliberate exploitation of a vulnerable adult for personal gain, Blevins said in a statement. My office takes this kind of abuse extremely seriously. We will continue to fight for justice on behalf of those who cannot always fight for themselves. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. MARLBORO COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW) A Marlboro County school resource is no longer employed by the sheriffs office after deputies were called to his home in the McColl area to investigate a verbal domestic dispute, the sheriffs office said. Josh Goff worked as a school resource officer at the time of the incident, but the sheriffs office said he is no longer employed there. The department did not say when the incident occurred or whether he left voluntarily or was fired. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division was asked to handle the investigation to avoid conspiracy theories or impartiality, Marlboro County Chief Deputy Larry Turner said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are committed to maintaining transparency and have full confidence that the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division will conduct a thorough investigation, Turner said. * * * 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. The Brief UCF physicist Dr. Ramses Ramirez has a plan to warm Mars using nanotechnology and "dust fountains" to make future colonization more feasible. Colonizing Mars could unlock valuable mining resources, including Helium-3 and rare metals, while preparing us to venture deeper into space. Ramirez believes warming parts of Mars could enable plant growth, aid space tourism, and set the stage for interstellar exploration. Why Mars? TAMPA - As NASA and SpaceX plan future missions to Mars, scientists like Dr. Ramses Ramirez are looking beyond the first landing. Getting to Mars takes months, and astronauts would likely need to stay several months or more than a year before returning. While risky and politically complex, the potential payoffs go beyond the search for life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "There's a lot of mining materials there. We also have close proximity from Mars to the asteroid belt," said Dr. Ramirez. From rare Earth metals to Helium-3, Mars could hold resources that revolutionize energy and industry back on Earth. Whats Helium-3, and Why Does It Matter? Helium-3, a rare isotope already found on the Moon, could power the planet for generations using fusion energy. Dr. Ramirez believes Marsand its proximity to the outer planetscould be key to accessing even larger reserves. "If we are able to mine the Helium-3 resource, we have enough energy to power the world for a century or something like that," he said. Courtesy: NASA. How Would Dust Fountains Warm Mars? Dr. Ramirez has developed a unique plan: engineer dust fountains to help terraform the planet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heres how it works: Martian soil would be sucked into a machine and reformed into cylindrical nanorods (much smaller than glitter). These nanorods would be sprayed into the lower atmosphere like a fountain. As they interact with solar radiation, they would trap heat near the surface, acting like a localized thermal blanket. "So, you warm the planet," said Dr. Ramirez. "You can really intensify and create a greenhouse effect on a local area." The idea is to gradually warm small patches of Mars to about 30Fstill cold, but a step toward growing plants, enriching soil, and producing breathable air. What About Safety and Space Tourism? Radiation exposure is a concern, but Ramirez believes the risks are manageable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Your chance of cancer only goes up a couple percent if you stay a year on Mars," he said. "With shielding, you can minimize those risks even further." In his view, Mars could become a "second Earth," opening the door for space tourism and even permanent settlements. Whats the Long-Term Vision? Ramirez believes Mars is just the beginning. With the rise of artificial intelligence and quantum computing, our capabilities could leap forward within two decades. "By the time we colonize Mars, we could very well have the technology to go on to other star systems," he said. Programs like "Breakthrough Starshot," supported by the late Stephen Hawking, are already working on probes capable of reaching Alpha Centauriour nearest star systemat 100 million miles per hour. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement READ: Amazons Project Kuiper launches first full batch of satellites from Florida What's next On Wednesday night, "Breakthroughs in Science" will explore the next step in space infrastructure: how Florida scientists are designing roads and buildings for the Moon. It will air at 10 p.m. on Wednesday. CLICK HERE:>>>Follow FOX 13 on YouTube The Source This report is based on original interviews with UCF Physics Professor Dr. Ramses Ramirez, NASA documents, and scientific analysis related to terraforming and deep space exploration. BALTIMORE As Republicans blast the majority party over recently enacted hikes in taxes and fees, the Maryland Democratic Party has waged a social media war against Republicans over the Senate passage of President Donald Trumps big, beautiful bill. The battle hit a zenith Tuesday, when the Maryland Democratic Party released an email offering free help for Republicans to find their voice and stand up for their constituents against what could leave many without health care and accessible food. Republicans, for their part, are highlighting the Democratic leaders who ushered in higher state taxes and fees. If any Republican politician truly wants help standing up to Donald Trump and their Party, we are here to help in any way possible, Joe Francaviglia, the deputy executive director of the Maryland Democratic Party, said in an interview with The Baltimore Sun. This is an all-hands-on-deck moment to stop this one, big, bull**** bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But some members of the GOP say the move is a tactic to pull Republican Party members to the left. Apparently, Democrats are out distorting and demonizing their political opponents because they simply have a different point of view, Del. Matt Morgan, a St. Marys County Republican, said. Constituents or Trump? In an email, the Maryland Democratic Party attached a Google Forms link that Republican representatives can fill out with their name, title, contact information and legislative district, as well as a checklist offering different forms of assistance to address what is happening in Congress. The final option on the form offers a direct diss to the very vocal and very online Maryland Freedom Caucus: Give me guidance on how to beg my fellow Republicans to stop letting the Maryland Freedom Caucus put their crazy front and center, it reads. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Maryland Freedom Caucus is a seven-member faction of Republicans in the Maryland House of Delegates. When asked to respond to the direct attack by the Democratic Party, Morgan, who chairs the Maryland Freedom Caucus, burst into laughter. Youve seen a lot of this coming out of the Dems, he said in a phone interview. Morgan pointed to a social media campaign launched by the Maryland Democratic Party on Monday, targeting Republicans across legislative districts. On X, the party posted graphics featuring pictures of groups of Republican representatives in each county, overlaid with text indicating how many of their constituents are at risk of losing their Medicaid coverage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Each of the Democratic Partys posts ends with these Republicans are silent. A similar campaign was launched Tuesday regarding food assistance. This time the text reads, Will these Republicans stand with their constituents or Trump? Scare tactics Though former Vice President Kamala Harris, a Democrat, won Maryland overall in the 2024 presidential election, 16 of the states 24 jurisdictions swung in favor of Trump. Living among those areas are 328,798 Marylanders at risk of losing Medicaid coverage under Trumps big, beautiful bill, according to Medicaid data from the state Department of Health. More than 1.5 million Marylanders are Medicaid recipients overall. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A fiscal briefing before the Joint Federal Action Oversight Committee by the nonpartisan Maryland Department of Legislative Services last week estimated that approximately 130,000 Marylanders enrolled through Medicaid expansions under the federal Affordable Care Act are at risk of losing coverage under the U.S. House version of the bill. Estimates under the U.S. Senate version were not available at the time of the briefing. Morgan said the Democratic Party is instituting scare tactics, because a lot of people dont understand Medicaid. Medicaid is a temporary health program set up for people who are down on their luck, he said. Its not [a] taxpayer responsibility to provide for able-bodied people what they should be able to provide for themselves. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Maryland Freedom Caucus launched its own social media campaign Monday in response to the Democratic Party, choosing to focus instead on state policy notably, the provision in Marylands budget deal that is poised to bring in approximately $1.6 billion in new taxes and fees. The budget and its companion revenue bill took effect Tuesday. In their own graphics posted to X, the Maryland Freedom Caucus overlaid text reading every Marylander is about to get hit with a tax increase, and these Democrats made it happen below pictures of Marylands top Democrats, including Gov. Wes Moore, House Speaker Adrienne A. Jones and Senate President Bill Ferguson. We just had enough of it, Morgan said. Behind the ball The approach the state Democratic Party is taking is more aggressive than what has been seen from the national party, which, after losing the 2024 presidential election, has lacked unity in messaging and tactics, a political analyst said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Flavio Hickel Jr., an associate professor of political science at Washington College, said that Democrats largely have been behind the ball in regard to organized internet trolling seen among high-level Republicans like Trump. To Hickel, this level of trolling could be an effective tactic to reach the younger base that Democrats need to attract in upcoming elections, even if it is troublesome to older or centrist Democratic voters who yearn for a traditional style, he said. People want to see fighters [and] people who are not afraid to go outside of the norm, Hickel said. ---------------- Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. testifies during his Senate Finance Committee confirmation hearing on Jan. 29, 2025, in Washington, D.C.. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images) Maryland was one of 19 states that won a preliminary injunction Tuesday from a federal judge in Rhode Island blocking the Department of Health and Human Services plan to lay off thousands of workers and dismantle several agency programs. The court victory came the same day that Maryland joined two other lawsuits by Democratic-led states against the Trump administration: One to prevent HHS from providing the Department of Homeland Security with unfettered access to personal health data of Medicaid recipients and another to reverse Department of Education cuts to mental health programs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tuesdays ruling by U.S. District Judge Melissa R. DuBose blocked HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.s move on March 27 to lay off 10,000 employees and close or consolidate dozens of agcncy offices as part of his Make America Healthy Again program. DuBose, ruling in lawsuit filed May 5 by 19 states and the Distrit of Columbia, said the moves caused irreparable harms. Critical public health services have been interrupted, databases taken offline, status of grants thrown into chaos, technical assistance services gone, and training and consultation services curtailed. These are not unsubstantiated fears, DuBose wrote. When termination notices went out on April 1, the suit says, employees were immediately expelled from their work email, laptops, and offices, work across the vast and complicated Department came to a sudden halt. Throughout HHS, critical offices were left unable to perform statutory functions. HHS has failed to produce a shred of evidence that services to States and access to critical information would continue uninterrupted, that the harms are minimal or not irreparable, or that it is authorized to act absent Congressional action, the judges order said. The order also blocked plans to terminate employees at and restructure the offices of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the Center for Tobacco Products, the Office of Head Start and the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Marylanders count on HHS programs every single day, from substance abuse treatment programs that help families in crisis to maternal health initiatives that ensure safe pregnancies and births, Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown said in a statement about the injuction. Todays court ruling ensures these life-saving programs remain intact while we continue our legal fight to protect the health and well being of Marylanders and their families. Sen. Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.) has been leading congressional critic of Kennedys, and the Maryland Democratic Party continues to urge residents and others to demand his resignation. Shared personal data Brown and 19 other attorneys general also filed suit Tuesday in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California against HHS mass transfer of personal information, which the states claim violates federal law. A summary of the lawsuit, a copy of which was not available Tuesday eveninig, claims states learned about the agencys plan through news reports on June 13 that said the move was part of a Trump administration plan to create a sweeping database for mass deportations and other large-scale immigration enforcement purposes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Statements from the attorneys general said HHS claimed it gave the personal data to Homeland Security to ensure that Medicaid benefits are reserved for individuals who are lawfully entitled to receive them. Medicaid is a shared federal-state program to provide health care to low-income individuals and those in underserved populations, including children, pregnant women, people with disabilities and seniors. The attorneys general said Congress created Medicaid for the benefit of all residents of the country, regardless of immigration status. Immigrants should not be forced to choose between protecting their families and seeking medical care they are legally entitled to receive, Brown said. We are acting to defend the privacy of all Marylanders and ensure hospitals arent left to bear the burden when patients delay care out of fear. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement HHS spokesperson Andre Nixon said in an email Tuesday afternoon the agency acted within its legal authority and in full compliance with all applicable laws through the agencys Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Mehmet Oz, a physician who appeared frequently on the Oprah Winfrey Show and his own television show before he entered politics, is the administrator for the centers. Under the leadership of Dr. Oz, CMS is aggressively cracking down on states that may be misusing federal Medicaid funds to subsidize care for illegal immigrants that includes California, Nixon said. This oversight effort supported by lawful interagency data sharing with DHS is focused on identifying waste, fraud, and systemic abuse, the statement said. We are not only protecting taxpayer dollars we are restoring credibility to one of Americas most vital programs. The American people deserve accountability. HHS is delivering it. Education suit On Monday, Maryland joined 15 other states in a lawsuit in U.S. District Court in the state of Washington to challenge $1 billion in cuts announced in April by the U.S. Department of Education toward mental health programs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More specifically, the department said cuts targeted contracts to hire more mental health professionals and school counselors, but focused on diversity, equity and inclusion. The suit says the contract terminations are unlawful under the Administrative Procedure Act, a 1946 law that requires that federal agencies proposing new rules and regulations must first publish them in the Federal Register to allow for public comment. Congress authorized the department to provide an addiitional $100 million in fiscal years 2022 to 2026 through the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, in the wake of the mass shooting in Uvalde, Texas, when a teenager shot and killed 19 elementary school students and two adults at Robb Elementary School. Brown said in a statement the cuts would affect programs such as nearly $2.5 million already approved toward a school-based mental health fellowship program at the University of Maryland, Baltimore. In the last two years, about 67 students have come through the program and worked at 50 public schools where the need for mental health resources is acute. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Established to prevent school violence like mass-shootings, these programs are critical to ensuring the well-being of our students, his statement said. We will not allow the Trump administration to threaten our childrens safety or jeopardize Marylands programs that support them and set them up for success. He called the termination of the grants supporting schools counselors and other mental health professionals a cruel and reckless action that puts our students at increased risk of suicide and self-harm. The suit, filed against Education Secretary Linda McMahon, said the department announced in April it would discontinue the program and recompete the funds based on new priorities it identified as merit, fairness and excellence in education. A representative with the department did not respond to a request for comment Tuesday. Besides Maryland, other states on the Education lawsuit are California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Mexico, New York, Nevada, Oregon, Rhode Island, Washington and Wisconsin. Exterior of the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, facing 14th Street NW in Washington, the proposed new home of the FBI. (Photo by Jerry Glaser/Customs and Border Protection) State, federal and local officials who fought for years to bring the new FBI headquarters to Prince Georges County said Tuesday the fight is not over, after the surprise Trump administration announcement that the agency will stay downtown. The FBI will move into existing space at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, just a few blocks down Pennsylvania Avenue from the current dilapidated headquarters in the aging J. Edgar Hoover Building, according to a statement from the FBI and the General Services Administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moving to the Ronald Reagan Building is the most cost effective and resource efficient way to carry out our mission to protect the American people and uphold the Constitution, FBI Director Kash Patel said in the statement. The move reverses a 2023 GSA decision that identified a site near the Greenbelt Metro for the new headquarters, following years of study and of competition between Maryland and Virginia jurisdictions to land the site. Gov. Wes Moore (D), Prince Georges County Executive Aisha Braveboy (D) and almost all of the states congressional delegation calling themselves Team Maryland insisted Tuesday that Greenbelt is still the better site. Gov. Wes Moore and other state leaders outside the General Services Administration in 2023, after pitching GSA officials on Greenbelt for the next home of the FBI. (Photo by William J. Ford/Maryland Matters) Simply moving down the street would ignore the real threats the Bureau faces and further jeopardize the safety of those protecting our communities. Thats why we will be fighting back against this proposal with every tool we have, the Team Maryland statement said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The agency has been seeking new headquarters for years to replace the J. Edgar Hoover Building, a brutalist facility that is cramped, has leaks and pieces of concrete occasionally falling onto the street below. In November 2023, the GSA picked Greenbelt over another site in Prince Georges County, Landover, and over a site in Springfield, Virginia. Virginia representatives charged that the selection of Maryland was flawed after a federal inspector generals report released in February found fault with the process. But the report never stated there was a problem with the Greenbelt site itself. Whatever reservations they may have had about the Greenbelt site, however, was put aside by Virginias senators for criticism of the Reagan Building proposal, which Sens. Mark Warner and Tim Kaine said isnt a plan, its a punt. The two Democrats said the choice of a new site was typical of the Trump administrations haphazard approach to the federal workforce. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For years, Democratic and Republican administrations alike have agreed on the need for a secure, purpose-built headquarters that actually meets the FBIs mission needs, said a joint statement from Kaine and Warner, This announcement brushes aside years of careful planning, ignores the recommendations of security and mission experts, and raises serious concerns about how this decision was made. Simply moving down the street would ignore the real threats the Bureau faces and further jeopardize the safety of those protecting our communities. Thats why we will be fighting back against this proposal with every tool we have. State, local and federal lawmakers calling themselves Team Maryland President Donald Trump has never been a fan of moving the FBI out of the District. He tried to cancel it in his first term and in March of this year, less that two months after returning to office, he said he would not let the agency move three hours away in Maryland, a liberal state. He quickly said the states political leanings had no bearing on his decision, but never corrected the fact that Greenbelt is about 16 miles by car from the current headquarters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Patel has talked in recent months about relocating headquarters staff to other parts of the country, but Tuesdays announcement seems to have put that talk on hold. GSA Public Buildings Service Commissioner Michael Peters said in a statement that move to the Reagan building avoids more than $300 million in deferred maintenance cost the current FBI headquarters. We are proud to partner with Director Patel to drive efficiency and improve the quality of space for a productive workforce in service to national security and taxpayers, Peters said. According to its website, the Reagan Building is home to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Until recently, it was also home to the U.S. Agency on International Developement, before that agency was gutted by the Trump administration and closed as an independent agency effective Tuesday, presumably freeing up space in the building. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the building also has 22 event spaces to host weddings and events. Plans are scheduled for two events Wednesday, and a concert series on a plaza starts Monday and continues through September. Del. Nicole Williams (D-Prince Georges), whose legislative district includes the Greenbelt site, called Tuesdays decision very interesting. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE That [Ronald Reagan] building is a very open building. Ive gone there for private events and conferences, Williams, who chairs the countys delegation in the House of Delegate, said in an interview. I still maintain that the Greenbelt site is the better location for the relocation of the FBI. Its disappointing to hear the administration trying to undermine what was already done through the official GSA process, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Congress has already appropriated funds for the purpose of the construction of the new FBI headquarters in Maryland. Now the administrations attempting to redirect those funds really undermines congressional intent, Williams said, echoing arguments of Team Maryland. Williams and her two Democratic District 22 colleagues Dels. Anne Healey and Ashanti Martinez sponsored legislation that went into effect Tuesday directing the governor to include $200 million in the state budget for site redevelopment and to improve transportation infrastructure for the Federal Bureau of Investigation headquarters relocation project. Argentina has approached London's High Court to request a suspension on the enforcement of a judgement valued at more than $16bn, concerning its nationalisation of oil and gas company YPF. According to a report in Reuters, the legal move is part of Argentina's broader strategy to appeal the decision in the US, where a New York court in 2023 had ruled in favour of Petersen Energia Inversora and Eton Park Capital Management. Supported by litigation funder Burford Capital, these entities have claimed they are owed an amount exceeding $17bn, including interest accruing at an estimated rate of $2.5m per day. The origins of this legal dispute trace back to 2012 when Argentina took control of a 51% stake in YPF from Spanish company Repsol. This action was undertaken without extending an offer to purchase shares held by minority investors, prompting the current legal claims. Argentina has contested the ruling from the US court and is also challenging its enforcement in the UK. During proceedings at London's High Court, Argentina's legal representative David Railton advocated for pausing the case until the appeal process concludes in the US. He argued that investors would face no disadvantage since "there are no assets here against which the judgement can be enforced". In contrast, Petersen Energia Inversora and Eton Park Capital Management have alleged that Argentina is attempting to postpone enforcement. Their legal counsel, Paul McGrath, argued that if the court considers a pause, then Argentina should be required to provide security estimated at $2.5bn. Originally established as a state-owned enterprise in 1922, YPF underwent privatisation in 1993 via a public offering on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). As part of this transition, bylaws were updated to stipulate that should government control exceed 49%, minority shareholders must be offered buyouts at an established price. This process included specific notification requirements through New York's financial channels and filings with relevant authorities. The Argentinean Government under then-President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner did not adhere to these requirements during the 2012 nationalisation. At that time, Petersen Energia Inversora and Eton Park Capital Management collectively owned more than 25% of YPF's shares. Petersen's inability to manage its debts due to halted dividend revenue from YPF led to its bankruptcy and subsequent 2015 lawsuit against Argentina for breach of contract; Eton Park filed a similar lawsuit in 2016. Edward Kelley, 36, of Maryville, was sentenced to life in prison for plotting to kill FBI agents as he waited trial for his involvement in the Jan. 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol riots. He was sentenced July 2 by federal Judge Thomas Varlan in a Knoxville courtroom. Kelley was convicted of conspiracy to murder federal employees, solicitation to commit a crime of violence and influencing a federal official by threat. Kelley was part of the crowd of rioters that surrounded the Capitol building, and he got into a fight with a Capitol police officer before breaking into the building, according to court documents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kelley was charged with assault, resisting or impeding officers during civil disorder, unlawful entry and physical violence, destruction of government property, violent entry and related offenses. Investigators later determined Kelley and another man, Austin Carter, made a list of agents who investigated his role in the riot, and plotted to kill them, according to online court documents. They discussed bombing the agents at their homes or in public places. Maryville resident Edward Kelley was charged with assaulting a law enforcement officer during the breach of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. "Carter testified that he and Kelley discussed these plans during an in-person meeting at Kelleys home in November. Carter further testified that the attack plan included the use of improvised explosive devices attached to drones and vehicles," according to an online court document. Kelley was convicted Nov. 20 by a federal jury. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A judge previously ruled he could not be among the Jan. 6 defendants pardoned by President Donald Trump. This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Tennessee man sentenced to life for plotting to kill FBI agents investigating Jan. 6 riot Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea J. Campbell has opened another front in her ongoing legal battle with the Trump administration, charging that the Republican White House exposed private health information as it prosecutes its mass deportation campaign. The lawsuit, filed by Democrat Campbell and 19 of her colleagues nationwide, in U.S. District Court in Californias Northern District on Tuesday, names U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert K. Kennedy Jr. and U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi L. Noem as defendants. "Disclosing individuals private health data for the purpose of immigration enforcement puts lives at risk. These actions are yet another example of the Administration creating unnecessary fear and confusion among our residents, Campbell said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read More: Renowned Boston restaurant considers closing after manager is detained by ICE Congress has made it clear that emergency Medicaid coverage extends to all individuals, regardless of immigration status. I will continue to fight against cruel and unlawful policies that harm our residents, she said. Kennedys advisers ordered the release of a dataset that includes the private health information of people living in California, Illinois, Washington state, and Washington, D.C., to the Department of Homeland Security, The Associated Press first reported last month. All of those states allow non-U.S. citizens to enroll in Medicaid programs that pay for their expenses using only state taxpayer dollars. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The unusual data sharing of private health information, including addresses, names, social security numbers, immigration status, and claims data for enrollees in those states, was released to deportation officials as they accelerated enforcement efforts nationwide. The data could be used to help the Department of Homeland Security locate migrants in its mass deportation campaign, experts said. California Attorney General Rob Bonta, who led the legal action, said the Trump administrations data release violates federal health privacy protection laws, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), the AP reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is about flouting seven decades of federal law policy and practice that have made it clear that personal healthcare data is confidential and can only be shared in certain narrow circumstances that benefit the publics health or the Medicaid program, Bonta said during a news conference on Tuesday. The Trump administration has sought to arm deportation officials with more data on immigrants. In May, for example, a federal judge refused to block the Internal Revenue Service from sharing immigrants tax data with Immigration and Customs Enforcement to help agents locate and detain people living without legal status in the U.S. The lawsuit filed by Campbell and her colleagues asks a federal judge to block any new transfer or use of this data for immigration enforcement purposes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It argues that the administration violated a brace of federal laws, including the Administrative Procedure Act, Social Security Act, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), Federal Information Security Modernization Act, Privacy Act, and Spending Clause. The lawsuit also highlights that the Trump Administrations illegal actions are creating fear and confusion that will lead noncitizens and their family members to disenroll, or refuse to enroll, in emergency Medicaid for which they are otherwise eligible, leaving states and their safety net hospitals to foot the bill for federally mandated emergency healthcare services, Cambells office said in its statement. Other states joining the legal action included Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington. More political news Read the original article on MassLive. Gov. Maura Healey said Wednesday that shell language passed by the Legislature earlier this week that will end renter-paid broker fees in the commonwealth, a practice that tacked thousands of dollars onto the cost of renting an apartment. The days of renters being forced to shell out upwards of $10,000 before they can even move into an apartment are over. I proposed banning renter-paid brokers fees because the cost of housing is already way too high in Massachusetts without adding thousands of dollars in fees for a service you didnt hire, the Arlington Democrat said in a statement released by her office. Im grateful that the Legislature agreed that the person who hires the broker should be responsible for paying them. While we continue to review the full budget, I am proud to say that the budget I sign will ban renter-paid brokers fees. This is one of just many ways that our administration is working every day to lower the high cost of living in Massachusetts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawmakers included the language in the $61 billion budget bill they sent to Healey earlier this week. This will put money back in renters pockets starting August first, state Senate President Karen E. Spilka, D-Middlesex/Norfolk, said. Im proud to see this Senate-led initiative signed into law, as we work to lower costs and expand opportunities for residents. At the start of this session, I said we would deliver on shifting the burden of brokers fees, and through our partnership with the House under [state House Speaker Ronald J.] Mariano and the administration under Gov. Healey, we got it done. I look forward to continuing to work on creative ways to address the states housing crisis. But to be clear, the fees arent going away entirely: Theyre changing form. The language that lawmakers approved this week requires whoever first worked with the broker whether the landlord or the renter to cover the cost, The Boston Globe reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tenant advocates have long railed against the fees. And when New Yorks City Council passed a law last year banning them, the Bay States reform effort picked up a new head of steam. Healey, who is running for reelection in 2026, has spoken publicly of her opposition to the fees and included a proposal to end them in the $62 billion budget outline she sent to lawmakers earlier this year. Landlords and the real estate industry, which wields outsized clout on Beacon Hill, pushed back against the proposal, arguing that brokers provide a valuable service for landlords and prospective tenants alike. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Real estate agents provide an incredibly valuable service to consumers, property owners and landlords. They are the boots on the ground, he said. They notice things uncollected trash, snow on a vent, a bike in the common area. They will notice things that a tech company from Seattle wont notice. Your real estate agents are Marines. If the goal is to get rid of them, thats not a good idea, Demetrios Salpoglu, the CEO of Boston Pads, the citys biggest rental portal, told MassLive earlier this year. Advocates and allies, meanwhile, welcomed the news. Families shouldnt have to pay just to apply for housing. If the landlord hires the broker, the landlord should pay the fee, Todd S. Kaplan, the senior Attorney at Greater Boston Legal Services, said. This law helps remove yet another barrier to affordable housing. The language will provide immediate financial relief to renters, who have faced extraordinary upfront costs reaching as high as $12,900 on average in the Boston metro," Jennifer Butler, the vice president of government and community relations at Zillow, said. More political news Read the original article on MassLive. A Mattapan man hurt during what officials called a domestic violence incident, where a woman was fatally stabbed in Brockton, pleaded not guilty during his arraignment on Wednesday, Plymouth County District Attorney Tim Cruzs office said. Reynald Biamby, 44, was charged with one count of murder during his arraignment in Brockton District Court, where a judge ordered he be held without bail, Cruzs office said in a statement. He is next scheduled to appear at a probable cause hearing on Aug. 5. At around 4:15 a.m., a 911 call to Brockton police asked officers to respond to 341 Centre St., Cruzs office said. First responders found the body of a woman, Rose Lacroix, 36, upon arrival. She was pronounced dead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Biamby was hurt and hospitalized, Cruzs office said. Following an investigation by Massachusetts State Police assigned to Cruzs office, a warrant was obtained for Biambys arrest. Biamby was arrested after he was released from the hospital Tuesday afternoon. More local crime stories Read the original article on MassLive. Turkish authorities have detained 42 people following a major demonstration in Istanbul on Tuesdasy evening marking 100 days since the arrest and removal of the city's former mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu. They are accused of insulting President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and resisting security forces, Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya wrote on X early on Wednesday. Thousands of people demonstrated in front of the city administration building, chanting slogans such as "Against fascism, shoulder to shoulder" and "President Imamoglu." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Media reported on clashes with police on the fringes of the rally, who used tear gas against demonstrators. Imamoglu is a popular politician from the largest opposition party, the Republican People's Party (CHP). He is considered a promising challenger to Erdogan in future elections. He was arrested and removed from office on March 23. Numerous other people from his entourage and his party were taken into custody in several waves of arrests. The protest coincided with another significant blow to the CHP: On Tuesday morning, more than 100 people were arrested in the city of Izmir due to corruption investigations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The party views itself as a victim of a judiciary manipulated by the government. Erdogan, however, repeatedly asserts the independence of the judiciary. The CHP emerged as the strongest force in the last nationwide local elections. Erdogan's Justice and Development Party (AKP), for the first time in its history, only secured second place in a nationwide election. Imamoglu's party has nominated him as its presidential candidate. The next regular elections are due to take place in 2028. WASHINGTON (DC News Now) Police in the District provided an update Wednesday to a triple shooting that happened earlier this week in Mount Vernon Square. Just before 10:30 p.m. on June 30, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) responded to the sound of gunshots in the 1200 block of 7th St. NW. There, they found a man, a woman and a 16-year-old boy who had been shot. They were all rushed to nearby hospitals, where the man, unfortunately, died from his injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was later identified as 21-year-old Eric Tarpinian-Jachym, a University of Massachusetts-Amherst student interning on the hill. I will remember his kind heart and how he always greeted anyone who entered our office with a cheerful smile, U.S. Rep. Ron Estes (R-Kan.) said in a statement. We are grateful to Eric for his service to Kansas 4th District and the country. Please join Susan and me in praying for his family and respecting their privacy during this heartbreaking time. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: 1 dead, 2 injured after shooting in Mt. Vernon Square, DC police say Investigators said multiple suspects got out of a car at the intersection of 7th and M streets NW and began firing at a group of people, striking Tarpinian-Jachym, the woman and the boy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several neighbors who spoke to DC News Now on Tuesday said they didnt realize it was a shooting when they heard the rounds go off. Many of them thought it was fireworks ahead of the July 4 holiday later this week. MPD said they do not believe Tarpinian-Jachym was the intended target. The suspect vehicle has since been recovered, police noted. Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact MPD at (202) 727-9099 or to text the departments tip line at 50411. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live. HONOLULU (KHON2) Maui Police Department confirmed that they have arrested an employee for alleged sexual assault against a minor. Life Behind Bars: Eric Thompson Sentenced in Tokuhara Murder Police said the 44-year-old Kihei man had been working for 27 days when he was arrested on Saturday, June 28. The man is accused of sexual assault in the first degree and electronic enticement of a child in the first degree. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In light of our departments continued involvement in Operation Keiki Shield and our ongoing efforts to protect the most vulnerable members of our community, these allegations are not taken lightly, said Chief of Police John Pelletier. This type of conduct is not reflective of the values of the Maui Police Department. We are committed to ensuring a thorough and impartial investigation and to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accountability. Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You Police added that the man was a new hire and had not performed any law enforcement duties and had no interaction with the public. He is now on administrative leave. This investigation is ongoing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WGN) Nearly 90 years after Amelia Earhart mysteriously disappeared while attempting to circumnavigate the globe, researchers have announced a new expedition to locate the aviation pioneers lost aircraft. On Wednesday, Purdue Research Foundation (PRF) and Archaeological Legacy Institute (ALI) announced the Taraia Object Expedition, a joint effort to locate Earharts lost aircraft. According to the PRF, the expedition is expected to get underway in November of 2025 and will begin with a visit to the site of the visual anomaly known as the Taraia Object, which researchers believe may possibly be the remains of the Lockheed Model 10E Electra, also known as the the flying laboratory, flown by Earhart and Fred Noonan during their 1937 journey. (Original Caption) Amelia Earhart (1898-1937), American aviatrix, first woman to cross Atlantic. Photograph showing her with airplane. What we have here is maybe the greatest opportunity ever to finally close the case, ALI executive director Richard Pettigrew said. With such a great amount of very strong evidence, we feel we have no choice but to move forward and hopefully return with proof. I look forward to collaborating with Purdue Research Foundation in writing the final chapter in Amelia Earharts remarkable life story. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines The Taraia Object is the commonly used name for a visual anomaly spotted in the lagoon of Nikumaroro Island in the South Pacific Ocean. Researchers first became aware of the Taraia Object in 2020 after it was spotted in an Apple Maps satellite image. (Original Caption) This photo shows the giant Lockheed Electra, Amelia Earharts Flying Laboratory, as the ship took off from Oakland Airport at Alameda, California, on the first leg of her proposed world spanning flight. Miss Earhart landed at Honolulu, Hawaii on March 19, 1937, in the fastest crossing ever made of the span of the Pacific. After learning about it, researchers began studying satellite images taken between 2009 and 2021 and discovered that the object first became visible in satellite images around April 27, 2015, shortly after Tropical Cyclone Pam passed by the island. According to researchers, a vast amount of circumstantial evidence amassed largely by the International Group for Historic Aircraft Recovery supports the Nikumaroro hypothesis, which posits that Earhart and her navigator, Fred Noonan, did not crash at sea but instead landed on an uninhabited island where they were marooned. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Additional evidence that supports this hypothesis includes radio bearings that were recorded from radio transmissions at the time by the U.S. Navy, the U.S. Coast Guard and Pan American World Airways, which converge on Nikumaroro; artifacts dating to the 1930s that were found on the island, like a womans shoe, a compact case, a freckle cream jar and a medicine vial; A 2017 analysis of human bones discovered on the island in 1940, which determined Earharts bone lengths were more similar to the discovered bones than 99% of individuals; the Bevington Object, a photographic anomaly captured shortly after the planes disappearance, which appears to represent a piece of the planes landing gear on the Nikumaroro reef. (Original Caption) California: Amelia And Her Flying Laboratory. The trim, low-wing transport plane purchased by the Amelia Earhart Fund for aeronautical research as a flying laboratory is a twin-engined Lockheed Electra. It is powered with two Pratt-Whitney wasp S3HI engines of 550 H. P., each driving Hamilton constant speed metal propellers. The plane will carry, instead of passenger seats, additional fuel tanks for extended nonstop flights by Americas First Lady of the Air. Miss Earhart and her husband George Palmer Putnam are in Los Angeles to watch completion of the plane, which will be delivered about July 1. The flier will sue Union Air Terminal, Burbank, California, as a base for the new plane. She is shown seated in it. The historic expedition is set to embark from Majuro in the Marshall Islands on Nov. 5. Crews will spend five days on Nikumaroro to inspect the Taraia Object, before returning to port on Nov. 21. If it is successful in confirming the identity of the aircraft, the PRF and ALI will return to Nikumaroro for larger excavation efforts in 2026 to uncover and help return what remains of Earharts plane. LATEST CASES: Missing people in Chicagoland Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Purdues role in the expedition highlights the contributions Earhart made to the university. Earhart had begun working for the university after Purdue President Edward Elliott became concerned that the women enrolled at the university were not completing their educations. He later hired her to serve as a counselor on careers for women, advise Purdues aeronautical engineering department and allow her to enjoy access to the resources of Purdues new airport. The PRF later funded Earharts flying laboratory, Lockheed Electra 10E airplane, through the Amelia Earhart Fund for Aeronautical Research. American aviatrix Amelia Earhart (1897 1937) operates the controls of a flying laboratory, circa 1935. (Photo by Keystone/Hulton Archive/Getty Images) Upon her return, Earhart had intended to give the plane to Purdue for research, but it never made it home and now researchers are looking for a conclusion to the nearly century-long story. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both Earhart and her husband and manager, George Putnam, expressed their intention to return the Electra to Purdue after her historic flight, senior vice president and general counsel of Purdue University, Steven Schultz, said. Based on the evidence, we agree with ALI that this expedition offers the best chance not only to solve perhaps the greatest mystery of the 20th century, but also to fulfill Amelias wishes and bring the Electra home. ALIs subscription video platform, Heritage Broadcasting Service, will be used to share updates on the project. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV. Mayor Adams celebrated the closure of the migrant mega-shelter at the Roosevelt Hotel after it shuttered its doors last month. The hotel, which closed in 2020 during the pandemic and opened as a shelter in May 2023, served as the main entrance point for migrants entering the city during the peak of the crisis. Images from the outside of the hotel, where hundreds of migrants waited on the streets for shelter, were emblematic of the scale of the issue during that time. Deportations and a large reduction in border crossings led to a decrease in immigrants coming to the city. This is going to be one of the most important chapters in our books, said Adams, who has been sharply criticized for his willingness to collaborate with President Trump, including on immigration enforcement. He added that 237,000 migrants and asylum seekers went through our system. Roosevelt Hotel was a symbol of that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration has repeatedly slammed the hotel in recent months, falsely claiming it to be a hotbed of crime and the local base of Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua a characterization the Adams administration has pushed back against in court papers. The work that this city did to support so many thousands of families was amazing, and were proud of the part that we played, said Molly Schaeffer, director of the citys Office of Asylum Seeker Operations. Anne Williams-Isom, who resigned from the Adams administration in part over concerns about the mayors alignment with Trump on immigration, also spoke at the press conference. We did it with the best that we had, with the care that we had, and I couldnt be more proud, she said. CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS) As the Older Americans Act marks its 60th anniversary this month, Meals on Wheels America President & CEO Ellie Hollander joins us to discuss the critical role OAA programs play in supporting seniors health, independence, and well-being. From the rising demand for services to the urgent need for increased funding, she explains how we can all help ensure older adults dont get left behind. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Air cargo demand from Asia to North America declined 10.7 percent annually in May in the month following the U.S. closure of the de minimis trade exemption for goods imported from China. Despite the double-digit collapse on the all-important trade lane, which carries the largest market share in the industry at 24.4 percent of cargo-tonne kilometers (CTKs), overall air cargo demand worldwide increased 2.2 percent during the month. More from Sourcing Journal Willie Walsh, director general of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), which released the data on Monday, called the global demand growth encouraging news. A 10.7 percent drop in traffic on the Asia-to-North America trade lane illustrated the dampening effect of shifting U.S. trade policies, said Walsh in a statement. Even as these policies evolve, already we can see the air cargo sectors well-tested resilience helping shippers to accommodate supply chain needs to flexibly hold back, re-route or accelerate deliveries. Although seasonally adjusted month-over-month data saw global air cargo demand contract by 1 percent, IATA called Mays weakening numbers less dramatic than feared by many. Capacity, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometers (ACTK), increased by 2 percent from the year-ago month, with Asia-Pacific based airlines seeing a capacity increase of 5.7 percent. According to the industry body, belly-hold cargo capacity gained 5.8 percent year-over-year and 5.5 percent month-over-month in May 2025, marking the highest jump since 2019. IATA already lowered its 2025 air cargo demand forecast at the start of June amid the projected impacts of the de minimis suspension, as well as the tariffs the Trump administration placed on U.S. trade partners. Total demand is projected to increase only 0.7 percent this year to 275.7 billion CTKs, down from the initially estimated 6 percent CTK growth in December. A monthly freight report from international freight forwarder Dimerco Express Group released Sunday indicated that air freight demand from China to the U.S. and E.U. remains weak, with no signs of recovery in e-commerce volumes. As a result, scheduled freighter flights continue to be cancelled. China-U.S. cargo volumes have declined by as much as 60 percent, the report said, with e-commerce bookings down approximately 50 percent in May and June since de minimis was halted. Trump administration border czar Tom Homan brushed off reports of an elderly Cuban man dying in Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody. Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Homan said he was unaware of the death of Isidro Perez, a 75-year-old man who suffered a heart attack after being detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement for more than two weeks. Im unaware of that. Im not aware of that. I mean, people die in ICE custody. People die in county jails. People die in state prisons, Homan said. What the question should be is how many lives does ICE save because, when they go into detention, we find many with diseases and stuff that we deal with right away to prevent death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Perez was taken into ICE custody following a raid in Key Largo on June 5, per an agency press release. He had lived in the United States since 1966. He was admitted into a Miami-area hospital on June 17 and released on June 25, a day before his death. Homan moved past the question on Tuesday, saying that ICEs detention standards were the highestin the industry. Ill compare an ICE detention facility against any state prison, against any federal facility. Ill go head-to-head with any of them. You go to ICE.gov and look at our detention standards. Its the highest detention standards in the industry, at a very expensive cost to the taxpayers, he said, the same date that Florida opened a tent-based detention facility in the middle of the Everglades. Go look for yourself, then come back and talk to me. Q: "A 75 year old Cuban national died in ICE custody. He had lived in the U.S. for 60 yearsIs there anything you can tell us about that?" Border Czar Tom Homan: "People die in ICE custody. People die in county jails. People die in state prisons." pic.twitter.com/sLtVKrWpxQ The Bulwark (@BulwarkOnline) June 30, 2025 The post I mean, people die: Homan waves off death of 75-year-old in ICE custody appeared first on Salon.com. MECKLENBURG COUNTY, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) The race for Mecklenburg County Sheriff is officially heating up as Sergeant Ricky Robbins throws his hat in the ring this week. Robbins is the latest candidate to challenge current Sheriff Garry McFadden in next years election. A veteran with over 30 years in law enforcement, Robbins is kicking off his campaign with a community celebration on Tuesday, July 15, at the Mint Museum Randolph in Charlotte. The event promises to bring together a mix of community leaders, elected officials, and even a few faces from the Carolina Panthers, including Luke Kuechly and Chuba Hubbard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PREVIOUS: Wave of changes at sheriffs office as former chief deputy claims recordings spell out McFadden racist remarks This campaign is about people, protecting families, jail reform, and making sure our Sheriffs Office reflects the values and diversity of the communities we serve, Robbins said in a released statement on Wednesday. Robbins joins Antwain Nance, a former detention officer, as the second known challenger to Sheriff McFadden. Mecklenburg County Sheriff controversy Sheriff McFadden, who has held the office since 2018, is seeking re-election as his current term ends in December 2026. But his recent leadership has faced mounting scrutiny. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Back in November 2024, McFadden found himself in hot water after recordings surfaced of him allegedly using racially charged language to describe staff members. PREVIOUS: Chief deputy of Mecklenburg Sheriffs Office resigns, claiming agency operates like dictatorship The recordings, said to have been made during employee meetings in 2021, were brought to light by former Chief Deputy Kevin Canty, who resigned from the department with a scathing letter accusing McFadden of running a third-world dictatorship. Among Cantys claims were that McFadden berated staff publicly and made inappropriate, racially insensitive comments, including one instance where McFadden allegedly said, That white cracker captain is better than the other seven captains upstairs. In another recording, he reportedly referred to a former deputy using a racial slur. Im not perfect, and I will make mistakes. McFadden responded to the controversy with a public apology in a video statement, saying, It doesnt matter who recorded it, or how many years ago it was recorded; today I want to apologize for that language. Held to a higher standard, thats the office of the sheriff, but you must understand that I am human, Im not perfect, and I will make mistakes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PREVIOUS: Meck County Sheriff settles in gender discrimination lawsuit, former detention officer paid lost wages The fallout also led to a shake-up within the sheriffs office, with two staff members being fired and several roles restructured. Whats next? While McFadden has not publicly commented on his new opponents, Robbins entrance into the race signals a shift in public interest, from concerns about leadership style and accountability to broader questions about the direction of the sheriffs office. With multiple candidates in the race and growing attention on the office, Mecklenburg County voters can expect a competitive election season. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Protestors hold a sign demanding a response from Winsome Earle-Sears, the Republican nominee for governor, on the proposed Medicaid cuts. (Photo by Nathaniel Cline/Virginia Mercury) With roughly $1 trillion in Medicaid funding at stake, Congress is racing to finalize a sweeping budget package, dubbed the big, beautiful bill, ahead of President Donald Trumps July 4 deadline but key decisions about cuts to the health care program remain up in the air. A preliminary review by the Congressional Budget Office has heightened concern, and a bipartisan chorus of lawmakers and hospital associations across several states is warning against adopting the Senate version of the bill, which they say could devastate Medicaid-dependent health systems. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The overall package, which calls for cuts to several federal social aid programs, is meant to extend overall tax cuts from Trumps first presidential term, while boosting U.S. border and military spending. Although the House already passed its version in June, the Senate version only advanced this week after Vice President JD Vance cast a tie-breaking vote, following opposition from three Republican senators who sided with Democrats. A central dispute between the two chambers involves how the Senate version would restructure Medicaid funding, particularly in ways that could undercut Virginias hospitals and the states expanded Medicaid program. Given the available options, the U.S. House reconciliation legislation is the better approach to accomplish the Presidents tax-cutting objectives while still preserving our health care delivery system and health safety net, wrote Julian Walker, vice president of communications for the Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association. For the sake of public health, well-being, and the economy, we urge members of the House to reject the Senate plan and insist on their version of the package. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He added that the association is deeply disturbed by the Senate version. Last week, Virginia joined hospital associations in 13 states in signing a joint letter opposing the Senates proposal. Walker has previously warned that rural hospitals would be hit hardest, likely forced into closures or deep cuts into service and staffing. While the House version avoids the same blow to hospital funding mechanisms, it still has Medicaid changes that Democrats, healthcare advocates and many Virginians have criticized. Both versions of the bill include new work and authorization requirements for Medicaid recipients.Though most Medicaid beneficiaries already work, some rely on it when temporarily unable to do so such as Richmond-area construction worker Andrew Daughtry, who is recovering from an injury, and the daughter of Aida Pachecho, who is unemployed while battling breast cancer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., said during a recent press call that the additional authorization requirements could overwhelm already burdened government employees. Meanwhile, U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Virginia introduced amendments to protect Medicaid before the Senate bill passed, but those efforts fell short. Despite concerns, Virginias House Republicans continue to back their chambers version of the bill, claiming it meets Trumps goals without gutting Medicaid. Reps. Rob Wittman, R-Westmoreland, and Jen Kiggans, R-Virginia Beach, signed onto a joint letter with other lawmakers last week. The Houses approach reflects a more pragmatic and compassionate standard, and we urge that it be retained in the final bill, they wrote. Protecting Medicaid is essential for the vulnerable constituents we were elected to represent. Therefore, we cannot support a final bill that threatens access to coverage or jeopardizes the stability of our hospitals and providers. Medicaids size as a share of the federal budget has made it a prime target for Republicans looking to trim or redirect spending. Wittman and Kiggans argue the reforms will ultimately strengthen coverage for pregnant people, children and disabled Americans. U.S. Rep. Jen Kiggans, R-Virginia Beach speaks at a rally for presidential candidate Donald Trump on June 28, 2024 in Chesapeake. (Photo by Charlotte Rene Woods/Virginia Mercury) In a recent newsletter, Kiggans called the bill historic, describing it as a tool to rein in Washingtons waste and deliver on promises made by Trump and Congressional Republicans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wittman, who has spoken about being adopted thanks to Medicaid coverage at birth, emphasized his personal connection to the program. I know firsthand what access to care means for families like mine, he said in a recent statement. But Virginia Democrats argue that Wittman and Kiggans have already done damage by supporting even partial cuts. Democratic Party of Virginia chair Lamont Bagby said in a recent statement that the two representatives already broke their promise to Virginians by voting to advance this disastrous budget that makes the largest cuts to Medicaid in history. He questioned whether the two Republicans would once again bend the knee to Trump or stand with their constituents. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE House Republicans who said they wouldnt accept big cuts to Medicaid are returning to Washington on Wednesday facing a politically perilous decision: whether to vote for a Senate-passed megabill that cuts even more deeply than the one representatives passed in May. The version senators passed Tuesday would reduce health care spending by about $1.1 trillion over 10 years, most of which would come from the federal-state health insurance program for low-income people, according to a Congressional Budget Office estimate from before the bill went through some changes. That compares with nearly $800 billion in the House bill. More than 70 million Americans rely on Medicaid, and millions will lose their coverage if either version of the bill becomes law due to new work requirements and other factors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The House Republicans who pledged to protect Medicaid, many of whom represent large shares of enrollees, are facing intense pressure from President Donald Trump to pass it before July 4 his self-imposed deadline. The American people need and deserve it, Trump posted Tuesday on his social media site, Truth Social. Some GOP senators who said they opposed big Medicaid cuts, most prominently Missouris Josh Hawley, ultimately voted for the bill. Two others voted no: Susan Collins of Maine and Thom Tillis of North Carolina. The Houses version of the bill would freeze the states current provider tax rates which they levy on hospitals to juice the federal contribution. The more money a state devotes to Medicaid, the greater amount of federal dollars it can qualify for, and the taxes ensure a state can cover its share of Medicaid costs without dipping into its own funds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Senate version keeps the freeze for the 10 states that havent taken advantage of an Obamacare provision encouraging states to expand Medicaid to cover lower-middle-income people with a generous federal match. But it cuts the amount of expansion states can levy from 6 percent of a providers revenue to 3.5 percent. The bill starts to phase down the tax cap in 2028. House moderates are furious with the change, alongside a clampdown on a similar tool called state-directed payments. Sixteen House Republicans wrote to Senate Majority Leader John Thune in late June, saying they wont support the legislation if it cuts the provider taxes and state-directed payments. The hospital industry has also bombarded House lawmakers, saying the provisions will cause facilities to close, especially in rural areas. Democrats are already saying Republicans are shredding the social safety net to extend tax cuts for the wealthy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As in the Senate, House Republicans can lose no more than three votes if Democrats remain united in opposition. Here are six GOP lawmakers to watch: Don Bacon, Nebraskas 2nd District Bacon privately told the White House in the spring he wouldnt accept more than $500 billion in reductions to the program. He said he wanted to limit Medicaid changes to work requirements, excluding noncitizens from eligibility for benefits and mandating more frequent eligibility checks. Bacon is not seeking reelection a major pickup opportunity for Democrats. His Omaha-based district is one of only three GOP-held seats that then-Vice President Kamala Harris won in the 2024 presidential election. Bacon won his 2024 race by about 7,000 votes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement David Valadao, California's 22nd District Valadao represents a district in Californias Central Valley that is highly reliant on Medicaid, enrolling about 62 percent of his constituents. He led the letter to Thune last week opposing key Medicaid provisions in the Senate bill, including stricter limits on provider taxes and state-directed payments. The lawmakers wrote that they support the Medicaid reforms in the House bill, but the Senate version undermines the Houses balanced approach. We are also concerned about rushed implementation timelines, penalties for expansion states, changes to the community engagement requirements for adults with dependents, and cuts to emergency Medicaid funding. These changes would place additional burdens on hospitals already stretched thin by legal and moral obligations to provide care, the lawmakers wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Valadaos district which is heavily Hispanic and mostly Spanish-speaking is perennially in play. He won reelection in November by 7 percentage points. Hes in his sixth term but lost one in the middle. Jeff Van Drew, New Jerseys 2nd District Van Drew has said that Senate provisions targeting how many federal dollars states can collect for Medicaid would be a nonstarter for him if the bill made its way back to the House. I have always stood for cutting waste, and fraud, and making sure taxpayer dollars are not going to anyone who should not be getting them, especially illegal immigrants, he said. But the way this plan is written could unintentionally hurt the people Medicaid is meant to help. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Van Drew, a former Democrat, switched parties at the end of 2019 to protest the first Trump impeachment in which the House found hed abused his power by threatening Ukraine and obstructed Congress. The Senate later acquitted Trump. Van Drew represents a south Jersey district with 22 percent of constituents enrolled in Medicaid. He won reelection in November by more than 16 percentage points. Rob Bresnahan, Pennsylvanias 8th District Bresnahan has said he would not vote for a bill that guts the benefits my neighbors rely on. I will fight to protect working-class families in Northeastern Pennsylvania and stand with President Trump in opposing gutting Medicaid, he said in a February statement. My position on this has not and will not change. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has said he would protect Medicaid, but has also endorsed both the House and Senate versions of the megabill. Bresnahan represents a mix of suburban and rural communities where 27 percent of residents are on Medicaid. He defeated incumbent Democrat Matt Cartwright by 1.6 percentage points in November. Juan Ciscomani, Arizonas 6th District Ciscomani joined Valadaos letter to Thune opposing the Senate Medicaid cuts, as well as another letter in April urging House leaders not to move forward with cuts that would gut Medicaid benefits. Ciscomani won reelection by 2.5 percentage points in November. His district, in the southeast corner of the state, has a large military presence. About 24 percent of his constituents are enrolled in Medicaid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dan Newhouse, Washingtons 4th District Newhouse signed Valadaos letter opposing the Senate Medicaid cuts. He is one of two current House Republicans who voted to impeach Trump in 2021 for inciting an insurrection at the Capitol, along with Valadao. (The Senate later acquitted Trump.) Newhouse won reelection in November by about 6 percentage points, defeating another Republican, Jerrod Sessler, after he and Sessler advanced from the states multi-party primary. The district covers a large swath of central Washington state, which has long been a Republican stronghold. About 37 percent of residents are enrolled in Medicaid, nearly 300,000 people. A medical clinic in Scotland is asking members of the public to stop bringing in unsolicited urine samples. File Photo by Gary I Rothstein/UPI July 2 (UPI) -- A medical clinic in Scotland is asking local residents to stop bringing in "inappropriate or unsolicited" urine samples. The Saltoun Surgery in Fraserburgh, Aberdeenshire, said on social media that doctors and medical staff at the clinic have been inundated with a "high volume" of unsolicited urine samples, often in non-medical household containers instead of sterile sample containers. "Please be advised that we are no longer able to accept urine samples unless they have been specifically requested by the practice," the post said. "This change is necessary due to the high volume of inappropriate or unsolicited samples being submitted, which affects our ability to provide timely care to all patients." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A British Medical Association Scotland representative explained doctors need to perform an examination before they can interpret urine test results. "Each unsolicited sample handed in requires time and medical supplies to test in practice, contact the patient for information and then interpret the results and/or send away for further testing," the representative told STV. One doctor speaking anonymously to The Times of London said multiple clinics have had to put up signs asking patients not to bring unsolicited urine samples. "We really, really want patients to speak to a clinician for a proper medical assessment before we ask them to bring a sample in," the doctor said. "And when they do, we will issue them with sample bottles to return, rather than random domestic containers which can sometimes be inappropriate." The doctor said the culprits are often older patients seeking to be tested for urinary tract infections without first consulting with medical experts. Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. COTTONWOOD HEIGHTS, Utah (ABC4) A member of a motorcycle group that police say was violating traffic laws and driving recklessly has been charged after allegedly leading law enforcement on a chase. Neil Alexander Packer, 32, has been charged with failure to respond to an officers signal to stop with a gang enhancement, a third-degree felony. He is also facing misdemeanor charges of reckless endangerment, obstruction of justice, restricted use of a closed highway, reckless driving, aggravated disorderly conduct on a street/highway, and obstructing a sidewalk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to documents, on May 23, 2025, a Utah Highway Patrol (UHP) trooper responded to an agencys request for assistance regarding a large group of motorcycles that were driving recklessly, causing traffic accidents, and ignoring traffic laws. READ NEXT: Ex-Tremonton fire chief charged with sexual abuse of a child, documents say The UHP trooper was called to a 7-Eleven gas station on Wasatch Boulevard, where the group of motorcyclists was being monitored. When law enforcement attempted to make contact with the group, many of them began to disperse, documents say. As the group dispersed, the trooper noticed one of the motorcycles did not have a license plate and attempted a traffic stop. A red dirt bike then allegedly cut directly in front of his patrol vehicle, preventing the trooper from completing the traffic stop. The driver of the red dirt bike was interfering with traffic and committing violations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The trooper turned his attention to the red dirt bike, which he later learned was being driven by Packer. According to documents, Packer looked directly at the trooper, pointed his middle finger, and refused to stop. The trooper attempted a traffic stop, but Packer continued to evade. Packer joined up with about a dozen motorcycles that ignored traffic control devices. The Star 9 helicopter, belonging to the Utah Department of Public Safety (DPS), was in the vicinity and located Packer and the other motorcycles according to the troopers description. The group of motorcycles entered the Butler Middle School parking lot, where the Cottonwood Heights Police Department attempted to stop them, but they managed to flee from police. 23-year-old Motorcyclist killed in American Fork crash Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Star 9 helicopter pursued the red dirt bike Packer was driving, and the UHP trooper observed Packer speeding down the shoulder on the wrong side of traffic. Multiple vehicles had to swerve to avoid colliding with the approaching bikes, documents say. When the group reached Fort Union Boulevard, Packer split off from the group and drove to the Hog Wallow Pub in Cottonwood Heights. The Star 9 helicopter and trooper were still pursuing, and Packer was observed hiding the red dirt bike in some bushes before entering the pub. Later, after exiting the Hog Wallow Pub, the UHP trooper took Packer into custody. The red dirt bike was located in the bushes, and a records check revealed that it had expired registration, no insurance, and no license plate. Packer was charged with infractions for a license plate violation and expired registration. Packer was arrested and booked into the Salt Lake County Jail. He was initially held on bail but is no longer in custody. A summons to appear before a judge is being arranged by the court, according to filings. Latest headlines: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. MEMPHIS, Tenn. The Memphis Police Department announced this week that crime is down in all major categories, year-to-date by 20%, including murder down 15% and motor vehicle theft down by 36%. With six months left in 2025, Im convinced we are on the right track, said Davis, who said residents were beginning to feel the difference in their neighborhoods. So, are Memphis residents feeling a difference in their neighborhoods? We asked some people, and got a mixed reaction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Memphis police chief says crime numbers declining I really dont think crime is down, being a victim of crime, said Gwendolyn Wright, who lives in the airport area. She says she was victimized in February. Our car was stolen, out of our yard, in the evening time, took it for a ride for a solid week, came back all dented up. There are some terrible little boys out here, Wright said. Wright said shes frustrated by what she says happens in her neighborhood. Its like shootings every night. They drive by in front of our house, literally just shoot a car up out of the car, just cause they got a gun. These guns are out of control and these kids are out of control, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wright called on parents to get involved. MPD graphic In Frayser, theres a different feeling on MPDs release of its data. Well I think its pretty much down some, I havent heard about much thats been going on lately, said Frayser resident Gene Partee. Thats reassuring, but Partee added, It could be down a little more, though. Second person identified in deadly Memphis Rox shooting We also visited Whitehaven, where Tabitha Beckley has her opinions on the stats. I live in an older community, in the Elliston Heights area, and its relatively safe in my area, honestly. Like if I hear something, gunshots, its rare, its in the distance, Beckley said. Maybe it depends on the neighborhood or the atmosphere but maybe its really down. Lets say its down. Ok, lets go for it. Fourth of July weekend, lets go for it. Lets keep it down. Twenty more percent this weekend. How about that? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Memphis Murder Map 2025 MPDs chief says theyre really working with their federal partners to try to get tougher charges and convictions for those arrested for gun crimes. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. WASHINGTON, D.C. Tennessee Congressman David Kustoff (R-Memphis) is urging his fellow House lawmakers to quickly pass the Senates version of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Rep. David Kustoff (R-TN) talks with Nexstars DC Bureau about the Big Beautiful Bill Act. This is a big important vote, said Rep. Kustoff. Its going to be one of the most important things we do in the four years under Donald Trump. We need to get it done and get it passed. The original version of the bill, which passed the House back on May 22, made cuts to health care and nutrition programs to provide more funding for border security and defense. It also extended trillions of dollars in tax cuts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vance breaks 50-50 tie as Senate passes GOP megabill But Democrats, including Congressman Steve Cohen, are calling the bill a disaster for the people of Memphis. Its the worst imaginable bill you can have as a person living in Memphis, said Rep. Cohen. It strikes down a lot of people out of health care. 12 million Americans will lose their health care. Rep. Cohen also criticized the bills cuts to SNAP benefits and programs like the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which helps low income individuals and families pay their utility bills. Rep. Steve Cohen (D-TN) discusses Big Beautiful Bill in interview with Nexstars DC Bureau. This is the rich getting away with unbelievable tax breaks, said Rep. Cohen. Hundreds of thousands of dollars for people, tax breaks while the poor get pennies on the day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Senate version of the bill, which passed by a narrow margin on Tuesday, includes deeper cuts to Medicaid, a higher increase to the debt limit. It also removes a controversial 10-year moratorium on state laws to regulate artificial intelligence. The bill does cut a lot, said Rep. Kustoff. But the debt is approaching $37 trillion. Thats a lot of money and its unfathomable what were doing to our our children and our grandchildren. President Trump has urged Congress to pass the bill before July 4th. I still think we can get it done before July 4th and have it on President Trumps desk, said Rep. Kustoff. But if it slips by a few days, Im not that concerned about it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. Two men accused of murdering a prison officer in a "revenge plot" were pictured together at Glastonbury festival, a court has heard. Lenny Scott, 33, was shot six times with a handgun in the car park of a gym in Skelmersdale, Lancashire, on 8 February 2024. Elias Morgan, 35, and co-defendant Anthony Cleary, 29, who are both from the Edge Hill area of Liverpool, have denied Mr Scott's murder, while Mr Cleary also denies an alternative count of manslaughter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The prosecution allege his murder was an "act of retaliation" after Mr Scott seized a mobile phone from Mr Morgan's cell at HMP Altcourse in Liverpool in March 2020. Jurors at Preston Crown Court have heard a gunman, wearing a high-visibility jacket, approached Mr Scott outside the gym on Peel Road and shot him once in the head and five times in the body. Lenny Scott was shot six times as he left a gym in Skelmersdale [Lancashire Police] The prosecution claim Mr Morgan, of Highgate Street, was the gunman and that he was supported by co-accused Mr Cleary, of Smithdown Lane, who allegedly left a van and electric bike for Mr Morgan near the scene. The jury has heard during the police investigation, officers found a number of pieces of evidence which shows the connection between the two men. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One was a photograph recovered from Mr Cleary's mobile phone of the pair together at the Glastonbury festival together in June 2023. The photograph showed the pair among throngs of festivalgoers, Mr Morgan pictured with his arm around Mr Cleary. Later that year, on the 11 December, mobile phones used by Mr Morgan and Mr Cleary were using cell sites in southern Spain, the court heard. Also recorded in Spain on the same day was a Mercedes vehicle which was used by Mr Morgan, the court heard. The vehicle was driven back through Europe and into the UK, arriving back on 13 December by Mr Cleary, the court has heard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Morgan flew back to the UK, taking a flight first to Ireland and then on into the UK, jurors were told. The trial continues. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230. Related internet links Chancellor Friedrich Merz has backed the decision not to fly the rainbow flag on the Reichstag building - which houses the German Parliament - during Berlin Pride celebrations, saying the building "is not a circus tent." Julia Klockner - the president of Germany's lower house of parliament, the Bundestag - had decided not to fly the flag on the Reichstag during Pride celebrations - known locally as Christopher Street Day (CSD). Asked about Klockner's decision, Merz told German public broadcaster ARD on Tuesday that "the Bundestag is not a circus tent" on which flags can be hoisted at will. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The flag, a symbol for the queer community, is hoisted one day a year on May 17 to mark the international day against homophobia, he said. "On all other days, the German flag and the European flag are flown on the German Bundestag, and no others. And this decision is the right one." Everyone can fly whatever flags they want on their own doorstep, said the chancellor. "But we're talking about the German parliament here, and in the German parliament, we don't fly any flags every day, but the German national flag and the European flag." The Reichstag building - which houses the Bundestag - first flew the rainbow flag to mark CSD in 2022. Former Bundestag president Barbel Bas said raising the flag would show a commitment to diversity. Klockner's decision not to raise the flag at parliament on CSD was criticized by opposition parties the Greens and the Left, among others. Canadian gold mining company B2Gold has reported the inaugural gold pour at its Goose mine, part of the Back River gold district of Nunavut - a milestone for the company's first Canadian operation and its fourth active mine. The initial ore was processed at the Goose mine facilities on 24 June 2025, with operations running at 50% of the intended capacity during this phase, aligning with the company's strategy. The third quarter of 2025 will focus on achieving steady-state operations and scaling up to full capacity. This will involve the integration of additional generators and the optimisation of all processing circuits. B2Gold president and CEO Clive Johnson stated: I am pleased to announce that the Goose mine has achieved its inaugural gold pour, a true milestone for our staff and our partners who have worked tirelessly to reach this achievement. The commencement of gold production at the Goose mine marks an exciting step in B2Golds history, further diversifying and adding to the quality of the companys existing global operating portfolio. We look forward to many years of safe and successful production at the Goose mine, as well as further unlocking the value of the entire Back River gold district. Kitikmeot Inuit Association (KIA) has played a pivotal role in the development of the Goose mine. B2Gold emphasises that cooperation with the KIA is essential for its licence to operate in the region. B2Gold is committed to operating the Goose mine in a way that aligns with Inuit priorities, addresses concerns and delivers socio-economic benefits to the Kitikmeot region. The company anticipates reaching commercial production in the third quarter of 2025 and projects gold production for the year between 120,000 and 150,000 ounces (oz). It expects an average annual yield of about 300,000oz over the first six full years of operation (2026 to 2031), based solely on current mineral reserves. The company has allocated C$61m ($44.5m) for its 2025 corporate exploration budget, with C$32m earmarked for exploration in the Back River gold district, highlighting the area's significant untapped potential. In April, B2Gold announced plans to cut 300 jobs in Namibia as it begins the phased downscaling of operations at its Otjikoto gold mine, following the depletion of open pit reserves. "B2Gold pours first gold at Goose mine in Canada" was originally created and published by Mining Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. Angela Merkel or Gerhard Schroder? Which of the former politicians who served as chancellor before the current officeholder, Friedrich Merz, would he prefer to share a glass of wine with? "Neither at the moment," Merz replied on Tuesday in an interview on a popular public broadcaster's talk show. Okay - maybe a beer? "I hardly drink alcohol," the current chancellor retorted. Only when asked a third time he conceded that he at least might meet with his former conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party colleague - Merkel. Schroder is a Social Democrat (SPD). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Merz is not rushing to down a pint with her. "Yes, if the opportunity arises," he said on German public broadcaster ARD. The relationship between Merz and Merkel has been strained ever since Merkel, then CDU leader, ousted Merz as parliamentary group leader in the Bundestag, the German parliament, following the 2002 election. Their mutual dislike remains evident to this day. During the recent election campaign, Merkel openly criticized Merz for his handling of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) and she was back on the critic's bench on Monday over Merz's asylum policies. But Merz seems unperturbed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Asked if Merkel's criticism annoys him, he said: "No, everyone has to decide for themselves whether they want to speak out after leaving office or not." Then, in a reference to the some 1 million Syrians she allowed to come to Germany in 2015, he swiped back. "At the moment, we have to solve a few problems that have arisen over the past 10 years." Amid busy streets scattered with pedestrians, stray dogs and the Mexican National Guard lies Nogales, Mexico, where local business owners deliberate on how the second Trump administration has affected crime, border security and more. "Drug trafficking has been controlled a lot, theres barely any now. Its not like it used to be," Filiberto, a Mexican native who owns a photography business right outside the walkable entry point into Mexico, said. Juan, an entrepreneur at a local eatery, told Fox News Digital, "Weve gone through very tough times because, although right now this past year, these last two years theres been some calm in terms of insecurity, in earlier times we had a lot of problems." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pentagon Sets Up New 250 Mile Military Buffer Zone At Border With Crossings At Record Lows Two Chinese Nationals Arrested For Spying On Us Navy Personnel And Bases "I dont know if its the same or worse in truth, I dont know. But theres a lot thats very bad," Angelica, a local flower shop owner, said. "Here in my neighborhood, in my surroundings, yes, I live peacefully, thank God." Read On The Fox News App From "better" to "the same," some locals credited Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, while others discussed how relations with the United States have changed over time with different leaders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When asked about how border security updates under President Donald Trump have affected Nogales, various residents pointed out the construction of local shelters created in anticipation of mass deportations. Doj Directs Us Attorneys To Seek To Revoke Citizenship Of Naturalized Americans Over Crime "Many measures were taken here to [prepare] for Trumps announcement that a wave of people would come," Filiberto said. "Well-equipped shelters were built, and they were practically empty 10, 15, 30 people a day. So they dismantled them. I think now they dont exist anymore or they were reduced, because it wasnt what they threatened it would be," he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The border citys mayor, Juan Francisco Gim Nogales, echoed the sentiment of his community members in an earlier interview with Fox News Digital, saying, "We receive 60 migrants on average. So, nothing to do with the number we expected and with all the infrastructure we prepared." 2 Arrested At La Home Linked To Iranian 'Human Smuggling Hub': Cbp "There arent as many people wanting to cross the border anymore There used to be a lot, but things have calmed down a lot," food vendor Juan said. "The National Guard is watching the MexicoU.S. border closely the [number of] people who used to come from the south in caravans have decreased a lot. In fact, weve never had as much calm as we do today." Long-time Nogales resident Filiberto reflected on how crossing the border has changed over the past three decades. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "There was a lot of camaraderie, a sense of community. We used to cross into the U.S. without a problem, two, three, four, five times a day without any obstacles. The problem started when the U.S. began putting up barriers, both for visa procedures and even for crossing," he said. In response to questions about how Trumps border strategy has affected crossing attempts, most inhabitants referenced how new measures have impacted local sentiment about attempting to cross into America and noticeably smaller lines at ports of entry that have barely "seen anyone." "I think maybe fewer people are crossing, but there are still some. Many people dont stop trying," Angelica remarked. "There are not that many people that want to cross anymore. With what Trump is doing, people are starting to think about going back or staying put," local store owner Mario said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The border is very well guarded," a new entrepreneur setting up her storefront added. "[But] people always want a better life, thinking that the U.S. is better." Original article source: Mexican border town sees fewer crossing attempts, deportations than expected under Trump About 30 people held signs and chanted for expanding compensation for radiation victims outside of the Farm and Ranch Heritage Museaum on Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2024. U.S. Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) attended several events in Las Cruces. The federal governments program that gives payments to people sickened by nuclear weapons testing is one step closer to being reauthorized and expanded. On Tuesday, Senate Republicans passed their massive tax and spending package, nicknamed the big, beautiful bill among its many provisions is an expansion of the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act, or RECA, which expired more than a year ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If the bill clears the final vote needed from the House, downwinders in New Mexico will now receive compensation for their medical bills, marking a significant change to the program that advocates say was too narrow to begin with. Here are the RECA highlights, found in the final pages of the Senates 887-page bill: Downwinders in all of New Mexico, Utah and Idaho would now be eligible for payments. Coverage would also be widened in Arizona to include all of Coconino, Yavapai, Navajo, Apache, Gila, and Mohave counties. Residents who lived in certain parts of Missouri, Tennessee, Alaska and Kentucky who were sickened due to the Manhattan Project would also receive coverage. The programs new expiration date would be Dec. 31, 2028. In some cases, people who lived in affected areas for just one year would be eligible for compensation the program previously required they live there at least two years. The compensation amount originally $50,000 to $75,000 would be increased to $100,000 in most cases. Uranium miners and workers based in New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, Wyoming, South Dakota, Washington, Utah, Idaho, North Dakota, Oregon and Texas would be covered. The timeframe of eligibility would also be extended to 1990. RECA is generational legislation for Missouri and will finally deliver justice for survivors in the St. Louis region, said Missouri GOP Sen. Josh Hawley, who sponsored the provision. I call on the House to quickly pass this legislation and send it to President Trumps desk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement RECA expired in June 2024 after Congress failed to reauthorize it, and in the year since, downwinders who were just recently diagnosed with cancer or who didnt know about the program were left without compensation. The New Mexico delegation and radiation survivors marked the anniversary of its expiration by renewing calls for RECAs expansion. The program had been in place since 1990, but downwinders have long said it should be expanded. 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. Last year, New Mexico Democratic U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Lujan teamed up with Hawley to sponsor a bill that would expand the program to cover much of the West. The bill passed the Senate but stalled in the House, mostly over spending concerns. In mid-June, when Hawley re-introduced the measure into the GOP budget bill, the delegation responded by noting, in part, that the measure has previously garnered bipartisan support. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez, who represents the states 3rd Congressional District, also noted in a statement provided to Source that over the years of fighting for RECA, the states delegation and the advocates have built a broad coalition grounded in justice and science, yet Republican leadership refused to pass our bill and the program lapsed last year. Since then, people have been dying while Republican leadership in the House drags its feet. However, even a broken clock is right twice a day. While the broader Billionaires Budget Bill is deeply harmful in many ways, we are glad some Republicans are finally recognizing the value of RECA. New Mexicans have waited long enough. They deserve the compensation and recognition theyve earned through pain and sacrifice. Its not yet clear whether RECA has the support needed in the House to withstand the final vote. The New York Times estimates that the current proposed expansion will cost about $7.7 billion. Correction: A previous version reported uranium workers in South Dakota, North Dakota, Washington, Idaho, Oregon and Texas were not covered under RECA. While these states were not covered in the initial version of the bill, it was expanded in 2000 to included these states. Source New Mexico contributed reporting to this story. Utah News Dispatch 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. Jul. 1New Mexico is joining 15 other states in suing the Trump administration over the halted flow of $1 billion in federal mental health grants axed by the Department of Education earlier this year. The grants were introduced in a 2022 bipartisan piece of legislation called the Safer Communities Act, passed on the heels of the mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, that claimed the lives of 19 children and two adults. In April, the education department announced it would be terminating those grants. "It is one of our greatest responsibilities to protect the mental health and safety of our children," New Mexico Attorney General Raul Torrez said in a statement on Tuesday. "The Department's decision to abruptly eliminate this funding is not only reckless, but it also defies the law and threatens to dismantle programs that are saving lives." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The discontinuation of the grants occurred nearly a month after President Donald Trump signed an executive order in March to dismantle the Department of Education and as the administration worked toward cutting costs through the Department of Government Efficiency. The education department did not respond to a request for comment on why it chose to cut those grants. The cuts could have major effects across the state. For instance, the Central Region Educational Cooperative, or CREC, has been operating off a five-year, $6.5 million federal grant to provide mental health services to seven rural school districts: Belen Consolidated Schools, Estancia Municipal School District, Jemez Valley Public Schools, Magdalena Municipal School District, Mountainair Public Schools, Quemado Independent Schools and Vaughn Municipal Schools. "Removing these services means that students don't get the support ... their mental health is compromised. These are rural school districts, so there's no access to those services," said Velinda Pearson, CREC's school-based mental health program coordinator. "Working parents aren't going to drive their kiddo an hour or two hours away to get the service every week." Pearson added that the team had just reached full staffing in September, but if funding isn't salvaged, she and the rest of her staff could be out of jobs by December. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We are looking at other options. ... We'll try everything we can to continue the services," Pearson said. She said the plan written into the grant was to bill Medicaid for services provided after five years. But on Tuesday, with the passage of the budget reconciliation package by the Senate, sweeping cuts to Medicaid were made, which could alter that plan. Pearson met with the state's Public Education Department in June to discuss possibly filling the funding gap, but said that the department requested additional data. PED did not respond to a request for comment sent Monday, asking if it would help plug funding gaps. "New Mexico is experiencing a significant mental health crisis with one of the highest rates of suicide in the U.S. The defunding of programs like ours is alarming and upsetting," Pearson said. "We need to stop playing politics off the backs and lives of our most vulnerable communities and all come together in this fight to stop people's pain and suffering." The other states that joined the lawsuit are California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, Nevada, Oregon, Rhode Island, Wisconsin and Washington. NEW MEXICO (KRQE) New Mexicos Democratic leaders are warning that the One Big Beautiful Bill could be disastrous for New Mexicos thriving renewable energy industry. While republicans argue, the bill will be great for the states oil and gas companies. This bill goes against everything New Mexicans stand for. Its not honest, its not caring, and its not fair, said Senator Ben Ray Lujan, (D-NM). Story continues below Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senators Ben Ray Lujan and Martin Heinrich both voted against the bill. Heinrich said in a statement, in part, This bill will hike electricity bills, leave tens of millions uninsured, cut food assistance for millions more, shutter hundreds of nursing homes, force rural hospitals to close, and send health insurance premiums soaring. But the Republican Party of New Mexico argues New Mexicans will benefit. This will stop the runaway spending that the government does, said Amy Barela, Chairwoman of the Republican Party of New Mexico. The bill has New Mexico company Affordable Solar on edge. Its a scary time in the renewable energy space, said Neil Wenderoth, Sales Manager for Affordable Solar. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Senate made a last-minute change before passing the bill that removed a new tax on wind and solar energy projects. The bill would still phase out wind and solar tax credits for clean energy development, but on a slower timeline than originally proposed. Its a time where there should be more investment in all sectors of energy, and I think its very short-sighted that were cutting out incentives, said Wenderoth. Wenderoth anticipates the market decreasing by more than 80%, calling it a death sentence for the solar industry. Jobs are lost, people are not getting energy independence, less solar and wind are going into place, said Wenderoth. Barela argues that the bill would help New Mexicos oil and gas industry by expanding development on federal lands. So it makes America less dependent on foreign countries to provide us with everything. It strengthens us with oil and gas, said Barela. Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham said in a statement, in part, This bill is a disastrous, deficit-exploding gift to the ultra-wealthy made possible by gutting health care and food programs that millions of Americans rely on. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. NEW MEXICO (KRQE) The states Economic Development Department opened the doors of the Office of Technology and Innovation on Tuesday. The department absorbs the Office of Strategy, Science & Technology. Story continues below Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2021, New Mexico identified nine industry sectors where the Land of Enchantment held a competitive edge. These include oil and gas, film and television production, and outdoor recreation, among others. Four short years later, State Representative Meredith Dixon, along with other sponsors, introduced House Bill 20, which was passed and signed in April of 2025, establishing the new Office of Technology and Innovation. So the Technology and Innovation Office is really going to be focused on these high-growth science and technology areas. And, the four that are sort of called out in the legislation in the budget include aerospace and space. Advanced computing, which includes quantum artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, clean energy, and water. And then, bio sciences, said Dixon. While New Mexico is no stranger to these sectors, investment in them now could mean were on the ground floor of several multi-billion-dollar industries. As part of the bill, the state is committing $90 million to develop these sectors, which includes $40 million for research, development, and deployment. Then, $20 million for quantum technologies and more than $22 million for various grants and talent recruitment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Director of the Technology and Innovation Office, Nora Meyers Sackett, said that a number of promising start-ups have come from entrepreneurial scientists already developing concepts at the labs. As private industry is playing a bigger role in such federal programs as space exploration, cultivating these businesses now could have a big payoff for the state down the road. The creation of the Technology and Innovation Office is really just a reflection of the fact that New Mexico is at the forefront of the growth of technology innovation in the US and also globally. We are fortunate to have two Department of Energy national labs here, have an Air Force research lab here, and have world-class higher education institutions, said Meyers Sackett. Along with the establishment of the office, the state is hoping to become the first and only designated quantum tech hub in the federal tech hubs program. Meyers Sackett said that grant opportunities will be available for both established companies and start-ups as well. About New Mexico Frontiers New Mexico is the doorway to the new frontier leading the way into the future of Aerospace, Bio-science, Renewable Energy, Digital Media and Film, Advanced Manufacturing, and so much more. Join us as Chad Brummett and New Mexico Frontiers profile the movers and shakers from our state who are changing the world. New Mexico Frontiers celebrates the enterprising spirit of the states businesses, scientists, creators, and entrepreneurs. Sponsored content disclaimer: The information and advice displayed in this story are those of individual sponsors and guests and not Nexstar Media Group, inc. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. NEED TO KNOW Two men were found dead at a remote campsite at the Isle Royale National Park in Michigan last month The men have been identified as Bradley Baird, 30, and his 60-year-old father John Baird Officials have said little about the case, including who died first amid reports that their deaths are being investigated as a murder-suicide Two hikers found dead last month at a remote campsite at Isle Royale National Park in Michigan have been identified as a father and son, PEOPLE can confirm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MLive, The Minnesota Star Tribune, and local Fox 9 have identified the two deceased men as Bradley Baird, 30, and his father John Baird, 60, from just outside of Detroit. WLUC reported that Bradley was a self-employed writer, and John was a military veteran who most recently worked in insurance. The Keweenaw County medical examiner confirmed with PEOPLE this week that two are father and son. The identifications come after weeks of intrigue in the case, as local media outlets have struggled to get more information out of both local and federal officials who say theyre investigating the case. A special Keweenaw County Board meeting on Tuesday night led to local officials finally releasing the two mens identities after weeks of media inquiries about the case. MLive first reported last month that Keweenaw County Medical Examiner Dr. Michael McAllister told the outlet the two mens deaths were being investigated as a murder-suicide, though the official reportedly said it was not clear who died first. That report came after the National Parks Service had sent out a news release on June 12 saying that the Baird family had been notified of their deaths and that there was no known threat to the public at this time without explaining what threat there may have been. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The two men were discovered June 9 after park rangers received two separate reports of two persons found deceased at a remote backcountry campground within the park a day earlier. Two park rangers then hiked 11 miles overnight to the remote campground to investigate the reports, discovering the two men dead there early the next morning. This remains an ongoing investigation, and we have no further information to provide, the National Parks Service said on June 12, leading to weeks of secrecy surrounding the investigation, according to reports. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. The Star Tribune reported Tuesday that Keweenaw County officials have told media outlets that federal investigators with the FBI have asked them to not share information about the case, alleging it could lead to undermining efforts to complete the investigation into the Baird father and sons deaths. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McAllister told PEOPLE that he is still waiting on a toxicology report from the victims and that the report "can take some time." For now, the medical examiner says, the Bairds' cause of death remains "listed as pending." Local Fox 9 reported that other campers who say they were in the area that night posted on Reddit about allegedly hearing screams from near the campsite. According to the outlet, a person claiming to have been near the campsite that night alleged they heard a "latrine door slammed a few times, and then the yelling started," according to their post. It was repetitive, filled with threats of self-harm and violence toward others, the alleged camper wrote in a discussion about the case. After hiking about a half mile, we could still hear him screaming. Read the original article on People Michael Steele, a former chair of the Republican National Committee, issued a stark warning Tuesday about Donald Trumps agenda, cautioning that even the presidents supporters arent safe. Speaking on MSNBC, where he is now a host, Steele urged all Americans to take Trump at his word, particularly following his remarks that some U.S. citizens, including those actually born in the country, could be stripped of their nationality and deported for certain crimes. I dont even know why people at this point act like this is not the plan, said Steele, who led the RNC from 2009 to 2011 and has since become one of Trumps most outspoken conservative critics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I mean, its a slow and its not that slow, actually process to get to where we are. Its been step by step. Its been layered. It has been articulated very clearly. It is Project 2025. We told yall that. We directed you to the document. So theres no surprise here, he continued. America, youre next. Citizens in neighborhoods and communities youre next, Steele cautioned. And he had a further warning for all you little Republicans think youre not on the list. Trust me, baby, youre on the list, he said. Youre on the list. Because thats the way this authoritarian thing happens. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They use you. They punk you. They get you to do their bidding. And as weve just seen play out with Elon Musk, they flip the script, he said, referring to the spectacular fall from grace in Trumpworld of his onetime ally and donor, the worlds richest person. Trump this week has talked about looking at deporting Musk. I mean, come on, guys. I dont know what people expect here. The blindersthis is coming at us, Steele added. Its at you. Its at me. ... Its everybody in this country. Babies that have not been born yet, whose mothers dont know whether or not, if their child is born in state X, that child is a U.S. citizen. Watch the full analysis here: Related... Hundreds of Northern Michigan bartenders, servers and hotel staff hit hard by the March ice storm received $95,000 in emergency assistance from the Michigan Hospitality Foundation. The package included $75,000 in relief checks, $15,000 in Meijer gift cards and 150 freezerready food boxes, according to a June 26 update. The storm knocked out electricity to more than 90,000 homes and businesses across 10 counties, many belonging to people who rely on hourly hospitality wages. Downed power poles and lines are seen on South Otsego Avenue in Gaylord on Monday, March 31, 2025. According to a community announcement, relief checks and gift cards were intended to cover lost income, pay for repairs and replace spoiled groceries. Each food box came packed with turkey and beef donated by Buckhead Meats plus other staples from Sysco of Michigan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The effort was spearheaded by the Michigan Hospitality Foundation, the nonprofit arm of the Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association. Funding flowed through the groups Hospitality Industry Employee Relief Fund, created to help workers facing illness, injury or natural disasters. The hospitality industry is the backbone of Michigans economy and its people are the heart of our communities, executive director Amanda Smith said in the announcement. Beth Deck, a maitre d at Brandys Harbortown in Bay Harbor, called the grant a lifeline after losing paychecks during the outage. It reminded me this industry isnt just about business its a community that shows up for each other, Deck said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More information about the relief fund and how to donate is available at michiganhospitalityfoundation.org. This story was created by David DeMille, ddemille@gannett.com, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct. This article originally appeared on Cheboygan Daily Tribune: Michigan Hospitality Foundation gives $95K to workers after ice storm The Michigan Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big. Heres a look at July 1, 2025, results for each game: Winning Daily 3 numbers from July 1 drawing Midday: 8-9-7 Evening: 9-0-7 Check Daily 3 payouts and previous drawings here. Winning Daily 4 numbers from July 1 drawing Midday: 0-6-3-5 Evening: 8-6-6-6 Check Daily 4 payouts and previous drawings here. Winning Lucky For Life numbers from July 1 drawing 01-02-19-30-33, Lucky Ball: 02 Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here. Winning Poker Lotto numbers from July 1 drawing AH-5C-6C-9C-5S Check Poker Lotto payouts and previous drawings here. Winning Fantasy 5 numbers from July 1 drawing 13-15-24-36-37 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 02-16-20-27-39 Check Fantasy 5 payouts and previous drawings here. Winning Daily Keno numbers from July 1 drawing 09-10-15-18-21-26-30-32-33-35-40-42-44-47-50-52-59-60-63-66-68-75 Check Daily Keno payouts and previous drawings here. Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results Are you a winner? Heres how to claim your lottery prize All Michigan Lottery retailers can redeem prizes up to $600. For prizes up to $99,999.99, winners have the option to submit their claim by mail or in person at one of Michigan Lotterys Regional Offices. To claim by mail, complete a ticket receipt form, sign your winning ticket, and send it along with original copies of your government-issued photo ID and Social Security card to the address below. Ensure the names on your ID and Social Security card match exactly. Claims should be mailed to: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Michigan Lottery Attn: Claim Center 101 E. Hillsdale P.O. Box 30023 Lansing, MI 48909 For prizes over $100,000, winners must claim their prize in person at the Michigan Lottery Headquarters in Lansing located at 101 E. Hillsdale in downtown Lansing. Each winner must present original versions of a valid government-issued photo ID (typically a drivers license or state ID) and a Social Security card, ensuring that the names on both documents match exactly. To schedule an appointment, please call the Lottery Player Relations office at 844-887-6836, option 2. If you prefer to claim in person at one of the Michigan Lottery Regional Offices for prizes under $100,000, appointments are required. Until further notice, please call 1-844-917-6325 to schedule an appointment. Regional office locations are as follows: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lansing: 101 E. Hillsdale St. Lansing; Phone: 844-917-6325 Livonia: 33231 Plymouth Road, Livonia; Phone: 844-917-6325 Sterling Heights: 34700 Dequindre Road, Sterling Heights; Phone: 844-917-6325 Detroit: Cadillac Place, 3060 W. Grand Blvd., Suite L-600, Detroit; Phone: 844-917-6325 Grand Rapids: 3391-B Plainfield Ave. NE, Grand Rapids; Phone: 844-917-6325 Saginaw: Jerome T. Hart State Office Building, 411 E. Genesee Ave., Saginaw; Phone: 844-917-6325 For additional information, downloadable forms, and instructions, visit the Michigan Lottery's prize claim page. When are Michigan Lottery drawings held? Daily 3 & Daily 4: Midday at 12:59 p.m., Evening at 7:29 p.m. Fantasy 5: 7:29 p.m. daily Poker Lotto: 7:29 p.m. daily Lotto 47: 7:29 p.m. Wednesday and Saturday Lucky for Life: 10:38 p.m. daily Daily Keno: 7:29 p.m. daily This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Michigan editor. You can send feedback using this form. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan Lottery Daily 3, Daily 4 results for July 1, 2025 Banking Circle has joined forces with PayGlocal to streamline international payment collections for Indian exporters and marketplace sellers. By leveraging Banking Circles direct clearing access and its virtual account solutions, PayGlocal aims to strengthen its cross-border payment services, enabling Indian businesses to collect funds from international markets, including Europe, the UK, and Australia. PayGlocal is a cross-border payment aggregator, licenced by Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Banking Circle chief commercial officer Mishal Ruparel said: Our collaboration with PayGlocal is a significant step in reducing friction for Indian exporters and enhances our presence in India. By combining our local clearing network with PayGlocals merchant-focused platform, were enabling faster, cost-effective cross-border payments that support Indias growing role in global trade. As part of the partnership, PayGlocal plans to expand its multi-currency account offering to include Australian Dollars (AUD), in addition to its current capabilities in US Dollars (USD), Euros (EUR), and British Pounds (GBP). The use of local clearing rails is anticipated to provide merchants with faster settlements, all accessible through a single API. PayGlocal co-founder and chief product officer Rohit Sukhija said: PayGlocal helps Indian businesses expand globally by enabling them the ability to move money quickly, compliantly, and without friction which is critical. This tie-up with Banking Circle strengthens that foundation by combining trusted infrastructure, regulatory alignment, and a shared commitment to solving real merchant challenges at scale without making them handle the complexities themselves. Earlier in the year, Banking Circle announced the acquisition of Australian Settlements Limited (ASL), a decision aligned with its vision to establish a global hub for real-time clearing and settlement. "Banking Circle partners with PayGlocal to boost Indian exporters payments " was originally created and published by Electronic Payments International, a GlobalData owned brand. Former Corporate Counsel for the Kalamazoo County Community Mental Health Authority Steven Burnham (right)speaks to lawmakers on the Michigan House Public Health and Food Security Committee on July 1, 2025 | Photo by Anna Liz Nichols/Michigan Advance A shortage of psychiatric beds in Michigan is leading to repeated and impractical interactions with law enforcement for individuals in need of mental health care, mental health advocates told state lawmakers Tuesday. In order to provide the minimum of appropriate care, researchers and the Treatment Advocacy Center regard 30 psychiatric beds for every 100,000 residents living in a state. A 2024 report from the Treatment Advocacy Center, a non profit that advocates for timely access to mental health care, found that Michigan has about 19 beds per 100,000 residents, a shortage of about 1000 beds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And what that shortage means, particularly for children, is families having to send children going through mental health crises to residential programs in other states, Marianne Huff, president and CEO of the Mental Health Association of Michigan told lawmakers during a meeting of the Michigan House Public Health and Food Security Committee. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX And the only ways kids with serious emotional disturbances can access that specialized residential treatment is if they encounter the juvenile justice system, Huff said. We really need to broaden and strengthen the continuum of care. Kids should not have to go into the juvenile justice system to get residential treatment, which is typically out of state, Huff said. Unless youve experienced or had to navigate behaviors with a child with serious emotional disturbance, it can be really hard to imagine how emotionally and physically and psychologically difficult and draining that can be for parentsI think we need to be looking at the full continuum not just emergency rooms or state hospitals or outpatient. Its what we can do to mitigate the behavior and the symptoms so that people dont need to end up in longer term placements. Marianne Huff, president and CEO of the Mental Health Association of Michigan speaks to lawmakers on the Michigan House Public Health and Food Security Committee on July 1, 2025 | Screenshot House TV Michigans lack of temporary long-term placements for individuals experiencing severe mental health crises both impacts the health care system and the criminal justice system that are each doing what they can to make up for Michigans lack of robust mental health infrastructure, former Corporate Counsel for the Kalamazoo County Community Mental Health Authority Steven Burnham told lawmakers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Having spent time working with the countys community mental health resources, Burnham said he remembers getting confused when a 12-year-old or 15-year-old would be entering the criminal justice system when it was clear they needed mental health resources. Were either all the way here or all the way there, and we have nothing in the middle, Burnham said. What we need is access to longer length of stay treatment state hospital level of care, highly trained, fully staffed, specialized residential options. In Grand Traverse County, the countys sheriffs office is attempting to address a psychiatric crisis and are unable to connect individuals who are incarcerated with appropriate services in a timely measure, though the department dedicates a great deal of time and money trying, case manager and social worker for the department Sarah Bush told lawmakers. The department is responsible for 169 incarcerated individuals currently, with 38 individuals being determined to be severely and persistently mentally ill Bush said, and 85 of the cases involve diagnosis of substance use and mental health. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When the department attempts to get individuals high acuity hospital beds for individuals experiencing mental health crises, the department has to dedicate an officer to stay with them until they get a bed, which often there is not one that can be made available so they are transported back to the department, Bush said. This process has cost the sheriffs department over 197 hours of overtime as officers often have to transport individuals 4 hours down to Detroit to try and get a bed space, Bush said. We did start the jail diversion program where we are educating our officers to utilize mental health services so thats been working a little, but the bed placement is really where were struggling currently, Bush said. From a community mental health perspective, Bush said its really difficult to see the same people, over and over again, come through the system and eventually get into the court system over issues that should have been addressed by mental health professionals and not necessarily resulted in an arrest. But once an arrest happens, its hard for the appropriate mental health services to be provided. Its just a repeating cycle, and its a vicious cycle, not only just a healthcare issue, but it is a public safety issue, and without action, this gap in our community is going to continue to grow, Bush said. I urge you to increase the number of beds in northern Michigan, because I do feel like its been neglected. LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) Last week, the Supreme Court ruled 6-3 along ideological lines in favor of parents in Montgomery County, Md., who sought to opt their children out of classroom instructions that use books with LGBTQ+ themes. 6 News spoke with a Michigan 8th-grade English teacher who discussed the ruling and the potential downsides she sees in her classroom. Supreme Court sides with parents seeking opt-outs from LGBTQ books in schools Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think one of the biggest fears is, Oh, youre going to mindwash my kid into being gay,' Carlie Rockwell said. Thats not whats happening here. I dont have some explicit, rainbow-covered bookshelf. Its a matter of parents having an open communication with their educators and school districts before a major push to ban things. Notably, Rockwell recalled a moment in which a student of hers picked up Pumpkin by Julie Murphy, a book about a fat, openly gay teen in West Texas who is nominated for prom queen as a joke but instead embraces it and finds community. The main character confronts bullying and even becomes friends with one of the nominees for prom king. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I had a student pick that up off the shelf, she said. They were like, Oh my god, this looks so gay, I want to read it. And I said, OK, talk to me about that. Where is that coming from? And theyre like, Well, Im gay and I feel like I want to read stories like me. OK, thats great, lets read this, come back to me and lets talk about it. They find out throughout this story that not only is the main character gay, but he is also interested in drag. And this kid, after finishing the book, was just like, (gasp), Ive never been interested [in drag] but it was so amazing to watch a character feel so confident after overcoming [so many obstacles]. It wasnt just about the character being gay. It wasnt about the character watching drag. It was about the character realizing they had a community they belonged to. And thats what the student held on to. The student said, Wow, this is a kid who went through all these obstacles and was ostracized and made fun of, and found a place where he could call home. That, for me, was the key feature of the conversation. I want all students to have access to that. Rockwell also discussed relationships between students in the classroom and compared the ruling to the free lunch program, and how kids are often picked on for getting free lunch. She says something similar may happen here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you were a kid who qualified for free lunch, you were that kid,' she said. All of a sudden you have this separation thats very clear and very destructive I envision that some students will be flagged in some way, shape or form. In adolescence, thats a really damning thing. All kids want in middle school is to feel included. Watch our full interview 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 WLNS 6 News. MACON, Ga. (WRBL) The U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced today that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has signed an agreement with Middle Georgia State University to join an enhanced air traffic controller initiative. The enhanced Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) will help increase the amount of students get into air traffic facilities and be on the job faster. We need more of the best and brightest in our towers to make our nations air traffic system the envy of the world, said U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy. Enhanced AT-CTI programs like the one at Middle Georgia State University are key to building a next-generation workforce, reducing delays, unlocking the future of aviation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The FAA has authorized eight programs at several schools to provide the same advanced curriculum that students would obtain at the FAAs academy in Oklahoma City. As Georgias flagship aviation school, we take seriously the responsibility of equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and credentials needed for safe and efficient air travel, said Dr. Christopher Blake, president of Middle Georgia State University. This is the first program authorized in Georgia. This comes during a nationwide shortage of roughly 3,000 air traffic controllers. Secretary Duffy also announced a package to boost the controller workforce, including financial incentives for graduates and new hires for completing initial training milestones, and those who are assigned to hard-to-staff facilities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WRBL. Video: Prior coverage of Kayla Harrisons gold medal run during the 2016 Rio Olympics. DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) An Olympian and UFC champion is headed home. Middletown Olympian signed by UFC The city announced that Kayla Harrison, current UFC Womens Bantamweight Champion, will be returning home on Thursday, July 10 for a homecoming rally and celebration. Harrison will also be featured on a live recording of The Middletown Now Podcast. Photo/City of Middletown. Middletown has played such a meaningful role in my journey, and Im deeply grateful for the opportunity to share this special moment with my family, friends, and fans. As they say, Once a Middie, always a Middie, Harrison said ahead of her return. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The event is being held at Wade E. Miller Arena inside Middletown High School and is open to the public. Doors open at 6 p.m., thirty minutes before showtime. Join us for a celebration and live podcast interview, the city said in a social media post. Harrison will stick around after the event to sign autographs. There will also be merch on sale. Harrison is a two-time Olympic gold medalist (2012 and 2016), a two-time Female Fighter of the Year nominee by the World MMA Awards and she was also named ESPNs Female Fighter of the Year in 2024. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com. Migrants should be required to pay back the cost of their housing if granted asylum, the ex-head of Border Force has said. Tony Smith, the former director general of the force, said up to half the 5.4 billion a year spent processing, accommodating and supporting asylum seekers could be recouped. When migrants are granted the right to paid work, the state could deduct a portion over their lifetimes in the way student loans are recovered from graduates, he suggested. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The money would cover the costs of the support they received on arrival. Mr Smith said such a change could act as a deterrent to migrants as well as an incentive to work. He said: If they got the message that its not a free ride and any money that they cost the state would have to be repaid, it would act as a deterrent. We could also serve them notice on arrival of the costs they would incur if placed in hotels and asylum accommodation and give them the option to stay with friends or relatives as well. He suggested successful asylum claimants should not be granted indefinite leave to remain or citizenship until they had paid off their debts. Tony Smith believes the change could act as an incentive to work Chris Philp, the shadow home secretary, backed the idea, saying: Illegal immigrants who needlessly come from a safe country like France and claim asylum should not have a free ride. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Where they are housed at taxpayers expense, it is only reasonable that they should have to pay these costs back. British taxpayers have been fleeced for too long by illegal immigrants abusing our system. This nonsense has to end. International refugee law and human rights conventions require any country to support asylum seekers who present themselves as destitute. As well as accommodation, this includes a weekly allowance of 49.18 a week. They can apply to work after a year. The proposal comes as Sir Keir Starmers attempts to save more than 5 billion from the welfare bill were blown apart by the biggest backbench rebellion of his premiership. Keir Starmer recently attended a summit aimed at stopping the criminal gangs which smuggle people over the Channel in small boats - Benjamin Cremel/PA Angela Rayner, the deputy prime minister, was revealed by The Telegraph before the Budget to have proposed curbing benefits for migrants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She suggested limiting their access to the state pension and to welfare benefits, and increasing the NHS surcharge foreigners must pay for health treatment. The Home Office confirmed on Wednesday that the number of Channel crossings by migrants so far this year had passed 20,000, setting a new record high for the first six months of a year. Mr Smith said: We have still got a system where there is no end in sight to the boats even with the Governments one-in, one-out scheme. The vast majority will claim to be destitute and will not be returned from the UK. When they arrive, we fingerprint, photograph and get a record of them. The thousands of pounds racked up could be calculated by the Home Office a bit like a student loan scheme when they go to university. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its not right that the taxpayer should have to pick up that bill any more. We should say: You want to come here, stay here and work here but the moment you set foot here you are racking up costs to the state which we are not prepared to cover any more. Once you are given permission to work in this country, those costs will be deducted from your income and that will be carried through. You will not get indefinite leave to remain until your debts are paid off. It would encourage them to work to pay off their debts. I do not understand why we are not doing anything on cost recovery. Students are accruing debts and they are going to have to pay them back over their lifetimes. Anyone who goes to university is in that state. With the technology there is with biometric systems, with identification, its a workable solution because it would pay for itself. You would be able to say how much you are saving. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The asylum bill has nearly doubled in just two years from 3 billion to 5.4 billion, with more than 30,000 asylum seekers accommodated in hotels at a cost of more than 5 million a day. There are currently more than 100,000 asylum seekers awaiting an initial decision on their claim. 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. COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) Of the substantial 67 state budget provisions Gov. Mike DeWine vetoed, three protected his successors authority. DeWine vetoed three provisions to protect governors powers in Ohio: one that would limit which flags could be hung on state-owned buildings and two provisions regarding the next biennial budget cycle. Just one of these items would have affected his tenure as governor, as term-limited DeWine will transfer power after the 2026 gubernatorial election, but he said the vetoes were important to preserve future governors flexibility. See previous coverage of the budget in the video player above. This marks the fourth and final biennial budget DeWine has signed into law, and he vetoed more line items then any previous budget he oversaw. Previously, his record was 44 in 2023. He vetoed 14 items in 2021 and 25 in 2019, his inaugural year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What the states new flat income tax will mean for Ohioans The only provision that would have affected DeWines tenure was the flag limitations. Under the budget draft, state buildings in Ohio would only be allowed to fly state agency flags or the Ohio, U.S. and POW/MIA flags. DeWine said this removed the governors right to honor other groups. The governor should have the authority to approve additional flags not included in this section to ensure state-owned properties can properly pay respect to the armed forces and other worthy public causes as deemed necessary by the governor, DeWine said. DeWine also vetoed two provisions that would have adjusted how the maximum budget amount is calculated. He said the budget already goes through months of vetting in both chambers of the General Assembly, so added protections would just complicate matters for his successor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement (This) will make the development of the fiscal year 2028-2029 budget difficult for the next governor, DeWine wrote in his veto explanation. How Bishop Sycamore scandal led governor to veto part of Ohios budget A spokesperson for the Governors office said state budgets often include limits on executive powers that get vetoed. This budget stands out, however, as DeWine is acting primarily for his successor. The race for Ohios next governor is more than a year away, but the Ohio Republican Party has already given its support to billionaire Vivek Ramaswamy. Ramaswamy was endorsed by the party in May, with Republican challenger and current Attorney General Dave Yost removing himself from the race a week later. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lt. Gov. Jim Tressell told NBC News in a statement that he is considering a run for governor, but he has yet to declare. Dr. Amy Acton, who led the states early COVID-19 response alongside DeWine, is the only Democrat who has declared candidacy. Former Sen. Sherrod Brown and former Rep. Tim Ryan are both rumored to be considering a gubernatorial race, but Acton remains the sole Democrat in the race for now. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) on Tuesday conceded that the final House vote on Donald Trumps big, beautiful bill may be delayed due to a wild card factor as the lower chamber races to deliver a win for the president by his self-imposed deadline. The U.S. Senate on Tuesday passed the bill with Vice President JD Vance casting the tie-breaking vote after Republicans managed to win over the support of Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska). The Senates version of the bill will now need to be approved by the House before it heads to Trumps desk. In an interview with Fox News Sean Hannity, Johnson said some members have struggled to return to Washington as a result of flight delays and cancellations prompted by the thunderstorms affecting the East Coast, including the nations capital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were having weather delays, getting everybody back right now, Johnson said. The bill got through the House Rules Committee early Wednesday and will now move on for consideration by the full House. Hopefully were voting on this by [Wednesday] or Thursday at latest depending on the weather delays and travel and all the rest, he added. Thats the wild card that we cant control. Johnson: Hopefully, were voting on this by tomorrow or Thursday at latest pic.twitter.com/R4cBJVLnsM Acyn (@Acyn) July 2, 2025 Given his slim majority, Johnson can only afford to lose a handful of votes. However, while many GOP members previously expressed reservations about the bill, Reps. Thomas Massie (Ky.) and Warren Davidson (Ohio) were the only Republicans to actually vote against the legislation when it passed the House last month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) said he expected all Democrats to be in attendance. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.) said he was driving to Washington after his flight was canceled to make it back in time. Some GOP lawmakers, including Reps. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) and Russell Fry (R-S.C.), who also faced travel hiccups chose to drive in, sharing their car journey on social media. In a post on his Truth Social platform following the Senate vote, Trump called on House Republicans to unite behind the bill and pass it by his arbitrary July 4 deadline, urging them to ignore the partys occasional GRANDSTANDERS. We are on schedule Lets keep it going, and be done before you and your family go on a July 4thvacation, Trump wrote. The American People need and deserve it. They sent us here to, GET IT DONE! But Trump appears to now accept the prospect that the passage of the legislation may be delayed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Id love to do July 4, but I think its very hard to do July 4, he told reporters earlier on Tuesday. The bill has drawn heat as it includes about $4 trillion in tax cuts for wealthy Americans, partially paid for by nearly $1 trillion in cuts to Medicaid. The legislation is also expected to add over $3 trillion to the national debt over the next decade, according to a nonpartisan estimate. Related... The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry told U.S. Charge d'Affaires John Ginkel that any delays in U.S. military aid would only prolong the war, the Foreign Ministry said on July 2 after the Pentagon reportedly paused some weapons shipments. Ginkel met Deputy Foreign Minister Mariana Betsa at the request of Ukraine's chief diplomat, Andrii Sybiha. During the meeting, the Ukrainian side warned that "any delay or hesitation in supporting Ukraine's defense capabilities will only encourage Russia to continue war and terror, rather than pursue peace." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The meeting came amid reporting in the U.S. media that the U.S. Defense Department had paused some of the previously allocated shipments of weapons to Kyiv as part of a review. Among the withheld items are Patriot air defense missiles, precision artillery rounds, Hellfire missiles, and other munitions used by Ukraine's F-16 fighter jets. White House spokesperson Anna Kelly later confirmed the move, saying that the decision "was made to put America's interests first following a (Defense Department) review of our nation's military support and assistance to other countries across the globe." The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry did not explicitly confirm the pause in its statement. According to the ministry's readout, Betsa underscored Ukraine's gratitude for U.S. aid and stressed the critical importance of continued deliveries, namely air defenses. Separately, parliamentary defense committee member Fedir Venislavskyi told RBK-Ukraine that Ukraine has not received an official confirmation of the suspension. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Any restrictions on the supply of those resources that are very important to us are undoubtedly negative," Venislavskyi said, adding that Ukraine nevertheless has some "reserve capacities." Read also: As US aid to Ukraine dries up, new platform connects Americans investors with Ukrainian startups In the conversation with Ginkel, Betsa also stressed that Russia continues to reject a U.S.-proposed ceasefire that Kyiv agreed to during talks in Jeddah on March 11 and only intensifies its aerial attacks and ground offensives against Ukraine. "Ukraine supports peace efforts and supports the U.S. calls for an immediate end to the killings and the war, stressing the need to compel Russia to seek peace," the Foreign Ministry said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Under these circumstances, strengthening Ukraine's defense capabilities and ramping up coordinated transatlantic pressure on Russia are critically important." The aid pause comes in a critical moment as Russia is ramping up its aerial strikes across Ukraine and intensifying offensive operations along the front line. In June, Russia launched a record 5,337 Shahed-type attack drones at Ukrainian targets, the highest monthly total since the start of the full-scale invasion in February 2022. The Trump administration has yet to approve any new major aid package for Ukraine and revealed plans to reduce military assistance in next year's budget. The pause comes despite U.S. President Donald Trump recently signaling support for further Patriot supplies to Kyiv. Read also: Ukraines new interceptor UAVs are starting to knock Russias long-range Shahed drones out of the sky Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. By Sabine Siebold WIESBADEN, Germany (Reuters) -Fenced off behind barbed wire, about 350 soldiers from 31 countries including Ukrainians work in a hangar and air-conditioned green tents at a U.S. military base in Germany. Their job at the Clay Barracks in Wiesbaden is to match Kyiv's needs in terms of weapons, equipment and training with offers received from donor countries in NATO and outside the Western alliance as Russia's war in Ukraine drags on. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Six months after NATO set up a command centre at the base to coordinate military aid for Ukraine, military assistance for Kyiv is evolving, especially when it comes to drone production. After Russia's invasion in 2022, NATO states provided support for Kyiv's military effort largely by depleting their own inventories and Ukraine was heavily dependent on Western defence firms. Military aid today is increasingly shifting towards bolstering Kyiv's defence industry, Major General Maik Keller, deputy commander of NATO's Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine (NSATU), told Reuters at the mission's headquarters in Wiesbaden. "Now, we need to change our focus," Keller said in an interview at Clay Barracks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said Ukraine had shown creativity, and praised the speed of its innovation, production and certification processes. The manufacture of drones was an area where NATO states could learn and even eventually buy weapons from Kyiv, he said. "Defence procurement is not a one-way street. Looking at drones, there is certainly a lot that we might want to buy from Ukraine, though, for now, I believe they need their entire output themselves," Keller said. NATO's Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe, Admiral Keith Blount, also says Western allies may learn a lot from Ukraine, in particular on autonomous weapons such as drones. "We're learning about power of autonomy in a way that we always imagined was the future, but we are seeing it accelerated perhaps even faster than any of us could have imagined", Blount told Reuters while visiting NSATU's headquarters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was referring to the use of drones on the sea, beneath the sea and on the ground as well as in the air. "That has been logarithmic, really, in the pace of adoption and actually the ability for Ukraine not just to learn how to use them, but learn how to make them, which has been fascinating," he said. PRESSING NEEDS Military assistance to Ukraine is evolving as European allies and Canada prepare to increase defence spending amid concerns over Russia's military ambitions and following demands by U.S. President Donald Trump. The companies that are producing arms for use by Ukraine will also be needed by NATO members to increase their own weapons stocks, Keller said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Keller said Ukraine's most pressing needs were air defence systems, ammunition and anti-tank mines to hold territory without tying down too many troops in the war with Russia. NSATU was established partly to make Western military aid less dependent on the United States, whose commitment to Ukraine under Trump has been called into question. A decision by Washington to halt some weapons shipments to Kyiv has underlined those concerns, prompting new concerns in Ukraine on Wednesday about its ability to defend itself. The United States, however, provides NSATU's commander and about 9% of its personnel in Wiesbaden. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most supplies are shipped to Ukraine through a NSATU hub in Poland, which NATO says sends in 18,000 tons each month, and a second hub is being established in Romania. Keller said he expected military aid channelled by NSATU to remain at least steady for now but that this depended on what political decisions were taken. Asked whether NSATU would be capable of sustaining Ukraine's resistance should the U.S. drop out, he said: "Yes." He also cautioned, however, that "Europe and Canada would be hard pressed" to replace some critical capabilities such as satellite surveillance although he made clear NSATU itself was not making use of satellite imagery. (Reporting by Sabine Siebold, Editing by Timothy Heritage) CHICAGO (AP) Standing near the gravestone for the relative he never met, Mark Bailey accepted the crisply folded American flag from the Army officer, hugged it to his chest and closed his eyes. Though the person he called his aunt born Reba Caroline Bailey had been estranged, missing for decades and died in 2015 as an unidentified ward of the state, he felt connection and a sense of closure. I want to let Reba know were part of the circle and part of the family, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mark Bailey was among dozens of attendees at an unusual funeral service with military honors this week for an Illinois veteran with memory problems so severe that they died an unnamed person. The ceremony became possible because of an extraordinary cold case investigation that identified the 75-year-old postmortem. Investigators unearthed the mystery of how the Womens Army Corps veteran ended up homeless in Chicago with few recollections of their own life, aside from identifying as a man named Seven. I never knew I had this family member, said Mark Baileys 19-year-old son Cole, who also drove from central Illinois for the service. Its nice to know I have somebody thats been found and isnt lost anymore. Since the investigations conclusion, the numbered cement cylinder that marked the unidentified grave has been replaced with a rectangular plague with a cross that reads: Reba Caroline Bailey, PFC US Army. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The cold case The case of Seven Doe, the name appearing in some official records, came to Cook County Sheriff Tom Darts office in 2023. The unidentified body belonged to a person who died of natural causes in an assisted living facility. They were a ward of the state, unable to remember a legal name or family. The cause of death was heart disease with diabetes and dementia as contributing factors and the body was buried in a section for unclaimed people at Mount Olivet Catholic Cemetery on Chicago's Far South Side. The medical examiner marked it as the 4,985th case of the year and put the number on the headstone. In 2023, investigators ran fingerprints taken postmortem and found a 1961 Army record for the veteran, formerly of Danville, about 140 miles (225.31 kilometers) south of Chicago. The search for close living relatives came up short; five siblings and an ex-husband had all died. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The family members they did locate had only heard stories of a relative who had disappeared. After making the identification, detectives ordered a new headstone with the same name on military records. It was quietly installed last year. Commander Jason Moran, who oversees the sheriffs missing persons unit, said it was rewarding to make sure the identified veteran got the benefit of a funeral with military honors. Its just a privilege to be able to help families and really close the story, said Moran, whose work on other high-profile cold cases has gained notoriety. Seven's mysterious life Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several generations of the Bailey family have told stories about what happened to their missing relative since leaving the military to get married. They've wondered about the possibility of children or their relative's gender identity. Some believe that there was a family dispute but the stories about its origins vary from the decision to join the military to sexual orientation. Family members tried to find their missing relative over the years, including Amanda Ingram, who would have been a great-niece. She maintains a meticulous family tree with Census records and photos. Its amazing how somebody can just disappear like that and not know what happened, Ingram said this week. Im pretty sure were never going to know the details. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On a winter day in the late 1970s, a person wearing a military-style jacket and aviator cap was curled up on the porch of St. Francis Catholic Worker House in Chicago. Residents who stayed there at the time told the Associated Press that the person asked to be called Seven, spoke in the third person and identified as a man. Seven quickly became the house cook. The meals drew crowds to the neighborhood where several homeless advocacy groups operated, according to former residents' accounts. Investigators have tried to explain the memory loss and floated theories about brain damage related to a 1950 car accident that killed Bailey's mother or to military service. That included stints at Fort Ord in California, a polluted former Army base, and Fort McClellan in Alabama, formerly used for chemical weapons training, and where the federal government has acknowledged potential exposure to toxins. Neither family, investigators nor residents of the worker house figured out the meaning behind the name Seven. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ingram, who lives in Alabama, couldnt make the ceremony this week. But she asked volunteers from an Illinois chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution to attend on her behalf. Everybody who comes to visit that cemetery will pass by it and know who she was, said Ingram, whose detailed family trees include records using Bailey's birth name. Honoring a complicated life Mark Bailey said he and his son wanted to bring something to the service that would honor both parts of their long-lost relative's life. They had heard their relative had an affinity for the Cubs and looked for a jersey with the number 7 on it, but settled on a blue team cap. They set it on the headstone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The service held Tuesday included prayers, a 21-gun salute and a bugler playing taps a chilling, 24-note salute that is traditionally played at funerals of U.S. military veterans. Attendees included Cook County sheriff's investigators and Archdiocese of Chicago staff. I just wish the rest of them could be identified as well, Mark Bailey told those attending while pointing to the rows of unidentified graves. Dart, the Cook County sheriff, said the ceremony left him nearly speechless, saying the Illinois veteran deserved military honors and a flag from the U.S. president instead of being forgotten and left as an anonymous number somewhere. Relatives said they planned to eventually display the flag at the American Legion in Potomac, near where the Bailey family has roots. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mark Bailey said the acknowledgement of military service was particularly meaningful with so many veterans in the extended family. He hoped the memory would stay with his son Cole, who plans to enlist. For him, itll be something hell have forever, he said. In celebration of Pride Week, more than five thousand LGBTQ+ activists converged on Mexico City's Zocalo to form the world's largest human LGBT flag. Under a shower of rain and brandishing vibrant umbrellas, the colorful formation draped the historic Plaza de la Constitucion, capturing global attention and shattering previous records. Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada joined the crowd led the choreography. She said during the event that "Mexico City is and will continue to be the city of rights and freedoms. This monumental image we draw with our bodies and colors will be a powerful message to the country and the world. Mexico City is the capital of pride, diversity, peace, and transformation." Lluvia de orgullo en el Zocalo! Ni la tormenta detuvo a las mas de 6 mil personas que formaron una enorme bandera #LGBT+ en el corazon de la #CDMX.https://t.co/9kW64sZLXH Nadya Murillo | El Sol de Mexico pic.twitter.com/2K0UmRuoNx El Sol de Mexico (@elsolde_mexico) June 22, 2025 Organized by the government of Mexico City, the event, the largest of its kind in Mexican history, lasted two hours, starting at 10:30 am, on June 22, with participants moving in unison to the rhythm of the song 'A quien le importa' by Alaska y Dinarama. The event was recorded via drone, and the images and videos went viral on social media, with many expressing their surprise at the event not being canceled due to the weather. In a powerful display of resilience and resourcefulness, the activists dealt with unexpected rain by bringing umbrellas corresponding to their color in the giant flag to do the performance. Mexico City has long been fighting for LGBTQ+ rights, making homosexuality legal in 1871 under French occupation. Mexico City was also the first Latin American city to legalize same-sex marriage in 2009. However, the Frente de Liberacion Homosexual, founded in 1971 by Nancy Cardenas, was Mexico's first gay liberation movement, had to operate clandestinely under repressive political conditions. Across Latin America, trans and non-binary people still face high levels of violence, and Mexico has one of the highest trans murder rates in the world. In 2022, more than 95% of homicides in Mexico went unpunished. For the murders of transgender women, the figure is thought to be even higher. City officials passed a landmark transfemicide law in July 2024, with murders targeting trans people carrying a prison sentence of up to 70 years. The visual performance was part of the city's Pride Month programming and served as a prelude to the annual Mexico City Pride March, which will take place on Saturday, June 28. In recent years, the march has drawn crowds of over 1 million, making it one of the largest Pride celebrations in Latin America. Originally published on Latin Times China, a larger trade partner than the US for most Asian economies, has warned of consequences if its interests are threatened, and Foreign Minister Wang Yi is likely to raise that again on his visit to Europe this week for talks in Brussels, Germany and France. Asias dilemma when it comes to Trumps trade war is all about dependence on US final demand while relying heavily on Chinas value added in domestic production, Alicia Garcia Herrero, Asia-Pacific chief economist at Natixis SA, said in a recent report, adding that Vietnam, Cambodia and Taiwan were among the most exposed. India, another nation seen as close to a deal, has also been negotiating over rules of origin. Washington wants at least 60% of a products value added locally to qualify as Made in India and benefit from the deal, Bloomberg News previously reported. India has pushed to bring that down to around 35%, according to the report. Although Trump shared the broad contours of the agreement, the White House has not yet released further details and some of the agreement could be in development, so its unknown yet how damaging this could be for Chinas growing exports to Vietnam. Chinas Ministry of Commerce didnt respond immediately to a request for comment. That will hit products with components from China and possibly other nations, which are routed through Vietnam or subject to only minimal final assembly before being exported to the US. The approach mirrors provisions in an existing US trade agreement with Mexico and Canada. In the first such deal, President Donald Trump on Wednesday announced a tiered tariff agreement with Vietnam. Exports to the US from the Southeast Asian nation will be charged a 20% rate, Trump said in a social-media post, with 40% levied on any goods deemed to be transshipped through the country. Ahead of a July 9 deadline, US officials are deep in talks with major trading partners in Asia and Europe, pushing for new agreements that would include restrictions on Chinese content, or secure commitments to counter what Washington sees as Chinas unfair trade practices. (Bloomberg) -- The trade truce between Washington and Beijing may be holding for now, but China is increasingly wary about whats happening elsewhere: US efforts to forge deals that could isolate Chinese firms from global supply chains. Story Continues China firmly opposes any party reaching a deal at the expense of Chinese interests in exchange for so-called tariff reductions, the Ministry of Commerce said in a statement Saturday, repeating earlier warnings. If this happens, China will never accept it and will resolutely counter it to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests. The Vietnam deal risks provoking retaliatory steps from China, according to Bloomberg Economics. Beijing has made clear that it would respond to deals that came at the expense of Chinese interests and the decision to agree to a higher tariff on goods deemed to be transshipped through Vietnam may fall in that category, Bloombergs Rana Sajedi wrote in a research note. Trumps 90-day pause on what he called reciprocal tariffs on dozens of Americas trading partners ends on July 9. Unless those countries reach trade deals with the US, they could potentially face much higher tariffs. Some governments are making moves to stay on the right side of Washington. Vietnam, Thailand and South Korea have all put in place measures to stop goods from being rerouted through their countries to the US since Trumps tariffs were unveiled in April. South Korean customs announced a crackdown on transshipments, citing a rise in the practice. Taiwans President Lai Ching-te also flagged the issue and followed up with new rules requiring all US-bound exports to carry a legal declaration they were made on the island. Export Controls Another concern for Beijing is whether the US could convince others to impose or tighten export controls on high-tech equipment, which would further hamper Chinese efforts to buy the tools it needs to produce advanced semiconductors. Taiwan in June added Huawei Technologies Co. and Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp. to its so-called entity list, barring Taiwanese firms from doing business with them without government approval. The pressure isnt limited to Asia. Europe, too, finds itself in a delicate position. The EU is Chinas largest export destination for electric vehicles, and investment from Chinese firms into the bloc plus the UK hit 10 billion euros ($12 billion) last year, according to recent research from Rhodium Group. Yet trade tensions are rising. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen recently accused Beijing of weaponizing rare earths and magnets and warned of the risks posed by Chinese overcapacity. Beijing is particularly concerned that the EU might sign up to provisions similar to those in the UKs deal with the US, which included commitments around supply chain security, export controls, and ownership rules in sectors like steel, aluminum and pharmaceuticals. While the language did not name China, Beijing criticized the agreement in a rare public statement, interpreting it as a direct challenge, the Financial Times reported. China is clearly worried that the EU will accept the same wording as the UK did on export controls, said Joerg Wuttke, a partner at the Albright Stonebridge Group in Washington and former president of the EU Chamber of Commerce in China. They are pushing the EU not to do this, and the US is pushing the EU to do it. Brussels and Washington are aiming to reach some form of an agreement before July 9, when Washington is set to impose a 50% tariff on nearly all EU products. With European exports to the US worth more than double the amount to China, the bloc sees Washington as the more important partner, giving the US leverage in the talks. Chinas weekend statement is obviously aimed entirely at Brussels, said Hosuk Lee-Makiyama, director of the European Centre for International Political Economy in Brussels, who was recently in Beijing for meetings ahead of an EU-China summit this month. China is concerned what the EU might agree with the US. The long-term risk for Beijing is that these efforts coalesce into a broader shift not just a US-led campaign to curb Chinese exports, but a reshaping of global trade around trusted supply chains, with China increasingly on the outside. In a visit to Southeast Asia earlier this year, President Xi Jinping urged the region to stand together as an Asian family, warning against trade fragmentation. Beijing has often responded to actions it opposes with targeted trade measures. When the EU imposed tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles last year, China launched anti-dumping probes into European brandy, dairy and pork. It halted Japanese seafood imports in 2023 after Group of Seven meetings in Japan were seen as critical of China. A spat with Australia in 2020 led to trade restrictions on billions of dollars worth of goods, including lobsters, wine and barley. If some agreements explicitly list China as a target and show that some countries are cooperating or collaborating with the US to contain China, then China will definitely respond, said Tu Xinquan, dean of the China Institute for WTO Studies at the University of International Business and Economics in Beijing and a former adviser to the Chinese Commerce Ministry. --With assistance from Soo-Hyang Choi and Shawn Donnan. (Updates with chart and more details of Vietnam-US agreement in fifth paragraph, Bloomberg Economics analysis in 10th. A previous version of the story was corrected to fix the scale of the vertical axis of the first chart.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2025 Bloomberg L.P. So a Facebook founder walks into an Oval Office meeting ... No, its not the start of a bad joke, just the latest reminder that In Donald Trumps White House, the easiest way to avoid being surprised is to remember that anything can happen. Air Force leaders learned that lesson earlier this year when they arrived for a top-secret briefing with Trump in the Oval Office, which according to NBC News was scheduled for them to discuss plans for Americas sixth-generation fighter aircraft, dubbed the F-47 in a nod to Trumps status as the 47th President of the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the generals were going over the details of the super-stealthy plane, which Trump has called the most advanced, capable and lethal combat aircraft platform ever built, they were startled by the appearance of Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg popping into the Oval Office. According to NBC, White House officials became concerned that Zuckerberg, one of the wealthiest men in the world, lacked the security clearance required to be present for talks about such a sensitive national security matter. Mark Zuckerberg reportedly strolled into a classified Oval Office meeting during a recent visit to the White House (REUTERS) With that in mind, Zuckerberg was politely asked to step out of the Oval while the conversation continued, though other Trump aides wandered in and out to show the president information on computer screens while his mobile phone rang intermittently. The incident, which one administration official said was an example of the bizarro world atmosphere in the Trump White House, reportedly rattled the generals in attendance, who were mystified and a bit unnerved by the lack of privacy in the Oval Office so much so that they quietly discussed among themselves whether the visitors and calls might have compromised sensitive information afterwards. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the freewheeling atmosphere they encountered during their effort to brief the president on a top-secret fighter plane project has been part and parcel of how Trump has transformed the West Wing since returning to power this past January. The president reportedly has taken to referring to the Oval Office the iconic inner sanctum of American executive power as Grand Central Terminal, comparing it to the bustling train station of his native New York City. For the most part, hes not wrong to do so. Unlike in most other administrations where the presidents office is a tightly-controlled environment with only a select few top aides given so-called walk-in privileges, Trumps Oval is the center of his world of friends, confidantes, advisers and employees who often mill about nearby in the West Wing, even when they might not have much to do there. Even Trumps cabinet secretaries, who ostensibly have their own, often ornate offices and large bureaucracies to attend to themselves, have taken to spending time at the White House to pop in and out of meetings with top Trump aides, such as Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller and Chief of Staff Susie Wiles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One person who has been on the inside for such meetings told NBC: No one wants to miss the decision. Trump himself also contributes to this dynamic by routinely asking people whove come for one meeting to stay around for another one. One White House aide who spoke to The Independent on condition of anonymity said the freewheeling atmosphere there is a product of Trumps nature as a people person. He likes to schmooze and bounce things off of whoever is around, the aide said. Military officers representing 93 nations visit Kansas capital TOPEKA (KSNT) A group of military officers from 93 countries stopped by the Kansas capital to learn about American culture and state government on Wednesday for State Government Day. The military officers visited Kansas as part of an international class to learn about the organization and duties of the Kansas National Guard, the states legislative process and the state judiciary system. The officers were escorted to the Capitol Building by the Topeka Police Motorcycle Unit before stopping by the first-floor rotunda to be greeted by State Representative Dan Hawkins and Brig. Gen. Paul Schneider, the director of the Kansas National Guard Joint Staff. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 27 News spoke to British Army Logistics Corps Maj. Kathryn Smith, who said its important for international students to learn how laws are passed in Kansas. The group will later visit Washington, D.C. to learn about government at the federal level. Marshall says he doesnt expect Medicaid cuts to impact Kansas So its different from every country, Smith said. Its different from the UK. For example, yesterday we talked about how it works in the city and the county, and now were seeing it on a bigger picture. This year marks the 71st year that international officers have made the trip to the Kansas State Capitol as part of their U.S. Congressionally-mandated field studies program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Millions of websites - including Sky News, The Associated Press and Buzzfeed - will now be able to block artificial intelligence (AI) bots from accessing their content without permission. The new system is being rolled out by internet infrastructure firm, Cloudflare, which provides services to around a fifth of live websites. Eventually, sites will be able to ask for payment from AI firms in return for having their content scraped. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many prominent writers, artists, musicians and actors have accused AI firms of training systems on their work without permission or payment. In the UK, it led to a furious row between the government and artists including Sir Elton John over how to protect copyright. Cloudflare's tech targets AI firm bots - also known as crawlers - which are programs that explore the web, indexing and collecting data as they go. They are important to the way AI firms build, train and operate their systems. So far, Cloudflare says its tech is active on a million websites. Roger Lynch, chief executive of Conde Nast, whose print titles include GQ, Vogue, and The New Yorker, said the move was "a game-changer" for publishers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This is a critical step toward creating a fair value exchange on the Internet that protects creators, supports quality journalism and holds AI companies accountable", he wrote in a statement. However, other experts say stronger legal protections will still be needed. 'Surviving the age of AI' Initially the system will apply by default to new users of Cloudflare services, plus sites that participated in an earlier effort to block crawlers. Many publishers accuse AI firms of using their content without permission. Recently the BBC threatened to take legal action against US based AI firm Perplexity, demanding it immediately stopped using BBC content, and paid compensation for material already used. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However publishers are generally happy to allow crawlers from search engines, like Google, to access their sites, so that the search companies can in return can direct people to their content. Perplexity accused the BBC of seeking to preserve "Google's monopoly". But Cloudflare argues AI breaks the unwritten agreement between publishers and crawlers. AI crawlers, it argues, collect content like text, articles, and images to generate answers, without sending visitors to the original sourcedepriving content creators of revenue. "If the Internet is going to survive the age of AI, we need to give publishers the control they deserve and build a new economic model that works for everyone," wrote the firm's chief executive Matthew Prince. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To that end the company is developing a "Pay Per Crawl" system, which would give content creators the option to request payment from AI companies for utilising their original content. Battle the bots According to Cloudflare there has been an explosion of AI bot activity. "AI Crawlers generate more than 50 billion requests to the Cloudflare network every day", the company wrote in March. And there is growing concern that some AI crawlers are disregarding existing protocols for excluding bots. In an effort to counter the worst offenders Cloudflare previously developed a system where the worst miscreants would be sent to a "Labyrinth" of web pages filled with AI generated junk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new system attempts to use technology to protect the content of websites and to give sites the option to charge AI firms a fee to access it. In the UK there is an intense legislative battle between government, creators and the AI firms over the extent to which the creative industries should be protected from AI firms using their works to train systems without permission or payment. And, on both sides of the Atlantic, content creators, licensors and owners have gone to court in an effort to prevent what they see as AI firms encroachment on creative rights. Ed Newton-Rex, the founder of Fairly Trained which certifies that AI companies have trained their systems on properly licensed data, said it was a welcome development - but there was "only so much" one company could do Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This is really only a sticking plaster when what's required is major surgery," he told the BBC. "It will only offer protection for people on websites they control - it's like having body armour that stops working when you leave your house," he added. "The only real way to protect people's content from theft by AI companies is through the law." Filmmaker Baroness Beeban Kidron, who is campaigning for more protection for the creative industries, welcomed the news saying the company had shown leadership. "Cloudflare sits at the heart of the digital world and it is exciting to see them take decisive action," she told the BBC. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "If we want a vibrant public sphere we need AI companies to contribute to the communities in which they operate, that means paying their fair share of tax, settling with those whose work they have stolen to build their products, and, as Cloudflare has just shown, using tech creatively to ensure equity between digital and human creators on an ongoing basis." The Brief The Milwaukee County Zoo has welcomed a baby bonobo to its troop. Mom, Elema, gave birth on May 30. Elema and baby can be viewed in the Apes of Africa outdoor habitat, weather permitting. MILWAUKEE - A bonobo was born at the Milwaukee County Zoo on May 30. Bonobos are a species of endangered Great Ape, native to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Africa. Bonobo birth What we know In a news release, the zoo said the mom, Elema, and baby are healthy and doing well. The baby is Elemas first offspring and the 16th successful bonobo birth at the Milwaukee County Zoo. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Elema and baby can be viewed in the Apes of Africa outdoor habitat, weather permitting. About bonobos Dig deeper Bonobos are born small, between 2 and 4 pounds, and are carefully nurtured by their mothers for several years. FREE DOWNLOAD: Get breaking news alerts in the FOX LOCAL Mobile app for iOS or Android Milwaukee County Zoo is home to 19 bonobos, one of the largest populations of bonobos in human care and one of only seven Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited zoos in North America to manage this species. Elema was born at the Columbus Zoo in 2012 and arrived at the Milwaukee Countyy Zoo in 2021. The Source The information in this post was provided by the Milwaukee County Zoo. The Brief A procession was on Tuesday night for fallen Officer Kendall Corder. Corder and his partner were shot near 25th and Garfield last week. A memorial continues to grow outside Milwaukee Police District 2. MILWAUKEE - A procession was held for fallen Milwaukee Police Officer Kendall Corder on Tuesday night. Corder's body was transported from the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner's Office in downtown to a funeral home on the city's south side. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FREE DOWNLOAD: Get breaking news alerts in the FOX LOCAL Mobile app for iOS or Android Remembering Officer Corder What we know Officer Corder and his partner, Christopher McCray, were shot near 25th and Garfield on June 26. Police said the gunman "ambushed" the officers. McCray was released from the hospital on Saturday. Corder did not survive, succumbing to his injuries on Sunday. Kendall Corder MPD said the suspect, identified as 22-year-old Tremaine Jones, was taken into custody early Friday morning. Jones now faces multiple charges in connection with the shooting, including first-degree intentional homicide, attempted first-degree intentional homicide and first-degree recklessly endangering safety. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jones made his initial court appearance on Tuesday, and his bond was set at $500,000. He's due back in court for a preliminary hearing on July 9. Tremaine Jones makes initial appearance in Milwaukee County court Growing memorial Dig deeper A memorial outside Milwaukee Police Department - District 2 is growing around the squad car that Corder and McCray were assigned the night investigators say they were ambushed. Many dropped off flowers, balloons and letters to honor Corder and the entire police department. How you can help What you can do If you are looking for a way to help the families of the officers, you can donate to MPA Fallen Heroes, Inc. According to the website, every dollar offers immediate emergency aid for injured officers and supports long-term recovery for officers and their families. MPA Fallen Heroes Fund The Source The information in this post was provided by the Milwaukee Police Department and previous FOX6 News coverage. The Brief 22-year-old Tremaine Jones has been charged with first-degree intentional homicide and attempted homicide in the shooting of two Milwaukee cops. New video shows Jones with a large firearm yelling at the intersection of 25th and Garfield that night. A witness who did not wish to show her face in fear of her safety said she was one of the people that called 911 on Thursday, June 26. MILWAUKEE - New video obtained by FOX6 News paints a picture of what happened in the hours leading up to the fatal shooting of a Milwaukee police officer. What we know 22-year-old Tremaine Jones has been charged with first-degree intentional homicide and attempted homicide in this case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new video shows Jones with a large firearm yelling at the intersection of 25th and Garfield. Neighbors say this was captured shortly before hes accused of firing the fatal shots that killed Milwaukee Police Department officer Kendall Corder and injured his partner, Christopher McCray. Police said the gunman "ambushed" the officers. FREE DOWNLOAD: Get breaking news alerts in the FOX LOCAL Mobile app for iOS or Android McCray was released from the hospital on Saturday. Corder did not survive, succumbing to his injuries on Sunday. Local perspective A witness who did not wish to show her face in fear of her safety said she was one of the people that called 911 on Thursday, June 26. "I seen a guy and he was looking at my car and he had a gun waving it, and he was looking at my car and he had a gun, waving it. And he said, I know y'all didn't call nobody over here for me, because I will kill them too," she recalled. "When I got inside, I heard him say in three minutes if they don't send the guy out, that he was going to swiss cheese the whole building up in three minutes." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the criminal complaint, the shooting stems from two groups of women fighting over Jones and cheating allegations. Prosecutors said the mother of his child lived in the apartment complex. She told them there was also a fight the day before. Dig deeper A nearby surveillance camera captured some of the altercation. "Them people were trying to kill each other out here," said an unidentified man that witnessed the fight. I am talking about bottles busting each other's heads, cutting each other, bear macing each other." Two more arrests were later made. Scene near 25th and Garfield, Milwaukee 19-year-old Jermela Kittler is accused of hiding Jones in her home where he was later arrested. Detectives say he also asked her to retrieve his items left at the scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SIGN UP TODAY: Get daily headlines, breaking news emails from FOX6 News Prosecutors said 22-year-old Bryshawn Tyler shot at Jones from the apartment. "It was just so chaotic and sad at the same time," the woman said. "I just cried because I called them to protect us not knowing one would die." The Source FOX6 News talked with witnesses and used prior coverage. Minnesota State Trooper dies in off-duty South Dakota lake accident originally appeared on Bring Me The News. The Minnesota State Patrol is mourning the unexpected death Trooper Mollie McClure. The State Patrol says McClure died in an off-duty accident on Waubay Lake located in northeast South Dakota, about 25 miles from the Minnesota border. Circumstances surrounding her death haven't been revealed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Trooper McClure was a valued member of our State Patrol family, known for her compassion, professionalism and unwavering dedication to service," the State Patrol said. "From training academy cadets to supporting other troopers going through challenging times as a peer counselor, she made a lasting impact on everyone she met." Trooper Mollie McClureMinnesota State Patrol According to her LinkedIn profile, McClure attended Jackson County Central High School in southwest Minnesota before graduating from the University of Minnesota in 2015. She began her career with the State of Minnesota in October 2018. "I am a very outgoing person who loves to help others and always keep busy in whatever it is that I am doing at the time," McClure said of herself on LinkedIn. In 2023, McClure went viral when she rescued a fawn that was trapped in a fence near Interstate 94 near the town of Avon in central Minnesota. Trooper Mollie McClure was on I-94 near Avon when she saw a female deer pacing along a fence line. She could also hear a vocal young fawn. Turns out the little one was stuck in the fencing. McClure wiggled the fawn free and reunited it will its mother. Great job! pic.twitter.com/p4QfawvnHe MN State Patrol (@MnDPS_MSP) June 26, 2023 "Our deepest condolences go out to her family, friends and fellow troopers," the State Patrol said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bring Me The News has reached out to the Day County Sheriff's Office in South Dakota for more information relating to the accident on Waubay Lake. This story was originally reported by Bring Me The News on Jul 1, 2025, where it first appeared. The eight had been reported missing in April [Courtesy of CSW] The bodies of eight Colombian religious and social leaders who had been reported missing in April have been found in a shallow grave in Guaviare province, in south-central Colombia. The prosecutor's office blamed members of a rebel group called Frente Armando Rios for their killing. Officials said the eight - two women and six men - had been summoned by the rebels to be interrogated about the alleged formation of a rival armed group in the area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There has been no response from Frente Armando Rios to the accusations. Colombia is the deadliest country in the world for rights defenders and social leaders, according to a report by international rights organisation Front Line Defenders. The bodies were found in a rural area known as Calamar, where members of the Frente Armando Rios are active. The group is an off-shoot of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc). The Farc signed a peace deal with the Colombian government in 2016 and many of its members laid down their arms, but parts of the group refused to disarm and set up dissident rebel groups such as the Frente Armando Rios. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These offshoots engage in the production and trafficking of cocaine as well as extortion and illegal mining. They also engage in armed confrontations with the security forces and with members of the National Liberation Army (ELN) - a rival guerrilla group. Maryuri Hernandez left her five-year-old daughter with her husband when she received the summon. She never returned [Courtesy of CSW] According to the statement released by the prosecutor's office, leaders of the Frente Armando Rios feared that the ELN was setting up a local cell in the area. They reportedly summoned two of the victims for an "interrogation" on 4 April, and the remaining six people three days later. Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW), a human rights organisation specialising in freedom of religion, said all but one were active leaders and members from two Protestant denominations: the Evangelical Alliance of Colombia Denomination (DEAC) and the Foursquare Gospel Church (ICCG). The eighth was the uncle of two of the other victims. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among them is a married couple - Isaid Gomez and Maribel Silva - who often preached in their Protestant church. The murder of Isaid Gomez and Maribel Silva leaves two children orphaned [Courtesy of CSW] Also among those whose bodies have been found is Maryuri Hernandez, who helped the evangelical pastor in the area. She is survived by her five-year-old daughter. According to CSW, all eight had settled in the area after fleeing violence and violations of freedom of religion in Arauca, a province bordering Venezuela where several armed groups are active. Religious leaders and social leaders are often targeted by armed groups in Colombia which do not tolerate any other authority than their own. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Relatives of the victims said the eight had received a message by the Frente Armando Rios, which demanded that they present themselves for questioning. According to the investigation by the prosecutor's office, days later they were taken to an abandoned property, where they were killed. Officials suspect the order to kill them was given by the inner circle of Ivan Mordisco, one of the most powerful commanders of the dissident rebel factions. The murder of the eight has been condemned by Colombian President Gustavo Petro, who called it "heinous" and denounced it as "a grave attack on the right to life, religious freedom and spiritual and community work". WASHINGTON (DC News Now) D.C. Polices search for a missing man ended in tragedy after his body was recovered from the Potomac River. The extensive search for 38-year-old Nigel Franklin began on June 28 after he was reportedly last seen in the 4900 block of Canal Road NW. At the time, he was wearing blue/yellow shorts and an army green hat. Just days later, the Metropolitan Police Departments (MPD) Harbor Patrol said it found Franklin dead in the Potomac River. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PCP drug trafficking ring in DC leads to four convictions We extend our condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Franklin, MPD said in a statement. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. One Missouri group likes part of what it sees in the federal spending bill the U.S. Senate passed Tuesday, but another Missouri organization is raising concerns. Missouri Right to Life on Tuesday released a statement from National Right to Life that praised Republican senators and Senate leadership for passing the bill. The bill blocks taxpayer dollars from going to group that perform or promote abortion, such as Planned Parenthood, for one year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This vote is a monumental step forward for unborn children and their mothers, Carol Tobias, president of National Right to Life, said in a statement. The Missouri Budget Project, a nonprofit public policy group that analyzes state budget, tax and economic issues, said in a statement that the bill would enact a massive wealth transfer from working-class people to the ultra-rich, providing huge tax cuts for corporations and people earning $500,000 or more each year, while slashing support for basic needs, broadly increasing health care and insurance costs, and hurting rural economies. Amy Blouin, president and CEO of the Missouri Budget Project, said in a statement: The changes are expected to eliminate health coverage for more than 170,000 Missourians, including children, older adults, Missourians with serious health conditions and disabilities, veterans and workers with low-paying jobs. The bill undermines our countrys long-standing commitment to make sure families dont go hungry, she said. And its a particular blow to Missouris rural communities, where some health care providers may have to shut down and local economies will be hurt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the Missouri Budget Project, the bill also: Creates new barriers and red tape for both Medicaid and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance (SNAP), which would cause eligible Missourians to lose health insurance and food assistance. Shifts costs to states, which will likely force additional cuts to health care and food assistance, or other deep cuts to state services like K-12 education. The Missouri Budget Project also estimates that Missouris rural hospitals could lose $1.4 billion in funding and some may be forced to close. Similarly, SNAP is a significant economic driver in rural areas. The loss of funding and jobs will have a domino effect that damages local economies, the group said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Missouris two U.S. senators, Eric Schmitt and Josh Hawley, both Republican, supported the measure. Schmitt said on X: It delivers on President Trumps agenda securing the border, funding mass deportations, cutting taxes for families, strengthening our military, and unleashing American energy. Hawley said in a statement that as part of the bill he secured the largest expansion ever to the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act as well as new funding for Medicaid. The RECA provision provides compensation and health care for survivors of radiation-linked cancers in the St. Louis and St. Charles areas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Senate-passed reconciliation bill will also deliver major relief for working people, such as no taxes on overtime, no taxes on tips, and a larger child tax credit for families, Hawley said in a statement. He said it also included a new $50 billion fund for rural hospitals. Under the bill, Missouri is set to receive approximately $1 billion in new funding to support providers and Medicaid recipients over the next five years, according to the statement. RECA is generational legislation for Missouri and will finally deliver justice for survivors in the St. Louis region. And when this reconciliation bill is signed into law, Missouri will also see new health care funding and big tax cuts for working families. This story was originally published on CIO Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily CIO Dive newsletter. Dive Brief: Best Buy recruited Walgreens EVP and CIO Neal Sample to serve as its chief digital, analytics and technology officer, the company confirmed in a Monday email to CIO Dive. Sample joined Walgreens as a technology consultant in October 2023 and was appointed as CIO the following month. Prior to his stint with the retail pharmacy chain, Sample served as Northwestern Mutuals CIO for nearly three years, guiding the insurers IT team through the hybrid workforce challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Departing tech chief Brian Tilzer led Best Buys technology organization for seven years, preceded by a five-year run as chief digital officer at CVS Health. He laid the groundwork for AI adoption at Best Buy, the executive said in a Saturday LinkedIn post. We now incorporate data, AI, and other technology into the business at levels of scale, sophistication, and impact that was unimaginable back when I joined the company in 2018, he said. Dive Insight: The C-suite change comes as retailers lean on technology to overcome mounting economic challenges stemming from a global tariff regime floated by President Donald Trump in April. To cushion the blow of supply chain disruptions, flagging consumer spending and rising import costs, the industry is betting on generative AI productivity tools and chatbots to boost operational efficiency and spruce up customer-facing apps. It is imperative that we continue to focus on executing well what is within our control, which includes identifying cost reductions and driving efficiencies to help offset pressures in our business and fund investment capacity for new and existing initiatives, Best Buy CEO Corie Barry said during the companys Q1 2026 earnings call in May. International trade is critically important for our business and industry, Barry said. Best Buys domestic segment saw revenue decline nearly 1% year over year for the three months ending May 3. The company lowered fiscal year 2026 comparable sales range guidance to at most 1% due to the impact of tariffs. IT leaders are refining budgets to trim discretionary spend while protecting AI investments, according to a Boston Consulting Group survey published in May. Retailers Ralph Lauren Corporation, Revolve Group and Williams-Sonoma each signaled their intentions to move ahead with AI adoption plans during recent earnings calls. MISSOURI The state of Missouri and much of the region have been seeing their first sweltering temperatures of the year. Recently, the entire viewing area was under a heat advisory as heat indexes have reached up to 105 degrees. While temperatures have dipped slightly since then, the heat can still make the air uncomfortably stuffy. Many AC units are working overtime to keep cool inside homes, apartments, and buildings. Some have raised the question in regards to those who rent: Are landlords legally required to provide air conditioning units to its tenants? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The short answer is no. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News Landlords are not solely required to put in an air conditioning unit in for the tenant. However, within the City of St. Louis, if the landlord does install air conditioning, they are left responsible to fix it. St. Louis City Municipal Code 25.80.020 states that the indoor temperature must be kept under 85 degrees. Residents who experience issues can submit a complaint to the Building Division against the landlord. Brown & Crouppen attorney Andrea McNairy recommends tenants check their lease agreement to determine if the responsibility of an air conditioning unit is upon them or their landlord. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FOX 2 reached out to the offices of the Missouri Attorney General and Governor. A spokesperson for the AGs office said there was no requirement for landlords to provide air conditioning. The governors office has not provided a response as of Wednesday afternoon. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2. BRANFORD, Conn. (WTNH) A Missouri man has been arrested and accused of stealing more than $350,000 from a Branford-based company in May, Branford police said. The Branford Police Department arrested Shawn Evans, 57, in Sikeston, Missouri on June 20 after he allegedly orchestrated a fraudulent wire transfer of $355,859, which was obtained from a finance company in Branford. The wire was transferred to an account under a fake alias, which police say they traced to a personal JP Morgan Chase account under Evans name. Coventry funeral home owner loses license after allegedly stealing from clients Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A joint investigation with Missouri police connected Evans to participating in a larger fraud scheme, officials said. Evans was arrested on charges of first degree larceny and first degree conspiracy to commit larceny. Evans was arrested as a fugitive, Branford police said, and held on a $500,000 bond. $500 sunglasses theft leads Greenwich police to mans fake DEA badges Evans was transported back to Connecticut on Tuesday, where he was processed and formally charged, and arraigned on Wednesday. Police said a significant portion of the stolen money has been recovered and returned. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. COTTON COUNTY, OK (KFDX/KJTL) A movement called Moccasins Across America is safely across the Red River. The movement has been marching from California since May with the goal of reaching Washington, D.C. Now, moccasins have made it nearly halfway across the country, spreading Christian teachings while educating Americans on the historical plights of the native tribes around the country. The movements founder, Terri Clah, believes the two messages work hand in hand with one another. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We converge because we carry a common ground which is prayer, spiritual healing, forgiveness and reconciliation, Clah said. After starting on the San Pasqual tribal lands in California, Clah and her friends from tribes including the Hopi, Navajo, and more, Moccasins Across America poetically made it to Oklahoma, a state well known for its storied native history. To come here and to be received and welcomed, you just feel the explosion of honor like weve never seen it in the spirit of unity, love and hope, Clah said. When Moccasins Across America crossed the river, they were greeted by a conglomeration of Kiowa, Apache and Comanche leaders. Comanche Chairman Forrest Tahdoonippah believes Clahs message can be especially powerful in Oklahoma. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theyre promoting healing through spirituality, and in Oklahoma, we are unique because we have a historical trauma, so I think it was important to them to come here in recognition of that, Tahdoonippah said. As Clah moves on from Lawton towards Washington, D.C., she hopes the Native American history and Christian message paired together can continue to shine. Were carrying the glory of Gods love across the land, because its Gods love thats going to make the impact in the community and among the people in every household, Clah said. After Clah makes it through Oklahoma, Moccasins Across America will pass through Kansas and Missouri, snaking its way through the Midwest and Northeast before ending in Washington, D.C., in October of this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Texomashomepage.com. NEED TO KNOW When one of Madeline Dunn's 18-month-old twins woke up screaming, she rushed him to the hospital, where doctors said he had a stomach virus Dunn pushed for an X-ray, which showed that Kai had swallowed a button battery that was burning his throat He underwent life-saving surgery and Dunn is urging parents to make sure batteries are secured in children's toys A Texas toddler nearly died after doctors misdiagnosed his stomach pains as a virus missing the fact that the boy had swallowed a button battery which had gotten stuck on his throat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Madeline Dunn says that one of her 18-month-old twins, Kai, woke up at 11 pm screaming in agony. Me and his dad were passing him back and forth between each other and we made the decision to bring him to the hospital because he was also drooling really bad, Dunn, 26, tells Daily Mail, adding that when she drove Kai to the emergency room, he cried the entire ride. When they arrived, Dunn says doctors insisted that Kai simply had a bad stomach virus but Dunn wasnt convinced. She shared that shes always had a phobia of her young twins swallowing something they're not supposed to, which prompted her to request an X-ray of her young son. Doctors placated her, she said: They said they could do one to make me feel better. Kennedy News & Media Kai Dunn Kai Dunn That scan is what saved Kais life. When we were walking back to the room there was already a team of doctors waiting in the room with him and they had the X-ray pulled up which showed the button battery in his throat. They were saying he'd swallowed a button [battery]; It's code red. They started shoving honey down his throat and getting him prepared to rush him into surgery, she explains. I didn't know that he'd swallowed a button battery but something in my gut told me to have that X-ray done. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Button batteries are small, circular batteries that are often used in watches, remote controls and childrens toys. When swallowed, they can get stuck in the throat, which is what happened with Kai. As the Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) explains, the saliva triggers an electric current which causes a chemical reaction that can severely burn the esophagus in as little as two hours, creating an esophageal perforation, vocal cord paralysis, or even erosion into the airway (trachea), or major blood vessels. There are more than 3,500 annual cases of button battery ingestion in the US, and the numbers, CHOP says, are rising. The doctors told me when they were bringing him back from surgery that I saved my baby's life by doing that,' she added. Kai underwent surgery, but was left with a hole that had been burned in his esophagus, and needed a feeding tube while he healed. I kept asking them if they knew if my baby was going to live or not, and they told me that they couldn't say because of the hole, Dunn says. If he caught an infection, it could have spread to areas outside of the esophagus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fortunately, the hole in his throat did close, and Kai was able to go home. However, his ordeal is far from over; due to the buildup of scar tissue, his esophagus is tight. Kennedy News & Media Kai Dunn with his mom, Madeline Dunn. Kai Dunn with his mom, Madeline Dunn. They go in every week, put him under [anesthetic] and they stretch the esophagus out with a balloon, Dunn explained. And while he was finally able to have his feeding tube removed, Kai is still looking at eight to 10 procedures. Although I have no idea where [the battery] came from, Dunn shared that after she checked his toys, she learned the majority of his toddler toys have button batteries in them. She urged other parents to ensure that if toys do have button batteries in them that they're secure and the back on them is tight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Every single day I just keep thinking that we got lucky. 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 NEED TO KNOW Las Vegas police said the body of a deceased man, later identified as Tayshaun Todd, was found in a swimming pool on June 18. The previous night, police responded to the residence to break up a party Authorities are investigating his death as a "possible drowning," but his cause of death is still pending His mother has since spoken out, claiming police didn't do enough to search for her son A missing 20-year-old man was found dead in a swimming pool the day after attending a party in Las Vegas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD), Tayshaun Todd was found dead in a swimming pool at a residence on the 2600 block of Palma Vista Avenue, reported ABC affiliate KTNV, the Las Vegas Review-Journal and CBS affiliate KLAS. Police say their investigation began after a homeowner contacted them about a body in his pool, according to KTNV. An incident report obtained by the outlet revealed that police had visited that home around 8:30 p.m. the previous night to break up a party. Later that same night, mom Christina Todd-Dunn called police to tell them her son was missing and was last seen at the house. In an interview with the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Todd-Dunn said her younger son was the one to tell her that Tayshaun was missing, and that Tayshaun's friend said he couldn't find her son after the party had been shut down by police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to calling police, Todd-Dunn said she went over to the home herself and spoke with a man there, who told her he didn't know where her son was, then asked her to leave. Police did eventually arrive at the home around 2 a.m., but according to a police report, they said they did not find him there, the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported. When Tayshaun's mom returned to the home the following day, police had already arrived and she learned a body had been found in the pool, which was later identified as her son. I feel like the police officers failed me, she told the outlet. "They failed my son. Yall should have done a full search if it was a pool party and Im saying he didnt come up out of here. Yall should have turned the house upside down to find him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to 911 audio obtained by the outlet, when they were contacted about a body being found in the pool on June 18, the caller said they thought it might be the same person police had been looking for in his backyard the previous night. Police are investigating his death as a "possible drowning," but his cause of death was still pending as of Monday, June 30, according to the Review-Journal. 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. Christina told Fox affiliate KVVU that she is heartbroken over the death of her first-born son. She remembered her son as a sweet, funny and smart person. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All he did was work, play ball, and come home, she said, telling the outlet this had only been the second party he'd ever attended. PEOPLE contacted the LVMPD, the Clark County Coroner Office, and Christina Todd-Dunn for additional comment on Wednesday, July 2. Read the original article on People Twelve New York jurors gathered around 10:00 (14:00 GMT) on Wednesday in a wood-panelled courtroom to tell Sean "Diddy" Combs that they found him not guilty of running a criminal enterprise with employees, and sex trafficking his ex-girlfriends. The disgraced hip-hop mogul fell to his knees and buried his head in a chair at the defence table where he had just spent two months on trial for sex trafficking and racketeering. Before the verdict came down, Combs sat quietly in his chair, looking forward, wearing the same off-white sweater and pants he wore for much of his trial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The court grew quiet as the jury foreperson handed the verdict sheet to the court deputy. Then it was handed back to the foreperson. And they began to read. As the sound of the "not guilty" rung out in court for the first time, acquitting Combs of the most severe crime of racketeering, the rapper kept his head low. By the time the foreperson announced Combs was not guilty of sex trafficking, Combs had his head in his hands. The jury did find him guilty on the least severe charges of transporting people to engage in prostitution. As they confirmed their decision, Combs buried his face in his hands. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A flurry of small celebrations followed for Combs, who has been in a federal jail in Brooklyn since September. He made a prayer sign with his hands to the jury, then turned around and made the same gesture to his family - twin daughters, sons and 85-year-old mother. He appeared to mouth: "I'm coming home." The moment seemed equally emotional for Combs' many lawyers, including Teny Geragos, seated next to him and wiping away tears with a tissue after the verdict was read. Crowds react to the verdict outside the court in New York [Reuters] Combs' attorneys wasted no time in telling the judge that the verdict, reached after roughly two days of deliberations, meant Combs should be able to walk out of the Manhattan courthouse a free man that very day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His acquittal on the most serious charges meant he no longer needed to be jailed, his attorney Marc Agnifilo told the court, noting that his client's plane was inaccessible - chartered and in Maui. "Mr Combs has been given his life by this jury," he said. "He will not run afoul of anything this court imposes on him." Then, in the perhaps the most emotional gesture of the day for Combs, he appeared to express his gratitude by pressing his head into his chair at the defence table. He rose, clapping his hands loudly, to hug several of his lawyers. Many family members and supporters in the main courtroom and a packed overflow room joined him, cheering. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then, with one final hug to his lawyer and a wave to his family - blocked by a mass of people and court benches - he was escorted out of the court. The hip-hop mogul's homecoming hopes were later dashed as Judge Arun Subramanian denied him bail at another hearing on Wednesday afternoon. Outside the Manhattan court, there were repeated calls of "free Diddy" in a large crowd behind barriers. But he will remain behind bars until his sentencing later this year. [BBC] Get all the latest trial updates on the BBC Sounds 'Diddy on Trial' podcast available wherever you get your BBC podcasts. Signs supporting and opposing CI-128 in front of the Lewis and Clark County Fairgrounds polling location on Nov. 5, 2024. (Photo by Blair Miller, Daily Montanan) Tuesday marked the first day that Montanans can say that abortion up to the point of viability is protected specifically through an amendment in the states Constitution. Voters in November overwhelmingly supported the constitutional right, even though the procedure has long been legal, and Constitutional Initiative 128 became the law of the state, despite a last-minute legal challenge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That challenge was rebuffed on Tuesday by a unanimous decision of the Montana Supreme Court not to hear the case brought by several individuals and the Montana Life Defense Fund, a committee association with the Montana Family Foundation. The lawsuit asked the high court to intervene, halt the amendment from going into effect, and declare it void, due to concerns that voters on Election Day did not have enough information to properly decide the issue. The Supreme Court dismissed the late challenge, and said that the suit was poorly timed and didnt even develop a set of facts adequately. Meanwhile, the Montana Family Foundation said while it was disappointed in the decision, it would continue the fight at the district court level. We remain confident in the strength of our arguments and will now proceed at the district court level. While todays decision is a setback in timing, it is not the end of the road. This is justice delayed not justice denied, said Derek Oestreicher, chief legal counsel for the Montana Family Foundation. Two plaintiffs, Joe Addy and Hannah Rhodes, had asked the high court to intervene and invalidate CI-128, which makes abortion legal up to the point of fetal viability. They argued that because the text of the entire amendment was not printed fully on the ballot, and because voters who registered to vote on Election Day did not have the full text or the voter information booklet issued by the state, they were not adequately informed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the Montana Supreme Court rejected all of those arguments and criticized the plaintiffs for bringing the challenge just a few weeks before the abortion amendment was to be enacted. Moreover, the court said that CI-128 was handled the same way as every other ballot measure since 1978, so that if the court would have accepted the argument, it opened up the possibility that all amendments since were also constitutionally deficient. Any urgency of emergency that exists is entirely of the Defense Funds own making, because it waited seven months to file this petition, the court said in the seven-page order, which outlined why it turned down the request. We have repeatedly warned parties they cannot manufacture an emergency due to lack of diligence. While the plaintiffs said they did not know what they were voting for or against by registering to vote on Election Day with the full text of the amendment not printed on the ballot, the court criticized them because copies of the full voters guide and the full text are required to be available at every voting precinct. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Defense Fund does not tell us how many election-day registrants exist for the 2024 General Election, nor does it assert that the number of election-day registrants was sufficient to change the outcome of this vote, the court noted. The Supreme Court also pointed out that state law requires the Montana Secretary of State to print a voter information guide, as well as preparing the ballot information for publication in newspapers or other platforms at the county and state level. In addition to publishing the text in newspapers around the state and having voting guides sent to all registered voters and available at the polling locations, the Supreme Court said that the Secretary of State maintains a website, accessible to the public, that includes the (Voter Information Pamphlet) along with other information about Montanas elections. The Defense Fund has not demonstrated that the electorate was not provided with the full text of CI-128, the order said. And it has not developed the facts necessary to support its legal arguments. The unanimous five-justice panel which signed the order included Chief Justice Cory Swanson, and Justices Ingrid Gustafson, James Jeremiah Shea, Katherine Bidegaray and Beth Baker. MONTICELLO, Ky. (FOX 56) The next time you go out to eat in Monticello, you may notice a higher bill than usual on your receipt. Thats because the city has implemented a new tourist tax. Now, some locals are worried about how the extra cost may impact the community. Monticello may be a small town of just 6,000 people, but nearby Lake Cumberland and the citys restaurant scene draw in several out-of-towners. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were here three or four times a week, said Ryan Stone, a frequent visitor. Stone said Black Stallion Steakhouse on North Main Street is a fan favorite for his family, but now it costs extra to eat out in Monticello. The city recently enacted a 3% tourist tax on restaurants. This is in addition to existing sales and alcohol taxes. Even so, Stone said forking out the extra cash is worth it. Read more of the latest Kentucky news Its a small price to pay, but it definitely puts a lot of money back into the community. So, Im in favor for it, he said. Mayor Kenny Catron said surrounding areas see millions of visitors each year, and the city has missed out on capitalizing on the heavy tourism for far too long. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The one thing people dont understand is that Lake Cumberland brings four million visitors, he said. You get 2.5 million visitors to Big South Fort Daniel Boone Forest. There are another two million visitors to Dale Hollow. Thats 8.5 million visitors to our area. We dont really even get 1% of that in the city of Monticello. He said the tourist tax will generate about $500,000 a year for Monticello. The city hopes to use the money to revitalize the community and offer more family fun events. Catron said the first project on the list is transforming the A.J. Lloyd buildingan abandoned schoolinto a multipurpose event space. Where you can go see concerts, plays, also have the synthetic skating rinks in the wintertime where people can go skating, the mayor explained. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said the city will also remodel the building behind it for a cybersecurity company, which could bring in 200 new jobs. Some residents said while they appreciate the idea behind this, they worry many people will not be able to afford the extra tax, noting several live in poverty. Even if its only $0.50 or $0.60, these people are living on Social Security disability, said Sandra Zawalick. Some of the houses you can just drive around Monticello, and you can see the bad shape that things are in. I think its very difficult for people. Catron said the tourist tax is a voluntary way to pay for progress. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This way, if you dont eat out, you dont pay it, he summarized. He noted construction on the A.J. Lloyd building project, located on South Main Street, is expected to begin in October and could take up to a year and a half to build. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. More than 140,000 pounds of ready-to-eat bologna have been recalled due to misbranding, the U.S. Department of Agricultures Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has announced. Tom Kelley via Getty Images More than 140,000 pounds of ready-to-eat bologna have been recalled due to misbranding, the U.S. Department of Agricultures Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced last week. Gaisers European Style Provisions Inc., a New Jersey-based company, recalled approximately 143,416 pounds of its bologna products because they contain meat or poultry source materials that are not listed on the product labels, according to the FSIS. The agency said that the products in question were produced between March 20 and June 20 this year and distributed to wholesale and retail locations nationwide. The FSIS said it began its investigation after being notified that the Office of Inspector General received a complaint through its hotline. A representative for Gaisers European Style Provisions Inc. did not immediately return a request for comment. How do I know if Ive purchased a recalled product? If youve recently purchased a ready-to-eat bologna product, you should check the product label. The affected products will have the establishment number EST. 5385 listed on the product labels, FSIS states. The agency lists the following seven products that were subject to the recall (and pictures of the items can be found here): Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vacuum-packed packages of Family Tree Bologna Veal containing undeclared pork. Plastic-wrapped packages of Babushkas Recipe Chicken Bologna containing undeclared pork. Plastic-wrapped packages of Fancy Bologna labeled with pork as an ingredient but containing undeclared beef and chicken. Vacuum-packed packages of Gaisers Russian Brand Doktorskaya Bologna containing undeclared beef. Plastic-wrapped packages of Gaisers Bologna Veal containing undeclared chicken and pork. Plastic-wrapped packages of Gaisers Turkey Bologna containing undeclared chicken and pork. Plastic-wrapped packages of Chicken Bologna Kypoyka Paba containing undeclared pork. What should I do if I have a recalled product in my possession? The FSIS said it does not expect any adverse health effects from consuming the recalled products, and that there have been no confirmed reports of any adverse reactions. Nonetheless, FSIS said its concerned customers may still have the recalled products in their freezers or refrigerators at home. The agency urged customers not to consume the recalled products, and urged restaurants and establishments not to serve them. FSIS recommends that customers either immediately discard the affected products or return them to the place of purchase. Customers with any questions or concerns about food safety are being advised to call the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at (888-674-6854), or send an e-mail to MPHotline@usda.gov. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As always, you should contact your healthcare provider for any concerns you may have about something youve consumed. Related... China's military has developed a "kill web" that makes its weapons more accurate and reliable, a top officer said. A kill web is an evolution of a kill chain, including systems across domains and technologies. China has been expanding its missile arsenal and capabilities for years, raising concerns in the Pentagon. China's missiles are becoming a deadlier problem for the US military due to complex evolutions in the country's kill chains, according to a top American general. The Pentagon has been focused on China's growing arsenal of missiles for years, noting their ranges and stockpiles put the US and its allies in the region at risk should conflict break out. And there are force-multiplying capabilities that make that a more daunting challenge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speaking to lawmakers on the Senate Committee on Appropriations last week, Gen. B. Chance Saltzman, chief of space operations of the Space Force, stated that the People's Liberation Army, China's military, "has fielded satellite-enabled, space-based targeting of terrestrial forces. This kill web has extended the range and accuracy of PLA weapons to hold US forces at risk." Saltzman added that the Space Force has the difficult task of defeating this kill web should the US and China go to war. The "kill web" is something he's brought up before, characterizing it as a critical concern. China's military, the general said back in May, "has developed what we've kind of, you know, tongue in cheek, called a 'kill web,' and it's nothing more than a series of hundreds of satellites that are a sensor network that provide real-time updates, targeting quality information of our force." China's embassy in the US didn't immediately respond to a request for comment on American assessments of its military. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement China's missile branch, the Rocket Force, has been heavily investing in new weapons. Annual reports on China's military by the US Department of Defense have noted growing stockpiles and launchers. One of China's ballistic missiles, the DF-26, has been commonly referred to as the "Guam Express" or the "Guam Killer" because it can reach US forces on the island, which is roughly 3,000 miles from Beijing. It can also be used in an anti-ship role, earning it another nickname: "carrier killer," like the DF-21D. The Pentagon has tracked major expansions in China's missile force over the past few years. Liu Mingsong/Xinhua via Getty Images Other Chinese ballistic missiles have raised concerns in the Pentagon, including its DF-17 and DF-27 hypersonic missiles, short-range ballistic missiles like the DF-15 that give China the ability to strike Taiwan with relative ease, and intercontinental ballistic missiles like the DF-5s, DF-31s, and newer DF-41s. And the arsenal isn't limited solely to ballistic missiles, with Chinese cruise missiles also representing a threat. Last year, in its report on China's military, the Pentagon assessed that the PLA intended to use AI and machine learning to enhance its missile sensors, which could make them more accurate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other capabilities within information-gathering and targeting could improve missile accuracy as well. Reconnaissance drones and satellites could be a key part of the growing kill web, transmitting key information to command and control centers for decisions on how and what to attack. The kill web is an evolved concept of a traditional kill chain, described as being more interconnected across systems and domains and more resilient to disruption. The US is actively working to expand its own web. In a statement before the recent Senate committee hearing, Air Force leadership shared that it "recognizes the need to develop interconnected, multi-platform systems of systems that can operate within and across services to create a robust and redundant, long-range kill web capable of delivering effects within the most contested environments." That requires, it said, investing in every aspect of the so-called "kill web," from traditional platforms and communication equipment to AI and weapons systems. Read the original article on Business Insider (Reuters) -Boeing Co said on Monday it had appointed former Lockheed Martin executive Jesus 'Jay' Malave as the planemaker's new CFO, effective Aug. 15. He will succeed Brian West, who will stay on in an advisory role, Boeing said. West joined Boeing in 2021 and oversaw its finances through a turbulent period, marked by mounting debt and delivery delays. The appointment comes as the planemaker undergoes a broader transformation to restore its reputation and ramp up jet production under current CEO Kelly Ortberg. A Boeing investor said the move was not a surprise, as CEO Kelly Ortberg had signaled an openness to changing upper management in April. Malave, who has held senior finance roles at L3Harris Technologies and United Technologies, exited defense contractor Lockheed Martin in April. (Reporting by Nathan Gomes and Allison Lampert; Editing by Shinjini Ganguli) Vials of measles, mumps and rubella vaccine are displayed on a counter at a Walgreens Pharmacy on January 26, 2015 in Mill Valley, California. (Photo by Illustration Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) New Mexico health officials confirmed an additional eight cases of measles in the Luna County Detention Center Wednesday, bringing the total to 13 12 people in the jail and one staff member. Last week, five detainees tested positive for measles, but an additional eight people displayed symptoms, New Mexico Department of Health Chief Epidemiologist Dr. Chad Smelser told Source NM. Two more cases are pending. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The latest case was reported in Luna County on June 26, 2025, and Smelser said lags may occur between determining cases and publicly confirming them. We focus on disease control first, trying to prevent the spread of the infection, so we might be a little slower in our communication, he said. NMDOH offered vaccinations for 400 detainees and nearly 100 staff, and provided more than 100 vaccines in the last week, Smelser said, noting jail officials incredible cooperation in working to prevent further spread. Measles, one of the most contagious airborne viruses, spreads through contact with droplets from an infected person coughs and sneezes. The virus can survive in the air for hours, and can spread days before and after symptoms appear. Additionally, patients can take one to three weeks to develop symptoms such as headache, fever, cough, red eyes and the spotty red rash. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All 12 people exposed to measles were placed in a designated pod and quarantined until several days after symptoms faded, according to Pablo Montoya, the director of public safety at the detention center. Currently, two people remain quarantined. Staff were given masks, gloves and gowns to prevent spread, Montoya said. The facility does not staff to be vaccinated, he said. In total, New Mexico has recorded 95 measles casesthe health department reported an additional Luna County case connected to the detention center on Thursdayin eight counties since the mid-February outbreak in Gaines County, Texas, first crossed the state line, with cases in Lea, San Juan, Curry, Eddy, Dona Ana, Chaves and Sandoval counties. Health officials say two doses of the measles vaccine prevents spread, or lessens the severity of an infection. The state is offering dozens of clinics across the state, which can be found on the measles webpage. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX This story was updated on Thursday to note an additional measles case reported in Luna County. A swab sample from a crime scene rests on a forensic evidence bag one piece of evidence that may be included in a rape kit, along with items such as clothing, photos of injuries and bodily fluids. At least 37 states and Washington, D.C., have established or committed to establishing rape kit tracking systems that allow survivors to monitor the status of their kits (Tek Image/Science Photo Library via Getty Images). After years of pressure over lost or untested sexual assault kits, a growing number of states are adopting systems to track the kits giving survivors a way to follow their evidence through the justice process. But despite nearly $400 million in federal support since 2015, backlogs persist, and some states still lack basic oversight. And now, advocates fear such financial support is on shaky ground. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are an estimated 49,248 untested kits across the country, according to data collected by the Joyful Heart Foundation, a nonprofit advocacy group. Although the exact number of backlogged kits nationwide is unknown, a 2022 report from the nonpartisan Congressional Research Service that summarized existing research found backlog estimates ranging from 90,000 to 400,000 kits. After a sexual assault, a survivor may choose to undergo a forensic exam, during which a trained health care professional collects evidence over the course of several hours. That evidence which may include clothing, photos of injuries, blood, urine and DNA samples is compiled into whats commonly known as a rape kit or sexual assault kit. The kit is then sent to a crime lab for further testing. Test results are sometimes returned to investigators who check for DNA matches in national or state databases. A match could connect the case to other sexual assaults or link a suspect to another crime. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But processing a single kit can take days, months or even years, depending on when they are submitted and how much other work crime labs have. In some states, there are no laws requiring law enforcement to send rape kits to a lab within a specific time frame or mandating how quickly those kits must be tested. Survivors are often left in the dark. They may not know if their kit was tested, whether a suspect was identified, or if their case is moving forward. That silence the uncertainty about what happened to the kit has long been the norm in many parts of the country. We have betrayed at least a generation of survivors in the way that the criminal justice system and the larger public have responded to sexual assault, said Rachel Lovell, an associate professor of criminology and the director of the Criminology Research Center at Cleveland State University. Lovell has conducted extensive research on the impact of untested rape kits in Ohio. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The goal of tracking systems is straightforward: bring transparency to a process that for decades left survivors without answers. These systems allow victims to log in and track the status of their kits from collection to testing to storage and offer law enforcement agencies a tool to identify and prevent testing backlogs, and strengthen criminal investigations. At least 37 states and Washington, D.C., have established or committed to establishing a rape kit tracking system, according to the End the Backlog website run by the Joyful Heart Foundation. The foundation supports survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence and child abuse. Two more states New Jersey and Pennsylvania announced plans this year to build their own tracking systems. In New Jersey, a new law gives the attorney generals office until Aug. 1 to set up the tracking system. Pennsylvania officials are preparing to launch a statewide inventory of kits to better understand the scope of the backlog before developing their system. A handful of other states have also enacted or are considering legislation to support their sexual assault kit tracking programs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Arizona, for example, Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs signed a bill into law in May requiring all police departments in the state to use a system called Track-Kit. The new law primarily affects the Phoenix Police Department, which opted out of using the system in 2016. That department is expected to launch the platform later this year. At the federal level, support for kit testing and tracking has often come from the National Sexual Assault Kit Initiative, or SAKI, which has awarded nearly $400 million to 96 grantees, including local and state agencies, across 44 states since 2015. But the programs future has not always been certain. In January, the federal Office of Management and Budget had listed the National Sexual Assault Kit Initiative as a program whose funding would be frozen, before walking back the widespread freeze amid legal challenges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Donald Trumps proposed budget for fiscal year 2026 would maintain funding for the Sexual Assault Kit Initiative at $51.5 million, according to a new report from the nonpartisan think tank Council on Criminal Justice. But a separate round of federal Department of Justice grant cuts in April has raised concerns about the stability of broader support services for survivors. That round of cuts affected a variety of grant programs, including domestic violence shelters, trauma counseling, legal assistance and hospital advocacy. The timing is especially concerning, advocates say, as victims of crime face growing obstacles to accessing state-provided support. In many states, victims seeking financial compensation encounter long delays, burdensome paperwork or are disqualified entirely by narrow eligibility rules. Police investigations and funding In jurisdictions that have worked to clear their backlogs, testing sexual assault kits has helped identify serial offenders, solve cold cases and connect assaults or other crimes to the same perpetrator. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nationwide, testing supported by the federal Sexual Assault Kit Initiative has contributed to at least 1,538 convictions. Still, these types of crimes are vastly underreported to police. Rapes and sexual assaults are notoriously difficult to investigate and prosecute, said Lovell, of Cleveland State University. But testing all rape kits can reveal patterns of criminal behavior over time and provide deeper insight into how, when and to whom these crimes are happening ultimately helping improve support and case outcomes for survivors. By prosecuting sex offenders, you can also work to address violent crime more generally and solve past or future crimes with the addition of evidence and DNA, Lovell told Stateline. In her research on untested rape kits in Ohio, Lovell has found that since 2015 when the Sexual Assault Kit Initiative launched cases overseen by the Cleveland Police Department have been more likely to move forward in the investigative and prosecutorial process, with fewer being labeled as unfounded. Police reports, she said, also have become more detailed and trauma informed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The initiative itself may not be the sole reason for these changes, Lovell said. Other factors, such as departmental policy changes or officer training, may also have played a role. Although SAKI grants remain one of the primary sources of support for testing backlogged kits and building tracking systems, communities may face challenges sustaining progress once the federal dollars run out. Capt. Tim Hegarty, division commander of the Office of Professional Standards at the Glynn County Police Department in Georgia, said local agencies must push through potential funding cuts. It falls back on agencies to do the job that they say theyre going to do, even when the money has dried up, Hegarty said in an interview. Doesnt matter whos in the [presidential] administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hegarty added that many departments across the country are still catching up when it comes to interviewing victims with sensitivity and investigating sex crimes. Law enforcement really has not advanced a great deal when it comes to dealing with these types of crimes, Hegarty said. Its not the universal language when it comes to policing across the country. New statewide tracking systems Other states are looking to strengthen existing programs through new oversight measures and stricter processing timelines. Maine is one of the 11 states without a statewide rape kit tracking system. But state lawmakers are considering a bill that would create one and require law enforcement agencies and the states crime lab to inventory and test backlogged kits. The bill passed the House in mid-June and is currently under consideration by the Senate Appropriations Committee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Colorado, Democratic Gov. Jared Polis signed a bill in early June aimed at improving the states capacity to process sexual assault kits. The new law establishes the Colorado Sexual Assault Forensic Medical Evidence Review Board, which will evaluate the states medical, legal and criminal responses to sexual assault. The governor and attorney general have until Aug. 1 to appoint board members. A preliminary report is due to lawmakers by Dec. 15. The law also strengthens oversight of kit processing timelines. Law enforcement agencies must now provide survivors with updates on the status of their kits every 90 days. It also sets a new 60-day goal for crime labs to process forensic medical evidence, shortening the current 90-day goal. As of May 31, 1,324 kits were backlogged, with an estimated testing turnaround time of about a year and a half, according to the states dashboard. Alaska, which launched its statewide rape kit tracking system in 2023, considered a bill this year that would have expedited processing timelines for sexual assault kits. The bill passed the House without opposition but failed to advance through the Senate before the legislative session ended in May. Although the number of untested kits has significantly declined since the state began inventorying them in 2017, 254 kits remained untested at the states crime lab in 2024 up from 113 the previous year but well below the 3,484 recorded in 2017. In Georgia, lawmakers considered a similar bill that would have established new rules for collecting, testing and tracking evidence from sexual assault kits. The bill did not advance before the legislature adjourned in April. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation reported in December that 2,298 kits were tested between July 2023 and June 2024, with 480 kits still awaiting testing. Another 1,612 older cases submitted before 1999 were flagged for DNA testing, of which 837 had been tested as of June 2024. Stateline is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Stateline maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Scott S. Greenberger for questions: info@stateline.org. In a poll conducted during Operation Rising Lion, the IDI learned that only 40% of Israeli adults have retained trust in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Less than half of Israels public trusts Prime MinisterBenjamin Netanyahu, according to an Israel Democracy Institute poll released Wednesday. According to the poll, which was conducted during Operation Rising Lion, the official with the highest rating among Jewish Israelis was IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, while the official most trusted in Arab Israelis was Mossad Director David Barnea. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Overall, the public figure with the lowest level of public trust was Transportation Minister Miri Regev, with 20%. In the Arab community, the public official with the lowest trust level was Netanyahu, with just 10%. Defense and rescue agencies In terms of defense and rescue agencies, Israels Fire and Rescue services had a near-perfect rating of 97% among Jewish Israelis, with 92% of Israelis reporting trust in the organisation overall. The IDFs Home Front Command also had a high level of trust, with 89% of Israelis responding positively to the unit. The boy with the lowest trust rating was Israel Police, with only 22% of Arab Israelis reporting Trust in the institution, and 50% overall. Israel Fire and Rescue Authority operate in Kfar Saba after a car exploded on March 8, 2025. (credit: Via Maariv) While younger Israelis showed slightly less trust in the agencies than older age groups, the differences never exceeded 10 percentage points. Israel's media outlets The lowest trust levels recorded in the survey were regarding Israels media outlets, with Arab Israelis consistently ranking lower than Jewish Israelis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The channels with the highest trust rating by Jews and Arabs separately, as well as the overall score, were those operated by the Israel Public Broadcasting Corporation (Kan), with Channel 14 scoring the lowest. There was no significant difference when the responses were broken down by gender, with the exception of Channel 14, which has greater levels of trust among Jewish men than Jewish women. OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) A woman has been arrested in Oklahoma City in connection to the drowning death of a four-year-old, police say. Neha Gupta. Image courtesy Oklahoma County Detention Center. Officials say officers from the Village of El Portal Police Department in Miami, Florida, responded to a residential pool regarding a possible drowning. Upon arrival, a child was found and taken to a nearby hospital, where she was pronounced dead. LOCAL NEWS: Arkansas man sentenced to 10 years for robbing Oklahoma bank Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to investigators, the mother of the child, Pediatrician Dr. Neha Gupta, and her daughter Aria Talathi had traveled from Oklahoma City and were staying at a short-term rental in Miami. An arrest warrant was then obtained for Gupta. According to the arrest warrant, a call came into 911 just after 3 am reporting a child drowning. When police arrived, Aria was found floating in the water. Gupta told police that after a full day of riding jet skis and spending the day at the beach, Aria was asleep until 9 p.m. when she woke up to eat; both stayed up until just after midnight. She also told police that the two fell asleep in the same bed, but woke up hours later to a noise. She noticed the glass sliding door in the bedroom open, which led out to the patio and backyard pool. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was then that Gupta said she saw her daughter in the water. In the arrest warrant, the medical examiner did not find water in Arias lungs or stomach during the autopsy, ruling out drowning as the cause of death. The medical examiner also said they found cuts and bruising in her mouth consistent with asphyxiation by smothering. The official cause and manner of death have not yet been determined and will require further investigation. U.S. Marshals and Oklahoma City Police arrested Gupta on Tuesday. Ms. Gupta is facing a serious criminal charge and getting her into custody to face that charge was a priority for law enforcement. U.S. Marshal for the Western District of Oklahoma, Johnny Kuhlman. OU Health removed her photo from the website after News 4 called, and in a statement said: Dr. Neha Gupta was suspended from patient care, given notice of termination, and was no longer seeing patients at the health system as of May 30, 2025. She has also been given notice of termination by the University. OU Health and the University of Oklahoma Gupta is currently in the Oklahoma County jail and is pending extradition to Miami-Dade County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Guptas attorney told our NBC affiliate in Miami: We are waiting for the facts to come to light. An autopsy was performed over the weekend. The toxicology reports arent back yet. Were eager to know why the Miami Dade Sheriffs Office seemingly felt so sure to arrest and charge a grieving mother when all other signs point to a simple tragic accident. Richard Cooper along with co-counsel Michael Mirer. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. MEMPHIS, Tenn. The mother of a man accused of bringing a gun into the Criminal Justice Center was arrested on Tuesday. Deshunda Owsley, 46, has been charged with tampering with or fabricating evidence after she allegedly hid a cellphone that contained incriminating evidence of her son. Deshunda Owsley. (SCSO) On June 25, detectives with the Shelby County Sheriffs Office initiated an investigation after reports of a man bringing an automatic weapon into 201 Poplar. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The suspect was eventually identified as Dedrick Patterson. Dedrick Patterson (SCSO) After an arrest warrant was secured for Patterson, detectives and other law enforcement agencies went to his residence. ORIGINAL STORY: Man armed with gun inside Criminal Justice Center: Photos When they arrived to serve the warrant, they encountered Dedrick Pattersons father, whod told him that his son had just left the residence with his mother, Deshunda Owsley. Detectives reached out to Owsley to tell her that her son had outstanding warrants. However, detectives said that after she was notified, she abruptly ended the call and significantly hindered law enforcements efforts to apprehend Dedrick. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After two hours with no communication with Patteron or Owsley, detectives said they became increasingly concerned that she may have assisted her son in concealing critical evidence, particularly his cellphone. Man accused of bringing gun in CJC faces judge When law enforcement later found and detained Patterson and Owsley, they were taken to 201 Poplar for questioning. At the time of the arrest, Dedrick Patterson was not in possession of his cellphone. They also searched Deshunda Owsleys vehicle, but the phone wasnt there. On June 28, while in custody, Patterson made monitored jail calls. In one of the calls, hed allegedly told someone that his phone was no longer at his home because his mother had taken it to his aunts house. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Owsleys bond information is not known at this time. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. MPs have voted in favour of legislation to proscribe group Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation, passing by 385 votes to 26. The order, which amends the Terrorism Act 2000, is now expected to be signed by Home Secretary Yvette Cooper and come into effect later this week. Once in effect, supporting Palestine Action will become a criminal offence, with membership or expressing support for the direct action group punishable by up to 14 years in prison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, legal action is under way to try to temporarily block the order, with a hearing scheduled to take place on Friday at London's High Court. Palestine Action has been granted the hearing pending further proceedings to decide whether a legal challenge can be brought. Alongside Palestine Action, the order also proscribes Maniacs Murder Cult, a white supremacist, neo-Nazi organisation and the Russian Imperial Movement, a white supremacist, ethno-nationalist organisation. Following the vote by MPs, four people were arrested in a protest organised by Palestine Action outside Westminster. These included one man who the Met Police said had "blocked the gates of Downing Street with his mobility scooter", and a woman who attempted to lock herself to an entrance of the parliamentary estate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said they were arrested for a breach of Public Order Act conditions which were put in place to "prevent serious disruption", confining the protest to an area off Whitehall, and allowing it to take place between 18:00 and 20:00 BST. The move to proscribe Palestine Action was taken after activists broke into RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire last month and sprayed two planes with red paint, an incident branded "disgraceful" by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. The government says Palestine Action meets the criteria for terrorism, which is the use or threat of serious violence, or serious damage to property, in a manner that is designed to influence any government or intimidate the public in order to advance a political, religious, racial or ideological cause. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement after the vote, Palestine Action said the home secretary had "bundled our domestic civil disobedience protest group in with two violent, neo-Nazi militias". "Many MPs told us that as a consequence they felt they did not have the option to vote against the measure," it said. The group added it was "confident that this unlawful order will be overturned". Presenting the order to the House of Commons, Minister of State for Security Dan Jarvis said the public attention the group has garnered "should not be confused with legitimacy". He said the group had carried out "atrocious acts" which had increased in "frequency and severity" in recent times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Its targets have broadened to include financial firms, charities, universities, and government buildings," he said. "Its methods have become more aggressive with its members demonstrating a willingness to use violence." Expressing support for the government's move, Conservative MP Harriet Cross said the groups facing proscription have "nothing whatsoever to do with legitimate protest". "They would not be facing proscription today if they were demonstrating peacefully, respectfully, or legally," she said. But a number of Labour backbenchers questioned the action and whether it would not be more proportionate for the group to be dealt with through criminal legislation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In total, 10 Labour MPs, including one teller, voted against the government. One of them, Labour MP Clive Lewis, said there was "a long history in this country of direct action which pushes the boundaries of our democracy" and this was "still direct action... not terrorist action". His party colleague Richard Burgon said the legislation risked "criminalising thousands of volunteers and supporters" - and pointed out a large number of people had been associated with the group in this capacity, including "students, nurses, retirees and professionals". The proscription order will now go before the Lords on Thursday where it is likely to pass. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reacting to the vote, the head of Human Rights Watch in the UK, Yasmine Ahmed, said proscribing Palestine Action was "a grave abuse of state power and a terrifying escalation in this government's crusade to curtail protest rights". "We expect this of authoritarian regimes like Russia or China, not a country like the UK that professes to believe in democratic freedoms," she added. Palestine Action has engaged in activities that have predominantly targeted arms companies since the start of the current war in Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel launched its military campaign in Gaza in response to Hamas's 7 October 2023 attack, in which about 1,200 people were killed and 251 others were taken hostage. Since then, 56,500 people have been killed in Gaza, according to the territory's Hamas-run health ministry. Editor's note: This is the first of a four part interview with MPS Superintendent Brenda Cassellius. The second will focus on finance and budgeting, the third on school closures and the final on attendance and student deaths. The interview included Journal Sentinel Editorial Board members Greg Borowski, James Causey, Jim Fitzhenry and Erin Richards. Education reporter Rory Linnane also took part, though she is not a member of the editorial board. Brenda Cassellius has been at the helm of Milwaukee Public Schools for a little over 100 days and has already faced a number of major issues, such as the court-ordered return of police officers to schools, a lead crisis forcing the temporary closure of several schools, a controversial reorganization plan at the districts central offices and continued struggles meeting financial report filing deadlines. Cassellius, who came to Milwaukee after leading Boston public schools and serving as the Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Education, sat down with the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel editorial board June 11 for a wide-ranging interview. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were presenting the interview in four segments to focus on the larger issues she is facing at MPS, but first we asked the Minneapolis native how shes settling into life in Wisconsin. Well, I really love Milwaukee. It's a great town. It's just about five hours from my hometown, so it feels very familiar, which is great. I love the big lake. I think what's really surprising, just in general, is it's a little bit of a foodie town, she said. And so that's been kind of fun to discover all the restaurants and great festivities, and I'm excited for the festival season. A common theme: Building a culture of excellence at MPS With so many issues commanding her time and attention such as getting a leadership team in place, dealing with the lead crisis, improving academic outcome, filling vacancies, fixing the finance office Executive Editor Greg Borowski asked Cassellius what her top priority is moving forward. Opinion: Milwaukee police drones won't spy on you. They will help make our city safer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think the common through line of all of that is building a culture of excellence and a culture of continuous improvement. We obviously have a lot of room to grow. And so it's gonna be looking at ourselves and confronting the brutal facts of where we are, she said. Our children are scoring about 9% proficient as measured on the NAEP and our black students, which are over half of our population of students, are scoring the worst out of the largest urban districts across the nation. So there is significant work." She discussed the state ordered financial and operational audits and challenges presented and the need to get school board and community support to move forward. "Pulling these things together with our facilities plans that's been also ongoing into some strategic planning this fall," she said. "So that is my number one priority is to really bring the board along, bring the community along, and to design a plan for moving forward that addresses those operational needs and our strategic needs academically." Opinion: New MPS superintendent says fixes could take years. Kids can't wait that long. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Borowski asked what impediments stand in the way. "Well, I think that we are not currently aligned with our systems within the organization. And so I think communication is a key area," Cassellius said. "Internal communication, role clarification, setting clear expectations and performance review and setting ourselves up for success that way, I think, is really critical in terms of the people power and getting the work done. So that's really going to be critical." Building communications team and strategy to be more transparent Borowski also asked Cassellius about communication and transparency, noting the the Journal Sentinel has often found it difficult to get basic facts and information from MPS, and has a number of outstanding requests for public records that have not been fulfilled. Letters: Divisive, inflammatory and harmful rhetoric by Rep. Derrick Van Orden must end Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I do also know that we are building our communications team to be more transparent," she said. "I've made myself extremely available to the media and want to get our story out, and I want people to know where we are transparently because I think that's the only way that you repair trust and rebuild trust is to give them the true facts." READ PART 2: MPS must right-size to help deal with $100 million deficit. Parts 3 and 4 will post on July 3. 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. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: First 100 days filled with challenges for MPS leader | Opinion MSP Airport rolls out new facial recognition technology originally appeared on Bring Me The News. Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) has implemented the use of new biometric facial recognition technology in an effort to speed along busy customs checkpoints. The Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC), which owns and operates MSP, has partnered with U.S. Customs and Border Protection to become the 12th U.S. airport or port of entry to use the new system, called Enhanced Passenger Processing (EPP). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new system went into use last week. New technology in use at Minneapolis-St. Paul International AirportCourtesy of Metropolitan Airports Commission EPP uses facial comparison technology to verify passenger identities, confirm U.S. citizenship status, conduct law enforcement vetting, and create a crossing record in the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) system, the MAC details in an announcement. The technology is only used on U.S. citizens returning from trips abroad. Non-citizens will continue to go through customs as they have previously. The EPP allows customs officials to focus more on the interview process and less on administrative tasks, according to the CBP. However, passengers are allowed to opt out of the EPP process and go through a traditional customs process with an officer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The technology arrives as MSP continues to grow its international business, setting a record of 3,569,721 international travelers in 2024. Additionally, with Delta's addition of nonstop routes to Copenhagen and Rome, the airport currently has a record 35 nonstop international destinations available to travelers this year. Related: MSP Airport among the best of the best in new Washington Post ranking This story was originally reported by Bring Me The News on Jul 2, 2025, where it first appeared. President Donald Trumps Big, Beautiful Bill returns to the House of Representatives on Wednesday but Republicans in the lower chamber are already threatening a revolt. Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, an influential voice within Trumps MAGA movement, appeared on Steve Bannons War Room podcast on Tuesday and complained that Trumps July 4 timeline for passing the massive tax and spending legislation was arbitrary and not realistic. It is really a dire situation, Greene told Bannon. Were on a time clock thats been really set on us, so we have a lot of pressure. Its a s***show. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene supports the bill but not the timeline (Getty) The House narrowly passed a 940-page version of Trumps bill which seeks to boost defense and border spending while making cuts to key welfare programs back in May by 216-215 but it has since been heavily amended by the Senate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The upper chamber only pushed through its draft with the help of Vice President JD Vance, whose vote was required to break a 50-50 tie after three Republican senators Thom Tillis of North Carolina, Rand Paul of Kentucky and Susan Collins of Maine broke ranks to side with the Democrats, effectively nullifying their partys majority. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska almost joined the rebels but was ultimately persuaded to fall in line, albeit reluctantly. Ahead of Wednesday's House session, Speaker Mike Johnson appeared on Sean Hannitys primetime Fox News show and promised: We are going to deliver the bill by July 4. Weve got a clear mandate to do this. But Greene is not alone among his representatives in raising objections to the pressure they are being placed under over the megabill. House Freedom Caucus chair Andy Harris discusses Donald Trump's 'Big, Beautiful Bill' on Fox News on Tuesday July 1 2025 (Fox News) Members of the hard-right House Freedom Caucus, including chair Andy Harris and Ralph Norman, have also expressed their disquiet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Likewise speaking to Fox, Harris said: This is not ready for primetime. We support the presidents agenda. The presidents agenda was not to raise the deficit three quarters of a trillion dollars over the next 10 years. The bottom line is now the House is going to have its say. This is not going to sail through the House. Norman called the bill an abomination at a House Rules Committee meeting and said: What the Senate did, Ill vote against it here and Ill vote against it on the floor. Andy Ogles of Tennessee has meanwhile called the Senate bill a dud, Andy Biggs of Arizona said it contains some amazingly bad stuff and Chip Roy of Texas said that Senate Republicans had failed us. Another unnamed House Republican told The Hill this week that conservative group chats were lighting up over the Senates draft of the bill and asked: How did it get so much f***ing worse? SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) With San Diegos Big Bay Boom fireworks shows expected to draw tens of thousands of spectators to the waterfront on Friday, officials with the Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) are encouraging residents and visitors to skip the traffic jams and take the Trolley. In fact, some of the top viewing spots for the popular fireworks display are within a short walk from the following centrally located Trolley stations: County Center / Little Italy (UC San Diego Blue Line & Green Line) Santa Fe Depot (UC San Diego Blue Line & Green Line) America Plaza (UC San Diego Blue Line) Seaport Village (Green Line) Convention Center (Green Line) Gaslamp Quarter (Green Line) Expanded Trolley schedule To help manage the influx of attendees headed downtown for the 9 p.m. fireworks show, MTS is expanding Trolley service across all three linesthe UC San Diego Blue Line, Green Line, and Orange Lineboth before and after the event. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Big Bay Boom 2025: Watch 4th of July fireworks over San Diego Bay Pre-event: Green Line: Trolleys every 15 minutes or better; added trips from San Diego State University begin two hours before showtime. Blue Line: Trains arrive every 15 minutes leading up to the event. Orange Line: Operating on a Sunday schedule; riders can transfer to the Green Line at 12th and Imperial Transit Center. Post-event: Green Line: Trolleys continue every 15 minutes, with the final trip to El Cajon leaving 12th and Imperial at 11:36 p.m. Blue Line: Trolleys continue every 15 minutes, with an additional trip from Santa Fe Depot to UTC at 9:45 p.m. The last northbound trip departs from 12th and Imperial at 11:08 p.m. and Santa Fe Depot at 11:22 p.m . The last southbound train leaves Sante Fe Depot at 11:52 p.m., while the last one from 12th and Imperial leaves at 12:07 p.m. Orange Line: Runs every 15 minutes until 10:30 p.m. with the final trip to El Cajon at 11:56 p.m. (Tip: Riders heading north or east from Santa Fe Depot or County Center are encouraged to board the first available train and transfer at Old Town for easier boarding.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Also announced by MTS, all fare-paying transit riders will be able to have a transit partner ride with them free of charge on July 4. This promotion includes all MTS bus routes and Trolley lines. For more information and full schedules, visit the MTS Big Bay Boom page. Also drawing crowds this weekend is the San Diego Padres vs. Texas Rangers series at Petco Park. MTS is also boosting service before and after each game to accommodate the extra fans. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. CA Auto Bank and its rental and mobility company Drivalia have announced a leadership change with a dual appointment at the group's top level. Effective 1 July, Roberto Sportiello will become the new CEO of Drivalia. He will succeed Paolo Manfreddi, who is set to lead Ferrari Financial Services, pending approval from the competent authority. Ferrari Financial Services is a joint venture (JV) between Ferrari and CA Auto Bank. Launched in 2016, the JV aims to support Ferrari's commercial strategy in Germany, the UK, and Switzerland. CA Auto Bank CEO Giacomo Carelli said: This change, born from a shared strategic vision, aims to leverage the know-how and skills of two highly experienced leaders to guide Drivalia and Ferrari Financial Services into a new evolutionary phase. Sportiello brings more than 20 years of international experience in the automotive financial sector to Drivalia. His career highlights include his role as head of marketing and sales for the FCA Bank group in 2014 and CEO of FCA Bank in Austria in 2016. Sportiello had been at the helm at Ferrari Financial Services since January 2020. Sportiello said: It is with great enthusiasm that I take the baton from Paolo, a professional I admire and who has built a solid and dynamic company. I greet and thank my colleagues at Ferrari Financial Services for the journey we have shared, and I look forward to starting to work with the Drivalia team on the future of mobility. We will need to accelerate the groups development and consolidation throughout Europe, working on integrated, innovative, and sustainable mobility solutions, with a focus on the quality of customer service. Manfreddi has led Drivalia since its launch in 2022 and establishment in European markets. His career began in 2002, and he joined Fiat Groupe Automobiles in 2003. Manfreddi held various roles, including Lancia sales director, and managed the dealer network and Rent a Car & Used Car activities for the EMEA region. Since his appointment as CEO in October 2022, Drivalia launched its first monthly subscription services for light commercial vehicles (LCVs) last month. The services, Be Free Evo Pro and Be Free Evo Pro Max, target artisans, professionals, and small businesses. Manfreddi said: I am truly proud of the journey we have taken with Drivalia and of the extraordinary team I have had the honour of working with. I bring this unique experience to a new adventure that is as prestigious as it is challenging. I am convinced that Roberto is the perfect leader to continue Drivalias growth, and I wish him all the success he deserves. FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) Benton and Washington counties could face some of the largest losses in benefits, according to new maps released by Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families. In a statement on its website, the advocacy group said that the bill heading to the United States House could result in the largest cuts to Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). How much could you save from the big, beautiful bill Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The legislation increases costs for low-income Arkansans by taking away health care coverage and the SNAP benefits they use to buy food for their kids; increasing the cost of electricity; and making college less affordable, the organization says. It is an attempt to undermine the Affordable Care Act and Medicaid, which have saved countless lives by expanding health care coverage and making it less expensive. The group estimates that up to 140,000 Arkansans could lose Medicaid coverage under the new work requirements proposed. An additional 60,000 Arkansans may lose their SNAP benefits. Although, the mega bill continues to change these numbers. Medicaid Dollars Lost and Newly Uninsured by County Source: AACF analysis assuming $1 trillion in Medicaid cuts over 10 years and utilizing U.S. Census Bureau, 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Newly uninsured calculations based on Center for Budget and Policy Priorities estimates. Northwest Arkansas Benton County could lose an estimated $704.9 million in Medicaid dollars and could leave more than 8,000 people without insurance. The new bill would cut a total of $758.9 million in total benefits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Washington County could lose $705.8 million, causing more than 8,000 residents to lose insurance. A total of $774.6 million would be lost in combined SNAP and Medicaid money. Total Dollars Lost by County Source: AACF analysis assuming $1 trillion in Medicaid cuts and $186 billion in SNAP cuts over 10 years and utilizing U.S. Census Bureau, 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. River Valley Crawford County could lose $265.4 million, and cause more than 3,000 people to lose insurance. More than $480 million could be cut from Sebastian County, with 5,756 people becoming uninsured in the county. The changes that could be seen in Arkansas It would require veterans, people experiencing homelessness, and youth who have aged out of foster care to meet those same work requirements, AACF states. Under current law, theyre exempt from such requirements because policymakers recognized that those community members have experienced different forms of trauma as well as other complications like trouble obtaining identification that make it more difficult to gain and maintain employment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arkansas is one of the few southern states that had expanded its Medicaid program in the past decade, Camille Richoux, health policy director, said. It has saved rural hospitals from closing, The reality is that 70% of rural hospitals in Arkansas are already operating at a loss, she said. Anymore losses to Medicaid funding is to be devastating for rural Arkansans. Medicaid Coverage and Hospitals by County Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Who is being affected? Medicare is not being affected, but some people with Medicare also have Medicaid coverage for other things, such as prescription costs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pregnant women, legal immigrant families, people with certain visas and refugees are at risk of losing coverage, along with people who are 138% below the poverty line. We dont have state estimates on the health coverage loss due to the anti-immigration eligibility restrictions for Medicare, ACA, Medicaid and CHIP. On SNAP, we previously had some estimates by state but those are outdated given the change in policy. Center on Budget and Policy Priorities told KNWA/KFTA. The new bill says that how much the state has to contribute is based on their error rates in the past, Pete Gess, the economic policy director said. Sometimes folks get benefits that dont really qualify. Sometimes some other things can happen. And you know all that is corrected overtime, but we you know have this error rate and based on the error rate that dictates how much states will have to contribute. If the bill goes through, the Natural State will need to make up $55 million. There just isnt a lot of surplus in the state budget to do that so the state could either say were going to find money to do that and by find that means cut programs elsewhere or do we raise additional new revenue that seems pretty unlikely since the legislature has been moving in the other direction to give away income tax cuts, Gess said. Work Requirement In 2018, Arkansas lawmakers implemented a first-of-its-kind work requirement and within five months, 18,000 Arkansans lost coverage, Richoux said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The overwhelming majority analysis shows that 95% of those people who lost coverage lost it because of errors, she said. They were either meeting the requirements or they shouldve qualified for an exemption, so it ended up being a paperwork requirement. A court ruling stopped the policy stripping the work requirement. What Arkansas residents can do AACF is providing updates on and information for people that can be found online. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KNWA FOX24. Immigration arrests have increased nationwide and more than doubled in 38 states, including Tennessee, since President Donald Trump took office, a study from the New York Times states. According to the Times, the majority of the arrests have occurred in states with large immigrant populations, such as Florida and Texas, which also experienced high immigration enforcement under President Biden. Some of the largest increases in arrests have occurred across regions that support Trumps immigration policies, particularly the South and West. Since the beginning of his term, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has more than doubled its daily arrest rate, averaging 666 immigration arrests per day, compared with fewer than 300 per day in 2024, reported the Times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During a May 21 meeting with ICE field offices leaders, Stephen Miller Trump's top immigration advisor set a target of 3,000 arrests per day. Arrests since started to rise, and, in the first 10 days of June, the latest period the data covers, ICE made an average of more than 1,100 arrests per day. Amid the aggressive nationwide immigration enforcement campaign, Tennessee has continued to intensify its own efforts, including passing a contentious law that criminalizes the transportation or harboring of undocumented individuals. Here's what to know. More: TN Rep. Justin Jones files bill to ban officers from wearing masks while making arrests ICE arrests in Tennessee have doubled since Trump took office, data shows According to the Times study, ICE has made an average of 18 daily arrests in Tennessee since Jan. 20, a 169% increase from 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Data shows arrests spiked in May, when a joint operation between ICE and the Tennessee Highway Patrol began, during which state troopers began stopping individuals in predominantly immigrant neighborhoods in South Nashville. The number of arrests swelled following an operation during the week of June 13, according to Lindsay Williams, a spokesperson for ICE's Southern District. Williams previously told The Tennessean the operations focused on identifying individuals with criminal histories, however, less than half of those arrested during the May operation had prior criminal convictions or pending criminal charges. In total, the operations have led to the arrest of over 500 migrants in the Nashville area, the Tennessean reported June 20, igniting fear within immigrant communities, allegations of racial profiling and protests. More: Putnam County launches ICE task force to detain undocumented immigrants Tennessee enacts law criminalizing harboring of undocumented immigrants, sparks legal challenge Nearly 180 new laws took effect in Tennessee on July 1, including Senate Bill 392, which introduces new penalties related to immigration enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The law makes it a Class E felony the lowest level felony in Tennessee, with possible prison time between one and six years to knowingly transport or harbor someone who has entered or remained in the U.S. illegally, if done with the intent to conceal them from law enforcement and for financial gain. Harboring is defined as providing shelter to or concealing the whereabouts of an individual. Although the bills sponsor, Sen. Brent Taylor (R-Memphis) claims the law targets large-scale smuggling operations and not charitable organizations, critics argue that the laws text does not clearly exclude such groups, leaving room for broader implications. We werent looking to penalize families traveling, we were looking to try to get people who were actually smuggling people into the country and into the state for personal financial gain or commercial advantage, Taylor said, claiming that the law prevents someone from taking advantage of an illegal alien. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill has drawn criticism from immigrant rights advocates, who argue that its language is overly broad and vague. A lawsuit filed in federal court in Nashville on June 20 challenges the law, raising concerns that it could apply even to immigrants with legal status, such as asylum seekers, and potentially criminalize the work of churches and nonprofits that offer housing or services to undocumented individuals. Its up to an interpretation of local municipalities that could just go in and you know, start picking people up, said Rep. Bob Freeman (D-Nashville), who voted against the bill, in an interview. The legislation passed along party lines, with no Democratic support in either chamber. The law took effect shortly after a judge ruled to keep Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a wrongly deported Salvadoran immigrant, in custody amid a legal battle over his potential deportation before trial. Jennifer Vasquez Sura, wife of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, is surrounded by supporters as she leaves the Fred D. Thompson U.S. Courthouse and Federal Building after a hearing to discuss the conditions of Garcias release Wednesday, June 25, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. In May, A Tennessee grand jury indicted Abrego Garcia on charges of transporting hundreds of undocumented immigrants, including children and alleged gang members. Prosecutors say he was stopped by Tennessee Highway Patrol in 2022 while driving a Suburban with nine passengers and no luggage in Putnam County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Inside the charges: How a routine traffic stop in TN exploded into human smuggling charges for Kilmar Abrego Garcia Methodology The data used in the Times analysis comes from the Deportation Data Project at UC Berkeleys law school, which tracks immigration enforcement. It focuses on administrative arrests made by ICEs Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) through June 10, these are arrests aimed at deportation, not criminal prosecution. The dataset excludes criminal arrests and those made by other ICE divisions or Customs and Border Protection. Duplicate and invalid entries were removed. In cases where the arrest location wasnt directly available, the state was inferred from the ICE field office involved. However, about 11% of arrests couldnt be linked to a specific state and were excluded from state-level totals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Contributing: Evan Mealins, Kelly Puente Diana Leyva covers trending news and service journalism for the Tennessean. Contact her at Dleyva@gannett.com or follow her on X at @_leyvadiana This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Analysis shows how much ICE arrests went up in Tennessee during Trump A Dallas cookie shop owner was shot and killed inside The Shops at RedBird Tuesday afternoon in what police say was a targeted attack. Officers responded to a shooting call around 4 p.m. in the 3600 block of West Camp Wisdom Road on July 1, according to both NBC 5 DFW and FOX 4. Dallas Fire-Rescue pronounced the victim, identified as 53-year-old Jaime Alejandro Rokkett, dead at the scene. Police said the suspect, 43-year-old Rashonda Lowe, later turned herself in to authorities in Arlington. She has since been charged with murder and booked into the Dallas County jail. Dallas County Jail booking documents indicate that her 44th birthday is just six days away. Suspect, 43-year-old Rashonda Lowe Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NBC DFW reported that the shooting took place inside Cookies N Smoothies, the store reportedly owned by Rokkett. Eyewitness IEoyana Anderson told the outlet she was shopping nearby when she heard gunfire. All I heard was gunshots, like six gunshots, she said. We fell on the floor and we crawled on the floor to a jewelry store and then I called the police. THE BREAKDOWN: Jaime Rokkett, 53, was fatally shot at his store, Cookies N Smoothies. The suspect, Rashonda Lowe, 43, surrendered to Arlington police and is charged with murder. The shooting occurred around 4 p.m. Tuesday inside The Shops at RedBird. Authorities say the incident was targeted, not random; police believe the two knew each other. Councilmember Lorie Blair and mall officials have issued public statements of condolence and safety reassurance. The motive for the shooting has not been publicly released. However, police confirmed that the suspect and victim were acquainted, per NBC 5. Mall officials emphasized in a statement that the attack was an isolated, targeted event not a random act of violence. They affirmed that the property maintains a comprehensive security program including 24/7 patrols, surveillance systems, and a strong partnership with local police. Dallas City Councilmember Lorie Blair also expressed her condolences, stating, As we await further information and the completion of the investigation, I want to extend my deepest condolences to the victims family and loved ones I am in communication with the Dallas Police Department and remain committed to keeping the public informed as more details emerge. Alaskan Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski had a tense moment with NBC News reporter Ryan Nobles after he pressed her on the backlash she faced for her vote on the "One Big, Beautiful Bill" (OBBB) on Tuesday. Nobles caught up with Murkowski after she voted in favor of President Donald Trumps $3.3 trillion spending bill, asking her to respond to criticism from Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., who claimed that she supported OBBB because it was a "bailout for Alaska at the expense of the rest of the country." "Oh my God," Murkowski mumbled angrily before looking at Nobles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Thats what Sen. Paul said," Nobles responded. Republican Senator Calls Caucusing With Democrats An 'Interesting Hypothetical' She then stared at Nobles without making a response for more than ten seconds. Read On The Fox News App "I didnt say it, maam," Nobles reiterated. "Im just asking for your response." "My response is I have an obligation to the people of the state of Alaska, and I live up to that every single day," Murkowski answered. She added that it was "offensive" to claim that federal dollars being sent to a state is considered a "bailout." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Do I like this bill? No. Because I tried to take care of Alaska's interests, but I know that in many parts of the country there are Americans that are not going to be advantaged by this bill. I don't like that. I don't like the fact that we moved through an artificial deadline, an artificial timeline, to produce somethingto meet a deadline rather than to actually try to produce the best bill for the country," Murkowski answered. "But when I saw the direction that this is goingyou know, you can either say, 'I don't like it,' and not try to help my state, or you can roll up your sleeves." Fox News Digital reached out to Pauls office for a comment. Maga Country Voters Sound Alarm Over Ridiculous National Debt Amid Debate Over Trump-backed Bill Senate Republicans successfully passed the bill on a 51-50 vote with Vice President JD Vance casting the tiebreaking vote. Paul, along with Sens. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., and Susan Collins, R-Maine, were the only Republicans who voted against the bill. All Democrats voted no. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ahead of the Senate vote, several last-minute deals were made, including the doubling of the rural hospital fund to $50 billion, which was pushed by Collins, and a rollback of the start date of supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP) work requirements for states with higher payment error rates, like Alaska. The bill now heads to the House, where Republican leaders are determined to have a final bill ready to be signed by Trump by Friday. Original article source: Murkowski silently stares down NBC reporter asking about her 'Big Beautiful Bill' vote An arrest has been made in connection with a hit-and-run incident that occurred during the early morning hours of Saturday, May 30, 2025, according to a news release from the City of Muscatine. About 1:35 a.m., Muscatine Police responded to a report of a hit-and-run at the intersection of East 6th Street and Mulberry Avenue. A red SUV had reportedly accelerated through the intersection, striking a pedestrian. Two other individuals present in the intersection at the time were unharmed. Evan Martinez (Muscatine Police Department) The driver of the SUV, later identified as 18-year-old Evan Lee Martinez of Muscatine, fled the scene without notifying authorities or providing assistance to the injured man, police say. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An investigationsupported by witness statements and surveillance footagerevealed that Martinezs vehicle had been circling the downtown area for about 90 minutes before the incident. During that time, the vehicle repeatedly approached and harassed the three individuals involved. The victim suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was treated at the scene. At about 12:37 p.m. Monday, June 30, Martinez was taken into custody at his Muscatine residence. He has been charged with: Three counts of attempted murder Three counts of going armed with intent Three counts of intimidation with a dangerous weapon Reckless driving. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police ask that anyone with information related to this case contact Sgt. Minnat Patel with the Muscatine Police Departments Major Crimes Unit at 563-263-9922, ext. 629. Callers may remain anonymous. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com. CHIPPEWA FALLS A Chippewa Falls park now features a new outdoor musical playground, which was paid for through a private donation. The equipment has been installed at Erickson Park, which is immediately north of Irvine Park, near the Glen Loch Dam. The new musical playground will offer interactive, outdoor musical instruments for visitors of all ages to enjoy, further enhancing the parks appeal as a destination for recreation, relaxation and community connection, a press release states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Parks Director John Jimenez was enthusiastic about having something new for children in the park. He said the installment was finished last Friday. Erickson Park is a great spot for outdoor recreation and inclusive experiences in our community. The addition of a musical playground is a unique opportunity to bring people together through music, creativity and play, Jimenez said. We are excited to see families, friends, and visitors of all abilities enjoying this new feature alongside our existing amenities. Community members Norm and Mary Ellen Keller donated the money to pay for the project. After the recent passing of our son, Erich, we felt moved to do something positive for the community in his memory, the Kellers said in a press release. We hope the musical playground will bring joy to everyone who visits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chippewa Falls Park Board President Beth Arneberg was thrilled to have the new play area, saying it is a wonderful addition. My grandchildren from Texas have already tried it and found it engaging along with the adults, Arneberg said Tuesday. Thank you to the donors who made this possible. Erickson Park, which opened in June 2019, features handicap-accessible fishing piers and boat and kayak launches with 400 feet of shoreline. The renovations at the 15-acre park cost about $2.2 million, including the shoreline improvements, the 140-foot-long footbridge that connects to Irvine Park, bathroom buildings, landscaping and new parking lots. The project won $1.1 million in state and federal grants, with the other half coming from donations, along with a contribution from the city. Jimenez noted the overhaul of the park made it attractive with plenty of scenic views, but there was room for more uses for the land. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We had a lot of open space up there, Jimenez said Tuesday. Jimenez worked with Ron Bakken, who helped in the redevelopment of the park, in coming up with the idea of the musical playground. They connected with a company in Europe that manufactures the play pieces that are designed to withstand the weather. We wanted to differentiate our playgrounds and offer something unique, Jimenez said. We know it is something that can be used by schools and music classes. Im excited for Erickson Park and its continued development. Elon Musk gushed over former BFF Donald Trump, only hours after the president issued a veiled threat to have the South African-born billionaire deported from America. After a day of tit-for-tat insultsand a threat from Musk to escalate their rowthe Tesla CEO took to X to share the presidents Truth Social post that Israel had agreed to a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza. Credit where credit is due, Musk wrote. Donald Trump has successfully resolved several serious conflicts around the world. Credit where credit is due. @realDonaldTrump has successfully resolved several serious conflicts around the world. pic.twitter.com/0EyHHy5Gfo Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 2, 2025 The pairs latest drama played out after Musk stepped up his criticism of Trumps Big Beautiful Bill, which will add trillions to the national debt, and the president threatened to get DOGE to investigate Musks various businesses and end tax credits for electric vehicles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Musk announced his departure from DOGE, the so-called Department of Government Efficiency, in May to focus on his day job. In a post on Tuesday on his Truth Social account, Trump said: Elon may get more subsidy than any human being in history, by far, and without subsidies, Elon would probably have to close up shop and head back home to South Africa. He added, No more Rocket launches, Satellites, or Electric Car Production, and our Country would save a FORTUNE. Perhaps we should have DOGE take a good, hard, look at this? the president added. Last month, as their fallout went nuclear, Musk claimed on X that the presidents name appears in the Epstein files, which is why they remain redacted. The post was later deleted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This week, when Trump was asked by a reporter if he could deport Musk to South Africa, he replied, I dont know, well have to take a look. The president added, He gets a lot of subsidies, but Elon is very upset that the EV mandate is going to be terminated. Happier times: U.S. President Donald Trump and Tesla CEO Elon Musk sit in a Tesla in front of the White House. / Kevin Lamarque / REUTERS Musk clapped back to Trumps veiled deportation threats by posting on X, So tempting to escalate this. So, so tempting. But I will refrain for now. Musk had been prolific on his social media platform slamming Trumps bill, posting on Tuesday, Whats the point of a debt ceiling if we keep raising it? as well as, All Im asking is that we dont bankrupt America. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a classic troll move, he also replied Me to a post asking who else would donate to the re-election campaign of rogue Republican Thomas Massie, who has also opposed Trumps bill. Trump posted on Tuesday, Massie is a very bad guy! SpaceX and Tesla CEO Elon Musk put a pause on bashing President Donald Trump's "big, beautiful bill," and issued some praise for the president after an announcement that Israel had agreed to a 60-day ceasefire with Gaza. Musk has been highly critical of Trumps massive tax and domestic policy package that the Senate passed Tuesday hours after Trump said hed have to "take a look" at deporting Musk, who is a U.S. citizen but was born in South Africa. However, despite the public attacks following Musks departure from heading up the Trump administrations Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) in May, Musk still offered a stamp of approval for Trumps handling of global conflict. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Credit where credit is due. @realDonaldTrump has successfully resolved several serious conflicts around the world," Musk said in an early Wednesday morning post on X. Trump Says Doge Monster May Have To Eat Elon As Musk Vows Primary Ads For Lawmakers Who Cross Him On Bbb SpaceX and Tesla CEO Elon Musk, left, put a pause on bashing President Donald Trumps "big, beautiful bill" and issued some praise for the president after a recent Gaza ceasefire announcement. Musk also shared a screenshot of Trumps post on Truth Social announcing Tuesday that members of his team had a "long and productive meeting with the Israelis today on Gaza," and that Israel had agreed to terms for a 60-day ceasefire. Read On The Fox News App Tensions between Musk and Trump first boiled over in May due to differences related to Trumps massive tax and spending package amid reports the measure would increase the federal deficit. However, Musk historically has waffled between attacking Trump and then following up with attempts to smooth things over with the president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just after Musks DOGE departure, they traded barbs over the "big, beautiful bill," prompting Musk to say that Trump wouldnt have won the 2024 election without his backing. In turn, Trump accused Musk of going "CRAZY" over cuts to the electric vehicle credits, and said that Musk had been "wearing thin." Days later, Musk shared a Truth Social post from Trump regarding the immigration raid protests in Los Angeles, and re-posted one of Vice President JD Vances posts on X about the riots. "This moment calls for decisive leadership," Vance said, sharing a screenshot of a post from Trump about how his administration would address the riots. "The president will not tolerate rioting and violence." Republican Lawmakers Stand Firm Against Musk's 'Kill The Bill' Assault On Trump's Agenda President Donald Trump, left, bought a Tesla from Musk at the White House as a show of support earlier in 2025 when the electric vehicle-maker faced consumer backlash over Elon Musk's political work in March. Tensions between Musk and Trump appeared to dissolve for much of June, but resurfaced as the "big, beautiful bill" edged closer to passage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Musk has threatened in recent days to back challengers to Republicans who voted for Trump's tax and spending bill, and went so far as to call for a new political party. "It is obvious with the insane spending of this bill, which increases the debt ceiling by a record FIVE TRILLION DOLLARS, that we live in a one-party country the PORKY PIG PARTY!! Time for a new political party that actually cares about the people," Musk posted on X Monday. Meanwhile, Trump has continued to dismiss Musks criticism of the measure, claiming Musk isnt pleased with it because it eliminates an electric vehicle tax credit that benefits companies like Tesla. 'He's Not A Big Factor': Trump's Senate Allies Dismiss Elon Musk's Calls To 'Kill The Bill' Tensions between President Donald Trump, left, and Elon Musk appeared to dissolve for much of June, but resurfaced as the "big, beautiful bill" edged closer to passage. "Elon Musk knew, long before he so strongly Endorsed me for President, that I was strongly against the EV Mandate," Trump said in a post on Truth Social early Tuesday. "It is ridiculous, and was always a major part of my campaign. Electric cars are fine, but not everyone should be forced to own one. Elon may get more subsidy than any human being in history, by far, and without subsidies, Elon would probably have to close up shop and head back home to South Africa." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Later that morning, Trump told reporters that he would "take a look" at deporting Musk, and that he might have DOGE evaluate the government subsidies Tesla receives. "We might have to put DOGE on Elon," Trump told reporters at the White House Tuesday. "You know what DOGE is? The monster that might have to go back and eat Elon. Wouldnt that be terrible? He gets a lot of subsidies." "So tempting to escalate this," Musk said in response to a video of Trumps comment on X Tuesday. "So, so tempting. But I will refrain for now." Original article source: Musk takes a break from slamming BBB, doles out praise for Trump amid Israel ceasefire announcement As billionaire Elon Musk feuds with President Trump over his signature tax and domestic policy legislation, Musk has reupped his calls to launch a new political party a daunting task even for the wealthiest person on Earth. Musk first floated launching a third party, dubbed the "America Party," earlier this month, part of a nasty back-and-forth between the president and the Tesla CEO that marked the likely end of their political alliance. The billionaire raised the idea of a third party again last week as lawmakers raced to send the One Big Beautiful Bill Act to Mr. Trump's desk saying he would start the party if Congress passed what he described as an "insane spending bill." On Saturday, a day after Mr. Trump signed the bill into law, Musk wrote in a social media post that the "America Party" had formed after polling his followers on X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "By a factor of 2 to 1, you want a new political party and you shall have it!" Musk said in the post. "When it comes to bankrupting our country with waste & graft, we live in a one-party system, not a democracy. Today, the America Party is formed to give you back your freedom." In a Truth Social post on Sunday, Mr. Trump reacted to the idea of Musk's new party, saying it would cause "total disruption and chaos." The president also said Musk is "off the rails" and was "becoming a train wreck" over the past five weeks. Musk did not offer any other details on the formation of the "America Party" this weekend, and it's unclear what steps he has taken so far. Since Musk decided to launch a new political party, he'll need to contend with a thicket of complicated state laws, time-consuming ballot access rules and intense litigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Only the richest person in the world could make a serious effort at creating a new American political party," Brett Kappel, a veteran election lawyer, told CBS News last week. Navigating 50 different state laws and federal rules "Political parties are creatures of the states," Kappel said. Each state has different legal rules for recognizing which political parties can appear on the ballot, and those hurdles "range from high to extraordinarily difficult to overcome," he noted. In some cases, a nascent state party may need to get candidates onto the ballot by submitting large numbers of signatures and then win a certain percentage of the vote across election cycles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For example, to qualify in California, a new political party needs to either sign up 0.33% of the state's voters or about 75,000 people as registered members, or submit signatures from 1.1 million voters. After that, in order to remain qualified, parties have to either maintain that 0.33% registration threshold or win at least 2% of the vote in a statewide race. And to gain recognition at the national level, each state-level political party would need to seek an advisory opinion from the Federal Election Commission. These efforts would almost certainly face intense pushback from the Democratic and Republican parties, including legal challenges over signatures in each state, requiring Musk or any other aspiring third-party founder to spend scores of money on litigation. "The state laws in all of the states are biased towards the two major political parties, and make it as difficult as possible for the emergence of a third political party," Kappel told CBS News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The process of creating a political party with national ambitions would be time-consuming, too. Kappel says it might be doable albeit difficult for Musk to get a few favored candidates onto the ballot in certain states, but building an entirely new national party would likely take years, and would not be possible by the 2026 midterm elections. Musk wrote on X Friday that a nascent political party could "laser-focus on just 2 or 3 Senate seats and 8 to 10 House districts," arguing, "that would be enough to serve as the deciding vote on contentious laws." On Sunday, Musk said he initially plans to focus on congressional races, but "Backing a candidate for president is not out of the question." For evidence of how challenging the process of forming a new national party is, look no further than the struggles that existing third parties have faced. The Green Party and Libertarian Party were each founded decades ago, and still engage in state-by-state pushes for ballot access and party recognition. "The hurdles for creating a new party and getting it on the ballot are extremely high. It can be done if you have endless amounts of money, but it's a multi-year project and will cost hundreds of millions of dollars," Kappel said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr. Trump seemed to acknowledge the issues himself on Sunday, saying Musk "even wants to start a Third Political Party, despite the fact that they have never succeeded in the United States - The System seems not designed for them." Musk's campaign cash The high cost of launching a political party may not be a big stumbling block for Musk, whose net worth exceeds $350 billion according to Forbes and Bloomberg's valuations. The Tesla and SpaceX leader spent a staggering $277 million to aid Mr. Trump and other Republican candidates in the 2024 election cycle. The bulk of that spending, roughly $239 million, was routed through America PAC, a political action committee founded by Musk that underwrote a sprawling get-out-the-vote effort across the swing states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since then, Musk has hinted that he plans to dial back his involvement in politics. His tenure leading the Trump administration's cost-cutting Department of Government Efficiency ended in May, a month after telling Tesla shareholders his work with the federal government will "drop significantly." He also said at the Qatar Economic Forum in May that he will "do a lot less" political spending moving forward, noting he doesn't "currently see a reason" to keep opening his wallet. If Musk follows through on his proposal to launch a competitor to the two mainstream parties, it would mark an expensive return to the fray and the laws around how to finance it are complex. Before new political parties are formally recognized, they are typically organized as not-for-profit groups, and their financial backers do not face any dollar limits to their donations, Kappel says. But once a party gains national recognition, donors like Musk would be subject to the FEC's caps on political contributions. Currently, individuals can only give $10,000 a year to a state political party, or $44,300 a year to a national party committee, the FEC says. The rules governing when organizations are subject to those limits are byzantine. Almost two decades ago, the FEC said a group called Unity08 which aimed to create a bipartisan presidential ticket must register as a political committee if it spends over $1,000 trying to get ballot access. After a lengthy legal battle, an appeals court reversed that decision. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another way for Musk to keep wielding political influence would be through America PAC. The group is organized as a super PAC, which allows Musk to donate unlimited sums of money but requires the group to remain officially independent from candidates or political parties. Even as he mused about launching a third party, Musk implied this week he could remain engaged in Republican politics. The billionaire suggested he will back primary challenges against GOP lawmakers who voted for the Trump-endorsed One Big Beautiful Bill Act. He also vowed to lend support to Rep. Thomas Massie, a Kentucky Republican who voted against the bill and is facing a Trump-backed primary contest. The president, for his part, has said in recent days that Musk appears to be "upset" that his signature tax and domestic policy bill would phase out electric vehicle tax credits which could cost Tesla billions. Some of Musk's criticisms of the bill have focused on its steep cuts to green energy incentives, though he has also argued the bill is too expensive. "I think Elon is a wonderful guy, and I know he's going to do well always," Mr. Trump told Fox News' Maria Bartiromo in an interview that aired in late June. "But he got a little bit upset, and that wasn't appropriate." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr. Trump also said Sunday on Truth Social that Musk previously told him that he "had no problems" with the elimination of the electric vehicle mandate, "which would have forced everyone to buy an Electric Car in a short period of time." Death toll rises as desperate search for Texas flash flood survivors continues Sabrina Carpenter on the biggest misperceptions about her How Lady Liberty became a beacon for immigrants Muskogee First Assembly Lead Pastor Steve Rose recalled saying he would never be here and be 70 years old. Sunday, at age 72, Rose preached his final sermon at the church he has served for 35 years. The congregation, which averages more than 1,200 for Sunday worship, packed fellowship hall to honor Rose and his wife, Debra Rose, the churchs fine arts pastor. Steve Rose said they decided at the beginning of this year it was time to move on. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We feel that the church needs a younger face, he said. I feel the church needs a new vision. The congregation selected Roses son, Muskogee First Assembly Assistant Pastor Jason Rose, as lead pastor on June 22. Jason Rose said the most important thing he learned from his parents was to love Jesus with all your heart. Theyre very good with people and very good with preaching and teaching the word of God, the younger Rose said. I got to watch them do productions and lots of wonderful things. Its just been a great experience. Before coming to Muskogee First Assembly in 1990, Steve Rose was Kansas District Youth and Christian Education Director for the Assemblies of God. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Steve Rose recalled driving to Muskogee and hearing God tell him the church would use music, drama and mission to reach people. Debra Rose said she was asked to lead music and drama. She said she was an instrumental musician with no drama experience and little vocal music experience. My vision was to train them, teach them to present gospel through means of music and drama in theater, help them to do it to best of their ability, Debra Rose said. The church since has produced scores of musical and dramatic pageants at Easter and other times. She said some people who played Baby Jesus grew up to play adult Jesus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Muskogee First Assembly also grew over 35 years, adding an education wing, a theater and youth wing, a coffee shop and a childrens wing with a carousel. The church became known for its massive Freedom Celebration each Fourth of July. The church will not host a celebration this year. Church members, however, recall a more intimate side of the Roses. Carolyn Catlett, a church member since 1952, said Steve Rose has been a wonderful pastor. He was just always there to take care of the sick in the hospitals, to be there all night with us if necessary, Catlett said. We can just call him for whatever, and hell be there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Judy Huie said he lives what he preaches. Steve Rose said they had originally planned to retire from the church before 2020. And the Lord shut me down and told me to stay, he said. Then, suddenly COVID hit. He said on-site worship closed for seven to eight weeks, and the church concentrated on more online ministry. That took us into another area of ministry, Rose said. Now were seen around the world, so what was bad turned out to be good. Debra Rose said the congregation remained faithful, sending tithes and offerings throughout the pandemic. Steve Rose said they plan to sell their house and move either to Tulsa or Springfield, Missouri, where his mother lives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were real excited about the future, Steve Rose said, adding that he had the greatest job in the world. I cant go to a restaurant without people saying hey Pastor Rose, he said. I had an older gentleman come up to me who is 93 and hes crying. He said youre the only pastor Ive ever known. I have had kids in the church who dont even know there is another pastor. Ive had married people, theyve had kids, I dedicated them, and theyve gotten married. And its been my joy. This story was originally published on MedTech Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily MedTech Dive newsletter. Dive Brief: Artificial heart company Carmat has filed for insolvency after failing to raise the money it needed to continue operations, the company said Monday. Carmat began seeking donations in June after attempts to raise cash from investors floundered. The French company, which was close to running out of money in 2023, needed 35 million euros ($41 million) to fund operations for the next 12 months. Carmat has filed for insolvency and asked to be put in receivership by a court, a process to help creditors recover funds. The company is continuing to try to raise money and support patients while waiting for the courts decision. Dive Insight: Carmat launched its Aeson total artificial heart in 2021. Months later, the company suspended use of the device in response to a quality issue. Carmat resumed production in March 2022 and commercial use of the device in November 2022. However, supply chain issues slowed sales growth, resulting in Carmats cash runway shrinking to one month in September 2023. The company averted that crisis but cash remained a concern. Carmat raised 9.7 million euros in January and secured up to 7.9 million euros two months later. Yet, on June 20, the company warned it only had enough money to fund operations to the end of the month. Carmat set up a crowdfunding campaign to try to raise some of the 3.5 million euros it needed to fund operations into July. The company had received 20,110 euros in donations by the time the campaign closed Monday. Having asked to be put in receivership, Carmat expects a hearing to take place in the coming days. The court will rule on the request after the hearing. Carmat has asked Euronext to suspend trading of its stock until the court has reached a decision. The company said receivership is the most appropriate way to ensure the continuation of its business activities. Carmat, which reported sales of 2.4 million euros in the first quarter, secured conditional approval to enroll a second cohort in its U.S. study in April and completed enrollment in a French trial in May. The company was aiming to use the studies to secure reimbursement for Aeson in France in 2026 and potentially bring the device to the U.S. market in 2028. Recommended Reading Heres what youll learn when you read this story: Purdue University announced a plan to locate Amelia Earharts lost aircraft. Dubbed the Taraia Object Expedition, the effort will include a field team visiting the Pacific island Nikumaroro in November 2025. The goal is to close the case on Amelia Earharts disappearance on July 2, 1937. This story is a collaboration with Biography.com. Exactly 88 years after Amelia Earhart vanished over the Pacific Ocean, Purdue Universitywhich helped fund her historic attempt to fly around the worldhas announced it will lead a new effort to solve aviations greatest mystery. The university has detailed plans to search a remote island where many believe Earharts plane may have crashed on July 2, 1937. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In November 2025, a field team from the Purdue Research Foundation and Archaeological Legacy Institute (ALL) will head to the island of Nikumaroro to confirm whether the long-debated Taraia Object, an anomaly at the site halfway between Australia and Hawaii, really is the Lockheed Electra 10E plane once piloted by Earhart. With such a great amount of very strong evidence, we feel we have no choice but to move forward and hopefully return with proof, Richard Pettigrew, ALIs executive director, said in a statement. I look forward to collaborating with Purdue Research Foundation in writing the final chapter in Amelia Earharts remarkable life story. Photo credit: Hearst Owned Get the Issue Photo credit: Hearst Owned Get the Issue Photo credit: Hearst Owned Get the Issue Photo credit: Hearst Owned Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Get the Issue Photo credit: Hearst Owned Get the Issue Photo credit: Hearst Owned Get the Issue Photo credit: Hearst Owned Get the Issue Photo credit: Hearst Owned Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Get the Issue Photo credit: Hearst Owned Get the Issue This latest effort joins a long list of attempts to finally solve the Earhart mystery. According to Pettigrew, the Taraia Object hypothesis draws on a mix of documentary records, photographs, satellite imagery, physical evidence, and eyewitness accounts. Several key pieces of evidence are driving the latest push. These include: Radio bearings recorded form radio transmissions at the time by the U.S. Navy, the U.S. Coast Guard, and Pan American World Airways, which converge on Nikumaroro A 2017 analysis of human bones discovered on the island in 1940, which determined Earharts bone lengths were more similar to the discovered bones than 99 percent of individuals Artifacts of a womens shoe, a compact case, a freckle cream jar, and a medicine vial, all dating to the 1930s A photographic anomalycalled the Bevington Objectcaptured three months after the planes disappearance that resembles Electra landing gear on the Nikumaroro reef And the Taraia Object itself, located in 2020, which has been in the same place in the lagoon since 1938. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The theory suggests that Earhart didnt crash into the ocean, but instead landed on the uninhabited islandwhere she was stranded and eventually died. The new expedition plans to leave the Marshall Islands on November 5 and spend five days on Nikumaroro inspecting the Taraia Object. If successful, the team expects to later excavate Earharts lost plane. Amelia Earharts Connection to Purdue University Edward Elliott, who was Purdues president from 1922 to 1945, brought Amelia Earhart to campus as a career counselor for women, and had her live in the womens residence hall for part of each semester. During her time at Purdue, Earhart also advised the aeronautical engineering department and used the universitys new airport, which was the only one of its kind at a U.S. college or university at the time. About nine decades ago Amelia Earhart was recruited to Purdue, and the university president later worked with her to prepare an aircraft for her historic flight around the world, Mung Chiang, Purdues current president, said in a statement. Today, as a team of experts try again to locate the plane, the Boilermaker spirit of exploration lives on. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Purdue played a pivotal role in helping Earhart attempt to circumnavigate the globe with navigator Fred Noonan. The university helped fund her Lockheed Electra 10E through the Amelia Earhart Fund for Aeronautical Research, with Purdue trustee David Ross leading the effort alongside major contributors like J.K. Lilly, Vincent Bendix, Western Electric, and the Goodrich and Goodyear companies. As a thank you for the support, Earhart planned to donate the plane to Purdue upon her return, hoping it would help further scientific research in aeronautics. Earharts connection to Purdue has continued long after her disappearance. Most recently, in 2024, construction began on the roughly 10,000-square-foot Amelia Earhart Terminal at Purdue University Airport. Both Earhart and her husband and manager, George Putnam, expressed their intention to return the Electra to Purdue after her historic flight, Steven Schulz, senior vice president and general counsel of Purdue University, said in a statement. Based on the evidence, we agree with ALI that this expedition offers the best chance not only to solve perhaps the greatest mystery of the 20th century, but also to fulfill Amelias wishes and bring the Electra home. Strong Skepticism Finding Earharts plane wont be easy, especially since others have searched the site many times before. Ric Gillespie, executive director of the International Group for Historic Aircraft Recovery (TIGHAR) has traveled for a dozen on-site searches for over three decades. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While he agrees Nikumaroro is likely where Earhart landed before passing, he told NBC that hes come up empty plenty of times before. Weve looked there in that spot, and theres nothing there, he said about the Purdue effort. I understand the desire to find a piece of Amelia Earharts airplane. God knows weve tried. But the data, the facts, do not support the hypothesis. Its as simple as that. Pettigrew, who has worked on searching for Earharts plane for years, said objects continually shift in and out of sand coverage. Gillespie said a plane wouldnt get covered by sand, but would have gotten buried with coral. The History of Amelia Earhart As Biography.com highlights, the mysterious final flight of Amelia Earhart captured the worlds imagination in 1937, just as it continues to today. Earhart and Noonan were six weeks and 20,000 miles into their global journey when they failed to make their scheduled landing at Howland Island, located approximately 1,700 miles southwest of Honolulu. The 2.5-square-mile island proved difficult for Earharts plane to find amidst the vast ocean. Theres no concrete evidence that points to why the plane never made it to the island, or where it went instead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The absence of definitive proof has given rise to a multitude of theories about the fate of Earhart, Noonan, and their plane. The most widely accepted theory suggests that Earhart and Noonan simply crashed into the ocean and sank after running out of fuel. Another credible theory posits that the duo landed on the in-question coral reef around Gardner Island, now called Nikumaroro Island, located 350 nautical miles southeast of Howland. Earhart, a Kansas native, began her ascent to fame in 1922 when she piloted her bright yellow Kinner Airster biplane, The Canary, to a then-record height of 14,000 feet for female aviators. By 1923, Earhart had earned her pilots license, becoming the 16th woman to do so from the Federation Aeronautique. While financial struggles forced her out of flying, she returned to aviation in 1927. Then residing in Massachusetts, Earhart jumped at the opportunity to be the first woman to partake in a transatlantic flight. Although just a passenger on the 1928 adventure led by pilot Wilmer Bill Stultz, her subsequent book chronicling the experience catapulted her into the spotlight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following her initial fame, Earhart embarked on her own pioneering flights. In 1932, she made history as the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic, navigating a nearly 15-hour journey from Newfoundland to Northern Ireland. She continued to add a series of impressive flights to her global resume, all culminating in what was to be her most monumental flight of all: an ambitious bid to be the first person, period, to circumnavigate the globe along the equator. Now, almost 100 years after Earhart first took to the skies, the search to solve the mystery of her final flight on July 2, 1937, isnt just about locating a lost aircraft. Its about honoring a legacy that shaped modern aviation. Photo credit: Hearst Owned Get the Guide Photo credit: Hearst Owned Get the Guide Photo credit: Hearst Owned Get the Guide Photo credit: Hearst Owned Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Get the Guide Photo credit: Hearst Owned Get the Guide Photo credit: Hearst Owned Get the Guide Photo credit: Hearst Owned Get the Guide You Might Also Like RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCT) N.C. Governor Josh Stein signed House Bill 959 on Tuesday, July 1st, which bans cell phones in classrooms. According to a press release, the bill provides students with a distraction-free learning environment and a seven-hour mental break from the pressures of phones and social media. When teachers dont have to compete with cell phones for student attention, real learning happens. This bipartisan bill gives students a distraction-free learning environment so they can focus on their education, and it provides a seven-hour mental break from the unrelenting pressures of phones and social media. Earlier this month, my Advisory Council on Student Safety and Well-being released its first report recommending this step and outlining best practices for creating cell phone-free classrooms. It will serve as a resource for our school systems as they implement these common-sense policies. I appreciate the General Assemblys work here. Lets keep working together to set up North Carolina students for success. N.C. Governor Josh Stein, Press release For more information, visit: https://governor.nc.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 WNCT. NEED TO KNOW 129 snakes and hundreds of rats were rescued from an upstate New York breeder earlier this year, the local SPCA shared The court case involving their neglect has progressed to a point where the shelter can now start looking for homes for them A close partnership between Warren County and the SPCA helped provide the best care for the animals as they recovered Over 100 snakes and hundreds of rats displaced from an upstate New York apartment are now seeking forever families. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The SPCA of Upstate New York seized 129 snakes and hundreds of rats which were being used to feed the snakes from a local breeder in Queensbury earlier this year due to neglect, the organization shared in a Facebook post and press release on June 26. As the court case involving these animals' neglect continues to proceed, the SPCA shared that it can now begin finding new homes for each of them. SPCA director Cathy Cloutier said this massive animal rescue was one of the largest she's seen in her 27-year animal welfare career. Warren County, New York/facebook Snakes and rats at the upstate New York SPCA. Snakes and rats at the upstate New York SPCA. If we didnt have support from the county, I dont know what we would have done, Cloutier said in the press release. There is no way we could have handled this. The organization only recently gained the space and staff necessary to support the snakes and rats, the press release stated. For the last two months, boa constrictors, pythons, corn snakes and king snakes have all resided in cages in the SPCA, while the rats many of which had grown too large to be fed to the snakes took up "one large room" at the shelter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the time they were seized, the snakes were found with mite infestations, which the SPCA said would have been lethal if it went untreated. Yet, two staffers at the organization were able to provide treatment to the snakes and guide them back to health, the press release stated. If it weren't for the SPCA, Warren County would have been "scrambling to figure out what to do with these animals," Warren County Administrator John Taflan said. Thus, the county has an established contract with the SPCA to lessen the strain on the community and to provide the best care to animals in need. Warren County, New York/facebook Snake at upstate New York SPCA. Snake at upstate New York SPCA. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. "Our community should know that our county is better able to respond to animal cruelty matters these days thanks to the SPCA staff and the animal lovers who volunteer so much time at the SPCA," Taflan added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zoos, animal exhibits and people with prior experience caring for reptiles could be considered as adoptees for the snakes or rats, the SPCA's post stated. Those interested should contact them at (518) 798-3500. Read the original article on People To Donald Trump, Ron DeSantis is apparently now (almost) perfect. Forget Trumps nasty nicknames for his onetime GOP primary rival (from DeSaster and Ron DeSanctimonious to reportedly Meatball Ron) and the mocking way he described the Florida governor once seeking his endorsement. Toss DeSantis criticism of Trump during the 2024 election to one side. Because on Tuesday, pretty much all of the animosity that once festered between the pair appeared to be done and dusted with when the president was asked during his visit to the controversial new migrant detention center dubbed Alligator Alcatraz to describe his relationship with the governor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump replied, I think its a 10. Maybe 9.9. There might be a couple of little wounds, so maybe... I think we have 10. We get along great. Watch here: .@POTUS on his relationship with @GovRonDeSantis: "I think it's a 10 maybe 9.9 ... We get along great." pic.twitter.com/BrNMNVBUoC Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) July 1, 2025 Trump also told DeSantis, You are my friend and youll always be my friend. We may have some skirmishes, even in the future. I doubt it. But well always come back because we just seem to we have blood that seems to match pretty well. We have a relationship thats been a very strong one for a long period of time and I appreciate it. Watch here: Trump: "Ron, I'd like to thank you personally. You are my friend and you'll always be my friend. We may have some skirmishes even in the future. I doubt it. But we'll always come back, because we just seem to have blood that seems to match pretty well." pic.twitter.com/tBUJeTXG9K Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) July 1, 2025 Critics were quick to flag their issues with the comments: Meatball Ron is grateful for the kind words. Jacques V. (@NulliusJacques) July 1, 2025 Just wait until Desantis tries to run in 2028... Ron DeSanctimonious will be back in the blink of an eye Lib Dunk (@libdunkmedia) July 1, 2025 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ron was full of rants about Trump during the Republican primary. Hypocrites TheFrenchie (@ML3democrats) July 1, 2025 Until the next time Ron does something Trump doesnt agree with. Joe Munding (@crownroyal64) July 2, 2025 Never has a man been so deeply insulted with a compliment. Melissa Nold, Esq. (@savage_esquire) July 1, 2025 You're my friend, and you'll always be my friendunless you start leading in the polls. Then it's 300 rounds of battle, my friend. Zhai Xiang (@ZhaiXiang5) July 1, 2025 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related... KANSAS CITY, Mo. Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas met with a group Wednesday to hear a proposal to name the terminal at Kansas City International Airport after President Harry Truman. The terminal at KCI opened to travelers in 2023 after years of planning and construction. UFO sightings: Missouri among states deemed UFO Hotspots According to the mayors office, Mayor Lucas met with representatives of the Truman Library Institute, who wish to honor Truman, a native of the Kansas City area, by naming the terminal after him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Mayor is meeting with representatives of the Truman Library Institute, dedicated to preserving the memory of President Trumans impact on the world and the Kansas City region, Megan Strickland, a spokeswoman for the mayor, wrote in reply to an email from FOX4. Mayor Lucas continues to listen to proposals on naming initiatives that have recently included honors for former Mayor Sly James, proposed renamings for former City Auditor and Mayor Mark Funkhouser, and other figures of local importance over Kansas Citys 175-year history. Additionally, the Truman Library Institute Executive Director, Alex Burden, released the following statement: The Truman Library Institute had an engaging meeting with the Mayor to discuss ideas to honor President Truman at KCI. The ideas are in very preliminary stages and we look forward to collaborating with civic leaders on a specific plan of action in the coming weeks. President Trumans legacy of leadership continues to resonate and remain relevant 75 years after his Presidency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No decisions have been made at this time. Any naming for the airport, the mayors office said, would require approval by the city council and consultation with federal authorities. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Nancy Mace wants to bring Alligator Alcatraz to South Carolina. In an X post Tuesday, the congresswoman expressed her desire to replicate Floridas controversial new migrant detention facility in South Carolina, touting that her states alligators were ready. Dear DHS: Weve got a swamp and a dream. Lets talk, Mace wrote alongside a selfie. South Carolinas gators are ready. And theyre not big on paperwork. President Donald Trump (2L), Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (L), and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem (R) tour If I was Governor, wed be bringing Alligator Alcatraz to South Carolina, she concluded. Mace currently serves as the representative for South Carolinas first congressional district. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alligator Alcatraz is a moniker the Trump administration has coined for a new, remote migrant detention center located in the Florida Everglades. The complex is situated at the Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airportan 11,000-foot runway thats been transformed into a makeshift facility that can house up to 3,000 migrants, per state officials. A major selling point the Trump administration has been touting is the sites surrounding environment, which is home to pythons, mosquitoes, and alligators. Dear DHS: Weve got a swamp and a dream. Lets talk. South Carolina's gators are ready. And theyre not big on paperwork. If I was Governor, we'd be bringing Alligator Alcatraz to South Carolina. pic.twitter.com/z07nDhFEuu Nancy Mace (@NancyMace) July 1, 2025 I looked outside and thats not a place I want to go hiking anytime soon, President Donald Trump said during a tour of the center Tuesday. Were surrounded by miles of treacherous swampland and the only way out is really deportation. The president said that at some point, he would like to see similar facilities in many states... And, you know, at some point, they might morph into a system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has announced that hell be sending 100 National Guard troops to the center soon and that people could start arriving as soon as Wednesday. Demonstrators hold signs as they protest Trump's visit to a migrant detention center, dubbed The complexs construction has received pushback from environmental groups and local Miccosukee and Seminole Tribes, who warn of its effects on the areas flora and fauna. This proposed facility is surrounded on all sides by the Big Cypress National Preserve, and the tribe has been at home in the Big Cypress for centuries, chairman of the Miccosukee Business Council Talbert Cypress told ABC News Tuesday. President Trump and DeSantis have been very good to the Everglades, and we feel like [this is a] step backwards in their effort. Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) appears to be relishing in Floridas new immigrant detention center, a makeshift facility that is surrounded by dangerous wildlife and has been dubbed Alligator Alcatraz, and says she wants her home state of South Carolina to have one, too. Dear DHS: Weve got a swamp and a dream, Mace wrote Tuesday on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. Lets talk. South Carolinas gators are ready. And theyre not big on paperwork. If I was Governor, wed be bringing Alligator Alcatraz to South Carolina. Mace was slammed on social media as disturbed, vile and grotesque for celebrating the facility, which legal experts warn could unwittingly foster human rights abuses. Mace accompanied her post with a selfie showing her wearing body armor which didnt escape her critics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Your constant need to be the center of attention truly is something to witness, wrote one user on X. Like how can someone so vapid somehow consume so much oxygen that our trees work hard to produce? Whose vest did you even borrow for this photo op? Others were far more disturbed with her seeming glee at the prospect of caging migrants. This seems perverse. Where is the precedent for this in the teachings of Christ? wrote one user, with another person commenting: Translation: Nancy Mace is in favor of concentration camps for illegal immigrants (soon to be citizens more than likely). President Donald Trump on Tuesday visited the Florida facility, which was built in a matter of days on wetland brimming with pythons and alligators, and joked ahead of his trip that immigrants who try to escape will have to learn how to run away from the deadly predators. Mace shared a video earlier this year of a ride-along with ICE to catch undocumented workers. Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc/Getty Images Snakes are fast but alligators were going to teach them how to run away from an alligator. Dont run in a straight line, run like this, Trump told the press while making a zigzag motion with his hands. You know what, your chances go up about 1%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The facility, backed by the state government and the Department of Homeland Security, is expected to hold as many as 5,000 beds. Trump was joined during his visit by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, his former GOP nemesis in the 2024 primary elections. While Trump is getting mocked for the way he described his new relationship with DeSantis, Mace who posted a video in January of a ride-along with ICE agents to catch undocumented workers is being pilloried for her seeming indifference to their struggle. Yeah no thanks, we dont need or want concentration camps in SC. ASC (@ASatanicCat) July 1, 2025 Imagine pitching alligators as immigration policy while your state ranks near the bottom in healthcare, education, and basic services. Girl, this aint leadership. What this is, is bullshit in a trucker hat. Nadine (@StillUnscripted) July 2, 2025 You know, all this gleeful cruelty you are indulging in has an expiry date. Even in this life, you will not be able to do this forever, and you will not be able to pretend that it never happened. same handle on Threads & Bluesky (@octodoll) July 1, 2025 If youre bringing Alligator Alcatraz to South Carolina, Nancy, does that make you the wardenor just another swamp creature trying to look tough? GM yogi (@MarthaMcKi72727) July 2, 2025 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its kinda funny that the updated version of The Swamp is setting up a concentration camp in an actual swamp. ASC (@ASatanicCat) July 1, 2025 Related... The James Webb telescope has made another stunning discovery -- this time of a massive planet that could potentially sustain life, according to multiple space agencies. Astronomers have captured "compelling evidence" of a planet with a mass about 100 times the size of Earth orbiting a young, red dwarf star 34 light-years away called TWA 7 or CE Antilae. MORE: Rare exoplanet discovered in outskirts of the Milky Way Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The planet, named TWA 7b, was detected by the James Webb Space Telescope, the most powerful telescope ever put into space, according to NASA. Nature - PHOTO: Evidence for a sub-Jovian planet in the young TWA 7 disk An initial analysis suggests the object could be a young, cold planet with a temperature near 120 degrees Fahrenheit, NASA said. Life can grow and reproduce starting at about 5 degrees Fahrenheit and as high as 251 degrees Fahrenheit, scientists say. MORE: Could our solar system have 9 planets after all? Astronomers may have confirmed possible existence. An international team of astronomers noticed a faint infrared source in a disk of debris surrounding the star, a distance about 50 times the space between Earth and the Sun, NASA said. They then used the telescope's mid-infrared instrument to suppress the bright glare of the host star to reveal the faint objects nearby, a method called high-contrast imaging that allows astronomers to directly detect planets that would otherwise be lost in the "overwhelming" light. NASA, ESA, CSA, Anne-Marie Lagrange (CNRS, UGA), Mahdi Zamani (ESA/Webb) - PHOTO: Astronomers using NASAs James Webb Space Telescope have captured compelling evidence of a planet with a mass similar to Saturn orbiting the young nearby star TWA 7. If confirmed, this would be the first time the James Webb telescope captured a direct image that led to the discovery of a planet, rather than gravitational lensing -- a technique based on Albert Einstein's theory of general relativity, according to astronomers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The detection would match the expected position of a planet and explain key features of planets seen in the debris disk, according to the space agency. The source of the infrared light is located within three dust rings observed surrounding TWA 7. MORE: HExoplanet discovered in 2020 has the coldest temperatures ever measured, scientists say The debris disk surrounding TWA 7 is one of the youngest debris disks known to date, according to a paper published last week in Nature. "Our observations reveal a strong candidate for a planet shaping the structure of the TWA 7 debris disk, and its position is exactly where we expected to find a planet of this mass," Anne-Marie Lagrange, a researcher at the Observatoire de Paris-PSL and Universite Grenoble Alpes in France and lead author of the paper, said in a statement. NASA - PHOTO: NASA's James Web Space Telescope is shown in this illustration. The discovery is an "exciting step forward in our understanding of planetary systems," said co-author Mathilde Malin, an assistant research associate of Johns Hopkins University and the Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore, in a statement. The finding highlights the Webb telescope's ability to explore previously unseen low-mass planets around nearby stars, according to NASA. NASA to Launch New Livestream Service on Netflix Starting This Summer originally appeared on L.A. Mag. Photo courtesy NASA NASA+ will offer live programming of rocket launches, astronaut spacewalks, mission coverage, and live views of Earth from the International Space Station through its new streaming platform on Netflix. The National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958 calls on us to share our story of space exploration with the broadest possible audience, Rebecca Sirmons, general manager of NASA+ at the agencys headquarters in Washington said. Together, were committed to a Golden Age of Innovation and Exploration inspiring new generations right from the comfort of their couch or in the palm of their hand from their phone. NASA+ first launched in 2023 to make space content more accessible to the public. The service will continue to be available for free and ad-free through the NASA app and website. NASA wrote that they hope to bring even more awareness to their work through Netflixs global audience of more than 700 million people. Through this partnership, NASAs work in science and exploration will become even more accessible, allowing the agency to increase engagement with and inspire a global audience in a modern media landscape, Cheryl Warner, NASA news chief, wrote in a press release. Livestream schedules will drop closer to launch day, so Netflix advises viewers to check for more details in the coming weeks. This story was originally reported by L.A. Mag on Jul 1, 2025, where it first appeared. The passing of the U.S. FY 2026 budget, presented by President Donald Trump on May 2, 2025, will put an end to all STEM programs supported by NASA. This will cause a historic 39% reduction to space science programs and a 53% reduction to earth science programs. And it will dramatically impact Tennessee. NASA STEM programs are currently in use at the Adventure Science Center, where camps and exhibits incorporate STEM concepts. A full-size model of the Mars Curiosity Rover, on loan from NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory, is on display. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meharry Medical College and Fisk University, with NASA support, offer a program that introduces students to computer science, robotics and engineering concepts. Opinion: Students' math proficiency is falling. Here are some solutions to the problem. The Tennessee Minority University Research and Education Project (MUREP) collaborates with NASA on the Aerospace Academy. All of these programs and initiatives may end. NASA partners with Tennessee schools to further STEM education Vanderbilt Universitys Earth observation satellite mission, which includes ice-cloud radiometry and atmospheric sensing (TROPICS), faces termination. The schools leadership in developing radiation-hardened integrated circuits for outer planetary missions, pioneering advanced atmospheric remote sensing, and advancing gravitational astrophysics will be curtailed with the loss of $8 million in NASA grants. Astronaut Barry "Butch" Wilmore signs the NASA t-shirt of Canaan Colter, 9, of Mt. Juliet, Tenn., during a Fellowhip of Christian Athletes luncheon in his honor at Wilson Bank & Trust Operations Center in Lebanon, Tenn., Friday, June 27, 2025. Wilmore has been part of three space missions, including his last which went from an estimated 7-14 day trip to a 9 1/2 month marathon. The youngster has wanted to be an astronaut for three years and followed Wilmore's 286 day journey in space. Canaan also hopes to be the first man on Mars. The University of Tennessee also contributes significantly to planetary geology, astrobiology and the understanding of Marss early crust. UT will lose NASA grants totaling $5 million. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the K-12 level, the Tennessee Space Grant Consortium supports STEM education and research aligning with NASA priorities. Jack Anderson Elementary in Hendersonville is a Tennessee STEM/STEAM Designated School with a STEM lab and outdoor classroom. Robertsville Middle School in Oak Ridge partnered with NASA to design, 3-D print, and launch a CubeSat named Ram-Sat into space, making them the first middle school in the country to achieve this. Opinion: School vouchers are not the answer. Here's how to make education better in TN. And both Middle Tennessee State University and Tennessee State University have a partnership with NASA to promote STEM education in high schools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These crippling NASA budget cuts would devastate the scientific talent pipeline managed by Oak Ridge Associated Universities through the NASA Postdoctoral Program that cultivates the next generation of scientific leaders. NASA's economic impact will also be affected by funding cuts NASA distributes approximately 75% of its annual budget to private industry in the form of government contracts. These contracts can range from janitorial services to rocket design. Jacobs Technology in Tullahoma is the fifth largest recipient of NASAs contracts. SpaceX, Boeing, Northrop Grumman and Lockheed-Martin are the only corporations that receive more than this Tennessee company. While investing $24.3 million in Tennessee, NASA helped generate $68 million through job creation. These jobs led to increased revenue for our state and local governments by stimulating economic activity and generating greater sales tax revenue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These contracts stimulate innovation, create new industries, and spin-off technologies that can be commercialized and adapted by businesses. For example, NASA software can aid in the interpretation of medical imaging and in the field of materials science. NASA has made profound educational, scientific and fiscal impacts in our state, with contributions stimulating improvements across industries, from computer chips to structural steel. But a 47% budget cut to NASAs Science Mission Directorate is an extinction-level event. Is this what we want for our children and their generations to come? Suzanne Zellem Suzanne W. Zellem is a retired RN, MSN and former educator living in Hendersonville. She is the mother of two and grandmother to three. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Under Trump, STEM education may be going extinct | Opinion Close- up of computer chip with AI sign by YAKOBCHUK V via Shutterstock Baidu (BIDU) shares are in focus after the company made its ERNIE large language models (LLMs) open source effectively enabling the global AI community to use them for R&D. Note that Baidus ERNIE 4.5 series outperforms DeepSeeks V3 model on a significant number of benchmarks across key capability categories. More News from Barchart Still, Baidu stock is down some 19% versus its year-to-date high at the time of writing. www.barchart.com Baidu Stock to Benefit From ERNIE Adoption Baidu shares stand to benefit rather significantly from managements decision to open source ERNIE models. By making its LLMs freely available under the Apache 2.0 license, BIDU invites global developers to build, fine-tune, and deploy on its architecture accelerating adoption and ecosystem growth. Baidus move mirrors the success of DeepSeeks open-source strategy, which reshaped Chinas AI landscape. The open-source release also enhances transparency and trust potentially attracting enterprise and government partnerships. In short, the announcement positions BIDU as a foundational platform a shift that could unlock long-term monetization and valuation upside. BofA Sees Upside in BIDU Shares to $100 Baidu stock hasnt been particularly exciting for investors this year, but Miranda Zhuang a Bank of America analyst recommends owning it for the long term. Zhuang is bullish on BIDU shares primarily because the Beijing-headquartered firm has already launched fully autonomous vehicle operations in China. Moreover, Baidu is fully committed to expanding its robotaxi services internationally, which shes convinced will drive incremental revenue growth in the years ahead. Integrating artificial intelligence will help BIDU reinvigorate growth in its advertising business as well, according to the BofA analyst. Miranda Zhuang currently has a Buy rating on Baidu shares and a price target of $100, indicating potential upside of another 18% from here. Does Wall Street Agree With BofA on Baidu? Other Wall Street firms also expect BIDU shares to extend gains as the Chinese tech behemoth continues to tap on artificial intelligence in pursuit of lower costs and higher returns. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) Authorities have arrested a suspect months after a man was found dead in a motel near Nashville International Airport. According to the Metro Nashville Police Department, Omeed Yahya Esmail, 39, was taken into custody in New York City on Wednesday, July 2. PREVIOUS | Victim identified in suspicious death at motel near Nashville airport Omeed Yahya Esmail (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department) The 39-year-olds arrest comes after 65-year-old Joseph Williams was found dead inside a bathroom at the Red Roof motel along Claridge Drive. He had been living at the motel for at least two months, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers reportedly found Williams fully clothed and a piece of cloth over his face was removed by first responders, who then saw dried blood. CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime-related reports from across Middle Tennessee Police labeled Williams death as suspicious, adding that foul play was suspected and Esmail was the last one to be seen with Williams in the room on March 15 before his body was found days later. Esmail is expected to return to Nashville soon to face charges for his connection to the March homicide. No additional details were immediately released. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. Pollster Nate Silver claimed that New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani could be vulnerable in the general election in theory. As a New Yorker, Im not looking forward to the ads, but I am excited to cast a general election ballot that could actually matter, Silver said in a Substack newsletter Tuesday. In theory, Zohran could be vulnerable. Whether you count his victory margin as 7 percent or 12 percent, thats extremely impressive for a candidate who started out polling as low as 1 percent in some surveys. But its also not an insurmountable margin. While slightly over a million votes were cast in the Democratic primary, New York City has 5.1 million registered voters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mamdani, a democratic socialist whose success has shocked many, has officially secured the Democratic nomination for New York City mayor following the completion of the ranked choice tabulation, Decision Desk HQ has projected. I am humbled by the support of more than 545,000 New Yorkers in last weeks primary. This is just the beginning of our expanding coalition to make New York City affordable. And we will do it together, Mamdani said in a post on the social platform X Tuesday. Silver said in his newsletter that in the case that turnout approaches the numbers that weve seen in recent midterms, let alone in presidential years, the November electorate will likely be a lot older than in the unusually youth-skewed primary, with voters who not only disagree with Mamdani on substance but also dont vibe with his style. So while hes the favorite, hes not going to occupy Gracie Mansion without earning it, he added, referencing the New York City mayors residence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Tropical or subtropical development is possible this weekend or early next week on either side of Florida and up the Carolina coast. Regardless of whether that happens, rainy weather will impact Florida and possibly the coastal Carolinas through the holiday weekend. Tropical Development Potential The Setup: A "cold" front will work its way into the Southeast and Florida during the next few days, where it will eventually stall. Sometimes when dying fronts like this stall over the waters of the Gulf and off the Southeast coast, one or more areas of low pressure can develop and make an attempt at forming into a tropical or subtropical depression or storm. (MORE: 5 Ways Tropical Storms Can Form) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Don't get too excited about the words "cold front" if you're south of Interstate 10. No cold air is coming in during July, but for some, there may be some drier air temporarily from the Florida Panhandle northward. To the South, more rain is in the forecast, regardless of tropical development. Timing And Development Chances: The first step in any development chance is for low pressure to spin up near the stalling front over water and become better defined this weekend into early next week. Atmospheric conditions are only marginally conducive, so only slow development of a subtropical or tropical depression is possible from off the Southeast Coast to the eastern Gulf, the National Hurricane Center says. We don't expect any system to become strong if development did occur. Impacts Are Expected, Regardless: Showers and storms will continue to blanket Florida both ahead of the stalling front and with its arrival over the next several days. These thunderstorms will come in several rounds or bands and could be more persistent than the typical afternoon and evening thunderstorms. Multi-inch rainfall totals are possible in spots through the weekend, especially in central and southern Florida. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The beach forecast this holiday weekend will be touch and go, so be sure to have a plan B and a way to shelter from lightning. Rip currents will also be possible through the holiday weekend. If a low pressure system develops, some onshore winds and rainfall could also redevelop late this weekend along the Southeast Coast. Rainfall Forecast With many people heading to the beach for the 4th of July weekend, check back often for forecast updates as we continue to track this area of possible development. Jennifer Gray is a weather and climate writer for weather.com. She has been covering some of the world's biggest weather and climate stories for the last two decades. "I have seen greatness in serving the people," he wrote. "I will act with faith and commitment to creating a leadership alternative worthy of the State of Israel." National Unity MK Gadi Eisenkot formally submitted his letter of resignation from the Knesset to Knesset Speaker MK Amir Ohana on Wednesday. "I have seen greatness in serving the people," he wrote. "I will act with faith and commitment to creating a leadership alternative worthy of the State of Israel." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Member of Knesset Lt. Gen. (res.) Gadi Eisenkot informed National Unity Party chairman Benny Gantz of his intention to leave the party and return his mandate to it, the party said in a statement earlier in the week. The two emphasized their long-standing friendship and mutual respect, and stated that they will continue to collaborate toward shared goals and for the benefit of the people of Israel in the future as well." MK Gadi Eisenkot holds a press conference after announcing his resignation in Tel Aviv, July 1, 2025. (credit: ERIK MARMOR/FLASH90) Eisenkot held a press conference on Tuesday, elaborating his reasons for leaving Gantz's party. Eisenkot began by mentioning the establishment of the National Unity party three years ago, together with Benny Gantz and Gideon Sa'ar, with the aim of creating a liberal democratic state Zionist union. He emphasized that these principles are even more true after the October 7 failure. He said that he has been working for many months to strengthen the liberal party bloc, with the aim of presenting a governing alternative. Referring to his relationship with Benny Gantz, he clarified that his exit is not a personal matter but rather highlights a substantive debate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I thought that a transparent and deep democratization process was needed to build the party as a significant entity, and unfortunately, that didn't happen. There was also a disagreement on the way to create change. We need to build a leadership alternative that will lead to victory in the next elections," Eisenkot said. Eisenkot's future in politics Eisenkot has reportedly met with both Opposition Leader MK Yair Lapid and former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, and is considering joining both of them ahead of the next election. At the latest NATO summit in the Netherlands, President Donald Trump walked away with an unexpected nickname, "Daddy," given to him by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. Now, Rutte is explaining why he felt the U.S. Commander in Chief deserved the moniker. When Rutte initially made the comment, it came as a response to President Trumps heated remarks regarding the potential unraveling of the fragile Israel-Iran ceasefire. "Before President Trump went on the plane, the Israelis and Iranians had committed to a ceasefire," Rutte explained on "Fox & Friends" Wednesday. "Then that morning before he boarded that plane, they said, well, we might get at each other's throats again." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement White House Drops 'Daddy's Home' Meme After Viral Nato Summit Moment Frustrated by the warring nations putting the ceasefire at risk, Trump made pointed remarks to both countries before leaving to attend the NATO summit. Rubio Cracks Up At Trump's Reaction To Nato Leader Calling President 'Daddy' Read On The Fox News App "We basically have two countries that have been fighting for so long and so hard that they don't know what the f--- they're doing," he told reporters shortly before departing for Europe. Trump discussed his disappointment with both Israel and Iran for resuming some level of fighting. The White House revealed hed been in contact with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Later, during the NATO summit, Trump likened Israel and Iran to children brawling on a playground. Sitting beside him, Rutte chimed in with a now-viral phrase referring to Trumps disgruntled comments: "Then Daddy has to sometimes use strong language." Nato Leader Praises Trump For 'Decisive Action' On Iran U.S. President Donald Trump meets with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at the NATO summit in The Hague, Netherlands, June 25, 2025. Since those comments, the U.S.-brokered ceasefire has held. On his platform Truth Social, President Trump announced that Israel has since also agreed to a U.S.-led proposal for a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza, an effort that could lead to a larger peace in the region. Trump To Speak At Nato Summit Amid Warming Relations With Alliance's Leaders Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rutte defended Trumps hardline approach to peace in the Middle East. "History made you, President Trump, the leader of the U.S., the leader of the free world, to then basically say, Heres the red line. I dont accept it," Rutte said. Trump Heads To Nato Summit As Europe Agrees To Heed His Defense Spending Demands The nickname didnt go unnoticed by White House staff, who later that day posted a social media montage of the president set to the Usher song "Daddys Home." Rutte said he found the video amusing. "I was really taken by the after-movie the White House brought out," he said. "It was really funny." Original article source: NATO chief reveals why he dubbed Trump 'Daddy' during Middle East peace talks NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said on July 2 that he understands Washington's need to safeguard its own defense needs, but emphasized that Ukraine urgently requires sustained Western support. "I totally understand that the U.S. always has to make sure its interests are covered," Rutte told Fox News. "When it comes to Ukraine, in the short term, Ukraine cannot do without all the support it can get." His remarks come as the U.S. Defense Department has halted deliveries of key weapons systems previously promised to Kyiv, including Patriot missiles, precision-guided artillery shells, Hellfire missiles, and munitions compatible with F-16 fighter jets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The White House confirmed the pause in shipments, citing a broader reassessment of U.S. military stockpiles. No new U.S. military aid packages have been approved since U.S. President Donald Trump took office in January. "I understand the U.S. has to take care of its stockpiles, and at the same time, we have to allow for some flexibility here," Rutte said. "Europeans, in the meantime, are really stepping up." Read also: Military aid delays will encourage Russia to continue war, Ukraine tells US envoy During last week's NATO summit in The Hague, Trump and President Volodymyr Zelensky met behind closed doors. Rutte described the conversation as "a very good discussion, particularly focusing on air defense systems." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The reporting of paused deliveries comes as Ukraine faces one of the heaviest barrages of Russian drone and missile strikes since the start of the full-scale invasion. Ukraine's Defense Ministry responded by saying it has not received formal notification of delays or cancellations and has requested urgent consultations with U.S. defense officials. The Foreign Ministry summoned U.S. Charge d'Affaires John Ginkel the same day, warning that any hesitation in maintaining Ukraine's defense capabilities would embolden Russia. The Kremlin welcomed the halt in arms shipments, saying it brings the war closer to an war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The fewer weapons that are supplied to Ukraine, the closer the end of the (war)," Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said in response to the information. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has previously indicated that the upcoming defense budget will scale back long-term military support for Ukraine, reflecting a shift in Washington's priorities. Read also: Ukraine is biggest landmine challenge since World War II, says head of worlds largest demining organization Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has said he understands the US administrations desire to prioritise its own interests, but still calls for continued military support for Ukraine. Source: Rutte on Fox News, as reported by European Pravda Details: Rutte stated he "understands" the desire of the United States to ensure that its security interests are given priority. "But when it comes to Ukraine, in the short term, Ukraine cannot do without all the support it can get, when it gets to ammunition and air defence systems," he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rutte reiterated that during last weeks NATO summit, the presidents of Ukraine and the United States held a meeting and "had a very good discussion, particularly focusing on air defence systems". "Yes, I understand the US has to take care of its stockpiles. At the same time, we have to allow for some flexibility here," the NATO secretary general said. He also emphasised that European countries are increasing their defence spending and aid to Ukraine, "but we cannot do without the practical US support". "This is also in the US interest for Ukraine not to lose this war A secure Europe also means a secure US. This is all completely connected," Rutte concluded. Background: On 1 July, the White House confirmed that the Pentagon had paused the delivery of certain air defence missiles and other precision munitions to Ukraine, because of concerns over dwindling US weapons stockpiles. Ukraines Defence Ministry stated it had not received any official notice about the suspension or revision of the delivery schedule for US military aid. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! The U.S. Capitol on Sunday, June 29, 2025. (Photo by Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom) The U.S. Senate narrowly passed President Donald Trumps big, beautiful bill on Tuesday, with Vice President JD Vance casting a tie-breaking vote. Senators voted 51-50, mostly along party lines. All Democrats voted in opposition, as well as three Republicans. Republican Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina, who announced Sunday that he will not seek reelection in 2026, deviated from party leadership to cast a vote in the negative. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The measure, if passed, would make drastic cuts to Medicaid, SNAP benefits, and student loan payment programs, to name a few components. Heres a look at how North Carolinas congressional delegation is responding to the bill moving forward. Tillis goes against his party Tillis, a moderate Republican, joined fellow GOP Sens. Susan Collins of Maine and Rand Paul of Kentucky to stray from party lines and vote against the bill. He specifically voiced concern over the bills impact on Medicaid, saying the Senate draft contains significant changes that would be devastating to North Carolina. I did my homework on behalf of North Carolinians, and I cannot support this bill in its current form, he wrote on social media. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tillis added that the bill would result in tens of billions of dollars in lost funding for the Tar Heel State, including in hospitals and rural communities. Facing a primary challenge from a Trump-backed candidate, Tillis revealed just days before the vote that he would retire instead of running for reelection next year. The move sets off a battle for the open seat in both major parties. Lara Trump and Roy Cooper appear to be frontrunners, but neither have declared their candidacy thus far. Democrats rally against the measure Rep. Alma Adams, representing North Carolinas 12th congressional district, proposed an amendment to the budget bill on Wednesday as it appeared on the House floor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The amendment protects against any cuts to Medicaid and SNAP, Adams said, asking to bring it in front of the chamber. The unanimous consent request cannot be entertained, Republican Rep. Steve Womack of Arkansas said, shutting it down as he presided over the body. Adams shared on social media about how Republicans wouldnt entertain her amendment. We are going to keep fighting this One Big, Ugly Bill, she wrote. Rep. Deborah Ross of North Carolinas second congressional district said she was back in Washington to vote against the bill. It would strip food assistance, health care, climate change support all from the American people and give huge tax breaks to billionaires, she said in a video she posted online. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ross pointed out that Vance had to vote on the topic. Even our Senator Thom Tillis could see through what this is going to do to peoples health care, she said. Other Republicans continue to back the measure Aside from Tillis, North Carolinas congressional Republicans have voiced their support for the budget bill. Rep. Richard Hudson of the ninth congressional district has been one of the most vocal members from the state to defend the measure. Hudson sent off a flurry of posts online outlining claims that Democrats are working against the American people. He posted a series of messages saying, if the One Big Beautiful Bill Act doesnt pass, it will have disastrous effects on ending with the economy, border security, national security, and fiscal trajectory. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Today, House Republicans will vote to prevent the largest tax increase in American history, Hudson posted Wednesday morning. Gov. Josh Stein urges opposition Democratic Gov. Josh Stein issued a letter on Wednesday to the North Carolina congressional delegation asking members to vote against the legislation. He explicitly highlighted his deep concern for changes to Medicaid, SNAP, and tax credits for energy and manufacturing. Stein said the bill poses both immediate and long-term threats to the health and wellbeing of North Carolinians, as well as the states economic stability. This bill has moved at a breakneck pace, leaving North Carolinians without ample time to provide feedback on the devastating impacts this would have on our state, he wrote. Dr. Sarah Traxler, the chief medical officer of the North Central States for Planned Parenthood, speaks about the steps involved in getting an abortion for women in Nebraska, where she flies in from Minnesota and provides them in Omaha. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner) LINCOLN The same year Nebraskans voted to cement an abortion ban beyond the first trimester into the state constitution, the number of abortions performed in Nebraska rose about 7.6%. According to data from the state Department of Health and Human Services, at least 2,501 abortions were performed in Nebraska in 2024. Thats 176 higher than 2023s total of 2,325 abortions in one year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since 2020, Nebraskas abortion rate has remained relatively level between about 2,300 to 2,500 procedures per year. All the while, the states abortion policy has fluctuated more wildly. In 2022, when Nebraska banned abortions past 20 weeks of pregnancy, state lawmakers were considering a full abortion ban that would be triggered when the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. The trigger bill did not pass, and the next year lawmakers returned with a proposal to ban most abortions beyond six weeks of pregnancy. That proposal did not pass either, but in the same session lawmakers approved an amended bill to ban most abortions at 12 weeks post-gestation. For the 2024 election, abortion-rights advocates launched an initiative to expand abortion access within the Nebraska Constitution, which was swiftly met with an opposing initiative aimed at enshrining the current ban in the constitution. The more restrictive measure passed by roughly 55% of voters. Breaking down the data Nebraskas monthly abortion rate in 2024 fluctuated between a low of 174 recorded in February, up to 250 recorded in October, just before the election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By far, the most popular method for undergoing an abortion was via medication, which accounted for 2,024 of the 2,501 abortions recorded in 2024 just under 81% overall. The second most common method was curettage with suction, which made up 475 abortions that year. Nebraska abortions by year 2010: 2,464 Abortion ban past 20 weeks of pregnancy takes effect in Nebraska 2011: 2,372 2012: 2,299 2013: 2,177 2014: 2,270 2015: 2,004 2016: 1,907 2017: 1,958 2018: 2,078 2019: 2,068 2020: 2,378 2021: 2,360 2022: 2,547 Roe v. Wade overturned by U.S. Supreme Court 2023: 2,325 Nebraska Legislature approves abortion ban at 12 weeks post-gestation Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 2024: 2,501 Nebraska voters approve constitutional amendment Initiative 434, banning most abortions past the first trimester Source: Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services Compared to 2023, Nebraska saw fewer clients traveling from other states for abortions in 2024. In 2023, Nebraska logged clients from 19 outside states, while 2024 logged 14 other states. The number of clients traveling from each of those states also dropped in all but one state. For example, neighbor Kansas had 51 patients in 2023 compared to just two in 2024, and Texas had 46 patients in 2023 and 10 in 2024. The outlier is Iowa, which already made up the largest amount of out-of-state clients in 2023, with 222 that year. In 2024, that number rose to 358 clients. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This comes as no surprise to Ruth Richardson, CEO of Planned Parenthood North Central States (PPNCS). Iowa bans most abortions after cardiac activity is detected, which typically happens around six weeks of pregnancy. Advocates have said this essentially amounts to a total ban, as most women dont realize theyre pregnant at that point. In a PPNCS press release, the organization reported that abortions performed in Iowa dropped sharply after its ban took effect in the summer of 2024. In comparison, abortions provided in Nebraska have risen about 68% since Roe was overturned in 2022, Richardson said. More people must travel to get essential health care, when they deserve to be able to get it in their own communities, Richardson said in the press release. And yet amidst all this chaos and manufactured confusion, we have innovated and implemented solutions that have increased the number of abortion patients we have served. Sandy Danek, executive director of Nebraska Right to Life, agreed that Iowas new abortion ban likely contributed to the rise in Iowan clients traveling to Nebraska for abortions in 2024. She said women who feel like they need an abortion often seek out states with more liberal abortion laws when their state is more restrictive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DHHS data reported that more than half of Nebraskas abortions performed in 2024 happened between six to eight weeks gestation. Considering that, Danek said she feels the states current abortion ban past the first trimester is still too lax. She also acknowledged that further restrictions may risk encouraging Nebraskans to travel to states where abortions are more accessible. Danek said there are plenty of alternatives to abortions available to women who may feel they have no other option, but the challenge lies in getting the word out to those women. You want to balance your dollar to both provide those services to women, but then also reach out to make the community know that they exist, Danek said. And thats a juggling act. Implications for Nebraskas future Following voters approval of the first-trimester abortion ban in November, abortion-rights advocates speculated that officials in the anti-abortion camp would use the victory to push for further restrictions. Officials in that camp, including Gov. Jim Pillen, told a different story, saying that it wasnt the right time to try for more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While there were no bills introduced in Nebraskas 2025 legislative session that would have directly increased the states abortion ban, several bills were introduced that advocates claim were intended to narrow abortion access. Those included a bill to increase requirements for medication abortions from State Sen. Rick Holdcroft of Bellevue (LB 512), and a bill to require the burial or cremation of abortion remains from Sen. Ben Hansen of Blair (LB 632). State Sen. Rick Holdcroft of Bellevue. (Courtesy Unicameral Information Office) Neither of those bills passed this session, but both will remain on the books when lawmakers reconvene in 2026. Though its too early for Nebraska Right to Life to identify priorities for the 2026 session, Danek said she supports Holdcrofts bill. Given that the vast majority of recent Nebraska abortions are performed through medication, and she claims abortion pills are linked to a range of negative side effects, Danek said LB 512 is a good starting place. Meanwhile, Planned Parenthood officials are grappling with potential new obstacles at the federal level. Congress is considering a version of President Donald Trumps One Big Beautiful Bill that would prohibit Medicaid funds from going to Planned Parenthood for one year for any health care service provided by the organization. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill passed the U.S. Senate on Tuesday, and is up for a vote in the U.S. House of Representatives as early as this week. Through this uncertainty, Richardson said PPNCS is looking for ways to expand their services, particularly for clients in health care deserts who have to travel longer distances for in-person care. She said they are increasing their investments in telehealth and service lines for primary care, for example. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Gov. Jim Pillen, right, presents a signed version of Legislative Bill 383 to State Sen. Brian Hardin of Gering, a bill that included a provision from Hardin at Pillen's request to outlaw child sexual abuse material generated with artifical intelligence. May 30, 2025. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) LINCOLN As the federal one big beautiful bill continues to move through Congress, one provision related to AI that Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen and 16 other Republican governors opposed has been removed, at least for now. The ever-changing federal legislation, a key priority of President Donald Trump, passed the U.S. House of Representatives on May 22, 215-214, and the U.S. Senate on Tuesday, 51-50. The House version would prohibit states from regulating artificial intelligence for the next decade, raising concern it could entangle state laws against AI-generated child sexual abuse material or the nonconsensual use of someones likeness in intimate images. The Senate voted 99-1 to remove the provision related to AI. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, as the priority legislation of President Donald Trump returns to the House, the AI components could return. U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Tenn., has already introduced an amendment to revert the bill to the House version and delete their dud. Nebraska lawmakers passed two laws in May related to AI that Pillen signed into law. They currently are set to go into effect in early September: Legislative Bill 172, from State Sen. Brian Hardin of Gering at Pillens request, prohibits AI-generated child pornography. Passed 46-3 as part of LB 383. LB 371, from State Sen. Wendy DeBoer of Omaha, provides civil liability for sharing AI-generated or computer-generated intimate images without the depicted persons consent. Passed 49-0. Pillen has joined a push led by Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders against the AI moratorium and said he was proud to defend smart, commonsense protections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement AI holds great promise for innovation across our economy, but it also poses a grave threat to our kids if it is abused, Pillen said in a Saturday post on X, formerly Twitter. State leaders know best how to strike this balance, and Congress should respect that. Hardin, who joined Pillen for a bill signing of the commonsense legislation May 30, said lawmakers could never have envisioned the world of AI decades ago when writing existing laws protecting children. Pillen said he knows it turns all of our Nebraska stomachs because of the values of what we believe in, that there are predators taking advantage of young people. Said Hardin: Thanks so much to [Attorney General Mike Hilgers] and his staff for helping us wade through these dangerous waters that, frankly, our federal government has been waiting for other leadership to happen. The Nebraska Examiner asked Hilgers and his office at that bill signing if the Nebraska laws would be impacted by the federal legislation. They were unsure at the time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The governors argued that the technology is already deeply entrenched in American industry and society and will be used throughout society over the next decade, for harm and good. That Congress is burying a provision that will strip the right of any state to regulate this technology in any way without a thoughtful public debate is the antithesis of what our Founders envisioned, the governors wrote. Arkansas Republican Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders signs a new law in September 2023 that shields records concerning the security of the governor and other elected leaders. Critics said it went too far by cutting off access to documents such as receipts and reimbursements that would not risk personal safety. (John Sykes/Arkansas Advocate) The Republican officials said they support Trumps bill and his vision of American AI dominance, but they said they couldnt support a provision that takes away states powers to protect our citizens. Let states function as the laboratories of democracy they were intended to be and allow state leaders to protect our people, the governors wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Also joining the letter: Govs. Kay Ivey of Alabama, Mike Dunleavy of Alaska, Brian Kemp of Georgia, Brad Little of Idaho, Kim Reynolds of Iowa, Jeff Landry of Louisiana, Mike Kehoe of Missouri, Greg Gianforte of Montana, Kelly Armstrong of North Dakota, Kevin Stitt of Oklahoma, Henry McMaster of South Carolina, Larry Rhoden of South Dakota, Bill Lee of Tennessee, Spencer Cox of Utah and Mark Gordon of Wyoming. U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., who led the amendment to remove the AI moratorium altogether, had briefly struck a deal to at least protect the AI laws related to online safety and protecting children that Nebraska and other states had enacted. I regret that we werent able to come to a compromise that would protect our governors, our state legislators, our attorney generals and, of course, House members who have expressed concern over this language, she said in a floor speech. Blackburn continued: But what we know is this: This body has proven that they cannot legislate on emerging technology. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Douglas Flint claims ethical investing became a marketing thing - Paul Yeung/Bloomberg The Citys obsession with ethical investing was a huge mistake, the chairman of investment giant Aberdeen has said. Sir Douglas Flint told a conference earlier this week that fund managers had made ridiculously extravagant claims about saving the world instead of focusing on profits. He said: Our industry then made a kind of huge mistake, it became a marketing thing, lets tell everyone were saving the world, were saving the planet. In some cases, he said some investors adopted a mindset of were not really about investing money, were just jolly good people and were saving the world. Not only did this distract from their main role as investors, it also opened up funds to the threat of legal claims, he said. Sir Douglas, who was formerly chairman of HSBC, said statements around ESG and diversity were now in every search engine for a US litigation lawyer, creating a potential feast for lawsuits. His comments form part of a broader corporate roll-back on ESG, exacerbated by Donald Trumps diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) crackdown in the US. This has led to many high-profile companies including McDonalds and Harley-Davidson watering down their diversity programmes, while others have rolled back net zero initiatives. This has also applied to the fund managers. The Net Zero Asset Managers Initiative, a coalition of investment firms that had pledged to support the transition away from fossil fuels, paused its activities in January before Mr Trump took office. The retreat from ethical investment has coincided with a surge in people pulling cash from ESG funds. According to data from Morningstar, investors withdrew a record $8.6bn (6.2bn) from sustainable funds in the first quarter of 2025. Sir Douglas said fund managers were now treating environmental issues in a much more rational way. He said: We try and choose the companies that are making the most effective steps towards transition in the portfolios that we manage. But its our clients who mandate the areas and the pace that we go at. However, the backlash against ESG investing has not been ubiquitous in the City. Speaking at a London Climate Action Week event last week, Bill Winters, the chief executive of Standard Chartered, said he was ashamed to have been nowhere near as vocal in this environment as I had been at earlier times. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) As lawmakers in the U.S. House consider President Donald Trumps proposed budget reconciliation bill, Nebraska Rep. Adrian Smith spoke with KCAU 9 on Wednesday. During the interview, Smith shared his thoughts on the lengthy bill. Medical provider taxes would be decreased if this measure becomes law. States like Nebraska use medical provider taxes to help fund Medicaid. Rep. Smith claimed lawmakers from other states hope to expand Medicaid and have other states pay for that. Smith said its important for the Cornhusker State to be fiscally responsible with how they manage their Medicaid funding. I respect certainly the efforts at the Nebraska state level to shore things up, he said. They are pursuing various opportunities that they have, and I always want to work together with them to make sure we have adequate reimbursement and also with an eye for the future that were not expanding things in a way that are not sustainable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill would require adults under the age of 65 who dont have dependents to work at least 80 hours per month in order to keep their Medicaid benefits. That work requirement also applies to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits. Smith said he believes the proposed bill couldve included even stricter requirements for SNAP benefits. Some of the more aggressive provisions in the bill have been removed. Story continues below But make no mistake, we cannot allow states with a different view on the world basically spend everyone elses money and have these error rates high or expansion of Medicaid in a way that is simply not sustainable, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nebraska recorded one of the lowest SNAP payment error rates last year at just 5.5%. South Dakota saw 3.28%. Iowa was the highest of all three Siouxland States at 6.14 %. After the bill narrowly passed through the Senate, if just four Republicans in the House vote against the measure, it could fail to advance to the Presidents desk. Smith said hes confident the bill will advance. I think well get this done, he said. There is a very keen understanding that if we dont get our work done, things wont be good, so we need to get this 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 SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports. Photo by Jack Yen Joy Photography/Getty Images Six Detroit-area nursing homes and their ownership companies have agreed to a $4.5 million settlement with the Michigan Department of Attorney General over allegations that the facilities were providing grossly substandard care to their residents. The department announced the settlement with Villa Financial Services LLC and Villa Olympia Investment LLC on Wednesday. The facilities in question include Villas Ambassador, Father Murray, Imperial, Regency, St. Josephs and Westland locations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Villa has denied the allegations but agreed to the settlement announced Wednesday. Chronic neglect of nursing home residents is absolutely unacceptable, yet sadly all too common, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said in a statement. American taxpayers contribute billions every year to ensure quality care for our most vulnerable. When that care is not provided, my office will continue to work alongside our federal partners to hold those responsible accountable. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Villa will pay $3.41 million to the U.S. government as part of the settlement and $1.08 million to the state of Michigan, the department said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The departments Health Care Fraud Division handled the case, which is a federally certified Medicaid Fraud Control Unit for the state, which received 75% of its funding from a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services grant of $5.7 million in 2025. The investigation also included involvement from the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Eastern District of Michigan. A whistleblower complaint from Villa employees jumpstarted the inquiry, as employees claimed they personally witnessed the mistreatment of residents. It was alleged that the nursing homes failed to sufficiently staff the facilities, prevent and treat infections, prevent falls, and failed to provide toileting needs that resulted in residents sitting in or laying in soiled beds or clothes for long periods of time. The facilities also failed to prevent pressure ulcers, also known as bed sores. Villa must also enter into a five-year quality-of-care Corporate Integrity Agreement with the U.S. DHHS and its Office of Inspector General. The agreement requires the companies to retain an independent quality monitor to review their provision of care and their ability to detect and respond to patient care issues. Netanyahu is scheduled to fly out on Sunday, and return either on Thursday or Friday. The testimonies of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in his criminal trial hearings are cancelled for next week due to his diplomatic visit to the United States. The request, submitted by Netanyahus defense team, was approved by the prosecution, which is in the middle of cross-examination. However, the prosecution did request that additional testimony dates be added in their stead, and until the courts go on summer recess, from July 21 through September 5. Per a court decision from a few weeks ago, Netanyahu is scheduled to testify that week, on Monday July 21, and Tuesday July 22. Netanyahu's trip to washington Netanyahu is scheduled to fly out on Sunday, and return either on Thursday or Friday. It added that the prime minister is expected to meet with US President Donald Trump, Vice-President J.D. Vance, Secretary of State and National Security Advisor Marco Rubio, Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, and the heads of the Senate and the Congress. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He is also expected to conduct other classified security meetings. The visit comes as reports indicate some movement on a hostage and ceasefire deal in the Israel-Hamas War. Fifty hostages remain held in Hamas captivity. At present, the prime minister's testimony schedule is twice-a-week, with testimonies from other defense witnesses taking place once-a-week. In lieu of Netanyahus testimony, on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, the courts will hear testimonies from the other defense witnesses Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the Tel Aviv District Court for day three of cross-examinations in his corruption trial, May 9, 2025. (credit: YARIV KATZ/POOL) The request follows a closed-door discussion between Netanyahu's lawyers and Jerusalem District Court Judges Rivka Friedman-Feldman, Oded Shaham and Moshe Bar-Am on Sunday. This meeting led to the cancellation of testimonies this week. When Israel attacked Iran on June 13, the courts went into an emergency operational mode, which included the cancellation of all testimonies in the cases against the prime minister. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When a ceasefire was called between Israel and Iran and non-essential operations across the country resumed, Netanyahu's defense team asked to pause the hearings for two weeks, due to what it said was a significant need for the prime minister to focus on the Gaza front and the issue of the hostages. The prosecution rejected that request, and the court said that based on what was shown of the prime minister's planned schedule, there was no reason to cancel, only to begin late on Monday. On Sunday, the judges agreed to cancel this week's testimonies based on the closed-door meeting with the prime minister and other security officials, including IDF Intelligence Chief Maj.-Gen. Shlomi Binder and Mossad head David Barnea. The Jerusalem Post queried the Prime Ministers Office for comment. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) A smores shop that debuted in Portland just a few months ago has already expanded to the suburbs. Toasted Smores Bar opened its second location in Breaksides food cart pod over the weekend in late June. Nico Vergara told KOIN 6 that he and his business partner, Russell Sneddon of Moonstruck Chocolate, have hoped to expand since the brick-and-mortar spot opened downtown and the Beaverton opportunity arose before the owners began the search for another spot. Free air conditioning units in Portland a true blessing Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both Beaverton and Vancouver were eyed as hosts for the new location because there has been a lot of growth in each city, according to Vergara, who also owns Nicos Ice Cream. Definitely a different community, different crowd of people, which for retail is important, Vergara said. From a community standpoint, [Beaverton] felt like a safer bet for us right now its like one big family out there. He cited his relationship with other Portland businesses that have recently expanded to the suburb, including Deadstock Coffee and Dos Hermanos Bakery. Toasted Smores Bars flagship location opened in January at1126 SW Alder St. The site previously held 1927 Smores Company, which abruptly closed in September 2024 much to the surprise of some employees and clients who had booked the brand as wedding caterers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The newer dessert spot serves up classic smores, along with flavors that feature sea salt caramel, marionberry jam and pistachio spread. It also offers drinks like coffee, tea and hot chocolate. Its a transition: MusicPortland, MusicOregon executive director steps down Although the Beaverton shops menu does not include drinks, Vergara said it plans to collaborate with local businesses just like the original location. Toasted Smores Bar has already partnered with Blue Star Donuts, Smith Teamaker and Based General Store. The Breakside spot is currently open Friday through Sunday from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. Owners hope to extend their hours at a later date. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. Ward Sakeik -- a stateless Palestinian woman who was detained on her way back from her honeymoon -- has been released from ICE detention nearly five months after her arrest, her husband confirmed to ABC News. Sakeik, whose husband is a U.S. citizen, was arrested at the St. Thomas Airport in the U.S. Virgin Islands in February. "The Trump administration's brazenly unconstitutional attempt to deport this young woman in violation of a federal court order should shock the conscience of every American. Had we not intervened, she may very well be in a foreign country right now, separated from her family like so many others illegally deported to third countries," Eric Lee, Sakeik's attorney, said in a statement Wednesday. Obtained by ABC News - PHOTO: Ward Sakeik has been in detention since February. Her new husband, Taahir Shaikh is worried she may be deported. MORE: Newlywed bride's honeymoon ends with months of ICE detention and the prospect of deportation Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Asked by ABC News for comment regarding Sakeik's release, a Department of Homeland Security official said in an email, "Following her American husband and her filing the appropriate legal applications for her to remain in the country and become a legal permanent resident, she was released from ICE custody. The government had attempted to deport Sakeik twice -- the first time reportedly to Israel just hours before it launched its attack on Iran in June. The second attempt to deport her came despite a federal judge ordering that she remain in the northern district of Texas and not be removed from the U.S. The government and its attorneys told her husband, Taahir Shaikh, and Sakeik's lawyers that the attempt to deport her earlier this week was "an honest mistake," according to Shaikh. On Tuesday evening, Shaikh received a call from his wife asking him to pick her up from the Texas detention facility where she was being held. "I'm just completely confused. And she says, 'An ICE officer just came to me and said he's going to serve me papers for my release.' And I told her, 'I don't believe it,'" Shaikh told ABC News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The ICE officer spoke directly with our legal team, and about four hours later, I was able to go pick her up directly from Prairieland Detention Center -- just me by myself, and at 9:30 at night, she ran directly into my arms," Shaikh said. Sakeik's family is from Gaza, but she is legally stateless and has lived in the U.S. since she was 8 years old. Her family had traveled to the U.S. on a tourist visa and applied for asylum, according to Shaikh. Obtained by ABC News - PHOTO: Taahir Shaikh and his wife, Ward Sakeik, who live in Texas were elated to go on their honeymoon in February. MORE: Government attempts to deport stateless Palestinian woman again despite court order Sakeik was issued a deportation order more than a decade ago after her asylum case was denied, but she was permitted to stay in the U.S. under what's known as an "order of supervision," in which she was given a work permit and regularly checks in with federal immigration authorities, according to her attorney and her husband. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her husband filed a green card application for her in February, two days after she was detained, and the first part of her application has been approved, he said. "Now that we have that first part of the green card application already approved, all we need to do is work on reopening her immigration case, and once that order of deportation is lifted, she has a clear path to a green card," Shaikh said. After nearly five months in detention, an ICE officer told Sakeik that she would not be re-detained but there will be future commitments for her to show up either in immigration courts or immigration check ins, Shaikh said. "I'm not saying that that is justice served, because five months of detention for a woman who never committed a crime, there is no justice served by, you know, announcing her discretionary release, but it's a good step in the right direction," Shaikh said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shaikh said his wife's release was a shock after the government had refused her release at every stage of her detention. "Whoever it was that made the call probably saw just how many mistakes the people on the ground were making with my wife, and they probably felt like they dug themselves way too deep to where they knew they couldn't afford to make another mistake. And before they allowed that mistake to happen, someone made a call to say, 'We're going to grant this release,'" Shaikh said. Shaikh also pointed to the media attention his wife's case had garnered. In statement about Sakeik's detention shared with ABC News previously, DHS said Sakeik was not detained as part of a targeted operation by ICE. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "She chose to leave the country and was then flagged by [Customs and Border Patrol] trying to reenter the U.S.," Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Tricia McLaughlin said in an initial statement. When ABC News asked if the government's stance was that travel to the Virgin Islands, a U.S. territory, constitutes someone choosing to "leave the country," DHS provided an updated statement. "She chose to fly over international waters and outside the U.S. customs zone and was then flagged by CBP trying to reenter the continental U.S.," McLaughlin said in a second statement. "She overstayed her visa and has had a final order by an immigration judge for over a decade," McLaughlin said in the statement. "President Trump and Secretary Noem are committed to restoring integrity to the visa program and ensuring it is not abused to allow aliens a permanent one-way ticket to remain in the U.S." DHS did not acknowledge the judge's order barring Sakeik's removal from Texas or that she was previously under an order of supervision. As California's fire season heats up, Gov. Gavin Newsom sharply criticized the Trump administration Tuesday for failing to devote adequate resources to wildfire preparation and response efforts on federal lands. Newsom said his office sent the White House a proposed executive order that, if signed, would direct the federal government to match Californias forest management investments and capabilities in the state. We made it easy, Newsom said at a news conference at Cal Fire's Mt. Howell Lookout tower in Placer County. The president could sign this afternoon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As of Tuesday, California was actively fighting nine wildfires and much of inland Northern California was under red flag fire warnings due to the threat of lightning strikes. Half of the new fire starts in just over the course of the last 48 hours have been on federal land, Newsom said. We need an equivalent commitment of resources not rhetoric. In a statement, White House Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly said Newsom "should own up to his failure to prepare for fire season including his $144 million cut to wildfire funding in California. Kelly was referring to the state Legislature's decision last year to cut $144 million from a $2.8-billion wildfire and forest resilience fund created through a series of spending packages in 2021 and 2022 during state budget surpluses. Newsom had initially proposed a more modest $101-million decrease. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At his news conference, Newsom blasted the administration for pulling eight of the California National Guards 14 firefighting crews into Los Angeles to respond to protests against ICE raids and for failing to match the state's investments in forest management, including prescribed burns and forest thinning, all the while proposing cuts to the U.S. Forest Service and laying off its employees. Tuesday's news conference marked the latest escalation between Newsom and Trump, who have for years duked it out over the state's wildfire preparation and response. During his first term in 2018, Trump notoriously told Newsom that California needs to "rake" its forest floors a reference to ramping up forest management efforts to remove overgrown vegetation that can help fuel fires. Newsom's office sought to turn the tables back on the president by touting the slogan "Make America Rake Again" as in having the U.S. pick up a greater share of fire prevention efforts. More than half of the forestland in California 57% falls under the purview of the federal government. The state owns and manages just 3%. In 2021, Newsom created a wildfire and forest resilience task force, which recommended the state and federal governments manage flammable overgrowth on 1 million acres of the 33 million acres of forestlands in California every year. These include prescribed burns and forest thinning practices to remove smaller trees and flammable brush from the forest floor (a process that can include raking). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the task force's wildfire action plan, which aims to balance ecosystem restoration, fire safety and a sustainable logging industry, the state and federal governments agreed to split the responsibility equally 500,000 acres each and set a deadline of 2025 to meet the goal. In a video response to Newsom, Assembly Minority Leader James Gallagher (R-Yuba City) said Newsom still had not met the goal of 500,000 acres treated a year. "He has no business criticizing the federal government, Gallagher said. According to a dashboard created by the task force , 727,000 acres in California received some form of treatment in 2023 short of the combined state and federal goal of 1 million acres. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The federal government completed 36% of that work, while the state was responsible for 42% and private timber companies completed 22%. The task force has not released numbers for 2024 or 2025. However, at the news conference, Cal Fire announced it had exceeded its prescribed fire goal, a subset of its total forest management goal, for the first time in 2025. Meanwhile, the Forest Service the federal government's largest firefighting entity has lost about 3,400 employees due to layoffs and buyouts since Trump took office, potentially inhibiting the service's ability to complete forest management work. Cal Fire can do everything it can to try to protect the surrounding community," said Patrick Wright, director of the task force, at Tuesdays news conference, "but if the adjacent Forest Service land is not treated, the community is going to be at risk." Times staff writer Hayley Smith contributed to this report. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. The Dalai Lama confirmed on Wednesday that he will have a successor to carry on the role of spiritual leadership to Tibetan Buddhists, in a statement issued during continuing celebrations to mark his 90th birthday. He said that leaders of Tibets spiritual traditions, members of the Tibetan parliament and government in exile, both of which are in the Indian district of Dharamshala, and Buddhists from around the world, including mainland China and Tibet, had written to him, requesting that the institution continue. In accordance with all these requests, I am affirming that the institution of the Dalai Lama will continue, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His statement was issued as Buddhist scholars and revered monks from around the world have converged on McLeodganj town in Dharamshala, where the Dalai Lama lives, to participate in his 90th birthday celebrations. The town, also known as Little Lhasa because it is in effect the capital of Tibetan Buddhists in exile, will also host an intense three-day religious conference that the Dalai Lama will preside over. But the occasion isnt only religious. How the next Dalai Lama is chosen, and by whom, carries deep geopolitical significance. For centuries, Tibetan Buddhist leaders have chosen and enthroned a new Dalai Lama only after an intense quest and subsequent schooling after the incumbent passes away. If the current Dalai Lama, the 14th, offers any more details in the coming days about how his successor might be chosen, or who it might be, that would represent a dramatic break with tradition. What he says, and doesnt say, will be closely watched in Washington, New Delhi and Beijing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Dalai Lama, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate who fled Tibet for India in 1959, is seen as a separatist by Beijing, which was quick to push back against the spiritual leaders comments on Wednesday, insisting that it had a veto over the choice of the next Dalai Lama. India, as his host for 66 years, also has deep stakes in the future of the institution of the Dalai Lama, who has known every Indian prime minister since the country gained independence. In a strong message to China on Thursday, Indias minorities minister Kiren Rijiju told a press conference that no one apart from the Dalai Lama can decide the next successor. All those who follow the Dalai Lama feel that the Incarnation is to be decided by the established convention and as per the wish of the Dalai Lama himself. Nobody else has the right to decide it except him and the conventions in place, Rijiju said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The United States, which has long cited the Tibetan movement in exile as evidence of Chinas human rights excesses, will also want to make sure that the glue that binds it all the institution of the Dalai Lama continues. So, who will choose the next Dalai Lama? Can the incumbent Dalai Lama stump the Chinese government? And could there be two Dalai Lamas? How is a Dalai Lama chosen? Choosing the next Dalai Lama, who will be enthroned as the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, is a process rooted in centuries-old traditions, spiritual beliefs, and rituals. Traditions consider the Dalai Lama as the reincarnation of Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, and each Dalai Lama is believed to be the successor in a line of reincarnations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Traditionally, the search for the Dalai Lamas reincarnation typically begins after a period of mourning. High-ranking lamas (spiritual leaders) form a search committee to identify the next Dalai Lama, based on signs such as the direction of the smoke blowing from his cremation, the direction where he was looking when he died, and oracles visions, including at Lhamo Latso, a lake considered holy in Tibet. Once potential candidates are identified, they undergo a series of tests to confirm their identity as the reincarnation. Candidates are usually young boys born at about the time of the previous Dalai Lamas death. But the current Dalai Lama has said that there is no reason why a woman cannot be the next reincarnation. After a candidate is chosen, the child begins a rigorous education in Buddhist philosophy, scriptures and leadership responsibilities, preparing them to assume the role of both a spiritual and, historically, political leader of the Tibetan people. Who is the current Dalai Lama and how was he chosen? Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th and current Dalai Lama, was born as Lhamo Dhondup on July 6, 1935, to a farming family in a region now in Qinghai province. He was identified as a reincarnation when he was barely two years old. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the death of the 13th Dalai Lama, the search party concluded a four-year-long quest after the toddler identified belongings of his predecessor with the phrase, Its mine, its mine. While the majority of Dalai Lamas have been born in Tibet, one was discovered in Mongolia, and another in a region that today lies in northeastern India. In March 1959, after a failed Tibetan uprising against Chinese control, the Dalai Lama fled Lhasa in disguise, crossing the Himalayas on horseback and foot, eventually reaching India on March 31 that year. Nearly 100,000 Tibetan refugees live in different parts of India today, the communitys largest exile population. His escape marked the end of traditional Tibetan governance and the beginning of a life in exile, from where he led the Tibetan struggle for autonomy. A painting by Kanwal Krishna, probably dated in the 1930s, of a young Dalai Lama (Tenzin Gyatso, born in 1935), the traditional religious and temporal head of Tibets Buddhist clergy [Kanwal Krishna/AFP] What has the 14th Dalai Lama said about his successor? Addressing a beaming crowd of followers and monks in McLeodganj on Monday, June 30, the Dalai Lama, clad in his traditional red robes and yellow scarf, said: As far as the institution of the Dalai Lama is concerned, there will be a framework for it to continue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think I have been able to serve the Dharma and sentient beings and I am determined to continue to do so, he added, noting that at 90 years old, he feels physically healthy and well. He has also hinted about where to look for the next Dalai Lama. Noting that the purpose of a reincarnation is to carry on the work of the predecessor, the 14th Dalai Lama wrote in his book, Voice for the Voiceless, published in March 2025, that the new Dalai Lama will be born in the free world. In effect, that has meant that the Dalai Lama has decreed that the reincarnation would not be in China or China-controlled Tibet. He had earlier said that his incarnation could be found in India. For Tenzin Jigme, a 39-year-old who lives in McLeodganj and works with the Tibetan government-in-exile, the mere thought of the Dalai Lama passing away is heavy. His voice broke as he said, We live in a free world because he led us here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For all of us, living as refugees, His Holiness Dalai Lama is a fatherly figure, Jigme told Al Jazeera. We need his reincarnation; look at the world, we need someone to teach us compassion. Interactive_Tibet_DalaiLama-1751464118 Was there a risk that there wouldnt be a successor? The 14th Dalai Lama has suggested in the past that there may not be a successor at all. In 2011, he said that when he turned 90, he would consult his fellow lamas and the Tibetan public and reevaluate whether the institution of the Dalai Lama should continue or not. In 2014, during a visit to the 14th World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates in Rome, the then-79-year-old spiritual leader said that whether another Dalai Lama would be enthroned after him would depend on the circumstances after his death and was up to the Tibetan people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Dalai Lama institution will cease one day. These man-made institutions will cease, the Dalai Lama said in an interview with the BBC. There is no guarantee that some stupid Dalai Lama wont come next, who will disgrace himself or herself. That would be very sad. So, much better that a centuries-old tradition should cease at the time of a quite popular Dalai Lama. Dibyesh Anand, a professor of international relations at the University of Westminster and the author of Geopolitical Exotica: Tibet in Western Imagination, said the institution of the Dalai Lama will face immense uncertainty in the coming decades. But, he said, the history shows that this institution has been more protean and resilient than politically power-based states. Subsequent exiled Dalai Lamas will not have political power in conventional sense; however, the institution will remain symbolically the heart of the Tibetan nation and the most respected authority in Tibetan Buddhism, he said. A Chinese soldier mans a checkpoint near the Potala Palace, the former residence of the Dalai Lama, on October 24, 1989 [Guy Dinmore/Reuters] What is Chinas position on this? China insists that only its government has the authority to approve the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama, treating it as a matter of national sovereignty and religious regulation. This position was cemented in a 2007 law, which mandates that all reincarnations of Tibetan living Buddhas must be approved by the state and must follow Chinese laws, religious rituals and historical precedent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chinese officials have repeatedly stated that the next Dalai Lama must be born inside China, and any foreign-born or exile-appointed successor would be considered illegitimate. A key element of Chinas proposed process is the golden urn system, an 18th-century Qing Dynasty method in which the names of candidates are placed in a golden vessel and one is selected by lot. On Wednesday, Chinas Ministry of Foreign Affairs doubled down on its position regarding the pick of the next Dalai Lama. The reincarnation of the Dalai Lama, the Panchen Lama and other great Buddhist figures must be chosen by drawing lots from a golden urn, and approved by the central government, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told a regular news briefing. The Panchen Lama is the second most important figure in Tibetan Buddhism. The Chinese government implements a policy of freedom of religious belief, but there are regulations on religious affairs and methods for managing the reincarnation of Tibetan living Buddhas, Mao said. The current Dalai Lama doesnt favour the golden urn method, arguing that it lacks spiritual quality. In March 2015, then Tibet Governor Padma Choling accused the Dalai Lama of profaning religion and Tibetan Buddhism, adding that the Dalai Lama was trying to usurp Beijings right to decide. If he says no reincarnation, then no reincarnation? Impossible. Nobody in Tibetan Buddhism would agree to that, said Choling. While talks over finding the next Dalai Lama traditionally occur after the death of the incumbent, the Chinese position has left monks and Tibetans in exile worried that Beijing might try to hijack the institution. The centrality of the Dalai Lama to the Tibetan national movement and his stature as a global icon are irritants for Beijing, said Anand, the professor. This is a battle over legitimacy and not actual rule over territorial Tibet. Beijing seeks to win that battle of legitimacy but faces an institution and person in the 14th Dalai Lama that is beyond its control, he told Al Jazeera. Robert Barnett, a scholar of modern Tibetan history and politics and founder of Columbia Universitys Modern Tibetan Studies Program, said that some Chinese strategists see the succession issue purely as an opportunity to frustrate the exile project. Another reason could be the Chinese leaders anticipation of another plausible Tibetan uprising. It helps Beijing to have a tame Dalai Lama to dissuade Tibetans from protest, Barnett told Al Jazeera. Has China hijacked a selection before? Yes. In 1995, the Dalai Lama recognised a young boy in Tibet as the reincarnation of the Panchen Lama. He was a six-year-old, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, the son of a doctor and a nurse from the Tibetan town of Naqchu. Soon after, Chinese authorities took the boy into custody and relocated the family. Their whereabouts are not known since. In his place, Beijing appointed its own candidate, a move widely rejected by Tibetan Buddhists in exile and many inside Tibet, who view the Chinese-selected Panchen Lama as illegitimate. The disappearance of the Panchen Lama in 1995 was a turning point in Chinese-Tibetan political history, said Barnett. The Chinese side decided that it has to control not just which child should be chosen, but whether a lama can reincarnate, where he or she can reincarnate, who should search for them, he said. The Chinese were clear that the Dalai Lama needed to be excluded from the process. That episode is a key reason why the current Dalai Lama and Tibetans in exile are opposed to the selection of any future reincarnation inside China, including Tibet. The chosen child might simply be abducted, as happened 30 years ago. Anand said that Chinas goal is to dishearten and divide Tibetans. If [China] cannot achieve it through winning hearts and minds, theyd do it through divide and rule, and this is how we should see the battle over reincarnation, he told Al Jazeera. Tibetans in New Delhi carry pictures of Gedun Choekyi Nyima, the Panchen Lama reincarnation recognised by the Dalai Lama, and shout anti-Chinese slogans to mark their protest on December 8 against the enthronement of another Panchen Lama recognised by the Chinese government in Tibet today [Reuters] A case of two rival Dalai Lamas Tibet observers and scholars believe that after the 14th Dalai Lamas death, Tibetan Buddhists might well find a scenario where two rival successors jostle for legitimacy an exiled leader, appointed by the lamas faithful to the incumbent Dalai Lama, and one appointed by the Chinese government. It would be unprecedented in the history of Tibetan Buddhism, but is highly likely to occur, said Barnett. While the reality of two Dalai Lamas may not matter to exiled Tibetans from a religious perspective, it makes life very difficult for Tibetans inside Tibet who will be forced in huge numbers to publicly declare their loyalty to China over and over again. Barnett noted that Beijing could also use the succession issue as leverage to get foreign governments to marginalise organisations of Tibetans in exile in those countries. Anand said that Beijings insistence on its candidate will be a source of instability in China-Tibetan relations and may come back to haunt the Chinese Communist Party. In an interview in March 2019, the Dalai Lama acknowledged that following his death, there could be two rival Dalai Lamas. In future, in case you see two Dalai Lamas come, one from here, in free country, one chosen by Chinese, then nobody will trust, nobody will respect [the one chosen by China], he said. So thats an additional problem for the Chinese! Its possible, it can happen, the Dalai Lama added, laughing. This photo taken on September 17, 1959, shows Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru (R) and the Dalai Lama in a Buddhist salutation [Punjab/AFP) Is the selection also a geostrategic issue? It is, mainly for India and the United States. For India, which hosts the Tibetan government-in-exile, the succession of the Dalai Lama intersects with national security and its fraught border relationship with China. New Delhi will want to carry on giving hospitality and refuge to the Dalai Lama and his followers, said Anand. He added that the Tibetan exiles in India offer a leverage and buffer to India vis-a-vis Chinas influence in the Himalayan region. The USs interest in Tibet dates back to the Cold War era, when the CIA backed Tibetan resistance against Chinese occupation, in the 1950s, including after the Dalai Lamas exile. Washington has long shown bipartisan support for the religious autonomy of Tibetan Buddhists, including in choosing the next Dalai Lama. In 2015, when China claimed authority to select the next Dalai Lama, US officials publicly rejected this, asserting that Tibetan Buddhists alone should decide. The most forceful position came in 2020 with the passage of the Tibetan Policy and Support Act (TPSA) under President Donald Trump. The new US position explicitly supported the Dalai Lamas right to determine his own reincarnation and authorised sanctions on Chinese officials who interfered in the process. The international support for the Tibetan right to decide on the institution of the Dalai Lama, Anand said, is going to play out in geopolitical rivalry between the US and China as well as China and India in the future. A healthcare professional from Sheffield has started a petition calling on schools to change their uniform policy regarding pupil's footwear. Francesca Makey, lead orthotist at Sheffield Children's Hospital, argues schools need to change "outdated uniform policies" when it comes to forcing pupils to wear formal school shoes. The NHS worker believes allowing pupils to wear trainers at school, instead of traditional, leather shoes would guard against potential discomfort, foot pain, and even knee problems in later life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "A simple change in school uniform policy to permit plain black trainers could help protect the health of hundreds of thousands of children," said Ms Makey. Over the course of her work at the Sheffield Children's Hospital, Ms Makey said she has helped a number of young pupils overcome issues with their feet. An orthotist specialises in the fitting of orthoses (braces or splints) and bespoke footwear to help people with movement difficulties. "I have witnessed first-hand the foot problems that can arise, or existing problems made worse, from wearing inappropriate school shoes," said Ms Makey. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We routinely provide insoles and splints, but find it incredibly challenging to fit these into the standard, old-fashioned shoes required by most schools in the UK. "Medical professionals consistently recommend trainers for growing feet, as they offer the necessary support, shock absorption and flexibility. "Unlike hard shoes, trainers allow for natural foot movement and accommodate orthopedic aids far better, promoting long-term foot health and comfort," she added. Katie Crook, associate vice principal at Penistone Grammar School said "discussions" were continuing at the school about their uniform policy [Simon Thake] Whilst many primary schools in South Yorkshire do allow pupils to wear trainers, most secondary schools include formal black shoes as a requirement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Katie Crook, associate vice principal at Penistone Grammar School, admitted uniform was a "topical discussion" within her school. "We do have an inclusive policy on uniform - worked over years with stakeholders - broadly speaking a blazer, a tie, trousers or shorts, and smart black shoes" "We're really proud to be part of a community here. We are one Penistone and wearing the uniform feels part of the community here. "However, I think there are discussions to be had. "The Department for Education usually offer advice and guidance, so we'd welcome that," she added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We're not archaic, we pride ourselves on inclusivity - but what is pivotal to our motto is that children represent the school." "We don't want some pupils in 400 trainers, and others who can't afford it and feel uncomfortable about it." 'Being comfortable' Amira, who is now a teenager, has been treated at Sheffield Children's Hospital since she was three [supplied] Amira - who is now 14 years old - was born with over pronated feet, and some misplaced and missing bones. She has been a patient at Sheffield Children's Hospital since she was three. When she was young, she didn't crawl for a long time and later found it challenging to play on climbing frames or run in the playground without severe pain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She is now allowed to wear trainers at school and has a special lift pass. "At certain times I feel a shooting pain through my feet - running and walking up stairs are difficult [and] in the playground, if I jump, it used to really hurt," she said. Amira has a doctor's note that allows her to wear padded soft trainers with gel insoles at school. "I feel like they should allow everyone to wear trainers, with or without medical issues - it's about being comfortable "We're already in uniform, we're smart enough," she said. Amira's mum, Rachel, agrees. "If you're at work all day on your feet, wearing the same shoe it can be really tough. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Children are the same, and their bones are still soft. You wouldn't be expected to be uncomfortable as an adult, I don't know why it's forced on children." "Children coming out of school with a smile on their face is much more important than a tidy uniform." Listen to highlights from South Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North More on similar stories: Members of the Niagara Falls City Council will reconsider a request by Mayor Robert Restaino to begin the process of purchasing roughly 5 acres of prime South End tourist district land, currently awarded to the city through eminent domain, for the proposed Centennial Park project. After tabling and taking no action on the same request in May, city lawmakers are being asked at tonights meeting to authorize a $4.029 million offer to Niagara Falls Redevelopment (NFR), and one of its affiliates, to purchase the proposed park and event center property. The proposed offer represents the value of the land, determined by an independent real estate appraiser. Several council members had objected to authorizing the offer without having a chance to first review the appraisal and a feasibility study of the proposed project. That feasibility study has since been presented to council members and released to the public. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Acting Falls Corporation Counsel Thomas DeBoy has characterized the proposed council action as just the first step in completing the eminent domain acquisition of the NFR property. Its going to take a while (to complete the eminent domain process), DeBoy has said. The offer is for only slightly more than half of the land the city originally sought in its eminent domain action against NFR, DeBoy has previously said. In January, the city began legal proceedings against NFR claiming that 5 acres of the contested South End property, already subject to the eminent domain action, were never legally transferred to NFRs ownership. The city is claiming that property formerly known as the 10th Street Park, at the intersection of 10th and Falls streets, was never properly deeded to NFR as part of a deal in 2003-2004 between the South End land owner and former Falls mayors Irene Elia and Vince Anello. Mayor Robert Restaino has said the citys special counsel for the Centennial Park project has determined that NFR never completed the process of taking control of the land by gaining approval of the property transfer from the New York State Legislature. The city and NFR are contesting that claim in New York State Supreme Court. Warning: Some of the video shown above may be difficult to watch. SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) A San Diego police officer took the witness stand Tuesday, two years after he was shot in the arm while chasing a suspect in Chollas Creek. Officer James Romero testified just feet away from the man who is standing trial for allegedly shooting him. Romeros body camera footage was played in court, showing the tense moments after the shooting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hey, come help me, Romero said to another officer responding to the scene after the shooting. Romero was trying to put a tourniquet on his own bloody arm. Sirens can be heard from emergency vehicles racing toward him in the distance. Im going to stick with you just relax, alright, a Sheriff who responded to the scene told Romero. Two years after that shooting, Romero took the stand. 32-year-old JC Blake Sartor is accused of shooting Romero on June 8, 2023 in Chollas Creek. Romero testified that he saw the driver of a whit truck acting and looking suspicious. Romero said he noticed the driver inside the truck was looking suspiciously at an embankment on University Avenue, which the officer said nothing was at the embankment in the road, and he believed this was suspicious behavior. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Romero said he started following the truck during several turns, and caught up to the vehicle so he could read the plate at Knoxie and Ogden streets. When Romero put the license plate number into their database, it came back as a stolen vehicle, and notified dispatchers. Romero kept following the truck. The way the driver was going back and in circles, I thought he was planning something, Romero added. He said the short chase was at slower speeds of approximately 20 miles per hour. Romero said he turned on his police lights, and the vehicle stopped at Ogden and Wightman. Romero said he saw the driver fidgeting, hit a parked car and then the driver got out and ran through the apartment complex. Romero said when the driver got out of the car, he looked at him and ran. Romero noticed he was wearing a mask, covering his mouth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As Sartor ran off, Romero chased after him, but did not have his gun drawn. Sartor fired two shots at Romero, one of the gunshots hit Romero in the right arm. The pain in the hospital was pretty excruciating, Romero said on the stand testifying in court on Tuesday morning. I couldnt bend it at all, it was super swollen, I had to go to physical therapy twice a week, see a doctor about every other week. He said his right arm still gets numb and he still gets nerve shocks to his arm. Romero was out of work for three months, and had to relearn how to do daily tasks. It impacted everything, eating, writing, showering I had to figure out a way to do it, Romero added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Romero went back to work about 3-4 months after being shot, but the physical and mental effects from that day, still linger. I would have nightmares, couldnt sleep, kept on revisiting the scene, thinking I was dying, hyperventilating, anxious, and that was extremely severe for the first week, Romero said. Intrusive thoughts I had to deal with that for a couple months slowly calmed myself down with my therapist and my family. At the time of the shooting, Romero was assigned to the Mid-City division and had just been put on the police force in December 2022. About six months later, in June 2023, the shooting happened. Prior to becoming a police officer, Romero worked as a mental health worker in the juvenile wing of Aurora Behavioral Health Care Center. He had also worked as a social worker where he responded to allegations of abuse, and was previously a probation officer for two and a half years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If convicted on all charges, Sartor faces life in prison. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News. Canadian legal software company Clio has agreed to acquire vLex, a Spain-based legal intelligence provider, for $1bn, payable in cash and stock. Established in 2000, vLex, part of Oakley Capitals portfolio, offers a global legal research platform powered by AI. It serves clients in more than 110 countries with tools like Vincent, used by numerous legal teams, including Am Law 100 firms, courts, and law societies. Vincent operates on vLexs database of more than one billion legal documents, supporting cross-jurisdictional research, audio and video analysis, legal theory testing, and tailored workflows. Clio CEO and founder Jack Newton said: For 17 years, we've built the foundational platform that enables law firms to operate at their highest potential. With vLex, we're building on that foundation with technology that understands the substance of the law. By bringing together the business and practice of law in a unified platform, we're revolutionising every aspect of legal work. The acquisition, Clios largest to date, integrates vLexs research platform with Clios system, used by over 200,000 legal professionals, to combine legal management and research functions. The transaction, which is expected to close later in 2025, is subject to standard conditions and regulatory approvals. vLexCEO and co-founder Lluis Faus said: Together with Clio, we have a bold vision for the future that empowers legal professionals to go beyond traditional research and operational silos, harnessing deeper intelligence and broader impact. Goldman Sachs served as Clios exclusive financial advisor, with legal counsel provided by Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt, Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, and Gowling. "Clio to acquire legal intelligence provider vLex in $1bn deal " was originally created and published by Verdict, a GlobalData owned brand. Jul. 1SANTA FE Even as the votes in the U.S. Senate were still being cast on President Donald Trump's sweeping federal tax bill on Tuesday morning, top New Mexico health officials were warning state lawmakers about the looming impact. While pointing out the bill was still being amended on Capitol Hill, state Health Care Authority Secretary Kari Armijo told members of a legislative panel that six to eight rural New Mexico hospitals could close over the next several years due to the bill's Medicaid changes. Specifically, she cited hospitals in Gallup, Las Vegas, Taos and Clayton as among those at the highest risk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's those rural facilities that I think are in pretty substantial danger," said Armijo, who added rural hospitals disproportionately rely on Medicaid funding. She also reiterated projections that nearly 90,000 New Mexico residents could lose health care coverage under the federal bill, while more than 250,000 state residents could face new co-pays and increased administrative hurdles to remain enrolled. The estimated health care coverage losses would be caused primarily by increased eligibility checks and ramped-up work requirements for certain adults that would start in 2027. New Mexico would face such an outsized impact from safety net changes proposed by Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill" because the state has the nation's highest percentage of residents covered by Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As of May, there were more than 814,000 New Mexicans enrolled in Medicaid or about 38.5% of state residents. Even as state Medicaid enrollment has declined over the last two years from a record high, state and federal Medicaid spending has continued to increase, reaching a combined total of $11.6 billion in New Mexico for the current budget year. Impact on state's health care industry New Mexico has already grappled with a health care provider shortage in recent years, and any hospital closures could exacerbate patient access issues while also causing job losses. Medicaid cuts included in the bill could cause over 1,300 hospital job losses in the state, New Mexico Hospital Association Senior Director of Government Affairs Julia Ruetten said during a Tuesday legislative subcommittee meeting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The pool of funds New Mexico can use to pull down federal Medicaid dollars for hospitals would be reduced because of a lower cap on the provider tax, cutting the reimbursement dollars going to hospitals by a third. The state program those funds are distributed through was set up to advantage rural hospitals in particular. Simultaneously, the Senate bill would reduce the cap on the Medicaid reimbursement rate from the average commercial insurance rate to no more than Medicare rates, which could negatively impact New Mexico's efforts to recruit new medical providers, according to New Mexico Hospital Association President Troy Clark. New Mexico has a particularly high average commercial insurance rate and a low Medicare reimbursement rate. Before the bill was narrowly approved, senators included a new $50 billion fund for rural hospitals in the bill. If existing Health Resources and Services Administration definitions for rural are used for the fund, hospitals in Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Las Cruces and Farmington would not be eligible, but other New Mexico hospitals would, according to Clark. The bill requires hospitals to apply for funds by the end of the year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill could set up a funding cliff for hospitals, Ruetten said, because the stabilization fund ending and the final stepdown of the Medicaid reimbursement rate would happen around the same time, in 2032. Sen. William Soules, D-Las Cruces, the co-chairman of the Federal Funding Stabilization Subcommittee, said Tuesday the state should prepare to help eligible residents avoid losing health care coverage. Food aid cuts Medicaid isn't the only challenge facing the state if the "One Big Beautiful Bill" passes the House this week. "We have many vulnerable people in this state who are going to be affected by these changes," Soules said, referring to the SNAP cuts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But several Republican lawmakers raised questions about the state's high error rate for food assistance applications, which could trigger a cost-sharing provision under the federal budget bill. In response, Armijo said an interview requirement for food assistance beneficiaries that was waived during the COVID-19 pandemic and recently reimplemented could partially explain the state's error rate. The rate was at 14.6% as of last year, primarily due to overpayments. Armijo also said top state officials might travel to other states in the coming months to study best practices for determining eligibility. The federal budget bill would also impose increased work requirements for SNAP recipients in most parts of New Mexico. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If implemented today, Luna County and the Jicarilla Apache Nation would be the only parts of New Mexico exempted from those work requirements since they have unemployment rates higher than 10%, Armijo said. Political landscape as bill nears approval Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said earlier this year approval of the federal budget bill could prompt her to call lawmakers back to Santa Fe for a special legislative session later this year. The governor said Tuesday that Senate Republicans had "betrayed" the American people by approving the bill. "This bill is a disastrous, deficit-exploding gift to the ultra-wealthy made possible by gutting health care and food programs that millions of Americans rely on," Lujan Grisham said in a statement while urging New Mexicans to pressure Republican members of the U.S. House to vote against final approval. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New Mexico's two U.S. senators, both Democrats, voted against the bill, with Sen. Ben Ray Lujan saying it would gut health care for children and families. With the bill now heading back to the U.S. House for reconciliation, U.S. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez, D-N.M., said Tuesday she would introduce an amendment to pull out tax cuts for the wealthy while leaving in tax cuts that benefit middle- and low-income people. House GOP leaders, though, are aiming to pass the Senate version of the bill without amendments to get it to President Donald Trump's desk to sign into law by Independence Day. For his part, U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez, D-N.M., said he would work to try to strip two provisions in particular from the bill that affect hospitals, one limiting state-directed payments and one connected to provider taxes. "We must make sure this reckless bill never makes it through the House," Vasquez said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Democrats vowed to try to blunt the bill's momentum, New Mexico's Republican Party leadership applauded its passage. "President Trump's Big Beautiful Bill delivers exactly what New Mexicans have been asking for," Republican Party of New Mexico Chair Amy Barela said in a statement, "lower taxes, bigger paychecks, secure borders, and a government that finally puts Americans first." Sir Keir Starmer has backed Rachel Reeves to remain chancellor "into the next election and for many years after" after she was seen crying during Prime Minister's Questions. The prime minister had refused to say whether Reeves would remain in her job until the next election in front of MPs in the Commons, during a session in which the chancellor wiped away tears as she sat behind him. But later Sir Keir told BBC Radio 4's Political Thinking he worked "in lockstep" with Reeves and she was "doing an excellent job as chancellor". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After PMQs, Reeves' spokesperson said she had been dealing with a "personal matter" and Sir Keir insisted her tears had "nothing to do with politics". Asked if Reeves would remain in government Sir Keir said: "She's done an excellent job as chancellor and we have delivered inward investment to this country in record numbers. "She and I work together, we think together. "In the past there have been examples - I won't give any specifics - of chancellors and prime ministers who weren't in lockstep. We're in lockstep." He said Reeves' tears had "nothing to do with politics" or this week's welfare U-turns - which potentially blows a hole in her Budget plans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "That's absolutely wrong," said Sir Keir. "Nothing to do with what's happened this week. It was a personal matter for her, I'm not going to intrude on her privacy by talking to you." At a highly charged PMQs, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch laid into the government over its welfare U-turns. She said the chancellor would now be forced to put up taxes "to pay for his incompetence" and asked if she would still be chancellor at the next election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said the chancellor "looks absolutely miserable". And she told the PM: "Labour MPs are going on the record saying that the chancellor is toast, and the reality is that she is a human shield for his incompetence." Sir Keir said: "No prime minister or chancellor ever stands at the dispatch box and writes budgets in the future." He ignored Badenoch's questions and instead insisted the welfare reform bill would get more people back into work and blamed Tory "stagnation" for creating the problems it was trying to fix. Reeves was seen to wipe away tears during the PMQs exchanges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The extraordinary Commons scenes appeared to unsettle the financial markets, with the pound falling against major currencies and the cost of government borrowing rising. Many colleagues and allies of Reeves in Parliament are blaming an altercation with the Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle for upsetting her. Several have accused him of having been abrupt with the chancellor in a meeting before PMQs. It is thought to have been about an interaction they had during Treasury questions on Tuesday in which Sir Lindsay asked her to give shorter answers. However, no one who the BBC has spoken to is claiming to have witnessed the interaction personally. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The chancellor's team have declined to comment, as has the Speaker's office. 'Embarrassing' U-turn Speaking to ITV, Health Secretary Wes Streeting said, "it is easy to forget we are all humans as politicians, and we have lives like everyone else". As Reeves left PMQs her sister Ellie Reeves, who is also a Labour MP, took her hand in an apparent show of support. Following PMQs, Badenoch's spokesperson said a "personal matter doesn't really clear it up" as "you normally tell people what the personal matter is". Shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick went further than the Tory leader in a social media video, saying the chancellor's career was now dead after an "embarrassing" U-turn and it was time for her to go. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But he later added: "I obviously hope that Rachel Reeves's personal matter is resolved. It's never nice to see someone upset. The PM had a chance to support her at PMQs but threw her under the bus." He said borrowing costs were soaring and the pound plummeting because "the market has lost confidence in the government's ability to control spending". Stephen Flynn, the SNP's Westminster leader, said: "Like almost all MPs I don't know why the chancellor was upset in the chamber today, but I do hope she is okay and back to her duties this afternoon. "Seeing another person in distress is always very difficult, and we are wishing her well." There will be no solution to long-running traffic issues in Suffolk until an elected mayor is in place, a transport boss said. The Orwell Bridge on the A14 south of Ipswich is currently operating with lane closures while 6m repair works are carried out. There have been calls for a northern bypass around Ipswich for decades, but there has been a lack of funding commitment, coupled with local opposition in villages any road would go through. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chris Chambers, cabinet member for transport at Conservative-run Suffolk County Council, said no decision was likely to be made until after the elections for a new mayor-led authority for Norfolk and Suffolk in May 2026. "We're not going to build a northern bypass in a year. It will be the mayor that will deliver a northern bypass," said Chambers. The new post would be created as part of the government's devolution plans which would replace the two-tier county and district council set-up with unitary councils in Norfolk and Suffolk, with a directly elected mayor overseeing both counties. It comes as rush-hour drivers have faced long delays as lanes on the two-lane dual carriageway are closed on the bridge, resulting in slow journeys. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The eastbound carriageway was closed on Monday, 23 June, which was followed by a westbound lane on Saturday. While the lanes were shut, traffic was limited to the usual 60mph on the eastbound side, but cut to 40mph for those travelling west while the contraflow system was in place. Work to replace 37-year-old joints on the bridge was expected to be completed by late August. Motorists, including container trucks for the Port of Felixstowe, have been advised to "allow extra time" for their journeys. This aerial image during the morning rush hour shows the A14 down to one lane in each direction as the road goes over the River Orwell [John Fairfull/BBC] On the northern bypass, Chambers said: "Six years ago [in 2019] we commissioned a strategic outline business case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The only way you can access the funding is to put forward a housing growth plan. "Our business plan six years ago was that [that] required building 15,000 homes, in and above the targets they have to build homes at the moment to access that funding." He added: "The prime minister was only in Suffolk a few weeks ago green lighting Sizewell C. "It was a shame while he was here he didn't agree to funding for the major road network that will actually increase capacity on the key road for Sizewell C." Work is being carried out to fix joints on the 40-year-old Orwell Bridge (pictured before the latest lane closures) [John Fairhall/BBC] Jack Abbot, Labour MP for Ipswich, believed a northern bypass would solve "long-term issues", because improving the railway to increase its capacity to take more container freight for Felixstowe would not solve the road traffic issue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Things like Ely/Haughley [rail junctions] are a really important project for the region and the Port of Felixstowe, [but] this isn't a solution... he [Chris Chambers] mentioned it would take 100,000 HGVs off the road a year. "We have up to 20,000 a day crossing the Orwell Bridge. "The northern bypass isn't just about traffic congestion in and around Ipswich, there's the long-term future of Felixstowe port at risk. "We have thousands of jobs on the line in our local economy, millions if not billions of investment in our local economy... we have to look at the bigger picture not just for Ipswich and Felixstowe, but for our county as a whole." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The BBC has contacted the Department for Transport for comment. Plans for a river crossing over Ipswich's waterfront and wet dock just south of the town centre were abandoned by the Conservative county council in 2018 as costs rose and extra funds were needed, despite the Conservative central government committing 77m. That route was meant to provide another cross-town option for traffic, easing pressure on the A14. At the time, council leader Matthew Hicks said they had "exhausted all [further] funding opportunities including the Department for Transport, HM Treasury, local businesses and other stakeholders". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Follow Suffolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X. More on this story Related internet links Grassroots advocacy group the People's Union USA is encouraging people to stay home on the Fourth of July, avoid parades and public fireworks displays and only spend money on small local businesses to send a message to large companies and the government. "We are holding this entire corrupt system accountable," John Schwarz, the group's leader, said in a late June Instagram video promoting the economic blackout day. Schwarz organized the first spending blackout on Feb. 28 and the second in April. He told The Arizona Republic earlier this year that the actions of The People's Union USA are influenced, but not caused by, companies' diversity, equity and inclusion stances. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The mission of The Peoples Union USA is to hold corporations and corrupt systems accountable, not with violence or empty promises, but with the one thing that actually affects them, the money we spend," Schwarz said via email. Boycotts planned against Walmart, Amazon, McDonald's Schwarz shared a flyer on social media that lays out a series of upcoming boycotts: July 1-31: Boycott of Starbucks, Amazon and Home Depot. Aug. 1 -31: Boycott of Walmart, McDonald's and Lowe's. Reach the reporter at reia.li@gannett.com. Follow @reia_reports on Instagram. More DEI news: These 18 companies are keeping DEI programs, from Apple to Costco This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: July 4 boycott demands no fireworks, shopping or parades "There will not be a Hamas. There will not be a Hamastan. We're not going back to that. It's over," he said. Hamas is reviewing new ceasefire proposals from mediators, aiming for an agreement that would end the Gaza conflict and ensure the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the enclave, according to a statement released on Wednesday. On the same day, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called for the elimination of the terrorist organization in his first public remarks since US President Donald Trump announced what he called a "final proposal" for a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "There will not be a Hamas. There will not be a Hamastan. We're not going back to that. It's over. We will free all our hostages," Netanyahu told a meeting hosted by the Trans-Israel pipeline. The audience applauded the statement. "'Well, really, how can you say that? These are two opposing goals!' What nonsense. It works together. We will complete it together, contrary to what others say. We will eliminate them down to the ground," he continued in an impassioned speech. "Our opportunities are huge. We are not going to miss them. We wont fail them, we wont lose them, we wont miss this opportunity," he stressed, adding that opportunities include defeating "our enemies and [securing] our future economically, nationally, internationally, and energetically." Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump shake hands following a meeting in the White House, in Washington, April 7, 2025. (credit: REUTERS/KEVIN MOHATT) In the same statement, Netanyahu announced that Israel is going to increase and enhance its energy capacity. "The forecast for gas revenues alone in the coming decade is almost 300 billion shekels. You remember there were debates about this: This will destroy the Israeli economy. It didnt destroy the Israeli economy its building the Israeli economy," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He concluded with a promise to connect the energy sources of Asia, the Middle East, and the Arabian Peninsula with the West. Trump announces ceasefire in Truth Social post Trump said on Tuesday that Israel had agreed to the US-proposed ceasefire conditions. "Israel has agreed to the necessary conditions to finalize the 60 Day CEASEFIRE, during which time we will work with all parties to end the War," he wrote in a post on Truth Social on Tuesday night. "I hope, for the good of the Middle East, that Hamas takes this Deal, because it will not get better IT WILL ONLY GET WORSE." Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer informed US envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff that Israel has accepted the proposal for a ceasefire and hostage deal and is ready to begin close talks with Hamas to finalize the agreement, a senior Israeli official said on Wednesday. WARREN, Ohio (WKBN) A Trumbull County grand jury chose not to indict a defendant in a felony receiving stolen property case. A no bill was returned in the case of Alex Cherney. Cherney had been charged following a May 18 chase of a U-Haul that had been reported stolen. Police had identified Cherney as the driver. There was a passenger in the vehicle who was not charged at the time the report was filed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Grand jury proceedings are secret, so the reasons behind the no bills are unknown. Erin Yudt and Nadine Grimley 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. Thousands of state employees will be impacted by a move to get workers back to the office. (Niki Kelly/Indiana Capital Chronicle) State government officials rescinded 8,486 hybrid remote work agreements Tuesday as Gov. Mike Brauns push to return state employees to the office takes full effect. Indiana Secretary of Management and Budget Lisa Hershman said there will be no more hybrid arrangements employees will either work solely in state offices or solely at home. Each agreement applies to a single employee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We looked at what makes sense to maximize value and productivity, and so we didnt have a steadfast goal, but we knew that we were missing out on collaborative opportunities, she said. The state dropped from 10,588 active remote work agreements in January when Brauns executive order was issued to 9,293 as of June 23. As of July 1 that number is down to 537, the state personnel department reported Tuesday. But they are still documenting employees who have always worked entirely off-site or whose roles have been identified as best performed remotely full-time per the new policy. Once those records are captured, the number of active agreements should rise by roughly 1,200 over the next few months. Thats working fine, Gov. Mike Braun told reporters recently. Some, of course, didnt like that. Most, I think, have come back. You know weve got a low unemployment rate in the state, so everybodys going to be able to find something else. But thats gone pretty smoothly. According to the Indiana Transparency Portal, the total number of state employees fell from 32,212 in December 2024 to 31,222 as of June 21 a drop of almost 1,000 workers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hershman said there is still flexibility in the process. Thats why the administration took months of planning and examined job duties, budgets, office space, parking and technology needs. We were taking in a lot of input and to pull the band aid off is a very tough approach. And so thats why we approached it a little bit in a more fluid way, she said. Hershman noted, for instance, that the July Fourth holiday week coincided with some vacations, allowing the state to track limited resources as employees trickle back into the office. Officials are monitoring parking in downtown Indianapolis state lots to see if thats a problem, and mentioned that shuttles have been used in the past. State Personnel Director Matthew Brown issued updated guidance on June 29 that establishes eligibility requirements, procedures, and recommendations for limited remote work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This policy emphasizes the inherent benefits of in-person collaboration while furthering governmental efficiency and responsiveness without sacrificing accountability, the new policy said. Some exceptions allowed Former Gov. Eric Holcomb tried to bring many state employees back into state office buildings after the pandemic, but employees resisted and left for other jobs. That led to higher turnover and a policy reversal. Hershman said the concern remains valid, and that Indiana is committed to attracting and retaining talent. She said they listened to employees voicing frustration in key cases. For instance, while some employees are returning to the office, others might be moving from a hybrid approach to fully remote. That is true for those working state call centers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said data shows they are more productive at home and metrics are easy to track on their work. We took that into consideration and benchmarked that industry, she said. We wanted to understand what the needs of our constituents were, what our workforce talent was needing, and try to marry those so this was not something abrupt, and it we tried to be deliberately designed for the greatest impact. Hershman also noted the state will be flexible on when an employee works in the office. She said employees might share workspace and work different hours perhaps one starting at 6 a.m. and another in late afternoon. The new guidance has key rules for any remote work, including: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Remote work must be performed within the geographical boundaries of Indiana unless traveling for official functions or expressly authorized by the agency head and cabinet secretary. Remote Work Agreements for hybrid schedules in existence on June 30, 2025, which are not an authorized exception as a reasonable accommodation, are rescinded. Employees shall work full time in an assigned office, facility, or field location and not from a remote location unless the agency head has determined remote work is required either full-time or on an ad hoc basis to accomplish specific operational objectives. Remote work is not a substitute for child or dependent care. Employees approved for remote work must continue to arrange for child or dependent care to the same extent as if they were working at the office. A remote work site must be safe and must have reliable internet access, a state-issued computer (or a personal computer utilizing IOT-approved security technology), and a phone line (that is, a state-issued cellular phone, a personal cellular phone compliant with IOT policies, or a landline). Employees shall be responsible for the security of all data, documents or information used for state business purposes. Any remote work agreements are good for one year only, and will be renewed each January. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX In early July 2025, a claim (archived) circulated online that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement attempted to deport a cannibal who tried to eat himself while on board a deportation flight. WTF?! Kristi Noem just revealed one of the illegals they arrested was a cannibal who began to EAT HIMSELF on a deportation flight THIS is why we need mass roundups. These people are ANIMALS. pic.twitter.com/q77LNBIIjp Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) July 1, 2025 One X user wrote: "Kristi Noem just revealed one of the illegals they arrested was a cannibal who began to EAT HIMSELF on a deportation flight. THIS is why we need mass roundups. These people are ANIMALS." The claim circulated on Facebook (archived), Instagram (archived), Threads (archived), Bluesky (archived), Reddit (archived) and TikTok (archived). Snopes readers also searched our site and wrote in seeking more information about the claim. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was true that Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said during a news conference at the "Alligator Alcatraz" detention center in Florida on July 1 that ICE agents had to remove an alleged cannibal from a deportation flight after he attempted to eat himself. However, we could not independently verify the incident. We reached out to the Department of Homeland Security and ICE to ask for further details about the alleged incident. We also asked whether the ICE agents in question were wearing bodycams and, if so, whether that footage would be released as proof of the incident. We await replies to our queries. During the July 1 news conference, Noem said: "The other day I was talking to some marshals that have been partnering with ICE. They said that they had detained a cannibal and put him on a plane to take him home and while they had him in his seat, he started to eat himself and they had to get him off and get him medical attention." Noem further described the person as "deranged." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to British media, a DHS spokesperson said Noem was referring to the incident referenced in a June 27, 2025, X post (archived). Had some plane issues on the ride back from Guatemala. Fortunately, an @ICEgov deportation flight carrying criminal illegal aliens had just touched down on the same tarmac in Guatemala. Hitched a ride back to the USA on ICE Airgreat flight. Use the @CBP Home App to self deport pic.twitter.com/rqoOklN6lj Kristi Noem (@KristiNoem) June 28, 2025 In that post, Noem wrote, "Had some plane issues on the ride back from Guatemala. Fortunately, an @ICEgov deportation flight carrying criminal illegal aliens had just touched down on the same tarmac in Guatemala. Hitched a ride back to the USA on ICE Air great flight. Use the @CBP Home App to self deport now!" Cannibals are people who purposely eat human flesh. Cannibalism is not a common practice in modern societies, where the practice is usually forbidden. In the U.S. most states have laws governing the abuse or desecration of a corpse that also apply to cannibalism. Sources: "Cannibalism." LII / Legal Information Institute, https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/cannibalism. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cannibalism | Definition, History Examples, & Facts | Britannica. 23 May 2025, https://www.britannica.com/topic/cannibalism-human-behavior. "Did Trump Nab His Hannibal Lecter? Kristi Noem Says ICE 'Detained a Cannibal.'" The Independent, 1 Jul. 2025, https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-kristi-noem-hannibal-lecter-florida-visit-b2780595.html. Forbes Breaking News. "Kristi Noem Sends Direct Message To Illegal Immigrants During Visit To Florida's Alligator Alcatraz." YouTube, 1 Jul. 2025, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v9NV-XQb7QU&t=305s. Hutchison, Joe. "Kristi Noem Makes Claim about CANNIBAL Aboard ICE Flight." Mail Online, 1 Jul. 2025, https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14865979/kristi-noem-migrant-cannibal-ice-deportation-flight.html. The Trump administrations decision to withhold federal funds earmarked for key school programs tallies about $7 billion, a top appropriator estimated Tuesday as state officials rushed to assess the financial fallout. Word that the Education Department had halted plans to distribute grants for after-school programs, teacher training initiatives, migrant student education and other initiatives on time has sent local authorities rushing to figure out how their classrooms will be hit. Superintendents, teachers and budget wonks will now spend the summer measuring how much of a financial hole they might have to fill as they wait for updates from Washington. Some are considering lawsuits as teachers unions struck a combative stance and officials in some Republican-led states suggested the federal government should reverse course. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is not about political philosophy, this is about reliability and consistency, Alabama state Superintendent Eric Mackey said. None of us were worrying about this. The Trump administration has told lawmakers and state officials that it is reviewing congressionally appropriated education grant funding Trump signed into law earlier this year and will not send the money to states until that review is complete, POLITICO reported Monday. It's a delay that's sowing a sense of anxiety and confusion across school systems that rely on federal money to keep programs running and staffed. Local school districts cant afford to wait out lengthy court proceedings to get the federal funding theyre owed nor can they make up the shortfall, especially not at the drop of a pin, Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.), the Senates top Democratic appropriator whose office tallied the nearly $7 billion total in held-up funds, said in a statement. Every day that this funding is held up is a day that school districts are forced to worry about whether theyll have to cut back on after-school programs or lay off teachers instead of worrying about how to make sure our kids can succeed, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Education Department officials have encouraged congressional lawmakers and state officials to direct all questions about the withheld funds to the administrations Office of Management and Budget, according to messages shared with Capitol Hill and people familiar with the matter. A Trump administration official on Tuesday said the funding was part of a programmatic review, and that it was incorrect to describe the administrations move as a freeze. Those are semantics, the funds are not available to be budgeted, Mackey, Alabamas state superintendent, said. Im even a little more distressed at the implication that, Well, the funds are not technically frozen because they still could technically be allocated to you, meaning months from now. Well, that doesnt help us plan. OMB did not respond to an additional request for comment Tuesday. But on Wednesday, after this report published, OMB confirmed the education funds are under review as part of Trumps broader agenda of scrutinizing immigration and the LGBTQ+ community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Initial findings have shown that many of these grant programs have been grossly misused to subsidize a radical leftwing agenda, an OMB spokesperson said in a statement to POLITICO that marked the administrations most substantive public comments on the matter to date. Public schools in New York used money for students who are immigrants or speak limited English to promote illegal immigrant advocacy organizations, the spokesperson said, without providing specifics. The official said Washington state used funds to direct illegal immigrants towards scholarships intended for American students. Elsewhere, school improvement funds were used to conduct a seminar on queer resistance in the arts,'" they added. [T]his is an ongoing programmatic review and no decisions have been made yet, the official said. OMB director Russ Vought suggested to Senate appropriators last week that the funding could be the target of a future rescissions package a legislative mechanism for clawing back funds already approved by Congress. President Donald Trump and Education Secretary Linda McMahon have also proposed cutting some of the affected programs in their budget pitch for the coming year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In California, a state that receives a total of around $8 billion a year in federal education funding and has repeatedly sued the Trump administration over its policies, state Superintendent Tony Thurmond hinted at a potential lawsuit to challenge the funding pause. The courts have already taken action in our favor in these cases, and California will continue to pursue all available legal remedies to the Trump administration's unlawful withholding of federal funds appropriated by Congress, Thurmond told reporters while flanked by both teachers union leaders and school administrators in Sacramento on Tuesday. Murrays office estimated nearly $928 million of California's federal education funding was in limbo. Some of the state's summer school programs are being paused immediately and seeing providers institute layoffs. Brad Lupien, president of ARC, an after-school provider that serves 12 school districts in the state, including San Diego and Los Angeles, said he will likely need to lay off 335 staff members as a result of the funding pause. Trumps move coincided with the states new fiscal year that began Tuesday, which maintained zero funding for after-school programs for high schoolers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Put it from the perspective of a parent, Lupien said. We're going to have to call them in the middle of their summer plan and tell them, Sorry, funding changed for the new fiscal year. They don't know what a fiscal year is. David Schapira, the states chief deputy superintendent of public instruction, said the administrations move shows this is a president of the United States that is willing to punish students in states that refuse to conform with the president's political ideology. The pain, however, was being felt across the political spectrum. In Florida, state officials acknowledged roughly $400 million in federal funds have been put on hold. That includes approximately $56 million the state was expecting to receive to educate students who are learning English as a second language. This funding typically helps Florida schools train teachers to reach some 368,000 English language learners that make up nearly 13 percent of the states public-school population. Advocates such as the National Association for Bilingual Education fear that professional development now will be scaled back. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These are not abstract numbers these are programs, staff positions and lifelines for millions of students who deserve equitable access to education, said Margarita Machado-Casas, a NABE board member and professor with San Diego State Universitys dual language and English learner education program. Florida education officials said Tuesday the state is working to minimize any fallout from the move and would be meeting with local schools to help ensure they are prepared to weather the federal funding pause. We are confident that the US Department of Education will do what is in the best interests of students as they make final decisions regarding these funds, Sydney Booker, spokesperson for the Florida Department of Education, said in a statement to POLITICO. Alabama school districts, like others around the country, face a variety of scenarios as state officials try to navigate what Mackey estimated would be a $60 million to $90 million federal funding shortfall. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement School systems with ample reserves and solid local tax bases will be better positioned to manage the cuts through the school year, Mackey said. But high-poverty districts that are more reliant on federal funds are less likely to be able to keep some teachers on the books for more than a few weeks. Superintendents might be able to hold off making decisions about summer school programs for a few days and soon will face decisions on whether to cancel programs for the coming year. The problem is, we dont even know what this review means, Mackey said. We dont know if its something new, he said. We dont have any timeline for the review. We dont have any parameters of what the review is about. This is not business as usual, and we dont have any good direction as to what it means. Hopefully that will come in a few days. CORRECTION: An earlier version of this report misstated the status of layoffs at ARC, an afterschool provider in California. ARC will likely need to lay off 335 staff members as a result of the funding pause. Kimberly Jones, seen here addressing students, was the 2023 Burroughs Wellcome Fund North Carolina Teacher of the Year. Jones is one of many teachers who are deeply concerned about a bill approved by the General Assembly that would ban DEI in public education. (Photo: NCDPI YouTube video) [Editors update: Gov. Josh Stein vetoed this bill on July 3.] A bill to ban diversity, equity, and inclusion in North Carolina public schools is now on Democratic Gov. Josh Steins desk, where it faces a likely veto after months of heated debate. But for many educators who spoke out this spring as the bill advanced through the legislature, their concerns remain just as urgent. If it becomes law despite the veto, what will this mean for how they teach and for the students they serve? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senate Bill 227, passed last week by the Republican-controlled General Assembly, prohibits instruction, training or professional development that promotes what lawmakers call divisive concepts. It would bar school districts from maintaining DEI-related offices, restrict hiring practices tied to equity efforts, and require public schools to certify annual compliance with the law. The educators quoted in this story spoke to NC Newsline during interviews in March, as the bill and others like it moved through the legislature. For them, the legislation represents not just a shift in policy but a potential disruption to how they build trust and connection with students. If we take away some of these strategies and materials that support engagement where kids see themselves reflected in what were trying to teach were going to lose the buy-in for why we want them to care, to try and to show up at school, said Sarah Hill, a first-grade teacher at Banks Road Elementary School in Wake County. Teaching in a gray area Teachers say the bills vague language leaves them uncertain about whats permitted and afraid of facing consequences for teaching topics related to race, gender or history, even when aligned with state standards. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The idea that we would educate students in a way that doesnt acknowledge the worlds diversity is laughable, said Kimberly Jones, North Carolinas 2023 Teacher of the Year. I have never found acknowledging the truth to be divisive. The problem is never in seeing the differences that exist in the world. The problem is when we turn a beautiful and amazingly complex spectrum of life into a ladder of hierarchy. While the bill allows for impartial discussions of controversial historical topics, some say its unclear how those boundaries will be interpreted or enforced. Christina Cole, Wake NCAE President and a former educator, warned that the bill could impact student learning and school inclusivity. She argued that DEI programs are important for supporting marginalized students, particularly those from Black, LGBTQ, and bilingual communities. Public schools are one of the few places in our democratic society where people come together across lines of difference, Cole said. Its our responsibility as educators to welcome students and their families regardless of who they are or who they love. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cole, who worked in Wake Countys Office of Equity Affairs from 2018 to 2022, said those initiatives directly improved student performance, especially for students in special education and for students of color. She warned the legislation could force teachers to remove welcoming classroom displays, restrict book selections and cut support services for diverse student populations. Impact in the classroom For Elliot Brody, a school counselor at Banks Road Elementary, the loss of DEI-focused professional development would take away critical tools for reaching vulnerable students. Diversity is representing all people all walks of life, all colors, religions, different types of ability levels, Brody said. And inclusion is doing practices to make sure that everyones voice is heard. He said DEI training gave him tools to better support students dealing with bullying, feeling left out or instability at home. Without that support, he worries some kids may no longer feel supported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were not trying to push anything onto anybody, Brody said. Were trying to make things more possible for them to reach their potential. The bill would prohibit awarding continuing education credit for DEI-related training and bar public schools from contracting with outside experts for such work. Supporters say the bill promotes neutrality Republican lawmakers say the legislation is meant to restore fairness and ideological neutrality in classrooms and aligns with a Jan. 29, 2025, executive order by President Donald Trump. Supporters argue DEI programs promote a worldview that stifles opportunity and stokes division by encouraging students to judge others based on race or sex. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Children should learn in an environment free from discrimination and should not be taught divisive concepts such as that one race or sex is inherently superior to another, Tami Fitzgerald, executive director of the NC Values Coalition, said in a statement to NC Newsline this past spring. DEI enshrines discrimination into our public schools instead of eliminating it. It creates a toxic, divisive environment. We support its elimination and bringing fairness back to public schools. A question of representation Keiyonna Dubashi, founder and executive director of Profound Ladies a nonprofit that supports educators of color said the legislation could worsen longstanding racial disparities in North Carolinas schools. With 80 percent of the states teachers identifying as white, Dubashi said DEI work is often about ensuring students see themselves reflected in their education and in the adults who lead their classrooms. If we dont force folks to take another look at our talent pool, she said, were going to continue to see the workforce stay majority white, even though our student demographic is not a representation of that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dubashi said she didnt learn about Black history until adulthood, a gap that left her questioning her own potential. Sometimes I just wondered, can I achieve that? Is that possible? she said. Because you dont see yourself in so many of the great stories. The bill bans instruction that suggests people should feel guilt or discomfort because of their identity, or that meritocracy or American founding principles are inherently racist. Dubashi said those restrictions leave little room to examine systemic inequality or help students understand their world. Its not divisive to welcome more voices and perspectives into the room, she said. If you dont want diversity, then what do you want the opposite of diversity? What happens next Senate Bill 227 is one of three Republican-backed proposals approved last week that target DEI programs in K-12 schools, universities and state government. All three measures are now before Gov. Stein, who is expected to veto them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senate Republicans have enough votes to override a veto, while House Republicans would need at least one Democrat to vote with them if all members are present. Jones, the former Teacher of the Year, said lawmakers should focus on policies that address students real needs. There are many things that could happen to support our public schools, she said. I just dont see how this bill is one of them. Oil tanker in open sea by StockStudio via Shutterstock August WTI crude oil (CLQ25) today is up +0.48 (+0.73%), and August RBOB gasoline (RBQ25) is down -0.63 (-0.30%). Crude oil and gasoline prices today are mixed, with crude prices climbing to a 1-week high. Crude has support on concerns that Middle East tensions could flare up again after Iran moved to cut off communications with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Gains in crude are limited due to a stronger dollar and an unexpected build in weekly EIA crude inventories. More News from Barchart Crude oil prices are supported after Iran moved to cut off communications with the IAEA, which could prompt the US and or Israel to launch additional attacks on Iran's nuclear sites. President Trump said the US will "be there" unless Iran backs away from its nuclear program. Weak global employment news today is bearish for economic growth and energy demand prospects. The US Jun ADP employment change unexpectedly fell -33,000, weaker than expectations of a +98,000 increase and the first decline in 2-1/4 years. Also, the Eurozone May unemployment rate unexpectedly rose +0.1 to 6.3%, showing a weaker labor market than expectations of no change at 6.2% Concern about a global oil glut is negative for crude prices. Last Wednesday, Russia stated that it is open to another output hike for OPEC+ crude production in August, when the group meets this Sunday. On May 31, OPEC+ agreed to a 411,000 bpd crude production hike for July after raising output by the same amount for June. Saudi Arabia has signaled that additional similar-sized increases in crude output could follow, which is viewed as a strategy to reduce oil prices and punish overproducing OPEC+ members, such as Kazakhstan and Iraq. OPEC+ is boosting output to reverse the 2-year-long production cut, gradually restoring a total of 2.2 million bpd of production. OPEC+ had previously planned to restore production between January and late 2025; however, production cuts won't be fully restored until September 2026. OPEC June crude production rose +360,000 bpd to a 1-1/2 year high of 28.10 million bpd. Gasoline prices have support from the American Automobile Association (AAA) projection that a record 61.6 million people will travel by car this Fourth of July holiday (June 28 to July 6), up +2.2% from last year and a sign of stronger gasoline demand. The Brief Inmate Kelvin Simmons fatally shot Officer Francisco Flattes during a medical transport after overpowering him and seizing a firearm. Simmons fled the scene, hijacked a vehicle, and was captured after a multi-agency pursuit and standoff in Macon County. Simmons faces a first-degree murder charge, adding to his existing federal charges for a previous escape attempt. PEACHTREE, N.C. - A federal inmate awaiting trial for a previous escape attempt fatally shot a Cherokee County detention officer Monday after overpowering him during a medical transport to an orthopedic clinic, authorities said. What we know The inmate, identified as 48-year-old Kelvin Simmons, was being escorted by Officers Francisco Flattes and George Fienauer to a medical appointment in Peachtree when he launched a violent attack, seized a firearm from one of the officers, and shot Officer Flattes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the shooting, Simmons fled the scene, hijacking a vehicle from the clinic parking lot. He was later spotted in Clay County, prompting a multi-agency pursuit involving the North Carolina Highway Patrol and deputies from Cherokee, Clay, and Macon counties. The chase ended in Macon County, where Captain David Williams of the Cherokee County Sheriffs Office disabled the vehicle. Following a brief standoff, Simmons was taken into custody by the Macon County Sheriffs Office. Dig deeper Simmons, who has a history of bank robbery convictions, was already facing federal charges for a previous escape attempt in October 2024. He now faces a first-degree murder charge, with additional charges expected. Officer Flattes is being remembered by colleagues and community members for his dedication and service. He is survived by his wifealso a member of the departmentalong with his children, grandchildren, and a son-in-law who serves as a deputy sheriff. What they're saying "This is the hardest day of my career," said Cherokee County Sheriff Dustin Smith. "We are all mourning the loss of Francisco and doing everything we can to support each other and the family and loved ones of Officer Flattes." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Hiawassee Police Department released the following statement: "On behalf of the Hiawassee Police Department and the City of Hiawassee we send our deepest condolences to the family and colleagues of Sergeant Francisco Flattes #904 of the Cherokee County Sheriffs Office. Sgt Flattes was tragically taken while serving his community. Sheriff Dustin Smith we pray for you, your department, your staff, and for this Officers family! Please remember this family! Rest easy Sgt Flattes, we will take it from here!" The Towns County Sheriff's Office wrote: "Sheriff Ken Henderson and his entire staff extend our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and coworkers of Detention Officer Francisco Flattes with the Cherokee County Sheriffs Office in North Carolina, whose life was senselessly and tragically taken. Please be in prayer in the days, weeks and months ahead for his family and all those close to him." What's next Officer Fienauer was injured during the altercation and is currently recovering. The Source The sheriff's office in Cherokee County, North Carolina provided the details and image for this article. GASTONIA, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) A wanted statewide fugitive was captured in Gastonia after he allegedly threw a child, according to the Gastonia Police Department. On June 29, officers responded to Lineberger Park in Gastonia to help bail bondsmen take 29-year-old Zachary Goldston-Wynn into custody. Officials said during the encounter, Goldston-Wynn was holding a child whom he threw before running away. The bondsmen reportedly lost sight of him behind a row of houses. Gastonia PD said there was no mention of any injuries to the child. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement K-9 Ozzy was deployed to track the suspect, which led police to a home under construction at 105 W. Sixth Ave. Police said the search spanned over three hours and four miles. Goldston-Wynn was found in a crawl space at the back of the house by K-9 Ozzy. Officers crawled into the space to safely take him into custody, officials said. Cpl. Nikki Warlick and K-9 Ozzy Crawl space where the suspect was found Goldston-Wynn was wanted on multiple outstanding warrants across several counties in North Carolina: Guilford County : Breaking & Entering Motor Vehicle, Felony Larceny, Felony Conspiracy, four counts of Possession of Stolen Goods, Felony Possession of a Stolen Motor Vehicle, Resisting a Public Officer. Wake County : Two counts each of Felony Possession of Stolen Goods, Felony Breaking & Entering, Felony Conspiracy, and Felony Larceny. Gaston County: Breaking & Entering, Resisting a Public Officer, Trespassing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to the outstanding warrants, Gastonia Police also charged Goldston-Wynn with breaking & entering, resisting a public officer, child abuse, and littering. Arrest records show he was booked under a $1.1 million bond. Queen City News is tracking CRIME in your area >> Latest stories here Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein vetoed legislation Wednesday that in part would repeal an interim greenhouse gas reduction mandate set for power generation in a 2021 law, arguing that the bill would have discouraged diverse energy sources and harmed consumers. The measure, which largely addresses activities involving Duke Energy the state's dominant electric utility would get rid of the current requirement that electric regulators take all reasonable steps to achieve reducing carbon dioxide output 70% from 2005 levels by 2030. A directive in the 2021 law to meet a carbon neutrality standard by 2050 stays in place with or without the legislation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Environmental critics who want cleaner energy sources to come online sooner urged Stein to veto the bill. They also were unhappy with other bill provisions that they argue will make Duke Energy more profitable and shift costs of producing or purchasing electricity to residential customers. The bill walks back our states commitment to reduce carbon emissions, sending the wrong signal to businesses that want to be a part of our clean energy economy, Stein said in a news release. My job is to do everything in my power to lower costs and grow the economy. This bill fails that test. Stein, a former attorney general who took office in January, also vetoed two more bills Wednesday from dozens still on his desk left by the GOP-controlled legislature. These and four other recent Stein vetoes are subject to potential override votes, perhaps coming as soon as later this month. Speaking Wednesday only on the energy bill, House Speaker Destin Hall and Senate leader Phil Berger expressed confidence in successful overrides. Over a dozen House and Senate Democrats voted for the measure in June. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 2021 greenhouse gas law was the result of a rare agreement on environmental issues by then-Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper and Republican lawmakers. Now GOP supporters of the current bill say the 70% reduction mandate is unnecessary and will needlessly raise customer rates by requiring outsize growth for renewable sources like solar and wind power. The state Utilities Commission already pushed back the 2030 deadline as the 2021 law allows by at least four years. By focusing on meeting the 2050 carbon-neutrality mandate, bill supporters say, regulators can direct Duke Energy, which backed the measure, to assemble less expensive power sources now and moderate electricity rate increases. They cite an analysis performed by a state agency that represents utility customers that calculated the repeal would reduce by at least $13 billion what Duke Energy would have to spend on energy sources for the next 25 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bill opponents, which include several environmental groups, question the savings figure. And Stein cited another study in saying the bill could cost utility customers more through 2050 due to higher fuel costs. We need to diversify our energy portfolio so that we are not overly reliant on natural gas and its volatile fuel markets, Stein added. At least 17 other states, most of them controlled by Democrats, have laws setting similar net-zero power plant emissions or 100% renewable energy targets, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council. The bill also contains language that would help Duke Energy seek higher electric rates to cover financing costs to build nuclear or gas-powered plants incrementally, rather than wait until the projects end. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Environmentalists praised Stein's action and urged lawmakers to uphold the veto. Stand instead for affordable energy and economic opportunity for all, said Dan Crawford of the North Carolina League of Conservation Voters. Donald Bryson of the conservative-leaning John Locke Foundation urged an override, saying Stein has chosen ideology over affordability. Another vetoed measure Wednesday attempted to clarify and adjust powers of the state auditor currently Republican Dave Boliek including his ability to investigate alleged improper governmental activities of individuals, nonprofits and other groups that receive government funds. Stein's veto message said the auditor's sweeping access in the bill to records of any private corporation that accepts any amount of state funding could undermine business recruitment efforts. Boliek said in a statement that Stein's veto undercuts the important principles of accountability and transparency that taxpayers expect from their government. North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein (D) is urging the states congressional delegation to vote against the massive Senate-passed domestic policy bill because of the serious consequences it would have for residents. I urge you to press pause on this bill because of the immediate and long-term threats it poses to the health and well-being of North Carolinians and the economic stability of our state, Stein wrote in a letter dated Wednesday. Stein expressed concern at the breakneck pace the bill has moved through Congress and warned of massive health care coverage losses if it were to pass and be signed into law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stein cited estimates from health policy research group KFF which found 520,000 North Carolinians will lose their health insurance due to proposed changes to Medicaid, ObamaCare exchange health plans, and if enhanced subsidies expire at the end of 2025. North Carolinas representatives, who all voted for the House version of the bill, have expressed concerns about the Senates steeper cuts to Medicaid provider taxes. Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), who was one of only three Republicans to vote against the bill on Monday, said the legislation would cost the state at least $26 billion in federal support in a best-case scenario. Rural hospital groups have warned the cuts will force many facilities to close. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Senate bill would require North Carolina and every other expansion state to lower its provider tax rate beginning at the very end of 2028. States impose taxes on providers to boost their federal Medicaid contributions, which they then redirect to hospitals in the form of higher reimbursements. States use provider taxes to fund significant portions of their Medicaid programs. Stein helped launch North Carolinas Medicaid expansion in 2023, extending coverage to more than 650,000 people. But state law requires Medicaid expansion to end if provider tax revenues are insufficient. Stein also warned against cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) that would shift enormous costs to states. He said the state may need to find as much as $420 million each year to keep SNAP funded or be forced to end the program entirely. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. North Korea opened a massive resort area on its east coast, state media said Wednesday, with the tourism pet project of leader Kim Jong Un reportedly set to welcome Russian guests later this month. Dubbed "North Korea's Waikiki" by South Korean media, the Wonsan Kalma Coastal Tourist Area can accommodate nearly 20,000 people, according to Pyongyang, which previously described it as "a world-class cultural resort". Kim showed a keen interest in developing North Korea's tourism industry during his early years in power, analysts have said, and the coastal resort area was a particular focus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The tourist zone opened to domestic visitors Tuesday, Pyongyang's official Korean Central News Agency reported, publishing images of tourists in colourful swimsuits enjoying the beach. North Koreans of all ages from across the country flocked to the site this week "filled with joy at experiencing a new level of civilization", KCNA reported. The visitors were "astonished by the grandeur and splendor of the tourist city, where more than 400... artistically designed buildings lined the white sandy beach in ideal harmony", it added. According to South Korea's Yonhap news agency, a group of Russian tourists is set to visit the zone in North Korea for the first time on July 7. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement South Korea's unification ministry, which manages relations with the North, said the site's operations are "expected to gradually expand", including to Russian tourists. Kim said last week the construction of the site would go down as "one of the greatest successes this year" and that the North would build more large-scale tourist zones "in the shortest time possible". Previously released images showed him sitting in a chair -- alongside his teenage daughter Ju Ae and wife Ri Sol Ju -- watching a man flying off a water slide in the resort. - Limited tourism - Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But given the limited capacity of available flights, international tourism to the new beach resort is "likely to remain small in scale," according to Seoul's unification ministry. "It is estimated that tourists will travel via Pyongyang, and that the number of visitors may be limited to around 170 people per day," the ministry said. North Korea sees tourism as a key source of foreign currency, it said, and Pyongyang may have received aid to complete the site from Russia in exchange for joining its war in Ukraine. The nuclear-armed North reopened its borders in August 2023 after almost four years, having closed them because of the Covid-19 pandemic, during which even its own nationals were prevented from entering. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But foreign tourism was limited even before the pandemic, with tour companies saying around 5,000 Western tourists visited each year. Significantly more Chinese tourists were allowed at the time. The impoverished country's political, military and cultural ties with Russia have deepened since Moscow's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The North last year permitted Russian tourists to return for the first time since the pandemic and Western tour operators briefly returned in February this year. No Chinese tourists are known to have returned to the country. A tourist train between Rason -- home to North Korea's first legal marketplace -- and Russia's Vladivostok resumed in May this year, according to an official from Seoul's unification ministry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement US citizens made up about 20 percent of the market before Washington banned travel following the imprisonment and subsequent death of American student Otto Warmbier. Hundreds of thousands of South Koreans also used to visit Mount Kumgang near the inter-Korean border every year, travelling to a Seoul-funded tourist resort that was the first major cooperation project between the neighbours. The trips came to an abrupt end in 2008 when a North Korean soldier shot dead a South Korean tourist who strayed off the approved path and Seoul suspended travel. cdl/ceb/mtp SEOUL, July 2 (UPI) -- North Korea opened a massive beach resort on its east coast to the public, state-run media said Wednesday, with Russian guests expected to start arriving next week. The Wonsan Kalma coastal tourist area officially opened on Tuesday, Korean Central News Agency reported, welcoming its first domestic visitors from around the country. The resort's 2.5-mile-long beach was filled with guests "bathing in the clean and blue East Sea, taking high-speed boats, driving motorcycles on silver-colored sandy beach and having photos taken with joy and optimism of enjoying the best coastal tourist civilization before anyone else," KCNA reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Guests at the "world-class" facility also enjoyed slides and other water park amusements, the report said. At a ribbon-cutting ceremony last week, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un called the completion of the resort one of the country's "greatest successes this year." "The Wonsan Kalma coastal tourist area should play a leading role in establishing the tourist culture of the DPRK," he said, using the official name for North Korea. Launched in 2014, the sprawling Wonsan tourist zone was initially slated to open in April 2019 but faced numerous setbacks, including international sanctions on materials and COVID-19 pandemic closures. The facility features houses, hotels and hostels for nearly 20,000 people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement International tourism offers a chance for the sanctions-hit North to earn foreign currency, but visitors have been almost nonexistent since Pyongyang sealed its borders at the start of the pandemic in January 2020. Russia's TASS news agency reported last week that the first group of Russian tourists would depart for the resort on July 7. Their eight-day vacation package also includes a visit to key attractions in Pyongyang, TASS said. The two countries have expanded their military and economic ties over the past year, highlighted by Pyongyang supplying troops and weapons to Moscow for its war against Ukraine. Russian travelers were the first to return to North Korea post-COVID, when an Air Koryo passenger flight arrived from Vladivostok early last year. Direct rail service between Pyongyang and Moscow also resumed last week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement South Korea's Unification Ministry estimated that only a small number of Russian tourists will be able to visit the resort, however. Up to 170 Russians can arrive each day on existing flight routes, the ministry estimated, according to news agency Yonhap. In February, a handful of Western travel agencies began offering small group tours to Rason, a special economic zone in the northeast of the country near the borders of China and Russia. However, North Korea abruptly halted the visits after less than three weeks. The United States last month extended its ban on travel to North Korea for the ninth year in a row, citing "imminent danger" posed by any trips to the authoritarian state. North Korea is preparing to set an additional 25,000-30,000 soldiers to join Russian forces fighting against Ukraine, almost thrice as many as were dispatched last year, CNN reported on July 2, citing undisclosed Ukrainian officials. The fresh units may arrive in the coming months and are likely to be engaged in combat in Russian-occupied Ukrainian territories, including during "large-scale offensive operations," according to a Ukrainian military intelligence (HUR) assessment reviewed by CNN. The news underscores North Korea's growing involvement in the Russia-Ukraine war and the deepening military ties between Pyongyang and Moscow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement North Korea initially dispatched around 11,000 soldiers to Russia in the fall of 2024 to help fend off a Ukrainian incursion into Russia's Kursk Oblast. According to various estimates, North Korean soldiers suffered between 4,000 and 6,000 casualties during this deployment. Ukraine's HUR also noted signs that Russian military aircraft are being refitted to transport North Korean troops from their homeland across Russia's Siberia, CNN reported. Satellite imagery detected a ship involved in last year's deployment at a Russian port and a cargo aircraft at North Koreas Sunan airport, according to the outlet. Estimates reported by CNN exceed those of South Korea's intelligence, which expects Pyongyang to send an additional 15,000 soldiers to Russia as early as July or August. Following his visit to Pyongyang in June, Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu also announced that North Korea would send 1,000 sappers and 5,000 military engineers to Russia's Kursk Oblast. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pyongyang's assistance to Russia has not been limited to troops, with North Korea being a key source of artillery shells and ballistic missiles for Russian forces. Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un signed the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement in Pyongyang in June 2024. Under the treaty, the two countries pledged to provide aid to one another if either is attacked. While the countries initially denied involvement of North Korean troops in the Russia-Ukraine war, both Putin and Kim acknowledged the deployment earlier this year. Read also: Ukraines new interceptor UAVs are starting to knock Russias long-range Shahed drones out of the sky Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. In a Fortune interview facilitated by a Seoul, South Korea NGO that supports North Korean defectors, Mr. Kim Ji-min describes his experience as a software developer inside North Koreas IT worker scheme. Kim uses an alias to protect the lives of his friends and family who could be in danger from the regime because he spoke to Western media about his time as a developer. His remarks offer a rare glimpse into the way North Korea has weaponized the global remote-work economy to fund its nuclear program. For years, Kim Ji-min served as an IT worker inside a vast global scheme devised by North Koreas authoritarian leadership to evade crushing financial sanctions. Kim has since defected to South Korea. Now, he is sharing his experience as a cog in the IT worker conspiracy employed by the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea to amass billions to fund its weapons of mass destruction program. The North Korean IT worker scheme has become one of the most urgent cybersecurity issues among global Fortune 500 businesses. Hundreds of companies have unknowingly hired thousands of North Korean IT workers in recent years, giving them access to personal information and intellectual property and paving the way for U.S. dollars to be used as a funding source for DPRK authoritarian ruler Kim Jong Uns nuclear ambitions. U.S. authorities are publicizing the issue with joint warnings from the FBI and Department of Justice, alongside top cyber experts who have chosen to speak out about the threat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia Theodore S. Hertzberg told Fortune the office announced charges against four North Korean IT workers this week as part of an orchestrated publicity campaign to encourage business and tech leaders to better understand the threat theyre facing. It is not uncommon for business owners to meet potential partners and employees online, said Hertzberg in a statement. But companies that work in this space would be wise to hire Americans and to thoroughly vet all potential employees and partners, preferably in person. Inside the IT worker operation Kim was one among thousands of trained software developers deployed outside the DPRK to get lucrative jobs in tech using stolen identities. The delegations of workers are then forced to send the majority of their earnings to the governmentpart of a global money-making and laundering empire that generates up to $600 million a year, according to UN estimates, not including the billions stolen in crypto heists. Kim told Fortune his minimum earnings target was $5,000 per month up until the COVID-19 pandemic led to a boom in the remote IT sector. Once remote-work offerings exploded, his target amount doubled. Typically, the money was converted to U.S. dollars at local work sites overseas and then delivered either directly to North Korean headquarters or to a representative of the headquarters abroad. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My primary job was to earn foreign currency through IT services, said Kim, according to an email translation of his interview responses. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, I often received additional instructions to intensify regime propaganda online as well. Kims interview was facilitated by People for Successful Corean Reunification (PSCORE), which provided translation and access. PSCORE was founded in 2006 by Kim Young-Il, a North Korean defector, and the group has worked with thousands of other former DPRK citizens who have since fled the country. PSCORE retains UN Economic and Social Council consultative status, which allows it to participate in UN meetings and research. Kim is living in South Korea under an alias to avoid endangering his friends and family, who could be targeted by the DPRK government in retaliation for his actions and interviews with U.S. media. That chilling calculus keeps most North Korean IT workers in line, PSCORE secretary general Bada Nam told Fortune. According to Nam, the regimes reach and control extends far beyond individual IT and other workers stationed abroad. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Not only their immediate family members, but even distant relatives could get punished if a relative escapes from North Korea, said Nam. They are sending the message to the entire people of North Korea, If any family member defects from North Korea or betrays their fatherland, then they will get punished. Those who remain behind are often under constant and severe surveillance, Nam explained. DPRK government workers might be following a defectors family members in addition to entire neighborhoods. The consequences of a defection can be devastating. In some cases, they send the entire family to political prison camp and they cannot get out of that camp for their entire life, he said. Despite the risk, Kim has chosen to break his silence by answering questions from select news outlets. Deception Tactics Kims method of disguising his true identity was elaborate and involved the use of popular tech networking and job websites. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I used platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, Freelancer.com, and Upwork.com to pose as a client and post project listings, Kim said. I would then contact developers, negotiate with themincluding handling paymentand gain access to their accounts. Using the identities of those who engaged with him on those platforms, whether they were European or American, Kim would then disguise himself using the identities of those who had sent bids to him. Thus, he was using real, verified identities in order to conceal his own, he said. Kim posted on other platforms as well, including Freelance.com, Guru.com, and Toptal, he said. In his work, Kim received and carried out development orders from multiple American companies, with his main area of work focused on e-commerce shopping sites and occasionally mobile app development. In Europe, he worked on developing a healthcare app. Kim declined to name any specific companies because he said sharing specifics could lead to inferences about his personal information. While Americans in the U.S. have been indicted for knowingly taking part in the North Korean IT worker scheme by renting out their identities or hosting laptop farms in their homes, in Kims experience, the Americans who were involved in the scheme were unwitting. He pushed back against a question referring to Americans involved in the scheme as accomplices. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It would be more appropriate to say they were simply clients who placed orders for work, he said. They had no idea we were from North Korea. He described the conditions he worked under as relatively decent. The workspace and sleeping quarters were sufficiently spacious and the food conditions were good. But work could also turn brutal if the IT workers werent delivering on their financial targets. We were required to work a minimum of 10 hours a day, and if we failed to meet the assigned targets, we were sometimes forced to work more than 18 hours a day, he said. He denied ever being asked to share information with DPRK workers who engaged in crypto heists and claims he had no contact whatsoever with individuals involved in those activities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Direct contact with Kims family wasnt possible, he said. During phone calls between his overseas team and the headquarters in North Korea, the IT workers would occasionally get brief updates about major family issues, although in principle, sharing personal family matters was forbidden. We could receive information if it was truly serious and deemed necessary, he said. Conversely, in cases where something significant happened abroadsuch as an accident or serious illnessthe information could also be relayed back to our families through North Korean headquarters. Life after the Scheme Kims decision to defect comes at an enormous personal cost, in addition to the harsh reality that his family and even distant relatives could be in danger because of him. Nam said that fearcoupled with extreme personal riskcreates a psychological trap that stops most DPRK citizens from even thinking about escaping. If families attempt to contact defectors, it can become another tool for DPRK control. The regime could pressure the family to contact the defector in South Korea, asking them for small favors, said Nam. If the defector responds, sending any information can slowly turn into a situation where they are being used as an unwilling source of information. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nam said some defectors have been recaptured afterward because they contacted family members. For now, Kim remains in South Korea facing an uncertain future. He is skilled in IT so he plans to continue working in the field, but the psychological scars remain. As for how I feelits a mix of the joy of gaining freedom and the sorrow of losing my family, said Kim. From my perspective, it feels like Ive lost more than Ive gained. He estimates there are thousands of IT workers operating the way he was, some overseas and others inside North Korea. In response to a request, a Meta spokesperson declined to comment. LinkedIn directed Fortune to its update on fighting fake accounts. Upwork directed Fortune to its approach to state-sponsored threats. Freelance.com., Freelancer.com, Guru.com, and Toptal did not immediately respond to requests for comment. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com SEOUL, South Korea (AP) North Koreans swam, rode water park slides and enjoyed other water activities at a newly opened mammoth beach resort, state media reported Wednesday, as the country largely maintains a ban on the entry of foreign tourists. The Wonsan-Kalma eastern coastal tourist zone, which North Korea says can accommodate nearly 20,000 people, is at the heart of leader Kim Jong Uns push to boost tourism as a way to improve his countrys struggling economy. But prospects for the resort, the biggest tourist complex in North Korea, arent clear, as the country wont likely fully reopen its borders and embrace Western tourists anytime soon, observers say. The official Korean Central News Agency reported the Wonsan-Kalma area began service Tuesday, drawing a large number of North Koreans who enjoyed open water swimming, slides and other attractions at a water park and various water activities in the area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The guests hearts were filled with overwhelming emotion as they felt the astonishing new heights of our-style tourism culture blossoming under the era of the Workers Party," KCNA said in a typical propaganda-driven dispatch. Photos released by North Korean state media showed children with tubes and inflatable balls dipping into the sea, while others in colorful swimsuits beamed while sitting beneath red-and-white parasols. Kim said at the inaugural ceremony last week the site would be recorded as one of the greatest successes this year" and called its opening the proud first step toward realizing the governments policy of developing tourism. Since 2022, North Korea has been slowly easing the curbs imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic and reopening its borders in phases. But the country hasnt said whether and when it would fully resume international tourism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chinese group tours, which made up more than 90% of visitors before the pandemic, remain stalled while there are questions about ties between the two socialist neighbors. In February this year, North Korea allowed a small group of international tourists to visit its northeastern border city of Rason, only to stop that tour program in less than a month. Since February 2024, North Korea has been accepting Russian tourists amid expanding military cooperation between the countries. But Russian government records seen by South Korean experts show a little more than 2,000 Russians, only about 880 of them tourists, visited North Korea last year, a number that is too small to revive North Korea's tourism. Russias Primorsky region, which borders North Korea, said last week that the first group of Russian tourists to the Wonsan-Kalma resort will depart on July 7 for a eight-day trip that includes a visit to Pyongyang. ___ Associated Press writer Kim Tong-hyung contributed to this report. (FOX40.COM) A man was arrested after Northern California police seized nearly 500 pounds of illegal fireworks Tuesday morning. Video Above: Why are there fireworks on July 4th? Around 10:30 a.m., the Ceres Police Department and Stanislaus Regional Fire Investigation Unit executed a search warrant in the 800 block of Rolling Oak Court related to an ongoing investigation of the sale of illegal/dangerous fireworks. Firefighters respond to massive explosion at fireworks facility in Yolo County Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers said they found about 500 pounds of illegal/dangerous fireworks at the location. Subsequently, Jaspreet Singh Chohan, 39, of Modesto, was placed under arrest, according to CPD. He faces several charges related to felony possession of illegal/dangerous fireworks. Additionally, CPD said Jasvir Chohan, 66, of Ceres, was cited for possession of illegal/dangerous fireworks under the Ceres Municipal Code. The Ceres Police Department would like to remind everyone to celebrate responsibly this Fourth of July and only use fireworks that are marked Safe and Sane with the State Fire Marshal Seal, CPD said. Fireworks that go in the air or that explode are illegal under state law. The Ceres Police Department seized nearly 500 pounds of illegal fireworks on July 1, 2025./Ceres Police Department Police said that Ceres residents can report illegal fireworks by calling the Ceres Police fireworks hotline at 209-538-5683 (LOUD) or by email at fireworkshotline@cerespolice.com. The incident is currently under investigation by the Ceres Police Detectives Unit. Anyone with any information can contact Detective Welsh at 209-538-5616 or Stanislaus County CrimeStoppers at 1-866-60-CRIME (27463) or 209-521-4636. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40 News. It feels like a special moment, says CEO Adam Burley, who has worked at Rio Tinto for more than 20 years. With data, analytics and AI there is an enormous ability to rapidly evaluate the performance of the technology and run different scenarios around the operating conditions and how we apply and adjust it we couldnt have done that 30 years ago. At Johnson Camp, the plan is to optimise Nutons technology so it can be adopted at a commercial scale across a portfolio of around ten partnerships Nuton has been brokering. The International Energy Agency predicts a 30% shortfall in supplies of copper, a key component in electricity networks, by 2035 if nothing is done. This is against a wider expectation that to achieve net zero, copper demand will grow from 25 million tonnes (mt) in 2021 to 31.3mt by 2030. Bioleaching is just one of several novel methods conceived to extract more copper from new and existing mines including copper previously considered uneconomical because of low grades or small deposits more sustainably and more quickly to meet the growing demand. Nutons process, however, uses a unique culture of microorganisms added to the ore. These bacteria multiply, harnessing energy from the oxidation of minerals in the rock to grow and simultaneously assist with leaching of the copper, achieving a recovery rate of up to 85%. Aeration and acidified water support the process with subsequent processing of the leach solutions producing 99% pure copper cathode. Primary sulphide ore, typically dominated by copper deporting to the mineral chalcopyrite, is the most abundant type of copper ore in the world. It is typically crushed and milled producing a flotation concentrate. This flotation concentrate is then typically smelted using a heat intensive pyrometallurgical process, casting the copper into raw copper anodes, which are then electro-refined to produce a pure copper product. Johnson Camp, now operated by Gunnison, will be the scene of the first industrial-scale trial to prove the technologys efficacy a major milestone since Rio Tinto launched a new venture called Nuton to develop it in 2021. After the technology is installed in August, first copper is expected by the end of 2025. As material is extracted at the mine, it will be separated into different piles; oxide copper in one pile and primary sulphide copper in another. The former will be sent to one portion of the heap leach pad for conventional oxide leaching using hydrometallurgy. The sulphides will leach using novel technology developed over three decades by Rio Tinto. Sixty-five miles east of the sun-drenched city of Tucson, Arizona, lies the historic copper mine, Johnson Camp. Active on and off since the 1970s, the mine is being resurrected in response to a booming copper market. Story Continues Perhaps most notably, the technology does not require a concentrator in the processing of primary sulphides, potentially making it much cheaper and requiring a much smaller footprint. Concentrators can be difficult to permit, they are more water intensive and produce a concentrate that needs to be exported for smelting and refining into a finished product, explains Burley. Nuton offers an economic, high-recovery solution, potentially comparable to a concentrator, but with less land use and water consumption to produce a finished copper cathode which can be, in part, consumed domestically. This is a prospect that can reduce an over-reliance on China, which produces 40% of copper. The current expectation is that the overall capital expenditure and operating expenses of bioleaching will also be less, with the copper recovery from primary sulphides expected to be higher (although this may vary). One drawback of this kind of technology, however, is that if the base carries commercial levels of by-product, such as gold, the process cannot currently recover both. Other movers and shakers in copper Meanwhile, BHP Billiton has invested in Chilean start-up Ceibo, a company that started as a dust mitigator business but moved into copper extraction after spotting an opportunity. Rather than using bio-leaching processes which it considers not as "controllable" Ceibo has developed electrochemical reactions that catalyse the oxidation in primary sulphide ores. This is a faster and cleaner process for extracting copper sulphides, according to the company. In early June, Ceibo announced delivery of its first copper cathodes from a demonstration plant at a mine site in northern Chile owned by Cia. Minera San Geronimo. Marketing consultant Radhika Iyer says the technology can be used with low ore grades and chalcopyrite. Ceibos process can extend the life of a mine, is less capital intensive, has a smaller footprint and reduced cost compared to building a concentrator and refining, Iyer explains. The technology is currently being scaled, including in collaboration with Glencore, and has been tested on 50 different ores. Ceibo recently announced delivery of its first copper cathodes from a demonstration plant at a mine site in northern Chile. Credit: Ceibo. In the US, Endolith, headed by professor Liz Dennett, is, like Nuton, developing technology that uses microbes the "Earths oldest miners", as she puts it to produce copper. Dennett has a PhD in astrobiology and worked for NASA looking at how microbial life can oxidise and reduce iron and sulphur the core of what happens in heat leaches, she says. In May, Endolith reached a milestone when it demonstrated a significant uplift in copper recovery from low-grade sulphide ores during testing in simulated field conditions. The tests used samples provided by BHP. Dennett, who previously worked as a lead architect at AWS building cloud native platforms, as well as a vice-president at Wood McKenzie, says the technology uses "logical intelligence". We are evaluating microbial communities with real-time diagnostics to get the most from low-grade ores such as chalcopyrite and mixed sulphides that are increasingly challenging to extract, explains Dennett. The microbes are housed in a shipping container and can be plugged into existing systems. Endolith, which is working with six copper producers, is preparing to launch its first field deployments. Opportunity awaits There are several other companies working on scaling similar nascent technologies, including Destiny Copper, Still Bright, Jetti Resources and Kofiln, which speaks to the big opportunity the market has identified. Jack Kennedy, a climate and mining investor at Founders Factory a partner in Rio Tintos Accelerator Programme, as well as an investor in Endolith says mining is a $2trn industry with so little investment to date that the potential of these technologies is significant. Each one can potentially crossover in the future and work together, which would be very interesting for us to see. It is a big, big market, he says. If successfully proven at scale, these technologies could be in widespread use by the end of the decade. There have been setbacks, however: Freeport-McMoRan, an early investor in Jetti, partnered with the start-up at its El Abra mine in Chile, but is no longer using the companys technology, instead pursuing its own. One of the biggest challenges start-ups face is winning mining companies trust, says Dennett. Another is these heaps are very dynamic, ore grades have fallen from around 3% a century ago to 0.7% now; we need to ensure our technology can address high impurity ores using higher concentrations of salt water or brackish water, that these microbes can thrive in any conditions, she says. Nevertheless, Dennett is bullish, not just Endoliths potential but also her competitors'. This truly is 'a rising tide lifts all ships', because if you consider the amount of copper we need by 2050 all of these technologies will be needed; if we can go to mines already in production and extract 90% or more copper it will minimise minings footprint, Dennett adds. Maximising recovery from existing copper mines Wheaton Precious Metals president and CEO Randy Smallwood says trying to increase what can be extracted from an existing mine makes all the sense in the world. The industry should focus on measures including technology and efficiency that can maximise what is extracted from existing mines as well as lowering [environmental] impact where possible, he says. Some of that comes from technology and some from regulatory frameworks [allowing mine expansion]. This is part of the ethos behind Wheatons $1m Future of Mining Challenge award for innovation, he says. What it all comes down to is more product with less impact, trying to minimise either the carbon loading or improving or increasing the amount of copper recovered, he says. Eric Saderholm, managing director of exploration, American Pacific Mining, who has worked in the copper industry for four decades, agrees these technologies check most of the boxes. The world [currently] produces approximately 25mt of copper per year and that's not sustainable [to meet demand if you are] only using traditional smelting and higher-grade ores going through smelters, he says. Bioleaching will fill a necessary gap in global demand. In particular, it is going to open up doors for smaller deposits worldwide that can be exploited relatively quickly. "Cutting edge copper: can innovation help meet rising demand? " was originally created and published by Mining Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. Speakers, including state lawmakers and members of the executive branch, celebrate at Virginia's Republican Ticket rally at the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department on July 1, 2025. (Photo by Nathaniel Cline/Virginia Mercury) After months of infighting that exposed deep fractures within the Virginia GOP, the partys three statewide candidates appeared together for the first time Tuesday evening, projecting a message of unity at a packed rally in Vienna. The event at the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department drew more than 500 supporters and marked a public effort to move past a bitter dispute that erupted this spring when Gov. Glenn Youngkin privately asked John Reid, the partys nominee for lieutenant governor, to withdraw from the race. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the center of the turmoil was Matt Moran, a longtime GOP operative and head of Youngkins Spirit of Virginia PAC, who was accused by Reids campaign of spreading false and defamatory claims about explicit images linked to a Tumblr account with the same social media handle as Reids. Reid denied being tied to the account in any way. Despite that request, Reid took the stage Tuesday alongside Youngkin, Attorney General Jason Miyares, who is seeking re-election, and Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, now running for governor. They shared a stage on a sweltering summer evening, as volunteers handed out water bottles to attendees crowding into the fire stations main hall. Reid, a longtime conservative radio host and the first openly gay person nominated for statewide office in Virginia, framed the moment as a turning point. Call this Commitment Day, he told the cheering audience. I am all in for the Republican ticket of Winsome Sears for governor, Jason Miyares returning as attorney general because the Republicans have the right policies to save the state of Virginia. Republican nominee for lieutenant governor John Reid speaking with reporters after Virginias Republican Ticket rally at the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department on July 1, 2025. (Photo by Nathaniel Cline/Virginia Mercury) Without referencing the recent controversy directly, Reid emphasized his credentials and long-standing work within the GOP. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im the guy, like you, who gets up early on Election Day, opens the polls, and stays until they close, he said. Ive stood up for minorities, for unpopular people and yes, even for Democrats when theyve been wronged. Ill do the same for you in Richmond. The remarks attempted to rally Republican voters behind a ticket that has been overshadowed in recent months by damaging internal conflict. Youngkin, who had remained largely silent during the dispute, offered a full-throated endorsement of the entire Republican slate at Tuesdays rally including Reid. It must be winning time again! Are you ready to sweep? Youngkin shouted to the fired up Republicans in the room. Weve demonstrated how to win in Virginia and were going to do it again this November. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He praised each member of the ticket, calling Earle-Sears a Marine who knows how to fight, Miyares the best attorney general in the country, and Reid the right choice to break ties in a closely divided state Senate. Theres a lot of stuff I dont know, Youngkin said, but I do know this when there is a 50/50 tie in that Senate, John Reid is going to sign bills the right way, and say no when theyre the wrong bills. Miyares leaned heavily on the campaigns law-and-order message, casting his first term as a reversal of Democratic mismanagement. The Virginia of 2021 was very, very different, he said. It was like when you watch those mafia movies and the guy wakes up in the trunk of the Buick he doesnt know where hes headed, but he knows its not a good final destination. That was Virginia. We were dying as a state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Miyares credited the Youngkin administration with driving down the states murder rate and addiction deaths, and pledged to continue fighting crime, fentanyl trafficking and lenient parole policies. Earle-Sears, who now tops the ticket, delivered the most fiery speech of the evening, lashing out at her Democratic opponent, former U.S. Rep. Abigail Spanberger. Make no mistake about it: the ideas that my opponent has are socialist in nature, she declared. She is reckless and she is radical. I want to grow jobs and she wants to grow government. Folks, this is not hard. This is about freedom! She warned that repealing Virginias right-to-work laws a position Spanberger has not openly supported either would drive businesses out of the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I am not anti-union, I am pro-worker, Earle-Sears said. To be pro-freedom is to be pro-liberty Businesses will get up and go. Theyre going to turn us into Maryland, New York, or California. Republican nominee for governor, Winsome Earle-Sears, addressing a crowd at Virginias Republican Ticket rally at the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department on July 1, 2025. (Photo by Nathaniel Cline/Virginia Mercury) And in a moment that brought the crowd to its feet, Earle-Sears rejected the notion that America is inherently unjust. If things are so bad, then how is it that here I am an immigrant, a Black woman and I am second in command in the former capital of the Confederate States? she asked. But Democrats were quick to dismiss the GOPs show of unity as superficial and out of step with voters real concerns. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maggie Amjad, a spokeswoman for the Democratic Party of Virginia, said Earle-Sears rhetoric at the rally only underscored how closely she aligns with former President Donald Trump. No matter what Winsome Earle-Sears says, Virginians know that she will always put Donald Trumps agenda before the commonwealth, Amjad said in a text message. She accused the lieutenant governor of cheering on policies that threaten Virginias economy and failing to stand up against cuts to Medicaid that could affect more than 300,000 residents. While Virginians deserve a governor who fights for the commonwealth, Amjad added, Sears is dismissing workers worried about their jobs and telling Virginians to wait and see as their healthcare is at risk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, Tuesdays GOP rally served as a public reset for the party after an earlier unity event planned for Henrico County was abruptly canceled in May as tensions reached a boiling point. At the time, former Republican Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling was among those who publicly criticized the fallout, noting that no one had confirmed whether the explicit account in question was ever actually linked to Reid. It derailed what was supposed to be the GOPs first show of unity, Bolling said at the time. Republican Party of Virginia Chairman Mark Peake struck a more optimistic tone Tuesday, declaring the current statewide ticket the best since 2021 and predicting victory across the board. We are going to win all three statewide races, Peake said. There are three reasons why: Winsome Earle-Sears, Jason Miyares, and John Reid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For their part, the GOP party leaders appear intent on turning the page and putting the rift behind them. Virginia today is the very best place to live and work and raise a family, Youngkin told the crowd. But we have to protect that. We know how to win and now we have the candidates to do it. Virginia Mercury reporter Nathaniel Cline contributed to this report. A supporter holds up a Winsome for Governor sign at Virginias Republican Ticket rally at the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department on July 1, 2025. (Photo by Nathaniel Cline/Virginia Mercury) SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE DENVER (KDVR) At Community Food Share, a branch of Feeding America, just northwest of Denver, helping families put food on the table is just part of what they do. This is only one small part of the work we do here. We have 46 partner agencies that we provide some of the food that they distribute across Boulder and Broomfield counties, said Director of Philanthropy at Community Food Share Kaleigh Wagner. Free on Your TV New FOX31+ App for Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the uncertainty of the future stresses what their system will look like. Those at Community Food Share say Coloradans could be paying the price if SNAP is cut. We will be shouldering more of the administrative costs, that could be up to an additional $94 million. So it will have an incredible impact on our economic system here of more than $200 million, Wagner said. The executive director for Feeding America, Mandy Nuku, says they help provide food for 1.2 million Coloradans. And if they lose the funding, this bill could cause tens of thousands of Coloradans to lose their SNAP benefits. Just over 80,000 Coloradans could lose some amount of SNAP benefits, and about 36,000 could be dropped from SNAP altogether, Nuku said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While this bill continues to move forward, as it stands today, those at Feeding America say the path of the future is going to be difficult to navigate. Denver board votes to eliminate seniority-based layoffs, will now consider merit We will continue to leverage our strength with the community, with donors, with retail partners. But the reality is we will not be able to meet the need that is coming, Nuku said. Lawmakers in the House, like Republican Jeff Hurd, say they want to see more work put into the bill. The Big Beautiful Bill sent back to the House from the Senate is going to require significant changes in order to pass, Hurd said Tuesday. I look forward to working with leadership and my colleagues to pass a bill consistent with the promises we made on the campaign trail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Not a prank; 2 juveniles arrested for trash can explosion at fireworks show Two people were arrested in connection with a dangerous mortar explosion at a Fourth of July Celebration in Huber Heights over the weekend. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] As reported on News Center 7 at 6:00, an explosive device was placed in a metal trash can at the Star Spangled Heights event at Thomas A. Cloud Memorial Park last Saturday night. The trash can exploded and the flying metal debris injured two children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What happened at Thomas Cloud park is not a prank and again it will not be tolerated period, Huber Heights Mayor Jeff Gore said. >>RELATED COVERAGE: Chaos after explosion in trash can at local fireworks show; 2 hurt City leaders said they dont want a slap on the wrist for those responsible. We want charges to be severe and harsh, Gore said. The city announced Wednesday afternoon that two juvenile males were arrested after detectives executed search warrants at two houses. News Center 7 was the only news crew watching as authorities served one of the warrants at a house on Benchwood Road. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The suspects were booked into the Montgomery County Juvenile Detention Center on aggravated arson, inducing panic, felonious assault and illegal sale of fireworks charges. The explosion caused panic and unfounded rumors of an active shooter. TRENDING STORIES: It is kind of hard to differentiate between a firework and a firearm, Huber Height Police Chief Mark Lightner said. The fear turned into fights across the street from the park as people struggled to leave. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A number of dangerous situations all created by people that city leaders want to see punished. If you play around, youre going to find out, thats what they did here and theyre about to find out, Gore said. Gore applauded the work of police, firefighters and city council. He said the council approved the portable cameras in the park which eventually provided crucial information in the investigation. Now, many Huber Heights residents want to know if this incident will impact future Independence Day celebrations. This is an isolated incident, weve had this for years, its been a great event, Huber Heights City Manager John Russell said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This incident remains under investigation, but anyone with information about what happened is asked to contact Detective Hogue at (937) 237-3594. News Center 7 will continue to follow this story. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] The English can trace their roots back over generations and have a history which is the legacy of our collective identity. This should be an uncontroversial claim. When the Venerable Bede wrote his Ecclesiastical History of the English People, almost 1,300 years ago, he felt no need to define the English, and even described the English nation as existing in the 6th century. The first King of the English, thelstan, was crowned in 927AD, and it was during his reign that the word England was first written down, by lfric of Eynsham. The English have been a people, and England a country, for a very long time. We are what the Bible calls an ethnos; a people and a nation. Yet when Matt Goodwin made these arguments in an interview with Spectator editor Michael Gove, drawing a distinction between Britishness, a wide, cultural identity, and Englishness, a very distinct identity which goes back for centuries, many commentators reacted with fury and disgust. David Henig, a trade expert, described Goodwins remarks as unashamed racism. Simon Schama, the historian, said they were pure recycled Enoch Powell, and journalist Oliver Kamm posted that its alarming how far racism has become normalised in public debate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement John McTernan, who served as Tony Blairs Director of Political Operations, went even further, saying that the concept of the ethnic English is truly evil, in a tweet so unpopular that it had been viewed almost a million times, and attracted fewer than 50 likes before he deleted it. McTernan went on to claim that races and ethnicities dont exist, despite having described himself as Irish and never English. When I asked him to explain, he claimed that any definition of Englishness is either wooly and meaningless or othering and malign. I find these reactions very strange. Is it racist to recognise that the English exist? I asked Oliver Kamm to explain his thoughts. He said its obvious what the subtext is, and its alarming moreover, the reasoning is spurious very few people can trace their roots over generations my own ancestors, like many Central European Jews, came off the boat at Liverpool and settled. Is Kamm right? Can it really be true that very few English people can trace their roots in this land back for generations? Adrian Targett, a teacher from Cheddar in Somerset, has been shown to be the direct descendant of Cheddar Man, a 9,000 year old skeleton found in the area. And according to Laura House, Genetic Genealogist at Ancestry, the majority of people from the British Isles will be able to trace their ancestors back to the 19th century [and] for people with Christian ancestors theres a good chance researchers will be able to trace at least one line into the 1500s. As with any people, there are fuzzy edges and exceptions. But the existence of these exceptions doesnt mean the people dont exist. Would these commentators say the same if the Irish, Igbo or Han identified themselves as a distinct ethnos? I suspect not. What is different about the English? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bijan Omrani, historian, churchwarden and author of God is an Englishman: Christianity and the Creation of England said McTernans tweet is unhinged. Omrani told me that the hostile response to Goodwins interview is an amazing manifestation of our intelligentsia hating itself, something he links to an education system which, since the 1960s doesnt even want to pass on any knowledge or vision of Englishness. Omrani agreed with Goodwin that there is undoubtedly an ethnic element to Englishness, although he sees this as one aspect, alongside language, culture and our Christian faith. To recognise the English as a people need not mean excluding others from Britain, or Britishness, nor does it mean that those who arent English are lesser, merely different. To say that someone isnt English is no more a moral judgement than to say they arent Tamil or Maori or French. To believe otherwise a person must think the English are uniquely bad, or uniquely good. It seems that this anger and horror that the English might identify as an ethnos is grounded in a prideful self-loathing. To suggest, as McTernan did, that it is truly evil to even conceive of the English as an ethnic group, is to deny our right to describe, recognise and understand ourselves. That is the true evil. 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. As we approach the 249th birthday of our beloved nation, I feel compelled to ask: What are we doing, America? Here in land of the free and the home of brave, the mood feels more like pitchforks and torches than firecrackers and apple pie this Fourth of July. As for the immigrants among us, those huddled masses yearning to be free to trim your bushes and build your houses and harvest your food, theyre in hiding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Or they should be. I get that we have a problem with illegal immigration. I understand the anger and the frustration over the millions of foreigners who swarmed our border while then-President Joe Biden looked the other way. But is this who we really are? Celebrating the July 2 opening of what looks like a modern-day concentration camp, set deep in a swamp among the alligators? Sen. Rogers wants an Alligator Alcatraz in Arizona President Donald Trump toured Floridas new immigration detention center on July 1, on the eve of its opening. Were going to teach them how to run away from an alligator if they escape prison, he joked. Dont run in a straight line. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Already, Trump said, other states are rushing to build their own versions of Alligator Alcatraz. The MAGA Nation is red, white and tickled pink. Once we get a real Arizona governor @andybiggs4az, we can contribute a DESERT ALCATRAZ, state Sen. Wendy Rogers wrote, in what amounts to a social media high five. Was thinking the same thing, Nancy Cottle, one of Arizonas famed fake electors, replied. Full of rattlers! Surrounded by Rattle Snakes and Gila monsters. Im in, still another, who goes by moniker Faith & Ballots, wrote. The 'worst of the worst' has changed for Trump Me? Im wondering how many of those good Christian people go to church on Sunday. But mostly, Im wondering how they so easily forget whatever they learned there by Monday morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im all for rooting out violent immigrants and dangerous criminals who came here to do us harm. Who wouldnt be? But a recent CBS News analysis shows that most of the immigrants being arrested by Trumps masked immigrant hunters are people who have no criminal history. After White House adviser Stephen Miller ratcheted up the daily arrest quota to 3,000 in May, ICE detentions of people facing only civil immigration charges swelled by more than 250%. Apparently, the definition of the worst of the worst has changed. In fact, about 40% of immigrants detained since Trump took office have criminal convictions, according to that CBS analysis. Just 8% were convicted of violent offenses. Most in custody now have no criminal record Meanwhile, according to an Arizona Republic analysis of federal court records, ICE has specifically targeted 125 people in the Phoenix area, none of whom met the governments definition of a violent criminal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement (We do know of one immigrant arrested who is wanted for murder in Mexico, but he didnt show up in the newspapers search of U.S. District Court records.) Most of those targeted by Phoenix ICE agents were accused only of being in the country illegally. As for who might wind up in Alligator Alcatraz, Trump assures us itll be the scum of the earth. Opinion: Alligator Alcatraz is Arizona's former Tent City on crack Very soon, this facility will house some of the most menacing migrants, some of the most vicious people on the planet, he said on July 1, as he walked among the tightly packed, chain-link fenced bunks at Alligator Alcatraz. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet of the 59,000 people held in ICE detention as of June 23, nearly half have no criminal record, according to that CBS analysis. Over the last month, the number of immigrants detained with only civil immigration charges pending was double that of those with criminal convictions a reversal from Trumps first four months in office. America, where we treat immigrants like vermin? Which matters not at all to those who see no difference between an immigrant who comes looking for a new life here and one who comes looking to take life here. Those who think you can make America great again by treating human beings like vermin. ANDY BIGGS for governor then create a Desert Alcatraz, one Arizona MAGA warrior wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So many options! gushed another. Scorpions, rattlesnakes, coyotes, javelina, jumping cactus Oh my gosh, YESSSSS! Maybe 2 of them! added another. Complete with scorpions, rattlesnakes and gila monsters. Not to mention cougars and coyotes, wrote still another. America, what are we doing? Reach Roberts at laurie.roberts@arizonarepublic.com. Follow her on X (formerly Twitter) at @LaurieRobertsaz, on Threads at @LaurieRobertsaz and on BlueSky at @laurieroberts.bsky.social. Like this column? Subscribe to get more opinions content. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Alligator Alcatraz makes AZ GOP red, white and tickled pink | Opinion The leaders of a prolific Chinese wildlife trafficking gang have been pardoned in Malawi, sparking concern that renewed poaching will help spread diseases including coronaviruses. Lin Yunhua and his wife Qin Hua Zhang, who led the notorious Lin-Zhang syndicate that operated across southern Africa, were among 15 people sentenced to jail as part of a major crackdown on ivory trafficking. During their arrests in 2019, Lin and Zhang were found with elephant tusks, hippopotamus teeth and rhino horns that were traced to animals killed in Malawis Liwonde National Park, where Prince Harry volunteered in 2016. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the same time, the authorities in Hong Kong also made record seizures of wildlife contraband, including their largest-ever haul of rhino horns worth over $1 million and 8.3 tonnes of pangolin scales from nearly 14,000 animals. Zhang was sentenced to 11 years in 2020, while Lin received a 14-year sentence in 2021. They were to be deported after serving their terms. Other members including eight Chinese nationals and four Malawians were sent to various prisons. Prosecutors described the Lin-Zhang network as a dangerous syndicate that funded and organised wildlife crime across the region, with smuggling routes stretching to China and other illegal market hubs. Lin and Zhang were found with elephant tusks, hippopotamus teeth and rhino horns that were traced to animals killed in Malawis Liwonde National Park - Henry Mhango But Lin and Zhang have now appeared on a list of 21 individuals pardoned by Lazarus Chakwera, Malawis President, multiple prison officials familiar with the document told The Telegraph. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The presidency has yet to comment on the pardons and has refused to make the list public amid widespread criticism from conservationists, who warn it will help reignite large-scale poaching in the middle of a global campaign to curb the illegal trade in African wildlife products for traditional Chinese medicine. Lin is still being held on remand over separate corruption allegations, while Zhang is believed to have returned home after receiving clemency. While great progress was being made to combat poaching in Malawi and southern Africa, traditional Chinese medicine has only continued to grow in popularity. Ivory remains in high demand, as do pangolin scales, which practitioners claim, without evidence, can heal a range of conditions including blocked mammary glands, rheumatism, and blood circulation issues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The pardons have also raised public health concerns, particularly that a revival of the illicit trade in animals and their body parts will lead to the spread of diseases carried by animals, including coronaviruses. A comprehensive study published in Nature earlier this month found an increase in the detection of coronaviruses that could cause disease in humans along the supply chain of pangolin meat and scales heading to China. Studies of confiscated pangolins in China have detected several types of coronavirus that share up to 92 per cent of their genome with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes Covid-19, it said. Although too distantly related to have given rise to SARS-CoV-2, the viruses sometimes cause Covid-19-like symptoms in these animals and might have the potential to infect humans. Lin Yunhua with his legal team outside the court - Henry Mhango The paper cites a study in Current Biology which revealed that around a quarter of mammals involved in the wildlife trade harbour three quarters of known zoonotic viruses. It cites species such as primates, ungulates, bats, and carnivores as particularly significant reservoirs for these pathogens. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The conditions prevalent in wildlife markets where diverse species are confined in close proximity under stressful and unsanitary conditions create ideal environments for viruses to jump between species and potentially infect humans, the study observes. These findings underscore the critical need for stringent regulations on wildlife trade and robust conservation efforts to preserve biodiversity. Such measures are essential not only for protecting ecosystems but also for preventing future pandemics by reducing opportunities for zoonotic spillover events. The convictions of the Lin-Zhang syndicate leaders were hailed by conservationists as a game-changer in efforts to dismantle international trafficking networks and curb demand for illegal traditional medicine ingredients. Following years of effort and overcoming countless obstacles, this small nation demonstrated how political will can dismantle one of Africas most prolific wildlife crime syndicates, said Mary Rice, Executive Director of the Environmental Investigation Agency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The landmark case helped remove Malawi from CITES list of countries of primary concern for wildlife trafficking, thanks to legal reforms and targeted enforcement. But the pardons now threaten Malawis international reputation as a leader in fighting wildlife crime. Rangers patrolling Liwonde National Park - Henry Mhango Mathews Malata, a climate diplomacy advisor, warned of grave repercussions for international credibility. This erodes confidence from donors and partners, Mr Malata said. This case was critical it showed our seriousness. Lin was the mastermind behind many crimes, some still unresolved in court. He cautioned that releasing Lin could undo years of progress and threaten Malawis standing as a model in wildlife protection. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This was an opportunity for the leadership to affirm its commitment. By letting Lin go early, weve risked everything, he said. Paul Mvula, a local governance and human rights advocate, questioned whether Lin met clemency conditions such as serving at least half his sentence and demonstrating good behaviour. New state charges allege Lin tried to bribe a High Court judge and prison officials while in custody. But the Lin-Zhang gang leader who is free from wildlife crimes but on remand for the corruption accusations has denied the charges in court. This pardon raises serious governance issues, Mr Mvula said. We believe the President may have been misinformed and urge a review and possible reversal of the clemency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A ranger from the Department of National Parks and Wildlife, speaking anonymously, expressed fear that Lins release could embolden other traffickers and demoralise conservation workers. His arrest was a turning point, the ranger said. Letting him go undoes years of sacrifice by rangers and investigators. Protect yourself and your family by learning more about Global Health Security Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. KENOSHA COUNTY, Wis. (WFRV) A three-year-long investigation has resulted in 23 members of a sophisticated interstate car theft ring being federally indicted, authorities say. According to a release from the Kenosha County Sheriffs Office, the investigation was launched in 2022 after a license plate was found on a rural Kenosha County Highway and was later determined to have come from a vehicle stolen out of Milwaukee. Train derails in Wisconsin, cleanup continues while investigation is underway Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over the last three years, officials say, numerous search warrants were carried out in La Crosse, Madison, Sun Prairie, Milwaukee, Racine, and Chicago. These search warrants led to the identification of a number of key figures in the multi-million-dollar criminal enterprise. Diaunte Shields, Casha Griffin, Brianna Shields, Lashawn Davis Jr., and Meliek McClarn were identified by detectives as part of the twenty-three suspects total in this Federal Indictment. The interstate car theft ring targeted high-end vehicles from residences and Mitchell Airport in Milwaukee, with scanning devices and cloning tools being used to steal the vehicles. Courtesy of the Kenosha County Sheriffs Office Courtesy of the Kenosha County Sheriffs Office Courtesy of the Kenosha County Sheriffs Office Courtesy of the Kenosha County Sheriffs Office Courtesy of the Kenosha County Sheriffs Office Courtesy of the Kenosha County Sheriffs Office The VINs, plates, and radios were swapped out of the vehicles before they were sold for cash throughout the United States, from Las Vegas to Florida and Georgia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Money from the sales of the stolen vehicles was then said to be funneled into phony LLCs before being used to buy real estate that was also then sold to launder the money. In addition to four stolen cars, the aforementioned carried out search warrants also resulted in the findings of a stolen firearm from Detroit, credit card cloning devices, hundreds of counterfeit vehicle titles, counterfeit VIN plates, stolen high-end clothing, stolen jewelry, and cash. 51-year-old Oshkosh man sentenced to 6 years in prison, must forfeit over $500k & multiple vehicles following drug conviction Officials also say a drug nexus was identified in Whitestown, Indiana, which involved the delivery of large amounts of heroin and methamphetamine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The three-year-long investigation was conducted with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations (IRS-CI), the Milwaukee County Sheriffs Office, the Sun Prairie Police Department (WI), and the Wheaton Police Department (IL). The Kenosha County Sheriffs Office is honored to have played a crucial role with all of our involved law enforcement partners. The fact that a recovered license plate in Kenosha County ultimately led to the federal indictments of 23 individuals is truly impressive. I am proud of the fact that KDOG detectives identified key members, executed search warrants, and gathered crucial evidence of this crime ring. Kenosha County Sheriff David Zoerner No other information is available at this time. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton. DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) Registered nurses are teaming up across the nation to push for change. National Nurses United is the nations largest union of registered nurses. On Tuesday, they planned rallies at lawmakers offices in eight different states, urging lawmakers to vote against proposed Medicaid cuts in the GOP reconciliation package. Senate passes big, beautiful bill 2 NEWS visited Congressman Mike Turners office, where dozens of registered nurses showed up to protest against a decision they say could cost thousands of lives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are almost 80 million Americans enrolled in Medicaid as of March 2025. Medicaid provides healthcare coverage to all types of Americans, including vulnerable populations like the elderly, disabled and children. We all know someone who depends on Medicaid, and for many families, this is life or death, said Irma Westmoreland, National Nurses United vice president. For our friends, for our community, for our relatives, Medicaid and Ohio Medicaid provides necessary resources to many, so that they can live a full, productive life. Specifically, these registered nurses showed up to ask Rep. Turner to vote against the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. They said his initial condemnation of attacks of federal works and co-sponsoring the Protect Americas Workforce Act gave them hope that he would stand by them. However, in light of his latest votes and the Senate decision today to pass the One Big Beautiful Bill, nurses are now asking him to make a critical choice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weve seen you do whats right, and we need you to stand up with us now more than ever. Representative Turner, do you want to be on the side of billionaire donors, or do you want to support the patients and the loved ones that we care for each and everyday? said Westmoreland. 2 NEWS reached out to Turners office for comment and are waiting to hear back. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com. New York Democrats, who have been reluctant to endorse socialist candidate Zohran Mamdani after he secured the Democratic nomination for mayor of New York City, united to defend him Tuesday when President Donald Trump threatened to arrest him if he didn't comply with federal immigration officials. "I don't care if you're the president of the United States, if you threaten to unlawfully go after one of our neighbors, you're picking a fight with 20 million New Yorkers starting with me," Gov. Kathy Hochul, D-N.Y., fired back at Trump on Tuesday evening. The New York governor has sparred with Trump since he returned to the White House this year on issues like education, abortion and immigration. More than a week after Mamdani declared victory in the Democratic primary, Hochul has yet to endorse the socialist mayoral candidate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New York Democratic Rep. Ritchie Torres, who endorsed former Gov. Andrew Cuomo in the primary and has yet to endorse Mamdani in the general, said on Wednesday, "For a sitting president to causally threaten to arrest and deport a US citizen who won a major-party nomination is disgraceful. Free societies do not arrest, deport, and otherwise weaponize government against their political opponents." Mamdani Officially Wins Nyc Dem Primary By 12 Points Over Cuomo, Who's Staying In The Race For Now President Donald Trump, right, threatened to arrest Zohran Mamdani if he didn't comply with immigration officials. Mamdani also hit back in a statement on Wednesday, responding to Trump's comments. "His statements don't just represent an attack on our democracy, but an attempt to send a message to every New Yorker who refuses to hide in the shadows: if you speak up, they will come for you. We will not accept this intimidation," Mamdani said. Read On The Fox News App Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mamdani's Political Earthquake Rocks Democrats, Dividing Party On Path Forward Veteran Democratic strategist Joe Caiazzo told Fox News Digital, "The only people that matter in this election are the people of New York." "Trumps rhetoric will only serve to solidify support for Mamdani in the city. Trump is trying to nationalize the New York City mayoral race in an attempt to distract from the horrific policies he is peddling in Washington," Caiazzo added. "Look, we don't need a Communist in this country, but if we have one, I'm going to be watching over them very carefully on behalf of the nation," Trump said Tuesday, as he expressed willingness to arrest him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump doubled down on his disdain for Mamdani in a Truth Social post Wednesday, vowing to "save New York City." Then-former President Donald Trump waves as he returns to Trump Tower in New York City on Monday, April 15, 2024. "As President of the United States, Im not going to let this Communist Lunatic destroy New York. Rest assured, I hold all the levers, and have all the cards," Trump said. Trumps jabs at Mamdani are the latest from Republicans working to paint him as the poster boy of far-left politics. Following his primary victory last week, Republicans instantly attacked Mamdanis platform, which calls for free rides on city buses, freezing the rent on rent-stabilized apartments, offering free early childcare and setting up city-owned grocery stores. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president went as far as to call Mamdani a "100% Communist Lunatic." Mandani has also been targeted for his criticism of Israel and over his age and inexperience at just 33 years old. Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani takes the stage at his primary election party on Wednesday, June 25, 2025 in New York. Mamdani surged to a primary victory thanks to an energetic campaign that put a major focus on affordability and New York City's high cost of living. Endorsements by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the progressive rock star and New York City's most prominent leader on the left, and by Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont, the progressive champion and two-time Democratic presidential nominee runner-up, helped Mamdani consolidate support on the left. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mamdani made smart use of social media platforms, including TikTok, as he engaged low-propensity voters. He proposed eliminating fares to ride New York City's vast bus system, making CUNY (City University of New York) "tuition-free," freezing rents on municipal housing, offering "free childcare" for children up to age 5, and setting up government-run grocery stores. Original article source: NY Dems who have yet to endorse Mamdani unite in his defense against Trump NEW YORK A state judge in Albany granted a temporary injunction forcing New York State to fully implement a law sharply limiting solitary confinement in the prisons after elements of the law were suspended following the 22-day prison guards strike earlier this year, court records show. Judge Daniel Lynch ruled the state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision could not invoke emergency provisions to suspend the so-called HALT Solitary Confinement Act and keep inmates in their cells more than 17 hours a days or suspend programming and recreation in the prisons. The court understands the defendants concerns regarding DOCCS staffing and the resulting safety risks, Lynch wrote. However HALT is a duly enacted law and the people have a strong interest in seeing the implementation of laws enacted by their elected representatives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lynch set July 11 as the date the order would become effective, in order to give prison officials time to adjust, he wrote. The department is reviewing the decision, DOCCS spokesman Thomas Mailey said. The initial class action lawsuit, Alfonso Smalls vs. DOCCS Commissioner Daniel Martuscello, was filed by the Legal Aid Society on April 17 after Martuscello ordered elements of HALT suspended Feb. 20 due to the strike. When the prison guards strike ended on March 10, Gov. Kathy Hochul fired roughly 2,000 officers who had refused to return to work increasing an already existing staffing gap. But the laws suspension meant that inmates were being kept in their cells longer than the law allows, isolated and deprived of basic services, the lawsuit alleged. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Smalls, the lawsuit alleges, was isolated in his cell for 22 to 24 hours a day from Feb. 20 through at least April 17, when the suit was filed. During the prison guards strike, he was locked in 24 hours a day, allowed to leave only for three 8-minute showers, the society said. After the strike ended, Smalls was allowed to leave his cell for just 90 minutes to one hour and 45 minutes a day. We are grateful that the court recognized the grave harm caused by DOCCSs unlawful suspension of the HALT Solitary Law and acted to stop it, said Antony Gemmell, supervising attorney with the Prisoners Rights Project at The Legal Aid Society. This decision reaffirms that no agency regardless of political pressure can unilaterally disregard laws enacted to protect human rights, he said. HALT was passed to end the torture of prolonged solitary confinement, and this injunction is a critical step toward ensuring the state honors that commitment and upholds the dignity of those in its custody. A business owner who recently called into The Ramsey Show found himself in a tricky spot: he wanted to know if it was okay to ask an employee about their personal finances in order to dig into it to decide how much to pay them. The answer, unsurprisingly, was layered. Bought A Business, Inherited A Headache The caller, Joe, from San Diego, explained that he had taken over another business owner's book of business in exchange for offering that person a job. We had a document drafted that pretty much gave us the book of business in exchange for their employment guaranteed for six months, Joe said. The acquisition helped Joe's business grow from $300,000 to over $1 million in revenue. Don't Miss: However, the employee he took on had run the original business into the ground. Joe described issues ranging from unpaid taxes to a lack of proper insurance coverage. He was overpaying himself, taking on debt they didnt need, Joe said, adding that the employee hadn't paid taxes in three years and owed more than $20,000. Despite all this, Joe wanted to be generous. Im weaning them off being used to be able to live frivolously, he admitted. But Ramsey co-host George Kamel stepped in with a clear boundary: At Ramsey, we never look at someones personal finances to figure out how much were going to pay them. Trending: GoSun's Breakthrough Rooftop EV Charger Already Has 2,000+ Units Reserved Become an Investor in This $41.3M Clean Energy Brand Today Stick To Market Rates, Not Guilt Kamel said the only reason to ask for a budget in the hiring process is to make sure someone can actually live on the salary being offered. Its not about tailoring pay to match someones debt. We dont do it to say, well, they need $10,000 to live, lets pay them $10,000 a month, he explained. Co-host Ken Coleman jumped in to say: You already have a pretty good idea about whats a healthy number, and anything above that is you doing charitable work. Joe estimated that the going market rate to run a branch like this is around $75,000 to $80,000. At most, $90,000. Coleman pressed him: You cant justify a nickel beyond that, true or false? Joe replied, Thats true. Coleman also made it clear that exceeding that amount would only result in problems. If you pay him any more than the number you just gave us and he doesnt make any changes at all... you become resentful, he warned. NEW YORK (PIX11) A New York caseworker pleaded guilty to stealing more than $500,000 from a 95-year-old client with dementia. The caseworker regularly used the victims ATM card at local casinos without permission, officials said. Westchester caseworker Chantel Chenault pleaded guilty to the charge of grand larceny in the second degree, New York Attorney General Letitia James announced on Wednesday. More Crime News Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Elderly New Yorkers deserve trustworthy caretakers allowing them to live their later years in dignity and security, said James. Chantel Chenault abused her position to steal a vulnerable womans retirement savings, and my office is bringing her to justice. I will continue to go after anyone who tries to manipulate or steal from seniors in need. According to an investigation conducted by the office of the attorney general from March 2017 to June 2022, Chenault used the victims bank card to withdraw hundreds of thousands of dollars from her checking account. Chenault transferred over $500,000 from the victims retirement accounts to the victims checking account on multiple occasions, officials said. Chenault would then bring the woman to the bank to make withdrawals multiple times per month, according to court documents. The defendant was able to do this as an Adult Protective Services caseworker; some of her duties included accompanying the victim to her bank once a month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the victims health declined due to her dementia, Chenault took advantage of the victim, officials said. Chenaults actions came to light in 2022, when she went on medical leave. A new caseworker assigned to the victim noticed a massive drop in her assets. A further look into the victims other assets revealed that the womans bank accounts and retirement accounts had been emptied completely, and she could no longer afford home health care. A forensic audit of her bank accounts revealed a pattern of suspicious withdrawals and transfers, as well as the use of the victims ATM card at times when she was homebound, according to court documents. More: Latest News from Around the Tri-State Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a result, a new guardian was appointed for the victim in April 2023. The court secured $881,062 in restitution, which was used to cover her housing and medical expenses. As a result of her plea, Chenault faces a sentence of up to six months in jail. 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 CITY (PIX11) The city has closed 63 migrant shelters over the past year, including The Roosevelt Hotel arrival center, which closed last week. On Wednesday, Mayor Eric Adams celebrated the closure of The Roosevelt Hotel, which became an arrival and intake center for migrants in May 2023. More Local News This is going to be one of the most important chapters in our books, Adams said Wednesday. 237,000 migrants and asylum seekers went through our system. Roosevelt Hotel was a symbol of that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adams announced in February that The Roosevelt Hotel would soon close as an asylum seeker arrival center. Intake will now happen at other homeless shelters, he said. At one point, 4,000 asylum seekers arrived in the city each week, Adams said. Now, the city only sees about 100 incoming migrants per week. About 1,000 rooms at The Roosevelt were once used to house migrants. As of last week, the hotel had only a dozen families. Families told PIX11 News the hotel had emptied out by last week, a huge contrast from the busy height of New York Citys years-long influx of asylum seekers. The city has closed 62 other migrant shelters over the past year, Adams said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adams announced in January that the city would be closing 13 migrant shelters citywide, representing 10,000 beds, and opening a facility on Bruckner Boulevard in the Bronx to house adult men previously living on Randalls Island. Emily Rahhal is a digital reporter who has covered New York City since 2023 after reporting in Los Angeles for years. She joined PIX11 in 2024. See more of her work here and follow her on Twitter here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. A Queens driving school and multiple Staten Island DMV workers conspired in a pay-for-license scheme that handed out hundreds of drivers licenses to unqualified New Yorkers in exchange for money, authorities announced Tuesday. Investigators said T&E Driving School in Flushing advertised itself to Chinese immigrants and charged them $1,600 to $2,000 for a license, the Staten Island Advance reported. Police said the school would then pay off DMV workers at three locations on Staten Island, according to WNBC. Sometimes the scheme involved imposters taking road tests, and sometimes the DMV workers would simply issue the licenses, cops said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Too many people have gotten drivers licenses because of corruption, because of theft, Staten Island District Attorney Michael McMahon said Tuesday at a press conference. Countless individuals are driving on our roads without demonstrating the skills necessary to do it safely. McMahons office used cameras at the DMV testing sites and an undercover police officer to unravel the scheme, WCBS reported. The undercover cop paid $1,600 to T&E Driving School, then was told he passed the test and received a license, according to police. School owner Weixan Tan, 38; secretary Weiwan Tan, 40, and employee Winnie Yang, 36, were arrested in the case, according to the Advance. DMV employees and Staten Island residents Edward Tarik Queen, 40; Aji Idicula, 43, and Tianna Rose Andolina, 30, were also arrested. A man riding an electric unicycle through Central Park was critically hurt when he collided with a bicyclist who fled the scene, police said Wednesday. Police arrested the hit-and-run bicyclist just hours after they released surveillance images of the suspect and asked the publics help identifying her and tracking her down. She appeared bruised and had blood on her face. The 40-year-old unicyclist was rolling through the iconic park along West Drive near W. 60th St. when he collided with 30-year-old Carolyn Backus, who was wearing a red tank top as she rode a bicycle with pink rubber handlebar grips, at about 4:30 p.m. Monday, according to cops. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Electric unicycles are illegal to operate in the city. The victim was thrown off the unicycle and landed on the asphalt. Medics rushed him to New York-Presbyterian Hospital Weill Cornell where he was listed in critical but stable condition. Backus allegedly sped off. Cops recovered surveillance footage they say shows her taking the bike into a nearby subway station. She was arrested Wednesday morning and charged with leaving the scene of an accident that caused a serious injury, cops said. Her arraignment in Manhattan Criminal Court was pending Wednesday. New York Citys Law Department said it will stand behind a 20-year-old Venezuelan migrant and Queens high school student who was arrested by ICE agents in a Manhattan courthouse after attending an immigration hearing, arguing in an amicus brief that he is being detained without cause and in violation of his right to due process. Jose Luis Rojas Figuera, who attended the Pan American International High School in Elmhurst for roughly a year after arriving in New York in October 2023, has no criminal history and was pursuing a green card, according to the brief filed Tuesday. Rojas Figuera went to 26 Federal Plaza on June 2, accompanied by his mother, for what he expected would be a routine immigration hearing. He had no legal representation. During the hearing, a Department of Homeland Security attorney moved to dismiss Rojas Figueras case a common tactic used by Homeland Security to strip individuals of their pending status, making them subject to expedited removal if granted by the judge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The judge denied the motion to dismiss Rojas Figueras case and gave him another court date, but ICE agents detained Rojas Figuera anyway. Tactics like those used to detain Jose present many city residents with an impossible choice: risk detention by attending court proceedings or run the same risk by failing to attend. Such tactics undermine the public interest, city Corporation Counsel Muriel Goode-Trufant wrote in the brief. Free access to courts is a pillar of the rule of law. Our judicial system cannot work as it should, as it must, if courthouses are treated as convenient places to spring traps. The brief, filed in Brooklyn Federal Court, said Rojas Figuera had a pending application for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) a pathway to lawful permanent residency status for those younger than 21 who obtain a state court order finding they were abused, neglected or abandoned. Goode-Trufant said Rojas Figueras detention has upended his SIJS court proceedings, and sent the message to other SIJS applicants that showing up to court could abruptly upend the legal residency process they were otherwise willing to follow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I have always said that our immigrant New Yorkers should be able to go to court, send their children to school, seek medical care at our hospitals, and ask for help from our police officers when they are in need, Mayor Adams wrote in a statement. That is what it means to be a safe city, and we will continue to fight to ensure that our public resources are safe, and that people going through the legal process that we encourage for new arrivals are protected under the law. Paige Austin, an attorney at Make the Road New York who is now repping Rojas Figuera and fighting for his release, said she was really grateful to the city for weighing in and sharing how harmful this policy is. His dismissal was denied by the immigration judge. At the moment ICE detained him there was absolutely no change in his case, and no grounds to detain him, Austin said. This detention served absolutely no purpose. It was cruel and it has deeply traumatized him and his mother. After arriving in 2023, Rojas Figuera visited a city asylum help center, according to the brief. He attended public high school for roughly a year before leaving to work in order to support and care for his mother, who has severe diabetes, according to Austin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Austin said Rojas Figuera has had a really hard time in detention, noting that hed been first held at 26 Federal Plaza before being shuffled around to a detention facility in Nassau County and another in Texas. He was then returned to New York, where he is being held upstate. For the first five days he was unable to contact his mother, Austin said. Since returning to New York 10 days ago, he has again been incommunicado, unable to get phone access inside the jail. The communication issues have been really hard for him because he really misses his mom and theyre really close, Austin said. Hes very worried about his moms health. She depends on him both economically and when shes in a period of really poor health. We hope that more New Yorkers dont have to go through this because its been awful for this family, Austin added. Last month, the city took similar action in a different case, filing an amicus brief in support of releasing 20-year-old Venezuelan migrant and Bronx public school student Dylan Lopez Contreras, who was detained by federal agents at 26 Federal Plaza after a judge dismissed his asylum case on May 21. Freezing the rent requires a big squeeze. Socialist Zohran Mamdanis promise of freezing rents in New York City if elected mayor hinges on his appointments to a powerful board that could easily buck his wishes just ask Eric Adams. The nine-person Rent Guidelines Board all of whom were handpicked by the mayor voted Monday to hike rents for rent-stabilized home by at least 3%, bucking Hizzoners election-year wish for lower increases. Socialist mayoral contender Zohran Mamdani has focused on affordability in his campaign. Michael Nigro Mamdani, whose tenant-pleasing call to freeze those rents helped catapult him to a stunning and record-breaking Democratic mayoral primary victory, quickly blasted his main general election rival Adams for the hike. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In his final year as Mayor, he tweeted snarkily, Eric Adams and his hand-picked Rent Guidelines Board delivered one last blow to struggling rent-stabilized tenants. New Yorkers are desperate for city government that lowers costs instead of raising rents. Change is coming. But many cash-strapped tenants hoping for a reprieve may be disappointed in Mamdanis freeze the rent pledge, as it would only apply to rent-stabilized homes which account for roughly 1 million out of 3.7 million total housing units in the Big Apple. When Mamdani announced his then-longshot mayoral bid in October, he put out a video mentioning his rent freeze would be for rent-stabilized tenants but has largely avoided making that distinction since, a Post review found. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It may not be clear to everyone that he is only speaking about rent-stabilized apartment, younger voters may not realize that, said Ann Korchak, board president for the Small Property Owners of New York. Freeze the Rent is a plank of Mamdanis campaign. Hans Lucas/AFP via Getty Images The mayor appoints all members of the Rent Guidelines Board, which sets potential increases for rent-stabilized homes. The board is required to find a balance between affordability for renters and the needs of landlords, said Mark Willis, a senior policy fellow at NYUs Furman Center. Rent freezes arent unheard of in recent years. Board members froze the rent three times under then-Mayor Bill de Blasio and only increased it 6.75% overall on one-year leases during his entire mayoralty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement De Blasio said he appointed board members to shift a pro-landlord balance that existed under his predecessor, Mayor Michael Bloomberg. He said the appointees exercise their own judgment, but the mayor has the biggest impact on the boards direction. I felt there needed to be a rebalancing of the board There was no focus on tenants expenses, de Blasio told The Post on Tuesday. We said to the appointees, Look at the whole picture.' Mamdanis campaign platform also vaguely calls to provide better, faster and easier access to city-backed loans for repairs, and to fast-track 100% affordable developments and build 200,000 new units over the next decade. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But freezing rents on stabilized units could come with disastrous consequences, experts warned. Rent-stabilized landlords have raised alarms about the rising costs and thin margins of maintaining homes a key factor that the board has considered as it increased rents on one-year leases more than 9% over Adams term, records show. Many experts warn a rent freeze, even if only applied to rent-stabilized homes, could have disastrous consequences. Michael Nigro A freeze for rent-stabilized apartments could make prices rise for market-rate units, especially in buildings with a mix of both, Willis said. Therell be more attention that will have to be focused on the revenue from the market rate units in order to have enough money to pay to properly maintain the property, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Korchak warned that landlords not be able to pay for repairs may end up charging more in rent for small businesses and other apartment tenants. Its a ripple effect, the small business tenant paying more or the free market tenants paying more, she said. If (Mamdani) comes out to bat for four years, you just put the nail in the coffin of all these distressed buildings. New York City students are showing early signs of progress in reading after the Adams administration overhauled how the subject is taught in public schools, according to new data released Wednesday. The school system is still far from where it needs to be to ensure that all students who graduate know how to read proficiently. But elementary school reading scores on quick, periodic assessments known as screeners increased by 2.5 points over a year driven in part by considerable gains in the youngest grades, the data shows. Its really, really promising news, because what its showing is progress, First Deputy Chancellor Dan Weisberg told the Daily News. So the hard work that our educators and support staff are doing on the field, you can see here, is really paying off. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some experts caution against drawing sweeping conclusions from screener data, which is captured three times each year and typically used as a diagnostic tool to help identify struggling readers so teachers can intervene in real-time. But Weisberg, the outgoing second-in-command of the public schools, said the data is highly correlated with state test scores, and offers system leaders a glimpse of whether students are performing at or above the national median. Close to 42% of elementary school students crossed the threshold on the spring screener, the data showed. The literacy push, known as NYC Reads, launched in less than half of school districts during the 2023-24 school year before expanding to all elementary schools citywide last fall. Each district selected one of three pre-approved literacy programs rooted in the science of reading referring to a wide body of research about how children learn to read. All place a greater emphasis on phonics, which teaches children about the relationships between letters and sounds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Screener scores from phase-one districts which have had more time for implementation posted slightly larger gains than those in the second cohort: 2.8 and 2.3 points, respectively. Students in kindergarten through second grade, who were exposed to the curriculum at a younger age, notched a 3.2-point boost, according to the data. While not unexpected in a school system as large as New York Citys, test scores have been slow to catch up. Annual state exams showed reading scores dropped citywide last year with students in the second phase outperforming their peers in the first cohort using the new literacy programs. Education leaders chalked up the discrepancy to an implementation dip, predicting students would turn a corner as they adjusted to the new ways of learning and their teachers mastered new instructional methods. The results of this years tests have yet to be released, but Weisberg likes his chances. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That doesnt mean that just because screener scores increase, that state test scores are going to increase, but its a promising sign, the first deputy chancellor said. In April, Adams and the chancellor announced NYC Reads is expanding next school year to older students for the first time, starting with 102 middle schools in eight districts. As we close out this school year, we are proud to be able to share early results on our citywide investment in evidence-based reading and mathematics instruction for our students delivering the education our children deserve, Mayor Adams and Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos said in a joint statement. Math screener scores show the share of elementary school students scoring above national benchmarks increased by 3.2 points, though the grade levels are not formally included in NYC Solves, the math equivalent of NYC Reads. More cops than usual will safeguard the July 4 fireworks celebration, but NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch Wednesday says the NYPD still needs authorization to take down nefarious drones. The nations largest police department, which has numerous drones and can detect drones, has for several years backed proposed legislation that would allow it to electronically jam and disable drones seen as threats to public safety. Currently, only the feds can take down a drone electronically and on Friday the FBI will be on hand to work alongside police as intelligence streams are monitored for indications of suspicious drones. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Tisch noted that things come up all the time in New York City every day, and so we really need to be able to be nimble and have the authority to do drone mitigation ourselves. As weve seen in Ukraine, the Middle East and even along our border the threats posed by weaponized drones is real and growing, she added. Thus far, there are no known credible threats to the fireworks celebration, but there will be more cops than usual in part because of recently developments overseas, most notably the U.S. bombing of Iranian nuclear facilities. The FBI and Department of Homeland Security this week warned of the possibility of lone wolf attacks by homegrown extremists. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are concerned about the potential threat of copycat attacks inspired by the 2025 New Years Day vehicle-ramming attack in New Orleans and continued messaging [from foreign terrorist organizations] calling for attacks against Western targets, two such bulletins read. Officials warn that attackers in New York City and San Francisco could be motivated by a broad-range of grievances, with particular concern over outrage tied to the conflict between Israel and Hamas. A federal judge on Wednesday blocked President Donald Trumps executive order that sought to prevent migrants crossing the border from seeking asylum or applying for withholding of removal in the U.S., a major blow to Trump as he looks to further enforce his broad immigration crackdown. U.S. District Judge Randolph Daniel Moss, an Obama appointee, said Wednesday that Trumps Jan. 20 proclamation, which sought to block all migrants "engaged in the invasion across the southern border" from claiming asylum or seeking withholding of removal, exceeds his authority siding with the ACLU, who brought the suit on behalf of several migrants groups and 13 asylum-seekers earlier this year. The group urged the court in February to block Trump's proclamation from taking force, arguing that the action was "as unlawful as it is unprecedented." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moss said Wednesday that Trump "lacks the inherent constitutional authority" to supplant federal statutes governing removals. Judges V Trump: Here Are The Key Court Battles Halting The White House Agenda President Donald Trump holds up an executive order after signing it during an indoor inauguration parade at Capital One Arena on Jan. 20, 2025 in Washington, DC. "To hold otherwise would render much, if not most, of the INA simply optional," he added in the 128-page opinion. Read On The Fox News App Moss stayed the order for a 14-day period to allow the Trump administration to appeal the case to a higher court. The judge also granted plaintiffs' request to certify a class of migrants who would were either subject to Trump's proclamation heard by the court or would be subject to it in the future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The class certification also allows the lawsuit to proceed under the new limitations set forth by the Supreme Court last week in Trump v. CASA. That ruling limited the scope of injunctive relief that lower courts can provide to plaintiffs, except in certain cases, including challenges brought by a certified class. Moss on Wednesday did recognize the Supreme Court's ruling in Trump v. CASA, though he said his decision ultimately gave legal room for district courts to pause executive action a so called "set-aside" provision, when the court determines new government policies are unlawful. The White House immediately blasted the ruling, which it said circumvented the intent of the Supreme Court's ruling last week. The Trump administration is almost certain to quickly appeal the ruling to a higher court for emergency relief. Moss acknowledged Wednesday that the executive branch faces "enormous challenges in preventing and deterring unlawful entry" into the U.S, "and in adjudicating the overwhelming backlog" of asylum claims. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But he said neither the U.S. Constitution nor the Immigration and Nationality Act give Trump "the sweeping authority asserted in the proclamation and implementing guidance." "An appeal to necessity cannot fill that void," he said. Judges V Trump: Here Are The Key Court Battles Halting The White House Agenda A split photo of president Donald Trump and protesters demonstrating against Trump's immigration policies. ACLU attorney Lee Gelernt, who represented the plaintiffs in the April court proceedings, praised the decision as a "hugely important" victory for asylum seekers in the U.S. "Not only will it save the lives of families fleeing grave danger, it reaffirms that the president cannot ignore the laws Congress has passed and the most basic premise of our countrys separation of powers," Gelernt said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ACLU and other plaintiffs had argued that the Trump administration's 212(f) proclamation in question falsely cited an "invasion" at the southern border as a justification to deny asylum seekers protection in the U.S. "Under the proclamation, the government is doing just what Congress by statute decreed that the United States must not do," they said in a court filing earlier this year. "It is returning asylum seekers not just single adults, but families too to countries where they face persecution or torture, without allowing them to invoke the protections Congress has provided." The judge's decision was blasted by Trump adviser Stephen Miller, who described Moss as a "marxist" judge in a post on X. "To try to circumvent the Supreme Court ruling on nationwide injunctions a marxist judge has declared that all potential FUTURE illegal aliens on foreign soil (eg a large portion of planet earth) are part of a protected global "class" entitled to admission into the United States," Miller said. White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller speaks during a press briefing at the White House, Thursday, May 1, 2025, in Washington. The news comes as Trump has sought to prioritize hard-line immigration policies in his second presidential term. The Supreme Court heard oral arguments earlier this year over another order Trump signed, which seeks to end birthright citizenship in the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The administration has also cracked down on deportations, invoking a 1798 wartime immigration law to more quickly send hundreds of migrants to a maximum-security prison in El Salvador earlier this year. Original article source: Obama-appointed judge strikes down Trump order preventing asylum requests, protections for illegal immigrants Last month, The New York Times editorial board urged Democratic voters in New York City against supporting mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani. With only five years under his belt as a state assemblyman, the board wrote, the 33-year-old would bring less relevant experience than perhaps any mayor in New York history. Then the anti-endorsement took aim at his policy positions, such as rent freezes and city-owned grocery stores. Mamdani, a member of the Democratic Socialists of America, was running on an agenda uniquely unsuited to the citys challenges and too often ignores the unavoidable trade-offs of governance. Voters didnt appear to agree. Mamdani handily won the Democratic nomination for mayor, as the official tabulation of ranked-choice votes confirmed on Tuesday. Now, the question is whether Mamdani can actually implement his campaign promises. In a speech on election night, Mamdani cited the very agenda that the Times editorial board decried as the reason for his success. If this campaign has demonstrated anything to the world, it is that our dreams can become reality, he said. But winning the nomination, while a significant victory, is only the first step in the process of dreams becoming reality. First, Mamdani must win a crowded general election, in which candidates will include current Mayor Eric Adamswho is running as an independentand potentially former Governor Andrew Cuomo, who came second in the Democratic primary and will remain on the November ballot. Mamdani is still facing skepticism from the states leading Democratic officials, including Governor Kathy Hochul, and has yet to earn the explicit support of the business community, which largely preferred Cuomo. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mamdanis success is a testament to the coalition he was able to build in his campaign, said Christina Greer, an associate professor of political science at Fordham University, but she added that he hasnt been tested as of yet, beyondI would argueten-minute sound bites. Weve seen remarkable campaigning, which I think for many people is a signal to the organization and discipline that we could see in governance, continued Greer. But we know that the campaign phase is not the governance space. Mamdanis policy agenda is largely focused on affordability. He has proposed creating a city-owned grocery store in each borough; making city buses free; instituting free childcare for children between six months and five years old; and freezing rents for New Yorkers living in rent-stabilized apartments. He has also proposed raising the corporate tax rate and taxing the wealthiest 1 percent of New Yorkers an additional 2 percent. While his proposal on freezing rents could be accomplished on a city level by making appointments to the Rent Guidelines Board, other proposals would require approval from the state legislature and governor in Albany. The Rent Guidelines Board, whose current members were appointed by Adams, on Monday approved a hike on rent-stabilized apartments of at least 3 percent, a move Mamdani condemned. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another one of Mamdanis housing-related prioritiesbuilding 200,000 units of affordable housingwould mean the city must borrow $70 billion, exceeding its debt limit and requiring a vote from the state legislature. The legislature would also need to pass a measure to raise taxes on corporations and the wealthy, which Hochul would need to signand Hochul has expressed disinterest in the plan. Im focused on affordability, and raising taxes on anyone does not accomplish that, she said in a news conference last week. State legislators would need to approve Mamdanis plan to implement free buses, as the Metropolitan Transportation Authority is a state-run agency. One of Mamdanis signature achievements in the Assembly was a 2023 pilot program that made five bus lines free for one year; however, the legislature did not extend the program. Mamdani has estimated that making all of New York Citys bus lines free would cost around $700 million, but his government and Albany would need to negotiate on whether that cost fell on the city or on the MTA. Janno Lieber, the chair of the MTA, had been critical of the pilot program, saying it sent the wrong message when the city was trying to focus on fare evasion. Nonetheless, in an interview with NPR on Monday, Mamdani said that the reason that I put forward this agenda is not only because its urgent, but because its feasible, citing the lapsed pilot program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It wasnt simply about economic relief. Its also about public safety, the fact that assaults on bus drivers went down by 38.9 percent through this pilot, the fact that we actually saw an increase in riders who had previously been driving a car or taking a taxi, reducing congestion around those same routes, Mamdani argued. Susan Kang, an associate professor of political science at John Jay College of Criminal Justice and a Mamdani supporter, contended that the nominees experience as an activist would allow him to mobilize his supporters if he is elected mayor, and they in turn would put pressure on state legislators to approve his priorities. Because they have this modelthis insider-outsider, grassroots organizing model of politics like the DSAthat would be a continuation of how a future mayor Mamdani would govern. Not just like, Im on high, Im your decision maker, Im the mayor, but rather the whole model of a socialist, which is obviously to bring as many people as possible into the process, Kang said. This is not dissimilar to an argument Mamdani himself made in the interview with NPR. What weve seen is that these policies Im speaking to you about, they are not just policies that people are voting for, incidentally, while theyre voting for me. Theyre voting for this platform, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This principle would also apply to Mamdanis negotiations with the City Council on the budget, Kang said, adding that she believed Mamdani would not pursue a dictatorial governance model, but instead attempt to build strong, majoritarian support among constituents and the residents of New York, so that way City Council will feel that this is the right thing to do. New York City Council member Justin Brannan argued that Mamdanis success had already helped pave the way for Eric Adams, the current mayor, to reach a deal with the Council on the budget for fiscal year 2026. He told Politico that things that the council had been fighting for many years suddenly became more important. Last week, Adams and City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams (no relation) reached a deal on a $116 billion budget that would include a pilot program to provide free child care for low-income children under age two. But beyond earning support from city and state legislators, perhaps the greatest threat to Mamdanis effectiveness as mayor would come from Washington. On Sunday, President Donald Trump warned that he could cut funding to the city if Mamdani doesnt behave himself should be elected mayor. If he does get in, Im going to be president, and hes going to have to do the right thing, or theyre not getting any money. Hes got to do the right thing, or theyre not getting any money, Trump said in an interview with Fox News host Maria Bartiromo. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The federal government provides more than $100 billion to the city through different institutions like the New York City Housing Authority and benefits like Medicaid, according to a December report by the city comptroller. Nearly 8 percent of the citys operating budget for fiscal year 2025around $9.6 billioncame from federal funds. Only around 6 percent of Adamss budget proposal for fiscal year 2026 relied on federal spending, but the state comptroller warned in an April report that these funds could be subject to cuts by the Trump administration. On top of that, cuts to benefits like Medicaid, nutrition programs, and education programs like Head Start would devastate the citys low-income residents. Even if Mamdani was able to convince Albany of the efficacy of his ideas, Washington is another matter, said Greer. While many of these ideas could possibly work under a Biden administration, we see how the federal government right now is slashing so many different programs to cities especially, [and] how will these really innovative ideas be paid for is the larger question I think a lot of people have, she said. Moreover, Mamdani may have a limited time to enact his agenda, given that the next statewide elections will occur in 2026, when Republicans could possibly gain either the governorship or one or both chambers of the legislature. GOP candidate Lee Zeldin came within throwing distance of unseating Hochul in the 2022 election, and New York swung towards Trump in the 2024 presidential election, raising the specter of a future state government even more hostile to Mamdani. Mamdanis ambitious agenda bears similarities to that of former New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, who worked with Albany to implement a universal prekindergarten program. But Greer noted that the state and federal political situation in 2014, when de Blasio entered office, and in subsequent years was not analogous to that of today. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even during the first Trump years, there was nothing like what were experiencing now with the massive gutting of the federal government. So Mamdani is entering into a very different New York City, because hes entering into a very different relationship with the federal government, said Greer. However, de Blasio had a famously antagonistic relationship with Cuomo, who was governor at the time. But in a February interview with the New York Editorial Boarda group of New York journalists on Substack who interviewed each mayoral candidateMamdani noted that despite their mutual distaste, the two were nonetheless able to negotiate issues such as universal pre-K. Similarly, Mamdani said, he was not trying to win as one man crossing the finish line, but instead as a candidate who would use his bully pulpit as mayor to every single day make the case as to why our agenda needs to be enacted in Albany. I want people to know that when they vote for me, theyre voting for these issues, Mamdani said. So that when elected and I go to Albany, its clear to everyone that Im fighting for these things and that the votes that they see across New York City are not necessarily die-hard for Zohran specifically as an individual, but are die hard for freezing the rent, for making buses fast and free, and for bringing universal child care. US-based fruit and vegetables business Del Monte Foods is seeking a buyer after entering Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings. This is a strategic step forward for Del Monte Foods. After a thorough evaluation of all available options, we determined a court-supervised sale process is the most effective way to accelerate our turnaround and create a stronger and enduring Del Monte Foods, Greg Longstreet, the companys president and CEO, said in a statement yesterday (1 July). Del Monte Foods, owned since 2014 by Singapore and Philippines-listed Del Monte Pacific, has secured a commitment from its lenders for $912.5m in debtor-in-possession financing to keep the business going while a potential suitor is sought. It includes $165m in new funding, which is subject to court approval. That approval applies to the US Bankruptcy Court for the District of New Jersey where the Chapter 11 application has been filed, according to the statement. In a separate notice, Del Monte Pacific clarified its non-US subsidiaries, including those in Latin America, are not included in the bankruptcy proceedings of Del Monte Foods at this time and continue to operate as usual. It added the Chapter 11 does not relate to the parent business nor that of Del Monte Philippines. Meanwhile, Del Monte Foods said it is pursuing a value-maximising sale process as part of an overall strategic balance-sheet restructuring. To that end, the company has entered a so-called restructuring support agreement (RSA) with certain of its creditors to pursue a going-concern sale process for all or substantially all of its assets. With an improved capital structure, enhanced financial position and new ownership, we will be better positioned for long-term success," Longstreet said in the statement. Del Monte Foods is best known for its namesake brand of canned fruit and vegetables. Kitchen Basics, a manufacturer of broths and stocks, was acquired in 2022 from fellow US food business McCormick & Co. Its other brands feature Joyba teas, Contadina and Take Root Organics canned tomatoes, College Inn broths and stocks, and S&W, another line of canned fruits and veg, along with dressings and sauces. While Del Monte Pacific does not break down the performance of Del Monte Foods in its financial report filings, Longstreet said in the statement the business has faced challenges, which he added have been intensified by a dynamic macroeconomic environment. No inclination of what was to come was provided by Del Monte Foods last month when it announced the upcoming closure of its fruit products manufacturing plant in the city of Yakima, Washington state. The decision impacts 51 workers. Ohio Senate President Matt Huffman, R-Lima, speaks with reporters. (Photo by Graham Stokes for Ohio Capital Journal. Republish photo only with original story.) In the aftermath of the ruling by Franklin County Common Pleas Court Judge Jaiza Page that the Ohio universal school voucher program is unconstitutional, some public school advocates have an idea for Ohio House Speaker Matt Huffman and his Republican colleagues: Enroll in a Science of Reading class. It is beyond ironic that lawmakers like Huffman mandated a prescriptive reading program like Science of Reading and required teachers to complete professional development in the program by June 30, 2025, yet ignored the clear and unambiguous written language in the Ohio Constitution that formed the basis for the anti-voucher lawsuit that was just decided in the Franklin County court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Science of Reading proponents in the legislature and elsewhere, please process this passage at the literal level of reading comprehension: Ohio Constitution, Article VI, Section 2 The General Assembly shall make such provisions, by taxation, or otherwise, as, with the income arising from the school trust fund, will secure a thorough and efficient system of common schools throughout the state; but no religious or other sect, or sects, shall ever have any exclusive right to, or control of, any part of the school funds of this state. In the reading process (no science here), we should extract the main idea of the passage to mean that taxes raised by the legislature are for the purpose of maintaining a system of common (public) schools and not religious schools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the literal level of comprehension in the reading process, the term system, according to the Google machine, means an interconnecting framework and the very example given for this definition is the public school system. What seems bizarre about the actions of the Ohio legislature in creating the universal voucher program is that the very folks who were so obsessed with mandating a specific instructional approach to the teaching of reading did not comprehend that there is no inferential level to be deployed in the straightforward text of the states constitution. Former lawmaker Stephen Dyer succinctly framed Judge Pages reasoning in making her decision for the plaintiffs: It creates a separate, uncommon school system It prevents the state from fully funding its own public school system It gives control over taxpayer money to religious schools, which is expressly forbidden in the Ohio Constitution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Astute readers will note that the judges reasoning as sketched in the three points above is centered in the clear l851 prose found in Article VI. By doing so, the merits of the case can be separated by the plethora of extraneous distractors crafted by voucher proponents that include such terms as scholarships, school choice, a matter of social justice, and money should follow the student. Textualists and Original Intent scholars please note: None of those words or terms are found in the Ohio Constitution. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE In making its findings, the court found that the private school voucher program, in violation of the constitution, created a system of uncommon private schools, provides a religion or other sect control of, a part of the school funds of Ohio, and that providing private and religious schools an unknown amounts of public revenueis not thorough and efficient. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a way to add perspective to her findings, Judge Page in her opinion did sketch some earlier attempts to amend Article VI, Section 2. A delegate at the 1873 Constitutional Convention made a motion to delete the phrase but no religious or other sect, or sects, shall ever have any exclusive right to, or control of, any part of the school funds of this state. However, another delegate at the convention took exception, and Judge Page noted in her narrative that his words composed more than 150 years ago in opposition to the proposed amendment were added into the official record: (T)he object of the amendment becomes apparent; it is to leave the Constitution so crippled that the various religious denominations may divide the common school fund among them, for the support of sectarian schools. Inasmuch as the vast majority of state private school voucher funds have been snapped up to further undermine the fiscal needs of the states public schools, the 1873 attempt to delete a key portion of the state constitutions prohibition against funding religious schools should be instructive when this case, as expected, moves to the appellate stage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuit was led by William Phillis, the executive director of the Ohio Coalition for Equity and Adequacy of School Funding, with support from nearly half of the school districts in the state. In a statement after the Coalitions victory in the Franklin County court, Phillis posted this brief statement: The Constitution of Ohio is very clear. The General Assembly is responsible for a thorough and efficient system of common schools. It is illegal for the state to tax Ohioans for private school ventures. In the meantime, June 30 is the expiration date for teachers to complete their professional development training in the Science of Reading. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speaker Huffman, Ohio Senate Education Committee Chair Andrew Brenner and other school voucher proponents can always enroll in the Science of Reading professional development training that they mandated for teachers to attend. As a result, Huffman, Brenner, et. al. may then be better equipped in the future to approach textual language in their work and thus know that when it comes to reading comprehension, there is a difference between a literal and inferential response to text. They may also learn that there is no science required in reading clear prose that was crafted in 1851, and understanding the main idea in the text. Huffman said in 2023 about Ohio Republican lawmakers that we can kind of do what we want. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those who support education as a public good challenge his assertion and will continue to oppose the unconstitutional school voucher program. A Franklin County judge has determined that when it comes to reading and comprehending the constitution, these same lawmakers must recognize that respect for the law must start with themselves. In the meantime, Ohio lawmakers should consider Science of Reading training. It might help the state avoid future lawsuits and deter them from kind of doing what they want. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Ohio's Congressional delegation appears poised to vote along party lines on President Donald Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill," with one potential wildcard. The U.S. House of Representatives is debating the domestic package that would make permanent tax cuts, slash Medicaid and add over $3 trillion to the national debt over a decade. The bill narrowly passed the Senate on July 1 with a starring role from an Ohioan: Vice President JD Vance cast the tie-breaking vote. Now supporters are trying to reach their self-imposed deadline of getting it through the House in time for Independence Day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democrats appear united in their opposition to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Republicans are largely supportive, but Ohio. Rep. Warren Davidson, R-Troy, is among the few potential holdouts. Davidson has not said how he will vote. Here's what Ohio's 15 representatives have said about their intentions to vote. Warren Davidson, R-Troy, opposes adding to the federal debt Davidson was one of two House Republicans who voted against a version of the bill in May. At the time, Davidson said he was voting against the bill for increasing the deficit. In a post on X on June 29, Davidson continued to express concern about the bill adding to the federal debt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Rep. Davidson is still reviewing the text and will decide on his vote once he has reviewed it in its entirety," Davidson's spokesman, Christian Rehder, said in an email. Our federal debt is currently $37 trillion. The standard budget window is 10 years and BBB raised the debt limit by $5 trillion. What do you expect the federal debt to be 10 years from now? Warren Davidson (@WarrenDavidson) June 30, 2025 Many Ohio Republicans express support for putting 'American families first' Multiple Congress members from Ohio expressed enthusiasm for the Big Beautiful Bill, both when a version passed the House on May 22 and more recently. Rep. Mike Carey, R-Columbus, wrote in an opinion column published in The Dispatch that he is working to preserve the 2017 tax cuts, a measure in the Big Beautiful Bill. Carey said on X on July 1, "We are closing in on the finish line. It's time to pass the One Big Beautiful Bill and prevent the largest tax increase in American history." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Dave Taylor, R-Amelia, said on X on June 29 that Congress should pass the Big Beautiful Bill "ASAP." "The One Big Beautiful Bill protects family farmers. It will prevent the Death Tax from hitting family farms and allow them to be passed along to the next generation," Taylor said. The One Big Beautiful Bill protects family farmers. It will prevent the Death Tax from hitting family farms and allow them to be passed along to the next generation. The OBBB will right this wrong and Congress should pass it ASAP. Representative Dave Taylor (@RepDaveTaylor) June 30, 2025 Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Urbana, said on July 1 on Facebook: "President Trumps One Big Beautiful Bill delivers the LARGEST tax cut for middle and working class Americans in American history. Why are Democrats opposed?" Rep. Bob Latta, R-Bowling Green, posted on Facebook on June 24, "We need the One Big Beautiful Bill signed into law! According to (the Council of Economic Advisers), it would boost take-home pay by $11,700 for Ohio families and prevent a giant tax hike to deliver real, lasting relief." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Michael Rulli, R-Salem, went on Fox Business to laud the Senate for its work on the bill. "Hopefully, we get it on July 4 to his desk," Rulli told Fox Business. "I think that would be very patriotic. Rep. Max Miller, Rocky River-R, said on X on June 28, "Republicans in the House have been working on this bill for two years and the path forward is clear: take the savings, protect the vulnerable. Do the right thing, pass the House bill." Rep. Troy Balderson, R-Zanesville, said on X on May 22, "Today, I proudly voted to pass the One, Big Beautiful Bill, which delivers on President Trumps agenda to put American families first and set our nation on a path to prosperity." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Dave Joyce, R-South Russell, released a statement on May 22: "This legislation delivers on President Trumps agenda, which was overwhelmingly endorsed by the American people. It unleashes American energy production, invests in border security, bolsters military readiness, and extends the 2017 tax cuts. At the same time, this bill safeguards critical federal programs to ensure they work for those who need it most." Rep. Mike Turner also previously voted for the Big Beautiful Bill. He appears not to have posted recently on social media about it. His office did not immediately return an email seeking comment on how he will vote. Turner showed he is willing to break ranks with Republicans when he voted with Democrats on June 11 against a Republican bill that cut funding for public media and foreign aid. Democrats decry Big Beautiful Bill House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and other Democratic leaders gathered on the Capitol steps on July 2 to announce that their entire caucus will vote no. Ohio's five Democrats in the U.S. House have expressed strong opposition to the bill. Every single House Democrat will vote hell no. pic.twitter.com/zggOr1GSIE David Weigel (@daveweigel) July 2, 2025 Rep. Joyce Beatty, D-Columbus, will make the vote after she missed another contentious vote in June due to a medical procedure. She appeared behind Jeffries in Washington wearing an eye patch. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beatty has blasted the bill on X repeatedly. On June 27, she said the bill "rips health care from 16 million, slashes food aid, strips people of their legal right to a fair hearingand still adds to the national debt." Rep. Marcy Kaptur criticized the bill in an opinion piece for the Toledo Blade on June 26. "This bill isnt America First. It puts billionaires first and Ohioans last," she said. This Democratic Daily Download exposes how Trumps Big Ugly Bill rips health care from 16 million, slashes food aid, strips people of their legal right to a fair hearingand still adds to the national debt. @RepChuyGarcia cuts through the noise to share whats really happening. https://t.co/J3uBG0FWpE Rep. Joyce Beatty (@RepBeatty) June 27, 2025 Rep. Greg Landsman, D-Cincinnati, said on Instagram on May 20 that "this is a terrible bill." "When you take healthcare from 14 million Americans, which this bill does, people will die. When you take billions from hospitals, some will close. This is a terrible bill," Landsman said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On his podcast on June 27, Landsman again called the bill harmful. Rep. Shontel Brown, D-Warrensville Heights, posted a video to Facebook on June 26, saying the bill is actually "one big ugly bill." Rep. Emilia Sykes, D-Akron, posted a video on Instagram on July 1 opposing the bill. "This Republican reconciliation bill means that sick people wont be able to go to the doctor," Sykes said in the post. "It means that people in #OH13 will be laid off. It means that families wont be able to put food on the table. But, it does provide a large tax break for the richest 1%." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Government and politics reporter Jordan Laird can be reached at jlaird@dispatch.com. Follow her on X, Instagram and Bluesky at @LairdWrites. This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Trump's 'Big Beautiful Bill' has support from most Ohio House members (KSNF/KODE) Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kansas, and Missouri have joined 17 states supporting a legal challenge that prohibits public school libraries from having books that describe sexual acts. Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond filed an amicus brief in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit supporting Iowas challenge. Iowa, and certainly any other state, has the right to ban books and materials in public school libraries that include descriptions of sexual acts. This material is wholly inappropriate for school-age children. Decisions about content should be left with the proper decision makers the state and local officials who are accountable to the people they serve. Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond The brief states that the First Amendment does not compel public school libraries to stock library shelves with graphic depictions of sexual acts that elementary students can access without their parents knowledge or consent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The district courts refusal to recognize that public library curation decisions are government speech subverts the democratic process and will have significant negative consequences if affirmed, Drummond said in a prepared statement. Drummond said accountable officials should decide the content of public school libraries. there has been widespread media coverage and heated discussions at school-board meetings over the past several years regarding the materials that are in public libraries and public-school libraries. This controversy has made it increasingly apparent that the governmentwhether a State, county officials, public school boards, or public-library administratorsis the one deciding what books are worth adding and retaining in their library collections. UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE EIGHTH CIRCUIT PENGUIN RANDOM HOUSE LLC, et al., v. JOHN ROBBINS, President of the Iowa State Board of Educations, et al., JASON MENKE, Urbandale Community School District Board of Education, et al., The brief was also signed by the attorneys general of Arkansas, Alabama, Alaska, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah and West Virginia. In the brief, the coalition said the district court erred in issuing a preliminary injunction and freezing Iowas law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNF/KODE | FourStatesHomepage.com. Death row inmate Byron James Shepard died in January from a bleeding pancreas, an autopsy found. Shepard, 43, was confined at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary in McAlester awaiting execution for the fatal shooting of a Tecumseh police officer. He was declared dead early Jan. 14 after being taken to a hospital. The state doctor who did the autopsy reported the probable cause of death as acute hemorrhagic pancreatitis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A one-page summary of the autopsy findings was made public Wednesday, July 2, by the Office of Chief Medical Examiner. The pancreas is a gland that produces digestive enzymes and hormones like insulin. Sudden death from a bleeding pancreas is considered rare. The pathologist reported Shepard's chronic methamphetamine use, obesity and heart disease contributed to his death. In a highly publicized case, Shepard shot officer Justin Terney twice on March 26, 2017, during a traffic stop. He gave a false name to the officer and then fled through a tree line into a field. At the time, Shepard, of Okemah, was facing arrest on a concealing stolen property charge.Shepard had been a passenger in a car that was pulled over about 11:30 at night because of a defective tag light. The officer tried to stop him with a Taser as he ran. Both ended up on the ground after a shoot-out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Terney, 22, died the next day at a hospital. Shepard was treated for shots to his arm, hand, chest and groin. A jury in Pottawatomie County District Court in 2020 found Shepard guilty of first-degree murder and chose death as punishment. He claimed on appeal he had been shooting at random. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Autopsy for Oklahoma death row inmate Byron James Shepard released OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. The Oklahoma Poison Center, a program of the University of Oklahoma College of Pharmacy is asking Oklahomans to be mindful of grilling safety as 4th of July celebrations are in full effect. According to Poison Center officials, the need to stay alert to common preventable hazards this summer is a must ensuring no trip to the emergency room. Summer is made for fun, but every year we see cookouts and celebrations take a toxic turn, said Kristie Edelen, board-certified clinical toxicologist and managing director of the Oklahoma Poison Center. From food left out too long to children sipping from the wrong cup, these are real risks that can put a damper on summer fun. A quick call to the Poison Center can often prevent an emergency department trip, or worse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Poison Center say, keep fireworks locked away from children and never leave them unattended. Oklahoma City implements backyard dwellings ordinance Here are summer safety tips from the Oklahoma Poison Center: Keep It Cool Literally Bacteria multiply quickly in the summer heat. Foods like mayo-based salads, undercooked meats, and dairy dishes can cause serious foodborne illnesses if not properly chilled or cooked. When in doubt, throw it out. Watch Those Drinks Alcoholic beverages, fruity cocktails and spiked popsicles may look and taste appealing to young children. Store drinks up high and away from curious hands. Even small amounts can cause dangerous drops in blood sugar or slowed breathing in kids. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Grill Smarter Lighter fluid, charcoal starters and propane can pose serious poisoning risks if swallowed or inhaled. Never store these products near food or drinks and keep them in their original containers to avoid confusion. Spray Safe Bug sprays, citronella candles and sunscreen are summer staples, but using them incorrectly can lead to eye irritation, skin reactions or even poisoning. Apply repellent and sunscreen separately. Wash hands after use, and never spray near food or open flames. Fireworks and Sparklers: Pretty but Perilous We want Oklahomans to enjoy every minute of summer, without any dangerous detours, Edelen said. A two-minute call to the Oklahoma Poison Center can turn a potential emergency into a safe memory. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Oklahoma Poison Center is available 24/7 call 1-800-222-1222 for free, confidential advice. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. A University of Oklahoma alum was wrongfully imprisoned and detained in April for two months. At his homecoming party, Sen. Lisa Standridge, R-Norman, joined their celebration after working for his release. Paul Chambers was imprisoned and detained in Thailand following false claims that he insulted the country's monarchy while he lived and worked in Thailand as a professor and researcher. His visa and work permit were revoked when he was arrested in April, and he was allowed to leave the country after spending two months in detention in June. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Standridge and her office worked closely with Chambers' family and members of the Oklahoma federal delegation to advocate for and support his eventual release. From left, Rob Standridge, Paul Chambers and Sen. Lisa Standridge, R-Norman, on June 27 celebrate Chambers' return to Oklahoma after being wrongfully arrested in Thailand for two months at a homecoming celebration. Pauls story is chilling and serves as a poignant reminder of the freedoms we often take for granted here in America, Standridge said. His safe return would not have been possible without the unwavering determination of his mother, Peggy, and his brother, Kit. Their strength, love and perseverance brought him home. I was proud to stand with them as they fought for justice for Paul. Standridge attended a welcome home reception for Chambers on Friday, June 27, where she met him for the first time. As he returned home ahead of the Fourth of July holiday, he says he has a new perspective on the independence behind the American holiday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: Oklahoma Supreme Court rules tribal citizens on reservations must pay state taxes "Having been released from false imprisonment abroad and returned home, I now find myself strongly aware of the freedoms inherent in America, which on Independence Day I strongly celebrate," Chambers said. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoman returns home after wrongful Thailand imprisonment HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) Ollies Bargain Outlet just announced that it has opened its first-ever store location in the state of Nebraska. According to Ollies, the Harrisburg-Headquartered company has officially opened its newest store in Omaha, Nebraska, on Wednesday, July 2. The new opening marks their first location to debut in Pennsylvania. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Local Business Beat Like many other Ollies stores, the new location will offer bargains on books, flooring, food, housewares, toys, electronics, stuff for your bedroom and bathroom, health and beauty products, pet supplies, and more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are excited to open our first store in the great state of Nebraska, where the folks have been so good to us, Eric van der Valk, President and Chief Executive Officer of Ollies Bargain Outlet, said. With so many great deals, were thrilled to provide shoppers in Omaha and its surrounding areas with a treasure hunt experience where they can find a huge selection of brand-name merchandise at up to 70% off the fancy stores prices every day. Ollies says each of their new stores brings about 50 to 60 new jobs to the local community, ranging from cashiers to assistant managers. According to Ollies, they currently employ over 12,000 associates across 33 states with 599 store locations. abc27 news will keep you updated as more information becomes available. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27. To hear many smart AI observers tell it, the day of Wednesday, June 25, 2025, represented the moment when Congress started to take the possibility of advanced AI seriously. The occasion was a hearing of Congresss were worried about China committee (or, more formally, the Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party) focused on the US-China AI competition. Members of both parties used the event to express concern that was surprisingly strident and detailed about the near-term risks posed by artificial general intelligence (AGI) or even artificial superintelligence (ASI). This story was first featured in the Future Perfect newsletter. Sign up here to explore the big, complicated problems the world faces and the most efficient ways to solve them. Sent twice a week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Jill Tokuda (D-HI) expressed fear of loss of control by any nation-state that could give rise to an independent AGI or ASI actor threatening all nations. Rep. Nathaniel Moran (R-TX) predicted, AI systems will soon have the capability to conduct their own research and development, and asked about the risks that might pose. Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-SD) declared, Anybody who doesnt feel urgency around this issue is not paying attention. Shakeel Hashim of Transformer, one of the best reporters working on AI today, summarized the hearing this way: Washington seems to finally be waking up to the potential arrival of AGI and the many risks that could accompany it. Peter Wildeford of the Institute for AI Policy and Strategy headlined his post on the hearing, Congress Has Started Taking AGI More Seriously. Yet even as that hearing was unfolding, the Senate was frantically putting the finishing touches on the One Big Beautiful Bill, the gargantuan deficit-exploding legislation to cut taxes, boost military and border spending, and cut to the bone various social programs. As part of their effort, culminating in Senate passage on Tuesday, Republican senators managed to worsen some of the safety net cuts in the House version of the bill and tried (unsuccessfully, thank goodness) to add a new tax on clean energy that could make building the energy-hungry data centers AI requires substantially more expensive. The negotiations were a reminder that, even as some parts of Congress have finally started to appear to take AI seriously, others are on autopilot and taking a series of actions that will make the US less competitive on, and less prepared for, the future of AI. Recapping the beautiful bill As I wrote a month ago, the One Big Beautiful Bill, in general, is not the work of policymakers who take the possibility of powerful AI seriously. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The House-passed provision stripping broadband funding from states that regulate AI suggested its authors do not think AI will be a sufficiently important technology that will need to be regulated the way telephones, electrical transmission, the internet, and other major technological breakthroughs have always been by state and local governments. Luckily, the Senate voted to strip this provision from its version of the bill on Monday night, but that hardly means the rest of the bill is harmless. The bills cuts to, and imposition of new work requirements upon, safety net programs, such as Medicaid and SNAP (aka food stamps), suggest the authors do not take the risk of automation-caused job loss at all seriously. If huge numbers of Americans are about to be displaced from their jobs due to technological advancements, the last thing we ought to do is condition more support programs on work. Yet that is exactly what the bill does, and the Senate version is in many ways worse than the House one. While the Medicaid work requirements in the House bill only apply to adults without children, the Senate bill extends them to parents with children 14 and over. It cuts Medicaid funding to states by changes to policies called provider taxes. Its food stamp work requirements are slightly less stringent than the Houses, but both bills open the door to states opting out of the food stamps program entirely if they so choose. How does this connect to a future with far more powerful AI? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Imagine you lose your job as an Uber driver because of the increased popularity of Waymo and other self-driving services. You suddenly have no income. If, like most Americans, you live in a state that expanded Medicaid as part of Obamacare, you will be eligible for free health coverage as well as food stamps to help with grocery costs while you get back on your feet. But this bill changes that. Your state might not offer you food stamps at all, and if it does, both them and your health coverage could lapse if you dont swiftly get a new job, which will be that much harder in a world where AI eats up more and more labor. This is not what a smart policy for people displaced by advances in AI looks like. The Trump energy drought But perhaps the most important AI-related changes to the Senate bill are found on the energy side. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The House bills cuts to sources like nuclear and geothermal, which can produce the constant stream of power needed for fueling data centers and AI model training, were so severe that even Energy Secretary Chris Wright asked for them to be tapered back. The Senate version indeed tapered those back a bit by allowing credits for projects that start construction before 2034, a few years later than the House deadlines. But it makes up for that by repealing wind and solar credits faster. In the House bill, wind and solar companies had to be operational by the end of 2028; in the Senate version, by the end of 2027. In its initial form, the Senate bill would have taken another hatchet to wind and solar by actively taxing them, proposing a provision to tax wind and solar farms coming online after 2027 if they use components from China. The thing is that essentially every wind and solar farm uses components from China, given how dominant that country is in supply chains for these sources, and that will not change any time soon. The energy tax was struck from the final version of the Senate bill. But its repeal of wind and solar credits remains a threat to AI as an industry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For one thing, the bill makes everyones electricity, including that for AI training, more expensive. The Rhodium Group modeled an earlier, less severe version of the bill and found it would increase energy costs for industry by 4 percent to 6 percent annually. Most of this comes in the form of increased spending on fossil fuels. Because the economic case for new wind and solar production is so much worse, natural gas and coal will have to be a bigger part of the energy mix, and because they can be more expensive than renewables, that pushes up costs. Wind and solar are intermittent sources (its not always windy, its not always sunny), which is not ideal for projects that need constant power, such as data centers. But with the addition of batteries, wind and solar can provide more constant wattage, and sure enough, data center users like Google have bet on wind/solar-plus-batteries as an energy source for their facilities. More to the point, AI is moving very quickly, and the buildout of these data centers and their power sources has to happen fast. Nuclear can provide clean baseload electricity, but the two most recent nuclear plants in the US took a decade to come online. Enhanced geothermal, the kind that can be installed anywhere and not just in seismically active places like Iceland, is still years away from deployment at scale, despite big recent strides. Solar/wind plus batteries is a technology that can be deployed fast. The Solar Energy Industries Association (hardly a disinterested actor, but I think its right on this) found that while solar and wind plants take on average less than two years from conception to coming online (as do battery plants), natural gas can take twice as long and coal three times. Small wonder that in 2024, 93 percent of new power capacity in the US last year came from solar, batteries, or wind. Its just about the only electricity source you can get up quickly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you cant get fast, clean energy anymore, because Trumps policies have made it uneconomical, then AI firms are going to have to rely on slow-to-build, dirtier energy. There is a huge shortage of natural gas turbines in the US right now, with waiting times doubling in the past year. That shortage will get worse if the tax bill shifts demand currently aiming for wind and solar toward natural gas. That will, in turn, slow the data center buildout. No one wins It might be tempting, if youre skeptical of AIs benefits or worried about its risks, to think that this is a positive. Theyre slowing down progress, and progress in this field could be dangerous. I fear this is failing to think an extra step ahead. The most likely result isnt that no data centers get built, but that they get built in countries that do subsidize solar, wind, and batteries. It would be very good news indeed for China, for one thing, whose AI firms would gain a great opportunity to match US labs, which theyre not too far behind as it is. It would also be very good news for the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, which are putting huge amounts of oil money behind data center projects for AI firms, projects that inevitably will be subject to the pressures of these dictatorships. The bill would not increase AI safety. It would simply cede leadership in the race to China, and/or force the US to rely on dirty energy and worsen climate impacts to keep up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you put a bill before Congress stating that it is the policy of the United States to fall behind China in AI development and to put American firms like Google, OpenAI, and Anthropic at a disadvantage to Chinese companies like DeepSeek, Tencent, and Huawei, it would get no votes. But this is effectively what the One Big Beautiful Bill is offering. What Congress seems ready to pass is less an industrial policy than an industrial suicide note. It is truly beyond me that any members of the House or Senate, let alone majorities, are signing it. The most powerful man in the world and the richest man in the world squared off again this week as the One Big Boondoggle finally made its way through the Senate, where Vice President J.D. Vance cast the tie-breaking vote. After Elon Musk wrote a number of provocative posts about it on X, Donald Trump finally weighed in on Truth Social, threatening to destroy Musks businesses and later telling the press that his former bestie shouldnt be playing that game with him. And then he went even further. Musk has been apoplectic about the deficit and raising the debt ceiling for months. The first big blow up between the two came just a few days after Musks rather tepid send-off in the Oval Office. He exploded on X, calling Trumps Big Beautiful Bill a disgusting abomination and shaming the House Republicans who voted for it: you know you did wrong. You know it. In response, Trump said Musk was just mad because the bill repeals the electric vehicle (EV) mandate and subsidies, and then things escalated from there, culminating with Musk accusing Trump of hiding the Epstein files because he is in them and Trump firing back that Musk is big time drug addict. It was glorious. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The two former BFFs decided to call a ceasefire, but Musk just cant get past his dismay at the legislation. On Monday, he fired off another post decrying all the insane spending and declaring that America has become a one-party country the PORKY PIG PARTY! Later that day, Musk called for a new political party that actually cares about the people and vowed to back primary challengers against every Republican who voted for it. On Tuesday, in a move that surely made Trumps head explode, Musk indicated he would donate to the reelection campaign of GOP Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky, one of the presidents biggest critics within the party. (Trump has threatened a primary challenger for Massie, and on June 22 he launched a MAGA super PAC targeting the congressman.) Having found that cutting spending is easier said than done, Musk apparently thought Republicans in Congress would rebel and refuse to raise the debt ceiling, slashing spending in this budget even more than they did. Trump finally responded to Musk on Tuesday, claiming in a Truth Social post that the billionaire is only upset about the EV mandate and threatening to sic DOGE on his subsidies. In a press gaggle on the south lawn of the White House, he called DOGE the monster that might have to go back and eat Elon. If all of this sounds like more childish tantrums from two very spoiled rich and powerful men with poor impulse control, well, it is. Its possible, but highly unlikely, that Musk will spend the kind of money it will take to start a third party, and hes certainly not going to primary every Republican who voted for the bill. But its quite interesting that this rift seems to have made him start to question some of his naive assumptions about politics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For instance, Musk seems to have belatedly realized that the Republicans have decided to Make America Great Again by being stuck in the past. He labeled the Senate version of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act utterly insane and destructive, and said, It gives handouts to industries of the past while severely damaging industries of the future. He has also indicated some surprise at the regressiveness of Trumps tax cuts and asserted that a provision of the bill later removed by the Senate parliamentarian rescinding funding for enforcing contempt of court orders would have enabled many other abuses of power by the President. Musks new role as Trump critic seems to have him reassessing his past views and actions. He threw cold water on a popular right-wing conspiracy theory that undocumented workers are receiving health care thats denied to American citizens. Musk even admitted he shouldnt have wielded that chainsaw because it lacked empathy. (Theres still no word on whether his actual destruction of the U.S. Agency for International Development, or USAID, which a new study estimates could cause 14 million more deaths in the next five years, lacks empathy.) Has Musk suddenly become enlightened? Its unlikely. As an immigrant himself, one might have thought Musk would have possessed some empathy for the immigrants being terrorized by Trumps draconian mass deportation policy. But as far as we know hes still a big believer in replacement theory, which holds that Democrats are importing foreigners to replace the real meaning white Americans, destroy the culture and seize permanent political power. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Musk might want to rethink that one too especially since it was reported this week that the Justice Department has plans to revoke the citizenship of naturalized citizens who commit certain crimes. The new memo urges U.S. attorneys to prioritize cases involving a potential danger to national security, but it also gives them latitude to target other cases [determined] to be sufficiently important to pursue. Since Musk is still very much involved in national security, he might want to watch his back. Trump said on Tuesday that he would take a look at deporting Musk. The president later threatened to deport Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic nominee for mayor of New York City, who was born in Uganda and is a naturalized citizen. From these and other remarks by the president, its quite clear that citizenship is no longer any guarantee of being free from the threat of deportation. Trump said as much yesterday maybe thatll be the next job after he toured the so-called Alligator Alcatraz, a new migrant detention camp in Florida that is surrounded by swampland. Hes now threatening to deport anyone he doesnt like, basically. Trump, of course, is not going to deport the richest man in the world. He wants Musk to keep his money here, even if Trump personally cant stand him anymore. (And if he tried, Musk could just buy himself an island somewhere and relocate his businesses to a friendlier country.) But its telling that Trump feels free to openly threaten Musk with it anyway. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its always tempting to assume that the president is just popping off like that proverbial old guy at the end of the bar who rants about what hed do if he were in charge. But Trump actually is in charge, and it pays to remember that as he celebrates the possibility of immigrants being eaten alive if they try to escape the Florida detention center, he once also proposed building an alligator-filled moat along his beloved border wall. At this point, I wouldnt bet against Trump following through with any of his ruthless, inhumane policies. When it comes to that sort of thing, its promises made, promises kept. The post As the One Big Boondoggle passes the Senate, Trump and Musk square off again appeared first on Salon.com. Delegat Group has formally appointed Murray Annabell as its new chief executive officer, effective from today (1 July). He was made acting CEO earlier this year, following the departure of managing director Steve Carden at the end of January. Annabell has been with the New Zealand-based winemaker for over 20 years, including the last 13 years as chief financial officer, according to a New Zealand stock exchange filing. According to the Oyster Bay brand owner, he has had "a pivotal role in shaping Delegats financial strategy and supporting our senior leadership team". In a statement, the company's chair Jim Delegat said after an external search, we are thrilled Murray has accepted the Chief Executive Officer position. "Murrays extensive knowledge of our business and the global wine industry, combined with his proven leadership, are critical to the companys continued success at this important time. Riki Maden, currently group financial controller, will take the position of acting chief financial officer whilst Delegat looks for a replacement. In April, the Barossa Valley Estate maker lowered its profit forecast for 2025, blaming the impact of US tariffs on sales. In a New Zealand stock exchange filing at the time, the company said the US move to place a 10% tariff on all imports into the country had led to significant uncertainty expressed by our US distributors regarding forward shipments for Q4 (April June 2025). This uncertainty has led to a revised global case sales and profit guidance, it said. Delegat cut its projection on operating net profit after tax to $47-50m for the FY25 year, down from the previous forecast of $55-60m. Delegats financial year ends on 30 June. It is also projecting global case sales of 3,182,000 for the year, a 5% fall from prior estimates and 12% lower than previous years sales. "Delegat Group names Murray Annabell permanent CEO" was originally created and published by Just Drinks, a GlobalData owned brand. A person was killed Tuesday night and another was seriously injured after a crash in Jacksonville Beach, according to the police department. JBPD says officers responded to the one-car crash at J. Turner Butler Boulevard West near Sanctuary Parkway around 7:54 P.M. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] One person was reportedly pronounced dead at the scene, while another was critically injured and taken to Memorial Hospital. The right lane was closed Tuesday night as first responders worked. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Kharkiv Oblast Military Administration reported on the night of 1-2 July on the aftermath of a Russian drone attack on the Kupiansk district which had resulted in one death and one injury. Source: Oleh Syniehubov, Head of Kharkiv Oblast Military Administration, on Telegram Details: Syniehubov stated that warehouse buildings, hay bales and two minibuses on the territory of an agricultural business caught fire in the village of Borivske, which, according to early reports, had been attacked by five Geran-2 (Shahed-136) drones. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quote: "The fire, which has now been contained, extended over an area of 800 sq m. Sadly, one person was killed and another injured." Details: Early reports indicate that the village of Voloska Balakliia was also attacked by five Russian Geran drones. Structural elements of a warehouse building on the territory of an agricultural business caught fire due to the attack. Syniehubov added that the fire had been extinguished. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! For Gaston County resident Diane Monico, a federal funding cut took away her grocery money. My budgets gonna be tough, she said. If I have food, I have food. If I dont, I dont. Monico is one of 1,054 people in North Carolina employed by the Senior Community Services Employment Program a federal initiative placing disadvantaged adults aged 55 and older into part-time community service assignments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nearly 50,000 workers employed through the SCSEP program across the country were furloughed Tuesday. Funding is delayed until the U.S. Department of Labor releases grant documents for the program year, which was set to begin July 1. And its not just North Carolina. The Indiana Department of Workforce Development sent a similar message to its seniors, which said that SCSEP participants cannot receive unemployment benefits and that job seekers cant report to their training site to even volunteer, the Ball State Daily News reported. NCDHHS is in regular communication with our federal partners and hopeful we will receive the funds for this critical program that serves one of North Carolinas most vulnerable populations, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services said in an emailed statement to The Charlotte Observer. NC seniors unemployment Seniors generally have a lower unemployment rate than younger people 1.6% in North Carolina compared to 3.5% nationally because many are retired or have more experience with their employer and thus less likely to be fired. But these headline numbers dont account for the small population of seniors who are currently having trouble finding a job, said Andrew Berger-Gross, an economist for the North Carolina Department of Labor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are a lot of older people that are in very happy and successful careers. There are a lot of older people who are very happily retired, he said. But theres also a group that are out there looking for work, and we cant forget about those folks. In order to participate in SCSEP, a senior must be unemployed and have a family income of no more than 125% of the federal poverty level. Gaston Hope in Christ Ministries Through the program, Monico worked for Gaston Hope in Christ Ministries, which just finished its 25th year providing free after school tutoring for elementary school students. The nonprofit is currently in the swing of its summer program, offering leadership and service project opportunities for 2nd to 11th graders. The ministry first registered with the program in 2016 and currently employs three SCSEP seniors. Monicos husband works as a janitor while she and her coworker both work as assistants to the after school and summer programs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Through SCSEP, employees also received workshops and training as a bridge to unsubsidized employment opportunities. Last year, Monico and her coworker took computer classes. Were having to scramble to figure out how were going to cover them, and what were going to do to our schedule and the things we will and will not be able to do without these wonderful folks, ministry director Joe Bell said. He said it will cost $3,000 out-of-pocket to fund the three SCSEP positions through the rest of the summer, which would be a huge hit for the ministry. Its really hitting home for us, Bell said. We had our meeting this morning, and I dont know if well have another meeting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The email from an SCSEP provider emphasized that the SCSEP furlough is a temporary pause in program services. But the program is part of The Older Americans Act, a federal law enacted in 1965 to aid senior Americans with living independently. The Trump administrations proposed 2026 budget for the U.S. The Department of Health and Human Services would also significantly cut other senior assistance programs, according to the National Council on Aging. Congress is trying to just, I dont know, do away with the seniors. Theyre cutting everything up with seniors, Monico said. My thing is the seniors are the ones suffering. U.S. Air Force pilots who conducted the June 22 bombing mission on Irans nuclear facilities, dubbed Operation Midnight Hammer, will be celebrated at the White Houses Fourth of July event on Friday, a White House official confirmed. The event will include a flyover of B-2 Spirit bombers, F-22 Raptors, and F-35 Lightning IIs the same aircraft used in the June 22 strikes on Irans Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan nuclear sites, according to CBS News. President Trump looks forward to celebrating our nations founding on Friday in the nations capital, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To join in the celebration, the might of Americas Air Force will conduct a flyover featuring our state-of-the-art F-22s, B-2s, and F-35s the same air capabilities used for the decisive and successful strikes on Irans nuclear facilities. The mission involved seven B-2 stealth bombers from Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri deploying 30,000-pound GBU-57 A/B Massive Ordnance Penetrator bombs on Irans underground enrichment facilities. Joint Chiefs of Staff Chair Gen. Dan Caine said the aircraft went undetected part of a plan to maintain tactical surprise. Additional personnel from Whiteman Air Force Base will also attend. President Trump, who ordered the strikes, called the mission a resounding success. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This was a devastating attack, and it knocked them for a loop, Trump said days after the operation. He reiterated his stance at last weeks NATO summit in The Hague, claiming the sites were obliterated and calling media reports to the contrary disrespectful to the pilots. You should be praising those people youre hurting those people, Trump said. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth echoed the sentiment: Call it destroyed, defeated, or obliterated this was a historically successful attack. An initial Pentagon assessment said the strikes caused major damage but likely only delayed Irans program by months. Trump and Hegseth disputed that, saying the impact could last years or decades. Following a classified briefing, senators offered mixed views. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT) said, Theres no doubt there was damage, but added, allegations that we have obliterated their program dont seem to stand up to reason. Republicans, however, described the mission as a clear success. Trump, in an interview on Fox Newss Sunday Morning Futures with Maria Bartiromo, confirmed the pilots would visit the White House, saying they are going to come to the White House without specifying a date. The Friday event will spotlight the pilots and the B-2 bombers role in the unprecedented operation. Chinas threats against Taiwan get a lot of attention. But a far more audacious plan is unfolding in Beijing. Emerging evidence drawn from internal Chinese deliberations and a leaked Russian intelligence document suggests that Chinas ambitions are pivoting north, to Siberia. This shift driven by Chinese resource hunger, geopolitical opportunism and Russias weakening grip could reshape the global order in ways the West has yet to fully grasp. Moreover, the staggering costs of invading Taiwan, and Siberias role in fueling Chinas economic growth, make the northern pivot increasingly likely by 2027. Chinas fixation on Taiwan, fueled by national pride and Xi Jinpings vision, remains a rhetorical cornerstone. However, a full-scale amphibious invasion would be a logistical and economic nightmare. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hitler was stopped by the 22-mile gap ocean between France and the U.K. The Taiwan Strait is five-times wider, and the 100-mile-wide chokepoint is heavily defended by Taiwans modernized military and backed by explicit and implicit U.S. and allied support. A comprehensive 2023 war game conducted by the Center for Strategic and International Studies concluded that a Chinese invasion would likely fail and come at a staggering cost to all parties. The study projects that in a three-week conflict, China would suffer devastating losses, including an estimated 10,000 troops killed and the loss of 155 combat aircraft and 138 major ships. The economic fallout would be catastrophic. A 2024 analysis by Bloomberg Economics estimated that a war over Taiwan would cost the world approximately $10 trillion, equivalent to 10 percent of global GDP. Taiwans dominance in semiconductor production means any disruption would cripple global supply chains, including Chinas own tech sector. These prohibitive costs, coupled with the high risk of a broader, protracted conflict with America and its allies, make a near-term invasion of Taiwan increasingly improbable. In contrast, Siberia offers a tantalizing prize with fewer immediate risks. Its vast reserves of oil, gas, gold, diamonds, rare earth minerals and fresh water are critical to sustaining Chinas resource-strapped economy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chinas arid northern provinces face chronic water scarcity. The North China Plain, an agricultural and industrial heartland, supports 20 percent of Chinas population with only 5 percent of its freshwater. Siberias Lake Baikal alone holds 20 percent of the worlds unfrozen freshwater, a resource that could be diverted to transform Chinas north. This strategic calculus is underpinned by a growing sentiment within some Chinese circles that Russia is a power in decline, unable to effectively manage or defend its resource wealth. Siberias resources could fuel Chinas projected GDP growth targets, addressing soaring energy demands China is the worlds largest crude oil importer and securing critical rare earths essential for its dominance in green technology and advanced military industries. In 2023, Chinas rare earth mining quota surged to 240,000 tons, yet its demand continues to outstrip domestic supply. Russias weakening grip enhances Siberias allure. A leaked document, purportedly from Russias Federal Security Service, has detailed Moscows deep-seated fears of Chinese demographic and economic encroachment in the Far East. Russias military, severely depleted by the protracted war in Ukraine, has reportedly diverted a significant portion of its eastern forces westward. This has left the vast, 6-million-square-mile territory of Siberia home to 30 million people dangerously under-defended. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The report, as described by The New York Times, notes an alleged increased in Chinese intelligence activity, including efforts to recruit Russian scientists, target military technology and subtly assert historical territorial claims, such as the use of the name Haishenwai for Vladivostok on official maps. These actions tap into historical grievances over the Unequal Treaties of the 19th century, through which Russia annexed vast territory from China during the Qing Dynasty. Russias eastern defenses are in a precarious state. A recent analysis by the Institute for the Study of War underscores the unsustainability of Russias equipment and personnel losses. The report explains that the high rate of attrition and the finite nature of Soviet-era stockpiles will likely lead to a point of diminishing availability of crucial military hardware by late 2025 or 2026. This systemic weakness affects the entire Russian military, including forces stationed in Siberia, which have been drawn upon to support operations in Ukraine. Reports from the region describe garrisons stripped of experienced personnel, reliant on outdated equipment and undertrained conscripts. In stark contrast, Chinas Peoples Liberation Army is a modern and technologically advanced force. It boasts hypersonic missiles, fifth-generation fighter jets and sophisticated cyber warfare capabilities that could quickly overwhelm Russias depleted eastern defenses. Furthermore, Russias economy, battered by Western sanctions and increasingly dependent on Chinese energy, lacks the capacity to meaningfully reinforce its eastern flank. With Moscows political, military and economic focus almost entirely consumed by Ukraine, it remains dangerously exposed to the strategic ambitions of its powerful neighbor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Chinese Communist Party has invested massively in military modernization with the stated goal of being ready for a major conflict by 2027. If Beijing concludes that a direct assault on Taiwan is too risky, the formidable army it has built will likely not sit idle. It will be a tool available to advance long-term Chinese strategic objectives elsewhere and Siberia presents the most obvious opportunity. Taiwan remains a long-term Chinese goal, but its conquest risks global isolation and economic collapse. Siberia, in contrast, is a stealthier, more pragmatic target. The West, distracted by the conflict in Ukraine and the persistent threat to Taiwan, is unlikely to intervene decisively in a region it has long deemed peripheral to its core interests. Russia, economically tethered to Beijing and militarily weakened, might be forced to limit its retaliation to avoid losing its most crucial trade partner. China could frame an incursion as a limited special military operation to secure vital resources and protect its economic interests, ironically mirroring Russias own playbook in Ukraine. The dire warnings from within the Russian intelligence, reportedly dismissed by a Kremlin desperate to project an image of strength and unwavering partnership with China, suggest Moscow is dangerously unprepared for Beijings audacity. John Lonergan is a Harvard MBA with substantial international business experience and the author of two books about Russian biowarfare activities, Containment and Outbreak. The third in the series, Contagion, will be released this summer and describes a possible invasion of Siberia by Chinese forces. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 February, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth fired the judge advocates general of the Army and the Air Force. The summary removals sent shockwaves through the military and wider legal community. It raised urgent questions about the future of an apolitical military and the ability of judge advocates to continue to give independent legal advice. Why the rush to remove the most senior military lawyers and why, more than four months later, do these key leadership positions remain unfilled? These are not questions for speculation. They demand answers, and Congress has the authority and responsibility to get them. National security requires the best military and legal advice possible. The nominees, once confirmed, deserve to assume office with legitimacy, not under a cloud of political suspicion. If the firings and the process to select new judge advocates general go unexamined and unanswered, the question becomes not only what happened, but why a coequal branch of government failed to find out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The selection process for new judge advocates general has been markedly different and less transparent than in the past. Previously, military departments appointed boards composed primarily of senior, non-lawyer generals and admirals warfighters to select and recommend the single best fully qualified nominee. Instead, Hegseth reportedly directed a rank-ordered list of officers from which to choose, which gave him broad discretion and opened the door to favoritism. This process was unprecedented. It demands an investigation, especially considering Hegseths previous characterization of judge advocates as roadblocks. Only recently did the administration nominate new judge advocates for the Army and Navy. The Air Force still awaits a nomination. The delay is troubling, but it gives the Senate the opportunity to exercise its constitutional duty of advice and consent on presidential nominations. Though it may be too late to reinstate those wrongfully removed, the Senate should fully inquire into their removal. This is especially warranted since Congress, to shield legal advice from interference, previously repealed the law that once allowed presidents to terminate judge advocates four-year term at any time. That presidential prerogative and service at the pleasure of the president remains authorized by statute for the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, the chief of naval operations, and other senior officials, but not for the top uniformed legal officers. The public deserves to know why Hegseth ignored this distinction and skirted the law intended to protect the independence of military legal counsel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The nominees for these positions do not usually appear at public confirmation hearings, but the firings and novel selection process demand transparency and accountability. At a minimum, Congress should require nominees to commit publicly to providing independent legal advice. This will help Congress assess their qualifications and suitability and reinforce trust in the legal integrity within the Defense Department. A public hearing also signals Congress commitment to oversight and the rule of law as crucial to national security. Amid attacks on courts and judges, a hearing would also give the administration a timely opportunity to publicly voice its own stance and commitment to independent legal advice. Importantly, Congressional action will also inform and educate the public. The delay in seating new judge advocates gives the Senate an opportunity to address the summary firings and their aftermath. This is the moment to reaffirm congressional support for the rule of law and independent legal advice in our nations armed forces. Given the recent hostilities with Iran, the need has seldom been more urgent. I strongly urge the Senate to use this moment to acknowledge and fulfill its Constitutional responsibility. Maj. Gen. John Ewers is a retired Marine officer and former staff judge advocate to the commandant of the Marine Corps. He served on the Military Justice Review Panel, a bipartisan blue-ribbon panel chartered by Congress to independently assess the operations of military justice. In April, Secretary Hegseth dismissed the panel members three years into their eight-year statutory terms. Ewers authored this commentary together with eight other former panel members from all the military services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. There is much for liberals to dislike in the massive policy package President Donald Trumps so-called Big Beautiful Bill that the Senate narrowly passed on Tuesday. Its a supercharged version of longstanding Republican priorities; the wealthy will benefit from tax cuts, while needy people will see their social safety net degraded even more thoroughly into tatters. However, a key development late in the Senate negotiations deserves celebration regardless of your politics. A House version of the bill would have prevented states from regulating artificial intelligence for the next decade. Once the bill made its way to the Senate, Sens. Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee and Ted Cruz of Texas, both Republicans, agreed that it would be a five-year ban instead. But then Blackburn withdrew her support, meaning that there would be no ban on AI regulation in the bill the Senate has sent back to the House. That means that as AI becomes ever more embedded in our lives, states can regulate it as they see fit, whether in regard to building data centers or using mortgage algorithms. The Senate did the right thing today for kids, for families and for our future by voting to strip out the dangerous 10-year ban on state A.I. laws, which had no business being in a budget bill in the first place, Jim Steyer, chief executive of Common Sense Media, said after the ban was removed from the budget bill in an astonishing 99-to-1 vote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A useful tracker compiled by the law firm Bryan Cave shows that the nation is a patchwork of AI regulations. Kansas, Wyoming and Arkansas are the only states where legislation has neither been enacted nor introduced. Utah passed a bill prohibiting mental health chatbots; in Texas, similar legislation failed. In California, you have to disclose any manipulated content (i.e., deepfakes) used for electoral purposes; Tennessee has passed the Ensuring Likeness Voice and Image Security Act (aka, the ELVIS Act; get it?), which protects voices of songwriters, performers, and celebrities from artificial intelligence and deepfakes by prohibiting the use of AI to mimic a persons voice without their permission. Im going to spare you a rundown of all 50 states you get the idea. Legislators across the country, and across the political spectrum, are grappling with what AI will mean for our society, regardless of whether your car bears a MAGA or LGBTQ bumper sticker. Why would anyone want to prevent that? Kudos to Blackburn for standing up to Big Tech, but it should not have come to this. Last I checked, the Republicans were supposed to be the party of states rights even though that call itself originated as a Jim Crow-era rallying cry to escape school desegregation and other measures related to civil rights protections for Black people. How ironic, then, that some in the GOP wanted the federal government to prevent Massachusetts and Texas from going their respective ways when it comes to tech policy. But this is about much more than politics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is true, AI could hold great promise in fields like medicine, especially when coupled with supercomputing. It may be able to perform tedious tasks, freeing us humans for more interesting and consequential stuff, like inventing new bacon-flavored cocktails. Then theres the not-so-good stuff, such as the threat of AI destroying the world. I wish that were the premise of a new Netflix series. Instead, it is the opinion of some (though by no means not all) experts on the topic. The best way to understand it emotionally is we are like somebody who has this really cute tiger cub. Unless you can be very sure that its not gonna want to kill you when its grown up, you should worry, Jeffrey Hinton, a Nobel laureate who is sometimes known as the Godfather of AI, recently told CBS News. If human history is any lesson, we will probably end up somewhere in the middle. Bad actors are already doing everything they can to undermine democracy (see Mountainhead, the new film by Succession creator Jesse Armstrong), but enough good, smart people are on the case to (hopefully) curb malign influences. Democrats love of rules is frequently mocked, and sometimes deservingly so. There is no doubt that we could over-regulate ourselves and stifle innovation, losing out to China in the process. Given how much clout Silicon Valley has come to wield on Capitol Hill, though, I fear that the opposite is more likely to come true: right-wing tech power brokers like Marc Andreessen and Elon Musk will likely do everything they can to make sure that we have as little regulation on AI as possible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats why the Senates resounding rejection of a state-level legislation moratorium was so important. Politicians in Washington may not agree on much, but they seem to understand that we are at a perilous moment for human civilization, having finally invented machines that are nearly as smart as we are. We have to get this right. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com Jimmy Swaggart, the prolific evangelist who died Tuesday at age 90, will be remembered in part for his tearful, snotty apology to his congregation in 1988 after he was linked to a prostitute. But Swaggart will be remembered not just for being an American evangelical leader who suffered a spectacular fall from grace. He will also be remembered for his fire and brimstone condemnations of LGBTQ people and people of other faith traditions that, in the 1970s and 80s, helped give rise to the religious right. A prototype for the hard-line religious leaders that influence todays Republican Party spouting hatred in the guise of Christian piety, Swaggart was one of the pastors that President Ronald Reagan aligned himself with. That offended many of the people Swaggart had defamed, including Catholics. He didnt consider Catholicism to be Christianity and in 1986 he wrote a book saying as much. His supporters might consider Swaggarts legacy to include his Family Worship Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and the worldwide television, print ministry and Bible college he created. But in my opinion, his most significant, and most troublesome, legacy includes end times conspiracies and the disdain he expressed in his Pentecostal fundamentalist preaching for Catholics, Jews and LGBTQ people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Consider the album he released, called What shall the end be: Is there really a curse on the Kennedy family? Swaggarts mix of old-time gospel, his interpretations of biblical prophecy and his evangelistic crusades spread a particular kind of fundamentalist Pentecostalism that endures today. Born in 1934 and ordained in 1961 by the Assemblies of God, Swaggart became a prolific preacher and evangelist with a bombastic preaching persona, amassing a worldwide following through his television ministry and his evangelistic appearances. He was a catalyst for the growth of Pentecostalism in Latin America as well as Africa. At its peak, his ministry amassed over $100 million per year. It would all crumble, in part because of Swaggarts hypocrisy. After Swaggart publicly called out other evangelical leaders he accused of grievous sin, a pastor who said Swaggart falsely accused him provided photographic evidence of Swaggart with a prostitute. I have sinned against you, Swaggart said in a tearful apology as he confessed to his congregation. I beg you to forgive me. That scandal was the beginning of a diminished ministry for Swaggart. The Assemblies of God ordered him to refrain from preaching for a year and to spend two years in rehabilitation. Swaggart, fearful of losing his ministry, came back to the pulpit sooner, and his denomination defrocked him. Also, he had to pay to settle with the pastor who said Swaggart falsely accused him. On top of that, in 1991, police in California pulled him over for traffic violations, and the woman in the car with him later identified herself as a prostitute he had picked up for sex . Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Though Swaggart managed to hold onto his church, ministry and Bible school, by turning them over to his son Donnie Swaggart, he would never again reach the heights he did prior to his fall from prominence. Even though his own ministry deteriorated, it helped lay the foundation for the rise of prosperity gospel, megachurch ministries and the proliferation of religious broadcasting. His bombastic language and condemnation of others would diminish in influence as other ministries captured the spotlight in televangelism, but he will be remembered for that moment in time, when his face filled the television asking his congregation and God for forgiveness. President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social that Swaggart was our longest serving televangelist. He may also have been the longest serving hypocrite, who seemed to have no problem trying to destroy other ministers lives as he was apparently living a double life himself. While the memory of his scandal may have faded, his preaching and evangelical crusades had a primary role in helping shape the sharp divisive religious environment that exists in America today. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com We once had a shared policy thesis about public education. What happened? A glance at the presidents recent budget proposal, now coined One Big Beautifull Bill is the clearest indicator that weve lost our shared thesis when it comes to public education a $12.4 billion cut to public education, with the largest share of the cut being to K-12 schools. For more than 15 years, educational opportunity ensuring success for all students was a bipartisan policy priority, embraced by both Republican and Democratic administrations. We believed, together, that public education was a gateway to the American Dream, the most powerful tool for ensuring every child had a fair shot. We also understood that strong public schools were Americas most strategic financial and policy investment to ensure a strong democracy for generations. But somewhere along the way, that consensus unraveled. What happened? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For 16 years, two presidents from opposing political parties made public education a national priority. Although their approaches differed and were often debated what remained clear was a shared, bipartisan commitment to ensuring that every child had access to a quality education. President George W. Bush, with bipartisan support, ushered in one of the most consequential eras of federal engagement in K-12 education with the No Child Left Behind Act. The law aimed to raise academic achievement and increase accountability, ensuring that no student regardless of race, income or background was overlooked. The nation saw modest academic gains, largely propelled by strict accountability measures and, at times, efforts to game the system in the name of closing achievement gaps. Under No Child Left Behinds Adequate Yearly Progress framework, schools faced rigorous expectations for student performance in reading and math. Educators from that era will recall the unrelenting pressure and real consequences attached to those benchmarks. While No Child Left Behind Act remains controversial often criticized as an underfunded federal mandate its core mission of holding schools accountable for every childs success was an important step forward. Like many, I believe in accountability, but it must be paired with adequate resources and support. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than a decade later, with bipartisan support, President Barack Obama signed the Every Student Succeeds Act in 2015, shifting much of the authority back to states while preserving the foundational commitment that every child must learn to read, write and count and also aiming to provide the resources needed to carry out the rigorous expectations once mutually agreed upon by Republicans and Democrats alike. In fact, no major piece of education has cleared Congress without bipartisan support. Today, however, that bipartisan ethos has faded. The once-powerful belief that public education is the great equalizer began to erode. In recent years, weve witnessed a troubling trend: public education is under attack. From banning books to political efforts aimed at controlling curriculum decisions, the shared national thesis that public education serves both our democracy and our children has unraveled. Further, President Joe Bidens administration spent four years fighting efforts to undermine decades of progress from Bush to Obama, rather than continuing the legacy of a bold vision for public education. Many of those efforts had just taken place four years prior during the first Trump administration. We must ask ourselves: when did we stop believing that every child, in every zip code, deserves access to a great public education? It seems that belief began to unravel with the latest presidential elections. As much as I want to deny that reality, it is ours to confront. So the question now becomes: how do we shift the nations focus back back to a clear, unapologetic commitment to ensuring that no student, regardless of race, income or geography, is denied a high-quality education? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We fight back by holding Congress accountable and by demanding a renewed commitment to educational equity and excellence for all students. That means restoring the nations focus on true educational accountability: ensuring that every child, regardless of race, background or zip code, can read, write and count proficiently. That opportunity has been in waiting Congress still needs to reauthorize the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, which was last reauthorized in 2015. While policy wonks hash out and await an opportunity to reauthorize the existing law, Congress can begin with resisting political overreach into classrooms and holding the Trump administration accountable for carrying forward the existing protections denying federal over-reach over curriculum decisions particularly efforts to censor books and control curriculum for ideological gain. It means preserving and expanding investments in teacher preparation programs, especially those designed to recruit and support a diverse, high-quality educator workforce. It also requires a firm recommitment to Title I funding in the latest budget proposals, the federal governments primary tool for ensuring that students in under-resourced communities are not short-changed due to disparities in state and local funding. Most importantly, it requires Congress to put an end to the executive branchs ongoing attacks on public education by rejecting any budget or policy proposal that fails to strengthen, support and invest in our nations public schools. For 16 years, that was our shared thesis a bipartisan belief that public education is essential not only to individual opportunity but to the health of our democracy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Today, I refuse to believe that the American people will allow a handful of detractors to dismantle that vision. We know the promise public education holds not just for improving life outcomes, but for advancing the ideals of democratic participation. Its time to reclaim that shared thesis. Perhaps we can begin to reclaim that shared thesis when Congress decides to take up re-authorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. Phelton Moss is an assistant professor of educational leadership in the school of education and an affiliate faculty member in the Wilder School of Public Affairs at Virginia Commonwealth University. He is also a former congressional staffer, school principal and teacher. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Last month, the Trump administration hosted the signing of a peace agreement to resolve one of the worlds longest-standing conflicts between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda. The agreement, brokered by the United States with support from Qatar, is expected to announce commitments to resolve decades-long issues on disarmament, border integrity, paramilitary groups, economic integration, and the return of refugees and humanitarian access to the region. This is a historic moment for two African states eager to transition into a new era of stability and prosperity, and an opportunity to signal to the world where the continents future is focused. This agreement is also evidence of where President Trump is focused: facilitating the mechanics and politics to end endless wars and welcome an era of peace for those who want it. Throughout his campaign, President Trump promised a commitment to peace determined to continue the successes from his first term, like the Abraham Accords, which confronted generational issues with a bold, American-led declaration. His second term has opened a pathway for mediation for countries willing to lean into Americas unique role as peacemaker. Every deliberation is different and results are rarely immediate, of course, but at present, the U.S.-led negotiation between the Congo and Rwanda is commendable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a moment that should enjoy bipartisan acclaim, this peace agreement signing is the result of an effective presidency and is significant for several reasons. First, the deal provides resolution to a conflict underway for more than 30 years, one marked by the 1994 Rwandan genocide of nearly 1 million ethnic Tutsis and continuing since to encompass fighting over territory, security and control of natural resources. The violence (or continuous threat thereof) stunted any sense of stability for an Eastern Congolese region facing issues like food insecurity and infrastructure challenges, and susceptible to an ever-present Ebola risk. The peace agreement can be a difference-maker to address these issues, and offers real potential for the regions development aspirations. Second, the agreement underscores the White Houses commitment to a campaign promise in pursuing an end to the worlds ongoing wars. This is particularly important to Africa, where clashes elsewhere impact U.S. national and economic security interests and create the conditions for terrorism, extremism, famine and migration crises. Though the U.S. may not play a role in every situation, the Congo-Rwanda example demonstrates that the U.S. can productively engage in any situation where parties are willing. Third, the process in which the deal was achieved establishes a workable blueprint for peacebuilding. The most recent outburst of fighting in January 2025 was met by the returning administration with a swift, coordinated response: the Departments of State and Treasury took corresponding action through statements, sanctions, special appointments and commercial diplomacy to curb violence, identify common space, and open dialogue. Any peace process is a slough, and the complexity of issues between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda were both generational and personal. But the administration met this challenge through an effective whole-of-government approach that can be replicated in future efforts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Finally, the peace agreement anticipates both countries accommodating U.S. commercial interests in the region specifically, critical minerals access. This region holds significant natural resources and mineral reserves required for technology development, including cobalt, lithium, tantalum and tungsten, key supply chain components used in the manufacturing of batteries, electronics, defense products, aerospace and other advanced technologies. Historically, the ongoing conflict discouraged U.S. private-sector investment in mining operations, processing facilities and necessary infrastructure upgrades. Establishing a sense of security, the peace agreement presents a fundamental building block to mitigate that risk and eventually create avenues for U.S. investment and critical mineral resources access for American manufacturers. The agreement will reinforce the U.S. governments investment in regional infrastructure as well, and could promote additional market alignment that would facilitate even greater U.S. private-sector participation. The DRC and Rwanda will ultimately be responsible for the peace agreements longevity. But the prospect for such is strong and reinforced by commercial promise and a White House that leads in its commitment to peace through strength. Coming together for peace is a hard-fought, remarkable development that should be readily celebrated. For the Trump administration, and for all those at the negotiating table, this moment is an undeniable win. Ned Rauch-Mannino is a visiting fellow for the Douglas and Sarah Allison Center for National Security at The Heritage Foundation and a former senior official with the U.S. Department of Commerce and U.S. Agency for International Development. He served as co-chair for the White Houses Prosper Africa initiative. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Revenue-based lender 365 Finance has observed an unprecedented surge in demand for small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) funding from e-commerce businesses in north-west England. According to the UK-based company, the development underscores the region's expanding digital economy and the influence of investments in tech hubs. The median advance for online businesses in the region has risen by 483% year-on-year, reaching 175,000 ($240,884). The region has also experienced an increase in the number of funding applications from e-commerce business owners. 365 Finance said the average monthly card sales for companies funded by it in the sector now stand at 110,000, surpassing other sectors. The group recently appointed Jagriti Singh as its new head of credit. Formerly the head of risk analytics strategy at Virgin Money, she has experience in overseeing change programmes, including data aggregation and reporting transformation, and driving automation to support compliance. Commenting on the development, Singh said: The most rewarding thing for us as a responsible lender is to be able to truly facilitate the growth of SMEs across the country, and to support those businesses which are both entrepreneurial and reinventing themselves. The north wests digital sector is currently experiencing unprecedented growth, with our data showing remarkable expansion in funding scale and frequency. The statistics show a real shift in the regions digital economy. In February, 365 Finance secured a 150m debt facility with Pollen Street Capital, enabling the company to support more than 300m in annual loan originations. The facility included an Euro-denominated line to expand lending to Irish SMEs, furthering the company's reach. "E-commerce SME funding surge in north-west England 365 Finance " was originally created and published by Leasing Life, a GlobalData owned brand. Teaching in 2025 is a paradox. On one hand, its a time of new and exciting possibilities: evidence-backed curricula, artificial intelligence and creative staffing models hold real promise to transform the profession and student learning. On the other hand, the Trump administrations push to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education threatens the very foundation of our schools. One thing is clear: Federal and local decisions continue to be made without the voices of teachers who know students and classrooms best. Thats why we, as part of a group of 17 public school teachers from across the country, did what the Trump administration and Secretary of Education Linda McMahon have not: We asked educators what they think. Through Voices from the Classroom 2025, we surveyed a nationally representative sample of 1,000 public school teachers, with additional oversamples of 300 teachers of color and 300 Gen Z teachers, to understand their views on the future of education. Voices from the Classroom 2025: A Survey of Americas Educators (Educators for Excellence) The message is clear: Teachers reject the Trump administrations education agenda. Seventy percent oppose dismantling the Education Department, and only 29% feel optimistic about its impact on schools, with 51% expressing outright concern. Theres still time to change the trajectory of public education, but that window is closing. What we do next matters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related Federal Education Cuts and Trump DEI Demands Leave States, Teachers in Limbo Of course, many of these challenges predate the current administration. Slow and steady declines in teacher satisfaction only 19% recommending the profession to others make clear that public educations challenges are deep and systemic. What gives us hope is that teachers have practical, powerful solutions that can transform the profession. Teachers are optimistic about investments in high-quality instructional materials and professional development, especially in literacy and math. Eighty-five percent say their districts support implementation, a marked improvement from last year. Yet, with 81% still relying on material beyond the established curriculum, district and state leaders must sustain this momentum to address persistent learning loss in reading and math. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many educators we surveyed also support collaborative staffing models. Nearly three-quarters of teachers agree with approaches like co-teaching and team teaching to strengthen professional collaboration. Many also call for expanded use of support staff, such as tutors and paraprofessionals, to further address students needs. At a time when the profession continues to struggle with morale and retention, these alternative teaching models which eschew the one-teacher, once-classroom model in place for centuries offer a clear and promising pathway toward improved student outcomes. And while still new, the transformative power of AI in the classroom is quickly gaining traction. The number of teachers who believe AI can positively transform teaching and learning more than doubled in the past year, from 14% to 30%. Yet, only 48% report clear school AI policies, highlighting an urgent need for professional development. Related AI Tool Shows Teachers What They Do in the Classroom and How to Do It Better Viewed together, the results point to a broader, more meaningful takeaway: Teachers are ready for change and ready to lead that change. Whether its transforming the profession with high-quality instructional materials and aligned professional supports, innovations in staffing, or technology in the classroom, educators are embracing what works best for a modern classroom. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, realizing the future that teachers envision requires leaders at every level to listen, starting at the top. Its time leaders like President Trump and Secretary McMahon listen to educators and start giving them a seat at the table when decisions are made about their classrooms. Teaching in 2025 may be a paradox, but one thing is certain: when educators are heard, we can reimagine education, not dismantle it. The authors are part of the National Teacher Leader Council, a two-year cohort of 17 teachers from across six local chapters of Educators for Excellence, a teacher advocacy organization that ensures educators have a leading voice in shaping policies. President Trump and his billionaire financier Elon Musk are at war, again this time over Trumps debt-packed budget bill. Trump and Musks bitter public quarrels have become an all-too-common (and all-too-embarrassing) part of our political culture, but this weeks war of words seemed to throw the relationship into a deep freeze. Once Trumps closest ally and confidant, Musk on Monday called for the creation of a new political party to challenge Trumps Porky Pig Party. Musk further threatened to bankroll primary challenges against Republicans who support Trumps budget while financing others like Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), a vocal critic of the bill. Every member of Congress who campaigned on reducing government spending and then immediately voted for the biggest debt increase in history should hang their head in shame! Musk posted on X, the social media platform he owns. And they will lose their primary next year if it is the last thing I do on this Earth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Musks sudden shift is a dizzying about-face for a man who just last year donated over $280 million to elect Republicans nationwide. Faced with a possible midterm civil war against the richest man in the world, a growing number of Republican lawmakers are already busy making retirement plans. The rest will need to pick a side: Musk or Trump? Conventional wisdom tells us that Trumps MAGA movement defies political gravity. Only a fool would bet against the guy who staged the most unlikely political comeback in American history, right? On the surface it seems clear that Republican voters would rally behind Trump instead of the socially awkward Musk. But Musk doesnt need to assemble his own voter army in order to beat Trump next year he just needs to prevent Republicans from mobilizing their own voters. Unfortunately for Trump, the Republican National Committee spent all of last year setting Musk up to do exactly that without even realizing it. Its ironic that Trumps biggest threat emerged because of his fixation on dominating the social media conversation. Last year, Republicans willingly routed all of their social media content through X after Musks team altered the sites algorithms to provide huge boosts to Republican-leaning accounts and content. This put Republican messaging in front of millions more voters than they otherwise would have reached, providing a critical boost for Republican candidates in close races. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If Musk decides to turn off MAGAs big visibility boost, Republicans will struggle mightily to come anywhere near the record-breaking level of digital reach and engagement they achieved in 2024. Worse still, theyll likely be fighting algorithms Musk has reprogrammed to punish lawmakers hes trying to primary. Musks proposed America Party would thrive in our current age of hucksterism. Hell find plenty of eager aspiring candidates in his X replies, where a veritable circus of washed-up right-wing influencers are already volunteering to run for Congress on Musks dime. It would only take a few screwball primary victories to starve Republicans of critical media oxygen, throwing their slim House majority into jeopardy. Republicans unfolding Musk drama will sound awfully familiar to California Rep. Ro Khanna, who predicted nearly this exact chain of events last month. At the time, Khanna faced criticism for suggesting Democrats could gradually pull Musk away from the Republican Partys sphere of influence. As Democratic leaders debate how to process Musks threat to primary vulnerable House Republicans, they should make sure Khanna has a seat at the table now that events have proven him soundly right. The calculus is much tougher for Republicans, who now face the miserable choice of outraging either Trump or Musk. But Musk does offer something unique among Trump critics the prospect of real protection from Trumps political retribution. If Musk makes clear that hell open his wallet to protect Republicans who speak out against the budget bill, Trump may find a surprising number of lawmakers willing to take Musk up on his deal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Musks mountainous supply of cash and his control of the right-wing conversation flow on X makes him one of the only people in America who can actually challenge Trumps control of the Republican Party. By offering safe haven to Trump-critical lawmakers and bumping off a few MAGA loyalists next year Musk could quickly establish himself as a rival power center with actual clout. That kind of play would reshape the political map in ways Trump never imagined. Is Musk angry enough to do it? Max Burns is a veteran Democratic strategist and founder of Third Degree Strategies. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. EAST GREENWICH, R.I. (WPRI) Dr. Stephen Skoly, a physician who gained prominence for filing a lawsuit against the state during the COVID-19 pandemic, said Tuesday he is aggressively exploring a run for Rhode Islands 2nd Congressional District in 2026. Skoly, a Republican, told 12 News hes getting closer to committing to a run against Democratic Congressman Seth Magaziner, who first won the seat in a close race against former Cranston Mayor Allan Fung in 2022 following the retirement of Jim Langevin. Magaziner won his first reelection bid by a wider margin in 2024 against Republican Steven Corvi. Magaziner has faced criticism for not living in the 2nd District after pledging move there during his first run, and announced on WPRI 12s Newsmakers earlier this year that he no longer planned to move to the district from his home on Providences East Side. Skoly lives in East Greenwich, which is in the 2nd District, and practices in Cranston. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Skoly, 68, had been awaiting the resolution of his 2022 lawsuit against Gov. Dan McKee and the R.I. Department of Health. Skoly an oral and maxillofacial surgeon who has a history of Bells Palsy was ordered to shut down his practice in late 2021 after refusing the get the COVID-19 vaccine. He said his lawsuit was put on the backburner after a lower courts decision was upheld by the 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Boston. BACKGROUND: Dentist files suit against RI after being denied COVID vaccine exemption Skoly said he recently hired a treasurer and met with R.I. GOP Chairman Joe Powers about his interest in the seat. He declined to name the treasurer, but said the individual has been in state Republican politics for a while. If he runs, Skoly said he would focus on protecting Rhode Island families and taxpayers, bringing normalcy to the government and moving on from tribalism in politics. Skoly confirmed he voted for President Trump in the last three elections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The last Republican to win the 2nd District was Claudine Schneider in 1988. Schneider didnt seek reelection in 1990, instead mounting an unsuccessful challenge against Democratic U.S. Sen. Claiborne Pell. (Democrat Jack Reed succeeded Schneider in the House and later succeeded Pell in the Senate.) A spokesperson for Magaziner didnt directly acknowledge Skoly when asked about his potential candidacy. Representative Magaziner remains laser focused on delivering for working Rhode Islander by lowering costs, opposing Republican attempts to cut health care, and fighting corruption with his bill to ban congressional stock trading, the spokesperson said. He looks forward to asking voters for their support to continue working for them in the next Congress. Skoly hasnt started raising money yet. He said hes currently focused on getting his team together, getting his messaging out and increasing his name recognition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Skoly said he plans to make a final decision, which includes filing paperwork with the Federal Elections Commission (FEC), no later than Labor Day. No other Republicans or Democrats have announced intentions to run for the seat. Magaziner filed FEC paperwork in December and has $1 million in his campaign account as of May 31. NEXT: Political newcomer Eric Ulis announces run for RI lieutenant governor in 2026 Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the new 12+ smart TV app. Follow us on social media: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Nesi's Notes Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com. For the record: 9:47 a.m. July 2, 2025: An earlier version of this story said observers of the protest who dashed inside the building when protesters approached it appeared to be members of Rep. Young Kims staff. A member of Kims congressional staff said the observers were part of the buildings management team and did not work for the congresswoman. Protesters railed on Tuesday against an Orange County congresswoman who could be a crucial vote on President Trumps proposal to cut more than $1 trillion in federal dollars that helped pay for healthcare for those in need and extend tax cuts for millions of Americans. Trumps proposed One Big Beautiful Bill Act narrowly passed the U.S. Senate hours before hundreds of people gathered in a cul-de-sac outside of the Anaheim field office of Republican Rep. Young Kim to protest those cuts. The legislation still needs to be voted on by the U.S. House of Representatives, which could happen before the end of the week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I don't know why they call it beautiful, because there's nothing about it that's beautiful. It's harmful, it's reckless, and it's cruel, and it's going to hurt people, said Melody Mendenhall, a nurse at UCLA who is active with the California Nurses Assn., which was among the groups that organized the protest. Rep. Young Kim, hear our cry, hear our voices. We need our Medicaid. We cannot afford this type of reckless cuts and behavior. A security guard blocked the parking lot to Kims office and at least a half-dozen Anaheim police officers watched the protest unfold. Several people who, according to an official in Kim's congressional office, were members of the building's management team watched the demonstration from outside the building before they dashed inside when protesters marched to the building, unsuccessfully sought to enter it and then began chanting Shame! Shame! In a statement, Kim said that her door was always open to Californians in her district. I understand some of my constituents are concerned and know how important Medicaid services are for many in my community, which is why I voted to protect and strengthen Medicaid services for our most vulnerable citizens who truly need it, Kim said. I have met with many of these local healthcare advocates in recent months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps proposal would dramatically overhaul the nations tax code by making cuts approved during the presidents first term permanent, a major benefit to the corporations and the nation's wealthy, while slashing funding for historic federal safety-net programs including Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which helps provide food to low-income Americans. Read more: By a single vote, Trump's megabill passes the Senate Roughly 15 million Californians, more than a third in the state, are on Medi-Cal, the states version of Medicaid, with some of the highest percentages in rural counties that supported Trump in the November election. More than half of California children receive healthcare coverage through Medi-Cal. A version of the Republican bill was passed by the House with Kims support. The U.S. Senate narrowly approved an amended version of the bill Tuesday. The defection of three GOP senators meant Vice President JD Vance had to cast the tie-breaking vote for it to pass in that chamber. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The House and Senate will now work to reconcile their two different versions of the bill. This week was a district workweek for members of Congress, but House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) ordered members back to Washington, D.C., for votes on the bill that could occur Wednesday or Thursday. Republicans hope to get the legislation to President Trumps desk for his signature by the Fourth of July, though there is some concern among its members about whether they will have enough votes to pass the bill because of potential defections and the united Democratic opposition. An analysis released by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office on Sunday estimated that the Senate version of the proposal would increase the national deficit by nearly $3.3 trillion from 2025 to 2034 and would result in 11.8 million Americans losing health insurance in less than a decade. Trump praised the passage of the bill on social media and urged House Republicans to support the Senate plan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The proposal has caused a rift within the GOP, and some House members have expressed reservations about the measure because of the amount it would add to the nations deficit and its effect on their constituents. Ive been clear from the start that I will not support a final reconciliation bill that makes harmful cuts to Medicaid, puts critical funding at risk, or threatens the stability of healthcare providers," in his congressional district, Rep. David Valadao (R-Hanford) wrote on the social media site X on Sunday. Read more: California will see 'devastating' healthcare cuts under GOP bill, Newsom says He represents more than half a million Central Valley residents who rely on Medicaid the most of any congressional district in California, according to the UC Berkeley Labor Center. A spokesperson for Valadao on Tuesday didnt respond to a question about how the congressman planned to vote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kims Orange County district is more affluent than Valadaos, but roughly one in five of her constituents relies on Medicaid. The congresswoman was en route to Washington at the time of the protest, according to a spokesperson. Outside her Anaheim field office, protester after protester described how the bill would impact vulnerable Californians, such as disabled children, the elderly, veterans and those who would lose access to reproductive healthcare. The stakes have never been higher. We are living in a time when our rights are under attack, said Emily Escobar, a public advocacy manager for Planned Parenthood of Orange and San Bernardino Counties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said that federal funds do not pay for abortions, but help pay for other vital healthcare, such as cancer screenings, preventative care, testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections and access to contraception. More than one-third of Planned Parenthoods patients nationwide reside in California. These cuts will result in clinics being shut down, effectively reducing access to abortion, Escobar said. Let me make this clear, this bill is a backdoor abortion ban, she said. Shari Home, 73, said she and her husband were weighing how to divide their Social Security income on food, medication and medical supplies after her husband, who suffers several chronic health conditions, fell last year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The hospitalizations were so expensive, so we applied for and got Medi-Cal in January and food assistance, and it's been such a lifesaver, said the Laguna Woods resident. Without Medi-Cal, I don't know what we would do. Our lives would not be good. We would not have the medications that he needs." Michelle Del Rosario, 57, wore a button picturing her son William, 25, on her blouse. The Orange resident, one of Kims constituents who has previously voted for her, is the primary caregiver for her son, who has autism, epilepsy and does not speak. Her son relies on his Medi-Cal coverage for his $5,000-a-month seizure medicine, as well as the home health support he receives, she said. He lives at home. He has desires, at some point, to live independently, to work, but he needs these support services for that to happen, Del Rosario said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Get the L.A. Times Politics newsletter. Deeply reported insights into legislation, politics and policy from Sacramento, Washington and beyond, in your inbox twice per week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. NEED TO KNOW Scientists have recorded wild orcas "tongue-nibbling" for the first time, sharing the evidence in a recent study The behavior is considered "extremely rare" by scientists and was previously only seen by juvenile orcas in captivity Scientists believe that the kissing-like behavior likely reinforces "social bonds" between the animals Scientists have recorded the wild orcas engaging in "tongue-nibbling" a social behavior similar to "making out" or French kissing for the first time ever. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details on the documentation of this rare behavior appear in a new study published in the Oceans journal on June 11. Prior to the study, which includes images of two young wild killer whales "tongue-nibbling" in the waters near Norway, the behavior was only witnessed in a handful of captive orcas. According to the study, "tongue nibbling" is a "socially affiliative behavior" which likely reinforces "social bonds" particularly among juvenile orcas. It is also a behavior that is deemed "exceptionally rare," the study's co-author, Javier Almunia, told Live Science. "Orca caretakers at several facilities are aware of the behaviour, but its prevalence is extremely low it may appear and then not be observed again for several years," he told the outlet. Oceans Journal A still frame showing the two orcas kissing. A still frame showing the two orcas kissing. The "tongue-nibbling" behavior documented in the study was observed by a group of snorkelers under the supervision of expedition leaders on January 11, 2024, in the Kvnangen fjords, located in northern Norway. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The snorkelers observed two killer whales "engaging in a prolonged mouth-to-mouth interaction" that lasted almost two minutes. The snorkelers noted that the orcas "approached one another and maintained contact between the anterior portions of their heads" as they interacted. "At that time, some observers on board remarked that the animals appeared to be 'kissing' beneath the boata description identical to that provided independently by the guests who recorded the event in Tverrfjorden," the study said. Photos captured of the event and shared in the study show one orca opening its mouth as the other encloses its mouth around the other animal's tongue. Scientists noted in the study that "one individual protruded its tongue while the other made gentle nibbling movements." Scientists said after recording the behavior, they "consulted" with three professional divers and underwater videographers with extensive experience documenting killer whales, who noted that they had not witnessed the "tongue-nibbling" before. Oceans Journal A map showing the location where the two orcas were spotted kissing. A map showing the location where the two orcas were spotted kissing. Senior marine mammal trainers at Loro Parque confirmed that they had observed this behavior among "four individuals housed at the facility," although they had not witnessed it in "subsequent years," according to the study. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. The study noted that there were "significant parallels" between the orcas' "tongue-nibbling" and "mouth-to-mouth interactions" in belugas. The scientists shared that those behaviors often involved "younger individuals" and served an "affiliative function." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This could suggest that, given cetacean anatomy particularly the adaptation of limbs to the marine environment oral contact may serve as a more versatile means of social communication than in terrestrial mammals," Almunia told Live Science. However, scientists also noted that they were uncertain why the orcas exhibited these behaviors, and further research would be needed to understand "tongue-nibbling" definitively. Luke Rendall, a marine mammal researcher at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland, told Live Science that the behavior "may be affiliative, it might be a form of begging, that is trying to stimulate food transfers, it might even be a form of grooming, somehow having a cleaning function." Read the original article on People We've recently seen orcas foray into the world of fashion by wearing dead salmon as hats. Now a pair of orcas has been caught 'French kissing', taking their apparent mockery of human habits towards another flavor of gross. The whales' slobber sharing was incidentally captured by citizen scientists who observed and recorded the wild orcas (Orcinus orca) nibbling on each other's tongues in Norway's Kvnangen fjords. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maybe the marine mammals used some kelp grooming tools earlier to prepare for this date? Related: Dolphins Got Giant Testicles. We Got a Chin. Only One Makes Sense. The two wild orcas face-to-face. (Almunia et al., Oceans, 2025) "The interaction lasted nearly two minutes and involved repeated episodes of gentle, face-to-face oral contact," describe marine scientist Javier Almunia, director of the Loro Parque Foundation, and colleagues. Beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas) have also displayed mouth-to-mouth interactions in the wild. YouTube Thumbnail Such behavior in orcas had only been observed in captivity previously, as recorded in a 2019 study. "We documented the pattern 'gentle tongue bite', where an animal touches the other's tongue with his teeth but does not bite it," the researchers explained at the time. YouTube Thumbnail During a study on captive belugas, kissing behaviors were mostly initiated by the young animals, suggestive of play that might help refine motor and social skills. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Neither species showed any signs of aggression during these interactions. So, while researchers caution it is difficult to draw conclusions from a single observation, they suspect the orcas could be using this behavior to help maintain social bonds. Alternatively, the 'kissing' could be a form of social grooming as seen in primates or even a type of begging behavior, Almunia and team speculate. It might also be a cultural trend, a game passing through the pod like the dead salmon hats, which only seem to occur in one cultural group of orcas. Along with kelp or pebble grooming, other signs of distinct orca cultures include regional differences in their dialects, food preferences, and hunting techniques. A group in the Mediterranean has even developed a habit of attacking sailing yachts. Whatever the purpose behind an orca's kiss, the recent spate of unexpected behaviors discovered in orcas makes one thing clear: there's still so much we don't understand about the remarkable animals we share our world with. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This research was published in Oceans. Related News Bills meant to reform and direct more money to the states criminal justice system had a mixed bag this 2025 Legislative Session. (Photo by Ron Cooper/Oregon Capital Chronicle) Bills meant to reform and direct more money to the states criminal justice system had some major wins and some major losses during the 2025 Legislative Session. Much needed funding for public defense lawyers, new gun control measures and new civil liberties protections overcame budgetary challenges and some strong opposition, while efforts to ensure financial compensation for victims of crime, and those who say theyve been wrongfully incarcerated, remain in limbo. Addressing the states ongoing public defender shortage was among the most pressing issues for lawmakers during the six-month session. The matter reached a fever-pitch in April, when Gov. Tina Kotek fired and replaced the head of the Oregon Public Defense Commission, calling it unacceptable for thousands of Oregonians to go through the justice system without a lawyer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under House Bill 2614, she will be allowed to fire the commissions executive director for just cause. Lawmakers sought to expand the capacity for experienced lawyers to take on cases by allocating in House Bill 5031 a nearly 15% funding increase to the commissions more than $700 million budget. But missing is more money to be used directly to support hiring more trial attorneys statewide, as Kotek requested in June. Perhaps the biggest blow to justice reform advocates was the failure of lawmakers to pass Senate Bill 1007, which would have streamlined the payout process to Oregonians found innocent after being wrongfully convicted and serving time in prison. The bills passage wouldve likely called into question the states handling of dozens of cases, and its failure only further harms exonerees and their families, according to Sen. Floyd Prozanski, D-Eugene, Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gun control also rose to the top of Democrats agenda by the end of the session. They passed Senate Bill 243, banning bump stocks and rapid-fire devices, and allowing local governments to ban the concealed carry of guns in public buildings. But, House Bill 2076, seeking to create a statewide gun licensing program, died in the House Revenue Committee in the face of staunch Republican opposition during the last week of the session. Courts, lawmaker safety A bill to increase pay for state judges House Bill 2712 passed, but another House Bill 2469 that would have given them more discretion to lower penalties for some minor offenses, turning some misdemeanor crimes instead into violations, failed. Oregonians who plead guilty to crimes on the grounds of insanity will navigate new legal guidelines under House Bill 2471, which clarifies circumstances under which a mental disorder can be used to absolve a defendant of full responsibility for committing a crime. District attorneys advocating for the bill argued that the clarity is needed in the wake of ongoing legal debates around using insanity pleas. The safety of public officials gained urgency in the wake of the fatal shootings of Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark Hortman at their home June 16, and the near-fatal shootings of Minnesota State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette Hoffman, at their home the same morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A day before the politically-motivated attack by 57-year-old Vance Boelter, Oregon lawmakers voted in favor of a bill that would conceal their home addresses from the public, as well as other candidates for office, Senate Bill 224. Another bill that would have made it an official crime to threaten a public official, Senate Bill 473, passed in the Oregon Senate but did not make it through the House. Crime victims, foster kids The Oregon Legislature passed several bills meant to offer justice to victims of abuse and sexual assault. Senate Bill 180 confers greater protections from defamation lawsuits for victims of sexual assault. Advocates say such suits can have a chilling effect on victims willingness to bring criminal charges against perpetrators. House Bill 2975 restores courts ability to impose distinct sentences for acts of violence like assault and strangulation that have been committed in the context of domestic violence. But when it comes to funding agencies that work with sexual assault victims, lawmakers came up short. House Bill 3196 would have allocated $18.5 million to the Oregon Department of Justice for awarding grants to nonprofits that help victims of abuse find safety and access shelters. House Bill 3070 would have allocated an additional $400,000 for the Attorney Generals Sexual Assault Task Force, which certifies sexual assault nurse examiners. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Neither effort advanced out of the powerful budgeting Joint Committee on Ways and Means. The act of doxxing has now become a misdemeanor under Senate Bill 1121, building on a previous law that empowered victims to sue. It is also now a misdemeanor to distribute AI-generated nude images under House Bill 2299, which prohibits sharing such images. To curb illicit sex trafficking in spas and massage parlors in the state, Kotek signed House Bill 3819 which raises fines for operating facilities that violate state trafficking laws, and allows the State Board of Massage Therapists to post signs on businesses that violate such laws. But in amendments, the bill was scrubbed of language empowering district attorneys to prosecute businesses based on testimony from victimized women who grow reluctant to share that testimony in court later on, a change that critics worry gives the law now less teeth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A bill conferring new rights for foster kids Senate Bill 875 hit unexpected speedbumps when Kotek vetoed it after raising concerns that the bill did not clearly define perpetrators, abuse and the definition of custody and a child in care of the state. The bill would have required a court order from a foster parent seeking to block or limit contact among foster children and their siblings, and provided kids in the foster care system with a public attorney. The bill also guaranteed them access to personal belongings when being moved between new foster placements, and required they be given appropriate luggage to carry their belongings. The Senate moved to override Koteks veto of the bill, but the House opted to concur with Kotek after she raised concerns about the bills specificity. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko announced on July 1 that the Russian-made Oreshnik missile system will be deployed in Belarus by the end of 2025. Speaking at a ceremony marking Independence Day, Lukashenko said the decision was made in coordination with Russian President Vladimir Putin during a meeting in Volgograd. "The first Oreshnik positions will be in Belarus. Youve seen how Oreshnik works: the same missiles, the same strikes but without nuclear warheads, without radioactive contamination of the land and air. This weapon will be stationed in Belarus by the end of the year," Lukashenko said. Lukashenko, who has ruled since 1994 and claimed victory in a seventh consecutive presidential election in January, argued that hosting such weaponry would not make Belarus a target, adding that such concerns are being "imposed from outside." He claimed that countries possessing nuclear weapons have historically avoided military aggression and said the presence of such systems in Belarus is intended solely as a deterrent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also said he had delivered a warning to U.S. officials, stating that while nuclear weapons in Belarus are securely stored in accordance with international standards, any unauthorized incursion into Belarusian territory would trigger a "swift and forceful response." The Belarusian leader emphasized that any use of the Oreshnik system would not involve nuclear warheads and that maintaining modern military capabilities is critical for national defense. Russia first launched the experimental Oreshnik missile during a strike on the Ukrainian city of Dnipro on Nov. 21. Putin claimed the attack was in retaliation for Ukraine's use of U.S. and British long-range missiles against Russian territory. Although little is publicly known about the missile, defense experts believe Oreshnik is not a wholly new development but likely an upgraded version of Russias RS-26 missile, also known as the Rubezh, which was first produced in 2011. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lukashenko reportedly thanked Moscow for supporting the deployment of advanced weapons systems to Belarus and said the introduction of Oreshnik would serve as a tool for domestic stability. "Im confident that even those of our supporters who dont yet understand this will come to realize it without a war. Thats why Oreshnik will be on Belarusian soil. To prevent uprisings," he said. Read also: Ukraine war latest: Ukrainian drones strike Russian plant 1,300km from border, SBU source says Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. An Orthodox Jewish congregations big plan to expand its worship center in a residential neighborhood near Bay Hill did not win favor Tuesday from Orange County commissioners. Orlando Torah Centers proposed expansion was oversized, neighbors argued and commissioners unanimously agreed. Its unclear what the congregations next step will be. Rabbi Menachem Zev Kramer, who addressed commissioners at the meeting, did not return messages after the board vote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is not just a request about bricks and mortar, he said during a 2 1/2 hour hearing seeking permission to build a 9,300-square-foot addition to its center on Banyan Boulevard in the Sand Lake Hills neighborhood near Arnold Palmers Bay Hill Club & Lodge. This is about space space to connect and space to serve. Right now, we are currently out of room. The space we have is simply not sufficient for the needs of our community, our programs, our services and not for the very real human moments that take place in a house of worship. The congregation, some of whose members live in the subdivision, heeds strict rules of the Sabbath, with many members walking to services. They sought special consideration and a waiver of zoning rules. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Supporters said the Orlando Torah Center needs more space to add amenities and services than provided by the three-bedroom, two-bath home on Banyan Boulevard the congregation acquired in 2015 for $184,000 and refashioned into its worship center. But commissioners sided with an advisory zoning board which concluded the size was a bad fit for a neighborhood of 845 homes, most of which are single-story structures. Explaining her vote, Commissioner Nicole Wilson, whose district includes Sand Lake Hills, recalled a similar board discussion in 2020 with representatives of the Orlando Torah Center over the conversion of the residential home into their house of worship. She said the sects leadership was cautioned then about space limitations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That felt like to me a good five-years time to really dig in and find the perfect place within walking distance of all the wonderful things we love about west Orange County, Wilson said. Instead, the conflict continued. Some residents opposed to the three-story expansion posted hyperbolic signs in the neighborhood that read, Stop the Skyscraper. Ian Rowe, a congregant of the Orlando Torah Center, said the skyscaper signs mischaracterized the addition plan. I believe this kind of fear-mongering does not reflect the values of the many kind and thoughtful people I have come to know in this neighborhood, he said of Sand Lake Hills. I have been likewise encouraged by the many letters of support that we continue to receive from numerous neighbors who have no affiliation with the Orlando Torah Center. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The sects request generated hundreds of emails both for and against the project. Supporters noted the expansion in the neighborhood near Bay Hill would allow the small but growing congregation to practice its faith at a convenient location where members could continue their cultural and spiritual traditions which discourage travel on the Sabbath and especially during Jewish holidays. Some insisted the proposed size of the Torah Center expansion would be compatible with other religious complexes along church row, the nickname for a stretch of nearby Apopka Vineland Road where a variety of Christian faiths have built houses of worship. But neighbor Nancy Goodwin pointed out none of those other churches stand on a parcel as small as the Torah Centers three-quarter acre lot. Four sit on nine or more acres and Holy Family Catholic Church, about a mile and a half away, is a 25-acre complex. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She also noted much of the correspondence supporting the worship centers walkable location in the Sand Lake Hills neighborhood was sent from people living in other states, including 224 with addresses in New York, 82 in New Jersey and 14 in Illinois. One was sent from Israel. shudak@orlandosentinel.com More than 210,000 Russians signed contracts with the Defense Ministry from January to July 2025 to fight in Ukraine, Dmitry Medvedev, the deputy chairman of Russia's Security Council, said on July 2. "The pace is quite decent, good," Medvedev said at a meeting of the commission on Armed Forces staffing. "I hope that we will be able to maintain the same momentum in the future." An additional 18,000 individuals have joined volunteer units, Medvedev added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The revelation comes as Russia continues to escalate its war effort despite repeated calls from Ukraine, the U.S., and European partners for an unconditional ceasefire. According to Western and Ukrainian intelligence cited by the Wall Street Journal, Russian forces recruit 30,000 to 45,000 new troops monthly nearly twice the rate of Ukraine's mobilization, which President Volodymyr Zelensky said stands at 25,00027,000 troops per month. Join our community Support independent journalism in Ukraine. Join us in this fight. Support Us Ukraine estimates that Russia has suffered nearly 1 million casualties since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022. However, Moscow has offset its losses through aggressive recruitment and a steady influx of contract soldiers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In late 2024, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree increasing the size of the Armed Forces to 2.38 million personnel, including 1.5 million military service members. Russia also this year launched its largest conscription drive in 14 years, aiming to enlist 160,000 men for mandatory service. The country holds two annual conscription campaigns, in spring and fall, requiring one year of service from eligible men. While conscripts are not typically deployed to combat zones, the Kremlin has leaned on financial incentives and promises of pardons to recruit civilians and former inmates for its war. Following the deeply unpopular partial mobilization of September 2022, which triggered an exodus of over 261,000 Russians, Moscow has avoided mass drafts, relying instead on contract-based service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Major casualties among civilians US freeze on air defense missiles is terrible news for Ukraine Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. UniFirst Corporation (NYSE:UNF) recently disclosed a new $100 million share repurchase authorization. The company is also set to release third-quarter earnings results before the opening bell on Wednesday, July 2. Analysts expect the Wilmington, Massachusetts-based company to report quarterly earnings at $2.09 per share, down from $2.20 per share in the year-ago period. UniFirst projects to report quarterly revenue of $614.5 million, compared to $603.33 million a year earlier, according to data from Benzinga Pro. With the recent buzz around UniFirst, some investors may be eyeing potential gains from the company's dividends. As of now, UniFirst offers an annual dividend yield of 0.74%. Thats a quarterly dividend amount of 35 cents per share ($1.40 a year). To figure out how to earn $500 monthly from UniFirst, start with a yearly target of $6,000 ($500 x 12 months). Next, we take this amount and divide it by UniFirst's $1.40 dividend: $6,000 / $1.40 = 4,286 shares. So, an investor would need to own approximately $806,711 worth of UniFirst, or 4,286 shares to generate a monthly dividend income of $500. Assuming a more conservative goal of $100 monthly ($1,200 annually), we do the same calculation: $1,200 / $1.40 = 857 shares, or $161,305 to generate a monthly dividend income of $100. View more earnings on UNF Note that dividend yield can change on a rolling basis, since the stock price fluctuates over time. The dividend yield is calculated by dividing the annual dividend payment by the current stock price. As the stock price changes, the dividend yield will also change. For example, if a stock pays an annual dividend of $2 and its current price is $50, its dividend yield would be 4%. However, if the stock price increases to $60, the dividend yield would decrease to 3.33% ($2/$60). Conversely, if the stock price decreases to $40, the dividend yield would increase to 5% ($2/$40). Further, the dividend payment itself can also change over time, which can also impact the dividend yield. If a company increases its dividend payment, the dividend yield will increase even if the stock price remains the same. Similarly, if a company decreases its dividend payment, the dividend yield will decrease. UNF Price Action: Shares of UniFirst gained by 1% to close at $188.22 on Monday. Read More: Image: Shutterstock UNLOCKED: 5 NEW TRADES EVERY WEEK. Click now to get top trade ideas daily, plus unlimited access to cutting-edge tools and strategies to gain an edge in the markets. Check your fridge and your freezer. Kraft Heinz Foods Company is recalling approximately 367,812 pounds of fully cooked turkey bacon products that may be contaminated with listeria. Thats according to a release from the U.S. Department of Agricultures Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). The turkey bacon was produced from April 24 through June 11. Heres whats being recalled: 12-oz. vacuum-packed packages of Oscar Mayer Turkey BACON ORIGINAL and universal product code (UPC) 071871548601 printed on the packaging under the barcode, use by dates ranging from 18 JUL 2025 to 02 AUG 2025, and lot code RS40. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 36-oz. packages containing three 12-oz. vacuum-packed packages of Oscar Mayer Turkey BACON ORIGINAL and universal product code (UPC) 071871548748 printed on the packaging under the barcode, use by dates ranging 23 JUL 2025 to 04 SEP 2025, and lot codes RS19, RS40, or RS42. 48-oz. packages containing four 12-oz. vacuum-packed packages of Oscar Mayer Turkey BACON ORIGINAL and UPC 071871548793 printed on the packaging under the barcode and use by dates ranging 18 JUL 2025 to 04 SEP 2025, and lot codes RS19, RS40, or RS42. FSIS says these items were shipped to retail locations nationwide, and some were exported to the British Virgin Islands and Hong Kong. The problem was discovered during a lab test. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So far, nobody has reported getting sick from these products. If you purchased any of the turkey bacon mentioned above, throw it out. Consumers with questions regarding the recall can contact Kraft Heinz Food Company consumer hotline at 1-800-280-7185 or email consumerrelations@kraftheinz.com. Jul. 2An overheated extension cord reportedly caused a small house fire in Albert Lea Tuesday morning. Albert Lea Fire Rescue responded to 940 Jefferson Ave. at 10:21 a.m. for the report of smoke coming from the home. Employees of the Albert Lea Public Works Department across the street noticed the smoke and called 911, according to a press release. Fire crews responded and found a two-story home with light smoke coming out a first-floor window. The home consists of two apartments with one on the main level and one on the second level. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fire crews made entry into the home and found fire in a bedroom on the main level. Firefighters extinguished the fire quickly. They conducted a search of the home and found no one there at the time of the fire. No injuries were reported. Officials estimate damage to the home and contents at $10,000. Albert Lea Police Department and Mayo Clinic Ambulance Service assisted Albert Lea Fire Rescue on the scene. The Oviedo Police Department announced a big honor for one of its officers. Officer Ashley Pierce has been named the Florida school resource officer of the year by the Florida Association of School Resource Officers. She received the award at a conference in Miami. The annual award recognizes school resource officers who have gone above and beyond their normal duties and shown dedication to their community as a leader and law enforcement officer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Oviedo Police Department says Pierce embodies all of these requirements, saying Her dedication to students extends far beyond her regular duties. Pierce has been with the Oviedo Police Department for 18 years and currently serves as the school resource officer for Lawton Chiles Middle School. Pierce leads the schools food pantry, a clothing donation closet called Panther Threads, and an annual school supply drive. She also organizes the schools Angel Tree program, an annual Thanksgiving basket donation drive, and a holiday toy drive, as well as coordinating a holiday store for students. The department say Pierces comfort K-9, Xander, is a beloved presence at the school. Xander provides emotional support and helps students manage stress and anxiety. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officer Pierce is so passionate about her community and helping kids who need it the most, said Oviedo Police Chief Dale Coleman. She is a rock for the kids at the school and exemplifies everything a police officer should be in Oviedo. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. (WBRE/WYOU) A Pennsylvania State Trooper has been charged after investigators say he caused head trauma to an infant and abused two other children. An investigation discovered that in September 2023, an infant was in Youngs care when an injury happened, as stated in the release. The victim required medical intervention, hospital admission, and physical therapy. Landlord allegedly bludgeoned with rock after rent dispute Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The investigation also revealed a pattern of abuse caused by Young, before and after this incident, to two other children, including digging his chin into one of the victims heads multiple times, causing a visible injury, AG Dave Sunday stated. A witness also alleged that Young allowed guns to be accessible to the children and allowed a child to hold them. Young was previously charged with intimidation of a witness after he allegedly repeatedly called and texted a potential witness in an attempt to persuade them to cooperate in a child abuse investigation. The Office of Attorney General charged 35-year-old Christopher Young with the following: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Aggravated assault Simple assault Endangering the welfare of a child Recklessly endangering another person According to Pennsylvania State Police, Young is currently suspended without pay. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Pakistan's Punjab province has not named its newly launched electric taxi programme after Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, contrary to claims online. The false posts, which include a taunt about sex work, share a fabricated newspaper report. "Punjab Govt. to start E-Taxi in Lahore Will be called 'Maryam Taxi'", reads what appears to be a news graphic from the English-language newspaper Pakistan Observer, shared May 30, 2025 on Facebook. Screenshot of the false post taken June 25, 2025, with a red X added by AFP Similar posts have also been shared on Threads and TikTok, mocking the first woman chief minister of Pakistan's most populated province Punjab for supposedly appending her name next to "taxi", which in the South Asian nation is slang for sex worker. Local media Soch Fact Check has earlier debunked the claim (archived link). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A reverse image search found the original Pakistan Observer graphic was published on Facebook on November 29, 2024 (archived link). "Punjab announces electric taxi scheme to curb pollution," it reads. "The Punjab government is introducing an e-taxi service to combat rising air pollution and provide employment for the unemployed," its caption says. Pakistan regularly ranks among the world's most polluted countries, with Punjab's capital Lahore often the most polluted megacity between November and February (archived link). Screenshot comparison of the edited graphic (L) and the original from Pakistan Observer Sharif also posted details of the programme on her verified Facebook page on May 6, 2024 and referred to the scheme as "e-taxi" (archived link). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Punjab's transport department similarly called the programme "e-taxi" in a post on X on June 5, inviting vehicle providers to take part (archived link). Pakistan's women leaders are often targets of false news, with deepfakes weaponised to smear them with sexual innuendo that damages their reputation in the conservative country (archived link). AFP has previously debunked a clip made with AI that purports to show Sharif hugging UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WMBB) The City of Panama City has revealed that a worn United States Flag Drop Box will be installed at City Hall on Monday, July 7, at 1 p.m. According to a news release, the drop box was given by former Eagle Scout Kaial Hajil, who has donated six other drop boxes throughout Bay County. Panama City partnered with the Paul W. Airey American Legion Post 392, which will empty the drop box when it becomes full. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The flags will be disposed of following the U.S. Flag Code, which includes a service inspection, presentation of colors, prayers and a flag retirement ceremony hosted by the American Legion. As such, unserviceable flags are meant to be removed from their posts and retired in dignified ceremonies. A flag should be retired if its colors are faded or streaked with pollution, if its ends are frayed or if the fabric becomes torn or transparent, City of Panama City wrote. The public can drop off worn U.S. flags during normal business hours at City Hall within the Grace Avenue lobby. Those who email a photo dropping off their flags to info@showallegiance.com will receive a discount on a new flag. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Paramount Global has agreed to pay $16 million to end President Trump's lawsuit over edits to a "60 Minutes" interview a legal tussle that roiled CBS News, spurred high-level departures and threatened to derail the company's hoped-for sale. The money will be allocated to Trump's future presidential library. As part of the deal, Paramount did not offer an apology or express regret for CBS News' reporting or edits. "No amount will be paid directly or indirectly to President Trump," Paramount said in a statement. "The settlement will include a release of all claims regarding any CBS reporting through the date of the settlement, including the Texas action and the threatened defamation action." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Paramount decided to buy peace with the president rather than wage a costly fight to defend "60 Minutes" and its journalists in court. The move prompted an outcry by 1st Amendment experts who denounced the lawsuit as frivolous and the talks to reach Tuesday's settlement as a shakedown. The company's leaders hope the settlement will clear a path for the company's sale to David Ellison's Skydance Media a deal that needs the blessing of the Federal Communications Commission. Instead of fast-tracking the review of the proposed Paramount-Skydance merger, the Trump-appointed FCC chairman opened an inquiry into whether edits of the October "60 Minutes" interview with then-Vice President Kamala Harris rose to the level of news distortion. "The Company has agreed that in the future, '60 Minutes' will release transcripts of interviews with eligible U.S. presidential candidates after such interviews have aired, subject to redactions as required for legal or national security concerns," Paramount said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The two sides have participated in mediation sessions for the last two months. Paramount said the terms of the settlement were proposed by the mediator. Its $16-million payment will include Trump's attorneys fees. "President Donald J. Trump delivers another win for the American people as he, once again, holds the Fake News media accountable for their wrongdoing and deceit," said a spokesman for Trump's legal team in a statement. "CBS and Paramount Global realized the strength of this historic case and had no choice but to settle." "President Trump will always ensure that no one gets away with lying to the American People as he continues on his singular mission to Make America Great Again, the statement continued. Trump has long maintained last fall's "60 Minutes" interview was edited to make Harris look smarter to boost her November election chances. CBS denied the allegations, saying the edits were routine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The unedited footage confirmed that Harris was accurately quoted. But Trump's team said the edits caused Trump "mental anguish." After returning to the White House this year, Trump doubled his lawsuit damages demand to $20 billion. "Her answer was horrendous, Trump told reporters last month on the White House lawn. I would say election-threatening. ... Her answer was election-threatening, it was so incompetent. Read more: Why Paramount's efforts to settle Trump's lawsuit have drawn mounting political heat Trump's lawsuit called the edits "malicious, deceptive, and substantial news distortion calculated to confuse, deceive, and mislead the public." The trims, the suit alleged, were "partisan and unlawful acts of election and voter interference." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CBS has acknowledged editing the interview, which is routine in the news business. Longstanding 1st Amendment interpretations give news producers wide latitude to decide what material to broadcast as long as they don't distort the information presented to viewers. Paramount's controlling shareholder, Shari Redstone, pushed for a settlement. The Redstone family's investment firm, which holds the controlling Paramount shares, is juggling more than $400 million in debt and she wanted to facilitate the sale of Paramount, as well as her family's holding firm, to Skydance. Family members are counting on their portion of the Paramount sale proceeds. A representative has said Redstone recused herself from decisions dealing with Trump's lawsuit but the mogul had made clear her desire for a settlement. The Redstone family controls 77% of Paramount voting shares. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Trump endorses Paramount merger with David Ellison's Skydance Skydance executives and their private equity partners also agitated for Paramount to end the bickering with Trump to resolve a key headache before the new owners take over. Paramount, in a statement, said it has treated Trump's lawsuit "completely separate from, and unrelated to, the Skydance transaction and the FCC approval process." It's been nearly a year since Redstone and fellow Paramount directors approved Skydance's two-phased $8-billion deal. David Ellison, son of tech billionaire Larry Ellison, is eager to run the company that boasts the legendary Melrose Avenue film studio, the Paramount+ streaming service, CBS and cable channels including Comedy Central, Nickelodeon and BET. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Skydance operations and personnel are expected to be folded into Paramount in the second phase of the transaction. Paramount Pictures studio lot on Melrose Avenue in Hollywood. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) The deal faces one last regulatory hurdle. Paramount must win FCC Chairman Brendan Carr's consent to transfer more than two dozen CBS station licenses to the Ellisons. FCC approval has been held up for months. Skydance and Paramount face an October deadline to finalize the deal or risk its collapse. Redstone would then have to come up with hundreds of millions of dollars to satisfy her creditors, including Larry Ellison, giving her another reason to favor a settlement. Her willingness to set aside free speech values prompted pushback from journalists. The nonprofit Freedom of the Press Foundation decried Paramount's decision to cede 1st Amendment freedoms in an effort to advance the Skydance deal. It vowed to sue Paramount if it settled. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the deal's months-long delay was wearing. Redstone separately disclosed in early June that she was being treated for thyroid cancer. Read more: Inside Paramount's bumpy sale: the president, a scion and a possible sheikh The legal saga began last fall when CBS News invited both Harris and Trump to sit down with "60 Minutes," a campaign season tradition. After initially agreeing, Trump backed out. CBS went forward with the Harris piece but got into hot water after the network broadcast two portions of her response to a question by CBS correspondent Bill Whitaker. When he challenged Harris about the Biden administration's struggles dealing with Israel's prime minister, Harris gave a three-sentence answer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CBS' Sunday morning show "Face the Nation" aired her first sentence, which was convoluted. The following night, "60 Minutes" ran the second part of her answer, which was forceful and succinct. Trump and his supporters cried foul, pointing to the discrepancies. Read more: President Trump tees off on 60 Minutes' again, threatens CBS broadcast licenses The showdown accelerated a week before the election when Trump filed his lawsuit in Amarillo, Texas. He accused CBS of trying to cover up Harris' "word salad" to manipulate the results of what was expected to be a tight election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump won decisively, and CBS sought to have the case dismissed. The network's lawyers said its journalists were protected by the 1st Amendment. It also argued that the case should be moved from west Texas, where it was heard by a Trump-appointed federal judge. The lawyers sought to get the case moved to a New York court, where CBS and "60 Minutes" are based. The interview in question didn't mention Texas. In February, Trump added Rep. Ronny Jackson (R-Texas), his former doctor, to the lawsuit as an additional plaintiff. Jackson is a Texas resident. Tuesday night's settlement stipulated that Jackson would not receive any money. Earlier this year, the Texas judge ordered the two sides to present their cases to a mediator. A retired judge who handles complex litigation began hearing the matter April 30. Read more: Paramount's 'South Park' streaming deal is in limbo as Skydance merger drags on The controversy stabbed at the heart of CBS News and its legacy of fearless broadcast journalism. CBS News producers have long maintained they did nothing wrong. Journalists refused to sign any apology, which was long seen as a key demand from Trump and his team. Inside the company, a pitched battle raged for months. In late April, the executive producer of "60 Minutes," Bill Owens, quit. That prompted longtime CBS newsman Scott Pelley to inform "60 Minutes" viewers the show had faced increased corporate oversight because of Paramount's desire to win the Trump administration's approval of the Skydance deal. None of our stories has been blocked, Pelley told viewers. But Bill felt he lost the independence that honest journalism requires." Some corporate executives were furious over Pelley's public statements, insiders have said. Read more: How Trumps FCC chairman is stoking the culture war The Trump dispute also contributed to the departure of Wendy McMahon, the president of CBS News and Stations. She stepped down under pressure in May. There were other sore points. Redstone, who also serves as the chair of the Paramount board, had also expressed dissatisfaction with CBS News coverage of the Israel-Hamas war. Fallout from the settlement could prompt additional headaches. Three left-leaning U.S. senators warned Redstone that Paramount could face allegations of bribery if it wrote a big check to mollify Trump in an effort to facilitate the FCCs review of the Skydance deal. The Wall Street Journal reported that Paramount offered Trump $15 million to make the lawsuit go away, but he declined. Read more: Paramount inches toward settling Trump's $20-billion 60 Minutes' lawsuit The issue became an unexpected pain point in Skydance's pursuit of FCC approval to take over the CBS licenses. Early this year, the FCC's Carr opened an inquiry into whether the "60 Minutes" edits constituted "news distortion" despite a longstanding acknowledgment by the FCC that it had little authority to act on complaints about accuracy or bias of reporters and news networks. "The agency is prohibited by law from engaging in censorship or infringing on First Amendment rights of the press," FCC said in guidelines posted on its website. "Those protected rights include, but are not limited to, a broadcaster's selection and presentation of news or commentary." Carr ordered CBS to release the raw footage. Video of the unedited interview confirmed the network's account. But the footage also revealed that Harris' jumbled answer was clipped to its most cogent part. Read more: FCC and CBS release unedited 60 Minutes' Kamala Harris interview amid Trump lawsuit "It is troubling anytime a news organization settles a suit that was plainly winnable," RonNell Andersen Jones, a 1st Amendment expert and law professor at the University of Utah, said in an interview earlier this year. "It represents lost 1st Amendment ground that didn't have to be ceded." Paramount becomes the latest media company to settle, rather than risk incurring the president's wrath or facing an ugly courtroom confrontation. Read more: Shari Redstone was poised to make Paramount a Hollywood comeback story. What happened? Walt Disney Co. in December settled a Trump suit against ABC News and anchor George Stephanopoulos by agreeing to pay $1 million for legal fees and donating another $15 million for Trumps future presidential library. The resolution came after Stephanopoulos asserted during an on-air interview that a jury had found Trump liable for rape in a civil case. Jurors had actually determined Trump was liable for sexual abuse. ABC News anchor George Stephanopoulos. (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times) Some news outlets have fought back, including the Associated Press, which has vigorously defended its reporters' ability to cover the president. Gannett's Des Moines Register and independent pollster J. Ann Selzer also have battled Trump's legal challenges to an Iowa poll that overstated Harris' support. The poll was published just days before the election, suggesting Harris was leading in the Hawkeye State, though she lost convincingly. This week, Trump and his fellow plaintiffs moved to have their federal case dismissed. The president revised his claims that the poll's publication amounted to election interference and violated Iowa's Consumer Fraud Act with a new lawsuit in state court. Read more: '60 Minutes,' the Associated Press, an Iowa newspaper: Trump's attacks on the media reach new heights Sign up for our Wide Shot newsletter to get the latest entertainment business news, analysis and insights. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Despite staff resignations and admonishment from lawmakers, CBS News parent company Paramount Global has gone ahead and settled with President Donald Trump over his $20 billion lawsuit complaining about a 60 Minutes episode. Paramount agreed to pay Trump $16 million in a move that critics have warned could have grave implications for press freedom, empowering the president to exact revenge on media outlets that dont provide favorable coverage of him. The settlement also clears up the quarrel ahead of Paramounts sought-out merger with Skydance Media, which needs approval from the Trump administration. Paramount just paid Trump a bribe for merger approval. When Democrats retake power, Ill be first in line calling for federal charges, Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) wrote on Bluesky. In the meantime, state prosecutors should make the corporate execs who sold out our democracy answer in court. Brendan Carr, the Trump-appointed chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, has insisted that his agencys pivotal review of the merger is unrelated to Trumps lawsuit. Carr received a bipartisan rebuke from former FCC commissioners after he reopened a separate case involving 60 Minutes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The settlement funds will be allocated to a future presidential library, and will not be paid personally to Trump or Rep. Ronny Jackson (R-Texas), the plaintiffs in the case, according to Paramount. As part of the settlement, Paramount stated that 60 Minutes will release transcripts of interviews that it conducts with U.S. presidential candidates after theyve aired. It added that this settlement does not include a statement of apology or regret, which had previously been a point of contention for Trump. Rewarding Trump with tens of millions of dollars for filing this bogus lawsuit will not cause him to back down on his war against the media and a free press, a group of Democratic senators, including Wyden, warned in a joint statement in May. It will only embolden him to shakedown, extort and silence CBS and other media outlets that have the courage to report about issues that Trump may not like. President Donald Trump smiles as he signs executive orders in April. via Associated Press A key figure in the deal is Paramount Global Chair Shari Redstone, who controls the company with her family. In May, Sens. Wyden, Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) sent Redstone a letter expressing concern she and other executives may be engaging in improper conduct involving the Trump Administration in exchange for approval of its merger with Skydance Media. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson for Redstone said shed recused herself from the settlement talks. But Puck reported that Redstone had told 60 Minutes producers to hold back on stories critical of Trump until the merger was complete. In May, The Wall Street Journal reported that Paramount offered Trump $15 million to settle his lawsuit. He reportedly refused, demanding more than $25 million and an apology from CBS News over its 60 Minutes episode with then-Vice President Kamala Harris last October. Then, at the end of June, a mediator proposed a $20 million settlement, with $17 million of that going to Trumps presidential foundation. Trump claimed in his lawsuit that the interview with Harris, then his rival for the presidency, was deceptively edited in a way that would boost her chances of winning the election. Pushing back, CBS released the full transcript of the interview, demonstrating to the public that it didnt engage in any nefarious editing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Trumps lawyers claimed in May that he suffered mental anguish from the interview, and the president continues to rail against 60 Minutes for its coverage of him, saying CBS News will have to pay a big price for going after him. As talks of a settlement swirled, two of CBS News top employees resigned. In April, 60 Minutes top producer Bill Owens departed, saying it had become clear that I would not be allowed to run the show as I have always run it, to make independent decisions based on what was right for 60 Minutes, right for the audience. Then in May, CBS News CEO Wendy McMahon also announced she was leaving the network, saying in her resignation announcement that it had become clear that the company and I do not agree on the path forward. Both were recently invited to testify at a hearing before the California state Senate, which is investigating whether Paramount is violating any laws by settling with Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speaking on CBSs The Late Show With Stephen Colbert in May, Sen. Sanders stressed that Paramount shouldnt cave to Trump. Hes going after universities, Sanders said of Trump. Hes going after law firms who have represented clients that he didnt like. This is what authoritarianism is about. FIRST ON FOX Paramount Global and CBS agreed on Tuesday to pay President Donald Trump a sum that could reach north of $30 million to settle the presidents election interference lawsuit against the network. Trump will receive $16 million upfront. This will cover legal fees, costs of the case, and contributions to his future presidential library or charitable causes, to be determined at Trumps discretion. There is an anticipation that there will be another allocation in the eight figures set aside for advertisements, public service announcements, or other similar transmissions, in support of conservative causes by the network in the future, Fox News Digital has learned. With these considerations, CBS would pay well in excess of the $15 million ABC paid Trump to settle a defamation lawsuit last year. Current Paramount management disputes the additional allocation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sources close to the situation told Fox News Digital that CBS has agreed to update its editorial standards to install a mandatory new rule. Going forward, the network will promptly release full, unedited transcripts of future presidential candidates interviews. People involved in the settlement talks have referred to this as the "Trump Rule." Fair Election Fund Urges Fcc To Hold Cbs Accountable For 'Unlawful Conduct Related To 60 Minutes Interview President Trump was seeking $20 billion in a lawsuit against CBS, alleging election interference over its handling of a "60 Minutes" interview last year with Vice President Kamala Harris. "With this record settlement, President Donald J. Trump delivers another win for the American people as he, once again, holds the Fake News media accountable for their wrongdoing and deceit. CBS and Paramount Global realized the strength of this historic case and had no choice but to settle. President Trump will always ensure that no one gets away with lying to the American People as he continues on his singular mission to Make America Great Again," a spokesperson for Trumps legal team told Fox News Digital. Read On The Fox News App Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump was seeking $20 billion in his lawsuit against CBS over its handling of a "60 Minutes" interview last year with then-Vice President Kamala Harris, accusing the network of election interference leading up to the 2024 contest. CBS is not acknowledging any journalistic wrongdoing with the settlement. "The settlement will include a release of all claims regarding any CBS reporting through the date of the settlement, including the Texas action and the threatened defamation action," parent company Paramount said in a statement. The lawsuit alleged CBS News deceitfully edited an exchange Harris had with "60 Minutes" correspondent Bill Whitaker, who asked her why Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wasn't "listening" to the Biden administration. Harris was widely mocked for the "word salad" answer that aired in a preview clip of the interview on CBS' "Face the Nation." However, when the same question aired during a primetime special on the network, Harris had a different, more concise response. Critics at the time accused CBS News of deceitfully editing Harris' "word salad" answer to shield the Democratic nominee from further backlash leading up to Election Day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The raw transcript and footage released earlier this year by the FCC showed that both sets of Harris' comments came from the same response, but CBS News had aired only the first half of her response in the "Face the Nation" preview clip and aired the second half during the primetime special. CBS News had long denied any wrongdoing and stood by the broadcast and its reporting. '60 Minutes' Kamala Harris Interview At Center Of Trump Lawsuit Runs Afoul Of Cronkite-era Cbs Guidelines Paramount and Trumps legal team had agreed to mediation designed to help the sides reach a settlement. It was widely believed that Paramount Global controlling shareholder Shari Redstone wanted to settle the suit ahead of a planned multi-billion-dollar merger with Skydance Media in hopes of preventing potential retribution by Trump's FCC, which has the authority to halt the transaction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This lawsuit is completely separate from, and unrelated to, the Skydance transaction and the FCC approval process. We will abide by the legal process to defend our case," Paramount said in a previous statement on the Skydance transaction. A source familiar with Paramounts current leadership told Fox News Digital that only the initial $16 million was sanctioned by the official mediator and they had no knowledge of any deal Trump made with incoming ownership. Skydance Media CEO David Ellison, who would control CBS after the planned merger, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. A Redstone spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump confidently declared the case against CBS a "winner" in April. "They cheated and defrauded the American People at levels never seen before in the Political Arena. Kamala Harris, during Early Voting and, immediately before Election Day, was asked a question, and gave an answer, that was so bad and incompetent that it would have cost her many of the Votes that she ended up getting," Trump posted on Truth Social ahead of mediation, going on to accuse the newsmagazine of perpetrating a fraud on the American people. Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and eight Democratic colleagues sent a letter to Redstone in May asking her not to settle the lawsuit against CBS News, which they called an "attack on the First Amendment." They called the potential settlement a "grave mistake" and "a blatant attempt to intimidate the media and those who speak out against him, President Trump." The letter also stated "presidents do not get to punish or censor the media for criticizing them" in the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump, Cbs Parent Company Set For Mediation In $20 Billion 60 Minutes Lawsuit President Trump and others were not pleased with CBS News "60 Minutes" over the controversial edit of its interview with then-Vice President Kamala Harris. Earlier this year, FCC Chair Brendan Carr ordered CBS News to hand over the unedited transcript as part of its probe into whether the network violated the FCC's "news distortion" policy after a complaint was filed. CBS had refused to release the unedited transcript until the FCC got involved. Top '60 Minutes' Producer Resigns From Show, Cites Lack Of Independence Trump's attorneys amended their lawsuit to include multiple excerpts from the unedited transcript in hopes of bolstering their case that CBS News withheld unflattering exchanges in order to help the Democratic nominee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The saga emerged as a distraction inside CBS News and longtime "60 Minutes" executive producer Bill Owens walked away from the job in April because he wasnt able to make the "independent decisions" needed for the program to thrive. Owens, who had insisted CBS did nothing wrong with the Harris edit, was vehemently against offering any sort of apology to the president. The settlement does not include a statement of regret. No amount will be paid directly or indirectly to President Trump personally. Paramounts annual stockholders meeting is set for Wednesday, July 2 at 9 am E.T. CBS News President and CEO Wendy McMahon, who is believed to have been against settling with Trump, announced on May 19 that she was stepping down in another stunning move for the embattled company. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Its become clear that the company and I do not agree on the path forward. Its time for me to move on and for this organization to move forward with new leadership," McMahon told staffers in a memo that was obtained by Fox News Digital. "60 Minutes" correspondent Scott Pelley previously said a settlement would be "very damaging to CBS, to Paramount, to the reputation of those companies." Other high-profile CBS journalists, such as Lesley Stahl, were vehemently against a settlement. "The unanimous view at 60 Minutes is that there should be no settlement, and no money paid, because the lawsuit is complete bulls---," one veteran "60 Minutes" producer told Fox News Digital last month. ABC also settled a defamation lawsuit in December with then-President-elect Trump for $15 million, after anchor George Stephanopoulos repeatedly and incorrectly asserted Trump had been found "liable for rape" in a civil trial last year. ABC additionally paid $1 million for President Trumps legal fees. Fox News Digitals Brooke Singman contributed to this report. Original article source: Paramount, CBS forced to pay eight figures, change editorial policy in settlement with President Trump Truckling to President Donald Trump, Paramount has agreed to settle the presidents frivolous lawsuit over the editing of CBS Newss 60 Minutes interview with Kamala Harris. Some executives at the media conglomerate reportedly desired this outcome, for it would clear the way for a megamerger requiring the Trump administrations approval, despite surely emboldening his war against the press. As part of the settlement, Paramount will reportedly not apologize or admit wrongdoingcold comfort, considering it will, per The New York Times, fork up $16 million, including to Trumps legal fees and planned presidential library, and release written transcripts of future 60 Minutes interviews with presidential candidates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump alleged that the show deceptively edited an answer from Kamala Harris on Israel during an October 2024 interview. Of course, 60 Minutes and other news programs customarily edit politicians remarks for concision, including those of the notorious prolix president. The settlement paves the way for a multibillion-dollar merger with Skydance, which requires the approval of Trumps Federal Communications Commission. In May, Senators Elizabeth Warren, Bernie Sanders, and Ron Wyden wrote to Paramount that Paramount may be engaging in potentially illegal conduct involving the Trump Administration in exchange for approval of its megamerger with Skydance. Paramounts supine settlement starkly contrasts a court filing from just last Monday, in which the company called the meritless lawsuit an attempt to evade bedrock First Amendment principles establishing that public officials like themselves cannot hold news organizations like CBS liable for the exercise of editorial judgment. Previously, the company had called the lawsuit an affront to the First Amendment without basis in law or fact. A recent caller to The Ramsey Show shocked hosts George Kamel and Jade Warshaw by revealing that he and his wife bring in $40,000 to $45,000 every month, yet feel overwhelmed by debt, financial pressure, and out-of-control expenses. Despite High Income, Debt Keeps Piling Up We just have a lot of expenses every month, and our finances just kind of got out of control, said the caller, Dustin. He detailed having two massive car payments: $1,600 per month for a Tesla and $800 for a truck. Both vehicles are deeply underwater, especially the Tesla, which he said could only fetch around $30,000 while they still owe $55,000. Don't Miss: Warshaw responded directly: Youre very concerned with the month-to-month payment. When youre doing very well, like you are, its very easy to go, I can afford the payment. But youre never looking at the big picture amount. In addition to the car loans, Dustin and his wife are still paying off a second mortgage, $1,800 a month on a home they no longer even own. They owe $156,000 on that debt alone. Their current home carries a mortgage of $800,000. They also have $19,000 remaining on a credit card, after paying off two others totaling $27,000. On top of that, they pay $3,000 a month for their three children to attend a private Christian school. Do we need to pull the kids out of private school?" Kamel asked him. That's kind of what Im here for, Dustin responded, indicating that hes not shying away from difficult choices. Kamel left the decision up to the caller but noted, At this state of your personal finances, we cant afford private school. And that is a ridiculous thing to say, talking to a guy who makes $500,000 a year. Trending: This Jeff Bezos-backed startup will allow you to become a landlord in just 10 minutes, with minimum investments as low as $100. Kamel pointed out that even after accounting for $3,000 in private school tuition and $2,400 in car payments, the couples spending didn't add up. With an income of $45,000 per month, he questioned where the rest was going and stressed that the real problem was their financial behavior, not their earnings. The couple has three rental properties, but only one generates profit. The other two are break-even and are being rented out to friends. Kamel suggested they consider selling the properties to simplify their lives and throw the money toward their debt. UPDATED, with FCC commissioners comment, Paramount comment: Paramount Global is already facing sharp criticism over its decision to settle Donald Trumps lawsuit over the way that CBS 60 Minutes edited an interview with Kamala Harris. The $16 million settlement, announced late on Tuesday, came after months of wrangling and protest within CBS News. The lawsuit was seen by many legal observers as meritless, but Paramount Global needs Trump administration approval for its merger with Skydance Media. More from Deadline Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anna Gomez, the sole Democrat on the FCC, said in a statement that the settlement should alarm anyone who values a free and independent press. She said that instead of standing on principle, Paramount opted for a payout. That decision now casts a long shadow over the integrity of the transaction pending before the FCC. Given the extraordinary public interest in this deal, the novel legal questions raised by the lawsuit and its resolution, and the repeated calls from lawmakers for transparency, I once again urge the FCC to bring this matter before the full Commission for a vote. Approving this transaction behind closed doors and under the cover of bureaucratic process would be a shameful outcome that denies the American people the transparency and accountability they deserve, especially when press freedom is at stake. RELATED: Elizabeth Warren Says Paramounts Trump Lawsuit Settlement Could Be Bribery In Plain Sight, Plans Bill To Restrict Presidential Library Donations The Writers Guild of America East, which represents writers at 60 Minutes and elsewhere in the news division, said that they stand behind the exemplary work of our members at 60 Minutes and CBS News. We wish their bosses at Paramount Global had the courage to do the same. This settlement is a transparent attempt to curry favors with an administration in the hopes it will allow Paramount Global and Skydance Media merger to be cleared for approval. Paramounts decision to capitulate to Trump threatens journalists ability to do their job reporting on powerful public figures. A spokesperson for Paramount Global said, Companies often settle litigation to avoid the high and somewhat unpredictable costs of legal defense, the risk of an adverse judgment that could result in significant financial or reputational damage, and the disruption to business operations that prolonged legal battles can cause. Settlement offers a negotiated resolution that allows companies to focus on their core objectives rather than being mired in uncertainty and distraction. RELATED: Paramount Globals George Cheeks Defends CBS Settlement With Donald Trump Better Than Being Mired In Uncertainty And Distraction In December, The Walt Disney Co. settled a defamation lawsuit filed by Trump for an identical amount. But there is concern that companies are not standing up to the president at a critical moment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ruth Ben-Ghiant, the author who writes about authoritarianism and propaganda, wrote on X, Had they consulted with someone, anyone, who knows about authoritarian shakedown tactics and Mafia states, they would have learned that by paying out they have confirmed their weakness in the eyes of the predator. Jameel Jaffer, executive director of the Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia University, said in a statement that Paramounts legal exposure in the frivolous lawsuit was negligible. Paramount should have fought this extortionate lawsuit in court, and it would have prevailed. Now Trumps presidential library will be a permanent monument to Paramounts surrender, a continual reminder of its failure to defend freedoms that are essential to our democracy. Robert Corn-Revere, chief counsel for the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, said in a statement that a cold wind just blew through every newsroom this morning. Paramount may have closed this case, but it opened the door to the idea that the government should be the medias editor-in-chief. He said that Trump has a long history of frivolous lawsuits against media entities, but this time had the FCC review of the Paramount-Skydance merger to bring added pressure to bear. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Behavior that gets rewarded gets repeated, Corn-Revere said. This settlement will only embolden the president to continue his flurry of baseless lawsuits against the press and against the American peoples ability to hear the news free from government intrusion. Trump just this week has threatened a lawsuit, and even prosecution, against CNN for its reporting on an early intelligence report that cast doubt on the extent to which U.S. strikes on Iran obliterated their nuclear program. Department of Homeland Security Kristi Noem also said that the Justice Department was reviewing potential prosecution of the network for reporting on a crowdsourced app that tracks sightings of Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. One organization, the Freedom of the Press Foundation, said in May that it planned to file a shareholder derivative lawsuit against the company if there was a settlement. Seth Stern, director of advocacy for the organization said that they filed a shareholder demand for books and records of the settlement decision, including corporate discussion of the risks, benefits and drawbacks. They planned to send a second letter on Wednesday, and consider legal options. Each time a company cowers and surrenders to Trumps demands, it only emboldens him to do it again, Stern said. It will be remembered as one of the most shameful capitulations by the press to a president in history. Best of Deadline Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. The morning after Paramount Global agreed to a $16 million payout to settle Donald Trumps lawsuit against CBS and 60 Minutes, co-CEO George Cheeks stepped up to defend the move at the companys annual shareholder meeting. In a brief Q&A, one stockholder asked what drove the companys decision to settle. More from Deadline Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yes, the company has agreed in principle to settle the lawsuit, and as reported, it does not include an apology, said Cheeks. Now as to the why? Look, companies often settle litigation to avoid the high and somewhat unpredictable cost of legal defense, the risk of an adverse judgment that could result in significant financial as well as reputational damage and the disruption to business operations that prolonged legal battles can cause, he added. The settlement offers a negotiated resolution that allows companies to focus on their core objectives rather than being mired in uncertainty and distraction, and we issued a statement last night that reflects the agreed terms. RELATED: Elizabeth Warren Says Paramounts Trump Lawsuit Settlement Could Be Bribery In Plain Sight, Plans Bill To Restrict Presidential Library Donations Trump sued CBS News and its parent company, Paramount, for $20 billion over the editing of the interview last fall with former Vice President Kamala Harris, Trumps opponent in the presidential election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The announcement by Paramount late Tuesday said it had reached an agreement in principle to resolve the lawsuit filed by President Trump in the Northern District of Texas and a threatened defamation action concerning a separate 60 Minutes report. Under the terms of the settlement, which were proposed by a mediator, Paramounts $16 million total payout includes plaintiffs fees and costs with the rest being allocated to Trumps future presidential library. It releases of all claims regarding any CBS reporting through the date of the settlement, including the Texas action and the threatened defamation action. RELATED: Paramount Global Blasted For Settling Donald Trumps 60 Minutes Lawsuit: Threatens Journalists Ability To Do Their Job, WGAE Says The company stressed that no amount will be paid directly or indirectly to President Trump and, as Cheeks mentioned this morning, the settlement does not include a statement of apology or regret. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Paramount did agree, however, that in the future, 60 Minutes will release transcripts of interviews with eligible U.S. presidential candidates after they have aired subject to redactions as required for legal or national security concerns. The company also reiterated its previous statement on its proposed sale to Skydance, currently under review by the FCC. This lawsuit is completely separate from, and unrelated to, the Skydance transaction and the FCC approval process. We will abide by the legal process to defend our case. RELATED: Trump Celebrity Supporters: Famous Folks In Favor Of The 47th President FCC chair Brendan Carr, a Trump loyalist whom the president named to head the commission, has also tried somewhat to separate the two in public statements but its widely believed that that a greenlight would be unlikely without a settlement first. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shari Redstone-controlled Paramount and David Ellisons Skydance announced their planned merger a year ago after months of bumpy negotiations. Paramount had said it expected to close the deal in the first half of 2025. Thats just slipped by but the settlement appears to create a path forward for approval although the timeframe isnt clear. Paramounts payout is identical to what Disney paid in December to close out a Trump defamation lawsuit against ABC News over comments that George Stephanopoulos made on This Week. Disneys coin will also flow to Trumps future presidential library as well as his legal costs. The Writers Guild of America East slammed the settlement today as a transparent attempt to curry favors with an administration in the hopes it will allow Paramount Global and Skydance Media merger to be cleared for approval. Paramounts decision to capitulate to Trump threatens journalists ability to do their job reporting on powerful public figures. More expressions of disgust are expected to flow although its not clear if legal action will follow. Some public interest groups and politicians have warned of lawsuits against Paramount for breaking anti-bribery statutes if it settles with the proposed merger awaiting the FCCs blessing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Otherwise, give the underlying drama, Paramounts virtual annual meeting was short and unventful at under 30 minutes, kicking off with the de rigueur film and TV montage led by Mission: Impossible takes and Tom Cruise. The co-CEOs Chris McCarthy and Brian Robbins alongside Cheeks briefly touted progress in their respective divisions over the past year and across the company on hit shows, a streaming turnaround and hefty cost cuts, before taking just a few questions. Shareholders appeared to elect all of the companys director nominees despite recommendations against four including Redstone by leading proxy advisory firm Institutional Shareholder Services. The exact vote tally will be released later. Stockholders also declined to approve a shareholder resolution by conservative think tank The National Center for Public Policy Research asking Paramount to issue a report on the potential risks associated with omitting viewpoint and ideology from its written equal employment opportunity (EEO) policy. Best of Deadline Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Paramount Global, the parent company of CBS, will pay $16 million to settle a lawsuit with President Donald Trump, who sued the company for alleged election interference following an interview it aired on 60 Minutes with former Vice President Kamala Harris in October. The settlement does not include a statement of apology or regret, according to a statement from Paramount Global. The Company has agreed that in the future, 60 Minutes will release transcripts of interviews with eligible U.S. presidential candidates after such interviews have aired, subject to redactions as required for legal or national security concerns. Paramounts decision to settle has already drawn ire from press organizations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Writers Guild of America East criticized bosses at Paramount Global for a lack of courage, in a post on X, adding that Paramounts capitulation threatens journalists ability to do their job reporting on powerful public figures. The Freedom of the Press Foundation called the move spineless and the lawsuit an insult to the First Amendment, in a statement on X.Its a dark day for press freedom, the post concluded. Start your day with essential news from Salon. Sign up for our free morning newsletter, Crash Course. The lawsuit alleged that the editing of the 2024 interview on 60 Minutes was partisan and created unlawful acts of election and voter interference. It also accused CBS of distortion, adding that the edited interview damaged Trumps reelection efforts, and asked for $10 billion in damages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CBS denied the claims and asked for dismissal, saying its filing in the conservative North Texas had no personal jurisdiction over the company. Paramount Global changed course and began settlement talks in January. The move came at a time when Paramounts proposed merger with Skydance Media needed approval from Trumps FCC. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., was direct in his criticism, writing in a post to Bluesky: Paramount just paid a bribe for merger approval. he called for state prosecutors to make the corporate execs who sold out our democracy answer in court, today. The post Paramount just paid a bribe: Senator demands investigation after $16 million settlement with Trump appeared first on Salon.com. Paramount Global opted to write a $16 million check to President Donald Trump rather than fight what it had called a meritless lawsuit. Late Tuesday, the media company said it will pay $16 million to Trump to settle a lawsuit tied to 60 Minutes, betting that the payment will help the companys fortunes and speed a planned deal with Skydance Media even if it risks tarnishing one of CBSs most storied brands. More from Variety Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Paramount said in a statement that it had agreed to pay $16 million to Trump to settle his lawsuit accusing CBSs 60 Minutes of deceptively editing an interview with then-presidential candidate Kamala Harris and misleading U.S. voters, even though both the company and legal experts had said that Trumps position in the matter was weak. At issue was the October 2024 60 Minutes interview between correspondent Bill Whitaker and Democratic candidate Harris, presented on a special edition of the program four weeks before the 2024 election. The Trump suit, filed in federal court in the Northern District of Texas in November, claimed that 60 Minutes tried to mislead voters by airing two different edits of remarks made in the interview with Harris, then Trumps rival for the White House. CBS had sought to have the case thrown out. The Federal Communications Commission subsequently opened an investigation into the matter, and CBS and Trump attorneys engaged a mediator. Paramount has scheduled its annual corporate meeting with investors for Wednesday, where it is expected to elect three new directors. Trumps co-plaintiff in the case was U.S. Rep. Ronny Jackson (R-Texas), a conservative House member whose presence allowed Trump to steer the case to a receptive federal judge in Amarillo, Texas: U.S. District Judge Matthew J. Kacsmaryk. The lawsuit was filed five days before Trump won the 2024 presidential election, returning him to the White House just four years after he was defeated by Democrat Joe Biden. Trumps crusade against CBS and 60 Minutes has amounted to an extraordinary and disturbing flex of political power by a sitting president. Meanwhile, Paramount Globals handling of the matter sparked anger and dismay at CBS News. Top producers at 60 Minutes felt Paramount overseers, including controlling shareholder Shari Redstone, had begun inserting themselves into the shows editing process and story selection even asking news leaders whether certain stories analyzing Trumps recent policies had to run. Bill Owens, just the third executive producer of the venerable newsmagazine, announced he would leave the show in April, and the CBS executive who supervised its national news division and local stations, Wendy McMahon, exited in May. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Paramount, the settlement does not include a statement of apology or regret, which was a measure Trumps legal team had pushed for. That outcome may help the company navigate what are likely to be furious reactions from its news personnel. CBS News staffers, producers and correspondents at 60 Minutes have made clear that the thought of the show offering an apology for conducting an interview with Harris, produced and edited according to industry-standard norms, would be anathema to anyone in journalism. Trump turned down the opportunity to participate in an interview with 60 Minutes ahead of the election. None of the $16 million will be paid directly or indirectly to President Trump, but will instead go toward his presidential library, according to Paramount. The company also agreed that 60 Minutes would, in the future, release transcripts of interviews with eligible U.S. presidential candidates after such interviews have aired, subject to redactions as required for legal or national security concerns. Trumps legal team said in a statement that Paramount Global and CBS realized the strength of this historic case and had no choice but to settle. Not surprisingly, Trump cast the settlement as vindication for the litigation that has been decried as political extortion by legal scholars and First Amendment advocates. The statement included Trumps familiar attack on Fake News and falsely asserted that Paramount was culpable for lying to the public. With this record settlement, President Donald J. Trump delivers another win for the American people as he, once again, holds the Fake News media accountable for their wrongdoing and deceit, the statement read. President Trump will always ensure that no one gets away with lying to the American People as he continues on his singular mission to Make America Great Again. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Paramount follows a path blazed by Disney in kowtowing to Trump in a bid to make legal pressures vanish. Disney late last year agreed to pay a settlement of $15 million to Donald Trumps presidential library (plus $1 million in legal fees) after ABC News anchor George Stephanopoulos asserted incorrectly in March 2024 on air that Trump had been found liable in a court case for raping writer E. Jean Carroll. The Paramount settlement could embolden Trump to engage in further litigation against media companies whose coverage he dislikes. Last week, a Trump lawyer threatened to sue the New York Times and CNN over their reports about the Pentagons early assessment that the U.S. bombings of Iranian nuclear sites set back the countrys nuclear weapons program by a few months, whereas Trump has claimed Irans facilities were totally obliterated. In a third case in which Trump is targeting a news outlet, the president on Monday (June 30) refiled a lawsuit against the Des Moines Register and pollster Ann Selzer in Iowa state court and simultaneously dropped his federal suit. Trump alleges that the newspapers poll showing him trailing Harris by three points in Iowa (a state he won by 13 points) represents consumer fraud. A rep for the Des Moines Register said the paper will continue to resist President Trumps litigation gamesmanship and believes that regardless of the forum it will be successful in defending its rights under the First Amendment. In May, three left-wing U.S. senators Elizabeth Warren, Bernie Sanders and Ron Wyden had warned that a settlement payment by Paramount to the president would be tantamount to an illegal bribe. But it is inconceivable that the Trump administrations Justice Department would pursue such a bribery charge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump filed the lawsuit against Paramount and CBS just days before the 2024 presidential election, alleging the 60 Minutes interview with Harris violated a Texas consumer-protection law by misleading voters. His suit initially asked for $10 billion in damages. In February, the president amended the complaint to seek at least $20 billion. Trump has claimed the edit made Harris appear more presidential and asserted that it is the biggest Broadcasting SCANDAL in History!!! Prior to the settlement, Paramount and CBS argued that they did nothing wrong. In a March 2025 motion to dismiss Trumps suit, Paramount called the legal action an affront to the First Amendment that is without basis in law or fact. The company reiterated that position in a June 23 reply to Trumps motion to deny Paramounts move to dismiss the complaint. CBS News has maintained that the 60 Minutes broadcast and promotion of the Harris interview was not doctored or deceitful. In a May 28 filing opposing Paramounts motion to dismiss the lawsuit, Trumps lawyers claimed that the 60 Minutes editing of the Harris interview led to widespread confusion and mental anguish of consumers, including Trump and co-plaintiff Jackson. CBSs conduct, including news distortion, constituted commercial speech which cannot by any reasonable interpretation be found to have constituted editorial judgment, and that speech damaged Plaintiffs, the filing said. The fact that such commercial speech was issued by a news organization does not insulate Defendants from liability under the First Amendment. Paramount and CBS said Trump had provided no evidence the 60 Minutes content represented commercial speech. The $8 billion Paramount-Skydance deal is currently pending FCC approval. Under the deal, announced in July 2024 after months of on-again-off-again talks, Skydance, Larry Ellison (father of Skydance CEO David Ellison) and RedBird Capital will buy the shares of Redstones NAI (which owns 77% of the voting power in Paramount Global) upon which Skydance will merge with Paramount to become Paramount Skydance Corp. Redstone is set to receive $1.75 billion in cash upon closing of the Skydance deal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump-appointed FCC chairman Brendan Carr has maintained that the agencys approval of Paramount-Skydance is not connected to the presidents 60 Minutes lawsuit. Last November, he said in a Fox News interview that a conservative groups news distortion complaint against CBS over the 60 Minutes Harris interview was likely to arise in the context of the FCC review of [the Paramount-Skydance] transaction. Paramount Global had previously said Trumps lawsuit is completely separate from, and unrelated to, the Skydance transaction and the FCC approval process. On June 18 at the White House, Trump did not directly answer a reporters question about what is holding up approval of the Skydance-Paramount deal. But the president immediately began discussing his 60 Minutes lawsuit, after saying Skydance CEO David Ellison will do a great job as head of the merged Skydance-Paramount Global. Trumps lawsuit caused significant turmoil within CBS News and parent company Paramount. On May 19, CBS News president Wendy McMahon announced her resignation, writing in a memo to staff Its become clear that the company and I do not agree on the path forward. That came less than a month after 60 Minutes executive producer Bill Owens quit, also citing conflicts with Paramount execs. The departures of McMahon and Owens have been widely viewed as stemming from Paramount executives at the direction of Redstone more closely monitoring CBS News operations amid the legal battle with Trump. In February, Redstone had asked Paramounts board to resolve the Trump lawsuit, including by exploring the possibility of mediation, Variety has reported. Redstone recused herself from the boards discussions about a settlement with Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump, on his Truth Social social media account in April, said his lawsuit against CBS was a true WINNER and falsely claimed that Paramount, CBS and 60 Minutes admitted to committing this crime of deceptively editing Harris answer. Trump alleged 60 Minutes edited the interview to eliminate her bad and incompetent response to a question about whether Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is listening to the Biden-Harris administration. Trump asserted the version of the 60 Minutes interview that aired cheated and defrauded the American People at levels never seen before in the Political Arena. In response to an FCC request, CBS News made public an unedited transcript of the 60 Minutes interview with Harris that aired Oct. 6, 2024 (available at this link) and said the materials showed that consistent with 60 Minutes repeated assurances to the public, the broadcast was not doctored or deceitful. The Trump lawsuits claims centered on an exchange in which 60 Minutes correspondent Bill Whitaker asked Harris about the Biden administrations relations with Israel Prime Minister Netanyahu. CBS News broadcast a longer portion of Harriss response on Oct. 6 on Face the Nation, whereas the edited 60 Minutes segment broadcast the next day included a shorter excerpt from the same answer. Each excerpt reflects the substance of the vice presidents answer, CBS News had said in a statement. Below is the unedited portion of the 60 Minutes exchange, as released by CBS, that Trumps lawsuit takes issue with. During the interview, Whitaker asked Harris, Does the U.S. have no sway over [Israeli] Prime Minister Netanyahu? and then asked this follow-up question: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement WHITAKER: But it seems that Prime Minister Netanyahu is not listening. The Wall Street Journal said that he that your administration has repeatedly been blindsided by Netanyahu, and in fact, he has rebuffed just about all of your administrations entreaties. HARRIS: Well, Bill, the work that we have done has resulted in a number of movements in that region by Israel that were very much prompted by, or a result of many things, including our advocacy for what needs to happen in the region. And were not going to stop doing that. We are not going to stop pursuing what is necessary for the United States to be clear about where we stand on the need for this war to end. On the Oct. 6 edition of Face the Nation, that exchange was edited to this: WHITAKER: But it seems that Prime Minister Netanyahu is not listening. HARRIS: Well, Bill, the work that we have done has resulted in a number of movements in that region by Israel that were very much prompted by, or a result of, many things, including our advocacy for what needs to happen in the region. On the 60 Minutes segment that aired Oct. 7, the interaction was edited to this: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whitaker: But it seems that Prime Minister Netanyahu is not listening. Harris: We are not going to stop pursuing what is necessary for the United States to be clear about where we stand on the need for this war to end. Best of Variety Sign up for Variety's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Paramount has agreed to a $16 million settlement over a lawsuit filed by President Donald Trump. The suit alleged that an interview on CBS' "60 Minutes" with Kamala Harris was selectively edited. Paramount said its settlement did not include an apology or statement of regret. Paramount has agreed to pay $16 million to settle a lawsuit filed by President Donald Trump, it said late Tuesday night. The suit, filed in federal court in Texas in October, accused CBS owned by Paramount of "deceptive editing" of an interview with Trump's presidential rival, Kamala Harris, aired on CBS' "60 Minutes." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The suit alleged that the way the interview was edited "tipped the scales in favor of the Democratic party" during November's election, which Trump won. According to the complaint, CBS aired two versions of the same interview one on "Face the Nation" and another on "60 Minutes" in which Harris appeared to give substantially different responses to the same question about Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Trump's legal team described the discrepancy as "news doctoring," saying it was "designed to mislead the American people" and to make Harris appear more coherent and presidential. At the time it was filed, CBS described the suit as being "completely without merit." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The network said it had "fairly presented the interview to inform the viewing audience, and not to mislead it. "The lawsuit Trump has brought today against CBS is completely without merit and we will vigorously defend against it." Paramount's settlement On Tuesday evening, Paramount said it had reached a settlement "in principle" to end both the Texas lawsuit and a threatened defamation case relating to another "60 Minutes" segment. "Paramount will pay $16M in total, which includes plaintiffs' fees and costs, and except for fees and costs, will be allocated to the future presidential library," the company said in a statement, adding that the terms of the settlement had been proposed by a mediator. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Notably, its statement did not include an apology or a statement of regret. It also said that "no amount will be paid directly or indirectly to President Trump or Rep. Jackson personally." Trump's suit was brought in tandem with Republican Congressman Ronny Jackson. It also agreed to release full transcripts of future "60 Minutes" interviews with eligible US presidential candidates, though those may be redacted for legal or national security reasons. Paramount also sought to distance the agreement from its pending merger with Skydance Media, saying the lawsuit was "completely separate from, and unrelated to, the Skydance transaction and the FCC approval process." Read the original article on Business Insider Paramount will pay $16 million (13.57mn) to settle a defamation case against US President Donald Trump, the company said in a statement late on Tuesday. Minus the legal fees, the money will be paid to Mr. Trumps future presidential library. Trump sued for $20 billion (16.98bn) in damages, claiming that Paramounts CBS News in November edited a 60 Minutes news programme with then-vice president Kamala Harris in a way that was deliberately deceptive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The settlement from Paramount does not include an apology although the show will now release transcripts of future interviews with US presidential candidates after they air. Harris had responded to a question about the US relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. A preview of the interview included one answer, while the full episode featured a different, edited response. The US First Amendment gives publishers wide freedoms to determine how to present information. Despite this, Trump argued in a court filing that the editing of Harris response was doctored to confuse, deceive, and mislead the American People in order to try and interfere in the election. Related Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Discussions around a settlement prompted the resignation of the 60 Minutes executive producer, Bill Owens, earlier this year. The CEO of CBS News and Stations and CBS Media Ventures, Wendy McMahon, also stepped down. [It has] become clear that I would not be allowed to run the show as I have always run it," said Owens in a note to staff. The settlement comes ahead of Paramounts annual shareholders meeting on Wednesday. The firm is at a crucial moment as it seeks to merge with Skydance Media before a 7 July deadline, a sale that requires federal approval. The companies can benefit from an automatic 90-day extension if needed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Paramount said in a statement that the settlement with Trump was completely separate from, and unrelated to, the Skydance transaction and the FCC approval process. The settlement of the 60 Minutes lawsuit marks the second time that Trump has won compensation from a major news organisation since his election. In December, Disney-owned ABC News paid $15mn (12.74mn) to settle a defamation case filed by Trump against the network and one of its anchors, George Stephanopoulos. Trump alleged that Stephanopoulos defamed him when he said during an interview that Trump had been found liable for rape. A jury found Donald Trump liable in a civil case for sexually abusing writer E. Jean Carroll in the mid-1990s and for defaming her by claiming she was lying to promote her book. Paramount will settle President Donald Trumps lawsuit over an October 60 Minutes interview with then-Vice President Kamala Harris, CBS parent company announced late Tuesday. The settlement, for $16 million, will be paid to Trumps future presidential library and also cover the plaintiffs fees and costs. Neither Trump nor co-plaintiff Rep. Ronny Jackson will directly receive monies from the settlement. More from TVLine Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Paramount also agreed that 60 Minutes moving forward will release transcripts of interviews with any presidential candidates, minus any redactions dictated by national security concerns. Paramount will not issue an apology. The lawsuit, filed on Oct. 31 just days before the presidential election centered on CBS News dissemination of two different clips of Democratic nominee Harris thoughts on the conflict in the Middle East. A longer version aired on Face the Nation, while a shorter excerpt was used the next day on 60 Minutes. CBS News had always maintained that each excerpt reflected the substance of Harris answer, and in February full transcripts were released to support that stance. Ten days prior to filing suit, Trump called for CBS to no less than lose its license, which is not really a thing. (The FCC does not and will not revoke licenses for broadcast stations simply because a political candidate disagrees with or dislikes content or coverage, the commission made clear in October.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ive never seen anything like it, Trump told Fox News Media Buzz on Oct. 20. [CBS decided to take] the whole ridiculous answer out, and it was a long answer, and replace it [on 60 Minutes] with a much shorter answer that she did having to do with a totally different subject. Same question. Same answer. But a different portion of the response, asserted an Oct. 21 statement from 60 Minutes. When we edit any interview we strive to be clear, accurate and on point. The portion of her answer on 60 Minutes was more succinct, which allows time for other subjects in a wide-ranging, 21-minute-long segment. Trumps lawsuit was filed in federal court in the Northern District of Texas Amarillo where the lone judge is a 2019 Trump appointee and made unusual use of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Consumer Protection Act, which is meant to keep advertisers from misleading the public about a product being sold. The plaintiffs originally sought $10 billion in damages, and bumped up the number to $20 billion in February, arguing that millions of Americans were confused and misled by the two doctored Interview versions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the suit was filed, longtime 60 Minutes executive producer Bill Owens announced his exit, saying it has become clear that I would not be allowed to run the show as I have always run it. Wendy McMahon, CEO of CBS News and Stations, also stepped down, saying, Its become clear that the company and I do not agree on the path forward. Paramounts settlement comes six months after ABC News agreed to apologize and pay $15 million to settle a suit brought by Trump for comments made on-air by George Stephanopoulos in March 2024. Of note, Paramounts $8.4 billion merger with Skydance Media is still awaiting approval from the FCC, which is now led by Trump appointee Brendan Carr, and recently let a soft May deadline come and go. Best of TVLine Sign up for TVLine's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Paramount has reached an agreement in principle to settle Donald Trumps lawsuit against 60 Minutes for $16 million. The settlement payment includes plaintiffs fees and costs as well as a donation that will be allocated to a future presidential library. Paramount also said that in the future, 60 Minutes will release transcripts of interviews with eligible U.S. presidential candidates after such interviews have aired, subject to redactions as required for legal or national security concerns. More from TheWrap Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Notably, the settlement does not include any statement of apology or regret from CBS or 60 Minutes. According to Paramount, CBSs parent company, the terms were proposed by the mediator in the litigation. Trump will not receive any money directly or indirectly and he will release all of his claims, including those of defamation. Paramount co-CEO George Cheeks addressed the settlement in a shareholder call early Wednesday morning. Companies often settle litigation to avoid the high and somewhat unpredictable cost of legal defense, the risk of an adverse judgment that could result in significant financial as well as reputational damage, and the disruption to business operations that prolonged legal battles can cause, Cheeks said in prepared remarks during a Q&A session. Settlement offers a negotiated resolution that allows companies to focus on their core objectives, rather than being mired in uncertainty and distraction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps team, meanwhile, called the settlement a win for the American people. With this record settlement, President Donald J. Trump delivers another win for the American people as he, once again, holds the Fake News media accountable for their wrongdoing and deceit, a spokesperson for Trumps legal team said in a statement. CBS and Paramount Global realized the strength of this historic case and had no choice but to settle. Trump had sued CBS for $20 billion over an Oct. 7 60 Minutes interview with former Vice President Kamala Harris, which he claimed caused him mental anguish after being deceptively edited to make her look good. He also alleged that its false advertising and tampering withheld viewers attention from him and his social media platform Truth Social, resulting in a decrease in value for Trump Media and Technology Group and his other media holdings, while also violating the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The complaint specifically took aim at Harris response to a question on whether Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was listening to the Biden administration, which was different in the final cut that aired compared to an earlier promo on Face the Nation. CBS News maintained that Trumps accusations of deceitful editing were false, explaining that the promo shown on Face the Nation used a longer section of Harris answer. It also turned over the transcript and camera footage from the interview to the FCC as part of the agencys investigation into allegations of news distortion. In a recent court filing, CBS lawyers slammed the suit as meritless and said it was an attempt to evade bedrock First Amendment principles. They added that Trump had not plausibly alleged that he personally suffered an injury to a commercial interest in reputation or sales and that the Harris interview and promo were fully protected editorial speech. The resolution of the high-stakes legal battle comes after the Wall Street Journal previously reported that Trump shot down Paramounts offer to settle the lawsuit for $15 million. The president was initially aiming to get at least $25 million and an apology. It also comes as Paramount is set to hold its annual shareholder meeting on Wednesday morning, where three new board members are set to stand election, among other proposals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And most crucially, the media giant is awaiting FCC approval of its pending $8 billion merger with David Ellisons Skydance Media due to a required transfer of broadcast licenses, which executives have said would close in the first half of 2025. Under the two-step deal, Skydance is set to acquire controlling shareholder Shari Redstones holding company National Amusements, which controls 77.4% of the Paramount Class A common stock outstanding and approximately 9.5% of the overall equity of the company, before merging with the Hollywood studio. The deals first automatic 90-day extension, which was triggered in April, is set to expire next week. If the second extension is triggered, the closing deadline would be pushed to Oct. 6. Paramount and Skydance would then have the option of terminating the deal, which would not be subject to the agreements $400 million breakup fee. Observers believe that the settlement was the final hurdle in order to get the merger across the finish line. Both Paramount and FCC chairman Brendan Carr have previously said that the lawsuit and settlement talks with Trump were unrelated to the agencys review of the Skydance deal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Carr has also warned that all options remain on the table in the agencys ongoing investigation into alleged news distortion related to the Harris interview, including potentially revoking CBS broadcast license if the network is found to have violated the agencys public interest standard. The FCC typically makes decisions within an informal 180-day timeframe, but there is nothing requiring them do so within that window. As part of the review, the agency has received petitions from various parties who are asking for conditions to be placed on the mergers closing, which Skydance and Paramount have asked the agency to reject. Some shareholders have also sued or threatened to sue Paramount and Skydance over the deal, alleging that it prioritizes Redstone over the rest of the companys investors. When asked by reporters last month whether he sees the agencys review being resolved soon, Trump replied: I hope so. Ellisons great, hell do a great job with it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Paramount and CBS no longer have to worry about Trumps lawsuit, theyve faced pressure from both insiders at the network and federal and California State Senate lawmakers not to settle. The group, along with legal experts, have all said that Trumps lawsuit was frivolous and without merit. Senators Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, Ron Wyden and California Senate Democrats have all warned Redstone that a settlement in exchange for regulatory approval could constitute a violation of federal anti-bribery laws. While legal experts who previously spoke to TheWrap didnt rule out legal action due to a settlement, they have dismissed the notion of bribery charges as a non-case. The California lawmakers have already launched an investigation into the matter, inviting former 60 Minutes executive producer Bill Owens and former CBS News president Wendy McMahon to testify. Owens and McMahon both resigned in part over their opposition to settling the lawsuit, as well as what Owens saw as corporate interference in the programs editorial decision making. In an interview with TheWrap at the premiere of the documentary Children of October 7, Redstone declined to publicly address the resignations or 60 Minutes suit, but said there is nothing controversial about telling the truth. Shari Redstone (Photo by Jared Siskin/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images) I think companies have not only an opportunity, but a tremendous responsibility, to use the resources that they have to tell these stories and to get them to as many audiences, let people decide how they feel about something and how they react to something, but give them the facts, she added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Asked how she balanced press freedom with the financial demands of media companies, Redstone said, I dont think theres ever a time you have to compromise what it is that you say and do, but freedom of the press involves telling both sides of the story, giving the facts, not giving opinions. And I think thats our responsibility as a media company. Paramounts settlement comes after Disney previously paid $15 million to settle a defamation lawsuit Trump brought against ABC News and star anchor George Stephanopoulos. Meta also paid $25 million to settle Trumps lawsuit about being kicked off Facebook and Instagram after the attack on the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. The post Paramount Reaches $16 Million Settlement With Donald Trump in 60 Minutes Lawsuit appeared first on TheWrap. CBS parent company Paramount Global will pay President Donald Trump $16 million to settle a lawsuit over edits to an October interview conducted with then-Vice President Kamala Harris, his opponent in 2024. Trumps team alleged the network had deceptively edited the interview, which aired on 60 Minutes. And in April, after filing a civil suit for $20 billion, the president called for the network to lose its broadcast license. I am so honored to be suing 60 Minutes, CBS Fake News, and Paramount, over their fraudulent, beyond recognition, reporting, he wrote on TruthSocial at the time. They did everything possible to illegally elect Kamala, including completely and corruptly changing major answers to Interview questions, but it just didnt work for them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The money from the settlement will go toward Trumps presidential library, POLITICO Playbook reported, and will not be accompanied by an apology from the network. Paramounts team did not immediately respond to a request for comment. A spokesperson for Trumps legal team called the settlement another win for the American people. CBS and Paramount Global realized the strength of this historic case and had no choice but to settle, the spokesperson said. President Trump will always ensure that no one gets away with lying to the American People. CBS released the entire unedited video in February, and said the edited version was part of commonplace editorial practices, POLITICO reported in April. In a motion filed in March, Paramounts legal team wrote the lawsuit was an affront to the First Amendment and is without basis in law or fact. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They not only ask for $20 billion in damages but also seek an order directing how a news organization may exercise its editorial judgment in the future. The First Amendment stands resolutely against these demands, the motion read. Freedom of the Press Foundation, a Paramount Global shareholder, informed executives in May that they would file a derivative lawsuit if the company settled with Trump. The lawsuit would allow company shareholders to recover damages sustained to the company. Several senators, including Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), opened an investigation into Paramount Global in May regarding whether their willingness to negotiate a settlement with Trump may fall into the category of illegal bribery. "The senators are pushing Paramount to answer why the company has suddenly changed its tune with respect to the lawsuit, concerned that it may be because Paramount and Skydances agreement to merge for $8 billion hinges on the Trump Administrations Federal Communications Commission (FCC), which has an opportunity to block it," the statement on the investigation read. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The top producer on 60 Minutes, CBSs flagship news magazine show, resigned in April, saying he lost his independence over the direction of the show and signaling the impact that the Trump administration had on the program. Over the past months, it has also become clear that I would not be allowed to run the show as I have always run it, Bill Owens wrote in the memo, shared with POLITICO. So, having defended this show and what we stand for from every angle, over time with everything I could, I am stepping aside so the show can move forward. CORRECTION: An earlier version of this story misstated when a legal motion from Paramount was filed. In a widely expected but still stunning decision, Paramount Global has agreed to pay $16 million to settle a lawsuit from President Trump, who sued over an October interview that 60 Minutes conducted with Kamala Harris. Under the deal, announced Tuesday evening, the money will go to Trumps presidential library. It involves an agreement from Paramount, which will not apologize as part of the settlement, to release 60 Minutes transcripts of interviews with presidential candidates after theyve aired, according to a statement from the company. More from The Hollywood Reporter Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By most legal observers thinking, the lawsuit was destined for dismissal because of industry-wide norms related to editing interviews. But the deal provides a pathway to regulatory approval of Paramounts sink-or-swim merger with Skydance. At the Paramount shareholder meeting Wednesday morning, co-CEO George Cheeks addressed the settlement, telling attendees that yes, the company has agreed in principle to settle the lawsuit, and as reported, it does not include an apology. As to the why? Look, companies often settle litigation to avoid the high and somewhat unpredictable cost of legal defense, the risk of an adverse judgment that could result in significant financial as well as reputational damage, and the disruption to business operations that prolonged legal battles can cause, Cheeks continued. A settlement offers a negotiated resolution that allows companies to focus on their core objectives, rather than being mired in uncertainty and distraction. In a statement, the legal team for President Trump said that with this record settlement, President Donald J. Trump delivers another win for the American people as he, once again, holds the Fake News media accountable for their wrongdoing and deceit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CBS and Paramount Global realized the strength of this historic case and had no choice but to settle, the statement continued. President Trump will always ensure that no one gets away with lying to the American People as he continues on his singular mission to Make America Great Again. Trumps suit, filed in October, alleged that there was deceptive doctoring in the interview, with clips of Harris being asked a question but delivering different answers in a preview clip and the final version, as well as the inclusion of a longer section of her response to a question about the conflict in the Middle East. CBS, consistent with practices in other newsrooms, maintained that it merely edited down Harris reply for the final broadcast, and that she was answering the same question in both cases. According to sources, Paramount believes that the suit posed a threat to Skydances deal to acquire the company, which requires regulatory approval, including the transfer of FCC licenses. FCC chairman Brendan Carr has said that the 60 Minutes interview would come up in the Commissions review of the deal. The FCC has since requested the full transcript and unedited footage of the interview. And clearly executives believe that the settlement boosts the chances of the government greenlighting the merger, though its always possible that the FCC still takes a close look. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Inside CBS News, rumors of the settlement sparked anger and resignation, given how common it is in the news business to edit down long interviews for time constraints. On April 22, longtime 60 Minutes executive producer Bill Owens abruptly announced his resignation, citing an inability to make independent decisions based on what was right for the show. Our parent company, Paramount, is trying to complete a merger, said correspondent Scott Pelley in the first episode of the newsmagazine after Owens exit. The Trump administration must approve it. Paramount began to supervise our content in new ways. None of our stories has been blocked, but Bill felt he lost the independence that honest journalism requires. And on May 19, CBS News and Stations chief Wendy McMahon also resigned, telling staff that the company and I do not agree on a path forward. The decisions from Owens and McMahon sent shock waves throughout CBS News amid industry-wide concerns of the governments campaign against media over accusations of liberal bias. In December, ABC News settled for $16 million a defamation lawsuit brought by Trump in what was viewed as a major concession for the network. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 60 Minutes correspondent Lesley Stahl told David Remnick on The New Yorker Radio Hour that the team of correspondents is already thinking about what comes next. Im already beginning to think about mourning, grieving. But Im holding out hope, Stahl said. I know theres going to be a settlement. I know theres going to be some money exchanged. I know that. And then we will hopefully still be around, turning a new page, and finding out what that new page is gonna look like. Stahl and her colleagues have already asked CBS leadership to make Tanya Simon Owens successor, though no formal decision has been made as of now. The Writers Guild of America East, which reps 60 Minutes and CBS News staffers, criticized the deal and backed the journalists at the news outlets. This settlement is a transparent attempt to curry favors with an administration in the hopes it will allow Paramount Global and Skydance Media merger to be cleared for approval, the WGAE stated. Paramounts decision to capitulate to Trump threatens journalists ability to do their job reporting on powerful public figures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The arguments outlined in Trumps lawsuit, which didnt allege defamation and also named Rep. Ronny Jackson as a plaintiff, marked a new road map for the president and his legal team to chill free speech by weaponizing the courts. The complaint advanced a claim over an alleged violation of Texas consumer protection law covering deceptive advertising grounded in the premise that the networks segment with Harris misled the public. Its a way to bypass the legal barriers to asserting defamation. He brought a similar claim in December in a lawsuit against pollster J. Ann Selzer, The Des Moines Register and Gannett, the newspapers parent company, for brazen election interference over releasing a poll showing Harris leading in Iowa, which Trump won. CBS argued that its editorial judgments are non-commercial speech that lies wholly outside the scope of Texas consumer protection laws. It also said that Trump should have brought the lawsuit in a federal court in New York and not Texas, where judges are more receptive to conservative legal causes. Trumps picks at various regulatory agencies have emerged as another tool in his arsenal to steer networks away from coverage critical of him and his administration. Carr has threatened to revoke broadcast licenses for stations owned by networks that have drawn Trumps ire under the agencys authority to ensure that public airwaves operate in the public interest. Its a long shot considering there arent any TV station licenses up for renewal until 2028 and pulling one in the middle of a term is essentially unheard of but long-term incentives to stay out of Trumps crosshairs by toning down adversarial coverage persist. Best of The Hollywood Reporter Sign up for THR's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is preparing a significant risk-sharing package with state-owned Ukreximbank to stimulate lending to Ukrainian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Under the proposed agreement, the EBRD may provide a guarantee of up to 50 million to cover 50% of the credit risk on a 100 million loan portfolio aimed at expanding access to finance for SMEs across strategic sectors of Ukraine's economy. A portion of this initiative includes targeted leasing and equipment financing. Through the EU4Business-EBRD credit line, an additional 20 million will be allocated to support long-term investments by Ukrainian SMEs seeking to modernize equipment and meet EU standards. Leasing is expected to be a key instrument in this effort, especially for upgrades involving sustainable and green technologies, at least 70% of the funding will be directed toward such environmentally focused investments. In a parallel development, state-owned Oschadbank last week finalised an agreement with the EBRD, unlocking the third and final 75 million tranche within a 200 million risk-sharing facility. This capital is earmarked for SME lending and could include leasing arrangements to enhance productivity and resilience in private enterprises. Meanwhile, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, has announced plans to support state-owned PrivatBank through a risk-sharing mechanism that includes leasing as one of several financial tools. The IFC will cover up to 50% of the risks on new financial instruments loans, guarantees, and leases valued at up to $100 million. France will provide a first-loss guarantee of $22.5 million, representing 45% of the IFCs risk share. The initiative also emphasises inclusive finance. With support from the Dutch government, the IFC will offer up to $800,000 in financial incentives to promote women's entrepreneurship. Using blended finance tools, the programme is expected to mobilise up to $120150 million in total investment, opening new avenues for SME leasing and capital upgrades in Ukraines private sector. "EBRD strengthens leasing and SME lending in Ukraine amid war recovery push" was originally created and published by Leasing Life, a GlobalData owned brand. Walk out of the Milwaukee Public Market and face Riverwalk Park right now and you'll be treated to the sights and sounds of construction. Fencing lines the sidewalk, cones limit walking space and piles of dirt, gravel and bricks cover the ground as a green boom lift noisily dominates the atmosphere. Walk out in September, though, and it should both look and sound different. The fence taken down. The cones removed. The bricks laid and the gravel replaced by grass and flowers. And the machines whirring somewhere out of earshot. Riverwalk Park in Milwaukee's Third Ward is undergoing a renovation project. That's because the revamp at Riverwalk Park, 407 N. Water St., which began in early June, is scheduled to be done around Labor Day, Paul Schwartz, executive director of both the Milwaukee Public Market and the Business Improvement District in the Third Ward, said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The project, which is being spearheaded by the Historic Third Ward Business Improvement District, is supported by a Green Infrastructure Grant from the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District. "That parcel is really the only green space along the river," Schwartz said. "We saw that as a great opportunity for us to not only improve stormwater management and biodiversity, but we thought it was a great way for us to refresh that space and add some upgrades to make it a more inviting public space." The revamp at Riverwalk Park, 407 N. Water St., which began in early June, is scheduled to be done around Labor Day. To achieve the improved stormwater management, permeable pavers are being placed in lieu of the current asphalt. And to make the space more biodiverse, native landscaping and trees are being planted. There will also be more grass planted and benches placed for people to sit and hang out, along with walkways that connect the sidewalk to the Riverwalk. "It's another way for us to enhance the quality of life," Schwartz said, "for not only people who live down here, but we get a ton of people who work down here, who want public places to gather, in addition to millions of people from out of town who come through the area every year." Riverwalk Park in Milwaukee's Third Ward is undergoing a renovation. The construction and finished park won't affect the other areas under the freeway, an area referred to as Riverwalk Commons, Schwartz said. So the two pickleball courts will remain available to use, and the Riverwalk Commons concert series, which happens every other Tuesday in the summer, will go on as scheduled. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We are full steam ahead with all of our programming," Schwartz said. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee's Riverwalk Park in Third Ward being revamped Traffic wardens brought in to tackle problem parking at Skye's tourist hot-spots issued fines worth more than 400,000 last year, according to Highland Council. Visitors to the island made up a "significant proportion" of those people served with the 50 penalty charge notices (PCNs), the local authority confirmed. A total of 7,011 parking penalties were issued in 2024 - more than double the 2,784 served to motorists in 2020, according to another set of council statistics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Poor parking has been a long-standing problem on Skye, with cars and other vehicles often abandoned at the roadside or parked illegally in passing places near attractions such as the Fairly Pools and the Quiraing. Public money has been invested in car parks, but rule-breaking has left Highland Council chasing up on thousands of PCNs. There were 2,797 penalties issued in 2021, 3,545 in 2022 and 5,563 in 2023. Already this year more than 2,670 have been issued up to May. Skye is one of the Highland region's popular destinations [Getty Images] Fines totalling 430,000 were issued in the most recent financial year - April 2024 to March this year - according to figures reported the council's Skye and Raasay committee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tourist hotspots had some of the highest numbers. At a car park at The Storr 948 PCNs totalling 56,350 were issued, while 184 notices with a total value of 10,250 for roadside parking were given out at the Fairy Pools. Highland Council told BBC Scotland News several factors were behind the rise over the last five years. They included there being more regulated parking areas and no waiting restrictions, as well as an increase in enforcement officers. But a spokesperson added: "A number of areas that generate high PCN numbers are around key visitor locations, and it is likely that a significant proportion of the PCNs issued on Skye are visitors at these locations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Parking rule-breaking is a concern and the seriousness of this can depend on the area and frequency. "In many areas, it can cause safety issues, block traffic, and create challenging situations for pedestrians and drivers." The council said the public could report parking issues on its website. How much are the fines? PCNs can be issued for a number of reasons, such as an unpaid parking charge or parking in a disabled space without having a valid Blue Badge. Fines cost 50 but can rise to 150, plus a sheriff officer's charge, if not paid after 70 days. People have the right to challenge a PCN. A report to the local authority's Isle of Skye and Raasay committee said on average 70% of parking debts were collected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In some cases it could be years before a fine is paid. The latest figures show the worst offending last year was at Portree's Bayfield (West) car park where there were 1,346 PCNs issued totalling 81,850. Tariffs at the site range from 2 for three hours and 4 for up to 12 hours. Visitor numbers. Skye and the wider Highlands [ 300,000 People were expected to visit The Storr on Skye, pictured, last year. ],[ 274,000 Visited the ancient volcanic landscape in 2023. ] [ 8.4 million Visitors to the Highland Council area in 2023, bringing an estimated economic impact of 2bn. ], Source: Source: Highland Council, Image: A walker wearing a red woolly hat and carrying a rucksack walks along a road towards a white-walled house on Skye. A separate set of Highland Council figures, show the local authority issued about 1.3m-worth of PCNs for the whole Highland region last year. It was the highest figure since the council started recording the data in 2016. So far, 877,556 of those fines have been collected and 221,552 cancelled or written off. Most PCNs were issued in Inverness, followed by Skye and then Lochaber. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Scottish Tourism Alliance chief executive, Marc Crothall, said tourists made a "significant contribution" to island economies. He said total tourism spend in Scotland last year was 10.5bn and this helped to support local shops, pubs, restaurants, and 245,000 jobs across the country. Mr Crothall said: "Many of those who visit and stay in rural destinations also donate to good causes too." He added: "Sustainable and responsible tourism is one of the pillars of the national tourism strategy, Scotland Outlook 2030. "We would encourage all visitors to be considerate when visiting our destinations, avoiding causing unnecessary pressure on our roads and the areas around our beauty spots and to be considerate of those who live in the local communities." More on this story Related internet links It has been 85 years since the German occupation began in Jersey during World War Two, but 92-year-old David Isherwood still vividly remembers the anguish of those five years from freezing winters, when it was too cold to go to school due to a lack of fuel, to being desperately hungry. But, Mr Isherwood said it was not all bad being a child during the tumultuous period. He enjoyed the adventure of watching soldiers training to shoot their guns, and along with his friends, he would "take the mick out" of the troops by imitating their goose-step march - perhaps unsurprisingly, the soldiers "really didn't like". Despite their irritation, if you kept your head down you were left you alone, Mr Isherwood said, adding: "It was an adventure in a way for children." Mr Isherwood remembers enjoying watching German soldiers doing target practice using anti-tank guns [David Isherwood] He was seven when 1,750 German troops arrived in Jersey on 1 July 1940 - a force that would swell to 11,500 by the end of that year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He recalls soldiers smashing the window of the masonic temple on Oxford Road, in St Helier, during target practice. Mr Isherwood said the troops had taken over a garage opposite the Temple Bar pub on nearby Stopford Road. He said: "Outside of the garage they used to put two-pack guns, which were anti-tank guns and fire [them]. "Every six weeks they would close the street and fire at targets which they had fixed in Oxford Road. "As kids, it was where you would go to see pack guns firing off," he said. Fuel shortages However, despite the youthful hi-jinks, many of his memories from the war were not happy ones. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When the Germans arrived, they rapidly introduced strict regulations. The islands clocks were set to European time and there was a curfew between 23:00 and 05:00. Islanders were banned from using vehicles, except those with special permission such as doctors. Mr Isherwood remembers being "starving hungry" from about 1942 or 1943, as well as freezing cold because of a lack of fuel. His mother, along with other local women, would stand waiting with buckets and brooms when the coal boat arrived - hoping some lumps would fall off the trucks as they turned the corner onto Victoria Street. "That's how desperate it was," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also remembers the winter of 1944 to 1945, when it was so cold his school had to close for seven weeks from January. The children used to sit in their coats in the classroom and parents were asked to knit hats and gloves for the children, he said. David Isherwood, right, was one of the first children to receive a food parcel from the Red Cross ship the SS Vega at the end of the occupation [David Isherwood] Despite the hardships, Mr Isherwood survived the occupation. He was one of the first children to collect a Red Cross parcel from the SS Vega - an event captured in a now-famous photo. Later he trained as a cabinet maker, meeting his future wife Yvonne during that time, and also spent 28 years working for the island's waterworks. Mr Isherwood spoke to King Charles III and Queen Camilla about the food shortages during the occupation whey they visited to the island in 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A British military blockade meant it was difficult for the Germans to receive food to the islands, leading to food shortages. A lot of islanders died from malnutrition, he said. The shortages led islanders to improvise substitute foods and drinks. He remembered his mother making parsnip coffee during the war, agreeing with a friend that: "It was awful then and it's awful now." Follow BBC Jersey on X and Facebook. Send your story ideas to channel.islands@bbc.co.uk. More on this story Related internet links The Sound Transit Board unanimously approved a plan that would build a new Tacoma Dome Link light rail station where the historic Freighthouse Square currently sits. The choice to move forward with the Close to Sounder option is an important next step in connecting Tacoma to Seattle and other cities along the Link. Pierce County Executive Ryan Mello, who is one of the vice presidents of the Sound Transit Board, told The News Tribune on Monday that option is the best route for commuters as its close to the Amtrak, T Line and bus stations. The plan approved by Sound Transit was also the option recommended by the Tacoma City Council in May. The design stage wont be up for final approval until 2027, with construction expected to be completed in 2035. Forty-three local businesses are expected to be displaced by the new Dome station, according to a Sound Transit presentation June 26. Additionally, Freighthouse Square, which was built in 1909 and has served as an indoor marketplace for more than 100 years, could be fully demolished. It is at 2501 E. D. St., next to the Tacoma Dome Station and Tacomas Amtrak Station. The food court at Freighthouse Square on Thursday, June 26, 2025, in Tacoma. The assessed taxable value of the Freighthouse Square building (which is made up of three parcels) is $2,866,500, according to the Assessor-Treasurer office. A parking lot across the street, also owned by Time in Space LLC, has an assessed value of $933,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sound Transit has said it will support Freighthouse Square tenants with ongoing engagement and relocation assistance. But in interviews with The News Tribune last week, tenants said theyve felt out of the loop about what will happen to their livelihoods and many didnt think they would be able to feasibly afford moving elsewhere. Building owner Brian Borgelt told The News Tribune on Tuesday he has been talking with Sound Transit about the project for years and said there havent been many major updates to share until recently. Borgelt said Freighthouse Square has been a long-time incubator for new businesses and given many people their first opportunity to open a business in a place they couldnt afford elsewhere. He said hes been clear with Sound Transit about wanting his tenants to be fairly compensated for relocation assistance and/or possible integration into a new building plan. Borgelt said the building has strong bones and could be restored, but hes had to do cost-benefit analyses on the cost of renovations knowing the building could be torn down in the future. About 70 tenants are in the space in a given time, he said. According to Sound Transit spokesperson David Jackson, displaced businesses would be eligible for up to $200,000 in re-establishments costs, in addition to moving expenses. How much businesses would receive will vary based on [the] type of business and its requirements, he said in an email. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mello said business owners would be highly impacted by future transit construction and would not have received any relocation assistance had Sound Transit decided on an alternative plan. Theres lots of time to work with them to make sure they get really fair relocation assistance, which in this case is very fair, he said. Sound Transit officials are thinking of ways to support local business, like opening a new food hall or possibly considering a food hall in the bottom level of the new station, Mello said. They also are thinking about historic elements they could preserve in the design of the station and will work with the City of Tacoma and the Landmarks Preservation Commission. If business owners dont think the relocation assistance is enough, Mello said, hed encourage them to continue to make their case and negotiate with Sound Transit, prove their costs. A map of the preferred Tacoma Dome Link Extension route would connect Tacoma to Federal Way by 2035. What would the route look like? The latest cost estimate for the Tacoma Dome Link Extension from Federal Way to the Tacoma Dome is $4.7 billion, Jackson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Tacoma Dome Link Extension project would build four light rail stations over about 10 miles between South Federal Way and Tacoma: South Federal Way Station, the Fife Station, Tacomas Portland Avenue Station and the Tacoma Dome Station. The planning process began in 2017 and will end in 2027. The design process is expected to last from 2027-2029, and construction would take place from 2029-2035, according to a May Sound Transit presentation. Service is expected to begin in 2035. Next steps include the approval of a final environmental impact statement and preliminary engineering in 2027, according to Sound Transit. The Sound Transit Board considered three other alternative routes to the Close to Sounder option in the Tacoma Dome District, including the Tacoma 25th Street-West Alternative, the Tacoma 25th Street-East Alternative and the Tacoma 26th Street Alternative. Those alternatives would displace significantly fewer businesses but proved to be more costly, according to a Sound Transit comparative analysis. The Close to Sounder option also had fewer construction-access impacts on East 25th Street. Shops at Freighthouse Square on Thursday, June 26, 2025, in Tacoma. Business owners worry about demolition Four Freighthouse Square business owners The News Tribune spoke to on Friday said they opposed the Close to Sounder option that likely would demolish some or all of Freighthouse Square. Some people call the indoor mall Tacomas Pike Place Market, with clothing and candy shops, art galleries, a tattoo parlor, a bike shop and restaurants selling Thai, Vietnamese, Mexican, Indian, Persian and Japanese cuisine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Natural Allah, who has owned the Olive Branch Cafe and Tea Room for five years, said his business is the only one he knows of that offers upscale tea services in Pierce County. Allah said he gets most of his information about the possible demolition of Freighthouse Square from the news or social media and said the building owner hasnt communicated updates to tenants, which brings them anxiety. The ambiguity is the problem, he said. Many of the businesses here, its their livelihood, and youre basically saying, Well, were gonna give you something, you know, but were not gonna tell you what it is. Youre going to have to move, but were not gonna say exactly when. How does that play out, you know, in the scheme of things? Allah said he understands the need for a light rail station, but hes concerned demolishing Freighthouse Square to build it will erase Tacoma history until all were left with are pictures and little sound bites of different things. Chayan and Teresa Samalee, of Paya Thai Fish & Chips one of the best places to get fish and chips in the area in 2023, according to News Tribune readers have been a staple of the Freighthouse Square food court for more than 30 years. Teresa Samalee said Friday shes watched the building change over the decades and has seen foot traffic drop in recent years, something she attributes to the COVID-19 pandemic and closure of other businesses downtown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Teresa Samalee said many Sounder commuters dont stop at Freighthouse Square after their commute, eager to get in their cars and go home. If Freighthouse Square is demolished, the couple doesnt plan to open another business elsewhere. Were both in our 70s, she said. We would continue to stay here, but we wouldnt want to relocate and rebuild. If we were ready to retire, we would leave it with one of our employees because weve got a good product going. Freighthouse Square on Thursday, June 26, 2025, in Tacoma. For seven years Adela Hernandez said she has been running Adelas Authentic Mexican Restaurant as a single mom and struggles to pay herself a salary. Hernandez said all the small businesses at Freighthouse Square work hard to invest in their businesses and build community, and not knowing what will happen to the space is very tough. Somebody has to listen to us, she said. Over here, everybody, we are like a family. We look out for each other, and we help each other We are good people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Through tears, Hernandez said shes looked for other places to move to but could not find anywhere in her budget. Hernandez said she has invested much time and money into securing the right permits and equipment to get to where she is now and that she would have to start over if she moved. If we are moving everything, [we are] losing everything again, she said. Im taking home maybe the minimum, everything else I pay everybody. It hurts. It really is not fair. It really hurts. But what [are] my options? Josh Alday, who opened Bike Box in October, said he wishes Sound Transit would build a new station on the vacant lots on East 26th Street down the road rather than demolish Freighthouse Square. Alday said he chose the location to start his business because it was on a transit hub and rent was affordable for small businesses like his. This place is part of the heart of Tacoma. Its part of the soul of Tacoma. Theres three event spaces in here thats primarily used by the BIPOC community for quinceaneras, weddings, birthdays, private parties. They have EDM [afterparties] here after the EDM shows wrap up at the Dome, he said. Sound Transit knows what theyre doing is wrong. The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating a report of smoke in an airplane bathroom which led to an emergency landing in St. Louis, Missouri, and an evacuation on the runway Tuesday. United Express flight 4423, operated by GoJet Airlines, had just taken off from St. Louis Lambert International Airport at 6:40 a.m., headed to Chicago, when the crew reported a lavatory smoke warning, GoJet spokesperson Elizabeth Dray said in a statement. We got smoke in the lav, the pilot told the air traffic control tower moments after taking off, according to audio recorded by LiveATC.net. Were going to come back we might need one of the fire trucks to follow behind us. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The CRJ-700 plane landed just 12 minutes after it took off, according the flight tracking site FlightAware.com. Video shot by passenger Dominic Gagliardotto showed passengers climbing onto the wing of the plane as flight attendants shouted to leave everything behind. It didnt really hit until they started talking about, when we tell you to brace for impact, put your head down between your legs, Gagliardotto told CNN affiliate WLS. And when they said that I texted my daughter, telling her Ill always love her. St. Louis firefighters helped people slide off the planes wings and onto the tarmac. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The aircraft landed safely, and Lambert Airport operations transported all passengers back to the terminal, the airline spokesperson said. We arranged for a different aircraft, and all our customers successfully reached their destination. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Palm Beach County residents looking to visit New York, New England, the Carolinas or Virginia for the July 4 weekend or the rest of the month will be hard-pressed to find better deals than what Breeze Airways is offering. For about $60, Breeze Airways passengers flying out of Palm Beach International Airport can travel to Connecticut, Rhode Island, Virginia, North Carolina or South Carolina. Flights cost at least $85 to White Plains, New York, and $121 to Long Island. July 4 can be a hectic time for travel. Parking at PBIA has become easier, even with higher rates than last year. The airport has implemented alerts for those seeking parking, available on Facebook, Instagram and other social media at @flyPBI. What are Breeze Airways' July 2025 prices from Palm Beach International Airport? West Palm Beach flights to and from Charleston, South Carolina Flights from PBIA to and from Charleston, South Carolina are scheduled on Mondays and Fridays. Departing ticket prices: $49 - $89 Returning ticket prices: $49 - $109 West Palm Beach flights to and from New Haven, Connecticut Flights from PBIA to New Haven, Connecticut are scheduled on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays. Returning flights, Mondays and Fridays. Departing ticket prices: $58 - $305 Returning ticket prices: $58 - $101 West Palm Beach flights to and from Hartford, Connecticut Flights from PBIA to Hartford, Connecticut are scheduled on Thursdays and Sundays. Returning flights are Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays. Departing ticket prices: $59 - $347 Returning ticket prices: $59 - $342 West Palm Beach flights to and from Norfolk, Virginia Flights from PBIA to and from Norfolk, Virginia are scheduled on Thursdays and Sundays. Departing ticket prices: $59 - $139 Returning ticket prices: $54 - $129 West Palm Beach flights to and from Providence, Rhode Island Flights from PBIA to and from Providence, Rhode Island, are scheduled on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays. Departing ticket prices: $59 - $412 Returning ticket prices: $88 - $452 West Palm Beach flights to and from the Raleigh/Durham area in North Carolina Flights from PBIA to and from Raleigh/Durham, North Carolina, are scheduled on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays. Departing ticket prices: $59 - $199 Returning ticket prices: $49 - $169 West Palm Beach flights to and from White Plains, New York Flights from PBIA to and from White Plains, New York, are scheduled Mondays and Fridays. Returning flights are Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays. Departing ticket prices: $85 - $230 Returning ticket prices: $128 - $425 West Palm Beach flights to and from Long Island/Islip, New York Flights from PBIA to Long Island/Islip, New York, are scheduled on Thursdays and Sundays. Returning flights, Mondays and Fridays. Departing ticket prices: $121 - $311 Returning ticket prices: $85 - $202 Fireworks explode over one of the lifeguard towers during the Fourth of July display on Delray Beach Saturday night. What is Breeze Airways' baggage policy? Pet carriers count as your personal item and must fit under the seat directly in front of you. For more information on traveling with pets, visit Flybreeze.com Passengers are allowed one personal item such as a purse, laptop bag or small backpack, on board for no charge. Carry-on bags must weigh no more than 35 pounds and have the maximum dimensions of 22 x 14 x 9 inches to fit in the overhead bin. One free carry-on is allowed for passengers purchasing the cheapest fares. One checked bag is included in the 'Nicer' and 'Nicest' bundles, the two priciest fares Breeze Airways offers. Bags must weigh no more than 50 pounds and be within 62 inches in length, width and height, or will be considered overweight or oversized for an additional charge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chris Persaud covers transportation in Palm Beach County for The Palm Beach Post. Email news tips and ideas to cpersaud@pbpost.com. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Breeze Airways flights out of PBIA as low as $59 for July 2025 CHERRY POINT, N.C. (WNCT) The HH-46D Sea Knight, Pedro, is back on display at Marine Corps Air Station in Cherry Point. Pedro has been at the Fleet Readiness Center East since March 25, 2025, undergoing paint restoration. Pedros main mission was Search and Rescue, which made it unique across the Marine Corps. The HH-46D Sea Knight conducted many life-saving missions, averaging over 50 per year and close to 1,200 flight hours per year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The airframe was retired on September 25, 2015, marking the end of an era in combat aviation for the Marine Corps, but continues to be remembered for its impact on the community and the lives saved. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday is issuing a warning about a scam targeting victims of flooding and storms. A steady flow of severe storms caused severe flooding and damage throughout the commonwealth in June. Pennsylvania residents lost vehicles and are working to repair homes damaged by the weather. Sunday said scam contractors may be targeting these people or trying to sell vehicles with flood damage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Scammers have no compassion for people dealing with hardship as a result of natural disasters in fact, they see this time as an opportunity, Attorney General Sunday said. My office provides great resources and guides on your legal rights when it comes to purchasing a new vehicle or searching for a home improvement contractor. Please be vigilant and take advantage of these resources. Anyone who feels they are targeted for a scam or has been harmed as consumers, should file a complaint with our Bureau of Consumer Protection. He recommends anyone looking to buy a vehicle to keep an eye out for flood damage. Some ways to know if a car has been flooded are to: Look inside the trunk and spare tire for evidence of moisture, silt or corrosion; Check the engine for moisture damage or water or grit in the engine compartment; Look for dirt or dried mud under the dashboard or in air vents; See whether it smells damp or musty; Check under the floorboard carpet for water residue, or stain marks; Look for signs of mismatched carpeting or seat covers; Look for rust on screws, door hinges or seat springs areas that would only be rusted if the vehicle was submerged in water; Examine the underside of the vehicle for rust; Check areas where water might have been trapped and caused mold, rust or silt such as inside dome lights or glove compartments; Perform a detailed check of all electrical systems, look for brittle wire casing or rusted components or corrosion; Check the vehicles title history; and Ask the seller whether the vehicle has ever had flood damage. He also recommended buyers learn more about the Automobile Lemon Law, which covers problems that occur during the first 12 months to 12,000 miles of ownership. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Click here to learn more about the Automobile Lemon Law. In terms of home improvement, Pennsylvania residents can search a list of registered contractors here: Home Improvement Contractor Search Sunday also issued the following proactive steps as a way for people to protect themselves from home improvement scams: Contacting their insurance companies, prior to agreeing to a contract, to ensure that improvements are covered under their policy. Arranging with their bank or credit union for a Certificate of Completion. The bank will pay the contractor for each stage of the job after the bank has approved the work. Be wary of any unsolicited sales pitches, such as from door-to-door salespeople. Legitimate contractors will not ask for large sums of money prior to signing a contract or agreement and will provide written estimates and copies of contracts prior to signing the contract and beginning work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone who believes they have fallen victim to a scam or predatory practice can report it to the Bureau of Consumer Protection online, by calling 1-800-441-2555 or by emailing scams@attorneygeneral.gov. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW Pennsylvania Democratic Party chair, state Sen. Sharif Street (D), has entered the race to succeed Philadelphia-area Rep. Dwight Evans (D-Pa.), who announced on Monday that he will not seek reelection in 2026. Streets campaign filed with the Federal Election Commission on Tuesday, according to the independent agencys filings. On his campaign website, Street, who has been a state senator since 2016, is touting himself the son of a hotdog vendor who later became the mayor of Philadelphia, John Street, and Helen Street-Mosee, a retired teacher. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Growing up in the hood provided Sharif with perspective, an experience he used to develop a platform of policies that are personal to him. But, the sad reality is that people are struggling with the same problems all across Pennsylvania, the campaign website says. Street, who currently represents north Philadelphia, was elected to the governing body in November 2016, becoming the first Muslim person elected to the Keystone States Senate. He has been the chair of the Pennsylvanias Democratic Party since 2022. Evans, 71, announced on Monday that he would retire from the lower chamber at the end of his term, becoming party lawmaker to share that they will not seek reelection. I remain in good health and fully capable of continuing to serve. After some discussions this weekend and thoughtful reflection, I have decided that the time is right to announce that I will not be seeking re-election in 2026, Evans said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Evans has served in the House since 2016, moving to Washington after being a state legislator for over three decades. Evans became the third House Democrat over the age of 70 this year to announce that they will not seek reelection, joining Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-lll.) and Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-Va.). Connolly passed away in May at the age of 75. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Nurses in Pennsylvania will soon be able to practice in both their home state and some other states through a new licensure agreement. On Monday, Pennsylvania will fully implement the Nurse Licensure Compact, which allows registered nurses and licensed practical/vocational nurses who live in Pennsylvania and meet certain criteria to have a single multi-state license. The license permits nurses to practice in person or through telehealth in their home state and other states involved in the NLC. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Forty-three jurisdictions are currently part of the NLC. All of Pennsylvanias border states are members except New York, which has legislation pending. A release from the National Council of State Boards of Nursing says nurses can find more information about multistate licensure by visiting the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing website beginning Monday. Licensing standards for nurses are the same across all NLC states, the NCSBN says. Requirements include doing a federal and state criminal background check, passing the NCLEX and having an active and unencumbered license. The multistate license will benefit nurses who regularly practice with patients in other states, as they will no longer need to get additional licenses, the NCSBN says. When disasters occur, nurses can easily respond across state lines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For more Pennsylvania-specific information, you can read the frequently asked questions section or the state board of nursings website. Questions can be directed to the state board of nursing at st-nurse@pa.gov or 1-833-367-2762. For more information about the NLC, you can contact nursecompact@ncsbn.org or visit nursecompact.com. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW UK-based remarketing and vehicle disposal company G3 Vehicle Auctions has entered into a remarketing agreement with Enterprise Mobility. The collaboration will see G3 Vehicle Auctions manage the remarketing of Enterprise Mobilitys light commercial vehicles (LCVs) through both physical and online sale events at all G3 remarketing centres. Starting this month, Enterprise Mobility's LCVs will be featured in G3s auction lanes, beginning with a launch sale at G3 Castleford on 2 July, followed by a launch at G3 Bedford on 11 July. G3 will offer a phygital LCV sale solution, combining auctioneer-led events with online bidding via the G3 website and the G3 Buyer App. The launch sale at G3 Castleford will feature over 50 Enterprise LCVs in a catalogue of more than 150 LCVs. G3s flagship 12m remarketing centre near Leeds can remarket up to 50,000 vehicles annually, with Enterprise Mobility being the latest brand to join their roster. Following the acquisition of Cazoo Wholesale, G3 Bedford was unveiled in June 2024 as a 14-acre auction facility in the South Midlands. G3 will provide free online fees for all bids made through the new G3 Buyer App during these launch events. The app, available on the Apple App Store and Google Play, is designed to facilitate tracking and bidding with alerts for upcoming lots. Other LCV vendors joining Enterprise Mobility at the launch events include Dawson Group, AVIS, LKQ (Euro-Car Parts), TCH Leasing, Alliance Automotive Group, United Rental, and Europcar. G3 Vehicle Auctions hosts up to eight sale events weekly, featuring various vehicles from vendors such as Motability, Liquid Fleet, Leasys, and TCH Leasing, alongside dealerships and finance houses. G3 Vehicle Auctions sales director Sam Tomlinson said: We are delighted to announce that the agreement with Enterprise Mobility will see G3 offer vehicles for the UKs largest rental company in our lanes. We have seen strong conversion rates for our LCV sales in the first half of 2025, which is driven by our dedicated LCV buyer services and auctioneer teams to establish G3 in the LCV niche. With the addition of Enterprise to our established sale events alongside the free online fees using the G3 App, we are looking forward to a busy July at G3. "Enterprise Mobility and G3 Vehicle Auctions sign remarketing agreement " was originally created and published by Motor Finance Online, a GlobalData owned brand. HARRISBURG, Pa. (WTAJ) Pennsylvanians interested in a career in law enforcement have a new opportunity, as the Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement (BLCE) announced it is now accepting applications for liquor enforcement officer trainee positions through August 29. The hiring cycle, known as 4016, allows applicants to indicate their preferred BLCE region, potentially increasing placement opportunities near home. The job posting officially opened July 1 and is available on the states employment website. Liquor enforcement officers are responsible for ensuring businesses comply with Pennsylvanias liquor laws. Duties include inspections and investigations of licensed establishments, both in uniform and plainclothes, to protect public safety and maintain legal standards. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The role offers a starting wage of $22 per hour, or roughly $55,000 annually, along with a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, paid time off, retirement plans, and a condensed training program. Flexible scheduling options are also available. To qualify, applicants must be U.S. citizens with a valid drivers license and at least a high school diploma or equivalent. A college degree is preferred but not required. Candidates must also pass a background investigation and meet physical and training requirements. Get the latest news, weather forecasts and sports stories delivered straight to your inbox! Sign up for our newsletters. For more information or to apply, visit www.employment.pa.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 WTAJ - www.wtaj.com. A Pennsylvania state trooper who was previously charged with intimidating a witness is now accused of aggravated assault against an infant and two other children. On Tuesday, Attorney General Dave Sunday announced charges against Christopher S. Young, 35, of Lancaster County. Investigators said a child in Youngs care in September 2023 had to be taken to a hospital because of its injuries, beginning the investigation. That child required a hospital admission and physical therapy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Pennsylvania State Police Bureau of Integrity and Professional Standards and the Attorney Generals Office worked together on it to reveal what they say was a pattern of abuse by Young before and after the reported incident. Young is accused of digging his chin into a childs head multiple times, to the point where it caused a visible injury. Witnesses also said guns were accessible to the kids. Pennsylvania State Police said he has been suspended without pay. This is not Youngs first run-in with the law. In March 2025, the Attorney Generals Office also filed charges against him for allegedly intimidating a witness. At that time, police say, he was repeatedly calling and texting a potential witness in the child abuse investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said Young eventually went to the witnesss house, where he stayed in the woods with a gun and a knife. No one is above the law. The alleged actions by the defendant are deeply disturbing, and my office intends to hold him fully accountable, Attorney General Sunday said. When a sworn officer violates their oath, it is a stain on all officers who selflessly and professionally protect their communities. Young has a bail of $50,000. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW WASHINGTON A week after President Donald Trump told a distraught Ukrainian journalist that he would try to make crucial anti-missile systems available to her country, his Defense Department on Wednesday confirmed a pause in weapons shipments to Ukraine and blamed Trumps predecessor, Joe Biden. For a long time, four years under the Biden administration, we were giving away weapons and munitions without really thinking about how many we have, Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell told reporters at a rare press briefing. He called the pause a review that applies not just to Ukraine but to all countries even as the U.S. continues to supply Israel with weapons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a capability review thats being conducted to ensure U.S. military aid aligns with our defense priorities, Parnell said. Going forward, we see this as a common-sense, pragmatic step towards having a framework to evaluate what munitions are sent and where. Parnells assertion that the Pentagon under Biden was sending weapons to places without keeping track is untrue. The chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff was required to complete a readiness assessment with each transfer. Russia and China couldnt do a better job of weakening Americas national defense than these unqualified clowns, said former Biden White House spokesperson Andrew Bates. The bipartisan support for Ukraine keeps us safe and creates manufacturing jobs across the country, including in a hell of a lot of red states. Parnells statements came as some congressional Republicans expressed dismay at published reports of Trumps decision to pause aid amid Russias stepped-up attacks against Ukraines cities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr. President, Ukrainian soldiers and pilots are not just protecting their homeland they are holding the line for the entire democratic world, Pennsylvania Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick wrote in a Wednesday letter to Trump. This is a defining moment: Ukraines courage must continue to be met with action, and the United States must continue to lead with clarity and purpose. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy meet during the NATO summit in The Hague, Netherlands, on June 25, 2025. Zelenskiy / Official Telegram Account / Handout/Anadolu via Getty Images Exactly a week ago, at the end of the NATO summit in the Netherlands, Trump told a female reporter from Ukraine, clearly emotional about the daily missile and drone attacks on her country ordered by Russian dictator Vladimir Putin, that he would try to help. Wow, thats rough stuff, right? Thats tough, he said, appearing to empathize with the countrys plight. I mean, I can see its very upsetting to you. That response, though, is a new one for Trump, who in the earliest days of Putins invasion in 2022 which even then was targeting and killing civilians called it savvy and genius. He has, at times, blamed Ukraine for getting invaded. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You dont start a war against someone 20 times your size and then hope that people give you some missiles, he said April 15, a day after a Russian barrage killed 35 Ukrainians. Parnell said that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth was carrying out Trumps goal of bringing this tragic war to its end. In his 25-minute question-and-answer session, Parnell also defended and even went far beyond Trumps disputed claim that last months air strike he ordered against Irans nuclear facilities had obliterated them. We have the most lethal fighting force in the world. And if you need further proof of that, look no further than Operation Midnight Hammer and the total obliteration of Irans nuclear ambitions there, he said, claiming the very strong psychological toll on Irans leaders has led them to give up all hope of ever acquiring a nuclear weapon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Parnell did not, however, cite any specific intelligence assessment backing up that assertion. Related... WASHINGTON (AP) The Pentagon is pausing shipments of weapons to Ukraine again after more than three years of deliveries meant to bolster the country's defenses against invading Russian forces. The Trump administration's decision comes as Ukraine is facing intensified attacks by Russia against its civilians, and withholding that assistance could reduce Kyiv's ability to counter deadly incoming ballistic missile attacks. Officials said the decision was prompted by concerns that U.S. stockpiles were getting too low. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here's a look at what the U.S. has provided Ukraine to date and why it's concerned about pressure on its own arsenal: What weapons has the U.S. provided to Ukraine to date? Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the U.S. has provided more than $67 billion in weapons and security assistance to Kyiv. That ranges from more than 500 million bullets and grenades to 31 Abrams tanks, more than 3 million 155mm artillery rounds and more than 5,000 Humvees. It's also provided scores of critical drones and drone defense systems. But Ukraine's constant need has been for air defense from taking out Russian aircraft in the early days of the conflict to having to defend itself against long-range missiles now. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In response, the U.S. has provided Patriot air defense batteries, National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems and HAWK air defense systems and still more is sought. But those demands are butting up against demands for similar air defenses in the Middle East and the reality that the U.S. military does not have enough munitions on hand to sustain a high rate of deliveries, while providing troops with equipment to train on and build up a stockpile for a potential future conflict. That's especially true if it's put in a position where the U.S. has to defend Taiwan against China. How will the new weapons pause affect Ukraine? This is the second time the Trump administration has paused weapons shipments to Ukraine, but for different reasons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After an explosive Oval Office meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in March, President Donald Trump paused weapons that were funded under the Biden administration and still flowing into Ukraine. That pause was short-lived after Republican lawmakers pressed for Ukraine aid to resume. The new pause affects high-demand munitions the U.S. has sent to Ukraine, including Patriot missiles, the AIM-7 Sparrow air-to-air missile and shorter-range Stinger missiles. Ukraine has relied on the AIM-7 Sparrow to counter incoming missiles and shorter-range Stinger missiles to knock down Russian aircraft or counter drone attacks. The Patriot missiles are used against Russias frequent ballistic missile attacks. The pause could have deadly consequences for Ukraine, said Brad Bowman, senior director of the Center on Military and Political Power at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If we deprive Kyiv of PAC-3 (Patriot) interceptors it means more Russian missiles getting through and more dead Ukrainians, Bowman said. Rather than cutting off Ukraine, Bowman said the administration needs to look at whether we are taking all the steps we can to procure the max quantity that industry can produce. Does the U.S. face stress on its weapons stockpile? The Trump administration's pause is part of a global review by the Pentagon on what munitions it is providing and where it is sending them, and the impact on its own stockpiles. We can't give weapons to everybody all around the world, Pentagon chief spokesman Sean Parnell said in a briefing Wednesday. We have to look out for Americans and defending our homeland and our troops around the world. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adm. Samuel Paparo, head of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, has previously warned that the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East were putting pressure on his stockpile levels. As Iran launched a retaliatory ballistic missile attack last month, troops defended Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar with scores of Patriot air defense missiles a high-demand munition the U.S. only has in limited supply. The Navy also has defended ships in the Red Sea by striking Houthi weapons and launch sites in Yemen with Tomahawk missiles. In one day in January 2024, it fired more Tomahawks than the Navy had purchased the prior year, said Mackenzie Eaglen, a senior defense fellow at the American Enterprise Institute. Everybodys worried and the thing is, they have a reason to be worried, Eaglen said. Air defense is a key capability of the most concern. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Is the U.S. producing enough weapons? A $60 billion Ukraine aid bill passed by Congress last year contained billions for U.S. weapons manufacturers to expand their production capacity. Despite the billions spent on defense contracts each year, the number of weapons in the U.S. can quickly dwindle particularly for some of the complex air defense munitions if a major conflict breaks out. That's because of the time it takes to build each missile. For example, despite an influx of investment since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the rate of production for Patriot missiles one of the military's most important air defenses for its bases overseas has increased to just 48 per month. That is compared to 21 per month prior to the invasion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the total number of Patriot munitions the U.S. has is unknown, the number of entire Patriot missile defense systems is in such limited supply that providing one to a new location often means taking it from somewhere else. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said he needs the systems to help defend his country's electrical grid and cities from the thousands of missile and drone attacks it faces daily. And defending a large overseas base like Al Udeid can also require firing scores of the missiles, which cost $4 million a piece. For other munitions that have been critical to Ukraine's defenses like the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System, or HIMARS production has increased from just 5 per month pre-invasion to 8 per month now, according to a Defense Department fact sheet. Elbridge Colby, Defense Department undersecretary for policy, said Pentagon officials have aimed to provide Trump with robust options to continue military aid to Ukraine but also are rigorously examining that approach while preserving U.S. forces readiness for administration defense priorities. ___ The Pentagon on Wednesday sharpened its assessment of Iran's nuclear program, declaring that Iran's ability to build a nuclear weapon following the U.S. strike on its nuclear facilities is "closer to two years" away. The assessment from Sean Parnell, the Pentagon's chief spokesperson, appeared to be significantly more optimistic than by U.N. inspectors at the International Atomic Energy Agency. IAEA's director general Rafael Grossi said last weekend that he believed Iran could begin enriching uranium in a matter of months. Mark Schiefelbein/AP - PHOTO: Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell speaks during a press briefing at the Pentagon, July 2, 2025, in Washington. Military officials and experts have said that there is no doubt the U.S. bombing of three key nuclear sites in Iran -- Fordo, Natanz and Isfahan -- caused signficant damage when they were hit by 14 bunker-buster bombs and two dozen Tomahawk missiles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But they caution that a firm intelligence assessment will take time to do. And nuclear experts question whether some of the enriched uranium could have been moved in advance or stored elsewhere -- a possibility the Trump administration dismisses as improbable. Satellite image 2025 Maxar Technologies. - PHOTO: Satellite images released by Maxar Technologies show damage to the Fordo nuclear facility in Iran following U.S. strikes. MORE: Early US intel assessment finds Trump-ordered strikes set back Iran's nuclear program only by months When asked what the latest intelligence might show, Parnell told reporters at a Pentagon briefing that the administration's stance is unchanged that Iran's nuclear sites were "completely obliterated." The term "obliterated" was first used by President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in the hours after the bombing. "It's delayed by one to two years. I think we're thinking probably closer to two years," Parnell told reporters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He added that the U.S. strike took a psychological toll because it relied on bombers that were capable of flying nonstop for nearly 37 hours, in addition to destroying the physical sites Iran was using the produce enriched uranium. "It's not just ... enriched uranium or centrifuges or things like that. We destroyed the components that they would need to build a bomb," he said. "And so when you take that constellation of things into consideration, yeah, we believe that Iran's nuclear capability has been severely degraded. It's even their ambition to build a bomb," he added. Satellite image 2025 Maxar Technologies - PHOTO: This satellite image provided by Maxar Technologies shows a closer view of craters and ash on a ridge at Fordo enrichment facility in Iran after U.S. strikes, June 22, 2025. Republicans said they were satisfied with the administration's assessment, whereas several Democrats said they remained skeptical after being briefed on the strike on Capitol Hill. A wanted people smuggler, who fled Belgium and triggered a manhunt, has been tracked down and arrested in Coventry. Officers from the National Crime Agency (NCA) detained Asat Sulieman Mohammad, 55, close to Gulson Road, on Tuesday evening. The Iraqi-born British national, was convicted of people smuggling and being a member of an organised crime group by a court in Ghent, Belgium, in January, but fled before he could be sentenced, NCA said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mohammad is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court as extradition hearings get under way for his return to Belgium. An investigation by Belgian police, with the support of the NCA, found Mohammad had been involved with smuggling migrants to the UK from Belgium. The agency said he had collected migrants when they arrived and arranged for payments to be made back to other smugglers via the Hawala banking system. Migrants locked in trailer Hawala is an alternative and often informal system of organising money transfers. Investigators linked Mohammad to a number of attempts to bring migrants to the UK in refrigerated lorries through the port of Zeebrugge, the NCA added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It said in one case in October 2019, Belgian police rescued more than 20 Iraqi and Iranian migrants, including a number of children, who had been locked inside a trailer for more than three days. "Distressed, they were found after banging on the inside walls for help," the agency added. Despite having fled the country before he was sentenced, Mohammad was given a five-year jail term and 224,000 (193,437) fine. Gill Duggan, head of Europe at the NCA, said the agency would work to return Mohammed to Belgium, where he would serve his sentence, and ensure "justice was done". Mohammad had played "an important role" in smuggling migrants to the UK, during which he, and his co-conspirators, had "risked the lives" of those they transported, Ms Duggan said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It demonstrated the "callous nature" of people smuggling gangs who treated people as a "commodity to profit from", she added. Follow BBC Coventry & Warwickshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram. Related internet links PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) A Catholic center in Peorias North Valley will host their first community cookout later this week. The Mother Cabrini Center will have their cookout on July 3 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the center, which is located at 615 NE Jefferson Ave. Among the many community outreach activities the church provides, their first-ever cookout steps it up a notch by heaping on the food and drink. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sister Clare Key, the DSF/Mission Coordinator of Catholic Charities, stopped by WMBD This Morning to make sure everyone feels welcome at the event. The catholic charities first-ever community cookout is a joyful summertime event, Key said. We invite individuals, families, and the community to come for food fellowship and fun. Its a simple, yet wonderful time for people to get together and share a meal. Along with the food and cold drinks, there will be local resources on hand sharing helpful information and support services. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CIProud.com. COLCHESTER, Conn. (WTNH) A person was charged with DUI after a car allegedly crashed into a pole in Colchester Tuesday evening, according to state police. Colchester man arrested for allegedly crashing ATV under the influence The incident happened on New London Road. No injuries were reported, and state police said that the driver was able to extricate themselves from the vehicle. The collision caused wires to come down. Eversource is on scene to assess the pole and the roadway is closed due to the investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Additional information was not immediately available. Check back to News 8 for more updates. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com. The Brief The City of Philadelphia set up temporary trash drop-off sites with sanitation workers on strike. Sanitation workers are part of District Council 33, the citys largest municipal workers union. Union members are pushing for higher wage increases, as Mayor Cherelle Parker insists the current offer is fair and fiscally responsible. PHILADELPHIA - On Tuesday, bags of trash were marinating on city curbs after the largest city workers' union, District Council 33, went on strike at midnight. What we know The City of Philadelphia set up 63 temporary trash drop-off sites throughout the city. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By the end of the day, some dumpsters were overflowing as people struggled to toss heavy bags of trash over their shoulders. What they're saying "I think its a little ridiculous because trash is like a non-negotiable," said Aliza Wolf. "I think its really embarrassing because a lot of people are going to come to the city this week and theres going to be a ton of trash everywhere." "Honestly, it just makes it super congested as well with everybody that is walking around and smelly, of course," said Elise Pidutti. Neighbors living at the intersection of 18th and Catharine Streets had mixed feelings about becoming a temporary drop-off site. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This is ridiculous. There was no plan," said Ryan Thornburg. "They just told us to bring the trash to a corner. Didnt have the dumpster until what, an hour ago? Pay the workers. This is ridiculous. Now we live next to a dump." "[The City is] going to take this dumpster out tonight and dump it. That should be good but just dont leave everything in the dump," said Sandra Lawrence. "We dont have problems with rodents or anything like that on this block, so Im hoping theyll do just like they said." Some people walked blocks from their home with garbage bags in hand while others drove up with bags of trash in their trunks. Neighbors were told the dumpster would be emptied at night, but what they really want is a new contract so the DC 33 strike can be over. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Bringing it for the elderly neighbors who cant really walk it over," said Andrew Kuniski. "Its hot, its going to be smelly, but well survive." The City is urging people not to leave bags of trash on their curb and to hold off on bringing garbage to the temporary sites until its your scheduled trash day. The Brief Severe weather grounded flights heading for Philadelphia International Airport Tuesday afternoon. More than 260 flights were delayed at the airport, according to the website FlightAware. More than 170 flights were canceled, as well. On top of the storm, airport workers with District Council 33 are on strike and the timing during a busy holiday travel week couldnt be worse. PHILADELPHIA - Philadelphia International Airport is facing a perfect storm of challenges as travelers head out for the Fourth of July holiday. With unionized airport workers on strike, bad weather causing flight disruptions, and a surge in holiday travelers, the airport is grappling with significant operational hurdles. What we know Members of District Council 33, responsible for maintenance and custodial duties at the airport, are picketing outside departure entrances. These workers, critical to the smooth operation of the airport, walked off the job at 12:01 a.m., joined approximately 9,000 city workers in the strike. Allen Gorges, an airport worker, emphasized their role, stating, "We are the ones who keep the bathrooms clean. We're the ones who pick up this trash." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite the strike, Heather Redfern, PHL's public affairs manager, assures that the airport remains fully operational, with non-DC 33 members filling in the gaps. However, passengers may notice some areas with trash piling up and are advised to have patience due to short staffing. What they're saying Redfern commented on the situation, saying, "We have a plan in place and we have people in place to do the jobs." She also noted, "We do ask our passengers to have patience, because there are some things that won't get done as quickly as they expect them because we will be a little short-staffed." Nicholas Melone, a traveler from Moab, Utah, expressed his frustration with the flight cancellations, saying, "Monday was the goal. Tuesday was a goal, Wednesday was a goal. So maybe Thursday now." Despite the chaos, he added, "I kind of like the chaos a little bit. It's kind of fun in a masochistic way." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Claire Lacey, whose flight from Philadelphia to Seattle was delayed, shared her exhaustion, "You know you are tired, you have to get your luggage, get an Uber to go home. You are beat by the time you finally get there." By the numbers The airport spokesperson expects around 681,000 people to fly in and out of PHL between Tuesday and next Monday. Meanwhile, hundreds of flights have been canceled and delayed due to bad weather affecting the East Coast and Midwest. What's next Redfern advises travelers to call their airlines or sign up for text message alerts to stay informed about flight statuses. With cancellations and delays causing a domino effect, passengers are encouraged to remain flexible and prepared for potential changes in their travel plans. This story was originally published on Multifamily Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Multifamily Dive newsletter. Equity Residential announced that Executive Vice President and Chief Investment Officer Alexander Brackenridge will transition to executive vice president of investments and retire at the end of 2025, according to a news release. Executive Vice President and CFO Robert A. Garechana will assume the role of executive vice president and chief investment officer. Garechana, who joined in 2004, has served as its CFO and a member of its executive and investment committees since September 2018. Bob has proven himself to be a talented and dynamic leader and we look forward to him continuing to advance our capital allocation strategy alongside the rest of our experienced investments team, Mark J. Parrell, EQRs president and CEO, said in the news release. Bret D. McLeod will join the Chicago-based REIT, the nations fifth-largest apartment owner, in July as executive vice president of finance and assume the role of CFO on Aug. 7. McLeod currently serves as executive vice president and CFO of Great Wolf Resorts. Prior to Great Wolf, McLeod served as CFO for Citycon, a publicly listed owner of Nordic shopping centers, and spent nearly 15 years at Host Hotels & Resorts, serving most recently as senior vice president, treasurer, head of strategy and investor relations. Bret brings a wealth of skills and experiences from outside the residential space to our Company and we look forward to him leading our finance team and advancing transformational initiatives across the company, Parrell said in the news release. Brackenridge joined the Chicago-based REIT in 1993 and has served as CIO since September 2020. I have been fortunate to call Alec a colleague and a friend for more than two decades, Parrell said in the news release. We are tremendously grateful to him for his many contributions to Equity Residentials success and wish him the very best in his retirement. EQR is making changes to its investment team as it sees an opportunity to add properties in its expansion Sun Belt markets. In May, the firm announced that it agreed to purchase eight properties, totaling 2,064 units, in Atlanta for $535 million. We think our best opportunity [versus buying back stock and developing] continues to be investing in existing assets in these primary acquisition markets of Dallas, Denver and Atlanta, Parrell said on EQRs earnings call in late April. Were still interested in Austin, but theres such a glut of supply, its probably a little bit later for us to complete our portfolio there. A picture of activist and former US diplomat Morse Tan delivering a speech was taken during a ceremony at a leading Christian university, contrary to posts claiming it shows him detailing allegations of election fraud in South Korea's most recent presidential poll to members of Congress. The image has been on the Liberty University law school website since at least November 2022, when Tan served as dean of the institution. "Ambassador Morse Tan is delivering a speech at the US Congress about fraud in South Korea's presidential election," reads part of the Korean-language text above a photo shared on Facebook on July 1, 2025. "That the US Congress invited him to speak means that it cannot accept Lee Jae-myung as president," it continues, referring to the winner of South Korea's June 3 election (archived link). The photo shows Morse Tan -- a former US State Department ambassador-at-large for the Office of Global Criminal Justice -- speaking to an audience from a podium with the American flag visible in the background (archived link). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Days earlier, Tan and other far-right figures held a press conference at the National Press Club in Washington, where they promoted conspiracy theories about the legitimacy of the South Korean election (archived link). South Korean newspaper Hankook Ilbo reported that Tan also made inflammatory accusations against Lee during the event, including baseless claims about his past (archived link). Screenshot of the false Facebook post captured on July 1, 2025, with a red X added by AFP The same image was also shared in multiple Facebook groups supporting South Korean conservative politicians. "The US legislature will soon invalidate Lee Jae-myung's election," read a comment on one of the posts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another said: "The whole world knows Lee is a fake president." The photo, however, has circulated online since at least 2022 -- years before Lee was elected. University courtroom A reverse image search on Google led to the same photo posted on the website of Liberty University, a private evangelical Christian institution in Virginia (archived link). Its caption reads: "Dean Morse Tan addresses the Class of 2022 during the annual Ad Fontes ceremony." Archives of the same webpage show the photo on the university's website since at least November 2022. Screenshot comparison of the falsely shared image (left) and the Liberty University photo (right) Tan was addressing the students in Liberty University School of Law's 330-seat Supreme Courtroom, which the institution's website says "features a nine-seat bench, an exact replica of the US Supreme Courtroom bench" and is used for "mock trials, law convocations, and special law events" (archived here and here). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As of July 2, there are no official reports of Tan addressing Congress or being invited to speak before lawmakers on the topic of South Korean elections after Lee's election victory. According to the US Senate's official website, speeches before joint sessions of Congress are typically reserved for heads of state (archived link). AFP has debunked various allegations of fraud in South Korea's previous elections. A video circulating ahead of the first anniversary of protests that culminated in the ouster of Bangladesh's former leader Sheikh Hasina shows a fire station damaged by an earthquake in Myanmar, contrary to posts claiming it shows the result of corruption by the overthrown government. Similar images of the fire house, in the central Myanmar city of Sagaing, were shared in local news reports after the devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake in late March 2025. "The contractor says the funds for construction ran out after everyone took their bribes. I thought about it today after seeing this government building," reads part of the Bengali-language caption of a Facebook video posted on May 28, 2025. "Bribe-taking officials are getting frustrated as the avenues for corruption are narrowing." The video shows a partially collapsed fire station, with the building crushing fire engines that were parked underneath. Screenshot of the false Facebook post captured on June 30, 2025, with a red X added by AFP The short video was also shared in similar Facebook posts ahead of the one year anniversary of student-launched protests that culminated weeks later in the overthrow of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina's government (archived link). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Up to 1,400 people were killed between July and August 2024 when Hasina's government launched a brutal campaign to silence the protesters, according to the United Nations (archived link). The country has started trials of senior figures from Hasina's government -- a key demand of several political parties now jostling for power as the South Asian nation awaits elections that the interim government has vowed will take place before June 2026. A tribunal in Dhaka has issued arrest warrants for Hasina, and the interim government has formally requested her extradition from India -- where she fled after being toppled -- several times. The video circulating online, however, was not filmed in Bangladesh and is unrelated to allegations of graft under Hasina's rule. Myanmar quake damage A reverse image search on Google using keyframes from the falsely shared clip led to a YouTube video posted on May 24 by a channel called "2025 Sagaing Earthquake Archive" (archived link). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The video is titled, "Damage To Sagaing Fire Station, Sagaing, Myanmar". The city of Sagaing was less than 15 kilometres (nine miles) from the epicentre of a devastating 7.7-magnitude quake that struck Myanmar on March 28, killing nearly 3,800 people and destroying swathes of homes and businesses (archived link). Screenshot comparison of the falsely shared clip (left) and the YouTube video (right) A subsequent keyword search found a similar image of the quake-damaged fire station in articles from Myanmar news outlet Irrawaddy and the BBC that were published in March (archived here and here). An official Facebook page for the Sagaing fire district also posted the same photo on April 15 (archived link). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The falsely shared clip also matches a Google Maps photo of the Sagaing fire station taken in December 2020 (archived link). AFP has debunked other false claims stemming from the unrest in Bangladesh here. KALAMAZOO, Mich. (WOOD) The new Western Michigan University president, Russ Kavalhuna, began his tenure as the universitys 10th president Tuesday. Kavalhuna told News 8 that Tuesday also served as his third first day of school at the University, having previously graduated and worked there. Just the opportunity to work with this university and to have an opportunity to be a part of its future, its a pinch me moment, he told News 8. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kavalhuna graduated from Western with his bachelors in aviation science. After graduation he then attended Cooley Law School. A few years later, he then rejoined the university as a flight operations direction in the College of Aviation, then on to be the 6th president at Henry Ford College. Outgoing Western Michigan University president reflects on nearly 8 years This is where you want to be and if you want to be here, we want you here, he said. His tenure as president of the university comes on the helm of higher education being in the national conversation. Higher education is under scrutiny now, but the truth is we have been under scrutiny and we will be in the future and what our students want to see is do is respond to that scrutiny. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This all as the Trump administration takes aim at student visas and illegal immigration for colleges and universities across the country. My dad came to this country as an immigrant through the legal process and that described the people who are learners here at WMU, he said. If we are helping these students come to this institution and this country legally, they can rely upon us helping them to remain here and frankly, thats not news. We have been able to support them and we will continue to support them. Colleges nervously await Trump-Harvard deal In addition to immigration, diversity equity and inclusion programs have taken center stage for companies and universities nationally as well. It is a topic Kavalhuna said is the foundation of WMUs institution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No one is debating that diverse teams make better decisions and safe environments. What we will do, and we have continued to do, is continue to be an access institution so that all may learn, he said. Kavalhuna comes into this role with momentum, he said, as the university sees higher enrollment numbers, more fundraising and higher retention numbers. That is work he credits to his predecessor, President Emeritus Dr. Edward Montgomery. We want Western to be a top three public universities in the state and that is not pie in the sky, he said. Even though its his first day in his new role, Kavalhuna has big goals for the university. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We want to be known as the place that is centered around student success. Second, we want be the place that a region needs both in its economic needs, social needs through its government and K-12 needs and then third we want to compete at the national level for innovation of ideas, he said. Colleges, international students navigate immigration policy changes While Kavalhuna said it still feels surreal to be back home for the third time, he added it is an opportunity he does not take for granted. It is an extraordinary thrill to be a part of human development that not only changes individual lives but lifts up an entire region. And so if you walk around here, you can see the human capital that is growing here, its inspiring. So to have a chance to be a part of that, it is that, its inspiring. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. DEL MAR, Calif. (AP) Dick Tracy got an atom-powered two-way wrist radio in 1946. Marty Cooper never forgot it. The Chicago boy became a star engineer who ran Motorolas research and development arm when the hometown telecommunications titan was locked in a 1970s corporate battle to invent the portable phone. Cooper rejected AT&Ts wager on the car phone, betting that America wanted to feel like Dick Tracy, armed with a device that was an extension of you, that made you reachable everywhere. Fifty-two years ago, Cooper declared victory in a call from a Manhattan sidewalk to the head of AT&Ts rival program. His four-pound DynaTAC 8000X has evolved into a global population of billions of smartphones weighing mere ounces apiece. Some 4.6 billion people nearly 60% of the world have mobile internet, according to a global association of mobile network operators. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The tiny computers that we carry by the billions are becoming massive, interlinked networks of processors that perform trillions of calculations per second the computing power that artificial intelligence needs. The simple landlines once used to call friends or family have evolved into omnipresent glossy screens that never leave our sight and flood our brain with hours of data daily, deluging us with endless messages, emails, videos and a soundtrack that many play constantly to block the outside world. From his home in Del Mar, California, the inventor of the mobile phone, now 96, watches all of this. Of one thing Cooper is certain: The revolution has really just begun. The phone is about to become a thinking computer Now, the winner of the 2024 National Medal of Technology and Innovation the United States highest honor for technological achievement is focused on the cellphones imminent transition to a thinking mobile computer fueled by human calories to avoid dependence on batteries. Our new parts will run constant tests on our bodies and feed our doctors real-time results, Cooper predicts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That will let people anticipate diseases before they happen, Cooper envisions. People are going to die from old age and accidents but theyre not going to die from disease. Thats a revolution in medicine. Human behavior is already adapting to smartphones, some observers say, using them as tools that allow overwhelmed minds to focus on quality communication. The phone conversation has become the way to communicate the most intimate of social ties, says Claude Fischer, a sociology professor at the University of California, Berkeley and author of America Calling: A Social History of the Telephone to 1940. For almost everyone, the straight-up phone call has become an intrusion. Now everything needs to be preceded by a message. There seems to be a sense that the phone call is for heart-to-heart and not just for information exchange, Fischer says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And this from a 20-year-old corroborates that: The only person I call on a day-to-day basis is my cousin, says Ayesha Iqbal, a psychology student at Suffolk County Community College. I primarily text everyone else. Child education student Katheryn Ruiz, 19, concurs, saying texting is used for just like nothing substantial, like nothing personal. Sometimes the roles are reversed, though. Sixty-eight-year-old Diana Cunningham of Overbrook, Kansas, pop. 1005, uses a group text to stay in touch with her kids and grandkids. Her 18-year-old granddaughter Bryndal Hoover, a senior at nearby Lawrence High School, says she prefers voice calls over texting because then I can understand, Oh, how should I go about a conversation? When she was a girl, Karen Wilsons family shared a party line with other phone customers outside Buffalo, New York. Wilson, 79, shocked her granddaughter by telling her about the party line when the girl got a cellphone as a teenager. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What did you do if you didnt wait? the girl asked. Responded her grandmother: `You went down to their house and you yelled, Hey, Mary, can you come out? The brave new world has a price Many worry about the changes exerted by our newly interconnected, highly stimulated world. We increasingly buy online and get products delivered without the possibility of serendipity. There are fewer opportunities to greet a neighbor or store employee and find out something unexpected, to make a friend, to fall in love. People are working more efficiently as they drown. Theres no barrier to the number of people who can be reaching out to you at the same time and its just overwhelming, says Kristen Burks, an associate circuit judge in Macon, Missouri. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most importantly, sociologists, psychologists and teachers say, near-constant phone-driven screen time is cutting into kids ability to learn and socialize. A growing movement is pushing back against cellphones intrusion into childrens daily lives. At the turn of the millennium, technology companies based on the West Coast of the United States created a set of world-changing products, New York University social psychologist Jonathan Haidt writes in The Anxious Generation, which has been on The New York Times bestseller list for a year. By creating a firehose of addictive content that entered through kids eyes and ears, and by displacing physical play and in-person socializing, these companies have rewired childhood and changed human development on an almost unimaginable scale, he writes. Seven states have signed and twenty states have introduced statewide bell-to-bell phone bans in schools. Additional states have moved to prohibit them during teaching time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That doesnt sit well with the smartphones inventor, who says there are better solutions than regulation. Accommodating disruptive technologies requires disruptive solutions, Cooper wrote from Del Mar. Wouldnt it be better for teachers to integrate the cellphone that provides access to all the information in the world? Global inequality is an issue That advantage is coming to rich countries faster than poor ones. The first time that Nnaemeka Agbo had to leave his family in Nigeria for a prolonged period, life shuttled him to Russia for studies, like many other young Nigerians increasingly desperate to relocate to seek better opportunities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adjusting to life in Russia when he moved there in 2023 was tough, he says, but one thing kept him going; WhatsApp calls with family. One thing that kept me sane was calling home every time, and it made me feel closer to my people, the 31-year-old says. In a country that has one of the worlds highest poverty and hunger levels despite being Africas top oil producer, Agbos experience mirrors many young people in Nigeria increasingly forced to choose between remaining at home with family or aiming at a better life elsewhere. At least 37% of African adults expressed their desire to live somewhere else in 2023, the highest rate in the world, according to a Gallup survey published in October last year. For many, phone calls blur the distance and offer comfort. No matter how busy my schedule is, I must call my people every weekend, even if thats the only call I have to make, Agbo says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Africa, where only 37% of the population had internet access in 2023, according to the International Telecommunication Union, regular mobile calls are the only option many have. In northern Nigerias Zamfara state, Abdulmalik Saidu says the mobile connectivity rate is so low that sometimes we stay for weeks without network. When 19-year-old Shamsu Deen-Cole flew from Sierra Leone to the United States to study international relations in 1971, making a call to his parents in Sierra Leone would take days, starting with telling his parents when to expect the call. Calls would cost around $150 for under 10 minutes. There was no time for extra talks or complimentary because it would all add up in cost, recalls Deen-Cole, 73. Tabane Cisse, who moved from Senegal to Spain in 2023, makes phone calls about investing Spanish earnings at home. Otherwise, its all texts, or voice notes, with one exception. His mother doesnt read or write, but when he calls its as if I was standing next to her, Cisse says. It brings back memories such pleasure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He couldnt do it without the cell phone. And half a world away, that suits Marty Cooper just fine. There are more cell phones in the world today than there are people, Cooper says. Your life can be made infinitely more efficient just by virtue of being connected with everybody else in the world. But I have to tell you that this is only the beginning. ___ Weissenstein contributed from New York and Asadu from Lagos, Nigeria. Aroun R. Deen in New York, Heather Hollingsworth in Kansas City, Missouri, Renata Brito in Barcelona, Spain and Carolyn Thompson in Buffalo, New York also contributed. PITTSFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) The Ralph J. Froio Senior Center has been awarded an AARP grant in partnership with national disaster resilience nonprofit SBP. The Community Challenge Capacity-Building Microgrant in Disaster Preparedness by AARP will support a new initiative focused on equipping Pittsfields older adults with the tools and knowledge needed to prepare for emergencies. Pittsfield crews put out two-alarm fire on Wealthy Avenue Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The grant will fund a three-part presentation series aimed at increasing disaster awareness and readiness among seniors in the community. The program includes expert-led workshops, hands-on demonstrations, and the distribution of free emergency preparedness kits and printed guides. Topics will include how to plan for severe weather, power outages, and other unexpected events. The first session is scheduled for August 22 at the Ralph J. Froio Senior Center, followed by a second on September 18 at the Berkshire Atheneum. A third event is planned during Fire Prevention Week in October. Each session will feature presentations from specialists in emergency response and public health. This is more than an educational eventits a coordinated effort to keep our aging population safe, said Jennifer Reynolds, director of the Ralph J. Froio Senior Center. With support from AARP and SBP, and strong local partnerships, were ensuring that seniors in Pittsfield are not left behind when disaster strikes. The initiative is being carried out in partnership with the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), and local and regional agencies. Organizers say the goal is to build long-term community resilience by providing seniors with clear, practical steps they can take before, during, and after emergencies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The award is part of AARPs national effort to support local organizations that are building more resilient, age-friendly communities through innovation, short-term projects. Local News Headlines WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP. HONOLULU (KHON2) A new plan could bring more safety, cleanliness and coordination to Downtown Honolulu. Waikiki residents take control of streets with returning volunteer program A city councilmember is trying to create a Business Improvement District, similar to the one that was implemented in Waikiki. Downtown Honolulu has seen its share of challenges in recent years, from safety concerns to a rise in homelessness. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under the Business Improvement District, the residents are not going to be charged, its just nonresidential properties, but theyre going to see the benefits in more cleanliness, more security and hopefully we can get all this together for them to start next year, District 6 councilmember Tyler Dos Santos-Tam said. The proposed BID would cover a large chunk of Downtown Honolulu, stretching from Nimitz Highway to South Beretania Street and Richards Street to Nuuanu Avenue. Public right of ways casts a huge impression on the state of a neighborhood and again, individual property owners dont necessarily have an incentive to take care of the public spaces, the roads, the sidewalks, said Downtown Honolulu BID volunteer Chris Fong. So, the Business Improvement District makes it easy for landowners to chip in and everyone to cooperate and pay. Check out more news from around Hawaii Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fong said the district has been in discussion for years, and recent crime in the area has pushed the idea to the forefront. Back in 2022, there was actually a security officer in the Pioneer Plaza area that was murdered from a homeless that came and basically assaulted them. And, you know, the homeless crime and the houseless issue just continues to get worse in the area, Fong said. There are private security patrols in limited spots Dos Santos-Tam said they are not enough and the BID wont be a silver bullet. Right now, theres security patrols on Fort Street Mall done by a private contractor. But if all they do is shoo people off of Fort Street Mall, onto Bishop Street or onto Bethel Street, that really doesnt solve the problem, he said. Its the cameras on top of that, its having more HPD presence. Its supporting the businesses, making sure permits go through. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think you have to set that foundation of a clean and safe environment, to get retailers back, to encourage people to come back to the office, Fong said. Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news The BID could launch as early as 2026 if the proposal moves forward at the City Council, bringing ambassadors, security and cleaning crews right to Downtown Honolulu. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Azerbaijani journalists have released a recording containing an order to open fire on an AZAL flight, which resulted in the plane crashing near the city of Aktau in Kazakhstan on 25 December. Source: Minval Politika, an Azerbaijani Russian-language information and analytical portal, as reported by European Pravda Details: Journalists stated that their editorial office has received an anonymous letter containing materials about the aircraft shot down while approaching the Russian city of Grozny Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The letter reportedly contains an explanatory note from air defence system commander Dmitry Paladychuk, who claims the aircraft was engaged under orders from the Russian Defence Ministry. Minval Politika also received video footage, audio recordings and information about the poor condition of the equipment. Quote from the letter: "At 08:13:30, I gave the command to fire on the target. At 08:13:33, a missile was launched from the guide rail. At 08:13:47, the BM-72V6 central computer system issued a message that the target had been missed. At 08:13:48, I gave the command to fire again." The letter. Photo: Minval Politika Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: The journalists also released a fragment of an audio recording purportedly featuring a male voice giving coordinates that match those in the written report, followed by the command, "Fire! I said fire!" An explosion is heard, then the same voice says, "Again! One more time!" after a report that the target was missed. The journalists have not released the full recordings, as they are still to be examined by investigative authorities. They emphasise that they cannot verify the authenticity of the letter, although it bears the captains signature. However, the audio recordings are considered fairly credible, as the information they contain corresponds closely. Background: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On 25 December, an Embraer aircraft of Azerbaijan Airlines en route from Baku to Grozny crashed near Aktau (the administrative centre of Kazakhstan's Mangistau Oblast). The crash killed 38 people. At the time, Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev stated that the plane had been shot down from the ground. He also asserted that Russia should acknowledge its responsibility, issue a timely apology to Azerbaijan a country considered a friend and communicate this publicly. Rashad Nabiyev, Azerbaijan's Minister of Digital Development and Transport, mentioned that eyewitness testimonies and puncture marks on the plane's fuselage indicated external interference, with the exact type of weapon used to be determined by the investigation. On 4 February, a source within Azerbaijan's government told Reuters that they had conclusive evidence that the plane was downed by a Russian Pantsir-S air defence system. On the same day, Kazakhstans Ministry of Transport released a report containing preliminary findings on the Azerbaijan Airlines plane crash. The initial examination of the aircraft debris revealed multiple puncture and non-puncture damages of various shapes and sizes across the aircraft's tail section, vertical stabiliser, horizontal stabilisers and rudders. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! NEED TO KNOW A flight traveling from Dubai to Sydney was left stranded on the runway at Sydney Airport following the death of a passenger onboard, according to reports Emergency services were called after a 66-year-old man was found unresponsive on July 2 The NSW Police Force confirmed to PEOPLE that the man suffered a 'medical episode' during the flight Plane passengers were left stranded on the runway at Sydney Airport after a man died onboard a flight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to news.com.au, Australian Federal Police and NSW Ambulance received an alert about an unresponsive passenger at around 6:20 a.m. local time on Wednesday, July 2. 7News reported that the flight from Dubai landed on the tarmac shortly after 6 a.m. before paramedics arrived to treat a 66-year-old man. The man was pronounced dead at the scene and is believed to have died of natural causes, per the outlets. According to news.com.au, passengers were left stuck on the plane and unable to disembark for some time. Nicolas Economou/NurPhoto via Getty An Emirates Airbus A380 double decker passenger aircraft An Emirates Airbus A380 double decker passenger aircraft In a statement to PEOPLE, NSW Police Force said that the man suffered a medical episode during the flight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "About 6.15am today (Wednesday 2 July 2025), emergency services attended Sydney International Airport, Mascot, following reports a man had suffered a medical episode," the statement read. "Officers attached to South Sydney Police Area Command attended and were told a man, aged in his 60s, suffered a medical episode during the flight." They added, "The man could not be revived. Police will prepare a report for the coroner." PEOPLE has contacted the NSW Ambulance, Emirates and Sydney Airport 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 juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. In a statement obtained by news.com.au and 7News, Emirates confirmed a passenger traveling from Dubai to Sydney on flight EK412 was found unresponsive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our cabin crew administered CPR; however, the passenger had sadly passed away, the statement read. Upon arrival, the flight was met by local authorities. There was a brief delay in disembarking passengers, and to the flight between Sydney and Christchurch to allow all relevant authorities to complete their investigations. James D. Morgan/Getty Sydney Airport Sydney Airport They added, Emirates expresses its condolences to the family. A spokesperson from Sydney Airport also confirmed to Sky News Australia on July 2 that all passengers had left the aircraft and that there were no more expected delays. According to news.com.au, police are investigating the man's death. Read the original article on People BECKLEY, WV (WVNS) Big changes could be on the way for one of Beckleys busiest areas. Members of the Raleigh County Commission voted to approve a $40,000 study for the Harper Road area. Raleigh County Commission President, Greg Duckworth said members of county and city leadership hope to address issues of traffic congestion and lack of accommodations for pedestrians. Well get behind some engineering plans to work on widening the road and taking care of the congestion problem with traffic, but also sidewalks for pedestrians, said Duckworth. Getting from all the hotels on Harper Road to the restaurants and back and forth, its been a problem for years. Fireworks can cause forest fires, Division of Forestry advises caution Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Duckworth said the City of Beckley and New River Gorge Regional Development Authority also plan to contribute financially to the study. He said an engineering team is working on a plan to move forward with making Harper Road more accessible for everyone. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. EQT Corp logo and stock chart- by T_Schneider via Shutterstock Valued at a market cap of $34.9 billion, EQT Corporation (EQT) is a leading U.S. natural gas production company, headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It is the largest producer of natural gas in the United States, primarily operating in the Appalachian Basin, with a strong focus on the Marcellus and Utica Shales in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia. The energy giant is scheduled to announce its fiscal 2025 Q2 earnings after the market closes on Tuesday, July 22. Ahead of this event, analysts expect this energy company to report a profit of $0.53 per share, up 762.5% from the loss of $0.08 per share in the year-ago quarter. The company has a solid trajectory of consistently beating Wall Street's earnings estimates in each of the last four quarters. More News from Barchart For the current year, analysts expect EQT to report a profit of $3.56 per share, up 121.1% from $1.61 in fiscal 2024. Furthermore, its EPS is expected to grow 46.1% year over year to $5.20 in fiscal 2026. www.barchart.com Shares of EQT have soared 51.9% over the past 52 weeks, considerably outperforming both the S&P 500 Index's ($SPX) 13.2% rise, and the Energy Select Sector SPDR Funds (XLE) 6.3% decline over the same time frame. www.barchart.com On Apr. 22, EQT shares climbed over 1% following the release of its Q1 results. It delivered a strong performance, with production reaching 571 Bcfe and average realized prices climbing to $3.77/Mcfe, up from $3.22 a year earlier. Revenue came in at $2.24 billion, and adjusted EPS of $1.18 beat expectations. Operational costs remained low at $1.05/Mcfe, contributing to robust free cash flow of $1.04 billion and operating cash flow of $1.74 billion. The company also reduced net debt by $1 billion and raised its full-year production guidance while trimming capital expenditure forecasts. In a strategic move, EQT announced a $1.8 billion acquisition of Olympus Energys upstream and midstream assets, reinforcing its dominance in the Appalachian Basin. Wall Street analysts are moderately optimistic about EQTs stock, with a "Moderate Buy" rating overall. Among 21 analysts covering the stock, 16 recommend "Strong Buy," one suggests a Moderate Buy, and four advise Hold. The mean price target for EQT is $61.90, indicating a nearly 11.1% potential upside from current levels. On the date of publication, Kritika Sarmah did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. This article was originally published on Barchart.com FALL RIVER, Mass. (WPRI) A re-dedication ceremony for a memorial honoring the USS Massachusetts was held Wednesday morning in Fall River. A new plaque was unveiled marking the memorial tree at Heritage State Park that pays tribute to the sailors. The South Dakota class battleship dates back to 1941 and is docked at Battleship Cove. The event also celebrated the 250th anniversary of General George Washington taking charge of the Continental Army. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NEXT: Bristol announces Navy ship coming to town for 4th of July Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the new 12+ smart TV app. Follow us on social media: Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com. A woman accused of posing as a Boston Public Schools student was set to resolve her criminal case Tuesday, but reached an impasse on a plea agreement with prosecutors, according to published reports. Hewitt, 34, has pleaded not guilty to charges including of forgery of a document, identity fraud and violating the standards of conduct for a public employee, records show. State payroll records show Hewitt was employed by the Department of Children and Families when prosecutors say she forged documents to enroll in several Boston high schools for the 2022 - 23 school year. At the hearing Tuesday, Hewitts defense attorney, Timothy Flaherty, told the presiding judge that Hewitt would only accept a plea deal if her case were continued without a finding, allowing her to avoid a guilty plea. But prosecutors would only accept an agreement where Hewitt pleaded guilty, The Boston Globe reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its clear to me the commonwealth is not willing to proceed with a plea unless there is a guilty finding... Weve done what we can today, Judge Debra Squires-Lee said, according to NBC Boston. Squires-Lee said the agreement would have recommended a sentence of probation, mental health treatment and restitution for Hewitt, according to the Globe. If no agreement is reached, Hewitt is scheduled to go on trial in February 2026. Boston Public Schools Superintendent Mary Skipper said Hewitt used the transfer process to enroll in Jeremiah E. Burke High School, Brighton High School and English High School under various names. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I am deeply troubled that an adult would breach the trust of our school communities by posing as a student. This appears to be a case of extremely sophisticated fraud, Skipper said in 2023. Hewitts alleged fraud unraveled when administrators at English High School in Jamaica Plain contacted authorities after uncovering some suspicious paperwork from a student, according to a police report. School officials told police they became concerned after a students parent said they would be withdrawing their daughter and enrolling her into St. Columbkille School because she was being bullied. But the student had enrolled just a week prior and school staff had only just begun addressing the reported bullying, according to the police report. A hearing in Hewitts case is scheduled for Sept. 30. Flaherty, her lawyer, said he would report back immediately if an agreement on a plea was reached, the Globe reported. More News Read the original article on MassLive. With Pluris funding blocked, leaders warn of environmental disaster Some Orange County commissioners are warning of a looming and expensive environmental disaster after they were hit with another setback in their quest to buy out a troubled water system. The county has been exploring a takeover of Pluris, which serves approximately 1,800 homes in the Wedgefield area. Pluris customers pay the highest rates in Central Florida despite their water quality not being up to Orange Countys standard. However, their request for $7.5 million in Floridas budget was vetoed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, who instead focused on maximizing the states rainy day funds as he slashed hundreds of millions of dollars worth of proposals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The system is listed as basically an imminent catastrophe, Commissioner Kelly Semrad said. If we dont fix it, it will break, and if it breaks, its going to put dump raw sewage into a community, which is a public health safety issue, as well as its going to discharge water into our St Johns Basin and the St Johns River, which is a drinking source. Semrad said she would return to the community to discuss their options. The county could buy the system and upgrade it, but the homeowners would pay approximately $100,000 apiece in assessments, which would break many families budgets. She mentioned the possibility that The Florida Governmental Utility Authority buy, upgrade and maintain the system instead. She also said she plans to push for the funding next year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the grand scheme of a state budget, seven and a half million dollars to prevent environmental catastrophe and to ensure that people have access to clean and affordable water is a drop in the bucket, she explained. Its really disappointing. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. ARLINGTON, Va. (DC News Now) A high school employee has been arrested for having inappropriate contact with a student in Arlington, according to police. The Arlington County Police Department (ACPD) said on May 28 that a criminal investigation was initiated. The department had received information that 31-year-old Rene Escobar, an instructional assistant at Washington-Liberty High School, had inappropriate contact with a female student in person and online. Jury: Man could spend life in prison for raping former girlfriends young child Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ACPD said Escobar was arrested on July 1 and charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor and stalking his second offense in five years. The investigation is still ongoing. ACPD believes that there could be more victims because Escobar has an employment history that allows him to interact with juveniles at schools and community centers. Anyone with information or who has had previous inappropriate encounters with him is asked to call 703-228-4244 or email syanda@arlingtonva.us. In a statement sent to DC News Now, the Arlington County Public Schools said it takes all allegations of misconduct seriously. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When APS was made aware of concerns about Mr. Escobar, we immediately removed him from the school environment and worked in conjunction with law enforcement during the investigation, the statement read in part. We want to assure our families, students and staff that student safety is our highest priority. We are deeply grateful to the Washington-Liberty school leadership team, APS Security and our partners in law enforcement for their swift, professional response. As a community, we remain committed to maintaining a culture of safety, trust and accountability. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live. Jul. 1Albuquerque police arrested a middle school teacher accused of sending explicit photos and text messages to a person he believed to be 12 years old. Julian Gunther, 27, is charged with 14 counts of criminal sexual communication with a minor. Gunther, who teaches seventh-grade social studies at the Rio Grande Academy of Fine Arts, was arrested on Monday, according to court documents. Gunther had not been assigned a lawyer, according to Maggie Shepard, communications director of the New Mexico Law Offices of the Public Defender. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rio Grande Academy of Fine Arts could not be reached for comment Tuesday. Gunther is the third teacher since June arrested on charges of sexually exploiting minors. Last month, police arrested middle school teacher Patrick Corr and Hope Christian School teacher Kelly McEachran for alleged sexual conduct with minors. Police responded to an online post by Gunther on May 1, where he said he was "looking for some female company." Two Santa Fe police officers posed as a 12-year-old girl and responded to the message, telling Gunther the persona was lonely and looking for friends, according to an affidavit filed in Santa Fe Magistrate Court on June 30. Police identified the fake profile as a 12-year-old. Gunther responded, showing police he was aware of the persona's age. The two exchanged text messages for over a month, according to court documents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the time, Gunther sent several sexually explicit photos and videos of himself to what he believed was a 12-year-old girl, as well as attempting to solicit videos and photos from the persona. Gunther mentioned to the persona he was a school teacher, but did not identify which school he worked at. Police later identified him through Facebook posts, where Gunther was posing with children from the Rio Grande Academy of Fine Arts. CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) The University of Illinois Police Department (UIPD) has located two suspects in connection to an incident that took place at Kirby Food and Liquor in Champaign over the weekend. Police said the suspects visited the store three times in one night they robbed the store twice, but on the third visit, they broke the doors glass panel and verbally threatened an employee. The UIPD said officers were called to the store around 12:19 a.m. on Sunday. At the time, the Champaign Police Department was actively responding to a separate incident, according to UIPD. WCIA previously reported that officers with the Champaign Police Department responded to Holly Hill Drive at 12:01 a.m. on Sunday after a shooting with injuries was reported. Police found two 16-year-old boys from Champaign nearby with life-threatening gunshot wounds. One of the teens, later identified as Erion Turner, later died. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was just such a blessing: Champaign community honors life of Erion Turner with balloon release While Champaign police investigated at the Holly Hill Drive scene, UIPD responded to the store and learned that two suspects initially entered the store while it was open and took a drink without paying. They returned a short time later and took items from a display case, including earbuds, phone chargers, nicotine, and cannabis products. The total estimated value is about $367.50, UIPD said. After this theft, an employee locked the front door. But, the suspects returned again, broke the door and verbally threatened the employee, according to UIPD. The employee contacted the store owner, who reported the incident. Crime Stoppers seeking tips in Champaign smoke shop robbery Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When UIPD arrived in the early hours of Sunday morning, they saw two suspects running away. Police began to search the area. One suspected, later identified as 19-year-old Adam Hesselbacher of Champaign, was found and arrested for robbery, burglary, and retail theft, police said. He was brought to the Champaign County Satellite Jail and but is now out on pre-trial release. The second suspect is a juvenile, police said, and has been located as well. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com. **Video above shows previous report on this story MANSFIELD, Ohio (WJW) A 5-year-old boy pronounced dead after being left in a hot car in Mansfield last week has been identified and a preliminary autopsy has been released by police. The little boy was identified as Kyrie Brown, the Mansfield Department of Police said Wednesday. 4-year-old reportedly got inside hot car himself and died: Police The preliminary autopsy report indicates that Kyrie suffered from hyperthermia, which is defined as an elevated body temperature above the normal range, Police Chief Jason Bammann said in a news release. WJW photo First responders were called to a parking lot along Marion Avenue for reports of a child inside a minivan on Thursday, June 26, at about 3:15 p.m. They reportedly found Brown in the arms of his mother, upon arrival. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials said Brown was left in his moms vehicle for an extended length of time. The child was taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead, police said. Man dead after fishing boat capsizes near Avon Lake boat ramp The temperature reached 91 degrees in Mansfield Thursday, a weather report confirmed. An investigation is ongoing and detectives are waiting for the official results of the autopsy. No charges have been announced at this time. Those who may have information regarding this case are asked to reach out to Major Crimes Detective Ronee Swisher at 419-755-9432. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) A bomb threat at a local pharmacy on Wednesday morning led to a police response and an evacuation. Authorities confirmed that no explosives were found. The Albany Police Department said it received the threat around 9:41 a.m. at Johns Pharmacy on Montpelier Avenue. Officers evacuated the building as a safety measure. Teams from the Livingston Parish Sheriffs Office and the Livingston Police Department secured the area. The police department said no explosives or suspicious items were found during a search of the pharmacy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Suspect accused of stealing ambulance from Baton Rouge hospital arrested Chief Boyd Wild said they are looking into the initial threat. More information will be shared as it comes in. We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the Livingston Parish Sheriffs Office and the Livingston Police Department for their swift response and partnership in ensuring the safety of Johns Pharmacy employees and our community. We would also like to express our gratitude to Cains Supermarket for their support and cooperation during this incident, said Wild. Latest News Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Louisiana First News. (WHTM) A woman connected to a crime group allegedly stole more than $51,000 worth of merchandise from Kohls stores in Pennsylvania and Ohio, police say. Macedonia Police Department wrote in a Monday post on Facebook, during a Theft Deterrent Detail, officers were made aware by Kohls about the woman who was inside one of the department stores. She was not identified in the post. Officers spotted her vehicle in the parking lot, police wrote, and then she was also seen inside the store going through items and closely watching other shoppers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police were able to identify who she was and learned she had multiple warrants for her arrest for thefts at other department stores, police wrote. She soon left the store without taking anything, but was taken into custody after a traffic stop. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Morning Weather Forecast While searching her vehicle, the post said, around $1,500 worth of stolen merchandise was found in her back seat. Police also discovered she was allegedly linked to numerous thefts in 2024 that happened in Pennsylvania and Ohio Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Temporary Polish border controls along the country's frontier to Germany are to remain in place until August 5, according to a draft regulation published by the Interior Ministry in Warsaw on Wednesday. The controls will start next Monday, July 7. Poland also plans to carry out checks on the border with its eastern neighbour Lithuania during this period. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced the border controls on Tuesday in response to German controls at the shared border. He had made the possible end of the measure contingent on decisions by the German government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The German controls were initially due to end in September, but it looked like they would be extended, Tusk said. "Our response to this will also be symmetrical. The time when Poland did not respond appropriately to certain measures is finally over." Germany has been conducting spot checks at the border with Poland since October 2023 to stop irregular migration. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt ordered more intensive border controls shortly after the new German government took office in May. At the same time, he said that people requesting asylum could also be turned back at the border in future. The document now published by Warsaw provides for checks at 50 crossings on the German-Polish border. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since May 8, the German police has refused entry to around 1,300 people on the border to Poland, according to the Interior Ministry. One in ten cases involved an asylum request. The issue has been picked up by Poland's right-wing conservative Law and Justice (PiS) opposition party and the far right. A newly founded "Movement to Defend the Borders" is calling for the organization of self-appointed patrols at crossings on the frontier with Germany. In Germany, meanwhile, the government does not expect the Polish border checks to carry any significant consequences. "The measures on the Polish side will not have any direct impact," said an Interior Ministry spokesman in Berlin, adding that Germany would continue to liaise closely with its neighbouring country. Routine border checks are not foreseen within Europe's free-travel Schengen area, but can be imposed for a limited period of time under certain circumstances. Parents are facing unusual challenges in getting their children vaccinated, such as difficulty booking appointments and a lack of reminders, a new UK report says. Child health experts argue that the situation is because of "practical or logistical reasons," which are discouraging families more often than fears over the vaccines themselves. In the United Kingdom, vaccine uptake has continued to decline over the past decade, which has resulted in outbreaks of measles and whooping cough. Vaccination of Children in the UK Health officials said they are now committed to coordinating with the National Health Service (NHS) to improve vaccine uptake among kids. No childhood vaccine in the region has met the World Health Organization (WHO) target of 95% of children vaccinated since 2022. Because of this, measles and many other preventable diseases have been reported to have spread several times. A commission of experts from the Royal College of Pediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) studied the reasons why the situation has become like this, according to the BBC. An officer for health improvement at RCPCH, Dr. Helen Stewart, said that the steady drop in vaccination rates among children in a wealthy country such as the UK was "extremely concerning." However, she noted that vaccine hesitancy, which is when parents are unsure about getting their children vaccinated, is only "part of a very complex picture." Stewart added that the real situation is that there are a lot of parents who require better support and easier access to vaccine appointments. Another factor that is believed to be driving the issue is the absence of health visitors because individual family circumstances are what influence vaccination decisions. The latest report noted a lack of reminders from GP surgeries regarding scheduled vaccinations, the Independent reported. Various Challenging Factors The study also found that parents have fears about being judged for raising concerns regarding vaccines or having beliefs in alternative medicine. The researchers found that there is a growing disparity in vaccine uptake among some ethnic minority groups, socio-economically disadvantaged families, and migrant communities. The report found that these families are facing language difficulties, digital exclusion, and various challenges in navigating the NHS. It suggests that parents are not always able to access the information they want or need regarding vaccines. It also notes that health professionals need to get more training about how to approach conversations about vaccines. The health professionals who were interviewed for the study added that there is a need for more pro-vaccine messages on social media platforms. These include coordinating with influencers to spread the message of why vaccines are important, as per the Shropshire Star. (Corrects paragraph 7 to show there is no partnership between Deutsche Boerse and Euronext to try to counter a flight of some European initial public offerings to U.S. markets) (Reuters) -Euronext is in talks to buy up to 100% of the Athens Stock Exchange in a 399 million euro ($470 million) all-share deal that would be the latest for a group that already operates stock markets in countries including France and the Netherlands. Euronext said on Tuesday it planned to offer one new share for every 21 shares held by investors in the Athens Stock Exchange (ATHEX), valuing ATHEX stock at 6.90 euros a piece. ATHEX shares closed on Tuesday at 6.03 euros. The Greek Finance Ministry welcomed the offer and said in a statement it views a possible agreement "very positively". "A possible acquisition of the Athens Stock Exchange by Euronext constitutes a practical vote of confidence in the stability and positive course of the Greek economy," it added. A combination with the Greek company would align with Euronext's ambition to consolidate European capital markets as it sees fragmentation as one of the reasons behind a competitiveness gap with U.S. markets. Since the start of the year, Euronext has launched a European Common Prospectus to try to counter a flight of some European initial public offerings to U.S. markets. ($1 = 0.8490 euros) (Reporting by Mateusz Rabiega and Lefteris Papadimas in AthensEditing by David Goodman, Mark Potter and David Evans) DES MOINES, Iowa A highly anticipated two-year water quality study by Polk County was released Tuesday, confirming that the nitrate in the river water is mostly due to agriculture. The Central Iowa Source Water Research Assessment was commissioned in 2023 to offer unbiased and comprehensive examination of the watersheds for the Des Moines River and Raccoon River. It revealed that nearly 80% of the nitrate in those rivers is directly tied to agriculture. The report says that the rivers often contain some of the highest nitrate levels in the U.S. and routinely exceed the health-based drinking water standard, threatening human health and increasing the cost and complexity of water treatment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It also says livestock manure is produced in quantities unable to be fully absorbed as fertilizer, leading to the excess contaminating water. The study outlines two dozen recommendations to improve water quality, like increased state funding for wastewater treatment facilities. On Tuesday morning the report was received by the Polk County Board of Supervisors and then released to the public. Having this comprehensive report is a way to address this problem. We know that it is going to be a multibillion-dollar program and a generational challenge to change the course that were currently in as a state, Polk County Board Chair Matt McCoy said. So were hoping this report will serve as an opportunity for interest groups and advocacy groups to work together to address the changes. There are action steps in this report that both those advocacy groups and community groups can take to try to impact change, that we want to clean up our water. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Iowa Bicycle Coalition launches campaign to expand road safety for Iowa cyclists Meanwhile, Central Iowa Water Works provided an update Tuesday, heading into the holiday weekend where people will be engaging in outdoor water activities. That is mostly okay, but the lawn watering ban is still in effect. They also want to clarify that you can still use water to cook, like boiling water. All water produced by CIWW meets all safe drinking water standards. So right now, and all along water, has been safe for drinking, cooking and any other household use, CIWW Executive Director Tami Madsen said. Playing in slip n slides and filling kiddie pools are very insignificant fractions of that amount of our capacity. We do know we can handle that amount of water on our system capacity. In the latest tests, the nitrate in treated water at the Fleur and McMullen treatment plants are 7.21 mg/L. It is 15.19 mg/L in the Raccoon River and 12.07 mg/L in the Des Moines River. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The treated water is still considered safe because it is under 10 mg/L. However, in this Polk County report, they said in their research that some groups have 5 mg/L as an acceptable nitrate threshold. There is no consensus on what it should ideally be. CIWW responded to this saying, the EPA sets the drinking water standard to 10mg/L. Thats re-evaluated in a regular interval. Thats been re-evaluated within the last two years. The EPA continues to maintain the standard at 10 mg/L. Thats the standard that we treat too, Madsen said. For more information and to read that water research report by Polk County in full, you can visit PolkCountyIowa.gov. Metro News: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com. NEW MEXICO (KRQE) With hundreds of cities, small towns, villages, and unincorporated territories, New Mexico is home to plenty of places with unique names. The stories behind those names are often just as interesting. KRQE asked viewers via social media what they considered to be the strangest town name in the Land of Enchantment. Poll: Whats the best small town in New Mexico? Here are the top answers from News 13 viewers: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Truth or Consequences Pie Town Weed Albuquerque Jal Tijeras Alamogordo Carrizozo Nutt Raton Truchas Tucumcari Zuzax After a radio show contest, the city of Hot Springs renamed itself Truth or Consequences. Ralph Edwards, host of the NBC Radio quiz show Truth or Consequences, announced in March 1950 that he would host the show on its tenth anniversary in the first town that changed its name after the show. Hot Springs officially changed its name on March 31, 1950, and the program was broadcast from that location the following evening. For the next fifty years, Edwards would come to town on the first weekend in May. This gathering, which was later dubbed Fiesta, featured a stage show, a parade, and a beauty pageant. Every year on the first weekend of May, the city continues to celebrate Fiesta. Local officials, the winner of the Hatch Chile Queen pageant, and the previous years Miss Fiesta pageant queen usually participate in the procession. In Ralph Edwards Park, Fiesta also includes a dance. Pie Town is well known for its interesting moniker. Norman Smith, a successful miner and general store owner who made pies for westbound tourists, is credited with giving Pie Town its famous name. Every September, on the second Saturday, Pie Town hosts a Pie Festival. Remote New Mexico town expects to draw in visitors with annual pie festival Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several towns on this list were named for specific people, from town founders to significant residents to Spanish dukes. Weed was named after William H. Weed, who established a branch store there. Hailing from Alburquerque, Badajoz, in southwest Spain, Viceroy Francisco Fernandez de la Cueva, 10th Duke of Alburquerque, gave the city of Albuquerque its name. Jal was named for a herd of cattle branded with John A. Lynchs (JAL) initials. Nutt was founded by, and named for, H.C. Nutt. When translated from Spanish to English, a few of these town names seem more peculiar; for example, Tijeras, meaning scissors, Raton, meaning mouse, and Truchas, meaning trout. New Mexico town named The Happiest Small Town in America Some names originated from Spanish or Native American languages and were adapted into neologisms, or newly coined words. A grove of robust cottonwoods close to the Pecos River area inspired the name Alamogordo, which is derived from the Spanish alamo gordo, meaning large/fat cottonwood. The name Carrizozo comes from the Spanish word carrizo, which means reed grass, which is quite common in the region. In order to indicate the abundance of carrizo grass, the extra zo was added at the end of the towns name. Named for Tucumcari Mountain, Tucumcari may have originated from the Comanche word tkamkar, meaning ambush. Zuzax, an entirely original name, was coined by entrepreneur Herman Adams, who opened a curio shop in the area around 1956 and named the town so that it would be the last entry in phone books. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. As mass deportation raids by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) continue to spark protest and split public sentiment, President Trumps approval rating has slipped to a new low in the latest Yahoo/YouGov poll. A survey of 1,597 U.S. adults, which was conducted from June 26 to June 30, finds that just 40% now approve of how Trump is handling his job as president, down from 44% in March. Meanwhile, a full 56% of Americans up from 50% in March currently disapprove of Trumps performance. Thats a net swing of 10 percentage points away from the president over the last three months. At this point in Trumps first term, his disapproval rating was 13 points higher than his approval rating, according to YouGov data. Today, its 16 points higher. In comparison, former presidents Barack Obama (+14) and Joe Biden (+7) both enjoyed positive approval ratings halfway through their first year in office. Immigration is no longer helping Trump Immigration has long been an area of relative strength for Trump. Before last Novembers election, 48% of Americans predicted he would do a better job on the issue than former Vice President Kamala Harris, his Democratic rival; just 36% thought Harris would do better. And even in March, after a couple of months in office, more Americans approved (48%) than disapproved (44%) of how Trump was actually handling immigration as president in contrast to nearly every other issue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But thats no longer the case. Throughout 2025, Trumps disapproval rating on immigration has steadily risen to 46% in April, then 48% in May before jumping to 52% in June, amid the recent ICE raids. At the same time, the presidents approval rating on immigration has fallen to 44%. In other words, what was a net positive issue for him (+4 points in March) is now a net negative (-8). Immigration isnt the only area where Trump has lost ground over the last month. Disapproval of how hes handling the cost of living (up from 59% to 63%) and trade and tariffs (from 57% to 60%) has also shot up. But the new Yahoo/YouGov poll suggests that ICEs ongoing crackdown may be having a bigger effect on the public. Americans think ICE raids are targeting mostly the wrong people With workplace raids and roving patrols, ICE has dramatically ramped up its efforts to apprehend and deport undocumented immigrants in recent weeks throughout major cities such as Los Angeles, Chicago and Seattle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration claims its agents are targeting the worst of the worst including gang members, murderers and rapists who have reigned terror on American communities. The Department of Homeland Security frequently puts out press releases publicizing the capture of these heinous criminals. But on-the-ground reporting has revealed that ICE is also sweeping up otherwise law-abiding immigrants and even some U.S. citizens as it strives to meet the administrations new quota of 3,000 arrests a day, up from 1,000 previously, and kick-start what Trump has described as the largest domestic deportation operation in American history. This shift has not proven to be popular, according to the Yahoo/YouGov survey. Far more Americans now say they disapprove (50%) than approve (36%) of the "large-scale deportation raids in Los Angeles and other cities," for instance. Among Latino Americans (who voted for Trump last November in record numbers) that gap is bigger: 62% disapprove to 19% approve. Even independents (who tend to swing elections one way or the other) disapprove (57%) rather than approve (32%) of Trumps ICE raids by a wide margin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Overall, a majority of Americans (51%) now think Trump has gone too far in "arresting and deporting immigrants" a number thats ticked up 4 points since April. Fewer say his approach has been about right (26%) or that he hasnt gone far enough (15%). A full 55% of independents think Trump has gone too far. Public opinion appears to turn on who Trump is targeting for deportation. According to the Wall Street Journal, top White House aide Stephen Miller the architect of Trumps immigration agenda held a testy meeting in May at ICE headquarters, where he demanded that officers do what they needed to do to make more arrests, including rounding up noncriminals in public places. Miller told agents they didnt need to develop target lists of immigrants suspected of being in the U.S. illegally, a long-standing practice, the Journal reported. Instead, he directed them to target Home Depot, where day laborers typically gather for hire, or 7-Eleven convenience stores. Miller bet that he and a handful of agents could go out on the streets of Washington, D.C., and arrest 30 people right away. When asked to choose which immigration approach they prefer, however, just a quarter of Americans (25%) say the federal government should follow Millers blueprint and "round up and deport as many undocumented immigrants as possible, regardless of whether theyve committed other crimes." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Far more (61%) want to "deport undocumented immigrants who have committed crimes since arriving in the U.S., but create a pathway to citizenship for those who have otherwise obeyed the law." As a result, a greater number of Americans now think ICE is deporting "mostly the wrong people" (40%) rather than mostly the right people (37%). Protests divide opinion but most disapprove of Trumps military response Negative sentiment about arrests and deportations has tarnished ICEs image as well. Most Americans now see the agency unfavorably (52%) rather than favorably (39%), and the number who view it very unfavorably (40%) is nearly twice as large as the number who view it very favorably (23%). Reflecting this backlash, ICE gets overwhelmingly negative ratings from Democrats (8% favorable, 85% unfavorable), Latino-Americans (25% favorable, 67% unfavorable), African-Americans (11% favorable, 63% unfavorable) and adults between the ages of 18 and 29 (28% favorable, 61% unfavorable). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among white Americans, however, more see ICE favorably (48%) than unfavorably (45%). As for the protests against recent ICE raids by people in Los Angeles and elsewhere, more Americans approve (47%) than disapprove (40%). But that gap is smaller than the one between those who disapprove (again, 50%) and approve (36%) of the raids themselves, suggesting at least some Americans think the protests went too far. In line with that theory, a majority say the protests were either mostly violent (26%) or about equally peaceful and violent (28%) rather than mostly peaceful (37%). Either way, Trumps response to the protests sending nearly 5,000 armed troops to the city against the objections of state and local officials" is just as unpopular as the raids themselves, with 50% of Americans saying they disapprove and just 38% saying they approve. __________________ The Yahoo News survey was conducted by YouGov using a nationally representative sample of 1,597 U.S. adults interviewed online from June 26 to 30, 2025. The sample was weighted according to gender, age, race, education, 2024 election turnout and presidential vote, party identification and current voter registration status. Demographic weighting targets come from the 2019 American Community Survey. Party identification is weighted to the estimated distribution at the time of the election (31% Democratic, 32% Republican). Respondents were selected from YouGovs opt-in panel to be representative of all U.S. adults. The margin of error is approximately 3.2%. Each week, health department teams across Virginia take to local beaches to search for a culprit that could dampen a day of fun in the sun. Starting early in the morning, team members go beach by beach taking samples of the water on the coast. Theyre looking for enterococci bacteria. If theres too much, you dont want to swim there. Enterococci bacteria is a sign that fecal matter is in salt and brackish water. While this bacteria is not harmful itself, it often is an indicator of other bacteria or organisms that can cause health issues if swallowed. The most common recreational water illnesses are gastrointestinal and may cause vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain or fever. These organisms can also cause respiratory issues and infections if a swimmer has an open wound. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If levels are found to be too high or above 104 MPN (most probable number) per 100 mL officials have to issue a swimming advisory. Results from samples typically take about 24 hours, so testing is done early in the week to get any notices out before the weekend. The Virginia Department of Health tests bacteria levels in water at 49 public beaches in Virginia during the swimming season, or from May to September. In Hampton Roads, this is done by local health departments. Public health officials in Norfolk test on Mondays, and other parts of the region do their testing Tuesday. We dont, a lot of times, know whats behind a high level of bacteria, said Danielle Schools, director of the division of shellfish safety and waterborne hazards at VDH. It could be from storm water drain discharge, it could be from human sewage. It could be from dog poop. You know theres a reason why a lot of times, dogs are not allowed on beaches. Another potential cause is a heavy rain, she said. According to the department, bacteria levels are likely to be high after a storm such as those that dampened the region Wednesday and disease-causing organisms are more likely to be present after rainfall because of pollution from land runoff. In rural areas, runoff from agriculture could raise bacteria levels higher than state standards. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Virginia Beach has a local ordinance where they actually close the beach, so that means do not go in the water, Schools said. But swimming advisories are just that theyre just advisories. Youre not going to get a ticket if you go in the water, but its highly advisable that you dont, because the bacterial load has been exceeded. Health officials have issued numerous swimming advisories this year across the region. If a beach is found to have high bacteria levels, monitoring teams will go back out the next day to collect follow-up samples. Many advisories are lifted within one to two days, but others can remain in place for longer if levels remain too high. Beach-goers also are encouraged to swim away from fishing piers, pipes, drains and water flowing from storm drains onto a beach. Pet waste, diapers and other trash should be disposed of properly, and showering with soap after swimming helps remove potential disease-causing organisms. Earlier this year, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency distributed more than $900,000 in grant funding to monitor water quality at beaches on the East Coast. As part of the Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health Act, or BEACH Act, Virginia received $271,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Schools said the funding is routine, but it will continue to support bacteria testing programs across the state. Funding also helps support tools such as VDHs beach advisory map, which lays out which beaches in Virginia may have advisories and what bacteria levels had been measured there. Schools said this makes information about water quality more accessible and easily updated, especially for families planning a beach day in Hampton Roads. The Mid-Atlantic states boast beautiful coastlines that draw countless visitors to enjoy the waters and local attractions, EPA Region 3 Administrator Amy Van Blarcom-Lackey said in a statement. With this funding, EPA helps our regions beaches remain welcoming and safe and fulfills the agencys mission to protect human health and the environment. Eliza Noe, eliza.noe@virginiamedia.com CHICAGO (AP) Pope Leo XIV's hometown is poised to buy his childhood home after the south Chicago suburb's board voted unanimously Tuesday to purchase the property, hoping it will breathe new life into a village saddled with financial woes. Since white smoke billowed in May from the Sistine Chapel and Pope Leo XIV was elected Pope Francis' successor, the new pope's childhood home a small, two-story house in Dolton, Illinois, about 20 miles (32 kilometers) south of Chicago has drawn visitors from across the country with many treating it as a pilgrimage site. Cardinal Robert Prevost made history by becoming the first pope from the United States a stunning decision that Chicagoans celebrated by flocking to churches and sharing memes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prevost was born in 1955 in the South Side Chicago neighborhood of Bronzeville and grew up in suburban Dolton, near St. Mary of the Assumption, where he attended Mass and elementary school. He later studied theology at the Catholic Theological Union of Chicago in the Hyde Park neighborhood and taught in local Catholic schools, including at St. Rita High School. Dolton Mayor Jason House called purchasing the pope's childhood home a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity during a Tuesday meeting of the Dolton Village Board. The childhood homes of other popes have often been turned into museums or pilgrimage sites. This is a proud moment for our village and an opportunity, and we want to make sure that were doing it justice," he said. Yet several residents at Tuesday's meeting were skeptical about any benefit to taxpayers, questioning whether the financially strained village could afford to purchase the home and maintain the streets surrounding it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The board hired former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot to probe the villages finances last year, and she found Doltons bank accounts had been depleted. The village was $3.65 million in debt and had unpaid bills piling up. Dolton gained national attention amid allegations of its former Mayor Tiffany Henyard's financial mismanagement, corruption and failure to follow state transparency laws by turning over spending and other records. Purchasing the popes residence is admirable. Dolton resident Mary Avent told the board on Tuesday. But with the state were in right now, I guess my concern is, do we have the money?" House said he is committed to repairing the streets surrounding Prevost's childhood home and assured residents he understood their concerns. Still, he said the sale will likely close within two weeks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The house's listed owner did not immediately respond to a request for comment Wednesday. We can either seize this moment going forward or we can let that moment go to an investor," House said. I would like our community to get the benefit of this opportunity. Other board members echoed the mayor's excitement over the purchase, as some spoke of how the childhood homes of Michael Jackson and Martin Luther King Jr. offered economic opportunity to their communities. A recent post on the village's Facebook account showed workers repairing the house's roof and celebrated the home for bringing new energy and attention to our village. Gino Ferrari, president of Windy City Construction Group, said he offered the full roof replacement for free to the current owner, saying he wanted to make sure this roof lasts a long time. In front of the home, the company put up a sign with an image of Pope Leo XIV and the words Pope Leo's childhood home" and A roof for the pope's roots. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As crews worked on the roof Tuesday, they chatted with neighbors who offered them water and bike riders who traveled along the lakefront from Chicago to see the house. Dolton has been through a lot in the last few years, so this is such a great, positive moment for Dolton," Ferrari said. "The community seems pretty excited. Pope Leo XIV has warned of the dangers of climate change as much of Europe swelters under a heatwave. "Extreme natural phenomena caused by climate changes provoked by human activity are growing in intensity and frequency, to say nothing of the medium and long-term effects of the human and ecological devastation being wrought by armed conflicts," said the head of 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide in a letter. He wrote that in various parts of the world "our earth is being ravaged." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The pope made his comments on a day of prayer for the preservation of creation proclaimed by the Catholic Church. "On all sides," the pope continues, "injustice, violations of international law and the rights of peoples, grave inequalities and the greed that fuels them are spawning deforestation, pollution and the loss of biodiversity." Leo warned that the medium and long-term effects of "ecological devastation" were not being sufficiently taken into account. The pontiff has been in office since May as the successor to the late pope Francis. According to the Vatican, it is still unclear whether he will attend the World Climate Summit (COP30) in Brazil at the end of the year. Key Takeaway Beaches around the United States are closing due to bacteria levels. Here's what travelers need to know and how they can stay on top of the updates. A beach visit and cool dip in the ocean are the perfect way to beat the summer heat. But beach-goers throughout the U.S. may want to take caution, as more than 20 beaches have recently closed due to high amounts of bacteria in the water. The closures were published based on a series of data collected from the State of Massachusetts Division of Environmental Toxicology, Hazard Assessment and Prevention, or TOX. The agency publishes the reports in an online dashboard tracker. For example, within the town of Rockport, the Long Beach is temporarily closed due to a level of "10" in the bacteria reading of Enterococci. Other beach closures included Damon Pond Beach in Ashby, Sandy Beach in Danvers, Henry F Collins Beach in Marlborough, Cochituate State Park Beach in Natick, and Shannon Beach in Winchester. Despite the advisories and closures, swimmers and other beach-goers braved the elements and went swimming in the bacteria-filled water, NBC Boston reports. While the list topped 20 different beaches on June 29, the list dropped to 14 beaches at the time of publication. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Across the United States, other beaches are also closed due to high bacteria. In King County, Washingtonwhich includes SeattleMadison Park, Madrona Park, Matthews Beach, and West Green Lake Beach are among those closed due to high bacteria, according to a Seattle government website. Imperial Beach in California, which shares a border with Mexico, was recently ranked as one of the highest and dirtiest beaches in the United States, due to runoff from the Tijuana River which includes sewage, according to a recent advisory. Visitors to Lake Powell in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area between Arizona and Utah are advised to exercise caution when swimming and not ingest the water due to potential sewage or potentially harmful algae, according to a National Park Service advisory. Before heading into the water of a beach, experts advise swimmers to carefully review any signs or placards about the water conditions in their community. "Be aware of any signs indicating the beach is closed or the water is not safe because of bacteria, riptides or other hazards," the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) advises. "In areas that are not monitored regularly, choose swimming sites in less developed areas with good water circulation, such as beaches at the ocean." The EPA specifically advises against swimming near water polluted by sewage, or cyanobacteria, which can cause algae blooms. Read the original article on Travel & Leisure Ukrainian President Zelensky must consider a petition to decriminalize pornography after it reached the required 25,000 signatures, according to data on the official Ukrainian government petitions website. Pornography production and distribution are illegal in Ukraine, with broad interpretations meaning even sharing nude photos can result in jail time. Despite being illegal, models on subscription-based site OnlyFans, known for being an adult content platform, must declare their income and pay taxes, as required for all paid content creators. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The decriminalization petition was created by Ukrainian OnlyFans model Svetlana Dvornikova, who argued that "law enforcement should focus on real crimes instead of conducting operations to buy intimate photos." "Over five years, I've paid more than Hr 40 million ($958,062) in taxes to the state," Dvornikova wrote in the petition. "But instead of gratitude for this money, the state opened a criminal case against me." In January 2025, Ukraine's OnlyFans content creators declared more than $7 million in income, paying $1.5 million in personal income and military taxes, though it's unclear what specific content these users create on the platform. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukrainian MP Yaroslav Zhelezniak, who has initiated bills to legalize pornography, calculated that from 2020 to 2022, 5,000 Ukrainians earned $123 million on OnlyFans. "Porn today is mostly online platforms, and those who earn on these platforms officially pay taxes. That's millions of dollars going to the armed forces," Zhelezniak said on his YouTube channel. The latest bill to legalize pornography was registered in November 2024 and supported by parliament's law enforcement committee in December, but hasn't been brought to a vote yet. The bill proposes decriminalizing only the creation and storage of pornographic content by consenting adults. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Criminal liability would still apply for revenge porn, deepfake porn, extreme porn, child pornography, and distribution to minors. "We're simply changing Article 301 of the Criminal Code so that adults who film and distribute intimate videos aren't thrown in prison for 3-5 years," Zhelezniak wrote on his Telegram channel. "Currently, under Article 301, you can be punished even for storing nude photos on your personal phone." In July 2022, a similar petition to legalize pornography reached the required number of signatures. It didn't lead to changes, and Zelensky responded by citing existing laws about "protecting public morality." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Russia seizes Ukraines most valuable lithium deposits, but US minerals deal not at risk, investor says Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Oregon leaders have helped set the stage for one of two potential Broadway-capable venues proposed in Downtown Portland. With the passage of Senate Bill 5505 on Friday, legislators allocated more than $85.6 million in general obligation bonds for the construction of Portland State Universitys Performing Arts and Culture Center. Another $53 million in dedicated fund obligations were set aside for the parking structure, according to the university. Newly-opened Portland smores bar expands with suburban outpost Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The project is one of two that Portland City Council unanimously approved last year. Although city officials initially weighed either greenlighting the new PSU building or backing the renovation of the historic Keller Auditorium, the October resolution made way for further talks involving the development of both modern performance venues. Street view of PSUs proposed Portland Arts + Culture Center designed by Bora Architects. (Courtesy Bora) Lobby view of PSUs proposed Portland Arts + Culture Center designed by Bora Architects. (Courtesy Bora) Interior theater view of PSUs proposed Portland Arts + Culture Center designed by Bora Architects. (Courtesy Bora) Side building view of PSUs proposed Portland Arts + Culture Center designed by Bora Architects. (Courtesy Bora) Left: A rendering of the Keller Auditoriums proposed renovations from the Northwest facade and proposed Third Avenue plaza (Credit: Halprin Landscape Conservancy). Right: Street view of PSUs proposed Portland Arts + Culture Center designed by Bora Architects. (Courtesy Bora). In a statement issued on Tuesday, Portland Mayor Keith Wilson noted the city is now planning to form an advisory committee that will discuss the future of each project. The States investment in Portland State University represents a profound commitment to the importance of the arts in bringing together community and activating Portlands downtown core, Wilson said. PSU and the City have a track record of success collaborating on important development projects and are kicking off a market feasibility study to guide future venue development in the coming months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Positively Portland The university reported that it has nabbed a total of $155 million in funding for the new space. According to PSU, Prosper Portland had already doled out $7.6 million and philanthropic pledges doled out about $10.5 million. The Performing Arts and Culture Center will be developed along what is now the 4.25-acre University Place Hotel. It is expected to hold a capacity of 1,200 seats and open to the public in 2030. PACC reflects the bold leadership and creative vision needed to reinvigorate our city, PSU President Ann Cudd said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Goodbye, Nordstrom. Hello, Lloyd Center music venue As Oregons public urban research university, were proud to help lead a development that strengthens the cultural and economic heart of Portland, Cudd added. This moment is about more than a building. Its about shaping a future filled with opportunity for our students, artists and community. SB 5505 also allocated funding for several other institutions, agencies and facilities, including the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission, Oregon State Hospital and University of Oregons Child Behavioral Health Building. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. A small-town post office is about to see a big change. The post office in Plains, Georgia home to just over 500 people is set to be renamed in honor of the town's most famous residents: the late former President Jimmy Carter and First Lady Rosalynn Carter. The Plains Post Office will be renamed the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Post Office on Wednesday after Congress passed a bill last year implementing the change. The post offices new name will be celebrated with a ceremony at the Plains Community Center. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This dedication ceremony will celebrate the Carters significant contributions to society, and the building will serve as a lasting symbol of their legacy and inspire future generations to engage in service and advocacy for those in need," the Post Office said in a statement, according to Fox 5 Atlanta. The former president grew up in Plains and returned there after losing his reelection bid in 1980. The Carters are buried on the grounds of the former presidents childhood home and farm, which has since been preserved as a national historical park. The Plains, Georgia, post office will be renamed after former President Jimmy Carter and his wife on Wednesday (Getty Images) The couples son, James Chip Carter III, is expected to attend the Wednesday celebration. Rosalynn Carters sister, Lillian Allethea Smith Wall, is also set to make an appearance, according to local outlet 11Alive. Georgia Representative Sanford Bishop introduced a bill to rename the post office in September. Georgia Senators Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock seconded the bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Renaming the post office in Plains, Georgia, in honor of President Jimmy Carter and First Lady Rosalynn Carter is a tribute to their lifelong service," Ossoff said at the time. "The Carters have left an indelible mark on our nation and the world. A post office named in their honor in Plains is a small but fitting tribute to their legacy." The former president died at 100 in December 2024, one month before the bill was signed into law. The former first lady died at 96 in November 2023. Jimmy Carter embraces his wife, Rosalynn Carter, after discovering he won the 1976 presidential election. The former president died in December, more than two years after his wife died (Getty Images) Jimmy Carter, a Democrat, served in the White House from 1977 to 1981. He is known for both his political career, and humanitarian service after leaving Washington, including building homes for Habitat for Humanity. Former President Joe Biden hailed Jimmy Carters strength of character as he delivered his eulogy in January. A white southern Baptist who led us on civil rights, a decorated Navy veteran who brokered peace, a brilliant nuclear engineer who led on nuclear nonproliferation, a hard-working farmer who championed conservation and clean energy ... through it all, he showed us how character and faith start with ourselves and then flows to others, Biden said of the former president. Evelyn Partners Group has finalised the sale of its fund solutions business, managed by Evelyn Partners Fund Solutions (EPFL), to Thesis Holdings. The transaction follows the earlier disposal of its Professional Services business on 31 March, marking a strategic shift for Evelyn towards concentrating on its wealth management operations. In January this year, Thesis first signed a deal to acquire the fund solutions business from Evelyn. The acquisition bolsters Thesis independent fund governance and administration operations, with the combined entity now overseeing 330 funds and assets exceeding $50bn. Evelyn Partners chief executive Paul Geddes said: The sale of EPFL to Thesis, means Evelyn Partners is now focused solely on wealth management activities. I would like to thank the team at EPFL for their commitment and professionalism and wish them well for the future as part of Thesis. As part of the deal, 75 employees, primarily based in Glasgow, who supported the EPFL business, have transitioned to Thesis. Thesis chief executive David Tyerman said: Im delighted to be welcoming the EPFL team to Thesis. Their reputation in the market is excellent and, like us, they have a culture founded in high-quality professional services. Having EPFL in the group increases choice for our sponsors, as well as introducing greater scale for Thesis. Ultimately this will ensure good outcomes for our fund investors. Evelyn Partners received financial advice from Evercore and legal counsel from Macfarlanes for the transaction, while Thesis was advised by Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner. Evelyn Partners was established in 2020 from the merger of Tilney and Smith & Williamson. As of 31 March 2025, the firm manages 61.9bn in assets. The company operates an extensive network of offices in 25 locations across the UK, the Republic of Ireland, and the Channel Islands. It serves private clients, family trusts, charities, and offers investment solutions to financial intermediaries. "Evelyn closes sale of fund solutions business to Thesis " was originally created and published by Private Banker International, a GlobalData owned brand. PHOENIX, N.Y. (WSYR) While its fate in the House is far from certain, worry is setting in for Central New Yorkers about the potential spending cuts from President Donald Trumps big, beautiful bill. Many local lawmakers, non-profit organizations, and everyday people are preparing for the impact of cuts to safety net programs, such as SNAP and Medicaid. Sheila Dion, the founder of Erins Angels, said she is deeply worried about the children of Central New York who suffer from food insecurity. If the bill passes, the amount of food in her pantry will get smaller and smaller for those in need. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We mainly service the children in Oswego County through our Weekend Meals Program, but were concerned about hunger in all of Central New York, Dion said. Syracuse is number one in childhood hunger in the entire United States. A single mother of five children, who relies on Erins Angels, wrote to Dion. I am scared if this bill passes because I am a single mother doing my absolute best to support my kids alone. I have two sons who are on disability and need the extra care. What will happen to my kids and I if this passes? Im worried that we will be homeless. SNAP benefits have helped my children and I tremendously. Im scared of dying because we cant get the medical care we will need because of Medicaid being cut. This is cruel. A 63-year-old grandmother, who lives with a disability, wrote to Dion about her fears, as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This big, beautiful bill they keep talking about? It feels more like a threat than a promise. I take nine different medications a day. Without Medicaid, I dont know how Id pay for them. I am scared. I am scared of losing my health, my home, and my hope. Ive done everything rightand yet here I am, terrified of a bill that seems to forget we exist. Were not asking for luxury. Were asking for dignity. For stability. For a chance to keep going. This bill could quite literally be the death of me. Syracuse City Auditor, Alexander Marion, said, One big, beautiful bill is one big, ugly disaster for Central New York. With $30 million on the line to help rebuild Syracuse neighborhoods and infrastructure, the City Auditor added. We need to make sure, once that I-81 viaduct comes down, theres more than just a couple of holes left in the ground, Marion said. Thats money thats incredibly important to this community, and the fact that the Republicans in Congress have taken it away is absolutely shameful. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Erins Angels is always accepting food and monetary donations to help children, along with their families, who rely on subsidized lunches through their backpack programs and food pantry. You can find out more about how you can volunteer and/or donate on their website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSYR. FRANKFORT, Ky. (FOX 56) A fierce primary fight appears to be brewing in northern Kentucky, with major Republican figures eyeing a future showdown in the 4th congressional district. Within MAGA, it is a real fireworks. And Congressman Massie is right in the middle of it, FOX 56 News Political Analyst Jonathan Miller said. Thomas Massies political identity is not the most common brand of Republican. He has a very strong libertarian point of view. And he is unmoved by party politics. And hes unmoved by folks trying to push him into one position or another, Miller said. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As Miller explained, Massies ideology has found him at odds with President Donald Trumps more recent policy decisions. He was one of the two no votes on the House version of Trumps so-called Big Beautiful Bill and called the decision to strike Iran unconstitutional. Now ads are hitting screens in northern Kentucky that say Massie voted against Trump and that he sided with Democrats and the Ayatollah. A PAC affiliated with the president is spending upwards of a million dollars on negative ads to Congressman Massie; there appears to be a furious effort to recruit someone to run against him, Miller said. One floated name is Kentucky state senator Aaron Reed. Politico reported the freshman Shelbyville lawmaker will be hosted by the White House in the coming weeks. On Monday, Massie flexed more than $300,000 in donations nationwide, a number that could substantially grow when Massie was pledged support from the worlds richest man later that night. The assumption has always been that Massie can raise money, but he could not compete with the Trump machine. Well, if Elon Musk is on board, then he could compete financially with the Trump team, Miller said. LATEST KENTUCKY LISTS AND RANKINGS: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Which means the next battleground in the ongoing feud between President Trump and Musk may just be taking place up the road in northern Kentucky. The primary election will be held on May 19, 2026. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) A Nashville man faces federal drug and firearms charges and Metro police seized more than 2.5 pounds of drugs and multiple guns while on patrol. The U.S. Attorneys Office for the Middle District of Tennessee, citing court documents, reported the Metro Nashville Police Department had been conducting a routine patrol in the area of Whites Creek Pike and West Trinity Lane in Nashville on June 19. The officers reportedly saw 49-year-old Darryl Deshaun Humphrey standing near a white Cadillac Escalade and discovered he had a suspended drivers license. Accused statutory rapist added to Nashvilles Most Wanted fugitives list Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Humphrey then drove north along Whites Creek Pike and officers initiated a traffic stop based on the license offense. When the Escalade came to a stop, police allegedly saw Humphrey move from the drivers seat to the passenger seat before getting out of the SUV and telling officers he had not been driving. Humphrey was then told to stop walking, but he allegedly ignored officers commands and took a fighting stance, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Middle District of Tennessee, and an MNPD officer used his electric shock device to subdue and arrest him. Officers reportedly saw a large plastic bag that contained a white rocky substance and a firearm on the drivers seat. Upon searching the vehicle, the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Middle District of Tennessee said the MNPD recovered: Two large plastic bags with a controlled substance that field-tested positive for fentanyl. One bag held about 257 grams over half a pound and the other bag held about 378.9 grams more than three quarters of a pound Another bag with about 1.27 pounds of a substance that tested field positive for cocaine A box of empty plastic bags Five digital scales About $18,600 in U.S. currency Multiple tablets and pills identified as various controlled substances A Ruger, Caliber: 9x19mm pistol A Caspian, Caliber: .45 ACP pistol Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our Bond Watch program prioritizes keeping felons who are on bond for serious offenses but get caught with guns and deadly drugs like fentanyl off the streets of our community, Acting United States Attorney Robert E. McGuire said in a press release. Those on bond awaiting trial need to know that if they continue to violate the law we will hold them accountable for their crimes and keep our citizens safe from their dangerous and illegal activity. Humphrey has been charges with being a felon in possession of a firearm, possession with intent to distribute both fentanyl and cocaine and possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime. If convicted, he could face a maximum sentence of 15 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine on the first charge, up to 20 years in federal prison and a $1 million fine for the second charge and 5 years in prison and a $250,000 find on the third charge. Nashville homicide suspect arrested by U.S. Marshals in New York City At the time of his arrest, he was on bond for possession with intent to distribute more than 26 grams of cocaine, possession of a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony, possession with intent to distribute marijuana, being a felon in possession of a firearm, evading arrest and resisting arrest stemming from a June 2023 arrest in Davidson County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. Attorneys Office added that Humphrey has multiple prior felony convictions across state and federal courts, including: Possession with intent to distribute marijuana, for which he received a two-year sentence in Davidson County Criminal Court Two convictions for possession with intent to distribute at least .5 grams of cocaine, for which he received an eight-year-sentence and a six-year sentence from Davidson County Criminal Court Possession with intent to distribute cocaine, for which he received a 10-year sentence in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime-related reports from across Middle Tennessee In addition to the MNPD, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is investigating the case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. Prayers Pouring In After 20 Dead Bodies Found On Highway originally appeared on The Spun. A disturbing discovery left countless people sick to their stomachs this week. On Monday, Mexican authorities found 20 dead bodies in the city of Culiacan. According to the Associated Press, 16 dead bodies were found in a white van on a highway. There was a note that apparently came from one of the cartel groups that has infiltrated the city. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As if that wasn't horrifying enough, four decapitated corpses were found hanging from the same bridge. Mexican authorities have obviously condemned these deadly acts. "Military and police forces are working together to reestablish total peace in Sinaloa," government spokesperson Feliciano Castro said. After the authorities discovered 20 dead bodies on Monday, prayers came in from all over the world. View of the "El Seminario" bridge, where 20 bodies were abandoned at the exit of the city of Culiacan in the state of Sinaloa, Mexico, on June 30, 2025. Twenty bodies, several of them decapitated, were found on a highway bridge in a part of Mexico where factions of the Sinaloa drug cartel are fighting each other, authorities said Monday. Several headless corpses were found by the roadside, while 16 more bodies were discovered inside a vehicle abandoned at the scene, the Sinaloa state prosecutor's office said. (Photo by Ivan MEDINA / AFP) (Photo by IVAN MEDINA/AFP via Getty Images) IVAN MEDINA/Getty Images "Praying for the victims' families," one person wrote on X. "How horrible," a second person commented. "Please pray!" "People really dont understand, this isnt out of character- this is who the cartel is," a third person said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Crazy how desensitized you become seeing stuff like this in real life," another social media user wrote. Last month, the United States imposed sanctions on Los Chapitos, one of the major drug trafficking groups of the cartel "Los Chapitos is a powerful, hyperviolent faction of the Sinaloa cartel at the forefront of fentanyl trafficking in the United States," Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said. "At the Department of the Treasury, we are executing on President Trumps mandate to completely eliminate drug cartels and take on violent leaders like El Chapos children." The U.S. government has not yet commented on this situation in Mexico. Related: Woman Dies In 'Horrific' Thunderstorm Accident At 79 Prayers Pouring In After 20 Dead Bodies Found On Highway first appeared on The Spun on Jul 2, 2025 This story was originally reported by The Spun on Jul 2, 2025, where it first appeared. WASHINGTON (DC News Now) A D.C. man with multiple prior felony charges was charged once again Tuesday under the Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful initiative. The U.S. Attorneys Office (USAO) of the District of Columbia said that 48-year-old Ronald Aiken of D.C. is facing federal charges of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon. DC Council passes emergency legislation extending juvenile curfew Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Court documents state that on June 10, 2025, officers with the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) were on patrol in the 1700 block of D St. NE after two shootings in the area. Officers saw a sedan without a front license plate driving the wrong way along a one-way street. Police stopped him and approached the driver, who was Aiken. MPD officers reported seeing an open can of beer in the rear seat. When officers searched the bag that the beer was in, they found live ammunition. A further search revealed a gun wedged behind the back seat on the drivers side. The gun was loaded with one round in the chamber and three rounds in the magazine. The USAO said that Aiken is prohibited from owning a gun or ammunition because of his several prior felony convictions, including one out of Arlington County in 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live. HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) A Princeton couple were sentenced to a combined 14 years in federal prison after authorities say they stole checks from United States Postal Service collection boxes on multiple occasions. According to court documents, Jerome Wright, 45, and Cortney Lashea Young, 36, were seen by Evansville Police officers in March and April of 2024 opening collection boxes and stealing mail on multiple occasions. Authorities say Wright was able to open the collection boxes using a key that is illegal for anyone not authorized to use. Previous: Princeton couple federally charged for $1M mail, ID theft scheme Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During a search of the couples Princeton apartment, authorities say they located hundreds of stolen checks with a total value of $1,857,460.91. Investigators also say they were able to locate multiple handguns, including a 3d printed ghost gun with a glock switch installed. Wright has previously been convicted of multiple felonies, including murder, dealing in a synthetic drug, operating a vehicle as a habitual traffic violator and operating a vehicle while intoxicated. Young has a previous felony conviction for fraud. These felonies make it illegal for either Wright or Young to possess a firearm or ammunition. Wright pleaded guilty to mail theft, unlawful possession of a mail key, access device fraud, aggravated identity theft, possession of ammunition by a felony and possession of a machine gun. He was sentenced to 12 years in prison. Young pleaded guilty to mail theft and possession of a firearm by a felon. She was sentenced to 2 years in federal prison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wright and Young will also serve three years of supervised release following their prison 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 Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW). A Pennsylvania-based prison healthcare company is suing the state over its process for bidding on contracts. (Photo by Andy Sacks/Getty Images) A Pennsylvania-based prison healthcare company is suing the state claiming Tennessee officials refused to award it a contract without explanation, a move that risks destroying the states competitive bidding process. Wexford Health Sources filed the lawsuit in Davidson County Chancery Court in May, saying the state declined to give it a contract valued at roughly $100 million for health care and behavioral health services in Tennessee prisons even though it scored higher than two other companies in the bidding process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuit targets the Department of Correction, Commissioner Frank Strada, the states Central Procurement Office and its director, Mike Perry. Wexford says in the filing the state was prepared to award it the contract for inmate health care and behavioral services until Centurion, which holds the contract, challenged the decision in February. The state then notified Wexford it would send out new requests for proposals without offering a reason, as required by law, the filing says. Frank Strada, left, commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Correction, is the subject of a lawsuit filed by a prison health care company. (Photo: John Partipilo/Tennessee Lookout) The states primary defenses are that Wexford has no standing to file suit and that the court lacks jurisdiction over the subject matter. An August hearing is scheduled to consider a state request to dismiss the lawsuit. The states filing also says the plaintiffs challenge fails because it contests a lawful and discretionary decision before the contract was awarded. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In contrast, Wexfords challenge says state law obligates public contracting officials to fairly and honestly consider bids. Otherwise, competitive bidding will be undermined and vendors will be discouraged from submitting bids. It also says Tennessee law recognizes that rejecting all bids and canceling a solicitation should be the exception in government procurement rather than the rule. Wexfords filing further says the state stands on the precipice of destroying any semblance of competition in the award of the contract. Wexfords primary argument is that it was graded higher than Centurion and YesCare (formerly Corizon) in the states bidding process. Yet just before it was to receive the contract, Centurion protested the award and the Department of Correction called for another set of bids. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The March decision marked the second time in recent years the state opted to stick with Centurion and take new bids after the other two companies were to be awarded the contracts. The first time state officials were set to award the contract to YesCare, but reneged on that in 2024, then reversed course on the Wexford contract award this March. The states Fiscal Review Committee extended Centurions contract in May because of the litigation. Corizon, which held Tennessees inmate behavioral health contracts from 2012 to 2020, filed an antitrust lawsuit against the Department of Correction five years ago saying the state skewed the bidding process to help Centurion win the contract. That case was settled with prejudice in January 2022. Documents from that lawsuit led the U.S. Department of Justice to charge two men, former Tennessee Department of Correction Deputy Commissioner Wes Landers and Centurion executive Jeffrey Wells, with bid-rigging in connection with the prison system contract. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Landers took a job with Centurion after the contract bidding. The company fired both men before the lawsuit settlement, and Landers was found dead in September 2024. House Speaker Cameron Sexton pushed for Centenes Rhythm Health, formerly connected with Centurion, to win a TennCare contract for managed care services after it failed to succeed in bidding in 2021. Sexton sponsored a bill that would have required TennCare to add a fourth contractor, but it failed to pass. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Police lined the route for slain Milwaukee police officer Kendall Corder's transport to Max A. Sass & Sons Funeral Home on Milwaukee's south side In March 1959, as Chinese troops crushed an attempted uprising in Tibet, Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama, fled into India. Then a young man in his early 20s, the future must have seemed bleak. With few countries prepared to respond to China's actions, he faced a difficult task to protect Tibetans and their traditions. Yet despite decades in exile, his reach has extended far beyond his community. He is not just the Tibetans' spiritual leader and a living symbol of their hopes of reclaiming their homeland, but also a global peace icon and one of the world's leading religious figures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989 for his consistent opposition to the use of violence in his quest for Tibetan self-rule. Beijing continues to view him as a dangerous separatist, though he has said his goal is for Tibetan autonomy rather than independence. Now, after a lifetime spent at the centre of China's fraught relationship with Tibet, the Dalai Lama is focusing on the future. As he turned 90 in June 2025, he confirmed that there would be a successor after he dies, putting to rest doubts about the continuation of his 600-year-old Buddhist institution. Child leader The 14th Dalai Lama was born on 6 July 1935, in a small village just outside the current boundaries of Tibet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His parents, who named him Lhamo Dhondub, were farmers with several other children. When he was two years old, a search party of Buddhist officials recognised him as the reincarnation of the 13 previous Dalai Lamas and he was enthroned before he turned four. He was given the monastic name Tenzin Gyatso. He was educated at a monastery and went on to achieve the Geshe Lharampa Degree, a doctorate of Buddhist philosophy. But in 1950, when he was 15, troops of China's newly-installed Communist government marched into Tibet. As soldiers poured in, the Dalai Lama assumed full power as head of state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In May 1951, China drew up a 17-point agreement legitimising Tibet's incorporation into China. Then, on 10 March 1959, a Chinese general invited the Dalai Lama to attend a performance by a Chinese dance troupe. But Tibetans feared it was a trap aimed at abducting the Dalai Lama, and many began gathering by his palace to protect him. This evolved into protests against the Chinese troops' presence in Tibetan territory. The People's Liberation Army launched a brutal crackdown, and thousands are said to have died. Days later, the Dalai Lama fled the palace, a decision he said was based on divine orders from his personal oracle. He disguised himself as a soldier and slipped into the crowd one night. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Together with an entourage, he arrived at the Indian border after a gruelling 15-day trek across the Himalayas. The Indian government granted asylum, and he eventually settled in Dharamshala in the north of India, which became home to the Tibetan government-in-exile. The Dalai Lama was followed into exile by about 80,000 Tibetans, most of whom settled in the same area. When Lhamo Dhonduba was two, Buddhist officials recognised him as the reincarnation of the 13 previous Dalai Lamas [Getty Images] 'Middle way' In exile, the Dalai Lama began the task of trying to preserve the culture of the Tibetan people and publicise their plight on the world stage. He appealed to the United Nations and persuaded the General Assembly to adopt resolutions in 1959, 1961 and 1965 calling for the protection of the Tibetan people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Dalai Lama has advocated a "middle way" to resolve the status of Tibet - genuine self-rule for Tibet within China. In 1987, amid protests in Lhasa against the large-scale relocation of Han Chinese into Tibet, the Dalai Lama proposed a five-point plan, in which he called for the establishment of Tibet as a zone of peace. He never wavered from his stance of peaceful resistance and in 1989 was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. The committee praised his policy of non-violence, which it called "all the more remarkable when it is considered in relation to the sufferings inflicted on the Tibetan people". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over the decades he has met many political and religious leaders around the world. He visited the late Pope John Paul II on several occasions and co-authored a book with Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Along the way he attracted support from Hollywood celebrities such as Richard Gere, Martin Scorsese and Lady Gaga. But the non-violent philosophy that won the Dalai Lama recognition from the international community has been a source of frustration for some Tibetans who believe he has been too soft on Beijing. In 2008 deadly riots broke out in Lhasa and elsewhere in Tibet over the Chinese government's treatment of Tibetans. Beijing said around 20 people were killed in clashes with police, though rights groups estimate the actual death toll was far higher. The Dalai Lama has also at times been the subject of international controversy, most notably in 2023 when a video showed him telling a child to suck his tongue. His office said the spiritual leader often teased people in a "playful way", and the Dalai Lama apologised for the incident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His office also apologised in 2019 after he told the BBC that any future female Dalai Lama should be "attractive". When the Dalai Lama fled to Dharamsala in 1959, thousands of Tibetans did the same [Getty Images] The succession question Historically, the Dalai Lama acts as both the political and spiritual leader of Tibetans. But in March 2011, the current Dalai Lama relinquished his political authority to a democratically-elected government-in-exile. In recent years, as he's got older and faced minor health issues, there have been growing concerns about the issue of succession - and, by extension, the cause of exiled Tibetans of reclaiming their homeland. These worries grew when the Dalai Lama suggested there might not be a reincarnated successor, and that it was up to the Tibetan people to decide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But when he turned 90, he settled the question once and for all. In a statement he said that after receiving many requests and feedback, "the institution of the Dalai Lama will continue". Some experts have interpreted his words as a signal to Beijing that his legitimacy is based on consent, in contrast to China's annexation of Tibetan territory. He also said that only his office had the authority to recognise the future reincarnation and that "no-one else has any such authority to interfere in this matter", a clear rebuke to China that has insisted that it alone has a say on the matter of succession. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beijing responded by reiterating that the Dalai Lama's successor will have to be approved by them. The Dalai Lama has said previously that his successor would be born in the "free world" outside China. Who that person will be, however, remains unknown. Justice Samuel Alito may hide behind stuffy robes, but the whiniest member of the Supreme Court cant hide that his personality is best summed up as worst parent at your kids school. Whether youve had children or were once a child at a public school, you know his type: the loathsome puritan who throws a fit every time he suspects a student might feel a pang of enjoyment during the process of learning. These are the parents who get Halloween costumes banned, demand that the fashionable toys be outlawed from playgrounds and, of course, want any book that threatens to be interesting enough to read banned. Unsurprisingly, Alito authored last weeks 6-3 decision in Mahmoud v. Taylor, a case granting the most miserable parent in the PTA veto power over the entire schools curriculum. The case involved a school district in Virginia, where right-wing parents were abusing the opt-out system meant to allow parents limited ability to take kids out of class for lessons that conflicted with the parents religious beliefs. The school had recently added some picture books to the list approved for classroom use that featured LGBTQ characters, mostly for storytelling hours in elementary schools. Under a deluge of propaganda falsely portraying these books as sexual which they most definitely were not masses of parents demanded broad opt-out rights of any lesson involving the books. The opt-outs spun out of control, threatening to make reading hour impossible, so the school tried to restrict the policy. But the Supreme Courts conservative majority forced the school to retain broad opt-out rights for parents. Alito, who is as intellectually dishonest as he is self-pitying, tried to pretend the decision was a compromise. He repeatedly misrepresented the content of the books with hysterical language. As legal analyst Mark Joseph Stern explained at Slate, Alito reframes these utterly innocent childrens books as insidious propaganda designed to brainwash children. The goal here is not only to reinscribe blatant homophobia into the law, but also to minimize the impact of the decision by implying it only impacts gay books. But its far broader than that, as Vox legal journalist Ian Millhiser notes. The ruling empowers parents who object to any form of classroom instruction on religious grounds to demand opt-out rights or the school to censor the material entirely. Stern continues: The problem with this request is that schools cannot possibly know, in advance, which religious views are held by which parents, and which books or lessons those parents might find objectionable. In the past, parents have sued school districts objecting, on religious grounds, to lessons that touch on topics as diverse as divorce, interfaith couples and immodest dress. Theyve objected to books which expose readers to evolution, pacifism, magic, women achieving things outside of the home and false views of death. Want more Amanda Marcotte on politics? Sign up for her free newsletter, Standing Room Only. The Harry Potter books are a frequent target of ire from Alito-esque parents who think fantasy novels literally teach kids how to perform occult magic. Ironically, the author, J.K. Rowling, supports the anti-trans hysteria that helped lead to this decision. But that underscores the Pandoras box of chaos the Supreme Court, in a homophobic fit, has unleashed. Anything can be framed as a religious belief, entitling parents to meddle with whats available in the classroom. In Florida, the Dont Say Gay law that offered similarly broad parental complaint rights led teachers to pull all books from shelves, lest some unhinged parent declare that See Spot Run offended their reading of Genesis 7:2. This was fine by Florida Republicans, who have long suspected reading leads to thinking and eventually to voting for Democrats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, mischief can cut in multiple directions, as parents in Oklahoma have figured out. As Judd Legum of Popular Information reported last month, progressives in the state are using a broad opt-out provision to fight back against efforts to use public schools to push right-wing propaganda on students. The Donald Trump-worshipping state superintendent, Ryan Walters, has imposed a social studies curriculum teaching outright lies, such as discrepancies in the 2020 election and that the U.S. was founded as a Christian nation. The state also passed a law in 2024 giving any parent the right to withdraw a child from any lesson they deem harmful. The legislation was intended to give right-wing parents the ability to disrupt lessons in science, history or other subjects that make Christian nationalists grumpy. But a group called Were Oklahoma Education (WOKE) is encouraging parents to use it to pull kids from classes teaching these false views of history or other lessons corrupted by right-wing propaganda. Another group of Oklahomans is also suing to block the new curriculum on the grounds of religious freedom. The lead plaintiff, Rev. Dr. Mitch Randall, explained his views: As a Christian, I object to Oklahomas new social studies standards that require teachers to deceive students by presenting inaccurate information as fact. I am but a humble journalist, and so Im not in the business of recommending action to folks on the ground. Still, the Supreme Courts decision has opened the door for parents and activist groups in many states to take similar actions, citing religious objections to efforts by Republicans to inject right-wing propaganda into the classroom. Randalls lawsuit, which is backed by Americans United for Separation of Church and State, broadly objects to teaching any religion in schools, claiming such lessons could conflict with religious views taught at home. Similar arguments could be used against states like Texas and Louisiana, which are trying to mandate the Ten Commandments on classroom walls and replace regular reading classes with Bible studies. Multiple states have also introduced PragerU materials in classrooms including video lessons containing factual inaccuracies, like Frederick Douglass describing slavery as a compromise that benefited the country even though they are merely right-wing historical revisionism full of disinformation. Lying to kids no doubt violates the religious beliefs of many liberal parents, who just got the green light from the Supreme Court to use that fact to interfere with classroom lessons. Recent history shows that the Supreme Court has regretted hasty decisions rooted in far-right ideology due to the chaos they have unleashed. In 2022, Justice Clarence Thomas wrote the majority opinion restraining governments from gun regulations that werent consistent with the laws of the 18th century. As people not blinded by NRA propaganda noted, this meant the law could never reflect changes in technology or social structures that have occurred in the past 250 years. Sure enough, disorder followed. Plaintiffs challenged laws restricting wife-beaters from owning guns, because beating your wife was legal in the 18th century. Others claimed they were now allowed to have military-style assault weapons, because they werent invented in the 18th century, which means they couldnt be banned. Plaintiffs argued children should be able to own guns, like they did in the 18th century. Some argued they have a right to own machine guns. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Supreme Court has been playing clean-up ever since, using convoluted non-logic to argue that the no new laws since 1776 logic doesnt apply to domestic abusers or federal laws restricting deadly gun modifications. They have also quietly let states keep restrictions on assault weapons, and kept in place laws allowing federal authorities to prosecute illegal arms dealers. Thomas fantasy America where everyone, including junior high school kids, is packing a machine gun was not as great as he envisioned. There were a lot of radical decisions this term that promise to create similar legal bedlam, especially one that seemingly cleared the way for Trump to deny the plain text of the Constitution granting birthright citizenship. This history of gun control decisions, however, shows the conservative justices are often not prepared to deal with the fallout from problems they create. The justices were so blinded by homophobia that they gave parents broad rights to challenge any book based on vague religious objections, without considering how that power could be used by all manner of people, including those with more progressive views. Maybe nothing will come of it. Or maybe the Supreme Court will come to regret this as one of many half-baked decisions. The post Progressive parents in Oklahoma offer blueprint to mess with MAGA censorship appeared first on Salon.com. Sherwin-Williams Co_ sign -by Ian Dewar Photography via Shutterstock The Sherwin-Williams Company (SHW) is the worlds largest paint and coatings manufacturer and is headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio. With a market cap of $86.6 billion, it operates over 5,000 stores and serves customers across more than 120 countries. Its business is divided into three key segments: Paint Stores Group, Consumer Brands Group, and Performance Coatings Group, with well-known brands like Valspar, Krylon, and Minwax under its umbrella. The chemicals giant is expected to announce its second-quarter results before the markets open on Tuesday, July 22. Ahead of the event, analysts expect SHW to deliver adjusted earnings of $3.76 per share, up 1.6% from $3.70 per share reported in the year-ago quarter. While the company has surpassed the Streets bottom-line estimates in three of the past four quarters, it has missed the expectations on another occasion. More News from Barchart For the current year, SHWs adjusted EPS is expected to increase 3.9% from $11.33 in fiscal 2024 to $11.77. Looking ahead, its earnings are expected to jump 10% year-over-year to $12.95 in fiscal 2026. www.barchart.com Sherwin-Williams shares have soared 15.1% over the past 52 weeks, notably outperforming the S&P 500 Indexs ($SPX) 13.6% rise and the Materials Select Sector SPDR Funds (XLB) marginal decline during the same time frame. www.barchart.com Despite reporting a mixed Q1 performance on April 29, Sherwin-Williams shares jumped 4.8%. The company reported net sales of $5.3 billion, down 1.1% year-over-year and below Wall Street expectations, as weaker performance in the Consumer Brands and Performance Coatings segments, driven by soft DIY demand in North America and unfavorable currency impacts, weighed on revenue. However, strong gross margin gains and effective cost management helped boost adjusted EPS to $2.25, marking a 3.7% increase from the prior year and beating analyst forecasts by 3.2%, which fueled investor optimism and the stock's rally. The consensus opinion on SHW stock is moderately bullish, with an overall Moderate Buy rating. Among the 25 analysts covering the stock, 14 recommend Strong Buy, two suggest Moderate Buy, eight advise Hold, and one advocates a Moderate Sell rating. Its mean price target of $389.18 represents a 13.3% upside potential from current price levels. On the date of publication, Kritika Sarmah did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. This article was originally published on Barchart.com A new project is gathering information on the heritage and community value of Scotland's churches and their contents. The Society of Antiquaries of Scotland and Scotland's Churches Trust said there were almost 3,000 of the places of worship across Scotland. They said about a third were expected to close by the end of this decade, and already 200 had shut since 2020. The charities' Finding Futures for Scotland's Churches project has been supported by a 229,015 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The project will also look at practical solutions to avoiding the loss of heritage when churches close. Dr Helen Spencer, of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, said the funding would allow "crucial" work to go-ahead. She said: "Working with Scotland's Churches Trust and the many other groups involved in caring for these places of worship, we hope to make the heritage sector much better prepared when churches are closed or repurposed, to ensure that important treasures are not lost to the nation forever." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, people in Kincraig in the Cairngorm National Park hope to buy a local church which has roots dating back to the 6th Century. Loch Insh Old Kirk is expected to be put up for sale by the end of next year by the Church of Scotland, which is looking to reduce the cost of its property portfolio. Residents are setting up a charity with a view to continuing Christian worship at the site, and they are also hoping to hold concerts and exhibitions there. The current church building was erected in the 1700s but the site has connections to St Columba who brought Christianity to the Highlands. David Hull, a church elder and chair of the charity working group, said the church drew visitors from all over the world. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Inverness, a community group hopes to take over the city's Old High Church. Falling numbers The Church of Scotland said it had identified a need for radical change due to challenges posed by falling minister numbers, a decline in membership and a reduction in income both nationally and locally. As part of this process, a new grouping had been created in the southern Abernethy area. The Church of Scotland said this meant Insh and Laggan churches would be released for sale by the end of 2026. A spokesperson said: "We recognise that Insh Church, as with many other church buildings across the country, is important and valuable to the local community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "However, our mission plans take into consideration what is best for the whole of the Presbytery area, making the best use of our resources, both human and financial, and ensuring they are best placed to continuing our mission of sharing the good news of Jesus and serving our communities." Andrew Harnik/Getty Images In March, at a White House event celebrating Womens History Month, President Trump dubbed himself the fertilization president, a moniker meant to emphasize his commitment to expanding access to in vitro fertilization, or IVF. Were gonna have tremendous goodies in the bag for women too, he added. It's anyone's guess what "goodies" he's referring to, but his administration has reportedly been listening to pitches on potential incentives to increase American birth rates, including a $5,000 baby bonus, motherhood medals for women with six or more children, government-funded menstrual-cycle education in schools, and reserving 30% of Fulbright scholarships for candidates who are married or have kids. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pronatalist policies attempt to encourage people to have more children, including by offering incentives or appealing to a sense of civic or social duty. In March, billionaire and then-Trump advisor Elon Musk, who has fathered at least 14 children with at least four women, told Fox News anchor Bret Baier that if birth rates do not increase, civilization will disappear. In 2021, then-Senate candidate J.D. Vance claimed that childless adults (seemingly referring to those without biological children) dont have the same direct stake in the future of the country as people with children. Stay up-to-date with the politics team. Sign up for the Teen Vogue Take At the same time, though, the Trump administration has also made it clear that not all children are welcome. In March, NBC News reported that US immigration agents were planning to target families without criminal histories for detention and deportation. Since then, the administration has even deported several US citizen children along with their parents. In addition, the National Institutes of Health has cut funding for research on topics the administration deems related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, which scientists worry will stifle their ability to address critical issues like racial disparities in maternal- and infant-health outcomes. Critical childrens programs are also in jeopardy. In March, the United States Department of Agriculture ended pandemic-era programs that provided $660 million for local food for children at schools and childcare centers to help ensure that kids received nutritious meals. This week, Senate Republicans passed what the Trump administration has called the "One Big, Beautiful Bill," which would slash the federal budget for Medicaid by more than $1 trillion over a 10-year span and cause about 11.8 million to lose their health insurance, according to a report from the Congressional Budget Office. Medicaid provides health care coverage to children more than any other age group. After narrowly passing in the Senate, the budget bill is back in the House. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All of these proposals and actions have the effect of incentivizing some families to expand while removing access to support and care for others. They are part of a deeply intertwined history of American eugenics and pronatalism that is fueled by anxieties about gender, race, and immigration. The turn of the 20th century was a period of heightened social and cultural change. Between 1900 and 1915, more than 15 million immigrants arrived in the United States, nearly the same total number of immigrants who had entered the country over the previous 40 years, according to the Library of Congress. At the same time, many women began challenging existing gender norms by entering professional and political life. These changes stoked preexisting eugenicist concerns about how shifting gender roles and racial demographics, along with increasing immigration, would impact the future of the American family. The American eugenics movement is most often remembered for efforts to limit reproduction by people eugenicists deemed unfit through forced sterilization, restrictive and racist marriage laws, and anti-immigration policies. But eugenicists also encouraged people they considered physically and mentally worthy to have more children. For 20th-century eugenicists, one of the primary ways of encouraging the creation of more children was education. As one pamphlet from a leading center for eugenics research, the Eugenics Record Office, said, racial progress meant that those in control must see to it that there shall be fit matings and many children among those richly endowed by nature, and that hereditary defectives and degenerates shall not be permitted to reproduce at all. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To accomplish those goals, proponents of eugenics called on white women to increase their birth rates, saying it would save civilization. In 1915, Theodore Roosevelt warned the National Congress of Mothers, now known as the National Parent Teacher Association, about the many and grave dangers modern civilization posed to the American family. He argued that modern living was eroding family values, cautioned women against prioritizing work or education and putting aside marriage and childbearing. He claimed the greatest duty of womanhood was birthing and raising healthy children. According to Roosevelt, it wasnt just childless-by-choice women who were the problem though he described them as one of the most unpleasant and unwholesome features of modern life; the former president also took aim at small families, accusing parents with only two children of selfishly decreasing the population. He warned that such choices would push the nation to the point of extinction. The solution, he reminded the audience, was more families of the right kind, which to him meant Anglo-Saxon. Theodore Roosevelt helped popularize anxieties about racial extinction. Known as race suicide, the term was first coined by sociologist Edward A. Ross in 1901 to describe the idea that low birth rates of white American families with Nordic or Anglo-Saxon heritage would eventually lead to their being outnumbered by incoming immigrants and people of color. Popular eugenic pronatalist programs aimed not only to prepare women for marriage and children, but to teach them to desire family life. Through womens magazines, self-help books, mothers manuals, and school curricula, women were taught to prioritize marriage and family life, to choose their mates wisely, and to raise their children to be healthy future citizens. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the most popular ways eugenicists enlisted women was through better babies contests. These contests especially popular in middle-class, rural white communities were held primarily at state fairs, where families across the country brought young children to have their mental and physical health judged and ranked by doctors, nurses, and volunteers. Winners were awarded cash prizes or trophies and the honor of being a better baby. The contests were frequently accompanied by educational exhibits and informative lectures to teach mothers the skills they would need to beat the competition. These contests told the public that white, non-disabled people were more worthy of creating American families than others; and they created winners and losers, which helped reinforce ideas about eugenic fitness. Hopeful contestants could turn to the informative exhibits and lectures to learn how to pick mates and raise children who had the best chances of winning prizes. By the 1920s, fitter family contests rewarded entire families that were able to demonstrate their good heredity through competitions that assessed their eugenic fitness. Couples traced their family heritage, ideally back to Anglo-Saxon or Nordic roots. Eugenic pronatalism didnt just encourage white women to have more children by idealizing the white, Protestant family; it also relied on racist and ableist fearmongering. Fitter family contests served as a warning about the dangers of allowing the unfit to continue to grow their families. In 1926, for example, the contests were often accompanied by different versions of an exhibit proclaiming that some people are born to be a burden. The exhibit used a flashing light to indicate how often someone was born who "will have the ability to do creative work and be fit for leadership." Another light flashed every 15 seconds to denote how frequently "$100 of your money goes for the care of persons with bad heredity such as the insane, feeble-minded, criminals and other defectives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Like the eugenicists of the 20th century, a new wave of pronatalists is calling on us to save the country by creating healthy, traditional families. The American pronatalist movement is telling us stories about womens duty, womens choices, and womens failings. The pronatalist policies the Trump administration is reportedly considering aim to increase childbearing without addressing any of the well-documented social, economic, and medical factors that shape peoples reproductive choices. They are relying on women to buy into a vision of an American future that uses birthing incentives to reinforce traditional gender roles. Instead, though, we can demand policies that enhance everyones reproductive autonomy. Originally Appeared on Teen Vogue News and Politics: Mid Hero NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) In some Tennessee cases, you dont have to pull the trigger to serve time for murder. Now, one group is hoping to change the law that makes that possible. Imagine you and a friend go to rob a gas station. During the crime, your friend had a gun and decided to shoot and kill one of the employees. You had no idea it would happen. You didnt want it to happen. You had no way to stop it from happening. THE LAW In that example, current Tennessee law states that you could be convicted even though you didnt personally kill anyone because youre involved in a serious felony tied to someones death like robbery, burglary or kidnapping. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Raumesh Akbari (D-Memphis) introduced a piece of legislation, Senate Bill 1170, that would remove the killing of another person during the perpetration of certain crimes from first-degree murder. The proposal also deleted the offense of criminal responsibility for conduct of another during the perpetration of a felony. This bill seeks to eliminate provisions that allow people to be convicted of crimes they did not commit, plan or intend to commit, Akbari said. Read the latest from the TN State Capitol Newsroom The idea behind the bill was first brought to her by the organization Free Hearts, which provides support, education and advocacy for families impacted by incarceration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hearing those pleas, those cries there is a complete lack of understanding because a lot of times those who are accepting the charges or decided Hey, Im going to fight this. Im going to take this to trial because I didnt do it. Unbeknownst to them, you could still be charged with that same charge as the person that actually committed the crime, explained Jada X with Free Hearts. As of publication, five states Hawaii, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and Massachusetts have abolished similar legislation. Other states have implemented reforms or limitations on the law. When the bill was proposed in March, Steven Crump with the Tennessee District Attorney General Conference spoke in opposition to it. This is not a situation where you can be standing next to somebody and simply be in their presence and be convicted, Crump said. Prosecutors argued that the way the law stands now in Tennessee is helpful for securing convictions and keeping criminals behind bars. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you go somewhere to rob somebody and as a result of that somebody gets murdered, you are guilty of murder, Crump said. You were attempting and assisting and helping that person commit the underlying crime, and if it results in someones death, you shouldnt get a pass. THE CASE When the bill was first introduced, one of the people to also testify in support of the proposal was Shawna Hatcher. She explained to lawmakers that her husband, Shawn Hatcher, is serving a life sentence with two 15-year sentences to run consecutively at Trousdale Turner Correctional Center. In 2001, Shawn was arrested after he and three others went to confront a man at his Memphis home. According to court records, all of them were armed. However, Shawn claimed he never used his gun; instead, he said his brother was the one who shot and killed another man. Still, Shawn was convicted of first-degree felony murder. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com Unfortunately, we went into these apartments where this guy lived in and a guy lost his life and some people got injured, Shawn told News 2. I regret it because somebody lost their life. Thats something that I cant give back, and I wish that I could. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At 41 years old, he has spent more time behind bars than hes lived as a free man. Every day, he wishes things had ended differently. Now, the Hatchers are hoping that the bill will be proposed again. During the previous legislative session, Senate Bill 1170 was deferred to summer study, which is when legislators dedicate time to research and discuss specific issues often not fully resolved during a regular session. The Hatchers hope the bill, or another version of it, will be proposed again. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WIAT) A proposed Alabama bill would expand the time a driver must have a working ignition interlock device in their car if they are convicted of driving under the influence for the first time. Rep. Barbara Boyd, D-Anniston, is co-sponsoring HB1 with several other House members. Under current law, a person who receives their first driving under the influence conviction could have their 90-day driving privilege or driver license suspension stayed if they have an approved ignition interlocked device operating in their car for 90 days. Proposed bill would place criminal charges on slap fighting in Alabama Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If passed, HB1 would require the approved ignition device to be operating for six months. HB1 also removes the option for a person to stay their 90-day suspension. It would become effective October 1, 2026, if enacted. HB1-intDownload Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS 42. VIDEO: Arkansas coalition speaks on proposed ballot measure process amendment LITTLE ROCK, Ark. Protect AR Rights ballot title submission to the Arkansas attorney general was rejected a second time on Tuesday. In this most recent rejection, Attorney General Tim Griffin said the ballot title had again been above an eighth-grade reading level. The ballot title you have provided with your current submission ranks at 9.3 on the Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level formula, Griffin said in his opinion. Although this submission is much closer to an eighth-grade reading level, it still does not meet the requirements of Act 602. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Protect AR Rights ballot title to overturn recent ballot title laws rejected Griffin added that a key ambiguity in the text of the proposed measure and the ballot title that changes the law regarding the number of counties from which signatures are required. I suspect that you mean for this language to (1) require signatures from electors from at least 15 counties and (2) prevent any law requiring that signatures be gathered from more than 15 counties. But that is not what you have written. Rather, your proposed language requires that signatures be gathered from at least 15 counties, and it requires that the signatures be from no more than 15 counties, Griffin said in part. In other words, the signatures must come from exactly 15 counties. This language is inconsistent with another provision in the Referendum paragraph of your text, which states, Initiative or referendum petitions provided for under this Article 5, Section 1 shall not be required to be filed for more than fifteen (15) counties. Griffin added that the proposed change to the language is also inconsistent with the ballot title. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arkansas League of Women Voters files federal suit, calls changes to voter referendum process Unconstitutional Protect AR Rights issued a statement following Griffins rejection of the ballot proposal. Our coalition remains committed to safeguarding Arkansans rights to participate directly in the democratic process. We are reviewing the Attorney Generals feedback, and our drafting team will revise and resubmit the measure without delay, the statement read. As weve previously stated, we believe the 8th grade readability requirement conflicts with our legal obligation to provide voters a clear and accurate ballot title a concern we are addressing through ongoing litigation. The group has previously stated that the submission is intended to place before voters the chance to overturn ballot initiative laws passed during the most recent general assembly. Their initial ballot proposal was submitted in early June. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arkansas coalition speaks on proposed ballot measure process amendment Protect AR Rights has its policy position on its website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK. LE MARS, Iowa (KCAU) More than two dozen Le Mars residents gathered at Foster Park in protest of President Trumps Big Beautiful Bill. Standing by the side of the road, the protestors, of various ages, held up signs and chanted phrases like protect our healthcare as vehicles drove by. The Big Beautiful Bill would cut funding for health care and nutrition programs like Medicaid and SNAP. Story continues below Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Plymouth County Democrats organized this demonstration in hopes that this demonstration will inform folks about how this bill could impact their whole community. I mean, you go into nursing homes, rural hospitals, people have Medicaid, and we need to be able to keep them on it or they may not be able to afford stay if they go into hospital for seizures, or they fall, or they need the help theyre in the nursing homes or wherever theyre having children. They need that. They need to have that, said Julie Ford, chair of the Plymouth County Democrats. Ford says they may organize more protests in the future, depending on how Tuesdays protest went. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Pupils at a school in Kent have given up their smartphones as part of an experiment to monitor their behaviour. Year 10 students at The Canterbury Academy Trust who handed in their phones said it was a "scary" prospect, but also "a relief". As part of a research project by the University of Kent, the pupils will not have access to their smartphones for one week. Experts said they wanted to track the change in the behaviour of students and the impact it has on them. Nokia phones with basic call and text functions are given to pupils [BBC] Emilia and Molly handed in their smartphones on Monday morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Molly said: "It's a nice bit of freedom because you don't have to constantly be checking your messages and see you're missing out on things." Meanwhile, Emilia added: "I think it's going to improve our mental health and mental wellbeing because you're not constantly looking at your phone, you can actually get on with things that you're meant to." The pupils have been given a basic Nokia phone for the week, with no access to social media. Jon Watson, chief executive officer of The Canterbury Academy Trust, is also taking part in the trial [BBC] Jon Watson, chief executive officer of The Canterbury Academy Trust, is also taking part in the trial, which has previously been carried out at two Kent schools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said phone use was already restricted during the school day, but the experiment included when staff and pupils returned home. "I thought it was important that I set that example, so that I can be present and in the moment," he said. "It's about helping young people understand the power and responsibility they have when they are in possession of a smartphone, how positive they can be in terms of what they can do, but also some of the negatives and some of the challenges they'll face while they have that mobile phone as well." Participants are to be interviewed at the start and at the end of the week by Dr Lindsey Cameron [BBC] Participants are to be interviewed at the start and at the end of the week by Dr Lindsey Cameron, a psychology lecturer at the University of Kent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We know there's a link between smartphone use and mental health, problems with sleep, comparing yourselves to others - and phones are really addictive. "We really have to understand what effect this is having on young people." This week, six primary schools and more than 5,000 parents and caregivers in Kent signed up to a pact that promised to delay smartphone use in teenagers until Year 9 and access to social media until two years later. More schools are due to take part in the experiment in the coming months and a summit involving teachers from schools across Kent is to be held in September to discuss a cross-county approach to smartphones. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Follow BBC Kent on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250. Related internet links Related internet links The Brief The Dolton Village Board approved the purchase of Pope Leo XIV's boyhood home on Tuesday night. Village officials want to maintain the site as a historical district to attract visitors from around the world. The village cut a deal to buy the property from developers, although the exact sale price is not public. DOLTON, Ill. - The Dolton Village Board voted to approve the purchase of the childhood home of Pope Leo XIV during a meeting on Tuesday night. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Village officials aim to make the house at 212 E. 141st Place a historic site, allowing residents to benefit from the economic impact of the visitors who have already been flocking to the home. Once in a lifetime opportunity What we know The board voted unanimously to approve the purchase, even after multiple residents expressed concern about the village's ability to afford its other expenses like a bill backlog and local infrastructure. Mayor Jason House said while the concerns were legitimate, he argued that the village had a "once in a lifetime" opportunity to turn a historic property into a driver of economic development in Dolton. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I think this is a proud moment for our village, a proud opportunity, and we want to make sure that were doing it justice," House said. House said the village was committed to infrastructure improvements like repaving roads, which will begin as early as this week. He added the village is already paying for extra police security in the area of the home because of the stream of visitors. So, he argued, they might as well try to maximize the benefit of owing the historic site. The village cut a deal with the two property developers who bought the house and rehabbed it long before Pope Leo was elevated to his position. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even before Tuesday's meeting, crews were installing a new roof on the house. The project was being done by Windy City Construction Group, which reached out to the village and offered to put up a new roof for free. There's been a steady stream of tourists and Catholic faithful coming to visit the house over the past several weeks, including on Tuesday. "Its like a house we would have when we were growing up. Its a connection," said Peggy Buckley of Tinley Park, who was visiting the house Tuesday afternoon. Uncertain price tag What we don't know Its still unclear what the purchase price will be for the house, which will not be made public until after the closing, sometime next week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fox 32 learned that the price will be well above the $199,000 that the developers were asking for before Prevost became the pope, but far less than the $1 million they were hoping to get at auction. The owners of the property at one point were heading to court after the village threatened to use eminent domain to take control of the property. But the owners argued that it would have been illegal. Officials said the agreement is something of a win-win for both sides, avoiding a costly legal battle and securing the home for the village at a more reasonable cost. DOLTON, ILLINOIS - MAY 09: Donna Sagna (L) and Marilyn Awong visit the home where Cardinal Robert Prevost lived as a child on May 09, 2025 in Dolton, Illinois. Prevost, was named the first head of the Catholic Church from the United States and has taken the name Pope Leo XIV. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) What's next The village is not going to have to spend a big chunk of money upfront to acquire the house. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fox 32 learned officials are working with Wintrust Bank, which will essentially buy the house for the village, to structure something of a mortgage arrangement that the village will pay back. The village is also expected to purchase another house at the end of the same block that is in disrepair. The mayor said theyre looking at possibly making the home the centerpiece of an historic district which would tell visitors the story ofPrevost and his family, who owned the home for nearly 50 years. After years of negative headlines surrounding the chaotic reign of former Dolton Mayor Tiffany Henyard, village leaders are hoping ownership of the Popes boyhood home will be a blessing for Doltons fortunes. "Weve seen the beginnings of the interest thats out there," said House. "Theres been some charters that have come through town. We want to make sure we are representing that properly. And I think were in the infancy phase of the rebirth of what could be many great things in Dolton." ANDOVER TOWNSHIP The Pymatuning Valley Local Schools ended one school year and kicked off another with the approval of amended appropriations, revenues and estimated resources, PVLS Superintendent Christopher Edison said. The Monday school board meeting included a review of upcoming events, including the Pyma-Laker Dan Dunlap Memorial 5K at 9 a.m. July 12 and the PV Gold Pride Marching Band Car Show 1-4 p.m. Aug. 24. The board also approved the cancellation of the July board meeting and scheduled the next meeting for August 11. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Edison said the school year went well. We were able to bring some high-quality professional development to our staff, which will only increase their efficacy, he said. Our students continue to make academic progress based on state assessments, he said. We implemented a new math curriculum for our secondary schools, which has been very impactful. Edison said student growth and the necessity of equipping all students with the skills to thrive after graduation will be a focal point for the 2025-26 school year. We are partnering with Community Counseling again to provide mental health supports to our students, Edison said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The district is also partnering with Ashtabula Regional Medical Center to conduct a school-based health center feasibility study, he said. Creating an agricultural learning center is also a hope for the district. We are also going to be creating a work group to help make our vision of the agricultural learning center a reality, he said. A concierge medicine program has also been developed with a local physician for staff and their families. This hopefully will help reduce overall health insurance costs for the district and provide better care, Edison said. Qantas is contacting customers after a cyber attack targeted their third-party customer service platform. On 30 June, the Australian airline detected "unusual activity" on a platform used by its contact centre to store the data of six million people, including names, email addresses, phone numbers, birth dates and frequent flyer numbers. Upon detection of the breach, Qantas took "immediate steps and contained the system", according to a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The company is still investigating the full extent of the breach, but says it is expecting the proportion of data stolen to be "significant". It has assured the public that passport details, credit card details and personal financial information were not held in the breached system, and no frequent flyer accounts, passwords or PIN numbers have been compromised. Qantas has notified the Australian Federal Police of the breach, as well as the Australian Cyber Security Centre and the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner. "We sincerely apologise to our customers and we recognise the uncertainty this will cause," said Qantas Group CEO Vanessa Hudson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She asked customers to call the dedicated support line if they had concerns, and confirmed that there would be no impact to Qantas' operations or the safety of the airline. The attack comes just days after the FBI issued an alert on X warning that the airline sector was a target of cyber criminal group Scattered Spider. US-based Hawaiian Airlines and Canada's WestJet have both been impacted by similar cyber attacks in the past two weeks. BBC revealed that the group has also been the key focus of an investigation into the wave of cyber attacks on UK retailers, including M&S. The Qantas breach is the latest in a string of Australian data breaches this year, with AustralianSuper and Nine Media suffering significant leaks in the past few months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In March 2025, the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) released statistics revealing that 2024 was the worst year for data breaches in Australia since records began in 2018. "The trends we are observing suggest the threat of data breaches, especially through the efforts of malicious actors, is unlikely to diminish," said Australian Privacy Commissioner Carly Kind in a statement from the OAIC. Ms Kind urged businesses and government agencies to step up security measures and data protection, and highlighted that both the private and public sectors are vulnerable to cyber attacks. [BBC] Get our flagship newsletter with all the headlines you need to start the day. Sign up here. Benzinga and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below. There's one milestone that never loses its appeal: doubling your money. Whether its a retirement account, an income-focused portfolio or a long-term bet on private markets, the math behind turning $100,000 into $200,000 is more straightforward than many realize. Knowing that math can help investors set realistic expectations, and spot opportunities hiding in plain sight. The Rule of 72 At the core of this calculation is a simple formula: divide 72 by the expected annual return. That gives you an estimate of how many years it will take to double your money, assuming the return compounds annually and stays consistent. For example, an investment earning 6% per year will double in about 12 years (72 6 = 12). At 9%, it takes just 8 years. And at 12%, it takes only 6. The Rule of 72 isn't perfect. It becomes less accurate at higher rates of return or with non-annual compounding, but it's close enough for back-of-the-napkin planning. And for most investors, that's exactly what's needed. The Gap Between Traditional and Alternative Returns When applied to the types of returns investors commonly chase, the Rule of 72 reveals something striking: most traditional investment strategies are slow. High-yield savings accounts (4%5%): Even with today's elevated rates, it takes 1418 years to double your money. Investment-grade bonds (5%6%): These get you there in 1214 years, assuming no defaults and reinvested coupons. Broad market index funds (7%9%): This is the long-term historical average for U.S. equities, pointing to an 810 year doubling window. These are solid strategies and often the foundation of a healthy portfolio. But they're not fast. That's why more capital is flowing toward private investments that aim higher. Private Investments with Double-Digit Targets Accredited investors who are willing to lock up capital longer, the Rule of 72 shows just how powerful higher returns can be. Private equity and venture funds often target IRRs of 15% or more. At that level, doubling your money takes under 5 years. One example is the U.S. Home Equity Fund, a private real estate fund that invests in home equity agreements (HEAs). These contracts give homeowners cash today in exchange for a share of their home's future appreciation, without debt or monthly payments. The fund targets a 14%17% net IRR, translating to a doubling period of just 4 to 5 years. That puts it on pace with traditional private equity but tied to residential real estate, one of the most stable asset classes available. The owner-occupied home equity market is valued at nearly $35 trillion, the largest store of wealth in the U.S. July 2 (UPI) -- Australian airline Qantas announced Wednesday that it was targeted by a cyberattack that led to the data of six million customers being exposed. The company said its system has been "contained" after it detected a "cybercriminal" had breached a third-party customer servicing platform on Monday. Qantas said all its systems remain secure, and the airline is reaching out to customers to apologize and make them aware of what happened. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Australian Cyber Security Center and the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner have also been notified, as has the Australian Federal Police. Furthermore, Qantas said it has put "additional security measures" in place to "restrict access and strengthen system monitoring and detection," but it is unclear what those measures entail. The company said there are six million customers who have service records in its platform, and that data stolen includes customer names and contact information, as well as birth dates and frequent flyer numbers. Qantas' Group Chief Executive Officer Vanessa Hudson gave an apology to customers in the release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Our customers trust us with their personal information and we take that responsibility seriously," Hudson said. None of Qantas' operations were affected in the incident. Customers can connect with a team that provides specialist identity protection advice and resources and can call them on the airline's dedicated support line. The FBI announced Friday that a cybercriminal group called Scattered Spider was "expanding its targeting to include the airline sector" by deceiving IT help desks into thinking its hackers are employees or contractors and granting them system entry. Once inside, the FBI alleges that "Scattered Spider actors steal sensitive data for extortion and often deploy ransomware." Canada's WestJet airline company and Hawaiian Airlines had already reported security infiltrations in June. Qantas has not confirmed if Scattered Spider was behind their breach. SANGERFIELD, NY (WUTR/WFXV/WPNY) A cat has tested positive for rabies in the Town of Sangerfield on Wednesday. The cat was sent to the New York State Department of Healths Wadsworth Center in Albany on Tuesday, July 1 and returned with positive results the next day. The Department of Health has said one person has been exposed to the cat and has received post-exposure measures. The Health Department warned residents to keep watch of the signs of rabies, which include: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The animal acting strangely, mad, or shy, The animal is getting unusually close The animal is foaming or drooling from the mouth. The department warned residents to stay away from any wild or stray animals. If, despite your best efforts, you are bitten or come into contact with saliva, seek medical attention and contact the Oneida County Health Department to determine the next steps. If you see any animal acting strangely, the Health Department encourages you to call you local animal control officer. You may also call the local Nuisance Wildlife Control Operators. Phone numbers and e-mails can be found at the link here. Wildlife rehabilitators can be found at the link here, and contact information for the Department of Environmental Conservation can be found here. The Health Department also warned people that it is New York State law that all dogs, cats, and ferrets be vaccinated for rabies. Unvaccinated pets in contact with wildlife that is suspected or confirmed to be infected must be euthanized or strictly quarantined at the owners expense. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All dogs and cats must be vaccinated for rabies at 4 months old, one year following the initial dose, and then every three years following. Ferrets must receive their initial dose by four months old, then booster shots every year following. There are two rabies clinics scheduled over the next two months: at the Town of Vienna town garage on Monday, July 14 from 5 pm to 6:30 pm, and at the Kennedy Arena in Rome on Monday, August 4 from 5 pm to 6:30 pm. For more information on rabies prevention, you are encouraged to visit the countys website at ocgov.net/rabies. If you have questions or are concerned about possible exposure, you are asked to contact the Oneida County Health Department 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 315-798-5064. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WUTR/WFXV - CNYhomepage.com. After a hot start to the week, Phoenix could see monsoon activity develop, a day after a storm slammed Las Vegas with intense winds and dust. A storm on July 2 wouldn't be unusual for Phoenix: Monsoon activity typically picks up the first few week of July. "Around 5 p.m. this evening, our chances are around 15% across the Valley, and then we'll be increasing to upwards of 40% later this evening," said Alex Young, lead meteorologist for the National Weather Service in Phoenix. "We have convection starting in our higher terrain areas, and they'll eventually roll in from the southeast and east to start initiating convection in the lower Valley." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The region can expect gusty outflow winds from the system. "It looks like with outflow winds, we have anywhere from a 50% to 70% chance of seeing wind gusts in excess of 35 mph," Young said. 'Virga bomb' drops on Vegas The first wave of moisture in Las Vegas on July 1 delivered gusts up to 60 mph, knocked out power and stirred up dust, even though barely any rain hit the ground. Meteorologists attributed the damage to powerful dry microbursts known as virga bombs, where evaporating rain triggers sudden and violent downdrafts. Phoenix likely won't see anything as intense, but early storms often deliver the most impressive and dangerous dust storms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Storm chances drop again on July 3 as the atmosphere dries out, with a 15% chance of showers diminishing as the day goes on. How can I stay safe in a storm? If winds pick up and a dust storm moves in, authorities advise: Secure outdoor items (furniture and loose gutters) Shutter/close windows and secure outside doors Trim tree branches away from your house Consider turning off air-conditioning/heating system until the dust storm passes Bring pets indoors How can I drive safely in a dust storm? The Arizona Department of Transportation offers these tips: In a dust storm, immediately check traffic around your vehicle (front, back and to the side) and begin slowing down. Do not wait until poor visibility makes it difficult to safely pull off the roadway do it as soon as possible. Exit the highway if you can. Do not stop in a travel lane or in the emergency lane. Look for a safe place to pull completely off the paved portion of the roadway. Turn off all vehicle lights. You don't want other vehicles approaching from behind to use your lights as a guide and possibly crash into your vehicle. Set your emergency brake and take your foot off the brake. Stay in the vehicle with your seat belt buckled and wait for the storm to pass. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hayleigh Evans writes about extreme weather and related topics for The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com. Email her with story tips at hayleigh.evans@arizonarepublic.com . This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: First monsoon storm could bring rain showers, dust clouds BECKLEY, WV (WVNS) One look at Sergeant B.J. Adkins uniform lets folks know that they are talking to a cop, but theres a story the uniform does not tell. Sgt. Adkins said on Monday, June 30, 2025, that that is the story he wants people to understand. I grew up in a drug-infested environment, and I lost my father from drug-inducedIt was related to a heart attack, but I was probably around six years old, he said. I remember that, but he was also a veteran. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Captain Jim Bare retires from Raleigh County Sheriffs Office after 34 years Adkins said his dad likely struggled with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, which contributed to his dependence on drugs. With little family support but with help from teachers and others, Adkins said he graduated high school and that he went into law enforcement in order to make a difference in others lives, the way supportive adults had made a difference in his own life when he was younger. He said that working the roads as a deputy introduces him to people whose struggles with mental health and addiction are the first thing other people may notice about them, but he said that their struggles dont tell the whole story of who they are. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If we all wore a sign with our past mistakes on itwere going to get judged, he noted. With support from Sheriff Frank Priddy and Captain Frankie Shelton, Sergeant Adkins started the You are Not Alone Outreach team last year to help others. Deputy Chief of Beckley Police Department calls for statewide Child Abduction Response Team in West Virginia He organized volunteers from mental health and substance use clinics, he said, creating a network that gets folks enrolled in treatment programs if they want to re-start their lives. They may feel like they are alone and somewhat ashamed, like nobody wants to live that life, but they dont know where to ask for help or who to ask for, Adkins explained. I feel like we have so many resources, and then, with outreach, you see how many people is willing to come together to help. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During an event at a Beckley Sheetz hotel recently, Adkins said three people asked for help getting into treatment. Local detective warns that revenge porn crime can have serious legal consequences He said that future events are now planned, all with the goal of offering a fresh start or just a listening ear to anyone who wants it. Because I wear a uniform, makes me no different than them. Weve all made mistakes. Weve all got a past, said Adkins, who said he was once severely depressed but that his young daughters attention saved his life. If they just reach out, I can get them the resources. They dont even have to talk to me. I can just give them the number of the resources, or they can see on our Facebook pages the resources we have. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said transportation may also be available. The next You Are Not Alone outreach event is planned for Saturday, July 19, 2025, at the Sheetz in Beaver from 7 p.m. to 12 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 WVNS. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) A lawsuit filed on Tuesday argues the federal government knows a rare desert wetland wildflower is in trouble, but it isnt doing enough to save it. The Center for Biological Diversity (CBD) accuses the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) of delays and a failure to meet a deadline in protecting the Tecopa birds beak. The deadline for publication of the 12-month finding was September 26, 2024, but the Service has not yet made a 12-month finding for Tecopa birds beak. The finding is thus past due, according to the lawsuit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in Las Vegas, says USFWS violated the Endangered Species Act by delaying its decision on whether to list the wildflower. In October 2024, the agency said the species may qualify for protection. That started a yearlong review. As a groundwater-dependent species in the nations driest state, the Tecopa birds beak is uniquely vulnerable to extinction and needs to be protected, Patrick Donnelly, Great Basin director at the Center for Biological Diversity, said. The Fish and Wildlife Service has delayed long enough. Were suing to make sure that these special little plants get the protections they need before its too late. Tecopa birds beak in wetland habitat in Esmeralda County, Nevada. (Photo: Patrick Donnelly/Center for Biological Diversity) Threats to the wildflower range from groundwater pumping for agriculture to climate change, CBD said in a news release. Three known populations of the wildflower exist. One is near Tecopa, California, where groundwater has dropped due to pumping in nearby Pahrump, Nevada. Two other populations are in Fish Lake Valley and Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge. The lawsuit cites the work of botanist Peri Lee Pipkin. Her work has greatly expanded knowledge about the Tecopa birds beak, CBD said. She joined the group in the lawsuit against USFWS. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tecopa birds beaks are a vital part of the alkali wetland ecosystem and without urgent protections they could go extinct, Pipkin said. Biodiversity is what makes life on Earth possible and every extinction pushes all of us closer to the brink of collapse. The Endangered Species Act is our best tool to stop the extinction crisis, and Im glad to join this lawsuit to protect these beautiful wildflowers. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. NEED TO KNOW A rare phenomenon called a "roll cloud" covered Portugal beaches on Sunday, June 29 The tsunami-like formation shocked beachgoers, many of whom filmed the moment Scientists say the cloud was caused by the effects of climate change and Portugal's record-setting temperatures Beachgoers in Portugal witnessed a jarring sight on Sunday, June 29. A rare tsunami-shaped cloud formation came rolling across the northern and central coast of the country, shocking crowds and prompting a flurry of photos and videos online. The phenomenon, occasionally referred to as a roll cloud, was seen billowing over the ocean as many on shore stopped what they were doing to film the unique sight. ARTHUR CARVALHO/AFP via Getty Tsunami cloud rolls over Portugal on June 29. Tsunami cloud rolls over Portugal on June 29. These clouds are spectacular, Paulo Ceppi, a senior lecturer in climate science at Imperial College London, told The Washington Post. They look massive, like it goes on forever, but they look scarier than they really are. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the National Weather Service, roll clouds, or tub-shaped arcus clouds, can be caused by a thunderstorm gust front or a cold front. Noting that they are relatively rare, the National Weather Service adds the phenomenon occurs when the clouds completely detach from the thunderstorm base or other cloud features. The PEOPLE App is now available in the Apple App Store! Download it now for the most binge-worthy celeb content, exclusive video clips, astrology updates and more! Roll clouds can be hundreds of miles long and can come on quickly. Beachgoer Tiago Pinho shared a video with The Associated Press that he took at Buarcos beach in Figueira da Foz on Sunday, commenting on how rapidly the sky had changed. See how quickly it came? he said. There was a clear sky; it came in one minute. ARTHUR CARVALHO/AFP via Getty Tsunami cloud rolls over Portugal on June 29. Tsunami cloud rolls over Portugal on June 29. Portugal, along with much of Europe, has been experiencing extreme heat waves in recent weeks. In fact, the country recently saw record high temperatures, including Sundays temperature of nearly 116 degrees in the central region of Mora, per BGNES. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Ceppi, the extreme heat combined with the colder ocean contributed to the perfect conditions for a roll cloud. He added that due to climate change, people can expect to see more of the weather phenomenon in the future. But its not particularly worrying or surprising. There are more worrying things about climate change, he told The Washington Post. While the cloud thrilled beachgoers, it did not proceed to roll over land. Mario Marques, a climatologist and founder of PlanoClima, told AP that the cloud stopped due to the high temperatures on land, noting, it looks like a wave thats stopped, always breaking on the same spot. Read the original article on People CHRISTIAN COUNTY, Mo. On Monday, June 30, Christian County Deputy Mike Adams and his wife Ashley were killed in a head-on collision by a driver who ran from law enforcement. Adams 4-month-old grandchild was also in the vehicle but survived. The child is still in the hospital, but their condition is said to be stable. Ozarks First spoke to residents near the crash site some of whom witnessed the crash who said the suspect who hit Adams car was driving dangerously. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I was sitting in the house, and I heard sirens, and not often we hear sirens down here, says Riley Smith. So I immediately ran out the house and seen them fly down past my house, going east, and cop was on his tail. Smith said the car was speeding as fast as 90 miles an hour while being chase by law enforcement. The vehicle then turned around and came back. He flew up this hill, caught air, and as soon as he hit the ground, he kind of started fish tailing, Smith said. And then thats what kind of caused him to lose control and crash out. And then the cop car was probably 150, 200 yards behind. The car was following it with no sirens. According to Skyler and Jordan Lair, everyone in their neighborhood was in shock. All the neighbors were out. They were all kind of speculating what was going on. Nobody really knew for sure. We just saw the truck had hit an SUV, says Skyler Lair. And then a lot of cop cars started showing up and the ambulance. And it was just really, really scary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both Smith and the Lairs say that Melton Avenue and the intersection with Mills Road are known to be dangerous speeding areas. This roads always been a road that, growing up, people tend to drive a little fast on, says Jordan Lair. And its just having the family seeing how quickly things can change. Definitely being, you know, even more cautious than I always have been on this road. Especially at the stop signs, says Smith. Id say a good 60% of people run through that stop sign without looking. They just blow right through it. The crash happened right outside of Rick Smiths house and tells me he kept Adams grandchild safe until the ambulance arrived. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There was 2 deceased people in the van and there was a baby, and a baby seat in the back of the van, says Smith. One of the deputies got the baby out with the baby seat and asked me if I would mind taking care of the baby while they did their thing. I said, absolutely. So, I took the baby, put it down around, took it out of the car seat, and cuddled the baby until EMS got here. Smith adds that action needs to be taken to stop speeding on their local roads to prevent future accidents. Police are still investigating the incident. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOLR - OzarksFirst.com. LONGMONT, Colo. (KDVR) A portion of House Bill 24-1353 has gone into effect as of July 1, and firearm dealers say its just another burden for their businesses. The portion taking effect requires firearm dealers to have a state permit. Lawmakers have said the goal of the bill is to crack down on illegal firearm sales. Part of the law went into effect in 2024, and the final part went into effect starting in July, requiring that firearm dealers have a state firearms dealer permit, where they must hold a federal firearms license and other requirements. New requirements begin July 1 for Colorado concealed carry permits Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But firearm dealers like Rod Brandenburg, owner of Grandpas Pawn and Gun, say its just another unnecessary hoop they have to jump through. Theyre putting a huge burden on us and they can enforce these regulations to put us out of business, Brandenburg said. With this new required state permit, each employee has to submit a set of fingerprints and complete a training course. They have eight days to get the necessary fingerprints done for grandpas employees and other firearm stores. Brandenburg says there is confusion on where the vendors are for this requirement and the eight days is really more like four with the upcoming holiday. The permit also costs $400. Its redundancy, its a huge burden on us. Its an all-of-a-sudden burden. Here we are smack dab in the middle of summer and you give us eight days to get all this administrative work done and theres the Fourth of July in all of that, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Local sheriffs offices are frustrated, too, claiming its creating congestion at offices. Meanwhile, some, like the Larimar County Sheriffs Office, took to social media saying it isnt an approved vendor for dealer fingerprinting. The state does have a list of those vendors online. Governor signs bill requiring training for semiautomatic guns, banning rapid-fire conversion devices All of this, continuing what Brandenburg says is an overarching theme of an over-regulated industry. We are in an over-regulated industry already. I dont know of another industry that has so many hoops to jump through. Its the feds, its the state, its the local sheriffs office, its the local police, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Employees have to complete the training course no later than July 31. Those who do business without a permit can be fined up to $250,000. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. As beaches fill up and grills fire up across California for the Fourth of July weekend, the state is offering another way to enjoy the great outdoors free fishing, no license required. This Saturday, anyone can cast a line in a lake, river or the ocean without spending a dime. July 5 will mark the first of two free fishing days offered by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife this summer, with the second falling on Aug. 30, also a Saturday. The days are designed to offer Golden State residents a low-cost way to try out fishing by eliminating the requirement for a sport fishing license. "Have you ever felt the excitement of watching your bobber suddenly jiggle, then dive out of sight? Or feeling the tap-tap-tap of a bass as it tastes the worm on the end of your line?" said the department in a news release announcing the free fishing days. "If you are new to the sport of fishing, and not sure if you will enjoy it, a great opportunity awaits you." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: The 4 best freshwater lakes in L.A. for floating, fishing and everything in between The DFW also offers a Fishing in the City program to help residents in urban areas experience the joy of fishing in local ponds stocked with catfish and trout. This program also runs clinics to teach beginner anglers about fishing ethics, fish behavior, how to use tackle, and how to clean and prepare fish for dinner. During the summer, Fishing in the City locations often host youth fishing derbies with free fishing lessons, conservation tips and friendly competitions. All regular fishing requirements apply during free fishing days, such as bag and size limits, gear restrictions, fishing hours and stream closures. Report cards also remain required for fishing steelhead, sturgeon or salmon in the Smith and Klamath-Trinity river systems as these species and waterways are closely monitored due to conservation concerns. Collectively, these regulations are designed to strike a balance between public access to natural resources and the sustainability of Californias freshwater and coastal ecosystems. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite these efforts, many fish populations remain threatened in California. The Southern California steelhead trout have been pushed to the brink of extinction as their river habitats have been disrupted by barriers and dams. Commercial fishing of Chinook salmon is prohibited for the third year in a row this year as state regulators seek to help fish stocks recover. Outside of free fishing days, anglers can purchase recreational fishing licenses and read up on fishing regulations on the DFW's website. 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. Bass Reeves popularity has increased over the last several years. From the Paramount Plus mini-series to the statue at Three Rivers Museum, people from around the country are interested in the Wild West lawman. The 15th annual Bass Reeves Western History Conference concluded Saturday with a bus tour around the city. Jonita Mullins, area historian and emcee, said visitors are finding out things about Reeves and Muskogee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They discover that Muskogee aspired to be the capital of Sequoyah, Mullins said. They didnt know we were trying to be the all-Indian state back in 1905. They also learn how important Muskogee was in the enrollment and allotment process. Reeves was born in Crawford County Arkansas in 1930 and died in Muskogee in 1910. He served 32 years as U.S. Deputy Marshal in Indian Territory, then served as a lawman in Muskogee from 1897 until he retired in 1907. Oscar Ray was one of several people reenacting a person associated with the time period. This year he had the honor of portraying Reeves and said it never gets old. When we started the conference, one of the reasons was the state wanted to do a program, Ray said. The focus has always been to uncover the heroes in Muskogees history. Muskogee has a tremendous amount of culture that we dont know a lot about and Bass is part of it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other people played historical figures and fictional characters. Clarence Banish portrayed Rooster Cogburn, fictional lawman made famous by John Wayne in the 1969 movie True Grit and later reprised by Jeff Bridges in the 2010 remake. Ive been doing Rooster for over 20 years, Banish said. I taught Oklahoma history, world history and American history in high school. Its very important to me to keep the history of that time period alive. Banish said though hes portraying a fictional character is important to the story. Thats what we do as reenactors, he said. And as a Hollywood reenactor, I bring attention to the real history. I tell some of the folks You wouldnt know some of these people if it wasnt for the movies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jeremy Hammons has made several trips to Muskogee, not only personal but professional. By trade, Hammons is a U.S. Deputy Marshal out of eastern Arkansas. This is history right under Muskogees feet, Hammons said. Im from Arkansas and I began studying Bass because of the history he had there. He also brought that history and theres so much of it here and Muskogees right in it. Ford CEO Jim Farley learned from older employees that some young workers at the carmaker were taking shifts at Amazon to make ends meet, he said at the Aspen Ideas Festival. Farley said he drew on founder Henry Fords decision to raise factory wages to $5 a day in 1914 to make temporary workers into full-time employees. Young people have previously eschewed manufacturing jobs due to low wages. Some economists credit carmaker Henry Ford for jump-starting the American middle class in the 20th century when, in January 1914, he hiked factory wages to $5, more than double the average wage for an eight-hour work day. More than 100 years later, facing the reality of many employees barely getting by, Ford CEO Jim Farley said he took a page out of the founders playbook. The carmakers chief executive recognized the need to make a change in his workplace when he spoke to veteran employees during union contract negotiations and learned young Ford employees were working multiple jobs and getting inadequate sleep due to low wages, Farley said in an interview with journalist and biographer Walter Isaacson at the Aspen Ideas Festival on Friday. The older workers whod been at the company said, None of the young people want to work here. Jim, you pay $17 an hour, and they are so stressed, Farley said. Farley learned some workers also held jobs at Amazon, where they worked for eight hours before clocking in to a seven-hour shift at Ford, sleeping for only three or four hours. As a result, the company made temporary workers into full-time employees, making them eligible for higher wages, profit-sharing checks, and better health care coverage. The transition was outlined in 2019 contract negotiations with the United Auto Workers (UAW), with temporary workers able to become full-time after two years of continuous employment at Ford. It wasnt easy to do, Farley said. It was expensive. But I think thats the kind of changes we need to make in our country. Fords own decision to double factory wages in 1914 was not altruistic, but rather a strategy to attract a stable workforce, as well as provide a stimulus for his own workers to be able to afford Ford products. He said, Im doing this because I want my factory worker to buy my cars. If they make enough money, theyll buy my own product, Farley said. Its a self-fulfilling prophecy, in a way. Trouble attracting young trade workers Farley, a proponent of growing U.S. manufacturing productivity to support the essential economy, has advocated for young workers to have strong trade experiences. Rachel Reeves has refused to rule out extending a freeze on income tax thresholds after Labours humiliating reversal on its flagship welfare bill. The Chancellor was asked whether she will stand by the commitment to end the freeze from 2028. But she declined to answer and instead referenced the 22bn black hole in the public finances. It means millions more households could be dragged into higher tax brackets and forced to pay what is often described as a stealth tax. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It would be the latest in a series of climbdowns after the Government about-turned on scrapping the winter fuel payment and its welfare Bill. In her maiden Budget, Ms Reeves pledged not to extend the freeze, as it would hurt working people. It would take more money out of their payslips. Mel Stride, the shadow chancellor, said: Once again, Labour refuses to level with the British people. The Chancellor had a clear opportunity to rule out yet another tax rise but instead, she dodged the question. By refusing to commit to ending the income tax threshold freeze, Rachel Reeves is paving the way for higher tax bills for millions of hard-working people. This is the cost of Labours chaos: billions in welfare U-turns and no plan to pay for it except by dragging more families into higher tax brackets every year. The freeze was introduced by the previous government in 2022. It dragged seven million people into higher tax brackets last year, raising around 15bn. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement James Wild, Conservative MP for North West Norfolk, asked Ms Reeves in Parliament on Tuesday: Does she stand by the commitment to end that freeze from 2028 yes or no? Extending the freeze would be a victory for Angela Rayner, after she proposed holding the threshold for the additional rate of income tax. The suggestion was made by the Deputy Prime Minister in a memo to Ms Reeves, which was leaked to The Telegraph in May. Additional rates of income tax are paid by workers earning over 125,140. Those on salaries between 12,570 and 50,270 are taxed 20pc and workers earning between 50,271 and 125,140 pay a 40pc levy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It comes after Sir Keir Starmer was forced to offer 11th hour concessions to rebellious Labour backbenchers to pass the welfare bill. The clampdown on personal independence payments (Pip), which help disabled people with extra living costs, was dropped 90 minutes before the vote. It means that almost all of the 4.6bn of savings have been lost, rendering the legislation pointless. Another senior Cabinet member has suggested that tax rises are imminent. Speaking to Times Radio on Wednesday, Pat McFadden said the reversal on the welfare Bill will have financial consequences. The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster said: This is a decision that will have financial consequences. The process of the last couple of weeks does have financial consequences. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deutsche Bank said the Chancellors headroom in the public finances has likely evaporated. It could leave Ms Reeves with a fresh 31.6bn black hole in the public finances, the bank warned. In its manifesto Labour pledged not to increase VAT, income tax or National Insurance for working people. The Treasury was contacted for comment. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. An oil refinery that supplies 10pc of British fuel is at risk of shutdown within days, raising the prospect of disruption to national supplies. The Lindsey Oil Refinery in Lincolnshire, previously part of the Prax Group, has been plunged into chaos following the collapse of its owner. It has been in the hands of the Insolvency Service since Monday, when administrators were called in. Ed Miliband, the Energy Secretary, has been racing to secure the future of the site, which supplies Heathrow Airport. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, The Telegraph understands that deliveries of crude have stopped and refined fuels are not leaving the site either. If the situation continues, the plant will be forced to shut down by the end of this week. The hold-up is because of a lack of agreement between the Insolvency Service and commodities giant Glencore, which owns the oil and therefore any refined products until it is paid, sources told The Telegraph. Standstill leads to stockpiling So far the refinery has been able to continue operations by drawing down oil stockpiled on site and then putting the refined products into storage tanks. But there is concern that the sites available tanks will be full by the end of the week without a breakthrough in the talks with Glencore a situation that would force the plant to shut down. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lindsey produces around one tenth of Britains fuel supplies, including jet fuel destined for Heathrow Airport and petrol and diesel sent to hundreds of petrol stations. On Wednesday, a source close to Glencore said the company was working urgently with the Insolvency Service to resolve the impasse. A spokesman for FTI Consulting, which is managing the plant on behalf of the Insolvency Service, declined to comment. The Government insisted the UK was well supplied with fuel. The refinery was previously run by State Oil, part of the wider Prax conglomerate that collapsed over the weekend. Unlike the rest of Prax, which includes petrol stations and oil and gas operations, the refinery is being administered by the Insolvency Service because of its role in fuel supply chains. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prax was previously run by businessman Sanjeev Kumar Soosaipillai and his wife, Arani Soosaipillai, who purchased the refinery from French oil giant Total in 2021. They paid themselves a $5m (3.65m) dividend from the Prax group last year despite the company posting almost $30m worth of losses. The company had been in talks with the Government since April but had refused to share details about its financial situation that were repeatedly requested by ministers and officials. Mr Soosaipillai had also assured officials there was no immediate threat to the refinery, a position that suddenly changed last week as his company rushed to declare insolvency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Monday, Mr Miliband demanded a full investigation into the circumstances of Praxs collapse and called for the actions of its directors to be scrutinised. Workers left in limbo For now, the Insolvency Service is hunting for a potential buyer of the Lindsey refinery. If no sale can be agreed, ministers have suggested the site will have to be gradually wound down. That would leave Britain with just four major refineries, following the closure of the Grangemouth refinery in Scotland by PetroIneos earlier this year. Micheal Shanks, the energy minister, told the Commons earlier this week: The wealthy owner cannot wash his hands of his obligations to the workers and their families. That is why we call on him to put his hands in his pockets and deliver proper compensation for the workers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Wednesday, a source at the Lindsey plant told the Telegraph there were fears about workers quitting amid the uncertainty. Some 400 people work at the refinery and skilled oil and gas workers are in demand globally. The source said: Theres a lot of worry, and theres a lot of anger as well, because theres so many unknowns. They added: The Government wants to find a buyer but thats a worry as well, particularly as theyve already let down Grangemouth. So were all wondering, are they now going to let another refinery fall by the wayside? They were only talking about energy security last week, but there doesnt seem to be any urgency at the moment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There remains about a weeks worth of crude oil stored at the Lindsey refinery but the more pressing matter is the rate at which storage tanks are currently being filled with finished products. Ed Miliband, the Energy Secretary, has ordered an investigation into Praxs collapse - Carlos Jasso/Reuters Staff have been told that the sites maximum available capacity is expected to be reached by the end of this week. At that point, the facility would have to temporarily shut down. Usually, finished products leave by road, rail and the Finaline pipeline, which transports jet fuel to the Buncefield oil depot, near Hemel Hempstead, for onward transportation to Heathrow. But the lack of a deal between the Insolvency Service and Glencore means that nothing can come in or out of the site, multiple sources said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Glencore secured a deal to supply crude oil to the Prax site last summer, taking over from rival Trafigura. Under the arrangement, Glencore owns the oil including refined products until it has been paid for. Ships with fresh supplies have been turned away since Saturday, including one tanker that was due to make a delivery on Tuesday. That ship, Calypso, has been idling in the North Sea but now looks to be headed for Rotterdam, according to Marine Traffic. A spokesman for the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero said: The UK is well supplied with fuel Prax Lindsey Oil Refinery is right next door to one of the biggest and most efficient refineries in the country, and stock levels are normal across the UK. An Official Receiver has been appointed to take action to ensure fuel supply and safe operations at the site including managing suppliers. 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. Wednesdays Top Stories Wednesdays Five Facts [1] Some NM leaders warn mega bill could be disastrous for renewable energy industry New Mexicos Democratic leaders are warning that the One Big Beautiful Bill could be disastrous for the states renewable energy industry. While republicans argue, the bill will be great for the states oil and gas companies. Senators Ben Ray Lujan and Martin Heinrich both voted against the bill. The Republican Party of New Mexico argues New Mexicans will benefit. [2] VIDEO: Albuquerque police identify suspect in downtown shooting On May 12, officers responded to a shots fired call outside Downtown Distillery on Central and 4th. When they arrived, officers found a security guard who had been shot. Witnesses told police that three men and two women were arguing with the security guard before one of the men, identified as 23-year-old Isaiah Webb, reached into his pocket and fired a single shot into his side. Surveillance video shows the group running away after the shooting, however the suspect left behind a credit card at the bar. The security guard survived the shooting. Webb pleaded not guilty and is being held behind bars until trial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement [3] Storm chances to ramp up with muggy air Heavy rain will be possible Wednesday afternoon with more showers and thunderstorms, especially across southern and western New Mexico. More monsoon moisture will continue streaming into New Mexico from the west Wednesday night, keeping spotty rain showers around into Thursday morning across the western half of the state. Numerous showers and thunderstorms will develop again Thursday afternoon, bringing a chance for rain to almost all of New Mexico. [4] City of Albuquerque seeks new management to run KiMo Theatre The city of Albuquerque is looking for a new partner to handle operations at the KiMo Theatre. The city had been running it since the 70s, but a recent lack of events has officials looking for a change. City Councilor Joaquin Baca is proposing a deal with the arts and culture department to bring life back to the space. The department is preparing to put out a request for proposals to find a contractor to manage the theater. [5] Goats return to the bosque in Albuquerque to help with lowering fire risk Goats are back in the bosque to help control invasive plant populations and help mitigate the spread of wildfires. The city of Albuquerque and Galloping Goats released dozens of goats and sheep into the bosque on Tuesday to eat tumbleweeds and kochia plants, which are invasive species that burn bright and can quickly fuel a wildfire. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. KANSAS (KSNT) The American Hospital Association (AHA) is warning that cuts to Medicaid could result in thousands of Kansans losing coverage over the next decade. The U.S. Senate passed the largest Medicaid cuts since the 1960s with nearly $1 trillion in cuts to Medicaid, according to the AHA. More than 5,300 Kansans stand to lose rural Medicaid coverage over the next 10 years from the cuts. The AHA said the Medicaid cuts could result in a $50.4 billion reduction in federal Medicaid funding to rural hospitals. In Kansas, those hospitals stand to lose $306 million through 2034, according to the AHA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both U.S. Senators for Kansas, Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall, praised the passage of the bill in separate press releases on Tuesday. Moran said the bill will help protect rural hospitals by creating a $50 billion fund to give emergency help for those at risk of closure due to financial troubles. 27 News spoke to Marshall who said he doesnt expect Kansans to be impacted at all by the Medicaid changes. So states that are abusing the system, whether its through a provider tax or through Medicaid expansion, those are the one that may lose some people here, Marshall told 27 News. But in Kansas, the only ones thats going to lose Medicaid or SNAP are people that are unwilling to work or volunteer for 20 hours a week, for the most part. If you have a disability, youre a senior, were not going to touch you. Its that special: How much do the new blackout license plates cost in Kansas? Medicaid is currently used by more than 71.4 million low-income Americans, according to preliminary Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services data. The Congressional Budget Office reports that almost 12 million lower-income Americans would lose their health insurance by 2034. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were cutting $1.7 trillion in this bill, and youre not going to feel any of it, President Donald Trump said at the White House last week. Im telling the president, you have been misinformed. You supporting the Senate mark will hurt people who are eligible and qualified for Medicaid, said Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) on the Senate floor on Sunday, June 29 saying Trump was breaking his promise not to cut Medicaid. The AHA reports rural hospitals are already struggling. It reports that 48% of rural hospitals ran a financial loss in 2023. The AHA reported that 47% of births in the U.S. and 65% of nursing home residents in rural communities are covered by Medicaid. Kansas unveiling emergency plan tool at safety summit event Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R. 1) would result in 1.8 million individuals in rural communities losing their Medicaid coverage by 2034, the AHA wrote in its Rural Hospitals at Risk report. In addition, select Medicaid provisions in H.R. 1 would result in a $50.4 billion reduction in federal Medicaid spending on rural hospitals over 10 years. Senate Republicans increased the size of a rural hospital relief fund in the bill from $15 billion to $25 billion to be distributed over five years on June 28. The bill still needs to pass the House again, where some moderate Republicans have raised concerns. The Center for Healthcare Quality and Payment Reform (CHQPR) keeps track of rural hospitals that are at risk of closing. Last year, the organization found 600 rural hospitals were at risk of closing. This year, CHQPR is reporting 703 hospitals at risk across the nation. Kansas makes up 8% of the nations at-risk rural hospitals and 8% of those at immediate risk. Kansas has had eight rural hospital closures since 2015 and currently has 98 rural hospitals, down from 104 in 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. The two campers who were found dead at a remote campground at Isle Royale National Park have been identified as Bradley Baird, 30, and John Baird, 60, of Northville, the Keweenaw County Clerk & Register of Deeds office confirmed to the Free Press on Wednesday. The two campers are believed to have died by murder-suicide, according to Keweenaw County Medical Examiner Dr. Michael McAllister. McAllister told MLive that the victims are father and son, though it's not clear who died first. The Free Press reached out to McAllister's office, but calls were not returned. What happened at Isle Royale? The park service received reports of two dead people at a backcountry campground in the park at about 4 p.m. on Sunday, June 8, the park service said in a news release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rangers hiked about 11 miles overnight to the site at the South Desor Lake campground and reached the scene the morning of June 9, and confirmed finding two bodies. An investigation into the incident remains ongoing. Where is Isle Royale National Park? Isle Royale National Park is a group of islands in northwestern Lake Superior, north of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. What is Isle Royale National Park? Isle Royale National Park is a park that consists of a large island surrounded by more than 450 smaller islands, preserving 132,018 acres of wilderness on 850 square miles. Opportunities for backpacking, hiking, boating, paddling, diving and more, are available in the park, the National Park Service says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jalen Williams is a trending reporter at the Detroit Free Press. Contact him at jawilliams1@freepress.com. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Isle Royale National Park victims have been identified Jul. 1The 30-year-old accused of killing four University of Idaho students in 2022 appears poised to accept a plea deal that allows him to avoid both a trial and potentially a firing squad. Multiple media outlets reported Monday that 30-year-old Bryan Kohberger agreed to plead guilty to four counts of first-degree murder and one count of burglary in connection with the deaths of UI seniors Madison Mogen, 21, of Coeur d'Alene; Kaylee Goncalves, 21, of Rathdrum; junior Xana Kernodle, 20, of Post Falls; and freshman Ethan Chapin, 20, of Mount Vernon, Washington. All four were stabbed to death at a rental home in Moscow. The broadcast corporations and local news outlets like the Idaho Statesman and KTVB in Boise cited a letter sent to families of the victims this week stating Kohberger intends to accept a plea agreement that does away with his right to an appeal and comes with a sentence of four consecutive life sentences for the murder charges, and an additional 10 years for burglary the maximum allotted under state law. The plea deal allows Kohberger to avoid a trial that could have ended with a death sentence if found guilty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The letter arrived a few days before Kohberger's change of plea which is expected to happen at an 11 a.m. hearing Wednesday. The Goncalves family confirmed the letter and Kohberger's intent to plead guilty in a Facebook post Monday afternoon. The Spokesman-Review was unable to reach Kristi Goncalves, mother to Kaylee, or Maddie's father, Ben Mogen, ahead of publication. "We are beyond furious at the State of Idaho," the post reads. "They have failed us. Please give us some time. This was very unexpected. We appreciate all your love and support." Kohberger's attorneys approached the Latah County Prosecutor's Office earlier this month about a plea deal, ABC News reported. After meeting with family members who were available last week, the office made a formal offer to Kohberger. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Latah County Prosecuting Attorney Bill Thompson called the agreement their "sincere attempt to seek justice" in the letter distributed to family members, according to a copy obtained by the Idaho Statesman. "We cannot fathom the toll that this case has taken on your family," Thompson wrote in the letter. "This resolution is our sincere attempt to seek justice for your family. This agreement ensures that the defendant will be convicted, will spend the rest of his life in prison, and will not be able to put you and the other families through the uncertainty of decades of post-conviction appeals." When reached by The Spokesman-Review Monday afternoon, Idaho State Supreme Court spokesperson Nate Poppino said, "I do not have any information I can confirm this evening." Kohberger, who is originally from Pennsylvania, declined to enter a plea at an arraignment in May 2023. A judge entered not guilty pleas to all charges on his behalf, and his defense has maintained his innocence over the more than two years leading up to his high-profile trial, which was moved from Moscow to Boise late last year. The trial was set to begin Aug. 11. In March, Idaho Gov. Brad Little signed into law House Bill 37, which made the firing squad the primary death penalty in Idaho. The United States is halting the delivery of some previously promised weapons to Ukraine, including missiles and ammunition, the website Politico and broadcaster NBC News reported on Tuesday, on concerns that the US doesn't have enough. The outlets cited individuals familiar with the matter, including defence officials and members of the US Congress. The reports stated that a review of stockpiles had been conducted beforehand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The White House did not confirm any details when asked. The weapons in question include missiles for Patriot air defence systems, precision artillery rounds, Hellfire and other missiles that Ukraine launches from its F-16 fighters and drones, according to the reports. However, deputy White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly said in a statement that "this decision was made to prioritise America's interests after the Department of Defense reviewed our nation's military support and assistance to other countries around the world." Kelly said the strength of the US armed forces remains unquestioned, adding: "Just ask Iran." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The US Department of Defense did not immediately comment when approached. The weapons in question were reportedly promised to Ukraine under US President Donald Trump's predecessor, Joe Biden. Ukraine has been defending itself against a full-scale Russian attack for more than three years. In recent weeks, Russia has significantly intensified its attacks on its neighbour. Confident that passage of President Trump's signature legislation was all but assured, West Wing aides summoned holdouts in the House Republican caucus Wednesday to deliver a blunt message: Follow the president's orders and get it done by Friday. It was a call to action after House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) directed his caucus to return to Washington from home districts around the country, braving flight delays due to storms in the capital to be back in time for a vote before the Fourth of July. But the vote was in doubt, and signs emerged of cracks in a coalition otherwise firmly under Trump's control. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president of the United States didn't give us an assignment," Rep. Derrick Van Orden, a Republican from Wisconsin, told reporters, using an expletive to suggest Trump was treating lawmakers like his minions. "I'm a member of Congress. I represent almost 800,000 Wisconsinites. Is that clear? Frustration within the Republican Party was coming from two disparate camps of a broad-tent coalition that have their own sets of grievances: fiscal hawks who believe the bill adds too much to the national debt, and lawmakers representing districts that heavily rely on Medicaid. Read more: L.A. under siege: Brown-skinned people targeted, tackled, taken, and it must stop, federal suit says One GOP lawmaker who attended the White House meeting Wednesday, Rep. David Valadao of California, represents a Central Valley district with one of the highest percentages of Medicaid enrollment in the nation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president's megabill, which he calls the "Big Beautiful Bill," levies historic cuts to the healthcare program that could result in up to 12 million Americans losing health coverage, according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, gutting $1 trillion in funding and introducing a work requirement for enrollees of 80 hours per month until they turn 65 years old. The legislation would also restrict state taxes on healthcare providers, known as the provider tax, an essential tool for many states in their efforts to supplement Medicaid funding. Several Republican lawmakers fear that provision could have devastating effects on rural hospitals. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, appearing Wednesday with other Democrats on the Capitol steps, denounces President Trump's tax and spending bill. (Bloomberg via Getty Images) A handful of Republican lawmakers from North Carolina have bristled at the president's pressure campaign, with Rep. Chuck Edwards telling Punchbowl News that the White House meeting "didn't sway my opinion." North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis was one of three Republicans who voted against the bill Tuesday, warning it would devastate his state. It still passed with a tie-breaking vote from Vice President JD Vance. The vote was shaping up to be narrow in the House as well, where Johnson can afford to lose only three votes in order to pass the omnibus legislation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A daylong debate on the House floor allowed for private negotiations to continue, ahead of a crucial procedural vote on rules that would be the last step before a final vote. But it was unclear whether the expressions of frustration and doubt Wednesday amounted to performance art in anticipation of the bill's inevitable passage, or signaled a genuine threat to the bill. Earlier Wednesday, after taking meetings at the White House, members of the House Freedom Caucus, a bloc founded to promote fiscal responsibility, also met with Johnson. The speaker emerged with a message of tempered optimism and later said he was hoping to secure a final vote Wednesday night. Read more: How Trump's big budget bill would jump-start his immigration agenda "I feel very positive about the progress, we've had lots of great conversations," Johnson told reporters, "but we can't make everyone 100% happy. It's impossible." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This is a deliberative body. It's a legislative process by definition all of us have to give up on personal preferences," he said. "I'm never going to ask anyone to compromise core principles, but preferences must be yielded for the greater good. And that's what I think people are recognizing and coming to grips with." Rep. Chip Roy of Texas, a member of the Freedom Caucus, had been highly critical of the Senate legislation. But he signaled an openness Wednesday afternoon to vote in favor of the bill, an indication that passage could be imminent. Democrats are out of power across Washington and have no ability to stop the legislation. But many believe it could backfire on Republicans in the midterm elections next year. "Every single Senate Republican is going to have to answer for these cruel and unpopular cuts this election," Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand of New York said after the bill passed the Senate. "This is putting their majority at serious risk." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump says the legislation encompasses his entire domestic agenda, extending tax cuts passed during his first term in 2017 and beefing up funding for border security, mass deportations and the Defense Department. Cuts to Medicaid, as well as to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, better known as SNAP, are intended to offset a fraction of the costs. But the CBO still estimates the legislation will add $3.3 trillion to the national debt over the next decade, and hundreds of billions to the deficit, with other nonprofit budget trackers forecasting even higher figures. 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. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) A bill in the Oregon legislature aiming to deter federal overreach in National Guard deployments failed to pass before the end of the legislative session on Friday leaving concerns among Democrats for emergency preparedness in the state. Under House Bill 3954 the Adjutant General who oversees the Oregon National Guard would be banned from authorizing any deployment that compromises the Oregon National Guards ability to respond to in-state emergencies, such as wildfires, earthquakes and other public safety threats. The bill would have also clarified situations when the Oregon National Guard can be federally deployed, including when authorized by Congress or if war is declared. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Outdoor paradise: CNN names this Oregon town among best to visit in 2025 The bill was led by several Democrats including Representatives Paul Evans (D-Monmouth), Willy Chotzen (D-SE Portland) and Dacia Grayber (D-SW Portland), who said they introduced the bill to help Oregon prepare for emergencies and in response to the federal deployment of troops in Los Angeles amid protests over immigration enforcement raids. While the bill passed the House, the three Democrats blamed Republicans for the bills demise in a June 26 press release after a procedural move led by Senators Daniel Bonham (R-The Dalles) and Cedric Hayden (R-Fall Creek), that blocked the bill from heading to the Senate floor for a vote. Its clear this president doesnt know or wont follow federal law. We have to put this into federal statutes to make him follow the law in Oregon, said Rep. Evans. Ive been in enough disaster zones to know what happens when everyones running around with no plan. Its a damn mess. If we dont get our act together now with someone actually in charge, well be digging ourselves out with a spoon when the next wildfire hits us. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Eye on Northwest Politics Oregonians rely on the National Guard when disaster strikeswhether its a wildfire, a flood, or an earthquake, Rep. Grayber added. We brought forward a common-sense solution, and Senate Republicans chose politics over public safety. This bill was about protecting Oregonians and asserting our right to control the emergency resources we depend on, said Rep. Chotzen. We cant afford to lose life-saving support to politically-motivated federal mobilizations. Im disappointed to see Senate Republicans use their platform to enable President Trump instead of protecting Oregonians. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, a spokesperson for the Senate Republican Office told KOIN 6 News on Wednesday, the bill was not a serious attempt to improve emergency response readiness. It was a political statement targeting President Trump. That intent was clear from the bills language and the public rhetoric surrounding it. Senate Republicans saw through it and responded accordingly. Pacific Northwest lawmakers react to Trump budget bill passing US Senate According to the spokesperson, the Senate Republican Office raised legal and operational concerns with the legislatures nonpartisan Legislative Counsel. Those questions included whether states could limit federalization of their National Guard units, and whether the Oregon bill would conflict with federal laws. The spokesperson said the Republican office is also awaiting responses from the Oregon National Guard on operational impacts the bill would have had, including how the bill would affect dual state-federal mission readiness, leadership stability and coordination with federal partners. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These are not hypothetical concerns. Oregon is already short hundreds of Guard members. The last thing we should be doing is adding legal uncertainty and administrative hurdles that could undermine readiness, jeopardize federal support, or politicize the Guards mission, the Senate Republican spokesperson said. Goodbye, Nordstrom. Hello, Lloyd Center music venue The bill comes amid staffing concerns in the Oregon National Guard and how those staffing levels could impact the states emergency preparedness, as noted by Rep. Evans during the bills hearings. A spokesperson for the Oregon Military Department which oversees the Oregon National Guard told KOIN 6 News even though the Oregon legislature approved bonus initiatives this session to increase recruitment, the Oregon National Guard still faces staffing concerns. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are on track to increase strength by 2% by the end of the fiscal year, but with that we may still be short approximately 1,300 Guard members to meet authorized strength, Lt. Col. Stephen S. Bomar told KOIN 6. We have an authorized total of approximately 8,100 total Guard members roughly 5,800 Army and 2,300 Air. Oregon Army National Guard being the bulk of the shortfall. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. WASHINGTON A massive domestic policy package cleared a key hurdle in the House after an hourslong standoff with Republican holdouts, setting up a vote on final passage early Thursday morning. The procedural "rule" vote was 219-213, with one Republican, Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania, joining all Democrats in opposition. At one point, five Republicans had voted "no" on the rule, while eight others did not vote, but Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., managed to sway them overnight. If the House passes the Senate-approved bill, it would head to President Donald Trump's desk for his signature. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There was just a lot of patience and listening to everyones concerns and making sure that their, their concerns were addressed, Johnson told reporters. Johnson and Trump launched a full-court press Wednesday to muscle the bill through the narrowly divided House, where Republicans can afford just three defections. Trump, who held meetings with and made phone calls to the party's holdouts throughout the day, sought to ramp up the pressure with a post-midnight Truth Social post. "What are the Republicans waiting for??? What are you trying to prove??? MAGA IS NOT HAPPY, AND ITS COSTING YOU VOTES!!!" he wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Initially, GOP Reps. Andrew Clyde of Georgia, Keith Self of Texas, Victoria Spatz of Indiana and Thomas Massie of Kentucky cast "no" votes against the rule. All but Fitzpatrick changed their stance after Johnson vowed to keep the vote open for "as long as it takes" to secure enough support. Earlier Wednesday, GOP leaders kept a separate procedural vote open for more than seven hours a record in the House and sent lawmakers back to their offices as talks continued. Democrats have been unified in their opposition to the bill, but have no leverage to stop its passage. Still, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., delayed the final vote with a record-long speech that began just before 5 a.m. on Thursday and continued for over eight hours. "Its not just a hypothetical," he said. "Its not just hyperbole. Its not just hype. It will happen. Everyday Americans will be hurt by the one big, ugly bill." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Follow live updates The House was scheduled to be on recess this week, but Johnson called members back to Washington to vote on the bill and meet Trump's imposed July 4 deadline for passage. Trump can sign it into law after the House passes it. On Wednesday morning, Johnson privately huddled just off Capitol Hill with members of the hard-line House Freedom Caucus, who are demanding deeper spending cuts. At the White House, Trump was hosting multiple meetings with holdouts and on-the-fence members, including members of the Freedom Caucus and the center-right Republican Main Street Caucus and Republican Governance Group. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Later Wednesday, Freedom Caucus members and their allies gathered behind closed doors at the Capitol to discuss what they had heard from Trump. And there were indications the holdouts were beginning to soften their opposition. "I always hear these reports about [Trump] raising his voice and cussing people, and it was nothing like that," said Rep. Tim Burchett, R-Tenn., one of the conservative holdouts. "I wouldn't mind if my daughter had been in the room with us." Another holdout, Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., called it a "good meeting" with Trump and said they "found out a lot of new information." And Rep. Warren Davidson, R-Ohio, who was one of two Republicans to vote against the House's original version of the "big, beautiful bill" in May, said Wednesday he would support the revised version. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Within hours of its narrowly passing the Senate on Tuesday, House Republicans advanced the bill through the Rules Committee in a 7-6 vote, with Norman and Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, voting "no" because of concerns that it would add to the debt. The legislation would extend the tax cuts Trump signed into law in 2017 while boosting funding for immigration enforcement and the military. It would also make significant cuts to Medicaid, food stamps and clean energy funding while raising the debt limit by $5 trillion. The Senate-passed bill would add $3.3 trillion to the national debt over 10 years, according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, which found that the loss of revenue from tax cuts would outstrip the spending cuts in the legislation. Several House conservatives complained that the spending cuts were insufficient after the shrinking in the Senate package. They raged against the fact that various provisions were stripped out because of budget rules in the Senate, including immigration-related restrictions they strongly support. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Freedom Caucus leaders circulated a document Wednesday trashing the Senate bill for increasing the deficit and not going far enough on clean energy and Medicaid, among other grievances relative to the House-passed bill. But many of the House Republican holdouts have developed track records of folding and voting in alignment with Trump when the pressure is on them. GOP leaders are counting on them to do so again. One House Republican said conservatives in the Freedom Caucus used to get political cover from groups like the Club for Growth but that Trump has scrambled the calculus on the right. The Club for Growth is backing the bill, and conservative figures in Trumps inner circle, like Russell Vought and Stephen Miller, are some of the loudest cheerleaders for the package. Freedom Caucus members have no cover if they vote no, the lawmaker said Wednesday. Whos going to protect them from Trump? Thomas Massie? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has been in a bitter feud with the Massie, a conservative Republican congressman from Kentucky, threatening to recruit a primary challenger against him after he was one of just two Republicans to vote against the bill in the House in May. Massie, who walks around Capitol Hill wearing a live debt clock, has railed against the legislation and said it would make the deficit worse. And politically vulnerable Republicans were unhappy with the more aggressive Medicaid cuts in the Senate bill, along with a series of clean energy funding rollbacks that they warned against. On the Capitol steps Wednesday morning, Democrats blasted the legislation as a massive tax cut for the wealthiest Americans, paid for by slashing programs that help the working class. "It is the cruelest bill that I've ever seen in my tenure in the House of Representatives," said Rep. Frank Pallone, D-N.J., the ranking member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, who has been in the House since 1988. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com A court has approved the $305m sale of 23andMes assets to a nonprofit led by its former CEO Anne Wojcicki, effectively putting her back in control of the bankrupt genetics company. Regeneron initially acquired 23andMe for $256m, yet nonprofit TTAM Research Institute subsequently swooped in with a larger $305m bid for the company. Under the sale, TTAM will acquire all 23andMes assets, including its Personal Genome Service (PGS) and Research Services business lines, as well as Lemonaid Health business. Wojcicki said: I am thrilled that TTAM will be able to build on the mission of 23andMe to help people access, understand and benefit from the human genome. As a non-profit, TTAM will be a champion of improving our knowledge of DNA the code of life for the public good, creating a resource to advance human health globally. 23andMe once had a market cap of around $6bn. However, compounding factors in recent years, including a cyber breach in 2023 that led to significant legal issues, and difficulties in articulating a sustainable business model for the company, resulted in its value dipping to around $100m as its cash flows ran dry. In January, 23andMe revealed that it was weighing future directions for the company in addition to a sale such as restructuring, asset sales and licensing. The notice was issued soon after the company reported weak Q3 results for the 2025 fiscal year, indicating that it only had around $80m in cash reserves. As the company floundered, 23andMes board repudiated Wojcickis multiple attempts to take the company private. In March 2025, 23andMe filed for bankruptcy and Wojcicki resigned. 23andMe's board chair Mark Jensen said: "This approval marks a significant milestone in our court proceedings and solidifies the path forward to ensure that 23andMes founding mission of helping people access, understand and gain health benefits through greater understanding of the human genome lives on globally. We remain focused on completing the steps necessary to finalise the transaction in the weeks ahead so the company can move into its next chapter as a non-profit." "Former 23andMe CEO regains company control as $305m sale to nonprofit approved" was originally created and published by Medical Device Network, a GlobalData owned brand. Republican lawmakers are slamming the Trump administrations decision to halt some U.S. missile and munitions shipments to Ukraine, warning it risks emboldening Russia at a pivotal point in the war. Republican Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, co-chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus, said he would be aggressively looking into this matter following the White Houses acknowledgment that the Pentagon froze deliveries of critical air defense weapons due to concerns over shrinking U.S. stockpiles. We must build up our own defense industrial base here in the U.S. while simultaneously providing the needed assistance to our allies who are defending their freedom from a brutal invading dictator, the Pennsylvania representative said in a post on X . To not do both is unacceptable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fitzpatrick later requested an emergency briefing from the White House and Pentagon. Lawmakers of varying political stripes called the holdup of weapons approved during the Biden administration a breach of Trumps renewed commitment to Kyiv at last weeks NATO summit, where the president floated selling Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine. POLITICO first reported the news on Tuesday, and since then, Kyiv has summoned a U.S. diplomat to explain the hold . Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas) said he is probing very intensely whether the Pentagons freeze is a breach of Ukraine aid legislation that Congress passed in 2024. He also argued the pause is coming at the wrong time, weakening Trumps efforts to pressure Russian President Vladimir Putin to negotiate a peace deal with Ukraine. If you want to get him to the negotiating table in good faith, you have to put leverage and pressure on him, and that would be Lindsey Graham's economic sanctions and the flow of weapons, McCaul said. If you take the flow of weapons out, yeah, then you're not, you don't have the leverage over Putin to negotiate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democrats who during Trumps first term pressed for his impeachment over holding up money to arm Ukraine to secure information on the dealings of his main Democratic rival, Joe Biden, and his family assailed the aid holdup. But some top lawmakers werent ready to pin the blame on Trump himself. Rather, they singled out senior Pentagon officials who have been skeptics of further aid to Ukraine. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, called out Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Pentagon policy chief Elbridge Colby, a longtime proponent of shifting U.S. military resources away from Ukraine in order to beef up Taiwans defenses. She argued the pause undermines Trumps commitments at NATO and urged Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who is simultaneously serving as White House national security adviser, to enforce a strategy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The Trump administrations mixed messaging is undermining its own agenda to bring Putin to the negotiating table, and this move under Secretary Hegesths leadership will only make a just and lasting peace harder to obtain," Shaheen said in a statement. "Now is not the time for rogue actors undermining our national security interests. Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), a senior Senate Armed Services Committee member, called the rationale behind the freeze fallacious and maybe even disingenuous. He said he and colleagues in both parties were surprised by the news and that Ukrainians will suffer. Theyre going to lose more lives, more people will be maimed and injured more homes, hospitals, schools will be destroyed, he said in an interview. The Russians are not even making a pretense of going after military targets. Other top Republicans were less troubled by reports of the stalled weapons shipments. Rep. Ken Calvert (R-Calif.), who chairs the panel that controls much of the Pentagon budget, said he still needed to examine what munitions Ukraine has in its inventory, but suggested supply concerns might be warranted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think part of it is the supply. So we've been running through a lot of Standard Missiles, the whole Patriot system, Calvert said. The other part of it is that the Europeans are beginning to pick up the slack. I don't know what they have in inventory right now, the Ukrainians. I'll find that out, he said. House Armed Services Chair Mike Rogers (R-Ala.) said he hadnt been informed of a pause on munitions shipments, but he noted the Trump administration has done it several times. I don't know that he paused it for any purpose other than something regular that they do, Rogers said of Trump. I don't have any reason to be upset about it until I learn more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps allies on Capitol Hill defended the move. House Foreign Affairs Chair Brian Mast (R-Fla.) said he hadnt heard of a specific delay but said theres a constant check and balance in terms of what gets sent to Ukraine. You always want to make sure that your supply line is smooth, but if you're constantly making the checks, then it keeps them constantly vigilant, Mast said. If you weren't constantly doing this, then all of a sudden, they're going to get themselves wrapped around the axle when you really do check it. So I think in the end, it makes for a smoother system. Three Senators from President Donald Trumps party joined Democrats in voting against his One Big Beautiful Bill, which narrowly passed the upper chamber on Tuesday with a tie-breaking vote from Vice President J.D. Vance. The billa sweeping tax and spending package that includes additional money for deportation efforts, steep cuts to funding for Medicaid, and tax exemptions for tips, among other major provisionsearned the votes of most Republican lawmakers amid pressure from Trump to pass the legislation by his July 4 deadline. It now returns to the House, which passed its own version in May. But the package has faced concerns from some Republicans over its proposed funding cuts to Medicaid, which serves more than 70 million Americans, and what it would mean for government spending. A report by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) indicated that the legislation would add more than $3.9 trillion to the national debt, despite the White Houses assertions that it would reduce the deficit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senators Thom Tillis of North Carolina, Susan Collins of Maine, and Rand Paul of Kentucky ultimately broke ranks with their fellow Republicans in spite of Trumps threats to campaign against lawmakers who voted against the bill. I will always do what is in the best interest of North Carolina, even when that puts me at odds with my own party, Tillis said in a Monday statement. I cannot support this bill in its current form. It would result in tens of billions of dollars in lost funding for North Carolina, including our hospitals and rural communities. Speaking to reporters on Tuesday outside of Floridas Alligator Alcatraz migrant detention center, Trump said he believed the bill would pass the House with ease. Here are the three Senators that voted against the bill. Thom Tillis Sen. Tilliss vote against the Big Beautiful Bill followed an impassioned floor speech on Sunday in which he spoke against the Medicaid cuts in the bill, which he said would affect hundreds of thousands of North Carolina residents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What do I tell 663,000 people in two years or three years, when President Trump breaks his promise by pushing them off of Medicaid because the fundings not there anymore, guys? I think the people in the White House advising the President are not telling him that the effect of this bill is to break a promise, Tillis said. The CBO found in a report released Saturday that the legislation could cause nearly 12 million adults to lose health insurance over the next decade due to its reductions of hundreds of billions of dollars in Medicaids funding. Tillis said at the time that he would vote against the legislation unless his concerns were addressed. In a statement on Sunday, he again pointed to the cuts even as he praised other parts of the bill. There is a lot for North Carolinians to love about the rest of the One Big Beautiful Bill, including extending historic funding for border security, and ending wasteful spending, he said. We can and must accomplish this without hurting our rural communities and hospitals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tilliss opposition to the bill has not come without a cost. Trump threatened on Sunday to meet with other candidates who would primary Tillis in the upcoming Senate race and claimed in a Truth Social post that the Senator has hurt the great people of North Carolina. Tillis is a talker and complainer, NOT A DOER! Trump said, before calling the Senator worse than Rand Fauci Paul!, referencing U.S. infectious disease expert Dr. Anthony Fauci, who drew Trump and Republicans ire amid the COVID-19 pandemic, to attack another critic of the legislation. Tillis announced his retirement that same day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Washington over the last few years, its become increasingly evident that leaders who are willing to embrace bipartisanship, compromise, and demonstrate independent thinking are becoming an endangered species, Tillis said. When people see independent thinking on the other side, they cheer. But when those very same people see independent thinking coming from their side, they scorn, ostracize, and even censure them. Read More: What to Know About Senator Thom Tillis as Republican Trump Critic Announces Retirement Susan Collins Sen. Collins similarly pointed to concerns about the Medicaid cuts in the bill as a driving force for her decision to vote against it. Some 400,000 Mainers depend on the health insurance program, according to the Senator. I strongly support extending the tax relief for families and small businesses, said Collins in a Tuesday statement. My vote against this bill stems primarily from the harmful impact it will have on Medicaid, affecting low-income families and rural health care providers like our hospitals and nursing homes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the bill includes a special fund proposed by Collins that would provide some financial support for rural hospitals, she said that inclusion was insufficient to offset the damages the legislation would impose on Medicaid. Rand Paul Sen. Paul also cast a no vote, citing concerns about how the bill would increase the national deficit, which currently stands at $1.36 trillion. Paul said Tuesday that he met with the Vice President and offered to vote for the bill if it included a 90% reduction in the debt ceiling. I offered my vote for fiscal sanity. Congress chose to sell out taxpayers instead. Only once the bill is released, we will know what the true price was, Paul wrote on X after the vote. Contact us at letters@time.com. Researches hope to find evidence that will put to rest one of modern history's most enduring mysteries: what happened to legendary pilot Amelia Earhart? On Wednesday, researchers at Purdue University announced a new expedition that hopes to find some material evidence of Earhart's airplane. Using satellite imagery, the researchers have identified a spot on the tiny, remote island of Nikumaroro in Kirabati which they believe may be the final resting place of Earhart's plane, according to NBC News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The expedition was announced on July 2, exactly 88 years after Earhart and navigator Fred Noonan disappeared during their famed attempt to circumnavigate the world in her airplane. Earhart worked for Purdue University, and the institute helped to fund her historic, if tragic, final flight. Purdue said it plans to send a team in November to examine the site and, hopefully, find evidence of her Lockheed Electra 10E airplane. New research from Purdue Research Foundation and Archaeological Legacy Institute could help find Amerila Earhart's missing plane. (Purdue Research Foundation / Archaeological Legacy Institute 2025) We believe we owe it to Amelia and her legacy at Purdue to fulfill her wishes, if possible, to bring the Electra back to Purdue, Steve Schultz, Purdues general counsel, said in a statement. The satellite photo fueling the new expedition was captured in 2015, just one year after a powerful tropical cyclone shifted the sands at the island, potentially revealing the plane, according to Richard Pettigrew, the executive director of the nonprofit Archaeological Legacy Institute in Oregon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pettigrew took the satellite imagery to Purdue, which kickstarted the upcoming expedition. According to Pettigrew, the size and composition of the object matches parts of Earhart's plane, and the island's location is close to Earhart's planned flight path, and almost exactly where four of her last radio calls for help originated. It satisfies all the criteria, he said. Everything fits. Ths satellite photo was captured in 2015, a year after an intense tropical cyclone shifted the sand, potentially reveals her plane, researchers say. (Purdue Research Foundation / Archaeological Legacy Institute 2025) Earhart's disappearance was a tragic final act after a decade of newspaper and radio stories documenting her record-setting flights. On June 17, 1928, at the age of 30, she became the first woman to pilot a plane a bright red Lockheed Vega 5B, which she called "old Bessie, the fire steed" across the Atlantic. The endeavor made headlines across the nation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Later, she became the first person to complete a solo flight across the Pacific, traveling from California to the Hawaiian islands in 1934. Earhart was initially treated as an aviation oddity due to her gender; news reports at the time called her the first "girl" to fly across the Atlantic, and another referred to her as an "aviatrix. But as she continued to prove her prowess in the cockpit, she gained notoriety as a great pilot, rather than as a curious outlier. Even still, she used her growing prominence to push for equality in the skies; in an interview with the Evening Star in 1929, Earhart pleaded with the public to "give women a chance in the air." The plane Amelia Earhart flew in her trans-Atlantic flight which she called old Bessie, the fire steed is seen at the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C. (AP2010) "Women can qualify in the air as in any other sport. Their influence and approval are vital to the success of commercial aviation," she said at the time. "Women and girls write to me by the thousands to learn the truth about aviation and what women's chances are. There is nothing in women's make-up which would make her inferior to a man as an air pilot. The only barrier to her swift success is her lack of opportunity to receive proper training." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After numerous successful and record-setting flights in the late 20s and early 30s, Earhart set her sights on a new goal: becoming the first woman to circumnavigate the planet in an aircraft. Following her disappearance, the public remained somewhat hopeful that she would be found to fly again another day. But, after a two-month search that turned up no trace of her or Noonan, the pair were presumed dead. Pettigrew has been trying to find the remains of Earhart's flight for years. He has visited Nikumaroro, and said that a period-appropriate medical vial and American-made tool were found on the island, suggesting someone from the West perhaps Earhart had been on the island in some capacity around the time of her disappearance. American aviator Amelia Earhart is surrounded by a crowd of wellwishers and press on arrival at Hanworth airfield after crossing the Atlantic. (Getty) According to National Geographic, four forensic dogs and a team of archaeologists with the International Group for Historic Aircraft Recovery traveled to the island in 2017. During that trip, the dogs reportedly detected the scent of human remains, though none were actually found. No one lives on Nikumaroro, and there is scant evidence of there ever being continuous inhabitation on the island. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two years later, famed ocean explorer Robert Ballard led an expedition to locate Earhart's plane or evidence that it had landed on the island. After days of searching both the island's cliffs and the surrounding waters, Ballard found no evidence of a wreck on the island. "We felt like if her plane was there, we would have found it pretty early in the expedition," Allison Fundis, Ballard's chief operating officer for the expedition, told The New York Times. The Executive Director of the International Group for Historic Aircraft Recovery, Richard Gillespie said he doubts the Purdue expedition will turn up any evidence of Earhart's plane on their upcoming expedition. Weve looked there in that spot, and theres nothing there, he told NBC News. The Pacific island of Nikumaroro, an uninhabited coral atoll that researchers believe the wreckage of Amelia Earhart's plane could be near (Reuters) Gillespie has launched a dozen expeditions over the last 35 years searching for Earhart, including searches of Nikumaroro. He said the satellite image guiding the Purdue expedition shows an overturned coconut palm tree with a root ball that had been washed up by a storm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I understand the desire to find a piece of Amelia Earharts airplane. God knows weve tried, he said. But the data, the facts, do not support the hypothesis. Its as simple as that. Despite his skepticism, Purdue will undertake the expedition regardless. The Purdue Research Foundation has extended a credit line of $500,000 to the first phase of the expedition, according to Shultz. The expedition members will depart in November and spend six days traveling to reach Nikumaroro. From there, they'll have five days on the island to investigate the object from the satellite imagery and determine whether or not it is evidence of Earhart's missing plane. If we hopefully solve the mystery and confirm that it is, then there will be further efforts to bring it back, hopefully to a permanent home, Schultz said. Scientists in Madagascar just made an exciting find that's giving conservationists a lot of hope. According to Mongabay, a team of researchers found three chameleons of a highly endangered species. Photo Credit: Reddit The chameleon, called the Belalanda chameleon (Furcifer belalandaensis), was only known to live in a small patch of forest near a village called Belalanda. That area is under serious threat from farming, wildfires, and a big mining project. So, when scientists spotted three of these rare lizards about 3 miles away, it was a big deal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Finding these three individuals [at a new location] is already a good sign that the species still exists," Hajaniaina Rasoloarison, one of the scientists who spotted the chameleon, told Mongabay. "We still need to determine its population size so that we can implement temporary conservation measures." Not only does this sighting expand our understanding of where the chameleon lives, but it also gives conservation teams new areas to focus on. And when a species like this shows up unexpectedly, it can be a sign that local ecosystems are doing better than expected, which is a huge deal. Why? Well, because healthy forests don't just help wildlife, they also support local communities with cleaner air, stronger protection against extreme weather, and healthier water sources. It's all connected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The team is now working on counting how many are left, figuring out how to keep their habitat safe, and possibly even starting a captive breeding program. Even small discoveries can carry big meaning, and this is why finding an endangered species in the wild is not only exciting, but it's also a powerful reminder that nature still holds surprises and that not all hope is lost. These moments show us that some species are hanging on and that our efforts to protect them matter. Do you think America does a good job of protecting its natural beauty? Definitely Only in some areas No way I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. Protecting crops just got a bit simpler, thanks to researchers at the University of Kansas who have designed a web-based app called the Sentinel GreenReport Plus. The app provides free satellite monitoring of crops and vegetation across the United States, along with image analysis. According to Phys.org, the public-service tool gives users the most current insights into changes in land cover and vegetation greenness. So far, the app has been utilized to track the recovery of vegetation after disasters and assess drought damage. Researchers who created the app also explained that people can use it to determine how damaged crops are after extreme weather events. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dana Peterson, a senior research associate with Kansas Applied Remote Sensing, said in a summary published on Phys.org, "We've also looked at some of the burn events and wildfires. You can look at how the vegetation has been damaged and to what extent and severity." Farmers can utilize the Sentinel GreenReport Plus to see how successful their crops are and monitor their health. The Sentinel GreenReport Plus isn't the first of its kind. In 1996, scientists introduced the classic GreenReport with the support of NASA, which relied on MODIS satellite imagery. However, the Sentinel GreenReport Plus relies on Sentinel-2 satellite imagery, which means its spatial resolution is significantly higher than that of the classic GreenReport. It's an exciting development in the world of agriculture. Not only will the Sentinel GreenReport Plus enable producers, governments, and individuals to keep a closer eye on how crops are faring in higher temperatures and more extreme weather, but it also contributes to the overall sustainability goal of cleaning up the agricultural industry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Being able to track the results of a changing climate on crops may encourage those in the agricultural industry to take a firmer stance on curbing the pollution that causes crop-damaging events. This would result in easier growing, increased food security, and fewer health issues for people in farming communities. As noted in the Phys.org summary, Peterson explained that the app could represent, "a better way to understand the interplay of climate and vegetation. Users can visualize trends, generate crop-specific charts and download outputs to support reports, presentations and further analysis." The Sentinel GreenReport Plus is available for use online and is fairly simple. It comes with detailed instructions on how to find the information you're looking for, and you can even compare the Sentinel GreenReport Plus with the Sentinel GreenReport. Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more and waste less, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. HOLT, Mich. (WLNS) People living at a duplex in Holt are demanding action, saying their landlord knowingly rented them a mold-filled home. After moving into the duplex this past April, Akyia Brown thought it would be a fresh start for her and her three-year-old daughter until she noticed her daughter was starting to get sick. The duplex. (WLNS) Weve been in and out of the pediatrician, urgent care, the hospitals for double ear infections, upper respiratory issues, wheezing throughout the night, said Brown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brown says she made a shocking discovery after a phone call with a previous tenant, who reported that her kids were also sick due to mold in the home. She heard my daughter coughing in the background, really, really bad, and then she ended up telling me like, Hey, did you know that there was mold, or previous mold there? said Brown. Thats when Brown began ripping up some carpets and discovered the mold. Pulling all the carpet up, all I see is black, black strips on the tack. Black mold everywhere, said Brown. (WLNS) Thats when she contacted her landlord and tested for mold herself. Brown says the results came back positive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Erica Nelson, Browns neighbor, lives in the top portion of the duplex and says she also has a mold problem that has impacted her health, and that the landlord is not taking it seriously. I put in a request for the mold, and she cancelled it, said Nelson. Me and my cats health is at risk, because I cant afford to move out. The cancelled request. (Erica Nelson) According to the Michigan Department of Community Health, there are no laws about mold, but there are building and public health codes to ensure that everyone has safe and healthy housing. Brown says she has since moved out because of the mold issues and is taking legal action. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 6 News has reached out to the landlord and the property management company DPMG Prime, but we have not yet heard back from either. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Residents at northeast apartments fear for safety amid string of incidents Residents of Platform Lofts in northeast Charlotte are expressing concerns over safety following a series of incidents, including a fatal shooting and multiple thefts. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department has responded to the apartment complex on North Tryon Street eight times in the past month. This includes a recent incident where a 15-year-old was shot and killed inside the building. READ MORE: 15-year-old killed in northeast Charlotte shooting Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I just lost a whole lot of money in my car, said Brandon Decker, a tenant at Platform Lofts, who reported that $10,000 was stolen from his vehicle. I can barely make rent. Im only getting a disabled check once a month, and that only covers the bills. The apartment complex, located near MLK Junior Middle School, has been the site of increasing criminal activity, leading to heightened concerns among residents. Channel Nine reported on the shooting incident last week, which has added to the anxiety of the community. Representatives with Platform Lofts released a statement regarding the recent shooting, saying: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are heartbroken by the recent tragedy and offer our deepest sympathies to the victims family and all those affected by this event. Our residents safety and well-being remain at the forefront of everything we do. We have built strong, ongoing partnerships with local law enforcement, including the North Tryon Division, and will continue to collaborate closely, as this is an ongoing investigation. VIDEO: 2 fatally shot in southeast Charlotte LAS VEGAS (KLAS) Buffalo Bills Resort and Casino, located in Primm along the Nevada-California border, is shifting its 24/7 operations to Primm Valley Resort and Casino, the company announced Tuesday. The shift is in an effort to deliver the best possible experience for todays guest expectations, Primm Valley Casino Resorts said in a statement. While its 24/7 operations are shifting, Buffalo Bills is set to continue to host concerts and special events, and its fall show lineup at the Star of the Desert Arena will be announced soon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Primm Valley Casino Resorts statement read in full: In order to deliver the best possible experience for todays guest expectations, Buffalo Bills will be shifting its 24/7 operations to Primm Valley Resort & Casino. We invite our guests to join us at Primm Valley, where they will find the newest slots on our redesigned casino floor, beautifully appointed rooms, oasis pool experience, and wonderful dining! Buffalo Bills will continue to be home for exciting concerts and special events. We will be announcing an incredible fall show lineup at the Star Desert Arena soon. We thank our guests for their ongoing support and look forward to serving them for years to come. Primm Valley Casino Resorts Casinos shutdown on Nevada-California border to last at least 2 years, possibly 3 On December 18, 2024, Whiskey Petes, also located in Primm, closed its doors, and in March was approved for a two-year closure on that date, ending on December 18, 2026. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. DANIELS, WV (WVNS) Event organizers with the Resort at Glade Springs have invited members of the community to celebrate the Independence Day weekend in style with Glades annual Fun Fair event. The Fun Fair event, set to kick off on July 5, 2025, will feature swimming, kids activities, a live DJ, and for the first time an Independence Day car show. Historic Hinton pilot to receive a spot among Mountain State royalty in West Virginia Hall of Fame Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Creative Director with The Resort at Glade Springs, Ashley Long told 59News the annual fair is just one of the ways Glade can connect with the local community each year. This is probably our biggest community event that we do, said Long. It is very important to us to have these community-style events here at Glade with our residents and surrounding communities to just come together and have a nice family style event. If you are on the lookout for more to do at the resort this weekend you are in luck, as Glade will also be hosting its Yacht Rock Party at Bunkers on Friday and Star Spangled Pickleball Slam event. Tickets for Fourth of July weekend events at The Resort at Glade Springs are available for purchase at The Resort at Glade Springs website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WVNS. Do you think social housing should be reserved for low-income families? Tell us your views money@telegraph.co.uk Almost 130,000 households in taxpayer-subsidised homes are among the top earners in the country, Telegraph analysis shows. Official figures reveal that 3.2pc of those renting from local authorities and housing associations earned at least 71,344 last year. It represents approximately 128,000 of the four million social housing households in England between 2023 and 2024. Some 315,000 were found to earn at least 46,176 a year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The average household income in the UK is 55,000 per year, according to the most recent government data. There were 1.3 million households awaiting a social housing placement as of March 2024, up 3pc in a year and the highest it has been since 2014. The figures, published in the annual English Housing Survey, an official data bank, suggest the proportion of social housing households on the highest incomes has grown in recent years. Between 2015 and 2016, the research placed 2.7pc of social housing renters in the top group of earners this figure has now climbed to 3.2pc. Kevin Hollinrake, the shadow housing secretary, said: With over a million households on the social housing waiting list, its impossible to justify high earners remaining in taxpayer-subsidised homes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Government subsidies should be focused on those in greatest need. Social housing exists as a safety net, and resources should be targeted at the poorest to ensure the system remains fair and effective. Between 2023 to 2024, social housing tenants paid 55pc of the weekly median market rate of a property in England, according to official figures. In London, weekly social housing rents are 40pc of those paid by private renters. Weekly median social housing rent in England was 107 last year, while private renters paid 196. In London, prices were 346 a week and 140 a week respectively. A household earning 71,344 a year would therefore spend around 11pc of their take-home pay on an average social housing rent in England. If they were in the private rental sector, they would spend almost double, 20pc, on rent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Today, the vast majority of households in social housing were in the lowest category of earners in the country. Just over 47pc of social housing households earned as little as 76 a week, while 27.6pc earned at least 360 a week. Applicants for taxpayer-subsidised housing must provide details of their income when applying to live in a property, but are not typically disqualified from living there if they earn more later. Critics have long argued the loophole means those who need social housing are kept waiting for longer, currently seven years on average for a family-sized home in England, according to the National Housing Federation, while top earners keep hold of the cheaper housing. 0207 Social housing waiting list surges Lifetime tenancies, also known as secure housing placements, are offered as the default by almost all local authorities after a botched Tory bid to scrap them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2012, a coalition government gave local authorities the discretion to not offer lifetime tenancies. However, take-up among councils was low. The Conservatives went further by trying to scrap them altogether in 2015, but eventually shelved the plans. So-called Pay to Stay rules, that would have seen higher earners pay more to continue living in social housing, were also proposed by former chancellor, George Osborne, in 2016, but were never enforced. Secure tenancies remain the predominant form of council housing today. Lifetime tenancies made up 89.9pc of new council lettings in the year ending March 2024, according to official figures. A government spokesman said: It is up to individual councils to make housing decisions based on peoples needs but higher earning tenants make up just 3pc of the overall social housing population. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our focus is on taking action to deliver our stretching target of 1.5 million homes, including the biggest boost to affordable and social housing in a generation backed by 39bn to tackle the housing crisis weve inherited head on and give more families a safe, secure home. A spokesman for the Local Government Association, which represents UK councils, said: We are facing a housing crisis, and councils need to be empowered to build more affordable, good quality homes quickly and at scale. Individual council have policies on how to allocate social housing. These are in line with priority need and relevant legislation, and response to changes in circumstance are for individual authorities to outline in their housing policies. 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. Fox Brothers Holdings (Fox Group) has announced the acquisition of J Fisher & Sons (Fishers), a company engaged in heavy haulage, road planing, and asphalt reprocessing in the UK, to boost its circular construction materials business. Effective last month, this acquisition aligns with the Fox Group's strategy to transform into a fully integrated materials provider, offering sustainable solutions to the construction sector. This takeover is the first by the Fox Group since its acquisition by Stellex Capital Management in September 2024. The move supports the company's strategy to drive both organic and inorganic growth. Fishers annually manages more than 200,000 tonnes of recycled asphalt planings (RAPs), which is expected to create synergies for the Fox Group. The acquisition will enable the Fox Group to incorporate RAPs into its asphalt production process, with the new 4m ($5.48m) Leyland Asphalt plant set to open next month. Fox Group CEO Paul Fox said: This is an extremely exciting time for the company and this acquisition will further broaden our circular offering to customers bringing our annual use of recycled products to circa two million tonnes. Fishers has a strong management team, and we welcome them and their colleagues as we continue with our expansion plans. Hill Dickinson acted as legal counsel for the Fox Group, with Close Brothers providing financial support. Meanwhile, Interpath advised Fishers on the sale, and Butcher Barlow served as its legal counsel. Fishers director Colin Fisher said: Joining the Fox Group will enable us to work with their expansive network and resources, providing significant opportunity to grow and meet the increasing demand for RAP. The support and partnership from the team at the Fox Group will help further our mission to drive circularity and sustainability throughout our business. The companies have not formally disclosed the financial terms of the deal. "Fox Group boosts circular construction business with Fishers acquisition" was originally created and published by World Construction Network, a GlobalData owned brand. OWENSBORO, Ky. (WEHT) In Owensboro, theres now increased accessibility for those who attend and help with shows at the RiverPark Center. Its all thanks to a grant awarded by the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels. For years, the RiverPark Center has been a hub for the arts, but theyre taking steps to make it more inclusive. The centers Director of Development says the average age of their volunteer years is around 70-years-old. In addition, artists and entertainers who show up at the center often have trouble moving equipment in and out of the building on their own. Officials say the buildings back doors will soon be turned into an automatic doorway. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Crews at scene of flipped vehicle in Henderson The grant Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels awarded $2.5 million to over 300 Kentucky non-profits this year. The center received $8,000 for their portion. The Director of Development, Jennifer Richardson, says that money will help cover around half of the cost of installation, and theyll raise the rest themselves. How the grant works is theyll be reimbursed up to that amount once construction is complete. Richardson says installation will begin this month. If youre not real strong and cant get them open, you would have to wait for somebody or walk all the way around the building. We want to eliminate those barriers wherever we can, says Richardson. The goal is to have everything completed by the end of August. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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). VERMONT (ABC22/FOX44) -As Vermonters celebrate Independence Day across the state, many areas will likely see traffic, delays and road closures. Montpelier is among the cities to experience road closures one day before Independence Day on July 3. Celebrations, including a race, parade, and fireworks display, will take place in various parts on the city. Vermont Air National Guard to fly over much of the state for July 4 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Closures include the following areas at these times: 12:00 p.m. State Street from Taylor Street to Bailey Avenue closed for the rest of the afternoon and evening 3:00 p.m. Langdon Street closes until 11:00 p.m. 5:40 p.m. State Street to the bridge and Main Street to the roundabout at Spring Street 6:15 p.m. State Street, Main Street, Spring Street, Summer Street, and parts of Elm Street closed for the parade. Except for the area of State Street mentioned above, these areas will reopen when the parade ends, about 7:30 p.m. In Burlington, where the annual celebration will take place on July 3 at Waterfront Park, Main Street will be closed to car traffic all evening, with only buses allowed. The City is recommending people traveling in cars to use Pearl Street and North Avenue to the north, or Shelburne Road to the south. However, they warn of very heavy traffic with long delays. People wanting to avoid traffic entirely can take a bus shuttle ($2 round trip cash or card) from UVMs Patrick Gymnasium. There is also a special train ($25 round trip) leaving from Vergennes at 6:00 p.m. and stopping right by the Waterfront. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Passenger rail return to Vermont took vision, decades Many other cities will have road closures for parades on July 3, 4, and 5, including Williston, Hartland, and Stowe. For those traveling along US 2 in South Hero July 4: you may see heavy traffic and delays, which will also impact ferry traffic. Officials recommend planning accordingly. Traffic will likely begin at 10:00 a.m. and end sometime between 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. For a more complete list of when parades and fireworks are happening later this week, see the list here on our 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 ABC22 & FOX44. PESHAWAR, Pakistan (AP) A roadside bomb struck a vehicle carrying a government administrator in a former stronghold of the Pakistani Taliban, killing at least five officers and wounding 11 others, police said. The bombing occurred Wednesday in Bajaur, a district in northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Among the dead was Assistant Commissioner Faisal Sultan, according to the district police chief. Waqas Rafique said the victims were transported to hospital, where several were listed in critical condition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No one immediately claimed responsibility for the attack, but Rafique said the blame is likely to fall on the Pakistani Taliban. The group, known as Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan or TTP, often targets security forces and civilians in the region and elsewhere in the country. TTP is a close ally of the Afghan Taliban, who seized power in neighboring Afghanistan in August, 2021, as U.S. and NATO troops were in the final stages of their pullout from the country after 20 years of war. Many TTP leaders and fighters have found sanctuary in Afghanistan and have even been living there openly since the Taliban takeover, which also emboldened the Pakistani Taliban. LE MARS, Iowa (KCAU) On Tuesday, Iowa Auditor of State Rob Sand made a stop in Le Mars to talk with residents during a town hall meeting. The room was packed at the visitors center, as folks wanted to hear from the current auditor about why he wants to become governor of Iowa. Story continues below Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over the course of an hour, he spoke about his experiences working in Des Moines, some of his issues with the current Government, as well as answering a range of questions from the audience. While many attendees were from Le Mars, some drove from out of town to hear from Rob Sand. I like to be informed, and I know a little bit about Rob Sand. I didnt know him a lot, and I wanted to get his view on the state of Iowa on some issues that were with Iowa before making an informed decision, said Ted Hallberg, a Le Mars resident. I want to see someone that can bring our state back and include everyone instead of supporting some people and other people, said Gary Davis, a Sioux City resident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After his stop in Le Mars, Rob Sand made his way to another town hall in Cleghorn. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. ROGERS, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) Just days after a Rogers man was arrested for allegedly making fake identification cards, another arrest has been made in the investigation, according to court documents. Felipe Perez-Flores, 50, was arrested on June 20 on charges of nonfinancial identity fraud, first-degree forgery and possession of a forgery device. On June 25, Erabia Giron-Castillo, 41, was arrested on the same charges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The two are named as co-defendants in court documents and Giron-Castillo is listed as Perez-Flores sister-in-law. A probable cause affidavit said that on June 20, Rogers police executed a search warrant on West Gilligan Avenue. Officers found forged state identity cards, social security cards and United States residency cards in plain sight. Rogers man accused of making fake ID cards A cabinet in the hallway was searched and officers found a computer, printer, laminating machine and several forged documents. The affidavit said adhesives, transfer papers, blank ID cards, a stamp cutter and laser printers were found in the master bedroom. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two purses with money inside were found in the bedroom and a safe that contained more than $482,000 was in the bedrooms closet, according to the affidavit. Officers found text messages on Perez-Flores cellphone. One message was allegedly about Giron-Castilllo receiving an identification card for another person. The affidavit said another message talked about Giron-Castillo receiving money for meeting with people to collect and exchange forged documents. Giron-Castillo is being held in the Benton County Detention Center on a $350,000 bond and is set to appear in court on Aug. 4. Perez-Flores is being held on a $500,000 bond and has a court date set for July 28. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. CHIPPEWA FALLS A rural Chippewa Falls man who drove his car into a ditch in February 2022 was sentenced to serve 18 months in prison for his fifth drunk-driving offense. Robert A. Ratajczyk, 62, 8043 Highway 124, was convicted by a Chippewa County jury last Thursday of OWI-fifth offense. It was a one-day trial, and the jury returned with its verdict just 70 minutes after they left the courtroom to begin deliberations. Judge Steve Gibbs then sentenced Ratajczyk on Tuesday, ordering him to serve the 18-month prison sentence, followed by 18 months of extended supervision. While on extended supervision, Ratajczyk cannot consume alcohol, enter taverns, or drive. Ratajczyk must pay $1,704 in court costs and fines, and his drivers license was suspended for three years. He was given credit for two days already served. He also is eligible for a substance abuse program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the criminal complaint, a Wisconsin State Patrol trooper assisted at the scene of a one-vehicle crash on Feb. 9, 2022, on Highway S in the town of Eagle Point. The officer noted that roads were dry and free of ice. A wrecker had pulled the vehicle from the ditch as the officer was arriving. The officer spoke to the driver, Ratajczyk, and the officer observed signs of alcohol use. Ratajczyk failed field sobriety tests, and he tested for a .123 blood-alcohol level. He was arrested and taken to an area hospital. Court records show Ratajczyk was convicted of his fourth drunk-driving offense after a 2009 arrest in Eau Claire County. A Russian drone has attacked a group of firefighters as they were dealing with the aftermath of a Russian strike on the Druzhkivka hromada in Donetsk Oblast, damaging their equipment. [A hromada is an administrative unit designating a village, several villages, or a town, and their adjacent territories ed.] Source: Ukraines State Emergency Service (SES) on Telegram Quote from the SES: "The invaders deployed a drone to deliberately attack emergency workers dealing with the aftermath of an enemy strike on a residential area in the Druzhkivka hromada. Fortunately, no personnel were injured: the firefighters stopped work in time and moved to a safe distance." The damaged fire engine Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Photo: State Emergency Service Details: A fire engine was damaged in the Russian attack, with the blast wave shattering its windows and warping parts of the vehicle body. The damaged fire engine Photo: State Emergency Service Background: Earlier, it was reported that Russian troops had attacked Druzhkivka with drones, injuring three people and damaging at least four houses. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Russia has the capacity to launch as many as 500 Iranian-designed Shahed attack drones at Ukraine in a single attack, but doing so on a daily basis is not possible, Ukraine's military intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov said on July 2, according to Suspilne. In recent weeks, Russia has intensified its drone assaults on Ukrainian cities, often launching hundreds in a single day. The largest aerial attack since the start of the full-scale invasion occurred overnight on June 29, when Moscow launched 477 drones and 60 missiles across Ukraine. "Launching 450500 Shaheds every day it's just not realistic," said Budanov during a ceremony recognizing five Ukrainian intelligence achievements in the national record book, according to public broadcaster Suspilne. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "But unfortunately, they do have the ability to do it periodically. They can realistically launch up to 500 in one strike," Budanov added. Budanov also said Russia is upgrading the capabilities of the Shahed-type drones by improving their CRPA (Controlled Reception Pattern Antenna) systems, which protect the drones from GPS jamming. He noted that Russian engineers are now producing 16-channel CRPA antennas, which are harder to counter electronically. "These antennas are currently produced in Russia, but the engineer who developed this CRPA antenna was here in Ukraine," Budanov said. "Back in the early 2000s, no one here needed it, so the engineer moved to Russia. One (of the two engineers involved in the development) has already died under unclear circumstances. The other is still alive, though probably not for long." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia has used thousands of Shahed-type drones throughout its full-scale invasion to strike Ukrainian cities and infrastructure, often in large overnight waves. Ukrainian air defenses have adapted over time but face growing challenges as Moscow improves drone resilience and electronic warfare capabilities. President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Moscow has launched 28,743 Shahed-type drones at Ukraine since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion. Budanov also said Russia has made unsuccessful attempts to develop its own naval drones. The last known effort came in early June, when experimental models detonated before reaching Ukrainian territorial waters, he said. "They didn't achieve results. Based on our information, they were heading toward the city of Yuzhne, searching for targets," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine has been using domestically developed Magura naval drones to target Russian military assets in the Black Sea, keeping much of Russia's fleet pinned in port. Despite their small size, the unmanned surface vessels have proven effective, including in a May 2 operation when Ukraine's military intelligence used Magura-7 drones armed with air-to-air missiles to shoot down two Russian Su-30 fighter jets near Novorossiysk. It was the first recorded instance of fighter jets being downed by naval drones. Read also: Ukraine shows its latest ship-killer Magura drone series to the public for the first time Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. While both countries have aimed to expand their influence in the Middle East, they have remained silent after the Israel-Iran War. Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke with French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday. The call was initiated by the French side, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Wednesday. "It was the French sides idea," he said. The Russian state media's explanation of the call was light on details about what was discussed. France and Russia both have interests in the Middle East, but its unclear if that was on the agenda. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Currently, there is a general lack of discussion about Russias policy in the Middle East. Similarly, there has been radio silence regarding Chinas role in the region. Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Russian President Vladimir Putin shake hands during the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia October 24, 2024. (credit: ALEXANDER NEMENOV/POOL VIA REUTERS) What happened to Russia and China and their Middle East policies? Over the years, both countries have aimed to expand their influence in the Middle East. This included Russia and China both moving toward closer cooperation with Iran. Tehran and Moscow are strategic partners; Beijing and Tehran have a 25-year deal. They have also conducted joint naval drills with Iran over the past few years. However, Iran recently fought a 12-day war with Israel, and neither China nor Russia appeared particularly interested. Based on Russian state media headlines, Moscow appears particularly focused on Europe and Ukraine. Russia has condemned a recent Ukrainian attack on peaceful cities in Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moscow doesnt seem to be hinting at any kind of peace deal with Kyiv, and doesnt seem very interested in working with the US on an Iran deal. Did the Israeli war on Iran reduce Russias influence in the region? Perhaps. The only Russian TASS state media article focusing on the Middle East on July 2 was a piece about Israels operations in Syria. Israeli troops completed a night-time operation in Syria to apprehend a group of radicals suspected of ties with Iran, TASS reported, citing the IDF. According to an announcement made by the IDF, the Israeli troops conducted a targeted operation in two border areas in southern Syria, while the decision to carry it out was made following intelligence gathered during interrogations over recent weeks. China in the Middle East China also seems to have taken a break from influence peddling in the Middle East. China and Russia have both been focused on the Gulf and other countries in the region in terms of policy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One exception to Beijing's policy is Chinese Premier Li Qiang's upcoming visit to Egypt. Chinas Xinhua news agency says, China looks forward to working with all parties to consolidate the BRICS strategic partnership and hopes Chinese Premier Li Qiang's upcoming visit to Egypt will carry forward the traditional friendship between the two countries, a foreign ministry spokesperson said Wednesday. The report also notes that Premier Li will attend the 17th BRICS Summit upon invitation in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from July 5 to 8. At the invitation of the Prime Minister of Egypt, Mostafa Kamal Madbouly, Li will pay an official visit to Egypt from July 9 to 10. BRICS is a key economic bloc that helps Iran work with non-Western countries. Media in China noted that a spokesperson for the government noted that China looks forward to working with all parties to consolidate the BRICS strategic partnership, making contributions to upholding multilateralism, promoting common development and improving global governance, and promoting high-quality development of the greater BRICS cooperation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement China and Egypt have framed themselves as strategic partners. The bilateral relationship has flourished, political mutual trust has been deepened, and practical cooperation in various fields has yielded fruitful results. During the visit, Premier Li will have in-depth exchanges of views with Egyptian leaders on developing China-Egypt relations, deepening mutually beneficial cooperation, and issues of common concern, the report noted. "China looks forward to promoting the traditional friendship with Egypt through this visit, deepening mutually beneficial cooperation, and promoting China-Egypt relations toward the goal of building a community with a shared future for the new era," the spokesperson said. Amid stalled peace talks, Russia is increasingly attacking Ukrainian cities with cluster munitions, banned by international organizations for the indiscriminate damage they cause to civilians. The civilian casualty toll in Ukraine in 2025 rose by 37% compared with the same period last year, mostly due to Russias use of long-range explosive weapons including cluster munitions in densely populated cities, the UN said. Cluster munitions are a type of weapon that scatter small explosive bomblets across a large impact area, designed to inflict maximum injuries to people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Ukraine has used cluster munitions provided by the United States on the battlefield since 2022, Russia uses them far more often and strikes civilian areas, experts told the Kyiv Independent. "The vast majority of cluster munitions that are being used in the world today are being used by Russia in Ukraine," said Mary Wareham, deputy director of the Crisis, Conflict, and Arms Division at Human Rights Watch. Their use "is an element of Moscows broader policy of terror against the Ukrainian people," Ukraines Foreign Ministry said on June 26. Recent attacks on civilians Ukrainian authorities have documented at least 5,974 cases of Russias cluster munitions use in Ukraine since 2022, the Foreign Ministry said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When such attacks are launched on big cities, like Russias strike on Kyiv on June 17 that killed 30 and injured 172 people, they stand out for the number of civilian casualties inflicted. According to Wareham, videos from the attack site suggest the use of cluster munitions delivered by a cruise missile. Ukrainian authorities said that Russia also used cluster munitions in a strike on a playground in Kryvyi Rih on April 4, killing 20 people, including nine children, in the deadliest single attack on Ukrainian children verified by the UN since the start of the full-scale invasion. The biggest issues are the lack of air defense batteries coupled with the lack of interceptors from the Ukrainian side. The UNs report on June 30 described "no indication of any military presence at the site" of the attack after the Russian Defense Ministry claimed it was targeting military personnel at the restaurant. The report did not include the Kryvyi Rih attack in the list of strikes with the use of cluster munitions. An apartment building is heavily damaged after an overnight drone and missile attack in Kyiv, Ukraine, on June 17, 2025. (Vlada Liberova / Libkos / Getty Images) Family members of those still missing under the debris are at the site of a residential building hit by a Russian ballistic missile during a massive overnight attack in Kyiv, Ukraine, on June 17, 2025. (Maxym Marusenko / NurPhoto via Getty Images) In another attack, two ballistic missiles struck the center of Sumy minutes apart on Sunday afternoon of April 13, during a religious holiday. Thirty-five people were killed and 117 injured, "mainly civilians who were walking on the street or traveling on a bus, and people attempting to help the victims of the first strike," the UN report said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other deadly strikes on civilians with cluster munitions were reported by local Ukrainian authorities in the past few months, including the attack on Kharkiv on April 18, Chuhuiv in Kharkiv Oblast on May 23, a village in Sumy Oblast on May 26, and a UN-documented attack in Dobropillia that killed 11 people and injured 48 on March 7. Ukrainian defenses Russias use of cluster munitions is not new, but their delivery methods are evolving to better bypass Ukrainian air defenses protecting big cities. Their most common use is in artillery rounds, but they can also be carried in ballistic and cruise missiles that Russia routinely launches on Ukrainian cities, along with hundreds of drones. Though Ukraine has gotten immensely better in intercepting Russian cruise missiles and drones since 2022, the scale of recent Russian attacks is overwhelming Ukrainian air defense. In an attack on June 17, Russia used 440 drones and 32 missiles, including a Kh-69 cruise missile that dispersed cluster munitions in Kyiv, the Foreign Ministry said. A soldier of a mobile anti-aircraft brigade holds an unexploded Russian cluster bomb in Starokostiantyniv, Khmelnytskyi Oblast, Ukraine, on July 8, 2024. (Florent Vergnes / AFP via Getty Images) "The biggest issues are the lack of air defense batteries coupled with the lack of interceptors from the Ukrainian side," said Dr. Marina Miron, a post-doctoral researcher at the War Studies Department at King's College London. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "As the Russian side uses decoys and electronic warfare (in the attacks), this in sum creates a huge issue for Ukraine trying to defend against incoming missiles and drones," Miron told the Kyiv Independent. Miron added that drones carrying explosive payload, such as Iranian Shahed-136 and their Russian analogue Geran-2, could also potentially carry cluster munitions. Why are cluster munitions banned internationally? Cluster munitions indiscriminately kill or maim civilians caught in wide areas of impact at the time of the attack, experts say. A large percentage of bomblets also fail to detonate after scattering and could claim peoples lives decades after active fighting ends. An international treaty called the Convention on Cluster Munitions was established in 2008 with the aim of moving the world away from their use. Since then, 124 countries have signed the treaty, but in 2024, Lithuania withdrew from it, citing the threat from Russia's use of cluster munitions in a potential war with NATO. Neither Russia nor Ukraine nor the U.S. are signatories. A Ukrainian deminer from the State Emergency Service shows a cluster bomb fragment after a large-scale Russian attack on a residential complex in Dobropillia, Ukraine, on March 10, 2025. (Paula Bronstein / Getty Images) Ukraine has used U.S.-provided cluster munitions against Russian troops in operations like its successful Kharkiv counteroffensive in 2022. Outgunned and outnumbered, Ukraine asked the U.S. for cluster munitions to help liberate Russian-controlled territories. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Based on photographic evidence, the recent UN report suggested Ukraine could also be using cluster munitions in Russian-occupied civilian areas, but data is hard to gather as Russia consistently prevents the UN from independently monitoring attacks and human rights violations in occupied territories. "Cluster munitions just cross a really big line, and should never be used by any actor under any circumstances, in a city or anywhere else," Wareham said. Note from the author: Hello, this is Natalia Yermak, the author of this story. As I wrote about cluster munitions, I learned that many international organizations can't investigate every attack independently, so they rely on media reports to keep track of human rights violations, such as wide-range strikes on civilians. If youd like to support our work reporting on those attacks, please consider becoming our member. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Ukraines new interceptor UAVs are starting to knock Russias long-range Shahed drones out of the sky Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. GE Aerospace jet engine facility-by jetcityimage via iStock With a market cap of $265.6 billion, GE Aerospace (GE) is a global leader in designing and manufacturing jet engines, integrated systems, and components for commercial and military aviation. The company operates worldwide and is renowned for its innovation, service capabilities, and advanced aero-derivative gas turbines for marine and industrial applications. The Evendale, Ohio-based company is expected to release its fiscal Q2 2025 earnings results before the market opens on Tuesday, Jul. 22. Ahead of this event, analysts project GE to report an adjusted EPS of $1.42, a 18.3% growth from $1.20 in the year-ago quarter. The company has exceeded Wall Street's bottom-line estimates in the last four quarters. In Q1 2025, GE Aerospace surpassed the consensus adjusted EPS estimate by 18.3%. More News from Barchart For fiscal 2025, analysts forecast GE Aerospace to report adjusted EPS of $5.51, up 19.8% from $4.60 in fiscal 2024. www.barchart.com Over the past 52 weeks, GE Aerospace has surged 56.7%, significantly outperforming the broader S&P 500 Index's ($SPX) 13.2% return and the Industrial Select Sector SPDR Fund's (XLI) 22.8% gain over the same period. www.barchart.com GE Aerospace stock soared 6.1% on Apr. 22 after the company reported Q1 2025 results that significantly beat expectations, with adjusted EPS of $1.49 and revenue of $9.9 billion. The 11% year-over-year revenue growth and a 460-basis-point increase in operating profit margin to 23.8% showcased strong execution despite ongoing supply chain challenges. Investors were also encouraged by the 15% order growth in the Commercial Engines & Services segment and a robust $12.3 billion in total Q1 orders. Additionally, managements reaffirmation of full-year guidance, including expected adjusted EPS of $5.10 - $5.45 and mid-teens revenue growth, further boosted investor confidence. Analysts' consensus view on GE Aerospace stock is bullish, with an overall Strong Buy rating. Among 21 analysts covering the stock, 16 suggest a "Strong Buy," two give a "Hold," and three provide a "Hold" rating. As of writing, GE is trading above the average analyst price target of $239.37. On the date of publication, Sohini Mondal did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. This article was originally published on Barchart.com Ukrainian prosecutors have documented cases of Russian forces summarily executing 273 Ukrainian prisoners of war (POWs), the Liga.net news outlet reported, citing a statement from the Prosecutor General's Office. Kyiv and the U.N. have raised alarm over the rising number of such cases, saying they point to a systematic policy by Russia to murder Ukrainian captives. Half of the document cases were recorded this year alone. Seventy-seven criminal cases have been launched in connection with the killings of POWs, while only two people were convicted, and a trial against a third person is ongoing. The statement did not clarify whether the convictions were issued in absentia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A total of 188 people have been convicted of various war crimes, including 18 captured Russian soldiers and one civilian, who were convicted in person. The rest were convicted in absentia. Earlier this week, Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets reported a case of the likely murder of a Ukrainian POW who was apparently tied to a motorcycle by Russian soldiers and dragged along the road. Ukraine's military intelligence agency (HUR) said in May that it alone had documented more than 150 cases of Ukrainian soldiers being executed after surrendering to Russian forces. Multiple intelligence reports suggest that Russian soldiers have received explicit orders to kill prisoners of war. The United Nations Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine confirmed in March growing numbers of incidents in which Russian forces killed or maimed surrendering Ukrainian troops. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A separate Ukrainian investigation is also underway into the killing of around 50 Ukrainian POWs in the Russian-run Olenivka prison in 2022. Kyiv blamed the killings on Russia, saying Moscow's forces deliberately put Azov fighters in a separate building that was later destroyed. Russia denied responsibility, claiming the explosion was caused by a Ukrainian HIMARS strikea version U.N. investigators have rejected. Although Moscow blocked an independent investigation by denying U.N. monitors access, Lubinets recently said that an internal U.N. analysis concluded Russia was to blame. Read also: China unveils its new graphite bomb heres how they work Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Russian forces attacked Ukraine with four S-300 anti-aircraft missiles and 114 Shahed loitering munitions and various types of decoy drones on the night of 1-2 July. Source: Ukrainian Air Force Command on Telegram Details: By 09:00, Ukraine's air defence units had destroyed 79 Shahed-type drones and other UAVs in the country's north, east and south. Forty drones were shot down by firepower, while 39 disappeared from radar or were suppressed by electronic warfare. The Air Force also reported that the Russian loitering munitions struck 14 locations, with debris from downed drones falling in two areas. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Russian authorities are planning to begin gas extraction from the Sea of Azov, citing Soviet-era geological data and identifying 22 potential offshore fields, including several located near the occupied Ukrainian city of Berdiansk, Ukrainian officials told Suspilne on July 1. According to the Berdiansk Municipal Military Administration, Russia's Federal Subsoil Resources Agency (Rosnedra) has announced plans to explore and possibly develop gas fields such as the Morske, Pivnichno-Kazantypske, and Skhidno-Kazantypske deposits. "(Russia) has declared commercial reserves of gas in the Sea of Azov, referring to Soviet archives listing 22 oil and gas structures," Ksenia Kleshchenko, acting head of communications for the Berdiansk administration, told Suspilne. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "These include the Morske field, discovered in 1977 (and still under conservation). It is necessary to conduct further exploration and pilot operation." Kleshchenko noted that the Pivnichno-Kazantypske and Skhidno-Kazantypske fields were discovered in the late 1990s and early 2000s during Ukraine's independence, but have not been developed. Ukrainian company Chornomornaftogaz had conducted surveys at the Pivnichno-Kazantypske and Strilkove sites before Russia annexed Crimea in 2014 and seized Ukrainian offshore assets. Ukrainian authorities say the Kremlin's interest in mineral resources may have partially motivated the occupation of southern Zaporizhzhia Oblast, including Berdiansk. "All of the (Russia's) 'plans' are focused on enriching themselves and the Russian Federation, but not on the welfare of the citizens of the occupied territories," the Berdiansk administration said in a statement. "While residents of Berdiansk face constant water and electricity outages, (Russian authorities) are laying grand schemes to exploit the regions resources." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The administration also warned of potential environmental consequences. Due to the shallow average depth of the Sea of Azov, around 14 meters (about 46 feet), any extraction could cause serious ecological damage. The exploratory work is reportedly planned for 20262030. Russia's interest in resource-rich territories extends beyond the Sea of Azov. In June, Russian forces took control of a major lithium deposit near the village of Shevchenko in Donetsk Oblast, one of Ukraine's most valuable sites for the mineral used in electric vehicle batteries. Ukraine has now lost two of its four known lithium deposits to Russian occupation, including the Kruta Balka deposit in Zaporizhzhia. According to the Kyiv School of Economics, Ukraine holds about one-third of the European Union's lithium reserves. Read also: Russia seizes Ukraines most valuable lithium deposits, but US minerals deal not at risk, investor says Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. KYIV, Ukraine (AP) An emboldened Russia has ramped up military offensives on two fronts in Ukraine, scattering Kyivs precious reserve troops and threatening to expand the fighting to a new Ukrainian region as each side seeks an advantage before the fighting season wanes in the autumn. Moscow aims to maximize its territorial gains before seriously considering a full ceasefire, analysts and military commanders said. Ukraine wants to slow the Russian advance for as long as possible and extract heavy losses. Kremlin forces are steadily gaining ground in the strategic eastern logistics hub of Pokrovsk, the capture of which would hand them a major battlefield victory and bring them closer to acquiring the entire Donetsk region. The fighting there has also brought combat to the border of the neighboring Dnipropetrovsk region for the first time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an effort to prevent Moscow from bolstering those positions in the east, Ukrainian forces are trying to pin down some of Russias best and most battle-hardened troops hundreds of kilometers away, in the northeast Sumy region. The best-case scenario for Ukraine," said Russian-British military historian Sergey Radchenko, "is that theyre able to stall or stop the Russian advance" in the Ukrainian industrial heartland known as Donbas, which includes the Donetsk and Luhansk regions. Then Ukraine could "use that as the basis for a ceasefire agreement. Theres a better chance for Russia to come to some kind of terms with Ukraine" in the fall when the Russians "see the extent of their offensive, Radchenko added. While the battles rage, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is waiting to learn whether the Trump administration will support tougher sanctions against Russia and back a European idea to establish a reassurance force to deter Moscow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A setback came with the U.S. decision Tuesday to halt some weapons shipments to Ukraine out of concern over America's own depleted stockpiles. Ukraine faces relentless assaults in Sumy In the Sumy region, Ukrainian forces face a constant barrage of aerial glide bombs, drones and relentless assaults by small groups of Russian infantrymen. They endure the attacks to prevent Russian forces from being moved to other battlegrounds in the eastern Donetsk region. Ukrainian forces intensified their own attacks in Sumy in April and even conducted a small offensive into Russia's neighboring Kursk region to prevent up to 60,000 battle-hardened Russian forces from being moved to reinforce positions in the Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions, Ukraines top army commander, Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi, said last week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If those troops had been moved, they could have increased the tempo of Russian attacks across the front line and stretched Ukrainian forces thin. The strategy did not come without criticism. Commanders who were ordered to execute it complained that it resulted in unnecessary loss of life. Russian forces have penetrated up to 7 kilometers (4 miles) into the northern Sumy region from different directions along the border. Ukrainian forces are determined to keep them there to avoid freeing up Russian forces to fight in the east. So far they have succeeded, locking up to 10,000 Russian troops in the Glushkovsky district of the Kursk region alone, where Ukraine maintains a small presence after being mostly forced out by Russian and North Korean troops earlier in the year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia seeks maximum gains in Donetsk The war's largest battle is being waged in Donetsk as Russia inches toward its stated goal of capturing all of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions. Unable to tackle the strategically significant logistical hub of Pokrovsk directly, Russian forces are attempting to encircle the city, a maneuver that requires encroaching on the borders of the Dnipropetrovsk region. Bringing the war to a sixth Ukrainian region would be detrimental for Ukrainian morale and give Russia more leverage in negotiations if its forces manage to carve out a foothold there. Sabotage groups have crossed the border, only to be eliminated by Ukrainian forces. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But in time, commanders fear that Russia will advance as Ukraine continues to grapple with severe shortages. Lack of soldiers and supplies across the 1,200-kilometer (745-mile) front line mean that Ukrainian forces must concentrate on holding their positions and conserving resources rather than advancing, said Oleksii Makhrinskyi, deputy commander of the Da Vinci Wolves battalion. Commanders describe battles so intense under drone-saturated skies that rotating forces in and out of position has become a deadly operation. Ukrainian forces remain in combat positions for several weeks at a time or more, relying on supplies carried in by drones. The Russians' goal "is just to enter Dnipropetrovsk region, to have a good position politically if the presidents negotiate peace, said Andrii Nazerenko, a commander of the 72nd Brigade, a drone unit in eastern Ukraine, referring to potential talks between Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theyre really close to getting what they want, he said. All eyes on Trumps next move Zelenskyy hopes U.S. President Donald Trump will move away from his administration's past ambivalence toward Ukraine and signal his intention to continue American support, a move that could also alter Moscows calculations. The two presidents met last week on the sidelines of a NATO summit and discussed a possible weapons package, including Patriot missile systems that Ukraine intends to purchase with European support. On Wednesday, U.S. officials said some air defense missiles, including some shipments of Patriot missiles, precision-guided artillery and other weapons will be held back by the Trump administration as part the pause announced by the U.S. Defense Department when it disclosed the Pentagon review of American weapons stockpiles Tuesday. The officials requested anonymity to discuss what is being held up as the Pentagon has yet to provide details. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The halt of any weapons from the U.S. would be a blow to Ukraine as it struggles to confront Russias daily aerial barrages. Zelenskyy also hopes Trump will punish Russia by imposing harsher sanctions on its energy and banking sectors, which bankroll the Kremlins war effort. Europe and the U.S. have imposed successive sanctions on Russia since the full-scale invasion in 2022, but Zelenskyy says those measures have not been enough to pierce Moscows war machine. He has proposed a $30 per barrel price cap on Russian oil. EU sanctions envoy David OSullivan said Europe needs to maintain the sanctions pressure while also holding out the prospect that if Russia behaves correctly, we could have some kind of ceasefire and some kind of sense of negotiation, but for the moment Russia doesnt seem to want that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kyivs closest European allies are also awaiting a sign from Trump that he will support a plan to deploy foreign troops in Ukraine to guard against future Russian aggression after a ceasefire agreement. That is likely the best security guarantee Ukraine can hope for in lieu of NATO membership. Meanwhile on the battlefield, Russian forces appear increasingly confident. Nazerenko noticed a shift in the morale of advancing Russian infantrymen in recent months. Instead of running away while being assailed by Ukrainian drones, they keep pushing forward. Nazerenko could not help but ask a Russian prisoner: You know you will die. Why go? Because, the Russian soldier replied: We will win. ___ Associated Press journalist Volodymyr Yurchuk contributed to this report. By Nailia Bagirova and Lucy Papachristou BAKU (Reuters) -Azerbaijan demanded on Wednesday that Russia punish those responsible for the deaths of two Azerbaijani men in police custody, refusing to back down in a growing diplomatic dispute. The South Caucasus country summoned the Russian ambassador in Baku to protest over the "illegal actions" of Russian police and accuse Moscow of undermining bilateral relations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It was reiterated that Azerbaijan expects a comprehensive and objective investigation from Russia into the violations committed by Russian law enforcement authorities and the punishment of those responsible," the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry said. Russia said certain forces, which it did not specify, were trying to wreck the relationship between the two neighbours, and urged Baku to repair it. The diplomatic furore highlights a growing assertiveness toward Moscow on the part of Azerbaijan, an oil-producing former Soviet republic that has cultivated close ties with Turkey and has been boosted by military victories over longtime rival Armenia since 2020. The dispute began when two ethnic Azerbaijani brothers died after being arrested last week during police raids as part of a murder investigation in the Russian city of Yekaterinburg. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russian authorities have said one of the men died of heart failure, but have not said how the other died. Azerbaijan says the pair were tortured and beaten to death. "It was emphasised that the explanation provided by the Russian side contradicts the clear signs of severe violence on the victims bodies and the forensic reports," its foreign ministry said. Further fuelling the tensions, Azerbaijan this week arrested two Russian state journalists on fraud charges and about 15 other Russians on suspicion of drug trafficking and cybercrime. AZERBAIJANI PUSHBACK Zaur Shiriyev, non-resident scholar at the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center, said Azerbaijan was pushing back against Russia's "former hegemonic influence in the region", which had faded after Russia became distracted by its war in Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "At this point, Russias loss of dominance in the South Caucasus seems hard to reverse. It still has power, but no longer sets the tone," he said in emailed comments. "Azerbaijan's more assertive actions are a response to this shift. And they dont fit with the kind of one-sided, top-down relationship Moscow is used to, like the one it has with Belarus," Shiriyev said. Azerbaijan's relations with Russia have been under strain since late last year, when 38 people were killed in the crash of an Azerbaijani airliner that Baku says was accidentally shot down by Russian air defences. Nemat Avazov, the head of Baku's investigation into the accident, told reporters on Wednesday that his team would release its findings in the coming days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Moscow had been cultivating ties with Baku for many years based on mutual respect, but unknown actors were now trying to use the situation to "warm up their hands" - a Russian phrase meaning to enrich oneself. "Just don't let them get burned," she told Sputnik Radio in an interview. "Because for us, for the two peoples, friendship relations are extremely important. And those who want to spoil them should think carefully about what they are doing." (Additional reporting by Dmitry Antonov in Moscow, writing by Mark Trevelyan and Lucy Papachristou; Editing by Andrew Osborn and Bill Berkrot) The Russian air defence and drone manufacturer Kupol plant in the city of Izhevsk has suspended operations following strikes by Ukrainian kamikaze drones on 1 July. Source: Russian Telegram channel ASTRA, as reported by Oboronka, a defence industry project created by Mezha.Media, a technology and IT news platform within Ukrainska Pravda's holding company Details: ASTRAs sources said that four production workshops at the facility had been damaged. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The strike reportedly involved two drones hitting drone production facilities in building No. 1. Another UAV exploded in the window of workshop No. 106, and one more struck the roof of workshop No. 110. A prolonged fire caused the roof of a 1,300-sq-m production hall to collapse. The Kupol plant after the Ukrainian attack. The Kupol plant after the Ukrainian attack. Photo: ASTRA The targeted workshops included those used for metalworking, microchip production and drone assembly. ASTRA notes that microchip production for drones at the plant had been running in three shifts, but has now been suspended due to the damage. Updated media reports say three people were killed and another 45 injured in the strikes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Background: On 1 July, Ukraines defence forces launched a strike on the Kupol plant in Izhevsk using modernised An-196 Liutyi drones. The updated drones feature a more aerodynamic design without landing gear struts, likely reducing radar visibility and increasing their range. The Liutyi drones flew approximately 1,400 km to hit the target. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Four people were injured in a Russian drone attack on the village of Antonivka and the city of Kherson on the morning of 2 July. Source: Kherson Oblast Military Administration Quote: "Russian forces attacked Antonivka with a drone at around 07:00. A 44-year-old man and a 52-year-old woman have been taken to hospital in a moderate condition." Details: Those injured in the Russian attack sustained blast injuries and shrapnel wounds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another local resident, a 57-year-old man, suffered minor injuries and will receive outpatient treatment. Updated: Kherson Oblast Military Administration later reported that a Russian drone had attacked a man in Khersons Dniprovskyi district. Quote: "A 54-year-old Kherson resident sustained a blast injury, concussion and shrapnel wounds to his head, neck and shoulder due to an explosive dropped from the UAV. He has been taken to hospital in a critical condition. Doctors are fighting to save his life." Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Russian forces deployed four drones to attack the village of Borivske in the Kupiansk district of Kharkiv Oblast on the night of 1-2 July. Two local residents a 22-year-old and a 90-year-old man have been injured in the strike. Source: Kharkiv Oblast Prosecutors Office Details: The attack occurred around 23:40. Several storage facilities and equipment belonging to a civilian company were damaged, while the blast wave shattered windows in nearby residential buildings. The aftermath of the Russian strikes on the Kupiansk district Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Photo: Kharkiv Oblast Prosecutors Office Two men aged 22 and 90 sustained injuries in the attack. A pre-trial investigation has been launched under Article 438.1 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine violation of the laws and customs of war. The aftermath of the Russian strikes on the Kupiansk district Photo: Kharkiv Oblast Prosecutors Office Background: Earlier that night, an explosion occurred in the city of Kharkiv amid a Russian drone threat, causing a fire. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! A person claiming to be a Russian officer said he had received an order to open fire at an aerial target last December that turned out to be an Azerbaijani airliner, Azerbaijani news outlet Minval reported on July 1, citing audio and a written statement it had received. An Embraer 190AR plane operated by Azarbaijan Airlines crashed in Kazakhstan on Dec. 25, 2024, after coming under fire over Grozny, Chechnya. Thirty-eight people were killed. Azerbaijani authorities laid blame on Russia, with an investigation pointing to a Russian Pantsir-S1 air defense system mistakenly targeting the plane amid a reported Ukrainian drone attack. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Minval wrote it had received three audio recordings, an anonymous letter, and an explanatory note by a man signed as Captain Dmitry Paladichuk, a Russian air defense crew captain who claims to have relayed the order to shoot down the plane. In the purported explanatory note, Paladichuk said he had no reliable means of communication with the Russian military command other than a cell connection. A radar detected a target at 8:11 a.m. local time, after which Paladichuk was reportedly ordered to destroy the aircraft which was not visible due to thick fog over the phone. The captain claimed that after the first projectile missed the target, he had given the order to fire again. Paladichuk did not explicitly name the Azerbaijani flight in his explanatory letter. Minval wrote that it could not confirm the authenticity of the written statement but could do so for the three leaked voice messages, which also confirmed the command to shoot down the plane and the subsequent damage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russian independent news outlets Agentstvo and the Insider confirmed Paladichuk's identity as an air defense officer who served in various units, including the 14th Army of the Air Force and Air Defense in Novosibirsk. The Insider also wrote that the note appears to be authentic, and pointed out that the speed of the plane, revealed in the leaked materials, shows that the Russian command must have known the target was not a drone. The incident led to a public clash between Azerbaijan and Russia, otherwise close political and economic partners. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev accused Moscow of suppressing evidence and criticized his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, for not openly admitting guilt. Putin offered condolences for the incident taking place in the Russian airspace, but stopped short of admitting Russian responsibility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New details of the case emerge just as Russian-Azerbaijani relations sour yet again. Over 50 Azerbaijanis were detained as part of a murder investigation in Yekaterinburg on June 27, two of whom died in custody. Baku called their deaths "ethnically motivated" and "unlawful" killings. A few days later, Azerbaijani authorities raided an office of the Russian propaganda outlet Sputnik in Baku, detaining who they say are Russian spies. Read also: Iran summons Ukraines envoy, warns of consequences over comments on Israeli, US strikes Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. One person has been injured in a Russian attack on the city of Kherson early in the morning on 2 July. Source: Kherson Oblast Military Administration Quote: "The occupying forces attacked the Korabelnyi district of Kherson at around 04:00. A 52-year-old man was hit." Details: He suffered a blast injury and a broken arm and was hospitalised. Background: Russian forces attacked a hospital in Kherson late in the evening on 1 July, injuring eight people. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! General Motors Company phone and pump by- Below the Sky via Shutterstock With a market cap of $47.8 billion, General Motors Company (GM) is one of the largest automobile manufacturers in the world. Headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, and founded in 1908, GM designs, manufactures, and sells cars, trucks, and automotive parts, and also provides automotive financing services through its subsidiary, General Motors Financial Company. The automotive manufacturer is expected to release its Q2 2025 earnings before the market opens on Tuesday, July 22. Ahead of this event, analysts expect GM to post adjusted earnings of $2.44 per share, representing a 20.3% decrease from $3.06 per share reported in the same quarter last year. On a more positive note, the company has surpassed the Street's bottom-line estimates in each of the past four quarters. More News from Barchart Analysts expect General Motors to report an adjusted EPS of $9.30 in the current year, down 12.3% from $10.60 reported in fiscal 2024. However, in fiscal 2026, its earnings are expected to improve 2.7% annually to $9.55 per share. www.barchart.com Shares of GM have gained 5.9% over the past 52 weeks, underperforming the S&P 500 Index's ($SPX) 13.6% uptick and the Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR Funds (XLY) 19.2% returns during the same time frame. www.barchart.com General Motors shares edged lower on Apr. 29, despite delivering robust Q1 2025 results. The automaker reported revenue of $44 billion, marking a 2.3% year-over-year increase and beating Street estimates of $42.5 billion. Electric vehicle sales soared more than 90% compared to the year-ago quarter, reflecting GMs accelerating EV momentum. Adjusted EPS came in at $2.78, up 6.1% year-over-year and 3.3% above analyst expectations. Analysts' consensus view on GM is moderately optimistic, with an overall "Moderate Buy" rating. Among 26 analysts covering the stock, 10 suggest a "Strong Buy," one gives a "Moderate Buy," 12 recommend a "Hold, and three give a Strong Sell rating. Its mean price target of $52.10 represents a 5.9% premium to current price levels. On the date of publication, Kritika Sarmah did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. This article was originally published on Barchart.com Russian forces have attacked Dnipropetrovsk Oblast with drones, damaging business premises in the city of Kryvyi Rih and a farming facility in the Samar district as well as injuring one person. Source: Serhii Lysak, Head of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Military Administration, on Telegram Quote: "A building belonging to a business was damaged in the attack on Kryvyi Rih. A fire broke out, which was extinguished by firefighters. A farming facility was damaged in the Pereshchepyne hromada in the Samar district. A fire broke out. A 69-year-old woman has been injured." [A hromada is an administrative unit designating a village, several villages, or a town, and their adjacent territories ed.] Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: Lysak said she had received treatment at the scene. Firefighters extinguishing fire Photo: Serhii Lysak on Telegram Eight Russian drones were downed over Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. Russian forces also attacked the Nikopol district using an FPV drone and artillery. The city of Nikopol and hromada were hit a high-rise building, a house, a garage and an outbuilding were damaged and a power line was also affected. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Kyrylo Budanov, Head of Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, has said that Russias efforts to develop its own naval strike drones have failed. Source: Budanov at a briefing with journalists, as reported by Suspilne, a Ukrainian public broadcaster Quote: "The last time they tried to use their experimental models was in early June. They failed to deliver any results. The drones detonated before even reaching our territorial waters. According to our information, they were heading towards the city of Pivdenne [in Odesa Oblast ed.], seeking targets there." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: Budanov also commented on Russias capacity for drone attacks from the air. He said the Kremlin is not capable of launching 450-500 drones every day but could carry out such strikes in separate large-scale attacks that occur from time to time. "They are indeed capable of launching up to 500 drones in a single attack," he added. Background: On 30 June, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Russia is investing in its drone capabilities and intends to increase the number of drones used in strikes against Ukraine. Ukraines Air Force reported that Ukrainian air defences had destroyed 4,758 Russian-launched aerial targets in June alone, including eight Kinzhal aeroballistic missiles. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! The war with Israel last month decimated a senior echelon of Irans military leadership, crippled its air defenses, and exposed the vulnerability of its air force. Within days, Israel had established aerial superiority, paving the way for US air strikes on Irans nuclear sites. But the war also tested the limits of Irans alliance with Russia, which offered little more than diplomatic support to Tehran during the 12-day conflict. With faith in Moscow at a low point, Iran is now urgently seeking to rebuild its defenses -- and is turning to China for the advanced military hardware that Russia has failed to deliver. But as Tehran pivots toward Beijing, it faces fresh obstacles and skepticism, revealing both the limits of its options and the depth of its strategic isolation. Russia: A Strategic Partner In Name Only Despite a recently signed strategic partnership agreement and years of close cooperation, Russias support for Iran during this crisis has proven largely rhetorical. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the reformist newspaper Shargh notes, this alliance, at critical junctures, is based more on shifting interests than on steadfast commitments. While Russian President Vladimir Putin condemned the US strikes as unjustified and offered dialogue, he made no commitment to military assistance, with the Kremlin repeatedly insisting that the partnership deal has no provisions for military aid in times of war. Ali Motahari, a former deputy speaker of Irans parliament, captured the growing sense of frustration in a post on X. Henoted that Russia has refused to sell the S-400 missile defense system to Iran, despite Tehran supplying Moscow with drones for its war in Ukraine, while providing such systems to Turkey and Saudi Arabia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ex-lawmaker argued that Russias reluctance is due to concerns Iran could use the S-400 against Israeli aggression, exposing the superficiality of the so-called strategic partnership that Putin touts. Irans attempts to purchase advanced Russian military equipment -- including Sukhoi-35 (Su-35) fighter jets and Mi-28 attack helicopters -- have also stalled. According to Shargh, except for some trainer jets, none of the promised equipment has been delivered, with production issues in Russia and diplomatic pressure from Persian Gulf states, Israel, and the United States cited as key reasons. This pattern of noncommitment has likely left Iranian officials and analysts openly questioning Russias reliability as an ally. Chinese Reluctance And Realpolitik With Russia distracted and unreliable, unconfirmed reports both in Iranian and Western media claim that Iran has turned to China in hopes of acquiring advanced military hardware, particularly the Chengdu J-10C multirole fighter jet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Irans air force is severely outdated and ill-equipped to confront modern adversaries. Its fleet consists largely of aging US and Soviet-era aircraft acquired before the 1979 revolution, many of which are kept operational through cannibalized parts and domestic improvisation. The J-10C is a 4.5-generation, single-engine fighter jet equipped with advanced avionics, AESA radar, and capable of deploying PL-15 long-range missiles. It is considered a credible, though not equal, challenger to Israels advanced F-35I fleet. However, Chinese reluctance to supply Iran is pronounced, according to Andrea Ghiselli, a lecturer at the University of Exeter and head of research of the TOChina Hub's ChinaMed Project. Beijing is trying to stabilize the relations with Washington to buy some time to further increase its tech and economic self-sufficiency, Ghiselli told RFE/RL. That's more important than rebuilding the Iranian Air Force. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Experts also agree that Chinas relations with Irans regional rivals contribute to its disinclination to beef up Irans military. China has acted as an economic or geoeconomic actor in the Middle East, said Hamidreza Azizi, a fellow at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs. He told RFE/RL that China values its relationships with Irans Sunni Arab neighbors in the Gulf Cooperation Council -- Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates -- who are critical energy suppliers and trading partners but maintain cautious relations with Tehran. Analysts widely agree that Chinas most effective way to support Iran is through continued oil purchases, which provide Tehran with vital revenue under sanctions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For Beijing, maintaining access to energy and avoiding regional destabilization outweigh any potential benefits from selling advanced weaponry to Iran, Ghiselli argued. Iran's Strategic Isolation The events of the past weeks have exposed the depth of Irans strategic isolation. Both Moscow and Beijing have prioritized their own interests and relationships with Irans adversaries over any formal alliance commitments. As Shargh concludes, Russias unwillingness to go beyond political statements has severely damaged its credibility as an ally, while Chinas realpolitik ensures that any meaningful military support will remain out of reach. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Farzan Sabet, a managing researcher at the Geneva Graduate Institute, told RFE/RL that Tehran doesnt have any good options when it comes to foreign military partners. Even if Tehran managed to purchase fighter jets from China, it would need a lot more than it can pay for to be able to maintain aerial superiority in future conflicts, at least in its own skies. These are very, very expensive, Sabet said. With Iran being under sanctions, its not clear to anybody who would have the money to pay for it. By RFE/RL More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Read this article on OilPrice.com The Kupol plant in Russia's Udmurt Republic ceased operations following a Ukrainian drone attack, independent media outlet Astra reported on June 2, citing emergency service sources. Located more than 1,300 kilometers (800 miles) from the front line, the plant produces Tor and Osa air defense systems, as well as Harpy-type attack drones. It is under international sanctions as part of Russia's defense-industrial complex. Two drones hit their intended targets during the strike with one flying through the windows of one workshop, and the second hitting the roof of another, causing an explosion and fire. The resulting blaze led to the collapse of 1,300 square meters of roofing, Astra reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Four workshops were destroyed in the first building of the complex, reportedly halting operations in areas responsible for metalworking, microchip soldering, and drone production. Udmurt Republic Governor Alexander Brechalov said on June 1 that three people were killed and 45 injured in the attack, including 35 hospitalizations and six in serious condition. Astra earlier reported that no air raid siren was issued in Izhevsk ahead of the attack. Residents claimed to be unable to receive emergency alerts due to persistent mobile internet outages. Ukraine's General Staff confirmed the strike via its official Telegram channel, framing it as part of Kyiv's campaign to degrade Russia's defense-industrial base far from the front. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The plant was previously targeted in a Ukrainian drone strike on Nov. 17, 2024. That attack damaged equipment used to produce Tor missile systems and radar components. Izhevsk, the capital of the Udmurt Republic, is known as a center of Russia's arms manufacturing industry and the birthplace of the Kalashnikov rifle. The latest attack underscores Ukraine's capacity to strike deep into Russian territory. Read also: Ukraine says it wasnt notified of US weapons shipment halt; official insists deliveries continue Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. GREENSBURG According to mycase.in.gov, the Decatur County Superior Court issued an arrest warrant Tuesday, July 1, for former Washington Township Trustee Christian Rust, charging him with one count of theft and three counts of criminal misconduct related to his time in office from 2019 to 2022. On Nov. 14, 2024, the Indiana State Board of Accounts released a special investigation report regarding activities and expenditures at the Washington Township Trustee's office from Jan. 1, 2019 to Dec. 31, 2022, looking into the actions of Rust and Charity Wilder, who was employed in the office during the same period of time and assisted with day-to-day township and assistance duties. The 17-page ISBA report indicated that Rust inappropriately spent a total of $89,369.67 for unsupported medical expense reimbursement, payroll tax interest and penalties, and unsupported cell phone reimbursement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Current Washington Township Trustee Beverly Rivera filed a complaint with the ISBA on Jan. 17, 2023 alleging that Rust paid himself his annual salary in 2021 and 2022 and an additional $30,000 on his final day in office, labeling the payment as health benefits for 2021 and 2022. The Washington Township Advisory Board approved the line in the salary ordinance for employee benefits with the stipulation that it was to pay the premium for a health insurance policy. When asked about that expenditure in a board meeting, Rust stated that he had not found a health insurance policy and failed to provide documentation of a health insurance policy premium. Further, Rivera reported that Rust had failed to withhold any payroll tax deductions from the Dec. 31, 2022 payment he made to himself. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the time of this writing, Wilder was not facing charges related to this matter. The ISBAs full report can be found at www.in.gov/sboa (click on audits). The full audit report into the former trustee and clerks actions of non-compliance for 2019-2022 can also be found at the same link. In order to avoid the appearance of impropriety, Decatur County Prosecutor Nate Harter petitioned for a special prosecutor outside the jurisdiction to review the report and consider possible criminal charges. The special prosecutor chosen is Richard David Culver of Henry County. Sa'ar also announced that Israel has decided to open its first embassy in Estonia. During meetings in Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, with Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas and Estonian Foreign Minister Urmas Reinsalu on Wednesday, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar said that there are positive signs for a breakthrough in the hostage ceasefire negotiations with Hamas. "We are serious about our intention to reach a hostage deal and a ceasefire. We have agreed to the proposals of [US] Special Envoy [to the Middle East Steve Witkoff]. There are positive signs for a breakthrough. I do not wish to elaborate further at this stage. However, our goal is to begin proximity talks as soon as possible." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Additionally, Sa'ar said, "Hamas is still holding 50 of our hostages in cruel captivity. The war could end tomorrow if they release them and lay down their weapons." He also announced that Israel has decided to open its first embassy in Estonia, a decision which his Estonian counterpart Margus Tsahkna praised on X/Twitter, calling it historic and "a major step forward in [Israeli, Estonian] ties, boosting cooperation in security, innovation & tech." Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna speaking with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar in Estonia, July 2, 2025. (credit: ESTONIAN FOREIGN MINISTER MARGUS TSAHKNA/X) Tsahkna said that he and Sa'ar discussed the Ukraine-Russian war, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and Iran. "As frontline democracies, Estonia & Israel must stand united. All Hamas-held hostages must be released. My thoughts are with their families." A leading country in high-tech field Estonia is a full member of the European Union, NATO, and other international organizations, and it is one of the leading countries in the world in the field of high-tech. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Estonia is considered a global pioneer in the field of digital governance. Sa'ar also met with Latvian leadership and discussed efforts to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, the fight against terrorism, the humanitarian situation in Gaza, and work towards a ceasefire, support for Ukraine, and bilateral issues, according to Latvia's President Edgars Rinkevics, who posted about the meeting on X/ X/Twitter. Andrew Capasso - Capasso Social Andrew Capasso is leaving San Antonio Fox affiliate KABB after two years at the station. Capasso told viewers his departure is because of his wifes cancer diagnosis. I've decided to leave San Antonio and, at least for now, press pause on my 20-year career in TV news. Our family needs time to heal from a very difficult 2 years and they're getting all of me to start that process, he wrote on social media. I have a few more weeks with you on TV I'll share more soon about what's next. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The San Antonio News Express said Capasso has been on the air sporadically, as his wife received medical treatment in Houston. According to Houston media writer Mike McGuff, Capasso became the KABB morning anchor after the departure of longtime anchor Ernie Zuniga in 2023. Before coming to San Antonio, Capasso was a morning anchor and reporter for KOLD in Tucson, Arizona. Before that, he worked at stations in Florida, Louisiana, Pennsylvania, and Montana. The Brief A San Antonio man, Richard Rindeikis, 44, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for attempting to smuggle 25 migrants. Rindeikis was caught driving a tanker trailer with 25 people hidden inside at a Border Patrol checkpoint in November 2024. He pleaded guilty to conspiracy to transport illegal aliens. SAN ANTONIO, Texas - A San Antonio man was sentenced to a decade in federal prison for attempting to smuggle 25 migrants into the US inside a tanker trailer. Smuggler sentenced Dig deeper Richard Rindeikis, 44, was sentenced to 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy to transport illegal aliens. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Nov. 18, 2024, Rindeikis was driving a truck pulling a tanker trailer through the U.S. Border Patrol checkpoint near Carrizo Springs. In his discussion with agents, he told them that he could not find his driver's license and that the tanker was empty. Border Patrol agents opened the hatches to the tanker and for 25 people sitting inside. Court documents show the people inside were from Ecuador, Colombia, El Salvador, Honduras and Mexico. Rindeikis was arrested and the people inside the tanker were removed. What they're saying "This sentencing is a grim reminder of the extreme measures smugglers will take for profit, endangering the lives of vulnerable individuals in the process," said ICE Homeland Security Investigations San Antonio Special Agent in Charge Craig Larrabee. "Smuggling human beings inside a tanker trailer is not only illegal, but also inhumane." The Source Information in this article comes from the United States Attorneys Office Western District of Texas. SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) A Honduran man was deported from the United States three times before he was busted again in San Francisco, prosecutors said. Erlan Eduardo Cruz-Acosta, 41, was sentenced Thursday to serve 36 months in a federal prison for illegally re-entering the U.S., as well as dealing drugs in San Franciscos Tenderloin neighborhood. Cruz-Acostas convictions were the results of investigations conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. Cruz-Acosta has a long criminal history. He was convicted in 2006 of committing child sex crimes in Virginia. In 2008, Cruz-Acosta was deported, however, he returned to the United States that same year, prosecutors said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2009, Cruz-Acosta was convicted in San Francisco of selling drugs, and he was sentenced to 42 days in jail. He was deported for a second time from the United States in June 2010. Cruz-Acosta again illegally entered the United States in March 2014. He was convicted in federal district court in Arizona of illegal reentry of a removed alien, sentenced, and deported a third time, the U.S. Attorneys Office Northern District of California wrote. ICEBlock app allows users to report ICE activity in their area Sometime after his third deportation, Cruz-Acosta slipped into the U.S. again. Investigators said he began funneling fentanyl and methamphetamine onto the streets of San Francisco. After his most recent arrest, the Honduran man admitted to distributing meth and possessing fentanyl in San Francisco in 2023, prosecutors said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. District Judge William Orrick sentenced the drug dealer to serve 36 months behind bars and ordered Cruz-Acosta to be immediately remanded into custody. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4. The Brief An emotional, first-ever father-daughter prom was recently held at San Quentin Rehabilitation Center. For some incarcerated participants, it was the first time they had met their daughter. The "Parent Prom" was the culmination of a two-month workshop led by a group of incarcerated individuals advocating for prison reform. SAN QUENTIN, Calif. - Hair, make-up, gowns, tuxedos, and tearsSan Quentin Rehabilitation Center was recently the scene of an emotional first-ever father-daughter prom. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For many of the incarcerated participants, it was the first time theyd ever donned a tux, the first time they spent one-on-one, face-to-face time with their daughter or daughters, and the first dance theyd ever had with their child. For some, it was the first time they'd ever met their daughter. "The entire event was extremely touching and heartening. There was not a dry eye in the house for MOST of the day!!! Lots of happy tears and smiles," shared Morgan Hubbard with the group Friends of The People In Blue. 16 fathers and 20 daughters, ranging from children to adults, attended the first-of-its-kind "Parent Prom" on April 5th, 2025 at San Quentin Rehabilitation Center. (Jean Melesaine) The moving event was a culmination of an eight-week family communication workshop that was held earlier this year and developed by Tam Nguyen, a member of a prison reform advocacy group made up of incarcerated individuals called The People in Blue (TPIB). Nguyen is a San Quentin resident who has been incarcerated for 22 years. What we know 18 inmates took part in the workshop, taking a deep and introspective dive into their role in not only their daughters lives, but their connection with other family members. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The goal of Nguyens Family Communication Workshops is to help these fathers "strengthen communication and improve emotional intelligence and understanding within families," he told KTVU in a phone interview from San Quentin on Tuesday. As part of the workshop, the dads engaged in activity sheets and other homework and made a commitment to have consistent communication with their daughters and other family members. They were asked to reflect on their relationships and communicate and problem solve with family members to overcome obstacles they faced in those relationships. "We walked through some of the most healthy aspects of family dynamics, like communication skills and emotional intelligence, helping everybody to understand where their emotions come from and how it leads to certain behaviors and how to cope in healthier ways," Nguyen explained. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These exercises helped promote meaningful conversations, he said, and then every week, the men would return to their group and share their insights. SEE ALSO: Prison officers to be evicted from mobile homes near shuttered FCI Dublin Tears flowed as daughters reunited with their father on April 5, 2025, at San Quentin Rehabilitation Center. (Jean Melesaine) After the two months of work, the fathers and daughters celebrated on April 5 with a tearful reunion which included a red carpet roll out into a fairy-tale evening filled with music, dance, games and connection. Nguyens vision of the celebration, first planned as "Family Night," evolved into what would become "Parent Prom," held at San Quentin's chapel. Fathers danced with their daughters as part of "Family Night," which included an all-day celebration and "Parent Prom." (Jean Melesaine) "He knew an intentional experience to reconnect and heal at the end of workshop was crucial to build on all the work the family engaged in," Hubbard said. Her group, Friends of The People In Blue, is an outside organization affiliated with TPIB. The day also included family bonding and games. (Jean Melesaine) Photo by Jean Melesaine Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Video of scenes from the father-daughter dance was recently posted on social media. One moving clip showed the tearful moment a father turned around to see his glammed-up daughter walking up to him for the big reveal. "Tommy has spent nearly two decades inside San Quentin State Prison. For 19 years, hes only seen his daughter in a visitation rooms. But last night, everything changed," supporting groups G od Behind Bars and F riends of the People in Blue posted on June 15. "For one sacred evening, prison walls faded away. Tommy held his daughter, not in chains, not through glassbut in his arms. They wept. She clung to him. Time stood still." The backstory Nguyen said he launched his pilot program, putting up flyers about the workshop in the prison housing units, and the participants showed up on their own accord, all with the desire to improve relationships with their family. Tam Nguyen, in the center, created Family Communication Workshops and led a two-month pilot program at San Quentin Rehabilitation Center. (Jean Melesaine) The origins of Nguyens pilot program came from his own journey. He said that he grew up in a home plagued by domestic violence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was 8 years old when his mother left, and by 14 he was homeless and out on the streets, making him vulnerable to finding other sources of support. He said he experienced insecurities, need for validation, acceptance, and he lacked emotional intelligence, all factors that contributed to him joining a gang. At age 23, Nguyen ended up in prison on an attempted murder charge with a gun enhancement. He was sentenced to seven years to life. Tam Nguyen is a member of The People in Blue. He started a program to help incarcerated individuals learn to communicate with their families. (Jean Melesaine) Over the years within the prison walls, he began working on his own rehabilitation as he in turn used the knowledge he gained to try and help others as well, through programs including mentoring at-risk youths. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And as he met other incarcerated men, he realized common themes that ran through their lives. "I recognized that the majority of these people that came to prison, that committed crimes, also came from a dysfunctional home," Nguyen said, adding, "A lot of the incarcerated people come from underserved communities, single-parent households." Like in his own home growing up, there weren't many opportunities to learn communication skills. "Not enough money to have the time to spend with their kids besides, Hey, did you do your homework? or yell at them, or barely talk to them, let alone teach them what emotional intelligence issomething I didn't learn about until I came to prison," Nguyen shared. "So in order for this person to become whole, I believe, that you need to help heal and rehabilitate the entire family," Nguyen shared. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So starting in 2023, he began to put together a program to address these issues backed by more than 21 years of his own training, and it all centered around building skills to effectively communicate. "When I created the curriculum and the format, I used my lived experiences and my training doing CGA [Criminals and Gangmembers Anonymous] or doing rehabilitation groups within CDCR, as well as the youth diversion training, talking to at-risk youth, combined it, to help entire families develop healthier communication, or start to strengthen it, as well as addressing emotional intelligence and understanding of each other," the program creator explained. Holistic approach While some of the focus of the workshop was on relationships with daughters, the program took a much more holistic approach involving the entire family. Nguyen stressed the importance of getting the whole family involved in this process, noting that when these men leave prison, they often return home to families which are their sole support network, so when whole households get involved, it increases the chances for a better outcome, helping to break harmful cycles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nguyen said he first created this program with plans to use it outside the walls of prison, but it soon became clear there was also a great need for those inside who want to heal and repair their connections with their family. The 45-year-old is seeking to expand the program as he looks toward his own future. Dig deeper On July 8, hes up for resentencing, which could lead to his sentence being revised and him possibly being released, due to changes in the law, as it pertains to gun enhancement charges. A hopeful Nguyen said hes been working toward training new facilitators, so his program can continue at San Quentin, and he's been preparing to offer the program for free outside the walls of the prison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "In case I'm resentenced and released, my goal was always to bring this to the streets. And I want to go to underserved communities, and there are a few nonprofit organizations, some of them system-impacted, that have offered help," he said. Beyond expectations What came out of Nguyens pilot workshop in San Quentin was more than even he could have imagined. The participants were committed to the work and that work was celebrated and validated by the many businesses and organizations that threw their support behind it. "I was surprised how much attention and how big it got towards the end," Nguyen said, noting that in the beginning, when workshop participants signed up, none knew about the celebration that was being planned. They were in disbelief when they learned about it. "I never let them know that we were going to have a family night. So they did it because they wanted to improve their relationship with their family," the program creator shared, adding, "I think they were confused at the same time because they were in prison. It was something that they did not expect that could really come through." 16 fathers donned a tuxedo, wore a boutonniere and lined up as part of "Parent Prom" at San Quentin Rehabilitation Center. (Jean Melesaine) The dance was part of a day-long event. In the end, 16 of the 18 dads in the workshop got to take part in the prom with 20 daughters present. The day also included a ceremony celebrating the workshop graduates who were presented with a special certificate. Daughters presented the fathers with a certificate celebrating their completion of the Family Communication Workshops. (Jean Melesaine) "The daughters all handed over the completion certificate to the father, and the fathers wrote a letter to express their appreciation and love for them, especially the renewed love and appreciation for them for participating in the workshop and what that meant for them," Nguyen recounted. Other highlights included performing a TikTok dance that both fathers and daughters had previously learned as part of the workshop activities. The impressive performances drew lots of smiles, cheers, and laughs. Dads and their daughters performed TikTok dances at "Parent Prom" on April 5, 2025, held at San Quentin Rehabilitation Center. (Jean Melesaine) "Parent Prom" at San Quentin Rehabilitation Center on April 5, 2025. (Jean Melesaine) Wide support The entire event was a community effort, both Hubbard and Nguyen were quick to point out. A number of businesses and groups from across the community contributed to the event with food, decorations, flowers, and lights. "Hairdressers from across the Bay Area, Oakland to SF, donated time and supplies to pamper families with hair and makeup," Hubbard shared, adding, "Correctional Staff, especially Lt. Berry and Officer Romero, from across San Quentin Rehabilitation Center went above and beyond to support the event." Along with Friends of The People In Blue, prison tech training program The Last Mile and the religious organization God Behind Bars were also heavily involved. Hubbard also paid tribute to members of TPIB, including Arthur Jackson, Tony Tafoya, Louis Sale and Henok Rufael, for playing an integral part in both the workshops and prom. Most of the daughters that attended the event were Bay Area residents, but supporters flew out about five from other parts of the country, including Florida and Georgia, Hubbard explained. Tragedy after the dance The workshop and dance were especially poignant and a cherished gift for one participant, Steven Embrey, who got an opportunity to hold his 28-year-old daughter Tiara Embrey in his arms before a car accident took her life just weeks later on June 8. Steven Embrey with his daughter Tiara Embrey. Weeks after the two were reunited at "Parent Prom," the daughter died in a car crash in Oakland, Calif. (Jean Melesaine) "He got the only dance hes ever done with her," Nguyen said, "as well as building a stronger relationship with her during the process, because before the workshop, he had mentioned to me specifically and in our group that there were times he just didn't know how to talk to her at all, disconnected because of prison life, separation on the street." According to a report written from inside San Quentin, she was killed on San Leandro Street in Oakland in a head-on collision. "Im so happy I participated in the prom and I got to see her. She was so beautiful that day. I have so many beautiful memories," her father told reporter Steve Brooks, a California Local News Fellow working with Bay City News Foundation. What they're saying San Quentin officials praised the prom and the workshop, saying they reinforced a critical goal. "The event reflects SQRCs mission to strengthen family bonds as a vital part of rehabilitation and breaking cycles of incarceration," Press Information Officer Todd Javernick told KTVU in an email. "Plans are already underway to make next years Parenting Prom even bigger and better, continuing SQRCs commitment to helping families heal and grow stronger together," he added. The "Parent Prom" has remained a memorable highlight for former San Quentin inmate Vincent OBannon and his daughter Autumn OBannon. The daughter said her dad was released from prison a month after the dance, which also happened to fall on her 38th birthday, and the rehabilitation work he's engaged in is being seen in his life, she said. "Having my Dad home has been a breath of fresh air. Being able to spend unrestricted time with him and watching him spend quality time with my sons (his grandsons), brings me so much joy," the San Francisco resident shared with KTVU in an email correspondence. "Seeing him focused and completing goal after goal reassures me that the productivity he applied on the inside was beneficial." Vincent OBannon with his daughter Autumn OBannon (Vincent OBannon) She said that the two have always been close despite his incarceration. "The workshop however, allowed us to go more in depth with certain topics. Ultimately I would say that it did add value to our level of respect and understanding of one another," the daughter shared, as she noted that the prom they got to experience was magical. "It was surreal and a dream come true," Autumn OBannon said. Louis Sale and his daughter, Matalena, also got to experience the magical night. His wife was also there as part of the celebration, and she expressed deep gratitude for what her daughter got to share with her dad. "The experience my daughter and I had at the prom will be unforgettable. My daughter had her senior prom already and her dad wasnt able to attend due to incarceration. But this prom made up for it," said Kora G. Sale. The Last Mile's executive director, Kevin McKracken, who is also formerly incarcerated, praised all those who worked hard to make it happen. "Thanks for changing the narrative and believing in this work," McKracken said. Life work For Nguyen, watching the dads at the culmination of his program and celebrating the work they committed to doon themselves and with their familywas deeply emotional. "I cried several times. To be able to watch families reconnect or at least strengthen their bond, hearing their conversations, using the things from the workshops at the dance, it was very touching to me," he said, "And it made me feel like I was doing something worthwhile in my life." This feeling is one that Nguyen wants to extend and expand. "My ultimate goal is to bring it to the streets, because I do believe healthy families create healthier people, healthy individuals. And those same healthy families create safer communities," the San Quentin resident said."If I can affect one child or one person's life from coming to prison, for me, that's a great start to living amends for all the harm I've done in my life." Photo by Jean Melesaine Daughters embraced their father, some for the first time, as they marked "Parent Prom" at San Quentin Rehabilitation Center on April 5, 2025. (Jean Melesaine) The Parent Prom was the culmination of an 8-week workshop at San Quentin. (Jean Melesaine) Irish investment company Kerga has acquired Munsterland J Lulf, a German RTD specialist, for an undisclosed sum. Munsterland J Lulf produces non-carbonated drinks for brands such as Jimmys Iced Coffee, part of the Carlsberg stable. It also markets dairy drinks under the Munsterland brand. Kerga, jointly owned by Irish investment funds BiaVest and Development Capital, was set up to acquire and develop nourishing convenience companies in the food and beverage sector. In its statement, Kerga said Munsterland J Lul offers significant growth potential and complements its portfolio company Nomadic Foods, the Irish dairy group. The deal strengthens its overall manufacturing and market access infrastructure, including Nomadics range of convenient snacking products, Kerga said. Alan Cunningham, Kerga's CEO, said the deal is a major step forward in executing Kergas European growth strategy. He added: "We have a clear roadmap for further acquisitions and are focused on building a portfolio of premium brands and manufacturing assets in high-growth categories." Munsterland's products include iced coffees and protein drinks, available in over 20 countries. Hilliard Lombard, Kerga chairperson and BiaVest co-founder, said Munsterland aligns perfectly with the investment fund's criteria of businesses with proven revenues of over 20m ($23.5m). Munsterland managing director Manfred Fleige added: Kerga brings strategic vision, experience and a long-term focus to help take the business to the next level. Together, we can unlock new opportunities, deepen and expand our co-manufacturing partnerships, and advance new production capabilities. According to Kerga, Munsterland and Nomadic are projected to achieve sales exceeding 100 million units across more than 20 European nations. Kerga's portfolio also includes Offbeat Donuts. In 2023, BiaVest also acquired German pasta manufacturer Riesa Nudeln. "German dairy group Munsterland J Lulf sold to Irish investors" was originally created and published by Just Food, a GlobalData owned brand. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) blasted Paramount Global after the company agreed to pay $16 million to settle a lawsuit brought by President Trump. The settlement comes as Paramount is working to secure a multibillion-dollar merger with Skydance, a deal that will need approval from Trumps government regulators. It is a dark day for freedom of the press. Paramounts decision to settle with Trump will only embolden him to continue his attack on the media, Sanders wrote in a statement on Wednesday. Trump is undermining our democracy and moving us towards authoritarianism, and the billionaires are helping him do it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump had sued Paramount and CBS News over a 60 Minutes interview it conducted with former Vice President Kamala Harris last fall, a conversation the presidents attorneys alleged was intentionally edited to cast her in a more coherent light. Many legal observers saw the presidents case as on shaky ground, though rumors of a settlement between the two sides had percolated in media and political circles for weeks. As part of the settlement, Paramount agreed to pay $16 million to Trumps future presidential library and release full transcripts of future presidential candidates. Sanders is not the only lawmaker blasting Paramount over its settlement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Ron Wyden (R-Ore.) issued a statement of his own calling the agreement a bribe and vowing to launch an investigation into the matter. When Democrats retake power, Ill be first in line calling for federal charges, he said. In the meantime, state prosecutors should make the corporate execs who sold out our democracy answer in court, today. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. SAYRE, Okla. (KFOR) According to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, a Sayre man has been arrested on child pornography charges. Officials say the OSBI Internet Crimes Against Children Unit (ICAC) received a tip regarding an incident report containing possible child pornography. OSBIs investigation led agents to an internet user identified as 59-year-old Bobby Brandon. LOCAL NEWS: Arkansas man sentenced to 10 years for robbing Oklahoma bank Bobby Brandon. Image courtesy OSBI. During the investigation, agents determined that the IP address from Brandons account was being used at his place of work in Sayre. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the OSBI, a search warrant was served on June 26, 2025, on Brandons electronic devices as well as his home. He was interviewed where officials say he admitted to looking at images of child sexual abuse material on his cellphone at work. Based on the investigation, Brandon was arrested and booked into the Beckham County Jail on charges of Possession of Child Pornography and Violation of the Oklahoma Computer Crimes Act. The investigation is still ongoing. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City. July 1 (UPI) -- The Trump administration has approved California Gov. Gavin Newsom's request for disaster relief following last month's riots in downtown Los Angeles, the Small Business Administration announced Tuesday. President Donald Trump and SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler approved the state's Economic Injury Disaster Loan declaration that will allow small businesses to apply for up to $2 million in low-interest EIDL loans. "Gavin Newsom let the migrant mob torch Los Angeles," Loeffler wrote Tuesday in a post on X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Now he's asking SBA for disaster relief to fix an estimated $1 billion in damage. It's another Newsom crisis that POTUS is cleaning up for law-abiding citizens and small businesses." Gavin Newsom let the migrant mob torch Los Angeles. Now he's asking SBA for disaster relief to fix an est. $1 BILLION in damage. It's another Newsom crisis that @POTUS is cleaning up for law-abiding citizens & small businesses.https://t.co/cxz1G2T8kk Kelly Loeffler (@SBA_Kelly) July 1, 2025 SBA disaster assistance teams are also providing on-the-ground support to those impacted, according to Loeffler. Hundreds were arrested last month for looting and vandalism at dozens of businesses after days of protests directed at Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids. During the riots, the Trump administration deployed thousands of National Guard troops to help law enforcement officers, who called the "unlawful and dangerous behavior" a "concerning escalation" after demonstrators flooded LA streets and freeways. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Newsom blamed Trump's decision to call up the National Guard for creating the escalation, calling it a "breach of state sovereignty." "We didn't have a problem until Trump got involved," Newsom said on June 8. "This is a serious breach of state sovereignty -- inflaming tensions while pulling resources from where they're actually needed." Days later, Trump accused Newsom of failing to protect communities and said without the intervention, Los Angeles "would be burning to the ground right now." Newsom has not commented on California's disaster relief approval. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Gov. Newsom allowed a mob to rampage Los Angeles -- standing with violent rioters, paid protesters and criminal illegal aliens over law-abiding citizens. Despite an estimated $1 billion in damage, he refused federal relief for weeks, insisting that the riots were peaceful even as small business owners stood in the rubble," said Loeffler. "Although the SBA has approved California's disaster relief request and will begin delivering immediate aid to the innocent victims, Gov. Newsom must take accountability for his state-sanctioned crisis." The state Department of Education has reached this year's legal limit of 10,000 students who can receive $7,500 to put toward private school tuition and other expenses. (File/Getty Images) COLUMBIA South Carolinas latest scholarship program for K-12 private tuition and other expenses reached its cap of 10,000 students for the year, according to the state Department of Education. Thats more than triple the number enrolled last year, when just under half of the initial programs 5,000 slots went unfilled even before classes started. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And as many as 1,000 of the students whose families received an initial payment were later removed from the program for failing to meet eligibility requirements, according to estimates from the Education Oversight Committee. But under the new law signed in May, the scholarship amount and eligibility expanded for the coming school year. Families qualifying income can reach up to 300% of the federal poverty level, instead of 200%. For a family of four, for example, incomes max out at $96,450, up from $62,400. And students no longer needed to be switching schools to qualify. That opened the door for a greater number of students to receive the $7,500 annual scholarships (up from $6,000), doled out in four quarterly payments that start this month. This is an exciting milestone in South Carolinas education freedom journey, state Superintendent Ellen Weaver said in a statement. This program puts hardworking families in the drivers seat empowering them to shape an education as unique as their child. The 10,000 students enrolled for 2025-26 include 1,691 students who participated in the program last year and wanted to renew. That left 8,309 open slots. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All were filled within six weeks of applications opening for all eligible students May 19, which followed a one-week priority window for children in active-duty military families. The department did not provide a breakdown of student demographics, such as age, race and geographic location, or the reasons applications were rejected. Of the 16,119 applications submitted for students new to the program, 2,819 of them were rejected, and 4,991 applications remain under review, said agency spokesman Jason Raven. If theyre found eligible, those students will be put on a waitlist for any spots that might open up this year. Otherwise, theyll have a priority status when the application process renews next year when eligibility expands again. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under the law, up to 15,000 students qualify for 2026-27, when parents incomes can reach up to 500% of the federal poverty line. Thats $160,750 for a family of four under the latest guidelines (which are adjusted annually). If more than 15,000 students apply, legislators have the option of funding additional scholarships by putting more money in the state budget. This years increase in students accepted has several possible explanations, Raven said. For one, legislators did away with the deadline to apply, which was the primary reason the department rejected applications last year. Nearly 80% of the 5,027 applications rejected ahead of the 2024-2025 school year were because parents missed the deadline or failed to complete all the necessary paperwork, the department spokesman said at the time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Palmetto Promise Institute, which spent years lobbying for the school choice program, also redoubled its efforts to help parents sign up, offering a webinar explaining the program as well as one-on-one support for parents with questions, said Felicity Ropp, who leads the conservative think tanks information hub on school choice. Another likely reason for the increase, Raven said, was a renewed spotlight on the program as the House and Senate debated and ultimately passed a law meant to get private schools back on the list of providers after the state Supreme Courts ruling last September. In a split decision, justices said K-12 private tuition payments violated the state constitutions ban on taxpayer money directly benefiting private education, making private schools immediately ineligible for additional scholarship money. GOP legislators designed the new law to get around that ban. Another potential explanation for the increase is a new provision allowing families using school choice options within their public school district to participate, said Patrick Kelly with the Palmetto State Teachers Association. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Students attending a school other than the one for which they are zoned, including a different public school, can use the money for various expenses including tutoring, textbooks and computers. And the program no longer limits eligibility to students enrolled the prior year in a public school, allowing parents with children already in private school to get state aid. Last year, only entering kindergartners were exempt from that now-deleted rule. However, how many of the enrolled students can use their scholarship for private tuition over the coming school year remains to be seen. The states high court will ultimately decide whether tuition payments under the new law are constitutional, as another lawsuit is expected ahead of classes starting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The compromise agreed to by Republicans in both chambers combined parts of the House and Senate versions of the legislation. Following the Senates suggestion, legislators used lottery revenue to cover $20 million of the $75 million the program will need this year. Keeping with the Houses proposal, the law requires Weaver to hire a trustee to oversee fund distribution, which will begin at the end of the month. Supporters of the program said the cap being hit showed a high demand for the payments. These robust application numbers show how excited South Carolina parents are to have opportunity and choice in their childrens education, Ropp said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Critics remain unconvinced. Sherry East, president of the South Carolina Education Association, called the law a blatant disregard for our constitution by those who are sworn to uphold it. Funds that could be used for other state agencies are being diverted to private schools that pick and choose who they educate, East said in a statement. If they take state money, they should play by the same rules. 'Scary Cloud' Sparks Concerns At MLB Stadium On Tuesday Night originally appeared on The Spun. During this Tuesday's game between the Los Angeles Angels and Atlanta Braves, fans were worried they'd have to evacuate the stadium. Fans noticed an unusual cloud forming near Truist Park in Atlanta on Tuesday. It wasn't just incredibly dark, it looked almost as if a tornado was forming. That threw some people off guard considering a tornado warning wasn't issued by the National Weather Service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thankfully, there wasn't a tornado lurking in the distance at Truist Park. It was actually a scud cloud, which is often mistaken for a tornado. "Scud clouds are perhaps the most common feature mistaken for tornadoes. They are low, ragged cloud fragments that can sometimes be located near the updraft region of the storm," the National Weather Service's storm spotter reference states. "However, they lack organized, persistent rotation. Here are a couple examples of scud cloud." The official X account for the National Weather Service Atlanta confirmed that it was a scud cloud at Truist Park. "A great example of a scary looking, albeit harmless cloud that we in the business call Scud. Storms are still out there though, so stay weather aware through the night!" A great example of a scary looking, albeit harmless cloud that we in the business call Scud. Storms are still out there though, so stay weather aware through the night! https://t.co/Rk4Jy0B45I NWS Atlanta (@NWSAtlanta) July 2, 2025 As you'd imagine, footage of the scud cloud at Truist Park went viral in a matter of minutes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Thats a good tornado imposter," one fan wrote on X. "Id be worried not knowing for certain," another fan said. We're certainly glad it wasn't a tornado. The Braves and Angels will compete at Truist Park for the next two days. 'Scary Cloud' Sparks Concerns At MLB Stadium On Tuesday Night first appeared on The Spun on Jul 2, 2025 This story was originally reported by The Spun on Jul 2, 2025, where it first appeared. CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) Beach visitors will have the opportunity to salute members of the military as they fly along the coast this Independence Day holiday. The military flyover, known as Salute from the Shore, is organized for the South Carolina coast each year. It gives beachgoers from Cherry Grove down to Beaufort a moment to cheer our military personnel as they fly overhead on the holiday. F-16s and the Warbird Flight (T-34s and T-28s) are set to fly, depending on weather conditions, and there will be a few other varieties according to organizers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A weather system off the southeast coast could impact flights on Friday afternoon; however, if given the all-clear, organizers said flights will begin their journey at roughly 1 p.m. LOCATION APPROX. TIMES F-16S WARBIRD FLIGHTS Cherry Grove 1:00 1:10 Myrtle Beach 1:03 1:!2 Murrells Inlet 1:04 1:15 Pawleys Island 1:06 1:28 Isle of Palms 1:15 1:50 Charleston Harbor 1:16 1:52 Folly Beach 1:20 1:55 Edisto Island 1:24 2:10 Hilton Head/Bluffton 1:31 2:20 Beaufort 1:35 2:35 Should the weather not have an impact on the demonstration, organizers encourage people to arrive early and be patient, as flight times are approximate. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCBD News 2. Greenland and Iceland experienced a record heat wave in May. Experts are concerned and have warned about the impacts of this rare weather event on the rest of the world. What's happening? As The Washington Post reported, rising global temperatures due to human activity contributed to the heat wave. In certain regions, temperatures were more than 18 degrees Fahrenheit above average. A World Weather Attribution analysis revealed that the heat wave caused the Greenland ice sheet to melt much faster than normal. This type of ice melt releases large amounts of fresh water into the ocean's salt water. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ocean currents that move water among the Gulf of Mexico, Atlantic Ocean, and Arctic Ocean slow down because of the influx of fresh water from ice melt. Scientists say this disturbs global weather patterns and can have impacts far beyond the Arctic. "The nature of weather in the Northern Hemisphere is directly tied to what's happening in the Arctic, because that ice floor basically at the bottom of the atmosphere helps determine the weather patterns that we get," said Waleed Abdalati of the Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences at the University of Colorado Boulder. Why are Arctic heat waves significant? Scientific studies reveal the interconnectedness of the different regions of the planet. Extreme weather phenomena in remote places have widespread impacts on local communities. While extreme weather events have always happened, scientists have discovered that the human-caused climate crisis is making them more frequent, intense, and dangerous. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heat waves and ice melt in the Arctic influence precipitation, wind, and other weather patterns many miles away. Excessive ice melt due to heat waves causes sea levels to rise, threatening coastal communities with floods, public health risks, and property damage. Meanwhile, Arctic Indigenous populations face safety threats as they lose traditional hunting spots and travel routes with thawing sea ice that used to be consistently frozen. What's being done about Arctic climate shifts? Many scientific groups have focused on the connection between Arctic ice melt and extreme weather patterns worldwide. For example, some are working on ways to remove carbon from the atmosphere to help preserve Arctic sea ice. Evolving climate conditions such as record temperatures are becoming public knowledge as people outside the scientific community realize the global impacts of the rapidly warming Arctic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Environmental groups are encouraging people to help lower Earth's temperature by reducing harmful pollution to address these shifts. You can join the fight to prevent rapid sea ice melt with personal actions such as taking public transportation, driving an electric vehicle, supporting sustainable businesses, and installing solar panels to power your home. Combining a solar setup with battery storage saves money on monthly utility bills while making your home more resilient to extreme storms. EnergySage's free quote comparison tool makes finding a trusted local installer easy and can help you save $10,000 on the upfront cost. You can also contribute to a cleaner, cooler future by learning more about critical climate issues and sharing your knowledge with others. Personal efforts and conservation policy advocacy complement the larger movement to reduce climate shifts in the Arctic and beyond. 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. Researchers from the University of Chittagong just uncovered a growing crisis in Chattogram, Bangladesh, and the numbers are alarming. Their study found that nearly 27% of the city's plastic goes unmanaged every year around 70,000 tons of it, the Daily Sun reported. Even more concerning is that thousands of tons of abandoned fishing gear are piling up in the ocean nearby. What's happening? Fishing boats and trawlers in Bangladesh's coastal waters are leaving behind an estimated 2,740 tonnes (over 3,020 U.S. tons) of plastic-based fishing gear annually including nets, ropes, and containers, per the Daily Sun. These "ghost gear" plastics don't just sink to the seafloor they continue to trap fish and other marine animals long after crews abandon them. Combined with Chattogram's urban plastic waste, this pollution creates a dangerous cocktail that threatens not only the ocean but also the human communities that depend on it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Local officials say this unmanaged waste is clotting waterways, endangering livelihoods, and polluting key fish habitats. Why is this plastic waste concerning? When plastic pollution builds up in coastal areas, it doesn't just hurt marine life it jeopardizes food security, public health, and tourism. Many coastal families rely on fishing as a means of making a living. Ghost nets reduce their catch and damage equipment. When plastic particles work their way into seafood, the effects ripple through the entire food chain all the way to dinner plates. This isn't just an environmental issue. It's a human one. Without action, the growing tide of plastic could delay progress toward a cleaner, healthier future for coastal communities worldwide. What's being done about the plastic waste? Local communities in Chattogram aren't waiting for top-down solutions they're taking action. City Corporation workers, floating-waste pickers, and scrap dealers have received hands-on training in improved waste management practices. They've also received free protective gear, including boots, masks, and PPE suits, to help them perform their jobs safely. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, around 2,000 students participated in awareness campaigns aimed at educating their neighborhoods about the dangers of plastic pollution, according to the Daily Sun. Local fishers also received guidance on the environmental risks of abandoning fishing nets at sea a key source of ocean plastic. There's economic opportunity, too. "New entrepreneurs have also been trained to produce eco-friendly alternatives to single-use plastics, creating opportunities for employment," associate professor Dr. Mohammad Shah Nawaz Showdhury from the Institute of Marine Science told the Daily Sun. While the issue is urgent, these grassroots actions show that people can make a real difference when they come together. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. A team of University of California (UC) researchers say they have developed a tool that could help steer the aviation sector toward making smarter decisions when it comes to climate-related impacts. The Global Warming per Activity tool, highlighted Wednesday in the journal Nature, measures how long and how strongly each aviation activity affects the atmosphere whether that activity lasts hours or a century. The scientists also quantified uncertainty in every component, enabling users to assess risk by calculating the probability that a given tradeoff would help mitigate warming. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This new decision tool uses the information to provide accurate risk quantification for climate tradeoff decisions, lead author Michael Prather, a professor of Earth system science at UC Irvine, said in a statement. For example, airlines could decide to reroute flights to avoid conditions that generate contrails the line-shaped vapor trails produced by engine exhaust but in doing so, they might need to consume more fuel. If the contrails were reduced sufficiently, however, there could be a net positive gain for the climate, according to the study. In general, civil aviation contributes to global warming via carbon dioxide from fuels, nitrogen oxides that impact ozone and methane levels, and the creation of lingering contrails. Although each pollution source plays a role in trapping atmospheric heat, efforts to reduce one offender typically increase another. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Using the new metric, the scientists determined that if aviation choices led to even a 3 percent to 5 percent decrease in contrails or in nitrogen oxide emissions, these declines could outweigh a 1 percent surge in carbon dioxide emissions over a 100-year period. Careful strategies that might increase fuel usage, they observed, could therefore bring a potential reduction in the long-term climate impacts of flying. The researchers stressed, however, that they considered only climate change tradeoffs and not economic costs. Nonetheless, they touted their method for its abilities to empower airlines and regulators to make smarter decisions, with more accurate, activity-based comparisons. By quantifying the probability of a positive climate outcome, the authors said they aimed to provide a way to evaluate climate tradeoffs with confidence and equip policymakers with clearer insight into the consequences of their actions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The tool could also be applicable to climate-related decisions made in other industries, such as shipping, agriculture or manufacturing, the researchers noted. This is a win for both science and society, Prather said. Our findings show that we dont have to choose between reducing carbon emissions and tackling other warming pollutants. We can find a balance that leads to meaningful progress. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. "Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." Heres what youll learn when you read this story: For decades, scientists have been building synthetic versions of viruses, bacteria, and yeast, but now U.K. scientists are setting their sights on the human genome. Building a synthetic genome would be much different than gene editing, which contains smaller edits to ones own genome. While a synthetic human genome could dramatically improve our ability to manage our health, it could also be a deadly weapon if used for nefarious purposes. The ethical duality of scientific discovery is nothing new. The most dramatic example is, of course, splitting the atom, which delivered a promising new energy source as well as weapons of mass destruction. A more recent examplethe internetwas an unprecedented way to access the sum total of human knowledge, and it also became an insidious vector of mass misinformation. Now scientists are embarking on a new scientific journey, one that could bring unimaginable benefits for human health while also providing the tools for immense destruction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were going to synthesize the human genome. Over the next five years, the Synthetic Human Genome Project (SynHG), funded by the worlds largest medical charity Wellcome Trust (which was also a partner of the Human Genome Project completed in 2003), will work with scientists from Cambridge, Kent, Manchester, Oxford, and Imperial College London to build the foundational tools necessary to rebuild the human genome from scratch. This is different than gene editing, which typically involves much smaller changes to an organisms original DNA. With recent technological advances, the SynHG project is at the forefront of one of the most exciting areas of scientific research, Wellcomes Michael Dunn said in a press statement. Through creating the necessary tools and methods to synthesize a human genome, we will answer questions about our health and disease that we cannot even anticipate yet, in turn transforming our understanding of life and wellbeing. In an interview with the BBC, Julian Sale, a member of the Molecular Biology in Cambridge who is part of the study, said that a synthetic human genome could improve the lives of humans as they age. This focus on healthspanimproving the quality of life for the years we do haveover lifespan is something medical professionals have been urging for years, and a synthetic human genome could address a wide variety of maladies that impact our quality of life in old age. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And then, theres the other side of the scientific coin. While a synthetic genome could help generate disease-resistant cells or repair damaged organs or the immune system in general, the technology could also be used as a highly efficient biological weapon if it fell into the wrong hands. Thats why SynHG will also develop social science programs that will examine the technologys ethical, legal, and social implications. The genie is out of the bottle, Edinburgh University genetic scientist Bill Earnshaw told BBC News. We could have a set of restrictions now, but if an organization who has access to appropriate machinery decided to start synthesising anything, I dont think we could stop them. When it comes to synthetic biology, the genie has actually been out of that proverbial bottle for a while now. In 2002, scientists in the U.S. first synthesized a viral genome, and since then, scientists have increased genomic complexity by synthesizing a bacterium in 2008 and a yeast organism in 2017 . Of course, the human genome is leagues beyond these simple synthetic reconstructions, which is why the project scientists estimate that it could take decades to complete. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hopefully that provides enough time for humanity to fully grapple with the implications of such a breakthrough and ensure that we dont accidentally create yet another weapon of mass destruction. You Might Also Like Bryan Kohberger is reportedly set to agree to a plea deal in the murder of four Idaho college students, with his trial scheduled to start on Aug. 11, 2025. The suspect is accused of fatally stabbing the four victims and the family of one of the students, Kaylee Goncalves, say they learned about the apparent plea deal in a letter from prosecutors. In a Facebook post, they said that they are giving the deal a "HARD NO" after prosecutors allegedly entertained the idea on Friday. Bryan Kohberger Plea Deal The letter noted that the plea deal with Kohberger will ensure that he is convicted of the crimes against him and secure a lifetime imprisonment sentence. It read that the agreement would not let the defendant put the victims and other families through the uncertainty of decades of post-conviction appeals. However, the Gomcalves family previously said that the Latah County Prosecuting Attorney's Office "vaguely mentioned" a potential plea deal on Friday. After that, they presented it to the family on Sunday through a letter through an email but without asking for their input, according to NBC News. The family released an updated statement, saying that they were able to meet with prosecutors on Monday to reiterate their desire for the death penalty against Kohberger. However, they said that their efforts did not matter. The 30-year-old suspect was charged with four counts of first-degree murder and burglary in the 2022 murders of four Idaho college students. The victims were identified as Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen, and Goncalves, who were killed at an off-campus home in Moscow. Murder of Idaho College Students Kohberger has waived all right to appeal and the state is also seeking restitution for the victims and their families. The plea deal comes only a few weeks before the suspect's trial as selection of the jury is set to start on Aug. 4, 2025, ABC News reported. The Goncalves family said that it was disappointed to learn about the secretive way that prosecutors were using to end the case. It added that they are frustrated with the development but noted that they will work on moving forward. The family's attorney, Shanon Gray, said that the death penalty is "merely an illusion" in the criminal justice system. She noted that when available, it is used as a bargaining tool for the state. However, when rarely applied, it is never enforced because of a "highly inefficient appellate process," as per Fox News. (Bloomberg) -- Gold steadied as investors weighed concerns about the US fiscal position together with prospects for the Federal Reserves monetary easing path ahead of key economic data. Most Read from Bloomberg Bullion was slightly higher near $3,3347 an ounce following a gain of 2% over the previous two sessions after the Senate passed US President Donald Trumps multitrillion-dollar tax bill on Tuesday. The legislation, which is expected to widen the deficit by $3.3 trillion over the next decade, now heads to the House. If it passes, that could benefit golds appeal as a haven. Investors were also focused on the US employment report for June, which is expected on Thursday. The figures are projected to show a slowdown in payrolls growth and an uptick in unemployment, which may strengthen the case for cuts by the Fed. It would follow a stronger-than-expected job openings print on Tuesday that reduced hopes for a July cut. Lower borrowing costs tend to benefit the non-yielding commodity. Gold is up by more than a quarter this year, trading around $150 short of a record set in April. The price is bolstered by demand for havens as investors grapple with heightened geopolitical and trade tensions. The rally has also been supported by robust central-bank purchases, as well as inflows into bullion-backed exchange-traded funds. Meanwhile, investors continue to monitor US trade talks, with Trump saying Wednesday that he had reached a deal with Vietnam. He recently said hes not considering delaying a July 9 deadline for higher tariffs. Still, there are signs that traders are becoming less worried by the presidents unpredictable stance on levies. The economy remains broadly healthy. Spot gold rose 0.3% to $3,347.49 an ounce at 12:44 p.m. in New York. The Bloomberg Dollar Spot Index was little changed. Silver, platinum and palladium gained. --With assistance from Elise Harris and Jack Ryan. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2025 Bloomberg L.P. A man was seriously injured when the scooter he was riding collided with a vehicle that was struck from behind and ricocheted onto the wrong side of the road on Route 2 in Preston on Tuesday. The collision occurred shortly before 5 p.m. when the driver of a 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe that was heading east stopped to make a left turn onto Mattern Road, according to Connecticut State Police. The Hyundai was struck from the rear by the driver of a 2003 Chevrolet S-10, which caused the Santa Fe to spin into the westbound side of Route 2, state police said. A 44-year-old man from the Taftville section of Norwich riding a 2024 Zhejiang Jiajue Tank II scooter west on Route 2 could not avoid a collision and struck the Hyundai, according to state police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The man was thrown from the scooter and was seriously injured, state police said. He was taken to Backus Hospital where his condition was not immediately clear. The driver of the Hyundai, a 28-year-old Preston man, and the driver of the Chevrolet, a 60-year-old Stonington man, were both taken to Backus Hospital for injuries believed to be minor, according to state police. The crash remains under investigation. Anyone with information has been asked to contact Trooper Lee Lukin at 860-848-6500 or Lee.Lukin@ct.gov. A wildfire in Spain and high temperatures elsewhere in Europe have claimed another six lives as the continent swelters in temperatures topping 40C. Two farmers died when they became trapped by flames near the town of Cosco in Spain's Catalonia region. Authorities said a farm worker had appealed to his boss for help, but they were unable to escape as fire spread over a large area. In Italy, two men died after becoming unwell on beaches on the island of Sardinia, and a man in his 80s died of heart failure, after walking into a hospital in Genoa. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A 10-year-old American girl collapsed and died while visiting the Palace of Versailles south-west of Paris , reports said. According to French broadcaster TF1, she collapsed at the courtyard of the royal estate, in front of her parents, at around 18:00 local time on Tuesday. Despite efforts by the castle's security team and emergency services, she was pronounced dead an hour later. France's ecological transition minister Agnes Pannier-Runacher said earlier that two heat-related fatalities had been recorded in France and that more than 300 people had been given emergency care. The European continent is experiencing extremely high temperatures, a phenomenon that the UN's climate agency said is becoming more frequent due to "human-induced climate change". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both Spain and England had their hottest June since records began. Spain's weather service, Aemet, said last month's average temperature of 23.6C (74.5F) "pulverised records", surpassing the normal average for July and August. The two men who died in the fire in Catalonia were identified later as the farmer owner and a worker aged 32 and 45. Emergency services said the fire had spread to an area of up to 6,500 hectares. Aemet forecast temperatures of 41C in the southern city of Cordoba on Wednesday, and said overnight temperatures were as high as 28C in the nearby town of Osuna the night before. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement France has registered its second-hottest June since records began in 1900. June 2023 was hotter. Four departments in France remained on the red alert level for heat on Wednesday, the highest level. These include Aube, Cher, Loiret and Yonne, according to Meteo-France. People cool off at Montsouris Park in Paris, France [Getty Images] In Sardinia, where temperatures have exceeded 40C in recent days, a 75-year-old man died after falling ill on a beach in Budoni. Another man, 60, became sick while on the beach of Lu Impostu in San Teodoro. Two construction workers in the Italian province of Vicenza were rushed to hospital at 15:30 local time on Tuesday because they fell ill as a result of the heat while working in a hole. One of the workers is in a coma, according to the Ansa news agency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile two wildfires have prompted emergency evacuations in Greece, as authorities warn of a very high fire risk across many regions, including Attica, Crete, and parts of the Peloponnese and Aegean islands. In the northern Halkidiki region, a fast-moving blaze near the coastal village of Vourvourou burned through highly flammable pine forest, forcing residents and campers to flee. Power cuts have been reported in the area, while 65 firefighters, ground teams, and aerial units are battling the flames in steep terrain. On the island of Crete, a large fire was burning out of control near the seaside village of Achlia, threatening homes, tourist accommodation and critical infrastructure. Local residents and tourists have been ordered to leave. More than 100 firefighters have been deployed to tackle the blaze. Dimple Rana, heat and microclimate specialist at sustainable development consultancy Arup, told the BBC there was "a big link between heat-related impact and age". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the UK, for example, most heat-related deaths were among older adults, Ms Rana said. Younger children, particularly those under five, were also at risk. Another factor to consider is that often people on lower incomes undertake more manual work, Ms Rana said, meaning they are more exposed to higher temperatures. Heatwaves are becoming more common due to human-caused climate change, according to the UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Extreme hot weather will happen more often - and become even more intense - as the planet continues to warm, it has said. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO), which is the UN's weather and climate agency, said on Tuesday that human-induced climate change meant "extreme heat is becoming more frequent and intense". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement, the WMO added: "The effect of heat on human health is more pronounced in cities as a result of the urban heat island effect. "This is where urban environments are significantly warmer than surrounding rural areas, especially during hot periods, due to an abundance of paved surfaces, buildings, vehicles, and heat sources." "This additional heat in cities exacerbates heat stress and can increase mortality during hot periods," the agency said. [Source] The Supreme Court ruled 6-3 on Friday to curtail federal judges authority to issue nationwide injunctions against President Donald Trumps executive order ending automatic birthright citizenship, though the policys future remains unclear as litigation continues in lower courts. Catch up Trumps executive order, which was signed on his first day back at the White House, would eliminate citizenship for U.S.-born children whose parents lack citizenship or permanent legal status. Courts in Maryland, Massachusetts and Washington state blocked the directive with nationwide injunctions. The controversy centers on the 14th Amendment, which declares that all persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof are citizens, with the traditional exception being children of foreign diplomats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 1898 Supreme Court case United States v. Wong Kim Ark established that birthright citizenship covers nearly all children born on U.S. soil, except for children of diplomats, enemies during wartime occupation, those born on foreign ships and children of sovereign Native American tribes. The Trump administration contends that children of noncitizens are not subject to the jurisdiction of the U.S. and therefore lack entitlement to citizenship, while critics argue this interpretation contradicts established precedent. Twenty-one states back the policy, while 22 Democratic-led states have filed legal challenges. What the judges said In the majority opinion, Justice Amy Coney Barrett wrote that when a court concludes that the Executive Branch has acted unlawfully, the answer is not for the court to exceed its power, too. Barrett noted that federal courts do not exercise general oversight of the Executive Branch; they resolve cases and controversies consistent with the authority Congress has given them. The court restricted the injunctions only to the extent that the injunctions are broader than necessary and directed lower courts to move expeditiously in determining appropriate scope. Trending on NextShark: SCOTUS hands Trump major win on birthright citizenship During a 20-minute reading from the bench, Justice Sonia Sotomayor called the ruling nothing less than an open invitation for the government to bypass the Constitution and labeled it a travesty for the rule of law. In a separate dissent, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson described the decision as an existential threat to the rule of law. Justice Brett Kavanaugh wrote in a concurring opinion that judges could potentially provide broad relief through putative nationwide class actions. The big picture The ruling represents a major change in how federal courts can constrain executive actions, with Trump calling it amazing and a monumental victory for the Constitution. The administration now plans to target other nationwide injunctions blocking policies on sanctuary city funding, refugee resettlement and federal funding for transgender surgeries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Attorneys expect a wave of new class-action cases, with challengers already submitting revised lawsuits hours after the courts decision. The court left open questions about whether states can obtain sweeping injunctions to safeguard their interests, while the policy stays blocked in New Hampshire under different litigation. Trending on NextShark: Asian American lawyers continue constitutional fight despite SCOTUS setback This story is part of The Rebel Yellow Newsletter a bold weekly newsletter from the creators of NextShark, reclaiming our stories and celebrating Asian American voices. Subscribe free to join the movement. If you love what were building, consider becoming a paid member your support helps us grow our team, investigate impactful stories, and uplift our community. Trending on NextShark: Asian Americans express solidarity with Latinos amid ICE raids in Los Angeles Subscribe here now! Download the NextShark App: Want to keep up to date on Asian American News? Download the NextShark App today! GREENE COUNTY, Iowa A Scranton man died Tuesday afternoon when a car struck the tractor he was driving in Greene County. The Iowa State Patrol said Michael Dahl, 63, was driving a tractor southbound on Highway 25, just south of 320th Street, around 3:41 p.m. when the incident happened. A southbound Mercury Grand Marquis driven by Neal Schoon, 62 of Bayard, struck the tractor from behind. 1 dead in overnight east side Des Moines shooting Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dahl was knocked from the tractor as it rolled into the west ditch. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The ISP crash report did not list any injuries for Schoon. The Greene County Sheriffs Office, Scranton Fire, Bayard Fire, and Greene County Ambulance all assisted in the response to the crash. The ISP is continuing to investigate. Iowa news Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com. SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) Republican state Sen. Kevin Jensen of the Canton area has a specific number in mind. If we can get the recidivism down to about 20%, that would open up about 200 beds a year for the next two or three years, Jensen said. UPDATE: Arrest made in 8th Street bridge assault South Dakotas Department of Corrections measures recidivism by looking at how many prisoners return to prison in the three years after theyre released. According to state data, the recidivism rate for prisoners in 2019 was about 41% before rising to 43% in 2020. Decreasing that number is a clear goal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That is a difficult thing to solve, and its a complex issue, Republican state Rep. Mary Fitzgerald of the Spearfish area said. And if we could find the answer to that, Im sure everyone would be interested in how we came up with that. Hopefully, we can find a path forward where we can reduce recidivism. When we reduce recidivism, thats good for everybody, right, Republican state Rep. Tim Reisch of the Howard area said. Its great for the community because offenders are behaving when theyre released. Its good for people that have made mistakes in the past because they can correct their behavior and become taxpaying members of society. Jensen, Reisch and Fitzgerald are among the South Dakota state lawmakers on the states Initial Incarceration, Reentry Analysis, and Comparison of Relevant States Interim Committee which met June 24 for the first time. Their states prison population compared to other states has their attention; per data from the Bureau of Justice Statistics through the end of 2023 measuring the prison populations per 100,000 people of South Dakota, North Dakota, Wyoming and Montana, North Dakotas rate is notably lowest. The degree to which Native Americans are overrepresented among South Dakotas prison population is also in focus. Per the state of South Dakota, about 40% of all the states prisoners were Native and more than 60% of its female prisoners were Native on June 30, 2024. Around this same time, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, Native Americans made up about 9% of the states population. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Where Im from in District 26, having three tribes within my district, living with, on a reservation, I think its really important that we begin to ask the why questions as to why the, a very high percentage of those who are incarcerated in South Dakota are Native American, Republican Sen. Tamara Grove of Lower Brule said. Grove, Republican Senator Carl Perry of Aberdeen and Democratic Rep. Kadyn Wittman of Sioux Falls are also on the committee. Id like to see this committee leave at the end of this summer study with a few concrete recommendations that we can make to the legislature in 2026 to help hopefully lower recidivism, support better reentry opportunities and just better support our incarcerated friends and neighbors, Wittman said. I think if we could develop more mentoring programs, that might make a big difference, Perry said. And I think if we had a better visitation program, and I know that we have a visitation program, I know it gets abused, and I know theres problems with it, but I dont think it helps our issues when we keep families away from families. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Substance use is also part of the complicated puzzle. Per the South Dakota DOC, many inmates have battled substance use disorder in recent years: as high as 98% for women and 94% for men. We are putting far too many people in prison for substance use disorders, Grove said. And youre not going to get results with someone who has a substance use disorder when youre just locking them up. The lawmakers studying the data are by definition politicians, but the problems theyre looking to address arent inherently political. I think its important to note that the summer study looking at reentry and incarceration is fully bipartisan, and this is not an issue that is specific to Republicans or Democrats, Wittman said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Judicial reform, I think, could play a role in reducing the amount of people that we incarcerate, Jensen said. When were talking about incarceration, this is not a Democrat issue. Its not a Republican issue, Perry said. Its kind of like when you have a hole in the road; its not a Republican hole or a Democrat hole. Its a hole that needs fixed. We have an incarceration situation that needs to be fixed. The committee is scheduled to have their next meeting on July 16. Reisch, who once served as South Dakotas DOC secretary, also shares concern for people working in the system. South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley said most of the 40 inmates involved in a riot on May 27 at the Jameson Annex in Sioux Falls had ties to gangs. The staff is talking to us, and we need to back up our staff, the corrections staff. Theyre the people on the front lines day in and day out, and if they feel threatened or they dont feel supported, and thats whats going on, then we need to adjust, Reisch said. We need to do better. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. In a split verdict, hip-hop mogul Sean 'Diddy' Combs was found guilty of two of the five charges he faced but was acquitted of the most serious charge, racketeering conspiracy, capping a high-profile trial in Manhattan federal court. Combs was also acquitted of two counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion pertaining to former girlfriend Cassie Ventura and another former girlfriend who testified under the pseudonym "Jane." However, the jury found Combs guilty of two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution one each for Ventura and "Jane." Combs faces a maximum prison sentence of 10 years for each of those counts. Elizabeth Williams/AP - PHOTO: Sean "Diddy" Combs reacts as the jury foreman reads the verdict convicting him of prostitution-related offenses, July 2, 2025, in Manhattan federal court in New York City. Following six weeks of testimony presided over by U.S. District Court Judge Arun Subramanian that saw the prosecution present 34 witnesses and the defense present none, the jury of eight men and four women deliberated just over two days before reaching their verdicts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: Sean 'Diddy' Combs trial updates: 'Diddy' not guilty of racketeering in split verdict Tune into ABC at 10/9c Wednesday for an ABC News special, Verdict: The Diddy Trial, on the Sean Diddy Combs trial, and streaming next day on Hulu and Disney+. Several hours after the verdicts were read, the judge denied Combs bail, citing the violence that was "starkly depicted" in the 2016 hotel security footage that showed him physically assaulting his then-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura. Subramanian called Combs domestic violence a "propensity for violence." MORE: 'I'm coming home, baby!': Sean 'Diddy' Combs reacts after verdict read Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It is impossible for the defendant to demonstrate that he poses no danger to the community," the judge noted. Before the 5 p.m. bail hearing, Combs' attorneys pushed for his release Wednesday, arguing for a $1 million bond. I am not saying it is not a serious crime," Defense attorney Marc Agnifilo said of the prostitution counts Combs was convicted of. "It is a crime of a vastly different nature, he said. I believe that a significant change in conditions is warranted. Prosecutor Maurene Comey said the government plans to pursue significant incarceration for Combs on the prostitution charges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The judge set Combs' sentencing for Oct. 3 at 10 a.m. Earlier Wednesday, the verdicts sparked mixed reactions at the lower Manhattan courthouse and beyond. Combs got down from his chair and knelt on the floor after the verdicts were read, appearing to pray while some of his attorneys embraced. Marshals then escorted Combs out of the courtroom while some spectators in the gallery cheered and applauded. Elizabeth Williams/AP - PHOTO: Sean "Diddy" Combs reacts after he was convicted of prostitution-related offenses but acquitted of sex trafficking and racketeering charges that could have put him behind bars for life, July 2, 2025, in Manhattan federal court in New York. MORE: Sean 'Diddy' Combs found guilty on 2 of 5 counts: What's next for the rap mogul? Although the jury did not find Combs guilty of sex trafficking Cassie beyond a reasonable doubt, she paved the way for a jury to find him guilty of transportation to engage in prostitution, Douglas Wigdor, Ventura's attorney said said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By coming forward with her experience, Cassie has left an indelible mark on both the entertainment industry and the fight for justice, the statement continued, in part. We believe and support our client who showed exemplary courage throughout this trial. She displayed unquestionable strength and brought attention to the realities of powerful men in our orbit and the misconduct that has persisted for decades without repercussion. This case proved that change is long overdue, and we will continue to fight on behalf of survivors," the statement concluded. "Sex crimes deeply scar victims, and the disturbing reality is that sex crimes are all too present in many aspects of our society," the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York, which prosecuted the case, said in a statement. "Victims endure gut-wrenching physical and mental abuse, leading to lasting trauma. New Yorkers and all Americans want this scourge stopped and perpetrators brought to justice." "Prosecuting sex crimes requires brave victims to come forward and tell their harrowing stories. We and our law enforcement partners recognize the hardships victims endure and have prioritized a victim-centered approach to investigating and prosecuting these cases," the statement concluded. Jane Rosenberg/Reuters - PHOTO: Sean "Diddy" Combs watches sex tapes shown to the jury during Combs' sex trafficking trial in New York City, June 17, 2025 in this courtroom sketch. Combs was initially indicted in September 2024 on charges of racketeering, sex trafficking by force and transportation to engage in prostitution. A superseding indictment in March 2025 included additional allegations of forced labor under the racketeering conspiracy count, while another superseding indictment the following month added an additional charge of sex trafficking and one of transportation to engage in prostitution Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Federal prosecutors accused Combs of using his many businesses, and the people he employed to run them, to conduct a criminal enterprise to illegally coerce women into sex and conceal his alleged illicit conduct to protect his reputation. The alleged activities included "sex trafficking, forced labor, interstate transportation for purposes of prostitution, coercion and enticement to engage in prostitution, narcotics offenses, kidnapping, arson, bribery, and obstruction of justice," according to the indictment. In addition to the racketeering charge, the indictment also included two separate counts each of sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion and transportation to engage in prostitution, both involving two alleged victims. Jane Rosenberg/Reuters - PHOTO: Casandra "Cassie" Ventura is cross-examined by lawyer Anna Estevao during Sean "Diddy" Combs' sex trafficking trial in New York City, May 15, 2025, in this courtroom sketch. Combs' attorneys countered that Combs may well be a violent man one who indulges in unconventional sexual conduct, abused illegal drugs and committed domestic violence but he wasn't part of a broader criminal organization. This case is about those real-life relationships, and the government is trying to turn those relationships into a racketeering case, Combs attorney, Teny Geragos, told jurors in her opening statement. The evidence is going to show you a very flawed individual, but it will not show you a racketeer, a sex trafficker, or somebody transporting for prostitution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: Sean 'Diddy' Combs rejects plea deal ahead of sex trafficking trial The prosecution called 34 witnesses over six weeks of testimony, beginning with Combs' former girlfriend Cassie Ventura, whom Combs was seen physically assaulting in a widely circulated hotel surveillance video from 2016. Other witnesses included two alleged Combs victims who testified under the pseudonyms "Mia" and "Jane," as well as two male escorts to testified that they were paid to participate in so-called "freak-off" sexual encounters with Combs, Ventura and other alleged victims. The jury also heard from witnesses to alleged abuse and sexual acts, and a forensic psychologist who testified regarding why people often remain in abusive relationships. Jane Rosenberg/Reuters - PHOTO: Prosecutor Emily Johnson questions rapper Kid Cudi as he testifies at Sean "Diddy" Combs' sex trafficking trial in New York City, May 22, 2025 in this courtroom sketch. One of the most high-profile prosecution witnesses was Scott Mescudi, aka rapper Kid Cudi, who testified that he was told Combs allegedly broke into his home and had someone set his car on fire after learning that he was dating Cassie Ventura. Combs previously denied any involvement in the car fire. The defense, which twice during testimony unsuccessfully asked the judge to declare a mistrial, called no witnesses before resting their case on June 24, just two hours after the prosecution rested theirs, electing only to read additional evidence into the court record. Combs told the court at that time that he did not wish to take the stand in his own defense. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Federal prosecutors the following day told Judge Arun Subramanian that they were no longer including attempted kidnapping and attempted arson as underlying crimes in the alleged racketeering conspiracy charge against Combs. Instead, prosecutors signaled that they would push sex trafficking and forced labor as primary predicate acts that the jury could find to convict Combs of racketeering conspiracy. MORE: Everyone who testified for the prosecution in the Sean 'Diddy' Combs trial Defense attorneys had argued that no evidence was presented directly tying Combs to the arson that damaged rapper Kid Cudis vehicle. Defense attorneys also argued that the alleged kidnapping of Combs former employee, Capricorn Clark, by Combs to confront Kid Cudi was far removed from the heart of the case. Federal prosecutors did not elaborate on their decision in their letter to the judge. The prosecution delivered a nearly five-hour-long closing argument on Thursday, June 26, summarizing 28 days of testimony and evidence. The defense spent four hours the next day presenting their summation, followed by the prosecution rebuttal. Deliberations began on Monday, June 30 after Judge Arun Subramanian gave the jury their instructions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Tuesday, the jury told the court that they'd reached a verdict on four of the five five counts with which Combs was charged, they were unable to reach a verdict on the first count -- racketeering conspiracy -- prompting the judge to instruct them to continue deliberations. This is a developing story. Check back for updates. Follow all of our Sean Combs trial coverage Sean Combs will remain in jail pending his sentencing for transportation to engage in prostitution, with Judge Arun Subramanian denying the mogul bail following the mixed verdict in his sex trafficking and racketeering case Wednesday, July 2. More from Rolling Stone Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Combs was found guilty on two lesser charges of transportation to engage in prostitution, but acquitted on the most serious charges: sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy. While Combs lawyers argued forcefully for his release on bond and said Combs had taken steps to better himself by enrolling in a violence intervention program shortly before his September arrest, Subramanian ultimately sided with the governments argument that detention is mandatory for this type of conviction. The 55-year-old looked somewhat stunned by Subramanians swift decision. At one point he raised his hand to speak to the judge, but seemed to reconsider after prosecutors doubled down in their argument, claiming Combs was unmatched in his brazenness. Still, Combs lead attorney Marc Agnifilo said they werent nearly done fighting. Speaking outside the courthouse on Wednesday evening, he added, Were not going to stop until he walks out of prison a free man to his family. In denying Combs release, Subramanian leaned heavily on Combs admission of violence, saying it was impossible for Combs to demonstrate by clear and convincing evidence that he poses no danger to any other person or the community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the defense admission was ostensibly part of an otherwise successful strategy to distance Combs documented actions from the actual charges against him, Subramanian repeated Agnifilos quotes from the transcript back to him. At trial, the defense conceded defendants violence in personal relationships saying it happened in relation to Combs ex-girlfriends Casandra Cassie Ventura and the pseudonymous Jane, Subramanian said. The judge also highlighted Combs was admittedly violent with Jane in June 2024. This was at a time when he should have known that he needed to stay clean, the judge said. He ruled that Combs lawyers had not adequately shown that Combs poses no danger to any person. In pushing back on Subramanians decision and arguing for a lower sentence for Combs, Agnifilo said that Combs was in the process of working on himself. He revealed that Combs attended meetings at a batterers program at New York organization called the Urban Resource Institute before his arrest, and that Jane had helped Combs write the letter to get him into the program. (Rolling Stone has reached out to the institute for comment.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Agnifilo also called Combs a model prisoner, and stated, I just think we should trust him. Hes not going to flee. But the argument failed to sway Subramanian, who rebuffed Agnifilo at one point by telling him, You full-throatedly in your closing argument told the jury that there was violence here. And domestic violence is violence. Amid this back and forth, prosecutor Maurene Comey called Combs an extremely violent man with an extraordinarily dangerous temper, who has shown no remorse and no regret for his multiple victims. She said the only exceptional thing about Combs was his wealth, his violence, and his brazenness. (Agnifilo retorted by saying, Listening to Ms. Comey makes me appreciate that we have juries.) Subramanian tentatively scheduled Combs sentencing for Oct. 3, and noted that the nearly 10 months Combs has already spent in jail will go towards his ultimate sentence. He also indicated that he would be open to the defenses push for an expedited sentencing process. A follow-up hearing on the sentencing schedule was set for July 8 at 2 p.m. ET. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the ruling, Agnifilo went over to Combs family and delivered a quasi-pep talk to explain the situation. He told them that Southern District of New York prosecutors never lose racketeering cases, adding, Today is a great day. He gets his life back with all of you. Combs then spoke to his family directly. Well make it through this, he said. Stay in the light. Ill see you all when I get out. Love you, stay strong. He blew kisses to friends and family before leaving the courtroom. Outside the courthouse on Wednesday evening, Agnifilo made similar remarks to a press pool. Today is a great victory for Sean Combs. Its a great victory for the jury system. You saw that the Southern District of New York prosecutors came at him with all that they had, Agnifilo said. Today is a win. Today is a victory of all victories for Sean Combs. Combs seemed hopeful of his release Wednesday, once again reading a print out of Psalms 11, reading the passage quietly to himself. His team offered a $1 million bond and assured that Combs would continue to submit to drug tests as part of possible conditions. They also said Combs would restrict his travel to parts of Florida and California (where he has homes), as well as New York and New Jersey (for meetings with lawyers and court appearances). And after seeing the governments letter, Combs attorneys filed a second letter that pushed back against the assertion Combs was convicted of a crime of violence, and also listed several exceptional reasons that made further detention inappropriate, such as caring for his elderly mother and children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For months, the government repeatedly argued, and announced to the world, that Sean Combs was a monster who perpetrated a 20-year federal crime spree through a racketeering enterprise, the letter read. It devoted enormous resources to this prosecution That jury heard the governments evidence, including testimony from his former girlfriends. By its verdict, the jury resoundingly rejected the governments depiction of Mr. Combs. But prosecutors adamantly opposed Combs release, as well as Ventura, whose attorney Douglas Wigdor filed a separate letter to the court. Ms. Ventura believes that Mr. Combs is likely to pose a danger to the victims who testified in this case, including herself, as well as to the community, he wrote. Government witness, stylist, and Venturas close friend Deonte Nash also submitted a letter, citing grave concern at the possibility of Combs release. I feel compelled to be unequivocal about the danger he poses to the public and to the individuals who have risked everything by coming forward, Nash wrote, noting Combs long, well-documented history of violent, coercive, and retaliatory behavior and calling him a serious and immediate threat to victims, witnesses, and the broader community. Hes not going to stop, its his personality. This is innate to him, a plaintiff who has filed a civil lawsuit against Combs adds to Rolling Stone. Theres real fear. Now we have to look over our shoulders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors raised concerns that Combs would flagrantly disregard orders from this court if released. They cited evidence presented during the trial that Combs continued to commit a litany of crimes such as alleged abuse and drug use even after he knew he was under federal investigation. Combs has now cleared the risk of serving life in prison on the three most serious counts against him. Still, the prostitution conviction could land Combs in prison for up to 20 years, with each charge carrying a possible sentence of up to 10 years. However, Combs team said theyd be pushing for the minimum sentence which they pinned between 21 to 27 months. Legal experts also have noted that the actual sentence could be less severe, especially since Combs had no prior criminal record. Best of Rolling Stone Sign up for RollingStone's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. The trial of music executive Sean "Diddy" Combs is nearly over. Jurors on the case have reached a verdict after three days of deliberations. Combs was convicted of transportation to engage in prostitution and acquitted of racketeering conspiracy and both sex trafficking counts. On Tuesday, the jury reached a partial verdict. They sent a note to Judge Arun Subramanian, agreeing that they reached a verdict on four of the five counts but were unable to agree on the count of racketeering conspiracy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Subramanian did not issue an Allen charge an instruction given to a deadlocked jury to encourage them to keep working and reach a verdict he did encourage the jury to continue deliberating. Combs faced federal charges, including sex trafficking through coercion, transportation for the purpose of prostitution, and conspiracy to commit racketeering. These allegations stem from a major indictment initially filed in September 2024, followed by two subsequent superseding indictments. Combs has entered a plea of not guilty to all charges. Prosecutors allege that Combs led an organized network that "abused, threatened, and coerced women" into participating in extended, drug-fueled sexual encounters with male sex workers events he allegedly referred to as "freak-offs" and then intimidated the women to prevent them from speaking out. The defense argued that all of Combs' sexual activities were consensual and, although he acknowledges that some of his past relationships included domestic violence, he denies any involvement in sex trafficking. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Combs had pleaded not guilty to all charges. What verdict did the jury reach? Here is the final verdict the jury reached: Combs was found not guilty on count one, racketeering conspiracy. Combs was found not guilty of count two, the sex trafficking of Casandra Ventura. Combs was found guilty on count three, the Mann Act transportation of Casandra Ventura. Combs was found not guilty of count 4, the sex trafficking of former girlfriend Jane. Combs was found guilty of count 5, the Mann Act transportation of former girlfriend Jane. The defense secured three acquittals, arguing that Combs was only culpable for violating the Mann Act by transporting his former girlfriends, Cassie Ventura and an individual referred to as "Jane." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was acquitted of operating a criminal enterprise and of two charges related to sex trafficking. What is the Mann Act? The Mann Act, also known as the White-Slave Traffic Act of 1910, is a United States federal law aimed at combating human trafficking and the transportation of individuals across state lines for illegal sexual purposes. Enacted in 1910, the Mann Act was initially designed to stop the interstate transport of women for immoral purposes, primarily targeting what was then referred to as "white slavery" or forced prostitution. It was part of a wave of early 20th-century moral reform efforts and a response to public fears about women being coerced or tricked into sex work. Will Sean "Diddy" Combs be released on bail? Marc Agnifilo, attorney for Combs, requested that the court release his client from federal custody, where he has been held for nearly a year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Given that the sex trafficking charges have been dismissed, Agnifilo proposed that Combs be allowed to return to his residence in Miami under specified conditions and offered a $1 million bond as part of the request. There is no word yet on whether the request has been accepted. What is racketeering? Racketeering is the participation in an illegal scheme under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Statute, or RICO, as a way for the U.S. government to prosecute organizations that contribute to criminal activity. The term "racketeering" originates from the word "racket," which originally referred to dishonest or fraudulent business schemes, often involving extortion, coercion, or intimidation. Notorious gangsters like Al Capone built criminal empires using racketeering tactics, such as protection rackets, illegal gambling, and bribery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Crimes must form a pattern, usually involving two or more acts within a 10-year period, to constitute racketeering under RICO. Combs is charged with a racketeering conspiracy charge, two counts of sex trafficking and two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. What is an Allen charge? According to the Fully Informed Jury Association, when a jury is unable to reach a unanimous decision and informs the judge, the judge may provide additional guidance aimed at persuading dissenting jurors to reevaluate their views. This form of instruction is commonly referred to as an Allen charge or, informally, a dynamite charge. The term Allen charge originates from the 1896 U.S. Supreme Court case Allen v. United States, in which the Court sanctioned the use of such instructions in federal trials. What's the difference between petit jury and grand jury? Since it's a federal trial, there are two types of juries that can be on the case. Petit juries and grand juries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here are the differences: Petit jury Petit juries are comprised of 6-12 people. Trials are generally public, but jury deliberations are private. Petit juries render a verdict, of guilty/not guilty in a criminal case, or in favor of a defendant or plaintiff in a civil case. Petit jurors hear a maximum of one case and are then discharged. Grand jury Consists of 16-23 grand jurors. Proceedings are private. Grand jurors generally serve up to 18 months, but can serve for up to 24 months, if an extension is granted by a judge. Grand jurors consider multiple cases over the course of their term of service. According to the United States Courts.gov, unlike petit juries, grand juries do not meet on a daily basis. Their meeting schedules vary widely depending on the jurisdiction. For example, in smaller districts, a grand jury might gather just one day every other week, whereas in larger districts with more extensive criminal investigations, they may meet several days each week throughout their term. Who is on the jury for Sean 'Diddy' Combs trial? The jury consists of 12 members (eight men, four women) from New York. Here are their occupations: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Juror No. 2: 69-year-old male who works as a massage therapist. Juror No. 5 : 31-year-old male. Works as investment analyst. Juror No. 25 : 51-year-old male who works as a neuroscientist. Juror No. 28 : A 30-year-old female working as a deli clerk. Juror No. 55 : A 42-year-old female who is an aide in a nursing home. Juror No. 58: A 41-year-old male who works in communications at a correctional facility. Juror No. 75 : A 68-year-old male who is retired investment analyst. Juror No. 116 : A 68-year-old male who is retired. Juror No. 160 : A 43-year-old female who works as a physician assistant. Juror No. 184 : A 39-year-old male who is a social worker. Juror No. 201 : A 67-year-old male who works as a logistics analyst. Juror No. 217: A 74-year-old female who works as a treatment coordinator. -USA TODAY Network Aysha Bagchi contributed to this report. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: What is Mann Act? Sean 'Diddy' Combs convicted on prostitution charges The jury in a high-profile, seven-week-long trial found Sean Diddy Combs guilty of two prostitution charges while finding the hip-hop mogul not guilty of more serious charges of sex trafficking and racketeering, per the Associated Press. If convicted on all charges, Combs could have faced life in prison. Instead, he faces a maximum of twenty years, as the two charges of transportation for purposes of prostitution each carry a maximum sentence of ten years. Ill be home soon, Diddy said as he was led out of the courtroom by U.S. Marshals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The mogul was ultimately denied bail and will remain in custody until he is sentenced. The government successfully argued that Combs detention until sentencing is mandatory under the law. No sentencing date has been set. There has been speculation that President Donald Trump may look to pardon Diddy. Nobodys asked, Trump told reporters in May, I think some people have been very close to asking. Trump added that he would look at whats happening, and I havent been watching it too closely, referring to the trial. Outside the courthouse in Lower Manhattan, supporters and detractors of Diddy clashed over the verdict, in a video posted to X. The post Sean Diddy Combs convicted on prostitution charges not guilty of sex trafficking, racketeering appeared first on Salon.com. Sean Diddy Combs has received a mixed verdict after nearly two months on trial and three days of jury deliberation. On Wednesday, July 2, the music producer, 55, was found guilty on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution one of his ex-girlfriend Casandra Cassie Ventura and one for a woman only known as Jane. He was found not guilty of two counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion and one count of racketeering conspiracy. Following the verdict, the hip hop artists lawyer, Marc Agnifilo, asked Judge Arun Subramanian that his client be released from jail and allowed to remain at his Miami home on $1 million bond until sentencing. Combs was arrested in September 2024 and has been incarcerated at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn since then. However, NBC News also reported that the government told the judge Combs should remain in jail until sentencing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The court has previously denied Combs bond more than once due to concerns no condition or combination of conditions will reasonably assure the safety of the community if he were to be released, according to court documents obtained by People in November 2024. A final decision has yet to be made on whether he will be released on bail. Now that Combs has been acquitted of three charges, life in prison is no longer on the table. However, each prostitution-related charge carries a maximum sentence of 10 years, so Combs could still face up to 20 years behind bars. As Star previously reported, the 12-person jury reached a partial verdict on Tuesday, July 1, on four of the five counts. The jury was split on the racketeering charge and could not reach a unanimous decision that day as some members reportedly had unpersuadable opinions on the matter. This story is currently developing By David Latona and Karin Strohecker SEVILLE, Spain (Reuters) -A number of wealthy creditor nations and multilateral lenders have launched an initiative that aims to give sovereign borrowers breathing space on debt payments in the event of a climate or humanitarian crisis, Spain said on Tuesday. The Debt Suspension Clause Alliance was launched during a U.N. conference in Seville - a once in a decade meeting aimed at furthering development finance goals and guidelines. The initiative pushes for the systematic inclusion of clauses in new public and commercial lending that allow for a temporary suspension of debt payments in the face of extraordinary events, such as natural disasters, food crises or health emergencies. "The logic behind these clauses is simple but powerful: to create immediate fiscal space in times of greatest need, allowing countries to focus their resources on response and recovery without risking their solvency or ability to meet social spending," said economy minister Carlos Cuerpo. Speaking on the sidelines of the conference, Spain's Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares told Reuters that the suspension clause for debt repayments could also cover war. The governments of Canada, France and Britain were among the co-leaders of the initiative together with multilateral banks, including the Inter-American Development Bank, the European Investment Bank, the African Development Bank, the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean and the Asian Development Bank. Deutsche Bank has become the first private institution to join the initiative, Cuerpo later told a press conference in Seville, without giving details on what this would mean in practice for Germany's largest bank. "What we want is to... advance in standardizing the different concepts within these clauses, expand their application, and also be able to broaden their ability to open up more fiscal space when it would be needed going forward," Cuerpo said. Deutsche Bank declined to provide additional details. A number of multilateral lenders have already added such clauses in their lending - including inserting them retroactively in some existing loans. The Inter-American Development Bank said in the statement on Tuesday that adding climate-resilient debt clauses in sovereign loans had extended $3.2 billion in protection across several countries. It said it would expand this to more nations and broaden its scope. The European Investment Bank last year made climate-resilient debt clauses available to 70 developing countries. Sean Diddy Combs Not Guilty of Sex Trafficking, Racketeering originally appeared on L.A. Mag. Sean "Diddy" Combs was found not guilty on the most serious federal charges in a New York City courtroom Wednesday morning Noam Galai/Getty Images for MTV Music mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs was found not guilty Wednesday morning of the most serious charges - sex trafficking and racketeering - in a New York City federal courtroom by a jury that deliberated for three days. Combs, 55, was found guilty of transportation to engage in prostitution, a verdict that he celebrated by falling to his knees in prayer as his family erupted in cheers and applause behind him. After the verdict was read, Combs' lawyers argued for him to be released from custody immediately and to be allowed to return to his Miami home, emphasizing that this was his first conviction. Prosecutors opposed the defense's request and urged Judge Arun Subramanian to keep Combs detained until his sentencing. The judge asked Combs if he wanted to return to the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, where he has been held since the FBI raided his homes in Los Angeles and Miami last September. Combs emphatically indicated "no." The judge then asked both the prosecution and defense to submit letters as to why Combs should be released or remain detained, which will be discussed at a hearing at 1 pm local time. The response to the verdict was immediate in the hip-hop world that Combs has dominated for decades. Rapper 50 Cent posted a selfie with a giant grin on Instagram, writing: Diddy beat the Feds that boy a bad man! View the original article to see embedded media. Jay Clayton, the interim United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, which brought the sprawling case against Combs that has unfolded for weeks in lower Manhattan, released a statement applauding the victims who came forward in the case after the verdict was read. Prosecuting sex crimes requires brave victims to come forward and tell their harrowing stories," the statement read. "We and our law enforcement partners recognize the hardships victims endure and have prioritized a victim-centered approach to investigating and prosecuting these cases. This story was originally reported by L.A. Mag on Jul 2, 2025, where it first appeared. RIGBY, Idaho (ABC4) The search for two missing Idaho teens believed to have been abducted by the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (FLDS) continues as it expands into South Dakota. The teens, identified as Allen Fischer, 13, and Rachelle Fischer, 15, were both reported missing by the Jefferson County Sheriffs Office out of Monteview, Idaho, on Sunday, June 22. Their mother, Elizabeth Roundy, who left the FLDS with her children, believes their older sibling, Elintra, took the kids to fulfill religious obligations prophesied by FLDS leader Warren Jeffs. Elintra is believed to still be with the FLDS Church. Elintra, 18, went missing on Jan. 1, 2023. (Courtesy: Jefferson County Sheriffs Office) The Uvalde Foundation for Kids said its search for the children has led to several communities, including Arizona, Colorado and Trenton, Utah, where they had lived previously due to their religious beliefs. Now, the search has expanded into Custer, South Dakota, where the foundation says there may be a connection with a former FLDS compound. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PREVIOUS: Two Idaho teens go missing, believed to be taken by members of the FLDS church [The] investigation into the missing teens has now uncovered that the buyers of the compound are affiliated with a Colorado group loosely connected to the FLDS, where the foundation had also expanded its search, the Uvalde Foundation said in a media release. The compound in South Dakotas Black Hills was, according to the release, owned by the FLDS and sold recently to three former members who allegedly broke with the sect years ago. The Uvalde Foundation said it had requested to search the South Dakota properties but was denied entry. As the search for Allen and Rachelle continues, the Uvalde Foundation said it is offering up to a $5,000 reward for their safe return. The two teens were last seen wearing traditional FLDS clothing; Rachelle was reportedly wearing a dark green prairie dress, while Allen was last seen in a light blue shirt with jeans and black slip-on shoes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rachells is described as being 5 feet 5 inches tall, 135 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes. Allen is 5 feet 9 inches tall, 135 pounds, with longer sandy blonde hair and blue eyes. Anyone with information about the missing teens is asked to contact the Jefferson County Sheriffs Office by calling its dispatch center at 208-745-9210 and selecting option 7. Recent FLDS revelations According to Holding out HELP, an organization dedicated to helping survivors of polygamy, the teens disappearance may be connected to a specific revelation made by Warren Jeffs in 2022. Tonia Tewel, Holding out HELPs Executive Director, told ABC4.com the revelation was to prepare for the end times by returning to the church to become pure and translated beings. The last few years, a new revelation came out, and it encourages them to gather their followers, and they get to become translated beings. But they must die first, and then theyll be risen like Jesus Christ in 2-3 days, and they will be made pure, Tewell previously explained. So, a lot of the mothers and parents who are leaving with the children, the children really believe that the only way to reach salvation is to go back into the FLDS. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jeff, who was found guilty of sexual assault in 2011, is serving a life sentence in a Texas state prison. At the time of his conviction, Jeffs had 24 wives that were underage. Despite being behind bars, Jeffs is believed to still be running the FLDS church. MJ Jewkes and ABC News contributed to this report. Latest headlines: Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. DARLINGTON COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW) The second Darlington County deputy who was hospitalized after a shooting that killed another deputy and the suspect has been released and is recovering at home, a sheriffs office spokesperson told News13. Deputy Devin Mason, 27, died from his injuries after he and the other deputy, whose name has not been released, were ambushed inside a mobile home on Old Timers Court near Lamar, where they went to look for a man wanted on conspiracy and forgery charges, Sheriff Michael Augusts office said in a news release. Augusts office identified the suspect as Cameron Ray Dennett. Deputies also arrested Kristen Porter, 28, at the scene. She was booked into the Florence County Detention Center on criminal conspiracy and forgery charges because of arrest warrants issued there and given a $16,000 bond Wednesday morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deputy Mason served the people of Darlington County with heart and honor. Though his time with us was far too short, his impact will not be forgotten, Sheriff Michael Augusts office said Tuesday. We ask that you keep Deputy Masons family, fellow deputies, and friends in your thoughts and prayers as we navigate this difficult time together. Rest easy, Deputy Mason. We have the watch from here. SLED said the shooting is the 28th officer-involved shooting in the state this year and the first one in Darlington County. There were 45 across the state in 2024. Mason is the second Darlington County Sheriffs Office officer killed in the line of duty, according to the Officer Down Memorial Page website. Sheriff Alton Grinnell died in an automobile crash on July 11, 1945. Mason leaves behind a 2-month-old son, a fiance, and his mother and his stepfather, according to the group Serve & Connect, which announced a fundraiser to benefit his family in partnership with the South Carolina Law Enforecment Officers Association, the South Carolina Police Chiefs Association, the South Carolina Sheriffs Association and the South Carolina Fraternal Order of Police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In just one day, Masons memorial fund has raised more than $15,000 for his family, Serve and Connect said. Count on News13 for updates. * * * Caleb is a digital producer at News13. Caleb joined the team in January 2023 after graduating from Liberty University. He is from Northern Virginia. Follow Caleb on X, formerly Twitter, and read more of his work here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW. MEMPHIS, Tenn. A second person has been identified in a fatal double shooting at a South Memphis rock-climbing gym last week. The Memphis Police Department identified Dejuan Taylor as the second person killed in the shooting Sunday afternoon after a fight turned into a shooting at Memphis Rox on McLemore. A close relative confirmed that Jarmond Johnson, 25, was also killed in the shooting. Johnsons family says he worked there for years and had traveled all over, climbing mountains, including to Africa and Antarctica. Memphis Police said that both the suspect and the victim are deceased. They both exchanged fire, MPD said in an email. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ORIGINAL STORY: Two dead after shooting at rock-climbing gym; 1 detained On June 29, officers say it all started when they were called to a shooting inside Memphis Rox around 4:13 p.m. A man was pronounced dead at the scene, and another victim was taken to the hospital, where they later died from their injuries. Farris Haley, 28, was arrested near the scene of the shooting on Sunday. Haley is currently booked on charges of tampering with evidence and resisting arrest, though not with charges directly related to the shooting. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. A second Russian naval vessel has been tracked passing through the English Channel in a week. Royal Navy helicopters and a warship shadowed a surfaced Russian submarine as it sailed west through the North Sea and English Channel. Novorossiysk, a Kilo-class submarine, was monitored by the Portsmouth-based patrol ship HMS Mersey, a Wildcat helicopter from 815 Naval Air Squadron, and a specialist submarine-hunting Merlin aircraft from 824 Naval Air Squadron. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Royal Navy spokesman said the submarine was accompanied by Yakov Grebelski, a Goryn-class tugboat. He added that the British warship and helicopters utilised powerful sensors and systems to watch every move by the vessels. A Ministry of Defence spokesman confirmed the incident happened within the last week, but would not reveal specific dates. It comes after the Boikiy, a Russian warship with guided missiles and mounted machine guns, entered the Channel on June 20 and passed into the North Sea. The corvette, which travelled with two Russian oil tankers, was shadowed by the Portsmouth-based destroyer HMS Duncan and patrol ship HMS Mersey. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An increasing number of Russian military vessels are sailing through the Channel as Moscow looks to demonstrate its military presence. Sources have confirmed this was the sixth time Novorossiysk had passed through British waters in three months. On the latest incident, Lt Comm Dan Wardle, HMS Merseys commanding officer, said: This operation is another clear demonstration of the Royal Navys enduring commitment to safeguarding the United Kingdoms maritime interests. Monitoring the transit of naval vessels through our area of responsibility remains a fundamental task, one that ensures we maintain situational awareness and the ability to respond swiftly when required. I am proud of my ships company, whose professionalism, cohesion, and constant readiness continue to reflect the high standards expected of Royal Navy personnel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Navy spokesman said that, as the Russian submarine left UK waters, monitoring responsibilities were passed on to Nato allies. He added that it was the sixth such tasking for HMS Mersey in the last three months. It comes at a time of increased efforts by the UK and Nato to monitor Moscows activity in European waters. Last month, Krasnodar, another shadow Kilo-class submarine, was detected in the Channel, forcing the Navy to deploy HMS Tyne to track it. That came just two weeks after HMS St Albans and HMS Mersey shadowed Russian vessels through the Channel in a separate incident. At the same time, the number of Russian oil tankers passing through the Channel has almost doubled since London sanctioned Moscow following the invasion of Ukraine, according to data analysis by The Telegraph. 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. Jul. 2Sen. Susan Collins said she told the White House and Republican leadership weeks ago that President Donald Trump's signature policy bill would have to be overhauled for her to vote "yes." The changes that Collins wanted were never made. Collins, R-Maine, voted "no" on Tuesday, joining all Democrats and Republican Sens. Rand Paul of Kentucky and Thom Tillis of North Carolina to oppose the bill that slashes health care and green energy funding, and extends the 2017 tax cuts. The bill which would add $3.3 trillion to the national debt over the next decade is now before the House, which passed a similar bill in May. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill passed by one vote, after the last Republican holdout, Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, voted in favor. Vice President J.D. Vance had to vote to break the tie, and it passed 51-50. In an interview with the Press Herald on Wednesday, Collins said the cutbacks to Medicaid were especially problematic for her considering that several rural hospitals in Maine are "teetering" financially. "I had made it clear weeks ago that I would have to see substantive, major, significant changes in the bill in order for me to support it," Collins said. "I had made this clear to the White House, to (Republican leadership), to everybody." Collins had also voted against an earlier version of the bill in April because it included Medicaid cutbacks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Collins said rural hospitals are in a precarious financial position, and she's worried that the Medicaid cutbacks will make it difficult for them to stay open if the bill passes. Northern Light Health's Inland Hospital in Waterville closed this year. The Senate version of the bill contains $900 billion in cutbacks to Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act, including work requirements and changes to eligibility that makes it more difficult to maintain Medicaid eligibility. Collins proposed a $100 billion provider relief fund to help soften the blow to rural hospitals, but that was pared to $50 billion in the final version of the Senate bill. "I am very eager to get funding to them as quickly as possible," Collins said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Collins said she reduced her request to $50 billion, to be offset by increased taxes on the ultra-wealthy, hoping that would pass, even knowing that it would be insufficient to address the revenue losses to hospitals caused by the Senate bill. "I was trying to hit the sweet spot and come up with a fund that would pass," Collins said. "There would have been no provider relief fund in the bill if not for my efforts." Collins' amendment was defeated by a coalition of Democrats and more than half of Republicans. But the $50 billion relief fund was included in the final version of the bill, although the tax on the ultra-wealthy was removed by Republican leadership. Collins said she supports work requirements for able-bodied Medicaid recipients, but would have liked to see changes to the provisions that would allow more people to not become uninsured. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For instance, Collins said, seasonal workers who may not meet work requirements to receive Medicaid and do not have employer-provided coverage should be able to sign up for insurance through the Affordable Care Act marketplace. However, the Senate bill prohibits those who fail to qualify for Medicaid because they failed the work requirement provisions from signing up for the ACA. "I don't want them to fall through the cracks," Collins said. "They should be able to get heavily subsidized insurance through the ACA." The Medicaid cutbacks fueled in large part by work requirements and changes that make it harder to maintain eligibility and cuts to ACA subsidies would result in a projected 16 million Americans becoming uninsured, including about 40,000 in Maine. Collins said she's also in favor of changes to the Medicaid eligibility rules that would allow more people to seamlessly maintain their Medicaid eligibility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement James Myall, economic policy analyst for the Maine Center for Economic Policy, a left-leaning think tank, said even with changes to work requirements that Collins is suggesting, it would likely still leave millions uninsured. And that would be detrimental to the financial well-being of hospitals, patients and the entire health care system. "You can soften the blow, but the blow is still there," Myall said. Myall said when uninsured people become sick or injured and it makes it difficult for them to work, they can't get the health care they need to get back to working. "Of the millions projected to lose their Medicaid from the work requirements, the vast majority of those are already working," Myall said. "A lot of the losses in the insured will be from paperwork errors." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Collins also voted against the bill because she was opposed to the fast elimination of green energy credits in the energy industry. Collins said she would have preferred a two-year phaseout of green energy credits for projects like windmills and solar panel farms. Collins said she also wanted to see federal tax credits maintained for household energy efficient heat pumps and rooftop solar panels. Myall said the U.S. is set to lose ground to China and other countries in the clean energy industry. "Phasing out the credits reduces some short-term harm, but over the long term we will still see the same negative effects," Myall said. Copy the Story Link Planned Parenthood would lose federal Medicaid money under the Big Beautiful Bill passed by the U.S. Senate Tuesday, a development the organizations supporters say could reduce vital health care services for millions across the country. The House plans to take up the bill Wednesday. If it passes with no amendments, it would head for the White House where President Donald Trump is eager to sign it into law. Planned Parenthood officials were furious on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lets call defunding Planned Parenthood what it is: a backdoor abortion ban, said Alexis McGill Johnson, president and chief executive officer of the Planned Parenthood Action Fund.. Medicaid, partially funded by the federal government, pays health care providers such as Planned Parenthood for various health care services. According to Planned Parenthoods 2022-23 annual report, about one-third of its funding came from Government Health Services Reimbursements & Grants, which includes Medicaid. Planned Parenthood receives a reimbursement for the services provided to patients in the Medicaid program. Medicaid does not pay for abortion except under very limited circumstances (abortions for pregnancies resulting from rape, incest or that are life-threatening), according to KFF, a nonpartisan health research organization. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State Medicaid covers different types of family planning, including pelvic and breast exams and contraceptives at no charge to the client. KFF said that 29% of women using Medicaid in California use those services. Republican bill-writers had wanted to strip the Medicaid funds for a 10-year period, but a ruling from the Senate parliamentarian limited the cut to one year. The bill bars those who offer abortions from using any Medicaid funds for the services they offer. Anti-abortion activists hailed the vote. While this provision is unfortunately limited to one year in the Senate bill, it still sets a lasting precedent that lawmakers can build on in future spending bills to restrict taxpayer funding for the abortion industry. We will be there to urge them to do so, said Brent Leatherwood, president of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Today, Congress took a major step toward ending the forced taxpayer funding of the Big Abortion industry a crucial victory in the fight against abortion, Americas leading cause of death, and an industry that endangers women and girls, added Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America. Planned Parenthood Action Fund and abortion rights advocates fired back. This bill is cruel, and thats the point for Senate Republicans who just voted to defund Planned Parenthood. They chose to sacrifice the health and lives of their constituents in service of their long-term goal to shut down Planned Parenthood and decimate abortion access nationwide, said Johnson. The Center for Reproductive Rights warned that the bill would close hundreds of Planned Parenthood clinics. Almost 200 health care centers could now close, 90% of them in states where abortion is legal, according to Planned Parenthood. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is not a drill extremists have been scheming for decades to shut down Planned Parenthood, and now they may actually succeed in shutting down scores of their clinics across the country, said Nancy Northup, the centers president and chief executive officer. She said the bill will be felt most in states where abortion is legal, as most of the clinics at risk of closing are in those states. If this bill passes, many people will have nowhere else affordable to go for these services. In California, Planned Parenthood operates 115 health centers and serves almost 1 million patients, one third of all Planned Parenthood patients nationwide. More than 80% of Planned Parenthood patients in California rely on Medi-Cal, the states Medicaid program. Today, Senate Republicans voted to take away health care to the nearly one million people in California who get essential health care at Planned Parenthood health centers. If this bill is signed into law by President Trump, Californians will suffer, Jodi Hicks, CEO and president of Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California, said in response to the ruling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cancers will go undetected, STIs will go untreated, birth control will be harder than ever to get, and the public health infrastructure of Californias most vulnerable communities will break down, Hicks said in a statement, noting the disproportionate harm California will face. In a June letter from Francisco Silva, president and CEO of California Primary Care Association, to Sens. Adam Schiff and Alex Padilla, the CPCA condemned the proposed cuts. Eliminating Planned Parenthood from our states comprehensive network of care would put untenable stress on remaining health centers, Silva said. We do not have the capacity for such an increase in care and building such capacity would require significant capital investment. According to research by the Guttmacher Institute, federally qualified health centers (FQHC) could not replace Planned Parenthoods operations, especially for contraceptive care. The institute estimates a 95% increase in the caseload for patients seeking contraceptive care at Californias non-Planned Parenthood sites if there are no Planned Parenthood clinics. This would include FQHC, health department, hospital and other independent agency sites. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The average Planned Parenthood health center serves 2,640 female contraceptive clients annually, while FQHC, health department, hospital and other sites serve 330, 320, 640 and 410 clients per year respectively. FQHCs are indispensable to helping people access health care, but to suggest they could easily step up to replace Planned Parenthood is a politically expedient argument that willfully ignores the facts on the ground, said Amy Friedrich-Karnik, director of federal policy at Guttmacher. According to Shelby McMichael, a Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California spokesperson, the recently approved California budget maintains some really critical reproductive health care investments. PPAC is still looking to future strategies and next steps but is committed to minimizing disruptions to operations if the bill successfully passes through the House and is signed by the president, McMichael said. We knew that they were never going to stop at overturning Roe, and that, this is kind of one other way that they can restrict access to abortion and reproductive health care, McMichael said. We knew that they were going to attack Planned Parenthood. It wasnt like a matter of if, it was just kind of a matter of when. A bleary-eyed Lisa Murkowski exited the Republican whips office early Tuesday morning with a coffee in hand, after more than 24 straight hours of backroom negotiations over President Donald Trumps sweeping tax and spending bill. Its in the hands of the people that operate the copy machine, the Alaska Senator quipped, signaling that she planned to flip her vote and deliver the final commitment GOP leaders needed to secure passage. With that, Senate Republicans pushed Trumps 940-page One Big Beautiful Bill Act across the finish line on a narrow 51-50 vote, with Vice President J.D. Vance casting the tie-breaker. The vote capped a grueling overnight session full of closed-door huddles, hastily scribbled amendments, and a desperate hunt for votes as Republican leaders raced to deliver Trumps top legislative priority before his self-imposed July 4 deadline. Three Republican senators oppose the bill over Medicaid and debt Three RepublicansSenators Susan Collins of Maine, Rand Paul of Kentucky, and Thom Tillis of North Carolinabroke ranks to oppose the bill. Paul objected to the legislations raising of the debt ceiling by $5 trilliona move needed to avoid a default later this summerwhile Tillis and Collins opposed Medicaid funding changes that could reduce coverage for millions of people and deliver less money to hospitals. Republican leaders could not spare any more defections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read More: The Three Republican Senators Who Voted Against Trumps Big Beautiful Bill Murkowski emerged as the crucial swing vote, holding out for changes that would delay food stamp cuts for states with high error rates like Alaska, preserve some clean-energy tax incentives, and expand rural health funding. After tense negotiations, Senate Republicans agreed to delay certain SNAP provisions, remove an excise tax on wind and solar projects, and double a rural hospital fund to $50 billionconcessions that cleared the way for her to support the bill. This is probably the most difficult and agonizing legislative 24-hour period I've encountered, Murkowski said. Still, she made clear that her support was reluctant, and urged House Republicans to revise the legislation further. Kill it, and the provisions that are going to be very helpful for economic development in my state would no longer be available, she said of her decision to vote in favor of a bill she believes still needs work. The bills passage marks the first major legislative victory for Senator John Thune since taking over as Republican Majority Leader in January. House Republicans push back on Senate version ahead of vote The legislation now returns to the House, where Speaker Mike Johnson will have just three days to meet Trumps deadline and marshal his slim 220-212 majority to endorse the Senate bill many of his members believe violates the framework they passed weeks ago, which kept tax and spending cuts at or below $2.5 trillion. By Tuesday evening, House Republicans on both the right and center flanks began lining up to oppose the Senate version ahead of the floor votes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our bill has been completely changedfrom the IRA credits to the deficit, said Rep. Ralph Norman of South Carolina, a member of the House Freedom Caucus, who voted against moving the bill forward in the House Rules Committee. Norman said he believes there are enough Republican no votes to sink the bill on the floor, though GOP leaders were preparing for a full House vote by Thursday. A group of House Republicans met with Trump at the White House on Wednesday morning. Trump called the Senates passage of his bill "music to my ears" and added that he thinks it will be easier to pass the House. Nobody wants to talk about GROWTH, which will be the primary reason that the Big, Beautiful Bill will be one of the most successful pieces of legislation ever passed, Trump wrote on social media Wednesday morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read More: Republicans Big Beautiful Bill Is Massively Unpopular Whats in the bill: Tax cuts, Medicaid changes, and immigration funding The legislation represents a sweeping rewrite of tax and spending priorities, making permanent the Trump-era tax cuts set to expire at the end of this year and adding new breaks for tipped workers, overtime pay, and factory construction. It also includes deep cuts to Medicaid and nutrition assistance, introduces new work requirements for low-income Americans, and slashes green energy tax credits. The bill would redirect hundreds of billions of dollars toward border enforcement and defense, including $350 billion in new spending and fees for immigration operations. Read more: Trumps Big Beautiful Bill Will Devastate Public Schools. Americas Kids Will Pay the Price According to an updated score from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO), the Senate version would increase the deficit by $3.4 trillionabout $1 trillion more than the House-passed billand increase the number of uninsured Americans by 11.8 million by 2034. Still, most Senate Republicans cast the legislation as a crucial and long-awaited victory. Now that different versions of the bill have passed both chambers, the House can send the bill directly to Trump for his signature by adopting the Senate version. If the House intends to make more changes to it, Republican leaders from both chambers will have to hammer out a version that can draw enough support for final votes in the House and Senate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Part of Thunes strategy to secure just enough votes in the Senate was to shape a more conservative bill than the House did in several key areas, particularly over Medicaid. House Republicans had sought to trim the bills price tag by imposing new work requirements for childless adults without disabilities, but the Senate plan expanded those requirements to also target the parents of children older than 14. The CBO estimated that the new work requirements provision would reduce federal spending by more than $325 billion over the next decade. However, those changes may be unworkable to moderate House Republicans in districts with a large percentage of residents enrolled in Medicaid. Read More: More Than 70 Million Americans Are on Medicaid. Heres What to Know About the Program The Senate also moved to rein in provider taxes that states use to secure more federal matching dollars for Medicaid, a plan that would cut spending by $375 billion, according to the CBO report. The House-passed bill would have frozen the tax rate for most states, whereas the Senate version would require many states to lower their existing taxes in 2027. The HouseI appreciate the narrow margins they have over there and the challenge the Speaker and his team have in front of thembut I think we gave them a really strong product, Thune told reporters. GOP divisions deepen as Trump allies and donors apply pressure Some Republicans are also expressing concern about facing re-election backlash if they vote for the Senate bill, which contains more aggressive entitlement reforms than the Houses more cautious framework. Former Trump adviser Elon Musk, the wealthiest Republican donor, has vowed to boost midterm primary challenges to defeat Republican lawmakers who vote for the legislation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read More: Dont Bankrupt America: Musk Vows to Campaign Against Republicans Who Support Trumps Debt-Raising Megabill The ultra-conservative House Freedom Caucus issued a statement the day before the Senate vote that read in part, The Senate must make major changes and should at least be in the ballpark of compliance with the agreed upon House budget framework. Freedom Caucus Chairman Andy Harris and other hardliners have warned that the Senate version crosses red lines on spending, energy policy, and deficit increases. Senate Republicans had trudged through more than 24 hours of motions and amendments, starting midmorning Monday and continuing well past sunrise Tuesday. Many were seen carrying energy drinks and snacks as they shuffled between meetings overnight. But not all Senate Republicans were pleased by the negotiations. Over the weekend, Paul, the Kentucky Republican who has long warned about ballooning deficits, proposed a last-minute amendment to cap the debt limit increase, but it never received a vote. After a late-night meeting in Thunes office Monday, Paul emerged visibly frustrated and declined to say whether he had been offered any concessions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The big not-so-beautiful bill has passed, Paul said after the vote. Read More: What Trumps Big Beautiful Bill Means For Planned Parenthood Collins and Tillis cite Medicaid concerns in explaining their no votes Tillis, who voted against the bill days after announcing he would not be seeking re-election next year, said he could not support legislation that would gut Medicaid funding for hospitals and vulnerable patients in North Carolina. The departing Senator signaled his discomfort for days but ultimately remained unswayed by leadership's eleventh-hour revisions. His objections centered on the Senates expansion of Medicaid work requirements and changes to the so-called provider tax system, which he warned could cost his state tens of billions of dollars in federal aid over the next decade. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Likewise, Collins, who is up for re-election next year in a state that Trump lost, objected to the effects of Medicaid cuts. She had offered an amendment to double a rural healthcare fund to $50 billion and raise taxes on ultra-wealthy households to offset costs, which gained a handful of votes from Democrats but failed to pass. Collins was able to secure a version of the rural healthcare fund increase in the final bill, but without the tax hikes she proposed. I strongly support extending the tax relief for families and small businesses, Collins said afterward. My vote against this bill stems primarily from the harmful impact it will have on Medicaid, affecting low-income families and rural health care providers like our hospitals and nursing homes. Democrats unanimously opposed the bill, framing a permanent extension of Trumps first-term tax cuts as a giveaway to wealthy Americans and predicting that cuts to Medicaid spending would shatter rural healthcare and hurt working Americans. Many also cited recent polling that shows Americans largely disapprove of Trumps bill. The American people will remember the Republican betrayal and Americans will pay the price for this perfidy for generations, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer told reporters. Write to Nik Popli at nik.popli@time.com. LA CROSSE, Wis. (WLAX/WEUX) Fair Share America brought its Stop the Billionaire Giveaway national bus tour to La Crosse. Organizers said they want to spread a message that goes against the passing of President Trumps Big Beautiful Bill. Fair share Executive Director Kristen Crowell said, That takes billions of our tax dollars and gives them away as a tax giveaway to the ultra-rich, all while cutting vital services that our communities and families rely upon, such as healthcare, food assistance, and housing. Crowell believes the bill will have a major impact on Wisconsin communities. One point four million people in this state alone stand to lose health coverage if this bill goes forward. Also, these are our tax dollars that we pay in, and we did not send them to Washington D.C. to be handed over to the ultra-wealthy. Khadijah Islam is a school board member in Holmen and is concerned that the priorities in the bill will affect funding for schools. Its so disheartening to see so much effort going into getting tax breaks to people who already have more than enough when our public schools are fighting day in and day out just to be able to fund our basic programming, pay our educators and staff members, and to be able to make renovations to our schools that are slowly deteriorating over time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The tour continued to Minneapolis and will end on July 14th in Bakersfield, California. In response to the bus tour, Wisconsin Congressman Derrick Van Orden sent a statement saying, in part, The Democrat Party has nothing to sell Americans other than class warfare, and we are not buying it. Wisconsinites want freedom, prosperity, and security. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX2548 & WIProud. (KRON) The United States Senate shot down a controversial provision regarding artificial intelligence regulation in President Donald Trumps massive tax bill. The provision in what Trump has repeatedly called his Big, Beautiful Bill, would have prevented states from regulating AI for the next 10 years. In a rare showing of bipartisanship, the Senate voted 99-1 to remove the provision from the bill, defying vocal support from technology leaders in Silicon Valley and White House tech advisors Michael Kratsios and David Sacks. San Francisco tech CEO kills unlimited PTO policy, slams it as totally broken Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tennessee) lead efforts in the Senate to scrap the provision. Blackburns state of Tennessee is home to the Nashville music industry. According to Bloomberg, Blackburn was concerned the measure would block her states Elvis Act, which prohibits non-consensual use of AI to mimic the voices of musician. Early this morning, the Senate overwhelmingly voted to reject a dangerous provision to block states from regulating artificial intelligence, including protecting kids online, wrote Sen. Ed Markey (D-Massachusetts). This 99-1 vote sent a clear message that Congress will not sell out our kids and local communities in order to pad the pockets of Big Tech billionaires. I am proud to have partnered with Ranking Member Cantwell and Senator Blackburn on an amendment to strip this dangerous language, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to develop responsible guardrails for AI. The lone vote in favor of keeping the provision in the bill came from Republican Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina, who announced Sunday that he would retire from the Senate. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Guinea's bauxite exports soared 39% to a record 48.6 million tonnes (mt) in the first quarter (Q1) of 2025, despite regulatory challenges impacting major operators, as reported by Reuters. Guinea, the world's second-largest bauxite producer, dispatched 312 vessels in Q1 2025 compared to 225 ships carrying 34.9mt in Q1 2024, as per data from the Ministry of Mines and Geology of Guinea. The increase in shipments occurred even as Emirates Global Aluminium's local unit faced an export ban, having shipped 3.6mt in Q1 2024, and other major operators such as China Hongqiao's subsidiary AGB2A/SDM saw their exports curtailed due to a regulatory cleanup. Bernabe Sanchez, an independent mineral economist focusing on Guinea, noted that current weekly exports of 3.7mt suggest an annualised rate of 199mt in 2025, a substantial rise from 146mt the year before. Sanchez stated: "This underscores the sector's resilience amid continuing strong Chinese demand from the military-ruled West African nation since 2016." Most of Guinea's bauxite, a crucial raw material for aluminium production, was shipped to China, where aluminium output has seen a resurgence. According to the National Bureau of Statistics of China, the country produced 18.59mt of aluminium in the first five months of the year, up 4% from the same period of the previous year. Chinese-controlled companies have been at the forefront of Q1 export boom, with the Societe Miniere de Boke (SMB) leading the way at 18.4mt, a 41% increase from 13.1mt in Q1 2024. State-owned Chalco from China also saw a 35% increase in shipments to 5.1mt, up from 3.8mt, while AGB2A/SDM managed to export 8mt despite facing regulatory challenges. The data highlights China's increasing influence over Guinea's bauxite resources as Beijing continues to ramp up its aluminium production. In 2024, China imported 158.7mt of bauxite, with Guinea accounting for almost 70% of these supplies. Guinea has been expanding its port infrastructure to meet the growing demand for bauxite, further cementing its position as a global leader in the supply of this essential mineral. In May 2025, Guineas military government cancelled 129 exploration permits in an effort to consolidate control of its mining resources. "Guinea bauxite exports at 48.6mt in Q1 2025 as Chinese demand rises" was originally created and published by Mining Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) The Senate narrowly passed President Trumps tax and spending plan Tuesday, making it one step closer to becoming law. 5 takeaways as Senate ships Trumps megabill to House 22News heard from the local food bank, who warn that the Senates proposed cuts to SNAP benefits and Medicaid will worsen hunger and hardship across all four counties. Senate republicans have passed their version of the sweeping spending bill Monday afternoon. The plan extends President Trumps 2017 tax cuts. Its projected to cut about $200 billion from SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and roughly $900 billion from Medicaid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, about one in six residents rely on SNAP to help put food on the table. 235,000 Massachusetts residents use MassHealth as a primary source of healthcare. Political Consultant Tony Cignoli told 22News, Those cuts mean that the state will be required to pay for current Medicaid patients, and that could have an impact on the provider tax status for rural hospitals. About 124,000 people seek food assistance every month in Hamden, Hampshire, Franklin, and Berkshire counties. The executive director of the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, Andrew Morehouse, says they cannot replace SNAP, which provides 9 times more meals than the organization. So, how will this bill impact people who are food insecure? Well, its going to be devastating, Morehouse stated. The pantries, 199 Strong, are going to turn to the food bank for more food to feed more people. The regions food assistance network is simply not a replacement for a strong, federally funded safety net. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The USDA forecasts food prices will rise more than 2% this year. The food bank says they will use this short window to urge House lawmakers to reverse the cuts before the bill gets onto President Trumps desk. The president wants to sign the bill into law by the Fourth of July. The House plans to vote on the Senates version of the bill on Wednesday. If passed, it will then go to the presidents desk. Local News Headlines WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP. The U.S. Army will test a nascent capability to effectively preposition equipment and supplies forward in the Pacific theater in Australia during the large-scale exercise Talisman Sabre kicking off this month, according to U.S. Army Pacific Command commander Gen. Ronald Clark. As the U.S. military tackles preparing for the difficult challenge of sustaining a possible protracted operation in the Pacific theater, the services are working together to develop what they are calling Joint Theater Sustainment Distribution Centers. The Army is largely responsible for establishing several of these major sites that will shelter equipment and a variety of supplies that could be used during war, humanitarian crises or natural disasters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are responsible for setting the theater for the joint force, Clark told Defense News in a June 27 interview. The way that weve undertaken that strategically is to build joint interior line through Joint Theater Distribution Centers that were establishing across the Pacific. The Army has so far established one center in the Philippines and one in Australia, for which the service is directly responsible. The other services are tasked with building out more centers across the first and second island chains in the Pacific, key archipelagos stretching from Japan through Taiwan and down to Borneo in the south Pacific. One of the JTDCs is being established in Townsville, Australia, just north of the Gold Coast on the eastern side of the country. During Talisman Sabre, the Army will be building its concept for the center along with other logistics and sustainment capabilities the service expects it will need in a highly contested environment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The exercise happens every other year. This time, roughly 35,000 soldiers from 19 countries will participate. This gives us a great opportunity to test some of the capability associated with that because we have to move personnel and materiel into Australia. The tyranny of distance, of which youre well aware of, requires that, Clark said. Having JTDCs in and near the first island chain is exceptionally important for us and to be able to work through some of those challenges in the concept, in peacetime, as were working through contested logistics, he said. Were building those concepts and building those capabilities with the Australians side-by-side to facilitate setting the theater. The locations throughout the theater will vary in size and scope, but the things that will be universal, Clark said, is, one, youre going to have to have a port capability to move surface vessels with large amounts of material. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two, theyre going to have to have storage capability for our efforts that store classes of supply. Three, theyre going to have to have some sort of airfield and air capability so we can move quickly materiel, supplies, from one place to another in rapid fashion. The centers will allow us to essentially cheat the requirement for strategic air because, should there be crisis or conflict, the ability to use strategic lift to get into position will be highly contested by ourselves, Clark said during a Center for Strategic and International Studies event June 27. Our efforts to get Army prepositioned stocks on the ground in multiple locations where we can draw and then move inter-theater to a place of need is essential. Talisman Sabre will also test out other capabilities designed for contested logistics, such as Army watercraft concepts, as the service works to shape that strategy. The exercise will also mark the first time the Armys Typhon, or Mid-Range Capability missile, is live-fired in the Pacific theater. (Above: Video explaining what the different coastal water signs mean) CORONADO, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) San Diego County officials lifted the water contact closure for Coronado Cays Boulevard that was in effect for about a day. On Tuesday, the county warned people to avoid coming into contact with the water in some parts of Coronado after a sewage spill was reported out of a storm drain. The sewage spill was reported at a storm drain on Coronado Cays Boulevard, according to the countys Department of Environmental Health and Quality. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dont swim near these San Diego-area beaches, officials say. Heres why As a result, water contact closures were issued from the ocean shoreline 500 feet north and south of Jamaica Village Drive as well as 300 feet north and south of Coronado Bay Drive. People were advised to avoid being in the water in the closure areas due to possible contamination and warning signs were posted in the affected areas. County officials collected samples to assess the water quality and determined they met state health standards. For updates on beach advisories and water contact closures, visit the countys Beach & Bay Water Quality Program website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News. SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) San Francisco Sheriffs Office deputies on Tuesday found more than 1,600 pounds of illegal fireworks and explosives inside a U-Haul truck that was reported stolen, according to authorities. Deputies located the stolen U-Haul around 1:30 p.m. in the Bayview District after a Flock license plate reader camera alerted dispatch, the sheriffs office said. Law enforcement conducted a felony vehicle stop and detained the driver and a passenger. The San Francisco Police Departments Explosives Ordnance Disposal team responded after fireworks were found inside the truck. According to authorities, a total of 1,648 pounds of illegal fireworks and explosives were seized. More than 1,600 pounds of illegal fireworks and explosives were found inside a stolen U-Haul truck, the San Francisco Sheriffs Office said. (San Francisco Sheriffs Office) (San Francisco Sheriffs Office) (San Francisco Sheriffs Office) The two suspects were arrested and booked into the San Francisco County Jail on 36 felony charges, according to the sheriffs office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 3,400 pounds of fireworks, IEDs found in San Jose undercover busts Days earlier in the Bayview District, SF police had stopped another stolen U-Haul truck and seized various rockets and barrel bombs. The driver of that vehicle, 38-year-old Joe Jenkins, was booked into jail for charges related to the stolen U-Haul and illegal fireworks and explosives. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. For many Bay Staters, Fourth of July weekend is synonymous with cookouts, fireworks, and trips to the beach to beat the heat. With that said, its important to stay shark smart, especially since many great whites have been spotted lurking off the coast of Massachusetts in recent days. According to the Chatham-based Atlantic White Shark Conservancys Sharktivity app, great whites have been spotted this week off Nantucket, Cape Cod, Ipswich, and Rockport. Multiple sharks were spotted last week off Gloucester, according to 7 Seas Whale Watch. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The conservancy shared this interactive map with Boston 25, showing reported shark sightings in real-time and sightings with photos, as well as confirmed acoustic detections of tagged sharks. The maps menu tools allow users to filter shark sightings as recent as 48 hours, over the last 30 days, or between a custom date range. The icons on the map indicate the following: Red alert icon : A white shark sighting is confirmed close to a public beach Blue shark fin icon : A confirmed white shark sighting Orange shark fin icon : An unconfirmed white shark sighting Yellow icon : A receiver that detects white sharks tagged with acoustic tags and transmits the data in real-time Purple icon : A real-time detection of a shark tagged with an acoustic tag that is less than an hour old Orange icon : Detections of sharks tagged with acoustic transmitters Green icon: The sharks dorsal fin breaks the surface and the tag transmits to overhead satellites Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Sharktivity app, which is available to download on iPhone and Android, tracks sightings fed by researchers, safety officials, and users who upload photos for confirmation. John Chisholm, adjunct scientist at New England Aquarium, told Boston 25 last year that shark sightings off Massachusetts have increased as the seal population grows. No matter where youre going into the water, whether thats Cape Cod or Gloucester or Plymouth, you need to be shark smart, Chisholm cautioned beachgoers. While the last shark attack in Massachusetts was in 2020, the growing numbers of seals and sharks should make beachgoers more alert, Chisholm advised. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW COWDEN, Ill. (WCIA) A Shelby County man who was initially arrested for involuntary manslaughter in a shooting that killed a 54-year-old will no longer be facing any charges, according to the States Attorney. Sangamon, Menard Co. Crime Stoppers seeking tips in Springfield burglary WCIA previously reported that on May 7 at 9:46 p.m., the Shelby County Sheriffs Office received a 911 call of a disturbance in progress in Cowden where a firearm had been discharged. Shelby County deputies and Cowden Police responded to the scene and upon arrival, 54-year-old Chad Perry of Mattoon was found dead. Trent Buchanan, 56 of Cowden, was then booked for involuntary manslaughter, but no formal charges were filed at the time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After reviewing the evidence tied to this situation, including reports from the Shelby County Sheriffs Office, Illinois State Police crime scene investigators, the medical examiner: Dr. J. Scott Denton and witness statements, the Shelby County States Attorneys office is declining to pursue any charges at this time. The Shelby County Coroner also assisted in completing the investigation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com. Sheriff: 104 mph super speeder stopped by deputies minutes after new Florida law kicks in A local sheriff says it didnt take long to catch someone in violation of Floridas new Super Speeder law. Orange County deputies said they clocked a driver traveling at 104 miles per hour just minutes after the law took effect on July 1. Sheriff John Mina shared the incident on social media. Do not go over 100 mph or we will take you to jail. We will put you in handcuffs and we will take you to jail. And no one wants that, Mina warned drivers on X and Facebook. Did you know that driving over 100mph in Florida can land you in jail? The new Super Speeder law means you can be arrested and go to jail if you're caught going over 100 miles per hour anywhere - or driving 50 miles per hour above the posted speed limit. At 12:02 a.m. on pic.twitter.com/34t3BxZN0c Orange County Sheriff's Office (@OrangeCoSheriff) July 2, 2025 The Super Speeder law, or House Bill 351, states that drivers who exceed the posted speed limit by 50 mph, or who are simply caught traveling in excess of 100 mph, could face jail time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A first offense could lead to 30 days behind bars and a $500 fine. Mina told Channel 9 that Tuesday mornings super speeder who was clocked at 104 mph in a 70 mph speed limit zone got a very hefty fine, but was spared a trip to jail. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. Extra deputies will be deployed throughout the area during the July 4 holiday weekend. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Miami County Sheriff Dave Duchak said there will be extra deputies starting Thursday, July 3, through the weekend for increased traffic enforcement. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The sheriffs office said on its social media page that its focus will be on removing impaired drivers and enforcing traffic laws. Statistically, the 4th of July holiday period is one of the deadliest on our nations roadways, with impaired driving playing a large factor in many of the crashes, said Sheriff Duchak. Deputies will target Miami County roadways with high incidents of crashes and OVI arrests. The Miami County Sheriffs Office said it received funding through a grant from the Ohio Traffic Safety Office. That grant will also cover fuel costs. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] The United States, Japan, India and Australia pledged Tuesday to work together to ensure a stable supply of critical minerals, as worries grow over China's dominance in resources vital to new technologies. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio welcomed his counterparts from the so-called "Quad" to Washington in a shift of focus to Asia, after spending much of his first six months on the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East and on President Donald Trump's domestic priorities such as migration. The four countries said in a joint statement that they were establishing the Quad Critical Minerals Initiative, aimed at "collaborating on securing and diversifying" supply chains. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They offered little detail but made clear the goal was to reduce reliance on China, which has used restrictions as leverage as the United States in turn curbs its access to semiconductors and as Trump threatens steep tariffs -- including on Quad countries. "Reliance on any one country for processing and refining critical minerals and derivative goods production exposes our industries to economic coercion, price manipulation and supply chain disruptions," the statement said. The ministers were careful not to mention China by name but voiced "serious concerns regarding dangerous and provocative actions" in the South China Sea and East China Sea that "threaten peace and stability in the region." China holds major reserves of several key minerals including the vast majority of the world's graphite, which is crucial for electric vehicles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In brief remarks alongside the other ministers, Rubio said he has "personally been very focused" on diversifying supply chains and wanted "real progress." - US refocus on Asia - The four-way partnership was first conceived by late Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe, who saw an alliance of democracies surrounding China -- which has repeatedly alleged that the Quad is a way to contain it. Rubio had welcomed the Quad foreign ministers on January 21 in his first meeting after Trump's inauguration, seen as a sign the new administration would prioritize engagement with like-minded countries to counter China. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But to the surprise of many, China has not topped the early agenda of Trump, who has spoken respectfully about his counterpart Xi Jinping and reached a truce with Beijing to avoid a wider trade war between the world's two largest economies. Trump is expected to travel to India later this year for a Quad summit. Both the Indian and Japanese foreign ministers said that they wanted the Quad to focus on a "free and open Indo-Pacific" -- a phrasing that is a veiled allusion to opposing Chinese dominance in Asia. "It is essential that nations of the Indo-Pacific have the freedom of choice, so essential to make right decisions on development and security," Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At Jaishankar's urging, the Quad condemned a May attack on the Indian side of Kashmir that killed mostly Hindu civilians and called for "the perpetrators, organizers and financiers of this reprehensible act to be brought to justice without any delay." India in May launched air strikes in Pakistan, which it blamed for the attack. Pakistan denied responsibility and responded with its own attacks on the Indian military. In a key concern for Japan, the Quad condemned North Korea for its "destabilizing launches" of missiles and insisted on its "complete denuclearization." Trump, in one of the most startling moves of his first term, met with North Korea's reclusive leader Kim Jong Un, helping ease tensions but producing no lasting agreement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite common ground on China, Quad members have differed on other hotspots, with the joint statement not mentioning Ukraine or Iran. India has maintained its long relationship with Russia despite the invasion of Ukraine, while both India and Japan also have historically enjoyed cordial ties with Iran. sct/sla Jul. 2Six weeks after a week-long civil court trial between Shining Rock charter school and a former parent, a verdict is finally in. And the school lost. Former parent and board member Rebecca Fitzgibbon alleged that Shining Rock Classical Academy charged excessive fees for public record requests to intentionally thwart her fact-finding mission delving into school operations. Meanwhile, Shining Rock claimed Fitzgibbon's voluminous public record requests had an ulterior motive: to bog down school officials with whom she was at loggerheads. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, a judge ruled that Shining Rock was in the wrong by charging Fitzgibbon excessive fees namely a steep hourly rate for a consultant and contracted attorney to review the material she requested. Meanwhile, the ruling also struck down Shining Rock's counter claims accusing Fitzgibbon of libel and slander in her attacks against school leaders. Transparency on trialShining Rock attempted to bill Fitzgibbon upwards of $1,000 to compile her requests, and refused to turn over the public records unless she paid. When she refused, subsequent requests were sidelined because she hadn't paid for the previous batch of requests. "Shining Rock's approach to charging for public records ...was an improper use of governmental authority to stop or inhibit the public from accessing public records and government information," the ruling by Judge Sherri Elliot concluded. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under the N.C. Public Records Law, Shining Rock is entitled to charge a reasonable fee for time spent by school staff gathering records and the actual cost of photocopies. However, only time spent by in-house staff can be charged not time billed by a contractor or outside attorney. Shining Rock assessed Fitzgibbon an hourly rate of $175-$300 an hour for an outside attorney and contractor to gather and review the documents. The ruling deemed those charges illegal under the public records law. Setting precedent The ruling is a rare precedent-setting case on the N.C. Public Records Law. While the law allows government entities to charge reasonable fees to fulfill public records requests, the definition of what's reasonable is open to interpretation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The court's decision clarifies important aspects of public records law that will benefit not only our school but other educational institutions throughout the state," according to a written statement provided by Shining Rock. "We are committed to implementing the court's directives within the specified timeframe and will work diligently to ensure full compliance with all public records requirements moving forward." The ruling determined that Shining Rock's fees of $25 an hour for staff time exceeding the first 30 minutes was reasonable. Further, a photocopying charge of 1.25 cents a page was justified. Billing limitations However, if confidential information is commingled with public information, the public entity is required to unmingle it and can't charge for doing so, under the law. Thus, Shining Rock couldn't charge billable hours to go line by line and redact non-public information, according to the ruling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Shining Rock had no legal justification to charge Fitzgibbon the cost for separating out confidential from non-confidential information from otherwise releasable public records," according to the ruling. Fishing expedition vs. valid request? Fitzgibbon never paid for the public records requests, and thus never got the requested documents. Subsequent public records requests also went unfulfilled, as she hadn't paid for previous batches. "Because of the excessive number, it was determined they would be answered in order as they were paid for," Katherine Ridnouer, a charter school consultant for Shining Rock, testified. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the ruling determined that wasn't kosher. Ridnouer also defended the school bringing in outside assistance in fulfilling the requests. "At the time of the requests, it was interrupting operations and requiring excessive administrative assistance from myself," Ridnouer said. Head of School Joshua Morgan also testified in court that the record requests were so extensive they couldn't be handled in house. "It became a lot. There were a few that were exceptionally technical that I didn't have the expertise or the clearance to do," Morgan said. "You would have to take your or staff time away from other duties or utilize these outside consultants." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Morgan said that the policy of charging for public records was in place when he came on board at the school. However, it was not applied for routine requests, only when a request exceeded a certain threshold. "This would not be triggered by a single public records request. This would be for a long list," Morgan said in court. "Once the board felt it was encumbering the school, that's when they decided 'We need to try to manage this.'" In-house objections One school board member, attorney Frank Lay, objected to the charges for public records. "My position as vice-chair was that we should not be charging for those things. It was just the cost of doing business. At Shining Rock, we had kids all along the socio-economic scale and to charge costs like that, it would be discriminatory, and you'd have some parents who just could not bear those costs," Lay said during the trial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, Lay was outnumbered by the rest of the board members who felt the voluminous requests were a hardship. "They felt like it is necessary to limit her from going on a fishing expedition and wasting our time. My response was the law is the law and this is what you have to follow," Lay recounted on the stand. "Yes it was a policy, but it was more related to this individual." Smoky Mountain News reporter Cory Vallaincourt testified during the trial that he too had been charged for a public records request, exceeding $1,500 due to the extensive nature of his request. Both Morgan and the consultant denied stonewalling Vallaincourt, however. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I had acted in good faith to fulfill his requests. I am not really sure what more he's wanting other than just to simply use the public records law as a nuisance. If Mr. Vallaincourt testified his requests hadn't been replied to, would that have been incorrect?" Morgan said in court. At one point, Morgan met with Vallaincourt's boss and publisher to sort things out. But Vallaincourt wasn't satisfied. "He sent an email later on saying his boss didn't speak for him, trying to stir things up again," Morgan said. Libel tossed out When faced with Fitzgibbon's public records lawsuit, Shining Rock fired back with a counter claim of its own. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shining Rock claimed that Fitzgibbon was a chaos-causing former parent with an axe to grind who went on an unrelenting warpath to tear down the school, the board and Morgan. They claimed her allegations that students were bullied, mistreated and improperly disciplined were tantamount to defamation and slander. Shining Rock lost on this count, as well. "I've been accused of a lot of allegations I have had to deny and deny and deny," Morgan said in court. The ruling did not specifically take a stance on whether Fitzgibbon's accusations were true or not. Shining Rock failed to prove two key elements of libel and slander: that the perpetrator knew the information was false but spread it anyway and did so with malicious intent, according to the ruling. "(Shining Rock) failed to prove, by clear, cogent and convincing evidence, that at the time of the publication or sharing, Fitzgibbon either knew the statements were false or acted with reckless disregard or malice of whether the statements were false," according to the court ruling. "Fitzgibbon's concerns regarding Morgan's approach to student discipline and those related to Shining Rock's operations and practices were good-faith concerns." Fitzgibbon went on a mission to amass a body of evidence against the school soliciting current and former teachers, board members and parents to share any stories they had about the school. Doing so created a toxic climate, according to Morgan. The school even filed a separate cyberstalking charge against Fitzgibbon at one point in an attempt to stop her email campaign, but it was dismissed. "She had weaponized the email medium to essentially bully her perspective," Morgan said during the trial. However, Fitzgibbon's diligence was one reason the libel and slander claims didn't stick. "Fitzgibbon became aware of information concerning Morgan's approach to disciplining students, including information that supported her belief that Morgan applied physical and other types of force to or against students that were not necessary or appropriate for the given circumstances," according to the ruling. "Fitzgibbon believed the information she developed or received regarding Morgan and Shining Rock's operations and practices to be true, or, alternatively, she held no serious doubt as to its truthfulness." The case was tried as a bench trial before Judge Sherri Elliott, who traveled to Haywood County to hear the case to avoid a potential conflict of interest from a local judge. "We respect the judicial process and appreciate Judge Elliott's thorough review of the case, which provides valuable guidance on compliance with North Carolina's Public Records Act," according to a written statement by Shining Rock. "We look forward to moving ahead together and continuing to serve the educational needs of Haywood County families for years to come." This story was originally published on Fashion Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Fashion Dive newsletter. Dive Brief: H&M Group has signed a deal with recycled textile manufacturer Circulose, according to a Friday press release. Through the multi-year partnership, the Sweden-based fast fashion retailer said it will source significant volumes of Circuloses fiber for its collections. The material, which Circulose makes from recycled cotton waste, will replace a substantial share of the virgin viscose used across the group, per the release. The announcement follows similar news from fast fashion retailer Mango, which said earlier in June that it also planned to incorporate Circuloses fibers into its supply chain. Dive Insight: The decision to incorporate more of Circuloses recycled fiber materials into its supply chain is a continuation of a partnership that began in 2020, said Cecilia Stromblad Brannsten, head of resource use and circularity at H&M Group. Investing in next-generation materials is essential to achieving our goal: ensuring that 100% of our materials are recycled or sustainably sourced by 2030, Stromblad Brannsten said in the release. Scaling access to these solutions is key to accelerating the shift towards a circular economy for fashion. H&M Group recently received relatively high marks for its sustainability efforts from nonprofit environmental group Stand.earth, which awarded the retailer an overall score of B+ for its progress toward decarbonizing its supply chain. In addition, the 2025 Corporate Climate Responsibility Monitor reported last month that H&M Groups greenhouse gas emission reduction goals for 2030 are aligned with the Paris Agreement. Circulose, formerly known as Renewcell, appointed former H&M Group CEO Helena Helmersson as chairman of its board in November 2024, at the same time the company named former McKinsey & Company partner Jonatan Janmark as its CEO. The executive changes were part of a larger rebrand strategy following the companys acquisition last year by Sweden-based investment firm Altor, which bought then-Renewcell out of bankruptcy in June 2024. H&M Group has been a driving force in advancing sustainable and circular solutions in fashion, and a long-time supporter and early adopter of CIRCULOSE dating back to the Renewcell days, said Janmark in last weeks release. Were proud and grateful to now formalize this new partnership to accelerate CIRCULOSE adoption at scale. Their commitment plays a critical role in helping us reaching the volumes needed to restart our factory. Do you want to look wise before an audience of foreign policy experts? Would you like to humour the average Western diplomat? One sure-fire way is to mutter sagely that any leader who tries to reshape the Middle East is bound to come to grief. The grand panjandrums will never admit it, but the prime minister they most heartily despise Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel has managed to transform the strategic balance of the region with astonishing speed. In just nine months, he has eviscerated Hezbollah in Lebanon, triggered the downfall of Bashar al-Assad in Syria and wrecked the nuclear ambitions of Irans regime. One by one, superficial and widely-believed assumptions that Hezbollah was impregnable, that Assad was safe as houses, that Donald Trump would never send US forces into action in the Middle East, and that Irans nuclear programme was indestructible have tumbled ignominiously to the ground. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, precisely because of that success, the time has come for Mr Netanyahu to draw a line. He should accept Americas proposed ceasefire in Gaza and stop the killing. Everywhere else, he has succeeded. In the rubble and misery of Gaza, he can at least bring Israels Carthaginian campaign to an end. True enough, the great minds of the foreign policy world are already questioning Israels military achievements. Many are deeply invested in the adamantine belief that military action can only ever achieve a short delay in Irans progress towards a nuclear weapon. Every plant can be rebuilt and every centrifuge repaired or replaced, or so runs the argument. Very soon, the vital elements of Irans nuclear enterprise might be just as menacing as before. Hence the attention paid to Rafael Grossi, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, when he said that in a matter of months Iran would have a few cascades of centrifuges spinning and producing enriched uranium. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But a few cascades which means, at most, a few hundred centrifuges is only a fraction of the 20,000 that were installed in Irans nuclear plants at Natanz and Fordow before they were bombed by America and Israel last month. Even if Mr Grossi is right and Iran swiftly rebuilds its ability to enrich uranium to weapons-grade, it would still need to convert that material into the solid form used for the core of a nuclear bomb. One problem: Israeli bombs have flattened the conversion facility required for this task. And where exactly will Iran find the scientists with the expertise for this supremely delicate operation? Are they still alive? We know that Israel has killed many of Irans nuclear experts and training their replacements will be the work of years, if not decades. Here is another problem: given that Mr Netanyahus spies have obviously penetrated every level of Irans regime particularly the nuclear programme any scientists or officials who might be ordered to rebuild the whole effort will have to be thoroughly investigated and vetted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those who do the vetting will themselves need to be vetted. Once again, this is the work of years. Israeli intelligence seems to have spent decades recruiting agents in the most sensitive pillars of the Iranian state; rooting them out again could take just as long, even supposing that its possible at all. As for the destruction of Hezbollah and the downfall of Assad, our diplomats will say that Israel has been tactically adept but strategically blind. They will quote the great Prussian military theorist, Carl von Clausewitz, on how war is the continuation of politics by other means and they will say that Israels campaign has killed individuals without achieving a political outcome favourable to its interests. Yet, once again, there are good reasons to question this familiar analysis. After the elimination of Hezbollahs entire leadership and thousands of other operatives, the terrorist movement could not prevent an avowed opponent, Joseph Aoun, from becoming President of Lebanon in January. In former years, Hezbollah had the power to veto Lebanese presidential candidates but no longer. That is one squarely political benefit of Israels campaign. Meanwhile, the disembowelling of Hezbollah deprived Assad of the most reliable force keeping him in power in neighbouring Syria. His flight into exile cleared the way for new leaders who are now negotiating through American mediators for a possible normalisation and peace agreement with Israel. Earlier efforts never got anywhere under Assad, but they might under his successor. If so, Israel will have achieved a political goal that would have satisfied Clausewitz. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Gaza is the great exception. What is the objective of Mr Netanyahus ever more futile campaign, now the longest and bloodiest war in the history of the Arab-Israeli conflict? What cause could justify such suffering among ordinary Palestinians? A deal has been on the table for months. Hamas will release all the Israeli hostages in return for a permanent truce and a withdrawal of forces. Having reshaped the region and confounded his critics, Mr Netanyahu should now do what is both right and wise. He should take what is on offer in Gaza, bring the hostages home and end the war. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX) Chances for showers across the western slope really begin to increase after 5 p.m. tonight, getting western Colorado ready for tomorrows storms. Today sees a 30 percent chance of showers in the evening time. Today will be a mostly sunny day with a high in the mid-nineties. Tonight, expect chances for showers and thunderstorms with mostly cloudy skies. Overnight lows will sit in the upper sixties. Showers and thunderstorms will once again form over the higher terrain this afternoon, with lightning and outflow winds capable of gusting in excess of 50 mph the primary concerns. With rich moisture in place and slow storm motions expected, heavy rain and localized flash flooding threats will be on the increase today and tomorrow. Near to below normal temperatures are expected through Friday, then a gradual warming and drying trend will last through the holiday weekend. The low pressure system that has been sitting near southern California has finally hit the shore and is moving in. Deep tropical moisture from the south works its way through the Rocky Mountains tonight, aiding in the rainfall. As the West Coast low tracks east today it will nudge the moisture plume more directly into eastern Utah and western Colorado. As a result, afternoon convection will be more widespread this afternoon, with an increasing threat of heavy rainfall in addition to frequent lightning and outflow winds capable of gusting 40-50 miles per hour. The Fourth of July is shaping up to be a great one for the Grand Valley. Some moisture in the morning hours will keep the ground saturated which will hopefully decrease chances of fires caused by fireworks, but the evening is shaping up to be a clear one for viewing. Overall, expect a hot one today with showers possibly pushing in tonight! Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WesternSlopeNow.com. A man who used to work as a lead electronics technician for the FBIs Los Angeles Field Office and his sister will plead guilty to rigging bids for electronic equipment to get hundreds of thousands of dollars in government contracts. Jeffrey Spencer, 51, of Canyon Country, and Christy Evereklian, 43, of Temecula, face a charge of conspiracy to defraud the U.S., and they filed plea agreements on Wednesday agreeing to admit to the felony offense, the U.S. Department of Justice said in a news release. Between 2015 and 2020, Spencer, whose job was to solicit bids for electronics, worked with his sister Evereklian, who submitted what purportedly [were] independent and competitive bids from her several companies, the DOJ said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the siblings had already decided which company would submit the lowest bid, officials added. Evereklian submitted bids from her own companies to the FBI using the names of her relatives to conceal her control over bidding companies, and she used a random number generator to create the fraudulent bids, the DOJ said. The scheme netted the siblings at least $350,000 in contracts, officials said, and when theyre sentenced, they face up to five years in federal 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. Ahead of the 80th anniversary of Indonesia's independence, a video surfaced in posts alongside false claims it showed a new 80,000 Indonesian rupiah (US$5) banknote released to mark the milestone. The video in fact shows a commemorative silver plate and the Indonesian central bank said it had not issued a new banknote denomination. "BI (Bank Indonesia) releases 80,000 Indonesian rupiah banknote for Indonesia's 80th anniversary," reads a post on SnackVideo shared on June 21, 2025. Indonesia celebrates its independence day on August 17. The post's attached video shows a silver plaque resembling a banknote printed with an image of Indonesias first president, Sukarno, with the number 80 in its top-left and bottom-right corners. Superimposed Indonesian-language text repeats the claim the country's central bank has released an 80,000 rupiah banknote. Screenshot of false post captured on June 30, 2025, with a red X added by AFP The same claim was also shared on TikTok here, here and here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Commenters appeared to believe the note was legal tender, with one user asking, "Where can I find it?" Although Bank Indonesia did release a limited edition 75,000 Indonesian rupiah banknote for the 75th anniversary of independence in 2020, the circulating video does not show an official note released in the Southeast Asian country (archived link). The central bank also said in a TikTok post on June 20 that it had not issued a special banknote for the 80th anniversary, warning that the circulating posts were a "hoax" (archived link). A reverse image search on Google found the circulating video was first uploaded to TikTok on June 16, where the user said it showed a "commemorative silver sheet for Indonesia's 80th anniversary" and that it was "not a banknote" (archived link). Screenshot of false post (left) and the TikTok post from June 16, 2025 (right) Keyword searches found the sheet was produced by Mint Indonesia, a company offering commemorative coins and notes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The same silver note can be seen in an Instagram video by the company promoting a commemorative coin collection for the 80th anniversary (archived link). Screenshot comparison of the June 16 TikTok post (left) and Mint Indonesia's Instagram video (right) A Mint Indonesia sales administrator confirmed to AFP on July 2 that the silver plate is made by their company. Images of the product's packaging, provided by Mint Indonesia, also state it is for "collection purposes only" and "not legal tender". Image of the commemorative silver plate, provided by Mint Indonesia, with disclaimers that it is for "collection purposes only" and "not legal tender" highlighted by AFP AFP has debunked multiple misleading claims about supposed new banknotes here, here and here. GILES COUNTY, Va. (WFXR) A sinkhole closed Norcross Road in Giles County. VDOT says residents in the area have other routes out. Their crews are monitoring the sinkhole for now and will repair it once its safe. Norcross Road runs along Big Stony Creek. Dr. Manoochehr Shirzaei is an associate professor of geophysics and remote sensing at Virginia Tech. He says its likely that the cavity already existed and was filled with water. When the roadside eroded, that water found a way out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mudslide along West Virginia highway strands thousands for more than 8 hours As a result, the cavity is emptied, so no longer is there water to hold the road above it, so the road collapses, he said. There are also concerns in the area about Big Stony Creek shifting course amid multiple recent reports of sinkholes. Dr. Shirzaei says limestone in the ground can lead to sinkholes. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFXRtv. SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) A Sioux City man is accused of exposing himself in public. According to court documents, Tony Jorgensen was at McDonalds Morningside location last Saturday evening. The criminal complaint stated, while he was there, he exposed his genitals to a minor and touched himself. Story continues below Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The documents also claimed Jorgensen was in possession of a whip and told the minor to come here. A preliminary breath test showed Jorgensens blood alcohol content level was .355. Thats over four times the legal limit to operate a vehicle. Jorgensen was charged with public intoxication and indecent exposure. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports. LAURENS COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA) The recovery of a stolen trailer led to a major bust of stolen vehicles from multiple counties in the Upstate, putting six people behind bars. Laurens County deputies were called to recover a stolen trailer on Graden Road that had been reported stolen out of Greenville County. Deputies said that when they arrived on scene, many other vehicles, that had been reported stolen, were in plain view. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The following items were located: Utility trailer from Greenville City Two vehicles from Greenville County Vehicle from Greenwood County Two vehicles from Laurens County Tools and construction equipment Methamphetamine Marijuana Guns and ammunition Six people were arrested. William Bowman Receiving stolen goods, valued at $10,000 or more. Receiving stolen goods, value more than $2,000 but less than $10,000, 7 counts. Receiving stolen goods/destroying or altering a VIN, 2 counts. Possession of a weapon during a violent crime. Possession of marijuana, second/subsequent offense. Possession of controlled substance Unrelated bench warrant for driving under suspension, second offense. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement John Calhoun Receiving stolen goods/destroying or altering a VIN, 2 counts. Receiving stolen goods, value more than $2,000 but less than $10,000, 7 counts. Possession of tools used in a crime. Possession of non-owner keys. Receiving stolen goods, valued at $10,000 or more. Carleus Fowler Receiving stolen goods, valued at $10,000 or more. Receiving stolen goods/destroying or altering a VIN, 2 counts. Receiving stolen goods, value more than $2,000 but less than $10,000, 7 counts. Trafficking meth, third/subsequent offense. Possession of a weapon during a violent crime. Possession of marijuana, second/subsequent offense. Possession of a controlled substance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cassey Medlin Receiving stolen goods, valued at $10,000 or more. Receiving stolen goods, value more than $2,000 but less than $10,000, 7 counts. Receiving stolen goods/destroying or altering a VIN, 2 counts. Possession of a controlled substance. Possession of marijuana, second/subsequent offense. Trafficking meth. Possession of a weapon during a violent crime. Barbara Young Receiving stolen goods, valued at $10,000 or more. Receiving stolen goods, value more than $2,000 but less than $10,000, 7 counts. Receiving stolen goods/destroying or altering a VIN, 2 counts. Possession of marijuana, second/subsequent offense. Trafficking meth. Possession of a controlled substance. Possession of a weapon during a violent crime. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cody Ross Possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, third/subsequent offense. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has endorsed statements by his Foreign Minister Juraj Blanar, who suggested that Russia could be "forgiven" for its actions in Ukraine. Source: Dennik N, as reported by European Pravda Details: Fico praised Blanar, stating he is not a parrot who "repeats what is expected of him". "There are things he has his sovereign opinion about, and I like that," Fico added. Background: On 29 June, Blanar suggested that resolving Russias invasion of Ukraine requires dialogue with Moscow, stating that the West should find ways to cooperate with Russia, or "even forgive everything that has happened". Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha responded to the comment, noting that "Russias sense of impunity is the root cause of its crimes" and that those "who have lost no one in this war have no right to make such statements". Slovakia, under Fico, has opposed the EUs 18th sanctions package against Russia, citing concerns over energy supplies. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Edmund and Anne Shelby packed lawn chairs and signs for the June 27 anti-Trump rally in Manchester. (KY Resist, Facebook) At first I wasnt sure we ought to go. It was easy to imagine several ways this thing could go off the rails. But pretty soon we got clear. If there was going to be an anti-Trump rally in Manchester, we were going to be there. Wed watched the massive protests in cities and towns around the country, none of them close to our home in Clay County. This was our chance to participate. Edmund threw two folding lawn chairs in the trunk of the car. I brought the signs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a downtown parking lot, we found a small group of young people unpacking boxes of snacks and bottled water. We set up in a small grassy area right in the middle of town. Gradually, one at a time, others joined us, adults of varying ages, men and women, some from around here, others from nearby towns. I counted about two dozen on our side. Meanwhile another group about the same size was gathering across the street. Much of the event turned out to be these two groups yelling at one another from across the road. From our side we chanted: No hate, no fear Everyone is welcome here Hey Hey Ho Ho Donald Trump has got to go Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We sang This Land is Your Land and Which Side Are You On? We held up signs: Medicaid Cuts = Closed Hospitals Hillbillies Need Health Care, Too Trump Gives to the Rich, Takes from the Poor Anne Shelby writes she counted about two dozen protesters at the anti-Trump demonstration in Manchester on June 27. (KY Resist, Facebook) We had chants, songs and signs. They had flags and trucks. They were gathered around a bright red pickup, parked as if aimed in our direction. There were other trucks, too, not parked, but in constant motion, driving past us up and down Main Street, Trump flags flying, going one way then turning around and coming back the other. It took us a few minutes to figure out that there werent as many trucks as there seemed to be, that we were seeing the same ones again and again. And again. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The trucks, already loud, revved up even louder as they passed us. Some of the people in the trucks got loud, too. Some yelled, GO HOME! To which some of us replied, We ARE home. Other truckers shouted something else, which sounded like other truckers, but which started with M as in mother and F as in father. I have heard this expression many times in my life, but never so much as last Friday night. It was appropriate, I guess, since earlier in the week the president himself had dropped the F-bomb in a public statement about dropping bombs in Iran. One woman in our group, when they yelled obscenities at us, answered, We love you. Two drivers with diesel engines released clouds of black smoke on our group as they passed. They were promptly pursued and arrested by the police, along with a gentleman in Proud Boy gear who started across the street towards our group and was escorted away by a policeman. The Manchester police did an amazing, effective and important job. They made it possible for all of us on both sides of the street to exercise our right to protest, and they kept us safe. Theres another KY Resist protest rally July 5 in London. I plan on being there. Its a risky business, because Donald Trump has purposefully turned up the dial on anger, hate, fear, and the possibility of violence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Which is Hey Hey Ho Ho all the more reason to resist. About the author Writer and storyteller Anne Shelby lives near Oneida in Clay County. Her books include the collection of newspaper columns Can a Democrat Get into Heaven? and the award-winning Adventures of Molly Whuppie and Other Appalachian Folktales. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Constellation Energy, owner of the shuttered Three Mile Island nuclear power plant, above, near Harrisburg, Pa., plans to restart it to serve Microsofts growing fleet of data centers. Rising electricity demands are fueling the push for more nuclear energy in multiple states. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) ABILENE, Texas Bolstered by $3.2 million from a former Midland oilman, this West Texas city of 130,000 people is helping the Lone Star State lead a national nuclear energy resurgence. Doug Robisons 2021 donation to Abilene Christian University helped the institution win federal approval to house an advanced small modular nuclear reactor, which might be finished as soon as next year. Small modular reactors are designed to be built in factories and then moved to a site, and require less upfront capital investment than traditional large reactors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Only two small modular reactors are in operation, one in China and another in Russia. Natura Resources is one of two companies with federal permits to build one in the U.S. After that initial $3.2 million donation, Robison formed Natura Resources and committed to investing another $30.5 million in the project. Nuclear is happening, said Robison, who retired from the oil business and moved to Abilene to launch the company. It has to happen. Robisons words are being echoed across the country with new state laws that aim to accelerate the spread of projects that embrace advanced nuclear technology decades after the Three Mile Island and Chernobyl calamities soured many Americans on nuclear power. In the past two years, half the states have taken action to promote nuclear power, from creating nuclear task forces to integrating nuclear into long-term energy plans, according to the Nuclear Energy Institute, which advocates for the industry. Ive been tracking legislation for 18 years, and when I first started tracking, there were maybe five or 10 bills that said the word nuclear, said Christine Csizmadia, who directs state government affairs at the institute. This legislative session, were tracking over 300 bills all across the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The push is bipartisan. In New York, Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul last month directed the New York Power Authority to build a zero-emission advanced nuclear power plant somewhere upstate her states first new nuclear plant in a generation. In Colorado, Democratic Gov. Jared Polis in April signed legislation redefining nuclear energy, which doesnt emit a significant amount of planet-warming greenhouse gases, as a clean energy resource. The law will allow future plants to receive state grants reserved for other carbon-free energy sources. But no state is more gung-ho than Texas, where Republican Gov. Greg Abbott last month signed legislation creating the Texas Advanced Nuclear Energy Office and investing $350 million in nuclear expansion. Texas is the energy capital of the world, and this legislation will position Texas at the forefront of Americas nuclear renaissance, Abbott wrote in a statement. In addition to legislative action, the Texas A&M University System has invited four nuclear manufacturers to build small modular reactors at the schools 2,400-acre RELLIS campus in the city of Bryan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Texas and other fast-growing states, rising electricity demands are fueling the push. Tech companies such as Google, Microsoft and Amazon that require a tremendous amount of electricity to power vast data centers are teaming with nuclear developers to provide it. Last October, Google signed an agreement with nuclear energy producer Kairos Power to deploy multiple small modular reactors capable of generating a total of up to 500 megawatts by 2035. Meta, the parent company of Facebook, announced in December that it is also looking to reach a similar deal. Some of the largest data centers require more than 100 megawatts of power capacity, enough to power around 100,000 U.S. households. Constellation Energy announced last September that it would reopen Three Mile Island, shuttered since 2019, as part of a deal with Microsoft to power the tech giants AI data centers. One of the two reactors at the plant, which is located south of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, partially melted down in 1979. But the remaining reactor reliably produced electricity for the next four decades. Folks shouldnt sleep on nuclear, Pennsylvania Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro said as he welcomed back workers to the plant last month. They should be aware of the important clean role it plays in our energy portfolio. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But opponents say the renewed interest in nuclear energy is misguided. In Colorado, a coalition of two dozen environmental groups, including the state chapter of the Sierra Club, urged Polis to veto the bill. The idea that nuclear power is a clean energy source could not be further from the truth, the groups wrote in a letter to the governor. Nuclear power is the only energy resource that generates dangerous waste that will remain radioactive for thousands of years. Some critics say small modular reactors are actually more expensive than traditional reactors, when they are judged per kilowatt of the energy they produce. And one 2022 study, conducted by researchers at Stanford University and the University of British Columbia, concluded that small modular reactors will produce more radioactive waste than traditional reactors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres a pretty healthy skepticism about advanced nuclear projects, said Adrian Shelley, who heads the Texas office of Public Citizen, a nonprofit consumer advocacy group. Shelley said many environmental groups are just deeply concerned about Texas ability to responsibly manage nuclear storage and especially nuclear waste in the long term. Ramping up The United States currently has 94 nuclear reactors at 54 plants in 28 states. The oldest began operating at Nine Mile Point in New York in 1969; the newest reactors, Vogtle Units 3 and 4 in Burke County, Georgia, began operating in 2023 and 2024. Scott Burnell, a spokesperson for the federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission, said that between the mid-1990s and 2005, there were no applications at all for new reactors. In 2007, there was a surge of a dozen applications when the federal government began offering tax incentives. But interest in new reactors plunged again when the fracking boom boosted fossil fuels as an economical power source. Over the past several years, activity has ramped up again. There are a number of factors that we are seeing drive this increased interest, Burnell said. Probably the biggest one is the growth in data centers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The commission has approved three new nuclear projects in the past three years, including the one at Abilene Christian University. It is reviewing three other applications and is discussing potential projects with a dozen other nuclear developers, Burnell said. Texas currently has two nuclear plants Comanche Peak near Glen Rose in North Central Texas and the South Texas Project in Matagorda County on the Gulf Coast. The two plants, each of which has two reactors, provide about 10% of the states electric power, according to the Texas comptroller. The new small modular reactors would face the same safety standards as these plants. The project at Abilene Christian began when Robisons Natura Resources established a research alliance with that school, the Georgia Institute of Technology, Texas A&M University and the University of Texas at Austin. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission approved the project in 2024. The reactor will be constructed at a laboratory at a different site, but its home already awaits in a trench at the bottom of a cavernous room at Abilene Christians Dillard Science and Engineering Research Center. The trench is 25 feet deep, 80 feet long and 15 feet wide, with a radiation shield made of concrete 4 feet thick. When the 40-ton reactor is finished, possibly by the end of next year, it will be transported to its home on a flatbed truck. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The future is uncertain, but were ahead of the pack and moving at an amazing clip, said Rusty Towell, an Abilene Christian engineering and physics professor who is working on the project. So I think that theres a great reason for optimism. Towell asserted that the project will produce only small amounts of low-level waste and that storing it safely will not be a significant challenge. What Henry Ford did for cars John Sharp, the outgoing chancellor of Texas A&M University, said he invited nuclear companies to build small modular reactors at the school to help meet the countrys desperate need for more power. He said it made sense to give developers access to the faculty and students at the universitys nuclear engineering department. We want to do for reactors what Henry Ford did for cars. Matt Loszak, CEO of Aalo Atomics Sharp said his pitch was simple: Hey, we got some land. We got it next to some really smart people. Would you like to come and build a plant? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And four folks said, You betcha. Matt Loszak, the 34-year-old CEO of Austin-based Aalo Atomics, one of the companies that answered Sharps call, said he had two employees 18 months ago. Now he has more than 50. We want to do for reactors what Henry Ford did for cars, Loszak said, which is really make them mass manufacturable and make it economical to deploy around the world. Robison said hes been speaking at town halls in Abilene, a conservative community that is home to Dyess Air Force Base, for about five years. He claims the residents are overwhelmingly excited about having the small modular reactors at Abilene Christian, he said. Texas is an energy state, he said. We understand energy and what happens when you dont have it. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Kizik is setting out across the country to spread the word about its hands-free shoes with a new retail activation. Starting on Monday, the Utah-based company is launching a 8-city mobile activation tour in what Kizik is calling a strategic move as it aims to scale beyond pure direct-to-consumer towards omnichannel growth and tests what retail can look like for the company. More from WWD Called the Kizik Try On Tour, the series will offer a 24-hour-only, on-the-ground experience designed to build brand equity while collecting meaningful customer insights in real time. Kizik noted that the pop-ups will open in high-traffic locations and are built to drive both brand engagement and measurable growth through direct conversion and remarketing. Each pop-up will offer guided product walk-throughs with Kizik experts, showcasing new products and best sellers for kids and adults; on-site digital data capture of customer preferences and sizes; gamified Hands-Free Challenge zones that put the brands tech to the test; and stacked discounts and email-based remarketing journeys that evolve based on customer behavior on-site. According to Kizik chief marketing officer Elizabeth Drori this pop-up series was inspired by the brands try-on experience. We have what we call the aha moment, which is what happens when a customer steps into a pair of Kizik shoes, Drori told FN in an interview. Its this multi-sensory experience where you hear the sound of the shoe popping onto your foot, you feel the sensation of the technology sort of springing back and securing your foot into place. And its one of those wow moments where people realize how our shoes work. And so, we really want to lean into that and amplify it as a big strategy for this year, because its really what sets us apart from the competition. The mobile try-on tour kicks off on Monday at Brookfield Place in New York City then it will travel to Boston on July 2. Other stops include Philadelphia on July 8, Washington, D.C. on July 10, Minneapolis on July 13, Denver on July 16, and Los Angeles on July 20. The tour will wrap up in Salt Lake City with two different stops in the area on July 23 and July 26. Drori added that after the tour is complete next month, Kizik plans to use the mobile truck for other events later this year. We are partnering with the Parkinsons Foundation in October, the executive noted. The series will be centered around the Foundations Moving Day, which is an annual fundraising walk organized to raise awareness and support for Parkinsons disease. In 2006, Samuel L. Jackson starred in the movie titled "Snakes on a Plane." Well, that movie came to life, somewhat, on Tuesday. A Virgin Australia flight at the Melbourne Airport that was bound for Brisbane was delayed because there was a snake on the plane. After a snake was spotted, the flight did not take off, and snake catcher Mark Pelley came to the rescue. He found the snake and removed it from the aircraft, and he talked about the issue in a statement, according to the Associated Press. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It wasnt until after I caught the snake that I realized that it wasnt venomous. Until that point, it looked very dangerous to me, Pelley said. Venomous snakes are very common in Australia, so the airline taking caution in that matter makes a lot of sense. Pelley said the snake was "half hidden behind a panel and could have disappeared deeper into the plane" by the time he first entered the aircraft. It turns out the snake was identified as a 60-centimeter (2-foot) green tree snake. These types of snakes are most common in Northern and Eastern Australia, but they have no venom and also have no fangs, so it was not a serious threat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They are also identified as "very reluctant to bite and would rather slither away," but Pelley did say they would've had to evacuate if the snake made its way inside the plane. Alas, Pelley played hero, much to the delight of everybody involved. Related: Shark Attack Happens on Major U.S. Beach Snake Catcher Issues Statement After Delayed Flight in Australia first appeared on Men's Journal on Jul 2, 2025 MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) An Australian domestic flight was delayed for two hours after a stowaway snake was found in the planes cargo hold, officials said on Wednesday. The snake was found on Tuesday as passengers were boarding Virgin Australia Flight VA337 at Melbourne Airport bound for Brisbane, according to snake catcher Mark Pelley. The snake turned out to be a harmless 60-centimeter (2-foot) green tree snake. But Pelly said he thought it could be venomous when he approached it in the darkened hold. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It wasnt until after I caught the snake that I realized that it wasnt venomous. Until that point, it looked very dangerous to me, Pelley said. Most of the worlds most venomous snakes are native to Australia. When Pelley entered the cargo hold, the snake was half hidden behind a panel and could have disappeared deeper into the plane. Pelley said he told an aircraft engineer and airline staff that they would have to evacuate the aircraft if the snake disappeared inside the plane. I said to them if I dont get this in one shot, its going to sneak through the panels and youre going to have to evacuate the plane because at that stage I did not know what kind of snake it was, Pelley said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But thankfully, I got it on the first try and captured it, Pelley added. If I didnt get it that first time, the engineers and I would be pulling apart a (Boeing) 737 looking for a snake still right now. Pelley said he had taken 30 minutes to drive to the airport and was then delayed by security before he could reach the airliner. An airline official said the flight was delayed around two hours. Because the snake is native to the Brisbane region, Pelley suspects it came aboard inside a passengers luggage and escaped during the two-hour flight from Brisbane to Melbourne. For quarantine reasons, the snake cant be returned to the wild. The snake, which is a protected species, has been given to a Melbourne veterinarian to find a home with a licensed snake keeper. NEED TO KNOW On July 1, a 2-foot snake found its way onto a commercial plane and delayed the flight for two hours Snake catcher Mark Pelley assisted with removing the reptile from the domestic flight in Australia The professional said he almost needed to evacuate the plane to wrangle the snake safely Flights are often delayed due to weather, maintenance issues, or technical problems, but usually it's only in the movies when a snake disrupts plane travel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On July 1, a domestic flight in Australia experienced a rare reptile interruption after a snake slithered into the aircraft, causing a two-hour delay, per the Associated Press, ABC News, and the New York Post. The affected flight was Virgin Australia Flight VA337 from Melbourne to Brisbane. Professional snake catcher Mark Pelley was called in to retrieve the reptile from the plane's cargo hold. Pelley approached the dark cargo hold, unsure of what kind of snake awaited him, so he proceeded with caution, as Australia is home to many of the world's most venomous snakes, according to the AP. Associated Press Snake inside plane's cargo hold. Snake inside plane's cargo hold. "It wasn't until after I caught the snake that I realized that it wasn't venomous. Until that point, it looked very dangerous to me," Pelley said, per all three outlets. The snake which Pelley discovered was a 2-foot green tree snake was nestled behind a panel in the cargo hold. The snake catcher noted that if the snake had disappeared any further inside the plane's body, he would have needed to evacuate the aircraft to wrangle the snake safely. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He had "one shot" to capture the snake, he said. "Thankfully, I got it on the first try and captured it," Pelley added. "If I didn't get it that first time, the engineers and I would be pulling apart a (Boeing) 737 looking for a snake still right now." Associated Press Mark Pelley catching the snake. Mark Pelley catching the snake. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Pelley said the snake likely entered the plane through a passenger's luggage, and possibly escaped on the prior flight from Brisbane to Melbourne. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The snake can't be returned to the wild due to quarantine protocol, but a Melbourne veterinarian is presently finding a home for the reptile with a licensed snake keeper. Read the original article on People (WGHP) President Donald Trump has been fighting for his domestic policy bill for weeks, but some feel its shaping up to be a big betrayal. Medicaid was expanded in North Carolina with bipartisan support in December 2023, allowing roughly 670,000 people to access benefits, totaling 3.1 million people who qualify. Proposed changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program could cost the state $700 million to continue serving the more than a million people currently on the program or face cutting eligibility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This bill is anything but beautiful, said NC Governor Josh Stein on Tuesday. Stein had strong words opposing the bill and the potential consequences it could have for North Carolinians. Over 1.4 million North Carolinians rely on SNAP, said NC Health and Human Services Policy Director Karen Wade in a briefing prior to the Senate vote. And 600,000 of them are children, Stein said. Wade shared data about the potential effects of federal legislation. Since its creation 50 years ago, SNAP benefits have been 100 percent federally funded. Both House and State propose changing this, requiring states to fund a portion of the benefit costs, leaving NC with a new unprecedented, unfunded mandate, Wade said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She composed a slide showing how the states portion would be calculated, showing NC would have to come up with $700 million in the House version and $420 million in the Senate version. Theres going to be hundreds of thousands of people who lose their health insurance, Stein said. NC Senator Thom Tillis, who announced he is not running for re-election, was one of the only Republicans not to support the bill, calling it a betrayal based on Medicaid cuts. It is inescapable that this bill and its current form will betray the very promise that Donald J. Trump made, Tillis said. NC Senator Tedd Budd disagreed, posting a thread on social media claiming Medicaid subsidies could balloon if not checked. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He concluded by saying nobody is voting to take Medicaid from those the program was designed to serve and the goal is to slow cost increases. NCDHHS Deputy Secretary of Medicaid Jay Ludlam explained in the briefing prior to the vote how the cuts could affect hundreds of thousands of people. Our program provides coverage to one in four North Carolinians, Ludlam said. The Senate proposal would eliminate the $6.5 billion Healthcare Access and Stabilization Program. Its a program that pays hospitals at a rate closer to the actual cost of care for Medicaid-covered expenses, meaning its a program to help people get care who cant afford it otherwise that keeps the hospitals above water financially. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This has been a lifeline for our rural hospitals in NC, Ludlam said. Their research indicates the loss of Medicaid funding would range from $37 billion to $39 billion over a decade. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX8 WGHP. A benefits quango created by the SNP government has been accused of squandering almost 21 million of public money. New figures reveal that the cash has been paid out in error to claimants by Social Security Scotland (SSS) since 2019, when it was established. The quango, which employs 4,000 staff and has a budget of 321 million, was set up to handle additional benefits paid out by the Scottish Government, including the Scottish child payment; best start grants and job start payments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stephen Kerr, the Conservative MSP for Central Scotland who obtained the overpayments data, accused the SNP of losing control of state benefits and described SSS as a vast, out-of-control bureaucratic monster. According to figures released under freedom of information, more than 67,000 overpayments logged by the quango cost taxpayers 18.7 million between 2019-20 and 2024-25. In the current financial year, almost 4,000 overpayments have cost more than 2.2 million. Stephen Kerr accuses the SNP of losing control of state benefits - Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images The highest number of errors occurred with claimants for best start goods, a benefit designed to help pregnant women and families with young children to purchase healthy meals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It provides financial support, typically on a prepaid card, to help cover the cost of items such as milk, fruit and vegetables. Since 2019, more than 32,000 overpayments were made. More than 22,000 overpayments were logged for the Scottish child payment, which helps low-income families with children under 16. The SNP have completely lost control of Scotlands benefits bill, said Mr Kerr. Theyve built an enormous, well-paid bureaucracy that has wasted 21 million since its creation and the more money they pour in, the worse it seems to get. Hardworking Scottish taxpayers deserve far better and they demand it. It is totally unacceptable for millions of pounds of their money to be squandered through blatant administrative incompetence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That money should be funding frontline services or better yet, staying in taxpayers pockets not disappearing because of basic, avoidable errors. The SNP promised Social Security Scotland would deliver a fairer, more efficient system. These figures show how absurd that claim truly is. Its time the SNP faced up to the reality of the vast, out-of-control bureaucratic monster theyve created. They must get a grip and take real responsibility. Growing social security spend The Scottish Government has said it is committed to using its social security powers to support low-income families, carers and those with disabilities to tackle poverty and provide financial assistance. However, MSPs on Holyroods Social Justice and Social Security Committee are seeking views on the positive and negative aspects of growing social security spend in Scotland. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The committee has highlighted that 2025/26, the Scottish Government is spending 1.2 billion more on social security policies than it gets in funding for social security from the UK Government. According to the Scottish Fiscal Commission, more than 5 billion was spent on social security in 2023/24 with this figure predicted to rise to 8.7 billion by 2030. A spokesperson for SSS, said: As we have introduced more benefits, our client numbers have significantly increased with an expected corresponding increase in payment errors, although the number of errors is small. Over 1 million individual clients have been paid more than 6.1 billion directly by Social Security Scotland since 2018. The total amount of money given in overpayments represents 0.35% of our total benefit expenditure since 2018. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are committed to minimising errors and improving our abilities to tackle them. 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. KANSAS CITY, Mo. A former Social Security Administration employee in Kansas City was arrested Wednesday following an indictment by a federal grand jury charging her with defrauding the United States government. Tiffanie Foster, 48, was charged with two counts of wire fraud for fraudulently receiving pandemic funds in the form of a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan and unemployment benefits, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Western District of Missouri. Dog stuck in Kansas City shelter for more than 2 years finally finds forever home Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The indictment alleges that Foster submitted altered tax and bank documents and made fraudulent statements to obtain both the PPP loan and the unemployment benefits. At the time of the fraud, Foster was employed full-time as a customer service representative with the Social Security Administration (SSA). The Pandemic Response Accountability Committee identified a list of SSA employees whose personal identifying information had been used to apply for loans or benefits. Foster was identified on that list as obtaining several pandemic assistance loans and unemployment benefits. In July of 2020, Foster applied for unemployment benefits through the state of Michigan even though she was a resident of Missouri and fully employed by SSA. In total, she received more than $30,000 in unemployment benefits during 2020 and 2021. In early 2021, Foster applied for a PPP loan for her business. As part of her application, she allegedly provided an altered tax form 1040 Schedule C and an altered bank statement for her business showing an inflated balance amount. This $20,833 loan was ultimately forgiven by the Small Business Administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under federal statutes, if convicted, Foster is subject to a sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison without parole and three years of supervised release on each count. This case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda K. Hanson. It was investigated by the Social Security Administrations Office of the Inspector General and the Department of Labors Office of the Inspector General. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. (NewsNation) Lucy Biggers, social media editor for The Free Press, says she believes politicians like Democratic New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) are proposing socialist policies that are leading young voters astray, and that dont work in the real world. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation. WEST JORDAN, Utah (ABC4) Utahns are showing out across the state in protest of President Donald Trumps Big, beautiful bill which is headed to the House of Representatives for a final vote Wednesday. Its devastating all over, Frank Brannan, Indivisibles local director, said during West Jordans demonstration Wednesday morning. Brannan believes the bill, if passed, could impact individuals from young children in school to elderly folks in nursing homes. The Indivisible Project is organizing rallies outside the offices of each of Utahs representatives in the House Wednesday including Representatives Owens, Maloy, Moore, and Kennedy. The rallies span from Ogden and Bountiful to St. George. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Utahns role in Trumps Big, beautiful bill passing the Senate Brannan acknowledges the bill is intended to address many issues affecting Americans but believes there are better ways to help. The solution isnt to cut everyone off, he said. Following the bill passing the Senate, Senator John Curtis said, The Big Beautiful Bill delivers for Utahns. It secures the border, provides permanent tax relief for working families, and strengthens our military, adding that he looks forward to the House passing the bill before the Fourth of July. Nearly every rally began at 9:30 a.m. However, the rally in St. George started at 10 a.m. The Richfield rally will begin at noon, and the Ogden rally will begin at 1 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A virtual rally is being held for residents of Logan as well. The bill advanced from the House Rules Committee early Wednesday morning in a narrow 7-6 vote after a near 12-hour hearing. Now, it heads to the House floor for a final vote. Latest headlines: Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. Irans nuclear scientists and enrichment facilities have been subject to a lot of harassment, threats, and Israeli car bombs. While some of the attacks against the nuclear programs were deadly, others were designed to destroy enrichment equipment. Then, there are the computer viruses. In 2012, a handful of scientists at more than one of the Iranian regimes nuclear facilities were (probably) surprised to find a virus had taken over their computers, a virus that caused their computers to turn on at full volume, blasting the arena rock of iconic metal legends AC/DC. Huh huh. Huh huh. Cool. (MTV/Viacom) The scientists either arent AC/DC fans, or the music was just a big surprise to anyone asleep inside the Fordo mountain nuclear enrichment site. Since Western music is illegal in the Islamic Republic, the scientists might have been trying to avoid either prosecution or a really good time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to al-Arabiyas English-language site, a letter from Irans atomic scientists was sent to F-Secure Security Labs, a Finnish internet security company, begging for help with the latest computer virus. I am writing you to inform you that our nuclear program has once again been compromised and attacked by a new worm with exploits which have shut down our automation network at Natanz and another facility Fordo near Qom. There was also some music playing randomly on several of the workstations during the middle of the night with the volume maxed out. I believe it was playing Thunderstruck by AC/DC. The scientist who wrote the email emphasized that he was not a computer technician and didnt know the full extent of what the virus did, but he was apparently familiar with Australian metal bands. This isnt the first time Iranian nuclear sites have been hit with computer viruses in an effort to disrupt the nations attempts to build nuclear weapons nuclear programs. In 2010, a jointly made U.S.-Israeli virus called Stuxnet devastated Irans uranium enrichment centers and computer software infrastructure without ever playing Highway to Hell. Maxar satellite image reveals multiple buildings damaged or destroyed at the Isfahan nuclear technology center after the airstrikes. If only theyd given in to the power of rock. (Satellite image (c)2025 Maxar Technologies) Read: The Massive Ordnance Penetrator is a 30,000-pound bunker buster bomb The Stuxnet virus represented a significant leap in virus technology, marking the first time a virus caused physical damage to systems. It sabotaged centrifuges, sent false data to operators, altered the code that regulated automated industrial processes, and infected USB drives to spread to other air-gapped nuclear sites or systems. It was a dirty deed, done dirt cheap; one that shook Iran all night long. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Playing Thunderstruck at full volume in the middle of the night, while annoying, certainly isnt as destructive as the Stuxnet virus. That such malicious logic (as its known to military IT professionals) could penetrate Irans nuclear program so soon after the Stuxnet debacle goes to show how vulnerable the program really was. Or used to be, if multiple Massive Ordnance Penetrators did their job. Its probably for the best that Iran ultimately reached a deal, even if it was only for a short time. Dont Miss the Best of Mighty News 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. South Africa asked the US for more time to negotiate a trade deal, with a tariff reprieve due to expire next week. Ties between Africas biggest economy and the worlds biggest one have frayed since the start of US President Donald Trumps second term over what the White House argues are laws that discriminate against white South Africans, as well as Pretorias closeness to US rivals such as China and Russia. Since April, South African exports to the US have faced a 31% duty, a figure that could shoot up next week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, Washingtons pressure on Pretoria could ultimately be helpful, The Economist argued: Some business and political leaders believe it could hasten the reforms needed to boost flatlining growth. Hederas native token HBAR HBAR extended its rally on Sunday, trading up 2.1% to $0.1519 as of 19:56 UTC on June 30, according to CoinDesk Research's technical analysis model. The move follows a flurry of ecosystem updates that broaden Hederas enterprise reach and reinforce its growing footprint in AI, gaming, and sustainability. On June 24, Blockchain for Energy (B4E), a nonprofit focused on sustainability data management in the energy sector, officially joined the Hedera Governing Council. B4E already runs its carbon tracking platform on the Hedera network, and its addition brings domain expertise in emissions reporting and digital MRV (measurement, reporting, and verification) standards. As a council member, B4E will run its own node and contribute to governance decisionsparticularly those aligned with environmental transparency and enterprise accountability. Just two days later, Hedera unveiled its AI Studio, an open-source software development kit designed to help developers build decentralized applications powered by artificial intelligence. The suite includes an Agent Kit that integrates with LangChain and enables AI agents to interact directly with Hederas consensus and token services using natural language commands. The goal is to lower the barrier for AI-native apps while maintaining onchain auditability, transparency, and regulatory alignment. On the gaming front, Hedera Foundation announced on June 19 a partnership with The Binary Holdings (TBH), a Web3 infrastructure firm. The collaboration aims to bring Hedera-based gaming apps to mobile users in Southeast Asia via OneWave, TBHs decentralized app store. Integrated into native telecom platforms across Indonesia and the Philippines, OneWave is expected to onboard over 169 million users with built-in Web3 rewards and onchain verification. Meanwhile, in mid-June, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission began a formal review of the Canary HBAR ETF, which would offer direct exposure to HBAR via a regulated investment vehicle. A public comment period is now open ahead of the SECs July 7 deadline. If approved, the ETF could catalyze broader institutional access and further legitimize HBARs role in capital marketsthough regulatory scrutiny remains high, and analysts remain divided on long-term token utility. Technical Analysis Highlights HBAR traded in a 4.1% range from $0.1478 to $0.1538 between June 29 19:00 UTC and June 30 18:59 UTC. A strong breakout occurred during the 22:00 hour on June 29, with price surging to $0.154 on volume of 104.5M units. Major support formed at $0.148 between 14:0015:00 UTC on June 30, with 80.6M units traded. From 18:0018:59 UTC on June 30, HBAR showed a V-shaped recovery, dipping to $0.149 before rebounding. During the 18:2018:21 UTC window on June 30, price stabilized with 1.3M in volume, forming short-term support at $0.149. As of 19:56 UTC on June 30, HBAR traded at $0.1519, up 2.1% for the day with resistance seen at $0.1538. Disclaimer: Parts of this article were generated with the assistance from AI tools and reviewed by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and adherence to our standards. For more information, see CoinDesk's full AI Policy. HOOVER, Ala. (WIAT) A mayor from a South African municipality is visiting the Birmingham area this week. Hattingh Bornman, of the Kouga Local Municipality, visited Hoover and mayor Frank Brocato on Tuesday. Bornman is in Alabama because of a partnership with Grace Klein Community. They said its an effort to foster deeper relationships, share innovative community solutions and explore opportunities between the U.S. and South Africa. ALEA releases statement as family of Jabari Peoples demands body camera footage Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its an eye-opening experience for me coming from Africa and really just seeing how communities and churches and businesses and people come together around a common cause and just help and assist those in need because thats really inspiring for me, Bornman said. Bornman is in town through Wednesday. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS 42. A South Carolina deputy who finished field training just last week was shot and killed in an ambush while trying to arrest a suspect at a home early Tuesday, authorities said. Deputy Devin Mason, 27, and a second deputy responded around 1:30 a.m. to a home near Lamar to arrest a wanted person, the Darlington County Sheriffs Office said in a statement. When the two deputies entered the home, they were attacked, the sheriff said. Mason died of his injuries while the second deputy, whose name was not immediately released, was hospitalized and in stable condition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The suspect, identified as 25-year-old Cameron Ray Dennett, was also killed. Dennett was wanted for criminal conspiracy, forgery and a computer crime and was not allowed to have a gun, the sheriffs office said. Massachusetts Police Officer Shot By Colleague During Service Of Restraining Order Kristen Porter, a 28-year-old woman, was arrested at the scene, authorities said. Porter was wanted on similar charges. Read On The Fox News App Mason joined the sheriffs office in 2024 and graduated from the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy in March. He just completed his field training last week, deputies said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Audio Released Of Moment Idaho Firefighters Ambushed While Responding To Blaze: Emergency Situation "In his time with us, he demonstrated unwavering dedication, integrity and professionalism," Sheriff Michael August said. "Deputy Mason served the people of Darlington County with heart and honor. Though his time with us was far too short, his impact will not be forgotten." No further details about the shooting were immediately provided. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division is investigating the shooting. Original article source: South Carolina deputy shot and killed in ambush, sheriff says COLUMBIA, S.C. (WCBD) A state budget rule prohibiting transgender public school students from using accommodations that correspond with their gender identity has been renewed in South Carolina amid an ongoing legal battle over its constitutionality. The proviso requires South Carolina school districts to restrict students from using accommodations multi-occupancy bathrooms, changing facilities, overnight sleeping quarters, shared bathrooms, locker rooms, and shower rooms that do not match their biological sex. Those that fail to do so risk losing 25% of their state operational funding. Initially included in last fiscal years budget as a temporary, one-year measure, the proviso was carried over in the states new $14 billion spending package that took effect July 1. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The rule was challenged in federal court last fall by a 13-year-old transgender boy from Berkeley County who claimed he was threatened with expulsion if he continued to use the boys bathroom. The Alliance for Full Acceptance, an LGBTQ+ advocacy group, also joined the lawsuit. The student sued the state, the Berkeley County School District, and the South Carolina Department of Education, arguing the budget rule directly conflicts with federal Title IX regulations, which bar sex discrimination in federally funded education programs. It further asserted that the policy violated the Equal Protection Clause in the U.S. Constitution, and attorneys asked the court to issue a preliminary injunction stopping South Carolina from enforcing it. The court has yet to rule on that motion or a motion by the defendants to dismiss the case entirely. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Attorneys for the student, identified as John Doe, amended their complaint on July 1 to account for the identical proviso effective with the 2025-2026 budget. For the second year in a row, South Carolina is openly flouting federal law by prohibiting transgender students from using restrooms consistent with their gender identity, said Alexandra Brodsky, the Litigation Director of the Students Civil Rights Project at Public Justice, a nonprofit legal advocacy group representing Doe. As the legislature knows, the Fourth Circuit has already held that bans like these violate both the Constitution and Title IX, she continued. Given this unambiguous precedent, we are confident that the court will enjoin the law. SC leaders react to Supreme Court ruling on gender-affirming care for minors Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Doe was assigned female at birth but presented as a boy from an early age and self-identifies as a male, according to the complaint. The complaint states that Doe began to face harassment from his peers regarding his gender identity due to the school districts monitoring of Johns restroom usage. His parents chose to withdraw him from school in September to avoid further harassment, and he now participates in an online education program. In a separate filing, Does attorneys asked the court to expedite its ruling, writing that the family hopes to re-enroll their child in the district to start high school in mid-August. Meanwhile, some Republican state lawmakers are pushing to codify the rule, introducing bills in the House and Senate that would permanently restrict which bathrooms transgender students can use in public K-12 schools, colleges, and universities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are gathered here today in defense of a biological fact, which is that men are men, boys are boys, women are women, and girls are girls, Sen. Wes Climer (R-York) said during a January 16 press conference. Our law and our policy should reflect those basic biological facts. Both bills are currently sitting in committee. News 2 has reached out to the South Carolina Department of Education for comment on the provisos renewal and pending litigation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCBD News 2. Former Pierce County Library Manager Lavonnia Moore, center, with a display that led to her firing. "When Aiden Became a Brother" can be seen in the front. Pierce County Library A Pierce County librarian is out of a job because of what she calls political pressure over a book about a transgender child that was part of a display in the library. Former Pierce County Library Manager Lavonnia Moore doesnt have a degree in library science but worked her way to the top over 15 years, starting as a part-time clerk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That came to an end on June 18 when she says she was called into the office to speak with Three Rivers Library System Director Jeremy Snell, who told her she was being let go over a book that was part of a summer reading display. Moore said the book, titled When Aidan Became a Brother by Kyle Lukoff, was selected for the display by a child at the library. Moore said she did not have a history of disciplinary problems or bad performance reviews. Snell did not respond to a voicemail or emailed requests for comment. Snell told the Blackshear Times that the display of the book was the reason for the decision. Moore said she has hired an attorney. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was a shock. I was shocked. I said OK. And I broke down. In my mind, I was thinking to myself, I was not going to tell a child no, she said. Moore said the beginning of the end came near the start of June when she allowed parents and kids to create a display to match the theme of the Georgia Public Library Services summer reading program, color our world. There were books, DVDs, games, and each and every one of them had at least a hint of a rainbow on it, she said. Because all the kids went to find rainbows. I was just happy that the kids knew where the books were. They even took the time to go into the card catalog to find books. Im like, Oh! They used the library properly! They know how to use the library! One kid put a box of crayons on the display, she added. Im like Dude, thats awesome, and hes like I know, right? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moore said one of the children brought the book When Aidan Became a Brother. Moore said she didnt know it at the time, but the book is about a young transgender boy whose family is expecting a new baby. The cover of When Aidan Became a Brother by Kyle Lukoff. Illustration by Kaylani Juanita The book is written for young children and discusses Aidans gender identity not matching his sex at birth. It doesnt contain anything graphic or explicit. The cover shows Aidan with his family wearing a shirt with a rainbow on it. All I saw was Aidan becoming a big brother, Moore said. I saw a family with a kid wearing a rainbow sweater and the mom pregnant. It was a mixed family. I was like, OK, sure, put it on the table. But the books placement didnt sit well with a group called Alliance for Faith and Family, which made posts on social media calling on followers to write in to library staff and Pierce County commissioners. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Please PRAY and take just a few minutes right now to email the (Three Rivers Regional Library) staff and Pierce Commissioners to encourage them to put a stop to this and show them the community supports them in taking a stand against promoting transgenderism at our local library, the group wrote in posts on Facebook and Instagram. The groups Instagram post had no visible likes, comments or shares, while the Facebook post had 26 reactions, ten comments and 82 shares. Alliance for Faith and Family did not respond to a request for comment. Moore said she had no intention to promote any ideology but kept books relevant to all kinds of people in the community, including LGBTQ people, immigrants from different countries and people who speak various languages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The library is for everybody, she said. You should be able to go into any library and feel welcome or at least find something that you will enjoy reading, doing, or any resources. I know this day in time is tough, believe me, it is real tough, but the library should be one place that should not be a hurdle. Moore said the group has targeted her before over similar issues. According to the Blackshear Times, the Pierce County Library left the Okefenokee Regional Library System last year, joining the Three Rivers System last July over controversies surrounding certain sexual displays and bathroom policies. The fundamental mission of every library Organizations like Alliance for Faith and Family target libraries across the country, said Todd Cates, a library media specialist in Georgia and the recent winner of the Georgia Library Media Associations Intellectual Freedom Award. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They seem to be interested in removing books only that discuss LGBTQ issues or issues of people of color, he said. They latch onto a book based on the cover, based on the title, based on the topic. They generally dont have any real reason to attack the book other than it talks about people of color or LGBTQ topics. They raise a stink, and politicians respond to stink. Cates said libraries have procedures for patrons to challenge books and he was disappointed to hear that Moore was fired. He said When Aidan Became a Brother was appropriate for the librarys shelves and the display. Thats the fundamental mission of every library. We represent all members of our community, no matter their race, their creed, their religion, their gender, their sexual identity, their sexuality, where theyre from. My library here at my school, I have books in Spanish, I have books in Korean. I represent everybody. I have several copies of the Bible on my shelf. Theres several copies of books that would probably be considered controversial by other groups of people, but thats immaterial because it represents the people that I serve. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Georgia mom Lena Kotler said shes happy when her 10-year-old transgender child Aleix can see herself reflected in the books she reads or the shows she watches. I want my child to see people like her, but see them living joyfully and with an in-depth life, the Decatur mom said. Im a millennial. The rare times we saw anything mentioned about someone being trans or in some way gender nonconforming, it was a punchline, it was a plot twist, it was this negative thing, and I want my children to see people like them growing up to be adults who are happy and joyful and have the full life experience, the spectrum of life experience. But while inclusion is important, the writing still has to be good, Aleix says, and sometimes transgender characters are written as one-dimensional with their whole plot revolving around being trans. Aleix recommendations for kids media that get LGBTQ representation right include the 2022 Disney film Strange World and DeadEndia, a webcomic and graphic novel with an animated adaptation. Correction: this post was updated at 12:45 p.m. to clarify that the group that called for Moores ouster is called the Alliance for Faith and Family. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE July 2 (UPI) -- South Korea's population might plummet to 15% of its current level over the next 100 years due to an ongoing demographic decline, according to a South Korean think tank. South Korea's population of 51.68 million could decline to as low as 7.53 million by 2125, the Korean Peninsula Population Institute for the Future announced on Wednesday, The Korea Herald reported. KPPIF officials assessed immigration trends and birth and mortality rates to project the nation's population change over the next 100 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The study projected a 2125 population of between 7.53 million and 15.73 million, with a median of 11.15 million, in South Korea. It predicts an increasing rate of population decline of 30% over the next 50 years, followed by more than a 50% decline from 2076 to 2125. Declining birth rates and fewer people born each generation will cause South Korea's population decline to accelerate if it is not reversed, according to the KPPIF. South Korea's total fertility rate refers to the average number of children women are expected to have and is the world's lowest at 0.75 per woman in 2024, The Korea Times reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last year's fertility rate represented a slight increase from 0.72 in 2023. "As the pace of pace of population decline accelerates, by the year 2100, Korea's population will have fallen to less than half of its current size," officials with Statistics Korea said. Analysts for Statistics Korea have forecast three possible fertility rates in South Korea through 2072. The lowest is 0.82, which would represent a slight increase from South Korea's current fertility rate and result in a population of 14.66 million by 2100. A moderate fertility rate of 1.08 gives the nation a population projection of 17.87 million by 2100, while the highest projection of 1.34 would result in a population of 21.65 million. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another sign of South Korea's declining population is a projected increase in the proportion of elderly people who are age 65 and over compared to those who are between ages 15 and 64. South Korea is projected to have 100 working-aged individuals for every 140 seniors by 2100. Jul. 2A little more than a week after South Portland School Board Chair Molly Schen submitted her letter of resignation, the City Council voted to indefinitely postpone filling the vacancy, a procedural move that effectively leaves the position open until the municipal election in November. Jessica Hughes, the city clerk, recommended that the council not fill the seat, saying that an appointed replacement would only serve about three months after being sworn in at the council's August meeting. The board will stick with eight members until the November election. Once elected, the replacement will serve until December 2027. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Schen, who represented District 4 for three years, resigned suddenly late last month. In her resignation letter, she wrote that the board has been "micromanaging matters best left to our educational leaders," obscuring their job of working through big-picture challenges facing the district. She declined additional comment. Tandy Ratliff, the acting chair of the board, said that prior to Schen's resignation, she talked with Schen about "her hope that the board could spend less time on day-to-day management and more on setting policy and direction." Ratliff, who was formerly the vice chair, will serve as the chair until the board votes on a permanent replacement at its next meeting. Ratliff said that state law stipulates that board members are charged with focusing on "broad policy questions, not daily administrative work." That's the superintendent's job, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "But we also need to make sure we're listening to the community that elected us and letting their input guide our decisions," Ratliff said. "As a board, we've had a lot on our plate, which has made it challenging to give strategic planning the attention it really needs," she added. Superintendent Tim Matheney, who will resign in December, wrote in an email to the Portland Press Herald that the school board took a different approach in the fiscal year 2026 budget discussions than other boards had in previous policy negotiations. "I believe they wanted to be engaged and rigorous in their assessment of the budget that was first proposed," he wrote. Matheney clashed with board members while working to cut $5 million from the budget. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The South Portland School Department is experiencing a lot of change, with Schen and Matheney announcing their resignations in the same month. Ratliff views this change in leadership as an opportunity for the board to adjust its priorities and to "maintain a work environment that is grounded in professionalism and respect." "Our mission is to support student achievement, maintain transparency and work in partnership with our superintendent," she said. Copy the Story Link A registered sex offender was arrested for allegedly raping a 16-year-old girl in San Bernardino County. The suspect was identified as Ardy Vance Thompson, 50, of Victorville, according to the Victor Valley Sheriffs Department. On June 24, the girl was picked up by Thompson who allegedly gave her marijuana before driving her to a deserted area west of National Trails Highway in the unincorporated area of Oro Grande, deputies said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While parked there, Thompson is accused of sexually assaulting the girl. Its unclear how the two initially met, but authorities said Thompson was not known to the victim before the incident. Ardy Vance Thompson, 50, of Victorville, is seen in a booking photo from the Victor Valley Sheriffs Department. Ardy Vance Thompsons vehicle is a dark gray 2009 Hyundai Accent two-door hatchback. (Victor Valley Sheriffs Department) With the help of surveillance video, Thompson was later identified as the suspect and arrested for rape on June 28. He was transported to the West Valley Detention Center where he is being held on a $500,000 bond. Deputies confirmed that Thompson is currently listed on Californias Megans Law website as a violent sex offender. It is believed there may be other victims of Thompson and investigators are releasing a photo of Thompson and his vehicle, the sheriffs department said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His vehicle is a dark gray 2009 Hyundai Accent two-door hatchback. Anyone who may have been victimized by Thompson or has information on the case is asked to call Deputy R. Morales at the Victor Valley Station at 760-552-6800 or Sheriffs Dispatch at 760-956-5001. Anonymous tips can be provided to We-Tip at 1-800-782-7463 or online at wetip.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 KTLA. Southwestern Minnesota community mourns farmer killed in accident originally appeared on Bring Me The News. Community members in a small southwestern Minnesota town are rallying around a local family after a farmer died in a tragic accident last Saturday. Ethan Quade, 32, was working on a vehicle at the family farm in Jeffers when he was killed, loved ones write on a GoFundMe page. He leaves behind his wife, Mikayla, and three young daughters. Ethan Quade with two of his daughters.GoFundMe Page Quade is described as a dedicated worker who loved his family. He also volunteered with the local fire department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ethan was a diligent farmer and a man who stood tall in every sense dependable, steady, and deeply rooted in his love for family. He poured his energy into providing for those he loved, always stepping up without hesitation, the GoFundMe page reads. Community members donated more than $25,000 to the fundraiser in less than 24 hours, and as of Wednesday morning, it has raised more than $40,000. The money will go towards funeral costs and future expenses for his family. Jeffers is a small town located in Cottonwood County with a population of less than 400 people. This story was originally reported by Bring Me The News on Jul 2, 2025, where it first appeared. (Texas Scorecard) A provision to move Space Shuttle Discovery to Houston is included in the approved Senate version of the federal governments budget legislation commonly known as the One Big Beautiful Bill. The proposal, titled the Bring the Space Shuttle Home Act, was added to the legislation by U.S. Sen. John Cornyn (RTX). If it survives the reconciliation process with the U.S. House and is signed by the president, NASAs retired Space Shuttle Discovery would be relocated from the Smithsonians Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Virginia to Space Center Houston, Johnson Space Centers official visitor center. This latest effort follows controversy dating back to 2011, when NASA selected retirement locations for its shuttle fleet, notably bypassing Houston despite the citys longstanding role as home to Mission Control and astronaut training. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NASA Administrator Charles Bolden indicated that projected visitor numbers influenced the decision to allocate shuttles to Florida, California, New York, and Virginia instead of Houston. Discovery, which completed 39 missions before its retirement, was assigned to the Smithsonian in Virginia. It remains the only orbiter still federally owned, making it eligible for relocation through congressional legislation. Cornyns bill, also championed by U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (RTX), requires NASA and the Smithsonian to draft a relocation plan within 90 days of its passage, with relocation to be completed within 18 months. However, significant logistical challenges have emerged. Both of the original Boeing 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, historically used to transport shuttles, have been retired and permanently grounded. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alternative transport methodssuch as a barge or overland transitcould pose technical risks, including potential damage to Discoverys fragile heat tiles. Additionally, a Smithsonian estimate places the potential cost of relocation between $300 and $400 million, exceeding the Senate bills allocated $85 million. Officials at Space Center Houston, who have previous experience relocating shuttle replicas and space artifacts, have expressed caution, citing preservation concerns and the risks associated with moving a historical artifact. Despite these challenges, Cruz and Cornyn continue to advocate strongly for the shuttles move to Houston. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both senators argue the relocation would rectify a historical oversight and emphasize the citys crucial contributions to American human space exploration. Its past time that the Space Center Houston Museum houses a space shuttle, given the unique relationship between the entire program and its support staff in Houston. Cruz stated in April. Despite belllyaching from Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, over what she called an agonizing vote for President Donald Trumps massive tax bill, the senator was able to secure an inordinate number of concessions from Republicans who were desperate for her vote. And, for her efforts, Alaskans are poised to be better protected from the effects of the Republican austerity budget than Americans in the lower 48. This was one of the hardest votes I have taken during my time in the Senate, Murkowski wrote in a social media post on Tuesday, after voting for the bill. My sincere hope is that this is not the final product. This bill needs more work across chambers and is not ready for the Presidents desk. We need to work together to get this right. The big concession Murkowski won is a convoluted provision that rewards Alaska for having one of the highest payment error rates in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Currently, states and the federal government split the cost of administering SNAP, and the federal government covers the entire cost of SNAP benefits. Under the new Republican scheme, states will be expected to contribute up to 15% of the cost of benefits based on the states payment error rate in the program. In the bill, Murkowski extracted a waiver that would, in effect, exempt Alaska from the new rule. Republicans accomplished this by delaying the new cost-sharing provision from going into effect for states where the the payment error rate of a State multiplied by 1.5 is equal to or above 20 percent, effectively rewarding states with the highest error rates. Alaskas payment error rate is the highest in the nation at 24.66%. However, other states with high payment error rates, like New York (14.09%), New Jersey (14.33%) and New Mexico (14.61%) also qualify for the exemption. Murkowski also won a provision exempting Alaska from the new rules around work requirements for SNAP, with the bill exempting states that are a noncontiguous State and which have an unemployment rate that is at or above 1.5 times the national unemployment rate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under the bills definitions, there are only two non-contiguous states, Alaska and Hawaii, because Republicans explicitly excluded the territories of the U.S. Virgin Islands and Guam from the provision. As it stands, it doesnt look like either state would qualify for the carve-out, because neither state has reached 1.5 times the national unemployment rate of 4.2%. However, Alaska, where the unemployment rate is 4.7%, is closer than Hawaii, where the unemployment rate is 2.8%. On top of this, the bill also includes a provision for SNAP benefits to be adjusted to local costs for groceries in Alaska and Hawaii, even though it does not have similar provisions for other parts of the country where groceries are more expensive. Sen. Amy Klobuchar attacked the provision on Monday, telling The Hill: Two states they threw in Hawaii two states get this special treatment, and no one else, and so I just figure, if they get that treatment, maybe every other state should, you know? Maybe we should be doing that for Wisconsin. These major exemptions, which stand to dampen the effects of the GOP austerity measures for Alaskans, come in addition to numerous other provisions specifically targeted at Murkowskis home state. Start your day with essential news from Salon. Sign up for our free morning newsletter, Crash Course. For example, the bill includes special provisions for oil and gas leasing in Alaska, the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska, tax breaks related to Native Alaskan subsistence Whaling, Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Murkowski ultimately did cast the crucial vote for the budget one which allowed Vice President JD Vance to cast the tie-breaking vote in the Senate there were other Senators, like Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., who capitulated to the rest of the caucus without winning any special protections for their constituents. This has been an unhappy episode here in Congress, this effort to cut Medicaid. And I think, frankly, my party needs to do some soul-searching. If you want to be a working-class party, youve got to deliver for working-class people. You cannot take away health care from working people. And unless this is changed going forward, that is what will happen in coming years. So Im going to do everything I can to stop that, Hawley told NBC News shortly before voting for the bill. The post Special treatment: How Republicans bought Lisa Murkowskis vote appeared first on Salon.com. HCA Healthcare Inc sign on building-by JHVEPhoto via Shutterstock With a market cap of $92.2 billion, HCA Healthcare, Inc. (HCA) is the largest non-governmental operator of acute care hospitals in the United States. Through its subsidiaries, the company owns and operates a broad network of hospitals and healthcare facilities offering comprehensive inpatient, outpatient, and behavioral health services across the U.S. and in England. The Nashville, Tennessee-based company is slated to announce its fiscal Q2 2025 earnings results on Tuesday, Jul. 22. Ahead of the event, analysts are expecting HCA to report an EPS of $6.14, an increase of 11.6% from $5.50 in the year-ago quarter. The company has surpassed Wall Street's bottom-line estimates in the past four quarterly reports. In Q1 2025, HCA Healthcare exceeded the consensus EPS estimate by 11.8%. More News from Barchart For fiscal 2025, analysts expect the hospital operator to report EPS of $25.26, up over 15% from $21.96 in fiscal 2024. www.barchart.com Shares of HCA have returned 19.2% over the past 52 weeks, outpacing both the S&P 500 Index's ($SPX) 13.6% rise and the Health Care Select Sector SPDR Fund's (XLV) 7.5% decline over the same period. www.barchart.com HCA Healthcare reported Q1 2025 results on Apr. 25, with EPS rising nearly 9% to $6.45, exceeding Wall Street expectations. Revenue also beat forecasts, coming in at $18.3 billion, driven by a 2.6% increase in same-facility admissions and a 4% rise in emergency room visits, reflecting sustained demand for elective and urgent care procedures. Investor confidence was further boosted as HCA reiterated its annual profit forecast of $24.05 to $25.85 per share, despite concerns over tariffs and policy uncertainty. However, the stock fell nearly 4% following the report. Analysts' consensus rating on HCA Healthcare stock is cautiously optimistic, with a "Moderate Buy" rating overall. Among 25 analysts covering the stock, 15 recommend a "Strong Buy, two have a "Moderate Buy" rating, and eight give a "Hold" rating. This configuration is slightly less bullish than three months ago, with 16 analysts suggesting a "Strong Buy." When you hit the road in Florida, be aware that as of July 1 the laws have changed. Speeding too fast is now a separate crime, punishable by harsher penalties and even jail time. Impersonating an Uber driver is a crime. HOV lane toll exemptions are going away. No more camping on the side of state highways, no more DMV appointment scams. Other changes at the DMV include lifetime disabled parking permits, special license plates for certain disabled veterans, and another course to take to get your license Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There's also a new statewide alert for missing children on the autism spectrum. Here's what to know before you get behind the wheel. New 'superspeeder' law in Florida Driving way too fast is now its own crime under HB 351 Dangerous Excessive Speeding. Exceeding the speed limit by 50 mph or more or recklessly driving faster than 100 mph once gets you up to 30 days in jail or a fine of $500 or both. Doing it again means up to 90 days in jail and/or a $1,000 fine, and you can lose your license if you do it twice within five years. Illegal to pretend to be an Uber or Lift driver in Florida HB 1525, Prearranged Transportation Services, makes it a second-degree misdemeanor to impersonate a rideshare driver for services such as Uber or Lyft. Doing so while committing a felony offense is an additional third-degree felony. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill also allows the Transportation Disadvantaged Trust Fund commission to contract with qualified rideshare programs to support transportation services for persons with disabilities. Florida to launch new Spectrum Alert for missing autistic children Along with purple, silver, blue and AMBER alerts from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, there will soon be a new one: the Spectrum Alert. HB 711 calls for the creation of a new statewide alert, the Spectrum Alert, for missing children with autism spectrum disorder. The bill also requires law enforcement to be trained on how to interact with autistic children in crisis and how to respond effectively, and appropriates $190,000 to implement the new alert in the current alert systems. New license plate option for veterans Previously, the only option for a disabled veteran was the DV license plate. Under SB 1662, a disabled veteran may choose instead to get either a military license plate for their military branch or a specialty license plate, with the initials "DV" in the top left-hand corner. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To qualify for any of these, the veteran must have been honorably discharged from the United States Armed Forces and must have either lived here continuously for five years or established a domicile by filing with their county's clerk of the circuit court. HOV toll exemption canceled in Florida HOV (high occupancy vehicle lanes) lanes are lanes in public roadways reserved for vehicles with more than one occupant or for hybrid and low-emission vehicles that registered with the state. Registered vehicles with HOV decals were also exempt from HOV toll lanes or express lanes, such as the I-95 Express lanes in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties. SB 1662 ends that free use, possibly as part of the state's ongoing de-emphasis on electric vehicles. With recent changes this legislative session, there are updates to the toll exemptions for electric vehicles, Inherently Low Emission Vehicles (ILEV), and hybrid vehicles, FDOT spokesperson Guillermo Alberto Canedo told BocaNewsNow.com. As a result, no new exemptions or renewals for these vehicles will be issued after June 30, 2025. All exemption decals issued prior to this date will remain active for one year from issuance of the decal. No more camping on the side of Florida highways SB 1662 also prohibits camping on right-of-way of the State Highway System, except on the Florida National Scenic Trail if you have the appropriate permit. Kill switches in vehicles banned, with exceptions A "kill switch" is any device that can be used remotely to disable a vehicle's engine or prevent it from starting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement HB 1371 bans them, except for: The owner of the vehicle A law enforcement officer acting in the course and scope of his or her duties to prevent the commission of a felony Someone acting for or on behalf of a company that offers a subscription, recurring payment program, or lease in connection with the vehicle The manufacturer of the vehicle For anyone else, it's a second-degree misdemeanor. Changes at the Florida DMV A couple of bills make some changes at the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. First off, under SB 994, anyone 18 and older applying for a driver license will have to complete a driver education course along with the existing traffic law and substance abuse education course. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement HB 961 makes a variety of changes, including prohibiting and penalizing scammers from selling fake DMV or tax collector appointments and revoking limited driver privileges for habitual offenders if they violate the conditions. And if you cheat on your driver license exam (Class E or commercial), you'll have to do it over. It also creates a lifetime disabled parking permit for persons who are permanently disabled due to amputation or dismemberment. This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: New Florida driving laws as of July 1 target superspeeders, DMV scams Critics blasted Paramount Global's decision to pay $16 million to settle President Trump's lawsuit over "60 Minutes" edits, calling the move a "spineless capitulation" that erodes U.S. press freedoms. Paramount late Tuesday agreed to a landmark settlement with Trump to end his $20-billion broadside against CBS News. The president will not be paid directly, or indirectly, as part of the deal, Paramount said. Instead, the money will go to cover Trump's legal fees and help finance his future presidential library. Paramount's leaders hope the settlement will help clear a path for Trump-appointed regulators to bless the company's $8-billion sale to David Ellison's Skydance Media. They wanted to tamp down tensions with the president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But journalists and others on Wednesday said the payment will embolden attacks by Trump and his allies on news outlets. Some called the settlement a stain on the proud legacy of CBS News, the onetime home of such fearless journalists as Edward R. Murrow, Walter Cronkite and Mike Wallace. This is a shameful decision by Paramount," Clayton Weimers, executive director of Reporters Without Borders USA, said in a statement. "Shari Redstone and Paramounts board should have stood by CBS journalists and the integrity of press freedom. Instead, they chose to reward Donald Trump for his petty legal assault." Read more: Paramount agrees to pay $16 million to settle Trump's CBS 60 Minutes' lawsuit Trump's legal team quickly celebrated the settlement, saying: "President Donald J. Trump delivers another win for the American people as he, once again, holds the Fake News media accountable for their wrongdoing and deceit." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bob Corn-Revere, chief counsel for the non-profit 1st Amendment advocacy organization Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, took an opposing view, saying wider repercussions would result. "A cold wind just blew through every newsroom," Corn-Revere said in a statement. "Paramount may have closed this case, but it opened the door to the idea that the government should be the medias editor-in-chief." Federal Communications Commissioner Anna M. Gomez, the lone Democrat on the panel, said the settlement was "a desperate move [by Paramount] to appease the Administration and secure regulatory approval of a major transaction currently pending before the FCC." This moment marks a dangerous precedent for the 1st Amendment, and it should alarm anyone who values a free and independent press," Gomez said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Trump, 60 Minutes' and corruption allegations put Paramount on edge with sale less certain For months, Paramount executives have been torn over how to handle Trump's $20-billion lawsuit. The dispute helped prompt the departure of two senior CBS News executives who tried to hold their ground, particularly as "60 Minutes" continued airing stories that took a hard look at Trump's policies and actions. Journalists were horrified by the board's willingness to settle the case rather than defend 1st Amendment freedoms. CBS News staffers feared the company would be forced to apologize when they said they did nothing wrong. (The settlement, negotiated through a mediator, did not require an apology.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Inside Paramount's bumpy sale: the president, a scion and a possible sheikh The legal wrangling began in October when CBS broadcast different portions of an answer given by then-Vice President Kamala Harris to a question about the Biden administration's waning clout with Israel's prime minister. CBS' "Face the Nation" program ran a clip of Harris giving a muddled response to the question. A day later, "60 Minutes" aired a different portion of her answer. This one was forceful and succinct. CBS has acknowledged editing Harris' answer. Trump and fellow conservatives seized on the edits, claiming CBS had manipulated Harris' answer to make her appear more authoritative to enhance her standing with voters. He called the edits an example of election interference. Trump and fellow conservatives seized on CBS' edits to Harris' answer, calling them an example of election interference. (Kevin Dietsch / Getty Images) CBS has long denied such claims. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Paramount Co-Chief Executive George Cheeks said during the company's shareholder meeting Wednesday that settlements are designed for companies to avoid "being mired in uncertainty and distraction." Companies often settle litigation to avoid the high and somewhat unpredictable costs of legal defense, the risk of an adverse judgment that could result in significant financial or reputational damage, and the disruption to business operations that prolonged legal battles can cause," Cheeks said. That rationale did little to mollify detractors who alleged that Trump's complaints were thin. Paramount's settlement will be remembered as one of the most shameful capitulations by the press to a president in history," said Seth Stern, director of advocacy for the Freedom of the Press Foundation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Paramount said the agreement with Trump included a release from threatened defamation claims. But it's not clear that Paramount's headaches will go away. Three left-leaning U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) want to take a closer look at Paramount's decision-making. In May, the senators sent a strongly worded letter to Paramount's controlling shareholder, Redstone. They cautioned that a settlement could be viewed as bribing an elected official to win favorable regulatory treatment with regard to the Skydance merger. "This could be bribery in plain sight," Warren said in a statement Wednesday. "Im calling for a full investigation into whether or not any anti-bribery laws were broken." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "When Democrats retake power, Ill be first in line calling for federal charges," Wyden separately wrote in a post on the Bluesky social media site. "In the meantime, state prosecutors should make the corporate execs who sold out our democracy answer in court." Read more: Paramount says Trump's CBS 60 Minutes' lawsuit seeks to 'punish' network Some journalists said they feared the settlement could have a chilling effect, particularly among news organizations that lack deep pockets or have unrelated business pending before the federal government. "CBS News may weather the financial hit, but smaller newsrooms facing similar legal threats could be pushed to the brink," Tim Richardson, journalism and disinformation program director at the nonprofit PEN America, said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The danger is clear," Richardson said, calling the settlement a "spineless capitulation." "Emboldened politicians and powerful actors will feel more free than ever to weaponize lawsuits and bring regulatory pressure to bear to silence and censor independent journalism." Sign up for our Wide Shot newsletter to get the latest entertainment business news, analysis and insights. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Jul. 2Local residents focus on different aspects of the Fourth of July, some primarily enjoying the time off work, others enjoying the fireworks, and others inspired by the patriotism evident on Independence Day. Logan Wittlief The Fourth of July means independence to Logan Wittlief. "I would say it means independence. When I think of the Fourth of July, I think of maybe fighting back against tyranny, oppressive government kind of thing. It's veryI thinkimportant to what is happening today," Wittlief said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wittlief enjoys celebrating with a cookout and his family each year. "What do I enjoy most- I would say the family coming together, sometimes we'll invite neighbors over, so community coming together, doing that kind of thing," Wittlief said. Jennifer Edwards New B.E.S.T. Academy Principal Jennifer Edwards takes the time to remember the reason we celebrate the Fourth of July. "We try to teach our kids to continue remembering it as July Fourth, 1776; and how it commemorates the Declaration of Independence, the founding principles of the sacrifices that were made for our country, and our freedom, and just remembering what the red, white, and blue actually signifies," Edwards said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Edwards celebrates the holiday each year by spending time with her family, fireworks, grilling, matching Fourth of July T-shirts, making memories, and enjoying one another. The Edwards family remembers not to get caught up in the way the Fourth is celebrated, but to also remember the Declaration of Independence and what it stands for, Edwards said. Doug Stevenson For Doug Stevenson, the Fourth of July is a time to go fishing. "I guess it doesn't really mean what it ought to mean," Stevenson said. "For me, I just go fishing." Stevenson enjoys getting the chance to see fireworks from below Wheeler Dam while fishing sometimes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bruce Jones Bruce Jones, Decatur Youth Services' interim director, thinks of freedom when he thinks about the Fourth of July. "I do look at it as that's a freedom that we have. And then how do we continue to fight and make decisions to keep those freedoms," Jones said. Jones celebrates the Fourth of July each year with his family and friends, a barbecue and fireworks. Jones looks forward to spending time with family and friends as they prepare for their celebration on the Fourth. "For me that's also a time to celebrate family and spend time with family and friends," Jones said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rachel Haynes For Rachel Haynes, the Fourth of July is about the love of our nation. Each year, Haynes celebrates with fireworks. "We'll usually get some fireworks and maybe grill out," Haynes said. Haynes enjoys watching her children enjoy the fireworks each year. Carlton McMasters City Councilman Carlton McMasters said the Fourth of July means Freedom. "It means freedom. We still live in the greatest country in the world. I mean we're not without our issues, but it's my belief this is still the greatest country in the world," McMasters said. McMasters enjoys spending the holiday at Decatur's Spirit of America with family and friends. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McMasters still remembers the year Regan attended the Spirit of America Festival at Point Mallard. The holiday brings forth a feeling of pride, McMasters said. "There's just something special about people still appreciating the Fourth and what it stands for. It's just a feeling of pride in one's country, I think," McMasters said. Bruce McLellan Bruce McLellan, the 2019-2020 president of the Kiwanis Club and former executive editor of The Decatur Daily, said July Fourth is a time for people to be unified. "It's a time we can be unified and be proud of the successes of our country and the good it does and the fact that we can be introspective and want to improve," McLellan said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McLellan enjoys the fact that July Fourth is a time to celebrate the nation's founding and contemplate what it means. McLellan celebrates the holiday each year with his oldest son, Matthew, at the AJC Peachtree Road Race in Atlanta. The Declaration of Independence still applies today, McLellan said. "I think it's an incredible day, because the Declaration still resonates, and everything in it still inspires us today and can guide us," McLellan said. Allen Morgan The ability to spend time with family is what the Fourth of July means to Maggie's Florist and Gift shop owner Allen Morgan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "To me it means being able to spend time with my family," Morgan said. The holiday makes Morgan think about the military families that are off serving the country right now, and he is grateful for their sacrifice for our freedom. Morgan and his wife celebrate each year by spending time with one another. Morgan enjoys spending time outdoors and eating the food. Michael Douglas Decatur City Schools Superintendent Michael Douglas is grateful to live in a free country and looks forward to spending the Fourth of July with his family. "For me, someone that works all year, it's just a good day. You're not working, you get to spend time with family, fireworks, and just be extremely grateful to live in a country where we're free," Douglas said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Douglas celebrates the Fourth of July each year with his family enjoying fireworks and fellowship with one another. Catherine Heim Catherine Heim, 20, believes that everyone should celebrate what they believe in on the Fourth of July. "It (The Fourth of July) was a whole movement. It was when our Founding Fathers and the people decided to stand up against an oppressive leader. It's hard to celebrate right now, knowing everything that's going on," Heim said. "I think it's a good thing for people to celebrate what they believe in." Heim looks forward to spending time with family on the Fourth of July each year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I enjoy getting to see a lot of people that I don't normally see, a lot of family. We're apart for most of the year so it's nice to have everyone together," Heim said. Janelle Brown Browns Books and More owner Janelle Brown said the Fourth of July holds different meanings to some. "It means independence for some people; it means a day of celebration and family gathering for others," Brown said. Brown enjoys spending the Fourth of July with family and friends and taking the time to rest. "It's a collective day off so you get to see family that you wouldn't normally see," Brown said. Andrew McCombs On the Fourth of July, Andrew McCombs, Lindsay Lane Christian Academy principal, takes time to remember the sacrifices that were made for our freedom. "I want to make sure that we always remember on the Fourth of July that human beings fought and died and dedicated their lives sacrificed their lives in order to earn that independence," McCombs said. McCombs believes it is important to remember that although the holiday is referred to as the Fourth of July, it is Independence Day. McCombs enjoys the reminders of the freedom we have on Independence Day. "I think as we celebrate whether it's shooting fireworks, grilling out, swimming, attending a celebration, or watching a television show it's just a constant flood of reminders on one day for 24 hours straight of the freedoms that we get to enjoy," McCombs said. Robby Parker Each Fourth of July, Robby Parker, Lindsay Lane Christian Academy head of school, is reminded of how thankful he is to live in this country. "I'm very thankful for all of those that have served and given so much, in order that we can do what we do. I'm thankful for our government today, people that serve our country, and I'm thankful for this beautiful country that we live in," Parker said. Parker enjoys spending time with family on the Fourth of July. Each year, the Parker family celebrates the holiday with either a big trip or grilling and fireworks, Parker said. (FOX40.COM) Seven people are unaccounted for following an explosion at a fireworks facility in Yolo County, Cal Fire said Wednesday. Two people who were injured in the fire are expected to recover. Cal Fire said it is working with the property owner to determine the whereabouts of those missing. According to Cal Fire, approximately 158 PG&E customers are without power as a result of the fire. The facility near Country Road 23 and Country Road 86A in Esparto caught fire around 6 p.m. on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fire created a number of spot fires in the area, collectively referred to by Cal Fire as the Oakdale Fire, which have burned roughly 78 acres. At least one home and a car were destroyed by the fire. The fire was last reported as 0% contained around 9:30 a.m. Wednesday morning. Evacuation orders remain in place for the Esparto area but authorities said Madison residents are cleared to return home. Esparto Fire Protection District Chief Curtis Lawrence said they are not investigating anything criminally related to the fire. Gov. Gavin Newsoms office suggested that the state is open to the possibility of criminal activity related to the fire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our office is closely tracking the fire and explosion in Yolo County. @CAL_FIRE and @Cal_OES have deployed air and ground resources, the governors office said in a social media post. The State Fire Marshal has sent an arson and bomb investigation team, and stands ready to provide additional support as needed. The sheriffs office also said that a bomb unit is also investigating the explosion. Firefighters have not said if anyone was injured in the explosion. The sheriffs office is asking the community to avoid the area around the facility near Country Road 23 and Country Road 86A. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40 News. SPRINGFIELD, Ohio (WDTN) A new city-wide, accessible way to get around Springfield is beginning this month. The city of Springfield officially announced the launch of Field Trips, a new tech-enabled public transportation system. The new service will go live on July 15, allowing residents to travel anywhere within city limits. Archways to Opportunity: Piqua man graduates college debt free Field Trips provides on-demand shared rides that can be booked by app, web or phone, according to the city. Riders headed in the same direction will be matched to the same vehicle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This new transit system will utilize minivan sized vehicles, allowing for more flexible routes and eliminating the need for transfers. Springfield officials say residents are estimated to gain access to six times as many job opportunities within a 30-minute commute compared to the former bus system. Springfield also expects commuters to see wait times reduced by over 50 percent. Those with limited mobility, including senior citizens and residents with disabilities can also pre-schedule rides and receive door-to-door service from drivers with special accessibility training. Field Trips will replace the former SCAT transit system. The transition will take place over the month of July with SCAT services ending July 29. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Field Trips rides will be free through July 28 as the service is introduced. Springfield is also encouraging riders to share comments and feedback through a survey. Former bus, paratransit and dial-a-ride riders will be notified of service changes throughout July. Educational sessions will also be held at several locations throughout the coming weeks. Click here to 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 WDTN.com. SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) New data from the state shows that crime rates are dropping across the commonwealth. Pittsfield senior center recieves grant to boost disaster preparedness for older adults According to the states preliminary numbers from 2024, property and violent crimes are down, with homicides falling by more than 11%, robberies down 9%, and car thefts by 16%. The Healey administration says this decrease is attributed to youth program investments and community policing. In 2024, the Administration invested more than $45 million in public safety initiatives. But Governor Healy believes more work needs to be done. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a quote, she says, We know there is always more work to be done, and we remain committed to bringing people together to continue to enhance public safety in communities across the state. More than 300 state and local law enforcement agencies submitted a full year of data, which is up from 2023. Lieutenant Governor Driscoll thanks the participation in crime data reporting. In a quote, Driscoll says, The continued improvements that we see in 2024 reflect a deeply held shared commitment to collaborative solutions that promote safer communities. 22News spoke with city officials, who have also seen this downward trend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Spokesperson with the Springfield Police Department, Ryan Walsh, told 22News, Our overall crime is down approximately 11% and felony assaults are down 15%. We havent seen as many shootings. We dont see as many shooting victims. That has a lot to do with our officers and their proactive strategies, and our community coming together and rallying with the police department. Walsh says car thefts in the city are returning to normal compared to the last two years. He says that, especially during the summer, they are using proactive policing and mapping out the hotspots in the city to mitigate crime. Local News Headlines WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP. ST. LOUIS As the city of St. Louis prepares for Independence Day festivities like Celebrate St. Louis, for the first time, the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department will be holding parents accountable for the actions of their children. In a news conference on Wednesday, police said they will be citing parents of juveniles who shoot off fireworks during the holiday. The SLMPD is reminding residents that discharging fireworks in the city is downright dangerous and illegal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are going into this weekend with a completely different strategy that allows our officers to do the work that they are really good at doing and that is keeping our people safe, Mitch McCoy, SLMPD spokesman, said. Car crashes into fireworks tent near Festus Walmart; 5 injured Police said they will also have additional officers on patrol during the Fourth of July holiday. The warning comes ahead of a weekend that historically has brought violence into the downtown area. Last year, seven were shot near Kiener Plaza just hours after the Celebrate St. Louis fireworks show. Juveniles caught with fireworks will be detained, held, at which time we will be contacting a parent to have a parent pick that child up and the parent will be cited, McCoy said. Parents, you will be held responsible for the behavior of your children. There is going to be absolutely no excuse. Downtown St. Louis is not a playground and it is not a designated drop off site for your children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 St. Mary's Food Bank sent a tractor-trailer full of much-needed supplies to the Navajo Nation on Tuesday to provide relief from the Oak Ridge Fire. It's the food bank's biggest shipment of the year, which includes water, Gatorade and food items. The supplies are for evacuees, as well as those fighting the fire. PHOENIX - St. Mary's Food Bank in Phoenix is doing its part to help the victims of the Oak Ridge Fire burning on the Navajo Nation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A tractor-trailer is headed five and a half hours up north to bring much-needed supplies to the front lines of the fire. A St. Mary's Food Bank truck on the way to deliver supplies to the Oak Ridge Fire burning on the Navajo Nation on July 1, 2025. What they're saying Jerry Brown of St. Mary's Food Bank says they got the call on Monday afternoon, and had the truck ready to go by Tuesday morning. "This stuff is already on-hand. It's stuff that we have ready to go. Emergency food boxes. We distribute about a hundred thousand of them every month. So there's a couple of hundred, probably four to five hundred food boxes on there, for folks who need it," Brown said. The supplies are being sent to people who needed to evacuate, and also to first responders battling the fire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "A full tractor-trailer truck full of water, Gatorade, emergency food boxes, ready-to-go snacks, bakery items, peanut butter. For not only evacuees that are being displaced from their homes, but for firefighters to take with them on the line. We want to make sure we're taking care of everyone, keeping those guys hydrated," Brown said. Brown says this is their biggest shipment of the year. "We haven't had any disaster problems. We've had big ones in the past, some of the biggest fires up in northern Arizona, sometimes in a neighboring state when they ask us as one of the biggest food banks in the region. As a first responder, we're always ready. We always have our protocols to go through. It just takes us a couple of hours to fill up a trip like this," he explained. After this, the food bank is really in need of more donations, especially water, which they need in the Valley, too. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Most of the supplies are dwindling because of the hot weather. We had a very hot June, a lot of temperatures in the 114-117 range. We've been handing out water like crazy to our industry partners, we've been purchasing water to try to make up that need," he said. What you can do Click here to learn more about St. Mary's Food Bank and how you can donate. UPDATED, with John Dickerson comments: The news that Paramount Global will settle Donald Trumps 60 Minutes lawsuit for $16 million certainly did not come as a shock to staffers at CBS News. For months, there has been a great deal of consternation and even resignation at the prospect of a settlement and the impact that it would have on the news division. More from Deadline Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People are not surprised but also disappointed, one CBS News staffer said on Wednesday. There is hope that if the Skydance deal goes through, that could be a fresh start. John Dickerson, co-anchor of the CBS Evening News, ended the broadcast with a monologue that touched on viewers trust. The Paramount settlement poses a new obstacle. Can you hold power to account after paying it millions? Can an audience trust you when it thinks youve traded away that trust? The audience will decide that. Our job is to show up, to honor what we witness on behalf of the people we witness it for. John Dickerson: Paramount-Trump Settlement An "Obstacle" To Public Trust In CBS Newshttps://t.co/5WOvKcw16V "Can you hold power to account after paying it millions? Can an audience trust you when it thinks you've traded away that trust?" he said. "The audience will decide." pic.twitter.com/fl2fq23blX RCP Video (@rcpvideo) July 3, 2025 CBS News President Tom Cibrowski, in the morning editorial call on Wednesday, noted that the settlement did not include an apology, while urging his team to move forward, per a source. In its announcement of the settlement, Paramount Global also emphasized that there was no apology, as did CBS President and CEO George Cheeks. RELATED: Elizabeth Warren Says Paramounts Trump Lawsuit Settlement Could Be Bribery In Plain Sight, Plans Bill To Restrict Presidential Library Donations Over the past few months, CBS News staffers have had a great deal of consternation over a pending settlement, a prospect that was out of their control. Talks were occurring at the corporate level and having much to do with the circumstances of the pending Paramount Global merger with Skydance Media. Some staffers also have seen the whole affair as obscuring standout work in the news division, particularly in the early months of the Trump administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the aftermath, a succession of press freedom groups and other organizations have blasted Paramount Globals decision. Trump sued the network over an Oct. 7 60 Minutes interview with his 2024 rival Kamala Harris, claiming that it was intentionally edited to make her look better and boost her electoral chances. CBS News called the lawsuit meritless, and said that there was no deception, and released the transcript in February. RELATED: Paramount Global Blasted For Settling Donald Trumps 60 Minutes Lawsuit: Threatens Journalists Ability To Do Their Job, WGAE Says The network published a story about the settlement early Wednesday morning, quoting legal experts who saw the lawsuit as frivolous. Trump claimed a violation of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act, typically used in false advertising and product claims. They included Geoffrey R. Stone, law professor at the University of Chicago, who told the network, That statute is about sales a salesperson can be held liable for stating that a product has certain positive effects when he knows it doesnt. But CBS is not engaged in advertising here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Within CBS News, there has been some second guessing about how the whole situation could have been handled differently, including that 60 Minutes could have released the transcript of the interview with Kamala Harris much earlier, as some other news organizations routinely do. The settlement did include an agreement that in the future, 60 Minutes will release transcripts of interviews with eligible U.S. presidential candidates after such interviews have aired, subject to redactions as required for legal or national security concerns. RELATED: Trump Celebrity Supporters: Famous Folks In Favor Of The 47th President As some staffers look to get beyond the whole affair, the legal and corporate aspects are not actually over. A conservative group, the Center for American Rights, filed an FCC complaint over the 60 Minutes broadcast under the agencys news distortion policy. But that has been rarely invoked in the past and under the narrowest of circumstances, while First Amendment attorneys say that the network would have a strong case should it ever come to a fine or other sanction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is also the merger itself. The FCC passed an informal, 180-day timeline to review the deal, and Chairman Brendan Carr, a Trump appointee, has not said when a decision will be rendered. His spokesperson did not immediately return a request for comment. Unclear is what the ultimate impact that the settlement will have on CBS News, whether that be reputation or ratings. Bill Owens, the executive producer of 60 Minutes, exited the network in April, he said that he no longer make independent decisions about the show. The newsmagazine is consistently a top ratings getter for the network, drawing an average of 8.32 million viewers in its 57th season. As the wrangling over the Skydance-Paramount merger dragged on, the show did a number of hard-hitting pieces on the Trump administration, to the point where the president threatened to file another lawsuit. That potential defamation action also was part of the settlement agreement, per Paramount Global. Best of Deadline Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) Ohio has awarded the Whitehall Division of Police $18,250 as part of a funding initiative aimed at helping law enforcement agencies reduce violent crime. Whitehalls grant was included in the 14th round of funding from the Ohio Violent Crime Reduction Grant Program, which allocated over $3 million to 48 law enforcement agencies in 27 counties across the state. Whitehall police requested the grant to support the purchase of five license plate readers, according to Chief Mike Crispen. The technology, which is already utilized by the department, uses cameras to automatically scan license plates and alert police if a vehicle is stolen or registered to a wanted person. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What the states new flat income tax will mean for Ohioans We have experienced significant success in solving crimes using this technology, Crispen said. After evaluating current coverage, we identified several areas in the city that are not adequately monitored by our existing systems. This grant will enable us to expand coverage to those locations and further enhance public safety. Gov. Mike DeWine announced the most recent round of grants in June. The program aims to financially support agencies with implementing targeted programs and enhanced technology that aid in preventing or solving violent crime, according to a news release. The crime reduction strategies funded by this latest round of grants are all focused on protecting residents and making communities safer, DeWine said in a statement. Were proud to support the work of our local law enforcement agencies to use technology and other innovative practices to enhance public safety. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The news release detailed what a couple agencies plan to do with their funds, including the Solon Police Department in Cuyahoga County, which received $68,830.20. The agency intends to use the grant to establish a new human trafficking division that will focus on dismantling trafficking networks, conducting digital forensic investigations and implementing community outreach. Since the crime reduction program first launched in 2021, more than $84 million has been awarded to nearly 200 law enforcement agencies. The latest round of grants ranged from $8,500 to $170,950.01, and were funded through the states 2024-2025 operating budget. The Whitehall Division of Police was the only central Ohio agency to receive a grant in the latest round of funding. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV. Piotr Swat / SOPA Images / LightRocket via Getty Images Lamb Weston, which supplies fries to McDonald's, is down more than 22% this year. Key Takeaways Lamb Weston shares fell Monday, when the company announced it reached an agreement with the activist investment firm, Jana Partners Management. Investors sent the stock higher when Jana's stake in Lamb Weston was disclosed, suggesting they may have envisioned Jana's involvement leading to a more dramatic outcome. Under the agreement, Jana will play a role in appointing six board members, including the next chairman, former Nestle USA leader Bradley Alford. Lamb Weston shares were among the S&P 500's worst performers to start the week as investors learned that the activist investors pushing for change at the fry company may have delivered less than hoped for. Lamb Weston Holdings (LW) on Monday said it plans to appoint four members to its board under a cooperation agreement with Jana Partners Management and the Continental Grain Company. Bradley Alford, a former CEO of Nestle USA, will be named chairman. The parties mutually selected two other potential board members, who will help expand the board from 12 to 13 seats, the release said. Investors may have envisioned Jana's involvement leading to a more dramatic outcome. Jana Managing Partner Scott Ostfeld had previously said the status quo is no longer tenable and pushed for a complete overhaul at the company. Shares shot higher when Janas stake in Lamb Weston was disclosed, underscoring investors desire for change, according to a letter Ostfeld sent the Board in December. Lamb Weston should partner with Jana to rehabilitate the Company or work with its financial advisors to explore a sale, he said then. The company's shares finished Monday down almost 3%. The McDonalds (MCD) supplier's shares are off more than 22% so far this year. We are pleased to have reached this collaborative outcome with the Company, Jana Managing Partner Scott Ostfeld said in a statement today. I look forward to working with the Board and management to improve performance and deliver shareholder value. Read the original article on Investopedia CHIPPEWA FALLS The Joint Committee on Finance approved two provisions in the state budget Tuesday that would grant $10 million to Rogers Behavioral Health to establish a behavioral health hospital in Chippewa Falls, along with another $1 million to Lutheran Social Services (LSS) of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan to renovate and reopen the L.E. Phillips Libertas Treatment Center. The money would bring much-needed mental health services back to Chippewa Falls, wrote the authors of the bill, State Sen. Jesse James (R-Thorp) and State Rep. Clint Moses (R-Menomonie) in a press release Tuesday. My colleagues and I have been working for multiple sessions to get more mental health beds in the Chippewa Valley, James said in the press release. Following the closures of HSHS Sacred Heart and St. Josephs Hospitals, the Chippewa Valley lost a significant amount of their mental health bed capacity, including every juvenile bed. Not only will this partnership with Rogers restore the beds that were lost, it will also expand the services previously offered. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rogers Behavioral Health is a world-renowned, data-driven, non-profit mental health service provider, the press release states. Rogers has proposed establishing a behavioral health hospital that would offer crisis stabilization, residential treatment, and outpatient services for both youth and adults. The Chippewa Falls facility would offer accessible treatment to residents throughout Northwestern Wisconsin. We are incredibly grateful to Senator James, Representative Clint Moses, and the Joint Committee on Finance for including this critical funding in the state budget, said Cindy Meyer, President and CEO of Rogers Behavioral Health. This region has long faced a shortage of accessible mental health servicesespecially for our most vulnerable population, our children. This investment represents a significant step forward in addressing that gap. We look forward to continuing our partnership with the Governor and Legislature as this project advances, ensuring that every individual in need of mental health care receives the compassionate, evidence-based treatment they deserve. Moses was pleased the funding was included in the final budget bill, which now must gain approval by both the Assembly and state Senate, then head to Gov. Tony Evers for final approval. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bringing these critical resources into the region is vital for the mental and physical health of Western Wisconsinites, Moses wrote. Senator James and I have been advocating relentlessly to the Joint Finance Committee about the importance of these resources not just for our area, but for the entire state. I am excited to work with our partners, Rogers Behavioral Health and Lutheran Social Services to start up these resources in the Chippewa Valley. I am happy to have contributed to a small step in revitalizing healthcare options in Western Wisconsin. Over the winter, Lutheran Social Services (LSS) of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan announced its plans to reopen the 50-bed treatment center. The building would be used for men, while services for women would continue in Eau Claire. In February, the Chippewa Falls City Council unanimously approved an ordinance to allow LSS to reopen. LSS plans to offer a range of services like those previously provided at L.E. Phillips Libertas, located at 2301 County Highway I, and that are already available through the organizations existing programs. We hope this expansion will help bridge a gap in treatment and recovery services, Tara Treglowne, LSS vice president of adult residential & long-term care, previously told the Leader-Telegram. These are vital services that many individuals and families need. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lutheran Social Services estimates they will have 21 full-time employees and four part-time workers, with an average of 45 clients ages 18 and older. The facility would be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The L.E. Phillips building is a single story and had been in operation for nearly 40 years until it was shuttered when HSHS closed St. Josephs Hospital, Sacred Heart Hospital, and other area medical clinics in spring 2024. Renovations would support the addition of services for men, medically monitored treatment as well as transitional residential, and provide additional programming space. Jul. 2ALBANY A state law that bars the extended use of solitary confinement in state prisons, and mandates hours of out-of-cell time and rehabilitative programming, hasn't been enforced equally at every facility for months and a state court order handed down Tuesday is forcing the people in charge to explain why. The law has been unevenly suspended in state facilities since February, when thousands of state prison security staff went on a 22-day unsanctioned strike, claiming their jobs were extremely unsafe in part because of the increased movement of incarcerated people and extended contact time between them and staff mandated by the law, known as HALT. The state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision has been ordered by the Albany state Supreme Court to provide a clear reasoning for why some parts of the HALT Act are still not back in effect and for facilities that aren't in emergencies anymore, to restore HALT programs by July 11. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Tuesday, Justice Daniel C. Lynch ordered that DOCCS Commissioner Daniel F. Martuscello, III can no longer enforce the blanket suspension of HALT, which came down first on Feb. 20 and was re-upped on March 8, without making a clear case for why each facility that hasn't restored the HALT's provisions should continue to do so. The court handed down a preliminary injunction, effective July 11, blocking Martuscello from continuing the suspension without a facility-by-facility explanation. The judge's order takes specific issue with the wide-ranging suspension of HALT at a number of state prisons finding that DOCCS has not provided sufficient reasoning for suspending the state law. "The granting of this preliminary injunction does not require defendant (DOCCS) to flip a switch and open the cell doors in every facility immediately defendant still possesses all the discretion granted to him under HALT," the judge's order reads. "This injunction merely compels him to follow the procedures set out in Correction Law section 2, 23, and make rational determinations of emergencies on a facility-by-facility basis." Since February, when the mass walkout of thousands of corrections officers and lieutenants led to a major crisis within the state prison system, Martuscello has used the power afforded to him under the law to temporarily suspend the major requirements of the legislation; that most incarcerated people be given 7 hours out-of-cell a day and hours of rehabilitative programming and that nobody can be held in solitary confinement for more than 17 hours at a time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DOCCS has said these requirements can't be met reliably by staff with the ongoing shortage the state is still relying on thousands of National Guard troops deployed at a handful of facilities to shore up staffing headcounts. But the law only gives Martuscello limited power to suspend HALT, requiring him to suspend it on a facility-by-facility basis and only for 90 days at most. That 90 day period ended July 6, but HALT remains unrestored for over a dozen facilities statewide. In a letter submitted to the court from the state Attorney General's office, which is representing DOCCS in the lawsuit, the state explained that 14 facilities out of 41 run by DOCCS have not yet fully restored HALT provisions; Adirondack, Albion, Attica, Auburn, Cayuga, Collins, Fishkill, Five Points, Gouverneur, Greene, Lakeview SICF, Midstate, Orleans and Sing Sing. At each facility, different levels of HALT programming and care are being provided with different approaches. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to that letter, at Gouverneur Correctional in St. Lawrence County, classroom use was restored on June 23 for limited morning and afternoon hours from Monday to Thursday, and at the same time increased recreational time to five hours a day, and out-of-cell time to seven hours a day. At Adirondack Correctional in Essex County, the "Residential Rehabilitation Unit", which DOCCS created to provide specialized treatment to people requiring more than 15 days of disciplinary confinement in replacement of the use of solitary banned by HALT, is suspended with no expected restoration date provided. "Although not all DOCCS facilities have fully restored HALT programming, DOCCS continues to make significant progress toward that goal, while continuing to assess and prioritize the safety and security of both the incarcerated and staff during this ongoing crisis," wrote Ryan W. Hickey, an assistant Attorney General working on the case. The letter is dated June 23. In a statement shared Wednesday, a DOCCS spokesperson said that HALT programming at "several facilities." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We expect more to follow in the near future," the spokesperson said. "We continue to conduct safety and operational reviews on a facility-by-facility basis in order to ensure that when programming recommences, it's done so in a manner that prioritizes the safety and security of those in our care, our staff and the community." Under the terms of the court order, Martuscello must publicly file a sworn affirmation of emergency circumstances within two business days of making a determination for each prison he wishes to keep the HALT suspension in place for, including detailed facts and a sworn affirmation from a local DOCCS employee warranting the facility to remain under a suspension order and the expected duration of that suspension. HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) Providence Mayor Tom Glover declared a state of emergency overnight following a water main break. The declaration orders Webster County Emergency Management to coordinate all agencies of local government to provide assistance, including giving out bottled water. Water is being handed out while supplies last at the Old Providence Dispatch Office at the fire station. A boil advisory remains in effect until further notice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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). SPRINGFIELD Two months after business owners, lawyers and residents called for the state to build the new courthouse downtown, officials followed through setting a preferred site centered around the citys business corridor. The states division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance released its request for proposals seeking a developer who will replace the troubled Roderick Ireland Courthouse with a new building. Officials promised to release the document in June and did so on Monday. Im excited to get the employees out of the courthouse as soon as possible. It is paramount, said state Sen. Adam Gomez, D-Springfield. I think we are elated the RFP (request for proposals) went out on the 30th as scheduled. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For a decade or longer, court employees have been sounding the alarm about the building, saying at least five employees, including two judges who shared the same office, have died from the relatively rare neurological disease known as ALS and other staff have been diagnosed with cancers and other medical conditions. In January the states Asset Management Board, an arm of the department that oversees construction and maintenance of state, agreed to enter into a public-private partnership where the state would lease a building, constructed to its specifications, from a private developer. The process will allow the state to fast-track the construction because it will not have to wait for the roughly $600 million needed from the states capital budget to replace the building. One of the biggest takeaways from a community meeting scheduled by City Council Finance Chairman Timothy Allen was that residents and business owners wanted to keep the new building in downtown to retain the economic spinoff it brings. The meeting was held following concerns there had not been enough input given to the state by residents, business owners, lawyers and others most impacted by the change. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Allen said he appreciated that state officials returned to get more input when requested and followed through after listening to peoples opinions. They set a tone of respect and listened and I hope that will continue, he said, adding they have kept him in the loop even though the City Council technically has no say in the project. The document calls for a developer to construct a courthouse that will measure between 220,000 and 330,000 square feet for the about 1,200 to 1,500 daily visitors. The timeline for completed construction is as soon as possible. The agreement will call for the developer to lease the building for 40 years with two 10-year optional extensions. While the owner will be required to make all repairs and upgrades to the building and maintain the grounds, the state will provide day-to-day cleaning and other maintenance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The biggest issue discussed during the April meeting was the anticipated location. In response, the state said, The user agency has a preference that the Springfield Regional Justice Center be located in downtown Springfield. An attached map shows an about 12-block area highlighted in bright yellow showing the preferred location is bordered by Chestnut, State and Congress streets and Hall of Fame Avenue. But in lighter yellow shows spill over areas that reach to Union Street, the Connecticut Riverbank, the Memorial Bridge and a little above Chestnut Street. We didnt want the area to be that concrete. We didnt want folks to focus just on that spot, said Hannah Carillo, director of external affairs for the state. While the state is hoping to attract plenty of competition for developers interested in building and owning the courthouse, Carillo said officials understand what residents and people who work in Springfield want is a location in the downtown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It would have to be a lot to get us completely out of the area, she said. One the very edges of the territory are two sites commonly discussed as possible locations, one near 453 Worthington St., a lot that has been vacant since 2012 when a natural gas explosion destroyed the Scores Gentlemans Club and several surrounding buildings. A second is on 14.5 acres of land off the Connecticut Riverfront in the northern edge of downtown that regional business mogul Peter A. Picknelly has floated the idea for a mixed-use development including the courthouse, an 11-story apartment building and a marina. Some of the land Picknelly proposes to use is owned by The Republicans parent company. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Picknelly proposal, which has been endorsed by Mayor Domenic J. Sarno and other prominent politicians in the city, has become a cause of worry for local activists as well as the Board of Asset Management which argued his backing may scare away competing projects. In response the state has hired Greystone & Co. Inc. to market the project and recruit developers. The company fee is paid through a separate agreement, the document said. The transaction advisor has the authority to reach out to prospective proposers on behalf of the commonwealth but no ability to bind the commonwealth in any way of form, the request for proposals said. City Councilor Sean Curran said he supports having the courthouse downtown but would like the state to consider areas along the State Street corridor as well, including the 17 acres at the site of the former Vibra Hospital at 1400 State St. which the city is trying to acquire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is great to see the state is actively engaging in securing some bids after 12 years of waiting, he said. I want to see a developer who had some experience building and designing a courthouse. Curran said he is also hoping the courthouse is designed with some level of grandeur that encourages civic engagement and respect. The courthouse will also be required to be located within a half-mile of public transportation and the request calls for it to provide 650 to 900 parking spaces within a quarter-mile of the building. Some of those spaces must include charging stations for electric vehicles and 32 must be reserved as secured parking spaces. The building itself must meet all requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act and be designed with three separate and secure paths to allow separation between staff, detainees and the public, both of which are missing from the current courthouse, the request said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The document did not say when the bid will be awarded but said it is not required to accept the lowest proposal and may reject those that do not meet the best interest of the state. Read the original article on MassLive. MONTPELIER, Vt. (ABC22/FOX44) Tuesday, July 1 marked the housing deadline for families, children under 19, and medically vulnerable individuals taking part in the states General Assistance emergency housing program, otherwise known as the hotel-motel program. Governor Phil Scott signed an executive order earlier this spring, which waived the 80-day maximum to ensure families had access to social services, and so that individuals could find healthcare support. The program first began during the COVID-19 pandemic. The state was previously able to lift eligibility requirements and caps on the amount of time-stayed thanks to $115 million in FEMA funds for the period March 2020 through June 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Funeral procession to take place for Shelburne police chief July 2 Scott wrote in his executive order that I have determined these actions are necessary to manage and administer the hotel/motel program in an efficient, effective and fiscally prudent ,manner that substantially accomplishes the legislative purposes for which these taxpayer funds were appropriated. It is believed that hundreds have been exited from the program. For additional resources, Vermont 211 has options and assistance. Governor Scott previously vetoed a H.91, which was proposed as an alternative to the General Assistance emergency housing program. Additional information about that story can be found in this video: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Supporters of Planned Parenthood in the gallery of the Tennessee House of Representatives during a 2021 debate about abortion. (Photo: Ray Di Pietro) State attorneys are seeking to dismiss a lawsuit over Tennessees near-total abortion ban after a new law adding limited exceptions for medical emergencies went into effect earlier this year. Jenna Adamson, assistant solicitor general in Tennessees Office of the Attorney General, told a three-judge panel Tuesday that the new law made significant changes to Tennessees abortion ban and makes this a different case. She argued the lawsuit is now moot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But attorneys with the Center for Reproductive Rights countered the new legislation, effective April 29, is written in vague and ambiguous language that still leaves doctors uncertain if they are following or breaking the law when providing an emergency abortion. Doctors found to have violated Tennessees abortion law face the revocation of their licenses and lengthy prison sentences. This really leaves us in no different place than we were before, said Nicolas Kabat, a staff attorney with the Center for Reproductive Rights. The fear Tennessee physicians have that they will be prosecuted for providing life-saving abortions, and the fear patients have that they will be denied them have not changed one bit, as a result of the new law, Kabat said. The lawsuit, originally filed in 2023, represents seven Tennessee women denied emergency abortions and two physicians who say they fear criminal prosecution for providing lifesaving care. The American Medical Association joined the challenge in March. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tennessees abortion ban went into effect in 2022. A year later, lawmakers amended the legislation to include a medical condition exception. The 2023 exception says a doctor may perform an abortion using reasonable medical judgement, based upon the facts known to the physician at the time if the abortion is necessary to prevent a pregnant womans death or to prevent serious risk of substantial and irreversible impairment of a major bodily function. The legislation also added molar and ectopic pregnancies as exceptions to the states abortion ban. It was this 2023 legislation the lawsuit initially challenged as overly vague. In 2024, the three-judge panel presiding over the case temporarily blocked the states medical board from disciplining doctors for providing emergency abortions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Their ruling also outlined four specific pregnancy-related conditions that qualify as medical necessity exceptions to the states abortion ban, noting the confusion and lack of consensus within the Tennessee medical community on the circumstances requiring necessary health- and life-saving abortion care. That temporary injunction remains in place. This year lawmakers further amended the states abortion ban to say doctors may provide an abortion for certain conditions that mirror those outlined in the panels temporary injunction. Those exceptions include: previable preterm premature rupture of membranes (the rupture of the amniotic sac before a fetus is viable); inevitable abortion; severe preeclampsia; mirror syndrome associated with fetal hydrops (a life threatening build up of fluid); and an infection that can result in uterine rupture or loss of fertility. The 2025 legislation also specifically says mental health diagnoses may not be used as an exception to the states abortion ban. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The three-judge panel hearing arguments Tuesday were Chancellor Patricia Head Moskal, Judge Sandra Donaghy and Chancellor Kasey Cullbreath gave no timeline on when they will issue a decision about whether the case will move forward or be dismissed. Moskal said they would issue our ruling as soon as we are able to do so. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Statewide raids result in motorcycle club arrests over Bike Week shootout Multiple Mongols motorcycle club members are now in custody in Volusia County and across the state after a major operation with the FBI. The sheriffs officer says the group is responsible for a shootout between rival motorcycle clubs at a busy gas station in New Smyrna Beach during Bike Week. The Volusia County Sheriffs Office raided the Mongols clubhouse and several members homes early Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thirty-one warrants were executed for aggravated riot. Twenty-eight are in custody so far. This includes the clubs president, who surrendered at his home in Edgewater. SWAT recovered multiple weapons from his home. SWAT also raided the Mongols clubhouse in Edgewater. Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood said said some club members are in the country illegally, while others may be involved in other crimes. The sheriff said all evidence is being turned over to the FBI as part of a larger investigation into the club. The group is facing felony aggravated riot charges. Others are facing additional firearms charges. Multiple Mongols motorcycle club members are now in custody after a major operation with the FBI. Volusia County deputies said members are responsible for the Bike Week shootout between the Warlocks and Mongols on State Road 44 at the Racetrack gas station. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The riot charges were issued after state law changed shortly after civil unrest in 2020 to prevent riots from happening in Florida. The new law defines aggravated rioting as participating in a riot with 25 or more people, causing great bodily harm to a person not participating in the riot, causing property damage exceeding $5,000, displaying a deadly weapon, or endangering vehicle traffic on a public street. It is a second-degree felony and punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. The Volusia County Sheriffs Office believes this is the first instance in which the rioting law has been used to file charges. Chitwood said the investigation included 10 other sheriffs offices from across the state, nine police departments and hundreds of FBI agents. During the operation, 38 handguns and 15 long guns were recovered. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The chapter president of the Mongols club in Volusia County, Carlos Cardona Batista, was arrested at his home in Port Orange. Chitwood said he is in the country illegally and asked the attorney general if he could be sent to the Everglades new detention facility dubbed Alligator Alcatraz. Chitwood said one of the members was arrested in Virginia, but a special magistrate judge there let him walk. There is now a Florida governors warrant out for that persons arrest. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. House Republican Leadership Chairwoman Elise Stefanik is criticizing Columbia Universitys president over past comments that the congresswoman said are a potential violation of the Civil Rights Act, including her call to have an Arab person on the university board, as the university faces continued investigations into its handling of antisemitism on campus. In a letter sent to acting university president Claire Shipman on Tuesday, Stefanik and GOP Rep. Tim Walberg, chair of the House Education and Workforce Committee, pointed to a message from January 17, 2024, where Shipman then the chair of Columbia Universitys board of trustees said the university needed to get somebody from the middle east [sic] or who is Arab on our board, adding, Quickly I think. Somehow. Stefanik and Walberg asked Shipman to clarify her comment, adding: Were Columbia to act on this suggestion and appoint someone to the board specifically because of their national origin, it would implicate Title VI concerns. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Title VI of the Civil Rights Act prohibits discrimination based on race, color or national origin in programs or activities receiving federal funding. The letter also points to Shipmans criticism of Jewish board member Shoshana Shendelman, whom Stefanik and Walberg claim is one of the boards most outspoken members against the bullying, harassment, and intimidation of Jewish students. Shipman said of Shendelman in January 25, 2024, according to the letter: I just dont think she should be on the board. The committee says the comment raises the question of why you appeared to be in favor of removing one of the boards most outspoken Jewish advocates at a time when Columbia students were facing a shocking level of fear and hostility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement, a Columbia University spokesperson said, These communications were provided to the Committee in the fall of 2024 and reflect communications from more than a year ago. They are now being published out of context and reflect a particularly difficult moment in time for the University when leaders across Columbia were intensely focused on addressing significant challenges. This work is ongoing, and to be clear: Columbia is deeply committed to combating antisemitism and working with the federal government on this very serious issue, including our ongoing discussions to reach an agreement with the Joint Task Force to Combat Antisemitism, the spokesperson added, referring to the Trump administration task force that is investigating antisemitism on campus. Acting President Claire Shipman has been vocally and visibly committed to eradicating antisemitism on campus; the work underway at the university to create a safe and welcoming environment for all community members makes that plain. In the letter, the committee cited a message from October 30, 2023 weeks after the October 7 Hamas attack where Shipman said to then-president Minouche Shafik, People are really frustrated and scared about antisemitism on our campus and they feel somehow betrayed by it. Which is not necessarily a rational feeling but its deep and it is quite threatening. Stefanik and Walberg wrote in the letter to Shipman, Your descriptionthat people feel somehow betrayed and that this is not necessarily a rational feeling, but that it is threateningis perplexing, considering the violence and harassment against Jewish and Israeli students already occurring on Columbias campus at the time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The letter comes as the Trump administration has accused dozens of US universities of tolerating antisemitism. The Trump administration previously alleged that Columbia violated Title VI by acting with deliberate indifference towards harassment of Jewish students on campus since October 2023. For months, Columbia has faced intense pressure from Republicans, including President Donald Trump, over its handling of antisemitism on campus. In March, the Trump administration canceled $400 million in federal funding over campus protests. The university has since made apparent concessions, including restrictions on demonstrations, new disciplinary procedures and immediately reviewing its Middle East curriculum. Last month, the US Department of Educations Office for Civil Rights escalated its fight with the university, declaring the school doesnt meet accreditation standards because of its failure to protect Jewish students. CNNs Emma Tucker contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Trump adviser Stephen Miller is up in arms after a federal district court judge dealt a significant blow to Trumps immigration agenda Wednesday. U.S. District Judge Randolph Moss ruled unlawful Trumps day-one proclamation shutting down the right to claim asylum at the southern border on the dubious grounds that an invasion is occurring there. In response, Miller claimed that Moss, an Obama appointee, is a marxist judge attempting to circumvent the Supreme Court. Quote-tweeting that post, Miller added, The West will not survive if our sovereignty is not restored. X Stephen Miller @StephenM The West will not survive if our sovereignty is not restored. Quote tweet Stephen Miller @StephenM To try to circumvent the Supreme Court ruling on nationwide injunctions a marxist judge has declared that all potential FUTURE illegal aliens on foreign soil (eg a large portion of planet earth) are part of a protected global class entitled to admission into the United States. x.com/ericldaugh/sta In his 128-page ruling, Moss said that Trumps proclamation asserted sweeping authority that far exceeds the powers he legally possesses under the Constitution and the Immigration and Nationality Act. And the Trump administrations appeal to necessity cannot fill that void. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Contrary to Trumps arguments, Moss wrote, the president does not have the unilateral authority to limit the rights of aliens present in the United States to apply for asylum, nor does he have the authority to adopt an alternative immigration system, which supplants the statutes that Congress has enacted and the regulations that the responsible agencies have promulgated. The ruling, which applies to all people who are now or will be present in the United States, effectively stops the proclamation in its tracksat least after a two-week stay, during which the president is expected to appeal. In the interim, Moss said the administration shall take steps to ensure that they are fully prepared to implement the Courts order without further delay. Deborah Pearlstein of Princeton University noted that Mosss ruling exemplifies how courts may still rein in Trumps unlawful actions, even after the Supreme Court recently impeded their ability to do so in a ruling restricting lower courts ability to issue nationwide freezes on Trumps anti-constitutional executive orders. Moss mentioned that Supreme Court case in his ruling, but cited the Administrative Procedure Act, a federal law that directs courts to set aside federal actions found to be not in accordance with law. Storm chances will stick around parts of New Mexico through Thursday. Drier and hotter weather returns starting the Fourth of July. Storms were fewer and farther between Tuesday across New Mexico. Most of the storms were in western, central, and northern New Mexico with light rain in southeast parts of the state. With the cloud cover across most of New Mexico today, high temperatures were also cooler compared to yesterday for many. The storms are ending tonight, but a few showers and thunderstorms will stick around southeast New Mexico into Wednesday morning. Heavy rain will be possible Wednesday afternoon with more showers and thunderstorms, especially across southern and western New Mexico. More monsoon moisture will continue streaming into New Mexico from the west Wednesday night, keeping spotty rain showers around into Thursday morning across the western half of the state. Numerous showers and thunderstorms will develop again Thursday afternoon, bringing a chance for rain to almost all of New Mexico. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Drier air quickly moves in though by Friday morning, bringing hotter and drier weather for the Fourth of July. A few spotty showers or storms will be possible across some mountain peaks, but almost all of the state will be dry. This hotter and dry weather will continue into Saturday. Storm chances will move back into eastern New Mexico on Sunday. For the western half of the state, temperatures will continue to heat up Sunday, but highs will be slightly cooler in eastern New Mexico. Rain chances become more widespread into early next week, but the heat will stick around. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Ian Maule / Bloomberg via Getty Images The deal requires Hewlett Packard Enterprise to divest its Instant On WLAN business and make Juniper's AI Ops for Mist source code open to other firms Key Takeaways Hewlett Packard Enterprise's $14 billion purchase of Juniper Networks received Department of Justice approval. Regulators had filed suit to block the merger, pointing to concerns about limiting competition in wireless local area network (WLAN) technology. The deal requires Hewlett Packard Enterprise to divest its Instant On WLAN business and make Juniper's AI Ops for Mist source code open to other firms. Shares of Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) and Juniper Networks (JNPR) jumped Monday after the two tech firms and the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced they had reached a deal to allow HPEs $14 billion purchase of Juniper to go through. Regulators had filed a lawsuit in January to block the acquisition, arguing that because of the companies' strength in wireless local area network (WLAN) technology, the combination "would eliminate fierce head-to-head competition between the companies, raise prices, reduce innovation, and diminish choice for scores of American businesses and institutions." HPE, Juniper, and the DOJ said the settlement satisfies the government's requirements, including having HPE divest its global Instant On campus and branch WLAN business, and that the merged firm will make Juniper's AI Ops for Mist source code available to rivals. The purchase of Juniper by the provider of IT solutions to businesses was aimed at boosting HPE's position in the booming market for artificial intelligence products. "For the first time, customers will now have a modern network architecture alternative that can best support the demands of AI workloads," HPE CEO Antonio Neri said. The news lifted Juniper Networks shares 8% and into positive territory for 2025. Shares of Hewlett Packard Enterprise soared 11% to lead early S&P 500 gainers Monday but remain in the red for the year. TradingView Read the original article on Investopedia GREENVILLE COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA) Emergency crews worked to remove several trees off of homes throughout Greenville County after storms rolled through the area Tuesday night. At least two trees fell onto two separate mobile homes during the storms, leaving significant destruction in their wake. One of the affected residents, Brandi Hawkins, described the aftermath. So this tree right here is through the living room and the base of it is through the back. The windows busted out, the roof is caved in. Its a lot of damage, Hawkins said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hawkins said she had been out delivering food when she returned home to find the tree on her house. I was actually out doing some DoorDash, she explained. I just pulled up, and I saw the tree across the house. A tree fell on mobile homes in Greenville County, S.C. on July 1, 2025. (Photo: WSPA) A tree fell on mobile homes in Greenville County, S.C. on July 1, 2025. (Photo: WSPA) A tree fell on mobile homes in Greenville County, S.C. on July 1, 2025. (Photo: WSPA) A tree fell on mobile homes in Greenville County, S.C. on July 1, 2025. (Photo: WSPA) Hawkins first concern was for her pets. Panic, panic are my animals OK? I mean, yes, its my home, but are my animals OK? Everyone is OK, but I dont know what Im supposed to do, she said. The Parker District Fire Department responded to numerous weather-related calls as the storms passed through the area. We had that line of storms roll through between 6 and 7 oclock [in the evening]. It did cause an influx of weather-related calls, said Brad Belue, battalion chief with the Parker District Fire Department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Belue said his crews were quickly overwhelmed. Automatic fire alarms were going off. We were responding just to those. Cars in flooded roadways were stranded. We had to respond out there for multiple power lines and trees down in the roadways and this one behind me with a tree down on a mobile home, he said. Despite the damage, neighbors quickly began cleanup efforts. The sound of chainsaws filled the area as residents worked to remove branches from homes and yards. The Parker Fire District said calls began to taper off around 8 p.m. At this time, no injuries have been reported. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS. NEW MEXICO (KRQE) Muggier conditions have remained this morning with patchy fog mostly out east with some lingering showers with occasional rumbles of thunder in the higher elevations to Southeast New Mexico with gusty east gap winds for some areas. Way-above-freezing temperatures are even confined to most of the higher peaks of the Northern Mountains with valley floor locations mostly starting off in the upper 40s or in the 50s, while elsewhere is mostly starting off in the upper 50s to the low 70s. Forecast Continues Below Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Persistent upper-level south-southwesterly winds with a low pressure moving near the region from the west with a high pressure moving east, will combine to squeeze out more moisture in the form of rounds of Monsoonal thunderstorms across western parts of the region through the higher elevations especially into Southern New Mexico. Burn-scar flash flooding is still possible to likely around Ruidoso with localized flooding most likely along the Central Mountains to Southeast New Mexico, while more storms will fire off in the Four Corners. Some thick cloud cover will allow temperatures to remain below normal today with most reaching the 70s and 80s with almost all southern areas not reaching 90 degrees, while some highly-elevated areas or northern areas wont get out of the 60s. Moist air will continue ahead as the pendulum swing pattern of muggy mornings with breezy easterly winds shifting to southwesterly drier winds in the afternoons forming storms to the east will continue. The resurgence of Monsoon moisture from the southeast will continue to bring more storms in the short term with muggy air continuing up until a heatup ensues this 4th of July Weekend with drier 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 KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. This story was originally published by ProPublica, a nonprofit newsroom that investigates abuses of power. Sign up to receive its biggest stories as soon as theyre published. Before states banned abortion, one of the gravest outcomes of early miscarriage could easily be avoided: Doctors could offer a dilation and curettage procedure, which quickly empties the uterus and allows it to close, protecting against a life-threatening hemorrhage. But because the procedures, known as D&Cs, are also used to end pregnancies, they have gotten tangled up in state legislation that restricts abortion. Reports now abound of doctors hesitating to provide them and women who are bleeding heavily being discharged from emergency rooms without care, only to return in such dire condition that they need blood transfusions to survive. As ProPublica reported last year, one woman died of hemorrhage after 10 hours in a Houston hospital that didnt perform the procedure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, a new ProPublica data analysis adds empirical weight to the mounting evidence that abortion bans have made the common experience of miscarriage which occurs in up to 30% of pregnancies far more dangerous. It is based on hospital discharge data from Texas, the largest state to ban abortion, and captures emergency department visits from 2017 to 2023, the most recent year available. After Texas made performing abortions a felony in August 2022, ProPublica found, the number of blood transfusions during emergency room visits for first-trimester miscarriage shot up by 54%. The number of emergency room visits for early miscarriage also rose, by 25%, compared with the three years before the COVID-19 pandemic a sign that women who didnt receive D&Cs initially may be returning to hospitals in worse condition, more than a dozen experts told ProPublica. While that phenomenon cant be confirmed by the discharge data, which tracks visits rather than individuals, doctors and researchers who reviewed ProPublicas findings say these spikes, along with the stories patients have shared, paint a troubling picture of the harm that results from unnecessary delays in care. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is striking, said Dr. Elliott Main, a hemorrhage expert and former medical director for the California Maternal Quality Care Collaborative. The trend is very clear. The data mirrors a sharp rise in cases of sepsis a life-threatening reaction to infection ProPublica previously identified during second-trimester miscarriage in Texas. Blood loss is expected during early miscarriage, which usually ends without complication. Some cases, however, can turn deadly very quickly. Main said ProPublicas analysis suggested to him that physicians are sitting on nonviable pregnancies longer and longer before theyre doing a D&C until patients are really bleeding. Thats what happened to Sarah De Pablos Velez in Austin last summer. As she was miscarrying and bleeding profusely, she said physicians didnt explain that she had options for care. Sent home from the emergency room without a D&C two times, she ultimately needed blood transfusions so that she wouldnt die, according to medical records. What happened to me was just so wrong, she told ProPublica. Doctors need to be providing care to pregnant women that needs to be a baseline. Sarah De Pablos Velez was sent home from an emergency room while bleeding profusely during a miscarriage last year; she ultimately needed blood transfusions to save her life. - Ilana Panich-Linsman for ProPublica After ProPublica exposed preventable deaths following delays in care, the Texas Legislature passed a bill this year to clarify that doctors can provide abortions when a patient is facing a life-threatening emergency, even if it is not imminent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But many Texas doctors say the reform does not address the difficulty of treating women experiencing early miscarriages, which almost always involve blood loss; they say its hard to know when the expected bleeding might evolve into a life-threatening emergency one that could have been prevented with a D&C. Women can bleed and remain stable for a long time, until they crash. Texas forbids abortion at all stages of pregnancy even before there is cardiac activity or a visible embryo. And while the law allows doctors to remove a dead, unborn child, it can be difficult to determine what that means during early miscarriage, when an array of factors can signal that a pregnancy is not progressing. An embryo might fail to develop. Cardiac activity may not emerge when it should. Hormone levels might dip or bleeding might increase. Even if a doctor strongly suspects a miscarriage is underway, it can take weeks to conclusively document that a pregnancy has ended, and all the while, a patient might be losing blood. Some OB-GYNs and emergency room physicians have long been advising patients to complete their miscarriage at home, especially at Catholic hospitals, even if that is not the standard of care. But now, physicians across the state are faced with a law that threatens up to 99 years in prison, and more are making a new calculus around whether to intervene or even tell patients they are likely miscarrying, said Dr. Anitra Beasley, an OB-GYN in Houston. What ends up happening is patients have to present multiple times before a diagnosis can be made, she added, and some of those patients wind up needing blood transfusions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While they can be lifesaving, transfusions do not stop the bleeding, experts told ProPublica, and they can introduce complications, such as severe allergic reactions, autoimmune disorders or, in rare events, blood cancer. The dangers of hemorrhage are far greater, from organ failure to kidney damage to loss of sensation in the fingers and toes. Theres a finite amount of blood, said Dr. Sarah Prager, a professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Washington. And when it all comes out, youre dead. ProPublicas findings about the rise in blood transfusions make clear that women who experience early miscarriages in abortion ban states are living in a more dangerous medical climate than many believe, said Amanda Nagle, a doctoral student investigating the same blood transfusion data for a forthcoming paper in the American Journal of Public Health. If people are seeking care at an emergency department, Nagle said, there are serious health risks to delaying that care. Waiting for certainty In some clinics and hospitals across Texas, the pressure to definitively diagnose a miscarriage has led to delays in offering D&Cs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Considering the chance of criminal prosecution, some doctors now default to what many pregnancy loss experts view as an overly cautious method for diagnosing miscarriage: ultrasound images alone, using criteria from the Society of Radiologists in Ultrasound. Relying only on images to diagnose and discounting other factors, like lab results or clinical symptoms can take days or even weeks. Dr. Gabrielle Taper was a resident at a Catholic hospital in Austin when the ban was enacted, and a culture of fear took hold among her colleagues, she told ProPublica. We started asking, Are we certain that we can document that weve met the radiology guidelines? as opposed to just treating the patient in front of us, she said. If they couldnt show that the likely miscarriage met the criteria, they often felt they had to discharge patients without offering a D&C. People are already in distress, and you are giving them confusion, a false sense of hope, she told ProPublica. Having to send a patient home knowing they may bleed so much they would need a blood transfusion when I know there are procedures I could do or medicine I could offer is just excruciating. The hospital where she worked did not respond to ProPublicas request for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists does not recommend this approach, advising doctors instead to review the ultrasound as one piece of information among many and counsel patients on all their options. The Society of Radiologists in Ultrasound said that the guidelines are not meant to apply in the setting of a life-threatening situation, such as heavy bleeding, but did not respond to a question about whether it agreed with ACOG that doctors should use a combination of ultrasound images and clinical judgment to assess a pregnancy loss. Dr. Courtney A. Schreiber, an obstetrics and gynecology professor and expert in early pregnancy care, said that even if a patient wants to let a likely miscarriage complete at home, the medical team should still explain different management options, including medication to speed up the process or a D&C, should symptoms like bleeding get worse. Its our obligation to share information, help manage expectations and keep women safe, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What happened to Porsha Ngumezi shows how dangerous it can be to delay care, according to more than a dozen doctors who previously reviewed a detailed summary of her case for ProPublica. When the mother of two showed up bleeding at Houston Methodist Sugar Land in June 2023, at 11 weeks pregnant, her sonogram suggested an ongoing miscarriage was likely, her doctor noted. She had no previous ultrasounds to compare it with, and the radiologist did not locate an embryo or fetus which Ngumezi said she thought she had passed in a toilet; her doctors did not make a definitive diagnosis, calling it a pregnancy of unknown location. After hours bleeding, passing clots the size of grapefruit, according to a nurses notes, she received two blood transfusions a short-term remedy. But she did not get a procedure to empty her uterus, which medical experts agree is the most effective way to stop the bleeding. Hours later, she died of hemorrhage, leaving behind her husband and young sons. Hope Ngumezi holds a photograph of him and his late wife, Porsha, who died in a Houston hospital during a miscarriage in June 2023. - Danielle Villasana for ProPublica Doctors and nurses involved in Ngumezis care did not respond to multiple requests for comment for ProPublicas story last fall, and the hospital did not answer questions about her care when asked about it again for this story. A spokesperson from Methodist Hospital said its OB-GYNs follow ACOGs miscarriage diagnosis guidelines, which recommend considering clinical factors in addition to ultrasounds. Visit after visit Even in circumstances in which the abortion ban allows a doctor to intervene to treat a life-threatening emergency, for example, or to remove a dead, unborn baby theres plenty of evidence, detailed in lawsuits and federal investigations, that doctors in Texas still arent offering procedures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As soon as Sarah De Pablos Velez, a 30-year-old media director, learned she was pregnant last summer, she began attending regular checkups at St. Davids Womens Care, in Austin. During her third appointment at about nine weeks, a resident, Dr. Carla Vilardo, and her supervisor, Dr. Cynthia Mingea, reviewed the ultrasound, according to medical records, which indicated her pregnancy wasnt viable. Instead of being offered treatment for a miscarriage, De Pablos Velez says she was advised to hold out hope and come back for the next checkup. Five maternal health experts and practicing OB-GYNs who reviewed the records for ProPublica said by that ultrasound visit, doctors would have had enough information to determine that the pregnancy wasnt viable, even under the most conservative guidelines. If they wanted to be extra sure, they could have done blood work or one more ultrasound during that visit. Instead, De Pablos Velez was told to come back in two weeks, according to medical records. During a visit when she should have been nearly 11 weeks pregnant, Mingea wrote in her chart she was not optimistic about the pregnancys viability. Still, De Pablos Velez was advised to return in another week to be sure. Within a few days, when the cramping got so bad she could barely walk, De Pablos Velez went to the emergency room at St. Davids Medical Center, unaware that a D&C could stop the pain and the bleeding. Ive never researched what it looks like for women who have a miscarriage, she told ProPublica. I always thought you go to the bathroom and have a little bit of blood. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over two visits to the emergency room, doctors told her that she could complete the miscarriage at home, even as she reported filling up three toilet bowls with blood and a nurse remarked that they needed a janitor to clean the floor, De Pablos Velez and her husband recalled. No obstetrician ever came to assess her condition, according to medical records, and while her hospital chart says all management options have been discussed with the patient and her husband, De Pablos Velez and her husband both told ProPublica no one offered her a D&C. She was told to follow up with her OB at her next appointment in three days. Six hours after discharge, though, she was trying to ride out the pain at home when her husband heard her muttering lightheaded in the bathroom and ran to her in time to catch her as she collapsed. She was pale as a ghost, sweating, convulsing, said her husband, Sergio De Pablos Velez. There was blood on the toilet, the trash can like a scene out of a horror movie. An ambulance rushed her to the hospital, where doctors realized she no longer had enough blood flowing to her organs. She received two blood transfusions. Without them, several doctors who reviewed her records told ProPublica, she would have soon lost her life. De Pablos Velez and her husband, Sergio, at home in Austin. - Ilana Panich-Linsman for ProPublica Vilardo and the doctors who saw De Pablos Velez in the emergency room did not respond to requests to speak with ProPublica or declined to be interviewed. St. Davids Medical Center, which is owned by HCA, the largest for-profit hospital chain in America, said it could not discuss her case unless she signed privacy waivers. The hospital did not respond to ProPublicas questions even after she submitted them. The De Pablos Velezes say that a hospital patient liaison told them after the ordeal that the hospital would conduct an internal investigation, educate the emergency department on best practices and share the results. It never shared anything. When ProPublica asked about the status of the investigation, neither the liaison nor the hospital responded. Mingea, who supervised Vilardos care during checkups, reviewed the clinics records with ProPublica and agreed that De Pablos Velez should have been counseled about miscarriage management options at the clinic, weeks before she ended up in the ER. She said she did not know why she wasnt but pointed ProPublica to the Society of Radiologists in Ultrasound criteria, which is hanging on the clinics wall and is used to teach residents. She was adamant that her clinic, which she described as very pro-choice about as much as we can be in Texas, regularly provides D&Cs for miscarrying patients. I feel badly that Sarah had this experience, I really do, she said. Everybody deserves to be counseled about all their options. Doctors had five opportunities to counsel De Pablos Velez about her options and offer her a D&C, said Dr. Jodi Abbott, an associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Boston University School of Medicine, who reviewed case records. If they had, the life-or-death risks could have been avoided. De Pablos Velez basically received the same care Porsha Ngumezi did, only Porsha died and she survived, said Abbott. She was lucky. Sophie Chou contributed data reporting, and Mariam Elba contributed research. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Students in Northern Manitoba, Canada, had their school year end early because of wildfires. What's happening? Flin Flon, a city on the Saskatchewan border, was evacuated on May 28, and the community's school division later said it would not reopen before summer, the Winnipeg Sun reported. Hundreds of students from Hapnot Collegiate Institute, Ecole McIsaac School, Ruth Betts Community School, and Many Faces Education Centre were impacted. Families scattered to hotel rooms and evacuation centers around the country, and graduation ceremonies as well as a jazz night were canceled. Lifelong memories went the way of the wildfire smoke, disappearing before they could form anything concrete. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Winnipeg School Division offered seniors the chance to walk across the stage at the Duckworth Centre "to be part of something joyful, to be seen, to be celebrated," Assistant Superintendent of Indigenous Education Rob Riel told the Sun. "Our top priority is the safety and well-being of students and staff," a Frontier School Division spokesperson said. "With so many families displaced and uncertainty about returning home, it just wasn't feasible to continue a normal school year." Why is this important? On Wednesday, the evacuation order was lifted after four weeks, and residents lined up to return to their homes, CBC News reported. Firefighters, favorable weather, and precipitation have slowed fires in the region, allowing 4,800 people to return to the remote city. Many made the 815-kilometer (506-mile) drive from Winnipeg. The nearest blaze had consumed 370,000 hectares (over 914,000 acres) and remained out of control, though officials did not expect to order another evacuation, per the outlet. Homes, businesses, and other structures remained intact, though nearby communities were not so lucky. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Grocery stores and other retailers were expected to take the weekend to get back to normal operations, so residents were encouraged to bring supplies with them. A donation depot was set up to distribute necessities from the Whitney Forum skating rink. Five of 18 fires were uncontained, and Lynn Lake was under an air quality warning. What's being done about wildfires? The rapidly warming climate is causing wildfires as well as droughts, floods, and other extreme weather events to become more frequent and extreme. Wildfires kill people, destroy property, wreck ecosystems, and more. While rising temperatures are destabilizing Earth systems, there is hope that risks can be mitigated because the cause is known to be the burning of dirty energy sources. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Switching to clean energy sources, minimizing consumption of plastics and other pollution-producing products, and working to change community habits will all help. As a bonus, these steps can save you money and improve human, animal, and environmental health with cleaner, cooler air, clearing the way for a safer future. 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. If you're looking for a job in fast food, or want to know which restaurants might have employees putting the most love into their job and, in turn, your food, you might want to take a look at this study. According to Alicia Kelso of Nation's Restaurant News, the study was done by William Blair using more than 500,000 Glassdoor reviews from close to 90 chain restaurants in order to determine which ones had the highest and lowest satisfaction rates among employees. Those satisfaction rates were determined by using the percentage of employees who would recommend their job to a friend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Coming in at the bottom of the list was Hardee's, posting a satisfaction rate of just 39%. Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto/Getty Images Other notables performing poorly (under 50% satisfaction rate) were Carl's Jr., Wingstop, Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, Panera Bread, Tim Horton's, Red Lobster, Blaze Pizza, Sonic Drive-in, Dunkin' and Smashburger, the study found. When it came to the top of the list, In-N-Out Burger reigned supreme at 91%, followed by Raising Cane's (82%) and Dutch Bros and Chuy's (both 78%). Interestingly, culture and values, senior management and work/life balance were all listed as bigger keys to employee satisfaction within a company than higher wages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a result, William Blair recommends that restaurants "reexamine ways to highlight or alter the less tangible parts of their businesses" in order to try and create more employee satisfaction. Related: Popular Chicken Chain Surpasses KFC After $5.1 Billion in U.S. Sales Study Finds Restaurant Chain With Least Satisfied Employees first appeared on Men's Journal on Jul 2, 2025 CHICAGO A 56-year-old north suburban businessman was convicted Tuesday for his role in stealing over $55 million in COVID-19 relief money. Rahul Shah, 56, of Evanston, fraudulently obtained funds from loans and lines of credit as the owner of several informational technology companies in the Chicago area. Shah submitted to financial institutions falsified bank statements that fraudulently inflated deposits, falsified balance sheets that overstated revenues and fabricated audited financial statements with forged signatures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chicago lab owner sentenced to 7 years for $14 million COVID-19 fraud scheme Shah was convicted of seven counts of bank fraud, five counts of making false statements to a financial institution, two counts of money laundering, and two counts of aggravated identity theft. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 13. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Good news for suburban eaters: Chef Thomas Boemer has been named the culinary director for The Wondrous Collective restaurant group. The group owns more than a dozen restaurants in the Twin Cities area, from Mean Miners street tacos in Eagan and Apple Valley to Minnesota Burger Company in Apple Valley and Farmtown Brew Hall in Farmington. Boemer, a James Beard Award nominee who was co-owner of Revival, Corner Table and In Bloom, all closed now, is known for his takes on southern cuisine and smoked and wood-fired meats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Wondrous Collective owner Tony Donatell announced Boemers hire in a news release, which read in part: Weve developed a reputation for bold, boundary-pushing cocktail programs and a talent for building spaces that feel like a celebration of everyday life. But weve always known there was more we could do with the food. Today, Im proud to share that weve found the missing piece. Boemer has already begun tweaking the menu at The Farmers Cellar, a Lakeville cocktail bar, and has just unveiled a full menu refresh at Revolve Hall in Apple Valley. Within that food hall, Boemer has debuted his first new concept for the restaurant group: The Wanderer: Adventure-Inspired Provisions. Its described as a fast-casual kitchen built on live-fire, flavor and a love for the road less traveled. The Wondrous Collective: wondrouscollective.com Related Articles Three fathers who each lost a daughter to suicide said their campaign for awareness to be taught in schools was "so close" to being implemented. Andy Airey, Mike Palmer and Tim Owen called on the government to make lessons on dealing with suicidal thoughts and how to get help, a compulsory part of the national curriculum. The fathers, known, as the Three Dads Walking, met Sir Keir Starmer and Education Secretary Bridgett Phillipson on Tuesday and Mr Airey, from Morland in Cumbria, said there was "potential for change" in schools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sir Keir told the dads their courage to try to help other people's children was "really inspiring" and that he was taking their campaign seriously. Mr Airey, Mr Palmer from Sale in Greater Manchester and Mr Owen from Shouldham in Norfolk, have raised awareness through a series of walks in memory of their daughters Sophie, Beth and Emily. After the meeting Sir Keir Starmer said: "I am humbled by what you are able to do, I have to say as a dad with two kids, I don't know that I could do what you are doing, to be perfectly honest. "But it is really inspiring and courageous and that desire to make change for other people, many of whom you will never meet, you will never know and who will be spared, we hope, the pain that you and your families have been through is an incredible thing." Sir Keir said he was working with the dads and was taking their campaign seriously [BBC] Sir Keir told them that inviting them to Number 10 showed how seriously he was taking their campaign and that the conversation was "ongoing". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The dads have been working with governments for the past three and a half years. Their petition sparked a parliamentary debate on the subject and they met the former PM Rishi Sunak. Mr Airey said at times it had felt like he was "bashing my head against a brick wall". "It does feel now that we are absolutely engaged in that conversation and are moving things forward," he said. Mr Owen said getting a change in policy was like trying to move a "supertanker" but they would not give up. Mr Palmer said: "I think the government's really starting to get it now - we need to invest in our young people, that's our future, keeping them safe." Sophie Airey, Beth Palmer and Emily Owen all took their own lives [Papyrus] The dads said they believed their daughters, Sophie, Beth and Emily might not have taken their own lives if they had known where to turn to for support. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Owen said they had been working with academics who had seen suicide prevention lessons delivered in schools in the US and Australia. "It works and apparently when you talk to the Americans they are amazed at how far behind we are," he said. 'Only the beginning' Mr Airey said after so much discussion and research, it was time to act. "We are getting so close to something actually happening - so we'll keep pushing," he said. "You know what it's been like with us, it's just that focus on, biggest killer, biggest risk to young people, why don't we talk to them about it? "All we've done is ask that same question, time after time after time after time and we've got to a point where there's the potential of the change coming forward in the curriculum. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "But that's not the end, that's actually only the beginning." If you have been affected by any of the issues raised you can visit the BBC's Action Line pages, or contact Papyrus or Samaritans. Follow BBC Cumbria on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram. More on this story SULLIVAN, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) According to our sister station in Indianapolis, some lawmakers fear that at least a dozen rural hospitals in Indiana are at risk due to Medicaid budget cuts proposed in President Donald Trumps Big Beautiful Bill. Four Democratic Senators and at least one Republican have warned that many smaller hospitals throughout the country could be at risk under the proposed cuts. The bill could create a challenging financial environment for hospitals and potentially lead to closures. Tuesday evening, we spoke with one of the 12 Indiana hospitals that could potentially be impacted by the bill. Sullivan County Community Hospital CEO Michelle Franklin said their hospital is on the list, but will not be closing. She said that they could face financial issues due to Medicaid cuts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sullivan doctor honored with award If it goes through with the senate language, it could result in several billions of dollars of loss to our hospitals in this state, said Franklin. Not just my hospital, which would have millions of dollars of loss from Medicaid, but across our state. I think just across the board, its a really critical bill for our state. The Senate passed the bill Tuesday afternoon. The bill will now head back to the House for consideration. The letter lists 12 Indiana hospitals that could potentially be impacted by the bill: Daviess Community Hospital in Washington Memorial Hospital Logansport in Logansport Community Hospital of Bremen Inc. in Bremen Ascension St. Vincent Randolph in Winchester Ascension St. Vincent Jennings in North Vernon Ascension St. Vincent Clay in Brazil Ascension St. Vincent Salem in Salem IU Health Jay Hospital in Portland Franciscan Health Rensselaer in Rensselaer Sullivan County Community Hospital in Sullivan Adams Memorial Hospital in Decatur Harrison County Hospital in Corydon Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To read a full copy of the letter and the list of potentially affected hospitals, 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 MyWabashValley.com. U.S. Sens. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and John Barrasso of Wyoming, both Republicans, center, walk into the Senate chamber on Tuesday, July 1, 2025. (Photo by Ashley Murray/States Newsroom) Alaska Sens. Dan Sullivan and Lisa Murkowski joined 48 other Republicans in the U.S. Senate on Tuesday to pass a major budget bill that cuts federal assistance programs in order to partially pay for the extension of large tax cuts, weighted toward the wealthy. Even with those cuts, the bill is expected to increase the national debt by more than $3.2 trillion over the next 10 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The final vote was 51-50, with Vice President JD Vance casting the tiebreaker. Republicans hold 53 seats in the Senate, but three Republicans joined all of the Senates Democrats in voting against the bill, requiring Vances tiebreaking act. The U.S. House may vote on the Senate bill as soon as Wednesday. If it approves the bill, it would go to President Donald Trump, who supports it. If the House votes down the Senate proposal, lawmakers would have to craft a compromise between the Senate bill and one passed earlier by the House. Murkowski had been considered a deciding vote on the Senate version of the bill. By phone, she said an accumulation of different initiatives caused her to vote for it. She wanted to see the continuation of tax cuts, enacted in 2017 during the first term of President Donald Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I wanted to see those continued. Thats significant, she said, emphasizing that the cuts affect all income levels. She cited as an example an extension of the child tax credit, which lowers taxes for families with children, and no taxes on overtime or tips. Both of those items made it into the bill. The challenge was and we saw it on the House side and we saw it here in the Senate the challenge was, where do you pay for those? Murkowski said. Health care bound for cuts, but Alaska could be shielded For senators, Medicaid cuts were a partial answer. Roughly 1 in 3 Alaskans receives health care through Medicaid, a federal-state program for people with low incomes, as well as the primary payer for most nursing home residents. The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, a progressive think tank opposed to the big bill, estimated that 35,000 Alaskans would lose health insurance if the bill becomes law, both from Medicaid and from a scaling-back in tax credits to pay for individual health insurance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sullivan said he believes estimates of the cuts effect are inaccurate when it comes to Alaska. For example, one change would effectively lower payments to providers by reducing a tax on providers that is reimbursed by the federal government. We are the only state that doesnt use provider taxes or state directed payments, so the Medicaid programs and federal funds that the state receives are not impacted by the provided tax reforms in this bill, because we dont do that, he said. Murkowski and Sullivan sought more than $6 billion in Alaska-specific Medicaid funding to offset any remaining consequences here, but those provisions were rejected by the Senates parliamentarian as violations of the rules, known as Byrd rules after the senator who sponsored them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We fought very hard, and the provision that we had written did not comply with the Byrd test, and so we had to go back and rewrite it, not once, not twice, but I think maybe three, maybe it was four times, Murkowski said. I had a little bit of a dark night of the soul when that happened. U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska, on the removal of an increase in federal Medicaid payments in Alaska Sullivan said he repeatedly tried to get approval for an amendment that would increase the federally paid portion of Alaskas Medicaid program, but Democratic senators objected to that idea, causing the parliamentarian to review and reject it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I had a little bit of a dark night of the soul when that happened, Sullivan said. In the end, Alaska will share a $50 billion rural hospital fund. Murkowski said that and other funding in the bill would result in about $300 million per year to the state, partially offsetting the cuts in the bill. Sullivan suggested the figure may be closer to $200 million. That money could prevent five Alaska hospitals in Valdez, Seward, Kodiak, Cordova and Ketchikan from closing because of the cuts within the bill. All five were among 338 nationwide considered to be at risk if the bill becomes law. Adult Alaskans who receive Medicaid will be required to work, volunteer or undergo job training for at least 20 hours per week unless they are sick, have children or care for older people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sullivan said he supports that requirement and noted that Alaska Natives are exempt, as are people who live in places with high unemployment, have mental health problems or are pregnant. New limits on food aid for poorer Alaskans The bill imposes work requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, better known as food stamps, and it requires states to partially fund the program. Alaska will be exempted from that state cost share for two years, Murkowski said, and if the state continues to reduce the number of applications flagged for errors the highest in the country that pause could be extended. I worked my butt off to make sure that Alaskans were not going to be penalized and were not going to be harmed, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities estimated that without the pause, Alaska would have to pay $37 million per year to keep food aid steady. The federal government already mandates that able-bodied adults work in order to receive food aid, and the new bill extends that requirement to people as old as 64, up from the current age-54 limit. Parents with children under 14 are exempt, as are pregnant people, Alaska Natives and people medically certified as physically or mentally unfit for employment. Other Alaska additions Parts of the bill add a new tax exemption for Community Development Quota fishing groups and increase a federal tax deduction for whaling captains. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill contains more than $7 billion for Coast Guard icebreakers and $300 million to homeport a newly purchased civilian icebreaker commissioned into Coast Guard service. That ship is expected to be based in Juneau. The bill mandates four new oil and gas lease sales in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, and it requires other sales in Cook Inlet and the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska. A growing proportion of the North Slopes oil production is coming from NPR-A, rather than state-owned land near Prudhoe Bay. Two previous ANWR lease sales have drawn little interest from oil and gas companies. Seventy percent of rental and royalty payments from NPR-A and ANWR lease sales would go to the state government, starting in 2034. Thats up from 50% currently. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An earlier version of the bill had 90% of the revenue going to the state. Voice of the Arctic Inupiat, a North Slope nonprofit that supports oil drilling, praised the new leases, while Sovereign Inupiat for a Living Arctic, which opposes drilling, denounced them, as did various environmental groups. The final version of the bill eliminated a Republican proposal to tax new solar and wind power plants, and it allows new clean energy facilities to claim federal tax credits as long as they begin construction in the near future. Weve looked at the Alaska-specific projects, and there are a good number of them that would qualify there, Murkowski said. Its not all we wanted. It could have been worse. A prior version of the bill would have ended the tax credit incentives immediately. Sullivan had doubts, too While Murkowski has been dubbed the deciding vote on the bill, any other Republican senator could have killed the bill, including Sullivan. Until senators added the energy provisions and the SNAP and Medicaid carveouts for Alaska, Sullivan was undecided about whether he would vote for the bill, said his spokesperson, Amanda Coyne. When the Senate failed to adopt his proposal to increase the federally funded share of Alaskas Medicaid program, Sullivan said he was enormously disappointed. Im not sure it was a moment where I was going to say, Im not going to do this, but it was a moment of enormous disappointment. I feel very passionate about it, and I was close, and it slipped away from me. Planned Parenthood medical services cut A non-Alaska-specific portion of the bill bans Medicaid from paying for any services at Planned Parenthood. Rebecca Gibron, CEO of Planned Parenthood Great Northwest, Hawaii, Alaska, Indiana, Kentucky, said by email that the provision puts millions of lives at risk across the country. Our health centers save Alaska nearly $5 million each year by preventing unplanned pregnancies, catching cancers early, and controlling the spread of STIs (sexually transmitted infections). Stripping that care away, especially now amid rural hospital closures, a maternal mortality crisis, and a deepening provider shortage would push an already broken system past the brink, she said. Asked about that section, Sullivan said he thinks Alaskans have other options, such as hospitals and community health centers. Community health center leaders also have expressed concern about the bills effect, citing the loss of Medicaid revenue on their ability to maintain services. Bill heads to U.S. House next The Senates approval of the big budget bill isnt the last step in the process. The U.S. House will vote as soon as Wednesday on whether or not to adopt the Senates proposal. If the House votes it down, lawmakers would have to negotiate a compromise between the Senate version of the bill and one passed earlier by the House. Murkowski said she hopes the House votes down the Senate version, allowing further work. I had to look on balance, because the people in my state are the ones that I put first, Murkowski told reporters on Capitol Hill immediately after her vote. We do not have a perfect bill by any stretch of the imagination. My hope is that the House is going to look at this and recognize that were not there yet. That remark drew criticism from Rep. Jim McGovern, D-Massachusetts, during a hearing of the House Rules Committee later in the day. That committee met for a procedural vote to advance the Senate bill toward a vote on the House floor. My question to her is, if you really believe that, why the hell did you vote for this bill? It doesnt make any sense. Its a dereliction of your duty as a United States senator and a representative of the people of Alaska, said Rep. Jim McGovern, D-Massachusetts. When was the last time this current House of Representatives has fixed or solved anything? A spokesperson for Rep. Nick Begich III, R-Alaska, said the congressmans office was still reviewing the Senates changes and didnt have immediate comment. Begich voted in favor of a prior version of the bill despite a campaign pledge to seek reductions to the federal debt. In a phone interview afterward, he said he doubted the figures provided by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office. A vote in the House could come this week. Trump has been asking lawmakers to vote before they leave for the Fourth of July holiday. To my GOP friends in the House: Stay UNITED, have fun, and Vote YAY. GOD BLESS YOU ALL! Trump said on social media after the Senate voted. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE By Matt Tracy (Reuters) -A total $14.3 billion of media giant Warner Bros Discovery's bonds move to their new home in high-yield bond portfolios will likely be slowed by a recently announced exclusion from a major index, said a BofA Global Research report. ICE Data Indices said on Thursday it would postpone including Warner Bros recently downgraded bonds on its ICE BofA High Yield Index, one of the major indices tracking U.S. junk-rated corporate bonds, until at least August. The delay was because ICE was reevaluating its inclusion criteria after the recent downgrades and the impact of the debt buyback by Warner Bros earlier this month, an ICE spokesperson said in a written statement. These factors "created uncertainty in the economic realities that the indices measure, which led ICE Data Indices to move forward in excluding the bonds from the rebalance," the ICE spokesperson wrote. This delayed inclusion could prevent some investors buying the Warner Bros' bonds from those seeking to sell them out of their portfolios that had only high-grade debt, the BofA analysts wrote in their report. The Warner Bros debt is expected to make up a little over 1% of the ICE BofA High Yield Index upon its eventual inclusion, the analysts said, adding that some 35% of high-yield bond portfolios are benchmarked to ICE. A pause in trading of Warner Bros' bonds from June 11 to June 25, following the company's announced split-up into two separate publicly-traded companies and debt buyback, will also likely contribute to a delay in trading interest, the BofA analysts noted. "This pause, combined with the index exclusion, could make it difficult for HY investors to buy near term, even as IG investors potentially look to sell following the rating agency downgrades in June," the analysts wrote. ICE counterpart Bloomberg, however, is expected to include the Warner Bros bonds in its own junk bond index next month, according to the BofA report. BofA said credit spreads, or the premium paid by companies over Treasuries, on 4.279% March 2032 bonds tightened 20 to 25 basis points in anticipation of being bought by high-yield accounts, but that this could be partially reversed. Warner Bros did not immediately return a request for comment. (Reporting by Matt Tracy; Editing by Shankar Ramakrishnan and Anna Driver) SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) Local first responders are reminding residents this Fourth of July weekend to be cautious before swimming in any local waterways. Springfield pools open to provide safe, enjoyable summer experiences Experts say to be aware of hazards and the weather before heading to a lake, river, or pond this holiday weekend. Make sure you know the area well, know how to swim, and have a swim buddy. Be mindful of cold temperatures that could shock your system, as well as currents and underwater obstructions that you could get caught in. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They also remind you to swim sober. Springfield Fire Lieutenant Tony Spear told 22News, If you arent an experienced swimmer, know your limitations. Wear a life jacket, and stay in shallow water. Again, the familiarization of an area, knowing the currents and things like that when you are in the river, is extremely important. Police ask that you avoid areas with signs that say no swimming and find locations where lifeguards are present. Call 9-1-1 immediately if you think someone is drowning. Local News Headlines WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP. Supermarket chiefs and food industry bosses have criticised nanny state healthy eating plans that will force shops to count customers calories. Stuart Machin, the Marks & Spencer chief executive, Allan Leighton, the Asda boss, and senior food executives have broken cover to voice their opposition to the Governments plans to tackle Britains obesity crisis. Industry chiefs criticised the Government for rushing through the proposals without proper consultation and said the extra red tape would lead to higher prices on shelves. Executives have also warned that loopholes mean the plan risk failing to address the obesity crisis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under new proposals unveiled last weekend, ministers will demand shops cut up to 100 calories from the average shopping basket or risk fines. Wes Streeting, the Health Secretary, said the plan would make the healthy choice the easy choice, because prevention is better than cure when it came to weight. The measures will be central to Labours 10-year plan to improve the nations health, which is expected to be published this week. However, speaking publicly for the first time, the bosses of some of Britains largest supermarkets and food businesses said the red tape would do little to tackle obesity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement M&Ss Mr Machin said the proposals will likely add cost with no discernible improvement in public health. Mr Leighton, Asdas executive chairman, urged ministers to consider the cumulative regulatory burden and costs supermarkets are already bearing to deliver other aspects of the Governments policy agenda. Wes Streeting, the Health Secretary, argues that more information on calorie content could help shoppers make healthier choices - Wiktor Szymanowicz/Getty Ranjit Boparan, the tycoon nicknamed the Chicken King and who runs 2 Sisters Food Group, one of Britains biggest food producers, said: Its more red tape and its going to cost money. Ultimately that will pass through to consumers who are already struggling. Adam Couch, the boss of pork giant Cranswick, said he was concerned at the wave of regulation facing businesses, which threatened to deter companies from investing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said: Theres so much money wishing to be unlocked there for investment and creating really well paid jobs. Dont just throw regulation out there. The warnings comes amid a row over how Labour announced the proposals. Supermarket chiefs found out about the plans just hours before they were announced. Labour fails to consult businesses Insiders on Sunday claimed they had been blind sided by the measures, accusing ministers of failing to properly consult with the industry. Mr Boparan said the plans had come out of the blue, adding that Labours handling of the healthy eating proposals was just typical for this Government. Supermarket bosses and food chiefs said they were supportive of efforts to encourage more healthy eating but accused ministers of failing to work with the industry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Leighton said: Engaging us collectively and genuinely to meet the challenge of rising obesity would harness that expertise to deliver tangible and lasting outcomes for consumers. Asda boss Allan Leighton feels the new policy will create unnecessary red tape for retailers - Eddie Mullholland Mr Machin said M&S had long promoted healthy eating under its Eat Well range and would love to share our learnings with the government and support a joint industry effort. Supermarket bosses are frustrated that the rules announced at the weekend appeared to only target their industry. Mr Machin said: The easy opt-out is to target supermarkets, when almost half of the public use takeaways and fast-food delivery platforms at least once a week. And it is just plain wrong that they are ignoring alcohol, when a pint of beer contains as many calories as a chocolate bar and a glass of wine as many as a bag of crisps. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We were supposed to have a detailed food strategy that looked at the food system end-to-end instead it appears weve got rushed engagement on a Friday afternoon to support headlines in the Sunday papers. Ministers have claimed that regulations will apply to all food companies, including restaurants and large fast food chains. However, those plans are understood to be at an earlier stage. Mr Leighton said: We are supportive of prevention and our role in delivering it. We the supermarkets are part of the solution, not the problem. 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. There are two big winners in the Supreme Courts most recent term. One is social and religious conservatives. In the last two days of its term, the Court imposed heavy new burdens on public schools at the request of religious conservatives, and it rendered much of federal Medicaid law unenforceable in a case lashing out at Planned Parenthood. It heard its first major pornography case in over two decades, upholding a Texas law that seeks to limit youth access to porn. And the Republican justices handed a historic defeat to transgender Americans, permitting states to block at least some trans people from receiving gender-affirming medical care. Four justices also voted that the Constitution requires most states to fund religious public charter schools. And Justice Amy Coney Barrett, who was recused from this case, is likely to provide the fifth vote for religious public schools in the future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Indeed, as Ill explain in more detail below, the Courts Republican majority is willing to tear down major American institutions in order to advance the cultural rights political goals. Another winner is President Donald Trump. One year after the Republican justices ruled that Trump is allowed to use the powers of the presidency to commit crimes, these same justices continue to treat him as the special favorite of the laws. The Courts most high-profile Trump-related decision, Trump v. CASA, placed vague new restrictions on lower courts power to block Trump administration policies. This decision is defensible the Biden administration sought a similar ruling while it was in power but it is notable that the justices waited until a Republican was president before weakening lower courts power to rein in the executive. Even before the CASA decision, however, the Court frequently blocked lower courts that ruled against the Trump administration. When lower courts block Trumps policies, the Republican justices routinely reinstate those policies on the Supreme Courts shadow docket, a mix of emergency motions and other matters that the justices consider on an expedited basis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There was also one unexpected loser this term: the business and fiscal conservatives that have historically dominated the Republican Party. In the same week that the Court handed down most of its biggest decisions, it also rejected an attack on Obamacare. And it waved away a request to put drastic new limits on federal agencies power to regulate business. So, while the Court now hands out victories to the cultural right as if it were passing out candy on Halloween, several of the GOP justices did show more moderation on the kinds of issues that preoccupied Republicans as recently as a decade ago. It was a lot to keep track of, especially given Trumps ability to dominate the news, so heres a quick rundown of how the Court reshaped the law during its recent term. The Court gravely wounded key American institutions to benefit social conservatives At least two cases this term did serious harm to institutions that millions of Americans depend upon, both in decisions that benefited cultural conservatives. In Mahmoud v. Taylor, the Courts Republican majority ruled that public schools must inform parents before their children are taught a lesson those parents might object to on religious grounds, and that those parents must be given an opportunity to opt their child out of that lesson. The Supreme Court used to treat public schools with more respect. Mahmoud arose out of a dispute over queer-themed books Montgomery County, Maryland, approved several books with LGBTQ characters that could be used in classroom instruction. But the First Amendment prohibits discrimination among people with different religious beliefs. So, if parents with anti-LGBTQ religious views have a right to notification and an opt-out, so too does every parent who might object to any lesson on any religious ground. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This rule, as Justice Sonia Sotomayor warns in a dissenting opinion, is likely to cause chaos for this Nations public schools. Requiring every public school teacher to anticipate which lessons might implicate a parents religious beliefs will impose impossible administrative burdens on schools, especially in a nation as diverse as the United States. In the past, courts have rejected similar lawsuits brought by parents who object to books or lessons that feature magic, women who have achievements outside the home, and include topics as diverse as divorce, interfaith couples, immodest dress, and false views of death. After Mahmoud, however, all of these parents now have a right to advance notice. Schools that fail to predict that a lesson about a Jewish woman with a career, a Hindu husband, or an immodest wardrobe will offend a parents religious belief will now face very serious financial consequences. Federal law often lets the prevailing party in a suit about constitutional rights collect attorneys fees from the losing party. So lawyers can hunt for parents with idiosyncratic religious views, file a lawsuit against a school, and demand payment to avoid litigation that will be even more expensive for the school district. The Supreme Court used to treat public schools with more respect, out of concern that the Constitution should not be read to prevent such an important institution from functioning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Like the right to free exercise of religion, the right to free speech is also protected by the First Amendment. That is why the Court held in Tinker v. Des Moines (1969) that public school students do not shed their constitutional rights to freedom of speech or expression at the schoolhouse gate. But Tinker recognized that free speech should not be used as a weapon that can shut down classroom instruction altogether if any student could get up in the middle of class and start yelling, for example, their right to free speech would destroy every one of their classmates right to an education. And so Tinker also held that public school students may not engage in speech that materially disrupts classwork or involves substantial disorder or invasion of the rights of others. The Court struck an appropriate balance between protecting free expression by young people, and making sure that public schools continue to produce an educated workforce that ultimately benefits every single American. That decision stands in stark contrast to Mahmoud, which establishes that the rights of religious objectors must be advanced at all costs, even if it would mean imposing such enormous burdens on public schools that every child receives an inferior education. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A similar dynamic was in play in Medina, which pitted the GOPs disdain for abortion providers against a federal law permitting Medicaid patients to choose their own doctors. Just as in Mahmoud, the Republican justices handed a sweeping victory to social conservatives seemingly without any regard for how their decision would damage Medicaid. Federal Medicaid statutes are riddled with provisions establishing who must be covered by Medicaid, how that coverage should be provided, and what minimum standards of care Medicaid patients are entitled to receive. South Carolina illegally forbade Medicaid patients from choosing Planned Parenthood as their health care provider. Rather than ordering South Carolina to comply with the law, in Medina the Republican justices effectively repealed the choice-of-provider provision. The question of which Medicaid laws can be enforced through federal lawsuits, and which provisions are essentially worthless, is one of the most important questions in American poverty and elder law and has been litigated for decades. But two years ago, in Talevski, the Supreme Court finally settled on a clear rule that judges could apply to identify which provisions are enforceable. If you want to know more about these many decades of litigation, I explain many of those details here. But the most important thing to know about Talevski is that it established that Medicaid laws which are phrased in terms of the persons benefitted and that focus on the benefitted class are enforceable. So, if a specific provision of Medicaid law mentions Medicaid patients, or otherwise names the individuals who are supposed to benefit from that law, it is enforceable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The choice-of-provider provision at issue in Medina refers to any individual eligible for medical assistance. So it was enforceable under Talevski. Medina should have been an open and shut case. Yet, instead of following Talevski, the Republican justices produced an incoherent opinion that does not even announce a new legal rule, beyond a vague statement that Medicaid laws are especially unlikely to be enforceable. Much of Justice Neil Gorsuchs opinion in Medina fixates on seemingly random facts about the choice-of-provider provision, such as the fact that it appears in a subsection titled Contents, as if thats somehow relevant to the question of whether this provision is a meaningless husk. It is impossible to come up with a principled explanation for why, two years after Talevski, the Republican justices decided to abandon that decision and replace it with a new legal standard that renders much of federal law completely useless. But its certainly possible to come up with a political explanation. Unlike Medina, Talevski did not involve an abortion provider. Several of the Courts Republicans appear to have flipped their votes between Talevski and Medina in order to lash out at Planned Parenthood. The worst thing about the Medina decision is that the Republican justices could have come up with some good-for-this-ride-only legal reasoning that denied Medicaid funding to Planned Parenthood, but that otherwise left Talevski intact. Instead, they appear to have overruled Talevski and replaced it with a vague new rule that does little more than tell lower court judges that Medicaid plaintiffs should nearly always lose. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It seems that, in order to spite Planned Parenthood, the Supreme Court stripped tens of millions of Americans of countless rights protected by federal law. Donald Trumps fixers Many of the Courts most consequential decisions were handed down on its shadow docket, a process that allows a party that lost in a lower court to seek an immediate Supreme Court order blocking that decision. This term, the Republican justices used the shadow docket to temporarily nullify the Convention Against Torture, a treaty that is supposed to prevent the United States from deporting noncitizens to countries where they may be tortured. The Court also used its shadow docket to effectively repeal federal laws protecting the leaders of several federal agencies from being fired by Trump, and to prevent lower courts from interfering with the chaotic work of Elon Musks former office, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). (In an unusual liberal victory on the shadow docket, the justices also ruled that Trump must give certain immigrants due process before he ships them off to a notorious Salvadorian prison.) The Supreme Courts shadow docket, visualized. Traditionally, the Supreme Court takes months or even longer before it decides a case. With rare exceptions, a case must be heard by a trial court and at least one appeals court before the justices will even consider taking it up. And getting the justices to hear a case is a bit like winning the lottery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawyers hoping the Court will review their case file over 8,000 petitions seeking such review in any given year, but the justices only grant about 6070 of these petitions. Then, once a case is granted, thats only the beginning of a months-long process where lawyers submit briefs, the justices review them and hold oral arguments, and then they spend months working on the final decision. Contentious suits can wait an entire year for a decision, even after the justices announce that they will hear the case. The reason for this slow, highly selective process is that the Supreme Court has the final word on questions of US law. So if it gets a case wrong, that mistake can linger uncorrected for decades. The Courts plodding deliberation is supposed to minimize the risk of that happening. Beginning in Trumps first term, however, the Court started relying heavily on a separate, much less cautious process to decide cases involving Trump and his government. Historically, the Courts shadow docket was used primarily for death penalty appeals, where the petitioner seeking Supreme Court review would be killed if the justices did not act very swiftly. Litigants in non-death penalty cases could seek expedited review on the shadow docket, but it was so discouraged, and shadow docket petitions were so rarely granted, that smart lawyers typically decided not to annoy the justices with them. During the George W. Bush and Obama administrations, the Justice Department sought shadow docket review about once every other year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, however, whenever the Trump administration claims that it must have a Supreme Court order blocking a lower courts decision, the Court treats that claim as an emergency that must be tended to immediately. In Nken v. Holder (2009), the Supreme Court held that a party seeking shadow docket relief must do more than simply show they are likely to prevail if the Court hears their case on the merits. Among other things, they must also show that they will be irreparably injured if the justices do not immediately block the lower courts decision. But, as Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson pointed out in a pair of opinions dissenting from two shadow docket orders, the Republican justices seem to have decided that the Trump administration is exempt from Nken, as they often grant shadow docket relief to Trump even when he cannot show irreparable injury. In Social Security Administration v. AFSCME, a case about whether DOGE may access highly sensitive Social Security data, Trumps lawyers didnt even make an argument that his administration would experience irreparable harm without Supreme Court intervention. Yet the Republican justices intervened anyway. As law professor Steven Vladeck has pointed out, the Court granted, at least in part, each of the last 14 [shadow docket] applications filed by the Department of Justice. The federal governments exemption from Nken, moreover, only appears to be in effect when a Republican occupies the White House. In one dissenting opinion, Jackson pointed to several Biden-era cases where the Justice Department sought shadow docket relief from lower court orders. In some of those cases, the Court left the lower courts injunction in place for as much as a year, before finally concluding that the injunction was illegal after the case went through the much slower, traditional appeals process. The Republican justices, in other words, are manipulating the Courts calendar to benefit Trump. When ordinary litigants or a Democratic administration seek shadow docket relief, the justices often apply the traditional rules and norms that prevent them from granting those requests. But when Trump asks the Supreme Court to do him a favor, the Republican justices swiftly oblige. The Republican justices did abandon some fights pushed by business and fiscal conservatives While the cultural right was one of the biggest winners in the Courts recent term, the Republican Partys traditional business constituency fared less well. On the final decision day of the term, the Court handed down a ruling upholding provisions of Obamacare that require health insurers to cover certain treatments, as well as a decision rejecting an aggressive attempt to limit federal agencies power to regulate business. Earlier in the term, a unanimous Court also rejected a suit challenging the FDAs decision to pull many nicotine vaping devices off the market. The Courts Obamacare decision, known as Kennedy v. Braidwood Management, aligns with broader trends within the Republican Party. During Trumps first term, the GOP famously tried and failed to repeal the Affordable Care Act in its entirety. Eight years later, the party has a more modest health care agenda, at least when compared to their ideas from 2017. Congressional Republicans are likely to enact deep cuts to Medicaid, but they are not pushing for full repeal of Obamacare. Decisions like Braidwood and Medina, in other words, closely track the Republican Partys agenda in Congress. Like their counterparts in Congress, the Republican justices voted to drastically cut back on Medicaid in Medina. But many of them voted to uphold key provisions of Obamacare in Braidwood. One common element in the Braidwood, the agency power case (FCC v. Consumers Research), and in the vaping case, (FDA v. Wages & White Lion Investments), is that they all arose out of the US Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, a court dominated by MAGA-aligned judges who routinely hand down decisions that are too extreme even for this Supreme Court. In recent years, the Fifth Circuit has done everything from declaring entire federal agencies unconstitutional to attempting to pull a popular abortion drug from the market. It once ruled that Texas Republicans may seize control over content moderation at all of the major social media platforms. Many of the Fifth Circuits judges have taken positions that, if they were embraced by the Supreme Court, risk triggering a second Great Depression. The Supreme Court frequently balks at the Fifth Circuits decisions, but it does not do so all of the time. Just last week, for example, in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, the Court upheld a Texas law requiring pornographic websites to verify that their users are over age 18, despite a 21-year-old Supreme Court decision that struck down a nearly identical law. The Court took up the Free Speech Coalition case after the Fifth Circuit decided it wasnt bound by that two-decade-old decision. The best lesson to draw from cases like Braidwood, White Lion, and Consumers Research, in other words, is that no matter how partisan or ideological the Supreme Court may be, there will likely be other voices within the judiciary pushing the justices to go harder. These voices will even sometimes succeed, as they did in the Free Speech Coalition case. If Trump gets to replace any members of the current Court, moreover, he could potentially replace relatively moderate justices with the kinds of judges who dominate the Fifth Circuit. No matter how bad the Supreme Court gets, it can always get worse. The Supreme Court has just wrapped up another term that caused heartache in some and glee in others, largely depending on your legal and political ideology. The theme of this term, though, was bigger than just a conservative majority acting like a conservative majority. It was Congress failure to assert its authority and its continued decision instead to cede duties and powers to the president. In every major case involving federal statutes, the court made plain that it would hew narrowly to the language in those statutes. To the extent that people or groups are unhappy with those decisions, the court is saying thats Congress problem to fix, not the courts. Lets start with the biggest and most politically charged case of the term: Trump v. CASA. While the case involves the presidents executive order on birthright citizenship, the justices considered a narrower question: whether, under the Judiciary Act of 1789, a federal judge can issue a nationwide injunction to stop a presidents executive order. Typically, judges have the power to make rulings that affect the people in their courtroom, but not the entire country. The courts most junior conservative justice, Amy Coney Barrett, authored a 6-3 opinion finding that, under the nearly 250-year-old federal law, judges do not in fact have the power to issue broad forms of relief that cover the entire country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many viewed the CASA decision as the conservative court handing a win for the Trump administration. Justice Sonia Sotomayor said that, with the ruling, the majority strips federal courts of the ability to safeguard constitutional rights in the face of nationwide executive overreach. In the most dire terms, Sotomayor warned that as a result of the courts decision, No right is safe in a regime where courts cannot fully protect those before them. Theres no doubt that the courts ruling is a win for any current or future inhabitant of the Oval Office. But nothing in the majority opinion suggested that Congress lacks the power to go back and write a different law explicitly providing federal judges with this power. If we the people want a single federal judge to be able to stop a presidents executive orders, we should ask our elected representatives to pass a law that says so. Next, consider the case of Medina v. Planned Parenthood of South Atlantic, where the court concluded that individual Medicaid beneficiaries did not have a private right to sue in federal court to enforce purported violations of the federal Medicaid law. Back in 2018, South Carolinas governor attempted to exclude Planned Parenthood from the states Medicaid program. An individual who had obtained care at Planned Parenthood sought to sue South Carolina, arguing that its decision violated the provision of federal Medicaid that allows beneficiaries to obtain health care from any qualified provider. Justice Neil Gorsuch authored the opinion for the majority of the court and concluded that the case could not move forward because the federal Medicaid law did not clearly demonstrate Congress' intent to confer individual rights. Once again, the Supreme Court did not conclude that individuals can never sue to vindicate alleged violations of a specific law, but rather that the law needs to be redrafted to let them do so. Finally, in a unanimous decision authored by liberal Justice Elena Kagan, the court rejected the Mexican governments attempt to hold U.S. gun manufacturers liable for gun violence in that country. There is little doubt that guns made in the U.S. make their way into the hands of Mexican drug cartels and wreak havoc in that country. But under a federal statute, gun manufacturers are largely immune from liability, and both liberal and conservative justices refused to find an exception to that broad grant of immunity. If we want gun manufacturers to pay for gun violence abroad, we need to tell members of Congress to write a different law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Simply put, this Supreme Court wont step in when Congress is silent or vague. The court will not patch up holes in outdated laws. The Constitution vests All legislative Powers in a Congress of the United States, yet modern Congresses have too often sat on their hands or yielded to the executive branch. If you want federal judges to have the power to issue nationwide injunctions to halt a presidents executive orders, or individuals to sue to vindicate their rights under federal Medicaid law, or a foreign country to sue gun manufacturers, speak with your elected representatives. The Supreme Court is not here to be your lawmaker. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com KABUL (Reuters) -Afghan citizen Enayatullah Asghari watched dismayed after Israel and Iran launched strikes on each other last month, as the Gulf nation where he had sought refuge turned more hostile, work on Tehran building sites dried up and he was accused of spying. Asghari, 35, is among tens of thousands of Afghans whom Iran has deported home in the past few weeks, in the fallout of a conflict the United Nations says risks further destabilising Afghanistan, already battling a humanitarian crisis. "It is hard to even find a place to rent, and if you find one, the price is unaffordable ... and there is no work at all," Asghari said at the end of his family's long journey back to western Afghanistan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said he had no idea what to do next in his home country, marooned in international isolation since the Islamist Taliban militia took over in 2021. The United Nations refugee agency estimates Iran deported home an average of more than 30,000 Afghans each day during the war, up 15-fold from about 2,000 earlier. "We've always striven to be good hosts, but national security is a priority, and naturally illegal nationals must return," Iran's government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani said on Tuesday. That did not mean expulsion, however, but rather a return to their homeland, the spokesperson added, without mention of a hunt for spies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There was no immediate comment from the Afghanistan government. Before a ceasefire was struck last week in their 12-day war, Iran and Israel traded strikes, which the U.S. joined with an attack on Iran's uranium-enrichment facilities. On national security grounds, Iran had already been cracking down this year on foreign nationals, including Afghans, but stepped up its efforts during the conflict, deported Afghans and humanitarian officials said in interviews. Iranian authorities estimated about 2.6 million Afghans were living in the country without legal documentation in 2022, following the fall of Kabul as U.S.-led foreign forces withdrew. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "They saw us as suspected spies and treated us with contempt," Asghari said. "From ordinary people to the police and the government, they were always saying you Afghans are our first enemies, you destroyed us from inside." CONCERN OVER PUSHBACK In an interview, Arafat Jamal, the UNHCR representative for Afghanistan, said he was concerned about the pushback, as anger at the strikes could have spilled over on Afghans in Iran. "They have undergone a very frightening war, we understand that but we also feel that perhaps the Afghans are being scapegoated and some of the anger is being taken out on them," he told Reuters in Kabul. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He warned of increasing concern of a "pefect storm" brewing for Afghanistan as neighbouring Pakistan also pushed back displaced Afghans in a huge repatriation drive begun in 2023. Compounding Afghanistan's woes, its economy, crippled by sanctions on the banking sector since the Taliban took over, now faces severe aid cuts by Western capitals, he added. "This is a recipe for a great amount of instability in the region for sure," said Jamal. UNHCR's Afghanistan operations have received less than a quarter of the funding needed this year. Afghanistan's aid program has shrunk to just $538 million from $3.2 billion three years ago. More than 1.2 million Afghans have returned from Iran and Pakistan this year, often with just the clothes on their backs and any belongings they could carry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Iran says it will keep up the action on illegal immigrants. "We have legal migrants, many of them poets, writers, doctors, skilled workers and dont want to push everyone out," the government spokesperson added. "But when it comes to illegals, national policies that have been taken will be implemented." Ahmad Fawad Rahimi, 26, said he had a valid work visa for Iran but decided to return last month as his family worried about the war. En route he was picked up and placed in a detention camp, where he said inmates received little food and water, had their mobile telephones taken from them during their stay and were then charged high prices for transport across the border. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Before the war, at least we would receive a warning the first time, and on the second arrest we would be deported," he said. "But now we are all treated as spies. They say Afghans have sided with their enemies and must go back." (Reporting by Mohammad Yunus Yawar in Kabul and Charlotte Greenfield in Jerusalem, Editing by Clarence Fernandez) The United Nations refugee agency estimates Iran deported home an average of more than 30,000 Afghans each day during the war, up 15-fold from about 2,000 earlier. Afghan citizen Enayatullah Asghari watched dismayed after Israel and Iran launched strikes on each other last month, as the Gulf nation where he had sought refuge turned more hostile, work on Tehran building sites dried up and he was accused of spying. Asghari, 35, is among tens of thousands of Afghans whom Iran has deported home in the past few weeks, in the fallout of a conflict the United Nations says risks further destabilizing Afghanistan, already battling a humanitarian crisis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It is hard to even find a place to rent, and if you find one, the price is unaffordable ... and there is no work at all," Asghari said at the end of his family's long journey back to western Afghanistan. He said he had no idea what to do next in his home country, marooned in international isolation since the Islamist Taliban terror group took over in 2021. The United Nations refugee agency estimates Iran deported home an average of more than 30,000 Afghans each day during the war, up 15-fold from about 2,000 earlier. An Afghan refugee man loads a truck with his belongings, as he along with others returns home, after Pakistan gave the last warning to undocumented immigrants to leave, in Jamrud, Pakistan, April 14, 2025. (credit: Fayaz Aziz/Reuters) "We've always striven to be good hosts, but national security is a priority, and naturally illegal nationals must return," Iran's government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani said on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That did not mean expulsion, however, but rather a return to their homeland, the spokesperson added, without mention of a hunt for spies. There was no immediate comment from the Afghanistan government. Before a ceasefire was struck last week in their 12-day war, Iran and Israel traded strikes, which the US joined with an attack on Iran's uranium-enrichment facilities. On national security grounds, Iran had already been cracking down this year on foreign nationals, including Afghans, but stepped up its efforts during the conflict, deported Afghans and humanitarian officials said in interviews. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Iranian authorities estimated about 2.6 million Afghans were living in the country without legal documentation in 2022, following the fall of Kabul as US-led foreign forces withdrew. "They saw us as suspected spies and treated us with contempt," Asghari said. "From ordinary people to the police and the government, they were always saying you Afghans are our first enemies, you destroyed us from inside." Concern over pushback In an interview, Arafat Jamal, the UNHCR representative for Afghanistan, said he was concerned about the pushback, as anger at the strikes could have spilled over on Afghans in Iran. "They have undergone a very frightening war, we understand that but we also feel that perhaps the Afghans are being scapegoated and some of the anger is being taken out on them," he told Reuters in Kabul. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He warned of increasing concern of a "pefect storm" brewing for Afghanistan as neighboring Pakistan also pushed back displaced Afghans in a huge repatriation drive begun in 2023. Compounding Afghanistan's woes, its economy, crippled by sanctions on the banking sector since the Taliban took over, now faces severe aid cuts by Western capitals, he added. "This is a recipe for a great amount of instability in the region for sure," said Jamal. UNHCR's Afghanistan operations have received less than a quarter of the funding needed this year. Afghanistan's aid program has shrunk to just $538 million from $3.2 billion three years ago. More than 1.2 million Afghans have returned from Iran and Pakistan this year, often with just the clothes on their backs and any belongings they could carry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Iran says it will keep up the action on illegal immigrants. "We have legal migrants, many of them poets, writers, doctors, skilled workers and dont want to push everyone out," the government spokesperson added. "But when it comes to illegals, national policies that have been taken will be implemented." Ahmad Fawad Rahimi, 26, said he had a valid work visa for Iran but decided to return last month as his family worried about the war. En route he was picked up and placed in a detention camp, where he said inmates received little food and water, had their mobile telephones taken from them during their stay and were then charged high prices for transport across the border. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Before the war, at least we would receive a warning the first time, and on the second arrest we would be deported," he said. "But now we are all treated as spies. They say Afghans have sided with their enemies and must go back." SPRINGFIELD Police arrested Robert Hatcher, 60, Wednesday morning at his home on Stapleton Road in connection with a fatal shooting that occurred in the city in February, according to a statement by the Springfield Police Department. Hatcher is scheduled to be arraigned Thursday in Springfield District Court on multiple charges, including murder, strangulation, armed robbery and several firearm-related offenses, police said. The arrest follows an incident on Feb. 25 when Springfield Police responded to a call for unknown trouble on Allen Park Road at around 3 a.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers discovered two gunshot victims: Leslie Westbrook, 54, who was pronounced dead at the scene, and a man who was transported to Baystate Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries. The Springfield Police homicide unit and the Hampden District Attorneys murder unit investigated the shooting. After obtaining a warrant, Springfield Police including members of its firearms investigation unit and emergency services unit and the Hampden County Sheriffs Department, arrested Hatcher in his home. more news from Western Massachusetts Read the original article on MassLive. Mordechai is suspected of transferring hundreds of thousands of shekels from his business to Yonatan Urich, the main suspect in the Qatargate case. IDF Maj.-Gen. (res.) Yoav "Poli" Mordechai was questioned in connection with the "Qatargate" case, Channel 13 News reported on Wednesday. Mordechai was questioned on suspicion of contact with a foreign agent and accepting bribes. He is also suspected of transferring hundreds of thousands of shekels from his business to Yonatan Urich, the main suspect in the case, throughout 2024 for a campaign in support of Qatar. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maj.-Gen. (res.) Mordechai retired from the IDF in 2018 after serving as the coordinator of government activities in the territories and the IDF spokesperson. He has also played a key role in hostage affairs during the Israel-Hamas War. Yonatan Urich, adviser of Leader of the Opposition and head of the Likud party Benjamin Netanyahu seen before a press conference of Leader of the Opposition and head of the Likud party Benjamin Netanyahu in Tel Aviv on October 3, 2022. (credit: AVSHALOM SASSONI/FLASH90) Mordechai summoned for questioning He was first summoned to provide open testimony about two months ago, Channel 13 reported. Mordechai's Company, NOVARD, stated that he had not had any activity with the business since October 7. Novard has been working for years with various countries in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East in an official, public, and entirely legal manner. Since October 7, Poli Mordechai has been enlisted for reserve duty to promote the return of hostages. He is not involved in any business activity, and there is a complete separation between Novard's operations in the Middle East and him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His business partner in NOVARD was also questioned at Lahav 433 out of caution. Jay Footlik, a US-based Qatari lobbyist, will be openly questioned on Saturday. The "Qatargate" investigation began in February 2025, when Attorney-General Gali Baharav Miara ordered the Israel Police and the Shin Bet to launch a formal investigation into individuals in the Prime Minister's Office for their ties to Doha. Footlik notably requested that Israeli businessman Gil Birger assist him in transferring funds to Eli Feldstein, a member of Netanyahu's media team. Feldstein has been accused of accepting bribes from Qatar, leaking classified documents that harmed the war effort, and reducing the chances of a successful hostage deal. He has also been indicted for endangering national security. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Urich has been accused of feeding Israeli journalists information, through Feldstein, cited as being from intelligence sources, when it really originated in Qatar. Supposedly, the goal was to boost Qatar's image in the Gaza hostage and ceasefire negotiations, while belittling that of Egypt's as the other mediator. Qatar has denied any such initiative. Sarah Ben-Nun contributed to this report. SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) Court documents are providing new details into the assault investigation at the 8th Street Bridge this week. Minnesota state trooper drowned in Waubay Lake On Tuesday, Sioux Falls police announced 45-year-old Jubal Rider Rattler was arrested and charged with aggravated assault after officers found a 39-year-old woman unconscious. According to court documents, Rattler pushed the victim off a retaining wall at the 8th Street Bridge and the victim has life-threatening brain bleed injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rattler was booked into the Minnehaha County jail on Tuesday afternoon. Bond for Rattler has been set at $100,000 and his next court appearance is set for July 17. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com. The Brief A Philadelphia school safety officer was shot multiple times near Dave & Buster's Sunday morning. Philly police believe the shooting stemmed from a road rage incident between a white Hyundai and a black pickup truck that occurred on I-95. Authorities are focusing their search on a specific vehicle and suspect description. PHILADELPHIA - Philadelphia police are urgently seeking the public's help to locate a suspect involved in the shooting of a school safety officer, who remains in critical condition. What we know The shooting took place around 1:45 a.m. on the 300 block of North Columbus Boulevard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The victim, a 68-year-old school safety officer and retired Philadelphia police officer, was returning from a shift at a school when he was flagged down in a road rage incident. The suspect shot the officer, leaving him critically injured. Police are searching for a white 2017-2019 Kia Sportage, which was last seen shortly after the shooting. The driver is described as a male with a bowl-style black haircut. Authorities are urging anyone with information about the vehicle or suspect to come forward. What you can do Philadelphia police are asking anyone with information to contact them immediately. The Source The information in this story is from Philadelphia police. Commentary: Relentless self-reform breathes new life into CPC Xinhua) 08:45, July 02, 2025 BEIJING, July 1 (Xinhua) -- As the Communist Party of China (CPC) celebrates its 104th founding anniversary, an education campaign on the eight-point rules is in full swing across the country, targeting unnecessary formalities, bureaucracy, hedonism and extravagance. Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, said that the eight-point rules are a demonstration of the CPC Central Committee's commitment to its words and a landmark measure to improve Party conduct in the new era. This campaign is injecting new life into the Party as it steers the Chinese nation of more than 1.4 billion people toward national rejuvenation, a journey with multiple challenges. The CPC, the world's largest Marxist political party, keeps pace with the times, responds to social demands, and wins the broad and lasting support of the people through self-reform and by improving its capabilities in leadership and governance. Complacency is definitely not an option. The CPC shows resolve and courage to pursue sustained self-reform -- confronting its own problems and taking concrete and stringent measures to address them. For instance, in some regions, local authorities have introduced mobile apps requiring officials to pay for their own meals during work trips -- part of new measures to curb the misuse of allowances. These measures are woven into a robust framework of institutional safeguards, where regular disciplinary inspections and multi-tiered supervision work in synergy to ensure full accountability among public servants. The CPC knows its greatest threat isn't external, but "internal weakening." Past achievements offer no guarantee against future decay. The Party can not let its guard down. The anti-graft campaign is on the forefront of this self-reform and delivers real results. Since the 18th CPC National Congress in 2012, the Party has taken resolute actions against corruption. In 2024, 92 centrally administered officials were placed under investigation for suspected violations of law and Party discipline. It sends an unequivocal message that effective governance hinges on strict governance. Cleaner governance, greater transparency and a higher public trust underscore the payoff of this unrelenting self-reform. This internal fortification empowers CPC members and officials to stay diligent and committed even in the face of external shocks, enabling the country to pursue development and prosperity while staying on a steady course. Through painstaking efforts, the Party has found a second answer to the question of how to escape the historical cycle of rise and fall. The answer is self-reform. In the 1940s, the Party gave the first answer of "putting the government under the supervision of the people." (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Parents who are accused of murder allegedly smoked outside of a hospital while medics were trying to save their baby's life. A court heard that the child, Brendon Staddon, suffered "catastrophic injuries" to his head, neck, legs, and jaw during his time in the special care baby unit of Yeovil District Hospital in March last year. Parents Accused of Baby's Murder The boy's parents, identified as 27-year-old Daniel Gunter and 21-year-old Sophie Staddon, are facing murder accusations and causing or allowing their child's death, which they deny. Part of the prosecuting team, Charles Row KC, cited the "level of sheer brutality" regarding the case. He noted that there was hardly any part of the victim's body was spared, adding that his injuries were consistent with a "severe crush injury." The jury heard that hospital staff members found the child's injuries after the mother asked them to check on the boy because "he was cold." Earlier that night, it was said that the father asked a nurse for milk so he could feed his son, but when the hospital employee later checked on him, he answered in a way that she "considered odd," according to BBC. Row said that the father seemed "excited" and that his response was "unusually animated" while "nodding exaggeratedly." Then, the mother started to cry hysterically and said that she wanted to see her son. Non-Accidental Injuries Hospital staff later found the child lying in his cot with his baby grow open and saw that, on top of being cold, he also had various serious injuries. A post-mortem showed that the boy died of "blunt force impact(s) head injury" and had multiple "non-accidental injuries." In court, jurors heard that the boy's father was allegedly a controlling individual and had violent tendencies towards his partner because he sometimes wondered if the child was biologically his, The Guardian reported. The father was accused of controlling his partner's finances, dictating how she could speak to and spend time with, what and how much she ate, and when she smoked. The court also heard that Staddon told one acquaintance that Guner said he did not want the child. Row added that authorities became concerned about the couple and had several meetings to decide whether the child should be taken into care after he was born. He said that Staddon claims she had no idea about her son being physically hurt, noting that if she did, she would have told a hospital staff, as per Yahoo News. Indian Michael Saylor 'shocked' by Pakistan's Bitcoin move originally appeared on TheStreet. Siddarth Bharwani, Joint Managing Director and CFO of Jetking, expressed astonishment at Pakistans recent decision to create a national Bitcoin reserve with MicroStrategys Michael Saylor as an advisor. Jetking, a Mumbai-based IT education firm, has made headlines as India's first publicly listed company to adopt a Bitcoin treasury strategy. The company aims to hold 210 Bitcoin by 2025, mirroring MicroStrategy's approach. "I was shocked when I heard that," Bharwani said during a recent conversation with TheStreet Roundtable. "It was impressive to see a country like Pakistan, which generally does not have the best economic condition, to come out and take such a bold move." Pakistans aggressive push toward Bitcoin adoption highlights the growing regional pressure on India. Bharwani believes this development should prompt India's government and financial institutions to quickly clarify their own Bitcoin stance. "Our neighboring countries having this kind of exposure towards Bitcoin or blockchain as an asset, as a category I think India has to take notice as to why and how did they implement it," he noted. Bhutan leads by example Bharwani also pointed out Bhutans substantial Bitcoin investment as another critical sign for India. "Bhutan is holding about 14,000 Bitcoin, if I'm not mistaken. And theyre creating a mindful city about two hours away from the capital," he said. He anticipates significant announcements from Indian authorities including the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), and the Ministry of Finance in the near term. "I think in the next two to three months, we will have some view from RBI, from SEBI, from the government ministry of finance around how they're looking at Bitcoin," Bharwani stated. Despite acknowledging India's bureaucratic complexities, Bharwani remains optimistic. "It takes time to implement things in such a big country," he explained, but "when we do come out with the clarity, it will be a big one. It will be something that India will knock down." Indian Michael Saylor 'shocked' by Pakistan's Bitcoin move first appeared on TheStreet on Jun 30, 2025 This story was originally reported by TheStreet on Jun 30, 2025, where it first appeared. MEMPHIS, Tenn. A man accused of shooting a man several times at a hotel in Jackson, Tennessee, on Tuesday is now wanted by the Jackson Police Department. Officers say they responded to a shooting call at the Rodeway Inn on 2239 Hollywood Drive a little after 4 a.m. Mother of man accused of bringing a gun to the CJC arrested Shortly afterwards, police say a male victim arrived at a local hospital suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. The man was then taken to a Memphis hospital, where he remains in stable condition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police say the suspect was identified as 25-year-old David Lee Cole II. Around 3:30 p.m., the Jackson Police SWAT Team, along with investigators, say they executed a search warrant at Coles home in the 400 block of Greenwood Avenue. Cole was not found. AR driver charged after two men killed changing tire The Jackson Police Department says they are actively seeking information regarding Coles whereabouts. If you or anyone you know has seen or knows the whereabouts of David Lee Cole II, you are urged to call the Jackson Police Department at 731-425-8400 or CrimeStoppers at 731-424-TIPS (8477). All calls to CrimeStoppers are anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Members of a suspected people-smuggling gang who allegedly made millions of pounds helping hundreds of foreign nationals enter the UK illegally have been arrested. The Home Office said the group was thought to have helped more than 500 people from Gambia enter the country using forged passports and visas of people who had legitimate status in the UK. Immigration enforcement officers carried out raids in West Yorkshire and Greater London on Tuesday, arresting seven suspects between the ages of 30 and 50. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dame Angela Eagle, Minister for Border Security and Asylum, said the government would not "stand by and let evil criminal gangs abuse our immigration system". The Home Office said the main suspect was believed to have a turnover of more than 1.3m in his bank account, despite claiming to only earn 35,000 a year working for a furniture manufacturing company. Another suspect is thought to have made a turnover of more than 1m across two bank accounts, while also receiving Universal Credit at the same time. Officers seized several counterfeit identity documents from the properties they visited, while a large number of images of passports were also found on the main suspect's mobile phone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The gang is said to have charged Gambian nationals around 5,000 per person for services, including booking their flights, providing housing for the migrants on arrival and setting them up with illegal work. The members of the gang are also believed to have sent fake documents to beneficiaries to help them evade being detected by police. Dame Angela said: "This suspected gang promised their beneficiaries a better life here in the UK. "Instead, they face heinous levels of exploitation, which is exactly why we are working with law enforcement to ensure survivors of modern slavery are supported and the criminal gangs face justice." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those arrested were from various parts of Leeds, Batley and Heckmondwike, in West Yorkshire, as well as the Barking and Stratford areas of London. The Home Office said six of the suspects - four men and two women - had subsequently been charged and remanded into custody. Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North. Related internet links Just after 5 a.m. this morning, the Marysville community was told to avoid the area of 92nd Street NE, between State Avenue and 51st Avenue NE. According to the Marysville Police Department, Region 1 SWAT was on the scene of a serious assault that occurred earlier this morning. As of 8:15 a.m., Marysville PD reported that the suspect was in custody. However, police units would be staying in the area for several more hours. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The incident was contained to a single home, and police say there is no outstanding threat to the community. KIRO 7 has a team heading to the scene and will update this story with any new developments. The Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) has allocated a new assistance package to Ukraine within the framework of the Tallinn Mechanism. Source: Ukraines Ministry of Digital Transformation on Facebook, as reported by European Pravda Details: Ukraine is set to receive over UAH 590 million (approx. US$14 million) from Sida (Styrelsen for Internationellt Utvecklingssamarbete) to strengthen the countrys cyber security. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This support is being provided under the Tallinn Mechanism, an international initiative coordinating cyber resilience assistance from 11 partner countries. The funding will be directed towards updating IT infrastructure, enhancing digital product protection and training employees of key government institutions. Sidas financing will be channelled through the Estonian Centre for International Development a government fund responsible for implementing international development and humanitarian assistance projects. Background: Earlier reports indicated that the Swedish government would restructure its economic aid framework to other countries, freeing up an additional SEK 1.67 billion (approx. 150 million) for Ukraine and other humanitarian initiatives. In early June, Sweden announced it would allocate 50 million to support NATOs NSATU (NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine) and NATO CAP (Comprehensive Assistance Package) programmes, which provide training for Ukrainian troops and overall support to Ukraine. Sweden has also joined the electronic warfare coalition and has become its co-chair at Germanys invitation. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Sweden reversed its air travel tax policy that aimed to curb carbon emissions in 2018, during a time when flight shaming had been popularized by environmental activists like Greta Thunberg. Since its inception, domestic air travel has slumpedbut the shift, effective July 1, has aviation industry leaders hopeful for future investments in sustainable technology. Sweden is abandoning a tax on air travel six years after its introduction as the government looks to boost the countrys commercial aviation industry. The government reversed the 2018 policy, effective July 1, that placed levies on airline tickets, depending on distance flown. The flip flop comes from a country that invented the Swedish term flygskam, or flight shame, during a pre-pandemic anti-air travel movement championed by environmental activist Greta Thunberg. Flight shame is a social crusade that discourages air travel because of its significant environmental impact, most notably its contribution to carbon emissions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since the inception of the tax, Sweden has seen a steady decrease in air traffic, particularly to the countrys rural airports. In September 2024, a center-right coalition, which depends on the support of far-right Sweden Democrats, presented a 2025 budget proposal that eliminated the tax. This will lead to lower prices for travellers and rising demand, boosting the competitiveness of airlines, Sweden Democrats Member of Parliament Linda Lindberg said in a press conference reported by Reuters last year. The Guardian reported the move is expected to cut ticket prices from Sweden by 80 kronor ($8.44 USD today) on European flights and 325 kronor ($34.28 USD today) on those outside Europe. The government-owned airport network Swedavia AB, which operates 10 of Swedens busiest airports including ones in Stockholm and Gothenburg, saw a consecutive seven-month downtrend in passengers at their locations from September 2018 to March 2019, Bloomberg reported. A 2019 survey by the World Wildlife Fund found that 23% of Swedes held off from traveling by air in the previous year to reduce their climate impact. That number was up 6% from 2017. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the same time, train travel passenger numbers jumped to a record 32 million in 2018. A majority of Swedes in 2018 supported the air tax, Stockholms newspaper Dagens Nyheter reported. Since the policy came into effect in 2018, flights landing in Swedish airports dropped by more than 35%, according to aviation data firm Cirium, reported by Bloomberg. Irish airline Ryanair, which advertises cheap ticket fares, withdrew entirely from Swedens domestic market last year. Now, Swedish policymakers move to revive the countrys air travel market has given airlines hope for the future. The previous aviation tax did nothing to support the transition to reducing emissions, International Air Transport Association Area Manager Catrin Mattsson wrote in a LinkedIn post. With the tax abolished, instead of funds leaving the industry, they can be used for investments in Sustainable Aviation Fuel, new technologies, and innovations needed for the transition to net-zero CO2 emissions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sustainability remains a priority for Sweden, but the focus is now on reducing emissions rather than discouraging air travel, Mattsson wrote. But others dont see the policy change as good news. The removal of the aviation tax is another example of the governments stupid and counterproductive policies, Swedens Green Party spokesperson told Bloomberg. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com By Olivia Le Poidevin GENEVA (Reuters) -A U.S.- and Israel-backed group handing out food in Gaza under an aid system denounced by the United Nations said on Wednesday it was planning to shut its branch in Geneva, after Swiss authorities launched proceedings to dissolve it. Hundreds of Palestinians have been killed trying to receive aid since the GHF began handing out food packages in Gaza at the end of May, under a system which Israel says is intended to prevent aid from being diverted to militants but the U.N. calls a dangerous violation of humanitarian neutrality principles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Swiss Federal Supervisory Authority for Foundations (ESA) said in a notice published in the Swiss Official Gazette of Commerce on Wednesday that it could order the dissolution of the GHF unless creditors come forward within 30 days. The U.S.-registered GHF had registered an affiliate on February 12 in Geneva, home to headquarters for most U.N. humanitarian agencies, the Red Cross and many of the other charities involved in global aid distribution. The GHF told Reuters it had made a strategic decision not to start operations in Switzerland, and was now working to dissolve its Swiss-based entity. The ESA told Reuters the GHF had not fulfilled certain legal requirements to operate in Switzerland, including having the correct number of board members, a postal address or a Swiss bank account. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "GHF confirmed to the ESA that it had never carried out activities in Switzerland...and that it intends to dissolve the Geneva-registered (branch)," the ESA said in a statement. Last week, Geneva authorities issued a separate legal notice to the GHF to remedy deficiencies within 30 days or face potential action. More than 500 people have been killed near GHF distribution hubs in Gaza or along access roads guarded by Israeli forces since the GHF started operating, according to Palestinian medical authorities in the territory. Israel's military acknowledged on Monday that Palestinian civilians had been harmed near the distribution centres and said its forces had been issued new instructions following what it called "lessons learned". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The GHF has defended its operations, saying it has delivered more than 52 million meals to needy Palestinians in five weeks, while other humanitarian groups had "nearly all of their aid looted". More than 170 humanitarian groups signed a letter this week calling on countries to press Israel to end its new system and return to letting in aid mainly through U.N.-run channels. Israel cut off all supplies into Gaza from the beginning of March until late May, sharply worsening an acute shortage of food in the territory, where nearly all of the 2.3 million-strong population has been displaced by war since 2023. (Reporting by Olivia Le PoidevinEditing by Mark Heinrich and Peter Graff) A Swiss government body said that the GHF had not fulfilled certain legal requirements, including having the correct number of board members, a postal address, or a Swiss bank account. Switzerland on Wednesday initiated proceedings to dissolve the Geneva branch of the US-and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation aid group, citing legal shortcomings in its establishment. The GHF began handing out food packages in the Gaza Strip at the end of May, overseeing a new model of aid deliveries that has drawn UN and international criticism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The GHF is registered in the US state of Delaware and has registered an affiliate in Geneva on February 12. It did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the Swiss move to shut down its Geneva office. "The ESA may order the dissolution of the foundation if no creditors come forward within the legal 30-day period," the Federal Supervisory Authority for Foundations (ESA) said in a creditors' notice published in the Swiss Official Gazette of Commerce on Wednesday. The ESA told Reuters the GHF had not fulfilled certain legal requirements, including having the correct number of board members, a postal address, or a Swiss bank account. Palestinians gather to collect aid supplies from the U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, in Khan Younis, in the southern Gaza Strip, May 29, 2025. (credit: REUTERS/Hatem Khaled) Switzerland moves to dissolve GHF "GHF confirmed to the ESA that it had never carried out activities in Switzerland...and that it intends to dissolve the Geneva-registered (branch)," the ESA said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last week, Geneva authorities issued a separate legal notice to the GHF to remedy within 30 days "deficiencies in the organization" or face potential action. The GHF has said that it has delivered more than 52 million meals to needy Palestinians in five weeks and that other humanitarian groups had "nearly all of their aid looted." There is an acute shortage of food and other basic supplies in Gaza after a nearly two-year war by Israel against Hamas that has displaced most of the enclave's two million inhabitants and left much of it in rubble. ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC)- A group of faith leaders, community advocates, and activists continues to call on the Monroe County District Attorneys Office to drop charges against the mom whose son was hit and killed while crossing the street in Greece last year on July 4. When I first heard this story and knowing the family it broke my heart, said Mercedes Vasquez Simmons, the Executive Director of the Latino Youth Development Resource Center. We are asking (District Attorney) Sandra Doorley to please reconsider and drop all charges against this mother. Vasquez Simmons also serves as a Monroe County Legislator. Tuesday morning, Cyonna Badger thanked the community for their support as they gathered outside the Hall of Justice to pray for her as she heads back to court Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It wasnt her fault: Community demands release of mother whose son was fatally struck by U-Haul Badger is charged with Criminally Negligent Homicide and Endangering the Welfare of a Child. There was no prior case of abuse or neglect before Hakeem was tragically hit in that accident, said Cherriese Bufis-Scott of the Diverse Mosaic Community Center. She called the case disheartening. Badgers 7-year-old son, Hakeem Badger, was hit by a U-Haul truck driver last summer when Badger and a group of adults and children were attempting to cross West Ridge Road against a green light. The DAs office is now doubly victimizing, and traumatizing a young mother who made a mistake because we all jaywalk right? said Clay Harris, the founder of United & Healing Through Hope of Monroe County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the past, the attorneys prosecuting the case have said they have enough evidence to warrant the charges. News 8 reached out to the DAs office on Tuesday, and they declined to comment. The case is before Monroe County Court Judge Julie Hahn on Wednesday morning. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to RochesterFirst. The Airport Fire Department of Cedar Swamp Road in Warwick. Local 2873 of RI Council 94 President Steve Parent is accused of trespassing on the property on Nov. 1, 2024, four days after the Rhode Island Airport Corporation fired him. (Photo by Christopher Shea/Rhode Island Current) The Rhode Island Airport Corporation (RIAC) is asking a state court to block an attempt by a fired firefighter who leads the union representing workers at T.F. Green International Airport to get his job back a move that appeared to catch him by surprise. Airport officials filed a lawsuit against Steven Parent on Wednesday in Providence County Superior Court, citing allegations he trespassed into the T.F. Green fire station on Nov. 1, 2024, four days after being fired. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Parent, who worked at T.F. Green for more than a decade, has been president of Local 2873 of RI Council 94 for the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) since 2019. The union represents airport police officers, firefighters, airfield maintenance, building maintenance, operations and clerical staff. An arbitration hearing on an unfair labor practice Parent filed against RIAC is scheduled for some time in August after being delayed twice. He is seeking reinstatement as a fire lieutenant after being fired on Oct. 28 after airport officials claimed he discouraged people from applying for jobs at the Warwick airport while benefiting from overtime pay caused by ongoing vacancies. Upon his termination, airport officials immediately revoked Parents security credentials and informed him he was no longer permitted in secure areas of the airport. The legal action was news to Parent when reached for comment by phone Wednesday morning. He said he had yet to be served any papers. Theyre suing me? he said. I was not aware of any of this I was just there Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement RIAC claims Parent never returned his deactivated badge as required under the federal governments Airport Security Program. Four days after his firing, Parent entered the airports fire station which RIAC claims is a secured area without an escort. Mr. Parents unauthorized access caused alarm among airport employees, the lawsuit claims. The fire station is located opposite the airfield, and has a gated entrance along Cedar Swamp Road in Warwick near Winslow Park. According to airport officials, Parent used an intercom to ask the on-duty firefighter one of his former subordinates to open the gate remotely for him, the lawsuit states. Parent was reportedly confronted by the airports deputy fire chief and told to leave, but Parent allegedly flipped him off. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Parent denied his interaction was uncivil and said he had called the station ahead of his arrival. I had no issue with the deputy chief I wasnt being disciplined for anything at the fire station, Parent said. Deputy Fire Chief Justin Vail deferred comment to RIAC. A worker is shown on the tarmac at Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport in Warwick in early June 2025. (Photo by Janine L. Weisman/Rhode Island Current) Airport officials said Parent took work material without authorization following his firing. Parent said he retrieved a copy of the unions contract. At the time union officials and RIAC were in the midst of negotiating a new contract for airport workers, which was eventually ratified in March 2025. RIACs filing speaks for itself, Duc Nguyen, the airports senior vice president of operations, said in a statement. This action is to confirm RIACs authority to determine eligibility for security credentials consistent with federal requirements and its duty to ensure the safety and security of the airport and traveling public. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Council 94 President Michael McDonald said he too was caught by surprise by the filing, but that legal action was not totally unexpected. He called the lawsuit a last resort by airport officials to avoid arbitration with Parent over an unfair labor practice, which is scheduled to happen some time in August. Theyre trying to avoid answering for what theyve done, McDonald said in an interview. Parent said arbitration was first scheduled for February, but was delayed to June and is now pushed to August. Theyre suing me? I was not aware of any of this I was just there Monday. Steven Parent, fired airport fire lieutenant and president of Local 2873 of RI Council 94 for the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees But a statement issued by RIAC Wednesday claims the arbitration process is limited to addressing whether Parent was wrongfully terminated, not to resolve any legal nuances. The lawsuit argues that even if Parent were reinstated, his alleged security breach would prevent him from regaining clearance, making him ineligible to serve at the fire station. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If the court blocks Parents reinstatement, RIAC argues that airport officials can move forward with filling his vacant lieutenant position. The position is not posted on RIACs job portal. But Parent said two candidates have already applied and recently took written tests for the role tests he observed. I pretty much encouraged everyone there to apply, he said. RIAC is asking the court to uphold officials decision to revoke Parents credentials. McDonald said the union will continue to fight for Parent as the legal process plays out. Well stop at nothing to defend Steve, hes our local president as we would for any member of Rhode Island Council 94 whos been treated in this manner, McDonald said. We are confident that once this all settles, we will prevail. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Elected officials in Pinellas County have soured to the Tampa Bay Rays ownership after the team pulled out of a $1.3 billion stadium and redevelopment project for Tropicana Field in March. But reports that Rays leaders are in exclusive discussions with Jacksonville developer Patrick Zalupski to sell the team has piqued the interest of leaders in Pinellas and across Tampa Bay. Its certainly good news that it appears the Rays are going to be sold to an ownership group thats going to keep them in the Tampa Bay area, said Pinellas County Commissioner Chris Latvala. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Latvala has long been at odds with Rays leadership, in particular owner Stuart Sternberg. In February Latvala said the team was lying to residents when it said Pinellas commissioners were at fault for the stadium deal falling through. With new ownership, Latvala said he would support the deal the county and city of St. Petersburg had previously agreed on to finance a stadium. An agreement announced last year called on the city and county contributing roughly $600 million in public money toward the stadium, plus more from the city for surrounding infrastructure. In return, the Rays and its development partners would cover the rest and develop the surrounding area under terms negotiated by the city. The Rays announced they were backing out of the deal in March after Hurricane Milton destroyed the roof of the Tropicana Field in October. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Latvala said he hasnt met with Zalupski or his team, but he suspects theyre eyeing a location on the Tampa side of the Bay. Hes going to be making a lot of money from the sale, Latvala said of Sternberg, and I wish him the best in the future. Zalupski, backed by a group of investors, submitted a letter of intent to purchase the Rays for a reported $1.7 billion. He may be in competition with a Memphis, Tennessee hedge fund founder Trip Miller, who told the Times hes willing to offer more for the team. St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch, who staked his candidacy on keeping the Rays in the city, has said the Rays current owners burned a bridge, and he has no interest in working with them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said his top interest is ensuring redevelopment of the Trop site that includes affordable homes and job and business opportunities for Black residents. The property was once home to the Gas Plant District, a collection of largely Black neighborhoods, businesses and cultural centers. Were excited about the possibility of new ownership, Welch said in a statement. Our highest priority is the fulfillment of the economic promises made to the Historic Gas Plant District community and the future benefits that the sites redevelopment will bring to our entire city. Tampa Mayor Jane Castor said she met with Zalupski, at his request, and a member of his team in May. She said there have been discussions of several locations for a stadium in the Tampa area. Castor said, ultimately, a new stadium location is up to ownership. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But she doesnt see a property like the Florida State Fairgrounds as a viable option because its out of city limits and would fall on the county to complete. It seemed like a good group, Castor said. For me, the positive news is that it looks like the Rays will stay in Tampa Bay. Hillsborough County Commissioner chairperson Ken Hagan said he met with Zalupski and other members of his group informally at a Tampa Bay Buccaneers game. He said hes very, very encouraged by the news. Once the sale is consummated, I think we will be in position to sit down and start talking about ball park options in Hillsborough County, Hagan said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hagan also said he spoke with Gov. Ron DeSantis several months ago, who he said was supportive of using tax dollars for infrastructure surrounding a ballpark. Hillsborough County Administrator Bonnie Wise wrote in an email, through a county spokesperson, that she has not met with Zalupski. In response to a Times question asking where a stadium would be best located in the county, she wrote that it depends on private investment, traffic flows and cost. We remain open to working with anyone in support of projects for the betterment of our community, Wise said. News of a potential Rays sale comes as the city of St. Petersburg and Pinellas County weigh the possibility of building a convention center at the Tropicana Field site. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details on the potential convention center in St. Petersburg are still thin as leaders gauge demand and potential economic benefits. Under an agreement that expires in 2028, the city of St. Petersburg is required to provide a stadium for the Rays. Repairs to the Trop are expected to be completed in time for opening day next year. Until then, the Rays are playing at the New York Yankees spring training stadium, Steinbrenner Field, in Tampa. Itd certainly be my preference that they stay in St. Petersburg, in Pinellas County, said Pinellas County Commission chairperson Brian Scott, but well just have to see how all this stuff shakes out. Intel Corp_ Santa Clara campus-by jejim via Shutterstock Over the past few years, Intel (INTC) has navigated significant headwinds, from executive turnover and foundry delays to rising investor pressure, while rivals like Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) and Nvidia (NVDA) captured marketleading gains. Yet Intels vast manufacturing footprint and deep R&D engine continue to anchor solid PC and datacenter demand. Now, Intel is winding down its inhouse automotive unit and laying off most of its staff, though it will honor existing contracts. This unit, once tasked with designing visionprocessing and advanced driverassistance systems (ADAS) chips, struggled against leaner, more specialized competitors. Moving forward, Intel plans to rely on its equity position in Mobileye (MBLY) for autonomousdriving exposure rather than funding its own capitalintensive autochip line. More News from Barchart Investors should note that exiting the autochip market frees up Intel to focus on highermargin data centers and its growing foundry services. This strategic pivot could prompt a rerating of INTC shares. About Intel Stock Based in California, Intel is a global tech company that designs and manufactures semiconductors. It focuses on client computing, data center and AI, and foundry services. It also invests in software and autonomousdriving technology through its stake in Mobileye. The company serves customers worldwide with its innovative chips and solutions and has a market cap of around $99 billion. Intel shares have plunged 28% over the past year as manufacturing delays, fierce competition, and sagging PC sales eroded confidence. However, in 2025, the stock has rebounded and is up about 12% on cost cuts, AI PC momentum, and improving data center demand, among other things. Even after the rally, Intel still trades at an attractive 1.85x forward sales, a roughly 40% discount to the 3x sector median, implying substantial upside potential if AIdriven margin recovery and foundry growth materialize. www.barchart.com Collaborating with HP to Power NextGen AI PCs Intel has recently accelerated its AI push by collaborating with OEMs like HP to deliver nextgen AI PCs, including the EliteBook X, EliteBook Ultra, and EliteBook 8, powered by Intel Core Ultra processors. These chips boost realworld apps like Power BI and Tableau by up to 48% versus prior systems. Intel is aiming to ship over 100 million AIcapable processors by yearend. WHALLONSBURG Eight community speakers informing the public on a number of topics, a sing-a-long lead by The Peoples Chorus and a Town Hall intended to enlighten voters of the 21st Congressional District by the current officeholder and an aspirant were components of the Show Up @ The Grange Town Hall Event on Saturday. The event got underway with The Peoples Chorus encouraging the attendees to sing Wade in the Water. The spiritual was used to instruct slaves hoping to obtain their freedom to hide their scent from dogs used by pursuers by walking in water. It has also referred to baptism as well as the crossing of the Red Sea. Throughout the program, several other selections were performed. When we do things together as a community it matters, said emcee J.J. Murnane. Everyone here is important. Tell your story. Others will have empathy for you. This is not a Democrat Town Hall. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whallonsburg Grange Board of Directors member Tom Duca presented a history of the inception of granges. Basically, farmers banded together to counteract the railroad magnate oligarchy which had control of the steep prices for transporting their cattle and produce. It was non-political, Duca explained. It was a united front. Many of us feel powerless. We take many things for granted. We should be calling and writing to our representatives. Get out and do some good in the world. Youll feel a lot better. Nina Matteau represented the Visibility Team, which for the past 12 weeks has been standing at the intersection of Routes 9N and 73 in Keene Valley with straightforward signs in capital letters such as SAVE MEDICARE and NO BIG UGLY BILL. Kary Johnson of Adirondack Voters for Change reminded those attending that the first words of the Declaration of Independence are, We the People. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The current administration wants our silence, Johnson said. We the People is powerful. Democracy is not a spectator sport. John Brown Lives Arts and Cultural Programming Director Anna Forsman started her remarks by saying, What would John Brown be thinking? Harriet Tubman would not let people turn back, she continued. A better world is possible. Find ways to sit back and hear each other. Bobbi Perez has been concerned about refugees and immigrants. She provided global statistics that over 120 million people are displaced. We cant do everything, but we can do something, she said. Perez then recited a version of the Camp Dudley Prayer, which emphasizes gratitude, faith and a desire to serve others. It seeks to align oneself with the power for the betterment of oneself and the community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bethany Isbell spoke of the Sons of Liberty and the response to tyrannical overreach. We will not stand by quietly, Isbell said. We want America to be a safe place for all, and we will fight for it. Essex County Democratic Party Chair Maggie Bartley explained how the candidates for the special election for the New York Congressional 21st District (which was not held) were selected. Basically, each town representative selects from a list. TOWN HALL At the Town Hall that followed the presentations, Blake Gendebien, who had been selected by a majority of town representatives over 12 other possible contenders as the Democratic nominee for the New York 21st Congressional District, was available for questions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Town Hall questions were posed by moderator Brandi Lloyd as well as members of the audience. The session started with Gendebien introducing himself and humorously stating, What do you do when your kids are out of the house? You run for Congress. He added, I know how to make people comfortable. Lloyd asked how Gendebien would be different from the incumbent. Im really for the district, he said. I care about the voters. My boys went through the public school system. When you live in a place, you want to treat it well. Concerning immigration, Gendebien said, My wife was born in Cuba. Theres room to improve border security. Washington wants to politicize it and keep us polarized. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also stressed the importance of having farm workers. Cabot cheese (where he sells much of his milk) couldnt get enough workers, he said. We need immigrants for the farms, hospitality and construction. As for tariffs and the effect on tourism, which has shown a decrease from Canada, he said, Its a valuable relationship. Our relationship has been damaged. Its ridiculous to pick a fight. Commenting on Medicaid and Medicare and the assertions concerning fraud, Gendebien commented, It is difficult to sign up in New York State. It is not a free buffet. He added, No tax breaks for the wealthy, for which he was widely applauded. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ICE was another subject for which Gendebien was questioned. Cruelty is not on my agenda, he said. We need meaningful border security. Due process is important. We need more federal judges. We cant just let people walk across the border. Compassion is not a weakness. Being an ICE agent is a difficult job. They are protecting us. We need to make legal pathways. As for an earlier comment that he knows ICE agents and they are good people doing their jobs, Gendebien was asked if he personally interacted with them concerning their jobs or just knew them. He responded that he had not, but will make an attempt to do so. Asked about the LGBTQ community, Gendebien said, There is no room for any type of discrimination or abuse of any kind. I am anti-bullying. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Murnane, invitations to attend the town hall were sent to Congresswoman Elise Stefaniks office by phone, email and mail. The person I spoke to was very polite and assured me he would contact her, said Murnane. However there were no responses to any of her attempts. A large, WHERES ELISE? sign was placed by The Visibility Team on the stage during the Town Hall. BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) Members of a task force for the search of BRECs new superintendent were named Wednesday. Members consist of business and community leaders. The agency said the task force will meet monthly. Superintendents Advisory Task Force members are: Warren Birkett Jay Campbell Jay Dardenne David Dellucci Teri Fontenot Rhoman Hardy Terrie Pelichet Sterling We are incredibly grateful to these leaders for their willingness to serve and share their time and talents. The creation of this task force is part of a broader effort to bring fresh energy, transparency, and collaboration to BRECs work across East Baton Rouge Parish, BREC Interim Superintendent Janet Simmons said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Simmons was named interim in May after former Superintendent Corey K. Wilson announced he would not be seeking a contract renewal in March. Wilson will continue working with the agency in a contracted advisory role through January 2026. Town hall meetings scheduled for summer Simmons will be hosting community town hall meetings in the parish from July to early August to talk about goals and initiatives after a bill was signed changing the makeup of the BREC Commission. Governor signs bill that lets mayors in East Baton Rouge appoint BREC board members As we work to build a stronger, more connected park system, I want to hear directly from all parts of our East Baton Rouge parish community, said Simmons. These meetings are an invitation to listen, learn, and lead together during this important transition period. Meeting schedule: Thursday, July 10: Zachary Church Street Park Tuesday, July 15: St. George Santa Maria Golf Course Clubhouse Tuesday, July 22: Central Jackson Community Park Tuesday, July 29: North Baton Rouge North Sherwood Forest Community Park Thursday, July 31: Baker T.D. Bickham Park Tuesday, Aug. 5: South Baton Rouge Milton J. Womack Park Ballroom Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The award-winning East Baton Rouge parks and recreation agency has over 170 parks in its system, including unique facilities like an observatory, swamp nature center and zoo. Latest News Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Louisiana First News. July 2 (UPI) -- Tattoos have become a form of self-expression, a means of telling the world something about yourself. Unfortunately, observers mostly misread these inky cues and misjudge the personalities of tattoo bearers, a new study says. Study participants tended to agree among themselves on what they think a tattoo says about someone, but their impressions were generally off-base, researchers report in the August issue of the Journal of Research in Personality. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "When people saw a tattoo, they tended to think at least similarly in what they assumed the person was like," said researcher William Chopik, an associate professor of psychology at Michigan State University. "However, the accuracy of these assumptions does not align with reality for most traits," he added in a news release. For the study, researchers had 274 adults with 375 tattoos fill out a questionnaire to assess their personality. The team then showed photos of the people's tattoos to a second group of 30 college students and professors, and asked them to judge the bearer's personality solely based on their tattoos. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The judges tended to agree with each other regarding what a tattoo said about a person, but those judgments rarely corresponded to the tattoo owner's self-reported personality, results show. People were consistently misjudged on their agreeableness, conscientiousness, extroversion and neuroticism, when evaluated solely on the tattoos they had. For example, people with death-related tattoos were judged to be less agreeable and more neurotic, but those observations didn't track with results from their personality inventory. There was one exception, however. People with quirky or wacky tattoos were perceived to be open to new experiences, and that evaluation proved accurate in personality tests. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those folks were accurately judged to be more open-minded, interested in seeking new experiences, and appreciative of artistic endeavors. "We were surprised to see that people accurately judged someone's openness based only on seeing a photo of a tattoo," said lead investigator Brooke Soulliere, a research associate at Michigan State, in a news release. "When people see a wacky or goofy tattoo, they assume that person is open to experience. And ... they're correct about it." A next step for future research would be to see if behavior toward tattooed people changes based on these judgments, researchers said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "For example, women with visible tattoos are less likely to be hired for supervisory positions and are offered a lower salary than peers without visible tattoos," researchers wrote. "Discrimination based on someone having tattoos is likely never acceptable," the study added. "However, as we showed, people make different judgments about different types of tattoos (even if personality was rarely related to the types of tattoos people have)." More information The University of Houston has more on tattoos in the workplace. Copyright 2025 HealthDay. All rights reserved. President Donald Trumps One Big Beautiful Bill Act is another step closer to becoming law after the U.S. Senate narrowly voted on July 1 to advance the signature legislation of Trumps second term. The massive budget reconciliation bill, which members of Congress have debated for months, could significantly impact Hoosiers through spending and tax cuts that will affect access to government programs, such as Medicaid. Independent polls in recent weeks have shown that Americans have unfavorable views of the One Big Beautiful Bill, but Indianas congressional delegation has fallen largely along party lines in voting on the legislation. Hoosier Republicans in the House and Senate have supported Trumps agenda while Democrats opposed it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before the bill heads to Trumps desk, it must pass a final vote in the House, which could begin voting on July 2. Here are four ways the bill is likely to impact Hoosiers once it is signed into law. Fewer Hoosiers could qualify for Medicaid and SNAP Thousands of Hoosiers could lose access to Medicaid, the public health insurance program for low-income Americans, and SNAP benefits under the bill. The Senate's version of the bill gradually decreases the cap on provider taxes, which are taxes paid by hospitals that Indiana relies on to fund its Medicaid expansion program, otherwise known as the Healthy Indiana Plan. In mid-June, state leaders warned that the Senate's plan to reduce the provider tax from 6% to 3.5% would make the state unable to afford the current costs of HIP. The state would have to ask the Trump administration for the flexibility to enroll fewer Hoosiers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the final days of negotiations in the Senate, lawmakers added a $50 billion fund to support rural hospitals and appease senators who were concerned about Medicaid cuts. It's unclear at this point how much Indiana would get from that $50 billion fund. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act also establishes work requirements for adults receiving Medicaid. It also expands the age limits on work requirements for adults receiving food stamps, or the federal nutrition program known as SNAP. Hoosier adults who are eligible for Medicaid must work a minimum of 80 hours a month starting in late 2026, according to the bill. It also raises the working age threshold from 55 to 64 for adults receiving food stamps, which means some older Hoosiers may have to work longer to receive nutrition assistance. More than 1.9 million Hoosiers are currently on Medicaid, according to FSSA enrollment numbers. In April 2025, more than 588,000 Hoosiers received SNAP benefits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Independent of the Medicaid provisions in federal legislation, Indiana already passed legislation seeking to institute work requirements for the Healthy Indiana Plan, which means the federal working requirements may not make a huge difference in eligibility. As of July 1, the state has yet to submit a waiver request to the federal government to establish the work requirements lawmakers approved earlier this year. An analysis of 2024 Census data from the Kaiser Family Foundation shows 72% of adults on Medicaid in Indiana are working. Saving expiring 2017 tax cuts Several provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which Congress passed during Trumps first term, expire at the end of this year, but the One Big Beautiful Bill would make those tax cuts permanent. According to the nonpartisan Tax Foundation, an expiration of the 2017 tax cuts would result in an average tax increase of $1,936 for Hoosiers starting in 2026. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the bill goes beyond the 2017 tax cuts and includes additional provisions, such as a temporary deduction for seniors and making auto loan interest deductible for vehicles made in the U.S. An analysis from the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy, another nonpartisan group, estimates that Hoosiers earning $144,000 and above would receive the largest share of tax cuts in the bill. According to the U.S. Census, the median household income in Indiana between 2019 and 2023 was around $70,000. Hoosiers with that income, per the ITEP analysis, might see about a $1,700 tax cut in 2026 from the provisions in the bill. Eliminates clean energy tax credits Hoosier homeowners that seek tax credits for clean energy upgrades will lose access to thousands of dollars in incentives under the bill. Home upgrades and improvements, such as solar panel or battery installations, can be costly, but the current 30% credit on purchases in existing law can help offset costs, advocates previously told IndyStar. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Big Beautiful Bill 101: What you need to know about Trump's tax bill Many of these existing incentives were scheduled to sunset in the 2030s, several years from now, but under the Senate-passed legislation they would expire later this year or by mid-2026. In addition to making it harder for Hoosiers to afford energy efficient upgrades, advocates previously told IndyStar they are also concerned about the impact ending these credits could have on the more than 4,000 solar jobs in the state. Short term tax breaks on tips and overtime Hoosiers who regularly work overtime hours or work in industries that receive tips may receive short-term tax benefits on those dollars under the One Big Beautiful Bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Specifically, the bill makes up to $12,500 worth of overtime pay tax deductible, or $25,000 for joint tax filers. For Hoosiers working in tipped industries, their initial $25,000 earned in tips would also be tax deductible. Both provisions would expire after 2028. Mitch Olson, one of the founders of Olson Custom Designs in Indianapolis, said in June the elimination of taxes on overtime benefits their 80 employees by putting more money in their pockets and it could help the manufacturing company grow their business. Passing along that savings back to our employees is crucial to recruit more employees and to help advance the ones we currently already have, he told reporters in June. IndyStar reporter Karl Schneider contributed to this story. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Contact IndyStar state government and politics reporter Brittany Carloni at brittany.carloni@indystar.com. Follow her on Twitter/X @CarloniBrittany. Sign up for our free weekly politics newsletter, Checks & Balances, curated by IndyStar politics and government reporters. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: How Trump's 'big bill' impacts Indiana, from Medicaid to tax cuts TAZEWELL, VA (WVNS) Tazewell County is taking control of more than $5 million in school funds after an audit revealed money the school system budgeted incorrectly. Graham Football will no longer call Mitchell Stadium home In 2023, the state of Virginia reimbursed Tazewell County Public Schools for around $7 million of Covid spending the Tazewell County Board of Supervisors had funded, according to county administrator Eric Young. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Young said this was not disclosed on financial statements or in the budget by the school system, which is required by law. This issue was discovered by an audit. In response, the county sequestered, or froze the money and finally reached an agreement with the school system on how to budget these funds. The school system will need to come to the county for that money on an as-needed basis. Some of the supervisors commented on the situation through a press release. It is sad we have to operate this way with the school system. But they tried to conceal these funds from the public and use them for an unbudgeted project. We had to learn about it from our auditors. The grant reimbursement funds the School Board received from the state were meant to come back to the county and be budgeted and appropriated by the Board of Supervisors after a public hearing as required by law. That did not happen and it appears the school system had already spent $1.7m of it on a practice field at Graham High School. So, we are going to continue to control this money tightly until we can establish some level of trust with them. Kyle Cruey, Supervisor and Vice Chair of Tazewell County For those wanting immediate additions to Graham High Schools turf field, the wait will continue. The Supervisors control the purse, while the School Board controls the schools. So, that is always an interesting dance. Fortunately, they now have agreed to use these funds to fix major problems in our school buildings first. I know the School Board wants their Graham Stadium lights right away. But the Supervisors do not want to build a stadium with this money and then have to borrow millions to keep our school buildings habitable. Eric Young, County Administrator of Tazewell County Young explained Tazewell High School and Richlands Middle School are the biggest priorities. He said structural issues at Tazewell High School will likely cost more than 1 million dollars while Richlands Middle School has some issues with water in the auditorium. One thing that we are excited about is we are doing complete renovations of all our high school restrooms. Now, if you have been in one, it is kind of sad and embarrassing. [These schools] do the best they can maintenance-wise, but you are dealing with structures that are 70 years old. 70 years of use in a restroom can take a toll. Eric Young, County Administrator, Tazewell County The budget includes improvements and projects such as: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement $2.54 million for repairs at Tazewell High School, including $1.1 million for structural support walls repairs, $440,000 for restroom renovations for restroom renovations and $1 million for replacing the heating system. $440,000 each for Graham High School and Richlands High School to fund renovations for the restrooms. $400,000 will go to paving parking areas. $1 million for a new heating system at Tazewell Middle School. $1 million from a grant to help remedy lingering flooding issues on Richlands campus. $220,000 is set aside for security doors in all schools. Storm relief grant applications now available to help homeowners rebuild in Tazewell County We are very concerned about the environment that our children learn in and our teachers work in. We feel like that is very important and we have to keep our focus on keeping them safe and dry and having good facilities to operate. We feel like that is the the highest and best use of taxpayer dollars. Eric Young, County Administrator, Tazewell County 59News reached out to Tazewell County Public Schools for comment but have not gotten a response at this time. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WVNS. ELIZABETHTON, Tenn. (WJHL) The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) celebrated the reopening of the Broad Street Bridge in Elizabethton on Wednesday afternoon. It was a day more than nine months in the making after Hurricane Helene struck and made the bridge structurally unsafe. Workers removed barriers, and the Broad Street Bridge welcomed traffic once again. TDOT Chief Engineer Will Reid was in charge of the rebuilding plans. He says crews put in extra time to keep the bridges look. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Honestly, anytime you have a rebuild of an existing structure, its frankly harder than to build one new, he said. So you take extra care to preserve the historical nature of the bridge. You can see the railing on this bridge. Theres a lot of aesthetic features that you have to take into account, so you have to preserve those during the construction process. A lot of Helene recovery work, including the bridge in Elizabethton, is said to have been made possible by the Transportation Modernization Act. Senator Rusty Crowe said it helped jump-start the rebuild. Tennessee is one of those very few states that doesnt borrow money for roads. We pay as we go, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement How are we going to do this? How do we do it quickly enough to get projects like this done? he and his colleagues wondered. But we had to do something, especially for the bigger cities. And little did we know we would have to do things like this. Senator Becky Massey chairs the Senate Transportation Committee. She said the transportation act set aside money for bigger cities was matched for smaller areas. It put $3 billion in the road building fund to kind of front-end, basically, some projects in the big cities. And then that would give us some money to match here in the communities in the rural and suburban areas. And then by doing the alternative build model, that also helps fast-track projects, it makes them go quicker. So were glad it did. Elizabethton was one of the recipients of that fast-tracked money, and through meticulous work, allowed a historical bridge to once again open to drivers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Teamsters strike gets heated amid accusations of tire slashing, violence at Revere worksite The Teamsters Local 25 union says theyre fighting for better wages and benefits in its contract with Republic Services, and the strike got heated on Day 1. Trash, recycling workers represented by Teamsters go on strike in several Mass. communities Republic Services says some of the workers caused safety concerns near its Revere location Tuesday. We condemn the dangerous actions today by the Teamsters and their outside agitators. They slashed tires on occupied vehicles, harassed drivers serving customers, threatened employees and sabotaged trucks. This isnt negotiatingits criminal behavior, said a Republic Services spokesperson. These reckless actions demonstrate a blatant disregard for safety and public welfare. True leadership would prioritize responsible dialogue over dangerous street tactics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Revere Police say they took reports of vandalism on July 1 around 2:30 a.m. According to Interim Chief of Police Maria LaVita, three vehicles were keyed and a Republic Services Manager believed the damage was caused by striking Republic Services employees. Chief LaVita said there were two additional reports of tires being slashed. The Teamsters union didnt directly respond to these allegations Tuesday night, but earlier in the day, their General President released a statement. If your rubbish is piling up on the Fourth of July, remember whos responsible for it: the white-collar criminals who run Republic Services, said Sean OBrien, Teamsters General President. Republic Teamsters didnt start this fight, but we will finish it. Our members will do whatever it takes to finally get the respect theyre owed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile the trash is piling up in towns like Peabody. Its very upsetting actually, very upsetting, said Katiuscia Freitis, a Peabody resident. Its really hot and everything and were going to have a bad smell everywhere. First its the smell, next its the rodents. The racoons and all the animals, its going to be bad like especially the flies, oh my God, said Freitis. Its not just Peabody. Trash barrels were left out on sidewalks with no workers to pick them up Tuesday in more than a dozen towns outside Boston, from Peabody to Revere to Arlington and Canton after 450 Republic Services workers walked off the job. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think everybodys just hoping that it gets resolved soon, said Joe Rosario, who lives in Peabody. Homeowners are now trying to figure out what to do with the garbage, not knowing when this strike will end. Its a little frustrating hopefully we dont make too much trash, so we can probably manage for a few days, you know as long as you keep the trash covered, said Rosario. Republic Services says it remains committed to fair negotiations to come to an agreement on these contracts. Meanwhile these local cities and towns affected are trying to figure out other ways to collect that trash while this strike continues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW Footage aired on state media Monday showed dictator Kim Jong Un getting emotional as he mourned over the coffin of North Korean troops reportedly killed while fighting for Russia in its war with Ukraine. The footage, released by Korean Central Television and reported by South Koreas Yonhap News Agency, showed Kim placing a North Korean flag on a casket. The images aired as part of a cultural performance Sunday at the East Pyongyang Grand Theater, held to mark the one-year anniversary of North Koreas "comprehensive strategic partnership" treaty with Moscow. Satellite Images Reveal North Korea's Mangled Naval Destroyer After Failed Launch A large screen displays North Korean leader Kim Jong Un mourning over a flag-draped coffin during a concert at the East Pyongyang Grand Theater, shown in state media footage released June 30. Kim, joined by Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui, was shown standing beside the coffin, hands pressed on it and lips tightly closed. Kim Jong Un Left Fuming After North Koreas New Destroyer Damaged In Failed Launch North Korean leader Kim Jong Un appears emotional while watching a performance during a cultural event in Pyongyang, as seen in footage aired by Korean Central Television on June 30. Yonhap reported that other images in the broadcast included photos of North Korean soldiers alongside Russian troops, as well as a bloodstained notebook allegedly recovered from the battlefield in Russias Kursk region. The notebook reportedly contained a message that read, "The decisive moment has finally come," and, "Let us bravely fight this sacred battle with the boundless love and trust bestowed upon us by our beloved Supreme Commander," referring to Kim. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un stands during a joint North Korea-Russia cultural event in Pyongyang, in this image broadcast by state media and released June 30. Read On The Fox News App Original article source: Tearful Kim Jong Un seen mourning North Korean troops killed fighting for Russia in war against Ukraine An 18-year-old French man suspected of planning attacks on women has been charged in the country's first case of a terror plot linked to the misogynist "incel" movement, officials said on Wednesday. According to a source close to the investigation, the suspect, Timothy G., was arrested on Friday by the DGSI security service near a public high school in the southeastern city of Saint-Etienne. According to sources close to the case, the suspect was arrested with two knives in his bag and identified himself as a member of the "incel," or involuntary celibate, subculture. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The "incel" movement is an internet subculture rife with misogyny, with men tending to blame women and feminism for their romantic failings. They typically target those who they see as attractive or sexually active women. The National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor's Office (PNAT) said that an investigation had been opened on Tuesday "against an 18-year-old man claiming to be part of the 'incel' movement". The man has been charged with terrorist conspiracy with a view to preparing one or more crimes against persons and imprisoned, the PNAT said. The involvement of anti-terror prosecutors appears to indicate that French authorities recognise this form of gender-based violence as terrorism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Tuesday evening, Timothy G. appeared before a judge who remanded him in custody. He looked shy and had an almost hairless face and a slender build, according to an AFP journalist. His lawyer Maria Snitsar described him as "a teenager who is suffering, not a fighter preparing for action". According to one of the sources close to the case, the teenager, who wanted to become an engineer, was a fan of misogynist videos on social media, particularly short-video app TikTok. According to another source close to the case, this is the first time the PNAT has been called upon to investigate a man who exclusively identifies as part of the "incel" subculture. The concept had previously appeared only marginally in at least two cases handled by the anti-terrorism prosecutor's office. gd-as/ah/jm Foreign Desk editor-in-chief Lisa Daftari warned that the Islamic Republic remains committed to its long war with Israel and the West. During the 12 days of war between Iran and Israel, many analysts expressed concerns that Iran might shut down the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway that handles 20% of global oil shipments. Iranian officials warned of a potential shutdown, but those warnings eventually fell flat: not only did the strait remain open, but the threats themselves had significantly less of an effect on global markets than many had feared. In an interview with The Media Lines Felice Friedson, Middle East analyst Lisa Daftari explained how the lackluster response to the threat reveals Irans slipping influence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My favorite reaction was by the Chinese leader who said, don't. That was his reaction, Daftari, who serves as editor-in-chief of The Foreign Desk, said. And that was the level of his engagement in this entire conflict was, don't. And I really appreciated that because it kind of put into context, again, that the regime is so isolated that even their best friends who are about to buy oil about to make them rich again, basically are giving them a slap on the wrist and saying, don't even think about escalating this war to that because you're going to be upsetting the global markets. We're not about to sign on to that. Similarly, Daftari finds the worries some have that Irans allies might supply it with a nuclear weapon to be overblown, given how limited its allies support was during the war. China and Russia did not come to its aid at all, she said. Even Hezbollah, its own pet project that it gifted 150,000 missiles to, didn't come to its aid. Therefore, they're alone, they're isolated. This was a great opportunity to truly diminish, if not get rid of this regime. As far back as the regimes founding in 1979, the Islamic Republic has sought out proxies to spread its vision of Shiite Islam. They created their terror proxies, they created Hezbollah in Lebanon, and then we see Hamas in Gaza, the West Bank, you see Palestinian-Islamic Jihad that is supported by them. More recently, the Houthis in Yemen, insurgencies in Iraq and Syria, she said. And of course, their major presence in South America, at the footrest of the United States, wanting to have access to our continent here. She noted that the strategy of proxy warfare serves both offensive and defensive purposes for Iran. Offensively, the proxies allow them to spread their agenda and target the big Satan and the little Satanthe United States and Israel. Defensively, maintaining proxies allows Iran to keep the war away from its borders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israels recent military campaign struck hard at the heart of this strategy, Daftari said. Israel, with its military capabilities, has diminished its major proxies, the Houthis, Hezbollah, and Hamas. Now they brought the war to Iranian soil because of the existential threat that the Iran regime presents to Israel, she explained. She described the conflict as a climax of the October 7 war, but cautioned that it does not signal the end of the threat Iran poses to the region and beyond. For Israel, the security and to make sure that Iran does not have a nuclear weapon is a 24/7 job, she said. And it's not something that ended with this 12-day war, although there were many, many achievements to be celebrated. A lot of progress was made. Most important, she said, is that the regimes leaders have been put on warning. If this should happen again, if they should go forward again, we know that both Israel and the United States are on the same page. Zero tolerance for a nuclear weapon to be in the hands of the mullahs, she said. Is Iran still a nuclear threat? Despite major accomplishments, questions remain over the status of Irans nuclear infrastructure, particularly its stores of enriched uranium. Daftari expressed no illusions that the war had reduced Irans uranium stock to zeromeaning that the regime is likely still on the path toward achieving a nuclear weapon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We had said even during the war, even before that, that any residual would probably mean that they would march forward, she said. Because even if we killed their nuclear program or their enrichment, we didn't kill their motivation and their desire to have a nuclear weapon. For this regime, having a nuclear weapon is self-preservation. Understanding Irans internal logic regarding self-preservation is essential, she said. They are sadistic, not suicidal. They want to remain in power. And knowing that is very important for the Western world in moving forward, she explained. Daftari also suggested that the timing of the ceasefireshortly before the NATO summitmay have limited the campaigns effectiveness. President Donald Trump likely wanted to bring the war to an end by the time the organization met, she said. No one in this equation wanted an escalation, she said. The Iran regime certainly didn't. They were getting their butts kicked. Israel didn't want an escalation, but they did want to finish a defensive campaign. And the United States certainly didn't want this to escalate. So with that being said, the United States caught everybody at a moment where everyone was pressured into a ceasefire. Now, does that mean that Israel's campaign was finished? No. Does that mean that we got them down to zero capabilities? No. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She voiced frustration with media portrayals of the operation, with critics questioning its efficacy. One of the most upsetting things, or it's just disappointing to watch, is the pool of reporters that are attacking Pete Hegseth and attacking Donald Trump over the accomplishments of this campaign, she said. Now, regardless of whether we took out 40%, 60%, 80%, the United States got involved because this is a core national security issue for the United States. Now, where is the unity in that? Where is the rallying around the flag like we saw on September 11? These are the talking points of the mullahs right here in the media pool at the White House or at the Pentagon, she continued. And it is so crazy to watch. I'm not saying reporters have to be blind and close their eyes and say America is the best. That's not it at all. We are trained to push back. We are trained to ask the important questions. But to take the position of, you know, We failed, we're the worst. This was in vain. We invaded a sovereign nation for no reason. It's so misled. As Daftari sees it, President Trumps actions during the war represent his strategic effectiveness. I used to criticize Donald Trump for being too blunt, for saying everything up front, she said. And in this war, he said two weeksit was two hours when he got involved in the strikes. He kind of diverted everybody, including the Iran regime. Now, I think it's smart. We haven't seen this kind of political power play from him, using political warfare as a tool, using messaging as a tool. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Where critics were perplexed by President Trumps willingness to enter into direct negotiations with Iran after himself pulling out of the last Iran deal, Daftari saw a strategic balancing act between diplomacy and force. That kind of attempted diplomacy, and then following it up with military actionI think it was a smart move to have all options on the table, she said. You're dealing with an enemy that uses a lot of asymmetrical political warfare. Prior to the war with Israel, Irans uranium enrichment progressed slowly and discreetly. In the wake of the Israeli strikes, though, it may choose to pick up the pace. Daftari said her immediate response to news of the ceasefire was the sense that Israel must be prepared to act if it learns Iran has resumed attempts to create a nuclear weapon. The pace at which the Iran regime was working before was at a snail's pace. Why? Because they wanted to stay under the radar, she said. The fact that they set up 12 sites, the fact that they went underground, the fact that they had 13-foot concrete walls, all because they wanted to move slowly and undetected. Now that might not be the case. And that is something, again, for Israel and the United States to watch. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many in the Iranian diaspora celebrated the chance to get rid of the regime, Daftari said. She recalled being in Paris when the war broke out, watching pro-monarchy Iranians wave both Israeli flags and flags of pre-revolutionary Iran. So these Iranians who are of moderate Muslim descent holding the old Iranian flag with the lion and the sun and holding Israeli flags, one in each hand, and praising [Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu] for the attacks because they feel that by diminishing the regime's assets, nuclear and military, that they can come one step closer to regime change, she said. Celebrations in the diaspora reflected a nuanced stance, she said. They said, no, we're not celebrating war, but we are happy that the killers of our children are being killed. And that just really paints that very complex issue that the Iranian people have, looking to Israel, she explained. While Iranians abroad celebrate the potential fall of the regime, Iranians still living in the Islamic Republic are facing a harsh internal crackdown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That's what happens when you wound the snake and you don't kill the snake, Daftari said. A wounded snake will now come back to bite the people, and that is exactly what we saw. She said the Jewish community in Iranestimated at around 9,000is particularly vulnerable. According to reports, members of the Jewish community have faced threats, arrests, and home invasions, which Daftari characterized as nothing new for the Jewish community living inside Iran. Reporting on Irans Jewish community raises dilemmas, since publicity can sometimes endanger lives. At the same time, Daftari said, bringing attention to cases of religious persecution can have real impact. She recalled one instance when her reporting on two Christians imprisoned in Iran led the regime to release them. Many religious minorities in Iran face persecution, including Jews, Bahais, and Christiansespecially those who converted to Christianity from Islam. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Daftari detailed a long list of those currently targeted by the regime. So many people are under fire right now, whether it's the political dissidents, those who are against the regime, those who dare to organize against the regime, college students, she said. She noted that many pro-Islamic Republic college students in the West fail to recognize the contradiction of supporting a regime that represses its own students. I wish the Western world would connect the dots and understand the irony in that and how we are being manipulated and how they are conducting their political warfare campaigns here on American soil, she said. Had the war continued beyond 12 days, Daftari said, the Iranian people may have been positioned to rise up. The Iranian people felt as though, had this continued further, they would have been in a better place or better positioned, she said. During the 12 days, here was minimal access to internet, blackouts to keep the people off the streets. The fear of the Iran regimemore than the United States, more than being fearful of Israel or its militaryis fear that the Iranian people should rise up in a grassroots movement and to have a revolution. Shortly before the ceasefire was declared, Iran carried out a largely symbolic attack on the Al-Udeid US air base in Qatar, which, according to Daftari, was meant to save face in the wake of the American strikes. The Qataris knew about it, America knew about it. Obviously, the Iran regime did not want it to be anything more than what it was. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement she said. But then they go back to the people and they say, You know what, we showed them. Anyone who sees the strike on the US air base as the sum of Irans retaliation is mistaken, Daftari said. She noted that Iranians are keenly aware that the conflict is far from over, as are many in the Arab world. The modern Arab world that has grown closer to Israel is waiting for the backlash of October 7 to die down so they can become signatory to the Abraham Accord, so they can have more prosperity and be part of a modern and moderate Middle East moving forward, she said. So the one thing that is standing in everyone's way is this regime and its ability to sell oil, its ability to rake in money, its ability to put money into its proxies. And again, going forward, we have not solved any one of those problems. Prime Minister Netanyahu recently stated that the conclusion of the war could create new opportunities for additional Middle Eastern countries to join the Abraham Accords. President Trump also seems to share those aspirations. The Trump administration is very keen to get a win in the Middle East, Daftari said. They don't want to come out, again, looking like they promoted a war. They want to come out like they are the ones creating deals, and good deals, and deals that lead to peace and prosperity, which the Abraham Accords did. Daftari, who played a role in the original Abraham Accords in 2020, said that attending the signing ceremony of the normalization agreements was one of the most meaningful moments of my life. That was such a myth buster for those who have covered the Middle East to say, wow, we can work around the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. We can move around these generations old tropes and animosities to have these deals, she said. And I do think it's the way of the future. Saudi Arabia will likely take its time before normalizing relations with Israel, she said. The Saudis are going to hold back for a while because it's too soon for them. They have to show some sort of solidarity with the Palestinians and the Arab world in that sense, she explained. But I do think we're going to have a few smaller countries sign as a symbolic move forward, because there has to be a momentum for the Abraham Accords. I do think that one day we will lead up to the Cyrus Accords, which is a deal between the Iranian people and the Israelis. Why not? They have more in common than anyone else in the Middle East, Daftari continued. These are people who have had a long history of collaboration. They have had a history of friendship. And I think moving forward, there's no reason to stop that. We just have one obstacle in the way, and that obstacle is sitting in Tehran. By Leika Kihara TOKYO (Reuters) -Confidence among large Japanese manufacturers improved in the three months to June, a central bank survey showed, as firms maintained their bullish long-term spending plans, unfazed by the immediate potential hit from steep U.S. tariffs. However, manufacturers slashed their profit estimates and expect business conditions to worsen three months ahead, the closely watched "tankan" survey showed on Tuesday, suggesting firms see pain from U.S. tariffs deepening later this year. Sentiment among big non-manufacturers worsened slightly as some companies worried about rising labour costs, the impact of higher prices on domestic consumption and softening demand for luxury goods among overseas tourists. The survey suggests the world's fourth-largest economy remains relatively resilient, even with increasing global trade uncertainty. It will be one of the data points the Bank of Japan scrutinises at its next policy meeting on July 30-31. "The Q2 Tankan survey showed that the economy is holding up well despite trade tensions, which supports our view that the Bank of Japan will resume its tightening cycle before the end of the year," said Marcel Thieliant, head of Asia-Pacific at Capital Economics. The headline index measuring big manufacturers' business confidence stood at +13 in June, up from +12 in March and beating a median market forecast for a reading of +10. While some firms complained about the hit from U.S. tariffs, others saw profits improve as they passed on rising costs, said a BOJ official briefing reporters on the survey. By contrast, an index gauging big non-manufacturers' sentiment edged down to +34 from +35 in March with companies citing a hit to profits from rising labour costs. Both big manufacturers and non-manufacturers expect business conditions to worsen three months ahead, the tankan showed. Japan's economy, which shrank an annualised 0.2% in the first quarter due to weak consumption, is bracing for further pain as U.S. tariffs hurt exports. Tokyo has so far failed to convince U.S. President Donald Trump's administration to scrap a 25% tariff on Japanese cars and a 24% tariff on other Japanese imports paused until July 9. Trump expressed frustration with U.S.-Japan trade negotiations on Monday, dampening prospects of a near-term deal. PROFIT HIT Corporate activity is holding up, at least for now. Big companies expect to increase capital expenditure by 11.5% in the current fiscal year ending in March 2026, up from a 3.1% gain projected in March and above a market forecast for a 10.0% rise. Jimmy Swaggart, influential televangelist and longtime leader of Jimmy Swaggart Ministries, has died at 90. His family announced the unfortunate news. Known for his global ministry, gospel music, and public scandals, Swaggart remained a prominent figure in evangelical circles for decades. Now, many are eager to learn about the circumstances surrounding the death of Jimmy Swaggart. Heres what we know so far about Jimmy Swaggarts death. Jimmy Swaggart cause of death explained Rev. Jimmy Swaggart has passed away at the age of 90. His family confirmed his death on Tuesday, July 1, stating that he finished his earthly race and entered into the presence of His Savior, Jesus Christ. Swaggart died weeks after suffering cardiac arrest at his home in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. His death was announced publicly via Facebook. No official cause of death has been provided. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Family Worship Center Church will host funeral services for Swaggart. The public can attend a viewing on Saturday, July 12, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and a celebration of life service on Sunday, July 13, at 6 p.m. Swaggart began preaching full-time in 1958, and the Assemblies of God ordained him in 1961. He launched his television ministry in 1975, and by 1985, his broadcasts reached nearly two million households across the U.S. He authored nearly 50 Christian books and sold over 15 million gospel records. As a cousin of Jerry Lee Lewis and Mickey Gilley, he earned a Grammy nomination for his music. Sex scandals overshadowed Swaggarts career. In 1988, the Assemblies of God defrocked him after authorities caught him with a prostitute and he refused to complete the mandated rehabilitation program. I have sinned against you, he told his congregation in a televised apology. In 1991, police detained him in California with another prostitute. He continued preaching even as his audience declined. Swaggart remained senior pastor at Family Worship Center and continued broadcasting through SonLife Radio and TV networks. He was joined in ministry by his son Donnie Swaggart. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His wife Frances, his son Donnie, several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extended family members survive Swaggart. Originally reported by Vritti Johar on ComingSoon.net. The post Televangelist Jimmy Swaggart Passes Away at 90 appeared first on Mandatory. Screenshots of an email obtained by the Arizona Mirror sent to clients of Tempe-based Crisis Preparation and Recovery Inc. alerting them to an email that exposed other clients email addresses as the result of phishing attack. A Tempe-based behavioral health company was the victim of a phishing attack, and in the process of warning clients about an email sent from one of their accounts with malicious links, inadvertently exposed client information, the Arizona Mirror has learned. On June 23, clients of Crisis Preparation and Recovery Inc. received a spam email from one of the companys email accounts that had been compromised via a phishing attack, according to a follow-up email sent by the company. One of the companys clients provided the email to the Mirror. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Phishing attacks are when a person tricks someone, often through malicious links in an email, into giving up username and password information in order to gain access to accounts. The scammers then use those credentials to get other personal information, such as credit cards or banking information. Attackers use emails, text messages or even fake websites to achieve this goal. The CPR email account that had been compromised sent out an email with the subject line Request for Proposal that included malicious links . The breach was discovered by CPRs IT team, who sent out a follow-up email warning to recipients of the spam email. However, when warning other users of that account, the follow-up message inadvertently revealed the email addresses of other external recipients, according to the email shared with the Mirror. While we are aware of the phishing attempt, our legal and compliance teams have reviewed the situation and confirmed that there was no HIPAA breach, a CPR spokesperson said in an email to the Mirror. We appreciate your interest in ensuring public accountability and transparency. Should that status change or if additional findings arise, we will follow all appropriate notification procedures in accordance with applicable law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under federal law, any company that has HIPAA related information must notify the secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services within 60 days or by the end of the calendar year. If the breach impacted more than 500 people, that information must be made public. Follow up questions on how many people may have been affected by the phishing attempt and the follow-up email went unreturned. In the email provided to the Mirror, CPR said it had secured the impacted account, enhanced internal email security measures and provided additional HIPAA and cybersecurity training for their employees. In its email to clients about the breach, CPR said recipients should permanently delete the emails. The company also recommended they change passwords. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CPR has made headlines in recent months, as it has planned to close two outpatient clinic facilities and lay off 73 employees. The Office of Health and Human Services Office of Civil Rights did not respond to a request for comment for this story. Anyone who believes they may have been impacted by a data breach can file a complaint with HHS OCR. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE A new Tennessee law aims to combat bullying by targeting teenagers where it may hurt the most: revoking their ability to drive. The legislation, which took effect Tuesday, allows courts to suspend for up to a year the drivers licenses of minors found guilty of bullying or cyberbullying. Bullying can cause long-term harm that results in mental health problems later in a persons life. Most acts of violence and suicides are noted as the result of being bullied. I simply got tired of nothing being done to stop bullying, State Rep. Lowell Russell, who sponsored the bill, told CNN in a statement. The measure, which passed with overwhelming bipartisan support, has been hailed by supporters as a step to address a pervasive problem. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russell explained the driving restrictions will be enforced in two ways. The court will notify the Tennessee Department of Safety to prevent a drivers license from being issued to anyone found guilty of bullying in a court of law. Or if they are caught driving on a suspended license, they will receive additional penalties, he said. The law allows some flexibility for first-time offenders. Teens who lose their licenses may apply for a restricted one, allowing them to drive to everyday destinations such as school, work or church. However, the process involves several steps: teens must apply within 10 days of the courts decision, pay a $20 application fee, meet age requirements, and pass necessary driving tests. They must then obtain judicial approval, which will specify exactly when and where they are permitted to drive. Scott Payne, outreach and support manager for the Contact Care Line. - WVLT I think its great that the state is stepping up to try to do something about bullying, Scott Payne, a manager for Contact Care Line, a Knoxville-based social services organization, told CNN affiliate WVLT. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, Payne urged the need to consider measures that go beyond penalties. I would like to see, going forward, movement towards working with the bullies, he said. Bullies arent just born. They dont just pop up. Theyre products of their environment. So we need to be talking with them and finding out whats going on in their lives thats bringing about this type of behavior from them. The new legislation builds on Tennessees previous efforts to combat bullying. In 2024, lawmakers clarified the states definitions of bullying and cyberbullying, aiming to prevent the violence and suicides often linked to these behaviors. I certainly hope its a move that helps people seek help, Payne said. Seeking help is a strength, not a weakness. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX) Residents of U.S. Rep. Jeff Hurds Congressional District 3 are staging a sit-in Wednesday at the freshman representatives Grand Junction office on Wednesday as part of a protest over a controversial bill. Grand Junction Indivisible, Montrose and Ouray Counties Indivisible, Mountain Action Indivisible and CD3 constituents are doing this to pressure Hurd into voting no on President Donald Trumps Big Beautiful Bill. Jeff Hurd The sit-in got testy as security in the building attempted to get the protestors to leave. The Grand Junction Police Department was even called in after a security officer allegedly tried to grab a protesters phone, according to our reporter on the scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police confirmed they were allowed to be there and security backed off. This protest will last all day and go into Friday, according to Mallory Martin of Indivisible Grand Junction. Republicans in Congress are selling us out to help billionaires like Elon Musk get even richer, Martin said. Their tax-scam budget bill includes trillions of dollars in cuts to SNAP, Medicaid, and other essential programs in order to fund more than $4.5 trillion in tax cuts to the ultra-rich and big corporations. Were showing up in person at Rep. Hurds office to urge him to do the right thing and vote NO on this shameful and destructive bill. On Tuesday, the bill narrowly passed out of the Senate, with Vice President JD Vance casting the deciding vote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Colorado lawmakers voiced their dismay with the outcome. Sen. John Hickenlooper called the bill pure lunacy and downright cruel. WesternSlopeNow has reached out to Hurds office for comment. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WesternSlopeNow.com. Tesla faces the possibility of fines after a French agency found the company had used "deceptive commercial practices." What's happening? France's agency for fraud prevention and consumer protection says Tesla's subsidiary in the country committed "deceptive commercial practices regarding the fully autonomous driving capabilities of Tesla vehicles, the availability of certain options, and vehicle trade-in offers," Agence France-Presse reported in late June. A number of consumer complaints are said to have prompted the investigation into the electric vehicle pioneer between 2023 and 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The agency found that Tesla also committed numerous other violations, according to AFP, including delays in refunding canceled orders and incomplete sales contracts. The company was given four months to stop the cited practices or face daily fines of $58,000 USD, the agency said. Why is this notable? Fully autonomous cars have been intended to be central to Tesla's future. Chief executive officer Elon Musk said as much during the company's first-quarter results call earlier this year, specifying that he expects "millions of Teslas operating autonomously, fully autonomously, in the second half of next year." So far, however, that plan has hit some speed bumps. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After delays, Tesla's much-anticipated robotaxi service launched in late June in Austin, Texas. But the launch came with several glitches, including vehicles dropping passengers off in the middle of multi-lane roads. The company also faces stiff competition in the autonomous space. Most notably, Waymo is already providing driverless rides in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Phoenix, Atlanta, and Austin. This also isn't Tesla's first piece of troubling news out of France this year, as the automaker's sales have plummeted in the country. In April, Tesla's sales in France were down 59%, compared to April 2024 a trend the company has seen across Europe. What can be done about this? Any news that might make buyers second-guess purchasing an EV could be concerning to clean energy advocates, many of whom continue to stress the role of sustainable transportation in supporting a global transition to renewable sources. If you were going to purchase an EV, which of these factors would be most important to you? Cost Battery range Power and speed The way it looks Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Fortunately, even though Tesla's numbers have slumped, global EV sales continue to see gains. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a buyer, now may be the perfect time to switch from a gas-powered vehicle to an EV. Not only do electric cars produce zero tailpipe pollution and roughly half as much pollution total, making them considerably better for the environment and human health, but they're also becoming more affordable in many parts of the world. And a variety of options on the market now means consumers could have more choices in purchasing the vehicle that's right for them. 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. TEXARKANA, Texas (KETK) A 29-year-old Texarkana mother was arrested on Sunday after leaving her children alone for nearly five hours at home, which later caught on fire. Mugshot of Hilda Xona Cojoc, courtesy of the Bowie County Jail. According to the Texarkana Police Department, at around 12:50 p.m., officials responded to a fire in the 1900 block of Walnut Street, where they saw flames shooting from the roof. A neighbor was able to get the two boys out to safety across the street. Criminal investigation underway against Union Grove superintendent, student Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As officials spoke to the children, they found out that their mother, Hilda Xona Cojoc, had left them alone since 8 a.m. to go to work, leaving the children alone for about five hours. Officers contacted Cojoc and came straight home, but because of the danger the children were in, she was arrested. She was taken to the Bi-State jail with a bond later set at $150,000, and the children were taken to Childrens Protective Services. Were just incredibly grateful this didnt turn into something even worse, the Texarkana Police Department said. This could have been ended in absolute tragedy. You can now stream KETK and FOX51 News live 24/7 on your smart TV with KETK+, our brand-new app! No antenna, cable, or satellite neededwatch for free, anytime. Just download it on your Roku, Apple TV, or Fire TV and start streaming. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. TYLER, Texas (KETK) During this years legislative session, Texas lawmakers created several new laws to amplify the fight against financial crimes, including the expansion of the Texas Financial Crimes Intelligence Center. Student athletes sue SFA for discrimination after womens sports teams eliminated The expansion is developing more opportunities for the center to combat financial crimes related to card skimmers, fuel theft and payment fraud. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The more we delve into this, its kind of like a Pandoras Box, Texas Financial Crimes Intelligence Center Director Adam Colby said. The more energy we put into the fight, the more we uncover, and it just seems to be nonstop. In Senate Bill One, Texas lawmakers quadrupled the centers funding, allowing for major expansion across the state and taking their team from 15 people to 41. The legislature saw fit to more than double our staff and quadruple our budget in order to put a lot more people on board, Colby said. UPDATE: BlueCross BlueShield, CHRISTUS Health extend contract amid healthcare dispute Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Texas lawmakers also passed several other bills to assist in the fight against financial crimes. SB 2371 creates an oversight for all types of skimming and payment terminals, skimming devices, Colby said. Senate Bill 1499 reclassifies check fraud and electronic fund transfers as fraud. SB 1497, so that exempts skimming devices from having to obtain a search warrant to download, Colby said. Several other bills were approved as well that will help remove barriers from the Texas Financial Crimes Intelligence Center so they can pinpoint their focus on protecting Texans and stopping even more financial crimes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alabama-Coushatta Tribe named 2025 East Texans of the Year by DETCOG Our mission is to be the primary repository for intelligence related to organized financial crime in the state of Texas, and to prevent as much crime as we can, Colby said. You can now stream KETK and FOX51 News live 24/7 on your smart TV with KETK+, our brand-new app! No antenna, cable, or satellite neededwatch for free, anytime. Just download it on your Roku, Apple TV, or Fire TV and start streaming. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. TEXAS (KTAL/KMSS) The East Texas Food Bank (ETFB) is expressing concern about an increase in food insecurity after the Senate version of the budget reconciliation bill passed on Tuesday. In a continued effort to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse in social aid programs, the bill is projected to reduce $186 billion from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP. These cuts would drastically alter the program and shift billions in costs to state budgets, including Texass. Cuts to SNAP will only deepen food insecurity in our region, which already exceeds the state average, said David Emerson, CEO of the East Texas Food Bank. Slashing SNAP will push even more families into crisis, especially in rural areas like East Texas, where the program is a critical lifeline. These cuts will have immediate and devastating consequences more empty refrigerators, more hungry children, and more impossible choices between food, medicine, and rent. The ripple effects will hit local economies hard, stalling recovery and deepening poverty. We urge lawmakers to act now protect and strengthen SNAP before more lives are put at risk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SNAP cuts cause worry for Louisiana farmers, food banks SNAP, formerly known as Food Stamps, became a program that is 100% federally funded after President Lyndon Johnson passed the Food Stamp Act in 1964, guaranteeing that Americans in need of assistance would have it available. Many envision abject poverty or worse, those seeking to outright abuse the program by receiving benefits they are unqualified for; however, many SNAP recipients are people who find themselves in financial hardship due to economic downturns that cause spikes in unemployment or natural disasters that lead to power outages or physical displacement. If enacted, this bill would represent the largest rollback of food assistance in U.S. history, said Celia Cole, CEO of Feeding Texas, the state association of food banks. The consequences would be profound and devastating. Millions of Americans, including children, seniors, veterans, and working families, could go hungry. In addition to the significant and undue harm for vulnerable Americans, the bill also deals a blow to farmers, grocers, and our state and local economies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawmakers in Texas and other states will be forced to grapple with ways to raise new revenue, divert funds from other essential services like education, healthcare, or public safety, or increase the suffering of Texas families that are already struggling to make ends meet and fight food insecurity. Because Texas must balance its budget annually, these new obligations would force lawmakers to either raise new revenue, divert funds from other essential services such as education, healthcare, or public safety, or make the difficult decision to reduce SNAP benefits for food-insecure Texans. Several policy changes in the bill will also limit access to food. Expanded Work Requirements: The bill would subject more seniors (up to age 65) and parents (with children as young as 14) to a harsh three-month time limit unless they can document 20 hours of work per week. It also eliminates exemptions for veterans, people experiencing homelessness, and former foster youth from the time limit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Elimination of SNAP-Ed: The bill would fully eliminate SNAP-Ed, an evidence-based program that helps state agencies, food banks, and other local organizations provide nutrition education to thousands of Texas families. Limits to the Thrifty Food Plan: By restricting future updates to the Thrifty Food Planthe formula used to calculate SNAP benefitsthe bill would depress benefit levels for years to come, making it harder for families to afford groceries. The news release from Feeding Texas said food banks across the state are already stretched thin, and there has been a surge in demand that was not seen since the height of the pandemic. With the cost of everything slowly climbing they say Texans will have to make even tougher cuts to their budgets. From seniors on fixed incomes to veterans seeking employment to parents trying to feed their children, the need is urgentand growing, Cole said. The Senates proposal would only deepen this crisis, and food banks do not have the resources to fill the gap. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The statewide network of 20 food banks and over 3,000 local partners, including faith-based organizations, is united in their plea to urge members of the House to stop the bill. Texas food banks are united in our plea: We urge members of the House to stop this bill from moving forward, to reject these harmful provisions in conference negotiations, and to protect the integrity of SNAP for the millions of Americans who rely on it, Cole said. A federal budget should reflect our nations shared values of dignity, opportunity, and a commitment to ensuring that no one in this country goes hungry. Lawmakers must come together to craft a more balanced and compassionate path forwardone that protects access to food for all. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTALnews.com. The Brief A La Pryor man, Joshua Lee Balderas, was sentenced to 120 years in federal prison for his role in a 2022 human smuggling and kidnapping operation. Balderas and his co-conspirator held seven migrants captive in San Antonio hotel rooms, ransoming them to their families for thousands of dollars. Victims testified that Balderas brandished firearms and sexually assaulted one woman during their captivity. SAN ANTONIO, Texas - A La Pryor man was sentenced to 120 years in federal prison on Tuesday for his role in a 2022 kidnapping and human smuggling operation that resulted in serious injury and danger to migrants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Joshua Lee Balderas, 33, received the maximum sentence of 20 years on each of two counts related to harboring migrants, and 80 years for conspiracy to kidnap. The sentences are to run consecutively. Illegal Migrants Kidnapped The backstory According to court documents, Balderas and others transported and harbored seven migrants, including one woman, who had crossed the U.S.-Mexico border in March 2022. The woman had significant foot injuries and was severely dehydrated when the group was picked up by the smugglers. Balderas transported the group from La Pryor to San Antonio, where they were held captive in hotel rooms and ransomed to their families for thousands of dollars. One family paid $7,000 for a migrant's release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Balderas and co-conspirator Kaylen Alexander Brondo, 26, of San Antonio, frequently brandished firearms in the hotel rooms. A victim testified at trial that Balderas pointed a firearm directly at her during a ransom call. While the migrants were held for ransom, Balderas sexually assaulted one woman, threatening her with a firearm, officials said in a news release. Balderas was arrested Oct. 28, 2022, and found guilty by a federal jury on Oct. 11, 2024. Brondo was arrested Oct. 24, 2022, and pleaded guilty Sept. 30, 2024, to one count of conspiracy to kidnap. Brondo is scheduled for sentencing on Aug. 26. U.S. District Judge Fred Biery is presiding over both cases. What they're saying "This sentence, undoubtedly keeping Balderas confined for the remainder of his life, reflects the egregious nature of these human smuggling crimes," said U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons for the Western District of Texas. "It should send a clear message throughout the nation and across our borders that we take these prosecutions very seriously and will aggressively seek to deliver justice." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The sentencing of this defendant to 120 years in prison marks a significant victory in our ongoing fight against human smuggling," said ICE Homeland Security Investigations San Antonio Special Agent in Charge Craig Larrabee. "This severe penalty reflects the gravity of the crimes committed and serves as a stern warning to those who exploit vulnerable individuals for profit. I commend the agents and our San Antonio Police Department partners for their hard work during this successful investigation." The Source Information in this article is from the U.S. Attorney's Office, Western District of Texas. A Texas man will spend the rest of his life behind bars after a federal judge sentenced him to 120 years for kidnapping, ransoming, and sexually assaulting illegal aliens trying to enter America. Joshua Lee Balderas, 33, of La Pryor, Texas, received the maximum possible sentence on Wednesday in a San Antonio federal courtroom. Balderas charges consist of one count of conspiracy to kidnap and two counts of harboring illegal aliens that caused serious bodily injury and put lives at risk, according to the U.S Attorneys Office. District Judge Fred Biery threw the book at Balderas, stacking the sentences to ensure he never breathes free air again. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to prosecutors, Balderas and his accomplices rounded up a group of 7 illegal aliens, including a woman in serious medical distress, after they crossed the Southern border illegally in March of 2022. Rather than providing help, Balderas group of criminals transported the group to San Antonio and held them hostage in hotel rooms, forcing family members to cough up thousands of dollars for their release. One victims family allegedly had to pay Balderas $7,000 to secure freedom, with extreme threats of torture or death. Prosecutors say Balderas and co-conspirator Kaylen Alexander Brondo routinely waved guns in the faces of the illegal aliens to keep them compliant. The attorneys office states that Balderas sexually assaulted a woman while threatening her at gunpoint. While Brondo awaits his sentencing next month, Balderas was found guilty by a federal jury last October. His sentencing now stands as one of the most severe punishments handed down in a human smuggling case in state history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials from the U.S. Attorneys Office and Homeland Security Investigations celebrated the sentence as a victory against human smuggling networks that continue to try to exploit Americas southern border. This sentence, undoubtedly keeping Balderas confined for the remainder of his life, reflects the egregious nature of these human smuggling crimes. It should send a clear message throughout the nation and across our borders that we take these prosecutions very seriously and will aggressively seek to deliver justice, said U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons for the Western District of Texas. Special Agent Craig Larrabee with HSI in San Antonio echoed that idea, calling the punishment a warning to those who dare to profit off the suffering of others, or the fractures in Americas southern border. His severe penalty reflects the gravity of the crimes committed and serves as a stern warning to those who exploit vulnerable individuals for profit, Larrabee said. Kavango Resources has exercised its option to fully acquire the Nara gold project in Zimbabwe. This move is part of the companys strategy to expand its gold mining operations in southern Africa. Kavango has also secured a written commitment from Purebond to subscribe for $5m in new ordinary shares of the company at 1p per share to finance the acquisition and provide working capital. The investment is expected to be part of the fundraising associated with Kavango's upcoming listing on the Victoria Falls Stock Exchange. Acquired in June 2023, the Nara project comprises 45 contiguous gold claims. Kavango's technical and commercial appraisal of the Nara project is set to be released before the end of July 2025. The company believes that Nara has the potential to host a bulk mineable gold deposit, with full access granted for comprehensive exploration and due diligence. The exploration programme at Nara will include surface mapping, geochemistry, geophysics, drill testing and assessing the commercial viability of processing the tailings. Kavango Resources CEO Ben Turney stated: Once we have completed the Nara acquisition, Kavango will own 100pc of two significant gold mining projects in the Filabusi Greenstone Belt. Both projects are fully permitted mining leases that are held in perpetuity by production. This puts Kavango in a strong position to generate free cash flow over the long term. Kavango is focused on discovering gold deposits in Zimbabwe that can quickly transition to commercial scale production through modern mining and processing techniques, targeting both open-pit and underground opportunities. Kavango already owns a 100% stake in the Hillside gold project, with the option exercised in April 2024. In November 2024, the company announced plans for the construction of a new processing plant at the Hillside project to boost gold production capacity. The new facility will support production at Prospect 4, which comprises 44 gold claims over 503 hectares and is conveniently located within trucking distance of the Nara project. "Kavango exercises option to buy 100% of Zimbabwes Nara gold project" was originally created and published by Mining Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. A once obscure traditional psychedelic plant from Africa has made headlines recently as Texas pushes for more research and a prominent Republican wrote a vigorous endorsement of its possible use for the treatment of addiction and for veterans experiencing mental health issues. Ibogaine is illegal for use in the United States, but a growing body of evidence has shown its promise treating the effects of traumatic brain injury and substance use disorder. Earlier in June, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed legislation to allocate $50 million for clinical trials approved by the Food and Drug Administration to study ibogaine. Texas is set to lead research into the drug's benefits treating mental health issues and addiction as a potential medication. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Former Energy Secretary Rick Perry, also a former Texas governor, wrote a June 27 Washington Post op-ed supporting ibogaine research and criticizing the legacy of the war on drugs, started by President Richard Nixon and touted by President Ronald Reagan. Perry said he has come to realize just how wrong that narrative was. That fear-based messaging kept us from exploring treatments that could have saved countless lives, Perry wrote. Perry and a growing number of conservatives have argued ibogaine could be one of those treatments. Heres what to know about the drug. What is ibogaine? Ibogaine derives from the root of the iboga plant native to western-central Africa. Its been used in ceremonial rituals for centuries. It has hallucinogenic properties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The United States outlawed ibogaine in 1967 along with other psychotropic drugs. The Controlled Substances Act of 1970 placed it as a schedule I hallucinogenic drug, along with marijuana. Ibogaine's classification prevented researchers from studying its effects. But unlike other schedule 1 drugs such as heroin, ibogaine has anti-addictive properties. There are risks since ibogaine can delay the bodys normal electrical signals that control heart rhythm, which could lead to death. A man opens the Mayay iboga capsule to show its powdered content in Gabon on February 13, 2025. Iboga, the powerful psychoactive root, has long been used by people in Gabon's forests for its sacred and psychotropic properties. Other countries, such as Mexico, have allowed its use. American veterans and others have traveled to smaller, clandestine clinics for treatment to deal with depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and addiction. Many clinics are along the border and around cities such as Tijuana. Why is it in the news? At the state and federal level, there is growing interest in studying psychedelic drugs to treat veterans and others. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Texas passed legislation earlier in June to study the drug with a public university alongside a company and hospital, Abbott's office said. Dr. Marty Makary, the FDA commissioner, has said expanding research on psychedelic drugs is a top priority for the Trump administration. Former Secretary of Energy Rick Perry, a Republican and former Texas governor, is championing the psychoactive drug ibogaine to treat trauma, addiction and brain injuries. In his op-ed, Perry cited the experiences of Morgan and Marcus Luttrell, twin combat veterans, who used ibogaine for recovery. Morgan Luttrell is now a Republican congressman from Texas who has advocated for ibogaine and other psychedelic drugs as treatment options. In January 2025, Perry and W. Bryan Hubbard, an advocate for ibogaine treatment, appeared on Joe Rogans podcast to discuss ibogaines benefits as a plant-based medicine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hubbard led a Kentucky task force that sought to use opioid settlement funds to research ibogaine's effects to treat addiction, but the initiative failed to gain support in the state. Hubbard and Perry eventually launched the Texas Ibogaine Initiative, which helped spur the state funding. What has research shown? Research, such as a Stanford University study of 30 male combat veterans, has shown ibogaines promise. Coupled with magnesium sulfate to address heart effects, ibogaine appeared to reduce symptoms of PTSD, anxiety and depression, and improve cognitive function from traumatic brain injury, according to the study, published in 2024 in the eminent journal Nature Medicine. Other studies have shown benefits treating addiction and depression. What do critics say? One issue with ibogaine is the ability to produce it, because it is derived from a rare plant and has mostly been used for ceremonial purposes. There is research to help innovate its safe production, but it could be difficult for the drug to be more widely available, as researchers at the University of California, Davis, Institute for Psychedelics and Neurotherapeutics have said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And while its shown benefits with combat veterans, questions remain on its efficacy among randomized participants. With Texas' research, ibogaine could get closer to FDA approval for its use as a medication. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Texas politicians lead effort to study a psychedelic drug ibogaine The Brief Texas has replaced paper license plates with metal ones issued at dealerships to combat crime related to counterfeit tags. Law enforcement officials are optimistic that the new metal plates will reduce illegal activities and improve vehicle tracking. The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles has introduced four types of limited-use metal plates for new car buyers. Texas tackles crime with new Metal license plate initiative HOUSTON - Texas will no longer issue paper license plates for new vehicles, opting instead for metal plates distributed at dealerships to curb criminal activity linked to counterfeit tags. What we know Texas has taken a significant step in fighting crime by eliminating paper license plates for new vehicles. The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles will now issue metal plates directly at dealerships, a move that law enforcement officials believe will reduce illegal activities associated with counterfeit paper tags. Law enforcement response What they're saying Captain Alex Gonzalez of Constable Precinct 5 expressed optimism about the change. "It's going to stop the illegal manufacturing of these temp tags. Hopefully, the crime stops with these temp tags," he said. "Each temp tag will come with an actual hard plate registered automatically to your vehicle." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Texas Department of Transportation has already issued approximately 67,000 metal plates statewide. Law enforcement officials are enthusiastic about the change, as it will make it more difficult for criminals to use fake plates. The new system includes four types of limited-use metal plates: Buyer Provisional Plate, Dealer Temporary Plate, Out-of-State Buyer Plate, and Temporary Registration Plate. The dangers of counterfeit paper tags Paul Castro, President of Texas Crime Victim United, has a personal connection to the issue. His son was killed in a road rage incident involving a vehicle with paper plates. "People realized these are not legitimate sales. Human traffickers, drug dealers, criminals were using these paper plates to get away with things," Castro said. Castro highlighted the ongoing danger posed by individuals using counterfeit plates. "There are about 100 people accused of murder who are free on city streets. We have to understand that a lot of those people are very dangerous," he warned. "Be safe out there. Give everyone space and keep your family safe." Existing paper tags will have a 60-day grace period, while new buyers will receive metal plates immediately. The Source FOX 26's Jonathan Mejia spoke with Captain Alex Gonzalez and Paul Castro. Texas hospitals received nearly 80,000 visits from undocumented patients from December through February at a cost of $329 million, according to data released by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission on Wednesday. Thats about 2% of all patient visits during that three-month period. The state released its second round of data intended to show how much Texas hospitals spend on care for undocumented immigrants but excludes critical context, such as how much of that cost is actually paid by undocumented patients or how it compares to total unpaid hospital care costs, according to advocates. While the state characterizes the figure as costs from Dec. 1, 2024 through Feb. 28, 2025, the data does not reflect any payments made by patients to cover those treatment costs according to an HHSC spokesperson, who said the agency does not have that data. Earlier this year, HHSC reported that 30,000 undocumented patients received about $118 million worth of care. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We knew it wouldnt give us good data, said Lynn Cowles, health and food justice programs manager at left-leaning think tank Every Texan, which advocates for better health care. The aim of the governors executive order is reflective of the governors true intention which is to make this an unfriendly place for immigrants. Last year, Gov. Greg Abbott ordered Texas hospitals to ask patients if they were legally present in the United States, because he believes the costs to Texas hospitals for that care imposes burdens on the Texas healthcare system, including by predictably increasing the costs of medical care for all Texans. His order also states the federal government may and should be obligated to reimburse Texas for the costs associated with its open-border policies. This data is an estimate because it only tabulates costs by patients who voluntarily participated in the Abbott-mandated survey. It also fails to include any payments made by patients toward those costs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Also, not included in the data release is how much uninsured, lawfully present Texas residents cost hospitals. Policy analysts have told The Texas Tribune they believed that cost to be far larger since the state has among the nations highest uninsured rate. Wednesday's data shows 3.1 million lawfully-present patients visited Texas hospitals during the three months, but it doesn't show how many of them are uninsured. The Texas Tribune sent a request to Abbotts press office to elaborate on what he wants to do with this information and that request was not immediately answered. Advocacy groups have emphasized that patients are not required to answer the citizenship question and hospital officials have said patients will not risk having their treatment interrupted if they say they are not legally present in the U.S. In April, hospitals reported they incurred $121.8 million in health care costs before any payment was made during November 2024. That number has since been adjusted by the state to $118 million. Data has shown for years that undocumented immigrants who lack access to health insurance plans, Medicaid included, typically use hospitals less than American citizens who are uninsured Texas hospitals spend $3.1 billion a year on uninsured care that is not reimbursed, according to the Texas Hospital Association. Even emergency Medicaid spending, which by design, covers undocumented immigrants' hospital costs in limited circumstances, has gone down in the last five years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Patients not lawfully in the United States could either pay for their care out of pocket, or through private insurance plans they have purchased. They are not eligible to participate in Medicare, CHIP or Affordable Care Act insurance plans and many are working in jobs without employer health benefits. Emergency Medicaid coverage can be applied by a hospital to cover a patients bill. Texas has the highest uninsured rate in the country, according to recent estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau. About 4.8 million or 19% of Texas children and adults under the age of 65 lacked health insurance in 2023. The state has 1.7 million undocumented immigrants. Charles Miller, a former Abbott policy and budget advisor who is now with the policy organization Texas 2036, said his groups best estimate shows about 15%, or about 730,000, of Texas uninsured are non-citizens that were not lawful permanent residents. We do have a fairly sizable population of undocumented uninsured, but it is not the majority, Miller, director of health and economic stability policy at Texas 2036, said last fall. So if we're talking about who is the majority of the uninsured, that is going to be folks who are here legally. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Disclosure: Every Texan, Texas 2036, and Texas Hospital Association have been financial supporters of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribune's journalism. Find a complete list of them here. During our Independence Day Sale, save $30 on your TribFest ticket.* Tribune members, students and educators save even more! Act fast Offer ends at midnight Friday, July 4. *Discount does not apply to Executive or VIP tickets TribFest 2025 is presented by JPMorganChase. Thailand's acting prime minister is set to helm the country for only one full day Wednesday, standing in for suspended premier Paetongtarn Shinawatra before being replaced himself in a cabinet reshuffle. Transport minister and deputy prime minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit began his engagements by attending a ceremony in Bangkok celebrating the longevity of the prime minister's office. The event marked the 93rd anniversary of an institution Suriya is set to command for far fewer than 93 hours as Thailand reels from the suspension of Paetongtarn, heiress of the country's dominant political dynasty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During a brief ceremony open to media Suriya declined to respond to queries asking how he felt about his ephemeral leadership, which caps a decades-long political career. He said his most urgent business had been to "sign a paper" ensuring a smooth transition to his successor on Thursday. The Constitutional Court said Tuesday there was "sufficient cause to suspect" Paetongtarn breached ministerial ethics in a diplomatic spat with Cambodia, suspending her pending a probe that may last months. - 'I don't know the guy' - The 38-year-old Paetongtarn is the daughter of political heavyweight Thaksin Shinawatra, whose family and party have been jousting with Thailand's conservative establishment since the early 2000s. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Power immediately passed to 70-year-old Suriya, a veteran operator with a reputation in Thai media as a political weathervane for always aligning himself with the government of the day. "I don't really know the guy, but I don't care anymore who becomes prime minister," 54-year-old motorbike taxi driver Paitoon Kaewdee told AFP. "I've lost hope in Thai politics. I used to care a lot about politics and the Shinawatra family but now, it's all the same." Suriya's time as acting premier is due to end with a cabinet reshuffle already scheduled before Tuesday's court bombshell. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It takes effect in an oath-swearing ceremony scheduled on Thursday, when he is set to be superseded by incoming interior minister Phumtham Wechayachai. The ruling Pheu Thai party said late Tuesday that Phumtham will take over after the cabinet reshuffle because he will receive a deputy prime minister title that is higher in the order of succession than Suriya. The "power vacuum at the top" may threaten Thailand's bid for a US trade deal to avert President Donald Trump's threat of a 36 percent tariff, said Capital Economics senior Asia economist Gareth Leather. "I want a new election," complained 40-year-old Bangkok office worker Chatchai Summabut. "This country needs stability." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement - Waning influence - Paetongtarn -- who became prime minister only last August -- assigned herself the culture minister position in the new cabinet before she was suspended, meaning she is set to keep a perch in the upper echelons of power. She, Suriya and Phumtham are all members of Pheu Thai, which came second in the 2023 election but secured power by forming an unsteady coalition with its former enemies in pro-military parties. But analysts say Paetongtarn's pause from office represents a dramatic waning of the Shinawatras' influence, even though the acting prime ministers are still considered their loyal lieutenants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tuesday also saw the second day of Thaksin's criminal trial for royal defamation, in which he faces a possible 15-year sentence if convicted. Paetongtarn has been hobbled over a longstanding territorial dispute between Thailand and Cambodia, which boiled over into cross-border clashes in May, killing one Cambodian soldier. When she made a diplomatic call to Cambodian ex-leader Hun Sen she called him "uncle" and referred to a Thai military commander as her "opponent", according to a leaked recording causing widespread backlash. A conservative party abandoned her ruling coalition -- sparking the cabinet reshuffle -- while her approval rating plunged and thousands mustered to protest over the weekend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Conservative lawmakers accused her of kowtowing to Cambodia and undermining the military, entering a case with the Constitutional Court alleging she breached the constitution's ministerial ethics code. tp-tak-sjc/jts/slb/mtp WEST PALM BEACH A therapist who was beaten, raped and held captive in a patient's home for 15 hours has accused the Palm Beach County Sheriffs Office, as well as her employer and the father of her attacker, of failing to protect her despite clear warnings and opportunities to intervene. Her lawsuit, filed June 30 under the pseudonym Jane Doe H.H., alleges gross negligence by PBSO, Rejuvenate Counseling and Elliot Allswang, whose 23-year-old son Tzvi Allswang is serving life in prison for the 2022 attack. Tzvi Allswang arranged for an at-home therapy session at his family's suburban Boca Raton home on July 1, 2022. Doe said the session began normally but devolved once he began asking increasingly personal questions. She ended the session early and began walking to the door. Before she reached it, Doe said Allswang beat her to the floor, duct-taped her wrists and dragged her through the house by her hair. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He assaulted her physically and sexually throughout the night at times, while deputies stood outside and debated whether the scream they heard was one of pleasure. They choose America: Why people are becoming US citizens amid Trump immigration crackdown Tzvi Allswang pleaded guilty to multiple counts of sexual assault as well as attempted murder of his therapist at the Palm Beach County Courthouse on March 12, 2024 in West Palm Beach, Florida. Evidence photos: Therapist raped, tortured as deputies waited outside Does partner reported her missing to Lantana police at about 1 a.m. on July 2, 2022. The partner said she'd received strange texts from the therapist's phone: one indicating that Doe had been pulled over by police and was being taken in to have a breath test, the other indicating that police were taking her to a hotel for the night. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lantana police reached out to various local law-enforcement agencies and confirmed that the woman had not been taken into custody. The partner reached Doe's work supervisor, who confirmed that she was scheduled to meet a client at an address in suburban Boca Raton. PBSO deputies responded to the home, where the woman's partner was waiting outside. Deputies knocked on the door but received no response. They saw Doe's car parked in the driveway but left after unsuccessfully trying to call the home's owner. Doe's attorney, Jennifer Lipinski, said the therapist was trapped inside the house for five more hours before deputies returned, breached the front door and found Allswang holding a knife to her throat. A deputy shot him once in the head. Allswang was hospitalized for four days before being booked into the Palm Beach County Jail. He later pleaded guilty to attempted murder, kidnapping and sexual battery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the 22-page lawsuit, Lipinski said PBSO failed to break into the home despite having the legal justification to do so. She accused the agency of negligent hiring, retention and training of its deputies, citing a 2024 Palm Beach Post investigation which found that deputies failed to perform a routine check that would have revealed Allswangs previous violent sexual assault conviction. PBSO spokesperson Teri Barbera referred questions to the agency's legal department, which did not respond by the time of this story's publication. The allegations against PBSO's codefendants include other missed opportunities to protect Doe. Lipinski said Tzvis father knew of his son's violent history but failed to put safeguards in place or alert Doe to the potential danger. According to the lawsuit, Rejuvenate Counseling, run by psychologist Moshe Winograd, assigned Doe to treat Allswang without telling her of his criminal history or mental health risks, and failed to put basic safety protocols in place, such as telehealth alternatives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When reached July 1, Elliot Allswang said he was unaware of the lawsuit and unable to respond to the allegations therein. Winograd did not return several requests for comment. Lipinski said all three defendants had the ability and obligation to prevent the attack or stop it sooner, but failed to act with reasonable care. Doe is seeking damages in excess of $50,000 from each defendant, citing permanent physical and emotional injuries, lost wages and diminished earning capacity. No defendant has filed a formal response. Circuit Judge James Sherman has not yet scheduled a hearing in the case. If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, the Palm Beach County Victim Services and Rape Crisis Center can help. Reach their helpline at 561-833-7273, or toll-free at 866-891-7273. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 211 community helpline and crisis hotline also provides suicide prevention, crisis intervention, information, assessment and referral to community services for people of all ages. Hannah Phillips covers criminal justice at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach her at hphillips@pbpost.com. Help support our journalism and subscribe today. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Woman sues PBSO, says deputies let rapist continue attack for hours Mellace Family Brands California, Inc. has recalled some of its Wegmans semi-sweet chocolate nonpareils because they contain an undeclared milk allergen, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration announced. UCG via Getty Images Food manufacturing company Mellace Family Brands California, Inc. has recalled some of its Wegmans semi-sweet chocolate nonpareils because they contain an undeclared milk allergen, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration announced on Monday. The agency said that the recalled products were distributed to Wegmans retail stores in Washington, D.C., and the following eight states: Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Virginia. The packaging for the products in question did not indicate the presence of milk. This occurred due to a temporary breakdown in the suppliers manufacturing process, the FDA said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The affected products were packaged in a plastic tub with the following label: Wegmans semi-sweet chocolate nonpareils 18.5oz (1LB 2.5OZ) 524g. The UPC or Universal Product Code is 0 77890 49787 6. Below is the list of the affected lot codes and corresponding Best by dates: 55021 BEST BY: DEC 28, 2025 55031 BEST BY: DEC 29, 2025 55491 BEST BY: FEB 13, 2026 55501 BEST BY: FEB 14, 2026 56061 BEST BY: APR 11, 2026 56071 BEST BY: APR 12, 2026 The FDA said in its announcement that, as of Monday, there had been no reported illnesses. But if youve purchased a recalled product, Wegmans said in its own announcement that you can return the item to the customer service desk at any Wegmans location for a full refund. You can also call Wegmans Food Markets at 1-855-934-3663 for more information. Nonpareils are typically covered in white sprinkles, as seen above. David Bishop Inc. via Getty Images What you should know about milk allergies. A milk allergy is one of the most common types of food allergies, according to the Cleveland Clinic. When someone has a milk allergy, their immune system overreacts to milk proteins theyve ingested. While milk allergies can affect anyone at any age, the allergy is more common for children under 16. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The symptoms of a milk allergy can vary, but they may typically include hives, nausea or vomiting, rash, itching, diarrhea and abdominal pain. More severe symptoms may include wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath and a severe life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis, which narrows the airways and can block breathing, per the Mayo Clinic. As always, you should discuss any symptoms you may be experiencing with your health care provider. Your doctor may refer you to an allergist for further testing. There are several kinds of tests for a milk allergy, including a blood test or a skin scratch test. If youve discovered that you do have a milk allergy, your health care provider can discuss what foods and drinks you should avoid. Related... Florida lists more than 2 million lawful permanent residents living across the state, making it home to one of the largest immigrant populations in the country. Many are eligible to become U.S. citizens but often spend years navigating paperwork, background checks, interviews and mounting fees before they reach the final oath ceremony. The work it took to prevail is one reason that naturalization ceremonies this spring felt like triumph for the 45 people who became citizens in West Palm Beach and the 93 whose event took place in Miami. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What does it take to become a citizen? Here are some things to know. You might have to wait more than a decade just to apply. Most immigrants need a green card before applying for naturalization. That card, which long ago actually were green but no longer are, proves the permanent resident status of a person from another country in the United States. They may live and work there and eventually seek to become a citizen. Permanent residency is different from Temporary Protected Status, which allows people to stay in the U.S. with a work permit for a period of time if they are from nations in the throes of certain conflicts or disasters. TPS does not give those granted it a path either to a getting a green card or becoming a citizen. Neither does humanitarian parole, which allows people to stay in the U.S. amid urgent humanitarian issues if they have a sponsor who can support them financially. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People who are granted political asylum because of a fear of persecution in their homeland can apply for and obtain permanent resident status one year after being admitted into the U.S. Still, the most traditional way to move to the U.S. is through a green card. For people from high-demand countries like Mexico, India and the Philippines, that alone can take 10 to 20 years due to country-specific quotas limits on how many green cards go to people from each of those countries. No country's residents or citizens can receive more than 7% of the total green cards per year. This cap is meant to promote diversity but can also create massive backlogs. Only after holding a green card for five years (or three if married to a U.S. citizen) can a person even apply for naturalization. The application fee costs hundreds, and thats before legal help. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services fee to apply for naturalization is $760 per person, paid up front. That doesnt include legal assistance, which many applicants especially non-English speakers need to navigate the system. There are fee waivers and reductions available, but only for those who meet strict income or public benefits criteria. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the National Immigration Law Center, the financial demands of naturalization can add up to more than a months worth of a low-wage workers earnings, making citizenship a luxury many cant afford. Its why millions of eligible immigrants remain legal permanent residents for years, even decades, without becoming naturalized citizens. You have to pass a civics test and its oral, not multiple choice. Applicants must correctly answer at least six out of 10 questions from a list of 100, covering U.S. history and government. But unlike an exam on paper, its administered orally during an interview. Applicants have two chances to pass the test. Failing twice means the application is denied, but the person can reapply. You have to prove good moral character. Its not enough to follow the rules. As part of the naturalization process, applicants must demonstrate good moral character, a legal standard that includes things like paying taxes, avoiding serious criminal charges and telling the truth on government forms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A DUI, a failure to pay child support or even a dismissed criminal case can lead to delays or denials. USCIS agents review a person's conduct from the past five years but can look further back if they notice red flags. The U.S. doesn't automatically make you renounce your prior citizenship When immigrants become naturalized citizens, they take an oath pledging to renounce all allegiance to any foreign prince, potentate, state or sovereignty. But in practice, the United States allows dual citizenship. Whether a person can keep both citizenships depends on their home countrys laws, not U.S. policy. Countries that dont allow dual citizenship include India, China, Japan and Singapore. Immigrants from these countries lose the ability to visit family or own property abroad without a visa, as well as access to health care, education or pensions in their home country. How can someone become a U.S. citizen? People can become U.S. citizens through birthright or naturalization, the process through which permanent residents or green-card holders obtain citizenship. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To obtain a green card, a person must qualify under one of the five categories below: They have a direct family member who is a permanent resident or U.S. citizen. They are or will be employees by a U.S. company that grants them a work visa. They are refugees seeking asylum. They won a spot in the Diversity Visa Lottery program. They obtain an investors visa. Generally, that means putting more than $1 million into a commercial enterprise that either creates or preserves jobs for U.S. workers If the person doesnt qualify under any of these groups, they don't have any avenues to apply for a green card. How does being a permanent resident differ from being a U.S. citizen? Permanent residents have the right to live and work in the United States indefinitely but dont enjoy full political participation and could still face deportation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Permanent residents have the following limitations: No right to vote in U.S. elections. Limited access to some government jobs that are restricted to citizens. They may face restrictions on how long they can stay outside the U.S. without losing their status. Permanent residents can be deported if they commit aggravated felonies. Why do so many people stay undocumented after years in the U.S.? The U.S. immigration system is complex, expensive and inaccessible for many people who dont have direct family or work connections. It also hasn't been updated in 30 years. Some who seek refuge in the U.S. are fleeing violence, prosecution or poverty, making it almost impossible to secure a legal entry before they arrive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For most of those who come to the U.S. without documentation or overstay their visas, there aren't any legal pathways to obtain citizenship, even if they have no criminal record, hold jobs or pay taxes. Valentina Palm, Maya Washburn and Hannah Phillips are journalists at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach them at vpalm@pbpost.com, mwashburn@pbpost.com and hphillips@pbpost.com. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: The path to U.S. citizenship is long, slow, costly: 5 things to know Temple, Tx (FOX 44) Three citizens of Nepal have been arrested in Temple in connection with illegal gambling devices, with two also named in immigration holds. The story begins on June 20 around 5:00 p.m. officers with the Temple Police Department notified the Fire Marshalls Office about a complaint they had received about illegal gambling devices at a location in the 2500 block of South 5th Street, at the Family Foods store and gas station. In Bell County, responsibility for dealing with gaming machines falls to the fire marshals. The Fire Marshal responded and located the machines and noted they had been tampered with. Through his investigation, it was determined that the machines were in violation. A warrant was then obtained for three individuals accused of being involved. Tuesday, July 1, officers with the Temple Police Department conducted a warrant service at that location for possession of gambling device, equipment or paraphernalia, Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arrested were 45-year-old Dil Bahadur Budha who was charged with keeping a gambling place, along with 42-year-old Bheshraj Gautam and 36-year-old Bikash Hamal, all Nepalese citizens. Gautum and Hamal were also named in the immigration holds. All three remained in the Bell County Jail Wednesday. Dil Bahadur Budha. Bheshraj Gautam. Bikash Hamal. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. WASHINGTON, D.C. (WTWO/WAWV)Combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth, along with U.S. Representatives Nikki Budzinski (D-IL-13) and Mike Bost (R-IL-12), helped introduce a bill to ensure the armed forces have quality boots made domestically. The law aims to provide high-quality, safe, and reliable footwear to the armed forces while also creating good-paying jobs. The act will expand the current uniform regulations and ensure that U.S. servicemembers are wearing combat boots entirely made in America and made with U.S.-sourced materials. Illinois Senator introduces bill to limit Trump from using armed forces on civilians Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ensuring our militarys readiness means every part of our servicemembers uniforms must be functional, reliable, and safeand that we can surge supplies in crisis or conflict, Duckworth said. Mandating that all optional combat boots be American-made means not only that our troops wear high-quality footwear, but it also means were reducing our reliance on foreign supply chains, bolstering our defense industrial base, and creating good-paying jobs for small and large manufacturers in communities right here at home. Im proud to introduce this commonsense legislation. The bill is titled the Better Outfitting Our Troops (BOOTS) Act. The act will specifically change the uniform regulations to mandate that all optional combat boots worn by the military are Berry Amendment-compliant, which means that they are 100% American-made with U.S.-sourced materials. As a Marine, the father of a Marine, and the grandfather of a Marine, I know firsthand how important it is that our troops have the high-quality boots required to face tough terrain, said Bost. This legislation will better protect our troops by ensuring their equipment is consistent, safe, and produced on American soil. The Department of Defense currently allows soldiers to purchase foreign-made boots that mimic the appearance of those that are under regulations. The news release states that these boots are lacking in quality and durability. The press release states that this loophole in regulations allowed for a major increase in low-quality, foreign-made boots, leading to a significant decline in demand from American companies. The release states this has led to a drop in domestic manufacturing capabilities and undermines the domestic defense supply chain, which would be affected in the event of a major conflict. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyWabashValley.com. The Orlando Diocese has been hit with more lawsuits by men who say they were abused by priests when they were children. The documents only identified the men as John Does 1, 2 and 3. Each of them claimed the priests would get groom them, isolate them and abuse them. At times, though, they said the abuse was far more flagrant and others in the community and within the church hierarchy knew about what was happening. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two of the lawsuits named Bob Hoeffer as the abuser. Hoeffner was already accused of abuse by multiple men, including one who shot and killed Hoeffner and his sister in Palm Bay in 2024. The men said the abuse happened in the 2010s. The new claims against Hoeffner are older, dating back to the 1980s. The victims said Hoeffer was known to live with boys and threatened to quit when he was questioned about the practice. They said Hoeffner would engage in spiritual therapy or prayer sessions with his sister that were designed to be sexually arousing. At one point, the lawsuits claimed a nun told Hoeffner his behavior was not appropriate in the eyes of the Diocese, and separately, a mother warned Hoeffner to stay away from her son when Hoeffner publicly kissed the boy on the lips. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement Wednesday afternoon, Diocese leaders said theyre investigating the claims. We reiterate that the Diocese of Orlando was not made aware of any allegations of abuse during Fr. Hoeffners pastoral leadership or after he retired in 2016, Diocese spokeswoman Jennifer Drow wrote in an email. The third lawsuit was filed against George Zina, who worked in the Dr. Phillips community in the 2000s. The victim said the abuse happened in two different churches and in Zinas car. ZINAs grooming of Plaintiff also included ZINA telling Plaintiff that God chooses one altar server to be with the priest in a same-sex relationship that God approves of, the documents said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zina no longer works in Florida. WFTV reached out to him and his secretary at the church he most recently was know to work at for a response to the claims. Despite being named in the lawsuit against Zina, the Diocese said he never worked for them. Zina... was not a priest of the Diocese of Orlando and was not employed by the Diocese, Drow wrote. We will continue to pray for all involved in these matters. The lawsuits were filed by the same firm that initiated the original claims against Hoeffner in late May. In a text conversation, the lead attorney, Jenny Rossman, said John Does 1 and 2 were inspired to come forward after her firm held a press conference about the priest with the originally known victim, Shawn Teuber. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Each of the three new lawsuits is asking for compensation ranging from $10 million to $25 million. This article has been updated to include the Dioceses response and information from the victims attorney. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - July 2, 2025) - Kuya Silver Corporation (CSE: KUYA) (OTCQB: KUYAF) (FSE: 6MR1) ("Kuya" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Sheila Magallon as Chief Financial Officer effective immediately. Ms. Magallon succeeds Mr. Stephen Peters whom the Company thanks for his contributions. Mr. Peters will remain with Kuya's finance team in a consultancy role. Ms. Magallon is a seasoned Chartered Professional Accountant with over 20 years of experience in the mining industry. She brings a solid foundation in financial reporting, internal controls, strategic planning, treasury management, and change management. Her career has been marked by a consistent track record of optimizing operations for Canadian mining companies with projects across Latin America and Europe, including Chile, Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, and Spain. Most recently, Ms. Magallon served as CFO and Corporate Secretary of ATEX Resources. Prior to that, she was Vice President of Finance at GCM Mining, where she played a pivotal role in the company's merger with Aris Mining. She has also held senior finance roles at Detour Gold, Torex Gold Resources, Primero Mining, and Largo Resources. "We are excited to welcome Sheila to the Kuya leadership team," said Mr. David Stein, President and CEO of Kuya. "Her depth of experience with Canadian public mining companies with international operations, especially in Latin America, and her proven ability to support growth will be invaluable to the Company as we advance our strategic plan to build the next high-margin silver producer." About Kuya Silver Corporation Kuya is a Canadianbased, growth-oriented mining company with a focus on silver. Kuya operates the Bethania silver mine in Peru, while developing district-scale silver projects in mining-friendly jurisdictions including Peru and Canada. For further information, please contact: David Stein President and CEO info@kuyasilver.com www.kuyasilver.com Reader Advisory This news release contains statements that 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," "must," "next," "propose," "new," "potential," "prospective," "target," "future," "verge," "favorable," "implications," and "ongoing," and similar expressions, as they relate to the Company or its management, are intended to identify such forward-looking information. Investors are cautioned that statements including forward-looking information 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 described in the forward-looking information as a result of various factors, including but not limited to fluctuations in market prices, successes of the operations of the Company, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market, and business conditions. There can be no assurances that such forward-looking information will prove accurate, and therefore, readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of the risks and uncertainties. The Company does not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking information except as required under the applicable securities laws. A consultation has been launched on plans to merge Derbyshire's borough and district councils as part of an upcoming shake-up of local government. The government announced in December it wants to reorganise local authorities in an attempt to streamline services, and councils have been tasked with coming up with proposals. Derbyshire residents are being asked to pick from three options - all of which split the region into two unitary authorities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under the proposals, existing authority areas would merge to form new northern and southern councils - and one of the options put forward would see Amber Valley split between the two. The consultation will run until 10 August and a final submission to government will be made on 28 November, with the existing councils being scrapped and replaced with two larger authorities in 2028. Option A How the two new councils would look under option A [BBC] This would involve Amber Valley, Derbyshire Dales, High Peak, Chesterfield, Bolsover, North East Derbyshire merging to form one unitary authority in the north of the county. Derby City, South Derbyshire and Erewash would combine to establish a second. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under this proposal, the northern council would have a population of 584,000. The smaller authority would have a population of 494,000. Option B How the two new councils would look under option B [BBC] This option would involve, Derbyshire Dales, High Peak, Chesterfield, Bolsover, North East Derbyshire merging to form one unitary authority in the north of the county. Amber Valley, Derby City, South Derbyshire and Erewash would combine to establish a southern authority. Under this proposal, the southern council would have a population of 622,000. The smaller northern authority would have a population of 456,000. Option C How the two new councils would look under option C [BBC] Option C includes a north/south split of the county, with different parishes from Amber Valley joining each of the two councils. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the northern council, this option would include High Peak, Derbyshire Dales, North East Derbyshire, Chesterfield and Bolsover. Parts of Amber Valley in this council would include: Shipley, Heanor and Loscoe, Denby, Kilburn, Belper, Hazelwood, Shottle and Postern, Idridgehay and Alton, Ashleyhay, Alderwasley, Ripley, Codnor, Aldercar and Langley Mill, Ironville, Riddings, Somercotes, Alfreton, Swanwick, Pentrich, South Wingfield, Crich, Dethick and Lea, and Holloway. In this option, the southern council would include Derby City, Erewash, South Derbyshire. Parts of Amber Valley in this council would include Kirk Langley, Mackworth, Kedleston, Ravensdale Park, Weston Underwood, Quarndon, Turnditch and Windley, Duffield, Holbrook, Horsley, Horsley Woodhouse, Smalley and Mapperley. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The northern council would have a population of 567,000 whereas the southern council would have 511,000 residents. The region as it stands today with eight district and borough councils and a unitary authority in Derby City Council [BBC] In December, the government published plans to merge areas where there are currently more than one tier of local authority - like Derbyshire. The English Devolution White Paper, also opened the door to boundaries being completely redrawn, and made clear that ministers favour single-tier, or unitary, structures. At the moment, there are two different systems depending on where you live. The city of Derby itself is run by Derby City Council - a unitary authority meaning it is in charge of all services in the city boundaries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Elsewhere, however, there is a two-tiered system. Derbyshire County Council is in charge of some services - like social care and road maintenance - while smaller district and borough councils take care of things like bin collections and leisure centres. The government thinks this should be streamlined and hence the proposal to split the county into two unitary authorities. Former county council leader, Conservative Barry Lewis, was in favour of a districts and borough merging together to create a large council with Derby City Council maintaining its existing boundaries. But the May elections saw Reform UK take over the administration and it is understood the new leaders in County Hall in Matlock do not support a county-wide model and are generally supportive of the north/south split proposed by the other councils. The Amber Valley question Belper Mills - part of a Unesco World Heritage Site - could sit in an entirely different council to its Amber Valley neighbours up the road [BBC] Amber Valley Borough Council (AVBC) leader Chris Emmas-Williams, told the BBC option C on the consultation was a non-starter for the borough. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said Derby City Council could not get a motion passed on how best to proceed where "other districts and boroughs could". Emmas-Williams said the city council came back with a version of option C in splitting Amber Valley. AVBC negotiated a different split and adopted the option for consultation to "go forward with a case to the government". "The splitting of Amber Valley, we do not agree to at all," he said. "The majority of our towns and parishes look to the north and in some instances, Nottingham rather than Derby. "Most of the towns and surrounding areas are ex-mining areas so it's something that those places have to been close to over the years and that's why a lot of the residents here are leaning towards the north." Labour's Amber Valley Borough Council leader Chris Emmas-Williams is against a splitting the borough [LDRS] Asked why option C on splitting the borough was not the best proposal, Emmas-Williams added: "It's down to the amount of work that would have to be put in over the next two years with all of the different systems with council tax and what not which would be a massive change. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "With the resources we've got we're really struggling to cope with the amount of work we've got to do already as it stands now without the borough being split into two." The views of people and organisations will feed into the development of final proposals, which must be considered by existing councils and submitted to government by 28 November. The government will then review the proposals for Derbyshire, and for 20 other county areas across England, before making final decisions in the summer of 2026. If the government accepts the proposals for Derbyshire, elections for the new shadow authorities would take place in 2027 and new councils would start to operate by April 2028. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Follow BBC Derby on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210. More on this story Russian forces likely executed another Ukrainian prisoner of war (POW), Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets said on July 1, referring to a recent video that appears to show the captive tied to a motorcycle and dragged along a road. The alleged execution adds to growing evidence that Russian forces are systematically violating the Geneva Conventions by killing Ukrainian captives. "A video is circulating on social media showing a man being tied to a motorcycle and dragged along the road," Lubinets said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It is a clear act of demonstrative cruelty and yet another war crime by the Russian Federation." Lubinets said he has sent official letters regarding the suspected war crime to the United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). "Russia is acting as a terrorist state. And it must be held fairly accountable for every crime," he added. Ukraine's military intelligence agency (HUR) alone reported in May that it had documented more than 150 cases of Ukrainian soldiers being executed after surrendering to Russian forces. Officials noted that these were only the confirmed incidents, and the real number is likely higher. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement HUR and other agencies say such executions are not isolated but part of a broader, deliberate policy directed by Russia's military leadership. Multiple intelligence reports suggest that Russian soldiers have received explicit orders to kill prisoners of war. The United Nations Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine confirmed in March growing numbers of incidents in which Russian forces killed or maimed surrendering Ukrainian troops. The commission cited testimony from Russian deserters who said they were instructed not to take prisoners but to shoot them on sight. Earlier this year, the U.N. Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine reported a sharp increase in POW executions, documenting 79 killings across 24 incidents since August 2024. In many cases, the victims were unarmed or wounded, and some were killed in groups. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Ukraines new interceptor UAVs are starting to knock Russias long-range Shahed drones out of the sky Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL) As the population continues to rise, a grassroots initiative to address homelessness is now part of the city and countys plan. Tuesday morning at the Wichita Falls City Council meeting, Dr. Louis Wilson and Faith Mission CEO Steve Sparks presented a 62-page report titled A City at Home. The data collected from over a years worth of meetings, multiple police ride-a-longs, and discussions with multiple city leaders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The report states that 2024 was a record year for the homeless population, which is now 307, according to a Point In Time Count report. 115 self-reported are suffering from mental illness, 39 due to domestic violence, and 60 with substance abuse. The report calls for expanding mental health services and breaking down barriers for those seeking help. Wilson tells councilors now is the time to act, saying if the city can rise to the moment, it can make a safer and healthier city. The public hearing discussion included dialogue on updating ordinances, the citys expectations, citizens frustrations, and more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ordinances are only one part of the puzzle to solve this problem, District 5 Councilor Tom Taylor said. Innovating. Im fearful for my tenants, Amy Vail said. And frustrating. Some of them are so angry that they accuse us of being a part of the problem of attracting homeless people to their businesses, Wilson said. Those were the many points brought up to Wichita Falls city councilors. Wilson cites a historic spike in homelessness in the United States. Its also being felt in Wichita Falls. Both sheltered and unsheltered homelessness [have] spiked. I think we can respond in ways that reflect that legacy and our motto: a city at home, Wilson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As we reported last week, downtown has seen a spike in crime. Vail, who manages the Kate and City Center, asks leaders what she can do to protect her tenants who use Park Central. Big Blue houses the city. You all see what we see every day. We have tenants with kids and dogs that go over there to take a walk. My tenants are scared, Vail said. Museum of North Texas History Executive Director Jeremy Davis shares Vails anxiety. Davis shared his fears came true during a physical altercation with an individual. I had to physically control the doors to keep him from getting in. Its got to stop, Davis said. Its creating a safety issue right outside my front door. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement District 1 Councilor Whitney Flack also making note of her fears about taking her family to the library. Im hesitant sometimes to walk in. Its very popular under the air conditioning area and the patio thats shaded to get in, Flack said. But Flack, along with the rest of the council, sees the vision for the plan. Continued effort of people like Mr. Sparks and Dr. Wilson, and other people sitting out there. Its a community effort and needs to work that way, Taylor said. What I love about it, this action plan, every single goal here is attainable, Councilor At-Large Austin Cobb said. As the grassroots movement builds on its momentum to help the homeless in our community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deputy City Manager James McKechnie says the city is working to update ordinances. McKechine and City Attorney Kinley Hegglund said they will present the council with at least two updated ordinance proposals by the first meeting in August. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. The Brief A possible tropical system is expected to bring heavy rain to Central Florida. The National Hurricane Center is giving it a 40% chance of development over the next seven days. Regardless of development, Florida faces the greatest threat of flooding through Friday, July 4. ORLANDO, Fla. - Forecasters at the National Hurricane Center say a weak area of low pressure could form near the southeastern U.S. Atlantic or Gulf coasts this weekend and there is an increasing chance it could gradually strengthen into a tropical or subtropical depression as it stalls over Florida. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Hurricane Center gives the system a near 0% chance of formation in the next 48 hours, and a 40% chance over the next seven days. Stormy pattern expected through the week in Florida What we know The National Hurricane Center (NHC) is tracking a possible tropical or subtropical system that could emerge from the northeastern Gulf this week. The system is expected to stall over Florida with chances of development over the next week now increasing to 40%. The disturbance is expected to deliver heavy rainfall and widespread thunderstorms. The tropical weather pattern will bring high humidity, and numerous daily storms that are not just limited to the afternoon. Some storms at times may turn severe (60+ MPH wind gust and/or large hail of quarter size or larger). Any storms will produce extremely heavy rates of rain at times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Through the end of the week, although rain totals will vary immensely across the area based on where the biggest cells form, with several places will get over five inches of rain. What we don't know Meteorologists have not pinpointed exactly where or if a defined tropical system will develop. When will the heaviest rain arrive, and how long will it last? Timeline A possible tropical system may form over the northeastern Gulf, bringing heavy rain to Central Florida over the next several days. Regardless of development, forecasters warn that heavy rainfall is possible across parts of the Southeast, with the west-central Florida coast most likely to be affected. The heaviest rain will arrive on Thursday and linger into Friday, making Independence Day a washout for many across the region. What will Orlando's weather be like on Wednesday? Wednesday, the rain will be a lot more typical of summer in Florida. Even though rain chances are on the rise midweek, with tropical downpours expected, they'll be developing in the afternoon. As the sea breeze moves in during the afternoon, with some "energy" aloft heading our way, we'll see numerous showers and thunderstorms from essentially early afternoon onward. Showers and storms will linger right into Wednesday night before becoming more scattered. What will Orlando's weather be like on Thursday? Showers and storms look to be the most widespread on Thursday. There will likely still be some dry periods on Thursday AM before rain becomes more widespread in the afternoon. This is when the upper-level disturbance is essentially directly overhead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are some communities with Fourth of July festivities on Thursday evening, but torrential rain is expected. If you have any outdoor plans, potentially plan on a back-up for anything that could get rained out. The rain looks to linger through overnight, right into our Friday AM. What will Orlando's weather be like on Fourth of July? There looks to be some dry periods on Friday as well, but rain chances, just like Thursday, will be with us throughout the day. The upper-level energy in the atmosphere will be working east. This means that the best lift or dynamics won't be overhead. But what we will have is the stalled front on top of us. That front will still aid in keeping numerous showers and storms in the forecast throughout the day on Friday. Fireworks festivities and launches during the evening could be questionable, but it's something we'll be monitoring closely. How much rain will the Orlando area get? What To Expect Widespread showers and thunderstorms are expected across Central Florida throughout the week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rainfall totals will vary across the region, but several inches are expected to fall in nearly every county by the weekend. Coastal areas from the eastern Florida Panhandle southward through the Big Bend and into the Sarasota area will likely see the highest rain totals this week. Parts of Florida's Big Bend from about the Perry area through Cedar Key may receive as much as 6 to 10 inches. Orlando could see upwards of 5 to 8 inches of rain, with some locally higher amounts. Heavy rain is also expected along the Atlantic Coast of Florida from south of Jacksonville through Daytona Beach, as well as in communities along the Space Coast from Cocoa Beach to Melbourne. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SIGN-UP FOR FOX 35'S BREAKING NEWS, DAILY NEWS NEWSLETTERS Daily downpours and storms are likely, and meteorologists say the wet weather wont be confined to the usual afternoon hours. Looking Ahead The exact timing for the heaviest rain still needs to be fine-tuned as we move through this week, but models show several inches of rain could fall over the next seven days. By Saturday, as the tropical moisture moves over the Atlantic Ocean, the chances of a tropical depression forming off the Southeast United States increases. Big picture view AAA projects a record 72.2 million Americans are expected to travel during the July Fourth weekend, driven by the holiday falling on a Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CLICK TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX LOCAL APP Flooding, rain, lightning, and possible flight delays are poised to impact travel from Florida along the eastern seaboard. Cities from Tampa and Orlando to New York and Boston may see weather-related disruptions, making travel logistics challenging nationwide. Fireworks will be dampened across Central Florida with the likelihood of heavy rain. 2025 Atlantic storm names Dig deeper Whenever the next named storm develops in the Atlantic Basin, it will get the name Chantal. The Source This story was written based on information shared by the National Hurricane Center and the FOX 35 Storm Team. BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) The 1-year-old boy who died Sunday after his mother left him in a car while she received a facial treatment had a body temperature of 107 degrees, according to newly released court documents. Amillio Gutierrez of Visalia had no pulse or other signs of life when brought to Adventist Health, according to reports filed by Bakersfield police. He was pronounced dead after staff worked on him for 40 minutes. Coroner IDs 1-year-old left unattended in vehicle on South Real Road Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A 2-year-old also left in the vehicle survived. His temperature was 99 degrees when brought to the hospital and his vital signs were normal, documents said. Hospital staff said children 2 and older are able to sweat to cool themselves, something children 1 and younger typically cant do. The mother, Maya Hernandez, 20, has pleaded not guilty to charges of involuntary manslaughter and two counts of child cruelty. Shes being held on more than $1 million bail and is due back in court next week. Hernandez told police she thought the children would be fine because she left her 2022 Toyota Corolla Hybrid running with the air-conditioning set to 60 degrees. But police learned from the shop foreman at North Bakersfield Toyota that the car automatically shuts off if left in park for an hour, meaning the children were in the car with the engine off for about 90 minutes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The temperature hit 101 degrees during that time period. Based on the totality of the evidence at this time it is clear that Maya Hernandezs actions caused the death of Amillio Gutierrez, an investigator wrote. Preventable death: Experts beg public to not leave children, pets in fatally-hot cars When police were called at about 4:45 p.m. to the 10 block of South Real Road, they found EMTs working on Amillio and Hernandez holding the 2-year-old, who had soaking wet hair and appeared lethargic, according to the documents. Hernandez said she entered Always Beautiful Med Spa around 2 p.m. for a lip filler injection. She said she left the children in the backseat with crackers, candy and milk, her cellphone angled so they could watch TV. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement (Hernandez) stated she was certain that her car would stay on with the air conditioning running the whole time she was gone, because she had been in her car for extended periods of time before and had even slept in her car, an investigator wrote. When her procedure was finished and she returned to the car, Hernandez told police, Amillio was red. She said she wasnt concerned at first he gets red easily but then he had a seizure. She called 911 and asked spa staff for help. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News The reports say Hernandez had been told her children could wait inside while her treatment was performed. It appears from the documents that staff and other patrons werent aware her children had been left in a vehicle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The woman who performed the lip injection told police Hernandez texted her that morning asking if she could bring her kids. Sure if you dont mind them waiting in the waiting room Hun, the woman wrote back. Hernandez didnt respond, according to the documents. When questioned by police, Hernandez acknowledged shed been told she could bring her kids inside. An investigator wrote, (Hernandez) admitted she knew that her actions were irresponsible and that she considered that when she was getting out of the car, but she intentionally left them in the vehicle regardless, placing the value of her appearance over the value of the safety and well-being of her children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) On St. John the Baptists feast day in late June, an extended Tohono Oodham family attends Mass out at their desert camp, where they gather to harvest saguaro fruit in a process sacred in their Native spirituality. When youre raised as being a Catholic and raised as being an Oodham, you have both of those within your home, you have both of those within your family, said Maria Francisco. So its a combination. With her cousin, Tanisha Tucker Lohse, and about three dozen other family members and friends, Francisco worshipped at the early morning Mass in a ramada a canopy topped with saguaro ribs to provide shade, this one decorated with paper flowers. A folding table covered by a white and gold tablecloth served as an altar. A priest visited from Tucson to celebrate the Mass. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A statuette of St. John the Baptist stood by a bunch of fresh flowers, candles and burning desert sage in lieu of incense. There also were photographs of Tuckers late mom and their great-great-aunt, known as Grandma Juanita, whose advocacy preserved the camp. Juana is Spanish for Jane, so she celebrated her name day on St. John's and the family is continuing the tradition. A dozen cross-shaped saguaro fruit-picking poles leaned behind the table. Made from saguaro ribs, they're used to hook the fruits and push or pull them down from the towering plants. The history of encounters between Catholicism and Native spirituality has often been marred by violence and oppression. But many members of the Tohono Oodham Nation hold onto both faith traditions as they were passed down since the late 17th century, when an Italian-born Jesuit missionary, the Rev. Eusebio Kino, introduced Christianity to these remote deserts in what now are the U.S.-Mexico borderlands. To me, its the lived consequence of trying to do Catholicism on their own, said Seth Schermerhorn, a Hamilton College professor who studies Indigenous adoption of Christian practices. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many Oodham villages have mission churches, though a shortage of priests means regular Mass is a rarity. The Rev. Aro Varnabas came from his parish, Saint Kateri, to celebrate this service. Making people feel connected to God through the things theyre familiar with, thats what I see, he said. Michael Enis, who works for the Oodhams San Xaviers district home to one of the most beautifully decorated colonial Catholic churches in the Southwest, San Xavier del Bac brought his three young children. He sees a special kinship between his nation and Jesus cousin, who lived off the desert, calling for repentance at the risk of his life, and baptized Christ himself in the Jordan River. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You connect the story of St. John and Oodham life, and youre stronger for it, Enis said. ___ 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. For most of recorded history, more men have died from disease in some faraway field than from an enemy bullet. Diseases, writes historian John A. Haymond, particularly those of the insect-borne or water-specific types, have been responsible for untold millions of deaths in militaries across the millennia. Ironically, armies ravaged by disease have usually carried the seeds of their destruction with them in the form of poor field sanitation habits. After all, a sufficiently provisioned army of 10,000 men could produce about four tons of fecal waste every day. On June 11, 1942, disease, and perhaps an increasing desire not to use ones own hand to wipe ones nether regions, drove Lt. Cmdr. James Coe of the submarine Skipjack to send an urgent message to the powers that be. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since July 1, 1941, a requisition had been submitted for 150 rolls of toilet paper to replenish the dwindling supply aboard the Skipjack. However, as the boat patrolled the Pacific, no sign of the all-important bathroom item appeared even as other war materiel came in. In March 1942, according to the National WWII Museum, Coe took command of the Skipjack and learned of the dire, and no doubt malodorous, situation. To make matters worse, Coe received a canceled invoice for the TP alongside a stamped July 1941 message stating cancelled-cannot identify. In response to this bureaucratic fumble, Coe issued a letter to the supply officer in Mare Island, California. His tongue-in-cheek rejoinder would become the stuff of legends within the Navy. USS SKIPJACK Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement June 11, 1942 From: Commanding Officer To: Supply Officer, Navy Yard, Mare Island, California Via: Commander Submarines, Southwest Pacific Subject: Toilet Paper Reference: (a) USS HOLLAND (5148) USS Skipjack req. 70-42 of 30 July 1941. (b) SO NYMI Canceled invoice No. 272836 Enclosure: (1) Copy of cancelled Invoice (2) Sample of material requested. 1. This vessel submitted a requisition for 150 rolls of toilet paper on July 30, 1941, to USS HOLLAND. The material was ordered by HOLLAND from the Supply Officer, Navy Yard, Mare Island, for delivery to USS Skipjack. 2. The Supply Officer, Navy Yard, Mare Island, on November 26, 1941, cancelled Mare Island Invoice No. 272836 with the stamped notation Cancelled---cannot identify. This cancelled invoice was received by Skipjack on June 10, 1942. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 3. During the 11 months elapsing from the time of ordering the toilet paper and the present date, the Skipjack personnel, despite their best efforts to await delivery of subject material, have been unable to wait on numerous occasions, and the situation is now quite acute, especially during depth charge attack by the back-stabbers. 4. Enclosure (2) is a sample of the desired material provided for the information of the Supply Officer, Navy Yard, Mare Island. The Commanding Officer, USS Skipjack cannot help but wonder what is being used in Mare Island in place of this unidentifiable material, once well known to this command. 5. Skipjack personnel during this period have become accustomed to use of ersatz, i.e., the vast amount of incoming non-essential paper work, and in so doing feel that the wish of the Bureau of Ships for the reduction of paper work is being complied with, thus effectively killing two birds with one stone. 6. It is believed by this command that the stamped notation cannot identify was possible error, and that this is simply a case of shortage of strategic war material, the Skipjack probably being low on the priority list. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 7. In order to cooperate in our war effort at a small local sacrifice, the Skipjack desires no further action be taken until the end of the current war, which has created a situation aptly described as war is hell. J.W. Coe War is hell when you dont even have one-ply toilet paper but one must commend the eco-conscious Coe and crew for utilizing the the vast amount of incoming non-essential paper work to get the job done. After almost a year going without the precious commodity, Skipjack submariners fortunes were about to change. Upon returning to Australia after its patrol, the men were greeted with crates of toilet paper seven feet high, toilet paper streamers decorating the dock and a band wearing toilet paper neckties with toilet paper adorning their trumpets and horns to greet them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tragically, after assuming command of the submarine Cisco in January of 1943, Cmdr. Coe was determined missing in action after the Cisco failed to return from war patrol in the South China Sea. He was presumed dead on Jan. 8, 1946. However, his bravery he was awarded the Navy Cross for his action on the Skipjack and his particular brand of humor continue to live on. With Illinois March primary for the 2026 midterm elections less than a year away, politicians are lining up to fill the seats being vacated by longtime members of the states congressional delegation who are retiring or campaigning for higher office. The domino effect that began in late April with U.S. Sen. Dick Durbins announcement that he wasnt seeking a sixth term has caused two members of Congress U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly of Matteson and U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi of Schaumburg to declare their interest in Durbins seat. That means their spots in Congress are opening up. In addition, much of the north and northwest suburbs will see their first new members of Congress in nearly three decades as U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky is retiring at the end of her term. Plus, a fourth seat could open up because the delegations longest-serving member 83-year-old U.S. Rep. Danny Davis hasnt said whether hell be running for a 16th term. Since 1997, Davis has represented a swath stretching from Chicagos downtown to the citys West Side and closer-in western suburbs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All four districts are held by Democrats, meaning the Democratic primary races will be the key ones to watch. But Republicans will be vying for the seats as well in the hopes of flipping one of the seats and helping the GOP hold onto their razor-thin majority in the House. The primary for both parties will be held on March 17. Politicians still have time to throw their hats into one of the rings, but here are the top candidates those who already hold elected office or are among the top fundraisers so far for the House next year in Illinois. 2nd Congressional District Stretching from 43rd Street on Chicagos South Side along the Indiana border south to downstate Danville, Illinois 2nd Congressional District has been represented by U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly since 2013. Here are those so far vying to replace Kelly, who is running for Senate and told the Tribune in May that she planned to remain neutral in the congressional race to replace her. Donna Miller, Democrat Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller said in late May shes forming an exploratory committee to help her decide if she should run for the 2nd Congressional District seat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Miller lives in Lynwood and is in her second term as the 6th District commissioner on the Cook County Board. The exploratory committee is made up of south suburban mayors, the Daily Southtown reported. Miller is also vice president of the Illinois Democratic Women organization, former president of the Democratic Women of the South Suburbs, and past board chair of Planned Parenthood of Illinois and its political action committee. I understand the district, Miller said. I understand the Southland. Robert Peters, Democrat A South Side native and community organizer, state Sen. Robert Peters of Chicago received an early endorsement from U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont after Peters announced his intent to run for the 2nd Congressional District seat. That gave him an early leg up with progressives in the district. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I have a record and I have a personal narrative that I think really touches on where were at right now, Peters recently told the Tribune. The 40-year-old was born deaf and with a speech impediment, and he was influenced by his adoptive fathers work as a civil rights lawyer. More recently, Peters led efforts to pass the law ending bail for nonviolent crimes and measures to ensure protections for abortion rights in Illinois after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. A member of the legislature since 2019, Peters is a part of the Senate Democrats leadership team and the Legislative Black Caucus. Yumeka Brown, the three-term village clerk of Matteson and a commissioner on the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Board, told the Southtown she is a candidate but has not yet filed the paperwork to run. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Matteson Mayor Sheila Chalmers-Currin also formed an exploratory committee to run for Kellys seat. Others who have filed paperwork with the Federal Election Commission stating their interest in running for the congressional seat were Democrats Adal Regis, who worked in Kellys district office on grants, and Eric France, a management consultant, as well as Republican Ashley Ramos, who was the GOP nominee of the 2nd Congressional District seat in 2024, and Calvin Coleman, who is not affiliated with either major party. 7th Congressional District Beginning in Chicagos downtown and heading through the citys West Side and into the western suburbs, including Oak Park and Hillside, Illinois 7th Congressional District has been represented by U.S. Rep. Danny Davis since 1997. As of mid-June, Davis, 83, had not said whether hes running for reelection while publicly saying hes considering retirement. Davis has faced Democratic competition in recent years. Heres the status of those who might run, including the incumbent. Danny Davis, Democrat Despite a close primary race in 2022, Davis came back two years later to beat four Democratic challengers and keep his seat for a 15th term last year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I know that you cant lead where you dont go, and you cant teach what you dont know, Davis told the Tribune before the general election last year. That sentiment was in line with his playbook in that race: reminding voters of his seniority and connections in the district. So far, its kept Davis out of reach of challengers, including Chicago Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin and progressive activist Kina Collins, who both ran against him last year. Conyears-Ervin in May said she was undecided about running again. La Shawn Ford, Democrat State Rep. La Shawn Ford of Chicago has registered with the FEC to run for the 7th Congressional District but has told the Tribune he will campaign only if Davis retires. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Absolutely, I will run if Congressman Davis is out, Ford said, adding that he appreciates the congressman continuing to focus on opposing the administration of President Donald Trump rather than retirement. A state representative since 2007, Ford is chair of the committee covering appropriations for higher education and an advocate for allowing hemp businesses to continue operating with regulations, ending ticketing in schools and bringing a supervised site for people using drugs to the West Side. Jason Friedman, Democrat Business owner Jason Friedman, who has never held public office, is the former president of Friedman Properties. The company, which was started by his father, Albert, is a major Chicago development firm that has built properties in Chicagos River North neighborhood, which is part of the 7th Congressional District. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Others who have filed paperwork with the FEC stating their interest in running for the congressional seat were Democrats John McCombs, Kamaria Kali and Jerico Brown. 8th Congressional District A mostly northwest suburban district that goes north and west of Carpentersville and dips as far east and south as Rosemont, the 8th Congressional District has been represented by U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi since 2017. With Krishnamoorthi running for Senate, here are the main candidates looking to succeed him. Kevin Morrison, Democrat Once the first openly LGBTQ+ and youngest-ever commissioner elected to the Cook County Board, Cook County Commissioner Kevin Morrison of Mount Prospect announced in May hed run to succeed Krishnamoorthi. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I believe in advancing policies that support families, and that everybody deserves a fair shot to get ahead, he said in his campaign announcement. Morrison snagged the endorsement of U.S. Rep. Eric Sorensen of the 17th Congressional District, the commissioner posted on social media. Yasmeen Bankole, Democrat Hanover Park Trustee Yasmeen Bankole once served as a staffer in the office shes now running to lead, working as a congressional aide to Krishnamoorthi during Trumps first term, according to her campaign. The Hanover Park native also worked for U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin for six years, she said in a campaign video. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ive seen whats possible when you put the people of Illinois first every day, she said. Others who have filed paperwork with the FEC stating their interest in running for the congressional seat were Democrats Junaid Ahmed, a technology business owner who ran against Krishnamoorthi previously; Dan Tully, an attorney and Army veteran; Christ Kallas; small-business CEO Neil Khot; Joseph Wentzel; and entrepreneur Sanjyot Dunung. Dunung served on the National Small Business Associations board of directors and on President Joe Bidens Foreign Policy Working Group focused on international trade. Ahmed has been endorsed by U.S. Rep. Ro Khanna of California. On the Republican side, Mark Rice, who has also previously challenged Krishnamoorthi, is also planning to run. 9th Congressional District From Graceland Cemetery on Chicagos North Side and running north to Wilmette and then snaking north and west to Crystal Lake, the 9th Congressional District has been represented by U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky since 1999. Schakowsky said earlier this year she will retire at the end of her term. Schakowsky, as of mid-June, had not endorsed any candidates to succeed her and a person familiar with her decision-making told the Tribune shes not intending to provide any endorsements in the race as she wants an open primary. Here are the main candidates looking to succeed her. Kat Abughazaleh, Democrat Progressive content creator Kat Abughazaleh is hoping to use her massive online audience and unconventional brand to earn the 9th Congressional District seat in Congress. The 26-year-old newcomer to Illinois got a head start on fundraising, bringing in more than $375,000 in the first weeks of her campaign on a pitch to run a different kind of race, based on mutual aid efforts. Shes also advocated for free child care and expanding Social Security. People think that this campaign is really online, because thats what my background is, she told the Tribune. But this is about our ground game. I know that might sound idealistic, but I dont care, she added. Bushra Amiwala, Democrat Bushra Amiwala, elected to the Skokie School District 73.5 board, now is eyeing a seat in Congress. Amiwala sees herself as a fresh perspective from a familiar face, she told the Tribune before she officially announced her candidacy. The Skokie native works at Google and recently graduated from Northwestern Universitys Kellogg School of Management with a masters degree in business administration, according to her campaign. Daniel Biss, Democrat Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss previously served for eight years in the General Assembly and unsuccessfully campaigned for governor in 2018, losing the Democratic primary race to now-Gov. JB Pritzker. The second-term mayor immediately vaulted into a competitive fundraising position after his congressional campaign announcement last month, reporting he raised $350,000 in the first day. Hes also been endorsed by U.S. Rep. Sean Casten of Downers Grove. I think people are looking for solutions. I think people are looking for someone who can demonstrate the ability to actually use government to improve peoples lives and create change and break through the cynicism, Biss, a former assistant professor at the University of Chicago, told the Tribune. Trumps election, he added, was a reflection of people who have given up and they figure governments not going to fix any problems. Laura Fine, Democrat Democratic state Sen. Laura Fine, of Glenview, has represented the area since 2013, the last six years as a state senator. Now, shes campaigning on her experience with health insurance issues, after she turned a family hardship into years working on legislation. Related Articles Fines husband, Michael, lost one of his arms in a near-fatal car crash in 2010, she said in an interview. She traces her entry into politics to the ensuing struggle with insurance companies. I made taking on big insurance my lifes work, and I feel like I didnt let them ruin my family, and I was not going to let them ruin any others, she said. Fine has also racked up endorsements from at least 10 other members of the General Assembly in the first several weeks of her campaign. Hoan Huynh, Democrat Two-term state Rep. Hoan Huynh, who represents a North Side district that includes the Uptown neighborhood in Chicago, surprised many observers in 2022 when he emerged victorious from a five-way Democratic primary battle to replace retiring Illinois House Majority Leader Greg Harris. A political newcomer at the time, Huynh was up against a field that included establishment pick Eileen Dordek, a social worker and community activist who received contributions from many traditional party allies and even had Pritzker knocking on doors for her campaign. But Huynh ran a strong grassroots campaign and, in a state House district with a substantial Asian American population, had key backing from state Rep. Theresa Mah, who in 2016 became the first Asian American elected to the Illinois General Assembly. Born on a refugee base in Vietnam, Huynh immigrated to the U.S. with his family in the early 1990s and went on to an Ivy League education, earning a bachelors degree from Yale University and a masters from Harvard University. Huynh had yet to file paperwork to run but declared his candidacy on social media July 2. Im running because I believe the people of this district deserve a representative in Congress who understands the challenges working families face and who wont stop fighting for a future where everyone has a fair shot, wrote Huynh, who would give up his seat in Springfield in a bid for the U.S. House. Fine and Huynh could soon be competing against at least one other colleague in the General Assembly, state Sen. Mike Simmons of Uptown, who has said hes interested in the seat. Democrats Miracle Jenkins, who worked for Schakowsky as a deputy political director in 2018, and David Abrevaya have also filed paperwork to run, along with Republicans Mark Su and Rocio Cleveland. Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Carlos Ruiz learned a lesson the hard way: Never put Baby in a corner. In a now-deleted Instagram post this week, Ruiz can be seen pointing toward a photo of a U.S. soldier with a myriad of medals strewn across his chest and arms. Uniform standards have entered the group chat! Ruiz wrote in the post. Exhibit A: This is what it looks like when we dont have a standard. Make sure to check out MCO 1020.34H for all uniform guidance! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ruiz blurred out the soldiers face, but it took users mere seconds to clock that the photo Ruiz was referring to was of Audie Murphy nicknamed Baby the single-most decorated American combat soldier of WWII and one of the most decorated American service members of all time. The Medal of Honor was Audie Murphys 28th decoration. He had been awarded every other medal for valor in battle the Army had to offer, and several twice. (Official Army photo) In the photo, Murphy is wearing his awards in the correct order of precedence. The rack holder for medals was not produced until after WWII. In response to the post, Ruiz faced a sea of roasters on Army and Marine Reddit pages alike. Love how he blurred out the face as if its not an iconic picture, one user wrote on r/army. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Out of all pictures on Gods green earth why would he use that picture[?] another commented. Ruiz quickly deleted his post and issued an apology, stating, Earlier today I posted a picture of a great American hero, Audie Murphy. In poor taste, I linked his uniform to todays regulations. My sincere apologies, as I meant no disrespect. There is a history linked to that photo and why his decorations are where they are. It shouldnt have happened and there are no excuses. A spokesperson for the Marine Corps told Military Times they backed Ruizs apology. The service told Task and Purpose the post was an unforced error where the message being sent should have used a Marine as an example, and there was no intent to disparage a great American soldier. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and her top adviser Corey Lewandowski were fuming with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis TV tour of the migrant detention center nicknamed Alligator Alcatraz, according to a report. DeSantis conducted a walkabout of the site in the Florida Everglades with Fox & Friends on Friday last week, undercutting what Noem and her team thought would be the official public launch on Tuesday this week, two sources familiar with the matter told NBC News. A Republican operative claimed Noems staff asked DeSantis not to go ahead with the TV tour, with one source claiming that Lewandowski lost his s--- over it. DeSantis upset Noem and Lewandowski with his Fox News tour of the detention site, the GOP operative told NBC News. The outlet claimed the Trump administration was caught off guard by DeSantis stunt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Noem wanted an event for Tuesday and didnt want anyone having eyes on the site and needed to push until Tuesday because she was traveling. President Donald Trump, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem look at cages where migrants will be detained at Alligator Alcatraz in FloridaDeSantis had already toured the site with Fox & Friends last week. / ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images The source suggested that DeSantis might have even ignored pleas from Noem staffers who outright asked him not to do the live bit with Fox News host Steve Doocy. The DHS team asked DeSantis not to do his Friday event, the person said. DeSantis did what was best for DeSantis and got out in front...angering both Noem and Lewandowski. Lewandowski, who once served as Trumps campaign chief, also advised the president last year during his run against then-Vice President Kamala Harris. He now works as a close adviser to Noemboth Lewandowski and Noem have previously denied tabloid reports claiming they had an affair. Both are married. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Daily Beast has contacted Noem and DeSantis offices for comment on the report about Alligator Alcatraz. The White House, meanwhile, called the source quotes fake news. Leave it to the Fake News NBC to write about baseless gossip following a hugely successful event with President Trump, Secretary Noem and Governor DeSantis at Alligator Alcatraz, White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson told NBC News in a statement. Heres the real story that the state-of-the-art facility will play an important role in fulfilling the Presidents promise to keep Americans safe and deport criminal illegal aliens. Corey Lewandowski reportedly The President is grateful to work with both Secretary Noem and Governor DeSantis on this project, she added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DeSantis has been working hard to get back to the MAGA top table after challenging Donald Trump for the 2024 Republican nomination. At the event on Tuesday, he was keen to show the new united front. The thing about it is, I endorsed him, DeSantis said, referring to his backing of Trump after he dropped out of the presidential race. Raised one of his PACs millions and millions of dollars. Trump, meanwhile, appeared to be appeased and delivered a backslapping appraisal of their mended friendship. You are my friend, and youll always be my friend, and we may have some skirmishes, even in the future. I doubt it, but I will always come back, because we have blood that seems to match pretty well, the president said. I think it is a 10, Trump added of their relationship. Maybe a 9.9. ... We get along great. Maersk has introduced the Maersk Trade & Tariff Studio, a digital platform designed to help global cargo owners navigate the complexities of an unpredictable trade landscape. This AI-driven solution addresses challenges such as rising tariffs, increased regulatory oversight, and disrupted customs processes through a centralised system for managing customs and tariffs. After extensive testing with major clients, the platform became available for cargo imported into the US, with a global rollout planned for August. It integrates seamlessly with Maersks logistics services but can also operate independently for cargo owners. Many global companies currently rely on a fragmented network of up to 40 local customs brokers, resulting in disjointed data, reduced transparency, and overpaid duties. Maersk's data indicates that an average of 56% of tariffs are overpaid due to a lack of centralised data and optimisation. Additionally, 20% of shipment delays are attributed to inadequate customs preparation. Only 5055% of trade eligible for Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) fully capitalises on these opportunities, despite the availability of more than 650 FTAs globally, according to the company. The Maersk Trade & Tariff Studio features AI-powered tariff engineering and optimisation, ensuring accurate application of over 6,000 product codes and more than 20,000 sub-codes. It includes upstream compliance risk screening to prevent delays, detentions, and penalties, while providing real-time updates through data partners and Maersks network of 2,700 customs experts worldwide. The platform also assists companies in complying with complex regulations, including product safety, labour standards, and emerging environmental mandates such as the EUs Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), as non-compliance can lead to significant fines and market restrictions. Maersk Trade and Customs Consulting global head Lars Karlsson said: Todays environment is defined by unpredictability, with newly imposed and suddenly postponed tariffs creating what many of our customers describe as tariff chaos. Maersk Trade & Tariff Studio is our answer to this challengebringing clarity, compliance, agility and cost optimisation to global supply chains when goods are crossing borders. Recently, Maersk unveiled a new class of 17,480TEU vessels featuring dual-fuel methanol propulsion, built at Hyundai Heavy Industries in Ulsan, South Korea. These container ships will improve Maersk's services by linking Eastern Asia with Northern Europe. "Maersk rolls out AI-driven trade and tariff platform to navigate customs" was originally created and published by Ship Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. Former Russian Deputy Defense Minister Timur Ivanov was sentenced on July 1 to 13 years in a penal colony after being found guilty of corruptionthe toughest sentence so far in a string of graft investigations involving high-level defense officials. Authorities detained Ivanov in April 2024 on bribery allegations, later adding embezzlement charges in October. Over a dozen individuals, including two other former deputy ministers, have been implicated in separate investigations. The trial was held behind closed doors due to national security concerns. Ivanovs co-defendant, Anton Filatov, a former logistics company executive, received a 12.5-year sentence. According to state media, the embezzled amount totaled 4.1 billion roubles ($48.8 million), largely funneled through bank transfers to two foreign accounts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ivanov pleaded not guilty. The court stripped him of all state honors and ordered the confiscation of property, vehicles, and cash worth 2.5 billion roubles. Reports in Russian media described his and his wifes assets, including a luxury apartment in central Moscow, a three-storey English-style mansion outside the city, and a high-end car collection featuring brands such as Bentley and Aston Martin. Prominent Russian war correspondents known as "Z-bloggers" have publicly condemned the corruption exposed within the defenae sector, especially as the war in Ukraine continues. One of them, Alexander Kots, acknowledged that 13 years is a long sentence but argued that corrupt officials should face trial during wartime as "traitors to the Motherland." Since 2016, Ivanov oversaw large logistics contracts at the defence ministry, including those tied to property, housing, and medical support. He served under Sergei Shoigu, who was replaced as defence minister last year but remains influential as the secretary of Russias Security Council. Authorities have also arrested two of Shoigus other former deputies in separate cases. In April, a court sentenced Lieutenant-General Vadim Shamarin, the former deputy head of the armys general staff, to seven years for accepting bribes worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The wave of prosecutions reflects what appears to be President Vladimir Putins effort to address corruption, inefficiency, and waste in Russias expansive military budget, which accounts for 32% of federal spending this year. Read also: Ukraines new interceptor UAVs are starting to knock Russias long-range Shahed drones out of the sky Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. New Topeka truck stop put on hold, sent back to planning commission TOPEKA (KSNT) Following concerns from the community, a new truck stop in Topeka will have to pump the brakes. At Tuesday nights city council meeting, the governing body voted to send a request to rezone a west Topeka property back to the planning commission for more work. Maverik has more than 400 locations in 12 states, and wants to expand to Kansas. Its looking to add a location off of I-70 on Fairlawn where the old Holidome was located. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While many people raised concerns with council members about the impact a truck stop would have on traffic in the area, Councilman David Banks said he is also concerned about what the truck stop would do to a local neighboring business. We also have an owner on that corner that we think, you know, we dont know what his plans are or decision, Banks said. If I had to vote, tonight would have been a really tough decision. Kansas sheriff issues statement after rural crime spree at isolated farmsteads If the planning commission approves the request again, it will go back to the city council for reconsideration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Banks said he would love to see any new business come to the city, he added its important to consider the possibility the business may not succeed or end up causing more harm than good. 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. Tornado Warning Issued For Major U.S. State Tonight originally appeared on The Spun. Unfortunately for the East Coast, a tornado is heading its way this Tuesday night. The National Weather Service has issued a tornado warning for several boroughs in Pennsylvania. Their radar currently shows Gilbertsville, Boyertown and Oley in the exposure zone. A tornado warning indicates imminent danger to life and property. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This tornado warning has been called into effect due to a cluster of thunderstorms near Birdsboro. "This cluster of thunderstorms is capable of producing tornadoes and widespread significant wind damage," the National Weather Service said. "Do not wait to see or hear the tornado. For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building." ELBERT COUNTY, CO - MAY 8: (L to R) Hunter Anderson, a meteorology student at St. Cloud State University and current intern with the Center For Severe Weather Research, looks on as meteorologist Nicholas Stewart points out features in a supercell thunderstorm during a tornado research mission, May 8, 2017 in Elbert County outside of Limon, Colorado. With funding from the National Science Foundation and other government grants, scientists and meteorologists from the Center for Severe Weather Research try to get close to supercell storms and tornadoes trying to better understand tornado structure and strength, how low-level winds affect and damage buildings, and to learn more about tornado formation and prediction. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)Drew Angerer/Getty Images Since there's the threat of damaging winds, it's imperative that people in Berks County and Montgomery County seek shelter. "Move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If in a mobile home, a vehicle, or outdoors, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris. Warnings are issued by your local forecast office. Warnings typically encompass a much smaller area (around the size of a city or small county) that may be impacted by a tornado identified by a forecaster on radar or by a trained spotter/law enforcement who is watching the storm." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thankfully, this tornado warning won't linger into Wednesday morning. Hopefully, everyone in Pennsylvania stays safe. Related: Woman Dies In 'Horrific' Thunderstorm Accident At 79 Tornado Warning Issued For Major U.S. State Tonight first appeared on The Spun on Jul 1, 2025 This story was originally reported by The Spun on Jul 1, 2025, where it first appeared. A major tourist destination is seeing a peculiar influx of lovebugs, The Guardian reported. Clips shared across social media show the tiny bugs swarming all over residents of Seoul, South Korea. In one video which has garnered nearly 10 million views, a man is shown covered in lovebugs during a hiking expedition to Gyeyangsan Mountain, which is about 30 miles outside of Seoul. As he tries to swat the insects away, ever more bugs appear on his person. Another clip taken later in the same mans journey shows an equal number of bugs attaching themselves to him as he bravely continues his hike. Lovebug infestations in Seoul are rising to an all-time high. Korea Joonang Daily reported that recorded lovebug infestations doubled in 2024, with 9,296 cases reported last year compared with 4,418 in 2023. A study published in the Journal of Integrated Pest Management reported that northwest Seoul was hit by an "unprecedented outbreak of lovebugs" in the summer of 2022. The bugs "were observed in abundance, covering streets, building walls, and window screens in densely populated urban neighborhoods, so remarkable that it was featured on national news in Korea." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite their pesky presence, the South Korean government is urging residents not to kill the bugs or treat them with pesticides as lovebugs are beneficial insects who enrich soil and carry pollen. Lovebugs are also common in some hotter parts of the United States, particularly Texas and Florida. Related: Mother Suffers Freak Accident After 'Dozens' of Mosquito Bites This Tourist Hub Is Being Terrorized by Swarms of Insects first appeared on Men's Journal on Jul 2, 2025 Nine months after it hit, a North Carolina town is still dealing with the aftermath of a deadly hurricane, and a lack of federal aid is leaving its residents "in limbo." What's happening? Last September, Hurricane Helene ravaged the Southeast. The storm, which landed as a Category 4 hurricane, killed more than 230 people across six states. More than 100 of those deaths occurred in North Carolina, and new photos published in The Guardian show the small town of Lake Lure is still dealing with the hurricane's devastation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The town's century-old dam barely held up against the storm's floodwaters, but major damage left the town needing countless repairs, including an estimated $200 million to rebuild the dam, according to Reuters. Originally, town officials believed the Federal Emergency Management Agency would come to their aid, giving the town much-needed relief. However, since President Donald Trump took office, FEMA has declined funding requests for projects to protect against future storms from six states, leaving Lake Lure's future up in the air. "I think what we're seeing is a de-scoping of FEMA," town commissioner Dave DiOrio told Reuters. "If it does, that leaves us in limbo land." Why is this important? As Raleigh-based WRAL reports, when North Carolina's 100% cost-share period with FEMA for debris removal and emergency protective measures expired, FEMA did authorize 90% funding for debris removal in the state when the usual coverage tops out at 75%. Nonetheless, in June, Trump said he plans to dismantle FEMA after this year's hurricane season, instead putting the onus for disaster recovery on the states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We want to wean off of FEMA, and we want to bring it down to the state level," Trump said. "A governor should be able to handle it." His administration has also put forth plans to significantly slash staff at the Office of Community Planning, a part of the Department of Housing and Urban Development that funds recovery efforts after natural disasters. All of this is happening at a time when natural disasters are happening more than ever before. As air pollution causes the planet to warm, extreme weather occurs with more severity and/or more frequently. Do you think America is in a housing crisis? Definitely Not sure No way Only in some cities Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. What can I do about natural disasters? By understanding the issues that lead to more frequent severe weather, we can start to make helpful changes in our everyday life. Small changes like relying less on plastic or taking public transportation more often all contribute to lowering our carbon footprint and slowing the rate at which the Earth warms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With that knowledge, we can also use our voices to advocate for larger-scale changes, whether it's by supporting eco-friendly companies or voting for politicians who will make our future a little more green. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. SPRINGFIELD TWP., Ohio (WKBN)- Summer vacation season is in full swing, and for those who are heading out of the country, there are a few things to keep in mind to stay safe. Before you grab your passport and head up the turnpike to one of the nearby international airports, there are a few proactive steps you can take to make sure you stay safe. Whether you have already picked a foreign destination or youre still exploring options, its a great idea to check out the travel advisory map. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That will tell you if there are any risks when traveling to that country. There are four levels of Travel Advisories, a report from the U.S. Department of State describing the risks and recommended precautions for U.S. citizens in a foreign destination. These are updated any time conditions change substantially: Level 1 asks you to exercise normal precautions. Level 2 means exercise increased caution. Level 3 means you should reconsider your trip. Level 4 means you should not travel there due to life-threatening risks. Once youre set on a destination, Bill Coyle with KHM Travel Group recommends signing up for the STEP Program to get updates from the local U.S. Embassy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Step is the smart traveler enrollment program. Its for every citizen who is traveling outside the country. Its very simple, and its not something where were turning our information over to the government. We should feel very comfortable filling it out, and it just details what country we are going to, what dates we are going there, what contact information, and where I plan to stay. I think that we must enroll in step so that while were traveling and when were traveling, theres a record of who we are, how long were there, and where we are, Coyle said. You can get signed up for that on the U.S. Department of State website, which you can find at travel.state.gov. Thats also where you can access what countries have a travel advisory, or any other watches and warnings. If you still have questions when planning your trip, Coyle said it might be a good idea to talk with a travel advisor so they can answer any questions and offer recommendations. Another way to make sure you stay safe on your overseas trip is by sharing your location and itinerary with someone at home. That way, they can check on you and get help if needed. The first thing you should do is fill out the incident report. Then, take pictures and documentation of your injuries. The incident reports need to clearly state this injury happened at this resort, and it must be signed by both the person being treated and the establishment where it happened. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If the primary insurance that we have at home isnt going to cover us for anything like a broken leg or something whats the secondary insurance look like? Is there trip insurance that was involved in this, and how do we go about filing that claim? Do we really have proof of any of this? That incident report or the acknowledgment of this is whats going to help us get that claim handled, Coyle said. Coyle also says travelers should be prepared by carrying some cash or credit, in case medical expenses do come up. When youre injured or sick on a cruise, for example, you have the right to be treated by the cruise lines medical staff on board, but you have to follow the policies of that particular cruise line or destination. So, in some cases, you might have to pay up front, or out of pocket, then file your insurance claim later on. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. Originally appeared on E! Online Authorities are sharing more updates as the search for Travis Decker continues. The Chelan County Sheriffs Office announced it believes the blood found on Travis truckwhere the bodies of his and ex-wife Whitney Decker s daughters Paityn, 9, Evelyn, 8, and Olivia, 5, were discovered near Rock Island Campground in Leavenworth, Wash., June 2belongs to the missing 32-year-old, who is wanted on first-degree charges of murder and kidnapping. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Detectives originally recovered some individual, personal items, from the scene they believed belong to Mr. Decker," the police's press release posted to Facebook read. "The lab took DNA samples from those items and found they matched the DNA in the blood samples recovered at the scene." "We know, positively, that all of the DNA samples recovered belong to the same, male, subject, who we believe is Mr. Decker," it continued. "With this evidence, along with the other evidentiary items found at the scene, we do not have any reason to believe there are any other suspects." Authorities went on to detail their continued search efforts by air, land and water, before sharing their intentions to remain searching until Travis is found. "At this time we do not have any evidence to suggest Mr. Decker is alive, or deceased," they said in the statement. "Until he is taken into custody, or recovered, we will continue these efforts. We are extremely grateful for the continued leadership, dedication, and support from all of our search teams." More from E! Online Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities went on to detail their continued search efforts by air, land and water, before sharing their intentions to remain searching until Travis is found. "At this time we do not have any evidence to suggest Mr. Decker is alive, or deceased," they said in the statement. "Until he is taken into custody, or recovered, we will continue these efforts. We are extremely grateful for the continued leadership, dedication, and support from all of our search teams." GoFundMe As their father remains missing, authorities emphasized he is "well versed in wilderness survival and capable of spending days or even weeks in the wilderness on his own and with very little equipment." "It is unknown whether Decker is currently armed," the CCSO shared in a June 4 statement, "but he may pose a significant risk, if approached." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As their father remains missing, authorities emphasized he is "well versed in wilderness survival and capable of spending days or even weeks in the wilderness on his own and with very little equipment." "It is unknown whether Decker is currently armed," the CCSO shared in a June 4 statement, "but he may pose a significant risk, if approached." Wenatchee Police Department In a June 6 affidavit obtained by NBC News affiliate KNDO, U.S. Deputy Marshal Keegan Stanley said Travis made suspicious searches on his Google account prior to his disappearance, including "'how does a person move to canada, 'how to relocate to canada, 'jobs canada' and 'jobs canada. The affidavit noted that the campground where his daughters' bodies were found is roughly 11 miles overland from the Pacific Crest Trail, which joins the U.S. to Canada and Mexico. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Keep reading for more about the case. (E! and NBC News are both part of the NBCUniversal family.) Who is Travis Decker? Travis Decker has been charged with three counts of first-degree murder and first-degree kidnapping after allegedly killing his daughters Paityn, 9, Evelyn, 8, and Olivia, 5. Authorities revealed that Traviswho shared his daughters with ex-wife Whitney Deckerwas believed to have been living out of a white 2017 GMC Sierra pickup truck, various motels and local campgrounds. The former Army soldier has a history of mental health struggles, which he was expected to manage in order to spend time with his daughters. In a September 2024 temporary parenting plan obtained by NBC News, he was court-ordered to complete an anger management program and attend individual counseling sessions at least biweekly. Per the plan, Travis was given visitation opportunities every other weekend, where he was expected to drop off his daughters at 8 p.m. on Fridays, 7 p.m. on Saturdays and 5 p.m. on Sundays to his ex-wife. When Did Travis Decker and Whitney Deckers 3 Daughters Go Missing? Paityn, Evelyn and Olivia were last seen May 30 when Travis had picked them up at Whitneys home for a planned visitation, according to an affidavit filed June 3 in Chelan County Superior Court. Whitney alleged, per the docs, that the exchange had occurred without issues, but Traviswho Whitney noted had been experiencing mental health issueswas quieter than usual, which was out of character. After Travis failed to return the girls at 8 p.m., Whitney attempted to contact her ex multiple times before calling the police. What Happened to Travis Decker and Whitney Deckers 3 Daughters? The Wenatchee Police Department shared May 31 that they were searching for Paityn, Evelyn and Olivia. However, just three days later, the department confirmed Travis and Whitneys three daughters were found deceased at the Rock Island Campground near Travis abandoned car, which had two bloody handprints. A preliminary examination by the Chelan County Coroner found that the girls cause of death was asphyxiation. Has Travis Decker Been Found? Local authorities, the US Marshal Service and the WA Army National Guard are searching for Travis, who disappeared into the forest near the Rock Island campground, according to Chelan County officials. While the efforts continue, the Kittitas County Sheriffs Office shared in a June 23 press release that there is no certain evidence that Decker remains alive or in this area. Seemingly strong early leads gave way to less convincing proofs over the last two weeks of searching, the statement continued. Still, we cant and wont quit this search; Paityn, Evelyn, and Olivia Decker deserve justice. And Decker remains a danger to the public as long as hes at large. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What Has Whitney Decker Said About the Deaths of Her Daughters? Whitney shared an emotional tribute honoring her daughters, who she said came into the world with open hearts and kindness. She told the crowd at the June 20 memorial service, You all look beautiful, and I know Evy would have loved to ooh and ah over all your outfits," adding that Paityn would've complimented "each and every one of you She did that for everyone, whether it was at a grocery store or at school or with me." Whitney shared how, following her and Travis divorce, she would often ask her girls what three emotions they felt each day. "For Paityn, she always had more than three, consistently eager to tell me about every minute of her day," Whitney shared. "She was always interrupting her sisters to make sure I knew every single one. For Ev, we would talk about her feelings one-on-one right at bedtime because she wasn't always ready to share them with her sisters." Meanwhile, she and Olivia were "still working on how to describe her feelings," but that "one was always 'happy.'" What Are the Next Steps In the Search For Travis Decker? The Kittitas County Sheriffs Office shared that they are shifting their strategy. The office announced in a June 23 press release that as they continue to search for the fugitive, they are also directing some efforts to recover Travis body if he died in the wilderness. Meanwhile, the office added that the US Marshals have turned their fugitive-finding resources to the task of finding Decker if hes left our area. When a top official responsible for oversight of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department announced recently that he is being forced out of his position, it brought to a fever pitch tensions that had been building for months. On one side are watchdogs who say efforts to bring reforms and transparency to the Sheriff's Department are being stymied. On the other are county officials who claim fresh perspectives are needed on the Civilian Oversight Commission. The showdown is playing out as the commission continues fighting the county for access to internal sheriff's department records on deputy misconduct, including investigations into gang-like cliques said to rule over certain stations and promote a culture of violence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Robert Bonner, the oversight commission chair, wrote in a letter last month that he was involuntarily leaving" the body he has been a member of since its founding in 2016. Bonner, 83, said in an interview that he was chairing the commission's May meeting at the L.A. County Hall of Records when he unexpectedly received a letter from County Supervisor Kathryn Barger stating that she would be appointing someone to replace him. Read more: Chair of L.A. County Sheriff's Department civilian oversight panel says he is being forced out On Thursday, Bonner gave his first address to the commission since revealing his time as chair will end this month. Bonner said he was still surprised that he had been dismissed without so much as a phone call from Supervisor Barger. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And he had choice words for other county operators that he described as thorns in the commissions side. It can be treacherous. The county bureaucrats and this includes, by the way, the county counsels office they guard their turf and see an independent commission as a threat to that turf, Bonner said. There are forces within the county, he added later, that do not want to see real, effective and meaningful oversight over the sheriffs department. Helen Chavez, a spokesperson for Barger, said in an email that Bonner's claims that the supervisor summarily dismissed him were made "for dramatic effect" and "are not only inaccurate but also mischaracterize the circumstances of his departure" from the commission. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "His assertion that his presence alone was essential to achieving reforms is both self-serving and dismissive of the dedicated Commissioners and staff who are collectively advancing the Civilian Oversight Commissions mission," the statement said. "These reforms are bigger than any one individual, and they will continue without interruption. Barger, who chairs the county's Board of Supervisors, told The Times in a statement last month that she is committed to broadening the diversity of voices and expertise represented on the Commission. Fifth District Supervisor Kathryn Barger attends a Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors meeting in 2023. (Irfan Khan/Los Angeles Times) She said her decision to replace Bonner "reflects my desire to continue cultivating public trust in the oversight process by introducing new perspectives that support the Commissions vital work. On Thursday, Patti Giggans, an ally of Bonner's on the commission, stood up for the departing chairman during what he said would likely be the last of the body's monthly meetings he'd attend as a commissioner. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I have a feeling all of us here, all the commissioners, appreciate your leadership, your tenacity, your brilliance and courage to go up against forces that are not necessarily yet in agreement with what effective oversight means," she said. The County Counsel's office said in an email that it "has fully supported the COC, as an advisory body to the Board, in its efforts to seek the information it needs to play a powerful oversight role on behalf of LA County citizens." But some observers note that the county counsel is in an awkward position, since the office represents multiple parties involved. That includes the Civilian Oversight Commission, which has been trying to enforce subpoenas, as well as Bargers office and the sheriffs department. Peter Eliasberg, chief counsel at the American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California, said it seems to him that nearly every time such a dispute comes up, the county's lawyers side with the sheriffs department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its either intentional or its incredibly short-sighted for Commissioner Bonner to be pushed out at this point, at a time when hes been spearheading incredibly important reforms, Eliasberg said. It feels to me like this is an effort once again to hamstring this commission. Bonner, who previously served as a federal judge and was head of the Drug Enforcement Administration, isn't the only commissioner to acrimoniously leave the oversight body this year. Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna, right, talks with former oversight official Sean Kennedy during the annual Baker to Vegas law enforcement relay on April 5 in Baker, Calif. (William Liang / For The Times) In February, Loyola Law School professor Sean Kennedy resigned after county lawyers sought to stop him from filing a brief in court in support of Diana Teran, an advisor to former L.A. County Dist. Atty. George Gascon who faced felony charges from the state. Teran was accused of improperly accessing records about sheriff's deputies, but a state appellate court recently moved to dismiss the case. Kennedy said in February that he quit because he believed it was "not appropriate for the County Counsel to control the COCs independent oversight decisions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last month, Kennedy received notification that a law firm had "been engaged by the Office of the County Counsel" to investigate him for allegedly retaliating against a sergeant in the sheriff's department who had faced oversight scrutiny. Kennedy has denied any wrongdoing, claiming the probe against him is politically motivated. Read more: Former L.A. County sheriff's oversight official faces retaliation investigation In an email this week, Kennedy described Bonners removal as the death-knell for meaningful civilian oversight of the LASD. He claimed that the Board of Supervisors supports the sheriff in preventing the commissioners from accessing confidential documents to do their job. Barger's office pushed back against the criticism, pointing to correspondence from Bonner earlier this year that the supervisor's office said suggested he was willing to step down. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an April 18 email to Barger, Bonner wrote that if you decide not to reappoint me, please be assured that I am fine with that. Chavez, Barger's spokesperson, questioned the stark contrast between his posture and tone then compared with Bonner's recent public remarks. Bonner told The Times he followed up his April 18 email to express that he "wanted to be extended" to achieve his goals as chair. "I never wanted to her to think I lusted for the job," Bonner said in a text message. The abrupt departures of Bonner and Kennedy have raised concerns about who will fill the void they leave behind. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Civilian Oversight Commission voted on Thursday for the body's co-vice chair, Hans Johnson, to fill Bonners shoes when his time in the role concludes on July 17. The loss of Rob and Sean, who were deeply committed to getting to the bottom of problems in the sheriffs department, is a blow to the county, said Bert Deixler, former special counsel to the oversight commission. These were two special guys who knew what they were talking about. Long, long history. Deixler attributed the turmoil to "political machinations" within the county and decried the move to replace Bonner. I just cant understand it, he said. "There couldnt be a merits-based reason for making that decision. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the commissions meeting Thursday, Bonner listed several goals he had hoped to accomplish before his time as chair ends. His priorities included bolstering the board's ability to conduct effective oversight and compelling a commitment by Sheriff Robert Luna to enact a ban on deputy gangs and cliques. Its not yet clear how Bonner's dismissal will affect those plans. Im leaving," he said. "You guys have got to pick up the ball here after July 17. 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 Milwaukee man arrested for allegedly shooting two Milwaukee police officers -- one of them fatally -- has two misdemeanors and was arrested in 2024. One of Tremaine D. Jones' previous cases found him in front of Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan, who herself is facing federal prosecution for allegedly helping an undocumented immigrant escape apprehension by ICE. Milwaukee police Officers Kendall Corder and Christopher McCray were shot during what has been described as an ambush on June 27 in an alley in the 2200 block of North 24th Place. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McCray suffered non-life threatening injuries and is expected to recover. Corder died. He was the sixth line of duty death of a Milwaukee police officer since 2018, and the 68th in the department's 169-year history. Jones was charged July 1 with first-degree intentional homicide and attempted first-degree intentional homicide, and could get life in prison if he is convicted. What is Tremaine Jones criminal background? Jones has been arrested before, court records show. He initially was charged with two misdemeanors in connection with a 2021 incident for being inside a stolen vehicle and later fleeing from police. He was 17 at the time. Those charges were later dismissed as part of a deferred prosecution agreement, according to court records. Tremaine Jones was charged in 2021. What happened in that case and what was Judge Hannah Dugan's role in it? Jones has been arrested before, as a teenager, court records show. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He faced two misdemeanor charges in a 2021 incident for being inside a stolen vehicle and later fleeing from police. He was 17 at the time. Court records show those charges eventually were dismissed as part of a deferred prosecution agreement. He was charged Sept. 19, 2021. As part of the agreement, Jones was ordered to not break the law and to contact his lawyer if he has contact with police that ends in an arrest or a citation. He also was ordered to keep a job or go to school, complete 30 hours of community service and write an apology letter to the vehicle owner. Court records show Dugan oversaw the initial hearings on the agreement, but that Jones case was later transferred to Circuit Judge Carolina Stark in December 2023. He entered the deferred prosecution Dec. 6, 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Court records say Stark issued a bench warrant in November 2024 when Jones failed to show up for court. The warrant ultimately was canceled in December 2024 after Joel Rosenthal, Jones' lawyer, gave an explanation for his absence, court records show. Court records shows the case was dismissed with prejudice on April 8 of this year by Stark. More: What we know, what we don't know about Milwaukee shooting that injured two police officers What is deferred prosecution? In Wisconsin, defendants can enter a deferred prosecution agreement, sometimes referred to as a DPA, Such agreements are designed for individuals who have committed less serious offenses, offering them a chance to avoid a criminal conviction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Defendants must plead guilty to the crime, keep a clean record for a specified period and fulfill court-ordered conditions in return for a dismissal or lesser charges. As part of DPAs, the prosecutor agrees to postpone or dismiss criminal charges, if the defendant plead guilty to the crime and meets certain conditions within a specified time window. Often first-time offenders can qualify for DPAs. The timeframe can range anywhere from six to 36 months. DPA officials have discretion to shorten the length of a participant's agreement if a defendant has made significant progress towards the agreed-upon goals. Other brushes with the law that did not result in charges Jones also was arrested for disorderly conduct related to domestic abuse on Jan. 20, 2024, according to arrest records maintained by the state Department of Justice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Court records the Journal Sentinel reviewed for the 2021 incident, however, do not refer to that arrest and also do not show charges were filed following that arrest. It's not unusual for charges to not occur after arrests. More: Milwaukee police officer Kendall Corder dies following shooting: 'We are all in pain.' What's the latest in the homicide case against Tremaine Jones? Jones appeared before Milwaukee County Court Commissioner Barry Phillips for an initial court appearance on July 1 on homicide and attempted-homicide charges. He remains in custody at the Milwaukee County Jail. His bail was set at $500,000. Jones is expected to be in court again July 9 for a preliminary hearing. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: What is Tremaine Jones' criminal history, connection to Judge Dugan? Trial date set for woman accused of posing as teen, enrolling in Boston schools A trial date has been set for a woman accused of posing as a teen and fraudulently enrolling as a Boston Public Schools student. Shelby Hewitt, a former social worker who was 32 years old when she used fake identities to pass as a student at three different city high schools in 2022 and 2023, appeared in court on Tuesday. Hewitt was expected to enter a plea deal that would have resolved her case, but that didnt happen. Instead, a judge scheduled the start of her trial for Feb. 9, 2026. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Boston police and the Suffolk District Attorneys Office began investigating after the principal at the English High School reported that a student, later identified as Hewitt, was being bullied. At various times during the 2022-2023 school year, she attended Jeremiah E. Burke High School, Brighton High School, and English High School while using the student transfer process and enrolling under multiple pseudonyms, officials said. The Massachusetts Department of Children and Families said Hewitt is a former employee of the state agency and says she was hired as a social worker by DCF from 2016-2017, during parts of 2018, and from December 2021 through February 2023. In 2023, Hewitt was indicted on a slew of charges, including fraud, forgery, and larceny. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hewitts attorney, Timothy Flaherty, has argued that his client has suffered from a lifelong history of mental health challenges. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW The genesis of why there are so many bank regulators is essentially trying to understand how the government is managing financial risk, said Sean Vanatta, a senior lecturer in financial history and policy at the University of Glasgow and co-author of Private Finance, Public Power: A History of Bank Supervision in America. How did we get so many regulators? How did we get so many regulators? How did we get so many regulators? How did we get so many regulators? How did we get so many regulators? How did Americas banking system get here? Federal banking agencies were created in response to crises, where Congress has perceived gaps in oversight. Many agree consolidation is a good idea, even if they differ on the details. While the framework offers banks choice and fosters competition among regulators, its a system thats tough to figure out if youre new to it. If you were to start it from scratch, you wouldnt want it this way, said Konrad Alt, co-founder of financial services advisory and investing firm Klaros Group. Additionally, the FDIC manages deposit insurance and failed bank resolutions, while the Fed handles monetary policy and serves as the lender of last resort. Each federal agency supervises banks under different charter types. National banks are supervised by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency ; state member banks are supervised by the Federal Reserve and state bank regulators; and state non-member banks are supervised by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. and state regulators. The Feds purview also extends to bank holding companies and foreign bank offices in the U.S., among other entities. The bank regulatory system is a fragmented, complex web that involves a host of national and state agencies focused on lenders operating safely and soundly. Despite periodic efforts to consolidate functions, the general framework is likely here to stay, many observers said. Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan this year lamented the spaghetti chart of overlap among bank regulators and reiterated suggestions from big-bank executives that its time to start with a fresh sheet of paper. As the U.S. bank regulatory system has grown throughout history, so have calls to simplify it. This story was originally published on Banking Dive . To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Banking Dive newsletter . Story Continues The federal prudential regulators are: The OCC, a bureau of the Treasury Department, was created in 1863, with the National Currency Act. That law was a response to the mishmash of local banks, local money, and conflicting regulatory standards that prevailed before the Civil War, according to the OCC. It created a new type of federally chartered bank that would float bond offerings to finance the Civil War. But the chartering focus creating banks and enforcing the rules under which banks operate didnt provide an effective means of combating crisis. The comptroller didnt have a balance sheet, so it couldnt provide liquidity to financial markets, and it was difficult to oversee the thousands of banks that were created across the U.S. The Fed was established in 1913 by the Federal Reserve Act, creating a network of reserve banks in large cities and a board of governors in Washington, D.C. The idea was the Fed would focus on central banking and liquidity as a way to manage financial risk distinct from what the OCC or state banking agencies were doing. But during the Great Depression, it becomes clear that together those two models arent really working effectively to prevent crisis, Vanatta said. The FDIC was created through the Banking Act of 1933, after thousands of banks failed in the 1920s and early 1930s. President Franklin D. Roosevelt sought to reassure depositors their money would be safe in banks, teeing up the national system of deposit insurance. While the three regulators were initially seen as alternatives, the U.S. took the position after the Great Depression that central banking, deposit insurance and chartering institutions whether the OCC or the states were all needed. Its that kind of repeated process of adopting a risk management framework thats sort of narrow, and that framework on its own not working effectively enough to prevent financial crisis, resulting in the current system, Vanatta said. Predating all of this is state supervision of banks, going back to the early 19th century. Today, its a disparate group, since some state bank regulators oversee a large number of banks, while others provide oversight for far fewer banks. It is a crazy quilt design that is the product of historical accident, and were probably going to stick with it, said Patricia McCoy, a law professor at Boston College and a former assistant director at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. The CFPB is another financial regulator, though focused on the consequences to consumers rather than the functions of banking itself. Additionally, theres the Securities and Exchange Commission to consider. And the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, the Federal Trade Commission, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network and the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council. The National Credit Union Administration regulates, charters and supervises federal credit unions. Theres overlap across the system, but thats been established by Congress, not the agencies themselves. For banks, the compliance cost of that regulatory overlap can be enormous. BofAs Moynihan noted this year theres 100-plus regulators in our building every day. The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency logo Why hasnt much changed? Theres always been pressure around bank regulatory consolidation. Such efforts tend to recur every 15 to 20 years going back to the 1950s, Alt said. The creation of the Fed, for example, prompted questions about the need to keep the OCC, in part because that move revoked the currency focus for the comptroller. And state versus federal chartering creates different incentives to loosen or strengthen rules as the states and federal government compete over bank charters. But consolidation efforts, thus far, have fallen short. Alt can testify to that: While a staffer on the Senate Banking Committee, he spent two years working on legislation to consolidate regulators; it garnered bipartisan support in the House and Senate in the early 1990s, but ultimately wasnt passed. The bank regulatory system works adequately, and therefore the case for reform isnt all that compelling, Alt said. Its strong, logical, but its not urgent. Pursuing formal consolidation would require congressional action, and therein lies a challenge to proposed reforms. Even members of Congress who agree that federal banking legislation should be streamlined may not be able to agree on how to do that, said Karen Solomon, senior of counsel at law firm Covington & Burling and former OCC official. Some 21st-century considerations around consolidation involve isolating bank supervision within the OCC, retaining central banking functions at the Federal Reserve, and maintaining the FDICs role as deposit insurer. The need for both state and national chartering is less obvious to some. Others see an opportunity to consolidate all state-chartered banks under a single federal regulator. An exception among past failed attempts: The Office of Thrift Supervision, which supervised savings and loans institutions, was abolished as part of the Dodd-Frank Act. Congress rolled some of OTS functions into the OCC and others into the CFPB. Merging functions, however, comes with its own considerations, including innovation versus risk and independence from politics. There are benefits to the current system, including diversity of perspectives and objectives, observers said. Theres value in having focused risk managers who adopt these different frameworks, Vanatta said. The banking system largely isnt interested in a single regulator with concentrated power. Competition among various bank regulators is healthy and keeps the system on its toes, said Michael Hsu, former acting head of the OCC. Its an issue that can pit large banks against small: Bigger banks tend to be annoyed by the plethora of regulators, but smaller banks like the choice, Hsu said. It does feel like Hamilton versus Jefferson, he said during a June Brookings event. That tensions always been there. And the resources required to stay on top of such a large and complicated banking system demand a sizable apparatus. Theres a comfort factor, too: Consolidation attempts fail because individual institutions want things the way they are, said Karen Petrou, managing partner at Federal Financial Analytics. There are, to some degree, captive regulators everybodys quite comfortable with, and arbitrage opportunities between national and state charters that banks dont want to lose, she added. Consolidation also presents the possibility that surviving regulators have to split their focus. If FDIC banks were moved under OCC supervision, for example, if youre the OCC, where are you going to focus your attention? said Matthew Bisanz, a partner at the law firm Mayer Brown focused on financial regulation. Are you going to focus it on these 4,000 little banks and their unique needs of elder abuse, and branches, and agricultural lending? Bisanz said. Or are you going to focus it on the eight money center banks, the failure of any one could bring down the country? The Federal Reserve building at sunset. Whats different in the current moment? With sizable staff cuts at banking agencies including apparent attempts to all but shut down the CFPB its clearly the intent of the Trump administration to merge agencies, said Peter Dugas, executive director at consulting firm Capco. The Trump administration, amid broader efforts to shrink the size of the federal government, has moved quickly and aggressively to modify organizational and staffing models for the agencies, Dugas said. That development points to more unknowns. Given the administrations propensity to attempt major actions by executive order, its possible the White House may try to realize consolidation that way. Most likely, observers said, is that the Trump administration pursues cost efficiencies and reduces regulatory burdens to garner similar results to what restructuring could produce. Having Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent act as a sort of conductor over the federal banking agencies appears to be another element to the Trump administrations plans to achieve regulatory reform. There is going to be a good deal more coordination amongst the agencies acting as the Treasury Department and thus the White House would like them to act when it comes, at the very least, to regulation and perhaps also supervision, and thats unique, Petrou said. Even if consolidation seems like an impossible dream or a massive legislative package not worth pursuing, greater efficiency within the system is needed, said Donald Kohn, who served as vice chair of the Fed from 2006 to 2010. Theres got to be a way of moving faster, coordinating better, overcoming some of the objection, so that if a risk is identified, it doesnt take three years to identify how to build the resilience against that risk, Kohn said during the Brookings event. We need to make it more effective and efficient if were going to keep all those agencies. Consolidation can also be reframed as a chance to capitalize on various agencies core strengths to enhance supervision, said Sarah Bloom Raskin, a law professor at Duke University and Biden administration nominee to be the Feds vice chair for supervision, during the Brookings event. Discussions around the bank regulator framework are likely to continue, and thats a good thing, observers said. It is a mistake to just assume that theyre working and that theyre working effectively, Vanatta said. [But] its better to ask those questions and make decisions informed decisions rather than just coming in with a chainsaw, carving things up and hoping for the best. Tributes have been paid to two teenagers who died in a car crash in Bedfordshire. Archie Ray, 19, and Ash Fisk, 18, were pronounced dead at the scene following a two-vehicle collision in Sandy Road, between Everton and Sandy, on Saturday. Three other people involved in the collision suffered serious injuries and were being treated in hospital, police said. Mr Ray's family described him as a "true 'Ray' of sunshine", while Mr Fisk's family said he "was full of life, laughter, and kindness". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A statement by Mr Ray's family was issued through Bedfordshire Police, which said his "energy was magnetic" and "his presence unforgettable". "He was extremely hardworking, earning the respect and admiration of everyone he worked with," his family said. They added that the teenager was "committed to his goals" and "brought people together with his caring heart". "Our hearts are shattered. He will be forever missed, endlessly loved, and always remembered for the light he brought into our lives." Mr Fisk's family said he was "a bright young man with a promising future," as he travelled around the UK for his job. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "He was surrounded by many friends from all walks of life, all of whom were drawn to his generous spirit and infectious energy. "He will be forever missed by his family, his partner, and the many friends who were lucky enough to know him." His family added that their "hearts are broken" and were holding "tight to the memories" of Mr Fisk. Police said they were continuing to appeal for witnesses to the incident, which involved a white Volvo C30 and blue Skoda at about 14:40 BST on Saturday. Det Sgt Craig Wheeler, from Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire serious collision investigation unit, said: "This was a heart-breaking collision which has devastated the friends and families of Archie and Ash as well as the families of their two very close friends who suffered serious injuries from this collision. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The driver of the Skoda also received serious injuries, which are not life-threatening." Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X. More on this story Related internet links TRINITY COUNTY, Texas (KETK) Trinity County animal control officer, Brandon Furman, was arrested on Tuesday for sexual assault of a child allegations, officials said. Mugshot of Brandon Furman, courtesy of Trinity County Jail records. Portion of I-20 shutdown near Kilgore after Amazon truck crashes, packages spill under bridge According to Trinity County Sheriff Woody Wallace, the sheriffs office arrested Furman on the same day allegations against him came to light. Wallace said he was immediately placed on administrative leave. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities found sufficient probable cause to obtain and execute an arrest warrant for Furman all in the same day. 3 people arrested during suspected meth bust in Mabank Furman was taken into custody pending further investigation and is currently sitting in the Trinity County Jail on a charge of aggravated sexual assault of a child. You can now stream KETK and FOX51 News live 24/7 on your smart TV with KETK+, our brand-new app! No antenna, cable, or satellite neededwatch for free, anytime. Just download it on your Roku, Apple TV, or Fire TV and start streaming. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. COLUMBIA, S.C. (WJW) A South Carolina state trooper said he recently responded to one of the funniest calls: a small brown pig that was running loose, holding up traffic on one of the states busiest interstates. Two South Carolina Highway Patrol troopers were able to catch the pig on Interstate 26, according to a June 27 post on social media. State Trooper First Class Matthew Bullard is seen grabbing the pig by the hind leg and pulling it off the roadway. Ohio National Guard members to deploy Thursday Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ive grown up on a farm my whole life. That was the easiest, safest way to grab that pig and just what Im used to doing at this point, Bullard said. Its just funny. It was better than that thing going down there and getting hit by a car. The pig is fine, said patrol Cpl. Clifton Nelson. Its now being fostered by a family member of a a local sheriffs deputy, he said. Taylor Swift visits Chagrin Falls restaurant Its one of the funniest calls Ive ever been on, Nelson said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. NEW YORK Brad Lander is feeling pretty good for someone who just got trounced in New York Citys Democratic mayoral primary. The city comptrollers campaign struggled to gain traction as Zohran Mamdani younger, less experienced and initially lacking name recognition soared high enough to eventually defeat former New York governor Andrew Cuomo by 12 points, according to unofficial results released Tuesday. But thanks to their unique cross-endorsement, Lander has been celebrating Mamdanis victory as if it was his own. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People, it turned out, were so hungry for a more hopeful and collaborative form of politics, Lander told POLITICO in an interview Tuesday. The two progressive Democrats brokered their alliance in the last leg of the chaotic, 11-candidate primary contest, the first true cross-endorsement since the city began ranked-choice voting four years ago. The duo one a Muslim millennial and democratic socialist, the other a liberal Jewish Gen Xer campaigned together and even appeared on the same primary night stage. Lander supporters who ranked Mamdani second almost certainly added to the state lawmakers margin against Cuomo, though the city Board of Election numbers released Tuesday werent detailed enough to illuminate by exactly how much. Early returns showed Lander finished a distant third with about 11 percent of voters picking him as their first choice for mayor. The Brooklyn Democrat isnt ready to say what his next career steps will be, including whether hell be part of a potential Mamdani administration. He has also been floated as a potential primary challenger to Rep. Dan Goldman. Mamdani, a fierce critic of Israel, performed well in the Manhattan and Brooklyn district represented by Goldman, who is a staunch defender of Israel but also champions progressive policies like the Green New Deal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lander, however, said hes hard at work paving the way for Mamdani to City Hall, serving as a liaison to stakeholders who need reassurances about having a hard-left leader who wants to hike taxes on the wealthy to help pay for services like free buses and city-owned grocery stores. "Right now, I'm focused on doing whatever I can to make sure Zohran wins in November and continues to build a strong mandate for change," Lander said. "I'm certainly talking to a lot of folks in the business and investor communities from my work as comptroller. In a lot of those converstations, I'm trying to help people see a positive path forward." Mamdani will face incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, who is running as an independent, in the general election, as well as Republican Curtis Sliwa and independent Jim Walden. Still unknown is whether Cuomo will mount an active campaign, following his embarrassing primary upset. Lander has been widely commended by the citys political left for boosting Mamdani. Its been even better for Landers brand to be a longtime foil for Adams, who is so disdainful of the comptroller that he has mocked his voice. When Lander was arrested by federal agents while standing with a migrant outside immigration court in lower Manhattan, Democrats flocked to condemn the overreach by the Trump administration and laud Landers defense of people poised for deportation. But Adams team took a different tack. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Today should not be about Brad Lander, Adams spokesperson Kayla Mamelak Altus said at the time. Its about making sure all New Yorkers regardless of their documentation status feel safe enough to use public resources. Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, who delivered his victory speech from Landers headquarters in Brooklyn on primary night, said the city comptroller standing up for migrants was no fluke. Brad Lander stepped forward, Williams said. This is the character of a man. When things didnt look like [they were] going his way, he took a day, he took two and then he said, This city is more important than any one person. And he stepped out and cross-endorsed Zohran Mamdani and we are seeing the results. Lander, a self-described liberal Zionist, has taken some issue with Mamdanis criticism of Israel. The city comptroller said that globalize the intifada a slogan that Mamdani has repeatedly refused to condemn evokes open season against Jews to him. However, he's also said that he believes Mamdanis intentions are good and Mamdani himself doesnt use the phrase. Lander stands to help the Democratic nominee's standing among Jewish New Yorkers, especially progressive ones. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What Brad did for Zohran for Brooklyn and Jewish voters, what I did for Zohran in the Bronx and for Caribbean voters, showed that the greater good was more important, said Michael Blake, a mayoral candidate and former state assembly member who also cross-endorsed Mamdani. Former City Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer, who endorsed Lander as his first choice and Mamdani as his second, said he saw a pronounced change in his longtime friend after Lander formed an alliance with Mamdani. He genuinely felt uplifted. He genuinely went from that feeling when you realize things arent going your way to rediscovering purpose, Van Bramer said. Brad is someone of great integrity, and hes a true believer. Thats not to say it was easy for Lander, a progressive standard-bearer who watched his dream to run the country's biggest city sputter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lander acknowledged that he struggled to replicate the coalition of progressives and moderates and focus on both affordability and safety that had helped him win past elections. He added that he wasnt as well-versed in social media strategies as Mamdani, whose campaign grew roots through viral TikToks. One important element of my campaign was competence and experienced leadership for the city, Lander said. "That is hard to make sexy or compelling. Toward the end of the primary, Lander enjoyed a helluva week with a dynamite second debate performance, the endorsement of a panel of experts convened by The New York Times and the immigration court arrest that earned him international headlines. But it wasnt enough to help him break to the front of the pack. Lander joked Tuesday that he has six months of employment and work as comptroller to figure out his next steps. Attorneys for Teresa Youngblut, the woman accused in the Jan. 20 shooting that killed U.S. Border Patrol Agent David Maland, are accusing the Justice Department of orchestrating a fast-tracked path to capital punishment that violates her constitutional rights. In a June 30 motion filed in federal court, Youngbluts defense team called the governments timeline for deciding whether to pursue the death penalty "unprecedentedly tight" and warned it could render the pretrial process "a near-pointless formality." "This Court should step in to ensure Ms. Youngblut receives a meaningful opportunity to persuade the government not to pursue the death penalty," the motion says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Youngblut, 21, has been linked by investigators to "Ziz," a fringe, self-described vegan, anti-government, transgender-rights collective that federal authorities say may be connected to multiple homicides throughout the U.S. Transgender Cult Leader Linked To Border Agent Killing Maintains Innocence, Asks For Vegan Food In Jail Teresa Youngblut, who has been charged by the FBI in connection to the shooting death of U.S. Border Patrol Agent David Maland, is seen in the office at the Newport City Inn on Jan. 14, 2025 in Newport, Vermont, in this still frame photograph from video released by the inn, who confirmed her identity. According to a federal affidavit, Youngblut was driving a Prius with German national Felix Bauckholt, who is also an alleged member of Ziz, when they were stopped by Border Patrol agents in Coventry, Vermont, on Jan. 20. Read On The Fox News App Prosecutors allege Youngblut drew a .40-caliber Glock and fired without warning, starting a shootout that left both Bauckholt and Maland dead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement READ THE MOTION APP USERS, Click Here In their motion, Youngbluts defense attorneys, Steven Barth and Julie Stelzig, argued that the Department of Justice is pushing forward with a July 28 deadline to present mitigating evidence to its Capital Case Review Committee, despite not having filed a death-eligible indictment. The typical federal timeline, they argued, allows for more than a year. "The timeline being imposed in this case is vastly out of step with the historical practice of the Department of Justice," they wrote, citing data showing a nearly 15-month average between indictment and mitigation presentation in comparable cases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zizian Leader Jack Lasota: Who Is Transgender, Vegan Cult Head Linked To Border Agent Killing? The defense asked the court to extend the deadline to Jan. 30, 2026, arguing that the current pace denies Youngblut due process. Attorney General Pam Bondi and the Department of Justice are apparently preparing to pursue the death penalty in the killing of a U.S. Border Patrol agent, according to the suspect's attorneys. READ ATTORNEY GENERAL PAM BONDI'S FEB. 5 MEMORANDUM APP USERS, Click Here The defense argued that Youngbluts case has been fast-tracked due to a Feb. 5 memorandum issued by Attorney General Pam Bondi. In the memorandum, Bondi specifically named the Maland case as an example where "absent significant mitigating circumstances," the death penalty should be sought for the murder of a federal law enforcement officer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bondis directive lifted the federal moratorium on executions set in place by the Biden administration. Fox News Digital has reached out to the Department of Justice and the U.S. Attorneys Office in Vermont for comment. A Border Patrol Agent moves a robotic device next to a Border Patrol vehicle on southbound Route 91 near Newport, Vermont, where a U.S. Border Patrol Agent was shot dead on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. Youngbluts team argued in the motion that the defense had limited time to prepare for the case, noting that Youngbluts "learned counsel," an attorney with experience in capital cases, was only appointed on June 12 after a previous lawyer withdrew. The motion also noted that only recently has the team retained a mitigation specialist, and they are still working through thousands of pages of discovery as well as facing limited access to Youngblut, who is detained over two hours away from counsel. Vermont Border Patrol Agent Allegedly Killed By German National Worked In Pentagon During 9/11: Family Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The DOJs deadline, the defense said, "virtually ensures that [Youngbluts] mitigation presentation has no realistic chance of serving its purpose." In a Jan. 27 motion for pretrial detention, the government alleged that Youngblut had no stable residence, had an extensive travel history and associations with individuals under investigation in a double homicide in Pennsylvania and another killing in Vallejo, California. The government also pointed to Youngbluts journal, which allegedly referenced LSD usage and "high vibration" trips that led prosecutors to argue that she was a flight risk. Border Patrol Agent David Maland, a Minnesota native and U.S. Air Force veteran, worked as a Border Patrol agent at the U.S. Customs and Border Protections Newport Station. He spent nine years in the military and 15 working for the federal government. The June 30 motion also included supporting letters from defense counsel and a declaration from Matthew Rubenstein, the director of the Capital Resource Counsel Project, who attested that the DOJs current timeline falls outside established norms in federal death penalty proceedings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If the court declines to intervene, Youngbluts attorneys warned that the current course could trigger costly delays and the misuse of capital punishment. "An artificial rush in the authorization process may end up backfiring," the defense cautioned, "resulting in avoidable delay, wasted resources, and the arbitrary imposition of the most serious punishment our legal system allows." Fox News Digital has reached out to the Federal Public Defender District of Vermont for comment. Original article source: Trump admin fast-tracks death penalty case for transgender cult suspect in Border Patrol killing: attorneys The Justice Department asked the Supreme Court on Wednesday to allow President Trump to fire three Democratic appointees at the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Its the administrations latest emergency bid at the high court to greenlight the presidents efforts to remake agencies that have traditionally operated with a degree of independence from the White House. In May, the Supreme Court issued an emergency ruling paving the way for Trump to fire leaders at the National Labor Relations Board and Merit Systems Protection Board as litigation proceeds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Court watchers took it as the latest sign that the justices are prepared to overrule its precedent that for decades has allowed certain independent agency leaders to be protected from termination without cause. Solicitor General D. John Sauer told the justices that the district judge overseeing the CPSC case chose a different path when he weeks later blocked Trumps CPSC firings. Arguing that the ruling has sown chaos and dysfunction, Sauer told the justices they should not only issue an emergency ruling, but they should also go ahead and take up the issue in full for their next term. This Court should step in to stop lower courts from treating Wilcox like the proverbial excursion ticketgood for one day and trip only, Sauer wrote, referring to the earlier case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It marks the Trump administrations 20th emergency appeal at the high court since taking office. Trump purported to fire the three commissioners appointed by former President Biden, Mary Boyle, Alexander Hoehn-Saric and Richard Trumka Jr., in May despite federal law protecting them from removal without cause Represented by consumer advocacy group Public Citizen, the commissioners soon sued. U.S. District Judge Matthew Maddox, a Biden appointee who serves in Baltimore, agreed their terminations were unlawful and blocked them in a ruling last month. The administrations effort at the highest court comes after a three-judge panel on the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Tuesday declined to halt Maddoxs ruling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The district courts order effectively transfers control of the CPSC from President Trump to three Commissioners who had been appointed by President Biden, Sauer wrote. The commissioners attorneys briefly responded in court filings later Wednesday, cautioning the justices against immediately intervening and asking the court to set a deadline for them to flesh out their arguments in writing. Because Respondents are currently serving and have been since June 13, an administrative stay would disrupt the status quo, the filing reads. Updated at 1:08 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. President Donald Trump stands with Secretary of Education Linda McMahon after signing an executive order to reduce the size and scope of the U.S. Department of Education during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House on March 20 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) (This image cannot be republished without a Getty subscription.) OKLAHOMA CITY The Trump administration is indefinitely withholding more than $70 million in federal education programs meant for Oklahoma students and educators, including money for teacher development, English learners, after-care programs and migrant children. The U.S. Department of Education announced Tuesday it has frozen six federal programs that collectively distribute $6.8 billion across the country. The federal agency said it would not send out the money by July 1, the start of the 2026 fiscal year for states and schools, because it is still reviewing the funding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The department remains committed to ensuring taxpayer resources are spent in accordance with the presidents priorities and the departments statutory responsibilities, the agency wrote in a message to states. Withheld funds include nearly $31.37 million that Oklahoma districts use for teacher professional development, $15.68 million that support before- and after-school programs, $6.43 million dedicated for the 13% of Oklahoma students learning English as their non-native language and $240,000 for the children of migrant workers. Another $7.3 million for adult education in Oklahoma also is affected. The Trump administration also said it froze funds from Title IV Part A, which provide $16.35 million for academic enrichment in Oklahoma schools. However, the Oklahoma State Department of Education said it started receiving money from this program for the 2026 fiscal year. Federal dollars from the other affected funds have not yet arrived, the state department reported last week. State Superintendent Ryan Walters said he is working in lockstep with the Trump administration on mutually-aligned education priorities. (Photo by Nuria Martinez-Keel/Oklahoma Voice) State Superintendent Ryan Walters advised schools to budget only for federal funds that already have been awarded. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We appreciate the fact that the Trump administration is working diligently to ensure our taxpayer dollars are being stewarded with care, Walters said in a statement. (The state Department of Education) is working in lockstep with the Trump administration to assist with our mutually-aligned education priorities. Walters also took to social media to mock California being frozen out of the same programs that Oklahoma and all other states are currently unable to access. In response to California state Superintendent Tony Thurmond saying the Trump administrations withholding of funds will harm students and cannot stand, Walters wrote in a Tuesday post, Dont break the law by pushing racist CRT and DEI tactics, by push LGBTQ ideology on kids, and even allow boys to compete in womens sports. The U.S. Department of Education has proposed eliminating the affected programs in future years. Instead, it aims to give out larger, more flexible grants that state leaders can decide how to spend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Oklahoma City Public Schools, 47% of students are learning English as their second language. The district expected $1.1 million in federal revenue from Title III, which supports English learners, according to its annual budget, which the Oklahoma City Board of Education approved Monday. Oklahoma City schools also projected $7.6 million in Title II funds for teacher professional development, up from $3.3 million last year. Oklahoma City Public Schools urged federal leaders to reconsider the withholding of $6.8 billion in education funds, including millions intended for Oklahoma City students. (Photo by Nuria Martinez-Keel/Oklahoma Voice) We urge federal leaders to reconsider this action, as these dollars directly support essential staff and programs that make a difference for our students every day, district spokesperson Crystal Raymond said in a statement. These funds are critical to our ability to support educators and deliver on our commitment to student success. As always, we will continue to put students first, and we look forward to welcoming our 33,000 students back to classrooms on Aug. 13. Now-frozen federal dollars also enable before- and after-school programs across the state, mostly in rural areas. Money for the initiative comes from Title IV Part B, also known as 21st Century Community Learning Centers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eufaula Public Schools in eastern Oklahoma receives $300,000 from this program to fund its after-school care and summer learning, Superintendent Monty Guthrie said. The district also receives about $50,000 for teacher recruitment and professional development from Title II, also known as supporting effective instruction. Teacher development needs have become more expensive, Guthrie said, as emergency certified educators and uncertified adjunct teachers become more common in Oklahoma. Federal money for after-care programs allows Eufaula schools to provide these services for free to low-income families who otherwise wouldnt be able to pay, Guthrie said. About 180 students participate throughout the school year. These programs are a huge, huge plus, he said, especially in rural towns that have few other childcare options. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eufaula schools would need to receive federal funds by November for the program to be financially viable this school year, Guthrie said. Otherwise, the district would have to discontinue the services, which would be very difficult for our families. You just have to plan to continue on, and if things change well have to adjust, Guthrie said. We certainly feel that it is a great service to our students and our parents, and were going to try to provide that. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE South Africans are wearily attuned to governments Orwellian misuse of language. After all, South Africa is a country where a one-time government passed a law (the Natives Abolition of Passes and Coordination of Documents Act of 1952) which extended rather than abolishing the notorious pass system. This made it compulsory for black South Africans over the age of 16 to carry a passbook. And the same government passed the Extension of University Education Act of 1959 which made it more, not less, difficult for black students to register at open (or white) universities. So perhaps they should not be unduly surprised that the government of the US has imported 49 Afrikaners and labelled them as refugees. The claim is that they are escaping from the persecution of Afrikaners and white people more broadly in South Africa today. The Trump administration knows perfectly well this claim is a complete fabrication. As President Cyril Ramaphosa and his government have pointed out, there is no evidence whatsoever that Afrikaners or white people more generally are subject to genocide. Read more: Trump and South Africa: what is white victimhood, and how is it linked to white supremacy? True, South Africa has one of the highest murder rates in the world. But it is poor black South Africans not whites who are principal victims of such deadly violence. Nor are Afrikaners/whites subject to persecution. Along with all other South Africans, their human rights are protected by a constitution. This is no mere piece of paper. Its provisions are (albeit imperfectly, and unlike in the US these days) largely enforced by the courts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Furthermore, genocide implies the deliberate elimination of a people on racial, ethnic, or religious grounds. Therefore, if a genocide of whites and Afrikaners was taking place, we might assume that their numbers would be falling. In fact the reverse is true. The white population has continued to grow (albeit slowly) in absolute numbers since 1994. Worse, the characterisation of Afrikaners as refugees at a moment in time when the people of Gaza are daily subject to a regime of death, terror, and murder inflicted on them by the Israeli government is not merely an absurdity but a downright insult to those genuinely subject to genocide. So, what is really going on? The drivers Extensive commentary has correctly highlighted the motivations of the Trump administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement First, the administration has launched an attack on what it terms the tyranny of diversity, equity and inclusion policies across the entire spectrum of public and private institutions in America. Critics argue this is driven by an appeal to Trumps white Christian nationalist political base. Because post-apartheid South Africa, rightly or wrongly, has become the poster-country of diversity, equity and inclusion policies internationally, because of its constitutional commitment to non-racialism and diversity, it has been singled out for attack. Secondly, labelling Afrikaners as refugees plays to the insecurities of Trumps political base. This finds the idea of a white minority being ruled by a black majority government difficult to swallow. Third, characterising Afrikaners as subject to genocide is a very deliberate response to South Africas charging of Israel as guilty of genocide against the Palestinian people before the International Court of Justice. But this is unacceptable to the US Christian nationalist right. For them the existence of Israel represents the realisation of Biblical truth the return of Jews to the Holy Land. Trump is saying that the US can and will play the same game, using it to clobber South Africa regardless of the groundlessness of the charge. But, being Trump, he will balance pandering to his support base against what economic benefits he can extract from South Africa. The landscape But what of the 49 Afrikaners themselves? Why have they chosen to accept the opportunity offered to them by the US government? After all, extensive attention in the South African media has been given to Afrikaners who have defiantly stated that they are committed to staying in South Africa. The reasons they give are that its their home. And they fully accept that, at least formally, South Africa has become a non-racial democracy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Likewise, as I have detailed in my book on Whites and Democracy in South Africa, Afrikaners and whites have not only survived in democratic South Africa but, generally, have prospered economically. Furthermore, whites as a population group (to use outdated apartheid-era terminology) have participated fully in South African democracy. They are more highly disposed to voting in elections than other racial groupings, and de facto, they are well represented in parliament and local government by the Democratic Alliance, which is a vigorous defender of their interests. But (there is always a but), if we want to guess the motivations of Trumps 49 refugees, we need to bear in mind the following. First, until we know more about the personal circumstances of the individuals involved, we cannot really know what has driven them to take the drastic step of leaving families and their personal history behind by moving to America. Second, most whites have responded to the arrival of democracy pragmatically. They have their numerous complaints, notably about equity employment (affirmative action policies in favour of blacks) which they view as discriminatory against whites. But they have continued to enjoy high rates of employment. Indeed they continue to occupy the higher ranks of employment in the private sector in disproportionate numbers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, although many whites continue to live in a de facto overwhelmingly white world, both at work and at their homes in suburbia, there remains a minority which has remained wholly unreconciled to the changes which have taken place politically and economically since 1994. The armed opposers linked to the far-right have long been defeated. But we may presume the 49 belong to a broader category of passive resisters who have withdrawn into a white world as much as possible. Third, although most whites continue to do well economically, the changes which have taken place since 1994 have led to the re-appearance of a small class of largely uneducated poor whites who feel excluded from employment by equity employment legislation. And who generally feel the loss of their racial status under democracy. Opportunists, not refugees Having said all that, some interesting questions remain. Presumably the Afrikaner 49 belonged to that category of whites which, for one reason or another, is disposed to leave South Africa. However, emigrating requires jumping through numerous hoops; meeting educational and professional qualifications, getting a job offer, having sufficient financial resources to take with them to support themselves and their families before they can qualify for recipient countries social security systems, and so on. Apart from the emotional costs involved, emigration is not always the easiest of options, even for those who wish to escape. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The evidence suggests that the heads of household among the Afrikaner 49 are drawn not only from that minority of Afrikaners who are totally unreconciled to democracy, but who quite simply are opportunists who have availed themselves of a short cut to emigrate. 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: Roger Southall, University of the Witwatersrand Read more: Roger Southall does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment. US President Donald Trump attempted to make light of potential escape attempts from a migrant detention centre located in the middle of a Florida swamp and surrounded by dangerous wildlife before its opening. Asked by a reporter if the idea behind the new facility was that fleeing migrants would be eaten by alligators or snakes. Trump replied, "I guess that's the concept. This is not a nice business." He added that snakes are fast and then went on to discuss running away from alligators. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Escapees would need to know "how to run away from an alligator," Trump said. Anyone wanting to flee would have to learn to run away properly, the Republican leader said when asked in Washington, drawing a zigzag pattern in the air with his hand. "Don't run in a straight line. Run like this. And you know what, your chances go up about 1%." The president made these remarks before heading to Florida to attend the opening of the detention centre. The facility is located in the heart of the Everglades the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States. The US government informally refers to the prison as Alligator Alcatraz. Already the day before, Trump's spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt had provided details about the project. There is only one road leading to the facility. The area is isolated, surrounded by dangerous animals and is relentless. The facility offers up to 5,000 beds for "criminal illegal aliens" and is intended to be an "efficient and low-cost way" to implement Trump's announced mass deportations. The location in the middle of the swamp is meant to deter potential escapees, Leavitt emphasized. US President Donald Trump attempted to make light of potential escape attempts from a migrant detention centre located in the middle of a Florida swamp and surrounded by dangerous wildlife before its opening. Asked by a reporter if the idea behind the new facility was that fleeing migrants would be eaten by alligators or snakes. Trump replied, "I guess that's the concept. This is not a nice business." He added that snakes are fast and then went on to discuss running away from alligators. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Escapees would need to know "how to run away from an alligator," Trump said. Anyone wanting to flee would have to learn to run away properly, the Republican leader said when asked in Washington, drawing a zigzag pattern in the air with his hand. "Don't run in a straight line. Run like this. And you know what, your chances go up about 1%." The president made these remarks before heading to Florida to attend the opening of the detention centre. The facility is located in the heart of the Everglades the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States. The US government informally refers to the prison as Alligator Alcatraz. Already the day before, Trump's spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt had provided details about the project. There is only one road leading to the facility. The area is isolated, surrounded by dangerous animals and is relentless. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The facility offers up to 5,000 beds for "criminal illegal aliens" and is intended to be an "efficient and low-cost way" to implement Trump's announced mass deportations. The location in the middle of the swamp is meant to deter potential escapees, Leavitt emphasized. The term Alligator Alcatraz is a nod to the notorious Alcatraz prison off San Francisco. Trump had announced a few weeks ago that he wanted to bring the legendary island facility back into operation to house serious criminals there. It was said at the time that they were examining whether this was legally and logistically possible. From 1934 to 1963, Alcatraz was the most feared prison in the United States. Known as The Rock, it was considered escape-proof and a place of exile for the "worst of the worst." Today, the island is a museum and a breeding ground for many birds and is protected by a special monument and nature status. Italian investment bank Mediobanca has announced a three-year strategy to distribute $5.74bn to its shareholders, as it seeks to counter a hostile takeover bid from smaller competitor Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena (MPS), reported Reuters. In January this year, MPS launched a 13.3bn ($14bn) all-share buyout offer for merchant bank Mediobanca. Mediobanca rejected the takeover proposal from MPS, stating it is destructive for the business and lacks industrial and financial rationale for Mediobanca shareholders. It also said that the offer could lead to a significant loss of customers, mainly in wealth management (WM) and investment banking. MPS, having secured approval from the European Central Bank, is preparing to launch an all-share bid for Mediobanca next month. Meanwhile, Mediobanca proposed acquiring private bank Banca Generali in April to bolster its scale and deter MPS advances. However, it was compelled to postpone a shareholder vote on the acquisition to 25 September 2025 due to growing opposition from investors who increased their stakes in Mediobanca to resist the deal. The banks updated three-year plan to 2028 emphasises expanding its wealth management division, supported by its corporate and investment banking operations, with consumer finance acting as a buffer against macroeconomic uncertainties. Mediobanca projects a 45% increase in net profit over the three years to 2028, reaching 1.9bn ($2.2bn), with revenues expected to grow at an average annual rate of 6%, surpassing 4.4bn ($5.5bn). In its prior plan to 2026, the bank had targeted returning over 4bn ($4.6bn) to shareholders and anticipated a net profit exceeding 1.4bn ($1.64bn). Additionally, Mediobanca plans to issue up to 750m ($878.6m) in Additional Tier 1 bonds under the new strategy, according to Nagel. "Mediobanca plans $5.7bn shareholder payout to thwart MPS takeover" was originally created and published by Private Banker International, a GlobalData owned brand. Harvard University is claiming that the federal government didnt conduct a meaningful investigation of campus antisemitism following the Trump administrations threat to cut all funding from Harvard for violating federal civil rights law, according to a Monday filing. Instead, the federal government mostly just pointed to the universitys report on antisemitism and anti-Israel bias. However, the report was released two weeks after the Trump administration froze all research funds to Harvard; therefore, it couldnt possibly have been the basis for the challenged actions, the lawyers said. The Government ignores the steps Harvard already has been taking and has committed to take in response to the issues identified in its report, the lawyers said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The universitys filing came just hours after the federal government issued a notice of violation of Title VI on Monday. Title VI prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color and national origin. It found the university was in violent violation of it due to campus antisemitism. The inaction from Harvard to address campus antisemitism is a clear example of the demographic hierarchy, which has forced Jewish students to hide their identities, according to the Joint Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism, which sent the Monday notice. Antisemitism has been able to fester on Harvards campus and has led a once great institution to humiliation, the federal task force said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The university called the federal governments decision to threaten all of Harvards funding and find that it violated Title VI an arbitrary and capricious agency action. It is part of the Trump administrations rush to inflict pain and punishment upon Harvard, the lawyers said. The administrative record does not document any meaningful investigation by the Government into antisemitism on Harvards campus. Nor does it identify any specific incidents of such conduct, let alone connect such incidents to any of the terminated grants, the universitys lawyers said in the filing. The filing comes on the back of President Donald Trump boasting that he was working on a mindbogglingly HISTORIC deal with Harvard in late June. Trumps fight with Harvard Harvard and the Trump administration have been battling for months, leading to two lawsuits over the cuts to federal funding and over attacks against the universitys international student population. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The university has so far largely prevailed in court in lawsuits against the Trump administration. A federal judge granted two preliminary injunctions, allowing Harvard Universitys international students to continue attending school and enter the U.S. to study until the legality of the case is decided. In April, the Trump administration demanded an overhaul of Harvards leadership structure, admissions and hiring. If the university didnt comply, it risked losing $9 billion in funding, the federal government said. The actions were taken in the name of antisemitism, as the Trump administration claimed Harvard failed to protect Jewish students, particularly in the wake of the war in Gaza. Harvard rejected the administrations demands and set the stage for a historic showdown. More Higher Ed Read the original article on MassLive. President Donald Trump on Tuesday asked Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) what it might be like to date Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), creating an awkward scene as Greenes boyfriend looked on. Trump, during a visit to his administrations controversial new Alligator Alcatraz migration detention center in the Everglades, came across Real Americas Voices Brian Glenn, who is dating Greene. Trump introduced DeSantis to Glenn. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hi, Brian. Ron, this is the boyfriend, very lucky, of Marjorie Taylor Greene, said the president. Oh really? replied DeSantis. Trump informed DeSantis who Glenn works for, then asked the governor: Do you think its easy being with Marjorie? DeSantis laughed off the question and Trump and DeSantis eventually moved on. Glenn shared a video of the moment on X, formerly Twitter. Im not going to answer that kidding!! he wrote of Trumps question about whether its easy being with Greene. Both are huge Trump supporters. He then added that conspiracy theory-floating, anti-Islam remark-making Greene is a joy to be with and I love her with all my heart. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Greene shared her beaus post on X with a smiling face with hearts emoji. Related... Washington President Trump's administration asked the Supreme Court on Wednesday to allow him to fire three members of the independent Consumer Product Safety Commission. The request to the high court by Solicitor General D. John Sauer arose from a federal judge's decision earlier this month that found Mr. Trump's removal of the three commissioners Mary Boyle, Alexander Hoehn-Saric and Richard Trumka Jr. was unlawful and blocked their terminations. The officials had been named to the five-member Consumer Product Safety Commission by former President Joe Biden for seven-year terms. Boyle's term was set to end in October, Hoehn-Saric's time on the panel was due to end in October 2027 and Trumka's in October 2028. The commission sets consumer product safety standards, can order product recalls and bring civil suits against companies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The three members were told in May that their positions were terminated, effective immediately. Under federal law, a president cannot remove a commissioner at-will, but only for neglect of duty or malfeasance. Removal restrictions like those governing the Consumer Product Safety Commission have been put in place by Congress to insulate independent agencies from politics. But Mr. Trump has sought to test his removal powers through a series of firings targeting members of those entities. Following their firings, the commissioners sued and asked a federal judge in Maryland, where the Consumer Product Safety Commission is headquartered, to restore them to their positions. They succeeded in their bid earlier this month, when U.S. District Judge Matthew Maddox allowed the three commissioners to resume their roles. "Depriving this five-member commission of three of its sitting members threatens severe impairment of its ability to fulfill its statutory mandates and advance the public's interest in safe consumer products," Maddox wrote in his decision. "This hardship and threat to public safety significantly outweighs any hardship defendants might suffer from plaintiffs' participation on the CPSC." A unanimous panel of three judges on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit declined to block the district court's decision and allow Mr. Trump to fire the commissioners. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The commissioners, Judge James Wynn wrote in a brief opinion, "were appointed to serve fixed terms with statutory protections designed to preserve the commission's independence and partisan balance. Permitting their unlawful removal would thwart that purpose and deprive the public of the commission's full expertise and oversight. And because the attempted removals were unlawful, the Plaintiff-Commissioners never ceased to lawfully occupy their offices." Sauer's emergency appeal to the Supreme Court is the third involving the president's power to remove executive officers, which the administration has argued is generally unrestricted. The justices in May cleared the way for Mr. Trump to remove without cause two members of two federal independent labor boards while legal fights over their terminations move forward. Over the dissent of the three liberal justices, the high court said in its unsigned decision that it "reflects our judgment that the government faces greater risk of harm from an order allowing a removed officer to continue exercising the executive power than a wrongfully removed officer faces from being unable to perform her statutory duty." Sauer said that May decision from the high court regarding the earlier removals should have foreclosed the reinstatement of the Consumer Product Safety Commission members. The district court's order, he wrote, effectively transfers control of the panel from Mr. Trump to three members who were appointed by his predecessor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "That plain-as-day affront to the President's fundamental Article II powers warrants intervention now," the solicitor general wrote. Sauer asked the high court to act immediately and issue a brief administrative stay that would allow it more time to consider his request for emergency relief. Lawyers for the commissioners opposed that request for swift action, noting that they have been serving in their roles in the nearly three weeks since the district judge ruled in their favor. The Trump administration, the lawyers said, did not identify any harm that would stem from the commissioner's continued service during the time it will take for the Supreme Court to rule. New details revealed as Kohberger changes plea to guilty for 2022 Idaho murders Watch: Bryan Kohberger pleads guilty for 2022 murders of 4 University of Idaho students Explosion at fireworks facility in California, local evacuations ordered President Donald Trump is again asking the Supreme Court to back his drive to reshape the federal government by firing the leaders of executive branch agencies. An emergency appeal the Justice Department filed at the high court Wednesday asks the justices to allow Trump to dismiss three members of the Consumer Product Safety Commission appointed by his predecessor, President Joe Biden. Trump fired the three officials, Mary Boyle, Alexander Hoehn-Saric and Richard Trumka Jr. in May. Federal law says members of the five-person commission can be removed for neglect of duty or malfeasance in office but for no other cause, but Trump did not allege any misconduct that triggered the firings. The watchdog agency sets safety standards for thousands of consumer products used in Americans homes and schools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last month, a federal judge in Baltimore concluded that the firings were illegal and ordered the trio reinstated. On Tuesday, a panel of the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals turned down the Trump administrations request to proceed with the firings, prompting the new appeal to the Supreme Court. In the high court appeal, Solicitor General John Sauer says actions by the three reinstated commissioners have demonstrated hostility to the Presidents agenda by seeking to reverse decisions made following their firing. Boyle, Hoehn-Saric and Trumka have thrown the agency into chaos and have put agency staff in the untenable position of deciding which Commissioners directives to follow, Sauer wrote. The main legal issue in the fight is the validity and scope of a 90-year-old Supreme Court case known as Humphreys Executor that upheld Congress power to limit the presidents ability to remove officials at some federal agencies. The justices have narrowed the sweep of that precedent in recent years, relying on a legal theory of broad presidential power known as the unitary executive, although they have not formally overturned the 1935 decision. In May, over the objection of all the liberal justices, the high court granted Trumps emergency request to fire two Biden-appointed members of federal panels that handle labor issues, the National Labor Relations Board and the Merit Systems Protection Board. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The courts majority said the panels exercise considerable executive power, which supported Trumps arguments that he could dismiss their members without cause. Sauer argued that the district court and the 4th Circuit essentially defied the Supreme Courts ruling in the labor board cases and he urged the Supreme Court to end what he called a court-ordered take-over of the CPSC. The administrations request will go, at least initially, to Chief Justice John Roberts, who oversees emergency matters arising from the 4th Circuit. In a filing submitted shortly after Sauers request, lawyers for the board members Trump is trying to fire urged Roberts not to issue an administrative stay putting them out of office again, saying doing so would disrupt the status quo. The Atlantic Daily, a newsletter that guides you through the biggest stories of the day, helps you discover new ideas, and recommends the best in culture. Sign up for it here. Subscribe here: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Overcast | Pocket Casts On this episode of The David Frum Show, The Atlantics David Frum opens with a warning: The United States support for Ukraine is collapsing under Donald Trumps second termand with it, the global system of peace and security that has protected Americans for decades. David explains what Trumps latest actions reveal about his motivations, and why Ukraines survival may now depend on the outcome of the 2024 election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then David is joined by the former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine and now Democratic congressional candidate Bridget Brink, who served under both President Biden and President Trump. They discuss the true stakes of the war, the failure of the Trump administration to develop or execute a coherent Ukraine policy, and why Brink ultimately chose to resign her post. She offers a firsthand account of life in Kyiv during the early days of the full-scale invasion, the dangers facing American diplomats in war zones, and the institutional breakdowns now threatening U.S. foreign policy from within. The following is a transcript of the episode: David Frum: Hello, and welcome to another episode of The David Frum Show. Im David Frum, a staff writer at The Atlantic. Im speaking to you today from the offices of The Picton Gazette, one of the oldest continuously published newspapers in all of Canada. Its Canada Day week here in Canada, and many of our usual facilities are closed. So Im very grateful to the editors and publishers of the Gazette for making their offices available to me to record this opening discussion. My guest this week will be Ambassador Bridget Brink, who was appointed by President Biden as ambassador to Ukraine and then served under President Trump until her resignation earlier this year. Ambassador Brink is now running for Congress for the Democratic nomination in Michigans Seventh District. Our conversation was recorded before she made that announcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before I turn to our conversation about Ukraine and the struggle for independence, and about the inconsistent and unfavorable attitude of the Trump administration toward Ukraine that she observed as ambassador, I want to say a few personal words about what is at stake in this Ukrainian cause. The United States has built, since 1945, an extraordinary system of peace and security embracing much of the planet. It is a system from which many countries benefit, but Americans too. That Americans do not need to learn a second language in most cases; that they can travel about the world with a feeling of security; that when they do business, they do business under legal systems that are often inspired by the American example; that when they travel as tourists or students or in any capacity, they can put down a credit card, and if they have a dispute, have that credit card dispute adjudicated, usually under American lawall of those things that we take for granted as we move about a world that is ever more accommodating to the American way of life and to American interests, all of that is one of the prizes for the American investment in global peace and security. Now, that system of peace and security received one of its severest tests when Russia accelerated its attack on Ukraine. The war began in 2014 with the attack on Crimea and the occupation of Crimea. But in February of 2022, Russia made a direct lunge for the capital, Kyiv. The heroism and endurance of Ukrainian soldiers beat back the Russians, and Ukraine has continued to fight for its independence to this day. This is a war not about boundaries, but about Ukraines sovereign existence. The Russians and President Putin, their dictator, have made it very clear that what they are offended by is that Ukraine imagines it has any right to exist as an independent nation at all. As Putin has told many people, including American interviewersincluding pet American interviewers, like Tucker Carlson when Tucker Carlson interviewed Vladimir Putinwhat this war is about from Putins point of view is that Ukraine is not a country. Its just part of Russia. It has no history. It has no language. It has no literature. It has no right to be any kind of separate people at all. Its little Russia, in his mind, that must be ruled forever by big Russia. The Ukrainians see it otherwise, and they have fought and struggled and died to maintain their national existence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under President Biden, the president who appointed Ambassador Brink, the United States assisted Ukraine, not as fully as it should. It often seems that President Bidens policy was to say, What does Ukraine need? Give them half, and give it late. Tanks and airplanes and other kinds of assistance always arrived too little amounts and too slow in time to turn the tide of war when the war was ready to be turned, especially in the summer of [20]23. It often seemed that there was a lack of urgency in the Biden administration, that they never took it seriously, that November 24 would be, among other things, a referendum on Ukraines survival, and that if there was anything that was left undone by the United States as of November 24, there was a real chance that the next administration, which might be Donald Trumps, would turn off the flow of aid and doom Ukraine altogether. If the war was not won by November of 2024, it might never be won at all. But that lack of urgency was a flaw from a generally positive policy. President Biden did seem to understand what was at stake and did want to help, even if it was never in time and never enough. But now, in the Trump presidency, we are in a very different world, a world of outright hostility to Ukraine, where Donald Trumps goal seems to be to pressure Ukraine, sometimes risking Ukrainian lives, sometimes dooming Ukrainian lives, pressure Ukraine to a negotiated form of submission to Russia. I dont know that we have yet or ever will get to the bottom of the reason for Donald Trumps strange attachment to Russia. The why questionits been speculated about, psychological blackmail, cronyism. Its been speculated about forever. And I have to admit, I sometimes have joined in some of the speculation, but I think always we need to have skepticism about it. We dont know and maybe well never know the why of the Trump-Russia attachment. But we can see the what. We can see the thing. We can see that there is something going on here that is way beyond the usual about how Americans feel about foreign dictatorsa kind of something that is influencing American policy in ways that are injurious to all kinds of societies, not only Ukraine, and that has biased American policy toward the support of the goals of this aggressive dictatorship in Moscow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now we find ourselves, really, in a moment of crisis. The United States has demonstrated in Iran that American power can be used. This administration has proven that all those op-eds and think pieces and campaign propaganda about Trump as a dove, as a noninterventionist were nonsense. Trump struck Iran. Right now, there are American Predator drones flying over Mexico. And many in the Trump administration, including the vice president, have talked about using American military force inside Mexicoagain, with or without the permission of the Mexican government. Theyre not noninterventionists. Theyre not pacifists. Theyre not doves. What they are are people who are hostile to the Ukrainian cause. The Ukrainian cause is a great cause. Its one that deserves respect and support from Americans, as it has gained and deserves support from Americas allies. Ukraine has done so much by itself. It has fought and struggled and defended itself, but it probably cannot win by itself. To win, it needs help. That help was forthcominginadequately, but forthcomingfrom the Biden administration, and its been dialed back by the Trump administration. It needs to be a top-of-mind issue in our national discussion today. What can be done to help Ukraine? Why wont Donald Trump do it? How can it be pressured to do it? In that debate, Ambassador Brink has been and will be one of the most important voices, first as a successful and effective ambassador, then as a powerful critic of the administration she served, and now as a candidate for Congress. So in a few moments, my conversation with Ambassador Bridget Brink, but first: a quick break. [Music] Frum: Ambassador Bridget Brink, is a career diplomat, a native of Michigan, and a graduate of Kenyon College. Her service to the United States commenced during the Clinton administration. She has represented the United States in Uzbekistan, Georgia, and the Slovak Republic. In between, she rose to higher and higher positions and ranks at the State Department and on the National Security Council staff. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In February 2022, as Russian columns raced toward Kyiv to capture that Ukrainian capital, and as Russian airborne troops descended on the Kyiv airport, President Biden asked Bridget Brink to serve as his ambassador to Ukraine, an emerging war zone, one of the most dangerous posts in all of U.S. diplomacy. She was formally nominated in April of 2022 and has led the mission until earlier this year. She resigned in 2025 to protest President Trumps persistent refusal to acknowledge Russias responsibility for the war Putin started. And Ambassador Brink, thank you so much. Welcome to The David Frum Show. Let me ask you to take us back to that moment when you got the nod to serve in this historic role at this historic time. How did that happen? What was that like? Bridget Brink: Well, thanks David. Thanks so much for having me on. Well, I remember it like it was yesterday, but now it was more than three years ago. As you know, or probably know, we have a long process to bring new ambassadors into positions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So I knew for a while, even before the war started, that I was the presidents candidate and had to go through the formal confirmation process. And when the war started, I got a call. And I was asked, Are you still interested in this post? Because we think we may have to close the embassy. We dont know where the embassy will be. We dont know what will happen with the war. Whats your position? And I remember very distinctly, I said, No, I absolutely am committed. I think this position is more important now than maybe ever, and so keep going. And I also said we need to stay and then go back, and thats what we did. Frum: Yeah, I want to protect us both against the temptation that a lot of Americans have to think that the war started in February of 2022. Brink: Yes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Frum: In fact, it started in 2014. But for a long time, the fighting was localized to certain border regions between Russiathe Ukrainian territory but near Russia. In February of 22, we had an escalation of the war where the capital itself became under siege. So when did you arrive in Kyiv? Brink: I arrived in Kyiv at the end of MayMay 29, 2022and I came in by land. At that time, we were driving, and I came in; I had a charge [daffaires] that I was replacing. We hadnt had a confirmed ambassador in Ukraine for over three years. And I remember that very distinctly because it was me and nine other diplomats. Thats who returned back to help reestablish and reopen the embassy. And when I got thereof course, embassies, when they close, theyre taken down in a way to protect our national security. So areas that are sensitive or things that are sensitive are removed or destroyed. And so when we got to the embassy, we literally had nothing that you could plug into the wall. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So if you think about What do you need when youre working? well, you need your computer, and you need your various things that help you do your job, and because of a closure, that did not exist. So this was the unexpected, Id say, challenge that we had in the first few days and weeks. Because not only were we coming back into a war zone, not only did we not at the time have any air defense (because it was the early part of the war, it was very uncertain)we also didnt have a functioning, operating embassy. And that, I have to say, was a huge and heavy lift because usually when you reopen an embassy, you reopen it in conditions of peace, not in conditions of war. But here we were, trying to do that in conditions of war. Frum: Where did you sleep and eat? Brink: So in the first three months, I slept in the embassy. So I actually was given a room in the Marine house. So we didnt have Marines at that time. Marines usually protect embassies overseas. Meand its a small seven, six or seven roomsand so I had a room just like everybody elses room in the Marine house, whatever Marines live in. I think its now called, like, the ambassadors room. And I slept and ate at the embassy. We have a small cafeteria, and I ate there. And, in fact, I didnt want to leave, because after three months, we moved to another locationbecause we were getting bigger as I pushed very hard to bring more people back. And I didnt want to move, because literally from the time I opened my eyes in the morning until the time I closed them, I was working. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And I didnt want to take the time that I needed to do any kind of commuting back and forth to the embassy. And so I think I was the last one to leave the embassy, purely because of thatnot because I didnt want to go and normalize, but because I worried it would, like, take precious seconds and minutes off of what we needed to do the job. And as I told everybody, were working at the speed of war. But finally, I was convinced: Like, no, its important. Its important that the ambassador move, as an example. And if we were going to help the Ukrainians fight this fight, we needed, also, to give people a little bit of ability to have a little downtime and perform. And that was absolutely correct, and thats what I tried to do. Your first question about Why did I do this job? Its because I believe this was the most important, or at least one of the most important diplomatic jobs on the planet for the United States. And as I think that we, as the United States, should lead and lead with our values and our interests, I was so honored to be asked to do this job. It was like an honor of a lifetimereally, sincerely an honor of a lifetime to do it, even though it was so challenging and hard every single minute of every single day. Frum: Did the embassy ever come under fire, intentional or purportedly accidental? Brink: I mean, heres the challenge we faced: In the first year that we were therethis is prior to receiving any Patriot systems or other types of advanced American air-defense systemsthere literally was not air defense. And so for the first year-plus, I think, that I was there, we wereeveryone in the country was, but we were, as the American representationin a situation where we didnt have the ability to protect people. So when the air alerts went off, we had to make sure that we had everybody in a place that was the most safe possible, and that was underground. So many times we had situations where missilesor at that time in the first year, it was missiles mostlymissiles would hit really close to wherever we were, and we had shrapnel hit a building, for example, that we were in. I went, actually, with the USAID administratorthis was a bit later, actually, in the war, butto Odessa. We had a meeting in a building one day, and then it was attacked and bombed the next day and destroyed. And then that was 12 hours or less later. And then, of course, I eventually was able to move into my residence, and we found some shrapnel missile fragments in the yard of the residence. And yeah, so the missiles and then the drones come down everywhere. And then, of course, when air defense is going up to counter that, theres a lot of activity. Its very dynamic in the air, and you gotta be somewhere where you can be protected. Frum: And things fall back to earth. Friendly fire also falls back to Earth. Brink: Eventually everything falls back to earth. Yeah, gravity works. Frum: So you mentioned going to Odessa. Now, I think most people watching this will be aware that Ukraine is a large country. They may not understand how large it is in terms of hours and that there is no air travel. Anytime you went anywhere, you had to go by land, and with all the risks. So tell: How did you move about the country, and what kind of protection did you have as you did? Brink: Well, of course, going in and out of the countryand I did travel in and out of the country a lot to go back to Washington to make the case on the hill or with the administrationto do everything I could to get around the country, I was the biggest proponent to push for ability and permission, because some of this was controlled initially by Washington, to move around the country so that we could do really important jobs to implement the presidents policy and the administrations policy. That includes outreach to people, including people that are suffering from the war, but to also oversee and check on weapons and other assistance that we are giving to Ukraine. And third, to provide advice and support in various ways that we do diplomatically or militarily. So we did all of thatmost of thatby train, and the reason was it was the most efficient. The Ukrainian train system is amazing. I think theyve kept their trains on time throughout the war; the trains were used to evacuate people at the beginning of the war. Theyre used to transport people. Now theyre used to transport many different things, probably. I wouldnt want to go into detail, but theyre a very effective part of the war effort. And so I relied on that same thing on the Odessa trip we had, maybe, early on. I think this was in July. Again, this is a very early part of the war, so it was quiteyou know, these early moments are really critical to kind of what we do. And Im a big believer in using American power wisely and using it to shape the environment and shape events and that diplomats are not people who sit back and watch whats going on, but actually shape toward a goal that matches our interests and our values. So in July, we were trying hard to help getor keep the economy alive, because Ukraines economy is really dependent on exports. And the world is also dependent on grain to feed people, especially in food-scarce countries. And so Ukrainian grain, we were trying to figure out ways to help get it out. And one of them was through the Black Sea ports. But they had been shut down, effectively, by Russian attacks. And so I worked with the Ukrainians and the UN and the G7 partners, and we came up with an idea to go to Odessa and have a G7thats the Group of 7; thats the main group that supports Ukraine diplomaticallyhave a G7 meeting down in Odessa to get this Black Sea Grain Initiative going. It was an agreement that would be with the UN and Russia, so I traveled down there. But it was a very hard decision to make. But we were on our way down, and the train stopped in the middle of the night. And I probably had a group ofI dont know how manymaybe 20 people, including the security people who were traveling with me. And the train stopped, and I could hear my security guy get a call in the next train cabin. I hear him just say, Yes, yes. He comes back to me, and he says, Theres a missile directed. Its going to land somewhere near us, somewhere nearby. And were stopped. And I thought, Okay. And at that point, I hoped and I prayed that my team would be okay, and that that decision had been the right one. And then we waited, and thats all you can do is wait. Fifteen minutes, 20 minutes went by, and the train started again. And then we went down. Frum: Let me ask you about your assessment of the war, as it stands today. Were speaking in the middle of June. At the beginning of June, Ukraine scored one of its most remarkable successes in this war, disabling some number of Russian strategic bombers. I dont know the exact count. You probably do. Its maybe as high as 40. But its a big war with many factors. Life for the people of Ukrainethe 40 million people who remain in the countryis very difficult. Theyre trying to operate schools and old-age pensions and hospitals. Give us a sense of both the military and the economic state as of mid-June 2025. Brink: Well, I mean, I think one things very clear, is that Putin has figured out that he can showor pretend, I would saythat hes ready to negotiate while he continues to fight on the ground and to try to gain more territory and change facts and conditions on the ground. I think thats a mistake for us to allow that. I think the situation for the Ukrainians is: The Ukrainians continue to fight. And I think they will continue to fight until they cant in any way, shape, or form. And so I think that in this situation, we face an ongoing, continuing war, and one that risks a greater war by not putting more force and pressure on Putin to come to the table. The Ukrainians did have a very, Id say, successful attack on Russian military assets last weekend. And I think that that was something that they hadI was not aware of this planbut that is something they had, I heard, in the planning for a long time. But I just want everyone to remember that this is in defense [that] the Ukrainians hit military assets. The Russians also, in the last week or so, have launched hundreds of drones and missiles across the country of Ukraine that have killed many civilians, including children. And this is happening and has been happening throughout the war. Frum: As I listen to you speak, I hope this comes out the right way, because I dont mean this in any way a disrespectful or querulous point. But I notice youre arguing with a lot of things that you would think no rational person would propose in the first place. Youre arguing that Russia is the aggressor, not Ukraine. You are arguing that the defense of this embattled, invaded democracy is something that Americans should care about. You sound a little bit like someone whos been on the receiving end of arguments with the most anti-democratic, anti-social, anti-American people you can possibly imagine over the past number of months. And that is the judo pose in which you are ready to spring into action. Am I hearing the reverberation of six months of discussions against people who would say things like, Well, maybe Ukraines at fault. Maybe this isnt important? Brink: Well, I mean, of course, youve heard what the administration and what the presidents position has been, you know, to be some kind of independentor, yeah, like, independent mediator. I strongly disagree that that is a position that is good for U.S. interest. In the small sense, and this is really important for Ukraine, its really vital that we dont allow Putin as an aggressor to just change borders by force, because this sets a terrible precedent here. It sets a terrible precedent in other places around the world. But I think what I want to say is that, more strategically, I think Putins goals are much bigger. I dont think its just Ukraine. I think people who think that, Oh, Putin will stop at Ukraine, thats not my experience in 28 years working in this part of the world. Putin doesnt stop unless stopped, unless given clear positioning that we and partners will oppose a specific direction. I believe hes going to keep going. I think its clear to me that he wants to reverse Ukraines path toward not just the EU, which is where this all started, but also to NATO, to weaken NATO, to divide Europe, and to weaken the United States. And to me, we need a policy that is strategic in the sense of framing what our actions are to achieve the goal, which I think should be to stop Putin from being successful in this attempt. Frum: But youve spent a lot of time arguing things that one wouldve thought were settled, like this war is Russias fault, not Ukraines fault. Brink: Yes. I mean, the challenge in the current momentwell, maybe two things I would say. One, I think whats at risk now is so much bigger than just Ukraine. I think Ukraine isI care very deeply. I spent three years of my life in a war zone trying to protect my team but also advance our goals of keeping Ukraine free. But I think even more broadly than that, whats at risk is the peace and prosperity that we have enjoyed for 80 years since World War IIbecause we have relied on some fundamental principles, including, especially: We, the United States, support democracy and freedom at home and abroad. We, the United States, believe that its important to work with our friends and allies. We, the United States, think that we need to stop aggressors from achieving their goals and compete with China. I think people dont maybe think about it in this sense, but I think about how undermining some of these principles is risky. Its risky for us. Its risky for our children and future generations because were taking away some of the foundation of what has built our own prosperity, what has built our own success as a nation. Frum: I suppose where Im going with this is: Every major conflict, there are many, many choices. Theyre all very difficult. If the questions werent difficult, they wouldnt be at your level in the first place. And the way we think the United States government operates is: people of good faith and unquestioned patriotism and commitment to shared values, dealing with hard issues of whats the right way to go, dealing with un terrible uncertainty and lack of information and trying to come to some kind of balance. And certainly, in the first years you were in Ukraine, there were many of those discussions, and my opinion: And a lot of them went the wrong way. The United States was late to give Ukraine the things it needed and the chance to score more-decisive gains in the summer of 2023. Maybe it wasnt ever there, but if it was there, it wasnt seized. But as I listen to you, I hear the reverberations of something that sounds like some kind of cheesy, paranoid Cold War novelwhere back home, in Washington, there are important voices that arent people of good faith, arent imbued with shared patriotic values, dont stand up for democracy and actually want to see our friends lose, not our friends win. Brink: Well, I think the challenge we have now withwell, what happened with me is pretty simple, is that for 28 years, I felt very strongly that I could and I was able to offer my opinion and my advice about whats the best course for foreign policy. In our business, you sometimes prevail in that effort, and sometimes you dont. And sometimes because I did it for so long and worked in an area that was in a similar area, I had the ability to come back to issues sometimes and then prevail in a different administration. For example, when I worked before in Washington, I was part of the group that helped to give Ukraineor make a recommendation that the then-President Trump, in the first administration, gave weapons to Ukraine, defensive weapons. Those weapons helped to save Kyiv. But now, coming back in the second administration, heres what happened. Every day I woke up, and I was told I might be fired, so I should be careful what I say and what I do. Thats fine in terms of: We all serve at the pleasure of the president. Thats the way the system works for ambassadors. But what has happened under an administration with President Trump with such dramatic changes, for example, destroying and changing institutions, like USAID or Department of Education or other institutions, is that what happens with the bureaucracy is: The bureaucracy becomes not a strong advocate of whatever is the recommended approach. What we do as career people is that we make recommendations and then ultimately, of course, its the leadershipits the elected leadership and the presidentwho decides. In my experience in this Trump administration, there was no space to make recommendations if they conflicted with whatever was the, I think, perceived view of the president. Thats highly problematic. I can tell you many times during the Biden administration, I am sure I annoyed or aggravated people because I was so persistent, but I felt it was my duty and my job in my views, and I neverof course, I would implement, once a decision was made, whatever was required or decidedbut I never felt that I was at risk of being fired or that I would, by annoying people, was going to be problematic for me personally. And I believe sincerely thateven though, again, Im sure in many times, I thought we should be doing something else; you dont get to win every argumentbut what you need is a structured policy approach so that you can make the case, and so you can come to a decision, and so you can know the facts. I need that as ambassador. The president needs that as president, and thats what doesnt exist. Moreover, this fear makes people not want to give their opinion, and so in that period, I said my view was that this is the most important diplomatic job on the planet. Ive gotta do it in a way where Im not fearful. I have to do it in the best way that I can. And then when I couldnt, thats why I left. Frum: Can I press you to be more specific? Who had the job of advising you that you might be fired? Brink: Well, I would say this is more the career folks that are literally, I think, pulling their punches and scared. Frum: To whom do you report as ambassador to Ukraine? I mean, ultimately, the secretary of state, but whos your immediate report? To whom do you address your cables when you send them home? Brink: Well, you report to the secretary of state, and you report to your chain of command, which goes through the secretary of state and then to the White House. But your day-to-day interactions are, in many cases, with career officials who are in very senior positions in the department. Frum: Undersecretaries and so on. And so is that the person who would say, You might be fired if you say this thing in your cable? Brink: Oh, it was many people. It was people in Washington. It was people on my team. It was many people. Frum: Did you talk toI mean, Secretary Rubio, who was once a friend of Ukraine, once an advocate of traditional American leadership, and who seems to be making his own calculations, did he ever communicate to you, Youre going too far. Youre in danger? Brink: No, he did not. Frum: Wasnt that his job? Brink: Well, I dont know if that was true or not. I think a lot of it, I mean, I heard and respected. I always want to hear divergent views. And I heard that, but it didnt change what I did. I still believed that I had to do it a certain way. And I want to hear when people thinkI need my advisers or I need people in Washington to give me a steer on which way to go. And I want to keepas a person of the career service, you cant step out and have your own policy. You have to keep within the policy lines. But at the same time, it was very hard to have a policy that had been very clear about whos to blamewhos responsible, whats happening on the ground that children are being killed, that people are losing their lives and their homes, and this is happening today, right nowand not be able to speak about that publicly. But it was my job to continue to try. So that didnt deter me from trying to do the job, but it made itit really underscores to me what worries me. Because having institutions that are strong, they need to execute policy as decided by the president. But you need institutions that can offer advice and guidance so that the president can make the best decision. And that is a structure that exists and has existed in every administration. And some are not so great and some are better, but theres always been the structure. Frum: Thats assuming that the president wants to make decisions in the best interest of the country, meaning this country. Sometimes you may have a president who wants to make the decisions in the best interest of some other country, and then you have a real problem. But let me ask you: If there were someone in your shoes but one stage, one train car, back in her career and was considering the next step on the train car, how would you advise that person one train car back to think about service to this president and this administration? Youre a person of normal American patriotism. Youre being invited to do something for this administration. Weve seen how it has sucked the soul out of some of the people who had those, like the secretary of state, once a normal American. How would you advise them to think about whether its wise or not to serve, or whether they should wait for another moment? Brink: Well, what Ive always told people, now and beforebecause Ive had to mentor and lead a lot of younger officers, and Ive had myself fantastic mentors and leaders above me who have really shaped me and helped meis that our job is to give the best advice and to fight very hard to relay that advice in the best way possible to our elected leadership as career people, and that if, at the end of the day, you feel you cant execute the policy that has been decided, you have some options. The first option is: Theres lots of places in the world that you can serve, and you can go, probably, find someplace or something that aligns with your own values. You can do that. Second option: You can go into our training cadre, which is really important to train the diplomats of the future. And I think and hope those diplomats will be very active, because I think this is very important. We are the frontline of freedom, as diplomats, in the area of Europe in which I worked. And then the third is you can decide that your conscience doesnt allow you to execute, and you can resign. And I always said its important to work and do everything possible to serve our country and do the best that you can. But if you come to that point, you have to make that decision. And I believed, and Ive always said, you should work as if its your last day in government and think about everything you do, especially in places that are such high stakes as Ukraine, as if youre not going to have a job tomorrow. Its really hard to do that, but thats my advice. Frum: Let me interrupt you there just to say: What youre describing is a thinking process that one might have had in January of 2025, when it was uncertain what the second Trump administration would look like. In June of 2025, we know exactly what the second Trump administration is going to look like. So if you are someone whos offered to be ambassador to one of the countries that Trump doesnt like or one of the countries that Trump likes a lot, you know what its going to be. You dont have to do that three-part assessment you just described. You know the answer already. So knowing the answer of what this administration is like, how do you advise then? Because obviously, the business of government has to be carried on. If someone is offered a job as ambassador to Ukraine, how should they think about that? Brink: I think that has to be an individual decision. I think being ambassador is one thing. Youre the public face of the policy, and so you really have to make that decision individually. I think for the staff and the younger officers, its extraordinarily important that we have this career service, and its extraordinarily important that they serve and provide the knowledge and recommendations and active diplomacy that makes us like the tip of the spear of our government overseas. So I just think that has to be a decision of individuals, and they have to make it with their own conscience. Frum: Well, let me ask you this way: When and if President Trump appoints new people to run Ukraine policy, hes got a special representative whos in charge of negotiating, who seems very in thrall to the Russian point of view, whose son is operating a crypto business that is getting money from God knows who and God knows where. How do we as citizens evaluate the people who are making these policies supposedly in the interest, in name of the United States? Brink: I think its a mistake not to rely on people with expertise in the area. I think its a big mistake, especially in Russia. Putin has a larger strategic plan, which is very dangerous to the United States, and we ignore that plan at our peril. And although he operates tactically, so he can be defeated. But I think it requires a very thoughtful, strategic, coordinated approach, and thats something that in the second Trump administration, my challenge had been getting advice to the right person, because there are a number of different people who are working on Ukraine and on Russia policy. And in that bifurcated way, it was very difficult to get advice. And when I asked, How I best relay advice and information? I was told I had to go to a multiple number of people across our government in order to affect the policy because there wasnt, as I said, a policy process, a decision-making process. And my problem was: I was in a war zone. I was really busy. I did not have time to call individual people to try to make the case for a specific policy recommendation. And I think thats something that can still be put in place. But that was and is a big part of the problem. Its the chaos of the policy process, which: I dont know why thats the operating style, but it is not conducive to our ability to execute and implement a strategic foreign policy that deters Russia, sends the right signal to China, and advances American interest for Americans here at home. Frum: So youre saying that its kind of a secret hierarchy, where, theoretically, the secretary of state is in charge, but, actually, the president of the Kennedy Center is a lot more important than the secretary of state to American foreign policy. And thats not a hypothetical example. That may be a very real one. Brink: I think the challenge I had was that I didnt know who wasI could, of course, talk to some people within the administration who I thought genuinely understood the challenge of Ukraine and how to approach it. I did not sense that there was an ability to inform the president in a way that would help us advance our policy. And thats an untenable position for an ambassador, an ambassador in a war zone, an ambassador has a thousand people to protect and make sure are safe, and that is trying to accomplish one of our top foreign-policy goals. Frum: Let me ask one final question: As you departed from Ukraine, when the Ukrainians in the summer of 2025 look back toward the United States, the country that gave them some if maybe not enough aid at the beginning of the war, what do they see now? And what do they think of Americans? Brink: Well, maybe Ill tell you a story of my last few days, when I was in Ukraine and met with a very senior official. It was one of my last calls. Basically, he showed me what he said had been presented to the Ukrainians as a possible way forward in terms of a peace negotiation. That paper, which I wont go into detail of, included what I would say Putins wish list of everything that he wants. And he looked at me and he said, You are our closest strategic partner. Thats all he said. And I had nothing I could say, because I myself, as someone who dedicated a big part of my life to supporting freedom and democracy in Ukraine and in the wider European space for the benefit of Americans, I had nothing to say either. Frum: They feel that the United States is lost to them. Brink: I dont think they understand. I dont think I understand, or many of us who are experts and long patriots and public servants understand. Frum: Is it that we dont understand, or that we do understand and our hearts cant accept the answer? Brink: I think its a different administration, and its a threat to our future, and thats why Ive come out. Thats why I left. Thats why Im speaking publicly. I think its bad for America to be where we are. Its not who we are. And I justwe have to be on the right side of history. There are very few pivotal moments in history. And as someone who has now done this for 28 years, I think its vital that we stand on the right side. Frum: Ambassador Brink, thank you so much for your time today. Good luck with the book. I look forward so much to reading it as you work on it. And good luck toI know you have some important personal decisions to make and career decisions to make about what comes next for you. And were all watching those with keen interest, and we all hope that your service to the United States has not ended and that the United States that you believed in has not ended either. Brink: I dont think it has. Im sure it hasnt. Thank you. Thank you, David. [Music] Frum: Thank you so much to Ambassador Bridget Brink for talking to me for this edition of The David Frum Show. Thanks to the editors and publishers of The Picton Gazette for their generous hospitality on this Canada Day week, when so much in Picton is closed. If you are enjoying this podcast, I hope youll share it with friends, especially this episode, which is so urgent about Ukraines survival. And I hope youll like and subscribe, both the video form of the podcast and any audio form that you like and prefer. I look forward to speaking to you next week for another episode of The David Frum Show. [Music] Frum: This episode of The David Frum Show was produced by Nathaniel Frum and edited by Andrea Valdez. It was engineered by Dave Grein. Our theme is by Andrew M. Edwards. Claudine Ebeid is the executive producer of Atlantic audio, and Andrea Valdez is our managing editor. Im David Frum. Thank you for listening. Article originally published at The Atlantic The funding Planned Parenthood receives for a variety of reproductive and preventive care services through Medicaid is under threat after the Supreme Court and Senate Parliamentarian both greenlit Republican efforts to strip the womens health organization of funds. The Senate version of President Donald Trumps One Big Beautiful Bill narrowly passed on Tuesday with a provision included that would prohibit federal Medicaid funding for any health care services provided by Planned Parenthood for one year, after Senate Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough allowed the cuts to remain in the legislation. The provision initially sought to defund Planned Parenthood for 10 years, but the timing was reduced to one year prior to MacDonoughs ruling. The sweeping tax and spending package now returns to the House. The bills Senate passage comes just days after the Supreme Court ruled that states can prohibit Medicaid funding for any health care services provided by Planned Parenthood, in a case stemming from a 2018 order by South Carolina Republican Gov. Henry McMaster that barred any clinic offering abortion services from the states Medicaid program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read More: South Carolina Wants to End Medicaid for Planned Parenthood The decisions are major victories for Republican lawmakers in their decades-long effort to strip Planned Parenthood, the nations largest abortion provider, of government funding. The Hyde Amendment already bars federal dollars from being used for abortion. Medicaidthe state-federal program that provides health insurance coverage for more than 70 million people from low-income householdsdoesnt cover abortions, with very limited exceptions. But Medicaid covers other, non-abortion health care services that Planned Parenthood clinics provide, and many of the patients who visit the organizations locations are Medicaid recipients. Anti-abortion groups praised the Supreme Courts decision; Katie Daniel, director of legal affairs and policy counsel for the anti-abortion group Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, said in a statement that the decision saves countless unborn babies from a violent death. But Planned Parenthood, abortion-rights advocates, and health care providers condemned the courts ruling. Planned Parenthood has said that barring Medicaid coverage for the number of other health care services its clinics providesuch as birth control, STI testing and treatment, and cancer screeningscould lead to many patients not getting the health care they need. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Supreme Court once again sided with politicians who believe they know better than you, who want to block you from seeing your trusted health care provider and making your own health care decisions, Alexis McGill Johnson, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Federation of America, said in a statement. Patients need access to birth control, cancer screenings, STI testing and treatment, and more. And right now, lawmakers in Congress are trying to defund Planned Parenthood as part of their long-term goal to shut down Planned Parenthood and ban abortion nationwide. Read More: The Big Beautiful Bill Would Pour Billions Into ICEs Budget The provision targeting Planned Parenthood in Trumps tax and spending package would cost taxpayers an additional $52 million over 10 years, according to an estimate from the Congressional Budget Office. Planned Parenthood has said that if it is defunded, nearly 200 health centers in 24 states would be at risk of closing and more than 1.1 million patients could lose access to their health care. Lawmakers and anti-abortion groups that have pushed to defund Planned Parenthood have argued that patients can turn to federally qualified health centers instead of the womens health organization. But a recent report from the Guttmacher Institute, which researches and supports sexual and reproductive health and rights, concluded that federally qualified health centers wouldnt be able to readily replace Planned Parenthoods provider network. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Abortion-rights advocates sounded the alarm on Tuesday, after the tax and spending package cleared the Senate with the provision targeting Planned Parenthood. If this bill passes, it will be the most devastating blow to womens health and bodily autonomy since the overturning of Roe, Nancy Northup, president and CEO of the Center for Reproductive Rights, said in a statement. What we are seeing is a full-scale attack against the complete range of care that these clinics provideabortion care, yes, but also so much more. If this bill passes, many people will have nowhere else affordable to go for these services, Northup continued. The U.S. health care system is already stretched thinthe majority in Congress should not be further limiting where people can get health care. Patients should have the freedom to pick their health care provider. Contact us at letters@time.com. Allies of President Donald Trump have fallen short in an effort to prevent states from regulating artificial intelligence the tech industry's first major defeat under his administration and a prelude to future battles around who gets to write the rulebook on a technology that is rapidly remaking the economy. After months of intense lobbying on both sides, the Senate voted in the pre-dawn hours Tuesday to defeat a provision in the Republican megabill to bar states from regulating AI over the next 10 years. The main driver of the measure, Texas Republican Sen. Ted Cruz, has threatened to bring the measure back, suggesting the fight is far from over. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have the idea of the federal preemption sort of hanging over our heads, California state Sen. Jerry McNerney, who has authored numerous AI bills in Sacramento and was vocal about regulating the technology during his years in Congress, told POLITICO. I don't think that's going to go away. The freeze became a rallying cry for much of the tech industry and their moneyed backers, who have long argued a patchwork of state AI rules will hobble the United States ability to compete with rivals like China when it comes to the technology an argument that has resonated with the Trump administration and its MAGA allies. Even without the AI freeze, Trump is fully supportive of the Senate-passed version of the One, Big, Beautiful Bill and looks forward to House Republicans uniting to pass the bill and send it to his desk by July 4, said White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson in a statement to POLITICO. States are already gearing up for the next battle, with legislators crafting measures they hope will be immune to Washingtons preemption trump card. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The push for a federal freeze on state AI laws also forged unlikely bipartisan coalitions across red and blue states that helped to crater Cruzs first effort. Those alliances will still be there should he try again. Ten years is a lifetime in technology, Utah state Rep. Doug Fiefia, a Republican and former Google employee, said last week during a press blitz by other GOP state officials opposed to the measure. A moratorium really hurts not only states and states rights to act but consumers. he said. Thats a non-starter for us. Thats the view of some Democrats who opposed the moratorium too. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This was genuinely bipartisan from day one, North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson, a Democrat and one of 40 state attorneys general who signed a letter decrying the moratorium, told POLITICO before the measure was killed. If [lawmakers] try to shackle us and keep us from doing anything in the space, that'll make things much, much more difficult, Jackson said. But I just can't imagine a world in which this debate turns off. With the battle won, the war begins The House passed a version of the megabill that included a 10-year moratorium in May. Cruz then tied the idea of an AI moratorium in the Senate version to billions of dollars in federal broadband funding, and later millions in AI development money, conditioned on states not enforcing their own AI rules. The idea faced pushback from some other Senate Republicans almost immediately. Cruzs attempts to rewrite it and strike a last-minute deal failed before the language was voted out for good. (Cruz didnt respond to questions on Tuesday about whether he would bring the measure back in the future, but praised the passage of the megabill in a press release that day without mentioning the scrapped moratorium.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hundreds of state legislators from Arkansas to Pennsylvania to Texas signed onto a bipartisan letter opposing the moratorium shortly before Cruz introduced a revised version in the Senate in early June, galvanized by the possibility of losing years of work after passing bills on everything from restricting robot doctors to protecting dead celebrities images and consumer privacy. State Democrats even found themselves on the same side as frequent sparring partners like Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) and Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), who swore to oppose the AI measure, arguing the issue should be handled in a separate bill, and raising concerns it would roll back critical consumer protections. A deep-pocketed tech industry with close ties to Trump quickly arrayed against that coalition, however, trying to seize the opportunity to build the technology as they saw fit, unfettered by state rules. AI chip-making giant Nvidia was among the first to openly support the moratorium. Venture capitalists across Silicon Valley, including Andreessen Horowitz, which has been influential in the Trump administrations AI thinking, framed a freeze as the ticket to winning the AI race. And national trade groups like TechNet and NetChoice kept up the drumbeat of support, even as they continued to lobby on state bills. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State lawmakers have been mulling how to retool some of their own bills to deal with the continuing threat of Congress big-footing their efforts. Californias McNerney said incentivizing, instead of forcing, companies to test their AI programs could avoid conflicts with Congress and tech companies averse to mandatory restrictions, for example. Jason Elliott, a former policy adviser to California Gov. Gavin Newsom, outlined another approach: studying the impacts of AI on industries like health care, and update rules that govern those areas instead. There's a lot we can be doing in the immediate term on the immediate impacts on job disruption, on protecting consumers, protecting civil liberties, when it comes to AI, said Elliott, now an independent political consultant, in an interview with POLITICO. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Putting transparency requirements on AI companies is another approach that California state Sen. Scott Wiener is taking with a bill this year. His measure includes expanded whistleblower protections for AI workers, which build on existing legal protections that arent specifically about AI. Other state lawmakers across the country focused on AI legislation are forging ahead without much heed for what Congress is, or is not, doing. I'm of the view to say Forget Congress, it's in our jurisdiction, New York state Sen. Andrew Gounardes told POLITICO. The Democrats RAISE Act requires large AI developers to disclose when programs go awry and to submit to outside audits to prevent worst-case scenarios like death or property damage. We're going to do this until you force us not to, he said. What tech is saying As much as the issue united some Democrats and Republicans, it forged a unified front among major tech players, with some notable exceptions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some marquee firms and their VC backers have lauded the idea of taking away states AI regulatory powers as the path to simpler, unified rules governing the technology. OpenAIs Global Affairs Chief Chris Lehane argued before the measure was stripped out that, Across the country, were seeing state bills that, while generally well-intentioned, risk creating a maze of conflicting rules without meaningfully improving the safety of frontier AI systems that could create a barrier to entry for new AI startups. National tech lobbying groups NetChoice and TechNet had also applauded the moratorium, saying it avoids a state-by-state approach to AI regulation, and gives Congress time to come up with a unified framework. Techs moneyed backers have also spoken up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Collin McCune, a lobbyist for the venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz, threw his support behind the moratorium, while Bobby Franklin, president and chief executive of the National Venture Capital Association, wrote a letter to Senate Majority Leader John Thune supporting it. Some in tech warned against a moratorium with no legal framework to back it up. The CEO of Anthropic, which developed a competitor to ChatGPT, Claude, wrote in a recent op-ed that while he was sympathetic to the patchwork argument, a sweeping stoppage of AI regulation without a national transparency-focused legislative standard to fill the void could have disastrous consequences. Without a clear plan for a federal response, a moratorium would give us the worst of both worlds no ability for states to act, and no national policy as a backstop, Dario Amodei wrote in the New York Times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That doesnt mean Anthropic is pushing for just any state legislation. The companys co-founder Jack Clark voiced concern with Gounardes bill in New York without taking a position on it, calling it overly broad. If there isn't anything at the federal level, we'll continue to engage on bills at the state level, Clark wrote. In response to tech criticism of what companies see as a patchwork system, state lawmakers note that many of their bills emulate one another, undermining the idea that there are vast differences companies must contend with. Washington state Rep. Clyde Shavers told POLITICO his two AI-focused bills on AI model transparency and notifying users when online content is AI- generated closely resemble California measures. Strange bedfellows Lawmakers, attorneys general and Republican governors from both parties had deluged Congress with letters opposing the moratorium, and tacit threats to sue over it. Similarly, a group of five Republican state lawmakers from Montana, Utah, South Carolina Tennessee and Ohio, including Utahs Fiefia, recently spoke out against the moratorium, calling it a violation of the U.S. Constitution's 10th amendment and an unfair usurpation of federalism. The way this moratorium is written, it opens up a legal minefield, said Montana state Sen. Barry Usher during the briefing last week. Its vague. It invites lawsuits. It leaves states guessing about what they can and cant do. While the state attorneys general who spoke out against the provision did not explicitly threaten to sue, they argued the measure could harm consumers, an area where they have stepped in before to challenge alleged privacy and social media harms. That broad, bipartisan pushback has made a huge difference in this debate, said Jason Van Beek, a former longtime adviser to Thune, before the measure failed. Van Beek now works as chief government affairs officer with the nonprofit Future of Life Institute, which focuses on potential AI risks. Republican California Assemblymember Carl DeMaio a firebrand Trump supporter in the deep blue state took the unusual move of joining state Democrats in signing one of the bipartisan letters opposing the moratorium. My opposition to the moratorium is based more on an absence of federal action, DeMaio told POLITICO before the measure was stripped out. When Congress doesn't act, then a state needs to look for ways to act. He argued Democrats and Republicans coming together to pass good AI laws is the best antidote in future moratorium fights, pointing to a bill he authored this year as a common-sense approach. That bill would require AI businesses to obtain consent from California-based users before sharing or storing their data in foreign countries Newsom has made similar remarks about existing state laws, underlining the unlikely bipartisanship stemming from the AI moratorium debate. His office pointed to how the freeze could undermine existing state laws that ban AI-generated child pornography, deepfake porn, and robocall scams against the elderly. While state AGs implied they might sue over the moratorium, Jackson, the North Carolina attorney general, had another solution. Theres an easy fix here, he said. All Congress has to do is pass a bill putting up some AI safeguards for consumers and voters before they pass a bill that tries to ban all of ours. Anthony Adragna and Mohar Chatterjee contributed to this report. Now-President Donald Trump said that he was bleeding so much on the hospital bed after the assassination attempt on his life in July last year that top aides thought he had been shot four or five times, according to a new book. An excerpt from 2024: How Trump Retook the White House and the Democrats Lost America, published in The Washington Post, has revealed new details from the attack in Butler, Pennsylvania, almost a year later. Trump, who was speaking on stage at the campaign rally on July 13, had been bundled to the ground by Secret Service agents and rushed to the hospital after 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks fired at him from the roof of a building approximately 100 yards away. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump was sitting up in bed, still wearing his suit. A bandage covered his ear. There was blood everywhere, according to the book. Donald Trump raises his fist after being shot at the campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania on July 13 last year. Aides thought the then-presumptive Republican presidential nominee had been shot four or five times because there was so much blood, according to a new book (Getty) Secret Service bundled Trump to the ground after shots were fired. It was bleeding like a bitch, the president told the books authors in an interview. There was blood everywhere, aides recalled (Getty) It was bleeding like a b****, Trump later told the books authors in an interview. They thought I had four or five bullets in me because there was so much blood, the president said, referring to his would-be White House chief of staff Susie Wiles, future director of communications Steven Cheung and future deputy chief of staff Dan Scavino. The three soon realized Trump was OK because he started making jokes in his hospital bed, according to the book. It was a turning point for the campaign. What followed was an outpouring of support for Trump from Amazon mogul Jeff Bezos and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, two of the worlds richest men, who had been outspoken critics of his in the past. Trumps campaign team realized he was okay after he started making jokes in the hospital, according to the excerpt (AFP/Getty) July 13 was a turning point for the Trump campaign. He received well wishes and endorsements from the worlds richest men Amazon mogul Jeff Bezos, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, and Tesla boss Elon Musk (AFP/Getty) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bezos said Trumps instincts showed who he was, and he wanted them to have a friendship, according to the book. Wiles marveled that before, some of these people wouldnt give him the time of day. Trump loved it. He was having a great time. Zuckerberg later said that seeing Trump pump his fist in the air after getting shot was one of the most badass things hed seen his life. July 13 was also the day future first buddy and Department of Government Efficiency architect Elon Musk officially endorsed Trump. I fully endorse President Trump and hope for his rapid recovery, the Tesla boss said in a post on X that day. Trump loved it. He was having a great time, the books authors write. He was flown to Bedminster, New Jersey, where his wife Melania was waiting for him (AFP/Getty) Trump had a brief call with then-President Joe Biden, who was still grappling with the fallout from his disastrous debate performance against the Republican. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The exchange was awkward after their tense debate just two weeks earlier, the book says. The call was brief. But Trump described it as very nice, actually. Trump left the hospital and flew to Bedminster, New Jersey, where his wife Melania was waiting for him. The book is due to be published on July 8. The US has halted weapons shipments to Ukraine because of concerns that Americas stockpile is too low. In a blow to Kyiv, the White House said it will put Americas interests first following a review of the nations military support and assistance to other countries across the globe on Tuesday evening. The strength of the United States armed forces remains unquestioned just ask Iran, the spokesman added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Pentagon review found that stocks were too low on some items previously promised, including air defence missiles to help down Russian drones, precision artillery and Hellfire missiles. America has sent more than $66 billion (43.7 billion) in military aid to Ukraine since Russia began its full-scale invasion in February 2022, but the move to reduce defence assistance has suggested a shift in Donald Trumps priorities. A bombing campaign against Houthi rebels in Yemen cost the US president nearly $1 billion (780 million), while the mission to strike Irans nuclear enrichment facilities saw 14 bunker-busting GBU-57 bombs dropped from B2 bombers at a price of tens of millions of pounds. The Trump administrations decision came as Ukraine faced a record number of missile and drone attacks from Russia as their forces continued to advance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since the start of June, Russia has fired an average of 256 projectiles every 24 hours, according to figures compiled by the Ukrainian air force. Responding to Washingtons announcement, Ukraine said it would struggle to defend itself against Russias advancing forces as it is seriously dependent on US defence weapons. A high-ranking military source told AFP on Wednesday: We are now seriously dependent on American arms supplies, although Europe is doing its best, but it will be difficult for us without American ammunition. The Kremlin, meanwhile, welcomed the move, saying reducing the flow of some weapons shipments to Kyiv will produce a faster end to its more than three-year assault on Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin spokesman, said: The fewer the number of weapons that are delivered to Ukraine, the closer the end of the special military operation. Speaking last week, Vladimir Putin said all of Ukraine is ours, signalling that Moscows war objective remains taking the whole of the country as the worlds attention is drawn to the conflict in the Middle East and Irans nuclear programme. Wherever the Russian soldier treads is ours, the Russian president told an economic forum in St Petersburg, while his forces attempted to push into the Sumy region, which was not one of the four regions he annexed in 2022. Elbridge Colby, the US undersecretary of defence for policy, said the US department of defence continues to provide the president with robust options to continue military aid to Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the same time, Mr Colby added, the department is rigorously examining and adapting its approach to achieving this objective while also preserving US forces readiness for administration defence priorities. In opening remarks at a Senate defence appropriations sub-committee hearing in June, Pete Hegseth, the US defence secretary, said he had moved quickly to cut wasteful programs and redirect funds to Trumps primary objectives. Mr Hegseth said some US security spending for Ukraine remains in the pipeline but acknowledged that funding for Kyivs military assistance would be reduced. Ukrainian servicemen fire at Russian forces on the front line - ARIS MESSINIS This administration takes a very different view of that conflict, he said. We believe that a negotiated peaceful settlement is in the best interest of both parties and our nations interests. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The decision to put military aid on hold was intended to ensure the US did not shortchange itself, Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell said at a Defence Department briefing. This capability review ... is being conducted to ensure US military aid aligns with our defence priorities, he said. We see this as a common-sense, pragmatic step towards having a framework to evaluate what munitions are sent and where. It was intended to help Mr Trump and Mr Hegseth be better informed when they made decisions. Ultimately, our job here at the Department of Defence is to pursue the presidents America First agenda and make sure that we achieve peace through strength throughout the world. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He insisted that the US military still had the resources to defend the country. We want to be very clear about this last point, he said. Let it be known that our military has everything that it needs to conduct any mission, anywhere, anytime, all around the world. We have the most lethal fighting force in the world. The decision came shortly after Mr Trump met with Volodymyr Zelensky at the sidelines of a Nato summit in the Hague last week. He said the US is trying to find American-made Patriot air defence missile systems to send to Ukraine, acknowledging that they do want that more than any other thing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They do want to have the anti-missile missiles, Mr Trump said, speaking about Ukraine. As they call them the patriots and were going to see if we can make some available. He said the US continues supplying weapons to Israel and that you know, theyre very hard to get. We need them, too. Referring to his meeting with Mr Zelensky, Mr Trump said: We had a little rough sometimes, but he couldnt have been nicer. After the two leaders descended into a heated shouting match in the Oval Office in March, Mr Trump suspended military aid to Ukraine as well as vital intelligence sharing. This would have made attacking targets within Russia and giving civilians sufficient warning to get to bomb shelters much harder. Both pauses were subsequently lifted. Credit: Reuters Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Emmanuel Macron and Vladimir Putin spoke on Tuesday by telephone for the first time in over two-and-a-half years. Mr Macrons attempts at phone diplomacy early on in the Ukraine conflict were widely criticised and had no apparent impact on the Russian presidents bellicose actions. But in a conversation that lasted more than two hours, the French president urged a ceasefire in Ukraine and talks for a lasting settlement while his Russian counterpart hit back by blaming the West, which for many years ignored Russias security interests and created an anti-Russian bridgehead in Ukraine. A week after a ceasefire ended Israels 12-day war with Iran, the two leaders also discussed Tehrans nuclear programme, with Mr Macron suggesting Moscow and Paris work together to de-escalate tensions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unlike America, Paris and Moscow are prepared to tolerate the regime enriching uranium for civilian purposes, but only under strict controls. The call helped to clarify positions, wrote Le Monde, the French newspaper. The paper cited a French diplomat as justifying the call by saying: We are in a diplomatic bubble in Europe. We are the only continent that thinks we cannot talk to those with whom we disagree. 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. Regarding your column of June 29 ("An invitation to readers: Repairing our civic fabric"): Since Jan. 20, when President Donald Trump took office the Constitution was changed by executive order... government jobs eliminated without constitutional authority... brown/Muslim people are deported without habeas corpus... we've attacked another nation without consent/even notice of/to Congress... vaccines that are needed to stop long eliminated plagues are no longer the interest of government... we plan to eliminate government in K-12 education, but get rid of funding for higher education institutions by political quirk... women/minorities/LGBTQIAs are denied basic constitutional protections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Outrage of the Day"? This is destruction of 150 years of the United States of America! Joseph E. Fink, Strawberry Plains, 37871 Thousands of demonstrators gather at the intersection of Summitt Hill, Henley St., and Broadway for the No Kings protest on June 14, 2025, in Knoxville, Tenn. Cuts to CDC's cancer prevention will put lives at risk As someone living with ovarian cancer, I know firsthand how critical early detection and education are. Thats why I am deeply concerned that the Presidents proposed budget would eliminate the CDCs Division of Cancer Prevention and Control (DCPC). This cut would end not only essential screening and data programs, but also the Inside Knowledge campaign, which educates women about the signs and symptoms of gynecologic cancers like ovarian cancer, which is notoriously difficult to detect. In FY2024, Tennessee received over $5.2 million to support cancer prevention, screening, and data collection. In addition, 69,283 women in Tennessee have received cervical cancer screenings through the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program, resulting in the detection of 189 cervical cancers and 8,348 precancerous conditions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These programs help Tennesseans catch cancer early, when treatment is most effective and often less costly. Eliminating them would put lives at risk and cost taxpayers more in the long run. I urge Rep. Tim Burchett, Senators Hagerty and Blackburn, as well as the rest of our Tennessee delegation to reject these dangerous cuts. Cancer patients like me are counting on you. Kate R. Schumacher, Knoxville, 37931 Peaceful protests are patriotic, and we must continue On June 14, people across America participated in a national day of defiance. The widespread protests, dubbed No Kings, declared that we will tolerate no thrones, no crowns, no kings. This was not our first organized protest against monarchical rule. After colonial militia fired the opening shots against British troops in 1775, 56 delegates of the Continental Congress met on July 4, 1776, to sign the Declaration of Independence, proclaiming one self-evident truth that would undergird our self-governing principles: That all men are created equal with inalienable rights to include life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. And further, they asserted that Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A decade later, the newly independent nation adopted the Constitution establishing an executive branch to be headed by an elected president. Unanimously elected as the first president, George Washington would define the office. One precedent he set was how to address the president. Titles with monarchical undertones, such as "His Majesty" and "His Highness the President," were proposed by the Senate. Washington dismissed these in favor of simply "Mr. President," further confirming that America would have no more kings. Just as our forefathers fought then to throw off the yoke of monarchy, we must fight now using every weapon available, including peaceful protests, to ensure that America has no thrones, no crowns, no kings. And well do this because this is what democracy looks like. This is what patriotism looks like. Catherine Ferrell, Cookeville, 38506 America is a 50/50 country. Let's 'form a more perfect union' Independence Day is a time to focus on what it means to be an American. Our diversity is a source of our strength, but the Preamble to the Constitutions first goal was to form a more perfect union. Currently we are not doing a good job of that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Conservatives want to return to a simpler way of life. They long for a time of high church attendance, moral decency, and economic stability. Culture is important to conservatives, and they see the U.S. as exceptional and feel better when everyone shares this vision. Liberals see the U.S. as a work in progress. They are proud of America but want our country to achieve the aspirational ideals of our Founders. Liberals see other nations, such as the Scandinavian countries, with better health care (where everyone is covered), better schools, less poverty, less crime, a cleaner environment, more functional democracies, and higher rankings of happiness. Progressives think that some of that could work here in the U.S. We are a 50/50 country, but lets be honest: The U.S. will never be like Denmark and is not going back to a simpler way of life. It is 2025, and it is what it is. Donald Trump is president for another 3 years, and liberals are not going anywhere. We have real problems, and solutions will require the hard work of dialogue, compromise, and critical thinking (with less social media and more library time). The glee that Trump supporters now have will be replaced by sadness when Democrats come back and undo everything. A better way is for all of us to self-reflect and resolve to make things better by working together. As the song says, This Land Is Your Land, This Land Is My Land. Lets make that a reality. Curtis Tipton, Knoxville, 37924 The sun shines through an American flag in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Trump breaking our constitutional system. We can repair it. | Letters US fondue restaurant franchise The Melting Pot has named John Crawford as its new CEO as part of several leadership changes. Crawford will succeed Bob Johnston, a founding member. Johnston will continue as chairman of the board, supporting the brands strategic direction. Crawford, who joined Melting Pot in March 2020, previously held leadership roles at Ruth's Chris Steak House and Bennigan's. The restaurant highlighted Crawford's focus on franchise support and brand transformation, which has bolstered the companys growth. The company also promoted several executives. Randy Barnett is now chief technology officer, and Mike Mobley has been named chief talent officer. Matt Zurcher was elevated to vice-president of franchise and restaurant operations. Additional changes include Dan Stone as chief business officer and Ana Malmqvist as chief brand officer. Scott Pierce remains chief financial officer. Melting Pot has entered two new franchise agreements in 2025, expanding into North Dallas, Texas, and Syracuse, New York. The North Dallas location will be led by new franchisees Dan and Tracie Greene. The Syracuse development is headed by an existing franchisee group. The franchise agreements align with Melting Pots 50th anniversary, celebrated in April with special menu offerings. The Grand Reserve Cheese Fondue was introduced to celebrate, reinforcing the brands "perfect night out" identity. To support further expansion, Melting Pot will launch a golden anniversary incentive on 1 July 2025. The first five new-construction franchise agreements signed will get a 50% discount on the initial franchise fee. This offer runs until 31 March 2026 or until five agreements are signed. The brand is seeking franchisees to expand in key markets such as Texas, Florida, Michigan, California and Tennessee. In May 2024, The Melting Pot unveiled its plan to expand into Wichita, Kansas. "The Melting Pot appoints new CEO as part of leadership overhaul" was originally created and published by Verdict Food Service, a GlobalData owned brand. Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer informed US envoy Steve Witkoff that Israel has accepted the proposal for a ceasefire and hostage deal and is ready to begin close talks with Hamas. US President Donald Trump claimed that "Israel has agreed to the necessary conditions to finalize the 60 Day CEASEFIRE, during which time we will work with all parties to end the War," in a post on Truth Social on Tuesday night. In the post, Trump confirmed that his "representatives had a long and productive meeting with the Israelis today on Gaza." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The Qataris and Egyptians, who have worked very hard to help bring Peace, will deliver this final proposal," he added. "I hope, for the good of the Middle East, that Hamas takes this Deal, because it will not get better IT WILL ONLY GET WORSE," he continued. Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer informed US envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff that Israel has accepted the proposal for a ceasefire and hostage deal and is ready to begin close talks with Hamas to finalize the agreement, a senior Israeli official said on Wednesday. Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer attends a plenum session at the assembly hall of the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, on January 22, 2025. (credit: YONATAN SINDEL/FLASH90) Earlier on Tuesday, Trump had told reporters that he expects to secure a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas by next week when Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visits the US. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Qatar submitted a mediation proposal to both Israel and Hamas based on the Witkoff framework, with minor adjustments and additions, according to a source familiar with the details who spoke to The Jerusalem Post earlier on Tuesday. Trump's Israel-Iran ceasefire currently holding Trump successfully arranged a ceasefire between Israel and Iran last Tuesday, following 12 days of intense Israeli airstrikes on Iran and Iranian ballistic missile and drone launches toward Israel. Amichai Stein and Walla contributed to this report. This is a developing report. FIRST ON FOX: A bipartisan pair of lawmakers has proposed authorizing President Donald Trump to transfer B-2 stealth bombers and 30,000-pound "bunker buster" bombs to Israel if Iran is found to still be developing a nuclear weapon after last weeks strikes. Proposed by Reps. Josh Gottheimer, D-N.J., and Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., the Bunker Buster Act would allow Trump to "take actions to ensure Israel is prepared for all contingencies if Iran seeks to develop a nuclear weapon." B-2 bomber pilots launched 14 bunker buster bombs on Irans top three nuclear sites, in a move that Trump claims "totally obliterated" the Iranian regimes nuclear program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel, for its part, hit a number of Iranian sites and took out top military brass. However, it doesnt possess the 30,000-pound GBU 57 Massive Ordnance Penetrators, precision-guided munition bombs developed for the U.S. Air Force. The 20-foot-long weapons can travel 200 feet deep inside a target before exploding. Trump Would Strike Iran 'Without Question' If It Restarts Nuclear Weapons Program As of 2024, the U.S. had 19 B-2s in operation. It does not transfer custody of its B-2 stealth bombers to any of its allies. Read On The Fox News App "Iran, the leading state sponsor of terror, and one of Americas top enemies, can never have a nuclear weapon. Thats why I strongly supported our military actions earlier this month. Iran has killed scores of Americans, including our service members, and repeatedly attacked our key democratic ally, Israel. Israel must be able to defend herself against Iran, and ensure that Iran cannot rebuild its nuclear capabilities," Gottheimer said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This bill gives the President the authority to equip Israel with the tools and training they need to deter Tehran and make the world a safer place," said Lawler. The International Atomic Energy Agencys (IAEA) Chair Rafael Grossi told Radio France Internationale the centrifuges at Irans underground Fordow nuclear site are "no longer operational," after the U.S. strikes. Experts Gauge Success Of 'Bunker Buster' Bombs Dropped By Us On Iran Nuclear Sites Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, center, visits the Tel Nof Airbase on June 16, 2025. However, some have questioned whether Iran may have attempted to move its stock of enriched uranium away from the sites that were targeted, but Grossi told CBS over the weekend that Iran may again begin enriching uranium in a "matter of months." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The capacities they have are there. They can have, you know, in a matter of months, I would say, a few cascades of centrifuges spinning and producing enriched uranium, or less than that. But as I said, frankly speaking, one cannot claim that everything has disappeared and there is nothing there," he said. Why Only Bunker Buster Bombs Could Reach Irans Underground Fordow Nuclear Facility A diagram showing how a bunker buster operates. The first bomb creates a path for the second bomb. "It is clear that there has been severe damage, but its not total damage," Grossi added. "Iran has the capacities there; industrial and technological capacities. So if they so wish, they will be able to start doing this again." Meanwhile, after a Houthi strike on Israel, U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee suggested the U.S. send B-2 bombers to Yemen to strike Houthi targets. A diagram showing how a bunker buster operates. The second bomb explodes 200 feet beneath the ground. "We thought we were done with missiles coming to Israel, but Houthis just lit one up over us in Israel. Fortunately, Israel's incredible interception system means we go to the shelter & wait until all clear. Maybe those B2 bombers need to visit Yemen!" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement B-2 bomber planes traveled to Yemen to strike Houthi targets in October 2024. Original article source: Trump could arm Israel with US B-2s and bunker busters if Iran tries to go nuclear under new proposal The Justice Department is looking into whether it can bring criminal charges against election officials the Trump administration believes arent doing enough to safeguard their computer systems, The New York Times reports. The agencys inquiry is driven by an unsubstantiated belief among President Donald Trump and his administration that American elections are highly susceptible to widespread voter fraud and manipulation by other countries, the Times reports, citing sources familiar with these discussions. The move would raise the stakes for election officials who are targeted by federal investigations and introduce unprecedented criminalization into the election process, the Times reports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The agencys criminal division has already reached out to at least two states about their information-sharing practices, the Times reports. Two other states received letters from another Justice Department division with questions about their compliance with federal election laws, according to the Times. One question specifically asks about their safety measures around voting machines. New York City voters pictured filling out their election ballots in November 2024. A new report reveals President Donald Trump's Justice Department is investigating whether it can bring criminal charges against election workers the administration believes aren't safeguarding their computer systems (AFP via Getty Images) A Justice Department spokesperson told the Times the agency will leave no option off the table when it comes to promoting free, fair and secure elections. Trump signed an executive order in March calling for preserving and protecting the integrity of American elections. The order mandates citizenship proof for federal election registration, introduces new regulations for equipment and requires officials to only count ballots received by Election Day. Some states have successfully sued to block certain parts of the order. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Legal experts told the Times theyre concerned about this potential heightened threat of criminalization, given Trumps prior false claims about election integrity. U.S. elections are already safe and secure, according to Dax Goldstein, program director of election protection at the States United Democracy Center. The tactics were seeing out of [Justice Department] right now are building on what weve seen from anti-democracy groups for years, Goldstein told the Times. Theyre rooted in the same lies about elections, and theyre all meant to create noise and fear and concerns about issues with our elections that just dont exist. [The Justice Department] has the full power of the federal government behind it, Goldstein added. And under the guise of election integrity, they could end up using their unique tools to introduce new vulnerabilities to the system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When Trump lost the 2020 presidential election to Joe Biden, he repeatedly spread the false claim the election was stolen through widespread voter fraud. Trumps allies also spread an unfounded conspiracy theory that voting machines were hacked in 2020. Fox News even paid a $787.5 million settlement in a defamation lawsuit brought by a voting machine company after broadcasting similar conspiracies. There is no evidence to suggest the 2020 election results were fraudulent. Trump was charged in 2023 with conspiracy to overturn the election. However, those charges were dropped after he won his second term in office. The Independent has contacted the Justice Department and White House for comment. Donald Trumps mammoth spending bill cleared the Senate by a hair, but now faces a Republican rebellion in the House. The president wants the legislation on his desk by July 4, sending GOP leaders scrambling to wrangle their fractured caucus before the arbitrary deadline. The House could move to vote on the bills final passage as early as Wednesday, however the president faces new hurdles in his quest to get his big, beautiful bill approved. The changes made in the Senate arent sitting well with a number of their colleagues in the lower chamber. Even some of his most loyal MAGA allies are pushing back. On Tuesday morning, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene said she largely supports the bill, but the timeline for House lawmakers was not realistic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is really a dire situation. Were on a time clock thats been really set on us, so we have a lot of pressure, the Georgia congresswoman said on Steve Bannons War Room podcast. Its a s--tshow, she added. Marjorie Taylor Greene said it's unrealistic for the House to pass the legislation by Trump's deadline. / Megan Varner / REUTERS Meanwhile, members of the House Freedom Caucus threatened to tank the whole thing before debate even begins. Rep. Andy Harris of Maryland, chair of the hard-right group, and Rep. Ralph Norman, a member, said Tuesday theyd vote against a resolution to bring the bill to the floor. Others in their group were considering joining them, according to Harris. Assuming all Democrats vote no, Republicans can only afford to lose three votes to pass the procedural measure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Norman, meanwhile, called the Senate version of the bill an abomination. What the Senate did, Ill vote against it here and Ill vote against it on the floor, the South Carolina lawmaker said at a House Rules meeting. Rep. Andy Ogles of Tennessee called the Senate bill a dud. Rep. Andy Biggs of Arizona said it contains some amazingly bad stuff and he struggles to see how it could pass as is. Rep. Chip Roy of Texas said Senate Republicans had failed us. Chip Roy and Ralph Norman at a House Rules Committee hearing to discuss the so-called On the text chains, on the phone calls, everyone is complaining about the Senate version, an unnamed moderate House Republican told The Hill earlier this week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement How did it get so much fing worse? the lawmaker wondered. Last month, House Republicans passed an earlier draft of the legislation by a single vote. Two broke ranks to vote against it, while several others expressed concerns about the package, which will add trillions to the national debt, slash social safety nets like Medicaid and pour billions into border security and defense. Three Republican senators joined all Democrats in voting against it on Tuesday, but it passed with a tiebreaker from Vice President JD Vance. Trump celebrated on Truth Social on Tuesday after the bills passage in the Senate, urging House Republicans to unite and ignore the GRANDSTANDERS among them to get it over the line. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are on schedule Lets keep it going, and be done before you and your family go on a July 4th vacation," he wrote. As @POTUS said, its time to UNITE and pass the One Big Beautiful Bill. We owe it to the American people. Lets get it done, @HouseGOP! pic.twitter.com/IreILzSC9U Speaker Mike Johnson (@SpeakerJohnson) July 1, 2025 House Speaker Mike Johnson is pushing to bring the bill to a House floor vote as early as Wednesday, but may face additional logistical hurdles. Many lawmakers had returned to their districts ahead of the July 4 holiday, and severe weather has prompted the cancellation of dozens of flights to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Appearing on Fox News Hannity on Tuesday night, Johnson nonetheless projected confidence, insisting we are going to deliver it by July 4th. Washington President Trump and first lady Melania Trump will meet with freed Hamas hostage Edan Alexander and his family in the Oval Office on Thursday, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said. Alexander, who was held hostage by the militant group Hamas in Gaza for 19 months, was released last month, and has since returned home to New Jersey. Now 21, the dual U.S.-Israeli citizen grew up in New Jersey and graduated from high school before moving to Israel. There, while serving in the Israeli military, he was abducted during the Hamas attack on Oct. 7, 2023. "The president and first lady have met with many released hostages from Gaza, and they greatly look forward to meeting Edan Alexander and his family in the Oval Office tomorrow," Leavitt said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr. Trump and Alexander spoke directly after he was freed last month. In video of the call released by the White House, the president told Alexander, "You're an American, and we love you. We're going to take good care of you. And your parents are incredible. I saw your mother. She was pushing me around a little bit putting a lot of pressure on me." Alexander's homecoming to Tenafly, New Jersey, was met with celebration, as hundreds stood in the rain and waited for hours as his motorcade passed. The White House has not yet said when the meeting will take place on Thursday. Mr. Trump is expected to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu at the White House next week, as the U.S. president says Israel has agreed to the terms of a two-month ceasefire in Gaza. Seven still missing after fireworks warehouse explosion in California Piece of plane found in North Carolina driveway may belong to Delta flight Puget Sound orca pod threatened by salmon decline Paramount Global will pay $16 million to Donald Trumps presidential library to end his $20 billion lawsuit over a 60 Minutes interview with Kamala Harrisbut wont apologize. The company announced the settlement just before midnight on Tuesday, hours ahead of Paramounts shareholder meeting and with no notice posted on its investor relations page. The $16 million includes Trumps legal fees and matches the sum Disney paid Trumps library to settle his defamation suit over an interview ABCs George Stephanopoulos did with GOP Rep. Nancy Mace. President Donald Trump during his interview with 60 Minutes correspondent Lesley Stahl in October 2020. (Photo by CBS via Getty Images) / CBS Photo Archive / CBS via Getty Images No amount will be paid directly or indirectly to President Trump or Rep. Jackson personally, Paramount said in a statement. The settlement will include a release of all claims regarding any CBS reporting through the date of the settlement, including the Texas action and the threatened defamation action. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The two sides also agreed that in the future, 60 Minutes will release transcripts of interviews with eligible U.S. presidential candidates after such interviews have aired, subject to redactions as required for legal or national security concerns." Paramount stipulated that the settlement does not include a statement of apology or regret. Trumps demand for an apology was one of the holdups during the months long settlement talks, according to The Wall Street Journal. Former Vice President Kamala Harris speaks at the State of the People POWER Tour opening ceremony on June 6, 2025 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images) / Mario Tama / Getty Images With this record settlement, President Donald J. Trump delivers another win for the American people as he, once again, holds the Fake News media accountable for their wrongdoing and deceit, a spokesperson for President Trumps legal team said in a statement. CBS and Paramount Global realized the strength of this historic case and had no choice but to settle. President Trump will always ensure that no one gets away with lying to the American People as he continues on his singular mission to Make America Great Again. Trump sued Paramount and CBS for $10 billion in October after CBS aired a special 60 Minutes interview with Kamala Harris. The network teased the Monday edition of the show on Face the Nation, which airs on Sundays, with a garbled Harris answer on Israels war in Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But when the episode aired the next day, it featured a different portion of Harris answer. Trump, who did not participate in the episode, claimed the change amounted to distortion, though CBS said it followed standard journalistic editing for timing reasons. He upped his request to $20 billion earlier this year. Shari Redstone attends attends a Paramount launch in 2017. (Photo by Jared Siskin/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images) / Jared Siskin / Paul Bruinooge/Patrick McMullan Still, the case launched a maelstrom of headaches for Paramountand its controlling shareholder, Shari Redstoneas it sought to complete its merger with David Ellisons Skydance. Federal Communications Chairman Brendan Carr tied the episode to his review of the case, prompting concerns that the settlement could be perceived as a bribe. Paramount on Wednesday pointed to its past statement on the merger, saying the lawsuit was separate from the Skydance review and it would abide by the legal process to defend our case. But despite legal experts opinions that Trump could lose the lawsuit, Paramount entered into settlement talks with Trumps legal team in April. If the merger is approved, it would net Redstone a $2.4 billion payout for her familys share. President Donald Trump during his interview with 60 Minutes correspondent Leslie Stahl in 2020. (Photo by CBS via Getty Images) / CBS Photo Archive / CBS via Getty Images The eight-month chaos has claimed multiple casualties at 60 Minutes and CBS News, including its beloved executive producer, Bill Owens, and CBS News and Stations President Wendy McMahon. Owens claimed he had lost journalistic independence over the program as Redstone tried to keep tabs on any negative stories involving Trump, according to Puck. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Having defended this showand what we stand forfrom every angle, over time with everything I could, I am stepping aside so the show can move forward," Owens said in his resignation. The pursuit of a settlement, and the loss of Owens, infuriated the shows premier league of correspondents, which includes the likes of Lesley Stahl, Anderson Cooper, and Scott Pelley. The group of top journalists sent a letter to Paramounts co-CEOs George Cheeks, Brian Robbins, and Chris McCarthy, and warned them that a settlement would risk damaging the shows reputation, according to Status News. Israel has agreed to the terms of a ceasefire agreement intended to end the war in Gaza, Donald Trump has claimed. The president announced on social media that Benjamin Netanyahu had agreed in principle to a 60-day break in the fighting, following long meetings between top US and Israeli officials on Monday. Although the full details of the proposed deal are unclear, it is thought to involve the release of some of the approximately 20 remaining living hostages and an increase in humanitarian aid to be delivered straight into population centres. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During this time, discussions would also be held about ending the war for good. Mr Trump urged Hamas to accept the proposal on his Truth Social platform on Tuesday evening. It comes ahead of a visit to Washington by Mr Netanyahu next week, and a surge in confidence in both capitals following last months bombing operations in Iran. My representatives had a long and productive meeting with the Israelis today on Gaza, he said. Israel has agreed to the necessary conditions to finalise the 60 day ceasefire, during which time we will work with all parties to end the war. The Qataris and Egyptians, who have worked very hard to help bring peace, will deliver this final proposal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I hope, for the good of the Middle East, that Hamas takes this Deal, because it will not get better IT WILL ONLY GET WORSE. Thank you for your attention to this matter! Known to have become impatient with the grinding war in Gaza, Mr Trump increased the pressure on Israel to find a solution at the conclusion of the Iran campaign. Despite the optimism and sense of momentum in both Washington and Israel, Hamas has not indicated that it will respond positively to the proposed deal. It appears to be essentially the same as the unsuccessful formulation proposed back in February by Steve Witkoff, the USs Middle East envoy, to stop the then ceasefire collapsing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So far, Hamas has refused to countenance the release of any hostages without a framework in place for a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. Benjamin Netanyahu is set to visit Washington again next week - he met Trump in April 2025 - SAUL LOEB/AFP However, Mr Netanyahus government has repeatedly placed the total destruction of Hamas within the enclave as a key war aim, alongside getting the hostages home. The prime ministers fragile coalition government depends on the support of ultra-nationalists who openly call for continuance of the war at the expense, if necessary, of the hostages lives. There have been mixed messages in recent days. On Sunday, Mr Netanyahu made comments strongly suggesting that recovering the hostages was now the priority, ahead of defeating Hamas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, reported leaks last night from a security cabinet meeting, claim he told the IDFs chief of staff Eyal Zamir: We are going to kill every person bearing arms, nothing short of that. With the current IDF offensive in Gaza, named Operation Gideons Chariot, drawing to an end, Gen. Zamir is thought to be arguing that expanding the fighting will risk the hostages lives. The sun sets over destruction in Gaza - REUTERS/Amir Cohen On Wednesday Gideon Saar, the Israeli foreign minister, said on X: There is a great majority in the government and also among the people for a framework to release hostages. If there is an opportunity to do so we must not miss it! Hamas has been severely degraded from the organised terror army that crossed into Israel on October 7. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, as a guerrilla organisation fighting in small groups in and amongst the rubble, they are undefeated and continue to kill Israeli soldiers. Public opinion in Israel is for a conclusion of the war. Although Israeli officials have spoken of a window of opportunity in recent days, they say the essential gap between them and Hamas remains, and there are currently no plans to dispatch a delegation to either Doha or Cairo for formal talks with Hamas. Concluding the war in Gaza and allowing reconstruction which will benefit the Palestinians, would unlock the potential to expand the Abraham Accords, the groundbreaking series of normalisation deals between Israel and Arab countries brokered by the White House during Mr Trumps first administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Trump is also thought to be keen on getting Israel to agree to a peace deal with the new regime in Syria. Even if nothing substantive is agreed, the very fact of Mr Netanyahus visit to Washington next week, reportedly brought forward at the prime ministers request, is a victory of sorts, as it delays his corruption trial in Jerusalem for at least one more week. Proceedings were postponed this week following an unprecedented intervention by Mr Trump, calling for the case to be dropped, and a closed-door session involving security chiefs. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. A federal judge sentenced a January 6 rioter to life in prison Wednesday for plotting to assassinate the federal agents whod investigated him. U.S. District Judge Thomas Varlan ordered 36-year-old Edward Kelley to spend the rest of his life behind bars, after Kelley was convicted on the charges of conspiracy to murder federal employees, solicitation to commit a crime of violence, and influencing a federal official by threat. Kelley received his sentencing in front of more than a dozen of the targets on his kill list, which had specifically taken aim at individuals working at the FBIs headquarters in Knoxville, Tennessee. Prosecutors said that Kelley had created the list while awaiting trial in his insurrection case, and that he had attempted to recruit others to help him target the office with car bombs and drones, or attack individuals at their homes or public places. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kelley was previously convicted in November 2024 of multiple felonies and misdemeanors related to his participation in the January 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol, where he pushed a police officer to the ground before being one of the first rioters to break into the building. He was one of the more than 1,500 recipients of Donald Trumps sweeping Inauguration Day pardon for violently opposing his loss in the 2020 presidential election. Not every January 6 rioter is getting the same shake. Former FBI agent and January 6 rioter Jared L. Wisewho shouted Kill em! Kill em! Kill em! while the mob attacked law enforcement at the Capitolwill now work alongside former interim U.S. Attorney Ed Martin on the Department of Justices weaponization working group. The Brief LAPD Commander Lillian Carranza clarifies that the department does not participate in immigration enforcement and is only present to maintain public safety. Carranza emphasizes that federal agents operating in public spaces do not need a warrant and warns against unlawful interference with their duties. She reassures community members of their right to protest while cautioning against crossing the line into illegal activities. LOS ANGELES - Amid growing tensions and confusion over federal immigration enforcement actions in Los Angeles, LAPD Commander Lillian Carranza is pushing back against misinformation and clarifying the departments role. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I can sympathize with the fears, concerns, and anger of community members," Carranza said. "However, we need to understand that each law enforcement agency has a role." Carranza stressed that the Los Angeles Police Department does not participate in immigration enforcement operations. While LAPD officers may be seen near such activity, their presence, she said, is limited. "Our role is simply to keep the peace and restore order. We are not there to support or conduct immigration raids," Carranza said. "That is not the job of the Los Angeles Police Department." Carranza said officers will step in when a situation escalates or becomes unsafe. Shes personally witnessed instances where individuals blocked vehicles or physically interfered with federal agents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "What I have seen when I've been there is that they're interfering, they're obstructing, they're blocking the vehicles, and that is illegal," she said. As federal agents continue operations in public spaces, a common question has surfaced: Wheres the warrant? Carranza clarified that when federal immigration officers operate in public, they are not legally required to present a warrant. "Theres a lot of misinformation that they need to show a warrant or have probable cause for an arrest out in public," she said. "Thats simply not true. A warrant is only needed to enter a home or a business." In some cases, Carranza said LAPD has received calls reporting suspected kidnappings, only to discover the situation involved federal agents executing a lawful arrest. She said if a call is made out of genuine concern, thats not an issue, but if its determined that the report was knowingly false, the caller could face criminal charges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Commander Carranza also emphasized that community members have the right to protestand LAPD will protect that right. "You can exercise your First Amendment rights. We will be more than happy to facilitate and protect that," she said. But she drew a firm line between peaceful protest and unlawful interference. "When you cross the line is when you start interfering with the officers duties, when you invade their workspace, when you put hands on them, spit, throw objects, or block their path or vehicles," Carranza said. "Thats when you could be arrestedand face federal charges." Carranzas message: community concern is understandable, but facts matter, and the LAPDs role remains rooted in public safety, not immigration enforcement. Donald Trump asked the doctor treating him for his gunshot wound last July if he could have a CT scan image because its like an IQ test, according to a new book. The Washington Post published an excerpt from 2024: How Trump Retook the White House and the Democrats Lost America detailing the day of the assassination attempt on him in Butler, Pennsylvania. A portion of it contained the curious item of Trump making his scan request to the physician and walking down the hall with a phalanx of Secret Service agents to get the scan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heres the rest of the passage: He asked to see the film from the scan. The doctor said that wasnt done anymore, and offered him a written report. I want the film, he repeated. [Co-campaign manager Susie Wiles] left to get a copy of the image, and while she was gone, one of the aides asked him why. Its like an IQ test, Trump said. They tell you that your brain is good, so I just want to have that. Wiles put the images in a manila envelope in her bag. Brain CT scans are used to detect tumors, bleeding, or other abnormalities, but they do not measure intelligence, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. However, another type of scan, the fMRI, is thought to indicate intellectual capacity as brain activity is tracked at rest, Caltech reported. A study showed that infants IQ could potentially be predicted using the MRI. Trump has been known to obsess over IQ, and the timing of his request might have had to do with his race against then Democratic nominee Joe Biden. While Biden bore the brunt of concerns over cognitive ability at the time, Trump also faced questions. Biden withdrew from the race about a week later and was replaced by Vice President Kamala Harris. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump, of course, won the election but has not quelled accusations of impairment. HuffPost has reached out to Trumps team for comment. This story has been updated to clarify the type of MRI used in Caltechs research. Related... Osino Resources, an exploration and development company in Namibia, has awarded Metso an order for the delivery of key process equipment for its Twin Hills gold project. Located 150km northwest of Windhoek within the Damara Orogenic Belt, the project is currently in the development stage. The total value of the order exceeds 20m ($23.5m) and is booked in the second quarter orders of Metsos minerals segment. Metso will supply an integrated equipment package comprising advanced crushing and concentration technology for the Twin Hills greenfield gold plant. The high-throughput crushing circuit is designed for efficient ore processing and features a Superior MKIII primary gyratory crusher, apron feeders and Nordberg HP900 cone crushers. Metso will also supply two HRT high-rate thickeners equipped with Reactorwell feed technology and five Larox FFP3512 filters for concentrate thickening and tailings dewatering. These thickeners and filters are part of the Metso Plus portfolio, which is known for its high performance and dewatering capacity. Metso minerals sales Africa vice-president Charles Ntsele stated: As a leading supplier of process technology globally, Metso is pleased to be selected as a trusted partner for Osino Resources flagship Twin Hills gold project in Namibia. Our energy-efficient and water-conscious technology will support Osino Resources in reaching their targets. This project also highlights Metsos commitment to continued support and development of the Namibian mining industry. In June 2023, Osino announced a definitive feasibility study for the Twin Hills project, which is based on 2.94 million ounces (moz) reserves. The study outlines a 13-year open-pit mine with an average annual production of 160,000oz at an all-in sustaining cost of $1,000/oz. The Twin Hills project benefits from a straightforward executable design, significant growth potential and proximity to essential infrastructure. In June 2025, Metso signed a three-year agreement with BHP to supply metallic liners for the companys Western Australia iron ore operations. "Metso secures $23m equipment order for Twin Hills gold project in Namibia" was originally created and published by Mining Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. A group of House Republican holdouts fell in line behind President Donald Trump and agreed to allow his agenda to come to the floor reversing course after days of threatening to block the bill and putting it on track for final passage. That includes some House hardliners who have complained that the package would add $3.3 trillion to the deficit over the next decade, as well as moderate-leaning members who have concerns about Medicaid cuts. The House cleared a key procedural hurdle and voted to advance the bill in the early hours of Thursday morning after GOP leaders held open the vote on the rule to govern debate on the bill for an extended period of time as they worked to flip no votes and win over key holdouts. The tally was 219 to 213 with only one GOP no vote: Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement GOP leaders believe they will now have the votes to actually pass Trumps giant tax and spending cuts package when it does come to a full floor vote, but it is not yet certain. Final passage is expected later Thursday morning, after debate, though timing remains fluid. For weeks, Trump and his team have promised Hill Republican leaders that he would deliver the headstrong GOP hardliners who are still vowing to defy the president on his agenda, according to three people familiar with the discussions. Now, its all coming down to the wire. Trump and his team have spent much of the day in talks with the GOP holdouts on the bill, including summoning groups of Republicans for meetings at the White House to air their grievances with the Senate-passed version of the package. And Johnson is again facing a test of his powers in the narrowly divided House, as he seeks to steer his fractious conference to swallow a vote that many of them dislike. President Donald Trump on the South Lawn of the White House on Tuesday. - Jim Watson/AFP/Getty Images In a meeting with centrist-leaning Republicans, Trumps tone was cordial, one GOP member in the room said. The White House brought in Dr. Mehmet Oz who leads the agency in charge of Medicaid to help educate members on related provisions in the Senate GOP bill, such as provider taxes and a bolstered fund for rural hospitals, and the potential impacts to hospitals in their districts, according to another person familiar with the discussions. Trump and Vice President JD Vance were both in attendance, helping to convince members to back the bill, those two people said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those meetings are having a big impact, members are moving to yes, Rep. Dusty Johnson of South Dakota told reporters after returning from the White House meeting with Oz, Trump and Vance. House Majority Whip Steve Scalise nodded to the importance of Trumps involvement in the discussions earlier Wednesday, telling reporters at the US Capitol, The president from day one has been our best closer, and hes going to continue to be through today. Rep. Steve Scalise speaks to reporters on Wednesday. - Andrew Harnik/Getty Images Both Johnson and Trump have been adamant that the bill land on Trumps desk in time for him to sign it on the Fourth of July, leaving almost no time for more talks. They also have almost no room for error: House Republicans can only afford to lose three votes if they have full attendance. It all amounts to a pivotal week that could define Trumps second term: So far, the push to pass his agenda in Congress has been marred by weeks of tense GOP infighting that has even some Republicans worried about how the bill could play in the 2026 midterms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet if it passes next out of the House, Trump and his Hill allies believe it will help cement his legacy on issues like border security and tax policy including fulfilling his campaign promises of no taxes on tips or overtime pay while attempting to rein in federal spending by instituting work requirements for able-bodied adults for Medicaid and SNAP. Meetings were ongoing at the White House as of midday Wednesday, but key conservatives were still insisting they want to change the Senate bill a promise that Trump and Johnson arent willing to make. Its not take it or leave it. I dont need take it or leave it legislating. How about we send it back to him. We say, Take it or leave it, all right? So the Senate doesnt get to be the final say on everything, Texas Republican Rep. Chip Roy, one of the most vocal critics of Trumps bill, said before he left for the White House on Wednesday. We need more spending restraint. Rep. Chip Roy at the US Capitol on Wednesday. - Aaron Schwartz/Sipa USA/AP Roy is a leading member of the ultra-conservative House Freedom Caucus, which outlined their opposition to the Senates version of Trumps domestic policy bill in a new memo obtained by CNN. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The right-wing group of Republicans pointed to more than a dozen problems they have with the current bill, including what they described as watered-down energy tax credit measures, an increase to the deficit and various Medicaid provisions that differ from the House-passed version of the bill. And in another troubling sign for the White House, the Freedom Caucus chairman, Rep. Andy Harris of Maryland, told reporters he declined to attend the meeting with Trump. Im still voting no on the rule. We have to get this thing right, Harris said. Another possible no vote, Rep. Keith Self of Texas, said he was not invited to the White House. The Senates Tuesday passage of the bill had been a hard-fought victory for Trump, who spent days wrangling fellow Republicans behind the multi-trillion-dollar bill, which includes tax cuts and funding boosts for the Pentagon and border security. It also includes more contentious spending cuts to pay for the rest of the bill, including the biggest downsizing of the federal safety net in decades. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Across the Capitol, House GOP leaders are confident the latest version can pass the House, according to multiple sources. But it will likely take significant political muscle, as Johnson grapples with his own high-stakes battle between centrists and right-wing hardliners. The legislative brawl inside the US Capitol has also included some dramatic moments including over the weekend when a key Republican, Sen. Thom Tillis, stunned Washington by announcing he would not seek reelection after defying Trump and voting to block his bill on the floor. (Within a day of Trump threatening to primary him, Tillis exited the race altogether.) Those high-stakes moments will likely continue on Capitol Hill. Before the bill can come to a final passage vote in the House, the chamber must first take a key procedural vote known as a vote on the rule and some conservative are threatening to rebel against it, creating a new headache for the speaker. (That vote was already delayed by several hours Wednesday.) The bill did clear one early hurdle in the House: The House Rules Committee voted to advance the rule on Trumps agenda bill in the early hours of Wednesday morning after the panel met for almost 12 hours. GOP Reps. Ralph Norman and Chip Roy, two conservatives who have harshly criticized the Senates version of the package, joined Democrats on the panel to oppose advancing the rule. Rep. Thomas Massie wears a digital pin tracking the the US national debt on Wednesday. - Kent Nishimura/Bloomberg/Getty Images Some Republicans, including Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky, still insist July 4 was an arbitrary deadline. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Massie, who has consistently voted against the bill over his deficit concerns and has faced the ire of Trump, said he intends to stand firm against the bill. Asked if there was anything at all leadership could do to win his vote, he said, We could go back to the drawing board. Asked about the self-imposed deadline, he added: Theres no reason to bankrupt the country because you want to go shoot off some fireworks. This headline and story have been updated with additional developments. CNNs Sarah Owermohle, Lauren Fox, Arlette Saenz, David Wright, Aileen Graef, Kevin Liptak and Morgan Rimmer contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com WASHINGTON (AP) President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump will meet at the White House on Thursday with Edan Alexander, the last living American hostage in Gaza, who was released in May. The President and First Lady have met with many released hostages from Gaza, and they greatly look forward to meeting Edan Alexander and his family in the Oval Office tomorrow, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement. Alexander, now 21, is an American-Israeli from New Jersey. The soldier was 19 when militants stormed his base in Israel and dragged him into the Gaza Strip. Alexander moved to Israel in 2022 after finishing high school and enlisted in the military. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was released on May 12 by the militant group Hamas after 584 days in captivity. Alexander had been in Israel since he was freed until he traveled last month home to New Jersey, where his family still lives. He was among 251 people taken hostage by Hamas in the Oct. 7, 2023 attack that led to the Israel-Hamas war. Trump in early March met at the White House with a group of eight former hostages who had been released by Hamas: Iair Horn, Omer Shem Tov, Eli Sharabi, Keith Siegel, Aviva Siegel, Naama Levy, Doron Steinbrecher and Noa Argamani. Thursday's meeting comes ahead of a planned visit on Monday to the White House by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as Trump pushes the Israeli government and Hamas to negotiate a ceasefire and hostage agreement and end the war in Gaza. President Trump praised televangelist Jimmy Swaggart for his religious faith and patriotism, after the 90-year-old scandal-plagued Pentecostal preacher died Tuesday. He was an incredible Man of Faith and, as our Nations longest serving Televangelist, inspired millions with his Great Love of God and Country, Trump wrote in a Truth Social post. Jimmy will be deeply missed! Swaggart, a Louisiana native, grew his ministry to a multimillion-dollar enterprise through popular televised ministries in the 1980s, but he was caught with prostitutes multiple times forcing him to make tearful public apologies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His death was announced on social media Tuesday evening, following a heart attack last month. My dad was a warrior; my dad was preacher, his son, Donnie Swaggart, said in a video posted on Facebook. He didnt want to be anything else except a preacher of the gospel. Thats what he was put on this earth to do, he added. Jimmy Swaggart grew a media empire through his outspoken, and often controversial, religious views such as a dismissive attitude toward Catholics and Jewish people. His theatrical televised sermons often included worshippers dramatic responses to, as they claimed, being filled by the Holy Spirit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Swaggart was caught in multiple prostitution scandals in the late 1980s and early 1990s. He gave a tearful televised sermon from his Family Worship Center in Baton Rouge, La., in 1988 to apologize. To the hundreds of millions that I have stood before in over a hundred countries of the world, and Ive looked into the cameras and so many of you with a heart of loneliness, needing help, have reached out to the minister of the gospel as a beacon of light, he said. I have sinned against you; I beg you to forgive me. In a 2021 broadcast, the telepreacher discussed receiving a phone call from Trump in which the then-former president said he had watched Swaggarts sermons for many years. [Trump] was telling me how that he was blessed by the service Sunday, Swaggart said in June 2021, about six months after Trump left the White House following his 2020 reelection loss to former President Biden. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. With the feud between President Donald Trump and Tesla CEO Elon Musk reigniting this week, social media users in China are siding with the worlds richest man, according to The Guardian. Users of Weibo, a Chinese microblogging website, expressed their support for Musk after the billionaire said he would create a new political party if a tax and spending bill featuring major pieces of Trumps agenda were passed. If this insane spending bill passes, the America Party will be formed the next day, Musk wrote on X this week. Our country needs an alternative to the Democrat-Republican uniparty so that the people actually have a VOICE. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Wednesday, the hashtag #MuskWantsToBuildAnAmericaParty went viral on Weibo, according to The Guardian. Members of the social media platform also expressed their support for Musk in their posts. If Elon Musk were to found a political party, his tech-driven mindset could inject fresh energy into politics. The potential for change is significant and worth watching, one user wrote, according to the Guardian. Brother Musk, youve got over a billion people on our side backing you," another user wrote. Musk is viewed positively in China thanks to his technological achievements, according to The Guardian. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Teslas electric vehicles are the only western brand on Chinese roads that can rival domestic firms and the companys biggest factory by volume is in Shanghai, according to The Guardian. Musk is known to have a close relationship with Chinas premier, Li Qiang, while Musks mother, Maye Musk, is a social media celebrity in her own right in China. Not all users on Weibo were siding with Musk. These two grown men argue nonstop over the smallest things and the whole world ends up knowing about it, wrote one user, according to The Guardian. Every day, Musk is basically live-streaming How Billionaires Argue, wrote another. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After Musk blasted the tax and spending legislation, known as the Big Beautiful Bill, Trump was asked by a reporter on Tuesday whether he would consider deporting Musk, a naturalized U.S. citizen, to South Africa, where he was born.. I dont know, well have to take a look, Trump replied. We might have to put DOGE (the Department of Government Efficiency) on Elon, you know. More on Politics Read the original article on MassLive. When the Pentagon recently launched a review of a landmark security pact with Australia and the United Kingdom, the move blindsided many key officials elsewhere in the U.S. government. The decision, it turns out, was a unilateral move by the Pentagon championed by its policy chief Elbridge Colby. The official goal of the review is to see if the pact, AUKUS, which involves selling nuclear-powered submarines to Australia, is in line with President Donald Trumps America First agenda. But many officials at the State Department, the White House-based National Security Council and others who are tasked with making the many-layered agreement a reality werent told in advance that the review would happen or what its parameters were. Many of their counterparts in Canberra and London were caught off guard, too. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The episode described to me and my colleagues Jack Detsch and Paul McLeary by three people familiar with the situation is an example of how dysfunctional the national security policymaking process has become under Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who in early May became acting national security adviser. Since Rubio took over the NSC, he has shrunk its staff by more than half. It now has fewer than 100 people, according to a person familiar with the NSC process. Arguably more importantly, Rubio has imposed changes to whats called the interagency process a key function of the NSC that involves coordinating policy and messaging across government agencies and departments. That process, two people told me, is now one in which important meetings arent held, career staffers are often in the dark about whats expected of them and some people or their institutions try to take advantage of power vacuums. I granted many of those I spoke to anonymity to discuss internal administration dynamics. Some U.S. diplomats and other national security professionals are worried that the current structure means small crises will explode into big ones because they dont get early attention, and that key officials who deal with priority issues, such as Ukraine, are being iced out of important conversations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the people familiar with the AUKUS situation said the broken process was already fueling turf fights, such as with Colby, a man known for challenging status quo thinking. Its Game of Thrones politics over there, the person said. The White House took issue with such characterizations. A White House official told me changes to the process were designed to promote the presidents priorities while intentionally leaving out career staffers who may leak and endanger operations. The White House and the president has more visibility now into what the NSC is working on than ever, the official said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The official also downplayed the Pentagons AUKUS review, stressing it wasnt a change in policy and that agencies often review the nature and scope of agreements. Colby didnt reply to my requests for comment. In theory, the National Security Council is a nerve center. Its staff coordinates policymaking across various parts of the government to ensure everyone is in sync, not only on what to do but also on how to publicly talk about it. In reality, the NSC can get too big, too powerful and micromanaging. Its staffers often wind up creating policy instead of coordinating the ideas that emanate from departments and agencies. This is a common complaint about the NSC over multiple administrations. President Joe Bidens much larger NSC exercised so much power, especially on Middle East matters, that it infuriated the State Department. When Rubio first took over as secretary of State in January, he made clear he wanted the State Department to lead on U.S. foreign policy. Trump, meanwhile, has long viewed the NSC with suspicion because some of its staffers at the time testified against him during his first impeachment. He and many of his top aides see the NSC as an exemplar of an untrustworthy government bureaucracy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At Rubios leaner NSC there are now far fewer meetings of the various NSC-led interagency bodies. That includes the Principals Committee (consisting mainly of Rubio and Cabinet chiefs), the Deputies Committee (usually Rubios deputy and the No. 2s at the agencies) and, in particular, Policy Coordination Committees (NSC senior directors and officials such as assistant secretaries from across the government). Traditionally, national security advisers give leeway to their senior directors to convene the lower-level PCC meetings, even though they may want a readout of what happened. Under Trump, Rubio or a deputy of his has to approve whether a PCC meeting can be held, and thats often contingent on if the topic the PCC will discuss is deemed a priority of the president. When theres a major crisis, such as the Israel-Iran war, the truly important meetings take place in the West Wing. They tend to include a handful of top Trump aides, including Rubio and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, and of course, those aides often meet with Trump, the two people said. Such gatherings are sometimes outside the formal NSC process, and they are where Trumps intentions are best divined. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The White House official insisted this is perfectly normal: The president is the chief executive and commander-in-chief and makes his own determinations at the time and setting of his own choosing. The official has a point. At the end of the day, the president can choose how he wants to craft policy. And Rubio may still be adjusting the process. But the president has only so much bandwidth and a limited number of priorities, while the changes Rubio has made so far at the NSC seem to underestimate the complexity of the challenges facing the U.S. PCCs have previously been the place to discuss weedy topics often not on the presidents radar. Those meetings can help prevent small crises from ballooning into ones that require higher-level attention. PCCs have also been a setting where proposals from lower ranks are first discussed before potentially being sent upwards. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PCC meetings can further be a diplomatic tool for the U.S. to show it cares about topics that are rarely presidential priorities but whose representatives appreciate whatever attention they get. This can be important for building relationships with countries that may be attracted to offers of friendship from U.S. rivals such as China. By limiting PCCs and higher-level meetings only to the presidents priorities, a tremendous amount of diplomacy never gets done, ideas are ignored and little fires are left to grow. "Having fewer meetings isnt necessarily a bad thing. But you need to find the right balance, and if you cut too many people out of the loop, then it gets harder to solve problems before they turn into major crises, said Josh Black, a former senior NSC official in the Biden administration. A U.S. government that doesnt pay enough attention to, say, global health, could soon find a pandemic on its shores. An administration that ignores the growing extremism in a rarely prioritized Central Asian country may risk a terrorist attack. And ultimately, such an administration is likely to be more reactive than proactive on policy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration has said it views the NSC instead as a vehicle to implement Trumps ideas from the top down. But telling the NSC to implement an idea without first letting it vet the idea bottom up is a recipe for roadblocks. Lawyers may point to legal constraints, or the plan may run headlong into another policy goal. And lets be real: Trump is constantly shifting his positions, confusing his staff as to what his goals actually are. Foreign affairs analysts I spoke to pointed to Trumps determination to impose tariffs as a case study in how implementation without proper vetting and coordination can backfire. For example: Americas European allies are among Trumps tariff targets. Trump also wants those allies to spend more on defense. His tariffs, however, could damage their economies, making it harder for them to increase defense spending. A more dynamic NSC process one that simultaneously works bottom-up and top-down usually involves people across the government knowing what the president cares about, evaluating his ideas and their own, coordinating among each other, and producing plans that fulfill his goals without undercutting them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The same White House official, unsurprisingly, said the administration is effectively implementing policy, noting that now even the White House counsels office is embedded within the NSC and functions in unison. But others argued to me that the Rubio approach undercuts the administrations internal communications. Key NSC staffers often are left off of phone calls between the president and foreign leaders, or are at times excluded from Trumps face-to-face meetings with such leaders. They often dont know if Trump has made a promise or demand until its too late to raise flags. The White House official cast the invitations to such conversations as being intentionally limited for operational security reasons, adding: Action items are always relayed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the same time, the vacuum in conversations, in part due to the small number of meetings, has left staff in some agencies and departments unclear about what they can do. Others, such as Colby, are apparently willing to press forth with reviews that in a past administration would be coordinated with others. I asked Biden administration officials how the White House would have reacted if the Pentagon in their time had launched an AUKUS review without telling other parts of the government. One said senior White House aides would have lost it. Another said, I cant comprehend it. The status of the Trump administrations AUKUS review, the existence of which was first reported by the Financial Times, remains unclear. How the administration handles revealing the results of the review will be a test. Will the Pentagon tell other agencies and departments in advance so they can prepare their own answers to questions from worried British and Australian officials? It might help to have an NSC meeting about it. Politics isnt rocket science. If it were, President Donald Trump might have something more to worry about in his reignited feud with his estranged first buddy Elon Musk. But nothing in the explosive and now-soured flirtation of the worlds richest man with politics suggests he has the magic touch to spark the kind of creative disruption in the Republican Party that he set off in the orbital and electric vehicle industries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Musks first-among-equals status as head of the Department of Government Efficiency at the start of Trumps second administration is now a memory. Hes so livid over Trumps debt- and deficit-inflating big, beautiful bill, which passed the Senate on Tuesday, that hes threatening to primary every GOP lawmaker who votes for it and to set up a new political party. Musk does wield considerable political weaponry. His enormous fortune means he can spend vast sums on favored candidates and issues. Trump knows this well, as a prime beneficiary of the nearly $300 million Musk threw at the 2024 election. And as the owner and an obsessive user of X, Musk can call up online mobs against lawmakers and even Trump himself though hes been careful, this time, not to single out the president directly over the bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Musk is the dominant force in the American space program. If Americans reach Mars, theyll probably get there on one of Musks Starships. And technologies such as Musks Starlink are vital on the battlefield as the war in Ukraine shows. Yet for all his enormous power, Musk has not shown much political dexterity, nor, apparently, created his own base of support that could dominate the GOP. The chainsaw he wielded on stage at the Conservative Political Action Conference this year was meant to symbolize his slashing of costs in the US government. Looking back, its a better metaphor for the severing of his relationship with the president over Trumps MAGA megabill. Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), speaks during a Cabinet meeting held by President Donald Trump at the White House on February 26, 2025 in Washington, DC. - Andrew Harnik/Getty Images Musks big, bad move Once, Musks alliance with Trump seemed a master stroke opening an inside track that promised even greater benefits for his firms than his already vast array of federal contracts. Trump even did a stunning sales pitch for Tesla on the South Lawn of the White House and bought one of the electric vehicles himself. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So perhaps its no surprise that falling out with Trump and then goading him into a social media war of words turned out to be a political and financial loser for Musk. Their new antagonism may expose his empire to presidential retribution. Trump on Tuesday warned darkly that DOGE is the monster that might have to go back and eat Elon. This is a staggering statement for several reasons. First, it highlights the extent of the fracture between the patron and the man who he made the most powerful private citizen in the country only months ago. Second, its a snapshot of an extraordinary time. Here is a president threatening to use executive power to ruin a private citizen and businessman. This would seem to fit most definitions of an impeachable offense, but it feels almost unremarkable in an administration that has shattered every norm of presidential behavior. Musks dalliance with Trump also hurt him in other ways. It alienated many of his most enthusiastic customers, including in Europe, where his electric vehicles were popular and the market value of his companies plunged. And Musks most prominent individual foray into electoral politics, aside from his alliance with Trump in 2024, was a disaster. His vehement rhetorical and enormous financial support for a conservative candidate in a Wisconsin Supreme Court race backfired: the more liberal candidate won by 10 points. The race might have been closer had Musk and his political baggage stayed at home. And the contest became an unexpected lesson that sometimes money isnt everything in American politics. Then-Sen. JD Vance and Tesla CEO and X owner Elon Musk attend a Trump rally at the site of the July assassination attempt against Trump, in Butler, Pennsylvania, on October 5, 2024. - Carlos Barria/Reuters Trumps GOP power base is impregnable But heres the biggest impediment to Musk becoming a political power player: Trump is indisputably the most significant figure in American political life in the first quarter of the 21st century. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president has dominated the GOP for 10 years. Hes squelched the political aspirations of pretenders to his crown. Trump has a decadelong bond with the party base. Hes already pulled off the kind of disruptive transformation of the GOP that Musk seems to be envisioning. My feeling is that Donald Trump is the one that has the huge following, Lee Carter, a strategist and pollster who studies voters emotional reactions to candidates, said on CNN News Central on Tuesday. And Elon Musk certainly helped Donald Trump in the election, Carter continued. Theres no question about it. It gave him credibility. It gave him some voters that were on the fence but it wasnt Elon Musk who was center-stage and I dont think that were going to see people follow Elon Musk in the same way that we saw (with) the MAGA movement. Musk is a recent convert to Trumpism, and while his star shined with blinding intensity late in last years election and he was ubiquitous during the early months of the new administration, his break from Trump has shown that almost all power in the MAGA movement is reflected off its figurehead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vice President JD Vance was the most visible barometer of this power dynamic. When the big break-up happened, he was forced to choose between Trump, who is responsible for his current prominence, and Musk, who could be a useful ally in a future presidential primary campaign. He picked the president. Elon Musk wields a chainsaw as he leaves the stage alongside Newsmax anchor Rob Schmitt at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) at the Gaylord National Resort Hotel and Convention Center on February 20, 2025, in Oxon Hill, Maryland. - Andrew Harnik/Getty Images Who is Musks base? Another key question is whether Musk has his own political base. CNNs Aaron Blake assessed polling earlier last month that showed surprisingly comparative polling data among Republicans for Musk and Trump at least before their latest bust-up. But beyond the tech world, where he used his rock star status to funnel young, disaffected male voters toward Trump, its not clear that Musk has a broader constituency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By siding with the Republican Partys anti-debt wing, Musk now seems a natural ally of libertarians such as Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul, who voted against the presidents bill. But fiscal hawkishness and breaking with the GOP spending crowd isnt a reliable route to power as the failed presidential campaigns of Sen. Paul and his father, former Rep. Ron Paul, demonstrated. Still, Musks pledge to support Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie, who was lambasted by the president for his opposition to the bill and who may now face a primary challenge, could be significant. In a single race, Musks wealth could be important, individual campaign contribution limits notwithstanding. It would be harder for the Tesla tycoon to go national. For one thing, hed have to recruit primary candidates willing to take on lawmakers supported by Trump, the most powerful major party leader in generations. But Musk has grand ambitions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He promised that if the insane spending bill passes, the America Party will be formed the next day. He wrote on X, Our country needs an alternative to the Democrat-Republican uniparty so that the people actually have a VOICE. Barriers to creating a third political force are daunting. For one thing, it would require shattering the emotional and historical allegiances of millions of voters. Musks best bet may be to wait out Trump after all, hes a much younger man. If conservatives end up disillusioned with the presidents legacy and politics more broadly, the CEO may find fertile ground for a third way. Its happened before. In the 1992 election, Ross Perots on-again-off-again-on-again candidacy rooted in a populist call to balance the budget won 19% of the vote, even though the Texas tycoon didnt win a single state. At the time, Republicans blamed Perot for eating into President George H.W. Bushs support and helping to elect Bill Clinton. Three decades on, political scientists are still arguing about what really happened. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Musk would need a surrogate. Unlike Perot, he cant run for president, since he is a naturalized foreign-born citizen. But if he could somehow break the stranglehold of the two major parties on US elections, hed accomplish something like the political equivalent of his improbable invention of a rocket booster that scorches a spacecraft into orbit and then returns to the launchpad to be captured by two giant mechanical arms. Even Trump thought that was amazing. Did you see the way that sucker landed today? Trump said at an October campaign rally. But that was in the first blush of his Musk bromance. On Tuesday, a senior White House official told CNNs Kristen Holmes: No one really cares what he says anymore. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com For the few Republicans who haven't fallen in line to support of President Donald Trump's budget reconciliation bill, the so-called "big beautiful bill," political peril could lie ahead. When asked by ABC News Senior Political Correspondent Rachel Scott on Tuesday about his message to Republicans who aren't on board with his budget reconciliation bill, Trump levied a not-so-veiled threat. "I think it would be very wise for them to get on board," Trump said. He later added, "I would say that they have to do it. Really, I would say that. If they don't, they'll pay the consequences." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: These Senate changes to Trump's agenda bill could be sticking points in House Alex Wong/Getty Images - PHOTO: Sen. Thom Tillis takes the Senate subway at the Capitol Building, June 30, 2025. The consequence for Sen. Thom Tillis was a swift weekend announcement that he won't run for reelection in 2026, citing political pressure to go along with Trump's agenda. It came after Trump threatened to boost primary challengers to the North Carolina senator via a social media post. "In Washington over the last few years, it's become increasingly evident that leaders who are willing to embrace bipartisanship, compromise, and demonstrate independent thinking are becoming an endangered species," Tillis wrote in a scathing statement on Sunday. "Too many elected officials are motivated by pure raw politics who really don't give a damn about the people they promised to represent on the campaign trail." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tillis was ultimately a "no" on the legislation. MORE: Trump ramps up pressure on House Republicans to pass major tax cut and spending bill J. Scott Applewhite/AP - PHOTO: Sen. Susan Collins walks from the chamber to the office of Majority Leader John Thune at the Capitol in Washington, July 1, 2025. Sen. Susan Collins -- another "no" vote -- is also up for reelection in the approaching midterm year. The Maine lawmaker warned that a "dramatic reduction" in Medicaid funding could shutter hospitals and harm low-income families across her state. "My vote against this bill stems primarily from the harmful impact it will have on Medicaid, affecting low-income families and rural health care providers like our hospitals and nursing homes," Collins wrote in a statement defending her vote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The third Republican "no" vote came from Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul, who isn't up for reelection until 2028. However, Trump, who campaigned on the idea of revenge and retribution, is unlikely to forget Paul's defiance as that campaign ramps up. MORE: How Trump's megabilll could affect Medicaid and who could lose coverage Nathan Howard/Reuters - PHOTO: Senator Rand Paul walks to the Senate floor as Republican lawmakers struggle to pass U.S. President Donald Trump's sweeping spending and tax bill, on Capitol Hill in Washington, July 1, 2025. Tillis and Collins occupy seats that Democrats are eyeing as pickup opportunities in 2026, as the party looks to rebuild after losses up and down the ballot in 2024. The party is looking to win back disaffected moderates and independents. "We view North Carolina as one of the top type opportunities for Democrats in the [2026] cycle, in addition to the state of Maine, and that hasn't changed," DNC Chair Ken Martin told ABC News. "In fact, it's become more of a priority for us now with the retirement of Thom Tillis. We've got great prospective candidates in that race. We feel like we have an excellent opportunity." Trump's attempt to strong-arm his fellow Republicans -- by pushing out dissenters and clearing a path for loyalists -- could come at a price to his party. In states like North Carolina and Maine, where swing voters have historically rewarded moderation, Trump's hardline pressure campaign may galvanize the very opposition he's trying to suppress. US President Donald Trump said Israel had agreed to a 60-day Gaza ceasefire and piled pressure on Hamas to accept a deal. Israel is yet to confirm Trumps announcement but earlier, its United Nations ambassador told the BBC that the country is ready for a truce, albeit when all surviving hostages taken on Oct 7, 2023 are home. Hamas said it was also open to a ceasefire, but stopped short of accepting Trumps terms. The American leader urged the group to take the offer, because IT WILL ONLY GET WORSE. Israels campaign in Gaza, meanwhile, showed no sign of relenting: At least 20 Palestinians were killed in an air strike Monday, and Israel ordered further evacuations in the north of the enclave. NEW YORK (AP) President Donald Trump has a new political foil: New Yorks Democratic nominee for mayor, Zohran Mamdani. The president, who has a history of spewing sometimes vile insults at rivals, has in recent days escalated his attacks against the 33-year-old self-described democratic socialist. Donald Trump has threatened to arrest Mamdani, to deport him and even to take over the country's largest city if he wins the general election in November. As President of the United States, Im not going to let this Communist Lunatic destroy New York. Rest assured, I hold all the levers, and have all the cards, Trump wrote in an ominous message on his Truth Social site Wednesday morning. Ill save New York City, and make it Hot and Great again, just like I did with the Good Ol USA! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mamdanis surprise victory over former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has given Republicans a new target as they seek to paint the entire Democratic Party as extreme and out of touch with voters heading into elections this fall in New Jersey and Virginia and next years high-stakes midterm elections. Since Mamdani's win, they have repeatedly highlighted his most controversial past comments and positions, casting him as dangerous, a communist, and an antisemite, and trying to tie him to all other Democratic officials. That has included intense criticism of his platform, as well as blatantly xenophobic and Islamophobic attacks. If Mamdani wins, he would become the citys furthest-left mayor in modern history. He ran on a platform that included opening city-run grocery stores, making buses free, freezing rent on rent-stabilized apartments, and raising property taxes on richer and whiter neighborhoods. Though he softened his stance as he campaigned, he called the New York Police Department racist, anti-queer and a major threat to public safety in a 2020 social media post, and in others, called for abolishing the entire prison system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He has also drawn intense criticism from members of both parties over his pro-Palestinian advocacy. That has included describing Israels war in Gaza as genocide, his refusal to disavow use of the phrase globalize the intifada, which is seen as a call to violence for many Jews. Also, for his refusal to support the right of Israel to exist as a Jewish state. His rise has sparked infighting and highlighted divisions among national Democratic officials, donors and political operatives. While many progressives have celebrated, seeing him as the future of a party aligned with leaders like Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders and New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, moderates have bemoaned the election's outcome as a setback in their quest to broaden Democrats appeal and move past the more controversial policies that appears to have alienated some voters in recent elections. Trump threatens Mamdani's citizenship Trump unleashed some of his sharpest threats against Mamdani Tuesday, during a visit to a new migrant detention center in the Florida Everglades. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If Mamdani blocks ICE agents from making arrests in the city, Well, then well have to arrest him, he said. Look, we dont need a communist in this country. But if we have one, Im going to be watching over him very carefully on behalf of the nation. Trump also amplified a false allegation that Mamdani, who was born in Uganda to Indian parents and came to New York when he was 7, is in the country illegally. A lot of people are saying hes here illegally. Were going to look at everything, he said. Mamdani, who is Muslim, became a naturalized American citizen a few years after he graduated from college. If elected, he would be the citys first Muslim and Indian American mayor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mamdani addressed the criticism during an appearance Wednesday, telling reporters that Trump is focusing on him to distract the public from the Republican mega tax and spending cuts bill that is moving through Congress. Donald Trump said that I should be arrested. He said that I should be deported. He said that I should be denaturalized. And he said those things about me ... because he wants to distract from what I fight for, he said. I fight for the same people that he said he was fighting for. This is the same president who ran on a campaign of cheaper groceries, who ran on a campaign about easing the suffocating cost of living crisis. And ultimately, it is easier for him to fan the flames of division than to acknowledge the ways in which he has betrayed those working-class Americans. Conservatives have turned their focus on Mamdani Until Mamdani's win, Trump and other Republicans had struggled to find a compelling foil. He frequently invokes his predecessor, Joe Biden. But with Democrats out of power and without a clear party leader, Trump has bounced from one official to the next, recently focusing his ire on Texas progressive Rep. Jasmine Crockett. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since Mamdanis national rise and toppling of Cuomo, conservative politicians and commentators have turned their focus on him. That effort was on display Wednesday, when Republicans blasted House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries for defending Mamdani. Leader Jeffries Just Bent the Knee to Commie Mamdani, the National Republican Congressional Committee wrote in an email blast, adding: This radical platform is the future of the Democrat Party, and voters should be terrified. The attacks have been brewing. Weeks before the primary, Vickie Paladino, a Republican member of the New York City Council, called for Mamdani to be deported. After Mamdani declared victory over Cuomo last week, Rep. Randy Fine, a Florida Republican, wrote on X that If Mamdani has his way, NYC classrooms wont be teaching the Constitution in civics class. Theyll be teaching Sharia Law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another Republican congressman, Rep. Brandon Gill of Texas, circulated a video of Mamdani eating a rice dish with his hands on X and wrote, Civilized people in America dont eat like this. If you refuse to adopt Western customs, go back to the Third World. Republican Rep. Andy Ogles, of Tennessee, has referred to Mamdani as little muhammad and late last month wrote a letter to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi calling for the Justice Department to investigate whether Mamdani should be denaturalized as a citizen. ___ President Donald Trump is ramping up pressure on Republicans to get his tax and spending bill across the finish line. Several House Republicans arrived White House on Wednesday morning for meetings as the president presses his party to pass the sweeping legislation -- a centerpiece of Trump's second term agenda. Vice President JD Vance, who cast the tie-breaking vote to get the bill passed in the Senate, was spotted at the White House as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An administration official said the White House is hosting multiple meetings on Wednesday with Republicans on the White House complex. The president is expected to engage directly with members throughout the day. MORE: House considers president's megabill amid GOP divisions Some of the lawmakers seen entering were GOP Reps. Jeff Van Drew, Rob Bresnahan, Dusty Johnson, Dan Newhouse, Mike Lawler and Andrew Garbarino. Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images - PHOTO: President Donald Trump speaks with the press on board Air Force One as he travels from Ochopee, Florida to Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, July 1, 2025. Those lawmakers are part of the Main Street Caucus, a group of lawmakers who bill themselves as "pragmatic" conservatives focused on getting things done. President Trump notably has no public events on his schedule Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To try to assuage Republican concerns regarding the bill's Medicaid cuts, Dr. Mehmet Oz was also at the White House during President Trump and Vances meeting with House Republicans, according to a source familiar with the matter. Dr. Oz was seen on the White House campus. Dr. Oz also had a call earlier this week with House Republicans who expressed concerns about funding cuts to hospitals, according to the source familiar with his visit to the White House and another source familiar with the call. During that call, Dr. Oz mentioned that the Republicans should look into the finances of those hospitals, the sources said. The Department of Health and Human Services did not respond to a request for comment. Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images - PHOTO: Mehmet Oz, Administrator for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, speaks during a press conference on health care fraud enforcement at the Department of Justice in Washington, June 30, 2025. Trump previously told ABC News Chief White House Correspondent Mary Bruce he believed things would be "easier" in the House than the Senate with regards to the megabill, but several changes made by the Senate have angered some Republican hardliners in the House. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, talking to reporters on Capitol Hill, questioned whether the House would be able to pass the megabill on Wednesday -- but said Trump was helping on that front. Asked by ABC News whether he feels like Republicans are short of the votes needed for passage, Scalise acknowledged the bumpy road both in the past and ahead. "We've still had a lot of members that had questions about the changes that the Senate made. That's to be expected," Scalise said. The majority leader added, "When you talk to members, there's some that still are holding out for something different, but at the end of the day, they know this is probably as good as we're going to get." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: These Senate changes to Trump's agenda bill could be sticking points in House Scalise said that Republican leadership is meeting with small groups of members who haven't locked in their support, and the president is also helping on that today as their "best closer." "He's talking to individual members," Scalise said of President Trump. "Even when the bill was in the Senate, you had some individual members that wanted some changes in the Senate calling the president to help his support for those changes, and some of those changes were implemented. So you know, the President, from day one, has been our best closer, and he's going to continue to be through today." Trump also continued an online pressure campaign, posting to his conservative social media site multiple times on Wednesday. "Republicans, dont let the Radical Left Democrats push you around," Trump wrote this morning. "Weve got all the cards, and we are going to use them. Last year America was a 'DEAD' Nation, with no hope for the future, and now its the 'HOTTEST NATION IN THE WORLD!' MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!" President Donald Trump's administration is withholding roughly $7 billion in funding that was meant for schools, causing outrage and panic. The K-12 education funds were originally scheduled to be released on July 1, 2025, after being approved by Congress earlier this year. The money includes $890 million that was designed to assist English learners develop their language skills and $375 million that was supposed to go to the academic support of children of migrant farmworkers. Withholding $7 Billion in School Funds The withheld money also includes $2.2 billion in Title II funds that support teacher training, $1.4 billion for before- and after-school programs, and $1.3 billion to fund various academic enrichment programs. The latter includes STEM and college and career counseling. Following the development, various states, Democratic lawmakers, and education advocacy groups are calling on the Trump administration to release the funds. They are calling the decision to hold the money an illegal act of impoundment. On the other hand, the Education Department referred inquiries to the White House Office of Management and Budget. Congress previously approved the billions of dollars as part of a continuing budget resolution in March, according to Chalkbeat. Despite the approval, the Trump administration announced on Monday that it has not yet decided on how the money should be used or allocated. It added that it would not be sending funding notices until officials complete a review. Read more: Philadelphia School District Criminally Charged for Failure To Protect Students From Asbestos Exposure California education officials said in a Tuesday press conference that the current administration's letter indicated that the fund was being held back to ensure that the money would be spent in accordance with the president's priorities. On top of not giving a detailed explanation on why the fund is being withheld, the current administration provided no timeline for when the money could be expected to be released. It only said that authorities are committed to ensuring that taxpayer resources are used properly, the New York Times reported. Criticizing the Government's Decision The executive director of the Afterschool Alliance, Jodi Grant, said that the situation is "catastrophic." Many believe that the decision would be challenged in court, and others have already criticized the move, with some citing Congress's previous approval. The Trump administration's decision to withhold the money now puts day camp providers and schools in a difficult place. They are left in limbo, trying to budget for programs this summer and in the upcoming school year. Schools argue that without the funds, they will not be able to provide free or affordable after-school care for low-income children while their parents are at work. Additionally, it can result in failure to hire staff to teach students who are learning English, as per the Associated Press. Microsoft says its AI can now outperform doctors in diagnosing complex medical cases. "We already have 50 million health-related queries per day coming through Copilot and Bing," Microsoft AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman said on Yahoo Finance's Opening Bid. "Our goal is to provide the most high quality, most accurate, and ultimately the cheapest health advice and support." The six-year relationship between Microsoft (MSFT) and Sam Altman's OpenAI (OPAI.PVT) is widely seen as one of the most successful tie-ups in recent memory. Microsoft has invested close to $14 billion in the ChatGPT maker, gaining access to its models. OpenAI has leveraged Microsoft's computing power to feed its ever-more-powerful models. OpenAI has gone on to raise billions, with its last round in March valuing it at $300 billion. The company's valuation has since climbed to $325 billion, according to Yahoo Finance private company data. Since disclosing an initial $1 billion investment in OpenAI on July 22, 2019, Microsoft shares are up 263%. The S&P 500 has gained 107%. In new research, the tech giant said the Microsoft AI Diagnostics Orchestrator (MAI-Dx0) can correctly diagnose up to 85% of the New England Journal of Medicine's case proceedings. That rate is more than four times higher than a group of experienced physicians. The best-performing MAI-DxO was paired with OpenAI's o3 model. Users shouldn't say goodbye to their doctors just yet. "Your physician will be there to make the right judgment call at the right time, to plan treatment after diagnosis and to oversee and hold the AI accountable," Suleyman said. Recently, the relationship between Microsoft and OpenAI has begun to sour. OpenAI wants Microsoft to ease up its hold on its AI offerings and allow for its conversion to a for-profit company. The pact between the two is slated to last until 2030 but could end earlier if OpenAI's board declares it has developed artificial general intelligence (AGI). Suleyman downplayed any tension in the partnership. "The relationship's in pretty good shape," he said. "It's one of the best technology partnerships there has been, and it will continue for at least another five years, hopefully many decades after that." He acknowledged ongoing discussions around the agreement, describing it as a "very complicated contract," adding that they are part of a healthy, evolving alliance and one "that's definitely going to continue." Suleyman is one of the most prominent names in artificial intelligence. It appeared on Wednesday that President Trump likely still has some deal-making to do before he can claim to have brokered a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas to end the devastating war in Gaza. Mr. Trump said in a Tuesday evening social media post that Israel had "agreed to the necessary conditions to finalize" a 60-day ceasefire, and he called on Hamas to accept the deal, warning the U.S.- and Israeli-designated terrorist group that "it will not get better IT WILL ONLY GET WORSE." Israeli sources told CBS News on Wednesday that while there was strong backing in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's cabinet for the terms in the proposal, Israel was not committing to it yet, stressing that the government had voiced its backing to U.S. officials for a proposed framework for a ceasefire deal, not a final agreement. In a statement, Hamas credited mediators Qatar and Egypt for having "exerted intensive efforts to bridge the gap between the parties and reach a framework agreement that would pave the way for a serious round of negotiations." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We are approaching this with a high sense of responsibility and are conducting national consultations to discuss the proposals presented by the mediators," Hamas said, reiterating its long-standing calls for a truce that brings the war to an end, sees Israeli forces withdraw from Gaza, "and urgently delivers relief to our people in the Gaza Strip." Palestinians inspect the damage at the site of an overnight Israeli airstrike that hit a tent sheltering displaced people in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, July 2, 2025. / Credit: Hatem Khaled/REUTERS Mr. Trump didn't offer any details of the proposed deal in his post on Tuesday evening, but he said that Qatar and Egypt which have been key partners to the U.S. as it attempts to broker an agreement to end the nearly two-year war would "deliver this final proposal." Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar, in a post on social media Wednesday, said there was "a great majority in the government and also among the people for a framework to release hostages. If there is an opportunity to do so we must not miss it!" But that claim of cohesion may belie a potentially significant hurdle for Netanyahu as he prepares to head to Washington this weekend to meet with Mr. Trump, who's made it clear he wants to see a deal to end the war within days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Numerous Israeli media outlets reported Wednesday that one of the most far-right members of Netanyahu's cabinet, Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, had called on far-right nationalist Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich to join him in blocking the government's approval of the ceasefire deal. Neither Smotrich nor Ben-Gvir confirmed any discussion about blocking the agreement, but in a short post on social media, Ben-Gvir said the war in Gaza should not end "a moment before defeating Hamas." Both men have been vocal in rejecting peace deals with Hamas, insisting that the group must be completely destroyed, not negotiated with. Yair Golan, leader of the Israeli opposition Democrats party, accused Smotrich and Ben-Gvir in a social media post of "leading a bloc to prevent the return of the hostages." He said they "do not deserve to sit around the government table. And whoever continues to allow them to sit there does not deserve to lead Israel for even one more day." While the real prospects of Israel and Hamas agreeing to a ceasefire in the short time frame that Mr. Trump is hoping for remained unclear, even the suggestion that peace could be looming may raise hopes for Gazans who risk their lives every day just to line up lining up for food. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gaza Humanitarian Foundation responds to criticism The Hamas-run Gaza Ministry of Health says at least 640 civilians have been shot to death in recent weeks trying to access desperately needed humanitarian supplies, including more than 400 at distribution sites run by the heavily criticized U.S.- and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. Since it began operating in the war-torn enclave on May 26, GHF has faced near daily claims of aid-seekers being killed by Israeli forces as they try to reach its four hubs in Gaza. Earlier this week, more than 170 humanitarian groups called for the opaquely run organization which has never revealed its funding or management structure to be disbanded and all aid efforts in Gaza to be reorganized under the long-established United Nations-led system. Those international humanitarian efforts have been largely blocked by Israel since March. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Israeli military says it works with the GHF to enable aid distribution without the risk of food and other goods being stolen by Hamas. The Trump administration has backed that reasoning and refused to support other means of food dispersal in Gaza, instead calling on other nations and institutions to work with the GHF, which replaced some 400 international aid distribution points in the Palestinian territory with just four of its hubs. Those hubs are run by armed U.S. private security contractors, and the Israeli military controls access to them. All established humanitarian agencies have refused to work with the GHF, saying it forces Palestinians to dislocate and trek for miles to reach its hubs and that it violates basic humanitarian principles, but the Trump administration announced late last week its first public support for the group: $30 million in funding. The State Department wouldn't say, when that funding was announced, if the funds had already been transferred to GHF, or which U.S. government account they would come from. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The GHF has declined to respond to multiple questions from CBS News about its connections with the U.S. and Israeli governments and its funding, and it had, until this week, also declined to be interviewed by CBS News about its operations. On Tuesday, however, the GHF's director, American evangelical reverend Johnnie Moore, a former adviser to President Trump on religious matters, agreed to an interview via Zoom. Rev. Johnnie Moore, then the spokesman for the Trump evangelical advisory board, is seen in front of the Trump International Hotel, Dec. 4, 2017, in Washington, D.C. / Credit: Bill O'Leary/The Washington Post via Getty Our first question was about the reports CBS News has received since GHF began its operations, directly from doctors and eyewitnesses, that Israeli soldiers have repeatedly opened fire on unarmed civilians trying to reach its aid hubs. "I do not want to diminish these reports, but we can't control what happens outside our distribution sites," Moore told CBS News. Asked how many more people would die before GHF changed the way it operates, Moore called the framing of the question "inappropriate," and said the group's "whole reason for existing is to give food to these people so they can live." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He repeated his previous calls and those of the White House for the United Nations and its various humanitarian agencies to join GHF's efforts in Gaza. "We've said again and again to the U.N., to the WFP (World Food Program), join us in this effort," Moore said, before asking CBS News' correspondent, "with respect, why don't you join us? I'm asking you to help us run the operation if you think there is a better way to do this." Asked how GHF has been able to verify who exactly receives the aid it provides on the ground which Moore has stressed does not reach Hamas the reverend responded with a question: "Do you have anything positive to say about what we are doing?" A youth carries an empty box of relief supplies from the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) as displaced Palestinians walk near a food distribution center run by the U.S.-backed organization in Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip, June 1, 2025. / Credit: AFP via Getty "Do you think it is acceptable that people die every day trying to access aid? Is there not a better way to do this?" CBS News asked again. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We have made a decision that it is worth working in a war zone," Moore said, "as deadly as it is, because Gazans deserve food." Moore would not respond to questions about how GHF operates or who funds the organization, beside the $30 million contribution announced this week by the Trump administration. Victim's father speaks out about Kohberger guilty plea, "He's not gonna take accountability" Extended interview: Iran's foreign minister Abbas Araghchi speaks to CBS News after U.S. strikes Trump meets with lawmakers ahead of House budget bill vote President Trump on Wednesday railed against New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani and appeared to suggest he could use federal authority to exert power over the city depending on the outcome of Novembers election. As President of the United States, Im not going to let this Communist Lunatic destroy New York, Trump posted on Truth Social, a reference to Mamdani. Rest assured, I hold all the levers, and have all the cards. Ill save New York City, and make it Hot and Great again, just like I did with the Good Ol USA! Trumps post echoed threats he has made against California and other Democrat-led cities and states to withhold federal funding if those areas do not comply with his immigration orders or other aspects of his agenda. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The post also marks the latest attack from Trump, a New York City native, against Mamdani, who this week officially secured the Democratic nomination for Novembers mayoral race. Trump on Tuesday also threatened to investigate Mamdanis immigration status and arrest him if he stood in the way of Immigration and Customs Enforcements raids in the city. Mamdani legally moved to the U.S. as a young child with his family after growing up in Uganda. His statements dont just represent an attack on our democracy but an attempt to send a message to every New Yorker who refuses to hide in the shadows: if you speak up, they will come for you, Mamdani said Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) President Donald Trump has again breached the topic of reactivating Alcatraz as a federal prison, claiming that conceptual work is already underway. The president revisited the idea in a rambling post on Truth Social, shortly after paying a visit to a new Florida immigrant detention center deemed Alligator Alcatraz. Because of the Violence and Criminality I have seen due to the Open Border Policy of Sleepy Joe Biden, in particular allowing millions of people into our Country who shouldnt be here, I wanted something representative to show how we fight back, and then, it happened, I saw a picture of ALCATRAZ looking so foreboding, and I said, Were going to look into renovating and rebuilding the famous ALCATRAZ Prison sitting high on the Bay, surrounded by sharks. San Francisco tech CEO kills unlimited PTO policy, slams it as totally broken Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What a symbol it is, and will be! Trump added. According to the president, conceptual work on the plan to reactivate Alcatraz began six months ago and various prison development firm are looking at doing it in collaboration with the government. President Donald Trump answers questions from reporters as he meets with Congos Foreign Minister Therese Kayikwamba Wagner, and Rwandas Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe, Friday, June 27, 2025, in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta) Still a little early, but lots of promise! Trump said. President Trump first floated the idea of reopening Alcatraz as a federal prison back in May, at the time claiming he was directing the Bureau of Prisons, together with the Department of Justice, FBI, and Homeland Security, to reopen a substantially enlarged and rebuilt Alcatraz. The revamped prison, he said, would house Americas most ruthless and violent Offenders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alcatraz, known as The Rock, housed some of the nations most notorious criminals during its heyday, including Al Capone and George Machine Gun Kelly. The prison was closed in 1963 by then Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy. The closure was attributed to the prisons crumbling infrastructure and the high costs of maintaining and supplying it. A bird flies above Alcatraz Island on Sunday, May 4, 2025, in the San Francisco Bay, Calif. (AP Photo/Noah Berger) Due to its location in the middle of San Francisco Bay, everything from food, fuel and water had to be transported to the island by boat. Alcatraz is currently a museum and has been operated by the National Park Service since 1972. At the time of its closure, it was estimated that it would cost between $3 million and $5 million to restore and maintain it as a prison. Its been estimated that it would cost between $235 million and $370 million upfront to reopen Alcatraz as a prison with annual operating costs of around $60 million. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Associated Press contributed to this report. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4. CAIRO (AP) U.S. President Donald Trump says Israel has agreed on terms for a new 60-day ceasefire with Hamas and that Washington would work with both sides during that time to try to end more than 20 months of war in Gaza. Neither side has accepted the proposal announced Tuesday by Trump, who has admonished Hamas that if the militant group does not buy into the offer, its prospects will get worse. It's not clear what conditions Israel agreed to. The efforts to reach a truce are unfolding in the wake of powerful Israeli and American strikes on nuclear sites in Iran, which has long supported Hamas, and just days before Trump is scheduled to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here's a look at the situation and the challenges it might present. Details are murky Details of the proposed ceasefire are just beginning to emerge. But rather than being completely new, the potential deal seems to be a somewhat modified version of a framework proposed earlier this year by Trump's Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff. Trump said Tuesday in a social media post that Qatar and Egypt have been working on the details and would deliver a final proposal to Hamas. An Egyptian official involved in the ceasefire talks told The Associated Press that the proposal calls for Hamas to release 10 more hostages during the two-month period eight on the first day and two on the final day. During that period, Israel would withdraw troops from some parts of Gaza and allow badly needed aid into the territory. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The war began on Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking roughly 250 hostages. The group is believed to still have some 50 hostages, with fewer than half of them thought to be alive. The Egyptian official, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to talk to reporters, said a sticking point over how aid would be distributed had been resolved with Israel. He said both sides have agreed that the United Nations and the Palestinian Red Crescent would lead aid operations and that the Israeli- and U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Fund would also continue to operate. Hamas has been weakened Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The unraveling of Irans regional network of proxies, capped by the blow inflicted on Iran during the recent 12-day war with Israel, has left Hamas weaker and more isolated in the region. Iran was a key backer of the militant group, but its influence has waned, and it's now preoccupied with its own problems. At the same time, Trump has made it clear to Israel that he wants to see the Israel-Hamas war end soon. While he has been supportive of Netanyahu, Trump had tough words for Israel in the opening hours of last week's ceasefire with Iran, when he pressured Israel to scale back its response to an Iranian missile attack. That could help persuade Hamas to embrace a deal. A diplomat briefed on the talks said there is now a big opportunity to reach an agreement. The indications were getting are people are ready. He said Trumps harsh talk toward Israel has given a bit of confidence to Hamas that the U.S. will guarantee any future deal and prevent a return to fighting. The diplomat spoke on condition of anonymity because he was discussing behind-the-scenes diplomatic contacts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israeli military positions and future talks pose obstacles The Egyptian official said Israel has not yet agreed to a proposal to withdraw its forces to positions held in early March after a previous ceasefire officially expired. Since then, the Israeli army has seized large swaths of Gaza to put pressure on Hamas, and it's not clear whether Israel is ready to return to those same positions. An Israeli official characterized the agreement as a 60-day deal that would include a partial Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and a surge in humanitarian aid to the territory. The mediators and the U.S. would provide assurances about talks on ending the war, but Israel is not committing to that as part of the latest proposal, said the official, who was not authorized to discuss the details of the deal with the media and spoke on condition of anonymity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Egyptian official said Hamas will have to review the proposal with other factions before submitting an official response. One point that does seem to have been ironed out is the question of who will administer Gaza. Israel has said Hamas cannot run the territory, and the Egyptian official said the proposal would instead put Gaza under a group of Palestinians without political affiliations known as the Community Support Committee once a ceasefire is reached. Potentially complicating the effort, Netanyahu reiterated his hard-line position Wednesday, vowing that there will be no Hamas following the 60-day ceasefire plan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Previous ceasefire did not last A previous ceasefire agreed to in January established three phases, but the two sides never made it past phase one. During that time, however, there were multiple exchanges of Hamas-held hostages for prisoners held by Israel, and critical humanitarian aid was able to reach Gaza. When phase one expired on March 1, Israel sought to extend it while Hamas argued that phase two should go ahead as planned. The second phase would have compelled Hamas to release all the remaining living hostages in exchange for more Palestinian prisoners, a lasting ceasefire and a full Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That was always seen as difficult, because it would have forced Israel to choose between its two main war goals the safe return of the hostages and the annihilation of Hamas. On March 18, Israel broke the ceasefire with new airstrikes and resumed hostilities. In Gaza, residents expressed hope that this time, a ceasefire will bring an end to the war. We are seriously tired, said Asmaa al-Gendy, who has been living in a tent camp in Deir al Balah with her two children. The family has been displaced and starved and endured "every form of torture in the world. ___ Rising reported from Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Associated Press writers Josef Federman in Jerusalem and Wafaa Shurafa in Deir al Balah, Gaza Strip, contributed to this report. July 1 (UPI) -- Israel has agreed to the "necessary conditions" for a 60-day cease-fire in order to negotiate an end to the war in Gaza, President Donald Trump announced Tuesday night. The president revealed, in a post on Truth Social, that his administration had just wrapped up a long meeting. "My representatives had a long and productive meeting with the Israelis today on Gaza. Israel has agreed to the necessary conditions to finalize the 60-day cease-fire, during which time we will work with all parties to end the war," Trump said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The Qataris and Egyptians, who have worked very hard to help bring peace, will deliver this final proposal," the president said. "I hope, for the good of the Middle East, that Hamas takes this deal, because it will not get better -- it will only get worse." While Trump said the Israelis had agreed to a cease-fire, it was not clear whether Hamas would accept the terms. Israel has not responded or issued its own statement. The announcement comes one week before Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to visit Washington, D.C., where he will meet with Trump at the White House. The two leaders are expected to discuss Gaza and Iran, which struck a separate cease-fire deal with Israel last week following a 12-day campaign that included U.S. airstrikes on Iran's nuclear sites. The last time Netanyahu met with Trump was in April, when the two leaders discussed trade barriers and before that, in February, after Israel and Hamas signed a cease-fire and hostage release deal one day before Trump took office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement January's three-part plan failed to make it past the first stage. In April, Hamas rejected another Gaza cease-fire, proposed by Israel. "We will not accept partial deals that serve Netanyahu's political agenda. Netanyahu and his government use partial agreements as a cover for their political agenda, which is based on continuing the war of extermination and starvation, even if the price is sacrificing all his prisoners," Hamas negotiator Khalil al-Hayya said earlier this year. In Trump's cease-fire announcement on Tuesday, he did not release any details or conditions. Hamas and Israel confirmed in May that talks to end the war in Gaza and release hostages had resumed. Israel launched its war in Gaza after Hamas' surprise attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, when 1,200 people were killed and hundreds of others were taken hostage. Some 50 Israeli hostages are still being held in Gaza with less than half of them believed to be alive. The Hamas-run health ministry says more than 56,000 people have been killed since the war began. Israel has agreed to the necessary conditions for a 60-day ceasefire in the Gaza war and it is now up to Hamas to accept the deal, US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday. During the two-month period, the United States will work with all parties to end the conflict, Trump wrote on his platform Truth Social. Representatives from Qatar and Egypt, who have been heavily involved in peace efforts, will deliver this latest proposal to the Palestinian extremist organization Hamas. "I hope, for the good of the Middle East, that Hamas takes this Deal, because it will not get better IT WILL ONLY GET WORSE," Trump said in his post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president said US representatives held a long and productive meeting with Israeli officials on Tuesday to discuss Gaza. There was no immediate comment from the Israeli side. Trump had already hinted at a possible ceasefire in the Gaza war a few days ago. He is set to host Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington next week, with the Gaza war at the top of the agenda. Trump reiterated on Tuesday that he expects an agreement to be reached next week. The US has been working for weeks to gain support for a plan involving an initial 60-day ceasefire. President Donald Trump said Tuesday that Israel has "agreed to the necessary conditions" to finalize a ceasefire deal in the Israel-Hamas war. "My Representatives had a long and productive meeting with the Israelis today on Gaza. Israel has agreed to the necessary conditions to finalize the 60 Day CEASEFIRE, during which time we will work with all parties to end the War," Trump said on Truth Social. "The Qataris and Egyptians, who have worked very hard to help bring Peace, will deliver this final proposal," he added. "I hope, for the good of the Middle East, that Hamas takes this Deal, because it will not get better IT WILL ONLY GET WORSE." Palestinians mourn over the shrouded bodies of people killed during a reported Israeli strike on a humanitarian aid distribution warehouse in the Sabra neighbourhood in Gaza City, in the central Gaza Strip, on the grounds of Al-Ahli Arab hospital, also known as the Baptist hospital on June 30, 2025. (Omar Al-Qattaa / AFP via Getty Images) Follow live politics coverage here Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hamas on Wednesday said it was weighing up the new ceasefire agreements that it had received from mediators Egypt and Qatar. In a statement, it said it would "conducting national consultations" with the final aim of ending the fighting, ensuring the withdrawal of Israeli forces and delivering "urgent relief" to the people of Gaza. Meanwhile, in his first remark since Trumps announcement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not address a ceasefire but did call for the elimination of Hamas. There will be no Hamas. There will be no Hamastan. We are not going back to that. It is over. We will release all our hostages, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The comments come ahead of Netanyahu's scheduled to visit to the White House on Monday, where he is expected to discuss the situation in Gaza with Trump. Trump has renewed a push for an end to the war after Israel broke an earlier ceasefire agreement with Hamas by launching a series of deadly airstrikes in March. Trump indicated Friday that a ceasefire deal was forthcoming. Were working on Gaza and trying to get it taken care of," he told reporters. Roughly 50 of 251 hostages remain in Gaza following the Hamas attacks on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, when more than 1,200 people were killed. Of the remaining hostages in captivity, 28 are presumed to be dead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israels attacks in Gaza have killed more than 56,000 people and created a humanitarian crisis, with Gazans having scarce access to critical resources. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Israel has accepted the latest Gaza ceasefire and hostage release proposal, according to an Israeli official, who said Wednesday the updated framework provides stronger US assurances about ending the war. The confirmation comes after President Donald Trump said Tuesday Israel had agreed to the necessary conditions to finalize a ceasefire in Gaza. It was not immediately clear whether Hamas would accept the terms. Israels Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer agreed to the proposal while in Washington on Tuesday, prompting Trumps social media post. And Israel Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said Wednesday during a press conference in Estonia that the country is serious in our will to reach a hostage deal and a ceasefire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are some positive signs. I dont want to say more than that right now, Saar added. Two US administration officials said Hamas still had to agree to the deal. In a post on Truth social, Trump said the Qataris and the Egyptians would deliver it. My Representatives had a long and productive meeting with the Israelis today on Gaza, Trump wrote. Israel has agreed to the necessary conditions to finalize the 60 Day CEASEFIRE, during which time we will work with all parties to end the War. The Qataris and Egyptians, who have worked very hard to help bring Peace, will deliver this final proposal. Hamas said it is reviewing the latest Gaza ceasefire proposal but did not indicate if they would accept the deal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CNN reported earlier that Qatari officials had submitted to both Hamas and Israel on Tuesday a new proposal for a 60-day ceasefire, which is backed by the Trump administration, according to a source familiar with the matter. The proposal was finalized after months of behind-the-scenes efforts led by Trumps special envoy Steve Witkoff, the source said. As part of the latest proposal, Israel has agreed to allow a surge of humanitarian aid through traditional UN-run channels rather than through the controversial US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, the Israeli official said. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will convene his full Cabinet on Saturday night to discuss the proposal before flying to Washington to meet with Trump on Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite Trumps statement, an Israeli source familiar with the matter said earlier Israel had not approved the new proposal, which revolves around timetables and guarantees for ending the war, the critical sticking points in previous negotiations. The source did not provide details on the updated language in the proposal about the guarantees. Netanyahu may send a delegation to participate in ceasefire talks following his meeting with Trump, they added. The new proposal comes just days after Qatar helped broker a ceasefire between Iran and Israel after US and Israeli strikes on Irans nuclear program, and months after an initial Trump administration-backed ceasefire proposal for Gaza was rejected by Hamas. A source told CNN that the new version which the Qataris also worked on attempted to take into account Hamas concerns with the earlier proposal. During the ceasefire, Israeli hostages would be released in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, the source added. The White House did not comment on the details of the proposal, which were reported before Trumps Truth Social post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Tuesday, an Israeli military official told CNN that Israel had not fully achieved all of its war goals, but as Hamas forces have shrunk and gone into hiding, it has become more difficult to effectively target what remains of the militant group. Netanyahu said Sunday that many opportunities have opened up following Israels military operations in Iran, including the possibility of bringing home the remaining hostages held in Gaza. Trump told reporters Tuesday that he would be very firm in discussions with Netanyahu at next weeks planned White House meeting and predicted the prime minister wanted to end the war. He wants to. I can tell you he wants to. I think well have a deal next week, Trump said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But even with a new proposal on the table, agreeing to a ceasefire remains a major challenge. Hamas has long pushed for a permanent ceasefire, so it is unclear if it would agree to a temporary 60-day truce. Hamas also still maintains its core demand that the war needs to end and that it would have to stay in power, which Israel will not allow, said a separate source familiar with the matter. Still, there have been some indications that Hamas is willing to show some leniency on its hardline positions, the source said. This story has been updated with additional information. CNNs Kevin Liptak, Dana Karni, Michael Schwartz, Oren Liebermann, Eugenia Yosef, Caitlin Danaher, and Lucas Lilieholm contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com President Trump said on Tuesday evening that Israel has agreed to the necessary conditions to finalize a 60-day ceasefire in the war-torn Gaza Strip and pushed the Palestinian militant group Hamas to take the deal, warning that it will not get better. My Representatives had a long and productive meeting with the Israelis today on Gaza. Israel has agreed to the necessary conditions to finalize the 60 Day CEASEFIRE, during which time we will work with all parties to end the War, Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social. The Qataris and Egyptians, who have worked very hard to help bring Peace, will deliver this final proposal, the president added. I hope, for the good of the Middle East, that Hamas takes this Deal, because it will not get better IT WILL ONLY GET WORSE. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is not immediately clear if Hamas, designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S. government, will accept the terms of the deal. The announcement comes as Trump is set to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu next week at the White House, where the two leaders are slated to discuss trade, the aftermath of the Israel-Iran conflict and the Israel-Hamas war. Hes coming here. Were going to talk about a lot of things. Were going to talk about the great success we had in Iran, we had an incredible success, Trump said Tuesday morning. Were also going to talk about Gaza. Trump has pushed both Israel and Hamas to reach a ceasefire and the release of hostages, developments that would help lead to an end in the war in Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MAKE THE DEAL IN GAZA, Trump wrote on Truth Social on Sunday. GET THE HOSTAGES BACK!!! DJT. Previous attempts to secure a ceasefire between the two sides have failed. The administrations Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff sent over a proposal, greenlighted by Israel, in late May that would have Hamas exchange 10 living Israeli hostages along with 18 bodies from Gaza for a two-month truce. Israel would, in return, free more than 1,000 Palestinian detainees. Hamas offered amendments, with Witkoff stating the militant groups response was totally unacceptable. Qatari officials sent over a new proposal to both Israel and Hamas on Tuesday, supported by the Trump administration, according to multiple outlets. The same day, Israeli Minister for Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer met with Trump administration officials in Washington, a U.S. official briefed on the matter told The Hill on Tuesday. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. By Trevor Hunnicutt and Khanh Vu WASHINGTON/HANOI (Reuters) -The United States will place a lower-than-promised 20% tariff on many Vietnamese exports, Donald Trump said on Wednesday, cooling tensions with its tenth-biggest trading partner days before the U.S. president could raise levies on most imports. Vietnamese goods would face a 20% tariff and trans-shipments from third countries through Vietnam will face a 40% levy, he said. Vietnam could import U.S. products with a zero percent tariff, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It is my Great Honor to announce that I have just made a Trade Deal with the Socialist Republic of Vietnam," Trump said on Truth Social after speaking with Vietnam's top leader, To Lam. Trump's announcement comes just days before a July 9 deadline before he ramps up tariffs on most imports, one of the Republican's signature economic policies. Under that plan, announced in April, U.S. importers of Vietnamese goods would have had to pay a 46% tariff. Details were scant. It was not clear which products Trump's 20% tariff would apply to, or whether some would qualify for lower or higher total duties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Also left to later discussion was how the new trans-shipment provision, aimed at products largely made in China and then labeled "Made in Vietnam," would be implemented and enforced. The Vietnamese government did not confirm the specific tariff levels in a statement celebrating what it described as an agreement on a joint statement about a trade framework. Vietnam would commit to "providing preferential market access for U.S. goods, including large-engine cars," the government in Hanoi said. A deal between the two countries would be a political boost for Trump, whose team has struggled to quickly close deals with Washington's biggest trading partners ahead of the deadline. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the administration has teased a forthcoming deal with India, truces reached earlier with Britain and China were limited in scope. Talks with Japan, the United States' sixth-largest trading partner and closest ally in Asia, appeared to hit road blocks. The U.S. is Vietnam's largest export market and the two countries' growing economic, diplomatic and military ties are a hedge against Washington's biggest strategic rival, China. Vietnam has worked to retain close relations with both superpowers. China said on Thursday it was "conducting an assessment" on the U.S.-Vietnam agreement and vowed to defend its interests. "We are happy to see all parties resolve economic and trade disputes with the United States through equal consultations, but we firmly oppose any party reaching a deal at the expense of China's interests," said China commerce ministry spokesperson He Yongqian, in a briefing. "If such a situation occurs, China will resolutely counter it to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shares of major U.S. apparel and sportswear makers including Nike, Under Armour and North Face maker VF Corp closed higher on Wednesday on the news. Lam also asked Trump for the U.S. to recognize Vietnam as a market economy and remove restrictions on the exports of high-tech products to the country, Vietnam said. Those changes have long been sought by Hanoi. The White House and the Vietnamese trade ministry did not respond to requests for additional comment. GROWING TRADE TIES Since Trump imposed tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars in Chinese goods in his 2017-2021 term, U.S. trade with Vietnam has exploded, though almost all of it in the form of goods to the United States from Vietnam as importers sought workarounds for the China levies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since 2018, Vietnam's exports are up nearly threefold from less than $50 billion that year to about $137 billion in 2024, Census Bureau data shows. U.S. exports to Vietnam are up only about 30% in that time - to just over $13 billion last year from less than $10 billion in 2018. "'Transshipping' is a vague and often politicized term in trade enforcement," said Dan Martin, business adviser at Dezan Shira & Associates, on LinkedIn. "How it's defined and how it's applied in practice will shape the future of US-Vietnam trade relations." Trump announced a wave of tariffs for countries around the world on April 2, before pausing the implementation of most duties until July 9. More than a dozen countries are actively negotiating with the Trump administration to avoid a steep spike in tariffs on their exports. Britain accepted a 10% U.S. tariff on many goods, including autos, in exchange for special access for aircraft engines and British beef. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Like the agreement struck with Britain in May, the one with Vietnam resembles a framework rather than a finalized trade pact. China and the United States also came to a truce in a tit-for-tat tariff battle in which Beijing restored American access to some rare-earth minerals, but the two sides left most of their disagreements to later negotiations. "Had Trump stuck with 46 percent, much higher than the current tariff on China, Vietnam feared it would be disadvantaged by its competitors especially in Southeast Asia," said Murray Hiebert, a senior associate with the Southeast Asia program at CSIS, a think tank. "This likely would have dented Vietnam's trust in the U.S. and it might have toned down some of its security cooperation with Washington." (Reporting by Trevor Hunnicutt, David Lawder and David Brunnstrom in Washington; Khanh Vu, Phuong Nguyen and Francesco Guarascio in Hanoi; Joe Cash in Beijing; and Ryan Patrick Jones and Bhargav Acharya in Toronto; Editing by Mark Porter, Matthew Lewis and Chizu Nomiyama ) (Reuters) -Elon Musk's xAI has completed a $5 billion debt raise alongside a separate $5 billion strategic equity investment, Morgan Stanley said on Monday, as the startup looks to expand its AI infrastructure through data centres amid intensifying competition in the industry. The $5 billion raised in debt consists of financing of secured notes and term loans, Morgan Stanley in a statement posted on social media platform X. The deal was oversubscribed and included prominent global debt investors, it added. Reuters earlier reported that xAI was on track to close on a $5 billion debt raise led by Morgan Stanley, despite tepid investor demand. In a separate report, Bloomberg News said that xAI was in talks to raise $4.3 billion through an equity investment on top of its $5 billion debt funding plans. FILE PHOTO: Illustration shows 3D-printed miniature model of Elon Musk and xAI logo XAI did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment outside regular business hours. The proceeds will support xAI's continued development of AI solutions, a data center and its flagship Grok platform, the bank said. Apart from selling debt, xAI has also been in talks to raise about $20 billion in equity, which would value the company at more than $120 billion, with some investors placing valuations as high as $200 billion. (Reporting by Ananya Palyekar and Gursimran Kaur in Bengaluru; Editing by Alan Barona) Donald Trump said Tuesday that Israel has agreed to the terms of a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza while urging Hamas to accept the deal because IT WILL ONLY GET WORSE if they dont. The president announced the development on Truth Social ahead of a scheduled White House meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday. My Representatives had a long and productive meeting with the Israelis today on Gaza, Trump wrote. Israel has agreed to the necessary conditions to finalize the 60 Day CEASEFIRE, during which time we will work with all parties to end the War. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Qataris and Egyptians, who have worked very hard to help bring Peace, will deliver this final proposal, he continued. I hope, for the good of the Middle East, that Hamas takes this Deal, because it will not get better IT WILL ONLY GET WORSE. Thank you for your attention to this matter!" Trump and his Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff in May. / Andrew Harnik / Getty Images Qatari officials had earlier delivered a Trump-backed proposal for a 60-day ceasefire to both Israel and Hamas, CNN reported. The deal would include the release of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, a source told the network. Trumps Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff met for several hours earlier on Tuesday with Ron Dermer, Israels Minister for Strategic Affairs and a top Netanyahu advisor, to discuss the ceasefire and hostage release proposal put forward by Qatar, according to Axios. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dermer accepted the proposal and said Israel is prepared to begin indirect talks with Hamas to finalize it, a senior Israeli official told Axios. Benjamin Netanyahu will soon visit the White House for the third time this year. / The Washington Post / The Washington Post via Getty Im Hamas has expressed willingness to release all hostages in exchange for a permanent ceasefire and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. However, Israel insists that the conflict can only end if Hamas surrenders and is dismantledconditions that Hamas rejects. Around 20 hostages are believed to remain alive in Gaza. The development follows Israels military campaign against Iran last month, which struck numerous military and nuclear targets and ultimately drew in the U.S., which carried out bombings on several Iranian nuclear facilities. Trump lauded Netanyahu in the wake of the strikes, calling him a WARRIOR and calling for his counterparts corruption trial to be cancelled. The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire. More than 56,000 people have been killed in the war, with women and children making up more than half that figure, according to Gazas health ministry. Israels offensive has triggered a hunger crisis, forced millions of Gazas residents from their homes and led to international legal scrutiny, including allegations of genocide and war crimes which Israel denies. The conflict erupted in October 2023 when Hamas militants attacked Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages, according to Israeli figures. US President Donald Trump and officials from his administration have hinted that they might consider revoking the US citizenship of Zohran Mamdani, New York Citys Democratic mayoral candidate. Separately, Trump said former aide Elon Musk would have to close up shop and head back home to South Africa amid a row over his tax breaks and Trumps narrowly passed spending bill. But would the Trump administration have the power to revoke the citizenship of Mamdani and Musk, both foreign-born, naturalised citizens of the US? What is the immigration status of Mamdani and Musk? Mamdani, 33, was born in the Ugandan capital, Kampala, to ethnically Indian parents. He moved to New York at the age of seven and became a naturalised US citizen in 2018. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Musk was born in 1971 in Pretoria, South Africa to a Canadian mother and South African father. At the age of 17, he moved to Canada of where he is also a citizen. In 1992, he moved to the US to study at the University of Pennsylvania. He became a naturalised US citizen in 2002, according to a biography of him written in 2023 by journalist Walter Isaacson. In October 2024, the Washington Post reported that Musk began his career in the US without the proper work authorisation, but Musk has denied this. I was in fact allowed to work in the US, Musk wrote in an X post on the same day the report was published. I was on a J-1 visa that transitioned to an H1-B, Musk wrote in another post. A J-1 visa is a temporary visa for foreign students, while an H-1B is a temporary work visa. To become naturalised as a US citizen, an individual needs to be above the age of 18 and to have lived continuously in the US as a green card holder for five years, or three years if they are married to a US citizen. What has the Trump administration said about Mamdani? Andy Ogles, a Republican Tennessee representative, wrote to Attorney General Pam Bondi on June 26, asking for the Department of Justice to probe whether Mamdani, who identifies as a democratic socialist, should be subject to denaturalisation proceedings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Posting a copy of the letter to Bondi on his X page, Ogles wrote: Zohran little muhammad Mamdani is an antisemitic, socialist, communist who will destroy the great City of New York. He needs to be DEPORTED. Which is why I am calling for him to be subject to denaturalization proceedings. Ogles said that the investigation should be conducted on the grounds that Mamdani may have procured US citizenship through willful misrepresentation or concealment of material support for terrorism. The Tennessee Republican cited reports, including an article published in the New York Post, stating that Mamdani expressed solidarity with individuals convicted of terrorism-related offenses prior to becoming a US citizen. Ogles said that Mamdani rapped Free the Holy Land Five / My guys. The Holy Land Foundation was convicted in 2008 for providing material support to Hamas, a designated foreign terrorist organization. Publicly praising the Foundations convicted leadership as my guys raises serious concerns about whether Mr. Mamdani held affiliations or sympathies he failed to disclose during the naturalization process, Ogles wrote in his letter to Bondi. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moreover, Mr. Mamdani has recently refused opportunities to reject the pro-terrorist rallying cry to globalize the intifada a call to expand violent attacks on civilians to the United States and around the world, Ogles wrote. Zohran "little muhammad" Mamdani is an antisemitic, socialist, communist who will destroy the great City of New York. He needs to be DEPORTED. Which is why I am calling for him to be subject to denaturalization proceedings. Attached is my letter to @AGPamBondi. pic.twitter.com/RWCZm67VOr Rep. Andy Ogles (@RepOgles) June 26, 2025 Mamdani has also pledged to stop masked Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents from deporting our neighbours. When Trump was asked about this on Tuesday at a news conference, he said that if Mamdani prevents ICE agents from conducting deportation operations, Well, then, well have to arrest him. We dont need a communist in this country, but if we have one, Im going to be watching over him very carefully on behalf of the nation, Trump said, adding, well send him money, well send him all the things he needs to run the government. Trump continued, citing claims that Mamdani is in the US illegally, saying, Were going to look at everything. The president also voiced support for the current New York mayor, Eric Adams, who is also a member of the Democratic Party. How has Mamdani responded? Mamdani posted a statement on his X account in response to Trumps comments on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The President of the United States just threatened to have me arrested, stripped of my citizenship, put in a detention camp and deported. Not because I have broken any law but because I will refuse to let ICE terrorize our city, Mamdani wrote in his statement. Mamdani also called Trumps praise of Adams unsurprising, adding: At the very moment when MAGA Republicans are attempting to destroy the social safety net, kick millions of New Yorkers off of healthcare and enrich their billionaire donors at the expense of working families, it is a scandal that Eric Adams echoes this Presidents division, distraction and hate. Voters will resoundingly reject it in November. My statement on Donald Trump's threat to deport me and his praise for Eric Adams, who the President "helped out" of legal accountability. https://t.co/m7pNcT2DFS pic.twitter.com/UcYakMx4lI Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@ZohranKMamdani) July 1, 2025 What has the Trump administration said about Elon Musk? While the billionaire owner of Tesla and SpaceX was once a key aide to Trump and a major donor to his presidential campaign last year, Trumps Big Beautiful Bill has created a public rift between Trump and Musk. Musk has repeatedly decried the bill online and has threatened to form a new political party as a response to the bill passing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Musk stands to be affected by the finance bill that the Senate narrowly passed on Tuesday, as it ends tax credits worth up to $7,500 for purchases of electric vehicles (EVs) from September 30. This could significantly reduce consumer demand for EVs in the US. In a Truth Social post on Monday, Trump wrote, Without subsidies, Elon would probably have to close up shop and head back home to South Africa. No more Rocket launches, Satellites, or Electric Car Production, and our Country would save a FORTUNE. Perhaps we should have DOGE take a good, hard, look at this? BIG MONEY TO BE SAVED!!! Trump added, in reference to the Department of Government Efficiency, an advisory body aimed at boosting government efficiency and upgrading information technology, that Musk formed and led at the start of Trumps second administration, before leaving on May 30. On Tuesday, when reporters asked Trump if he was going to deport Musk, he said, Well have to take a look. We might have to put DOGE on Elon. On what grounds can the US revoke citizenship for naturalised citizens? Under certain circumstances, US citizens by naturalisation can lose their status as citizens. This process is also called denaturalisation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This can happen if naturalised citizens commit certain crimes, including terrorism, war crimes, human rights violations, sex crimes or naturalisation fraud, meaning they obtained their citizenship through fraud, misrepresentation or illegal procurement. On June 11, the Justice Department issued a memo stating that it would prioritise denaturalisation by instituting civil proceedings for people if they either illegally procured naturalization or procured naturalization by concealment of a material fact or by willful misrepresentation. The memo added: The Civil Division shall prioritize and maximally pursue denaturalization proceedings in all cases permitted by law and supported by the evidence. A naturalised citizen can also lose their citizenship if they commit an act of treason against the US, or run for public office or join the military of a foreign country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most recently, the Justice Department announced on June 13 that UK citizen Elliott Duke, a convicted collector and distributor of child sexual abuse material, had been denaturalised. In a news release, the Justice Department said Duke enlisted in the US Army in 2012 and began receiving and sending child sex abuse material online while serving in Germany. Duke did not list this crime in his naturalisation application in 2013. He was convicted of receipt and possession of child pornography in 2014. Could either Musk or Mamdani be denaturalised? It is not likely, according to experts. Denaturalisation is limited to cases where the government can prove material fraud in their original applications, said Michael Kagan, professor of law at University of Nevada, Las Vegas. It is rare and unlikely for either Musk or Mamdani. This appears to be irresponsible rhetoric designed to intimidate political opponents. What is the history of denaturalisation in the US? The US has revoked the citizenship of naturalised citizens on different occasions over the past few decades. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cases of denaturalisation were more frequent during the first half of the 20th century while the two world wars and, later, the Cold War with the Soviet Union were ongoing. Between 1926 and the mid-1940s, hundreds of people were denaturalised every year, according to political scientist Patrick Weil, author of The Sovereign Citizen, published in 2017. The US government frequently tried to denaturalise citizens during the two Red Scare periods of 1917 to 1920 and 1947 to 1957, when the fear of communism was particularly high in the US. During this time, it was also very hard to obtain US citizenship by naturalisation. People who were denaturalised at the time included communists and Nazi sympathisers. Two famous cases were: Emma Goldman, an anarchist activist who was born in Lithuania, which was then part of the Russian Empire. Goldman migrated to the US in 1885. When World War I broke out, she opposed US involvement and military conscription. For this, she was jailed in 1917 for two years at the Missouri State Penitentiary in Jefferson City. By the time of her release, the hysteria around communism had taken form in the US and in 1919, she was denaturalised and deported to Soviet Russia. Paul Knauer was born in Germany and arrived in the US in 1925. He became a citizen in 1937. In 1946, Knauer was denaturalised on the grounds that he concealed his affiliation with the German-American Bund, an organisation considered to promote Nazi propaganda. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 1967, the trend for denaturalisation slowed down when the US Supreme Court ruled that a US citizen could not be involuntarily deprived of their citizenship unless they met the specific criteria of having obtained naturalisation by fraud or of having committed serious offences. The ruling came at the end of a case involving Beys Afroyim, who was born in Poland and became a naturalised US citizen in 1926. The US government tried to revoke his citizenship because Afroyim had voted in an Israeli legislative election in 1951. In ruling this, the Supreme Court repealed a US federal law which said that US citizens could lose their citizenship if they vote in a foreign election. President Donald Trumps latest crusade against the media has focused on CNN and The New York Times, but journalists say theyre unfazed despite legal threats from the commander-in-chief. Trump, who has a decades-long history of litigation that long predates his time in politics, has launched major lawsuits in the past year against CBS News, ABC News, The Des Moines Register, and the Pulitzer Prize board, while threatening other news organizations and suggesting reporters will be pressured to reveal their sources on stories about the U.S. strike on Iranian nuclear facilities. "These days, threats from the president have become business as usual for journalists. It wont stop us from doing our jobs," New York Times White House correspondent Peter Baker told Fox News Digital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump Goes After Cnn, Ny Times For Fake News About strikes On Iranian Nuclear Facilities Trump repeatedly criticized CNN and The New York Times in recent days for reporting what he called "fake news" about the U.S. strike on Iranian nuclear facilities, with reports from both outlets suggesting they did not effectively destroy the countrys nuclear programs. A personal attorney for the president called the Times reporting "false," "defamatory" and "unpatriotic," while threatening legal action. He also threatened to sue CNN over its reporting. "Its not affecting my day at all," a CNN journalist told Fox News Digital. Read On The Fox News App Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Trump told "Sunday Morning Futures" host Maria Bartiromo that he wants to see people prosecuted for the leak of a classified early U.S. intelligence assessment used by CNN and the Times, Baker believes covering the strike on Iran was critical. "Its hard to think of anything more central to our journalistic mission than to report on the effects of a war involving a nuclear program," Baker added, directing Fox News Digital to a letter Times senior vice president David McCraw, who serves as the papers lead newsroom attorney, penned last week. New York Times Attorney Tells Trump No Apology Coming For Coverage Of Iran Strikes "Its a pretty good summation of our view," Baker said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McCraw shot down the notion that any apology or retraction is on the horizon and said that Americans deserve to know whether the attack on Iran was a success. "We rely on our intelligence services to provide the kind of impartial assessment that we all need in a democracy to judge our countrys foreign policy and the quality of our leaders decisions. It would be irresponsible for a news organization to suppress that information and deny the public the right to hear it," McCraw wrote. "We told the truth to the best of our ability. We will continue to do so." Meanwhile, Trump scored a victory in his lawsuit against CBS News late Tuesday night, as Paramount Global settled to the tune of $16 million. That amount will cover legal fees, costs of the case, and contributions to his library or charitable causes, to be determined at Trumps discretion. There is an expectation that there will be another allocation in the eight figures set aside for advertisements, public service announcements, or other similar transmissions, in support of conservative causes by the network, Fox News Digital has learned. Cbs Correspondent Scott Pelley Hits Trump For Suing Journalists For Nothing In Fiery Commencement Speech Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "60 Minutes" correspondent Scott Pelley previously said a settlement would be "very damaging to CBS, to Paramount, to the reputation of those companies." Other high-profile CBS journalists, such as Lesley Stahl, were vehemently against a settlement. "The unanimous view at 60 Minutes is that there should be no settlement, and no money paid, because the lawsuit is complete bulls---," one veteran "60 Minutes" producer told Fox News Digital last month. However, Shari Redstone, Paramount's controlling shareholder who recused herself from settlement discussions in February, made clear that she wanted to settle Trump's lawsuit in hopes of clearing the pathway for Paramount's multibillion-dollar planned merger with Skydance Media, which needs approval from the Trump administration's FCC. Trump also received $15 million from ABC last year to settle a defamation lawsuit brought when its top anchor, George Stephanopoulos, falsely asserted that he was found "liable for rape" in a civil case during a contentious interview with Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., in March. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2018, USA Today investigative reporter Nick Penzenstadler examined what he called Trumps "Ill sue you" effect. "The threats can be effective," Penzenstadler wrote at the time. "Even the possibility of a lawsuit by a rich, powerful opponent raises the specter of years of expensive and time-consuming litigation." '60 Minutes' Producers Rail Against Trump's 'Bulls---' Lawsuit, Dread Prospects Of Paramount Making Settlement President Trump received $15 million from ABC last year to settle a defamation lawsuit brought when its top anchor, George Stephanopoulos, falsely asserted that he was found "liable for rape." A longtime media industry executive with a history of overseeing newsrooms feels "Trump has shown that theres actually bark to his bite" over the past few years, and it would be wise for news organizations to attempt fairness when covering the administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "He will go after these media companies that have never been held accountable before for bias. He files the lawsuits in the south, where the New York media organizations are at a disadvantage," the media executive told Fox News Digital. "ABC and CBS were easy marks because their parent companies had more important business with Trump than coddling the egos of George Stephanopoulos and Scott Pelley. In the case of the Times and CNN, however, especially with CNN being spun off, these smaller news organizations may be willing to fight harder and longer," they continued. "But they should gear up for a drawn-out, ugly battle in a southern courtroom with embarrassing discovery processes and unsympathetic judges and juries." The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Trump also nodded along on Tuesday as Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said she was working with the Justice Department to see if CNN can be "prosecuted" for a recent segment about an app that tracks the location of ICE agents. CNN has said there is "nothing illegal" about reporting on the existence of an app. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CNN has also stood by its reporting on the Iran strike. "CNN stands by our thorough reporting on an early intelligence assessment of the recent strikes on Irans nuclear facilities, which has since been confirmed by other news organizations. The White House has acknowledged the existence of the assessment, and their statement is included in our story," a CNN spokesperson told Fox News Digital. Original article source: Trump takes aim at CNN and New York Times over Iran strike coverage, but journalists are shrugging By Mike Scarcella WASHINGTON (Reuters) -President Donald Trump's administration asked the U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday to intervene in his bid to fire three Democratic Consumer Product Safety Commission members by putting on hold a judicial order calling for their reinstatement. In the latest fight over presidential powers to reach the top U.S. judicial body since Trump returned to office in January, the three commissioners in a separate filing told the justices they should be allowed to continue serving while the Supreme Court considers the administration's request. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maryland-based U.S. District Judge Matthew Maddox ruled last month that the Republican president had overstepped his authority when he dismissed Commissioners Mary Boyle, Alexander Hoehn-Saric and Richard Trumka Jr, all of whom were appointed by Democratic former President Joe Biden. The Justice Department in Wednesday's filing told the Supreme Court that Trump had acted within his powers. White House spokesperson Harrison Fields said in a statement that the Supreme Court has "decisively upheld the president's constitutional authority to fire and remove executive officers exercising his power." Lawyers for Boyle, Hoehn-Saric and Trumka declined to comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Consumer Product Safety Commission was created by Congress in 1972 and tasked with shielding consumers from injury or death from defective or harmful products. After being notified in May that Trump had fired them, Boyle, Hoehn-Saric and Trumka sued to challenge the action. Commissioners of independent agencies established by Congress such as the Consumer Product Safety Commission can be removed by the president only for neglect of duty or malfeasance, not at will, their lawsuit noted. Boyle, Hoehn-Saric and Trumka make up a majority on the five-member board. The Justice Department in its filing said the three commissioners have expressed hostility to Trump's agenda. The Supreme Court in May decided that Trump could bar two Democratic members of federal labor boards from their posts while they challenge the legality of his dismissal of them, on similar grounds as in the Consumer Product Safety Commission litigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration cited that order in its filing on Wednesday. The judge said Boyle, Hoehn-Saric and Trumka "have performed ably in their roles" and that the administration had not presented a justification for terminating them. The Richmond, Virginia-based 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Tuesday rejected the administration's request to pause Maddox's reinstatement order. "Congress lawfully constrained the president's removal authority, and no court has found that constraint unconstitutional," 4th Circuit Judge James Wynn wrote. Wynn said the continued service of Boyle, Hoehn-Saric and Trumka "preserves, rather than disrupts, agency operations." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The administration has asked the 4th Circuit to overturn Maddox's ruling. In a filing, the Justice Department told the 4th Circuit that the judge's reinstatement order "works a grave harm to the separation of powers and undermines the president's ability to exercise his authority under the Constitution." Under the Constitution, there are three branches of the U.S. government - the executive, legislative and judicial - with the intent of creating a system of checks and balances. Wednesday's filing marks the latest instance of Trump's administration coming to the Supreme Court to challenge a judicial ruling that blocked one of his actions. The court last Friday curbed the ability of federal judges to impede Trump's policies with injunctions in force nationwide, changing the power balance between the U.S. judiciary and presidents. (Reporting by Mike Scarcella; Editing by Will Dunham) Update, July 2, 2025: Late Wednesday, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a trade deal with Vietnam, marking the first agreement with a Southeast Asian country since April 2. U.S. President Donald Trumps 90-day tariff pause expires next weekand his administration hasnt notched too many wins on the deals front. The U.S.s so-called reciprocal tariffs are set to return on July 9. On Tuesday, Trump told reporters that he wasnt interested in extending the deadline to allow for more time to negotiate, and will soon be sending letters announcing tariff rates to a lot of countries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, administration officials have been publicly hopeful that they can unveil more deals in the coming days, with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick suggesting last week that there were 10 deals ready to go. (He did not specify which countries were ready to sign a trade deal.) Kevin Hassett, director of the National Economic Council, recently said that trading deals may be announced after the July 4 holiday. On April 2, Trump slapped steep tariffs on the rest of the world, then paused them a week later to allow time for negotiations. U.S. trading partners have spent the past three months in frantic negotiations trying to get these tariffs reducedbut as of now, they have little to show for it. So far, the administration has agreed to a trade deal with the U.K. and a trade agreement with China (which merely brings tariffs back down to their Liberation Day levels). Late Wednesday, Trump announced a new agreement with the Southeast Asian country of Vietnam. With just a week to go until tariffs return, heres where things stand in Asias trade negotiations with Washington. Japan Talks between the U.S. and Japan have hit a roadblock: Trumps imposition of a steep 25% tariff on cars. Japans car industry is the fourth-largest in the world, contributing nearly 3% of the countrys GDP and employing one in eight people. The U.S. is Japans largest car export market, buying up a third of its total production. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Auto tariffs are not something we can accept, Japans chief negotiator Ryosei Akazawa told reporters last Thursday. With no resolution on auto tariffs, Akazawa has said, negotiations remained in a fog. Japan also faces a 24% tariff on all its exports, as well as a 50% tax on steel and aluminum. Still, Trump seems particularly annoyed about Japan and its long-standing trade surplus with the U.S. On Sunday, Trump complained that the one-sided auto trade was not fair, suggesting Japan buy more U.S. oil to close the deficit gap. He repeated his complaints on Tuesday, calling Japan tough and spoiled to reporters. South Korea South Korea hopes to be exempt from all U.S. tariffs, including the 25% reciprocal tariff on its exports, as well as the 25% tariffs on cars and the 50% tariff on steel and aluminum. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Koreas lead trade negotiator, Yeo Han-Koo, met with Lutnick and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer to start negotiations last Monday. All parties affirmed their commitment to reaching a deal soon, and Joseph Yun, acting U.S. ambassador to South Korea, said last week that a new Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between South Korea and the U.S. may be in the works. Trade is the first major challenge to be faced by newly elected South Korea president Lee Jae-myung, who took office earlier this month after a snap election. In his inaugural address, Lee called rising protectionism a threat to our very survival. Korean negotiators dont appear optimistic that theyll meet the July 9 deadline, with a senior Korean official telling reporters on Monday that Seoul will try to seek an extension. India Both the U.S. and India had expressed initial optimism that they would be able to reach a deal on trade, with India being one of the first countries to begin negotiations with the U.S. in April. Yet as of now, no agreement has been announced. India currently faces a 26% reciprocal tariff on its exports to the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Indian officials are reportedly hesitant to lower their own tariffs on agricultural products, which would allow U.S. products into the market. Agriculture is Indias largest employment sector, with almost half of the population working in farming. India also hopes to benefit from supply chains moving out of China. Companies like Apple and Foxconn are investing in Indian factories, both to diversify their supply chains and potentially avoid U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods. Yet Trump has criticized Apples attempts to make iPhones in India, instead demanding smartphones be made in the U.S. Still, the U.S. president has said he remains optimistic that a deal is coming. On Tuesday, he suggested that the U.S. will soon be able to go in and compete in India. If New Delhi opens up its market, were going to have a deal for much less tariffs, he said. Southeast Asia Southeast Asian countries got a number of the steepest tariffs on April 2, with some reaching as high as 49%. Several countries in the region rely on U.S. exports for growth, spurring a rush by leaders to offer concessions, promising to increase their own imports of U.S. goods to try to get a deal with Washington. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vietnam, which relies heavily on exports to the U.S., is the first Southeast Asian country to get a trade deal. On Wednesday, Trump announced on social media that Vietnamese goods will face a 20% tariff; while thats still twice as much as the 10% baseline, its far lower than the originally threatened 46%. Transshipmentsproducts from a third country sold through Vietnamwill be subject to a 40% tariff. In exchange Trump claimed that Vietnam will open their market to the United States and place zero tariff on U.S. goods. Indonesia and Malaysiawhich face 32% and 24% tariff rates respectivelyhave likewise expressed optimism that they can conclude negotiations before the tariff pause expires next week. Thailand is less certain about the status of its trade negotiations. Thailands finance minister, Pichai Chunhavajira, arrived in the U.S. on Monday to begin talks in person, and has said that he hopes these talks will be extended past July 9. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com IN 2016, DONALD TRUMP REBUKED George W. Bush for peddling erroneous intelligence and false assurances about the war in Iraq. He accused Bush of deliberately misrepresenting Iraqs nuclear weapons program, and he mocked Bushs premature Mission Accomplished speech. Bush and his administration lied, Trump charged at a Republican presidential debate in February 2016. They said there were weapons of mass destruction. There were none. And they knew there were none. Two days after that debate, Trump derided the May 2003 speech in which Bush infamously proclaimed that major combat operations in Iraq have ended and the United States and our allies have prevailed. Trump recalled that Bush had stood on an aircraft carrier saying all sorts of wonderful things, how the war was essentially over. Guess what? Not over. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nine years later, Trump is doing what he accused Bush of doing. He has launched a preemptive military strike, this time in Iran. He has defended the strike by misrepresenting intelligence. He has prematurely declared the mission a total victory. And he is impugning the patriotism of anyone who challenges his lies. Share ON JUNE 21, AFTER A WEEK of war between Israel and Iran, the United States bombed three Iranian nuclear sites. Three hours later, Trump went on TV and announced that Irans key nuclear enrichment facilities have been completely and totally obliterated. The claim was absurdthe damage couldnt have been assessed that quickly, and the operation hadnt even targeted most of Irans enriched uraniumbut Trump repeated it on June 22, June 25, June 26, June 27, and June 29. Trumps senior officials joined him in the lie. Irans nuclear program is obliterated, said Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on June 25. This was complete and total obliteration, said Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Theres no doubt that it was obliterated, said Steve Witkoff, Trumps Middle East envoy, referring to Irans underground nuclear site at Fordo. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Obliterate wasnt just rhetoric. Trump was literally insisting that the three sites and Irans whole program had been annihilated. It was my great honor to Destroy All Nuclear facilities & capability, he wrote in a Truth Social post on June 24. At the White House, he said of Fordo: That place is gone. . . . That place is gone. The myth of total destruction was important because it underpinned Trumps second lie: that no further negotiations or military operations were necessary to curtail the nuclear program. I don't care if I have an agreement or not with Iran, the president told reporters at a NATO meeting on June 25. We destroyed the nuclear, he explained. We blew it up. Its blown up to kingdom come. Get our reporting and commentary right in your inbox. Your brain will thank you. Nor would America have to bomb Iran again. At a June 25 press conference with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, a reporter asked Trump: If the Iranians do rebuild, would the United States strike again? Trump dismissed the question. Sure, he scoffed, but Im not going to have to worry about that. Its gone for years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The basis of these assurances, Trump explained, wasnt just the totality of the destruction. It was that Iran, according to Trump, was so devastated, exhausted, and demoralized that it no longer wanted to develop nuclear weapons. They dont even want to think about nuclear, he told reporters aboard Air Force One on June 24. At the press conference with Rutte, the president added: I dont think theyll ever do it again. . . . I think theyve had it. The last thing they want to do is enrich. IN ONE VENUE AFTER ANOTHER, reporters pressed Trump about evidence that his assurances were false or baseless. He refused to listen. For example, after the bombing, Irans foreign ministry reaffirmed that its nuclear enrichment program would continue. But on June 25, when a reporter asked Trump about those statements, he dismissed them. The last thing they want to do is enrich anything right now, he repeated. No, they wont do that. On June 27, in a Fox News interview, Maria Bartiromo questioned Trump about reports, apparently sourced to Israeli intelligence, that Iran had moved nearly 900 pounds of enriched uranium out of Fordo before the bombing. Trump waved off that possibility. They didnt move anything, he insisted. Two days later, when a reporter asked about Pickaxe Mountain, another of the sites where satellite imagery suggested enriched uranium might be stored, Trump returned to his mantra that Iran had no interest in continuing such work: The last thing theyre thinking about right now is enriched uranium. Theyre not thinking about it. Meanwhile, the president made up stories about various damage assessments. On June 25, at a press conference with Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof, Trump declared that the high commission of Iran just said it [Fordo] was totally demolished. No such commission exists, and statements from Irans government have said no such thing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Truth Social, Trump announced, Israel just stated that the Nuclear Sites were OBLITERATED! But Israels actual assessments, quoted in a White House fact sheet, made no such boast. Officially, the Israel Atomic Energy Commission said Israeli and American strikes had set back Irans ability to develop nuclear weapons by many years. Unofficially, Israeli officials told reporters that the extent of damage at the three targeted sites was unknown. As Trump spewed his fictions and embellishments, he blithely contradicted himself. In the press conference with Rutte, he said of Fordo: Iran went down to the site afterwards. They said its so devastated. . . . Two Iranians went down to see it, and they called back, and they said, This place is gone. But two minutes later, Trump mentioned that nobody can get in to see the facilitys underground chambers, because the tunnels are totally collapsed. Share In his interview with Bartiromo, Trump said Iran wouldnt have moved enriched uranium out of Fordo before the bombing, because it hadnt expected the site to be attacked. Nobody thought wed go after that site, because everybody said that site is impenetrable, he explained. But seconds laterapparently forgetting or not caring that he had just brushed off the idea of Iranian preparationshe claimed that vehicles spotted at Fordo in the days before the strike were there to seal up the entrance with concrete. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump also alluded to unspecified intelligence that supposedly vindicated his boasts. At the NATO meeting, he said of Fordo: Weve collected additional intelligence. Weve also spoken to people [who] have seen the site. And the site is obliterated. He posted the same statement, again without evidence, on Truth Social. The next day, at a White House event, he asserted that the target has now been proven to be obliterated, just as we said. TRUMP IS LYING. A week and a half after the bombing, he has offered no such proof. Instead, his flunkies have issued empty statements claiming, with zero discernible evidence, that new intelligence or credible intelligence backs him up. The charlatan who accused Bush of politicizing intelligence and lying about weapons of mass destruction is politicizing intelligence and lying about weapons of mass destruction. But thats not the worst of it. The worst part is that Trump, like Bush, is suggesting that anyone who disputes the presidents statements about a war is sabotaging Americas armed forces. In 2005, as the Iraq war soured and the purported Iraqi nukes failed to turn up, Democrats accused Bush of having manipulated intelligence to justify the war. Bush responded by challenging his opponents patriotism. Their accusations of manipulation send the wrong signal to our troops, the president warned. As our troops fight a ruthless enemy determined to destroy our way of life, they deserve to know that their elected leaders who voted to send them to war continue to stand behind them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vice President Dick Cheney joined Bush in this flag-waving counterattack. American soldiers and Marines are out there every day in dangerous conditions, he fumed, while back home, a few opportunists are suggesting they were sent into battle for a lie. One could argue, said Cheneypretending not to endorse this argument himselfthat the untruthful charges against the commander-in-chief have an insidious effect on the war effort. Join now Trump, having rebuked Bush and Cheney, is now copying their tactic of hiding behind the troops. At the NATO meeting, he called journalists scum for reporting, accurately, that according to a preliminary U.S. intelligence assessment, the damage from the Iran strike was limited. He accused the press of hurting the missions pilots by trying to minimize the attack. And he said CNNs Natasha Bertrand, one of the first reporters to reveal the assessment, should be FIRED for denying the truthTOTAL OBLITERATION!and for attempting to destroy our Patriot Pilots by making them look bad. Hegseth went further. At a Pentagon briefing, he lambasted journalists for challenging Trumps tale of obliteration. You, the press corps . . . Its like in your DNA and in your blood to cheer against Trump, the defense secretary raged. He accused reporters of trying to cause doubt and manipulate the mind, the public mind, over whether or not our brave pilots were successful. . . . Youre undermining the success of incredible B-2 pilots. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Spare us the sanctimony. These lectures about undermining Americas warriors arent patriotic. Theyre cynical and dishonest. The only thing lower than lying about what you accomplished in a war is hiding behind the people who actually accomplished it. Share The Bulwark President Donald Trump celebrated his administration's work curbing anti-Christian bias while rallying support for the passage of the "big, beautiful bill" as the "most pro-family legislation" in recent history during a massive phone call with faith leaders that was nearly postponed due to tech issues, Fox News Digital learned. "When we pass the one big, beautiful bill, we'll also have a tremendous victory for school choice," Trump said on the Monday phone call, according to comments shared with Fox News Digital. "This bill is the most pro-family legislation in modern times. It also expands the Child Tax Credit and creates brand new Trump Accounts for every newborn child helping them to get a stronger life, which is what they need. Everyone should let their congregations and members of Congress know that they support the one big, beautiful bill." Trump spoke with more than 10,000 faith leaders during his first Faith Office National Conference call of his second term. Faiths stretching from Christianity, Judaism and Islam were represented on the call, which was also joined by White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, faith director of the White House Faith Office Jenny Korn and advisor to the White House Faith Office Paula White, Fox News Digital learned. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The call nearly didn't happen and was on the verge of being postponed, according to Trump's Truth Social post Monday afternoon that railed against phone company AT&T for being "unable to make their equipment work properly." Trump Hosts Faith Leaders For Easter Prayer Dinner, Slams Effort To Rid America Of Christian Principles President Donald Trump slammed AT&T for tech issues that threatened a massive call with faith leaders June 30, 2025. "Im doing a major Conference Call with Faith Leaders from all over the Country, and AT&T is totally unable to make their equipment work properly," Trump wrote in his first message. "This is the second time its happened. If the Boss of AT&T, whoever that may be, could get involved It would be good. There are tens of thousands of people on the line!" Read On The Fox News App Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I apologize for the long wait on the Faith Leaders Conference Call. AT&T ought to get its act together," he added in another post before the call carried on. "Please pass along the word to the tens of thousands of people who are there. We may have to reschedule the call, but well use another carrier the next time. AT&T obviously doesnt know what theyre doing!" "Weve reached out to the White House and are working to quickly understand and assess the situation," AT&T said on X Monday in response to Leavitt sharing Trump's Truth Social post. "Following up Our initial analysis indicates the disruption was caused by an issue with the conference call platform, not our network," the company added in another X post. "Unfortunately, this caused the delay, and we are working diligently to better understand the issue so we can prevent disruptions in the future." Trump celebrated his administration's wins protecting religious liberty, according to comments obtained by Fox News Digital of the call that included no members of the media. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Together, we're fighting to defend religious liberty like no administration is ever done before," Trump told the thousands of faith leaders. "Starting on day one when I stopped the radical war on Christians. I pardoned the pro-life activist thrown in jail for praying in peaceful protest, and there were many of them." Trump Jokes His Admin Will 'Forget About' Separation Of Church And State: 'We're Bringing Religion Back' "We reinstated the service members thrown out of our military over religious objections to the Biden vaccine mandates and restoring them to their former rank with full backpay and penalties," Trump continued before also touting that he set up a "DOJ task-force to eradicate anti-Christian bias who would ever think but that's happening also, and it has happened, and nobody ever talks about that." President Donald Trump touted the creation of a Department of Justice task-force to eradicate anti-Christian bias upon his inauguration. Trump's address followed the U.S. military's surprise attacks on Iran on June 22 that destroyed a trio of nuclear facilities in the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dubbed "Midnight Hammer," the operation followed Israel launching preemptive strikes on Iran on June 12 after months of attempted and stalled nuclear negotiations, and subsequent heightened concern that Iran was advancing its nuclear program. Map of Iran showing where the U.S. strikes were carried out June 22, 2025. Trump celebrated to the faith leaders that the U.S. successfully ended the "12 Day War" between Israel and Iran with the strikes. Inside Donald Trumps Relationship With God, In His Own Words: 'I Was Saved' President Donald Trump is seen praying with faith leaders in the Oval Office in March. "As we restore prosperity for American families at home, we're also bringing peace and stability back to our world. Earlier this month we carried our historic strikes against Irans nuclear program, and we ended the 12 Day War," Trump said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I also stopped the conflict between Indian and Pakistan. On Friday, we signed a historic peace agreement to end the terrible conflict between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo," he added. Original article source: What Trump told faith leaders after slamming AT&Ts tech issues that nearly prevented massive call President Donald Trumps administration on Wednesday asked the Supreme Court to step in on an emergency basis to permit the firing of three members of the Consumer Product Safety Commission, as the White House continues to attempt to assert more control over independent agencies. Trump dismissed the three Joe Biden-appointees in May, but a federal district court last month ordered their reinstatement. The administration is asking the Supreme Court to pause the lower court order, a move that would take the three commissioners off the board again. The appeal is the latest to reach the high court dealing with the administrations power to fire board members at agencies Congress set up to have independence from the whims of the White House. The court has been receptive to Trumps arguments in earlier cases, giving his administration more control over those agencies at least in the short term. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The litigation around the Consumer Product Safety Commission, has thrown the agency into chaos, the Trump administration told the Supreme Court and has put agency staff in the untenable position of deciding which commissioners directives to follow. The agency is charged with protecting consumers from dangerous products by issuing recalls and taking other enforcement steps. Trump has had considerable success with similar claims over independent agencies at the Supreme Court. In May, the court, in an unsigned opinion, allowed Trump to fire officials at two independent federal labor agencies that enforce worker protections. The Department of Justice heavily cited that outcome in its appeal to the high court Wednesday. Because the Constitution vests the executive power in the president, the court wrote in its opinion at the time, he may remove without cause executive officers who exercise that power on his behalf, subject to narrow exceptions recognized by our precedents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Writing for the dissenting justices, Justice Elena Kagan said the majority had effectively overruled a decades-old Supreme Court case, Humphreys Executor v. US, that allowed Congress to require presidents to show cause such as malfeasance before dismissing board members overseeing independent agencies. In the Consumer Product Safety Commission case now pending, the Richmond-based 4th US Circuit Court of Appeals unanimously rejected Trumps appeal despite the outcome in the earlier case. In a concurring opinion, US Circuit Judge James Wynn noted that the Supreme Court had not yet technically overturned Humphreys Executor. That precedent remains binding on this court unless and until the Supreme Court overrules it, wrote Wynn, who was nominated to the bench by former President Barack Obama. In its filing Wednesday, the Trump administration urged the Supreme Court to issue an immediate administrative stay that would let Trump keep the members off the board for a few days while the court considers the case. The board members fired back rapidly with a brief Wednesday rejecting the need for that outcome. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Because the board members are currently serving and have been since June 13, they told the court, an administrative stay would disrupt the status quo. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Only eight days after construction began, and 12 days after Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier released a video on X announcing plans for an immigration detention center in the Everglades, "Alligator Alcatraz" will officially open this week. The site, which was visited by President Donald Trump and Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis on Tuesday, puts Florida at the forefront of the federal government's mass deportation campaign. The state-run immigration detention facility is planned to eventually hold up to 5,000 detainees and will be capable of processing and deporting migrants to speed up deportations amid the Trump administration's immigration crackdown. The 30-square-mile parcel of land was chosen in part for its unused airstripand for its alligator- and python-laden surroundings serving as cheap security and deterrence. "They ain't going anywhere once they are therebecause good luck getting to civilization," DeSantis said during a news conference on Monday. "The security is amazing. Natural and otherwise." During the tour of the facility, DeSantis added that Florida should not be the only state but should serve as a model. "We need other states to step up," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump called out California Gov. Gavin Newsom specifically, saying the Democratic governor could "learn something" about curbing illegal immigration. DeSantis pointed out that California is home to the original Alcatraz, implying that it, too, could be outfitted as an immigration detention center. Although both the president and DeSantis were quick to say Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem would be able to find funding for additional immigration detention centers, the cost and source of funding for these facilities merit further scrutiny, particularly since ultimately taxpayers are footing the bill. While touted as an "efficient, low-cost opportunity to build a temporary detention facility" in Uthmeier's original video about the facility, Florida's new facility is expected to cost $450 million to operate for a single year. A DHS official told CNN that Florida will fund the operation of the facility and then "submit reimbursement requests" through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and DHS. Secretary Noem said that Alligator Alcatraz and other approved detention facilities in the state will be funded "in large part" by $625 million set aside by the FEMA Shelter and Services Program. The project has faced objections from local residents and government officials, including Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, who opposed using county-owned land for the project. After Levine Cava requested an environmental impact report and updated land appraisal, DeSantis seized the land under emergency powers in place since 2023. The post Trump Visits $450 Million 'Alligator Alcatraz,' Suggests Taxpayers Should Fund More of Them appeared first on Reason.com. US President Donald Trump has visited the new Florida detention centre dubbed "Alligator Alcatraz", where around 3,000 migrants are expected to be held as part of his crackdown on illegal immigration. While touring the facility in the Florida Everglades, Trump said it will soon hold the most "menacing migrants, some of the most vicious people on the planet". The administration said alligators, crocodiles and pythons in the surrounding wetlands would keep detainees from escaping. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some state lawmakers, the local mayor, environmental groups and neighbours oppose its construction, saying it could harm an important ecosystem. [Getty Images] "We're surrounded by miles of treacherous swampland and the only way out is, really, deportation," Trump said on the tour. He added that he "wouldn't want to run through the Everglades for long" and that anyone who attempted to do so would be met by "a lot of cops in the form of alligators". The facility is designed to hold 3,000 detainees, with the first expected to arrive as soon as Wednesday. A second facility - meant to house 2,000 people - is going to be built near Jacksonville. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During his visit, amid sweltering heat and humidity, Trump toured a medical facility in the complex, as well as a large air-conditioned tent that will house detainees, with several enclosures surrounded by chain-link fence. Speaking to reporters, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said he intends to deputise members of the state's National Guard Judge Advocate Corps, or Jags, to act as immigration judges and facilitate rapid removals from the country. The president said the facility "could be" a model for future such facilities, adding that his administration was actively working with the governments of several Republican-run states, such as Louisiana, to find other suitable locations. "They can have their hearings, to get due process and then immediately be flown back home to their home countries," said Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who accompanied Trump on the trip. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump said he already approved of the governor's plan. Both Trump and Noem said they believed the facility would encourage undocumented migrants to self-deport. Noem claimed one million had already done so, but admitted the government was unsure of the true figure, as some had left the country without using the official Customs and Border Protection app and because their countries of origin had not yet provided data. The new facility will cost about $450m (332m) a year to run, according to Noem, and funding will mostly come from a temporary shelter and services programme that the Federal Emergency Management Agency previously used to fund accommodation for undocumented immigrants in US cities. [BBC] Local residents who live near the site, like Betty Osceola, a member of the Miccosukee Native American community, have told the BBC they are worried that the temporary facility will become permanent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I have serious concerns about the environmental damage," she said, as she stood next to a canal where an alligator was swimming. Experts warn the damage to area wetlands and endangered species could undo the state's massive effort to restore the Everglades, which has cost Florida billions of dollars. It is home to endangered species such as the Florida panther and the West Indian manatee. Elise Pautler Bennett, an attorney at the Center for Biological Diversity, described the Everglades as "the most sensitive place in Florida", making development of a detention centre there "risky". "Any other project that would have been proposed in the Everglades would have gone through an intense environmental approval process, I'm convinced this one didn't get that because it's a political stunt," Ms Bennett told the BBC. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The move to build a new centre comes as human rights organisations warn detentions centres are becoming overcrowded. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) currently has a record 59,000 detainees in custody nationwide, 40% above its capacity, according to data obtained by CBS, the BBC's news partner. Like the former prison Alcatraz in the middle of the San Francisco Bay, which Trump has said he wants to reopen, the facility will be hard to reach. It will be situated on the Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport, a public airport around 58km (36 miles) from Miami. Cecilia Barria and Walter Fojo contributed reporting Key Points Newsmax is rising quickly today in conjunction with the stock being added to the Russell 2000 index. Funds that track the Russell 2000 are buying the stock in order to reflect its inclusion in the index, but Newsmax's fundamentals haven't changed. Newsmax's valuation is far below previous highs despite today's pop, but the stock isn't in low-risk territory yet. 10 stocks we like better than Newsmax Newsmax (NYSE: NMAX) stock is posting big gains in Monday's trading. The media company's share price was up 13.5% as of 12:40 p.m. ET. Meanwhile, the S&P 500 (SNPINDEX: ^GSPC) was up 0.2% at the same point in the daily session. Newsmax is rocketing higher today following the company's inclusion in the Russell 2000 index. As a result of the stock's inclusion, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and other financial instruments that track the index are now buying shares in order to reflect the new composition. The buying action is helping to push Newsmax's valuation higher. Even with today's rally, the stock is down roughly 32% over the last month and 93.5% from its lifetime high. Image source: Getty Images. Is Newsmax stock a buy? Newsmax had its initial public offering (IPO) at the end of March and saw its share price soar out of the gate thanks to meme-stock momentum. Despite today's surge, Newsmax's valuation has come down dramatically from where it was earlier in the year -- and the stock looks far more reasonable at current prices. On the other hand, there are still good reasons to think that investing in the company looks risky. While inclusion in the Russell 2000 could create some valuation tailwinds that extend beyond today's pop, investors should keep in mind that the fundamentals of the business haven't changed. At today's roughly $1.9 billion valuation, Newsmax is valued at approximately 11 times last year's $171 million sales. While sales grew roughly 11.6% year over year in the company's first quarter this year, the rate of expansion marked a substantial deceleration from the 26.4% annual revenue growth posted in 2024. The company's net loss did decline substantially in Q1, but the business has still yet to post a profit, and lingering risks related to judgments from outstanding civil suits involving the company could result in substantial adverse cash hits. Newsmax stock is no longer outrageously overvalued and could deliver substantial upside if the business demonstrates progress along key lines, but shares still look risky. Should you invest $1,000 in Newsmax right now? Before you buy stock in Newsmax, consider this: President Donald Trump vowed to "save New York City" from mayoral hopeful Zohran Mamdani on Wednesday. Trump made the statement from his Truth Social account, blasting the Democratic Party's nominee for mayor and claiming that he has the power to step in and take action if he chooses. "As President of the United States, Im not going to let this Communist Lunatic destroy New York," Trump wrote. "Rest assured, I hold all the levers, and have all the cards. Ill save New York City, and make it 'Hot' and 'Great' again, just like I did with the Good Ol USA!" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The post was only Trump's latest salvo against Mamdani, who has faced intense criticism from conservatives and even some Democrats over his socialist policies and refusal to condemn terrorism-linked rhetoric. Hakeem Jeffries Says Nyc Hopeful Mamdani Needs To 'Clarify' His Position On 'Globalize The Intifada' Mamdani's campaign did not respond to a request for comment from Fox News Digital. Read On The Fox News App Trump had previously threatened to pull federal funding from the city, saying in a Fox News interview that aired Sunday, "I can tell you this whoever's mayor of New York is going to have to behave themselves, or the federal government is coming down very tough on them financially." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Monday that Mamdani would "crush" New York City if he is elected mayor. Fox News' White House correspondent Peter Doocy asked Leavitt about recent calls for Mamdani to be deported, citing calls from one lawmaker who said Mamdani should be denaturalized. "I haven't heard him say that. I haven't heard him call for that. But certainly he does not want this individual to be elected. I was just speaking to him about it and [Mamdani's] radical policies that will completely crush New York City, which is obviously a city that the president holds near and dear to his heart," Leavitt responded. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand Urges Zohran Mamdani To Denounce 'Globalize The Intifada' Rhetoric Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Leavitt went on to say that Trump would be willing to work with Mamdani if he is elected, though she predicted that the relationship would be difficult. "Look, the president is always willing to work with everyone. He's working with Democrats across the country, Democrat governors. And he said he'll work with people on the far left. He works with Republicans. He works with people in the middle. He wants to do what's right for America," Leavitt said. "But surely someone who holds these values and is quite literally a communist and condemns every value that makes this country great: common sense, law and order, low taxes, working hard, and earning your keep in this country. He's against all of that. And I think the president would find it difficult to work with someone like that, if he is elected. I'm sure you'll hear more from the president on that, but we'll have to see. Hopefully, the voters of New York City choose wisely," she finished. Press secretary Karoline Leavitt speaks during a press briefing at the White House. (AP Photo) Mamdani made waves earlier this week for refusing multiple times to condemn the phrase "globalize the intifada" during an appearance on MSNBC. Original article source: Trump vows to 'save New York City' from Zohran Mamdani: 'I hold all the levers' US President Donald Trump cast doubt on reaching a trade deal with Japan, a day after threatening higher tariffs on Japanese exports to the United States, claiming the country wont buy American rice. Weve dealt with Japan. Im not sure if were gonna make a deal, I doubt it, with Japan, he told reporters on Air Force One on Tuesday. They and others are so spoiled from having ripped us off for 30, 40 years that its really hard for them to make a deal. As July 9, the end of the 90-day pause on Trumps reciprocal tariffs, approaches, US trade partners including Japan are looking to strike deals that they hope will appease the American president. Japanese exports to the US were hit with a 24% levy when Trump launched his global tariff offensive on April 2, before pausing them for three months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps comment came as Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya visited in Washington for a Quad meeting, along with counterparts from Australia and India. It also followed Japans tariff negotiator Ryosei Akazawas seventh trip to Washington for trade talks last week. Japan is a key trade partner and security ally of the US in East Asia, though relations between the two have been tested by Trumps aggressive tariffs. On Tuesday, Trump also said that he does not plan to extend the pause on tariffs beyond July 9. Im not thinking about a pause, he said, when asked by a reporter if he was considering extending the breathing room. Some countries, we wont even allow to trade. But for the most part, were gonna determine a number, he added, referring to the tariff rate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Monday, Trump first accused Japan of not buying rice from the US in a post on social media. That claim, however, is not true. Last year, Japan bought $298 million worth of rice from the US, according to the US Census Bureau. Between January and April of this year, Japan bought $114 million worth of rice. But Trump repeated the claim on Tuesday. They need rice so badly, but they wont take rice, he said. He added that the Japanese also dont buy US cars, claiming: We didnt give them one car in 10 years. Last year, Japan imported 16,707 units of American automobiles, according to the Japan Automobile Importers Association. Trucks parked at a shipping terminal in Yokohama, Japan in April, 2025. - Bloomberg/Getty Images Trump suggested that the likely result for Japan would be a tariff rate that has yet to be determined. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What Im going to do is, Ill write them a letter to say, We thank you very much, and we know you cant do the kind of things that we need, and therefore you pay a 30%, 35% or whatever the number is that we determine, Trump said. Its unclear if Japanese officials involved in ongoing trade negotiations with the US have said they will stop buying rice from America in the future. On Wednesday, Japans Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Kazuhiko Aoki said trade talks between the two sides are continuing. The Japanese government is aware of Trumps claims, he said, but he declined to comment on them. Japan will continue to engage vigorously in sincere and honest discussions toward the realization of an agreement that will benefit both Japan and the United States, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trade negotiations between Japan and the US have remained at an impasse chiefly over Trumps tariffs on cars, a key pillar of the Japanese economy. Japan has hoped that the US would lower the 25% tariff it imposed on cars, but Trump has refused to budge. In mid-June, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba met with Trump on the sidelines of the G7 summit. While they agreed to push forward with trade negotiations, the meeting failed to yield a breakthrough. CNNs Elisabeth Buchwald contributed reporting. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com This week, Republican lawmakers are attempting to pass a budget reconciliation bill that pays for unprecedented handouts to the wealthiest Americans on the backs of cuts to programs that benefit most people. Hidden in this budget package before the House is a national private school voucher program funded through tax breaks for the wealthy that threatens to dismantle our system of public schools. According to Senator Ted Cruz, school vouchers are "the Civil Rights Issue of the 21st century. The Texas Republican argues that vouchers are key to providing educational opportunities for young people. On the contrary, expanding vouchers and eliminating public education will actively harm young peopleespecially Black, Latino, and Indigenous students. President Donald Trumps so-called Big, Beautiful Bill currently includes a provision hidden in the tax code that offers an unprecedented 100% tax deduction for donations to third party organizations that hand out private school vouchers. The push to create a national private school voucher program is part of a long legacy of efforts to return to the separate and unequal educational landscape of the pre-civil rights era. Since the 1960s, white segregationists pushed for private school vouchers to avoid the desegregation mandates of Brown v. Board of Education and maintain a discriminatory and unequal system of education. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We urge lawmakers to drop the private school voucher program from the spending bill and keep it out of the final budget package. We also call on lawmakers to pass legislation that fully funds public schools, such as the Keep Our Pact Act. If the lawmakers fail to do so, it will set us on a dangerous course back toward a pre-civil rights era reality, defined by deliberate racial segregation and extreme disparities in school funding and resourcing. This private school voucher plan to strip millions of children of their opportunity to access free public education directly mirrors Project 2025. The issue with such a policy is that private school vouchers subsidize wealthy families who can already pay for private school, while decimating public schools for everyone else by diverting resources away from public education. Opponents of free and accessible education argue that voucher programs give families more choice. In actuality, school vouchers go toward private schools that choose which children to enroll, reject, or kick out. Public schools cannot choose which students to provide an education to. By law, they cannot discriminate against students based on their gender, race, disability, religion, English fluency, or LGBTQ identity. But by design, private schools selectively allow admission to a small number of students. They also routinely deny students enrollment for other reasons like grades, behavioral record, and ability to pay. The latter of which is particularly significant because research suggests most families cant afford the gap between the voucher and the rest of tuition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Families who cant access elite private schools, whether because they are discriminated against or cant pay the difference in tuition, are often preyed upon by predatory schools that have popped up in states that passed vouchers in recent years. Horror stories abound of strip mall schools where no learning happens, where doors shutter mid-year, and where students dont have teachers. Meanwhile, public schools, which serve 90% of American students and 94% of students of colorare forced to do more with less. Students learn from outdated textbooks and old computers while overworked teachers are tasked with educating children who arent getting the resources they need. A choice between a private school that can reject or discriminate against your child and an under-resourced public school is hardly a choice at all. The draconian cuts to public education caused by vouchers are even leading to a new wave of school closures, disproportionately impacting schools in Black and Brown neighborhoods, and forcing students to start over in unfamiliar environments, often traveling farther from home and adapting to new teachers and peers. When neighborhood schools close, Black and Brown communities lose community centers, polling places, access to services, and vital civic infrastructure, and in some cases lose their communities altogether. Grassroots organizers in Black and Brown communities across the U.S. are fighting back to save their public schools from closure. They have packed board meetings, lead school walk-outs, and even held hunger strikes. They are on the frontlines of local fights against voucher programs and to support and keep their public schools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The future of our public schoolsschools that serve every child for freeare on the line. Instead of gutting our public schools, lawmakers should invest in them and restore the promise of equal education that the civil rights movement fought for. Contact us at letters@time.com. The US House of Representatives worked through the night and into Thursday as Donald Trump and his allies tried to pressurise Republican holdouts to back his mega-bill on tax and spending in a final vote. The sprawling legislation, which could define Trump's second term in office, passed a key procedural vote after 03:00 EDT (07:00 GMT). Trump's bill has been opposed not only by opposition Democrats, but by a handful of Republicans who criticise its potential impact on national finances, healthcare and other issues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill ground through the Senate earlier this week in another overnight session. Trump has given a deadline of Friday for a final version to reach him for sign-off. Both chambers of Congress are controlled by Trump's Republicans, but within the party several factions are fighting over key policies in the lengthy legislation. The bill will extend tax cuts from 2017 that were due to expire and it partly pays for those through cuts to Medicaid which is the government's health insurance scheme for low-income Americans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It also boosts spending in two areas central to Trump's agenda - border security and defence. The bill narrowly cleared the Senate, or upper chamber, on Tuesday. It then headed to the House where, after about seven hours of wrangling late into Wednesday night, it cleared a procedural vote that allows the legislation to be brought to the floor for a full vote. Momentum towards a full vote has been slowed by Democratic Minority House Leader Hakeem Jeffries. His "magic minute" speech - a custom which allows party leaders to speak for as long as they like - has been running for more than seven hours. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jeffries pledged to take his "sweet time on behalf of the American people," decrying the bill's impact on poor Americans. The president has been very involved in attempting to persuade the holdouts and held several meetings at the White House on Wednesday in hopes of winning them over. On Wednesday, he took to social media to apply further pressure, saying that the "House is ready to vote tonight". He added that Republicans are "united" to deliver "massive growth". Ralph Norman, a House Republican from South Carolina, attended one of the meetings but was not persuaded, further fuelling the overnight jeopardy for Trump and his allies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sticking points have included the question of how much the bill will add to the US national deficit, and how deeply it will cut healthcare and other social programmes. During previous signs of rebellion against Trump at Congress, Republican lawmakers have ultimately fallen in line, and they now look likely to do so in the final House vote. What is at stake this time is the defining piece of legislation for Trump's second term. But several factions have stood in its way as the bill has worked through Congress. The deficit hawks The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimated that the version of the bill that was passed on Tuesday by the Senate could add $3.3tn (2.4tn) to the US national deficit over the next 10 years. That compares with $2.8tn that could be added by the earlier version that was narrowly passed by the House. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The deficit means the difference between what the US government spends and the revenue it receives. This outraged the fiscal hawks in the conservative House Freedom Caucus, who have threatened to tank the bill. Many of them have echoed claims made by Elon Musk, Trump's former adviser and campaign donor, who has repeatedly lashed out at lawmakers for considering a bill that will ultimately add to US national debt. Shortly after the Senate passed the bill, Texas congressman Chip Roy, of the ultraconservative House Freedom Caucus, was quick to signal his frustration. He said the odds of meeting Trump's 4 July deadline had lengthened. Congressman Ralph Norman is among the Republicans threatening to vote down the bill [Getty Images] Freedom Caucus chairman Andy Harris of Tennessee told Fox News that Musk was right to say the US cannot sustain these deficits. "He understands finances, he understands debts and deficits, and we have to make further progress." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Tuesday, Conservative congressman Andy Ogles went as far as to file an amendment that would completely replace the Senate version of the bill, which he called a "dud", with the original House-approved one. Ohio Republican Warren Davison posted on X: "Promising someone else will cut spending in the future does not cut spending." [BBC] The Medicaid guardians Representatives from poorer districts have been worried about the Senate version of the bill harming their constituents, which could also hurt them at the polls in 2026. According to the Hill, six Republicans were planning at one point to vote down the bill due to concerns about cuts to key provisions, including cuts to medical coverage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some of the critical Republicans have attacked the Senate's more aggressive cuts to Medicaid, the healthcare programme relied upon by millions of low-income Americans. "I've been clear from the start that I will not support a final reconciliation bill that makes harmful cuts to Medicaid, puts critical funding at risk, or threatens the stability of healthcare providers," said congressman David Valadao, who represents a swing district in California. This echoed the criticism of opposition House Democrats, whose leader, Hakeem Jeffries, posted a picture of himself on Wednesday to Instagram, holding a baseball bat and vowing to "keep the pressure on Trump's One Big Ugly Bill". Other Republicans have signalled a willingness to compromise. Randy Fine, from Florida, told the BBC he had frustrations with the Senate version of the bill, but that he would vote it through the House because "we can't let the perfect be the enemy of the good". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement House Republicans had wrestled over how much to cut Medicaid and food subsidies in the initial version their chamber passed. They needed the bill to reduce spending, in order to offset lost revenue from the tax cuts contained in the legislation. The Senate made steeper cuts to both areas in the version passed on Tuesday. Changes to Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act (better known as Obamacare) in the Senate's bill would see roughly 12 million Americans lose health insurance by 2034, according to a CBO report published on Saturday. Under the version originally passed by the House, a smaller number of 11 million Americans would have had their coverage stripped, according to the CBO. House Democrats, led by Hakeem Jeffries, are united against the bill [Hakeem Jeffries/Instagram] The state tax (Salt) objectors The bill also deals with the question of how much taxpayers can deduct from the amount they pay in federal taxes, based on how much they pay in state and local taxes (Salt). This, too, has become a controversial issue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is currently a $10,000 cap, which expires this year. Both the Senate and House have approved increasing this to $40,000. But in the Senate-approved version, the cap would return to $10,000 after five years. This change could pose a problem for some House Republicans. [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. When the U.S. Supreme Court ruled against "universal injunctions" last week, President Donald Trump hailed the decision as a "GIANT WIN" for his administration. Trump added that "the Birthright Citizenship Hoax"by which he meant the conventional understanding of the 14th Amendmentalso had been "hit hard," albeit "indirectly." That take was misleading in two important ways. First, the issue that the Court addressed goes far beyond this particular administration, potentially affecting progressive policies pursued by Democrats as well as conservative policies favored by Republicans. Second, the majority said nothing about the legal merits of Trump's attempt to restrict birthright citizenship by presidential fiat, which remains just as constitutionally dubious as it always was. In an executive order he issued on his first day in office, Trump purported to exclude children of unauthorized immigrants and temporary legal visitors from U.S. citizenship. From now on, he said, U.S.-born children will qualify for that status only if at least one parent is a citizen or lawful permanent resident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That decree provoked lawsuits by individuals, organizations, and states, several of which resulted in preliminary injunctions blocking enforcement of the order across the country. The question for the Supreme Court was whether federal courts hearing challenges to executive actions or federal legislation are authorized to issue injunctions that extend beyond the plaintiffs in the cases before them. Such injunctions have become increasingly common in recent decades as both Republicans and Democrats have used them to frustrate the plans of the opposing party. From 1963 to 2023, according to a 2024 study, federal courts issued 127 universal injunctions, more than three-quarters of which were granted during the administrations of four presidents: George W. Bush, Barack Obama, Trump, and Joe Biden. The targets of those orders covered a wide range, including international travel restrictions, COVID-19 policies, abortion drugs, environmental regulations, student loan forgiveness, and a ban on transgender soldiers. In other words, this tool has no particular political or ideological valence, and the same people might welcome or condemn its use, depending on which party happens to be in power. Six justices concluded that universal injunctions are not within the powers granted by the relevant statute, the Judiciary Act of 1789. "The universal injunction was conspicuously nonexistent for most of our Nation's history," Justice Amy Coney Barrett wrote for the majority. "Its absence from 18th- and 19th-century equity practice settles the question of judicial authority." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The decision leaves open several other options that could have an impact similar to universal injunctions. The Administrative Procedure Act, for example, explicitly authorizes federal courts to "set aside" agency actions when they are "arbitrary," "capricious," an abuse of discretion, or otherwise contrary to law. Another alternative is illustrated by one of the cases that resulted in the Supreme Court's stay: When states challenge a federal policy on behalf of their residents, they can argue that adequate relief requires a nationwide injunction. Finally, representative plaintiffs can bring class-action lawsuits on behalf of themselves and all similarly situated individuals, assuming they can meet the tests established by the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. The three justices who dissented from the Supreme Court's decision argued that universal injunctions are historically validated and appropriate in at least some cases. In particular, Justice Sonia Sotomayor said in an opinion joined by Justices Elena Kagan and Ketanji Brown Jackson, such remedies should be available when a law or executive action is plainly unconstitutional. Trump's order pretty clearly falls into that category. It contradicts centuries of legal tradition, the original understanding of the 14th Amendment, 127 years of Supreme Court precedent, and the consistent positions of federal officials in every branch of government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tellingly, the Trump administration, despite the president's bluster about "the Birthright Citizenship Hoax," did not challenge the injunctions against his order insofar as they apply to the plaintiffs in those cases. That would have entailed defending the constitutionality of Trump's edicta fight he cannot win. Copyright 2025 by Creators Syndicate Inc. The post Trump's 'Giant Win' Does Not Validate His Unconstitutional Birthright Citizenship Order appeared first on Reason.com. With a fragile truce between enemy states Iran and Israel still holding, a recent post shared on Threads misleadingly claimed to show US President Donald Trump threatening to destroy North Korea if it entered the fray in the Middle East. However, the footage is eight years old and shows him reacting to North Koreas plan at the time to test nuclear bombs and missiles near the US Pacific territory of Guam. After the North Korea threat against the US joining Iran/Israel war, Trump made this speech in the United Nation Assembly (sic), read the caption of a Threads post published on June 21, 2025. Screenshot showing the misleading post, taken June 27, 2025 In the minute-long video, Trump says: The United States has great strength and patience. But if its forced to defend itself or its allies, we would have no choice but to totally destroy North Korea The video, shared more than a hundred times, was published by an account called Yakubu Muhammad Sunusi, which includes many posts critical of Trump and Israel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On June 13, 2025, Iran launched a massive retaliatory strike, firing more than 100 ballistic missiles and drones into Israel, declaring its actions a response to Israels preemptive Operation Rising Lion targeting Iranian nuclear and military infrastructure (archived here). A US-brokered ceasefire took hold after 12 days of intense exchanges, with Iran agreeing to pause if Israel did likewise. However, Tehran has voiced serious doubts over Israels commitment and reserved the right to resume strikes if the truce is violated (archived here and here). While North Korea condemned Israels launching of strikes to spark its conflict with Iran, the video does not show Trump threatening to destroy the country if it chooses to enter the conflict (archived here). Old video Using Google Lens to conduct reverse image searches on keyframes from the video, AFP found the original version of the clip published on its own YouTube account on September 19, 2017 (archived here). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the 51-second video, Trump -- who was making his inaugural speech at the UN General Assembly -- addressed North Koreas nuclear weapons programme and warned that the US would defend itself if Pyongyang launched missiles into its territory. No one has shown more contempt for other nations and for the well-being of their own people than the depraved regime in North Korea, Trump said. At the video's 18-second mark, Trump continued by saying that the United States has great strength and patience. But if its forced to defend itself or its allies, we would have no choice but to totally destroy North Korea. This was the section of the video used in the false claim. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump, in his first term, repeatedly warned North Korea over its weapons tests, deeming it a violation of the UN Security Council resolutions. A month before Trump's warning at the UN summit, the BBC reported how Pyongyang held off its plans to fire missiles near the US Pacific territory of Guam (archived here). ISTANBUL (AP) Turkish authorities on Wednesday arrested four staff members of a satirical magazine on charges of inciting public hatred and enmity over a controversial cartoon that officials claim depicts the Prophet Muhammad, Turkish state television reported. The cartoon, published in the weekly LeMan magazine, sparked a backlash from government officials and religious groups, culminating in protests outside the magazines Istanbul offices. Authorities claim that the cartoon violates laws against provoking hostility and social divisions. The magazine denies the allegations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement, LeMan said the illustration portrays a Muslim named Muhammad, not the Prophet, and was intended to highlight the suffering of Muslims during armed conflict. On Wednesday, a court in Istanbul ordered four staff LeMans cartoonist Dogan Pehlevan, Editor-in-Chief Zafer Aknar, graphic designer Cebrail Okcu, and manager Ali Yavuz be detained in custody pending a trial, TRT television reported. Authorities have also issued warrants for two editors believed to be abroad, the state-run Anadolu Agency reported. Footage released by the Interior Ministry earlier this week showed some of the detainees, including Pehlevan and Yavuz, being forcibly taken from their homes with their hands cuffed behind their backs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The pro-government Yeni Safak newspaper said the cartoon showed two figures alleged to be Prophet Muhammad and Prophet Moses with wings and halos shaking hands in the sky, while a war scene unfolds below with bombs raining down. The independent Birgun newspaper said the winged figures hovering in the sky were interpreted by some as Prophets Muhammad and Moses. LeMan has apologized to readers for any offence caused by the cartoon, but maintains that the drawing was misinterpreted. It has also asked judicial authorities to defend freedom of expression and shield its staff from ongoing threats. The cartoon triggered protests outside the magazines Istanbul office, with demonstrators reportedly from an Islamist organization -- throwing rocks at the building. Tensions flared again Tuesday, with dozens staging a demonstration following noon prayers at a mosque in central Istanbul. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has called the cartoon a clear provocation disguised as humor and vowed that those who insult the Prophet and other messengers will be held accountable before the law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ozgur Ozel, the leader of Turkeys main opposition, however, expressed support to the magazine, stating that he does not consider the cartoon to be depicting the prophet. I see an angel who died in a bombardment in Gaza, with a halo and wings, who encounters another angel also killed by a bomb. They meet each other in the sky, he said. Ozel added: I will not allow any disrespect to the Prophet Muhammad, but I wont remain silent toward a social lynching based on a non-existent disrespect. The incident has reignited debate about press freedom in Turkey, which ranks 159th out of 180 countries in the 2025 Reporters Without Borders Press Freedom Index. Critics argue that laws intended to curb hate speech are increasingly being used to silence dissenting voices. __ Fraser reported from Ankara, Turkey. ANKARA (Reuters) -A Turkish court on Wednesday ordered the arrest of cartoonist Dogan Pehlevan and three others pending trial, after a drawing in their satirical magazine stirred outrage among religious conservatives and condemnation by President Tayyip Erdogan. Pehlevan faces charges, which he denies, of inciting hatred and insulting the president, according to a court document. Justice Minster Yilmaz Tunc said the four had been arrested. The cartoon, published shortly after war ended between Israel and Iran, showed two elderly men named Mohammad and Moses shaking hands in the sky while missiles flew below a scene critics said blasphemously referenced Muslim and Jewish prophets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Tuesday, Erdogan called the Leman magazine cartoon a "vile provocation" and vowed that "those who show disrespect to our Prophet and other prophets will be held accountable before the law." His AK Party called it an Islamophobic hate crime. In a court statement seen by Reuters, Pehlevan denied targeting religious figures, saying the names were commonly used and intended to represent ordinary victims of war. "If I had referred the prophets, I would have used an expression like 'Prophet'," he said. "The cartoon is a call for peace." Pehlevan faces charges of "inciting hatred and enmity" and "insulting the president", the court document said. Three other Leman staff members the managing editor, graphic designer, and administrative director were also referred to court under similar charges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Leman has apologised to readers who felt offended and said the cartoon was misunderstood. It said Pehlevan sought to portray the suffering of civilians in wartime and that there was no intent to insult Islam. (Reporting by Ece Toksabay; Editing by Jonathan Spicer, Alexandra Hudson) Oya Budaks death marks the 207th case of femicide in Turkey this year, according to womens rights organizations. Oya Budak, a pregnant 18-year-old rape victim, was murdered in Istanbul by the man her family had arranged for her to marry after he discovered she was pregnant, according to Turkish and international media reports. The Turkish teenager was raped by someone she worked with, but did not disclose the situation to her family. The rapist has since been convicted of the attack, according to the Toronto Star. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her fiance, named by the Turkiye Gazetes as 19-year-old Samet T., reportedly discovered her pregnancy during a hospital visit and threw away her ring. After calling off the engagement, Samet T. reportedly arranged to meet with Budak in a forested area in Saryer where he allegedly shot her last week. Both Budak and her five-and-a-half month-old fetus were killed after she sustained bullet wounds to her chest and ear. Samet T. reportedly attempted to flee the scene in his fathers car but was arrested an hour after the murder. He reportedly confessed to the murder. After appearing in court, he is reported to have told local media, I did well, I dont regret it. Budaks grandfather told Turkish media: The girl had been raped before, but she did not tell us. She said she had a stomachache, and I gave her medicine. She would say, I feel better, grandpa. We do not know that she is pregnant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She did not tell her mother, father, or aunts. When the girl said, I have pain, her fiance took her to the hospital and learned that she was pregnant. He told his mother and father. They said, Get a divorce. They said, If we had known she was pregnant, we would not have promised [the engagement.] His mother came and said, This girl is not suitable for my child. I said, The girl loves the boy, and the boy loves the girl. I told the boy, Make your mother and father agree, and if you accept the boy, rent a house, but his mother did not accept. Femicide in Turkey Budak's aunt Bahriye Sener told Haber Turk, She was only 18 years old and she was raped. She didn't do anything wrong." Budaks death marks the 207th case of femicide in Turkey this year, according to womens rights organizations. Despite Budaks recent rape and murder the Governors Office stated on Sunday that International Womens Day protests and marches in the city had been banned. CHURCH POINT, La. (KLFY) Two people have been arrested and another was hospitalized but charged after a fight over a gun in Church Point, authorities said. Trelouis Oneal Sowells, 22, of Church Point, was arrested and charged with aggravated assault with a firearm, illegal discharge of a firearm and disturbing the peace by fighting. Allyson Elkins, of Church Point, was arrested and charged with aggravated assault with a firearm and illegal carrying of a weapon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Albert Fruge, 33, of Church Point has an arrest pending on charges of aggravated assault with a firearm, illegal discharge of firearm and disturbing the peace by fighting. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now KLFY Daily Digest Church Point police were dispatched in the early afternoon of June 19 to the 100 block of Horecky Street, where officers found Fruge, who had been shot in the right shoulder. He was taken to the hospital. Investigators said a fight broke out between Sowells and Fruge when Elkins allegedly brought a gun into the fight. Both men fought over the gun when it discharged, striking Fruge in the shoulder, authorities said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Upon completion of the investigation warrants were issued for all three people. Sowells and Elkins were arrested, and Fruge will be arrested after he heals from his wound, officials said. Bonds for the three have not been set, authorities said. Latest news Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLFY.com. By Juveria Tabassum (Reuters) -Shares of Nike and other apparel makers rose on Wednesday after U.S. President Donald Trump said he had struck a trade deal with Vietnam that would impose a lower than initially expected tariff rate on many imports from the Southeast Asian country. After months of negotiations, Trump's trade deal with Vietnam includes a 20% tariff on imports from Vietnam, lower than an initial 46% rate he had announced in April. Apparel makers have been diversifying production out of China to Vietnam, Cambodia and Indonesia, as Trump's reciprocal tariffs on imports from these countries proposed in April raised concerns over supply chain costs as well as higher product prices. Trump's on-again, off-again tariff policy has also forced companies to withdraw or cut their financial targets, and analysts believe some clarity on the issue would allow companies to chalk out their strategy for the year. "The tariff dance has clearly been a dominant focus point for retailers and investors, with its uncertainty perhaps creating greater problems than its actual severity," BMO Capital Markets analyst Simeon Siegel said. The deal also includes a 40% levy on trans-shipments from third countries, and Vietnam would provide the U.S. with more market access, with no tariffs on U.S. exports into Vietnam, Trump said in a post on Truth Social. Nike's shares were up 4%, Under Armour rose 2%, and Levi Strauss gained nearly 2%. Shares in Abercrombie & Fitch were up less than 1%, while Roger Federer-backed On Holding stock was up 3%. "Investors may be looking at this as a sign that many of the threatened tariffs (on Vietnam and other countries) will be rescinded," Morningstar Research analyst David Swartz said. Still, Vietnam accounted for over half of all athletic footwear imports by volume and value in 2024 and Trump's agreement with the Southeast Asian country would hit the footwear industry hard, said Matt Priest, CEO of trade group Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America. "Many of these shoes already carry a 20% tariff, particularly popular athletic styles. Piling new tariffs on top of that isn't just unnecessary it's bad economics. The administration should acknowledge the steep footwear duties already in place and avoid adding more strain to American families and businesses," Priest said. Shares of electronics retailer Best Buy were up marginally. The company had factored in Trump's base tariff rate of 10% in its annual forecast in May. "The transshipping aspect is an important wrinkle, but I'd expect suppliers will quickly move to adjust supply chains to avoid paying that hefty duty," said Matthew McCartney, analyst at Wedbush Securities. Russian FPV drone attacks in Kharkiv Oblast on 2 July 2025 injured two civilian men, aged 64 and 20. Source: Oleh Syniehubov, Head of Kharkiv Oblast Military Administration, on Telegram Details: Russian forces targeted the villages of Vesele in the Lyptsi hromada and Shestakove in the Staryi Saltiv hromada. [A hromada is an administrative unit designating a village, several villages, or a town, and their adjacent territories ed.]. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Vesele, a 64-year-old local resident was injured. In Shestakove, a 20-year-old man was wounded. Both victims have been hospitalised and are receiving medical treatment. Background: Russian forces deployed four drones to attack the village of Borivske in the Kupiansk district of Kharkiv Oblast on the night of 1-2 July. Two local residents a 22-year-old man and a 90-year-old man were injured in the strike. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! MADRID (Reuters) -Two people died in a wildfire in Spain's Catalonia region a day ago, which was largely contained though more wind and thunder storms were expected on Wednesday, emergency services and officials said, as Europe grappled with a severe heatwave. The blaze in Torrefeta broke out in a farming area on Tuesday afternoon, destroying several farms, and affecting an area stretching for around 40 kilometres (25 miles), firefighters said, adding there were no other casualties. "The fire was extremely violent and erratic due to storms and strong winds, generating a convection cloud that complicated extinguishing efforts," the fire service said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities warned that more storms were expected on Wednesday afternoon and urged vigilance. "Please exercise caution and follow all instructions and recommendations from the emergency services," Catalonia's regional leader Salvador Illa said in a post on X. Around 14,000 residents were asked to remain indoors for several hours on Tuesday. The wildfire comes as Europe faces an "exceptional" heatvawe, prompting heat alerts through the region. Spain's meteorological agency AEMET, which earlier this week reported its hottest June on record, issued warnings for high temperatures, storms and high winds across much of the Iberian Peninsula on Wednesday. (Reporting by Emma Pinedo, editing by Aislinn Laing and Bernadette Baum) LONDON (Reuters) - Four people died in Spain, two in France and two in Italy as an early summer heatwave continued to grip much of Europe on Wednesday, triggering health alerts and forest fires and forcing the closure of a nuclear reactor at a Swiss power plant. Spanish officials said a wildfire in Catalonia had killed two people a day earlier, and authorities reported heatwave-linked deaths also in Extremadura and Cordoba. France's energy minister reported two deaths linked to the heat, with 300 others taken to hospital. Italy issued red alerts for 18 cities, while in Germany temperatures were forecast to peak at 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) in some areas, making it the hottest day of the year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two men over the age of 60 died in separate incidents on the beach in Sardinia from the heat, ANSA news agency reported. Weather forecaster Meteo France said red alerts remained for several areas of central France. The risks were greatest for vulnerable members of the population, and Catherine Vautrin, France's health and families minister, said authorities should remain vigilant. "In the coming days, we'll see the consequences, particularly on the most vulnerable, and I'm thinking particularly of the elderly," she said. Turkey, which battled blazes on several fronts forcing the temporary evacuation of about 50,000 people earlier in the week, said its fires were largely contained. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tuesday's fire in the Catalonia region of Spain destroyed several farms and affected an area stretching about 40 km (25 miles) before being contained, officials said. STORMS AHEAD, REACTOR SHUT Italy, France and Germany warned of the risk of heavy storms due to excessive warming in unstable atmospheres. Violent storms in the French Alps late on Monday triggered mudslides, disrupting rail traffic between Paris and Milan. Swiss utility Axpo shut down one reactor unit at the Beznau nuclear power plant and halved output at another on Tuesday because of the high temperature of river water. Water is used for cooling and other purposes at nuclear power plants, and restrictions were expected to continue as temperatures are monitored. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The extreme heat would likely impact the region's economic growth, which was expected to slow by half a percentage point in 2025, Allianz Research said in a report, likening the financial toll of one day with temperatures exceeding 32 C to half a day of strikes. Scientists say heatwaves have arrived earlier this year, spiking temperatures by up to 10 C (50 F) in some regions as warming seas encouraged the formation of a heat dome over much of Europe, trapping hot air masses. 'TESTING OUR RESILIENCE' Greenhouse gas emissions from burning fossil fuels are a cause of climate change, they say, with deforestation and industrial practices being other contributing factors. Last year was the planet's hottest on record. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Extreme heat is testing our resilience and putting the health and lives of millions at risk," said Inger Andersen, executive director of the United Nations Environment Programme. "Our new climate reality means we can no longer be surprised when temperatures reach record highs each year." Allianz Research's warning of a dent in economic activity due to the heat rang true for some businesses. British baker Greggs warned on Wednesday its annual profit could dip below last year's levels as the unusually hot UK temperatures discourage customers from eating out. In Germany, people flocked to open air swimming pools and lakes to cool off, with many schools across the country closed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fire brigade was tackling several forest fires in the eastern states of Brandenburg and Saxony. The upper floor of the Eiffel Tower in Paris was shut to visitors on Tuesday, while the iconic Atomium in Brussels, an atom-like structure made of stainless steel, closed early on Wednesday as a precaution, its third early closure this week. Spain experienced its hottest June on record this year, and France had its hottest June since 2003. (Writing by Bernadette Baum; Additional reporting by Giulia Segreti, Miranda Murray, Dominique Vidalon, Emma Pinedo; Editing by Timothy Heritage and Bernadette Baum) Jul. 2Wright State University and Miami University have eliminated multiple departments and offices related to diversity and inclusion, citing Senate Bill 1, which bars diversity and inclusion efforts in Ohio higher education. The bill went into effect June 27. Wright State University trustees announced they would eliminate several offices earlier this month. "These actions include the discontinuation of Wright State's Division of Inclusive Excellence and five cultural and identity centers: the Asian and Native American Center, the Bolinga Black Cultural Resources Center, the Latino Center, the LGBTQA Center, and the Women's Center," Wright State officials said in a statement published to the university's website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The WSU statement says that as a result, staff positions in those operations are being eliminated. The Disability and Neurodivergence Center will move to the Office of Disability Services from the Division of Inclusive Excellence. Miami University announced plans in April to eliminate three divisions related to DEI, including the Office of Transformational and Inclusive Excellence (OTIE), Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion (CSDI), and Miami Regionals Center for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion over the summer. The space previously occupied by the cultural and identity centers and the Division of Inclusive Excellence will be added to existing spaces for Student Involvement and Leadership, Wright State said. A spokesman for Wright State said six positions were eliminated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In March, Miami told this news outlet there were six departments that do work related to DEI at its main campus and branch campuses in Hamilton and Middletown. These offices have a combined budget of $3.7 million and 52 staff members, many of whom are student assistants, Miami officials said. A spokesman noted that the entire budget does not go towards DEI but is simply tied to the offices involved in DEI work. A Miami spokesman said 11 positions were eliminated due to the new law and said all of the people impacted have been communicated with and offered opportunities elsewhere in the university. Previous reporting from this news outlet found Wright State's Division of Inclusive Excellence has a budget of roughly $650,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Central State University said in March it has no departments related to diversity or inclusion. CSU updated its statement of commitment and some of the language on its website to comply with the law. What is Senate Bill 1? Senate Bill 1, or the Advance Ohio Higher Education Act, was passed and signed into state law earlier this year. The act includes the following provisions: Banning diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives on public college and university campuses without offering a definition of what a "DEI" initiative is; Allows the state to hold back state funds to ensure higher education institutions are following the law; Requiring universities to "Affirm and declare that the state institution will not encourage, discourage, require or forbid students, faculty, or administrators to endorse, assent to, or publicly express a given ideology, political stance, or view of a social policy, nor will the institution require students to do any of those things to obtain an undergraduate or post-graduate degree"; Requiring all students to take an American civics course to graduate with an undergraduate degree; Eliminating any degree program with fewer than five awardees on a three-year rolling average; Prohibiting full-time faculty from striking; and University trustees are now required to undergo state training, and their terms have been reduced from nine years to six. S.B. 1's intent Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State Senator Jerry Cirino, R-Kirtland, the primary sponsor of Senate Bill 1, previously told this news outlet the law is focused on offices that are discriminatory. Asked specifically in a March interview about whether programs like WSU's Bolinga Center, LGBTQA Center, and Latino Center would be considered prohibited DEI under S.B. 1, Cirino said, "No." "We're not talking about clubs or groups or things that help students out. That's fine," he said. "We're talking about the admissions, the hiring practices of our universities. We're talking about doing things, even scholarships, that strictly differentiate based on race and gender." Cirino said in an interview this week he did not remember that specific conversation but said the intent of the law is still to be anti-discriminatory. He said offering a scholarship to Black students in Cleveland to attend a public university would still be allowed, just not through the university itself. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I think, what the presidents of the universities and the boards are doing is, they're erring on the side of extra caution," Cirino said. He added, "I would say that Senate Bill 1 needs to eliminate what has turned out to become institutional discrimination of a number of sorts and that's what I would assume they're looking to do by dismantling some of these organization or changing their mission to be more inclusive." Cirino said he is "very pleased" with the changes being made in the state. "Friday was a great day for the state of Ohio and for the enhancement of higher education in our state," he said. Ukraine has successfully brought back two teenagers, aged 16 and 18, from Russian-occupied territories to areas under Ukrainian control. Source: Bring Kids Back UA initiative Details: The 16-year-old Vadym lived with his mother in Russian-occupied territory since the onset of the full-scale invasion in 2022. "At first they waited to be able to leave, but over time life became more and more dangerous. Neighbours disappeared after searches, speaking Ukrainian was risky even at home and education was filled with propaganda," human rights defenders from Bring Kids Back UA stated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vadym refused to attend a Russian school due to its propaganda and remote study under the Ukrainian curriculum was deemed unsafe. Volunteers and human rights defenders facilitated Vadym and his mothers safe return to Ukraine. The 18-year-old, Hryhorii, chose to leave the occupied region after finishing school. "Remaining in the occupation means losing the chance for a decent future," human rights defenders noted, reflecting Hryhoriis reasoning. Both teenagers are now in Ukrainian-controlled territory, receiving support and assistance. Background: A week ago, Ukraine brought back a 17-year-old teenager from Russian-controlled territories. He also had been living under occupation since the start of the full-scale invasion. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! The United States is halting some weapons shipments to Ukraine amid its war with Russia, the White House confirmed Tuesday. White House spokesperson Anna Kelly told CBS News in a statement that the "decision was made to put America's interests first following" a Defense Department "review of our nation's military support and assistance to other countries across the globe." A U.S. official told CBS News the move was over concerns about U.S. military stockpiles falling too low. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration did not confirm which weapons were being pulled from delivery or the scale of the pullback. Kelly added, "The strength of the United States Armed Forces remains unquestioned just ask Iran," in reference to the U.S. strikes last month on three Iranian nuclear facilities. Elbridge Colby, Defense Department under secretary for policy, said in a separate statement Tuesday night in response to the move that the "Department of Defense continues to provide the resident with robust options to continue military aid to Ukraine, consistent with his goal of bringing this tragic war to an end. At the same time, the department is rigorously examining and adapting its approach to achieving this objective while also preserving U.S. forces' readiness for administration defense priorities." A White House official said Wednesday the pause in shipments to Ukraine is part of a larger review that the Pentagon has been conducting of weapons shipments to all countries that receive them from the U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth began this review weeks ago at the direction of President Trump. The official said the review was undertaken to ensure the Pentagon under the previous administration was "prioritizing America's needs." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although the Ukraine pause is what leaked to the media, the White House official said some other countries have been "reclassified" as well, meaning, they have been de-prioritized for receiving weapons and munitions from the U.S. The White House official did not name those countries, or say how long the pause in some weapons shipments to Ukraine may last. The U.S. has provided Ukraine with tens of billions of dollars in military aid since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Soldiers from a fiber-optic drone unit of the 93rd Brigade test the drones before going to the front lines in Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine, on June 17, 2025. / Credit: Jose Colon/Anadolu via Getty Images In early March, following a confrontational Oval Office meeting between President Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the White House announced it was pausing military aid to Ukraine that had already been earmarked by the Biden administration. It also said it was pausing intelligence sharing to Ukraine. The pause on both fronts was lifted about a week later when Ukraine responded positively to talks over a potential ceasefire, which never materialized at the time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then, in late April, the U.S. and Ukraine reached a deal that would give the U.S. access to Ukraine's mineral reserves. As part of the tenets of the deal, according to Ukrainian officials, the U.S. would contribute in the form of military assistance to a joint U.S.-Ukraine fund. Malcolm Chalmers, deputy director-general of the Royal United Services Institute military think tank, told CBS News in March that about 20% of Ukraine's military hardware is supplied by the U.S., with 25% provided by Europe and the rest of the world, and 55% produced in Ukraine. Seven still missing after fireworks warehouse explosion in California Piece of plane found in North Carolina driveway may belong to Delta flight Puget Sound orca pod threatened by salmon decline Summer is a major time for travel for Americans, both international and domestically. Over the last several weeks, the United States government has issued a number of travel warnings to foreign countries for a variety of reasons. In mid-June, the U.S. Department of State announced a Level 4 "Do Not Travel" advisory, the strongest one it can issue, for Israel, the West Bank and Gaza due to terrorism and civil unrest. On Monday, that travel warning was updated. Israel and the West Bank have now been slightly downgraded to a Level 3 advisory, which means "Reconsider Travel" to those areas. Gaza, Northern Israel and the Egyptian border remain under Level 4 alert. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Terrorist groups, lone-actor terrorists and other violent extremists continue plotting possible attacks in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza," says the U.S. State Department. "Terrorists and violent extremists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and local government facilities. The security environment is complex and can change quickly, and violence can occur in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza without warning. Increased regional tensions can cause airlines to cancel and/or curtail flights into and out of Israel." Additionally, while the travel warning to Israel has technically been reduced, the U.S. government still describes the security situation throughout the country as "unpredictable." "U.S. citizens are reminded to remain vigilant and take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness as security incidents, including mortar and rocket fire and armed UAV intrusions and missiles, can take place without warning," the State Department said. Any U.S. citizen traveling to Israel, Northern Israel, the West Bank and Gaza is asked to do the following: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Visit the State Department website for Travel to High-Risk Areas. Check the most recent Alerts at the Embassy website for the latest information on travel in all of these areas. Maintain a high degree of situational awareness and exercise caution at all times, especially at checkpoints and other areas with a significant presence of security forces. Avoid demonstrations and crowds. Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Follow the instructions of security and emergency response officials. Beware of and report suspicious activities, including unattended items, to local police. Learn the location of the nearest bomb shelter or other hardened shelter. The full list of current ravel advisories from the U.S. Department of State can be found here. U.S. Issues Updated Level 3 July Travel 'Warning' first appeared on Men's Journal on Jul 2, 2025 By Conor Humphries DUBLIN (Reuters) -U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer made clear in a meeting with Irish Trade Minster Simon Harris last month that Washington was open to "creative solutions" on pharmaceutical trade between the U.S. and European Union, Harris said on Wednesday. "He made it clear that he was open to creative solutions when it comes to pharma and I think that's an important recognition that actually pharma between the U.S. and the EU, the U.S. and Ireland, is much more interdependent than perhaps people were led to believe in certain quarters at the start of this process," Harris told reporters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The European Union wants immediate relief from tariffs in key sectors as part of any trade deal with the U.S. due by a July 9 deadline, EU diplomats have told Reuters, even as they accept the U.S. baseline tariff of 10% as unavoidable. The EU also wants a deal to cover commercial aircraft and parts, pharmaceuticals and semiconductors, sectors the U.S. is investigating, but has not yet imposed extra duties on. Trump said in June the pharma duties would be announced "very soon". "I think it's important to be truthful with people, the EU is negotiating with an administration that believes in tariffs and clearly I think 10% seems to be the baseline in any agreement they (the U.S.) have reached so far," Harris said. "But we will be seeking at an EU level to maximise the number of sectors where there is zero-for-zero (tariffs)." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Harris highlighted pharma, aviation and agriculture as areas Dublin would like trade between the EU and U.S. to flow freely. He added that there was a welcome intensity to the talks between the EU and U.S. and that while a brief extension to the July 9 deadline is something that can considered, it would be preferable to at the very least deliver a framework agreement and set forward a roadmap for further engagement on key sectors. (Reporting by Conor Humphries, writing by Padraic Halpin; editing by William James and Chizu Nomiyama ) The U.S. has notched a preliminary trade deal with Vietnam, President Donald Trump announced Wednesday morning. According to Trump, Vietnam will pay a 20 percent tariff on all imports into the U.S. and a 40 percent tariff on goods that are shipped through Vietnam from other countries. While thats a lower tariff rate than Trump initially threatened with his reciprocal tariffs, it would mark a higher rate than Vietnam experienced during the three-month pause. In exchange, Vietnam has committed to opening up its market to a variety of U.S. imports that Hanoi has traditionally blocked, according to a draft joint statement obtained by POLITICO. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The transshipment issue is a key Trump priority: White House trade adviser Peter Navarro has called Vietnam a colony of China for allegedly relabeling Chinese goods for export to the U.S., thereby allowing China to avoid much steeper tariffs on its exports. I just made a Trade Deal with Vietnam, Trump posted on Truth Social on Wednesday morning. Details to follow! Trump said he spoke with Vietnams top leader To Lam on Wednesday morning, calling him an absolute pleasure to deal with. The Vietnam agreement is the first the Trump administration has inked to suspend his threatened reciprocal tariffs of between 20 and 50 percent, which are scheduled to kick in July 9. The White House previously reached a deal framework with the United Kingdom, which was not subject to those tariffs, as well as an agreement with China to pause triple-digit tariffs until August. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The White House had promised dozens of such deals with countries facing the higher tariffs, but as the deadline approaches, Trump and his top advisers have hinted that they may extend the deadline for some of the negotiations. The draft of the agreement with Vietnam says the two sides will continue to work on a final deal to be sealed within the coming weeks that will result in a substantial reduction in the U.S. tariffs on Vietnam's imports, though the draft statement did not include any details on where the tariff level will ultimately end up, unlike Trumps social media post. Those tariff reductions will apply to a range of Vietnamese imports including tech products, footwear, agricultural commodities and consumer products including toys, the statement said. That would throw a lifeline to Vietnams export sector, which relies heavily on the U.S. market and would effectively be priced out by a 46 percent tariff. The draft implicitly references the U.S. demand that Hanoi reduce its role as a transhipment hub for Chinese-produced products, which constitute 40 percent of Vietnams imports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under the draft framework agreement, the U.S. and Vietnam will establish favorable rules of origin of each others imports to reduce the transhipment of Chinese products, but it provides no details. It also says that Vietnam will address non-tariff barriers like intellectual property enforcement. Vietnam would also provide preferential market access for both agricultural products including poultry, pork and beef as well as unspecified industrial goods, according to the draft. Meanwhile, Hanoi is poised to confirm a long-mooted $8 billion dollar purchase of 50 Boeing aircraft and existing memoranda of understanding to purchase $2.9 billion in U.S. agricultural products, the statement said. The statement does not include a timeline for further trade talks, nor does it include any China-specific language, as some China hawks in the U.S. have been advocating. The terms of the deal could have sweeping implications for how other countries in Asia approach talks. Other countries in the region are unlikely to accept any terms they view as inferior to Vietnams, said one diplomat who is leading negotiations for a separate Asian country. The United States Department of State has issued an updated travel advisory on Israel, the West Bank and Gaza due to the escalating conflict in the region. The Department of State Tuesday identified Gaza as a level four risk urging citizens to avoid Gaza entirely while Israel and the West Bank are considered a level three, recommending reconsideration of travel plans. Israel and the West Bank are under travel advisory concerns due to increased incidents of terrorism and civil unrest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The security situation in Israel, including Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, is unpredictable, the advisory reads. U.S. citizens are reminded to remain vigilant and take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness as security incidents, including mortar and rocket fire and armed UAV intrusions and missiles, can take place without warning, Any U.S. government employees must acquire authorization to travel to Israel and the West Bank. Gaza has been declared a level four risk due to terrorism and armed conflict. The security environment within Gaza and on its borders is extremely dangerous and volatile, reads the advisory. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All U.S. government employees are prohibited from traveling to Gaza, according to the Department of States travel advisory. For anyone planning on traveling there, the department urges to: Be prepared for an indefinite stay as the crossings between Gaza with Israel and Egypt can close without advance notice and for long periods during times of unrest and armed conflict. This includes having food, supplies, and medicine for an extended or indefinite period. Have a plan for entering and departing Gaza that does not rely on U.S. government assistance. If you use assistive or medical devices that require a power supply, be sure to find backup power or other ways that will sustain your device or equipment without access to power. Draft a will and designate appropriate insurance beneficiaries and/or power of attorney. Discuss a plan with loved ones regarding care/custody of children, pets, property, belongings, non-liquid assets (collections, artwork, etc.), funeral wishes, etc. Leave DNA samples with your medical provider in case it is necessary for your family to access them. In addition, if traveling to Gaza, Israel or the West Bank, U.S. travelers can enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to receive messages and alerts from the U.S. embassy. Visit here for more information on travel to high risk areas. More on travel Read the original article on MassLive. Footwear stocks led by Nike (NKE) rose in morning trade on Wednesday after President Trump took to his social media platform Truth Social to share that he "made a Trade Deal with Vietnam." Nike, On Holding (ONON), Deckers (DECK), and Lululemon (LULU) spiked in immediate response to the news. Retail and footwear stocks tempered initial gains as Trump outlined details of the deal in a subsequent post, which said Vietnam will pay a 20% tariff on all goods sent into the US and a 40% tariff on goods that are subject to transshipping, meaning routed through Vietnam with a different country of origin, like China. After an initial pop to rise as much as 4%, Nike stock was up about 1.7% in mid-morning trade on Wednesday. Shares of ON were up more than 3.5% to lead the rally among footwear names, while Deckers and Lululemon shares were fractionally higher. Read more about Nike's stock moves and today's market action. Many of the footwear giants have already moved much of their sourcing away from China to Vietnam to diversify and avoid what the companies saw in the first Trump administration as the US-China trade war ramped up. Nike told investors last week that costs from tariffs are expected to approach $1 billion as the company plans to make additional moves to diversify its supply chain away from China, which currently accounts for about 16% of the shoes it imports into the US. It expects to bring that down to the "high single-digit range" by the end of this fiscal year. The company also announced plans for a "surgical price increase" in the US, which is set to begin this fall. Read more: What Trump's tariffs mean for the economy and your wallet Last month, Lululemon stock had its worst day since 2020 after it warned profits would take a hit amid what it called a "dynamic macro-environment," with tariff uncertainty and some consumer softness weighing on its outlook. Brooke DiPalma is a reporter for Yahoo Finance. Follow her on X at @BrookeDiPalma or email her at bdipalma@yahoofinance.com. Click here for the latest stock market news and in-depth analysis, including events that move stocks Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance A Ugandan military helicopter crashed and caught fire at the main international airport in Somalia's capital, Mogadishu, killing five people on board. The pilot, co-pilot and flight engineer survived with "serious injuries and severe burns", Ugandan military spokesman Maj Gen Felix Kulaigye said, adding that an investigation into the cause of the crash was under way. "We heard the blast and saw smoke and flames over a helicopter. The smoke entirely covered the helicopter," Farah Abdulle, one of the staff at the airport, told Reuters news agency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Somalia's state-run news agency reported that the fire was quickly contained by the emergency services at the Aden Adde International Airport. Ugandan troops are part of an 11,000-strong African Union (AU) force helping the government fight the al-Qaeda-linked al-Shabab group, which has been waging a brutal insurgency in Somalia for more than two decades. The helicopter that crashed had been conducting a "routine combat escort mission", Maj Gen Kulaigye said, without giving further details. The head of the Somali Civil Aviation Authority, Ahmed Maalim, told the BBC that the helicopter had come down in the airport's military section after flying in from the Balidogle airbase in the Lower Shabelle region, about 90km (56 miles) north-west of Mogadishu. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The crash delayed the departure of a Turkish Airlines passenger plane, but domestic flights continued to operate normally. You may also be interested in: [Getty Images/BBC] Go to BBCAfrica.com for more news from the African continent. Follow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica BBC Africa podcasts LONDON (Reuters) -British lawmakers voted on Wednesday to ban pro-Palestinian campaign group Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation, after its activists broke into a military base and damaged two planes in protest at what it says is Britain's support for Israel. Palestine Action, which describes itself as a direct action movement that uses disruptive methods, has routinely targeted companies in Britain with links to Israel, including Israeli defence firm Elbit Systems, which it has called its "main target". Britain's Labour government accused the group of causing millions of pounds of damage through action at a Thales factory in 2022, an Elbit site last year and at the Royal Air Force base in southern England last month - the trigger for the decision to ban, or proscribe, the group. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Proscription would officially designate Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation on a par with Islamic State or al Qaeda under British law, making it a crime to support or belong to the groups. Britain's proscription order will reach parliament's upper chamber, the House of Lords, on Thursday. If approved by lawmakers there, Palestine Action's ban would become effective in the following days. The group, which has called its proscription unjustified and an "abuse of power," has challenged the decision in court and an urgent hearing is expected on Friday. United Nations experts appointed by the U.N. Human Rights Council have urged Britain to reconsider its move, arguing that acts of property damage without the intention to endanger life should not be considered terrorism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, Britain's interior minister, says that violence and criminal damage have no place in legitimate protest, and that a zero-tolerance approach was necessary for national security. On Tuesday, the group said its activists had blocked the entrance to an Elbit site in Bristol, southwestern England, and that other members had occupied the rooftop of a subcontracting firm in Suffolk, eastern England, it said had links to Elbit. Israel has repeatedly denied committing abuses in its war in Gaza, which began after Palestinian militant group Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023. In addition to Palestine Action, the proscription order approved by Britain's parliament includes neo-Nazi group Maniacs Murder Cult and the Russian Imperial Movement, a white supremacist group which seeks to create a new Russian imperial state. The vote on the three groups was taken together, meaning all three had to be banned or none of them. (Reporting by Sachin Ravikumar; Editing by Alison Williams) A day after the White House confirmed that the U.S. has suspended some military aid to Ukraine, the Pentagons chief spokesperson said the decision stemmed from a larger review of Americas military support for countries around the world. We cant give weapons to everybody all around the world. We have to look out for America and defending our homeland, Sean Parnell said in his first standalone briefing Wednesday. On Tuesday, Politico and other outlets reported that the U.S. had paused the delivery of some munitions, including crucial air defense interceptors, to Ukraine after a review led by Elbridge Colby, the Pentagons head of policy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson for the White House confirmed the news and said the hiatus occurred after the Pentagon finished reviewing American military aid to other countries and that the decision was made to put Americas interests first. On Wednesday, Parnell said the review was still ongoing, though he wouldnt say what weapons were affected, who ordered the pause and who is leading the Pentagons review. It also wasnt clear when that review would end or what other countries would be affected. America is a leading provider of military equipment to Israel and Taiwan, among other nations. Part of our job is to give the president a framework that he can use to evaluate how many munitions we have and where were sending them. That review process is happening right now, Parnell said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before taking office, Colby and many of the policy officials now serving under him had argued that the Pentagon was overstretching already-thin stockpiles by supporting Ukraine and that it need to better prioritize a potential conflict with China in the Indo-Pacific. Still, six months into office, the Trump administration has focused mainly on the Middle East with an extended bombing campaign against Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen and massive airstrikes against Irans nuclear facilities in June. Foreign military sales have also continued into the administration, including a $500 million package of munitions approved for Israel on Monday. While introducing the militarys delayed budget request last week, a senior defense official said that the Pentagon was reviewing its foreign support, including a long-term aid program for Ukraine that had been cut as a result. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They ran a process alongside our budget process to look at the foreign assistance programs that they manage and decide which ones were no longer aligned with this administration, the official said, speaking on the condition of anonymity. The Trump administration last froze U.S. military support for Ukraine in March after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyys disastrous visit to the Oval Office, which ended in a shouting match. That pause also included the sharing of intelligence with Ukraine, though it only lasted a week. President Donald Trump had appeared to soften his stance on the war since then, signing a long-awaited critical minerals agreement with Ukraine and telling reporters at the NATO summit last week that he was considering sending more air defense assets to Kyiv. Were going to see if we can make some available, Trump said of the highly coveted Patriot interceptors. You know, theyre very hard to get. We need them, too. Throughout the war, Ukraine has said these air defense missiles are its top priority in order to better protect its cities from Russias missile and drone attacks. Russia's full-scale invasion may have turned Ukraine into the world's largest minefield. As of March 2025, Ukraines mine-affected land spans an estimated 139,000 square kilometers or 23% of its territory covering more ground than all of Greece and posing an immense threat to civilian life and recovery efforts. Clearing landmines and unexploded ordnance is essential to preventing civilian casualties and enabling the safe use of land and infrastructure, fostering the country's recovery and future development. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Demining in Ukraine is primarily carried out by the State Emergency Service and the Armed Forces, with both international and domestic non-governmental organizations contributing to the effort. The world's largest demining non-governmental organization, the HALO Trust, has operated in Ukraine since 2015 and scaled up its efforts after the full-scale invasion began. The HALO Trust has cleared nearly 7.9 million square meters of land and located over 41,000 pieces of unexploded ordnance since Feb. 24, 2022. The organization has grown from a small team of 400 in Kramatorsk, a front-line city in Donetsk Oblast, to a workforce of 1,500 people operating in eight regions across Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Kyiv Independent spoke with James Cowan, the CEO of HALO Trust, about the organization's ongoing effort to rid Ukraine of landmines, his assessment of how long it might take, and what new technology could revolutionize the process. Editor's note: This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity. The Kyiv Independent: How would you describe the scale of landmine contamination in Ukraine today, and how does it compare to other conflict zones you've worked in? James Cowan: The HALO Trust has existed since 1988. We are the world's largest NGO that clears landmines, so we know about other areas of the world. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is the biggest landmine challenge since World War II. Unless it's done quickly, it's going to take hundreds of years. James Cowan in the park after the interview in Kyiv, Ukraine on May 15, 2025.(Elena Kalinichenko/The Kyiv Independent) The nearest example is the minefield between North and South Korea it's 178 kilometers long. Ukraine's front line is 1,000 kilometers long, and that is not the only contamination. There are landmines well inside free Ukraine and landmines well inside Russian-controlled parts of Ukraine. The Kyiv Independent: Can you describe how your team operates in Ukraine which regions you're active in, and what the process looks like from detection to removal when a mine or unexploded ordnance is found? James Cowan: There are three units: one in the north, one in the northeast, and one in the south. We want to expand further, and when it is possible, we would be happy to help Ukraine clear even more parts of the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have survey teams that confirm the contamination and are also trying to shrink the area to the absolute minimum. We then bring in our teams to conduct the clearance. This is an area where there could be improvement. We work in countries like Afghanistan, which is mountainous; in countries like Cambodia, which is jungle; and in countries like Angola, which is African bush. In those places, mechanical methods are not easy to use. But in Ukraine, there are open fields some of the best agricultural land in the world. They are the most suitable and optimized environment for mechanical clearance. We have mechanical diggers, but we're not allowed to deploy them because authorization is very slow. We would ask the Ukrainian government to speed that up because currently, it is very bureaucratic and takes too long. We need to be able to use all the assets available. Ukraine does not want to be like Afghanistan, where HALO has worked since 1988 and is still working. The Kyiv Independent: Why is it so difficult to speed up the process? James Cowan: Every country has its own bureaucracy. Sometimes, government officials aren't as entrepreneurial as those in the private sector. But it would be good to see more speed. This is not a conscious decision but more a bureaucratic inertia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Ukraine needs to act because its land is covered in landmines. Without action, Ukraine can't export its grain, open its roads, or bring its population back. Unless it's done quickly, it's going to take hundreds of years. The Kyiv Independent: Given the ongoing ceasefire negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, do you think demining should also be part of the talks? James Cowan: If a ceasefire happens, that is the inflection point. It is the point at which everyone's efforts move from a war to a defensive posture, in which, of course, Ukraine's army will continue to protect the sovereignty of their country. Still, the civilian effort will move toward reconstruction and away from the fighting. A deminer from the HALO Trust NGO clears mines in a field outside Snihurivka, Mykolaiv Oblast, Ukraine, on June 4, 2024. (Genya Savilov / AFP via Getty Images) At that moment, Ukraine's priority will be to restart its economy, get all that land that hasn't been farmed for three or four years back into use, and allow communities to return to their homes. And it's not just about large-scale farming it's also about local, small-scale agriculture. Some people haven't been able to grow vegetables, raise goats or sheep, or use their cows and donkeys. They need access to their land again. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It's also about reopening roads, schools, shops, and factories. All these things need to be cleared (from mines), and the whole economy needs to be helped to get up and going. There is a lot of emphasis on the mineral deal, but you can't mine for minerals without demining for landmines. The Kyiv Independent: If the war were to end tomorrow, would it be realistic to fully clear all mines in Ukraine within the next 10 years? James Cowan: If the war were to stop tomorrow along the current front line, it wouldn't be possible to clear landmines on the Russian-occupied side, despite it being sovereign Ukrainian territory, unless Russia allows it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Combining artificial intelligence with imagery is a key development. Regarding territory under Ukrainian control, whether all landmines can be cleared within 10 years remains open but I believe it's possible. If Ukraine applies the same level of innovation and energy to mechanizing demining as it has to advancing drone technology, then yes, I think it's achievable. That said, it's still too early to be certain. The Kyiv Independent: How do you assess Ukraine's National Mine Action Strategy (approved in June 2024)? In your view, how realistic and effective is it given the current scale of contamination? Has HALO Trust been involved in shaping or advising on the strategy? James Cowan: I've worked alongside Ukraine's First Deputy Prime Minister, Yulia Svyrydenko. The strategy she's built is a good one. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But all strategies need to evolve; they're not just documents on a dusty shelf, and this one will. I'd particularly like to see the adoption of mechanical clearance. The Kyiv Independent: What emerging technologies do you see as having the greatest potential to transform demining efforts in Ukraine? James Cowan: Combining artificial intelligence with imagery is a key development. In terms of detection, there are several exciting technologies, such as synthetic aperture radar, ground-penetrating radar, and magnetic resonance especially the magnetic resonance methods developed in Australia for detecting rare earth elements like gold, which can also be applied to finding landmines. Representatives of the Postup NGO inspect a mined area with a drone as part of demining effort in Kharkiv Oblast, Ukraine, on Oct. 1, 2023. (Vyacheslav Madiyevskyi / Ukrinform/Future Publishing via Getty Images) There are also cutting-edge nuclear industry technologies, like the neutron-associated particle imaging (NAPI), which could be game-changing. The problem is that these technologies are very good at finding mines, but also find mines that aren't there. This means they produce false alarms, which slows the process. So, the technology needs to become better at only detecting real landmines, not fake ones. The Kyiv Independent: As the CEO of a leading humanitarian organization, you chose not to publicly condemn the U.S. decision to provide Ukraine with anti-personnel mines in 2024. Could you explain why? Has your position on this changed since then? James Cowan: Ukraine's fundamental right to self-defense is something everyone should respect. Your country is fighting for its very existence. Who am I to question your right to exist? I wasn't willing to condemn you for that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yes, my organization's mission is to clear landmines, but I'm not here to judge who is right or wrong. My role is simply to clear the landmines. Note from the author: Hi! Daria Shulzhenko here. I wrote this piece for you. Since the first day of Russia's all-out war, I have been working almost non-stop to tell the stories of those affected by Russias brutal aggression. By telling all those painful stories, we are helping to keep the world informed about the reality of Russias war against Ukraine. By becoming the Kyiv Independent's member, you can help us continue telling the world the truth about this war. Read also: Ukraine to exit mine ban treaty, citing war demands, realities on the ground Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Ukraine's GUR has released a video of a fixed-wing drone being catapulted into action near Crimea. It said its special forces used UJ-26 Bober drones to strike at faraway Russian defenses. The $110,000 fixed-wing drones appear to be equipped with thermal cameras and FPV controls. Ukraine's intelligence directorate (GUR) has released footage of Kyiv's UJ-26 "Bober" drone being launched via catapult to attack Russian air defenses. The video, published on Tuesday, shows the locally manufactured 8-foot-long loitering munition being slung into the air from a fixed ramp. GUR said its special forces launched the drones to attack targets in Russian-occupied Crimea. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new launch method allows the fixed-wing Bober to enter combat without landing gear, which would likely improve its range or maneuverability. Traditionally, the Bobers take off from airstrips like traditional aircraft. Given that the ramp would likely have to be set up in Ukrainian-held territory west of the Dnieper River, the drone would have to travel a minimum of roughly 60 miles to reach Russian targets in Crimea. The drones also seem to be equipped with thermal cameras in several first-person view clips uploaded by the defense intelligence agency. One montage appears to show a drone evading a missile and then flying into a $15 million Pantsir S-1 point air defense system. A second drone is also shown flying into the ground next to a Pantsir S-1 as the vehicle crew scrambles for cover. GUR described the attack as the "successful defeat" of the Pantsir, but did not show footage of the results. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The intelligence agency also said it conducted similar successful attacks on three Russian radar systems The Niobium-SV, the Pechora-3, and the Provotnik GE as well as a fourth-generation Su-30 fighter. It uploaded several first-person view clips of drones approaching these systems with thermal cameras, though many of them can only be seen flying close to their target. Business Insider could not independently verify the damage caused. Ukrainian media regularly describe the Niobium-SV as a $100 million system. Earlier Russian estimates from before the full-scale invasion indicated that the Kremlin was acquiring the Niobium-SV in 2016 for about $40 million per unit. However, these may have since been fitted with more expensive upgrades. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, one Bober, which translates to "beaver" in Ukrainian, reportedly costs around $110,000 to manufacture. The propeller drone is meant for long-range attacks and is known to carry the KZ-6 charge, a 6.6-pound demolition explosive designed to break through concrete or armor. It's yet another example of how the war has increasingly featured cheaper systems being used to attack and, at times, destroy expensive high-end equipment, posing difficult questions for the traditional defense procurement model that heavily prioritized advanced technology. For example, one of Ukraine's biggest community drone funds, run by activist Serhii Sternenko, reported to donors that its crowdfunded drones have damaged at least 11 Buk surface-to-air missile systems in 2025. The fund often publishes footage of such strikes. Depending on whether they have the latest upgrades, these defenses can cost Russia between $10 and $100 million each. By comparison, Sternenko's fund said it receives roughly $6 million in donations a month for its entire budget. Read the original article on Business Insider Russian forces have not succeeded in crossing into Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, Ukraine's military said on July 2, refuting another Russian claim of a breakthrough into the central-eastern region. The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine dismissed Russian claims of territorial gains as disinformation and said a recent small incursion was repelled. According to the statement, a small Russian reconnaissance group managed to briefly enter the village of Dachne, located on the edge of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. The group reportedly took photos with a Russian flag, but Ukrainian forces "eliminated them." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russian troops have intensified efforts to breach the administrative border between Donetsk and Dnipropetrovsk oblasts in eastern Ukraine, but have failed to gain ground despite repeated assaults, the military said. "(Russian troops) have had no success in achieving this demonstrative goal, no matter how many 'meat wave assaults' they launch with small infantry units and sabotage-reconnaissance groups," the General Staff said in a statement. Donetsk Oblast, which has been a focal point of Russia's invasion since 2014 and a major battleground since the full-scale invasion in 2022, borders the more centrally located Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. Russian forces have not entered Dnipropetrovsk Oblast territory in force, although they regularly strike the region with missiles, drones, and aerial bombs. In a separate incident, two Russian soldiers were captured during a subsequent assault on Dachne and are now in Ukrainian custody, the military said. They were detained by a unit of Ukrainian Marines and added to "Ukraine's prisoner exchange pool." Ukraine's Dnipropetrovsk Oblast (Nizar al-Rifai/The Kyiv Independent) "Therefore, the Russian propaganda about the seizure of the bridgehead in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast is not true. Dachne remains under the control of the Ukrainian Defense Forces," the statement read. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new claims echo a similar incident in May when Russian sources circulated a photo purporting to show Russian troops at the border of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast near the village of Novomykolaivka. At the time, Ukrainian officials, including Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Governor Serhii Lysak, dismissed the photo as fake. The monitoring group DeepState later confirmed that the image had been taken in the village of Troitske in Donetsk Oblast and featured a Ukrainian vehicle abandoned under fire, which Russian forces later used for staged photos. Russian forces have recently stepped up offensive operations across multiple sectors of the front line. Viktor Tregubov, spokesperson for Ukraine's Khortytsia group of forces, said on June 16 that Moscow had increased attacks in the Novopavlivka sector. Tregubov noted that the escalation near Novopavlivka indicates an effort to breach into Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. "But they have failed to succeed," he said in a televised address. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told Russian state-controlled media on June 9 that Russian forces were conducting operations in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast as part of efforts to create a so-called "buffer zone" on Ukrainian territory. These remarks followed Russian President Vladimir Putin's May 22 statement that Russia was working to establish a "security buffer zone" along the Ukrainian border regions of Kursk, Bryansk, and Belgorod. Read also: 5 ways you can support Ukraine even if your government doesnt want to Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. KYIV, Ukraine (AP) Ukraine is forging ahead with early plans for joint weapons production with some international allies, top officials said, while warning Wednesday of potential consequences of the U.S. decision to halt some arms shipments promised to help Kyiv fight off Russia's invasion. Any delay or hesitation in supporting Ukraines defense capabilities will only encourage the aggressor to continue war and terror, not seek peace, Ukraines Foreign Ministry said. A renewed Russian push to capture more land has put Ukraines short-handed defenses under severe strain in the all-out war launched by Moscow nearly 3 years ago. Russian missiles and drones are battering Ukrainian cities. U.S.-led diplomatic efforts to find a peace settlement have stalled. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine's Defense Ministry said it hadn't received any official U.S. notification of a suspension or revision of agreed arms delivery schedules. Officials have requested a phone call with their U.S. counterparts to verify the status of specific items in the pipeline, it said in a statement. As Washington Ukraines biggest military backer has distanced itself from Ukraine's war efforts under President Donald Trump, a bigger onus has fallen on European countries. French President Emmanuel Macron and Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday held their first direct telephone call in almost three years. Macrons office said that during their two-hour conversation, the French leader underlined Frances unwavering support for Ukraines sovereignty and territorial integrity and called for a ceasefire. Washingtons decision could remove some of the most formidable weapons in Ukraines battlefield arsenal, including some air defense missiles, precision-guided artillery and other weapons, according to AP sources. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. decision should prompt European Union countries to spend more on developing Ukraines defense industry, Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen said. It just underlines the need for Europe to do more, and also to invest more in Ukraine, Lund Poulsen told reporters. We could do even more, to give them a stronger way of fighting back. Denmark on Tuesday took over the EU's rotating presidency for six months. It is already investing directly in Ukraines defense industry, which can produce arms and ammunition more quickly and cheaply than elsewhere in Europe. Denmark is also allowing companies from Ukraine to set up shop in Denmark and manufacture military equipment on safer ground. Lund Poulsen said the first companies could start work as soon as September, and he urged European partners to follow suit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine prepares for joint investments in defense Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in his daily address on Tuesday evening said officials are preparing with a sense of urgency for upcoming meetings with EU countries and other partners to talk about cooperation in weapons manufacturing. Defense Minister Rustem Umerov announced that draft legislation on joint weapons production with allies is expected to be put to a vote in the Ukrainian parliament later this month. The proposed laws were shown to national defense companies on Tuesday, Umerov said. The program includes plans to create a special legal and tax framework to help Ukrainian defense manufacturers scale up and modernize production, including building new facilities at home and abroad, according to Umerov. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this week, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said during a visit to Kyiv that Germany aims to help Ukraine manufacture more weapons more quickly. He was accompanied on the trip by German defense industry representatives. Washington concerned about reduced stockpiles The U.S. is halting some weapons deliveries to Ukraine out of concern that its own stockpiles have declined too far, officials said Tuesday. Certain munitions were longer-term commitments promised to Ukraine under the Biden administration, though the Defense Department didn't provide details on what specific weapons were being held back. The details on the weapons in some of the paused deliveries were confirmed by a U.S. official and former national security official familiar with the matter. Both requested anonymity to discuss what is being held up as the Pentagon has yet to provide details. The halt includes some shipments of Patriot missiles, precision-guided GMLRS, Hellfire missiles and Howitzer rounds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraines Foreign Ministry summoned the U.S. charge daffaires, John Hinkel, on Wednesday to discuss ongoing defense cooperation. Deputy Foreign Minister Maryana Betsa thanked the U.S. for its continued support, but emphasized the critical importance of maintaining previously allocated defense packages, especially for bolstering Ukraines air defense. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the Pentagon's decision will help bring a settlement closer, because "the fewer weapons supplied to Ukraine, the closer the end of the (war) is. Europe can't fill all the gaps Under Trump, there have been no new announcements of U.S. military or weapons aid to Ukraine. Between March and April, the United States allocated no new aid to Ukraine, according to Germanys Kiel Institute, which tracks such support. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia launched its full-scale invasion of its neighbor on Feb. 24, 2022. For the first time since June 2022, European countries surpassed the U.S. in total military aid, totaling 72 billion euros ($85 billion) compared with 65 billion euros ($77 billion) from the U.S., the institute said last month. Analysts say Ukraines European allies can fill some of the gaps and provide artillery systems. But they dont possess alternatives to the U.S.-made HIMARS missiles and air defense systems, especially Patriots, which are crucial to help defend Ukrainian cities. It's not clear how much weaponry Ukraine possesses or what its most urgent needs are. ___ Associated Press writer Lorne Cook in Copenhagen, Denmark, contributed to this report. ___ Follow APs coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has stressed that Ukraine is prepared to buy or lease air defence systems, which are vitally needed amid increasingly intense Russian air attacks. Source: Sybiha on X (Twitter), as reported by European Pravda Details: Sybiha pointed out that in June alone, Russia launched over 330 missiles on Ukraine, including 80 ballistic missiles, as well as more than 5,000 drones and 5,000 guided aerial bombs. This, he noted, confirms that the Kremlin has no intention of pursuing peace, despite the efforts of the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sybiha also cited UN data indicating that there has been a 37% increase in the number of civilian casualties in Ukraine over the past six months. Quote: "Such a large number of drones, bombs and missiles, particularly ballistic, proves the urgency of further bolstering Ukraine's air defence. We need more interceptors and systems. We are also ready to purchase or rent them." Details: He also called for greater investment in Ukraines defence industry, including interceptor drones and air defence systems. Quote: "Ukraine is actively working to develop its own capabilities, but we require support now given the scale of Russian terror. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The only way to force Russia to end the war is to increase pressure on Moscow and strengthen Ukraine. Now is not the time for weak decisions. Now is the time to demonstrate strength and send the right signals to Moscow." Background: Sybihas statement comes amid reports that the Pentagon has suspended deliveries of certain air defence missiles and other high-precision munitions to Ukraine due to concerns over the depletion of US stockpiles. Ukraines Defence Ministry said it had not received any official notification regarding a suspension or revision of the delivery schedule for US military aid. A Russia sanctions bill sponsored by US Republican Senator Lindsey Graham is expected to be considered by Congress in the near future. Graham said the bill has been endorsed by Donald Trump and should be passed in July. However, he confirmed that the bill will not impose mandatory sanctions on Russia the final decision will rest with the US president. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Editor's note: This is a developing story and is being updated. Ukraine reportedly struck a Russian ammunition depot in the town of Khartsyzk in occupied Donetsk Oblast on July 2, Russian Telegram channels reported. Videos posted on social media purportedly show massive explosions near the reported ammunition depot, located just east of the Russian-occupied city of Donetsk. The Kyiv Independent cannot immediately verify the reports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine's military has not commented on the reported attack. No information was immediately available as to the extent of the damage caused. 0:00 / 1 Ukraine's military regularly strikes military targets in Russian-occupied territories and deep within Russia in an attempt to diminish Moscow's fighting power as it continues its war against Ukraine. On the evening of June 30, Ukraine similarly struck a command post of the 8th Combined Arms Army of the Russian Armed Forces in the Russian-occupied part of Donetsk Oblast. Russia has for months focused its offensive efforts on the embattled town of Pokrovsk in Donetsk Oblast and has recently been escalating attempts to break through to neighboring Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, a region that has not yet seen combat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Ukraine war latest: As Russia ramps up missile attacks, US halts promised air defense shipments to Ukraine Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Ukraine has not received any official notification from the U.S. about suspension or rescheduling of military aid, the Defense Ministry said on July 2, following media reporting that Washington had paused some shipments of Patriot missiles and other arms. In a statement, the ministry said it is working to verify the current status of all elements in the agreed aid packages and has requested a phone call with U.S. defense officials for further clarification. "Ukraine has not received official notices regarding the suspension or revision of the delivery schedules of agreed defense assistance," the statement read. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Separately, presidential advisor Mykhailo Podolyak said that the "deliveries continue." "It would look very strange and inhumane to stop supplying missiles for Patriot systems that protect Ukrainian civilians," Podolyak said when asked about the pause on air on the Freedom TV channel. Politico reported that the U.S. Defense Department has halted shipments of key air defense and precision munitions to Ukraine over concerns about declining U.S. stockpiles. Among the withheld items are Patriot air defense missiles, precision artillery rounds, Hellfire missiles, and other munitions used by Ukraine's F-16 fighter jets. The White House confirmed the decision for the media, saying it was part of a broader reassessment of American military aid to foreign partners. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Military aid delays will encourage Russia to continue war, Ukraine tells US envoy "(The decision) was made to put America's interests first following a DOD review of our nation's military support and assistance to other countries across the globe," White House Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly said in a statement. Ukraine's Foreign Ministry summoned U.S. Charge d'Affaires John Ginkel to warn that "any delay or hesitation in supporting Ukraine's defense capabilities will only encourage Russia to continue war and terror, rather than pursue peace." In turn, the Kremlin has welcomed the reported move, with spokesperson Dmitry Peskov saying that "the fewer weapons that are supplied to Ukraine, the closer the end of the (war)." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The step comes as Ukraine faces intensifying Russian attacks. In June, Russia launched a record 5,337 Shahed-type attack drones at Ukrainian targets, the highest monthly total since the start of the full-scale invasion in February 2022. The U.S. did not approve any new military aid packages after President Donald Trump took office in January. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has also signaled that future U.S. defense budgets will reduce the scale of assistance to Ukraine. Read also: As US aid to Ukraine dries up, new platform connects Americans investors with Ukrainian startups Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Rotation Two Underway Trading Symbol - TSXV: NAR VANCOUVER, BC, July 2, 2025 /CNW/ - North Arrow Minerals Inc. (TSXV: NAR) is executing a breakthrough exploration program at its Kraaipan Gold Project in Botswana the first systematic exploration of the northern extension of the Kraaipan Archean greenstone belt hidden beneath Kalahari sand cover. "The 724 km Kraaipan Gold Project represents an exceptional opportunity: a gold-bearing geological system that has never been systematically explored," said Eira Thomas, CEO of North Arrow Minerals. "Located just 40 km north of Harmony Gold's multi-million-ounce Kalgold Mine, the belt has remained largely untested due to thin to moderately thick Kalahari sand cover that has defeated traditional exploration methods." North Arrow and Rockman Resources Limited (joint venture partner and in-country operator) are changing that equation with proprietary technology solutions including high-resolution UAV geophysics and specialized drilling techniques designed specifically for sand-covered terrains. The ongoing exploration program represents exceptional value: for an initial investment of just US$1 million in 2025, North Arrow and Rockman are undertaking a regional program that includes: Property-wide airborne (Remote Mapper UAV) magnetics (85% complete) Property-wide structural analysis based on southern outcrops and interpretation under sand-cover from magnetics (complete) Bedrock sampling and analysis of southern outcrops (complete). Please see NAR news release dated May 21, 2025 for details. RC drill testing of 16 target areas (ongoing) Up to 220 drill holes across the entire belt (ongoing) Kraaipan project area with areas of focus for three rotations of RC drilling activity, May to August 2025 (CNW Group/North Arrow Minerals Inc.) Current Drilling Progress: Rotation 1 - Complete: 66 holes testing 8 southern targets. An average of 6 m of Kalahari overburden per hole was encountered. Samples collected, currently being prepared in Gaborone for shipment to a South Africa-based laboratory for geochemical assay and analysis, include: Results are anticipated within approximately 6 to 8 weeks Rotation 2 - Active: 69 holes planned, testing 4 central targets; thicker overburden anticipated: completion estimated for mid-July. Rotation 3 (A&B) planned to commence at the end of July. The Opportunity North Arrow is earning a 60% interest in the Kraaipan Project by investing US$5 million by June 2027. This joint venture represents a rare chance to be first-mover on a belt-scale gold exploration target using cutting-edge technology to overcome historical exploration barriers. Results from the current program will guide follow-up bedrock drilling in H2 2025 and 2026, with the aim of identifying new, world class gold discoveries in this underexplored Archean system. By Anastasiia Malenko and Aleksandar Vasovic KYIV (Reuters) -Russia has made incursions near two towns key to army supply routes in eastern Ukraine, a Ukrainian military official said on Wednesday, as Moscow seeks a breakthrough in a summer offensive at a time of uncertainty over U.S. support for Kyiv. In recent weeks, Russia has amassed forces and despite heavy losses has advanced in rural areas either side of Pokrovsk and Kostiantynivka, which both sit on crossroads running to the frontline from larger cities in Ukrainian-controlled territory. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia's advances on the front are matched by an intensification of drone and missile strikes on Kyiv and other cities, following signs that Washington's support for Ukraine's war effort is faltering. So far, the efforts by U.S. President Donald Trump have failed to achieve a ceasefire in the full-scale invasion launched by Russia in 2022. One of the aims of the Russian offensive is to occupy the rest of the Donetsk region. Now, they are using small assault groups, light vehicles, and drones to push towards the neighbouring region, said Viktor Trehubov, a spokesperson for the Khortytsia group of forces. "There are constant attacks with the intent of breaking through" to the border of the Dnipropetrovsk region at any cost, Trehubov said in written comments to Reuters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia now has 111,000 soldiers in the Pokrovsk area, which it has been trying to seize since early last year, Ukraine's top armed forces commander Oleksandr Syrskyi said last week, describing dozens of battles in the area every day. A decision by Washington to halt some deliveries of various weapons including precision rocket artillery to Kyiv will worsen the situation on the ground for Ukraine's forces, said Jack Watling, a senior researcher at the Royal United Services Institute, a think-tank. "The loss of these supplies will significantly degrade Ukraine's ability to strike Russian forces beyond 30 km (19 miles) from the front line and therefore allow Russia to improve its logistics," Watling said. RUSSIAN GAINS Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukrainian blog DeepState, which uses open-source data to map the frontline, said the Russian military in June had seized 556 square kilometres of Ukrainian territory, which it said was the largest monthly loss of ground since November. Russian forces, which have numerical superiority, cut the main road linking Pokrovsk and Kostiantynivka in May, complicating Ukrainian movements and resupply efforts. "The Russian advance is being contained, but their crossing of the Pokrovsk-Kostyantynivka highway is a strategic and logistical setback," Trehubov said. Heavy Russian losses have prevented Russian advances toward Kostiantynivka via Chasiv Yar, or along the western Pokrovsk front. "Now they are attempting (to advance) further away from populated areas," Trehubov said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DeepState also reported that Russian advances in June near Pokrovsk and nearby Novopavlivka accounted for more than half of all Russian gains along the entire frontline in all of Ukraine. Trehubov said Pokrovsk and Kostyantynivka remain Ukrainian logistical hubs, despite setbacks and drone activity which make some defensive fortifications less effective. "(Drones) hinder logistics for both sides but don't make it impossible. Drones after all are not invulnerable," he said. (Reporting by Anastasiia Malenko and Aleksandar Vasovic; Additional reporting by Tom Balmforth; Editing by Frank Jack Daniel and Gareth Jones) Metropolitan Onufrii of Kyiv, the primate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate, has had his Ukrainian citizenship suspended by a presidential decree, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) announced on July 2. The SBU said it had established that Onufrii, also known by his secular name, Orest Berezovskyi, voluntarily received Russian citizenship in 2002 and failed to inform Ukrainian authorities of the fact. The new Ukrainian law on multiple citizenship lists holding a Russian passport as grounds for the removal of Ukrainian citizenship. The security agency also said Onufrii has maintained ties with the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) and actively resisted Ukraine's efforts to secure ecclesiastical independence from Moscow and its leader, Patriarch Kirill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate (UOC-MP) has faced growing scrutiny and public criticism in Ukraine since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, with many officials accusing it of maintaining loyalty to Moscow and undermining Ukraine's sovereignty. The Moscow-linked church is separate from the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, which was granted autocephaly (autonomy) by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I of Constantinople in 2019. "Despite the full-scale invasion, Berezovsky (Onufrii) continues to support the policies of the Russian Orthodox Church and its leadership, particularly Patriarch Kirill (Gundyaev)," the SBU said in a statement. Zelensky signed a law in 2024 banning the activities of religious organizations affiliated with Russia. The law was widely seen as targeting the UOC-MP, which remains legally subordinate to the Moscow-based ROC despite its claim to have severed ties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since the start of the full-scale invasion in February 2022, over 100 UOC-MP clergy members have come under criminal investigation for alleged collaboration with Russian forces or spreading pro-Kremlin propaganda, according to the SBU. Nearly 50 have been charged, and courts have issued verdicts in 26 cases. The UOC-MP continues to insist that it operates within Ukrainian law and that its 2022 declaration of independence from Moscow was genuine, though many in Ukraine view it as purely symbolic and lacking credibility. Read also: No God But Theirs Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. The Trump administration is pausing ammunition delivery to Ukraine amid concerns for US stockpiles. Reports on the pause indicate that the most effective American weapons Ukraine has received could be affected. NATO's secretary general said that Ukraine needs all the help that it can get. The US is halting the delivery of ammunition to Ukraine, and reports indicate that some of the most effective and necessary American weapons the country has received could be affected. Ukraine says it is working to get answers. Hits to air defense interceptor capacity, for instance, could hinder its strained batteries at a moment when Russia is ramping up its attacks. Over the weekend, it struck Ukraine with one of the largest bombardments of the war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The decision to cancel a shipment of weapons and ammo that had been promised by the Biden administration was confirmed on Wednesday. White House Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly told Business Insider that "this decision was made to put America's interests first following a DoD [Department of Defense] review of our nation's military support and assistance to other countries across the globe." She added that "the strength of the United States Armed Forces remains unquestioned just ask Iran." News on the decision was first reported by Politico, which said that it came after the Pentagon reviewed its stockpiles and expressed concern that some critical munitions were in dwindling supply, raising questions about US readiness. The Pentagon has made threats like China a priority, and readying to meet that threat would require a significant amount of weaponry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A US defense official told BI that DoD continues to provide President Donald Trump with "robust options to continue military aid to Ukraine, consistent with his goal of bringing this tragic war to an end." At the same time, they said, the department is also "rigorously examining and adapting its approach to achieving this objective while also preserving US forces' readiness for Administration defense priorities." Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said in a later briefing that the pause comes amid an ongoing capabilities review for the department. He characterized it as a common-sense approach to determine what weapons are going where and for what purpose. Freeze on critical munitions HIMARS were initially critical for Ukraine, and although they've lost some of their effectiveness due to countermeasures, they're still valuable in Kyiv's arsenal. Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images Neither the White House nor the Department of Defense specified the type of weapons being withheld, but a number of reports indicate that key US systems could be impacted, including howitzers, Patriots, and HIMARS, systems that have been critical in this war. The air defenses, in particular, have been critical in shielding Ukraine's cities from Russian missile strikes. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Wednesday that officials are clarifying the changes with their US counterparts, and stressed the importance of air defenses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump acknowledged at the annual NATO summit last week that Ukraine wanted more Patriot interceptors and said the US would "see if we can make some available," but he cautioned that "they're very hard to get. We need them, too." The US-made M1M-104 Patriot surface-to-air missile system, manufactured primarily by Raytheon and Lockheed Martin, has been key to protecting Ukraine from Russian missile strikes since Kyiv first received it two years ago. Ukraine now reportedly operates six Patriots across the country. Other countries, like Germany and the Netherlands, have also provided Patriots and could potentially provide interceptors. Ukraine has said it's running low on the interceptors, meaning the delay of further supplies from the US could be detrimental. "Patriot systems are vital to Ukraine's ability to defend against Russian ballistic missile strikes," the DC-based think tank Institute for the Study of War said recently. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is especially true "as Russia is reportedly increasing its production and stockpile of ballistic missile production capacity to enable larger and more frequent ballistic missile strikes against Ukraine," it said. Reports indicate that interceptor missiles used by other systems could also be on hold. The US and Qatar fired Patriots to defend a US base there from Iranian missiles, in what a top general called the largest Patriot air battle in history. And a top admiral warned last year that the shipments to Ukraine were using Patriots that could be utilized elsewhere. The delay of other systems, like rocket artillery for HIMARS, could hurt Ukraine's ability to conduct deep strikes against targets behind enemy lines. HIMARS, made by Lockheed Martin, launch GPS-guided rockets with a range of 50 miles. Ukraine made waves with high-profile strikes using HIMARS on columns of Russian troops, command centers, and ammunition depots, constraining Moscow's logistics network early in the war. HIMARS can fire a six-pack of precision-guided Guided Multiple Launch Rocket Systems or one Army Tactical Missile System, a long-range guided missile. Under Biden, the US provided only a limited number of ATACMS missiles due in part to the size of its own stockpile. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Russian electronic warfare countermeasures and ammunition shortages have reduced the overall combat effectiveness of HIMARS, the weapons have given Ukraine a key capability. In artillery battles, M777 howitzers have also been beneficial, but 155mm ammunition, said to be part of the hold, can be fired by many artillery systems. Holds could strain those capabilities, as the 155mm shells are in high demand. What the US decision means for Ukraine The freeze of munitions impacts some of Ukraine's most valued US-provided weapons. NurPhoto/NurPhoto via Getty Images At the moment, Russia is intensifying its offensives across eastern and northeastern Ukraine, targeting cities like Pokrovsk and expanding into the Sumy region. Ukraine faces mounting pressure amid uncertainty with regard to US support, forcing it to rely more on European partners. Ukraine continues to hit deep into Russia, but with weaponry and ammunition shortages and unclear diplomatic prospects, its position is increasingly precarious. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said in a televised interview on Fox News that "Ukraine cannot do without all the support it can get," and that includes ammunition and air defense. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the Trump administration's decision was announced, Ukraine's defense ministry said it hadn't received any official notification regarding the suspension of previously agreed-upon aid. It added in a Telegram post that it had requested a call with US counterparts to further clarify details. Speaking on Ukrainian television on Wednesday, Mykhailo Podolyak, a top adviser to Ukraine's presidential office who previously told BI that losing access to Patriots is a concern, said he didn't expect the US would end its air defense support. "America will not abandon its support for Ukraine in protecting civilians from Russian strikes," he said, adding that "there are enough anti-missile systems and missiles for them in US warehouses." Ukraine has found itself short on US support previously when roadblocks in Congress jammed up support, and Trump has at times put pressure on Ukraine to push it toward his administration's vision for peace, which hasn't always been consistent with Kyiv's. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This decision is "not likely to bring about President Trump's desired ceasefire," George Barros, a Russian military expert at ISW, said. Trump previously paused aid to Ukraine after his contentious meeting in March with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the Oval Office, seeing it as a needed step toward securing a ceasefire deal between Ukraine and Russia. Read the original article on Business Insider Key developments on July 2: As Russia ramps up missile attacks, US halts promised air defense shipments to Ukraine North Korea to send up to 30,000 more troops to aid Russia's war against Ukraine, CNN reports Ukraine denies another Russian claim of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast breakthrough, says small incursion repelled Russia's Kupol military plant reportedly halts operations after Ukrainian drone strike Russia killed at least 273 Ukrainian POWs during full-scale war, prosecutors say The U.S. Defense Department (DOD) has halted shipments of some air defense missiles and other weapons previously promised to Kyiv out of concerns over the size of U.S. stockpiles, Politico reported on July 1, citing sources familiar with the matter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The suspension comes as Ukraine faces a shortage of air defense munitions along with increasingly intense and deadly Russian bombardments. In June 2025, Russia launched 5,337 Shahed-type drones at Ukraine, shattering its previous monthly record. Pentagon policy chief Elbridge Colby made the decision to pause the aid deliveries after conducting a review of U.S. munitions stocks, three sources told Politico. Colby was reportedly concerned about dwindling levels of artillery rounds, air defense missiles, and precision munitions. Among the items being held back from Ukraine are over two dozen Patriot air defense missiles, over two dozen Stinger air-defense systems, precision artillery rounds, Hellfire missiles, drones, and more than 90 AIM air-to-air missiles that Ukraine launches from F-16 fighter jets. The Washington Post reported that the weapons were already in Poland being prepped for delivery to Ukraine. Colby made the decision in June, amid a surge in Russian mass aerial attacks against Ukraine. The White House later confirmed the pause. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Pentagon's decision "was made to put America's interests first following a DOD review of our nation's military support and assistance to other countries across the globe," White House Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly said in a statement issued after Politico published the story. "The strength of the United States Armed Forces remains unquestioned just ask Iran," she said. Since his inauguration in January, U.S. President Donald Trump has not approved any additional military aid packages for Ukraine. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also announced recently that the U.S. will reduce the total aid it sends to Ukraine in its upcoming defense budget. In his evening address on July 2, President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukrainian and U.S. officials are working through the aid issue at a "working level," including discussions on critical air defense support. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine's Defense Ministry said it has not received any formal notification of delays or cancellations but has requested urgent consultations with U.S. defense officials. The Foreign Ministry also summoned U.S. Charge d'Affaires John Ginkel, warning that "any hesitation" in military support would encourage further Russian aggression. The Kremlin welcomed the decision, with spokesperson Dmitry Peskov saying, "The fewer weapons that are supplied to Ukraine, the closer the end of the (war)." NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte expressed understanding of Washington's desire to safeguard its stockpiles but said, "Ukraine cannot do without all the support it can get." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Major casualties among civilians US freeze on air defense missiles is terrible news for Ukraine North Korea to send up to 30,000 more troops to aid Russia's war against Ukraine, CNN reports North Korea is preparing to set an additional 25,000-30,000 soldiers to join Russian forces fighting against Ukraine, almost three times as many as were dispatched last year, CNN reported on July 2, citing undisclosed Ukrainian officials. The fresh units may arrive in the coming months and are likely to be engaged in combat in Russian-occupied Ukrainian territories, including during "large-scale offensive operations," according to a Ukrainian military intelligence (HUR) assessment reviewed by CNN. The news underscores North Korea's growing involvement in the Russia-Ukraine war and the deepening military ties between Pyongyang and Moscow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement North Korea initially dispatched around 11,000 soldiers to Russia in the fall of 2024 to help fend off a Ukrainian incursion into Russia's Kursk Oblast. According to various estimates, North Korean soldiers suffered between 4,000 and 6,000 casualties during this deployment. Ukraine's HUR also noted signs that Russian military aircraft are being refitted to transport North Korean troops from their homeland across Russia's Siberia, CNN reported. Satellite imagery detected a ship involved in last year's deployment at a Russian port and a cargo aircraft at North Koreas Sunan airport, according to the outlet. Estimates reported by CNN exceed those of South Korea's intelligence, which expects Pyongyang to send an additional 15,000 soldiers to Russia as early as July or August. Following his visit to Pyongyang in June, Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu also announced that North Korea would send 1,000 sappers and 5,000 military engineers to Russia's Kursk Oblast. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pyongyang's assistance to Russia has not been limited to troops, with North Korea being a key source of artillery shells and ballistic missiles for Russian forces. Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un signed the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement in Pyongyang in June 2024. Under the treaty, the two countries pledged to provide aid to one another if either is attacked. While the countries initially denied involvement of North Korean troops in the Russia-Ukraine war, both Putin and Kim acknowledged the deployment earlier this year. Read also: Arrests, raids, beaten and bloodied suspects how Russia-Azerbaijan relations have unravelled Ukraine denies another Russian claim of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast breakthrough, says small incursion repelled Russian forces have not succeeded in crossing into Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, Ukraine's military said on July 2, refuting another Russian claim of a breakthrough into the central-eastern region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine dismissed Russian claims of territorial gains as disinformation and said a recent small incursion was repelled. According to the statement, a small Russian reconnaissance group managed to briefly enter the village of Dachne, located on the edge of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. The group reportedly took photos with a Russian flag, but Ukrainian forces "eliminated them." Russian troops have intensified efforts to breach the administrative border between Donetsk and Dnipropetrovsk oblasts in eastern Ukraine, but have failed to gain ground despite repeated assaults, the military said. "(Russian troops) have had no success in achieving this demonstrative goal, no matter how many 'meat wave assaults' they launch with small infantry units and sabotage-reconnaissance groups," the General Staff said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Donetsk Oblast, which has been a focal point of Russia's invasion since 2014 and a major battleground since the full-scale invasion in 2022, borders the more centrally located Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. Russian forces have not entered Dnipropetrovsk Oblast territory in force, although they regularly strike the region with missiles, drones, and aerial bombs. In a separate incident, two Russian soldiers were captured during a subsequent assault on Dachne and are now in Ukrainian custody, the military said. They were detained by a unit of Ukrainian Marines and added to "Ukraine's prisoner exchange pool." Ukraine's Dnipropetrovsk Oblast (Nizar al-Rifai/The Kyiv Independent) "Therefore, the Russian propaganda about the seizure of the bridgehead in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast is not true. Dachne remains under the control of the Ukrainian Defense Forces," the statement read. The new claims echo a similar incident in May when Russian sources circulated a photo purporting to show Russian troops at the border of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast near the village of Novomykolaivka. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the time, Ukrainian officials, including Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Governor Serhii Lysak, dismissed the photo as fake. The monitoring group DeepState later confirmed that the image had been taken in the village of Troitske in Donetsk Oblast and featured a Ukrainian vehicle abandoned under fire, which Russian forces later used for staged photos. Russian forces have recently stepped up offensive operations across multiple sectors of the front line. Viktor Tregubov, spokesperson for Ukraine's Khortytsia group of forces, said on June 16 that Moscow had increased attacks in the Novopavlivka sector. Tregubov noted that the escalation near Novopavlivka indicates an effort to breach into Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. "But they have failed to succeed," he said in a televised address. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told Russian state-controlled media on June 9 that Russian forces were conducting operations in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast as part of efforts to create a so-called "buffer zone" on Ukrainian territory. These remarks followed Russian President Vladimir Putin's May 22 statement that Russia was working to establish a "security buffer zone" along the Ukrainian border regions of Kursk, Bryansk, and Belgorod. Join our community Support independent journalism in Ukraine. Join us in this fight. Support Us Russia's Kupol military plant reportedly halts operations after Ukrainian drone strike The Kupol plant in Russia's Udmurt Republic ceased operations following a Ukrainian drone attack, independent media outlet Astra reported on June 2, citing emergency service sources. Located more than 1,300 kilometers (800 miles) from the front line, the plant produces Tor and Osa air defense systems, as well as Harpy-type attack drones. It is under international sanctions as part of Russia's defense-industrial complex. Two drones hit their intended targets during the strike with one flying through the windows of one workshop, and the second hitting the roof of another, causing an explosion and fire. The resulting blaze led to the collapse of 1,300 square meters of roofing, Astra reported. Four workshops were destroyed in the first building of the complex, reportedly halting operations in areas responsible for metalworking, microchip soldering, and drone production. The consequences of a Ukrainian drone strike on the Kupol plant in Russia's Udmurt Republic, published on June 2, 2025. (Astra / Telegram) Udmurt Republic Governor Alexander Brechalov said on June 1 that three people were killed and 45 injured in the attack, including 35 hospitalizations and six in serious condition. Astra earlier reported that no air raid siren was issued in Izhevsk ahead of the attack. Residents claimed to be unable to receive emergency alerts due to persistent mobile internet outages. Ukraine's General Staff confirmed the strike via its official Telegram channel, framing it as part of Kyiv's campaign to degrade Russia's defense-industrial base far from the front. The plant was previously targeted in a Ukrainian drone strike on Nov. 17, 2024. That attack damaged equipment used to produce Tor missile systems and radar components. Izhevsk, the capital of the Udmurt Republic, is known as a center of Russia's arms manufacturing industry and the birthplace of the Kalashnikov rifle. The latest attack underscores Ukraine's capacity to strike deep into Russian territory. Read also: Russia increasingly targets Ukraines cities with cluster munitions, raising civilian toll Russia killed at least 273 Ukrainian POWs during full-scale war, prosecutors say Ukrainian prosecutors have documented cases of Russian forces summarily executing 273 Ukrainian prisoners of war (POWs), the Liga.net news outlet reported, citing a statement from the Prosecutor General's Office. Kyiv and the UN have raised alarm over the rising number of such cases, saying they point to a systematic policy by Russia to murder Ukrainian captives. Half of the document cases were recorded this year alone. Seventy-seven criminal cases have been launched in connection with the killings of POWs, while only two people were convicted, and a trial against a third person is ongoing. The statement did not clarify whether the convictions were issued in absentia. A total of 188 people have been convicted of various war crimes, including 18 captured Russian soldiers and one civilian, who were convicted in person. The rest were convicted in absentia. Earlier this week, Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets reported a case of the likely murder of a Ukrainian POW who was apparently tied to a motorcycle by Russian soldiers and dragged along the road. Ukraine's military intelligence agency (HUR) said in May that it alone had documented more than 150 cases of Ukrainian soldiers being executed after surrendering to Russian forces. Multiple intelligence reports suggest that Russian soldiers have received explicit orders to kill prisoners of war. The United Nations Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine confirmed in March growing numbers of incidents in which Russian forces killed or maimed surrendering Ukrainian troops. A separate Ukrainian investigation is also underway into the killing of around 50 Ukrainian POWs in the Russian-run Olenivka prison in 2022. Kyiv blamed the killings on Russia, saying Moscow's forces deliberately put Azov fighters in a separate building that was later destroyed. Russia denied responsibility, claiming the explosion was caused by a Ukrainian HIMARS strike a version UN investigators have rejected. Although Moscow blocked an independent investigation by denying UN monitors access, Lubinets recently said that an internal UN analysis concluded Russia was to blame. 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. Kyrylo Budanov, Head of Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, has said that the city of Dnipro faces no threat beyond Russian missile and drone attacks, and that combat operations are limited to the outskirts of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. Source: Budanov in a briefing with journalists on Wednesday, as reported by Interfax-Ukraine Quote: "There is no threat to the city of Dnipro apart from the missile and drone strikes that have already been going on. As for Dnipropetrovsk Oblast its clear that fighting has been ongoing for quite some time along the outer edges of the region, primarily from the southeast. Theres nothing new there." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: Budanov also dismissed claims of a new Russian summer offensive as a "media cliche", urging people not to create myths about events that are not actually taking place. "Its a continuous campaign. Did you see any pause? I personally didnt," he said when asked about the supposed summer push by Russian forces. Background: Intelligence from NATO member states suggests that Russia is not preparing a major offensive in either Sumy or Dnipropetrovsk oblasts. Russian forces have repeatedly claimed to have entered Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, but Ukraines General Staff has denied it. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! As Ukraine continues its path toward European integration while defending itself against Russian aggression, the strength of its democratic institutions remains paramount. Among these institutions, the Constitutional Court plays a unique role in protecting citizens' rights and maintaining the rule of law. Yet today, this crucial judicial body still lacks the judges needed for full functionality, with six out of 18 seats remaining vacant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This situation, while concerning in any circumstances, takes on particular importance as Ukraine works to show its commitments as an EU candidate country. Read also: With Trump disengaged and EU complacent, Ukrainian reforms lose momentum The situation reached a tipping point in January 2025 when three Constitutional Court judges completed their terms. For five months, the court lacked the quorum necessary for its Grand Chamber sessions, which required the presence of 12 judges and at least 10 votes to adopt decisions. On June 28, President Volodymyr Zelensky appointed Oleksandr Vodiannikov, former coordinator of OSCE projects in Ukraine, as a judge of the Constitutional Court. Formally, it restored the quorum, but the underlying problem of the lack of judges remains unsolved. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The reform of the Constitutional Court is among the biggest challenges the country is facing. The urgency became undeniable in 2020, when the court effectively dismantled a key anti-corruption reform, overturning the electronic asset declaration system. This crisis prompted the Venice Commission to recommend depoliticizing the judge selection process. However, real momentum to reform the tainted court emerged only in the summer of 2022, when the European Commission identified the Constitutional Court reform as the primary condition for opening EU membership negotiations. It became the first of the seven key requirements for maintaining Ukraine's candidate status. This external pressure pushed the needle, something domestic activists couldn't achieve alone. In response, Ukraine adopted legislation on July 27, 2023, introducing a competitive selection process for Constitutional Court judges through the Advisory Group of Experts (AGE). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This new body, where international experts nominated by partner countries held decisive influence, was designed to ensure that candidates meet the high moral standards and professional competence required by the constitution. The Constitutional Court reform was not just another bullet point on a checklist, it was identified as the foremost priority among the seven key requirements for EU candidacy. The AGE, formally established in October 2023, initially showed promising results. It successfully vetted candidates, rejecting those with questionable political affiliations who failed to meet the required moral standards. In 2024, this process led to the appointment of two new judges, Alla Oliynyk and Serhiy Riznyk, by the Congress of Judges and parliament, respectively. These appointments were a sign of hope that the Constitutional Court would finally consist of truly independent judges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then, progress stalled. Three months ago, in February 2025, the AGE submitted lists of recommended candidates to both parliament and the president for their respective appointment quotas. Both largely ignored the advisory group's recommendation. While Zelensky has now made one appointment with Vodiannikov on June 28, additional appointments from both the president and parliament remain pending. Oleksandr Vodiannikov, former coordinator of OSCE projects in Ukraine, now appointed as a judge of the Constitutional Court in an undated photo. (Telegram) The president has established an additional commission to re-verify candidates, which has already recommended three candidates for appointment. With one presidential appointment now made, one more appointment from the president remains necessary. At the same time, Vodyannikov's appointment demonstrates that progress is possible when political will exists. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This paralysis sends a troubling signal about Ukraine's commitment to European integration. The Constitutional Court reform was not just another bullet point on a checklist, it was identified as the foremost priority among the seven key requirements for EU candidacy. By failing to implement this reform in practice, Ukraine risks undermining its credibility with European partners who have invested significant political capital in supporting Ukraine's membership bid. This sends a particularly damaging message, given the current geopolitical context. While Ukrainian soldiers defend European values on the battlefield, the failure to appoint Constitutional Court judges suggests that the political elite may not be equally committed to defending those values through institutional reform. This disconnect between wartime sacrifice and peacetime governance could prove costly for Ukraine's European aspirations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The solution is straightforward: Parliament and the president must immediately appoint the vetted candidates recommended by the AGE. President Volodymyr Zelensky speaks to the media in Berlin, Germany, on June 30, 2025. (Juliane Sonntag / German Federal Foreign Office via Getty Images) This is not a complex legislative challenge requiring months of preparation, it is a simple matter of political will. The candidates have been thoroughly vetted by a process that Ukraine itself designed to meet European standards. Further delay only deepens the damage to Ukraine's international standing. Completing these appointments would demonstrate that Ukraine's commitment to EU integration extends beyond rhetoric to concrete action. It would show that even during wartime, Ukraine can maintain and strengthen its democratic institutions. This is precisely the resilience and determination that will secure European support for Ukraine's membership bid. Ukraine cannot afford to leave its Constitutional Court in limbo with a limited quorum. Every day without a functioning Court would be a day when citizens' constitutional rights go unprotected and when crucial wartime decisions would lack proper constitutional review. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beyond these immediate concerns, however, there is a deeper question: Can Ukraine demonstrate the institutional maturity required for EU membership? The appointment of Constitutional Court judges has become a litmus test for Ukraine's European future. It is time for Ukraine's political leadership to pass this test by completing the appointments without further delay. The technical work is done, the candidates are ready, and the only missing element is the political decision. By taking this step, Ukraine would not only fill in the vacancies within the Constitutional Court but also reaffirm its unwavering commitment to the European path, proving that even in the darkest hours of war, Ukraine remains dedicated to building a democratic, law-binding state worthy of EU membership. Read also: Ukraines tainted judges get a helping hand from law enforcement to stay in office Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Editors Note: The opinions expressed in the op-ed section are those of the authors and do not purport to reflect the views of the Kyiv Independent. Submit an Opinion Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Editor's note: This article was updated to include comments from Ukraine's Deputy Prime Minister Oleksii Chernyshov. Deputy Prime Minister and National Unity Minister Oleksii Chernyshov will keep his position after a decision from the High Anti-Corruption Court on July 2, despite an ongoing corruption investigation. Chernyshov is a suspect in a "large-scale" illegal land grab corruption case. After a court hearing on June 27, he was banned from traveling abroad without permission and slapped with a bail set at Hr 120 million ($2.9 million) while awaiting trial. Despite Cheryshovs defense appealing the bail, it was paid in full shortly after the July 2 hearing, Olesya Chemerys, spokesperson for the High Anti-Corruption Court, told Ukrainian media Ukrainska Pravda. July 2 was the last day to pay the bail. Prosecutors filed a motion for his removal on June 27. The day before, he told the Kyiv Independent that he denied the allegations and would not step down from his job. "I definitely respect the courts decision. At the same time, I will use all legal means to defend myself in court further and to protect my name and reputation," Chernyshov told the Kyiv Independent after the hearing on July 2. Chernshov is the highest-ranking official in Ukrainian history to face such charges while in office, attracting a lot of eyes to the case. He is also considered a close ally of President Volodymyr Zelensky, marking a major accusation against the presidents inner circle. Chernyshov has headed the National Unity Ministry since December, which was previously named the Reintegration of Temporarily Occupied territories Ministry, to strengthen ties with the Ukrainian diaspora. It was initially unclear why the ministry was created and what Chernyshovs responsibilities were. Earlier this week, several Ukrainian MPs, including lawmaker Yaroslav Zhelezniak, speculated that the ministry could be dismantled due to Chernyshovs case. Zhelezniak believes that the ministry is not needed and was created with the political goal of securing a position for Cherynshov, reported Radio Svoboda. For now, Chernyshov says that the ministry will continue to operate as usual. "We have a lot of important work ahead, and stay dedicated to our values and tasks," he told the Kyiv Independent on July 2. Speaking to reporters after the court dismissed the motion for his removal, Chernyshov said he had "collected funds" to pay the bail as his personal accounts are blocked. The courts decision to keep Cheryshov in place has raised concerns among the Anti-Corruption Action Center, a Kyiv-based watchdog. With Chernyshov still acting as deputy prime minister, he could potentially use his position to influence the courts decision going forward in the case, said Olena Shcherban, deputy executive director at ANTAC. "The logic of the court is currently completely unclear to me, as are the motives but given the high profile of the position and Chernyshov being close to the president's entourage, I do not exclude that the court could be influenced," Shcherban told the Kyiv Independent. "Whether this will affect the case is not yet known; it all depends on whether Chernyshov will still influence witnesses and use his position to save himself and I think he will definitely use it," she added. According to the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) investigation, during his time as communities and territories minister in 2020-2022, Chernyshov and his associates undervalued land plots to benefit a developer in exchange for kickbacks. Chernyshov and his accomplices allegedly received "significant" discounts on apartments in existing buildings, totaling over Hr 14.5 million ($346,000), from the developer. The actions cost Ukraine Hr 1 billion ($24 million), according to NABU. Chernyshov first raised eyebrows after he left the country on a business trip days before law enforcement unveiled the charges and detained two of his close associates. Despite suspicions that he had fled the country to avoid arrest, he returned to Ukraine on June 22 and was summoned to NABU the following day. During the court hearing, NABU and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) requested that Chernyshov be suspended from office and that the court set bail of Hr 120 million ($2.9 million). The two offices also requested additional measures restricting his movements, including that he hand in his passport and wear an electronic monitoring device. Read also: Top Russian defense official gets 13 years in graft crackdown Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Ukraine's Foreign Ministry has summoned John Ginkel, the US charge daffaires in Ukraine, for discussions amid growing concerns about military assistance. Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, as reported by European Pravda Details: On 2 July, acting at the request of Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, the ministry invited US envoy Ginkel to discuss Ukraine-US defence cooperation and military support in the context of Russias intensifying aggression and terror tactics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deputy Foreign Minister Mariana Betsa met with Ginkel and expressed gratitude for US support since the beginning of Russias full-scale invasion. She underscored the critical importance of continuing previously agreed-upon arms deliveries, especially those aimed at bolstering Ukraines air defence. During the meeting, the Ukrainian side expressed concerns about "any delay or slowing down in supporting Ukraine". Betsa also reiterated that Russia has refused to accept a full and unconditional ceasefire, which Ukraine had agreed to as early as 11 March. Instead, Russia continues to escalate airstrikes on Ukrainian cities and communities and intensify battlefield operations. The discussion also touched on ongoing consultations about weapons deliveries at all levels and future contacts between Ukraine and the US. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quote: "Ukraine supports peace efforts and the US position on the immediate need to stop the killings and end the war, and highlights the need of forcing Russia to peace. In these circumstances, strengthening Ukraine's defence capabilities and increasing coordinated transatlantic pressure on the aggressor are critically important." Background: The meeting comes amid media reports that the Pentagon has paused the delivery of certain air defence missiles and other high-precision munitions to Ukraine due to concerns about critically low US stockpiles. In June, Ukraine submitted a list of weapons it is ready to purchase to US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has previously said he intends to discuss the potential purchase of a defence aid package with US President Donald Trump. At a press conference following the NATO summit in The Hague on 25 June, Trump stated he would assess whether more Patriot air defence systems could be transferred to Ukraine. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Ukraine's General Staff has stated that contrary to Russian propaganda claims the village of Dachne in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast remains under the control of Ukraines defence forces. Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in a statement Quote: "Russian propaganda claims about capturing a foothold in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast are false. Dachne remains under the control of Ukraines defence forces." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: The Ukrainian military reported that several days ago, a small Russian reconnaissance group briefly entered Dachne and managed to take photos with a Russian tricolour flag. However, this was their last action, as Ukrainian forces killed them. In a subsequent assault, two Russian soldiers were luckier: they survived and were captured by a Ukrainian marine brigade, replenishing the stock of prisoners for exchange. The General Staff noted that Russian forces are continuing attempts to cross the administrative border between Donetsk and Dnipropetrovsk oblasts. "The enemy has not succeeded in achieving this symbolic objective, despite repeated 'meat grinder assaults' by small infantry units and reconnaissance groups," the statement read. Background: Intelligence from NATO member states suggests that Russia is not preparing a major offensive in either Sumy or Dnipropetrovsk oblasts. Russian forces have repeatedly claimed to have entered Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, but Ukraines General Staff has denied it. Earlier, Kyrylo Budanov, Head of Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, said that the city of Dnipro faced no threat beyond Russian missile and drone attacks, and that combat operations were limited to the outskirts of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Ukrainian drone manufacturer Skyeton, known for its Raybird-3 UAV, has partnered with British defence firm Prevail Partners to establish a joint venture for producing Ukrainian-designed drones in the United Kingdom. Source: Defense Express, citing Janes, as reported by Mezha Media, a technology and IT news platform within Ukrainska Pravda's holding company Details: The joint venture, Skyeton Prevail Solutions, aims to scale up drone production by leveraging UK manufacturing capabilities. Skyeton will provide production technology and ongoing modernisation updates derived from Raybird-3s battlefield use in Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This overseas production could enhance Skyetons capacity to fulfil contracts for Ukraines defence forces while also facilitating entry into international markets. The agreement may be part of a broader UK-Ukraine initiative to produce drones in the UK. On 23 June 2025, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a three-year "mega-project" to manufacture Ukrainian-designed drones for Ukraines defence forces. Background: In 2024, President Zelenskyy announced agreements to export Ukrainian weapons production technologies to European countries, including the UK. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Northern Trust Corp_ sign on bank-by BackyardProduction via iStock Valued at a market cap of $24.9 billion, Northern Trust Corporation (NTRS) is a financial holding company headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. It provides wealth management, asset servicing, asset management, and banking solutions to corporations, institutions, families, and individuals. It is expected to announce its fiscal Q2 earnings for 2025 before the market opens on Wednesday, Jul. 23. Prior to this event, analysts project this financial company to report a profit of $2.07 per share, up 16.3% from $1.78 per share in the year-ago quarter. The company has exceeded Wall Streets bottom-line estimates in each of the last four quarters. Its earnings of $1.90 per share in the previous quarter outpaced the consensus estimates by 2.7%. More News from Barchart For the full year, analysts expect Northern Trust to report EPS of $8.15, up 5.8% from $7.70 in fiscal 2024. Furthermore, its EPS is expected to grow 9.6% year-over-year to $8.93 in fiscal 2026. www.barchart.com NTRS has rallied 52.7% over the past 52 weeks, considerably outpacing both the S&P 500 Index's ($SPX) 13.2% rise and the Financial Select Sector SPDR Funds (XLF) 27.8% return over the same time frame. www.barchart.com On Apr. 22, shares of Northern Trust soared 3% after its Q1 earnings release. The companys adjusted total revenue improved 17.6% year-over-year to $1.9 billion, with net interest income rising by 7.2% and trust, investment and other servicing fees increasing by 6.2% from the year-ago quarter. On the earnings front, its net income advanced 82.6% year-over-year to $392 million, while its EPS grew by a notable 97.9% to $1.90. Wall Street analysts are cautious about NTRS stock, with a "Hold" rating overall. Among 14 analysts covering the stock, one recommends a "Strong Buy," one suggests a "Moderate Buy, nine indicate Hold, and three advise "Strong Sell. While the company is trading above its mean price target of $106.58, its Street-high price target of $128 suggests a slight premium to its current price levels. On the date of publication, Neharika Jain did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. This article was originally published on Barchart.com Soldiers from the Special Operations Forces (SSO) unit of the Ukrainian Armed Forces conducted a successful raid on a Russian position near the border on 1 July 2025, eliminating four Russian servicemen and capturing one prisoner. Source: SSO press service Details: Special Operations Forces conducted reconnaissance in the border area when they detected Russian movement. After assessing the tactical situation, the soldiers executed a successful raid. After searching the Russian servicemens bodies, the operators conducted an interrogation and radio interception. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! The Ukrainian Air Force has released footage demonstrating the British-supplied Raven air defence system engaging Russian aerial targets. The Ukrainian Air Force has released footage demonstrating the UK-supplied Raven air defence system engaging Russian aerial assets. Source: Air Force Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Quote: "Raven anti-aircraft missile systems from the UK in service in the Air Force are at work on various fronts." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: In the video, service members in Ukraines south describe the Ravens effectiveness in air defence operations against various Russian aerial threats. The system uses AIM-132 ASRAAM missiles designed to counter drones, cruise missiles, and potentially even aircraft and helicopters. A Raven combat crew consists of three members: a commander, a driver and a gunner-operator. The system allows crew members to quickly swap roles for operational flexibility. The troops highlighted the systems mobility as a key advantage. Background: On 25 June, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that Britain would supply 350 AIM-132 ASRAAM missiles to Ukraine to bolster its air defence, funded by interest from frozen Russian assets. They were adapted for ground launch with record speed in just three months. The ASRAAM missiles used in Raven systems are also manufactured and supplied to Ukraine by the UK. The Guardian has reported that a further five systems are expected to be delivered soon, increasing Ukraines total to 13. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Ukrainian writer, musician, volunteer and serviceman Serhii Zhadan has been awarded the 2025 Austrian State Prize for European Literature. The award is presented by Austrias Federal Ministry for Housing, Arts, Culture, Media and Sport. This marks the first time a Ukrainian author has received this honour. Source: Austrias Federal Ministry for Housing, Arts, Culture, Media and Sport Quote from Minister Andreas Babler: "Serhii Zhadan gives literary voice to the horror of war and to the invisible, all-encompassing fear. He gives the people of Ukraine their voice and individuality back, which they risk losing in the face of Russian aggression. His work expresses what everyday language cannot. It possesses the literary power necessary to bear witness and offer hope in times of war and terror." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: The Austrian State Prize for European Literature has been awarded since 1965 for the literary work of a European author whose writing has received significant international recognition and translations into other languages. Eligible works must be available in German. The prize includes a monetary award of 25,000. Zhadan studied German literature and earned a doctoral degree focused on Ukrainian futurism. He has been a leading figure in Kharkivs youth and cultural scene since 1991. He made his literary debut at the age of 17 and has since published twelve poetry collections and seven novels. In 2014, he won the Jan Michalski Prize for Literature and the Brucke Berlin Prize for his novel The Invention of Jazz in Donbas (Voroshilovgrad in Ukrainian), which the BBC later named Book of the Decade. In 2022, Zhadan was awarded the Peace Prize of the German Book Trade. In 2023, he was made an honorary professor of philosophy at the Ukrainian Free University in Munich. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In early June 2024, Zhadan officially confirmed that he had joined the National Guard of Ukraine. In addition to his military service, he remains active as a volunteer, raising funds for equipment for Ukrainian forces and performing at benefit concerts. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Olha Stefanishyna, Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration, has said that Ukraine is actively engaging with all partners to unblock its EU accession process. Source: European Pravda, citing Stefanishynas comments to Ukrinform Details: According to Stefanishyna, Hungarys obstruction of the process is primarily political, and Ukraine is working closely with its partners to find a solution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She noted that the issue remains high on the agenda. Stefanishyna stressed that all matters, including those related to national minorities, must be resolved through dialogue rather than becoming tools of political blackmail within EU institutions. She also expressed confidence that Ukraine would do everything necessary by the end of the year to open all six negotiation clusters required for accession talks with the EU. "Ukraine, for its part, is already ready to open three negotiation clusters, and by the end of the year will do everything necessary to open all six. At this stage, the only factor determining the date for the opening of negotiations is the consensus of all 27 EU member states," Stefanishyna stressed. Background: The recent EU summit failed to reach a common position on deepening relations with Ukraine due to Hungarys veto. As a result, 26 EU member states excluding Hungary issued a joint statement supporting continued accession talks with Ukraine and acknowledged the European Commissions assessment that Ukraine is ready to open the Fundamentals cluster. Read also: "Plan B" for Ukraine's EU accession: how Brussels is preparing to overcome Hungary's veto Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! WASHINGTON, D.C (WWLP) A UMass Amherst student from Granby was shot and killed in Washington, D.C., where he was working as a congressional intern. The Metropolitan Police Department stated in a news release that at approximately 10:28 p.m. on Monday, officers were called to the 1200 block of 7th Street Northwest for the sound of gunshots. When they arrived in the area, police found an an unconscious man and an conscious woman and 16-year-old boy, all with gunshot wounds. The victims were brought to hospitals in the area. On Tuesday, one victim died due to his injuries. He has been identified as 21-year-old Eric Tarpinian-Jachym of Granby. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Springfield man charged with murder in Allen Park Road shooting Police said that preliminary investigation revealed that multiple suspects exited a vehicle at the 7th and M Street intersection and began firing at a group of people. The suspect vehicle involved in the incident has been recovered, and police believe that Tarpinian-Jachym was not the intended target. Tarpinian-Jachym was a rising senior at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, majoring in finance with a minor in political science. He joined U.S. Congressman Ron Estes Washington, D.C., office as an intern this June. Tarpinian-Jachym also attended Pope Francis Preparatory School in Springfield. One resident told 22News that although she never lost a loved one to gun violence, she understands the pain after losing someone to addiction. She sends her prayers to Erics family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What would I say? Its really nothing to say. Its just pray for them. I dont know its very hard, Ive lost children. I know what its like, said Siobhan Christy, Granby resident. I will remember his kind heart and how he always greeted anyone who entered our office with a cheerful smile, Estes said in a statement. We are grateful to Eric for his service to Kansas 4th District and the country. Please join Susan and me in praying for his family and respecting their privacy during this heartbreaking time. Congressman Richard Neal also released the following statement on Tarpinian-Jachyms passing: I was heartbroken to hear of the tragic shooting that took the life of Granby-native Eric Tarpinian-Jachym. A rising senior at UMass Amherst, Eric was in D.C. interning on Capitol Hill, pursuing his passion for public service. As a lecturer at UMass, I know firsthand the caliber of students who walk through those doors. Eric embodied what it means to be part of a community committed to learning, growth, and civic engagement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Any parent will tell you there is no greater pain than the pain of losing as a child. As a father, my thoughts and prayers are with Erics family and loved ones during this difficult time. No information has been shared regarding any arrests. 22News will provide updates as more information becomes available. Local News Headlines WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Some of the most severe droughts causing the greatest economic damage since records began have occurred since 2023, according to a UN report published on Wednesday. "This is not a dry spell. This is a slow-moving global catastrophe, the worst I've ever seen," Mark Svoboda, one of the report's authors, said. Ibrahim Thiaw, the chief of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in Bonn, described drought as "a silent killer." In Somalia alone, government estimates suggest that around 43,000 people died in 2022 as a result of drought and hunger. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The report, entitled Drought Hotspots Around the World, 2023-2025, highlights a range of impacts. It's findings include British supermarkets experiencing shortages in the supply of fruit and vegetables. In Spain, two consecutive years of drought caused the price of olive oil to double because the olive harvest fell by 50%. In Brazil, water levels in the Amazon River dropped so low that mass deaths of fish and rare river dolphins occurred. Meanwhile, in the Panama Canal, water levels fell to the point that ship traffic was reduced by up to a third at times. In Thailand and India, sugar production was severely affected by drought, causing sugar prices in the United States to rise by 8.9%. Zimbabwe saw around 100 elephants starve and die of thirst in the second half of 2023, and in Botswana, hippos were stranded on dry land in 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the report, ongoing droughts are having particularly devastating consequences for women, children, the elderly, the chronically ill, livestock farmers and smallholders. In East Africa, the number of forced child marriages has more than doubled as families depend on dowries to survive. "Drought disproportionately affects those with the fewest resources," said co-author Kelly Helm Smith. "The question is not whether this will happen again, but whether we will be better prepared next time." The University of California has announced that student governments and all other "university entities" are banned from boycotting Israel, a direct response to a Trump administration directive that institutions engaging in such boycotts would not qualify for federal medical and science research grants. In a letter to chancellors, UC President Michael Drake told campus leaders that "boycotts of companies based on their association with a particular country" were a violation of university policy. Although UC does not have an anti-boycott rule on the books, Drake said that existing policies require competitive bidding for university contracts. Also, campus student governments must engage in "sound business practices" that abide by UC legal requirements, which he said make clear that boycotts of nations are not allowed. The policies govern all campuses, medical centers, the Agriculture and Natural Resources division and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The anti-boycott letter sent Wednesday does not apply to student clubs, which are given wider autonomy in their political positions and financial decisions because they do not represent campuses as a whole. They also have smaller budgets. But the letter could affect certain professional school governments, such as at law schools, which are formally recognized by chancellors as "authorized student governments." Drake's notice builds upon the university's yearslong opposition to the anti-Israel Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement, activism that peaked last year among student governments and supporters of pro-Palestinian encampments that swept UC campuses. The BDS movement has defended itself against accusations of antisemitism for its aim to sever academic partnerships and financial investments tied to Israel. It has also faced legal hurdles since 2016, when then-Gov. Jerry Brown banned giving state grants or contracts worth more than $100,000 to state universities that targeted Israel in endorsing BDS. The letter comes as UC is under a systemwide investigation by the Trump administration over allegations of antisemitic employment discrimination and faces campus-level probes of UCLA and UC Berkeley by a federal task force on antisemitism that has yanked billions in funding from elite universities, including Harvard and Columbia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: UCLA Chancellor Julio Frenk vows to restore campus trust amid 'nervousness and anxiety' The UC anti-boycott message applies to protests targeting any nation but was released after the Department of Health and Human Services and National Science Foundation said in notices to all grantees that federal funds were at stake over the anti-Israel actions. The health agency oversees the National Institutes of Health, which is the largest source of federal funding for UC research and granted $2.6 billion to all campuses last academic year. The NSF was the second-largest source of federal funding at $524 million in 2024. The figures have significantly declined since the Trump administration began slashing hundreds of millions of dollars in research support and funding that covers overhead payments for grants cuts that are being challenged in multiple federal court cases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Guidance from Health and Human Services and the National Science Foundation on anti-Israel boycotts also said the government would not award grants to universities that promote "diversity, equity and inclusion." Although UC has discontinued some practices, such as the requirements of faculty job applicants to submit diversity statements, the university system has largely kept its diversity-related practices in place. It has defended its outreach programs to recruit racially diverse undergraduates and faculty. "The right of individuals and groups to express their views on public matters is distinct from the responsibility of university entities to conduct their financial affairs in a manner consistent with university policy and applicable law," Drake wrote. "This letter reaffirms both: the rights of students, faculty, and staff to express their views, and the universitys obligation to ensure that its units do not engage in financial boycotts of companies associated with a particular country." Read more: With billions at stake, California joins suit to stop Trump cuts to university science research The move could face resistance from undergraduate and graduate student government bodies, which have at times prided themselves on taking positions that contrast with university administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Aditi Hariharan, a UC Davis undergraduate and president of the UC Student Assn., who was briefed on the boycott ban in recent weeks by administrators, said she disagrees with it. "Students already have little influence on how the university works and student government is one of the few places where they can really get involved and have their voices heard," Hariharan said. Her organization represents students across UC campuses. "But this damages the support students feel in being able to elect their own people and have a say in their schools." Kira Stein, the chair of UCLA's pro-Israel Jewish Faculty Resilience Group, praised Drake's decision. "Official boycotts of specific countries by student governments are discriminatory and divisive. They do not advance peace; they deepen fear and exclusion," Stein, an assistant clinical professor of psychiatry at the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, said Thursday. "We welcome the University of Californias clarification, which promotes inclusivity and respectful academic discourse. Since UC student governments are funded by student fees and operate with university recognition, it is both reasonable and necessary that they represent all students and refrain from discriminatory practices." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although UC leaders have firmly opposed demands from campus activists to divest campus-level and systemwide endowments from ties to Israel or weapons companies connected to the war in Gaza, boycott movements have been successful among student governments. Many endorsed BDS last year and vowed to not fund or promote pro-Israel events and speakers or use products from corporations placed on a boycott list for operating in Israeli-occupied Palestinian territories. UCLA's undergraduate and graduate student groups, for example, passed anti-Israel boycotts measures last year. The undergraduate government accused Israel of "apartheid, ethnic cleansing, and genocide" and "committed to encouraging financial allocations not be used" to support Israel. UC has also supported divestment targeting countries that aren't Israel. Responding to a mounting student-led campaign against the Darfur genocide in 2006, UC Regents voted to divest roughly $100 million from nine companies connected to the Sudanese government. Twenty years earlier, Regents passed a resolution to divest more $3.1 billion in investments tied to apartheid South Africa. Drake's statement against boycotts does not apply to campus groups, such as Students for Justice in Palestine and Jewish Voice for Peace, which support BDS. That's because those groups are considered by UC campuses as "registered campus organizations" that are given more leeway to take political action on issues relating to their memberships. They differ from "authorized official student governments" that represent wide swaths of the student body in campus and governance matters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many campus Students for Justice in Palestine groups have been suspended or banned, including two at UCLA that were expelled this year. Read more: UCLA students and faculty raise alarm on antisemitic and anti-Palestinian hate amid ongoing protests In a statement posted to social media Wednesday, UCLA's Students for Justice in Palestine criticized UC's boycott announcement. "Shame on you" the group said on Instagram, tagging UCLA and the University of California, next to a screenshot of an Instagram post from The Times about this article. Drake's message could affect graduate school-level student governments where boycotts have caused a stir. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In March, UC Davis suspended its Law Student Assn. and took over its $40,000 budget after it passed a boycott resolution against Israel, including a ban on sponsoring pro-Israel speakers. The university said at the time that the group violated campus policy that required student governments to "provide financial and other tangible support for student activities and organizations on a viewpoint-neutral basis." Drake's letter appears to make clear that the Davis boycott was also a violation of UC-wide rules. 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. WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL) A Colorado man has been arrested in Wichita Falls, accused of hiding an underage runaway. Lorenzo Michael Abeyta is charged with harboring a runaway child and also has a parole violation from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Just before 9:45 a.m. on Monday, July 1, Wichita Falls police were sent to the 600 block of Central Freeway at the Wayfarer Motel to assist an outside agency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers said prior to their arrival, they had been advised that a runaway female juvenile may be staying in the motel with Abeyta. Police said they knocked on the door when they arrived and asked Abeyta if he knew anything about the juvenile or where she was. Abeyta allegedly told police she wasnt in the room and gave police consent to search the room for her. While searching the room, authorities said Abeyta told them she had left two days ago with an ex. Police continued to search and eventually found the juvenile hiding under the bed. Abeyta was detained, and, during an interview with detectives, admitted that he knew the juvenile was under the age of 18. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Detectives said he also admitted to knowing the girl had fled from her guardian and did not intend to return home. Police said Abeyta told them he helped the juvenile get under the bed to hide from officers. Abeyta is still in the Wichita County Law Enforcement Center on a $2,000 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 Texomashomepage.com. The family of slain Chicago police Officer Krystal Rivera is calling for city agencies to relinquish the investigation of her death and, instead, turn over the probe to the Illinois State Police as they pursue legal avenues. The slain officers parents and their attorney also asked that the city release the body-worn camera footage that captured the fatal June 5 shooting despite a standing order from a Cook County judge preventing the public release. Riveras mother Yolanda and stepfather Rico Thompson, flanked by friends, family and staff at a news conference Wednesday afternoon, said her mother needed to understand what happened June 5 to make Rivera the first CPD officer to die of friendly fire in nearly 40 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I need to understand what happened that night, Yolanda Rivera said. I need to know the truth. Krystal believed in protecting and serving with honor. Please honor her. Let this moment be guided by truth. Her stepfather echoed that thought, asking city leaders to be open. We are here asking both Mayor Johnson and Superintendent Snelling for full transparency, Thompson said. We as a family need answers and believe the people of Chicago deserve them as well. Attorney Antonio Romanucci stopped short of announcing plans for a lawsuit against the city, but said we are looking at all our civil avenues of justice and that some of those avenues were very viable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Romanucci ticked through a long list of questions about the shooting and said they needed to know more about Officer Carlos Baker, whom the Civilian Office of Police Accountability has identified as the fellow tactical officer who accidentally shot Rivera as she pursued a suspect down a hallway of a Chatham apartment building. Romanucci noted six complaints were lodged against Baker in his relatively short career with CPD, including an allegation that he flashed a gun at a woman he had been talking to while she was on a date with another man inside a restaurant. Other allegations included excessive force and neglect of duty, according to records from the citys Office of Inspector General. We believe that the warning signs had been there for years, Romanucci said. He never should have been an officer. In other licensed professions, this type of probationary behavior would have been the end of that persons career. Rivera and Baker, both part of the Gresham (6th) District tactical team, were trying to make a traffic stop on a suspect and chased him into an apartment at 8210 S. Drexel Ave., police have said. Inside the apartment, they met a man later identified as 25-year-old Adrian Rucker, of Freeport, who allegedly pointed a rifle at them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors said that Rivera was running down a hallway when she was shot. Authorities late last month charged Jaylin Arnold, 27, with multiple felonies in connection with Riveras death. The family had seen some of the body-camera footage that captured the shooting, but Romanucci said they still had many questions about how the attempted arrest and shooting unfolded. If that event were as clear as whats being portrayed, we wouldnt be standing at this podium right now, he said. Although an order from a Cook County judge prohibits the release of the body-worn camera footage pending trial for two people who are in custody in connection with the shooting, Romanucci suggested that the order could be modified at the request of CPD and the Cook County states attorneys office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The shooting incident remains under the jurisdiction of the Civilian Office of Police Accountability, Chicago police said after the news conference. The officer involved will remain on routine administration duties. The states attorneys office immediately responded to a request for comment. The Cook County medical examiners office ruled Riveras death a homicide by gunshot wound to the back. The Tribune has requested a copy of the full autopsy report, though its not yet finalized, according to the medical examiner. A CPD incident report from the night of the shooting said Rivera was shot in her left flank. In a short, emotional statement, Yolanda Rivera said she would continue to care for her granddaughter as she mourned her daughter, whom she described as the light of my life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We spoke every single day, she said. She was the one that I turned to for comfort, for laughter, for strength. There wasnt a part of my world that didnt include her. Fatal friendly fire involving CPD officers is exceedingly rare. City records show Rivera was the first Chicago cop in nearly four decades to die by a colleagues bullet. In September 1986, Jay Brunkella, a 39-year-old tactical officer in the Rogers Park District (24th), was among a team of officers conducting surveillance on a longtime marijuana dealer who operated north of Howard Street. Brunkella, an 18-year department veteran, and his partner left their post and tried to take the man into custody. With his police radio in one hand and his pistol in the other, Brunkellas partner struggled to arrest the suspect. During the scuffle, the partners gun discharged and a bullet struck Brunkella in the chest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He died 12 days later, and the drug dealer was charged with felony murder. A jury later found him guilty and he was sentenced to 20 years in prison. Two jurors, however, soon contacted the judge who oversaw the case to say the conviction was wrong. Three CPD officers told the judge that the officer who shot Brunkella had shot and wounded another CPD officer years earlier, the Tribune reported at the time. Cook County court records show the man appealed his conviction to the state appellate court but was denied. Though two men now face an array of weapons and narcotics charges in connection with the shooting of Krystal Rivera, neither faces a count of murder in her death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Cook County judge last month granted a motion from the Cook County states attorneys office that prohibits any city agency from releasing materials related to the shooting officer body-worn camera and other memoranda as those criminal cases are pending. Similar orders are often entered in criminal cases that stem from police shootings, and those orders are lifted once a case is adjudicated. Matt McGrath, a spokesman for the states attorneys office, said in a statement last month that said the motion is standard in criminal cases. To clarify, the motion to shield body-worn camera footage in this case is standard and related to the ongoing criminal prosecution of two defendants charged with serious felony gun and narcotics possession offenses neither of whom is a police officer, McGrath said in the statement. In response to a state budget ban on diversity, equity and inclusion-related services in public schools, the University of New Hampshire has scrubbed a website, temporarily stripped the chief diversity officer of her title and eliminated diversity statements with all of its hiring practices. President Elizabeth Chilton announced these steps after the Legislature attached to its state budget trailer bill a sweeping directive that threatens to take state dollars away from any public school that fails to comply with it. UNH remains fully committed to providing educational access and opportunity, and to fostering a learning and working environment where all members of our community feel that they belong and can succeed, Chilton wrote in a July 1 email to UNH employees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the new law requires us to reexamine how we pursue these goals within its parameters. While we do not believe our current policies or practices conflict with the statute, the broad language of the provision and the risk of significant financial penalties require us to take proactive steps to mitigate uncertainty. Nadine Petty, the chief diversity officer, will temporarily hold the title of Associate Vice President for Community, Civil Rights, and Compliance, Chilton said. House Finance Chairman Ken Weyler, R-Kingston, had said adding the anti-DEI language will ensure New Hampshire does not lose federal funds. Soon after taking office, President Donald Trump signed an executive order outlawing DEI in federal hiring and requiring all government contractors to sign a statement they will not engage in illegal discrimination, including illegal DEI. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some of us believe the last election for president was heavily influenced by DEI and organizations were governed by that rather than by merit, Weyler said last spring. House Majority Leader Jason Osborne, R-Auburn, said most voters dont want DEI policies in place that can tip the scales sometimes to minority candidates who may be less qualified. Thanks to the budgets anti-DEI provisions, UNH will effectively defund itself if it presses ahead with radical leftist indoctrination and mere title changes wont achieve compliance, Osborne said. House Deputy Majority Leader Joe Sweeney, R-Salem, authored this provision that started as an amendment to the House version of the budget trailer bill and survived the Senate, a conference committee and the governors signature for it to become law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These temporary changes need to become permanent, Sweeney posted on X Wednesday. House Dems unsuccessfully fought against this change State Rep. Mary Hakken-Phillips, D-Lebanon, led the opposition among House budget writers against these changes. My position remains unchanged on the GOPs unconstitutionally vague DEI policy, which was rushed into law without a public hearing or proper scrutiny, Hakken-Phillips said in a statement Wednesday. Its deeply unfortunate that our public university system, including UNH, now feels forced to make overly cautious changes to avoid even deeper state funding cuts than those already baked into the disastrous FY 26-27 budget. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The final compromise budget cuts USNH aid by 16% against the current budget; Gov. Kelly Ayotte had proposed a 4% cut and cited it last week as an area she wants to work on when lawmakers returned to session in January. This misguided policy tries to fix a so-called problem in public higher education that doesnt exist, thanks to robust state and federal anti-discrimination protections, said Hakken-Phillips. In time, I believe this will prove to be yet another GOP-backed failure that costs our state millions in needless litigation. President Chilton said her staff will work on complying with another feature of these changes, to identify all existing and pending government contracts with DEI provisions in them. In the days ahead, the (University System of New Hampshire) general counsels Office will provide guidance on addressing this requirement, which will likely require cooperation from the Sponsored Programs Office, Advancement, Financial Aid, Student Life, and others, Chilton said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This law affects all K-12 schools and directs Education Commissioner Frank Edelblut and State Treasurer Monica Mezzapelle to inform any public school not in compliance that the treasurer must halt all forms of public funding to that school until it meets the letter of the law. Ayotte has nominated Caitlin Davis of Concord, a Department of Education division director, to replace Edeblut as commissioner. The Executive Council is expected to vote on Davis at the end of this month. All public schools must submit their own list of contracts with DEI-related provisions by Sept. 30. The language had a rocky start when Weylers bid in March to add it to the trailer bill first failed on a 13-12 vote when two wayward Republicans joined all Democrats in opposition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the end of that days budget deliberations, Weyler brought it back up again after one House Democrat, Rep. Karen Ebel, D-New London, had to leave for the day. This time, the two GOP dissidents Reps. Jess Edwards, R-Auburn, and Brian Seaworth, R-Pembroke changed their minds and voted with all other GOP members to adopt the policy on a party line vote of 14-10. The perception of many, maybe even the majority, was that DEI was a way to supplant affirmative action, which was a way to make sure quotas were met, Edwards said before the second vote. Rep. Mike Belcher, R-Wakefield, proposed a bill to close two state offices programs and disband a governors council on diversity and inclusion, on the grounds that they promoted DEI at the state level. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs voted in late February to retain that bill (HB 392), which means it will come back to the full House early in the 2026 session for final action in that body. Whats Next: The House panel must make a recommendation on Belchers bill later this fall. Prospects: Given the DEI policy accomplished what advocates had wanted, this bill could be swept aside. klandrigan@unionleader.com Net power through nuclear fusion, a long dreamed-of goal, may finally be within reach. Fusion technology is moving out of the lab and many companies, including recently-founded ones, are striving to commercialize technologies that promise to make fusion a reality. These fusion startups are driven by the shared dream of carbon-free energy to combat climate change. Scientists in this space may prefer to be open in sharing details of their technology with academia and other fusion companies. Yet these companies are businesses that need capital to grow, and fusion commercialization often depends on private funding sources. These investors typically look for robust intellectual property (IP) when choosing which company to back, particularly in new industries with rising competition. COMMENTARY As a result, fusion companies may have a simultaneous drive to be open with others but also need to keep many aspects of their technology proprietary through patents or trade secrets. This could inhibit other fusion companies from operating, which is at odds with the aspiration of fusion companies working together to defeat climate change. Given these opposing goals, how can fusion companies obtain and protect their IP, while also collaborating with an open community? [caption id="attachment_236407" align="alignleft" width="220"] Michael J. Attisha[/caption] In the past 20 years, more and more companies have developed a successful business model that treats their IP in a more open and less insular way. In the past, many companies would stockpile patents for their most important technologies and use them as a deterrent for other companies who impinge on their business, or as ammunition in the event of a lawsuit. While this approach met with success at the time, it is becoming more common for companies to treat their IP as an integral part of their business strategy that can be leveraged and monetized in a variety of ways, particularly through licensing. This approach could be very attractive for many fusion companies. Patents value can vary significantlysome are worth little while others are crown jewels. It is difficult to forecast which patents will be in which category. Patent value, however, could be estimated by analyzing factors like the marketplace of potential users of the technology, detectability, and availability of alternative technologies. For instance, patents that cover high-level operation of a fusion power system, such as a system controlling a plasma, might have a low monetary value due to the potentially small number of potential infringers, the difficulty of knowing which are practicing the patented technology, and the unavailability of a market for licensing the (fusion-specific) technology to non-fusion companies. Such patents may have some limited value for striking deals with direct competitors, but a competitor who is confirmed to be infringing the patent may be a dicey prospect for suit, not only because of the risk of a countersuit over patents but also because of the potential reputational impact of a lawsuit between competitors in a small industry where the parties know each other. Though it is certainly possible that a patent covering high-level fusion concepts might have some value as a basis for a cross-licensing deal or as a defensive asset if sued by a competitor. But there are many other technologies developed by fusion companies with uses outside of the industry by non-fusion companies, such as companies in wind power, photonics, heating, neutronics, isotope production, space propulsion, desalination, etc. Patents that cover such technologies have a much greater potential to be licensed and provide a revenue stream for fusion companies. Licensing these types of technology can also create and grow new markets, and bring new revenue to fusion companies. For example, fusion companies often need a relatively small number of specialized parts from supply chain vendors, but the vendors may be hesitant to provide these parts without a long term purchasing commitment due to the investment to make a run of parts. Typically these service agreements assign IP rights to the fusion company, whether for technology developed prior to production or during production. This often means the parts have to be purchased at a premium, but also hurts the wider community of fusion and non-fusion purchasers of this technology by limiting the availability of necessary parts. If the fusion company instead licenses the IP to the vendor, the vendor becomes free to scale up to meet the demands of various customers and can sell a lot more parts, while the fusion company gains new revenue in the form of a royalty from the vendor for each part sold. This type of strategy allows a fusion company to add a revenue stream to their company, which attracts investors while sharing and licensing their technology freely. Partnering with vendors to develop the fusion technology ecosystem and supply chain in this way should benefit the fusion community at large and other industries. Its important to note that these options are unavailable to a company that foregoes building an IP portfolio, but remain options to a company that builds the IP. Patents, trade secrets, and other IP that are readily licensed to others can enable a fusion company to achieve its goal of publicly sharing fusion science while allowing it (as IP holder) to "turn the dial" on the extent to which their IP is enforced. Since patents are public documents, the technology becomes public through the patenting process. The patent holder can take a dynamic strategy in deciding which technology to license, which to enforce, and which to hold, and how aggressively or widely to do so. Without holding patents or other IP, a fusion company cannot make these decisions; with the patents and other IP, however, there are options available to either the fusion competitor or its future acquirers or other stakeholders. Holding patents and other IP also provides defensive options should other fusion companies decide to assert their IP rights against you. It is worth noting that these strategies assume that the fusion company owns the IP, or has a right to sublicense it. In many cases, fusion technology is developed jointly with academic institutions or other entities, and the necessary rights to take this approach may not be available. It may therefore be important for fusion companies to gain these rights as early as possible. This level of control also plays into the choice of what to file patent applications on, which can make a big difference in licensing opportunities. The licensable value of a patent is not only related to the type of technology and the size of its potential market, but also to how easy it is to design around, and also how much investment is needed to get commercial value from the license. A patented technology may be very desirable for fusion applications, but if a competitor is just going to use a different technology in its place, theres not as much value in a license. Similarly, if a vendor would need to spend a lot of money to start making any money from a technology they are licensing, the value to them is diminished. Fusion companies should therefore consider obtaining the rights to strong patent protection early to maximize licensing potential. There are a number of accelerated examination programs at the patent office that can be leveraged to fast-track the patenting process and avoid the several year-long wait for examination that often occurs. By taking longer to obtain a patent, or waiting to monetize your IP, a fusion company risks their technology being rendered obsolete by others. While its tempting to believe that a patent sitting on the shelf will remain monetizable until you choose to use it as such, competitors can often render the related technology obsolete by developing alternatives, dramatically reducing your patents value. In sum, having and exercising robust IP rights, and not merely laying the groundwork for IP rights later or sitting on your IP rights, can enable fusion companies to effectively straddle their goals of collaborating in a shared purpose while protecting and growing their commercial interests. Michael J. Attisha, PhD is an Intellectual Property and Technology attorney for global law firm Greenberg Traurig. Universal Music Group Announces Establishment of Berry Gordy Scholarship originally appeared on L.A. Mag. Courtesy Juan Tallo Universal Music Group announced on June 30th that they have partnered with The UCLA Foundation to establish the Berry Gordy Music Industry Scholarship. The Universal Music Group identifies and develops artists and produces and distributes the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful music in the world. The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music offers students a strong interdisciplinary education that honors music performance and scholarship while also emphasizing active community engagement. The endowed scholarship is meant to support students at the schools Music Industry Program. In creating this lasting investment, UMG and The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music hope to honor the cultural contributions of Berry Gordy and the Motown legacy. The scholarship builds on the 2024 launch of The UCLA Berry Gordy Music Industry Center at the School of Music, where research, learning and community engagement intersect. Each year one exceptional student will be selected by the Director of the Berry Gordy Center, named a Berry Gordy Scholar and awarded funds for educational expenses. The recipient will also play an active role in the Center, working to shape the music industry from within. Recipients will be able to receive the award in consecutive years. During the announcement, Universal Music Group Chairman & CEO Sir Lucian Grainge stated, For more than 65 years, Berry Gordys name has been synonymous with artistry and the transformative power of music. Through this scholarship, UMG is honoring his enduring legacy by investing in a new generation of young people who will help carry that spirit forwardcreators and changemakers, who will have an opportunity to reflect the innovation and entrepreneurial genius that Mr. Gordy helped bring to the world through Motown, Tamla and the pioneering sound of Detroit. Berry Gordy stated, I am thrilled that my friend Sir Lucian Grainge and Universal Music Group have committed to support this program with their endowment that will help open doors for many more students and continue to pave the way for music to be a force for good and change. The center provides vital opportunities for students at The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music to help prepare for careers in the music industry, so that future generations of young talent will continue to innovate, inspire and bring together culture and communities through the power of music. The Berry Gordy Music Industry Scholarship aligns with UMGs pre-existing Sounds of the Future campaign, launched by its Task Force for Meaningful Change in 2023. Sounds of the Future supports initiatives that amplify Black creativity, preserve cultural heritage, and ensure equity in the music business. This scholarship directly supports Sounds of the Futurestrengthening the commitment to schools, institutions, and community-led programs that preserve and pass down the creative legacy of Black music. UMGs partnership with The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music reflects our belief that increasing access to education and professional training is a powerful tool for transforming the music industry, said Robert Fink, Acting Dean of The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music and Director of The Berry Gordy Music Industry Center. This endowment ensures that the next generation of music executives, artists, and entrepreneurs will not only be inspired by Berry Gordys legacy of innovation but also equipped to build on it. This year, UMG has expanded Sounds of the Future to honor not only the future of Black music, but its effect on the past and present. The campaign demonstrates UMGs dedication to celebrating the artists, teams and institutions that shape the soul of music and culture today, while also investing in those who will carry the legacy forward. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Sounds of the Future 2025 program has included: Deepened investment in grassroots, safeguarding Black musics future Career Immersion Experience Immersive Art Installation with BLK MKT Vintage Listen to a special Sounds of the Future playlist curated for the Installation HERE This story was originally reported by L.A. Mag on Jul 1, 2025, where it first appeared. The president of the University of Virginia has resigned after facing pressure from the Justice Department over his institutions alleged failure to DEI values, according to reports. James Ryan submitted his resignation on Friday and posted an open letter on social media explaining the decision, saying he had made it with a very heavy heart and that, while he is inclined to fight for what I believe in, he could not make a unilateral decision to fight the federal government in order to save my own job. His departure from the school he has served since 2018 will be effective no later than August 15, The New York Times has since reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The NYT first reported that the administration was trying to force Ryan out of his role on Thursday, a saga that began earlier this year when members of the UVA board alleged that it was not in compliance with Trumps January executive order banning organizations that receive federal funding from engaging in DEI hiring practices. Outgoing University of Virginia president James Ryan (AP) The UVAs Board of Visitors voted unanimously to shut down its DEI offices in March but Harmeet Dhillon, who leads the Justice Departments civil rights division, went on to write to Ryan on April 28 notifying him about the complaints regarding his leadership. That was followed by another letter on June 17 that warned the administrator: Time is running short, and the departments patience is wearing thin. Ryans resignation letter last week made clear that he felt he faced an ultimatum: step down or cost the university millions of dollars in vital support. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While there are very important principles at play here, I would at a very practical level be fighting to keep my job for one more year while knowingly and willingly sacrificing others in this community, he wrote. Dhillon, who happens to be an alumna of the UVA School of Law, responded to his ousting by saying: The United States Department of Justice has a zero-tolerance policy toward illegal discrimination in publicly-funded universities. We have made this clear in many ways to the nations most prominent institutions of higher education, including the University of Virginia. When university leaders lack commitment to ending illegal discrimination in hiring, admissions, and student benefits they expose the institutions they lead to legal and financial peril. We welcome leadership changes in higher education that signal institutional commitment to our nations venerable federal civil rights laws. Ryan posted an open letter about his decision (Getty) A spokesperson for the university said: UVA is committed to complying with all federal laws and has been cooperating with the Department of Justice in the ongoing inquiries. The federal governments support of the university is essential to continue the core mission of research, education and clinical care. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two of the states Democratic senators, Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, have since leapt to Ryans defense, declaring in a joint statement: It is outrageous that officials in the Trump Department of Justice demanded the Commonwealths globally recognized university remove President Ryan a strong leader who has served UVA honorably and moved the university forward over ridiculous culture war traps. Decisions about UVAs leadership belong solely to its Board of Visitors, in keeping with Virginias well-established and respected system of higher education governance. This is a mistake that hurts Virginias future. Warner also spoke up for Ryan on CBSs Face the Nation on Sunday morning, telling anchor Margaret Brennan: This is the most outrageous action, I think, this crowd has taken on education. Jim Ryan had done a very good job; just completed a major capital campaign. For him to be threatened, and, literally, there was indication that they received the letter that if he didnt resign on a day last week, by five oclock, all these cuts would take place. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration has shown an appetite for taking on Americas elite Ivy League universities as centers of entitlement and liberal values, attacking both Harvard and Columbia in a very public manner, although its battle with UVA was conducted much more discreetly, a process enabled by internal conservative opposition to Ryans tenure. Several members of UVAs board were appointed by the states Republican governor Glenn Youngkin while the institution also has an outspoken right-leaning alumni organization known as the Jefferson Council, whose co-founder, Jim Bacon, has accused Ryan of indoctrinating students by championing social justice and diversity. Ross Mugler, acting CEO and board chair of the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges, warned: The situation at the University of Virginia represents a serious escalation in the political pressure campaign against higher education and a clear signal that this fight is not confined to elite private institutions like Harvard or Columbia. What were seeing is a widening effort to reshape governance, leadership and institutional autonomy across the entire sector including public universities that serve as civic anchors and engines of opportunity in their states. After U.S. President Donald Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill" passed the Senate in early July 2025, rumors circulated that the amended bill would result in 17 million people losing access to health care. The 17 million figure came from an analysis from KFF, a nonprofit organization focused on health policy, adding more recent numbers from the Congressional Budget Office. Further, Democrats on the Senate's Joint Economic Committee provided their own estimate using CBO data and landed on the same number. This estimate was based on funding cuts added to the bill in the Senate for the Medicaid program, publicly funded health insurance for people with limited income and resources, and the Affordable Care Act of 2010, also known as Obamacare. Medicaid provided health care access for more than 78 million people as of this writing, according to the program's enrollment data. The estimates included not only people affected by the budget bill, but also by other policies by the Trump administration, including the end of tax credits for health insurance premiums provided by the ACA. The bill may still change, however, which means the estimates of how many people will lose access to health care may change as well. After the U.S. Senate voted to pass President Donald Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill" on July 1, 2025, rumors circulated that the amended bill would result in 17 million people losing access to health care. This was due to projected cuts to Medicaid provided for in the bill. For example, California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, posted the claim on X (archived): Bookmark this. JD Vance is the ultimate reason why 17 million Americans will lose their healthcare. https://t.co/udmkQu3U9N Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) July 1, 2025 As of this writing, the post had garnered 3.2 million views and 85,000 likes. Other posts on X and Facebook also spread the claim, including one by Sen. Elizabeth Warren, a Democrat from Massachusetts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill, which could still be amended, provided for about $1 trillion in funding cuts for Medicaid, according to a June 30 note by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities based on data from the Congressional Budget Office. Medicaid had more than 78 million enrollees as of March 2025. In a June 16 letter to Sen. Ron Wyden, a Democrat from Oregon, and Democratic Reps. Frank Pallone and Richard Neal, of New Jersey and Massachusetts, respectively, the CBO estimated that the budget bill as it stood would result in 16 million people becoming uninsured by 2034. This number included 10.9 million people losing Medicaid coverage access to health insurance through the Affordable Care Act of 2010, also known as Obamacare, because of the bill. After the bill was amended in the Senate, the CBO estimated it would result in 11.8 million people losing Medicaid and ACA coverage. This led KFF a nonprofit organization focused on health policy to estimate that 17 million people would lose access to health insurance by 2034. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Democrats of the Joint Economic Committee also created an estimate based on CBO data, breaking down numbers by state and asserting that 17 million people across the U.S. would lose their health insurance by 2034 due to the budget bill and other policies of the Trump administration. However, it is important to note that these were only estimates based on a bill that could still change as it returned to the House of Representatives for a vote. Sources: Cox, Cynthia. "About 17 Million More People Could Be Uninsured due to the Big Beautiful Bill and Other Policy Changes." KFF, 1 July 2025, www.kff.org/quick-take/about-17-million-more-people-could-be-uninsured-due-to-the-big-beautiful-bill-and-other-policy-changes/. Accessed 2 July 2025. "Estimated Budgetary Effects of an Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute to H.R. 1, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, Relative to CBO's January 2025 Baseline." Congressional Budget Office, 29 June 2025, www.cbo.gov/publication/61534. Accessed 2 July 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Euhus, Rhiannon, et al. "Allocating CBO's Estimates of Federal Medicaid Spending Reductions across the States: Senate Reconciliation Bill | KFF." KFF, 1 July 2025, www.kff.org/medicaid/issue-brief/allocating-cbos-estimates-of-federal-medicaid-spending-reductions-across-the-states-senate-reconciliation-bill/. Accessed 2 July 2025. Medicaid. "October 2024 Medicaid & CHIP Enrollment Data Highlights | Medicaid." Medicaid.gov, 2025, www.medicaid.gov/medicaid/program-information/medicaid-and-chip-enrollment-data/report-highlights. Accessed 2 July 2025. News, NBC. "Live Updates: Trump-Backed 'Big Beautiful' Bill Moves to House after Senate Republicans Make Changes." NBC News, 2 July 2025, www.nbcnews.com/politics/trump-administration/live-blog/trump-big-beautiful-bill-house-taxes-immigration-live-updates-rcna215840. Accessed 2 July 2025. States, United. "Press Releases - United States Joint Economic Committee." Senate.gov, 30 June 2025, www.jec.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/democrats/press-releases. Accessed 2 July 2025. Swagel, Phillip. CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET OFFICE. 4 June 2025, www.cbo.gov/system/files/2025-06/Wyden-Pallone-Neal_Letter_6-4-25.pdf. Accessed 2 July 2025. PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WMBB) Everyone has their favorite way to celebrate the 4th of July. If what youre looking for is family-friendly fun, music and fireworks, you wont want to miss the Salute to Freedom Festival. The annual Destination Panama City event is taking over the downtown Panama City Marina on Friday. Kicking off at 4:00 p.m., there will be activities for all ages, lots of vendors and its free. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Event organizers recommend parking at the old Marina Civic Center, south of Government Street, or south of Mckenzie park. The fireworks show will start at 9 p.m. Attendees should bring their own picnic blanket or lawn chair. Were always happy to do 4th of July out here to see so many happy families come out right here on the waterfront. The St. Andrews Bay is our best amenity and to see the fireworks explode and light up the bay is amazing. Its really just the best place to ever watch fireworks, Destination Panama City CEO & President Jennifer Vigil said. Vigil said the show will go on rain or shine. Harrisons Kitchen and Bar and Hotel Indigo are offering a fancier, elevated viewing experience. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To learn more details about the events, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to mypanhandle.com. A UPS driver saved the life of a Georgia woman who passed out in her driveway nearly a year ago. Now, hes helping her family as they navigate a difficult time in their lives. Raheem Cooper was on his normal route in Valdosta on Aug. 12 when he saw Marie Coble, 78, collapse in her driveway. He quickly rushed to help her. I didnt expect this at all, so to see it go from nobody knowing to pretty much the whole world knowing is just amazing, honestly, Raheem Cooper told WALB-TV. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Marie suffered a brain bleed from her fall and needed an emergency surgery. Cooper stayed in touch with the family for updates on her recovery. Then one day, he received heartbreaking news from her family: Marie had been diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer and was given only months to live. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was pretty traumatic because I thought she was recovering pretty well, so it was just a shocker at first," he said. The family told WALB-TV that they are focused on keeping Coble comfortable, who will need 24/7 care. Cooper plans to see Mrs. Marie again soon, but has already set up a GoFundMe to help the family. Hes still a part of our lives and still truly an Angel. A year ago, if he hadnt showed up, she wouldnt be here with us, Cobles granddaughter Kayla Cochran told WALB-TV. If you wish to donate, you can click here for the GoFundMe. TRENDING STORIES: [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit building in Atlanta. (Photo by John McCosh/Georgia Recorder) A federal appeals court has ruled against a Florida teacher who challenged a state law forbidding transgender teachers from using their preferred pronouns during their official duties in the classroom. The case involves Katie Wood, a math teacher in Hillsborough County who is transgender. She sued the state after a 2023 law passed saying that employees of public schools may not identify to their students with pronouns not consistent with their birth sex, an immutable biological trait. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit ruled against Wood. The majority considered whether her speech or pronoun use while interacting with students inside the classroom is private speech or within the scope of employment. Given the statutes relatively limited sweep and, even more so, the narrowness of Woods challenge, this is, we think, a straightforward case, Judge Kevin Newsom wrote in a 14-page opinion. When a public-school teacher addresses her students within the four walls of a classroom whether orally or in writing she is unquestionably acting pursuant to [her] official duties.' Wood argued the law violated her First Amendment rights and that use of he/him pronouns would induce emotional harm, risk physical harm, and disrupt the classroom, while avoiding titles and pronouns would be impractical, disruptive, and stigmatizing. District Judge Mark Walker in Tallahassee, appointed by former President Barack Obama, had ruled at trial that it was substantially likely the law violated Woods speech rights and issued a preliminary injunction. The appeal court vacated that injunction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The majority found that Wood was acting as teacher, rather than as a private citizen, when writing her pronouns on the whiteboard and syllabi, wearing a pin with her pronouns, and providing her pronouns verbally. We hold that the district court misapplied the law, and thus abused its discretion, in preliminarily enjoining [the laws] enforcement against Wood. We therefore vacate the district courts order and remand the case for proceedings consistent with this opinion, Newsom wrote. The 2023 law was among bills expanding the Parental Rights in Education Act, also known as Dont Say Gay, from the year before. The bills aim to restrict mention of sexual orientation and gender identity in public schools. And because Wood cant show a likelihood of success on her First Amendment claim, we neednt address any of the remaining preliminary-injunction factors, Newsom wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Dissent In a dissenting opinion, Judge Adalberto Jordan wrote that pronouns and personal titles for a teacher are, like her name, significant markers of individual identity. They exist outside of, and do not depend on, the school or the government for their existence. Stated differently, Ms. Wood would still have her own preferred personal title and pronouns, and would still use them to identify herself to others, even if she was not a public school teacher, Jordan wrote. Its not clear that the First Amendment claim brought by Woods should fail, Jordan said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We should be wary of holding that everything that happens in a classroom constitutes government speech outside the ambit of the First Amendment, Jordan wrote. Those who wield the power of the government today and are on one side of the gender and culture wars will be the ones at risk of being compelled to speak against their beliefs, or silenced, when their opponents are in charge. Todays opinion will then not look as attractive. Jordan doubted, as did the trial court, that high school students would view her preferred personal title and pronouns as Floridas endorsement of her being transgender. Jordan was appointed by Obama, and Newsom was appointed by President Donald Trump during his first term, as was Judge Andrew Brasher, who sided with Newsom. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE The US has drawn up plans to breed billions of flies to attempt to eradicate a flesh-eating maggot. The maggot, the larvae of the New World Screwworm fly, is threatening to wreak havoc on the US beef industry, as well as endangering wildlife, household pets and in rare cases, people. American scientists will breed, and then sterilise hundreds of adult male screwworms, before dumping them from aircraft over Mexico and southern Texas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The plan is for the female screwworms to have no other choice but to breed with the sterilised males, eradicating the chance of any flesh-eating young being produced. The larvae hatch shortly after the fly lays its eggs and start devouring anything nearby, before developing into adult flies. The maggots are endemic in an array of countries in south and Central America as well as Cuba, Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Exceptionally good technology The US believed it had eradicated the screwworm from its own territory as far back as 1966, but there are fears that it is spreading north again. This led to the US banning the import of live cattle, horses and bison across its southern border in September. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Slightly larger than a housefly, they are known as screwworms because of their ability to burrow into flesh. The US Department of Agriculture is breeding male flies, which are then sterilised with radiation before being released. They then mate with females, but because the males are sterile, the eggs do not hatch, and it is hoped, the population dies out. Its an exceptionally good technology, said Edwin Burgess, an assistant professor at the University of Florida who studies parasites in animals, particularly livestock. Its an all-time great in terms of translating science to solve some kind of large problem. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The screwworm fly factory in Mexico is due to be operational in a year, with the distribution centre planned for Texas. There is already a fly factory in Panama, capable of breeding up to 117 million flies a week. But that is now considered inadequate by the US, which wants to quadruple production and has earmarked nearly $30 million for the project. The maggots flesh-eating capabilities can also be useful. In 2019, the UK government funded a programme which would send medicinal maggots to war zones, where they would be used to clean wounds, adopting a technique once used by Australian Aborigines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They are also being used in the NHS, resurrecting a practice which died out with the advent of antibiotics in the 1940s. 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. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Tuesday announced the official end of foreign aid programmes managed by the US Agency for International Development (USAID). "Development objectives have rarely been met, instability has often worsened, and anti-American sentiment has only grown," the US top diplomat wrote in a blog post about the agency's effectiveness. "This era of government-sanctioned inefficiency has officially come to an end." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Foreign aid programmes aligned with US government policies and promoting US interests will now be managed by the State Department. The Trump administration begun dismantling USAID in early February, citing its limited benefits and high costs. In March, Rubio stated that more than 80% of the projects previously managed by USAID would be discontinued. Of the original approximately 6,200 projects, only about 1,000 would continue under the supervision of the State Department, according to his earlier statements. The move faced legal challenges. USAID's significance The aid agency was one of the largest organizations of its kind worldwide, coordinating numerous aid initiatives across the globe, from AIDS relief to reconstruction in war zones. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A recent study has concluded that the dismantling of USAID could result in over 14 million additional deaths in the next five years. Of these, around 5 million could be children under the age of five, according to research published in the journal The Lancet by scientists from Barcelona and Salvador da Bahia, Brazil. The team analysed mortality data from more than 130 countries and regions between 2001 and 2021, using the findings to forecast outcomes through 2030. Their projections suggest that the steep decline in US aid could have catastrophic consequences, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The US has been the world's largest provider of humanitarian aid. USAID credited with saving millions of lives The researchers attribute significant global health gains to the USAID, estimating that its programmes helped prevent nearly 92 million deaths by 2021, including over 30 million children under 5. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Notably, they found USAID efforts contributed to a 65% reduction in HIV/AIDS-related mortality and a 51% drop in deaths from malaria. "Our estimates show that, unless the abrupt funding cuts announced and implemented in the first half of 2025 are reversed, a staggering number of avoidable deaths could occur by 2030," the authors wrote in the paper released on Monday. In many countries, "the resulting shock would be similar in scale to a global pandemic or a major armed conflict," they said. In the early days of his second term, US President Donald Trump slashed more than 80% of USAID's funding, which constitutes roughly a quarter of all global development assistance. Plans are under way to dissolve the agency entirely. Trump accused USAID of wasting taxpayer money and of being run by "radical lunatics." U.S. Special Envoy for Ukraine Keith Kellogg denied on July 1 that he agreed to "work on" halting Ukraine's drone attacks on Russia, contradicting Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko's claim. Speaking at a state event on Belarus's Independence Day, Lukashenko said he relayed Russian President Vladimir Putin's position to Kellogg during their June 21 meeting in Minsk. According to Lukashenko, the Russian president is willing to consider a ceasefire in Ukraine if Ukrainian forces stop conducting drone strikes on Russian territory. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I conveyed this position to the Americans," Lukashenko said on July 1. "We will work on it, said (the U.S. special envoy), in this direction." Kellogg pushed back on the claim, writing on X that the quote was "taken out of context" and misrepresented the substance of their talks. "At no point did I make comments related to Ukraine's prosecution of the war outside of a total ceasefire," he said. "In my conversation with Lukashenko, we discussed a full and unconditional ceasefire." The June meeting between Kellogg and Lukashenko marked the highest-level U.S. visit to Belarus since former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's 2020 trip. Belarusian state media widely portrayed Kellogg's visit as a sign of thawing relations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shortly after the talks, Belarus released opposition leader and political prisoner Siarhei Tsikhanouski, who had been jailed since the 2020 presidential election. Lukashenko has ruled Belarus since 1994 and remains a key ally of the Kremlin. His regime has allowed Russian troops and equipment to use Belarusian territory to attack Ukraine since the start of the full-scale invasion in February 2022. Read also: Military aid delays will encourage Russia to continue war, Ukraine tells US envoy Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. A 30-year-old man pleaded guilty on Wednesday to murdering four students in the US state of Idaho in an agreement with prosecutors that allowed him to avoid the death penalty -- and enraged some relatives of the victims. Bryan Kohberger, a former criminology student, was facing trial in August for the November 2022 stabbing deaths that rocked the small town of Moscow and made national headlines. University of Idaho students Kaylee Goncalves, 21, Madison Mogen, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and Ethan Chapin, 20, were attacked around 4:00 am while they slept in their off-campus group house and stabbed to death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kohberger pleaded guilty to four counts of first-degree murder at a hearing on Wednesday in the city of Boise. "Are you pleading guilty because you are guilty?" Judge Steven Hippler asked. "Yes," Kohberger replied. The judge also acknowledged that some relatives were upset with the plea agreement reached between prosecutors and defense lawyers that took the death penalty off the table. "This court cannot require the prosecutor to seek the death penalty, nor would it be appropriate for this court to attempt to do that," Hippler said. Sentencing was set for July 23. Kohberger faces life in prison without the possibility of parole. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Goncalves family, in a statement shared by their lawyer, expressed outrage over the plea agreement. "After more than two years, this is how it concludes with a secretive deal and a hurried effort to close the case without any input from the victims' families on the plea's details," the family wrote. The Goncalves family had demanded the death penalty, and successfully advocated for the passage of a new law in Idaho which allows death row inmates to be executed by firing squad. On a Facebook page, the Goncalves family called the plea deal "shocking and cruel." "Bryan Kohberger facing life in prison means he would still get to speak, form relationships, and engage with the world. Meanwhile, our loved ones have been silenced forever," they said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kohberger was arrested and charged after investigators found his DNA on a knife sheath recovered at the crime scene. A video showed a car similar to Kohberger's driving in the victims' neighborhood around the time of the murders. No motive for the murders was ever established. At the time of the murders, Kohberger was studying for his PhD in criminology at Washington State University, about nine miles (15 kilometers) away from Moscow, across the state border. rfo-cl/sst Semiconductor chip by Mykola Pokhodzhay via iStock Nvidias (NVDA) meteoric rise continues, with shares surging more than 80% from their April lows to reclaim the title of the worlds most valuable company, boasting a $3.85 trillion market capitalization. The AI chipmaker has posted six consecutive days of gains, setting a new record high above $158. www.barchart.com The resilience of NVDA stock is remarkable considering Nvidia faces an effective lockout from Chinas $50 billion semiconductor market. New rules under President Donald Trump have blocked sales of Nvidias H20 processors, forcing the company to write off $4.5 billion in inventory and forfeit $8 billion in potential sales. CEO Jensen Huang acknowledged the China market is effectively closed to U.S. industry. More News from Barchart However, Nvidias dominance in AI infrastructure remains unchallenged. The company reported 69% year-over-year revenue growth in May, driven by a 73% surge in its data center business. Analysts project 53% revenue growth to nearly $200 billion for fiscal 2026. Wedbushs Dan Ives predicts Nvidia will join the $4 trillion club this summer and reach $5 trillion within 18 months. Beyond AI, Huang highlighted robotics as the next major opportunity, envisioning billions of robots powered by Nvidia technology. While geopolitical risks persist, Nvidias technological moat and expanding addressable markets suggest the rally has fundamental support at current levels. The Bull Case for Nvidia Stock Nvidia is capitalizing on an emerging wave of sovereign AI investments as countries worldwide rush to build domestic artificial intelligence capabilities, signaling a new phase of growth beyond traditional hyperscaler customers. The chip giant is experiencing unprecedented demand from governments and regional cloud providers seeking to establish AI sovereignty, with executives highlighting tens of billions of dollars in near-term opportunities that could reach $1 trillion over several years. This represents a fundamental shift from the concentrated AI infrastructure buildouts of the past two years. Countries across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia are prioritizing local AI infrastructure to maintain control over their data and develop models trained on native languages and cultural contexts. Nvidia recently announced partnerships in the United Kingdom, Germany, and France, following commitments in the Middle East. The White House confirmed on Tuesday that President Donald Trump's administration froze the shipment of some air defense and precision guided weapons that were on track to be sent to Ukraine. Officials said the decision followed an assessment of U.S. stockpiles. "This decision was made to put America's interests first following a DOD review of our nation's military support and assistance to other countries across the globe," said White House spokesperson Anna Kelly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The strength of the United States Armed Forces remains unquestioned -- just ask Iran," she added in a statement sent to reporters. Politico first reported the decision. It was not immediately clear whether other shipments of weapons would be released or how much was paused. Anatolii Stepanov/Reuters - PHOTO: Ukrainian gunners prepare to fire a M777 howitzer toward Russian troops at a position on the front line in Donetsk region, Ukraine, on June 9, 2025. The Pentagon declined to provide additional details about the decision. "America's military has never been more ready and more capable thanks to President Trump and Secretary Hegseth's leadership," Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell said in a statement. "Our service members are fully equipped to deter against any threat and the Senate's recent passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill ensures that our weapons and defense systems are modernized to protect against 21st century threats for generations to come." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pentagon policy chief Elbridge Colby provided an updated statement Wednesday saying the military is continuing to provide Trump "with robust options to continue military aid to Ukraine, consistent with his goal of bringing this tragic war to an end." Mykhailo Podolyak -- a top adviser to Ukraine's presidential office -- denied that the U.S. will end its supply air defenses to Ukraine. Speaking on Ukrainian television on Wednesday, Podolyak said negotiations are ongoing on how to provide them, including potential purchases by Kyiv. "America will not abandon its support for Ukraine in protecting civilians from Russian strikes," Podolyak said. "There are enough anti-missile systems and missiles for them in U.S. warehouses." MORE: How Trump's threats to abandon Ukraine war pose battlefield conundrums for Kyiv Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Negotiations on their supply to Ukraine, including on a commercial basis, are ongoing," Podolyak said. Ukraine's Defense Ministry also commented on the reports, saying in a post to Telegram it "has not received any official notification regarding the suspension or revision of delivery schedules for the agreed defense assistance." The ministry said it requested a phone call with its U.S. counterparts "to further clarify the details." "For Ukraine, it is critically important to maintain resilience, continuity, and predictability in the provision of the agreed defense assistance -- especially in strengthening our air defense systems," the ministry said. "We are grateful to the United States for all its support and highly value the efforts of our American partners aimed at achieving genuine peace. We emphasize that the path to ending the war lies through consistent and collective pressure on the aggressor, as well as through continued support for Ukraine." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oleksandr Merezhko, a member of the Ukrainian parliament representing President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's party and the chair of the body's foreign affairs committee, told ABC News that the reports are "concerning, of course, but I hope that its some kind of technical delay." "If not, then it might have negative impact on our defense capabilities -- especially when it comes to air defense," Merezhko added. Any hint of a delay in aid, the lawmaker warned, would "embolden" Russian President Vladimir Putin "to intensify bombardments." Sergei Supinsky/AFP via Getty Images - PHOTO: Ukrainian servicemen walk past a Patriot air defense system at an undisclosed location in Ukraine on August 4, 2024. The military shipment was frozen comes just a week after Trump signaled his openness to selling Patriot missiles to Ukraine. After meeting with Zelenskyy at the NATO summit in the Netherlands, Trump said, "They do want to have the anti-missile, missiles," Trump said of Ukraine. "As they call them the Patriots, and we're going to see if we can make some available." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "You know, they're very hard to get. We need them too. We were supplying them to Israel, and they're very effective, 100% effective. Hard to believe how effective," Trump said. "As far as money going, we'll see what happens. There's a lot of spirit," Trump added. The Patriot system is especially valuable to Ukraine, having been used to down Russian ballistic missiles, drones and aircraft since arriving in the country in the spring of 2023. MORE: Trump doesn't rule out sending Ukraine more Patriot missiles after Zelenskyy meeting Russia is intensifying its near-nightly drone and missile attacks on cities and targets all across Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement June saw Moscow set a new monthly record for the number of long-range drones and missiles launched into Ukraine -- 5,438 drones and 239 missiles -- according to figures published by the Ukrainian air force. The U.S. remained the most generous single contributor of aid to Ukraine as of April 2025, according to the Kiel Institute for the World Economy, a research group based in Germany that tracks support from foreign governments toward Ukraine. The U.S. has contributed around $130 billion in total aid to Ukraine since 2022, of which $74 billion is military assistance. Combined, European Union nations have contributed more overall -- $157 billion -- but less than the U.S. on the military front, at slightly less than $73 billion. Ukraine's budget for military and security spending approved by lawmakers in late 2024 was around $53.7 billion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: Ukraine loses F-16 fighter amid massed Russian drone, missile attack Trump has repeatedly raised the prospect of curtailing or ending U.S. military support for Kyiv, both on the campaign trail and since returning to office in January. A nine-month pause on U.S. aid in 2024, due to a gridlocked Congress, forced Kyiv to consider a future without American assistance. Those fears materialized in March 2025 when Trump imposed a week-long freeze on all American military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine. The flow soon resumed, but Trump's frustration has only deepened as U.S.-brokered peace talks floundered. The administration approved a $50 million sale of military aid to Ukraine in April, but only after Kyiv signed off on a controversial minerals sharing deal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The White House is also yet to use some $3.9 billion earmarked to fund military aid to Ukraine -- to be drawn from existing U.S. stocks, meaning it can be delivered quickly -- that former President Joe Biden was not able to spend before the end of his term. Zelenskyy said early this year that American aid accounts for 30% of Ukrainian weaponry. Though other estimates go as low as 20%, Washington remains a key benefactor -- particularly for advanced weapons systems for which Ukraine has no domestically- or European-produced analogues. -ABC News' Anne Flaherty, Kelsey Walsh, Molly Nagle, Patrick Reevell and Ellie Kaufman contributed to this report. By Kanishka Singh WASHINGTON (Reuters) -President Donald Trump's administration is withholding previously approved funding to schools during what the White House calls an ongoing review process, with a non-profit research group saying $6.2 billion is being withheld. A spokesman at the White House Office of Management and Budget said on Wednesday there was an "ongoing programmatic review" of education funding and that initial findings showed what he termed as a misuse of grant funds to "subsidize a radical leftwing agenda." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The spokesman did not specify the amount being withheld. The Learning Policy Institute said the billions of dollars of congressionally appropriated funds across five programs currently remained unavailable to states and territories. The funds were meant for after-school and summer programs and initiatives for migrant students and those who speak limited English, it said. The Trump administration has threatened schools, universities and colleges with withholding federal funds over issues including climate initiatives, transgender policies, pro-Palestinian protests against U.S. ally Israel's war in Gaza and diversity, equity and inclusion practices. "Every child will feel the impact of this disruption delivered shortly before the start of the school year," the California Department of Education said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The OMB spokesman said initial findings from the federal government's review showed funds were misused, but the review was ongoing and a final decision was not made. The spokesman cited examples alleging funds in New York and Washington state were directed towards helping immigrants who came to the U.S. illegally, while some funds were "used to conduct a seminar on 'queer resistance in the arts.'" California said it received a notice from the federal government that it will not release billions of dollars allocated by Congress for the upcoming school year. These funds are historically awarded on July 1, California said, adding it estimated $1 billion in funding was being withheld from the state's schools. The estimate was based on prior-year funding, it added. (Reporting by Kanishka Singh in Washington; Editing by Jamie Freed) The White House said Tuesday it is halting some key weapons shipments to Ukraine that were promised under the Biden administration for Kyiv's battle against the Russian invasion. Stopping the delivery of munitions and other military aid including air defense systems likely would be a blow to Ukraine as it contends with some of Russia's largest missile and drone attacks of the three-year-old war. "This decision was made to put America's interests first following a DOD (Department of Defense) review of our nation's military support and assistance to other countries across the globe," White House Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly told AFP in an email. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The curtailment of military aid signals a possible shift in the priorities of US President Donald Trump, who has pressed for Russia and Ukraine to speed up stalled peace talks. The Republican has moved on to playing a greater role in orchestrating a possible ceasefire in Gaza and toning down Iran-Israel tensions after a deadly 12-day conflict between the arch foes. The Pentagon review determined that stocks had become too low on some previously pledged munitions, and that some pending shipments now would not be sent, said a US official who spoke on condition of anonymity, according to Politico which first reported the halt of military aid. "The strength of the United States Armed Forces remains unquestioned -- just ask Iran," Kelly said, making a reference to the recent US bombings and missile strikes against the Islamic republic's nuclear facilities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Politico and other US media reported that missiles for Patriot air defense systems, precision artillery and Hellfire missiles are among the items being held back. Last week at a NATO summit in the Netherlands, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with Trump and appeared to get a vague response from the US leader on Patriot air defense systems. "We're going to see if we can make some available," Trump said of the missiles that Kyiv desperately seeks to shoot down Russian attacks. "They're very hard to get," Trump added. Asked by AFP for comment on the halt of shipments and why it was occurring, the Pentagon did not respond directly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But its chief spokesman Sean Parnell said "America's military has never been more ready and more capable thanks to President Trump and Secretary (Pete) Hegseth's leadership." dk-mlm/sla The White House said Tuesday it is halting some key weapons shipments to Ukraine that were promised under the Biden administration for Kyiv's battle against the Russian invasion. Stopping the delivery of munitions and other military aid including air defense systems likely would be a blow to Ukraine as it contends with some of Russia's largest missile and drone attacks of the three-year-old war. "This decision was made to put America's interests first following a DOD (Department of Defense) review of our nation's military support and assistance to other countries across the globe," White House Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly told AFP in an email. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The curtailment of military aid signals a possible shift in the priorities of US President Donald Trump, who has pressed for Russia and Ukraine to speed up stalled peace talks. The Republican has moved on to playing a greater role in orchestrating a possible ceasefire in Gaza and toning down Iran-Israel tensions after a deadly 12-day conflict between the arch foes. The Pentagon review determined that stocks had become too low on some previously pledged munitions, and that some pending shipments now would not be sent, said a US official who spoke on condition of anonymity, according to Politico, which first reported the halt of military aid. "The strength of the United States Armed Forces remains unquestioned -- just ask Iran," Kelly said, making a reference to the recent US bombings and missile strikes against the Islamic republic's nuclear facilities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Politico and other US media reported that missiles for Patriot air defense systems, precision artillery and Hellfire missiles are among the items being held back. Michael McFaul, who was the US ambassador to Russia from 2012 until just before the Crimea conflict began in 2014, said on X: "The Trump administration is even stopping delivery of Patriots? So disgusting and embarrassing as the 'leader of the free world.' I guess we are done with that." Last week at a NATO summit in the Netherlands, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with Trump and appeared to get a vague response from the US leader on Patriot air defense systems. "We're going to see if we can make some available," Trump said of the missiles that Kyiv desperately seeks to shoot down Russian attacks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "They're very hard to get," Trump added. - Thousands of drones - A Russian drone attack on Ukraine's Kharkiv region killed one person and wounded another, its governor said early Wednesday. The attack follows Ukrainian drone strikes which killed three people and wounded dozens in the Russian city of Izhevsk on Tuesday, striking more than 620 miles (1,000 kilometers) from the front line -- one of the deepest attacks inside Russia to date. An AFP analysis published Tuesday found that Russia dramatically ramped up aerial attacks in June, firing thousands of drones as Ukraine's stretched air defense systems and exhausted civilian population felt the Kremlin's increased pressure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An April report from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) found that Ukraine is being outgunned by Russia, despite spending more of its GDP on defense than any other country in the world. Ukraine's military expenditure in 2024 was $64.7 billion, SIPRI said, and Kyiv has relied heavily on its allies in Europe and the United States for weapons and aid. Russian leader Vladimir Putin blamed the West for fanning the flames of war with that support, telling French president Emmanuel Macron Tuesday that the West has "for many years ignored Russia's security interests." The White House's tone has openly shifted on Ukraine with the Trump presidency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Back in 2022, then president Joe Biden affectionately embraced Zelensky at the White House as his administration announced another $2 billion in weapons for Ukraine. During Zelensky's Washington visit earlier this year, he was belittled on-camera by Trump and Vice President JD Vance during an Oval Office meeting, who ganged up to accuse the Ukrainian leader of ingratitude. Asked by AFP for comment on the halt of shipments and why it was occurring, the Pentagon did not respond directly. But its chief spokesman Sean Parnell said "America's military has never been more ready and more capable thanks to President Trump and Secretary (Pete) Hegseth's leadership." dk-mlm/sla/jgc/abs/tym The Trump administrations decision to suspend some military supplies to Ukraine also applies to weapons that were already in depots in Poland. Source: The Wall Street Journal, as reported by European Pravda Details: Wall Street Journal sources in the White House and Congress say the suspended shipments in Poland include over two dozen Patriot PAC-3 missiles, over two dozen Stinger air defence systems, Hellfire air-to-ground missiles, and over 90 AIM-120 AMRAAM air-to-air missiles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Pentagon has clarified that this does not signal a complete halt to aid for Ukraine. Instead, it has put forward options for continued military support that align with President Trumps goal of ending the war. Background: On 1 July, the White House confirmed that the Pentagon had paused the delivery of certain air defence missiles and other precision-guided munitions to Ukraine because of concerns over dwindling US weapons stockpiles. Ukraines Defence Ministry said it had not received any official notification regarding a suspension or revision of the delivery schedule for US military aid and has requested a phone call with its US counterparts. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine is engaging with the US at working levels to clarify details regarding the reported suspension of military aid. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said he understands the US administrations desire to prioritise its own interests, but still calls for continued military support for Ukraine. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Kyiv has warned that an interruption of US weapons shipments will encourage Russia to prolong the war in Ukraine, now in its fourth year. On Tuesday the White House said it had cut off some weapons deliveries to Ukraine. The decision was taken "to put America's interests first" following a defence department review of US "military support and assistance to other countries", White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the two countries were now "clarifying all the details on supplies", while the foreign ministry warned any delays "would only encourage the aggressor to continue war and terror, rather than seek peace". The ministry particularly emphasised the need for Kyiv to strengthen its air defences - as Russia continues to pummel the country with missiles and drones on a near-nightly basis. A Kyiv-based US diplomat was invited to the foreign ministry for talks on Wednesday. However, Ukraine's defence ministry said it had not received any official notification from the US about the "suspension or revision" of the weapons deliveries, and urged people not to speculate on the basis of partial information. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But in a statement the defence ministry also said the path to ending the war was "through consistent and joint pressure on the aggressor". At the weekend Ukraine endured its biggest aerial attack since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion, with more than 500 drones and ballistic and cruise missiles launched at its cities. US officials did not immediately say which shipments were being halted. According to American broadcaster NBC, the weapons being delayed could include Patriot interceptors, Howitzer munitions, missiles and grenade launchers. The US has sent tens of billions of dollars in military aid to Ukraine since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022, leading some in the Trump administration to voice concerns that US stockpiles are too low. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Kremlin, for its part, welcomed news of the reduction in weapons shipments, saying reducing the flow of weapons to Kyiv will help end the conflict faster. "The fewer the number of weapons that are delivered to Ukraine, the closer the end of the special military operation," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters. Fedir Venislavskyi, an MP for Ukraine's ruling party, said the decision was "painful, and against the background of the terrorist attacks which Russia commits against Ukraine... it's a very unpleasant situation". A Ukrainian military source quoted by the AFP news agency said Kyiv was "seriously dependent on American arms supplies, although Europe is doing its best, but it will be difficult for us without American ammunition". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine's European allies have spent billions in military aid over the last three-and-a-half years. However, military support for Kyiv is not endorsed by everyone on the political spectrum. Czech President and former top Nato official, Petr Pavel, has been a staunch supporter of Ukraine - but he told BBC Russian he could "not guarantee" continued ammunition support for Kyiv, as that was dependent on the result of forthcoming Czech elections. "I don't know what will be the priorities of a new government," he said. The Pentagon's move is based on concerns that US military stockpiles are falling too low, a source told CBS News, although Anna Kelly stressed "the strength of the United States Armed Forces remains unquestioned - just ask Iran". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Separately, the US Undersecretary of Defense for Policy, Elbridge Colby, said in a statement the Pentagon "continues to provide the President with robust options to continue military aid to Ukraine". However, he added "the department is rigorously examining and adapting its approach to achieving this objective while also preserving US forces' readiness for Administration defence priorities". Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met US President Donald Trump at last month's Nato summit [Reuters] The pause comes less than a week after President Donald Trump discussed air defences with Volodymyr Zelensky at the Nato summit in the Netherlands. Trump said US officials "are going to see if we can make some of them available" when asked by the BBC about providing extra Patriot anti-missile systems to Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Referring to his conversation with Zelensky, Trump said: "We had a little rough times sometimes, but he couldn't have been nicer." The two had a heated confrontation in the Oval Office in February. Afterwards, Trump said he was pausing military aid to Ukraine that had been earmarked by the previous Biden administration. Intelligence sharing with Ukraine was also suspended. But both pauses were subsequently lifted. In late April, the US and Ukraine signed a deal that would give the US access to Ukraine's mineral reserves in exchange for military assistance. Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron spoke with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Tuesday - the first time in over two-and-a-half years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They spoke on the phone for more than two hours, Macron's office said, adding the French president had urged a ceasefire in Ukraine and for talks to start on a "solid and lasting settlement of the conflict". The Kremlin said Putin had "reminded Macron" that the West's policy was to blame for the war, because it had "for many years ignored Russia's security interests". Last month, Russia's long-time leader told a forum in St Petersburg that he saw Russians and Ukrainians as one people and "in that sense the whole of Ukraine is ours". Moscow currently controls about 20% of Ukrainian territory, including the Crimea peninsula annexed in 2014. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite heavy losses, Russia has made slow, grinding advances in Ukraine in recent months and announced full control of the eastern Luhansk region this week - this has not been independently verified. Moscow also says it has seized territory in the south-eastern region of Dnipropetrovsk - a claim denied by the Ukrainian military. Meanwhile, on Tuesday a Ukrainian attack killed three people at a Russian arms production factory making drones and radars in Izhevsk, more than 1,000km (620 miles) from the border with Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement [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. The United States has imposed sanctions on a major Russian cyber group the Aeza Group and its associated global network. Source: US Department of the Treasurys Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), as reported by European Pravda Details: On 1 July, OFAC added Aeza Group to its sanctions list for "supporting cybercriminal activity targeting victims in the United States and around the world". Two related companies and four individuals who serve as Aeza Group executives were also sanctioned. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In coordination with the UKs National Crime Agency (NCA), OFAC additionally designated a shell company of Aeza Group registered in the United Kingdom. The group operates as a Bulletproof Hosting (BPH) provider a type of service that offers specialised servers and infrastructure designed to help cybercriminals such as ransomware operators, identity thieves and drug traffickers evade detection and resist law enforcement efforts. The Aeza Group is headquartered in Saint Petersburg, Russia. OFAC stated that the Aeza Group provided BPH services to ransomware and malware operations, including the infostealer operators Meduza and Lumma, which used Aezas infrastructure to launch attacks on the US defence industrial base, tech firms and global targets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Infostealers are often used to collect personal identification data, passwords, and other confidential credentials from compromised victims. These data are typically sold on dark web marketplaces for profit, making infostealer operators a key element of the cybercrime ecosystem. Aeza Group also hosted ransomware such as BianLian, infostealer panels including RedLine, and BlackSprut a Russian darknet market for illicit drugs. These darknet markets enable the anonymous purchase and delivery of drugs online, playing an increasingly prominent role in the illegal drug trade in the US and globally. OFAC emphasised that all property and interests of designated persons within the United States or under US ownership or control are being blocked. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quote: "In addition, any entities that are owned, directly or indirectly, individually or in the aggregate, 50 percent or more by one or more blocked persons are also blocked." Background: Recently, a Dutch online platform used by municipalities and provinces to publish official documents was attacked by the pro-Russian hacker group NoName057(16), which has previously carried out similar attacks against countries supporting Ukraine. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! By David Lawder and Manoj Kumar WASHINGTON/NEW DELHI (Reuters) -U.S. and India trade negotiators were pushing on Wednesday to try to land a tariff-reducing deal ahead of President Donald Trump's July 9 negotiating deadline, but disagreements over U.S. dairy and agriculture remained unresolved, sources familiar with the talks said. The push comes as Trump announced an agreement with Vietnam that cuts U.S. tariffs on many Vietnamese goods to 20% from his previously threatened 46%. Trump said that U.S. products could enter Vietnam duty free, but details were scant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump threatened a 26% duty on Indian goods as part of his April 2 "Liberation Day" reciprocal tariffs, which were temporarily lowered to 10% to buy time for negotiations. Sources in India's commerce ministry said that a trade delegation from India was still in Washington a week after arriving for talks that started last Thursday and Friday. They may stay longer to conclude a deal, but without compromising on key agricultural and dairy issues, the sources said, adding that it was unacceptable to lower tariffs on genetically modified corn, soybeans, rice and wheat grown in the U.S. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government "doesn't want to be seen as surrendering the interests of farmers - a strong political group in the country," one of the sources said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, India is open to lowering tariffs on walnuts, cranberries and other fruits, along with medical devices, autos and energy products, the source said. A U.S. source familiar with the talks said that there were "indications that they are close" and negotiators have been told to prepare for a potential announcement. The source added that "there's been intense and constructive effort to close a deal. I think both sides understand the strategic importance, beyond the economic importance, of closing a deal." Trump echoed those sentiments on Tuesday, telling reporters on Air Force One that he could reach a deal with India that would cut tariffs for both countries and help American companies compete in India's market of 1.4 billion consumers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the same time, Trump cast doubt on a potential deal with Japan, saying he may impose a tariff of 30% or 35% on Japanese goods, well above the 24% duty rate he announced on April 2. Japan is seeking to lower separate 25% automotive and steel tariffs that Trump imposed. Spokespersons for the U.S. Trade Representative's office, the Commerce Department and the U.S. Treasury did not respond to request for comment on the state of trade negotiations with India and other countries. A spokesperson for India's embassy in Washington did not respond immediately to a request for comment. (Reporting by David Lawder in Washington and Manoj Kumar in New Delhi; Writing by David Lawder; Editing by Jamie Freed) WASHINGTON (AP) The United States. Australia, India and Japan have agreed to expand their cooperation on maritime security in the Indo-Pacific and further collaborate on supplies of critical minerals and rare earths that are key components of high-tech production. The foreign ministers of the four countries, known as the Quad, met in Washington on Tuesday as the Trump administration seeks to expand U.S. influence in the Indo-Pacific to compete with a rising China amid tensions with partners over trade and defense issues. In a joint meeting with his three colleagues, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the Quad must be a vehicle for action that goes beyond statements of intent and stressed that commerce and trade will be critical to ensuring the groups relevance in the future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To that end, the four announced in a statement the creation of a Quad Critical Minerals Initiative that aims to strengthen economic security and collective resilience by collaborating on securing and diversifying critical mineral supply chains. The statement did not provide details of the initiative. We are deeply concerned about the abrupt constriction and future reliability of key supply chains, specifically for critical minerals, they said. This includes the use of non-market policies and practices for critical minerals, certain derivative products, and mineral processing technology. The statement did not mention China by name, but Chinese domination of the critical minerals supply chain has long been a concern of the U.S. and others. The ministers expressed specific concern about rising tensions in the East and South China Seas, where Beijing has become increasingly assertive of maritime and territorial claims that are rejected by its smaller neighbors. We reiterate our strong opposition to any unilateral actions that seek to change the status quo by force or coercion, they said. We express our serious concerns regarding dangerous and provocative actions, including interference with offshore resource development, the repeated obstruction of the freedoms of navigation and overflight, and the dangerous maneuvers by military aircraft and coast guard and maritime militia vessels, especially the unsafe use of water cannons and ramming or blocking actions in the South China Sea. The ministers also condemned North Korea for continuing to launch ballistic missiles, expand its nuclear weapons program and engage in malicious cyberactivity. In a veiled reference to North Korean support for Russia in its war against Ukraine, they expressed deep concern about countries that are deepening military cooperation with North Korea, which directly undermines the global nonproliferation regime. U.S. Marshals have arrested a man in New York City wanted in connection with a March homicide in Nashville. Omeed Yahya Esmail, 39, is charged with criminal homicide and will be returned to Nashville to face the charge, Metro Nashville Police said July 2. Police found Joseph G. Williams, 65, dead inside a bathtub of a room at Red Roof Plus on Claridge Drive on March 21. Williams had been living at the motel for several months when his body was found by an employee. He was fully clothed, lying on his back with dried blood on his face, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Drywall had been broken into pieces and was found inside the bathtub, police said. Investigators determined that Yahya Esmail, like Williams, had been staying at the motel. He'd been there for two months, police said. Marshals were able to track Yahya Esmail in New York and arrested him, police said. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Nashville Police: New York suspect charged in motel bathtub death By Shariq Khan NEW YORK (Reuters) -Oil prices edged higher on Tuesday as investors took stock of positive demand indicators, while also treading cautiously ahead of an OPEC+ meeting to decide the group's August output policy. Brent crude settled up 37 cents, or 0.6%, at $67.11 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude settled 34 cents higher, or up around 0.5%, at $65.45 a barrel. The gains were likely due to supportive data from a private-sector survey in China, which showed factory activity returned to expansion in June, said Randall Rothenberg, a risk intelligence expert at U.S. oil brokerage Liquidity Energy. Expectations that Saudi Arabia will raise its August crude oil prices for buyers in Asia to a four-month high as well as firm premiums for Russian ESPO Blend crude oil were also supporting the notion of robust demand, Rothenberg said. Oil's gains were kept in check by expectations that the OPEC+ group will boost its August crude oil output by an amount similar to the outsized hikes agreed in May, June, and July. Four OPEC+ sources told Reuters last week the group plans to raise output by 411,000 barrels per day next month when it meets on July 6. "All eyes will be on OPEC+'s decision over the weekend, when the group is expected to add another 411,000 bpd of production in an effort to gain more market share, primarily over the U.S. shale producers," StoneX energy analyst Alex Hodes told clients. Besides gaining market share from U.S. shale producers, which pumped oil at a record pace in April, according to official data released on Monday, the group has also been trying to punish overproducing members. OPEC+ member Kazakhstan, one of the world's 10 largest oil producers, raised oil production last month to match an all-time high, a source familiar with the data told Reuters on Tuesday. Saudi Arabia, the de facto leader of the OPEC+ group, raised its June crude oil exports to the fastest rate in a year, data from Kpler showed. "These exports are flooding out even faster than the OPEC+ deal implies during the summer, when peak domestic demand typically keeps oil supplies closer to home," Hodes said. In the U.S., crude oil inventories rose by 680,000 barrels in the past week, according to sources citing figures from the American Petroleum Institute. Official data from the Energy Information Administration is due Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. ET. [API/S] Investors are also watching trade negotiations ahead of U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff deadline of July 9. Trump on Tuesday said he is not thinking of extending the deadline. The US Navy stood up a new task force last year to explore innovation for future wars. The task force is closely watching how Ukraine has leveraged asymmetric tactics against Russia. It is training warships to survive some of the threats that hit Russia's fleet hard. Amid rapid changes in naval warfare, a ship today could find itself suddenly facing a swarm of small, fast, uncrewed vessels ready to strike hard right at the waterline a potentially critical hit. With this growing threat in mind, the US Navy is training warships to defend against attacks by hostile drone boats. Navy leadership is closely watching how drones are shaping the conflict in Ukraine and studying how it can integrate uncrewed systems into the traditional fleet for future operations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Drone boats, specifically, are dangerous and innovative weapons that Ukraine used to inflict pain on Russia's fleet in the Black Sea. Top commanders see the offensive potential, as well as the need to be ready to defend against them. "These asymmetric capabilities can be used against us, too," Rear Adm. Michael Mattis, commander of the Navy's Task Force 66, told Business Insider in a recent interview. Asymmetric warfare refers to employing cheap weapons en masse against expensive enemy targets. Last month, the Navy participated in multiple training exercises aimed at preparing warship crews for the kind of threats they could face in future conflicts, simulating drone boat attacks on US warships. It exposed crews to an emerging threat with devastating potential. Mattis serves as the director of strategic effects for US Naval Forces Europe-Africa, which launched Task Force 66 last year to merge robotic and autonomous systems into fleet operations. The initiative underscores the Navy's efforts to operate drones alongside conventional crewed naval combat platforms as it explores innovative and asymmetric warfighting tactics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the Black Sea, Ukraine has demonstrated to the US and its NATO allies the dangers of ignoring these capabilities. Ukraine's arsenal of naval drones has wreaked havoc on Russia's Black Sea Fleet AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka At the start of Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022, the Ukrainians didn't have much of a navy to project maritime power, so Kyiv leaned into asymmetric warfare and relied on a campaign of missile strikes and attacks with domestically produced naval drones to wreak havoc on Moscow's Black Sea Fleet. Ukraine's operations damaged or destroyed dozens of Russian warships and forced Moscow to relocate the bulk of its fleet from its long-held headquarters in the occupied Crimean peninsula to the port of Novorossiysk in the eastern part of the Black Sea. Mattis said that the Ukrainian campaign has seen Kyiv defeat around 40% of the Russian naval force in the Black Sea. But it has also highlighted what he described as an action, reaction, and counteraction cycle of innovation on the battlefield, where one side fields a capability, the other side fields a counter-capability, and then the first side fields a counter to that counter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia, for example, found it difficult to stop Ukraine's naval drone attacks with warship defenses alone, so it responded by increasing its combat patrol aircraft presence to better monitor the Black Sea. Ukraine reacted to this development by outfitting its naval drones with surface-to-air missiles, which have already shot down Russian fighter jets and helicopters. Despite being able to generate significant combat power in the air, Russia's naval forces have been relatively constrained to Novorossiysk. Its limited operations suggest that Moscow is either unwilling or unable to project power in the Black Sea and can't achieve its objectives to control the waterway, Mattis said. "Ukraine has been incredibly successful in achieving strategic effects in the Black Sea and essentially leveraging their asymmetry against the Russians," he said. 'No ideal tactic' The Navy watched this asymmetric warfare cycle unfold in the Black Sea and realized the pressing need to reduce it down to its most basic form in a "red-versus-blue" training scenario. The US Navy is increasingly looking to integrate drones into fleet operations. US Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. John Allen "We want to put our ships into a defensive area where they have to think and react to this problem set," Mattis said, sharing that most have done training in this, but not a lot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We know that this is an evolving capability," he said. "We know that the Russians were slow to adapt defensive measures against it, and as a result, they lost more ships than perhaps they should have, had they been able to adapt faster." During a recent exercise called Baltic Operations 2025, Task Force 66 used uncrewed surface vessels to simulate attacks on two Navy ships: the command and control vessel USS Mount Whitney and the guided-missile destroyer USS Paul Ignatius. The task force deployed a naval drone called the Global Autonomous Reconnaissance Craft and other systems for the exercise. This system, made by the US company BlackSea Technologies, resembles a small speedboat and can sprint up to 40 knots, or 46 mph. Mattis said that the goal was to put the ships in a situation where they had to react on an uncomfortably short timeline. In some of the training scenarios, operators would have a drone tail one of the larger vessels and then suddenly sprint out from behind it, forcing it to react. In other situations, multiple drone boats attacked from different angles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the challenges with naval drones is that they are small, making them more difficult to detect and differentiate from various commercial boats. When operating in a normal routine, like in port, the watch team might not be able to identify the threat before tragedy struck. Mattis said the exercise took place at the basic level, with the purpose of creating what he described as a dilemma. He said this specific exercise was designed so sailors could understand the operating characteristics of the fast and agile naval drones, which can appear almost undetected out of nowhere and quickly swarm a vessel. The Global Autonomous Reconnaissance Craft, or GARC, seen to the right, is one of the different naval drones that Task Force 66 operates. US Navy video by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Christine Montgomery There were no live-fire engagements during the training exercise, meaning the ships didn't shoot at the drone boats. However, the Navy does train for that. At a different European exercise held in May, sailors on the destroyer USS Thomas Hudner practiced using the warship's guns to defend against a naval drone attack. Task Force 66 is experimenting with some more advanced tactics and aims to eventually build more complex training scenarios, which Mattis said will likely resemble a "free play" mode, where participants learn how to operate and react on the fly rather than via scripted runs designed for safety and repeatability. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Going back to the fundamentals, because of this iterative nature and innovative nature of this changing character of war with drones, what we're seeing is that there's no ideal tactic, there's no ideal capability," Mattis said, explaining that "there's only a combination of tactics and capabilities that have to change over time to continue to generate dilemmas and surprise for the adversary to be ultimately defeated." 'Innovate to survive' The naval drone exercises last month are just one way Task Force 66 is taking key lessons learned from the Ukraine war and applying them in training scenarios. It is also trying to see how it can replicate some of the low-cost, high-return effects that it has observed in the Black Sea and apply them in other theaters, like the contested Indo-Pacific region. Navy leadership is increasingly preparing for the rise of artificial intelligence, drones, autonomous systems, and other emerging technologies in future conflicts, but Mattis acknowledged that one of the challenges of addressing the changing nature of warfare fast enough to keep up with the speed of adaptation is figuring out how to do it when you're not facing an existential threat. He explained that "when someone pushes a gun in your face, as Russia did with Ukraine, and you are forced to innovate to survive when it is absolutely 'figure it out or die' the ability to get after problem-solving and the ability to remove barriers and eliminate excuses is incredible." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We've seen our Ukrainian partners do that in ways that are incredibly inspiring," he said. The US Navy isn't in that kind of fight, but it realizes it needs to be ready for one. Read the original article on Business Insider The U.S. Postal Service on Tuesday implemented the second phase of revised delivery standards intended to improve operational efficiency and reduce transportation costs. The agency said it is expanding the areas where surface transportation schedules are reduced from regional processing centers to post offices more than 50 miles away in an effort to eliminate inefficient trucking trips. The regional transportation optimization began April 1 with the addition of an extra day to expected delivery times for First-Class mail originating from remote post offices and zip codes. The Postal Service is also streamlining the network of regional processing centers. The aim is to better fill trucks by consolidating mail on fewer trips. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Postal Service estimates the two initiatives will improve productivity and save $36 billion over 10 years in transportation, mail and package processing, and real estate costs. Other touted benefits include customers knowing service expectations for various products based on five-digit zip codes, where before service levels were mapped out by three digits, and allowing the Postal Service to provide two-to-three day turnaround service within a larger region. Meanwhile, Sundays and holidays are no longer counted in transit service measurement when accepted on the day prior. Previously, an item mailed on Saturday with a two-day service standard would be delivered on Monday. With Sunday no longer counted as a work day, a two-day delivery should reach its final address on Tuesday. Network overhaul Historically, service standards and network development have revolved around letter mail. Over the last 30 years, single-piece First-Class mail has declined by more than 80% from 57 billion pieces in 1997 to 11.7 billion pieces in fiscal year 2023. And pre-sort volumes from large customers have declined 22% over the same period to 33.2 billion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the same time, the Postal Service has seen parcel volumes triple to 6.7 billion pieces over a 10-year period ending in 2023, according to agency figures. With the sharp drop in mail density and rising parcel volumes, network costs skyrocketed from $7 billion in 2011 to more than $11 billion in 2021. That year the Postal Service launched its Delivering for America transformation strategy. The shift in volume mix has also generated costs in processing facilities and more wait time, with most processing concentrated during the evening hours after daily collections are completed. The U.S. Postal Service in 2021 had 427 facilities, many of them operated by contractors or under short-term leases, functioning in an uncoordinated manner. Under the transformation agenda initiated by former Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, the agency is moving to standardize operations by downsizing the network to 250 facilities 60 regional processing and distribution centers, and 190 local processing centers that sort letters, flats and parcels for final-mile delivery. The U.S. Postal Service cant make the network changes without the new service standards, explained Greg White, executive manager of strategic initiatives during a March webinar. The changes reduce local transportation costs by consolidating drop-off and pick-up activities in the morning for sites that are far from processing plants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Post offices within 50 miles of a regional processing center will continue to have mail dropped off in the morning, with the truck returning to the hub and then making another round-trip in the afternoon. For delivery units further away, the Postal Service is condensing the two round-trips into one morning trip to pick up volume from the previous day and bring it back to the plant. Currently, trucks are only running 20% to 30% on backhauls to the plant from remote locations, said White. In addition to reducing transportation costs, the change spreads volume from the crowded night shift to the daytime, allowing the agency to better balance the workload, staffing, and equipment, and improve productivity. White said the agency will also enhance network speed. Currently, all the volume is committed to leave the processing plant each night, no matter the distance to the post office. That means a lot of volume arrives early and the plant has to wait for mail from the far-off offices before the next outbound trucks can be filled, much like an airline sometimes holds a plane waiting for a connecting flight to arrive at the airport. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Georgia, for example, the Howard and Newman post offices have the same service commitments despite being two hours and 20 minutes, respectively, from the Atlanta regional processing center. That means mail cant be inducted into the network, for transport to places like Richmond, Virginia, until 6 a.m. As youre waiting, youre delaying 80% of your volume for 20% of your volume, White said. So what we are flipping to with the service center change is saying, Take that 80% and go. The new process speeds up the middle mile by about four hours, as well as allowing for faster local routing. That translates to First-Class mail having a much greater two, three-and four-day reach, meaning plants can serve destination cities further away. Under the previous system, for example, plants had to be within three hours of each other say Norfolk and Richmond, Virginia or Washington, D.C. and Baltimore to achieve two-day delivery. Now, the distribution center in Norfolk will be able to dispatch a truck to Baltimore, or other destinations within a seven-hour range, for second-day delivery. As part of the network restructuring, the Postal Service is also building a network that integrates mail and packages. In the past, many facilities only handled one product or the other. The organization is also collapsing redundant networks for contract motor carriers, national distribution centers, retail outlets, Priority Mail Express into one network that runs between regional processing and local processing centers. Streamlining benefits include aggregated volumes, reduced separations and handling, less downtime and improved truck utilization. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Postal Service has already exited about 30 terminal handling service locations, which connect shipments to airports and carriers like UPS, and 40 parcel support annexes on short-term leases, White said. Click here for more FreightWaves/American Shipper stories by Eric Kulisch. RELATED READING: Switch to UPS saved US Postal Service 43% in air transport costs Postal Service to adjust delivery standards for network efficiency FedEx navigates tariff swings to modest profit gain FedEx retires a dozen freighter aircraft in efficiency move The post US Postal Service expands new delivery standards nationwide appeared first on FreightWaves. DHARAMSHALA, India (Reuters) -U.S. President Donald Trump's administration has decided to lift aid cuts for Tibetans in exile and provide $7 million in financing for projects such as those supporting health and education, the leader of the Tibetan government in-exile said on Wednesday. The Trump administration started cutting foreign aid after taking office in January as part of its "America First" policy, which has had an impact on programmes including those aimed at securing food supplies and preventing the spread of HIV in some of the poorest parts of the world. Penpa Tsering, leader of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) in India, the government in-exile, said he believed Tibetans became "collateral damage" in foreign assistance cuts and that their leadership had worked hard to restore U.S. funding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I'm happy to inform you that the U.S. government has decided to lift the termination," Tsering told reporters in the northern Indian town of Dharamshala on the sidelines of Tibetan Buddhist spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama's 90th birthday celebrations. "We received this communication just day before yesterday." The U.S. embassy in New Delhi did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Tsering said that the U.S. aid cut had affected the momentum of the CTA's work. "We did manage to get stop gap arrangements from other governments. Also, we'll be looking to diversify our sources in the future," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The elderly Dalai Lama assured his followers on Wednesday that upon his death he would be reincarnated as the next spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism and spelt out a succession process that sets up a renewed clash with China. Beijing views the Dalai Lama, who fled to India from Tibet in 1959 after a failed uprising against Chinese rule, as a separatist. The United States, which faces rising competition from China for global dominance, has repeatedly said it is committed to advancing the human rights of Tibetans. U.S. lawmakers have previously said they would not allow China to influence the choice of the Dalai Lama's successor. (Reporting by Krishna N. Das in Dharamshala and Shivam Patel in New Delhi; Editing by Kim Coghill) A teenage pilot, who is attempting to fly all seven continents solo, hit a patch of rough air this weekend when Chilean authorities detained him for changing his flight plan without their permission and landing in Antarctica. Chilean prosecutors say American influencer Ethan Guo, 19, broke multiple national and international regulations by changing his flight plans without prior notice, landing on a part of Antarctica where the South American country maintains a territorial claim. CNN requested a comment from Guo, whose lawyer on Sunday said the young pilot had experienced complications while flying. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Guo, whose website states he is trying to raise $1 million for cancer research by becoming the first person ever to fly to all seven continents solo, has broadcast his continent-hopping journey since last September to more than a million Instagram followers. His last post, on June 23, documents a flight over the Philippines. Chilean authorities say that on Saturday, Guo submitted a false flight plan and took off from Carlos Ibanez del Campo Airport in the southern Chilean city of Punta Arenas as the sole passenger and crew member aboard a Cessna 182Q aircraft, registered as N182WT. At one point during that flight, authorities say he turned off course toward Antarctica. Ethan Guo poses for a photo in Geneva, Switzerland, in August. - Salvatore Di Nolfi/Keystone via AP The accused provided false information to the aeronautical authority. He submitted a flight plan indicating that he was going to fly over the city of Punta Arenas, said Cristian Crisosto Rifo, the Regional Prosecutor of Magallanes and Chilean Antarctica. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, he continued toward Antarctica without informing anyone and without any authorization, landing at the airfield of Lieutenant Rodolfo Marsh Base in Chilean Antarctic territory. With this behavior, the accused seriously endangered the safety of air traffic to Antarctica and the Magallanes region, the prosecutor added. Cristoso explained that as soon as Guo landed in Antarctica, he was detained and formally charged. The accused not only violated the Aeronautical Code but also multiple national and international regulations regarding routes to Antarctica and access to the white continent, emphasized Crisosto. On Sunday, his lawyer told reporters at a press conference after Guo was charged that the young pilot experienced complications while flying. While already in the air, he began to experience a series of complications, Karina Ulloa said, adding that Guo claims that he was conducting an exploratory flight to see if he could follow this route or not. CNN requested a comment from Ulloa on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Magallanes and Chilean Antarctic Prosecutors Office determined on Sunday that the teen must remain in the Chilean sector of the frozen continent until authorities give him permission to return to the city of Punta Arenas. The Chilean court decreed a 90-day investigation period for this case, during which time Guo must remain in Chile. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Ukraine is striking out on getting the U.S. to send it more weapons. So it plans to try something new: Asking Washington to let Europe purchase U.S. weapons for Ukraine, according to six people with knowledge of the request. The novel approach was being discussed around the same time that the Trump administration moved to halt some deliveries of military aid that had already been allocated for Kyiv , including Patriot air defense interceptors and high-explosive artillery rounds. The move, first reported by POLITICO on Tuesday , blindsided top Ukrainian officials. It also comes as Europe pledges to spend more on defense and is looking for creative ways to do so. As part of the new push, several European governments are exploring plans to buy American-made weapons from their defense budgets for transfer to Ukraine. The money would count toward the new NATO defense spending number , but there have been no solid commitments yet. Those transfers would have to come with U.S. government approval, details of which are being discussed, according to one person familiar with the developing plans. This person, like the others, was granted anonymity to share details of the discussions, which have not been previously reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With no additional U.S. help coming and Russia in the middle of a summer military offensive targeting the northeastern city of Sumy that has already seen the Kremlin snatch up key critical minerals deposits, Zelenskyy has been forced to change his approach on acquiring new weapons. We dont have a choice, a Ukrainian official said. One potential sticking point involves restrictions the U.S. normally places on allies using American weaponry. During the Biden administration, British Storm Shadow missiles were held up from being sent to Kyiv because they contained U.S. parts. Part of the negotiations will address those permissions, the Ukrainian official said. American-made weapons take a notoriously long time to construct and ship to allies. But when it comes to high-end equipment such as air defenses, the American-made items are the best on the market and have proven effective against Russian missiles and drones. In 2022, the U.S. funded the sales of 18 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems for Kyiv, but the Lockheed Martin-made weapons have yet to arrive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It isnt clear yet whether the United States would grant such requests. The Trump administration appeared to be warming to the idea of sending more defensive weapons to Kyiv as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the NATO summit in the Netherlands last week. One person directly briefed on the meeting described it as really positive, noting that Trump appeared to be compassionate and understanding. A second person briefed on the exchange between the two leaders said it was productive and went very, very well. Zelenskyy gave Trump an update on the state of the war, the second person said, and outlined what kinds of support Kyiv would need from the United States in the future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senate Armed Services Committee Chair Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) said he'd heard that Zelenskyy had modified his aid request from military aid to weapons purchases. Wicker did not attend the NATO summit, though a bipartisan delegation met with European allies there. "I'm told that President Zelenskyy's request now is less financial aid from the United States and more the ability to use European money to purchase guns and ammunition from us," he said. Zelenskyys office did not immediately respond to questions about the emerging Ukrainian plan or what was discussed during the meeting between the two heads of state. Trump, who has been repeatedly frustrated in recent weeks by Russian President Vladimir Putins reticence to come to the bargaining table to end his war on Ukraine, emerged from the meeting more sympathetic to Kyivs cause than before and did not rule out sending more Patriot air defense systems. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They do want to have the anti-missile missiles, as they call them, and were going to see if we can make some available, Trump said at a news conference at the end of the NATO summit. Theyre very hard to get. But despite the positive interactions between Trump and Zelenskyy, there has been no recent movement to get more American weapons to Ukraine. The issue of weapons transfers gained new urgency this week, after the Pentagons halt on munitions shipments became public. Defense Department officials had become concerned that U.S. weapons stockpiles were getting low and ordered the partial freeze. Meanwhile, attempts to clear a fresh round of funding to assist Ukraine have stalled on Capitol Hill. Lawmakers last approved an aid package for Ukraine more than a year ago, when Congress OKd $61 billion in funding related to arming Kyiv and replenishing U.S. stocks of weapons, along with billions in aid for Israel and other Pacific partners. Up until this week, that aid was still flowing to Ukraine through Poland, and was slated to last a few more months, depending on the size of each package, one administration official said. The planned packages were more of what has already been sent, including artillery rounds, small arms and air defense missiles, but the Pentagons surprise canceling of weapons shipments has created some uncertainty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration has not requested any further weapons, and GOP congressional leaders have signaled Ukraine-related funding isnt a priority, despite some bipartisan calls for the U.S. to step up. Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) in a floor speech last week urged more security assistance to Ukraine in tandem with new sanctions on Moscow. The United Kingdom, Canada, and European nations have collectively increased their aid to Ukraine to nearly $23.5 billion in the first three months of 2025, and will provide $40.6 billion in additional military aid for the rest of the year, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said last week. But European countries have limited ability to provide Kyiv with key weapons, especially air defenses, as Russia bombarded Ukraines skies with 477 drones and 60 missiles on Sunday. Given the fact that some types of weapons that are critically important for us are not produced by anyone in the democratic world except the U.S., we, together with our European partners, are ready to purchase them, said a second Ukrainian official. USAID officially stopped implementing foreign assistance as of July 1, as the Trump administration seeks to realign international aid with its policies, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced. "Foreign assistance programs that align with administration policies and which advance American interests will be administered by the State Department," Rubio said in a statement on Substack. The Trump administration has set its sights on the U.S.'s chief foreign aid agency, accusing it despite little evidence of fraud and of promoting a "liberal" or "leftist" agenda. Roughly 83% of USAID's programs, or around 5,200 contracts, were terminated in March, and thousands of workers were laid off. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Founded in 1961, USAID has played a crucial role in humanitarian relief worldwide and has overseen thousands of programs supporting democracy-building, human rights, and economic development. "USAID had decades and a near-infinite taxpayer budget to advance American influence, promote economic development worldwide, and allow billions to stand on their own two feet," Rubio said. "Beyond creating a globe-spanning NGO industrial complex at taxpayer expense, USAID has little to show since the end of the Cold War." Contradicting Rubio's comments, experts and former U.S. officials have criticized the decision and pointed to potentially devastating humanitarian consequences. Research by The Lancet estimated that USAID funding cuts could result in 14 million deaths by 2030, including 4.5 million children younger than 5. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We will not apologize for recognizing America's longstanding commitment to life-saving humanitarian aid and promotion of economic development abroad must be in furtherance of an America First foreign policy," Rubio said. The chief U.S. diplomat presented the step as part of President Donald Trump's broader policies aimed at requiring international allies and partners to pay a greater share for projects around the world. "Americans should not pay taxes to fund failed governments in faraway lands. Moving forward, our assistance will be targeted and time limited. We will favor those nations that have demonstrated both the ability and willingness to help themselves," Rubio said. Since the start of Russias full-scale invasion, USAID has provided $2.6 billion in humanitarian aid to Ukraine, as well as $5 billion in development assistance and more than $30 billion in direct budget support to Kyiv. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: As US aid to Ukraine dries up, new platform connects Americans investors with Ukrainian startups Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. ODESSA, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)- The University of Texas Permian Basin (UTPB) recently received a $100,000 grant to host the ConocoPhillips Small Biz Builder program in Odessa. The program is designed to help local entrepreneurs and small business owners build stronger, more sustainable businesses through hands-on training, expert mentorship, and practical financial tools. Led by Brian Shedd, Executive Director of the Center for Entrepreneurship and Economic Development (CEED) at UTPB and Stephanie Griffin, Program Director, the Odessa cohort will launch at Odessa College on July 23. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At UT Permian Basin we are committed to supporting the economic growth of our region, said Dr. Sandra Woodley, UTPB President. Thanks to the generous support of ConocoPhillips, the ConocoPhillips Small Biz Builder program will empower local entrepreneurs with the tools, training, and mentorship they need to build strong, sustainable businesses that contribute to a thriving West Texas economy. We are thankful for this partnership and look forward to seeing the lasting impact it will have on business owners and communities across the Permian Basin. ConocoPhillips has shown a deep, ongoing commitment to the Permian Basin, said Griffin. The ConocoPhillips Small Biz Builder program is a reflection of that commitment, providing aspiring and existing entrepreneurs with the resources, training, and connections they need to grow their businessesand grow them well. The program uses curriculum from CO.STARTERS, a nationally recognized model that walks entrepreneurs through business idea development, customer discovery, and business modeling. It is paired with tools and training from FINSYNC, a leading small business financial platform that helps participants manage cash flow, streamline operations, and make confident decisions. Later-stage entrepreneurs will also work with the UTPB Small Business Development Center to refine their businesses for additional growth and success. We recognize that supporting local entrepreneurs is essential to foster a strong community, stated Aaron Hunter, Vice President of the Delaware Basin at ConocoPhillips. The ConocoPhillips Small Biz Builder program is one of the ways were investing in the continued success of the Permian Basin. Were proud to partner with UTPB to equip small businesses with the tools they need to grow sustainably. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following the Odessa program, the next cohort is planned for Carlsbad, New Mexico this fall, with hopes to expand to additional communities in 2026. To register for the Odessa session or to learn more about the ConocoPhillips Small Biz Builder program, visit: https://www.conocophillips.com/smallbizbuilder Program Overview: Start Date: July 23, 2025 Location: Odessa College Length: 6 weeks Eligibility: Open to local entrepreneurs and small business owners Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. The shocking ouster of the president of the University of Virginia (UVA) has shown the Trump administration is expanding its higher education battle to public universities and using local and state support to push its demands. University President James Ryan announced Friday he would be leaving after an apparent pressure campaign from the Trump administration that went largely unreported until it reached its boiling point. President Trumps Department of Justice (DOJ) began a civil rights investigation into UVA months ago, according to The New York Times, with the administration particularly concerned about diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives at the university. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The department specifically pushed for the ouster of Ryan to settle the civil rights investigation, according to The Times, after he built a reputation of embracing diversity initiatives and made enemies among the conservative bloc in the UVA community. While UVAs Board of Visitors voted unanimously in March to shut down the universitys DEI offices, it was not enough for the federal government. The DOJ sent a letter to the university on June 17 saying time is running out and the departments patience is wearing thin; its signatories included two employees who are both UVA alumni, according to The Times. Ryan said in a statement last week that his choice was clear: The university loses millions of dollars in federal funding or he resigns a year earlier than when he was going to. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While there are very important principles at play here, I would at a very practical level be fighting to keep my job for one more year while knowingly and willingly sacrificing others in this community, he said. While the administration has been vocal about some of its other university fights, such as those against Harvard and Columbia, the federal government kept the one against UVA under wraps. Some experts speculate the different approach was due to the support the federal government thought it could get among other UVA leadership that was not possible at the Ivy Leagues. Its not necessarily that they were trying to put public pressure on the president to resign as much as they were almost like leaning towards friendly ears in some ways, to say that, Hey, nice university, itd be a real shame if something happened to it, said Adam Harris, senior fellow at New America. Protests were held on the schools Charlottesville Grounds after the ouster was announced, but for more conservative members of the schools alumni network, the move was a long time coming. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The United States Department of Justice has a zero-tolerance policy toward illegal discrimination in publicly-funded universities. We have made this clear in many ways to the nations most prominent institutions of higher education, including the University of Virginia, said Harmeet Dhillon, assistant attorney general for civil rights at the department and an alumna of the UVA School of Law. When university leaders lack commitment to ending illegal discrimination in hiring, admissions, and student benefits they expose the institutions they lead to legal and financial peril. We welcome leadership changes in higher education that signal institutional commitment to our nations venerable federal civil rights laws, Dhillon added. The surprise many are feeling reflects just how quiet and targeted these external pressures can be, said Ross Mugler, acting CEO and board chair of the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges. When political interests, especially from outside the university, begin to shape leadership outcomes, it often happens behind the scenes until a tipping point is reached. The possibility of personal grievances playing a role only heightens the concern. This isnt how sound governance or institutional leadership decisions should be made. Experts speculate UVA is a unique situation given the political backing the Trump administration was able to get from the universitys board, many of whom were appointed by Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement UVA has a very active and very loud conservative advocacy group called the Jefferson Council, and theyve been fighting Jim Ryan for years, and they have a friendly audience in right now, in the U.S. Department of Justice so all of that on a state and local content makes this kind of a unique case, said Jonathan Becker, associate professor of educational leadership at Virginia Commonwealth University. The scalp marks the biggest move yet from the Trump administration against a public college, though it has also announced investigations into dozens of schools over alleged antisemitism on campus. And while Trump may not be able to push out leaders at other schools as easily, it doesnt mean he wont try. The situation at the University of Virginia represents a serious escalation in the political pressure campaign against higher education and a clear signal that this fight is not confined to elite private institutions like Harvard or Columbia, Mugler said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What were seeing is a widening effort to reshape governance, leadership and institutional autonomy across the entire sector including public universities that serve as civic anchors and engines of opportunity in their states, he added. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The University of Wisconsin System had braced for a state budget cut. Instead, UW institutions are poised to get more money than they have in recent years but the cash comes with some strings. One provision would mandate teaching workloads. Another caps overall staffing levels. A third measure infuses campuses with some cash but under new formulas. The Legislature's budget-writing committee on July 1 approved the spending plan for the UW System over the next two years. The bill still requires approval from the Assembly, Senate and Democratic Gov. Tony Evers, but is likely to pass because Republican legislative leaders and Evers negotiated before the committee's vote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here's what to know about the proposed budget for the UW System: New teaching loads for UW instructors New teaching workloads would require instructors to teach at least 24 credits every school year. At UW-Madison and UW-Milwaukee, where professors are expected to produce more research, the mimimum load would be 12 credits per year. To teach less, professors would need to buy research time through grants or other outside funding. Department chairs would also get a break. The UW Board of Regents could offer more exceptions in written guidelines, but would need approval from the Legislature's GOP-controlled Joint Committee on Employment Relations. PROFS, a UW-Madison group that advocates on behalf of faculty, voiced concern about the new workloads slated to begin Sept. 1, 2026. English professor Michael Bernard-Donals, who leads the group's steering committee, said teaching loads are the purview of universities, not the Legislature. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It seems like a one-size-fits-all or two-sizes-fits-all approach to teaching without providing any sense of nuance as to what teaching and research actually looks like at a university," he said. Some UW-Madison faculty already maintain a 12-credit teaching load, he said. But other disciplines have a lower load because the research is labor intensive. The university's policy largely defers to departments in setting workloads. UW System spoksperson Mark Pitsch declined to offer reaction to the teaching workload policy. UW employees to get pay raises The plan includes a more than $256 million increase for the UW System, which Evers' office hailed as the largest in more than two decades. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A massive portion of the increase, roughly $200 million, would fund a pay plan to boost all UW employees' base salaries by 3% in 2025 and 2% in 2026. UW-Madison professors are paid about 5% more than its peer institutions. But the dozen other UW institutions are paid about 14% less than their peer schools, according to UW System data. The budget also includes $27 million annually to attract faculty in high-demand fields. The UW System would need approval from the Legislature's employment relations committee to receive the money. New money to be allocated under new formulas UW campuses would get an additional $26.5 million annually to be distributed through two new formulas. The first would help stabilize campuses that have seen their enrollment fall over the past decade. The second formula would allocate money to institutions based on the number of credit hours students complete. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The employment relations committee would need to approve the spending plan before campuses would get the money. Open question on potential tuition increases and campus closures UW System President Jay Rothman had asked for an $856 million increase over the next two years. If the full request won approval, he pledged to keep tuition frozen in the 2025-26 and 2026-27 school years, relaunch a statewide tuition promise program offering free tuition coverage to low-income students and keep the remaining two-year branch campuses open. In a statement that did not address tuition rates, branch campuses or a tuition promise program, Rothman thanked the Legislature and Evers for their support and said the money would increase students' educational opportunities. Pitsch, the UW System spokesperson, declined to answer questions. The UW Board of Regents is scheduled to meet July 10 and may vote on tuition rates then. UW System employee cap continues The plan mandates the UW System to maintain the number of employees to what was in place on Jan. 1, 2024. The cap first began as part of a legislative deal from the last state budget. Half of public supports no funding increase for UW System The proposed budget increase for UW campuses comes despite a recent Marquette Law School poll reporting about half of registered voters who were surveyed supported keeping UW funding flat. Another 27% supported an increase for the state university system, and 23% supported cutting it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even when told Wisconsin ranked 44th in public funding for its four-year universities and the UW System had recently closed some of its two-year campuses, survey respondents showed a reluctance to increase funding. About 57% of respondents said universities have to adjust to current level of state funding, while 41% called for increasing funding. Rep. Mark Born, R-Beaver Dam, who co-chairs the budget committee, said most of his Assembly caucus wasn't happy about boosting university funding at a time when they see major problems. "But part of how we work through that compromise ... is to get some of those reforms," he said. "There are some key reforms in here, continuing the position cap and other things, that are important to trying to right-size that system to make it work for the state and for taxpayers." Kelly Meyerhofer has covered higher education in Wisconsin since 2018. 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: New University of Wisconsin teaching workloads proposed in WI budget As hurricane season bears down, a new layer of uncertainty is spreading through the disaster response system: a wall of silence from the Federal Emergency Management Agency thats leaving officials from across the country scrambling for answers. Weve been ghosted by FEMA, Robert Wike Graham, deputy director of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Emergency Management, told CNN, describing repeated, unanswered requests for information on vital emergency preparedness funding for his North Carolina community. In Wyoming, where more than 90 percent of the states emergency management budget comes from the federal government, officials say their requests for clarity on emergency management funds also have gone unanswered. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its very frustrating not to have good, official information, with lots and lots of rumors flying around, which creates anxiety for folks, said Wyomings Homeland Security Director Lynn Budd. I believe the regional level (of FEMA) is doing their very best to support us, but they are also being asked not to share too much information with us. So, its very unfortunate. From regional offices to the national headquarters, more than a half-dozen FEMA insiders as well as state and local emergency personnel who work with the federal agency told CNN they are frustrated by a clampdown on information sharing that they say will hamper disaster response. Internal memos seen by CNN show top FEMA officials have ordered disaster relief personnel to stop most communication with the White Houses Office of Management and Budget and National Security Council as well as members of Congress and direct those inquiries through FEMAs acting administrator instead. Effective immediately ALL engagement with OMB, NSC, and the Hill needs to be routed through the Office of the Administrator, one memo reads. This includes answering questions if staff call you directly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, regional teams across the country have been instructed, at times, to limit sharing information with their state and local partners until granted approval from supervisors, multiple FEMA officials confirmed. They spoke to CNN on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly. These communication breakdowns risk delaying the distribution of key federal funding, according to state and local officials as well as sources inside FEMA. The agency is behind schedule in the process for ensuring billions of dollars in grants the lifeblood of local emergency management nationwide can go out to localities and states in the coming months and years, those sources say. Some grants have already been paused or canceled as part of budget cuts. A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson denied any sweeping directives or policies were issued, telling CNN in a statement: This is fake news. FEMA employees were NOT banned from engaging with external partners. It should be common practice for FEMA leadership to be made aware of decisions happening at FEMA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the memos, issued last month, do more than instruct staff to keep the front office informed they explicitly restrict certain external communications and mandate that all such inquiries be vetted by the political appointees now running the agency. The clampdown comes as Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, whose department oversees FEMA, asserts extensive authority over the agency, reshaping its leadership and operations since President Donald Trump returned to office. It also comes as the Trump administration is vowing to phase out FEMA after hurricane season this summer and fall, and shift responsibility for disaster management onto states. CNN reached out to the White House about the new orders and was directed to the DHS by a spokesperson. Communication bottleneck The memos seen by CNN apply to FEMA personnel at every level of the agency, from senior leaders to rank-and-file employees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That has created a bottleneck with effects that are already apparent in Washington. The Office of Management and Budget and National Security Council both part of the Executive Office of the President are struggling to obtain basic information from FEMA on a slew of emergency funding and grants. An array of routine meetings were also abruptly canceled in recent days, according to a source familiar with the situation. Moreover, officials inside FEMA warn that these new restrictions could make it harder for Congress to obtain unfiltered information from career staff without political influence. US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem boards a flight in Guatemala City, Guatemala, on June 26. - Anna Moneymaker/Pool/AFP/Getty Images It eliminates transparency, a longtime FEMA official told CNN, adding that critical questions about policy, recovery projects and agency readiness will now be filtered through layers of political bureaucracy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While its not uncommon for administrations to route some communications with Congress and the White House through political appointees, this level of front-office review is extremely unusual, several FEMA officials said. To narrow the number of people who can do that engagement will create a choke point for that type of coordination, never mind the fact that the people now trusted to do that have no experience in disaster management, a former senior FEMA official told CNN, speaking on condition of anonymity out of fear of reprisal. DHS overhaul of FEMA Several sources who spoke to CNN see the changes as part of a broad political shift that purposefully draws the agency into much closer political alignment with Trump and DHS Secretary Noem. Noem and Corey Lewandowski, a longtime Trump ally who now works at DHS, ousted the presidents first acting FEMA administrator, Cameron Hamilton, after he repeatedly clashed with Lewandowski and later told lawmakers he did not support the administrations controversial plan to dismantle FEMA a move both Noem and Trump have publicly championed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In his place, David Richardson, a homeland security official from the Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction office with no prior experience handling large-scale natural disaster relief, was installed. Richardson wasted no time making his mandate clear, telling FEMA staff on his first day that he will run right over anyone who tries to prevent him from carrying out the presidents mission. Beyond its overhaul of FEMAs front office, DHS is now inserting dozens of its own staffers into other parts of the agency with more on the way, filling vacancies left by a mass exodus of experienced emergency management leaders and employees, multiple FEMA officials tell CNN. Noem also has imposed a requirement that she personally approve all DHS grants and contracts of more than $100,000, which FEMA officials warn could slow operations and severely disrupt aid distribution during natural disasters. States lose out These shifts come at a precarious moment for the nations disaster response system. Internal reviews have raised red flags about the agencys readiness, warning that the loss of institutional knowledge and the politicization of disaster response could leave Americans vulnerable in the face of natural disasters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As hurricane season intensifies, the Trump administration has already taken steps to shrink FEMAs footprint. Just last week, the agency officially ended FEMAs door-to-door canvassing of residents affected by disasters, shifting support work to recovery centers that residents can visit, according to a memo obtained by CNN. The changes have rattled state emergency management teams, many of whom have spent months seeking information and guidance about the flow of federal funding and future of the agency. FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Specialists Marc Ocasio, left, and Lynisha Warren, right, speak to Trace Burlingame in Mayfield, Kentucky, in December 2021. The team was going door-to-door to meet survivors of a tornado that tore through the area earlier that month. - Denny Simmons/Courier & Press/USA Today Network/Imagn Images Amid growing concerns of steep FEMA budget cuts, some local emergency management departments have started laying off staff, according to officials from the National Emergency Management Association, or NEMA. This week, NEMA and a coalition of groups that represent mayors, state lawmakers and emergency management agencies fired off a sharply worded letter to Noem. It warned the agency still has not opened applications for a large number of key grants and is missing legally mandated deadlines to ensure the funds can be distributed. Those grants support a long list of initiatives, such as emergency planning and training, counterterrorism, cybersecurity upgrades, fire department equipment and staffing and public safety communications. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Delays, the groups say, are jeopardizing emergency response and homeland security capabilities, putting critical infrastructure at risk. This comes during a time when nation-state actors, domestic and international extremists, and the hazards of our natural environment pose a tremendous and increasing threat, the groups wrote in the letter. Muzzle on FEMA Members of Congress also have grown frustrated with what they describe as FEMAs persistent lack of responsiveness under the Trump administration. Under this administration, FEMA has been mostly silent to our questions or requests for information, Rep. Bennie Thompson, a Mississippi Democrat and senior member of the House Homeland Security Committee, told CNN. Hurricane season is underway. Not only do we need to conduct oversight of FEMA we need to know whether its ready to act. I have serious doubts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Patty Murray, a Democrat who serves as vice chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, says shes been told FEMA personnel are being prevented from communicating with emergency management officials in her home state of Washington. Theres a very clear reason the Trump administration wants to muzzle FEMA staff, and its because they dont want people to know about how the president is gravely undermining disaster preparedness and response at FEMA, Murray told CNN in a statement. These sorts of communications embargoes arent just outrageous they jeopardize planning and response and, ultimately, peoples lives. Responding to CNN questions about the new directives for FEMA staff, Sen. Katie Britt, an Alabama Republican who chairs the Senate Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, emphasized the need for clear and consistent communication from DHS and FEMA. I expect the Department of Homeland Security and its components to provide my team with timely, accurate, and relevant information when needed, Britt said in a statement. I believe its critically important, especially during hurricane season, that the flow of information between DHS and my team continues, which can make all the difference in protecting our communities and responding effectively to emergencies. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com BBVA is taking a strategic step in its digital transformation by expanding its long-standing collaboration with Google Cloud through the deployment of Google Workspace with Gemini, as part of the global bank's comprehensive AI adoption strategy. MADRID, July 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- BBVA and Google Cloud today announced the deployment of Google Workspace with Gemini across the global operations of the bank. This initiative will empower BBVA's 100,000 employees worldwide with secure generative AI experiences in tools like Gmail, Google Docs, Google Sheets, and more. Today, BBVA employees report that automating repetitive tasks with AI saves them nearly three hours per week on average, freeing up valuable time for more strategic, customer-focused work. BBVA has collaborated with Google Cloud to digitally transform its operations since 2011. Now, BBVA employees will gain a powerful collaborative assistant embedded within Google Workspace's productivity tools they use every day, further solidifying BBVA's position as a frontrunner in leveraging technology for business transformation. BBVA employees will use Gemini to help summarize, draft, and find information across emails, chats, and files; create professional documents, presentations, spreadsheets, and videos; and even take notes and collaborate better on calls. Beyond Google Workspace with Gemini, BBVA employees will leverage the standalone Gemini app and NotebookLM, an AI-powered research and writing assistant, to help with tasks like research, generating audio overviews of complex findings, creating reports, and more. "The partnership with Google Cloud allows us to continue transforming how our teams work, make decisions, and collaborateusing the most competitive generative AI models on the market," said Elena Alfaro, Global Head of AI Adoption at BBVA. "We anticipate that Gemini with Workspace has the potential to simplify tasks and spark new ideas, which will significantly boost the productivity and innovation of our teams." "BBVA transformed the way we work with Google Workspace more than ten years ago," explained Juan Ortigosa, Global Head of Workplace at BBVA. "We expect that the widespread adoption of generative AI across these tools will improve productivity and the work experience of all employees, regardless of their role, fostering a more dynamic and efficient environment." "This expanded partnership with BBVA underscores the transformative power of generative AI in the enterprise. Google Cloud is committed to providing the most advanced AI tools, like Gemini, to help industry leaders like BBVA unlock new levels of innovation and efficiency. We have been a proud partner of BBVA's digital transformation journey for years, and we believe that this deployment of Gemini with Workspace will further empower their teams and redefine the future of banking," said Isaac Hernandez, Country Manager Spain, Google Cloud. In parallel to this AI deployment, the bank has launched a mandatory training program, 'AI Express', focused on the broader use of artificial intelligence. It provides employees with clear principles for secure and responsible AI adoption across use cases. The program is aligned with the European Union's AI Act and BBVA's internal policies on data protection and confidentiality. Access to Google Workspace with Gemini, the Gemini app, and NotebookLM will be granted to employees who have completed internal training programs. This approach ensures that teams are prepared to use these generative AI tools effectively, ethically, and in line with BBVA's AI governance standards. About BBVA BBVA is a global financial services group founded in 1857. The bank is present in more than 25 countries, has a strong leadership position in the Spanish market, is the largest financial institution in Mexico and it has leading franchises in South America and Turkey. BBVA contributes with its activity to the progress and welfare of all its stakeholders: shareholders, clients, employees, providers and society in general. In this regard, BBVA supports families, entrepreneurs and companies in their plans, and helps them to take advantage of the opportunities provided by innovation and technology. Likewise, BBVA offers its customers a unique value proposition, leveraged on technology and data, helping them improve their financial health with personalized information on financial decision-making. About Google Cloud Google Cloud is the new way to the cloud, providing AI, infrastructure, developer, data, security, and collaboration tools built for today and tomorrow. Google Cloud offers a powerful, fully integrated and optimized AI stack with its own planet-scale infrastructure, custom-built chips, generative AI models and development platform, as well as AI-powered applications, to help organizations transform. Customers in more than 200 countries and territories turn to Google Cloud as their trusted technology partner. SOURCE Google Cloud (Bloomberg) -- Oil edged down after its biggest weekly loss in two years as traders speculated on the volume of an expected OPEC+ supply hike and fears of Middle East tensions disrupting global oil flows dissipated. Most Read from Bloomberg West Texas Intermediate crude shed 0.6% to settle near $65 a barrel, following a 13% slump last week. Key members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies are ready to consider another 411,000 barrel-a-day increase for August when they meet Sunday, according to several delegates. It would be the fourth month in a row the group agreed on such a bumper hike, triple the initially planned volumes. Crude futures continue in a consolidation pattern, seemingly finding equilibrium around the $65 a barrel area, said Dennis Kissler, senior vice president for trading at BOK Financial Securities. The real test will be if summer travel demand can take up the extra supplies OPEC will be adding. The wild card again focuses on Iran and their compliance. Hedge funds piled into bearish bets after a fragile Iran-Israel truce removed a super-sized geopolitical risk premium from the market last week. Though Iran remains skeptical the US-brokered ceasefire will last, US President Donald Trump suggested he might back sanctions relief for the Islamic Republic if they can be peaceful. Meanwhile, trend-following commodity trading advisers, which tend to exacerbate price swings, liquidated long positions to sit at 45% net long in WTI on Monday, compared with 55% on June 27, according to data from Bridgeton Research Group. Oil is back near where it was before Israel initially attacked Iran on June 13, with futures on track for a 9% loss this quarter, as focus returns to supply and demand balances. Apart from the potential OPEC+ increase, which may worsen a glut forecast for later this year, investors will be focused on trade talks with just 10 days until Trumps country-specific tariffs are set to resume. There were signs of progress in some negotiations, with Canada rescinding a tax to advance a trade arrangement and seeking a deal by July 21. The European Union is willing to accept Trumps universal tariff but is pushing for exemptions on key sectors. The oil demand outlook for China the biggest crude importer turned slightly less bearish after factory activity improved for a second month, although it still remained in contraction. Gov. Phil Scott signed into law the highly anticipated education transformation bill on July 1, legislation pitched as a long-term solution to the states myriad public education system woes, including rising property taxes, declining test scores and system inefficiency and inequity. "For over 30 years, the state has tried to fix a broken system by tinkering around the edges," Scott said during a press conference tied to the law's signing, and argued the new reformative act "creates a blueprint to build one of the best education systems in the world." The new law, formerly known as H.454, will roll out over a period of three years. Most notably, it will switch Vermont to a different education funding method called a foundation formula which gives the state the power to set statewide base spending versus taxpayers passing district budgets each year like they do under Vermont's current system and launches extensive consolidation efforts, such as condensing Vermont's over 100 school districts down to roughly a dozen and establishing minimum class sizes. Attendees of the Chittenden County Public Education townhall write down their biggest concerns about public education in Vermont on April 2, 2025. "This legislation moves Vermont to an education finance system that is fairer and more predictable for communities and our families," said Rep. Emilie Kornheiser (D-Brattleboro), chair of the Ways and Means Committee. "It provides better opportunities for our kids, particularly those in under-resourced schools and it provides stability for public schools, so teachers and admins can focus their energy where it matters the kids." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, Vermonters shouldn't expect property taxes to decline or for other bugs in the public school system to be fixed overnight, Scott and top lawmakers warned during the press conference. "I want to remind everyone that this is just the beginning," Scott said. "The work we need to do over the summer and into next session will be just as difficult and just as important as what we did this spring." What else is in the Act? As Scott and lawmakers reiterated throughout the press conference, the new education transformation act primarily sets the reform process in motion, kicking the can down the road on many key decisions, including the creation of new district boundaries, a statewide school construction aid program, a statewide school calendar and graduation requirements and more. Lawmakers have also delegated the planning of most reforms to newly created focus groups, the Agency of Education and other state agencies and departments. "There's so much work to do, I can't even see the finish line," said Senate Minority Leader Scott Beck, a Republican from St. Johnsbury, during Tuesday's press conference. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What the act does directly accomplish is outline how the new foundation formula and property tax structure will work. Under the new formula, school districts will receive a set base amount (tentatively $15,033 per pupil) plus additional money to educate certain populations, like English language learners, who require more spending. School districts can vote to raise additional money through supplemental spending. The act adds another property tax classification for second homes and replaces the current property tax credit with an income-based homestead exemption. Vermont Gov. Phil Scott Average class size minimums will be 10 students for first grade, 12 students for second through fifth grade, 15 students for grades 6 to 8 and 18 students for grades 9 to 12. Whether the act will truly improve education affordability remains to be seen, as many pieces of the transformation will not go into effect until July 2026 and heavily depend on future legislative action, according to the most recent joint fiscal office note on the bill. Why some lawmakers oppose the education transformation act Scotts signature comes just over two weeks after H.454 passed in both chambers, albeit not without noteworthy opposition from some Democratic lawmakers, whose dissent contributed to the Houses lukewarm 96-45 vote on the bill. Critics common fears include that the Act will underfund schools and programs for vulnerable students like special education, potentially close small schools, overburden rural areas, reduce local control and more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This bill reflects a complete disregard for the voices of our public educators, said Democrat-Progressive Rep. Troy Headrick of Burlington after the vote. Those on the ground who know our students and communities the best were sidelined while this bill was shaped around political convenience. Many lawmakers who voted to pass the act said it is imperfect but at least gets the ball rolling. I believe this gives us the opportunity to finally start necessary reform to improve education for our students and provide tax relief to all the Vermonters that must fund it, said Rep. Chris Pritchard of Barnard after the vote, adding that While I have concerns with some of the content, I am hopeful and optimistic they can be improved upon as this reform evolves. Previous versions of H.454 were even more polarizing. Widespread disagreement over the bill, which Scott repeatedly urged the legislature to pass this year, prompted lawmakers to extend the legislative session almost a month past its typical late May adjournment. Top Vermont politicians respond to criticism Despite some mixed reviews, Scott and legislators generally spoke optimistically about the education transformation law, reassuring constituents that the reform process will be deliberate and meticulous. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senate Pro Tempore Phil Baruth said he understood why the act's "level of ambiguity" might concern some educators. "It makes sense that people would want to know what's happening and they would express that sort of anxiety, but I want those people to know that this bill is very carefully designed," Baruth said, adding that the act won't "roll out" until after legislators "gather additional information and data," create sensible statewide maps, consult with constituents and then conduct another legislative vote. "Again, it will come back to the voters' representatives for another check," Baruth said. Lawmakers reconvene for the second half of the biennium next January. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Megan Stewart is a government accountability reporter for the Burlington Free Press. Contact her at mstewartyounger@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Burlington Free Press: VT education transformation bill signed by Gov. Scott, becomes law Hundreds of people turned out for a vigil in memory of a mother-of-two who died at her home in Donaghadee, County Down, on Saturday. Sarah Montgomery, 27, who was heavily pregnant with her third child, was found seriously injured before being pronounced dead at her home. A man appeared in Newtownards Magistrates' Court on Wednesday charged with her murder. Zak Hughes, 28, from Ardglen Place in north Belfast, is also charged with child destruction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No bail application was made on his behalf. District Judge Conor Heaney confirmed the case would come before the court again on 30 July. 'She was loved' The crowds of people gathered at the resource centre in Donaghadee for a short walk to Sarah's home at Elmfield Walk. A minute silence was held outside the property. The vigil was organised by North Down Women's Aid. Joanne Courtney attended Wednesday's vigil [BBC] Joanne Courtney said Wednesday evening's vigil showed there is "great support for the family". She said it was "amazing" to see so many people turn up. "It shows you the support behind Woman's Aid and what's happening here today." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ms Courtney said the victim was "loved". "She would never walk past you without smiling," she added. "In the months and years to come we will still be there for them". Community 'devastated' Maxine Porter was one of the many people who took part in the vigil [BBC] Maxine Porter is from Donaghadee and said the community felt it was their "duty" to come out and show their support for Sarah and for her family. She said the community feels "devastated". "In times like this our community rallies around those in difficult circumstances." She said she had spoken to Sarah's grandfather earlier on Wednesday and that he was "very keen" to let everyone know he had been carried by the support shown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Aimee Roleston went to school with Sarah and said she was glad so many people attended the vigil. "It's just amazing and I hope one day when the girls are old enough they can see this," she said. "I'm just trying to think of how kind she was, and what an amazing mum she was and the support [she gave] to her brothers and her granny." 'Another woman who tragically lost her life' About 50 people also gathered for a vigil in Guildhall Square in Londonderry on Wednesday evening to remember Sarah. Ciara O'Connor-Pozo said she is heartbroken for Sarah and her family and added that it was important for her and others to come and pay their respects to "yet another woman who tragically lost her life". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She noted that this is not the first time she has attended a rally in this very spot following the tragic death of a young woman-and sadly, she does not believe it will be the last. "I wanted to come today to show my support for Sarah's family." "My heart is broken for that poor girl, her two daughters, and her unborn child." 'Women here are not safe' Cara Gilliland said the vigil was a reminder that women are not safe [BBC] Several flowers were laid near the steps of the Guildhall, beside the words 'Sarah Montgomery RIP' written in chalk, in her memory. Cara Gilliland says Sarah's death is a tragic event, and that it is important both women- and especially men -attend these rallies to call for urgent action. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Sarah's death is, sadly, another reminder that women here are not safe, and it's just so scary," she said. "How many more rallies like this do there need to be?" "We, as a society, need to see changes right across the board-culturally and socially-we need better education for one thing." "I sadly don't think our politicians have the answer." Tributes paid to 'loving mum' Over the past few days tributes have been paid to Ms Montgomery. Donaghadee Primary School described their former pupil as "the most supportive and loving mum to her two wonderful daughters". The school said she was "a much loved past pupil" and offered its "heartfelt thoughts, prayers and sincere condolences to Sarah's family at this very sad time". Flowers and cuddly toys have been left along with messages in tribute to Sarah Montgomery [BBC] Donaghadee Community Association said Donaghadee "is a very close and deeply caring community, and we know everyone will be feeling very shocked". "We encourage everyone to support one another in the days ahead." Donaghadee Parish Church said its clergy and congregation were "deeply saddened" by the death of Ms Montgomery. FAIRPORT, N.Y. (WROC) The Village of Fairports Office of Community and Economic Development is unlocking another round of grants, helping business improve their signage and front-facing accessibility improvements. The office will match investment on the former up to 50%, and the latter up to 90%. Accessibility and the canal is for everyone, Executive Director of the OCED, Johnna McCooey, said. We made other accessible improvements along the canal. Including the kayak launch We just wanted to make sure that everyone can enjoy our businesses and the canal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The grant will be open for the rest of this year and the rest of the 2026 fiscal year. Businesses can learn more about the program 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 RochesterFirst. RICHMOND, Va. (AP) Virginia officials have agreed not to fully enforce a 2020 law banning conversion therapy for minors as part of an agreement with a faith-based conservative group that sued over the law, authorities said earlier this week. The Virginia Department of Health Professions, represented by the states office of the attorney general, entered into a consent decree with the Founding Freedoms Law Center last month, saying officials will not discipline counselors who engage in talk conversion therapy. Shaun Kenney, a spokesperson with the Virginia Attorney Generals Office, said on Tuesday his office was satisfied with the consensus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This court action fixes a constitutional problem with the existing law by allowing talk therapy between willing counselors and willing patients, including those struggling with gender dysphoria, Kenney said in a statement. Talk therapy with voluntary participants was punishable before this judgment was entered. This resultwhich merely permits talk therapy within the standards of care while preserving the remainder of the lawrespects the religious liberty and free speech rights of both counselors and patients. A Henrico Circuit Court judge signed the consent decree in June. Two professional counselors represented by the law center sued the states health department and counseling board last September, arguing that the law violated their right to religious freedom. The term conversion therapy refers to a scientifically discredited practice of using therapy in an attempt to convert LGBTQ people to heterosexuality. The practice has been banned in 23 states and the District of Columbia, according to the Movement Advancement Project, an LGBTQ+ rights think tank. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The practice has been a matter of dispute in several states. A ruling is expected any day from the Wisconsin Supreme Court over whether a legislative committees rejection of a state agency rule that would ban the practice of conversion therapy for LGBTQ+ people was unconstitutional. The U.S. Supreme Court decided in March to take up a case from Colorado to determine whether state and local governments can enforce laws banning conversion therapy for LGBTQ+ children. According to the law center, the Virginia consent decree applies not only to the two counselors but to all counselors in Virginia. We are grateful to the Defendants in this case and to the Attorney General, who did the right thing by siding with the Constitution, the law center said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democratic Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell, who backed the 2020 bill, blasted the decree. This was a statute that was enacted to save lives, he told reporters during a Zoom session on Tuesday. All the research, all the professional psychiatric organizations have condemned conversion therapy. They say it doesnt work, and they say its counterproductive. NEED TO KNOW In private diary entries recovered after she took her own life in April, Virginia Giuffre described feeling like a 'prisoner' in her home as she recorded claims that her husband's alleged abuse and jealousy escalated The longtime Epstein accuser was barred from seeing her three children under a court order a separation that devastated her, according to her family In a final note to her kids, Giuffre wrote: "Every day that I don't see your faces has a little less light" After years of advocacy and survival following her alleged abuse by Jeffrey Epstein, Virginia Giuffres final months were marked by turmoil at home. In a private diary recovered after her death, she detailed claims of her husbands alleged abuse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Giuffre, who became one of the most prominent voices among survivors of Epstein's abuse, died by suicide at the age of 41 in April at her home in Perth, Australia. At the time, she publicly accused her husband, Robert Giuffre, of long-term abuse and was involved in a custody battle over their three children. Now, newly revealed diary entries, obtained and reported by The Times of London, shed light on her final months and the deep sense of powerlessness she felt behind closed doors, even after years of being hailed for her strength. Jeenah Moon/Bloomberg via Getty Roberts behavior became more controlling, she claimed. The stronger I became, the scarier he became. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In another entry, Virginia described feeling like a prisoner in [her] own home, writing that her husband wouldnt allow her downstairs when he had male friends over. He banned me from going downstairs when any man was over at our home, she wrote, describing the isolation and control she allegedly endured in her final months. In January, Giuffre was hospitalized with injuries she alleged were the result of an assault by her husband, including a cracked sternum and facial bruising. The Times reports that she told doctors she had been in a bus accident an explanation she may have used to conceal the violence she claimed to have experienced at home. Instead of praising his wifes accomplishments he began to be jealous. Trying to make me stop advocating for victims of trafficking, Giuffre wrote in a diary entry. Joe Schildhorn/Patrick McMullan via Getty In February, Giuffre was barred from seeing her children under a court order obtained by her husband. She was reportedly devastated by the separation, which was expected to last at least four months. Her final diary entry, according to The Times, was addressed directly to her children: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Every day that I don't see your faces has a little less light, she wrote. The world is dimmer without you in it. Giuffre rose to prominence after accusing Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell, and Prince Andrew of sexual abuse. She settled a civil suit with Andrew in 2022 he denied the allegations and admitted no wrongdoing, but the case placed Giuffre at the center of one of the most closely watched scandals in recent memory. Virginia Roberts/Instagram In a public statement months before her death, Giuffre said she was stepping away from advocacy to focus on healing. But her diaries paint a picture of someone still battling this time not in court, but in her own home. Sky Roberts, Giuffre's brother said his sister was "never afraid of any of these people" she spoke out against. Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. "She was ready to move on with her life but she wanted it to be with her kids," he told The Times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was a lot of things, he said, speaking of the things weighing on her before her April 25 suicide. It was about to be Noahs 18th birthday. That was very important to her and she knew she wouldnt be there for that. They were her life. Related: Virginia Giuffre Alleges Husband Has Physically Abused Her For Years: 'I Can No Longer Stay Silent' (Exclusive) Robert Giuffre's attorney could not be reached for comment on the alleged abuse. Before Giuffre's suicide, he told PEOPLE in an email that "the issues you raise are before the Courts in Australia both he and anyone associated with the case including Ms. Giuffe or her agents are prohibited from discussing or utilizing the media. Therefore, there is no comment." Read the original article on People VIENNA Hundreds of supporters packed into what became an uncomfortably warm, standing-room only event Tuesday night at the Volunteer Fire Department in Vienna to watch the Republican statewide ticket appear together for the first time. For an event billed as a unifying moment for the Republican nominees, who got off to a rocky start this year, the candidates did not themselves dwell for very long on their ticket-mates. Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, Attorney General Jason Miyares and conservative radio host John Reid, who are running for governor, attorney general and lieutenant governor, appeared on stage together for less than a minute at the end of the two-hour long rally. Miyares and Earle-Sears both referenced each other and their win in 2021. Miyares called John Reid his friend and mentioned the latters time working in Ronald Reagans office. Earle-Sears didnt reference Reid at all. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this year, Gov. Glenn Youngkin asked Reid to withdraw from the race. But after hyping up the crowd Tuesday, Youngkin explicitly endorsed Reid, saying that when theres a 50-50 tie in the Senate, the radio host would sign bills the right way and say no when theyre the wrong bills. Reid acknowledged the previous discord. I want you to know I didnt get on this stage because the establishment in Richmond likes me, said Reid, the first openly gay candidate for statewide office in Virginia. You may have noticed. Related Articles Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was the first time Youngkin had appeared with all three candidates, and the first time he had publicly stood with Reid after he asked the lieutenant governor candidate to withdraw from the race. At the time, Youngkin had cited a social media account matching the username Reid uses elsewhere that contained risque photos of men. Reid denied the account was his and refused to step down. At the rally, Youngkin touted his own accomplishments in office job growth, more people moving into Virginia than leaving, and significant deregulation. If you want opportunity, come to Virginia, he said. If you want opportunity, join this crowd. If you want opportunity, vote for Winsome Earle-Sears. Earle-Searss speech focused on criticisms of her opponent, Democratic gubernatorial nominee Abigail Spanberger, and the Democratic nominee for New York mayor Zohran Mamdani. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I want to grow jobs, and (Spanberger) wants to grow government, Earle-Sears said. Theyre going to turn us into Maryland. Theyre going to turn us into New York and California. Chair of the Virginia Republican Party state Sen. Mark Peake also spoke. Are you ready to win bigly in November? he asked the crowd, before saying that Earle-Sears, Reid and Miyares must win over their Democratic opponents. Neither Earle-Sears nor Miyares faced any Republican challengers in a primary. And Reid became the presumptive nominee after Pat Herrity dropped out of the race, citing health concerns. Though Earle-Sears, Miyares and Reid had been the presumptive nominees for statewide office since April, the three had previously run solo campaigns. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I am excited to see all three candidates campaign together, said Carol Fox, chair of the Gainesville District on the Prince William County Republicans Committee. Its one thing Ive been saying to (Earle-Sears) over and over and over again, you need to campaign all three of you together.' Fox said the most important issue to her this election was tax policy and worried that Democrats in statewide office would mean an increase in taxes. I dont understand their reasoning other than they want to spend it on stupid, frivolous things, she said. Its my money, and guess what, I can spend my money better than the government can spend my money. The candidates appeared together on stage for maybe a minute before speaking individually to supporters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reid paused to speak to reporters. The other candidates did not. I know Im a unique candidate, he said. Im a little controversial. I wish that wasnt the case, but its true. But I also think that there are a lot of conservative Democrats and independents that feel like the Democratic Party has gone too far to the left on certain social issues. Reid said he did not know if there would be future events planned with the whole ticket. When asked if he was disappointed the candidates did not appear together for long, he pointed to the enthusiastic turnout. You saw what I saw, you heard what I heard, he said. Im just excited that this crowd was here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, across the street, more than 80 protesters stood in the rain bearing signs that read Winsomes silence makes us sick, and Medicaid saves kids. The protest was organized by Democratic activist groups. Kate Seltzer, 757-713-7881, kate.seltzer@virginiamedia.com For the 2025-2026 school year, Volusia County School District will continue providing free meals to all students through the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). This initiative guarantees that all students in the district get a free nutritious breakfast and lunch every day, eliminating the requirement for families to submit income applications for free and reduced-price meals. The CEP program covers every school site in the Volusia County School District, ensuring all students have fair access to meals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Additionally, students at Pace Center for Girls, Richard Milburn Academy West, and Richard Milburn Academy East will continue to receive free meals. Families directly certified (DC) through state assistance programs will continue to receive eligibility letters for after-school care and Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) benefits. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. The European Commission under President Ursula von der Leyen is to face a vote of no confidence in the European Parliament. Parliament President Roberta Metsola informed the parliamentary group leaders of the development on Wednesday evening, dpa learned. The motion of censure was brought forward by Romanian right-wing EU lawmaker Gheorghe Piperea. The initiative accuses the commission of a lack of transparency and mismanagement, particularly with regard to the handling of the Covid-19 pandemic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The motion needed the backing of one-tenth of EU lawmakers, or at least 72 signatories, in order to be debated and voted on during next week's plenary session in Strasbourg, France. If passed, the commission would have to resign as a whole with its president and 26 EU commissioners. Such a scenario is considered unlikely, however, as it would require a double majority consisting of two-thirds of votes cast and representing a majority of the parliament's 720 seats. (Bloomberg) -- Oracle Corp. said it has signed a single cloud deal worth $30 billion in annual revenue more than the current size of its entire cloud infrastructure business. Most Read from Bloomberg That revenue is expected to start flowing in the fiscal year 2028, Oracle disclosed in a regulatory filing Monday, without naming the customer. Oracle is off to a strong start in its fiscal year 2026, Chief Executive Officer Safra Catz said in the filing. The company has signed multiple large cloud services agreements, she said, adding that revenue from Oracles namesake database that runs on other clouds continues to grow more than 100%. The $30-billion deal ranks among the largest cloud contracts on record. That revenue alone would represent nearly three times the size of Oracles current infrastructure business, which totaled $10.3 billion over the past four quarters. A major cloud contract awarded in 2022 from the US Defense Department, that runs through 2028 and could be worth as much as $9 billion, is split among four companies, including Oracle. That award was a shift after an earlier contract worth $10 billion was awarded to Microsoft Corp. and was contested in court. Oracle shares climbed as much as 8.6% Monday morning in New York, a record intraday high. They were up 26% this year through Fridays close. The database giant has gained traction in the competitive market for renting out computing power over the internet, in part by targeting clients focused on artificial intelligence work. Earlier this year, Oracle announced a joint venture dubbed Stargate to provide OpenAI with massive sums of computing power. The company had previously said this deal wasnt yet reflected in its financial statements or backlogged orders. For more: Oracle Hits Record After Seeing Dramatically Higher Sales The deal announced Monday suggests Oracle will increase its cloud market share and capital spending in the coming years, Anurag Rana, an analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence, wrote in a note. (Updates with context on size of deal) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2025 Bloomberg L.P. The European Commission under President Ursula von der Leyen is to face a vote of no confidence in the European Parliament next week. Parliament President Roberta Metsola informed the parliamentary group leaders of the development on Wednesday evening, dpa learned. The motion of censure was brought forward by Romanian right-wing EU lawmaker Gheorghe Piperea. The two-page document accuses the commission of a lack of transparency and mismanagement, particularly with regard to the handling of the Covid-19 pandemic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The motion needed the backing of one-tenth of EU lawmakers, or at least 72 signatories, in order to be debated and voted on during next week's plenary session in Strasbourg, France. According to current plans, the debate is scheduled to take place on Monday evening, followed by a vote on Thursday. If passed, the commission would have to resign as a whole with its president and 26 EU commissioners. Such a scenario is considered unlikely, however, as it would require a double majority consisting of two-thirds of votes cast and representing a majority of the parliament's 720 seats. At an investiture vote following last year's European elections, von der Leyen's commission was approved by 370 out of 688 votes cast. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The tabled motion accuses the commission of refusing to provide information on alleged text messages between von der Leyen and the head of the pharmaceutical company Pfizer. An EU court recently ruled in this case that the commission has not yet provided sufficient legal justification for withholding the information. As reported by the New York Times, personal contact between von der Leyen and Pfizer chief executive Albert Bourla was crucial to strike a deal for the EU's multi-billion euro vaccine purchases at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. There is also criticism about coronavirus vaccines worth around 4 billion ($4.7 billion) remaining unused. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the parliament's research service, nine motions of censure have been tabled since the first direct election of the EU legislature in 1979. The last motion targeted von der Leyen's predecessor, Jean-Claude Juncker, in 2014. It was rejected by a large margin. Only 101 EU lawmakers backed the motion, mainly eurosceptics, while 461 rejected it and 88 abstained. The vote had been prompted by revelations about tax advantages for major international corporations in Luxembourg. Juncker had been prime minister of Luxembourg for almost 19 years before helming the commission in Brussels. In 1999, the commission under Jacques Santer resigned to prevent a vote of no confidence which was expected to succeed, amid accusations of fraud, mismanagement and nepotism. (PUEBLO, Colo.) The Colorado Lottery has launched public voting for its second annual Starburst Peoples Choice Award. The Colorado Lottery uses the Starburst Award to recognize excellence in the use of Lottery funds for community and conservation projects. The Colorado Lottery said projects are chosen based on a number of considerations, including the creativity of the project, economic and social impact on the community, along with a broader impact on the state. In 2024, Panorama Park in Colorado Springs won the Peoples Choice Award. Panorama Park wins first Peoples Choice Starburst Award Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Peoples Choice vote runs from July 1 to July 31. People can vote once per day by email or on the contest website. Every day, people who vote will be given one entry in a chance to win a Colorado Lottery prize pack valued at more than $200. Last years response to our first Peoples Choice Starburst Award was overwhelming, said Tom Seaver, senior director of the Colorado Lottery. The fans of our Starburst Award winners came out in full force to bring in the win for their favorite project. But of course, all of these projects are winners in my eyes, and Colorado is the ultimate winner, thanks to our loyal players. A full list of projects for the vote can be found on the Colorado Lotterys 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 FOX21 News Colorado. MIDDLESEX COUNTY, Va. (WAVY) One person is in critical condition after a crash in Middlesex County on Wednesday morning, according to state police. Virginia State Police are investigating the accident, which happened in the northbound lanes on Route 17 at Canoe House Road. A preliminary investigation determined the driver of a 2011 Dodge minivan traveled southbound on Route 17 and ran off the roadway and through the median at approximately 11:25 a.m. The driver of the minivan struck an embankment, culvert and subsequently rolled over several times before coming to a stop in the northbound lanes on Route 17. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The driver has been taken to Riverside Walter Reed Hospital for treatment. The Virginia Department of Transportation is assisting with traffic control as the northbound lanes on Route 17 are blocked. Continue to check WAVY.com for updates. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com. LEE COUNTY, Va. (WJHL) An employee of Lee County Public Schools has been suspended amid a Virginia State Police (VSP) investigation requested by the school district. Virginia State Police is investigating the Lee County Public Schools district, an agency spokesperson confirmed to News Channel 11 on Wednesday. A VSP spokesperson said the Bureau of Criminal Investigation was in the early stages of an investigation involving the school district. VSP did not provide any details as to the nature of the investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lee County School Board Chair Robert Hines told News Channel 11 that an employee tied to the investigation has been suspended. Hines also said no students were involved in the matter that is being investigated. Hines did not confirm what any of the allegations are, but he did say the school district requested the investigation by first contacting the Lee County Sheriffs Office. The sheriffs office informed the school district that the VSP would have to handle the case, Hines said. According to Hines, school district leaders were first made aware of allegations involving the suspended employee last week. State police got back with the school district this week, Hines said. Lee County supervisors approve tax increase; superintendent says no schools will close Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lee County Public Schools Superintendent Brian Dean provided a statement, saying the school district would work with authorities during the investigation. We have been made aware of a situation and are working with the appropriate authorities, Dean stated. We are not able to provide further details at this time. News Channel 11 reached out to Lee County Commonwealth Attorney H. Fuller Cridlin on the matter. Cridlin did not have any comment on the investigation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather. WALKER, Mich. (WOOD) Firefighters in Walker say the driver of a commercial sweeper truck was hospitalized after veering off the road and crashing Wednesday morning. It happened at Wilson Avenue SW and Hall Street SW. According to the Walker Fire Department, the vehicle went off the road and crashed into a fire hydrant and a tree. Authorities believe the driver suffered a medical emergency just before the crash. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The driver had to be extracted from the truck by first responders. The driver was taken to the hospital with injuries that are not considered life-threatening, according to firefighters. The crash shut down eastbound Wilson Avenue for slightly over an hour, according to the Michigan Department of Transportation. By 11 a.m. Wednesday, all lanes were back open. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. California bars and nightclubs already are required to post conspicuous signs letting customers know that drug-testing kits are available. Now they have to keep a stack of lids handy one more method for protecting patrons from drinks that have been drugged. A new Assembly bill that went into effect Tuesday requires any establishment in the state where alcohol is sold for on-site consumption to have lids at the ready upon customer request. Bar and nightclub owners in Los Angeles whom The Times spoke with seemed unfazed by the change, which they described as an insignificant cost for the safety of patrons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson for the Mother Lode in West Hollywood said that the only difference in operations was a stack of plastic lids at the end of the bar, which will be provided for free. There werent lids here before and now they are, they said. Not much has changed; it doesnt cost nothing. Assembly Bill 2375, written by Rep. Josh Lowenthal (D-Long Beach), was supported by LGBTQ+ and alcohol safety organizations, such as the California Alcohol Policy Alliance and the Sacramento LGBT Community Center. The legislation builds on a previous bill that went into effect last year. AB 1013 also written by Lowenthal, who previously ran a nightclub requires the display of prominent signage informing patrons that they can ask for a drug-testing kit. AB 2375 passed unanimously last year through the House and Senate chambers. Establishments must display a sign that says, Dont get roofied! Drink spiking drug test kits available here. Ask a staff member for details." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the bill, there is no requirement to provide a lid unless requested by the customer. There is an option for establishments, however, to charge a reasonable price for a lid if they choose. The law will be enforced by the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, which issues liquor licenses for bars and nightclubs in California. Failure to comply with this and last year's bill could affect an establishment's liquor license, according to the department. But a spokesperson said for now there will be no special enforcement of the new provision. Bars will simply be notified during inspections if they aren't following the law, said Devin Blankenship, a public information officer for the department. Blankenship said the department would focus primarily on educating and notifying license holders about the new legislation. 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. Nancy Mace grabbed her team, hopped in a van and raced back to Washington in her pajamas Wednesday to vote on President Donald Trumps One Big, Beautiful Bill driving through stormy weather after scores of flights into D.C. were canceled. Mace, who is currently weighing a run for governor of South Carolina, knows that she needs the presidents endorsement to win in a state that overwhelmingly supported him in 2024. So the mad dash, and the show she put on social media about it all, makes sense politically. But while the audience of one in the White House will appreciate the effort, many constituents back home may be far less pleased. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats because the Trump megabill forces states to carry part of the cost of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as food stamps, if they have high rates of overpaying or underpaying recipients. And Mace sounds ready to throw some pain in the direction of her home state in the name of fighting waste, fraud and abuse. President Donald Trumps proposed One Big, Beautiful Bill would force states like South Carolina to pay more for SNAP. Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) is fine with that. (Getty Images) So under some of the provisions, our state may have to pay fines of upwards of $300 million if we don't get the fraudulent payments for SNAP under control, she told The Independent. The same goes for Medicaid. But if you're talking about able-bodied workers, she continued, my policy is, if you're an able-bodied person and you want Medicaid? Get a f***ing job. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump bill also puts rural hospitals at risk due to changes in how states can raise money for Medicaid. In Fiscal Year 2024, South Carolina had a 9.25 percent error rate for SNAP, according to statistics from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. According to the nonpartisan Kaiser Family Foundation, 64.7 percent of families in South Carolina on Medicaid have a full-time worker in their family. We're gonna be fined $300 million a year if our government doesn't get its s*** together, Mace said. If I run for governor, you can be damn sure that's No. 1 on my list. Many Americans continue to feel ambivalent of the bill. Quinnipiac University released a poll last week showing that 55 percent of Americans oppose the bill based on what they have heard. Americans are about evenly split on the work requirements, with 47 percent supporting work requirements and 46 percent opposing them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That could complicate the prospects for ambitious Republicans. New York Republican Rep. Mike Lawler, who represents a district that Democratic former Vice President Kamala Harris won in last years presidential election, echoed the sentiment. Like Mace, he is considering a run for governor and has long complained about the cap that the 2017 Trump tax cuts put on the State and Local Tax Deduction, commonly known as SALT Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) cut a deal with Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) to exempt Alaska from some of the harshest requirements in the One Big, Beautiful Bill. (REUTERS) But Lawler said that the goal of the Trump legislation is to get states to run their programs properly. That's the objective, to get the program fixed so they should be working towards it, he told The Independent. New York has a 14.09 percent error rate for SNAP. Republicans have long called for work requirements for social safety net programs, with some policy successes. But the current bills work and cost-sharing provisions became a sticking point during the Senate debate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the Senate, Republicans cut a deal with Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, whose state has an inordinately high error rate partially because of its rural population, to exempt it state from the cost-sharing part of the bill, which Democrats excoriated. But Rep. Buddy Carter, who is running for the Republican nomination to challenge Sen. Jon Ossoff in Georgia, defended the change in policy. We improved the program, he told The Independent. We made sure that people who are on there should be on there, they're going to be off of that. Now we're going to make it better for those who truly need it. Carter is running to represent a state with a large error rate of 15.65 percent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Democrats say this will hurt states ability to provide SNAP benefits. Rep. Mikie Sherrill, the Democratic nominee for governor in New Jersey, specifically said it was unfair, especially from a state that sends $70 billion more to the federal government than we get back. If they're not going to run their programs, why are we paying taxes? Sherrill told The Independent. Crowds of people swarmed around information stands. Old people, young couples, toddlers and babes in arms. One person joked: There must be a Yiddish phrase for Packed like sardines. But most were not in the mood for humour. Some even had tears in their eyes as speakers on the stage talked of coming home. This was the scene at an aliyah fair held in north London last month for British Jews contemplating moving to Israel (the Hebrew term aliyah literally means ascending or rising, but for generations its been used to denote immigration to Israel). And while the fair is an annual event, organisers were surprised by just how busy the 2025 gathering was, with 1,100 participants attending, three times the number of the year before. Rabbi Vadim Blumin addresses attendees at the fair - Omri Dagan for the Jewish Agency for Israel Usually, we have a few hundred people, but this time we were surprised by how many signed in, says Rabbi Vadim Blumin, the head of the Jewish Agency in the UK and Western Europe, which helped organise the fair. I was surprised by the diversity. Normally we get empty nesters, people who are retiring and want to go somewhere warm and sunny [...] But we had so many young families, students, really people of all ages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What would make someone leave peaceful Britain to go and live in a war zone, in one of the most disputed and fought over places in the world? It is, perhaps, a sign of just how unsafe some British Jews now feel. And the BBCs airing of what the Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis described on Monday as vile Jew-hatred at Glastonbury festival, has done little to assuage their fears. Bob Vylan was condemned for chanting vile Jew-hatred during his Glastonbury set - Ben Birchall/PA Debby Lee, 59, a television executive, was one of those who attended the aliyah event in north London last month. She was there, she explained, to explore my options. Ive never had a longing to be in Israel but there is an irony in that, the more there is criticism of Israel, the more there is anti-Semitism, which means that we feel that maybe Israel is the only place for us, she says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement None of that fills me with joy, but I need to look at my options because things are very bad in this country, and have been since October 7 2023. I realised something had changed on October 8, when I went to see my dying mother who was in a Jewish hospice, to find police outside because there had been death threats. That was the first big shock, and things have got progressively worse. Until October 7, Lee says she felt part of the progressive movement, standing with friends over their various causes, but has had little support in return. Debby Lee: I love Britain, but Im not sure Britain loves me any more Even when my friends and colleagues do want to show support, they dont dare say anything publicly. They feel they cant, and thats where we are, she says sadly. My family has been here for 200 years. I love this country and am hugely patriotic. But I am not sure this country loves me any more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The numbers who have actually left the UK for Israel are small but growing according to statistics from The Jewish Agency and the Israeli Ministry of Aliyah and Integration. In 2023, 404 Jewish people from the UK emigrated to Israel. Last year, 660 went and, in the first five months of 2025, 250 have gone a 12 per cent increase compared to the same period last year. Another 980 households have gone through the aliyah process, which takes around four to six months, and involves proving Jewish heritage, providing documentation and attending an interview before being granted a visa. Sammy Garfinkel was in Israel, on a gap year between school and university, when October 7 happened. His parents flew him out of the country, but he insisted on going back, and has now started at university in Israel and officially made aliyah. When the 20-year-old finishes his degree, he will be conscripted into the IDF, which has lost more than 800 soldiers in this war alone. When the war started and I was back in London, every time I took public transport or walked on the street, I was thinking, Do they know Im Jewish, and will they hate me?. In Israel, I can be openly Jewish and happy about it. This is the place where my ancestors prayed daily to return to, and they didnt get the chance to be here. So, to not be here seems crazy to me, he says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I believe that the Israel-Palestine conflict is driven by pain, suffering and hate on both sides. What many outsiders dont understand is that adding more hate into the mix only deepens the divide. The events at Glastonbury are a stark example of this. Chanting: Death to the IDF may feel like a political statement to some, but to many Jews around the world, it sounds alarmingly close to Death to us. The irony is, when Jews begin to feel they are no longer safe or welcome in their home countries, they will turn to Israel the one place where they feel truly welcome. In trying to fight Zionism, these movements end up reinforcing it. Sammy Garfinkel: In Israel I can be openly Jewish and happy about it Olly, 27, (who does not want to give his full name), is moving to Tel Aviv in August. He has rented out his London house and packed up his things. A software developer originally from Essex, he says he used to come back from holidays to Israel thinking he could never live there. It was such a different way of life. But October 7 changed things and, Glastonbury this weekend felt like the final nail in the coffin. Yes, there is danger [in Israel] but there is danger in the UK, too. I look at what has happened in America two people killed outside a Jewish event, someone throwing Molotov cocktails at Jews, and I see people saying it was their fault because they were pro-Israel, and that sickens me. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ive had workplace anti-Semitism the old-fashioned kind with people saying things like, Why do you work here? I thought all Jews were rich, and then the new kind where every other person has a Palestine flag on their laptop. I feel like I have a target on my back and its unnerving. Whilst the majority of Glastonbury was peaceful, the BBC displayed a hate fest to millions [...] Chants that are banned in Saudi Arabia and the UAE were projected into our living rooms, and very little has been done about it. Olly says he feels a huge sense of relief that hes a few weeks away from leaving the UK, but also deeply sad it has come to this. How is it that I can be safer and more protected in some countries in the Middle East than in the UK? I know its not everyone. A former manager of mine messaged me to say hed been at a Massive Attack concert and they showed footage of the Hamas terrorist Yahya Sinwar [the principal architect of the October 7 attacks, who was killed by an Israeli patrol in the Gaza Strip a year later, in October 2024] and the whole crowd was screaming, Free Palestine. Hes not Jewish, but was so disgusted that he and his wife walked out [of the concert]. But people like him are a rarity. Immigration by diaspora Jews has always been welcomed by Israel. The 1950 Law of Return means that anyone who can prove they, a parent or grandparent, was Jewish, is almost always granted citizenship (although criminals and anti-Israel activists are sometimes turned away). The law was a response to Hitlers race laws, which saw anyone with a Jewish grandparent sent to concentration camps. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Immigrants to Israel, known as Olim, are given benefits such as 500 hours of lessons to learn how to speak Hebrew, as well as free healthcare for up to 12 months until they get a job, and help finding housing and work. But even aside from the ongoing war, life is not easy. Tel Aviv is one of the most expensive cities in the world, and it can be a struggle to get a job. Israel is also a country at war with itself, with huge demonstrations against Benjamin Netanyahu, the prime minister, and his coalition government. Its no surprise that as many Israelis are moving to the UK as Britons relocating to Israel with around 80,000 Israelis estimated to be living here. For Rabbi Blumin, moving to Israel from a relatively safe place like the UK where, unlike in America, France or Belgium, no one has been murdered for being Jewish requires both a feeling of push and pull. It is true that Jews feel less safe in many spaces, and Im sure its a push factor, a significant one, he says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But British Jews can consider other places, so I would also say most of the people are not running away. They understand that their first years in Israel will be much less comfortable than their lives in the UK. But for many, there is a sense of calling, of identity, of belonging. I think also many British Jews are deeply concerned over the future of Israel both with the war and the internal challenges as a society and they want to be part of reimagining our future and rebuilding the country. Tied into that are questions of identity, of belonging, of looking for a meaningful life in a world that is going crazy. I dont think there is a future for Jews in Britain: Writer Lee Kern has rented out his home in England and moved to Israel - Andrew Crowley for The Telegraph Lee Kern, 46, an Oscar-nominated comedy writer, from north London, felt both the push and the pull extremely strongly. He became a significant voice speaking out about the anti-Semitism of the Jeremy Corbyn Labour party by using his substantial social media following. Just three weeks after October 7, he travelled to Israel to document what had happened. And then something unexpected happened: he didnt want to go home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement October 7 and the celebrations that followed it, felt like a coordinated global war against Jews, he says. Id already had six years of fighting anti-Semitism which had, I guess, entrenched, a certain element of disenfranchisement. When I got here, there was so much trauma and tragedy and pain; a genuine anxiety that Israel could be destroyed. But it also felt like a strong country, with all these interesting, dynamic people making a difference, and I ended up falling in love with the place. Yes, we are surrounded by fundamentalists who want to cut my head off, but this is also the most positive, optimistic place Ive ever been, and that is a big part of the reason why I left Britain. He ended staying initially for three months, came home to the UK, and then quickly flew back to Israel having rented out his London home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As I am speaking to Kern, who I have phoned in Israel, sirens sound the latest missile coming over from the Houthis, the Yemen-based troops who have vowed to continue until the war with Hamas is over. Kern is forced to duck into a nearby building and shelter with strangers in the stairwell. Israel isnt a place for the faint-hearted. I dont think there is a future for Jews in Britain, he says sadly. I am worried about Britain itself. It feels like political leaders and the smug, cultural elite are enforcing a regime of shame and self-hatred on the British people, where you are not allowed to feel pride, or feel happy. You are not allowed to have self-belief, and I think thats a terrible thing for a nation. Even when Im unhappy here, I am happy. I feel proud. 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. JONESBOROUGH, Tenn. (WJHL) The Washington County, Tennessee Board of Education (BOE) approved its Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget on Tuesday, with an amendment that reinstates a previously-canceled employee pay raise. The increase in wages was initially nixed from the budget as the BOE was working to combat a $4 million deficit. Scheduled step pay increases were left in the budget, but proposed raises were taken out. PREVIOUS: Washington County BOE balances budget with cuts, fund balance Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chairman Annette Buchanan said an oversight during their last meeting about the budget left out of consideration a TCA code regarding pay scale, which must be fulfilled during the next budget. During Tuesdays meeting, four options to allow salary increases back into the budget to fulfill that TCA code were presented, and after discussion, the fourth option was chosen: FY26-GP-Budget_Possible-Reduction_06192025-Proposed_Amendments_Reinstate-Salary-amp-Wages-IncrDownload The BOE approved option 4, with Vince Walters and Chad Fleenor voting no. That vote will raise the starting teacher salary to $47,905. The number, as mandated by the state, must be at least $50,000 by next year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Superintendent for Washington County Schools Jerry Boyd told News Channel 11 after the meeting that hard choices to keep the budget as balanced as it can be arent over yet. Difficult decisions have to be made, he said. You know, were not done as far as those difficult decisions throughout the year, as we do every year. We will continue to monitor the budget very closely. Boyd said the decision was on a tight schedule, as the budget they decided on Tuesday went into effect the same day. Since were actually in the Fiscal Year 26, effective today, and well be proceeding to the commission to update our budget through these budget amendments that our board approved tonight. And then [were] also prepared to adjust our salary schedules for this next school year, so that thats the work ahead of us. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather. New presidential administrations often spur talk of revolution in Washington, and that goes double for Donald Trump. Supporters promise an end to the old politics; opponents warn of the end of America as weve known it. But the minute anything needs to be done through Congress, the forces of politics as usual reassert themselves. So it is with the One Big Beautiful Bill. The gigantic tax and budget bill isnt just the centrepiece of Trumps legislative agenda. Given the narrow Republican majorities in both houses of Congress, the power of the Senate filibuster to block party-line bills outside of the tax and budget context, and the disinterest of all sides in forging bipartisan compromise, the bill is likely to be Trumps entire legislative agenda for 2025-26. There was a lot of talk about how the bill would do big, dramatic things and break with Republican policies of the past in favour of a new, populist agenda. Perhaps, Trump suggested, Republicans would raise taxes on the wealthy. There was fierce lobbying to undo some provisions of the 2017 Trump tax bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the forces of political gravity are not so easily defied. From the beginning, Republicans understood that this was a must-pass bill. Without it, not only would many of the 2017 tax cuts expire, but the GOP would likely miss the opportunity to satisfy priorities such as funding more immigration enforcement. In the end, the bill passed the House by just one vote, 215-214 (with two Republicans voting no and three others absent or abstaining), and did the same in the Senate, with vice-president JD Vance casting the 51-50 tiebreaker (with three Republicans voting no). The bills passage followed a vote-a-thon of record length in the Senate, as Senators voted down one amendment after another. JD Vance cast the deciding vote - Nathan Howard/REUTERS When a must-pass bill needs every single yes vote to pass, thats a lot of people who have to be appeased or outright paid off. If the House baulks at the Senates changes, the same dynamic is apt to repeat itself. So, the broad outlines of the bill look a lot more like traditional conservative policymaking with some Trump flavouring. Tax cuts for businesses and the wealthy are preserved, and coupled with working-class tax relief such as eliminating taxes on tips, overtime, and car loans. Theres more money for warships and other weapons, and also for the tools of border enforcement (a wall, more agents, and more detention facilities). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Poverty programmes such as Medicaid are subjected to work requirements, tightened eligibility rules, and restrictions on benefits for immigrants. The bill cuts back on subsidies for student-loan repayments and green energy. Republican moderates got their own concessions. The deduction for state and local taxes, which effectively subsidises high-tax blue states, was raised from $10,000 to $40,000 (at significant cost to the budget deficit) to secure a few votes from blue-state Republicans, mainly in the northeast. The child tax credit was expanded, which amounts to a payout to many lower-income taxpayers. Alaska was given more generous treatment in some benefits programmes once Senator Lisa Murkowskis vote became a must-have. Hospital and nursing-home lobbies made out like bandits. Fiscal hawks who wanted deeper spending cuts are instead presented with a bill that does nothing to alter the debt-ridden nations grim fiscal trajectory. Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski voted in favour of the bill - Elizabeth Frantz/REUTERS Other conservative ambitions were scaled back or ended on the cutting room floor. Abortion giant Planned Parenthood was defunded from the Medicaid programme a long-time goal of pro-lifers but the Senate cut the duration of that defunding to one year. The Senate version also cut out plans to ban Medicaid funding for gender transitions, sell public lands in the West, tax third-party funding of lawsuits, or prevent states from regulating artificial intelligence or giving state-funded healthcare to illegal immigrants. A Senate effort to reduce the federal subsidy for Obamacare health insurance plans was scrapped. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The end result is a bill nobody likes which is how lawmaking in Washington usually works. Among Republicans, only the handful of purist fiscal conservatives casting no votes are truly at peace with their votes. Trump and Vance can doubtless sell the deal to Maga diehards as a necessity, and the donor class will be pleased. Democrats are back in their happy place, complaining that Republicans are cutting taxes on the rich and paying for it with welfare cuts for the poor a hymn theyve been singing since the 1930s. Voters instinctively dislike the bill because its huge and messy, but thats precisely why theyre unlikely to remember much about it a year and a half from now at midterm election time other than the Medicaid cuts, which Democrats aim to make the centrepiece of their campaigns. The more things change, the more they stay the same. Dan McLaughlin is a senior writer at National Review 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. Paccar Inc_ branded truck-by RYO Alexandre via Shutterstock Valued at $49.8 billion by market cap, PACCAR Inc. (PCAR) is a global leader in the design, manufacture, and distribution of premium light-, medium-, and heavy-duty commercial trucks under the Kenworth, Peterbilt, and DAF brands. Headquartered in Bellevue, Washington, PACCAR also operates through its Parts division, offering aftermarket components, and Financial Services, providing leasing and financing to customers and dealers across 26 countries The company is expected to release its Q2 2025 earnings before the market opens on Tuesday, July 22. Ahead of this event, analysts project PCAR to report a profit of $1.29 per share, down 39.4% from $2.13 per share reported in the year-ago quarter. While the company has missed the Street's bottom-line estimates in three of the past four quarters, it surpassed the expectations on another occasion. More News from Barchart For the current year, analysts forecast PACCAR to report an EPS of $5.72, down 27.6% from $7.90 reported in fiscal 2024. However, in fiscal 2026, its earnings are expected to rebound 16.1% year-over-year to $6.64 per share. www.barchart.com PCAR stock has plunged 7.7% over the past 52 weeks, trailing the S&P 500 Indexs ($SPX) 13.6% gain and the Industrial Select Sector SPDR Funds (XLI) 21.1% returns during the same time frame. www.barchart.com PACCAR reported its FY2025 first-quarter earnings on Apr. 29, and its shares declined 1.9%. Its revenue of $7.44 billion came slightly above estimates but down from the prior year. Its adjusted net income was $769.6 million ($1.46 per share). The companys Parts segment posted record revenue of $1.69 billion, and its Financial Services division delivered a 6% increase in pretax income to $121.1 million. Operating cash flow remained strong at $910 million, while PACCAR continued to invest heavily in innovation, with over $287 million spent on capital projects and R&D, underscoring its commitment to advanced powertrains, electrification, and global expansion. Analysts' consensus view on PCAR stock is cautious, with a "Hold" rating overall. Out of 16 analysts covering the stock, opinions include four "Strong Buys," ten "Holds," and two "Strong Sells. Its mean price target of $98.07 suggests a 3.2% upside potential from current price levels. On the date of publication, Kritika Sarmah did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. This article was originally published on Barchart.com Washington's Nick Brown is among the state attorneys general suing over the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services sharing Medicaid patients files with the Department of Homeland Security. (Photo by Ryan Berry/Washington state Standard) Washington and Oregons attorneys general are suing the federal government for sharing residents Medicaid records with federal immigration enforcement officials. Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield and Washington Attorney General Nick Brown, alongside 13 other Democratic state attorneys general, filed a lawsuit on Tuesday challenging the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for sharing Medicaid patients files with the Department of Homeland Security, where Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, is housed. The Health and Human Services Department, its secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and the Homeland Security Department and its secretary, Kristi Noem, are listed as defendants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement California Attorney General Rob Bonta is leading the lawsuit, which also includes the attorneys general of Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York and Rhode Island. The state attorneys argue that sharing personal health data violates federal administrative procedure laws and federal privacy laws. States are asking the court to block any new transfer of data, and the use of any data currently held by Homeland Security and ICE for immigration enforcement purposes. Since Congress established Medicaid seven decades ago, federal law, policy, and practice has been clear: the personal healthcare data collected about beneficiaries of the program is confidential, officials from Browns office said in a news release. On June 13, the state attorneys general learned through news reports that officials at the Health and Human Services Department transferred Medicaid data files to ICE officials. Those reports indicate that the federal government plans to create a database for mass deportations and other large-scale immigration enforcement purposes, Brown said in a news release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Washington residents expect that the confidential information they give to the government to access medical treatment will only be used for healthcare purposes, Brown said in a news release. Their data should not go towards creating a giant database of Americans personal information or used so that ICE can deport undocumented immigrants because they had to go to the doctor. Oregon and Washington are among seven states that offer Medicaid to eligible adults regardless of immigration status, and are among 14 states, plus Washington, D.C., that cover children regardless of immigration status. Oregon has 100,000 people enrolled in its Healthier Oregon program, a state-funded program which provides access to Medicaid coverage regardless of immigration status, according to the Oregon Health Authority. About 49,000 people of the nearly 2 million people in Washington who rely on the states Medicaid Program Apple Health have an immigration status that makes them ineligible for federal funding. This has a chilling impact on people who need healthcare in our country, Rayfield said in the news release. Parents may choose not to take their kids to the doctor because theyre afraid of what may happen. We need to protect the privacy and dignity of every person who calls Oregon home. UPDATED at 5:50 p.m. with information from the filed lawsuit and a link to the lawsuit. This article was first published by the Oregon Capital Chronicle, part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Oregon Capital Chronicle maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Julia Shumway for questions: info@oregoncapitalchronicle.com. HUBER HEIGHTS, Ohio (WDTN) Huber Heights officials offered several updates regarding a series of incidents that occurred over the weekend. Huber Heights Mayor Jeff Gore alongside local law enforcement aimed to ease any concerns in the city following two incidents that occurred Saturday, June 28. Gore was joined by city manager John Russell, fire chief Keith Knisley and police chief Mark Lightner. Chaos at Huber Heights celebration: 2 injured in trash-can explosion, triggering panic 2 arrested for trash can explosion at Thomas Cloud Park Police respond to Star Spangled Heights following a trash can explosion on June 28, 2025. (WDTN Photo) City officials first addressed the panic that arose during the Star Spangled Heights event at Thomas A. Cloud Park, after a trash can explosion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The explosion was not just a criminal act, it was an attack on a space that belongs to our families, our children and our community, Gore said. Officers at the event said that they got a report of an explosion in a trash can near the food truck area and later determined that an explosive device had indeed detonated, injuring two juveniles. After the press conference, police reported they took two juvenile suspects into custody. Detectives executed search warrants at two residences, recovering evidence that linked the individuals to the offense. Both juveniles were booked into Montgomery County Jail on charges including aggravated arson, inducing panic, felonious assault and illegal sale of fireworks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone with additional information on this incident is asked to contact Detective Hogue at 937-237-3594. Waffle House shooting suspect, victim identified Police respond to a Waffle House on June 28. (WDTN Photo) Meanwhile, in a separate incident that occurred hours later, police responded to a Waffle House on Executive Boulevard. Already on patrol, police at the scene received report of shots fired. Investigation ongoing in Waffle House shots fired; SUV chased from scene An initial investigation found multiple bullet casings. Multiple people were also seen running from the restaurant, as well as a fleeing white SUV, which officers determined to be reported stolen. A chase ensued, but was eventually ended in favor of public safety. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gore said at the Wednesday presser that the alleged shooter and the person targeted by them have each been identified by detectives working on the case. While these two incidents occurred close together in time, they are not connected, and were treating both with the seriousness they deserve, Gore said. Gore says they will be working with the Montgomery County Prosecutors Office on suspect charges. Watch the full press conference below: Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com. NEW SOUTH WALES, Australia A shark who had just attacked a surfer along an Australian beach then went and chased after a group of surfers attempting to rescue the victim, video from the scene shows. The video, taken on Sunday in Cabarita Beach, Australia, zooms in on the whole incident. "That's so scary," said a woman in the video. "I was literally there." The video zooms in closer to the beach, showing a group of surfers pulling someone out of shallow surf after a shark attack. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bite Mark Helps Experts Determine This Shark Species Bit Woman On Popular New York Beach The shark, highlighted in red, lurks behind the surfers. As the surfers pull the injured surfer out of the water, the shark follows behind them. Another surfer jumped slightly as he noticed the shark lurking. The shark then swam away. Shark Migrations Along Atlantic Coast Affected By Hurricane Activity, Water Temperatures People come to the injured surfer's aid on the beach. People crowded the beach afterward, and the rescuers laid the injured surfers on the beach. Australian news media outlets reported the shark had attacked the surfer's right side. Injuring his hand, arm and leg. The injured surfer is reported to be 16 years old, according to media reports. It's unclear how serious his injuries were. Original article source: Watch: Shark chases surfers after attack along Australia beach CLEVELAND (WJW) An undercover drug operation in Cleveland led to a high-speed chase, a crash and two arrests. The incident began around 5:20 p.m. June 27 on Garfield Boulevard according to police, where Garfield Heights officers and Ohio Investigative Unit (OIU) agents observed what they described as an active drug deal. Local teen accused of raping mother and daughter As officers moved in, police say the suspect rammed the OIU vehicle to get away, leading law enforcement on a pursuit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police released an officers body camera of the arrest. (Watch in the video above.) Courtesy: Garfield Heights Police The driver eventually crashed into a signpost near Ottawa Road. The driver and passenger tried to run but were arrested after a brief chase on foot. Taylor Swift visits Chagrin Falls restaurant Inside the suspect vehicle, police said they found 38 grams of suspected crack cocaine, 23 grams of suspected powder cocaine, 8 grams of suspected fentanyl, a loaded Glock .357 handgun, and $3,000 in cash. Courtesy: Garfield Heights Police Police said the driver is currently on parole and has open cases involving drug trafficking and fleeing law enforcement. The passenger is on probation for previous weapons violations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Neither suspect has been identified. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. JONESBOROUGH, Tenn. (WJHL) Two men were arrested after assaults involving a hammer and a gun, according to the Washington County, Tennessee Sheriffs Office. Deputies responded to the 400 block of Woodlyn Road after 9 p.m. Monday after someone told dispatch that a person had been struck with a hammer. Witnesses told deputies that Terry Allen Brewster, 49, of Johnson City, arrived at the home and got into an altercation with the victim in the driveway. TDOT reopens Broad Street Bridge in Elizabethton Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The sheriffs office said security camera video showed Brewster assaulting the victim with a hammer. Brewster then reportedly returned to his vehicle and left. Shortly thereafter, Brewster called 911 and said he was in the 3000 block of Watauga Road. Deputies found Brewster, who reportedly told them that after he left the scene, David A. Bardo, 23, of Johnson City, approached his truck and fired a gun several times at him. Deputies observed bullet holes in Brewsters truck, according to the sheriffs office. Brewer and Bardo were both arrested and charged with aggravated assault. They were taken to the Washington County Detention Center with bonds set at $50,000 each. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather. Earlier this week, California lawmakers passed among the most sweeping reforms to the states environmental regulations in more than half a century. The measures were primarily intended to boost housing construction and urban density in the Golden State, which faces among the most severe housing shortages in the U.S. Though the move was celebrated by Governor Gavin Newsom as he signed the bills into law, it has exposed tensions between the progressive priorities that motivate Democratic lawmakers. Housing affordability advocates have clashed with those promoting environmental justice, with the former boosting the bills and the latter remaining wary. More broadly, the move exposes divisions between those who want more tools to mitigate climate change and environmentalists who would rather maintain strict limits on what can be built and how. The reforms target the California Environmental Quality Act, which then-governor Ronald Reagan signed more than 50 years ago. Known as CEQA, the legislation requires public agencies and decision-makers to evaluate the environmental impact of any project requiring government approval, and to publicize any effects and mitigate them if feasible. Supporters say the law has prevented or altered scores of projects that would have been detrimental to the environment or Californians quality of life. But CEQA has also become the basis for a regular stream of formal complaints and lawsuits that pile substantial costs and delays onto projects that are ultimately found to have minimal harmful effects sometimes killing them entirely. In one infamous instance, opponents of student housing near the University of California, Berkeley argued that the associated noise would constitute environmental pollution under CEQA, which led to a three-year legal battle that the university only won after it went to the state Supreme Court. Examples like this have led CEQA, which was once a national symbol of environmental protection, to become vilified as a cause of the states chronic housing shortage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After this weeks reforms, most urban housing projects will now be exempt from the CEQA process. The new legislation also excepts many zoning changes from CEQA, as well as certain nonresidential projects including health clinics, childcare centers, and advanced manufacturing facilities, like semiconductor and nanotech plants, if they are sited in areas already zoned for industrial uses. (A related bill also freezes most updates to building efficiency and clean energy standards until 2031, angering climate advocates who otherwise support the push for denser housing.) Governor Newsom used a budgetary process to push the long-debated changes into law, with strong bipartisan support. Some activists welcomed the changes, saying they will lead to denser infill housing on vacant or underutilized urban land, slower growth in rents and home prices, and shorter commutes with the welcome byproduct of fewer planet-warming emissions. For those that view climate change as one of the key issues of our time, infill housing is a critical solution, read one op-ed supporting the measures. Other environmentalists, however, lambasted the changes as environmentally destructive giveaways to developers. After Newsom signed the legislation, the Sierra Club California put out a statement calling the changes half-baked measures that will have destructive consequences for environmental justice communities and endangered species across California. At a time when President Donald Trumps assaults on climate policy and environmental protections have galvanized opposition from the left, what unfolded in California serves as a reminder that, even among Democrats, a divide remains on the extent to which regulation can help or hurt the planet. Its the type of pickle that liberals across the country may increasingly face on issues ranging from zoning to permitting reform for renewable energy projects, which can face costly delays when they encounter procedural hurdles like CEQA. (Indeed, in California, CEQA has been an impediment to not just affordable housing but also solar farms and high-speed rail.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement How do we make sure the regulations we pass to save the planet dont harm the planet? asked Matt Lewis, director of communications for California YIMBY, a housing advocacy organization and proponent of the CEQA reforms. Transportation accounts for the largest portion of Californias carbon footprint, and Lewis argues that denser housing will be key to keeping people closer to their jobs. But, he said, people with a not in my backyard attitude have abused CEQA to slow down those beneficial projects. (His organizations name is a play on this so-called NIMBY disposition, with YIMBY standing for yes in my backyard.) One of the leading causes of climate pollution is the way we permit or do not permit housing to be built in urban areas, Lewis said, adding that more urban development could reduce pressure to build on unused land in more sensitive areas. He pointed to other legal backstops, like state clean water and air laws, that can accomplish the environmental protection goals often cited by supporters of the CEQA process. CEQA isnt actually the most powerful law to make sure that manufacturing facilities and other industrial facilities protect the environment, he said. In short, Lewis believes that any downsides of the new reforms pale in comparison to their benefits for both people and the planet. Did we fix it perfectly this time? Im willing to admit, no, he said, adding that any shortcomings that environmentalists are concerned about could be repaired in future legislative sessions. But many environmentalists contend that the downsides in the new legislation are too large. We put one foot forward but we take another step back, said Miguel Miguel, director of Sierra Club California, noting his opposition to the nonresidential exemptions. He said that CEQA often acts as a first line of defense that allows community input on development projects. Without it, he argues, community voices will be marginalized. Miguel speaks from personal experience: CEQA helped save the mobile home park where he grew up from being replaced by more expensive apartments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kim Delfino, an environmental attorney and consultant who followed the legislation, said that the scope of the reforms expanded from simple support for urban housing development to become a potpourri of industry and developer desires. She added that CEQA requires biological surveys that can be the first step to invoking other environmental protections. If you never look, you will never know if there are endangered species there, she said. Weve decided to take a head-in-the-sand approach. This impasse between environmentalists and housing-focused advocates like Lewis is now decades-old and among the reasons that CEQA reforms or rollbacks, depending on whom you ask have taken so long to come about. As the fight has drawn out, skepticism has become entrenched. Maybe Im wrong, California YIMBYs Lewis said of his optimism that the latest changes can thread the needle between the states housing needs and environmental priorities. But, he added, hed rather defer to elected lawmakers than environmentalists, who have long opposed his housing advocacy. The environmental movement in California has been fundamentally dishonest about housing, he charged. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Sierra Clubs Miguel, for his part, hopes for more cooperation between the competing parties, lest the disagreements poison future legislative efforts. At the end of the day, all parties involved share the same broad goals, if with different levels of emphasis. We have to do everything and anything all at once, he said, referring to climate and environmental policy. That is fine art. This story was originally published by Grist with the headline Can weaker environmental rules help fight climate change? California just bet yes. on Jul 2, 2025. Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr wears a "Make Towers Great Again" hat during an event to announce his "Build America Agenda" on July 2, 2025, in Sioux Falls. (Joshua Haiar/South Dakota Searchlight) SIOUX FALLS Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr picked South Dakota as the place to unveil what he called a Build America Agenda, aimed at cutting regulations and revitalizing the telecommunications industry. Carr delivered a speech Wednesday at the wireless infrastructure construction company VIKOR, surrounded by construction workers, American flags and Toby Keith country music playing from loudspeakers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before the event, Carr climbed a 200-foot KELO-TV tower. At the event, he wore and handed out red hats emblazoned with the slogan Make Towers Great Again, similar to hats at President Donald Trumps political rallies that say Make America Great Again. South Dakota, Carr said, symbolizes whats possible when we get our regulatory policies right. I imagine that the other S.F. San Francisco might seem like a more natural pick to most when outlining a tech or telecom agenda, Carr said. But I cant think of a more appropriate place for me to announce the agenda that will guide much of the FCCs upcoming work than right here in the real S.F. Carr was originally nominated to the FCC by Trump in 2017, and then renominated by President Joe Biden in 2023 and confirmed by the U.S. Senate both times. This year, Trump picked Carr to serve as FCC chairman. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prior to Trumps election win last year, Carr authored a chapter about the FCC in the controversial Project 2025 report, a policy roadmap for a second Trump term published by The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank. On Wednesday, Carr praised Trumps second-term priorities and Republican leadership in South Dakota, including Republican U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune. Carr previously joined Thune to visit a broadband internet construction site in Colton in June 2023, spotlighting the value of federal investments in internet infrastructure. Speech highlights FCC Chairman Brendan Carr announced several goals of his Build America Agenda, including: Accelerating the shift from aging copper lines to high-speed internet. Encouraging greater collaboration and more concrete timelines to fix slow, cumbersome delays when telecom crews are stringing new fiber-optic lines across utility poles. Using legal powers to override local siting delays and permit faster infrastructure deployment. Revisiting how the FCC complies with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), in light of recent Supreme Court rulings relaxing requirements for environmental review. Selling off unused airwaves that companies can use to build new wireless networks. Eliminating rules slowing the space satellite industry, to inject rocket fuel into our licensing process by standardizing our reviews through more objective metrics. Eliminating decades-old rules governing outdated technologies like telegraphs and phone booths. Implementing workforce reforms aimed at making it harder for foreign, fly-by-night crews to sweep in and undercut the safety and security of our networks. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The Brief Another victim has come forward in connection with an elaborate scheme. Scott Merovitch says he's been a Wells Fargo Bank customer for 37 years. After hearing the caller tell the victim about all the charges, he felt confident he was speaking to Wells Fargo. HOUSTON - Scott Merovitch says he's been a Wells Fargo Bank customer for 37 years. But when he reported falling victim to an elaborate scheme, the bank sent him a letter saying he or someone he knows is responsible for the transactions. What we know On May 16, Scott says he got a call from what appeared to be Wells Fargo telling him about fraudulent activity on his account. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After hearing the caller tell him about charges and purchases he had made over the last 10 days, Scott says he felt confident he was speaking to Wells Fargo. The caller told him a security representative with Wells Fargo would be showing up at his home to get his card. The woman can be seen on Ring Camera, taking the card, cutting it in half and placing it into envelopes. Within an hour and half, $20,000 had been taken from Scott's account using ATM's at two HEB's and a Kroger, within a couple of miles from his home. The woman in the video posing as an employee of Wells Fargo appears to be the same woman who showed up at a Kingwood couple's home last month to cut up their card. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Scott filed a police report. Wells Fargo told FOX 26, they will take another look at Scott's case. Tips to avoid scams The other side In a statement to FOX 26, Wells Fargo provided a statement saying this type of scam, "can happen to any customer at any financial institution. This is an industry-wide issue." Wells Fargo also provided some tips for customers to consider: Wells Fargo will never ask you to give us or mail your physical card and/or PIN number to prevent fraud or scams. If anyone asks you to do that, it's a scam. Scammers will try to rush you into taking action, so you wont take time to stop, think, and verify facts. Dont trust caller ID: Scammers can spoof legitimate phone numbers. Common tactics include asking you to provide sensitive personal information or to send money to help stop a phony transaction or receive a refund. Your bank wont ask you to send a payment or your physical card to prevent or stop fraud in your account. If you get a call asking for that, immediately hang up and call your bank directly. Providing personal information such as One-Time passcodes, passwords, or PIN can give scammers access to your account and your funds. Dont be pressured or rushed into making a transaction. If you are uncomfortable with a request received by phone call or text that you didnt initiate, dont respond and hang up immediately. Contact the company using legitimate sources. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our work to prevent scams is a priority and were increasing our education efforts through alerts in online banking sessions, mobile app, various customer communications, displaying warning notifications, through our Online Security Center , and resources like our Security Brochure . The Source FOX 26 Reporter Randy Wallace spoke with the latest victim and a statement from Wells Fargo. The amount of overdue council tax owed by Welsh families has increased by 139% compared to pre-pandemic levels and by nearly a fifth in the year to the end of March, according to Welsh government figures. Overdue payments - which are called arrears - have also increased sharply every year since 2022 when the cost of living crisis began biting, with 263m in total outstanding. Gwynedd has the highest level of overdue council tax - an average of 373 per liable household, while Neath Port Talbot has the lowest at 67. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Missing a monthly council tax payment can have serious consequences because under the current rules you become liable to pay the entire year's bill after just two weeks. Gwynedd council said it had the lowest council tax collection rate in Wales in 2024-25 at 93% and that a review was "ongoing" and action was being taken to "strengthen our recovery". The transferring of some self-catering holiday lets from cheaper business rates to council tax may also have affected the figures. Some shoppers in Bangor said many people were struggling to afford council tax bills. Rosemary from Pentir has moved in with her daughter, and admitted: "I wouldn't be able to pay it out of my little pension any more." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Christine Lewis Roberts, from Anglesey, said: "I think it's too much really, but then everything is. "Bills are going up and that's it." But Gareth Parry said councils had to find the money to keep services running, adding: "Everybody says it's a bit high, but that's the cost of things these days -councils have got to function." Eleanor Price from Gwynedd said the two week rule was "not enough time", adding: "If people are in difficulties, they are going to continue to be in difficulties." Eleanor Price says she is concerned for people facing difficulty paying their council tax [BBC] Council tax arrears across Wales stood at 103m for the 12 months to the end of March, plus another 160m in overdue payments from previous years, bringing the total outstanding amount to 263m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The tax is the main source of locally-raised income for local authorities, and it is charged on domestic property with the amount charged depending on the value of the property, which was last assessed in 2003. Welsh government plans for a revaluation, which could see lower bills for some and higher ones for others, were delayed until 2028. Council tax is often criticised for being "regressive", or placing a disproportionate burden on poorer households. There is a council tax reduction scheme for poorer people, which supported 258,685 households in 2023-24. Some properties are exempt, for example those occupied solely by students, while others - such as second homes - are sometimes charged a premium. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other households qualify for a discount, such as the single person discount which reduces the bill by a quarter if a property is occupied by someone living alone. The Welsh government is currently running a consultation on proposals to soften the rules around non-payment. They include extending the period when a missed monthly payment triggers a liability to pay the entire year's bill from two weeks to two months, and requiring councils to communicate more comprehensively with residents over payment reminders and final notices. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Finance Minister Mark Drakeford said the current rules are "too aggressive" and the government wanted to "tackle what is a fundamentally unfair tax". He said: "We want to change the rule book to give councils more opportunity to get alongside people who find themselves in trouble to prevent that from getting worse." Gareth Parry says councils have to charge high council tax to maintain services [BBC] The Welsh government is also funding a small pilot scheme covering Merthyr Tydfil, Blaenau Gwent and Newport, which offers interest free loans to eligible residents so that they can clear their council tax debt. But Plaid Cymru said in a statement: "Whilst interest free loans are better than prosecution, the truth is that it is ultimately only a sticking plaster solution within a system that disproportionately impacts people living on the breadline. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Without fundamental reform of council tax - something which Plaid Cymru has long argued for and that was due to happen until Labour pulled the plug on reform - this unfairness will persist." What to do if you can't pay council tax Debt charities warn that council tax is a "priority debt", so do not ignore it. Contact your council if you are struggling to pay You may be able to arrange a repayment plan involving smaller amounts Seek free confidential help from a debt charity such as Citizens Advice Ask your council if you are eligible for support from the Council Tax Reduction Scheme Check if you qualify for a discount on your property The Welsh Conservatives criticised Labour's "failure to hold back rapidly rising council taxes that working people are struggling to pay". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The Welsh Conservatives will keep council tax low by introducing local referendums for councils wishing to raise the tax by over 5 percent, so that residents have the final say," a spokesperson said. The Welsh Liberal Democrats said: "Council tax is one of the most outdated and unfair taxes in the UK today. "Too many families have gone into debt because of the Welsh government's delays in changing the system." Reform UK said: "The rising council tax arrears aren't surprising when you consider how councils waste money and resist meaningful reform. "It's time to slash council tax, cut the waste, and put control back into the hands of the people who earn the money." GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX) Stephanie Gail, a mother of one of the victims, states, Im a mom of one of the victims. And you know, Angie Klickner deserves even more than she got. On Tuesday at the Mesa County Courthouse, rows in the courtroom were mostly filled with people showing their support for Klickners victims. 31-year-old Angela Klickner faced 10 charges, including sexual assault on a child by a person of trust related to incidents at Landmark Baptist Church, where she was a volunteer from 2022 to 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the beginning of the hearing, Klickner could be seen in tears before entering the courtroom and stood before Judge Matthew Barrett in Courtroom 9. After hearing the defendants side, Klickners mother, husband and friend all came up to talk and show their support. Soon after, the victims and one of their mothers came to the podium to speak to the judge. Gail states, It meant the world to me to be able to do that. I think that we have the opportunity as part of the victims group to be able to speak to the judge and how it impacted us, what we saw our children go through, and also what we know about the abuser. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tears were shed on both sides of the courtroom. Klickner would say her final words to Judge Barrett and the victims, stating she knows her actions, spoke about the repercussions on her children and how she understands how she broke their trust along with the churchs. However, Judge Barrett states children are not a shield and gave his final thoughts. After reading the final verdict, you could hear a shriek of sadness came from Klickner and her mother. She was sentenced to 12 years in prison and 20 years to life on probation. Klickner pled guilty to two counts of sexual assualt on a child by a person in a position of trust, criminal extortion and obscenity as part of a plea agreement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We saw her every week at church and we were deceived. I mean, if youre related and lied to as well, while she was sexually assaulting our children and to be able to let the judge know that, Gail explains. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WesternSlopeNow.com. Green hydrogen by Scharfsinn via Shutterstock Investors are running into Plug Power (PLUG) stock on Monday after the U.S. Senate extended tax benefits to the hydrogen industry in its latest rewrite of President Donald Trumps tax-and-spending bill through the end of 2027. An earlier version of the bill proposed to keep the tax relief in place through the end of this year only. PLUG currently has three hydrogen factories in the U.S. one in Georgia, one in Louisiana, and another in Tennessee. More News from Barchart Including todays run, Plug Power shares is up more than 100% versus its year-to-date low set in May. www.barchart.com Senate News May Unlock Further Upside in Plug Power Stock The Senates extension of hydrogen tax credits is significant for PLUG shares since it will enable the clean energy firm to capitalize on federal incentives that directly support its core business for much longer than previously thought. With three operational hydrogen plants in the U.S., the Latham-headquartered company stands to benefit immediately from extended subsidies, enhancing production economics and accelerating revenue growth. All in all, investors are cheering Plug Power today because the Senate news made them sufficiently confident about the scalability and long-term viability of the companys hydrogen infrastructure and its overall competitive positioning within that space. Are PLUG Shares Worth Buying at Current Levels? Investors should still practice caution in buying Plug Power stock, at least at current levels, because the companys financials are not particularly inspiring. In its latest reported quarter, the NYSE-listed firm continued to post negative margins coupled with high cash burn raising concerns about its path to profitability. While an 11% increase in revenue that PLUG recorded for its Q1 last month may sound decent in isolation, its relatively underwhelming since its still in a high-growth, capital-intensive phase. Expectations tied to the hydrogen economy and the scale of its investments also demand that Plug Power grows at a much faster pace. How Wall Street Recommends Playing Plug Power Despite the aforementioned concerns, Wall Street finds it reasonable to invest in PLUG stock for the long term. While the consensus rating on Plug Power shares currently sits at Hold only, analysts currently have a mean target of $1.96 on them, indicating potential upside of another 13% from here. A well-organized burglary crew of at least four people escaped with an estimated $1.5 million in gold and diamonds after breaching the roof of a family-owned jewelry store in El Monte. Thieves were able to get on the roof and come down through the ceiling Saturday night at Mezas Jewelry on Main Street, spending eight hours in the shop before leaving through the door with a suitcase full of precious valuables. One of the items taken out the business was the stores interior surveillance system containing video evidence of the break-in. An exterior camera, though, captured the hooded thieves walking away from the scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was Rossanna Meza, a co-owner of the store, who later made the discovery. I saw everything was taken, everything was gone, she told KTLAs Sandra Mitchell. Its all our savings, our whole life right there. Weve been working so hard and all of a sudden, we have nothing. The shops owners have been targeted by thieves before. In September 2023, surveillance cameras captured a violent struggle between family members and an attempted smash-and-grab suspect, later identified as 36-year-old Joshua Lee Simons. Wild footage shows the entire family violently wrestling with the large man after he sprayed bear repellent in the face of a 70-year-old family member and then attempted to smash a display case. Ultimately, the suspect was seen running away empty-handed, shirtless and trying to keep his pants up. Thieves got access to an El Monte jewelry store by breaching the roof and coming in through the shops ceiling on June 28, 2025. (viewer image) Thieves got access to an El Monte jewelry store by breaching the roof and coming in through the shops ceiling on June 28, 2025. (viewer image) Thieves got access to an El Monte jewelry store by breaching the roof and coming in through the shops ceiling on June 28, 2025. (viewer image) Thieves got access to an El Monte jewelry store by breaching the roof and coming in through the shops ceiling on June 28, 2025. (viewer image) The latest burglary, likely performed by professional thieves, comes on the heels of two other high-value heists. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 2 brothers reported missing found dead off California highway Millions of dollars worth of merchandise was taken from Afghan Lapis Jewelry in Encino during a break-in on June 1 that involved thieves using a blow torch during the job. In late May, 5 Star Jewelry & Watch Repair in Simi Valley lost everything after a burglary crew got into the shop after breaching the roof of an adjacent business and drilling through the adjoining wall. At around the same time, Bidrussian Jewelry in Glendale suffered a similar fate. In each of the burglaries, police said the thieves were armed with sophisticated gear like blow torches, power tools and electronic devices used to jam security systems. They were prepared. They also had tools and things to confuse the alarms, Rossanna said of the break-in at Mezas on Saturday night. They were professionals. They know what they are doing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Money for the Florida Black History Museum was cut from the state budget But that money wouldnt have gone to the planned Black History Museum in West Augustine. On the contrary, the money allocated for the local museum did survive the Governors veto pen. Related: State budget approved: Many NE Florida projects spared the veto pen, others not so lucky Despite efforts to undercut West Augustines selection as the future home of the Florida Museum of Black History, the city came out victorious in this years budget. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement West Augustine and St. Augustine and St. Johns County, quite frankly, all of Northeast Florida is just so rich in culture and in Black history, said St. Johns County Commissioner Sarah Arnold (R-District 2) in an interview with Action News Jax back in February. All through this years session, we reported on the competing proposals that were attempting to either build the museum in an alternative location or build an additional museum in another city. Back in February, we spoke with St. Johns County Commissioner Sarah Arnold about the attempt to override the decision of a state task force that selected West Augustine to house the planned museum. Several bills filed this year sought to build the museum in cities like Eatonville and Opa-Locka, despite the fact West Augustine had been selected as the museums future home by a state task force last summer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We expected some shenanigans, and I think thats exactly what youre seeing, Arnold told Action News Jax in February. The competition came down to the wire, with money for the West Augustine museum and an Opa-Locka museum making it into the budget passed by the legislature. In the end, Governor Ron DeSantis vetoed the $750,000 designated for the Opa-Locka museum and approved the $1 million set aside for the West Augustine project. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] Thanks to Former Rep. Paul Renner for initiating this process, Senator Tom Leek for taking the mantle and running with it and, most importantly to Gov DeSantis for recognizing the significance and importance of not only this incredible project, but also the significance and importance of the location, Arnold told Action News Jax in a statement Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State Senator Tom Leek (R-St. Augustine), who sponsored the appropriation, also thanked the Governor for his support. The story of Florida cannot be told without telling the story of Black Floridians, and to have the strong support of state leaders, along with our local community is exciting, said Leek in a statement provided to Action News Jax. The $1 million will go towards planning, design, and engineering for the museum. In February, Arnold told us private dollars will also help. Ive had verbal commitments from countless partners saying that as soon as were ready for those checks, theyll be ready. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She told us Wednesday that those commitments have been made by organizations including the PGA Tour, Jaguars, Florida Blue, Community Foundation, the Jesse Ball duPont Fund, United Way, and all of the states HBCUs. In addition to the private dollars that are expected, Commissioner Arnold said more money from the state will likely be sought next year. That ask will likely be for about $5 million. Its still unclear when construction on the museum will be ready to begin. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] CLARKSBURG, W.Va. (WBOY) Ninety days after passing in the West Virginia Legislature, Senate Bill 199, known as the school discipline bill, is now officially in effect and will be enforced during the 2025-2026 school year. The bill is meant to give teachers in West Virginia more power over students in their classrooms and also outlines the process after a behavioral incident in a public school. Under the bill, a teacher may exclude any middle or high school student (grades 6-12) from a class if their conduct is disorderly or is interfering with an orderly educational process. If a student is removed from class three times in a month, they should be suspended or considered for placement in an alternative learning center, as determined by the principal, according to the bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement How One Big, Beautiful Bill will affect West Virginia For elementary (K-6) and public Pre-K schools, any student who is violent, threatening, or intimidating toward staff or peers, or creates an unsafe learning environment should be referred to a school counselor or social worker. That counselor will develop a two-week behavioral plan based on an assessment while the student is suspended for 1-3 days. That plan should be followed for two weeks, and then either continued or changed if the student is not making adequate progress. If the student still has not made progress after two additional weeks, they should be placed in a behavioral intervention program or with a licensed behavioral health agency the county has established. Previously, there was not an outlined classroom discipline process for K-6 students in elementary school. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill also says that a school board, depending on available funding, should create more alternative learning centers, expand its capacity for alternative placements, or partner with a licensed behavioral health agency to fill the need for alternative learning due to behavioral issues. You can read the full text of the bill, which is an amendment of West Virginia Code 18A-5-1, online here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBOY.com. A Ukrainian company teamed with a UK contractor to bring its battle-tested drone to the UK market. Ukraine has become ground zero for developing cutting-edge drones. UK-Ukraine tech-sharing aims to enhance military capabilities and retain an edge. The dizzying pace of drone development is now part and parcel of the war in Ukraine, where the fastest-moving companies are battle-testing their products in real-world combat. Increasingly, Western militaries understand that their drone tech will be functionally obsolete unless the technology they import or develop is field-tested in conflicts like Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "If your system is not in day-to-day use on the frontline of Ukraine, it becomes very quickly out of date," Justin Hedges, a former Royal Marine and cofounder of military intelligence company Prevail, told Business Insider. Prevail has partnered with Ukrainian drone company Skyeton to bring Raybird, a small surveillance and targeting drone, to production in the UK. It's being done with a shrewd eye on the British Army's plans to replace its troubled Watchkeeper drone program with an uncrewed surveillance and targeting capability more suited to the scenarios playing out in Ukraine. More broadly, a recent data and drone tech-sharing agreement made between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the UK's Prime Minister Keir Starmer said that Ukrainian insight is to be "plugged into UK production lines." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It chimes with a drive across the West to see the Ukrainian battlefield as a live laboratory out of necessity for the country's defense, but increasingly, as a crucial way for smaller companies to develop systems and services that have a technological edge. The UK armed forces minister Luke Pollard underscored the point at a drone conference in Latvia in late May, saying, "If you are a drone company and you do not have your kit on the frontline in Ukraine, you might as well give up." Raybird, Skyeton's drone, has a combined 350,000 hours of flight time on Ukraine's front line, in use "from the Black Sea to Kharkiv," Skyeton's founder Alex Stepura told BI. Per Stepura, Raybird can fly more than 28 continuous hours and uses an array of sensors including optical, electromagnetic, and various radar capabilities to collect data from "far behind" the front line, sometimes from more than 125 miles away. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many of its sensors can be swapped out in a minute, enabling forces to react quickly. Raybird can be set up within 28 minutes, its manufacturers say. Skyeton Press Office Ukraine's Ministry of Defence has hailed the drone as being capable of tasks normally reserved for much larger models. Its size just 25kg, or 55 pounds gives an added advantage: it's "relatively stealthy," Hedges said. Small, advanced drones are crucial to spotting enemy movements and high-value targets like vehicles and air defenses. In response, Russia has deployed an ever-evolving array of electronic warfare tactics that aim to scramble signals, spoof GPS positions, or overwhelm radio frequencies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hedges said that Skyeton's engineers are continually adapting to these tactics. "The proof is in the data," he added, saying that Ukrainian forces are getting more than 80 missions out of each drone before they're lost. In contrast to the cumbersome procurement processes of major companies, the Ukrainian drone industry is peppered with small, fast-moving producers who iterate quickly and often interact directly with forces on the ground. Milrem Robotics' THeMIS uncrewed ground vehicle is being battle-tested in Ukraine. Business Wire Milrem Robotics, an Estonian company, is creating autonomous ground robots that are being regularly battle-tested in Ukraine. Its CEO, Kuldar Vaarsi, told BI that the conditions in Ukraine are "totally different" to those found in peacetime exercises. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Milrem's THeMIS robot had been designed to be simple to operate, but after a stint in Ukraine, the company's engineers realized they needed it to be even simpler, Vaarsi said. Kit might be designed for use by soldiers trained on how to use it, he added, but in actual war, "anybody who needs that equipment will use it." Read the original article on Business Insider Officials at Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve in Alaska seek information on the circumstances that led to a humpback whale being severely injured. The National Park Services says that the large whale suffered an apparent vessel collision that severely injured it. A biologist documented the severity of the injury with photos proving just how dire things look. The biologist, Janet Neilson, captured images of whale #2583 on June 27 near Willoughby Island with a deep gash behind its dorsal fin that the National Park Services says appears to be an injury from contact with a vessel propeller. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The agency said the wound appeared to be very fresh, perhaps just hours old. NPS estimates the gash to be about 1 foot deep, "exposing the blubber beneath the skin, although it was not bleeding." The whale has been at Glacier Park and Icy Strait since 2013. It's believed that, from the size of the cut, the humpback whale was "struck by a medium to large vessel." That being said, the biologist shared that the whale was diving and appeared to be behaving normally, though marine mammal experts are still trying to figure out the whale's likelihood of survival. Two photos of a humpback whale, only the whale's arching back and small dorsal fin arch out of the water. The leftmost photo shows a healthy whale, marked June 16, 2025, and the rightmost image shows the same whale with a large gouge in its back, June 27. Photographs of injured humpback whale #2583. Left: Whale #2583 on June 16th, prior to being injured. Right: June 27th with a deep gash behind the dorsal fin. National Park Service photos by Janet Neilson, taken under the authority of Scientific Research Permit #27027 issued by NOAA Fisheries. The whale, part of a population that's being monitored, was spotted on June 16 in good health, with photos showing the stark difference. Officials are seeking information on when and how the vessel strike occurred "to understand collisions and develop better preventative measures to protect these iconic and long-lived animals." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This isn't the first vessel strike of the year. Just last week, another biologist documented an adult female whale sporting a shallow propeller wound behind her dorsal fin near Pleasant Island in Icy Strait, the agency said. Two whales died in boat strikes last year. Whale Suffers Severe Injury From Boat Strike in Iconic National Park first appeared on Men's Journal on Jul 2, 2025 Once a revolutionary militia, Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps built power through ideology and fear. Now, after devastating losses, its future is uncertain. After major military setbacks, Irans IRGC faces a turning point. Experts explain its roots, power, and whether its reign of repression and terror can endure. Once a fringe militia born of revolution, Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has grown into the regimes most feared and powerful force. But according to Dr. Afshon Ostovar, a leading expert on Iran and author of "Vanguard of the Imam: Religion, Politics, and Iran's Revolutionary Guards," said the recent U.S. and Israeli strikes in Iran may have permanently altered its trajectory. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heres What A Post-ayatollah Iran Could Look Like If War With Israel Leads To Regimes Fall An Iraqi youth holds a picture of Major General Mohammad Rabbani, a commander in the Iranian Revolutionary Guard who was killed in the Israeli bombing of Tehran, during a pro-Iran protest in Baghdad near the green zone, the ultra-secured neighborhood hosting the US embassy on June 16, 2025, amid the Israel-Iran escalating conflict. "What the IRGC tried to achieve over the last 25 years is basically toast," Ostovar told Fox News Digital, "Their campaign to build a military deterrent at home through missiles and nuclear enrichment, and to expand regionally through proxies, has essentially collapsed." Founded in the wake of the 1979 revolution, the IRGC was created to safeguard and spread the Islamic Republics values often through violence. Ostovar describes how its legitimacy evolved over time, initially drawn from the overthrow of the Shah, then the Iran-Iraq War, and later through the manufactured narrative of an eternal struggle with the U.S. and Israel. Read On The Fox News App Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Behnam Ben Taleblu, Senior Director of FDD's Iran Program Behnam Ben Taleblu, told Fox News Digital the IRGCs origin reflects a deep mistrust of Irans traditional military, which had remained loyal to the Shah. "The IRGC were created through efforts to collect pro-regime armed gangs called Komitehs. They enforced revolutionary edicts and developed a parallel and ideological military force due to clerical skepticism in the national army," he explained. People move past a large banner featuring portraits of slain leaders from Iran-aligned armed groups, including Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, and Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani, in central Tehran, Iran, on May 1, 2025. "The IRGC are tasked with preserving and defending the revolution in Iran," Taleblu said. "Thats one reason why the 1979 Islamic Revolution has not been tamed, nor has the regimes extremism lost any luster. If anything, terrorism and hostage-taking have continued." "They created a boogeyman in the U.S. and Israel," Ostovar added. "But today, that ideology no longer resonates with most Iranians. The majority want better relations with the West and are tired of the regimes isolationist stance." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Today, the IRGC is deeply intertwined with the clerical elite. "The IRGC and the clerical elite are partners in power, treating Iran as a springboard to export their revolution," Taleblu noted. Exiled Iranian Prince Tells Trump He Can Be 'One Of History's Great Peacemakers' Amid Talk Of Regime Change Over the past year, Iran has suffered a series of strategic defeats: Hezbollah has been degraded in Lebanon, Hamas crippled in Gaza, Syria effectively lost, and Iranian military infrastructure including nuclear and missile sites destroyed in many cases by U.S. and Israeli strikes. Ostovar says these losses have decimated the IRGCs regional footprint and forced the regime to reevaluate its strategy. "They can try to rebuild everything but that would take too long and be too difficult," he said. "More likely, well see them repress harder at home and lean on China and Russia to rebuild conventional military capabilities like air defense and advanced jets." Members of the Iranian revolutionary guard march during a parade. The IRGC is designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the State Department. A large part of its work is to covertly operate outside of Iran. Internally, the IRGCs economic empire is also under growing strain. Sanctions, cyberattacks, and battlefield losses have made operations far more difficult. Ostovar said that foreign banks avoid any connection with Iran out of fear they may inadvertently deal with IRGC-linked entities, forcing the group to operate through front companies abroad. "Theyve lost a lot, and now theyll have to redirect their limited resources to rebuild. Thats going to stretch them even thinner." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel's 'Resounding' Military Campaign Against Iran Could Be Historic Turning Point, Experts Say Despite these pressures, both Ostovar and Taleblu agree that the IRGC is unlikely to turn against the regime. "Much like the regime elite, the IRGC is at a crossroads," Taleblu said. "They have lost much of their strategic brain trust, but are likely to remain loyal for a combination of ideological and material reasons so long as the status quo doesnt change." Looking ahead, Iran may shift focus inward, relying more on domestic repression than on external terror. "They cant get weapons into Gaza. Theyve lost access to Lebanon. They may still attempt terrorism, but theyve failed repeatedly especially against Israeli targets," Ostovar said. "In contrast, repressing their own people is something they can do easily." He warns that Iran could become "more insular, more autocratic more like North Korea than what it is today." While regime collapse is always a possibility, Ostovar believes autocracies are often resilient. "Look at Venezuela or Cuba theyve run their countries into the ground but still hold on to power." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ostovar thinks change and not for the better could come via generational shift. "The IRGCs younger cadre is less religious but no less hardline," he said. "They may not care about hijabs, but theyve spent the last two decades fighting the U.S. and Israel in Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon. Thats the war they know." Some reformist elements within the regime envision a different path one focused on normalization and growth. "They want to preserve the regime not by fighting the world, but by opening up to it," Ostovar said. "They look more to Vietnam or China as models." Taleblu warned that despite recent setbacks, the IRGCs grip remains strong. "Right now, the Guards have power without accountability, wielding political, economic, and military influence in Iranian policy. How this influence is channeled by the next generation of Guardsmen remains to be seen." Original article source: What's next for Iran's terror army, the IRGC, after devastating military setbacks? NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) The Tennessee Highway Patrol is conducting sobriety checkpoints across Middle Tennessee for the Fourth of July holiday weekend. On July 3, the THP will start the weekend off by having a sobriety checkpoint: In Carroll County along U.S. 79 north of Enon Church Road THP: Law enforcement ramping up patrols, checkpoints for Independence Day weekend On July 4, the THP will have sobriety checkpoints: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Wilson County along U.S. 70 at Brookhollow Drive In Cumberland County along U.S. 127N at Rinnie Firehall In DeKalb County along U.S. 70 East of Smithville .10 mile east of mile marker 22 (Sparta Pike) In Giles County along U.S. Highway 431 at mile marker 14 In Wayne County along State Route 13 North at the U.S. 64 underpass In Decatur County both along State Route 100 at mile marker 15 and along State Route 69 at mile marker 33 (Cub Creek) On July 5, the THP will continue to have sobriety checkpoints: In Putnam County along U.S. 70 at Upperman High School In DeKalb County at 36134 Nashville Highway In Lewis County along U.S. Highway 412 .2 miles east of mile marker 1 In Benton County along U.S. 70 at Sandy Point Church Road Read todays top stories on wkrn.com In addition to the THPs sobriety checkpoints, the THP will work with the Tennessee Highway Safety Office and the Dickson County Sheriffs Office for a campaign called Safe on Seventy. The joint effort is meant to combat everything from impaired driving to speeding, aggressive driving, distracted driving and other high-risk driving behaviors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a result of the campaign, there will be greater traffic enforcement along U.S. Highway 70 across Tennessee. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. NORTH OGDEN, Utah (ABC4) The Major is a giant American flag that measures 150 feet long by 78 feet wide and weighs 400 pounds. It was named the Major to honor a former North Ogden mayor, Major Brent Taylor, who died in Afghanistan while serving in the United States Army. After the flag was severely damaged while flying in Coldwater Canyon last November to honor veterans, its been mended, and a replacement flag will soon join its ranks. However, The Major Brent Taylor Foundation needs a little help to ensure the future of the tradition. With Independence Day, Pioneer Day and all of the events that come with summer, its one of the busiest times of the year for The Major Brent Taylor Foundation, and it needs some help. It needs volunteers to carry flags at events like parades and rodeos, including four parades and a rodeo this weekend. It also needs to raise some money for the flag campaign, which is how it is paying for the Majors repairs, the new flag that will fly in Coldwater Canyon in the Majors place, and the maintenance and storage costs of all of the flags it uses for events year-round. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Honoring Major Brent Taylors legacy with a new flag Campaign goal The goal for the flag campaign was $50,000, but thanks to the generosity of the community and a big grant, there is only $15,000 more to go. The foundation hopes to get the money raised to celebrate the Fourth of July, commemorate the sixth anniversary of the founding of the foundation, and to honor Major Brent Taylor on his 46th birthday, which is on July 6. Whether its a small flag or a large flag, its what the flag represents thats so beautiful, The Major Brent Taylor Foundations founder and CEO, Jennie Taylor, told ABC4. I hope its a symbol of hope, of healing, of unity, comradery, and of brotherhood. For the last few years, the foundation has flown the Major in the canyon during the first part of November to honor veterans. If you ask anyone who lives in the area about it, they are likely to know what the flag is and just as likely to like the tradition. However, last year a strong storm ripped through the canyon and nearly tore the flag in half. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was about $9,000 dollars to prepare that flag, stated Taylor. That flag will now be used for ground missions and not in the canyon. She explained that ground missions are events like the recent military appreciation night at an Ogden Raptors game. As well as a rodeo this coming Saturday. Weve commissioned a new flag with our friends at Colonial Flag in Sandy, Utah, she said. A new flag yet to be named to fly in the canyon. The community can help name the new flag by visiting the foundations website and leaving a suggestion, but thats not the only way to help. We need to fund the new flag, we need to fund repairs for the flag, we need to fund the rest of the flag missions throughout the year, explained Taylor. It will cost between 40 and $50,000 if you add all that up. We have a beautiful and very generous grant of $25,000 from the Kahlert Foundation. We just found out about that last week. Were hoping we can call on the community to help us match that grant. An American Hero: Utah says goodbye to Maj. Brent Taylor Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The foundation is well on its way to reaching that goal with the community already donating $10,000. It lifted such a stress off our collective shoulders, Taylor said referring to the large grant and community support. People can donate directly to the foundation using this link. Call for volunteers The foundation also needs help with summer events like parades and rodeos. The Major takes about 100 people, and the Lieutenant takes about 40 to 60. We prefer 60, Doug Clarke told ABC4. Hes been lending a helping hand to the foundation since its inception. Last year, he pulled off a surprise many people in Ogden may remember. With some help, he hung the Lieutenant across Washington Blvd for the Ogden Pioneer Days Rodeo and parade. Only a handful of people knew about it. ABC4 took video of the flag the day it made its appearance, and people on the street seemed pleased with the addition to the downtown skyline. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Lieutenant is smaller than the Major. It is 60 feet long and 30 feet wide. This entire flag can fit inside the Majors canton, or the blue section. It is often used at parades across Northern Utah because the Major is too big. In fact, it will be one of the major displays at four parades this Friday. As someone who loves the foundation, Doug Clark says volunteering at these events is humbling. Its an experience that is deep in your soul, okay? He stated. But it brings you closer to those around you. Thats what were after. Our community, our nation, unity, respect. He encourages anyone who is thinking about volunteering to do just that. People can sign up to volunteer 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 ABC4 Utah. Pro-immigration activists rally outside the U.S. Supreme Court in this file photo from 2021. (Photo by Robin Bravender/States Newsroom) Justice Department attorneys told a federal district judge Tuesday that the Trump administration will not impose proposed restrictions on birthright citizenship for a month but that it reserves the right to immediately start planning for that day. The two-page notice was filed in U.S.District Court in Greenbelt in response to District Judge Deborah Boardmans demand a day earlier to know if the government thinks that it can start removing children from the United States who are subject to the terms of the executive order, Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is the latest twist in a months-long legal battle over an executive order signed by President Donald Trump on Jan. 21, his first day back in office, that sought to deny citizenship to anyone born in the U.S. unless at least one of their parents was a citizen or a permanent legal resident. Historically, birthright citizenship has been granted to anyone born on U.S. soil, regardless of their parents status. But Trump claimed in his executive order that that was a misinterpretation of the law, which he claimed was never intended to apply to everyone. The order was almost immediately challenged in court by groups that said birthright citizenship is a bedrock of U.S democracy, and that denying citizenship to a child born here could make the child stateless altogether. Judges in three different districts, including Boardman, agreed and issued nationwide injunctions to block the order. The government appeal focused on whether the district court judges had the authority to impose a nationwide ban on the order. In a 6-3 ruling Friday, the U.S. Supreme Court agreed that the judges should not have extended the injunction beyond those people and groups that brought the suits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the high courts ruling noted that a class-action suit could apply nationally. Thats why the plaintiffs in the Maryland case CASA, the Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project at 15 women who are pregnant or new mothers were back in court Monday, seeking to get their suit certified as a class action suit for all undocumented parents and their babies. The Supreme Court sent the cases back to the district court, but also set July 27 as the earliest date the administration can apply the executive order, to allow time for the cases to be reheard. On Monday, Boardman ordered Trumps attorneys to clarify in writing the governments view of what it can do under the executive order, and when. Trumps attorneys agreed in the filing that the earliest date the administration would apply the order is, in fact, July 27. But the the courts ruling also provided for a 30-day ramp-up period, the notice said. The Courts stay thus allows Defendants to immediately begin to develop[] and issu[e] public guidance about the Executives plans to implement the Executive Order, the filing reads. Boardman also gave Trumps lawyers until July 7 to file a response to the plaintiffs motion to turn the case into a class action lawsuit. Pro-immigration activists rally outside the U.S. Supreme Court in this file photo from 2021. (Photo by Robin Bravender/States Newsroom) Justice Department attorneys told a federal district judge Tuesday the Trump administration will not impose proposed restrictions on birthright citizenship for a month but that it reserves the right to immediately start planning for that day. The two-page notice was filed in U.S. District Court in Maryland in response to District Judge Deborah Boardmans demand a day earlier to know if the government thinks that it can start removing children from the United States who are subject to the terms of the executive order. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is the latest twist in a months-long legal battle over an executive order signed by President Donald Trump on Jan. 21, his first day back in office, that sought to deny citizenship to anyone born in the U.S. unless at least one of their parents was a citizen or a permanent legal resident. Historically, birthright citizenship has been granted to anyone born on U.S. soil, regardless of their parents status. But Trump claimed in his executive order that was a misinterpretation of the Constitutions 14th Amendment, which he contends was never intended to apply to everyone. The order was almost immediately challenged in court by groups that said birthright citizenship is a bedrock of U.S. democracy, and that denying citizenship to a child born here could make the child stateless altogether. Judges in three different districts, including Boardman, agreed and issued nationwide injunctions to block the order. The government appeal focused on whether the district court judges had the authority to impose a nationwide ban on the order. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a 6-3 ruling Friday, the U.S. Supreme Court agreed the judges should not have extended the injunction beyond those people and groups that brought the suits. It allowed Trumps birthright citizenship order to take effect in the 28 states, including South Carolina, that were not part of the initial lawsuits challenging it. But the high courts ruling noted that a class-action suit could apply nationally. Thats why the plaintiffs in the Maryland case CASA, the Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project at 15 women who are pregnant or new mothers were back in court Monday, seeking to get their suit certified as a class action suit for all undocumented parents and their babies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The latest filing involves pregnant immigrants living in nine states, including South Carolina. The Supreme Court sent the cases back to the district court but also set July 27 as the earliest date the administration can apply the executive order, to allow time for the cases to be reheard. On Monday, Boardman ordered Trumps attorneys to clarify in writing the governments view of what it can do under the executive order, and when. Trumps attorneys agreed in the filing that the earliest date the administration would apply the order is, in fact, July 27. But the courts ruling also provided for a 30-day ramp-up period, the notice said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Courts stay thus allows Defendants to immediately begin to develop[] and issu[e] public guidance about the Executives plans to implement the Executive Order, the filing reads. Boardman also gave Trumps lawyers until July 7 to file a response to the plaintiffs motion to turn the case into a class action lawsuit. Like the SC Daily Gazette, Maryland Matters is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Maryland Matters maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Steve Crane for questions: editor@marylandmatters.org. Premier has expanded its clinical decision support (CDS) capabilities with the acquisition of healthcare technology company IllumiCare, known for its electronic medical record (EMR)-agnostic platform. This platform integrates clinical and financial data to aid providers in making cost-effective clinical decisions. The financial details of the transaction have not been disclosed. IllumiCare is based in the US and helps improve clinical decisions by providing real-time data on treatment expenses. Its flagship product identifies inpatient medication and diagnostic use that may not benefit patients, based on medical standards, and reveals the actual supply costs to the ordering provider. This approach encourages interventions in formulary and order sets and delivers targeted 'nudges' to clinicians at the point of care. Premier Performance Services president David Zito said: IllumiCares real-time cost attribution capabilities will be a game changer, differentiating Premier in a competitive CDS market with a smarter, more robust CDS solution. Together, we can help create financial efficiencies for virtually any provider, in any clinical setting, while helping them deliver care that is better and safer for patients. The acquisition is set to enhance Premier's existing CDS technology, further enabling health systems and clinically integrated networks to reduce care gaps, enhance coding accuracy, optimise clinical trial recruitment, support outpatient risk capture, and succeed using value-based payment models. Starting this summer, Premier plans to market the acquired solution under its Stanson Health brand. IllumiCare CEO G T LaBorde said: We want providers focused on the patient while technology works behind the scenes to point out the ancillary effects of choices when they are directly relevant. Our combined solution will offer providers a more robust, turnkey solution, with a demonstrated return on investment of up to ten to one. "Premier acquires healthcare technology firm IllumiCare" was originally created and published by Hospital Management, a GlobalData owned brand. A member of a chat-based White supremacy group has been charged in an alleged plot to solicit the murder of federal officials including a senator and federal judge through an online kill list he allegedly helped create. Noah Lamb, 24, was charged in federal court in Northern California with eight counts, including soliciting the murder of federal officials and a conspiracy to assassinate federal officials, according to court records. Lamb, along with two other individuals who were charged last year in the conspiracy, allegedly helped create what they called The List targeting perceived enemies of White supremacist accelerationism, an ideology centered around the belief that terrorism is necessary to ignite a race war that will create a White ethnostate in the US, prosecutors say. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The group, known as the Terrorgram Collective, includes a network of users and group chats on the private messaging platform Telegram. The group, which Lamb was allegedly part of for several years, created the list and disseminated to its members. One of Lambs responsibilities in the group, according to the charging documents, was to identify certain targets and find their home addresses and any other information that could be included in the kill list to help others find and target people on the list. Court documents say the list included a US senator described as being an Anti-White, Anti-gun, Jewish Senator as well as a federal judge who the White supremacy group saw as an invader from a foreign country as well as someone they called first [racial slur] US Attorney. The list would include photographs of the targets along with their name, address, and, sometimes, the targets spouse, court documents say, along with an image of a rifle and a short description of why the target should be assassinated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lamb was arrested Tuesday, and the Justice Department is asking he continue to be detained. Agents found White supremacist literature and gun parts with him, prosecutors said. A lawyer for Lamb was not listed in court records of the case. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Theres a phrase I keep hearing these days: TAKE THE WIN. It can be applied to anyone Donald Trump, Chuck Schumer, AOC who notches a victory and then insists on demanding more, however unrealistic that might be. What brings this to mind is an extraordinary essay by Andrew Sullivan in the New York Times. Gay Journalist Says Lgbtq Movement Has Gone From Civil Rights Success To 'Madness' It was Sullivan a gay, British conservative Catholic running the New Republic who first made the case for gay marriage back in 1989. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "As it has become more acceptable for gay people to acknowledge their loves publicly, more and more have committed themselves to one another for life in full view of their families and their friends. A law institutionalizing gay marriage would merely reinforce a healthy social trend." Read On The Fox News App The cover story was wildly unpopular and viewed as extremist. Despite his optimism, many gays remained closeted, including in the media, for fear of repercussions. Gays in the military, before Bill Clinton, were subject to discharge or court-martial. So Sullivans dream was seen as a faraway fantasy. Andrew Sullivan, an openly gay conservative and longtime voice in the movement, penned an excellent piece on its current state in the New York Times. Christian conservative Gary Bauer, on "Crossfire," said "this is the loopiest idea ever to come down the pike. Why are we even discussing it?" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the spring of 1996, Andrew came to me and asked me to break the story that he had AIDS, and, in part, thats why he was resigning as the New Republics editor. He said hed known he had the disease for three years but was in good health. "Its an awful burden being lifted," he told me. "Its hard enough to battle the disease, but when theres a secret about it, you cant help but tap into feelings of shame and guilt that just destroy you." Nation's Largest Protestant Denomination Calls For Overturning Supreme Court Decision Legalizing Gay Marriage Sullivan is a pioneer of the gay rights movement and he first made the case for same-sex marriage in 1989. It was not until 2015, after 37 states had already acted (with some overturned), that the Supreme Court made same-sex marriage the law of the land. And when straight couples realized their own marriages were unaffected, it gradually faded as a hot political issue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Polls now show that seven in 10 Americans support gay marriage. Gays now serve openly in the Cabinet and in state houses. "As civil rights victories go," Sullivan, still in generally good health, writes in the Times, "it doesnt get more decisive or comprehensive than this." The issue is getting plenty of media play because its the 10th anniversary of the SCOTUS ruling. But now comes the overreach. Rather than declare victory and close up shop, the movement lurched in a dangerous new direction. Sullivan says he always supported civil rights for transgender people. And I feel the same way. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But gay rights groups, with money pouring in, tried to replace the distinction between men and women with "gender identity" and that meant an embrace of gender-altering surgery for minors. That is an issue opposed by roughly 80 percent of the country. Lawyer Leading Sjsu Transgender Lawsuit Reacts To Controversial Probe Into Trans Athlete's Alleged Misconduct Along with an obsession with pronouns, the movement also backed letting trans women compete in womens sports, another issue that most people find unfair, viewing them as men. The new mantra, according to Sullivan: "TRANS WOMEN ARE WOMEN. TRANS MEN ARE MEN." President Trump has ordered trans military members booted from the service. Another albatross for the modern LGBTQ movement, according to those in the Sullivan school of thought: its unwavering dedication to trans-related issues. Sullivan, no fan of the president, says some activists reflexively oppose whatever Trump supports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Dissenters from gender ideology are routinely unfriended, shunned and shamed. Almost all of the gay men, trans people and lesbians who have confided in me [say] that they dont agree with this "Leave children out of it. We knew very well that any overreach there could provoke the most ancient libel against us: that we groom and abuse kids." Subscribe To Howie's Media Buzzmeter Podcast, A Riff On The Day's Hottest Stories This is one mans opinion; Sullivan allows he may be "just another old fart." As if to underscore his point about intolerance, a poster on Reddit called the piece an "incoherent mishmash" and says Sullivan is "blaming trans and LGBTQ+ activists for conservative attacks on the trans community." This from "an aging gay man whose brain is soaked in prejudice and fear." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Plenty of people may disagree with Andrew Sullivans analysis; Republican support for same-sex unions falls below 50 percent. But as the first man to crusade for gay marriage 36 years ago, and openly discuss his battle with HIV, Id say hes earned the right to be heard. Original article source: Why Andrew Sullivan says the gay rights movement has gone off the rails Federal prosecutors announced charges against Sean "Diddy" Combs with great fanfare last year. This was not just a case of a celebrity behaving badly, they said. It was about a criminal enterprise that had, for years, concealed the crimes of a music and fashion mogul. It was a bold gambit, and it employed a strategy typically reserved for organized crime cases to prosecute a music legend for alleged violence, threats, and payoffs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But in the end, jurors hearing the case in Manhattan did not buy it. After two days of deliberations, the jury found Combs guilty of only two counts of transportation for prostitution involving ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura and a second woman identified as Jane in testimony, as well as commercial sex workers. Jurors found Combs not guilty of the most serious crimes: sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion; and racketeering, which carried a potential life sentence. This is a win for Combs. He was facing life in prison if convicted of the [racketeering] charges. Instead, he likely serves a couple years in prison and returns to his business empire," said David Ring, an attorney who represents sexual abuse victims in some of the highest-profile cases. Sean Combs mostly won in court, but in the court of public opinion, he lost big time with his despicable misconduct that was unveiled at trial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: The case against Sean Combs might not be a slam-dunk for prosecutors. Here's why A complex case The trial was marked by shocking descriptions of Combs' abuse of women. But some legal experts questioned whether the graphic testimony proved racketeering. Jeff Chemerinsky, a former federal prosecutor, said, "Whatever people may think of the conduct as a moral matter, this jury decided that the government did not meet its burden to prove all the elements of the serious felony charges they brought against Mr. Combs." The federal indictment alleged that Combs and his associates lured female victims, often under the pretense of a romantic relationship. Combs then allegedly used force, threats of force, coercion and controlled substances to get women to engage in sex acts with male prostitutes while he occasionally watched in gatherings that Combs referred to as freak-offs. Combs gave the women ketamine, ecstasy and GHB to keep them obedient and compliant during the performances, prosecutors said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Combs alleged criminal enterprise threatened and abused women and used members of his enterprise to engage in sex trafficking, forced labor, interstate transportation for purposes of prostitution, coercion and enticement to engage in prostitution, narcotics offenses, kidnapping, arson, bribery and obstruction of justice, prosecutors said. In support of their racketeering case, prosecutors told jurors in opening statements that Combs was helped by a cadre of company employees, security staff and aides, who helped organize the freak-offs and then covered up the incidents. Overreach by government? The government overreached. They wanted a RICO conviction so they could then go seize Combs' assets under RICO forfeiture laws. That's not going to happen now. This is a loss for the prosecution," Ring said, referring to the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act. The prosecutions presentation was underwhelming. They made a number of strategic mistakes and unforced errors, former federal prosecutor Neama Rahmani said in an interview before the verdict. After the verdict, Rahmani added: This was "the most expensive prostitution trial in American history. What a huge win for the defense and a tremendous loss for the prosecution." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some experts say RICO cases are difficult to prosecute by design. RICO is a very rigid and difficult law to satisfy, said Mitchell Epner, a former assistant U.S. attorney in New Jersey who worked on numerous sex trafficking and involuntary servitude cases. It requires an ongoing criminal structure, a continuity of members of a criminal organization. It is on purpose difficult for prosecutors to prove, and the defense did a very good job of pointing out the shortcomings of a RICO prosecution on a technical level. Read more: Inside Diddy's Bad Boy empire of threats, violence and bribes. What court revelations expose Defense vs feds Combs' attorneys hammered on the idea that their client was overcharged by prosecutors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Marc Agnifilo claimed Combs enjoyed a swinger lifestyle and was addled by drugs. He admitted Combs committed domestic violence, but that the racketeering and sex trafficking charges were trumped up. He is not a racketeer, he said. Prosecutors told the jury the evidence was clear. In her closing argument, Assistant U.S. Atty. Christy Slavik said racketeering law applies when someone commits crimes as part of a group, and in Combs case, the defendant was a powerful man, but he became more powerful and dangerous because of his inner circle, his businesses the enterprise, she told jurors, according to AP. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Combs counted on silence and shame to enable and prolong his abuse and used a small army of employees to harm women and cover it up, she said. Read more: 'Horrible and disgusting': Cassie's graphic testimony of abuse leaves Sean 'Diddy' Combs' fate hanging in balance Under RICO, there are 35 specific offenses, including murder, bribery and extortion, and federal prosecutors need to show a pattern involving at least two overt acts as part of a criminal enterprise. The defense questioned why those on the stand did not report the behavior to authorities at the time and in some cases stayed in Combs' orbit. Smoking gun? Jurors heard from 34 witnesses, who provided six weeks of brutal and graphic testimony. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The defense was aggressive in cross-examination, hammering witnesses about why they did not report Combs at the time or simply leave him. They also presented text messages of support and love after the alleged attacks. The defense also focused on the money and other things they got from Combs. This isnt about a crime. This is about money. Its about money, Agnifilo said, according to the AP. They also noted that witnesses did not believe they were committing a crime, making it hard to prove that Combs' actions added up to a criminal conspiracy. Video from 2016 showed Combs punching and kicking Ventura as she cowers and tries to protect herself in front of an L.A. hotel elevator bank. He then drags her down the hall by her hooded sweatshirt toward their hotel room. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eddie Garcia, the InterContinental Hotel security guard, testified that Combs gave him a brown paper bag containing $100,000 in cash for the video. Garcia said that after his supervisor agreed to sell the video recording, he met with Combs, Combs chief of staff, Kristina Khorram, and a bodyguard. After Garcia raised concerns about the police, he said Combs called Ventura on FaceTime, handed him the phone and told Ventura to tell Garcia that she also wanted the video to go away. After that, Garcia said he took the money and split it with co-workers, according to reporting from inside the courtroom. Prosecutors allege this shows the conspiracy. What does this mean for other cases? Some experts say the Combs verdict could put a chill on future sex trafficking prosecutions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now that the jury has acquitted Combs of the RICO and trafficking charges," Epner said, it could really cause the DOJ to think long and hard before bringing similar sex trafficking charges. The verdict is also a bitter disappointment for victim advocates, said Lauren Hersh, the former chief of the sex trafficking unit at the Kings County district attorneys office in Brooklyn and now the national director of the activist group World Without Exploitation. After successful prosecutions of figures like R. Kelly and cult leader Keith Raniere, some experts saw progress in broadening the popular understanding of how sex trafficking operated and how victims might respond to it. With this verdict, though, "this will 100% cast a chilling effect on prosecutors, who will be reluctant to bring similar charges even when the evidence is overwhelming," Hersh said. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport experienced numerous delays and cancellations on Tuesday, July 1, as a result of severe weather in the Northeast. Nationwide, hundreds of flights at airports in New York City, Boston, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C., were canceled because of thunderstorms. These airports accounted for most of the 1,390 canceled flights in the U.S. on Tuesday, according to flight tracking website FlightAware. The Federal Aviation Administration issued ground stops and ground delays at the airports, preventing planes from taking off. Advertisement Advertisement Nine flights at Sky Harbor were canceled Tuesday, all of which involved Northeast itineraries. Another 220 flights were delayed, including but not limited to Northeast airports. What is causing flight cancellations? Severe weather on the East Coast is disrupting airport operations. Parts of the Northeast and mid-Atlantic regions are under watches or warnings for severe thunderstorms and floods, according to the National Weather Service. The FAA issued ground stops and/or ground delays for the three major airports serving the New York City area (LaGuardia, JFK and Newark), the three major airports serving the Washington, D.C., area (Reagan National, Dulles and Baltimore), Boston and Philadelphia for most of Tuesday, according to the FAA's National Airspace System. What is an FAA ground stop advisory? The FAA can order a ground stop when it's not safe for flights to take off or land at an airport. Advertisement Advertisement It can also order a ground delay, which is when flights destined for an airport experiencing adverse conditions must delay their takeoffs, according to the FAA. The FAA can order a ground delay or ground stop but it does not cancel flights. Will I get compensation if my flight is canceled? Airlines issued travel advisories for July 1 flights because of the Northeast weather, allowing travelers to change their flights without paying fare differences, or get refunds for canceled travel. American Airlines is waiving change fees and fare differences for travelers flying to or from 10 East Coast airports as long as they booked their ticket by June 28, can travel by July 3 and maintain the same fare class and city pairs. Advertisement Advertisement Southwest Airlines is allowing passengers flying to or from 10 airports to rebook or travel standby within 14 days, as long as they maintain the original city pairs. Flyers who choose to cancel their trip when their flight is canceled or significantly delayed may be eligible for a refund for the unused ticket, even if their ticket was nonrefundable. Delta Air Lines is waiving fare differences for travelers flying to or from eight airports if they can travel by July 4. United Airlines is waiving fare differences for flights out of 16 airports, for flyers who can travel by July 2. All the ways to get there: How to get to Sky Harbor Airport without driving and paying for parking Advertisement Advertisement Michael Salerno is an award-winning journalist whos covered travel and tourism since 2014. His work as The Arizona Republics consumer travel reporter aims to help readers navigate the stresses of traveling and get the best value for their money on their vacations. He can be reached at Michael.Salerno@gannett.com. Support local journalism. Subscribe to azcentral.com today. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Why so many Phoenix flights were delayed, canceled today Tensions are still simmering among state lawmakers and advocates after the Assembly closed its 2025 session last week without passing any of this years flagship climate and environmental bills. Legislators shelved measures to cut packaging waste, transition homes off fossil fuels, and ban toxic forever chemicals from everyday products. Each measure had passed the Senate, and an Assembly vote was the final hurdle. But most of them never came to a vote. A fierce blame game has ensued. Since last week, advocates backing those bills have slammed the Assembly and particularly Speaker Carl Heastie, the chambers top Democrat, who has the final say over which bills come to a floor vote. Heastie has shot back, accusing his critics of lazy advocacy that failed to gain the support needed for their bills. Meanwhile, some assemblymembers have pointed to structural issues in the chamber, which has more members and longer debates than the Senate, but the same tight calendar. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is hardly the first year that climate groups have faulted the Assembly speaker for holding up climate action. But this year some of the anger is coming from groups that have not criticized the speaker publicly in the past. The speaker does not seem to be as environmentally conscious as he should be, and certainly his level of environmental awareness is not reflective of the public support for these issues we work on, said Adrienne Esposito, executive director of the Long Islandbased Citizens Campaign for the Environment. What we dont want to do is establish a pattern where the Assembly is where all good environmental bills go to die. Ive been very consistent in my 11 sessions, Heastie told New York Focus in an interview Monday. I do not bring bills to the floor that dont have enough Assembly Democratic votes, and maybe a little cushion, because to see a bill come to the floor and potentially have some strain in passing thats just never something Ive done. I dont force members to vote on bills, he continued. Im a consensus builder. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some of the bills on environmentalists roster this year passed the Senate with broad bipartisan support, and advocates expected the same would be true in the Assembly. Among them was a suite of bills to limit the use of PFAS forever chemicals, which have been linked to health issues ranging from reduced immune function to hormone disruption to cancer. One of the measures would have banned PFAS from beauty products; another from a variety of consumer goods, including cookware; a third would have blocked sewage sludge, which often contains the chemicals, from being spread on farmland; and a fourth would have required certain facilities to step up PFAS testing for water that they discharge into the environment. Three of the bills passed the Senate by a four-to-one margin, with bipartisan support; the testing bill passed unanimously. Each had Republican support in the Assembly, too. But none reached the Assembly floor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The only PFAS bill to pass the full legislature this year was one banning the chemicals and other toxic substances in menstrual products. The bill passed the Senate unanimously in January and the Assembly at the end of March, with only one no vote. Kate Donovan, northeast director of environmental health at the Natural Resources Defense Council one of the most prominent environmental groups in the country said that Assembly leadership showed a lack of compassion when it failed to advance the other PFAS bills after they passed the Senate twice in a row. Ultimately, the speaker is in control of what comes to the floor, she said. Last year, we kind of chalked it up to the congestion pricing debacle [and] inability for the Assembly to manage their time towards the end of session because of a late budget. But I think this year, it became more obvious that we have a more political, structural problem. Climate groups, for their part, left Albany this June with just one notable win: a measure requiring building owners, rather than utility customers in general, to cover the cost of connecting new buildings to the gas system. Even that bill represented only a small fraction of what they had hoped to achieve a sweeping proposal known as the NY HEAT Act, which charted a path off fossil fuels for New Yorks millions of existing homes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Senate passed the full HEAT Act in 2023 and 2024, and getting the bill to the finish line was a top priority for climate groups this year. In the final days of session, the Senate rushed to pass a compromise measure that was designed specifically to mollify critics in the Assembly. But the Assembly did not take up the full compromise, instead passing only the one key provision a repeal of the so-called 100-foot rule that had been carved out into a backup bill. Backers of the HEAT Act cheered the final result, which had eluded them for years and achieved at least one of the headline goals of the wider legislation. The activists who fought for the plastic packaging legislation, meanwhile, are still fuming. Monique Fitzgerald, a co-founder of the Brookhaven Landfill Action and Remediation Group a group fighting to close a landfill in a predominantly Black and Latino Long Island town said it was shameful that lawmakers had bought into industry claims about the costs of adopting the law, instead of listening to community members talking about their real life concerns, their real life health being put at risk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She called Heasties grip on floor votes a barrier to democracy. Theres no reason to shield people from accountability with their constituents, she said. If they were going to vote no, then lets see it. Heastie, who said he supported the bill, is firing back. What legislative body just throws a bill out on the floor and hopes that it gets passed? he asked New York Focus. They dont do it in Congress. They dont do it in the state Senate. They dont do it in City Council. and Im being asked to just throw bills out on the floor and hope they pass? (Votes do routinely fall short in Congress, though more often on procedural motions and amendments than on full bills.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A bulldozer sits on top of a landfill full of trash. Esposito said she understood Heasties reticence with close votes. But the failure of the PFAS legislation, which appeared widely popular in the Assembly, suggested a different problem, she said. Theres no reason it didnt come to the floor, except the speaker prevented it from coming to the floor, she argued. Environmental bills get left to the last day, and then the Assembly claims to run out of time, when, if the bills had been a priority in the first place, they would have passed. Esposito said she could see only one good explanation for the Assemblys limited progress on environmental issues this year: the historic sums that business interests spent lobbying against the legislation, in particular the packaging bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a classic case of the corporate interests being given a higher value by elected officials than the public interest, she said. And that is a pretty tragic statement. Within the chamber, reactions have been more mixed. Assemblymember Phara Souffrant Forrest, a strong supporter of the plastic packaging bill, argued that Heastie and his team are very effective at whipping votes when they choose to. Literally, a vote is on the floor, I have put down no, and then they call you into the office and basically strong-arm you into putting a yes on that board, she said. They didnt do that in this case. (Heastie said he only whips votes for the budget, which the state is constitutionally mandated to pass.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other champions of the plastics bill were less quick to blame Heastie for its failure. I think my frustration is broader, said Assemblymember Deborah Glick, the bills sponsor. She said that some of her colleagues told her they would vote for her bill, but appear to have told Heasties team otherwise: I certainly think that members need to be honest with each other. Moreover, she said, it is a major disappointment that so many people were susceptible to corporate misinformation. Assemblymembers also highlighted structural differences between their chamber and the Senate. For the last 15 years, the Senate has consistently passed hundreds more bills than the Assembly; this year, 1743 passed the upper house, compared to 995 in the Peoples House one of the biggest gaps in recent history, according to a review by the advocacy group NYPIRG. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among the reasons why: The Assembly is more than three times the size of the Senate, and members bring a more diverse range of priorities. Debates often last longer in the chamber, with Republicans sometimes pushing debates up to the four-hour limit as they threatened to do with the packaging bill. That means that if the Republicans want to debate three bills in a day, thats 12 hours, if they want to debate the full time, said Assemblymember Sarahana Shrestha. And we had long debates on so many bills that are not worth long debates at this point. So this sense of time being against us is real. Heastie blamed those time constraints for the failure of the PFAS legislation, among others. The crunch was particularly severe this year, after state leaders finalized the state budget more than five weeks past the deadline. One assemblymember, who requested anonymity to discuss the chambers internal workings, noted that the legislature rarely takes up controversial bills while the budget is still being negotiated, in part because of staffing constraints. The Assemblys central staff work hard to prepare members for debates, but generally cant while theyre still tied up with the budget, the lawmaker said. That leaves all the big-ticket, non-budget items to the final weeks of session. Shrestha said that the demands of the electoral calendar are also a factor in blocking important bills. Albanys two-year terms require lawmakers to juggle campaigning with legislating for the bulk of their time in office, she said, and that is really bad for democracy. A lot of decisions that politicians make come from fear of losing their election, which is obviously very self-destructive for the mandates that we are responsible for, Shrestha said. Shrestha noted that climate and environmental bills can be especially challenging to pass, because lawmakers are often less familiar with them than they are with other issues, giving industry lobbyists a greater opportunity to shape the debate. and there were added hurdles this year, with Albany scrambling to respond to the chaos coming from Washington as well as to a crisis in state prisons. For many in the climate and environmental world, President Donald Trumps onslaught of cuts and policy rollbacks have only made it more urgent for New York to lead. This should have been a breakthrough year for environmental action in New York, said Vanessa Fajans-Turner, executive director of Environmental Advocates NY, in a statement last week. The Senate did its part But the Assembly? Once again, it left the job unfinished, she continued, calling the end result a dereliction of duty. Heastie bristles at the sentiment. Look at everything that we have done, he said, pointing to the states 2019 climate law, the 2022 Environmental Bond Act, the Build Public Renewables Act, funding for electric buses, and last years Climate Superfund. People cant just say, if we didnt do what they want this year you cant erase everything else that weve done. Why is Mars barren and uninhabitable, while life has always thrived here on our relatively similar planet Earth? A discovery made by a NASA rover has offered a clue for this mystery, new research said Wednesday, suggesting that while rivers once sporadically flowed on Mars, it was doomed to mostly be a desert planet. Mars is thought to currently have all the necessary ingredients for life except for perhaps the most important one: liquid water. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However the red surface is carved out by ancient rivers and lakes, showing that water once flowed on our nearest neighbour. There are currently several rovers searching Mars for signs of life that could have existed back in those more habitable times, millions of years ago. Earlier this year, NASA's Curiosity rover discovered a missing piece in this puzzle: rocks that are rich in carbonate minerals. These "carbonates" -- such as limestone on Earth -- act as a sponge for carbon dioxide, pulling it in from the atmosphere and trapping it in rock. A new study, published in the journal Nature, modelled exactly how the existence of these rocks could change our understanding of Mars's past. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement - Brief 'oases' - Lead study author Edwin Kite, a planetary scientist at the University of Chicago and a member of the Curiosity team, told AFP it appeared there were "blips of habitability in some times and places" on Mars. But these "oases" were the exception rather than the rule. On Earth, carbon dioxide in the atmosphere warms the planet. Over long timescales, the carbon becomes trapped in rocks such as carbonates. Then volcanic eruptions spew the gas back into the atmosphere, creating a well-balanced climate cycle supportive of consistently running water. However Mars has a "feeble" rate of volcanic outgassing compared to Earth, Kite said. This throws off the balance, leaving Mars much colder and less hospitable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the modelling research, the brief periods of liquid water on Mars were followed by 100 million years of barren desert -- a long time for anything to survive. It is still possible that there are pockets of liquid water deep underground on Mars we have not yet found, Kite said. NASA's Perseverance Rover, which landed on an ancient Martian delta in 2021, has also found signs of carbonates at the edge of dried-up lake, he added. Next, the scientists hope to discover more evidence of carbonates. Kite said the best proof would be returning rock samples from the Martian surface back to Earth -- both the United States and China are racing to do this in the next decade. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement - Are we alone? - Ultimately, scientists are searching for an answer to one of the great questions: how common are planets like Earth that can harbour life? Astronomers have discovered nearly 6,000 planets beyond our Solar System since the early 1990s. But only for Mars and Earth can scientists study rocks which allow them to understand the planet's past, Kite said. If we do determine that Mars never hosted even tiny micro-organisms during its watery times, that would indicate it is difficult to kick-start life across the universe. But if we discover proof of ancient life, that would "basically be telling us the origin of life is easy on a planetary scale," Kite said. dl/giv Sugar House Station is buzzing on a warm Wednesday evening. Some diners are milling around the food halls options inside, while others enjoy its outdoor seating as the sun dips beneath the apartment skyline across the street. Its electric, given that construction crews are working underneath the surface of 2100 South around a nearby corner, less than a block away. Not every evening is as busy as this, says James Roberts, who cofounded the business. Bringing in customers on Sundays through Tuesdays can be challenging, which is a common market trend, but overall sales are on target for what he and his business partners expected since opening their Highland Drive location this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I would say Im pleased with our opening numbers. ... Were increasing in sales every week, so its getting busier, he tells KSL.com. This is the hope many Sugar House businesses have as they anxiously await the end of construction that has lasted for nearly two-and-a-half years. Theyre optimistic about what the Salt Lake City neighborhood will look like after the 2100 South project concludes, and theyre already planning a way to celebrate when it happens later this year. When the closures end Sugar House businesses arent the only ones that have endured the struggles of construction tied to the Funding Our Future bond. The bond also paid for overhauls to other roads in need of repair, such as 200 South, 900 South and 300 West in the downtown, Central Ninth and Ballpark areas, which led to similar struggles for businesses looking to attract customers willing to endure the construction. Roberts also co-owns the Cotton Bottom Inn in Holladay, along with Ty and Duncan Burrell, who own Beer Bar and Bar-X downtown. Duncan Burrell told KSL.com last year that there were difficult times when crews ripped open 200 South to replace a gas line underneath and completely redid the road in a project similar to the one in Sugar House. Business has improved since the projects end, the brothers relayed to Roberts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Once they reopened the road, they recovered pretty well, he said. Salt Lake City has seen growth along 900 South, as well. The 9th and 9th district averaged 770 pedestrians and 400 cyclists per day along the 9-Line Trail in May, while the Central Ninth component of the trail attracted 660 pedestrians and 530 cyclists, according to city transportation data. Sugar House businesses struggling with active construction are split on what happens once the 2100 South project wraps up. Noe Vandamme, retail operations manager for Bruges Belgian Bistro, says the local business charm people remember before construction might be gone. Traffic flows on Highland Drive near 2100 South in Salt Lake City on Wednesday. A multi-year project along Highland Drive/1100 East ended earlier this year. | Carter Williams, KSL.com Others believe the changes will benefit the Sugar House Business District once theyre complete. The issue both sides are dealing with is trying to hold on long enough to see people return once the 2100 South project wraps up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I do like what theyve done with Highland Drive. Theres bike lanes now. The medians are a little frustrating, but they serve a purpose, and its going to keep the flow of traffic safer to walk around Sugar House. ... I think its going to look good on (2100 South), said Chad Hopkins, owner of Hopkins Brewing Company. A light at the end of the tunnel The city anticipates completing its 2100 South project by this fall, but businesses have heard it could end by the end of August. Either way, theyre already planning for a big celebration to commemorate the end of a busy few years. Details are still being sorted out, but Sugar House businesses have discussions about a big block party with music and other events sometime around late September or early October. It may also include deals at neighborhood businesses and a prize system for people who visit multiple stores in the area, creating a fun way to welcome people back to the area. We do see a light at the end of the tunnel, said Rick Seven, marketing director for Salt Lake Brewing Company, which owns Corner Brew Pub Sugar House. We just think weve got to push through a couple more months, and then its hopefully all start going downhill. Future construction Yet, growth at this point is inevitable, especially in Sugar House, Seven said. Thus, construction wont end with the 2100 South project. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Corner Brew Pub Sugar House is located across the street from an abandoned Wells Fargo building that will be torn down for a new mixed-use development, even if its not quite as tall as initially proposed. Utah Transit Authority is still planning to extend its S-Line deeper into Sugar House, as well, while a new proposal would put a hotel next to the northwest corner of Sugar House Park. Its unclear if Salt Lake City will ask for another major bond, like the 2018 Funding Our Future bond. However, if and when it does, the impacted businesses say the city should take steps to protect small businesses. Having rebuilds of Highland Drive and 2100 South run consecutively was not ideal, said Pierre Vandamme, who owns Bruges Belgian Bistro. It forced him to go very deep into personal savings, while others werent so lucky. Hes aware that drastic downtown plans could impact his primary location near Pioneer Park as theyre carried out over the next few years, while Pioneer Park also changes. Hed like to see projects done in stages to allow for more breathing room between projects. If not, hed like to see greater business support from the city, whether thats financially or in ways to limit impacts on business locations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They can get creative, Noe Vandamme adds. While painful to others in the area, Roberts says he liked that the city bundled projects together, which helped condense the full project timeline. The Sugar House project combined needed infrastructure and road repairs in the area. Whatever the case might be, many agree that they just dont want to see full road closures in the future. Theres nothing wrong with growth. We like the fact there are going to be more people in the area, and we like the fact that public transportation is working to be more efficient and better, Seven said. The one thing that just wont be tolerated anymore is a complete shutdown of a street. ATHENS, Greece (AP) A rapidly spreading wildfire on the Greek island of Crete triggered early Thursday evacuations of hotels and homes as it bore down on coastal areas. Authorities said evacuations were ordered at three sites outside the port of Ierapetra on the islands south coast. Homes were reported damaged as flames swept through hillside forests, fanned by strong winds. It's a very difficult situation. The fire is very hard to contain. Right now, they cannot contain it, Nektarios Papadakis, a civil protection official at the regional authority, told the Associated Press. The tourists who were moved out are all okay. They have been taken to an indoor basketball arena and hotels in other regions of the island, he said. Authorities said more than 1,500 people so far had been moved out of homes and hotels, with the number expected to increase overnight. The Fire Service and a civil protection agency issued localized mobile phone alerts for the evacuations and appealed to residents not to return to try and save their property. The fires lit up the night sky, cresting ridgelines and edging toward residential areas. Several residents were treated for breathing difficulties, officials said, but there were no immediate reports of serious injuries. The blaze sent clouds of ash into the night sky, illuminated by the headlights of emergency vehicles and water trucks that lined the coastal road near the resorts of Ferma and Achlia on the southeast of Crete. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than 150 firefighters were operating in the area, while water-dropping planes and helicopters remained grounded overnight. Members of specialized units often only working with hand tools were creating hillside fire breaks to try and slow the advance of the blaze. Crete is one of Greeces most popular tourist destinations. The risk of wildfires remained very high across Crete and parts of southern Greece Thursday, according to a daily bulletin issued by the Fire Service. LOS ANGELES Fire season is in full swing across California, with more than a dozen wildfires igniting since Saturday. Most of the blazes are burning in the southern half of the state, where dry conditions are more extensive, allowing fires to quickly get out of hand. Hundreds of firefighters are working to contain wildfires in Riverside and San Bernardino counties, which have even forced evacuations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Riverside County, the Wolf Fire has exploded in size after first being spotted over the weekend outside of Banning, California. As of Tuesday, according to CAL FIRE, more than 2,400 acres had burned, with containment only around 35%. More than 4,000 structures were considered threatened south of Interstate 10, with the American Red Cross establishing at least one shelter for evacuees. So far, no homes have been reported damaged; however, at least three firefighters have been injured while battling the blaze. The U.S. Forest Service says it is also working to keep the flames out of the San Bernardino National Forest, which encompasses more than 800,000 acres throughout Southern California. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pollution From California Wildfires Killed 52,000 In A Decade, Study Says Active wildfire map in California Further southwest, firefighters have made more progress with the Juniper Fire, which has burned nearly 700 acres but is more than 60% contained. Similar to the Wolf Fire, the blaze started within the past 72 hours, and the cause remains under investigation. Farther north, the Lake Fire in San Bernardino County is the one firefighters are most concerned about. At last check with CAL FIRE, the wildfire had burned nearly 500 acres and was around 50% contained. Some evacuation warnings remained in effect for hillside communities, and nearby recreation zones were off-limits as crews used resources both in the air and on the ground to try to contain the flames. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Study Finds Wildfires In Western Us Are Growing Faster, Causing More Damage Around 70% of the state is considered to be unusually dry or suffering from drought conditions, according to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor, and there appears to be no relief in sight as the state enters the driest months of the year. Even though the annual monsoon has begun, most of the precipitation has been on the eastern flank, impacting areas around New Mexico and West Texas, leaving large parts of California and Arizona high and dry. Additionally, tropical moisture, which has led to a record amount of cyclone activity across the eastern Pacific, has remained well south of the Golden State, keeping rain chances near nil at best. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fortunately, authorities have not had to contend with gusty winds or weather patterns such as the Santa Anas, which are most common during the fall, winter, and spring. Long-term outlooks from NOAAs Climate Prediction Center show no widespread relief over the summer months, which means drought conditions will continue to deteriorate, and the threat of wildfires will gradually increase. According to a congressional research report, an annual average of 61,410 wildfires burn some 7.2 million acres every year across the country. Most fires are human-caused, but wildfires sparked by lightning tend to be larger and burn more acreage. How a typical monsoon forms in the Southwest. Original article source: Wildfires erupt in California as drought conditions expand A man is hospitalized in critical condition after Wilton Manors Police officers responded to a domestic disturbance call early Wednesday morning and a shooting with officers unfolded. A woman called police about 4:30 a.m. regarding a domestic disturbance incident involving her husband, Det. Haley Plante, a spokesperson for the police department, said in a news release Wednesday afternoon. When officers arrived at the home along Northeast 26th Street, a man armed with a weapon was at the front door, Plante said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An officer-involved shooting occurred and the subject was injured, Plante said. She did not provide further information about what led up to the shooting. No officers were injured. Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue responded to the area just before 5 a.m. and took one person to Broward Health Medical Center as a trauma patient, according to Frank Guzman, a spokesperson for the agency. Plante said the man was in critical condition as of Wednesday afternoon. She did not release his name. The investigation shut down parts of Northeast 26th Street and North Andrews Avenue, according to Plante. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wilton Manors Police is working with the Broward Sheriffs Office and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to investigate the shooting. It is at least the 10th shooting with officers in South Florida since the start of the year. Most recently in early May, a woman carrying a gun was shot and killed by Broward Sheriffs deputies in Deerfield Beach. In April, Boynton Beach officers shot and killed a man who was wielding a machete in a public park and charged toward them with it. Also that month, a Broward Sheriffs Office deputy in Deerfield Beach shot and killed a 60-year-old woman after she came toward him with two 18-inch-long knives, the Sheriffs Office said at the time. Palm Beach County Sheriffs Office deputies shot and killed a 20-year-old man who was stabbing his father to death with a sword. This is a developing story, so check back for updates. Click here to have breaking news alerts sent directly to your inbox. electric car charging port by Golfcphoto va iStock Electric vehicle (EV) battery maker QuantumScapes (QS) stock saw a spike recently after the company announced a significant development wherein its Cobra separator process was successfully integrated into its baseline cell production. Since then, the shares have rocketed by 58% over the past five sessions as Cobra supposedly delivers up to 25x faster heat treatment speeds and requires significantly less equipment footprint per separator than its previous generation Raptor system. More News from Barchart But is this a reason enough to load up on the companys stock, and can this searing rally continue? Lets have a closer look. About QuantumScape Founded in 2010, QuantumScape (QS) is known for developing next-gen solid-state lithium-metal batteries for EVs, offering higher energy density, faster charging, and improved safety over traditional lithium-ion cells. Backed by marquee investors such as Bill Gates and Qatar Investment Authority, auto major Volkswagen (VWAGY) also holds a material stake in the company. Valued at a market cap of $3.7 billion, QS stock is up 29.8% on a year-to-date basis. www.barchart.com QuantumScape Is Still Pre-Revenue QuantumScape operates in an industry that requires heavy capital expenditure, particularly on research and development. Thus, its unprofitable nature may yet to be a major concern. However, the company is still in the pre-revenue stage, which is undesirable. Moreover, according to the companys latest quarterly results, the path towards revenue generation is not 100% clear, with only field testing of its platform slated to begin in 2026. However, QuantumScape has been consistently narrowing its losses. Q1 2025 saw the company report a loss of $0.21 per share, lower than the prior years figure of $0.24 per share. Loss from operations also came in lower at $123.6 million, compared to $131.9 million in the year-ago period. Net cash used in operating activities increased to $60.7 million from $57.9 million in the previous year. Overall, QuantumScape remains in a comfortable liquidity position with a cash balance of $153.5 million. This was way above its short-term debt levels of about $9 million. Can Cobra Provide the Bite QS Needs? The integration of Cobra into the baseline cell production is perhaps the shot in the arm QuantumScape needed. Notably, QuantumScape has unveiled a major advance in its manufacturing capabilities with the introduction of its Cobra separator system, which operates at a speed 25 times faster than the model it replaces, while using considerably less floor space. This breakthrough shifts the economics of production, allowing the company to realistically pursue battery output at the gigawatt-hour scale. This was previously constrained by cost and throughput limitations. A Wisconsin nonprofit is pushing to get books back into prisons after a DOC directive ending the effort. | Getty Images Creative The nonprofit Wisconsin Books to Prisoners (WBTP) and the Wisconsin Department of Corrections (DOC) are carrying out a pilot project that involves sending used books to prisoners. 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. This might lead to the nonprofit regaining the ability to send used books to incarcerated people in DOC facilities around the state. Meanwhile, WBTP says it has experienced an issue with packages of new books, which were not banned, being sent back. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last year, the department enacted a used book ban. The DOC has cited concerns about drug smuggling, leading to scrutiny of how effective the ban might be and whether the impact on prisoners access to books was justified. Camy Matthay of Wisconsin Books to Prisoners told the Examiner in September that the ban hobbles the project. The agency said in late September that it used to make an exception for WBTP to send used books due to the organization being based in Wisconsin with leadership who were responsive and willing to work with DOC. Wardens and librarians could accept used books from certain trusted sources for donation to the institution libraries. In late September, the DOC said that under a policy announced in January, the department could no longer accept used books from anyone including WBTP. The department said that policy is now being enforced when it comes to library donations as well as books sent to persons in our care. In March, the Examiner reported on concerns regarding mail between incarcerated people and attorneys, including the question of the accuracy of the drug tests used on materials coming into prisons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to incident reports and a statement from the DOC in late September, three separate shipments in February and March 2024 that were allegedly from Wisconsin Books to Prisoners had multiple items testing positive for drugs. In an email to Wisconsin Books to Prisoners in August, Sarah Cooper, former administrator of the DOCs division of adult institutions, said the concern was not with WBTP but with people who would impersonate the nonprofit. Unfortunately, those who wish to send drugs into the prisons do so under the guise of legitimate agencies, organizations and even legal entities, Cooper said. WBTP said the group expects to be formally approved to resume shipping new and used donated books to people incarcerated throughout Wisconsin upon the successful completion of the second phase of the pilot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are cautiously optimistic that WBTP will be back or close to our full operations by September 2025, the nonprofit said in a statement Friday. WBTP said it has participated in a pilot program at Oakhill Correctional Institution over the past few months. The nonprofit said that during phase one, it sent three packages of books, one third of which were used books. The books were added to the library collection, making them available for checkout by those who requested them. The pilot program aims to allow DOC to test and refine its screening process for donated reading materials to ensure safety, DOC communications director Beth Hardtke said in an email to the Examiner. Starting July 1, WBTP will be able to send requested materials directly to individuals at Oakhill Correctional Institution instead of the institution library, Hardtke said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The goal is to eventually allow WBTP to send reading materials to individuals at any DOC facility safely, Hardtke said. She mentioned a safety concern about people coming into contact with intoxicating substances. In a statement in late September, the department said staff reviewed contraband incident reports that facility staff had flagged as drug-related between Jan. 1 2019 and Sept. 19, 2024. The DOC said that not all incident reports flagged as drug-related turn out to be drug-related, and that some drug-related incidents recorded through a medical record or conduct report may not be reflected in these numbers. The department said there had been 214 incidents of drugs being found on paper from Jan. 1 2019 to Sept. 18, 2024 including in books and letters shipped to DOC facilities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement WBTP said it was told by DOC that it would continue mailing brand-new books to meet requests made by readers. Many of those packages have been returned to them, WBTP said. The status of some packages is not known, and the nonprofit is investigating the issue. In its statement, WBTP said it has engaged in discussions with DOC administrative staff, in opposition to their policy banning the donation of used reading materials. WBTP remains committed to pursuing every possible avenue to challenge this censorship, the nonprofit said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Abortion remains legal in Wisconsin after the state Supreme Court issued a long-awaited ruling that upheld a lower court's decision that an 1849 law does not apply to abortions. The court determined lawmakers effectively repealed the statute when they enacted new abortion laws in more recent years, such as a ban after 20 weeks of pregnancy and an ultrasound requirement. Those laws remain in effect. Democrats and abortion rights advocates cheered the ruling as an affirmation that reproductive health care remains accessible in Wisconsin, while Republicans and anti-abortion groups argued the court's liberal majority overstepped its authority. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here's a roundup of reactions from across the state. Democratic Gov. Tony Evers Evers called the ruling a win for women, families, health care professionals and "basic freedoms in Wisconsin." Thanks to our lawsuit, todays decision affirms that access to reproductive healthcare will continue to be available, helping ensure Wisconsin women today are not forced to face firsthand what its like to live in a state that bans nearly all abortions, even in cases of rape and incest," Evers said in a statement. Evers pledged to veto efforts that would make birth control, abortion, IVF or fertility treatments less accessible in Wisconsin. Republican Party of Wisconsin In a statement, Republican Party of Wisconsin chairman Brian Schimming said abortion laws should be left up to lawmakers and voters. Some Republicans have pushed for a referendum on whether to limit access. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The Wisconsin Supreme Court's role is to follow the Constitution, not to make law. This issue should be resolved in the legislature and by voters, not by far-left justices parading as legislators," Schimming said. Democratic Party of Wisconsin Devin Remiker, the newly elected chairman of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin, posted on X that the decision was a "victory for all Wisconsinites." "The government has no place standing between women and their healthcare, interfering with one of the hardest decisions somebody has to make," Remiker said. Planned Parenthood Planned Parenthood Advocates of Wisconsin called the ruling "another step forward in protecting and expanding access to abortion in Wisconsin." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Planned Parenthood said it believed the 1849 statute could not be enforced against providers after Roe was overturned. "This final ruling again confirms this," the group said. "While we celebrate this ruling, there is more to be done," Planned Parenthood said. Wisconsin Right to Life Wisconsin Right to Life Executive Director Heather Weininger told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that the decision that came out wasn't a surprise to the organization, which has worked to "create a society in which every person's right to life is secure," according to the organization's website. "What we were waiting to see is how they got to that decision and it's very disappointing to see that while they use implied repeal they failed to tell us which law it took away," Weininger said, adding that the liberal majority on the court will in "any way shape or form use their activism on the court to make laws the way they want to see them." National Right to Life In a statement, National Right to Life president Carol Tobias said the decision is "judicial activism at its worst." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The court seized legislative authority by declaring unenforceable a valid law that has been on the books since 1849. The court made this decision without any explicit action from the legislature to repeal it," Tobias said. More: Anti-abortion groups express disappointment in Wisconsin Supreme Court ruling, vow to continue efforts Attorney General Josh Kaul In a statement, Democratic Attorney General Josh Kaul said the ruling "marks a major victory for reproductive freedom following the uncertainty and harm to womens health that have resulted from the U.S. Supreme Courts overturning of Roe v. Wade." "At a time when rights are endangered, this ruling is a powerful reminder of the importance of advocating for our freedoms," Kaul said. Former Republican Gov. Scott Walker In a post on X, former Republican Gov Scott Walker said "thankfully we will have the law I signed in 2015 that protects an unborn child near the midpoint of a pregnancy." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Had I not signed that law, there would be no real legal protections for the unborn in Wisconsin after this decision by the Wisconsin Supreme Court," Walker said. That 2015 law enacted a ban on abortion 20 weeks after "probable fertilization "in Wisconsin, which is currently in effect. U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin Baldwin, a Democrat, said she will continue working to pass legislation she's leading to restore access to abortion nationwide. "Todays ruling tells women across Wisconsin that we will not go back. Todays ruling tells women that our government trusts you to make decisions about your own body and your future. Todays ruling tells women in our state that they are not second-class citizens. But, this fight is not over," Baldwin said in a statement. Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu When asked about any plans to introduce legislation regarding abortion, Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu, a Republican from Oostburg, said he hadn't had time to review the ruling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I'm not even sure what weird rationale our liberal Supreme Court used to do this," he said at a media conference July 2 before the state Senate began votes on the state budget. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reporters Anna Kleiber and Laura Schulte contributed to this story. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Wisconsin lawmakers, advocates react to Supreme Court abortion ruling JANESVILLE, Wis. (WFRV) Authorities in southern Wisconsin arrested a Janesville man on Wednesday who was wanted on multiple warrants and suspected of manufacturing explosives. According to the Janesville Police Department, officers, along with assistance from other agencies, executed a search warrant in the 4000 block of Ingram Drive on July 2. The suspect, identified as 59-year-old Khor Chin Lim, was taken into custody without incident. Police say evidence found inside the home supported his arrest for manufacturing a fire bomb. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Man sentenced to 29 years in Fond du Lac County stalking case Lim had valid arrest warrants at the time of his arrest and is expected to face several charges, including: Manufacturing a fire bomb Felony bail jumping Failure to comply with an officer (arrest warrant) Fleeing an officer and resisting (bench warrant) No additional details were provided. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton. MADISON - Women in Wisconsin will continue to have access to abortion services under a new ruling from the state's highest court that invalidates a 176-year-old state law that had banned abortions in nearly every situation. In a 4-3 ruling July 2, the liberal-controlled Wisconsin Supreme Court affirmed a lower court's previous decision that overturned the 19th Century law. The decision ends three years of tumult over the issue following the 2022 ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court that overturned Roe v. Wade, which had provided women nationwide with a constitutional right to abortion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Writing for the court's liberal majority, Supreme Court Justice Rebecca Dallet said the Wisconsin state Legislature had effectively repealed the 1849 law when it enacted additional laws regulating access to abortion. "... this case is about giving effect to 50 years worth of laws passed by the legislature about virtually every aspect of abortion including where, when, and how health-care providers may lawfully perform abortions," Dallet wrote. "The legislature, as the peoples representatives, remains free to change the laws with respect to abortion in the future." In a separate concurring opinion, Chief Justice Jill Karofsky cited stories of women who died while trying to end unwanted pregnancies without safe medical care, including her own great-grandmother in 1929. "Like so many others, she died because society did not recognize her as someone with the 'dignity and authority to make these choices,'" she wrote, quoting the U.S. Supreme Court's liberal minority in its dissent to the 2022 ruling overturning Roe v. Wade. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ruling is a win for Democrats who have long sought to overturn the 1849 law, which has been at the center of Democratic candidates' campaigns since the 2022 ruling. Gov. Tony Evers, who authorized the lawsuit brought by Attorney General Josh Kaul, said when the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, the court "upended five decades of precedent and threw reproductive freedom in Wisconsin and across our country into chaos." "I promised then to fight like hell to ensure every Wisconsinite has the freedom to consult their family, their faith, and their doctor and make the reproductive healthcare decision that is right for them, and Ive never stopped.," he said in a statement. "Today, the Wisconsin Supreme Court upheld that basic freedom." Reactions: Wisconsin lawmakers, advocates on Supreme Court ruling upholding abortion access Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At issue is a 2023 ruling from Dane County Circuit Judge Diane Schlipper that concluded the state's abortion law did not apply to voluntary abortions but to feticide. A consensual abortion is sought out by a pregnant woman who chooses to end a pregnancy. Schlipper's ruling was based on a 1994 state Supreme Court decision that determined feticide is a nonconsensual act in which somebody batters a woman to the point she loses the pregnancy. Kaul argued in the lawsuit that the 1849 law has been invalidated by abortion laws passed since the Roe v. Wade decision, including requirements that a woman must undergo an ultrasound before an abortion, along with a counseling appointment and a 24-hour waiting period, and restrictions on medication abortions and telehealth access. Supreme Court Justice Rebecca Bradley, a member of the court's conservative minority, wrote that majority opinion "erases a law it does not like, making four lawyers sitting on the states highest court more powerful than the Peoples representatives in the legislature." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Any remaining doubt over whether the majoritys decisions are motivated by the policy predilections of its members has been extinguished by its feeble attempt to justify a raw exercise of political power," Bradley wrote. "The majority not only does violence to a single statute; it defies the Peoples sovereignty." More: Anti-abortion groups express disappointment in Wisconsin Supreme Court ruling, vow to continue efforts Bradley also criticized Karofsky's concurring opinion that said defendant Sheboygan County District Attorney Joel Urmanski's legal "interpretation strips women and pregnant people of the dignity and authority to make intimate and personal choices by exposing medical professionals who perform abortions to 15-year prison terms." Bradley said Karofsky "rewrites history, erases and insults women by referring to mothers as 'pregnant people,' slanders proponents of the pro-life perspective, and broadcasts dangerously false narratives about laws restricting abortion." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ruling undergirds the state's 20-week abortion law, which restricts women from seeking abortions after the mid-point of a typical pregnancy. Former Republican Gov. Scott Walker signed the rule into law in 2015."Had I not signed that law, there would be no real legal protections for the unborn in Wisconsin after this decision by the Wisconsin Supreme Court," he said in a post on X on Wednesday. Lawmakers could pursue new abortion rules through legislation. When asked if Republican lawmakers would seek to add restrictions to the abortion landscape in Wisconsin, Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu said he hadn't reviewed the ruling. In the aftermath of the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, states like Wisconsin were left in legal limbo. Questions quickly surfaced over whether the 1849 law superseded subsequent regulations enacted on abortion access in Wisconsin, including a 2015 law under which abortion is banned 20 weeks after "probable fertilization." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Three Planned Parenthood clinics and one independent clinic immediately stopped providing abortions after the U.S. Supreme Court's 2022 decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Care. That changed in the summer of 2023, when Schlipper released an order signaling her belief that the law only applied to the intentional killing of a fetus by someone other than the mother. Operators of the four clinics at the time of the initial ruling, located in Dane, Milwaukee and Sheboygan counties, interpreted the order as giving them legal standing to again provide abortions. There has not been a legal challenge against the clinics. Schlipper made her order official with a ruling in December 2023. (This story has been updated to add new information.) This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Wisconsin Supreme Court invalidates the state's 1849 abortion law The Wisconsin state Supreme Court relegated a 176-year-old abortion ban to the ash heap of history on Wednesday, as the courts liberal majority ruled that the ban was superseded by state laws that have been passed since. The ban went into effect after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, halting abortion providers operations in the state. Then in 2023, a Dane County judge invalidated the ban, allowing clinics to resume operations. Also that year, Wisconsin voters resoundingly elected pro-choice Judge Janet Protasiewicz to the state Supreme Court, tipping its majority from conservative to liberal. Liberals on the court hung onto their majority after Judge Susan Crawford defeated an Elon Muskbacked candidate in April this year. The state Supreme Courts Wednesday ruling, issued 43 along ideological lines, affirms the lower courts ruling. In doing away with the ban, the decision leaves in place a law allowing abortions until about the twentieth week of pregnancy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the majority opinion, Justice Rebecca Dallet noted that the state Supreme Court had applied the ancient ban in a 1968 ruling. But that was over 50 years ago, the opinion states. In the decades since, the legislature has enacted a myriad of statutes governing abortion. Namely, laws adopted in 1985, 1997, and 2015 narrowed the ban, as did many additional statutes enacted since then. These laws specify, often in extraordinary detail, the answer to nearly every conceivable question about abortion. Yet with the near-total ban in effect, they would serve no purpose. Further, if the ban were in effect, that would nonsensically mean that existing state statues that allow the state, counties, and municipalities to fund abortion in cases of sexual assault, incest, and medical necessity would necessarily authorize the state, counties, or municipalities to subsidize a crime. That said, the court concluded that state abortion legislation had impliedly repealed the ban. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This case is about giving effect to 50 years worth of laws passed by the legislature about virtually every aspect of abortion including where, when, and how health-care providers may lawfully perform abortions, the majority opinion states. The legislature, as the peoples representatives, remains free to change the laws with respect to abortion in the future. But the only way to give effect to what the legislature has actually done over the last 50 years is to conclude that it impliedly repealed the 19th century near-total ban on abortion, and that [the ban] therefore does not prohibit abortion in the State of Wisconsin. This story has been updated. The seven members of the Wisconsin Supreme Court hear oral arguments. (Henry Redman/Wisconsin Examiner) In a 4-3 decision, Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled Wednesday that the states 1849 law banning abortion had been impliedly repealed by the Legislature when it passed laws over the past half century regulating in detail the who, what, where, when, and how of abortion. The Courts majority opinion, authored by Justice Rebecca Dallet and joined by Justices Ann Walsh Bradley, Jill Karofsky and Janet Protasiewicz, finds that the Legislature could not have passed laws regulating abortion access if the 1849 statute was believed to remain in effect. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This case is about giving effect to 50 years worth of laws passed by the Legislature about virtually every aspect of abortion including where, when, and how health-care providers may lawfully perform abortions, Dallet wrote. The Legislature, as the peoples representatives, remains free to change the laws with respect to abortion in the future. But the only way to give effect to what the Legislature has actually done over the last 50 years is to conclude that it impliedly repealed the 19th century near-total ban on abortion, and that [the statute] therefore does not prohibit abortion in the State of Wisconsin. Dallet wrote that when the Legislature passed laws restricting abortion under narrower circumstances, guiding where, when and how health care providers could perform an abortion and outlining how public money could fund abortion providers, it was repealing the 1849 law. The ruling comes three years after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, the landmark Court ruling that found there was a constitutional right to abortion access and marks the conclusion of a legal dispute that helped Protasiewicz win election to the Court in 2023 and Susan Crawford win election this April. In response, the Courts three conservative justices filed dissents, accusing the majority of propaganda, smoke-and-mirrors legalese and pure policymaking. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The majoritys smoke-and-mirrors legalese is nothing more than painting a mule to resemble a zebra, and then going zebra hunting. But paint does not change the mule into a zebra, Justice Annette Ziegler wrote. Those in the majority know better, but they do so anyway because they like the result and promised to deliver it. In his dissent, Justice Brian Hagedorn wrote that the majority failed to show when the law was presumably repealed by the Legislature, saying that the opinion doesnt properly address the Legislatures actions in 2011 and 2015 amending the 1849 law. The majority does not say when over those 40 years the Legislature once and for all repealed [the statute], he wrote. Was it when the Legislature passed a postviability ban? A partial-birth abortion ban? A twenty-week ban? A waiting period? A physician licensing requirement? The majority fails to say. 23AP2362 Mandate Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following the rulings release, the states Democratic elected officials and abortion access activists celebrated the decision as a win for reproductive health care in the state. Thanks to our lawsuit, todays decision affirms that access to reproductive healthcare will continue to be available, helping ensure Wisconsin women today are not forced to face firsthand what its like to live in a state that bans nearly all abortions, even in cases of rape and incest, Gov. Tony Evers said in a statement. Today is a win for women and families, a win for healthcare professionals who want to provide medically accurate care to their patients, and a win for basic freedoms in Wisconsin, but our work is not over. I will continue to fight any effort that takes away Wisconsinites reproductive freedom or makes reproductive healthcare, whether birth control, abortion, IVF, or fertility treatments, any less accessible in Wisconsin than it is today. That is a promise. Attorney General Josh Kaul, who brought the lawsuit against the law, said at a Wednesday morning news conference that the decision was an important step toward ensuring all Wisconsinites have the freedom to access abortion care, but that the Legislature should step up and further clarify the law. I thought we were right on the law. The arguments we made have now been vindicated, Kaul said. But at a time when the rights of Wisconsinites and Americans are under threat, this case is a stark reminder of how important it is that we fight for our rights, that we advocate for what is in the best interest of the people of our state, and that we stand on the side of freedom. Here today, we were able to achieve a significant victory for the freedom of Wisconsinites. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wisconsins state and federal Democratic lawmakers responded to the ruling by saying it wasnt enough, promising to continue working to codify abortion access in law. U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin said she will continue to work to enact her proposal to ensure women across the country have access to abortion care. Todays ruling tells women across Wisconsin that we will not go back, Baldwin said. Todays ruling tells women that our government trusts you to make decisions about your own body and your future. Todays ruling tells women in our state that they are not second-class citizens. But, this fight is not over. Every woman, in every zip code, in every state deserves the same rights and freedoms. I will not stop fighting until we make that a reality and pass my bill to restore the right to abortion nationwide and allow women to make their own health care decisions without interference from judges or politicians. State Sen. Lisa Subeck (D-Madison) said the Legislature must now pass a bill guaranteeing the right to an abortion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now that the courts have made it clear that Wisconsin does not have a total abortion ban, we must go further, Subeck said. Its time to protect reproductive rights not just in practice, but in law. We must pass the Abortion Rights Restoration Act to guarantee the right to abortion and eliminate the medically unjustified, politically motivated restrictions that still exist in our state statutes. The people of Wisconsin deserve nothing less than full access to safe and legal reproductive health care without unnecessary barriers and free from judgement. In a concurring opinion, Karofsky wrote that interpreting the 1849 law as banning abortion gives the state the authority to exert total control over women and strips women and pregnant people of the dignity and authority to make intimate and personal choices by exposing medical professionals who perform abortions to 15-year prison terms. In her opinion, Karofsky details the history of abortion access in the U.S. and highlights four women who died because of restrictive abortion bans, including the recent deaths of two Black women in Georgia and a Honduran immigrant in Texas as well as the death of her own great-grandmother in Boston in 1929. I tell the stories of Amber, Candi, Josseli, and my great-grandmother Julia to remind us that severe abortion restrictions operate like death warrants, Karofsky wrote. Under such restrictions women, children, and pregnant people are denied life-saving medical care while medical professionals are forced to sit idly at their bedsides, unable to do their jobs. Extreme abortion restrictions revive a time in our history driven by misogyny and racism, divorced from medical science; it is a world that must be left behind. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In her dissent, Justice Rebecca Bradley accused Karofsky of rewriting history to achieve a desired outcome in the case. Not content with effacing the law, Chief Justice Jill Karofsky rewrites history, erases and insults women by referring to mothers as pregnant people, slanders proponents of the pro-life perspective, and broadcasts dangerously false narratives about laws restricting abortion, Bradley wrote. Laden with emotion, steeped in myth, and light on the law, the concurrence reads as a parody of progressive politics rather than the opinion of a jurist. The Wisconsin State Supreme Court relegated a 176-year-old abortion ban to the ash heap of history on Wednesday, as the courts liberal majority ruled that the ban was superseded by state law that has been passed since. The ban had gone into effect after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022. This case is about giving effect to 50 years worth of laws passed by the legislature about virtually every aspect of abortion including where, when, and how health-care providers may lawfully perform abortions, the majority opinion states. The legislature, as the peoples representatives, remains free to change the laws with respect to abortion in the future. But the only way to give effect to what the legislature has actually done over the last 50 years is to conclude that it impliedly repealed the 19th century near-total ban on abortion, and that [the 1849 law] therefore does not prohibit abortion in the State of Wisconsin. This is a developing story. July 2 (UPI) -- Wisconsin's Supreme Court on Wednesday issued a ruling that invalidated an 1849 state law banning nearly all abortions and said Wisconsin women will continue to have access to critical abortion-related health services. The 4-3 ruling by the Democratic-controlled state supreme court upheld a December 2023 decision by Dane County Judge Diane Schlipper in Kaul v. Urmanski that says Wisconsin's strict abortion law did not apply to voluntary abortions, but did to feticide. Justice Rebecca Dallet argued in the court's majority opinion that the state effectively repealed its own 176-year-old law when lawmakers passed additional laws that regulated abortion access in Wisconsin, which was backed up in the lawsuit by state Attorney General Josh Kaul. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dallet said the case was about "giving effect to 50 years' worth of laws passed by the legislature about virtually every aspect of abortion, including where, when, and how healthcare providers may lawfully perform abortions." But she added that the state's legislature, "as the people's representatives, remains free to change the laws with respect to abortion in the future. Then-Wisconsin Gov. Tommy Thompson, later appointed as U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services from 2001-2005 under former President George W. Bush, told UPI in 1990 that he would sign a bill that mandates minors seek parental consent for an abortion. But Wednesday's ruling by the state's high court now ends statewide uncertainty over the issue after the U.S. Supreme Court's 2022 ruling struck down the nearly 50-year-old Roe v. Wade, which guaranteed a woman's constitutional right to abortion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Rebecca Bradley, a member of its conservative minority, was critical of the court's majority opinion. On Wednesday, Bradley wrote that her colleagues erased "a law it does not like, making four lawyers sitting on the state's highest court more powerful than the People's representatives in the legislature." Notably, this year's Wisconsin Supreme Court race saw national attention when then-White House DOGE adviser Elon Musk drew the ire of Kaul, the state's chief law enforcement officer, after Musk directly got involved in a push to elect conservative Brad Schimel in the court race Musk said had the "destiny of humanity" at stake. "Any remaining doubt over whether the majority's decisions are motivated by the policy predilections of its members has been extinguished by its feeble attempt to justify a raw exercise of political power," stated Bradley. "The majority not only does violence to a single statute; it defies the People's sovereignty," she wrote. The Wisconsin Supreme Courts liberal majority backed abortion rights in the state, with a ruling that highlights the importance of state courts after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. The state's top court, whose justices are elected, has a 4-3 liberal majority that was maintained in an April election, despite billionaire Elon Musks financial backing of a conservative candidate in a race that the Wall Street Journal reported "easily set a spending record for a U.S. judicial contest." This new ruling stems from an 1849 state law that criminalized the intentional destruction of an unborn child. After the U.S. Supreme Court decided Dobbs in 2022, Wisconsins Democratic attorney general, Josh Kaul, sought a court declaration that the old law doesnt ban abortion in the state today. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The state high court sided with Kaul on Wednesday. The majority reasoned that more recent state legislation so thoroughly covers the entire subject of abortion that it was meant as a substitute for the 19th century near-total ban on abortion. Finding the older law had been impliedly repealed by those more recent developments, the court said the older law therefore does not ban abortion in the State of Wisconsin. One of the conservative dissenters called the majoritys ruling a jaw-dropping exercise of judicial will. Another accused the majority of eras[ing] a law it does not like. A third wrote that the ruling does not even pass the smell test. 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 Woman accused of dragging officer, leading police on wild chase through Boston facing 23 charges A woman accused of dragging a police officer and slamming into several cars while fleeing a traffic stop, prompting a nearly two-mile chase through the streets of Boston on Tuesday afternoon, is facing nearly two dozen criminal charges. The woman, whose name hasnt yet been released, is under police guard at a city hospital Wednesday morning after she was arrested in connection with a destructive pursuit that started in downtown Boston and ended in the South End. Boston police said officers attempted to pull the woman over for possible automotive violations in the area of 120 Tremont Street near the Park Street T stop, but she allegedly took off, dragging a female officer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to police, the driver then struck several cars in the area of Tremont and Hamilton streets and Tremont and Stuart streets, in addition to barreling over a walk signal pole at Shawmut and Herald streets. The woman, whose tires were worn away to the rims, was forced to stop her mangled vehicle at Albany and Plympton streets, where she was taken into custody and transported to the hospital for treatment. Joshua Paul, the owner of Ready Fitt gym, witnessed the moment the woman was handcuffed. The cop was like, She started downtown, and I was like, Wait, what, and youre stopping them here? Paul said. She couldve killed somebody, somebody on a bike, somebody walking. I mean, this is a biking, walking city. It wouldve been awful. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Paul said he heard screaming after the woman was pulled from her SUV, handcuffed, and loaded into an ambulance. He was trying to do one of the DUI tests, you know, follow my finger sort of thing, Paul recalled. She seemed coherent, but not too coherent, if shes driving around the city smashing her vehicle into things. The woman hasnt been publicly identified because she hasnt been formally booked on charges. Police the officer who was dragged was evaluated at the scene. A second officer was evaluated at the hospital. Neither were hurt. A heavily redacted police report shared with Boston 25 indicated that the woman will face the following charges in court when shes released from the hospital: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 3 counts of leaving the scene of property damage 3 counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon 2 counts of assault and battery on a police officer 2 counts of resisting arrest 2 counts of failing to stop or yield Destruction of property over $1,200 2 counts of leaving the scene of personal injury OUI drugs - 4th offense Operating a motor vehicle with a suspended license Reckless operation of a motor vehicle Negligent operation of a motor vehicle 2 counts of possesion to distribute a Class A drug 2 counts of possesion of Class B drug Police told Boston 25 News that the suspect would not face a judge until at least Thursday because she remained hospitalized Wednesday. An investigation remains ongoing. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW By Eric Onstad and Hyunjoo Jin LONDON/SEOUL (Reuters) -For years, Rahim Suleman had reached out repeatedly to automakers and other potential clients to market the rare earth magnets from the plant his company was building in Estonia, one of just a handful outside dominant producer China. But after April 4, when Beijing imposed new restrictions on the super-strong magnets used in electric vehicles and wind turbines, Suleman retired his sales pitch. He didn't need it any more. Ever since China's export controls tightened some rare earth exports to a trickle in the midst of a trade war with the U.S., causing chaos in supply chains and some auto plant shutdowns, "the phone is ringing off the hook", said Suleman. Companies starting new plants in Europe, the U.S. and Asia had previously reported difficult talks on deals that embedded the higher costs to make magnets outside China, which benefits from cheaper labour costs and economies of scale as well as government support via tax refunds. But the crisis has led many customers to soften or drop objections about paying those premiums as they scramble to hammer out deals, according to a dozen industry participants including automakers, magnet makers, rare earth producers, consultants and government officials interviewed by Reuters. While rare earths magnets from China are beginning to flow again, customers remain on edge about the threat of future shortages. Suleman's company, Neo Performance Materials, launched output of permanent magnets at its Estonia plant in May. Now, he said, "everybody wants to talk about how (they can) satisfy their demand out of our facility". He said he has no worries about lining up enough customers who will pay a premium - $10 to $30 per kg, with EVs typically holding 2-4 kg of magnets per vehicle - over the price they usually pay for Chinese magnets. Output at Neo's factory in Estonia is starting small, providing samples to its first customer, which Suleman declined to identify. German auto parts supplier Schaeffler told Reuters it is a customer of the plant, but declined to comment on how much it is paying. In Korea, customers of NovaTech, which produces magnets in China, are prepared to pay 15% to 20% more for magnets made in Vietnam, a company source told Reuters, adding there was "a growing sense of crisis among customers". The company, which sells China-made magnets used in Samsung's phones and tablets, is investing at least 10 billion won ($7.39 million) in a plant in Vietnam launching early next year to make magnets using locally processed rare earths from a partner, the person and another company official told Reuters. FLORENCE COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW) A woman who was arrested at the scene of a shooting that killed a man and a Darlington County deputy responding to the area was given a $16,000 bond after a hearing Wednesday in Florence County court. Kristen Porter, 28, was arrested at the scene Tuesday and charged with criminal conspiracy, two counts of forgery, and second-degree computer act. She was released from jail at about 3:50 p.m. Wednesday. Her next court appearance is set for Sept. 27 at 9 a.m. Kristen Porter / News13 photo: Eric Cooper Kristen Porter / News13 photo: Eric Cooper Deputy Devin Mason, 27, died from his injuries after he and another deputy were ambushed inside a mobile home on Old Timers Court near Lamar, where they went to look for a man wanted on conspiracy and forgery charges, Sheriff Michael Augusts office said in a news release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Augusts office identified the suspect in the shooting as Cameron Ray Dennett. Deputies also arrested Porter at the scene. She was booked into the Florence County Detention Center because of arrest warrants issued there. The second deputy, whose name has not been released, has been released from the hospital and is recovering at home, a sheriffs office spokesperson told News13 on Wednesday. Mason is the second Darlington County Sheriffs Office officer killed in the line of duty, according to the Officer Down Memorial Page website. Sheriff Alton Grinnell died in an automobile crash on July 11, 1945. * * * Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Caleb is a digital producer at News13. Caleb joined the team in January 2023 after graduating from Liberty University. He is from Northern Virginia. Follow Caleb on X, formerly Twitter, and read more of his work here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW. YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) A woman arrested in March in a stolen car, charged with drug offenses, has had her case accepted by the Mahoning County Drug Court. Alika Thomas, 37, pleaded guilty June 20 before Judge John Dukin to charges of possession of cocaine, possession of fentanyl, receiving stolen property and illegal conveyance of a prohibited item into the grounds of a detention facility. Should Thomas complete the drug court program, and any conditions imposed on her, the charges will be dismissed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The charges stem from a March 18 arrest by city police on Glenwood Avenue. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. A woman has been charged in connection with the death of a man at a flat in Glasgow. Police discovered the body of Johnson Ewere, 40, at a property on Charles Street in the Royston area on Sunday at about 22:25. A 35-year-old woman was arrested over the death and Police Scotland confirmed she has now been charged. She is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Thursday. NEED TO KNOW A Michigan woman lost $2 million in six months by playing blackjack on her phone Four years later, she's issued a warning as Ohio lawmakers consider legalizing online casinos Gambling has the highest rate of suicide and suicide attempts of any addiction, said Rep. Dani Isaacsohn at a recent hearing A Michigan woman is warning about the dangers of online gambling after losing $2 million in six months by playing blackjack on her phone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The message comes as lawmakers in neighboring Ohio weigh whether they should legalize online casinos, according to reports. "Within six months, I lost $2 million - our home, my business, our cars, our retirement," the former owner of a construction company told ABC affiliate WEWS. The woman requested anonymity, but told the outlet that she first began gambling after online casinos were legalized in Michigan in 2021, to offset supply costs. Online gambling allows people to play similar games like those offered by its brick-and-mortar counterpart, but via phone or computer. The business owner began with $1,000 bets on blackjack, resulting in a $25,000 win her first day, but losses quickly followed, WEWS reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The woman attempted to step away from online gambling, but only some online casinos helped, while others didnt, the outlet reported. "Two casinos cut me off immediately within a month," she told WEWS. "But two kept feeding me thousands of dollars every week to keep me going. If I missed days, they would send me money thousands of dollars. She said she only stopped online gambling after being confronted by her husband about the money she had lost. Four years later, she opened up about her story to help others, according to the outlet. Two Republicans from the Ohio House of Representatives have introduced House Bill 298, which would legalize online games like roulette and poker, NBC affiliate WKYC reported. The move follows the recent proposal of another piece of legislation, Senate Bill 197, which would legalize online gambling and an iLottery system, enabling residents to buy lottery tickets with their phones, according to the outlet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Proponents of the bills said that online gambling could generate new jobs and potentially hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue for the state, WKYC reported. In the United States, iGaming, or online gambling, supports 1.8 million jobs and resulted in a total gross gaming revenue of $115 billion in 2024, according to the American Gaming Association. Despite the economic benefits, other state representatives warned about the potential risk to residents mental health at a recent hearing. Gambling has the highest rate of suicide and suicide attempts of any addiction, Rep. Dani Isaacsohn said at the hearing, according to WKYC. Maddie McGarvey/For The Washington Post via Getty The Ohio Statehouse. The Ohio Statehouse. To offset some of those dangers, the creators of the two bills have incorporated protective measures. For instance, Senate Bill 197 requires players to be at least 21 years old, with participation limits of five hours and $500 a week for each user, the River News Network reported. While most of the generated revenue would go toward the states general fund, 1% would go toward programs that address problem gambling, according to the outlet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the American Psychological Association, there is growing evidence that young people, especially boys and men, are particularly at risk of gambling addiction. Experts are urging for legislation that will address the problem, according to The Harvard Gazette. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. We need a federal presence like we have for cigarettes, alcohol, and other forms of addiction, said Lia Nower, director of the Center for Gambling Studies at the Rutgers University School of Social Work, during a January panel held by Harvard University. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The problem is only being made worse by the ease of access that results from online gaming, according to The Harvard Gazette. Online gambling is a public health issue and requires a public health strategy, said Victor Ortiz, director of the Massachusetts Office of Problem Gambling Services, per the university outlet. If you or someone you know is struggling with a gambling problem, please contact the National Problem Gambling Helpline Network at 1-800-522-4700 or go to gamtalk.org. Read the original article on People A great loving person Family heartbroken after early morning shooting kills 22-year-old It was supposed to be a night out with friends, but it ended with a shooting and a tragedy. This afternoon, the DeKalb County Medical Examiner confirmed that 22-year-old Shanntrell Bell was the victim in a shooting off Columbia Drive early Wednesday morning. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] "It was supposed to be a fun night out with her homegirls, and it just went left," Harmony Haggins, Bells cousin, said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Haggins and other family members told Channel 2s Michael Doudna that Bell was known for being the life of the party and trying to lift other people up. A person that you can go talk to, like a therapist, that was her, Haggins said. According to the family, Bell went out with friends to a car meet-up on Tuesday night. However, they say eventually there was an argument followed by a shooting. I can do nothing but be hurt, thats all I can be, and cry, Haggins said. DeKalb Police are still investigating what led to the shooting and who pulled the trigger. However, the cost is felt by Bells family. You see where we are now? We are in the middle of losing a family member who brings joy to her family, Haggins said. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] MADISON, Wis. (WFRV) After being told to clean up a burrito bowl from the street, a woman in Wisconsin allegedly threw the bowl at police officers before getting arrested. According to the Madison Police Department, on July 1, around 10:20 p.m., officers were on foot patrol when a woman was reportedly seen throwing a burrito bowl on the street. The officers then reportedly told her she needs to clean it up. The woman then allegedly threw it at the officers and hit their squad car. Officers then went to arrest her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Man sentenced to 29 years in Fond du Lac County stalking case Authorities say the woman started to resist, and even kicked an officer when she got into the squad car. She was arrested for disorderly conduct, resisting and battery to law enforcement, police said. No additional information was provided. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton. SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) A Woodbury County public hearing is now set for a discussion about nuclear energy facilities, nuclear waste storage, and related uses. County supervisors said they are looking to gather public input about the possibility of a future modular nuclear energy facility of the county. The facility would likely cover about 10 to 15 acres and uses spent nuclear fuel to help create energy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That hearing is required before supervisors can act on amendments to the county zoning ordinance. Story continues below So one of the benefits that would help Woodbury County is as we are growing, as households and businesses are demanding more electrical needs, this would meet that need at a very safe and low cost per unit of energy, and thus it would help be an attractive thing for Woodbury County, Dan Bittinger, President of the Woodbury County Board of Supervisors, said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bittinger said at this point, there are no proposed sites or plans, but rather the county is in a discussion and exploratory phase of a multi-year process looking for options for energy production in the county. The public meeting will be held on July 22, July 29, and August 5 at the County Courthouse basement during regular Board of Supervisors meetings. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Worcester man accused of hurling explosives out of home Police responded to a chaotic scene in Worcester Wednesday when a man began to throw explosives out of his home, officials say. Officers who responded to Catharine Street shortly after 11:30 a.m. were greeted with the sound of explosions and smoke billowing over the street. A neighbor at the scene told police that a man, later identified as 62-year-old Richard Dupre, had been lighting half sticks of dynamite and hurling them out of a window of a home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I thought it was the fireworks testing for tonight to make sure they went off because it was that loud, said Anthony Bovenzi, who lives in the building. Officers entered Dupres house and discovered several large, red explosive sticks, Worcester police told Boston 25 News. He was placed under arrest and was charged with throwing or placing an incendiary device, discharging or exploding an incendiary device, vandalism, disturbing the peace and possession of an incendiary device. It was like back-to-back, like, boom, boom, boom, boom and it shook like the whole building everyone was like, you know, scared, said Kemar McFarlane, who lives in the same building. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I heard a bang! And then it was another bang! said Bovenzi. When I opened the door, it was loud enough that I ran back in the kitchen, a poor guy was walking up the sidewalk and he fell into the street because of the shock of it. Neighbors who live here say one of the residents was lighting dynamite sticks and throwing them outside from the front porch. You can still see some of the burn marks on the porch. The whole front porch was smoky and apparently the police were coming up the street when he lit the last one and kind of scared the police officers driving up the street, said Bovenzi. Police say they found several more large, red explosive sticks inside the suspects apartment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Massachusetts State Police Bomb Squad responded and detonated the explosives. Thank God nobody got hurt, everybodys okay, thats all that matters, but that shouldnt be happening especially around this time of day, said McFarlane. Residents say the building is run by SMOC in Worcester, a nonprofit that helps homeless people. No one was hurt in 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. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW In the days after Israels war on Iran and the US air strikes on three nuclear sites, the Islamic Republics most hard-line newspaper called for the trial and execution of the man they held responsible for the conflict. But it was not Benjamin Netanyahu or Donald Trump in the crosshairs of Kayhan, which is said to be supervised by the regime. Instead, it was Rafael Grossi, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief, whose alarming report on Irans nuclear expansion on May 31 lit the touchpaper that exploded into 12 days of war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many, including Mr Grossi himself, have said he has his sights set on becoming the next secretary-general of the United Nations. But he risks becoming more famous as the man caught in the crossfire between Mr Trump, Mr Netanyahu and Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Irans smear campaign against Mr Grossi includes accusing him of being an Israeli spy. Kayhan said: It should therefore be officially announced that he will be tried and executed upon arrival in Iran for spying for the Mossad and participating in the murder of the oppressed people of our country. Mr Grossi is being set up to take the blame if Iran pulls out of the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and accelerates efforts to get nuclear weapons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Such a move risks plunging the region into an apocalyptic conflict. It is an invidious position for any diplomat to find themselves in, particularly one with his eye on the top job in New York. The 64-year-old polyglot said his work with the UN agencys nuclear inspectors is his campaign to succeed Antonio Guterres in 2027. That lofty ambition now hangs in the balance as delicately as peace in the Middle East. Who is Grossi? Born to an Italian immigrant family in Buenos Aires, Mr Grossi dedicated his professional life to stopping the spread of nuclear weapons. In 2019, he became the first Latin American to head the Vienna-headquartered IAEA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When Russia occupied the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant after invading Ukraine in 2022, there were fears of another Chernobyl. Mr Grossi, a well-dressed former Argentine ambassador to Austria, took control. William Alberque, of the Pacific Forum think tank and a former director of Natos Arms Control Centre, said: He personally went to the plant when it was under fire and put his life on the line to say weve got to protect this facility. Grossi found a way to get involved without having to take either side in a way that even the Russians had to support. The self-confessed workaholic has now made five trips to the plant, which, thanks to his diplomatic efforts with Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky, has been monitored by the IAEA ever since. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A well-dressed family man who limits his taste for Malbec to the weekends, he is armed with an enviable contact book of world leaders. The Telegraph understands that Grossi has impressed EU leaders with his performance on the Iran file, particularly Germany. German officials with close knowledge of the IAEA said Grossi had done an excellent job, singling out his efforts to verify Irans nuclear safeguards. They also praised his tireless work ethic. There was speculation Mr Trump, and even Putin, could back him as UN boss. Mr Grossi recently confessed his ambition to run for the role. Absent from resolution He told the FT: The UN is in a very bad place at the moment. The original idea is valid, but it has become big and bureaucratised and absent from the resolution of major international crises. It doesnt need to be like that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All five permanent Security Council members must back a candidate before they can be approved by the General Assembly for a five-year term. But Russia and China, two permanent members of the Council with France, Britain and the US, are allies of Iran, which is determined to prevent Mr Grossi from getting the job. Mr Trump pulled the US out of the Iran nuclear deal, which offered sanctions relief in exchange for nuclear restrictions, a year before Mr Grossi became IAEA boss. Tehran accelerated its uranium enrichment and limited IAEA access to its nuclear programme. Relations were strained. They broke down after an IAEA report said Iran had a 400kg stock of uranium enriched to 60 per cent purity, a short step from the 90 per cent level needed for a nuclear bomb. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A day after the IAEAs board declared Iran in violation of treaty obligations on June 12, Israel attacked. A ceasefire ended the fighting after 12 days but Irans war on the IAEA continues. It has banned Mr Grossi and the IAEA, rejecting his requests to visit the three sites bombed by the US. On Wednesday, Masoud Pezeshkian, Irans president, ordered a halt on cooperation with the IAEA. Mr Pezeshkian told Emmanuel Macron this week that Mr Grossis destructive behaviour was to blame. The foreign ministry said his interviews justify attacks on peaceful nuclear facilities. The Kayhan newspaper claimed to have unspecified documents proving that he was an Israeli agent and demanded that he be tried and executed for participating in the murder of the oppressed people of our country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It led to an outpouring of support for Mr Grossi from Britain, France, Germany, the EU and the US. But it also triggered fears that the IAEA boss could become an obstacle to a new Iran deal. An agreement would be almost certain to involve IAEA inspectors because no other international organisation has the expertise and experience to monitor its implementation. As things stand, Iran is refusing to meet with US negotiators unless Mr Trump rules out any further strikes. Ellie Geranmayeh, an Iran expert at the European Council on Foreign Relations, said a compromise could be found to save Tehrans blushes to clinch the deal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But that would not stop Iran trying to block Mr Grossis appointment as UN boss, a post that the pariah state sees as a valuable interlocutor. Ms Geranmayeh: I think the Iranian game plan is to ensure that doesnt happen. Mr Alberque dismissed Tehrans slurs as being like saying that the private detective that caught you cheating on your wife is to blame for you cheating on your wife. He said: This could be a decisive few weeks in that campaign, because if he handles it with diplomacy and dignity, which he has so far, I dont think this hurts him at all. For years, Iran has leveraged the threat of it obtaining nuclear weapons in international negotiations to try and lift the sanctions that have crippled its economy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now it faces a decision. Is its best chance of survival doing a deal or risking a war with a dominant Israel in a race to get the bomb? Israels strikes have exposed Irans weakness and the regime is teetering after years of protests against the compulsory wearing of the hijab and the failing economy. Accusing Mr Grossi of being a spy shifts blame for the Israeli attacks away from Irans security apparatus, which was badly exposed in the 12 day war. Ms Geranmayeh said the attacks on Mr Grossi were designed to discredit the IAEA as an impartial organisation and justify pulling out of the NPT. If it did so, Iran would become only the second country after North Korea to quit the NPT and go dark on its nuclear programme. She added: The idea is that Israel and the US are playing outside of the bounds of international norms and this is a watershed moment. So [Iran think] were going to operate with the laws of the jungle, just like the Israelis and the US. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) A Salem man who sexually assaulted employees at two different massage parlors in 2024 received a 20-year prison sentence on Tuesday Felix Flores, 40, was convicted of first-degree rape, first-degree attempted rape, first-degree sodomy and first-degree kidnapping. He will also be required to register as a sex offender. The assaults took place at Happy Holiday Massage Clinic at 1828 Lancaster Drive NE and Sasa Massage at 820 Commercial Street SE. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These convictions arise out of two incidents with two different victims. In each, Flores went into a local community business and forcibly sexually assaulted the female employees after kidnapping them by moving them to a different location inside their workplace, the Marion County District Attorneys Office said. Officials say that Flores showed no remorse for his actions. We must continue to protect local businesses and those working hard to simply live their lives, Chief Deputy District Attorney Brendan Murphy said. Deputy District Attorney Katharine Semple, who prosecuted the case, called Flores the communitys worst nightmare. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. The online brokerage Robinhood is doubling down on its crypto ambitions. On Monday, the company announced that it was letting customers in the European Union trade U.S. stocks and ETFs on a blockchain. Dubbed Robinhood Stock Tokens, the assetsbasically shares of popular companies in a crypto wrapperwill have zero commission fees, and holders will receive dividend payments within the brokerages app. Customers will have access to stock tokens representing more than 200 different companies and be able to trade them 24 hours a day, five days a week. Vlad Tenev, Robinhood chairman and CEO, said during an event on Monday those tokens even include privately traded companies like OpenAI and SpaceX. The blockchain-based stocks will initially be issued on Arbitrum, a so-called layer 2 blockchain built on top of Ethereum. Robinhood plans to eventually move the tokenized stocks over to its own layer 2 chain that uses Arbitrums software. Layer 2 chains are built atop primary blockchains like Ethereum, and are typically faster and more efficient to use. The user experience is designed to be as easy for non-crypto traders as possible, said Steven Goldfeder, cofounder and CEO of Offchain Labs, a key Arbitrum developer. For many European users that dont want to engage with crypto for whatever reason, they dont even have to know or care that it is crypto underneath, he added. Robinhood didnt specify when it would launch its new blockchain, but it said the new chain plans to support trading 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Our latest offerings lay the groundwork for crypto to become the backbone of the global financial system, Tenev said in a statement. The companys stock jumped 4% to a high of $91 after Robinhood publicized the announcement late Monday morning. Crypto expansion Robinhoods tokenized stock offering and planned blockchain comes as part of a broader push by the firm to expand its crypto products offering under a newly friendly regulatory regime in Washington, D.C. After President Donald Trump, whos called himself a pro-crypto president, won reelection in November, Robinhood reinstated many of the cryptocurrencies, including Solana and XRP, that it had delisted from its platform. It took down the digital assets from its app after the Securities and Exchange Commission alleged in 2023 lawsuits the tokens were unregistered securities. Once Trump assumed office in January, his administration issued a series of pro-crypto executive orders. The SEC also reconfigured its crypto enforcement arm as well as dropped a series of high-profile lawsuits and investigations against crypto companies, including a probe into Robinhoods crypto arm. Microsoft is cutting 9,000 jobs across the company today, with its Xbox gaming division being affected. This will be the fourth mass layoff the company has undergone in the past 18 months. Xbox CEO says layoffs will position Microsofts Gaming division for enduring success Per a new report from Bloombergs Jason Schreier, Xbox has begun informing its various subsidiaries that it will be making job cuts to control costs. King, the makers of Candy Crush, is eliminating 10% of its employees, which amounts to roughly 200 jobs. Other studios like ZeniMax have also been impacted, while more are expected to be announced. Microsoft Gaming Chief Executive Officer Phil Spencer told Bloomberg the layoffs would position Gaming for enduring success. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To position Gaming for enduring success and allow us to focus on strategic growth areas, we will end or decrease work in certain areas of the business and follow Microsofts lead in removing layers of management to increase agility and effectiveness, Spencer said This news comes just a couple of days after Laura Fryer, one of the original founders of Xbox, stated she believed the companys hardware business is dead and that she is not pleased with its recent shift. Obviously, as one of the founding members of the Xbox team, Im not pleased with where things are today, said Fryer. I dont love watching all of the value that I helped create slowly get eroded away. Im sad because, from my perspective, it looks like Xbox has no desire or literally cant ship hardware anymore. So, this partnership is about a slow exit from the hardware business completely. Personally, I think Xbox hardware is dead. The post Xbox Layoffs Confirmed as Former Exec Says Console Is Dead appeared first on PlayStation LifeStyle. Michigan is set to announce that it has finally replaced all of the lead water pipes in the city of Flint. The news comes a decade after lead-contaminated water was first found in its water system, resulting in extensive legal battles and national outrage over one of the countrys most damaging water crises. There is no safe level of exposure to lead, which can result in reproductive issues, high blood pressure, hypertension, nerve disorders, muscle and joint pain, and memory and concentration problems in adults. In children, it can lead to hearing problems, slowed growth, headaches, learning and behavioral difficulties, lowered IQ, and damage to the brain and nervous system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, eight years after a court-ordered settlement required Flint officials to replace the pipes, nearly 11,000 have been replaced and more than 28,000 properties have been restored, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council. In a release, it cited a progress report the state submitted to a federal court. Flint residents never gave up fighting for safe drinking water in the face of government indifference, mistruths, and incompetence. Ive been angry that officials poisoned the drinking water in my home and community. But I will always be proud that Flint inspired a federal rule requiring that every lead pipe in the country be replaced in the next decade. Flint changed America, for the better, Melissa Mays, of the organization Water You Fighting For, said in a statement shared by the council. Michigan is reportedly set to announce that all of the lead water pipes have finally been replaced in the city of Flint, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council. The city is the site of one of the nations worst water crises, which began more than a decade ago (AFP via Getty Images) In these challenging times for our country marked by chaos and pain for so many the story of Flint is a shining beacon of hope, President Manish Bapna added. It is a reminder of the power that we the people of this country hold. Its a reminder of why preserving American democracy is so essential. Its a reminder of whats possible if we stand up to powerful forces and refuse to back down. The city confirmed in an emailed statement to The Independent that the court-ordered settlement agreement with the council had been fulfilled. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While that specific project is complete, Flints overall water service line replacement program is approximately 97 percent complete citywide, Director of Communications Shana Rowser explained. This progress reflects years of hard work and coordination between local, state, and federal partners to address a crisis that should never have happened. We remain committed to completing the remaining work and continuing long-term investment in water infrastructure to ensure safe, reliable service for all Flint residents, Rowser said. The Michigan attorney generals office did not immediately respond to The Independents request for comment. The water crisis began in 2014, after a state-appointed emergency manager ended a contract with Detroits water system, switching to the Flint River to save money. The state did not require treatment to prevent corrosion that caused lead to leach into the water supply of the majority-Black city. Nearly 100,000 Flint residents were exposed to lead through their drinking water, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. One study found that the number of children with elevated lead levels in their blood doubled or even tripled. Nearly 100,000 Flint residents were exposed to lead through their drinking water. An outbreak of Legionnaires disease was also tied to the decision to end a contract with Detroit water system (AP) The switch coincided with an outbreak of Legionnaires disease, or a severe form of pneumonia, that killed a dozen people and sickened at least 87 between June 2014 and October 2015, the council reported. It was the third-largest outbreak of Legionnaires disease recorded in U.S. history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Three years later, the citys residents a third of whom live in poverty sued Flint and Michigan officials for access to safe water, resulting in a landmark settlement in 2017. A federal court in Detroit ordered Flint to give every resident the opportunity to have their lead pipe replaced at no cost to them and to provide comprehensive tap water testing, implement a faucet filter distribution and education program, and maintain funding for health programs to help residents. The effort to replace pipes has taken years. It stalled during the pandemic and allegedly due to poor management (AP) The council has said the Covid pandemic and ineffective management of the program stalled the work by years. Since then, Flints story has inspired action at a national level, and the Biden administrations Environmental Protection Agency issued a federal rule requiring every lead pipe to be replaced in the next ten years. The agency estimates that as many as 9 million homes are served through lead pipes across the country and that replacing them could cost at least $45 billion. A decision on whether to honor that commitment is due from the Trump administration later this summer. With reporting from The Associated Press A Staten Island family has been fighting the city tooth and nail for the right to keep "Lucy," a beloved pet pygmy pig. Now the government has relented. For almost 15 years, Lucy has resided with the Gannones, her adopted family, in peaceful harmony. But in June, "the pig was subject to an anonymous 311 complaint," which said the Gannone family "had been illegally keeping her as a pet" (owning a pig is illegal within city limits), according to reporting from CBS News New York. While the Gannones faced potential fines ranging from $3,000 to $18,000 and threats of Lucy being taken away, they refused to comply. Lucy, who is registered as an emotional support animal, is being treated for various diseases due to her advanced age on Staten Island, reports SILive.com. Prominent New Yorkers have rallied in support of Lucy's right to stay with her family, including Curtis Sliwa, founder of the Guardian Angels and a Republican candidate for mayor. "This is what the city is prioritizing during a public safety crisis," Sliwa said in a Facebook post after visiting the family's home. "15-year-old Lucy has lived with the Gannone family in Tottenville her whole life. She's sick, she's harmless and now in her final daysThis isn't public safety. This is abusive, punishing people over something that hurts no one." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The story inspired a petition, which has received thousands of signatures. The petition argues, "It is incomprehensible that a sweet, loving creature, who poses no health threats, faces being uprooted from her family and the environment where she feels safe and loved." It also urges readers to sign and thus "convey to the local authorities in Staten Island that Lucy's wellbeing and her family ties should not be severed by bureaucratic actions." The public outcry has inspired change. On Monday, city Mayor Eric Adams said the family could keep the pig if they agreed to keep Lucy upstate and outside of city limits. "Lucy the Pig is staying on Staten Island with her family to receive medical care. We won't be fining them or taking enforcement action at this time as it's clear Lucy is cared for and not causing any disruptions to the community," Adams said in a post on X. "Pig ownership is still against the law in New York City. Once Lucy is well again, her family will be returning her to their second home upstate," he added. This isn't the first time New York has targeted the ownership of unconventional pets. Last year, a squirrel known as Peanut was seized and murdered by state officials, resulting in mass public outcry, countless memes, and calls of "justice for Peanut" shared by those disturbed by such a violent and horrific example of governmental overreach. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Luckily for Lucy and the Gannone family, the pig will now escape the cruel fate that the government dealt to Peanut and other animals before him. The post New York City Tried To Seize Lucy the Pig. Mayor Eric Adams Says the Family Can Keep HerIf She Leaves Town. appeared first on Reason.com. YORK COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) A tow truck driver was assaulted Friday after moving a disabled vehicle that was blocking an on ramp to I-83 in York County, State Police say. Court documents filed by State Police at York show that 42-year-old Kendell Martin, from New York, and his girlfriend, 35-year-old Charlene Jackson, of Maryland, face multiple charges and are in York County Prison after allegedly assaulting the tow truck driver. Close Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now This Week in Pennsylvania State Police say, a vehicle was blocking the Exit 14 on-ramp. State Police contacted the tow truck driver to move it around 11 p.m., and the vehicle was then moved to nearby Sheetz. State Police also say, Jackson and Martin followed the tow truck to the gas station, parking next to it. According to a criminal complaint, the tow truck driver was talking to Jackson, who was not happy that the vehicle was towed, and she became argumentative. State Police alleged Jackson then used the vehicle door to hit the tow truck driver multiple times before exiting the vehicle and hitting the victim in the head multiple times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pennsylvania Governor signs 20 bills into law; what are they? While the victim was defending himself, State Police say Martin attacked him from behind by putting him in a headlock and strangling him. When Jackson heard sirens, she stopped allegedly attacking. However, the tow truck driver was thrown to the ground and continued to fight for his life, the complaint states. Eventually, Troopers arrived while Martin and the driver were pushed up against a concrete barrier, still fighting. Troopers say they were able to break up the fight and take Martin into custody. Former Newville Borough manager gets probation, ordered to pay $32k back for misuse of funds Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The tow truck driver had visible injuries, like multiple bloody scrapes and bruises, from the assault, Troopers say. The duo faces a felony charge of aggravated assault, along with misdemeanor charges of simple assault and disorderly conduct. They also face a summary charge of harassment. Martin also faces an additional felony charge of strangulation. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now abc27 Evening Newsletter Martin is in York County Prison with his bail denied by Magisterial District Judge Scott Laird, and has a preliminary hearing scheduled for Aug. 12. Jacksons bail was set at $65,000 by MDJ Laird, and her preliminary hearing is scheduled for July 11. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27. New York Democrats who havent endorsed Zohran Mamdani are jumping in to defend the Democratic nominee for mayor of New York City from attacks lobbed by President Donald Trump. Much of the New York Democratic Partys establishment have kept the 33-year-old democratic socialist at arms length since his shock win in the primary last week. Many party leaders have congratulated the upstart for his victory and said he ran a strong campaign but have stopped short of outright endorsing him, as Republicans rush to make him the new face of the Democratic Party. But then came Trumps attacks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president began lashing out at Mamdani the day after the June 24 primary. Hes since labeled Mamdani a communist and questioned his citizenship status, with some MAGA-aligned commentators attacking the Muslim candidates faith. Mamdani who was born to Indian parents in Uganda was naturalized as an American citizen in 2018. Now, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries have in recent days pushed back on broadsides from the president, a former New Yorker. I don't care if you're the President of the United States, if you threaten to unlawfully go after one of our neighbors, you're picking a fight with 20 million New Yorkers starting with me, Hochul wrote in a post on X Tuesday, alongside a video of Trump implying Mamdani could be in the country illegally. Trump continued his tirade against Mamdani on Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As President of the United States, Im not going to let this Communist Lunatic destroy New York. Rest assured, I hold all the levers, and have all the cards, Trump wrote on Truth Social. Ill save New York City, and make it Hot and Great again, just like I did with the Good Ol USA! Trumps post prompted a response from Jeffries, who on Sunday said he wasnt ready to back the candidate. Stop lying about Assemblyman Mamdani, Jeffries wrote on X Wednesday. He is neither a communist nor a lunatic. And New York City doesnt need to be saved by a wannabe King. Besides, you are too busy destroying America with your One Big Ugly Bill to do anything else. Abigail Jackson, a White House spokesperson, said in a statement that "the real question is, why are so many elected Democrats eager to welcome a Communist Lunatic, who refuses to condemn anti-Semitic rallying cries like globalize the intifada, into their ranks." Democrats, she said, are "sorely mistaken" if they think "embracing this wacko will help with their problem of constantly losing." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mamdani has also cast the attacks from Trump as both a distraction from his message and a foreboding sign for how Trump is treating immigrants. He said that I should be deported, he said that I should be denaturalized, and he said those things about me someone who stands to be the first immigrant mayor of this city in generations, someone who would also be the first Muslim and the first South Asian mayor in this citys history less so because of who I am, because of where I come from, because of how I look or how I speak, and more so because he wants to distract from what I fight for, he said at a Wednesday labor rally in Manhattan. Several prominent New York Democrats including Hochul, Jeffries and other members of the delegation have not yet signaled theyll support his campaign, even as theyre defending him from Trump. Hochul, for example, did not immediately endorse Mamdani last week, but said in a press conference she was looking forward to having conversations with the mayoral candidate before the general election. Rep. Ritchie Torres another centrist Democrat who has expressed reservations about Mamdanis candidacy also pushed back on Trumps comments in a post on Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For a sitting President to causally threaten to arrest and deport a US citizen who won a major-party nomination is disgraceful, Torres wrote on X. Free societies do not arrest, deport, and otherwise weaponize government against their political opponents. Even Andrew Cuomo, Mamdani's opponent in the mayoral primary, is sticking up for him. "President Trumps threats to arrest Assemblyman Mamdani, while predictable, are insulting to the American principles of justice and further New Yorkers resentment of his heavy-handed tactics and the compliance and complicity of his supplicants," Cuomo wrote Wednesday on X. "It should be universally condemned." But not every New York politician is rushing to his side. New York City Mayor Eric Adams who was elected as a Democrat four years ago, and is running as an independent after scandal (and ties to Trump) chased him out of the primary declined to condemn the presidents threats when asked about them in a Wednesday press conference. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I want you to watch these next couple of months, he told reporters. Everyone is going to try to pull me off of the record of providing for this city. Theyre going to have a mic in my face: Are you going to do this? Are you going to do this? Are you going to do this? Let me tell you what Im going to do: Im going to deliver for New Yorkers. Jeff Coltin and Emily Ngo contributed to this report. NEED TO KNOW A man from New York has gone missing after traveling to Turks and Caicos with his wife, according to reports Brian Tarrence was last seen on surveillance video leaving his Airbnb at around 3:30 a.m. local time on June 25 Tarrence arrived on the island with his wife on June 22 and was set to leave on June 29 A man from New York has gone missing after traveling to Turks and Caicos with his wife. According to News 12 Westchester and Fox News, Brian Tarrence was last seen on surveillance video leaving his Airbnb at the Paradise Inn in Grace Bay in Turks and Caicos at around 3:30 a.m. on June 25. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement News 12 Westchester reported that the 51-year-old was captured walking toward the downtown area of the island. According to Fox News, Grace Bay Road is described as a "very safe" area. Tarrence reportedly arrived on the island with his wife of one-year on June 22, and was set to leave on June 29. Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force Brian Tarrence missing poster Brian Tarrence missing poster Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Private investigator Carl DeFazio told News 12 Westchester that Tarrence had lived in Monroe, New York, before recently moving to Manhattan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The last video we see of him is around 3:30 a.m. Tuesday night going into Wednesday morning, DeFazio told the outlet. Everything prior to the point where he walked out of that house, he seems fine. They had a boat trip and went to dinner, just like every other family would do when theyre here. He added, We are trying everything we can. Weve blanketed the area with photos, put it on social media chats and all kinds of things. Thats a little bizarre in itself, DeFazio continued of the man leaving the Airbnb. Hes in the middle of town. His wife was sleeping. Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force Brian Tarrence Brian Tarrence DeFazio also told the outlet that Tarrence had his phone and wallet with him, adding that the reason he left the Airbnb is currently unknown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tarrence was wearing a T-shirt, shorts and sneakers at the time of his disappearance, according to Fox News. On June 26, the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force released a missing person alert on Facebook. minimum/Getty Stock image of Grace Bay in Turks and Caicos Stock image of Grace Bay in Turks and Caicos According to the post, Tarrence is 51 and has brown eyes and is of a medium build. DeFazio told Fox News that he is trying to get records of Tarrences recent phone activity. Anyone with information about the tourist's whereabouts is advised to contact the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force. Read the original article on People There was no evidence of the onetime rivalry between President Donald Trump and Gov. Ron DeSantis on Tuesday as they came together in a common cause: opening an immigrant detention center in the swampy heart of Florida. Trump and his top deputies visited the Everglades, where Florida officials delivered a win for his anti-immigration agenda and positioned the state at the forefront of his crackdown. The facility, which Republican leaders dubbed Alligator Alcatraz, is set to house 3,000 detainees and took just eight days to construct. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It might be as good as the real Alcatraz, Trump told reporters Tuesday. Its a little controversial, but I couldnt care less. The push behind Alligator Alcatraz is not only to keep Florida aligned with Trump on immigration but also to reposition some of the states biggest Republican players politically. DeSantis, for instance, fought vocally with Trump during the 2024 presidential primaries; during the visit Tuesday, however, he and Trump praised each other. "You are my friend, and youll always be my friend, and we may have some skirmishes, even in the future. I doubt it, but I will always come back, because we have blood that seems to match pretty well," Trump said. I think it is a 10, Trump added of their relationship. Maybe a 9.9. ... We get along great. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DeSantis, unprompted, quickly chimed in with a reminder that he endorsed Trump as soon as he exited the presidential race in early 2024. The thing about it is, I endorsed him, DeSantis said. Raised one of his PACs millions and millions of dollars. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis greets President Donald Trump after Trump arrived at Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport in Ochopee on Tuesday for the opening of the detention facility. (Evan Vucci / AP) Trump and DeSantis, along with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, toured the facility in a made-for-TV presentation of the opening of what is one of the largest immigrant detention facilities in the country. A number of the media outlets on the tour were Trump-friendly organizations, who asked questions that praised him or allowed him to hype his agenda. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One reporter asked him to weigh in on the disastrous handling of the border by President Joe Bidens administration, while another had him comment on how his beloved New York City may well be led by a communist soon. Whats your message to Gov. Gavin Newsom? right-wing YouTube personality Benny Johnson asked. Trump responded that the first thing Newsom, the governor of California and a potential 2028 Democratic presidential candidate, should do is come here and learn something. The political undertones of the event were hard to ignore. Among those Trump invited to attend was Rep. Byron Donalds, a Florida Republican running for governor in 2026. At the same time, DeSantis wife, Casey DeSantis, continues to consider a competing run for governor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During a roundtable discussion Tuesday, Donalds sitting just a couple of feet from DeSantis said he commended him for his work to combat illegal immigration. The moment represented political foes setting aside their feud, at least for the day. Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, a close DeSantis ally, hatched the idea for Alligator Alcatraz last month, but it got national traction when DeSantis did a live tour of the facility Friday on Fox and Friends, which caught the Trump administration off-guard. Noem and top adviser Corey Lewandowski supported the facility but wanted the opening Tuesday to be the formal public rollout, two sources familiar with the matter told NBC News. DeSantis upset Noem and Lewandowski with his Fox News tour of the detention site, a Republican operative familiar with the process said. Noem wanted an event for Tuesday and didnt want anyone having eyes on the site and needed to push until Tuesday because she was traveling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Republican operative said Noems staff asked DeSantis not to do the Fox News tour. The DHS team asked DeSantis not to do his Friday event, the person added. DeSantis did what was best for DeSantis and got out in front...angering both Noem and Lewandowski. Another source familiar with the matter said the ire did not stem directly from the White House but from Lewandowski. He lost his s---, the person said. Lewandowski and DeSantis political team did not respond to requests for comment. The White House called the assertion fake news. Leave it to the Fake News NBC to write about baseless gossip following a hugely successful event with President Trump, Secretary Noem and Governor DeSantis at Alligator Alcatraz, White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson said in a statement. Heres the real story that the state-of-the-art facility will play an important role in fulfilling the Presidents promise to keep Americans safe and deport criminal illegal aliens. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The President is grateful to work with both Secretary Noem and Governor DeSantis on this project, she added. Still, the event signaled that DeSantis was publicly rekindling his relationship with Trump, and to some degree it was seen as a boon for his attempt to again regain national political footing for a potential presidential campaign in 2028, even as Vice President JD Vance is widely seen as the current front-runner. No one thought Trump would so closely embrace DeSantis today, said a longtime Florida operative who was at the event. We didnt think he would try to undercut him or insult him, but Trump was over the top in his praise today. I dont know what that means, but it was a good day for Ron DeSantis. The Everglades facility has given DeSantis and the states Republican leaders, including Uthmeier, a boost to their fundraising efforts, even as Democrats have decried the effort as cruel to those accused of being in the country illegally. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alligator Alcatraz is a callous political stunt, said David Jolly, a former Republican member of Congress who is running for governor as a Democrat in 2026. Floridas most pressing challenge is the housing affordability crisis created by Republican leaders, not immigrants working to support our states economy. Since the announcement of the facility, there have also been protests including one Tuesday for the opening and a lawsuit filed by environmental groups concerned over the impact it could have on the Everglades. The facility was made possible by DeSantis using emergency powers he enacted in 2023. The state built what amounts to a tent city, hiring a dozen vendors and seizing land from Miami-Dade County over local leaders objections. The facility is housed on a little-used airstrip that includes a runway that DeSantis said can be used to quickly fly undocumented immigrants to third countries if deportation is deemed appropriate. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com The Brief A young bear was spotted on an I-4 overpass near Orlando on July 1 but has not been found. FWC says summer sightings are common as bears disperse and search for food or mates. Residents are urged to avoid feeding bears and secure attractants to prevent conflicts. ORLANDO, Fla. - Wildlife officials are monitoring reports of black bear sightings in the Orlando area, including a young bear seen Monday morning on an Interstate 4 overpass. What we know The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) confirmed it is monitoring reports of black bear sightings in the Orlando area, including a young bear spotted the morning of July 1 on an overpass above Interstate 4. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although the bear had already left the area by the time FWC staff arrived, wildlife officials canvassed the area throughout the day to search for it and any additional sightings. CLICK TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX LOCAL APP FWC attributes the increase in sightings to seasonal behaviors. Black bears, especially juveniles and breeding adults, are more active during the summer months. What we don't know It remains unclear where the young bear seen on the I-4 overpass went after leaving the area, or whether it had entered a residential neighborhood. There have been no confirmations of harm, property damage, or further interactions with the bear. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FWC has not reported any plans for trapping or relocating this particular bear. The backstory Floridas black bear population becomes especially mobile during the spring and summer, as juvenile bears leave their mothers home ranges in search of new territory and female bears guide cubs to food sources. The bear breeding season, which runs from June to August, also makes male bears more visible as they roam in search of mates. Increased human-bear encounters are a regular feature of this period, particularly in urban areas like Orlando, Tampa, and Jacksonville. This is not an isolated occurrence, but rather a known seasonal pattern. Big picture view While seeing a bear on an interstate overpass might be jarring, wildlife officials emphasize its not necessarily a reason for alarm, according to the FWC. The larger concern, they say, is making sure people avoid leaving out attractants that might encourage bears to stay in residential areas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Roughly 300 bears are killed annually in Florida due to vehicle collisions, according to FWC. Wildlife officials urge drivers to be especially cautious in rural areas, particularly at dawn and dusk. Preventive effortslike securing garbage, removing bird seed, and keeping pet food indoorsare critical to reducing bear-human conflicts. The Source This story was written based on information shared by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) A Youngstown woman is accused of defrauding Medicaid. Janay Veal, 37, is among 13 providers accused of defrauding the government health-care program, according to a news release from Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost. According to Yost, the 12 home-health aides and one behavioral-health specialist billed Medicaid for a combined $189,332 in services they did not provide. The charges followed an investigation by the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, an arm of Yosts office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yost announced the indictments as part of the U.S. Department of Justices 2025 National Health Care Fraud Takedown. Veal is accused of billing for services after removing herself from a recipients plan of care. She also allegedly billed for days in which a relative of the recipient provided the services, resulting in a loss of $4,923 to Medicaid, according to Yost. She faces fifth-degree felony charges of Medicaid fraud and theft. Her case is being heard in Franklin County Court of Common Pleas. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) The Youngstown City School Board of Education will be interviewing three candidates later this month to be the districts new treasurer. The board met Tuesday afternoon in a conference room at Rayen Early College. They discussed nine applicants from which they decided to interview three two of whom live in Northeast Ohio. The board is looking to replace Bryan Schiraldi, who is leaving to take the treasurers job in the Aurora School District. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were looking for somebody that fits into our culture, understands that people are our business and understands that we need to be fiscally responsible, but we need to treat people well. So, its somebody thats not going to come in here and distupt our culture is what Im looking for, said Youngstown City Schools Superintendent Jeremy Batchelor. The school board has scheduled interviews for July 9 and July 23. They hope to have someone hired before Schiraldis last day, which is July 31. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. Rothschild & Co has acquired Zurich-based independent advisory firm Tenalis, through its Swiss Wealth Management arm, Rothschild & Co Bank. This acquisition strengthens Rothschild offerings in Switzerland, particularly in succession planning, taxation, and real estate consulting. Tenalis specialises in inheritance law, focusing on succession planning, will execution, estate divisions, advance care directives, real estate, and taxation, exclusively serving Swiss clients. Tenalis will function as an independent subsidiary of Rothschild & Co Bank, maintaining its brand and workforce. Jacqueline Schwarz Mattes, the founder and former CEO, will continue as managing director. The existing management of Tenalis will remain unchanged. Schwarz Mattes said: The Tenalis AG team is very much looking forward to the future collaboration with Rothschild & Co Bank and to supporting its clients. As an independent subsidiary, we will remain autonomous and to focus specifically on our areas of expertise, which we will continue to develop. Rothschilds Swiss wealth management division has been providing tailored pension solutions since 2022, and the integration of Tenalis expertise is expected to enhance these capabilities. Rothschild Switzerland wealth management business CEO Laurent Gagnebin said: This acquisition will enable us to provide even more comprehensive advice to our clients and better position us in this growth field. Comprehensive and early retirement and succession planning is an excellent fit with our investment approach, which is always geared towards the long term. In May this year, Rothschild & Co announced the expansion of its wealth management services in Luxembourg, aligning with its strategy to enhance private banking offerings across Europe. "Rothschild buys Swiss advisory firm Tenalis" was originally created and published by Private Banker International, a GlobalData owned brand. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that Ukraine and the United States are currently working through all the details of defence support deliveries at working levels. Source: Zelenskyy in his evening address Quote: "There were reports from the defence and foreign ministers of Ukraine, particularly concerning relations with the United States of America. At present, Ukraine and the US are discussing all details of defence support deliveries at working levels, including air defence components. One way or another, we must ensure protection for our people." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Background: Ukraines Defence Ministry said it had not received any official notification regarding a suspension or revision of the delivery schedule for US military aid and had requested a phone call with its US counterparts. Previously: olitico and NBC News have reported, citing sources, that the Pentagon has suspended deliveries of certain air defence missiles and other munitions to Ukraine, including Patriot interceptors, precision-guided GMLRS rockets and other key systems, because of fears that US weapons stocks have fallen too low. On 2 July, Ukraine's Foreign Ministry summoned John Ginkel, the US charge daffaires in Ukraine, to discuss US military aid. In June, Ukraine handed over a list of weapons it is prepared to purchase from the United States to US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. At a press conference following the NATO summit in The Hague on 25 June, US President Donald Trump promised to check whether it would be possible to provide Ukraine with additional Patriot air defence systems, but he stressed that the United States needs them too. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Zohran Mamdani responded to Donald Trumps threat of arrest if he didnt let the administration conduct immigration raids by telling the president: We will not accept this intimidation. In a statement on social media, Mamdani also condemned Trumps false suggestion Tuesday that the first-generation American is in the country illegally and that were going to look at everything related to his citizenship. My statement on Donald Trump's threat to deport me and his praise for Eric Adams, who the President "helped out" of legal accountability. https://t.co/m7pNcT2DFS pic.twitter.com/UcYakMx4lI Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@ZohranKMamdani) July 1, 2025 The President of the United States just threatened to have me arrested, stripped of my citizenship, put in a detention camp and deported. Not because I have broken any law but because I will refuse to let ICE terrorize our city, New Yorks Democratic mayoral nominee wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps statements, he added, dont just represent an attack on our democracy but an attempt to send a message to every New Yorker who refuses to hide in the shadows: if you speak up, they will come for you. We will not accept this intimidation, he stressed. Trumps comment Tuesday wasnt the first time he has used threatening language toward the New York state lawmaker. During a Fox News interview Sunday, Trump said that if Mamdani were to become mayor, he is going to have to do the right thing, or theyre not getting any money. Earlier this year, the administration let Mayor Eric Adams off the hook on corruption charges in return for Adams allowing immigration raids. Mamdani called on New Yorkers to not accept intimidation from Trump. / David Dee Delgado / REUTERS Moments after threatening to look into Mamdanis immigration history, Trump said that Adams is a very good person who he helped out a little bit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adams will be running for re-election in November as an independent. On Tuesday, Mamdani officially clinched the Democratic nomination when he beat former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who reportedly plans on running on a third party line. Mamdani faced calls for his deportation from Republicans even before Tuesday's election. / David Delgado / REUTERS Before and after last weeks first round of voting in the primary showed him to have a commanding lead, Mamdani faced attacks from Republicans demanding his deportation. Pro-Trump Rep. Andy Ogles (R-TN), smearing Mamdani, a Muslim, as little muhammad, cited lyrics to an eight-year-old rap song as cause for his removal from the country. Mamdani, who was born in Uganda and moved to New York at age 7, became a naturalized citizen in 2018. Two years later, he was elected to the New York State Assembly, where he has described himself as a Democratic socialist. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That term got all the usual suspects on the right upset. To Trump and other ring-wing figures, it makes him a communist. Rudy Giuliani, New Yorks mayor from 1994 to 2001, even labeled Mamdani an enemy of America. A bizarre obsession with the Palestinian issue continues to poison progressive politics including (surprise!) the campaign of Zohran Mamdani. The Democratic nominee for New Yorks mayoral race has refused to condemn the phrase globalise the intifada, despite sharp criticism from fellow Democrats. The phrase, seen by many as a call for violence against Jews, is actually a desperate desire for equality and equal rights in standing up for Palestinian human rights, said Mamdani, not long before his surprising win. Then, this past weekend, he again declined to decry the phrase. Instead, he meekly noted thats not language that I use, on the news show Meet the Press, before adding that he would serve as a mayor that protects Jewish New Yorkers if ultimately elected in November. Mamdanis equivocations are hardly surprising. Presumably he thinks hes being clever by attempting to reassure Jewish voters, while signalling a quiet approval for some of the darkest rhetoric of the Palestinian cause. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But he has actually exposed how sinister his campaign really is. Hes made championing Palestinian nationalism a cornerstone of his political career despite (beyond his Muslim faith) having very little in common with most Palestinians. The son of an Oscar-nominated film-maker mother and university professor father, Mamdani like so many who voted for him last week is the product of privilege, with scant experience in politics or holding a job, let alone of real oppression. He exists in a world of feelings and vibes in place of consequence or facts. And Mamdani has given every indication of believing that calling for intifada despite its clear association with bus bombings, knife attacks and thousands of Jewish dead (it means uprising in Arabic and is used to refer to two periods of Palestinian violence against Israelis) is legitimate political discourse. The investor Bill Ackman who helped take down former Harvard president Claudine Gay took to X on Monday to ask: What if someone called for the killing or suicide bombings of those of a different ethnic background, Zohran, would you not be willing to condemn such a call to violent action? Or is it just for the Jews that you remain silent? Zohran Mamdani has made championing Palestinian nationalism a cornerstone of his political career - Tom Williams/2023 CQ-Roll Call, Inc. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries joined the attack, saying Mamdani would have to clarify his position on that as he moves forward, during a weekend appearance on ABCs This Week. Globalising the intifada, by way of example, is not an acceptable phrasing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both Ackman and Jeffries could not be more correct. That too many progressives accept effective calls for violence against Jews that they would never tolerate for other ethnicities is not just limited to phrases like globalise the intifada. The double-standard reflects the entire pro-Palestinian movement since the Hamas attack on Israel two Octobers ago. The violent encampments in cities like New York, the wide-scale property damage and, now, the numerous deaths in the United States directly attributed to anti-Semitism somehow avoid the type of critique heaped upon even the most minor affronts against, say, African-Americans or sexual minorities. In 2020, recall that New York Times opinion editor James Bennet resigned after the paper published an op-ed by Republican Senator Tom Cotton that some black staffers felt made them unsafe, merely because it suggested calling in the National Guard during the height of the Black Lives Matter protests. Mamdani, meanwhile, continues to campaign as the Democrat nominee despite refusing to condemn a phrase that Jews rightly perceive as a call for their murder. Will Mamdani eventually clarify his position? Dont hold your breath. Like so many on the extreme-Left, Mamdani exists within a bubble of impunity that ascribes negative motives to anyone who criticises its stances. Question the morality of phrases like intifada, goes the thinking, and youre a Zionist whose opinion can be safely discounted. Malicious equivocation is also a veritable party trick for Mamdani. He has refused to say that he supports Israels right to exist as a Jewish nation. Hes said he supports its right to exist as a state with equal rights. But he has added that Im not comfortable supporting any state that has a hierarchy of citizenship on the basis of religion or anything else. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weve heard this all before including from Mamdanis own mother, director Mira Nair, who in 2013 refused to participate in the Haifa International Film festival, saying she would go to Israel when the state does not privilege one religion over another. They conveniently ignore the Muslims and people of other faiths who do, in fact, enjoy equal rights in Israel. Perhaps Ive also missed their criticism of the numerous nations that actually do oppress minority religions either in practice or in law. Saudi Arabia prohibits the public worship of any religion other than Islam. Across much of the Middle East, countries once known for their religious diversity are no longer safe for Jews or Christians. Why are the likes of Mamdani allowed by their interviewers to get away with it? However overwhelmed and underprepared they are, they must know that they are not dealing with normal politicians, but radicals for whom the obsession with Israel has become almost a pathology. Many New York voters including my fellow New York Jews have failed to see through Mamdani. But now he has to win over the wider New York electorate, not just the Democratic base. Lets hope that we dont have to wait for him to put his agenda into practice before everyone wakes up to the truth. David Christopher Kaufman is a New York Post columnist Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. NEW YORK CITY (PIX11) Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic nominee for New York City mayor, says President Donald Trump is sending a clear message with his threats: If you speak up, they will come for you. Making remarks in Florida, Trump incorrectly labelled Mamdani a Communist and went on to issue a threat to the state Assemblymember, saying he will have him arrested if hes elected and interferes with Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. More Local News Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Well then, we will have to arrest him. Look, we do not need a communist in this country, but if we have one, I will be watching over him very carefully on behalf of the nation. We send him money, we send him all the things he needs to run a government, Trump said. Mamdani, a Democratic Socialist, has repeatedly said the city should defend and bolster its sanctuary city laws, which prevent collaboration between local authorities and federal immigration efforts in most cases. Hes also promised to take ICE out of any city-owned facilities. Hell ensure our immigrant New Yorkers are protected by strengthening our sanctuary city apparatus: getting ICE out of all City facilities and ending any cooperation, increasing legal support, and protecting all personal data, reads Mamdanis campaign website. Trump additionally called into question Mamdanis legal naturalization status. Mamdani has been a citizen since 2018. Some elected officials, like City Council Member Vicki Paladino, have gone so far as to call for his deportation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: Latest News from Around the Tri-State Tennessee Rep. Andy Ogles last week said he sent a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi calling for denaturalization proceedings. Despite the threats, Mamdani said he remains undeterred. His statements dont just represent an attack on our democracy but an attempt to send a message to every New Yorker who refuses to hide in the shadows: if you speak up, they will come for you, he said. We will not accept this intimidation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Republican leaders in the House are sprinting toward a vote on President Donald Trumps tax and spending cuts package, determined to seize momentum from a hard-fought vote in the Senate while essentially daring members to defy their partys leader and vote against it A part of Tacomas soul likely to be razed to make way for light-rail station MOSCOW (Reuters) -Russia has launched a new type of investment account that contains withdrawal guarantees, according to a decree signed by President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday, as Moscow looks to attract foreign investors to the Russian stock market. Since sweeping international sanctions were imposed against Moscow over the Ukraine conflict, Russia has frozen billions of roubles of Western investors' cash in special "type-C" accounts inside Russia and seized dozens of businesses with links to foreign ownership. The need to revive foreign investment was a talking point at an economic forum in St Petersburg last month, although the absence of big Western investors and failure to secure significant deals with other partners highlighted Moscow's problem. Foreigners will be able to make new investments in roubles, foreign currency, stocks and bonds in new "In" accounts, the decree said. The finance ministry said it was working on softening capital controls for new investment when discussing the changes late last year. Alexei Yakovlev, head of the ministry's financial policy department, said in December that investors from all countries should be entitled to take advantage of the new rules, not just those from countries Russia considers "friendly". (Reporting by Elena Fabrichnaya and Alexander Marrow; Editing by Timothy Heritage) TSX.V: DME U.S. OTC: DMEHF Frankfurt: QM01 VANCOUVER, BC, July 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - DESERT MOUNTAIN ENERGY CORP. (the "Company") (TSX.V: DME) (U.S. OTC: DMEHF) (Frankfurt: QM01) from the President of the Company. DME is pleased to announce the signing of an agreement with Roswell Information Park LLC to purchase all natural gas produced by DME in the West Pecos Field. Additionally, Roswell Information Park LLC will serve as the primary purchaser for all natural gas entering the pipeline into the Information Park, including gas not attributed to DME, for which the Company will receive management fees. Artist's rendering of the initial building at the Roswell Information Park (CNW Group/Desert Mountain Energy Corp.) DME is collaborating closely with Sustany LLC, Roswell Information Park LLC, and relevant local, state, and federal authorities to foster job creation, long-term growth, and infrastructure enhancements in the region. The proposed information center is initially expected to generate between 100 to 200 megawatts (MW) of power and will ramp up to in excess of 500 MW. Discussions are underway to sell excess power back into the New Mexico power grid. DME, Sustany LLC and Roswell Information Park LLC are also exploring applications for multiple state and federal infrastructure grant programs to support these initiatives. "Currently, the construction of the Roswell Information Park, planned to begin Q1 2026, will generate new revenue streams for DME and create valuable job opportunities in New Mexico driving long-term growth and infrastructure across the region," said Robert Rohlfing, CEO and Executive Director of DME. "Additionally, our collaboration with Sustany LLC to explore hydrogen assets at the West Pecos Field in New Mexico underscores our commitment to advancing innovative, sustainable energy solutions." In Arizona, Sustany LLC continues to explore the development of the McCauley Field area and the utilization of properties currently owned by DME for the establishment of smaller data centers. These data centers aim to contribute to Arizona's economic growth and optimize DME's existing land holdings. ABOUT DESERT MOUNTAIN ENERGY Desert Mountain Energy Corp. is a publicly traded resource company primarily focused on the exploration, development and production of helium, hydrogen and natural gas. The Company is focused on helium extraction from different raw gas sources in an environmental and economic manner, supplying elements deemed critical to the renewable energy and high technology industries. We seek safe harbor "Robert Rohlfing" Robert Rohlfing Exec Chairman & CEO Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in polices of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. The statements made in this press release may contain certain forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual events or results may differ from the Company's expectations. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Such forward looking statements and information herein include but are not limited to statements regarding the Company's anticipated performance in the future the planned exploration activities, receipt of positive results from drilling, the completion of further drilling and exploration work, and the timing and results of various activities. Forward-looking statements or information involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company and its operations to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such statements. Such factors include, among others, changes in national and local governments, legislation, taxation, controls, regulations and political or economic developments in Canada and the United States; financial risks due to helium prices, operating or technical difficulties in exploration and development activities; risks and hazards and the speculative nature of resource exploration and related development; risks in obtaining necessary licenses and permits, and challenges to the Company's title to properties. Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions management believes to be reasonable, including but not limited to the continued operation of the Company's exploration operations, no material adverse change in the market price of commodities, and such other assumptions and factors as set out herein. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or information, there may be other factors that cause results to be materially different from those anticipated, described, estimated, assessed or intended. There can be no assurance that any forward-looking statements or information will prove to be accurate as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements or information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. The Company does not intend to, and nor does not assume any obligation to update such forward-looking statements or information, other than as required by applicable law. SOURCE Desert Mountain Energy Corp. Banco Santander has reached an agreement to acquire TSB Banking Group from Sabadell in an all-cash deal valued at up to 2.9bn. The deal values TSB at five times its expected 2026 net income. However, shareholders will be asked to initially approve a 2.65bn deal. The final price is expected to adjust to 2.9bn, incorporating estimated profits from the agreement date until the anticipated completion in the first quarter of 2026. Sabadell will seek approval for the sale along with an extraordinary cash dividend of 0.50 per share, equivalent to approximately 2.5bn, at the general shareholders meeting on 6 August. Proceeds from the transaction will fund this dividend. TSB, a UK retail bank, operates 218 branches and serves approximately 5 million customers in personal and small business banking, with 34bn in mortgages and 35bn in deposits. The transaction is expected to yield a return on invested capital exceeding 20% and increase Santander UKs return on tangible equity from 11% in 2024 to 16% by 2028. At the group level, earnings per share accretive for Santander from the first year and of 4% in 2028. The combined entity will have a loan-to-deposit ratio of 107%, compared to Santander UKs current 108%. Santander executive chair Ana Botin said: "The acquisition of TSB represents a continuing strategic commitment to our customers in the UK, offering a compelling opportunity that is financially attractive to our shareholders and aligned with Santanders long-term objectives. It strengthens our franchise in a core market through the acquisition of a low-risk and complementary business that adds to our diversification. Sabadell Chairman Josep Oliu stated: This transaction benefits our shareholders regardless of the outcome of the takeover bid. If approved by the General Meeting, the deal will proceed even if the bid is withdrawn. As I have reiterated, Banco Sabadell is a bank with a clear focus on Spain. We offer the highest dividend yield among Spanish banks, have delivered the strongest share price performance over the past four and a half years, and have a strong future as an independent entity serving our customers. The acquisition comes at a time when BBVA pursues a takeover bid for Sabadell, which faces government restrictions preventing a full merger for at least three years. The sale of TSB has drawn media attention for potentially limiting BBVAs access to a key asset in its acquisition strategy. "Santander agrees to acquire TSB from Sabadell " was originally created and published by Retail Banker International, a GlobalData owned brand. Ukrainian President Voldomyr Zelensky wants a different Hungarian government, while Brussels is preparing "secret service actions against Hungary", Tamas Menczer, the Fidesz-Christian Democrat parties' communications director, said in a post on Facebook. Brussels, he added, was piqued because Hungary "said no to Ukraine's EU membership and does not support pro-Ukrainian and pro-war policies". Referring to European People's Party head Manfred Weber and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, he said "Weber and von der Leyen have sent a clear message." The Fidesz politician added: "Zelensky, too, has sent a message. He wants a change of government!" He said Zelensky wanted "a puppet government" headed by Peter Magyar of the Tisza Party, because they supported Ukraine's EU accession bid. "Weber, von der Leyen and Zelensky, together, want to topple the sovereigntist Orban government. Viktor Orban is in their way because the Hungarian prime minister does not bow to the will of Brussels and Ukraine," he said. "Instead he protects Hungarian interests." Fully 2.2 million people in the Vote 2025 survey said Hungary came first, not Ukraine, he added. Menczer said he planned to release a video today that proved his statement about "Weber and Zelensky's threats". Source: MTI Hungarys national news agency since 1881. While MTI articles are usually factual, some may contain political bias, and readers should be aware that such content does not reflect the position of XpatLoop, which is neutral and independent. Since the goal of XpatLoop is to keep readers well briefed, right across the spectrum of opinions, MTI items are shared to ensure readers are aware of all narratives within the local media. XpatLoop believes in empowering readers to form their own views through complete and comprehensive coverage. To facilitate this XpatLoop has a balanced range of news partners, as you can see when you surf around XpatLoop.com ********************************* You're very welcome to comment, discuss and enjoy more stories via our Facebook page: Facebook.com/XpatLoopNews + via XpatLoops groups: Budapest Expats / Expats Hungary You can subscribe to our newsletter here: XpatLoop.com/Newsletters Showcase Your Business to Expats in the Loop: 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. Seagate Technology Holdings Plc logo on phone-by rafapress via Shutterstock Seagate Technology (STX) has been on an impressive run, soaring 63% over the past three months. The stocks rally is powered by a combination of factors, including strong industry tailwinds and the companys focus on improving profitability, reducing debt, and boosting cash flow. The demand for mass-capacity storage is growing, driven by the growing digital shift toward cloud services and the ongoing expansion of data center infrastructure to support artificial intelligence (AI) advancements. Seagate, with its industry-leading data storage solutions, is benefiting from this surge as enterprises and hyperscale cloud providers increasingly rely on its high-capacity hard drives. More News from Barchart The companys financial performance confirms the strength of this trend. In its most recent fiscal third quarter, Seagate delivered a 30.5% year-over-year revenue increase and an 81% jump in adjusted gross profit. The companys management highlighted that Seagate has now expanded gross margins for eight consecutive quarters and posted the third-highest operating margin in its history. Supporting this growth is Seagates supply discipline, shift to a build-to-order model, and dynamic pricing strategy have all helped it stay profitable. Looking ahead, Seagate continues to see solid demand for its products, which is expected to drive its financials and share price higher. While STX stock is currently trading above the analysts average price target of $125.72, the highest price target for Seagate is $200, implying further upside potential of over 41% from current levels. www.barchart.com Seagate Poised for Strong Growth Ahead Seagate will continue to benefit from strong demand for its 24-terabyte (TB) and 28TB products, which are the companys top performers in terms of revenue and storage volume. Adding to the momentum is the introduction of its new Heat-Assisted Magnetic Recording (HAMR)-based Mozaic drives. Volume shipments to select customers are underway, and a broader rollout is expected in the second half of 2025. Demand from the cloud segment remains a key driver of growth. In the March quarter, cloud nearline revenue and exabyte shipments jumped nearly 10% sequentially and almost doubled year-over-year. Growth is being fueled not only by major cloud and hyperscale providers but also by increasing interest from edge data centers and private cloud operators. In a television interview on Monday, Prime Minister Viktor Orban called Budapest Pride at the weekend "not pride, but prejudice". In the interview with commercial broadcaster TV2, Orban said, "Pride is a European political model controlled by Brussels." If national sovereignty were not protected by the government, "then the same would be the case with migration and Ukraine", he added. Asked for his opinion on the weekend Pride march, Orban said he could not comment on it "with the credibility of an eyewitness" since he hadn't been there. "What the heck would I have been doing there?" he said, adding that he agreed with those who did not consider the march "pride". Hungarians gave their opinion on the issue in 2022 in the general election and in a referendum, when they had their say on sexuality for the sake of it, raising children, child protection and "non-traditional lifestyles". Fully 3.7 million people said "no to [trans]gender", which is what "Pride describes", he said. More people participated in that referendum and voted the same way than in the ones on Hungarys NATO and EU accessions or any other referendums, Orban said. He said it was now clear to Hungarians that whatever was "decided in Brussels" was enforced by the opposition in the capital, with their followers "lined up behind it". This would be true regarding other issues, too, such as those of migration and Ukraine, he added. Orban said, at the same time, that there was minor support in Hungary for "the topic of Pride, gender, gender reassignment surgery, same-sex marriage and adoption rights for same-sex couples", arguing that it "brings a few tens of thousands of people out onto the streets", while 190,000 people "voted in favour of gender" in 2022. Many, he added, chose not to vote or cast an invalid vote, but "there are far more who reject this." "We already decided this once in 2022, and no demonstration or Pride parade will change my view on this matter," the prime minister said. Orban charged Brussels with aiming to install "a puppet government" to enforce its policies in Hungary and get "Ukraine sympathisers onto the streets". "Then we're finished," he said. "The country is finished. There's gender, there's migration, and we're up to our jugular in war." "And now, irrespective of Pride, everyone can see a European political model controlled by Brussels," Orban said. "Thats why Brussels wants to replace the government that defends national sovereignty with a pro-Brussels and pro-Ukrainian one, because then they will be able to carry out everything the way they did at Pride." As regards Ukraines European Union membership, Orban said said the EU was not a security organisation and did not have military capabilities, adding that if the bloc admitted Ukraine it would find itself at war with Russia. "This isnt hard to see, and Hungarians do see it." "We understand the Ukrainians; were helping them, but we cant help them by destroying ourselves in the process," the prime minister said. Orban said he had represented a clear position at last weeks European Council summit, adding that it "pained" the other member states that Hungarys position was not an emotional but a "cold and rational" one. He noted that he is the longest-serving prime minister in the EU and was the one to negotiate the last phase of Hungarys NATO accession and the early stages of Hungarys EU entry. "I know exactly how it happened," he said, noting that a prerequisite of former Soviet bloc countries becoming EU members was first to join NATO, which guaranteed their military security and the location of their eastern borders. But this guarantee was not in place in the case of Ukraine, he said, arguing that it had been decided that the country would not be admitted to NATO because that would lead to a world war. So the EU was incapable of securing a future member states eastern borders, Orban said. "Ukraine wants to enter the EU when we dont know its size or where its eastern borders lie," he added. "If everyone from Ukraine was free to enter Hungary, then the citizens of a country armed to the teeth with highly developed mafia skills and networks would be constantly in and out of Hungary," Orban said. "Wed become a gateway for them and our domestic security would also be in danger." He added that if Ukraine became an EU member, "all the money would end up there, even though were already the ones funding the Ukrainian state, which wouldnt be able to function without Western money". At the same time, he said, Ukraines president was demanding that the EU finance a one million-strong Ukrainian military in the future and that member states give the country a certain percentage of their GDP so that it could function. "This isnt a good idea," Orban said, recommending that instead of giving Ukraine membership, the bloc should sign a strategic agreement with the country on how it would support Ukraine. "But they shouldnt set a legal precedent, allowing Ukraine to drain our money or let businessmen with questionable backgrounds or mobsters come to Hungary and the European Union." He said the EU should also sign an agreement that rules out any participation on its part in the war. Orban said he was not saying that the EU should "forget about Ukraine" or that it should not support the country, but that "we shouldnt support them by destroying ourselves in the process." Orban said at the NATO summit in Washington a year ago everyone "except us" talked up arming Ukraine and admitting the country to NATO, but a year later "there was no mention of this" at the latest NATO gathering. During the recent NATO summit, the US president made clear "that he is pro-peace", he said. NATO, he added, was not formed to wage war but to defend and establish peace, adding that Ukraine must not become a member of the alliance as there was "no question of NATO getting involved" in Ukraine-Russia war. Instead, the alliance, Orban said, must focus on making itself stronger and "our own lives safer". A new situation had emerged, he said. "At last there's somewhere, NATO, where we have won." Hungary had turned its "isolated, losing position" into the "stronger, majority position", alongside the US, Turkiye, and Slovakia, "a serious group". It was important that a majority in NATO should believe that a war with Russia "could lead us to a third world war" if the alliance intervened on the side of Ukraine. NATO "has not yet reached that point", he said, adding that it was necessary to talk to Russia and reach an agreement lest there be an arms race. There was no point in a competition of strength and spending money on arms and building up an army when it could be spent elsewhere, he said. "Sooner or later NATO and Russia must come to an agreement which would determine the volume of armaments on the battlefield and military spending, otherwise the sky's the limit". Orban said the big players would decide the matter, though some could share "experiences of our own personal lives" with the heavy-hitters. "An arms race ruined our world once already. This brought down the communists and ended the Soviet Union, so it was beneficial, too. But massive amounts of money and energy were wasted on an needless arms race. Now we're free and we belong to the West, we have no interest in repeating this," the prime minister said. Meanwhile, referring to Hungarian astronaut Tibor Kapu, the prime minister noted Hungary had produced two Nobel laureates and an astronaut in the past two years. "Hungary's reputation abroad is higher today than it was before" owing to "these excellent people", he said. Hadhazy: Opposition 'should finally be proud' Hungary's opposition "should finally be proud, because they have embarrassed the powers that be and made them ridiculous," independent lawmaker Akos Hadhazy told a demonstration held in downtown Budapest on Tuesday. At the 16th protest calling for the withdrawal of the law on the right of free assembly and against the adoption of the transparency law, Hadhazy said that the Budapest Pride held last Saturday had been the largest anti-government protest ever and the largest mass protest held since the fall of communism, "because it is perfectly obvious that this was an anti-government demonstration." Hadhazy said the demonstration had shown strength. At the same time, strength will not prevail without perseverance and determination, he said, "but the greatest achievement of the past months is that the opposition has shown both, and that is scaring the powers that be." Hadhazy said demonstrators will march to the Interior Ministry, demanding that the "techno-fascist law be withdrawn and the police does not use the footage of Saturday's demonstration." He insisted that the police was facing a "dilemma". "If I had to bet today, I'd bet on fines being imposed." "The powers that be have made a huge mistake, but we can't afford to another one and stop now." Sociologist Andras Bozoki said last Saturday's demonstration had created a new situation "where the regime has backed down, it couldn't use violence." "There is a lot of talk of how it will want to derail free elections by any means possible, through drones, photos, surveillance, threats and punishment, but I believe that if the people decide that they have no patience or need [for this] ... and want to take their fate in their hands again, then nothing can stop them." Musician Miklos Paizs said that on Saturday, "pensioners with their hearts in the right place became anti-government rebels because they took to the streets for the rights of their stigmatised fellow humans ... even taking a fine into account." "The incessant gangster moves have turned masses of peaceful citizens into rebels," Paizs said. Slammer and dramaturge Denes Biro said the demonstration had been a "joint success that helped us experience a feeling of belonging together." Karacsony: No one can be legally penalised for standing up for freedom No one can be legally penalised for standing up for their freedom and the freedom of others, Gergely Karacsony, the mayor of Budapest, said on Tuesday, responding to a post by Prime Minister Viktor Orban in the members-only "Fight Club" Facebook group. "The best response to the prime minister's latest battle cry, yet another threat made to participants of the largest freedom march of the past decades, is a smile -- which is what sums up the whole of Saturday's wonderful celebration," Karacsony wrote in a post on Facebook forwarded to MTI. He said he would "guarantee" that no participant of the march would face legal repercussions as a result of taking part in the Pride event. The mayor said in the post: "How many more people must there be so that they understand freedom and love can neither be banned nor punished?" Meanwhile, Official: Brussels spending EUR 1.5 bn on 'gender sensitisation' Brussels is spending 1.5 billion euros "on campaigns similar to the gender sensitisation seen at last weekend's Pride march," the prime minister's political director said in a video uploaded to Facebook. Referring to a recent visit by European Union Commissioner Hadja Lahbib to Hungary, Balazs Orban said the European politician "did not come to Hungary to speak about what is important to Hungarians but to inform the public ... that 1.5 billion euros in European taxpayers' money was available for campaigns similar to the gender sensitisation seen at last weekend's Pride". "Isn't that appalling," he added. While farmers are being impoverished in Europe and ventures go bankrupt, and "even in the once opulent Western Europe they don't have money for anything ... there comes somebody saying that they have 1.5 billion euros just for naked men to expose themselves to small children," Orban said, adding that it was equal to "clear interference in the domestic affairs of a sovereign country". "European taxpayers' money must not be spent on gender sensitisation... We cannot let that happen," he said. The Patriot party group and the Hungarian government will "do everything to ensure that the money of European taxpayers is spent on meaningful, decent things rather than used to finance the gender [ideology]," Orban added. Source: MTI Hungarys national news agency since 1881. While MTI articles are usually factual, some may contain political bias, and readers should be aware that such content does not reflect the position of XpatLoop, which is neutral and independent. Since the goal of XpatLoop is to keep readers well briefed, right across the spectrum of opinions, MTI items are shared to ensure readers are aware of all narratives within the local media. XpatLoop believes in empowering readers to form their own views through complete and comprehensive coverage. To facilitate this XpatLoop has a balanced range of news partners, as you can see when you surf around XpatLoop.com ********************************* You're very welcome to comment, discuss and enjoy more stories via our Facebook page: Facebook.com/XpatLoopNews + via XpatLoops groups: Budapest Expats / Expats Hungary You can subscribe to our newsletter here: XpatLoop.com/Newsletters Showcase Your Business to Expats in the Loop: 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. On Wednesday, 5 November 2025, at 7:30pm, Mupas Bartok Bela National Concert Hall in Budapest will host a once-in-a-lifetime musical event to close the 10th Cziffra Festival. To mark Gyorgy Cziffras 104th birthday, the venue will be graced by three exceptional artists: tenor Jose Cura, coloratura soprano Erika Miklosa, and Kossuth Prize-winning pianist Janos Balazs, founder of the festival. The concert promises to be a true celebration where classical opera repertoire meets diverse musical genres, imbued throughout with Argentine passion. This is not just a tribute to one of the 20th centurys greatest piano virtuosos, but a celebration of musical unity that transcends genres, generations and borders. The Cziffra Festival has devoted the last decade to revitalising the legacy of Gyorgy Cziffra, who remains one of Hungarys most iconic musical figures Since he was sixteen, Janos Balazs has paid tribute to his idol with annual birthday concerts a tradition that has evolved into a widely celebrated cultural event. While the featured artists have all performed together in pairs, this will be the first time all three share the stage together, guaranteeing a unique and unforgettable experience. Supported by the Prime Ministers Office, the Bethlen Gabor Fund, and the Ministry of Culture and Innovation, the Cziffra Festival continues to honour its namesakes spirit through innovative collaborations and world-class artistry. Hommage a Cziffra 104 Erika Miklosa Jose Cura Janos Balazs Mupa Budapest, Bartok Bela National Concert Hall Wednesday, 5 November 2025, 7:30 PM Tickets and info: Tickets | Gyorgy Cziffra Festival More: www.cziffrafesztival.hu New Delh : Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, Vinai Kumar Saxena, hailed the Rekha starrer 'Umrao Jaan' after watching its remastered version in theatres on Tuesday. Delhi's LG Vinai Kumar Saxena attended the special screening of 'Umrao Jaan' along with its director Muzaffar Ali in Delhi. He was welcomed by the director at the screening of the remastered version of the film. Before watching the movie, Delhi's LG addressed the viewers and said that he has watched Umrao Jaan countless times due to its direction, story, songs and lyrics. Vinai Kumar Saxena praised Umrao Jaan after the screening, calling it a "unique" film which is difficult for filmmakers to make in today's time. "Umrao Jaan, which was made 44 years ago by Muzaffar Ali, has become such a unique film that it is very difficult to make it in today's time. This is the film in which every character has played a role. Music, lyrics, direction, everything is unique in this film," said Vinai Kumar Saxena. LG also labelled 'Umrao Jaan' as a career breakthrough film of Rekha. He said, "If I say this, it won't be wrong to say that Rekha became Rekha from this film. If it weren't for this film, Rekha wouldn't have been Rekha. I am sure that this film will become a milestone in the future, which will be remembered forever in the Mumbai film industry." Rekha won the National Award for her impeccable performance in the film as a courtesan-poetess in 19th-century Lucknow. Her graceful dance performance on 'Dil Cheez Kya Hai' is still admired and remembered by filmophiles. On the sidelines of the event, director Muzaffar Ali called 'Umrao Jaan' "timeless" and "ageless". While talking to ANI, he said, "I think the movie is timeless, it's ageless, it was meant for a time 150 years ago. So, it was meant to be a period film, and it has been true to the period. It is still vibrant and alive as that period would have been. So, that way, the film is, for me, full of nostalgia, full of memories, details and hard work." Director Ali also shared that he is willing to take the Umrao Jaan to the festivals and OTT platforms. "I think we'll take it to a festival route and then it will come to the OTT," said Muzaffar Ali. 'Umrao Jaan' is a classic Indian period drama that has been adapted into two film versions. The 1981 version, starring Rekha, is a cult classic and won four National Awards. The 2006 version, starring Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, was not well received by the audience. Both films are based on Mirza Hadi Ruswa's novel Umrao Jaan Ada. It was re-released in theatres on June 27. New Delhi: Filmmaker Nitesh Tiwari's epic saga 'Ramayana' is making headlines and the buzz around the movie is palpable. One of the most anticipated Indian movies, boasts of an ensemble cast that brings this story to life. While Ranbir Kapoor will essay the role of Lord Ram, Sai Pallavi as Goddess Sita and Yash as Ravana, there is enough speculation about other characters as well. Rakul Preet Replaces Priyanka Chopra? Rakul Preet Singh is set to play Surpanakha, one of the most iconic characters in the epic. Interestingly, the role was reportedly first considered for Priyanka Chopra Jonas, but eventually went to Rakul, reports TOI. It has led to a viral spree on social media pages as well. Many shared the news and fans have reacted as well. Take a look here: Who Was Surpanakha? Surpanakha or Shrupanakha was the sister of Ravana- the king of Lanka, and the daughter of the sage Vishrava and Rakshasi Kaikeshi. She is a pivotal force in the Ramayana. The Kamba Ramayanam describes her as a lovelorn and beautiful woman, attributing her behaviour to loneliness and thus humanising her, as per Wiki information. Audiences are already eager to see how Rakul brings Surpanakha to life on the big screen. With Ramayana also featuring Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi and Yash in key roles, this casting only adds more excitement to the project. Ramayana Cast, Release Ranbir Kapoor will be seen portraying the most revered character of Lord Rama in Nitesh Tiwaris magnum opus Ramayana. At the Red Sea Film Festival 2024 in Jeddah, the actor revealed that the filming for the first part of this much-anticipated mythological epic is complete. One of the highest-paid South Indian actress Sai Pallavi, known for her acting chops and powerful screen presence will be seen playing Goddess Sita in the epic narrative. Meanwhile, KGF star Yash will play Ravana on-screen. While the film stars two of the biggest superstars, Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram and Yash as Raavan, it is said that they will barely be seen sharing screen space together. Directed by Nitesh Tiwari and produced by Namit Malhotras Prime Focus Studios and Yashs Monster Mind Creations, Ramayana Part 1 is slated for release on Diwali 2026, and the second part on Diwali 2027. New Delhi: An Infosys employee in Bengaluru was arrested for secretly recording videos of his female coworkers in a restroom at the companys Electronic City office. The man, 28-year-old Swapnil Nagesh Mali from Andhra Pradesh, was caught on June 30. A female employee noticed a strange reflection on the restroom door. When she looked closer, she found Mali hiding and trying to record her with his phone. When she confronted him, he apologized right away. Infosys HR checked his phone and reportedly found over 30 videos of different women recorded in the same way. Even though this was a serious issue, the company management first tried to handle it quietly by asking Mali to apologize. The situation became more serious when the victims husband demanded action from the company. The woman then filed a police complaint at the Electronic City police station. After this, the police arrested Mali and are now investigating further. In a similar case in May, another man was arrested for recording videos of women on the Bengaluru Metro and posting them on Instagram. The Instagram page, called @metro_chicks, had hidden videos of women traveling on the Metro, all filmed without their permission. The police said the man, a 27-year-old who worked in the accounts department of a private company, was arrested after a complaint at the Banashankari police station. He filmed women during his daily Metro rides and posted the videos online, which police called an act of perversion. New Delhi: On July 9, the electricity supply across India might be affected because about 2.7 million power sector workers are planning a one-day strike. They are protesting against the Uttar Pradesh (UP) governments decision to privatise two of its power distribution companies. Shailendra Dubey, who leads the All India Power Engineers' Federation (AIPEF), said the UP government wants to privatise Purvanchal Vidyut Vitran Nigam Ltd (PVVNL) and Dakshinanchal Vidyut Vitran Nigam Ltd (DVVNL). These two companies supply power to 42 out of 75 districts in the state. Dubey explained that power workers, junior engineers, and engineers across the country have already held large protests against this move. He said that on July 9, 2.7 million power employees will join a big protest, and this could disrupt electricity supply in many parts of India. He also said, "We will not be responsible if the power supply is affected." The UP government wants to bring in private companies to help run these two distribution companies because the state is facing frequent power losses and doesnt have enough transmission infrastructure. Most state-run power companies in India are losing money due to old equipment and regular power losses, so the government is inviting private companies to help improve the situation. Last year, the Union Power Minister asked states to put their profitable power companies on the stock market to attract more investment and improve their systems, especially to support more renewable energy. Some states like Delhi and Odisha already have private companies working with the government to supply electricity. For example, Tata Power is a big private company that supplies electricity in Odisha, Delhi, and Mumbai. On July 9, protests will take place in many cities, including Hyderabad, Thiruvananthapuram, Vijayawada, Chennai, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Nagpur, Raipur, Bhopal, Jabalpur, Vadodara, Rajkot, Guwahati, Shillong, Kolkata, Bhubaneswar, Patna, Ranchi, Srinagar, Jammu, Shimla, Dehradun, Patiala, Jaipur, Kota, Hisar, and Lucknow. New Delhi: A Reddit user recently described a torturous experience of having to report to work while having a cold, cough and fever, highlighting the egregious way in which employers treat their employees. The employee was later sent back home when the boss realized the latter's suffering. The post has struck a chord with many who have commented on how toxic office culture prioritizes work over health. No Work From Home: Employee Shows up at office despite illness In a Reddit post, the user, who goes by the handle @SyntaxPetal said that they asked the boss for work from home so that others are not infected. "Last week I woke up feeling awful fever, cough, the whole thing. I messaged my boss to ask if I could work from home so I wouldnt get anyone sick," the user wrote. The boss declined the request by saying, No exceptions. If youre well enough to work, youre well enough to be here. Following the instruction, the employee turned up at the office while visibly coughing and sniffling. "So I dragged myself in, coughing and sniffling the whole time. The look on his face when I walked through the door was priceless," the employee wrote. The employee said that by the end of the day, the boss asked them to go home. "By the end of the day, he told me to go home and said I could work remotely after all. Funny how that works," the user wrote. Employee Shows up at office despite illness: Netizens react The post shared by the employee resonated with many on the social media platform with many criticising workplace culture that prioritises physical presence over health. One user commented, "I hate this culture that forces people to work when they are sick." One user said, "Some bosses really need to learn the hard way that forcing sick employees into the office just creates a miserable (and germ-filled) workplace for everyone. Glad yours finally saw reason, but it shouldnt take a walking biohazard to prove the point." "I really dont get us labor laws. Sick days? How come they are a fixed number?" commented another user. One user said, "Should have barfed on his boss's desk for best results." One user said, "He sent you home at the end of the day? What a shit manager." "Vomiting on the office floor solves this every time," said one user. New Delhi: In a bid to enable real-time settlement of US dollar transactions at GIFT City in Gujarat, Standard Chartered Bank and CCIL IFSC Limited, a subsidiary of Clearing Corporation of India Limited (CCIL), on Tuesday signed an agreement. Under the pact, Standard Chartered Bank IBU will act as the settlement bank for CCIL IFSC Limited's Foreign Exchange Settlement System (FCSS) at GIFT City. Corporates, business and the financial community will benefit from the US dollar clearing system, as it permits faster settlement of foreign currency transactions within international business units. Subsequently, this will improve the efficiency of fund management for IFSC banking units, investors and other institutions. Standard Chartered Banks appointment as a Settlement Bank at GIFT City is an important milestone in our continued contribution to this critical ecosystem, said P.D. Singh, CEO, India and South Asia, Standard Chartered Bank. Having been at the forefront of introducing new products and capabilities at GIFT City, the bank looks forward to utilising its international expertise to make this a world class Banking centre in partnership with CCIL IFSC, Singh added. The agreement reflects Standard Chartered Bank's commitment to the continued development of GIFT City, in line with the government vision to create a world-class financial centre with a strong reputation in the country. CCIL-IFSC's partnership with Standard Chartered Bank is a significant step towards operationalising our Foreign Currency Settlement System that will enable seamless, real-time USD settlements at IFSC, GIFT City, said Hare Krishna Jena, Managing Director, CCIL and Director, CCIL IFSC Limited. According to the government, GIFT International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) should be developed as a prominent gateway for global capital flows into India to feed the needs of high-growth sectors over the next two decades. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman late last month underscored the importance of developing GIFT City into a dynamic smart city, equipped with integrated, modern, and sustainable living infrastructure, and stated that establishing such world-class amenities is essential to attracting top-tier talent from both domestic and international markets. The ISKCON Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple in Spanish Fork, Utah, came under attack in a suspected hate crime. According to a post on X by ISKCON, 2030 bullets were fired at the temple building. This incident caused thousands of dollars in structural damage, including to the temples hand-carved arches. "The ISKCON Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple in Spanish Fork, Utah (USA), world-famous for its Holi Festival, has recently come under attack in suspected hate crimes. Over the past several days, 2030 bullets were fired at the temple building and the surrounding property." The ISKON said in a statement that the incident took place at night while devotees and guests were present inside. A pleasure meeting US @SecRubio this afternoon, on the sidelines of Quad Foreign Ministers meeting. Discussed our bilateral partnership including trade, security, critical technologies, connectivity, energy and mobility. Shared perspectives on regional and global pic.twitter.com/zOdXK64Yhj Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) July 1, 2025 The ISKON said in a statement that the incident took place at night while devotees and guests were present inside. Therefore, the Consulate General of India in San Francisco firmly condemned the shooting at the ISKCON temple in Spanish Fork, Utah. The Consulate extends full support to all the devotees and the community and urges the local authorities to take prompt action to bring the perpetrators to justice, the India in SF officials shared via X. Seagate Technology Holdings Plc office-by JHVEPhoto via Shutterstock With a market cap of $30.8 billion, Seagate Technology Holdings plc (STX) is a leading global provider of data storage technology and infrastructure solutions, with operations in Singapore, the U.S., the Netherlands, and beyond. As the second-largest manufacturer of hard disk drives (HDDs) in the U.S., Seagate offers a broad portfolio of HDDs, SSDs, and cloud systems designed for enterprise, consumer, and edge computing applications. The Singapore-based company is slated to announce its fiscal Q4 2025 earnings results on Tuesday, Jul. 22. Ahead of this event, analysts expect STX to report a profit of $2.17 per share, a significant 149.4% growth from $0.87 per share in the year-ago quarter. It has exceeded Wall Street's earnings expectations in the past four quarters. In Q3 2025, Seagate Technology beat the consensus EPS estimate by 11.3% margin. More News from Barchart For fiscal 2025, analysts expect the electronic storage maker to report EPS of $7.06, a significant growth from $0.69 in fiscal 2024. www.barchart.com Shares of Seagate Technology have climbed 41.8% over the past 52 weeks, outperforming the broader S&P 500 Index's ($SPX) 12.4% rise and the Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund's (XLK) 9.5% gain over the same period. www.barchart.com Shares of Seagate Technology jumped 11.6% following its Q3 2025 earnings release on April 29. The company reported Q3 adjusted EPS of $1.90 and revenue of $2.2 billion, surpassing analysts estimates. It also forecast Q4 revenue of $2.4 billion ($150 million) and adjusted EPS of $2.40, both beating Wall Street expectations. Investor sentiment was further boosted by strong demand for Seagates mass capacity storage and AI-integrated devices, along with optimism around the Windows 11 refresh cycle and recovering PC market demand. Analysts' consensus view on Seagate Technology stock remains cautiously optimistic, with an overall Moderate Buy rating. Out of 19 analysts covering the stock, 12 recommend a "Strong Buy," one "Moderate Buy," five "Holds," and one "Strong Sell." As of writing, STX is trading above the average analyst price target of $125.72. On the date of publication, Sohini Mondal did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. This article was originally published on Barchart.com The Dalai Lama has said today that his institution will carry on after him, with the fateful choice of his heir solely in the hands of "free Tibetans." His message, issued on Tuesday, comes just ahead of his 90th birthday and breaks much-awaited news about the destiny of his spiritual legacy. "I am confirming that the institution of the Dalai Lama will persist," His Holiness added, reaffirming that the Gaden Phodrang Trust alone has "sole authority to recognize the future reincarnation; no one else has any such authority to interfere in this." Statement Affirming the Continuation of the Institution of Dalai Lama (Translated from the original Tibetan) On 24 September 2011, at a meeting of the heads of Tibetan spiritual traditions, I made a statement to fellow Tibetans in and outside Tibet, followers of Tibetan pic.twitter.com/VqtBUH9yDm Dalai Lama (@DalaiLama) July 2, 2025 The Dalai Lama, who celebrates his 90th birthday Sunday, has spent nearly six decades in exile in India after a Tibetan rebellion against Chinese rule failed in 1959. He has before now said he would issue guidance on his succession around this birthday milestone. Multi-day celebrations are ongoing in Dharamshala, where the Tibetan government-in-exile is located. Successor From The 'Free World' The question of succession to the Dalai Lama is a sensitive political matter, especially with China, which considers him to be a separatist and has insisted that it would not recognize any successor named in exile. The Dalai Lama has, however, increasingly indicated that his successor would come from the exiled Tibetan community, most probably in India. In a book released this year, the Dalai Lama went as far as to say out loud that his next incarnation would be born in the "free world" outside China's hold on Tibet. "As the main reason for a reincarnation is to continue the work of the previous one, the new Dalai Lama will be born in the free world so that the traditional task of the Dalai Lama. will be carried on," he wrote. This endeavor encompasses being the representative of worldwide compassion, the spiritual authority of Tibetan Buddhism, and the icon representing the hopes of the Tibetan people. Earlier this week, the religious leader of Tibetan Buddhists had also signaled a model for the institution's continuation. "The remainder of my life I will keep for the benefit of others, to the extent possible, as wide as possible. There must be some kind of a model under which we can discuss the continuity of the institution of the Dalai Lamas," he said. The 14th Dalai Lama is the current leader in a succession where every leader is said to be the reincarnation of the last. His statement clears the path ahead, making Tibetan autonomy a foregone conclusion that China will be required to observe and respond to cautiously. Renewed Engagement With Tibetan Movement The Dalai Lama's statement also comes in the backdrop of fresh interaction between the Narendra Modi government and the Tibetan cause, as Indian-China relations worsened after Chinese aggression in 2020. Top Indian politicians, such as Union Minister Kiren Rijiju and Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh Pema Khandu, have been conspicuous in attendance at current birthday celebrations in Dharamshala, projecting India's ongoing backing. The phrase "I love you" is one of the most spoken phrases in the world, but can saying it to a girl be considered sexual harassment? A recent court ruling has sparked a widespread debate on social media, with many questioning where exactly the line is drawn. In today's DNA, Zee News Managing Editor Rahul Sinha analyses the details behind the controversy and what the law says. Below is the full DNA episode: The Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court delivered an important verdict while hearing a case related to sexual harassment. The court acquitted the accused, saying that simply saying "I love you" cannot be considered sexual harassment unless the words are accompanied by a behaviour that shows a malicious intent. Laxman Narate, a resident of Nagpur, was accused of saying "I love you" to a 17-year-old girl while she was returning from school. Based on the girl's complaint, Laxman Narate was sentenced to three years under the POCSO Act. She challenged the verdict in the High Court, which acquitted him, saying that just saying 'I love you' does not amount to sexual assault; clear intention is necessary. Now, let us analyse the court's observations in its judgment. 'I love you' is a phrase that can be expressed in many ways. A child says 'I love you' to his mother out of love. This love is innocent and the love a mother has for her child is the purest form. Husbands and wives also say 'I love you' to each other, which signifies a lifelong commitment. A lover says 'I love you' to his girlfriend as an expression of love. But sometimes, you must have seen some miscreants say 'I love you', make obscene gestures to harass girls on the street. The court mentioned such intention in its decision. Who would have thought that I love you would reach the court room one day? But do you know the history of I love you? Do you know who said I love you for the first time? The earliest use of the word love in English as lufu or leof was around 1100 AD. The first mention of loving someone in English literature is found in the 1300s. The word love was added to the Oxford Dictionary in the 1860s. It is believed that English songs made I love you popular in everyday language. Ten percent of English songs mention I love you. According to a survey, 33% of Americans say I love you at least once a day. This means that 33 out of every 100 Americans say I love you at least once a day. I love you is generally used to express love, but sometimes its use leads to cases reaching the court. External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar on Wednesday again highlighted that India will not hesitate to take action if terror attacks like Pahalgam happen again. Addressing the media in Washington after the successful completion of the QUAD summit and bilateral meetings, Jaishankar said that India has communicated very clearly its position of zero tolerance against terrorism. "What we have communicated very clearly is we mean it when we say there is zero tolerance for terrorism...If you look back at the Prime Minister's address to the nation after the cessation of firing on the 10th of May, there were some very clear messages which came out of that...It's really for the terrorist groupings and for their sponsors to absorb and reflect on those messages. I don't think we are going to spell out (what India will do) if this (terror attack) happens, what we will do. I mean, no government does that," said Jaishankar. Jaishankar said that he shared India's concern with all QUAD counterparts - the United States, Australia, Japan. The EAM said that India informed the QUAD members of the nature of the terrorist challenge India has confronted over multiple decades. "We are very resolved today to respond to it very firmly and we have the right to defend ourselves...The perpetrators of terrorism must be held accountable, they must be brought to justice and that's important because we have to communicate to the world that what we did on 7th May, the objective of Operation Sindoor is that if there are terrorist attacks, we will act against the perpetrators, the supporters, the enablers. That message was conveyed with great clarity," said Jaishankar. EAM Dr S Jaishankar also said that India expects to hold a Quad summit later this year. Sharing details of the QUAD meeting and outcomes, Dr Jaishankar said that the grouping launched the Quad Critical Minerals initiative to focus on the mineral recovery, which is very important for all four countries. "There is the Quad at Sea Ship Observer mission. This involves our coast guards...Then there is a maritime legal dialogue at the expert level which will be held virtually later this month. We took some steps to expand the Indo-Pacific Partnership on Maritime Domain awareness through our Gurugram Fusion Centre," said the EAM. He said that the QUAD members strongly agree that the goal of the grouping is to strengthen strategic stability in the Indo-Pacific and in this meeting, the discussions were largely devoted to enhancing delivery on various initiatives and projects. Faith continues to triumph over fear, as pilgrims deliberately choose the Pahalgam route to honor the victims of the recent terrorist attack and to showcase their unwavering determination. Bullets and bombs cant break our faith, said one of the pilgrims resolutely. Despite the tragic terrorist attack on April 22 in Pahalgams Baisaran Valley, pilgrims undertaking the Amarnath Yatra via the Pahalgam route have demonstrated remarkable resilience. The 46-kilometer trek, one of the two traditional paths leading to the sacred Amarnath cave shrine, remains the preferred choice for most devotees. For them, this journey is not only a spiritual commitment but also a powerful act of defiance against terrorism. Pilgrims embarking on the yatra have expressed steadfast determination, declaring, Bullets and bombs cannot stop us from having Baba Barfanis darshan. They added that the attack would not shake their faith, and the large number of participants this year is boosting the morale of security forces. Devotees are showing immense enthusiasm, with many predicting that participation will double compared to 2024 seen as a befitting reply to terrorism. This years first batch of pilgrims is larger than in the past two years. Around 5,892 pilgrims have reached the base camps at Pahalgam and Baltal. In comparison, the first batch in 2024 included 4,604 pilgrims, and in 2023, 3,488. The 2025 yatra officially began today, with the first batch departing from the Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu and reaching Baltal and Pahalgam in two convoys. Of the 5,892 pilgrims, 3,403 have opted for the Pahalgam route, while 2,489 have chosen the Baltal axis. The convoy consisted of 310 vehicles, including 124 buses, 42 medium motor vehicles, and 144 light motor vehicles. Following the April attack, registrations initially dropped by 10.19%, with only 85,000 of the 2.36 lakh registered pilgrims confirming participation. However, confidence is gradually returning thanks to robust security measures, including a three-tier security setup, deployment of 581 additional Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) companies, and facial recognition systems along the route. The yatris determination reflects both spiritual devotion and a united stand against terrorism, turning the Pahalgam route into a symbol of resilience. The first batch of Amarnath Yatra pilgrims for 2025 was given a warm welcome upon arriving in the Kashmir Valley. Locals and the administration in districts such as Kulgam, Anantnag, Srinagar, and Bandipora greeted the pilgrims with enthusiasm. Local Muslims, alongside police officials, civil society members, business communities, fruit growers, and market associations, welcomed the yatris with garlands and cheers, upholding Kashmirs long-standing tradition of communal harmony and hospitality. The 38-day pilgrimage, which began on July 3, 2025, proceeds via the traditional 48-kilometer NunwanPahalgam route in Anantnag and the shorter, steeper 14-kilometer Baltal route in Ganderbal. The Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board has ensured comprehensive logistical and security arrangements, including over 106 lodging centers, 125 community kitchens, and a deployment of more than 70,000 security personnel with 42,000 stationed along the Pahalgam route alone. New technologies have been introduced, including facial recognition systems, an extensive network of CCTV cameras, drone surveillance, and two large command centers at Police Headquarters and Raj Bhavan for 24/7 monitoring. Command vehicles are stationed at every camp, and dog squads have been deployed throughout the route. Authorities said they are committed to ensuring that the 2025 Amarnath Yatra remains both peaceful and successful. NEW DELHI: A delegation of Opposition parties strongly objected to the Election Commission of Indias decision to conduct a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls in Bihar just months ahead of the assembly elections. The parties alleged that the move, announced belatedly, could compromise the fairness of the electoral process and disproportionately affect marginalised communities. An 18-member delegation representing 11 INDIA bloc constituents including the Congress, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Samajwadi Party, Communist Party of India (CPI), and CPI (M-L) met with ECI officials at Nirvachan Sadan on Wednesday to register their formal protest. Briefing the media after the meeting, senior Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi said the timing of the revision raised serious concerns. This exercise involves verifying over 7.75 crore voters in Bihar. With barely 23 months left for the assembly polls, such a massive exercise is neither practical nor fair, he said, calling it a violation of the level playing field essential for free and fair elections. Singhvi, accompanied by RJD MP Manoj Jha, CPI (M-L)s Dipankar Bhattacharya, Bihar Congress chief Rajesh Kumar, and others, said the delegation also expressed strong disapproval of the EC's new rule restricting the number of party representatives in such meetings. He said senior leaders like Jairam Ramesh and Pawan Khera were denied entry and made to wait outside. This kind of limitation on who can meet the Commission capping it at two people including the party president is unprecedented and arbitrary, Singhvi said. The opposition leaders further questioned the timing of the announcement, pointing out that no mention of a Special Intensive Revision had been made in the ECs public communications over the past six months. When this exercise was done in 2003, general elections were a year away, and assembly elections two years away. Now there are just a few months left, Singhvi said. The delegation alleged that for the first time, the EC was asking voters to furnish multiple documents, a move that could lead to the exclusion of poor, marginalised, and rural populations from the voter rolls. This sudden push for documentation, at this late stage, will disenfranchise those who lack the means to comply, he warned. RJDs Manoj Jha echoed the concern, saying the exercise was suspicious in intent and its implementation would result in widespread confusion and voter suppression. CPI (M-L) leader Dipankar Bhattacharya said the revision risks becoming a tool of manipulation if carried out without transparency or adequate time. The leaders urged the Commission to defer the revision exercise and ensure that electoral reforms, if necessary, are conducted in a manner that does not affect voter rights or compromise democratic integrity. Foreign ministers of the Quad group, including those from Australia, India, and Japan, met in Washington on Wednesday and condemned the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam on April 22, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians. In a released statement, the Quad joint statement strongly condemned all acts of terrorism and violence in all their forms and manifestations, including cross-border terrorism. "We condemn in the strongest terms the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir on April 22, 2025, which claimed the lives of 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen, while injuring several others," the released statement. The foreign ministers of the Quad group expressed their deepest condolences to the families of the victims and extended their heartfelt wishes for a swift and full recovery to all those injured. India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Japan's Minister of Foreign Affairs Takeshi Iwaya, and Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong attended the Quad Foreign Ministers' Meeting at the US Department of State on Tuesday. S. Jaishankar is visiting the US from June 30 to July 2 at the invitation of Marco Rubio. "A pleasure meeting US @SecRubio this afternoon, on the sidelines of Quad Foreign Ministers meeting," Jaishankar posted on X. SpiceJet flight number SG 1080 from Goa to Pune witnessed a minor incident on Tuesday when a window frame came loose mid-air. The airline said the incident involved the upper frame of a window on the aircraft, which became dislodged during flight, and had no impact on passenger safety. A spokesperson for SpiceJet said "A cosmetic window frame on one of SpiceJet's Q400 aircraft became loose during flight and was found dislodged. It is important to note that this was a non-structural trim component, fitted onto the window for the purpose of shade, and did not compromise the safety or integrity of the aircraft in any way. Cabin pressurisation remained normal throughout the flight, and there was no impact on passenger safety," ANI reported quoting a SpiceJet spokesperson. Despite the visual disruption, cabin pressurisation remained normal, and there was no impact on passenger safety, the spokesperson said. The airline emphasised that the Q400 aircraft is equipped with multiple layers of window panes, including a robust, pressure-bearing outer pane that ensures continued safety even if cosmetic fittings are affected, it added. Passengers on board were not at risk at any point, and the airline has reiterated its commitment to maintaining the highest safety standards. The frame was fixed upon landing at the next station, in accordance with standard maintenance procedures, airline added in its statement. This incident comes weeks after the Ahmedabad plane crash occurred, in which 260 people were killed, including former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani. Only one person miraculously survived the crash. The bodies of 260 people who died in the Air India-171 plane crash have been handed over to their family members, Medical Superintendent of Civil Hospital. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is leading the investigation into the crash and working intensively on analysing data retrieved from the black boxes of Air India Flight AI-171, in their lab in New Delhi. (With ANI Inputs) US President Donald Trump has approved a Senate bill that could impose tariffs of up to 500 per cent on countries, including China and India, that purchase oil and energy products from Russia. US Senator Lindsey Graham in a conversation with ABC News on Sunday said that Trump had told him that the sanctions bill should be brought forward for a vote. Big breakthrough here. So what does this bill do? If youre buying products from Russia and youre not helping Ukraine, then theres a 500% tariff on your products coming into the United States. India and China buy 70% of Putins oil. They keep his war machine going, Graham said, ABC reported. Graham highlighted however that Trump had a waiver and ould decide whether or not to sign it into law if and when it passes Congress. Ive got 84 co-sponsors for a Russian sanctions bill that is an economic bunker buster against China, India, and Russia for Russias brutal invasion of Ukraine. I think that bills going to pass, Graham said interview. On Tuesday, Trump has signalled the possibility of a new trade agreement with India, emphasising the need for reduced tariffs and greater market access. "I think we are going to have a deal with India. And that is going to be a different kind of a deal. It is going to be a deal where we are able to go in and compete. Right now, India does not accept anybody in. I think India is going to do that, and if they do that, we are going to have a deal for much less tariffs," Donald Trump said. New Delhi: Bollywood top gun Ranveer Singh has delivered some amazing films over the years. Now after almost a gap of 2 years, the audience is eagerly waiting to see whats coming next from the superstar. In an interesting update, Ranveer was recently seen shooting at Mehboob Studio. According to an independent industry source, "Massive security has been spotted at Mehboob Studio on the sets where Ranveer Singh is shooting for a project. Not many details about the project have been revealed yet, as everything is being kept under wraps until an official confirmation." While details about the project remain undisclosed, this update has certainly left us intrigued. The actor appears to be working on something big at the prestigious studio. Ranveer Singh is currently busy with his upcoming film Dhurandhar, one of his most anticipated projects. It was also recently reported that the actor will be joining hands with Maddock Films for their expanding horror-comedy universe. Earlier this year, the actor's turbaned look was leaked online and many speculated whether it is for the movie. About Dhurandhar Dhurandhar is being directed by Aditya Dhar of Uri fame. It reportedly has an ensemble of star cast including Sanjay Dutt, R Madhavan, Akshaye Khanna and Arjun Rampal. He also has Farhan Akhtar's Don 3 in the pipeline. Although there has been no word on the official release date for 'Dhurandhar', the film is expected to premiere by the end of this year. Kochi : Malayalam actor Minu Muneer was arrested by the Kochi Cyber Police following a defamation complaint filed by veteran filmmaker and actor Balachandra Menon. The arrest stems from allegations Muneer made on social media, which Menon claimed were defamatory in nature. She was released on bail shortly after being taken into custody. The Kerala High Court had earlier dismissed her anticipatory bail plea. She is the first accused in the case, which was registered in 2024. She reportedly made repeated derogatory posts about him on social media. Minu Muneer also filed a complaint against actor and MLA M Mukesh, who represents the Kollam Assembly constituency and is a leader of the CPI(M). Meanwhile, the arrest marks a new development in a controversy that has roiled the Malayalam film industry in recent months. In a series of social media posts and subsequent interviews, Muneer had publicly accused several prominent industry figures of sexual misconduct and abuse during their professional collaborations. In August last year, Muneer named actors Mukesh, Jayasurya, Maniyanpilla Raju, and Idavela Babu, alleging both verbal and physical harassment. She also mentioned Advocate Chandrasekharan, production controller Noble, and an individual named Vichu. "I am writing to report a series of incidents of physical and verbal abuse I suffered at the hands of Mukesh, Maniyanpilla Raju, Idavela Babu, Jayasoorya, Advocate Chandrasekharan, production controller Noble and Vichu, in the Malayalam film industry," she wrote, claiming the incidents forced her to leave the Malayalam film industry and shift to Chennai. In a detailed account given to ANI, Muneer expanded on her allegations. "Once, as I was coming out from the toilet, Jayasurya hugged me from behind and even kissed me forcefully... After that, Idavela Babu expressed his interest in a sexual relationship with me," she said. She also accused actor-producer Maniyanpilla Raju of making inappropriate suggestions about her hotel stay during a film shoot, describing his behaviour as "unprofessional and unsettling." The incidents she referred to reportedly date back to 2013. The allegations surfaced in the wake of growing dissent within the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA), following unrelated controversies that led to the resignations of director Ranjith and actor Siddique from their posts in the organisation. As you gear up for retirementor maybe you're one of those people who plan to never retirethere's one question that might quietly linger in the back of your mind: Am I doing better than most? While comparison is the thief of joy or so they say, but it can also be a practical toolespecially when money is still taboo to talk about in everyday life. If you've ever wondered how your finances stack up next to your peers, here's your chance to peek behind the curtain. Don't Miss: The best data we have on American household wealth comes from the Federal Reserve's Survey of Consumer Finances. Every three years, the central bank gathers detailed information on everything from how much people have in their retirement accounts to how much they owe on their credit cards. It's a goldmine of financial transparencyspanning income, assets, debt, and demographics. The most recent survey covers data from the end of 2022, and yes, plenty has changed since then. The markets have rallied. Home values have jumped. But until the next release in 2026, this is the most current and comprehensive snapshot of where American households stand. According to Fool.com's analysis of that data, the top 10% of households aged 50 to 59 had a net worth of at least $2,629,060. The median household in that age bracket? Around $285,000a massive gap that underscores just how far ahead the wealthiest 10% really are. Trending: GoSun's Breakthrough Rooftop EV Charger Already Has 2,000+ Units Reserved Become an Investor in This $41.3M Clean Energy Brand Today It's also worth noting: many of those high-net-worth households still carry debt. In fact, the average household in the top 10% has about $375,000 in debt, largely tied to mortgages. And that's not necessarily a red flagespecially if the mortgage comes with a low fixed rate. Paying it off aggressively can actually limit your liquidity. In most cases, smart investing beats rapid repayment, and having flexible access to cash may matter more than being debt-free. Of course, "rich" is relative. For one person, being wealthy might mean having a paid-off house and a modest retirement fund. For another, it might mean leasing luxury cars and flying first class to Europe. Lifestyle choices, spending habits, and risk tolerance all shape what wealth looks likeand how much you need to feel secure. New Delhi: Salman Khans controversial reality show Bigg Boss is gearing up for a highly anticipated return this August with Season 19, and the buzz around it is already heating up thanks to an unexpected and futuristic twist. Known for its unconventional contestants, the show has previously made headlines for introducing animals into the mix, a dog in Bigg Boss 16 and briefly, a donkey in Bigg Boss 18, which was later removed due to animal welfare concerns. Now, the show appears ready to take a digital leap. According to a report from the social media handle Bigg Boss 24x7 on X (formerly Twitter), Season 19 is set to feature a non-human housemate, an AI-powered robot doll from the United Arab Emirates named Habubu. The post reads, "Indias biggest reality show just got its wildest twist ever!, Say hello to HABUBU the first-ever interactive Emirati robot-doll from UAE and guess what SHES ENTERING THE BIGG BOSS HOUSE! Forget drama queens and gym bros this time, the competition includes a golden-masked, pink-lehenga-wearing, AI-powered doll with BIG eyes and even BIGGER surprises! She talks in 7 languages (yes, HINDI too!) She can SING, COOK, CLEAN & SLAY." The social media post adds, And rumor has itshe might even FALL IN LOVE inside the house! Habubu is not just a guest shes a GAME-CHANGER. With conversational AI sharper than the average contestant, shes all set to shake the BB universe! While official confirmation from the shows producers is still awaited, speculation surrounding Habubus entry has already gone viral online, sparking both excitement and debate about the blending of artificial intelligence with human reality TV. Salman, who first joined the franchise in 2010 with Season 4, is set to return as host this season too. Despite years of rumours about him stepping away, hes still very much set to lead the show, bringing his signature mix of authority, wit, and undeniable star power. Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) convicted deposed Awami League leader and ex-prime minister Sheikh Hasina to six months in jail on a contempt of court charge Wednesday in The Dhaka Tribune reports. The three-member panel chaired by Chairman Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumder passed the verdict. The court also acquitted Gobindaganj's Shakil Akand Bulbul of Gaibandha to two months in jail, states the report. This is the first time that the deposed Awami League leader has been convicted in any case since she stepped down from office and went into exile 11 months ago. Recently, ICT had formally indicted Hasina for crimes against humanity on charges of instigating mass killings as a part of a nationwide uprising in July, local media said. As per reporting by The Dhaka Tribune, charges filed by Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam and his team, blame Hasina as the mastermind of the brutal crackdown that transpired during the July and August in 2024 unrest. New Delhi: A alarm has begun to ring in Taiwan. Not in sirens, but in whispers. The kind that come from intercepted texts, missing files and unfamiliar faces in trusted places. Security experts in Taipei are warning that China may already be doing in Taiwan what Israel has done in Iran. Intelligence veterans are now drawing eerie parallels. The recent targeted killings and sabotage deep inside Iran have shaken defense watchers across the world. But in Taiwan, that shock has turned personal. Analysts here believe Beijing is laying the ground network for something far more long-term and embedded. They say it starts with people. Soldiers. Retired officers. Even political insiders. Reports show that Chinese operatives have made steady inroads into Taiwans military and civilian systems. In some cases, the lines between duty and betrayal have blurred. One of the most chilling developments? The arrest of four former aides from the Democratic Progressive Party. These were not small names. One of them had access to national security meetings. Another was tied closely to Taiwans President William Lai. Prosecutors revealed that encrypted apps were used to send China details of Lais overseas visits and even his campaign strategies. Beijing reportedly got hold of sensitive meeting schedules, names of influential figures and records of Lais movements. Taipeis top analysts believe this is part of a broader pattern. A slow but deliberate construction of a spy network that could be activated in the event of a crisis. It would not require tanks or missiles just one order and saboteurs already inside could strike radar systems, airports and cyber nodes. Some may already be in position near power plants and command centers. Max Lo of the Taiwan International Strategic Study Society calls it a copy-paste of Israels method surgical, silent and devastating. He says China may attempt to disrupt Taiwans chain of command, knowing that a leadership breakdown could paralyse the countrys response in wartime. What makes Taiwan more vulnerable? Geography. Language. Shared history. Chinese intelligence agents do not always need disguises. They speak the tongue, understand the customs and know the shortcuts. That gives them a head start in infiltration. Zivon Wang, a defense expert at the Chinese Council of Advanced Policy Studies in Taipei, says that identifying Beijings interference in Taiwan is harder than tracking Mossad inside Iran. The signs are quieter. The consequences could be just as deadly. Alexander Huang, a professor at Tamkang University, says Taiwan must learn from Iran. Last weekend, he told local media that Israels bunker-buster bombs did not only hit buildings, they hit specific bedrooms. That level of accuracy, he said, is only possible with deep and embedded intelligence. The stakes are rising. Since President Lais swearing-in, China has increased its military presence near Taiwan. Drones, warships and flyovers have become frequent. Lai has called China a hostile foreign force. Beijing has not held back either. It still sees Taiwan as a breakaway province and refuses to rule out taking it by force. The United States continues to tread a fine line. It does not formally recognise Taiwan as a sovereign state. But under the Taiwan Relations Act, it has committed to helping the island defend itself. That help could be tested sooner than expected. As the world watches the flashpoints in the Middle East, Taiwan braces for a conflict that may already be unfolding. Not on a battlefield. But in hard drives, chat groups, office drawers and in shadows no one notices until it is too late. United States President Donald Trump has launched a fresh attack against Democrat Zohran Mamdani, who is in the race for the New York mayor post. Taking to Truth Social, Trump termed Mamdani a 'Communist Lunatic' and added that he would save New York City to make it great once again. Trump said that he has all the cards required to save New York City. As President of the United States, Im not going to let this Communist Lunatic destroy New York. Rest assured, I hold all the levers, and have all the cards. Ill save New York City, and make it Hot and Great again, just like I did with the Good Ol USA," said Trump on Truth Social. This is yet another attack on Mamdani by Trump. He had earlier called Mamdani 'pure, true communist' and a 'total nut job'. Well have a lot of fun with him if hes elected. A lot of people are saying he is here illegally Were going to look over everything," Trump had said while hinting at verification of Mamdani's citizenship. The US President also said that Zohran Mamdani could be arrested if he tries to interfere with the ICE operations. Soon after, Mamdani took to X and shared a defiant response. "The President of the United States just threatened to have me arrested, stripped of my citizenship, put in a detention camp and deported. Not because I have broken any law but because I will refuse to let ICE terrorize our city. His statements dont just represent an attack on our democracy but an attempt to send a message to every New Yorker who refuses to hide in the shadows: if you speak up, they will come for you," said Mamdani. Zohran Mamdani said that he won't accept this intimidation. "That Trump included praise for Eric Adams in his authoritarian threats is unsurprising, but highlights the urgency of bringing an end to this Mayors time in City Hall. At the very moment when MAGA Republicans are attempting to destroy the social safety net, kick millions of New Yorkers off of healthcare and enrich their billionaire donors at the expense of working families, it is a scandal that Eric Adams echoes this Presidents division, distraction and hate. Voters will resoundingly reject it in November," said Mamdani. Zohran Mamdani, who moved to the United States from Uganda in 1998 at the age of seven, was born to parents of South Asian heritage and officially became an American citizen in 2018. Although he is a legally naturalized citizen and currently serves as a New York State Assemblymember, his citizenship status has become a point of controversy amid growing tensions with Donald Trump. An old video of Mamdani criticizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the 2002 Gujarat riots and claiming that Muslims were wiped out from the state has resurfaced and gone viral once again. Mamdani faced growing criticism over the issue. New Delhi: The clock is ticking. Only a few days left before the July 9 deadline set by U.S. President Donald Trump. Hopes of a limited trade deal between India and the United States still linger. But the mood around the negotiating table feels anything but settled. The White House has publicly hinted that the deal is all but done. In New Delhi, officials have echoed a similar sentiment, calling the potential agreement big, good and beautiful. Trump claimed it would open Indian markets to American goods. But behind closed doors, things remain tangled in tough back-and-forth. Key concerns have refused to budge. Agriculture, auto parts and steel tariffs continue to dominate the conversation. Indian negotiators have extended their stay for another round of talks. On the other side, India has made it clear that there will be no compromise on protecting farmers and dairy producers. The United States, however, keeps pushing for greater access. Time is running out. Optimism hangs in the air, but so does doubt. Experts tracking the talks believe the coming week could bring clarity. Either a small deal materialises or both sides walk away. At least for now. Agriculture remains the biggest sticking point. The United States wants access for corn, soybean and cotton. India resists. Food security and the livelihood of small farmers weigh heavily on the Indian side. Experts say India is unwilling to slash support prices or reduce public procurement. These programmes offer a safety net to millions of rural families. No cuts expected on rice, wheat or dairy tariffs. These sectors carry political risk. Over 700 million people depend on them, directly or indirectly. Rural India cannot afford shocks. A policy paper by a government think tank recently recommended tariff reductions on several U.S. agricultural goods. Rice, dairy, poultry, corn, apples, almonds and GM soy were all listed. But officials have yet to confirm if this reflects the governments official position or remains a draft proposal. Experts warn that if the United States insists on farm access as a precondition, the deal might collapse. They believe expectations from Washington may have been set without considering Indias political realities. Non-tariff barriers are another headache. The United States has raised concerns over Indias increasing quality control orders. More than 700 are now in place, most tied to the Make in India campaign. These rules aim to block low-grade imports and boost domestic manufacturing. But they have also made it harder for American goods to enter the Indian market. Some Indian economists have described these policies as restrictive. They argue that such controls hurt small and medium businesses by driving up compliance costs. Trade in agriculture between the two countries already stands at $8 billion. India sends rice, shrimp and spices. The U.S. ships almonds, lentils and apples. But the United States sees a trade gap of $45 billion. It wants to shrink that by exporting more farm produce. Experts fear tariff relaxations could open the door to pressure on Indias support programs. The worry is not abstract. It is political, economic and rural. A mini-deal now appears more likely. Something modest. A gesture. A step forward, if not a leap. Experts suggest the agreement could include tariff cuts on industrial goods, especially in automobiles. In return, India may grant limited access for items like ethanol, raisins, olive oil and select wines. But agriculture will likely remain off-limits. No major concessions expected there. Beyond goods, Washington wants India to make big-ticket purchases oil, gas, aircraft, helicopters and even nuclear reactors. Foreign investment rules in retail also remain on the table. U.S. companies like Amazon and Walmart stand to benefit. New Delhi has been cautious. The United States is also eyeing flexibility in regulations for refurbished items. That would ease entry for used electronics and other products. Experts say if this mini-deal happens, it will revolve around tariff cuts and strategic purchases. Larger issues like digital trade, intellectual property and service exports will be shelved for future rounds. Initially, the two sides seemed aligned. A simple principle guided them America would focus on capital-intensive goods and India on labour-driven ones. That equation now feels out of sync. If the talks collapse, the fallout may be limited. Experts do not expect Trump to reimpose the full 26% tariff on Indian goods. A flat 10% under Most Favoured Nation (MFN) rates seems more likely. These are the standard tariffs World Trade Organisation (WTO) members apply to each other. In April, 57 countries faced those U.S. tariffs. Only the United Kingdom managed a deal. Singling out India would raise eyebrows. Still, observers remain cautious. Trump is known for surprises. And surprises can override expectations. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has arrested two Chinese nationals for spying on the US Navy and attempting to recruit American military personnel for the Chinese Communist Party's intelligence service, FBI Director Kash Patel said. Patel also warned that spying on American soil would be responded to with full force. "Two Chinese nationals were caught spying on our Navy and trying to recruit American service members for the CCP's intel service. Our FBI won't stand for it. We tracked them, we stopped them, and we're not done yet. Espionage on U.S. soil will be met with full force," he said in a post on X. The Department of Justice (DOJ) said Chinese national Yuance Chen, who resides in Happy Valley, Oregon, and Liren Lai, who travelled to Houston on a tourist visa in April 2025, were arrested on Friday. Both individuals face charges of overseeing and carrying out various clandestine intelligence tasks in the US on behalf of the Ministry of State Security, Fox News reported. Along with assisting with the recruitment of potential MSS assets and gathering intel about service members and bases, the two men are accused of facilitating a "dead drop" payment of cash on behalf of the MSS. "Today's arrests reflect the FBI's unwavering commitment to protecting our national security and safeguarding the integrity of our military," Patel told Fox News. "The individuals charged were acting on behalf of a hostile foreign intelligence service -- part of the Chinese Communist Party's broader effort to infiltrate and undermine our institutions. Thanks to outstanding coordination with our partners, including NCIS, we disrupted those efforts and sent a clear message: the United States will not tolerate espionage on American soil. Our counterintelligence operations remain focused, vigilant, and relentless," Patel added. The FBI arrested both men on Friday. Chen was arrested in Happy Valley while Lai was arrested in Houston, with help from the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS). Citing a criminal complaint filed in the Northern District of California, the Department of Justice said the government of the PRC conducts intelligence activities against the US using various means, including the MSS, which is involved with collecting intelligence on civilians. The MSS is also responsible for foreign intelligence, counterintelligence and political security, Fox News reported. (With ANI inputs) Washington, D.C.: As smoke still lingers over Irans bombed-out nuclear facilities, U.S. President Donald Trump has offered a reflection on Americas recent military strikes and a past that is hard to ignore. Speaking at a closed-door briefing with top Republican donors, he defended the U.S. decision to bomb key Iranian nuclear sites including Fordow, Isfahan and Natanz. We hit them hard. Very hard. Their nuclear programme is gone, he said. He was referring to the 14,000-kg bunker busters dropped by B-2 stealth bombers during Operation Midnight Hammer. But in a moment that raised eyebrows in the room, Trump shifted from military bravado to historical introspection. You know what is crazy? We gave them the first reactor. We actually did that, he said, pointing to the Tehran Research Reactor an aging facility that still runs today. It arrived in Iran as part of the Eisenhower-era Atoms for Peace programme, meant to share nuclear science with allies during the Cold War. Trumps comment was more than offhand nostalgia. It echoed a little-known fact the seeds of Irans nuclear knowledge were, in part, planted by the United States itself. Back in 1967, under Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, the United States shipped a research reactor and highly enriched uranium fuel to Tehran. American universities, including MIT, trained Iranian engineers. U.S. scientists helped draft blueprints for a future nuclear grid. Washington welcomed the shahs ambition. At the time, Iran was a U.S. ally. A rising power. A moderniser. Today, that history feels surreal. The very architecture that once symbolised U.S.-Iran cooperation now lies buried beneath rubble, struck by American warplanes decades later under orders from a president who once threatened to obliterate Irans nuclear capabilities. There is a strange kind of symmetry to it. We built it. Then we bombed it, said a retired U.S. diplomat familiar with both the Cold War-era assistance and todays military planning. Trump did not dwell long on the history. But his remarks carried the weight of unfinished business of decisions made in another century, coming full circle in the fires of a 21st-century conflict. He said, In his words, we gave them the starter kit. Then they ran with it. And now, we are taking it back. Whether Irans nuclear programme has truly been wiped out remains under debate. Intelligence sources suggest parts of it survived. But for Trump, the mission was both military and symbolic. An attempt to erase a shadow that, in some ways, began with a handshake in 1967. New Delhi: She stood silently beside him. In the glow of victory, on a stage crowded with cheers, Rama Duwaji looked out at the audience. Calm. Composed. A little distant. For months, she had stayed away from the spotlight. On June 24, she stepped into it. Her husband, Zohran Mamdani, has won the Democratic primary for New York City mayor. However, the questions that followed were not just about politics. They circled back to her Rama Duwaji. A name now deeply entangled in identity, art and controversy. Back in May, Mamdani had posted a statement. It came after critics accused him of keeping his wife out of the campaign. The reason, they said, was her Syrian roots, her solidarity with Palestine and her political art. Mamdani pushed back. He called her a remarkable artist. Someone who deserved to be known for her work, not her relationships. Until that night of celebration, Duwaji had kept a visible distance. No campaign posts. No media appearances. Her social media stayed personal art, sketches, portraits and moments from her studio. The silence fueled the fire. Some claimed it was deliberate. A tactic to avoid backlash. The fact that she supported Palestine. That she criticised Israeli military operations in Gaza through her work. That she spoke openly through lines, shapes and color. But Duwajis world does not begin or end with her marriage. She is 27. She now lives in Brooklyn. She was born in Texas. She was born into cultures. Her family, which came from Damascus in Syria, now lives in Dubai. She studied in Virginia. She did her master's in New York. She does not talk much about her parents. She prefers to leave that portion of her life in the quiet. She once said she went back to Dubai before the pandemic. She studied in Virginia. Completed her masters in New York. She does not talk much about her parents. She prefers to keep that part of her life quiet. She once said that during the pandemic, she returned to Dubai. Spent months with family. Reconnected. Reflected. It shaped her art, her sense of self and her understanding of home. Her illustrations speak. About Gaza. About immigration. About racial injustice. About campuses silencing dissent. She has drawn pieces in support of Palestinian students. One, in particular, stood out an illustration for Mahmoud Khalil, detained this year over alleged ties to Hamas. She does not hold back in interviews either. In April, speaking to a youth-focused platform, she opened up. Her words were raw. Things are not okay in New York. I worry about my friends. My family. And sometimes it feels like it is all out of my control, she said. Her art, she said, reflects what she sees. What she feels. From America to Palestine. From Syria to the edges of her sketchpad. But it was not always like this. Duwaji struggled with her Syrian identity. For years, she tried to hide it. She told people she was American. It was easier and safer. While living in the Gulf, she spoke little Arabic. Her mindset, she admitted, was shaped by the West. When she returned to the United States, something shifted. I was not fully American either. I did not feel connected to the people around me. So I stayed confused and unsure. Eventually, I embraced my Middle Eastern self. Whatever that meant. It is not entirely Syrian. Not fully Emirati. But it shaped my art and my voice, she once said. She met Mamdani on a dating app. Hinge. They hit it off. He once joked, These apps still have hope. In 2024, they got engaged in Dubai. A traditional nikah followed. Their wedding in New York was small. Close friends. Family. Intimate and quiet. The way they wanted it. Mamdanis team described the ceremony as private, joyful and filled with love. When he won the primary, he thanked three persons his mother, filmmaker Mira Nair, his father, scholar Mahmood Mamdani, and Rama. He held her hand. Kissed it. And said softly, Thank you, Rama. She smiled. Proud. Still distant. Still herself. Human rights activists from Balochistan on Tuesday reported that Pakistani forces, including Frontier Corps (FC) and police, launched a violent crackdown on sleeping protesters in D-Baloch, Kech district of Balochistan, during the sixth night of the ongoing protest against the closure of Abdohi border. In the dark of night, forces stormed the protest camp, beat peaceful demonstrators, and opened indiscriminate fire. At least 14 protesters have been arrested. The protesters, made up of local traders, labourers, and civilians, have been peacefully demanding the reopening of the Abdohi border, a lifeline for the local economy. The closure, ongoing since March 19, has devastated livelihoods and pushed the indigenous into desperation," read a statement issued by the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), a human rights organisation from the Pakistani province. The BYC accused that instead of addressing their legitimate economic grievances, the Pakistani authorities have responded with "brutality and suppression". Recently, the rights body slammed the Pakistani authorities for the continuous closure of the Abdohi border, describing it as a form of economic exploitation by Islamabad. The BYC revealed that since the closure of the Abdohi border, a crucial source of income has been severed for hundreds of families in Balochistan, and with no alternative livelihoods and rising economic distress, the closure has pushed communities into hunger and uncertainty Last week, the local traders, labourers, and civilians launched a peaceful sit-in protest as the protesters vowed to continue their agitation until the border is reopened and their economic survival is secured. The BYC highlighted that the Pakistani authorities attempted to suppress the protest as security forces used baton charges and force to intimidate and disperse the demonstrators, rather than engaging in dialogue. Despite this, the rights body stated, the protestors continue to hold their ground, demanding an end to policies that deliberately marginalise them. "The prolonged closure is not just a logistical issue but part of a larger pattern of control, where economic pressure is used as a tool to subjugate. In Balochistan, where corruption and underdevelopment already limit opportunities, closing the border has created a humanitarian crisis which is affecting everyone, and frustration continues to build," said the BYC. Urging authorities to immediately reopen the border, the BYC called for respecting the rights of citizens and halting the use of force against peaceful demonstrations. It also mentioned that ignoring these demands risks deepening the resentment and resistance among a population already pushed to the brink. Washington, D.C.: U.S. President Donald Trump stood before the cameras, confident as ever. His voice did not waver. His words were clear. We obliterated Irans nuclear programme, he claimed. No hesitation. No asterisk. No doubt. The president was referring to the recent US-led strike on Irans underground nuclear complexes. It was the most daring mission since the Israel-Iran war began. Code-named Operation Midnight Hammer, it involved B-2 stealth bombers, cruise missiles and nearly 14,000 kilograms of high-grade bunker-busting bombs. But behind the scenes, the picture looks less absolute. Senior U.S. defense officials now say the most heavily fortified site Isfahan was never hit with bombs. It could not be. The facility lies too deep. Concrete, rock, steel all stacked over the chambers that store Irans most dangerous uranium. Military planners knew the GBU-57 bombs would not reach it. So they did not try. Instead, the strike relied on Tomahawk missiles fired from US submarines. These targeted surface structures and power lines above the site. Not the heart of the complex. Not the vaults where the enriched uranium is kept. General Dan Caine, the top military officer in charge of the operation, later told lawmakers that Isfahan was a no-go for bunker-busters. The depth exceeds our penetrative capability, he said. Isfahan reportedly holds nearly 60% of Irans enriched uranium. Some of it at 60% purity just short of weapons-grade. If that stockpile survived, Irans nuclear timeline has not collapsed. It is only slowed. Satellite images taken after the strike showed activity near the facility. Trucks. Cranes. Fresh digging. Tunnel doors appeared open again within days. U.S. and Israeli intelligence officials quietly reviewed the images. Their consensus Iran may have moved key material before the bombing. President Trump has dismissed those reports. He insists nothing was relocated. No uranium was moved. We got it all. There is nothing left to hide, he said during a televised interview. But intelligence briefings tell a more cautious story. A Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) assessment shared with members of the Congress emphasised severe damage to Fordow and Natanz two shallower sites. But it stopped short of confirming full destruction. Core infrastructure at Isfahan remains structurally intact, one official summarised. Some lawmakers are now urging clarity. Republican Congressman Michael McCaul, who sits on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, told reporters, We do not think Iran shipped anything out. But a full accounting is needed. We need inspectors back in there. That, however, may not happen soon. Iran has blocked International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) access to its bombed facilities since the strike. Without their cameras or inspectors, the uraniums status remains a mystery. IAEA chief Rafael Grossi admitted that he cannot verify what is still inside. The damage above ground was enormous. But we do not know what is happening below, he said. For now, Trumps declaration stands alone. Bold. Defiant. Unmatched by evidence. Whether it holds up, history will judge. This story was originally published on CFO.com. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily CFO.com newsletter. Sean Denham never intended to leave his role as senior partner at Grant Thornton. In fact, when the head of HR at financial services firm SEI first approached him about a CFO job, Denham declined. However, after meeting with company board members and discussing it further with CEO Ryan Hicke, he soon warmed to the idea. Reflecting on the last act of his career, Denham, 52, decided to take a chance and accept the role. I took a bit of a leap of faith, says Denham, and I have absolutely no regrets. He officially joined SEI as CFO in March 2024 and added COO to his title in February of this year. Through his prior jobs at Grant Thornton, Ernst & Young and EisnerAmper predecessor Amper, Politziner & Mattia, Denham had the chance to peer under the hood of several large, publicly traded clients, including SEI. But he had never worked directly for a public company. He had also never worked as a CFO. In an interview with CFO.com, Denham talks about making the transition from private to public, how he balances operational duties with financial ones and his approach to navigating an increasingly uncertain global economy. CFO, SEI First CFO position: March 2024 Notable previous employers: Grant Thornton Ernst & Young Amper, Politziner & Mattia This conversation has been edited for brevity and clarity. DAN NIEPOW: You left the partner track at EY and Grant Thornton to become a CFO. What prompted you to make that move? SEAN DENHAM: I held a lot of meaningful roles at Grant Thornton over the years, and to be honest, I was never looking to leave. When SEIs former CFO, Dennis McGonigle, announced his retirement, I tried to help them find a replacement. SEI is a significant client for Grant Thornton, so we wanted to be helpful. I sent over probably 20 or 30 resumes. Eventually, though, the head of HR said, Well, Sean, what about you? I said, No, thank you. But the CEO of SEI, whom I knew from outside board service, was still interested. He suggested I meet with SEIs board members. So, after meeting them and talking it over with my family, the position became more intriguing. Im 52 years old, and I was starting to think about the last act of my career. I knew [SEI CEO] Ryan very well, and I knew SEI very well. These opportunities dont come along too often, so I took a bit of a leap and decided to make the change. What were some of the biggest lessons learned over your two decades at Grant Thornton? It developed me as a professional. To see how not just one company works, but hundreds. I got to see what things worked well for some companies, and what things became barriers for others. There are also lots of things I took from my time as a senior partner. Moving lock-step with other partners was truly meaningful to me, and has helped me work better with other leaders. United States President Donald Trump on Tuesday (local time) said that Israel has agreed to the necessary conditions to finalise a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza. Trump cautioned Hamas against rejecting the ceasefire deal, warning that "it will not get better -- it will only get worse." Qatar and Egypt, who, according to Trump, "worked very hard to help bring Peace", will deliver the final proposal. He also stated that negotiations to end the war would continue during the proposed ceasefire period. "My Representatives had a long and productive meeting with the Israelis today on Gaza. Israel has agreed to the necessary conditions to finalize the 60 Day CEASEFIRE, during which time we will work with all parties to end the War. The Qataris and Egyptians, who have worked very hard to help bring Peace, will deliver this final proposal. I hope, for the good of the Middle East, that Hamas takes this Deal, because it will not get better -- IT WILL ONLY GET WORSE. Thank you for your attention to this matter!" Trump wrote on his social media platform, Truth Social. The announcement came less than a week before Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's scheduled visit to the United States on July 7. Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes have continued across Gaza. On Monday, Israel launched at least 50 aerial strikes, with a significant focus on eastern Gaza City, following forced evacuation warnings issued by the Israeli military, according to Al Jazeera. Citing medical sources, Al Jazeera reported that Israeli forces killed at least 68 Palestinians in Gaza on Sunday, including 47 in Gaza City and the northern areas of the territory. According to Gaza's Health Ministry, the ongoing war has so far claimed at least 56,500 lives and wounded 133,419 people. In comparison, around 1,139 people were killed in Israel during the October 7 attacks, during which more than 200 individuals were taken captive. The suspense mounts about the whereabouts of a US B-2 Spirit stealth bomber that allegedly has not returned to base after a mission thought to have struck Iranian nuclear facilities. The US Department of Defense offered no definitive word on the location of the aircraft, fueling rampant speculation. This contradiction is at odds with a Pentagon announcement on June 23 that all US B-2 stealth bombers that took part in "Operation Midnight Hammer," bombing Iranian nuclear plants, had returned to American soil, touching down near Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri. But it has now emerged that the status of at least one of these B-2 bombers remains uncertain. Two sets of B-2 Spirit bombers flew out of Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri on June 21, according to reports. One group of an unknown number of B-2s flew west across the Pacific Ocean towards an airbase of strategic importance in Guam. Meanwhile, another group of seven B-2 planes flew in a direction east, to bomb Iranian nuclear facilities. The second wave of seven B-2s successfully attacked Iranian nuclear plants in Fordo and Natanz, dropping 14 GBU-57 MOP bunker buster bombs. The two factories were said to be destroyed in the raid. These planes later flew back home after a non-stop flight period of 37 hours. Emergency Landing In Hawaii Raises Questions Little is known about the initial batch of B-2s, whose mission was to disorient Iranian defenses. It has recently come to light that at least one B-2 from this batch had an emergency landing at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu, Hawaii. The airport is situated close to Hickam Air Force Base, and the stealth bomber has been stranded there for some days, according to reports. When the actual attacks against Iran's nuclear facilities took place, a number of Iranian social media handles reported that Iran had downed an American plane. The claims were later rejected by then-President Trump and the US Air Force. Before the attack, on June 21 as the Iran-Israel escalation worsened, news came of a squadron of B-2 combat aircraft flying west out of Whiteman Air Force Base. Reuters reported at the time that the U.S. was to deploy B-2 bombers on Guam, a major US military base in the Pacific that is used mainly as a home base for F-22s, C-17s, and KC-135s, to support U.S. military activities in the Indo-Pacific area. Flight tracking information showed that a minimum of two individual B-2 Spirit bomber flights, employing call signs MYTEE 11 and MYTEE 21, took off from Whiteman Air Force Base, escorted by aerial refueling tankers. News the next morning emerged that the US bombed Iranian nuclear facilities with B-2 Spirits. It was only realised afterwards that while a group of B-2s flew westward across the Pacific (the decoy operation), another group flew eastward across the Atlantic, actually performing the real mission. Open-source intelligence (OSINT) networks widely covered and tracked the path of the first group without knowing about the secret mission of the second. Now, there are reports that one of the planes that were headed towards the Pacific has yet to arrive at the destination. Experienced pilot David Martin posted a brief video clip of a B-2 bomber grounded at Honolulu Airport, call sign MYTEE 14. The details about the reason for the emergency landing or the time it will take for repairs are not available. Air Force Silence Fuels Speculation As for the B-2 bomber in Hawaii, there was also a report posted on The War Zone (TWZ) website. Charles Hoffman, Air Force Global Strike Command's Media Operations boss, informed TWZ, "We do not comment on military, aircraft movement, deployment, or posturing." The US Air Force's silence about this landing is keeping alive the intensifying mystery: Why did this plane need to make an emergency landing, and why is it still in Hawaii? Hoffman went on to say, "Air Force Global Strike Command retains the capability to execute global strike operations anywhere, at any time, at the President of the United States' discretion." Our forces stand always prepared to operate individually or integrated in entirety with our many allies and partners." B-2 bombers are also infamous for needing a lot of maintenance and are reaching the end of their operational lives, with the majority of the USAF B-2 fleet being close to three decades old. The planes are to be replaced by the more modern B-21 Raider stealth bombers. Only 21 B-2 bombers were originally constructed, and only 19 are still in service following two being destroyed in crashes. H-Hour: Russias War Against Europe Getty Images Author Mykhailo Honchar President of the Centre for Global Studies Strategy XXI Last year, during a working discussion with officials at NATO headquarters, I received a comment in response to a statement made in one of Strategy XXIs studiessomething that seemed obvious in the 11th year of Russian aggression: The war in Ukraine is a war in Europe. The comment from Brussels was: yes, but this is not Europes war. That is, its your war with Russia; we are, of course, on your side against Russian aggression, but this is not our (NATOs, the EUs) war. We are now witnessing a transformation of European thinking, a shift in the approach of part of the alliances European members in assessing the fact that war is ongoing on the continent, and that this war is directed against Europe. But this rethinking of reality is not happening simply because Europeans have suddenly seen the truth about Russia. This awakening has been driven by the fact that the roof of the European house has started to slide off. The security roof. The American one. The one theyve grown accustomed to over 80 years since World War II. The roof under which they failed to pay due attention to Russias final transformationunder the FSBs guidanceinto a mafia state and to the actions of Putins regime in Europe over the past quarter-century. The Hague Summit, perhaps temporarily, slowed this roof slippage but did not stop it, especially given the growing priority of the Indo-Pacific for the United States. Russia has now been designated a long-term threat because this is not just aggression against Ukraineit is a war in Europe, unfolding from within, and one that may soon escalate into a conventional conflict. The Trumpization of NATO: What Ukraine Got and What Putin Saw On the nature of things Since Putin was brought into the Kremlin in 1999, the Russian special services hierarchy has been acting against the West systematically and consistently. The Baltic states, Georgia and Ukraine have been and remain a thorn in the side of the Putin regime. After all, it was these countries, moving along the path of what the Kremlin sees as the Wests aggressive takeover of originally Russian territories after the fall of the Berlin Wall, that became, in Moscows eyes, the root cause of the greatest geopolitical catastrophe of the 20th centurythe collapse of the USSR. Hence the symbolic punitive actions carried out in hybrid fashion: in 2003, the cessation of Russian oil transit through Latvia; in 2006, through Lithuania; the gas blockade of Ukraine and Georgia at the start of 2006; and the unprecedented large-scale cyberattack against Estonia in 2007. Russia began implementing large-scale oil and gas projects bypassing the Baltic states and UkraineBaltic Pipeline System-1, Baltic Pipeline System-2, Nord Stream, South Streamaimed at cutting them off from transit. Putins speech at the 2007 Munich Security Conference marked Russias open challenge to the Westand primarily to the United States as its leader. At a time of high oil prices, which were bringing windfall revenues to the Putin regime and emboldening its open displays of force, Russia invaded Georgia in 2008. Then, amid another surge in prices, the aggression against Ukraine began in 2014. However, Europes political class interpreted Russias actions in Ukraine, Georgia and the Baltic states very differentlypreferring not to see the threat, satisfied instead with the corrupt flows of oil and gas. In Berlin, the belief that when you trade, you dont go to war seemed to be an axiom. But Moscow had, since Soviet times, developed a methodology to wage war even while trading profitably with the very states it was underminingreshaping them from within to its own advantage. A bit of recent history: organizational weapons The methods developed in Soviet times by Spartak Nikanorov and Sergey Solntsev (the methodology of control over control systems) began to be effectively applied during the Putin eraa period of total integration of advanced special service techniques to achieve strategic goals. Organizational weapons refer to a set of non-military, long-term influence measures designed to erode an adversarys ability to resist. One report by the Izborsky Club, a Russian conservative think tank, stated: In fact, organizational weapons are a way to activate a pathological system within the functional system of a target state. The result of applying such methods is the replacement of the target countrys basic value system with that of the aggressoras the supposedly more promising one. In other words, the pathology stealthily introduced into the state organism of the victim country by the aggressor disables its immune systemits national security and defense apparatusand reprograms the operations of its security and military institutions according to a logic in which they no longer identify threats to the states existence and do not counter them. However, the Kremlins greatest victory in its war against the West since Munich 2007 has been the effective disorganization of the United Statesthe main force in the transatlantic spaceand the fragmentation of the collective West. This was not achieved immediately. The breakthrough of 2016 failed to develop further in 2020, but 2024 fulfilled the goals of decades of effort. In 2025, we are witnessing the rapid transformation of the United States under the current administration into an authoritarian plutocracyundermining the traditional American system of democracy, with its checks and balances. Trumps idol is Putin; his role modelthe mafia state built by Putin. This stands in ever sharper contrast to Europe, whose fears are growing exponentially due to two unpredictable figures: Trump and Putin. Still the Alliance of the Frightened Another wave of discussion is now underway regarding how Russia might act against NATO without resorting toor only minimally resorting tomilitary force. The Baltic states, of course, are seen as the weak and poorly defended link on NATOs eastern flank. Once again, there is talk of a Crimean-style scenario with little green men, a Donbas-style one with the likes of Strelkov-Girkin, or the Suwaki Corridor. But now, in the 12th year of the war against Ukraine and observing NATOs (in)action in countering Russia, the Kremlin has developed new innovative ways to strike at the allies. The accession of Finland and Sweden to NATO, while strengthening the Alliance, has not made it more capable. Despite repeated affirmations of commitment to collective defense at the Hague summit, the question Who will die for Narva? remains unanswered. Moreover, recent comments from Rob Bauer, former Chairman of the NATO Military Committeethat Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty does not guarantee an automatic military response in the event of a Russian attack, and that NATO might not respond even if, for instance, a village in Estonia were invadedsound like encouragement to the Kremlin. Especially so when NATO and the EU show no willingness to act based on the logic of compelling the aggressor to peacesettling instead for partial deterrence, which does not actually deter Russia but instead encourages it to go further. Here is the most recent example: information from Ukraines military intelligence on increased production of Iskander missiles (both ballistic and cruise), which clearly exceeds the needs of the Ukrainian frontsuggesting preparations for broader use. Above all, Russia is betting on exploiting Europeans fear. Since 2014, and even more so since 2022, NATO has consistently shown itself to be an Alliance of the Frightened. The summit in The Hague did not dispel this impression; on the contrary, it confirmed itshying away from calling things by their real names, namely, acknowledging that Russia is waging war in Europe. The Coalition of the Willing remains an abstract concept. Beyond the fear of war, a comparable fear among European citizens and politicians lies in the potential impact on their psyche and behavior: the loss of comfort to which generations of Europeans have become accustomedat least over the past half-century. This is precisely what lies at the heart of Russias strategic planning against Europe: the exploitation of subconscious fears, through psychological shocks aimed at knocking Europeans out of their comfort zones. Imagine a European suddenly cut off from communications, the Internet, banking services, water and electricity. Strike First Russias core operational scenario is a multi-crisis Europe: the creation of concurrent crises across telecommunications, digital infrastructure, transport and energy systems. The objective is to generate operational paralysis in the vital systems that underpin European social fiber, provoking mass psychological shock and a pervasive sense of helplessness. The instruments for achieving this are hybrid: cyber tools, influence agents, social networks, migrants, criminal elements and marginalized groupscoordinated by pre-infiltrated cells, private military contractors and operatives of Russian intelligence services that have embedded themselves across Europe over the past decade. At the 2015 Valdai Forum in Sochi, President Putin candidly stated: Fifty years ago, the Leningrad streets taught me a ruleif a fight is inevitable, strike first. This logic guided Russias actions in Georgia and Ukraineand arguably, NATO too. Recall the 1999 dash by Russian special forces (then part of the peacekeeping contingent in Kosovo), under Major Yunus-Bek Yevkurov (now Deputy Minister of Defense), to seize the Pristina airport ahead of NATO forces. Another reason for the Kremlin to strike preemptively is retaliating for its setbacks in the Middle East: the loss of Syria and the defeat of Iran by Israel and the United States. North Koreas growing involvementnot only in supplying shells and missiles but potentially also personnelsuggests Russias readiness for a protracted conflict with both Ukraine and Europe. The participation of the DPRK in the war in Europe served another purpose: testing NATOs resolve. Would any NATO leader commit troops alongside Ukraines Armed Forces in response to a visible East Asian presence in the European battlespace? The allies failed the test. No one sent the troops. Not even the French president, who in spring 2024 spoke vaguely of shielding Odesa from air attacks. Moscow is convinced that the same inaction would occur if one of the Baltic states were attackeddespite their NATO membershipespecially under the Trumpian reinterpretation of Article 5. Putins recent statements about Russia posing no threat to Europe, alongside his unusual public complaints about domestic economic hardship, should be seen through the lens of Sun Tzus dictum: war is the art of deception, especially considering that they coincide with preparations for the Zapad-2025 military exercises. One should remember that since the launch of the special military operation in 2022, the Russian regime has remained politically viable only through constant motionmilitary action ensures regime stability. A new front is, therefore, further extending Putins long-standing rule in the Kremlin to defend Peter the Greats Baltic window to Europe from NATO encirclement. How the EU Is Trying to Contain Russia in the Black Sea Algorithms of Disruption US disengagement from Europe, combined with obstructionism within NATO from member states such as Hungary, Slovakia and Spain, automatically creates a military edge for Russia. Without US backing, Europe lacks credible deterrence against the RussiaNorth Korea axis. It is not a matter of tanksUkraines steppe already served as a graveyard for much of Russias armored forces. A ground invasion isnt necessary. Through the capture of beachheads like Hungary and Slovakia via the use of organizational weapons, and with access to significant missile production capabilities as well as North Korean ballistic support, Russia can generate a large number of missiles and strike drones. This capacity is sufficient, in the event of a transition from hybrid to conventional war, to target key nodes of Europes critical infrastructure: power grid substations, urban water supply systems, data centers, etc. Precisely in such a scenario, systems like the Iskander, KN-23 and Kalibr would come into playstriking not only physical targets but also the fragile psychological fabric of Europeans, who would now witness terrifying images not from a distant and foreign land but from within their own cities. Locations such as the often-cited Estonian village or even Narva may hold little strategic value for Russia. However, the sparsely populated islands of Estonias Moonsund archipelago, whose seizure would also secure control over the Gulf of Riga near Latvia, present a more compelling interest. As do the Aland Islandsdemilitarized despite Finlands accession to NATO and once part of the Russian Empire until 1917. The algorithm for European destabilization, aimed particularly at the Baltic Sea region and involving a shift to limited conventional warfare, includes multiple variable clusters of action and might unfold as follows: Cyberattacks targeting energy grids, transportation, data centers, mobile communications, banks and water supplies in large urban agglomerations; Integrated use of fixed and mobile (naval) electronic warfare (EW) systems in the Baltic Sea, including GPS spoofing and signal disruption; Orchestration of sudden protest actions by migrant groups, escalating into criminal and terrorist acts across European cities; Staging of a large-scale environmental disastersuch as an oil spill in the English Channel or North Seaunder the guise of an accident; Sabotage of critical energy and communication infrastructure, including gas pipelines, high-voltage power lines and fiber-optic communication lines (FOCL) in the North and Baltic Sea regions; Nuclear blackmail, both via the threat of using Iskander missiles and potential seizure of one or more nuclear power plants located along the Finnish and Swedish Baltic coasts; Deep-sea sabotage operations targeting FOCL between Europe and North America, conducted by the Main Directorate of Deep-Sea Research of the Russian Ministry of Defense; Sabotage of ammunition depots, armament and equipment storage facilities, and fuel bases; Deployment of AI-controlled drone swarms to conduct strikes on selected Baltic targets that avoid NATO force deployment zones (especially American and German contingents), accompanied by diplomatic overtures offering safe withdrawal guaranteesframed through a not your war narrative, in the event of refusal to respond to the Russian attack militarily. When? The Kremlin believes Europe is incapable of acting preemptivelyonly reactively, and even then, in a de-escalatory mode. Incidents over the past three years in which Russian UAVs, cruise missiles, and military aircraft violated the airspace of NATO member statesincluding Poland and Romania, and at times also Hungary, Croatia and Estoniawithout being intercepted, reinforce the conclusion that the Alliance remains incapable of mounting even an adequate response. European leaders are afraid of escalation. They lack inner fortitude and are psychologically brittle. The collective deferential attitude toward Donald Trump only reinforces the Kremlins perception that now is the moment to strike first. What is more, NATO planners project a five- to ten-year horizon for preparing to counter a Russian war. But such thinking is based on a flawed, linear assumption: that Russia would require a similar timeframe. In reality, Russia does not need to launch a frontal assault from Kirkenes to the Bosporus. Nor will the Kremlin wait for the Alliance to be ready. Russia is already actively operating within Europe from inside its borders. Moscow clearly understands that NATO and the EU will either fail to respond or will respond only with limited unconventional measures to avoid armed escalation in the face of sub-threshold unconventional warfare. For some reason, it is wrongly presumed that Russia will act reciprocally and with restraint. A striking example of Russian action met with Western inaction is the incident on 14 March 2023, when a US MQ-9 Reaper drone was downed over the Black Seanot by direct weapons fire but through kinetic provocation by a Russian Su-27 fighter. The US response was purely verbal, and reconnaissance drone flights were subsequently suspended to avoid further escalation. Russia achieved its objective without facing consequences. The Kremlin sees clearly that NATO-EU unity is a Potemkin villageespecially when Trojan horses within both blocs can obstruct consensus from within. According to Kremlin perceptions, the deliberate chaotic disruption and dysfunction of institutions at both European and national levels will culminate in political crises within governments, ultimately resulting in a new normal: the rise of transformed regimes in the Hungarian or Slovak mold. Pathology becomes the norm. What fails today in France, Germany or Romania may succeed tomorrow. Thus, Russia is already prepared to act along axes where Europe is most vulnerable. Whether these actions are synchronized with the Zapad-2025 exercises in the coming months or unfold at another strategically advantageous moment next year is of secondary importance. Consider another telling indicator: on June 25, Russia unilaterally approved a new set of coordinates for its maritime baselines in the Baltic Sea, effectively imposing new maritime boundaries at its own discretion. This move flagrantly disregards the requirement to consult neighboring statesFinland, Sweden, Lithuania and Estoniain accordance with the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. Details Matter. In the shadow of global developments, localized incidents are easily dismissed: a shadow fleet tanker drifting over undersea cables in the Baltic or North Sea; arson attacks on Bundeswehr trucks in Germany by pacifists or pro-Palestinian activists; mysterious drone flights near US bases in Europe; local blackouts; vehicular assaults on crowds at public events. In reality, these are training operations for Russias dispersed irregular assets before the H-hour. The periodic disruption of undersea communication and power cables in the Baltic, disguised as accidental damage, fits the emerging pattern. As do mysterious explosions at European defense companies. In 1960, Russian emigre Yevgeny Messneran imperial army officerpredicted this mode of warfare in his work: In the future war, warfare will be happening not on the line but on the entire area of both opponents because behind the armed front line there will appear political, social, economic fronts; they will wage war not in two dimensions as it used to be in ancient times; not in three dimensions as it was from the moment military aviation was born; but in four dimensions; the psyche of warring nations is the fourth dimension. A warring side will be on the territory of another side, creating and supporting guerilla movement, it will support opposition parties, with ideas and in kind, by propaganda and finances; it will be nourishing disobedience, wrecking, sabotage and terror there by all means, creating rebellions ...They wage war using regular troops with their military monopoly lost, and using irregular forces, now a powerful war factor... They wage war using guerillas, subversion agents, terrorists, propagandists and saboteurs... But also using other unconventional weapons: aggressodiplomacy, oil weapons, pornography weapons, narcoweapons, brainwashing weapons... Messner, writing in exile in Argentina 65 year ago, forecast the very contours of Russias war against Europe in the 21st century. What he could not foresee were the additions of the cyber and AI dimensionstoday developed with the support of China, a fellow beneficiary of EU and NATO disintegration. Read this article in Ukrainian and russian. Share Noticed an error? Please select it with the mouse and press Ctrl+Enter or Submit a bug Soybean field crop rows by oticki via iStock Soybeans are failing to see much follow through on the smaller acreage number, as stocks were above estimates. Contracts are down 1 to 3 cents in the old crop months, with new crop November up just 1 cents at midday. There were 200 deliveries issued against July soybeans on first notice day, all issued by the ADM house account. The cmdtyView national average Cash Bean price is down 4 1/2 cents at $9.80. Soymeal futures are trading with 50 cent weaker movement at midday, as Soy Oil is up 10 points. There were 643 deliveries issued against July soybean meal and just 7 for bean oil. A private export sale of 204,000 MT of soybean meal was reported by the USDA this morning for 2025/26 to unknown destinations. More News from Barchart USDA released their Grain Stocks report this morning, showing 1.007 mbu of soybean stocks on June 1. That was 37 mbu larger compared to the year prior and well above estimates of 974 mbu. The annual Acreage report showed 83.38 million acres of soybeans planted, which was shy of the trade estimates of 83.5 million soybean acres and 115,000 acres below the March Prospective Plantings report. Export Inspections data showed 224,787 MT (8.26 mbu) of soybeans shipped in the week that ended on June 26, which was up 11.4% from the week prior, but still down 29.7% from the same week last year. Mexico was the top destination of 113,190 MT, with 38,485 MT headed to Japan. Marketing year shipments have totaled 45.851 MMT (1.685 bbu) since September 1, 10.3% larger yr/yr. Jul 25 Soybeans are at $10.26 1/4, down 1 1/2 cents, Nearby Cash is at $9.80, down 4 1/2 cents, Aug 25 Soybeans are at $10.30 1/2, down 2 3/4 cents, Nov 25 Soybeans are at $10.26, up 1 1/4 cents, New Crop Cash is at $9.73 1/4, down 0 cent, On the date of publication, Austin Schroeder did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. This article was originally published on Barchart.com By Jesus Aguado MADRID (Reuters) -Spain's BBVA said on Monday it would move ahead with its hostile takeover bid for Sabadell despite the government effectively blocking it from fully merging with its smaller rival for at least three years. In a further twist to a deal's process that began in April 2024, BBVA's arch-rival Santander has put in a binding offer for Sabadell's British unit, TSB, sources told Reuters on Monday. Other media outlets said that British lender Barclays had also submitted a bid for TSB, according to La Vanguardia. Both Santander and Barclays declined to comment. BBVA's decision to proceed with buying Sabadell means the latter bank will need to get permission from its shareholders before selling TSB, but analysts see it as a potential defensive play to keep BBVA away. On June 24, the Spanish government said BBVA would not be allowed to integrate its operations with Sabadell for at least three years as one of the conditions imposed on the more than 14 billion-euro ($16 billion) bid. The cabinet could extend this condition for another two years, it said then. BBVA must now comply with the requirements set by the government on grounds of common interest such as protecting workers, protecting companies and protecting financial customers. "After reviewing (the government) resolution BBVA has decided not to withdraw the offer," it said in a filing. Neither bank could reduce staff or close branches in the event of a merger, according to the condition set by Madrid. Euro zone banking supervisors have called for banking consolidation to strengthen the sector, but deals have been scarce as politicians have sought to preserve jobs. Under Spanish law, the government cannot stop BBVA from buying Sabadell shares, but it has the final word on whether a merger can take place. That has raised the possibility BBVA could end up with a majority share without an outright merger, risking expected synergies. On Monday, BBVA did not disclose any details on the impact from the Madrid decision on the expected 850 million euros in cost savings it had previously announced. It had previously said that the bulk of savings would be administrative and IT savings. The market supervisor has to approve the formal bid with its takeover prospectus, which could happen in three weeks' time following the government's decision, its chair said last week. BBVA would then follow with an offer, with Sabadell shareholders having 30 to 70 days to tender their shares. "In the coming weeks, Banco Sabadell shareholders will have the opportunity to join this great project," BBVA Chairman Carlos Torres said in a statement. Ronda Churchill/Bloomberg via Getty Images Michael Saylor, executive chairman of Strategy, speaks during the Bitcoin 2025 conference. Key Takeaways Bitcoin treasury company Strategy has acquired another 4,980 bitcoin, taking its total holdings to 597,325 bitcoin. The recent purchases were funded through the usual at-the-market mechanisms Strategy has become infamous for using. Strategy's executive chairman also recently made the case that the bitcoin price could rise to $21 million over the next 21 years. Bitcoin treasury companies are on the rise more generally, as there are now 140 publicly traded companies with bitcoin on their books around the world, according to BitcoinTreasuries.net. Strategy (MSTR), which was formerly known as MicroStrategy, has acquired an additional 4,980 BTC, for approximately $531.9 million, according to an SEC filing. The bitcoin purchases came in at an average price of $106,801 per bitcoin, and the bitcoin treasury company's total bitcoin holdings now stand at 597,325 bitcoin, currently valued at over $64 billion. Strategy's most recent bitcoin purchases were financed through a mix of capital raised via the sale of common stock (MSTR) and newly issued preferred stocks (STRK and STRF), which are part of the companys extensive at-the-market (ATM) equity programs. These efforts reflect the broader $84 billion capital raise initiative under the firms 42/42 plan, which is intended to fund continued bitcoin accumulation through 2027. Recently, Strategy Executive Chairman Michael Saylor made the case during the BTC Prague conference that the bitcoin price could rise to $21 million over the next 21 years, which explains the company's reasoning behind acquiring as much bitcoin as they can as quickly as possible. As of now, the companys average bitcoin purchase price sits at $70,982 per coin, resulting in over $21 billion in unrealized gains. According to BitcoinTreasuries.net, Strategy is by far the world's largest publicly traded bitcoin treasury company, with the closest competitorbitcoin miner MARA Holdingshaving a bitcoin stash of roughly a tenth the size of Strategy's. Bitcoin treasury companies have exploded in popularity over the past couple of years, as the cryptocurrency continues to gain adoption as a strategic reserve asset for corporations. There are now at least 140 publicly traded companies with bitcoin on their balance sheets around the world. Strategy shares are up 2% in Monday morning trading and are up more than 35% for the year. Read the original article on Investopedia Tesla (TSLA) continues to defy critics as it marches back toward a $1 trillion market cap. The electric vehicle (EV) maker has been parrying losses for much of the year amid struggling sales and CEO Elon Musks political activities. Suze Orman: 3 Biggest Mistakes You Can Make as an Investor Read Next: Clever Ways To Save Money That Actually Work in 2025 However, Musk has since said he will be spending more of his time with the company. Now, it can focus on Teslas EVs, robotaxis and humanoid robots as long-term catalysts. While the future can bring many catalysts for Tesla, it isnt the only stock thats racing toward a $1 trillion valuation. In fact, there is one stock that could end up worth more than Tesla by the end of 2025. Taiwan Semiconductor Can Become More Valuable Than Tesla Taiwan Semiconductor (TSM) is an artificial intelligence beneficiary that has a dividend yield of 1.24% as of June 13, and its got a shot at becoming more valuable than Tesla by the end of the year. Its market cap is approaching $930 billion. As AI tailwinds continue, its realistic that Taiwan Semiconductor could exceed a $1 trillion market cap by the end of the year. Not only are the AI tailwinds picking up, but artificial intelligence has become quite the buzzword among investors. Companies that are remotely involved in the technology can generate more traction and see their stock prices rally. Taiwan Semiconductor isnt just a small player, though. It supplies the key components that are necessary for the AI boom to take place. How To Turn $100K Into a Million: Your Step-by-Step Guide AI Demand Continues To Increase The company helps manufacture the semiconductors that are necessary for AI, smartphones and other devices. Demand for all of these resources seems to be on the upswing, especially AI. In fact, it was highlighted by The Motley Fool as an AI stock that could be worth more than Tesla by the end of 2025. Artificial intelligence is the bedrock for computers, smartphones, cloud computing, autonomous vehicles, humanoid robots and other high-demand resources. Corporations are scrambling to throw billions of dollars at AI chips and solutions to avoid falling behind on this technology. Alphabet (GOOG, GOOGL) is one of the tech giants that is pouring money into artificial intelligence, and comments from CEO Sundar Pichai suggest high spending will never stop. He has repeatedly said that AI could be more profound than fire and electricity. The way corporations have eagerly spent money on artificial intelligence suggests that Pichai is not alone in how he thinks. That bodes well for Taiwan Semiconductor, since its a critical pick-and-shovels AI play. Swedish banking group Swedbank has purchased mortgage credit institution Stabelo to further develop its mortgage business and customer services. The initial purchase price is Skr350m ($36.8m), with the final price depending on Stabelos performance through 2028. Stabelo operates in the mortgage market, focusing on customer groups where Swedbank sees growth potential. The company uses fully digital mortgage processes and distributes mortgages through its own management and partnership agreements. Swedbank noted that the acquisition provides access to a complementary brand, new technology, and additional distribution channels for mortgages, allowing the bank to connect with more customers in the market. Swedbank deputy CEO Tomas Hedberg said: The acquisition of Stabelo gives us new opportunities to be able to meet more target groups of, among others, younger and more digital customers. At the same time, we can develop the company by putting Swedbank's financial and knowledge resources behind an established brand." Founded in 2016, Stabelo has around 30 employees and will continue operating under its own brand, with Hampus Broden remaining as CEO. Broden said: It is an incredibly exciting day for Stabelo and all our employees. Having Swedbank as an owner will create opportunities for us to meet both new and existing customers with an even stronger offering." The acquisition requires approval from relevant authorities. In December last year, Swedbank reached an agreement to sell its ATM assets in Lithuania, Estonia, and Latvia to fintech company Euronet. Under the deal, Euronet will also provide ATM outsourcing services to Swedbank in these Baltic markets. The acquisition will encompass both in-branch and off-branch ATMs, totaling 1,141 units across the three Baltic nations. "Swedbank acquires Stabelo to expand mortgage operations" was originally created and published by Retail Banker International, a GlobalData owned brand. The AI-powered solution IBM Concert enables intelligent automation in patch management and the orchestration of security-related activities BOBLINGEN, Germany, July 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, IBM is announcing that Deutsche Telekom, one of the world's leading providers of telecommunications and IT services, serving millions of residential and business customers, will implement the AI-powered solution IBM Concert, enabling intelligent automation in patch management and the orchestration of security-related activities. Patches are a necessary part of software lifecycle management. They help systems stay secured, functional, and relevant in a fast-changing IT landscape. Without patches, software would quickly become vulnerable, unstable, and obsolete. But handling patches is a challenge as well. IBM can help companies accelerate vulnerability protection in their IT systems while boosting operational efficiency. IBM Concert helps companies to reduce operational costs and the effort required for patching vulnerabilities, increasing the speed of response and the efficiency for improving the security of all systems. One billion apps by 2028 According to an IDC study, there will be one billion additional applications by 2028 an increase that will be driven by AI innovations. Even for minor changes and updates, complex coordination between app owners, development, security, and operations teams is necessary to ensure smooth operation for millions of customers and users. The large number of manual process steps to prepare, execute, and document the end-to-end patching process increases the risk of errors. Deutsche Telekom turned to IBM for an approach that could scale faster and dramatically improve overall efficiency. The IBM Software Development Organization had developed a solution specifically for this purpose, IBM Concert, which IBM had initially tested on itself as "Client Zero," after facing a similar complexity challenge. Ten times faster patching IBM Concert provides Deutsche Telekom with intelligent resilience for complex IT operations, with a single source of truth for vulnerability management, patching, and reporting. The solution brings together all relevant data and specializations, creating contextual information that enables end-to-end AI-powered automation. The fully automated patching process for operating systems has been designed to reduce patching time from 90 minutes to a maximum of 20 minutes per instance. This dramatic time savings gives IT teams new freedom for strategic tasks, innovations, and optimizations. During the successful pilot implementation of IBM Concert, Deutsche Telekom was able to achieve a 10x reduction in a key metric "Median Time To Patch," going from 80 hours per critical vulnerabilities to eight hours. This acceleration of the rollout of patches increases IT security and also improves business risk and compliance, enabling Deutsche Telekom to manage risks for its IT operations much more effectively. "Secure operating systems form the foundation for all applications, databases, and services that we offer our customers. When it comes to patching, the time factor has taken on a critical role in the AI era. Those who use available updates immediately and automatically can reduce security risks. We face this challenge together with our partner," explains Dr. Peter Leukert, Group CIO of Deutsche Telekom. "We were looking for a standalone solution on the market that combines all the complex aspects of patch management and reliably automates everything." Steve Canepa, Global Managing Director at IBM, says: "Security and trust are the cornerstones of success for all telecommunications companies. IBM Concert incorporates modern AI and automation technologies so that Deutsche Telekom can stay ahead of the dramatically escalating number and complexity of critical vulnerabilities across their Hybrid Cloud platform." Dinesh Nirmal, Senior Vice President IBM Software, adds: "By intelligently orchestrating and automating security-critical processes, clients like Deutsche Telekom can not only respond faster to new threats, but also use resources more efficiently using IBM Concert. In doing so, they are creating a solid foundation for a future-proof, scalable and highly secure IT operating model with the help of AI." Notes to Editors About IBM Concert IBM Concert is a comprehensive AI-powered automation solution using IBM watsonx that provides AI-driven recommendations and workflows to automate and optimize IT operations, including the patching process. IBM Concert: Integrates, aggregates, and analyzes existing data sources such as security scans, application and infrastructure information, and publicly available CVE databases Uses a generative AI approach to develop an optimized and prioritized patching plan based on extensive information about system topology, dependencies, maintenance windows, and business requirements Generates ServiceNow change requests and process documentation in the IT service management system (ITSM), ready for approval by experts Upon approval, orchestrates fully automated installation of operating system patches for Microsoft Windows Server, Red Hat Enterprise Linux, and other Linux distributions within maintenance windows, integrating, for example, Ansible Playbooks in the AWS Cloud Documents the results in the ITSM system, providing a quick overview, facilitating traceability of changes, and improving compliance for the entire hybrid cloud environment About Deutsche Telekom Deutsche Telekom is one of the world's leading integrated telecommunications companies, with more than 261 million mobile customers, 25 million fixed-network lines, and 22 million broadband customers. Deutsche Telekom provides fixed-network/broadband, mobile communications, Internet, and IPTV products and services for consumers, and information and communication technology (ICT) solutions for business and corporate customers. For more information, see https://www.telekom.com/en/company/companyprofile/company-profile-625808 About Deutsche Telekom IT GmbH Deutsche Telekom IT GmbH (DTIT) is the IT company of choice of Deutsche Telekom Group. DTIT is responsible for the design, development and operation of all its own and transferred IT systems to support Deutsche Telekom's business processes. DTIT creates the basis for an integrated, cross-channel customer experience with Deutsche Telekom Group. About IBM IBM is a leading provider of global hybrid cloud and AI, and consulting expertise. We help clients in more than 175 countries capitalize on insights from their data, streamline business processes, reduce costs and gain the competitive edge in their industries. Thousands of governments and corporate entities in critical infrastructure areas such as financial services, telecommunications and healthcare rely on IBM's hybrid cloud platform and Red Hat OpenShift to affect their digital transformations quickly, efficiently and securely. IBM's breakthrough innovations in AI, quantum computing, industry-specific cloud solutions and consulting deliver open and flexible options to our clients. All of this is backed by IBM's long-standing commitment to trust, transparency, responsibility, inclusivity and service. For more information, see www.ibm.com. Pictures: Corporate headquarters in Bonn. (Deutsche Telekom, picture: Norbert Ittermann) Media Contact: Sabine Buettner IBM Unternehmenskommunikation DACH Mail: [email protected] Deutsche Telekom: [email protected] SOURCE IBM Engineer in Sterile Coverall Holds Microchip with Gloves and Examines it by Gorodenkoff via Shutterstock Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSM), also known as TSMC, is in the spotlight this Tuesday after a bullish analyst backed the companys outlook for $90 billion in artificial intelligence (AI) revenue this decade. Using TSMC's publicly stated AI revenue target (~$90B by 2029) and AI accelerator outlook (~50MM units by 2030), we developed our AI wafer demand model and found that TSMC doesn't need much unit volume growth (counted in package) to reach the target, wrote Needham analyst Charles Shi in a note this morning. Significant silicon content growth from increasing number of compute dies in a package and the transition to custom HBM base dies should sustain the rapid AI revenue growth to ~$90B within four years. More News from Barchart Shi raised his price target on TSM stock to $270 from $225, and reiterated a Buy rating. That represents a new Street-high price target for TSM. Despite the optimistic note, Taiwan Semi stock has dropped about 1% today. The shares are retreating after setting a new high of $228.88 in late June, which briefly carried TSM into a short-term overbought condition, based on the 14-day Relative Strength Index (RSI). www.barchart.com Taiwan Semiconductors Strong Fundamental Position TSM has demonstrated exceptional momentum in 2025, with its stock appreciating approximately 14.9% year-to-date, primarily driven by surging demand for AI chips and advanced semiconductor manufacturing. The company's first-quarter performance was remarkable, as revenue of $25.5 billion was up 42% year-over-year, while net income surged 60% to $11 billion. TSMC maintains healthy operating margins around 48-49%, reflecting its operational efficiency and pricing power in the market. The company's dominant position in the semiconductor industry remains unchallenged, controlling approximately 67% of the foundry market and an impressive 90% of advanced chip production. This market leadership is further strengthened by TSMC's critical role in the AI supply chain, serving key customers like Nvidia (NVDA), Apple (AAPL), and Advanced Micro Devices (AMD). Taiwan Semis HBM3E memory solution has been selected by both Nvidia for its Blackwell GPUs and AMD for its upcoming MI355X GPUs, solidifying its position in the growing AI accelerator market. By Ateev Bhandari (Reuters) -Tech billionaire Joe Lonsdale said on Wednesday he is investing in a new crypto-focused U.S. bank being launched by Anduril co-founder Palmer Luckey that aims to fill the void left by Silicon Valley Bank's collapse. Before a March 2023 liquidity crisis, SVB had long been a major primary banking channel for early-stage technology firms and venture capitalists - entities deemed too risky by traditional banks. Many startups struggled to access capital and meet immediate obligations such as payrolls after the bank collapsed. Lonsdale, who co-founded Palantir, said in an emailed statement to Reuters that he is a "proud investor" in the project. The proposed lender, called Erebor, has applied for a national bank charter and plans to serve technology businesses in areas such as artificial intelligence, crypto, defense and manufacturing, as well as individuals who work at or invest in them, according to its charter application. Like Anduril and Palantir, Erebor takes its name from J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings" series. In the books, Erebor is the "Lonely Mountain", a fortress whose treasures are reclaimed from the dragon Smaug. The application for Erebor, to be headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, outlines a digital-only model, with a secondary office in New York. According to the charter application, the bank will be led by Owen Rapaport and Jacob Hirshman, a former adviser to stablecoin company Circle. Erebor is also planning to hold stablecoins on its balance sheet. A crypto asset class pegged to currencies such as the U.S. dollar, stablecoins are designed to hold a steady value backed by reserves. Fintechs and established financial institutions are increasingly adopting stablecoins to accelerate cross-border payments faster, simplify settlements and expand access to digital financial services. The bank in a regulatory filing said it aims to be "the most regulated entity conducting and facilitating stablecoin transactions." The Financial Times first reported the news and said that the group of tech billionaires backing Erebor also includes Peter Thiel's Founders Fund. Luckey and Lonsdale are not expected to be involved in the day-to-day management of the bank, the Financial Times report said. Luckey, Thiel, and a spokesperson for Erebor did not immediately respond to Reuters' requests for comment. (Reporting by Ateev Bhandari in Bengaluru; Editing by Pooja Desai and Maju Samuel) AI-powered accounting startup Campfire announced Monday that it has raised a $35 million Series A led by Accel, with participation from Foundation Capital, Y Combinator, Capital 49, and angel investors including Mercurys CFO Dan Kang. Within nine months of formation, we had customers [with] north of 100 employees ripping out NetSuite and putting in Campfire, founder CEO John Glasgow said. Some of Campfires customers that have migrated from NetSuite include wealth management platform Advisor360, construction software startup Rhumbix, and customer experience company Fooji, Campfire says. This was, in part, because Glasgow attended YC in the summer of 2023, despite being decidedly more experienced than the typical 20-something YC founder. He described the age difference with a funny story: During a YC bingo event, One of the bingos was find someone thats a parent, and I was the hot commodity at YC bingo. Glasgow already had a decade and a half career in finance working for Fidelity, Union Square Advisors, and others. When his manager from Adobe left to run an Accel-backed startup called Invoice2go, he took Glasgow with him. Less than a year later, in the fall of 2021, Bill.com bought Invoice2go for about $625 million. Glasgow wound up with both the cash and an idea to build his own startup, one that would automate the drudgery in finance like reconciling payments on bills, revenue forecasts, and the part he discovered during the Invoice2go deal due diligence for M&A. He launched Campfire in 2023 to upend 1990s-era enterprise resource planning accounting software (ERP) like NetSuite with an LLM-powered alternative. Campfire does things like automatically itemize and reconcile AWS cloud computing bills. It generates detailed cash flow analysis, charts, and answers to questions from natural-language prompts. One of our customers went from a 15-day to a three-day close when they ripped out NetSuite and put in Campfire, he says about the time to finalize the books each month. YCs famed access to other cohort alums helped him land tech startups as customers like Replit and Replo. While Campfire is just a gnat in terms of its impact on Oracles billion-dollar (and growing) NetSuite business, the startup gained enough customers to prove its competitive plausibility. At its seed stage, Campfire grew to around 100 customers, including, Glasgow said, one global customer on track to do a $250 million ARR. Campfire is now up to 12 employees I was surprised that there were businesses of this size that were trusting their whole ERP to a 10-person, seed-stage project, Accels John Locke, who had backed Invoice2Go, told TechCrunch of what had enticed him with Campfire. Modelo and Corona owner Constellation Brands (STZ) is warning about the impact President Trump's immigration crackdown is having on its beer business. Executives said consumer sentiment deteriorated and socioeconomic headwinds increased during its latest quarter amid rising concerns among its core Hispanic consumer base. "Our Hispanic consumer, which reflects roughly half our business ... is very interested in beer," CEO Bill Newlands said on a call with investors. But, Newlands said, "occasions on which beer is consumed have decreased ... [they're] not going out to eat as much as they had, they're having less social occasions at home." Beer shipment volumes fell 3.3% in the quarter, Constellation said Tuesday. The company's Modelo Especial is the bestselling beer in the US. Corona and Modelo beers imported from Mexico, are seen for sale at a grocery store in Magnolia, Texas, on April 3, 2025. (RONALDO SCHEMIDT/AFP via Getty Images) RONALDO SCHEMIDT via Getty Images "A lot of Hispanic consumers are apprehensive to leave their house or ... deviate from their routine or go out," Dave Williams of Bump Williams Consulting told Yahoo Finance. "That results in fewer opportunities and occasions where beer would slot into the mix." "The abruptness of this slowdown ... makes me feel like there's a lot more of it tied to the cyclical aspect of these consumer behaviors due to the recent ICE raids or deportation scares, whether you're legal or not ... that's on top of the other structural aspects that beer brands in general," Williams added. The company also highlighted that while "total population and Hispanic unemployment rates remained at similar levels as in the preceding quarter," employment growth for consumers who tend to be its core audience, like construction workers, saw the sector's growth decelerate "noticeably." According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, construction job growth has slowed consistently this year, falling to a rate of 1.5% in May, down from 2.8% a year ago. In Constellation Brands' fiscal first quarter 2026 results, the company saw its volume growth for beer decline 3.3%, a tick more than the 2.4% drop Wall Street expected. Its revenue and adjusted earnings also just missed the Street's expectations, coming in at $2.52 billion and $3.22 per share. The Street was looking for $2.55 billion in revenue and earnings of $3.32 per share. For the fiscal year, the company reiterated that it expects organic net sales growth for its beer category to be in the range of 0%-3% growth; it expects wine and spirits sales to decline 17%-20%. Williams said while Modelo Especial still holds the title of top beer brand in the US, it was "coming up against some size and scale challenges" compared to recent years of growth, especially after taking the top spot from Anheuser-Busch's (BUD) Bud Light two years ago. Uber Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:UBER) is among the 13 Best Big Name Stocks to Buy Now. On June 24, the company announced that it had partnered with Waymo to launch autonomous ride-hailing in Atlanta. Uber Technologies, Inc. (UBER), Waymo Launch Autonomous Ride-Hailing In Atlanta A close up view of a hand holding a smartphone, using a ride sharing app. The two companies first laid out plans for the launch in September last year. Riders can now get matched with Waymos autonomous vehicles on Uber Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:UBER)s app for travel across 65 square miles of Atlanta. There are already around 100 Waymo vehicles on Uber Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:UBER)s platform in Austin. The recent launch builds on the growing momentum in self-driving cars and follows Teslas robotaxi trial run in Austin last week. Uber Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: UBER) is an American transportation company that provides ride-hailing services, food delivery, courier services, and freight services. It sold its self-driving unit in 2020 to reduce cash burn and focus on its core business. While we acknowledge the potential of UBER as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: Goldman Sachs Stock Portfolio: 10 Large-Cap Stocks To Buy and Buffett Stock Portfolio: Top 10 Stock Picks for 2025. Disclosure: None. UBS Group has revealed plans for a new share repurchase initiative, even as the Swiss governments new proposals require it to hold more capital. The buyback programme was authorised during its annual general meeting in April 2025. The two-year programme will allow the bank to buy back up to $2bn of its shares. "As previously announced, UBS intends to repurchase up to $2bn of shares in the second half of 2025," the company said in a statement issued on 30 June. This follows the completion of a prior buyback programme launched in April 2024, which achieved its target of repurchasing $2bn in shares. The Zurich-based bank plans to provide further details on its capital return strategy for 2026 when it releases its fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 financial results early next year. Last month, the Swiss government proposed new capital rules, requiring UBS to boost its core capital by $26bn after acquiring Credit Suisse. This initiative aims to strengthen financial stability and avert future banking crises. According to Reuters, the regulations would also require UBS to fully capitalise its foreign subsidiaries. This decision comes as Switzerland seeks to strengthen banking regulations following the 2023 collapse of Credit Suisse. Meanwhile, recently, UBS along with Pictet were also in the news for a data leak due to a cyber attack on their subcontractor, Chain IQ. A Reuters report, referencing Swiss newspaper Le Temps, reveals that personal data of tens of thousands of UBS employees was compromised in the breach. "UBS announces new $2bn share buyback programme" was originally created and published by Private Banker International, a GlobalData owned brand. Maersk estimates that U.S. businesses are currently paying an average 21 percent tariff relative to container load on all imports, marking a reprieve from the 54 percent average in mid-April after President Donald Trump escalated tariffs on Chinese goods to 145 percent. According to Maersks container-weighted effective average tariff rate metric, the current import taxes still surpass 13 percent averages across the board in early March, when additional 10 percent tariffs on China went into effect. More from Sourcing Journal With the July 9 deadline looming for U.S. trade partners to negotiate new trade deals with the U.S., the tariff average could increase again, regardless of whether agreements are completed. For example, the U.S. and Vietnam agreed to a new trade deal that would slap a 20 percent tariff on Vietnamese importsdoubling the 10 percent baseline duty imposed on the country when President Trump rolled back his original non-China tariffs for 90 days. For goods being transshipped through the country originating from a third nation, the tariff will increase to 40 percent. Vietnam had one of the highest Liberation Day tariff rates first imposed on April 2, at 46 percent, a week ahead of Trumps 90-day reprieve. With a 20 percent tariff in place, retailers and brands importing goods from the country have more certainty, and will not have to change the cadence by which they order and book shipments. The same cannot be said for most apparel-producing countries U.S. companies typically import from. Countries with reciprocal tariffs at the high end such as several Southeast Asian countries above 40 percent might see marked decline in bookings in the coming days and weeks if nothing changes, said Lars Jensen, CEO of container shipping consultancy Vespucci Maritime, in a post on LinkedIn. It is likely that U.S. importers will adopt a wait-and-see approach if the tariffs come back into full effect just as they did the first time around. The back and forth on tariffs has led to some confusion regarding the level of added payment required. In Maersks summer market update released Wednesday morning, the ocean carrier said most companies end up overpaying their tariff rate by 5 to 6 percent. The company attributes this to shippers lack of a centralized approach and overview of their customs duties. By Elisa Anzolin MILAN (Reuters) -Italian luxury brand Valentino said on Monday its Chief Executive Jacopo Venturini was currently on sick leave, responding to media reports of his imminent departure. A possible change of CEO would, if confirmed, pile further pressure on the high-end business which reported a decline in revenues and profit last year. Italian fashion blog "The platform" reported on Sunday that the Italian manager, who took the role in 2020, was about to leave the group in order to have more time for himself. Contacted by Reuters, the Rome-based group, controlled by Qatari investment fund Mayhoola, sent a short statement saying the executive was on sick leave, without providing further details. Gucci-owner Kering bought a 30% stake in Valentino in 2023 for $1.7 billion with a commitment to buy the remaining 70% by 2028, hoping to create a second flagship label rooted in high couture. Valentino, which last year named star designer Alessandro Michele as creative director to replace long-serving Pierpaolo Piccioli, reported a 2% drop at constant exchange rates in revenues last year, to 1.31 billion euros ($1.54 billion). Its core profit declined 22% to 246 million euros, with the wider industry facing a demand slowdown and challenging economic backdrop. Michele's new collection, which arrived in stores only in the last quarter of 2024, according to documents registered at the local chamber of commerce, is yet to convince customers, three sources close to the matter said. Valentino's usual customers are not buying much of the collection and new converts have been slow to emerge, the sources said. Valentino wasn't immediately available for a comment about the new collection's performance. Kering's purchasing deal included cross put and call options for Kering, which is struggling to relaunch its main brand Gucci, to purchase the whole of Valentino's share capital from May 2026 through 2028. Analysts are wondering about the timing of the acquisition of the remaining stake, as it could weigh on the company, which is already struggling to cut debt. ($1 = 0.8497 euros) (Reporting by Elisa Anzolin, additional reporting by Lisa Jucca, editing by Cristina Carlevaro and Keith Weir) Valeo Foods Group has announced another acquisition, snapping up Melegatti 1894, an Italian producer of panettone, pandoro, and croissants. The financial terms of the transaction, struck with Melegatti 1894's owners the Spezzapria family, were not disclosed. Dublin-based Valeo Foods Group said the deal is in line with its strategy to expand its baked sweet treats portfolio, enabling it to offer authentic Italian confections and established regional brands to a wider international audience. Founded in 1894 by Domenico Melegatti, who is said to have created and patented the original pandoro that same year, Melegatti 1894 has production facilities in San Giovanni Lupatoto and San Martino Buon Albergo, both in Verona. The Spezzapria family bought the company from bankruptcy trustees for 13.5m (then $15.6m) in 2018. The acquisition is the second Valeo Foods Group has announced in Italy in a matter of weeks. In May, the company expanded its Italian presence by acquiring Freddi Dolciaria, a business known for pre-packaged sponge cakes and Swiss rolls. In 2024, it purchased Italian bakery Dal Colle. Ronald Kers, the CEO of Valeo Foods Group, said the move for Melegatti 1894 will bolster the companys presence in south-west Europe and open new avenues for growth across our global network. Backed by Bain Capital, Valeo Foods Group owns brands including Balconi cakes, Pedro confectionery and Kettle Chips. The company, which generates revenues exceeding 1.8bn (now $2.12bn), employs nearly 6,000 people across 30 facilities in the UK, Italy, Germany and the Netherlands. Roberto Spezzapria, the president of Melegatti 1894, said: Following the successful relaunch of the historic Melegatti brand in the Italian market, we are proud to entrust its future to the experience and expertise of Valeo Foods Group. We are confident that Valeo Foods will guide the brand into its next phase of international growth, while further strengthening its value and honouring its deep roots in Italian culture. "Valeo Foods Group buys Italian panettone maker Melegatti 1894 " was originally created and published by Just Food, a GlobalData owned brand. HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam, July 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Cake Digital Bank (Cake) today announced a strategic partnership with Mobile World Investment Corporation (MWG) to launch MWG PayLater, the first branded pay-later service under the MWG ecosystem. As the exclusive provider of both credit capital and technology infrastructure, Cake reinforces its position as Vietnam's leading digital-only bank, recognized for its agility and reliability in deploying large-scale fintech solutions. The signing ceremony between Cake and MWG. Photo:Cake With financial services provided by Cake, the launch of MWG PayLater marks a new milestone in MWG's retail innovation journey, offering customers across its nationwide retail networkincluding The Gioi Di Dong, Dien May Xanh, TopZone, and AVAKidsa fully digital, seamless deferred payment experience. With the ability to purchase without down payment, flexible payment options or installment payments up to 24 months, and an interest-free period of up to 90 days, consumers will enjoy a convenient, safe and transparent financial payment experience. "This is MWG's first fintech product launched under its own brand, and we're proud to be the sole partner powering the entire financial services," said Nguyen Huu Quang, CEO of Cake Digital Bank. "We bring proven expertise in digital finance deployment and the ability to co-design tailored customer experiences. Together with MWG, we aim to make MWG PayLater a go-to solution for millions of Vietnamese consumers." According to Truong Hong Hoang, MWG's Business Development DirectorMulticat Category: "MWG PayLater reflects our ongoing commitment to providing customers with valued, technology-enabled financial solutions. With Cake's robust infrastructure and scalability, we believe this service will quickly become a preferred choice." MWG PayLater targets mass-market consumers seeking fast, accessible creditparticularly for mobile devices, electronics, home appliances, and family essentials. The service will expand to MWG's full omnichannel footprint, including online platforms and An Khang Pharmacy, by July 2025. The new offering builds on the successful launch of an instant loan product between the two companies in late 2024, which saw rapid user adoption. This next phase of collaboration deepens their strategic alignment in digital finance and customer-centric innovation. For more details, please contact: Ms. Tran Hong Nguyen Corporate Communications & PR Team Cake Digital Bank Email: theresa.tran@cake.vn Website: https://cake.vn Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/vietnams-leading-retailer-mwg-partners-with-cake-digital-bank-to-launch-paylater-service-302496608.html SOURCE Cake By VPBank JACKSON, Miss., July 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- EastGroup Properties, Inc. (NYSE: EGP) (the "Company" or "EastGroup") announced today that it will hold its Second Quarter 2025 Earnings Conference Call and Webcast on Thursday, July 24, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time. On the call, Marshall Loeb, CEO, and Brent Wood, CFO, will discuss the Company's second quarter results, current operations, and earnings outlook for 2025. EastGroup plans to release financial results for the quarter after the market closes on Wednesday, July 23, 2025. The earnings release and supplemental information package will be posted on the Company's website, www.eastgroup.net, at that time. A live broadcast of the conference call is available by dialing 1-800-836-8184 (conference ID EastGroup) or by webcast through a link on the Company's website at www.eastgroup.net. If you are unable to listen to the live conference call, a telephone and webcast replay will be available on Thursday, July 24, 2025. The telephone replay will be available through Thursday, July 31, 2025, and can be accessed by dialing 1-888-660-6345 (access code 39668#). The replay of the webcast can be accessed through a link on the Company's website at www.eastgroup.net. About EastGroup Properties, Inc. EastGroup, a member of the S&P Mid-Cap 400 and Russell 2000 Indexes, is a self-administered equity real estate investment trust focused on the development, acquisition and operation of industrial properties in high-growth markets throughout the United States with an emphasis in the states of Texas, Florida, California, Arizona and North Carolina. The Company's goal is to maximize shareholder value by being a leading provider in its markets of functional, flexible and quality business distribution space for location sensitive customers (primarily in the 20,000 to 100,000 square foot range). The Company's strategy for growth is based on ownership of premier distribution facilities generally clustered near major transportation features in supply-constrained submarkets. EastGroup's portfolio, including development projects and value-add acquisitions in lease-up and under construction, currently includes approximately 63.6 million square feet. EastGroup Properties, Inc. press releases are available at www.eastgroup.net . Contact: [email protected] SOURCE EastGroup Properties Visa Inc. (NYSE:V) is among the 13 Best Big Name Stocks to Buy Now. Last week, a U.S. district judge dismissed a class action lawsuit by consumers, accusing the company of failing to warn that its Vanilla gift cards were susceptible to theft. Visa Inc. (V) Defeats Lawsuit Over Vanilla Gift Card Scam Ralf Kleemann/Shutterstock.com The case was brought by Ira Schuman of New York, who sued Visa Inc. (NYSE:V) and two Vanilla card issuers last year, upon learning that eight $500 cards he had bought in 2022 and 2023 as gifts for employees had been emptied. District Judge Gregory Woods ruled that it was unreasonable for customers to consider gift cards to be immune from scams. He also added that Visa Inc. (NYSE:V)s logo did not amount to a promise that no theft would occur, and the card payments company would help victims. The judge also rejected claims about Visa Inc. (NYSE:V) not providing enough warnings on the cards packaging about potential fraud. Here is what Woods wrote in his verdict: No reasonable consumer would expect the allegedly widespread practice of third-party scams affecting prepaid cards to somehow not affect one of the industrys major suppliers. While we acknowledge the potential of V as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: Goldman Sachs Stock Portfolio: 10 Large-Cap Stocks To Buy and Buffett Stock Portfolio: Top 10 Stock Picks for 2025. Disclosure: None. Visa Inc. (NYSE:V) is among the Goldman Sachs Stock Portfolio: 10 Large-Cap Stocks To Buy. On Friday, a British tribunal ruled that Visa and Mastercards default multilateral interchange fees charged to retailers breach European competition law. Is Visa Inc. (V) the Best Blue Chip Stock to Buy for 2025? A close-up of a credit card being swiped on a payment terminal, reflecting the company's payments technology. The development comes as the latest round of litigation over multilateral interchange fees, which has rumbled on for decades. David Scott of the law firm Scott+Scott, which represented the claimants, described the ruling as a significant win for merchants. He also said that this was the first time that the two payment processing companies commercial card and inter-regional multilateral interchange fees were found to infringe competition laws. According to Reuters, Visa Inc. (NYSE:V) disagreed with the decision and has sought permission to appeal against the ruling. A company spokesperson was quoted as saying the following: Visa continues to believe that interchange is a critical component to maintaining a secure digital payments ecosystem that benefits all parties, including consumers, merchants, and banks. While we acknowledge the potential of V as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: 13 Best Big Name Stocks to Buy Now and Buffett Stock Portfolio: Top 10 Stock Picks for 2025. Disclosure: None. Key Points Many high-level politicians are proving to be no friends of the renewable energy industry. A clutch of them are now proposing that certain green energy assets be subject to fresh taxes in the One, Big, Beautiful Bill. 10 stocks we like better than The AES Corporation The latest political developments in Washington, D.C., cast a shadow over renewable energy stocks on Monday. Reacting to news that very late-stage revisions to the One, Big, Beautiful Bill would impose a new set of taxes on the solar and wind segments, investors traded out of energy companies involved in those niches. One victim was the renewables-embracing AES Corporation (NYSE: AES), whose shares took it on the chin with a nearly 2% decline on the day. Meanwhile, the benchmark S&P 500 index closed Monday 0.5% higher. Big, beautiful... and still controversial In an attempt to get the controversial bill into sufficient shape to maximize its chances for passing, Republican senators on Monday introduced taxes for certain wind and solar projects. Earlier versions of the bill only brought forward the expiration dates of current tax incentives for these forms of energy. Image source: Getty Images. As of midafternoon Monday, senators were to discuss and vote on numerous amendments to the bill, including the proposed renewables taxes. Although AES is not a pure-play renewable energy company, it has enthusiastically embraced such forms of power generation. At the moment, 52% of the company's total deployed power assets fall under the renewable umbrella. The threat of higher costs That diversification is likely a main reason why the investor reaction to the news wasn't more drastically negative. If those proposed new solar and wind levies make their way into the final bill and it's passed, AES will still have plenty of traditional power assets that won't (at least for now) be subject to them. What's more concerning for the long term is that, like many old-line power companies making a shift to green energy, AES has poured billions of dollars into developing renewable solutions. The proposed withdrawal of tax incentives in the bill were concerning enough; the company could be looking at rather significant tax bills once its in-development projects come onstream. Should you invest $1,000 in The AES Corporation right now? Before you buy stock in The AES Corporation, consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now and The AES Corporation wasnt one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Key Points The company provided an update of the longwall operations at one of its mines. This followed a shutdown arising from what it called "a combustion-related event." 10 stocks we like better than Core Natural Resources A business update provided by Core Natural Resources' (NYSE: CNR) provided plenty of energy for its stock on Monday. Shares of the coal miner popped by nearly 3% that day as a result and make the stock look rather good when comparing its performance to the 0.5% lift of the S&P 500 index Sales guidance maintained for crucial product Core provided an update on its longwall operations at the Leer South mine in West Virginia. For those unfamiliar, longwall mining is a modern extraction method in which a long face of coal is mined in one single, large slice by a specialty machine called a shearer. Image source: Getty Images. The company said that it has shut the mine for the second time, following a closure at the start of this year due to what it termed "combustion-related activity." Earlier this month, Core officials reentered the sealed area of the facility, finding that the longwall equipment was "largely unaffected" by the event. In its press release on the matter, Core said that an increase in carbon monoxide levels necessitated the second shutdown. It added that it "is working closely with federal and state officials on a plan to recover and reposition the longwall equipment in an effort that is expected to be completed within four months." Not out of the woods yet While investors surely weren't happy about Leer South's continuing difficulties, they were comforted by Core's assertion that the problems shouldn't affect overall mining volume of a key product. In the press release, the company reiterated its full-year coking sales volume forecast. It pledged to update this in its second-quarter earnings release, scheduled for August. A mine shutdown is a concerning event, so even with that guidance remaining unchanged the situation at Leer South could be better (to put it gently). I'm not so sure I'd be racing to buy Core stock these days. Should you invest $1,000 in Core Natural Resources right now? Before you buy stock in Core Natural Resources, consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now and Core Natural Resources wasnt one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, youd have $713,547!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, youd have $966,931!* Now, its worth noting Stock Advisors total average return is 1,062% a market-crushing outperformance compared to 177% for the S&P 500. Dont miss out on the latest top 10 list, available when you join Stock Advisor. See the 10 stocks Key Points Home Depot has agreed to acquire GMS for $5.5 billion, or $110 per share. The deal price is significantly above the $95.20-per-share offer GMS received last week. 10 stocks we like better than Gms Home Depot has agreed to acquire GMS (NYSE: GMS) for $5.5 billion, heading off a potential bidding war for the target with a sweetened bid. GMS investors have reason to celebrate, with the stock up 12% on the news. Image source: Getty Images. A big premium secured GMS was an under-the-radar construction products distributor until last week, when the company received an unsolicited offer from QXO valuing GMS at $95.20 per share. Soon after the bid was made public there were media reports suggesting that Home Depot was also interested, but few details about that potential offer. Home Depot apparently made its intentions clear over the weekend. On Monday, the home improvement retail giant announced it had reached a deal to acquire GMS for $110 per share. The deal, which will be done through Home Depot's SRS Distribution subsidiary, offers a premium of 36% over GMS' trading price on June 18. Home Depot said the combination would provide professional contractors with more fulfillment and service options, creating a network of more than 1,200 locations and a fleet of more than 8,000 delivery trucks. Is GMS stock a buy? GMS shares are trading at just below the $110-per-share offer, implying the markets are not expecting QXO to try to swoop in with a higher offer to disrupt that deal. Given the premium price, that assumption is likely to be correct. The construction distribution consolidation story is far from over, but GMS' chapter is likely complete. There is little reason for investors to buy in following the acquisition announcement. Should you invest $1,000 in Gms right now? Before you buy stock in Gms, consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now and Gms wasnt one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, youd have $713,547!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, youd have $966,931!* Now, its worth noting Stock Advisors total average return is 1,062% a market-crushing outperformance compared to 177% for the S&P 500. Dont miss out on the latest top 10 list, available when you join Stock Advisor. See the 10 stocks Hardman Johnston Global Advisors, an investment management company, released its Hardman Johnston Global Equity Strategy first quarter 2025 investor letter. A copy of the letter can be downloaded here. The strategy returned 0.43%, net of fees, in the quarter compared to -1.32% for the MSCI AC World Net Index. The Portfolio experienced a solid quarter relative to the market, despite a volatile environment. Industrials and Consumer Discretionary were the top sector contributors, while Information Technology and Energy detracted. Europe was the top contributor from a regional standpoint, while emerging markets detracted. In addition, please check the funds top five holdings to know its best picks in 2025. In its first-quarter 2025 investor letter, Hardman Johnston Global Equity Strategy highlighted stocks such as UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH). UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH) is a diversified healthcare company that operates through UnitedHealthcare, Optum Health, Optum Insight, and Optum Rx segments. The one-month return of UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH) was 3.57%, and its shares lost 37.39% of their value over the last 52 weeks. On June 30, 2025, UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH) stock closed at $311.97 per share, with a market capitalization of $283 billion. Hardman Johnston Global Equity Strategy stated the following regarding UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH) in its Q1 2025 investor letter: "We liquidated our position in UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH) due to the risk around bipartisan support for Pharmacy Benefit Manager reform in DC, as well as the negative news cycle after the murder of their CEO. In addition, they are a company that is likely to be affected by the Department of Government Efficiency cuts to Medicaid and Medicare." Why UNH Deserves a Spot in Your Dividend Watchlist A senior healthcare professional giving advice to a patient in a clinic. UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH) is in 18th position on our list of 30 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds. As per our database, 139 hedge fund portfolios held UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH) at the end of the first quarter, which was 150 in the previous quarter. While we acknowledge the potential of UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH) as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns, and doing so within a shorter timeframe. If you are looking for an AI stock that is as promising as NVIDIA but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the undervalued AI stock set for massive gains. Alicia Windzio / picture alliance via Getty Images Jefferies analysts think Disney's shares can climb back above $140 apiece. Key Takeaways Jefferies upgraded Disney's stock and raised its price target for company shares, saying Disney's operating income may grow for the first time in years. Strong cruise bookings and more Disney World visitors suggest travel and tourism income will rise, analysts said in a research note Monday. Disney+ is also pulling in more subscribers with new bundles and in-demand content, they said. Disney has set the stage for its stock to retouch levels last seen in 2022, Jefferies analysts said. Jefferies on Monday upgraded Disney (DIS) stock from hold to buy," forecasting that its operating income will grow for the first time in nearly a decade. Favorable trends in theme park admission, cruise bookings and streaming subscriptions should contribute to the transition, analysts said. Disney shares were recently up less than 1%, trading for about $123. Theyve gained nearly 11% so far this year, steadily rising since mid-April, when the White House softened its approach to tariffs. Their climb may only be beginning, Jefferies said: It raised its price target for Disney shares to $144the third highest target shared by analysts who follow Disney and are tracked by Visible Alpha, where the average target is around $131. Since 2016, [Disney] has juggled several factors leading to limited [operating income] growth and limited stock appreciation, Jefferies wrote in a note that credited CEO Bob Iger with improving the companys outlook. However, we believe Iger and co. have finally righted the ship, and the drivers ahead can change this dynamic. Disney plans to add two cruise ships to its fleet in early 2025, which could bolster revenue by about $1 billion to $1.5 billion, according to Jefferies estimates. Travel and tourism spending is holding up better than anticipated, which should help Disneys theme parks, analysts added. The outlook for Disneys streaming services is also bright, analysts said. Analysts estimate Disney+ can add 5 million subscribers annually over the next few years and boost advertising revenue thanks, in part, to an Amazon (AMZN) partnership that allows for more targeted ads. Read the original article on Investopedia Key Points NextEra dropped as the Senate's One, Big, Beautiful Bill goes to a vote today. In the final version of the bill, renewable credits phase out quicker than hoped, with heavier-than-expected restrictions on Chinese components. The China provision seems to be boosting U.S. manufacturers while hurting project developers like NextEra. 10 stocks we like better than NextEra Energy Shares of NextEra (NYSE: NEE) fell on Monday, down by as much as 5.2% before recovering to a 2.3% decline as of 3 p.m. ET. NextEra is both a utility and a developer of renewable power systems, and has therefore been under pressure since details of the One, Big, Beautiful Bill began emerging back in May. Renewables-related stocks did bounce back a bit this month after the Senate's version appeared to offer some tax credit relief that had been restricted in the House's version passed back in May. But over the weekend, a few new provisions divided certain renewable energy stocks into winners and losers, with NextEra coming up on the short end. Chinese components and start dates restricted further In the final version of the Senate bill that is getting a vote today, the renewable tax credit is more relaxed relative to the very restricted House version, but is still not as loosened as many in the industry would have hoped. While an earlier version of the Senate bill required utility-scale renewable projects to begin construction by the end of 2027, the current version now restates the project must be placed into service by that time. That could speed up near-term development but halt growth in the industry after 2027. Additionally, the new version of the bill puts an unexpected tax on projects that use Chinese components, which are often cheaper and sometimes the only source for certain project components. While good news for U.S. panel and component suppliers, the provision has the potential to raise costs for developers, such as NextEra. Image source: Getty Images. NextEra should manage, albeit in an adverse environment While NextEra's earnings is divided between its utility business, Florida Power & Light, and its development business, NextEra Energy Resources, the development business contributed nearly half of the company's adjusted (non-GAAP) earnings last quarter. The bill being passed today therefore raises questions about the growth of that important Resources segment beyond 2028. So while NextEra's 3.2% dividend should be protected by the FPL utility, the growth of the payout may be incrementally harder to come by, unless there's a change in power in Washington three years from now. Palantir by Hiroshi-Mori-Stock via Shutterstock Palantir Technologies (PLTR) is poised to become this decades standout growth stock. While some admire its cutting-edge data analytics software, others dislike its complex business model and unconventional corporate culture. However, nothing stands in the way of its explosive growth. What sets Palantir apart is its Artificial Intelligence Platform (AIP) that helps organizations (ranging from governments to corporations) make sense of massive amounts of data to make better, faster decisions. More News from Barchart Over the last few years, Palantir has combined strong revenue growth with disciplined cost control. Investors are increasingly taking notice of its shift from a government-heavy contractor to a scalable enterprise software player, a pivot that could unlock massive shareholder value. The stock has returned a whopping 1,310% over the last three years. In fact, it is among the best-performing stocks this year, rising 82.4% year-to-date, wildly outperforming the overall market gain%. Lets dig in and see if now is the time to buy this stock. www.barchart.com The Shift to Commercial Expansion Is Working in Its Favor Palantirs main software platforms include Gotham, which is used by defense and law enforcement agencies for counterterrorism, investigations, and operations. The Foundry platform is designed for commercial clients, allowing them to integrate data, create operational workflows, and deploy AI models at scale. Palantir was long known as a government-focused company, particularly in defense and intelligence. And government contracts are still a key growth driver. In the most recent first quarter, total government revenue increased 45% year-on-year to $487 million, with U.S. government revenue contributing $373 million. Management emphasized that Palantirs delivery of the TITAN battlefield vehicle on time and within budget, an unprecedented achievement for a software-led defense prime, was hailed as a standout moment in the first quarter. The U.S. Army rated TITAN as a top-performing program, validating Palantirs software-first approach to defense platforms. Additionally, Maven Smart System usage has doubled twice in less than a year, and NATO has adopted Maven as its C2 system. U.S. combatant commands are increasingly relying on Maven for intelligence automation, situational awareness, and battlefield decision-making, showing Palantirs growing presence in allied defense infrastructure. Orange juice and orange plants_ Image by Bongrak Art via Shutterstock In my recent conversation with Myra Saefong from MarketWatch, I mentioned how platinums (PLV25) forward curve was showing a standard contango (carry for those of you not from New York) indicating a far less bullish supply and demand situation than the various markets of the Softs sector we have talked about the last few years. As June came to an end, some Softs forward curves still in backwardation (inverse) could be seen in cocoa and coffee. Despite this continued bullish read on real fundamentals, both markets have struggled to find continued buying interest. To expand the overall discussion of the commodity complex in general, we see a similar situation in the Energies sector. But thats a subject for another day. For now, lets focus on why markets in the Softs sector have fallen on hard times, from a technical point of view. Before we dive in, keep in mind the definition of technical analysis is the study of market action, primarily through the use of charts, for the purpose of forecasting futures price trends[i]. Additionally, the three key premises on which the technical approach is based are[ii]: Market action discounts everything. Anything that can possibly affect the market price of a commodity futures contract fundamental, political, psychological, or otherwise is actually reflected in the price of that commodity. Prices move in trends, and trends equal price direction over time. There is a corollary to this premise, a trend in motion is more likely to continue than to reverse. (An adaptation of Newtons first law of motion.) History repeats itself. As I talked about with US stock indexes Tuesday, each month I put together long-term analysis for a variety of markets. In the case of the Softs sector, I look at Cash Indexes found on Barcharts cmdtyView system to avoid the roll from contract to contract and lightly traded contracts that show up on continuous monthly charts. With that in mind, heres what the technical picture was for the sector as June came to an end. - The Only Company that Can Deliver One GW of AI Power in 2026 AMARILLO, Texas, July 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Fermi America, which recently announced its intention to deliver one GW of online power by the end of 2026, and 11 GW of artificial intelligence capacity in the coming decade, executed two strategic agreements to secure the equipment necessary in the race to make the U.S. energy and AI dominant. The Amarillo HyperGrid is forging ahead with its plan to be the world's largest advanced energy and artificial intelligence campus. Rendering of the Fermi America Campus "We realized months ago that the number one challenge to delivering on President Trump's executive orders for energy dominance in the AI race with China was the supply chain," stated Fermi America co-founder, Toby Neugebauer. "In order to position America's hyperscalers with the new energy they require for AI, our team prioritized purchasing equipment for over 600 megawatts of the one gigawatt of generation to be offered by the end of 2026. Today's announcement shows that Fermi America is doing what it takes to deliver at an unprecedented scale." "The executed agreements will allow Fermi America to acquire highly reliable, energy-efficient, and environmentally advanced power generation systems to support the artificial intelligence campus," added Fermi America Chief Power Procurement Officer, Larry Kellerman. "The initial fleet represents ISO rated capability of over 600 MW of power generation equipment that is available for shipment and refurbishment, avoiding multi-year Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) lead times." The initial acquisition is for a set of new, "in crate," world-class Siemens Frame industrial gas turbines in highly efficient combined cycle mode. To be purchased from Firebird LNG in conjunction with Siemens Energy, the equipment consists of six SGT800 gas turbines, six heat recovery steam generators, and one SST600 steam turbine. The package, which reflects an ISO-rated capacity of 478 MW, estimated to be 400-plus MW at site elevation, also has six gas turbine exhaust venting systems, allowing for reliable, simple-cycle operation in the event of steam turbine outages or maintenance. Kellerman continued, "this configuration allows for optimal, multi-shaft reliability for Fermi America's hyperscaler end-use customers, with significantly lower output of all criteria emissions relative to either the marginal emissions rates of grid-supplied power across the vast majority of the U.S. or much higher heat rates and smaller-scale generation assets deployed at many competing intelligence sites." With a full load HHV heat rate in the low 7000 BTU per kWh range, this Fermi America asset's per unit CO2 greenhouse gas emissions will be more than 30% below either marginal grid power supply emissions or a typical competing campus's on-site generation. Planned use of selective catalytic reduction (SCR) and CO catalysts will reduce total emissions of other criteria pollutants to a small fraction of these alternatives. Additionally, Fermi plans on using Siemens Energy to support many aspects of the project's build-out, operations, and long-term maintenance, providing hyperscaler customers with the assurance of reliable, cost-effective, and efficient operations. The second acquisition, which Fermi closed in June, was for a set of three secondary market GE Frame class industrial gas turbines and a paired steam turbine. This equipment, formerly in operation at a heavy industrial operation in New Jersey, consists of three GE Frame 6B gas turbines and one GE steam turbine. Fermi America will oversee the refurbishment and life extension of these units by a GE-certified maintenance and repair organization prior to installation in Amarillo. Initially, Fermi plans to deploy the three refurbished gas turbines, totaling 135 MW at ISO conditions, in simple cycle mode, with the installation of new heat recovery steam generators shortly afterward. This will enable Fermi to operate the assets in combined cycle mode to allow for over 200 MW, under ISO conditions, and about 180 MW at site elevation, of combined cycle use and an efficient full load HHV heat rate in the low 8000 BTU per kWh range. "Behind-the-meter power isn't just a Fermi advantageit's the only solution for America's AI dominance," concluded Neugebauer. "Without it, we're handing China the keys to AI. There will only be one winner." As the United States approaches the 4th of July, the new campus stands as a bold declaration of American innovation and AI leadership. For media inquiries, please contact: Lexi Swearingen [email protected] About Fermi America Fermi America is pioneering the development of next-generation electric grids that deliver highly redundant power at gigawatt scale, required to create next-generation artificial intelligence. Co-founded by former U.S. Energy Secretary Rick Perry, Fermi America combines cutting-edge technology with a deep bench of proven world-class multi-disciplinary leaders to create the world's largest, next-gen HyperGrid a first-of-its-kind behind-the-meter campus that is expected to integrate the largest nuclear power complex in America, the nation's biggest combined-cycle natural gas project, utility grid power, solar power, and battery energy storage to deliver hyperscaler artificial intelligence. Forward-Looking Statements This press release may contain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding our strategy, future operations, financial position, prospects, plans and objectives of management. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements because they contain words such as "may," "will," "will be," "will likely result," "should," "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "could," "would," "foresees," "intends," "target," "projects," "contemplates," "believes," "estimates," "predicts," "potential," "outlook," or "continue" or the negative of these words or other similar terms or expressions. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, but are based on management's current expectations, assumptions, and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effect on us, which are inherently subject to uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict. Our expectations expressed or implied in these forward-looking statements may not turn out to be correct. Our results could be materially different from our expectations because of various risks. SOURCE Fermi America French payments processor Worldline has enlisted external specialists to scrutinise its client base and internal controls after media allegations of overlooking fraud led to a steep drop in its stock value. In an interview with Les Echos, the companys chairman Wilfried Verstraete confirmed that Accuracy, an auditing firm, will evaluate the companys portfolio of high-risk merchants. Additionally, consultancy Oliver Wyman has been appointed to examine Worldlines compliance mechanisms. Worldline intends to disclose preliminary results from these reviews alongside its half-year financial results on 30 July, Verstraete told Les Echos, aiming to restore confidence among investors and stakeholders. The audits follow reports by the European Investigative Collaborations, a network of 21 European media outlets, which alleged that Worldline disregarded regulatory warnings and maintained relationships with clients linked to high fraud rates. In response, Worldline stated that it has enhanced its merchant risk controls since 2023 and terminated non-compliant client relationships. These claims caused Worldlines market value to fall from a high of 24bn ($28.1bn) four years ago to under 1bn, Bloomberg reported. Last week, Belgian prosecutors have initiated an investigation into Worldlines Belgian operations following the media reports. Swedens Financial Supervisory Authority has requested a meeting with the company. The European Central Bank (ECB) continues to hold two Worldline bondsa 500m note due in 2027 and a 600m note maturing in 2028as part of its quantitative easing programme, reported Bloomberg. According to data released, these bonds, acquired years ago, remain on the ECBs holdings list. The ECB does not disclose the size of its individual corporate bond holdings and is not obligated to sell bonds if their ratings are downgraded to non-investment grade. These securities are generally available for lending, enabling investors to borrow them and speculate on price declines. "Worldline initiates independent reviews following fraud claims " was originally created and published by Electronic Payments International, a GlobalData owned brand. Benzinga and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below. The worlds most powerful banking institution just dropped its harshest critique yet of the $260 billion stablecoin market, warning that these digital dollars pose existential threats to global monetary systemseven as the U.S. Senate moves to legitimize them. The Central Bank Bombshell The Bank for International Settlementsthe global institution that serves as a hub for central banks worldwideissued what amounts to a declaration of war against stablecoins in its annual report released on June 24. Their message was unambiguous: stablecoins fall short as sound money and threaten both financial stability and national monetary sovereignty. Don't Miss: This isnt just academic handwringing. The BIS represents 63 central banks controlling roughly 95% of global GDP, making their warnings the closest thing to official policy guidance for the worlds financial system. The timing is particularly striking. The U.S. Senate last week passed legislation creating the first comprehensive regulatory framework for dollar-pegged stablecoins. If the House follows suit, it could trigger an explosion in stablecoin adoptionexactly what the BIS is warning against. Why Central Bankers Are Spooked The BIS laid out three core concerns that should worry any investor holding significant stablecoin positions: 1. The Fake Money Problem Hyun Song Shin, the BISs chief economist, compared modern stablecoins to the chaotic private banking era of 19th-century America, when different banks issued their own notes that traded at varying discounts. Unlike true central bank money, stablecoins lack what he calls singlenessthe universal acceptance that makes a dollar bill worth exactly one dollar, anywhere, anytime. 2. The Tether Transparency Black Hole The report highlighted disclosure concerns around Tether, which controls over half the stablecoin market but has faced persistent questions about whether it actually holds the assets it claims. Is the money really there? Where is it? asked BIS Deputy General Manager Andrea Maechlera question that should keep any USDT holder awake at night. Hotchkis & Wiley, an investment management company, released its Hotchkis & Wiley Global Value Fund first quarter 2025 investor letter. A copy of the letter can be downloaded here. In Q1 2025, the MSCI World Index decreased by 1.8%, driven by the decline of mega-cap growth stocks. The Magnificent Seven represented over 22% of the MSCI World Index in the quarter, collectively experiencing a decline of 14%. The Hotchkis & Wiley Global Value Fund returned 5.96% in the quarter, outperforming the MSCI World Value Indexs 4.81% return. For more information on the funds best picks in 2025, please check its top five holdings. In its first-quarter 2025 investor letter, Hotchkis & Wiley Global Value Fund highlighted stocks such as WPP plc (NYSE:WPP). WPP plc (NYSE:WPP) is a creative transformation company that offers communications, experience, commerce, and technology services. The one-month return of WPP plc (NYSE:WPP) was -8.28%, and its shares lost 23.15% of their value over the last 52 weeks. On July 1, 2025, WPP plc (NYSE:WPP) stock closed at $35.88 per share, with a market capitalization of $7.741 billion. Hotchkis & Wiley Global Value Fund stated the following regarding WPP plc (NYSE:WPP) in its Q1 2025 investor letter: "WPP plc (NYSE:WPP) is a large ad agency holding company. WPPs stock price came under pressure following weaker-than expected Q424 earnings results. The company trades at a low multiple of consensus earnings with a good balance sheet, we believe WPP can deliver near mid-teens returns from the combination of capital return and capital-free organic growth." A media buying executive looking out a window at a brand advertiser's billboard. WPP plc (NYSE:WPP) is not on our list of 30 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds. As per our database, 9 hedge fund portfolios held WPP plc (NYSE:WPP) at the end of the first quarter, which was 5 in the previous quarter. While we acknowledge the potential of WPP plc (NYSE:WPP) as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns, and doing so within a shorter timeframe. If you are looking for an AI stock that is as promising as NVIDIA but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the undervalued AI stock set for massive gains. In another article, we covered WPP plc (NYSE:WPP) and shared the list of undervalued European stocks to invest in. Oakmark International Fund also attributed WPP plcs (NYSE:WPP) decline during the quarter to the same factor in its Q1 2025 investor letter. In addition, please check out our hedge fund investor letters Q1 2025 page for more investor letters from hedge funds and other leading investors. While we acknowledge the potential of WPP as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If youre looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. Business owners can earn valuable cash back rewards on their business expenses with the Bank of America Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Mastercard. This credit card earns up to 3% in the category of your choice plus 2% on dining and 1% on everything else. For those with larger deposit and investing balances, you can earn up to an additional 75% cash back on your purchases. Learn more about this Bank of America business credit card and how you can maximize your rewards. Learn more Bank of America Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Mastercard Annual fee $0 Welcome offer Get a $300 online statement credit after you spending at least $3,000 within the first 90 days Card type(s) Cash-back, Rewards Introductory APR 0% intro APR on purchases for the first 9 billing cycles Purchase APR 17.49% - 27.49% variable Rewards rate 3% cash back* in the category of your choice: gas stations and EV charging stations (default), office supply stores, travel, TV/telecom & wireless, computer services, or business consulting services 2% cash back* on dining purchases 1% cash back on all other purchases *Earn 3% and 2% cash back on the first $50,000 in combined choice category/dining purchases each calendar year, then earn 1% Benefits Earn up to 75% more cash back on every purchase if you have a business checking account with Bank of America and qualify for Preferred Rewards for Business Platinum Honors tier Redeem your cash rewards as a deposit into your Bank of America checking or savings account, as a card statement credit, or as a check mailed to you 0% on purchases for the first 9 billing cycles, after which the standard APR applies Additional benefits The Customized Cash Rewards Bank of America business credit card has limited benefits beyond its ability to earn cash-back rewards. Here are a few of the features that could add value to your business. Cash flow management tools . Use Bank of America's complimentary tools to make automatic payments and transfers to other accounts. Account activity can be downloaded into Quickbooks to reduce manual entry. Free business credit score . View your business credit score from Dun & Bradstreet for free through the bank's online dashboard. Overdraft protection . Link the Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards credit card to your checking account for overdraft protection. This service can avoid declined purchases and returned checks. Travel accident insurance. When you use your Bank of America business credit card to book travel, you're covered with $100,000 in travel accident insurance at no charge. See also: Best business credit cards of 2025 How to earn rewards You'll earn cash-back rewards automatically with the Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards credit card. To maximize the cash back you'll receive, determine which of the six bonus categories you spend the most. Select that category, and change it up to once a month (as needed) if your spending habits fluctuate. Additionally, the card gives 2% cash back on all dining purchases. Bonus cash-back rewards are earned on the first $50,000 in combined purchases between your chosen 3% category and the 2% dining category. Any purchases that don't qualify for a bonus earn an unlimited 1% cash back. Customers who have larger deposit and investment balances with Bank of America and Merrill can qualify for Preferred Rewards. This free program boosts your cash-back rewards by up to 75% on every purchase. At the highest tier, your chosen category can earn up to 5.25% cash back, while the dining category earns up to 3.5% and everything else earns 1.75%. How to redeem rewards This Bank of America business credit card offers simple redemption options for your cash-back rewards. If you have business bank accounts with Bank of America, you can deposit cash rewards into a checking or savings account. Rewards can be used to reduce your credit card balance with a statement credit. Alternatively, you can request that a check be mailed to you so you can deposit it with another bank. Your cash-back rewards do not expire as long as your credit card is open and in good standing. This means that there's no rush to make a choice for redeeming rewards. However, there's no benefit to waiting either. A good strategy is to redeem rewards frequently to reduce debt, boost savings or use the money to grow your business. Read also: Best rewards credit cards of 2025 Who is the Bank of America Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Mastercard best for? This Bank of America business credit card is best for business owners who want to earn cash back without paying an annual fee. Their expenses may fluctuate throughout the year, and different categories of purchases may be larger from month to month. The Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards card allows them to switch their 3% cash back category to take advantage of their business expenses. The $50,000 annual cap on bonus cash back is also beneficial for business owners who have large purchases throughout the year. An annual limit instead of a monthly or quarterly cap ensures that they can maximize rewards without hitting a ceiling on their cash-back rewards. Business owners with larger deposit and investment balances can benefit even more. They'll earn up to 75% more cash back if they qualify for Preferred Rewards. This bonus applies to every purchase, including bonus categories, which allows them to earn up to 5.25% cash back. Bank of America Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Mastercard benefits Choose a bonus category . Business owners can choose their 3% bonus category among six options. They can change their selection once a month to match their upcoming expenses. Earn up to 75% more cash back . Businesses with larger relationships are rewarded with extra cash back on every purchase when they sign up for Preferred Rewards. No annual fees . There are no annual fees, so you don't have to worry about earning enough rewards to offset the fees. Free employee cards . Earn rewards on employee purchases without paying extra fees for adding them to your account. Intro APR offer. Business owners get a 0% intro APR offer on purchases for the first nine months. This gives them extra time to pay off their balance and maximize their cash flow. Bank of America Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Mastercard potential drawbacks Annual cap on bonus categories . Bonus cash back applies on the first $50,000 spent on the combined 3% and 2% cash back categories. Once you've reached that limit, rewards are reduced to 1% until the limit resets each year. Can only select one bonus category . Competing credit cards often have multiple bonus categories that apply at the same time. This Bank of America business credit card requires that you choose one at a time. Limited redemption options . Customers have limited options for how to redeem their cash back rewards. There are no options to book travel, transfer to partners or redeem for a higher value. No balance transfer promotion. While this card does offer an intro APR purchase promotion, it doesn't offer the same benefit for balance transfers. Where can you use the Bank of America Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Mastercard? As a Mastercard, the Bank of America Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards card can be used anywhere Mastercard is accepted. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted throughout the U.S. and internationally. Beware of paying international vendors or traveling internationally with this Bank of America business credit card. While many stores will accept it for payment, the bank charges a 3% foreign transaction fee on purchases made outside of the U.S. How to make a Bank of America Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Mastercard payment Pay your Bank of America business credit card using one of the following options. Online . Log into your Bank of America account and select "Bill Pay," then follow the instructions. Mobile app . Customers can make credit card payments through the bank's mobile app. At a financial center . Bank of America has 3,800 branches where customers can make payments in person with a teller. By phone . Call (888) 306-4949 to make a payment by phone. There are no fees for making payments over the phone. By mail. Mail payments to PO Box 15710, Wilmington, DE 19850-5710. Business credit card payments are not currently supported through the bank's ATMs. Bank of America Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Mastercard customer service info Alternative cards to consider If you're still unsure whether the Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards credit card is right for you, consider these other rewards credit cards for business. Learn more American Express Business Gold Card Rates & fees, terms apply Annual fee $375 Welcome offer Earn 100,000 Membership Rewards Points after you spend $15,000 on purchases within the first 3 months Card type(s) Business, Rewards Introductory Purchases APR 0% on purchases for 6 months from the date of account opening Ongoing Purchases APR 18.49% - 29.24% Variable Recommended credit score Excellent/Good Rewards rate Earn 4x Membership Rewards points on the top two eligible categories (out of 6 total categories) where your business spends the most each month. Although your top 2 categories may change each month, you will earn 4x points on the first $150,000 in combined purchases from these categories each calendar year, then 1x after that (only the top 2 categories each billing cycle will count towards the $150,000 cap; terms apply). 3x points on flights and prepaid hotels booked on AmexTravel.com 1x points on all other purchases Benefits Earn up to $20 in monthly statement credits (up to $240 annually) for eligible U.S. purchases at FedEx, Grubhub, and office supply stores The Business Gold Card comes in three metal designs Gold, Rose Gold, and White Gold Your spending limit is flexible and adjusts based on factors such as your purchase, payment, and credit history Why we like it: The Business Gold Card from American Express offers 4x points on your two top eligible spending categories each month. You don't need to select them ahead of time. Amex automatically applies the 4x points where you spend the most. It also earns 3x points on flights and pre-paid hotels booked through Amex Travel, and 1x points on everything else (terms apply; see rates and fees). The Business Gold Card includes cell phone protection, purchase protection, and an extended warranty on eligible purchases. For travelers, there are no foreign transaction fees, and you're protected with baggage insurance, rental car coverage, and trip delay insurance.* *Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions, and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company. Learn more Capital One Spark Cash Plus Annual fee $150 Welcome offer Earn $2,000 cash back after spending $30,000 within the first 3 months, plus get an additional $2,000 cash bonus for every $500,000 spent during the first year Card type(s) Business, Cash-back Purchase APR Not applicable Recommended credit score Excellent Rewards rate 5% unlimited cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One's travel booking site 2% unlimited cash back on all other purchases (no limits or category restrictions) Benefits Get your $150 annual fee refunded every year after spending at least $150,000 Your spending limit is flexible and adjusts based on factors such as your purchase, payment, and credit history You'll never be charged interest since your balance is due in full every month Why we like it: Business owners with large purchases will love the Capital One Spark Cash Plus. It earns an unlimited 2% cash back on every purchase and 5% when booking cars and hotels through Capital One Travel. With a flat cash-back structure, you don't have to worry about bonus categories or activating limited-time offers. With such a large minimum spending requirement to earn the welcome bonus, only high-volume businesses should consider applying. The balance must be paid in full each month. Additionally, it charges a $150 annual fee, which is refunded when you spend $150,000 or more each year. Learn more Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card Annual fee $0 Welcome offer Earn $750 bonus cash back after spending $6,000 in the first 3 months Card type(s) Business, Travel Introductory Purchases APR 0% Intro APR on Purchases for 12 Months Ongoing Purchases APR 17.49% - 23.49% Variable Recommended credit score Good, Excellent Rewards rate 1.5% unlimited cash back on every business purchase Benefits $0 annual fee Generous intro APR on purchases You won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information Why we like it: The Ink Business Unlimited is a cash-back credit card that earns an unlimited 1.5% cash back for your business. Business owners can add employee cards at no cost and enjoy complimentary benefits, like primary rental car coverage, purchase protection, and an extended warranty on eligible purchases. Editorial Disclosure: The information in this article has not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser. All opinions belong solely to Yahoo Finance and are not those of any other entity. The details on financial products, including card rates and fees, are accurate as of the publish date. All products or services are presented without warranty. Check the banks website for the most current information. This site doesn't include all currently available offers. Credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product. A woman cries as she leaves the Uvalde Civic Center on May 24, 2022. At least 14 students and 1 teacher were killed will a gunman opened fire at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, according to Texas Gov. Gregg Abbott. You are the owner of this article. A group in Colorado is seeking to revert the name of Mount Blue Sky to Mount Evans, arguing the decision to scrap the name of the former territorial governor from the iconic peak was ideologically driven. GREATER DES MOINES, Iowa, July 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The World Food & Music Festival presented by Veridian Credit Union has announced vendors, merchants and nonprofits for the 2025 Festival. The 2025 World Food & Music Festival will make its return on Friday, Aug. 22 Sunday, Aug. 24 at Western Gateway Park in Downtown Des Moines (DSM). This year's Festival will feature 56 food vendors from 23 countries, including 13 new vendors. The vendor list will include six vendors from the Greater Des Moines Partnership's Spark DSM Business Incubator. Once finalized, menus will be marked to denote items that are gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian or vegan. To see the full list of vendors, visit The Partnership's website. This year's Festival will also feature two nonprofits and six merchants. The 2025 lineup will feature the following businesses: Merchants: Alohana Creations Ethnic Fusion Iowahenna & Facepainting Inti Fair Trade Josina Supplies LLC Nectar of the Vine Nonprofits: Annie's Foundation AFS Intercultural Programs USA "We're thrilled to bring back the World Food & Music Festival now nationally recognized as one of the top cultural festivals in the country," said Amelia Klatt, Director of Events for The Partnership. "We're looking forward to welcoming visitors from all over the region back to experience the sights, sounds and tastes of the world in the heart of Downtown DSM. We encourage every attendee to try something new and get to know all our new vendors." The World Food & Music Festival is presented by Veridian Credit Union, is sponsored by BRAVO, Midwest Living, Ruan Foundation, Nationwide, Bankers Trust, Ann M Hartz, CPA & Associates and State Farm, is produced by the Greater Des Moines Partnership and powered by Downtown DSM, Inc. and the Downtown Events Group. "The World Food & Music Festival has been celebrating the global cultures, cuisine and music that can be found right here in our own community for more than 20 years," said Shelly McGill, Veridian's Central Iowa Regional Manager. "Des Moines is fortunate to have such a vibrant celebration to bring us all together, and Veridian is grateful for the chance to support it." Those interested in volunteering can sign up for a slot on The Festival's Website. Learn more and keep up to date on the latest Festival information on the World Food & Music Festival's website. About the Greater Des Moines Partnership The Greater Des Moines Partnership is the economic and community development organization that serves 12 counties in Greater Des Moines (DSM), Iowa: Adair, Clarke, Dallas, Guthrie, Jasper, Madison, Mahaska, Marion, Marshall, Polk, Poweshiek and Warren. Together with more than 400 Investors and an Affiliate Chamber of Commerce network of more than 7,200 Regional Business Members, The Partnership drives economic growth and talent development to advance quality of life in DSM with one voice, one mission and as one region. Through innovation, strategic planning and global collaboration, The Partnership grows opportunity, helps create jobs and promotes DSM as the best place to build a business, a career and a future. Learn more at DSMpartnership.com. About Downtown DSM, Inc. Downtown DSM, Inc. is part of the Greater Des Moines Partnership and is dedicated to ensuring the continued growth of Downtown Des Moines (DSM). A strong region needs a strong Downtown. Downtown DSM, Inc. leads efforts to drive development, placemaking and events in Downtown DSM. It promotes Downtown through integration of retail, restaurants, businesses, housing, events and placemaking. The Downtown Events Group enhances the vibrancy of Downtown DSM through the creation, elevation and activation of arts, culture and humanities events and community placemaking. Learn more downtowndsmusa.com. Contact: Kyle Oppenhuizen [email protected] (515) 286-4972 Learn More About DSM USA SOURCE Greater Des Moines Partnership The mother arrested last year on suspicion of child abuse resulting in the death of her 4-year-old son in 2022 was sentenced to 48 years in prison following an 11-day trial in the 4th Judicial District. Raven Rudd, 27, was accused of ignoring signs of serious injury to her son prior to his death on Nov. 30, 2022. According to her arrest affidavit, she and her boyfriend brought the child into the hospital after finding him unresponsive and "covered in vomit and 'frothing' from the mouth." Life-saving measures were unsuccessful. At the time of his death, Elijah Rudd had injuries to his elbow and upper spine, in addition to a punctured liver and a brain bleed. Child abuse pediatrician Nichole Wallace reviewed the injuries and told police the boy's injuries would have been "very painful" when being picked up and that he would have preferred lying still and not moving, Raven Rudd's arrest affidavit said. Elijah's death was ruled a homicide by the El Paso County Coroner's Office in in March 2023. After an extensive investigation, Raven Rudd was taken into custody on Jan. 5, 2024, over a year after the child's death. She was charged with one count of child abuse recklessly resulting in death, a class two felony. Rudd's trial spanned 11 days. Derrick Rudd, the biological father of Elijah, attended each day, calling it "gruesome" at times. When an El Paso County jury found Raven Rudd guilty, Derrick Rudd said he finally got some closure nearly 2 years after his son's death. "I felt as if my son had actually gotten like justice finally for what had happened to him," Derrick Rudd said of the verdict. Judge Diana May handed down the nearly half-a-century sentence for the 27-year-old on June 27. Court records indicate Raven Rudd never bonded out of El Paso County jail, giving her a little under a year-and-a-half credit for time served. Derrick Rudd said he appreciated that May did not show Raven Rudd any leniency with the sentence. Featured Local Savings "I personally feel, and I think a lot of people would agree with me, that it should have been a life for a life," Derrick Rudd said. "That was a child's life, and there should be no exceptions." Derrick Rudd said he was not able to see his son as much after he and Raven Rudd separated in August of 2019. After the split, he says he did not see his son until December 2021. The last time Derrick Rudd said he was able to see Elijah was over Facetime shortly before his death. He said he could tell something was wrong with his son just by his appearance. "He was laying down with his hand on his stomach and head, as if something was wrong with him, and he just looked unkempt," Derrick Rudd said. "His hair was matted and dirty and his face just looked like he had been rubbing mud and dirt across it all day." Court documents filed after her arrest included text messages in which Raven Rudd lies the day of her son's death, claiming she was taking him to the hospital before he became unresponsive when she had not. As part of the healing journey, Derrick Rudd says he wants to have another child someday. As he continues to work through grief, his current romantic partner's five-year-old son is helping. "I lost my kid a couple of days before his fifth birthday, and then her son just turned five and is getting ready to school," Derrick Rudd said. "In a way, her son is actually helping me cope with not being able to fulfill the want to send a kid to school and be a proud dad." In addition to her 48-year sentence, Raven Rudd will have to pay nearly $12,000 in court fees and fines. Desiring to hang on to a 57-year tradition of operating with an all-volunteer force, the Assistance League of Colorado Springs disassociated from the national office on May 31, when its annual agreement with the headquarters ended. That brings the philanthropic nonprofit full circle to once again stand as an independent do-good organization, which has been renamed B-COS We Care For Our Community. Were not doing anything different, we just decided to go in a different direction, said Suzanne Discenza, immediate past president of the local chapter. Our basic mission remains the same: were here to provide services to fill unmet needs in the community. Recent changes at the national level led local leaders to drop the affiliation. We diverged in our thinking and how we want to approach things, and it seemed a good time to do it, Discenza said. And thats not bad. The original organization started in 1968 as a standalone nonprofit called the Assistance Guild of Colorado Springs. Members joined the National Assistance League network a few years later, Discenza said. The nonprofit continues to serve all El Paso County through eight unique programs that benefit low-income school children, sex assault survivors, preschoolers, grieving families, military veterans and other residents. Its most widely known project is also its fundraising staple: the Bargain Box Thrift Store at 405 S. Nevada Ave., where shoppers can find donated treasures for household and personal use, from clothes and accessories to decor and collectibles. Store proceeds and other fundraisers, along with grants, individual contributions and 135 volunteers, support the $500,000 annual budget, which pays for the programs. With the disaffiliation from the national office, Operation School Bell is now called Beyond the Classroom. The program had to be renamed because other chapters under the umbrella of the National Assistance League use the name, Discenza said. But the local effort functions the same, in helping public school children from low-income households receive new outfits, shoes, classroom supplies and hygiene items each fall. We work with all school districts in El Paso County, Discenza said. Its probably our biggest program the one we spend the most money on. The organization helped more than 1,500 students during the school year that ended in May, she said. Clothes for Courage, formerly known as Assault Survivor Kits, provides a fresh set of clothing and personal hygiene items to women, children and men who have been sexually assaulted. The program started, Discenza said, because assault victims were being sent home in hospital gowns since their clothes were kept for evidence. We felt patients had the right to wear real clothing after traumatic events, she said. For the fiscal year ending May 31, the organization gave out $5,000 worth of emergency clothing and hygiene products for 1,200 assault survivors. Another program, Sweet Dreams, supplies full-size beds and bedding to previously homeless youth who have been clients of The Place, an emergency shelter for youth, or who are at risk of homelessness, such as foster children who emancipate from the system. B-COS We Care For Our Community also paid for beds and accessories for The Places new 50-unit apartment complex for young adults exiting homelessness, which opened in June. The organization also does free hearing screenings for more than 1,000 preschoolers each year and donates teddy bears to first responders and emergency room staff to hand out to traumatized children. The new Angel Babies gives grieving parents burial or keepsake gowns and memorabilia for their stillborn infants or babies who die shortly after birth, an affiliation with Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center has volunteers working with the annual Standdown event for homeless vets, and free books are distributed to low-income kindergartners through second-graders. Not having paid staff and relying only on volunteers means the majority of the money raised for programs directly benefits those in need, Discenza said. Since none of us get paid, the joy is doing something good for our neighbors, in the entire El Paso County community, she said. B-COS We Care For Our Community is seeking new members and financial and in-kind donations, which can be dropped off at Bargain Box Thrift Store, 405 S. Nevada Ave. Its open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. The organization's new website is https://www.bcoswecare.org/. A group in Colorado is seeking to revert the name of Mount Blue Sky to Mount Evans, arguing the decision to scrap the name of the former territorial governor from the iconic peak was ideologically driven. Advance Colorado on Wednesday submitted a petition to the Trump administration to restore the iconic mountains previous name. Back in 2023, a 128-year-old Colorado mountain was renamed based on a false record and fraudulent process, said Michael Fields, president of Advance Colorado. We have requested that President Trump correct this wrong by restoring the name Mount Evans. Fields clarified his group is not opposed to naming another mountain to honor the Southern Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes just not the peak previously known as Mount Evans. We suggest a suitable alternative based on historical facts, he said. Giving the mountain its previous name is proper, given that the former governor was one of the most consequential figures in Colorado and U.S. western history, said the group, which describes itself in its petition to the Trump administration as an organization working to reverse the radical progressive policies destroying Colorado. The group said Evans, as governor, put into place the legal system, educational institutions and infrastructure that led to Colorado gaining statehood. He also established a railway system tying the state to the transcontinental line, cementing Colorado as a western economic hub, the group said. Advance Colorado said progressive special interest groups pushed renaming the mountain in 2023 based on a false claim that the territorial governor was responsible for the Sand Creek Massacre. In its petition, Advance Colorado insisted that historical records have demonstrated that Evans played no role in the massacre, citing a report from Northwestern University that the group described as exonerating the former governor. No known evidence indicates that John Evans helped plan the Sand Creek Massacre or had any knowledge of it in advance, said the report from the university, whose founders included Evans. The extant evidence suggests that he did not consider the Indians at Sand Creek to be a threat and that he would have opposed the attack that took place. The report also said Evans was among several people, who, in serving a flawed and poorly implemented federal Indian policy, helped create a situation that made the Sand Creek Massacre possible. Evans had denied any role in the massacre, in which hundreds of Colorado militia troops, led by Col. John Chivington, attacked a village of Cheyenne and Arapaho women, children and elders on the banks of Sand Creek in Kiowa County on Nov. 29, 1864. More than 230 tribal members were slaughtered. Featured Local Savings An investigation resulted in President Andrew Johnson demanding Evans resignation. Evans was forced to resign his governorship following the massacre, while Chivington could not be dishonorably discharged as his enlistment had already expired that September. Fred Mosqueda, a Southern Arapaho who sought to erase the Evans name from the mountain, said the fact that the territorial governor has been heralded as a hero since the 1860s confounded the Southern Arapaho and Cheyenne. Evans was in a place where he could have, as the Territorial Governor and the Indian Agent for the Cheyenne Arapaho tribes, given us a reservation here in Colorado, Mosqueda said last year. The renaming was a long hard battle. But this is going to be a healing process for everybody. This is not just for one tribe or one people or the Cheyenne or Arapaho, it is for every living thing. In an editorial, Mosqueda and Chester Whiteman of the Southern Cheyenne said blue sky signifies our indigenous connections the Arapaho, who are known as the Blue Sky People, and the Cheyenne, who have an annual ceremony of renewal of life called Blue Sky. The U.S. Board on Geographic Names officially renamed the peak to Mount Blue Sky in September 2023, acting on the recommendation of Colorados Geographic Naming Advisory Board. Various government entities, as well as tribal groups though not all agreed on Mount Blue Sky supported the name change. The state bodys recommendation went to Gov. Jared Polis, who forwarded it to the federal naming board. Colorados two Democratic U.S. senators, Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper, also backed the name change. We must better face the dark history of the Sand Creek atrocities by honoring the lives that were lost, Hickenlooper then said. Renaming one of Colorados tallest peaks to honor the Arapaho and Cheyenne people is an important step forward. The renaming vote was held for six months because of objections from the Northern Cheyenne of Lame Deer, Montana, the original Colorado tribe that vehemently opposed the name of Mount Blue Sky. The phrase blue sky is part of the sacred Tribal Arrow Ceremony and, thus, the Northern Cheyenne believe it would be sacrilegious for it to be spoken in common language, the tribe had argued. Northern Cheyenne tribal leaders instead advocated to rename Colorados most famous peak to Mount Cheyenne-Arapaho. At the federal boards 2023 meeting, Chris Hammon of the U.S. Geological Survey said there was overwhelming agreement that the name had to change. He added he would have preferred consensus from the tribal parties but noted that wasnt going to happen. Denver Gazette reporters Marianne Goodland and Luige del Puerto contributed to this report. More than 25 Colorado Springs-area high school students recently completed a pilot program designed to give them an up-close look at the broad spectrum of career opportunities available in the field of health care. Healthcare Summer Camp, a joint initiative spearheaded by the Pikes Peak Workforce Center and Pikes Peak State Colleges health sciences division, is a four-day interactive crash course in a range of health care disciplines, including surgical technology, dental work, physical therapy, blood drawing and nursing. Students from Harrison District 2, Colorado Springs District 11 and Manitou Springs District 14 with an interest in a health care career spent the week at the PPSC Rampart campus, getting hands-on training at the schools Center for Healthcare and Simulation . The purpose of the program is to give students an advanced look at health care careers so that they can make informed choices, said Bob Gemignani, director of the Pikes Peak Business and Education Alliance, the Workforce Centers student career development arm. Theres a lot of research and data over the last 20 years that indicates some significant economic damage to students making bad college decisions. A lot of kids go to college, but they dont know what they want to major in, they dont know what the economic opportunities are, or the jobs that are in high demand in our community. This program was designed to help students connect those decisions. The simulation center is a state-of-the-art facility that allows students to apply what they learn in class through tactile learning experiences that closely resemble real-world scenarios , according to Joseph Charleman, PPSCs executive director of health sciences. Our goal is that students get a really good look at programs before they enroll in them, Charleman said. Now they can make an informed decision on where they can see themselves. Programs like the summer camp can also develop confident, focused students who will eventually help bolster a health care workforce shortage that will likely worsen before it improves, Charleman said. Were headed for a health care crisis within the next few years, he said. We dont have enough people to staff those jobs. Featured Local Savings According to the American Hospital Association, experts expect a shortage of as many as 100,000 U.S. health care workers by 2028, which would cause scheduling backlogs, overworked employees and an overall decline in patient care. Americans deserve quality health care, Charleman said. The next population thats going to help us fill this void is our high school students. We have to show these students that these programs are available to them. The camp participants experienced a busy week, with an almost nonstop flow of information, according to Julie Julian, PPSCs director of health sciences accreditation. In just a few days, theyve gone through a number of patient care scenarios that are as close to real life as we can make them, Julian said. Theyve done eye exams, practiced phlebotomy, bandaging and wound care, vitals and pulse oxygen readings, on-site trauma treatment, dental imaging, and more. Several students said they found the experience eye-opening. It was very interactive and informative, said Nadya Sanchez, a rising senior at Sierra High School. I got a lot of information on a lot of different medical fields. Sanchez said she was fascinated with the realism of the simulations. There was a mannequin that was so realistic, it had eyes that would follow you around the room, she said. By Ted Hesson WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The major tax-cut and spending bill that Republicans hope to bring to final passage in the U.S. House of Representatives this week would devote an unprecedented $170 billion to immigration enforcement, according to an analysis by the pro-immigration American Immigration Council and a Reuters review of the bill text. DETENTION The bill, which passed in the U.S. Senate on Tuesday, would provide $45 billion for immigration detention to increase from the currently funded level of a daily average of 41,500 people to at least 100,000, by far the most on record. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which administers the immigration detention system, was over its funded capacity as of June 15, with 56,000 in custody. President Donald Trump, a Republican, visited a temporary detention facility on Tuesday dubbed "Alligator Alcatraz" because of its location in the Florida Everglades, a subtropical wetland. Trump said other states could follow the same model as Florida, which quickly constructed large tents and expects reimbursement via federal emergency management funds. BORDER WALL The bill devotes $46.6 billion toward construction of a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border. During Trump's 2017-2021 presidency, his administration built about 450 miles (724 km) of border barriers although much of that replaced existing structures. The entire border spans 1,954 miles (3,145 km). Another $5 billion would go toward upgrading U.S. Customs and Border Protection facilities and checkpoints. The number of migrants caught crossing illegally has dropped to record lows since Trump took office in January. HIRING MORE OFFICERS The legislation provides $30 billion for ICE's arrest and deportation operations - more than double the $10 billion appropriated for the agency this year. The funds would pay for the hiring and training of new ICE officers. The money could also be used to ramp up arrests across the country through partnerships with state and local law enforcement. While the Senate bill does not specify how many officers, the House version of the legislation had set a level of 10,000 ICE officers over five years. ICE has about 21,000 full-time employees, according to a budget document published in June. The measure gives $4.1 billion to hire more CBP personnel, including Border Patrol agents. REIMBURSEMENTS TO STATES The bill creates a $10 billion fund to provide reimbursements for spending use to support the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's efforts to secure the border. Texas Governor Greg Abbott, a Republican, sent a letter in January to U.S. lawmakers requesting reimbursement for more than $11 billion the state spent on border security efforts. FEE INCREASES The legislation will raise fees for various immigration applications, potentially deterring or delaying some migrants from seeking legal status. The bill for the first time will create a $100 fee for an asylum application. Asylum seekers would also face a new $550 work permit fee. The American Immigration Council estimates asylum seekers would pay at least $1,150 over a five-year process to obtain asylum. Fees would also rise for programs that offer temporary legal immigration status and protection from deportation, which Trump generally opposes. People applying for Temporary Protected Status would see registration fees rise from $50 to $500. Those seeking humanitarian "parole" would have fees increase from $630 to $1,000. (Reporting by Ted Hesson; Additional reporting by Andy Sullivan; Editing by Mary Milliken and Chizu Nomiyama ) According to a newly declassified FBI letter obtained by Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA), the FBI headquarters shut down a 2020 investigation into allegations that China attempted to interfere in the 2020 presidential election by shipping fake drivers licenses to the United States after concluding that the intelligence would contradict then-director Christopher Wrays sworn testimony to Congress. A June 27 letter to Grassley, sent by Assistant FBI Director Marshall Yates, outlines how officials at the FBI's headquarters ordered the recall of an Intelligence Information Report just one day after Wray told Congress on Sept. 24, 2020, that the bureau had not identified any coordinated voter fraud. The Albany Field Office had submitted the IIR based on a sources claim that the Chinese Communist Party sent fake U.S. drivers licenses to sympathizers in the U.S. who would vote for then-candidate Joe Biden. FBI leadership instructed agents to destroy all copies of the report and delete it from all computer systems, according to the recall notice. Although the source was later reinterviewed and confirmed additional details, the bureau still refused to republish the intelligence. One reason cited for not releasing the IIR was because the reporting will contradict Director Wrays testimony, Yates wrote in the letter. In that testimony, Wray had claimed the bureau had not seen any kind of coordinated national voter fraud effort. He added that the Chinese were expanding influence operations but did not mention specific interference involving fake IDs. The source, a China-based individual who was not a member of the Chinese Communist Party, was considered reliable by field agents. An Albany officer partially corroborated elements of the claim, and FBI records confirm that the FBI never shut down the source for lack of credibility. Nevertheless, the FBIs Foreign Influence Task Force declined to pursue the information or issue a new report, even as agents raised alarms internally. Internal emails released to Grassley and declassified by current FBI Director Kash Patel show Albany agents objected to the decision. One wrote: I found this troubling because it implied to me that one of the reasons we arent putting this out is for a political reason, which goes directly against our organizations mission to remain apolitical. Notably, Yatess letter revealed that, in the wake of this incident, FBI leadership instituted a new policy requiring that all raw reporting concerning the election will now require HQ coordination, which was not required before. Field agents pushed back. Internal emails from the Albany office questioned the recall, warning it was dangerous if we cite potential political implications as reasons for not putting out our information. Featured Local Savings Yates acknowledged the Albany teams objections. It was not the role of analysts to align intelligence with public testimony, Yates wrote. Suppressing field-generated reporting could deprive other IC [intelligence community] elements of the opportunity to corroborate or discredit intelligence. Customs and Border Protection data bolstered the initial allegations. In the first half of 2020, CBP seized nearly 20,000 fake U.S. drivers licenses, most from China and Hong Kong, at the Chicago OHare mail facility. The FBI documents do not link the seizures directly to the alleged voting scheme, but investigators said they provided logical investigative leads that were never pursued. Wray also stated in his testimony that the FBI would "aggressively" investigate any incidents that revealed evidence of widespread voter fraud efforts. "That is something that we would investigate seriously," he said at the time. In response to Yates's revelations, Grassley blasted the bureau, saying the documents smack of political decision-making and show Wrays FBI turned its back on its national security mission. He praised Patels transparency and called for a full accounting of the bureaus actions. Adding more fuel to Grassley's frustrations, Wray's establishment of the FTIF coincided with a statement on his goal to "identify and counteract malign foreign influence operations targeting the United States. Chris Wrays FBI wasnt looking out for the American people; it was looking to save its own image. FBI HEADQUARTERS TO STAY IN DC, WILL MOVE THREE BLOCKS AWAY TO RONALD REAGAN BUILDING In early February, Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the closure of the FBIs Foreign Influence Task Force, created by Wray in 2017 under the first Trump administration. Bondi cited a need to "free resources to address more pressing priorities and end risks of further weaponization and abuses of prosecutorial discretion." Grassley suggested that move was much needed in light of the latest revelation about the bureau's efforts to shroud the alleged Chinese 2020 election influence operation, calling it "a positive step, given what the task force had been twisted into." Paul J. Batura is a local writer and founder of the 4:8 Media Network. He can be reached via email Paul@PaulBatura.com or on X @PaulBatura. The owners of The Q by the Orbit Lounge, founded by former Club Q employees and shooting survivors Michael Anderson and Tara Bush at the Satellite Hotel on South Academy Boulevard, are hosting a memorial event Tuesday, the two-year mark since the mass shooting in Colorado Springs. National DRESS Syndrome Day 2025 Highlights "Faces of DRESS" to Advocate for Urgent Scientific Investment RICHMOND, Va., July 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In honor of National DRESS Syndrome Day on July 16, the DRESS Syndrome Foundation is calling out the urgent need for funding into an overlooked yet life-threatening condition: DRESS Syndrome. DRESS stands for Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms, and is a severe adverse reaction to certain medications. Faces of DRESS featuring DRESS Syndrome patients and medical researchers Download the full-resolution version: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1j--FnPaZOTZRaFpKMHwjI56KRrwYZvse/view?usp=drive_link A variety of drugs cause DRESS, such as antibiotics and anticonvulsants. Approximately 1 in 1,000 to 10,000 people who take certain medications will develop the condition and 10% will die. DRESS is progressive and causes widespread inflammation, multi-organ failure, and long-term autoimmune complications. With delayed symptoms, DRESS is frequently misdiagnosedor diagnosed too late. "Faces of DRESS" spotlights the patients, caregivers, and medical researchers whose lives the condition directly impacts and whose futures depend on greater scientific investment. "DRESS requires early recognition and immediate medical care," says Tasha Tolliver, Executive Director of the DRESS Syndrome Foundation. "Despite its seriousness, DRESS remains underfunded. In a climate where budget cuts threaten scientific research, critical progress on DRESS is at real risk of stalling." Funding DRESS Syndrome research is not optionalit's essential. It's the difference between life and death, and the path toward improved prescribing, diagnosis, and treatments. The Foundation is urging policymakers and institutions to allocate research funds toward understanding DRESS and other severe cutaneous adverse drug reactions (SCARs). Recent breakthroughs show what's possible. Researchers have identified genetic risk markers like HLA-A*32:01 that can predict someone's risk of developing DRESS from the antibiotic Vancomycin. Emerging targeted therapies like dupilumab and JAK inhibitors may offer promising treatment but still need larger clinical studies to establish safety and effectiveness. "Research is the only way forward," says Dr. Elizabeth Phillips, a leading severe drug reaction global expert at Vanderbilt University Medical Center "We urgently need investment to develop predictive and preventive tools, protocols for recognition and early diagnosis, and more targeted approaches to treatment that avoid short- and long-term complications. We need mechanisms to improve recognition and education for all healthcare providers. Each delay in funding is another patient missed, another life at risk." Each year, National DRESS Syndrome Day globally raises awareness about DRESS. This year's event includes a live webinar featuring medical researchers, patients, and loved ones. The DRESS Syndrome Foundation calls for action because those who've lived it and those who may be next deserve better care, deeper understanding, and meaningful progress. Every life behind every face is worth recognizing and saving. About the DRESS Syndrome Foundation The DRESS Syndrome Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Richmond, Virginia. We educate and advocate for patients with DRESS Syndrome, and improve awareness of this disease. We partner with patients, families, and leading researchers worldwide. Learn more about the Foundation and how to participate in National DRESS Syndrome Day: www.DRESSsyndromefoundation.org. Contact: Deanna Lorianni Communications Director DRESS Syndrome Foundation 804.307.6703 [email protected] SOURCE DRESS Syndrome Foundation A Benton County judge sentenced a man to life in prison for killing his Russian fiancee in the woods near Alsea on Easter in 2017. It was a bloody end to a love triangle in which a popular Corvallis bar served as a backdrop. Its the second time William Chase Hargrove, now 35, was convicted in the gruesome execution-style murder of then-27-year-old Anna Alekseyevna Repkina and issued a life sentence. Hargrove successfully appealed the first murder conviction in 2023, sending him back to court. The first jury also found Hargrove guilty of identity theft and theft for using Repkinas bank card to get money just hours after her death. He was not granted appeal on those convictions. A victim statement read in court from Repkinas brother, Anton Repkin, said he was grateful to those who brought Hargrove to justice after having to worry about the outcome of the case for a second time. My family was greatly impacted by what happened. Since we lost Anna, my mom never really recovered, he wrote. She has a bad cancer, and any emotional distress is very bad for her. This keeps affecting us and our mental and physical health. I hope now that this time, it is really over. Judge Matthew Donohue sentenced Hargrove to 25 years to life on the murder charge in a hearing Wednesday, June 18. Hargrove was given credit for the time he has already served since his arrest eight years ago. He faces an additional year of incarceration for theft. Love triangle falls apart Hargrove met Repkina, who hailed from Moscow, on a Russian dating website even though he was already dating someone else, Michelle Chavez of Albany. At the time of his arrest, Hargrove was employed as a mechanic at Lassen Chevrolet and Toyota in Albany. He had previously worked as a bouncer at the Peacock Bar & Grill in downtown Corvallis, where he first met Chavez, who drove a taxi and picked up fares at the Peacock. Witnesses said the night of the murder, Hargrove was seen drinking at the Peacock, apparently distraught, breaking down in tears and saying derogatory things about himself. A week prior, Hargrove and Chavez were reportedly seen at the same bar engaged in a heated argument. Despite being married to an Oregon State University instructor, Chavez became romantically involved with Hargrove, and when he needed a place to live, she let him move into a spare room in the house she shared with her husband. Chavez previously said in court she and Hargrove had an open relationship, and that she was sexually subservient to Hargrove, calling him master or sir in the bedroom, while he called her Mishka. When Repkina entered the picture, Chavez said she and Hargrove had talked about including her in their relationship. At one point, Hargrove, Chavez and Repkina were planning to move in together in Philomath. But shortly before Christmas 2016, when Repkina planned to visit Oregon, Chavez discovered a message on Hargroves phone from him to Repkina, saying he wanted to marry her. That apparently did not go over well. After the holiday visit during which Repkina stayed with Hargrove and Chavez (and her husband) in Albany, the two picked up where they left off. But when Chavez learned Repkina would return in March 2017, their relationship became further strained. Instead of staying with Chavez again, Hargrove rented an apartment with Repkina on Garfield Avenue in Corvallis and started splitting his time between the two. Even still, Hargrove pressured Chavez to leave her husband, leading her to give Hargrove a token of her love a wedding ring her husband gave her. But Hargrove reportedly turned around and gave the ring to Repkina, infuriating Chavez. Hargrove went as far as to take Repkina to the coast for a wedding ceremony, only to call it off, claiming the officiant could not make it. Meanwhile, Chavez was planning to leave her husband by April 19, 2017, she said in court, and move to Philomath with Hargrove as previously planned, but without Repkina. However, as Chavezs self-set date to leave her marriage approached, Repkina was still in the picture, even as Hargrove was saying he would break it off with her. When Chavez gave him another choose me or her ultimatum, he replied with a text saying, I will have this solved permanently by April 19. Hargrove told her that Repkina was leaving that Saturday, and he would pack up his things and be at her house by midnight. He never showed up. On April 16, Easter Sunday, a heartbroken Chavez went to a family holiday meal and drank heavily. She said that afternoon, Hargrove called her, saying he was in Alsea, ran his car off the road avoiding a deer, and needed help with a flat tire. She drove out there to meet him and they argued, she said, went for a drive and then had sex in his car on a secluded stretch of road. By that time, Repkina was lying dead a few miles away, investigators determined. She was found alongside a logging road by a Weyerhaeuser caretaker out walking his dog. Following the evidence Prosecutor Amie Matusko said during the second trial that investigators found Hargroves fingerprints on the murder weapon, as well as his DNA on a Dutch Bros beverage straw near Repkinas body, and a bag of KFC trash with a receipt linking him to the scene. The fast-food detritus was essential to cracking the case. A receipt led investigators to Kevin Thomas, a close friend of Hargrove. Thomas and Hargrove had worked together at the Peacock. Thomas also became friends with Chavez through the Peacock. It was Thomas who told the authorities Hargrove was in a relationship with both Repkina and Chavez. Thomas had told investigators he had left the KFC trash in Hargroves vehicle. He also revealed he lent Hargrove a shotgun that had not been returned. It was determined later to be the murder weapon. Hargrove told detectives he and Thomas had gone to KFC for their regular weekly fried chicken dinner. Hargrove said he had spent Saturday afternoon playing video games with Thomas and the evening riding around with Chavez as she picked up customers in her taxicab. On Easter Sunday, he and Chavez drove out to Alsea together in his Nissan Xterra and had sex in the backseat, Hargrove told detectives, adding that he stopped at the Alsea Mercantile and threw a bag of garbage from KFC onto a pile of garbage outside the store. In a separate interview the same day, however, Chavez told investigators that she had met Hargrove at Alsea in her own vehicle on Sunday. It was in that same interview that she told the detectives she had given Hargrove her ultimatum about dumping Repkina. When investigators confronted Hargrove about the KFC trash being found near where Repkina was killed, he asked for a lawyer and stopped talking. Phone data detailed in court put Hargrove at the scene when the murder happened, as did a witness who saw him driving through the area. And forensic testing by investigators indicated blood was found on Hargroves belt, shoes and a pair of pants. Defense attorney S. Amanda Marshall argued that the absence of Chavezs DNA or fingerprints on the murder weapon and the lack of evidence tying her to the scene did not prove she didnt kill Repkina, as Hargrove alleged. The defense counsel claimed deputies failed to collect what could have been key evidence from Chavez. New trial, same result In this iteration of the case, a jury unanimously found him guilty of second-degree murder on Friday, June 6. The monthlong trial saw both sides arguing heavily over evidence and testimony. His attorney has signaled that he may file another appeal. Hargrove made a brief statement prior to receiving his sentence: I think about Anna and her family every day of the week, and my heart breaks. Court records show Hargrove filed for a change of legal name to Slade Azriel Wilson after he was sentenced. His attorney said Hargrove was assaulted numerous times in custody and will be targeted on his return to prison, labeled with a snitch jacket because of a remark he made about helping police when he was under questioning, which was reportedly included in a TV program about the case. Hargrove testified that Chavez killed Repkina, saying his two lovers were going to fight that day, but Chavez unexpectedly shot Repkina with the borrowed shotgun that he had in the back of his Nissan Xterra to defend against dangerous wildlife. Chavez was never charged with any crimes in connection with Repkinas murder. In the first trial, Hargroves attorney suggested Chavez killed Repkina and allegedly used threats of a family connection with a motorcycle gang to keep Hargrove from telling anyone. The results of the first trial were discarded based on a search warrant issue and the improper collection of some evidence. This second time around, Hargroves defense team unsuccessfully sought a change of venue from Benton County, citing extensive and prejudicial media coverage that tainted the local jury pool, including around 50 articles published by the Corvallis Gazette-Times and Albany Democrat-Herald. While this is not an indictment of Benton County or its judicial procedures, given the high readership rates and the significant role local news plays in shaping public opinion, it is reasonable to conclude that a fair and impartial jury cannot be secured in Benton County, a court document filed by the defense states. Related stories: The Hancock County Sheriffs Office provided law enforcement coverage for Kanawha in June. Kanawha is seeking to hire a police officer soon and still needs help in the meantime. After the citys 28E agreement proposal for police and emergency services coverage from Britt was rejected by the Britt City Council on June 23, Kanawha Mayor Mathieu LeMay returned to Garner on June 30 for a second week of discussion with county supervisors about a 28E agreement. It is for interim law enforcement and emergency services from the county. The Britt council declined to enter into a 28E agreement with us, LeMay said. The mayor requested the county continue to assist Kanawha with law enforcement coverage while it finishes its hiring process for a new officer. LeMay said an interview for an officer was scheduled during the week with a certified Iowa policeman. If that candidate is offered the job, a starting date is still uncertain but LeMay said its possible by the end of July. He said the application of another officer candidate is also pending with the city. On June 30, supervisors approved billing the City of Kanawha $10,000 for services provided in June 2025. The auditors office will initiate the billing. Supervisors also approved the 28E agreement with Kanawha. County Attorney Rachel Martinez drafted the agreement with contingencies to also cover possible longer-term service needs. She said the board of supervisors and Kanawha City Council must both approve it. Included are two amendments, supported by Sheriff Rob Gerdes. They reduce the time to request written notice of change to the agreement from six months to three months in addition to stating that, when it has an officer, Kanawha is responsible for providing 24-hour law enforcement coverage. I see this as a short-term fix and then it also has a fallback if they find themselves in this position again, Supervisor Gary Rayhons said. Thats how I see it too, agreed Supervisor Bud Jermeland. Rayhons recommended using the approved 28E agreement terms to calculate the month of June services billing. That falls in line with the 28E, Rayhons said. Im trying to keep it in line with how it would show in the 28E to keep it clean. Mayor LeMay requested Kanawha receive a brief summary of calls Hancock County responds to under the agreement for the benefit of city officials and the Kanawha public. Were paying a large portion for this, but our aim is to get our own, LeMay said. Sheriff Gerdes noted costs and assets could be stretched for taking too many calls and providing too many services for Kanawha. Is this going to be enough for us to need to put on more staff for Kanawha? asked Gerdes. A week earlier, LeMay had floated the now necessary 28E proposal with supervisors as a contingency. He said the Kanawha city council pursued an agreement with Britt rather than Belmond because of the close proximity/faster response time of EMS service. July 1, 2025, was the anticipated effective date had Britt accepted the 28E agreement. Hopefully, no news to you will be good news, said LeMay at the June 23 supervisors meeting. Hancock County Attorney Rachel Martinez voiced concern about the extra burden on the sheriffs office without compensation and questioned whether Britt would approve a 28E with Kanawha. The citys lone police officer departed at the beginning of June but city officials knew there would be a vacancy in May, according to Martinez. Theyve known about it for more than just the last 20 days, she said. I dont have the same level of confidence as Mr. LeMay that its going to go well in Britt tonight, said Martinez. One week later, Martinez said theres no guarantee situations still wont arise under the county-approved 28E agreement with Kanawha. However, she insisted the agreement is structured more for when there is not an officer in place in Kanawha. We need something in place in the gap, LeMay said. It can be addressed again and possibly refined. Supervisors agreed with LeMays suggestion, saying future changes may well be necessary, which contributed to tightening the language before approving the agreement. It probably should be reviewed once an officer is in place, Rayhons said. Duncan nuisance properties After retreating to closed session, supervisors returned to determine how to move forward with resolving issues on seven identified nuisance properties in Duncan. Problems there have included tall grass and weeds, junk accumulation, and vehicles and other obstructions in road right-of-way space among other things. During discussion, it was noted that some sort of progress on the issues was made at all the properties. Supervisor Rayhons, who has provided progress updates at weekly board meetings, said some made more progress than others. It seems that all property owners are willing to keep working toward fixing their problems, Rayhons said. So, the board decided to not immediately take a hardline course of action. Supervisors determined notices will be sent to give residents and property owners 15 days to provide a plan of action on how they will resolve remaining problems on the properties. They will then have 60 days to execute the plan. If they have not resolved their issues after the 60 days, the county may move forward with abatement of the nuisances under Hancock County ordinance number 7. The seven cited properties in the unincorporated town, having now been afforded more time and opportunity for input to avoid nuisance abatement notices, include 2349 Navy Avenue, 1450 231st Street, 1441 234th Street, 1430 234th Street, 1446 234th Street, 1447 234th Street, and 2345 Nation Avenue. Flash flooding Kanawha Mayor LeMay also thanked county officials for assisting the city with flash flooding resulting from heavy rainstorms on June 26, singling out the efforts of County Emergency Response Coordinator Andy Buffington and other staff. Everything cut loose and, wow, did it rain, said Supervisor Jermeland. The local fire department was dispatched quickly to pump water. County Engineer Jeremy Purvis confirmed that nearly a dozen county roads had water over them, including 310th between Apple and Yale, 320th between Apple and Yale, Apple between 320th and 330th, Echo between 100th to 110th, Echo between 110th to 120th, Crane between 100th to 110th, Deer between 110th to 120th, Maple between 130th to 140th, Nash between 130th to 140th, 130th between Maple and Nash, and 140th between Maple and Nash. Pretty much, it was the south part of the county and the northeast part of the county that had flooding going on, said Purvis, noting that it was treated like a FEMA event with everything documented and crews gaining valuable response experience. Hancock County Secondary Roads Department crews worked to repair impacted roadways the next day. The department also continued to prepare the RAGBRAI route between Crystal Lake and Forest City. Bikers will overnight in Forest City on July 22. The board approved an Iowa Department of Transportation agreement for a $160,000 highway safety improvement program grant. Purvis said a November bid letting is planned for highway safety improvements, including markings and rumble strips, on James Avenue between Britt and Kanawha. He said project construction would likely start during next years construction season. In other business, supervisors: Approved a memorandum of understanding with the Iowa Department of Management for a one-year renewal of enhanced security services. Set a continuation time of 10:30 a.m. on July 14 for a completion of work hearing regarding joint drainage district 86-31-1. It is a large main open ditch tree removal project shared with Cerro Gordo and Franklin Counties. Project Engineer Tyler Conley of Bolton & Menk said a $173,903 total project cost was paid except for a 10% retainage. Approved a $490 invoice from Chosen Valley Testing, Inc. for compaction testing done at the new county maintenance/storage building site. Approved a resolution regarding the countys right-to-use subscription asset policy. SINGAPORE, July 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Hikvision launches the brand-new WonderHub interactive display at the Shaping Intelligence 2025 Education Summit in Singapore, featuring high-performance technology and groundbreaking WonderOS 4.0 for smart teaching. WonderHub prioritizes simplicity and creativity to help educators overcome classroom challenges that persistently affect both teachers and IT teams. High-performance technology for real-classroom needs Hikvision launches brand-new WonderHub, simplifying teaching with intuitive ease and empowering intelligence As the flagship product debuted at this launch event, the WonderHub Select Series features powerful hardware designed specifically with classroom needs in mind. The Select Series is not only equipped with an industry-leading AI chip, but also carries an 8-core CPU, plus 8GB RAM and 128GB storage. With this robust configuration, teachers can do presentations and write on the board at the same time, even running multiple teaching apps, all with zero lag. No more frozen screens during key explanations or app crashes during critical student activities, so teachers will be able to focus on what matters most. Beyond its impressive hardware, this next-gen product runs the latest Android system with Google apps, providing teachers with instant access to familiar tools. The intuitive interface allows them to start teaching effectively right away, with no extra training needed. WonderOS 4.0: Set to redefine teaching and transform classrooms with AI features WonderOS 4.0, specifically designed for classrooms, is set to make teaching simpler and smarter, while positioning WonderHub at the forefront of educational innovation. This upcoming operating system will redefine various teaching scenarios. In typical classroom settings, WonderOS 4.0 is expected to bring intuitive improvements to every stage of the teaching process. Teachers will be able to access their accounts and teaching materials with a simple card swipe or password, instantly connecting to their personal resources. The Android-based interface will dramatically reduce the learning curve, while enhanced wireless screen sharing will make content projection effortless. When boardwork is needed, advanced pen-palm separation will allow natural writing experiences, complemented by built-in templates and over 20 tools that enable better student engagement. Even more exciting, WonderOS 4.0 will introduce freshly developed, groundbreaking AI features to transform classrooms. "AI Identify" enhances classroom engagement by allowing teachers to highlight on-screen content for instant explanations or to generate interactive questions. "AI Q&A" delivers quick answers to student inquiries, keeping the learning momentum going. Thanks to "AI Meeting," teachers can use real-time captions and AI-generated summaries to significantly reduce their workload. As demonstrated at today's launch event, WonderOS 4.0 will support teachers throughout the entire teaching process, from lesson preparation to classroom delivery and post-lesson evaluation, creating an intelligent teaching experience across various devices and scenarios. Innovation-driven and trusted by educators worldwide Today, WonderHub continues to gain impressive recognition and global trust, with over 500,000 units delivered to more than 10,000 schools in 140 countries and regions. Educators increasingly acknowledge WonderHub's positive impact in their classrooms. "Hikvision shows a deep understanding of the needs of modern education," said Joshua Oswari, General Manager at Zioncom Technology headquartered in Indonesia. "WonderHub's upgraded features and integration can encourage better interactive learning and provide a seamless teaching experience." This success rests on Hikvision's ongoing investment in innovationwith more than 1,000 professionals and hundreds of ed-tech patents continuously refining everything from login speed to AI-assisted tools. By closely listening to teachers' needs, WonderHub strives to make everyday teaching simpler, smoother, and smarter. With WonderHub, the future of education is within easy reach. To find out more about the brand-new WonderHub, please visit our website or contact us directly. SOURCE Hikvision Digital Technology A Helena man with no active warrants was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement on Tuesday while on his way home from work after multiple traffic stops. Christopher Martinez, 31, a father of four, was detained by federal officers with Helena police officers beside them. Helena Police Chief Brett Petty and Lt. Adam Shanks spoke to a group of people who gathered outside the Law and Justice Center on Tuesday afternoon. Petty denied having members of the department embedded in ICE, despite claims by the public. Law enforcement officials said there was an investigation involving the Helena Police Department, U.S. Marshals Service, Homeland Security Investigations and U.S. Border Patrol into a suspect, Anderson DeJesus Bastidas Linares, who had an active felony warrant for assault with a weapon and partner or family member assault. Law enforcement agents identified a man matching the suspect's description and Martinez was followed. Martinez was found to have expired registration. When Martinez was pulled over, authorities believed he was an associate but not the primary suspect, officials said. Upon reviewing Martinez's identity, HSI and USBP found he was subject to a federal detainer and was taken into custody, officials said. Helena police acknowledged while federal agency involvement wasn't common for local warrant issues, their participation was due to specific investigative needs and "not any part of any nationwide U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement action." "There were three or four police cars and one new model brown Suburban," Krista Guardino, a witness of the arrest said. "So there were cops that were clearly identified and then there were people in camouflage bullet-proof vests that had no monikers." She said she saw them taking a man into the suburban. The incident occurred near the corner of Billings and Montana avenues, Guardino said as she drove by the scene. About a dozen people were notified of the arrest and gathered initially in front of the Lewis and Clark County Courthouse on Tuesday afternoon before moving over to the Law and Justice Center on Fuller Avenue in Helena. Lily Clarke, an attendee of the gathering, said a friend told her a man was being moved into an unmarked vehicle. She said the man's wife showed up to the scene where he was detained with their 1-year-old son to pick up his truck because his wife, Maria Pacheco, said he told her he was being taken. "He was coming home from work and they automatically stopped him because he looked similar to the other guy they were looking for," the detained man's wife said. "To me it didn't make sense ... He doesn't have any warrants out there for him." Pacheco said he was a "loving father" who took care of his kids and she said as a stay-at-home mother of four, it wasn't fair he was taken and she never thought it would happen. Martinez's wife was filing his citizenship paperwork for him after it was denied in 2018, although she did not need to file as an American citizen. She said her and her husband briefly discussed the "what if" scenario of an ICE detainment and thought about moving back to Mexico, but they both struggled with the idea. "My husband is scared. He doesn't want us to go back to Mexico because we have three daughters and in Mexico, a child that is a woman of a certain age will become a target," Pacheco said. "A big target, where they disappear." She said her and her family have tried to work everything out the legal way, but it's hard and they did not have much income. She added a question of if they get paperwork filed what would happen next. She felt it would make him an easier target and they would pick him up anyway. During the small protest, an attendee found a Facebook post on the Lewis and Clark County Sheriff's Office account notifying viewers of an ICE arrest at the county courthouse. Sheriff Leo Dutton posted the poster and said, "This is pure propaganda and is false information." The original post said, "ICE alert, Helena, MT Courthouse...," but Dutton said he stood by his comment and explained nothing happened at the courthouse. Dutton did not know at the time of the post a man under federal custody was being held in the Lewis and Clark County Detention Center, until about two hours after he asked his command staff. Dutton's staff contacted him and told him what the situation was. "I never intentionally mislead people, I say what I know at the time," Dutton said. "It was not an attempt to deflect information." As of Tuesday, the Montana Constitution includes protection of abortion rights. Constitutional Initiative 128, the measure that safeguards abortion access through fetal viability, went into effect on July 1. Abortion rights advocates celebrated the milestone and reflected on the hard work it took to get the ballot measure across the finish line last year with more than half of voters supporting the constitutional amendment. "It's a historic day as the protected right to abortion finds its rightful, earned place in Montana's Constitution," said Martha Fuller, CEO and president of Planned Parenthood Advocates of Montana. "Last year, when voters showed that they were ready to secure their reproductive rights they displayed a spirit that runs deep in our state: We will fight for our right to abortion time and time again." After the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, the case that became synonymous with longstanding federal abortion protections, a cascade of states banned the procedure in all but the most life-threatening circumstances. Montana soon emerged as a lifeboat for reproductive rights in a region where its neighbors clawed back abortion access. A 1999 Montana Supreme Court ruling enshrined robust privacy protections that include freedom from government interference in health care decisions, making it difficult for anti-abortion groups to find a path that would pass muster in the courts despite many attempts. Just earlier this month, the state Supreme Court upheld a lower court's decision to overturn three state laws that would have imposed additional restrictions on abortion access. Justices affirmed a strong right to privacy that prevails independent of changes at the federal level. Nevertheless, the overturning of Roe rattled many health care providers and advocates. They started to wonder whether a decades old state court ruling would be enough to withstand the waterfall of attempts to chip away at abortion access. About a year out from the 2024 election, a coalition dubbed Montanans Securing Reproductive Rights formed to spearhead what would become CI-128. Partnering with heavy hitters like Planned Parenthood Advocates of Montana and ACLU of Montana, the group raised millions of dollars including hefty sums from out-of-state donors for advertisements and voter outreach. It papered towns with signage, purchased pricey radio and television spots and knocked thousands of doors. When the group submitted 117,000 signatures in support of putting CI-128 on the ballot, organizers lauded it as having more backers than any measure before it. CI-128 passed with 58% of the vote, outperforming former Democratic Sen. Jon Tester who lost to newcomer Republican Sen. Tim Sheehy, an avowed anti-abortion candidate. "Blue Mountain Clinic, our patients and the Montanans who understand women should not be criminalized for accessing basic health care are pleased," said Tess Fields, the director of Missoula's Blue Mountain Clinic. "However, given the anti-abortion movement as well as hostile elected leaders continue to pursue initiatives which endanger people's lives and ignore the will of the majority of Montanans, Blue Mountain Clinic will continue to stay vigilant in its mission to provide the full range of health care services for all people who seek it." As Fields suggested, not everyone woke up Tuesday morning feeling gratified about the day's mark as a new chapter in Montana history. "It's a sad day for us," said Anne Marie Gurney, executive director at Care Net of Missoula, a crisis pregnancy center that provides women with alternatives to abortions. "But our mission and what we do here is still the same. We want women to know and understand the truth about their pregnancy and all viable options and risks and procedures going forward no matter where she's at in her pregnancy." CI-128 faced fierce opposition at every stage. Montana's Attorney General Austin Knudsen and Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen both offered pushback that was ultimately resolved by the courts. Once CI-128 had passed, lawmakers from the 2025 Legislature then tried and failed to make newly-protected abortion less accessible at the margins. "Montana may allow abortion, but that does not mean we should allow an unchecked abortion industry to operate in the shadows," Rep. Kerri Seekins-Crowe, a Billings Republican who sponsored a bill that sought to curtail medication abortion based on the prescription's drugs potential impact on waste water, told Montana State News Bureau on Tuesday. While CI-128 "was presented as being pro-women's health," she said, the measure actually removes important guardrails to making sure women are fully informed of the physical, emotional and psychological risks associated with abortion. Most recently, two Montana voters and a group created to oppose the ballot measure challenged CI-128 as unconstitutional. Represented by the Montana Family Foundation, a well known anti-abortion organization that throws its weight around at the Capitol every session, they allege that the state broke election law by not printing the full text of the amendment on voters' ballots. It petitioned the state supreme court to hear the case directly, bypassing lower courts because the "issues presented are of statewide importance." Sen. Theresa Manzella, who represents much of deep red Ravalli County where the ballot measure captured almost 49% of voters' approval, said she's grateful for the legal challenge, but would like to see constitutional amendments require a higher threshold for passage. "It's worth rethinking whether that process is equitable," she said. The Family Foundation's petition was sent to court on June 23 but, as of Tuesday, the court had not done anything with the case. Editor's Note: After this piece was written, the Montana Supreme Court denied and dismissed the request to take up the case. A story with the most recent information on that court order has been published. Israel agrees to necessary conditions to finalize 60-day ceasefire in Gaza: Trump Xinhua) 09:44, July 02, 2025 U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to the press at the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, on July 1, 2025. Trump said on Tuesday that Israel has agreed to the necessary conditions to finalize a 60-day ceasefire to end the conflict in Gaza. (Xinhua/Hu Yousong) HOUSTON, July 1 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump said Tuesday that Israel has agreed to the necessary conditions to finalize a 60-day ceasefire to end the conflict in Gaza, and also urged Hamas to accept the deal. "Israel has agreed to the necessary conditions to finalize the 60 Day CEASEFIRE, during which time we will work with all parties to end the War," Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth Social. "The Qataris and Egyptians, who have worked very hard to help bring Peace, will deliver this final proposal," said Trump. He also urged Hamas to accept the deal. "I hope, for the good of the Middle East, that Hamas takes this Deal, because it will not get better - IT WILL ONLY GET WORSE," Trump added. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) WINNIPEG, MB, July 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - Mondetta Clothing, a leading fashion company known for its active lifestyle label, Mondetta Performance Gear, performance-infused luxury apparel, Modern Ambition, Mondetta casual sportswear, and Mondetta Originals globally themed clothing today announced the appointment of Georgi Gvakharia as Vice President of Retail. Georgi Gvakharia - Vice President of Retail (CNW Group/Mondetta Clothing/MPG) In this role, a first for the company, Gvakharia will oversee retail operations across all of the organization's brands. Initially, he will lead the way as the company's Modern Ambition division makes its first foray into brick-and-mortar retail operations. "We're excited to have Georgi join the team and look forward to how his expertise will help us grow the retail side of our business for all of our brands," said Ash Modha, CEO and Co-Founder of Mondetta Clothing. "His experience with prestige brands especially aligns with where we want the Modern Ambition brand to go, and we're delighted to have him join us on this journey." Georgi brings a wealth of experience in luxury retail, having successfully launched and expanded high-end operations across North America. His leadership roles at renowned brands have equipped him with a deep understanding of market dynamics and consumer preferences. At Ralph Lauren, his focus on enhancing the customer experience has contributed to increased brand loyalty and sales growth. His strategic initiatives in the Canadian market demonstrate his ability to adapt and thrive in diverse retail landscapes. With a strong commitment to excellence, Georgi is well-positioned to continue driving success in high-end retail operations. "I'm thrilled to join Mondetta at such a pivotal moment in its growth. The opportunity to shape the brand's retail journey, rooted in purpose, performance, and style, is both inspiring and deeply aligned with my values. Starting with Modern Ambition, I look forward to working alongside this exceptional team to build something truly meaningful in the luxury menswear space," said Gvakharia. About Mondetta Clothing: Mondetta Clothing Inc. is a Canadian leisure and sportswear design and manufacturing company best known for its world flag-themed apparel. Based in Winnipeg, Manitoba, the company has four main divisions: Mondetta, Mondetta Originals, MPG, and Modern Ambition. Founded in 1986, Mondettaa name that combines the French word 'monde' (world) with the Latin suffix 'etta' (small)reflected the idea of a shrinking global village made possible by the rapid advancement of communications technologies. Since its inception, Mondetta has become a worldwide leader in sustainable, technical, lifestyle and activewear apparel. SOURCE Mondetta Clothing/MPG With remote work taking shape globally, employers face new legal complexities when monitoring employees. Even with remote worker monitoring software , they must now oversee and comply with a new patchwork of regulations regarding consent needs, data sovereignty laws, and biometric limitations. In 2025, consistent compliance is non-negotiable for organizations; its a messy navigation spanning across 50 jurisdictions, having their own guidelines, enforcement risks, and cultural expectations. Thus, this guide aims to break down a few of the major compliance demands in the EU, the US, Asia, and South America, underscoring how workforce analytics tools comply with the challenges of flexible compliance and privacy-driven features. EU: Work council approvals and transparency mandates Led by the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the European Union (EU) stands as the global standard for data privacy. The GDPR oversees how employers manage employee monitoring within the set benchmark. For compliance, employers must: Secure explicit consent from the entire workforce before implementing the monitoring tools, especially if it involves the collection of sensitive data like location or biometrics. from the entire workforce before implementing the monitoring tools, especially if it involves the collection of sensitive data like location or biometrics. Provide full transparency on what is tracked and why, such as webcam activity, app usage, screenshots, and keystroke logs, and the duration for which the data will be stored. on what is tracked and why, such as webcam activity, app usage, screenshots, and keystroke logs, and the duration for which the data will be stored. Justify the necessity through balanced monitoring, not oversurveillance. Discreet or indefinite monitoring without a compelling cause is an unlawful business practice. through balanced monitoring, not oversurveillance. Discreet or indefinite monitoring without a compelling cause is an unlawful business practice. Consult with Work Councils in nations like the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, and France. These work bodies have the right to be involved early in the implementation process if the monitoring impacts employees rights. In 2024, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) reaffirmed a groundbreaking decision that even indirect monitoring, like idle time tracking or passive behavioral analytics, must align with the necessity and fairness threshold. US: A state-by-state consent patchwork As opposed to the EUs unified approach, the US presents a disintegrated and evolving regulatory framework. This means no single federal law will govern employee monitoring, driving employers to analyze legislation across all 50 states. By 2025, more than a dozen states in the US will have validated employee privacy statutes with some key differences: New York: Administered by the SHIELD Act and monitoring notification law, organizations in New York must proactively inform employees in writing if they wish to monitor even the electronic communication of other devices. Administered by the SHIELD Act and monitoring notification law, organizations in New York must proactively inform employees in writing if they wish to monitor even the electronic communication of other devices. California: The CPRA/CCPA covers employee data under its protections. Employers must reveal all the monitoring practices in privacy notices and permit employees the right to access or remove certain types of personal information. The CPRA/CCPA covers employee data under its protections. Employers must reveal all the monitoring practices in privacy notices and permit employees the right to access or remove certain types of personal information. Illinois: In the US, the BIPA (Biometric Information Privacy Act) stands as the gold benchmark for biometric regulation. It requires informed consent from employees, restricted data usage, and secure storage for biometric technologies like fingerprint scanners or facial recognition. Other states like Nevada, Texas, and Connecticut are also enacting laws on consent for monitoring, workplace monitoring, and location tracking. Following this, many remote worker monitoring software platforms have integrated geo-targeted compliance features, such as customizable monitoring settings and automated consent pop-ups based on user location. Asia: Biometric bans and strict monitoring laws Asias perspective on employee monitoring differs greatly, demonstrating a mix of autocratic data regimes and privacy-first democracies. However, a common trend is the strict regulation of monitoring and biometric technologies, often integrated with directives for consent and data localization. Heres a gist of country-wise key developments: South Korea: South Koreas advanced privacy regulations strictly prohibit constant webcam or screen recording without consent. It also mandates prior approval from the Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC) for biometric usage. South Koreas advanced privacy regulations strictly prohibit constant webcam or screen recording without consent. It also mandates prior approval from the Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC) for biometric usage. China: Chinas Personal Information Protection Law (PIPL) requires companies to secure individual consent before gathering personal data, especially biometrics, and directs data storage within China unless stringent data transfer rules apply. Chinas Personal Information Protection Law (PIPL) requires companies to secure individual consent before gathering personal data, especially biometrics, and directs data storage within China unless stringent data transfer rules apply. India: The Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDPA) 2023 of India implements purpose limitation and data minimization, requiring organizations to justify gathered employee data and also appoint Data Protection Officers. To operate in these regions with varied monitoring laws, global organizations are disabling their invasive surveillance features, like live webcam feeds, and opting for metadata-based productivity scoring, such as time spent on websites or apps. They are also revising with adjustable monitoring settings based on region. South America: Data localization and employee rights From lax regulations to privacy-first markets, South America is excelling in its transition towards monitoring laws. Countries like Chile, Brazil, Colombia, and Argentina are promptly adopting comprehensive data protection regulations to align with GDPR guidelines, with an additional focus on individual rights and national sovereignty. Heres how the key regions are changing: Brazil: According to Brazils Lei Geral de Protecao de Dados (LGPD), every employee's data must be gathered within the legal limits, transparently, and securely. Organizations must also appoint Data Protection Officers and establish procedures for data subject requests. According to Brazils Lei Geral de Protecao de Dados (LGPD), every employee's data must be gathered within the legal limits, transparently, and securely. Organizations must also appoint Data Protection Officers and establish procedures for data subject requests. Colombia: Recent constitutional court directives have enforced informational self-determination that requires employers to rationalize monitoring. Unjustified, excessive surveillance is liable for legal penalties. Recent constitutional court directives have enforced informational self-determination that requires employers to rationalize monitoring. Unjustified, excessive surveillance is liable for legal penalties. Argentina: Argentinas data protection law, the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) 2000, mandates that employee data be locally stored, and strict rules shall apply for any cross-border data transfers. Key compliance features in leading monitoring tools Corresponding to the legal diversity in 2025, top remote worker monitoring software vendors are integrating compliance into their foundational architecture. Some of the key features include: Consent management: Critical to BIPA, DPDPA, and GDPR, integrated logging systems must keep track of when and how consent was secured. Critical to BIPA, DPDPA, and GDPR, integrated logging systems must keep track of when and how consent was secured. Privacy-by-design analytics: Monitoring tools like Insightful mask performance data wherever necessary, preventing personal identifiers and limiting data usage only to business justifications. Monitoring tools like Insightful mask performance data wherever necessary, preventing personal identifiers and limiting data usage only to business justifications. Localized data storage: This enables adherence to data localization laws in Argentina, China, and Brazil. This enables adherence to data localization laws in Argentina, China, and Brazil. Geo-based enforcement: Monitoring software adjusts to the individual users country and state, disabling or enabling invasive features like biometric tracking, webcam feeds, or screenshots. Monitoring software adjusts to the individual users country and state, disabling or enabling invasive features like biometric tracking, webcam feeds, or screenshots. Granular access control: This ensures limited or authorized access to confidential data only to HR or compliance staff, following SOC 2 and ISO 27001 best practices. This ensures limited or authorized access to confidential data only to HR or compliance staff, following SOC 2 and ISO 27001 best practices. DPIA-ready configurations: The dashboard provides exportable risk assessment templates for efficient legal reviews. Wrapping up In 2025, consistent compliance has become an all-time strategic task that employers must follow. Because any instance of non-compliance can result in hefty penalties and reputational damage to the organization. However, a proactive monitoring approach, transparency, and ethical management promote a healthy remote work environment. As global regulations are tightening, organizations must cautiously balance monitoring with privacy-first practices. About Rafiqul Islam LevelBlue, a global leader in cloud-based, AI-driven managed security services (MSS), has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Trustwave, a global provider of cybersecurity and managed detection and response (MDR) services from the MC2 Security Fund (MC2), a private equity fund sponsored by The Chertoff Group, an internationally recognised security and growth advisory firm. This strategic acquisition complements LevelBlues recent agreement to acquire Aons cybersecurity consulting business, formerly known as Stroz Friedberg, and further strengthens the companys market leadership, uniting two leading Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs) to deliver unparalleled cybersecurity outcomes through a comprehensive and expanded suite of services designed to stay ahead of the rapidly evolving threat landscape. The acquisition will create the largest pure-play MSSP in the industry. The acquisition will integrate LevelBlues extensive expertise in strategic risk management and cybersecurity infrastructure with Trustwaves Fusion Platform and cloud-native MDR service that provides 24/7 cybersecurity protection for organisations worldwide. The merged capabilities provide enterprises with unprecedented visibility and control over how security resources are provisioned, monitored, and managed across any environment, strengthening overall cyber resilience. The combined portfolios will also establish a strategically unified cybersecurity managed defense platform, supported by LevelBlues AI threat detection platform and elite SpiderLabs threat research and intelligence capabilities, safeguarding critical assets across cloud, hybrid, and on-premises environments. Earlier this year, Trustwave became the first pure-play MDR service provider to attain full authorised status by the Federal Risk and Authorisation Management Program (FedRAMP). This prestigious achievement, along with Trustwaves StateRAMP authorisation, positions LevelBlue to meet the United States Department of Defenses stringent US eyes only requirement for the Defense Industrial Base and Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) for MDR services across federal, state, and local government markets. Robert McCullen, chairman and chief executive officer of LevelBlue said, The acquisition of Trustwave represents a pivotal moment for LevelBlue and the cybersecurity industry. Trustwave's extensive expertise in managed detection and response services, combined with its unparalleled threat intelligence from SpiderLabs and mission-critical FedRAMP and StateRAMP authorisations, perfectly aligns with our vision to deliver simplified and powerful cybersecurity protection to organisations. This strategic move reflects our commitment to delivering better cybersecurity outcomes to our customers and enhances our global go-to-market capabilities, as well as in the U.S. federal, state, and local government markets. Trustwave chief executive officer Eric Harmon said, "Were thrilled to partner with LevelBlue to drive our next phase of growth and unlock even greater cyber value for our clients.The threat landscape continues to evolve at an increasingly rapid pace. This announcement reinforces Trustwaves market leadership, and together with LevelBlue, positions us to further strengthen our combined leadership position, bolster our offensive and defensive security portfolio, and drive additional innovation to further safeguard and fortify our clients against disruptive and damaging cyber threats. Based in Chicago, IL with worldwide operations, Trustwave is comprised of more than 1,000 security-focused professionals and is an analyst-recognised leader in managed detection and response, managed security services, cybersecurity advisory services, penetration testing, database security, and email security. The elite Trustwave SpiderLabs team delivers industry-leading threat research, intelligence, and threat hunting, all of which are integrated into Trustwave's services and products to enhance cyber resilience in an era of unavoidable cyberattacks. Christina Richmond, principal analyst at Richmond Advisory Group said, Two longtime leaders in MSS and MDR coming together signals market maturation and industry consolidation, but also a powerhouse opportunity, Trustwaves SpiderLabs team and Fusion platform integrated with LevelBlues threat intelligence and machine learning capabilities, backed by the Open Threat Exchange (OTX), will enhance threat detection and response on a cloud-based platform. Add in the recently announced acquisition of Aon's Cybersecurity and Intellectual Property Litigation consulting groups, and the potential for a full-service global cybersecurity and risk management firm is apparent. Chad Sweet, chairman of Trustwave and co-founder of The Chertoff Group / MC2 said, "Joining forces with LevelBlue marks an exciting new chapter for Trustwave and our clients.The combination of LevelBlues AI threat detection and Trustwaves FedRAMP and StateRAMP authorised Fusion Intelligent Security Operations Platform enables leading-edge cybersecurity protection for enterprises and government clients." This acquisition is a critical part of LevelBlues broader strategy to merge the best organisations with its capabilities, providing superior outcomes for clients. This portfolio consolidation is strategically designed to address the increasing demand for more comprehensive and integrated managed cybersecurity solutions, which positions LevelBlue to become the largest independent, pure-play MSSP globally. Shawn Hakl, head of AT&T Business Products said, FedRAMP and StateRAMP certified managed detection and response capabilities are an exciting expansion to LevelBlues managed security services. This business combination positions LevelBlue as a strategic provider of cybersecurity services in AT&Ts portfolio, especially to our valued federal customers. Santander is serving as financial advisor and Kirkland & Ellis LLP is serving as legal advisor to LevelBlue. Guggenheim Securities is serving as financial advisor and Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman is serving as legal advisor to Trustwave. The Chertoff Group will partner with LevelBlue to provide strategic insight to further accelerate growth across the MDR market segment. Financial terms were not disclosed, and the acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions. About LevelBlue We simplify cybersecurity through award-winning managed services, experienced strategic consulting, threat intelligence, and renowned research. Our team is a seamless extension of yours, providing transparency and visibility into security posture and continuously working to strengthen it. We harness security data from numerous sources and enrich it with artificial intelligence to deliver real-time threat intelligence; this enables more accurate and precise decision making. With a large, always-on global presence, LevelBlue sets the standard for cybersecurity today and tomorrow. We easily and effectively manage risk, so you can focus on your business. About Trustwave Trustwave is a globally recognised cybersecurity leader that reduces cyber risk and fortifies organisations against disruptive and damaging cyber threats. Trustwaves comprehensive offensive and defensive cybersecurity portfolio detects what others cannot, responds with greater speed and effectiveness, optimises clients cyber investments, and improves security resilience. Trusted by thousands of organisations worldwide, Trustwave leverages its world-class team of security consultants, threat hunters, researchers, and market-leading security operations platform to decrease the likelihood of attacks and minimise potential impact. Trustwave is an analyst-recognised leader in managed detection and response (MDR), managed security services (MSS), cyber advisory, penetration testing, database security, and email security. The elite Trustwave SpiderLabs team provides industry-defining threat research, intelligence, and threat hunting, all of which are infused into Trustwave services and products to fortify cyber resilience in the age of inevitable cyber-attacks. COLUMBUS, Mont., July 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Montana Silversmiths, the iconic country and western apparel brand renowned for its exquisite buckles and jewelry, is thrilled to announce its most ambitious product launch to date. This July, the company is set to release an impressive array of 100 new products, showcasing the pinnacle of American craftsmanship and Western style. Montana Silversmiths Montana Silversmiths At the heart of this expansive collection are significant additions to Montana Silversmiths' esteemed American Made line. These pieces not only exemplify the brand's commitment to quality but also support a noble cause. A portion of the proceeds from the American Made line will be donated to Folds of Honor, an organization providing educational scholarships to the families of America's fallen and disabled service members. The July drop also introduces new additions to the highly successful Pursue the Wild collection, a collaboration with outdoor enthusiast and TV personality Kristy Titus. This line captures the spirit of adventure and the rugged beauty of the American wilderness, offering unique pieces for those who embrace the outdoor lifestyle. "This product launch represents a milestone for Montana Silversmiths," said Marshall Smith, VP of Marketing at Montana Silversmiths. "We're not just introducing new products; we're celebrating our heritage, supporting our veterans, and pushing the boundaries of Western jewelry design. Each piece tells a story of unrivaled craftsmanship and the enduring spirit of the West." The new collection spans a wide range of products, including: Intricately designed buckles featuring traditional and contemporary motifs Elegant necklaces and pendants that blend Western charm with modern style Handcrafted bracelets and cuffs showcasing superior silver artistry New additions for Miss Rodeo America and all-new men's chains All items in the new collection embody Montana Silversmiths' commitment to quality, with each piece meticulously crafted by skilled artisans. The July product drop will be available online at https://www.montanasilversmiths.com/ and in select retail locations starting July 1st. For more information about the new collection and Montana Silversmiths, please visit https://www.montanasilversmiths.com/ or https://b2b.montanasilversmiths.com/. Headquartered in Columbus, MT, Montana Silversmiths pioneered the development of Western fashion in both buckles and jewelry since 1973. The company is the Official Silversmith of the PBR (Professional Bull Riders), PRCA (Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association), and AQHA (American Quarter Horse Association), among other Western and outdoor organizations. Contact: Marshall Smith [email protected] 704-562-0298 SOURCE Montana Silversmiths CHARLESTON The Coles Wind farm, in the works for five years now, has moved closer to becoming a reality but is still one to two years away from being constructed and going into operation. Apex Clean Energy's director of development, Alan Moore, gave this estimated timetable for their 51-turbine wind farm north of Charleston after the Coles County Board narrowly voted 6-5 Tuesday evening to approve the special use permit for this project. "We met or exceeded every facet of the county's wind ordinance," Moore said. "We are excited to see this move forward." The Coles County Regional Planning and Development Committee voted 4-0 on June 11 to recommend that the board consider Apex's proposal, following a 13-day public hearing that had begun on March 19. The permit was filed in January. County Board members Michael Clayton, Darrell Cox, John Doty, Tad Freezeland, Michael Watts and Bristole Zimmerman voted to approve the permit, while Bob Bennett, David Johnson, Nancy Purdy, Tom Royal and Rick Shook voted against it. Member Jeremy Doughty was absent on a mission trip. Cox, who is the board chairman, said after Tuesday's special meeting that he is skeptical about the efficiency of wind turbines as a power source. However, Cox said he does not think the government has a right to tell owners, such as those leasing space for turbines, what they can and cannot do with their land. In addition, Cox said he felt that he could not vote against the permit application when the developer is complying with the county's wind farm ordinance and the superseding state regulations. "I feel like I am bound to follow the law," Cox said. Apex, based in Charlottesville, Virginia, plans to spread out the Coles Wind turbines across approximately 30 square miles of farmland along Illinois 130 in Seven Hickory and Morgan townships. Shook said he "voted for my opinion and for my heart" when he said "no" to the permit. Still, Shook said he is frustrated that the same critics who regularly "beat up" the board for not doing enough to promote economic development are dismissive of Coles Wind's potential. For example, Apex has reported that the wind farm will yield approximately $81 million in property tax revenue during its 30-year lifetime, with more than half of that revenue going to local school districts. Shook said he considered such factors before casting his vote. "It was a tough vote," Shook said. Purdy said she thinks that wind power has merit as the technology continues to develop, but it's too soon for her to vote for such a project. She feels there has not been enough studies done on the possible health effects of wind turbines, particularly regarding infrasound and pressure pulsations. About half a dozen opponents cited concerns about potential health effects, property devaluation and other issues during the public comments at the beginning of the meeting. Several quietly voiced frustrations while watching the meeting, and one woman left the courtroom sobbing after the vote. "Please consider the lives of the people living in the proposed wind turbines' footprints. Their health and safety is very important," said Coles County resident Judy Sherman. Approximately 10 supporters of the wind farm permit, including a representative of Laborers 159, spoke about the prospective economic and environmental benefits of the wind farm project. Proponent John Richardson of Ashmore, who noted that he installed solar panels on his home in 2023, said he feels as a person of faith that people should be "good stewards of our planet." "The need for electricity will only increase," Richardson said, adding that wind energy should be part of the "tools in the toolbox" for meeting these power needs. Apex's Moore said they plan to seek a county building permit for Coles Wind in late fall or early winter, noting the permit will encompass road and decommissioning agreements. If approved, he said they will start construction in 2026 with the goal of being operational later that year or in early 2027. In other matters, Tuesday's meeting agenda also included two action items related to Earthrise Energy's special use permit application for its proposed Glacier Moraine solar farm on the east side of Interstate 57 south of Lake Land College. The board removed a proposal to hire Heyl Royster of Champaign to represent the county in the solar farm process so that the state's attorney can arrange for the needed legal representation. The board also tabled the proposed rules for the solar hearing until the regular monthly meeting on July 8. More than 100,000 Nebraskans could lose health care coverage and six hospitals in rural parts of the state would likely close if the steep Medicaid cuts proposed in President Donald Trump's domestic policy bill become law, advocates warned Monday. The sweeping measure that Trump has called on the Senate to pass before Independence Day would extend tax cuts enacted in 2017 and boost defense spending while cutting $1 trillion the next decade from the government insurance program that covers about 346,000 low-income Nebraskans. As Senate Republicans spent Monday voting down Democratic attempts to scale back or remove the measure's cuts to Medicaid and federal nutrition programs, health care providers and advocates in Nebraska warned that those cuts would be "pretty much life-threatening" for the most vulnerable Nebraskans, particularly those in rural parts of the state. At a virtual news conference Monday afternoon, Jed Hansen, the director of the Nebraska Rural Health Association, said the proposed cuts the GOP is working to enact would place strain on more than 20 maternal care wards, inpatient mental health care providers in Nebraska's panhandle and would likely force the outright closure of six rural hospitals within 24 months of the phased-in cuts taking full effect. "With the Medicaid cuts, Webster County Hospital likely will close," said Tyler Sherman, a nurse at the facility in Red Cloud that, he said, is already "working in the red." He warned that the hospital's closure would force residents of the south central Nebraska county that borders Kansas to seek care 40 miles north in Hastings. "So if you call 911 with a heart attack, it's going to be 45 minutes to 50 minutes before you get to the nearest hospital that's open, versus five minutes with Webster County Hospital and other rural hospitals being open," he said. Providers and advocates warned, too, that provisions in Trump's domestic policy bill could cost developmentally disabled Nebraskans their Medicaid coverage due to "deeply flawed" work requirements that, they said, don't provide adequate exemptions for "many people with real serious conditions." They also said the proposed cuts would threaten funding for home- and community-based services for 15,000 intellectually and developmentally disabled Nebraskans that are funded with Medicaid waiver programs. And, they warned, the cuts would impact more than just the most vulnerable Nebraskans including increased costs for care from providers strained by Medicaid cuts and even increased property taxes levied in counties where local governments offer health services. "We're all going to experience impacts of rising costs and the result of underfunded health systems," said Sarah Maresh, the program director for health care access at the nonprofit Nebraska Appleseed. Hansen, the Rural Health Association director, said a proposed $25 billion rural relief fund the latest version of the bill would set aside for hospitals operating in the red nationwide "just isn't going to be enough." He said his organization has "been clear all along" with Nebraska's congressional delegates including Republican Sens. Deb Fischer and Pete Ricketts about what the proposed cuts would mean for the state's rural health care system. "Talking with the Sen. Fischer and Sen. Ricketts teams, I think their goal right now is to try go get through the (bill) and then to work towards coming back and fighting for hospital funding," he said. "(There's) obviously a lot of risk in that. You just don't know the direction the political winds will go." But neither appear inclined to vote against the bill that carries Trump's first-year agenda. Both Fischer and Ricketts voted late Saturday to clear a key procedural step to proceed with the bill that two Republicans opposed. One of them, Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina, announced a day later that he wouldn't seek reelection next year. In a Saturday interview with Fox News, Fischer hailed the provisions of the bill that would extend the 2017 tax cuts and bolster the child tax credit and defense spending, warning that failing to pass the measure would result in hikes for families. "We want to make sure that doesn't happen to American families," she said. "We want to protect the security of this country. We want to provide for our military. That's what's involved in this discussion." In a statement to the Journal Star on Monday, a spokeswoman for Fischer said the GOP is "strengthening Medicaid to ensure that it remains solvent for those who rely on it, including children and low-income and disabled Americans. A spokesman for Ricketts did not return an email seeking comment Monday. WASHINGTON, July 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- NASA has awarded a contract to MacLean Engineering & Applied Technologies, LLC of Houston to provide simulation and advanced software services to the agency. The Simulation and Advanced Software Services II (SASS II) contract includes services from Oct. 1, 2025, through Sept. 30, 2030, with a maximum potential value not to exceed $150 million. The contract is a single award, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quality contract with the capability to issue cost-plus-fixed-fee task orders and firm-fixed-price task orders. Under the five-year SASS II contract, the awardee is tasked to provide simulation and software services for space-based vehicle models and robotic manipulator systems; human biomechanical representations for analysis and development of countermeasures devices; guidance, navigation, and control of space-based vehicles for all flight phases; and space-based vehicle on-board computer systems simulations of flight software systems. Responsibilities also include astronomical object surface interaction simulation of space-based vehicles, graphics support for simulation visualization and engineering analysis, and ground-based and onboarding systems to support human-in-the-loop training. Major subcontractors include Tietronix Software Inc. in Houston and VEDO Systems, LLC, in League City, Texas. For information about NASA and agency programs, visit: https://www.nasa.gov/ SOURCE NASA New Report on Europe's High-End Sector Shows 986 Billion Economic Engine Powerhouse Driving Jobs, Tourism & Craftsmanship Projected global high-end & luxury market growth expected to reach 2 trillion by 2030; ECCIA's aims policy recommendations at EU amidst emerging geopolitical headwinds BRUSSELS, July 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Latest figures released by the European Cultural and Creative Industries Alliance (ECCIA) show that Europe's high-end and luxury sector represents 5% of Europe's GDP. The sector continues to drive economic growth, preserve cultural heritage, and champion excellence well beyond the continent. The new report, developed with the technical collaboration of Bain & Company for ECCIA, also indicates that the sector's global leader status with 70% global market share is "clouded" due to external challenges such as tariffs and emerging global trade uncertainty. The sector, which the latest figures show employs 2 million people throughout Europe, is grappling with attracting and retaining the next generation of skilled artisans. "European luxury goods continue to dominate global markets, with the latest figures demonstrating a strong performance over the past five years and a solid position for growth within the global high-end and luxury market - rooted in the sector's unique resilience and its ability to adapt and seize opportunities in emerging markets," said Claudia D'Arpizio of Bain & Company. "While these new findings show that the sector accounts for 11.5% of total European exports, high-end and luxury goods are much more than economic drivers. The brands, through their products and experiences, also represent the ultimate expression of the soft power Europe wields through its creativity, innovation, and craftsmanship - Europe's unique 'artisanal intelligence.' This sector is a creative powerhouse that invests up to 5% of revenues in education and training, and up to 3% in sustainability and innovation which contribute to social prosperity, cultural preservation, and economic growth across Europe's clusters of excellence." The latest findings suggest that the sector's success story faces challenges as the world looks to an uncertain future. Escalating geopolitical tensions, rising tariffs, and protectionist trade policies, especially between the US and China which make up 35-45% of the global revenues for the sector, inject unwanted uncertainty. "It's tempting to assume that this the sector is shock-proof from some of the economic turbulence we've been seeing. While luxury stocks perform by 4 to 6 times over the broader market in Italy or France, we are sensitive to the some of the warning signs," said Michael Ward, President of ECCIA. "European high-end and luxury brands supported 2 million jobs in 2024, with 160,000 new jobs created since 2019, outpacing broader EU labour market growth. Tariff measures threaten to disrupt global demand, drive up costs, and force companies to reconsider supply chains as we focus on profitability and call for greater stability." Europe's high-end and luxury sector is a powerhouse on the global stage. The sector's impact extends beyond economic impact with 40% of international travelers citing luxury shopping as a key reason for visiting. Leading brands invest up to 3% of annual revenues in sustainability and up to 5% in education and training. While the latest report's findings suggest that the global luxury market has the potential to double by 2030, smart and urgent policy support is needed to safeguard one of Europe's cultural and economic treasures. The full report, executive summary and infographic can be downloaded here. Note to Editors : Although the Bain findings reveal sustained global competitiveness and optimistic growth prospects, European high-end cultural and creative industries face significant challenges due to geopolitical tensions and trade disputes in key markets, such as the USA and China. Outlined below are ECCIA's five EU policy recommendations to support the sector's long-term sustainable growth and its ability to continue to support the European economy and reputation. 1. Strengthen intellectual property rights (IPR) and combat counterfeiting Enhance the enforcement of the Digital Services Act (DSA): The effective implementation of the DSA depends on the European Commission's commitment to rigorously enforcing its provisions by: Allocating sufficient financial and human resources; Conducting an implementation review; Proactively removing counterfeit products and clarifying the rollout of the trusted flagger mechanism. Allocating sufficient financial and human resources; Conducting an implementation review; Proactively removing counterfeit products and clarifying the rollout of the trusted flagger mechanism. Introduce specific anti-counterfeiting legislation: Implement binding measures to address the gaps left by the DSA: Enforce traceability across the entire value chain by mandating a "Know Your Business Customer" obligation for all intermediaries, not just online marketplaces. Require all intermediaries to take proactive, reasonable, and proportionate measures to prevent the appearance of counterfeit goods. Ensure platforms implement measures to prevent the reappearance of illegal products following removal. 2. Preserve consumer trust and experience Combat unauthorised sales: Strengthen the EU's legislative framework to help brands enforce their selective distribution networks against unauthorised distributors, protecting brand image and investments while ensuring consumer safety. Support our tailored distribution networks: Maintain high-end industries' ability to select authorised sellers based on qualitative criteria to preserve craftsmanship and the excellence of our customer service. 3. Promote sustainability in high-end goods and services Industry-specific consultation: Involve industry representatives in the preparation of Green Deal secondary legislation to address the specific needs of our sector, particularly for ecodesign and circular economy requirements. Implementation delays: Ensure a minimum of 36 months for compliance with new legal obligations, in line with the industry's product cycle (design to retail). Ensure a level playing field: Apply Green Deal standards equally to all companies operating in the EU market and prevent new measures from undermining European companies' global competitiveness. 4. Support craftsmanship and skills development Address the skills gap: Launch EU-level and Member State initiatives to develop a workforce skilled in craftsmanship, engineering, and technical production for high-end industries. Introduce a European Maitre d'Art title: Recognise and promote creative and technical expertise essential for preserving high-quality craftsmanship. 5. Enhance trade and tourism Prioritise diplomatic solutions to trade disputes: European high-end and luxury brands face significant challenges from escalating geopolitical tensions, rising tariffs, and protectionist trade policies, particularly in the US and China (two key markets contributing 35-40% of revenues). Proactive strategies such as market diversification, engagement with emerging economies, and advocacy for favourable trade agreements are essential to safeguarding resilience and mitigating risks to profitability and global competitiveness. (two key markets contributing 35-40% of revenues). Proactive strategies such as market diversification, engagement with emerging economies, and advocacy for favourable trade agreements are essential to safeguarding resilience and mitigating risks to profitability and global competitiveness. Promote Free Trade Agreements (FTAs): Support FTAs that ensure reciprocal market access, reduce barriers to trade, and combat counterfeiting and parallel trade. Visa facilitation: Simplify procedures for obtaining EU visas and encourage VAT-free shopping for non-EU tourists to enhance the EU's appeal as a destination for high-end shopping and tourism. Retaliatory measures, including tariffs and non-tariff barriers, threaten the industry's ability to maintain competitive access to these crucial export destinations. The increasing protectionist rhetoric could further strain the industry, which relies heavily on open markets. Furthermore, our production cannot be relocated, as our business model and appeal are rooted in Europe's cultural heritage and expertise. About ECCIA: The European Cultural and Creative Industries Alliance (ECCIA), established in 2010, is composed of seven European cultural and creative industries organisations - Altagamma (Italy), Circulo Fortuny (Spain), Comite Colbert (France), Gustaf III Kommitte (Sweden), Laurel (Portugal), Meisterkreis (Germany) and Walpole (UK) - who between them represent 750 brands and cultural institutions. Based on art, culture and creativity, our work is underpinned by continuous innovation, a relentless focus on quality, highly skilled employment and strong exports abroad. Our members strive for the highest quality in all they do, from products and services all the way to the experience offered to consumers. For more information on ECCIA please visit eccia.eu ECCIA Bain Economic Impact Study For Media SOURCE ECCIA MUSCAT, Sultanate of Oman, July 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Oman Investment Authority (OIA), the Sultanate's sovereign wealth fund, closed 2024 with US $53bn in assets under management and a US $4.12bn net profit, enabling a US $2.1bn transfer to the state budget and reinforcing its growing fiscal role. Recognized among the top ten sovereign wealth funds by Global SWF for five-year annualized returns, OIA is harnessing Oman's potential through globally diversified investments in future-focused sectors. OMAN INVESTMENT AUTHORITY REPORTS USD 4.1 BILLION PROFIT FOR 2024, RANKS AMONG TOP 10 GLOBAL SOVEREIGN FUNDS (PRNewsfoto/Oman Investment Authority) OIA invests through three verticals: the National Development Fund (NDF), Future Generations Fund (FGF), and Future Fund Oman (FFO). Spanning over 50 countries, the portfolio remains 63% domestic, with 19.9% in North America, and the rest across Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America. The strategy reduces risk while advancing Oman Vision 2040 priority sectors. NDF deployed US $4.9bn in 2024, surpassing its US $4.4bn target to accelerate domestic projects. Energy dominated at 68% of commitments, including additional funding for Duqm Refinery and launching the 500 MW solar plants. The rest targeted logistics, tourism, mining, and telecoms, with capital allocated to Asyad Container Terminal and reopening copper mines. FGF broadened international exposure through stakes in 13 new funds across AI, healthcare, fintech, and energy transition. As an early investor in xAI, OIA is positioned to capture value from global innovation trends while evaluating its relevance to Oman's economy. Launched in January 2024 to attract foreign investors and scale local champions, the US $5.2bn FFO committed US $865mn to projects including the Sohar PolySilicon plant, set to be the world's largest outside China, and joint funds with IDG Capital and ewpartners targeting ICT, renewables, EV supply chains, and agritech. OIA portfolio companies repaid US $4.7bn in debt, including prepayment US $1.4bn repayment by state energy group OQ. Sovereign guarantees fell to US $4.7bn, nearly half 2023 levels. Six assets were divested, one more than planned, raising fresh capital and broadening local equity participation. The flagship exit was a 25% IPO of OQ Exploration & Production. These reflect efforts to empower the private sector and attract strategic and financial partners. OIA continued supporting innovation and entrepreneurship through startup funding, accelerators, and targeted procurement. In 2024, Small Medium Enterprises accounted for nearly 20% of OIA's supply chain spend, bolstered by ring-fencing and over US $28mn in direct funding. OIA strengthened ties with institutional investors and hosted the largest-ever global gathering of sovereign wealth funds in Muscat. This engagement, along with improved disclosure, earned World Bank recognition and supported upgrades that restored Oman to investment-grade status. Amid energy volatility and geopolitical risk, OIA plans to scale renewables, digital infrastructure, and critical minerals, while trimming hydrocarbons and divesting non-core assets. It also plans to expand co-investment to accelerate knowledge transfer into Omani ventures. With strong 2024 results, deeper capital market access, and a tech-driven project pipeline, OIA is emerging as a key stabilizer of Oman's public finances. The 2024 Annual Report is available at www.oia.gov.om. OIA Press Office [email protected] Website: www.oia.gov.om Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2723771/Oman_Investment_Authority.jpg SOURCE Oman Investment Authority With the clock ticking past the start of a new fiscal year and toward a long holiday weekend lawmakers on Tuesday advanced a nominally bipartisan state budget that few seemed to love but most seemed willing to accept. On a 13-3 vote, the Legislatures budget committee approved the final components of the two-year spending plan, with Sen. LaTonya Johnson, D-Milwaukee, joining her GOP colleagues in support. The full bill next goes to the full Legislature for a vote as early as Wednesday. While the bill appears on track to easily pass the Republican-controlled Assembly, things get a bit trickier in the GOP-led Senate, where at least a few GOP lawmakers have expressed dissatisfaction over the level of spending in the proposal. Republicans hold a narrow 18-15 majority in the upper chamber, meaning the GOP caucus can afford to lose only one Republican vote if all Democrats oppose the proposal. But after Democratic Gov. Tony Evers and GOP leaders announced a deal Tuesday to boost funds for the Universities of Wisconsin, special education and child care providers in exchange for preserving $1.3 billion in Republican tax cuts, some Democratic senators are signaling support. Were going to pass this budget this week and send it to the governor, budget committee co-chair Rep. Mark Born, R-Beaver Dam, told CBS 58 on Tuesday. Were all planning on going home for our Fourth of July parades and I think that goal is within reach. Fellow co-chair Sen. Howard Marklein, R-Spring Green, said he was confident Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu had the votes to pass the bill in that house. At least two Senate Republicans, Steve Nass, of Whitewater, and Chris Kapenga, of Delafield, have expressed reservations about the spending bill. Other Republicans also found fault with the plan Tuesday. Annette Olson, CEO of the conservative MacIver Institute, blasted the agreement between Evers and GOP leaders. Apparently, Republican leaders biggest concern was how to secure Democrat votes when principled conservatives said no, Olson said. While there is plenty of spending in this budget, there is no mention of accountability. Several Democratic lawmakers also objected to the last-minute grand compromise. Sen. Chris Larson, D-Milwaukee, said on X the budget shifts too much of the burden onto property taxes and said he would be voting against it. Sen. Kelda Roys, D-Madison, who voted against the budget in committee, said it shortchanges too many areas where the state needs investment, such as public education and transit options. This budget is not as bad as it was, its not as bad as it could have been, but it is not good, and we should not be taking a victory lap on it, because our kids deserve better. Our state deserves better. All of us deserve better, Roys said. The budget also includes Republicans $1.3 billion tax cut proposal that expands the second-lowest tax bracket and exempts some retiree income from taxation. It also includes millions more in overtime pay for prison staff and more than $1 million annually to create and run prisoner reentry centers. Some Democratic lawmakers in the Assembly also decried the bill, including Reps. Francesca Hong, of Madison, and Ryan Clancy, of Milwaukee. Clancy criticized the measure for not doing enough to fund schools or seeking Medicaid expansion. This is a Republican budget and Governor Evers should veto it, Clancy said. But Johnson, the lone Democrat on the budget committee to support it, said Democrats are getting much of what they wanted. I think for the first time since being in this building, since 2013, that this is truly a bipartisan effort, Johnson said. And it was a bipartisan effort, not necessarily by choice, but by force. And thats okay, well take it any way we can get it. UW projects The deal between Evers and GOP leaders included funding for several Universities of Wisconsin projects across the state, which could play a pivotal role in securing Democratic support in the Senate. In the hours that followed the budget announcement, other Democratic senators stepped forward to express support, including Senate Minority Leader Dianne Hesselbein, D-Middleton, who was part of the negotiations. It is not a perfect agreement, but I fought hard on behalf of Senate Democrats and made it better for the people of Wisconsin, Hesselbein said in a post on X. Sen. Kristin Dassler-Alfheim, D-Appleton, said shes encouraged by the budgets inclusion of $137 million to demolish the more than 60-year-old library and build an addition to UW-Oshkoshs Polk Learning Commons. Im hopeful that we can work together to get this over the finish line and move Wisconsin forward, together, Dassler-Alfheim said. Rothman, UW-Madison grateful The budget also proposes $194.5 million to complete the second phase of the Prairie Springs Science Center at UW-La Crosse and demolish the aging Crowley Hall, which Sen. Brad Pfaff, D-Onalaska, described as a really big deal for the La Crosse community and Wisconsins ongoing workforce needs. Pfaff declined to say whether hell support the budget document until he sees the final language. UW system President Jay Rothman said Tuesday he was grateful for the $256 million in additional funding the university system was set to receive. The budget deal would also fund $840 million in building projects across the UW system and allow for future planning for the demolition of UW-Madisons Humanities building. For generations, Wisconsinites have invested in the (UW system) to provide affordable and accessible higher education. They should take great pride in what Wisconsin has built, Rothman said. With these new investments, the (UW system) can do more to provide the educational opportunities students deserve and parents expect. An unsigned statement from UW-Madison thanked lawmakers Tuesday for recognizing the universitys $30 billion economic impact for the state. We appreciate the bipartisan investment of additional state resources for the Universities of Wisconsin amid significant uncertainty and risk related to federal budget cuts, UW-Madisons statement said. Mayor pleased Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway also applauded the deal, particularly for its inclusion of $14 million over the biennium for the Municipal Services Program, which supports local governments public safety resources at state facilities. Rhodes-Conway said the proposal would mark the first increase in funding to the program in 20 years, marking a significant step in the right direction for basic fairness and providing property tax relief to our residents. Marking a major win for abortion rights advocates across Wisconsin, the state Supreme Court on Wednesday issued a split decision repealing the states Civil War-era law that had widely been interpreted as a near-complete abortion ban. The 175-year-old law was deemed unenforceable following the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision which established abortion as a constitutional right but remained in state statute. In the summer of 2022, the U.S. Supreme Courts decision in Dobbs v. Jackson overturned Roe, leaving Wisconsins 1849 law, which lists killing a fetus as manslaughter unless the procedure was conducted in order to save the mothers life, on the books. But in a 4-3 ruling, the Wisconsin Supreme Courts liberal majority ruled the 19th century law had been impliedly repealed by a host of changes enacted by the state Legislature in the years that followed Roe, including a 1985 law that prohibits abortions after fetal viability but includes an exception to protect the mothers life or health. What this ruling made clear is the 1849 law that people have talked about so much is not in effect in Wisconsin there is no sweeping criminal abortion ban, Democratic Attorney General Josh Kaul told reporters after the ruling was delivered. The courts ruling was largely expected after liberal justices on the court offered a scathing repudiation of the states 1849 abortion law while hearing arguments for the case back in November. Liberal Justice Janet Protasiewicz embraced abortion rights on the campaign trail before she was elected in 2023. Plaintiffs filed this lawsuit seeking a declaration that (state statute) a statute dating back to 1849 that criminalizes the intentional destruction of an unborn child does not ban abortion, Justice Rebecca Dallet wrote in the majority opinion. We conclude that comprehensive legislation enacted over the last 50 years regulating in detail the who, what, where, when, and how of abortion so thoroughly covers the entire subject of abortion that it was meant as a substitute for the 19th century near-total ban on abortion, Dallet wrote. Dallet was joined in the ruling by her liberal colleagues, justices Protasiewicz, Ann Walsh Bradley and Jill Karofsky. Conservative justices Annette Ziegler, Rebecca Bradley and Brian Hagedorn dissented in the ruling. Writing in dissent, Ziegler offered a scathing review of the decision, which she called a jaw-dropping exercise of judicial will, placing personal preference over the constitutional roles of the three branches of our state government and upending a duly enacted law. The majoritys analysis is fundamentally flawed, and the majority is compromised when it comes to the issue of abortion, Ziegler wrote. Post-Roe landscape After Roe was struck down, Kaul asked a Dane County Circuit Court judge to declare the 1849 law didnt apply to abortion. Kaul argued the law conflicted with later, more permissive abortion laws and court decisions. Three years ago, the U.S. Supreme Court upended five decades of precedent and threw reproductive freedom in Wisconsin and across our country into chaos, Democratic Gov. Tony Evers said. Today, the Wisconsin Supreme Court upheld that basic freedom. Dane County Judge Diane Schlipper sided with Kaul in 2023, finding that the law only applied to feticide, which is defined as the killing of a fetus without the mothers consent. That ruling led abortion services to reopen last September after they had been shuttered for more than a year. We unfortunately had 15 months where people were denied access, and I think that really illuminated for people some of the challenges that are in place in Wisconsin, Kaul said. Women seeking abortions have to first get an ultrasound, have a counseling period and wait a full day before the procedure. For pill abortions, patients will have to schedule two visits with the same physician one for a counseling appointment and one to get the pills. Laws prohibit telehealth visits and mailing the abortion pill to the patient. Those laws were put in place while Roe v. Wade still guaranteed abortion access nationwide. Since the federal high court overturned the landmark ruling, Wisconsin Republicans have sought to roll back laws guaranteeing abortion access in the state. Following Schlippers decision, attorneys for Sheboygan County District Attorney Joel Urmanski, a Republican, asked the state Supreme Court to rule on the matter. Urmanski has said he believes the law, which is titled Abortion, also covers the procedure. But members of the courts 4-3 liberal majority said the law has been overtaken by subsequent laws and doesnt allow for a host of circumstances, including pregnancies resulting from rape or incest, fetal abnormalities or when the health of the mother is in danger. Hagedorn wrote the majoritys decision does not derive from a neutral application of the law; it does not even pass the smell test. But it is more than that, he said. If the peoples policy choices will be constantly second-guessed by this court, our very system of self-government is in danger. Dallet noted in the ruling the Legislature as the peoples representatives, remains free to change the laws with respect to abortion in the future. 2015 law The courts ruling leaves in place a separate law that was signed in 2015 by Republican Gov. Scott Walker and protects abortion access until 20 weeks post-fertilization. Had I not signed that law, there would be no real legal protections for the unborn in Wisconsin after this decision by the Wisconsin Supreme Court, Walker said in a post on X. Wisconsin Democrats quickly praised the decision, with Sen. Mark Spreitzer, D-Beloit, calling it a critical step forward, while Rep. Lisa Subeck, D-Madison, called for legislative action to protect reproductive rights not just in practice, but in law. Asked if Republicans, who control the state Senate and Assembly, will consider new abortion legislation in light of the courts ruling, Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu, R-Oostburg, said he was still reviewing the courts decision. The courts role is to analyze the law free from political influence, LeMahieu said. The majority ignored that constitutional responsibility today and instead took this opportunity to deliver on their political campaign promises. Heather Weininger, executive director of anti-abortion group Wisconsin Right to Life said she was deeply disappointed in the decision and disagreed with the majoritys argument that subsequent legislation essentially repealed the 175-year-old statute. To assert that a repeal is implied is to legislate from the bench, Weininger said. Daniel Degner, president of Wisconsin Family Action, also denounced the ruling, arguing in a statement, once again, this politicized Court has determined to advance their leftist political agenda instead of rightly calling balls and strikes. Suit dismissed Also on Wednesday, justices dismissed a lawsuit filed last year by Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin asking the court to declare that abortion rights are protected by the state Constitution. Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin Chief Strategy Officer Michelle Velasquez said she was disappointed to see the case dismissed, but said the organization will explore the possibility of future legal challenges or legislative options. Theres still an open question as to whether or not the Wisconsin Constitution guarantees the right to bodily autonomy and therefore the right to abortion care, Velasquez said. We are committed to advancing all avenues to protect abortion access for the long-term in this state, and that will include examining all of the current laws in the books to determine whether theres another appropriate vehicle to bring an action against. The new Lab will employ approximately 50 AI professionals to accelerate AI adoption and support growth agendas across Southeast Asia SINGAPORE, July 2, 2025 Kyndryl, a leading provider of mission-critical enterprise technology services, has announced the launch of its ASEAN AI Innovation Lab in Singapore. The Lab will offer responsible enterprise artificial intelligence (AI) solutions with advanced security features across Southeast Asia. This announcement follows Kyndryls recent investments in the United Kingdom and France, demonstrating its commitment to create regional hubs of AI talent, drive innovation and support national growth agendas. Kyndryls new ASEAN AI Innovation Lab will advise customers in adopting AI capabilities, merging technologies and software and platform engineering solutions through Kyndryl Consult. The Lab will also include a co-creation experience with Kyndryl Vital, allowing customers to tackle complex and real-world business challenges through design-led thinking. It will employ approximately 50 local AI specialists, including data scientists, data engineers and AI developers, and help organizations understand responsible AI technologies with use cases and live demonstrations. - Advertisement - Our ASEAN AI Innovation Lab underscores Kyndryls long-term commitment to the region, said Andrew Lim, Managing Director, Kyndryl ASEAN and Korea. Our experience in designing and delivering complex systems at scale gives us an advantage in implementing end-to-end AI solutions. By partnering with Digital Industry Singapore (DISG), Google Cloud and other ecosystem players, we aim to scale trustworthy and high-impact AI solutions that enable businesses to move faster and smarter with responsible AI principles at the core. Kyndryl is working with Google Cloud and Digital Industry Singapore (DISG) to help Singapore-based companies accelerate AI transformation through the AI Cloud Takeoff program under DISGs Enterprise Compute Initiative (ECI). As a launch partner for Kyndryls ASEAN AI Innovation Lab, Google Cloud is providing access to Vertex AI, BigQuery, Agent Development Kit (ADK), and Google Agentspace to enable AI solution development and business growth. Enterprises across Southeast Asia are moving quickly to harness generative AI and agentic AI, and they need trusted partners to do it responsibly and at scale, said Mark Micallef, Managing Director, Southeast Asia, Google Cloud. Our partnership with Kyndryl brings together deep consultancy expertise and interoperable data-to-AI capabilities to help organizations unlock tangible and measurable ROI from deployments of enterprise-grade AI with cutting edge security capabilities. Customers Will Leverage the Lab for Accelerated AI Adoption The Lab will help customers operationalize AI through proven infrastructure and cloud-native architectures. Working with Digital Industry Singapore (DISG) and Singapores top universities and research institutions, customers can cultivate AI talent and build reusable assets and services to help future-proof their workforce and innovation efforts. Additionally, the Labs AI experts will help organizations implement robust governance, privacy and security frameworks to address compliance and regulatory mandates, while also creating energy-efficient and cost-effective AI solutions that will reduce carbon footprints and computing costs. For example, across ASEAN countries: In hospitality: Frasers Hospitality worked with Kyndryl to enhance the processes through which operational expertise is documented and streamlined. A solution was jointly built to transform training videos and add interactive multimedia features and multilingual capabilities to scale across its global portfolio. Frasers Hospitality worked with Kyndryl to enhance the processes through which operational expertise is documented and streamlined. A solution was jointly built to transform training videos and add interactive multimedia features and multilingual capabilities to scale across its global portfolio. In logistics: Kyndryl used AI to help Vietnam SuperPortautomate x-ray image analysis and validate documents. Kyndryl used AI to help Vietnam SuperPortautomate x-ray image analysis and validate documents. In employment services: Quest is using AI to further personalize the user experience on its gig marketplace, improving the connection between businesses with open positions and skilled local talent, resulting in increased job matching and fulfilment rates. Kyndryls recently launched People Readiness Report 2025 reveals a striking gap between AI investment and workforce preparedness, noting that 95% of businesses have invested in AI, yet 71% of leaders say their workforces are not yet ready to successfully leverage the technology. However, there is a small group (14%) of Pacesetters who are seeing the benefits from AI by aligning their workforce, technology and growth goals. Supporting Singapores National AI Vision Kyndryls ASEAN AI Innovation Lab supports Singapores goal of becoming a global AI leader by establishing a technology-forward, AI ecosystem, while providing valuable expertise across Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines to meet growing regional AI demand. Kyndryls ASEAN AI Innovation Lab contributes to Singapores ambition to be a hub for AI innovation. We are keen for companies to develop their innovation mandates in Singapore and tap into our ecosystem to grow their businesses. Kyndryl is one such partner of the Enterprise Compute Initiative, a national-level program aimed at accelerating AI-powered transformation projects said Philbert Gomez, Senior Vice President and Head and Executive Director, Digital Industry Singapore. By bringing together industry, academia and government, this Lab will serve as a catalyst for innovation, workforce skilling and the development of scalable AI infrastructure in Singapore and the broader ASEAN region. "Our awardees are rising stars whose passion and potential represent a bright future," said Museum CEO John Hiltz. Post this "Fourteen outstanding individuals have been chosen to receive the Museum's 2025 scholarships from a pool of 741 highly competitive applications from 33 states," said Col Brandon Casey, USAF (Ret), the Museum's Scholarship Selection Task Force Chair. "Each awardee demonstrated exceptional achievements, unwavering dedication, and a profound passion for aviation." "Our scholarship awardees are rising stars in aviation whose passion and potential represent a bright future for the industry," said Museum CEO John Hiltz, a former U.S. Navy Blue Angels aviator. "Thanks to our generous donors, these scholarships celebrate not just achievement, but also empower a new generation ready to take flight across America." During the ceremony, the heartfelt gratitude expressed by this year's recipients inspired Rick and Teresa Price to announce a $100,000 matching gift challenge. This generous commitment has the power to transform lives. All are encouraged to visit bit.ly/PHAMeducation to learn more of about the Museum's extensive educational programs, or visit bit.ly/FLOCscholarship to make a direct donation to the For Love of Country Scholarship Fund to help fulfill this matching gift challenge. The For Love of Country Endowment was established in 2021, funded with $1 million by the Rick & Teresa Price Family as a condition in the sale of a division of their Hawaii based company to Oil Changers, Inc. in January 2020. Their inspired philanthropy will fund Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum educational efforts and support scholarship awards to individuals committed to a career in aviation long into the future. "We are so thankful to the Price family and all our endowment donors for their powerful commitment and leadership that has positively changed many lives. The establishment of all our scholarship endowments ensures that the impact will continue in perpetuity, changing many more lives going forward," said Hiltz. Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum's 2025 scholarship awardees include: FOR LOVE OF COUNTRY SCHOLARSHIP: Part of the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum Educational Endowment, which funds Museum educational efforts and awards scholarships to individuals committed to a career in aviation. Malina Mossman | $10,000 | Maui, Hawaii Connor Runkle | $8,500 | Daytona Beach, Florida | Harley Lenart | $8,500 | Chapel Hill, Tennessee | | Alanah Pluchos | $6,500 | Port Orange, Florida | | Patsuqua Xiong| $6,500 | Morganton, North Carolina | Sienna Rose | $5,500 | Pagosa Springs, Colorado | Heather Smith | $5,500 | Honolulu, Hawaii | Anthony Joseph Panganiban | $5,500 | Mililani, Hawaii | Makayla Galler | $5,500 | Northglenn, Colorado COL. ROBERT P. MOORE SCHOLARSHIP: Helps Hawaii residents acquire their initial FAA aircraft pilot certificate and Hawaii-based FAA Commercial Pilots get their initial or additional FAA Certified Flight Instructor certificate. Aracely Bianca Vasquez |$4,000 Honolulu, Hawaii |$4,000 Iyanu Bajomo | $2,000 . |Prescott, Arizona BRIG GEN ROBERT B. AND JUDITH MAGUIRE SCHOLARSHIP: Helps deserving students pursue their dreams of flight. Tyler Moote | $2,000 Kailua, Hawaii FRANK DER YUEN AVIATION SCHOLARSHIP: For Hawaii residents who have been accepted, or are enrolled, in an aviation-related program at an accredited trade school, college, or university. Michelle Joann | $5,000 | Kailua, Hawaii ADMIRAL RONALD J. HAYS SCHOLARSHIP: For young people who demonstrate the qualities of leadership, patriotism and service to their community. Caitlin Thomas | $2,000 | Mililani, Hawaii Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum extends its deepest thanks to all this year's scholarship donors for their generosity, to our scholarship committee for their dedication. "Our warmest congratulations to the 2025 recipients," said Col. Casey. "We wish them every success and hope they'll continue to inspire others as future leaders in aviation." To learn more about Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum's scholarship program and this year's recipients, visit bit.ly/2025PHAMScholarships . About Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum is more than a museumit's a place where history, innovation, and inspiration come together. Located on Historic Ford Island, the site of the December 7, 1941 attack, the Museum stands on America's World War II aviation battlefield. Visitors can walk through bullet-scarred hangars, see legendary aircraft like the Japanese Zero and B-17 Swamp Ghost, and hear the powerful stories of the heroes who changed the course of history. Beyond preserving the past, Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum is committed to shaping the future. Through youth programs, scholarships, and workforce development initiatives, the Museum educates and empowers the next generation. From signature events like PHAMily Fun Day to hands-on STEM experiences, flight simulators and more, the Museum connects people of all ages with the wonder of flight and the importance of history. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the Museum relies on donations, volunteers, and members to fulfill its mission: to steward America's WWII aviation battlefield and inspire future generations through education and remembrance. Join us, support our work, or plan your visit at PearlHarborAviationMuseum.org. SOURCE Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum This weekend over two hundred thousand festival goers flocked to sleepy Somerset to attend the Glastonbury Festival for five days of music, sun, beer, and peace, love and unity. [Originally published at communist.red] This year, however, in the words of talentless, irrelevant bigot Sharon Osbourne the festival has been destroyed by one pathetic band. The British establishment have whipped up such a deafening chorus of hysteria about this one pathetic band over the past six months, it would be genuinely shocking if anyone hadnt heard of them. In the build up to Glastonbury this year, therefore, all eyes have been on Irish rap group Kneecap. Establishment censorship Kneecap have recently gained mass popular support for their courageous opposition to western imperialism and its role in supporting Israels genocide in Gaza. The British state has therefore been manoeuvering to silence, smear, and censor them. A number of scumbag politicians from Tory leader Kemi Badenoch to Prime Minister Keir Starmer have come out calling for them to be banned from performing at Glastonbury. Furthermore, one of the band members Mo Chara (Liam O hAnnaidh) has even been scandalously been put on trial for terrorism offenses for allegedly waving a flag. Yet every time they are attacked, they come out swinging. They use their publicity to expose the hypocrisy of the establishment and unapologetically defend themselves and this has only made them more popular. An at-capacity crowd of tens of thousands flocked to watch their Glastonbury set, where they led chants of Free Palestine and Fuck Keir Starmer to a sea of Palestine flags. Band members made multiple speeches condemning the hypocrisy of the British state, their complicity in genocide and showing their solidarity to the group Palestine Action, which is at risk of being proscribed as a terrorist organisation. Obviously, the BBC couldnt show this on live television; it would be far too embarrassing. They cant have the British public connecting the dots and thinking for themselves! Panic With all eyes on Kneecap, who could blame the BBC for not preempting the set of militant, anti-racist punk band Bob Vylan? Live on television, they made a speech calling out the complicity of the British government in the genocide in Gaza, before leading chants of death, death to the IDF. Oh, to have been a fly on the wall at the BBC head office at that very moment! Obviously, the mouthpieces of the British ruling class immediately went into overdrive hypocritically condemning the band for this violence, with The Telegraph carrying an article describing Bob Vylans set as scenes reminiscent of a Nuremberg rally. The BBC and the festival organisers have nauseatingly condemned them for inciting violence, antisemitism and hate speech. And of course, Keir Starmer has also dutifully joined the chorus condemning the appalling hate speech. Even the police have made a statement that they are assessing the footage of comments made by both Kneecap and Bob Vylan at Glastonbury to decide whether any offences may have been committed. Bob Vylan have come out fighting in their latest statement, hitting the nail on the head: We, like those in the spotlight before us, are not the story. We are a distraction from the story. And whatever sanctions we receive will be a distraction. The government doesnt want us to ask why they remain silent in the face of this atrocity? To ask why they arent doing more to stop the killing? To feed the starving? The more time they talk about Bob Vylan, the less time they spend answering for their criminal inaction We are being targeted for speaking up. We are not the first. We will not be the last. And if you care for the sanctity of human life and freedom of speech, we urge you to speak up too. The British establishment is in a total state of panic. They have been called out plainly and publicly for their despicable role in supporting Israels genocide and are now seen scrambling around trying desperately to censor artists that say anything overtly truthful! Stinking hypocrisy All the moralistic lecturing by the media and the politicians has never rung so hollow. It is genuinely jaw dropping just how out of touch and hypocritical these people are. Since 7 October 2023, people have had countless images of decapitated children, toddlers burning alive, and people weeping over their dead families burned into their consciousness. The IDF are not an oppressed ethnic group, but a standing army of a vicious imperialist state armed to the teeth by western imperialism. It is an army that is carrying out a campaign of ethnic cleansing and murder against majority unarmed civilians. The IDF have killed or wounded approximately 190,000 people in Gaza, with 50,000 of those being children. List of Gazans killed by IDF. The first 937 names are babies less than a year old. Names of the children under the age of 18 cover 381 pages and amount to 17,121 children. Of 55,202 killed people, 9,126 were women. Prosecute Bob Vylan and KNEECAP or Netanyahu, IDF, Starmer!? pic.twitter.com/9VEs0CcsHy Jorge Martin (@marxistJorge) June 30, 2025 The explicit aim of the IDF is to cause so much death and destruction that it is impossible for Palestinians to live a dignified existence this is the dictionary definition of terrorism. It is no surprise that many ordinary people who want to see an end to imperialist war and poverty are wishing death to those carrying it out: western imperialism and the IDF! Mass anger The real reason for the ruling class hysteria is clear. They have lost public support. This is one of the most hated governments in living memory and they are terrified of anyone becoming a focal point of opposition. Unfortunately for them, Kneecap and Bob Vylan are just a taster of what is to come. Many other artists made pro-Palestine statements over the weekend, including Amyl and the Sniffers, CMAT, Gurriers, and Wolf Alice. During her set, Jade from Little Mix told the crowd to put up their middle fingers against low battery, smelly toilets, Reform, welfare cuts, transphobia, silencing protests, selling arms, justifying genocide. Nadine Shah played her set to images of Gaza and played voice notes from Palestinian children. The events at Glastonbury this weekend represent something very significant. What we are seeing is mass anger against the capitalist system cutting so deep, it is beginning to reflect itself in culture at one of the most famous music festivals in the world. In 2017, scenes of Jeremy Corbyn speaking at Glastonbury to an enthusiastic crowd badly shook the establishment. Now, the artists themselves are the ones courageously using their platform to speak the truth. The establishment was already struggling to deal with one group of rebellious artists now they have many others, and behind them stand a powerful mass of workers and youth looking for an outlet for their anger. Once this force is organised, the ruling class will have more to worry about than which music festivals to censor. The African Development Bank approved a landmark $139 million loan to Johannesburg Tuesday, marking the institutions first direct lending to a municipal entity as South Africas economic capital prepares to host Africas inaugural G20 summit in November. The historic financing will fund 100 carefully selected infrastructure projects aimed at modernizing Johannesburgs electrical, water, and waste treatment systems. Africas wealthiest city has experienced significant deterioration over four decades, with burst pipes, accumulated garbage, cracked roads, potholes, and malfunctioning traffic lights plaguing the metropolitan area of six million residents. This historic operation demonstrates the African Development Banks commitment to supporting creditworthy cities as engines of economic growth, explained Kennedy Mbekeani, the Banks Director General for Southern Africa. Johannesburg contributes 16% to South Africas GDP and serves as the continents investment gateway. The loan comes as South African President Cyril Ramaphosa had criticized Johannesburgs not very pleasant environment in March, ahead of the November 22-23 G20 summit the first to be held on African soil. The citys infrastructure challenges have raised concerns about its readiness to host world leaders and international delegations. Beyond the Johannesburg package, the African Development Bank also granted South Africa an additional $474.6 million loan for energy and rail infrastructure projects. These commitments follow the World Banks $1.5 billion loan to Africas most industrialized country last week, aimed at revitalizing economic growth. South Africa faces significant challenges including electricity crisis and the worlds highest unemployment rate among G20 nations at 32%. The country of 62 million inhabitants has averaged just 0.7% annual growth over the past decade, highlighting the urgent need for infrastructure investment to stimulate economic recovery and job creation. Somalias elite Danab Commandos have neutralised a high-ranking al-Shabab commander, Abdi Jabbar, during a precision operation in the southern village of Yuumbis, about seven kilometres northwest of Barire in the Lower Shabelle region. The sting operation, which occurred on Monday evening, resulted in the deaths of eight al-Shabab militants, including Jabbar, a key operative behind a wave of deadly explosive attacks in the region. The Ministry of Defense confirmed on July 1 that Jabbar had been the groups head of explosives in Gedo and later in Lower Shabelle, where he masterminded the destruction of critical infrastructure such as the bridges in Bariire, Sabiid, and Caanoole. With ties to al-Shabab dating back 18 years, his death marks a significant setback for the groups bomb-making and tactical operations, according to the ministry. Authorities hailed the operation as part of a broader national effort to dismantle al-Shababs command structure and restore security across the country. More than 50 militants have been eliminated in recent weeks as Somali forces intensify their campaign against insurgent elements. The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring lasting peace and stability, pledging to pursue every remaining terrorist to safeguard the future of the Somali people. A new survey has revealed strong support in Angola and Cape Verde for Portugal to issue a formal apology for its colonial past and to return cultural artefacts taken during that period. Conducted by Lisbons Catholic University in collaboration with public broadcaster RTP, the survey released on Tuesday, July 1st, found that 58% of Angolans and 63% of Cape Verdeans back the return of items such as ritual objects, sculptures, and masks. In contrast, while 54% of Portuguese respondents support the return of artefacts, a majority58%believe no apology is necessary. The study, which polled over 3,000 people across the three nations, highlights enduring tensions surrounding Portugals colonial legacy. Despite its role in forcibly transporting nearly six million Africans into slavery, largely to Brazil, much of this history remains under-taught in Portuguese schools. While a majority across Angola, Cape Verde, and Portugal oppose removing colonial-era monuments, there is significant supportparticularly in Portugalfor building a memorial to slavery victims. Meanwhile, Portugals far-right Chega party has pledged to block any repatriation of artefacts or reparation payments, even as global calls for colonial reckoning continue to mount. The United Nations refugee and food agencies have sounded on July 1st an urgent alarm over the escalating malnutrition crisis facing millions of Sudanese refugees, citing dire funding shortages that are crippling life-saving humanitarian operations. UNHCR spokesperson Babar Baloch stated that Sudan now ranks among the countries with the highest prevalence of global acute malnutrition, with severe cases, particularly evident among recent arrivals in Chad and Uganda. In Chads Tine region alone, 11.2% of children under five are experiencing severe acute malnutrition, while over 30% suffer from moderate malnutrition. Pregnant and breastfeeding women are similarly affected, with over 10% suffering nutritional deficits. The crisis extends beyond physical health, bearing deep protection concerns. Baloch warned that the lack of adequate nutrition is forcing displaced families to adopt desperate survival strategies, including early marriage, school dropouts, and child exploitation. UNHCRs capacity to respond is severely hampered, with major programssuch as nutrition surveysscaled back due to dwindling funds. The 2025 Regional Refugee Response Plan has received only 15% of its needed funding, underscoring the critical gaps in response capacity at a time of growing need. The World Food Programme (WFP) echoed the concerns, warning that it may soon be unable to sustain food support across key refugee-hosting nations such as Egypt, Ethiopia, and Libya. Since the outbreak of the Sudanese crisis in April 2023, WFP has provided food and cash to millions, but operations now hang in the balance without immediate donor contributions. Shaun Hughes, WFPs emergency coordinator, stressed that over \$200 million is urgently required to maintain refugee support, alongside \$575 million for operations within Sudan. He concluded that only meaningful political action and financial commitment can prevent further deterioration of the humanitarian crisis. Moroccos Deputy Minister for Digital Transition and Administrative Reform, Amal Seghrouchni, outlined plans for comprehensive artificial intelligence legislation during the inaugural National AI Conference held July 1-2 in Rabat. Seghrouchni described the gathering as a national momentum designed to establish a roadmap for developing artificial intelligence of Morocco, in Morocco, by Moroccans. The minister emphasized AIs role as a cross-cutting lever amid rapid technological transformation, highlighting the need for adapted infrastructure, training, applications, and regulations. Morocco must invest in AI-related infrastructure including supercomputers and data centers, which will become technical and geopolitical nodes of digital transition. Central to Moroccos approach is developing trustworthy AI systems with guaranteed transparency. We must arm ourselves with good practices and implement necessary regulations and jurisdictions to benefit from and support this development, Seghrouchni stated. The minister is currently working on dedicated legislation with state agencies including the National Data Protection Commission and the Digital Development Agency. The legislative framework addresses several imperatives: justifiability of algorithmic decisions, right to explanation, personal data processing control, and protocol sovereignty. Artificial intelligence can make decision proposals, but these decisions must be argued and explained, Seghrouchni noted, emphasizing the importance of understanding why systems make specific recommendations. The minister plans to present the legislation during the parliamentary session, balancing technological openness with legal sovereignty and social acceptance. The AI roadmap aims to maintain alignment with institutional balances and fundamental rights while fostering innovation through shared responsibility rather than restricting development. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: A scientist in the Natural Products Discovery Center at The Wertheim UF Scripps Institute extracts natural products from microbial strains for further study. Credit: Scott Wiseman Cancer-hunting antibodies coupled with a natural compound found in soil microbes proved a powerful combination against an aggressive type of blood cancer, according to a new study from scientists at The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology. The cancer-killing compound, called tiancimycin, was found within a historic collection of soil microbes housed at the institute. The research team's antibody-drug combo, or ADC, showed a striking ability to kill aggressive lymphomas while ignoring healthy, noncancerous cells in blood samples donated by cancer patients. The study focused on diffuse large B cell lymphoma, one of the more common and aggressive subtypes of white blood cell cancers. The study results appear in JACS Au. "It would be the ultimate reward if this makes it into the clinic and impacts patient outcomes one day," said Ben Shen, Ph.D., a chemist who is a member of the UF Health Cancer Center's Cancer Targeting and Therapeutics research program. Shen directs The Wertheim UF Scripps Institute's Natural Products Discovery Center, a historic collection of 125,000 microbial strains gathered long ago by pharmaceutical company scientists who were inspired by the discovery of penicillin. Cancer patients have recently benefited from the emergence of precision cancer treatments, which are targeted to specific genetic mutations. Still, patients face many challenges, especially the threat of drug resistance. Someone's cancer may respond well to a precision drug for a while, only for it to become less effective over time. That's why doctors need many more precision therapies in their arsenal. Patients who have lymphomas, which have many subtypes, need more treatment options. Diffuse large B cell lymphoma is a non-Hodgkin lymphoma that affects around 20,000 people annually in the United States. Benjamin Shen, Ph.D., stands within the Natural Products Discovery Center collection at The Wertheim UF Scripps Institute. A powerful anticancer compound was recently discovered within the collection. Tethered to a cancer-seeking antibody, it has shown promise against B-cell lymphomas. Credit: Scott Wiseman Shen said the tiancimycin tested by his team killed the lymphoma, but risked killing other cells, too. Tethering it to a cancer-seeking antibody offered a way to direct a drug specifically where it's needed. Shen teamed up with a former colleague from The Wertheim UF Scripps Institute, Christoph Rader, Ph.D., to make the antibody-drug combo. Rader describes the antibody the scientists used to deliver the natural product as a "double-decker bus," with a targeting antibody linked to an active, drug-carrying antibody. This double-decker antibody approach has been used successfully in lab studies with other payloads, too, Rader noted, including payloads that vanquished aggressive breast cancer cells, multiple myeloma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma cells. "The compatibility of the conjugation platform with novel payloads discovered in the Natural Products Discovery Center at The Wertheim UF Scripps Institute is exciting and is paving the way to next-generation ADCs for cancer therapy," Rader said. "It further documents the versatility of this conjugation platform." Scientists from The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center in Columbus, Ohio, also contributed to the study. Linking the tiancimycin to Rader's antibodies required two years of chemistry work. Shen first described that process in a paper published in 2023. Once the natural products and antibodies were successfully connected, the team's cell-based testing revealed which form of tiancimycin would be most effective against the cancer. The process and the platform the team developed to create this ADC could prove valuable in developing next-generation immunotherapies that target various cancers and mutations, Shen said. His next step is to test the ADC in mice. "Taken together, the data suggest that this combination of engineered payload, linking chemistry and 'double-decker' antibodies could one day offer a promising new option for lymphoma patients," Shen said. More information: Alexander F. Kiefer et al, Second Generation Tiancimycin-Based AntibodyDrug Conjugates Enabled by Highly Efficient Semi-synthetic Approach Specifically Targeting B-Cell Malignancies, JACS Au (2025). DOI: 10.1021/jacsau.5c00353 Journal information: JACS Au This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain Some 25 years ago, a young Parkinson's disease investigator, Robert Hauser, MD, stepped to the podium at an American Academy of Neurology Conference to present findings from his patient survey that didn't quite jibe with classic beliefs. And he was about to discover that it can be hard to stand your ground as a newcomer challenging the status quo. Dr. Hauser, who today serves as director of the USF Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders Center and professor of Neurology in the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine, had asked 176 patients to list their top three chief complaints about the condition. The No. 1 response: tremor. On its face, that didn't necessarily seem surprising. But it contradicted the prevailing view that tremors in Parkinson's only occurred when the patient's arms were in a resting positionand thus would not hinder a patient being engaged in movement, such as typing, using cooking utensils or keeping a key steady to open a door. "After the presentation," he recalled recently, "multiple leading senior experts stepped to the microphone to explain why the results were wrong and noted that the tremor of Parkinson's disease is a rest tremor, so therefore doesn't cause disability." Dr. Hauser remembers being so unnerved by the senior experts that he thought he would never be able to have the results published. "So I foolishly never wrote the manuscript describing the study and its results," he said. That is, until nowwith an updated, comprehensive exploration recently published in the Journal of Parkinson's Disease with Dr. Hauser as first author. The new study surveyed 634 people with Parkinson's disease, or PD. It finds that people with PD report that tremor is one of the most troublesome symptomsand, in fact, that PD tremor "is often more than a rest tremor and frequently impacts function and activities of daily living." Furthermore, the study concludes that medication is not an adequate treatment in about half the cases, underscoring the point that tremor is an important unmet need. The findings also pointed out that while tremor is one of the most common PD symptoms, "until now, there has not been much research done to understand, from the patient's perspective, how living with tremor impacts their ability to do simple things and their overall quality of life." In one sense, the paper serves as dual validationboth for Dr. Hauser, who was able to validate the results of his original study, and for patients who feel heard in a fundamental way. "For 25 years, I've been listening to patients say, 'Hey, what can you do for this tremor? I don't like it and it takes me back to those experts telling me, 'It just occurs during rest and doesn't interfere with functionit's no big deal,'" he said. "Well, they were wrong." In addition to determining that tremor is far more of a quality-of-life issue and that medications to treat it are frequently insufficient, the study underlined other aspects of Parkinson's tremor: psychological and physical. "From a psychological perspective, patients don't like the way it looks," Dr. Hauser said. "It reminds them of their disease. For people who have to interact with clients, it undermines their ability to generate confidence. "And when people with Parkinson's get anxious, the tremor gets worse, so it's a 'tell,' adding to the psychosocial component. And from a physical standpoint, it's uncomfortable and fatiguing. So tremor affects all three domains: It interferes with function. It has a psychological impact. It affects how a patient feelsand all three ultimately interfere with quality of life." The study also looked at the efficacy of medications available to treat Parkinson's. Dr. Hauser's findings show that available medications do a good job in controlling tremor in only about a quarter of cases. "In another quarter of cases, they help a little bit, and that leaves about half the time that medications don't work at all," he said. "So, this article sends a message to the pharmaceutical communitycurrent medications aren't that good for tremor. We need better ones.'" Many drug companies, Dr. Hauser explained, are still rooted in the belief that tremor does not interfere with function. "In that case, why would a pharmaceutical company develop new medications for Parkinson's Disease tremor?" he said. "Well, they wouldn't. So, part of the message from this study is: 'This is a big problem. Patients are complaining to me about it every day, and I don't have good pharmaceutical treatments for itso come on, we need research and development of medications to help this problem." The current study was funded by one such company, Jazz Pharmaceuticals, and was conducted in association with the PMD Alliance, an organization that promotes Parkinson's education and care. Dr. Hauser also notes that his original study from 1997, though never published, was done with the help of then-medical student Cathy Wendell. But Dr. Hauser holds onto a lesson learned from that early setback and hopes it will benefit others. "I was so intimidated by these senior experts that I thought we would never be able to get the results publishedand therefore I foolishly never wrote the manuscript describing the study and its results," he said. "I now describe my failure to publish that study in manuscript form as my biggest academic regret and use it to teach residents not to be intimidated, but rather be spurred on when established experts tell them their results are incorrect." "In retrospect, now that I'm a senior investigator, I know that when people are telling you you're wrong, you may well be on to something." More information: Robert A Hauser et al, Burden of tremor in Parkinson's disease: A survey study, Journal of Parkinson's Disease (2025). DOI: 10.1177/1877718X251329328 Journal information: Journal of Parkinson's Disease This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Age-dependent remodeling of the transcriptomes of human arteries. Credit: Journal of Biological Chemistry (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2025.108400 By creating artificial aging in mice, researchers at Lund University in Sweden have been able to track the formation of aneurysms in the walls of blood vessels. One finding of the study, now published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry, surprised the researchers: The mice were simultaneously protected against hypertension by activating a different signaling pathway in the cells of the vessel wallcompensating for the strain exerted on the aging vessels. The findings create potential for future complementary blood pressure medicines. In Sweden, around one in five people has high blood pressure. More research is needed to understand how and why high blood pressure damages blood vessels. It is well known that aging makes blood vessels less flexible and more vulnerable. There is a risk of elevated blood pressure due to vascular stiffness. The strain of high blood pressure can cause an aortic aneurysm if things go awry. The researchers behind the current article titled "Declining activity of serum response factor in aging aorta in relation to aneurysm progression" are Senior Lecturer and Associate Professor Catarina Rippe and Professor Karl Sward, both at Lund University. In the current study, they mapped all the genes that change with aging in healthy human arteries. They then mimicked aging in mice by knocking out a transcription factora protein that controls how genes are switched on or off in a cellcalled serum response factor (SRF). SRF is a nuclear protein that controls gene expression in vascular smooth muscle cells. Just as the researchers expected, when the SRF disappeared, the mice quickly developed early precursors of aneurysms. In an earlier study from 2023, the authors, together with other Lund University researchers, found that the proteins YAP/TAZ, which are also known to decline with aging, are essential for vessels to stay healthy. When YAP/TAZ was removed, the mice formed aneurysms in just a few weeks. The smooth muscle cells instead became cartilage-forming cells that caused inflammation and scarring. In the current study, YAP/TAZ also plays a pivotal role. When the transcription factor SRF was removed, the YAP/TAZ pathway was activated. This suggests that some kind of communication is established between SRF and YAP/TAZ. Sward draws an analogy with classical music. "The SRF protein is the biggest composer of all, the one that is most important for the smooth muscle cell, indeed for the function of the entire vessel wall. The aging super-composer is getting worse at writing new masterpieces. Then it's like SRF, 'Mozart,' telling YAP/TAZ ,'You have to help me, Beethoven!' In the study, we see that this communication is enabled by the enzyme LATS2. This is a surprising and internationally unprecedented finding," says Sward. The chain of reaction seems to be that SRF goes down, causing LATS2 to decrease, and thus activates YAP/TAZ. One of the properties of the LATS2 enzyme is that it switches off the activity of the YAP/TAZ double protein, which is already well known. So, as LATS2 declines, YAP/TAZ gets a chance to flourish. "We thought the susceptibility to aneurysm would increase when we removed the SRF. But YAP/TAZ seems to compensate for this and protect the vessel wall, with the help of LATS2," says Rippe. In addition to the excitement of gaining a better understanding of biochemical processes, the researchers see pharmaceutical potential in the new results. Rippe's focus is now on studying how to inhibit LATS2, whichtogether with its sister enzyme LATS1is needed to prevent the body from developing tumors, in a controlled and safe way. The LATS inhibitors developed by pharmaceutical companies so far inhibit both LATS1 and LATS2. The researchers therefore want to scientifically map and describe which variant of LATS2 is present in the vessel wall in order to specifically inhibit it. Later on, a vessel-specific knockout of LATS2 awaits, predicts Rippe: "We hope to show that genetic LATS2 inhibition can protect against the vascular damage caused by hypertension." The discovery paves the way for new complementary blood pressure medicines, according to the researchers, but they believe this process will take at least five years. "A strong point is that our results feel incredibly reproducible, and the impact is huge. For example, LATS2 increases almost 200-fold when we activate SRF. Our discoveries also provide new, important knowledge about how the vessel wall adapts to the mechanical forces exerted by blood pressure on the vessel wall," says Sward. More information: Catarina Rippe et al, Declining activity of serum response factor in aging aorta in relation to aneurysm progression, Journal of Biological Chemistry (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2025.108400 Journal information: Journal of Biological Chemistry OAKLAND, Calif., July 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ --PG&E Corporation (NYSE: PCG) will hold a conference call on Thursday, July 31, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time (8:00 a.m. Pacific Time) to discuss its second quarter 2025 results. The public can access the conference call through a simultaneous webcast. The link is provided below and will also be available from the PG&E Corporation website. What: Second Quarter 2025 Earnings Call When: Thursday, July 31, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time Where: http://investor.pgecorp.com/news-events/events-and-presentations/default.aspx A replay of the live conference call and webcast will be available at http://investor.pgecorp.com/news-events/events-and-presentations/default.aspx. Alternatively, a toll-free replay of the conference call may be accessed shortly after the live call through August 7, 2025 by dialing (800) 770-2030. Confirmation code 92587 will be required to access the replay. Please contact Investor Relations at [email protected] if you have any questions. PG&E Corporation (NYSE: PCG) is a holding company headquartered in Oakland. It is the parent company of Pacific Gas and Electric Company, an energy company that serves 16 million Californians across a 70,000-square-mile service area in Northern and Central California. For more information, visit http://www.pgecorp.com. SOURCE PG&E Corporation This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain The lack of reliable information about health facilities across sub-Saharan Africa became very clear during the COVID-19 pandemic. Amid a surge in emergency care needs, information was lacking about the location of facilities, bed capacity and oxygen availability, and even where to find medical specialists. This data could have enabled precise assessments of hospital surge capacity and geographic access to critical care. Peter Macharia and Emelda Okiro, whose research focuses on public health and equity of health service access in low resource settings, share the findings of their recent study, co-authored with colleagues. What are open health facility databases? A health facility is a service delivery point where health care services are provided. The facilities can range from small clinics and doctor's offices to large teaching and referral hospitals. A health facility database is a list of all health facilities in a country or geographic area, such as a district. A typical database should assign each health facility a unique code, name, size, type (from primary to tertiary), ownership (public or private), operational status (working or closed), location and subnational unit (county or district). It should also record services (emergency obstetric care, for example), capacity (number of beds, for example), infrastructure (electricity availability, for example), contact information (address and email), and when this information was last updated. The ideal method of compiling this list is to conduct a census, as Kenya did in 2023. But this takes resources. Some countries have compiled lists from existing incomplete ones. Senegal did this and so did Kenya in 2003 and 2008. This list should be open to stakeholders, including government agencies, development partners and researchers. Health facility lists must be shared through a governance framework that balances data sharing with protections for data subjects and creators. In some countries, such as Kenya and Malawi, these listings are accessible through web portals without additional permission. In others, such facility lists do not exist or require extra permission. Why are they useful to have? Facility listings can serve the needs of individuals and communities. They also serve sub-national, national and continental health objectives. At the individual level, a facility list offers a choice of alternatives to health seekers. At the community level, the data can guide decisions like where to place community health workers, as seen in Mali and Sierra Leone. Health lists are useful when distributing commodities such as bed nets and allocating resources based on the health needs of the areas they serve. They help in planning for vaccination campaigns by creating detailed immunization microplans. By taking account of the disease burden, social dynamics and environmental factors, health services can be tailored to specific needs. Detailed maps of health care resources enable quicker emergency responses by pinpointing facilities equipped for specific crises. Disease surveillance systems depend on continuously collecting data from health care facilities. At the continental level, lists are crucial for a coordinated health system response during pandemics and outbreaks. They can facilitate cross-border planning, pandemic preparedness and collaboration. During the COVID-19 pandemic, these lists informed where to put additional resources such as makeshift hospitals or transport programs for adults over 60 years of age. The lists are used to identify vulnerable populations at risk of emerging pathogens and populations that can benefit from new health facilities. They are important when it comes to making emergency obstetric and newborn care accessible. What goes wrong if you don't have them? Many problems arise if we don't know where health facilities are or what they offer. Health care planning becomes inefficient. This can result in duplicate facility lists and the misallocation of resources, which leads to waste and inequities. We can't identify populations that lack services. Emergency responses weaken due to uncertainty about where best to move patients with specific conditions. Resources are wasted when there are duplicate facility lists. For example, between 2010 and 2016, six government departments partnered with development organizations, resulting in ten lists of health facilities in Nigeria. In Tanzania, over 10 different health facility lists existed in 2009. Maintained by donors and government agencies, the function-specific lists didn't work together to share information easily and accurately. This prompted the need for a national master facility list. What needs to happen to build one? A comprehensive list of health facilities can be compiled through mapping exercises or from existing lists. The health ministry should take responsibility for setting up, developing and updating this list. Partnerships are crucial for developing facility lists. Stakeholders include donors, implementing and humanitarian partners, technical advisors and research institutions. Many of these have their own project-based lists, which should integrate into a centralized facility list managed by the ministry. The health ministry must foster a transparent environment, encouraging citizens and stakeholders to contribute to enhancing health facility data. Political and financial commitment from governments is essential. Creating and maintaining a proper list requires significant investment. Expertise and resources are necessary to keep it updated. A commitment to open data is a necessary step. Open access to these lists makes them more complete, reliable and useful. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Sample 1 of an EEG recording during an ambulance transfer. Credit: PLOS One (2025). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0327415 A joint study has evaluated the usability of a compact EEG device (BrainStatus) developed by Bittium Biosignals from Oulu during ambulance transports. The research was conducted by the Imaging center and Neurocenter of Kuopio University Hospital, the emergency medical services of the Wellbeing Services County of North Savo, and the University of Eastern Finland. The findings are published in the journal PLOS One. EEG has traditionally been used to assess level of consciousness, alertness and epileptic activity. In recent years, interest in the use of EEG outside the hospital has been growing. Certain computational parameters have been found to be sensitive to detecting occlusions of the large arteries of the frontal circulation of the brain from EEG recordings. So far, this has only been studied with relatively short recordings, the technical quality of which has significantly limited the usability of the method. In this study, 10 patients receiving treatment for acute stroke in the inpatient ward of the Neurocenter of Kuopio University Hospital were selected and their EEG was recorded during their ambulance transport to another care facility in the North Savo Hospital District. In addition to the technical quality and clinical usability of the recordings, disturbances in the real-time transfer of the recorded EEG data to the remote server were assessed during the transports. The transport times varied from just over 40 minutes to almost 3.5 hours. "This study showed that the technical quality of an EEG recording can remain stable even over longer transport distances, and that there are only a few blind spots in the real-time transfer of data within the hospital district," says Sampsa Lohi, the first author of the research article, a doctoral researcher at the University of Eastern Finland and a specialist in neurology and clinical neurophysiology. "The transfer distance to the treatment facility for a patient with an acute stroke or a prolonged epileptic seizure (status epilepticus) can be long, and this method could be used to direct patients to the appropriate treatment facility or, in some cases, even start treatment during the transport." Clinical evaluation of the wirelessly transferred EEG by a specialized doctor is technically possible, but there is no established method for identifying stroke from EEG. Large-scale use would require developing reliable and evidence-based computational methods and their incorporation into existing clinical tools, says Lohi. The development of such tools is still in the early stages. The clinical utility of EEG recordings performed outside the hospital is currently a topic of international interest. Using the results, for example, in the development of machine learning-based algorithms requires large datasets of recordings. Sharing and utilizing the recorded data in national and multinational multicenter studies is an important topic of the larger doctoral thesis behind this study. More information: Sampsa Lohi et al, Feasibility of recording EEG in the ambulance using a portable, wireless EEG recording system, PLOS One (2025). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0327415 Journal information: PLoS ONE This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain Water fluoridation is effective in preventing tooth decay overall, but there are greater benefits for children from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, University of Queensland research has found. Professor Loc Do from UQ's School of Dentistry, and researchers from the Institute of Science Tokyo, Japan and the University of Adelaide, conducted a study that examined Australian children's exposure to fluoridated water and compared it to demographic factors such as socioeconomic status, parental background and geography. "This is the first high-level scientific study that shows water fluoridation as a population strategy reduces socioeconomic inequalities in children's oral health," Professor Do said. "We found while water fluoridation helps prevent tooth cavities across the board, it is more beneficial for vulnerable populations." Researchers analyzed oral health data of 17,500 children aged 5 to 14, which was captured during the National Child Oral Health Study (NCOHS) in 20122014. The findings are published in the International Journal of Epidemiology. "Tooth decay is one of the most prevalent diseases and impacts more than 2.5 billion people globally," Professor Do said. "While there is a lot of scientific evidence that water fluoridation as a population strategy prevents dental cavities, there is little known about how water fluoridation impacts health inequalitiesand that's what we wanted to explore. "We looked at the data of children who had been fully, or never, exposed to fluoridated water, so we could capture the effect of fluoride on preventing tooth decay. "Using a unique algorithm, we then analyzed this data alongside 47 different child demographic, socioeconomic and parental factors. Associate Professor Yusuke Matsuyama, from the Institute of Science Tokyo, said children who had been exposed to fluoridated water over their entire lifespan had dental health benefits, but those benefits were much greater for children from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. "Children fully exposed to fluoride made up 58.1% of the group we analyzed, and we found they were more likely to have higher household socioeconomic status, lower area-level socioeconomic disadvantage, better dental health and private dental insurance," Dr. Matsuyama said. "But when looking at the actual benefits of fluoridated water, we found that the group to have the most benefits were more likely to be children from single-parent households, with lower household income, have parents not working, and live in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas." Professor Do said these results confirmed the universal impact of water fluoridation for everyone in the communities, regardless of their conditions and abilities. "The benefits were relatively larger for those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds because those groups have poorer dental health due to multitude of factors such as access to dental care. "These results show that water fluoridation helps reduce the gaps." More information: Yusuke Matsuyama et al, Water fluoridation as a population strategy for reducing oral health inequalities: high-dimensional effect heterogeneity analysis using machine learning, International Journal of Epidemiology (2025). DOI: 10.1093/ije/dyaf080 Journal information: International Journal of Epidemiology This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Estimated inter-cohort deviations of meth/amphetamine-related unintentional drug toxicity, intentional self-harm, unintentional injury and natural causes deaths. Credit: Addiction (2025). DOI: 10.1111/add.70100 Australia's generation Xpeople born between 1962 and 1982face the highest risk of death from methamphetamine-related causes among all age groups, according to a new Burnet Institute study. Published in the journal Addiction, the study found this generation experienced the highest risk of dying from methamphetamine-related causes, including accidental drug toxicity and cardiovascular disease. Methamphetamine-related deaths in Australia have more than quadrupled over the past 20 years. This rise is compounded by pervasive stigma surrounding drug use, widespread misinformation about people who use methamphetamines, and limited access to tailored support servicesall of which create barriers to care. The study, titled "An ageperiodcohortinteraction analysis of meth/ amphetamine-related deaths in Australia, 20012020," examined two decades of data from the National Coronial Information Systema database that records all deaths reported to coroners in Australia and New Zealand. It aimed to untangle the interplay of age, generational cohort, and time period on methamphetamine-related deaths. Burnet Ph.D. candidate and author of the study, Oisin Stronach, said the findings highlighted a critical gap in services for older Australians who use methamphetamine. "Many people who use drugs are aging, and the support systems in place are not designed with their needs in mind," he said. "These deaths are complex, often involving multiple substances. Yet much of our service sector remains geared toward people using opioids, leaving people who use methamphetamines particularly older peopleunderserved." The study noted methamphetamine deaths among younger Australians have continued to decline. It also found a significant increase in deaths between 2013 and 2020, coinciding with the increased availability of high-purity crystal methamphetamine in Australia. Burnet Senior Research Fellow Dr. Amanda Roxburgh said the stigma surrounding methamphetamine use is a major barrier to accessing care. "Methamphetamine is arguably the most stigmatized drug in Australia. That stigma not only isolates people but also deters them from seeking help," Dr. Roxburgh said. "If we want to save lives, we need to ensure equitable access to health services for all people who use drugsregardless of their age or substance of choice." More information: Oisin Stronach et al, An ageperiodcohortinteraction analysis of meth/amphetaminerelated deaths in Australia, 20012020, Addiction (2025). DOI: 10.1111/add.70100 Journal information: Addiction This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: CC0 Public Domain A Texas mother of two, Brianna Henderson, was diagnosed with a rare and potentially fatal heart condition after having her second child. In addition to avoiding another pregnancy that could be life-threatening, Henderson has to make sure the contraception she uses doesn't jeopardize her health. For more than a decade, a small team of people at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention worked to do just that, issuing national guidelines for clinicians on how to prescribe contraception safely for millions of women with underlying medical conditionsincluding heart disease, lupus, sickle cell disease, and obesity. But the Department of Health and Human Services, which oversees the CDC, fired those workers as part of the Trump administration's rapid downsizing of the federal workforce. It also decimated the CDC's larger Division of Reproductive Health, where the team was houseda move that clinicians, advocacy groups, and fired workers say will endanger the health of women and their babies. Clinicians said in interviews that counseling patients about birth control and prescribing it is relatively straightforward. But for women with conditions that put them at higher risk of serious health complications, special care is needed. "We really were the only source of safety monitoring in this country," said one fired CDC staffer who worked on the guidelines, known as the U.S. Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use, or MEC. "There's no one who can actually do this work." KFF Health News agreed not to name this worker and others who were not authorized to speak to the press and feared retaliation. The stakes are high for people like Henderson. About six weeks after having her second baby, she said, her heart "was racing." "I feel like I'm underwater," Henderson said. "I felt like I couldn't breathe." She eventually went to the hospital, where she was told she was "in full-blown heart failure," she said. Henderson was diagnosed with peripartum cardiomyopathy, an uncommon type of heart failure that can happen toward the end of pregnancy or shortly after giving birth. Risk factors for the condition include being at least 30 years old, being of African descent, high blood pressure, and obesity. The CDC contraception guidelines say that combined hormonal contraception, which contains both estrogen and progestin to prevent pregnancy, can pose an "unacceptable health risk" for most women with peripartum cardiomyopathy, also known as PPCM. For some women with the diagnosis, a birth control injection commonly known by the brand name Depo-Provera also carries risks that outweigh its benefits, the guidelines show. Progestin-only pills or a birth control implant, inserted into an arm, are the safest. Henderson said her cardiologist had to greenlight which contraception she could use. She uses a progestin-only birth control implant that's more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. "I didn't know that certain things can cause blood clots," Henderson said, "or make your heart failure worse." Heart failure is a leading cause of maternal mortality and morbidity in the U.S., with PPCM accounting for up to 70% of heart failure cases during pregnancy. Sweeping HHS layoffs in late March and early April gutted the CDC's reproductive health division, upending several programs designed to protect women and infants, three fired workers said. About two-thirds of the division's roughly 165 employees and contractors were cut, through firings, retirements, or reassignments to other parts of the agency, one worker said. Among those fired were CDC staffers who carried out the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System, a survey established nearly 40 years ago to improve maternal and infant health outcomes by asking detailed questions of women who recently gave birth. The survey was used "to help inform and help reduce the contributing factors that cause maternal mortality and morbidity," a fired worker said, by allowing government workers to examine the medical care people received before and during pregnancy, if any, and other risk factors that may lead to poor maternal and child health. The firings also removed CDC workers who collected and analyzed data on in vitro fertilization and other fertility treatments. "They left nothing behind," one worker said. U.S. contraception guidelines were first published in 2010, after the CDC adapted guidance developed by the World Health Organization. The latest version was published last August. It includes information about the safety of different types of contraception for more than 60 medical conditions. Clinicians said it is the premier source of evidence about the safety of birth control. "It gave us so much information which was not available to clinicians at their fingertips," said Michael Policar, a physician and professor of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive sciences at the University of California-San Francisco School of Medicine. "If you've got a person with, let's say, long-standing Type 2 diabetes, someone who has a connective-tissue disease like lupus, someone who's got hypertension or maybe has been treated for a precursor to breast cancersomething like that? In those circumstances," Policar said, "before the MEC it was really hard to know how to manage those people." The CDC updates the guidelines comprehensively roughly every five years. On a weekly basis, however, government workers would monitor evidence about patients' use of contraception and the safety of various methods, something they were doing when HHS abruptly fired them this spring, two fired workers said. That work isn't happening now, one of them said. Sometimes the agency would issue interim changes outside the larger updates if new evidence warranted it. Now, if something new or urgent comes up, "there's not going to be any way to update the guidelines," one fired worker said. In 2020, for example, the CDC revised its contraception recommendations for women at high risk of HIV infection, after new evidence showed that various methods were safer than previously thought. HHS spokesperson Emily Hilliard declined to say why CDC personnel working on the contraception guidelines and other reproductive health issues were fired, or answer other questions raised by KFF Health News' reporting. Most women of reproductive age in the U.S. use contraception. CDC data from 2019, the most recent available, shows that more than 47 million women aged 15 to 49 relied on birth control. About one in 10 used long-acting methods such as intrauterine devices and implants; one in seven used oral contraception. The latest guidelines include updated safety recommendations for women who have sickle cell disease, lupus, or PPCM, and those who are breastfeeding, among others. Clinicians are now being told that combined hormonal contraception poses an unacceptable health risk for women with sickle cell disease, because it might increase the risk of blood clots. "It can really come down to life or death," said Teonna Woolford, CEO of the Sickle Cell Reproductive Health Education Directive, a nonprofit that advocates for improved reproductive health care for people with the disease. "We really saw the CDC guidelines as a win, as a victorythey're actually going to pay attention," she said. The 2024 guidelines also, for the first time, included birth control recommendations for women with chronic kidney disease. Research has shown that such women are at higher risk of serious pregnancy complications, including preeclampsia and preterm delivery. Their medical condition also increases their risk of blood clots, which is why it's important for them not to use combined hormonal contraception, fired CDC workers and clinicians said. The CDC information "is the final say in safety," said Patty Cason, a family nurse practitioner and president of Envision Sexual and Reproductive Health. Having only static information about the safety of various types of birth control is "very scary," she said, because new evidence could come out and entirely new methods of contraception are being developed. Henderson said it took her heart two years to recover. She created the nonprofit organization Let's Talk PPCM to educate women about the type of heart failure she was diagnosed with, including what forms of birth control are safe. "We don't want blood clots, worsening heart failures," Henderson said. "They already feel like they can't trust their doctors, and we don't need extra." 2025 KFF Health News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Male patients with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) perceive better physician communication with respect to demonstrating respect, listening, and explanations, according to a study published online June 19 in The Journal of Dermatology. Lucy F. Harvey, from the Keck School of Medicine of USC in Los Angeles, and colleagues conducted a population-based cross-sectional study using data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey from 2002 to 2015 and 2018. Male and female patients' perceived quality of physician communication was examined among 91,619 patients with HS aged 21 to 85 years (27.18% male and 72.52% female). The researchers found that female patients perceived that clinicians were significantly worse at demonstrating respect, listening, and explaining concepts compared with male patients on multivariable linear regression adjusting for age, race, ethnicity, income, insurance, education, and medical comorbidities. In terms of perceptions of time spent with clinicians, no significant difference was seen for female and male patients. Both male and female patients perceived that female physicians better spent time with them than male physicians (3.71 versus 3.32). "Because HS is a condition that primarily impacts female patients, physicians may need to be especially considerate of how they are communicating with female patients with the disease," the authors write. One author disclosed ties to the biopharmaceutical industry. More information: Lucy F. Harvey et al, Do female patients see their physicians differently? A populationbased study evaluating perception of physician communication by patients with hidradenitis suppurativa, The Journal of Dermatology (2025). DOI: 10.1111/1346-8138.17699 Copyright 2025 HealthDay. All rights reserved. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain A new study from Aarhus University challenges the widespread belief that women are naturally "hardwired" to wake up more easily to a crying baby than men. The work is published in the journal Emotion. The research reveals that differences in how men and women respond to nighttime crying are minimal, despite mothers still performing three times more nighttime care than fathers. The researchers conducted two separate studies to investigate the phenomenon. The first experiment with 142 adults without children found that women were only slightly more responsive to very quiet sounds. "Contrary to popular media portrayals, our male participants did not sleep through baby crying. We had a lot of variability on how people woke up to the sounds during the experiment, and a lot of overlap between our male and female participants," explains Professor Christine Parsons from the Department of Clinical Medicine. The researchers found that women were approximately 14% more likely to wake up to whisper-level soundsregardless of whether it was a baby crying or a regular alarm sound. However, once the volume increased, there was no significant difference between men and women. Significant imbalance in care In the second study, 117 first-time parents in Denmark documented their nighttime caregiving over a week. "The results showed that mothers were three times more likely to handle nighttime infant care than fathers. Our mathematical modeling showed that the large difference in nighttime care cannot be explained by the minor differences we observed in sound sensitivity between men and women," says Ph.D. student Arnault Quentin-Vermillet, who co-authored the study. Social factors behind the difference The researchers point to social factors rather than biological differences to explain the disparity in caregiving. "We think that there are several factors that explain our results, probably intertwined. First, mothers generally take maternity leave before fathers take paternity leave. Mothers then gain more experience in soothing their baby early on than fathers," says Parsons. "Second, when mothers are breastfeeding at night, it might make sense for fathers to sleep through." Gender equality in parenting The study contributes to the broader conversation about gender equality on parenting by challenging assumptions about men's responsiveness to infants. It also highlights how recent policy changes in Denmark, which increased and earmarked paternity leave from two weeks to eleven weeks, might help balance childcare responsibilities between parents. The researchers now hope there will be more studies looking at how fathers and mothers adapt to parenthood, as hormones and sleep patterns change. More information: Arnault-Quentin Vermillet et al, Men and women's waking patterns to infant crying: Preparenthood differences are insufficient to explain uneven sharing of nighttime care., Emotion (2025). DOI: 10.1037/emo0001478 Journal information: Emotion This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Kevin Malik from Pexels College students who want help overcoming high-risk drinking could benefit from a two-pronged approach that combines an individual-focused psychological theory with social network analysis. That's according to a new study from Texas A&M University School of Public Health Assistant Professor Benjamin Montemayor and former doctoral student Sara Flores, both in the Department of Health Behavior. High-risk drinking is defined as drinking resulting in a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher, the legal threshold for intoxication in the United States. For more than three decades, between 30% and 40% of college students in the United States have engaged in this behavior, and today, about 16% meet the criteria for alcohol use disorder, informally known as alcoholism. "Still, less than 10% seek help, even when they know they have a problem and even though many colleges and universities have significantly expanded their mental health and substance use resources in recent years," Montemayor said. "We wanted to understand what psychological and social factors might help bridge this gap." The research, published in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs, combines the Reasoned Action Approach with social network analysis to provide a more comprehensive understanding of help-seeking intentions. "The Reasoned Action Approach examines how our beliefs about a behavior, what we think others would expect, and our perceived control over the situation influence our intentions to go through with a behavior," Flores said. "Integrating social network analysis lets us also explore how these students are influenced by the people closest to them regarding their intention to seek help." For the study, Flores analyzed data collected from 1,447 full-time college students aged 18 to 24 who reported consuming alcohol within the past year. Participants completed surveys about their alcohol use, attitudes toward seeking help and perceptions of alcohol use disorder stigma. The students also identified up to five individuals to whom they felt closest, which Flores said provided insight into the social networks that may influence students' decisions to seek support. Statistical analyses revealed that the Reasoned Action Approach variables were important in shaping students' intentions to seek help for alcohol use, accounting for nearly 40% of the variance in these intentions. The addition of social network characteristics increased the variance by a statistically significant 2.8%. "This combination revealed something important that neither framework alone would have captured," Flores said. "Students who believed that their closest connections strongly supported them in seeking help reported greater intentions to do so." This finding suggests that campus health services should leverage both frameworks, she said. "Campus-based programs might consider not only addressing students' perceptions about help-seeking but also identify and engage supportive friends and family members who may positively reinforce help-seeking intentions," she said. Flores noted that the research did not test the interventions directly. "Still, it provides a theoretical foundation for creating more effective approaches to help students move from recognizing a drinking problem to seeking the help they need," she said. More information: Sara A. Flores et al, Understanding College Students' Help-Seeking Intentions for Alcohol Use: A Theoretical and Network-Based Approach, Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs (2025). DOI: 10.15288/jsad.24-00280 Journal information: Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain A rare cell in the lining of lungs is fundamental to the organ-wide response necessary to repair damage from toxins like those in wildfire smoke or respiratory viruses, Stanford Medicine researchers and their colleagues have found. A similar process occurs in the pancreas, where the cells, called neuroendocrine cells, initiate a biological cascade that protects insulin-producing pancreatic islet cells from damage. The research was published in Cell. Treating the airways of mice with an experimental drug that activates the repair pathway protected their airways from damage after infection with influenza or the virus that causes COVID-19. Conversely, animals in which the pathway was blocked experienced much more severe damage to their airways. Activating the signaling pathway initiated by airway or pancreatic neuroendocrine cells in a similar way in humans might enhance the ability of firefighters and those with respiratory illnesses to avoid permanent lung damage, the researchers believe. They also suspect it could help prevent people with metabolic syndrome from progressing to diabetes. "This whole signaling cascade both protects and regenerates vulnerable cells in the airway and the pancreas," said Philip Beachy, Ph.D., professor of urology and of developmental biology. "If this circuit is disrupted, the damage is much worsespecialized airway cells are lost, and the stem cells can't divide to repair the damage. We think it's likely to be important in many other tissues in the body." Although the study was conducted in mice, there are tantalizing clues about a similar pathway in humans: People treated with a cancer drug that blocks the pathway are twice as likely as their peers to develop diabetes after their treatment. "The association is highly significant and gives us early hints that activating this pathway might be protective for people with metabolic syndrome who are beginning to lose beta cell function," Beachy said. Beachy, who is the Ernest and Amelia Gallo Professor and a member of the Stanford Stem Cell Institute, is the senior author of the research. Research scientist William Kong, Ph.D., is the study's first author. Neuroendocrine cells are less than 1% of the total number of cells in the cells that line the airway, which is made up of a type of tissue called epithelium. Some of them cluster together in what are called neuroepithelial bodies and play an important role in sensing oxygen levels and modulating immune responses in the lungs. But others, especially those in the tracheal airway, are solitary, nestled alone among other types of epithelial cells. It's not been clear until now exactly what function these solitary neuroendocrine cells perform. The hedgehog family Beachy's laboratory has focused on the function of a protein family called Hedgehog proteins since Beachy identified the first member in fruit flies in 1992. Members of the family are best known for their critical function in embryo patterning in early development, but they also aid in the rejuvenation of many types of tissue. Desert hedgehog is one of the least studied of the three family members (the others are Sonic hedgehog and Indian hedgehog). Previous work in Beachy's lab showed that stem cells in the epithelial lining of the bladder respond to a signal cascade initiated by Sonic hedgehog to regenerate the bladder lining after bacterial infection. They wondered if hedgehog proteins were involved in the repair of damage in other epithelial tissues like the airway. When Kong used a technique called bulk RNA sequencing to search for genetic messages encoding any of the hedgehog family members in the cells of the trachea, they detected a faint signal for the Desert hedgehog protein, but not for the other two family members. When they engineered mice in a way that caused cells expressing the Desert hedgehog protein to become fluorescent, they saw that the solitary neuroendocrine cells were making the Desert hedgehog protein. Further research showed that the Desert hedgehog protein leaves the epithelium and travels into the layer of tissue beneath the epithelium, called the mesenchyme. There, it triggers cells to begin producing another protein called Gli1. When the airway cells sense damage, Gli1 induces the expression of a protein called IL-6 that triggers stem cells in the epithelium called basal cells to begin dividing and specializing to repair the damage. This crosstalk between tissue layers, which the researchers call epithelial-mesenchymal feedback, protects and regenerates specialized cells in the lung epithelium, including multi-ciliated cells that use their feathery arms to sweep particles and viruses out of the lungs and secretory cells that make mucus to trap unwanted invaders. In the absence of these cells, viruses and toxins can penetrate much more deeply into the lungs. Protective process The entire process happens within hours of toxin exposure in a coordinated cascade that eventually includes even non-Gli1-expressing cells of the airway. "At each stage, the signal is amplified until the entire trachea is impacted," Beachy said. "This rapid response not only protects the epithelial cells from dying but it also activates a regenerative response." The consequences of impeding this protective message are severe. "If this signal cascade is disrupted, the damage is much worse. Ciliated and secretory cells are lost, and the basal cells don't divide. In fact, it's all they can do to stretch out and try to cover the injured area," Kong said. Both Desert hedgehog and Gli1 are critical to the repair process. Mice unable to produce Desert hedgehog or Gli1 were much more sensitive to exposure to sulfur dioxide gas, which is an environmental pollutant and mimics the damage inflicted by other inhaled toxins. While control mice lost 85% of ciliated cells and 41% of secretory cells within 24 hours, mice lacking the protein lost 96% of ciliated cells and 88% of secretory cells during the same time. Activating the hedgehog signaling pathway with a small molecule dramatically increased cell survival after sulfur dioxide exposure: 66% of ciliated cells and 82% of secretory cells survived in treated animals, versus 9.7% of ciliated cells and 43% of secretory cells in control animals. Kong next tested the effect of the Desert hedgehog pathway activation on mice infected with influenza and the virus that causes COVID-19. Although no mice unable to make Gli survived more than five days after infection with influenza, all mice treated with the small molecule activator survived at least eight days after infection. Mice infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 that were unable to activate the Desert hedgehog pathway suffered extensive loss of ciliated cells in the airway. Finally, the researchers turned their attention to the pancreas, which has a similar tissue organization as the airway. They found that the insulin-producing beta cells, which are a type of neuroendocrine cell, also make Desert hedgehog and that the organ exhibits the same epithelial-mesenchymal feedback loop with IL-6 to protect the vulnerable cells. The researchers are now exploring whether and how the hedgehog pathway could be activated in humans to prevent lung damage in people exposed to airborne toxins or who are at risk for diabetes. "We have reasons to think it might not be a good idea to activate the hedgehog pathway long term," Beachy said. "We are considering how to stimulate the pathway in a targeted way, either delivering it to the airway with an aerosol or targeting it to the pancreas. And we have early hints it might be possible." Researchers from the University of California, San Francisco, contributed to the study. More information: William Kong et al, Neuroendocrine cells orchestrate regeneration through Desert hedgehog signaling, Cell (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2025.05.012 Journal information: Cell This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Primarily characterized by difficulties with reading and writing, individuals with dyslexia may also experience motor problems such as difficulties with postural control, locomotion, and activities requiring hand-eye coordination, something recent studies suggest might be related to a slight impairment of the cerebellum. Credit: Projeto Disle After following a protocol of sensory-motor activities with cognitive engagement for two months, eleven children aged 10 to 12 who were diagnosed with dyslexia showed improvement in reading speed. This initiative combined recreational activities that incorporated motor and social skills, demonstrating promise in improving children's reading performance. The results of the study were published in the journal Applied Neuropsychology: Child. "Although this is a study involving a small number of children, the results indicate that motor and cognitive challenges can contribute to better reading performance associated with changes in eye movements," says Jose Angelo Barela, a professor at the Institute of Biosciences at Sao Paulo State University (IB-UNESP) in Rio Claro, Brazil. Barela is the coordinator of the project, in partnership with the Multidisciplinary Center for the Development of Assistive Technology (MCDAT), a Science Center for Development (SCD). "In addition to reducing reading time, we observed improvements in the children's self-esteem, attention, and well-being," says Barela, "to the point that teachers asked the children's parents what had changed in their routine and treatment since they were more attentive and interested in class and performing better." "The results were so promising that we're going to develop a broader program in partnership with the Rio Claro city government to support more children for a longer period of time. This will also make it possible to improve the intervention protocol," he says. Dyslexia is a learning disorder that affects people without cognitive deficits, and its causes are still unknown. It is primarily characterized by difficulties with reading and writing, though individuals with dyslexia may also experience motor problems such as difficulties with postural control, locomotion, and activities requiring hand-eye coordination. "Children with dyslexia need to fix their gaze on words for longer to understand the text, which is why they read more slowly," explains Barela. The researcher points out that reading involves identifying letters and words, specific eye movements, and cognitive processes to understand the content. "Recent studies suggest that these difficulties in people with dyslexia may be related to a slight impairment of the cerebellum [the region of the brain responsible for motor coordination, balance, and posture], affecting sensory integration and motor performance. Therefore, in our work, we propose interventions that have an effect on this brain region and on eye movement," he says. The partnership with the Rio Claro city government will allow the researchers to test more assertive interventions and deepen their understanding of the mechanisms that led to improvements in the children's reading time, self-esteem, attention, and well-being. Interestingly, the intervention carried out during the pilot project had no significant effect on manual agility or coordination. "We assume that this factor may be related to the lack of specificity in motor skills training," says Barela. For now, the researchers believe the results may indicate greater activation of the cerebral cortex, which controls higher cognitive functions, such as language, thinking, and memory. "Greater activation of the cerebral cortex likely led to improved attention, and consequently, triggered other benefits such as reading speed, even with a short-term protocol of only two months with 60-minute sessions twice a week," says the researcher. Regarding self-esteem and well-being, the researchers assume that these are a result of the benefits gained from reading time: "It seems that they themselves noticed the improvement." Barela points out that dyslexia is often not diagnosed until after the age of 10, by which time children have already passed the crucial stage for developing reading fluency and motor skills. These accumulated difficulties make the learning process even more challenging over time. More information: Jose Angelo Barela et al, The impact of sensorimotor with cognitive engagement training on reading and eye movement in developmental dyslexia, Applied Neuropsychology: Child (2025). DOI: 10.1080/21622965.2025.2484765 Veteran-Owned Franchise Owners Honored at PuroVet Forum; Convention Includes Tribute to Frank Torre Sr. and Moving Ceremony Led by Color Guard TAMARAC, Fla., July 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- PuroClean, a leading property restoration and remediation franchise, reaffirmed its unwavering support for veterans at the 2025 PuroClean International Convention in Grapevine, Texas. Among the Convention's many highlights was the PuroVet Foruman inspiring event celebrating service, community, and the powerful role veterans play across the PuroClean franchise network. Left to Right: Frank Torre, Vice Chair of PuroClean; George Hernadez, SVP of Commercial Operations & PuroVet Forum Liaison; Paul Edelstein, PuroVet Consultant The PuroVet Forum featured a candid and emotional conversation between Frank Torre, Vice Chairman of PuroClean, and Steve White, President & COO and U.S. Army veteran, who shared how military values of leadership, discipline, and service continue to shape the culture and success of PuroClean. The discussion underscored how the PuroVet Program has become more than just a franchise incentiveit's a national movement empowering veterans to transition successfully into civilian business ownership. A solemn tribute was held in honor of Frank Torre Sr., a U.S. Marine and decorated member of the elite WWII Carlson's Raiders, whose legacy of courage and service continues to inspire the PuroVet initiative. The tribute was accompanied by a color guard presentation, bringing attendees to their feet in reflection and respect. "At PuroClean, we don't just offer a franchisewe offer a community," said Torre. "Veterans are leaders, problem solvers, and purpose-driven professionals. The PuroVet Program is built to honor those traits and help veterans thrive in a system that supports their journey." White echoed the sentiment: "As a veteran myself, I know firsthand how military experience prepares you for the challenges of business ownership. With our PuroVet Program, we're proud to offer veterans the structure, support, and opportunity they deserve." Through the PuroVet Program, eligible veterans receive a 25% discount on the initial franchise fee, access to a nationwide network of fellow veterans, regularly scheduled open forum peer discussions designed to strengthen veteran engagement, one-on-one mentorship, and comprehensive training to support long-term business success. Today, 1 in 7 PuroClean Franchise Owners are veterans, a testament to the program's impact and the brand's ongoing commitment to empowering those who have served. PuroClean continues to expand its veteran recruitment campaign nationwide, welcoming new veteran owners to its network each year. Recognizing that military service instills leadership, resilience, and a deep commitment to community, PuroClean launched the PuroVet Program in 2017 to help veterans transition into business ownership and continue making a meaningful impact. To learn more about PuroVet, visit PuroVet.com or call 855-PUROVET. About PuroClean PuroClean is a leading, world-class service brand for property water damage remediation, fire and smoke damage restoration, mold remediation, and biohazard clean-up services, serving residential and commercial customers across the U.S. and Canada. Founded in 2001, PuroClean now operates over 500 North American franchise locations, each independently owned and operated. With a commitment to respond within two hours, PuroClean professionals are trained in cutting-edge remediation techniques and offer 24/7 emergency services. Learn more at PuroClean.com or call 800-775-7876. About PuroVet PuroClean's PuroVet Program is a servant-based, system-backed partnership formed to empower veteran franchise owners to step into their next career as an entrepreneur to create a legacy while providing a valuable community service. PuroClean's PuroVet Program allows qualified veterans the freedom to do what they do best offer service to the community while providing leadership during challenging times all while backed by a proven system and a VetFran discount of 25% off the initial franchise fee. Veterans are supported by fellow veteran mentors and peers while given the resources to begin their career and find long-term success. For more information about the PuroVet Program, visit PuroVet.com or call 855-PUROVET. SOURCE PuroClean This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Theatre Hullabaloo. A creative play program has significantly improved new parents' and caregivers' mental health, according to research by the universities of Leeds and Huddersfield. Parents and caregivers who took part in a five-week creative play program for under-twos had a significant reduction in postnatal depression symptoms, new research published in BMC Psychology has shown. The program, Let's Play, was developed by Darlington-based children's arts charity Theater Hullabaloo to boost parents' confidence and mental health, with particular support around speech and language delays. The free sessions are socially prescribed, which involves families being referred by GPs, health visitors, social prescribing link workers or partner organizations to take part. Comprised of sing and play sessions in an informal, friendly setting, Let's Play brings parents with children under two together to learn simple, fun creative activities that contribute to child development. A key component of the program is that the same parents and children meet every week, encouraging them to form relationships. Mum-of-two Kellie, who took part in two cohorts of the five-week program, said, "Before taking part in Let's Play, I had thoughts like, am I a bad parent? Am I alone here? It was reassuring to hear about how other children were developing." "In an ideal world, I think everyone should have access to this. It's beneficial to both parents and children, rather than one or the other, and backed by real science," Kellie added. The artist-led six-week program took place at Theater Hullabaloo's specialist family venue in Darlington alongside its studio theater, artist-designed creative play space, cafe and story corner. Dr. Paige Davis, Lecturer in Developmental Psychology at the University of Leeds School of Psychology, led the research as part of her British Academy Innovation Fellowship, with additional funding from Arts Council England. Dr. Davis said, "These findings show that creativity could be the key to addressing parents' unmet needs in children's early lives. This time is crucial for development but for parents and caregivers, it is often a socially isolating, tiring and challenging timeso it is encouraging to see improvements to mental health in this research. "Ultimately, we hope that this trailblazing creative program can impact communities by being taken up and rolled out by the NHS. The next step is working on training programs so artists can deliver Play on Prescriptionhelping us harness the power of creativity to help children have a healthier and fairer future." Impact on postnatal depression 57 parents took part in the research, as part of three different cohorts. They were surveyed in the first and last sessions to track symptoms of postnatal depression using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scalea widely used questionnaire that assesses new parents' mental health. They also tracked parents' birth-related post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms using the City birth trauma scale. The researchers found that postnatal depression symptom scores decreased throughout the five-week program, and continued decreasing when parents attended a second round of the course. They also found that those with birth trauma PTSD symptoms were more likely to have postnatal depression, so the researchers argue that future creative play interventions must be designed in a trauma-informed way. Postnatal depression affects more than 1 in 10 mothers, as well as new fathers and partners, in the first year after birth. It can cause a persistent feeling of sadness, difficulty looking after children, trouble sleeping, a lack of energy and frightening thoughts. Research shows it can also affect parent-child bonding. The program therefore looks to alleviate stress, normalize talking about feelings, create social opportunities with other parents and encourage bonding with children to help parents through this. Previous research has focused on how creative interventions improve outcomes for children, but this is the first known study to measure the impact of socially prescribed creative play on parents' mental health. The research also found that parents didn't report attending for social opportunities, but at the end of the program it was their favorite part. Parents associated social aspects with fulfilling their own needs, rather than their children's needs. Connecting people at a time of transition is an important part of social prescription. Miranda Thain, Artistic Producer at Theater Hullabaloo, said, "The value of play between parent and child, particularly in those first critical thousand and one days is so important for a child's development and also for parental confidence and well-being. In Let's Play, specially designed for 02s and their caregivers, we've seen firsthand how creative programs have really made a difference to local families, giving new creative approaches to supporting vital development and helping new parents build supportive networks. "With a growing evidence base around the impact on postnatal depression and parental well-being, we've now been able to roll the program out in family hubs across the Tees Valley so even more families can benefit from our artist-led play programs." Kellie (right), Jason (left) and their two children. Credit: Kellie and Jason. "It was such a relief'Kellie's experience Kellie was struggling with anxiety after the arrival of her first child, as he wasn't starting to speak as quickly as his peers. She began to blame herself, questioning whether she was a good parent. Kellie went to her GP, who referred her to a socially prescribed play project as part of University of Leeds research. Kellie said, "For the first session, I felt so anxious and tightly wound because we were running late. But when I arrived, it was very open and relaxed. It was inviting and welcoming. I genuinely felt accepted from that first session." Kellie also benefitted from the non-judgemental space. She said, "It was such a relief to talk to other parents about their relationships. My husband and I had been arguing a lot more than usual, but I found it reassuring to hear this was a similar experience for other parents." Inspired by Let's Play, Kellie now takes her son to music classes. She said, "We never thought much about music before because neither me nor his dad are very musical. But he absolutely thrives when music is playing. He loves jazz hands and wheels on the bus. Music really uplifts our mood too." Kellie, who runs a tutoring business with her husband Jason, enjoyed learning about child development as well as new play strategies at Let's Play. She said, "They offered singing, stories, free play and moreall linked to child development. You don't always get those explanations when going to other classes. "Some playgroups are too structured or unstructured, but this was a great balance. Children can do what they want and parents are modeling behavior, so nobody is dragging their kids away to take part in an activity." Kellie and Jason welcomed their second child in May. Dr. Susanna Kola-Palmer, Reader in the Department of Social and Psychological Sciences at the University of Huddersfield, co-authored the research. She said, "Community health programs such as Let's Play help develop and nurture social relationships, which provide a source of social connection and help parents feel more supported. "In turn, this social support can help reduce postnatal depression, social isolation, and enhance emotional well-being in early parenthood. We'd expect to see these benefits ripple out to the children, who are more likely to feel secure and thrive when parents are emotionally balanced." Rebecca Ball, Area Director North, Arts Council England said, "We know how vital it is for children to have access to creativity and culture as part of their development, but taking part in such activity can also have a positive effect on the mental health of their parents and caregivers. It's great to see such encouraging results from the research and we're proud to support Theater Hullaballoo as part of our national portfolio." Next steps The researchers are now calling for creative play on prescription to be rolled out across the NHS to improve support for new parents, who often experience social isolation and poor mental health. Although the difference in postpartum depression scores was statistically significant, more research is needed to draw conclusions on whether this creative play intervention is more effective than a standard playgroup. The project will delve deeper into what other changes parents might be experiencing from the program. They are also comparing it to groups that are not using creativity and the arts to determine the role of creativity and the arts in the intervention. In the future, Dr. Davis hopes creative play programs can be rolled out as socially prescribed interventions run by artists across the country. More information: Paige E. Davis et al, A socially prescribed creative play intervention for new parents: investigating post traumatic stress around birth and changes in postnatal depression and reflective function, BMC Psychology (2025). DOI: 10.1186/s40359-025-02578-3 Journal information: BMC Psychology This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain The University of Minnesota is stepping up efforts to identify biological threats that could trigger an epidemic, launching an institute to track disease-spreading infectious pathogens at the genetic level and monitor wastewater statewide. The university's Institute on Infectious Diseases, UMIID, will be officially unveiled later this month, but its surveillance efforts are underway. Michael Gale, the institute's director, was recruited last year away from the University of Washington, where he was involved in identifying the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and developing vaccines or drugs that work against it. The institute received bad news at its outset with the loss of federal funding grants last month that will limit its global partnerships to identify emerging infections. But Gale said it is still positioned to provide a level of disease surveillance that is diminishing elsewhere in the U.S. because of federal cuts to scientific and public health research by the Trump administration. "UMIID is needed more than ever," he said. A key function will be tracking viruses and other pathogens for genetic mutations that indicate they could cause more infections or severe diseases. The state public health lab used a similar approach to track genetic variations during the COVID pandemic, identifying the delta and omicron coronavirus viral strains that fueled severe illness waves in 2021 and 2022. Gale said a first step will be monitoring changes in arboviruses such as West Nile Virus that are spread by ticks and mosquitoes commonly found in Minnesota. West Nile hasn't been as much of a scourge as was feared in Minnesota after it was discovered in 2002 and caused 150 confirmed illnesses in 2003. Only 22 West Nile cases were reported in the state last year. However, Gale said, "there is evidence of a new genetic drift" that could result in an increase in infections and illnesses again. The Powassan virus, spread primarily by deer ticks, is also a concern for Minnesota that needs closer monitoring, he said. Modeling studies will examine how mosquito and tickborne diseases spread in humans. The institute will also increase surveillance in Minnesota for changes in the H5N1 strain of bird flu that could present more threats to human health. H5N1 animal outbreaks have disrupted poultry and beef production in Minnesota, and caused 70 confirmed illnesses in the U.S. among workers who had contact with infected livestock. The threat to human health could increase if the virus mutates into a form that spreads from person to person. Such a strain could emerge from someone infected with seasonal influenza and H5N1 at the same time. "We were all waiting for an influenza virus reassortment and what we got was COVID. It was very unexpected," Gale said. "So bird flu was huge on our radar. We still think that's the next big possibility" for a global public health event. The Trump administration in early June cut millions in federal funding for 10 universities, including the U, that combined five years ago to make up the Centers for Research in Emerging Infectious Diseases (CREID) and search for viruses or other pathogens that could jump from animals to humans. Instead of getting an extension on federal support, Gale received an email from the National Institutes of Health on June 5 stating the network's research "has been deemed unsafe for Americans and not a good use of taxpayer funding. Current agency priorities do not support this work." The letter did not elaborate, but the network appears to have been stained by the Trump administration's concerns over the origins of COVID-19 and theories that the coronavirus was created through gain-of-function research at a lab in Wuhan, China. Dale stressed that the network and the U's institute aren't engaged in such research, which is banned in the U.S. and involves genetic manipulation of organisms to enhance their capabilities. Investments by the U and private donors will sustain the new institute and allow it to add equipment and scientists. "We had wanted to be bigger ... so we could attack an emergence of a pathogen with a bigger stick, but unfortunately we can't," Gale said. The institute is the second addition on campus, putting the U at odds with Trump administration priorities on science and public health. The U's Michael Osterholm, an infectious disease expert, used private funding this spring to launch the Vaccine Integrity Project, which is designed to counter misinformation about vaccineseven from Trump's health administrationwith scientific evidence about how they work. The institute will also build on wastewater surveillance, which Minnesota was among the first to develop during the pandemic, as a way to monitor rising or falling COVID levels across the state. A study in the Journal of Infectious Diseases validated the approach, showing elevated coronavirus levels in wastewater provided a week or two of advance notice during the pandemic before COVID illness levels increased in the Twin Cities. A U lab conducted much of the analysis of wastewater samples submitted from treatment plants across the state. The next step is to pass more of that COVID surveillance work to the Minnesota Department of Health while the university checks wastewater for signs of influenza, measles, RSV or other concerning pathogens. Initial signs of influenza emerged in the U's wastewater analysis 12 weeks before the traditional start of influenza season last year, said Mark Osborn, an associate professor in the U's Center for Genome Engineering who has led the U's wastewater surveillance program. Results will be publicly reported once research has validated their accuracy. U researchers are also studying ways to make testing faster, and in portable devices that could hasten the discovery of infectious diseases in individual communities. Osborn said the next step goes beyond "spotlight" checks for individual pathogens, and instead identifying genetic signatures of all materials found in wastewater samples. The results would then be checked against databases of the genetic signatures of known pathogens to identify those presenting a public health threat. The goal is "creating a tripwire so that the top 10, 20 or 50 pathogens, should they be detected, trigger an alarm," he said. "Then the next step is, we use one of the more targeted [tests] to confirm that result." The institute's other research priorities include studying why some pathogens become resistant to antibiotics, antivirals or other treatments and understanding the role of the body's innate immune system in response to infection. 2025 The Minnesota Star Tribune. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC Amidst rising concerns over data accuracy in innumerable Aadhaar cards, that has caught even school and college children in a Catch-22 crisis if their cards used for identification do not match during admission in their educational institutes, the Right to Information (RTI) route taken by a family member of an Aadhaar card-holder has been denied information by the central information commission, on the basis that it is a third-party disclosure. The commission dismissed the second appeal during the hearing on 19 June 2025, which sought details about an Aadhaar card issued to a female family member, citing discrepancies in the identity information. Ram Autar, an RTI applicant from Lucknow, invoked RTI in December 2023, requesting information about the Aadhaar of one of his family members from the central public information officer (CPIO) of the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), Lucknow. He sought the following details: the date of Aadhaar card generation; the documents used for verification and explanations related to discrepancies in the identity fields. However, the CPIO in his reply on 11 January 2024, denied the information citing Section 28(v) and 29(2) of the Aadhaar Act, 2016, along with Section 8(1)(j) read with Section 11 of the RTI Act, 2005, which protects third-party personal information. Probably the RTI applicant would have got information on his own Aadhaar but how does one expect school and college-going children to invoke RTI is the question, in case they would like to know the reasons for discrepancies in their cards. Being dissatisfied with the CPIOs response, RTI applicant Autar filed a first appeal, which was also rejected by the first appellate authority (FAA), reaffirming the stand taken by the CPIO. During the second appeal hearing conducted through video conferencing, Mr Autar reiterated that his requested information was not provided, although he was seeking information about his own family member. CPIO and deputy director of UIDAI, Amit Singh, maintained that the data in question pertained to personal information of a third party and thus could not be disclosed under existing laws. Central information commissioner (CIC) Heeralal Samariya referred to the Supreme Courts order in UIDAI vs Subhash Chandra Agrawal (Civil Appeal No. 10045/2010) which upheld UIDAIs position. He observed that the Court had previously ruled that personal recordsincluding name, address, health, finances, and other confidential datafall within the domain of private information and are exempt from disclosure under Section 8(1)(j) of the RTI Act. CIC Samariya summarised that the applicant was duly provided with an appropriate response in accordance with applicable legal provisions. No further intervention is deemed necessary. This case adds to the growing list of concerns surrounding the integrity of Aadhaar data and the helplessness of most citizens in setting the records right. Multiple reports over the past decade have flagged inconsistencies in Aadhaar recordsincluding spelling errors in names, incorrect birth dates, mismatched biometric data and unauthorised updates. Also, the aspect of providing fake cards is a cause of great concern. As per news reports, a UIDAI enrolment operator in Uttar Pradesh was arrested for creating 600 fake Aadhaar cards in 2018. Also, a 2022 report by the Internet Freedom Foundation cited several cases where citizens were denied welfare benefits due to inaccuracies in their Aadhaar records. While CICs decision may be legally sound, it raises broader concerns over the accessibility and accountability of identity systems. Experts emphasise the need for a more transparent and citizen-friendly correction and inquiry process within UIDAI, especially as Aadhaar becomes increasingly essential for accessing government services and subsidies. Some of the tweets on Tuesday raised concerns about the issue of Aadhaar card discrepancies: Same with a 13 years old girl in Vasai. School organised the aadhar card & misspelt while copying from her birth certificate. After that she had to make gazette for name change when her birth certificate carries correct spelling. After 3 yrs, name is not yet corrected by @UIDAI Vasai Virar Citizens Action Forum (@VasaiVirarForum) June 23, 2025 Dear @suchetadalal, kindly share the complete details of the case (student's name, Aadhaar/EID if available, and contact info) to our Regional Office Mumbai grievance ID at [email protected] to help us resolve the matter. please send the details in through DM. Aadhaar Office Western Region (@UIDAIMumbai) June 24, 2025 Some years ago, I made a small but sincere habit of offering lifts to strangers at a bus stop in Chembur during my daily drive to Ballard Estate. The rules were simple: no smoking, no chatting, and everyone got off at the city centre. For a few months, it worked smoothly. Then, the same four faces began showing up each morning, slipping into the car without a word, as if this silent commute was a given. One day, I had to break my routine. My boss was arriving from London, and I had to fetch him from the airport. That meant no Chembur stop. By 11am, a man showed up at my office unannounced. It was one of the bus-stop regulars, and he was irate. "We waited till 9:30 and had to take a cab! You could have informed us," he barked. For a moment, I expected him to hand me the fare receipt. That is when I realised the lift had long stopped being a courtesy. It had become an entitlement. A couple of weeks ago, my friend Ken, a consultant in Bangalore, sent me a message that captured the essence of what I had experienced. He wrote about why people often fail to appreciate what you do for them. The first time, they are grateful. The second time, they expect it. The third, they assume it. The fourth, they feel entitled. By the fifth, they depend on it. And by the sixth, there is no reciprocity. Stop then, and you become the villain. This pattern appears in small, everyday settings too. At a Chinese restaurant in Mumbai, I used to look forward to the complimentary chocolates brought after meals. One evening when they didn't appear, I was disappointed. The next time it happened, I was annoyed. That little sweet at the end of each meal had stealthily become an expectation. Perhaps the waiter forgot, or the kitchen was short-staffed that day. But my reaction said more about me than about them. In that moment, I had allowed a small courtesy to morph into a right. It was Ken Stage 2. But expectations dont just form in our headsthey shape our relationships, often in silent and corrosive ways. A neighbour once allowed a young man to stay in a spare room for six months as a favour. He was known to a friend and urgently needed accommodation. After four months, he requested to bring his soon-to-be wife in for a short stay until her official quarters were ready. The wedding happened, but the departure never did. That favour, too, turned into a 30-year legal battle still trudging through the High Court. What began as kindness became inertia, and inertia became legal entanglement. I have come to believe that the crux of many misunderstandings in both personal and professional life lies in this simple dynamic: the failure to define the shelf life of a favour. We often assume the other party understands that what we have given is temporary, conditional, or exceptional. But in the absence of clear communication, favours are too easily mistaken for ongoing obligations. The throughline in all these stories is Kens quiet wisdom: "Set boundaries when giving, because those who receive rarely set limits on how much they take." In business, as in life, managing expectations is not about withholding generosity. It is about claritydrawing lines so that goodwill does not quietly rot into obligation. The best relationships, whether personal or professional, are those where favours are remembered, not repurposed into demands. So the next time you offer a lift, a perk, or a plate of chocolates, remember: generosity is a gift, not a subscription, and should be communicated as such. You may also want to read other articles written by the author. Here is the link https://moneylife.in/author/walter-vieira.html In what is being described as one of the most significant cybersecurity breaches in Australia in recent years, Qantas Airline has reported a cyberattack that exposed the personal information of around 6mn (million) customers. The breach originated from a third-party system and led to the unauthorised access of sensitive customer data, including names, email addresses, phone numbers and dates of birth. Qantas, however, clarified that no credit card or passport information was compromised in the incident. In an official statement, the airline confirmed that its flight operations remained unaffected. The matter has been reported to Australias national cyber security coordinator for further investigation and response. The breach follows a recent advisory from the US federal bureau of investigation (FBI) which had warned that the cybercriminal group scattered spider has been actively targeting airlines. Hawaiian Airlines and Canadas WestJet have both reported similar data security incidents in recent months. Although Qantas has not attributed the attack to any specific group, the incident has raised serious concerns among cybersecurity experts and stakeholders in the aviation sector. Investor sentiment was also impacted, with Qantas shares falling by 3.3% in mid-session trading, in contrast to a largely flat broader market. The carrier says it is working with cyber forensic experts to assess the full extent of the breach and has urged affected customers to remain vigilant against potential phishing attempts or fraud. Reserve Bank of India (RBI) deputy governor M Rajeshwar Rao has called for the adoption of a unique borrower identifier that is secure, verifiable and consistent across the financial system, to enhance the integrity of credit data and foster financial inclusion. Delivering the keynote address at TransUnion CIBILs 25th Anniversary Credit Conference in Mumbai on 1st July, Mr Rao said such an identifier is essential for improving credit reporting, minimising duplication and ensuring responsible lending. We must move towards a unique borrower identifier, which is secure, verifiable, and consistent across the system, the deputy governor says, underlining the need to resolve identity mismatches that often result in credit duplication, misreporting, or access denial. Mr Rao highlighted the pressing need to enhance data freshness in credit reporting, stating that fortnightly updates, as followed currently, are inadequate in a digitally dynamic economy. He advocated for real-time or near real-time reporting which would enable quicker underwriting decisions, timely reflection of repayments or loan closures, and a superior consumer experience. He also stressed the importance of data quality, noting that it remains the bedrock of responsible lending. RBI has already mandated credit information companies (CICs) to assign monthly data quality index scores to credit institutions, but Mr Rao urged greater collaboration to enhance accuracy further. Tracing the journey of Indias credit reporting system, the deputy governor credited the Credit Information Bureau (India) Ltd (CIBIL)now TransUnion CIBILfor playing a pivotal role in bridging the historical information gap between lenders and borrowers. RBI initiated the formation of credit information companies (CICs) in 2000, followed by significant reforms in 2014, including standardised data formats, data quality indices and customer grievance redressal mechanisms. These measures, he says, helped reduce information asymmetry, foster trust in credit systems and enabled the underwriting of unsecured loans, especially for new-to-credit customers. The RBI deputy governor also highlighted that Indias digital public infrastructure (DPI)comprising UPI, Aadhaar, DigiLocker, Bharat BillPay, and the account aggregator (AA) frameworkhas transformed access to credit, especially for the underbanked. The unified lending interface (ULI) is the latest addition, enabling seamless digital access to verified borrower data, even for those lacking formal credit histories, he says. According to Mr Rao, integration of ULI with rural databases like NABARDs e-KCC portal and state land records is expected to revolutionise lending to farmers and micro-entrepreneurs, and the future plans include tapping gig economy platforms and e-commerce data for better borrower insights. Indias credit landscape is shifting from being collateral-based to cashflow- and data-driven, Mr Rao noted. The household debt-to-GDP ratio stood at around 43% in 2024, reflecting broader credit inclusion. The financial inclusion index improved from 49.9 in 2019 to 64.2 in 2024, showing progress in access and delivery. The RBI deputy governor called the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) sector a prime beneficiary of evolving credit systems. "With over 7.3 crore enterprises contributing to one-third of GDP, MSMEs face chronic credit access issues due to a lack of documentation and transparency. Credit reporting, supported by alternative data and digital scoring models, can shift the tide," he added. Fin-techs have processed around 47% of small-ticket personal loans (under Rs1 lakh) in FY23-24, according to Mr Rao. "Their ability to harness artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML), alternative data, and automation has significantly lowered the cost of delivering credit to remote and underserved areas." Initiatives like the grameen credit score aim to develop tailored scoring systems for self-help group (SHG) members and rural borrowers, promoting inclusion beyond the traditional banking fold. Mr Rao also pointed to innovations like the open credit enablement network (OCEN) and open network for digital commerce (ONDC) as next-gen solutions to bridge commerce and credit. "Together, they could enable small sellers and businesses to access credit based on digital transactions and cash flows, without relying on conventional documentation," he says. While embracing digital lending and emerging technologies like programmable CBDCs and tokenisation of assets, the RBI deputy governor also warned of risks related to data security, model bias, and regulatory oversight. Innovation needs to be responsible and accountable. It should not be at the cost of an individuals rights regarding the use of their personal data, he says, urging stakeholders to build a credit ecosystem centred on consumer trust, transparency, and financial literacy. He also stressed that financial awareness must be an ongoing, collective effortbeyond just regulatory mandates. The deputy governor concluded by asserting that India stands on the cusp of a transformative era in credit delivery, powered by policy, technology, and collaboration. The establishment of credit bureaus, once a foundational step in financial inclusion, continues to be central to this vision. Even as the journey continues, the role of the CICs remains integral and important in realising the vision of total financial inclusion, he added. A committee headed by retired district judge AP Kurhekar has launched a special website to facilitate refunds to the investors of Royal Twinkle Star Club Ltd and Citrus Check Inns Ltd who are eligible for a refund. In a release, market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) says following orders from the Supreme Court, the committee has been constituted for refunding money to eligible investors of the two Ponzi schemes. The designed portal to facilitate the refund process is https://www.citrusroyalrefund.com "The entire process will be online through the portal only. The investors are requested to keep their documents ready and shall register their claim on the portal. Further detailed instructions will be available on the portal," SEBI says. According to the apex court orders, the refund has to be made to the small investors, to whom, after adjustment of the commission, or a refund of an amount not exceeding Rs5,000 towards the actual principal amount is due. For example, if the investment is Rs7,500 and the investor has already received Rs2,500 by way of commission or refund, then he will get Rs2,500 only. Furthermore, in case of multiple certificates, all certificates of the investor of both companies, i.e., Citrus Check Inn and Royal Twinkle Star Club, will be clubbed together for examining his eligibility for refund. Therefore, the investors who are in the slab of Rs7,500, including Citrus Check Inn Ltd and Royal Twinkle Star Club, together should submit their claim only in this process. "At present, the refund will be paid only to the original investors. In case the original investor is not alive in that event, there will be a separate process to verify the nominee or legal representative, subject to the direction of the Supreme Court," says the information posted on the designated portal. Last month, SEBI imposed a penalty of Rs50 lakh on Royal Twinkle Star Club Pvt Ltd (RTSCPL) (noticee 1) and its key officials, Omprakash Basantlal Goenka (noticee 2), Prakash Ganpat Utekar (noticee 3), Venkatraman Natrajan (noticee 4), and Narayan Shivram Kotnis (noticee 5) for non-compliance with earlier directions prohibiting collection of investor funds. The penalty is to be paid jointly and severally by all five notices. In an order, Amit Kapoor, adjudicating officer (AO) of SEBI, says that "I note that in a similar matter, noticees 2 to 5 were earlier penalised in December 2018 by SEBI and since they did not prefer any appeal in the said matter and also failed to make the payment, recovery proceedings were initiated and are still in process. Since the violations in the instant matter are similar in nature, I am inclined to consider the quantum of penalty on similar lines." (Read: SEBI Slaps Rs50 Lakh Penalty on Royal Twinkle Star Club and Key Officials for Violating Investor Fund Collection Order SEBIs scrutiny of RTSCPL was triggered by an earlier order dated 7 March 2014, issued by its whole-time member (WTM), which barred the company from accepting any further investments from investors under existing or new schemes. However, a detailed examination of RTSCPLs bank accounts revealed that the company continued to collect funds well beyond the orders issuance. The deposits included cash and bank transfers, indicating clear non-compliance with SEBIs directive. In 2014, SEBI had barred Royal Twinkle Star Club and its directors from collecting money from investors. The company continues to collect money using a new name, Citrus Check Inn. In March that year, Moneylife had written to SEBI about it. (Read: MONEYLIFE IMPACT: SEBI bars Royal Twinkle Star Club from collecting money Earlier in August 2015, the market regulator had directed Royal Twinkle Star Club Ltd (RTSC) and its four directors to refund within three months, the money collected from investors under its holiday package plans. The markets regulator also refused to lift a ban on Citrus Check Inns (new avatar of RTSC) and its directors in a 'collective investment scheme' (CIS) case, promising returns on 'holiday plans'. (Read: Royal Twinkle Star Club, directors asked to wind up holiday investment schemes New DMS Degree Elevates Physician Assistant Roles in Clinical Practice and Leadership NORTH CHICAGO, Ill., July 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, home to one of the top physician assistant (PA) programs in the U.S., announces a new degree program the Doctor of Medical Science (DMS) designed to expand professional opportunities for practicing PAs. PAs are licensed medical professionals who enter the field with a master's degree. Highly collaborative, they work across healthcare teams, settings and medical specialties and often serve as primary care providers. RFU's DMS degree is an opportunity for physician assistants who want to help shape the future of their profession. Post this Rosalind Franklin University's DMS degree program will prepare physician assistants to take on greater responsibility as the profession continues to evolve to meet the growing needs of patients, communities and healthcare systems. "Our doctor of medical science degree is an opportunity for advanced practice providers who want to help shape the future of their profession, improve health equity and access, and transform the delivery of care," said College of Health Professions Dean Lisa Dutton, PT, MS '93, PhD. "It builds on the strengths of our top-rated Physician Assistant Practice program and our institution, which is at the forefront of interprofessional education and collaborative practice." One of the fastest growing professions in the United States, PAs have proven to create access to care, and improve health outcomes and patient satisfaction. Employment of PAs is projected to grow 28% through 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The all-online DMS program, recently approved by the Illinois Board of Higher Education, will help PAs advance their knowledge through small classes and supportive, flexible learning. They will be prepared to take on greater responsibility as the profession continues to evolve to meet the growing needs of patients, communities and healthcare systems. DMS students will develop leadership and administrative skills in growth areas both within and beyond clinical practice, including personalized medicine, technology-driven care and targeted prevention through lifestyle medicine and nutrition. Areas of concentration include lifestyle medicine, nutrition, leadership and health administration or health professions education. Program highlights include: 100% online, fully-remote self-paced learning. No need to attend synchronous classes Core courses and a practicum series with a capstone project Interprofessional learning with and from students practicing in other clinical fields. Practical instruction from renowned faculty who are experts in their fields Degree completion in one to two years Four options for program entry per year Small classes, offering ample opportunity to be seen and heard and to interact with faculty 15% discount available for eligible alumni "RFU is educating healthcare professionals who can bridge the gap between clinical expertise and system-level change," said RFU incoming Interim Provost James Carlson, PhD, PA-C. "We're equipping them with the advanced knowledge they need to improve health care through leadership, research and evidence-based practice." About Rosalind Franklin University Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science is committed to serving humanity through the interprofessional education of health and biomedical professionals and the discovery of knowledge dedicated to improving wellness. The university embodies the spirit of inquiry and excellence modeled by its namesake Dr. Rosalind Franklin, whose Photo 51 was crucial to solving the structure of DNA. Recognized for its research in areas including neuroscience, brain-related diseases, inherited disorders, diabetes, obesity, and gait and balance, RFU encompasses the Chicago Medical School, College of Health Professions, College of Nursing, College of Pharmacy, School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies and the Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine. Learn more at rosalindfranklin.edu. Media Contact: Office of Marketing and Communications [email protected] SOURCE Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science In a significant step aimed at strengthening the urban cooperative banking sector, Saraswat Cooperative Bank Ltd has voluntarily sought approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to merge New India Cooperative Bank Ltd (NICBL) with itself. The proposed amalgamation was announced by Saraswat Bank chairman Gautam Thakur at a press conference in Mumbai and is subject to approval from the shareholders of both banks. New India Co-operative Bank Ltd. will amalgamate with Saraswat Bank, Indias largest Urban Co-operative Bank, subject to approval of shareholders of both the banks. Post merger, Saraswat Bank will take over all the assets and liabilities of New India Co-operative Bank, while pic.twitter.com/3MeT7S9Ue1 Saraswat Bank (@SaraswatBank) July 1, 2025 The proposed merger is viewed as a strategic consolidation intended to expand Saraswat Banks footprint, strengthen customer outreach and improve operational efficiency. Upon completion of the amalgamation, Saraswat Bank will assume all assets and liabilities of NICBL, while ensuring full protection of depositor interests. Saraswat Bank, Indias largest urban cooperative bank, has a legacy of over 100 years. As of 31 March 2025, the Bank operated 312 branches and 303 ATMs across eight statesMaharashtra, Goa, Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. It reported a total business of Rs91,814 crore, comprising Rs55,481 crore in deposits and Rs36,333 crore in advances. The lender posted a net profit of Rs518.25 crore and continued to maintain a strong financial profile, with gross non-performing assets (NPAs) at 2.25%, zero net NPAs for the third consecutive year and a robust capital to risk-weighted assets ratio (CRAR) of 17.43%. In contrast, as of 31 March 2025, New India Cooperative Bank reported deposits of Rs2,397.85 crore and advances of Rs1,162.67 crore, with a total business volume of Rs3,560.52 crore. However, the lender posted a negative net worth of Rs102.74 crore for the financial year (FY)2425. NICBL operates 27 branches, including 17 in Mumbai, six across Thane and Palghar, two in Surat and one each in Pune and Navi Mumbai. Saraswat Bank has a proven track record of reviving financially distressed cooperative banks through successful mergers. Its past takeovers include institutions such as Maratha Mandir Cooperative Bank, Mandvi Cooperative Bank, Annasaheb Karale Janata Sahakari Bank, among others. Through these strategic integrations, Saraswat Bank safeguarded the interests of over eight lakh depositors and expanded the combined business from Rs1,900 crore to Rs9,200 crore within five years. In February this year, citing supervisory concerns and the lender's liquidity position, RBI imposed operational restrictions on the Mumbai-based multi-state scheduled bank. RBI also superseded the board of directors of New India Cooperative Bank for the next 12 months. It also appointed Shreekant, former chief general manager (CGM) of the State Bank of India (SBI) as administrator to manage the affairs of the Bank during this period. Further, to assist the administrator, RBI appointed a committee of advisers which includes Ravindra Sapra (former GM of SBI) and Abhijeet Deshmukh (chartered accountant-CA) as members. Under these restrictions, New India Cooperative Bank is prohibited from granting or renewing loans, making investments, incurring liabilities (including borrowing or accepting deposits), or disbursing any payments without prior written approval from RBI. However, due to these restrictions, several customers and depositors rushed to withdraw money but were left helpless. To safeguard Bank's depositors, RBI has assured that eligible depositors will receive deposit insurance claims of up to Rs5 lakh under the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC) Act, 1961, subject to verification. For more details, depositors are encouraged to visit the DICGC website or contact the Bank. (Read: New India Cooperative Bank: RBI Restricts Loans, Withdrawals for 6 Months, Appoints Administrator After Dismissing Board You may also want to read In a scathing indictment of market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), the securities appellate tribunal (SAT) has quashed the regulators order against Rajesh Mokashi, former managing director and chief executive officer (MD&CEO) of CARE Ratings Ltd, calling SEBIs conduct a 'misadventure' that caused 'colossal loss of judicial time and resources' and inflicted 'miserable trauma' and 'irreparable damage' to Mr Mokashis reputation. Delivering its judgement on 27 June 2025, SAT set aside SEBIs April 2023 order that had barred Mr Mokashi from associating with any SEBI-registered intermediary for two years. SAT also imposed a cost of Rs5 lakh on SEBI, to be paid to Mr Mokashi for the damages caused. Madhabi Puri Buch was the SEBI chairman when the market regulator passed the order against Mr Mokashi in April 2023. In the order, the SAT bench of justice PS Dinesh Kumar (presiding officer) and Dr Dheeraj Bhatnagar, (technical member) says, "This is an unfortunate case in which the SEBI had directed CARE Ratings to send Mr Mokashi on leave till completion of the forensic audit. On receipt of E&Ys report, SEBI advised to initiate a full-fledged enquiry and Mr Mokashi tendered his resignation in December 20199. Though justice BN Srikrishna report had returned a categorical finding that there was no evidence to suggest that Mr Mokashi had interfered with or influenced the rating decision, SEBI embarked upon another misadventure to conduct one more proceeding through its WTM. The entire exercise has caused a colossal loss of judicial time and resources and above all a miserable trauma of irreparable damage to Mr Mokashis reputation besides financial loss and loss of further opportunity to him." The case stemmed from allegations that Mr Mokashi and SB Mainak, former chairman of CARE Rating interfered in credit ratings, particularly for Dewan Housing Finance Corporation Ltd (DHFL), to favour clients who paid higher fees. However, a detailed inquiry conducted by justice Srikrishna, former judge of the Supreme Court had categorically found no evidence of any interference or wrongdoing on Mr Mokashis part. Justice Srikrishna, whose credentials were also acknowledged by SEBI in other contexts, had concluded: There is no evidence that he (Mr Mokashi) interfered with the process of rating and influenced the outcome of the rating committees decision There is no substance in the charges levelled. Despite this, SEBI proceeded with a separate internal inquiry and passed an order penalising Mr Mokashi a move SAT has now unequivocally condemned. SAT found that Ashwani Bhatia, SEBIs whole-time member (WTM) had misinterpreted and misrepresented justice Srikrishnas findings to justify penal action. In paragraph 24 of the order, SAT notes: We are constrained to note with pain that in para 107(a) of the impugned order, the WTM has recorded distorted version of the report. It held that SEBI wrongly claimed that justice Srikrishna had only examined the impact of alleged interference on the final rating decision, while SAT made clear that the report had dealt with the core issue whether any interference happened at all and had found none. Moreover, SAT highlighted that key witnesses whose testimonies SEBI relied on had, under cross-examination, refuted the idea that Mr Mokashi exerted pressure or influenced ratings. In unusually strong language, the tribunal called SEBIs conduct in this case as 'reprehensible'. The tribunal noted that Mr Mokashi had already resigned from his position in December 2019 after SEBI pushed CARE Ratings to send him on leave during the forensic audit. Despite being exonerated by justice Srikrishnas independent probe, SEBI 'embarked upon another misadventure', SAT says. The order concludes a years-long legal battle that raises serious questions about the fairness and accountability of regulatory enforcement by SEBI. The case not only highlights the potential for reputational harm when regulatory powers are exercised without due care, but also underscores the need for adherence to principles of natural justice and respect for expert findings. With SATs sharp rebuke and financial penalty, the judgement sets a precedent on the consequences of regulatory overreach and may trigger broader calls for reform in enforcement practices within SEBI. In 2019, SEBI received a complaint from a whistle-blower alleging management interference in the ratings of companies, including Infrastructure Leasing & Financial Services (IL&FS). The forensic audit, prepared by EY, reportedly found the involvement of Mr Mainak and Mr Mokashi. On 18 July 2019, Mr Mokashi was sent on forced leave by CARE Ratings. In December, he resigned. Mr Mokashi has been associated with CARE Ratings since 1993 and, in August 2009, he was appointed to the company board. Mr Mainak, the former MD of Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC), followed suit and, in February 2020, resigned as chairman of CARE Ratings. You may also want to read... State Bank of India (SBI) has decided to classify the loan account of Reliance Communications Ltd (RCom) as fraud and report the name of the companys erstwhile director, Anil Dhirubhai Ambani, to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), reveals regulatory filing by the lender and RCom. In a letter dated 23 June 2025, and received by Rcom on 30 June 2025, SBI notified both the company and Mr Ambani of its decision. The move follows a series of show-cause notices and responses exchanged between the lender and the telecom company over the past year. This is to inform you that the Company has received a letter from SBI stating that SBI has decided to report the loan account of the Company as fraud and to report the name of Anil Dhirubhai Ambani (erstwhile director of the Company) to the RBI, as per the extant RBI guidelines, RCom says in its disclosure to stock exchanges. Reliance Communications, once a major player in Indias telecom sector, has been under the corporate insolvency resolution process (CIRP) pursuant to the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC). A resolution plan for the company has already been approved by the committee of creditors and is currently awaiting final clearance from the national company law tribunal (NCLT). Despite this ongoing process, SBIs classification of the loan as fraud marks a significant escalation. In its regulatory filing, SBI says its fraud identification committee reached the decision after evaluating responses from RCom to earlier show-cause notices which were found unsatisfactory. SBI cited non-adherence to the agreed terms and conditions of loan agreements and irregularities in the conduct of the account as grounds for its decision. The Bank had issued the first show-cause notice to RCom on 20 December 2023, followed by additional correspondence in March and September 2024. After due examination, it is concluded that sufficient reasons have not been provided by the respondent to explain the non-adherence to the satisfaction of the Bank, SBI stated in its communication. A detailed reasoned order, outlining the Banks findings, was also issued. The Bank has now decided to report both the loan account and the name of Anil Ambani as the director at the material time to RBI, in line with the central banks master directions on fraud reporting. The decision to report Mr Ambanis name to RBI could have far-reaching implications. RBI maintains a list of 'wilful defaulters' and individuals associated with fraudulent accounts which could impact their ability to access future credit or hold board positions in other companies. Anil Ambani, once among Indias wealthiest businessmen, has faced a series of financial and legal challenges in recent years. RComs downfall, largely attributed to mounting debt and intense competition in the telecom sector, led to its bankruptcy filing in 2019. Reliance Communications has attached a copy of SBIs letter in its stock exchange filing and stated that the matter is being disclosed in accordance with Regulation 30 of SEBI's Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements. The company's disclosure did not provide any direct comment or rebuttal to the fraud classification but confirmed the receipt of the Banks communication. The next steps will likely hinge on NCLTs approval of the pending resolution plan and whether the fraud classification affects the course of insolvency proceedings. Legal experts note that such a classification does not halt the CIRP but may influence decisions regarding recoveries, liabilities of directors and future claims. In 2015, Anil Ambani-promoted RCom and Reliance Infrastructure Ltd (RInfra) obtained a loan of Rs565 crore and Rs635 crore, respectively, from SBI. For obtaining the loan from SBI's project finance strategic business unit, Mr Ambani gave a personal guarantee that was equivalent to the total loan amount or Rs1,200 crore. The loan was disbursed in 2016. During 2017, both RCom and RInfra committed defaults in repayment. The accounts were retrospectively declared as non-performing accounts (NPAs) by SBI with effect from 26 August 2016 pursuant to the risk-based supervision during the year 2017. While hearing a petition filed by SBI in August 2020, NCLT's Mumbai bench had observed that without obtaining consent from SBI, Mr Ambani provided personal guarantees for Anil Dhirubhai Ambani (ADA) group of companies, from Industrial and Commercial Bank of China Ltd, China Development Bank and Exim Bank of China. Later in September this year, appearing before a UK Court (under Rule 71) via video conference over a lawsuit brought by three State-controlled Chinese banks over non-repayment of loans, Anil Ambani had claimed that his current expenses are being borne by his wife and family and that he has even taken a loan from his son Anmol to the tune of several crores of rupees. He further claimed that he had sold off all his jewellery for Rs9 crore to pay off legal expenses and now owns 'nothing meaningful'. (Read: Anil Ambani Tells London Court That He Has sold Jewellery and Taken Loans from His Mother and Son SBIs decision comes at a time when regulators have been tightening scrutiny of large corporate defaults. The move is also consistent with RBIs push for early detection and reporting of fraud in the banking system. This development puts renewed focus on corporate governance and accountability among Indias corporate debtors, especially in high-profile insolvency cases. RComs stock, which has been suspended from trading, remains under the insolvency framework, and further updates are expected once NCLT delivers its verdict on the resolution plan. Market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has imposed a penalty of Rs3 lakh on AKI India Ltd for multiple violations of the SEBI Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements Regulations, 2015 (LODR Regulations). The lapses relate to delays and failures in mandatory disclosures and public notices concerning board meetings, financial results and the companys annual general meeting (AGM). In an order, Amit Kapoor, adjudicating officer (AO) of SEBI, says that "I note that the disclosure requirements under the LODR Regulations, 2015 serve very important purposes. The stock exchange is informed via disclosures so that the investing public will come to know of the position, enabling them to continue on with or exit from the company. Further, timely disclosures of the details of the financial results and notice of AGM are of significant importance as such disclosures also enable the regulators to ensure that companies adhere to fair practices and maintain market integrity." One of the key violations pertained to the failure to provide timely prior intimation of a board meeting held on 13 July 2023, for adopting the quarterly financial results. The company initially disclosed the meeting on 6th July, scheduled for 12 July 2023. However, it later rescheduled the meeting to 13 July 2023 without issuing a fresh notice five days in advance, as mandated by Regulation 29. SEBI rejected the companys contention that the unchanged agenda excused the lapse, affirming that any change in the meeting date requires a fresh, timely intimation. Further, AKI India failed to submit a proper notice of its AGM, held on 30 September 2023, to the stock exchanges. Though it included the notice in its annual report filed on 25 September 2023, this was just four days before the AGM, violating the Companies Acts 21-day notice requirement. An earlier intimation dated 8 September 2023 also lacked essential details of the business to be transacted. These omissions were found to breach disclosure norms under Regulation 47. In addition, the company delayed publishing its the first quarter (Q1) of FY23-24 financial results in newspapers, missing the 48-hour deadline after board approval on 13 July 2023 and publishing them only on 19 July 2023. For Q2 FY23-24, the financial results were approved on 14 November 2023 but published only on 24 November 2023 after revised results were submitted on 22 November 2023 again exceeding the prescribed timeframe. SEBI also noted that AKI India failed to publish the AGM notice in newspapers, a requirement under Regulation 47(1)(d). The company admitted this was an inadvertent omission, but SEBI emphasised that such publication is mandatory to ensure transparency and shareholder awareness. In light of these violations, SEBI concluded that AKI India had not adhered to the LODR Regulations and imposed a penalty of Rs3 lakh. Federal District Court Judge Dana L. Christensen ordered federal officials Wednesday to not move a Helena man arrested by ICE out of the state until a habeas petition hearing July 10. According to the judge's order, Christopher Martinez, who was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement on July 1, will not be moved out of state until a hearing at the Russell Smith Federal Court in Missoula on July 10 at 1:30 p.m. Respondents should file a return on an order to show cause why a petition for writ of habeas corpus should not be granted by July 7 at 5 p.m. The court order added that the petitioner, Martinez, would have an opportunity to reply by July 9 at 5 p.m. On Wednesday, one day after a Helena man's detainment July 1 by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, he still has not spoken to attorneys and his wife does not know his whereabouts. Attorney Andres Haladay, who along with attorneys Molly E. Danahy and Rylee Sommers-Flanagan of Upper Seven Law is representing Martinez, criticized the arrest. Christopher was arrested and detained by Helena police and federal authorities based on what appears to be racial profiling, he said in an email to the Independent Record. He said they have not been able to speak with Martinez as "Lewis and Clark County denied us access at the Detention Center. He said they hope to speak with Martinez now that he is in federal custody. We are zealously challenging an apparent unconstitutional exercise of federal power in our hometown, Haladay said. In Montana, we stand by our neighbors. Martinez, 31, was detained by ICE after Helena police did a traffic stop for expired registration. Martinez, who has no felony convictions, according to his wife, Maria Pacheco, entered the U.S. with his parents in 2008. He lived with his wife in Helena until 2014 before he and his wife moved to Mexico. They returned later, court documents filed by Upper Seven Law attorneys state. Pacheco is a U.S. citizen along with the couple's four children, while Martinez is a citizen of Mexico. Court documents state Martinez was stopped July 1 by the Helena Police Department (HPD) while driving to pick up his daughter from her grandparents' home when an officer conducted a traffic stop and told him he matched a description of two other individuals the officer was looking for. Upper Seven attorneys said in documents that an unmarked van approached Martinez and the officer before taking him out of HPD custody and into their own. The attorneys believed the agents who detained him were ICE. On Wednesday nearly 20 community members met with Lewis and Clark County Commissioner Andy Hunthausen to discuss their worries about the recent arrest. Hunthausen clarified for the crowd what his role was as a county commissioner in regard to their concerns. "Our main role is that overall policy and all comings and goings in terms of revenue or expense has to be approved by the County Commission," he said. "We are the budget people, we approve budgets ... those elected offices are run as they see fit and as the law describes." The members of the public urged him to use his position and leverage his contacts for answers to their questions, which he agreed to do. "The public sentiment for a lot of people here is that some county services are not protecting us the way that they have sworn to do," an attendee said. Natalie Salazar, a community member, told Hunthausen that Martinez was not able to speak with attorneys from Upper Seven Law when he was detained in the Lewis and Clark County Detention Center. Since then, he has been transported to an unknown facility for holding pending a habeas petition hearing in federal court. "We're also talking to all of our other leaders as well. We need everybody on the ground for us to prevent this from happening and every little part is going to help with that," Salazar told Hunthausen. "Even if it's making a few phone calls from your perspective, everything makes a difference." A person said that HPD and federal agencies including ICE, the U.S. Marshals Service and Homeland Security Investigations were looking for Anderson DeJesus Bastidas Linares. Linares was charged with felony assault with a weapon and felony partner or family member assault. The investigation led to Martinez's arrest. Helena Police Chief Brett Petty and Lt. Adam Shanks spoke to a group of people who gathered outside the Law and Justice Center on Tuesday afternoon. Petty denied having members of the department embedded in ICE, despite claims by the public. Upon reviewing Martinez's identity, HSI and USBP found he was subject to a federal detainer and was taken into custody, officials said. Helena police acknowledged while federal agency involvement wasn't common for local warrant issues, their participation was due to specific investigative needs and "not any part of any nationwide U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement action." "There were three or four police cars and one new model brown Suburban," Krista Guardino, a witness of the arrest, said. "So, there were cops that were clearly identified and then there were people in camouflage bullet-proof vests that had no monikers." Pacheco said Tuesday that Martinez was a "loving father" who took care of his kids and she said as a stay-at-home mother of four, it wasn't fair he was taken and she never thought it would happen. Martinez's wife was filing his citizenship paperwork for him after it was denied in 2018, although she did not need to file as an American citizen. She said her and her husband briefly discussed the "what if" scenario of an ICE detainment and thought about moving back to Mexico, but they both struggled with the idea. "My husband is scared. He doesn't want us to go back to Mexico because we have three daughters and in Mexico, a child that is a woman of a certain age will become a target," Pacheco said. "A big target, where they disappear." She said her and her family have tried to work everything out the legal way, but it's hard and they did not have much income. She added a question of if they get paperwork filed what would happen next. She felt it would make him an easier target and they would pick him up anyway. During the meeting with Hunthausen Wednesday, Pacheco told him she has not slept since her husband's arrest. "But my kids, one of them came crying to me and said, 'do you know if dad can come home tomorrow,?'" she said. She told Hunthausen she did not have an answer for them. BLOOMFIELD, NJ, July 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - SGS, the world's leading testing, inspection and certification company, announces that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire the entire issued share capital of Applied Technical Services ("ATS"), a leading provider of specialized Testing, Inspection, Calibration and Forensics solutions in North America. ATS is expected to bring USD 460 million of sales and USD 95 million of EBITDA before synergies in 2026. With close to 60 years of history, ATS is a resilient and diversified pure US player with a strong brand and service culture. It delivers solutions and services in regulated and high-growth end-markets such as Manufacturing, Aerospace & Defense, Power Generation & Distribution, and Insurance. Powered by a team of 2,100 skilled professionals and a network of 85 state-of-the-art facilities strategically located across the United States, ATS serves a large base of blue-chip clients across a broad range of industries. The proposed transaction will strengthen SGS's position in the US with total annual sales to exceed USD 1.5 billion in North America. This marks a major milestone in SGS's ambition to more than double its sales in the region by 2027 compared to 2023. It will also allow SGS to expand into new attractive segments. The complementarity of the offers and customers opens significant opportunities for cross-selling. This transaction is valued at USD 1,325 million (Enterprise Value on a debt-free, cash-free basis)* corresponding to a multiple of 11.2 times 2026 EBITDA including run rate synergies. A small portion of less than USD 100 million will be paid in SGS shares to some shareholders and key employees subject to a three-year lock up period. The remainder of the purchase price will be financed through cash and debt while maintaining the leverage around 2 times. EBITDA synergies of at least USD 30 million per year are expected on a run rate basis within 3 years of closing, driven by cost rationalization and cross-selling opportunities. The acquisition will be accretive on the EPS from the first year. It is also expected to enhance SGS's revenue growth and adjusted operating income margin, supported by the synergies. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to close by late 2025 / early 2026. Geraldine Picaud, CEO of SGS, commented: "We are very happy to have signed the acquisition of Applied Technical Services. This transaction will significantly accelerate the execution of Strategy 27 by strengthening our presence in North America. ATS has exceptional teams, highly skilled with strong integrity and customer-oriented culture. By combining our forces in the US, we will deliver sustainable growth and synergies, and create lasting value for our shareholders. We are incredibly excited about the significant opportunities ahead." * Before IFRS 16 Adjustment on operating leases of USD 65 million ABOUT SGS SGS is the world's leading Testing, Inspection and Certification company. We operate a network of over 2,500 laboratories and business facilities across 115 countries, supported by a team of 99,500 dedicated professionals. With over 145 years of service excellence, we combine the precision and accuracy that define Swiss companies to help organizations achieve the highest standards of quality, compliance and sustainability. Our brand promise when you need to be sure underscores our commitment to trust, integrity and reliability, enabling businesses to thrive with confidence. We proudly deliver our expert services through the SGS name and trusted specialized brands, including Brightsight, Bluesign, Maine Pointe and Nutrasource. SGS is publicly traded on the SIX Swiss Exchange under the ticker symbol SGSN (ISIN CH1256740924, Reuters SGSN.S, Bloomberg SGSN:SW). For more information visit www.sgs.com SOURCE SGS Embakasi East MP Babu Owino was on Tuesday directed out of the National Assembly chambers after appearing in an advocates collar a wear deemed unproper under Parliaments official dress. The issue was brought to the Speaker by Mathare MP Anthony Oluoch, who questioned Babus attire and asked for direction. Honourable Speaker, you have several issued rulings about the manner in which people must dress themselves. Those rules form part of the tradition of this House, Oluoch explained to the Speaker. He went on to add, Is it in order that the Member for Embakasi East walks and sits into the House dressed as if he were the Speaker, save for your gown? This honourable member may have been admitted the other day, but that dressing code may cause confusion. Oluoch warned that Babu Owinos attire could set a bad precedent in the House, joking, I may be forced to go and bring my collar and dress as much. He requested clarification, Therefore, I ask Honourable Speaker to give guidance as to whether the Honourable Member for Embakasi East is improperly dressed. In his response, Speaker Moses Wetangula sustained Oluochs concern, ruling that Babu Owino was definitely out of line. Indeed, Honourable Babu Owino, you are improperly dressed, the Speaker said. Even your very seniors, the likes of Millie Odhiambo, Senior Counsel Otiende Amollo, Otieno Kajwang, the Chief Justice in quotes, Gladys Shollei, have never turned up dressed like that. With that, the Speaker directed Owino to leave the chambers. I order you to retreat from the House, dress up, and come back, he directed him. As Babu Owino left the chamber, the Speaker reminded him in one final time: Order, Babu. When you are ordered to leave, you leave without fanfare. The Embakasi East MP was among the 609 lawyers admitted to the bar on May 23, 2025. Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has made it clear that ODM leader Raila Odinga will not sway him into joining President William Rutos political camp. Speaking during an interview on Monday, June 30, Kalonzo firmly stated that his loyalty lies with the people of Kenya. There are people who think that Kalonzo can be convinced by Raila to join President Ruto, let them forget that completely, Kalonzo said. I will be where the people are, and I have realized that this is the best way to do it.. He also took a swipe at his critics over his infamous Watermelon and Chameleone nicknames, saying, I was called all sorts of names, and now those who gave me those names have taken them up themselves. Kalonzo accused Raila Odinga of betrayal, saying he stood by the ODM leader through three consecutive general elections, only to now feel let down by his decision to work with the Kenya Kwanza administration, saying it went against the expectations of many Kenyans. I want to make it very clear that Kenyans did not expect that kind of behavior from Raila Odinga. He should reflect on himsel, Kalonzo said. While distancing himself from Railas recent political decisions, Kalonzo noted that they no longer meet frequently. However, he added that he would still be open to a conversation if approached. We dont meet with him. I am a national leader. If Raila reaches out to me through a call, we can talk. But that is as far as it can get, he stated. Kalonzo asserted that if Raila Odinga chooses to return to the opposition, he will have to fall in line like everyone else. If Raila wants to pull out of the broad-based government, that is okay, but not for me to join him in government, Kalonzo said. If he joins the opposition, he must follow the queue. Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret set a record in Kenyas health care by successfully performing the countrys first-ever Renal Artery Bypass Surgery. The groundbreaking operation was carried out on June 24, 2025, by the hospitals Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery team, led by Dr. Stephen Takow. The patient, a 20-year-old woman, has since been discharged and is now recovering well at home. Dr. Philip Kirwa, the head of MTRH, said that the young woman was found to have renovascular hypertension. This health issue pops up when the blood tubes to the kidneys get too tight. This made her blood pressure shoot up and posed serious risks to her health. After evaluating the case, the surgical team determined that less invasive procedures typically used to open narrowed arteries like angioplasty and stenting were not suitable due to the severity of the blockage. They chose to go with a renal artery bypass instead. It was the first time doctors in Kenya carried out such a procedure. The groundbreaking surgery went in very well. It was successful and she is recuperating well and has been discharged, said Dr Kirwa. The procedure involved grafting a blood vessel, either from the patient or using a synthetic graft, to go around the clogged kidney artery, effectively restoring normal blood flow to the kidneys. Dr. Kirwa described the successful operation as a big leap in specialized healthcare delivery. He noted that the achievement reflects MTRHs commitment to surgical innovation and to expanding access to advanced medical procedures within Kenya. MTRH has made significant progress in delivering cutting-edge care in recent years. The renal artery bypass adds to a growing list of specialized procedures the hospital has successfully introduced, further strengthening its reputation as a regional hub for medical excellence. A proposed idea by Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris is getting support in Parliament, with many lawmakers backing her push to limit public protests near important government areas. The Public Order (Amendment) Bill 2025, plans to change the Public Order Act (Cap. 56) and introduces specific zones meant for protests. It focuses on setting clear limits on where people can and cannot gather. On Tuesday, Passaris presented her case to the Administration and Internal Security Committee. She said the Bill addresses an increase in protests across the country, some of which have ended in violence or fatalities. Passaris explained that the proposed changes aim to add structure and predictability to demonstrations while still respecting constitutional rights. The whole idea of the Bill is to protect the pillars of our democracy. You have to have a certain area where you cant reach as a demonstrator and you have to respect that, she told the committee. If approved, the law will ban protests within 100 meters of major institutions like Parliament, courts, and sites covered under the Protected Areas Act. It will also give the Cabinet Secretary for Internal Security the authority to set up zones for protests working with county governments to decide where gatherings can take place. The Bill also stipulates consequences for illegal protests as follows; A person who contravenes the provisions of this section commits an offence and shall, on conviction, be liable to a fine not exceeding one hundred thousand shillings or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three months or to both, reads the proposal in part. Passaris pointed out that her proposed changes do not focus on individual protesters. Instead, they aim to create a proper system to ensure protests happen and do not disrupt critical government functions. Lawmakers Call Bill Important and Timely Many MPs backed the proposed changes to the law. They described the Bill as important and timely considering what has happened . Gabriel Tongoyo, who leads the committee, said Kenya is at a key stage in developing its democracy. The country is at a crossroads, we must take lessons, As much as citizens have a right to picket, it must be done in an orderly manner, Tongoyo said. Peter Kaluma, the MP from Homa Bay, agreed with this view and said the Bill shows fairness. However, he suggested improving it to make its purpose clearer. He emphasized the need to state the boundaries of the right to gather. IIt is very objective, it is very timelythis thing should be redrafted to specify its intentions specifically to limit the rights in a very conclusive way, Kaluma said. He posed an important question about the role and meaning of public protests. He urged lawmakers to think about which matters require street protests and which are better handled using legal channels. That law should also define what matters we should assemble, do you need to petition. For instance, what we were dealing with last Wednesday, they wanted compensation for the children we lost last year during the demonstrations. Is that a matter of petition in court or a matter of demonstration? he asked. A Balanced Alternative to Rukus Controversial Bill Passaris explained how her Bill differs from the Assembly and Demonstration Bill 2024, put forward by Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku. Police oversight bodies human rights groups, and civil society organizations opposed Rukus proposal because they believed it posed a serious risk to freedom of assembly. Passaris said that Rukus Bill centers on controlling how individuals act during protests, but her Bill aims to improve the setting of protests by defining specific areas where they can happen. The global agreement on action for making the world prosperous and saving the world from the effects of climate change is not a race between the developed and the developing nations, President William Ruto has said. Instead, the President explained, the Pact for Prosperity, People and Planet, popularly known as the 4P, seeks to address unfairness of the global financial system. He said that the accord seeks to guarantee funding alternatives for developing countries whose progress has been unwound by the current international financial order. President Ruto was glad that there is finally consensus between the Global North and the Global South on the necessity for multilateral financial institutions reform. We have 73 countries that have joined us. We are not discussing narratives, and we are not pointing fingers. This is not about South vs North; this is about solutions that work for all countries, he said. The President spoke on Monday during the Pact for Prosperity, People and Planet high-level meeting he co-hosted with French resident Emmanuel Macron at the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development. President Ruto hailed the deal for championing reforms that merge development and climate action into one and harmonious agenda. He claimed that the initiative is achieving its objective that no country must make the tough decision of choosing between fighting poverty and responding to impacts of climate change. I am impressed by how quickly the 4P has matured, a testament to the commitment of those present here today and to the tireless efforts of the capable Secretariat, he said. President Ruto urged governments to increase efforts intended to mobilize domestic development resources. He explained that mobilization of development resources must not be entirely left to global finance institutions. There is what can be done globally, and we are making sure that the international financial architecture has proper representation and voice from our continent. But we will step up as countries in providing local solutions, he said. He added: We cannot wholly depend on external solutions to meet our challenges whether they are financial or public in nature. The President said that governments can leverage the power of the private sector in order to deliver public services, giving the example of healthcare. For his part, President Emmanuel Macron said that the narrative of a tug of war between the Global South and the Global North is self-destructive to a common global agenda. The only chance we have is to work together with respect, he added. Peoples Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua has called on President William Ruto and his entire administration to step down. She pointed to rising anger among citizens both online and in public protests. A growing number of frustrated Kenyans have been pushing forward the Ruto Must Go campaign voicing their concerns through chants during demonstrations and posts on social media platforms. Many Kenyans say they feel let down by the performance of the Kenya Kwanza government. They are also backing the Oppositions call for Ruto to limit his time in office to just one term. President Ruto responded to these demands during a public speech on Friday. He rejected the calls to resign stating that the Constitution already sets clear term limits for the presidency. If it is a question of terms, the Constitution has already sorted out and settled the issue of term limits. You can either be one or two-term You cannot have more than that. So what is this craze about terms? he asked. Ruto also called on those asking for his resignation to explain what their slogan means and how they expect him to step aside. If it is Ruto must go, then tell me how you want me to go. What do you mean by Ruto must go? How do I go? Because we have a constitution in place, he stated. Martha Karua called on the President to respect the voice of the people and leave office . She cautioned that if Ruto ignores what the public wants, Kenyans have the constitutional right to force him out before his term is over. Take the same route you took to get where you are, Karua said during an interview with Spice FM on Tuesday. You could resign; if you truly respected the voice of the people, you would have resigned by now, with your entire government, and go home. Karua, a former Minister for Justice, did not mince her words. She cautioned that ignoring the public outcry could lead to a political reckoning, whether through the ballot in 2027 or even earlier through mass citizen action. But because you wont, whether in 2027, or earlier, the people will remove you. You may continue to kill as you are killing now, but you cannot kill everyone, she added, referencing the disturbing rise in police killings of anti-government protesters. Karua Compares Ruto to Idi Amin Karua likened Rutos leadership style to that of former Ugandan dictator Idi Amin Dada, warning that no regime built on repression can stand against the will of the people. History has shown us tyrants and dictators who ruled through terror and none of them have ever survived the will of the people, she stated. Not even Idi Amin, whom Ruto seems to be imitating. Al Bashir had a very serious army but he still went down. Karua at the same time accused the Ruto administration of undermining the Constitution and running what she described as a rogue regime. According to her, the President has lost the moral and legal authority to lead and should resign. Kenyans have a right to fire you for gross incompetence, violation of the rule of law, and an attempt to overthrow the Constitution. The law says you cannot establish a government other than by lawful means, but Ruto has overthrown the Constitution and established a rogue regime, she said. She further argued that power ultimately rests with the people, and insisted that Kenyans have the constitutional right to remove a leader who fails to uphold their trust. If at all he has any respect for himself and the people, he should be packing his bags, Karua declared. Karua Calls State House Barricade Legendary Cowardice She criticized President Ruto and accused him of making an intentional effort to dismiss the seriousness and authenticity of the youth-driven protests spreading nationwide. She said the President unfairly blamed outspoken citizens and human rights groups for violence that she claimed was caused by state-backed infiltrators disrupting peaceful demonstrations. Karua also called out the government for sealing off major public sites like the State House and Parliament before last Wednesdays protests. The protests honored those who lost their lives in last years demonstrations against the finance bill. Dr Rutos cowardice is legendary; I have never seen a president barricade themselves in barbed wire during protests. Even Moi did not, she remarked. In a fiery rebuke, the former Justice Minister reminded the President that State House is not his personal property but belongs to the people of Kenya. That is not your house, Dr Ruto, its our house! If you barricade your houses in Sugoi and Karen, we will not ask you. If the State House is too hot, take a holiday to Karen and let the people visit their house, she said. The government has submitted a new request to hold Kelvin Mutisya Mutava, a technician accused of altering CCTV recordings related to the death of Albert Ojwang, who died while in police custody at Nairobi Central Police Station. Investigators claim Mutava was paid Ksh.3,000 to tamper with security footage that might contain critical details needed to examine the case. Officials believe the video could provide key insights into what led to Ojwangs unexplained death in the stations holding cells. Mutava, the first respondent, appeared on Tuesday before Kahawa Law Courts, alongside lawyer Ezer Nguono, who is representing Bryan Mwaniki Njue, the second respondent in the case. During the court session, Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Counsel Gichuhi informed Magistrate Gideon Kiega Oenga that the application, dated July 1, 2025, seeks a five-day extension of Mutavas detention to allow detectives to complete investigations. The court directed that the application be served to all relevant parties, who must respond before it gives further directions. In a separate development, the prosecution requested the court to drop proceedings against Bryan Mwaniki Njue, noting that he had already been charged at the Kibera Law Courts. Njues lawyer confirmed the prosecutions position during the motion hearing. We have charged Brian Mwaniki before the Kibera High Court under case number E010 of 2025, and therefore wish to have these proceedings against the second respondent terminated, stated State Counsel Gichuhi. With roots in Jamaica and a classroom in Beijing, one professor uses music and storytelling to connect students across cultures. Students immerse themselves in Caribbean culture during the event. [Photo provided to China Daily] It was the end of the academic year a time of closure and new beginnings for many of my students. At our send-off party for international graduates at China Agricultural University (CAU), the reggae band One Drop had just launched into Bob Marley's iconic One Love, an anthem of peace, unity, and universal love. One of my students, Liu Siyan, later told me she had arrived at the event still preoccupied with unfinished schoolwork. But when the entire hall joined in singing, "Let's get together and feel all right", she felt something shift. "That moment reminded me that multicultural education isn't only about learning facts or history, but about feeling connected through shared human experiences," Liu reflected. As an assistant teaching professor for a dual degree program between the University of Colorado, Denver (UCD) and International College Beijing (ICB), based at CAU, I teach a communication and diversity course that explores the complexities of communication and the challenges of embracing difference. Through this course, I aim to introduce my students to diverse cultural expressions that help foster a greater sense of unity. My own journey as a teacher and scholar has been deeply rooted in these themes. Ten years ago, I came to China from Jamaica to pursue a doctorate in communication studies. Jamaica is a place defined by its fusion of cultures indigenous, African, Indian, European, and Chinese. My great-grandfathers were part of the Chinese migration wave in the 19th century from Guangdong. This blend of cultural influences shapes the way I view communication and diversity. Reggae band One Drop performs at a celebration at China Agricultural University. [Photo provided to China Daily] Among the courses I teach is one on Caribbean music including reggae and dancehall that examines the cultural amalgamation that led to the global rise of the genre. We focus on figures like Bob Marley, who helped make the region a cultural icon. Reggae was even inscribed on UNESCO's list of intangible cultural heritage of humanity in 2018, along with cultural treasures from China, such as seal engraving and silk craftsmanship. In today's global order, it is increasingly imperative for university curricula to promote multiculturalism and prepare students for active engagement in both domestic and international affairs. My summer music class on Caribbean music was designed to open a window into the region's culture, history, and identity. Through this course, students were taken on a journey across lands deeply influenced by colonialism, with island nations once governed by Britain, Spain, Portugal, France, and the Netherlands. Our discussions explored how modern history has shaped contemporary understanding of nation-states while fostering greater cross-cultural awareness surrounding issues like race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, age, and ability. By examining these dimensions of difference, the diversity course seeks to identify common ground in our collective human experience and encourage students to reflect on how they, as individuals, can contribute to building a shared future for all mankind. Reggae has been a powerful force for expressing resilience and hope, transforming calamity into poetry. I believe my students came to truly appreciate this aspect of the music and the culture. In June, we were honored to invite Liu Rui, a Chinese musician and enthusiastic reggae performer, also known as Stinging Ray, as a guest lecturer for one of our classes. Liu adds a unique cultural dimension to reggae, rapping in Chinese over the genre's signature staccato beats. His songs and albums have earned him recognition as a celebrated performer, songwriter, and music entrepreneur in China, Europe, and Japan. Liu believes that the meaning of life lies in creation, and he wants to tell stories through song, sharing his own China story through a musical tradition that originated in Jamaica. In the spirit of multiculturalism, China has become a leader in South-South cooperation, with a strong emphasis on educational and people-to-people exchanges. I am grateful for the opportunities China has given me and I aim to create similar opportunities for my students. Students immerse themselves in Caribbean culture during the event. [Photo provided to China Daily] Beyond the classroom Last month, as part of our class activities, I took them to the Caribbean Experience 2025 event, organized by the Caucus of Caribbean Embassies and the Commercial Office of Haiti, celebrating the region's cuisine and culture. Participants were given a mock boarding pass for a flight of the imagination, with the departure gate marked "Paradise", capturing the vibrant, welcoming spirit of the Caribbean. One student, Han Wenyu, described the event as "setting sail on a journey "of discovery. That journey also brought opportunities to connect with fellow students from diverse backgrounds, including Tanzania and Thailand. "This class, built on theoretical knowledge, has brought change to my everyday life," Han said. He Siyang, a student who will begin her studies at UCD this fall, said the class and program had made her "more open-minded, confident, and appreciative" of the diversity around her. "I've been able to pursue dreams I never had the chance to explore before communicating with people from all over the world, broadening my horizons, and gaining insight into different ways of life," she said. As the international reggae band One Drop, featuring Johnson Lufungulo and Hopkins Sichilenge from Zambia, and Parat Alim from China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, performed for our students, the whole room sang along to Bob Marley's soaring lyrics. In that moment, we could feel a sense of unity as Marley sang, "One love. One heart." Victoria Cann (front row, first from left) with her students at the Caribbean Experience 2025 event in Beijing on June 15. [Photo provided to China Daily] Written by Victoria Cann, PhD in communication studies, an assistant teaching professor for a dual degree program between the University of Colorado, Denver and International College Beijing, based at China Agricultural University. She is currently pursuing a doctorate in education at the University of North Georgia. Her research interests include China-Caribbean relations, intercultural communication, and race and identity studies. China Daily July 2nd, 2025 Xinjiang cotton finds new path in global markets: advancing from raw material to high-tech export Ecns.cn) 09:57, July 02, 2025 (ECNS) -- In the sunlit cotton fields of Shihezi City, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, rows of vigorous cotton seedlings sway gently amid high-tech monitoring equipment. Utilizing smart agricultural systems, local farmers are boosting both the precision and quality of cotton production. These cotton crops, further transformed through advanced processing into high-performance materials, are now finding notable success in international markets representing not only products but advanced technology as well. Smart agriculture drives quality and efficiency "By applying intelligent agricultural management systems, one worker can oversee 200 mu to 300 mu (about 13.34 to 20 hectares) of cotton fields, compared with just 30 mu (2 hectares) under traditional methods," explained Ma Zhandong, General Manager of Xinjiang Tianshan Smart Agriculture Technology Co., Ltd. "Smart farming has significantly improved labor efficiency in cotton cultivation." A smart pest monitoring lamp operates in a cotton field in Shihezi, northwest China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, June 28, 2025. (Photo:China News Service/ Wang Jing) The system employs a network of sensors that monitor real-time field conditions such as pest presence, groundwater levels, and weather data in real time. This technology converts traditional planting experience into digital models, enabling informed,data-driven decision-making. "Farmers can now remotely control field operations using their smartphones," Ma explained. This not only streamlines irrigation and other processes but also enhances cotton quality and yield far beyond traditional methods. Roughly 15 kilometers east of Shihezi, in Manas County of Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang cotton is being transformed into high-value technological materials. From cotton fields to high-performance materials One prominent example is vulcanized fiberboard, commonly known as "steel paper", made from refined cotton linters. Known for its remarkable strength and flexibility, steel paper is widely used in polishing ship hulls and automotive bodies. Due to its excellent insulation properties, it also plays a vital role in 5G base stations, electric vehicle batteries, and other cutting-edge technologies. With a fiber content as high as 99 percent, it is biodegradable and environmentally sustainable. Yuan Yi Sci-Tech Co., Ltd. displays steel paper made from Xinjiang cotton in northwest China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, June 28, 2025. (Photo: China News Service/Zhao Jingshu) Yuan Yi Sci-Tech Co., Ltd., the sole producer of steel paper in northwest China, sources its raw cotton exclusively from Xinjiang. "Currently, our products hold about 45 percent of the domestic market," said General Manager Hu Yue. "Demand is strong both at home and abroad." The company anticipates revenues of up to 80 million yuan (approximately USD 11 million) by 2025. The advanced processing of Xinjiang cotton into high-value materials exemplifies how agricultural byproducts can evolve into drivers of industrial upgrading and global competitiveness. Exporting both products and technological innovation According to Hu Yue, nearly half of Yuan Yi's steel paper production is exported to markets across Asia and Europe including South Korea, Italy, Turkey, and India with export sales accounting for 35 percent of total revenue. It is not only Xinjiang's cotton-based products that are entering global markets but also its agricultural expertise. Wang Shengyi, Director of the Xinjiang Tianshan Agricultural Research Institute, highlighted the institute's efforts to promote water-saving irrigation technologies developed in Shihezi to countries along the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). "We aim to export a complete package of smart agricultural technology and equipment to enhance our presence in BRI nations," he noted. Among these innovations is subsurface drip irrigation, a foundational tool in smart farming suitable for a wide range of crops, including cotton, corn, wheat, tomatoes, and chili peppers. Xinjiang Tianye (Group) Co., Ltd., the parent company of the institute, has already established 20 demonstration sites in 17 countries, with nearly 66,700 hectares of farmland now using the technology. The success story of Xinjiang cotton reflects China's broader push to elevate its agricultural value chain from traditional raw material to cutting-edge materials and globally competitive technological exports. (By Evelyn) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) USA News Group News Commentary Issued on behalf of Magma Silver Corp. VANCOUVER, BC, July 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- USA News Group News Commentary Silver has officially broken through 13-year highs, with prices surging past $36 per ounce a move some analysts are calling a generational technical breakout. Since January, the metal has climbed from $28.92, triggering a wave of activity as Americans rush to cash in on old coins and jewelry. But the real signal may be ahead, as long-term demand drivers in industrial and green tech sectors continue to build a case for silver miners. For investors looking to position early in this unfolding silver story, several miners have issued fresh updates, including from Magma Silver Corp. (TSXV: MGMA) (OTCQB: MAGMF), Silvercorp Metals Inc. (NYSE-American: SVM) (TSX: SVM), Vizsla Silver Corp. (NYSE-American: VZLA) (TSX: VZLA), Discovery Silver Corp. (TSX: DSV) (OTCQX: DSVSF), and MAG Silver Corp. (NYSE-American: MAG) (TSX: MAG). Silver Just Hit a 13-Year High and Forecasts Say It Could Triple Ninobamba silver-gold project in Peru Some analysts now believe silver's rally is just getting started, with bold targets ranging from US$100 to as high as US$130 per ounce. UBS sees $40 silver on the horizon, while AI-driven models are projecting a short-term range between $36 and $42. With momentum building, investors are shifting focus to silver miners particularly those reporting high-grade results and advancing aggressively in the field. Magma Silver Corp. (TSXV: MGMA) (OTCQB: MAGMF), recently hihglighted another important milestone at its Ninobamba silver-gold project in Peru. The company confirmed that all required property payments are up to date, with every claim in good standing through at least June 2026. With full control over the Ninobamba, Randypata, and Jormina zones, Magma Silver is advancing toward a planned diamond drilling campaign in Q4 2025. Surface access agreements are already in place for Randypata and Jormina, with negotiations ongoing for Ninobamba. Drilling permits are expected later this year. Ahead of drilling, Magma Silver is mobilizing Alpha IP geophysics, mapping, and surface sampling across the property. Early efforts are zeroing in on high-grade gold targets at Ninobamba North, where recent results have sparked renewed interest. What sets this project apart is its foundation. Magma isn't starting from zero it's building on more than US$10 million in historical exploration, including drilling, trenching, and metallurgical work carried out by names like Newmont, AngloGold, Rio Silver, and Bear Creek. Backed by a strong exploration legacy, the project saw over 65 holes drilled by Newmont at the Jormina zone alone enough to support an internal pre-feasibility study that pointed to potential for a mid-sized mine. Highlight results from that era include 72.3 meters of 1.19 g/t gold and 130 meters of 87 g/t silver. Yet despite these promising intercepts, the system hasn't seen modern targeting or 3D modeling until now. Located in Peru's prolific south-central silver belt, Magma Silver's Ninobamba project sits within a 4,100-hectare land package spanning a 6.5-kilometer mineralized corridor. The property includes three contiguous zones Ninobamba, Randypata, and Jormina all believed to be part of the same high-sulfidation system. For the first time, these zones are being explored as a unified, 100%-owned project under one operator. The company also stands out for its tight share structure and proven leadership. With fewer than 34 million shares outstanding, Magma Silver is strongly held, with insiders and management aligned through meaningful ownership. Its board includes capital markets and technical experts with a track record of advancing precious metals projects in Latin America. With permits underway, historic data in play, and groundwork accelerating across the field, Magma is entering a pivotal phase with momentum, experience, and scale already on its side. CONTINUED Read this and more news for Magma Silver at: https://usanewsgroup.com/2025/06/04/mining-giants-missed-the-big-prize-a-juniors-back-for-the-precious-metals/ In other industry developments and happenings in the market include: Silvercorp Metals Inc. (NYSE-American: SVM) (TSX: SVM) recently released an updated mineral resource estimate for its Condor Project in Ecuador, focusing on higher-grade underground deposits at Camp and Los Cuyes. The updated estimate includes 3.17 million tonnes of indicated resources containing 0.34 million ounces of gold, 2.0 million ounces of silver, and 49.4 million pounds of zinc, with additional 12.1 million tonnes of inferred resources hosting 1.38 million ounces of gold. Open-pit constrained resources were also reported at Soledad and Enma, contributing further indicated and inferred gold, silver, and zinc values. Silvercorp plans to launch a 3,500-metre drill program in May and publish an updated Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) by year-end. Vizsla Silver Corp. (NYSE-American: VZLA) (TSX: VZLA) continues to advance development of its Copala test mine at the 100%-owned Panuco project in Mexico, with the decline now extended approximately 125 metres under favorable ground conditions. "We're now testing underground at Panuco and executing the test mine development according to plan, at the historic Copala district," said Simon Cmrlec, COO of Vizsla Silver. "We are on track to complete the fully funded test mine program by year-end." The test mine is on track to produce a 10,000-tonne bulk sample by year-end, which will support backfill testing, mine design optimization, and grade reconciliation. Underground development is also enabling low-cost drilling to upgrade resources and test near-mine exploration targets. With infrastructure in place and strong local engagement, the company is steadily progressing toward a future construction decision. Discovery Silver Corp. (TSX: DSV) (OTCQX: DSVSF) has recently seen a high-profile shareholder action, as prominent investor Eric Sprott reduced his stake by approximately 2.4% through a public market sale. The transaction involved 19.2 million shares sold for total proceeds of over C$62 million, lowering his ownership to 12.8% on a non-diluted basis. Despite the sale, Sprott reaffirmed that his position is held for investment purposes and that he may buy or sell more shares in the future depending on market conditions. The move comes as the company continues advancing its flagship silver asset in Mexico toward development. MAG Silver Corp. (NYSE-American: MAG) (TSX: MAG) has published its fourth annual Sustainability Report, highlighting progress across safety, environmental stewardship, and stakeholder engagement. The company reported zero significant environmental incidents at its flagship Juanicipio silver mine in 2024, while maintaining a multi-year decline in injury rates and dedicating over 100,000 hours to safety training. T he report underscores Juanicipio's central role as a cornerstone silver-producing asset, operated in partnership with Fresnillo. As MAG advances its broader project pipeline, its commitment to ESG leadership is positioned as a driver of long-term value creation across its silver-focused portfolio. Article Source: https://usanewsgroup.com/2025/06/04/mining-giants-missed-the-big-prize-a-juniors-back-for-the-precious-metals/ CONTACT: USA NEWS GROUP [email protected] (604) 265-2873 DISCLAIMER: Nothing in this publication should be considered as personalized financial advice. We are not licensed under securities laws to address your particular financial situation. No communication by our employees to you should be deemed as personalized financial advice. Please consult a licensed financial advisor before making any investment decision. This is a paid advertisement and is neither an offer nor recommendation to buy or sell any security. We hold no investment licenses and are thus neither licensed nor qualified to provide investment advice. The content in this report or email is not provided to any individual with a view toward their individual circumstances. USA News Group is a wholly owned subsidiary of Market IQ Media Group, Inc. ("MIQ"). This content is being distributed for Baystreet.ca media Corp, who has been paid a fee for an advertising contract with Magma Silver Corp. MIQ has not been paid a fee for Magma Silver Corp. advertising or digital media, but the owner/operators of MIQ also co-own Baystreet.ca Media Corp. ("BAY") There may also be 3rd parties who may have shares of Magma Silver Corp. and may liquidate their shares which could have a negative effect on the price of the stock. This compensation constitutes a conflict of interest as to our ability to remain objective in our communication regarding the profiled company. Because of this conflict, individuals are strongly encouraged to not use this publication as the basis for any investment decision. The owner/operator of MIQ/BAY does not own any shares of Magma Silver Corp. but reserve the right to buy and sell and will buy and sell shares of Magma Silver Corp. at any time without any further notice commencing immediately and ongoing. We also expect further compensation as an ongoing digital media effort to increase visibility for the company, no further notice will be given, but let this disclaimer serve as notice that all material, including this article, which is disseminated by MIQ on behalf of BAY has been approved by Magma Silver Corp. Technical information relating to and published by Magma Silver Corp. has been reviewed and approved by Jeffrey Reeder, PGeo, a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Reeder is a Technical Advisor of Magma Silver Corp., and therefore is not independent of the Company; this is a paid advertisement, we currently do not own any shares of Magma Silver Corp. but will likely buy and sell shares of the company in the open market, or through private placements, and/or other investment vehicles. While all information is believed to be reliable, it is not guaranteed by us to be accurate. Individuals should assume that all information contained in our newsletter is not trustworthy unless verified by their own independent research. Also, because events and circumstances frequently do not occur as expected, there will likely be differences between the any predictions and actual results. Always consult a licensed investment professional before making any investment decision. Be extremely careful, investing in securities carries a high degree of risk; you may likely lose some or all of the investment. Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZUaU2MzAlPs Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2723767/USA_News_Group_Ninobamba_project.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2603685/5398557/USA_News_Group_Logo.jpg SOURCE USA News Group SAN ANTONIO, July 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- During the 2025 Texas State Optical Annual Meeting, held at the Grand Hyatt Riverwalk, the organization's shareholder doctors gathered to conduct official business, celebrate achievements, and shape the future of the network. Among the highlights of the Shareholder Meeting was the announcement of newly elected Board leadership and the appointment of a new Interim CEO and President. Cindy Huynh, newly appointed Interim CEO and President of TSO, Inc. TSO is pleased to welcome a dynamic mix of experience and fresh perspective to its Board of Directors. Dr. Brian Shandley and Dr. Victoria Perez were elected to serve their first three-year terms, bringing new energy and insight to the board. Dr. Samir Patel was re-elected to serve a consecutive term, continuing his steadfast commitment to the TSO Network. Additionally, Dr. James K. Kirchner was elected to serve as an outside director, succeeding Edward C. Buffington, whose third term concluded. Dr. Kirchner brings extensive knowledge of the optometric field and corporate governance to the role. In a significant leadership transition, the Board also named Cindy Huynh as Interim CEO and President of Texas State Optical, following the resignation of John D. Marvin, who faithfully led the organization for 25 years. Cindy has served as TSO's Director of Operations since 2014 and brings over three decades of experience in the optometric industry. Her deep understanding of the organization's operations and her strategic mindset make her well-equipped to lead TSO through this new chapter. "It's an honor to serve an organization I've been part of for over a decade," said Cindy Huynh. "I have great respect for our doctors, our history, and the TSO mission. I'm excited to work alongside our board and network to build on our strengths and continue delivering exceptional care to the countless communities we serve." John D. Marvin expressed his confidence and appreciation for the newly appointed Interim CEO and President, stating, "I've worked closely with Cindy for many years. Her operational expertise, dedication, and integrity will be instrumental in guiding TSO through this next phase." As the newly elected Board assumes its responsibilities, and under the leadership of Interim CEO Cindy Huynh, TSO remains firmly committed to its vision: to be Texans' first choice in eye care. With a renewed sense of purpose and unity, the organization looks forward to continuing its mission of empowering doctors, serving patients, and driving excellence across its network. Media Contact: Yanely Rehkopf Director of Marketing and Communications TSO, Inc. [email protected] SOURCE Texas State Optical As negotiations for a long-anticipated Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the United States enter their final stretch, India is making a last-minute, high-stakes push for full tariff elimination on its labour-intensive exports. According to Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI), without duty-free access for sectors like garments, footwear, carpets, and leather goods, the deal could become politically unsellable at home. India's insistence is rooted in a combination of economic strategy and domestic political considerations. These labour-intensive sectors--dominated by small and medium enterprises and providing critical employment across states like Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and West Bengal--contributed over USD 14.3 billion to India's exports to the U.S. in FY2025. Tariffs on these goods currently range between 8 per cent and 20 per cent, especially high for garments and footwear, putting Indian exporters at a steep disadvantage in the American market. While India has offered to reduce its Most Favoured Nation (MFN) duties on US goods as part of the deal, Washington appears unwilling to reciprocate. GTRI says the US is not ready to scrap either its high MFN tariffs or the country-specific duties that currently stand at 26 per cent, proposing instead a limited reduction to 10 per cent--still a significant surcharge that could negate any meaningful market access for Indian exporters. The imbalance has raised concerns in India that the FTA, if signed under the current terms, would disproportionately favour American exporters. Adding to the tension is the U.S. Congress's lack of fast-track trade authority, which limits Washington's ability to offer broad tariff concessions. India's broader export profile to the U.S. in FY2025 stood at USD 86.5 billion, up 11.6 per cent from the previous year. Of this, medium labour-intensity sectors--such as electronics, chemicals, automobiles, and jewellery--accounted for USD 44.6 billion. These exports face moderate U.S. tariffs of 2 per cent to 5 per cent, with some exceptions reaching 7 per cent. Meanwhile, low labour-intensity exports, such as pharmaceuticals and heavy machinery, totalling USD 17.3 billion, already benefit from minimal tariffs below 2 per cent and are not central to India's demand. India's position is that full tariff elimination is essential not only for equitable trade but also for social goals like employment generation, MSME empowerment, and increased economic participation by women. Indian negotiators caution that if Washington insists on retaining high tariffs while India cuts its own, the deal risks being perceived as "lopsided and politically untenable." (ANI) Maruti Suzuki reported a decline in its domestic passenger vehicle sales in June 2025; however, the company reported a 22 per cent increase in exports. According to company data, total domestic passenger vehicle sales fell to 1,18,906 units in June 2025 compared to 1,37,160 units in the same month last year. This marks a drop of 13.3 per cent year-on-year for June. The decline in sales was also visible in the first quarter of FY2025-26. From April to June 2025, Maruti Suzuki sold 3,93,572 passenger vehicles in the domestic market, compared to 4,19,114 units sold in the same period of FY2024-25. This represents about a 6.1 per cent decline in sales during the quarter. The sharpest fall was seen in the Mini and Compact car segments. Mini cars like Alto and S-Presso saw sales drop to 6,414 units in June 2025, down from 9,395 units a year ago. Compact cars such as Baleno, Celerio, Dzire, Ignis, Swift, and WagonR also saw a decline in sales to 54,177 units, down from 64,049 units in June 2024. Together, the Mini and Compact segments fell from 73,444 units to 60,591 units, indicating a weak demand in small car categories. Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) sales also saw a marginal drop, while export sales increased to 37,842 units in June 2025, up from 31,033 units a year ago. Overall, Maruti Suzuki's total domestic sales (including PV and LCV) stood at 1,21,339 units in June 2025, compared to 1,39,918 units in June 2024, showing a broader decline in local demand. Despite the dip in domestic sales, export performance showed growth, which helped the company limit the impact on total sales. The company exported 96,972 vehicles in April-June 2025 versus 70,560 vehicles in the same period in the previous year, a 22 per cent increase. On the other hand, Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) sold 60,924 units in June 2025, out of which 44,024 units were sold in India and 16,900 units were exported. In the first quarter of the financial year 2026 (April to June), Hyundai sold 1,80,399 units in total. This included 1,32,259 units in domestic sales and 48,140 units in exports. Hyundai also achieved a 13 per cent year-on-year growth in exports during Q1 of FY2026, increasing from 42,600 units last year to 48,140 units this year. Exports made up 26.7 per cent of Hyundai's total sales, showing the company's growing focus on international markets. SUVs played a big role in Hyundai's domestic sales, contributing 67.6 per cent of total sales in India during June 2025. Tarun Garg, Whole-time Director and Chief Operating Officer, HMIL said, "In the domestic market, the geopolitical situation continued to affect the market sentiment with domestic sales registering 44,024 units in June 2025." He added, "As we come closer to the beginning of production at the Talegaon plant, we remain cautiously optimistic about a gradual recovery of demand, supported by reduction in repo rates and improving liquidity on account of cut in CRR. We are closely watching the global geopolitical scenario and are committed to delivering value and innovation to our customers across both domestic and export markets." (ANI) VMPL New Delhi [India], July 2: The Nations' Plenary Health and Research Summit (NPHRS) Tokyo Home Country Meeting (Regional Meeting) 2025, held at Bharat Mandapam, marked a significant milestone in global health. The regional meeting witnessed the launch of India's first free Youth Mental Health Helpline and celebrated emerging changemakers through the Fellowship Honors Ceremony, recognizing future leaders in health and research. In a historic convergence of youth leadership, global health, and innovation, Dr. Suyash Litoriya and Dr. Umar Khan, both 22-year-old MBBS doctors, have etched their names in the annals of international healthcare diplomacy. As Founding President and Vice President respectively of the Indo-American (AMN) Health & Research Foundation, they led the Nations' Plenary Health and Research Summit (NPHRS) - Tokyo Home Country Meeting 2025 was held on June 29, 2025, at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, from 8:00 AM to 1:30 PM IST. From the small town of Tikamgarh, Madhya Pradesh, to the global stage of Times Square, New York City, where Dr. Suyash Litoriya was recently featured as the youngest MBBS student to lead an international health foundation -- this journey is an inspiration to the world. His counterpart, Dr. Umar Khan, a U.S. citizen, has also been celebrated for his cross-continental efforts in mental health and public health diplomacy. Their shared dream -- to create a platform that bridges science with soul, tradition with technology, and care with credibility -- led to the formation of the Indo-American (AMN) Health & Research Foundation. Their mantra? "From Brain to Beat." Event Highlights: 1) Launch of India's First FREE Youth Mental Health Helpline (Ages 12-30) The Mental Assistance Response Service (MARS) (+91 11 6931 0933) was launched -- a helpline by youth, for youth, led by trained professionals to ensure timely mental health support nationwide. 2) Fellowship Honors Conferred (Provisional) Participants were awarded prestigious recognitions across three categories: - F.I.A.H.S.H. - Health Service Honors - F.I.A.H.R.H. - Health Research Honors - F.I.A.H.O.H. - Health Outreach Honors Honorees included Seerat Kular (F.I.A.H.O.H), Deepika Balani (F.I.A.H.O.H, F.I.A.H.R.H, F.I.A.H.S.H), Sakshi Kumari (F.I.A.H.R.H), Kanika Handu (F.I.A.H.O.H), Jayesh Watane (F.I.A.H.O.H), Sagar Goyal (F.I.A.H.R.H) and several others committed to advancing community healthcare. 3) Anthem Unveiled The official bilingual anthem of the Indo-American Foundation -- "Together for a Healthier World" -- composed by Dr. Suyash Litoriya, was formally launched. 4) Professional health poster presentations were also showcased during the Regional Meeting by Gaurav Jayadev, Pratyush Karan, Fatima Nadeem, and others. Special Acknowledgments: The organization proudly recognized Ms. Seerat Kular and her parents, as well as Dr. Deepika Balani and her parents, for their contributions: -Dr. Sandeep Kular, Professor & HOD, Physiology, Adesh Institute of Medical Sciences & Research, Bathinda -Dr. Parminder Singh Kular, Professor, Orthopaedics, AIMSR Bathinda Esteemed Presiding Dignitaries: -Dr. (Prof.) Rajesh Gaur - Dean, People's College of Medical Sciences, Bhopal -Dr. Vikas L. B. Jadhav - PhD, GI Ultrasound, Dr. D.Y. Patil Medical College, Pune -Dr. Chirantan Bose - Head, Molecular & Precision Oncology, M|O|C Cancer Care, Mumbai -Dr. Bhupinder Kaur Anand - Vice Chancellor, Al-Falah University, Faridabad -Dr. (Prof.) Yashodhara Gaur - Head, Obstetrics & Gynecology, GRMC, Gwalior -Dr. Priya Singh Kushwah - Associate Professor, Surgery, LN Medical College, Bhopal The remarkable success of the NPHRS Tokyo Regional Meeting, New Delhi 2025 stands as a testament to what unwavering passion and a clear purpose can achieve. It is the inspiring journey of two young visionaries--Dr. Suyash Litoriya and Dr. Umar Khan--who dared to think beyond boundaries. Their dedication to global health, mental well-being, and youth empowerment has turned a dream into a movement, resonating across continents. As the world looks ahead to the Fellowship Honors Ceremony, scheduled for Wednesday, 10th September 2025, at the Tokyo International Forum, Japan, their mission continues--with renewed vigor--to build a healthier, united world, truly evolving from Brain to Beat. National Recognition: The success of the regional meeting was amplified by coverage across 299+ media outlets nationwide, including ANI, PTI, Business Standard, The Tribune, Lokmat Times, The Print, Dainik Bhaskar, and The Wire--highlighting the youth-led revolution in healthcare and mental well-being. Issued by: NPHRS Secretariat, Indo-American (AMN) Health and Research Foundation, India Office CIN: U88900MP2025NPL074566 GSTIN: 23AAICI0114L1ZW License No.: 163913 www.indo-american.org indiaoffice@indo-american.org +91 11 6931 0933 (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) Eighty per cent of India's most impactful nonprofits startups-- referred to as "nonprofit unicorns" -- have achieved large-scale success by partnering with the government, according to a report by accelerator for nonprofits Change Engine. Nonprofit unicorns are organizations that have created meaningful impact for at least one million people or 5 per cent of their target population. According to the report, 41 per cent of these nonprofits secured their first government partnership within a year of initial outreach. Even more notably, 42 per cent were able to break through via cold outreach -- reaching out directly to government officials with prepared materials and proposals. Varun Aggarwal, Co-founder of Change Engine said, "The government holds unparalleled power to scale interventions; a single policy reform, a new institution, or a significant budget allocation can move the needle non-incrementally on societal challenges. To become unicorns, nonprofits must proactively partner with the government to create population-level impact." The study selected 33 nonprofits from a pool of 100 based on the depth and breadth of their impact. More than half of these organizations (55 per cent) now operate in five or more states, either by improving government-run programs or by leveraging public infrastructure to deliver their own services. This wide reach demonstrates the government's role as a vital enabler for nonprofits aiming to create systemic change. Several nonprofits highlighted in the report provide powerful examples. The Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy supported Ministry of Finance by drafting reforms to improve India's bankruptcy code and continues to assist the Ministry of Corporate Affairs in implementing new laws. The SaveLife Foundation cut road crash fatalities by 58 per cent on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway and is now scaling its zero-fatality model to 100 highways with support from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. Rocket Learning, which focuses on early childhood education, has reached 150 districts across nine states, equipping over 150,000 Anganwadi workers with digital tools. Their students now perform in the top 30 per cent of average classrooms. "The message to nonprofit founders is clear. To build scale, they need to think EPIC: build on Evidence, create Public goods, and scale high impact Interventions for Change. And to scale direct intervention, nonprofits need to partner with the government, engage with communities, or unlock the power of markets," added co-founder Shubham Bansal. (ANI) New Delhi [India], July 2: The International Association of Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine (IASRM) proudly hosted the three-day international conference "Longevity Revolution 2025" in Delhi, under the visionary leadership of Dr. Prabhu Mishra, President of IASRM an Ace Stemcell & Regenerative Medicine Scientist, Medtech Entrepreneur, Co-Founder of Wellivo Longevity Centre and Dr. Lavanya, Secretary General of IASRM. Dr. Neharika Malhotra, Dr Rashmi Naik and Dr. Yukti Wadhawan served as the dynamic Organizer Chairs, orchestrating a seamless and enriching scientific gathering. Dr Kanika Bahl & Dr Mandika Chetry as joint secretaries were present for smooth conduction. The conference was inaugurated by the esteemed Chief Guest, Dr. Narendra Malhotra, a pioneering figure in Indian healthcare. The scientific proceedings were led by Scientific Chair Dr. Manjula Anagani and Co-Chair Dr Sowmya Dinesh ensuring an exceptional blend of academic excellence and clinical innovation. Key speakers from all over the world were present - Dr Neeraj Kohli from Harvard , Prof Vlad Tica , Dr Narendra Malhotra , Dr Martha Gabriela from Mexico , Dr Uchman from poland , Dr Gaurav from Romania, Dr Anajali Hooda , Dr Raj Brahmbhatt , Dr Manish Mahajan and many others. The confenrce also held a convocation of all IASRM fellows who were conferred with their fellowship in Stemcell & Regenerative Medicine and Fellowship in Cosmetic Gynaecology . Dr Prabhu mishra also awarded IASRM excellence awards during the event . "Longevity Revolution 2025" brought together: 200+ delegates 90+ globally renowned faculties and experts Groundbreaking discussions on Anti-Ageing, Regenerative, Aesthetic, and Functional Medicine This event marked a monumental step in the global movement toward enhanced vitality and longevity, featuring pioneering research, live demonstrations, and interactive sessions. IASRM continues to pave the path in uniting thought leaders from across the world in the mission to redefine ageing and revolutionize medicine for the future. IASRM also running various fellowship programs like fellowship in Stemcell & Regenerative Medicine, Fellowship in cosmetic gynaecology and Fellowship in Anti-ageing, Regenerative , Aesthetic & functional medicine to bring awareness to scientific and medical communities. (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) RBI Deputy Governor M Rajeshwar Rao has called for frequent data updates by Credit Information Companies (CICs), asserting that it will improve loan underwriting precision, among others. Addressing TransUnion CIBIL's Credit Conference in Mumbai on Tuesday, the RBI deputy governor outlined two critical enablers -- data freshness and data quality-- for the betterment of India's credit ecosystem. Currently, credit data is refreshed on a fortnightly basis. "We must aspire to more frequent updates," M Rajeshwar Rao said, as per the excerpts of his speech published by the RBI on its website today. "Real-time or near-real-time credit reporting will improve underwriting precision, enable timely reflection of borrower actions like loan closures or repayments and deliver a superior consumer experience," he added. Rao suggested that the shift will require investments in technology, process reengineering, and change management. "But the rewards - transparency, efficiency, and trust, far outweigh the costs," he supplemented. Elaborating on data quality, Rao said it is the bedrock of responsible lending, and added that the RBI has always emphasised the importance of accuracy in regulatory submissions. "It has been prescribed that CICs shall provide a data quality index score to the Credit Institutions (CIs) on a monthly basis to facilitate improvement in the quality of data submitted by CIs," he added. In his concluding remark, Rao further said India stands on the cusp of a transformative financial era where technology, policy, and innovation converge to democratise credit access. "Various initiatives, collaborative partnerships and sustained regulatory support are laying the foundation for a more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable economy. But at the heart of a sustainable credit landscape lies an empowered consumer, which is enabled when we have a financially aware and literate customer. While regulations mandate transparency and awareness, the responsibility needs to be fulfilled by all of us. Financial literacy cannot be achieved through a one-time campaign; it has to be a sustained commitment for all the institutions and entities involved," Rao added. "The setting up of Credit Information Companies was in one sense the starting point of this journey of financial inclusion and democratisation of credit. Even as the journey continues, the role of the CICs remains integral and important in realising the vision of Total Financial Inclusion," his speech concluded. The Reserve Bank had recognised the need for establishing a Credit Information Bureau for the collection of credit information from lending institutions and for the provision of such information to the financial system and had set up a Working Group in 1999 for the purpose. Credit Information Bureau (India) Ltd. (CIBIL) was thereafter incorporated in 2000, and over the years, three other Credit Information Companies (CICs) have also started their operations in India. Back in the day, lack of information and high cost of access to information hindered access to credit to a large segment of the populace. Apart from greater access to secured lending, the creditors gain confidence to underwrite unsecured loans, facilitated by access to credit information provided by the CICs as this reduces the information gap that existed earlier, the RBI deputy governor had stated as part of his speech. (ANI) Residents of Dharavi are waiting with bated breath as the Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP), along with the Government of Maharashtra, has begun releasing the Draft Annexure-II in phases. In the first such list published for Sector 6 (Meghwadi and Ganesh Nagar), over 75 per cent of tenement holders have qualified for new homes under the redevelopment scheme, according to data released by the DRP. The balance would get a qualified basis, additional checks and documents sought. Out of a total of 505 tenements, 31 tenements are yet to submit any documents, 137 cases are pending verification by BMC, which the DRP is pursuing, and the remaining 38 are amenity structures. Among the remaining 299 tenements, 229 have been found eligible for new homes under various criteria. The remaining 70 are in the process of submitting additional documents to validate their eligibility. DRP CEO SVR Srinivas assured that every resident will get a house either inside or outside Dharavi based on their eligibility status. "I would like to reiterate that the Dharavi redevelopment is the most inclusive project ever contemplated in SRA history, where every resident is going to get a house. Not just that, all commercial units, whether eligible or ineligible, will get spaces inside Dharavi itself," Srinivas said. He further explained that commercial units that are eligible will, in any case, get free in-situ spaces inside Dharavi. In fact, a proposal has been made to the government to accommodate ineligible commercial units as well, on a rental basis, inside Dharavi. "The 10 per cent commercial space reserved in every society can be given on a rental basis to ineligible commercial units so that they can sustain their livelihoods in Dharavi itself. We have already made this proposal," Srinivas said. As per the Annexure-II data, 170 ground-floor tenements, including residential, commercial and residential/commercial, have all met the eligibility criteria and are entitled to new homes either within or outside Dharavi. Of these, 157 tenements came into existence before January 1, 2000, and are entitled to 350 sq ft homes within Dharavi. The remaining 13 are considered Shashulk Eligible, meaning they are entitled to 300 sq ft homes outside Dharavi at a subsidised cost of Rs 2.5 lakh, having settled in Dharavi before Jan 1, 2011. In a significant step, the inclusion of upper-floor tenement holders, typically disqualified under all other slum rehabilitation schemes, is a true mark of the present government and DRP's promise for inclusivity. As per the data, 59 upper-floor tenements have qualified for new homes under the DRP's unique 'hire-purchase' scheme. These residents will receive 300 sq ft homes on rent for 12 years, after which they will become legal owners. They may also choose to buy the home outright at a government-decided rate at any time during the 12-year period. Typically, under other SRA schemes, those who settle in the ground floor after 2011 are excluded from redevelopment benefits, and all upper-floor residents face outright eviction. However, DRP has ensured that all such residents are also provided with new and modern homes outside Dharavi but within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). These colonies will be modern and will be maintained free of cost for 10 years. The DRP has invited tenement holders to submit their suggestions or objections regarding the Draft Annexure II. Submissions can be made to the DRP office or by email to dcca1drpsra@gmail.com. The deadline is July 5, 5.30 PM. (ANI) Actress Gillian Anderson was honoured with the CineMerit Award at the Munich International Film Festival, reported Deadline. Expressing her gratitude, she said, "I feel unbelievably honoured and I feel like I have been a little bit of a hole. I'm a bit of a hermit, so when these things happen, it feels like they are even more shocking because I feel like I have been going on, putting one foot in front of the other and doing my thing, and sometimes I forget that people pay attention." Anderson, who played the character of Dana Scully, shared whether the passage of time has changed how she felt about any of the characters she has played. "It does, I think, particularly for Scully, because it was such a whirlwind for me. It felt like too big of a responsibility to take ownership of at the time. Hearing firsthand from people the impact that she had on their lives, and also the impact on the STEM community and also on the gay and lesbian community... it's easier to celebrate something in retrospect. The demographic range that she has impacted, and continues to impact still, is real," said Gillian, reported Deadline. Anderson added, "There are a few things that I'm working on that feel like they have aspects of Scully. Not in terms of character necessarily, but in terms of her lineage, [which] is built within them. One's a film and one's a book and they make sense because of her. And so, she continues. She continues to impact my life." Anderson also spoke about 'The Salt Path', which is directed by Marianne Elliott from Rebecca Lenkiewicz's screenplay. It revolves around the story of a married couple who lose their home, find out the husband has a terminal illness, and decide to embark upon an epic coastal walk. The movie talks about homelessness, relationships, and how society cares for people in tough circumstances. Anderson said that nowadays she's focused on making projects that really count, reported Deadline. "When you do a project like this, that has so much to say that really moves an audience, and even potentially moves an audience to think differently, behave differently, be more compassionate, be more questioning about the state of the world, the state of our politics, the state of our governments, the state of our relationships... it makes me think differently about the things that I spend my time doing." In TV, she is known for her role as Hannibal Lecter's psychiatrist in the NBC series Hannibal from 2012 to 2015. In 2020, she portrayed Margaret Thatcher in The Crown, earning her an Emmy and a Golden Globe. Anderson is also an author and producer. She compiled the book 'Want: Sexual Fantasies by Anonymous', produced and starred in the television series The Fall, and narrated documentaries such as The Widowmaker, reported Deadline. The International Munich Film Festival runs until July 6. (ANI) The arrest stems from allegations Muneer made on social media, which Menon claimed were defamatory in nature. She was released on bail shortly after being taken into custody. The Kerala High Court had earlier dismissed her anticipatory bail plea. She is the first accused in the case, which was registered in 2024. She reportedly made repeated derogatory posts about him on social media. Minu Muneer also filed a complaint against actor and MLA M Mukesh, who represents the Kollam Assembly constituency and is a leader of the CPI(M). Meanwhile, the arrest marks a new development in a controversy that has roiled the Malayalam film industry in recent months. In a series of social media posts and subsequent interviews, Muneer had publicly accused several prominent industry figures of sexual misconduct and abuse during their professional collaborations. In August last year, Muneer named actors Mukesh, Jayasurya, Maniyanpilla Raju, and Idavela Babu, alleging both verbal and physical harassment. She also mentioned Advocate Chandrasekharan, production controller Noble, and an individual named Vichu. "I am writing to report a series of incidents of physical and verbal abuse I suffered at the hands of Mukesh, Maniyanpilla Raju, Idavela Babu, Jayasoorya, Advocate Chandrasekharan, production controller Noble and Vichu, in the Malayalam film industry," she wrote, claiming the incidents forced her to leave the Malayalam film industry and shift to Chennai. In a detailed account given to ANI, Muneer expanded on her allegations. "Once, as I was coming out from the toilet, Jayasurya hugged me from behind and even kissed me forcefully... After that, Idavela Babu expressed his interest in a sexual relationship with me," she said. She also accused actor-producer Maniyanpilla Raju of making inappropriate suggestions about her hotel stay during a film shoot, describing his behaviour as "unprofessional and unsettling." The incidents she referred to reportedly date back to 2013. The allegations surfaced in the wake of growing dissent within the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA), following unrelated controversies that led to the resignations of director Ranjith and actor Siddique from their posts in the organisation. (ANI) Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday flagged off the first batch of pilgrims for the Shri Amarnath Yatra, which begins today. Before the flag-off, LG Sinha offered prayers at the Yatri Niwas base camp in Jammu. As the pilgrims departed, chants of 'Har Har Mahadev' and 'Bam Bam Bhole' filled the air. Reacting to the start of the Amarnath Yatra, BJP leader Sat Sharma said, "Thousands of devotees have come here for Baba Amarnath Darshan. Just two months ago, a different environment was created, but today we can see how the devotees are raising Baba Bhole's slogans. The people have faith that they are in safe hands." A devotee named Shalu, who is part of the first batch, said she was happy with the arrangements and felt completely safe. "...We are delighted... We waited for it for an entire year. The arrangements are excellent, from food to accommodation. There is nothing to be scared of. The security is perfect," Shalu told ANI. Another devotee, Akanksha, said, "...We planned to be a part of the first batch. We were not scared because we knew that the security would be adequate... The arrangements are very good; food, accommodation, sanitation, and all facilities are very good..." Suman Ghosh, also among the first pilgrims, said, "...We pray that everybody gets the Darshan in peace. There is nothing to fear. The Indian Army and other security forces are here." The Amarnath Yatra is being conducted through the Baltal and Pahalgam routes. The Jammu-Srinagar Highway is a key route for the thousands of pilgrims heading to the shrine. Speaking on the arrangements, LG Manoj Sinha said, "...For the pilgrims, the J&K administration, the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board and the residents of J&K have performed their duties well. From 2022, the facilities for devotees coming for the Amarnath Yatra have been improved. Both routes leading to the cave used to be six feet wide, which are now 12 feet wide. There used to be darkness on the route; now, grid connectivity has been established." "Telecom connectivity has become completely prominent throughout the way. High-quality cameras have been installed for the Yatra LIVE feed. Yatra is monitored 24/7 from the Integrated Command and Control Centre in the Raj Bhawan and the Police Control Room... RFID-based tracking system has been established," he added. (ANI) Driving New Momentum in Imaging Industry through Integration and Collaboration SHANGHAI, July 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The VISION & IMAGE SHANGHAI 2025 will be held at the Shanghai New International Expo Center from July 17 to 19 (Thursday to Saturday), 2025. With the theme of "Imaging Innovation Integrated Collaboration", the exhibition attracts approximately 350 exhibitors and brands from 11 countries and regions including Mainland China, the United States, Russia, Japan, Germany, Spain, Italy, Vietnam, Malaysia, Ukraine, South Korea, and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, establishing itself as a professional exhibition with extensive influence in the imaging industry. Among them, the "PHOTO & IMAGING SHANGHAI 2025", co-hosted by the Council for the Promotion of International Trade Shanghai, Shanghai Photographers Association, and Shanghai International Exhibition Management Co.,Ltd, has been awarded the title of Shanghai Excellent Exhibition for two consecutive years, becoming an annual must-visit event for photographers! Full-chain Presentation from Imaging Capture to Post-production, with Brands Gathering to Meet Diverse Commercial Shooting Scenarios Relying on the era opportunity of "technological innovation and ecological renewal", the VISION & IMAGE SHANGHAI 2025 brings together its subsidiary exhibitions, including the "PHOTO & IMAGING SHANGHAI 2025", "Video Equipment & Technology Show 2025", "Shanghai International Photo Printing & Art Framing Expo 2025", and "Maternity & Children's Portrait Photography Fair 2025". It also collaborates with the "China Wedding Expo 2025" and the "2025 SHANGHAI BRIDAL FASHION SHOWROOM" to achieve multi-exhibition linkage and resource integration. The exhibition comprehensively displays new trends, products, and technologies covering "cameras, lenses & filters, photography accessories, film lighting, audio-video equipment, AI technology, digital software, online delivery, imaging output, imaging materials, post-production, framing & mounting, theme sample photos, photo albums & frames, background props, consulting & training, marketing services", etc. It caters to needs from the new tracks of "short videos + live streaming" and "short dramas + short films", and from wedding photography and children's photography to cultural tourism photography, destination weddings, dual-image wedding photography, and graduation season campus photography markets, promoting new forms of cross-border integration between "imaging+" and multiple fields such as commerce, culture, and tourism! The exhibition occupies Halls E1-E5, gathering domestic and international brand exhibitors, including Fujifilm, Canon, Nikon, Godox, Lishuai, Pgytech, Zhiyun, Meking, Yongnuo, Lexar, Meike, Moma, Neewer, Shimoda, TENBA, SYNCO, Boya, Saramonic, VSGO, NiceFoto, Exascend, Hikvision Storage, Kase, Epson, Fantac, Lucky, Pixel Cake, Baidu Netdisk, MeituYunxiu, DNP, Uni-colour, STARNETeVidec, Tuling, Wang Jun, Yonghe, Xinchangcheng, Alice, Huiyi, Shanwen, Dawang Jiahe, Yingke, Wang Bin, Baojing, Xuxin, 13th District Master Portrait, Su Zhen Sample Photos, Piya Imaging, KD Photography Props, Honggu Xiaoai, Yingzhihui & Yingsuyun, Shengyuhongyang, Sunan Film & TVKABABA, Weishiguang, etc., reshaping industrial advantages! Sustained Expansion of Photography Industry Market Scale, Demonstrating Vigorous Development Momentum According to relevant data statistics, in 2024, the global digital camera shipment volume reached 8.49 million units, an increase of 10%, among which the shipment volume of mirrorless cameras (also known as micro single cameras), which have dominated the market, was 5.61 million units, an increase of 16.1%. The camera shipment volume in the Chinese market reached 1.9481 million units, with sales reaching 229.923 billion yen (11.384 billion RMB), among which the sales volume of mirrorless cameras reached 1.6364 million units, a year-on-year increase of 36.4%, making China the world's largest mirrorless camera market. On social media, the wave of mirrorless and retro cameras has surged. Camera manufacturers such as Fujifilm, Canon, and Nikon have launched "flashback " campaigns, introducing new products that perfectly integrate analog film dials, lightweight bodies, and classic appearance designs, allowing users to start stylish street photography at any time with the camera in their pockets. The rigid demand for professional imaging in short video and Vlog content creation has contributed to the camera purchase boom. Therefore, imaging devices that combine movie-level professional high image quality with flexibility, compactness, and diverse video creative expression features have ushered in development opportunities. Whether for film short dramas, live streaming, Vlogs, or 3D VR videos, professional equipment can help create high-quality social network imaging content, enabling video creators to achieve creative freedom. In addition, the "silver economy" is also an important driver of camera consumption. Outdoor travel photography and learning photography not only enrich the retirement life of the elderly but also help them maintain active thinking. Overall, cameras have gradually become the "social currency" for young people and the "hobby" for middle-aged and elderly people to enrich their lives, with more and more people picking up cameras to express themselves and enrich their lives. Comprehensive Integration of AI into Commercial Imaging: Focusing on the Present and Embracing Changes AI has been fully integrated into the imaging chain. New products from Fujifilm, Canon, and Nikon respectively feature intelligent composition, enhanced scene and subject recognition, in-camera AI retouching, and even AI video functions. Computational photography's "AI super-resolution" and "deblurring" have become practical functions to improve image quality. Driven by the demand for personalized "filter ecology", imaging consumers have an increasingly strong demand for color styles. A series of rich cloud LUT libraries and AI-optimized calibrations meet the creative needs of different scenes and emotions, from ins style to the cyberpunk style, generating atmospheric masterpieces with one click. In recent years, innovative applications of AI enterprises such as Pixel Cake, MeituYunxiu, Baidu Netdisk, and Tuling in the commercial photography field have significantly improved retouching quality and efficiency, thereby saving labor costs and shortening the time cycle from shooting to delivery. Industry Leaders Gathering to Focus on the "New Force" of Campus Imaging in the Yangtze River Delta The VISION & IMAGE SHANGHAI 2025 gives full play to its resource advantages, focuses on the current imaging industry's "hot search keywords", and aims to promote imaging culture, connect market supply and demand, and boost commercial and consumer markets. In addition to displaying a rich and diverse product ecosystem, the exhibition will collaborate with partners to hold a series of activities for discussing industry trends, sharing creative experiences and insights. Preview of some concurrent conferences and activities: Imaging WeekShanghai: Yangtze River Delta University Youth Photography Joint Exhibition Imaging WeekShanghai: Youth Photography Live PK Competition during "Poetic Rhythm of Mountains and Rivers under the Cloud" Aerial Imaging Works Collection Activity "Future Vision, Created by Me" V-TECH Video Industry Conference and Campus Video Creation Collection Activity Cute childlike innocenceGraduation Season and Maternity, Infant & Children Portrait Photography Private Sharing Workshop Click TimeStudio Scene Blind Box Experience Station P&I Imaging Industry Lecture Commercial BreakthroughFull-chain Forum for Wedding Photography Industry The VISION & IMAGE SHANGHAI 2025 is fully prepared. We look forward to gathering with colleagues at home and abroad in Shanghai to participate in this imaging grand event! Currently, the reservation channel is open. Click the link to register immediately: http://yshz.cn/LdqqYP. We sincerely invite imaging industry purchasers and enthusiasts to gather at the Shanghai New International Expo Center. Exhibition Information VISION & IMAGE SHANGHAI 2025 Time: July 17-19, 2025 (Thursday-Saturday) Venue: Shanghai New International Expo Center (Halls E1-E5) Address: No. 2345 Longyang Road, Pudong New Area (Entrance Hall 1) Transportation: Huamu Road Station, Metro Line 7 Press Contact Shanghai International Exhibition Management Co., Ltd. Tel: (86) 21 6279 2828 SOURCE Shanghai International Exhibition Management Co., Ltd. West Bengal Irrigation Minister Manas Ranjan Bhunia has strongly condemned the alleged gangrape incident in Kasba, Kolkata. "Our party strongly condemns the Kasba incident. I, Manas Bhunia, also strongly condemn it," he said. Bhunia appreciated the police's prompt action in the case, saying that they had made immediate arrests. "The police have taken prompt action and made immediate arrests. Our Chief Minister does not tolerate such incidents," he added. The Minister also clarified his stance on previous comments that were reportedly linked to the incident. "I would like to clarify that my previous comments were not related to the Kasba incident. They have been misrepresented and linked to the unfortunate incident in an attempt to malign and defame me. I reiterate - I strongly condemn this incident." Bhunia said. In a video circulated on Facebook, Bhunia can be heard saying, "As soon as a small incident happens in Bengal, there is a lot of noise, they say 'look the everything is gone.. such a destruction.'... Yes, incidents happen, and they happen within families too. Husbands are killing their wives, and wives are taking the help of their lovers to kill their husbands when they go on vacation. These are the crises of the society." https://www.facebook.com/share/v/16hCEZvjCr/ Earlier in the day, the father of one of the accused in the alleged gangrape case at a law college in Kolkata has expressed faith in the judiciary, saying that the court will decide the further course of action."The matter is subjudice and investigation is underway. I have been saying from the beginning that I have faith in the judiciary. The court will decide the further course of action," the man told ANI on Tuesday. He added that he trusts the state government, police, and administration, and is confident that the truth will come out during the investigation. Responding to claims that his son had previously registered cases against him, the man said, "I trust the state government, police and the administration. People are saying there were cases already registered against my son, so why was he not arrested back then? I am sure the truth will come out..." On June 25, a female student was allegedly gangraped inside the South Calcutta Law College in Kasba area in the capital city of West Bengal. A four-member BJP fact-finding committee also visited Kolkata to assess the situation. The delegation includes former Union Ministers Satpal Singh and Meenakshi Lekhi, Lok Sabha MP Biplab Kumar Deb, and Rajya Sabha MP Manan Kumar Mishra. The main accused in the case, Manojit Mishra, has been taken into custody along with three others. The SIT continues to probe the matter. (ANI) During an encounter with the Delhi police, wanted and convicted robber, Lalit, got injured during the early hours of July 2, as per the statement by the Delhi Police. The Special Task Force (STF) of the South East District and the Sunlight Colony police station executed a joint operation where the accused was injured during an encounter with the police officials near the Sarai Kale Khan bus stand. The accused is involved in two dozen crimes and has been declared "fugitive" by the court in many other cases. Lalit is also a 14-year-old convict in a case filed in the Saket police station. The police officials recovered a sophisticated semi-automatic pistol and four live cartridges from his possession. "During a joint operation by South-East District STF and Sunlight Colony PS, an encounter ensued near Sarai Kale Khan bus stand with a wanted, convicted robber, Lalit. Lalit, involved in about two dozen crimes and declared a fugitive by the courts in many cases, got injured in the firing during the encounter. ACP Lajpat Nagar narrowly escaped in the encounter due to his bulletproof jacket. Lalit is also a 14-year convict in a case of the Saket PS. A sophisticated semi-automatic pistol and four live cartridges were also recovered from the criminal", Delhi police said in a statement. On June 29, two persons accused of robbery were injured in an encounter with Delhi Police inside Aastha Kunj Park, near Kalkaji Temple in the national capital, police said on Sunday. According to Delhi Police, the encounter took place at 5 am in the Aastha Kunj Park, where the two accused were shot in the leg. Police received information about the whereabouts of the accused, after which they surrounded them. The accused fired at Special Staff Inspector RS Dagar and a Head Constable, after which police fired in retaliation and caught the accused. (ANI) Congress leader Abhijeet Mukherjee on Tuesday denounced the alleged gang rape incident in Kolkata, describing it as a "heinious" and shameful act that reflects poorly on West Bengal's governance. Speaking to ANI, Mukherjee expressed dismay over the incident, stating, "This is very bad. Rape is a heinous crime and it should be controlled. But they are not able to control it. I heard some people have been caught. They are in custody, and a trial will follow." This reaction comes after a female student was allegedly gang raped inside the South Calcutta Law College in Kasba area in the capital city of West Bengal on June 25. Five days later, on June 30, the Kolkata Police said that the three main accused in the case were arrested in less than 12 hours. Mukherjee, a former Lok Sabha MP from West Bengal, voiced his personal anguish, saying, "A very bad thing is happening there, as a Bengali, my head hangs in shame. Bengal, which was once at the forefront in every field, is now falling behind." He also blamed the ruling party in West Bengal for poor governance and demanded stronger action. "The party running the government there has to take action and run a good government. This is their failure," he said. Meanwhile, the Alipore court on Tuesday sent three main accused in the gangrape case at a Kolkata law college to police custody till July 8. The Court also sent the security guard, the fourth accused, to custody till July 4. The accused, Monojit, Pramit, and Zaib, will remain in police custody until July 8, and the security guard, Pinaki, will be in custody until July 4. The father of one of the accused expressed faith in the judiciary, adding, "The matter is subjudice and investigation is underway. I have been saying from the beginning that I have faith in the judiciary. The court will decide the further course of action." He added that he trusts the state government, police, and administration, and is confident that the truth will come out during the investigation. (ANI) Union Minister of Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia slammed Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge while responding to his 'X' post, which targeted the Union Government for making "false claims" and "unfulfilled promises" about the Digital India mission. The Union Minister mentioned that India's era of "buffering" ended with the Congress regime, whereas the nation has shifted to 5G under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Jyotiraditya Scindia thanked Congress president Kharge for another opportunity to "enlighten" him and stated that every time the opposition has questioned the government, they have responded with "results". Scindia asserted that whenever the Congress government offered "dial-up" promises, the Union Government led by PM Narendra Modi delivered and built a "world-class" telecom network. "Bharat's era of 'buffering' ended with the Congress. Under the Prime Minister, the nation shifted to 5G. Thank you, Mallikarjun Kharge, for yet another opportunity to enlighten you. Each time you have questioned us in the past, we have responded with results. For years, while your party offered dial-up promises, we built and delivered a world class telecom network, UPI, Aadhaar, and BharatNet, on the ground, and at scale", Jyotiraditya Scindia said in his post on 'X'. The Union Government celebrated the tenth anniversary of its Digital India mission on Tuesday. On the occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a blog titled "A Decade of Digital India" on his official LinkedIn handle, celebrating 10 years of the Digital India mission. He described how India has transformed from limited internet access and digital services in 2014 to becoming a global leader in digital technology in 2024.PM Modi said that earlier, people doubted if Indians could use technology well. But the government trusted the people and used technology to bridge the gap between the rich and the poor. Today, digital tools have become part of everyday life for 140 crore Indians -- from learning and business to accessing government services. In 2014, India had about 25 crore internet connections. Now, it has over 97 crore. High-speed internet has even reached remote areas like Galwan and Siachen. The country's 5G rollout is one of the fastest in the world, with nearly 5 lakh base stations set up in just two years. PM Modi highlighted platforms like UPI, which now handles over 100 billion transactions yearly. Through Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT), Rs 44 lakh crore has been sent directly to people, saving nearly Rs 3.5 lakh crore by cutting out middlemen. He shared how platforms like ONDC and GeM are helping small businesses grow by connecting them with big markets. ONDC recently crossed 200 million transactions, and GeM has reached over Rs 1 lakh crore in sales in just 50 days. The SVAMITVA scheme has given more than 2.4 crore property cards and mapped over 6 lakh villages. India's digital tools, including Aadhaar, CoWIN, DigiLocker, and FASTag, are now being utilised and studied by other countries. CoWIN helped in managing the world's largest vaccination drive, issuing 220 crore certificates. India is now among the top 3 startup ecosystems in the world, with over 1.8 lakh startups. The country is also growing fast in artificial intelligence (AI). Through the India AI Mission, India is offering access to powerful AI tools at very low cost, making it a global hub for digital innovation. PM Modi said that the next 10 years will be even more transformative. India is moving from using digital tools to leading the world with them. He called on innovators and entrepreneurs to build technology that helps and unites people, and to make India a trusted global partner in the digital world. (ANI) Expressing his condolences for the victims of the Sigachi Pharma Factory explosion and Congress MP Mallu Ravi said that the "unfortunate" incident took place due to "chemical reaction" in the pharma factory. "It is a very unfortunate incident due to the chemical reaction in the pharma factory. CM has announced to give Rs 1 crore to each deceased family", Mallu Ravi told ANI. The Sigachi Pharma Factory explosion in Telangana's Sangareddy district claimed the lives of 34 people. According to officials, on Monday, over a dozen workers sustained injuries in an explosion at a chemical factory in Pasamailaram Phase 1 area of Telangana's Sangareddy district. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday expressed sorrow over the loss of lives in the explosion at the Sigachi Pharma chemical factory in Telangana's Sangareddy district. The Prime Minister also announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakhs for the next of kin of each deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund. Union Minister and Telangana BJP chief G Kishan Reddy offered full support to the State government in the relief operations following the blast at a chemical factory in Telangana's Sangareddy, which killed at least 34 people and injured many."NDRF, Police and other agencies are engaged in relief operations...Central financial assistance of Rs 2 lakhs each will be given to families of the deceased persons and Rs 50,000 to the injured," Kishan Reddy told reporters here. "The BJP never does politics on such issues. We will fully cooperate in relief activities...The state government should take all steps to prevent such accidents," Reddy said. Union Home Minister Amit Shah also expressed grief over the blast. "Saddened by the tragic accident in a chemical factory in Sangareddy, Telangana. The NDRF team rushed to the spot immediately and is continuing the rescue operation along with the local administration," Amit Shah said in a post on X. "My heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones. Praying for the swift recovery of those injured," Shah added. (ANI) Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha applauded the Jammu and Kashmir police and security forces for maintaining excellent security after he flagged off the first batch of pilgrims on Wednesday. The 45-day pilgrimage will commence on July 3. He also congratulated the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine for providing excellent facilities. "Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board has made excellent facilities for the Yatra. Jammu and Kashmir Police and security forces have also maintained tight security. Devotees from all over the country are here. The enthusiasm is very high. The devotees of Bholenath have neglected all the terror attacks and have reached in huge numbers", he told reporters. LG Sinha also added, "I am hopeful that this year's Yatra would be even better than the previous ones." Speaking on the arrangements, Sinha said, "...For the pilgrims, the J&K administration, the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board and the residents of J&K have performed their duties well. From 2022, the facilities for devotees have been improved. Both routes leading to the cave used to be six feet wide, but are now 12 feet wide. There used to be darkness on the route; now, grid connectivity has been established." "Telecom connectivity has become completely prominent throughout the way. High-quality cameras have been installed for the Yatra LIVE feed. Yatra is monitored 24/7 from the Integrated Command and Control Centre in the Raj Bhawan and the Police Control Room... RFID-based tracking system has been established," he added. Before the flag-off, LG Sinha offered prayers at the Yatri Niwas base camp in Jammu. As the pilgrims departed, chants of 'Har Har Mahadev' and 'Bam Bam Bhole' filled the air. BJP leader Sat Sharma told ANI, "Thousands of devotees have come here for Baba Amarnath Darshan. Just two months ago, a different environment was created, but today we can see how the devotees are raising Baba Bhole's slogans. The people have faith that they are in safe hands." A devotee named Shalu, who is part of the first batch, said she was happy with the arrangements and felt completely safe."...We are delighted... We waited for it for an entire year. The arrangements are excellent, from food to accommodation. There is nothing to be scared of. The security is perfect," Shalu told ANI. Another devotee, Akanksha, said, "...We planned to be a part of the first batch. We were not scared because we knew that the security would be adequate... The arrangements are very good; food, accommodation, sanitation, and all facilities are very good..." The Amarnath Yatra is being conducted through the Baltal and Pahalgam routes. The Jammu-Srinagar Highway is a key route for the thousands of pilgrims heading to the shrine. (ANI) A Zumba dance initiative was launched in schools on Wednesday as part of the curriculum to promote physical fitness and mental well-being among students. This program is part of the anti-drug campaign in schools in Kerala, aimed at helping students manage stress through physical activity. However, the initiative has faced criticism for allegedly encouraging inappropriate intermingling of boys and girls. Speaking to ANI, Roma Mansoor, a certified International Zumba Fitness instructor, said, "I am happy to say that the Kerala government has taken initiative to promote Zumba in schools. It is a great initiative because nowadays children are addicted to many things that ruin their mindset. Zumba can help them relax their mind...It will help the children to increase their confidence. As it is a calorie-burning workout, it is a good move for weight management also..." Earlier on June 28, Muslim groups in Kerala's Thiruvananthapuram raised strong objections after the state education department introduced Zumba dance in schools, stating that they can't accept girls and boys intermingling, dancing together, or wearing minimal clothing. The backlash began after TK Ashraf, a teacher and General Secretary of the Wisdom Islamic Organisation, posted on Facebook that he and his son would not participate in the programme. "Cannot accept this, and my son and I will not participate in this," Ashraf wrote in a brief but direct statement opposing the initiative. Following his statement, Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama leader Nassar Faizy Koodathai also criticised the sessions, calling them inappropriate and a violation of students' rights. The education department, on the other hand, defended its decision, saying the Zumba sessions were voluntary and were introduced under a statewide initiative to help students cope with academic pressure and discourage drug abuse. According to the official, the programme was designed to promote mental and physical well-being and was not mandatory for students. Meanwhile, Kerala Education Minister V Sivankutty strongly defended the inclusion of Zumba dance in schools, stating that raising objections to such activities would inject poison that is more deadly than drugs into society. Responding to the criticism, Minister Sivankutty said, "No one has asked children to wear minimal clothes. Children are wearing school uniforms and performing this." CPI(M) general secretary MA Baby also backed the Kerala Government's plan to introduce Zumba in schools and said the backlash is "absolutely untrue". (ANI) As Prime Minister Narendra Modi left for a five-nation visit and will start with Ghana on July 2, Congress MP Jairam Ramesh took a sharp jab at him, calling him the "Super Premium Frequent Flier PM" in a post on X. Ramesh had taken the same jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday, alleging that PM Modi is running away from national issues. He recalled that Ghana's iconic leader, Kwame Nkrumah, who led the country to independence in 1957, shared a personal and ideological friendship with Nehru that predated Ghana's freedom. "Till the mid-60s, Ghanaian and indeed African politics were dominated by Kwame Nkrumah, who is an iconic figure. He shared a very warm relationship with Jawaharlal Nehru, which long pre-dated Ghana's independence in March 1957," Ramesh wrote. Highlighting the legacy of this partnership, Ramesh pointed out that a prominent road in Ghana's capital, Accra--where India House is located--is named after Nehru, while in New Delhi, a road in the diplomatic enclave bears the name Kwame Nkrumah Marg. He further elaborated on Nkrumah's state visit to India from December 22, 1958, to January 8, 1959, which included stops in major cities such as New Delhi, Mumbai, Nangal, Chandigarh, Jhansi, Agra, Bengaluru, Mysuru, and Pune. "He spent five days in Bengaluru and Mysuru alone," Ramesh wrote, underlining the depth of that engagement. During this visit, Nkrumah toured several key national institutions such as the Trombay Atomic Energy Establishment, the National Physical Laboratory, the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, the Bhakra Nangal Dam, and the National Defence Academy. "One offshoot of this extended visit was Indian assistance for the establishment of the Ghanaian Air Force," Ramesh noted. The Congress leader also cited Nehru's foresight in inaugurating the Department of African Studies at Delhi University in 1955, even before the wave of decolonisation had swept the continent. He quoted Nehru's speech from the occasion, "It is so obviously necessary and desirable for people in India to study Africa, and not merely, as the Vice Chancellor said, because it is there...But you ignore the study of Africa at your peril....It is of the most urgent importance for us to understand Africa...and her problems and her people more particularly... When I think of Africa, many ideas come to me...I have a tremendous feeling of atonement of humanity...the way Africa and the people of Africa have been treated for hundreds of years, a kind of feeling that the rest of humanity would perform prayashchit for it." On Tuesday, sharing an X post, Jairam Ramesh wrote, "When the going gets tough, the self-styled toughs get going. The Super Premium Frequent Flier PM is off on a 5-nation, 8-day jaunt. He is running away from at least 4 issues that are agitating the nation." Listing the national issues, Ramesh targeted PM Modi over the ethnic violence in Manipur."1. Manipur, which he has not visited ever since the double engine in the state got derailed and ever since normal life in the state has been destroyed," he wrote on X. (ANI) Studies by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) have established that there is no direct link between COVID-19 vaccination and the reports of sudden deaths in the country. According to a press release by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the matter of sudden unexplained deaths has been investigated through several agencies in the country. These studies have conclusively established that there is no direct link between COVID-19 vaccination and the reports of sudden deaths in the country. Studies by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) affirm that COVID-19 vaccines in India are safe and effective, with extremely rare instances of serious side effects. Sudden cardiac deaths can result from a wide range of factors, including genetics, lifestyle, pre-existing conditions, and post-COVID complications. As per the release, the ICMR and NCDC have been working together to understand the causes behind sudden unexplained deaths, especially in young adults between the ages of 18 and 45 years. To explore this, two complementary studies were undertaken using different research approaches--one based on past data and another involving real-time investigation. The first study, conducted by ICMR's National Institute of Epidemiology (NIE), was titled "Factors associated with unexplained sudden deaths among adults aged 18-45 years in India - A multicentric matched case-control study." This study was carried out from May to August 2023 across 47 tertiary care hospitals in 19 states and Union Territories. It looked at individuals who appeared to be healthy but died suddenly between October 2021 and March 2023. The findings have conclusively shown that COVID-19 vaccination does not increase the risk of unexplained sudden death in young adults. The second study, titled "Establishing the cause in sudden unexplained deaths in young," is currently being conducted by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi with funding and in collaboration with ICMR. This is a prospective study aimed at determining the common causes of sudden deaths in young adults. Early analysis of data from the study indicates that heart attacks, or myocardial infarction (MI), continue to be the leading cause of sudden death in this age group. Importantly, no major changes in the pattern of causes have been observed when compared with previous years. In majority of the unexplained death cases, genetic mutations have been identified as a possible cause of these deaths. The final results will be shared once the study is complete, the press release said. Together, these two studies offer a more comprehensive understanding of sudden unexplained deaths in young adults in India. It has also been revealed that COVID-19 vaccination does not appear to increase the risk, whereas the role of underlying health issues, genetic predisposition and risky lifestyle choices does play a role in unexplained sudden deaths. Scientific experts have reiterated that statements linking COVID-19 vaccination to sudden deaths are false and misleading and are not supported by scientific consensus. Speculative claims without conclusive evidence risk undermining public confidence in vaccines, which have played a crucial role in saving millions of lives during the pandemic. Such unfounded reports and claims could strongly contribute to vaccine hesitancy in the country, thereby adversely impacting public health. The press release added that the Government of India remains committed to evidence-based public health research to protect the well-being of its citizens. (ANI) The Election Commission of India (ECI) has urged political parties to increase their appointment of Booth Level Agents (BLAs) for Bihar's ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process, emphasising that parties should act now rather than raise concerns later. According to ECI sources, the Special Intensive Revision in Bihar is proceeding smoothly as planned, strictly following orders issued on June 24, 2025. The Commission has dismissed any misinformation being circulated about the process. The massive exercise involves nearly one lakh trained Booth Level Officers (BLOs) and one lakh volunteers, coordinated by 243 Electoral Registration Officers, 38 District Election Officers, 9 Divisional Commissioners, and the Chief Electoral Officer of Bihar. While national and state political parties registered and recognised by the ECI have already engaged more than 1.5 lakh Booth Level Agents across polling stations, sources indicate there is still time for parties to appoint additional BLAs. "They should appoint more BLAs now rather than complaining later," ECI sources stated, highlighting the proactive approach parties should take in the democratic process. The Election Commission deferred a scheduled meeting with a multi-party delegation on Wednesday regarding the SIR process due to a lack of confirmation from participating political parties, according to sources. The meeting, initially scheduled by ECI for July 2 at 5 PM, was requested by the All India Congress Committee (AICC) via email on June 30. The AICC's legal counsel had sought an urgent appointment on behalf of multiple political parties, representing himself as counsel for the multi-party delegation. Following standard procedure, the Commission contacted relevant political parties to confirm their participation. However, as of July 1, no confirmation had been received from any of the parties, leading to the meeting's deferral. Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar emphasised that the main objective of the SIR initiative is to prevent any "illegible" voters while ensuring no eligible citizen is excluded from the voter list ahead of Bihar's state assembly polls. "As per the Representation of the People Act, you are entitled to vote only in the Assembly constituency where you are an ordinary resident," Kumar explained, citing an example that residents of Delhi who own property in Patna should be registered to vote in Delhi, not Patna. The SIR process aims to ensure comprehensive electoral rolls by including all eligible voters while excluding ineligible ones. More than one lakh volunteers have been deployed specifically to assist elderly citizens, sick individuals, persons with disabilities, and marginalised groups in completing their Enumeration Forms. Kumar reiterated that the objective is dual-focused: "to ensure that no eligible voter is left out, and at the same time, no ineligible voter is included in the Electoral Roll." (ANI) SHEBOYGAN, Wis., July 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Continuing a tradition of excellence, Weyauwega was recognized with first place honors in both the Salted and Unsalted Butter categories at the 2025 Wisconsin State Fair Dairy Products Contest. The resounding win at one of the industry's most respected competitions reflects the passion and pride that goes into every batch of butter crafted by the Weyauwega family. With Wisconsin roots stretching back over a century, Weyauwega has become known for craftsmanship, commitment to family values and honoring the state's tradition of dairy production. Using locally sourced milk from family-owned dairy farms, the Knaus family continues to serve 'Wisconsin's Finest' to retailers and restaurants across Wisconsin and beyond. "This is a huge win for our entire Weyauwega family. Winning first place for salted and unsalted butter in a prestigious competition like the Wisconsin State Fair is something we're incredibly proud of," said Steve Knaus. "These awards are a testament to the more than four generations of craftsmanship behind our name and the incredible team that brings that legacy to life every day." Each entry in the Dairy Products Contest was evaluated by a panel of expert judges for flavor, texture, color, and overall quality. In a well-respected industry competition with over 500 entries across all dairy categories, Weyauwega's sweep of the butter category places them firmly at the top of their class. Weyauwega's award-winning butters will be featured at the Blue Ribbon Dairy Products Auction, taking place on August 7, 2025, during the Wisconsin State Fair at Saz's Hospitality Village. The auction supports scholarships for students pursuing careers in the dairy industry and funds consumer dairy education throughout the state. Find Weyauwega's award-winning butter at your local Woodman's and select Piggly Wiggly stores. About Weyauwega Cheese The Knaus Family has spent over a century crafting quality dairy products with family pride. Now in the fourth generation, the company continues to produce premium dairy products in six state-of-the-art facilities across Wisconsin. Weyauwega specializes in providing retailers, distributors and restaurants with 'Wisconsin's Finest' dairy products. SOURCE Weyauwega Cheese Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) National Spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla on Wednesday sharply criticised Congress leader Ajoy Kumar for referring to Sikkim as a foreign nation. Poonawalla alleged that the Congress advocates for "tukde-tukde" (division) of India. Poonawalla described Kumar's remarks as an insult to Sikkim and the entire Northeast region. He accused Congress of longstanding hostility toward the Northeast. "Today, the statement made by Ajoy Kumar that Sikkim is not an integral part of India and is, in fact, a neighbouring nation, shows how he has insulted not just Sikkim but the entire northeast. Congress has always been against the Northeast. We have seen they have bombed one of the states in the Northeast. They have said bye-bye to Assam in the 1960s," Poonawalla told ANI. Taking a jibe at Congress, the BJP spokesperson said that they follow the 'footsteps of Jinnah.' "Congress is following the footsteps of Jinnah. It is a 'Jinnahwadi' party. Just like Jinnah wanted that there should be an Islamic state and division of India, the Congress party advocates for a Sharia Islamic state in some parts, and it wants the 'tukde tukde' of Bharat," Shehzad Poonawalla said. The row began when addressing a press conference on Tuesday, Ajoy Kumar named Sikkim as one of the 'neighbouring nations' alongside Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka, with whom India's relations have been spoiled. Meanwhile, Kumar shared an X post and apologised for his statement, calling it a slip of the tongue. Ajoy Kumar wrote, "Yesterday in my press conference on 'SAIL 400 crore scam', when I was speaking on the deteriorating relations with our neighbouring countries, I accidentally took name of a state. For which I sincerely apologise as it was just a slip of tongue." Further, he targeted the BJP and asked them to hold a press conference on the "atrocities" in 'Amrit Kaal' rather than his "human error". "I heard from a journalist friend that @BJP4India is planning to organise a press conference on this small human error. I want to ask BJP; 1. Why don't they do a press conference on the atrocities happening in this 'AmritKaal'? I did speak about it too yesterday at my Press Conference," the X post read. He questioned the BJP over the alleged SAIL scam of Rs 400 crore. "2. Why don't they do a press conference on SAIL's Rs 400 crore scam? I did speak about it too yesterday at my Press Conference. 3. Why don't they do a press conference on what is the relation between Ekta Aggarwal, the promoter of VIPPL company, which was the main cause of SAIL's loss of Rs 400 crore, with BJP? I did speak about it too yesterday at my Press Conference," Kumar added. "4. Why don't they do a press conference on the BJP MLA who beat up a passenger in the Vande Bharat train and the BJP MLA who slapped the SDM? I did speak about it too yesterday at my Press Conference. BJP will never do a press conference on the major issues the country is going through, but instead looks out for small mistakes of the opposition leaders," the X post read. (ANI) As the annual pilgrimage to the Amarnath Temple, is set to begin on July 3, 2025, security in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir is on high alert, especially along National Highway 44 (NH-44). Jammu and Kashmir LG Manoj Sinha flagged off the first batch of pilgrims for the Shri Amarnath Yatra from Jammu, amidst multi-tier security. J&K LG Manoj Sinha said, "Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board has made excellent facilities for the Yatra. Jammu and Kashmir Police and security forces have also maintained tight security. Devotees from all over the country are here. The enthusiasm is very high. The devotees of Bholenath have neglected all the terror attacks and have reached in huge numbers. I am hopeful that this year's Yatra would be even better than the previous ones..." Ramban MLA Arjun Singh Raju said, "The Ramban Administration has made such excellent arrangements for the Shri Amarnath Yatra... This Yatra is a befitting reply to the terrorist attack in Pahalgam...". Dy Commissioner Saloni Rai said, " As per past practices, when the Yatra reaches Udhampur, we welcome them in Kali Mata Temple... We also organise a cultural programme for them here... Security has been streamlined to provide a comfortable experience to passengers." Devyani Rana, J&K Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha, said, "We are fortunate to have the opportunity to flag off the batch of pilgrims for Amarnath Yatra. We are always ready to serve pilgrims participating in the Yatra. Jammu and Kashmir is ready for the Yatra and I assure all the pilgrims that we will do everything possible to make their Yatra successful..." Security in the whole Jammu region has been massively heightened for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra, following the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack. Over 50,000 personnel, including those from the CRPF, Army, and Police, have been deployed, along with continuous monitoring through CCTV, drones, jammers, and facial recognition technology, along the route. JK LG Manoj Sinha flags off first batch of Amarnath Yatra PilgrimsProper arrangements have been made for medical teams, air ambulances, and emergency evacuation plans to ensure maximum safety during the pilgrimage. This year's Yatra is scheduled from July 3, 2025, to August 9, 2025. (ANI) Congress MLA BR Patil on Wednesday issued a clarification over his "luck lottery" remarks about Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and stated that the latter was elevated to the top post based on his "mass leadership". The clarification came amid speculation of a power tussle in the Karnataka unit of the Congress after the party formed the government in the State in 2023. Siddaramiah is the current Chief Minister, and DK Shivakumar is the Deputy Chief Minister. In a self-recorded video message, Patil said, "Electronic media and social media are twisting my statements and trying to tarnish my image. When I was speaking to one of my close friends in Krishnaraja Pete, Siddaramaiah's name came up, and I said he was lucky that he became the Chief Minister. I did not say that I introduced him (Siddaramaiah) to Sonia Gandhi. I was with him when we met Sonia Gandhi. He is a mass leader, and I'm not powerful enough to make him the Chief Minister". "Some are trying to break our close relationship intentionally. Nine of our MLAs in the leadership of Siddaramaiah joined the Congress from JD(S), Congress also made him the Chief Minister by looking at his mass leadership..." Speaking to reporters in Manday a day earlier, Patil said that he was among the eight legislators who had switched over to Congress from JDS: "Some are ministers. Siddaramaiah became the Chief Minister after winning the lucky lottery". Reacting to the three-day visit of Randeep Surjewala, AICC General Secretary in-charge of Karnataka, he said, "Surjewala had come because of the discord in the state. He had called me to know what the pain of the MLAs was. I spoke for 45 minutes. I have provided all the details and taken all the necessary notes. They have considered it seriously, and what action they will take next is up to them". He also said that the Party high command will take the call for the change of guard in Karnataka. "The change of CM is up to the high command. I don't know if DK Shivakumar will become CM. Surjewala has not spoken about the issue of leadership. There are some issues with Siddaramaiah. There are issues with giving grants. We have also informed the high command. We need a godfather in politics". Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Tuesday clarified that the dicussions held during the recently concluded meeting of Congress General Secretary Randeep Surjewala with party MLAs were not about cabinet reshuffle, but instead it was concerned with organisational aspects of the party. "AICC general secretaries are meeting to discuss party organisation issues and accept requests from MLAs, but there is no discussion about changing the CM or expanding the cabinet," Shivakumar, who is also the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president, said (ANI) The Amarnath Yatra will officially commence on July 3, and the first batch of pilgrims reached the Udhampur's first base camp, Kali Mata Temple, on Wednesday. The pilgrims were warmly welcomed by Nalini Prabhat, Chairman, District Development Council, Udhampur, Lal Chand, elected representatives, DIG Udhampur Reasi Range, Sarah Rizvi, Deputy Commissioner, Saloni Rai, SSP Amod Ashok Nagpure, and other officers of the District Administration and Jammu and Kashmir Police, and prominent citizens of the District. Speaking to ANI, Deputy Commissioner Saloni Rai said, "As per past practices, when the Yatra reaches Udhampur, we welcome them in Kali Mata Temple. We also organise a cultural programme for them here." The enthusiastic participation of residents in welcoming the pilgrims reflects the region's deep-rooted tradition of hospitality. Local communities have historically played a crucial role in supporting the Amarnath Yatra, providing assistance and creating a conducive environment for the pilgrims' spiritual journey. Deputy Commissioner Saloni Rai said that extensive security measures have been put in place to guarantee the safety and smooth operation of the pilgrimage. "Proper arrangements of security have been done," she said, underlining the administration's efforts towards providing a peaceful and secure Yatra experience for all pilgrims. Raj, one of the devotees from Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh, came for the first time along with his friends and family and said, "I am very excited for the Yatra. I have full faith in the government that they have arranged good security and will not let anything happen." Kailash Singh from Madhya Pradesh, who also came to participate in the Yatra along with 60 to 65 other people, said, "I have no fear. There is military and security everywhere." The armed forces and the Jammu and Kashmir Police have joined hands to provide comprehensive security to the lakhs of pilgrims undertaking the challenging yet spiritually enriching journey to the holy cave shrine at an altitude of 3,888 meters in the Himalayas. (ANI) The Delhi High Court on Wednesday granted bail to Neelam Azad and Mahesh Kumawat in connection with the Parliament security breach case. The bail was sanctioned upon furnishing a personal bond of Rs 50,000 along with two sureties each. Their earlier bail pleas had been rejected by the trial court. The division bench, comprising Justice Subramonium Prasad and Justice Harish Vaidyanathan Shankar, imposed strict conditions as part of the bail order. The accused have been prohibited from holding press conferences, giving media interviews, or posting on social media about the incident. Additionally, the Court directed both individuals to report to the concerned police station every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 10:00 a.m. They have also been barred from leaving the National Capital Territory of Delhi. Delhi Police opposed the bail, asserting that substantial and compelling evidence exists against the accused. They cited credible documents and material suggesting the accused's involvement in activities punishable under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (UAPA). The prosecution argued that the case fails the "triple test" for bail eligibility--namely the risk of flight, the possibility of influencing witnesses, and potential tampering with evidence. Citing the accused as "powerful and influential," the police maintained that their release could hinder the ongoing investigation. The gravity of the offense and the severity of the potential punishment were also emphasized as critical considerations. Counsel representing the accused contested the prosecution's claims, arguing that no evidence indicates a threat to national economic security or sovereignty. They criticized the invocation of UAPA as an attempt to suppress dissent. The defense further alleged that the accused were physically assaulted within the Parliament complex, questioning the prosecution's narrative surrounding the events of the day. On June 7, 2024, the Delhi police filed a charge sheet spanning approximately 1,000 pages against six accused: Manoranjan D, Lalit Jha, Amol Dhanraj Shinde, Mahesh Kumawat, Sagar Sharma, and Neelam Azad. The charges stem from a security breach that occurred on December 13, 2023--coinciding with the anniversary of the 2001 Parliament attack. The accused are alleged to have unlawfully entered the Lok Sabha during a live session and deployed smoke canisters. Following a review, the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi granted prosecution sanction under Sections 16 and 18 of the UAPA. The Review Committee at Tis Hazari also examined the evidence and concluded that a prima facie case existed against all six individuals. Initially, an FIR was registered on December 14, 2023, under IPC Sections 186, 353, 452, 153, 34, and 120B, along with Sections 13, 16, and 18 of the UAPA, based on a complaint by a Lok Sabha security officer. The investigation was later transferred to the Counter Intelligence Unit of the Special Cell, New Delhi. (ANI) The Tamil Nadu government on Wednesday provided financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh, land ownership and a government job to the family of Ajith Kumar, a temporary temple security guard who allegedly died during police interrogation in Thirupuvanam, Sivaganga district. According to an official statement, the victim's family has been granted a house site patta (land ownership document), Rs 5 lakh in financial assistance, and a government job. As Ajith Kumar's younger brother, Naveen Kumar, has completed his ITI course, he has been appointed as a technician at the AAVIN, the state milk cooperative. Tamil Nadu Minister for Co-operation KK Periyakaruppan and District Collector K Porkodi visited and handed over the appointment order to Naveen Kumar, it added. Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Tuesday said that the state government will transfer the investigation of the alleged custodial death of Ajith Kumar in Sivaganga district to the Central Bureau of Investigation. CM Stalin said that the Tamil Nadu Government will provide full cooperation for the CBI probe. Informing about the decision, Chief Minister Stalin said, "Considering that five members of the police department have been accused in this matter, and to ensure that no doubts or suspicions arise regarding the investigation, I have ordered that the case be transferred to the CBI. The Tamil Nadu Government will provide full cooperation for the CBI probe." Chief Minister further called the actions of officers involved in this incident "unacceptable" and "unforgivable". "Let this serve as a stern warning. Such acts must never happen again, anywhere, at any time. The police force must always act in a manner that safeguards the trust of the public who approach them seeking solutions to their problems," CM Stalin said. Expressing grief over the incident, Stalin assured the family of Ajith Kumar that a fair, transparent, and unbiased investigation would be carried out into the matter. "Strict action would be taken against those responsible. Justice will be delivered to the family who has lost their beloved son and brother," he said. (ANI) Mumbai Police have arrested a female teacher under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act for allegedly coercing a minor male student into a sexual relationship, as per officials. The accused has been taken into custody, while another teacher, who allegedly assisted her, is currently absconding. A case has been registered in connection with the incident. Further investigation is underway. Earlier in Pune, on July 1, a minor girl travelling in a car along with her family was allegedly sexually assaulted by one of the two unidentified people on the Pune-Solapur highway near Bhigwan, a police official said. The incident that took place early Monday morning, when seven people from the Pune district were on their way towards Solapur. The assailants, armed with weapons, approached the car after the driver had stopped for a tea break. They also robbed one of the woman of her gold ornaments before fleeing from he spot, the police official said. The Pune rural police have launched an extensive manhunt for the suspects wanted for the armed robbery and sexual assault near Bhigwan, officials said. Ganesh Biradar, Additional Superintendent of Police, Pune Rural Police, Daund police station, "Seven people from three families from Pune district were travelling from Pune towards Solapur at around 4.15 am, the driver had stopped the vehicle by the roadside for a tea break. At that time, two unidentified men approached the car with sharp weapons, and they robbed one of the women of her gold ornaments. During this attack, one of the men dragged away the minor girl and sexually assaulted her." A case has been registered at the Daund police station of Pune rural police under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Section 64, 309(6), 351(2), 3(5) and Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) 4 and 6 and Arms Act Section 4, 25 for further investigations. Meanwhile, Pune rural police Superintendent of Police (SSP) Sandeep Singh Gill has constituted multiple teams, including officers of the local crime branch unit, to nab the accused. (ANI) Tensions escalated in Punjab on Wednesday as police detained several Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) supporters staging a protest against the arrest of senior party leader Bikram Singh Majithia. The protest took place near the Mohali court, where Majithia is scheduled to be produced following the completion of his Vigilance Bureau remand. As security was tightened around the court complex, SAD President Sukhbir Singh Badal claimed that he himself was stopped and detained by police while en route to a gurdwara in Mohali. The incident prompted strong criticism from the former Deputy Chief Minister of Punjab. "Kejriwal has taken over Punjab. The democratic rights of the people of Punjab have ended. He has come and sat here as a supreme leader to raise Rs 10,000 crore from Punjab. He has imposed emergency in the state," said Sukhbir Singh Badal, accusing former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal of running Punjab by proxy and suppressing opposition voices. Majithia, a former minister and influential leader within the SAD, was arrested by the Punjab Vigilance Bureau in connection with an alleged corruption case. Majithia was sent to seven days of police custody by a Mohali court on June 26 in connection with a money laundering case linked to drugs. He will be produced before the court again today. Speaking to ANI, the Public Prosecutor Advocate Ferry Sofat said, "Bikram Singh Majithia's income of Rs 540 crore remains undisclosed, and he could not mention any details about it..." He informed the court that there were large and unexplained cash deposits made by Saraya Industries, a company operated by Majithia's family since the 1950s. "When he became a minister in 2007, his company, Saraya Industries, operating since the 1950s under his grandfather and father, saw a sudden surge of 200% to 300% in cash deposits. This resulted in an unexplained difference of Rs 161 crore, not accounted for in any balance sheet, the Public Prosecutor said. He added, "During his second term as a minister in 2012-13, the company deposited Rs 1342 crore while the official records showed only Rs 1106 crore, leaving an unaccounted difference of Rs 236 crores. Loan received from a foreign country was either not returned, or a one-time settlement was done with a profitable company... Discrepancies of Rs 1.5 crore were found in personal assets, all totalling to Rs 540 crore. The court was also informed that Majithia had allegedly threatened the investigating officers during his arrest, and the incident was captured on video. "Therefore, the court granted 7 days of police remand... This is a fresh case of disproportionate assets that emerged during an SIT-led investigation," the Public Prosecutor added. (ANI) A case has been registered against Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader K Annamalai, Hindu Munnani state president Kadeswara Subramaniam, and several others for allegedly making political and communal remarks during the Murugan Devotees Conference held in Madurai on June 22, according to the officials. The event, organised by the Hindu Munnani, was conducted under strict conditions imposed by the city police and the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court. Authorities had laid down 52 guidelines, including a clear directive to avoid political or religious speeches that could disturb public peace. The court had also instructed that political statements must be strictly avoided during the conference. Despite the orders, political statements were allegedly made during the program, leading to controversy and public outrage. Following this, Vanchinathan, an advocate and executive of the Madurai Interfaith People's Federation, submitted a formal complaint to Police Commissioner Lokanathan, seeking legal action against those who violated the court's orders. An inquiry was conducted at the Anna Nagar Police Station, after which a First Information Report (FIR) was filed. The case named Annamalai, Kadeswara Subramaniam, Hindu Munnani functionary Selvakumar, and others as the accused. According to police, the FIR was registered under four sections of the Indian Penal Code, including charges of promoting enmity between different religious groups, making statements intended to outrage religious feelings, inciting communal disharmony and disturbing public peace. The complaint alleged that the speeches made during the conference violated the law and disrespected the court's directives, potentially disrupting communal harmony in the region. Officials said that the matter is currently under investigation, and further action will be taken. Meanwhile on June 14, Tamil Nadu Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) State Media Spokesperson ANS Prasad issued a scathing statement accusing Chief Minister MK Stalin and the ruling DMK government of politicising religion and placing covert obstacles in the way of the upcoming World Murugan Devotees' Conference, scheduled to be held in Madurai on June 22. In a sharp attack on the state government, Prasad said, "Chief Minister Stalin may take pride in declaring himself a non-devotee of Murugan to please the followers of E.V. Ramasamy (Periyar). But at the same time, the DMK government must stop covertly imposing obstacles on the upcoming Murugan Devotees' Conference in Madurai, which could give the public the impression that Stalin is an 'enemy of Tamil deity Murugan'." (ANI) Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari on Wednesday stated that control rooms have been established at every level across the state to ensure swift action in cases of waterlogging. Speaking to ANI, the Deputy CM stated that a letter was issued on Tuesday, making it mandatory to construct drainage systems alongside any new roads being built. The department is vigilant. We have set up control rooms at every level... We will take immediate action if any such situation arises. I released a letter just yesterday stating that it is mandatory to construct drains alongside any new road being constructed... The last government did not make good-quality roads. We will pay more attention to the quality rather than the quantity of roads," she said. Earlier, on June 27, parts of Rajasthan witnessed rainfall as the monsoon advanced into the state. According to Himanshu Sharma, a meteorologist from the Meteorological Centre in Jaipur, Suratgarh district recorded 70 mm of rainfall, whereas the state's capital recorded 113 mm of rainfall. "In the last 24 hours, monsoon has entered some more districts of Rajasthan. Due to which, monsoon rain has started in many places in Rajasthan. If we talk about the figures, then the maximum rainfall of 70 mm was recorded in Suratgarh of western Rajasthan yesterday", Himanshu Sharma told ANI. He further added that Sajjangarh in Banswara district of eastern Rajasthan witnessed a maximum of 130 mm rainfall. "If we talk about eastern Rajasthan, then the maximum rainfall of 130 mm was recorded in Sajjangarh, Banswara in eastern Rajasthan. Talking about the capital, 113 mm rainfall has been recorded in Bassi, Jaipur," he added. Meteorologist Sharma noted that monsoon activity will continue over Rajasthan for the next two days, with rain expected in Pali, Jalore, and Barmer districts. Thunder and lightning are likely in Ganganagar, Bikaner, and Jaisalmer. "Monsoon will remain in active stage for the next two days and the spell of rain will continue. There will be heavy rainfall in some places in western Rajasthan as well. Especially in Pali, Jalore and the areas of Jalore adjoining Barmer, rain will definitely be seen there, and yesterday thunder and lightning activities were going on in Ganganagar, Bikaner and Jaisalmer as well, and it will continue today and tomorrow as well. After this, there will be a slight decrease in the spell of rain and the spell of heavy rainfall in western Rajasthan will stop for a few days", he said. On June 25, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued a heavy rain alert for several parts of western, central, eastern, and southern India over the next few days. (ANI) Blog Archive: Jul 2025 (40) Jun 2025 (150) May 2025 (155) Apr 2025 (9) Mar 2025 (149) Feb 2025 (139) Jan 2025 (155) Dec 2024 (144) Nov 2024 (143) Oct 2024 (155) Sep 2024 (149) Aug 2024 (155) Jul 2024 (155) Jun 2024 (150) May 2024 (153) Apr 2024 (149) Mar 2024 (155) Feb 2024 (145) Jan 2024 (155) Dec 2023 (155) Nov 2023 (150) Oct 2023 (155) Sep 2023 (150) Aug 2023 (155) Jul 2023 (155) Jun 2023 (150) May 2023 (155) Apr 2023 (150) Mar 2023 (155) Feb 2023 (140) Jan 2023 (155) Dec 2022 (156) Nov 2022 (150) Oct 2022 (155) Sep 2022 (150) Aug 2022 (155) Jul 2022 (154) Jun 2022 (150) May 2022 (155) Apr 2022 (150) Mar 2022 (155) Feb 2022 (140) Jan 2022 (156) Dec 2021 (156) Nov 2021 (150) Oct 2021 (155) Sep 2021 (150) Aug 2021 (155) Jul 2021 (155) Jun 2021 (150) May 2021 (155) Apr 2021 (150) Mar 2021 (155) Feb 2021 (140) Jan 2021 (155) Dec 2020 (155) Nov 2020 (150) Oct 2020 (158) Sep 2020 (150) Aug 2020 (130) Jul 2020 (124) Jun 2020 (120) May 2020 (124) Apr 2020 (120) Mar 2020 (124) Feb 2020 (116) Jan 2020 (125) Dec 2019 (126) Nov 2019 (120) Oct 2019 (124) Sep 2019 (120) Aug 2019 (125) Jul 2019 (124) Jun 2019 (120) May 2019 (123) Apr 2019 (121) Mar 2019 (124) Feb 2019 (112) Jan 2019 (125) Dec 2018 (126) Nov 2018 (120) Oct 2018 (124) Sep 2018 (121) Aug 2018 (124) Jul 2018 (125) Jun 2018 (120) May 2018 (124) Apr 2018 (121) Mar 2018 (124) Feb 2018 (112) Jan 2018 (123) Dec 2017 (124) Nov 2017 (124) Oct 2017 (141) Sep 2017 (135) Aug 2017 (138) Jul 2017 (137) Jun 2017 (134) May 2017 (138) Apr 2017 (135) Mar 2017 (139) Feb 2017 (129) Jan 2017 (143) Dec 2016 (135) Nov 2016 (138) Oct 2016 (142) Sep 2016 (128) Aug 2016 (133) Jul 2016 (136) Jun 2016 (138) May 2016 (164) Apr 2016 (311) Mar 2016 (348) Feb 2016 (320) Jan 2016 (348) Dec 2015 (314) Nov 2015 (338) Oct 2015 (363) Sep 2015 (358) Aug 2015 (399) Jul 2015 (374) Jun 2015 (331) May 2015 (337) Apr 2015 (319) Mar 2015 (320) Feb 2015 (271) Jan 2015 (286) Dec 2014 (254) Nov 2014 (238) Oct 2014 (287) Sep 2014 (267) Aug 2014 (259) Jul 2014 (260) Jun 2014 (238) May 2014 (241) Apr 2014 (228) Mar 2014 (240) Feb 2014 (217) Jan 2014 (263) Dec 2013 (226) Nov 2013 (254) Oct 2013 (256) Sep 2013 (252) Aug 2013 (263) Jul 2013 (261) Jun 2013 (251) May 2013 (250) Apr 2013 (221) Mar 2013 (193) Feb 2013 (164) Jan 2013 (157) Dec 2012 (155) Nov 2012 (240) Oct 2012 (526) Sep 2012 (411) Aug 2012 (394) Jul 2012 (284) Jun 2012 (229) May 2012 (213) Apr 2012 (213) Mar 2012 (253) Feb 2012 (269) Jan 2012 (298) Dec 2011 (273) Nov 2011 (219) Oct 2011 (204) Sep 2011 (201) Aug 2011 (236) Jul 2011 (217) Jun 2011 (211) May 2011 (206) Apr 2011 (215) Mar 2011 (215) Feb 2011 (186) Jan 2011 (215) Dec 2010 (107) Nov 2010 (98) Oct 2010 (55) Kerala BJP President Rajeev Chandrasekhar has intensified his attack on the Congress party, accusing it of being "remote-controlled" by Jamaat-e-Islami, an organisation he claims promotes anti-secular ideologies. Speaking in Delhi, he claimed that Jamaat-e-Islami is now influencing Congress's political strategy in Kerala, and Congress is being remotely controlled for electoral gains. "Jamaat-e-Islami believes in anti-secularism. This is the party with whose help the Congress has been forced to take in Kerala to win elections. The people of India should know where the politics of the Congress has gone. Congress has become a party which is completely remote-controlled by Jamaat," he said. He also warned that the Congress is now in an "unhealthy political relationship" with the Jamaat. "All these years, the BJP has been alerting the people of India that Congress and the INDI alliance parties have unhealthy political relationships with Jamaat-e-Islami, PFI, etc. But earlier, we had no proof. But now, Congress was forced by Jamaat-e-Islami to admit that they were taking support from them," Chandrasekhar said. Chandrasekhar said, "All these years, BJP has been alerting the people of India that Congress and INDI alliance parties have unhealthy political relationships with Jamaat-e-Islami, PFI, etc. But earlier, we had no proof. But now, Congress was forced by Jamaat-e-Islami to admit that they were taking support from them. Jamaat-e-Islami believes in anti-secularism. This is the party with whose help the Congress has been forced to take in Kerala to win elections. The people of India should know where the politics of the Congress has gone. Congress has become a party which is completely remote-controlled by the Jamaat." Kerala BJP President Rajeev Chandrasekhar further said, "You see Tejashwi Yadav in Bihar, they don't say a word about development, or address people's problems. They go to just one society and make a fool out of that community. There is no room for Sharia law and an Islamic state here. This doesn't prevent the INDIA alliance members like SP, Tejashwi Yadav's RJD, from making a fool of this community by fear mongering or promising what will never happen." Chandrasekhar extended his criticism to other members of the opposition INDIA bloc, accusing them of abandoning governance and focusing instead on community-specific politics. The Kerala BJP Chief also targeted other INDIA alliance members, including the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and Samajwadi Party (SP), accusing them of exploiting communities through fear-mongering. "You see, Tejashwi Yadav in Bihar, they don't say a word about development, or address people's problems. They go to just one society and make a fool out of that community. There is no room for Sharia law and an Islamic state here. This doesn't prevent the INDIA alliance members like SP, Tejashwi Yadav's RJD, from making a fool of this community by fear mongering or promising what will never happen," he said. (ANI) The Supreme Court on Wednesday briefly heard a plea mentioned before it, regarding the dispute over party symbol within the two separate factions of the Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Shiv Sena. The counsel appearing on behalf of Shiv Sena (UBT) informed the Court that elections are soon to be notified in the State. Thus, the party sought directions from the Court to make interim arrangements regarding the party symbol dispute before the elections are notified. After reviewing the submissions, a bench comprising Justices M.M. Sundresh and K. Vinod Chandran listed the matter for hearing on July 14. Shiv Sena (UBT) had moved the top court against the decision of the election commission to grant the Eknath Shinde group the official 'bow and arrow' party symbol. They had requested that the Court urgently hear and decide the dispute before the elections in the State are notified. However, the Court questioned the counsel as to what is the urgency in the matter. The counsel representing Shiv Sena (UBT) stated the matter had been pending before the top court for two years, and once the election is notified, party symbols can't change. "Once the election is notified, symbols can't change", Shiv Sena (UBT) stated. "If it's pending for two years, then it's our problem", the bench remarked while demurring on the submission that there is any urgency in the matter. It thus listed the matter to be heard on July 14. During another hearing in the matter on May 7, the top court had asked the Shiv Sena (UBT) faction to focus on the upcoming Maharashtra local body elections, while refusing to hear the matter urgently. "Let the elections be held smoothly. You concentrate on that. In local bodies, mostly voters don't support a symbol," Justice Kant had told Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, who had appeared for Shiv Sena (UBT). (ANI) Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Wednesday said he will fully support the Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and the party high command's decision amid mounting speculations of a possible change in state leadership. Speaking to the mediapersons, Shivakumar said, "What option do I have? I have to stand by him and support him. I don't have any objection to it, whatever the party high command says and whatever they decide, it will be fulfilled." "I don't want to discuss anything now. Lakhs of workers are supporting this party," he further added. Meanwhile, Congress MLA BR Patil today issued a clarification over his "luck lottery" remarks about Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and stated that the latter was elevated to the top post based on his "mass leadership". The clarification came amid speculation of a power tussle in the Karnataka unit of the Congress after the party formed the government in the State in 2023. Siddaramiah is the current Chief Minister, and DK Shivakumar is the Deputy Chief Minister. Earlier, CM Siddaramiah, when asked if he would remain the Chief Minister for five years, told reporters "Yes, I will, why do you have doubts?" he said. "Are BJP leaders Ashoka, Vijayendra, our high command?. Vijayendra, Ashoka are BJP men, Narayanswami is also a BJP leader. Write what I said," he reiterated. A day earlier, Shivakumar clarified that the discussions held during the recently concluded meeting of Congress General Secretary Randeep Surjewala with party MLAs were not about a cabinet reshuffle, but instead it was concerned with organisational aspects of the party. "AICC general secretaries are meeting to discuss party organisation issues and accept requests from MLAs, but there is no discussion about changing the CM or expanding the cabinet," Shivakumar, who is also the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president, said. While responding to media queries at the KPCC office, Shivakumar said that the meeting was held in the context of the organisation of the party since its chief, Mallikarjun Kharge, has declared this year as the year of organisation. He said that Congress was concerned with giving responsibility to district and block presidents to keep organised. (ANI) A day after a First Information Report (FIR) was filed against Himachal Pradesh's Panchayati Raj and Rural Development Minister Anirudh Singh for allegedly assaulting an NHAI official, the minister on Tuesday categorically denied the charges, saying he would fully cooperate with the investigation and face the law. He also accused the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) of carrying out "unscientific and dangerous" construction work across the state, leading to massive damage to lives and property. While addressing the media in Shimla on Wednesday, Singh said he would seek an appointment with Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari to raise these serious concerns, and demanded a high-level investigation into the working of NHAI and the companies involved in highway expansion in the hill state. "I will fully cooperate with the inquiry. I believe in the rule of law. But let me also ask who will investigate NHAI's negligence? Who will answer for the loss of lives due to their reckless and unscientific methods?", the Himachal Minister said while addressing the media. The police had registered a case at Dhalli police station against Singh under sections 132, 121(1), 352, 126(2), and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) based on a complaint filed by Achal Jindal, Manager (Technical) at NHAI. The complaint alleges that Singh verbally abused and physically assaulted Jindal during a site visit to Bhattakufer in Shimla district, following the collapse of a five-storey building. According to the FIR, Singh allegedly hit Jindal with a water container inside a house, injuring his head. A second NHAI engineer, Yogesh, was also allegedly assaulted when he tried to intervene. "First Information Report does not mean I am guilty. Let the police do their investigation. Were there any eyewitnesses? Any photographs? These are deliberate attempts to cover up the bigger issue", Anirudh Singh said. The minister has come up with counter-allegations against NHAI. Calling the charges against him a "conspiracy," Singh alleged that the real issue was being buried: the collapse of buildings due to hazardous cutting practices by NHAI and its contractors. "From Kalka to Shimla, massive slope cuttings up to 125 feet deep are being done. Retaining walls are only 8 to 10 feet high. What kind of engineering is this?. Landslides are happening, people are dying, but NHAI officials are turning a blind eye. There's a nexus between the contractors, central agencies, and some bureaucrats," he added. Singh said 700 to 800 complaints have been registered against NHAI's construction practices in Shimla alone, yet no serious action has been taken. He also questioned how much additional funding was given to NHAI for slope protection and road safety measures, and demanded a forensic-level investigation into the design and safety protocols of highway projects in Himachal. "This is not just about compensation. Can you compensate someone who lost their entire home and life's savings with money?. There must be a national policy on road building in hilly regions. We are not against development. But it must not come at the cost of human lives", he said. The controversy erupted after a five-storey building in Bhattakufer collapsed on June 30, damaging property and raising alarm over nearby construction activities. The building owner, Ranjana Verma, has lodged a separate complaint alleging that the road cutting work by NHAI and Gawar Construction Company caused deep cracks in her structure, which collapsed without warning. The police have registered a case under Sections 125 (negligence endangering life) and 324(4) (mischief causing property damage) of BNS against NHAI and the construction firm. "The four-lane work is going on right beneath my house. Cracks appeared all around due to deep cuts. On June 30, the entire building came down," Verma stated in her complaint. Following her complaint, police have also confirmed that six more houses in the area have developed structural cracks. The incident has triggered a broader political and institutional backlash. The Central Engineering Services Officers' Association has written to Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, seeking protection for its officers and action against the alleged assault. Meanwhile, Himachal Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh, who also visited the collapse site on Tuesday, demanded a high-powered committee to monitor all four-lane construction work in the state. "Cutting is being done at 90 degrees--this is unacceptable in a hill state. I will personally raise this issue with Nitin Gadkari ji," he said. Anirudh Singh, meanwhile, insisted that NHAI and its officials must not be allowed to "walk away" from their responsibilities. "The NHAI officers cannot escape blame. The system has failed--from Delhi to the field. Forest, pollution, and highway departments are not doing their job. Accountability must start from the top," he said. "I have spoken to the Chief Minister in detail and will meet Nitin Gadkari to demand a strong law to prevent such tragedies." Singh alleged that some officials tried to manipulate the situation by filing misleading reports and not responding swiftly. "There were eight buildings marked unsafe. Why was no timely action taken? Even when residents warned that more collapse was likely, NHAI said they would 'compensate.' Is that enough?" he asked. The Dhalli police confirmed that the investigation into both cases, one against the minister and one against NHAI, is underway. (ANI) Defence Minister Rajnath Singh addressed the Bharatiya Janata Party's state executive meeting in Patna, Bihar, and boosted the morale of party workers on Wednesday, ahead of the Bihar Assembly Elections. Rajnath Singh said that the Indian public had lost trust in some leaders, but the BJP had taken the challenge hands-on. "You are not workers of an ordinary party. In independent India, you have seen that due to a difference between leaders' words and deeds, the public slowly lost trust in Indian politicians. But you can thump your chest and say if any party has accepted the challenge amid this distrust, that is Bharatiya Janata Party," Singh said. He added that the government has fulfilled all the promises made in the manifesto. Rajnath Singh said, "We have fulfilled all our promises made during the elections. In the third term of PM Modi, four years are still left, so this should also be taken into consideration." Speaking about Bihar's culture, he said that the backdrop installed during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting featured Nalanda University, and he also gifted a Madhubani painting to his Chinese counterpart, General Dong Jun. The Defence Minister said, "Before coming to Bihar, I got an opportunity to be part of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. Very few people are aware that the backdrop installed during the meeting featured Nalanda University. Bihar serves as a bridge between Indian and Chinese cultures. Following a bilateral meeting with China, I presented a Madhubani painting, titled 'Tree of Life', to the Chinese Defence Minister. When I stayed in Patna, I thought of the Tree of Life, and I can see that the BJP is also like a tree, with party workers strengthening its roots. BJP has become the world's largest party." Noting Bihar's history and contributions to the world, he said, "It is written that Patna is the land of wise people, which Lord Vishwakarma made to showcase his skills before Lord Brahma. This is Patliputra, from where Samrat Ashoka disseminated the message of peace and Dhamma to the world. This is the land where Chanakya created the principles of politics and Aryabhatta made India a 'Vishwaguru' in Astronomy and Mathematics." He asked the party workers to draw inspiration from Bihar's history and work towards the upcoming state assembly polls. "You all are not ordinary workers; you are the creators of Golden Bihar. This is the moment when, getting inspired by your history, you will work towards the upcoming elections. This is not just a party meeting, but a resolution meeting, and this resolution will take Bihar and India forward," he said. Bihar elections are expected to be held later this year, in October or November; however, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has not announced an official date. In the current Bihar Assembly, comprising 243 members, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) consists of 131 members, with the BJP having 80 MLAs, JD(U) having 45, HAM(S) having 4, and the support of 2 Independent Candidates. The Opposition's INDIA Bloc comprises 111 members, with the RJD leading with 77 MLAs, followed by the Congress with 19, the CPI(ML) with 11, the CPI(M) with 2, and the CPI with 2. (ANI) The Court instructed the DCGI to consult medical experts, stakeholders, and drug manufacturers before arriving at any regulatory decision. The bench of Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyay and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela acknowledged the issues raised and stressed the need for initial regulatory scrutiny. The petitioner has been permitted to submit an additional representation within two weeks, supplementing a previous one submitted in April. The Court further directed the DCGI to provide a well-reasoned decision within three months, considering expert advice and industry input. The proceedings arise from a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking a ban on the sale of weight loss drugs that are still undergoing clinical trials internationally. The PIL specifically raised concern over India's approval of GLP-1 RA drugs--Semaglutide, Tirzepatide, and Liraglutide--for weight loss and cosmetic purposes without adequate India-specific trials, safety data, or regulatory checks. Originally developed for diabetes treatment, these drugs are now under global scrutiny for potentially severe side effects, including cancer risks, organ damage, and neurological complications, the plea stated. The plea also flags the aggressive, unregulated marketing of these drugs--especially to younger demographics--alongside the absence of post-market surveillance and transparency in approval processes. It argues that these regulatory lapses threaten the constitutional right to health and calls for immediate judicial oversight to avert a potential public health crisis. The plea was filed by Jitendra Chouksey, with Senior Advocate Diya Kapur leading the arguments, assisted by Advocate Rohit Kumar. (ANI) In a post on social media platform X, the CM wrote, "In New Delhi today, I had a fruitful meeting with Hon'ble Union Minister Shri @nitin_gadkari Ji. We reviewed the progress of Assam's flagship infra projects and sought @MORTHIndia 's cooperation in their time-bound completion. Hon'ble Minister has assured us of the Ministry's undivided focus on this matter." Earlier on July 1, Assam's BJP strongly condemned the alleged attack on Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's convoy in Golaghat, where Congress workers reportedly hurled water bottles, said the BJP spokesperson Kalyan Gogoi in a press statement. The party described the incident as an attack on democratic values and accused the Congress of resorting to "Naxalite-like" tactics out of political frustration. Addressing a press conference at the party's state headquarters, BJP Assam General Secretary Rituparna Baruah said, "Unable to counter Hon'ble Chief Minister and the BJP Government's politics of liberation and development, the Congress has now resorted to Naxalite-like behaviour." Baruah further added, "It is shocking that even while in Opposition, the Congress can act in such an undemocratic manner, then imagine what may happen if Congress comes into power. Attacking an elected Chief Minister of a state exposes the true political character of the Congress." The press briefing was also attended by BJP Assam Vice Presidents Manoj Baruah and Ratna Singh, along with Chief Spokesperson Kishore Upadhyay. In a strong show of protest, BJP Yuva Morcha (BJYM) karyakartas staged sit-in demonstrations across all district and sub-divisional headquarters in the state. Senior party leaders and thousands of BJYM workers from 39 organisational districts participated in the state-wide protests. In Guwahati, the protest saw the participation of State Vice-Presidents Jury Sharma Bordoloi and Ratna Singh, State General Secretaries Diplu Ranjan Sarma and Rituparna Baruah, Secretary Siddhanku Ankur Baruah, ASTC Vice-Chairman Pranabjyoti Lahkar, and State BJYM President Rakesh Das, said the statement. (ANI) Member of the Parliament from Virudhunagar, Manickam Tagore, appreciated the decision taken by the Supreme Court of India to formally introduce the reservation policy for the appointment and promotion of its staff belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST). He called the step 'One more victory for social justice'. Manickam, in his post on X, said, "After 74 years of the Constitution, the Supreme Court has, for the first time, implemented reservations for SC, ST and OBC staff in direct recruitment and promotions. He called the step historic and wrote, "A long-overdue but historic step." Manickam also highlighted the population ratios of the Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST) and Other Backwards Caste (OBC), which he says are significant, but their representation in court is below 5%. "SC population: 16.6%, ST population: 8.6%, OBC population: 41% (NSSO data). Yet, in court administration, their presence has remained below 5% in many roles", he said. He further added, "Representation is not just symbolic -- it's structural justice. The Mandal Commission (1980) pushed for OBC reservation, implemented in 1990. But for decades, many elite institutions -- including the judiciary -- remained outside the ambit. This move finally begins to correct that gap." He called the Judiciary the guardian of the Constitution and said, "The judiciary is not only the guardian of the Constitution -- it must reflect its values within. This decision marks a bold and progressive shift toward equity and inclusion at the highest level of our justice system." He appreciated the SC for taking the 'progressive step' and said, "This sends a strong message to all other institutions still untouched by social justice reforms." Manickam called this a start towards bringing equality and inclusion and appealed to other institutions, such as Parliament and universities, to learn from it. He said, "Let this be the start. Let Parliament, High Courts, universities, media, and corporates take note, representation matters. Equality isn't charity. It's a constitutional right." The Supreme Court of India has indeed introduced a reservation roster and implemented a policy for Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) in direct recruitment and promotions for its non-judicial staff. This policy allocates a 15% quota for SC employees and a 7.5% quota for ST employees. The policy was announced through a circular on June 24, 2025. (ANI) A meeting of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs was held on Wednesday to discuss ways to prevent cybercrime. The panel met on the subject 'Cyber Crime - Ramifications, Protection and Prevention'. The panel was headed by BJP MP Radha Mohan Das Agrawal. As per the sources, members noted that with increasing internet penetration and digital transactions, there is a growing need to raise public awareness about cyber safety. The meeting also focused on measures required to curb online fraud. Some members expressed concern over the low conviction rate in cybercrime cases. Representatives from the Department of Financial Services (DFS), the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), as well as public and private banks shared their views during the discussion. The panel will also meet on Thursday and hear views of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) and the Financial Intelligence Unit-India (FIU-IND). It will also hear the views of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the National Investigation Agency (NIA). It will also hear the views of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the National Investigation Agency (NIA). Recently, on May 25, a meeting of the Parliament's Standing Committee on Personnel, Public Grievances, Law and Justice was held, which discussed judicial accountability and whether judges should accept a government appointment soon after retirement. Asked about the agenda of the meeting, Brij Lal, MP, Chairman of the Committee, said it was "judicial accountability". "Another point was whether judges should accept a government appointment immediately after retirement. Details cannot be disclosed," he told ANI after the meeting. Sources said some MPs asked why no FIR has been filed over "the recovery of unaccounted cash" from the residence of Justice Yashwant Verma when he was serving as a judge of the Delhi High Court. Justice Verma, who is now a judge of the Allahabad High Court, has denied the charges against him. The then Chief Justice of India had constituted a three-member committee for conducting an inquiry into the allegations against Justice Yashwant Varma. (ANI) BJP National General Secretary Tarun Chugh came down heavily on the Bhagwant Mann-led government in Punjab for "unleashing a new era of Emergency" in Punjab, in which the Opposition's voice is being "muzzled". Reacting strongly to the detention of former Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Badal and other senior Akali leaders in Mohali today, Chugh said in a statement that "draconian" laws were being enforced in Punjab at the behest of AAP National Convener Arvind Kejriwal and all democratic rights of the Opposition to stage dharnas or protests were being blatantly violated by the AAP government. Chugh alleged that even peaceful protests are not being allowed in the state, which indicates the oppressive nature of the Kejriwal-driven Punjab government. He said that AAP leaders have not only made open threats in the Vidhan Sabha in the past, but are now detaining those who protest peacefully in a democratic manner -- a dangerous sign of the party's authoritarian drift. He further alleged that AAP leaders have started threatening Opposition leaders, including Bikram Majithia, with remarks like "Dekh Lenge", which reflects the party's growing intolerance and political vindictiveness. He alleged Kejriwal has become another version of "autocratic Indira Gandhi", having turned Punjab into a jail where all democratic rights are being denied. Chugh said instead of acting against various mafias operating in the state, the Bhagwant Mann government is targeting the Opposition to hide its failures on all fronts. Earlier in the day, Punjab Police detained several Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) supporters staging a protest against the arrest of senior party leader Bikram Singh Majithia. The protest took place near the Mohali court, where Majithia is scheduled to be produced following the completion of his Vigilance Bureau remand. As security was tightened around the court complex, SAD President Sukhbir Singh Badal claimed that he himself was stopped and detained by police while en route to a gurdwara in Mohali. The incident prompted strong criticism from the former Deputy Chief Minister of Punjab. (ANI) The Delhi High Court on Wednesday strongly criticised the city's civic authorities for neglecting the upkeep of public toilets, describing their actions as apathetic and negligent. The court was hearing a petition highlighting the unsanitary and unhygienic conditions of public conveniences across Delhi, particularly impacting the dignity and safety of women. A division bench of Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyay and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela said the fresh photographs submitted by the petitioner showed unacceptable conditions, noting that similar situations likely exist in other parts of the capital. Authorities like Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), Delhi Development Authority (DDA), and New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) were found to have failed in performing their duties toward maintaining these essential public utilities, said the Court. Though the status reports were filed by MCD, NDMC, and DDA, the court found that the actions taken were inadequate. The DDA cited a survey by IIT BHU and ongoing corrective steps, but the bench emphasised that results on the ground remain unsatisfactory. The Court directed all three bodies to formulate a detailed, expert-backed action plan within their respective jurisdictions to ensure accessible and functional public toilets. These plans are to be presented at the next hearing. The PIL, filed by Jan Seva Welfare Society, called for increased and better-maintained public urinals across Delhi. It stated that the constitutional right to health and hygiene, and flagged the risks of infectious diseases due to poor sanitation. The plea also invoked the goals of the Swachh Bharat Mission, urging that Delhi, being the nation's capital, should lead by example in providing clean and safe sanitation infrastructure. The Court reiterated that maintaining public hygiene is a fundamental civic responsibility and must be urgently addressed at the highest administrative levels. (ANI) Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, and BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal participated in an event marking the unveiling of restored heritage structures, including the iconic Sheesh Mahal, in Shalimar Bagh on Wednesday. Speaking at the event, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta took a veiled swipe at the previous government, stating that the AAP had built a 'Sheesh Mahal' for personal pleasure using public funds, contrasting it with the current government's dedication of the restored Sheesh Mahal to public convenience. "The former Chief Minister built a Sheesh Mahal for his pleasure from the hard-earned money of the people of Delhi. This Sheesh Mahal, on the other hand, has been dedicated to the public for their convenience. This is the difference between the previous governments and the current government... We must return the previous Sheesh Mahal to its origin. The money taken from the public treasury should be returned," CM said. Earlier on Tuesday, CM Gupta wrote to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, requesting that he rename the Old Delhi Railway Station as Maharaja Agrasen Railway Station. CM Gupta wrote, "I am writing to respectfully request your kind consideration for renaming the Old Delhi Railway Station in honour of Maharaja Agrasen, a revered historical figure whose legacy has had a profound impact on the socio-economic development of India, particularly in Delhi." She mentioned that Maharaja Agrasen is regarded as a symbol of social justice and welfare, and has played a pivotal role in shaping Delhi. "Maharaja Agrasen is widely regarded as a symbol of social justice, economic foresight, and community welfare. His countless followers and descendants continue to play a pivotal role in shaping Delhi's economic and cultural landscape," she wrote. Calling it a fitting tribute to the Maharaja Agrasen, she added, "Renaming the Old Delhi Railway Station as Maharaja Agrasen Railway Station would serve as a fitting tribute to his enduring contributions and would deeply resonate with the sentiments of millions of Delhi residents who hold him in the highest esteem. I would be truly grateful for your personal intervention in facilitating favourable and expeditious consideration of this proposal by your esteemed Ministry." (ANI) Bharatiya Janata Party Rajya Sabha MP Samik Bhattacharya, on Wednesday, filed nomination for the post of West Bengal BJP President. The Leader of Opposition in West Bengal, Suvendu Adhikari and the present West Bengal BJP Chief and Union Minister, Sukanta Majumdar were present, accompanying Bhattacharya. Speaking to ANI, Bhattacharya said that the party leadership asked him to file a nomination, which he followed. "I have nothing to say right now. The process is still underway. It has not concluded yet. Party leadership told me to file a nomination, and I did that. Result is yet to come," he said. Reacting to Bhattacharya's nomination, BJP MLA Shankar Ghosh emphasised that their sole mission is to remove the Trinamool Congress government in the 2026 assembly elections. "As of now, the information I have is that Samik is the sole candidate. But the process is still ongoing. This time, we have to remove the Trinamool government. TMC must be removed for the sake of the state's welfare. We want to come to power, and that's why we are all working together," Ghosh said. BJP leader Agnimitra Paul said, "We are very happy. Samik is our senior leader. He has many years of experience. We will fight the 2026 battle under the leadership of Shamik Da.Our party is ideology-based, not leader-based. We aim to establish Modi ji's government here." Another party leader, Jagannath Sarkar, said that the BJP is always ready for elections. "After what Mamata has done to Bengal, the government definitely needs to change now," he said. BJP leader Nitish Pramanik asserted, "This is just a procedure. We will work under the leadership of whoever becomes the new President." Meanwhile, in the Kolkata gang rape case, the Alipore court on Tuesday sent three main accused in the gangrape case at a Kolkata law college to police custody till July 8. The Court also sent the security guard, the fourth accused, to custody till July 4. The accused, Monojit, Pramit, and Zaib, will remain in police custody until July 8, and the security guard, Pinaki, will be in custody until July 4. On June 25, a female student was allegedly gangraped inside the South Calcutta Law College in Kasba area in the capital city of West Bengal. Five days later, on June 30, the Kolkata Police said that the three main accused in the case were arrested in less than 12 hours. (ANI) Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday hit out at the opposition Congress and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) in Bihar, stating that their only motivation is to stay in power while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) remains inspired by the idea of nation-building. While addressing the BJP workers at the party's state executive meeting, Singh credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for pushing policies that will help develop every section of society. The BJP's objective remains that people of the country lead a dignified life, he added. "Political parties like Congress and RJD have only one objective, to stay in power...whereas the BJP is inspired by nation-building. The objective of the BJP is to ensure a dignified life for every citizen of India. Keeping this in mind, the Prime Minister has taken effective steps to implement policies that promote the development of every section of society, ensuring that everyone has the right to live with self-respect. This, too, has been achieved by our government. We are all striving to make India's economy the third-largest economy in the world," Rajnath Singh said. The Defence Minister said that Prime Minister Modi has demonstrated in the past decade that India can move forward if leadership is strong and national interest is kept paramount. "This is not merely a meeting of an organisation, but a resolve assembly, for the fulfilment of that resolve which we must take to lead both Bihar and India to new heights...Prime Minister Modi has demonstrated in the past 11 years that India can change and move forward, provided the leadership is strong, the intent is pure, the policy is clear, and national interest is kept paramount. We must instil this very belief in the heart of every resident of Bihar," Singh added. He further said that the reason the BJP has established itself as the largest political party in the world is that everyone works with the spirit of a worker, regardless of their position in the party. "In the BJP, everyone works with the spirit of a worker, no matter what position they hold. This is the foundation of our party's strength, and as a result, the BJP has today established itself as the largest political party in the entire world," Singh asserted. The Bihar elections are expected to be held later this year, in October or November; however, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has not yet announced an official date. In the current Bihar Assembly, comprising 243 members, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) consists of 131 members, with the BJP having 80 MLAs, JD(U) having 45, HAM(S) having 4, and the support of 2 Independent Candidates. The Opposition's INDIA Bloc comprises 111 members, with the RJD leading with 77 MLAs, followed by the Congress with 19, the CPI(ML) with 11, the CPI(M) with 2, and the CPI with 2. (ANI) The Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court acquitted a 25-year-old man who was earlier convicted for allegedly teasing a minor girl by saying "I love you" back in 2015, overturning the verdict of a lower court. According to the judgment, the man had been sentenced to three years' imprisonment by a Nagpur sessions court under sections 354-A (sexual harassment) and 354D (stalking) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and section 8 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POSCO) Act. The lower court had viewed his words as stemming from sexual intent. However, the High Court overturned the verdict, observing that merely expressing love verbally does not, in itself, constitute sexual harassment. Justice Urmila Joshi-Phalke, who delivered the judgment, clarified that actions such as inappropriate touching, forcible disrobing, or indecent gestures accompanied by intent to violate a woman's modesty are essential elements to establish a case of sexual offence. Simply saying "I love you" without any corroborating evidence of such intent does not fulfil the legal criteria. The case dates back to 2015, when the accused allegedly approached a 17-year-old girl on her way home from school. According to the complaint, he held her hand, asked her name, and told her, "I love you." The girl informed her father, leading to the filing of a police complaint. In its ruling, the High Court noted that there was no proof indicating that the man's actions were driven by a desire for sexual contact. "The phrase 'I love you' alone does not automatically imply sexual intent as defined under the law," the court stated, adding, "There must be additional factors that point toward a motive beyond mere expression of affection." "Thus, the state of mind, must be to establish some sort of physical contact or must be related to or associated with sex or indicative of involvement of sex in the relationship, if it is to be considered as sexual. Words uttered should be with "sexual intent" associated with indicative of involvement of sex or physical contact or expressing sexual overtures. Words expressed "I Love You" would not by itself amount to "sexual intent" as contemplated by the legislature. There should be something more which must suggest that the real intention is to drag in the angle of sex, if the words uttered are to be taken as conveying sexual intent. it should reflect by the act," the judgment read. The judgment is being seen as a precedent that distinguishes between emotional expression and sexual misconduct, emphasising the need for clear evidence of intent before drawing legal conclusions in such sensitive cases. (ANI) In a bid to tackle the city's worsening air pollution, Delhi's Environment Minister Majinder Singh Sirsa announced a trial run of artificial rain through cloud seeding, set to commence between late August and early September, with five tests planned to assess its efficacy against smog, particularly during Diwali and September. "We have been successful in securing permission for artificial rain through cloud seeding... We will run the trial between the end of August and the first week of September. We will conduct five trials to learn if it could be efficient against the smog that collects during Diwali or in September," he said. On May 7, the Delhi cabinet on Wednesday passed a historic decision to conduct cloud seeding, also known as artificial rain, in the national capital to mitigate pollution. Pollution has been a serious concern for the state for some time, and to help curb it, the cabinet has taken a significant step in partnership with IIT Kanpur, according to a member. The activity is planned to be conducted in the last week of May, after the cabinet has obtained all the necessary permissions from various departments and stakeholders. The exercise will be conducted in partnership with IIT Kanpur, and their Aircraft, a Cessna, will be used for the purpose. The Delhi government plans to conduct five trials in the outer area of the national capital. The cost for one-time rain will account for 66 lakhs, and the operational cost will be 55 lakhs. The total cost for the entire trial plan can go up to 2 crores 55 lakhs. The aim of the Delhi government is to mitigate pollution in the national capital to achieve its goal of a Viksit Delhi. Pollution remains a pressing concern in Delhi, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) often reaching very poor levels. Although several projects have been undertaken in the past to address this issue, none have provided a lasting solution to Delhi's pollution problem. (ANI) Ld. Additional District Judge (ADJ), 1st Court, Sealdah, Anirban Das, pronounced the death sentence for convict Sanjay Sen alias Bappa, in connection with the Chitpur Police Station case dated July 16, 2015. The convict was charged under Sections 302 and 394 of the IPC. The case, investigated by SI Jagabandhu Garai of the Homicide Squad, Detective Department, culminated in the conviction of the accused following a meticulous trial. On July 16, 2015, at approximately 13:50 hours, local police responded to a complaint and arrived at Indralok Housing Estate in Police Station Chitpur, Kolkata. Detecting a foul smell emanating from the locked flat, police broke open the door. They discovered the bodies of Pran Gobinda Das (77) and his wife Renuka Das (77), both lying in pools of blood with severe injuries in separate rooms. A substantial quantity of gold ornaments was reported missing from the flat. The case was registered based on a complaint filed by Dr. Partha Sen, nephew of the victims. Post-mortem examinations conducted at R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital confirmed that the deaths were due to ante-mortem injuries, homicidal in nature. During the investigation, Sanjay Sen was arrested for his direct involvement in the crime. Pursuant to his statement under Section 27 of the Indian Evidence Act, police recovered a significant amount of stolen gold ornaments and cash amounting to Rs 1,87,000 from a hidden location in Nandigram. Additionally, the weapon of offence, an iron pipe, along with the accused's blood-stained clothing and other incriminating articles, was recovered from a pond near the accused's residence with assistance from the District Magistrate Group (DMG). The investigation concluded with the submission of a charge sheet against Sanjay Sen within the stipulated period. The trial, conducted at the Ld. ADJ, 1st Court, Sealdah, saw the examination of 30 witnesses. On July 1, the accused was found guilty under Sections 302 (murder) and 394 (robbery causing hurt) of the IPC. On July 2, 2025, Ld. ADJ Shri Anirban Das pronounced the quantum of punishment, sentencing Sanjay Sen to be "hanged from the neck until dead" for the brutal double murder and robbery. (ANI) Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Chaudhary on Wednesday welcomed the first batch of Amarnath Yatra pilgrims in Banihal. Chaudhary said the region is witnessing a festival-like atmosphere, with people from all communities warmly welcoming pilgrims. Expressing hope, he said, "We will pray to Lord Bhola Shankar that next time we welcome these pilgrims to the state of J&K, not to a UT..." He praised the efforts of security forces and the administration and called the Omar Abdullah-led government patriotic and committed to national unity. "...We are here to welcome the pilgrims. The Security Forces and the Administration are fulfilling their responsibilities. Today, we can see a festival-like atmosphere in Jammu and Kashmir, and this is the beauty of Jammu and Kashmir. People from all communities are welcoming pilgrims here. We have heard that LG sahib has prayed for J&K to be granted statehood status...Omar Abdullah's government is a patriotic government, and we always take steps to strengthen the nation," Chaudhary said. The 38-day yatra will commence on July 3 and conclude on August 9. The pilgrimage will follow two routes - the traditional 48-km Pahalgam route in Anantnag district and the 14-km shorter but steeper Baltal route in Ganderbal district. The first batch of pilgrims will depart from the Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu on July 2. Security in the whole Jammu region has been massively heightened for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra, following the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack. Over 50,000 personnel, including those from the CRPF, Army, and Police, have been deployed, along with continuous monitoring through CCTV, drones, jammers, and facial recognition technology, along the route. Proper arrangements have been made for medical teams, air ambulances, and emergency evacuation plans to ensure maximum safety during the pilgrimage. (ANI) Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi, on Wednesday, raised concerns over India's growing dependence on "Made in China" products, calling it a serious threat to the nation's agricultural backbone. In a post on X, Rahul cited a media report that claimed that India's agricultural sector, the backbone of its economy, is facing a severe crisis due to foreign dependence on essential fertilisers. The country imports 80% of its specialty fertilisers from China, and the recent halt in supplies has sent shockwaves through the farming community. "India is an agrarian country, and the farmer is the backbone of our economy. But today, that very backbone is bending under the weight of foreign dependence. India imports 80% of its speciality fertilisers from China, and now China has halted the supply," he said. Rahul Gandhi said that the farmers are already struggling with shortages of essential fertilisers like urea and DAP. The addition of specialty fertilisers to the list of scarce resources has further exacerbated the situation. "This isn't the first time, farmers across the country are still struggling with shortages of essential fertilisers like urea and DAP, and now a new 'Chinese crisis' looms over speciality fertilisers. On one hand, the Prime Minister is busy printing his photos on fertiliser sacks, while on the other, our farmers are becoming increasingly dependent on "Made in China," Rahul Gandhi said. Further, the Congress MP accused the government of negligence and failing to promote domestic production despite repeated warnings, adding that the government has failed to formulate a policy or plan to promote domestic production of fertilisers, leaving farmers dependent on imports. "Despite knowing that this supply could be disrupted at any moment, the government made no preparations. When the need of the hour was to promote domestic production, they made no policy, no plan," Rahul said. "Will the Indian farmer now be helpless even in his own soil? As precious time and healthy crops are lost, the farmer, drowning in debt and despair, is asking: 'Kiska Sath, Kiska Vikas," he added. Earlier on Tuesday, as India marked eight years of the Goods and Services Tax, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi slammed the Modi government and termed the GST rolled out by it as a "brutal tool of economic injustice and corporate cronyism." The Congress leader alleged that the GST rolled out by the government was designed to "punish the poor, crush MSMEs, undermine states, and benefit a few billionaire friends of Prime Minister Narendra Modi." (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday, shared an article written by Union Minister Annapurna Devi, on how the Government has leveraged technology to transform women and child welfare. Responding to the post on X, the Prime Minister's Office said, "Union Minister @Annapurna4BJP Ji writes about how the Government has leveraged technology to transform women and child welfare. Initiatives like Poshan Tracker, a dedicated grievance redressal module and direct benefit transfers are driving real-time, impactful change across the country." Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday departed for a five-nation visit to Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia from 2 to 9 July, a statement by the Ministry of External Affairs said. At the invitation of Ghana's President John Dramani Mahama, PM Modi will visit Ghana on 2-3 July. Ghana is a valued partner in the Global South and plays an important role in the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States. "I look forward to my exchanges aimed at further deepening our historical ties and opening up new windows of cooperation, including in the areas of investment, energy, health, security, capacity building and development partnership. As fellow democracies, it will be an honour to speak at the Parliament of Ghana," the statement said. On 3-4 July, he will be in Trinidad and Tobago, a country with which we share deep-rooted historical, cultural and people-to-people connections. From Port of Spain, he will travel to Buenos Aires, marking the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Argentina in 57 years. PM Modi will attend the BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro on July 6-7. "As a founding member, India is committed to BRICS as a vital platform for cooperation among emerging economies. Together, we strive for a more peaceful, equitable, just, democratic and balanced multipolar world order. On the sidelines of the Summit, I will also meet several world leaders. I will travel to Brasilia for a bilateral State Visit, the first by an Indian Prime Minister in nearly six decades. This visit will provide an opportunity to strengthen our close partnership with Brazil, and work with my friend, President H.E. Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, on advancing the priorities of the Global South," the statement added. His final destination will be Namibia, a trusted partner with whom India shares a common history of struggle against colonialism. (ANI) Indore Collector invoked NSA (National Security Act) against a Congress Councillor Anwar Qadri, who is accused of having involvement in criminal conspiracy of a rape case in Madhya Pradesh's Indore district, an official said on Wednesday. A bounty of Rs 10,000 is also announced on the arrest of Qadri, who is absconding and continuous efforts are made to nab him at earliest, he added. Collector Asheesh Singh issued the order of imposing NSA on Tuesday evening. Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (Addl. DCP) Rajesh Dandotiya told ANI, "A rape case was reportred under Banganga police station in the district in which Anwar Qadri is wanted, accused of having involvement in criminal conspiracy. A case was prepared by Sadar Bazaar police station against him and it was sent to the Collector for NSA. Following which, the collector confirmed the imposition of NSA against him (Qadri). Now, an arrest warrant has been released and he will be arrested under the NSA." The officer further said that continuous efforts were being made to nab the accused and soon he would be arrested. "It was a rape case in which he (Qadri) was also made accused under the sections of involvement in criminal conspiracy. He is still on the run. Due to the criminal record of more than a dozen cases, an application was sent before the Collector for NSA action against Qadri. The collector has confirmed the NSA imposition. Now a warrant has been issued and the arrest will be made soon. A reward of Rs 10,000 was announced in his arrest and now NSA is also included," he added. Notably, two separate cases were registered at Banganga police station under sections of rape and Madhya Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act and two youths were arrested. While Councillor Anwar Qadri was also accused in the case for involvement in criminal conspiracy in the matter and since then he is on the run. (ANI) Kolkata Police said on Wednesday that the Detective department of the police force will take over the investigation of the Kolkata alleged gang-rape case. This comes after a female student was allegedly gang raped inside the South Calcutta Law College in Kasba area in the capital city of West Bengal on June 25. Five days later, on June 30, the Kolkata Police said that the three main accused in the case were arrested in less than 12 hours. Earlier, BJP fact-finding committee member Manan Kumar Mishra stated alleged that the police were "hiding" the family of the rape survivor and not allowing anyone to meet the security guard, who is the fourth accused in the incident which took place on June 25 inside the campus of a law college in Kolkata. He further alleged that there was an attempt to "tamper" with the First Information Report to change the name of the accused. Mishra, told ANI, "We visited everyone there and met other college staff also. When we saw some documents, it showed that some tampering had been done with the FIR. By looking at the document, it looks like someone attempted to change the name of the accused... We tried to talk to the victim, but it looks like the police are hiding the family of the victim and the family members... The guard is the best witness in this case, but they have also arrested him and are not letting him meet anyone..." "We will submit our report; however, that is a different thing, how the government of Mamata Banerjee will work on this..." he added. Meanwhile, the Alipore court on Tuesday sent the three main accused to police custody till July 8. The Court also sent the security guard, the fourth accused, to custody till July 4. The accused, Monojit, Pramit, and Zaib, will remain in police custody until July 8. The security guard, Pinaki, will be in custody until July 4. (ANI) The authorities in Uttar Pradesh's Hapur tightened food safety rules to ensure the hygiene of food shops during the Kanwar Yatra. The administration has made it mandatory for all shops along the yatra route to have proper licenses and clearly display the owner's original name. District Magistrate Hapur Abhishek Pandey said the guidelines follow Supreme Court directions and Food Safety Department rules, and enforcement will be carried out accordingly. Strict action will be taken against those who violate these rules. Speaking to ANI, Abhishek Pandey said, "Supreme Court has given clear guidelines in this regard and the Food Safety Department also has very clear-cut guidelines on how the name of the proprietor should and should not be mentioned on such establishments. Action will be taken by following those guidelines and following the instructions of the Supreme Court." "The officers of the Food Safety Department have been instructed to keep moving on the mobile squad continuously. They have started their action right now so that adulterated or fake food items are not served to the public during Kanwar," Pandey said. A shopkeeper, Kapil Tomar, who runs the restaurant, said that the restaurant is on Delhi Road and is purely vegetarian. "There will be no problem during the Kavad Yatra. Garlic and onion have been banned, the rate list has been made, and it is very good. There will be no problem," Tomar said. Chicken shop owner Shahzad, who runs a biryani cart on Delhi Road, said he will close his shop on the 10th as the Kanwar Yatra begins. He explained that he closes his shop during the month of Sawan to respect the devotees. Shahzad also mentioned that flowers are showered on the Kanwariyas, showing respect for everyone's religion. In the Kanwar Yatra procession, Kanwariyas collect water from a river and carry it hundreds of kilometres to offer it to the shrines of Lord Shiva. According to Hindu beliefs, Parshuram, a devotee of Shiva and Lord Vishnu's avatar, participated in the initial procession. Devotees across the country perform worship, fasting and pilgrimage dedicated to the Lord Shiva. (ANI) Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday took a swipe at the opposition in Bihar, saying that the state was not inherently backwards but had been made so deliberately. "Bihar is not inherently backward; it has been kept backward deliberately. RJD and Congress pushed Bihar backward, kept it in darkness, left people unemployed, and created insecurity for women," Rajnath Singh said while addressing the executive meeting. Singh was addressing the party's state executive meeting today in Patna, Bihar. He was also accompanied by Bihar Deputy CMs Vijay Sinha, Samrat Chaudhary, Party President Dileep Jaiswal, along with other senior party leaders. He added, "Whatever promises we made during the elections, we have fulfilled them. Pick up our manifesto and see--we have delivered on every commitment. It is our great privilege that, even within a democracy, we get the opportunity to work like dedicated party workers in the world's most trusted political party." He motivated the party leadership and workers in the state for the upcoming elections. He emphasised delivering the promises and working to make the state a better place. He said, "Today, the BJP has become the world's largest political party. The future of Bihar currently rests in the hands of Dileep Jaiswal. He has consistently worked as a true party worker. You all are not just workers--you are the architects of a golden Bihar. You are our warriors. This is not merely a ceremonial gathering; it is a place where we learn from the past and shape strategies for the elections to come." "The opposition will run various campaigns and spread lies, but you must answer them with confidence. When the opposition strikes with the politics of hatred, you should respond with the politics of service," Singh added. He further added, "I have watched BJP's workers for the past 40 years. If you speak to them with love, they're ready to give their very heart for the party. In the past eleven years, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has demonstrated that India can transform and move forward. When intentions are pure and policies are clear, progress happens." He further took a scathing attack on RJD and Congress and said, "We do politics not merely to form governments but to build society. Parties like Congress and RJD have only one motivation--to cling to power. Our motivation is to make India great, because India deserves greatness." "During the regimes of RJD and Congress, people were forced to leave Bihar. Chief Ministers kept changing, but no real development happened. RJD made many promises to improve Bihar, but instead, they left no stone unturned in making things worse," Singh added. The Union Minister, while making a firm stand against the party's stand on corruption, said, "I say with complete confidence that whether it's our Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister, or any minister--no one can say there's a stain of corruption on their character." "Lalu used to say that he turned Bihar into heaven--but if he gave Bihar anything, it was only corruption. Heaven comes when every household prospers. But in his time, only a few strongmen held power. Remember how kidnapping settlements used to happen in government residences. During the Jungle Raj, it wasn't just fodder scams--they also extorted "hafta"," he added. The minister also emphasised Bihar's role as an important stakeholder in achieving the goal of Viksit Bharat. He said that Bihar has produced leaders who have worked for the betterment of society. "This is the land where Lord Buddha and Lord Mahavira gave their teachings. We had Karpoori Thakur here who received true recognition only when the Prime Minister honoured him with the Bharat Ratna. That was not merely an award--it was a political and social declaration. For someone who lived and worked for the people, he truly is India's jewel." He also shared about India reaching new heights in the defence sector and how Operation Sindoor has been a landmark step towards the fight against terrorism. He said, "Today, weapons, missiles, and defence equipment are being manufactured in India. Our defence exports are around Rs 24,000 crores, and by 2029, we aim to reach Rs 50,000 crores, exporting to more than 100 countries. We attacked only their terrorist camps, and there were no civilian casualties." Singh emphasised the upcoming elections and said, "It is our resolve to make India a developed nation by 2047--and a developed Bihar will be instrumental in achieving that goal. Under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi in the centre and Nitish Kumar in the state, we must fulfil the vision of a developed Bihar and a developed India. This time, the elections will be fought solely on the issue of development." (ANI) In a major breakthrough, a joint team of the Special Task Force (STF) and Sunlight Colony Police Station, apprehended a notorious interstate robber, Lalit alias Nepali alias Sanjay, following a brief exchange of fire in the Sarai Kale Khan area of Delhi in the early hours of July 2. The operation was led by Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Mihir Sakaria, based in Lajpat Nagar. The 32-year-old accused, a resident of Madangir, Ambedkar Nagar, Delhi, sustained a bullet injury in his left leg during the encounter. He was immediately rushed to a government hospital for treatment. The operation resulted in the recovery of a .32 bore semi-automatic pistol with four live cartridges and a stolen motorcycle from his possession. According to police, the operation was initiated based on credible intelligence received by the STF and Sunlight Colony teams about Lalit's movements in South-East Delhi. The accused, a proclaimed offender in two robbery cases under Hazrat Nizamuddin Police Station, was known for his involvement in over 18 criminal cases, including snatching, robbery, and indiscriminate firing. He had previously been sentenced to 14 years of imprisonment in an armed robbery case registered at the Saket Police Station. On the intervening night of July 1-2, 2025, specific information indicated that Lalit was moving near Sarai Kale Khan ISBT to change his hideout. A joint team, comprising Inspector Shiv Kumar, Head Constable Rohit Kasana, Constable Rahul from STF, and Sub-Inspector Kuldeep, Head Constables Ravinder and Vikram, and Constable Shankar from Sunlight Colony Police Station, was formed under ACP Sakaria's leadership. At approximately 1:55 AM, the team intercepted Lalit near the Waste to Wonder Park. When asked to surrender, the accused opened fire on the police, hitting ACP Sakaria's bulletproof jacket. In self-defence, the police team retaliated, injuring Lalit in the leg. A total of four rounds were fired during the encounter--two by the accused and two by the police. Four empty shells were recovered from the scene. The motorcycle in Lalit's possession was found to be stolen from Sector-24, Noida, Uttar Pradesh. A case has been registered under relevant sections at Sunlight Colony Police Station, and further investigation is underway. Further interrogation is ongoing to uncover additional details about his criminal network and activities. (ANI) In one of the most far-reaching crackdowns against the illegal pharmaceutical drug trade, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) in close coordination with other agencies dismantled a transnational drug trafficking syndicate that used encrypted digital platforms, drop shipping models, and cryptocurrency to smuggle controlled medicines across four continents. The cartel was busted during a routine vehicle interception near Bengali Market in New Delhi, unravelling a sophisticated criminal web operating across India, the United States of America, Australia, and Europe, showcasing the global reach of illicit pharma networks and NCB's capability to lead coordinated international enforcement actions. "This operation uncovered a global network spanning four continents and more than 10 countries," said the Ministry of Home Affairs in a statement. Union Home Minister Amit Shah congratulated NCB and all agencies on busting a global drug cartel and said that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government is determined to saw off every drug cartel and protect our youth, no matter where they operate from. In a post on the X, Shah wrote, "Congratulations to NCB and all agencies on busting a global drug cartel. The probe set a stellar example of multi-agency coordination, resulting in 8 arrests and seizures of 5 consignments while triggering crackdowns in the US and Australia against the ring that operates across 4 continents and 10+ nations. Our agencies are constantly monitoring the sophisticated modes like crypto payments and anonymous drop shippers used by these gangs. PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji-led govt is determined to saw off every drug cartel and protect our youth, no matter where they operate from." The investigation trail started from Delhi in May and reached Alabama, a southeastern US state. On May 25 this year, acting on secret intelligence, the NCB team intercepted a car near Mandi House in Delhi. "From the possession of its two occupants, both B Pharma graduates from a reputed private university in Noida, 3.7 kilograms of Tramadol tablets were seized," pointed out the MHA in the statement. The arrested individuals confessed to operating a vendor profile on a major Indian B2B platform, from where they sold pharmaceutical pills to clients across the USA, Europe, and Australia. "Leads from the interrogation led to a stockist in Roorkee, followed by the arrest of a key associate in Mayur Vihar, Delhi, who revealed connections with a contact in Udupi (Karnataka) responsible for organising bulk orders for shipments to the USA." From Udupi, NCB uncovered data on 50 international consignments, including 29 packages from the USA to the USA, 18 from Australia to Australia, and one each to Estonia, Spain and Switzerland. "The information was shared with global counterparts and Interpol, leading to the identification and arrest of a bulk re-shipper and money launderer in Alabama, USA by the US DEA, along with a massive haul of controlled medicines," said the MHA. The Ministry mentioned that the syndicate operated on "encrypted communication platforms like Telegram, relied on cryptocurrency payments, PayPal, Western Union and used anonymous international drop shippers to evade detection." "Further digital forensics led to arrests of two more Indian nationals from New Delhi and Jaipur, who handled logistics and supply-side operations." It further said that the operators never shipped in their home countries and coordinated through other drop-shippers in network to avoid legal consequences. "The kingpin, who coordinated international linkages and finances, has been identified and located in the UAE. NCB is actively working in collaboration with UAE authorities," said the MHA. Investigations further revealed the existence of a clandestine pill manufacturing facility in Australia, directly tied to the syndicate, sated the Ministry, adding, "Law enforcement in Australia has successfully dismantled this unit. Operations in other jurisdictions are still ongoing." In a significant development stemming from intelligence shared by India's NCB, the MHA said, the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (US DEA) has apprehended a key player in an international drug trafficking network. "Joel Hall, a major re-shipper based in Alabama, was arrested following a coordinated operation, leading to the seizure of over 17,000 tablets of controlled medication." During the crackdown, it said, authorities also uncovered multiple cryptocurrency wallets and active parcels linked to the syndicate, indicating a sophisticated and tech-enabled trafficking operation. "Investigative and enforcement actions concerning these digital assets and parcels are actively ongoing." Adding to the breakthrough, the MHA said, an Indian-American individual identified as a key money launderer in the network is now facing indictment in the US, marking a critical step in dismantling the financial backbone of this illegal enterprise. In parallel, the US DEA has successfully intercepted five parcels, resulting in the recovery of approximately 700 grams of Zolpidem tablets, a commonly misused sedative. Investigations have revealed that the mastermind of this international drug trafficking network was "operating out of the UAE, orchestrating both the orders and supply modules with a high level of coordination and compartmentalisation." "The orders module functioned through a major B2B platform, where the handlers subscribed to premium vendor categories to enhance visibility and attract potential buyers. To manage incoming sales leads, the group ran a fully functional call centre based in Udupi, employing around 10 staff members, many of whom were reportedly unaware of the illicit nature of the operation," said the MHA. "Once orders were confirmed, advance payments were collected in cryptocurrency, which were then routed to the supply module operators after deducting a 10-15 per cent commission. The supply module, in turn, retained a further 10 per cent before disbursing payments to re-shippers located in designated countries, who handled the final delivery of the controlled substances." In a calculated move to expand operations, it said, repeat buyers were groomed and recruited as re-shippers or stockists, helping the network grow organically across borders. "Multiple such stockists have already been identified by our international counterparts, and actions against them are actively underway. This intricate network showcases the growing convergence of digital platforms, cryptocurrency, and transnational logistics in modern illicit trade, and highlights the importance of global cooperation and intelligence-sharing in combating such operations," said the Ministry. With eight arrests so far, the MHA said, the financial trail involving crypto wallets and hawala channels is under investigation. "NCB is also engaging with private sector platforms to counter the proliferation of illegal online pharmacies that openly advertise the sale of controlled medicines," it added. (ANI) All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) has alleged that India's "geopolitical clout" seems to be "rapidly diminishing" under the BJP-led government and hoped that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will raise "few pertinent questions with the international community" during his five-nation tour, specially with regard to Pakistan not facing diplomatic isolation despite its support to cross-border terrorism. In a post on X, Trinamool Congress took a dig at PM Modi, terming him "globe-trotting PRadhan Mantri". It also raised questions about US President Donald Trump meeting Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir. "Now that our globe-trotting PRadhan Mantri is on his longest foreign tour in a decade, he might as well raise a few pertinent questions with the international community: How is it that a country that has institutionalised terrorism as its de facto state policy faces no diplomatic isolation. How is the 'Leader of the Free World openly professing love for a terror hub, offering trade deals, and sharing meals with its Army Chief," the party said in its post on X. The party did not name Pakistan but said the neighbouring country continues to receive financial aid from global organisations. "Why are global and regional financial bodies showering billions in aid on a state that harbours extremists and bleeds its neighbours. Where does India really stand in the evolving global order? And why does our much-hyped 'geopolitical clout' seem to be rapidly diminishing? Yes, do strike your signature poses, @narendramodi, for the camera is your true calling. But maybe ensure that the taxpayer money fuelling your photo-ops abroad doesn't go completely to waste?", the party said in the post. PM Modi on Wednesday left on a five-nation visit to Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia from July 2 to 9. He will attend the BRICS Summit in Brazil with the visit seeking to expand areas of cooperation and bilateral ties with the five countries. (ANI) At least 51 people have died in Himachal Pradesh since June 20, 2025, of which 21 fatalities were due to road accidents, while the remaining 30 were caused by monsoon-related incidents such as floods, landslides, and cloudbursts, according to Himachal Pradesh Disaster Management Authority. DC Rana, Special Secretary of the Himachal Pradesh Revenue Department and Disaster Management, addressed the media in Shimla on Wednesday, providing detailed figures on the ongoing monsoon crisis in the state. "The monsoon entered Himachal Pradesh on June 19, and since then, continuous rainfall has been recorded. Heavy rainfall on June 29 and 30 caused widespread damage," said Rana. "The death toll due to rain-related incidents has reached nearly 30 so far. As per current data, 34 people are reported missing, with the worst-hit area being Mandi district, where 10 deaths occurred over just two days," he said. Rana stressed that the exact number of casualties and damages will become clear once communication networks are fully restored in remote regions. "Many extreme weather events occurred across the state, including multiple cloudbursts and flash floods," he noted. The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been deployed across multiple districts. "Both SDRF and NDRF teams are present in Mandi. We have over a dozen locations where people are missing, and either the SDRF or NDRF is engaged in search and rescue there. Local police, district administration, Home Guards, and fire services are also actively involved," Rana informed. He said the initial rain-related incidents occurred in Dharamshala and Sendwali area of Kullu, but Mandi district, particularly the Dharampur and adjoining areas, has been worst affected in the current spell. "Currently, our top priority is rescue and relief work, not damage assessment. But as per initial departmental data, we estimate damages of around Rs 300 crore across sectors," said the Special Secretary. Rana urged citizens to use the state's disaster alert mobile application. "As soon as any alert is issued, we deliver it directly to the public. We have a mobile app called 'Sachet', and I appeal to everyone to download and use it. The app will notify you of alerts in your area and connect you with our control rooms for any assistance," he said. "As of this morning, around 280 roads remained blocked. Over 1,100 electricity supply schemes were disrupted. Nearly 600 water supply schemes were affected. Restoration efforts are underway across the state," Rana said. (ANI) BJP leader Ravinder Raina said the people of Jammu and Kashmir are warmly welcoming Amarnath Yatra pilgrims in a traditional manner, holding a 'Kangri' as part of the greeting. Speaking to ANI, Ravinder Raina said, "Shri Amarnath Yatra has reached the Kashmir Valley. The people of Jammu & Kashmir have welcomed the pilgrims. We are welcoming the pilgrims in a traditional way, holding this 'Kangri'." DM Kulgam, Athar Aamir Khan, said everyone is happy to welcome the yatris to the Valley. "People from civil society, traders associations, apple growers and Administration have come here to welcome the yatris. We are very happy to welcome all the pilgrims to J&K," Khan said. The first batch of Amarnath Yatra pilgrims was warmly welcomed in Qazigund, Kulgam, with flowers. People from civil society, traders, apple growers, and the administration also joined in the traditional welcome. Earlier, Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Chaudhary welcomed the first batch of Amarnath Yatra pilgrims in Banihal. Chaudhary said the region is witnessing a festival-like atmosphere, with people from all communities warmly welcoming pilgrims. Expressing hope for the restoration of statehood, he said, "We will pray to Lord Bhola Shankar that next time we welcome these pilgrims to the state of J&K, not to a UT..." He praised the efforts of security forces and the administration and called the Omar Abdullah-led government patriotic and committed to national unity. "...We are here to welcome the pilgrims. The Security Forces and the Administration are fulfilling their responsibilities. Today, we can see a festival-like atmosphere in Jammu and Kashmir, and this is the beauty of Jammu and Kashmir. People from all communities are welcoming pilgrims here. We have heard that LG sahib has prayed for J&K to be granted statehood status...Omar Abdullah's government is a patriotic government, and we always take steps to strengthen the nation." The 38-day yatra will commence on July 3 and conclude on August 9. The pilgrimage will follow two routes - the traditional 48-km Pahalgam route in Anantnag district and the 14-km shorter but steeper Baltal route in Ganderbal district. The first batch of pilgrims will depart from the Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu on July 2. Security in the whole Jammu region has been massively heightened for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra, following the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack. Over 50,000 personnel, including those from the CRPF, Army, and Police, have been deployed, along with continuous monitoring through CCTV, drones, jammers, and facial recognition technology, along the route. Proper arrangements have been made for medical teams, air ambulances, and emergency evacuation plans to ensure maximum safety during the pilgrimage. (ANI) Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor on Wednesday countered Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's remarks, asking when the youth of the state will get education and jobs in their own state? Speaking to ANI, Kishor said, "If they want to do nation-building, then the people of the nation have already given the BJP the responsibility to do so...But Rajnath Singh should also tell us whether Bihar is a part of this nation...When will our youth get an education and jobs? Why are we going to Gujarat for labour and jobs? Rajnath Singh should tell all this." Earlier today, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hit out at the opposition Congress and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) in Bihar, stating that their only motivation is to stay in power while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) remains inspired by the idea of nation-building. While addressing the BJP workers at the party's state executive meeting, Singh credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for pushing policies that will help develop every section of society. The BJP's objective remains that people of the country lead a dignified life, he added. "Political parties like Congress and RJD have only one objective, to stay in power...whereas the BJP is inspired by nation-building. The objective of the BJP is to ensure a dignified life for every citizen of India. Keeping this in mind, the Prime Minister has taken effective steps to implement policies that promote the development of every section of society, ensuring that everyone has the right to live with self-respect. This, too, has been achieved by our government. We are all striving to make India's economy the third-largest economy in the world," Rajnath Singh said. The Defence Minister said that Prime Minister Modi has demonstrated in the past decade that India can move forward if leadership is strong and national interest is kept paramount. He further said that the reason the BJP has established itself as the largest political party in the world is that everyone works with the spirit of a worker, regardless of their position in the party. "In the BJP, everyone works with the spirit of a worker, no matter what position they hold. This is the foundation of our party's strength, and as a result, the BJP has today established itself as the largest political party in the entire world," Singh asserted. The Bihar elections are expected to be held later this year, in October or November; however, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has not yet announced an official date. In the current Bihar Assembly, comprising 243 members, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) consists of 131 members, with the BJP having 80 MLAs, JD(U) having 45, HAM(S) having 4, and the support of 2 Independent Candidates. The Opposition's INDIA Bloc comprises 111 members, with the RJD leading with 77 MLAs, followed by the Congress with 19, the CPI(ML) with 11, the CPI(M) with 2, and the CPI with 2. (ANI) The Center for Energy & Environmental Solutions brought 50 incoming freshmen to campus for a head start on STEM education. ZaNiyah Bowie ORANGEBURG, S.C. ZaNiyah Bowie spent part of her summer exploring the front lines of science and technology from engineering labs to environmental research fields before even starting her first college class. The incoming freshman from Clarksville, Tennessee, was one of 50 students selected for South Carolina State Universitys Center for Energy and Environmental Solutions (CEES) Summer Bridge Program, a weeklong experience designed to immerse new Bulldogs in the possibilities of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). Bowie, who plans to major in biology and become a pediatric dentist, came in focused on a clear goal. But the program expanded her view of STEM careers. I was really focused on biology, she said. But hearing about all the other career fields that STEM has in it it just kind of opened my mind to other possibilities. The Summer Bridge Program was one of two CEES initiatives hosted in June to advance STEM education across the region. Earlier in the month, CEES welcomed middle and high school teachers from across South Carolina for its inaugural Summer Science Institute (SSI). Our mission at CEES is to create strong, sustainable pathways into STEM fields, especially for students from underrepresented populations who may not otherwise have access to early exposure and support, said Dr. H. Bryan Riley, CEES director. The Summer Bridge Program actively helps incoming students as they build confidence, practice persistence and engage in hands-on learning before their first semester. At the same time, the Summer Science Institute allows us to partner with middle and high school STEM educators who play a critical role in shaping the pipeline. By supporting both students and teachers, we extend our impact across generations and help transform lives through greater opportunity and success, Riley said. CEES Summer Bridge students at the Embeford Farm. A head start on campus and in the classroom When Bowie arrived at the SC State campus for CEES Summer Bridge, she did not know anyone. But within days, Bowie found a new sense of belonging and a fresh perspective on her future. After I got to meet everybody, it was smooth sailing, she said. Dr. John Till talks with students about the history of nuclear weapon testing and radiation risk analysis. Held June 2227, the CEES Summer Bridge Program gave participants an early introduction to college-level STEM coursework through sessions led by SC State faculty in engineering, cybersecurity, math and environmental science. Students explored careers through field trips to Boeing in North Charleston and WIS-TV in Columbia, built skills in student success seminars, and formed peer connections through evening group activities and presentations. Both summer programs took participants to the Till familys Embeford Farm of SC LLC in Neeces, where they heard from owner Dr. John Till, a retired Navy admiral and nationally recognized expert in nuclear environmental science whose career spans decades of work in radiation risk analysis and environmental health. Till, founder of the Risk Assessment Corporation and chair of several national advisory boards, gave students and teachers a firsthand look at how science, policy and public health intersect. Tills presentation gave Bowie a new perspective on the evolution of nuclear science. Back then, they didnt have a lot of protection, so they kind of just had to wing it, Bowie said. Now, we know how to protect ourselves. Legacy, leadership and a passion for engineering Timothy Beard For Timothy Beard, an incoming civil engineering major from Blackville, South Carolina, the STEM experience at SC State was also a step into family tradition. He is the latest member of his family to attend the university following in the footsteps of his grandfather, great-aunt and great-uncles. Im just trying to carry on the tradition, Beard said. The visit to Embeford Farm was both educational and personal. Beard recalled spending time on family farmland as a child, but he said the level of technology and scientific precision at the Till familys operation was on a different scale. Its way more advanced than what Ive seen before, he said. He joined the program to deepen his understanding of engineering before the fall semester. A visit to Boeing left a lasting impression. I learned how planes are built and how much detail it takes it was awesome to see that up close, he said. The experience fit right into his plans for his civil engineering degree. I chose civil engineering because I really like to build things, Beard said. I really want to build bridges and houses and things like that. I want to be part of trying to make the economy grow. Equipping educators for tomorrows classrooms Educators in the CEES Summer Science Institute learned about the Till family's farming operations, as well as the progress of nuclear safety and environmental monitoring, when they visited the farm in Neeces, South Carolina, near Orangeburg. Between 2022 and 2032, South Carolina's total employment is projected to increase by approximately 262,000 jobs, reaching over 2.6 million positions a growth rate of 11.1%. Most of these jobs will require STEM-related education and competencies. So, SC State and the CEES are looking to be major participants in workforce development. The SSI, held June 1620, gave STEM teachers from within a 50-mile radius of Orangeburg the opportunity to engage in collaborative workshops, hands-on demonstrations and peer learning. Participants received a stipend, mileage reimbursement, 10 certificate renewal points and a certificate of completion from SC States College of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Transportation (College of STEM-T). Like their student counterparts, educators also gained valuable insight from Tills session at Embeford Farm, exploring the history and progress of nuclear safety and environmental monitoring. Building pathways through CEES Both the Summer Bridge Program and Summer Science Institute are part of the broader mission of the Center for Energy and Environmental Solutions, which is housed within the College of STEM-T. CEES develops inclusive pathways into energy, environmental and STEM careers through hands-on learning, outreach, and faculty-led research. The center aims to build a more diverse and prepared workforce by serving students and educators alike. To learn more about the Center for Energy and Environmental Solutions, visit www.scsu.edu/cees . The Supreme Court has extended by four weeks the interim bail to Vikas Yadav, who is serving a 25-year-long jail term in the 2002 Nitish Katara murder case, to take care of his ailing mother. A bench of Justices MM Sundresh and K Vinod Chandran extended the interim bail by four more weeks to enable Yadav to attend to his ailing mother, who had undergone surgery. The bench also made it clear that no further indulgence for an extension will be given on medical grounds. In its order, the bench stated, "Though arguments have been made by both sides with respect to the physical condition of the petitioner's mother, we are inclined to extend the period of interim bail by four more weeks. It is made clear that no further indulgence for an extension will be given on medical grounds." Earlier, that bench had also extended his interim bail. Yadav's counsel, seeking extension, told the bench that since the surgery was performed on May 25, his mother required post-operative care. On April 24, the apex court had granted interim bail to Yadav and said he shall reside only at his residence in Ghaziabad. His bail was later extended for four weeks. Granting interim bail to Yadav, the top court had said he shall not make any contact with the witness who deposed against him and Neelam Katara, the mother of Nitish Katara. It had also asked the Uttarakhand and Delhi police to provide security to witnesses and Neelam Katara. The top court had also noted that Yadav has completed 23 years of his imprisonment in the case. Yadav had sought interim bail, saying his mother's condition was serious, his assistance and presence were needed. Yadav's plea, which raises the issue of denial of remission benefits to him, has also been pending before the apex court. A trial court in May 2008 held Vikas Yadav guilty of murdering Nitish Katara for being in a relationship with his sister. On October 3, 2016, the apex court gave a jail term without any benefit of remission to Vikas Yadav, son of controversial Uttar Pradesh politician DP Yadav, and his cousin Vishal Yadav for their role in the kidnapping and killing of business executive Katara. They kidnapped Katara from a marriage party on the intervening night of February 16-17, 2002 and then killed him for his alleged affair with Vikas' sister Bharti Yadav. Bharti was the daughter of Uttar Pradesh politician DP Yadav. (ANI) The Rouse Avenue Court on Wednesday heard the arguments of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on the point of the complaint filed against Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and others under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. The court is hearing arguments of the ED on the complaint filed against Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and other accused. The Enforcement Directorate submitted that the "All India Congress Committee may be made an accused if evidence is found against it." Special judge Vishal Gogne heard the arguments by the Additional Solicitor General (ASG) S V Raju, who appeared for ED. The matter has been listed for further hearing on July 3. The ED argued that Young Indian was created to take over the Associated Journal Limited, which has Assets of Rs. 2000 crore. Congress leaders were among the beneficiaries of Young Indian. ASG Raju also argued that the offences are made out against Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and other accused persons. ASG SV Raju submitted that the averments made in the complaint are the fulcrum of the case. That must be taken into consideration when considering cognisance. It was also submitted that the threshold for discharge is higher than the threshold for taking cognisance. The primary facie case for issuing a summons is entirely different. During the arguments, the ASG referred to the complaint (case) of the Enforcement Directorate and said this is a session triable case. The offence is made out against every individual accused, the ASG submitted. The ED submitted that Gandhi's were the beneficiaries of Young Indian, which was made to usurp the assets of Associated Journal Limited (AJL). It was also submitted that a loan of Rs 90 crores was lent to AJL by the AICC, which was later on taken over by the Young indian, in which Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi were shareholders. The court asked what the shareholding of the AJL was before the creation of Young indian in 2010. (ANI) Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has emphasised that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) contests elections not only to defeat political opponents like the Congress or other parties but for development across the state and nation. CM Yadav made the remark while addressing the media persons after the appointment of new state president of Madhya Pradesh BJP at party headquarters in Bhopal on Wednesday. "We don't fight to win against Congress or any other party, we fight for the development of the region and get an identity in the region with our developmental works. Also, to remove the difficulties of the public for which they vote for us. We have changed the image of the tribal region in the state. We have established a food park in a tribal area in the state, which was appreciated by the government of India," CM Yadav said. The CM highlighted that they thought that food parks should not be established in urban areas but in tribal areas too. The state government is also working on how to run Gaushalas, to perform natural farming, to make arrangements at Food parks and food processing units should be established so that farmers get fair prices for the produce. He further added that there is a lot to speak about the development works but the occasion is all about the election of the state party president. Hemant Khandelwal, a legislator from Betul, was officially appointed as the new state president of the party on Wednesday. He has been elected unopposed after emerging as the sole candidate filed nomination papers for the post on Tuesday. Speaking to ANI, newly appointed Madhya Pradesh BJP President, Hemant Khandelwal said, "I would like to express gratitude towards the party leadership. I will try to live up to the trust of the party workers. Maintaining the current status of the Bharatiya Janata Party, I will try to grow it further." Several BJP leaders, including Chief Minister Mohan Yadav felicitated newly appointed party president, Hemant Khandelwal, at the party's state headquarters here. (ANI) Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aditya Thackeray, on Wednesday, slammed BJP MLA Babanrao Lonikar's reported remarks on farmers and termed it "very insulting". Speaking to the media, Thackeray claimed that more than 700 farmers have committed suicide in Maharashtra in the last three months alone and not a single rupee of help has reached them. "Very insulting remarks, as if it is a favour to them that the Government is trying to help them. If you see the last 2.5 years, under 'Bhrashtnath' Shinde or if you see now, not a single Rupee of help has reached the farmers. More than 700 farmers have committed suicide in Maharashtra in the last 3 months alone. The Government is going back on all the promises," Aditya Thackeray said. "What is this conduct where the ruling party can say whatever they want on farmers, and roam freely without apologising?" he asked. Further, the Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA said that he was expecting the BJP to present Babanrao Lonikar in the Assembly to apologise. "I was expecting the BJP to present him in the House to apologise. But that didn't happen. One Minister even supported him. The entire BJP attacked us that we are anti-nationals. We just want Babanrao Lonikar to apologise to people, to farmers, for his comments. Is it to wrong to demand that?" Thackeray asserted. A video that recently went viral featuring the BJP leader, where he is heard saying to the gathering of farmers that they should not criticise the government, as they are getting clothes, mobiles, and shoes because of the government's largesse. On Tuesday, opposition leaders in Maharashtra targeted the ruling Mahayuti government in the Assembly, demanding an apology from the BJP MLA. Congress MLA Nana Patole was also suspended from the Assembly by Speaker Rahul Narwekar. Speaking to the media on Tuesday, Patole emphasised that they will continue to fight for the farmers. "BJP MLAs and ministers claim that PM Modi is the messiah of farmers. PM Modi cannot be the messiah of farmers... The way farmers ar being insulted, is this why they have been brought to power?... Ever since PM Modi has formed the government, the suicide rate of farmers has increased... We will continue to fight for the farmers. We do not want a certificate from CM Fadnavis," Patole said. (ANI) Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday took a jibe at opposition parties in Bihar while addressing the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) state executive meeting and said that India has always been secular. The Defence Minister questioned the opposition regarding the definition of secular amid the ongoing controversy over Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Dattatreya Hosabale's suggestion to reconsider the inclusion of words "secular and socialist" in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution. "India is a country whose very culture embodies the spirit of Sarva Dharma Sambhav (equal respect for all faiths). Indian culture has, by its nature, always been secular. This is the land where everyone has always had the freedom to express and propagate their beliefs," he said. Singh further emphasised that over the years, India has remained secular, and it remains the safest place for all the minorities. He said, "It is India that wholeheartedly accepted the Parsi community, who first arrived in Gujarat's Surat, and who today have been living in many cities across the country for centuries. In Kerala stands not only India's but one of the world's oldest churches, which remains intact to this day." "If I talk about Islam, then let me say that India is the only country in the world where all 72 sects of Islam live safely and peacefully. This is living, breathing proof of our country's tolerance and secularism. If there's any place in the world where minorities are the safest, it is in our country--India," he added. Singh pointed out the current situation in neighbouring countries, Pakistan and Bangladesh and said, "Look at the condition of our neighbouring countries. In Pakistan, the minority communities are facing severe hardships. Forget minorities--there, even conflicts between Shias, Sunnis, and Ahmadis erupt frequently. In Bangladesh, too, the situation is deteriorating. What is happening to the Hindu community there is nothing short of a blot on the forehead of any civilised society." He questioned the opposition parties and said, "I want to ask the fake torchbearers of secularism: When the word secular was added to the Constitution through the 42nd Amendment during the Emergency in 1976, why was it not inserted into the Constitution of Jammu and Kashmir? Should Jammu and Kashmir not have been secular--a place where Kashmiri Pandits were being targeted purely on religious grounds? We abrogated Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, and only then could Jammu and Kashmir truly become secular." In the year 2019, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Citizenship Amendment Act was passed by the Parliament. On this, the minister said, "Witnessing the atrocities inflicted on minority communities in neighbouring countries, our government passed the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). Ironically, it was most strongly opposed by those political parties who shed crocodile tears for minorities day and night." "Across the entire world, the Bharatiya Janata Party is the only political party that not only advocated for amending citizenship laws to protect persecuted minorities in neighbouring countries but, upon coming to power, actively worked on it and ultimately passed it," he added. He further added, "The Indian Constitution is a living document. Healthy debate about it is a hallmark of a vibrant democracy. But the attempts being made once again by Congress and RJD to mislead the public in the name of the Constitution will not succeed this time." Singh also shared his views on the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and said, "In this Lok Sabha election, we have expressed our resolve to implement a Uniform Civil Code in the country. Those who genuinely believe in secularism should come forward and lend their support to the creation of a Uniform Civil Code." During the Lok Sabha elections held in 2024, the Central government passed a resolution to implement a uniform civil code, which has been opposed by the opposition parties. Union Minister Rajnath Singh today addressed the Party's executive meeting ahead of the state elections. He motivated and enlightened the party workers and leaders. "The opposition will run various campaigns and spread lies, but you must answer them with confidence. When the opposition strikes with the politics of hatred, you should respond with the politics of service. Under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi in the centre and Nitish Kumar in the state, we must fulfil the vision of a developed Bihar and a developed India. This time, the elections will be fought solely on the issue of development," he said. (ANI) The Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha on Wednesday took out a protest against the TMC-led West Bengal government over the alleged gangrape incident at South Calcutta Law College in Kolkata. The state assembly's Leader of Opposition, Suvendu Adhikari also joined the protest, claiming that there is a "conspiracy" by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the state police to close the gangrape case as soon as possible, and that 'real justice' will only be served when BJP is elected in the state. "Look at the people present here, the sisters have come with a broom in their hands. There is rage in the whole of Bengal. Nobody was allowed to enter, but the Yuva Morcha went to the High Court and took permission today and entered Kasba. All the conspiracy of Mamata Banerjee with the Police has finished, nothing will happen in this case. The police have captured the family," Adhikari told ANI. Adhikari said that 'real justice' will be served when the BJP comes into power and reopens all the cases they feel were wrongly closed. "The real justice will be given when the BJP is in government, eight months later. The BJP government will do whatever it should by reopening all the cases in the town. We are Modi's soldiers," he added. Earlier today, BJP Leader Nisith Pramanik said that the West Bengal Chief Minister is playing the role of a "mute spectator," while atrocities against women are being carried out. "This is not the first incident by a TMC leader in the state... Everyone knows what atrocities are done to women in the TMC office and how Mamata Banerjee plays the role of a mute spectator... Bengal's law and order have completely collapsed... Bengal police is trying to mislead the incident like the previous (RG Kar rape case)... Mamata Banerjee should tell till when women will get raped in the state and till when TMC will carry out atrocities on the people," Pramanik told ANI. Notably, the Alipore Court has sent the three main accused in the alleged gangrape case, including the fourth accused, the security guard, to police custody. The three accused, Monojit, Pramit, and Zaib, are sent to custody till July 8, while the security guard, Pinaki, will be in custody till July 4. (ANI) Delhi Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa, on Wednesday, wrote a letter to the Chief Election Commissioner, Gyanesh Kumar, alleging Aam Aadmi Party's open support to illegal Rohingya & Bangladeshi immigrants. "From legitimising encroachments to provoking anarchy, Arvind Kejriwal is playing with Delhi's safety and India's sovereignty," Sirsa wrote on X, sharing the letter. In his letter, Manjinder Sirsa said that the efforts of the Aam Aadmi Party to protect illegal immigrants and thus attack this very idea of Citizenship are nothing but a travesty of the Constitution of India and a betrayal of the hopes and aspirations of the citizens of this great nation. "As proof of my statement, I would like to draw your attention to the activity of the AAP, which recently organised a protest at Jantar Mantar in open support of illegal Rohingya and Bangladeshi Muslims residing in Delhi, opposing all lawful efforts to identify and remove such illegal entrants from the national capital. This action has caused serious concern among responsible citizens," Sirsa said. He alleged further that by backing these illegal Rohingya and Bangladeshi Muslims, the AAP is deliberately obstructing lawful procedures meant to protect national security, internal security and the Constitution. "It is also endangering the safety and dignity of Delhi's daughters and women. Their actions seem more focused on political appeasement and show their total disregard for the Constitution of India and are devoid of even an iota of care towards the true citizens of our great country," Manjinder Sirsa said. "It is also important to highlight that Arvind Kejriwal himself had earlier facilitated these illegal settlements by providing them with jhuggis and promising Rs 10,000 per month assistance. Now, when steps are being taken to remove these unauthorised occupants, AAP is once again creating a narrative in their favour, against the interest of real residents of Delhi and citizens of this country," Sirsa said in his letter to the Election Commission. Sirsa urged the CEC Gyanesh Kumar to take immediate cognisance of AAP's repeated and deliberate violations. "Therefore, I urge the Election Commission of India to take immediate cognisance of these repeated and deliberate violations and initiate steps against the Aam Aadmi Party under provisions applicable to political parties promoting divisiveness, threatening national unity, encouraging illegal activities, and engaging in unconstitutional activities," the Delhi Minister said. (ANI) According to an official release from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Dr Murhekar, referring to an in-depth study carried out by ICMR-NIE in 2023, categorically stated that no correlation was found between COVID-19 vaccinations and sudden deaths. He further clarified that factors like genetic predisposition, underlying health conditions, and unhealthy lifestyles are more likely to contribute to such incidents. Supporting this, he mentioned a study by PGI Chandigarh that showed the incidence rate of sudden deaths, 1 in 10,000, has remained stable over the last decade. A 10-member National Media Delegation, led by Dr Manisha Verma, Additional Director General, Press Information Bureau, Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, arrived in Chennai on Wednesday as part of a three-day media tour covering Chennai and Puducherry. The delegation began their visit with a detailed tour and interaction session at the Indian Council of Medical Research's National Institute of Epidemiology (ICMR-NIE), a premier research body under the Department of Health Research. Welcomed by the Institute's Director, Dr Manoj Murhekar, the media team was briefed about NIE's ongoing and completed research projects that contribute to shaping national health policies. Dr Murhekar, along with senior scientists, addressed the delegation's queries and elaborated on studies related to public health priorities. Dr Hemant Shewade, Senior Scientist at ICMR-NIE, presented insights from a recent study on Tuberculosis among highly vulnerable populations. He noted that the findings led the Tamil Nadu government to formulate targeted interventions, significantly improving outreach and containment efforts. Established on July 2, 1999, ICMR-NIE has evolved as a hub for public health research, known for publishing over 140 international journal articles annually. The institute emerged from the merger of the Central JALMA Institute for Leprosy (Field Unit) and the Institute for Research in Medical Statistics. Located in Ayapakkam, Chennai, it specialises in epidemiological studies, disease modelling, clinical trials, and health systems research. The institute also plays a critical role in capacity building through its MPH, Ph.D., and short-term training programs in collaboration with leading universities. ICMR-NIE continues to support state and national health programs through evidence-based research and policy recommendations, thereby strengthening India's public health ecosystem. The media delegation will continue its tour with further visits in Puducherry over the next two days. (ANI) The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Wednesday met with representatives from various political parties to discuss concerns regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar. The SIR aims to verify the eligibility of voters and ensure accurate electoral rolls ahead of the assembly elections expected to be held later this year. Representatives of 11 political parties met with the Election Commission, including Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar along with other Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu Vivek Joshi at Nirvachan Sadan. "Representatives of various political parties(PPs) met Election Commission comprising CEC Sh Gyanesh Kumar along with ECs Dr Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Dr Vivek Joshi at ECI, New Delhi, today to discuss the issues related to Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in Bihar," the Commission posted on X. https://x.com/ECISVEEP/status/1940422471834116506 The Election Commission is currently conducting the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise in Bihar, ahead of the Assembly elections which are expected to held later this year. The opposition parties has raised alarm over the exercise, claiming that it will be used to disenfranchise voters. The ECI stated that the SIR is being conducted in accordance with Article 326 of the Constitution and the Representation of the People Act 1950, to identify ineligible voters and ensure no eligible voter is left out. "Commission stated that SIR is being conducted in accordance with provisions of Article 326, RP Act 1950 & instructions issued on 24.06.2025 Party representatives raised concerns related to SIR. Each concern which was raised by any member of PP was fully addressed by Commission," the post added. Opposition parties, including the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), expressed concerns that the SIR might be used to disenfranchise voters, particularly the poor and marginalized. According to the EC, certain members had a prior appointment with the poll panel and some had come unannounced, however the Commission allowed two representatives from every party for a meeting. "Some of the participants were given an appointment and others were allowed to join in without any prior appointment as Commission decided to meet two representatives from every party so as to listen to all views," read the ECI's post. The ECI assured that the SIR would be conducted transparently and fairly, with measures in place to assist vulnerable groups, such as senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and the economically vulnerable. A group of 18 leaders from 11 political parties met with the Election Commissioners regarding the upcoming Bihar elections. The exercise has faced heavy criticism from the opposition. The SIR involves house-to-house verification, online submission of forms, and assistance from Booth Level Officers (BLOs) and volunteers Earlier today, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav claimed the SIR exercise is being used to help the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) win the upcoming Bihar polls by denying poor people their right to vote. The RJD leader also claimed that the Narendra Modi-led Centre will impose President's rule in the state to consolidate power. "Two days after the (SIR) notification itself, we have asked the Election Commission that our mahagathbandan, the alliance, wants to meet with you, a delegation wants to meet with you. The RJD leader also claimed that voting rights being allegedly taken away is just the first step, with the BJP coming for people's pensions and rations later on. "It looks like the Election Commission has become Modi's, BJP's Commission, and BJP, Nitish Kumar is silent on this. They are losing the elections by votes so EC is helping them from the back. When they lose, first they cut votes of poor, then pension, after that ration. Modi ji will eat all that up. Voting is a right in a Constitutional democracy, and that too you are taking that way," he added. The Bihar assembly elections are scheduled to take place at the end of this year, with the SIR exercise notified on June 24. (ANI) Union Minister and BJP National President JP Nadda sharply criticised the Congress-led government in Himachal Pradesh under Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu for its slow utilisation of disaster relief funds, while reaffirming the Central Government's unwavering support for the state. "Between 2023 and 2025, the Central Government allocated Rs 1,736 crore to the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF), Rs 1,071 crore through the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF), and Rs 339 crore to the State Disaster Mitigation Fund for Himachal Pradesh as relief funds. This demonstrates that under Prime Minister Modi's leadership, the Government of India stands firmly with the state government in times of need, not just in words but in action." On fund utilisation, he added, "Out of the Rs 360.11 crore allocated, only Rs 78 crore has been utilised, which is just 21.7 per cent of the total amount. I have cautioned the state government that they have one year to effectively utilise these funds. Nevertheless, the Central Government and Prime Minister Modi remain steadfast in their support for Himachal Pradesh." Expressing condolences for the lives lost in cloudbursts and flash floods, Nadda highlighted the BJP's solidarity with the affected families and its active role in the ongoing rescue operations. Nadda further stated, "I express my deepest condolences to those who lost their lives in the cloudburst and flash floods. The BJP stands with the families who have lost their loved ones. We are assisting in the ongoing rescue operations in the affected areas. Whenever Himachal Pradesh has been affected by any disaster, Prime Minister Modi has always stood with Himachal Pradesh." Meanwhile, at least 51 people have died in Himachal Pradesh since June 20, 2025, of which 21 fatalities were due to road accidents, while the remaining 30 were caused by monsoon-related incidents such as floods, landslides, and cloudbursts, according to the Himachal Pradesh Disaster Management Authority. DC Rana, Special Secretary of the Himachal Pradesh Revenue Department and Disaster Management, addressed the media in Shimla on Wednesday, providing detailed figures on the ongoing monsoon crisis in the state. "The monsoon entered Himachal Pradesh on June 19, and since then, continuous rainfall has been recorded. Heavy rainfall on June 29 and 30 caused widespread damage," said Rana. "The death toll due to rain-related incidents has reached nearly 30 so far. As per current data, 34 people are reported missing, with the worst-hit area being Mandi district, where 10 deaths occurred over just two days," he said. Rana stressed that the exact number of casualties and damages will become clear once communication networks are fully restored in remote regions. "Many extreme weather events occurred across the state, including multiple cloudbursts and flash floods," he noted. (ANI) July 2, 2025: Russia has accelerating problems with labor shortages and millions of Russians working in the untaxed and unregulated informal economy. There are multiple reasons for these problems. Since the 1990s the population has been shrinking because of declining birth rates. Since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, foreign workers have stopped entering Russia or left because so many of them were coerced into the Russian army to die in Ukraine. All this led to a crippling labor shortage, which is currently nearly 19 percent. Some useful solutions are being considered. One is to make it easier for those working in the unofficial shadow economy to join the legal workforce. Another is to enforce laws mandating equal pay for women doing the same jobs as men. This will encourage many childless wives who remain as homemakers to return to work. These same programs will encourage students to take part time jobs. Another proposal, which is more difficult to implement, is eliminating the lack of well-paid jobs for non-Slav Russians. One popular solution is to equalize pay rates for everyone. There are at least 15 million Russians who could be added to the workforce if these measures are successful. Another popular measure would be ending the war in Ukraine, but the government will not touch that. For centuries Russia was considered a threat to its neighbors by virtue of its larger population. But since the Soviet Union fell apart in 1991 and half the population broke away to form 14 new nations, the remaining Russian population has been in decline. Twenty years after the Soviet Union collapsed, the Russian population implosion is getting worse. While in the 1990s the population was shrinking at a rate of 0.1 percent a year, in the last decade that has increased to 0.2 percent a year. This is because the non-Slav Russians are having fewer children, just as the Slavs have been doing or, rather, not doing for decades. The Russian population has declined three percent since 1989, from 147 to 142.9 million. The proportion of the population that is ethnic Slav Russian has declined from 81.5 percent to 77 percent in that same period. The rapidly aging Russian population is not only shrinking but is not fit for any major economic or military efforts. During the last decade it was discovered that some 60 percent of Russians are elderly, children, or disabled. Out of 20 million males of working age, one million are in prison, a million in the armed forces including paramilitaries, five million are unemployed or unemployable due to poor education, health, or attitude, four million are chronic alcoholics, and a million are drug addicts. Thus there is something of a labor shortage, with plenty of jobs for women and immigrants. The birth rate is below replacement level and a declining population means more immigrants just to keep things going. Improving medical care and health habits, especially treating alcoholism and drug use, is a government priority, in order to raise the lifespan of Russian males. That has had some success, and in urban areas you see more Russians out running and going to the many newly built private gyms. But these improvements are not happening quickly enough to reverse the population decline. If this trend is not reversed, Russia will continue to have a smaller and less Russian population. Karnataka cabinet on Wednesday sanctioned funds worth Rs 3,400 crore for the development works being carried out in the state. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stated that this was a pressing response to the charges levelled by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has been alleging a "lack of funds" in the state government. The cabinet held discussions concerning a total of 48 issues and said that the Karnataka government will continue to have such meetings in each revenue division of the state. Apprising reporters about the revised amount for the Yettinahole project, Siddaramaiah stated that the project, which would cost Rs 23,251 crore, is essentially a drinking water project for which the state government has spent Rs 17,147 crore to date. The Yettinahole project, which aims to mitigate the issue of drinking water in drought-prone areas, including Chikkaballapur and Kolar districts, will fill 50 per cent of the lakes, the CM said. "We have discussed 48 issues. Rs 3,400 crores is the amount that was discussed and sanctioned today. BJP repeatedly claims that this government has no money. I am pressing it...The total revised amount for the Yettinahole project is Rs 23,251 crore. The amount spent so far is Rs 17,147 crore, and an additional Rs 6,103 crore will be spent. This is basically a drinking water project, but we will fill 50 per cent of the lakes...First, the drinking water project should be completed. We are working on drinking water projects in Kolar, Chikkaballapur, Ben Rural, and Hassan. After completing the drinking water project in the next 2 years, we will provide water to all those districts. The gravity Main Canal is also 82-85 per cent complete. Rs 9,807 crores have been spent," Siddaramaiah said. The Labour Department has decided to open a residential school for the children of workers in each district. "Rs 1,175.25 crores have been sanctioned for its construction, wherever there is a large number of workers (are residing)," the cabinet decided. The Karnataka CM stated that the state government has allocated Rs 10 crore for the construction of two residential schools to train students from underprivileged communities for competitive examinations, including the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). "We have declared the Bangalore Rural District as Bangalore North. We have changed Bagepalli to Bhagyanagar," Siddaramaiah said. He informed that the Bengaluru City University would be named after the late Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh. "We have named it Dr. Manmohan Singh University," Siddaramaiah said. Meanwhile, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said that the government has decided to conduct a special investigation into the allegations of irregularities in mining activities. "We have decided that the state cabinet should conduct a special investigation into the mining irregularities and submit a report within a month. HK Patil found some shortcomings. We have formed a cabinet sub-committee under the leadership of the Law Minister to protect our state wealth. Bengaluru was the only one with a high-tech flower market. We have given it to the Chikkaballapur district for construction at a cost of Rs 141 crore for a flower market," Shivakumar said. (ANI) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday met the Chairman of the 16th Finance Commission, Arvind Panagariya and discussed a gamut of issues pertaining to devolution of funds given the state's unique aspects. In the course of the 40-minute meeting at Bhawan Annexe, 1 Tolstoy Marg here, Chief Minister Sarma highlighted Assam's unique challenges, ranging from its diverse geography to the impact of climate change, its strategic position vis-a-vis close proximity to international borders, coupled with demographic shifts. Emphasising that Assam's unique challenges demand tailored solutions, the Chief Minister underscored the need for bridging regional disparities as the way forward towards a Vikshit Bharat. The Chief Minister pointed out that despite the impediment, the State has been able to achieve higher capital expenditure and put up a remarkable performance in vital sectors, including health, education, drinking water, infrastructure, local governance, disaster mitigation, power, etc. Sarma said the present government is wholly committed to ensuring that Assam emerges as a net contributor in India's quest to become the third-largest economy. Towards this end, insightful submissions were made that could help to give added impetus to Cooperative Federalism, address vertical and horizontal challenges, and strike a fine balance between equity and efficiency. The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, KK Dwivedi, Commissioner and Secretary, Finance Department, Govt. of Assam, Jayant Narlikar and other officials. Later, taking to X (formerly Twitter), the Chief Minister wrote, "It is always insightful to meet Shri @APanagariya Ji, the Chairman of the 16th Finance Commission. We discussed aspects unique to Assam with regard to devolution of funds." It may be recalled that Chief Minister Sarma in course of a meeting with the Chairman and members of the 16th Finance Commission during their visit to Assam on September 26 last year had urged the commission to increase Assam's share within the framework of horizontal devolution and to accord the North East Region comprising eight states as a collective block by allocating 10 per cent of Central tax revenues. "To realise Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of making the North East a growth engine, greater fund devolution is crucial," the Chief Minister quipped. Constituted on December 31, 2023, with Arvind Panagariya, former Vice-Chairman of NITI Aayog, as its Chairman, the 16th Finance Commission is mandated to submit its recommendations by October 31 2025, for the award period of five years commencing from April 1 2026. (ANI) The Electronic City police arrested the accused after it came to notice that he was secretly recording the female employee. The arrested accused has been identified as Swapnil Nagesh Mali, a 28-year-old employee, who hails from Andhra Pradesh. According to the police, the accused was caught while recording a video of a female employee in the toilet. He had secretly recorded a video of the female employee's toilet on his mobile. He stood on the commode of the adjacent toilet and recorded. He was recording, and a reflection appeared on the opposite door. Speaking on the issue, South East Division DCP Sarah Fathima stated that the accused's mobile phone was being sent for forensic examination. "We registered the case yesterday and already arrested the accused, who was working as a technical analyst. We have recovered the mobile phone and are sending it for forensic examination," DCP Fathima told ANI. The HR staff intervened and found the video. Videos of more than 30 women were discovered. Instead of taking strict action, the company's management sought the employee's apology, as per sources. However, when the female employee's husband found out about the incident, there was a huge uproar, and the woman's husband expressed his anger at Infosys. Later, on Tuesday, he filed a complaint at the Electronics City police station. Based on the complaint, the Electronics City police arrested the person today. The accused works as a Senior Associate Consultant in a particular department of the private company. (ANI) While hearing the Directorate of Enforcement's (ED) arguments on a money laundering complaint in the National Herald case, Delhi's Rouse Avenue Court raised certain queries to the ED about the shareholding of Associated Journals Limited (AJL) and whether the Congress party was a victim, as it had given a loan to AJL. Additional Solicitor General (ASG) SV Raju submitted that there was a conspiracy to siphon off the assets of AJL, a company with assets worth Rs 2000 crore, a fact known to Congress leaders. Special Judge Vishal Gogne heard the arguments at length for nearly three hours and listed the matter for further hearing on July 3. The ED filed a prosecution complaint (charge sheet) against seven persons: Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Suman Dubey, Sam Pitroda, Young Indian, Dotex, and Sunil Bhandari. The Congress provided a loan of Rs. 90.25 crore to AJL, which had no means to repay despite holding assets worth Rs. 2000 crores, ASG Raju submitted. Raju alleged that the accused aimed to usurp AJL, with its Rs. 2000 crore assets, by creating Young Indian, a company controlled by the Gandhis. The ED argued that Young Indian acquired AJL for just Rs. 50 lakh in exchange for the Rs. 90 crore loan provided by the Congress. The ED further stated that the accused firm, Dotex, gave a Rs. 1 crore loan to Young Indian, out of which Rs. 50 lakh was paid to the All India Congress Committee (AICC). Consequently, Young Indian became the owner of AJL for Rs. 50 lakh. ASG Raju argued that a company without even Rs. 5 lakh became the owner of a company with Rs. 2000 crore in assets, emphasising the absurdity of the transaction. Despite AJL's Rs. 2000 crore assets, it struggled to manage daily affairs. Raju argued that any prudent person would have sold assets to repay the Rs. 90 crore loan, which was insignificant compared to the company's asset value. The ASG alleged that the AICC conspired to usurp AJL's assets through Young Indian, created to siphon off Rs. 2000 crore in exchange for the Rs. 90 crore loan. The Additional Solicitor General (ASG) S.V. Raju questioned why the All India Congress Committee (AICC) gave another loan to Associated Journals Limited (AJL) when the company was unable to repay the earlier loan, asking why a prudent person would do this. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) alleged that Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi wanted to take over AJL, a company with assets worth Rs. 2000 crores. ASG Raju argued that Dotex gave a Rs. 1 crore loan to Young Indian, a company in shambles, without any guarantee. All this money came in when Rahul Gandhi (RG) and Sonia Gandhi (SG) entered the fray. During the hearing, the court asked the ED to clarify whether donations, loans, rent, etc., are part of the proceeds of crime. ASG Raju stated that they are proceeds of crime, emphasising, "It is nothing but proceeds of crime." ASG Raju also referred to a letter written by the Director of AJL to AICC, stating that they were unable to repay the loan as the publication was suspended and had no regular income. Two months after this letter, Young Indian was created. The ED said that after the appointment of Rahul Gandhi, Young Indian wrote a letter to AJL to repay the loan or convert it into equity. It was a loss-incurring company to the tune of Rs. 70 lakh. AICC told Young Indian to give Rs. 50 lakh, and in return, they would get Rs. 90 crores. It did not have a capital of Rs. 50 lakh, ASG argued. The ASG submitted that they (the accused) had shares in Young Indian. There was a paper transaction of shares, not a genuine one. It was submitted that Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi were beneficiaries of Young Indian. The four persons--Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Suman Dubey, and Sam Pitroda--were key managerial personnel in Young Indian as per their own audit report. Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi had 38 per cent shares each in Young Indian. The court queried what was wrong with acquiring a company. ASG submitted that if you want to acquire, it should be done at market price, not for peanuts. The company AJL, having assets of Rs. 2000 crores, was taken over for the loan of Rs. 90 crores. It is fraud. It was not a genuine transaction, ASG submitted. ASG Raju said that AJL was not acquired by the Congress but by Young Indian. It was a conspiracy. Congress did not charge interest or require collateral. The Rs. 90 crores loan was sold for Rs. 50 lakh, ASG said. "It is a conspiracy at the behest of Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi to take away the assets of Rs. 2000 crores," ASG alleged. The court asked whether Congress was a victim. The ASG submitted that Congress took a hit of Rs. 89 crore to benefit Young Indian. AICC leaders and others defrauded the party of the loan of Rs. 90 crore. The ASG argued that the Gandhis were the beneficiaries in Young Indian. They held 76 per cent of the shares. After the deaths of Motilal Vohra and Oscar Fernandes, total control came into the hands of Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi. It was a company of the Gandhis. He said that the borrower was saying they didn't have the money to repay the loan, yet the lender still gave a donation. No prudent person would do this. The court raised a query: "What if Congress wrote off the loan? Banks do it all the time. Congress wrote off the loan, and Congress is not an accused. How does this distinguish from other companies? How is this such a peculiarity that the ED wanted to investigate? PSUs are writing off crores of rupees." ASG Raju said that in the case of banks, they don't have assets, so they have to lend. It is in that case that they enter into a compromise with the borrower. In this case, assets of Rs. 2000 crores were available. The assets have value, even if they are not generating income. ASG Raju said that for giving Rs. 90 crores, you (the accused) are getting assets of Rs. 2000 crore; it is fraud. To get the assets of Rs. 2000 crore, you entered into the conspiracy, the ASG argued. Young Indian was formed for the purpose of committing fraud, he added. ASG Raju said that the transaction of purchasing the loan by Young Indian from AJL was a sham transaction, as it was known that AJL does not have any income, and Young Indian was not going to get anything out of it. The court asked why Congress was not a shareholder in AJL and directed the ED to verify this tomorrow. (ANI) In connection with the murder of businessman Raja Raghuvanshi, who was killed in Meghalaya during his honeymoon, the Shillong court on Wednesday sent the accused Shilom James to 14 days of judicial custody. Two other accused, builder Lokendra Tomar and watchman Balveer Ahirwar (also known as Billa), were sent to 7 days of judicial custody after their earlier 6-day police remand ended. A few days earlier, a team from Shillong Police seized a CCTV DVR from the Indore residence of Shilom James in connection with the murder case. Shilom Jame, a property dealer who had reportedly rented out a flat to the accused Sonam, was arrested on June 21. Family members of Raja Raghuvanshi, who was murdered in Meghalaya during his honeymoon, said that they would appeal before the Meghalaya High Court for the Narco test of the accused. Vipin Raghuvanshi, brother of Raja Raghuvanshi, reached the Indore Crime Branch police station as called by the Shillong SIT for questioning in connection with the case. After that he spoke to ANI and highlighted his appeal in relation to the probe of the case, noting that the motive of the murder was yet to be known. "I will apply for the Narco examination of the accused and I will appeal to the High Court (Meghalaya) for the same because the motive of the crime is yet to be known as to why Raja was murdered. Therefore, I will appeal before the High Court for a Narco test. Today, Shillong police called me for interrogation regarding the offerings (jewellery and ornaments) which we made during the wedding of Raja and Sonam. I have submitted all the photos of the jewellery which we offered," Raghuvanshi told ANI. "I have told them that Sonam took all the jewellery with her from here. I have no idea about how much jewellery they (police) have received. I have no information in relation to whether all the ornaments were found or not. They have not shown me anything that they found although I have sent all the photos which we offered. Now, they will match what they found or not so far," he added. (ANI) Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday once again dismissed speculation regarding a change in leadership in the Karnataka government, saying that the Bharatiya Janata Party is simply "daydreaming." "The BJP is daydreaming about the change of power in the government. BJP believes only lies and not the truth, and the BJP, which is incompetent in lying, does not know how to tell the truth. They believe it or not, we are all together," the Chief Minister said while addressing the media at Nandi Hills. Questioning the BJP's track record while they led the Karnataka government, he said, "What evidence did the BJP leave behind when it was in power? What did they do in fields of irrigation, rural development, public works, education and health?" "BJP was in power for four years. H D Kumaraswamy was in power in the coalition government for one year and two months. What did they do?" he added. Reiterating that he will complete his five-year tenure, the CM added, "Everything said by R. Ashok, Vijayendra, and Chalavadi Narayanaswamy is not true; they're not the Congress high command." Addressing the decision for appointing ministers in the cabinet, he said that the final decision will be taken by the party's top brass. "There are 142 people from our party. Only 34 people can be made ministers. Not everyone can be made. Only 15% of people can be made," he said. Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar stated that he will fully support Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and the party high command's decision amid mounting speculation about a possible change in state leadership. Speaking to the mediapersons today, Shivakumar said, "What option do I have? I have to stand by him and support him. I don't have any objection to it, whatever the party high command says and whatever they decide, it will be fulfilled." (ANI) "A college-going girl lodged a complaint on June 16, 2025, reporting that multiple fake Instagram accounts were created using her identity. These accounts uploaded sexually explicit, AI-edited images of her and were used for online harassment and blackmail," South West Delhi Additional DCP Abhimanyu Poswal told ANI. The police officer said that the smartphone used to commit the offence was recovered, adding that the accused confessed to his crime during interrogation. "A case was registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). A dedicated cybercrime team launched an investigation, using technical surveillance and AI analysis tools to trace the culprit. The accused had used existing images, manipulated them using AI, and created several fake accounts to target the victim," Poswal said. "The investigation led authorities to Palam, Delhi, where, after continuous surveillance, a 21-year-old male suspect was apprehended. During interrogation, he confessed to the crime. A smartphone used to commit the offence was recovered. Further investigation is ongoing," he added. (ANI) Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will inaugurate the National Level Conference of Chairpersons of Urban Local Bodies in the States and Union Territories in the International Centre for Automotive Technology, Manesar, Gurugram, Haryana on July 3. Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India, Manohar Lal; Chief Minister, Haryana, Nayab Singh; Speaker, Haryana Vidhan Sabha, Harvinder Kalyan and other dignitaries will grace the Inaugural Session. According to an official release, the theme of the Conference is the "Role of Urban Local Bodies in Strengthening Constitutional Democracy and Nation Building". During the two-day Conference, delegates from across India will deliberate on critical issues, including developing model practices and procedures, the code of conduct for General Council meetings, and understanding Urban Local Bodies as foundational pillars of democracy. Further deliberation would be conducted on enhancing municipal governance to make it more effective in fulfilling the constitutional mandate, as part of understanding Urban Local Bodies as engines of inclusive growth and development. Contribution to helping achieve the goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047. Urban Local Bodies as vehicles of empowerment of women - Role in grooming women for leadership positions in society and polity. Moreover, the deliberations would focus on improving public delivery and enhancing the quality of life for citizens. The proceedings on July 4, 2025, will commence with the presentations by the five groups on their respective sub-themes. The valedictory session on July 4 will be graced by Bandaru Dattatraya, Governor of Haryana, who will address the distinguished gathering. Deputy Chairman, Rajya Sabha Harivansh; Speaker, Haryana Vidhan Sabha Harvinder Kalyan and other dignitaries will remain present on the occasion. A Show Round of Prena Sthal, Samvidhan Sadan and Parliament House will also be held for the delegates on the concluding day of the Conference. The Conference aims to serve as an important platform for outlining the important role of Urban Local Bodies in a rapidly urbanising country. It aims to strengthen democratic institutions, share best practices, and explore and highlight innovative approaches to urban governance in the contemporary era. (ANI) Noting that the Election Commission "undermined" the basis of the democratic system in the last six months, Congress MP Jairam Ramesh accused that the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) by the poll body will "destroy" the country''s democracy. Ramesh, who is also Congress'' General Secretary in charge of Communications, drew a parallel between the demonetisation in 2016 and SIR by the Election Commission, stating that the PM''s ''notebandi'' destroyed our economy and the ECI''s ''VOTE-Bandi'', as reflected in the SIR, will destroy our democracy. In a post on X, Ramesh reflected on ECI''s meeting with representatives from various political parties to discuss concerns regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar. "Today, the INDIA delegation met the Election Commission on the subject of the Bihar Special Intensive Revision (''SIR''). The Election Commission was literally compelled to meet the delegation after having refused to do so. A few of us could not meet the ECI, which unilaterally imposed a limit of 2 representatives per party. I myself had to hang around in the waiting room for almost two hours," the Congress Rajya Sabha MP wrote on X. Ramesh emphasised that ECI, as a constitutional body, cannot routinely refuse requests for a hearing from the Opposition and must abide by the principles and provisions of the Constitution. "Over the last six months, the ECI has conducted itself in a manner which undermines the very basis of our democratic system. The ECI is a constitutional body. It cannot routinely refuse requests for a hearing from the Opposition. It must abide by the principles and provisions of the Constitution." "Most importantly, it cannot dictate arbitrary rules for interacting with political parties, such as deciding the designation of those attending or the number who can attend or who is or isn''t an authorised person," he added. "When the delegation rejected these new rules as arbitrary and confused, the Election Commission informed us this is a ''New'' Commission. We shudder to think what this ''New'' Commission''s game plan is. How many more master strokes can we expect? "After the PM''s ''notebandi'' of November 2016 destroyed our economy, ECI''s ''VOTE-Bandi'' in Bihar and other states, as reflected in the SIR will destroy our democracy," Ramesh said. https://x.com/Jairam_Ramesh/status/1940451777347777023 On Wednesday, the Election Commission of India (ECI) met with representatives from various political parties to discuss concerns regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar. The SIR aims to verify the eligibility of voters and ensure accurate electoral rolls ahead of the assembly elections expected to be held later this year. Representatives of 11 political parties met with the Election Commission, including Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, along with other Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi at Nirvachan Sadan. "Representatives of various political parties (PPs) met with the Election Commission, comprising CEC Sh. Gyanesh Kumar, along with ECs Dr Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Dr Vivek Joshi at ECI, New Delhi, today to discuss the issues related to Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in Bihar," the Commission posted on X. The Election Commission is currently conducting the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise in Bihar, ahead of the Assembly elections which are expected to be held later this year. The opposition parties have raised alarm over the exercise, claiming that it will be used to disenfranchise voters. The ECI stated that the SIR is being conducted by Article 326 of the Constitution and the Representation of the People Act 1950, to identify ineligible voters and ensure no eligible voter is left out. "Commission stated that SIR is being conducted in accordance with provisions of Article 326, RP Act 1950 & instructions issued on 24.06.2025 Party representatives raised concerns related to SIR. Each concern which was raised by any member of PP was fully addressed by the Commission," the post added. Opposition parties, including the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), expressed concerns that the SIR might be used to disenfranchise voters, particularly the poor and marginalised. According to the EC, certain members had a prior appointment with the poll panel and some had come unannounced; however, the Commission allowed two representatives from every party for a meeting. "Some of the participants were given an appointment and others were allowed to join in without any prior appointment as the Commission decided to meet two representatives from every party so as to listen to all views," read the ECI''s post. The ECI assured that the SIR would be conducted transparently and fairly, with measures in place to assist vulnerable groups, such as senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and the economically vulnerable. A group of 18 leaders from 11 political parties met with the Election Commissioners regarding the upcoming Bihar elections. The exercise has faced heavy criticism from the opposition. The SIR involves house-to-house verification, online submission of forms, and assistance from Booth Level Officers (BLOs) and volunteers. Earlier today, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav claimed the SIR exercise is being used to help the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) win the upcoming Bihar polls by denying poor people their right to vote. The RJD leader also claimed that the Narendra Modi-led Centre will impose President''s rule in the state to consolidate power. "Two days after the (SIR) notification itself, we have asked the Election Commission that our mahagathbandhan, the alliance, wants to meet with you; a delegation wants to meet with you. The RJD leader also claimed that voting rights being allegedly taken away is just the first step, with the BJP coming for people''s pensions and rations later on. "It looks like the Election Commission has become Modi''s and the BJP''s Commission, and BJP''s Nitish Kumar is silent on this. They are losing the elections by votes so the EC is helping them from the back. When they lose, first they cut votes of the poor, then pensions, and after that rations. Modi ji will eat all that up. Voting is a right in a Constitutional democracy, and that too you are taking that way," he added. The Bihar assembly elections are scheduled to take place at the end of this year, with the SIR exercise notified on June 24. (ANI) In a landmark move to enhance road safety and emergency response systems in Tripura, the State Transport Department has rolled out a series of initiatives for the first time in the state's history. A total of 16 ambulances equipped with Basic Life Support (BLS) systems have been procured to ensure the prompt transportation of road accident victims during the critical "golden hour". Out of the 16, 8 ambulances have been allocated to Police Stations, while the remaining 8 will serve the Fire and Emergency Services across various locations. The initiative is a part of a broader strategy to modernise emergency transport infrastructure and to ensure swift medical assistance in case of road mishaps. Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha inaugurated the project at a formal event in Agartala, marking what he described as a "new era in the history of road safety measures" in the state. Adding further strength to this initiative, the state has also launched the "Vehicle Tracking Platform for Safety and Enforcement", a digital monitoring system mandated by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India. This system aims to track public transport vehicles in real-time, helping to ensure women's safety through the installation of Vehicle Location Tracking Devices and Emergency Buttons on all forms of public transport. Transport Minister Sushanta Chowdhury, who spearheaded the initiative, described the development as a mega drive for public safety and technological advancement in Tripura's transport sector. He emphasised that this initiative will significantly improve both the safety and accountability of the public transport system. Agartala Municipal Corporation Mayor Dipak Majumder and other dignitaries were also present at the event, which has been widely hailed as a historic moment for Tripura's transport and public safety infrastructure. This bold step not only strengthens emergency response mechanisms but also sets a benchmark for other Northeastern states to follow in improving road safety and public transport monitoring. (ANI) July 2, 2025: Polands defense is composed of several activities. One was joining NATO in 1999, which made the Americans an ally, and a very powerful one at that. This was what Poland needed to confront its centuries-old Russian threat. The United States brought in the Aegis Ashore Ballistic Missile Defense or BMD system. This discouraged the Russian use of missiles to attack Poland. Poland also contributed in terms of spending more on defense, by spending 4.5 percent of GDP on defense. The goal is five percent, which will take a few more years to achieve. Poland is spending nearly $50 billion on defense. Poland has also learned from the Ukrainian experience in their current war with Russia. This will include providing military training to 100,000 Polish military age men each year. Young Poles are eager to defend their homeland and this training will also enable the trainees to assist in civil emergencies and similar activities. The number of Poles who believe that the Americans would come to their aid quickly is declining. That makes strengthened Polish defensive measures even more important. Poland has already gone ahead with a massive rearmament. Two years ago Poland ordered a thousand South Korea K2 tanks, most of which will be produced in Poland under license. The 55-ton K2 is similar to the American M1 but without annoying American export controls. K2 has a 120mm gun that can also fire guided missiles as well as extensive electronic systems and an autoloader. That means the crew size is three. Poland is rapidly replacing its older tanks, giving most of them to Ukraine. Before the Russian invasion Poland had 233 German Leopard 2s. These were acquired between 2002 and 2015. Poland also had 230 locally manufactured PT-91s. This is a major upgrade of the T-72 but still not the equal of Western designs like the American M1 and German Leopard 2. Ukraine has slowly been receiving small numbers of M1s, Leopard 2s and Challenger 2s. Because of that, the PT-91s are welcome. Ukrainian tank and maintenance crews dont require much additional training to use the PT-91. South Korean troops began receiving the K2 in 2014 and currently have 250 of them. Ten were sent to Poland in late 2021 for evaluation. The Poles were impressed and, after Russia invaded Ukraine in February, Poland increased its order from 180 to a thousand, with 180 still built in South Korea and the rest in Poland. By the end of the decade Poland will have the largest tank force of any European NATO member and superior in quality, if not quantity, than the Russians. The K-2 replaced older American M-48 tanks, and completed the transformation of the South Korean tank force. Three decades ago, South Korea developed, and built, its own K-1 tank using assistance and licensed tech from the United States. The 51 ton K1 is based on the American M1 design, but is somewhat smaller and equipped with the same 105mm gun used by the U.S. M60 tank. The K1 has a 1,200 horsepower diesel, instead of a 1,500 horsepower gas turbine engine in the M1. Production of the K1 ended in 1997, with about a thousand built. There have since been some upgrades to the fire control and communications systems, as well as the development of the K1A1, which has the same 120mm gun as the M1, along with other equipment used by the M1, but not the K1. The K1A1 is apparently part of the K2 development project, as only two K1A1 prototypes were built, and successfully tested. The new K2 does not use any American tech and that means South Korea can freely export the K2 to anyone. The K2 has an improved 120mm gun, capable of firing an anti-tank missile, as well as the usual gun munitions. The K2 weighs 55 tons and outclasses anything North Korea, Japan or China has. The K1 outclassed North Korean tanks but the K2 is better protected and more capable. The K2 has a number of new electronic defenses. It will have a laser detector that will instantly tell the crew the direction the enemy laser beam is coming from. Most tanks use a laser rangefinder before it fires its main gun. The K2 fire control system also enables the main gun (120mm) to be used to hit low flying aircraft (helicopters, mostly). There are also numerous improvements to the K1 mechanical and electronic systems, as well as more armor (both composite and ERA). This will make the K2 easier to use and maintain. An autoloader reduces the crew to three men. Poland is also buying 1,400 locally designed and manufactured Borsuk Infantry Fighting Vehicles or IFVs. Poland has already retired its Russian designed BMP IFVs, retaining only a few used for special duties. Poland also has 690 of the 22-ton Rosomak 9x9 wheeled IFVs. These are built in Poland under license from Finlands Patria. Delivery to troops began in 2005. Some pre-production models were sent to Afghanistan in 2001 where Polish peacekeepers needed something like Rosomak. The wheeled armored vehicle performed well in Afghanistan, withstanding Taliban RPG attacks. Half the Rosomaks for the Polish army are used as support vehicles including ambulances, command and resupply vehicles. Borsuk is a heavier tracked vehicle with an unmanned turret armed with a variety of weapons controlled by one of the vehicle crew from inside the IFV. While the wheeled Rosomak also has a crew of three, it can carry eight passengers, compared to six in the Borsuk. Once the Russian invaded Ukraine in early 2023, production plans for Borsuk were speeded up. Prototypes were assigned to combat units to be used in training. Poland is in a hurry to obtain all these new armored vehicles as well as new self-propelled artillery and guided rockets and vehicles similar to the American HIMARS vehicles carrying and launching six GMLRS guided rockets. Poland is getting its new artillery and guided rocket systems from South Korea. How relevant these expensive armored vehicles will be on a battlefield dominated by drone UAVs is a good question. Russia has openly named portions of Poland as one of its future targets for absorption into Greater Russia, otherwise known as the Russian empire. Belarus, the Baltic States and some former Soviet territories in Central Asia are also on the acquisition list. None of these targets for Russian aggression are willing to go peacefully. As the largest and wealthiest East European NATO member, Poland is leading the way by rearming to confront any future threat. After Russia invaded Ukraine, Poland decided to increase the size of the armed forces to 300,000 personnel and spend at least three percent and eventually 5 percent of GDP on defense. NATO agreements suggest two percent of GDP but few European NATO members reached two percent. Now more NATO members are reaching or exceeding two percent and the increases are higher the closer the country is to Russia. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit to Ghana will be the first by an Indian Prime Minister in three decades, Indian High Commissioner to Ghana Manish Gupta said while highlighting the significance of the visit. PM Modi is set to begin a five-nation tour on Wednesday, with Ghana being the first stop. During his visit, he will deliver a keynote address in the Ghanaian Parliament, the first such address by an Indian leader. Speaking to ANI ahead of the visit, High Commissioner Manish Gupta said, "We are privileged indeed that the Prime Minister Modi is visiting Ghana for the first time. This is the first visit of the Indian Prime Minister to Ghana in three decades. It is a very historical moment for us, and when it comes to our bilateral ties, this is a very deep-rooted relationship with a rich historical legacy." Outlining the official engagements, Gupta added, "PM Modi will be arriving tomorrow...As soon as he arrives, he will be given all ceremonial honours, and an official-level engagement will follow this. He will be having one-on-one talks with President John Mahama that will be followed by the delegation-level talks. The government here thereafter is going to host a state dinner in his honour...He's going to have a diaspora interaction as well. Thereafter, the Prime Minister is going to visit the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, where he is going to pay homage to the founding Father, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah. Subsequently, he is going to address the Parliament of Ghana and that is going to be the first address by an Indian leader to the Parliament of Ghana..." The Indian envoy also emphasised New Delhi's development cooperation with Accra, noting India's investments in Ghana through a combination of private business initiatives, government-to-government grants, and concessional credit lines. "India is among the leading countries taking the charge for the Global South...As the Prime Minister initiated the policy to make the development human-centric and all-inclusive, this is one of the core priorities for the Global South...We have invested nearly two billion dollars through our Indian businesses in this country. Another billion dollars' worth of investments have come through government-to-government grants, concessional lines of credit, and bias credit programs. Some of the very signature infrastructure came through here through the Indian Partnership, and one of the prime examples you would see tomorrow is the Jubilee House. This has come through Indian Partnership," he said. During his July 2-3 visit, PM Modi will hold talks with Ghanaian President John Mahama to review the strong bilateral partnership and explore ways to enhance cooperation in the fields of energy, defence, economy, and development. The visit is also expected to strengthen India's engagement with regional blocs such as ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) and the African Union. After Ghana, the Prime Minister will proceed to Argentina, Brazil, Trinidad and Tobago, and Namibia. In Brazil, he will attend the BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro on July 5 and 6. (ANI) The ISKCON Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple in Spanish Fork, Utah, renowned globally for hosting the annual Holi Festival, has come under attack in a suspected hate crime, with over two dozen bullets fired at the premises over several days, causing significant structural damage. According to ISKCON, 20 to 30 bullets were fired at the temple building and surrounding property during nighttime hours while devotees and guests were inside. The incident resulted in thousands of dollars in damage, including to the temple's intricately hand-carved arches. Condemning the attack, the Consulate General of India in San Francisco expressed solidarity with the community and urged swift action. In a post on X, it stated, "We strongly condemn the recent firing incident at the ISKCON Sri Sri Radha Krishna temple in Spanish Fork, Utah. The Consulate extends full support to all the devotees and the community and urges the local authorities to take prompt action to bring the perpetrators to justice." A similar incident had occurred earlier this year when, on March 9, a Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) Hindu temple in Chino Hills, California, was found desecrated just days ahead of a so-called 'Khalistani referendum' in Los Angeles, according to temple authorities. The official page of BAPS for the United States shared the details of the March 9 desecration on the social media platform X and emphasised the community's resilience. "In the face of another Mandir desecration, this time in Chino Hills, CA, the Hindu community stands steadfast against hate... Our common humanity and faith will ensure that peace and compassion prevail," BAPS Public Affairs wrote. The Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) also pointed to the incident on X, linking it to rising anti-Hindu sentiment and noting that the vandalism came shortly before the planned 'Khalistan referendum' in Los Angeles. "Another Hindu Temple vandalised, this time the iconic BAPS temple in Chino Hills, CA... Not surprisingly, this happens as the day for a so-called 'Khalistan referendum' in LA draws close," CoHNA posted, while listing other recent temple attacks since 2022 and calling for an investigation. Last year, acts of vandalism also targeted the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Sacramento, California, on the night of September 25. That incident followed closely after a similar attack on a BAPS temple in New York. Messages such as "Hindus go back" were found scrawled during those attacks, deeply alarming the local Hindu community. Despite repeated provocations, community leaders continue to affirm their unity and commitment to confronting hate. (ANI) India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Japan's Minister of Foreign Affairs Takeshi Iwaya, and Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong attended the Quad Foreign Ministers' Meeting at the US Department of State on Tuesday. The meeting focused on a wide range of regional and global issues, including counterterrorism efforts. Addressing the gathering, Jaishankar strongly condemned terrorism and referred to India's recent counterterrorism response, including Operation Sindoor, which was launched after the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam. "A word about terrorism in the light of our recent experience. The world must display zero tolerance. Victims and perpetrators must never be equated and India has every right to defend its people against terrorism and we will exercise that right. We expect our Quad partners to understand and appreciate that," Jaishankar said. He also reiterated the broader strategic goals of the Quad. "I am very pleased to be back in DC for the second time this year for Quad's Foreign Ministers' Meeting, and let me begin by saying we are all committed to ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific. To that end, our endeavours are devoted to promoting a rules-based international order. The nations of the Indo-Pacific must have the freedom of choice so essential to make the right decisions on development and security," he said. Highlighting the recent advancements made by the Quad across several sectors, he stated, "In the last few months, we have made significant progress in the Quad's initiatives. They include the maritime domain, logistics, education, and political coordination. We will be discussing that in greater detail." On structural changes within the Quad, Jaishankar noted, "The working of the Quad has been made more efficient through streamlining the working groups. A more cohesive, nimble and focused Quad will help deliver. Quad is about deepening convergence and expanding our common ground. I value our consultations on different dimensions of the Indo-Pacific in that regard. A lot is happening in the world and I hope our exchange of views will be very valuable for all of us." He also announced India's intention to host the next Quad Summit. "India plans to host the next Quad Summit. We have some proposals on how to make it productive, and sure so do our partners. We will discuss and I am sure we will agree," he said. "Once again I thank Secretary Rubio for hosting us today and I look forward to our discussions," Jaishankar concluded. Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya also addressed the meeting, emphasising the strategic relevance of the Indo-Pacific region in the current global context. "Currently, there is turmoil in the Middle East and Europe. The Indo-Pacific region, where all four countries are located, is the engine of the global economy, accounting for more than half of the world's population. The peace and stability of the Indo-Pacific region are essential for the prosperity of the international community. The four countries in the region have an important role in ensuring peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region," Iwaya said. He added, "Today I am looking forward to engaging in the strategic discussions on the current international situation. Additionally, to exchange views on future cooperation that will benefit countries in the region in order to advance the realisation of the free and open Indo-Pacific." The Quad Foreign Ministers' Meeting reaffirmed the shared commitment of the member countries to a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific, while also underlining India's strong stance on counterterrorism and regional development. (ANI) United States President Donald Trump on Tuesday (local time) said that Israel has agreed to the necessary conditions to finalise a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza. Trump cautioned Hamas against rejecting the ceasefire deal, warning that "it will not get better -- it will only get worse." Qatar and Egypt, who, according to Trump, "worked very hard to help bring Peace", will deliver the final proposal. He also stated that negotiations to end the war would continue during the proposed ceasefire period. "My Representatives had a long and productive meeting with the Israelis today on Gaza. Israel has agreed to the necessary conditions to finalize the 60 Day CEASEFIRE, during which time we will work with all parties to end the War. The Qataris and Egyptians, who have worked very hard to help bring Peace, will deliver this final proposal. I hope, for the good of the Middle East, that Hamas takes this Deal, because it will not get better -- IT WILL ONLY GET WORSE. Thank you for your attention to this matter!" Trump wrote on his social media platform, Truth Social. The announcement came less than a week before Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's scheduled visit to the United States on July 7. Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes have continued across Gaza. On Monday, Israel launched at least 50 aerial strikes, with a significant focus on eastern Gaza City, following forced evacuation warnings issued by the Israeli military, according to Al Jazeera. Citing medical sources, Al Jazeera reported that Israeli forces killed at least 68 Palestinians in Gaza on Sunday, including 47 in Gaza City and the northern areas of the territory. According to Gaza's Health Ministry, the ongoing war has so far claimed at least 56,500 lives and wounded 133,419 people. In comparison, around 1,139 people were killed in Israel during the October 7 attacks, during which more than 200 individuals were taken captive. (ANI) Ahead of the Dalai Lama's 90th birthday celebration, the Tibetan Buddhist oracle, Nechung, comes in the form this morning to bless leaders of the Tibetan government-in-exile here. President of the Central Tibetan Administration of Tibetan government-in-exile, Penpa Tsering, ministers and members of Tibetan parliament-in-exile, and many other devotees gathered at the Nechung Monastery here in the North Indian hill town of Dharamshala on Tuesday morning. In a significant ritual held at the Nechung Monastery, the Nechung Oracle, regarded as one of the protector deities of the Tibetan community, entered into a trance state to bless the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) and its leaders. CTA President Penpa Tsering, ministers, parliamentarians, and many Tibetan devotees were present for the event. CTA President Sikyong Penpa Tsering told ANI, "This is invocation of the Nechung oracle because Nechung is one among the protecting deities along with Palden Lhamo Sri Devi so two of them are the official protecting deities of the Central Tibetan Administration and two of them have been very closely associated with the successive Dalai Lamas so on this occasion we do refer to Nechung oracle for helping us because their job is supposed to assist us in our daily work when we face unseen obstacles, the protecting deities help us so we refer to Nechung about the current issues that's going on and seek his cooperation and help in carrying out our responsibilities." Hollywood actor Richard Gere has also come here to attend these rituals and celebrations. Speaking to ANI, he said, "We are actually, all of my friends are here in Dharamshala to celebrate His Holiness' 90th birthday and pray for his good health. Nechung is one of my oldest friends. This monastery is well known to me and my friends. They are very close to me and my son, so it's so delightful to be here. I have seen the pleasure of being here many times, so I feel like having a connection with Nechung la." Dalai Lama's birthday falls on July 6 as per the Gregorian calendar; festivities began on June 30 in accordance with the Tibetan calendar. The event has been attracting spiritual leaders, dignitaries, and well-wishers who have been arriving from different parts of the world. On June 30 celebration at Tsuglagkhang, the main Tibetan temple in Dharamshala, the Dalai Lama made a brief public appearance and reaffirmed his dedication to peace, compassion, and service to the Tibetan people and the broader global community. The celebrations have drawn numerous interfaith leaders, underlining the Dalai Lama's influence beyond Buddhism. From July 2 to 4, Dharamshala will host a three-day international Buddhist conference, bringing together senior monks and scholars from various global traditions.The event will culminate in a major address by the Dalai Lama, during which he is expected to speak on the future of the Tibetan reincarnation tradition, a topic of considerable interest within the global Tibetan and Buddhist communities. (ANI) Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Ghana, members of the Indian diaspora in the country expressed excitement and spoke about the deepening friendship between New Delhi and Accra. PM Modi is set to begin a five-nation tour on Wednesday, with Ghana as the first stop. During his visit, he will address the Ghanaian Parliament, the first such address by an Indian Prime Minister. Rajendra Mishra, a Ghanaian citizen of Indian origin who has lived in the country for 12 years, said he was looking forward to the visit and hoped for greater cooperation between the two countries, particularly in healthcare. "We are very excited about PM Modi's visit. We welcome him... PM Modi knows how to bring Indians back from any adverse situation with dignity and respect. His foreign policy is very good... We hope for cooperation in the health sector between India and Ghana," he told ANI. Another member of the diaspora, Priyanshi, said the visit symbolised growing ties between the two nations. "I am filled with so much joy knowing that PM Modi is visiting Ghana. It is not just a diplomatic event; it is a way of showing that friendship is being built between Ghana and India. He is a huge inspiration to a lot of people... We hope he visits us more often," she told ANI. Aatish, who has been living in Ghana for the past 11 years, said the visit would boost trade relations and improve healthcare facilities. "PM Modi's visit is a matter of joy for us. Trade between India and Ghana will increase. A lot of goods are exported to India from here, and rice is imported from India. Medical facilities in Ghana will also improve. We are very excited about his visit," he said. During his July 2-3 visit, PM Modi is expected to hold talks with Ghanaian President John Mahama to review the bilateral partnership and explore new areas of cooperation in energy, defence, economy, and development. The visit is also likely to strengthen India's engagement with regional groupings such as ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) and the African Union. As part of his engagements, PM Modi will also visit the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park. Speaking about the significance of the visit, Collins Rawlings Nunyonameh, Executive Director of the park, said, "We are standing where the first President of the Republic of Ghana, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, declared independence. Behind me is where his mortal remains are buried. A sword turned upside down in Ghana means peace. This park is dedicated to his memory as a peaceful man who fought for independence using peaceful means. He envisioned a future where Ghana and Africa move forward towards prosperity and economic freedom. We are looking forward to receiving the Prime Minister of India. India and Ghana have shared very good relations since the beginning of our statehood." Following his Ghana visit, PM Modi will travel to Argentina, Brazil, Trinidad and Tobago, and Namibia. In Brazil, he will attend the BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro on July 5 and 6. (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi departed for a five-nation visit on Wednesday, during which he will attend the BRICS Summit and hold meetings with leaders of Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina and Namibia to strengthen bilateral ties. PM Modi will start his five-nation visit with Ghana. This will be the Prime Minister's first bilateral visit to the African country. During the visit, the Prime Minister will hold talks with the President of Ghana to review the strong bilateral partnership and discuss further avenues to enhance it through economic, energy, and defence collaboration, and development cooperation partnership. This visit will reaffirm the shared commitment of the two countries to deepen bilateral ties and strengthen India's engagement with the ECOWAS [Economic Community of West African States] and the African Union, a Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) release said. The visit of the Indian Prime Minister to Ghana is taking place after three decades. PM Modi will travel to Brazil, during the fourth leg of his visit, from July 5 to 8 to attend the 17th BRICS Summit 2025, followed by a state visit to the South American country. This will be PM Modi's fourth visit to Brazil. The 17th BRICS Leaders' Summit will be held in Rio de Janeiro. During the Summit, PM Modi will exchange views on key global issues, including reform of global governance, peace and security, strengthening multilateralism, responsible use of artificial intelligence, climate action, global health, and economic and financial matters. The Prime Minister is also likely to hold several bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the Summit. For the State Visit to Brazil, PM Modi will travel to Brasilia where he will hold bilateral discussions with Brazil President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on the broadening of the Strategic Partnership between the two countries in areas of mutual interest, including trade, defence, energy, space, technology, agriculture, health and people to people linkages. In the second leg of his visit, PM Modi will pay an official visit to Trinidad & Tobago (T&T) from July 3-4. This will be his first visit to the country as Prime Minister and the first bilateral visit at the Prime Ministerial level to Trinidad and Tobago since 1999. During the visit, PM Modi will hold talks with the President of Trinidad & Tobago, Christine Carla Kangaloo, and Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and discuss further strengthening bilateral ties.PM Modi is also expected to address a Joint Session of the Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago. The visit of the Prime Minister to Trinidad and Tobago will impart fresh impetus to the deep-rooted and historical ties between the two countries, the MEA release said.PM Modi will visit Argentina in the third leg of his visit on July 4-5. PM Modi is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Argentine President Javier Milei to review ongoing cooperation and discuss ways to enhance further bilateral partnership in key areas, including defence, agriculture, mining, oil and gas, renewable energy, trade and investment, and people-to-people ties. The bilateral visit of the Prime Minister will further deepen the multifaceted Strategic Partnership between India and Argentina, the release said. In the final leg of his visit, PM Modi will embark on a State Visit to Namibia on July 9. This will be the first visit of the Prime Minister to Namibia, and the third ever Prime Ministerial visit from India to Namibia. During his visit, PM Modi will hold bilateral talks with President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah. PM Modi will also pay homage to the Founding Father and first President of Namibia, Late Sam Nujoma. He is also expected to deliver an address at the Parliament of Namibia, the MEA release said. The visit of the Prime Minister is a reiteration of India's multifaceted and deep-rooted historical ties with Namibia, it added. (ANI) The Foreign ministers of the Quad nations met in Washington, DC, on July 1 to reaffirm their steadfast commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Japan's Minister of Foreign Affairs Takeshi Iwaya, and Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong expressed concern about the situation in the East China Sea and South China Sea. The four leaders reiterated their strong opposition to any unilateral actions that attempt to change the status quo by force or coercion. Foreign Ministers expressed concern regarding dangerous and provocative actions, including interference with offshore resource development, the repeated obstruction of the freedoms of navigation and overflight, and the dangerous maneuvers by military aircraft and coast guard and maritime militia vessels, especially the unsafe use of water cannons and ramming or blocking actions in the South China Sea. The joint statement released following the Quad Foreign Ministers Meeting stated, "We remain seriously concerned about the situation in the East China Sea and South China Sea. We reiterate our strong opposition to any unilateral actions that seek to change the status quo by force or coercion. We express our serious concerns regarding dangerous and provocative actions, including interference with offshore resource development, the repeated obstruction of the freedoms of navigation and overflight, and the dangerous maneuvers by military aircraft and coast guard and maritime militia vessels, especially the unsafe use of water cannons and ramming or blocking actions in the South China Sea." "These actions threaten peace and stability in the region. We are seriously concerned by the militarization of disputed features. We emphasize the importance of upholding freedom of navigation and overflight, other lawful uses of the sea, and unimpeded commerce consistent with international law, as reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)," it added. The four leaders reaffirmed that maritime disputes must be resolved peacefully and as per international law and reiterated that the award rendered by the Arbitral Tribunal on July 12, 2016, is a significant milestone and the basis for peacefully resolving disputes between the parties. According to the joint statement, the foreign ministers of India, the US, Australia, and Japan underscored their commitment to defending the rule of law, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. "We are committed to a region where all countries are free from coercion and strongly oppose any unilateral actions that seek to change the status quo by force or coercion." During the meeting, the four leaders discussed the opportunities and challenges in the Indo-Pacific and how they can further harness the strengths and resources of the Quad to advance peace, security and prosperity, working with the regional partners. The joint statement reads, "We discussed the opportunities and challenges in the Indo-Pacific and how to further harness the strengths and resources of the Quad to advance peace, security, and prosperity, working with our regional partners." "To ensure the Quad's enduring impact, we are pleased to announce today a new, ambitious, and strong agenda focused on four key areas: maritime and transnational security, economic prosperity and security, critical and emerging technology, and humanitarian assistance and emergency response. Through this renewed focus, we will sharpen the Quad's ability to leverage our resources to address the region's most pressing challenges," it added. The leaders expressed their support for ASEAN and its centrality, the Pacific Islands Forum and Pacific-led regional groupings, as well as the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA). The Foreign Ministers of the Quad nations expressed concern regarding the abrupt constriction and future reliability of key supply chains, particularly critical minerals. They emphasised the importance of diversified and reliable global supply chains. The joint statement said, "We are deeply concerned about the abrupt constriction and future reliability of key supply chains, specifically for critical minerals. This includes the use of non-market policies and practices for critical minerals, certain derivative products, and mineral processing technology." "We underscore the importance of diversified and reliable global supply chains. Reliance on any one country for processing and refining critical minerals and derivative goods production exposes our industries to economic coercion, price manipulation, and supply chain disruptions, which further harms our economic and national security," it added. The four leaders condemned North Korea's destabilising launches using ballistic missile technology and its continued pursuit of nuclear weapons in violation of multiple UN Security Council resolutions (UNSCRs). They reaffirmed their commitment to the complete denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula, consistent with relevant UNSCRs. Jaishankar, Wong, Rubio, and Iwaya urged North Korea to abide by all its obligations under the UNSCRs. They expressed "grave concern" over North Korea's malicious cyber activity, including cryptocurrency theft and use of workers abroad to fund North Korea's unlawful weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs. The four leaders said that they will continue to support efforts to address contraventions of North Korea-related UNSCRs and urge all UN Member States to abide by their international obligations under the UNSCRs to implement sanctions, including the prohibition on the transfer to North Korea or procurement from North Korea of all arms and related material. They expressed concern about the nations that are deepening military cooperation with North Korea, which directly undermines the global non-proliferation regime and emphasised the necessity of immediate resolutions of the abductions issue. (ANI) The 11 crew members aboard the International Space Station, representing Expedition 73 and Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), resumed their space science duties on Tuesday. Their research focused on various areas, including brain circulation, the observation of cancer cells, and the study of biotechnology, among other investigations, as per a statement by NASA. Station Commander Takuya Onishi, from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), attached sensors to his neck and chest to measure how blood flows from the brain to the heart. Doctors will review the data to understand how blood circulation adapts to weightlessness. Meanwhile, Ax-4 crewmates Peggy Whitson and Tibor Kapu also studied cerebral circulation for another experiment designed for their mission. Whitson assisted Kapu, who wore a cap, using a Doppler ultrasound to image blood flow in his cerebral artery while a cuff measured his blood pressure. Doctors will use the results to help protect the crew's visual processing and perception in microgravity. Whitson later peered inside a fluorescence microscope at cancer cells to learn how to detect and prevent cancer earlier, the statement read. NASA Flight Engineers Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers spent a portion of their shift assisting the Ax-4 crew on Tuesday. McClain helped the private astronauts operate the research hardware throughout the orbital lab and guided their science activities. Ayers set up a microscope in the Destiny laboratory module that Ax-4 crew member Shubhanshu Shukla used to view how tardigrades, tiny aquatic animals, survive numerous harsh climates, including microgravity. Ax-4 astronaut Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski explored the use of nanomaterials in wearable devices that monitor crew health. NASA Flight Engineer Jonny Kim began his shift alongside Onishi by collecting blood samples, processing them in a centrifuge, and stowing the specimens in a science freezer for preservation. Kim later reorganised the hardware inside the Harmony module's maintenance work area and then installed ventilation system components inside the Quest airlock, as per the statement. The uncrewed, trash-packed Progress 90 cargo craft ended its stay at the orbital outpost today, undocking from the Poisk module at 2:42 pm (local time). It will reenter Earth's atmosphere for a fiery, but safe demise above the South Pacific Ocean, completing a seven-month space delivery mission, NASA stated. Waiting to replace the spacecraft is the Progress 92 cargo craft standing at the launch pad at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The Progress 92 is counting down to its launch at 3:32 pm (local time) on Thursday. It will arrive at the orbital lab on Saturday and dock with Poisk at 5:27 pm (local time), delivering approximately three thousand pounds of food, fuel, and supplies for the orbiting lab residents. Roscosmos Flight Engineers Sergey Ryzhikov and Alexey Zubritskiy began their day training on the telerobotically operated rendezvous unit, or TORU, for Saturday's approach and rendezvous of the Progress 92. Ryzhikov then set up hardware to capture hyperspectral imagery of landmarks in Mexico and South America. Zubritskiy photographed the Progress 90 as it departed the station. Roscosmos Flight Engineer Kirill Peskov checked a laptop computer used for European robotic arm operations, then completed a 24-hour session wearing sensors that measured his heart activity and blood pressure, the statement said. (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday departed for a five-nation visit to Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia from 2 to 9 July, a statement by the Ministry of External Affairs said. At the invitation of Ghana's President John Dramani Mahama, PM Modi will visit Ghana on 2-3 July. Ghana is a valued partner in the Global South and plays an important role in the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States. "I look forward to my exchanges aimed at further deepening our historical ties and opening up new windows of cooperation, including in the areas of investment, energy, health, security, capacity building and development partnership. As fellow democracies, it will be an honour to speak at the Parliament of Ghana," the statement said. https://x.com/narendramodi/status/1940242918339748263 On 3-4 July, he will be in Trinidad and Tobago, a country with which we share deep-rooted historical, cultural and people-to-people connections. "I will meet President H.E. Mrs. Christine Carla Kangaloo, who was the Chief Guest at this year's Pravasi Bhartiya Divas, and Prime Minister H.E. Mrs. Kamla Persad-Bissessar, who has recently assumed office for the second term. Indians first arrived in Trinidad and Tobago 180 years ago. This visit will provide an opportunity to rejuvenate the special bonds of ancestry and kinship that unite us," the statement said. From Port of Spain, he will travel to Buenos Aires, marking the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Argentina in 57 years. "Argentina is a key economic partner in Latin America and a close collaborator in the G20. I look forward to my discussions with President H.E. Javier Milei, whom I also had the pleasure of meeting last year. We will focus on advancing our mutually beneficial cooperation, including in the areas of agriculture, critical minerals, energy, trade, tourism, technology, and investment," the statement said. PM Modi will attend the BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro on July 6-7. "As a founding member, India is committed to BRICS as a vital platform for cooperation among emerging economies. Together, we strive for a more peaceful, equitable, just, democratic and balanced multipolar world order. On the sidelines of the Summit, I will also meet several world leaders. I will travel to Brasilia for a bilateral State Visit, the first by an Indian Prime Minister in nearly six decades. This visit will provide an opportunity to strengthen our close partnership with Brazil, and work with my friend, President H.E. Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, on advancing the priorities of the Global South," the statement added. His final destination will be Namibia, a trusted partner with whom India shares a common history of struggle against colonialism. "I look forward to meeting President H.E. Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and chart a new roadmap for cooperation for the benefit of our peoples, our regions and the wider Global South. It will be a privilege to also address the Joint Session of Namibian Parliament as we celebrate our enduring solidarity and shared commitment for freedom and development," the statement said. "I am confident that my visits to the five countries will reinforce our bonds friendship across the Global South, strengthen our partnerships on both sides of the Atlantic, and deepen engagements in the multilateral platforms such as BRICS, the African Union, ECOWAS and the CARICOM," the statement said. (ANI) Macao to host festive events marking 20th anniversary of world heritage listing Xinhua) 10:26, July 02, 2025 MACAO, July 1 (Xinhua) -- China's Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) will launch a series of activities to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the "Historic Centre of Macao" being inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, according to the cultural affairs bureau of the Macao SAR government on Tuesday. From July to December, a total of 20 intriguing activities featuring more than 50 sessions will be held, with an official launch ceremony scheduled for July 15 at Macao's Dom Pedro V Theatre. Various world heritage sites in Macao will be transformed into urban parks, photo check-in spots, night tour spaces, and literary trails. During the summer vacation, the department noted that it will host activities for children, including the "world heritage doctor" internship, a world heritage exploration tour, and family reading activities. The SAR government said that Macao will also host an international cultural forum on civilizational dialogue, bringing together global experts to explore issues related to cultural heritage conservation and exchange, highlighting Macao's role as a bridge between Chinese and Western cultures. The "Historic Centre of Macao," comprising over 20 monuments and urban squares interwoven in the heart of the city, was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 2005. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Apple Music marks its 10th anniversary with the launch of a 15,000-square-foot, three-story studio in Culver City, California, as part of a global hub initiative for artists. The new Apple Music Studio, debuting in mid-August, offers Spatial Audio suites, soundstages, and creative labs designed to deepen artist-fan relationships and support storytelling through rich content and live experiences. "Apple Music Radio has always been a home for storytelling and artistry, serving as a space for bold conversations and surprising moments," said Rachel Newman, Apple Music's co-head, in the press release. "With this new studio, we are furthering our commitment to creating a space for artists to create, connect, and share their vision." Slated to open this summer, the studio will feature two Spatial Audio-enabled radio suites, a 4,000 square foot live soundstage, a mixing room with a 9.2.4 PMC speaker system, photo and social media labs, an edit suite, green room, and private booths for songwriting, podcasting, and interviews. Designed by architect Eric Owen Moss, the space will also reflect Apple Music's continued focus on artist support and creative collaboration. This studio serves as a flagship for a growing global infrastructure, with planned hubs in New York and London, and existing sites in Tokyo, Berlin, Paris, and Nashville. Apple has established physical studios that integrate streaming with the creative process, providing artists with resources for content production and distribution. Apple describes the new studio in the press release as "its most ambitious creative project to date," expanding the role of Apple Music Radio with week-long programming featuring hosts Zane Lowe and Ebro Darden. This new programming kicks off with special broadcasts celebrating Radio's origins and a countdown of the top 500 streamed songs. Replay All Time is also being introduced, reflecting on user history since Apple Music's launch in June 2015. With these physical hubs, Apple Music expands its role beyond distribution into hands-on support for content creation and artist development. As competition in the streaming space intensifies, Apple's strategy signals a commitment to deepening its ties with the global creative community. The Quad members unequivocally condemned terrorism in all its forms, the Joint Statement from the Quad Foreign Ministers' Meeting stated. The members, referring to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack called for the perpetrators to be brought to justice. "The Quad unequivocally condemns all acts of terrorism and violent extremism in all its forms and manifestations, including cross-border terrorism, and renews our commitment to counterterrorism cooperation. We condemn in the strongest terms the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir on April 22, 2025, which claimed the lives of 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen, while injuring several others. We express our deepest condolences to the families of the victims and extend our heartfelt wishes for a swift and full recovery to all those injured," the statement said. "We call for the perpetrators, organizers, and financiers of this reprehensible act to be brought to justice without any delay and urge all UN Member States, in accordance with their obligations under international law and relevant UNSCRs, to cooperate actively with all relevant authorities in this regard," the statement added. The statement also highlighted that the Quad launched the Quad Critical Minerals Initiative to strengthen economic security. "In the face of these challenges, we are proud to announce today key initiatives that the Quad is advancing to strengthen maritime and transnational security, economic prosperity and security, critical and emerging technology, and support humanitarian assistance and emergency response across the Indo-Pacific. We are launching today the Quad Critical Minerals Initiative, an ambitious expansion of our partnership to strengthen economic security and collective resilience by collaborating to secure and diversify critical minerals supply chains," the statement said. The leaders also launched Quad Critical Minerals Initiative to strengthen logistics and also planned to launch Quad Ports of the Future Partnership in Mumbai. "We continue to deepen our cooperation on maritime law enforcement cooperation through regional training initiatives, maritime legal dialogues, and Coast Guard cooperation. We plan to host the first Quad Indo-Pacific Logistics Network field training exercise this year to strengthen shared airlift capacity and leverage our collective logistics strengths to respond to natural disasters more rapidly and efficiently, providing support for regional partners. We also plan to launch the Quad Ports of the Future Partnership in Mumbai this year," the statement said. The statement further said that the countries have contributed to coordinate responses in the event of natural disasters in the region. For example- to support communities affected by the earthquake that struck central Myanmar in March 2025. "We continue to coordinate rapid responses to regional disasters and collectively contributed over USD $30 million in humanitarian assistance to support communities affected by the earthquake that struck central Myanmar in March 2025. We will continue to counter foreign efforts to push false narratives and interfere with Quad interests in the Indo-Pacific," the statement said. The members said that the Quad is committed to a free and open Indo-Pacific. "As the Quad continues to evolve, our four democracies remain committed to deepening our cooperation in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific, and ensuring our cooperation has an enduring impact on the region's top challenges and opportunities in the 21st century. We look forward to the next Quad Leaders' Summit hosted by India later this year and the next Quad Foreign Ministers' Meeting hosted by Australia in 2026," the statement said. The statement said that the Quad was concerned about the crisis in Myanmar in the region. "We remain deeply concerned by the worsening crisis in Myanmar and its impact on the region. We call on the regime to adhere to its commitment to a ceasefire, and call on all parties to implement, extend and broaden ceasefire measures. We reaffirm our strong support for ASEAN's efforts, including calling for the full and effective implementation of the Five Point Consensus in seeking an inclusive, durable, and peaceful resolution to the crisis. We call on all parties to allow safe and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance. We are also concerned about the impact of the crisis on regional security and the spread of transnational crimes. We are committed to fighting cybercrime and online scam operations," the statement added. The statement was agreed upon by the Secretary of State of the United States, the Foreign Minister of Australia, the External Affairs Minister of India, and the Foreign Minister of Japan after the Quad Foreign Ministers' Meeting on Tuesday. (ANI) External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held a meeting with US Energy Secretary Chris Wright in Washington, DC on Tuesday (local time) and spoke about the energy transformation underway in India. The two leaders discussed opportunities for a deeper energy partnership between the two nations. In a post shared on X, Jaishankar stated, "A useful conversation with US @ENERGY @SecretaryWright in Washington DC this evening. Spoke about the energy transformation underway in India. And opportunities for a deeper India-US energy partnership." https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1940179112817303802 EAM Jaishankar met US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth at the Pentagon, where he highlighted the strategic importance of India-US defence ties, describing them as "one of the most consequential pillars" of the bilateral relationship. "Great to meet @SecDef Pete Hegseth in Washington DC today. Had a productive conversation on advancing the India-US defence partnership, building on growing convergences of interests, capabilities and responsibilities," Jaishankar posted on X. https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1940125115229811044 Jaishankar is on an official visit to the US at the invitation of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. During the visit, he participated in the Quad Foreign Ministers Meeting (QFMM). In a post on X, Jaishankar stated, "Just finished a very productive meeting of Quad Foreign Ministers in Washington DC. Discussed how to make Quad more focused and impactful on contemporary opportunities and challenges. Today's gathering will strengthen strategic stability in the Indo - Pacific and keep it free and open." EAM Jaishankar met US State Secretary Marco Rubio on the sidelines of Quad Foreign Ministers' Meeting (QFFM) in Washington and discussed bilateral partnership between both countries in the field of security, critical technologies, connectivity, energy and mobility. Sharing a post on X, Jaishankar stated, "A pleasure meeting US @SecRubio this afternoon, on the sidelines of Quad Foreign Ministers' meeting. Discussed our bilateral partnership, including trade, security, critical technologies, connectivity, energy and mobility. Shared perspectives on regional and global developments." S Jaishankar also met with his Australian counterpart Penny Wong on the sidelines of the summit. "Good as always to catch up with FM Penny Wong of Australia. Our discussions were reflective of the trust and comfort of our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Look forward to welcoming her in India," Jaishankar wrote on X. EAM S Jaishankar held a bilateral meeting with his Japanese counterpart, Takeshi Iwaya, on the sidelines of the QFMM, focusing on preparations for the annual India-Japan Prime Ministerial Summit later this year. In his opening remarks, Jaishankar exuded confidence on adding to the dynamism and the quality of the relationship between both nations during the upcoming summit. "Last month, our Prime Ministers - Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Ishiba had an opportunity to interact on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Canada, and we are now preparing for our annual Summit in Japan, and we are very confident that we could add to the dynamism and the quality of our relationship," Jaishankar said. (ANI) India's Ambassador to Brazil, Dinesh Bhatia, presented credentials to Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and discussed deepening of bilateral strategic partnership and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit to Brazil. PM Modi is travelling to Brazil at the invitation of Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. This will be the Prime Minister's fourth visit to Brazil. The 17th BRICS Leaders' Summit will be held in Rio de Janeiro from July 6 to 7. In a post on X, the Indian Embassy in Brazil stated, "Amb @dineshbhatia presented credentials to President @LulaOficial and discussed deepening of bilateral Strategic Partnership as well as PM @narendramodi's upcoming participation in BRICS Summit, followed by State Visit to Brazil." https://x.com/indiainbrazil/status/1940065048228999507 Dinesh Bhatia met Brazil's Minister of Defence, Jose Mucio, and discussed the broadening of bilateral cooperation between the two nations. "Amb @dineshbhatia met Jose Mucio, Minister of @DefesaGovBr and discussed broadening of India-Brazil Defence cooperation to realise its untapped potential," the Indian Embassy in Brazil posted on X. https://x.com/indiainbrazil/status/1940118327453536316 Addressing a special briefing on the Prime Minister's visit to Ghana, Trinidad & Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia, Ministry of External Affairs Secretary (Economic Relations), Dammu Ravi said, "The 17th BRICS Summit is taking place on July 5 and July 6 in Rio, Brazil." India is set to take over the BRICS Chairmanship at the Brazil Summit next year. "The theme of the Rio Summit is 'Strengthening Global South Cooperation for Inclusive and Sustainable Governance'... India will be holding the chair of the BRICS next year..." Secretary Ravi said. "Our Prime Minister will arrive on the July 5, but the main programme is on July 5. As you know, the format is very clear - there are full members, which are 10; there are about 12 partner countries; there are 8 invitee countries that are heads of state at the government level; seven heads of regional and multilateral bodies," he said. During the Summit, PM Modi will exchange views on key global issues, including reform of global governance, peace and security, strengthening multilateralism, responsible use of artificial intelligence, climate action, global health, and economic and financial matters. Outlining the detailed schedule for the Rio summit, MEA Secretary Ravi said the first agenda item for the programme on July 5 includes reform of global governance, where only the full members will participate. "Thereafter, there is the second theme on the agenda, which is peace and security -- it is in the working lunch format where the leaders will discuss the agenda item, and all of this will be captured in the leaders' statement, which will be seen as deliverables," he said. The MEA Secretary said, "Post-lunch, the third item on the agenda is strengthening multilateralism, economic and financial affairs, and artificial intelligence. Later that evening will be an official reception, and all the leaders will be participating." "The next day, on July 6, the fourth item of the agenda is environment, COP 30, and global health. As you are aware, Brazil will also be hosting COP 30 later in the year in November, which is why climate and COP issues become very important," he said. On the Summit's expected outcomes, Ravi said, "The BRICS process is led by the chair, and they set the agenda. But the decisions are on a consensus-based format. We are hopeful that there will be four deliverables, although discussions are still continuing: the leaders' declaration, the leaders' statement on global governance and artificial intelligence, the leaders' framework declaration on climate finance, and BRICS participation for the elimination of diseases." He said, "There will also be, in addition, four reports that will be submitted to the leaders." Focusing on the bilateral engagements during the visit of PM Modi, MEA Secretary (East) P Kumaran said, "The BRICS Summit segment of the Prime Minister's visit will be on July 5-6, and the State visit segment will be on July 8... During the State visit, the Prime Minister will hold bilateral talks with President Lula. Bilateral agreements will be signed on renewable energy, agricultural research, and security cooperation. Prime Minister Modi is visiting Argentina on July 4 on an official visit. Both leaders will hold talks on economic and trade interests to further strengthen bilateral relations." In addition to attending the BRICS sessions, the Prime Minister will hold several bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the Summit. For the State Visit to Brazil, PM Modi will travel to Brasilia, where he will hold bilateral discussions with President Lula on expanding the Strategic Partnership between the two countries in areas of mutual interest, including trade, defence, energy, space, technology, agriculture, health, and people-to-people linkages. (ANI) United States President Donald Trump said that Israel has "agreed to the necessary conditions to finalise a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza", reported CNN. However, it was not confirmed if Hamas would accept the terms. On the social media platform Truth Social, Trump wrote, "My Representatives had a long and productive meeting with the Israelis today on Gaza. Israel has agreed to the necessary conditions to finalise the 60-Day CEASEFIRE, during which time we will work with all parties to end the War."The post further read, "The Qataris and Egyptians, who have worked very hard to help bring Peace, will deliver this final proposal. I hope, for the good of the Middle East, that Hamas takes this Deal, because it will not get better -- IT WILL ONLY GET WORSE. Thank you for your attention to this matter!" The Times of Israel reported that an official from one of the Arab mediating countries said that major hurdles remain and that the sides will still need to hold proximity talks in order to close remaining gaps. Remaining sticking points also include Hamas's demand for a return to old mechanisms for distributing humanitarian aid or the establishment of a new system to replace the current one managed by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, Arab diplomats from mediating countries told The Times of Israel. The US President is scheduled to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House next week. While in the US, Netanyahu will also meet with Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and senior lawmakers. Israeli Minister Ron Dermer, already in Washington, is holding talks on regional diplomacy and Gaza, following Israel's recent conflict with Iran, The Jerusalem Post reported. earlier. Netanyahu said he would meet officials to discuss security-related matters and trade agreements. "I'm expected to travel to the United States next week for meetings with US President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State and National Security Advisor Marco Rubio, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, the President's Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, and the Secretary of Commerce," Netanyahu said during a cabinet meeting. Earlier, the Israeli cabinet held a discussion and will wait to hear about Dermer's meetings in Washington before considering additional significant steps in Gaza. (ANI) The Secretary of State of the United States and the Foreign Ministers of Australia, India, and Japan met in Washington on July 1, 2025, for the 10th Quad Foreign Ministers' Meeting, according to a factsheet released by the US Department of State. The ministers welcomed recent and upcoming activities conducted by their four countries, and in cooperation with partners, to advance a free and open Indo-Pacific. As per the US Department of State, the ministers also announced key initiatives to strengthen maritime and transnational security, economic prosperity and security, critical and emerging technology, and support humanitarian assistance and emergency response across the region. The factsheet stated that the Quad Foreign Ministers announced the launch of the Quad Critical Minerals Initiative, an ambitious expansion of their partnership to strengthen economic security and collective resilience by collaborating on securing and diversifying critical mineral supply chains. This new flagship initiative, along with other high-impact programs and outcomes being realized by the Quad, aims to bring economic opportunity and prosperity to their people and the wider region. In the area of maritime and transnational security, the Quad is expanding maritime law enforcement cooperation with the region. This will support efforts to curtail illicit maritime activity, including piracy, drug trafficking, infringements on border security, and illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. According to the US Department of State, the Quad launched the first-ever Quad-at-Sea Ship Observer Mission this month to strengthen interoperability and knowledge-sharing to best address unlawful maritime activities across the region. Quad partners have embarked as observers on a U.S. Coast Guard Cutter that departed Palau and is scheduled to disembark in Guam this week. Later in the month, the Quad will hold the second maritime legal dialogue to advance efforts to uphold maritime order. The Quad also continues to implement the Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA), which includes the increased provision of space-based collection and sharing of radio frequency data, analytical training, and capacity building. The Quad intends to geographically expand the IPMDA across the Indian Ocean region and explore the development of an IPMDA common operating picture. In 2025, the Quad also intends to conduct the first Maritime Initiative for Training in the Indo-Pacific (MAITRI) workshop to assess capability gaps and enhance maritime capabilities in consultation with regional partners. On economic prosperity and security, the Quad reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring a free and open region and promoting prosperity for all people in the Indo-Pacific. It aims to strengthen energy security and promote resilient supply chains and quality infrastructure that is transparent and secure. The Quad Critical Minerals Initiative will enhance cooperation on priorities such as securing and diversifying reliable supply chains, as well as electronic waste (e-waste) critical minerals recovery and re-processing. The initiative is expected to expand Quad cooperation on supply chain resilience for critical minerals, and Quad partners plan to coordinate with the private sector to facilitate increased investments. The Quad will also formally launch the Quad Ports of the Future Partnership by hosting a transportation and logistics conference with Indo-Pacific partners in Mumbai in October 2025. The conference will facilitate knowledge exchange and dialogue on advanced ports and logistics practices and mobilize both government and private sector investments in quality port infrastructure. This initiative will complement the Quad Infrastructure Fellowships Program, which is aimed at boosting infrastructure expertise across the region. The Quad continues to advance the Quad Partnership on Cable Connectivity and Resilience. This year, the United States and India will co-host an undersea cables forum with participation from Quad partners to identify opportunities for digital infrastructure collaboration. The forum will encourage regulatory harmonization to enable more efficient access for Quad partner companies. Meanwhile, Australia's Cable Connectivity and Resilience Centre is working with partner governments to strengthen undersea cable policies and regulations. On critical and emerging technology, the Quad recognized the transformative power of secure and trusted information and communications technology infrastructure. The group will continue working on artificial intelligence, semiconductors, technical standards, biotechnology, and cybersecurity. In partnership with the private sector, the Quad will promote digital infrastructure projects that support security, interoperability, and innovation across the Indo-Pacific. The group also plans to build on lessons learned from the Open Radio Access Network (Open RAN) deployment in Palau and consider future deployments. The Quad remains committed to advancing research in artificial intelligence, robotics, and sensing to transform agriculture and empower farmers in the region through the Advancing Innovations for Empowering NextGen Agriculture (AI-ENGAGE) initiative. The Quad STEM Fellowship continues to build connections among the next generation of science and technology leaders. The next cohort will include graduate student fellows based in Japan. Additionally, India has launched the Quad STEM scholarships initiative for fifty students from the Indo-Pacific to pursue four-year undergraduate engineering degrees at government-funded technical institutions. On humanitarian assistance and emergency response, the Quad reaffirmed its commitment to support efforts to prevent and contain health security threats in the Indo-Pacific. Following the earthquake in central Myanmar in March 2025, the Quad jointly contributed over USD 30 million in humanitarian assistance to affected communities. That same month, India hosted a Quad workshop on pandemic preparedness, with participation from 15 Indo-Pacific countries. The workshop aimed to strengthen global health emergency frameworks and enhance regional resilience. According to the US Department of State, the initiatives outlined at the meeting reflect the Quad's shared resolve to deepen cooperation and strengthen regional partnerships. The Department also emphasized the importance of the Quad Critical Minerals Initiative and the Quad-at-Sea mission in addressing pressing regional and global challenges. (ANI) The Foreign Ministers of India, the US, Japan, and Australia have announced the launch of the Quad Critical Minerals Initiative. The new flagship initiative will enable four nations to bring economic opportunity and prosperity to their people and the region, according to the factsheet released by the Office of the US State Department spokesperson following the Quad Foreign Ministers Meeting (QFMM). US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Japan's Minister of Foreign Affairs Takeshi Iwaya, and Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong met in Washington, DC, on July 1 for the 10th Quad Foreign Ministers' Meeting. They welcomed recent and upcoming activities conducted by their four countries, as well as those in cooperation with partners, to advance a free and open Indo-Pacific. The four leaders announced key initiatives to strengthen maritime and transnational security, economic prosperity, security, critical and emerging technology, and support humanitarian assistance and emergency response across the region. The factsheet released by the Office of the US State Department spokesperson following the Quad Foreign Ministers Meeting (QFMM) stated, "Today, Quad Foreign Ministers are proud to announce the launch of the Quad Critical Minerals Initiative, an ambitious expansion of our partnership to strengthen economic security and collective resilience by collaborating on securing and diversifying critical mineral supply chains." "This new flagship initiative, alongside the high-impact programs and outcomes the Quad is realizing, will enable our four countries to bring economic opportunity and prosperity to our people and the region," it added. The Quad is expanding maritime law enforcement cooperation with the region, which will support efforts to curb illicit maritime activity, including piracy, drug trafficking, border security infringements, and illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. The factsheet reads, "This month, we launched the first-ever Quad-at-Sea Ship Observer Mission, which strengthens our interoperability and knowledge-sharing to best address unlawful maritime activities across the region. Quad partners have embarked as observers on a U.S. Coast Guard Cutter that has departed Palau and will disembark in Guam this week." The leaders announced that the Quad will hold its second maritime legal dialogue later this month to advance efforts to uphold maritime order. The factsheet stated, "We continue to implement the Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA), including the increased provision of space-based collection and sharing of radio frequency data, analytical training, and capacity building. We intend to geographically expand IPMDA across the Indian Ocean region and continue to explore developing an IPMDA common operating picture." The Quad Foreign Ministers expressed their intention to hold the first Maritime Initiative for Training in the Indo-Pacific (MAITRI) workshop in 2025, which aims to assess the capability gaps in the region and enhance maritime capabilities in consultation with regional partners. They expressed commitment to ensuring a free and open region and promoting the prosperity of the citizens of the four nations and all people in the Indo-Pacific region. The leaders stated that they aim to strengthen energy security across the Indo-Pacific and promote resilient supply chains and quality infrastructure projects that are transparent and secure. The factsheet released following the Quad Foreign Ministers' Meeting stated, "The Quad Critical Minerals Initiative will strengthen cooperation on priorities such as securing and diversifying reliable supply chains, and electronic waste (e-waste) critical minerals recovery and re-processing. The Initiative will expand the Quad's cooperation on supply chain resilience measures for critical minerals, and we look forward to coordinating with private sector partners to facilitate increased investments." The four leaders announced that they will launch the Quad Ports of the Future Partnership by hosting a transportation and logistics conference with Indo-Pacific partners in Mumbai in October 2025. The conference aims to increase knowledge, facilitate dialogue, and exchange experiences on advanced port and logistics practices, and mobilise government and private sector investments in quality port infrastructure development, according to the factsheet. This will complement the work Quad partners have done to boost infrastructure expertise across the Indo-Pacific region through the Quad Infrastructure Fellowships Program. The Foreign Ministers of the Quad nations stated that they will continue to advance the Quad Partnership in areas of cable connectivity and Resilience. This year, the US and India will host an undersea cables forum with participation from Quad partners to identify opportunities for digital infrastructure collaboration. This forum will encourage regulatory harmonisation, which supports more efficient access by Quad partner companies to identify opportunities for digital infrastructure collaboration. (ANI) As the Dala Lama left the decision of his successor to the Gaden Phodrang, leaving no role for the Chinese, Penpa Tsering Sikyong, President of the Central Tibetan Administration, said that the Tibetan people will never accepy China's usage of reincarnation for political gain. "During the 15th Tibetan religious conference held in Dharamsala... a consensus was reached on the following important points- The core process of recognising the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama is as per the unique Tibetan Buddhist tradition. Hence, we not only strongly condemn China's usage of the reincarnation subject for their political gain, but we shall never accept it. Tibetans both inside and outside Tibet made a pledge to maintain national unity of solidarity and continue to struggle for the just cause of Tibet in a bid to extend wholehearted cooperation to the fulfilment of the Dalai Lama's noble wishes and aspirations..." Sikyong said the Chinese government is systematically working to erase Tibetan identity by targeting its language and religion, core pillars of its cultural heritage. "Right now, if you see all the policies and programs that the Chinese government have laid down in Tibet, it is all aimed at destroying the identity of the Tibetan people. Xi Jinping's government is targeting the Tibetan language and Tibetan religion, which is the basis of Tibetan identity," said Tsering. The Tibetan President in Exile also confirmed that the Dalai Lama had agreed to suggestions to continue the institution. "Various sections of people, including the Participants of the 14th Tibetan Religious Conference, Special General Tibetan Conference Tibetans both in and outside Tibet, Buddhist brothers and sisters from Himalayan region, Mongolia, China and believers across the globe appealed an earnest request with single minded devotion to Dalai Lama to continue the institution of the Dalai Lama for the benefit of all sentient beings in general and Buddhists in particular. In response to this overwhelming supplication, the Dalai Lama has shown infinite compassion and finally agreed to accept our appeal on this special occasion of his 90th birthday," he said. Earlier, the Tibetan spiritual leader, the 14th Dalai Lama, reiterated that the institution of the Dalai Lama will continue, asserting that the responsibility for recognising the 15th Dalai Lama lies solely with the Gaden Phodrang Trust. "Members of the Tibetan Parliament in Exile, participants in a Special General Body Meeting, members of the Central Tibetan Administration, NGOs, Buddhists from the Himalayan region, Mongolia, Buddhist republics of the Russian Federation and Buddhists in Asia including mainland China, have written to me with reasons, earnestly requesting that the institution of the Dalai Lama continue. In particular, I have received messages through various channels from Tibetans in Tibet making the same appeal. In accordance with all these requests, I am affirming that the institution of the Dalai Lama will continue," he said. "The process by which a future Dalai Lama is to be recognised has been established in the 24 September 2011 statement, which states that responsibility for doing so will rest exclusively with members of the Gaden Phodrang Trust, the Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. They should consult the various heads of the Tibetan Buddhist traditions and the reliable oath-bound Dharma Protectors who are linked inseparably to the lineage of the Dalai Lamas. They should accordingly carry out the procedures of search and recognition in accordance with past tradition. I hereby reiterate that the Gaden Phodrang Trust has sole authority to recognise the future reincarnation; no one else has any such authority to interfere in this matter," the Dalai Lama added. While the recognition of reincarnated lamas is central to Tibetan Buddhist tradition, China maintains that the selection process should conform to its laws--a claim strongly opposed by the Tibetan leadership in exile. (ANI) The public and messy feud between President Trump and tech billionaire Elon Musk was reignited this week over the president's "big, beautiful bill" as Congress works to get the massive package to Trump's desk by July 4, The Hill reported. Musk on Monday said he would back primary challengers against any Republicans who support Trump's megabill and promised to donate to lawmakers who have drawn the administration's ire like Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.). Trump then threatened to cut government contracts for Musk's companies and left open the possibility of deporting the South African CEO. Trump and Musk both had signaled they were ready to move on from their bitter fight nearly a month ago, but the president's megabill that Musk has called "political suicide for the Republican Party" has brought the two men back to sniping, The Hill noted. "I think Washington is confused by the on-off-again relationship between Trump and Musk. It looked like they had patched things up around a month ago," said Republican strategist Ron Bonjean, adding that the tech billionaire's posts on the social platform X, which Musk owns, "came out of nowhere for most people" after it seemed like he was "looking to bury the hatchet" in recent weeks. Trump on Tuesday shrugged off concerns that the GOP could be swayed by Musk's megabill criticism, but he doubled down on his suggestion that the federal government take a look at the contracts Musk's companies have. Musk and his businesses have received at least $38 billion in government contracts, loans, subsidies and tax credits over the years, according to a February Washington Post analysis. "No, I don't think so. I think what's going to happen is DOGE is going to look at Musk. And if DOGE looks at Musk, we're going to save a fortune," Trump said during a visit to a new migrant detention facility in Florida, referring to the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). "I don't think he should be playing that game with me." It's a sharp change in tone from the president, who had previously said he thinks he could make amends with Musk after their nasty disagreement last month. Asked on Tuesday morning what happened to Musk, Trump replied, "nothing." "He's upset that he's losing his EV mandate and he's upset. He's very upset about things. But he could lose a lot more than that. I can tell you right now, Elon can lose a lot more than that," he said, arguing that Musk's criticism of the bill is over a key provision that takes away tax credits for electric vehicles (EVs) that benefited his company. The president also signaled he would consider deporting the South African-born U.S. citizen, whom he had elevated to lead the cost-cutting DOGE until late May. "I don't know. I think we'll have to take a look. We might have to put DOGE on Elon. You know what DOGE is? DOGE is the monster that might have to go back and eat Elon. Wouldn't that be terrible," Trump said. The president has praised the massive cuts and sweeping changes to the federal government under DOGE, despite pushback over job losses and service disruptions, and he gifted Musk a gold key to the White House in May as recognition of the billionaire's work. But now, Musk is arguing that Trump's ambitious tax and spending package undermines DOGE's efforts to rein in spending. As senators squabbled over the bill this past week, Musk blasted the spending package as "utterly insane" and "political suicide" for the GOP. On Monday, he renewed his calls for a new political party as he lamented estimates for how much the bill would raise the debt ceiling, The Hill said. "Musk is unique in that he has enough money to probably actually impact a two-party system," said a former Trump campaign official. "Republicans obviously face challenges in their ability to govern, and so do Democrats, but right now all Trump wants is a bill with his name on it that he thinks is a good bill. A lot of Republicans in Congress know this isn't a good bill, but fear is a motivator," the former campaign official said. "We're a two-party country, pure and simple. Musk is probably the only person that could change that given his money, but he'd have to find unique, credible candidates to attract the disillusioned voter who thus far has leaned Trump." The Senate's version of the bill, which narrowly passed earlier on Tuesday, would increase the deficit by nearly $3.3 trillion between 2025 and 2034, roughly $1 trillion more than the House-passed version, according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office. "Every member of Congress who campaigned on reducing government spending and then immediately voted for the biggest debt increase in history should hang their head in shame!" Musk wrote on X. "And they will lose their primary next year if it is the last thing I do on this Earth." The promises to back primary challengers against Republicans who support the megabill come after Musk -- the world's richest man, with a staggering $397 billion net worth, according to Forbes -- signaled plans this spring to step back from political spending after injecting hundreds of millions into the 2024 election. "He could absolutely become a thorn in the side of the Republican Party by funding primary challengers. That would cause some headaches, no question about it," Bonjean said. But Trump "holds most of the cards," Bonjean said, pointing to Trump's comments on the possibility of deportation and his authority over contracts that Musk and his companies touch. "I don't think any candidate wants to have the world's richest man open up his war chest against him. But I think most members of Congress would rather have Trump's endorsement than Musk's millions," said GOP strategist Alex Conant. One source who worked in Trump's first administration described the situation with Musk as not overly concerning, given the support the president has from GOP lawmakers. "The White House doesn't love the renewed back-and-forth, but no one sees this as a major political threat. It looks more like a flare-up than a serious inflection point," the source said. "This is Trump's party. The idea that rank-and-file Republicans would suddenly abandon him because of a feud with Elon just doesn't hold water." Musk spent at least $250 million through his America PAC on Trump's election. During his tenure with DOGE, he kept an office in the White House complex, slept over in the Lincoln Bedroom and touted that he and Trump were "good friends." Trump also consistently defended Musk while he faced backlash over his work to make cuts to federal spending and as Teslas were vandalized around the country. When asked about the reignited feud, the White House argued that the president is saving money for taxpayers with his policies. "Many Presidents have promised, but none other than President Trump has delivered to actually make government more efficient and root out waste, fraud, and abuse in Washington, and that mission is moving full steam ahead," White House spokesperson Harrison Fields said in an emailed statement. "Under the President's leadership, every agency and department is executing this mission seamlessly and, as a result, has yielded more than $170 billion in savings for the American people." The public nature of Trump and Musk's spat last month and renewed fight this week is one of the more remarkable parts of their friends-turned-foes saga, The Hill observed. "These are not two men who quietly settle their differences in the background. They're content to brawl it out in public," said Conant. Musk wouldn't be the first figure in Trump's orbit he elevated to a position of power "only to fire and then fight with," Conant noted, pointing to Trump's frayed relationship with his first-term Vice President Mike Pence. "Anybody who's paid attention to Trump over the last 10 years should not be surprised that he's not backing down from a fight with Elon Musk." (ANI) Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) leader Altaf Hussain accused Pakistan's Supreme Court of destroying the constitutional structure of the state, claiming that the nation has devolved into a de facto monarchy dominated by a single authority, during his 278th session on TikTok. About the Supreme Court's decision on June 27, 2025, Hussain criticised the constitutional bench as a "kangaroo court" and claimed that its ruling has not only undermined the principles of justice, law, and democracy but has also dealt a fatal blow to the Islamic Republic itself. He stated that Pakistan no longer operates as a republic, but rather as a "Kingdom of Pakistan" where autocratic edicts have replaced the rule of law. He asserted that the country's institutions, including the government, judiciary, and administrative apparatus, function not under the constitution's authority but under the control of a monarch-like figure, reducing the populace to a state of servitude. Moreover, he charged political and religious parties, media figures, and journalists who endorse this status quo as complicit in the betrayal of democracy, labelling them as enemies of justice and the people's will. Addressing the unfortunate situation of the Urdu-speaking Mohajir community, Hussain conveyed deep disappointment over their ongoing marginalisation. He emphasised that Mohajirs were instrumental in the establishment of Pakistan, sacrificing their lives and legacy, yet today they are regarded as foreign elements in the nation they helped create. He stated that Mohajirs are deprived of essential civil rights and are systematically relegated to a status of second or third-class citizenship. Hussain criticised the narrative perpetuated by Sindhi nationalists who assert exclusive ownership over Sindh and deny the legitimate existence of Muhajirs. He questioned their understanding of Sindh's historical context and argued that there had never been an independent Muslim governance in Sindh before the establishment of Pakistan. He urged both communities to engage in conversation, cautioning that the long-standing 60/40 quota system is no longer tenable and unsustainable in today's context. He condemned what he termed discriminatory policies disguised in cultural motifs, such as the compulsory use of vehicle registration plates featuring the Ajrak design, enforced under threat of penalties. While he expressed his respect for Sindhi culture and traditions, he objected to their use as instruments of ethnic dominance. He asserted that no community should be forced to acquiesce to coercive identity politics or cultural imposition. He called on Muhajirs to oppose oppression and to rise against systemic discrimination through a peaceful and strategic movement for their right to self-determination. He urged them to overcome silence and feelings of inferiority, asserting their political and national identity with dignity. He reiterated his determination to resist monarchical rule and vowed to continue opposing the deterioration of democracy, regardless of the potential repercussions. (ANI) Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Kash Patel on late Tuesday said that the FBI arrested two Chinese nationals for spying on their Navy and trying to recruit American service members for the CCP's intel service. Patel warned that espionage on US will be met with full force. In a post on X, he said, "Two Chinese nationals were caught spying on our Navy and trying to recruit American service members for the CCP's intel service. Our FBI won't stand for it. We tracked them, we stopped them, and we're not done yet. Espionage on U.S. soil will be met with full force." https://x.com/FBIDirectorKash/status/1940092945547366887 The Department of Justice (DOJ) said Chinese national Yuance Chen, who resides in Happy Valley, Oregon, and Liren Lai, who travelled to Houston on a tourist visa in April 2025, were arrested on Friday. Both individuals face charges of overseeing and carrying out various clandestine intelligence tasks in the US on behalf of the Ministry of State Security, Fox News reported. Along with assisting with the recruitment of potential MSS assets and gathering intel about service members and bases, the two men are accused of facilitating a "dead drop" payment of cash on behalf of the MSS. "Today's arrests reflect the FBI's unwavering commitment to protecting our national security and safeguarding the integrity of our military," Patel told Fox News. "The individuals charged were acting on behalf of a hostile foreign intelligence service -- part of the Chinese Communist Party's broader effort to infiltrate and undermine our institutions. Thanks to outstanding coordination with our partners, including NCIS, we disrupted those efforts and sent a clear message: the United States will not tolerate espionage on American soil. Our counterintelligence operations remain focused, vigilant, and relentless," Patel added. The FBI arrested both men on Friday. Chen was arrested in Happy Valley while Lai was arrested in Houston, with help from the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS). Citing a criminal complaint filed in the Northern District of California, the Department of Justice said the government of the PRC conducts intelligence activities against the US using various means, including the MSS, which is involved with collecting intelligence on civilians. The MSS is also responsible for foreign intelligence, counterintelligence and political security, Fox News reported. (ANI) Naples has been rocked by its strongest earthquake in four decades, shaking homes across southern Italy and sparking fears that the nearby Campi Flegrei supervolcano could be reawakening. On Monday 30 June 2025, a magnitude 4.6 earthquake struck near Bacoli, about 10 miles west of Naples. Residents across the city reported feeling strong tremors, describing it as the most powerful quake in recent memory. Pozzuoli Mayor Luigi Manzoni told GB News that there were no immediate reports of damage. He urged residents to remain calm while local volunteers checked buildings and infrastructure to ensure public safety. 'The earthquake we warned of was strong, but at the moment there are no reports of damage,' Manzoni said. 'We are facing a situation that must be monitored hour by hour.' Authorities temporarily halted train services in the region and suspended the Naples subway system as a precaution Part of a series of tremors The Daily Mail reported that Monday's quake is part of a series of ongoing tremors affecting the area. Seismologists confirmed that the 4.6 magnitude quake was followed by three smaller shocks measuring 2.0, 1.6 and 1.0. Mauro Antonio Di Vito, director of the Vesuvius Observatory at Italy's National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV), said the latest earthquake did not come as a surprise. 'The event does not surprise us. Even after weeks of seismic silence, the rock can accumulate stress and then release energy,' Di Vito said. 'This is typical behaviour of the Phlegraean system.' He emphasised that while earthquakes cannot be precisely predicted, there are currently no signs indicating an imminent eruption. Di Vito called for clear communication to avoid unnecessary panic or false reassurances. Campi Flegrei eruption fears The Campi Flegrei supervolcano, which last erupted in 1538, has long been a source of concern for scientists. The American Geographical Society has warned that recent ground deformation, increased carbon dioxide emissions and a rise in tremor activity could signal magma movement beneath the surface. In the past six months alone, the Naples region has experienced around 3,000 tremors. Experts have observed signs of ground swelling and gas release, raising fears of potential volcanic activity. If Campi Flegrei were to erupt, it could have catastrophic consequences for Naples and the wider region. With over four million residents, a major eruption could lead to widespread evacuations, damage to crops and infrastructure, and ash clouds that could disrupt flights across Europe. For now, authorities continue to monitor the situation closely. While the risk remains theoretical, the recent earthquake has highlighted the fragile balance in one of Europe's most dangerous volcanic regions. Originally published on IBTimes UK Follower of the Dalai Lama expressed their elation at his statement that Gaden Phodrang Trust will have sole authority to recognise his future reincarnation. Speaking to ANI, several attendees of the 15th Tibetan Religious Conference on Wednesday said that the Dalai Lama's statement was a direct message to China. General Secretary of Tibetan Women's Association, Tenzin Nyima said, "His Holiness will be chosen by his office and the leaders of Buddhism from his office. So many Tibetan people were waiting for his message. So today he has given the statement, and we are very happy. And it also conveyed the message to the outsiders that no one has the right to interfere in the Tibetan traditions. Outsiders are not allowed to choose any successor of his, it's directly a message to the Chinese government only." Tenzin Tsundue, Tibetan writer and activist, noted that this was a great step taken by the Dalai Lama. "This is great news and the first important step His Holiness, the Dalai Lama, has taken, where His Holiness declared that there will be a 15th Dalai Lama. His Holiness said that the decision is not his alone, said that for many decades, the Tibetans, the Buddhists around the world, especially people in the Himalayas from India and around the world, have asked him again and again that there should be reincarnation," he said. He said that the decision that there would be a 15th Dalai Lama is an important one. "Today, he made this important decision that there will be a 15th Dalai Lama, and the first declaration that happened today. What His Holiness also said was that towards the end of the statement that the decision and the process will be carried out by Ganden Phodrang, which is directly run under His Holiness, the Dalai Lama. His Holiness said that Ganden Phodrang alone has the authority and no one else. So this is a clear indication that China has nothing to do with this. And, whatever China has been saying, they have nothing to do with the entire process of selecting the next Dalai Lama," he said. Tsundue noted that the Dalai Lama is healthy at the moment, but the decision is an important one. "We also know that His Holiness, at the moment, is healthy, he's doing fine. He's meeting almost 400 people every single day. So these are great signs, and he had indicated today in this declaration that there will be a 15th Dalai Lama," he said. Tenzin Lekshay, Spokesperson of the Tibetan government in exile, also welcomed the decision, saying that the decision was an important one. Although she said that the Dalai Lama will now live further and is healthy. But the decision affirmed that only his office will decide who his reincarnation would be. "He has been very consistent in the manner of whatever he has been doing. So for his incarnation, he is the sole legitimate power and authority, and he's always said the right thing. The good thing is that he will live for another 20-30 years. So why should we worry about the reincarnation process at all? Let the time come, then he decides. So this time, because His Holiness is gracious, His Holiness is living, he's vibrant, so what more joy we should have? Yes, it's a clear message. The authority is with His Holiness and has been given to the Trust," he said. Secretary of the Department of Information and International Relations of the CTA, Krma Choying, said that the current statement is a reiteration of a similar statement given by him in 2011. It stated that no outsider will be involved in the selection of the Dalai Lama. "We didn't know what kind of message he would give today, but by looking at the statement, it seems like the statement is more or less similar to the one he gave in 2011. His Holiness has promised to live up to 113 years, you know, so I hope we are not in a hurry. So I think whatever he says is his final decision. The incarnation is the prerogative of the Ganden Phodrang, the development of the Office of His Holiness, and so it is the Chinese government or any other individual who has no concern for any interference," he said. Nawang, a Tibetan Buddhist monk, said that he was happy to hear this message, just like other Tibetans. "Very clearly he told that his reincarnation will continue in the future. That is a very good message. One reason to be happy today. This is also enough message to China. It means that the next reincarnation will be selected by our side, not by the other," he said. Earlier in the day, Tibetan Spiritual Leader, the Dalai Lama, stated that the Gaden Phodrang Trust, a foundation established by him, can only recognise future reincarnations, and no one else has the authority to decide on the matter. This statement rules out any say for China in the process of naming the next Dalai Lama. In a statement on Wednesday, the Dalai Lama stated, " The process by which a future Dalai Lama is to be recognized has been established in the 24 September 2011 statement which states that responsibility for doing so will rest exclusively with members of the Gaden Phodrang Trust, the Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. They should consult the various heads of the Tibetan Buddhist traditions and the reliable oath-bound Dharma Protectors who are linked inseparably to the lineage of the Dalai Lamas. They should accordingly carry out the procedures of search and recognition under tradition." (ANI) Russian President Vladimir Putin held a telephone conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron, marking their first direct contact since September 2022, RT reported, citing the Kremlin press service. The call focused on the situation in the Middle East and the ongoing Ukraine conflict. According to RT, Putin told Macron that the Ukraine conflict was "a direct consequence of the policies pursued by Western states, which for many years ignored Russia's security interests," and had created an "anti-Russian bridgehead" in Ukraine. He reiterated that any settlement must "be comprehensive and long-term, address the root causes of the Ukrainian crisis and be based on new territorial realities." The leaders also discussed the recent escalation between Israel and Iran. As per the Kremlin's statement, both agreed that diplomacy remains the only viable path forward and pledged to stay in touch for the "possible coordination of positions," RT reported. The two heads of state also acknowledged a "special responsibility" to preserve "peace and security" and to uphold the global nuclear non-proliferation regime. "In this regard, the importance of respecting Tehran's legitimate right to develop peaceful nuclear energy and continuing to fulfil its obligations under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, including cooperation with the IAEA, was emphasised," the Kremlin noted, according to RT. France has been a key supporter of Kyiv in its conflict with Moscow, providing over EUR3.7 billion ($4.1 billion) in military aid since February 2022, according to data from the Kiel Institute's aid tracker. While French President Macron had previously considered deploying troops to Ukraine, the idea did not materialise. Paris indicated that troops might be sent post-hostilities as a deterrent, a move firmly opposed by Moscow, warning it could trigger a direct conflict between Russia and NATO. In recent statements, however, Macron has appeared to shift his position. In May, he acknowledged that France had done "the maximum we could" and that it could no longer supply Ukraine with additional weapons. Last week, he suggested that NATO's European members should reconsider "endlessly" arming themselves and proposed reopening dialogue with Moscow as part of broader European security talks linked to a possible Ukraine peace settlement. (ANI) Pezeshkian officially communicated the law mandating the government to suspend cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog, which was approved during a public session of Iran's Parliament on June 25. Considering violation of Iran's national sovereignty and territorial integrity by Israel and the United States regarding the country's peaceful nuclear facilities, the Iranian government is hereby obligated to immediately suspend all cooperation with the IAEA, Press TV reported, citing a parliament resolution. As per the resolution, IAEA inspectors will not be allowed to enter Iran until the security of the country's nuclear facilities is ensured and the peaceful nuclear activities are guaranteed, which is subject to the approval of Iran's Supreme National Security Council. Earlier, Iran's parliament speaker, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, criticised the IAEA for not condemning the US strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities. Furthermore, Iran is also contemplating imposing a ban on the entry of IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi, who has faced criticism for facilitating the actions of Israel and the US against Iran, according to Press TV. Based on Grossi's reports, the IAEA Board of Governors passed an anti-Iran resolution days before Israel's strikes in Iran. The resolution proposed by the UK, France, and Germany, and backed by the US, prompted strong condemnations from Iran and resulted in announcements of a new nuclear facility and upgrade of centrifuges to an advanced level at the Fordow enrichment plant, Press TV reported. On June 22, the US conducted strikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities in Iran - Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan. According to the news report, Grossi did not condemn the US action and faced criticism from Iranian officials. (ANI) In an interview with CBS News, as reported by The Hill on Tuesday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi acknowledged that the US bombing of Iran's key Fordo nuclear site has "seriously and heavily damaged" the facility. "No one exactly knows what has transpired in Fordo. That being said, what we know so far is that the facilities have been seriously and heavily damaged," Araghchi said in the interview, which took place in Iran and was broadcast in two parts on Monday and Tuesday. "We need to wait and see if they are able to be relaunched or if they will be relaunched," he added. According to The Hill, Araghchi noted that "The Atomic Energy Organization of the Islamic Republic of Iran is currently undertaking evaluation and assessment, the report of which will be submitted to the government." He spoke through a translator during the interview. CBS did not specify whether the translator was provided by the network. US President Donald Trump has asserted that the strikes "completely and totally obliterated" Iran's nuclear program. However, US officials acknowledged that a full assessment of the damage caused by last month's military strikes would take time. While intercepted Iranian communications have reportedly downplayed the extent of the damage, The Washington Post cited four individuals familiar with classified US intelligence saying that a clearer picture was still being formed within government circles. Addressing the potential for renewed nuclear negotiations, Araghchi told CBS News that discussions remain an option provided the US refrains from further military action. "In order for us to decide to reengage, we will have to first ensure that America will not revert back to targeting us in a military attack during the negotiations," he said. "And I think with all these considerations, we still need more time." However, Araghchi maintained that "the doors of diplomacy will never slam shut." As The Hill highlighted, Trump said Monday he was not offering Iran anything or engaging in talks, claiming the country's nuclear facilities were "totally obliterated." Nonetheless, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said US special envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff continues direct and indirect communications with Iranian officials, despite Trump's public statements. When asked about UN nuclear watchdog chief Rafael Grossi's recent assessment that Iran could resume uranium enrichment "in a matter of months," Araghchi responded that Tehran was capable of "making up for lost time." "One cannot obliterate the technology and science for enrichment through bombings," he said. "If there is this will on our part -- and the will exists -- in order to once again make progress in this industry, we will be able to expeditiously repair the damages and make up for the lost time." He stressed that although the physical facilities may have been compromised, "the technology and knowhow is still there." As reported by The Hill, Araghchi said Tehran is still conducting internal assessments and policy planning before deciding on further uranium enrichment efforts. "We have done a lot for our enrichment industry to thrive. We have borne a lot. Our people have borne a lot," he said. He further stated that Iran's peaceful nuclear program has become "a matter of national pride and glory," adding, "We definitely continue to convince the international community and the countries concerned that our nuclear program will remain absolutely peaceful." "We have also gone through 12 days of imposed war in addition to all that we have done for this nuclear program. Therefore, people will not easily back down from enrichment," he said. The US and Israel have justified the strikes as necessary to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons and to curtail its ballistic missile capabilities. While Iran insists its program is civilian in nature, it has enriched uranium to 60 percent--well above the level needed for civilian use--and limited access to international inspectors. Israel has claimed to possess intelligence indicating that Iran was actively working toward building a nuclear bomb. The Israeli government has warned it may take further military action if Iran attempts to rebuild its nuclear or missile infrastructure. (ANI) Amid ongoing economic and social challenges in Afghanistan, Doha hosted a two-day series of technical working group meetings aimed at enhancing international cooperation and supporting the country's recovery, TOLO News reported. The meetings, held under the initiative of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), concluded today and brought together representatives from the de facto Afghan authorities, various countries, and international organizations. The agenda focused on two key priority areas: strengthening the private sector and combating narcotics. These sessions were part of a broader UN-led framework aimed at establishing more coherent, coordinated, and structured engagement with Afghan authorities, in line with recommendations from an Independent Assessment submitted to the UN Security Council. According to TOLO News, UNAMA described the meetings as a platform to evaluate progress made and to discuss actionable future steps. Delegations from the Afghan Ministries of Economy, Commerce, Public Health, Agriculture, Interior, and Foreign Affairs, as well as the Central Bank, participated to present practical solutions to pressing issues. Political analyst Gul Mohammad Din Mohammadi told TOLO News: "Representatives from various ministries of the Islamic Emirate participated in the Doha meetings. The discussions covered several areas, including counter-narcotics, health, and poverty reduction. We hope the Doha meetings lead to sustained support for Afghanistan." Key topics discussed during the sessions included alternative livelihoods for those dependent on narcotics-related economies, treatment for drug addiction, and development of the private sector and banking systems. Zia Ahmad Takal, Head of Public Relations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said: "This delegation is engaging with representatives of various countries and international organizations to explore potential cooperation in drug prevention and control, alternative livelihoods, addiction treatment, and development of the private and banking sectors." Khan Jan Alokozai, board member of the Chamber of Commerce and Investment, emphasized the importance of economic collaboration: "Afghanistan's private sector, including the Chamber of Commerce and Investment, is striving to work with the UN, the international community, and Qatar to implement economic plans and objectives for the benefit of the Afghan people. These efforts are being executed through UNAMA and UNDP. We are also working to be actively involved in this process." An informal session was also held on the sidelines of the main talks, where special envoys and ambassadors from Pakistan, China, and Russia gathered to discuss Afghanistan's current situation. They reaffirmed a joint commitment to strengthening regional cooperation and long-term stability. (ANI) Out of 25 sorties, 16 crossed the median line and entered the strait's northern, central, eastern and southwestern ADIZ. In a post on X, the MND said, "Overall 25 sorties of PLA aircraft in various types (including J-16, KJ-500, etc.) were detected from 0925hr today. 16 out of 25 sorties crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered the northern, central, eastern and southwestern ADIZ in conducting air-sea joint training along with other PLAN vessels. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and responded accordingly." https://x.com/MoNDefense/status/1940275986924532039 https://x.com/MoNDefense/status/1940275989155914182 Earlier in the day, Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence (MND) detected 53 Chinese aircraft and eight Chinese naval vessels operating around its territory. In a post on X, the MND said, "53 sorties of PLA aircraft and 8 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 37 out of 53 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern and southwestern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded accordingly." https://x.com/MoNDefense/status/1940213835165757626 Meanwhile, the ministry stated that the Han Kuang exercises are scheduled to be held from July 9 to 18. https://x.com/MoNDefense/status/1940261650268893570 https://x.com/MoNDefense/status/1939901907038048721 For the first time, two of China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft carriers, the Liaoning and the Shandong, have simultaneously operated in the Western Pacific, crossing the second island chain in what analysts call a major strategic escalation, according to Taipei Times. Taiwan's National security officials told the Taipei Times that the PLA's dual-carrier manoeuvre aims to demonstrate China's growing ability to control sea lanes, project military power, and pressure regional players into reassessing their security ties with democratic allies. The operations have drawn sharp attention from the United States, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan. On June 7, Japan's Ministry of Defence confirmed the Liaoning was spotted near Minamitori Island, Japan's easternmost point. Two days later, the Shandong entered Japan's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) near Okinotorishima, coming within 1,700 km of Tokyo. (ANI) The East Turkistan Government in Exile (ETGE) condemns and rejects the Chinese Communist Party's designation of Chen Xiaojiang as the new Party Secretary for Occupied East Turkistan, which the Chinese occupation regime refers to as the so-called "Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region." This action is not a mere bureaucratic adjustment; it is a deliberate political strategy aimed at further intensifying China's ongoing genocide against the Uyghur, Kazakh, Kyrgyz, and other Turkic groups, while also solidifying the totalitarian occupation of East Turkistan. As stated in the ETGE's release, Chen Xiaojiang, who serves as a vice minister in the Chinese Communist Party's United Front Work Department, the CCP's chief agency for political warfare and civilian intelligence, has been instrumental in promoting the Party's efforts to quash Uyghur and other Turkic opposition to Chinese domination both within Occupied East Turkistan and internationally. In his capacity as head of the State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Chen has further entrenched the CCP's policy of national erasure aimed at non-Chinese populations under the guise of "ethnic unity," thereby strengthening the apparatus of ideological control, forced assimilation, and state-sanctioned genocide. The United Front Work Department plays a direct role in overseeing the CCP's influence over non-Chinese ethnic groups, religious communities, diaspora populations, and foreign targets. It functions in collaboration with the Ministry of State Security (MSS) and the Ministry of Public Security (MPS), and is accountable for surveillance, coercion, co-optation, as well as psychological and political operations intended to reinforce Party dominance. Chen's appointment as Party Secretary places a highly experienced architect of political oppression and colonial control at the forefront of the regime's efforts in East Turkistan, as highlighted in the ETGE release. "China has appointed Chen Xiaojiang as the CCP Secretary of Occupied East Turkistan, putting him in direct oversight of the ongoing Uyghur Genocide," stated Salih Hudayar, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Security of the East Turkistan Government in Exile. "As a former senior figure in the United Front Work Department, Chen now merges propaganda, intelligence coordination, and oppression into a single role; his position is akin to that of Beria, Goebbels, and Himmler combined. This appointment signifies a further tightening of the genocidal grip exerted by the Chinese Communist regime and should be regarded as a significant escalation by the international community." Chen's appointment denotes an intensification of China's genocidal strategies in Occupied East Turkistan and must be interpreted as a serious warning of heightened repression, as emphasised by the ETGE release. First, this development is anticipated to strengthen and broaden current genocidal and assimilationist initiatives. Given China's established genocidal practices and Chen's previous roles, it is likely that repression of Uyghur/Turkic cultural, linguistic, and religious identities will escalate. The mass internment and forced indoctrination strategies, branded as "re-education," "patriotic education," and "de-extremification," have historically served as tools of genocide and sinicization. Their further proliferation would intensify efforts not only to eliminate the ethnic and national identity of East Turkistan's indigenous populations but also to extinguish their very existence and solidify Chinese settler-colonial domination. Secondly, the appointment seems aimed at shaping international perceptions. The Chinese government is portraying Chen's rise as indicative of expertise in ethnic affairs. In truth, it represents a strategic pivot towards deeper ideological control and information manipulation, intended to discredit East Turkistani/Uyghur voices and broaden disinformation efforts designed to obscure Beijing's atrocities and undermine support for East Turkistan's quest for decolonisation, justice, and national self-determination. Third, this action likely indicates a wider increase in surveillance and coercion technologies throughout East Turkistan. Considering Chen's prior role in political warfare and influence tactics, it is anticipated that the use of biometric surveillance, facial recognition, and digital oppression tools will expand under misleading justifications of "anti-extremism, anti-separatism, and anti-terrorism." China may also heighten its strategy of transnational repression by targeting East Turkistani/Uyghur communities overseas through threats, cyber activities, infiltration, and co-optation, aiming to dismantle East Turkistan's independence movement and silence its advocates. "Chen's appointment signals that the Chinese Communist regime is intensifying its genocidal efforts in East Turkistan with renewed ideological vigour and strategic purpose," stated Mamtimin Ala, President of the East Turkistan Government in Exile. "The international community must move beyond mere expressions of concern or symbolic actions. The time has come for coordinated and decisive measures. Governments need to impose targeted sanctions, seek legal accountability, and acknowledge East Turkistan's right to independence as vital to ending this genocide and restoring the rights, safety, and future of our people," as noted in the ETGE release. The East Turkistan Government in Exile reaffirmed its stance that only by fully restoring East Turkistan's independence can the ongoing genocide and decades of Chinese occupation and colonisation be brought to an end. We urge governments, parliaments, international organisations, and civil society to confront the Chinese regime's colonisation, genocide, and transnational repression by taking significant political, diplomatic, and legal actions. (ANI) The incident occurred in the Liaquatpur area as the van was transporting students from three different private colleges back to their homes. As per ARY News, rescue teams promptly responded to the scene and shifted the injured to the hospital. Among the victims, 19-year-old Tayyaba Abbas and 17-year-old Ujala later succumbed to their injuries. Four other students remain in critical condition at the Burn Unit of Nishtar Hospital, Multan. Police have registered a terrorism case under Section 7 of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) at Saddar Police Station. The case has been filed against the principals of three different private colleges, administrative staff, van owner, and driver associated. According to the FIR, the accused individuals staff opted for a poorly maintained LPG vehicle in order to save money, risking the safety of the students. Police is conducting raids to arrest the accused. Earlier on June 7, a gas cylinder explosion in Irum Colony, Mardan, late night collapsed the roof of a two-storey house, killing six family members and injuring two others, ARY News reported. As per details, the blast, which occurred around midnight, flattened the upper structure of the residence, as per ARY News. Among the deceased were a husband, wife, and four other family members. Rescue officials promptly arrived at the scene and shifted the bodies and the injured to a nearby hospital for treatment and identification. Earlier, eight members of a family were injured in a roof collapse incident, in the limits of Dijkot police station. Police said the incident took place at Chak No. 271-RB where roof of a dilapidated house collapsed, leaving injured to Muhammad Akram, his wife Saadia (35), their two sons- Israr (10) and Waseem (18), three daughters- Asma Akram (12), Noor Fatima (8), Kashaf Akram (4) and a guest Robina Riaz (35) after being buried under the debris. (ANI) From the beginning of 2025 until the end of June, more than 714,000 Afghan migrants have returned from Iran, with 70% forcibly deported, raising serious concerns among the United Nations and human rights groups, TOLO News reported. Sadeq, a 36-year-old who lived in Iran for nearly 30 years, was among those deported despite having legal residency. "We had residency, had obtained smart cards. They gave me fifteen days and said you must leave Iran. We left Iran. We were deported and came to Afghanistan. Our house money remained there," he said. Abdulmalek, also deported, added, "The insult that Afghans face in Iran doesn't happen in any other country. In Germany or other countries, if you live more than four years or if a child is born there, they become a resident and citizen. But I, who was in Iran for thirty years, have no documents to prove my work, not even a SIM card in my name." According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), between January 1 and June 29, 2025, more than 714,572 Afghan migrants returned from Iran. Of these, 99% were undocumented, and 70% were forcibly returned. The IOM warned of a troubling increase in families being deported, shifting the pattern from earlier months when most returnees were single young men. Over 256,000 people reportedly entered Afghanistan in June alone, TOLO News stated. UN Women also reported that over the past 21 months, 48% of returning Afghan migrants from Pakistan were women and girls, and in the last 24 days, 30% of women and girls came back from Iran. Human rights organizations have issued strong statements against the deportations. Zaman Soltani, a regional researcher at Amnesty International, said, "We have been urging Pakistan and Iran to immediately stop and halt all forced deportation of Afghan refugees. More than half of the country's population are in need of humanitarian assistance. Women and girls, nearly half of the populations are denied from their most basic and fundamental rights. Those critical of the Taliban, including members of the former government, can and could face arbitrary arrest." Fereshta Abbasi from Human Rights Watch echoed this concern: "Human Rights Watch is deeply concerned about the deportations of Afghan refugees from Pakistan. These individuals are being deported back to a country that is suffering one of the worst humanitarian and human rights crises in the world. More than half of Afghanistan's population will face food insecurity by the end of this year." As TOLO News noted, Mohammad Khan Mohammadzai, a migrant rights activist, called for urgent international action: "The international organizations and the United Nations must take practical action in this regard, otherwise if fundamental measures are not taken, the wave of returning migrants will cause a humanitarian catastrophe in Afghanistan." UN Secretary-General's spokesperson Stephane Dujarric also warned, citing the UNHCR, that the rising number of returns is making the situation in Afghanistan "increasingly unsustainable." He said, "We continue to stress that the returns of refugees must be safe and must be voluntary and it must be dignified." (ANI) The United States Department of Defence (DOD) has halted the delivery of a few air defence missiles and munitions to Ukraine, owing to concerns about depleting US military stockpiles. As per a statement told to The Hill's sister network, NewsNation, by the Pentagon's undersecretary for policy, Elbridge Colby, on Tuesday, "The Department of Defence continues to provide the President with robust options to continue military aid to Ukraine, consistent with his goal of bringing this tragic war to an end. At the same time, the Department is rigorously examining and adapting its approach to achieving this objective while also preserving U.S forces' readiness for Administration defence priorities." Colby further added, "Department of Defence leadership works as a cohesive and smoothly-running team under the leadership of Secretary of Defence Hegseth. This is yet another attempt to portray division that does not exist." The White House confirmed that this decision was made following a review of the US military's support for other nations worldwide. "This decision was made to put America's interests first following a review of our nation's military support and assistance to other countries across the globe," White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said in a statement to multiple outlets. Adding to this, Kelly, referring to the US military's bombing of Iran's three vital nuclear sites on June 21, said, "The strength of the United States Armed Forces remains unquestioned -- just ask Iran." United States President Donald Trump, who has been trying to end the three-year Russia-Ukraine war, indicated last week at the NATO summit in The Hague of being open to sending missiles for Ukraine's Patriot air defence systems, according to The Hill. "They [Ukraine] do want to have the anti-missile missiles. As they call them the Patriots, and we're going to see if we can make some available," Trump said. Previously, in early March, the Trump administration paused military aid to Ukraine following a tense meeting in the Oval Office between the president and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. According to Ukraine's Air Force, on Sunday, Russia launched a massive aerial assault, attacking Ukraine with 477 drones and more than 60 missiles. (ANI) A Florida school superintendent was publicly threatened with criminal prosecution after refusing to immediately and permanently purge a list of 55 books, including Judy Blume's "Forever," from school libraries, following their designation as "pornography" by the State Board of Education. The Florida State Board of Education convened a meeting targeting Hillsborough County Superintendent Van Ayres, demanding he remove dozens of titles from school shelves, according to a report. The controversy centers on a list of 55 books labeled "pornographic" by the board, despite none meeting the legal standard for obscenity and no parent complaints having been filed. Among the works were award-winning titles recognized for their contributions to young adult literature. Ayres had already ordered the temporary removal of the books in question after receiving threatening letters from state officials, including Education Secretary Manny Diaz Jr. and Attorney General James Uthmeier. However, he stated that librarians would review the books before determining permanent removals. That plan drew fury from board members. Some called the librarians "child abusers," questioned their literacy, and accused them of lacking decency. Board Chair Ben Gibson demanded that all 55 titles be permanently removed within two weeks, bypassing any review process. Under sustained pressure, Ayres ultimately agreed to permanently ban all books on the list. The move came even though a recent legislative attempt to bypass literary merit when evaluating books had failed in the Florida State Senate. Other works that were banned include Sarah J. Maas' "A Court of Thorns and Roses" series, Colleen Hoover's "It Ends With Us" and Gregory Maguire's "Wicked". Originally published on Latin Times Reports of enforced disappearances and custodial killings persist in various districts of Balochistan, leading to growing concerns among local populations, according to a report from The Balochistan Post (TBP). In the Mashkay region of Awaran district, the remains of a man were found showing signs of torture. The victim had been forcibly taken from his home in Khandari at around 2 a.m. by what are believed to be members of Pakistani security forces, along with individuals affiliated with a state-supported militia. His body was reportedly discovered later the same day. In other incidents, two individuals were reportedly subjected to enforced disappearance in the Dera Bugti and Kech districts. They were allegedly apprehended by security forces in Sui while visiting to express condolences for a relative. At least five individuals are said to have vanished from the Sui area in recent days, with some being released only after paying large sums of money, while others are still in custody with significant ransoms allegedly demanded for their freedom, as reported by TBP. In the Gohmazi region of Tump tehsil, Kech district, another young man was reportedly abducted at dusk by unidentified individuals. His location is still unknown. Additionally, in the Khuzdar district, the disfigured body of a young man who had previously gone missing was recovered. He had reportedly been taken into custody by security forces from his home in Zidi town on the night of March 23, 2025. No information had emerged about his status for over three months, until his body was reportedly found in an isolated area of Khori in Zidi, as highlighted by the TBP report. Observers remark that incidents involving the extrajudicial killings of detainees and the disposal of bodies are becoming more frequent. Baloch human rights and political organisations have repeatedly condemned these occurrences and called upon international entities to take action. Despite persistent demands for accountability, rights groups assert that state institutions have continued these practices with increasing impunity. These developments illustrate the ongoing tensions in the region, where allegations of human rights abuses continue to exacerbate unrest and deepen the distrust between local communities and state authorities. Despite national and international calls for intervention, effective oversight and accountability measures remain insufficient, as stated by the TBP report. (ANI) As anticipation builds for the upcoming BRICS Summit scheduled for 6-7 July, Brazilian academic Lier Pires Ferreira has outlined the forum's key focus areas. Speaking to Toda Palavra, a media partner of TV BRICS, the professor from the BRICS Research Centre at the Federal University of Fluminense described the outlook as "favourable," highlighting that the meeting will address major political, economic, and social priorities shared by member states. From a political perspective, Ferreira said the summit will underline the importance of safeguarding multilateralism and reforming global governance. He noted that the BRICS bloc is expected to push for broader participation from countries in the Global South in international decision-making forums, an effort aimed at creating a more balanced world order. On the economic front, a significant portion of the agenda will revolve around expanding mutual trade using national currencies. Ferreira observed that this shift away from dollar dependency aligns with long-standing efforts to strengthen intra-BRICS economic cooperation. Sustainable development and deeper energy integration, already embedded in the group's investment roadmap, are also likely to gain renewed momentum, as reported by TV BRICS. The professor also pointed to a growing emphasis on social issues. Under Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's leadership, he said, Brazil is steering conversations around digital connectivity and the fight against hunger and poverty, both of which are expected to figure prominently during the summit. In light of shifting geopolitical dynamics, Ferreira further suggested that the bloc may explore the establishment of independent mechanisms to resolve disputes among member nations--an initiative that would enhance strategic autonomy and cooperation. The summit is expected to reinforce BRICS' evolving role as a platform for inclusive global development and balanced multipolar engagement. (ANI) A Baloch woman has allegedly been forcibly taken by Pakistani security forces in Turbat, Balochistan. This incident marks the second occurrence involving a Baloch woman in just over a month, as reported by The Balochistan Post (TBP). Rubina Baloch, 30 years old, was seized on Monday while she was visiting her sister in the Overseas Colony area of Turbat city. She works as a Lady Health Visitor for the government and hails from Gowarkop in Kech district. Personnel from the Frontier Corps and Military Intelligence reportedly detained her during a targeted operation around 4:00 pm Her current location remains unknown, as stated by TBP. The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) has confirmed the incident and expressed serious concern over what it described as a "rising trend" of forcibly disappearing Baloch women. They demanded Rubina's immediate release. The Baloch Women Forum also condemned the kidnapping. In a statement, the organisation noted: "It is profoundly troubling that this afternoon at about 4 on June 30, another Baloch woman, Rubina Baloch, daughter of Mohib Ullah and a resident of Sari Kallag Gowarkop, was forcibly taken from her sister's home in Turbat's Overseas Colony. She is a Lady Health Visitor by profession who was taken unlawfully." The forum cautioned that such disappearances of Baloch women are becoming "increasingly common" and urged the state's law enforcement agencies to "avoid involving women in the reprehensible act of enforced disappearances and unknown detentions." Rubina's abduction follows just one month after the disappearance of Mahjabeen Baloch, a 24-year-old student and polio survivor, who was taken from Quetta Civil Hospital on May 29. Mahjabeen had been temporarily residing at the hospital due to a lack of space in her university dormitory. She was reportedly taken during a coordinated operation involving police, the Counter-Terrorism Department, and intelligence officials. Her whereabouts also remain unknown, as highlighted in the TBP report. (ANI) The testimonies of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in his criminal trial hearings have been cancelled for next week due to his diplomatic visit to the United States, The Jerusalem Post reported. The request, submitted by Netanyahu's defense team, was approved by the prosecution, which is in the middle of cross-examination. However, the prosecution did request that additional testimony dates be added in their stead and until the courts go on summer recess, from July 21 through September 5. Per a court decision from a few weeks ago, Netanyahu is scheduled to testify that week, on Monday, July 21, and Tuesday, July 22. Netanyahu is scheduled to fly out on Sunday and return either on Thursday or Friday. It added that the prime minister is expected to meet with US President Donald Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance, Secretary of State and National Security Advisor Marco Rubio, Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, and the heads of the Senate and the Congress, The Jerusalem Post reported. He is also expected to conduct other classified security meetings. The visit comes as reports indicate some movement on a hostage and ceasefire deal in the Israel-Hamas War. Fifty hostages remain held in Hamas captivity. At present, the prime minister's testimony schedule is twice a week, with testimonies from other defense witnesses taking place once a week. In lieu of Netanyahu's testimony, on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, the courts will hear testimonies from the other defense witnesses. The request follows a closed-door discussion between Netanyahu's lawyers and Jerusalem District Court Judges Rivka Friedman-Feldman, Oded Shaham, and Moshe Bar-Am on Sunday. This meeting led to the cancellation of testimonies this week, The Jerusalem Post reported. When Israel attacked Iran on June 13, the courts went into an emergency operational mode, which included the cancellation of all testimonies in the cases against the prime minister. When a ceasefire was called between Israel and Iran and non-essential operations across the country resumed, Netanyahu's defense team asked to pause the hearings for two weeks, due to what it said was a significant need for the prime minister to focus on the Gaza front and the issue of the hostages. The prosecution rejected that request, and the court said that based on what was shown of the prime minister's planned schedule, there was no reason to cancel, only to begin late on Monday. On Sunday, the judges agreed to cancel this week's testimonies based on the closed-door meeting with the prime minister and other security officials, including IDF Intelligence Chief Maj.-Gen. Shlomi Binder and Mossad head David Barnea, The Jerusalem Post reported. (ANI) Amid mounting backlash over US President Donald Trump's reported plans to deport naturalized citizens, a viral petition on MoveOn, a progressive advocacy platform, called for the deportation of First Lady Melania Trump, her parents, and son Barron Trump--arguing that Trump's own family should not be exempted from the policies he championed. The petition stated, "Since Trump wants to deport naturalized citizens, I believe it is only fair that Melania and her parents are on the first boat out. In addition, Melania's anchor baby, Baron, should be forced to leave as well because we know that his mother's mother was born in a different country. That is part of the criteria that Trump is putting into place. Your mother's mother has to have been born in the United States and we know Melania's mother was born elsewhere. If it's good for one, it's good for all! There should be no exceptions! On the first boat or flight out!" The petition further argued that the move would prevent perceptions of favoritism, adding, "If this is truly about national security, then Melania needs to go!" The remarks reflected growing public frustration over what many viewed as double standards in Trump's deportation agenda. According to Fox News, the petition surfaced just days after Democratic California Rep. Maxine Waters, during an anti-DOGE protest in Los Angeles on March 25, suggested that Trump should investigate and potentially deport Melania Trump. "When he [Trump] talks about birthright, and he's going to undo the fact that the Constitution allows those who are born here, even if the parents are undocumented, they have a right to stay in America. If he wants to start looking so closely to find those who were born here and their parents were undocumented, maybe he ought to first look at Melania," Waters was seen saying from the stage, various videos posted on social media showed, Fox News reported. She added, "We don't know whether or not her parents were documented. And maybe we better just take a look." According to Fox News, her remarks were met with loud cheers from protestors at the rally, which focused on opposing Trump's federal government downsizing agenda. Fox News also reported that Melania Trump, born in the former Yugoslavia, became a US citizen in 2006. She was the first US first lady to become a naturalized citizen and the second to be born outside the United States, after Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams, wife of President John Quincy Adams. In 2018, The New York Times reported that Melania sponsored her parents, Viktor and Amalija Knavs, for green cards and later citizenship. Amalija Knavs passed away in 2024, while Viktor Knavs has been seen at recent public events with the Trump family. Waters' comments came in response to an executive order signed by Trump on his first day in office that aimed to reinterpret the 14th Amendment and restrict birthright citizenship. The order, currently under judicial review, seeks to exclude individuals born to undocumented immigrants or parents on temporary visas from automatic US citizenship. During the March 25 protest, Waters joined hundreds marching to the VA hospital on Los Angeles' Wilshire Boulevard. She declared, "We are here because we are not going to let Trump, we're not going to let Elon Musk, his co-president, or anybody else take the United States Constitution down." Her remarks on Melania Trump quickly spread on social media platforms like TikTok and X, drawing sharp criticism from conservatives. "Maxine Waters wants to deport Melania," posted the popular X account End Wokeness, as cited by Fox News. (ANI) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party, has warned that Kabul's repeated violations of the Doha Agreement are threatening regional stability and undermining efforts to combat terrorism, Khaama Press reported. Speaking at a seminar in Islamabad titled "Pakistan: A Barrier Against Terrorism," Bhutto stated that terrorism is not just a local issue but a global threat. He claimed that Pakistan has sacrificed heavily--both in human lives and economically--in its ongoing struggle against terrorism. Building on this concern, Bhutto directly addressed the Taliban leadership, urging them to remain faithful to the pledges made in the Doha Accord. He stressed that such commitment could prevent further destabilization and promote regional trust, according to Khaama Press. Under the Doha Agreement, the Taliban had promised not to allow terrorist groups like Al-Qaeda and ISIS to use Afghanistan's territory to threaten other nations, especially the United States. However, doubts over Taliban compliance have persisted, heightening fears of cross-border threats. The Doha accord was an agreement signed by the United States and the Taliban on February 29, 2020 in Doha, Qatar, with the two sides issuing a joint declaration "for bringing peace in Afghanistan". Despite Taliban assurances that Afghanistan's soil won't be used against neighboring countries, Pakistani authorities accuse them of sheltering members of Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a group blamed for numerous attacks inside Pakistan. The Taliban have denied these allegations, maintaining that no foreign militant groups are being hosted, Khaama Press reported. Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have long been strained due to recurring border conflicts and Pakistan's demand for decisive action against TTP militants allegedly using Afghan territory to orchestrate attacks. Kabul, however, denies these claims, deepening diplomatic tensions and adding further urgency to the calls for regional cooperation. These concerns gain further weight in light of the Global Terrorism Index (GTI) 2025 report, which states that Pakistan has now become the second-most terrorism-affected country in the world, moving up from its previous position at fourth, as reported by Geo News. The report highlights that the country saw a dramatic 45 per cent increase in terrorism-related fatalities, with deaths rising from 748 in 2023 to 1,081 in 2024. This sharp surge marks one of the highest increases globally, underscoring the intensifying threat Pakistan now faces. Additionally, the number of terrorist attacks more than doubled, jumping from 517 incidents in 2023 to 1,099 in 2024. This marks the first time since the inception of the GTI that attacks surpassed the 1,000 mark, Geo News further reported, emphasizing the severity of the security challenge. The GTI report also highlights the role of Afghanistan's territory in fueling terrorism in Pakistan. It links the escalation in attacks to the rise of the Afghan Taliban's power in Kabul. Militant groups, particularly the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), have intensified their operations, especially along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, which continues to be a flashpoint. Adding depth to this analysis, the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) has released the Global Terrorism Index 2025, offering an in-depth overview of terrorism trends and patterns over the past 17 years. The report ranks 163 countries, representing 99.7 per cent of the global population, based on the impact of terrorism. Key indicators considered include the frequency of terrorist attacks, fatalities, injuries, and the number of hostages. (ANI) Bajaur District Police Officer Waqas Rafique confirmed that five people, including two policemen and a civilian, were killed in the explosion targeting a government vehicle on Nawagai Road in Siddiqabad railway attack area of Khar tehsil. According to Dawn, the victims include Nawagai Assistant Commissioner Faisal Ismail, Tehsildar Abdul Wakil, Subedar Noor Hakim, police constable Rashid, and one civilian. "The blast was so intense that the vehicle targeted was destroyed," he said. Security has been increased in the area, and relief activities are underway. The injured have been taken to Khar Hospital for treatment, where an emergency has been imposed. KP Health Adviser Ihtisham Ali strongly condemned the blast and expressed grief over the loss of lives. He contacted the district health officer and the medical superintendent of the District Headquarters Hospital in Khar Bajaur and inquired about the well-being of those injured in the attack, as per Dawn. "An emergency has been imposed in Bajaur hospitals, and health department staff have been alerted for first aid," he said. The health adviser assured the pubic that medical assistance would be provided to the injured. KP Inspector General of Police (IG) Zulfiqar Hameed sought a report on the blast from the Malakand regional police officer (RPO). He also ordered to speed up intelligence-based operations against the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) group and directed the Counter-Terrorism Department's additional inspector general of police to send a special team to Bajaur. "A special branch is obtaining intelligence related to the incident," Hameed said, adding that according to initial information, the TTP targeted the assistant commissioner's vehicle. Hameed said that teams were formed "to arrest the elements involved in the incident while all necessary evidence is being collected from the spot", adding that bomb disposal teams were present on site. (ANI) North Korea plans to triple its troop deployment to Russia to support its military efforts in Ukraine. An additional 25,000 to 30,000 soldiers are expected to arrive in Russia in the coming months, CNN reported, citing a Ukrainian intelligence assessment. This new deployment would add to the 11,000 North Korean troops sent to Russia in November, who helped repel Ukraine's incursion into Russia's Kursk region. However, Western officials estimate that around 4,000 of those soldiers were killed or injured during the deployment, as per CNN. The Ukrainian assessment highlighted that the Russian Ministry of Defence is capable of providing "needed equipment, weapons and ammunition" with the aim of "further integration to Russian combat units." The document adds "there is a great possibility" the North Korean troops will be engaged in combat in parts of Russian-occupied Ukraine, to strengthen the Russian contingent, including during the large-scale offensive operations. According to CNN, the assessment also says there are signs that Russian military aircraft are being refitted to carry personnel, reflecting the vast undertaking of moving tens of thousands of foreign troops across Russian Siberia, which shares a border with North Korea in its far southwest. Recent satellite images have captured possible preparations for North Korea's new troop deployment to Russia. The images show a ship linked to previous deployments arriving at a Russian port and a cargo aircraft at North Korea's Sunan airport. North Korea initially sent 11,000 troops to Russia in the fall of 2024, with Russian President Vladimir Putin only confirming the deployment in late April. In October, North Korean soldiers were pictured being handed equipment for the frontlines at the Sergeevka military base in Primorskyi Krai. Furthermore, according to the analyst's statement, a month later, a Ropucha-class Russian ship docked at the Dunai port near Nakhodka, approximately 95 kilometres (59 miles) southwest of there, which could carry up to 400 troops, analysts said. The same type of troop-transporting Ropucha ship again docked at the same Dunai port on May 18, CNN confirmed, citing satellite images by the Open Source Centre, a UK-based non-profit specialising in open-source intelligence related to defence and security. (ANI) Argentina is committed to strengthening its strategic partnership with India, advocating for a reformed Mercosur and standing firmly with New Delhi in the fight against terrorism, said the Argentine Ambassador to India, Mariano Caucino, on Wednesday. Speaking on bilateral relations, the envoy stressed the need for Mercosur to embrace global integration. "There is a common understanding that Mercosur needs to reform, it needs to open, it needs to connect to the world," he told ANI, adding, "We are convinced that India is a major player in the world. India has a great future, and we hope to collaborate with our Mercosur partners to advance in this field." With trade between India and Argentina touching USD 5 billion, India ranks among Argentina's top six trading partners, bolstered by a strategic partnership established in 2019. Condemning the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, the ambassador reiterated Argentina's solidarity with India. "I was among the first ambassadors in India to convey this message," he said, recalling Argentina's own experience with terrorism in the 1992 Israeli Embassy attack and the 1994 Jewish Community Centre bombing in Buenos Aires. "Terrorism is unacceptable in any form. We have to take into account those states that promote or hide terrorism, and we are with India in this case," he asserted. On economic cooperation, the envoy highlighted Argentina's role as India's top supplier of soybean oil and third-largest supplier of sunflower oil. He also revealed a proposal to export liquefied natural gas (LNG) to India and noted Indian investments in Argentina's lithium sector in the northern regions. "We want to enhance that cooperation," he said, signalling deeper collaboration in agriculture, energy, and critical minerals. The ambassador described a recent high-level visit from India as "extremely important" for Argentina and the region. "We are talking about the leader of a country that has become the 5th largest economy in the world and is going to become the 4th largest economy," he said, underscoring India's growing global stature. As Argentina pushes for stronger economic and diplomatic ties, the envoy's remarks reflect a shared vision for enhanced trade, energy cooperation, and a united stand against terrorism with India, a key partner for the Mercosur bloc. (ANI) Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, who is currently on a four-day official visit to Bhutan, visited the Indian Military Training Team (IMTRAT) and Project DANTAK on Wednesday. He also visited the Wangchuk Lo Dzong Military Hospital and later engaged with instructors and students at the Wangchuk Lo Dzong Military School, acknowledging the importance of capacity-building and military education in the bilateral relationship, siad an official statement from the Indian Army. During the visit, the COAS also visited Jamtsholing Gyaltsen Academy at Tashichhoeling in Samtse, where he was apprised of Bhutan's Gyalsung National Service programme. He interacted with the instructors and received a detailed briefing on the academy's training framework, infrastructure, and other key functional aspects, as per the Indian Army. On Tuesday, the Chief of the Army Staff called on Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, the King of Bhutan, and Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the former King and father of the reigning monarch. He also held substantive discussions with Lieutenant General Batoo Tshering, Chief of Operations of the Royal Bhutan Army, reaffirming the shared commitment to regional security and the longstanding bilateral cooperation. Additionally, General Dwivedi interacted with senior officials of the Indian Embassy. In a post on X, the Indian Army stated that General Dwivedi was welcomed by Major General Dorji Rinchen, Deputy Chief Operations Officer (COO) of the Royal Bhutan Army on the first day of his visit. The social media post on X by ADGPI - Indian Army, read, "#GeneralUpendraDwivedi, #COAS, on his first day of visit to #Bhutan was given a warm and gracious welcome by Major General Dorji Rinchen, Deputy Chief Operations Officer (COO), Royal Bhutan Army. He later held an insightful interaction with Lieutenant General Batoo Tshering, COO, reflecting the deep-rooted trust and camaraderie between the Indian Army and the Royal Bhutan Army." Indian Army said that the visit underscores the enduring friendship between India and Bhutan, reaffirming India's steadfast support for a close and trusted neighbour. (ANI) Minister Cortes meets Minister Morgan Minister for Education John Cortes last week met HMG Minister for Education Stephen Morgan MP at the Department for Education in London. He was accompanied by Director of Education Keri Scott and Guy Dumas from the Gibraltar Office in London. Issues discussed included university fees for Gibraltarian students, SEND in schools, the use of Artificial Intelligence in Education settings, school attendance, behaviour management and sustainability in schools. As a result, firm contacts have been established between the UK and Gibraltar Education Departments, and Gibraltar will be able to access information and support if and when needed. Minister for Education, the Hon Prof John Cortes, said:Stephen is a great friend of Gibraltar and a committed educationalist. It was a pleasure to discuss current education issues with him and to realise how many concerns and opportunities we share. The UK Department is doing a great deal of work in developing policies, such as in AI, and with these exchanges we will make sure that we are able to keep atthe forefront of developments. I am really grateful to Stephen for his accessibility and support. The meeting focused on reviewing ongoing bilateral cooperation, including initiatives in priority areas, for further strengthening the India-Singapore partnership. https://x.com/meaindia/status/1940370045655306658?s=46 "Secretary(East) P. Kumaran met Mr. Luke Goh, Permanent Secretary (Development) @MFAsg Today in New Delhi. The two sides reviewed ongoing bilateral cooperation, including initiatives in priority areas, for further strengthening the India-Singapore partnership," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiwal wrote on X. The year 2025 marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Singapore. To commemorate this special occasion, President Droupadi Murmu and Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam unveiled a joint logo in New Delhi on January 16, as stated by the MEA. The joint logo incorporates elements: colours from the Indian and Singaporean National flags, the Lotus (National flower of India) & Orchid (National flower of Singapore), and the number 60, highlighting the significant milestone of the 60th anniversary. Overall, the logo reads "India Singapore 60 years of diplomatic relations". According to MEA, the placement of these elements symbolises the enduring friendship, mutual trust and shared values between the two countries. India-Singapore cooperation has deepened and diversified over the years. Our bilateral ties are characterised by strengthening political, defence, economic, cultural, educational and people-to-people contacts. "We share warm and friendly relations, which have provided a firm basis for our expanding cooperation in the fields of advanced manufacturing, connectivity, digitisation, healthcare and medicine, sustainability, and education and skills development," MEA noted. Singapore is a key pillar of India's Act East Policy and our vision of the Indo-Pacific. For the 60th anniversary of our diplomatic relations, several commemorative events are being planned that reflect the significance India and Singapore attach to the bilateral partnership. (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Ghana on Wednesday, marking the start of his five-nation tour. President John Mahama gave him a warm welcome at the airport. Upon his arrival, PM Modi received a guard of honour and a 21-gun salute. At the invitation of Ghana's President John Dramani Mahama, PM Modi will visit Ghana on 2-3 July. Ghana is a valued partner in the Global South and plays an important role in the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States. "I look forward to my exchanges aimed at further deepening our historical ties and opening up new windows of cooperation, including in the areas of investment, energy, health, security, capacity building and development partnership. As fellow democracies, it will be an honour to speak at the Parliament of Ghana," MEA said in a statement. In the second leg of his visit, PM Modi will pay an official visit to Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) from July 3-4. "I will meet President Christine Carla Kangaloo, who was the Chief Guest at this year's Pravasi Bhartiya Divas, and Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, who has recently assumed office for the second term. Indians first arrived in Trinidad and Tobago 180 years ago. This visit will provide an opportunity to rejuvenate the special bonds of ancestry and kinship that unite us," the statement said. From Port of Spain, he will travel to Buenos Aires, marking the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Argentina in 57 years. "Argentina is a key economic partner in Latin America and a close collaborator in the G20. I look forward to my discussions with President Javier Milei, whom I also had the pleasure of meeting last year. We will focus on advancing our mutually beneficial cooperation, including in the areas of agriculture, critical minerals, energy, trade, tourism, technology, and investment," the statement said. PM Modi will attend the BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro on July 6-7. "As a founding member, India is committed to BRICS as a vital platform for cooperation among emerging economies. Together, we strive for a more peaceful, equitable, just, democratic and balanced multipolar world order. On the sidelines of the Summit, I will also meet several world leaders. I will travel to Brasilia for a bilateral State Visit, the first by an Indian Prime Minister in nearly six decades. This visit will provide an opportunity to strengthen our close partnership with Brazil and work with my friend, President H.E. Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, on advancing the priorities of the Global South," the statement added. His final destination will be Namibia, a trusted partner with whom India shares a common history of struggle against colonialism. (ANI) Members of the Indian diaspora in Ghana are eagerly awaiting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is the first Indian Prime Minister to visit the country in 30 years. Crowds gathered hours before the Prime Minister's scheduled arrival, holding Indian flags and signs expressing their excitement. Manoj Kapoor, a member of the Indian diaspora, expressed his excitement, saying, "We are all eagerly waiting for PM Modi. He is a tall global leader. Everyone really likes him. People of Ghana are waiting for him. He is well-respected here." Seema Kapoor, also part of the Indian diaspora in Ghana, spoke of the emotional experience of seeing the Prime Minister in person for the first time. "We have watched him (PM Modi) on TV for years, today we are getting the opportunity to meet him in person. We are delighted, and we can't express it in words," she said. PM Modi landed in Ghana on Wednesday, the 1st country in his 5-nation tour. At the invitation of Ghana's President John Dramani Mahama, PM Modi will visit Ghana on 2-3 July. Ghana is a valued partner in the Global South and plays an important role in the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States. "I look forward to my exchanges aimed at further deepening our historical ties and opening up new windows of cooperation, including in the areas of investment, energy, health, security, capacity building and development partnership. As fellow democracies, it will be an honour to speak at the Parliament of Ghana," the statement said. During the visit, the Prime Minister will hold talks with the President of Ghana to review the strong bilateral partnership and discuss further avenues to enhance it through economic, energy, and defence collaboration, and development cooperation partnership. This visit will reaffirm the shared commitment of the two countries to deepen bilateral ties and strengthen India's engagement with the ECOWAS [Economic Community of West African States] and the African Union, a Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) release said. The visit of the Indian Prime Minister to Ghana is taking place after three decades. (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Accra on Wednesday on his State Visit to Ghana and was accorded a ceremonial welcome. In a special gesture, Ghana President John Dramani Mahama came to the airport to receive PM Modi. The gesture is reflective of the strong and historic bonds of friendship between the two nations. On his arrival at the hotel, PM Modi was greeted with cheers, chants, and a cultural display by members of the Indian diaspora. They were present in large numbers outside the hotel to extend a warm and enthusiastic welcome to PM Modi. As PM Modi stepped out of his vehicle, the crowd erupted in applause. Many reached out to shake his hand or catch a glimpse of the leader. Prime Minister's visit to Ghana is the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister in the last three decades. This historic visit would further deepen the partnership between India and Ghana, and underscores India's commitment to strengthening its engagement with Africa and Global South Partners. The Prime Minister arrived in Ghana in the first leg of his five-nation visit. During his stay, he will hold bilateral talks with President John Mahama and address the Indian community in Accra. A group of young children recited 'Hare Rama Hare Krishna' before PM Modi, as they welcomed him to Accra. PM Modi also watched a brief musical display organised for him at the hotel in Accra. In his departure statement, PM Modi had said Ghana is a valued partner in the Global South and plays an important role in the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States. PM Modi said he looked forward to his exchanges aimed at further deepening India's historical ties and opening up new windows of cooperation, including in areas such as investment, energy, health, security, capacity building, and development partnerships. PM Modi will also address the Parliament of Ghana. (ANI) As Prime Minister Narendra Modi's historic visit to Ghana begins, excitement is running high outside his hotel in Accra, a group of children gathered, preparing to welcome Prime Minister Modi with a special 'shlokas.' A group of children, dressed in traditional Indian attire, practised the Sanskrit verses meant to greet the Prime Minister upon his arrival. A Young boy awaiting PM Modi's arrival in Accra said, "I feel so excited to meet him because he is a very great personality. I wish he were in front of me right now and I was hugging him because I have heard many stories about him...We are going to recite 'shloka'..." PM Modi arrived today in Accra on his state visit to Ghana. In a special gesture, on arrival at the airport, PM Modi was received by the President of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama and accorded a ceremonial welcome. This gesture is reflective of the strong and historic bonds of friendship between the two nations. PM Modi's visit to Ghana is the first such visit in the last three decades. This historic visit would further deepen the partnership between India and Ghana, and underscores India's commitment to strengthening its engagement with Africa and Global South Partners, MEA stated.' During the visit, the Prime Minister will hold talks with the President of Ghana to review the strong bilateral partnership and discuss further avenues to enhance it through economic, energy, and defence collaboration, and development cooperation partnership. This visit will reaffirm the shared commitment of the two countries to deepen bilateral ties and strengthen India's engagement with the ECOWAS [Economic Community of West African States] and the African Union, a Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) release said. The visit of the Indian Prime Minister to Ghana is taking place after three decades. (ANI) China's Foreign Ministry on Wednesday once again emphasised that the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama must be approved by the central government in Beijing. Spokesperson Mao Ning stated that Tibetan Buddhism is a religion with Chinese characteristics and that the reincarnation process must follow traditional methods, including the drawing of lots from a golden urn. "Tibetan Buddhism was born in China and is a religion with Chinese characteristics," spokesperson Mao Ning said in a news briefing. This comes after Dalai Lama declared that the Gaden Phodrang Trust, a non-profit institution he established, has the sole authority to recognise his future reincarnation. Mao Ning referenced an 18th-century Qing dynasty selection method, which involves drawing lots from a golden urn to determine the reincarnation of high-ranking Buddhist figures. "The reincarnation of the Dalai Lama, the Panchen Lama and other great Buddhist figures must be chosen by drawing lots from a golden urn, and approved by the central government," said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning. China has regulations in place to manage the reincarnation of Tibetan living Buddhas, and Mao Ning defended these policies as necessary for adapting religious practices to Chinese traditions. Mao Ning claimed that China implements a policy of freedom of religious belief, but emphasized that this freedom is subject to certain restrictions and regulations. Mao also said, "The Chinese government implements a policy of freedom of religious belief, but there are regulations on religious affairs and methods for managing the reincarnation of Tibetan living Buddhas." China has been trying to exert control over Tibetan Buddhist traditions, particularly the reincarnation process of high-ranking lamas like the Dalai Lama. Over a lifetime in exile, the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, has become synonymous with Tibet and its quest for genuine autonomy under Beijing's tightening grip on the Himalayan region. From his adopted hometown of Dharamshala, where he established a government-in-exile, the spiritual leader has unified Tibetans at home and in exile and elevated their plight onto the global stage. Dalai Lama emphasized that the process will be guided by centuries-old religious traditions and in consultation with senior Tibetan Buddhist leaders and spiritual protectors and rejected China's claims of authority over the reincarnation process, stating that no one else has the right to interfere in this matter. In a statement on Wednesday, Dalai Lama stated, "The process by which a future Dalai Lama is to be recognized has been clearly established in the 24 September 2011 statement which states that responsibility for doing so will rest exclusively with members of the Gaden Phodrang Trust, the Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. They should consult the various heads of the Tibetan Buddhist traditions and the reliable oath-bound Dharma Protectors who are linked inseparably to the lineage of the Dalai Lamas. They should accordingly carry out the procedures of search and recognition in accordance with past tradition." "I hereby reiterate that the Gaden Phodrang Trust has sole authority to recognise the future reincarnation; no one else has any such authority to interfere in this matter," he added. The Dalai Lama noted that he had not made any public statements on the issue over the past 14 years. However, leaders of Tibet's spiritual traditions have written to him with reasons, earnestly requesting that the institution of the Dalai Lama continue. "Although I have had no public discussions on this issue, over the last 14 years leaders of Tibet's spiritual traditions, members of the Tibetan Parliament in Exile, participants in a Special General Body Meeting, members of the Central Tibetan Administration, NGOs, Buddhists from the Himalayan region, Mongolia, Buddhist republics of the Russian Federation and Buddhists in Asia including mainland China, have written to me with reasons, earnestly requesting that the institution of the Dalai Lama continue. In particular, I have received messages through various channels from Tibetans in Tibet making the same appeal. In accordance with all these requests, I am affirming that the institution of the Dalai Lama will continue," he said. The atheist Chinese Communist Party, which annexed Tibet in 1951, has in recent years stepped up its long-standing efforts to influence the Tibetan Buddhist religion and forcibly assimilate the population in Tibet as part of a broader effort to control ethnic and religious minorities. It replicated many of these practices during a fierce crackdown on the Muslim Uyghur population in the Xinjiang region. The Dalai Lama fled Tibet in 1959 after a failed popular uprising against Chinese control, and relocated to northern India, where he set up a government-in-exile in Dharamshala. In 1989, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize "for advocating peaceful solutions based upon tolerance and mutual respect." The Dalai Lama has long been cautious about Beijing's attempts to meddle with the reincarnation system of Tibetan Buddhism, a tradition deeply rooted in the spiritual and cultural heritage of Tibet. At the heart of this issue is the belief that enlightened spiritual masters like the Dalai Lama can choose the place and time of their rebirth through the force of compassion and prayer. A significant point of contention is the reincarnation of the Panchen Lama, the second-highest figure in Tibetan Buddhism. In 1995, Beijing installed its own Panchen Lama, disregarding the Dalai Lama's choice for the role. The Dalai Lama's chosen Panchen Lama, a six-year-old boy at the time, has since disappeared from public view. In Tibetan tradition, the Dalai Lamas and Panchen Lamas have played key roles in recognizing each other's reincarnations. This mutual recognition process is essential to maintaining the integrity and authenticity of the reincarnation system. Beijing's interference in the reincarnation system is seen as an attempt to exert control over Tibetan Buddhism and undermine the Dalai Lama's spiritual authority. By installing its own candidates for key spiritual roles, Beijing aims to shape the future of Tibetan Buddhism in a way that aligns with its own interests. (ANI) Israel's Defence Minister, Israel Katz, on Wednesday issued a stern warning to the "tail of the snake"--Yemen--hinting military strike against the Iran-backed Houthi rebels. The minister drew a parallel between Yemen and Iran, suggesting that Israel will deal with both countries in a similar manner. In a post on X, Katz said, "The fate of Yemen is like the fate of Tehran. After we struck the head of the snake in Tehran, we will also strike the tail of the snake in Yemen. Whoever raises his hand against Israel, his hand will be cut off." This comes after Israel intercepted a missile launched from Yemen toward the Jewish state on Tuesday night. Spokesperson for the Houthis, Yahya Saree, said the group targeted Ben Gurion airport "using a hypersonic ballistic missile," reported Al Jazeera. He added that three other Israeli-occupied areas were targeted using drones. "The operation successfully achieved its goal, causing millions to flee to shelters and bringing airport operations to a standstill," he added. Notably, a ceasefire was reached between Israel and Iran, following a dramatic escalation in regional tensions. The agreement came hours after Iran launched missile strikes on US military bases in Qatar and Iraq in retaliation for US airstrikes targeting three key Iranian nuclear facilities. Prior to the US assault, Israel had also carried out coordinated strikes on Iran's nuclear infrastructure and military sites, intensifying the standoff with the Islamic Republic. Following Israel's strikes on Iran, Yemen's Houthi rebels sided with the latter. These Iran-aligned rebels said that Tehran had a "legitimate right to defend itself" following Israel's strikes, as per Al Jazeera. The Houthis said on Telegram that they backed "Iran's full and legitimate right to ... develop its nuclear programme" and that "we strongly condemn the brutal Israeli aggression against the Islamic Republic of Iran and affirm its full and legitimate right to respond by all possible means". The US and Israel strikes were reportedly aimed at crippling Iran's nuclear capabilities and delivering a major setback to Tehran's atomic ambitions. Since the start of the war in Gaza in October 2023, the Iran-aligned Houthis have fired missiles and drones at Israel in what they say are acts of solidarity with the Palestinians. Earlier on June 10, Israel's military launched overnight strikes on Yemen's port city of Hodeidah, which it claims is used by Houthi rebels to transport weapons, Al Jazeera reported. The Israeli army and Houthi-controlled media reported the strikes on Hodeidah, a key port for humanitarian aid imports. An Israeli official said an "aerial and naval blockade" could follow unless Houthi rebels halt attacks on Israel. The strike hit two piers at the port, according to the Houthi reports. Israel's military claimed responsibility shortly after, saying it used navy ships to fire missiles at seaports that the Houthis use for "military purposes", as per Al Jazeera. Israel accuses the Houthis of using the port to transfer weapons as part of Iran-backed "terrorist activity" and targeted it with air strikes in May. (ANI) US President Donald Trump was yet again at his rhetoric against the Democratic mayoral nominee for New York City, Zohran Mamdani, labelling him a "Communist Lunatic", vowing to prevent him from "destroying" the city. In a post on Truth Social on Wednesday, Trump declared that he holds all the "levers" and "cards" in order to prevent Mamdani "destroy" New York. "As President of the United States, I'm not going to let this Communist Lunatic destroy New York. Rest assured, I hold all the levers and have all the cards. I'll save New York City and make it 'Hot' and 'Great' again, just like I did with the Good Ol' USA!" he wrote on his social media platform, Truth Social. The development came after Trump threatened to have Zohran Mamdani, the newly elected Democratic nominee for New York mayor, deported if he blocks Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids in New York. Mamdani responded forcefully, The Washington Post reported. "The President of the United States just threatened to have me arrested, stripped of my citizenship, put in a detention camp and deported. Not because I have broken any law but because I will refuse to let ICE terrorise our city," Mamdani said in a statement. "His statements don't just represent an attack on our democracy but an attempt to send a message to every New Yorker who refuses to hide in the shadows: if you speak up, they will come for you. We will not accept this intimidation," Mamdani, 33, added. Mamdani officially won the Democratic primary for New York City mayor on Tuesday (local time). Mamdani won after he crossed the majority following the tabulation of the city-ranked choice votes, as reported by CNN. Earlier on June 24, during the elections, Mamdani hadn't won a majority through first-choice votes but was leading after the votes were tallied. Former Governor Andrew Cuomo had conceded the Democratic mayoral primary to Mamdani after the first-choice votes were tallied. Zohran Kwame Mamdani is a New York State Assembly member and democratic socialist, born in Uganda. He is the first South Asian man to serve in the New York State Assembly, the first Ugandan, and the only third Muslim ever to be a member of the body. He was born to Indian-American filmmaker Mira Nair and Indo-Ugandan professor Mahmood Mamdani. Earlier on Tuesday, Donald Trump said that his administration will arrest Mamdani for his refusal to cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents attempting to detain migrants in the city, stating, "Well, then we'll have to arrest him... Look, we don't need a communist in this country, but if we have one, I'm going to be watching over them very carefully on behalf of the nation," as reported by The Washington Post. This is not the first time Trump has called Mamdani a "Communist Lunatic". After the first-choice votes were tallied, Trump took to Truth Social, saying, "It's finally happened, the Democrats have crossed the line. Zohran Mamdani, a 100% Communist Lunatic, has just won the Dem Primary, and is on his way to becoming Mayor. We've had Radical Lefties before, but this is getting a little ridiculous. He looks TERRIBLE, his voice is grating, he's not very smart, he's got AOC+3, Dummies ALL, backing him, and even our Great Palestinian Senator, Cryin' Chuck Schumer, is groveling over him. Yes, this is a big moment in the History of our Country!" he stated. (ANI) The Quad countries have launched a Critical Minerals Initiative, which will focus particularly on mineral recovery, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Wednesday. Foreign Ministers of the Quad countries also discussed regional issues in the Indo-Pacific and the Israel-Iran conflict. Addressing a press conference here, Jaishankar said the discussions were largely devoted to enhancing delivery on various initiatives and projects. "We launched the Quad Critical Minerals initiative and this would be focused particularly on the mineral recovery, which is very important for all of us. Second, there is the Quad Indo-Pacific Logistics Network that was launched earlier in the year and we decided it will hold its field training exercise very soon...Then there is the Quad at Sea Ship Observer mission. This involves our coast guards...Then there is a maritime legal dialogue at the expert level which will be held virtually later this month," Jaishankar said. "We took some steps to expand the Indo-Pacific Partnership on Maritime Domain awareness through our Gurugram Fusion Centre...There will be a Quad Ports of the Future partnership conference, which will focus on resilient ports and shipbuilding and of course, a Quad partnership on cable connectivity and resilience," he added. Jaishankar mentioned a Quad business roundtable on critical minerals was also held. "All the Quad ministers, I think we all agreed strongly that our goal in the Quad was to strengthen strategic stability in the Indo-Pacific and in this meeting, the discussions were largely devoted to enhancing delivery on various initiatives and projects. We had a very open discussion on regional issues of the Indo-Pacific," he said. "In the light of recent developments, it is natural that we also spent some time discussing the Israel-Iran conflict also what the US had done in Iran. While our meeting was taking place, there was in parallel a Quad business roundtable on critical minerals, and there were companies from all four Quad countries which were present at that roundtable," he said. Jaishankar participated in the Quad Foreign Ministers' Meeting (QFMM) along with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Japan's Minister of Foreign Affairs Takeshi Iwaya, and Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong. The leaders built upon the discussions held during the last QFMM, which took place in Washington DC, in January this year. The next Quad Leaders' Summit will be hosted by India. (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Ghana has struck a deeply personal chord with the Indian diaspora, many of whom gathered in Accra to welcome him with cultural performances and heartfelt messages. For those who met him, the experience was more than a diplomatic occasion; it was emotional, familiar, and unforgettable. Speaking to ANI, Gaurav Sharda, a member of the Indian community in Ghana, described the moment in deeply emotional terms. "It felt as if we were meeting a member of our family whom we had lost touch with. Indian diaspora has gathered here to meet PM Modi, it reflects a unique culture. It shows as if there is India within Ghana. It felt great." "I was so happy. I was so excited. I had goosebumps. It felt amazing. He was watching us dance," said Saanvi Adhikari, a young performer who was part of a cultural presentation staged in Modi's honour. Ankur, a volunteer from the Art of Living foundation, said, "I feel so good because he reflects the spirit of One World Family. That is what India is about. The whole world is together here." PM Modi arrived in Accra on Wednesday on his State Visit to Ghana and was accorded a ceremonial welcome. In a special gesture, Ghana President John Dramani Mahama came to the airport to receive PM Modi. The gesture is reflective of the strong and historic bonds of friendship between the two nations. On his arrival at the hotel, PM Modi was greeted with cheers, chants, and a cultural display by members of the Indian diaspora. They were present in large numbers outside the hotel to extend a warm and enthusiastic welcome to PM Modi. https://x.com/narendramodi/status/1940450176633835752 "Gladdened by the incredible warmth shown by the Indian community here in Accra, Ghana. The spirit of togetherness and the deep cultural linkages are truly wonderful," PM Modi wrote on X, after he received a warm welcome from the Indian community. https://x.com/PMOIndia/status/1940439594589179921 "PM @narendramodi arrived in Accra, Ghana, a short while ago, marking the start of a historic visit. This is the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Ghana in over three decades. In a gracious and warm gesture, President @JDMahama personally received PM Modi at the airport, underscoring the strong ties between the two nations," the Prime Minister's office wrote on X. As PM Modi stepped out of his vehicle, the crowd erupted in applause. Many reached out to shake his hand or catch a glimpse of the leader. Prime Minister's visit to Ghana is the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister in the last three decades. This historic visit would further deepen the partnership between India and Ghana, and underscores India's commitment to strengthening its engagement with Africa and Global South Partners. (ANI) by Dilip DSouza Many years ago, I spent a lazy evening in the Parque Balvanero Vargas in Limon, Costa Rica. I use that word deliberately, because I was lulled into laziness by the animal I was watching. In a diary I kept about that trip are these lines: A small sloth is hanging upside down and munching on the leaves, a cat-sized light brown mat of hair. After a while he turns and comes near enough to touch. That appears to startle him, though his surprise is as slow and measured as his movements. That charming experience came back to mind some years after that, when I read a paper about giant sloths. A team of scientists examined a series of fossil sloth footprints in the White Sands National Monument in New Mexico. They dated these prints to 11,000 years ago, that dating a feat in itself for various reasons. But their further inferences from these ancient impressions in the clay were even more impressive, and their paper tells that story. (David Bustos et al, Footprints preserve terminal Pleistocene hunt? Human-sloth interactions in North America, ScienceAdvances, 25 April 2018.) Among the prints the sloths left were several human ones. Examining them closely, the scientists concluded that these humans were probably stalking and harrying a giant sloth; that the animal eventually stopped to face its tormentors; that the humans may have then run up to throw spears at the sloth. That is, these tracks in White Sands may be telling the story of a long-ago hunt. And if thats so, and if humans did regularly hunt those animals, they may be part of why giant sloths are now extinct. All fascinating, yet the reason all this came back to mind this week is still another paper. Or two, actually. Some background: In the 1970s, RM Alexander studied fossil trackways, like the one in White Sands. He measured stride lengths the distance between successive impressions of the same foot of the animals that had left footprints. The question he wanted to answer was, how fast did these ancient animals move? More to the point, could he estimate that speed from just this fossil record of footprints? He actually answered that at least, for dinosaurs in a seminal 1976 paper (RM Alexander, Estimates of speeds of dinosaurs, Nature, 13 May 1976). I have now obtained a relationship, he wrote there, between speed, stride length and body size from observations of living animals and applied this to dinosaurs to achieve estimates of their speeds. Reading that, your brow might furrow. Body size? How did Alexander deduce that from the fossils? Well, his observations of living animals led him to conclude that the height of an animals hip is about four times the length of its foot (track length), and that was a reasonable measure of its size. Alexander expressed the relationship he had found in a formula that involved the stride length and the hip height. I wont offer you that formula here. But over a half-century, it has become what a more recent paper calls a familiar method across vertebrate ichnology (the study of such trace fossils). It has become familiar even though there are questions to be asked about it. For example, is that factor of four really reasonable? If an animal walks with its legs bent at the knee, its hip is lower than if the legs are straight, so what then is the correct hip height? And can we really extrapolate what we know about living animals to dinosaurs that went extinct 65 million years ago? Besides, what about sloths? What about that giant sloth being tormented by humans in New Mexico? Was it as slow as its modern cousin whom I met in Limon? Was it easily dispatched? Did that ease contribute to its extinction? In any case, Alexander used his formula to estimate that dinosaurs moved at between 1 and 3.6 m/s. For us humans, thats a range from an evening stroll to well, Ive run 10k races in just over 46 minutes, which is just about 3.6 m/s. Im pumped to know I could have outrun dinosaurs. And yet, that should furrow some brows too. A lot of dinosaurs we know about were much larger than we humans are. What were they doing poking about their prehistoric world at a leisurely human tempo? And yet, again, theres more to this story than that conundrum. Tash Prescot and colleagues took issue with Alexanders extrapolation from contemporary animals to prehistoric dinosaurs. [Alexanders] original equation was derived from predominantly mammalian data, they write in that recent paper I mentioned. There have been few validation studies using modern birds, the descendants of theropod dinosaurs. (Theropods being one of three major groups of dinosaurs, the only one that has evolved into contemporary animals. Among the theropods were giants like Tyrannosaurus rex, but also creatures the size of small birds.) (Tash L Prescot et al, Speed from fossil trackways: calculations not validated by extant birds on compliant substrates, Biology Letters, 25 June 2025.) To test Alexanders equation, Prescots team used high-speed video recordings of two helmeted guineafowl (Numida meleagris) traversing mud of varying consistency. From the mud, they measured the guineafowls stride and track lengths, and plugged those into Alexanders formula (and variants) to calculate the birds speed. Of course, they also measured the birds speed. And what did they find? Over several trials, the calculated speed averaged 0.61 m/s. Much slower than dinosaurs, but of course, these were guineafowl. But the measured speed? The average was 0.29 m/s. Less than half what Alexanders equation would suggest. So if that same inaccuracy held for dinosaurs, so much for questions about poking about. [O]ur data indicate, write Prescot et al, that speed estimates from trackways are inaccurate, if not outright misleading. As always with papers like this, theres a lot to take in, question and ruminate over. For one thing, guineafowl have a crouched posture, so their hip height is less than the length of their legs. By Alexanders formula, a straight-legged bird goose-stepping? maybe a goose? would actually be still slower than a crouching one. Is that true if you measure their speeds? For another, does the kind of mud on the track make any difference? Be all that as it may. I now know I can outrun guineafowls. Somehow Im not quite as pumped. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday (local time) announced that India and Ghana have agreed to elevate their bilateral relationship to the level of a "Comprehensive Partnership," under which both countries will also step up defence and security cooperation guided by the principle of "Security through Solidarity," with Modi describing India as a "co-traveller" in the African country's journey toward "nation-building". The announcement came after bilateral talks between Prime Minister Modi and Ghanaian President John Mahama in Accra. The visit holds significance as it marks the first by an Indian Prime Minister to Ghana in over three decades. Calling India a long-time friend of Ghana, Prime Minister Modi said both leaders had agreed to deepen cooperation across multiple sectors. "The President and I have agreed to elevate our bilateral relationship to the level of a 'Comprehensive Partnership.' India is more than just a partner; it stands as a co-traveller in Ghana's journey toward nation-building," he said. Emphasising defence and security as a key area of engagement, Prime Minister Modi said both nations would advance their collaboration guided by a shared vision. "In the defence and security sector, we will progress with the guiding principle of 'Security through Solidarity.' Collaboration will be strengthened in key areas such as armed forces training, maritime security, defence supply chains, and cybersecurity," he said during the joint press briefing. He also highlighted the strong economic relationship between the two countries. "Our bilateral trade has crossed USD 3 billion. The Indian companies have invested $2 billion in around 900 projects," the Prime Minister noted. He described the India-Ghana partnership as one built on common principles and shared struggles for independence. "At the heart of the India-Ghana friendship lies our shared values, common struggles, and collective aspirations for an inclusive future. The freedom struggles of our two nations have served as a source of inspiration for many others. Even today, Ghana stands as a 'Beacon of Hope' in West Africa, exemplifying the strength of a vibrant democracy and inspiring neighbouring countries," he said. Earlier, President John Mahama welcomed Prime Minister Modi to Ghana and announced that the Indian leader would be awarded the country's highest civilian honour at a banquet later in the evening. "Our esteemed guest, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will be decorated with the prestigious national award of the Office of the Order of the Star of Ghana at a state banquet to be held in his honour this evening. It is a testament to the friendship that exists between the people of Ghana and India..." the Ghanaian President said. This historic visit is likely to deepen the partnership between India and Ghana, and underscores India's commitment to strengthening its engagement with Africa and Global South Partners. (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday (local time) conferred the national honour of Ghana, Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana, by its President, John Dramani Mahama, in recognition of his "distinguished" statesmanship and influential global leadership, Ministry of External Affairs said in an official statement. Accepting the award on behalf of 1.4 billion Indians, Prime Minister dedicated the honour to the aspirations of the youth of India, its cultural traditions and diversity, and to the historical ties between Ghana and India. PM Modi also thanked the people and government of Ghana for this special gesture. Noting that the shared democratic values and traditions of the two countries would continue to nurture the partnership, the Prime Minister stated that the award further deepens the friendship between the two countries and places new responsibility on him to embrace and advance bilateral ties. Prime Minister affirmed he was confident that his historic State Visit to Ghana would impart a new momentum to India-Ghana ties, the MEA statement added. Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced India will establish a Skill Development Centre to train youth and support Ghana's 'Feed Ghana' programme as part of a broader plan to strengthen ties between the two countries. During a joint press briefing with Ghanaian President John Mahama, PM Modi said India would expand cooperation with Ghana in key sectors including agriculture, education, defence, healthcare and digital payments. "Today, we have decided to double the ITEC and ICCR scholarships for Ghana. Work will be done to establish a Skill Development Centre for vocational education of youth," PM Modi said. "In the agricultural sector, we would be happy to cooperate with President Mahama's 'Feed Ghana' programme. Through Jan Aushadhi Kendra, India proposes to provide 'affordable healthcare, reliable care' to the citizens of Ghana. We discussed cooperation in vaccine production," he added. The Prime Minister also said that India plans to double trade with Ghana within the next five years and offer its digital payments system, Bharat UPI, to boost financial connectivity. The Prime Minister also said that India plans to double trade with Ghana within the next five years and offer its digital payments system, Bharat UPI, to boost financial connectivity. President Mahama earlier in the day welcomed the Indian Prime Minister and said the visit reflected the long-standing friendship between the countries. "This visit is a testament to the deep-rooted historical ties between Ghana and India founded on the visionary leadership of Ghana's first President Dr. Kwame Nkrumah and India's former Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, as well as the ever-growing bonds of friendship and cooperation that exist between our two sisterly countries for the mutual benefit of our people," he said. This is the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Ghana in over 30 years. The trip is expected to deepen the India-Ghana partnership and signal New Delhi's continued engagement with Africa and the Global South. (ANI) India will establish a Skill Development Centre to train youth and support Ghana's 'Feed Ghana' programme, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Wednesday, as part of a broader plan to strengthen ties between the two countries. During a joint press briefing with Ghanaian President John Mahama, PM Modi said India would expand cooperation with Ghana in key sectors including agriculture, education, defence, healthcare and digital payments. "Today, we have decided to double the ITEC and ICCR scholarships for Ghana. Work will be done to establish a Skill Development Centre for vocational education of youth," PM Modi said. "In the agricultural sector, we would be happy to cooperate with President Mahama's 'Feed Ghana' program. Through Jan Aushadhi Kendra, India proposes to provide 'affordable healthcare, reliable care' to the citizens of Ghana. We discussed cooperation in vaccine production," he added. The Prime Minister also said that India plans to double trade with Ghana within the next five years and offer its digital payments system, Bharat UPI, to boost financial connectivity. "We have decided to double our trade within the next 5 years. In the area of FinTech, Bharat UPI will share the digital payment experience with Ghana," PM Modi said. Calling India a close partner, he announced the formal upgrade of bilateral ties. "The President and I have agreed to elevate our bilateral relationship to the level of a 'Comprehensive Partnership.' India is more than just a partner; it stands as a co-traveller in Ghana's journey toward nation-building," PM Modi said. He also underlined the need for greater cooperation in the field of security under a shared approach. "In the defence and security sector, we will move forward with the mantra of 'Security through Solidarity'. Cooperation will be increased in areas like training of armed forces, maritime security, defence supply and cyber security," he said. PM Modi expressed his thanks to Ghana for working closely with India on counter-terrorism. "We stand united in recognising terrorism as a grave threat to humanity. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Ghana for its valuable cooperation in the fight against terrorism. In this regard, we have resolved to further enhance our mutual collaboration in counter-terrorism efforts," he said. President Mahama welcomed the Indian Prime Minister and said the visit reflected the long-standing friendship between the countries. "This visit is a testament to the deep rooted historical ties between Ghana and India founded on the visionary leadership of Ghana's first President Dr. Kwame Nkrumah and India's former Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, as well as the ever-growing bonds of friendship and cooperation that exist between our two sisterly countries for the mutual benefit of our people," he said. He said both sides held discussions on cooperation in areas such as agriculture, energy, manufacturing, infrastructure, healthcare and human resources. This is the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Ghana in over 30 years. The trip is expected to deepen the India-Ghana partnership and signal New Delhi's continued engagement with Africa and the Global South. (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with The Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana, the country's highest civilian honour, by President John Mahama on Wednesday (local time). PM Modi thanked the Ghanaian President for the honour and called it a "matter of immense pride". "It is a matter of immense pride and honour for me to be conferred with Ghana's highest honour... I express my deep gratitude to President Mahama, the Government of Ghana and the people of Ghana. I humbly accept this honour on behalf of 1.4 billion Indians," PM Modi said. He said he dedicated the award to the youth of both countries. "I dedicate this award to the aspirations of our youth, their bright future, our rich cultural diversity and traditions and the historic ties between India and Ghana," he said. The award was presented during PM Modi's visit to Ghana, the first by an Indian Prime Minister in more than 30 years. Earlier in the day, PM Modi held talks with President Mahama, during which the two leaders agreed to elevate their relationship to a "Comprehensive Partnership". As part of this decision, both countries will increase cooperation in defence and security under the principle of "Security through Solidarity". PM Modi described India as a "co-traveller" in Ghana's journey toward "nation-building". "The President and I have agreed to elevate our bilateral relationship to the level of a 'Comprehensive Partnership.' India is more than just a partner; it stands as a co-traveller in Ghana's journey toward nation-building," he said. "In the defence and security sector, we will progress with the guiding principle of 'Security through Solidarity.' Collaboration will be strengthened in key areas such as armed forces training, maritime security, defence supply chains, and cybersecurity," he added during the joint press briefing. As part of the new partnership, PM Modi announced that India will set up a Skill Development Centre for vocational education and support Ghana's 'Feed Ghana' programme. "Today, we have decided to double the ITEC and ICCR scholarships for Ghana. Work will be done to establish a Skill Development Centre for vocational education of youth," PM Modi said. "In the agricultural sector, we would be happy to cooperate with President Mahama's 'Feed Ghana' program. Through Jan Aushadhi Kendra, India proposes to provide 'affordable healthcare, reliable care' to the citizens of Ghana. We discussed cooperation in vaccine production," he added. PM Modi said India also plans to double trade with Ghana over the next five years and share its digital payments platform, Bharat UPI. "We have decided to double our trade within the next 5 years. In the area of FinTech, Bharat UPI will share the digital payment experience with Ghana," he said. He also stressed the need for closer cooperation in counter-terrorism efforts. "We stand united in recognising terrorism as a grave threat to humanity. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Ghana for its valuable cooperation in the fight against terrorism. In this regard, we have resolved to further enhance our mutual collaboration in counter-terrorism efforts," he said. President Mahama welcomed PM Modi to Ghana and said the visit reflected the strong historical relationship between the two countries. "This visit is a testament to the deep rooted historical ties between Ghana and India founded on the visionary leadership of Ghana's first President Kwame Nkrumah and India's former Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, as well as the ever-growing bonds of friendship and cooperation that exist between our two sisterly countries for the mutual benefit of our people," he said. He said the discussions covered key sectors including agriculture, energy, manufacturing, infrastructure, healthcare, and human resources. This is the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Ghana in over three decades. The trip is expected to deepen the India-Ghana partnership and reflects New Delhi's continued commitment to Africa and the Global South. (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with The Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana, the country's highest civilian honour, by President John Mahama on Wednesday (local time). PM Modi thanked the Ghanaian President for the honour and called it a "matter of immense pride". "It is a matter of immense pride and honour for me to be conferred with Ghana's highest order... I express my deep gratitude to President Mahama, the Government of Ghana and the people of Ghana. I humbly accept this honour on behalf of 1.4 billion Indians," PM Modi said. He said he dedicated the award to the youth of both countries. "I dedicate this award to the aspirations of our youth, their bright future, our rich cultural diversity and traditions and the historic ties between India and Ghana," he said. The award was presented during PM Modi's visit to Ghana, the first by an Indian Prime Minister in more than 30 years. Earlier in the day, PM Modi held talks with President Mahama, during which the two leaders agreed to elevate their relationship to a "Comprehensive Partnership". As part of this decision, both countries will increase cooperation in defence and security under the principle of "Security through Solidarity". PM Modi described India as a "co-traveller" in Ghana's journey toward "nation-building". "The President and I have agreed to elevate our bilateral relationship to the level of a 'Comprehensive Partnership.' India is more than just a partner; it stands as a co-traveller in Ghana's journey toward nation-building," he said. "In the defence and security sector, we will progress with the guiding principle of 'Security through Solidarity.' Collaboration will be strengthened in key areas such as armed forces training, maritime security, defence supply chains, and cybersecurity," he added during the joint press briefing. As part of the new partnership, PM Modi announced that India will set up a Skill Development Centre for vocational education and support Ghana's 'Feed Ghana' programme. "Today, we have decided to double the ITEC and ICCR scholarships for Ghana. Work will be done to establish a Skill Development Centre for vocational education of youth," PM Modi said. "In the agricultural sector, we would be happy to cooperate with President Mahama's 'Feed Ghana' program. Through Jan Aushadhi Kendra, India proposes to provide 'affordable healthcare, reliable care' to the citizens of Ghana. We discussed cooperation in vaccine production," he added. PM Modi said India also plans to double trade with Ghana over the next five years and share its digital payments platform, Bharat UPI. "We have decided to double our trade within the next 5 years. In the area of FinTech, Bharat UPI will share the digital payment experience with Ghana," he said. He also stressed the need for closer cooperation in counter-terrorism efforts. "We stand united in recognising terrorism as a grave threat to humanity. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Ghana for its valuable cooperation in the fight against terrorism. In this regard, we have resolved to further enhance our mutual collaboration in counter-terrorism efforts," he said. President Mahama welcomed PM Modi to Ghana and said the visit reflected the strong historical relationship between the two countries. "This visit is a testament to the deep rooted historical ties between Ghana and India founded on the visionary leadership of Ghana's first President Kwame Nkrumah and India's former Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, as well as the ever-growing bonds of friendship and cooperation that exist between our two sisterly countries for the mutual benefit of our people," he said. He said the discussions covered key sectors including agriculture, energy, manufacturing, infrastructure, healthcare, and human resources. This is the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Ghana in over three decades. The trip is expected to deepen the India-Ghana partnership and reflects New Delhi's continued commitment to Africa and the Global South. (ANI) Some students at Dunbar High School called her Big Mama behind her back, but always with a full measure of respect. Pauline Fletcher Weeden Maloney was large in every sense of the word. The historic marker dedicated to her in September 2015, contains a long list of firsts for Maloney, both as a woman and an African American. The Buchanan Street marker reads: Here lived Pauline Maloney, known as Lynchburgs first lady of education. She worked in the Lynchburg public school system from 1937 to 1970, and is most remembered for her time as a guidance counselor and administrator at the all black Dunbar High School. In the 1970s, she served as the first black president of the Virginia School Boards Association Southern Region. Maloney became the first woman rector of Norfolk State University in 1977. In 1950, Maloney founded the Lynchburg chapter of The Links, a civic organization of black women, and at one time served as the organizations national president. Hermina Hendricks, who helped with the application for the historical marker to honor Maloney, benefitted from Maloneys focus on students. She was very instrumental in guiding me to Defiance College in Ohio, Hendricks said. I was one of many students she guided to higher education. Maloney went so far as to fill out the financial aid application for Hendricks, which paid off with a full ride to Defiance, where Hendricks studied music. Hendricks is the multicultural student services director and a music professor at Randolph College. She was interested in students excelling, Hendricks said. She was a strong supporter of young people. Described as a tall, elegantly dressed woman by her friends and former students, Maloney also liked to have a good time. She loved to give a party, said longtime friend Jackie Early Taliaferro, 85. She loved to be around people. She never drank, but she was always the life of the party. Taliaferro was a student at Dunbar High School when she first met Maloney, who also convinced her to go to college. A 1948 graduate of Dunbar, Taliaferro studied math and chemistry at Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee, before returning to Dunbar to teach math. Her relationship with Maloney developed into friendship. We were traveling buddies, Taliaferro said, noting they took several Caribbean cruises together. They also enjoyed bridge and pinochle. She was a very uplifting, full-of-life person, Taliaferro said. She was really a charming woman. I admired her so much. She also could be a bit intimidating. There were a lot of us that called her Big Mama, said the Rev. Carl Hutcherson Jr., former mayor of Lynchburg, who also attended Dunbar. We knew she was in charge. She used to keep me straight. She would bring me to the office, and she was always kind. Hutcherson later presided over Maloneys funeral after her death on June 22, 1987 at the age of 82. She loved children, Hutcherson said. That was her forte. A native of Annapolis, Maryland, Maloney received her bachelors degree from Howard University and her masters in guidance from Columbia University. According to her obituary in The News & Advance, she was a speech and English teacher in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, before marriage brought her to the Hill City. Her first husband was Henry Weeden, a dentist, who died in 1964. Her second husband, attorney Clarence Maloney, died in 1976. A faithful member of Jackson Street Church, Pauline Maloney worked with many local organizations, including the NAACP, United Way, YMCA and Meals and Wheels. She served on the Lynchburg School Board from 1971 to 1979, becoming the first black president of both the Virginia School Boards Association and the National School Boards Association Southern Region. She was the first woman rector at Norfolk State University, where she served from 1977 until 1981. In 1987, she received the National Brotherhood Citation from the National Conference of Christians and Jews, now the National Conference for Community and Justice. She was a staunch Republican and had friendships with former Virginia governors John Dalton, Mills Godwin and Linwood Holton. One of her lasting legacies is the establishment of the Lynchburg Chapter of The Links in 1950, only four years after the national nonprofit was created. Maloney would become third president of the national organization. Today, membership consists of nearly 14,000 professional women of color in 283 chapters located in 41 states, the District of Columbia and the Commonwealth of the Bahamas. According to The Links website, it is one of the nations oldest and largest volunteer service organizations of women committed to enriching, sustaining and ensuring the culture and economic survival of African Americans and other persons of African ancestry. In tribute to Maloney, Lynchburg piloted a STEP with Links (Striving to Enhance Potential) Program in 1983, which was renamed The Pauline F. Maloney STEP with Links Program in 1987. The program strives to develop qualities in young people to help them achieve happy, successful and productive adult lives. The program identifies and cultivates bright, talented multicultural sixth grade girls and boys and offers activities that enhance their leadership potential. A director works with the students in cooperation with the Lynchburg City Schools. Its a fitting tribute to a woman who contributed so much to education in Lynchburg and beyond. HOKKAIDO, Jul 02 (News On Japan) - Hokkaido's land price growth rankings have revealed Furano City as the top performer in the region, driven by a surge in foreign tourists. According to roadside land value data released on July 1st, Furanos Kitanomine district saw a 30.2% increase over 2024 levels, reaching 82,000 yen per square meter. The jump reflects Furanos popularity among inbound travelers. Annual overnight stays by foreign visitors in the area have reached 250,000more than four times the level of a decade ago. A local resident commented, "Most of the people you see around here arent localsprobably 80% are foreign tourists. Lots of new houses are being built too." The second-highest increase was recorded at JR Sapporo Station North Exit in Kita 7-jo Nishi 4-chome, Sapporo, where land values rose 11.4%. Although the planned extension of the Hokkaido Shinkansen to Sapporo has been delayed, redevelopment projects including condominiums and hotels are ongoing. In third place was Shinkai 4-chome in Tomakomai City, with an 8.1% increase. This growth is believed to be influenced by the spillover effect from semiconductor manufacturer Rapiduss expansion into neighboring Chitose City. A Tomakomai resident remarked, "Since its close to Chitose, people are looking to buy land here. With large shopping centers nearby, I think land prices will keep going up." Across Hokkaido, the average increase in roadside land value was 2.4%, marking the tenth consecutive year of growth. However, this represents a significant slowdown compared to the 5.2% rise seen in 2024, and for the first time in a decade, Hokkaidos growth rate fell below the national average. The deceleration is partly attributed to rising construction costs, especially in and around Sapporo, which have made it harder for individuals and businesses to purchase land. Source: UHB WASHINGTON DC, Jul 02 (News On Japan) - U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed doubts about reaching a trade agreement with Japan and hinted at the possibility of imposing tariffs of 30% to 35%. "We've been negotiating with Japan, but I doubt we can make a deal," Trump said on July 1st. "They're very tough, and they've been spoiled." Trump also voiced frustration with Japans trade stance, saying, "They don't import American rice, and they don't import our cars." He signaled that if talks break down, he might unilaterally impose high tariffs, stating there is a possibility of placing tariffs "from 30% to 35%" on Japanese imports. He also acknowledged the difficulty of finalizing an agreement by the informal deadline of July 9th, suggesting that negotiations may not reach a conclusion in time. Source: TBS The hours were long and the research meticulous. But it paid off quite well for three Abraham Lincoln High School students who attended the recent National History Day Contest in Washington, D.C. Students from across the U.S. presented history projects based on months of research and were judged on clarity of presentation and historical accuracy. Over the course of several days, students competed in preliminary and final rounds while also visiting museums and historical sites. AL junior Dutch Smith said he was thrilled upon receiving the outstanding Iowa Senior Project, along with an honorable mention for his historical paper. Outside of special awards, students don't really compete with projects outside their category, so it was really exciting to see how my project stacked up against all the other Iowa projects, Smith said. Ultimately, it was really validating of all the work I put into my project over the last year," Smith continued. "In a similar vein, I was happy to receive an honorable mention because it told me that, even though I did not make finals, my project was still well received and was certainly a competitive entry. Smiths project was on the 1970 Burgos trials in Spain. It involved a group of Basque terrorists who assassinated a chief member of the Spanish guardia civil, Meliton Manzanas, in 1968. Two years later, 16 Basques were presented before a military tribunal for alleged involvement in that murder, according to Smiths research. By drawing international attention to capital punishment and ethnic equality controversies, the trials evoked international opposition to Spain's dictator, Francisco Franco, Smith said. In doing so, the trials produced a sense of mutual responsibility among citizens to stand up against tyranny and fight for justice. This marked a critical political shift that was foundational to Spain's democratic transition. This project involved lots of consistent and motivated work, Smith said. I began my research in August and had my first draft written by early December, Smith said. During the first semester of the school year I did keep track of the hours out of curiosity and it was just over 100 hours. But after winter break I stopped keeping track. Kaia Schleifman, another junior at AL, attended National History Day and participated in the Showcases at the Museum of African American History and the Museum of American History. At the showcase, a limited selection of projects is presented at the museum for anyone to see, Schleifman said. They are selected based on their quality and how well they suit the museum's values and topics. Her topic was the Six Triple Eight, a battalion of nearly 1,000 women of color that deployed to Europe during World War II. I picked it because I initially was interested in the female organization that was at work during the war the Women's Army Corps, said Schleifman, who received the Outstanding Women's History Award at the state contest. As I researched more, I found out about a non-white unit that accomplished what I felt was a major feat, and so I thought I should focus on them. She started her research last August, Schleifman said. I was constantly making changes, right up until the national competition, she said. I'd say, though, that I could finally feel a bit comfortable in my knowledge and work sometime around February. AL freshman Abigail Nelson took part in the same events as Schleifman. My topic was on the Meskwaki Settlement. I chose this topic because, one, I wanted to do a Native American topic, and two, it fit the theme,'Rights and Responsibilities,' Nelson said. I started the research portion in September, began the creation of my exhibit in mid-January, and competed in the district competition in March. After the district and state contests, I had about a month to mix my project before I had to compete again. I can't really remember when I first got into history, but from a very young age, it was a passion of mine, specifically with the Civil Rights Movement with Rosa Parks, Nelson said. AL teacher Shauna Cihacek praised their efforts. "These three outstanding students have worked very hard all year to create quality projects, Cihacek said. They have done the research, analyzed information, written an annotated bibliography and created a historical paper, documentary or exhibit. They have taken on a very academic challenge and excelled at it representing Abraham Lincoln, Council Bluffs, and Iowa on the national stage. Volunteer Deb Masker added: "These three young people have been able to interview people, take road trips and researched topics that they truly enjoyed learning about and created excellent academic projects." The Iowa students at the event met with U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley. As a history lover myself, it was my pleasure to meet with students selected to participate in this distinguished contest, Grassley said in a statement. I enjoyed hearing about their projects and seeing the way they engaged with important historical topics. Knowing our history better informs our future. I hope these students will continue to eagerly engage with history and civics even after their competition concludes. Smith added: One thing I find really fascinating about history is the way that studying the past can teach us about our present condition and empower us to approach the future with more clarity. A 3-2 decision to curtail a grievance hearing Monday made by members of the Pottawattamie County Board of Supervisors drew jeers from the audience. Three supervisors voted to oust County Engineer John Rasmussen from his role during a May 27 meeting, with Supervisor Tim Wichman saying he didn't want to make that meeting into a performance review for the employee of more than 20 years. Rasmussen essentially created the venue for such a review by filing a grievance and choosing to have a public hearing, which took place Monday during a special meeting of the Board of Supervisors. The hearing, however, was adjourned right after Rasmussen and his attorney made introductory statements. The supervisors voted 3-2 to reject a grievance about the termination of Rasmussen's employment effective at the end of his contract on Monday, June 30. Shame, one attendee said after Chairman Scott Belt, Supervisor Jeff Jorgensen and Wichman cast yay votes to deny the grievance and adjourn the hearing. You guys suck, another person said in the packed room a bit past 10:15 a.m. Monday. The audience included several Secondary Roads Department employees, Sheriff Andy Brown, Treasurer Lea Voss, Recorder Andrew Moats, former Pottawattamie County Republican Party Chairman Charlie Johnson, some of Rasmussen's family and other people. There were not enough chairs by the start of the 10 a.m. meeting. Rasmussen spoke first, for about six minutes, after being recognized by Belt. Thank you, everyone that's offered support and kindness while I've been navigating this life altering event," Rasmussen said. "It hasn't been easy, but you've helped more than you can imagine. Rasmussen described the course of the Secondary Roads Department under his leadership and projects he views as successes, before revealing that the county may have missed out on $7 million in competitive grant funds after he was placed on leave after a move in a different direction without providing transition. I take pride in the direction we have been moving, one rooted in efficiency strategy and long term value for the county, Rasmussen said. I hope I have clarified that my termination wasn't due to competency, character or effort. We believe there is a reason for terminating his contract," added Raymond Aranza, Rasmussen's attorney. Unfortunately, that reason is not legal. The reason for Rasmussen's termination is allegedly based in retaliation after he advocated for the compensation of the Secondary Roads Departments two female employees, Aranza said. If I have to file a lawsuit I'm not saying it's going to happen but my theory is going to be it was done in retaliation for him standing up for a female employee, and retaliation under the Fair Labor Standards Act, under the Iowa Civil Rights Act," Aranza said. "And then, of course, there's just generally the breach of contract issue, and its going to cost money that the county is going to have to pay. Aranza said there could be individual liability for those responsible for making the decision to terminate Rasmussens contract, including board members. After the two spoke, Supervisor Brian Shea then made a motion to uphold the grievance and reinstate Rasmussens contract for a period of no less than three years. Supervisor Susan Miller seconded the motion, which then failed as Belt, Jorgensen and Wichman voted nay. Belt then asked if there was a motion to adjourn, which Jorgensen made. He was seconded by Wichman, who took part in the meeting over the phone. The split between supervisors was the same as the May 27 meeting during which Rasmussen's contract was not renewed. Shawna Anderson, a resident of Oakland, attended the hearing with members of Concerned Citizens of Pottawattamie County. Rasmussen "missed some meetings that would have brought in more funding for our roads, and the county lost over $7 million in road funding, and that's a huge concern as a taxpayer, Anderson said. I don't think they're being transparent at all. They still haven't said what new direction it is that they want. Doug Irwin, a Council Bluffs resident, said he followed Rasmussens firing at meetings and in the news and came to see what the grievances outcome would be. I think he got the short end of the deal, and listening to what the supervisors did today, it's still the short end of the deal, and they aren't following any kind of grievance procedure, Irwin said. Companies in the 21st century have good HR processes, and I can tell now that it looks like our Board of Supervisors don't have the talent and skills to do anything in the HR arena. Irwin said he does not know Rasmussen personally, but he thought it was unfair the supervisors would let a long time person like him go. It seems like a rogue group in the county Board of Supervisors that's trying to run things the way they think it should be run, rather than listening to the people, Irwin said. Kate Gerber, public relations manager for Pottawattamie County, said in an email that the county can not publicly comment on personnel matters after The Nonpareil had asked by phone whether the county was looking into incidents that led to the alleged retaliation and Rasmussens termination. The Nonpareil also asked for more information regarding the $7 million in completive roads grants that Rasmussen and his attorney mentioned, but Gerber did not provide an immediate response. Rasmussen spoke briefly alongside Aranza after the hearing. "I think it was unfortunate the way it turned out, I think we presented the best option for the county and myself," Rasmussen said. "We have to explore our options now and regroup." Pottawattamie County supervisors vote to terminate county engineer's contract The Pottawattamie County Board of Supervisors approved all but one employment contract during Tuesday's meeting. County Engineer John Rasmussen files grievance over contract termination Longtime county engineer John Rasmussen has filed a grievance report to the Board of Supervisors after voting to terminate his contract. Some supervisors have repeatedly expressed concern over the move. Another grievance filed to supervisors by different Secondary Roads employee Another grievance has been filed by a Secondary Roads Department employee to the Board of Supervisors, who are expected to discuss scheduling a hearing at Tuesday's meeting. Pottawattamie County engineer's grievance hearing may be open to public Hearing dates have been set for Pottawattamie County Engineer John Rasmussen and Secondary Roads Department employee Josh Reynolds. Pottawattamie County supervisors deny grievance filed over job requirements Pottawattamie County Secondary Roads Department employee Josh Reynolds went before the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday over a grievance, but his objection wasn't upheld. After more than an hour in closed session to discuss pending litigation, the Pottawattamie County Board of Supervisors convened publicly Monday morning to deny a grievance filed by now-former County Engineer John Rasmussen. Rasmussens attorney alleged last week during an open hearing that Rasmussens termination was in retaliation for his defense of the wages of two female employees in the county's Secondary Roads Department. That meeting was improperly concluded as Supervisors Scott Belt, Jeff Jorgensen and Tim Wichman voted to adjourn without the five-member board approving or denying the grievance. An up-or-down vote was needed to send a response to Rasmussens grievance through County Attorney Matt Wilber. The three supervisors who voted to adjourn after nearly 15 minutes on June 23 also voted Monday to deny Rasmussens grievance before adjourning. Open session lasted just under three minutes. Chairman Belt read the agenda item for discussion and/or decision to approve/deny John Rasmussens grievance, with Wichman making a motion to deny. Jorgensen seconded his motion before Supervisor Susan Miller suggested they reconsider their decision. We have the opportunity to press reset on this, and due to the technical glitch that occurred last Monday, weve got an opportunity to change our vote to reinstate the county engineer, Miller said. The supervisors received guidance from the Iowa Department of Transportation for hiring a new county engineer, Miller said. No experienced people have applied for the position, Miller said during the meeting and Jorgensen confirmed afterward in an interview with The Nonpareil. The position was posted May 28 to the countys website and other hiring sites. Clarification Pottawattamie County has received a couple of applicants for the county engineer vacancy, a spokesperson confirmed to The Nonpareil. Supervisor Susan Miller clarified on Tuesday that no experienced county engineers have applied" for the position. This article has been updated to reflect information provided after Monday's Board of Supervisors meeting. We have a whole lot of homework we need to do, Miller said at the meeting. I want to go on record with my disappointment, and I would really like to reinstate the county engineer. Supervisor Brian Shea, who also supported retaining Rasmussen, also spoke at the meeting. I think were going to lose a lot of money as a county, Shea said. John was trying to follow policy on a road, and that seems to be the issue here. Jorgensen said during the meeting that his legal counsel advised him not to make comments on the issue. We could be facing lawsuits, but Im willing to do that at this point, Jorgensen said. Rasmussen and his legal representation were not present on Monday. Residents raise concerns to supervisors A group of four people who showed up to support Rasmussen spoke with Shea after the meeting before engaging in heated debate with Jorgensen. Some people, such as Shawna Anderson and Doug Irwin, attended representing the Concerned Citizens of Pottawattamie County organization. Michelle Soloth, who was attending a supervisors meeting for the first time, asked Jorgensen what new direction supervisors are going by not renewing the contract of their existing qualified county engineer. Jorgensen responded by saying he ran on a position supporting more development for the county, and that the county is short on housing. Records obtained by The Nonpareil show Jorgensen texting Wichman late-April, saying he talked to Matt Wyant, the countys director of planning and development, about roadblocks Rasmussen was creating for development projects. As a taxpayer, I would want my county engineer to be very careful, Soloth said to Jorgensen, when it comes to county funding for roads going into new housing developments. Anderson defended Rasmussen during open comments at last Tuesdays regular supervisors meeting, assuming the engineer's work with developers could be a reason for Rasmussens termination. I dont want my tax dollars paying for some company to have a road to homes people here can't afford anyways, Anderson said at the meeting. Not that that's a good reason to fire a public servant, but if thats what the so-called problem was, then good for him. Way to be a good steward of taxpayer dollars. The county engineer doesnt work for the developers that make millions off new subdivisions. They work for us, the taxpayers, Anderson said. Email obtained by The Nonpareil indicate at least one dispute in late-April where Rasmussen communicated to Belt about right-of-way issues at the new Greenview Estates subdivision in Council Bluffs, saying I dont believe a public road, Forest Glen Drive, should be on private property. Soloth told Jorgensen she wouldve wanted him to have a conversation with Rasmussen to discuss any issues he may have had before resorting to a vote toward his termination. Jorgensen told the group he did not have a conversation with Rasmussen about his job performance or recent decisions. He didnt talk to me individually, and I didn't talk to him either when this issue was coming up, but I certainly thought that he should have, at some point, came and talked to me with issues he had, Jorgensen told the The Nonpareil in a phone call after the encounter. Jorgensen said he respected Rasmussen serving in the role of county engineer for more than 20 years, but that Rasmussen should haved talked to each and every supervisor if they had issues with his performance. I worked for a school district, Soloth said. If we had a teacher that's not doing their job, we bring them in, we put them on a plan, we talk about what changes we want to see. We don't fire them at a board meeting. Jorgensen clarified Rasmussen was not outright terminated but that his contract was not renewed. Rasmussen was placed on administrative on May 27 until Monday, which was the last day of his 2024-25 contract. Jorgensen said to Soloth that Rasmussen did not have a bad performance review but the decision was simply to not renew his contract. You did whats best for you, Soloth said to Jorgensen. You should have sat down and had a conversation. Soloth shares story about Rasmussen Before the supervisors meeting, Soloth explained why she came out to the meeting. While teaching at the Underwood Community School District, Soloth said she faced harassment. I had a principal come in, and he was not very nice to me in the classroom, Soloth said. At the time, Rasmussen served on the Underwood School District Board of Directors, Soloth said. John talked to him about it, Soloth said. I'm just in shock, I guess, that they're letting him go, and if it's because he stood up for a female, I can say, yep, I totally get it. He stood up for me. Soloth said that Rasmussen intervened after the district unfairly hired a position without first posting the job. John had my back the whole time, Soloth said. He knew exactly what was going on. He knew what was happening with that board and that superintendent, and he has the most integrity of any man I've ever worked with. Pottawattamie County supervisors to meet again Monday over Rasmussen grievance The Pottawattamie County Board of Supervisors will meet again to confirm the majority's decision to deny a grievance filed by the soon-to-be-former county engineer. Supervisors shut down engineers hearing after opening remarks allege retaliation A grievance filed County Engineer John Rasmussen, pending firing by June 30, was denied in a quick 3-2 vote after his attorney alleged retaliation for defending compensation of female employees. Pottawattamie County engineer's grievance hearing may be open to public Hearing dates have been set for Pottawattamie County Engineer John Rasmussen and Secondary Roads Department employee Josh Reynolds. County Engineer John Rasmussen files grievance over contract termination Longtime county engineer John Rasmussen has filed a grievance report to the Board of Supervisors after voting to terminate his contract. Some supervisors have repeatedly expressed concern over the move. Pottawattamie County supervisors vote to terminate county engineer's contract The Pottawattamie County Board of Supervisors approved all but one employment contract during Tuesday's meeting. Community college leaders and advocates say they are feeling confused and left out of conversations that led to the list of eligible career fields for the Last-Dollar Scholarship program being cut down by one-third. The Last-Dollar Scholarship program is a state-funded initiative to help students attending community colleges bridge the gap between financial aid and whats left of tuition and fees that still need to be paid. The Iowa Workforce Development Board voted in May to eliminate high-demand jobs in law enforcement, medical fields and more even though community college officials say the program is likely keep its streak of being underspent. Students must be enrolled in academic programs corresponding to high-demand careers as determined by the state in order to receive their funding. Community Colleges for Iowa Executive Director Emily Shields said all 66 of the careers recommended by the organization fit the criteria to be included, but the state workforce board still voted to remove 20 occupations. The list is reviewed every two years, she said. When were helping students who wouldnt otherwise be able to afford college to afford it in any high demand area, then were helping the workforce, Shields said. The Legislature put a definition of high demand into code for this program, and everything weve recommended meets that definition. Shorter list eliminates jobs Occupations removed from the list span criminal justice fields for law enforcement and firefighters, medical assisting, dental hygiene, dental assisting and wastewater, Shields said, alongside more support function roles like web design and secretarial work. While the jobs list was cut by around one-third, Shields said there isnt a one-to-one transfer to academic programs that can feed into those careers. In reality, she said about half of the academic programs cleared for Last-Dollar Scholarship recipients will no longer qualify for incoming students, according to calculations made by Iowa College Aid. Those are all programs that lead into occupations that are really critical right now in our communities, Shields said. Matt Thompson, president of Indian Hill Community College, who spoke alongside Shields during the meetings public comment section, said the change to the list will impact the community colleges future students and programs. While students currently receiving a Last-Dollar Scholarship will continue to see support until their program is completed, Thompson said as many as 2,500 students will not be able to benefit from the scholarship while trying to earn the same credentials. When we work with a student population that is sometimes underrepresented, if not underresourced, having access to the Last-Dollar Scholarship program makes a huge difference in whether they plan to attend college or not, Thompson said. Spending falls short of funding This cut in programs comes as the Last-Dollar Scholarship program looks to be underspent for another year, college leaders say, after changes to student eligibility and among uncertainty surrounding federal financial aid. According to the Last-Dollar Scholarship website, in fiscal year 2024 the state awarded $18.3 million in scholarships to more than 8,000 students, with an average award amount of just under $2,300. At Indian Hills Community College, 467 students received the scholarship in 2024. Two years ago, the program was underspent by almost $6 million, Shields said, and while final numbers are not yet available, it seems like the program being underspent once again is a likely outcome. According to legislation signed this year by Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, the scholarship program fund will receive almost $24 million for the upcoming fiscal year. Ill add the caveat to all of that, that there is so much uncertainty with federal student aid right now, and since this is a last dollar scholarship, it will be significantly impacted by that, Shields said. So it is very, very hard to make predictions about what thats going to look like. The board itself was split on whether to adopt the larger list recommended by community colleges or the states shorter list, with a proposed amendment to swap the state list for the college one failing with a 7-6 vote. Board member Nick Glew said during the meeting he approached this decision from the perspective of needing to do whatever is possible to boost the workforce in Iowa. He said following community colleges recommendations would be the best decision for Iowans as a whole, because the colleges work with employers to provide the programming that best meets the businesses and students needs. Im kind of disappointed that we have to kind of arm wrestle on this a little bit and figure out what the right way to go is, Glew said. Kelly Barrick, a board member who favored using the shorter list, disagreed that the longer list was appropriate due to the program being underspent. She said its not about getting anyone who studies for a job in Iowa money, but ensuring that it is well-spent within established parameters. Focusing on areas with the most need, like advanced manufacturing and health care, for the program will help fill the states most in-demand jobs. Shields said the workforce board used to have a representative from the colleges as a member, but this was changed a few years ago. This year, the organization and colleges were told they could only participate through public comment. She was told at a later meeting that Iowa code requires the board to work with the Iowa Board of Regents on their list of applicable jobs for the Iowa Workforce Grant but not community colleges. There has been more collaboration in the past, so this year was a little surprising on that front, Shields said. If community colleges had been consulted or had the opportunity to speak with the board before the list was finalized, Thompson said he would have been happy to go over all of the programs and see what compromises both groups could come to. We would just like to have the ability to sit down and have the conversation and plan with Iowa Workforce Development, and that just didnt happen, Thompson said. Senate Republicans, with a 50-50 vote broken by Vice President JD Vance, passed President Donald Trumps bill with tax cuts, Medicaid changes and other legislative priorities on Tuesday. Here are Iowa reactions: U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa: President Trumps One Big Beautiful Bill delivers on what Iowans voted for in November, keeping more money in hardworking folks pockets, real border security, and a safer America. In addition to the largest tax cut in history for our families, farmers, and small businesses, the bill strengthens the integrity of Medicaid and prioritizes those who truly need help by eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse. I am proud to have fought to save $100 million for taxpayers over the next decade and eliminated unfair practices in the FAFSA process that held back farm families from investing in their childs education. I will always fight to improve Iowans lives and continue to lead the charge in Washington to reduce reckless spending and put taxpayers first. U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa: In November, Americans gave President Trump a mandate to fix the economy and secure the border. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act delivers a resounding victory for the American people, enacting the America First policies that President Trump and congressional Republicans promised. Together, were preventing the largest tax increase in the history of our country and giving relief to the small businesses that are the backbone of our economy. As a lifelong family farmer, Im proud our bill will also deliver a modernized farm safety net that gives Iowa farmers the certainty they need. Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds: Thank you to the Senate for passing the One Big Beautiful Bill that will lower taxes for Iowans, secure our border, and strengthen our military. Were one step closer to achieving President (Donald Trumps) promise to Make America Great Again! Chris Mitchell, president and CEO of the Iowa Hospital Association: We are deeply concerned about the U.S. Senates vote to advance the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, and the effect the steep Medicaid cuts will have on Iowas hospitals and the patients they serve. Rural hospitals already operate on thin margins, and these Medicaid cuts will exacerbate their already strained financial situations. Cuts of this magnitude will force hospitals to make tough decisions about reducing services or closing altogether. Medicaid cuts to Iowa's hospitals affect not only Iowans who rely on Medicaid for their health coverage, but also all Iowans who require hospital care. We urge our representatives in the House to stand up for Iowa's hospitals and rural communities, ensuring that all Iowans have access to the health care services they need and deserve. Iowa Soybean Association District 6 Director Dave Walton: This bill corrects serious flaws in the clean fuel credit and ensures Iowa-grown soybeans are judged by their actual environmental performance, not by arbitrary land use penalties. Sen. Grassleys work to fix 45Z is a legacy achievement for Iowa farmers and biofuel producers. Zach Wahls, Iowa Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate: Joni Ernst just voted to gut Medicaid for hundreds of thousands of Iowa children and families in exchange for tax cuts for billionaires, underscoring what shes been telling us she doesnt care if we live or die. We need a new senator, one who will fight to make Iowans lives better and stand up to leaders in both parties when theyre wrong for Iowa. We need a senator for us. Ill be that senator. Rita Hart, Iowa Democratic Party Chairwoman: Why do Republicans need to be so cruel? Iowans are already dealing with the 49th-worst economy in the nation and now thanks to Joni Ernst they will also have a harder time finding jobs, paying for their health care, and keeping up with rising energy costs just so billionaires and the ultra-wealthy can get some cushy tax breaks. Joni Ernst just voted to sell out hardworking Iowans to make the lives of the top 1 percent a little more luxurious. Amy Adams, Iowa State Director of Protect Our Care: Sen. Ernst had the power to stop this devastating bill from becoming law. Instead, she put billionaires over Iowans and voted to kick seniors out of nursing homes, rip health care away from disabled children, close rural hospitals, and strip over a hundred thousand Iowans of their health care all to give tax breaks to billionaires and big corporations. Just one Republican vote could have protected thousands of Iowans from losing their health care and prevented costs from skyrocketing on everyday families. But Sen. Ernst chose tax cuts for the rich over care for the rest of us. Unless Republicans in the House finally stand up for their constituents and vote this bill down, Iowans will be left to pay the price. President Yoweri Museveni has confirmed he will run for a seventh term in Ugandas 2026 presidential election, potentially extending his rule to over 40 years. The 80-year-old leader made the announcement via social media, stating he had expressed interest in becoming the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM)s presidential flag-bearer. Museveni, who seized power in 1986 after a guerrilla war, has presided over constitutional amendments in 2005 and 2017 that removed term and age limits, clearing the path for indefinite reelection. His decision to run again underscores the absence of a clear succession plan within the NRM and raises fresh concerns about democratic backsliding. Museveni defends his continued leadership as necessary for Ugandas economic transformation. He outlined five phases of national development under his rule, ranging from post-conflict recovery to a planned transition into a science-driven, knowledge-based economy. He aims to grow Ugandas GDP to $500 billion up from the current $66 billion in the next five years. His main challenger is expected to be opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, known as Bobi Wine, who has already declared his intention to run. Wine, who disputed the 2021 election results, accuses Musevenis regime of systematic repression, including abductions and torture of activists. Observers say Musevenis latest bid risks entrenching authoritarianism while further narrowing Ugandas democratic space. He is the fourth longest-ruling leader in Africa, after Equatorial Guineas Teodoro Obiang, Cameroons Paul Biya, and Congo Republics Denis Sassou-Nguesso. The Moroccan Atlantic city of Essaouira will host the 2026 Annual Conference of the Creative Cities Network of the UNESCO, becoming thus the first city in Africa and the Arab world to host the Networks annual conference. The UNESCO said in a press release that this decision to hold the Annual Conferences 18th session in Essaouira was taken following an online vote by the networks member cities. Essaouira garnered the highest number of votes among the candidate cities, the press release said. Since its selection in 2019 as a Creative City in the field of music, Essaouira has stood out through its commitment to the cultural and creative sectors, with a particular focus on music, the UN institution notes, citing emblematic festivals such as Gnaoua Festival, World Music and Jazz sous lArganier (Jazz under the Argan tree) as testimony to the cultural richness of Essaouira, a crossroads city where local traditions interweave into a profoundly multifaceted identity. The annual UNESCO Creative Cities Conference is a major platform for the 350 member cities to exchange ideas, share best practices and strengthen international cooperation on culture and sustainable urban development. The 2026 edition in Essaouira will focus among other topics on the sustainability of policies and actions in favor of the cultural and creative industries at local level. It will also be a unique opportunity to highlight the rich cultural heritage and vibrant creativity of this Moroccan city, the UNESCO said. UNESCOs collaboration with Essaouira in hosting this conference is part of bolstering and promoting UNESCOs Creative Cities Network. It also serves as a follow-up to the Mondiacult 2025 World Conference on Cultural Policies and Sustainable Development, as well as a step towards achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, namely SDG 11, which aims to make cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable, the press release said. British daily Telegraph has called on London to follow in the footsteps of the United States in seeking to add the Algeria-backed Polisario militia in its black-list. After having supported Moroccos autonomy plan in Sahara, the UK must support both its ally Morocco, our partner the United States, and our own national security interests by classifying the Polisario Front as a terrorist organization, said the newspaper. After suffering a humiliation at the hands of Israel and the U.S., Irans options for such retribution are now diminished, having much of its conventional military capabilities decimated by the recent Israeli strikes including much of its ballistic missile stocks being shot down over Israeli airspace. Increasingly, the Iranians will come to rely once more on unconventional capabilities: namely, their proxies across the wider Middle East and north Africa region, said the Telegraph, citing in this regard the Polisario thugs who are emerging at speed to sow instability and terror in north Africa. A Marxist militia backed by Iran, Hezbollah, the Polisario Front is a terrorist organization that launches attacks against Morocco in the Sahara, said the daily. The Polisario leader praised Hamas terrorist attack against Israel on October 7 2023, expresses ideological solidarity with Irans axis of resistance, and envisages a unified front stretching from Iran and the Golan Heights to Gaza and Western Sahara, added the newspaper. The Polisario militiamen have been armed with missiles and rockets by the Iranian regime for several years; last week they used this to attack civilians next to a UN camp in Morocco, underlined the British daily. Plans to attack the Israeli liaison office in Morocco, meanwhile, have been foiled and its not a step too far to imagine plots to attack the significant British interests in the region as part of the groups increasing terror alliance with Iran and their other proxies. Last week, U.S. Republican and Democrat lawmakers at the House of Representatives submitted a legislation designating the Polisario as a terrorist organization. The UK must now follow, said the Telegraph. As part of the proactive security operations aimed at neutralizing the risks of terrorist threats and thwarting destructive plots aiming at endangering the security and stability of Morocco, and disrupt public order, the Central Bureau of Judicial Investigations (BCIJ), affiliated with the General Directorate for Territorial Surveillance, succeeded in the early hours of this Wednesday to dismantle a terrorist cell loyal to the so-called Islamic State organization (ISIS). The cell was made up of four extremists active between the Northern cities of Tetouan and Chefchaouen, and are aged between 20 and 27. BCIJ said in a statement that searches carried out at the suspects residences led to the seizure of a document containing the text of the pledge of allegiance (bayah) declared by the members of the cell to the alleged leader of the terrorist ISIS group. A video recording documenting this pledge, a flag symbolizing the organization, and a black outfit consisting of pants and a vest bearing extremist slogans were also seized. Additionally, models of weapons were found, including a rifle and two pistols, along with a number of electronic devices that will undergo digital forensic analysis. The statement added that field investigations and tracking operations revealed the seriousness of the terrorist plans the cell members were preparing, which align with ISISs agenda to destabilize the Kingdom. The suspects had already begun physical preparations for their terrorist project by conducting field tests in a mountainous area near Tetouan, with the aim of manufacturing explosive devices. The investigations further showed that the suspects documented their pledge of allegiance to the current alleged ISIS leader through a written manuscript and a video, in order to obtain the organizations endorsement for their terrorist plans. The four arrested individuals have been placed in custody for further investigation under the supervision of the Public Prosecutors Office specializing in terrorism cases, in order to uncover all related terrorist plans, connections, and potential links of this cell. This Wednesdays arrests come just days after BCIJ foiled another alleged ISIS-linked plot. Last Friday, a 21-year-old woman was arrested in Rabat for allegedly planning a terrorist attack targeting a religious site in the capital. The suspect, a student at a technical institute, had reportedly begun acquiring materials to manufacture explosives and toxins, according to the BCIJ. Her arrest was the result of joint intelligence operations between the DGST and Frances domestic security services. A search of her residence uncovered incendiary materials, handwritten notes inciting violence, and books promoting extremist ideology. The European Union has pledged a firmer stance on illegal migration from Libya following a spike in sea crossings to southern Europe. EU Commissioner for Migration, Magnus Brunner, announced on Tuesday, July 1st, plans to lead a delegation to Libya next week alongside officials from Greece, Italy, and Malta. Their mission is to press Libyan authoritiesboth the UN-backed Government in the west and the rival administration in the eastfor stronger action to prevent migrant boats from embarking for European shores. Brunner, speaking at a migration conference in Athens, said the urgency of the situation demands swift and resolute intervention. He underscored Libyas central role in the current migration crisis, noting that the EU must move fast and firm to contain the outflow. The trip follows discussions with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and comes amid heightened concern over migrant arrivals to Crete, a route increasingly used despite its dangers compared to the traditional Turkey-Greek island corridor. Greece has since announced the deployment of warships to international waters near Libya in response to the surge. The issue has drawn renewed scrutiny following the tragic sinking of the *Adriana* fishing trawler in 2023, which claimed hundreds of lives. The EUs latest diplomatic efforts signal a more coordinated regional approach, balancing border control with international engagement to curb deadly migrant journeys across the Mediterranean. Moroccos State Secretary for Foreign Trade, Omar Hejira, reaffirmed the kingdoms commitment to sharing renewable energy and electrification expertise with African nations during a major energy conference in Dakar. Speaking at the opening of the African Confederation of Electricity, Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency touring exhibition, Hejira emphasized Moroccos resolve to implement effective and supportive cooperation with African partners through tangible actions aimed at sustainable development. Moroccos initiative aligns with King Mohammed VIs strategy, making South-South cooperation, particularly with African countries, a strategic choice dictated by common interests and spirit of solidarity and fraternity, Hejira stated. As to universal electricity access, which remains a global challenge and absolute priority in Africa, the official highlighted energys vital role in citizens daily lives and the necessity of securing electrical energy supply for entering a new era of economic growth and development. He noted that energy represents a fundamental component of national sovereignty, with Africa possessing necessary assets for self-sufficiency and even export surplus. Moroccos Ambassador to Senegal, Hassan Naciri, emphasized that 600 million Africans still live without electricity, representing 43% of the population with only 50% overall electrification rate. Moroccos integrated energy policy remains resolutely focused on Africa, with over 40 Moroccan companies participating in the exhibition demonstrating the kingdoms commitment to balanced South-South cooperation. The conference, previously held in Casablanca, Niamey, Abidjan, and Yaounde, brings together 80 exhibitors from 20 African countries and expects 2,000 professional visitors. The event aims to strengthen Africas energy sovereignty through expertise sharing, developing local industrial champions, and advancing continental interconnection initiatives including the strategic Atlantic African Gas Pipeline project. North Plattes new Sustainable Beef meatpacking plant is feeling the effects of the Trump administrations moves to remove immigrants from the country. CEO David Briggs said the company is rechecking legal work authorization documents for employees and applicants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua or Venezuela at the recommendation of the Nebraska Department of Labor. Other North Platte businesses that may have employed people from those nations are doing the same thing, said Tinamaria Fernandez, executive director of North Plattes HOPE Esperanza nonprofit group that assists minority residents of the area. Sustainable Beef processed its first cattle May 28, two days before the U.S. Supreme Court lifted a stay on Trumps revocation of humanitarian parole protections for more than 500,000 migrants from the four countries. Such people have been told they must leave the United States, The Associated Press and other national news outlets have said. Legal challenges continue to Trumps cancellation of the so-called CHNV program, authorized in 2022 by former President Joe Biden. It was founded using powers U.S. presidents have often used since 1952 to allow refugees from troubled countries to come to the U.S. for two years, assuming they can find U.S. financial sponsors and pay for their own journey. Cuba has been under communist control since the late Fidel Castro took power in 1959. Nicaragua and Venezuela also are authoritarian countries, while Haiti has been beset by political instability for decades. Briggs said Friday that Sustainable Beef now has about 500 people working of the more than 800 it expects to employ at full processing capacity of 1,500 head per day. The plant east of Newberry Access on Golden Road is now handling 200 head a day but should reach 500 daily by the end of July, he said. Sustainable Beef has used the federal governments eVerify system from the beginning to confirm that potential employees are legally in the United States and cleared to work, Briggs said. We do not ask their nationality or ethnic group, he said, but we definitely have some who have been hired who have been in the country under the Biden-era CHNV program. Company leaders reached out to the new administration about how to handle hiring after Trump returned to office Jan. 20, he added. We inquired about what was the right way to hire because we wanted to be legal, Briggs said. The Department of Homeland Security, Department of Labor and everybody said using eVerify was the best option we have. But since Mays Supreme Court decision, weve gotten more direction from the (state) Department of Labor and are going through the process of reconfirming the legal documents for those employees. Briggs said neither the North Platte beef plant nor any other in Nebraska has experienced immigration raids since U.S. Immigration and Custom Enforcements June 10 action at Omahas Glenn Valley Foods plant. Even should some initial employees have had to be let go, Briggs said, Sustainable Beef has received some 3,000 job applications. So we have plenty of applicants to work through. Fernandez said HOPE Esperanza helped about 400 people apply and interview for jobs at the beef plant. Her information on local fallout from Trumps cancellation of the program mainly comes from them, their families and local employers, she said. Of those 400 people, not all of them (fell) under this particular (CHNV) status, she said. But Fernandez said many of the affected workers or applicants have formally applied for political asylum in the United States. Their (work) authorization is on hold until they are given asylum, she said. The process is different for all of them. She added that Walmarts Nebraska operations had to fire several people after the May 30 Supreme Court decision let Trumps move to make CHNV beneficiaries leave the country. She said the firings included some people at North Plattes Walmart Distribution Center, the only one in the state. DC General Manager Mark Oettinger did not return a text from The Telegraph seeking comment. Trumps revocation of humanitarian parole for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans and Venezuelans will have lasting effects not only on individuals and families but on rural communities and the nation, Fernandez said. Briggs called the federal governments CHNV decision concerning and said Sustainable Beef has communicated that to Gov. Jim Pillen and Nebraskas congressional delegation. It appeared that effort had borne fruit, the beef-plant CEO said, when the administration told ICE June 12 to pause most raids and arrests at hotels and restaurants and in the agricultural industry. Trump reversed course again four days later. Not only Sustainable Beef but also almost every employer in North Platte is looking for employees, Mayor Brandon Kelliher said last week. While I support deporting criminals and people who shouldnt be in the United States because theyve committee crimes, exporting people who want to work and want to be American citizens someday does create some challenges for our local businesses. Its hard to tell how many longer-term residents might be available for those jobs, Kelliher said, because Nebraska has a low official unemployment rate but existing measures dont count those who arent pursuing jobs. I think its fair to say that in North Platte, there are people in that status that could work but are choosing not to, the mayor said. But the city has no way to track that number. Gary Person, president and CEO of the North Platte Area Chamber & Development Corp., traced the nations current immigration turmoil to irresponsible lack of leadership of (the) previous administration letting every bad apple come into America and put the country at risk. He said he believes the fallout for Sustainable Beef and other North Platte employers will work itself out. Unfortunately good people were impacted by the CHNV programs cancellation, Person said, but we are on a good track moving forward in North Platte. Nelly has proudly declared that changing diapers is women's business or at least no business of his as if he's not capable of being an energetic, functioning modern dad in the year 2025. [image or embed] This shift in Germany, along with other European nations and the World Bank, reflects a broader global movement towards recognizing nuclear energy's role in energy security and climate goals. Germany is increasingly indicating openness to nuclear energy, marking a complete pivot from their historic stance on the controversial energy source. Germanys shift in attitude toward nuclear energy comes as part of a larger global movement back toward nuclear power as a viable part of a secure and low-carbon energy landscape. Last month, German Economy Minister Katherina Reiche opted to join a meeting with pro-nuclear European Union members instead of attending a gathering of states dedicated to renewables, marking a major fracturing of the German governments stance on the future of European energy. While Reiche is rubbing elbows with nuclear energy proponents, the nations Environment Minister Carsten Schneider remains staunchly opposed to changing Germanys staunchly anti-nuclear stance. "We have decided to phase out nuclear power. This has also been accepted by society," Schneider was recently quoted by Deutsche Welle (DW). "There are no further commitments [to the nuclear industry], nor will there be any," he went on to say. Germany took its last three nuclear power plants offline in 2023. DW reports that the disaccord over nuclear power between Germanys Energy and Economy Ministers has already been apparent for some time now. Back in May, Reiche said in Brussels (where the European Union is headquartered) that she was "open to all technologies as a part of Germanys energy policy, and agreed to make peace with French officials by dropping anti-nuclear rhetoric from European Union legislation. This marks a major departure from Germanys traditional stance. Germanys deep-held opposition to nuclear power is the product of historical politicking rather than a reckoning with current energy realities, which have rapidly shifted in the long wake of Russias war in Ukraine. A 2024 report from The Conversation explains that Germanys complete phase-out of nuclear energy production can only be understood in the context of post-war socio-political developments in Germany, where anti-nuclearism predated the public climate discourse. According to that report, vehement anti-nuclear discourse of the time can be credited to a distrust of technocracy; ecological, environmental and safety fears; suspicions that nuclear energy could engender nuclear proliferation; and general opposition to concentrated power (especially after its extreme consolidation under the Nazi dictatorship). But now, it would appear that Germany cant afford to maintain its anti-nuclear ideology. The German economy and energy sector was pummeled by energy sanctions on Russia, as the country was reliant on the Kremlin for a whopping 50% of its natural gas supplies when Russia first invaded Ukraine. While Germany has not made any significant moves to shift its own domestic nuclear energy policy, the fact that leadership is not unilaterally antagonistic toward the technology is a big deal in national and European politics. The shift comes as part of a broader sea change in favor of nuclear energy in Europe. In just the past few months alone, the governments of Italy and Denmark initiated motions to overturn their respective 40-years ban on nuclear power production, and Spain signalled openness to extending the lives of its nuclear plants previously slated for phaseout. This re-embrace of nuclear energy is not limited to Europe. Globally, nuclear energy is gaining ground as one of the strongest solutions for successfully balancing energy security needs with climate goals. Nuclear energy is a proven technology with zero carbon emissions, and can be built up practically anywhere, especially with emerging small modular reactor models. Just last month, the World Bank overturned its own ban on funding nuclear energy projects, a move that will spread the reach of nuclear energy in the developing world and likely influence other development banks to follow suit. Lauren Hughes, deputy director of the Nuclear Energy Policy Initiative, recently told the Atlantic Council that taken together, these major policy decisions indicate that nuclear is coming back into favor and being recognized for its ability to provide reliable baseload power. By Haley Zaremba for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com The situation underscores Iran's deep strategic isolation, with both Russia and China prioritizing their own interests and relationships over formal alliance commitments with Tehran. China is reluctant to provide advanced weaponry to Iran due to its efforts to stabilize relations with the United States and its valuable economic ties with Iran's Sunni Arab neighbors. Following a recent conflict that weakened its military and highlighted Russia's limited support, Iran is seeking to acquire advanced military hardware from China. The war with Israel last month decimated a senior echelon of Irans military leadership, crippled its air defenses, and exposed the vulnerability of its air force. Within days, Israel had established aerial superiority, paving the way for US air strikes on Irans nuclear sites. But the war also tested the limits of Irans alliance with Russia, which offered little more than diplomatic support to Tehran during the 12-day conflict. With faith in Moscow at a low point, Iran is now urgently seeking to rebuild its defenses -- and is turning to China for the advanced military hardware that Russia has failed to deliver. But as Tehran pivots toward Beijing, it faces fresh obstacles and skepticism, revealing both the limits of its options and the depth of its strategic isolation. Russia: A Strategic Partner In Name Only Despite a recently signed strategic partnership agreement and years of close cooperation, Russias support for Iran during this crisis has proven largely rhetorical. As the reformist newspaper Shargh notes, this alliance, at critical junctures, is based more on shifting interests than on steadfast commitments. While Russian President Vladimir Putin condemned the US strikes as unjustified and offered dialogue, he made no commitment to military assistance, with the Kremlin repeatedly insisting that the partnership deal has no provisions for military aid in times of war. Ali Motahari, a former deputy speaker of Irans parliament, captured the growing sense of frustration in a post on X. Henoted that Russia has refused to sell the S-400 missile defense system to Iran, despite Tehran supplying Moscow with drones for its war in Ukraine, while providing such systems to Turkey and Saudi Arabia. The ex-lawmaker argued that Russias reluctance is due to concerns Iran could use the S-400 against Israeli aggression, exposing the superficiality of the so-called strategic partnership that Putin touts. Irans attempts to purchase advanced Russian military equipment -- including Sukhoi-35 (Su-35) fighter jets and Mi-28 attack helicopters -- have also stalled. According to Shargh, except for some trainer jets, none of the promised equipment has been delivered, with production issues in Russia and diplomatic pressure from Persian Gulf states, Israel, and the United States cited as key reasons. This pattern of noncommitment has likely left Iranian officials and analysts openly questioning Russias reliability as an ally. Chinese Reluctance And Realpolitik With Russia distracted and unreliable, unconfirmed reports both in Iranian and Western media claim that Iran has turned to China in hopes of acquiring advanced military hardware, particularly the Chengdu J-10C multirole fighter jet. Irans air force is severely outdated and ill-equipped to confront modern adversaries. Its fleet consists largely of aging US and Soviet-era aircraft acquired before the 1979 revolution, many of which are kept operational through cannibalized parts and domestic improvisation. The J-10C is a 4.5-generation, single-engine fighter jet equipped with advanced avionics, AESA radar, and capable of deploying PL-15 long-range missiles. It is considered a credible, though not equal, challenger to Israels advanced F-35I fleet. However, Chinese reluctance to supply Iran is pronounced, according to Andrea Ghiselli, a lecturer at the University of Exeter and head of research of the TOChina Hub's ChinaMed Project. Beijing is trying to stabilize the relations with Washington to buy some time to further increase its tech and economic self-sufficiency, Ghiselli told RFE/RL. That's more important than rebuilding the Iranian Air Force. Experts also agree that Chinas relations with Irans regional rivals contribute to its disinclination to beef up Irans military. China has acted as an economic or geoeconomic actor in the Middle East, said Hamidreza Azizi, a fellow at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs. He told RFE/RL that China values its relationships with Irans Sunni Arab neighbors in the Gulf Cooperation Council -- Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates -- who are critical energy suppliers and trading partners but maintain cautious relations with Tehran. Analysts widely agree that Chinas most effective way to support Iran is through continued oil purchases, which provide Tehran with vital revenue under sanctions. For Beijing, maintaining access to energy and avoiding regional destabilization outweigh any potential benefits from selling advanced weaponry to Iran, Ghiselli argued. Iran's Strategic Isolation The events of the past weeks have exposed the depth of Irans strategic isolation. Both Moscow and Beijing have prioritized their own interests and relationships with Irans adversaries over any formal alliance commitments. As Shargh concludes, Russias unwillingness to go beyond political statements has severely damaged its credibility as an ally, while Chinas realpolitik ensures that any meaningful military support will remain out of reach. Farzan Sabet, a managing researcher at the Geneva Graduate Institute, told RFE/RL that Tehran doesnt have any good options when it comes to foreign military partners. Even if Tehran managed to purchase fighter jets from China, it would need a lot more than it can pay for to be able to maintain aerial superiority in future conflicts, at least in its own skies. These are very, very expensive, Sabet said. With Iran being under sanctions, its not clear to anybody who would have the money to pay for it. By RFE/RL More Top Reads From Oilprice.com The ongoing rumors reflect growing distrust of China in Uzbekistan and Central Asia, amidst increased economic ties and concerns about land ownership and debt. Rumors of the Uzbek government transferring farmland to Chinese investors continue to circulate despite official denials, leading to public unease and distrust of China. Rumors that the Uzbek government is handing over farmland to Chinese investors keep bubbling up despite repeated and categorical denials from officials, putting Tashkent in an uncomfortable spot. The latest flare up came after a video made the rounds online purporting to show a local agricultural official threatening that the government would hand unproductive farmland over to Chinese investors, local outlet Kun.uz reported in mid-June. The employee quickly walked back the comments and the Ministry of Agriculture strongly denied anything of the sort was taking place. But the latest episode reflects the growing distrust of China in Uzbekistan as President Shavkat Mirziyoyev seeks to deepen his countrys economic ties with the countrys largest trade partner. Im sure such a partnership will serve the prosperity and flourishing of our countries and peoples, Mirziyoyev said at the second Central Asia-China Summit in Astana, an event attended by Chinese President Xi Jinping. The rumors also come at a time of stress for Uzbek agriculture as Mirziyoyevs efforts to liberalize the sector, which retains significant elements of the Soviet structure, have been slow, and local authorities have occasionally been heavy handed in enforcing cotton and silk quotas. All of that while Uzbek farms face growing pressure from climate change. In the video at the center of the latest kerfuffle, a man identified as Z. Amonov, who Kun reported is a local agricultural official, speaks to the camera before pointing it at a group of people talking in a farm field. The Chinese came and started an examination of the land. Those who dont want to sow, those who didnt fulfill the silkworm and grain collection plan, those who didnt pay taxes, their land will be given over, he narrates in the video, according to Kun. The Chinese want to take irrigated plots. Were showing them 2,000 hectares. There will be more. Amonov continues, saying a list of noncompliant farmers was being compiled and that the video should be shared widely. Amonov, Kun reported, works in the Urgut District, just southeast of Samarkand along the Tajik border. When the video took off on social media, Amonov tried to delete it and said there had been a small misunderstanding, according to Kun. He explained that his initiative was striving to attract investment and create jobs, the publication reported. Disavowal of the assertions made in a video also came from the Ministry of Agriculture. Land ownership is strictly regulated, and it is illegal to grant land as property to foreign citizens or legal entities, the Ministry said in a June 11 statement. So, the claim about land given out to Chinese citizens or companies is unfounded, contradicts the law and does not correspond to reality. In April, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty published an investigation, reporting it had found the government allegedly seized 1,800 hectares of farmland from at least 46 farmers in the Andijan Region in the Fergana Valley and handed the parcels over to Chinese entities. According to the US-funded outlet, there was evidence of a similar situation in the Qashqadaryo Region along the Turkmen border, near where the video in the latest incident was filmed. The Uzbek government did not respond to an RFE/RL request for comment, but days after its report was published, Deputy Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade Ilzat Kasymov said foreign investors do not receive free land and that Chinese investment in the agricultural sector represents a very small portion of the total. The latest round of rumors and discontent about sweetheart farmland deals for Chinese entities, and broader concerns about Chinese entities buying up property in Uzbek cities, began in February when influencers aired the claims on social media. Dozens of anti-China pages appeared on Instagram and calls to boycott China spread. Government figures and state-aligned media launched a campaign to tamp down the anti-China backlash in early March. But there has been a harsh side to the governments clampdown on anti-Chinese sentiment. Between February and April of this year, police investigated a journalist, a former MP and a pair of bloggers for their criticism of Chinas role in the country, the Germany-based Uzbek Forum for Human Rights documented in a June report. As Chinas influence and economic clout across Central Asia have grown so too has popular mistrust. Anti-China protests have flared in Kyrgyzstan in 2002, the winter of 2018-2019, and 2020 over land transfers, treatment of Uighurs in China and economic projects. In 2016, widespread protests broke out in Kazakhstan, sparked by proposed land reforms that opponents claimed, in large part incorrectly, would allow China to buy up the countrys agricultural land. Uzbek officials have defended the Chinese investments as a boon for a country that is looking to catch up economically after years of isolation. Chinese companies are now heavily investing in renewable energy, mining and factories, and the country has begun work on the massive China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway. Chinese exports to Uzbekistan have exploded since 2016 when Mirziyoyev became president and began opening up the country. Last year, Uzbekistan ran a $9.8 billion trade deficit with China. Uzbekistan presently owes China $3.8 billion, and Beijing has recently signaled it wants Central Asian governments to start paying their tabs. By Alexander Thompson via Eurasianet.org More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Supermajors ExxonMobil, Chevron, TotalEnergies, and Eni are competing in Libyas first oil bid round in 18 years, Masoud Suleman, chairman of Libyas National Oil Corporation (NOC), told Bloomberg in an interview published on Wednesday. Libya earlier this year launched its first oil and gas exploration tender since 2007, which is also the first since the civil war erupted in the country in 2011 after the toppling of Muammar Gaddafi. Exxon, Chevron, TotalEnergies, and Eni are among the 37 international companies that have expressed interest in Libyan acreage for oil and gas exploration, NOCs Suleman told Bloomberg. Almost all well-known international companies are competing for the 22 offshore and onshore blocks on offer, the executive added. Libya aims to sign contracts with the successful bidders by the end of this year, Suleman told Bloomberg. Libya will offer production sharing agreements to the successful bidders in its first oil and gas exploration bid round in 18 years, top Libyan oil officials said earlier this year. Libya is offering a total of 22 blocks for exploration and development, 11 offshore and 11 onshore blocks, including areas with undeveloped discoveries. Libya holds an estimated 91 billion barrels of oil equivalent in undiscovered oil and gas resources, NOC says. The countrys crude oil production is currently around 1.3-1.4 million barrels per day (bpd). The national corporation looks to boost oil production to 2 million bpd within the next three years, contingent on sufficient funding. Foreign majors have also made steps to return to operations in Libya. BP and Eni, for example, returned to Libya last year after a decade of avoiding the country amid its civil war. Per a statement by the NOC of Libya, Italys Eni resumed exploratory drilling in the Ghadames Basin in October. The company operates the exploration block where it is drilling in partnership with BP and the Libyan Investment Authoritythe countrys sovereign wealth fund. After a 10-year hiatus, U.S. oilfield services provider Weatherford also returned to work in Libya earlier this year. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Chinese refiners continue to buy high volumes of crude oil from Iran, with first-half imports at the major port clusters estimated at nearly 1.4 million barrels per day (bpd), according to oil flow tracking data from Kpler cited by Bloomberg. Ports near industrial clusters Qingdao, Dalian, and Zhoushan are importing crude from Iran in several legs from the Persian Gulf via Malaysia with ship-to-ship (STS) transfers using shadow fleet vessels and tankers blacklisted by the United States. Officially, Chinas customs data show there havent been any crude imports from Iran since 2022. Unofficially, China buys nearly 90% of all of Irans crude exports in multiple-stage journeys and transfers from one tanker to another. Last month alone, ports near Qingdao welcomed a total of 15.5 million barrels of Iranian crude, according to Kplers data. These barrels were worth nearly $1 billion in revenue for Iran at current prices for its discounted crude, Bloomberg has estimated. China hiked its imports of crude oil from Iran in June, as Iran accelerated loadings in May and independent Chinese refiners bought more discounted Iranian barrels. Amid overall high imports in recent weeks, thanks to the lower oil prices in April and May when cargoes were bought, China significantly boosted its imports of crude from Iran this month, according to data from tanker-tracking firms cited by Reuters. The high volumes of Iranian oil going into China is due to multi-year high Iranian crude oil loadings in May and Chinese independent refiners, the so-called teapots, bringing in more supply of the cheaper Iranian crude to fill inventories for the peak summer demand season. Analysts expect Chinese oil imports from Iran to remain at high levels in the coming weeks amid signals from the U.S. Administration that it would be more lenient toward China buying Irans oil. Following the U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, U.S. President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social that China can now continue to purchase Oil from Iran. Hopefully, they will be purchasing plenty from the US, also. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com French nuclear fuel giant Oranos uranium mining subsidiary in northern Niger is on the verge of bankruptcy, raising alarms over future nuclear fuel supply chains amid deepening tensions with the ruling junta, Reuters reported on Wednesday. The company cited a breakdown in talks with Niamey and the blocking of essential equipment at the border as the primary drivers of the crisis. The COMINAK mine in the Arlit region once supplied up to 30% of Frances uranium needs. Although the mine ceased production in 2021, Orano remains responsible for post-mining environmental rehabilitation, which can no longer continue due to the Nigerien government's refusal to grant access to key technical materials. Orano warned that without immediate resolution, the site faces insolvency and cessation of payments as early as July. The uranium dilemma is yet another area of fallout from Nigers political realignment since the July 2023 coup, which continues to threaten Western nuclear supply chains. French energy security is particularly exposed: Niger accounted for roughly 15% of the European Unions uranium imports in 2022, second only to Kazakhstan. Orano says it remains open to dialogue, but warned that "structural dysfunctions" imposed by Niger's authorities threaten not just mine rehabilitation, but regional environmental and radiological safety. The uranium standoff also comes as Niger attempts to reassert sovereignty over its vast resource base. Last year, the military-led government expelled French forces and has since fostered closer ties with Russia and China. In the hydrocarbons sector, Niger is pushing forward with a 2,000-km crude oil export pipeline to Benin, a project intended to transform the landlocked nation into a regional energy player. However, that project has also been hindered by border closures and diplomatic spats, leaving tankers stranded at the Seme-Kpodji terminal despite oil production already ramping up in the Agadem basin. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: India, the worlds third-largest crude oil importer, which depends on imports for about 85% of its daily consumption, considers building three new sites to raise its strategic petroleum reserves. Engineers India Ltd, a state-run engineering consultancy, is doing feasibility studies, L R Jain, chief executive at the state company managing the reserve, Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserve Ltd, told Reuters on Wednesday. In case of exigencies, we will be better prepared, Jain said. Currently, Indias underground Strategic Petroleum Reserve storage has a total capacity of 5.33 million metric tons of crude oil, equal to only 39 million barrels of crude oil, or eight days worth of Indias oil consumption. The storage sites are located in Vishakhapatnam in the state of Andhra Pradesh, and Mangaluru and Padur in the state of Karnataka. Private companies, including Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), have been using and storing petroleum at the existing SPR sites. With spiking petroleum demand and about 85% of its crude coming from imports, India is now looking to expand its SPR storage sites. Indias storage capacity, including the SPR and other sites held by private companies and in transit, is currently enough to meet the countrys fuel demand for 75 days. We are looking for 90 days of reserves, Jain told Reuters, adding that India needs additional storage sites as fuel demand keeps rising. Reserves of at least 90 days of worth of oil consumption would allow India to join the International Energy Agency (IEA), which requires members to have a minimum of 90 days of oil reserves. The new sites proposed for Indias SPR include another site at Mangalore, salt caverns in Bikaner in the desert state of Rajasthan in northwestern India, and a site at Bina in the central state of Madhya Pradesh, Jain told Reuters. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com India is kicking off exploration efforts for cobalt and copper deposits in Zambia by sending a team of geologists to the African country known for its critical minerals reserves, sources at the Indian government told Reuters on Tuesday. In March this year, India bought land in Zambia to explore copper and cobalt, signaling a significant move to secure its mineral supply chains in Africa. Indias government has acquired greenfield land in Zambias northwest province with plans to explore copper and cobalt. Zambias economy is mainly based on export of minerals, most notably copper and cobalt, as well as gold, zinc, and lead. At the end of 2020, mining accounted for 12% of Zambias GDP and provided about 70% of foreign exchange earnings, according to EU data. Indias Ministry of Mines is also in talks with other African nations such as the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Rwanda, Tanzania, and Mozambique for similar deals in which it would acquire critical mineral assets for exploration, the Indian Express reported earlier this year. India is moving to secure access to the minerals critical to its energy transition. Although coal is still king as regards power generation, India has bold renewable energy ambitions and is actually on track to achieve its solar power installation targets. India is also interested in acquiring lithium and copper assets in Chile and is negotiating a trade deal, the India-Chile Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which could also include critical and strategic minerals trade. In recent weeks, following the disruption to the global rare earth supply chain after Chinas export curbs, India has also been looking at ways to keep its own rare earths at home. The government has asked state-owned minerals and metals mining enterprise IREL (India) Limited to halt a more than a decade-old supply agreement to export rare earth elements to Japan, Reuters reported last month, citing sources with knowledge of the development. India has facilities for mining, separation, and refining in oxide form, and has also developed capability of metal extraction. However, the country lacks industrial-scale facilities to make alloys, magnets, and other products from rare earths. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Indonesias new energy strategy entails attracting oilfield services providers with the latest technology to help the Southeast Asian country revive and increase production from ageing or idle wells. With a reform enacted, oil and gas block operators in Indonesia will be allowed to partner with drilling and service technology providers to raise production from old wells or oilfields, the countrys deputy energy minister Yuliot Tanjung said on Tuesday, as carried by Reuters. Currently, Indonesia produces about 600,000 barrels per day (bpd) of crude oil. Its goal is to boost the output levels to 1 million bpd by 2030. Many of these operators need partnership from vendors that have the latest technology, the deputy energy minister said at a news conference today. There could be as many as 2,500 wells and over 100 fields that could see a partnership with technology service providers. The authorities are also looking to award dozens of new oil and gas blocks to reach the production goal. Indonesia is now preparing to offer 74 new blocks to companies, according to the deputy energy minister. Earlier this year, Indonesia awarded five strategic oil and gas blocks to international and domestic players in a bid to reverse its decade-long production decline and bolster national energy security. The awards are part of Indonesias broader upstream revival strategy, with nearly 60 additional blocks expected to be offered over the coming years. The government hopes these auction winners will be able to contribute to Indonesia's energy security ahead, said Tri Winarno, a senior official at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources. Once a key OPEC member and oil exporter, Indonesia has increasingly relied on imports to meet domestic energy demand in recent years. Indonesia quit OPEC in 2016 when the cartel struck a deal with non-OPEC producers led by Russia to withhold supply to the market via producers in the OPEC+ pact, reducing their production. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Maintenance at some LNG export facilities last month drove U.S. exports of the commodity lowerto the second-lowest monthly, according to data from LSEG cited by Reuters. The June total stood at 8.4 million tons of liquefied gas last month, which was down from 8.9 million tons in May and from 9.3 million tons for April. The April total was an all-time high. June saw regularly scheduled maintenance at Chenieres two LNG export facilities, in Sabine Pass and Corpus Christi, which have a combined daily capacity of 6.9 billion cu ft of natural gas. The Cameron LNG plant in Louisiana also underwent maintenance in June, which affected export flows. With regard to destinations, Europe remained the top buyer of U.S. liquefied gas, while Asia reduced its purchases over the first half of the year on higher prices and, according to Reuters, slower economic growth due to the tariff wars ignited by President Trump. Asian LNG imports were down by 16 million tons between January and June, according to the LSEG figures. A rise in LNG prices as Eurpe entered storage refill season also affected demand in Asia. Europe, on the other hand, kept buying U.S. LNG regardless of price because it must fill that storage. In June, Europe took in 66% of all U.S. exports of liquefied natural gas, or a total of 5.53 million tons. That was down from 6.05 million tons imported in May. Going forward, there will likely be even more U.S. LNG for Europe as LNG Canada joins the market with its first cargo, which shipped this week. Canada offers an alternative supply source for Asian buyers, made attractive by the lower gas prices in Canada, as noted by Shells CEO earlier this year. Shell is the lead partner in LNG Canadathe countrys first export terminal for the fuel. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com High European jet fuel prices amid fears of Middle East supply disruptions prompted oil traders to ship in June the highest volumes in a year of jet fuel from South Korea and China to Europe. These flows from Northeast Asia to Europe were estimated at a total of about 3 million barrels last month, according to trade sources and vessel-tracking firms who shared their data and insights with Reuters. For most of last month, amid elevated concerns about supply flows due to the 12-day Israel-Iran war, the price of physical jet fuel in Northwest Europe was $60 to $80 per ton higher than the Asian prices for the fuel, per data from LSEG cited by Reuters. As the markets feared some disruption to oil and petroleum product flows in the Middle East, jet fuel prices in Europe jumped as Europe would have been most exposed to a potential disruption, especially now with the beginning of peak summer demand for aviation fuel. As a result of ample jet fuel supply in Northeast Asia and higher prices in Europe, major oil trading houses raced to ship jet fuel to Europe in June. The Northeast Asia-Europe jet fuel flows were purely opportunistic, spurred by geopolitical tensions that sent Northwest Europe cracks surging, while freight rates on modern newbuild vessels remained attractive enough to justify the move, Kpler senior lead research analyst Zameer Yusof told Reuters. Apart from price spikes due to the geopolitical situation, European jet fuel prices also rose as Europe is now at peak summer flight demand season, with traffic numbers rising in June from May and from June last year, too. The rise was already evident in May, when European carriers saw a 4.1% year-on-year increase in demand, per data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) published earlier this week. Capacity for European carriers increased by 4.8% year-on-year in May, the IATA data showed. Despite the surge in flows to Europe, Northeast Asian prices remain subdued due to an ample supply of jet fuel, according to analysts. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Russias natural gas exports to Europe via pipeline and LNG cargoes declined in the first half of 2025 from a year earlier as flows via Ukraine stopped and some buyers shunned Russian LNG. Total gas exports from Russia to Europe nearly halved to 8.33 billion cubic meters in the period January to June 2025, down from 15.5 billion cubic meters for the same period of 2024, when Russian gas was still flowing via a pipeline route through Ukraine, according to data compiled by Reuters. Russian gas supply via pipelines to Europe has slumped since 2022, after Russia cut off many EU customers from its gas deliveries, and Nord Stream stopped supplying gas to Germany, after Russia reduced flows and after a sabotage in September 2022. Then, Russian pipeline gas supply via Ukraine stopped on January 1, 2025, after Ukraine refused to negotiate an extension to the transit deal. However, some European countries, including Hungary, continue to receive Russian gas through the TurkStream pipeline via the Balkans. In June, supply via TurkStream dipped by 18.3% compared to May levels, per Reuters calculations based on available data from European pipeline operators. Maintenance along the pipeline was the reason for the slump in gas deliveries. But year-to-date, Russian gas flows to Europe via the TurkStream route increased by 6.8% from a year earlier, per Reuters estimates. Russian gas giant Gazprom stopped reporting export figures to Europe shortly after the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Russias total LNG exports also fell in the first half of the year, by 4.4% to 15.2 million metric tons, per data from LSEG quoted by Reuters. LNG exports to Europe slumped by 13% year on year, as an EU ban on Russian LNG transshipments came into effect in March. The EU banned transshipment of Russian LNG for re-export to third countries from EU ports as part of a sanctions package earlier this year. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Programs that help people paroled from Nebraska prisons reenter communities are preparing for the release of more parolees after the Nebraska Supreme Court upheld provisions of a state law that expanded parole eligibility for nearly 1,800 inmates. The law, which aims to alleviate overcrowding in Nebraskas prisons, shifts responsibility to reentry programs in the community. But some advocates say their resources are already strained. Reentry programs typically offer a range of services, including housing assistance, job training, health care and substance abuse treatment. The U.S. Department of Justice said these programs have been shown to reduce recidivism. The Nebraska Department of Corrections says it offers reentry services to set up every parolee for success. NDCS has a robust team of reentry specialists and parole officers who support individuals as they transition back to the community, department spokesperson Dayne Urbanovsky said. NDCS takes a three-pronged approach to reentry, recognizing that successful reintegration requires a combination of: vocational and life skills programming, workforce development, and planning for release. Jasmine Harris, director of public policy and advocacy for RISE, a Nebraska nonprofit for prison rehab and reentry, said plans can easily fall through. She said formerly incarcerated people are at the mercy of landlords and employers who may deny them housing and work based on their criminal histories. What we find is that people continue to wear invisible handcuffs when theyre out, Harris said. People will hold that against them forever. When formerly incarcerated people struggle to access basic necessities, community organizations try to fill in the gaps. One such program in Omaha, Metropolitan Community Colleges 180 Re-entry Assistance Program, offers educational programs, occupational assistance and recovery, and peer support groups to aid successful transitions back into society. The programs director, Diane Good-Collins, said people leaving incarceration often need help with supportive document acquisition, employment, housing and other basic needs like food, hygiene and transportation. While Metropolitan Community College stands ready to serve any individual returning to the Omaha metro after incarceration, increasing numbers of individuals needing support may impact already strained grant-funded resources, Good-Collins said. Harris said there will not be a mass exodus of offenders flooding the streets. They still need approval from the State Parole Board before release, and the individual differences in timing and sentencing structures should help space out the release of those eligible under the new law, she said. A breakdown of the numbers provided in documents from the Nebraska Supreme Court case showed that the law retroactively changed parole eligibility timelines for 1,794 people incarcerated when the law became effective. But only 1,265 are actually granted the potential for earlier release under the new law 529 had already reached their eligibility date when the law provided them with a new, earlier date that essentially meant they would have become eligible even sooner under the new law. Harris said the criminal justice reform package helps by giving people with mandatory release dates ample opportunity and incentive to make the necessary preparations for release. Unlike parole, which can be deferred if the board determines someone is not ready for reentry, people could be discharged on their mandatory release date whether or not they have a plan for basic needs like housing, she said. The court upheld provisions that ensure parole eligibility at least two years before mandatory release for those whose maximum sentence is under 20 years, or once an offender has served 80% of their maximum term if it is more than 20 years. Urbanovsky, the Corrections Department spokesperson, said that as of last week, there were 1,050 people eligible for parole, 86 of whom became eligible because of the new law. Over the next 12 months, 661 individuals will become eligible for parole, and 63 of them will have gained eligibility through the new law, she said. Harris, the RISE spokesperson, said she doesnt anticipate the law causing any overwhelming strain on RISE resources because only those who graduated from the nonprofits inmate programs while incarcerated can use the RISE Reentry Services. But she said that even before the legislation, there was a strain on reentry resources. Our Legislature has put more into the punishment and correctional facility side of things than the prevention side, she said. While the Legislature can work on passing laws to help, she said a big part of reentry is on the community to support peoples rehabilitation. Spencer Head, a spokesperson for the Douglas County Sheriffs Office, said his office doesnt have an estimate on the degree to which the county will be affected by the courts decision, but theyre keeping an eye on it. If you have a high number of unanticipated releases, its obviously going to create a strain not only on corrections but also on the outside organizations providing those services, he said. Head said its important to make sure the people released have housing, transportation and everything they need to be successful because its often when people are not getting the resources they need that they return to crime. LINCOLN Joey Willette wasn't trying to instigate. But the 27-year-old from Panama City, Florida, who recently graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a doctorate of music arts understands that, for some, the reaction is always coming. "As a queer artist, I'm pretty used to people inherently disliking anything I do," Willette said in an interview this week. "If I did my dissertation on 'Thomas the Train Engine,' someone would have an issue with it." Still, Willette was surprised when their culminating project, a 31-minute piece of music for chamber orchestra, electronics, a soprano voice, and featuring a brief appearance by a lone, lip-syncing performer in drag titled the "Mass of Perpetual Indulgence," stirred controversy. The mass takes inspiration from the traditional Catholic Mass several parts of the performance are named the Kyrie, Gloria, Credo, Sanctus and Agnus Dei as well as a modern secular composition from Leonard Bernstein. It also uses as a source the name and mission of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, an international organization started by gay men in the late 1970s which describes itself as "a leading-edge Order of queer nuns," seeking to "expiate universal guilt." "The themes of removing that stigmatic guilt that's built into queer people that tells us that our identities are bad or evil or dark, and promoting universal joy were the two things that I really wanted to put into a work," Willette said. "I just followed the line of thinking with the Sisters and came upon doing a mass," they added. A video of the mass Willette admits the recording is poor quality performed before a small crowd at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Lincoln did not garner much attention when it was posted to YouTube in late April. "The Gloria is such a banger," one commenter wrote. Others on the video, which to date has received about 2,500 views, many of them after controversy erupted, also applauded the work. Willette received their diploma and celebrated with family and friends in mid-May. A few weeks later, a reporter from a conservative media outlet reached out with what Willette described as "pointed questions" about the music. Willette said they were unsure how the reporter came across their work, but said they chose not to answer questions at the time. In late May, an article appeared on the College Fix website quoting conservative critics and Catholic professors who questioned whether Willette earned their doctorate and said the faculty who advised them should be forced to resign. "What we're seeing at work is a double standard, rooted in the old anti-Catholic bigotry that stains the history of the United States of America," one critic told the College Fix. Another said: Universities debase their own legacy by credentialing fools with the highest degrees for such trivial displays." From there, the backlash spread in arenas political and religious. Mary Jane Truemper, the chairwoman of the Nebraska Republican Party, addressed the NU Board of Regents on June 19, attributing the performance as part of an "uptick in antisemitism, violence and anti-Catholic sentiment" plaguing college campuses. "I'm a free speech person, I very much believe in civil liberties," Truemper told regents. "I don't think that every provocative idea is a good idea, and I certainly don't think every provocative idea deserves a doctorate." A handful of members of the Legislature penned a letter to NU's top administrator demanding an investigation into what Sen. Dan Lonowski of Hastings called a "diabolical display" on social media. "This is NOT art; This is NOT doctoral level work; This is NOT an accurate portrayal of Catholicism," Lonowski wrote in a Facebook post. "It is extremely demeaning and is the work of satan. May God help those who need direction." And the leader of the Catholic Diocese of Lincoln denounced the work as "both disturbing and appalling" in a news release sent to media outlets last week. "Such a blatant public display of faith-based discrimination that led to the student earning a doctorate degree reflects poorly on the University of Nebraska, its faculty and our community," Bishop James Conley said. A spokesman for the diocese said Conley watched the recording of Willette's work "until he became so repulsed by what it was doing and couldn't watch anymore." Conley called on the university to condemn the work as "a vile display of hatred," and like Truemper, suggested the university take action against those involved. Have the courage to stand up and declare your institution will not tolerate or reward such inappropriate behavior and take action against the faculty who encouraged it, Conley wrote. But when asked what action should be taken against activity protected by the First Amendment, Dennis Kellogg, director of communications for the Catholic Diocese of Lincoln, declined to elaborate. Well let the statement speak for itself, Kellogg said. We want the university to look further into it for the most part and do what they need to do to make sure it doesnt happen again. Written with 'reverence' for Mass Dr. Jeffrey Gold, the president of the NU system, said the university has initiated a review of both the "academic perspective as well as from a community impact perspective." That review, which is occurring at the campus level, will likely inform a meeting NU is planning with officials from the diocese and the Legislature. Gold said his goal is to help the university explain the process and clear up any misunderstandings. While he has not personally viewed the recording of the performance of Willette's work, Gold said he has heard from others it is "suitable for awarding a doctoral degree from a music perspective," though he understands some take issue with its content. "The arts are intended in many ways to provide enjoyment, and even in some cases to be provocative, but there is a delicate balance to that," Gold said. "I want us to have an openness to learning from it and trying hard not to be offensive to the community, but also to support excellence within the university." Willette, who comes from a family of musicians and began playing on the trumpet and French horn, said the months of research and writing that went into the mass were not with an intention to offend. Rather, the mass was intended to rectify the feeling of growing up queer in the Bible Belt, of losing out on opportunities to play music in church, and to help others in the LGBTQ+ community connect with their own spirituality. "My entire childhood and upbringing, I was surrounded by this general idea that as a queer person, I not only cannot be spiritual, but that I'm inherently a bad person and I'm going to hell because of the way my body is made and the people I love," they said. The "Mass of Perpetual Indulgence" wasn't meant to ridicule the traditional Catholic Mass, Willette said, but was intended to be a vessel to reflect the entirety of their education and experiences with deep respect for the form. "The one thing that continuously baffles me is this idea that my work is mocking in some manner," they said. "I think it's because a lot of these very conservative Catholic people view queerness as a thing that makes something dirty, whereas I'm trying to do the opposite. I'm trying to hold the Mass in reverence. "To say my work mocks the mass would be to say my work mocks queerness, the subject of the mass, which is just inherently and clearly not true," Willette added. Free speech controversies nothing new Free speech controversies are nothing new at the states flagship university campus, but several incidents in recent years may clarify how the public institution will respond. In 2017, UNL dismissed Courtney Lawton after video of the graduate student and lecturer protesting a recruiting event for Turning Point USA, a conservative student group with close ties to the Trump administration, went viral on social media. While the event served as fodder for Republican state lawmakers who pointed to it as evidence of UNLs bias against conservatives, the administrations caving to political pressure resulted in sanctions from a prominent faculty organization. The American Association of University Professors voted to place UNL on its Censure List, a designation signaling the university has not adhered to generally recognized principles on academic freedom and tenure. Administrators initially indicated they were OK living with the black eye as they sought to navigate a prickly political situation at the Capitol, but beginning under former NU President Ted Carter, the university took steps to clarify its disciplinary procedures, ensuring employees received due process. By late 2021, the AAUP indicated it was satisfied with the changes approved by the NU Board of Regents and voted to lift the censure against UNL. As the university was wrestling with the aftermath of Lawtons protest of Turning Point, UNL was also facing calls from students to expel a self-described white nationalist after video showed them discussing violence at a deadly rally in Charlottesville, Virginia. Ultimately, the university condemned Daniel Kleves statements, but reiterated taking action would violate Kleves constitutional rights. The students viewpoint however hateful and intolerant it is is also protected by the First Amendment, former Chancellor Ronnie Green said at the time. That is the law, even if we disagree. Nebraska regents have also avoided using their powers of governance to make decisions on curriculum or content of individual classes or programs. The board has the authority to create or dismantle degree programs and majors. In 2021, the board rejected a resolution from then-Regent Jim Pillen that would have banned the imposition of critical race theory, which is generally taught at the graduate school level. Several regents at the time said the backlash was an attempt to take aim at a nonexistent issue at the University of Nebraska, which they said remained an institution where the free exchange of ideas was encouraged. Gold said it's unlikely the latest matter comes before regents for any kind of action. Opportunities ahead In the weeks since the initial story about the "Mass of Perpetual Indulgence" published, Willette said the dustup has ultimately brought more eyes and ears to the piece itself. That in turn has led to more and more opportunities both professional and personal, they said. Willette has received offers to compose music for other projects and been invited on podcasts to talk about the situation. Conductors have asked about producing the mass in venues across the country. The title of Doctor of Musical Arts in Music Composition is still fresh. "This is giving me a little bit of a national platform that I maybe wasn't expecting, but has been beneficial to my career," Willette said. "I've been completely unfazed throughout this whole thing." The criticism and, in some cases, negativity around the work Willette has seen some comments threatening violence has ultimately demonstrated why the music was necessary. And it also empowered others to engage with it. "The queer community is what brings us together, and the queer community is what allows us to be spiritual," Willette said. "All this backlash has kind of proved that." Take time to share the patriotic and inspiration story of Phillis Wheatley By Taxpayers Association of Oregon OregonWatchdog.com If you value our history, our free speech, our No taxation without representation, and our Founders, then you need to pass on the stories that made it happen like Phillis Wheatley so we stay connected to our past. As a teen African American girl, Phillis Wheatley wrote a poem about the tragedy of the Boston Massacre, which she experienced just outside her home. Her poem became widely popular and courageous, as it was considered a treasonous act to speak against the King and to support independence. In heavens eternal court it was decreed How the first martyr for the cause should bleed To clear the country of the hated brood He whet his courage for the common good From Wheatleys poem, On The Death of Mr. Snider Murderd By Richardson Phillis Wheatleys patriotic poetry was so popular that it was sold in Europe. Thomas Paine included her work in his publication The Pennsylvania Gazette. Thomas Paines books and newspaper were the most prominent voices for the Revolutionary War. In every human breast, God has implanted a principle, which we call Love of Freedom; it is impatient of Oppression, and pants for Deliverance. 1774 letter written by Phillis Wheatley Wheatly wrote inspiring poems about General George Washington and the Colonial Army. Washington took time during the war to meet with her in person to personally thank her for her contribution to the war effort. Shall I to Washington their praise recite? Enough thou knowst them in the fields of fight. Thee, first in peace and honours,we demand The grace and glory of thy martial band. Phillis Wheatleys poem To His Excellency, General Washington . Phillis Wheatley began her life as a slave, but her first try at poetry as a teen girl was so powerful and popular, that her slave holder soon released her and kept her in the family. In a way her own words set herself free. Ponder on that. As we speak there are people calling to boycott Independence Day and erase our incredible history. Do not erase, do not forget, do not be quiet, but instead take a stand for our amazing founding patriots by sharing these stories on Independence Day. Sincerely Jason Williams Founder, Taxpayers Association of Oregon By Jason Williams Oregon Catalyst Team Oregon Catalyst posted 479 articles on the 2025 Legislature this year, which included tax alerts, lawmaker press releases, political cartoons, charts, memes and more. If you value this reporting then please support its top content creators. Taxpayers Association of Oregon. Donate (Political Tax Credit and charitable options available) Cascade Policy Institute. Donate. Lars Larson. Follow his social media. Oregon Property Owners Association. Donate. Support lawmaker leaders like Senator Daniel Bonham, Representative Christine Drazan, Representative Ed Diehl, more. Oregon Catalyst is a team effort support the team. You can also support the effort by becoming an email subscriber (see right hand margin) and by sharing this website with others. EUREKA When Hanna Sarris and her husband, Alex, opened The Menu 309 in Eureka, they sought to support other small businesses while bringing local ingredients to the community. The business opened in March 2024 at 116 N. Main St., offering farm-to-table meals and specializing in Mediterranean cooking. It features a grab-and-go model, so customers can visit during open hours and select whatever they like, whether it's a quick lunch or a freezer meal to take home for later. Hanna Sarris said they try to incorporate at least one local product, if not more, in each item they sell. The Sarrises, of Eureka, had first owned Wandering Mare Mobile Bar LLC, a horse trailer converted into a bar that they took all over Illinois. As the business grew, they bought a second trailer. And while they had fun with the business, it often took them away from their kids, so they ended up selling the trailers and trying something different. In addition to the food at The Menu 309, the Sarrises have kept some of the bar concept by continuing to make and sell their flavored drink syrups and drink kits, and offering cocktail classes. They also rent the business' kitchen out to area bakers, homemakers, food truck owners, and others looking to sell commercially or needing a place to prep their menus. "Since we wanted it to be a communal place, we named it Menu 309. 309 is our area code, and we wanted people from the area to be able to come and make things and sell food, products from local farms ... a menu made up of products that come from the 309 area code and the surrounding areas," Hanna Sarris said. Freezer meals rotate by the week and by availability, and may include pies, quiche, soups, Mediterranean meatballs and peppers, chicken spaghetti, orange chicken, twice-baked potatoes, mac and cheese and more. Quiche, shepherd's pie, pot pies, lasagna rolls have proven especially popular, Sarris said. Customers also like the twice-baked potatoes, which contain sweet potato to give the dish an orange color, and the chickpea lemon and spinach soup and the cabbage soup. Freshly prepared or hot menu items also rotate, and may include smashburgers on brioche buns, chicken shawarmas, a chicken bacon hot ciabatta sandwich, mashed potato bowls, chicken salads and stuffed bell peppers. The Menu 309 typically has other sandwiches available, too, like ham and cheese croissants with everything seasoning, Italian sandwiches on fresh herbed focaccia bread with various meats, BLT's, or turkey sandwiches, as well as salads, stuffed pretzels, baked goods and a limited coffee menu. They make a number of gluten-free food items, and also sell their own scone and buttermilk pancake mixes made with buckwheat. Sarris posts menus on Facebook and Instagram, saying that's the best way to find out their offerings on a given week. Right now, the restaurant is operating on summer hours two days a week every other week, usually from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. between Wednesday and Friday. Items can be ordered ahead of time online or by texting The Menu 309. Of what makes The Menu 309 unique, Sarris said, "I would say the array of food, because you don't really know what you're ever gonna get when you walk in the door. I might advertise stuff ... because I only get so much of it, so when it's gone, it's gone." The Menu 309 also has a storefront where customers can purchase items made by Illinois-based farms and businesses. Some of these items include baklava, vinegars, olive oils, sugars, tea blends, cookbooks, chips and more. "I just love interacting with people and being able to cook food that I know where it came from, and being able to give that to my community," Sarris said. "Kind of makes it feel upscale ... in our little town." The Menu 309 has started doing meal drop-offs for a few different groups; these can be requested through a business ordering form. The Menu 309 occasionally caters for events, too. In the future, Sarris said she would love to do more online ordering and to offer more baked goods. "I think that's something our town kind of needs," Sarris said. "I love baking. I love it. When I get around to it, I do. I love making this stuff, but with running all of that and kind of being the head (of the business) ... I don't really have enough to do all the baked stuff that I want to. So, I would love to have a ton more baked stuff, whether it be from me or from someone else." When she's not working at Menu 309, Sarris is either working at the OSF Cancer Center in Bloomington or spending time with her husband and kids. IF YOU GO What: The Menu 309 Where: 116 N. Main St., Eureka Hours: Two days a week every second and fourth week of the month (Usually Thursday and Friday); from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Phone: 309-231-2766 Facebook: facebook.com/p/TheMenu309-100094622762370/ Instagram: instagram.com/themenu309/ To encourage residents to do what they can to protect their hearing during fireworks displays, Bloomington-Normal Audiology is giving away free earplugs until the Fourth of July, limited to one pair per person. "Fireworks are a classic American tradition, and admittedly, protecting your hearing isn't something most people think about when they head to Miller Park or Fairview. But a single firecracker can hit 150 decibels at close range, which is on par with the loudness of a shotgun blast and well above the threshold for immediate hearing damage. Signs of potentially permanent hearing damage following an exposure include ringing/tinnitus and muffled hearing," Dr. Natalie McKee, owner of Bloomington-Normal Audiology, said in a statement provided to The Pantagraph. She said the concern is not just about volume, but also proximity and exposure time, noting the closer you are to the blast, the greater the impact. And for children, the risks can be even higher for their smaller and more sensitive ear canals. The Bloomington-Normal audiologists recommend keeping a distance of at least 500 feet and wearing ear protection to reduce the intensity of sound, and for children, to wear earmuff-style hearing protection for effectiveness and comfort. "It may not seem like one night of fireworks could do much damage, but remember, hearing loss from loud noise is cumulative and permanent," the doctor said. Bloomington-Normal Audiology, 816 S. Eldorado Road in Bloomington, is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturdays.